Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 China's top legislator meets DPRK top leader Xinhua) 09:26, April 15, 2024 Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Pyongyang, the DPRK, April 13, 2024. Zhao is heading a Chinese party and government delegation on an official goodwill visit to the DPRK. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) PYONGYANG, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, met with Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) here on Saturday. Zhao, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, is heading a Chinese party and government delegation on an official goodwill visit to the DPRK. Zhao extended to Kim the kind regards and good wishes of General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping. Zhao said that appointed by General Secretary Xi and the CPC Central Committee, he is heading the Chinese party and government delegation to pay an official goodwill visit to the DPRK and attend the opening ceremony of the "China-DPRK Friendship Year," and that he was warmly received by the WPK and the DPRK government. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the DPRK, and the journey of the past 75 years epitomized good neighborliness and friendship as the two countries stood side by side, fighting together and sharing a common destiny and common development, he said. Under the new situation, China is ready to work with the DPRK, in accordance with the lofty will of the top leaders of both parties and both countries and common aspirations of the two peoples, to push the China-DPRK relationship for greater development, Zhao said. Zhao pointed out that the China-DPRK friendship, established and cultivated meticulously by the elder generations of revolutionists of both parties and both countries, has withstood various tests of the changing international situation and is an invaluable asset of the two countries. Zhao said that the CPC and the Chinese government have always treated the China-DPRK relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, and it is China's unwavering policy to maintain, consolidate and develop the China-DPRK traditional friendly and cooperative relations. China is willing to work with the DPRK, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of both parties and both countries, to promote bilateral practical and mutually beneficial cooperation to attain new achievements, continue to strongly support each other and safeguard the shared interests of the two countries, he said. China stands ready for close coordination with the DPRK to ensure the success of all activities of the "China-DPRK Friendship Year," he added. China, in accordance with the strategic plan laid out at the 20th CPC National Congress, is comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, Zhao stressed. China is willing to intensify coordination in development and deepen bilateral cooperation with the DPRK, and to continuously enrich China-DPRK relations, he said. Kim asked Zhao to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to General Secretary Xi. Kim said that appointed by General Secretary Xi and the CPC Central Committee, the Chinese party and government delegation's visit to the DPRK and attendance at the opening ceremony of the "DPRK-China Friendship Year" fully demonstrate General Secretary Xi's friendliness over DPRK-China relations and strongly demonstrate the profound and unbreakable foundation of bilateral ties. Kim extended his warm congratulations over the development achievements that China has made in the pursuit of its socialist cause under the strong leadership of General Secretary Xi and the CPC. He stressed that the DPRK-China relations have boasted a profound historical tradition, having withstood various tests and been passed on from generation to generation. Kim said that it is the unwavering policy of the WPK and the DPRK government to consolidate and develop the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. The DPRK-China relationship is continuously developing to new and higher stages in line with the demands of the new era, he added. This year marks the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the "DPRK-China Friendship Year," and the DPRK stands ready to work with China to strengthen cooperation in various fields, increase exchanges of experience in state governance, deepen traditional friendship, and write a new chapter for bilateral ties, he said. Upon leaving Pyongyang, the Chinese party and government delegation was seen off at the airport by officials including Choe Ryong Hae, a member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK. On Saturday afternoon, Zhao visited and extended his regards to staff members of the Chinese embassy and representatives of overseas Chinese in the DPRK. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Pyongyang, the DPRK, April 13, 2024. Zhao is heading a Chinese party and government delegation on an official goodwill visit to the DPRK. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Sukie Gallery, a new art gallery founded in late 2023, has recently opened its doors in Beijing Fun, a bustling commercial and cultural complex in the capital's downtown Qianmen area. Underway at the art venue is its inaugural exhibition PureVibrant, a one-man show of designer-turned ink artist Sun Chu. Hailing from Gaomi of East China's Shandong province, the 57-year-old artist has served as the designer director and artistic director of VISION, a leading art and fashion magazine in China since 2003. The exhibition, running through Thursday, brings together the artist's latest calligraphic work, mostly majestic pieces featuring a smattering of characters done in a bold, expressive style, which also easily comes across as abstract paintings for those who do not read Chinese characters. On view are also a video installation and magazines such as VISION, Art Absolute and Vogue China, through which the audience can have a glimpse into the artist's designs. Curator Xing Yu hoped to showcase the vigor and charm of Chinese characters through Sun's calligraphy which fuses tradition and modernity. "As we are gradually building our portfolio of artists, we will give precedence to artists whose creative practice reflects the spirit of the times and whose artworks must be aesthetically pleasing," Chen Suting, founder of the gallery, told China Daily website. Chen, also executive editor of Art Absolute, said that her gallery, in addition to following the conventional business model of commercial art galleries, aims to promote crossover collaboration between their represented artists and business brands. "Our team has had much experience working with luxury hotels and high-end beauty brands in curating themed exhibitions and designing co-branded products," Chen said. The gallerist emphasized that she aspires to build Sukie Gallery into one that does not merely serve a small group of collectors but one that brings art to common people's lives and enables them to appreciate the allure of art. "We will transform the work of the artists represented by us into day-to-day merchandise with beautiful designs and affordable prices," she concluded. ONeill Public Schools band director Chad Dean (from left) stands with Benson Metschke, Darcy Metschke and Madison Metschke, family members of the late Nate Metschke, who had served as band director at Neligh-Oakdale Schools until his death from cancer in 2018. Dean organized a consortium of band directors across the state to commission a piece of music to memorialize Nate Metschke. The Metschke March will be premiered on Saturday, April 27, during the Neligh-Oakdale Elementary honor band, which will begin at 4:30 p.m. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Kenya is seemingly taking the first steps to recognize Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara territory, following the example of the US and nearly half African states. Last week, Kenya appointed its first ambassador to Morocco Jessica Muthoni Gakinya who told MPs she will attract Moroccan investments to her country and promote Kenyan exports. Meanwhile, Kenya also withdrew its representative to the Polisario, a separatist group hosted and armed by Algeria, citing a lack of strategic commercial interest. Sensing another diplomatic blow from an African growing economy, Algeria sent its foreign minister Ahmed Attaf in extremis to Nairobi to attempt to convince Kenyan authorities to backtrack. Economy Kenya aspires to achieve food security to its 54 million people, amid climate changes and water stress that undermined output. The new ambassador told MPs she would discuss with Morocco the possibility of setting up a fertilizers factory in Kenya. Morocco is a leading producer of phosphates-based fertilizers and has gained increasing market share in Africa, where it plans to produce fertilizers in Ethiopia and Nigeria. OCP has also set up blending units across the continent to ensure local farmers have access to customized fertilizers at an affordable price. Moroccos fertilizers investment has helped boost output of key staples in African powerhouses such as Ethiopia and Niger. Kenya, few days ago, has been investigating a case of fake fertilizers distributed by state agency to farmers. The lack of fertilizers coupled with water stress is pushing Kenyan authorities to breakaway with Algerian anachronism in favor of a pragmatic approach that puts the interests of the Kenyan people above all else. Improved ties between Kenya and Morocco would offer opportunities for Kenyan tea and coffee exporters. Morocco is a major tea and coffee importer in Africa with consumers open to high quality tea from Kenya. Globally, Morocco is ranked the seventh in terms of tea consumption by capita at 1.2 kilograms. Kenya and Morocco also stand to benefit from each others experience in terms of further economic diversification. While Morocco is the second most industrialized nation in Africa, Kenya is ranked ninth. The two countries exports are complementary. Legacy of colonialism Kenya has justified withdrawing its representative to the Polisario in economic terms. Its president has rescinded recognition of the Polisario in 2022, before withdrawing under the pressure of Algeria, which offered cash instead of expertise. Morocco offers expertise and win-win partnerships that are conducive to meeting food security of African nations. Beyond the economic argument, the recognition of a separatist entity backed and fed by Algeria is a position at odds with the UN and its charter. The UN does not recognize the Polisario self-proclaimed entity. In keeping ties with an Algerian proxy, Kenya has also pre-judged the UN peace process in the territory. As nearly 30 states, mostly African, in addition to most of the Arab World, the USrecognize Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara, only a bunch of failed states such as Venezuela and Zimbabwe still believe in the separatist chimera. As a legacy of arbitrary colonial borders, the Polisario and its self-proclaimed republic stand for an anachronism in a proxy war waged against Morocco by military-run Algeria. By opting for improved ties with Rabat, Kenya stands to benefit economically and politically. The Madrid Chamber of Commerce is organizing in Madrid on Tuesday, April 16, a Spain-Morocco business forum focused on investment opportunities in the Dakhla region, particularly in sectors such as port industry, tourism, and aquaculture. The Madrid Chamber of Commerce aims to boost Spanish companies investments in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region. The Spain-Morocco Business Forum, focused on investment opportunities in this southern province of the Kingdom, is organized in collaboration with the Moroccan Embassy in Spain. The economic forum announcement angered the Polisario separatist front, whose representative in Madrid went as far as demanding the cancellation of this forum. The separatist official told El Independiente newspaper that organizing this forum serves Moroccan goals in the Sahara, and that economic interests cannot in any way justify a violation of international law, threatening to take countermeasures. Meanwhile, sources from the Madrid Chamber of Commerce confirmed to the same newspaper their intention to organize this forum on the scheduled date. In this connection, political analysts told Hespress news outlet that organizing this Moroccan-Spanish economic forum does not deviate from the general context that now frames Madrids position on the Sahara issue and the Spanish governments explicit and clear support for the Morocco-proposed Autonomy Plan. Therefore, this event is a continuation of Spains desire to upgrade its relations with Morocco to more advanced levels, and to benefit from the investment opportunities and potentials in the Sahara, considering that the region has become an international commercial and economic hub, especially following the recent royal initiative to open the Atlantic space to the world. The analysts pointed out that the separatists are always gripped with fear every time influential countries make initiatives concerning the Sahara, especially that their standing continues to erode and that they are unable to forge new alliances at the international level. Rather, the Polisario has become increasingly isolated internationally due to its extremism and obstruction of all realistic and serious initiatives to resolve the Sahara conflict. The business forum agenda includes panel discussions on business climate and investment opportunities between the Dakhla region and Spain, and the strategic sectors thriving in the Dakhla Region, as well as presentations of the new Dakhla Atlantic port and sectors such as commerce, tourism, industry, and aquaculture in the region. A strategic destination for investments The Dakhla region stands out for its potential in fishing, tourism, agriculture, and renewable energies, making it a strategic destination for investments, particularly for Spanish companies, reads the presentation note of the forum published on the portal of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce portal. Significant investments are underway, such as the Dakhla Atlantic port, which will boost various productive sectors, strengthen logistics infrastructure, and create opportunities in international maritime transport, adds the note. The Chamber also mentions the major $2 billion project for the establishment of a green hydrogen plant which positions this region as a key center for innovation and investment. The enthusiasm of Spanish investors for the Dakhla region is not new. Over 200 Iberian companies participated in the first Morocco-Spain Investment Forum held on June 21 and 22, 2022, in Dakhla, with focus on the potential and investment opportunities in the region. Three months later, in September 2022, a delegation composed of businessmen representing more than 30 Spanish companies visited Dakhla to explore investment opportunities in the agri-food, industry, logistics, fishing, and renewable energy sectors. The event will feature the participation of the Moroccan Ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich, the Vice President of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, Augusto de Castaneda, the President of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, Yanja El Khattat, as well as officials from the Regional Investment Center (CRI) of the region. Bottom line, despite the Polisarios opposition, the organization of this forum carries a clear message, which is that Madrid recognizes Moroccos full sovereignty over its territories and translates Spanish support for the Autonomy Initiative as the sole political solution to the artificial dispute over the Sahara. International donors are meeting in Paris to raise up to 1 billion dollars in aid to Sudan, one year after the country has been torn by infighting that left millions facing displacement and hunger. The gathering by top diplomats and international NGOs takes place in a context where millions are on the verge of famine in Sudan, as the infighting continues. The civil war broke out when a power struggle between the army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Hemedti Dagalo reached a tipping point. Efforts to help civilians fend off famine have been complicated by the ongoing fighting and the restrictions imposed by the warring factions. It is obvious that the series of crises I am thinking of Gaza and Ukraine have pushed the Sudanese crisis into the background, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said at the Paris conference. Nearly half of Sudans 51 million population is in dire need of humanitarian aid. The UN estimates the needs at 2.7 billion dollars. So far, funders have given only $145 million, about 5%, according to the UNs humanitarian office, known as OCHA. Amid other raging wars in gaza and Ukraine, little international attention was paid to Sudan, often described by humanitarian workers as one of the worst conflicts in Africa. People of Sudan, caught up in this emergency, are almost completely invisible, Lenarcic said. In a year-long war, Sudan has turned into one of the worst humanitarian disasters ever on the African continent, he said, and added: It is our duty not to look away. Save the Children warned that about 230,000 children, pregnant women, newborns, and mothers in childbirth could die of malnutrition in the coming months. On the eve of the Paris Conference and the conflicts first anniversary, the United States announced an additional $100 million in aid to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Samantha Power, the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, who made the announcement said the new funds would be allocated for emergency food assistance, nutritional support, and other critical humanitarian aid. In a new episode of media muzzling, Algeria has expelled a Jeune Afrique journalist after he was subjected to an 11-hour investigation into his writings and connections. Journalist Farid Alilat said he was held at a Police post in Algiers airport before being forced to go back to France. This refoulement case shocked critics and rights activists who denounced an Algerian state that acts as a pariah expelling its own nationals. While Alilat has been working in France since 2004, he has only Algerian nationality. Hence his refoulement is a violation of Algerias own laws. On his social media, Alilat said the police interrogated him on his articles, the magazines editorial line, the purpose of his trip to his homeland and his connections with Algerian opposition figures in exile. He said his privacy was violated when the Police searched his phone and laptop. Reporters without Borders said expelling Alilat was unjustified and represents a violation of the freedom of the press. Algeria had in recent years banned the distribution of Jeune Afrique accusing it of offering a podium to Algerian regimes critics. Algeria has cracked down on independent journalists sending critics such as Ihsan El Kadi to jail under bogus charges. Penal code provisions have been amended to be used to prosecute and convict journalists, resulting in widespread censorship and self-censorship. A media law adopted in 2023 introduced new restrictions and sanctions, and banned Algerian media outlets from benefiting from any direct and indirect foreign funding or material assistance under penalty of heavy fines. Algeria remains one of the most under-reported countries in the world due to a harsh visa and tough accreditation policy that thwarts foreign journalists from reporting from the country. France is gradually tilting towards an outright recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara territory where it said Paris is ready to back Moroccos investments. The position to back Moroccos economic projects in the Sahara was first expressed by French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne in February and reiterated this month by French minister in charge of foreign trade, Franck Riester. Proparco, an offshoot of a French development agency backing the private sector, would contribute to finance a high voltage link between Dakhla and Casablanca, a strategic project for the Kingdom, Franck Riester said during a recent visit to Morocco. Reisters visit to Rabat and Casablanca was followed by a meeting in Paris between Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita and his French counterpart Sejourne The media said the talks centered on a high-level visit to Morocco by President Ammanuel Macron. When asked by a French TV when Paris will take a bolder stance in support of Morocco on the Sahara issue, Sejourne said that such a stance is for heads of state to discuss, hinting that Moroccan-French ties are headed towards that direction. Moroccos king had made it clear that the Sahara issue is the lens through which Morocco measures the sincerity of its foreign partners. Spain, the US, most of Africa and the Arab World as well as Israel understood this and ended ambiguities by recognizing Moroccos rights to its southern provinces and backing the autonomy option. France, the former colonial power, is well-aware of the extent of the imperial Morocco whose borders were amputated during the colonial rule. Its recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara would put the final nail in the Polisarios coffin and deal the most severe blow to Algeria. After a failed bet on Tebbounes Algeria, France is losing ground in the Sahel and looks at Morocco as a credible partner who has a say in the region. Morocco is recognized by France as a regional power, as Sejourne had said and France has much to gain by mending ties with Morocco instead of betting on a military-run Algeria that is deepening its isolation in the region. Campaigning has begun in Togo and Chad, as the former prepares for historic regional and legislative elections against a backdrop of protests over the governments constitutional change, while the latter will see its military ruler, General Mahamat Idriss Deby, attempting to cement his rule with a victory in the countrys presidential election. The electoral campaign for Togos legislative and first-ever regional elections kicked off Saturday (13 April) in the countrys capital Lome. The elections, initially scheduled for 20 April, have been rescheduled to 29 April over a highly contested constitutional reform, the government said in a statement last week, explaining that consultations were needed over the reform, which opposition parties called a bid to keep the incumbent President Faure Gnassingbe in power longer. For two main opposition parties The National Alliance for Change (ANC) and the Forces Democratiques Republicaines (FDR), the question of changing the constitution is a major issue at stake in these elections. Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling UNIR party also took to the streets, out to conquer the electorate. Meanwhile, in Chad, the interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby kicked off his presidential campaign on Sunday (14 April) for an election on 6 May meant to be a transition back to democracy after three years of military rule. Deby said on state TV that if elected as Chads president, he will maintain peace and develop the central African state. The general who seized power after the death of his father in 2021, initially promised an 18-month transition period but later appointed himself as the head of a transitional government. Nine candidates, including pro-democracy figure and transitional prime minister Success Masra, are seeking to challenge Deby in the election. They all say that Deby merely wants to cement his rule as he does not want to lose his familys grip on power. The outcomes of the elections in Togo and Chad will be watched closely by the international community, as these could not only reshape the political landscape in both countries but also set a precedent for democratic processes in the region. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: Stefani Reynolds / AFP The army of everyday New Yorkers summoned to Manhattan Criminal Court at 100 Centre Street for possible jury duty in the matter of People v. Donald Trump represents one of democracys miracles: the fact that we empower ordinary citizens to pass judgment on a rich politician who, not long ago, was the most powerful man in the world. But for the lesson to succeed, and for Donald Trump to get the fair trial he deserves, New Yorks institutions the courts and the media especially must rise to the occasion by performing at a higher than normal level of skill, energy, and professionalism. And that means fast-tracking some basic improvements to a court system that is confusing, creaky, inefficient, and too insulated from public scrutiny. Unlike nearly every other state, New York does not allow cameras in the courtroom and also prohibits audio recordings of witness testimony and other proceedings. A brief, decade-long experiment with video recordings ordered by state lawmakers ended in 1997; the Legislature let the law lapse and has failed to revisit the issue. In an era when even the U.S. Supreme Court streams live audio of oral arguments, New York is way behind the times; the official court rules for coverage of People v. Trump allows for about 60 journalists (including two sketch artists) to witness the proceedings with no video, no photographs, no audio recording. Now would be a good time for our states chief judge, Rowan Wilson, and his chief administrative judge, Joseph Zayas, to order a onetime exception to New Yorks closed-door rule and allow a livestream of audio from what is, by law, a courtroom that is open to the public. More importantly, Wilson and Zayas should suspend New Yorks bizarre rules that make it nearly impossible to get a printed transcript of criminal court proceedings. In New York again, in a departure from the federal system and every other state official rules state that transcripts of what gets said in court must be purchased from the court stenographers who have the job of recording, on a specialized keyboard, every word, action, and ruling in criminal cases. These court personnel, whose base salaries top $100,000 in many cases, can charge as much as $4.75 a page for transcripts, with the record of a single day of trial easily totaling several hundred dollars money that goes into the pocket of the employee, not the court. And everyone who needs to see the transcripts prosecutors, defense attorneys, members of the media, and even the court itself has to buy transcripts from these workers, even though they are on the public payroll and get health benefits and pensions at public expense. And media organizations are forbidden from jointly purchasing and then publishing the transcripts; each outlet must buy its own copy, and publication is prohibited. This system should have been scrapped long ago. While compiling accurate official transcripts is a complicated and necessary skill, there is no earthly reason these public accounts of public proceedings should be hawked by court personnel who are already drawing a public salary. Imagine having to pay the $25 fee our Department of Motor Vehicles charges for license plates only to have the clerk at the desk pocket the money. The New York Daily News editorial board has been fulminating against this closed, cozy arrangement for years; they should be joined by the Times, the Post, and other media organizations in demanding a onetime exception to the transcript rules. Attorney Nick Akerman, a former Watergate prosecutor, has gone so far as to file a motion with Juan Merchan, the judge hearing People v. Trump, requesting immediate publication of all transcripts. Thats the right idea, one that Wilson and Zayas should take seriously. That Trump is facing justice at all is itself a victory for the rule of law and the integrity and resilience of our institutions, which pressed on despite the ex-presidents efforts to evade, subvert, and ignore the courts with lies, insults, personal attacks on prosecutors, and even incitements to violence. Trump warned that death and destruction would follow if he were indicted, and some of his followers took those words literally. If you want President Trump come and get me to. [sic] Remember we are everywhere and we have guns, read one of the 89 death threats aimed at Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg. Alvin Ill kill you, said a note sent to the prosecutor with a package containing a suspicious white powder. Trumps gangster tactics failed. He was booked and fingerprinted without incident last year and must now answer Braggs allegation that he falsified business records in order to cover up an alleged sexual affair that might have hurt his election chances in 2016. Having come this far, the leaders of New Yorks courts should embrace the reality that their legacy will include how they handled one of the most important cases in American history one whose outcome is of intense interest all around the world. Surely now would be the right time to make sure People v. Trump, whatever the outcome, proceeds with maximum transparency and is remembered as a moment of pride, not embarrassment. You are here: Business An aerial drone photo taken on March 25, 2024 shows a China-Europe freight train running past the Qisumu international railway logistics hub in Ulanqab, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua] China-Europe freight train services recorded solid expansion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, data from China's railway operator showed Sunday. A total of 4,541 China-Europe freight train trips took place in the first three months of 2024, up 9 percent year on year, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway). About 493,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of goods were transported via these freight train services during this period, up 10 percent from a year earlier, the railway operator said. By the end of March, some 87,000 China-Europe freight train trips had been made in total, providing services for 222 cities across 25 European countries, according to China Railway. Photo: Mark Peterson This article was featured in One Great Story, New Yorks reading recommendation newsletter. Sign up here to get it nightly. A few minutes before Salman Rushdies book party begins, his longtime literary agent, Andrew Wylie, is sitting at a table outside the Waverly Inn with a Hoyo de Monterrey Cuban cigar between his teeth. Hes holding what might be the events only physical copy of Rushdies new work, Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder. Wylie starts to hand it over, then pulls it back. I cant read it yet, and neither can anyone else. 60 Minutes wont let it out, Wylie says, explaining that theres an embargo until Rushdies interview with Anderson Cooper airs in a few nights. The book covers design bears a Lucio Fontanainspired gash, where the I in KNIFE should be. There was a slightly longer title, like Knife in the Eye, or something, Wylie says. I suggested it should be Knife. He looks up. Jonathan! he bellows. Its Jonathan Becker, the storied Vanity Fair photographer. Becker, who also has a cigar, nods toward the restaurant. You think its safe in there? he asks. I think Ill stand out here. How do you appropriately celebrate a memoir about being stabbed almost to death? For one, says the host of Thursday nights party, Air Mails Graydon Carter, you hire security. I think anytime anybody with political views goes onstage, they think about what happened to him, Carter says. Two summers ago, during an appearance at the Chautauqua Institution, Rushdie suffered a near-fatal attack that blinded him in one eye and left him hospitalized for six weeks. The stabbing came more than three decades after Irans Ayatollah Khomeini, objecting to Rushdies depiction of the Prophet Muhammad in The Satanic Verses, called for his assassination. Salman led a pretty full life after being the subject of a fatwa, Carter notes but since the Chautauqua attack, hes hardly been so exposed in public. Tonight, at his restaurant in the West Village, Carter has enlisted a team of plainclothes guards from the boutique firm that handled his old Vanity Fair Oscars parties. The party takes place in the little glassed-in atrium at the back of Waverly. Its difficult to move without elbowing someones drink. Rushdie, 76, is in the center of the throng, wearing what has become his post-attack trademark: a pair of rectangular-frame glasses with the right lens blacked out. He gamely receives supplicants and well-wishers but looks physically diminished and stays mostly hemmed in by a protective bubble formed by his fifth wife, the poet Rachel Eliza Griffiths; the journalist Bill Buford; and a handful of novelists, among them Marlon James and Gary Shteyngart. Graydon Carter, the editor of Air Mail, hosted the event. Photo: Mark Peterson Rushdie outside the Waverly Inn. Photo: Mark Peterson The room is too cramped for Laurie Anderson, who leaves almost immediately, and for Gay Talese, who ducks into the main dining room to eat. Vanity Fair characters from the ancien regime James Wolcott, William D. Cohan, Lili Anolik orbit, while young Air Mailers take pictures and hold clipboards. Tony Danza is standing alone by a wall. Does he know Rushdie? No, Danza says. I thought, This is a man Id like to meet. CNNs Kaitlan Collins appears in a cerulean dress. Im grateful hes alive, and Im a huge fan, she offers. Danza nods vigorously. How about surviving what he went through? he says. And by the way, Im Italian. You know, Italians, we have a fatwa. Its called a hit. You know what I mean? We know what that is. Collins disappears, and Danza decides to approach Rushdie. Im going to make a move, he says, barreling through. If youre COVID-scared, you gotta be nuts here. I attempt my own approach, using Danza as a shield, only to be intercepted by a Random House publicist. Rushdie, he says, will not be taking questions. Later, after the aide is gone, I introduce myself. I am not here to be interviewed, Rushdie says. I ask how his recovery is going. Youre starting to interview me, he says. One of the worlds most famous exponents of free expression, muted at last. Rushdie doesnt address the crowd; no books are sold. Over in the dining room, Talese is drinking a Narragansett and eating chicken potpie. This is the first time Ive been at a book party without a book, he says. Yeah, this is not a book party. But hes here. You wonder why hes here. Why is he here? Hes taking chances. A lunatic in New York could shoot him anywhere. I mean, look at him right now. The guy refuses, whether you like it or not, to hide. Right? This fucking party tonight personifies his recklessness, his beautiful recklessness. There is consensus on this matter among Rushdies friends. Marlon James compares Rushdies attacker, a 26-year-old New Jerseyan who said he never read The Satanic Verses, to Dylann Roof, the Charleston mass shooter. Ultimately, hes no different. Hes a homegrown deluded terrorist with a sense of his own grandeur and has nothing to do with Islam, James says. Im not sure what we should take from it. Be careful in the world? But then, if we end up being afraid in the world, then he won. (A trial, originally set for January, was delayed because of Rushdies memoir.) The actor Rupert Friend, whos known Rushdie a decade and played Stalins memorably drunk son in The Death of Stalin, says, Looking at this room, I dont think theres anyone in New York who doesnt know him. It took this horror, but true to form, Salman takes that and turns it into some form of art and celebration. With Gay Talese. Photo: Mark Peterson Marlon James. Photo: Mark Peterson Tony Danza. Photo: Mark Peterson The last time Carter and Air Mail threw a book party at the Waverly it was for Sloane Crosleys Grief Is for People, a memoir about the death of her best friend. Crosley is here tonight too. Whats funny is that that party was ever so slightly darker, she says. Because my friend died by suicide and Salman lived. I ask Gary Shteyngart if it is okay that everybody seems to be having such a good time. Yeah! Because Salman is having a good time, he says. He is so resilient. He loves going out. If that happened to me? Im the opposite of stiff upper lip. Im quivering bottom lip. The question of should Salman be partying has dogged the author for decades. Around the turn of the millennium, after a decade of hiding in London, he left his third wife for Padma Lakshmi, moved to the U.S., shed his life of seclusion, and became a fixture on the nightlife circuit. He went through a big exercise in effort to get back into the public world to socialize, Wylie says. Hes gregarious. Its his nature. He went to parties and shit like that. It was all a matter of breaking out of the sort of security bubble that had been placed around him. Rushdie caught flak for it. People used to give him a hard time for going out at night in the early aughts, Crosley says. And Im like let him go to Bungalow 8, he had a fatwa! That backlash dovetailed with the erosion of Rushdies critical reputation. In 2012, he wrote a name-dropping third-person memoir called Joseph Anton he took his pseudonym after Joseph Conrad and Anton Chekhov full of passages about weekends in the Hamptons and prizes he won or didnt win. He would eat at Balthazar, Da Silvano, and Nobu, Rushdie wrote about himself. He would go to movie screenings and book launches and be seen enjoying himself at late-night hot spots such as Moomba, at which Padma was well known. He would inevitably be jeered at in some quarters for turning into some sort of party monster, but it was the only way he could think of to demonstrate to people that they didnt have to be afraid. Zoe Heller, in a New York Review of Books pan, wrote that Rushdie would have us understand that his copious accounts of nightclubbing with celebrities are the record of a doughty mans will to survive, of his commitment to a moral duty. The decade went on; the reviews got worse. In 2019, Parul Sehgal wrote that his magical-realist style had grown wobbly, bloated, and mannered. He is a writer in free fall. On Twitter, Rushdie compared her to Iago. In 2021, an essay collection of glorified (and sometimes literal) commencement speeches was massacred by critics left, right, and center. The Times Dwight Garner summed up Rushdies status: Too old to seize a moment, too active to be rediscovered, hes been subject over the past two decades to some of the unkindest reviews ever delivered to a talent of his magnitude. (Thats transitory, Wylie says, I mean, you know the history of significant writers who have been disparaged and ignored. Borges was ignored. Nabokov, ignored. Calvino was ignored.) But after the attack, the literary community rallied around Rushdie. In a glowing Atlantic review of his 2023 novel, Victory City, Judith Shulevitz recast his propensity for shtick as a commedia dellarte drawing on his personal suffering and an argument for noisy, messy democracy over humorless and hierarchical fundamentalism. When the fatwa was issued, Rushdie wryly told the New Yorker last year, he benefited from a sympathy wave; when he was stabbed, sales of The Satanic Verses surged again. Now that Ive almost died, everybody loves me, he said. That was my mistake, back then. Not only did I live but I tried to live well. Bad mistake. Get 15 stab wounds, much better. Initially, Rushdie said he didnt want to write about the attack, fearing readers found his life more interesting than his books. He is arguably the worlds last celebrity novelist, and he is aware its thanks to the fatwa. Martin Amis said that when the fatwa came down, Salman vanished into the front page, Wylie says. You know, he doesnt want to be on the front page. He wants to be a writer. Perhaps wisely, with the sympathy wave still rolling, Rushdie has decided to be both. It did nothing, it didnt move any agenda, it did not spread fear into him, Shteyngart says, of the attempted murder. Hopefully itll produce a good book. Sudden rain trapped some (but not all) guests inside. Photo: Mark Peterson One Great Story: A Nightly Newsletter for the Best of New York The one story you shouldnt miss today, selected by New Yorks editors. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. In this April 15, 2024, courtroom photo, Trump is shown looking down, not sleeping but you can use your imagination. Photo: Jabin Botsford-Pool/Getty Images Sleepy Joe was always a low-energy Trump nickname. Donald Trumps derisive name for Joe Biden never had the zing of Crooked Hillary or Liddle Marco, and it was too similar to other Trump nicknames like Sleepin Bob Casey and Sleepy Eyes Chuck Todd. Now theres a new problem with it that no one anticipated: Its easy to turn it back on Sleepy Don when he nods off repeatedly! during a criminal trial over hush-money payments he allegedly made to cover up an affair with a porn star. During day one of Trumps criminal trial in Manhattan which will determine whether he broke the law by paying off Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election, then disguising the payments the former president reportedly fell asleep in the courtroom. Though Trump was reportedly furious that journalists caught him sleeping in court that didnt keep him from nodding off repeatedly as the trial continued. Instead, he offered a dubious excuse on Truth Social, claiming hes not sleeping at all, I simply close my beautiful blue eyes, sometimes, listen intensely, and take it ALL in!!! Heres a running list of Trumps courtroom naps (or intense listening sessions). . Maggie Haberman wrote on the New York Times trial liveblog on April 15: Trump appears to be sleeping. His head keeps dropping down and his mouth goes slack. Haberman said Trump was roused a short time later: Trump has apparently jolted back awake, noticing the notes his lawyer passed him several minutes ago. Stewart Bishop, a reporter for Law360 who was in the courtroom, made the same observation: It very much looks like Trump is dozing off right now. Stewart Bishop (@stewartbishop) April 15, 2024 Courthouse News reporter Erik Uebelacker, who was watching from the overflow room, agreed: Tough to see the screen in the overflow room, but I swear Trump is nodding off at the defense table. His chin just hit his chest, then his head shot back up. We've all been there. Erik Uebelacker (@Uebey) April 15, 2024 In an interview during a break, Haberman told CNNs Jake Tapper that Trump looked sleepy during previous court appearances but this incident was worse: Haberman: Trump appeared to be asleep. His head would fall down He didnt pay attention to a note his lawyer passed him. His jaw kept falling on his chest and his mouth kept going slack. pic.twitter.com/Y9niQfZc3W Acyn (@Acyn) April 15, 2024 As he was exiting court, Trump reported glared at Haberman, who broke the news about his courtroom nap. Trump "glares" at @MaggieNYT "for several seconds as he walks out," hours after she broke the news of the former president's in-court snooze. (per @Law360's pooler @frankrunyeon) pic.twitter.com/L8b3nrxit4 Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) April 15, 2024 Later that evening, Haberman confirmed on CNN that Trump gave her a pretty specific stare as he walked out: Haberman: I noticed that he made a pretty specific stare at me and walked out of the room.. If anyone falls asleep who is a criminal defendant in a case, we're going to report on it. But he doesn't like when such things are reported pic.twitter.com/OANWOTmJUR Acyn (@Acyn) April 16, 2024 . Perhaps Trump was embarrassed about being caught sleeping on day one of his trial. But incredibly, it wasnt enough to keep him from dozing off during the proceedings the following morning. Now: Trump's head slowly dropped, his eyes closed. It jerked back upward. He adjusts himself. Then, his head droops again. He straightens up, leaning back. His head doops for a third time, he shakes his shoulders. Eyes closed still. His head drops. Finally, he pops his eyes open. Frank G. Runyeon (@frankrunyeon) April 16, 2024 . On April 19 Maggie Haberman spotted Trumps third courtroom nap: Trump appears to have fallen asleep in court again. It happened several times just now. His eyes were closed for extended periods and his head dropped down twice. . MSNBCs Kyle Griffin caught Sleepy Don in the act for a fourth time on April 30: NBC News: Trump appears to have fallen asleep while listening to testimony at times appearing to stir and then falling back to sleep. Trump's eyes were closed for extended periods and his head has at times jerked in a way consistent with sleeping. @MSNBC Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) April 30, 2024 . Jonathan Swan of the New York Times noticed Trump dozing on May 9: Trump appears to be dozing as Susan Necheles questions Stormy Daniels at length about the details of her meeting with him. While there are sketch artists present and there were some photos taken of Trump at the beginning of each days proceedings, there is no audio or video broadcast of the trial. So we may never see photographic evidence of Trumps inability to keep his eyes open in court (which, in addition to being funny, is notable since he keeps insisting hes far more spry than Biden, though theyre about the same age). Its probably just as well; knowing Trump, hed frame the Sleepy Don shot as a defiant statement against political persecution and start selling it on T-shirts. This post has been updated throughout. Hilary Reid is an inveterate eBay shopper and museumgoer who loves tracing the origin of trends from flight-attendant jumpsuits to the resurgence of marzipan and collecting NYC merch. Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers There was a time when finding nice-looking Seder plates, menorahs, mezuzahs, Shabbat candlesticks, and the like was difficult. There were only a few prevailing aesthetics: traditional pieces in ornate silver and gold (pretty, but not the easiest to mix into otherwise casual decor and often very expensive); the modernist-bordering-on-austere pieces (a mezuzah that looks like its made out of a wrought-iron pipe); and the kitschy-thematic (like a menorah made up of eight miniature nail-polish bottles or a New York Knicks mezuzah). Now, thats no longer the case. New Yorkbased Via Maris offers a range of minimalist, earthy Judaica in lovely matte shades and colored glass. Judaica Standard Time partners with artists and studios across the country to produce one-of-a-kind pieces. And alongside the brands that have been lone standouts for years, like Jonathan Adler and Michael Aram, there are suddenly plenty of small-scale ceramicists and other makers who are finding room in their usual offerings (be they vases or jewelry) to create Judaica in their signature styles. We sifted through whats out there (with a particular eye for beautiful Seder plates and other Passover tableware, given that the holiday is right around the corner) to pull the chicest, coolest, and most unexpected Judaica for right now and beyond. Seder plates RachaelPots Handmade Seder Plate $325 $325 Handmade from speckled stoneware clay, emblazoned with carved Hebrew lettering, and finished with a creamy, glossy glaze, this seder plate perfectly toes the line between traditional and modern. $325 at Food52 Buy Isabel Halley Ceramics The Seder Plate $425 $425 We have always been fans of artist Isabel Halleys striped wine cups and soap dishes, but the simplicity of this elegant pinch-pot Seder plate is what makes it especially appealing for the ritual meal and the 22-karat gold rims place it securely in the special occasion category. $425 at Isabel Halley Ceramics Buy Helen Levi Seder Plate $275 $275 Helen Levi needs no introduction (youve definitely seen her signature speckled mugs before). Lucky for us, shes selling a Seder plate in a beautiful marbled pink, black, and green. $275 at Helen Levi Buy Yaara Scalloped Edge Seder Plate $224 $224 Another simple option is this scalloped-edge plate by ceramicist Yaara Nir Kachlon, which is sure to go with any tablescape. The center dish is engraved with the Hebrew name for Passover: Pesach. $224 at The Jewish Museum Shop Buy MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Seder Plate $168 $168 The MacKenzie-Childs signature is checked tableware, and we love the take here. Each holder features a different graphic pattern in bold black and white. Its a standout. $168 at Bloomingdale's Buy Judaica Standard Time x Clay LA Original Seder Plate $280 $280 Judaica Standard Time works with designers and artists to make pieces like this stoneware Seder plate designed in collaboration with Clay LA, the ceramicist behind the tableware of the citys famed restaurants Gjusta and Gjelina. The earth-toned pinch pots act as holders for each food but can certainly be used throughout the year, too. $280 at Judaica Standard Time Buy More for your Seder table Via Maris Kiddush Cup $85 $85 Given that its almost Passover, we would be remiss not to include a few additional pieces for your table, including this honestly very chic kiddush cup made from borosilicate glass with a subtle striped rim. $85 at Via Maris Buy Via Maris Matzo Plate $185 $185 Yes, you can put matzo on any old platter but this dedicated one makes it extra special. The two halves are separated by a distinct schism that, according to Via Maris, represents the parting of the Red Sea. $185 at Via Maris Buy Apeloig Collection Type Matzah Cover $75 $75 This matzo cover is made of leatherette fabric on top of translucent tulle. It features the Hebrew words for Pesach, matzo, and maror laser-cut in repetition throughout. $75 at Apeloig Collection Buy Judaica Standard Time Revisited Vol. 3 Haggadah $21 $21 This updated version of Judaica Standard Times Haggadah is meant for first-timers, people with short attention spans, hungry people, and tables with lots of noisy kids. But its no less meaningful for it: The text includes all the Passover traditions as well as thoughtful essays by well-known writers. $21 at Judaica Standard Time Buy Menorahs Via Maris Trace Chanukiah $165 $165 Photo: retailer Via Mariss Trace Chanukiah is made of steel and comes in warm matte shades of pinkish clay, deep cobalt blue, and yellow sand, among others, that make it feel of a piece with the last few years Memphis-inspired decor, while still being versatile enough to work with interiors minimalist and maximalist alike. $165 at Via Maris Buy Via Maris Block Chanukiah $225 $225 Photo: retailer Another piece from Via Maris (which makes a lot of great Judaica), this menorah comes apart in two pieces for easier cleaning and to reveal an inner compartment where you can store the 44 candles youll need to celebrate eight nights of Hanukkah. $225 at Via Maris Buy Judaica Standard Time JST x ANK Ceramics Menorah $100 $100 This minimalist ceramic menorah is made by ANK, which is based in Camden, Maine. As the brand writes, The piece forces you to ask the question, is this designed for eight fleeting nights? Or can this be displayed as a more permanent fixture in the home? We think its cool enough to leave out all year. $100 at Judaica Standard Time Buy SIN Swey Menorah $200 $200 Weve written about SINs coiled ceramics before (spy the fruit bowl here and here), and this menorah is another piece we love. It looks like an elegant cut of ribbon that fell to a tables surface, and it becomes especially cool with the contrast of stick-straight candles. $200 at West Elm Buy Keraclay Stoneware Menorah Set $68 $68 A menorah with nine disconnected parts is unexpected and were very here for it. Each holder looks like a natural rock (and you could definitely use these as standard candleholders with thin tapers year-round). $68 at West Elm Buy Julia Elsas Zig Zag Menorah $445 $445 You may be familiar with artist Julia Elsass Wiggle wall hooks, but have you seen her ceramic menorahs? This one is an organic-looking zigzag decorated with navy lines. Peep inside the hollow center and youll find its painted bright yellow. $445 at Julia Elsas Buy Areaware Josh Owen Menorah $150 $150 Maybe industrial-meets-rustic is your thing: This hefty solid cast-iron menorah will take on a patina with years of use, and as Areaware puts it, has a weight that gives it a sense of solidity and self-worth, like a trusted tool found on a family farm. $150 at Areaware Buy Michael Aram Botanical Leaf Menorah $235 $235 If you do want something a little more classic, you cant go wrong with pieces from Michael Aram, a designer well known for his lovely nature-inspired Judaica pieces. $235 at Bloomingdale's Buy Olivia Riegel Abby Menorah $235 $235 For the true maximalist: This Olivia Riegel menorah may be low to the table, but its made in an ornate pewter cast and adorned with Swarovski crystals, which are sure to bring some sparkle to your eight nights. $235 at Bloomingdale's Buy Shabbat candlesticks Mezuzahs Susan Alexandra Merry Mezuzah $158 $158 For a real statement, consider a mezuzah by NYC-based designer Susan Alexandra, who is known for her brightly beaded bags and accessories. Indeed, this one looks like it could be jewelry. (And dont worry: The beads are waterproof and can sustain all temperatures.) $158 at Susan Alexandra Buy Apeloig Modern Acrylic Mezuzah From $85 From $85 A sleek acrylic mezuzah thats a bit more playful than its wood and metal predecessors and its available in a range of shades, from terra cotta to turquoise. From $85 at Apeloig Collection Buy Via Maris Shelter Mezuzah $82 $82 Photo: retailer A Via Maris mezuzah to complete your set. Its made of steel and glass, and the screws are hidden so it will blend in subtly with your doorframe. $82 at Via Maris Buy get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. DOL Grants Pennsylvania $2.9 Million to Combat Opioid Crisis The latest National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant has an approved funding threshold of over $8.7 million. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has allocated $2.9 million to Pennsylvanias Department of Labor and Industry to tackle the widespread impact of opioid use, addiction, and overdose on employment and training services. According to a recent release, the grantadministered by the DOLs Employment and Training Administrationfalls under the National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant program and carries an approved funding threshold of over $8.7 million. Opioids were involved in 84.4 percent of Pennsylvania's 5,158 fatal overdoses in 2022, according to a report by the Pennsylvania Office of Drug Surveillance and Misuse Prevention (ODSMP). This initiative aims to address the effects of the opioid crisis on the local workforce by establishing disaster-relief positions in communities state-wide. In addition, the funds will bolster employment and training services for dislocated workers facing prolonged unemployment and other barriers stemming from opioid-related issues. This project will be executed by 11 workforce development boards and is supported by Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency in October 2017, paving the way for this funding. Canada has spent a lot of time and money building itself up to be one of the biggest global producers of hydropower electricity. The country is second only to China in hydroelectricity production, and has planned to vastly expand its infrastructure to become a hydro superpower capable of supplying a good portion of its own energy needs through hydroelectricity as well as export clean energy and offer considerable energy storage capacity to the Northeastern United States. But those plans have turned out to have some considerable insecurities as recent drought conditions have decreased hydropower output across the country, leaving Canadian provinces scrambling to diversify their energy portfolios. Canada is not alone. Worldwide hydropower generation experienced a record decline in production levels in 2023. This marks a worrying turnaround for a sector that was quite recently one of the most if not the most reliable forms of renewable energy production. In 2021, the global hydropower sector was solely responsible for 16% of the worlds electricity generation. Thats more than every other form of renewable energy combined. But a record-bad summer in 2022, characterized by heat waves and punishing drought, caused an unprecedented and unforeseen drop in that output. One of the results of that decline is that countries around the world ramped up consumption of fossil fuels to fill the gap. Due to unusually high natural gas prices over the same period, much of that consumption was represented by coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel. Another critical result of hydropower's historic slump is that investors are shying away from new projects. As a result, hydrogen production and especially the addition of new hydro projects have been in decline since 2020. All of this indicates that Canada will likely have to perform a massive pivot in its hydro-heavy decarbonization strategy. According to data from the Government of Canada collected at the end of January, about 70% of the country was abnormally dry or in moderate to exceptional drought. Drought is not unprecedented in Canada, and is generally part of climate cycles in the region. But while drought cycles used to be pretty predictable, thats no longer the case as climate change intensifies. And unpredictable drought does not bode well for energy security or return on investment in a hydro-heavy energy sector. Canada has historically been seen as a hydroelectricity superpower, but this narrative has shifted, John Pomeroy, a director at the University of Saskatchewans Centre for Hydrology, which studies water flows and climate change, was recently quoted by the Wall Street Journal. In parts of the country, conditions are truly disastrous. This represents a huge loss of current and future export revenues for Canada, which already has long-term contracts with the states of Massachusetts and New York to provide roughly 20 terawatt hours of power. Those contracts were only supposed to be the beginning of a long and lucrative trade relationship with the United States. The northeastern U.S. presents a huge market with considerable and increasing demand for clean energy as well as energy storage options. Quebec had hoped to leverage its hydropower capacity to become the battery of the U.S. northeast. Now thats looking increasingly unlikely. However, some experts say that with or without the drought conditions, Canada has never had enough hydropower production capacity to support its own clean energy ambitions as well as those of the northeastern United States. Many people in New England have lived with a myth that Quebec has so much power that it doesnt know what to do with it all, a group of legislators from Maine said in a joint statement last year. But the reality is that Quebec no longer has enough hydropower to meet its own current and future clean energy needs, much less those of its neighbors to the south. Over the next decade, the province plans to invest over $80 billion in a diverse array of sustainable power sources and infrastructure to expand its grid while staying on track to fulfill its promise of becoming net-zero by 2050. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: After decades of being treated as the black sheep of the energy universe, nuclear energy is enjoying a renaissance in the U.S. and many Western countries thanks to the global energy crisis. Back in December, at the COP28 summit, 22 countries including the US, Canada, the UK, and France pledged to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050 (from 2020 levels). Last month, 34 nations, including the United States, China, France, Britain, and Saudi Arabia, committed to work to fully unlock the potential of nuclear energy by taking measures such as enabling conditions to support and competitively finance the lifetime extension of existing nuclear reactors, the construction of new nuclear power plants and the early deployment of advanced reactors. The world is begrudgingly beginning to accept that technological bottlenecks limit solar and wind energy as large-scale substitutes for fossil fuel energy. Further, we are unable to develop clean energy resources fast enough to meet the worlds climate goals while the war in Ukraine has laid bare Europes dependence on Russian energy. But nuclears revival might be dead in the water with lenders balking at financing what they consider a high-risk sector. Last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency convened the first ever nuclear summit in Brussels. Unfortunately, bankers appeared unwilling to finance the $5 trillion the IAEA estimates the global nuclear industry needs for development until 2050. If the bankers are uniformly pessimistic, its a self-fulfilling prophecy, former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said after listening to a panel of international lenders. Related: Chevron-Hess Tie Up Could Drag Until Next Year Courtesy of Exxon The project risks, as we have seen in reality, seem to be very high, said European Investment Bank Vice President Thomas Ostros, adding that countries need to focus more on renewables and energy efficiency. Ines Rocha, a director at the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, and Fernando Cubillos, a banker at the Development Bank of Latin America, concurred, saying their lending priorities lean toward renewables and transmission grids. Nuclear comes last, Cubillos said. We need state involvement, I dont see any other model. Probably we need quite heavy state involvement to make projects bankable, Ostros said. State Involvement As Ostros has noted, at this juncture, the nuclear sector probably requires considerable government support if its to really take off. In the past, the U.S. government has been involved in nuclear energy mainly through safety and environmental regulations as well as R&D funding in enrichment of uranium projects like HALEU. However, lately, the federal government is becoming more heavily involved in the nuclear energy sector. Over the past several years, billions of federal dollars have gone into the development and demonstration of next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced fuel cycle reactors. U.S. EXIM has been providing financing for overseas nuclear projects for more than a half-century. EXIM has issued Letters of Interest for up to $3 billion for nuclear exports to Poland and Romania. Established in 1934, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), operates as an independent agency of the U.S. Government under the authority of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945. Similarly, USTDA has committed funding for the export of nuclear power technologies to Poland and Romania, Ukraine and Indonesia. Much of the funding is for technical activities, and includes a significant focus on the potential export of small modular reactors. Last month, the U.S. federal government agreed to provide a $1.5 billion loan to restart a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan, abandoning earlier plans to decommission it. The Michigan plant will become the first ever nuclear plant in the U.S. to be revived after abandonment. Privately-owned Holtec International acquired the 800-megawatt Palisades plant in 2022 with plans to dismantle it. But now the plant will be able to contribute to Michigans power grid if its able to pass inspections and testing by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, known as the NRC. Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer has welcomed the move. Nuclear power is our single largest source of carbon-free electricity, directly supporting 100,000 jobs across the country and hundreds of thousands more indirectly, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, a former Michigan governor, has said. The repowering of Palisades will restore safe, around-the-clock generation to hundreds of thousands of households, businesses and manufacturers, Kris Singh, Holtec president and chief executive, has declared. Meanwhile, California regulators have given the greenlight for the Diablo Canyon plant to operate through 2030 instead of 2025 as the state transitions toward renewable power sources. Pacific Gas & Electric, the plant's owner, says it has received assistance from the federal government to repay a state loan. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Global warming is causing temperatures to rise at a faster pace in Central Asia than in other parts of the world. Yet a report issued by a watchdog group shows that Central Asian states are compounding their environmental challenges by doubling down on the use of coal-fired power plants, a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions that fuel warming. The annual report by Global Energy Monitor (GEM), titled Boom and Bust Coal 2024: Tracking the Global Coal Plant Pipeline, showed that coals role in power generation has doubled in Central Asia over the past decade. Plans to add generating capacity of coal-fired plants in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan reached 8.1 gigawatts (GW) last year, up from 3.9 GW in 2013, according to GEM data. Coal currently accounts for 45 percent of electricity production in the region. Turkmenistans power production relies on natural gas, and thus its production wasnt included as part of the GEM coal report. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are among only eight states globally that developed plans in 2023 to build new coal-fired plants. The report also notes that no Central Asian state has a plan to phase out coal-fired power production; most also dont have a blueprint to achieve carbon neutrality in accordance with the 2015 Paris Agreement. Central Asia plans to balloon its new coal power generation while most other regions are plateauing or decreasing proposals. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are trending in the wrong direction, the GEM report states. The report also makes the argument that the regions continuing embrace of coal-fired power production may solve short-term problems but will ultimately add long-term stress to state budgets. These future coal-fired power stations would pose stranded asset risks and unnecessary socioeconomic and environmental costs, it says. Over 60 percent of the 16.8 GW electricity generated by burning coal in Central Asia was produced by outdated plants in 2023, the GEM report states. The efficient operating lifetime for a coal plant is generally accepted to be 40 years. Continued operation of plants beyond the 40-year timeframe poses serious risks for excessive pollution and breakdown, according to GEM. Risks are heightened for outdated combined plants that generate heat and electricity, given the greater chances of a breakdown during a winter cold snap. Betting on new coal capacity is a risky strategy for Central Asia. These countries should prioritize renewable energy, energy storage, smart grids, and transmission infrastructure, Flora Champenois, GEMs Coal Program Director, said in a written statement provided to Eurasianet. Kazakhstan is the Central Asia leader in trying to go green, yet it is also the regions worst coal offender. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in early 2023 approved a strategy for Kazakhstan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 concerning greenhouse gas emissions. In late 2023, Kazakhstan also joined the Global Methane Pledge. Methane emissions as part of fuel extraction is another source of global warming. The same year, however, Kazakhstan announced plans to add 4.6 GW of coal-fired power generating capacity, which the GEM report notes is the third-most proposed generating capacity added in 2023, behind China and India. The two largest, new projects are in Ekibastuz, a city in the northern Pavlodar Region not far from the Russian border: one involves the expansion of the Ekibastuz-2 power station; the other is the construction of a new facility, Ekibastuz-3. No existing coal plant in Kazakhstan has an officially confirmed retirement date. The report asserts Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are going down the same path as Kazakhstan, though at a smaller scale. Kyrgyzstan, for example, signed a deal with Russian firms to build a new coal plant in the Jalal-Abad Region capable of generating 0.7 GW per year. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan has plans to add two units to the existing Angren power station. Concurrently, coal production is rising in Central Asia, underscored by plans by the Bogatyr Coal Mine in Kazakhstan, Central Asias largest coal source, to increase production in 2024 by 25 percent. For Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, which have existing climate commitments, following through with the proposed coal proposals will make meeting these commitments more difficult and expensive, the report says. The same would be true for the other Central Asian countries should they make coal phaseout or carbon neutrality goals in the future. Overall, the GEM report showed that the G7 group of major industrial countries accounted for 15 percent (310 GW) of the coal-fired generating capacity in 2023, down from 23 percent (443 GW) in 2015. The report also cited China as worlds worst abuser of coal. Global coal-fired power production grew by 48.4 GW, or 2 percent, in 2023, for an overall total of 2,130 GW. China was responsible for two-thirds of the additions. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: While major European banks are competing to announce new policies limiting funding to oil and gas projects, smaller regional U.S. banks have boosted significantly their lending to oil and gas firms over the past two years. Regional banks BOK Financial, Citizens Financial, Truist Securities, Fifth Third Securities, and US Bancorp have seen their combined loans to the fossil fuel industry jump by over 70% on an average annualized basis since the beginning of 2022, compared to the previous six years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. These five banks are now among the worlds top 35 banks in terms of the number of deals they have signed with the fossil fuel industry, Bloombergs data showed. Total global financing for fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement has been led by the biggest U.S. banks, with JP Morgan Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America placing #1 through #4, respectively, with billions of U.S. dollars of financing for oil and gas between 2016 and 2022, according to research by environmental campaigners. Regional U.S. banks are also seeing a growing pool of customers in the fossil fuel industry. This comes as European banks are re-evaluating their funding for oil and gas, and energy-rich U.S. states are leading an anti-ESG drive to blacklist major financial corporations and asset managers, which they believe are discriminating against the oil and gas industry. Related: Feature Smaller U.S. Banks Hike Lending To Fossil Fuels TP U.S. states with large fossil fuel industries, such as Texas, West Virginia, Louisiana, Montana, and Oklahoma, have blacklisted funds managed by the worlds biggest asset manager BlackRock and other major banks and financial institutions, which, the states say, are boycotting the oil and gas industry. In Oklahoma, under the Oklahoma Energy Discrimination Elimination Act, Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ published last year a so-called Restricted Financial Companies List, which included BlackRock, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan, Bank of America, State Street Corp, and Climate First Bank. Oklahomas local bank, BOK Financial, has taken advantage of more opportunities to finance oil and gas in the state. BOK Financial now sees much more opportunities in the oil and gas industry, Marisol Salazar, the banks senior vice president and manager for energy banking, told Bloomberg. Apart from U.S. regional banks, commodity traders and alternative investment groups are also picking up the financing ditched by many European banks, industry officials tell Bloomberg. These developments suggest that there are still ways for fossil fuel projects to get funding and fossil fuel companies to receive loans despite European banks limiting their exposure to oil and gas. Under pressure from ESG trends and shareholders, major European banks have announced tougher rules on financing fossil fuels over the past two years. ING, for example, is further restricting financing to the oil and gas industry, reducing the volume of traded oil and gas it finances and no longer financing midstream infrastructure for new oil and gas fields, the Netherlands-based bank said earlier this month. In 2022, ING said it would aim to grow new financing of renewable energy by 50% by year-end 2025 and would no longer provide dedicated finance to new oil and gas fields. UKs HSBC said at the end of 2022 that it would stop funding new oil and gas field developments and related infrastructure as part of a policy to support and finance a net-zero transition. Frances biggest bank, BNP Paribas, said in May 2023 that it would no longer provide any financing for developing new oil and gas fields, regardless of the financing methods. The bank also pledged to reduce its oil exploration and production financing by 80% by 2030 as part of its energy transition goals. Earlier this year, BarclaysEuropes biggest lender to fossil fuel projectssaid that it would drop direct funding for new oil and gas projects, joining other major European banks in halting the financing of fossil fuel expansion. Campaigners, however, say that Barclays could have gone further in its commitments and that the announcement of the UK banking giant now puts pressure on the U.S. banks, which are the top lenders to the fossil fuel industry, including JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Citi. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Leading diplomats and politicians across the globe, fearing another major escalation of fighting in the Middle East, urged restraint as the world waited for Israel's response after it endured an unprecedented air attack by Iran over the weekend. Tehran fired more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel late on April 13, almost all of which were shot down by Israeli defense systems, along with intercepts by forces from the United States, France, Britain, and Jordan. Only a few missiles reached Israeli territory, causing modest damage to an air base and critically wounding a 7-year-old girl. Israel and Iran have been bitter enemies for decades, but this was the first direct attack by one on the other's soil instead of through proxy forces or by targeting each other's assets operating in third countries. The Israeli war cabinet was set to meet on April 15, with some hard-liners within the right-wing government said to be advocating a harsh response, while others were pushing for a more moderate decision. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised victory, while an influential member of the war cabinet said the country will retaliate in the "fashion and time" of its choosing. "We're on the edge of the cliff and we have to move away from it," European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who said he spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian late on April 14, told Spanish radio station Onda Cero. "We have to step on the brakes and reverse gear." Added British Foreign Secretary David Cameron in an interview on April 15 with the BBC: "I think they're perfectly justified to think they should respond because they have been attacked, but we are urging them as friends to think with head as well as heart, to be smart as well as tough." Iran, which said it was responding to a suspected Israeli air strike on the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus early last month that killed two brigadier generals, called on Western nations to "appreciate" the restraint it showed since the embassy attack and warned it will act more "resolutely" if "Israel crosses red lines." The United States reiterated its "ironclad commitment" to the security of Israel but reportedly told the Jewish state it will not take part in any retaliatory action. Speaking late on April 14 at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "maximum restraint" amid fears that Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel could turn into a larger regional war. The Middle East is on the brink.... Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate, Guterres said. After the meeting ended without any resolution, U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood said "there has to be a Security Council response to what happened. The Iranian launch came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the West over the continuing war in the Gaza Strip and a deadly air strike on April 1 believed to have been carried out by Israel on the Iranian Consulate in Syria. U.S. officials said Washington had been indirect contact with Iran through Swiss intermediaries before and after the attack, without providing details, but Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani cautioned on April 15 that no pre-arranged deal was made with any country regarding how Tehran would approach its military response to Israel. Israel's retaliatory war in Gaza was sparked by a raid on Israeli territory carried out by Hamas, which rules Gaza and is designated as a terrorist group by the United States and European Union, on October 7. The raid left 1,200 people dead and hundreds of people were taken hostage. The ensuing Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip aimed at destroying Hamas has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian territory's Hamas-run Health Ministry. Since the war in Gaza began, Tehran has openly supported militant groups and proxies targeting Israel that are part of Iran's "axis of resistance" against Israel and the West, leading to concerns of a broader Middle East conflict involving archenemies Iran and Israel. While Russia, seen as close to Tehran, has stopped short of publicly criticizing Iran for the attack on Israel, the Kremlin on April 15 said "further escalation is in no one's interests" and called for finding a solution through "political and diplomatic methods." By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: China is currently constructing a total of 26 nuclear power units with a combined capacity of 30.3 gigawatts (GW), the highest in the world, according to a report by the China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA) cited by local media. Last year, China approved the development of five new nuclear power projects and began construction of five units, the report found. Air pollution from coal-fired power plants is a major impetus for China to expand its nuclear generation fleet, according to the World Nuclear Association. China is not giving up coal, but it is betting on nuclear, too, to meet its rising power demand with cleaner energy sources. Many countries in the West, with the notable exception of Germany, have also recognized that nuclear power generation would help them achieve net-zero emission goals. At the COP28 climate summit in Dubai at the end of last year, the United States and 21 other countries pledged to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, saying incorporating more nuclear power in their energy mix is critical for achieving their net zero goals in the coming decades. The United States, alongside Britain, France, Canada, Sweden, South Korea, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), among others, signed the declaration at the COP28 climate summit. China is not a signatory to that declaration, but it aims to develop more nuclear energy capacities to reduce emissions as its demand for electricity rises. As of September 2023, China had 55 nuclear power units in operation with a combined installed capacity of 57 GW, and 24 units under construction with a total installed capacity of 27.8 GW, Xinhua quoted CNEA official Wang Binghua as saying. By 2060, that capacity is expected to jump to 400 GW, the official said. China is also expected to approve six to eight nuclear power units each year within the foreseeable future. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: China's national security authorities have released five typical cases of crimes that threaten national security, urging the public to heighten their awareness as the nation observes National Security Education Day on April 15. These cases include instances of overseas enterprises and intelligence agencies pilfering rare earth national secrets and rice seeds and seed production technology, and illicit gathering of meteorological data. In one such instance, motivated by personal gain, a deputy general manager at a domestic rare earth company, surnamed Cheng, disclosed details regarding China's rare earth inventory categories, quantities, and prices, to an employee surnamed Ye at the Shanghai subsidiary of an overseas non-ferrous metal company. In November 2023, a court in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, sentenced Ye and Cheng for offenses related to the procurement and unauthorized provision of state secrets to foreign entities, as well as bribery. In another case, national security authorities discovered that a former general manager of a domestic agricultural technology company, surnamed Zhu, unlawfully sold five varieties of parent rice seeds under the guise of "cooperative breeding" to a company established by foreign espionage agencies in China, yielding returns surpassing the regular selling price. A court in Hefei City, Anhui Province, sentenced Zhu in January 2024 to one and a half years in prison for illegally disseminating intelligence to foreign entities. In addition, the national security authorities imposed administrative penalties on the remaining 17 individuals involved in accordance with the law. In recent years, foreign intelligence agencies have persistently deepened their infiltration into China's food sector, extensively pilfering the nation's core scientific research information. In response, the national security authorities have scrutinized nearly 100 individuals involved, penalized 11 key enterprises, and held accountable relevant personnel in accordance with the law. Israel convened its war cabinet on Monday morning, vowing a response to what is being described as a direct attack on Israel, despite various reports suggesting that Iran coordinated its missile barrage with Washington and directed missiles at Israel with the knowledge that they would all be shot down. The conclusion of Israels three-hour-long war cabinet was to find a solution that inflicts harm on Iran without causing an all-out regional war, according to Israels Channel 12 news, suggesting that actions would be coordinated with the U.S. As of the time of writing, Israels war cabinet had not released any updated information on its planned response, but was also reportedly considering diplomatic options. On Saturday, Iran retaliated against Israel for the leveling of the Iranian diplomatic mission in Damascus, Syria, in which a top military general and other diplomats were killed. Iran sent over 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, with all but a few intercepted by Israeli and its allies, including the United States. World leaders continue to preach restraint, urging Israel to avoid retaliation, with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron saying the UK would not support a retaliatory strike by the Israelis, the BBC reported. France has likewise said it would do everything necessary to avoid another retaliation. Oil prices shot up early on Monday in response to Irans attack, before paring gains as the markets considered an easing of tensions and possible avoidance of a regional war. By 12:56 p.m. ET on Monday, Brent crude had fallen back below $90 per barrel, down 1.26%, trading at $89.31. The U.S. crude oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was trading down 1.30% at $84.55 per barrel. The Iranian missile barrage directed toward Israel has sparked a litany of oil price predictions for over $100 per barrel, though the rally was short-lived. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Japans Tokyo Electric Power Co. has loaded its biggest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki Kariwa, with fuel for the first time since the Fukushima disaster, Bloomberg has reported. The move is part of a nuclear power return on the Japanese scene after the 2011 tragedy, which saw all nuclear reactors in the country turned off. But the restart of the Kashiwasaki Kariwa, which is the biggest nuclear power generator in the world, is not yet guaranteed. The plan has to get the go-ahead from the Niigata prefectures governor and this go-ahead is not guaranteed. The 8.2 GW Kashiwasaki Kariwa plant was turned off in 2012 but that was not the only thing that happened to it. Back in 2021, Tepco was banned from operating the plant by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, after safety protocol breaches were detected, among them failure to protect nuclear materials, according to a Reuters report from last December. It was in December that the Japanese authorities lifted the operational ban, citing improvements in the treatment of safety issues at Kashiwasaki Kariwa. Japan is bringing back nuclear power as a key energy source, looking to protect its energy security in the wake of the 2022 energy crisis that led to surging oil and gas prices. The resource-poor country which needs to import about 90% of the energy it consumes, made a U-turn in its nuclear energy policy at the end of 2022, as its energy import bill soared amid the energy crisis and surging costs to import LNG at record-high prices. The Japanese government confirmed in December 2022 a new policy for nuclear energy, which the country had mostly abandoned since the Fukushima disaster in 2011. A panel of experts under the Japanese Ministry of Industry has also decided that Japan would allow the development of new nuclear reactors and allow available reactors to operate after the current limit of 60 years. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Kazakhstan exceeded its oil production quota under the OPEC+ deal by 131,000 barrels per day (bpd) in March, due to the weather and heating season requirements, the countrys Energy Ministry said on Sunday, pledging that the non-OPEC producer will look to compensate in the coming months for its overproduction. Kazakhstan will continue to make every effort to comply with its obligations and compensate for the 1st quarter overproduction, the Kazakh Energy Ministry said in a statement. As agreed by the latest OPEC+ panel meeting earlier this month, Kazakhstan will submit a detailed compensation plan to the OPEC Secretariat by April 30, 2024, said the ministry of one of the non-OPEC producers that are voluntarily reducing their oil production in the first half of the year. Early this month, the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC), the OPEC+ panel that monitors oil market developments and the groups production cuts, didnt recommend any changes to output policy but noted that compliance with the cuts needs to improve. The panel, which doesnt decide on policy but only recommends a course of action to the ministers, said on April 3 that it welcomes repeated pledges from Iraq and Kazakhstan to reach full conformity with the cuts they have announced. The panel welcomed the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of Kazakhstan's pledge to achieve full conformity as well as compensate for overproduction, OPEC said. Kazakhstan, as well as several other non-OPEC and OPEC producers part of the OPEC+ pact, pledged in November additional voluntary cuts of a total of 2.2 million bpd for the first quarter of 2024. The reductions included a rollover of the extra Saudi production cut of 1 million bpd, which has been in force since July 2023. These producers extended the cuts into the second quarter and the current output reductions are set to remain in place until the end of June. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia has been exporting newly-made copper rod to China disguised as copper scrap in recent monthsa new trade avenue for the two regimes that has been evading Western sanctions on Russian copper and export and import duties in both countries, Reuters reported on Monday, citing sources with knowledge of the matter and its own analysis on customs data. Russian Copper Company (RCC), designated by the U.S. and UK, has been engaged in these types of trades since December 2023, which has allowed exports of copper rod to China with the product labeled as scrap. China doesnt have an import duty on copper scrap but it taxes imports of copper rod at 4%, according to Reuters analysis. The analysis has also found that according to Russian customs figures, Russia has sold very little copper scrap to China since December, while Chinese customs data showed a surge in imports of Russian copper scrap. According to Reuters sources, the new copper wire rod was shredded to resemble scrap by an intermediary in the autonomous Xinjiang Uyghur region in western China. This scrap from Russia is de facto copper rod, but not declared as rod. I cannot disclose any more detail, an anonymous Chinese manufacturing source told Reuters. In theory, Chinese buyers are not prohibited from buying anything from Russia but they could face the possibility of restricted access to U.S. and Western financing if found dealing with a sanctioned Russian entity, and potential issues with the processing of the payments. The reported copper trade is yet another sign of the growing trading links between Russia and China. Since the West slapped sanctions on many Russian commodity and metals industries and exports, China has stepped up imports of Russias crude oil, mopping up the barrels that other Asian buyers, such as India, have been hesitant to buy. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia has brought back online some oil refining units in recent weeks, reducing the capacity taken offline by Ukrainian drone hits to around 10%, from 14% at the end of March, calculations by Reuters showed on Monday. The refining capacity in Russia that is currently offline due to drone attacks is now estimated by Reuters at around 660,000 barrels per day (bpd), compared to 907,000 bpd offline at the end of March. Still, maintenance and other outages at Russias refineries will actually raise the refining capacity that will be offline this month compared to March, per Reuters data and calculations. In recent months, Ukraine has stepped up attacks on oil refineries in Russia, which have reduced Russian refining capacity, and which, reportedly, have the White House concerned about rising international prices. The United States has repeatedly urged Ukraine to halt its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries due to Washingtons assessment that the strikes could lead to Russian retaliation and push up global oil prices, the Financial Times reported last month, citing sources familiar with the exchange. The latest Ukrainian attack that damaged a refinery was from April 2, when Ukrainian drones hit the primary refining unit of Russias third-largest refinery, the Taneco refinery of Russian company Tatneft in Tatarstan, an industrialized region southeast of Moscow more than 800 miles from the front line. Russia said in early April it can repair all damaged units within two months. Russias Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov said that all damaged refineries in the country would be restarted by the beginning of June. Repairs are underway at the refineries. We plan to re-launch a number of refineries after repairs in April-May, possibly before the beginning of June, Russian news agency Interfax quoted Shulginov as saying. All facilities that were damaged will be re-commissioned, the minister added. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Traders flocked to the crude oil options market last week, trading record numbers of call options that Brent would hit $100 per barrel in the coming months, data compiled by Bloomberg showed on Monday. As tensions in the Middle East escalated earlier this month, traders moved to the options market, betting on higher oil prices as a hedge against spiking futures prices. The call options give traders the rightbut not the obligationto buy assets at a certain price, the so-called strike price, by a certain date. Days before the Iranian attack against Israel over the weekend, traders traded last week more than 1 million call options on Brent crude, focused on the $95 and $100 strikes, Bloombergs data showed. In Brent Crude, call options at $100 and $110 per barrel have been the most popular options held by traders over the next 12 months, per data from ICE Futures Europe compiled by Bloomberg. The front-month futures Brent contract fell below $90 per barrel on Monday, despite Irans retaliatory strike on Israel that the latter said had only done limited damage. Risks have risen in the Middle East over the past weeks, and despite the muted oil price response to this weekends attack with drones from Iran toward Israel, call options are likely to be heavily traded in the coming days and weeks, analysts say. The bullish call options have been trading at high premiums over the bearish put options in the options market in recent weeksanother sign that the market seems bullish on oil and may have already priced in some escalation in the Middle East. Short of actual disruptions to oil supply, Goldman Sachs analysts have brushed off the latest events between Iran and Israel as a bullish factor for oil prices, citing potential hedging by producers. Any rise in oil prices on higher geopolitical risks may be dampened by oil producers deciding to hedge their price risks and sell forward their production, the bank said as quoted by FXStreet. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Following the Iranian drone attack against Israel this weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on Monday on several bills toughening sanctions on Iran, including one aimed at reducing Chinese imports of Iranian crude oil. The bills that will be voted on in an expedited procedure, Bloomberg notes, include the so-called Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023, which was unanimously approved by the House Financial Services Committee in November. The bill proposes to impose restrictions on correspondent and payable-through accounts in the United States with respect to Chinese financial institutions that conduct transactions involving the purchase of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. The bill expands secondary sanctions involving Iran to cover all transactions between Chinese financial institutions and sanctioned Iranian banks that transact for the purchase of petroleum and petroleum products. Under the bill, the U.S. will also have to make an annual determination as to whether Chinese financial institutions have engaged in sanctionable conduct. The background of the bill says that Irans crude oil exports are at a four-year high of 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd), 80% of which go to Chinas independent refiners, the so-called teapots. The U.S. toughening the sanctions enforcement against Iranian oil exports has been widely expected by analysts after Iran launched drones on Israel this weekend. Some investment banks and analysts do not see a major escalation in the Middle East to such that would directly hamper oil production and exports. But most expect tougher U.S. sanction enforcement against Irans oil exports. China has been a major buyer of Iranian crude as it has brushed off all Western sanctions on Iranian, Russian, or Venezuelan oil exports so far. If sanctions against Iran are more strictly enforced, between 500,000 bpd and 1 million bpd of oil supply could be lost, according to ING analysts. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: You are here: World Flash Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz visits Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. in Jiulongpo District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz said on Sunday he is impressed by the cooperation between German and Chinese enterprises in the field of hydrogen technology, and Germany is willing to continue to deepen friendly exchanges with China and push bilateral cooperation to a new level. Scholz on Sunday visited a Sino-German joint venture and a Sino-German cooperative scientific research project on water monitoring, among others, after his arrival earlier the day in Chongqing Municipality to kick off his three-day official visit to China. At the joint venture Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd., Scholz learned about the hydrogen powertrain products and fuel cell powertrain solutions, and experienced the assembly of hydrogen fuel cell power modules. Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz learns about a Sino-German cooperative scientific research project on water monitoring in Jiangbeizui, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Scholz said the company's technology progress and the factory construction speed were gratifying. Scholz is being accompanied by senior representatives of a number of renowned German companies, including Siemens, Bayer, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Zeiss. More than 5,000 German companies are operating in China -- which has been Germany's largest trading partner for many years. All the 157 persons on board an Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed on Sunday morning are dead. There were 147 passengers and eight crew members on board the airline. The BBC reeports that officials have retrieved the wreckage of the plane and confirmed the deaths. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 plane on a routine flight to Nairobi, Kenya from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, crashed shortly after take off. The Ethiopian Prime Minister was the first to suggest a large casualty from the crash. The Office of the PM, on behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia, would like to express its deepest condolences to the families of those that have lost their loved ones on Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 on regular scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya this morning, the message on governments Twitter handle read. An Ethiopian Airlines spokesman said the crash occurred at 8:44 a.m. local time. Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt has admitted he could join Juventus and that the Italian champions have some of the best defenders in the world. The 19-year-old has undertaken a meteoric rise during the past two-and-a-half seasons, making 105 appearances for Ajax and firmly establishing himself as the most in-demand young defender in Europe. De Ligt to Juve? Five key things to know 1.De Ligt, 19, has already played 105 times for Ajax. 2.His form has seen him win 15 caps for the Netherlands and he is now linked with the likes of Barcelona and Juventus. 3.De Ligt has named Juves Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini as two of the worlds best defenders. 4.The youngster has also admitted he could join Juventus in the summer. 5.Ajax face Juventus in their Champions League quarter-final clash later this month. De Ligt has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Juventus in recent months and will take on the latter with Ajax in the clubs upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash. And during an interview with Italian outlet, Tuttosport, De Ligt has heaped praise upon the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. I really like Chiellini, as he is one of the best defenders in the world. I also appreciate Bonucci, so between them they are among the best centre-backs in Europe, said the Netherlands international. For a young player like me, they are both examples to be inspired by. I am pleased with comparisons to Alessandro Nesta and Jaap Stam, as they were top players, but I have a long way to go in order to reach their level. Nesta was a fantastic defender and I also watch videos of Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. The Italian school of defending was always the best. De Ligt was then asked if he could soon be joining Bonucci and Chiellini in Turin. It could be, but there are other clubs interested too, he responded. Well see at the right moment, but now I am focused on Ajax and not my future. My agent Mino Raiola is taking care of that. I met Raiola in January 2017 and he said he wanted me with him because he admired me and had a lot of faith in my potential. I already knew of his important reputation, thought about if for a bit and then accepted. I am very happy with my decision. Ajax host the Old Lady in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on April 10, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paolo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic set to be formidable opponents for the young Amsterdam side. However, it is exactly that which De Ligt feels gives Ajax a quiet advantage in the tie, with expectations firmly set on a Juve win against an inexperienced team at this level. He added: Juventus are a great team. We believe in our chances of qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals because we are young and have less pressure on our shoulders. A civil servant working with the Delta State Ministry of Finance (Project E-Delta), Comrade Benson Efeotor, who returned an excessive sum of N53 million erroneously paid to him as salary, has been gifted with Brand New GAC Car Courtesy of the Delta State Government. Comrade Efeotor returned to the state government, the sum of fifty three million, one hundred and twenty one thousand, six hundred and fifty naira erroneously paid into his Zenith Bank account recently. Comrade Efeotor, who doubles as the Delta State Chairman of the Nigerian Civil Servants Union, spoke at the 2019 May Celebration held in Asaba. He said: I returned the money because I dont have such money in my bank account. He said when he saw the money in his back account; he informed the relevant government officials, who gave him the appropriate government account to pay the money back into. While noting that he has not been appreciated for returning the money, Comrade Edeotor who is an Okpara-Inland Community in Ethiope-East Local Government Area said: I have satisfied my conscience and I am okay with that. He said anyone who will say he was wrong for returning the money to the government is a thief. Comrade Efeotor stressed, You dont collect what does not belong to you. I am working for my salary. If I collect the money, thats criminal. Reacting to the development, the Delta State Governor, Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa said he has rewarded Comrade Benson Efeotor with a GS 3 saloon car for the show of good example. He said, Thats the Nigerian worker that we must recognize. Such person will lead the Union aright. File photo A 35-year-old selfacclaimed pastor, Samuel Stephen Chukwuka, was yesterday sentenced to one year in prison for defrauding a company, De-Skye Mercantile Services Limited in the sum of N4.5 million, NAN reports. Chukwuka was convicted by Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offenced Court, Lagos on a two-count charge of stealing contrary to Section 285(5) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011. Dada jailed Chukwuka after he pleaded guilty and confessed investing the said money in a Ponzi scheme popularly known as MMM. The convict, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said, committed the offence on October 31, 2016, by dishonestly converting N3 million, property of De-Skye Mercantile S e r v i c e s Limited, to his personal use. The antigraft agency said that Chukwuka also converted N1.3 million property of the same company to his personal use.T he complainant and CEO of De-Skye Mercantile, Egwabor Evans, had testified that the pastor (in the disguise of Multitech Business Ventures) had approached him through Mr. Shola Oyedele to finance an LPO (local purchase order). According to the evidence before the court, Evans petitioned the EFCC in a letter dated August 8, 2017, alleging that Chukwuka claimed that he was offered an LPO to supply 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise called diesel to UAC Lagos worth N3 million. Evans said that a payment was made on October 31, 2016 via interbank transfer from Fidelity Bank to his Zenith Bank account to be paid back after three to six weeks. Four weeks later, on November 29, 2016, Chukwuka came back again that there is another LPO of 6,000 litres worth N1.3 million in the total sum of two LPOs worth N4.3 million. After the second transfer was made, he stopped picking my calls. All efforts to recover the money from him yielded no result, Evans said. Meanwhile, Chukwuka, in his defence before the court, admitted that he collected the money from the complainant but invested it in a Ponzi scheme popularly known as MMM. Chukwuka said that he collected the money with the intention of investing it into MMM to make some profits but the scheme crashed on December 14, 2016. Justice Dada thereafter sentenced him to one year in prison following his written agreement with the EFCC where he promised to pay a balance of the N800,000, as he had paid part of the money. The Israeli military on Sunday carried out a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The development came hours after Iran launched its barrage of missiles and drones against Israel. Fox News reports that the fresh wave of Israeli attacks targeted a Hezbollah weapons manufacturing facility as well as other targets, according to the IDF. A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck a number of military structures in a complex belonging to Hezbollahs Radwan Forces in the area of Jbaa in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces said in a statement. Earlier during the night, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah military structures in the areas of Khiam and Kfarkela. Israel has yet to strike Iran directly following the attack, however, and the countrys ultimate plans for a response remain unclear. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed last week to respond to any Iranian assault in kind. READ ALSO: Biden calls for G7 meeting after Iran launches over 300 drones, missiles at Israel President Biden is reportedly advising Israel not to retaliate, given that its air defenses shot down roughly 99 per cent of Irans 300 missiles and drones during Saturdays attack. Biden reaffirmed US support for Israel in a Saturday night call with Netanyahu. Over 300 threats of various types were used in the Iranian attacks on Saturday, Israel said. According to Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari, 99% were intercepted. They include: More than 30 cruise missiles. According to Hagari, 25 of these missiles were intercepted by Israeli Air Force fighter jets outside the countrys borders. None of the 30 missiles crossed into Israeli territory. Over 120 ballistic missiles. Only a few crossed into Israeli territory and the rest were intercepted. The ones that did make landfall fell at the Nevatim Air Force Base, which caused minor damage. The base continues to be operational. Dozens of rockets. These were launched from Iraq, Yemen and Lebanese territory, according to the IDF. None of them crossed into Israeli territory and they caused zero casualties. The only casualty was a 10-year-old girl who was severely injured by shrapnel. We wish her a speedy recovery, said Hagari. Other than her, as far as we know, there are no additional casualties. Alphonsus Nweze, Onitsha Members of the Nsukka Platform, in Asaba, Delta State, have vehemently rejected the plan by the Enugu State Government to establish ranches in Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area and other communities in the State. The group, made up Enugu State indigenes, declared this outright rejection of the plan in its meeting held over the weekend, where they also condemned, in its entirety, the move by the Enugu State Government to set up ranches in Nimbo, Ikem-Nike and other communities in Isi Uzo Local Government Area, as well as Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Government Area of the State. Recall that the Governor Peter Mbah-led Enugu State Government had told the chairmen of the above-mentioned local government areas and other affected local governments to inform the local leadership of the communities of the planned establishment of ranches in the respective communities. This move, which has received widespread rejection from the people of the respective communities, has also sparked off immediate protest and condemnation both from people and groups within and outside the communities, including the apex Igbo sociocultural group, the Ohaneze Ndigbo. Declaring their stand against the move, the Nsukka Platform, in a statement signed by the Chairman, Dr. Leonard Abonyi and the Secretary, Ejiofor Asogwa, and made available to newsmen over the weekend, said it was unfortunate that a Governor of Southeast extraction would think that the best thing to do for his people is to set up ranches in the State for the Fulanis who are known for their notorious and mindless killings, kidnappings, land grabbing and expansionism in various parts of the country. They recalled that the Fulani Herdsmen had unleashed terror and mayhem on the people of Nimbo few years back, killing and maiming scores of the indigenes and setting their houses ablaze Nsukka Platform also regretted that, till this moment, neither the federal nor the state government has done anything to compensate for the loss of lives, injury and other incalculable damages inflicted on the people of the community, neither had the perpetrators been arrested nor arraigned. We dont want such maiming and killings again in our communities, they warned. They further recalled what they described as the various negative activities of Fulani Herdsmen and their clashes with farmers in other parts of the country, including Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Adamawa and Kaduna States, among others, where, they said, thousands of people were sent to their early graves with several others left homeless and severely injured. We want to state without equivocation that ranching is nothing but RUGA in disguise, which the past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had tried to foist on the people of Nigeria in his ill-fated eight years rule which was roundly rejected by Nigerians, the statement partly reads. The group, in the statement, also wondered what would be the economic benefits of ranching for the communities in Enugu State, that Governor Mba would want to smuggle it through the backdoor, if not for bloodletting, oppression and subjection of the people into slavery in their own land. According to them, what the Nimbo people and other communities in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area need now is the revival and resuscitation of the moribund Ada Rice Farm which has the capacity to cater for the rice need of the entire South East and beyond; as well as giving attention to University of Agriculture; rather than RUGA, in the name of ranching. Nsukka Platform joins other patriotic groups to reject ranching in Nimbo, Ikem Nkwo or any other community in the State in whatever disguise because of its capacity to cause unrest, mayhem, and bloodbath in the areas concerned now and in future. We say no to RUGA in whatever disguise, the statement concludes. Related It was a day of glitz and glamour in Abuja during the prestigious summit of the spokespersons and award presentation organized by the Nigeria Institute of public relations. The hall of the summit at International Conference Centre, Abuja, was elegantly decorated with sparkling lights and colorful banners, creating a festive and celebratory atmosphere. Guests were dressed in their finest attire, adding value to the air of sophistication and grandeur. The summit showcased the best and brightest individuals who were making positive impacts on their community and beyond. It was a momentous occasion that brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate the power of dedication, hardwork, and excellence. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Director-General, Media and Public Relations, Government House, Kano, who is also the official spokesperson of the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is among those who participated at the maiden summit. It was an event where spokespeople from all over the country gathered to exchange ideas and strategies for effective communication with the public. Excited for the opportunity to represent his state, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa prepared diligently for the summit. He studied the latest trends in communication, practiced his public speaking skills, and even reached out to his colleagues for advice. On the D-day, he stood confidently before the audience, ready to share his insights and experiences. Bature took his role seriously and worked tirelessly to ensure that the voice of Kano state government, and Governor Yusuf was heard. Sanusi is a distinguished broadcast-journalist turned proactive and reactive Public Relations maestro, who plays a pivotal role as the spokesperson for the Executive Governor of Kano State. His tireless efforts and unmatched commitment did not go unnoticed. Sanusi Batures exceptional performance as the spokesperson for Governor Yusuf earned him the prestigious accolade of Spokesperson of the Year, Executive Arm, by the esteemed Public Relations body, NIPR Nigeria. This rare recognition by the NIPR did not only celebrate Sanusi Batures individual achievements, but also underscores the critical role of effective communication skills he carries, in shaping political campaigns and positive propaganda. Throughout the arduous journey from campaign trails to courtroom dramas, that later confirmed Governor Yusuf as the authentic and widely-accepted Executive Governor of Kano state, Sanusi Batures voice was heard loud and clear, as a beacon of hope, optimism and courage; traits of communication prowess you cannot take away from him. His astute understanding of public sentiment coupled with his ability to craft and move compelling narratives ensured that Governor Yusufs message resonated with the masses, cementing his popularity and electoral victory. As he spoke, Sanusi captivated the audience with his eloquence and passion. He shared stories of the challenges and triumphs of his state, highlighting the efforts of the government to improve the lives of its citizens. His words resonated with the audience, who were inspired by his dedication and commitment to serving his state. Also at the summit, Sanusi Bature received a standing ovation from the crowd. His fellow spokespersons praised him for his exceptional performance, and some even sought his advice on how to better communicate with their people and their principals. Bature was humbled by the recognition, but he knew that his work was far from over. Batures success at the Spokesperson Summit not only elevated his career but also brought much-needed attention to the city of Kano. His dedication to serving his state shone brightly at the summit, and his influence continued to grow as he worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of the people he served. He also received an award of recognition for his selfless service to the state as the best spokesperson in the country. While receiving the award. the hall erupted in applause as he held up the award, a smile spreading across his face. It was a truly proud moment for everyone in attendance. Upon returning to Kano, Bature presented the award he received at the summit to his principal, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The Governor turned to Bature and shook his hand, saying congratulations for this prestigious award. The ceremony in Abuja witnessed different caliber of people in various sectors of the country, among them is the Minister of information, Muhammad Idris, and other top gurus in the PR industry. Ibrahim is the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State. Related Candidates from Anambra and Enugu states have been informed by the Nigerian Police Force, Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo-Dinukofia, that the medical screening exercise for police recruitment, covering both general duty and specialist constables, will be held at the Police Hospital, Central Police Station, Awka, Anambra State. This was contained in a statement issued by the commands Public Relations Officer, Josephine Ihunwo, on Monday, adding that the exercise has been fixed for April 16 to April 30, 2024. The Zone 13 Headquarters comprises police formations in Anambra, Enugu and some parts of Ebonyi State. The statement read, This is to notify the general public that police recruitment medical screening exercise for both general duty and specialist constable will commence simultaneously nationwide on Tuesday, April 16 and it will end on April 30, 2024. Prospective candidates from Zone 13 comprising Anambra and Enugu states should note that the exercise will take place at Police Hospital, Central Police Station Awka. Candidates are advised to visit the recruitment portal: https://apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng to know their status, specific time, date and other mandatory requirements. So also, qualified applicants are to appear in a clean white T-shirt and shorts with the following requirements, National Identity Card/Slip, printout of medical examination slip, and all necessary documents. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 13 Command, AIG Godwin Ndidi Aghaulor, wishes all prospective candidates success as they embark on this exercise. In March 2024, PUNCH Online reported that the Enugu State Police Command fixed dates and venues for the Computer-Based Test for General Duty applicants in the recruitment of police constables. The command said the successful applicants shortlisted in the conducted physical and credentials screening were slated for Tuesday, March 5, and Wednesday, March 6, 2024, for the CBT. This was contained in a statement issued in the state by the commands spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe. Ndukwe said the centres for the CBT exercise included Coal City University CBT Centre, Abakaliki Road, Enugu; Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Abakaliki Road, Enugu; and Foretrust Digital Learning Management Centre, Premier Layout, Near Dunamis Church, New Artisan, Enugu. Flash Lebanon's Hezbollah on Sunday "congratulated" Iran on its overnight "unprecedented" attack on Israel. The Iran-backed Shiite armed group extended in a statement its congratulations to the Iranian leadership and people for "the unprecedented attack targeting the entity of the oppressive and aggressive enemy," considering the move an application of Iran's "natural and legal right." Iran launched a combined attack with dozens of ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones on Israel late Saturday, triggering air raid alerts across Israel. The Israeli military on Sunday put the number of Iran's launches at more than 300, noting 99 percent of them were intercepted. In early Sunday morning, Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations said on social media platform X that the attack came in response to the deadly Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus on April 1, and "the matter can be deemed concluded." The mission stressed the strike on Israel was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter regarding the legitimate right to self-defense. Hezbollah's statement came as its tensions with Israel have been escalating since Oct. 8, 2023, following its launching of a barrage of rockets toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. In response, Israel retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. On Sunday afternoon, Israel carried out eight air strikes on six towns and villages in Lebanon's southern border region and fired 45 shells at 14 towns and villages in the area, according to Lebanese military sources. The unnamed sources added that they monitored the launching of about 25 surface-to-surface missiles and several drones from Lebanon toward northern Israel, some of which were responded to by Israeli Iron Dome missiles. Mohamed Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has emphasized that the arrest of 50,901 drug offenders, including 46 barons, and the successful prosecution and conviction of 9,034 individuals, alongside the seizure of over 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances over the past 38 months, serves as a clear message to drug cartels that Nigeria will not tolerate their criminal activities. Marwa stated this in Lagos on Monday, 15th April 2024 in his remarks at the commissioning and handing over ceremony of an operational facility built and donated to NDLEA by the British Government. He said,As an agency, NDLEA has undergone a tremendous reformation, with its metamorphosis catalysed by partners like the UK. Our operations have undergone substantial reforms, resulting in remarkable achievements within the last three years. During this period, the NDLEA achieved significant milestones in its mission to combat drug trafficking and abuse. With a total of 50,901 arrests, including the apprehension of 46 drug barons, our agency has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bringing those involved in illicit drug activities to justice. Furthermore, the conviction of 9,034 offenders underscores our relentless pursuit of accountability and deterrence in the fight against drug-related crimes. Our seizure of 7,560,748.5 kilograms (7,561 tonnes) not only disrupts the flow of illegal drugs but also serves as a significant blow to the criminal networks responsible for their distribution. We have taken decisive action against illicit drug crop cultivation with our search-and-destroy campaign against cannabis plantations which have led to the destruction of 1,057.33348 hectares of cannabis farms in the past three years. While acknowledging officials of the British Government that facilitated the realisation of the project especially Mr Dave Carter, the NDLEA boss called for the strengthening of the partnership between Nigeria and the UK. Marwa stated that though so much has been achieved under his leadership of the agency, the battle against illicit drugs is far from over. Let us redouble our efforts, with renewed vigour and determination, as we strive to build a safer, more secure future for generations to come, he charged. Speaking at the ceremony, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter assured of continued support to NDLEA and Nigeria. According to him, We, the UK government are delighted to have this long-standing relationship with the NDLEA and Im in particular delighted to have been personally in a number of activities especially your maritime. This building makes a whole set of different actors and capabilities to address any criminal activity. Were delighted to continue our support for the NDLEA and the Nigerian government to tackle what is sadly a global industry, which needs a global response. Ill like to join the chairman in affirming our continued support, our continued cooperation and indeed our continued pride in working together with ladies and gentlemen of this agency, the NDLEA. The Enugu State Government has established a condolence register for Nigerians to express their condolences and pay tribute to the gifted Nollywood actor, Obumneme Odonwodo, affectionately known as Junior Pope, who tragically lost his life in a boating accident. This was even as Governor Peter Mbah expressed deep shock over the untimely demise of the Nollywood icon, describing it as heart-wrenching. A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Aka Eze Aka, at the weekend, said the condolence register would be opened at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information and Communication, State Secretariat, Enugu effective Monday, April 15, 2024. Indeed, the death of Jnr. Pope came at a time Enugu State is working so hard to develop the creative potentials of its youth for self-reliance, as employers of labour and export of their talents outside the shores of Nigeria. Governor Mbah expresses deep grief that the late star and other young, talented Nigerians could lose their lives in such an unfortunate circumstance. The governor, therefore, commiserates with the bereaved families, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and the entire Nollywood industry over the painful loss of their members in the boat accident. Meanwhile, those who may not get to the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, may use the following email address for their tributes:[email protected] to express their condolences, the Commissioner said. He promised that the state would work in concert with the family to ensure a befitting burial for the late movie icon. The Nigerian Army reports that its troops, working alongside vigilantes, have arrested a suspected gunrunner in Taraba. The suspect, Mansir Mohammed, was arrested at Jalingo Motor Park for allegedly supplying weapons to terrorists. This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Monday in Abuja. Nwachukwu said the troops also foiled a kidnap attempt and eliminated a terrorist during the operation. He said the arrest of Mohammed led to the nabbing of other members of his syndicate and the recovery of one Semi-Automatic Pump Action gun He said other items recovered were one locally fabricated gun, a Peugeot car, five mobile phones, and the sum of N45,000. Nwachukwu said the troops had, in a separate operation at Miyande Village, Takum Local Government Area of the state, intercepted two suspected terrorists who concealed automatic rifles underneath the seat of a motorbike. He added that one AK- 47 Rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a motorcycle were recovered from them. In another development, troops responded to a distress call and successfully foiled a kidnap attempt within Zaki-Biam Town in Zaki-Biam Local Government Area of Benue. During the intervention, troops neutralised one kidnapper in a shootout with the criminals and recovered a Beretta Pistol with four rounds of nine ammunition. These successful operations underscore the Nigerian Armys unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and insurgency in its strive to ensure security in the country. We urge members of the public to continue to support our troops as they conduct their operations, he said. Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has mourned as the Maidalan Gombe family lost six members in a road accident. The six victims perished in an accident while returning from Azare in Bauchi State to Gombe on Sunday evening. The governor extended his condolences to the family of the deceased in a statement on Monday made available by his spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli. Governor Yahaya, his Deputy, Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III joined hundreds of mourners to observe the funeral prayer for the deceased. The funeral prayer took place on Monday at the palace of the Emir in Gombe. Governor Yahaya said the loss of family members in such a tragic manner was quite devastating, adding that the whole state was deeply affected by the sad event. ALSO READ :Finally, Liverpool and Arsenal hand the EPL title to Man City The Governor prayed Almighty to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and reward their good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus. He said: Our heartfelt condolences to Maidalan Gombe and the entire bereaved family members during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of 6 family members in such a tragic road accident is not only a profound loss to your family but it also deeply affects the entire Gombe people. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt for the immense grief you and your loved ones are experiencing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you pass through this heartbreaking time. The Nigerian Army had revealed that arrest of agitators of the Yoruba Nation who were dressed in foreign military camouflage with berets and armed with dangerous weapons in buses and motorbikes during their invasion of the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. The Director Army of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement @HQNigerianArmy indicated that following report of an attack on the State Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State, troops promptly responded to the incident and had contact with adherents of the Yoruba Nation dressed in foreign military camouflage with berets and armed with dangerous weapons in buses and motorbikes. According to the Director of Army Public Relations, upon encountering own troops, the Yoruba nation adherents engaged the troops in a shootout. Troops, utilizing superior firepower, successfully subdued the attackers, who subsequently retreated in disarray. As a result of this engagement, nine members of the irredentist group were apprehended, while one Semi Automatic Pump Action rifle and ammunition were recovered. He maintained that currently, troops are on the track of the fleeing adherents, and that the situation is under control. The statement read: SITUATION REPORT ON INVASION OF OYO STATE SECRETARIAT AGODI This is to notify the general public that today Saturday 13 April 2024, sequel to the report of an attack on the State Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State, troops promptly responded to the incident and had contact with adherents of the Yoruba Nation dressed in foreign military camouflage with berets and armed with dangerous weapons in buses and motorbikes. Upon encountering own troops, the Yoruba nation adherents engaged the troops in a shootout. Troops, utilizing superior firepower, successfully subdued the attackers, who subsequently retreated in disarray. As a result of this engagement, nine members of the irredentist group were apprehended, while one Semi Automatic Pump Action rifle and ammunition were recovered. Currently, troops are on the track of the fleeing adherents, and the situation is under control. We assure members of the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the general area. We urge the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate security agencies. The safety and security of the citizenry remain a priority, as we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region. The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has been suspended by members of his ward, the Ganduje Ward in the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State. The Executive Council of Ganduje Ward led by Haruna Gwanjo disclosed this during a press briefing in Kano on Monday. Gwanjo said that the former governor has to clear his name of corruption allegations regarding his long-standing dollar case. It would be recalled that a Kano State High Court has fixed April 17, 2024, for the arraignment of Ganduje, his wife, son, and five others, for alleged bribery. Ganduje and the others will be arraigned on eight counts bordering on a $413,000 bribery allegation, diversion, and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N1.38bn, among others. The Kano government had filed an eight-count charge against Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of the state, for allegedly collecting $200,000 from a contractor. READ ALSO: Gov Yusuf rejects Gandujes invitation to join APC In 2018, Daily Nigerian, an online newspaper, published a video of Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollars from contractors, which he stuffed into his babanriga, a traditional outfit The newspaper said the former governor requested $5 million as a bribe from the contractors who recorded the video. In 2023, the Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) invited Ganduje for questioning over the incident in the video. The former governor did not honour the invitation and instead instituted a suit against the agency. In March, a federal high court in Kano stopped the agency from inviting or questioning Ganduje over the bribery allegations. The court ruled that the agency lacks the power to invite or investigate Ganduje over the allegations. Abdullahi Liman, the presiding judge, said the alleged infraction is a federal offence that cannot be prosecuted by the state anti-graft agency. The Oyo State Police Command has placed its personnel on red alert after the arrest of 20 members of the Separatist Group,Yoruba Nation last Saturday who were attempting to takeover the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. According to the State Police Command @OyoPoliceNG this happened during the early hours of the day. Adequate security measures have been emplaced to comprehensively cater for the residents and the good citizens at large. If you see something, say something and the Police will do something 2/2. One Ms. Modupe Onitiri Abiola, had proclaimed herself President of Yoruba Nation, and declaring the Democratic Republic of Yoruba, and proclaiming the secession of the Yoruba Nation from Nigeria. There were acknowledgments of the Newest Nation in the World, celebrated at congratulated as the Democratic Republic of Yoruba Nation. Meanwhile, the police have sustained surveillance and are not giving any space to anarchy in southwest Nigeria. From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI In its effort to burst and improve small and medium-sized enterprises businesses, the Bauchi State Government has commences the payment of compensation To owners of Houses, Shops and structures at The Central Market in the state metropolitan area. The payment of compensation to owners of houses, shops and structures affected along the market areas which was being carried out by the Bauchi State Government through the Committee set up to reconstruct and remodel the Central Market. Chairman of the Committee double as General Manager Bauchi State Marketing and Termaninal Management Company Alh Mohammed Kabir Sizwe explained that the commenced of the payment would pave way for immediately reconstructions and upgrading of the market. He added that the Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed administrations remains committed towards improving businesses and economic activities in the State. The chairman, however, used the medium and called on the beneficiaries to support the efforts of the Governor to deliver more devident of democracy to the citizens of the state expecially at the grassroot levels. According to him, said if the project is completed, both the traders and artisans in the State would enjoyed smoothly businesses transactions with free flow of traffic on the market and Assured that Governor Bala Abdulkadir would soon flags off the project. Related A renowned legal practitioner, Femi Falana SAN, on Tuesday dared President Muhammadu Buhari to prosecute the Convener of #RevolutionNow Movement, Omodele Sowore, in court over the Monday mass protest which was foiled by security operatives across the country. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria had noted the tempting gross miscalculation of the Buhari administration to file charges against Sowore, is being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since Saturday over the planned Monday protest. The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had in a statement on Sunday warned that the planned revolutionary protest is tantamount to treasonable felony. The DSS, however, held that Sowore was arrested and being detained over planned public disturbance and threat to peace across the country. National Dailylearned that Falana at an event organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on Tuesday, disclosed that Sowore had briefed him from detention that in the case he is being charged, his first witness would be someone in government who in 2011 also called for a revolution. It was recalled that President Buhari, then, presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), had called for a revolution in Nigeria, however, during the electioneering campaigns. Falana was said to have noted that Sowore refused to write a statement, insisting the DSS must allow him to speak to his lawyer first. I do hope that the government will not be stupid to charge Sowore. In fairness to them (DSS), they gave him a telephone to phone me. Of course, I knew they were monitoring the phone, and I told him I hope they wont charge you, because if they do, some of the people in government will be our witnesses. You know why? One of them, I wont mention his name; in 2011, he asked Nigerians to learn from the Egyptian revolution and be ready for a revolution in Nigeria. So, he will be my first witness. The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi and four other people were charged with treasonable felony by the Ibrahim Babangida junta. I was one of them. We were detained in Kuje prison for two months. We were taken to the court, and what was the offence? I think we went beyond Sowore. We posted thousands of posters across the country that Babangida must go. That was the treasonable felony, Falana was cited to have declared. Falana maintained that in defence with Gani Fawehinmi, they contested that the then military president did not come to office through constitutional means. He noted that those in government now harassing Nigerians with treason would someday, too, be tried for treason. Post Views: 175 Lagos State Police Command has arrested 18-year-old Elikor Ehud in Ejigbo for allegedly stealing tithes and offerings belonging to Chosen Vine Ministry, Furniture Avenue. Ehud, who is a church worker, conspired with a coworker, Lucky, and sneaked into the Church, break the seed offering box and cart away all the money inside. The church G.O, Dr. Godwin Chukwudire, was reported shocked on Monday morning when he entered church to collect the seed sown by members during Church service, only to meet an empty offering box. The alleged theft was reported to the Police at Ejigbo Division. The Police officers, led by CSP Olabisi Okuwobi, moved into action and arrested Ehud while his accomplice, Lucky, escaped and is now at large. The suspect, Ehud, confessed to the Police and explained that the thought to steal the money came to him when the Church organized special prayer and he was in the prayer camp for five days before they carried out the operation. Flash A Chinese envoy on Sunday called for calm and restraint after Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel over the latter's deadly assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria. "China calls on relevant parties to exercise maximum calm and restraint and resolve their differences and disputes in accordance with the purposes of the UN Charter and international law to prevent further escalation," said Dai Bing, the charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. On April 1, Iran's diplomatic premises in Syria were attacked by airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian personnel and severe damage to the premises. This is a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law and a breach of the sovereignty of both Syria and Iran. The attack is of an extremely vicious nature, he noted. China expressed deep concern over Saturday's escalation. It has also noted that Iran stated that its military action was in response to Israel's aggression against its diplomatic premises and the matter can be deemed concluded, said Dai. The ongoing situation is the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict. It serves as another reminder that the Palestinian question remains central to the Middle East issue and bears on the peace, stability and long-term security in the region, he said. If the flames of the Gaza conflict are allowed to continue raging, the adverse spillover is set to spread still further, making the region even more unstable. Countries and peoples in the Middle East do not want to see, nor can they afford a larger conflict or war. Therefore, the priority is implementing Security Council Resolution 2728 and securing an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, he said. The ultimate solution is to implement the two-state solution and put an end to the vicious circle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability of the region, he said. A funny meme advises people who intend to make everyone happy to rather sell ice creams than be the leader of any human group. And, paraphrasing Swapnil Thakur, despite the envy of colleagues, the person occupying a managerial position is probably the most hated human being around. This is the current situation of the management and staff of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc. (NIBSS). Suffice it to say that if the current MD/CEO of NIBSS, Mr Premier Oiwoh, was a facebook status, he no doubt would have been the most unliked thing on the platform from some of his staff members point of view. To put it straight, some employees well, ex-employees of the NIBSS were recently relieved of their duties by the Executive Committee headed by Oiwoh. The embattled employees have are making public accusations against the MD, of unlawful sack and denial of emoluments. As is usually the case whenever issues like this arise, it is difficult to tell who is truthing from who is making efforts to make his/her side of the story a truth. Emotions are whipped up and thrown in the mix and the onlookers have to make a choice of who is to enjoy their pity. In the end, different stories and sub-stories are told, with one party painted as the demon or the angel, depending on who is telling the story. So, between Oiwoh and the disengaged staff, who is wrong? How did it all begin? HOW IT ALL BEGAN Mr Premier Oiwoh was appointed the MD/CEO in May 2019. Of course, he was given a job to do: carry out a holistic reorganization of the NIBSS and through it, revolutionize the Nigerian payment system. Tasks as this require serious rejigging and review of operational processes and reassessing the companys resources on how best to meet up with the given assignment. According to Oiwoh, in his response letter to the CBN, Delivering this mandate required not just world-class infrastructure but also competent and motivated Human Resources. Our analysis however revealed that available Human Resources at the Company was not fit for purpose as a number of the employees had a track record of poor performance and low productivity. Here then is where the whole problem started: some members of staff must be laid off because they were not skilled enough to tackle the next-level challenges. They would recruit more competent workers afterwards. One way or the other then, some persons will not be happy with the development because, hello, we are talking about sacking here. One can only imagine the dilemma Oiwoh and his executive team found themselves in, in deciding whom to disengage since it was inevitable. A Dale Carnegies quote says, when dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic but creatures of emption. Probably aware of this and foreseeing the emotional reaction that would come from the would-be-affected staff, the executive committee did everything to be very transparent in the process so that no one would suspect them of favoritism and, more importantly, to ensure that the selection process actually affected the right (or wrong) people. Consequently, an independent audit team carried out the human resources appraisal and from the outcome, some of the employees who fell on the wrong side decided to quit through resignation. Other, numbering 23, who did not resign were officially briefed on the development; they were told the reason why it had to be done. On the 2nd of August, their appointments and access to the NIBSS portal were terminated. Knowing full well that this was an unfortunate thing for the disengaged staff, Oiwoh and his team resolved to send them off with palliatives. It must also be made clear that the whole process was done in line with the NIBSS Human Resource policies and provisions of Nigerian Labor laws. How the disengaged staff were paid off. They were paid certain amounts since there was not enough time for a longer notice period as enshrined in the Companys Human Resource policy (Article 3.7.1) which provides that either party (i.e. employee and employer) may determine the employment upon giving requisite notices (2 months notice for Senior Management and 1 month notice for Middle level management and below) or by making salary payments/refunds in lieu of notice. Given that the employment contract of the employees were being terminated, the Company exercised the option of making salary payment in lieu of notice as required by Labour laws, the Human Resource Policy and the employment contracts of the exited staff. Their Upfront Allowances were deducted. It should be stated clearly that the NIBSS, following industry practice makes advances to its middle level and senior management in form of upfront allowance as follows: 4 years furniture allowance, 1 year housing allowance, vacation allowance, 3 years warm clothing allowance. Since they were being disengaged, the practice is that the unearned part of the upfront allowances is recouped. They were given their gratuity payments with the accrued gains totaling N594,000,000.00 (Five hundred and ninety four million Naira Only) for the 23 exited staff put together. Some company assets were left with the ex-Staff. The companys official cars used by its the ex-Management staff from manager grade and above, upon retirement. But, to further alleviate the ex-staffs pain, the assets were released to them as if they were retiring. The terminated staffs access to the National Health Insurance Programme was retained until the current period covered by the premium expired. However, they were encouraged to make private arrangements for their health insurance coverage upon expiration of the period covered by the NIBSS premium. If the management took such care to ensure the ex-staff members were not sent away empty-handed, is it not a shocker then, when the same 23 persons suddenly claimed to have been unlawfully disengaged, asking for Mr Oiwohs suspension and immediate probe of his activities in NIBSS. A part of their petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives reads: It is pertinent to add that we were neither under any disciplinary action for misconducts nor have [sic] any queries/warnings to warrant this sort of forced and unplanned dismissal. Amongst the employees so cruelly exited are people who are pioneer members of the company who have devoted their lives in years and decades to the service of the company humiliated out of office like common criminals. The letter also claimed that they were never briefed of any disengagement and ends with a cry for justice. However, it is surprising that among their listed demands, the ex-staff members did not ask for what should be the most important thing: reinstatement. Ordinarily, if they were sent away wrongfully, the justice to be done would simply be an immediate reinstatement. Rather, they are asking for more benefits and the head of Oiwoh. While it is left for the relevant authorities to decide what becomes of the matter, it is appropriate that everyone knows exactly what transpired within the NIBSS and why the 23 disengaged staff members are writing the House of Reps for justice. Major-General Mohammed Babagana Monguno, the National Security Adviser resurfaced Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja. Monguno had set off concerns about his status in the administration after he was absent at last weeks FEC meeting and also the meeting on Monday between President Buhari and Service chiefs. Speculations that his absence may be a fallout over his leaked memo that the Presidents Chief of Staff, Malam Abba Kyari, was meddling in his duties, by holding meetings with security chiefs and giving them instructions. But government sources squelched the speculations by attributing his absence to his attendance of a Security Conference in Munich Germany. The conference held 14-16 February. On Wednesday, photographs showed him bantering with Abba Kyari at the Council meeting, where the members of the National Assembly Commission were also sworn in by Buhari. One photo also sshowed the two men from Borno state shaking hands. Photos by Sunday Aghaeze The Lagos government has begun another round of tracing as a new case is confirmed by the state health commissioner. So all the passenger on the March 13 British Airways flight to Nigeria are to be traced out and isolated as the index case came from the UK . The affected person is a 30-year-old Nigerian lady. She returned from the United Kingdom on March 13. The Ministry of Health says she is now at Mainland General Hospital receiving care. Health Commissioner Akin Abayomi advised passengers on the same flight with the UK-returnee should stay at home and self-isolate themselves for 14 days. Contact tracing of all passengers and all those who may have come in contact with this latest case has commenced, he said. Detecting this after four days will pose a lot of challenges for contact tracing as those affected may be unwilling to out. It nearly became a national security issue for the last two passengers on the same flight as the first index case from Italy to turn themselves in. The state got them on Facebook weeks after detection. PV: 0 Tinubu Asiwaju Bola Tinubus political acumen has been much extolled by his many political devotees. However, whether any one of them would subject himself to the medical diagnosis of a Dr. Tinubu garbed as a medical doctor or take his prescriptions for an ailment is an issue. As Comrade Adams Oshiomholes political future hung in the balance at the beginning of the week, Tinubu, after a long absence, came out to diagnose the problems against the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC. According to him, those fighting Oshiomhole were afflicted with a 2023 virus, which he said was worse than coronavirus. Perhaps symptomatic of the 2023 virus on those it had afflicted was the blind ambition that made them pull down posters and billboards of Oshiomhole positioned within and outside the immediate premises of the national secretariat of the APC last Monday. That bold action seemed to underline the perception all around Abuja and the nation that Oshiomholes days were finally over. His fate was compounded by President Muhammadu Buharis eerie silence in the face of disorder in the party. Well, that was until Dr. Tinubus diagnosis of a 2023 virus. Whether it was Dr. Tinubus diagnosis of the 2023 virus being worse than coronavirus that roused President Muhammadu Buhari into action remains a matter of conjecture. Willy-nilly, mischief-makers allege that Dr. Tinubu drew out the president by pointing to a plot to hurry him out of office. That is, also believing that nobody in the cabal is plotting a third term. Mischief-makers say that Dr. Tinubus political prescription had been successfully used in 2005 to bury Senator Adolphus Wabara. During the Senate Christmas break of 2004, Wabara as Senate President had hosted Southeast senators in his Ohambele, Abia State country home. The senators at the end of the merrymaking were said to have lured Wabara into availing himself as the Igbo candidate to replace President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2007. It is still to be confirmed whether it was Senator Arthur Nzeribe as alleged by some mischief makers who being privy to the brewing Third Term agenda that leaked the Ohambele resolution to the presidency. Willy-nilly, Wabara lost face in the presidency and was within weeks removed from office following revelations about the N55 million education budget scam. However, Tinubus diagnosis of a 2023 virus was faulted by a leading APC chieftain, Osita Okechukwu, director-general of the Voice of Nigeria, VON. Mr. Okechukwu, who has partnered with Buharis political schemes since 2002 in disagreeing, said the party problems were instead caused by what he diagnosed as an Osho-virus. Dr. Okechukwu, in his 10 point diagnosis, also submitted that the Osho-virus was worse than coronavirus. Dr. Okechukwu noted among other ills, the partys failure to scrutinize the Bayelsa governorship running mates credentials as symptomatic of an Osho virus rather than a 2023 virus. Given the way the pursuit of the virus became a national concern, it was not surprising that Governor Nyesom Wike, who everyone knows to be a lawyer, would also weigh in on the debate. In his diagnosis, the Rivers State governor, in an unusual stance, agreed with Dr. Tinubu averring that the problems of the APC were indeed, caused by a 2023 virus. I agree with the former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, that the crisis in APC is about 2023. Everyone wants to be president or vice president. This virus is indeed, worse than coronavirus, Dr. Wike said during a session with newsmen earlier this week. A day or so later, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, a former Buharist who made a failed bid to contest the 2019 presidential ticket of the party, stepped into the arena by denouncing the claims of Tinubu and the other virus experts. Ogbonnia, according to his profile, has degrees in civil engineering, sociology, public administration, law, and a Ph.D. in leadership. He was the exception. While admitting to problems in the party, he, however, objected to seeing the maladies as worse than coronavirus. He, nevertheless, diagnosed Dr. Tinubu as also suffering from the 2023 virus symptoms. As he said:Oshiomholes main functionhas been to perfect Tinubus plot to install his cronies across the country towards a presidential bid. Every APC structure, from the states to the federal, including the Legislature, and President Buhari and his cabinet, had a bitter taste of the crisis. Only Coronavirus could have been as toxic and widespread. Remarkably, of all the virologists, only Dr. Ogbonnia was candid enough to draw attention to the fact that coronavirus should be handled more seriously than the APC viruses. So, while other world leaders were talking to their citizens about coronavirus, Dr. Tinubus diagnosis prompted the presidential intervention into the malady caused by the more deadly 2023 virus. Nigerians may now wonder whether it was the seriousness with which the president regarded the APC viruses that distracted him from addressing Nigerians on the global coronavirus pandemic or visiting the victims of the Abule Ado explosion. Well, maybe. Olawale Aderibigbe, a 33-year-old suspect, yesterday confessed to the police in Lagos that what he needed was just the security code of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card to withdraw all the money in a victims account. The suspect was arrested by police detectives at Surulere area of the metropolis after much surveillance. Aderibigbe, a suspected fraudster cum robber, used to rob people of their ATM cards, which he later used to withdraw money. It was learnt that the Intelligence Unit of the command had been on the trail of the suspect for a long time before he was arrested on February 18, at his hideout. The state Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, told journalists at the command headquarters, Ikeja that the suspect belonged to a syndicate which specialised in robbing people of their ATM cards. He said: The suspect confessed during interrogation that he and his partners had stolen money from many peoples accounts through ATM cards, which they stole from people at gunpoint. We are working assiduously to track down other members of the gang and brought them to book. Aderibigbe told journalists that he could withdraw money, using any ATM card as long as the card had security code. EFFINGHAM Marylene Weishaar is here today to share firsthand memories of her family's connection to the April 4, 1949 fire that destroyed St. Anthony Hospital and claimed 77 lives. One of those lives belonged to her father, hospital maintenance engineer Frank Ries, whose body was found in the basement of the facility surrounded by five empty fire extinguishers. "Dad went in trying to save people," said Weishaar, who was 17 at the time. She added that her mother, nurse aide Marie Ries, was working at the hospital that night and broke her back jumping from the second floor. Weishaar said those with firsthand memories of the fire will be gone in about a generation, so she greatly appreciates the new statue that was unveiled Sunday afternoon in front of HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital to mark the 75th anniversary of the fire. "I am glad they are keeping the memories alive. It's nice for this history to be remembered because it was a terrible tragedy," Weishaar said. The statue, located at the entrance to the Prairie Heart Institute, was commissioned by the Effingham Retired Volunteer Firefighters Association as the anniversary approached and made possible through community fundraising. The statue depicts a nurse cuddling a baby. Among those killed by the fire were a dozen infants and their 22-year-old nurse, Fern Riley. She had stayed at her post trying to save them as flames quickly swept through the hospital. One of the last remaining survivors of the fire, Anita Sidener, was a maternity patient that night at the hospital. She jumped from the burning building and was severely injured, losing her unborn child. The 97-year-old St. Elmo woman was recognized as part of the unveiling ceremony. Carol Seiler of Effingham noted after the ceremony that she was a newborn baby when she and her mother, Bernice Seiler, were released from the hospital's care not long before the fire occurred. "We lived just three blocks from the hospital, so you could see the flames from our house," Seiler said, adding that her mother shared little else about the fire or her feelings on their narrow escape. "She never spoke a whole lot about the fire. It was something I don't feel she could articulate." Jim Wolters, vice president of the Retired Volunteer Firefighters Association, said that reluctance to talk about the April 4, 1949 conflagration was also shown by the veteran firefighters from that day who were still on duty when he joined the Effingham Fire Department in 1969. "They wouldn't talk about it, which was totally understandable," Wolters said. State Fire Marshall Pat Kelly wrote about the overwhelming challenge faced by the 25-man, mostly volunteer fire department as flames roared through the wood and brick hospital, built in 1876. There, wide open hallways and stairwells enabled the fire to quickly spread as it consumed plentiful flammable materials. Kelly wrote, Its equipment, manpower and water supply was totally inadequate in the face of so great a fire involvement and its efforts, however heroic, were futile against the speed and intensity of combustion." The fire originated in the basement but its exact cause was never determined. Then-Gov. Adlai Stevenson later ordered the evaluation of all hospitals in the state to identify and deal with fire hazards, a move that has potentially saved untold lives since then. As the fire still burned, additional resources were called in to support local emergency responders. Carolyn Hollar of Edgewood said her father, Tom Curry, was serving with Illinois National Guard unit in Mattoon when they were sent to help with recovery efforts and to guard the property. "My father said it would take him a lifetime to forget what he saw," Hollar said. She added that her grandmother, Alice Curry, gained haunting memories of her own from being on duty as a telephone operator as calls came flooding in the night of the fire. Two of the Effingham firefighting vehicles that helped on scene April 4, 1949 were present for the unveiling of the memorial statue. The restored pumper fire engine and panel truck are looked after by Nick Althoff, president of the Retired Volunteer Firefighters Association. "They were part of the history of the department, and they were also part of the history of the fire," Althoff of the importance of maintaining these vehicles, which are now regularly part of local parades. Both Althoff and Wolters said they are proud of how quickly the association was able to raise the $40,000 needed from the community to create the memorial statue. The financial support included $15,000 from the City of Effingham. The 6-foot-tall granite statue is adorned with commemorative plaques, including a listing of those killed by the fire, and is surrounded by a circular pathway of bricks inscribed by the names of donors. Chad Markham, president and CEO of HSHS St. Anthony's, noted that the "Memorial Hospital" in the facility's name is a permanent reminder of the fire and the rebuilding that took place afterward. He said the creation of the statue and the history shared at the unveiling continue that spirit. "It's a celebration of life and the generosity and the tenacity of the community," Markham said. The second edition of the Read to Inspire Series held at the Korle Gonno Community Library featured a book by prominent Ghanaian author and writer Ama Ata Aidoo, The Girl Who Can." The initiative organised by the Duo Concept Foundation is to inspire students to cultivate the spirit of reading as well as become ambassadors of the initiative. The 2024 edition brought together pupils from some selected basic schools within Korle Gonno, a suburb of Greater Accra, to participate in knowledge sharing, and personal development, and serve as ambassadors of reading. Speaking to the pupils, the lead facilitator of the Duo Concept Foundation, Ms Kate Addo, expressed the need to encourage reading to improve discipline, self-awareness, and communication. Touching on the choice of book for this edition, Ms Addo stated the contribution of the late Ama Ata to Ghanaian literature and culture and was emphatic about her style of writing, relatable scenes, and her overall inspiration as a woman who served as a great mentor to many across the world. According to her, choice of the book speaks to the modern day struggles faced by the girl child expressed by the author in the book. Adding that, the story is relatable which tells the present day struggles and challenges of many adventurous and inspiring young women. "The Girl Who Can by Ama Ata was read by special dignitaries, including Madam Doreen Hammond of the Mirror Newspaper, Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Associations, as well as Peer Mentor Kingsley Tetteh. The dignitaries in attendance took turns appreciating the efforts of the legendary writer, who immensely contributed to the advancement of women and girl' child development through their works. The Duo Concept Foundation is a nonprofit organisation in aids children and the less privileged, providing support and educational reform programmes across the country. The organization was co-founded by Panin and Kakra Acheampong in 2008. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghana Medical Relief (GMR) agency, a Non-Governmental Organisation based in the United States has donated an amount of USD 2000 to the Kokrokoo Charities in support of procuring incubators for medical facilities across the country. GMR is an organization with the mandate of enhancing good healthcare delivery in rural Ghana through a free annual healthcare missions. GMR, as part of its social intervention programmes, decided to donate towards the Project 100 initiative by the Kokrokoo Charities Foundation. The Kokrokoo foundation is an inspiration brought to light by the venerable radio broadcaster, Kwami Sefa Kayi of Peace FM, to curtail the numerous child mortalities associated with preterm babies. The foundation has thus far, donated about 55 incubators to some state health facilities including the Nsawam Government Hospital, La General Hospital, the Police Hospital, Prestea Governmental Hospital in the Western region, Ho Government Hospital and the Cape Coast Government Hospital, among others. It is as a result of this worthy cause by the host of Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show, which has attracted and continues to attract the support of individuals and corporate bodies, including the Ghana Medical Relief. The Ghana Liaison Officer for GMR, Mr. Kakraba Anyanful, speaking on the sidelines after the presentation, stated that the relief programme was an activity purposely focused on providing free medical and health services to rural communities. Every year, GMR mobilises a team of healthcare and non-healthcare volunteers from the USA, Ghana, and other parts of the world to provide free medical and dental services to a rural community in Ghana, he said. He added that, GMR in the last five years provided services in the form of Paediatrics, Urology, Dentistry, Obsterics, Gynaecology, Health Education, Surgeries and CPR Training to over 20,000 persons in Asiakwa, Anomabo, Atibie, Agogo and Tamale. In addition to the numerous aid given to persons living in rural areas, GMR also donated medical equipment to some health facilities with a similar donation to be done for persons living in Bortianor. Oh his part, Chairman General, as Sefa Kayi is affectionately called, expressed his profound gratitude to the leadership and members of GMR for their kind gesture to the Kokrokoo Charities Foundation, reiterating that the funds donated "will go a long way in our objective to procure more incubators for onward distribution to other hospitals based on needs assessment of these health facilities." Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has tasked contractors working on the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project to expedite construction works to mitigate the risk of flooding in the Capital during the rainy season. The Ministers directive came in a meeting on Friday, April 12, 2024 with project coordinators and contractors to address delays plaguing the critical initiative. "We've assessed how far the project is going and we've had a number of site visits to see for ourselves the kind of work that's going on. After this appraisal, it's fair for us to say that the project is not moving as quickly as we all expected," he said. He highlighted various bottlenecks hampering the project. The initial project framework, the Minister explained, mandated a two-step review process for every task, creating unnecessary delays. Additionally, compensating project-affected residents to facilitate work in certain locations encountered setbacks. Further, the Minister pointed out instances where contractors deviated from project specifications without seeking prior approval. Perhaps the most concerning delay stemmed from a budgetary reallocation with a significant portion of project funds, estimated at $65 million, diverted towards COVID-19-related expenditures. Addressing the Hurdles The Minister outlined a series of measures to tackle these challenges. To address the compensation delays, he announced that provisions have been made to ensure swift payments to affected residents, freeing up critical work areas. On the financial front, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah reassured contractors that the government is actively working with Parliament to make available the outstanding funds, including the diverted $65 million. A Race Against Time While acknowledging the challenges, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the urgency of the completion of the GARID projects. He said the impending rainy season poses a serious threat to flood-prone communities hence, contractors must act swiftly to safeguard lives and infrastructure. He reassured contractors of the Ministrys support in providing the needed support to ensure work progresses with speed. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The long-standing diplomatic and bilateral ties between the Republic of Ghana and Ukraine have been bolstered with the opening of the Embassy of Ukraine in Accra. Ghana and Ukraine have a rich history dating back to August 1992, shortly after Ukraine gained independence. The first president of independent Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, visited Ukraine twice when it was part of the former USSR. Over the years, bilateral relations between Ghana and the Eastern European country have primarily focused on political cooperation, laying a foundation for mutual understanding and collaboration. The bilateral relations between the two countries have further seen significant milestones, including the working visit to Ghana by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mr Dmytro Kuleba in October 2022. It culminated in the signing of agreements on diplomatic staff training and cooperation between exporters and investors, and avenues for cooperation in education, defense, agriculture, trade, and multilateral matters. Before Russian full-scale military aggression in February 2022, Ukraine trade volume with Ghana reached more than 300 million USD. The Ukraine diplomatic mission and the opening of the Ukrainian Embassy in Ghana will, among others, perform a full range of functions, including developing political contacts, strengthening economic and people-to-people ties and providing consular services to Ukrainians and Ghanaians. Dr Maksym Subh, Special Envoy of Ukraine to the Middle East and Africa, who commissioned the Embassy in Cantonment on Friday with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, said opening of the embassy in Accra very much reflected on its willingness to develop bilateral contacts at all levels between Ukraine and Ghana. The Diplomatic Corps, officials of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, were at the official opening and reception. He said Ghana was not only a traditional friend with whom Ukraine had established diplomatic relations with since 1992, it was a country with which Ukraine had achieved extraordinary cooperation in the political and trade spheres as well as at international forums, and that the dynamics of the relations had grown exponentially especially in the last two years. Dr Subh said with Ghana making impressive achievements towards attaining sustainable development with tremendous potential to be the trade gateway of Africa, Ukraine was ready to work with its Ghanian partners to create an enabling business environment that would build upon Ghanas stable economic and political foundation and create jobs for citizens of both countries. The Special Envoy of Ukraine to the Middle East and Africa said Ukraine looked forward to seizing every opportunity that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement could provide for expanding trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and all African states. He said there was still significant untapped potential for its further expansion and diversification and that Ukraine manufacturers and exporters were ready to offer Ghana high quality goods and services at very competitive costs. He noted that Ukraine in the past few years had worked to prepare for the opening of a land market with several important draft laws already adopted, and that digital technologies, such as electronic land (e-land) registries and electronic services (e-services) continued to play an important role in the process. Mr Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, said Ghana continued to demonstrate its unwavering support for Ukraines territorial integrity, including joining UN General Assembly Resolutions to condemn Russias aggression against Ukraine. Our participation in the online International Crimea Platform Summit on 23rd August 2022 underscores our solidarity with Ukraine in addressing the ongoing occupation of Crimea, he stated. The Deputy Minister said trade relations between Ghana and Ukraine had been rejuvenated, particularly with the visit of a Ukrainian trade delegation in April 2018 where areas, including agriculture, transportation, industrial equipment, and telecommunications were discussed, paving the way for enhanced economic collaboration. He noted that economic and trade relations between Ghana and Ukraine had shown promising signs, with Ghana exporting significant commodities such as manganese, aluminium ore, and cocoa powder to Ukraine. Conversely, Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong said, Ukraine had supplied Ghana with hot-rolled iron bars, raw iron bars, and cold-rolled iron, adding that those exchanges laid a foundation for deeper economic cooperation between the countries. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has disrupted these trade dynamics, impeding progress towards meaningful strategic outcomes. Despite these challenges, Ghana remains committed to exploring avenues for enhancing bilateral relations once stability is restored in the region, he assured. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has disclosed that it launched an investigation into the operations of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat in July 2023, before its alleged rot emerged. The Secretariat, according to a Fourth Estate investigation, awarded scholarships to applicants from affluent Ghanaian families at the expense of needy but brilliant students. Ghanaians have since been calling on the OSP to investigate the secretariat. The Minority in Parliament also petitioned the Special Prosecutor to scrutinize the scholarship secretariats activities. In a letter responding to the calls, the OSP confirmed that the secretariat is currently under active investigation for suspected corruption and corruption-related offences. The office of the Special Prosecutor commenced into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat circa July 2023. The investigation is active and ongoing, the office stated. Find attached below the full statement: Source: angel online Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ministry of Roads and Highways has been exonerated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following investigations into alleged bribery and corruption within the ministry. The probe was in response to a petition by the Ministry regarding claims made by former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Stephen Adei, suggesting that bribes influence the awarding of road contracts. According to a press release dated April 12, 2024, the Ministry stated, "EOCO has determined that 'from the totality of the available information to the office, Prof. Stephen Adei's comments were found to be unfortunate and general within the context of perceived corruption in the country'." Furthermore, EOCO concluded that the allegations were unsubstantiated and highly presumptuous. Prof. Adei had previously lamented the issue of corruption in the awarding of road contracts, alleging that individuals seeking contracts were asked to pay an upfront fee of 1 million Ghanaian cedis. However, the Ministry vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the awarding of contracts follows transparent, competitive, and legally compliant procedures. In support of the Ministry's stance, a group of road contractors in Ghana refuted Prof. Adeis allegations, stating that they had never encountered such demands for upfront payments. The contractors emphasized the transparent nature of the contract award process, making it difficult for corrupt practices to take place. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a stern warning to the youth in Tema Newtown, urging them to cease any further assault on its installations and personnel. In a statement released on Saturday, April 13, 2024, GAF emphasized that any continuation of hostilities would be met with appropriate responses. This caution comes in the aftermath of clashes between the youth of Tema Newtown and personnel from the Ghana Navy on Saturday. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries during the confrontation. "The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces, has initiated investigations into the incident. Details of the investigations will be disclosed in due course," the statement assured. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) has clarified that their recent meeting with the transport ministry is yet to conclude. According to the Public Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abass Imoro, they express optimism that the matter will be resolved by next week, providing clarity on the way forward. The union emphasized that the recent increase in transportation fares is not solely due to the rise in fuel prices but involves other factors as well. They underscored their commitment to following due process rather than arbitrarily imposing fare hikes on commuters. Additionally, they noted that the ministry is currently assessing their arguments for the fare increment before making any further decisions. In light of the proposed 20% fare increase by the Concerned Drivers' Association and True Drivers' Union, the union plans to engage with the leaders of these associations to address the issue constructively. They urge Ghanaians to exercise patience as they work to resolve these concerns promptly. Source: Sika Ayim/Peace FM Newsroom Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Real Estate mogul and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COD Homes, Cwesi Oteng Desmond has been listed among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans 2024 which was held at the British Council in Accra. The tremendous recognition signifies his exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to providing quality and affordable homes and also for being an extremely respected personality advocating for best real estate practices in the sector. The 2024 edition of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans was organized by the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation on the theme; "Exceptional 2024". This esteemed selection features remarkable entrepreneurs, Young activists, change-makers, and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in their respective fields. The nominees came from all 52 African countries. Cwesi Oteng Desmond delightedly expressed his profound gratitude to his team who has helped his vision and mission of providing excellent real estate services in the country and beyond. According to him, this wonderful moment reflects his stunning dedication to delivering the highest standards of quality customer satisfaction and thanked his committed staff, partners and most especially, his clients for their unflinching support always over the years of services. " I am really honoured to be shortlisted among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans 2024. This has come to cement my hard work over the years of selfless sacrifice. This will go a long way to encourage me for greater works ahead", COD Homes CEO noted. ABOUT CEO OF COD HOMES, CWESI OTENG DESMOND Cwesi Oteng Desmond is an award-winning Luxury Realtor, Property Consultant & Developer. He has over eight years of experience in the real estate industry, he has built a solid brand that has opened him up to the Diaspora market and helped most Ghanaians living abroad to buy their homes safely without any challenges. He has strong communication and marketing skills which enables him deal with all classes of people. His expertise transcends Ghanas real estate market to Africa as a whole. He has dealt with reputable international companies like Deloitte, EY, PWC..etc He won the Realtor of the Year in 2023 at the Africa Real Estate Conference & Expo, he was also awarded the Best Company in real estate sales & marketing at the Ghana Property Awards. He was nominated as one of the best African entrepreneurs AFRICA 100-2024 by the Pan African Youth leadership. Desmond has won several awards both locally and internationally giving him the opportunity to connect with a lot of great minds across the globe. He is a YouTuber with an amazing YouTube channel, showing homes in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda & Dubai. Moreover, he recently collaborated with one of UKs biggest Real Estate investors- Mr Samuel Leeds to give the Diaspora an in-depth overview of the real estate market in Ghana & Africa. He has designed and built single-family homes in Accra, which sold out in the last quarter of 2023. Above all, he loves God and serves in the Holy Hill Assemblies of God. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Retailers in some major markets in Ghana are scratching their heads as sales of women's underwear have taken a nosedive. In a report by UTV and cited by GhanaWeb, vendors are blaming the slump in the sale of panties on the fact that many women are refusing to wear them. One vendor suggested that the digital age and economic pinch are culprits too. The economic issue is partly to blame, underwear has gotten quite expensive, so women are not buying them as much as before. The retailers of underwear too are now a lot, aside from those in the market, online retailers are a lot so people can now order from the comfort of their homes, she said. However, she also blamed the poor sales on the fact that many women choose to forgo panties to feel comfortable. The women, too, are no longer wearing them, some say it itches when they wear them, and other women say they feel uncomfortable wearing them so they stopped wearing them, she added. Her sentiment was echoed by other retailers, who claimed that the hot weather is also responsible for the low use of panties. They say that because of the weather, they get hot and sweaty down there, so they refuse to wear pants in order to allow fresh air to enter, one retailer said. The women are no longer wearing panties, they just wear a dress or a top and trousers without panties, so if you look closely, you would see their buttocks jiggling when they walk, another said. The ladies complain that it gets hot, so they refuse to wear panties so that air can reach their genitals, another added. However, one customer had a different view, stating that wearing panties is not necessary as it makes intimacy difficult. Wearing panties is not needed, it gets in the way when your partner is trying to do something interesting with you, he said. Watch the video below Underwear sellers decry low patronage, attributing the decline to women choosing not to wear panties.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/Cbv6zo58PU UTV Ghana (@utvghana) April 13, 2024 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video NIGERIA; A teacher, Suleiman Ozakwo of Anguwar Baiyi in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was thrown into mourning after a drunk driver identified as Ya Zakari, crushed his three daughters to death. A family member, Saidu Alhassan, who spoke to the Daily Trust, said the incident happened on Friday, April 12, 2024, along Rafin Kunama, Abaji road in Toto. He explained that the three teenage sisters, Nusaiba, Maryam and Rumaisa, were crushed after they left their home as usual to pay Sallah a visit to their uncles wife a few metres from the Ohinoyis palace. They were walking on the shoulder of the road while coming back from their uncles place when a drunk man at speed ran into them with his car, killing them on the spot, he explained. He further said that the suspect was apprehended and taken to the police station, but that later a mob asked the police for the vehicle he drove which they set ablaze. The father of the deceased children, Suleiman Ozakwo, who also spoke with the publication, described their death as untimely, even as he said he could not challenge God for the tragedy and asked people to join in praying for the souls of his daughters to continue to rest in peace A police officer who preferred anonymity confirmed that the suspect was arrested and will be arraigned in court on Monday, April 15. The man was arrested as he was drunk when he crashed his car into the three teenage girls and killed them on the spot. He will be arraigned in court on Monday," Source: LIB Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In a significant move to strengthen diplomatic relations, Ukraine officially inaugurated its Embassy in Accra, affirming its commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Ghana. The ceremony, attended by esteemed guests including members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ukrainians residing in Ghana, and other dignitaries, marked a pivotal moment in the history of relations between the two countries. H.E. Maksym Subkh, the special envoy of Ukraine for the Middle East and Africa Region, expressed his gratitude towards the Ghanaian government and its people for their unwavering support in facilitating the establishment of the diplomatic mission in Accra. He stated that the opening of the Ukrainian Embassy in Ghana underscored the eagerness of both nations to nurture and expand their bilateral ties. In response, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Ukraine and Ghana, which dates back to 1992 when Ukraine attained independence. He reiterated the Ministrys commitment and readiness to assist the Charge dAffaires ad Interim of Ukraine in effectively discharging his duties to advance the relationship between the two countries. Prior to the official opening, H.E. Maksym Subkh paid a courtesy visit to Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. During their meeting, they engaged in productive discussions, exploring potential areas of collaboration between Ghana and Ukraine. The establishment of a resident mission in Accra is expected to foster closer economic, political, and cultural interaction between Ukraine and Ghana. This development serves as a testament to both nations commitment to deepening their mutual cooperation and strengthening the bonds of friendship. The opening of the Ukrainian Embassy in Ghana brings renewed hope for the future, ushering in a new chapter of enhanced cooperation and closer diplomatic ties between the two nations. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Kwesi Pratt has scolded Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, over the latters comments regarding the LGBTQ+ community and matters relating to homosexuality in Ghana. Dr. Bawumia, delivering a speech at Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in Kumasi on Thursday, April 11, stated unequivocally that he is fully against activities of the LGBTQ+ society. He asserted that his faith as a Muslim is against the practice. I will like to take this opportunity to personally comment on the raging issue of LGBTQ in Ghana. First of all, it is important to note that our cultural and societal norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality...Furthermore, as a Muslim, my view on this matter aligns with the position of my religious faith. The Holy Quran is replete with verses frowning on LGBTQ acts including same-sex marriages. My faith is therefore very strictly against the practice of homosexuality, no ifs or buts. No shades of grey, Dr. Bawumia established. He also pledged to stand by his faith exclaiming I stand opposed to it now and I will stand opposed to it as President. Addressing Bawumias position on the LGTBQ+ matters, that Editor-in-Chief of the Insight newspaper argued that the nation has long gone past the period of the leader stating his stance against homosexuality. He noted that the stage Ghanaians currently find themselves is for the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to sign the anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed by Parliament to criminalize homosexual activism and practices. There is only one thing left to do and thats for President to assent to the bill to make it law. This is where we are now. The period for expressing our minds on our position on the issue is long gone. Weve passed that stage. Parliament opened the floor for everyone to make his/her suggestions. Every person with a suggestion went to Parliament to make his point. Christians, Muslims and those opposed to the bill all went to make their case. We have gone past that stage now. We are no longer there, he replied on Peace FMs morning show Kokrokoo. Mr. Pratt queried the Veep on the steps hes taken to ensure the President assents to the bill. What has he done about this bill which hasnt been signed yet to prove that he is opposed to LGBTQ+ activities in this country?, he asked, answering I havent seen anything. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Aveyime Rice Project stands as a monumental legacy of Jerry John Rawlings, a symbol of hope and economic opportunity for the people of the Volta Region. Yet, as we approach the 2024 election, the project lies dormant, its potential untapped, and its promise unfulfilled. As members of the Volta Resistance Movement, we are compelled to question the silence of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on reviving this vital project and their commitment to providing jobs and economic opportunity to the people. For decades, the Aveyime Rice Project served as a beacon of agricultural innovation and economic empowerment in the Volta Region. Under the visionary leadership of Jerry John Rawlings, the project flourished, creating thousands of jobs, stimulating local economies, and positioning Ghana as a leader in rice production. However, in recent years, the project has faltered, crippled by neglect and mismanagement, leaving communities grappling with unemployment and economic hardship. As we confront the pressing challenges facing our region, including high unemployment rates and stagnant economic growth, it is imperative that the NDC demonstrate its commitment to revitalizing the Aveyime Rice Project and unlocking its full potential. The project holds the key to creating sustainable jobs, revitalizing rural communities, and driving economic growth across the Volta Region. Yet, despite its significance, the NDC's silence on reviving the Aveyime Rice Project is deafening. Where is the party's plan to breathe new life into this vital economic engine? Where is the vision and leadership to harness the project's potential for the benefit of the people? As members of the Volta Resistance Movement, we call on the NDC to prioritize the revival of the Aveyime Rice Project in its campaign for the 2024 election. We demand concrete action and a clear roadmap for restoring the project to its former glory, creating jobs, and empowering communities. The people of the Volta Region deserve nothing less than a bold vision for economic prosperity and opportunity, and it is time for the NDC to deliver on its promises. In the spirit of Jerry John Rawlings' legacy, let us unite in our call for action and hold our leaders accountable for their commitments to the people. Together, we can revive the Aveyime Rice Project, create jobs, and build a brighter future for all Voltarians. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A pro-NPP group, the Asante Patriots Network-Diaspora has cautioned its party's flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in his final choice of a running mate for the December 7, presidential election. The group in a statement sighted by Peacefmonline.com said the selection of a running mate will be crucial in the party's aim of breaking the 8. They expressed worry about an alleged approach being used by some running mate hopefuls. We, the Asante Patriots Network-Diaspora (APN-D), are saddened by the attempts by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to use some constituency officers in the Ashanti Region to influence the selection of running mate by our Flagbearer, HE Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Statement said Adding that, The shameless desperation of paying monies to constituency executives to endorse him for the position is something that needs to be condemned by all, and we are surprised people are quiet in Ghana. The group further ugred Dr Bawumia not to succum to any form of pressure in choosing his running mate. Read the full statement below HE DR BAWUMIA SHOULD NOT SET A BAD PRECEDENT THAT WILL HAUNT HIS AUTHORITY AS LEADER OF THE NPP - Ashantis in the diaspora warn Dr. Bawumia We, the Asante Patriots Network-Diaspora (APN-D), are saddened by the attempts by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to use some constituency officers in the Ashanti Region to influence the selection of running mate by our Flagbearer, HE Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The shameless desperation of paying monies to constituency executives to endorse him for the position is something that needs to be condemned by all, and we are surprised people are quiet in Ghana. This has not happened before and it should be encouraged. The Presidential Candidate should not be reduced to, or portrayed as someone who lacks the capacity to make sound judgment as a leader. It is good to lobby or recommend, but it is unacceptable for NAPO to sponsor petitions and resort to political blackmail tactics to impose himself as a choice to the Flagbearer. We remember he used Hon. Kennedy Agyapong to make a similar call in his favour. Now he is using Constituency Executives. We even expected him to at least pretend that he knew nothing about all these, and come out to condemn them, but he hasnt. It should only tell Dr. Bawumia how desperate NAPO is for power, which we find very dangerous for him, Dr. Bawumia. We want to humbly remind our beloved HE Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, that HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, chose you against the calls made by others in the favour of the late Alhaji MND Jawula, Hajia Alima Mahama and others, who were relatively known in the party. Although these personalities did not sponsor petitions, the calls made in their favour could have been heeded to, but the President chose you because besides competence, he had/has confidence in you, and was/is comfortable working with you as his Running Mate/Vice President. The President again, smartly avoided the temptation of setting a bad precedent by ignoring the calls made by the majority caucus in Parliament to sack the Finance Minister. There was the possibility of Majority Caucus and others employing the same strategy to coerce the President into taking certain decisions if he had succumbed to the calls for the dismissal of the Finance Minister. He respected their appeal, and engaged them, but only sacked the Finance Minister when he the President found appropriate. We humbly want Dr. Bawumia to know that, succumbing to this undue pressure and political blackmail strategy from NAPO will be a harbinger for more of such unconventional tactics which will render him a lame duck leader right from the word go. Because all that NAPO or anyone has to do is to sponsor petitions from the partys constituency executives just to twist your hands to take some specific decisions. That would be a template for them to use as and when they want to. With this as a precedent, your leadership will always be undermined. You will be seen as a weak and indecisive leader. We dont hate Napo but what he is doing is very dangerous, and a recipe for disaster which should be condemned. We the Ashantis in the diaspora are watching. Ghanaians are also watching you. This is a big test for you. The moment you succumb to the pressure, you have basically handed your authority to NAPO, and the narrative about your ability to take decisive and bold decisions would not be good. Our humble appeal is, if it is NAPO that you want to select as your running mate, it should not be done at the behest of his own orchestrated and sponsored petitions. We trust you. We know you will not disappoint the silent majority of the party people across the length and breadth of Ghana as well as we the Ashantis in the diaspora. We also know you will not disappoint Ghanaians too. Signed Julius Oteng-Mensah (USA) Maame Adwoa Konadu (UK) Mary Asantewaa Nyamekye (Germany) Dr. Kwame Kwarteng (China) Yaa Adutwumwaa Mmrosa (France) Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Akan Constituency Office of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened nominations for parliamentary candidate hopefuls. Nomination closes on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Mr Merigah Abdul Sataru, the Akan Constituency Secretary, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Kadjebi in the Oti Region on Saturday. He said candidates shall procure nomination forms after the payment of a non-refundable application fee of GH3,000.00 in bankers draft to the New Patriotic Party National Headquarters, Accra. To successfully file the nomination, an aspiring candidate shall pay a non-refundable filing fee of GH35,000.00 in bankers draft in favour of the New Patriotic Party National Headquarters, Accra, he said. However, women, youth, and persons with disability, who aspire to higher political office will enjoy a 50% rebate on the filing fee. This means they will be required to pay a non-refundable filing fee of GH17,500.00. Mr Sataru said the election will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 and appealed to will-be aspirants to conduct a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks, insults and name-calling since it was a family affair. The election has become necessary following the death of Alhaji Rashid Bawa, former Akan NPP parliamentary candidate, on Thursday, March 14, in Abuja, Nigeria. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The New Patriotic Party(NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will be officially introduced by the NPP-USA Branch as their presidential candidate for the upcoming general election, as it seeks to reaffirm its commitment to his victory in 2024. This event is part of the celebrations for the 30th Anniversary of the NPP-USA Branch. Established in September 1993, the NPP-USA Branch held its maiden Congress to formalize its formation, although the party had been organized long before the official Congress in Virginia, USA. Over the past three decades, NPP-USA has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the party. Its contributions include advocating a democratic society, fighting for political power, championing constitutional reform, promoting innovation and technology in electoral processes, and establishing the External Affairs office, among other critical agenda. The outdooring ceremony for the Presidential Candidate will showcase the strong support and solidarity he enjoys from the Ghanaian community in North America, reaffirming NPP-USAs commitment to ensuring his victory in the 2024 General Elections in Ghana. Additionally, the event will feature an award ceremony honoring patriots who have contributed to building the branch, as well as a fundraising activity to support the New Patriotic Partys campaign and election efforts in 2024. The event comes off on Saturday, May 25th, 2024, at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, located at 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22311, according to the Chairperson USA, Obaa Yaa. Amponsah Frimpong Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Adansi Travels, a leading Ghanaian travel agency on Friday 12th April 2024 unveiled Kofi Kinaata as headline artiste for its 11th Anniversary tour packages. Renowned for curating leisure and business travels for individuals, groups and businesses to destinations worldwide, the travel agency has announced an unparalleled travel package that will offer customers an exciting travel experience. Speaking at the unveiling event, Managing Director Mr. Gideon Asare highlighted the success of their Anniversary tours over the years to Dubai, which has seen artistes like Kuame Eugene and Samini as headline artistes. He added the 11-day trip to Dubai this year will start on the 11th of August on a Chartered Emirates flight. Serwaa Boateng Gbene, Sales Manager of Adansi Travels provided further insight into the array of exciting tour packages planned for this year's 11th Anniversary which includes for the first time a Direct chartered flight to and fro the Caribbean island of Barbados on the 30th of July. Other tour destinations include Cape Town, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Bali and Malaysia. Four times songwriter of the year at the Ghana Music Awards Kofi Kinaata is expected to treat patrons to captivating performances in Dubai on the 19th of August and Cape Town, South Africa on the 24th of August. On his part, Kofi Kinaata expressed excitement about headlining the 11th Anniversary Tours to Dubai as well as Cape Town, promising to offer patrons nothing short of a spectacular performance. The Adansi Travels 11th Anniversary tours is set to begin on the 30th of July 2024. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Lisa Mcvey Noland did more than escape from a serial killer; she also played an instrumental role in catching the man who abducted her, Bobby Joe Long. Here's how she did it. Adjusting Her Blindfold Long kept Noland blindfolded throughout the abduction, but she was able to loosen the blindfold by clenching her jaw every time Long removed the blindfold and put it back on. Advertisement When she relaxed her jaw, the blindfold would be loose enough for her to notice certain details, like the word "magnum" on the dashboard of Long's vehicle, which helped police identify the car as a 1978 Dodge Magnum. Memorizing Details After Noland saw the word "magnum," she felt motivated to keep track of other details. "From that point on, I said whatever I see, smell, or touch, Ive got to remember it. Ive got to keep it in my memory bank, so that if I get out of this, I can go to the cops and give them everything Ive got in terms of evidence, Noland told The Independent. This included details about her whereabouts (such as the direction they drove, the number of stairs leading to the location where she was taken and the time at which he used an ATM) and what the abductor looked like. (Through her loosened blindfold, she saw that he was white and wore a white T-shirt; when she touched his face, she noticed his small mustache and short hair.) Leaving Evidence In addition to her observations, Noland also decided to leave her own evidence for the police to find. She left fingerprints all over the bathroom and her used tampon in Long's vehicle for future crime scene investigators to find. "The main mission of the lost property service is to collect forgotten or lost effects ... identify the owners and keep them until they are handed over to them," according to the prefecture. "In the best case, an object found may be at the home of its legitimate owner the day after its arrival at the bureau." The office's employees spend a great deal of time and effort reuniting people and their things. Items with a return address like wallets containing IDs and driver's licenses are easy enough to mail out. Other lost items are reclaimed by owners who come looking, speak to someone at a window, fill out a slip describing the thing they've lost and pay 11 euro in "custody fees." Advertisement "I have a success story," says Shaughnessy-Larsson. "A couple lost their camera while on vacation." The couple reached out to her and asked that she take a trip to the Bureau of Found Objects on their behalf. "With the description, I eventually found their camera at the lost and found office." " " Prosthetic legs await their owners at the lost property office on the rue des Morillons in Paris, France in March, 1968. Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images Sometimes, if an item's been turned in by an individual, no one has come looking for it, and the office has been unable to find its original owner, the classic principle of "finders keepers" applies. "The unclaimed object can be made available to the person who found it (the inventor) under certain conditions," says the prefecture. "There is an exception to this principle: Objects containing personal data cannot be returned to inventors. In particular, computers, tablets and smartphones fall into this category of objects." Unclaimed items that might contain sensitive data are eventually destroyed. Other things, after a certain period of time, "are handed over for sale for the benefit of the State," according to the prefecture. Auctions are held for items like "latest-generation jewelry, computer, telephony and photographic equipment and any other valuables." 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: Ibn al-Haytham ("Alhasen") on the left pedestal of reason [while Galileo is on the right pedestal of the senses] as shown on the frontispiece of the Selenographia (Science of the Moon; 1647) of Johannes Hevelius. Credit: Public domain provided by the author Scientists from the University of Sharjah and the Warburg Institute are poring over the writings of an 11th-century Arab-Muslim polymath to demonstrate their impact on the development of optical sciences and how they have fundamentally transformed the history of physics from the Middle Ages up to modern times in Europe. Their research focuses on the legacy of al-Hasan Ibn al-Haytham known in Latin as "Alhazen" and particularly his most influential work titled "Book of Optics," reputed in Arabic as "Kitab al-Manazir" and first circulated in Europe via its Latin translation dubbed "Perspectiva." Ibn al-Haytham was born in the southern Iraqi city of Basra in 965 during the Abbasid Caliphate. The divisions IVV of this authoritative book have been recently translated into English from Arabic and published by the Warburg Institute under the title "The Optics of Ibn al-Haytham, Books IVV: On Reflection and Images Seen by Reflection." Having already rendered divisions IIII into English, the Warburg Institute is bringing together a wide-ranging network of scientists "for a collaborative humanities-science investigation of [Ibn] al-Haytham and the questions his work provokes. "The role of Alhazen [Ibn al-Haytham] in these processes is simultaneously well-known, but limited; only half of his scientific works have English translation and a quarter are not yet edited." Introducing the new translation, the Warburg Institute describes Ibn al-Haytham as "perhaps the greatest mathematician and physicist of the medieval Arabic/Islamic world. His reputation is based not only on the vast amount of material he was able to process, but also on his rigorous scientific methodology. "He (Ibn al-Haytham) deals with both the mathematics of rays of light and the physical aspects of the eye in seven comprehensive books. His reinstatement of the entire science of optics sets the scene for the whole of the subsequent development of the subject influencing figures such as William of Ockham, Kepler, Descartes, and Christaan Huygens." 16th century Latin edition of Ibn al-Haytham's Book of Optics (Alhazen, Opticae Thesaurus). Credit: Public domain provided by the author Professor Nader El-Bizri of Sharjah University's College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences has just published an academic review of the Warburg Institute's translation of Ibh al-Haytham. The article, printed in the International Journal of the Classical Tradition, highlights the strong influence the Arab-Muslim optical scientist has exerted over the ages up to the present day. Ibn al-Haytham's "Book of Optics," Prof. El-Bizri writes, "constituted a monumental foundational opus in the history of science and the visual arts from the Middle Ages to the early modern period in the European milieu and the Islamicate context ... The reception of Ibn al-Haytham's "Optics" in the European milieu took place from the High Middle Ages via Gerard of Cremona's Toledo circle in terms of its Latinate translations, and subsequent influence on Franciscan, Dominican, and Jesuit opticians across Europe. "It influenced Francois d'Aguilon's 'Opticorum libri sex' within the Antwerp Jesuit mathematical school and had a direct impact on Johannes Hevelius's 'Selenographia.' The 'Optics' was also consulted by Girard Desargues, Rene Descartes, Johannes Kepler and Christaan Huygens." Prof. El-Bizri works closely with the Warburg Institute assisting its attempts to reintroduce Ibn al-Haytham to the west. "A remarkable thinker, not only did Ibn al-Haytham revolutionize optical thought by mathematizing its study, [but] his thinking also went on to have similar revolutionary effects in medieval Europe." The Warburg Institute is investing in rendering the writings of Ibn al-Haytham on optics into English, which Prof. El-Bizri describes as "voluminous." "Ibn al-Haytham's 'Book of Optics' indicates with evidence the impact of Arabic sciences and philosophy on the history of science and the architectural and visual arts in Europe, as well as demonstrating how science and the arts influence each other in the manner the studies of optics in their mathematized physics inspired the invention of projective geometric constructions of perspective as a novel Renaissance method of painting and architectural design." Prof. El-Bizri adds, "The impact of this book is fundamental not only in the history of science from the High Middle Ages till the early-modern period in Europe, but it was also foundational for architecture and the visual arts in the Italian Renaissance and up till the late Baroque era. Moreover, it has further significance in modern conceptions of the mathematization of physics, the reliance on experimentation in science, and the philosophical analysis of perception." Anatomy of the eye diagram in Ibn al-Haytham's Book of Optics (part I on direct vision). Credit: Public domain provided by the author Asked about the importance of translating Ibn al-Haytham into English despite the lapse of nearly 1,000 years, Prof. El-Bizri says the Arab-Muslim scientist's theories and methodologies specifically those dealing with optics are still considered "seminal" in the literature. Ibn al-Haytham has had a "foundational impact on the history of science and the arts in Europe." The influence of Ibn al-Hytham's writings in the European milieu, according to Prof. El-Bizri, cannot be overlooked. The Arab-Muslim scientist had "a notable effect on Biagio Pelacani da Parma's 'Questiones super perspectiva communi,' Leon Battista Alberti's 'De pictura,' Lorenzo Ghiberti's 'Commentarii,' culminating in the first printed Latin version in the publication of Friedrich Risner's 'Opticae thesaurus' in the sixteenth century. "Then, in the seventeenth century, it influenced Francois d'Aguilon's 'Opticorum libri sex' within the Antwerp Jesuit mathematical school and had a direct impact on Johannes Hevelius's 'Selenographia.' The Optics was also consulted by Girard Desargues, Rene Descartes, Johannes Kepler and Christaan Huygens." In the "Book of Optics," notes Prof. El-Bizri, Ibn al-Haytham establishes an "inventive and precise scientific experimental method (al-itibar al-muharrar) with its controlled verificative repeated testing, as framed by isomorphic compositions between physics and mathematics." He adds that Ibn al-Haytham in his "Optics," "aims at elucidating the nature of visual perception through studies on the anatomy and physiology of the eyes, the optic nerves and the frontal part of the brain, along with cognitive psychology and the analysis of psychosomatic ocular motor kinesthetic acts." More information: Nader El-Bizri, The Optics of Ibn al-Haytham, Books IVV: On Reflection and Images Seen by Reflection, translated from the Arabic by Abdelhamid I. Sabra and prepared for publication by Jan P. Hogendijk International Journal of the Classical Tradition (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s12138-024-00654-4 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 Like spoken languages, sign languages evolve organically and do not always have the same origin. This produces different ways of communication and annotation. This is the subject of Manolis Fragkiadakis's Ph.D. thesis. "Contrary to what many people assume, there is in fact no universal sign language," says Fragkiadakis. "Sign language can be even more fragmented than spoken language: there can be multiple languages in the same country. The fragmentation makes it difficult to codify sign language or write about it academically. We want to change that." "We have therefore created a tool for dictionaries for sign languages," Fragkiadakis explains. "For this, we use machine learning, a form of AI. By analyzing the position and movements of the joints in the signing hands, the system has to identify which word from which language is being signed." This proved to be not at all straightforward. "The technological developments of recent years are not yet compatible with sign language, so it is still slow," Fragkiadakis explains. "The large language models we currently have are only trained on one sign language and, in most of the video material used for this, you see the signer standing right in front of the camera, so the signs are easily seen. "In my research, we trained the AI on both multiple sign languages, and multiple speakers. For this, the camera was positioned between two speakers, so the AI had to be able to extract the same information from a different position." For now, this technique has mainly resulted in more information being known about different sign languages, but for the future Fragkiadakis also foresees practical applications within the sign language community. "In the future, AI could assist in recognizing both the commonalities and distinctions among various sign languages, aiding communication between users." In addition, Fragkiadakis says it is useful that his research has helped better identify the differences between sign languages. For example, how does culture play a role? "I am Greek, so I use a lot of space to sign," says Fragkiadakis, "this can change the meaning of what I want to say. Larger gestures can signal, for example, that someone is 'shouting,' but they don't have to be." Ultimately, this knowledge should improve the accessibility of sign language. "The hope is that with this research we will be able to make sign language more accessible to everyone, from academics to everyday speakers. There is still too little knowledge about the characteristics of different sign languages, and we want to change that." 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 A nesting bald eagle, a beloved local winery and over 30 neighbors may jeopardize a proposal to open a 260-acre surface mine along the Boise River. Emmett developer Evan Buchert of Premier LLC wants to build the mine at 25706 Boise River Road off U.S. 95 in Parma in eastern Canyon County, Idaho. The Pintail Long Term Mineral Extraction Mine would include mineral extraction on 160 acres and sand and gravel extraction, rock crushing and equipment storage on the other 100 acres. The application stalled after Canyon County Development Services received complaints from neighbors concerned about wildlife habitat, groundwater contamination and roadway impacts. The mine would be around 500 feet from the southeast side of the river. The land is now being used for farming, the application said. "(Development Services) staff recommends denial of the request," a staff report said. "Due to a lack of information regarding compatibility, access, traffic, floodplains, and wetlands, impacts are unknown." The county staff said Premier LLC should first detail its location and building plans to address noise complaints, dust and groundwater contamination. The staff also requested a flood study and evacuation plan and information from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game on the possible impacts on species and habitat. In a news release April 4, Canyon County, announced that an April 4 public hearing on the mining application was tabled to "a date uncertain due to a request from the applicant for a continuance of the public hearing to address agency and staff comments and questions." Buchert did not immediately respond to an email and phone call Friday requesting comment. Birders worry about bald eagles 'abandoning' nests Two local birding groups, the Golden Eagle Audubon Society and the Southwestern Idaho Birders Association, wrote letters in opposition to Pintail Mineral Extraction Mine. They each said there is at least one known bald eagle nest next to the Boise River where the mine would be located. "Bald eagles are sensitive to human activity in the vicinity of their nest throughout the breeding season, and such activity may lead to nest abandonment or decrease the chances of successfully raising chicks," wrote Golden Eagle Audubon Society President Daniel Salemi. Salemi also said bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prohibits anyone without a permit from "taking a Bald or Golden Eagle." The protection act defines "take" as "pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb." Salemi suggests the mining operation would "disturb" the nesting bald eagle. The bird groups also said there is a heron rookery, which is an area used by groups of herons for nesting and raising young, downstream from the project and that yellow-billed cuckoos, which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, have been found downstream. The Southwestern Idaho Birders Association also wrote that it is "concerned about (bird) habitat, including food sources. Bald eagles, osprey, herons, egrets, and mergansers are fish-eating birds. Fish habitat in the Boise River is already degraded from irrigation withdrawals, agricultural runoff, development, and other sand and gravel operations upriver from this location." Possible negative impacts to local winery and neighborhood Stephanie Hodge is the nearly 10-year owner of Parma Ridge Winery and Bistro. She and her husband, Storm, operate the vineyard and winery, which she said was planted in 1998. The Pintail mine would operate "just down the hill" from the winery, Hodge wrote in her opposition letter to Canyon County. "This would destroy this picturesque view that our customers come for and instead be replaced with mounds of dirt and rock," Hodge said. "Additionally, the level of dust in the air is of concern for our vines and their ability to ripen and produce the best fruit possible." Parma Ridge Winery customers also wrote to the county to express concern with the mine, which would be located less than a mile from the restaurant. Tim and Cindy Petrucci, of Wilder, are members of the Parma Ridge Winery and wrote that the mine would "disrupt the peacefulness of this entire business." "This is a beautiful place to sit and over look the Parma valley below," the couple wrote. "The folks that own the winery work extremely hard, and this would definitely affect the ambiance they are entitled to have." Other area homeowners worried about dust, the 45 trucks that are expected to enter the mine per day, and the fact that the operation would run 12 hours a day, six days a week. Chad Thompson, spokesperson for Canyon County, said the Planning and Zoning Commission has not yet set a new date for the hearing. 2024 The Idaho Statesman. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This artists illustration shows two neutron stars colliding. Known as a kilonova event, theyre the only confirmed location of the r-process that forges heavy elements. Credits: Elizabeth Wheatley (STScI) After a journey lasting about two billion years, photons from an extremely energetic gamma-ray burst (GRB) struck the sensors on the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope on October 9th, 2022. The GRB lasted seven minutes but was visible for much longer. Even amateur astronomers spotted the powerful burst in visible frequencies. It was so powerful that it affected Earth's atmosphere, a remarkable feat for something more than two billion light-years away. It's the brightest GRB ever observed, and since then, astrophysicists have searched for its source. NASA says GRBs are the most powerful explosions in the universe. They were first detected in the late 1960s by American satellites launched to keep an eye on the USSR. The Americans were concerned that the Russians might keep testing atomic weapons despite signing 1963's Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Now, we detect about one GRB daily, and they're always in distant galaxies. Astrophysicists struggled to explain them, coming up with different hypotheses. There was so much research into them that by the year 2,000, an average of 1.5 articles on GRBs were published in scientific journals daily. There were many different proposed causes. Some thought that GRBs could be released when comets collided with neutron stars. Others thought they could come from massive stars collapsing to become black holes. In fact, scientists wondered if quasars, supernovae, pulsars, and even globular clusters could be the cause of GRBs or associated with them somehow. GRBs are confounding because their light curves are so complex. No two are identical. But astrophysicists made progress, and they've learned a few things. Short-duration GRBs are caused by the merger of two neutron stars or the merger of a neutron star and a black hole. Longer-duration GRBs are caused by a massive star collapsing and forming a black hole. New research in Nature Astronomy examined the ultra-energetic GRB 221009A, dubbed the "B.O.A.T: Brightest Of All Time," and found something surprising. When it was initially discovered, scientists said it was caused by a massive star collapsing into a black hole. The new research doesn't contradict that. But it presents a new mystery: why are there no heavy elements in the newly uncovered supernova? The research is "JWST detection of a supernova associated with GRB 221009A without an r-process signature." The lead author is Peter Blanchard, a Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) postdoctoral fellow. "The GRB was so bright that it obscured any potential supernova signature in the first weeks and months after the burst," Blanchard said. "At these times, the so-called afterglow of the GRB was like the headlights of a car coming straight at you, preventing you from seeing the car itself. So, we had to wait for it to fade significantly to give us a chance of seeing the supernova." "When we confirmed that the GRB was generated by the collapse of a massive star, that gave us the opportunity to test a hypothesis for how some of the heaviest elements in the universe are formed," said lead author Blanchard. "We did not see signatures of these heavy elements, suggesting that extremely energetic GRBs like the B.O.A.T. do not produce these elements. That doesn't mean that all GRBs do not produce them, but it's a key piece of information as we continue to understand where these heavy elements come from. Future observations with JWST will determine if the B.O.A.T."s 'normal' cousins produce these elements." Scientists know that supernova explosions forge heavy elements. They're an important source of elements from oxygen (atomic number 8) to rubidium (atomic number 37) in the interstellar medium. They also produce heavier elements than that. Heavy elements are necessary to form rocky planets like Earth and for life itself. But it's important to note that astrophysicists don't completely understand how heavy elements are produced. "This event is particularly exciting because some had hypothesized that a luminous gamma-ray burst like the B.O.A.T. could make a lot of heavy elements like gold and platinum," said second author Ashley Villar of Harvard University and the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. "If they were correct, the B.O.A.T. should have been a goldmine. It is really striking that we didn't see any evidence for these heavy elements." Stars forge heavy elements by nucleosynthesis. Three processes are responsible for that: the p-process, the s-process and the r-process (proton capture process, slow neutron capture process, and the rapid neutron capture process.) The r-process captures neutrons faster than the s-process and is responsible for about half of the elements heavier than iron. The r-process is also responsible for the most stable isotopes of these heavy elements. That's all to illustrate the importance of the r-process in the universe. The researchers used the JWST to get to the bottom of GRB 221009A. The GRB was obscured by the Milky Way, but the JWST senses infrared light and saw right through the Milky Way's gas and dust. The telescope's NIRSpec (near infrared spectrograph) senses elements like oxygen and calcium, usually found in supernovae. But the signatures weren't very bright, a surprise considering how bright the supernova was. "It's not any brighter than previous supernovae," lead author Blanchard said. "It looks fairly normal in the context of other supernovae associated with less energetic GRBs. You might expect that the same collapsing star producing a very energetic and bright GRB would also produce a very energetic and bright supernova. But it turns out that's not the case. We have this extremely luminous GRB, but a normal supernova." Confirming the presence of the supernova was a big step to understanding GRB 221009A. But the lack of an r-process signature is still confounding. Scientists have only confirmed the r-process in the merger of two neutron stars, called a kilonova explosion. But there are too few neutron star mergers to explain the abundance of heavy elements. Credit: NASA "There is likely another source," Blanchard said. "It takes a very long time for binary neutron stars to merge. Two stars in a binary system first have to explode to leave behind neutron stars. Then, it can take billions and billions of years for the two neutron stars to slowly get closer and closer and finally merge. But observations of very old stars indicate that parts of the universe were enriched with heavy metals before most binary neutron stars would have had time to merge. That's pointing us to an alternative channel." Researchers have wondered if luminous supernovae like this can account for the rest. Supernovae have an inner layer where more heavy elements could be synthesized. But that layer is obscured. Only after things calm down is the inner layer visible. "The exploded material of the star is opaque at early times, so you can only see the outer layers," Blanchard said. "But once it expands and cools, it becomes transparent. Then you can see the photons coming from the inner layer of the supernova." All elements have spectroscopic signatures, and the JWST's NIRSpec is a very capable instrument. But it couldn't detect heavier elements, even in the supernova's inner layer. "Upon examining the B.O.A.T."s spectrum, we did not see any signature of heavy elements, suggesting extreme events like GRB 221009A are not primary sources," lead author Blanshard said. "This is crucial information as we continue to try to pin down where the heaviest elements are formed." Scientists are still uncertain about the GRB and its lack of heavy elements. But there's another feature that might offer a clue: jets. "A second proposed site of the r-process is in rapidly rotating cores of massive stars that collapse into an accreting black hole, producing similar conditions as the aftermath of a BNS merger," the authors write in their paper. "Theoretical simulations suggest that accretion disk outflows in these so-called 'collapsars' may reach the neutron-rich state required for the r-process to occur." The accretion disk outflows the researchers refer to are relativistic jets. The narrower the jets are, the brighter and more focused their energy is. Could they play a role in forging heavy elements? "It's like focusing a flashlight's beam into a narrow column, as opposed to a broad beam that washes across a whole wall," Laskar said. "In fact, this was one of the narrowest jets seen for a gamma-ray burst so far, which gives us a hint as to why the afterglow appeared as bright as it did. There may be other factors responsible as well, a question that researchers will be studying for years to come." The researchers also used NIRSpec to gather a spectrum from the GRB's host galaxy. It has the lowest metallicity of any galaxy known to host a GRB. Could that be a factor? "This is one of the lowest metallicity environments of any LGRB, which is a class of objects that prefer low-metallicity galaxies, and it is, to our knowledge, the lowest metallicity environment of a GRB-SN to date," the authors write in their research. "This may suggest that very low metallicity is required to produce a very energetic GRB." The host galaxy is also actively forming stars. Is that another clue? "The spectrum shows signs of star formation, hinting that the birth environment of the original star may be different than previous events," Blanshard said. Yijia Li is a graduate student at Penn State and a co-author of the paper. "This is another unique aspect of the B.O.A.T. that may help explain its properties," Li said. "The energy released in the B.O.A.T. was completely off the charts, one of the most energetic events humans have ever seen. The fact that it also appears to be born out of near-primordial gas may be an important clue to understanding its superlative properties." This is another case where solving one mystery leads to another unanswered one. The JWST was launched to answer some of our foundational questions about the universe. By confirming that a supernova is behind the most powerful GRB ever detected, it's done part of its job. But it also found another mystery and has left us hanging again. The JWST is working as intended. More information: Peter K. Blanchard et al, JWST detection of a supernova associated with GRB 221009A without an r-process signature, Nature Astronomy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-024-02237-4 Journal information: Nature Astronomy 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: Winners and losers in bee communities under climate change. a, Magnitude of predicted change in bee species abundance over time for each of the 50 most abundant bee species b, Total bee abundance is projected to remain stable over time Each point represents the sum for each ecosystem year combination of all species-level mean predicted abundance values that were calculated by averaging across predictions from six GCMs. Credit: Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07241-2 Recent research by the University of New Mexico alumnus Melanie Kazenel and colleagues predicts climate change will reshape bee communities in the southwest United States, with some thriving and others declining. The research, titled "Heat and desiccation tolerances predict bee abundance under climate change," was recently published in Nature. Kazenel completed her Ph.D. in Biology at UNM in 2022 and is currently a visiting assistant professor of Biology at Earlham College in Indiana. "I study how native bees are responding to climate change," Kazenel said. "Bees are the most important pollinators of many wild plants and agricultural crops, meaning that they are crucial to sustaining natural ecosystems and the human food supply. But there is increasing evidence that bees are threatened globally. "Factors known to threaten bees include habitat loss, pesticides, disease, and climate change. However, climate change has been less-studied relative to other factors that threaten bees. "Our research sought to fill this important knowledge gap. In particular, in the southwestern US, the climate is becoming warmer and drier over time, as well as more variable from year to year. We aimed to understand how these changes impact bee communities in our region." The research was conducted at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) near Socorro, N.M., as part of the Sevilleta Long-Term Ecological Research Program (SEV-LTER). "This region is home to extraordinarily high bee diversity. We have recorded about 340 species of wild, native bees at the SNWR alone," Kazenel said. The research began in 2002, when UNM Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology Karen W. Wright established a long-term bee monitoring study at the SEV-LTER. This study, which is still ongoing, is possibly the world's longest continuous bee monitoring effort. "Each month from March through October, when bees are active, we open traps in the field at the SNWR to collect bees, which we then identify to species. This gives us an incredible record of how bee abundance and diversity have changed from month-to-month and year-to-year over time. We have been able to pair our long-term bee data with data from on-site weather stations to understand how changes in bee abundance and diversity correspond with climate," Kazenel said. To complement the long-term bee monitoring data, the researchers collected additional data on bee body size and physiology, taking body size measurements on preserved bee specimens collected in the long-term study. To collect physiology data, they netted bees in the field and placed them in an environmental chamber that allowed them to measure thermal (heat) tolerance and desiccation tolerance (tolerance to dry conditions). "These data allowed us to determine whether body size and physiology relate to bee population trends," Kazenel explained. "For instance, are large-bodied or small-bodied bees more likely to be in decline? Are bee species with low tolerance of heat and desiccation more likely to be in decline? These data can help us understand which bee species are most threatened by climate change, and why." The research revealed strong evidence that climate change is reshaping bee communities in the southwestern U.S. "Climate was a strong predictor of bee population dynamics in our study: for 71% of populations, aridity, or the level of drought, predicted abundance. Some beesthose with high tolerance of heat and desiccation in our experimentsappear resilient to climate change and may even increase in abundance in the future. But our models forecast declines for 46% of species and predict more homogeneous future bee communities." This is a concerning result, Kazenel said, as bee diversity supports diverse, healthy plant communities. "We also found that larger-bodied bees dominated communities under the arid conditions that will increase in the future. Change in the body size composition of bee communities could alter pollination of plants, because the size of a bee and a flower need to 'match' for effective pollination to occur. Our study therefore provides important new evidence of how climate change is directly affecting bee communities and the plants they pollinate," she said. "Our work paints a mixed picture about the future of bees in New Mexico," Kazenel summarized. "On one hand, some bee species appear well-adapted to persist under climate change, which gives us reason for hope. But on the other hand, we predict declines for nearly half of species, which is reason for great concern. "Our work thus broadly speaks to the importance of swift action to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate future climate change to conserve the biodiversity that sustains our planet." Co-authors on the study are Wright and Terry Griswold, research entomologist at the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit at Utah State University, both expert bee taxonomists who identified all bees collected in the study. "An enormous task because of the high species diversity in our region," Kazenel noted. Wright received her Ph.D. in Biology from UNM and now works for the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The team also includes UNM Distinguished Professor of Biology Jennifer Rudgers and Professor Kenneth Whitney, associate chair of the UNM Department of Biology, who supervised the work, along with numerous field and lab assistants. "This research has truly been a team effort," Kazenel noted. Kazenel and other researchers at the SEV-LTER are continuing to study climate change effects on bees. In particular, they are working to document which plants are pollinated by each bee species in the dataset, allowing them to understand in more detail how changes in bee abundance under climate change will influence particular plant species. They are also exploring how changes in bee and plant phenologythe timing of life cycle eventscould shift under climate change. More information: Melanie R. Kazenel et al, Heat and desiccation tolerances predict bee abundance under climate change, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07241-2 Journal information: Nature 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: Identifying decarbonization leverage points in firm-level production networks. Credit: Complexity Science Hub A "rapid and far-reaching change" is necessary to prevent catastrophic climate change, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). "However, the transformation of the economy towards climate neutrality always involves a certain amount of economic stresssome industries and jobs disappear while others are created," explains Johannes Stangl from the Complexity Science Hub (CSH). When it comes to climate policy measures, how can economic damage be minimized? A CSH team has developed a new method to help solve this problem. "To understand how climate policy measures will affect a country's economy, it's not sufficient to have data on carbon dioxide emissions. We must also understand the role that companies play in the economy," says Stangl, one of the co-authors of the study published in Nature Sustainability. CO 2 emissions reduced by 20% The researchers used a data set from Hungary that includes almost 250,000 companies and over one million supplier relationships, virtually representing the entire Hungarian economy. They examined what a country's entire economy would look like if certain companies were forced to cease production in various scenariosall aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. "In the first scenario, we looked at what would happen if only CO 2 emissions were taken into account," explains Stefan Thurner from the CSH. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, the country's seven largest emitters would have to cease operations. "In the meantime, however, around 29% of jobs and 32% of the country's economic output would be lost. The idea is completely unrealistic; no politician would ever attempt such a thing," says Thurner. Furthermore, when greenhouse gas emissions and the size of the companies are considered, serious economic consequences result. A two-factor approach "Two factors are crucialthe CO 2 emissions of a company, as well as what systemic risks are associated with it, i.e. what role the company plays in the supply network," explains Stangl. CSH researchers developed the Economic Systemic Risk Index (ESRI) in an earlier study. It estimates the economic loss that would result if a company ceased production. Taking these two factors into accounta company's greenhouse gas emissions and its risk index for the country's economythe researchers calculated a new ranking of companies with large emissions relative to their economic impact. According to the new ranking, a 20% reduction in CO 2 emissions would require the top 23 companies on the list to cease operations. This, however, would only result in a loss of 2% of jobs and 2% of economic output. At the company level "In reality, companies would naturally try to find new suppliers and customers. We want to take this aspect into account in a further developed version of our model in order to obtain an even more comprehensive picture of the green transformation. However, our study clearly shows that we need to take the supply network at the company level into account if we want to evaluate what a particular climate policy will achieve," say the authors of the study. This is the only way to assess which companies will be affected by a particular measure and how this will affect their trading partners, according to them. The availability of company-level data has been largely lacking in Austria. The risk assessment is normally done at the sector level, for example, how severely a measure affects the entire automotive or tourism industry. "This puts us at a disadvantage compared to other countries such as Hungary, Spain or Belgium, where detailed data is available at company level. In these countries, VAT is not recorded cumulatively, but in a standardized way for all business-to-business transactions, which means that extensive information is available on the country's supply network," explains Thurner. More information: Firm-level supply chains to minimize decarbonization unemployment and economic losses, Nature Sustainability (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01321-x Journal information: Nature Sustainability Provided by Complexity Science Hub 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 Plans by SpaceX and other companies to boost the number of rocket launches sometimes seen streaking across San Diego County's skies have prompted the California Coastal Commission to question the environmental effects. Residents near Vandenberg Space Force Base, on the state's Central Coast, say the launches shake their homes and rattle their nerves. People don't know when to expect them because the lift-off time varies and can be delayed by weather conditions. "I find it difficult to believe that there are no impacts on (wildlife) species due to SpaceX launches," said Carpinteria resident Rebecca Stebbins in an April 5 letter to the Coastal Commission. "I, along with thousands of other residents of the South Coast, am significantly impacted with each launch, including being woken up from a deep sleep on occasion, while my dogs are terrified, my house shakes, and the sonic booms are felt physically, with a deep shock." Conservationists say the noise disturbs native wildlife such as red-legged frogs, the western snowy plover, seals and sea lions, and it interferes with commercial and recreational fishing. Nearby public beaches and fishing grounds are often closed during the launches. "The launches are extremely loud and destructive," said Mandy Sackett in San Diego, senior California policy coordinator for the Surfrider Foundation. "Sound impacts are grossly underestimated," Sackett said, and she urged the Coastal Commission to "pump the brakes" on the increase. Another downside are the latex weather balloons released before every flight to check atmospheric conditions. The balloons carry batteries and electronics that reach the stratosphere and then burst from the pressure before falling back to earth or into the ocean, where the equipment sinks with little chance of being recovered. As many as 30 balloons were released before each launch until recently, a Vandenberg official said. A launch now needs as few as 10, and the number is decreasing as technology improves. Space companies pay mitigation fees of $10 for each pound of unrecoverable debris they create, and the money goes into a fund for the collection of lost fishing gear such as monofilament line and nets. But commissioners, at their meeting Wednesday in Long Beach, said that amount may be insufficient. "A battery is hazardous waste," said Commissioner Kristina Kunkel. "It's not comparable to fishing gear." Air quality may be the first concern of anyone who has seen the rocket's long trail of vapor, yet the reported emissions are well below applicable state and federal standards. The fuel is rocket-grade kerosene combined with liquid oxygen. When it burns, it produces a negligible amount of soot and nitrogen oxide in the exhaust. The U.S. Space Force and SpaceX, owned by electric-car magnate Elon Musk, have asked the Coastal Commission to approve an increase to as many as 36 launches a year at Vandenberg. The SpaceX launches averaged six annually over the past five years, although they have been increasing steadily, reaching a total of 19 in 2022 and 28 in 2023. The company has been ramping up launches as it builds a network of nearly 42,000 Starlink satellites to provide worldwide direct-to-cell internet service. Each Falcon 9 rocket carries up to 22 satellites. SpaceX also uses bases in Texas and Florida, and as of March had launched more than 5,500 satellites. The company has a roster of other launch customers, including NASA and the Pentagon. The Coastal Commission reached no decision on the request Wednesday. Instead, the commissioners voted to postpone the matter so staffers can look further into the cumulative effects of the launches and return with more information in a month or longer. Other private companies and federal agencies also launch rockets at Vandenberg. Last year, there were 37 launches in all, said Space Force Col. Bryan Titus, operations vice commander at the base. "We're asking for 36 right now (for SpaceX alone), and we do plan to ask for more later," Titus said at Wednesday's commission meeting. The base has the capacity to do as many as 110 launches a year, which could increase with plans to build an additional launch platform. The launches are allowed based on the Coastal Commission's previous determination that the environmental effects of the events are relatively insignificant. Also, there are questions about whether the state agency can regulate actions by the federal government that Titus said are vital to national security. "All launches support the Defense Department and our allies," Titus said. About 25% of all SpaceX rockets include a Defense Department payload, he said. The United States also benefits from the company's Starlink system of satellites. "Starlink has been absolutely critical in the situation in Ukraine," he said, referring to the U.S. support of the country in its war with Russia. Landings of the rocket's reusable first stage also will increase under the SpaceX plan, another concern for Central Coast residents. While the launch of the rocket creates a thunderous roar, it does not create a sonic boom, Titus said. Only the return of the first stage, less than 10 minutes after liftoff, creates a sonic boom that can be heard from 80 miles away or farther, depending on atmospheric conditions. The rocket stage can return to Vandenberg, or, if that's too far, it can land on a floating platform at sea. SpaceX also is asking the Coastal Commission to allow an expansion of the ocean landing zone to cover an area beginning at least 31 miles from the coast and extending out as far as several hundred miles, anywhere between the latitudes of Los Angeles and the middle of Baja California. At sea, landings occur on a barge-like drone ship that is towed to the general area. Once there, it can remotely adjust its position. Some of the commissioners questioned the need for so many launches, especially when most of the profits go to private companies such as SpaceX and Firefly Aerospace, a Texas-based aerospace company. Some of the commissioners said they would prefer to see statistics for all the launches, including those by NASA, the Defense Department and private companies. They also noted that no one representing SpaceX was present at the meeting. "I am concerned about the piecemealing of this," said Commissioner Ann Notthoff. "We can't really assess what this exponential growth is. We have to get a handle on that." 2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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 specimen from which the high-coverage blue antelope nuclear genome was extracted: a young male from the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Source: Hempel et al. 2021. Identifying the true number of specimens of the extinct blue antelope (Hippotragus leucophaeus). Credit: Swedish Museum of Natural History The blue antelope (Hippotragus leucophaeus) was an African antelope with a bluish-gray pelt related to the sable and the roan antelope. The last blue antelope was shot around 1800, just 34 years after it was first described scientifically. The research team, which included Potsdam evolutionary biologists led by Prof. Dr. Michael Hofreiter, has now succeeded in obtaining a 40-fold high-coverage genome from a specimen at the Swedish Museum of Natural History. This is one of only five DNA-validated historical museum specimens of the blue antelope. Low genomic diversity and population size are often considered a disadvantage, as they can lead to a reduction in the fitness and adaptability of a species. "However, the blue antelope had a small population size for many millennia before it became extinct around 1800," Hofreiter explains. "The fact that no inbreeding and only a few detrimental mutations were detected indicates that the species was adapted to long-term low population size," adds Elisabeth Hempel, who studied the blue antelope as part of her doctoral thesis at the University of Potsdam and the Museum of Natural History Berlin. The analysis of the long-term population size also shows that ice-age climate fluctuations did not influence it. This is unexpected for a large herbivorous mammal, as these cycles should have led to changes in habitat availability. This result suggests that current models of long-term ecosystem dynamics in the region may need to be refined. Drawing of a blue antelope. Source: P. L., Thomas, O. The Book of Antelopes, vol. 4. London: 18991900. Pl. LXXVI. Credit: Biodiversity Heritage Library The researchers concluded from their results that species can survive for a long time with a small population size as long as they are not exposed to fast-acting disturbances. Consequently, the sudden human influence during European colonization of southern Africa in the 17th century likely played a central role in the extinction of the species. In the course of the DNA analyses, two genes were also identified in the genome that could be responsible for the species' blue pelt color, to which the blue antelope owes its name. This was made possible with the help of state-of-the-art computational analysis software from the biotechnology company Colossal Bioscience, with which the researchers collaborated. "As part of Colossal's ongoing focus on ancient DNA, genotype to phenotype relationships, and ecosystem restoration, we were honored to collaborate on the groundbreaking work of Professor Hofreiter and his team," said Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal Bioscience. "The research objectives for the project allowed our teams to work together applying some of the latest Colossal ancient DNA and comparative genomic algorithms to learn what truly made the blue antelope the unique species it was." The study is published in the journal Current Biology. More information: Elisabeth Hempel et al, Colonial-driven extinction of the blue antelope despite genomic adaptation to low population size, Current Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.051 Journal information: Current Biology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The summers in Hampton Roads, Va., are hot, but for some residents, swelling temperatures and their impacts can be disproportionately worse. In Portsmouth, Va., for example, a lack of green space and increase of development over time has created urban heat islands, said Elizabeth Malcolm, professor of ocean and atmospheric sciences and director of sustainability at Virginia Wesleyan University. Urban heat islands occur when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat. This effect increases energy costs, air pollution levels and heat-related illness and mortality. "Remember when you were little and you were walking barefoot outside, and the grass was so much cooler than the the blacktop? So part of it is that change in albedo (reflective power), so the darker surfaces just absorb more sunlight and they retain the heat," Malcolm said. "Also, the soil and the plants are also cooled by evaporative coolingjust like sweat cools our skin. When soil moisture evaporates or the plants are transpiring, you can get evaporative cooling. "(In) urban areas, some of our processes like air conditioning and building release heat, so there's also anthropogenic heat released into the environment in urban areas." Faculty at VWU received a grant to complete a two-year project to combat rising temperatures in Portsmouth. The first year will focus on mapping hot spots within the city's limits, and the second year will focus on community input from residents about tree planting and other efforts. Malcolm said policy choices such as redlining have had lasting environmental impacts on Portsmouth. The University of Richmond has gathered maps and data related to redlining in cities in Virginia and beyond, including Hampton Roads. An Environmental Protection Agency review of several studies found that some communities in the United States, particularly those that are low-income and with higher populations of people of color, have neighborhoods with higher temperatures relative to adjacent neighborhoods. "Decisions that might have been made decades ago that affected how dense or how developed an area iswhere the green spaces are or where they aren'tall have implications today for the health and well-being of the people who live in that neighborhood," Malcolm said. Reducing urban heat islands also can have economic and social effects, Malcolm added. A 2023 report from Rockefeller Institute of Government, a public policy research arm of the State University of New York, notes research reflected that the prevalence of trees in public right-of-ways are associated with lower crime rates. Other studies suggest reducing heat islands brings in development and lowers energy costs. Extreme heat is the most dangerous weather event in terms of death, surpassing tornadoes, hurricanes and other severe storms, according to the National Weather Service. Each year, extreme heat events contribute to hundreds of deaths in the United States. Vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults and those with preexisting conditions become even more at risk as temperatures increase. Garry Harris, a Portsmouth native and president of the Center for Sustainable Communities, said focusing on heat reduction can improve the lives of those who rely on being outside for jobs and for general quality of life since summers are only getting hotter due to climate change. "(The project is for) the folks out there on the tarmac who are directly in those places, becoming dehydrated and falling ill," Harris said. "It's about gridlock. It is the single air conditioner in our homes, and if it goes out, you suffer. It's about those older folks who live in those redlined areas and (face) other housing injustice practices." Community engagement in the project is going to be a major focus, Harris said. He said the group has already begun reaching out to civic leagues and religious groups, and making connections with residents about sustainability and taking care of the land will make community members more excited and engaged in the project. Harris said community engagement is the key to more sustainable communities and longevity. "They experience on a daily basis particulates and those contaminants that the children are inhaling. Now, we layer on top of that: health disparities, respiratory diseases, blood disease and heart disease," Harris said. "We layer on economic disparities, loss of jobs or no jobs (and) housing injustice. On top of that, we have severe weather, extreme heat. That's what those communities are facing. That's what those people are facing. "Planting trees is going to do something to help that out, but we're really proud of these folks that leap beyond that to do what's necessary to make their communities more sustainable and resilient for our residents." 2024 The Virginian-Pilot. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A new study shows how measuring the Suns gravitational field could search for additional physics. Credit: NASA/ESA It's an exciting time for the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. Thanks to cutting-edge observatories, instruments, and new techniques, scientists are getting closer to experimentally verifying theories that remain largely untested. These theories address some of the most pressing questions scientists have about the universe and the physical laws governing itlike the nature of gravity, dark matter, and dark energy. For decades, scientists have postulated that either there is additional physics at work or that our predominant cosmological model needs to be revised. While the investigation into the existence and nature of dark matter and dark energy is ongoing, there are also attempts to resolve these mysteries with the possible existence of new physics. In a paper, a team of NASA researchers proposed how spacecraft could search for evidence of additional physical within our solar systems. This search, they argue, would be assisted by the spacecraft flying in a tetrahedral formation and using interferometers. Such a mission could help resolve a cosmological mystery that has eluded scientists for over half a century. The proposal is the work of Slava G. Turyshev, an adjunct professor of physics and astronomy at the university of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and research scientist with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He was joined by Sheng-wey Chiow, an experimental physicist at NASA JPL, and Nan Yu, an adjunct professor at the university of South Carolina and a senior research scientist at NASA JPL. Their research paper has appeared online and has been accepted for publication in Physical Review D. Turyshev's experience includes being a Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission science team member. In previous work, Turyshev and his colleagues have investigated how a mission to the sun's solar gravitational lens (SGL) could revolutionize astronomy. In a previous study, he and SETI astronomer Claudio Maccone also considered how advanced civilizations could use SGLs to transmit power from one solar system to the next. To summarize, gravitational lensing is a phenomenon where gravitational fields alter the curvature of spacetime in their vicinity. This effect was originally predicted by Einstein in 1916 and was used by Arthur Eddington in 1919 to confirm his general relativity (GR). However, between the 1960s and 1990s, observations of the rotational curves of galaxies and the expansion of the universe gave rise to new theories regarding the nature of gravity over larger cosmic scales. On the one hand, scientists postulated the existence of dark matter and dark energy to reconcile their observations with GR. On the other hand, scientists have advanced alternate theories of gravity (such as modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND), modified gravity (MOG), etc.). Meanwhile, others have suggested there may be additional physics in the cosmos that we are not yet aware of. As Turyshev told Universe Today via email, "We are eager to explore questions surrounding the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter. Despite their discovery in the last century, their underlying causes remain elusive. Should these 'anomalies' stem from new physicsphenomena yet to be observed in ground-based laboratories or particle acceleratorsit's possible that this novel force could manifest on a solar system scale." For their latest study, Turyshev and his colleagues investigated how a series of spacecraft flying in a tetrahedral formation could investigate the sun's gravitational field. These investigations, said Turyshev, would search for deviations from the predictions of general relativity at the solar system scale, something that has not been possible to date. "These deviations are hypothesized to manifest as nonzero elements in the gravity gradient tensor (GGT), fundamentally akin to a solution of the Poisson equation. Due to their minuscule nature, detecting these deviations demands precision far surpassing current capabilitiesby at least five orders of magnitude. At such a heightened level of accuracy, numerous well-known effects will introduce significant noise. The strategy involves conducting differential measurements to negate the impact of known forces, thereby revealing the subtle, yet nonzero, contributions to the GGT." The mission, said Turyshev, would employ local measurement techniques that rely on a series of interferometers. This includes interferometric laser ranging, a technique demonstrated by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, a spacecraft pair that relies on laser range finding to track Earth's oceans, glaciers, rivers, and surface water. The same technique will also be used to investigate gravitational waves by the proposed space-based Laser Interferometry Space Antenna (LISA). The spacecraft will also be equipped with atom interferometers, which use the wave character of atoms to measure the difference in phase between atomic matter waves along different paths. This technique will allow the spacecraft to detect the presence of non-gravitational noise (thruster activity, solar radiation pressure, thermal recoil forces, etc.) and negate them to the necessary degree. Meanwhile, flying in a tetrahedral formation will optimize the spacecraft's ability to compare measurements. "Laser ranging will offer us highly accurate data on the distances and relative velocities between spacecraft," said Turyshev. "Furthermore, its exceptional precision will allow us to measure the rotation of a tetrahedron formation relative to an inertial reference frame (via Sagnac observables), a task unachievable by any other means. Consequently, this will establish a tetrahedral formation leveraging a suite of local measurements." Ultimately, this mission will test GR on the smallest of scales, which has been sorely lacking to date. While scientists continue to probe the effect of gravitational fields on spacetime, these have been largely confined to using galaxies and galaxy clusters as lenses. Other instances include observations of compact objects (like white dwarf stars) and supermassive black holes (SMBH) like Sagittarius A*which resides at the center of the Milky Way. "We aim to enhance the precision of testing GR and alternative gravitational theories by more than five orders of magnitude. Beyond this primary objective, our mission has additional scientific goals, which we will detail in our subsequent paper. These include testing GR and other gravitational theories, detecting gravitational waves in the micro-Hertz rangea spectrum not reachable by existing or envisioned instruments and exploring aspects of the solar system, such as the hypothetical Planet 9, among other endeavors." More information: Slava G. et al, Searching for new physics in the Solar System with tetrahedral spacecraft formations. Physical Review D (2024) journals.aps.org/prd/accepted/ ee5be88d58bf89a046a3 Journal information: Physical Review D 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: Excavation section in the settlement mound of Askl Hoyuk (Central Anatolia, Turkey). The numerous layers that formed during the millennia of settlement at the site are clearly visible. Credit: Nadja Pollath (SNSB-SPM) Modern Eurasian sheep predominantly belong to only two so-called genetic matrilineages inherited through the ewes, so previous research has assumed that genetic diversity must already have decreased rapidly in the early stages of domestication of wild sheep. A study of a series of complete mitogenomes from the early domestication site Askl Hoyuk in central Anatolia, which was inhabited between 10,300 and 9,300 years ago, disproves this assumption. Despite a millennium of human interference with the keeping and breeding of sheep, mitogenomic diversity remained invariably high, with five matrilineages being evidenced including one previously unknown lineage. The persistently high diversity of matrilineages observed during the 1,000 years of sheep farming was unexpected for the researchers. The study is published in the journal Science Advances. "In Askl Hoyuk, there were both sheep raised in captivity and wild sheep hunted by the inhabitants of the site. We assume that occasionally managed flocks were supplemented by native wild sheep when necessary, e.g. to compensate for losses due to disease or stress in captivity. One should also consider that people exchanged sheep over wider areas. A possible parallel to such practice can be found in the import of cereal crops to Central Anatolia, which are native to Southeast Anatolia," says Prof. Peters. The different matrilineages or haplogroups are similar to the branches of a family tree. Individuals belonging to a particular lineage show comparably little variation in their mitochondrial genomes because descending from a common female ancestor. Today, haplogroup B predominates among sheep in Europe and haplogroup A in East Asia. Consequently, mitogenomic diversity decreased later in the domestication process or at the time when sheep farming spread beyond the original domestication region during the Neolithic, a question that had so far remained unanswered. Today's descendants of the first domestic sheep of Central Anatolia. Even today, agriculture in this region is still largely based on large flocks of sheep. Credit: Nadja Pollath (SNSB-SPM) To address this question, the international team of researchers led by Prof. Joris Peters, State Collection of Palaeoanatomy Munich (SNSB-SPM), Prof. Ivica Medugorac, Population Genomics of Animals, LMU Munich, and Prof. Dan Bradley, Smurfit Institute for Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, investigated matrilineal affiliation and phylogenetic relationships of 629 modern and ancient sheep across Eurasia. Comparison of Askl Hoyuk's results with ancient DNA signatures in archaeological sheep bones from later settlements in Anatolia and surrounding regions as well as in Europe and Middle Asia clearly illustrates that mitogenomic diversity decreased significantly in the ninth millennium before present. One result of this is the aforementioned dominance of matrilineage B in Europe. "We can now assume that this development is due to a so-called 'bottleneck' that took place later in the Neolithic period, when sheep farming spread beyond the natural distribution of wild sheep following the early domestication of the species. This bottleneck likely relates to so-called founder effects, in which smaller flocks were consecutively removed from an already greatly reduced sheep population in the course of the spread of small animal husbandry on the way to Europe," Peters says. "Particularly fascinating are the insights gained through the integration of genetic and archaeological datasets. Together with the numerous other mosaic pieces that zooarchaeologists, archaeologists and geneticists have collected over decades, an increasingly coherent picture of human cultural adaptations since the last Ice Age now emerges. Studies like these show that animal domestication is not to be understood in terms of a cross-generational plan, but rather as a process of chance and necessity that has significantly shaped our recent cultural history and accompanies us to this day," adds Prof. Ivica Medugorac. More information: Edson Sandoval-Castellanos et al, Ancient mitogenomes from Pre-Pottery Neolithic Central Anatolia and the effects of a Late Neolithic bottleneck in sheep ( Ovis aries ), Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0954 Journal information: Science Advances 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 New research has given insight into the resilience and recovery of businesses in two South Australian regions following a major bushfire event and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses in two of the state's regions affected by a devastating bushfire and a COVID-19 cluster outbreak have been analyzed by economics experts at the University of South Australia to determine the best pathways for future disaster recovery in regional areas. Like many SA regional areas heavily reliant on international tourists, Kangaroo Island and Barossa Valley experienced a drop in visitors following the destructive 201920 bushfires that erupted on Kangaroo Island only months before COVID-19 halted international travel. The bushfire was the largest in KI's history, scorching 211,000ha of land, which is almost half the island. A few months later the Barossa Valley experienced its own disaster when a cluster of COVID-19 cases sent the region into lockdown. Both events caused significant disruption to businesses' cash flows, supply chains and markets. In a study of a small pool of business owners across KI and Barossa Valley, published in the journal Regional Studies, Regional Science, UniSA's Dr. Kathy Rao found that a "dynamic capabilities approach" during a crisis is integral to long-term recovery in regional areas. This includes having the ability to identify and evaluate a threat, deploying resources in response to it and then renewing or transforming structures to ensure recovery and survival. She says research participants spoke about the importance of financial stability for small businesses and its impact on business operations during crises. "Many of the small business operators also found that having a strong online presence including a well-established website was an essential factor in their survival during the pandemic. Connections with local community groups or committees such as Tourism SA, Regional Development Australia and well as local accountants, mentors, lawyers and web designers were also critical," she says. Most Barossa Valley participants reflected on how COVID-19 forced them to adapt or change their existing business models or alter their products and services. Some were forced to lay off staff, while others took the initiative to learn how to make their business leaner. Some took the period as a time for reflection, revaluation and to think about how they could "do things differently." Dr. Rao says the study has identified a lack of mental health support for business owners and operators in regional areas during times of crises. "We know that higher workloads and stress, exacerbated by turbulent environments, can put considerable pressure on mental health and well-being of business operators which can affect their ability to manage and make decisions, ultimately posing a risk to their resilience," she says. "Many of the participants indicated that mental health is still a topic that carries stigma in regional communities. The psychological effects of the pandemic on business owners and managers were especially significant because without mental health, other supports were difficult to access." The findings also indicated that regional business responses to the COVID-19 crisis were reactionary and often involved implementing short-term remedies to address reduced cash flow and supply and demand. Dr. Rao says the findings have highlighted the need for regional businesses to undertake key processes that lead to building resilience over time, rather than only acting once a crisis has broken. These include establishing connections with local and regional support structures such as Regional Development Australia, tourism or primary industry authorities, local councils and community groups. Most businesses in the study would also have failed to survive without a digital marketplace or online marketing strategies. "Businesses therefore need to consider these factors in their crisis recovery planning and skillfully navigate and adapt around these challenges," Dr. Rao says. She says while few Australian studies have investigated the impact of disasters on regional businesses, examining the effects of such crises is critical in contributing towards further regional policy development and decision making. "Regional businesses contribute enormously to the area's socio-economic viability and act as a vital source of wealth and culture. Regional enterprisesfrom cafes to clothes shops to tourism enterprisesare crucial for healthy, well-functioning local communities so we must understand how to ensure regional businesses have the capacity to anticipate, adapt, respond to and recover from external shocks and disturbances," she says. More information: Kathyayini Kathy Rao et al, The dynamic capabilities approach and regional business resilience: an Australian case study, Regional Studies, Regional Science (2024). DOI: 10.1080/21681376.2024.2315192 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: Genomic lineages of the Americas that evolved in the Late Pleistocene. Nomenclature follows from (22) with USR1 (2) representing ANC-C, Big Bar (3) representing ANC-D and Historic Blackfoot representing ANC-E. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl6595 A team of researchers with varied backgrounds and affiliated with multiple organizations (including the Blackfoot Confederacy) in the U.S. and Canada has conducted a genetic study focused on tracing the lineage of North America's native Blackfoot Confederacy. In their study, published in the journal Science Advances, the group collected tissue samples from several living members of the Blackfoot Confederacy, genetically sequenced them and then compared the data with the results from samples collected from the remains of Confederacy members exhumed from several ancient burial sites. The Blackfoot Confederacy comprises linguistically related groups of Native Americans who make up the Blackfoot or Blackfeet peoplethey include the Siksika, the Kainai and two sections of the Peigan or Piikanithe Northern Piikani and the Southern Piikani. Historically, they were bison hunters and sometimes fishermen. They occupied large sections of the North American plains, in both Canada and the U.S. By the late 19th century, most members had been consigned to reservations. More recently, tribe members have been suing the government and corporations to reclaim some of their original land. Part of that effort has involved proving that they have historical rights through their lineage. This new study supports such attempts. In comparing the genetic evidence, the researchers found that modern Blackfoot people are descendants of a lineage that goes back approximately 18,000 years. They also found that the genetic data supports Blackfoot lore, passed down by word of mouth over generations, claiming that the Blackfoot people have been living in North America for at least 10,000 years. The Blackfoot lineage has become a contentious issue over the past several years as members of the Blackfoot Confederacy contend that some of that land near the Rocky Mountains' eastern edges, now being tested for drilling by oil companies, is ancestral and therefore protected by treaties covering Blackfoot territory. The results of this effort bolster such claims. The research team also found evidence that a major lineage split occurred among the people who migrated to North America approximately 18,000 years ago, giving rise to all present-day Indigenous people in North, Central and South America. More information: Dorothy First Rider et al, Genomic analyses correspond with deep persistence of peoples of Blackfoot Confederacy from glacial times, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl6595 Journal information: Science Advances 2024 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A visual impression of the magnetic butterfly hosting four entangled spins on wings (left) and its corresponding atomic-scale image obtained using scanning probe microscopy (right). Credit: National University of Singapore Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a new design concept for creating next-generation carbon-based quantum materials, in the form of a tiny magnetic nanographene with a unique butterfly-shape hosting highly correlated spins. This new design has the potential to accelerate the advancement of quantum materials which are pivotal for the development of sophisticated quantum computing technologies poised to revolutionize information processing and high density storage capabilities. The team was led by Associate Professor Lu Jiong from the NUS Department of Chemistry and Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials, together with Professor Wu Jishan who is also from the NUS Department of Chemistry, and international collaborators. The research was published inNature Chemistry. Magnetic nanographene, a tiny structure made of graphene molecules, exhibits remarkable magnetic properties due to the behavior of specific electrons in the carbon atoms' -orbitals. By precisely designing the arrangement of these carbon atoms at the nanoscale, control over the behavior of these unique electrons can be achieved. This renders nanographene highly promising for creating extremely small magnets and for fabricating fundamental building blocks needed for quantum computers, called quantum bits or qubits. The unique structure of the butterfly-shaped magnetic graphene developed by the researchers has four rounded triangles resembling butterfly wings, with each of these wings holding an unpaired -electron responsible for the observed magnetic properties. The structure was achieved through an atomic-precise design of the -electron network in the nanostructured graphene. Assoc Prof Lu said, "Magnetic nanographene, a tiny molecule composed of fused benzene rings, holds significant promise as a next-generation quantum material for hosting fascinating quantum spins due to its chemical versatility and long spin coherence time. However, creating multiple highly entangled spins in such systems is a daunting yet essential task for building scalable and complex quantum networks." The achievement is a result of close collaboration among synthetic chemists, materials scientists, and physicists, including key contributors Professor Pavel Jelinek and Dr. Libor Vei, from the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague. A next-generation magnetic nanographene with highly entangled spins The magnetic properties of nanographene are usually derived from the arrangement of its special electrons, known as -electrons, or the strength of their interactions. However, it is difficult to make these properties work together to create multiple correlated spins. Nanographene also predominately exhibits a singular magnetic order, where spins align either in the same direction (ferromagnetic) or in opposite directions (antiferromagnetic). The researchers developed a method to overcome these challenges. Their butterfly-shaped nanographene, with both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic properties, is formed by combining four smaller triangles into a rhombus at the center. The nanographene measures approximately 3 nanometers in size. To produce the "butterfly" nanographene, the researchers initially designed a special molecule precursor via conventional in-solution chemistry. This precursor was then used for the subsequent on-surface synthesis, a new type of solid-phase chemical reaction performed in a vacuum environment. This approach allowed the researchers to precisely control the shape and structure of the nanographene at the atomic level. An intriguing aspect of the "butterfly" nanographene its four unpaired -electrons, with spins mainly delocalized in the "wing" regions and entangled together. Using an ultra-cold scanning probe microscope with a nickelocene tip as an atomic-scale spin sensor, the researchers measured the magnetism of the butterfly nanographenes. Additionally, this new technique helps scientists direct probe entangled spins to understand how nanographene's magnetism works at the atomic scale. The breakthrough not only tackles existing challenges but opens up new possibilities for precisely controlling the magnetic properties at the smallest scale, leading to exciting advancements in quantum materials research. "The insights gained from this study pave the way for creating new-generation organic quantum materials with designer quantum spin architectures. Looking ahead, our goal is to measure the spin dynamics and coherence time at the single-molecule level and manipulate these entangled spins coherently. This represents a significant stride towards achieving more powerful information processing and storage capabilities," said Assoc Prof Lu. More information: Shaotang Song et al, Highly entangled polyradical nanographene with coexisting strong correlation and topological frustration, Nature Chemistry (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01453-9 Journal information: Nature Chemistry 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: By adjusting the volumes of maleic acid solution, the scientists constructed a maleic acid-treated bacterial cellulose (MA-BC)-gelatin (GEL) gel with good printable performance and promoting bone repair ability. Credit: Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, China, hcx@njfu.edu.cn The field of bone tissue engineering (BTE) is a promising avenue for addressing bone injuries and defects by constructing artificial scaffolds with bionic functionalities. Due to its unique 3D network structure, impressive mechanical properties, and excellent biocompatibility, bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a captivating area of research in the realm of scaffold fabrication. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a precise technique for constructing intricate structures in damaged tissues or organs, which has been widely applied in the bone tissue engineering field. However, the application of BC for 3D printing faces certain limitations that require attention, such as its dense 3D network structure, which impedes cellular penetration and weakens cell attachment. In addition, the tightly entangled fibers within BC may pose challenges for its extrusion as a bio-ink during the printing process, which also limit the research that has been conducted on the application of BC in 3D printing. Maleic acid (MA) has emerged as a promising candidate for acid treatment of cellulose, primarily due to its eco-friendly nature and mild reaction conditions. Previous work has proven that MA solution with different concentrations showed various effects on BC physicochemical properties and osteogenesis. Meanwhile, MA-mediated modification for BC provides reversible reactions, including ester reaction (forward reaction) and ester hydrolysis reaction (backward reaction). Hence, it is necessary to balance the volume of added MA solution in order to ensure the forward reaction for BC modification, which will yield deeper insights into the MA-mediated modification process and unlock the full potential of modified BC in the bone tissue engineering field. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images and fiber width of the fibers in dispersions modified with different volumes of maleic acid (MA) solutions: (a) neat maleic acid-modified bacterial cellulose (MA-BC), (b) 15 MA-BC, (c) 110 MA-BC, (d) 120 MA-BC, (e) 130 MA-BC, (f) 140 MA-BC, and (g) 150 MA-BC . Credit: Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jobab.2024.04.001 According to Xucai Wang, the investigator who led a recent study published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, this provides a new idea for the research of bacterial cellulose in bone tissue engineering. Wang explained, "The esterification process introduced carboxyl groups and hydrophobic properties to BC, thereby enhancing its suitability as a bio-ink for tissue engineering scaffolds. Additionally, the 130 MA-BC dispersion exhibited excellent biocompatibility, increased osteogenic gene expression, and increased mineralized nodule formation in vitro compared to the neat BC dispersion." Also, the authors expect this work to provide valuable insights into the potential application of MA-BC dispersions in bone tissue engineering, particularly in facilitating proliferation and differentiation of osteocytes. More information: Xucai Wang et al, Constructing Osteo-Inductive Bio-Ink for 3D Printing Through Hybridization of Gelatin with Maleic Acid Modified Bacterial Cellulose by Regulating Addition Volumes of Maleic Acid Solution, Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jobab.2024.04.001 Provided by Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts 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 science we need for the ocean we want"this is the tagline for the UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030), which has just held its first conference in Barcelona, Spain. Marine scientists from around the world, including me, gathered alongside global leaders to chart the progress of this ten-year mission to improve ocean health and marine biodiversity. That includes finding ways to better protect the seabed which we still know relatively little about. Some areas of sediment on the sea floor hold large stores of carbon. Without greater protection, disturbance from bottom-trawling fishing practices for example, could release some of that stored carbon back into the atmosphere. I joined discussions in Barcelona that have led to the launch of a new sustainable ocean planning initiative, to be coordinated by Julian Barbiere, global coordinator of the Ocean Decade. This aims to encourage commitment to sustainable management of 100% of sea area under a nation's jurisdiction. With this in place, there's scope to reimagine the role of the ocean in our wider climate system and recognize that all marine natural systems sequester and store carbon in their soils and sediments. I'm here on behalf of the global ocean decade program for blue carbonthat's any carbon that is stored in the ocean. This project is one of the UN's 50 programs aimed at delivering transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our ocean. That's a big ask. My work focuses on the extraordinary ability of coastal ecosystemssuch as mangroves, salt marshes and seagrassto sequester or store organic carbon in unusually high densities. Our blue carbon team of international research scientists from more than 20 countries is beginning to define emerging blue carbon ecosystems such as kelp forest and sub-tidal sediments as solutions to manage the climate and biodiversity crises. The 360 million sq kilometers of ocean and sea floor, from coastal seagrass meadows to the sediment that slowly accumulates within the deepest trenches, are massively overlooked as a precious carbon store. Oceans hold vast stores of carbonthe top meter of the ocean holds an estimated 2.3 trillion metric tons. The seafloor is not a resource to be relentlessly exploited, but a vulnerable repository of global biodiversity and carbon that needs protecting. These highly productive, yet vulnerable, ecosystems have been greatly affected by habitat loss and destructive practices such as deforestation of mangroves for shrimp aquaculture in the relentless development of the world's coastal zones. Blue carbon has huge potential to provide ocean-based solutions to help mitigate climate change, and thankfully, at the global scale at least, these losses have slowed in recent years. The potential for blue carbon to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is relatively modest, but healthy, restored ecosystems have the potential to store an extra 2.96 million tons of carbon annually. Certain countries, such as Indonesia, offer huge potential as blue carbon hotspots where the protection and restoration of nature are an opportunity, for both the environment and local communities. Carbon credits, the means by which additional carbon can become a source of investment income in that community, are gaining much interest. Off the coast of Kenya, the community-based Miko Pamojo project enhances direct benefits to local people from mangrove restoration. Blue carbon ecosystems can help countries meet their climate obligations and have been attracting considerable interest. However, if nations want these ecosystems to continue to provide a whole range of services our governments must protect them and, where possible, restore lost habitats. Most governments have been stubbornly slow to prioritize ocean-based solutions high up on the agenda of global climate negotiations. At this conference, I've heard more people, including Unesco's director general Audrey Azoulay, driving home the need to protect and effectively manage our ocean resources. Members from the traditional owners of the Great Barrier Reef spoke of "country" from a perspective of a long and sustained human relationship with nature and are intimately connected to the ocean. There is a growing recognition and respect for this indigenous knowledge and our need to integrate that into a sustainable ocean future. Reimagining the ocean's role It makes sense to start by protecting these natural systems that already hold vulnerable stores of carbonthis is sensible risk management. As nations continue to exploit the marine environment for fishing, fossil fuels and even precious metals which are now being mined from the sea floor in certain places, it is time to rethink the value of these vast natural stores of ocean carbon. Space science gets way more funding than our oceans, yet vast areas of the global deep ocean remain largely unmapped. "Life below water" is by far the least funded of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. That needs to change through a sustained and increased investment in ocean science and greater recognition for the value of our blue economydefined by the UN as the sustainable use of the ocean's resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs. Stepping back to pause and preserve what already exists in the ocean can help the planet, and us, build resilience and create a healthier and more sustainable marine environment. The seabed forms the foundation for an interconnected ocean ecosystem and acts as an important long-term global sink for carbon that involves the whole ocean and its exchanges with the atmosphere and wider Earth system. While plans are finally moving in the right direction, there are huge challenges ahead. To paraphrase Cynthia Barzuna, director of ocean action 2030 at the World Resources Institute, "there is no wealthy ocean without a healthy ocean". The biggest takeaway from the Barcelona conference is that a sustainable ocean future depends on a shared vision that works for all of us and marine life too. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: An artist's impression of the newly described fossil species Protemnodon viator and its relative Protemnodon anak, compared at scale to the living red kangaroo and eastern grey kangaroo. Credit: Flinders University Paleontologists from Flinders University have described three unusual new species of giant fossil kangaroo from Australia and New Guinea, finding them more diverse in shape, range and hopping method than previously thought. The three new species are of the extinct genus Protemnodon, which lived from around 5 million to 40,000 years agowith one about double the size of the largest red kangaroo living today. The research follows the discovery of multiple complete fossil kangaroo skeletons from Lake Callabonna in arid South Australia in 2013, 2018 and 2019. These extraordinary fossils allowed lead researcher Dr. Isaac Kerr, then a Ph.D. student, to unpick a nearly 150-year-long puzzle around the identities of the species of Protemnodon. The article, "Systematics and palaeobiology of kangaroos of the late Cenozoic genus Protemnodon (Marsupialia, Macropodidae)" by Isaac AR Kerr, Aaron B Camens, Jacob D van Zoelen, Trevor H Worthy and Gavin J Prideaux has been published in Megataxa. The new Flinders University study reviewed all species of Protemnodon, finding that they were quite different from one another. The species adapted to live in differing environments and even hopped in different ways. Protemnodon would have looked something like a gray kangaroo, but were generally more squat and muscular. While some species were around 50 kg, others were much larger than any living kangaroo. However, one new species named as part of the latest studynamed Protemnodon viatorwas much bigger, weighing up to 170 kg. This is about twice as much as the largest male red kangaroos. Protemnodon viator was well-adapted to its arid central Australian habitat, living in similar areas to the red kangaroos of today. It was a long-limbed kangaroo that could hop fairly quickly and efficiently. Its name, viator, is Latin for "traveler" or "wayfarer." A near-complete fossil skeleton of the extinct giant kangaroo Protemnodon viator from Lake Callabonna, missing just a few bones from the hand, foot and tail. Credit: Flinders University The Australian researchers discovered two other new speciesProtemnodon mamkurra and Protemnodon dawsonaewhile also revisiting the work of earlier researchers including British naturalist Sir Richard Owen who coined the term "dinosaur" in Victorian England. The first species of Protemnodon were described in 1874 by British paleontologist Owen who followed the common approach of the time, to focus chiefly on fossil teeth. He saw slight differences between the teeth of his specimens, and described six species of Protemnodon. Successive studies have whittled away at some of these early descriptions; however, the new Flinders University study agrees with one of his species, Protemnodon anak. This first specimen described, called the holotype, still resides in the Natural History Museum in London. Dr. Kerr says it previously was suggested that some or all Protemnodon were quadrupedal. "However, our study suggests that this is true of only three or four species of Protemnodon, which may have moved something like a quokka or potoroothat is bounding on four legs at times, and hopping on two legs at others. "The newly described Protemnodon mamkurra is likely one of these. A large but thick-boned and robust kangaroo, it was probably fairly slow-moving and inefficient. It may have hopped only rarely, perhaps just when startled." Dr. Kerr says the best fossils of this species come from Green Waterhole Cave in southeastern South Australia, on the land of the Boandik people. The species name, mamkurra, was chosen by Boandik elders and language experts in the Burrandies Corporation. It means "great kangaroo." It's unusual to have a single genus of kangaroo live in such varied environments, he says. "For example, the different species of Protemnodon are now known to have inhabited a broad range of habitats, from arid central Australia into the high-rainfall, forested mountains of Tasmania and New Guinea." Palaeontologist Dr. Isaac Kerr displays the fossil jaw of the giant kangaroo Protemnodon viator and the far smaller jaw of the largest living kangaroo, the red kangaroo. Credit: Flinders University The third of the new species, Protemnodon dawsonae, is known from fewer fossils than the other two, and is more of a mystery. It was most likely a mid-speed hopper, something like a swamp wallaby. It was named in honor of the research work of Australian paleontologist Dr. Lyndall Dawson, who studied kangaroo systematics and the fossil material from "Big Sink," the part of the Wellington Caves in NSW, from which the species is mostly known. To gather data for the study, Dr. Kerr visited the collections of 14 museums in four countries and studied "just about every piece of Protemnodon there is." "We photographed and 3D-scanned over 800 specimens collected from all over Australia and New Guinea, taking measurements, comparing and describing them. It was quite the undertaking. "It feels so good to finally have it out in the world, after five years of research, 261 pages and more than 100,000 words. I really hope that it helps more studies of Protemnodon happen, so we can find out more of what these kangaroos were doing. "Living kangaroos are already such remarkable animals, so it's amazing to think what these peculiar giant kangaroos could have been getting up to." While Protemnodon fossils are fairly common across Australia, they have historically been found "isolated," or, as individual bones without the rest of the animal. This has hampered paleontologists' study of Protemnodon in the past, making it difficult to say how many species there were, how to tell them apartand how the species differed in size, geographic range, movement and adaptations to their natural environments. Digging up the largest-known skeleton of Protemnodon viator, a specimen nicknamed 'Old Gregg' for its great size and very worn teeth, suggesting advanced age. The partial skeleton of a Diprotodon, an extinct giant marsupial, is in the foreground. Location is Tedford Locality, Lake Callabonna, northeast of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Credit: Aaron B Camens, Flinders University (September 2018). By about 40,000 years ago, all Protemnodon were extinct on mainland Australia, maybe lingering a while longer in New Guinea and Tasmania. This extinction occurred despite their differences in size, adaptations, habitat and geographic range. For reasons not yet clear the same did not happen to many similar and closely related animals, such as wallaroos and gray kangaroos. This question may soon be answered by further research aided in some part by this study. "It's great to have some clarity on the identities of the species of Protemnodon," says Flinders Professor Gavin Prideaux, a co-author of the major new article in Megataxa. "The fossils of this genus are widespread and they're found regularly, but more often than not you have no way of being certain which species you're looking at. This study may help researchers feel more confident when working with Protemnodon." More information: Systematics and palaeobiology of kangaroos of the late Cenozoic genus Protemnodon (Marsupialia, Macropodidae), Megataxa (2024). DOI: 10.11646/MEGATAXA.11.1.1 , mapress.com/mt/article/view/megataxa.11.1.1 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 For Nelly Vaquera-Boggs, the plastic tarps that cover strawberry fields in Monterey County, California, when they are being fumigated with toxic chemicals offer little comfortespecially when those fields are close to schools. The tarps, she said, sometimes come loose in the wind. They can get holes. And in the small farm towns of the Pajaro Valley, where schoolyards often abut agricultural land, Vaquera-Boggs worries thattarps or no tarpsthose pesticides are drifting beyond the fields and endangering children. "Teachers have been concerned about nearby application of pesticides and fumigants for decades," said Vaquera-Boggs, president of the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers. "We live in an area that provides strawberries and a lot of the food that we consume, but we also still believe this can happen and our communities can be safe." This month, the teachers union, which represents around 1,100 school employees, joined four environmental and social justice groups in suing Monterey County agriculture officials and state pesticide regulators, alleging they disregarded children's health by allowing several farms to use restricted pesticides in close proximity to three elementary and middle schools whose students are mostly Latino. "It's environmental racism," said Yanely Martinez, a Greenfield City Council member and organizer for the group Safe Ag Safe Schools, one of the plaintiffs. "These are communities of people of color. These are the communities of farmworkers that are putting food on the table. The families are being silently killed." The lawsuit, filed April 4 in Monterey County Superior Court, targets the Monterey County agricultural commissioner, Juan Hidalgo, and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and its director, Julie Henderson. The plaintiffs, which include the Center for Farmworker Families, the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council and Californians for Pesticide Reform, are being represented by the environmental law nonprofit Earthjustice. At issue are six permitsissued last summer by county agriculture officials under the purview of state regulators that allowed the use of the fumigants chloropicrin and 1,3-dichloropropene (known as 1,3D) in fields near Ohlone Elementary School, Hall District Elementary School and Pajaro Middle School, which also have on-site daycare programs. The plaintiffs allege county agriculture officials are too quick to rubber-stamp pesticide permits without properly considering alternatives. "It's rarely the case where you see permits being denied. It's approval after approval," said Martinez, a mother of four who said she and other organizers have been repeatedly stonewalled by county officials who refuse to meet with them. In a statement, the Monterey County agricultural commissioner's office said it "meticulously follows all federal and state regulations when issuing pesticide permits." "We conduct regular field inspections to ensure compliance and promptly investigate any illnesses or concerns related to pesticide use that may arise in the community. Protecting agricultural workers, our neighborhoods, and the environment isn't just a job for usit's our duty." The state Department of Pesticide Regulation said in a statement that it continuously evaluates potential impacts of pesticide exposure on sensitive populations, including children. It did not directly comment on the lawsuit. According to the department's annual report for pesticide use for 2021, the most recent year available, Monterey County ranked sixth among California's 58 counties for the amount of pesticides applied, with more than 9 million pounds used on 6.5 million acres. State health officials have long reported that children in Monterey County are among the most likely in California to attend schools near fields treated with toxic pesticides. The fumigants named in the suit are used to kill soil-borne pathogens and pestsnamely, nematodes, the ubiquitous worms that can wreak havoc on plants including strawberries, which are the most lucrative crop in Monterey County, bringing in nearly $1 billion a year. Chloropicrinwhich was used as a tear gas during World War Ican severely irritate the eyes, throat and lungs, leading to coughing, choking and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal health agencies have long considered 1,3D a likely carcinogen. Both fumigants are designated in California as restricted materials, which require a county-issued permit for use because of their higher potential for harming human health compared with other pesticides. The lawsuit does not name specific incidences of children, school employees or other adults being sickened by the fumigants. Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau, dismissed the lawsuit as the work of activist organizations that do not understand that, "without agricultural chemicals in situations where we are growing crops very sensitive to pests and diseases, we won't have food." Groot said the fumigants in this case are injected into the soil, which is then placed under a plastic tarp that remains over the field for seven to 10 days until the chemicals have dissipated. There is "no transmission into the atmosphere of any of these chemicals," Groot said. Six farms, each of which obtained permits to fumigate, also are named in the lawsuit. A manager for one of them, Bay View Farms LLC, said the fumigation process is "really heavily regulated and inspected by not just the county, but also the state." Bay View Farms, he said, grows strawberries on about 45 acres near Ohlone Elementary. It got a permit last August to use chloropicrin and 1,3D. The manager, who spoke to The Times on the condition of anonymity to discuss pending litigation, said that every three years the Bay View crop is rotated with another company that grows vegetables. "We do it when the students are not at school," he said of fumigating. "We don't want to do anything to kids." Greg Loarie, an attorney for Earthjustice, said it has long been "nearly impossible" for members of the public to learn exactly when fumigants are going to be applied so they can take precautions, like avoiding being outside near the fields. The permits are valid for at least several months and are not easily accessible for inspection since they are not posted online and require a public records request to view. "Parents and teachers certainly have a right to know when toxic pesticides are being sprayed right next to their schools, and this process needs to be public and needs to be meaningful," he said. "What we really want, at the end of the day, is we want the poisoning to stop. We want someone to be addressing the fact that cumulative exposure to these pesticides, year after year, is poisoning our kids." 2024 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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 Image of Sweden in the U.S.: History, events and mechanisms. Credit: Carl Marklund, Samtidshistoriska institutet Sweden has long had a strong symbolic value in US politics, representing a utopia that has chosen a golden middle way between capitalism and socialism. However, the tone has not always been positive and this image has been criticized. In a new report, Carl Marklund, researcher at the School of Historical and Contemporary Studies, investigates how the Swedish policy of neutrality and global events have affected the perception of Sweden in the US. "There are many reasons why a particular perception of Sweden exists in the US, and one of them is the idea of Sweden as a peaceful country with an excellent welfare system. There has been a fascination with the Swedish model, how capital and the workers' movement have been able to reach agreement. But this perception has been destabilized, something that has developed over a long period," he says. Changing perceptions about Sweden In The Image of Sweden in the United StatesHistory, Events and Mechanisms, Marklund examines research in this field on the basis of the increasing debate about how Sweden is perceiveda debate in which a negative tone now occurs more frequently. Sweden is facing major challenges to its security policy, so taking a look back at history can nuance and add substance to this discussion. "The image of Sweden has been unstable for a long time. It is influenced by how Sweden acts, but also due to campaigns from Russian troll farms and Islamist groups. Perceptions are changing now that Sweden has left neutrality behind and applied for NATO membership, and nor is the welfare system as robust as it was," he says. An idealized image From some perspectives, the image that developed over the twentieth century was very idealized. Its foundation was laid in the 1930s and 40s, when the Swedish "Folkhemmet" (people's home) was established. Would building a world-leading, competitive society even be possible with such a comprehensive welfare system? This was particularly questioned by the traditional right wing. The image of Sweden also changed at the end of the 1990s, when it implemented numerous reforms to the welfare system. "Obviously, what was actually done can be discussed, but it nonetheless had an impact on perceptions of Sweden. The biggest differences from before are the contemporary discussions about criminality, problems with integration and multiculturalism. In some places, Sweden is still regarded as a role model, but more and more foreign observers seem to agree with the somewhat self-critical view of society that has emerged here over the past few years," says Marklund. Rewarding role Historically, Sweden and the US have strong cultural ties, particularly because of the many Swedes who emigrated there in the latter half of the nineteenth century. In the twentieth century, the image has sometimes been positive, and occasionally negative. Sweden's role as a successful example has been rewarding, Marklund says. "Over time, different values have affected the image of Sweden and, in exceptional cases, this has been due to a specific event. Examples include the recent disinformation campaigns about social services taking children from their parents and, similarly, the 1980s term 'barngulag' (children's gulag) that was coined in association with similar accusations. "However, thenand nowthe fundamentally positive picture outweighs the negative. When a country is described as a utopia, it is also tempting to try to find the phenomena that contradict this image, to slaughter the holy Dalecarlian horse, as it were," he concludes. 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 New research from The University of Western Australia has examined how fine root lifespan is linked to root strategies of resource acquisition and protection. Emeritus Professor Hans Lambers, from UWA's School of Biological Sciences, was co-author of the study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. "How the lifespan of roots is related to the strategies roots use to acquire nutrients from the soil is largely unknown," Professor Lambers said. "We compiled the most comprehensive dataset of what roots absorb over their lifespan from 98 observations of 79 woody species using underground recordings of roots across 40 sites. "Our study then linked average root lifespan to other plant traits to address questions of what regulates root lifespan on a large spatial scale." The study found median root lifespan decreases with plant investment in more metabolically active compounds, such as root nitrogen, but increases in plants that have a reliance on symbiotic fungi. "Previous theories have suggested plant organ structure and function together with root traits play a role in lifespan, but our study found there was no correlation," he said. The study also found there was no link between fine root and leaf lifespan except among evergreen species. "This suggested that the environment has influenced evolutionary selection in different ways aboveground compared to belowground," Professor Lambers said. "We also found the root lifespan was typically longer in places with a lower mean annual temperature and higher average yearly rainfall." The results of the study will help to identify key variables and environmental drivers of root lifespan and understand how the ecosystem responds to climate change. More information: Jiawen Hou et al, Linking fine root lifespan to root chemical and morphological traitsA global analysis, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320623121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Commentary: Chinese consumer market full of opportunities for global brands Xinhua) 09:55, April 15, 2024 HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The booming consumer market in China, the world's second-largest economy, generates numerous business opportunities for global brands. No big international brands would overlook the enticing Chinese market. This is precisely why the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo in China's southern island province of Hainan drew over 4,000 brands from 71 countries and regions. As seen from the theme of this year's expo, "Share Open Opportunities, Co-create a Better Life", it emphasizes China's willingness and initiative to share open opportunities with global brands that are making significant market investments. The expo, which started Saturday and lasts till April 18, is China's only national-level exhibition featuring consumer products and also the largest consumer expo in the Asia-Pacific region. This year it has the biggest scale ever, attracting a record number of brands with an indoor exhibition area of 128,000 square meters. The participation of numerous international companies underscores their keen interest and confidence in the Chinese market where consumption has become a major driver of the economy. There is no doubt that the Chinese consumer market is full of potential and opportunities, as its vast population of 1.4 billion, growing middle class, and increasing consumer demand for high-quality products have made China a key market for global companies. The Hainan expo provides a multifaceted platform for global companies to not only showcase their products and services but also explore more lucrative business opportunities and tap into the vast potential of the Chinese market. Meanwhile, Hainan is ramping up efforts to become a free trade port. This will increase market access and create a more favorable business environment. China also aims to build Hainan into a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035. Booming duty-free shopping attests to the province's burgeoning appeal as a consumer haven. In 2023, the number of shoppers and the total value of transactions climbed by 59.9 percent and 25.4 percent, respectively, year on year. China's open and shared development injects great momentum into global economic growth. As China firmly advances high-standard opening up, the opportunities in its consumer market will only grow, offering a bigger slice of the cake for global brands. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 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 new Royal Courts of Justice in London, opened in 1882 and photographed here between 1897 and 1899. Credit: The Queen's Empire. Volume 3. Cassell & Co. London|Wikimedia In 1848, the British government decided to draw up a precisely measured map of London. Imperial expansion had seen the city develop quickly, particularly around the docks and the City of London. There was a growing need for improved infrastucture, particularly an underground sewer system, which would be overseen by the Metropolitan Board of Works. Previous cartographic attempts had largely involved piecing together existing maps of the region. Military professionals now undertook a thorough survey of the city's topography and rivers, covering a radius of 12 miles from St Paul's Cathedral. This was a time of great urban expansion. London in the mid-19th century was becoming the global center of finance and trade. New public buildings were constructed including museums, libraries, art galleries and markets (for money, livestock, coal). As the minister in charge of public works, Austin Layard, put it: "The government has to decide upon the erection of a large number of important public buildings than had ever been raised in any capital at one time." Politicians began to talk about needing to supplement this new cartographic view of the city with a three-dimensional one. The idea was to detail both individual buildings and major changes to urban districts. In 1869 Layard thus proposed a new 3D model of the city itself that would be open to public viewing. In my new book, Modeling the Metropolis, I show how architectural models became a crucial communication tool in Victorian London. They enabled politicians and the wider public to visualize, in unprecedented fashion, how their city was changing. Victorian politics and architecture The early 19th century saw major changes made to the electoral landscape in Britain. First, following the 1832 Reform Act, voting rights were extended to a greater share of the male population. Electoral boundaries moved to better reflect the urbanization of industrialized Britain. Three decades later, the 1867 Reform Act enfranchised a million new male voters. This doubled the size of the electorate and propelled the country into the age of mass politics. These changes created a new political context and an urban public eager for democratic participation. In London, this meant keeping the public up to date on how the city was expanding. The popular press discussed the various merits of new prominent civic buildings. These included the National Gallery, built between 1832-1838, and George Edmund Street's designs for the Royal Courts of Justice, which opened in 1882. Architectural models came to play a central role in this public discourse. Architects and politicians used scale models to present to the public an accurate idea of a proposed building, prior to its construction. These used models variously to show different options for how a future building might look, to raise funds for its construction or to celebrate the project's progress. These models enabled audiences to visualize different scenarios and discuss the future appearance of their city. During a debate about the Royal Courts of Justice, Layard said, "I am strongly of opinion that no great public building ought to be erected without a model upon a large scale, having first been submitted to the public." A model, he argued, was the best means to openly display the chosen design to the government, opposition members of parliament and the tax-paying public. He felt it necessary that projects "be seen and criticized." In 1869 a team of modelmakers made a vast model of the Embankment, from Blackfriars Bridge to the Palace of Westminster. It showed two different sites for the Royal Courts of Justice. Each component part could be removed and replaced to show new buildings constructed as the city changed. Although now lost, we know that the model required consent from the chancellor of the exchequer due to its expense. It cost some 150,000 in today's money. Londoners were able to view it on display in the library of the Palace of Westminster and at the newly opened Bethnal Green Museum. Nineteenth-century leveling up The relationship between democratic politics and architectural models also reveals tensions between the metropolis and the regions in Victorian Britain. After 1867, the importance of British popular politics grew exponentially. The Third Reform Act in 1882 extended the same voting qualifications as existed in Britain's cities and towns to the countryside. Sections of the public and various MPs raised concerns that national finances would be used for the benefit of London alone. Metropolitan improvements were funded directly by the city's own authorities. There was a growing sense that the capital should also pay for its own public buildings. This issue came to the fore in various debates surrounding the construction of the Natural History Museum and various government offices on Whitehall. Select committee inquiries in parliament logged journalistic protests and complaints. The extents and ornament of a building were often reduced as a result, in a bid to lower costs. By the turn of the 20th century, a group of politicians advocated for changes to legislation. Led by Francis Wemyss-Charteris-Douglas, the 10th Earl of Wemyss, with the support of the Royal Institute of British Architects, they suggested that any proposal for a government-funded building should first require an architectural model to be displayed in public. Politicians in the House of Lords said models would allow taxpayers to view designs for new buildings and give them the opportunity to voice an opinion. Ultimately, this campaign was unsuccessful. The legislation regulating how public works should be presented to the public did not change. Across the Victorian period, journalists and critics questioned the reliability of particular scales, viewing positions or model-making materials. This popular use of architectural models shows how effective they can be as a tool of communication, and how they give the public an idea of what buildings will really look like. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The island of Molokai, where the Ball Method successfully treated leprosy sufferers. Credit: Albert Pierce Taylor Hansen's disease, also called leprosy, is treatable todayand that's partly thanks to a curious tree and the work of a pioneering young scientist in the 1920s. Centuries prior to her discovery, sufferers had no remedy for leprosy's debilitating symptoms or its social stigma. This young scientist, Alice Ball, laid fundamental groundwork for the first effective leprosy treatment globally. But her legacy still prompts conversations about the marginalization of women and people of color in science today. As a bioethicist and historian of medicine, I've studied Ball's contributions to medicine, and I'm pleased to see her receive increasing recognition for her work, especially on a disease that remains stigmatized. Who was Alice Ball? Alice Augusta Ball, born in Seattle, Washington, in 1892, became the first woman and first African American to earn a master's degree in science from the College of Hawaii in 1915, after completing her studies in pharmaceutical chemistry the year prior. After she finished her master's degree, the college hired her as a research chemist and instructor, and she became the first African American with that title in the chemistry department. Impressed by her master's thesis on the chemistry of the kava plant, Dr. Harry Hollmann with the Leprosy Investigation Station of the U.S. Public Health Service in Hawaii recruited Ball. At the time, leprosy was a major public health issue in Hawaii. Doctors now understand that leprosy, also called Hansen's disease, is minimally contagious. But in 1865, the fear and stigma associated with leprosy led authorities in Hawaii to implement a mandatory segregation policy, which ultimately isolated those with the disease on a remote peninsula on the island of Molokai. In 1910, over 600 leprosy sufferers were living in Molokai. This policy overwhelmingly affected Native Hawaiians, who accounted for over 90% of all those exiled to Molokai. The significance of chaulmoogra oil Doctors had attempted to use nearly every remedy imaginable to treat leprosy, even experimenting with dangerous substances such as arsenic and strychnine. But the lone consistently effective treatment was chaulmoogra oil. Chaulmoogra oil is derived from the seeds of the chaulmoogra tree. Health practitioners in India and Burma had been using this oil for centuries as a treatment for various skin diseases. But there were limitations with the treatment, and it had only marginal effects on leprosy. The oil is very thick and sticky, which makes it hard to rub into the skin. The drug is also notoriously bitter, and patients who ingested it would often start vomiting. Some physicians experimented with injections of the oil, but this produced painful pustules. The Ball Method The state of Hawaii honored Ball by declaring Feb. 28 Alice Augusta Ball Day. If researchers could harness chaulmoogra's curative potential without the nasty side effects, the tree's seeds could revolutionize leprosy treatment. So, Hollmann turned to Ball. In a 1922 article, Hollmann documents how the 23-year-old Ball discovered how to chemically adapt chaulmoogra into an injection that had none of the side effects. The Ball Method, as Hollmann called her discovery, transformed chaulmoogra oil into the most effective treatment for leprosy until the introduction of sulfones in the late 1940s. In 1920, the Ball Method successfully treated 78 patients in Honolulu. A year later, it treated 94 more, with the Public Health Service noting that the morale of all the patients drastically improved. For the first time, there was hope for a cure. Tragically, Ball did not have the opportunity to revel in this achievement, as she passed away within a year at only 24, likely from exposure to chlorine gas in the lab. Ball's legacy, lost and found Ball's death meant she didn't have the opportunity to publish her research. Arthur Dean, chair of the College of Hawaii's chemistry department, took over the project. Dean mass-produced the treatment and published a series of articles on chaulmoogra oil. He renamed Ball's method the "Dean Method," and he never credited Ball for her work. Ball's other colleagues did attempt to protect Ball's legacy. A 1920 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association praises the Ball Method, while Hollmann clearly credits Ball in his own 1922 article. Ball is described at length in a 1922 article in volume 15, issue 5, of Current History, an academic publication on international affairs. That feature is excerpted in a June 1941 issue of Carter G. Woodson's "Negro History Bulletin," referring to Ball's achievement and untimely death. Joseph Dutton, a well-regarded religious volunteer at the leprosy settlements on Molokai, further referenced Ball's work in a 1932 memoir broadly published for a popular audience. Historians such as Paul Wermager later prompted a modern reckoning with Ball's poor treatment by Dean and others, ensuring that Ball received proper credit for her work. Following Wermager's and others' work, the University of Hawaii honored Ball in 2000 with a bronze plaque, affixed to the last remaining chaulmoogra tree on campus. In 2019, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine added Ball's name to the outside of its building. Ball's story was even featured in a 2020 short film, "The Ball Method." The Ball Method represents both a scientific achievement and a history of marginalization. A young woman of color pioneered a medical treatment for a highly stigmatizing disease that disproportionately affected an already disenfranchised Indigenous population. In 2022, then-Gov. David Ige declared Feb. 28 Alice Augusta Ball Day in Hawaii. It was only fitting that the ceremony took place on the Manoa campus in the shade of the chaulmoogra tree. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP The American Democracy Project, the League of Women Voters and Voter Choice New Jersey at Stockton University will present information on ranked choice voting at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Stockton's main campus. Ranked choice voting is an election method in which voters rank candidates in order of preference, rather than just selecting one candidate, according to the Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center. The event, which is free and open to the public, includes a panel discussion with state Sens. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, and Andrew Zwicker, D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset. Also participating are New Jersey Independent Voters Chairperson Sue Davies, American Promise NJ Volunteer Coordinator Marie Henselder-Kimmel and Voter Choice New Jersey co-founder Herb Tarbous. It will be held at Stockton's Campus Theater, and a reception will follow the discussion. In ranked choice voting, if a candidate receives more than half of the first choices, that candidate wins. However, if there is no majority winner after counting the first choices, the race is decided by an "instant runoff," according to the RCV Resource Center. The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and voters who ranked that candidate as their first choice will have their votes count for their next choice. This process continues until one candidate gets a majority of votes. ATLANTIC CITY State Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, said Monday he needs to discuss his proposed legislation to overhaul Atlantic Citys government with local officials before releasing the full text of the bill to the public. Atlantic County Democratic Chair Michael Suleiman called on Polistina to share the bill publicly after hearing Polistina discuss it on the Don Williams radio show on WOND Thursday. For nearly a year, rumors have circulated about a clandestine bill poised to dismantle key aspects of Atlantic Citys governance, Suleiman said. Last week, Senator Polistina stated that his proposed legislation would remove four city council members and replace them with nonresident appointees, all without the input of Atlantic Citys residents. The bill would keep an elected mayor and reduce the number of elected council people from the current nine to five, Polistina said. Four more council members would be appointed. They would be the presidents of AtlantiCare, Stockton University and the Casino Association of New Jersey, as well as the head of the largest non-gaming business in the city, Polistina said. The state takeover has been since 2016 and will end at the end of 2025, so its important for all of us ... to talk about what we do with expiration of the takeover, Polistina said on Williams show. Suleiman said Polistina owes it to the community to release this elusive bill promptly, allowing for a thorough, public discussion about the future of Atlantic City. On the Williams show, Polistina said the council under his bill would be a combined governing body using the talents of professional people with a large stake in the citys future. Polistina introduces bill going after 'phantom candidates' State Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, and Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco have introduced legislation aimed at curbing the influence of so-called "phantom candidates" in New Jersey elections. I believe that is a way we can get out of the state takeover and go back to local governance, which is important, Polistina said. It would also reduce the number of wards in the city from six to five, he said Monday, and council members would all be ward representatives, with no at-large members anymore. The constitutionality of such a bill might be tested in court, Polistina said via text Monday. We talked with the Office of Legislative Services at length for months about whether it could be done, Polistina said. They believe it can be because of the special situation (with Atlantic City remaining the only municipality where casino gaming is allowed in New Jersey), but they acknowledged no one would know for sure unless there was a legal challenge. Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz, who is also the president of the NAACPs Atlantic City chapter, said Monday the civil rights group will sue if the bill passes. It appears to be unconstitutional, depriving citizenship rights and suppressing voting, Shabazz said. He would prefer Polistina and city officials work together to bring planning and zoning responsibility back to the city alone, away from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. We need legislation to that effect, and we are all in agreement, Shabazz said of city officials and Polistina. He said he has been trying since Jan. 11 to get an appointment with Mayor Marty Small Sr. to discuss it and provided an email chain to show his offices outreach to the mayors office. Democrats, especially Camden County political boss George Norcross, have misrepresented the bill, which was never introduced, Polistina said. Norcross, whom Polistina acknowledged he had talked to about the proposed legislation to request help getting it through the Democrat-controlled Legislature, has said the bill would eliminate the elected mayor and council members and replace them with appointees. It is nuts, crazy for anyone to think I would go to take out elected reps of any community. That is never going to happen, Polistina said. Thats not what I was proposing and not what I would ever propose. Testa pushes bill to crack down on squatting: Political briefs State Sens. Michael Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic; and Doug Steinhardt, R-Hunterdon, Somerset, Warren, called Tuesday for the Senate to advance their bill to criminalize squatting," or the unlawful use of a building. He said his bill was intended to start a conversation. If passed, its changes would be enacted in 180 days. Suleiman said he agrees there needs to be a conversation about the citys future after the state takeover ends, but it needs to be public and transparent. At a time when the public is fighting against an effort to gut the Open Public Records Act, the withholding of crucial legislative details only fuels skepticism in government, said Suleiman. Influential political figures are privy to the contents of this bill while Atlantic City residents remain in the dark. Senator Polistina must address this issue promptly by releasing the bill without further delay. ATLANTIC CITY The Atlantic City Free Public Library has received $1.3 million from the New Jersey State Library to redesign the Tennessee Avenue building's second-floor meeting room, including updated technology for streaming services and virtual programs, the library said Monday in a news release. The renovations also include the addition of two private office pods equipped with computers on the first floor for telehealth, education and work activities. The library's elevator will be modernized, and high-speed broadband access will be expanded throughout the library. Additionally, the library will partner with AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center to offer wellness programs, health screenings and support sessions. The project will kick off this spring with the health programs, followed by construction later in the year. Atlantic City library to start HVAC work Monday Construction to replace the Atlantic City Free Public Library's HVAC system is expected to start Monday and last about two months, the library said Friday. This project will amplify the librarys impact in the community," library Assistant Director Melissa McGeary said. "By modernizing the librarys technology infrastructure and providing comprehensive support for education, wellness, and workforce development initiatives, we will be better situated to empower library patrons in all aspects of their lives. The money is part of a $180 million state infrastructure package intended to support public health and safety, digital connectivity and equitable access to services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state library received more than $34 million of that package to distribute to libraries across the state. This critical funding will help alleviate the disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and empower our communities through connectivity to ultimately improve literacy and education, boost employment, and protect public health across our state, Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. WILDWOOD Former President Donald J. Trump may be coming back to Wildwood for a beachfront rally next month. The Board of Commissioners on Monday approved an agreement with the Trump campaign for a May 11 campaign rally. Rumors have swirled around Wildwood that the former president would be back this year. At a special board meeting, Mayor Ernie Troiano declined to say whether Trump would be in town in person, or even say what organization planned the event, but the unanimously approved resolution cites Donald J. Trump for President 2024 Inc. The vote came after a closed-door meeting of close to an hour, without public discussion. Troiano said he was handcuffed as to what he could say publicly Monday. City officials said more information would be released Wednesday and directed further inquiries to the Trump campaign. There was no immediate response to an emailed request for comment. The meeting came the same day Trump made history as the first American president in a criminal trial, as jury selection began in Manhattan in a felony case related to hush money payments to a porn actress. In January 2020, before COVID-19 changed the world, Trumps visit to the Wildwoods Convention Center on the Boardwalk drew thousands to the beach resort in the winter. This time, plans call for a warmer visit in May. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who changed parties in 2019 from Democrat to Republican while his former party sought to impeach Trump, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. Van Drew is up for reelection this year and has been named as chairman of Trumps New Jersey campaign. Upper Township primary fight extends to GOP party seats As Upper Township readies for a primary fight for the Republican nomination for two seats on the Township Committee, there is another battle brewing over membership of the townships Republican committee. For Trumps previous visit to Wildwood, supporters lined up in droves for hours in a chilly wind off the ocean while waiting for the doors to open at the Convention Center. Inside, Trump embraced Van Drew and brought Kellyanne Conway, a Camden County native, to the stage. She served as a senior counselor in the Trump administration. Mr. President, I think South Jersey is Trump Country, she said. When Trump last visited Wildwood, a rare visit to southern New Jersey by a sitting president, most businesses were closed for the winter and the seaside community would have been about as empty as it gets. A May weekend is a far different story, with several events already planned in the community, including the Wildwoods Spring Fling festival, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, a cheer competition and a hot rod and muscle car show. This years presidential campaign is set to be different from any other in American history as Trump seeks to unseat Democratic incumbent President Joe Biden, whose 2020 win Trump did not accept. Trump has alleged problems with that vote, although courts rejected multiple challenges. Manhattan prosecutors brought 34 felony counts against the president related to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. Trump attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance charges in 2018 in connection to the payments during the 2016 campaign. At issue in New York is not whether the payments took place, but rather whether they involved criminally falsifying business records. Trump also faces criminal indictments related to allegations of election interference in Georgia, four federal charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and 37 criminal counts related to his handling of classified documents. There also are multiple civil cases, including a $454 million civil penalty related to allegations he wrongly inflated his net worth. That judgment is under appeal. GALLERY: Protesters at President Trump's Wildwood rally Protesters at President Trump's Wildwood rally -- HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES -- 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy 012920_nws_kennedy Kathmandu, Nepal, April 15, 2024: Leading Nepalese delegation finance Minister Barshman Pun has left for the United States of America (USA) on Monday to participate in the spring meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Nepalese delegation members comprises Sri Krishna Nepal, Chief Joint Secretary of the Ministry's International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division, Kanchan Basnet, Under Secretary responsible for the World Bank desk within the same division, and Bhupal Raj Shakya, an additional Under Secretary serving as the Minister's private secretary. BEIJING (AP) A top ranking official Chinese official reaffirmed ties with North Korea during a meeting Saturday with the countrys leader Kim Jong Un in the capital Pyongyang, China's state media reported, in the highest-level talks between the allies in years. The visit by Zhao Leji, who ranks third in the ruling Communist Party hierarchy and heads the ceremonial parliament, came as North Korea has test fired missiles to intimidate South Korea and its ally, the United States. The Xinhua News Agency reported that Zhao told Kim at the meeting concluding his three-day visit that China, the Norths most important source of economic aid and diplomatic support, looked forward to further developing ties, but made no mention of the political situation on the peninsula or the region. North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency also confirmed the meeting on Sunday and said Kim held unspecified discussions with Zhao on boosting the multi-faceted exchange and cooperation and other important issues of mutual concern. KCNA said the Chinese delegation left the country later on Saturday. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 75 years ago, China and North Korea have been good neighbors and struggled together to attain a common destiny and level of development, Xinhua quoted Zhao as saying. China fought on behalf of the reclusive Communist State against the U.S. and others during the 1950-1953 Korean War, and in recent years has helped prop up its weak economy, allegedly in violation of U.N. sanctions in response to Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program that Beijing had endorsed. Zhao met his North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae on Thursday and discussed how to promote exchanges and cooperation in all areas, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency reported. North Korea closed its borders during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic amid reports of a major outbreak and food shortages. Zhaos visit to North Korea marked the first bilateral exchange involving a Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member since the pandemic started. Prior to the outbreak, Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping held two summits in 2019. North Korea and China are expected to hold a number of exchanges this year to mark the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. North Korea has sought to boost its cooperation with Beijing and Russia in the face of a standoff with the U.S. and South Korea over its missile launches and nuclear program. Kim traveled to Russia in September for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The U.S., South Korea and others accuse North Korea of supplying conventional weapons for Russias war in Ukraine in return for advanced weapons technologies and other support. Marisa Colon attends Virginia Commonwealth University through the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, which covers the cost of tuition and fees for spouses and children of military service members who were killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or 90% or more disabled as a result of their military service. Colon said the program has been nothing short of life-changing. Every time I see that paid in full message on my financial statement, I am reminded that I am allowed this opportunity because of the sacrifices that my husband made during his time in the military, and that he continues to make because of the pain he endures daily, said Colon, a senior majoring in health, physical education and exercise science. I am thankful that Virginia takes care of veterans and their families. Colon is one of nearly 1,200 students attending VCU this academic year through the program, which is run by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services in partnership with State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and Virginia public colleges and universities. The program helps survivors and dependents of qualified veterans and service members achieve their educational goals. VCU provides more tuition and fee waivers than any other institution in Virginia; nearly 25% of all waivers are provided by VCU. The program has grown significantly at VCU in recent years. The projected 2023-24 class of VMSDEP students is roughly six times larger than the 2018-19 class of students. That growth, however, has come with a cost for VCU. Since fiscal year 2017, the cost of the waivers has increased by more than $13.8 million. VCU anticipates that the cost will exceed $16 million for the current fiscal year and grow to $18 million in the following year. VCU is requesting financial support from the state to help shoulder the cost of providing the waivers. Currently, VCU covers the costs in their entirety, drawing an increasing share of the universitys tuition revenue. Stephen Ross, director of Military Student Services at VCU, said the program has been a difference-maker for our VCU military-affiliated community. Many of these students would not have been able to attend VCU without this program or would have had to consider incurring significant debt, Ross said. This program is a perfect example of how the state of Virginia and VCU both work to support the military community. VCU is designated as a Military Friendly School, earning a silver award for being in the top 20% of institutions, based on factors including retention, graduation, job placement, loan default rates and more. Additionally, VCUs military-friendly approach goes beyond educating students: It also includes trauma care training for military health care professionals; training educators at more than 150 universities to better serve military students; research to improve the lives of service members and veterans; and relationships with local businesses and Fortune 500 companies that lead to jobs and internships, networking and special events. Click here to learn more. Richmond authorities on Monday released body-worn camera footage of a police shooting that took place in Church Hill in the early morning of March 31. The briefing, which is a video cut and annotated by the Richmond Police Department, shows an officer shooting a suspect armed with what appears to be a rifle. Several freeze frames show the suspect, a Black man, exiting the car with the gun raised, although it is never fired. The man killed was later identified as Kenneth Sharp, 20, of Richmond. The video begins with a 911 call from an individual who reports seeing a man banging on the hood of a car armed with what looks like a shotgun. Police are sent to Cedar Street in Richmonds East End at around 5 a.m. The first officer to respond initially finds the suspect sleeping in the passenger seat of a parked car with tinted windows. He walks away to regroup with a second officer who arrives on the scene moments after. Who called this in? a second officer asks the initial responding officer, whose answer is redacted. The officers seem unsure about how to proceed. What do you want to do with it? the second officer asks. I can knock and see, replies the first officer. Officers open the door to see Sharp wearing a hoodie that conceals most of his face and lifting up a rifle. The two officers run for cover. Halfway through asking Sharp to put the gun away, the second officer fires four bullets, striking Sharp. The briefing then shows several freeze frames where Sharp, who does not say anything audible, appears to raise his rifle. As they run to Sharps body, the officers see a woman in the cars driver seat. What happened? she asks. Police ask if shes alive and then if shes alright. Her name has not been released. RPD spokesperson James Mercante later clarified that the car was not stolen. This is the first shooting by a Richmond police officer in 2024. In 2023, Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards promised the public that the department would release body-worn camera footage of police shootings at most two weeks after they occur. Where in the U.S. are homes most likely to be broken into? Where in the U.S. are homes most likely to be broken into? Pricey areas in the largest cities don't necessarily translate to the greatest risk Richmond officials on Monday announced an 11 p.m. curfew for juveniles effective Friday following a recent spike in gun violence. Eight people have been killed in the city since March 31, Police Chief Rick Edwards said, and four of those victims have been juveniles. Its been a terrible two weeks in our city, Edwards said. Kids have seen their parents killed. Parents have seen their kids killed. Additionally, the police department will launch Operation Safe Summer an initiative that sees Virginia State Police intervention in neighborhoods deemed at-risk. Police have identified 21 gun-violence hotspots each is roughly one-to-three blocks wide and collectively account for the bulk of gun-related homicides. They are predominantly located in the North Side, South Side and East End. In an effort to reduce the number of gun-related injuries, a special task force within the department will team up with roughly a dozen Virginia State Police officers to increase their presence, Edwards said. This includes increasing police patrols at several city schools during pick-up and drop-off times. The department first launched Operation Safe Summer last year, and police said it saw success in reducing the number of gun-related injuries and violent crimes. Police had intended to relaunch the program in June, but they are launching the initiative early because of the recent spate of shooting deaths. 8 killings in 2 weeks In the most recent shooting, a 16-year-old was killed in the East End on Sunday afternoon. Police said officers responded to the 1400 block of Jennie Scher Road at around 3:18 p.m. for reports of a shooting. At the scene, officers found two adults and two juveniles on the ground outside a residence. The seven other fatal shootings in Richmond since March 31 include: was shot and killed in North Highland Park on April 1, according to police. Detectives were investigating after a and killed in the East End on April 3. A man, identified by police as of Henrico County, was shot and killed in the East End on April 6. On Wednesday, a was shot and killed in Whitcomb Court, according to Richmond police. Two people were killed and a was injured in a shooting in Mosby Court on Thursday, officials said. On Sunday morning, a was killed and an adult was injured in a shooting in Gilpin Court. In addition to the four juveniles killed and one injured in Richmond, a minor was shot and killed in Hanover County at a house party on April 6 and a 16-year-old boy was killed in a shooting on Broadwater Way in Chesterfield County on Thursday. Not our job to parent your kids The curfew and operation were announced Monday during a City Hall news conference, which included Mayor Levar Stoney, Superintendent Jason Kamras and members of the Richmond City Council and School Board. In his address, Stoney said the city holds a strict approach on youth gun violence, citing that those, regardless of age, who choose to commit a gun-related homicide will be held accountable to the full extent of the law. Additionally, Stoney urged parents to check in with their children, have them follow the curfew and keep them out of trouble to ensure their safety. We do our best to fill in the gaps for the least the lost. But we cant fill in every single gap, Stoney said. Theres no dollar that can fill every single gap. Theres no employee on the city payroll that can fill every single gap. Thats why we are here, collectively, pleading. Its not our job to parent your kids. Many victims are RPS students While there is a curfew in place, Edwards said the department is relying on parents to enforce the curfew as it is not the intention of the department to be scooping up kids and bringing them home unless it is absolutely necessary. Since 2019, Kamras said, 169 Richmond youths have been shot, the majority of whom were Richmond Public Schools students. Kamras said these tragedies have a lasting impact on the school system. In the past three weeks, Chimborazo Elementary School, Martin Luther King Middle School, Armstrong High School, Bellevue Elementary School, Richmond Alternative School and Thomas Jefferson High School have been directly impacted by gun violence, Kamras said. The friends and family members of those who die show up to school the next day, and its our teachers and our counselors and our psychologists and our food nutrition folks and our bus drivers and our custodians who stand in the gap and do what we ask of them, which is to teach and to lead and to serve with love, Kamras said. Edwards said the recent shootings are not gang-related. The majority, he said, are the result of simple arguments that escalated into gun violence. With the curfew in place and the early implementation of Operation Safe Summer, city officials are hopeful that gun-related injuries will decline across the city. In the meantime, Edwards and Stoney urged folks to properly lock up their firearms and to keep them out of childrens hands. We dont make guns in Richmond. There are probably no gun shops in the city either, but some way, somehow, they happen to be concentrated in the city, Stoney said. If you do own a weapon and you do own it legally, safely store your weapon. Is that too much to ask? What is the actual cost of crime in America's largest citiesand which spend the most and least per capita? What is the actual cost of crime in America's largest citiesand which spend the most and least per capita? Key findings The safest cities in America Are larger cities safer or more dangerous? Virginias chapter of the NAACP plans to take Gov. Glenn Youngkin to court over an alleged failure to respond to public records requests. The chapters president, the Rev. Cozy Bailey, said at a news conference outside the state Capitol on Monday that Youngkin was being served legal action that day. The pending legal back-and-forth stems from an initial August public records request by the NAACP to determine if the administration has been complying with state law regarding DEI work. The NAACPs inquiry on this matter began after Martin Brown Virginias chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer said last April at Virginia Military Institute that DEI is dead. Were not going to bring that cow up anymore. Its dead. It was mandated by the General Assembly, but this governor has a different philosophy, Brown said during a mandatory DEI training for faculty and staff at VMI on April 21, 2023. The NAACP then sought more details by requesting public records and correspondence under the DEI Office through a Freedom of Information Act request. A back-and-forth ensued with the governors FOIA officer where the NAACP claims the administration sought to narrow the request and failed to provide cost estimates. In the end, records were not provided. Because of the extraordinary number of documents sought, a legitimate issue involving the best method for document search and production has arisen, said Christian Martinez, a Youngkin spokesman. We expect further discussions to occur to seek a resolution per the statute. Bailey said the NAACPs latest legal effort has been brewing since Youngkin has been in office. Before his 2021 election, conservative outcry over alleged critical race theory in K-12 curriculum had spread nationwide. The college-level teaching of systemic ways race is included in laws became a catch-all for things like diversity training for faculty at all levels. Youngkins first executive order as governor was to end teaching of inherently divisive concepts. More recently, he has requested to review Virginia Commonwealth University and George Mason Universitys racial literacy syllabi materials. Bailey called Youngkins attitudes toward DEI concepts an insidious fight. He doesnt seem to understand that when we talk about these issues of differences, that we prevent problems in the future. He would rather, let me say it, stir the pot, Bailey said. While a 2020 state law outlined Virginias DEI office, Youngkins administration has changed its operating name to emphasize opportunity rather than equity. This and Browns statement have led some Democrats and the NAACP to question how much the office is or isnt carrying out its responsibilities. When Brown was first confirmed to his post, the state legislature amended Youngkins language that had swapped equity for opportunity. Though it is not the language in the statute, the administrations website lists Browns purview as the Office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion. Recently, Texas and a handful of other states have passed legislation targeting DEI programs. In watching developments nationally, Bailey said he is concerned that incremental actions are adding up in Virginia. Some believe that the governor is copying efforts seen in other states to limit or outright eliminate DEI practices in state government, Bailey said. If this is the direction that he is going, the Virginia NAACP will not stand by and allow this to happen. Guide to Richmond farmers markets RVA Big Market Lakeside Farmers Market Pop-Up RVA Birdhouse Market Carytown Farmers Market Farmers Market @ St. Stephens South of the James West End Farmers Market Latino Farmers Market Copa Airlines connects Panama City with Tulum International Tulum, Q.R. Copa Airlines has announced a new destination to Tulum International from Panama City. The new route is scheduled to begin operating June 26, 2024. The new route to Tulum consolidates the airlines presence in Mexico with five destinations, providing a faster and more convenient alternative for traveling to this renowned tourist destination in the Riviera Maya. Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A. and a member of the Star Alliance global airline network, announces the start of the new Panama City to Tulum route in June of 2024. We remain steadfast in our purpose to shorten distances and facilitate connections, allowing Panama to continue being the bridge that unites thousands of people throughout the continent, while contributing to the economic development of the communities where we operate. This strategic expansion not only promotes cultural exchange in the region but also encourages and deepens tourism and business ties in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. It also opens up the opportunity for more tourists to enjoy the wonders of Panama through the Panama Stopover program, said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. Starting June 26, Copa Airlines will connect the enchanting city of Tulum, located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, with the Hub of the Americas in Panama. This tourist destination, situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, authentic Mexican cuisine, and proximity to iconic beaches such as Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Akumal and Xel-ha. In addition to its impressive attractions, such as the Mayan Ruins, natural cenotes, and underground caves. This new connection becomes the fifth destination for the airline in Mexico, joining Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Copa Airlines flight to Tulum will operate with four weekly frequencies on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing at 7:45 a.m. from Panama (local time) and arriving at Tulum International Airport, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, at 10:34 a.m. (local time). The return flight will depart on the same days from Tulum at 11:44 a.m., reaching Panama at 2:23 p.m. (local time). Maintaining its leadership in the region, Copa Airlines was recognized by the renowned company Cirium as the Most Punctual Airline in Latin America in 2023, achieving an on-time arrival rate of 89.46% and an on-time departure rate of 91.71% for the year. This recognition, placing us among the top 3 most punctual airlines globally, has been awarded by Cirium on nine occasions. Riviera Maya motorists assist trapped combi passengers in highway roll Riviera Maya, Q.R. A burst tire is the said cause of a combi rollover south of Playa del Carmen Sunday. The public transport van was traveling the highway near Paamul when the accident happened. The van was heading south when its left rear tire burst. The nearly filled combi resulted in only minor injuries to some of its passengers. Emergency services arrived in response to numerous 9-1-1 reports of the early Sunday evening accident. Other motorists who saw the accident stopped to help. They assisted the trapped passengers in getting out through the drivers door since the van landed on its passenger door side. Of the 14 passengers on board at the time of the roll, six required medical treatment for minor injuries. One girl from inside the van was reportedly transferred to Playa del Carmen hospital with undisclosed injuries. National Guard Highways Division arrived at the scene to direct traffic while medical personnel attended to the injured and Transit police dealt with the rolled van. Sailors rescue drifting Puerto Aventuras fishing vessel Puerto Aventuras, Q.R. The Mexican Navy rescued a drifting boat Saturday evening off a Riviera Maya coast. Two people on board boat M.O.I. Silvia requested assistance after their engine failed and they began to drift. The Secretary of the Navy through their Coast Guard duties reported locating the fishing boat off the coast of Punta Venado in Riviera Maya. Through the Ninth Naval Region, the Secretary of the Navy reports that personnel from the Fifteenth Naval Zone provided support to two people who were on board a fishing boat in the vicinity of Punta Venado, Quintana Roo. This action was carried out when the Command and Control room of the Fifteenth Naval Zone received a report of a yacht named M.O.I. Silvia with two people of Mexican nationality on board, which had set sail from Puerto Aventuras. While at sea, the boat had engine failures, finding itself adrift 520 meters off the coast of Punta Venado, Quintana Roo. Marina personnel set out in a Defender-type vessel from the Naval Search, Rescue and Maritime Surveillance Station (ENSAR) Cozumel, managing to find the aforementioned fishing boat with all its crew members in good health. M.O.I. Silvia and her two crew were returned to Puerto Aventuras. Photo: Secretary of the Navy of Mexico April 13, 2024. The boat was safely towed to a port in Puerto Aventuras. It was the second tow rescue in recent days. On Friday, the Secretary of the Navy reported the successful rescue of fishing boat Wanderlust and three tourists after engine failure left it adrift. That boat was located approximately three nautical miles east of Punta Herrero and towed to a port in Punta Pajaros, Costa Maya. BLACKSBURG Sinking land could lead to significant flooding in cities across the United States by 2050, and Virginia Tech researchers say some of the most dramatic effects will be felt on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Manoochehr Shirzaei is a professor of geoscience, and the head of the Earth Observation and Innovation Lab (EOI) at Virginia Tech. The work he and his team has done to collate data on land subsidence has garnered a lot of attention, being written about in national publications and being featured on numerous national TV news shows. The research ties into continued discussion of climate change. And it does that and more. According to Shirzaei, its likely the largest-scale project to quantify land subsidence in the country, and he hopes to expand the project further. We hope to be able to gather data all across the world, Shirzaei said. Land subsidence is, of course, not just a problem here, but a problem everywhere. The work began for Shirzaei in 2015, when he said he was in the San Francisco Bay area in California. He had noticed large amounts of land loss and water coverage, and when he asked about it, he generally heard people attribute it solely to sea level rise. I got curious, and when I used satellite data to look at it, I realized that the land is going down at a very fast rate as well, Shirzaei said. Over nine years of research, his suspicion that sinking land is a large contributor in increasing flood danger has been confirmed. More importantly, the research has shown that different parts of the U.S. are sinking at drastically different levels, with the slowest happening on the West Coast, and the fastest happening in the Gulf of Mexico. The differences are due to a number of factors, chief among them being the age of the soil and rock layers at different parts of the country, and the impacts of extractive industries like oil and gas production. Compaction is the key factor in land subsidence. Much of the rock on the West Coast is younger, geologically speaking, than on the East Coast, and therefore less porous. The older, more porous rock in the east and in the gulf are more subject to being compacted, especially if certain things contributing to holding the ground up, like oil, are removed. As Shirzaeis research has progressed, the role of land subsidence has been more prominent, and he said he wasnt surprised by the media attention the team received after the research was published. Honestly, I kind of expected the attention, and Im glad we got it, Shirzaei said. The attention the research has received has provided lessons in itself. One of the doctoral candidates on Shirzaeis team, Leonard Ohen, said that taking questions from the media and the public has helped him to communicate his research findings to the wider public. We get a lot of questions from people asking us to answer this question like Im 5 years old, or Why should we care about this, Ohen said. In some ways, its helped me to have answers for these questions. Ohen also commented on the importance of expanding the work to other countries, citing Indonesia as an example, a country that has been seeing land sink at a far faster rate than anywhere in the U.S. In places where land subsidence is especially drastic in the U.S., such as cities like Houston, the land is sinking at a rate of about 1 centimeter-per-year, Ohen said. In Jakarta, its 10 centimeters-per-year. Shirzaei hopes that the research will have an impact on public policy in the U.S., where some of the cities likely to see the worst flooding due to sea level rise and land subsidence also have the least protection. While many cities in the U.S. have flood protections such as levees in place, most of the cities with flood protection infrastructure are on the West Coast. Of the 11 Atlantic Coast cities studied, only three had up-to-date flood protections in place. When we looked at it across the board, we found that there is a general unappreciation for flood protection, particularly on the Atlantic Coast, Ohen said. And even the levees there often protect less than 10 percent of the city, compared to other cities on the Pacific or Gulf coasts where up to 70% is protected. The Montgomery County School Board is reminding parents to keep firearms stored safely. As educators, our main priority is keeping our children and staff safe, Superintendent Bernard Bragen said in a statement that the school system issued Monday. If theres a way to be proactive and potentially save lives, its worth looking into. School system spokesman Andrew Webb wrote in an email that the statement was not a response to any specific event. The school board passed a resolution on April 9 promoting gun safety. In Mondays statement, board Chairman Linwood Hudson said the resolution highlights that keeping kids safe from guns is a responsibility shared throughout our community. Id like to see more awareness of this issue across the county, but this resolution is a good start, Hudson added. Mondays announcement said that the school district is committed to working with local and national agencies to increase awareness of gun storage through various communication efforts and listed a section of Virginia code that makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of 14. Airlines are weighing an ever narrowing set of options to fly between Europe and Asia after grappling with airspace shutdowns in the wake of the first direct Iranian attack on Israel from its soil. By Olivia Poh, Danny Lee and Charlotte Ryan (Bloomberg) Irans first direct attack from its soil on Israel over the weekend has complicated flights in one of the most densely traversed regions of the world, forcing airlines to choose lengthy detours from cities like London or Paris to destinations in the Persian Gulf or India. Several Middle Eastern countries including Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon temporarily closed their airspace over the weekend as Iran launched drones and missiles. Both Israel and Iran also imposed restrictions on airline traffic, requiring airlines to rerout, thereby extending flight times and adding to fuel costs. European airlines were taking a variety of approaches on Monday, with EasyJet Plc pausing operations to and from Israels Tel Aviv, while British Airways Plc is still operating flights to Israel and Jordan. The carrier faced disruption over the weekend when a flight en route to Jordan was forced to turn around because of the airspace closures. Other carriers that have circumnavigated the region or stopped service to places like Israel and Jordan include Qantas Airways Ltd., Singapore Airlines Ltd., Air France and Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Air France said that it plans to restart flights to Beirut Monday and to Tel Aviv Tuesday, following the reopening of Israeli and Lebanese airspace. However, it said journeys to destinations such as Dubai, India and Singapore would see flight times increase by as much as 45 minutes due to changes to the flight schedule. Dutch partner KLM said it had canceled flights to Tel Aviv Monday. Air France reiterates that the safety of its customers and crews is its top priority, the airline said. The company is constantly monitoring developments in the geopolitical situation of the territories served and overflown by its aircraft in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety and security. Qatar Airways and Emirates resumed some suspended Middle Eastern services on Sunday as airspaces reopened. Irans airspace is frequently utilized by airlines traveling between Europe and India or Southeast Asia. Airspace across the Middle East are littered with risks and complexities. Airlines are contending with a set of challenges after Russias invasion of Ukraine severed access for many carriers forcing lengthy diversions which exist to this day. Earlier in Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, airlines faced scores of disruptions primarily centered on Tel Aviv, cancelling flights into or out of the country. Israel shut down its airspace for both domestic and international routes on Saturday, before reopening them Sunday morning. Lebanon and Iraq too resumed flights over their territories. Story continues The latest diversions come as Israel and its allies, led by the US, fended off Irans response to a suspected Israeli attack on Irans embassy in Syria on April 1, which killed a top military commander. Iran said on Saturday its forces seized an Israel-linked container ship near the Strait of Hormuz. Days earlier, Lufthansa Group suspended flights to several cities in the Middle East. The group whose airlines include Germanys flag carrier Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines said Sunday that it will resume flights to Tel Aviv, Erbil in Iraq and Amman on Tuesday, while those to Beirut and Tehran will continue to be halted until at least April 18. Qantas had temporarily adjusted its direct Perth-London flights to stop over in Singapore to account for the extra fuel needed to re-route around the volatile region. Singapore Air said that its flights were not overflying Iranian airspace. Cathay Pacific Ltd. is watching the situation in the Middle East closely, but its operations remain normal, a spokesman said in a text message Sunday. With assistance from Siddharth Philip, Leen Al-Rashdan and Kate Duffy. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Company Logo Dublin, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "European and USA Pharmaceutical Directory 2024" directory has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The European & USA Pharmaceutical Directory has been thoroughly researched, to bring you a completely up-to-date guide to Europe's & America's ever-changing pharmaceutical industries. If you sell or buy Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology products, Biopharmaceuticals, Bulk Pharmaceuticals, OTC/Healthcare products, Fine Chemicals, Generics, Genomics, or Diagnostics/Reagents; or, if you're looking to break into this appealing market, the new European & USA Pharmaceutical Directory will provide you with thousands of fresh business contacts - and help you keep track of old ones - quickly and easily. This new directory covers the entire European & USA pharmaceutical & biotechnology industry sector including: Pharmaceuticals; Biotechnology; Biopharmaceuticals; Bulk Pharmaceuticals; Drug Delivery OTC/Healthcare Products; Clinical Research; Research & Development Ethical Pharmaceuticals; Fine Chemicals; Generics; Genomics; Contract Manufacturers Contract Research; Cosmetics; Diagnostics/Reagents; Licensing Plus 30 more categories! DATABASE 1: The European Pharmaceutical Directory Whether you are a product manager, in charge of marketing or simply interested to remain in touch with the latest developments in the European pharmaceutical industry, this Directory will save you time and effort in finding the up-to-date information you need. The European Pharmaceutical Directory gives you instant access to a wealth of accurate contact information on over 4,500 companies in Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. This essential Directory is your connection to key decision-makers in the pharmaceutical industry in Europe. DATABASE 2: The USA Pharmaceutical Directory The USA Pharmaceutical Directory is one of the most comprehensive and accurate Directories of companies and executives in the USA pharmaceutical industry that has ever been published. It contains more than 3,000 pharmaceutical companies and 7,000 executives working in the industry in the USA. This powerful Directory is your connection to key decision-makers in the pharmaceutical industry in the Americas. Whether you are a product manager, in charge of marketing or simply interested to remain in touch with the latest developments in the pharmaceutical industry, this Directory will save you time and effort in finding the information you need. 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This combined Directory is truly an indispensable guide to the European & American pharmaceutical companies and key pharmaceutical decision-makers! Why wait? If you are buying or selling pharmaceuticals in the European or American market, or wish to do so, this directory is essential for you. Where else will you find such a broad depth of both key contact and production information for the European & American pharmaceutical industry in one handy reference source? For more information about this directory visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gduvmy 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. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Find out which bubble tea brand gives you the most value for your money. (IMAGE: Getty) (MicrovOne via Getty Images) SINGAPORE With myriad bubble tea brands over 60 brands as of 2022, according to one study in the market, Singapore consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to their favourite drink. A quick poll byYahoo Finance Singapore on Yahoo's Facebook, Telegram and the Yahoo site, found that among the top five most searched bubble tea brands online, Taiwanese brand Koi was the top choice for consumers in Singapore. This was followed by fellow Taiwanese brands PlayMade and Gong Cha, which came in second and third place respectively. Local player LiHO took the fourth spot, while premium tea brand HeyTea came in fifth. Given the diverse price offerings offered by these top-searched brands, how can consumers know which bubble tea brand give the most value for money? Based on the poll results, Yahoo Finance Singapore finds out which brand gives you the most tea for your buck: Is it worth upsizing your bubble tea? Before discussing which bubble tea brand offers the best value, let's consider whether it is worth it to upsize your bubble tea. The answer lies in understanding the economics behind the decision. Upsizing typically entails an increase in drink volume and price, but whether this translates to a better deal depends on several factors. Firstly, every individual will have varying thirst levels. If you find yourself still feeling thirsty or unsatisfied after drinking a regular-sized cup, it will make more sense to upsize and quench your thirst without breaking the bank. After all, the minor increase in upsizing cost often pales in comparison to the additional volume of the beverage, making it a viable option for the more thirsty consumers who are also seeking more value for money. However, for those wanting an occasional bubble tea indulgence or those watching their expenditure closely, sticking to a regular size might be the more prudent choice. While most bubble tea brands tend to offer a marginal price increase for generous additional volumes leading to a lower cost per ml the more you upsize the fact remains that a large bubble tea cup is, in absolute terms, more expensive than a regular-sized one. Therefore, it is essential to weigh your personal preferences and budget considerations against the economic trade-offs before deciding whether to upsize your bubble tea. Story continues Which bubble tea brand is the most worth it to upsize? To find out which bubble tea brand offers the most value for money, Yahoo Finance Singapore did some calculations. For the experiment, we kept all the drinks from Singapore top five most searched bubble tea brands; same as the poll medium-sized, with no ice and no toppings. However, some brands did not have the option of having no ice or no toppings. We then measured the drinks in a beaker to determine their exact volume and divided each drink's price by the volume. Here are the results: HeyTea For HeyTea, we used the medium-sized Bobo Milk Tea, which costs S$4.90. Measuring 438ml, HeyTea's Bobo Milk Tea worked out to about 1.118 cents per ml. The drink did come with pearl toppings, as HeyTea did not have the option of removing toppings. Koi For Koi, we selected the medium-sized Hazelnut Milk Tea, which was priced at S$4.60. At 471ml, the cost per ml for this drink worked out to about 0.976 cents per ml. PlayMade Next, we measured the medium-sized Earl Grey Milk Tea by PlayMade, which was priced at S$4.40. After pouring into the beaker, the drink's volume measured 484ml. This works out to a cost of about 0.909 cents per ml. LiHO Homegrown bubble tea brand LiHO did not have the option to completely exclude ice from the drink. Instead, it allowed customers to have only "less ice". At S$3.90 for a medium-sized Earl Grey Milk Tea, the cost worked out to about 0.872 cents per ml after measuring 447.1ml without the ice. Gong Cha At S$3.60 for a medium-sized Earl Grey Milk Tea and measuring 482.5ml, Gong Cha was the clear winner in terms of value for money at just 0.746 cents per ml. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. SIOUX CITY A man was taken to a Sioux City hospital with non-life-threatening injuries Monday, after police say a woman stabbed him in the shoulder. The stabbing happened at 2:01 p.m. in the 100 block of Sixth St. Sioux City Community Policing Sgt. Tom Gill said the victim and a woman, who was later identified as Aimee D. Thomas, 36, reportedly got into an argument before the stabbing. Gill described the victim and the suspect as "acquaintances" and said investigators believe alcohol was involved. "They definitely knew each other. She stabbed him in the shoulder," Gill said. "He's up at the hospital, right now, getting treated for a stab wound to his shoulder." Thomas was arrested and booked into the Woodbury County Jail for assault with a dangerous weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor. The stabbing isn't the first knife-related incident involving Thomas. She pleaded guilty in a plea agreement in 2018 to willful injury and going with armed with intent -- habitual offender, both class D felonies. She was sentenced to five years in prison on both counts, which she was to serve consecutively. According to Woodbury County District Court documents, on June 18, 2018, Thomas and a woman were involved in a verbal altercation at a multi-family residence in the 1300 block of McDonald St. Thomas took a large kitchen knife and stabbed the woman in the upper chest area. In January, Thomas was sentenced to 20 days in jail, after she pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. On Dec. 19, 2023, a man approached Sioux City police officers at the Warming Shelter, 916 Nebraska St., and told them he had been threatened with a knife by a woman standing across the street. That woman was identified by the victim as Thomas and police found her in possession of a knife concealed in a pocket in front of her stomach, according to court documents. Earlier this month, the world reeled from the death of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed outrage; Secretary of State Antony Blinken threatened a change in policy; and congressional Democrats, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosihardly a representative of the partys left flankurged Biden to halt the transfer of weapons to Israel. But after Irans strikes on Israel this weekendattacks that, per Israeli officials, included more than 300 missiles and drones, and that, per Iran, were a response to the April 1 Israeli attack on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Syria that killed sevenBiden reaffirmed American support for Israel. However, he also reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not back a counterattack against Iran. More broadly, many in the U.S., including in the Biden White House, fear that further escalation could turn into a wider regional conflict. In Israel, meanwhile, these two strikes made headlines, seized public attention, and generated debate and discussion, but the conclusions drawn wereand arequite different from what theyve been here in America. In both instances, the Israeli publics reaction wasnt much changed from where they stood beforehand on the war, the government, and the military. Instead, if anything, the past couple of tumultuous weeks have seen Israelis priors confirmed as much as they have been challenged. This is not the thing that will tip the Israeli public against the war, said Dahlia Scheindlin, an Israel-based public opinion expert and strategic consultant, of the WCK strikes. Advertisement News of that disaster did cut through in Israel. The Israel Defense Forces issued a rare apology and, after an internal investigation, removed two of the officers of the Nahal Brigade, the military unit that ordered the strike. Jose Andres, the celebrity chef founder of WCK, went on Israeli TV to tell the Israeli public that they are better than the way this war is being waged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if many Israelis assurance in their militarys competence was shaken, it was not shattered. And, in any case, reactions to the strikes, and to the government and IDF responses, broke down along familiar political lines, confirming preexisting opinions more than changing them. For example, said Arie Dubnov, the chair of Israel studies at the George Washington University, the minute there were strong statements from the U.S. and also Britain, the Israeli right wing did what its done for the past six months: dig down into the belief that the entire world is antisemitic and overly judgmental. Advertisement As Dubnov put it, Relatively speaking, you wont find it difficult to find Israelis saying somethings wrong with the government. But what Israelis fear deeply is that you will say something bad about their military. In this case, however, I think the question of who they hold responsible, political or military level, breaks down over political lines, said Scheindlin. Netanyahus staunch supporters blame the military. On the other hand, those who are critical of the prime ministeror have left his Likud partys fold over what they see as a lack of military planning and a mishandling of the country more generallyare blaming the government, said Will Cubbison, an independent campaign consultant in Israel. Advertisement But the political lines are what they were, and the strikes and international reaction havent changed them. Since mid-October or November, Netanyahus coalition has polled at around 4550 seats in the Knesset, Cubbison said. Nothing has changed that to go one way or the other, he said. Nothings moving this stuff that I can see. Advertisement That doesnt mean that no one is asking questions about the conduct or competence of the Israeli military. Dubnov, for example, said some Israeli liberals will take the WCK strike as evidence of the IDFs indiscriminate killing policy and that the image of the militarys professionalism is at odds with the military in realitya view to which Dubnov himself is sympathetic. Advertisement Dubnov cited the work of sociologist and political scientist Yagil Levy, who has connected the WCK strikes to a shift in Israeli military culture that has been ongoing and has, over the past several years, intensified. In 2016 a Palestinian man named Abdel Fattah al-Sharif stabbed an Israeli soldier and was subsequently shot and wounded by the military, then immobilizedat which point another Israeli conscript, Elor Azaria, executed him. This was caught on camera. Azaria was prosecuted and sentenced to prison, but his arrest and trial sparked a backlash, particularly from the right wing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent piece in Foreign Policy, Levy wrote, From that point forward, the military began to announce the number of Palestinian fighters killed in its operations, demonstrating that its forces did not hesitate to engage. And the approach of using body counts as a metric of success has notably intensified during the current war. But Show them whos the boss is not a description of a military mission, Dubnov said, adding that since Oct. 7, the overall environment is revenge. And for some, particularly on the left, that realitythis image of the military as an unaccountable Wild Westhas been sharpened by the WCK strike. But the faction holding that view remains a minority in the country. And if the general Israeli public didnt turn on the military or the war after members of the Israeli military shot three hostages in December, Scheindlin pointed out, then it isnt going to after the death of seven aid workers in a war zone. In fact, after the Nahal Brigade soldiers were dismissed, Iris Haim, the mother of one of the three hostages who was shot and killed, wrote a letter to IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi reminding him that she had asked that the soldiers not be blamed for her sons death, saying, Is the blood of my son less important than the blood of citizens of a foreign country?that is, why did the military feel it necessary to take such a step now but not after her son was fatally shot? Advertisement Advertisement Its not that [the WCK deaths have] not made headlines, not that its not there. But it [wasnt] the publics first concern, Scheindlin said. And even as broader swaths are asking questions like What have we become? and Are we behaving as the most moral army, she added, they are very reflexively able to answer those questions as, we didnt choose this war. And so the war rages on, the government holds on, and the population argues with itself over who is to blame. Related From Slate The Democratic Shift on Israel Has Spread to a Surprising, Powerful Figure Read More That dynamic is unlikely to shift anytime soon, experts say. Israelis are not only processing the news differently than, say, Americans are, an ocean awaythey are also getting different news. Left-leaning Israeli outlet Haaretz has charged that Israeli television has become a propaganda arm of the government during this war. Or, as Aymann Ismail put it in Slate earlier this month, in Israel, media and nightly television depict a very different reality than the rest of the world is seeing. Advertisement Public opinion polls show that Netanyahu and his government are unpopular, and mass protests are ongoing. But his coalition has not fallen, and though many have called for elections to happen now, the next Israeli election does not have to be held until 2026. Whats more, Benny Gantzwho, per polls, would win the election if it were held todayis in the wartime Cabinet with Netanyahu and is broadly supportive of the war. Those who lead the country will likely continue leading the country, at least in the short term; those who come after them will have supported this war too. Advertisement Advertisement Further, Irans strikesand the fact that Israel and its allies and partners (and even, surprisingly to some, neighboring Jordan) were able to defend against themwere seen as a huge success for the military in Israel, Dubnov said. He added that this weekend reflected the way that many Israelis would prefer to think about security, as Israeli defense relied on superior technology and diplomatic cooperation to protect its citizens, with the air force as a bastion of secular rationality in an increasingly religious country. Advertisement Advertisement Cubbison agreed: I dont think last night really changed that much. I think reactions are more fitting already-held beliefs in terms of the importance of having strong allies and critiques of Bibis handling the relationship with the U.S., [the] necessity of responding in some way, etc., he wrote in an email. I dont think it would have changed too much, instead just confirming things people already thought. The filters that Israelis are using to process information conform to how people saw things before, Scheindlin said of the WCK strikes. Like so much else, were left wondering whether Oct. 7 changed everything or nothing. When Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought criminal charges against Donald Trump in 2023, I was highly skeptical of his decision. It seemed at the time that other indictments would soon follow, and that they would rest on far firmer legal ground than this one. Over the past year, though, I have realized that my initial doubts about Braggs indictment were misplaced. It now seems clear that Trumps New York trial, slated to begin this week, will be the former presidents only criminal trial before the November election. The other three strong indictments against him in other jurisdictions have unfortunately been delayed by a corrupt judge, a foot-dragging Supreme Court, and a district attorneys questionable conduct in an already complex case. This, combined with Braggs excellent pretrial briefing, has substantially strengthened the case for this prosecution. It is important to American democracy that Trump be forced to defend at least some of his alleged criminal conduct before a jury of his peers in advance of Election Day. And there is no reason why this shouldnt be the case in which hes compelled to do it. I am now fully onboard. Start with the facts: Shortly before the 2016 election, Trump wanted to kill a story about his alleged affair with Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress. So he allegedly directed his longtime fixer Michael Cohen to pay off Daniels, through a shell company, for her silence. Afterward, Trump funneled $420,000 to Cohen in installments. But he allegedly concealed the payments by listing them as legal expenses for a retainer that did not exist. Last year, I was uncertain whether this scheme, while sordid, rose to the level of a felony offense. I am now convinced that, if proved that he took these actions, it surely does. The falsification of business records is, by itself, a misdemeanor under New York law, but its a felony when its done with the intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof. In his indictment, Bragg claims that Trump lied about the payments with the intent to violate election law, which is what elevates the crime to a felony. Initially, I was suspicious of this theory; what election law, exactly, was the former president attempting to violate? The district attorneys initial statement of facts was hazy on this crucial point, raising the possibility that he couldnt tie the underlying fraud to a state or federal statute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turns out he could. Bragg has argued, convincingly, that the former president intended to violate at least two election lawsone state, one federal. First, Bragg asserted that Trump and Cohen ran afoul of the Federal Election Campaign Act by making unlawful campaign contributions (in the form of a payoff) at the direction of a candidate (that is, Trump). Cohen already pleaded guilty for this very act in federal court, so it is hardly a stretch to accuse Trump of intending to break the law by participating in the crime. Second, Bragg argued that Trump ran afoul of a New York election law that forbids any conspiracy to promote or prevent the election of any person to a public office by unlawful means. The district attorney claimed that Trump intended to violate this statute by committing fraud in order to secure his own victory in 2016. Advertisement There is nothing especially creative about these theories; they are not an example of prosecutors stretching the law to its breaking point so it can fit over the facts of a questionable case. The application of both federal and state election codes, and their interplay with the underlying violation of New Yorks business records law, is straightforward. Really, the only half-plausible argument that Trump could mount in opposition was that the Federal Election Campaign Act somehow preempted the use of New Yorks own statutes to punish election-related record-keeping fraud, meaning he would be liable only for misdemeanor record-keeping violations. Two different judges rejected this claim: Juan Merchan, whos overseeing the state trial, and Alvin K. Hellerstein, who shot down Trumps short-lived play to remove the whole case to federal court. Advertisement Advertisement This outcome is a testament to the strength of both Braggs case and his offices legal skills. The district attorneys briefing in opposition to Trumps legal objections was masterful. And Merchans eventual order largely adopting the district attorneys reasoning proved lethal to Trumps relentless efforts to undermine the legitimacy and integrity of the case. The judge had no patience for the former presidents frivolous arguments and articulated Braggs theory of the case with clarity and resolve. On the eve of the trial, it is now apparent that the prosecutors are on firm legal ground. They have effectively neutralized Trumps plan to kill the case before it can be tried on the facts. Advertisement Advertisement All of which leads to the second, more practical reason I was wrong to doubt Braggs indictment: I thought any trial Trump faced before 2024 should be about the election. This case, however, is about the electionalbeit the one in 2016, not 2020. This distinction matters, but not nearly enough to undermine the wisdom of the New York prosecution. Related From Slate The Kid Behind Americas Most Bizarre Conspiracy Theory Just Found the Perfect Second Act Read More Obviously, Trumps criminality during and after the 2020 election, including his work to overturn the outcome through an insurrection, is more serious than the Stormy Daniels payout. Much more serious; no debate there. It would be ideal if Trump faced trial for these alleged offenses first, because they marked a historic and devastating assault on democracy, culminating in an act of shocking violence. He deserves to be held accountable for these actions in open court, by a jury of his peers, before he has another chance to stage a coup. But thanks to Trumps persistent efforts to run out the clocktoo often indulged by SCOTUSits now almost inconceivable that he will face such a trial before its time to vote again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats left, then, is this case. And despite Republicans efforts to dismiss it as some sideshow about a past affair and a few mislabeled checks, it is indeed about elections: specifically, who has to follow the rules, and who gets to flout them. Trumps bedrock belief is that he need not follow the rules that govern everybody else. He was operating under this credo when he allegedly funneled the cash to keep Daniels quiet so he could eke out a win in 2016. Other candidates, including Hillary Clinton, followed the laws, including contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Trump allegedly defied them without a second thought. Braggs prosecution stands for the simple proposition that a rich and powerful man like Trump cannot disregard his legal obligations as a candidate for office in a constitutional democracy. He cannot avoid consequences by asserting, under the thin guise of various legal doctrines, that he is forever immune from his day of judgment because he was once president, and he is rich. Advertisement Advertisement Merchan appears to grasp that this basic principle is at stake hereanother, final reason why this case has become so crucial: New Yorks judiciary has proved less susceptible to political interference than the federal courts. In the classified records case, Trump drew his own appointee, Judge Aileen Cannon, who has enabled his egregious delays at every turn. In the Jan. 6 case, he drew the left-leaning Judge Tanya Chutkan, whose hard-driving work to keep the trial on schedule was derailed by unjustifiable meddling from the U.S. Supreme Court. (And the Georgia prosecution over Jan. 6 was always far too complicated to go to trial this year, even before the Fani Willis situation exploded.) Whats left is the New York court system, which has defied partisan pressure, spurned dilatory tactics, and held firm to the concept of speedy justice. My sense last year that a federal trial would somehow be more legitimate or nonpartisan was just plain wrong. A federal judiciary in the grasp of Aileen Cannon, Clarence Thomas, and the like cannot possibly be any more legitimate than New Yorks courts. Advertisement Advertisement There is no guarantee that Trump will be convicted in Manhattan. As always, we should trust jurors to take their oaths seriously, to serve impartially, to determine without fear or favor whether the prosecution has proved every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The deck is not stacked against Trumpwho, like any other American, will be judged by members of the community where he committed his alleged misdeed. He may be convicted, or acquitted, or face a mistrial; whats most important, at this point, is that he stands trial now. November is looming, creating a whole new set of opportunities for criminal interference with the election. Thanks to Bragg and Merchan, Trump will have to answer for at least one of his alleged past crimes before he has the chance to commit new ones. And that is a victory in itself. Read our ongoing coverage of Donald Trumps first criminal trial here. On Monday the New York County Supreme Court in lower Manhattan becomes the site of history: The first criminal trial against a former U.S. president will get underway with the start of jury selection in People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump. The defendant is now, for the third time, the presumptive Republican nominee for president and leading head-to-head polling against the current president. He is also promising to end American democracy as we know it if he is elected. The stakes seem impossibly high. At the same time, fateor, more specifically, Trump-appointed judgeshave conspired to delay all the other criminal proceedings against Trump. Which means that the most frivolous of the four criminal cases will come first. And by frivolous I mean that this isnt one of the two about the attempt to steal the 2020 election, nor is it the one about the alleged attempts to illegally stash away stolen national security secrets in the chandelier-bedecked Mar-a-Lago potty. No, the first one to go is the case concerning the legality of Trumps cover-up of a payment to keep a porn actor quiet about their alleged affair. Although I personally find the substance of the prosecution more compelling and legally significant than lots of other observers do, it would be impossible to argue that this is a bigger deal than Trumps efforts to steal the 2020 election, culminating in the violent effort to overthrow the government on Jan. 6, or the classified documents case. And yet, this is the case were getting first. Whats interesting about it is that its actually also about an electionand a payment meant to sway that electionwhich, while less serious than an insurrection, is still something that, as my colleague Mark Joseph Stern argues, materially matters to Americans as Trump tries to retake the White House once again. Which is why the stakes of this trial are much bigger than who wins the case. But lets go through that anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, how might Trump come out of this trial with a win? On a tactical level, he seems to be preparing a number of defenses in the hopes of persuading a juror or two to vote to acquit, either on conscience or as part of a nullification effort. If that happens, he could win a hung jury and a mistriala good outcome for him because it would continue to run down the clock toward the election without a single criminal conviction against him. On the merits, Trumps legal team will likely argue that he was the innocent victim of an extortion plot by Stormy Daniels, and that Trumps sole motives for entering any agreement with her was to protect his wife and family, not to influence the election. Prosecutors will refute this claim by pointing to the timeline of the previous shelving of a Daniels negotiation, the release of the Access Hollywood tape, and the eventual signing of the nondisclosure agreement only on the eve of the election. Still, thats Trumps best factual case, and its been telegraphed in pretrial filings in which Trumps attorneys sought to portray Daniels and other women who will testify against him as hoping to monetize sexual assault claims against President Trump, with the lawyers asserting that they will show Daniels motive and intent to do the same through false trial testimony. Daniels will have to take the stand and likely face Susan Necheles, an attorney with a reputation of being one of the toughest cross-examiners in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Daniels wont be the only target for Trumps legal team either. His attorneys will have a good amount of ammunition to try to impeach Michael Cohen, who is at the center of this case in a way that even Daniels is not. To do this, Trumps lawyers will likely claim that Cohen is a convicted perjurer and tax cheat who has refused to own up to his crimes in other court proceedings. Necheles advantage is that this is true. In response, the prosecution will attempt to use the documentary evidencebusiness ledgers, signed checks, tax documentsto show that, whatever his previous level of truthfulness, Cohen is describing the crime accurately. Its not hopeless: Cohen was already recently seen as a credible witness in the civil fraud case Trump lost. In that case, Justice Arthur Engoron acknowledged, A less-forgiving factfinder might not have believed a single word of a convicted perjurer. Ultimately, though, he did not believe that pleading guilty to perjury means that you can never tell the truth. Michael Cohen told the truth. Cohen and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the prosecutor in this case, need to hope that this jury views Cohen and the evidence similarly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So Trump also wins if he convinces a jury that he did this only to spare Melanias feelings, or if he parlays his former fixers lying into something that sinks the case, again by winning a hung jury and mistrial that further delays justice. How does Bragg win? First, lets be very clear about what he is trying to do. Despite the historic nature of this trial, it is not Braggs job to bring down Donald Trump the politician. His job is to prosecute crimes and get cases to trial in a timely fashion (which hes achieved in this case) and to win convictions against people who have committed those crimes. So, Bragg needs to convince 12 Manhattan jurors that Trump attempted to illegally influence the 2016 electiona race he won by the slimmest possible marginwhen he paid off Daniels on the eve of that vote, and that Trump then falsified his own business documents to cover his tracks. Thats it. If Bragg can do that, Trump will head into the next election a convicted felon facing a possible prison sentence. Advertisement Braggs job is not to persuade voters away from reelecting Trump in 2024, or to save American democracy. Thats never been the job of any of these prosecutors. Rather, they have been tasked with exposing Trumps corruption and trying him before a jury of his peers. Bragg will be the first of any of them to actually achieve that. Advertisement And in some ways, he is already ahead. A conviction in this case will demonstrate something to Americans that weve not yet seen: No one, not even Donald Trump, is above the law. But to some extent, just holding the trial is a signal that if you commit a crime in this country, no matter how much wealth and power you have, you will face the same system of justice as the rest of us. It will show, contrary to how many of us have experienced the past nine years of American political life, that Trump is not on some special plane, untouchable by the same laws that maintain order among and for the rest of us. Specifically, Trump cannot hire a fixer (Cohen) to pay off a woman whom he had an affair with in order to keep it secret from the American public and win an election, then watch the fixer suffer all the consequencesincluding years of prison and house arrestwithout any ill befalling Trump himself. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The Chaos Unfolding in Trumps Mar-a-Lago Documents Case Read More Thats how Bragg wins. He shows that Trump is no more able to break the law and get away with it than Cohen, or any of us. Whether our political system still works is a completely separate question from how Alvin Bragg can win. Because what happens afterwardand whether and when Trump suffers consequences if he is convictedis entirely up to us. Advertisement Advertisement If Trump is convicted, hell face the potential of a prison sentence or, more likely, home confinement. If he manages to reclaim the presidency anyway, he will be free of those consequences for a while. But that sentence will hang over the entire course of his time in office, waiting for him at the end of his constitutionally-mandated final term. Advertisement Here is the problem: That knowledge will cause him to do whatever he can through the power of the presidency to postpone that day forever. Whether that means attempting to hold on to the office past the expiration of his term, or seeking to destroy his enemies in New York in other ways that prevent them from enforcing judgment on him, the country will be plummeted into a crisis. We may not escape with our democracy intact. That danger itselfthat of Trump actually becoming the dictator he claims he wants to be, with all that that entails, so that he can once again escape consequences at any costwill be what awaits us on the other side of this. In that way, the stakes of this little old case about the hush money payments could actually not be any higher. Our beloved father, John Richard Boyd, peacefully passed away on April 10, 2024, at his home in Valley Lee, Maryland surrounded by his loving family. He was 85. John lived a full life. After graduating from Hoke Smith High School in 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lee Forsyth. He enlisted in the Navy in 1959 during the Vietnam War where he served as Electronics Technician for 11 years. Decorations and Medals that John received for his time in the service included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. While on a deployment to Guam, John and Mary gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Selene, with their son Jason arriving a couple years after. Many years later, while living in Albany, Georgia, they had their son Jonathan. After being honorably discharged 1970, he applied for and received an Electronic Warfare position as a Civil Servant. So with his wife and young family in tow they moved about every five years throughout the United States and overseas. John was stationed at Patuxent River Naval Base in 1978. Later, in 1985, John was stationed in Rota, Spain where he became a part of the Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VQ4), nicknamed the "Batmen" and later "Sandeman." The purpose of the VQ2 squadron was the collection of intelligence on areas and units of naval and national interest in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern Theatres. This Naval Support Group Activity plays an integral role in the war on Terrorism, combat actions, and crisis operations and peacetime intelligence collection. In 1987, John returned to St. Mary's County, where he retired from the Navy only to find that he wasn't ready to stop working. John and Mary opened a Mail Boxes Etc. in the Wildewood Center in 1988. He served the community by shipping and receiving packages from loved ones with a ready smile and an easy laugh. He finally decided that he would retire for good and sold his store in 2009. Throughout his time in St. Mary's County, John was a part of many clubs and organizations including to the Piney Point Lions Club, Elks Lodge, and the Masonic Lodge. John and Mary bought a house in The Villages, Florida (Home Port South) where they played cards with friends and neighbors, flew kites, and learned how to ballroom dance. They sold their home in Florida in 2018 to make their Valley Lee home (Home Port North) their permanent residence. John and Mary felt it was there true home. John was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. He is survived by this wife, Mary, his children, Selene (Shelby County, AL), Jason (Sargent, TX) and Jonathan (Stephanie, St. Mary's County, MD), six grandchildren, Brittany, J.C., Emily, Sydney, Albany, Liam and one great grandchild, Abrea. John's warm smile, infectious laugh, and unwavering kindness will forever be remembered by those who knew him. John will straight up be missed. Picking up where others left. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share A gallery on one of the concrete blocks of flats terraces in Bratislavas borough of Petrzalka is once again open. In contrast to previous independent galleries, which gradually disappeared in recent years, this time the space is being operated by the borough itself via its Kulturne Zariadenia Petrzalky (Petrzalka Culture Facilities, KZP) organisation. Temporarily open, at least, as the name "Temporary Cultural Space" suggests. Its manager, photographer Martin Kleibl, hopes that a long-term cooperation with the borough can be reached, and that he will be able to plan exhibitions on the terrace on Rovniankova Street for next year as well. So far, there have been three exhibitions; a collective exhibition of 11 artists with a connection to Petrzalka, a short weekend exhibition of concrete objects, and the current exhibition of photographer Zuzana Pustaiova. In the summer, he wants to continue the Petrzalka Gallery Week tradition, connecting other cultural venues from the Tyrsovo Nabrezie embankment to the Matador area in Petrzalka. Free space after a flower shop closed Located on the 5 Rovniankova Street terrace in the neighbourhood of the DK Zrkadlovy Haj culture house, Temporary Cultural Space opened in November last year. On the 50th anniversary of the construction of the largest Slovak residential area housing estate, then KZP employee Martin Kleibl wanted to organise an exhibition of contemporary artists who have some connection with Petrzalka: artists who were born, worked there or are in any way focused on the borough. "I wanted it to take place outside of KZP facilities in a space that was unused, the like of which can be found many on Petrzalka terraces," says Martin Kleibl. Dont expect the shift in rhetoric to last. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Welcome to your weekly commentary and overview of news from Slovakia. The Michalovce roadmap sees Fico cheer for Ukraine. The European Commission asks hard questions about the Special Prosecutors Office. And what does our Hungarians even mean in Slovakia? If you have a suggestion on how to make this overview better, let me know at michaela.terenzani@spectator.sk. Fico goes pro-Ukraine Ukraine-sceptic and pro-Russian PMs proxy is how Western media outlets described Peter Pellegrinis victory in the presidential election last week, fully expecting Slovakia to drift further from the West. Yet just five days after Pellegrinis election to the top constitutional post, the Fico government produced an unexpected turn in Slovak-Ukrainian relations. On Thursday, the cabinet travelled to Michalovce, a town in eastern Slovakia not far from the border with Ukraine, for a long-planned joint session with a Ukrainian government delegation led by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. It wasnt the first time the two prime ministers have met since Fico became Slovakias prime minister again last year their first meeting took place in the border city of Uzhhorod in January this year. What the Michalovce roadmap says Shmyhal and his foreign affairs minister, Dmytro Kuleba, were both in attendance and both also held separate meetings with their respective Slovak counterparts, Fico and Juraj Blanar, who both like to stress that their foreign policy is, above all, Slovak and sovereign. By the end of the day, Fico and Shmyhal had inked a document, which they called a roadmap, outlining the relationship between Slovakia and Ukraine going forward. You might wonder if this still the same old Robert Fico after reading this document, which includes: the stated objective as being to strengthen relations between Ukraine and Slovakia on the basis of, among other things, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders of 1991; respect for the right of Ukraine to freely choose its own future, including to be a fully-fledged part of the European and Euro-Atlantic communities; the need to continue implementing the policy of non-recognition of the Russian Federation's attempt to annex the Crimea and parts of Ukraines Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions; Slovakia's condemnation of the illegal, unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine; Slovakias readiness to support the Peace Formula of President Volodymyr Zelensky, including at the upcoming Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. All this is in stark contrast to what Fico has said about Ukraine in the very recent past: namely, that it is unrealistic to expect the Russians to leave Crimea or Donetsk, that Russia was provoked into starting the war by Ukrainian neo-Nazis, that Ukraines NATO accession would be a big mistake, that Ukraine isnt a sovereign country, or that Zelenskys peace plan is unrealistic. Still the same prime minister Deadline is April 29. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share In Slovakia, a citizen of another EU state can also vote in the June European Parliament election, provided that they are over the age of 18 and hold permanent residence in the country. However, they have to submit an application and declaration to be entered into the electoral register by April 29 at the latest. Otherwise, they will not be able to vote in Slovakia, but will still be able to participate in the elections in the country of which they are a citizen. The application and declaration can both be found in a single document on the Interior Ministry website here. A voter will have to fill in personal data, including nationality, address and other details. In the declaration, they state, among other things, the last address of residence in the EU state of which they are a citizen, and that they were not deprived of the right to vote. They will be registered in the municipality where they have permanent residence. A foreigner will be able to vote for Slovak MEPs and vote in only one state. The European Parliament elections in Slovakia will be held on Saturday, June 8. Slovaks will elect 15 MEPs for a five-year term. They can circle a maximum of two candidates from one list of candidates. Information for voters can be accessed here (in English) and the candidate slates here (in Slovak). The current layoffs at AT&T are the most massive since 2021. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share After IBM, the American company AT&T is following suit and has started laying off employees, reports Index magazine. The latter's AT&T Global Network Services Slovakia division operates in Bratislava and Kosice. At the moment, how many people will be laid off is unknown. The company confirmed that it is carrying out this action to Index without providing further details. "They are at the beginning, a few people from our team have been dismissed, and this will probably spill over to other teams as well," says a Bratislava branch employee under the condition of anonymity. A Kosice branch employee says that they know of at least 10 dismissed people over the last few days. If an employee agrees, they will receive a severance pay of three basic monthly salaries. Individual teams are not cancelled, but some employees must be dismissed. "On some teams, it affects 20 percent of people, in some even more or fewer, and in some no one at all," explains the employee. Unofficially, either 400 employees or 20 percent of staff will be laid off. "Reducing our workforce is a difficult decision that we don't take lightly. We are working with employee representatives and other key parties to manage the impact on our people," said the marketing and communications department of the company. The current layoffs at AT&T are the most massive since 2021. At that time, 440 employees left the company. AT&T has been cutting staff almost every year since the pandemic. "These measures are in line with our strategic focus on growth and related to the customer's behavioural changes. As a result, there will be a targeted reduction in our workforce in line with presented transformation initiatives," the department adds. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240414/palestinians-defend-iranian-retaliation-against-israel-1117933123.html Palestinians Defend Iranian Retaliation Against Israel - Report Palestinians Defend Iranian Retaliation Against Israel - Report Sputnik International Many Palestinians are praising Irans retaliatory strikes against Israel, seeing in the attack a rare moment of forceful response to the countrys months-long assault on Gaza. 2024-04-14T23:21+0000 2024-04-14T23:21+0000 2024-04-14T23:51+0000 world middle east palestinians joe biden iran israel palestine quds force hezbollah irgc https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/1a/1117569944_0:255:3072:1983_1920x0_80_0_0_71998f5f5f5ca7799f551d78c93b77d5.jpg Many Palestinians are praising Irans retaliatory strikes against Israel, seeing in the attack a rare moment of forceful response to the countrys months-long assault on Gaza, according to Reuters.For the first time, we saw some rockets that didnt land in our areas, said Abu Abdallah, 32, a Gaza resident who spoke to the media using a pseudonym. These rockets were going into the occupied Palestine We are hopeful that if Iran or any other country enters the war a solution for Gaza might be nearer than ever.A flurry of drones and rockets swept across Israeli territory Saturday in an unprecedented direct strike from Irans military on Israel. Israel claimed that, with the support of US and UK forces, it was able to intercept the majority of the strikes.But video on social media appeared to show a significant attack on Israels Ramon military airbase in the Negev desert. The Nevatim airbase was also reportedly struck as well as an alleged intelligence site in the occupied Golan Heights. The Lebanon-based Hezbollah also fired dozens of rockets towards Israel.Irans attack was in retaliation for an apparent April 1 strike by Israel on Irans diplomatic consulate in Syria, which resulted in at least 16 deaths. A senior Quds Force commander in Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was among those killed, as well as seven other Iranian officers.Observers suggested the highly-provocative action was designed to provoke an Iranian response, pulling the United States into an expanded conflict with Iran. But an anonymous US official Thursday suggested Washington would tolerate a measured retaliatory strike by Tehran.US President Joe Biden has since claimed the United States will only pursue a diplomatic response to the Iranian strike.Much is often made in Western media of the division between Sunni and Shia Islam in the Muslim world, but Irans Shiite-led government has made solidarity with the predominately Sunni Palestinians a central tenet of its philosophy since the countrys revolution. Iranians overthrew the countrys US-backed Pahlavi dynasty in 1979, establishing a regime that denounced Western interference in the Middle East.Irans principled anti-imperialism has drawn respect throughout the region as US-supported regimes in other countries are often viewed as little more than Western puppets.Some Palestinians criticized Irans strike however.Curtains down on the face-saving piece of theater... The Palestinian people are the only ones who pay the price with their flesh and blood, said West Bank resident Munir al-Gaghoub on social media.The value of Irans attack may be primarily symbolic; the country usually relies on allied movements in the region to confront Israel militarily.The precedent of direct Iranian strikes on Israel may eventually prove important, establishing yet another front Tel Aviv must deal with. The refusal of the United States to involve its armed forces in the conflict means Israel will continue to face a steady deterioration of social, military, and economic conditions, ultimately resulting in a strategic defeat according to former US Middle East intelligence analyst Paul Pillar. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231012/cia-finally-admits-1953-coup-of-irans-mohammed-mossadeq-countered-democracy-1114154929.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240128/the-end-of-israel-national-leaders-say-netanyahu-is-existential-threat-to-country-1116444112.html iran israel palestine gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg palestinians defend iran, gazans defend iranian retaliation, palestinians approve of iran strike on israel, iran attack on israel, iran revenge on israel, iran attacked israel https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/at-least-9-iranian-missiles-hit-2-targeted-israeli-airbases---reports-1117937383.html At Least 9 Iranian Missiles Hit 2 Targeted Israeli Airbases - Reports At Least 9 Iranian Missiles Hit 2 Targeted Israeli Airbases - Reports Sputnik International Five ballistic missiles struck Israel's Nevatim airbase, damaging a C-130 military transport aircraft, a runway and storage facilities, while four more missiles hit an Israeli airbase in the Negev desert but without any significant damage reported. 2024-04-15T05:59+0000 2024-04-15T05:59+0000 2024-04-15T05:59+0000 world newsfeed middle east israel iran israel defense forces (idf) palestine-israel conflict iran-israel row https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0c/1117881783_0:194:2951:1854_1920x0_80_0_0_14882bcd5456e3bba94099da756a8f2f.jpg Five ballistic missiles struck Israel's Nevatim airbase, damaging a C-130 military transport aircraft, a runway and storage facilities, while four more missiles hit an Israeli airbase in the Negev desert but without any significant damage reported. On Saturday night, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel in its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The attack came in response to Israel's airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. Iranian state media reported that Iran had fired at least seven hypersonic missiles at Israel, with none of them intercepted. Meanwhile, CNN reported, citing US officials, that the US military had intercepted more than 79 drones and at least three hyperosnic missiles during Iran's attack. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israel had intercepted 99% of the aerial targets fired by Iran, including all drones. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240414/russia-slams-unsc-for-ignoring-attack-on-iranian-consulate-calls-for-end-to-bloodshed-1117933653.html israel iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International five ballistic missiles struck israel's nevatim airbase, damaging a c-130 military transport aircraft, a runway and storage facilities, while four more missiles hit an israeli airbase in the negev desert but without any significant damage reported. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/crude-prices-dip-as-oil-market-eyes-fallout-from-irans-strike-on-israel-1117936871.html Crude Prices Dip as Oil Market Eyes Fallout From Iran's Strike on Israel Crude Prices Dip as Oil Market Eyes Fallout From Iran's Strike on Israel Sputnik International Crude prices dipped slightly as oil market awaits fallout from Iran's strike on Isarel. 2024-04-15T07:12+0000 2024-04-15T07:12+0000 2024-04-15T07:12+0000 iran-israel row oil prices oil opec business israel iran economy https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103034/68/1030346819_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_2cce0af36eeeb02c5d523fb25be46b7b.jpg A day after Irans retaliatory drone and missile attack targeting Israeli territory, the oil market is in anticipation of whether fallout from a broader regional conflict could impact crude traffic through the Middle East.Israels response to the assault, which Iran says was an act of self-defense after its diplomatic compound in Syria was attacked on April 1, could potentially intensify the cycle of escalation.But as it stands, there was a rather muted response to the latest developments, with oil prices slumping slightly during Monday trade. Brent futures for June dipped 0.2%, to reach $90.25 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures for May delivery went down 0.4% to $85.33 a barrel.One of the concerns uppermost in the current volatile situation is supply risk, according to media-cited analysts. Supply could be affected by factors such as a response from Israel targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, hiked up enforcement of oil sanctions on Iran, or shipping constraints in the Strait of Hormuz near the Islamic Republic, as per an ING client note.Any further escalation could add to the existing volatility from Houthi attacks targeting Israeli, British and American commercial ships in the Red Sea, and the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza.However, Tehran indicated after the attack that it deemed the matter concluded. Israels war cabinet meeting ended on Sunday without a decision on a response, while Tel Aviv's allies have been urging for de-escalation. Unless any further tit-for-tat assaults disrupt crude flows, OPEC+ has sufficient production capacity to control any oil price rally, according to Bloomberg analysts. Amid falling global demand for oil, notwithstanding the ongoing European security crisis, Houthi attacks targeting Israeli, British, and American commercial ships in the Red Sea, and the ongoing Israeli operation in Gaza, OPEC+ rolled over first-quarter voluntary output cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) into the second quarter, to remain in place until at least the end of June, joining the existing 3.66 million bpd of cuts agreed in 2022. At the time, leading commitments to cut were from Saudi Arabia (1 million bpd), Russia (471,000 bpd, in addition to 500,000 bpd announced in April 2023 and extended to December 2024), Iraq (220,000 bpd), the UAE (163,000 bpd), Kuwait (135,000 bpd), Kazakhstan (82,000 bpd), Algeria (51,000 bpd), and Oman (42,000 bpd).But there is speculation that the cartel might opt to increase production in the wake of its June meeting. This is something that appeared to be hinted at in its April 11 oil report, which stated that robust oil demand outlook for the summer warrants careful market monitoring.It is believed that most OPEC+ countries currently favor an oil price closer to $90 a barrel - well under the triple-digit level. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240414/infographics-irans-operation-true-promise-launched-on-israel-1117926406.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240412/oil-price-above-90-bracing-for-iran-retaliatory-strikes-on-israel-1117897658.html israel iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko iran strikes israel, recent iranian strikes at israel, why did iran attack israel, how did iran attack on israel affect oil prices, relations between iran and israel https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/dems-republicans-squabble-after-being-humiliated-by-irans-israel-strikes-1117942657.html Dems, Republicans Squabble After Being Humiliated by Irans Israel Strike Dems, Republicans Squabble After Being Humiliated by Irans Israel Strike Sputnik International Irans missile and drone attack on Israel Saturday night in response to the April 1 strike on the Islamic Republics consulate in Damascus was met with caution by Washington, with the Biden administration reportedly in no hurry to jump headlong into a war with Tehran. 2024-04-15T14:17+0000 2024-04-15T14:17+0000 2024-04-15T14:46+0000 world iran israel donald trump joe biden us mike johnson republicans gop republican https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/0e/1116160091_0:0:2907:1635_1920x0_80_0_0_1f27bb0bfc845a9c7e1cd71d8009b53f.jpg Republican and Democrat politicians and officials in Washington have attacked one another in interviews and on social media, even as they attempt to cobble together a new multibillion-dollar package of military aid to Israel.Trump expressed a different view during a campaign stop in Pennsylvania on Saturday, suggesting Iran decided to strike Israel because of the great weakness being shown by the current administration.On Friday, Trump accused Americas incompetent leaders of putting the world on the brink of a new world war in the Middle East. Whats going on in Israel could end up in a world war, Trump said, complaining that President Biden doesnt know what the hell he is doing and noting that while there are about seven months left until the November elections, thats an eternity when people are incompetent.South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who has been campaigning to launch aggression against Iran since at least the mid-2000s, said that Biden telling bad guys dont hasnt worked. I hope the American people are closely following just how dangerous the world has become in the last three years.GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson promised to continue to engage with the White House to insist upon a proper response to Irans counterstrike, while alleging that Bidens undermining of Israel and appeasement of Iran has contributed to these terrible developments.Congressional Republicans and Democrats are seeking to set aside their differences to urgently pass more aid to Israel, either in a standalone package as part of Bidens $105 billion request for combined Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan assistance.But some MAGA Republicans, including firebrand House lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene, have blasted Johnsons plans to connect the two issues.Iran Doesnt Seem to CareIranian officials have demonstrated repeatedly that they dont seem to care which party is in power in the US when it comes to ensuring Irans security interests. In 2019, while Trump was in office, Iran and the US wrangled in a series of ship seizures and drone shootdowns in the Persian Gulf, and in January 2020, after the US assassinated Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, Tehran responded by firing ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq, leaving over 100 troops with traumatic brain injuries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/americans-approval-of-bidens-handling-of-gaza-conflict-drops-to-new-low---poll-1117940898.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/us-mulling-new-sanctions-against-iran-over-attack-on-israel---house-majority-leader-1117937774.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240414/regional-war-in-mideast-unavoidable-if-israel-continues-strikes-on-iran---ex-iranian-envoy-1117923813.html iran israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov what is us doing in response to iran's attack on israel, will us attack iran, how will us respond to iran https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/eu-falls-behind-china-us-in-economic-competition-following-monumental-mistakes---iea-chief-1117935907.html EU Falls Behind China, US in Economic Competition Following 'Monumental Mistakes' - IEA Chief EU Falls Behind China, US in Economic Competition Following 'Monumental Mistakes' - IEA Chief Sputnik International Europes top mistakes were relying on Russian gas and turning away from nuclear power, the IEA chief said. In order to recover from their mistakes, he explains, the bloc will now need a new industrial master plan. 2024-04-15T05:24+0000 2024-04-15T05:24+0000 2024-04-15T05:24+0000 economy european union (eu) energy energy crisis china russia economy inflation energy resources nord stream https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102495/97/1024959725_0:371:1805:1386_1920x0_80_0_0_eec2a784ed15626e01bcd544eaafec81.jpg Europe is now trailing China and the US after making two historic monumental mistakes, according to Fatih Birol, the International Energy Agency chief. Europes top mistakes were relying on Russian gas and turning away from nuclear power, the IEA chief said. In order to recover from their mistakes, he explains, the bloc will now need a new industrial master plan.Europe has also fallen behind the two countries as they struggle to keep up with the manufacturing of green technology due to regulations and soaring energy prices, a recent report said. And electricity prices are typically twice to three times higher than that in the US.Since the 1970s, Germany has been a major buyer of Moscow's affordable pipeline gas but significantly reduced its purchases in 2022. This reduction impacted both small and medium-sized companies, which lack the capacity to quickly adjust to rising production costs, and large industries, leading to widespread difficulties. On February 24, BASF, a leading German chemical company, announced a reduction of 2,600 jobs, approximately 2.3% of its global workforce. This included 1,800 positions at its Ludwigshafen headquarters in Germany. The company also halted its share buybacks and planned to increase investments to enhance competitiveness in anticipation of continued earnings declines due to escalating costs. A key factor in BASF's rising expenses has been the increase in European natural gas prices, which began escalating before Russia's special military operation and were further exacerbated by the EU's sanctions against Russia. These sanctions quickly proved to be detrimental to the bloc. The situation deteriorated further with the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines on September 26, 2022, compelling Germany to transition predominantly to costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the United States. Although European energy prices have slightly decreased from an August 2022 peak of over 340 per megawatt hour (MWh) to around 50, they remain significantly higher than historical averages, as acknowledged by Western media. Previously, the CEO of BASF had noted that Russian gas was crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of the industry.Meanwhile, the bloc is struggling to make a decision regarding the use of nuclear energy. Some countries are pro-nuclear, including France, Hungary and Czech Republic while other EU member states including Germany, Austria and Luxembourg are opposed to the costly energy source.The EU is racing toward its June election, which means they will be participating in debates surrounding economic policy and specifically that of economic competitiveness. One article comments that for the EU to develop an effective economic competitive edge they will have to leverage their greatest asset; the single market. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/whats-behind-decline-of-germany-1112852729.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230226/frenemy-how-us-deprives-germany-of-strategic-autonomy-and-status-as-industrial-powerhouse--1107807263.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240209/vassal-scholz-govt-ignoring-nord-stream-terrorism-despite-colossal-damage-done-to-germany-1116703509.html china russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg german-us relations, german de-industrialization, russian natural gas, relocation of german companies, de-industrialization of europe, russo-german relations, russo-german energy cooperation, russian-german relations, russian-german energy cooperation, nord stream project, nord stream 2 project, nord stream sabotage, seymour hersh, energy crisis, european energy crisis, energy crisis in europe https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/gallant-told-austin-israel-has-no-choice-but-to-strike-against-iran---reports-1117945087.html Gallant Told Austin Israel 'Has No Choice' But to Strike Against Iran - Reports Gallant Told Austin Israel 'Has No Choice' But to Strike Against Iran - Reports Sputnik International Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke over the weekend with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and informed him that Israel has no choice but to attack Iran in response to the latter's retaliatory drone and missile strike on Saturday night, Axios reported on Monday, citing a US official and a source in the know. 2024-04-15T16:51+0000 2024-04-15T16:51+0000 2024-04-15T16:51+0000 military middle east yoav gallant benjamin netanyahu joe biden israel iran israel defense forces (idf) islamic revolutionary guard corps (irgc) iran-israel row https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/0b/1114113175_0:1:1023:576_1920x0_80_0_0_abfad5f9d5f305a14aac2eaa23653a9b.png Gallant told Austin that Israel will not allow the Iranian attack to take place without a response, adding that the Netanyahu government also will not accept Iranian retaliatory attacks every time it strikes targets in Syria, the report said. On Saturday night, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel in its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The attack came in response to Israel's airstrike on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital in early April. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israel had intercepted 99% of the aerial targets fired by Iran, including all drones. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said earlier in the day that Israel will face an immediate and a larger-scale response if it decides to continue escalating tensions with Iran. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/us-hard-pressed-to-react-as-iran-gets-complete-map-of-israeli-defense-capabilities-1117944044.html israel iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International iran strikes iraq, iran strikes pakistan, recent missile strikes in the middle east, why did iran attacks iraq, why did iran attack pakistan, whats behind irans missile attacks, iranian missile capabilities, what missiles does iran have, why is iran attacking other countries, relations between iran and iraq, relations between iran and pakistan, irans role in the middle east, alliances in the middle east, iran strikes on israel, iran attacks israel https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/germany-escalates-donbass-conflict-as-ukraine-admits-frontline-is-deteriorating-1117933923.html Germany Escalates Donbass Conflict as Ukraine Admits Frontline is Deteriorating Germany Escalates Donbass Conflict as Ukraine Admits Frontline is Deteriorating Sputnik International Germany offered to provide Kiev with another US Patriot air defense system Saturday as Ukraines military chief admitted the countrys position on its eastern front is rapidly deteriorating. 2024-04-15T00:48+0000 2024-04-15T00:48+0000 2024-04-15T04:26+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine volodymyr zelensky boris pistorius ukraine russia germany donbass patriot patriot missile system ukrainian crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0f/1117935001_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_aacd6739ef5c001bfdee558e6438e44c.jpg Germany offered to provide Kiev with another US Patriot air defense system Saturday as Ukraines military chief admitted the countrys position on its eastern front is rapidly deteriorating.The enemy is actively attacking our positions in the Lyman [and] Bakhmut [Artemovsk] directions with assault groups and the support of armored vehicles, he added. In the Pokrovsk direction, it is trying to break through our defenses using dozens of tanks.Syrsky attributed Ukraines struggles to Russias greater supply of weapons and military technology. Russias defense industry has risen to the occasion during the conflict by churning out significant supplies of ammunition. Observers have praised the quality of Russian armaments, particularly its well-respected tank building tradition.Material support for the Kiev regime has meanwhile stalled as Europes defense industry fails to meet demand and US backing is stymied by domestic politics.Syrsky also acknowledged a lack of effective manpower. Ukraines population, less than a third of Russias, has declined by some 30% amidst a demographic crisis after the countrys independence. The country faces a particular shortage of young men and women; the age of the average Ukrainian soldier is estimated to be 43 years old.Dry weather has granted Russian tanks easy passage over Ukraines terrain according to Syrsky. From the air, Moscow has made extensive use of retrofitted glide bombs and drone strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pleaded with Western partners to help augment the countrys air defense capacity.Germany obliged Saturday, promising to provide Kiev with a third US Patriot surface-to-air missile system after previously having rejected the request. The pledge follows a familiar pattern of Western countries eventually conceding to Ukrainian requests for armaments after publicly agonizing over the threat of escalation.Proposals have been floated for Ukraine to manufacture more of the ammunition it needs domestically, but Pistorius said Russian strikes on Ukrainian industry are already compromising its military preparedness.Western countries have been providing military and financial aid to Kiev since the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin has consistently warned against continued arms deliveries to Kiev, saying it would lead to further escalation of the conflict. In April 2022, Russia sent a diplomatic note to all NATO countries on the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russian strikes. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231227/former-us-marine-west-cant-grasp-russias-technological-supremacy-on-battlefield-1115842989.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240408/ukrainian-conscription-officers-assault-attempt-to-press-gang-14-year-old-1117804630.html ukraine russia germany donbass Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg germany escalates in ukraine, germany gives ukraine patriot air defense system, germany ukraine patriot surface-to-air, ukraine eastern front deteriorating, ukraine admits eastern front significantly worsening, syrsky admits position is worsening, us arms for ukraine, us assistance to ukraine, aid allocations for ukraine, ukraine aid, money for ukraine, us for ukraine, us weapons for ukraine, us aid to ukraine, us funding for ukraine, us funding to ukraine, german money for ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/iranian-media-confirms-use-of-unstoppable-hypersonic-missiles-in-israel-counterstrike-1117940612.html Iranian Media Confirms Use of Unstoppable Hypersonic Missiles in Israel Counterstrike Iranian Media Confirms Use of Unstoppable Hypersonic Missiles in Israel Counterstrike Sputnik International Iran fired dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel Saturday night in response to the April 1 Israeli strike on the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus, Syria. The IDF declared that 99 percent of the projectiles were shot down and that the Iranian attack failed. Iran said it achieved its strategic objectives. 2024-04-15T12:01+0000 2024-04-15T12:01+0000 2024-04-15T12:21+0000 military middle east mohammad hossein bagheri scott ritter israel iran israel defense forces (idf) f-35 hypersonic hypersonic weapons https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0f/1117940252_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_4f26fdb7dd75c99a5bc01bf9476bde37.jpg The Islamic Republic used hypersonic missiles during the Operation True Promise missile and drone barrage against Israel, with all of them hitting their targets after evading Israels air and missile defenses. Thats according to a Press TV report, citing informed sources.The Iranian news agency and broadcaster did not elaborate on the details of the missiles which were used, how many were fired, or what their targets were. However, earlier, Iranian media reported that the Islamic Republic fired at least seven hypersonic missiles during the attack, with none of them intercepted. Separately on Sunday, Lebanese national security expert Ali Hamie told Sputnik that he had information that Iran had fired its new Fattah 2 hypersonic missiles in Saturday nights strikes.The Fattah 2 (literally "Conquerer 2" or "Victory Giver 2") is a liquid-fueled hypersonic missile unveiled in November 2023, with a declared range of up to 1,500 km, a 450 kg warhead, and the ability to maneuver in flight. It is one of two hypersonic missiles in Irans arsenal, with the other being the Fattah 1 - a solid fuel, maneuverable hypersonic missile with a 1,400 km range, a 350-450 kg payload and the reported ability to accelerate to speeds of Mach 13-Mach 15 in the terminal stage.These speeds, combined with Fattah missiles ability to maneuver, may have made it difficult for Israels sophisticated air and missile defenses for take them down. For decades, Israels air defense forces have had to concentrate on the threat posed by garage-built rockets fired by militias in Gaza, and by better-armed non-state actors in Lebanon and Yemen.Iran, on the other hand, is one of the worlds top developers and manufacturers of advanced missiles, drones, and other weaponry, which has proven more than a match even for military systems possessed by the US, and produced at a lower cost (a former advisor to Israels chief of staff complained on Sunday that Israel spent $1.3 billion worth of air defense interceptor missiles to shoot down Iranian projectiles which had cost Iran nearly ten times less to build and fire).New Info on Weapons UsedIranian media has provided other details on the weapons used during Saturday nights attack, with state TV confirming that Shahed-136 kamikaze drones were used in the assault. These UAVs have a 2,500 km range, a 185 km flight speed, and 50 kg of explosives on board.The report further indicated that Emad missiles (which are liquid-fueled, have a 1,700 km range, a 750 kg payload, and a 10-50 meter circular error probable) were used.30 cruise missiles, including the Paveh (a turbojet-engine powered smart missile with a 1,650 km range and the ability to change course mid-flight), and the Soumar (a little-known cruise missile with a range of at least 1,500 km and an unknown payload) are also said to have been deployed. The latter projectiles reportedly have the ability to fold and unfold their winglets midflight, with the projectiles able to communicate with one another to coordinate an attack.Operational Failure or Operational Success?Despite assurances by the Israel Defense Force that some 99 percent of the drones and missiles used in Irans attack had been neutralized with help from the US, UK, France, and Jordan, further reports by US and Israeli media Sunday and Monday confirmed aspects of Iranian officials statements about the strikes objectives and effectiveness.A senior US official told ABC News Sunday that at least nine Iranian missiles hit two Israeli airbases, with five missiles damaging infrastructure, including a C-130 military transport plane, runway, and storage facilities at the Nevatim Air Base, and four additional missiles touching down on a separate, undisclosed airbase in the Negev Desert, but not causing any significant damage (Iranian media said Sunday that at least seven missiles had struck the Ramon Air Base in the Negev, which hosts Israeli F-16I jets).Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri said in a briefing early Sunday that Irans strikes had concentrated on the Nevatim Air Base, which he said hosted the F-35 planes that were used for targeting our consulate in Damascus, and an intelligence-gathering facility in Jabal al-Shaykh heights. Both of these centers were destroyed to a considerable extent and became inactive, Bagheri said, adding that Israels missile shield had proven incapable of blunting the attack.Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Hossein Salami said that Irans limited strikes were more successful than we expected, and that Irans missiles had broken through sophisticated Israeli air and missile defenses.Former US Marine Corps intelligence officer and UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter told Sputnik on Sunday that Iran deliberately chose not to inflict extremely lethal action against Israel, and that Saturday nights attack was a signal to Israel and the US that it could do what it did in Nevatim, at Ramona, anywhere in Israel, anywhere in the Middle East, and there was nothing the United States or Israel could do in response. Iran, Ritter said in a separate interview with George Galloway, had managed to inflict damage on the facilities it was targeting despite giving ample advance warning of its impending strikes, and forced Israel to concentrate resources and attention on its slow-moving drones and missiles, allowing its more sophisticated strike means to slip through and reach their targets.General Bagheri said Sunday that Iran had deliberately avoided targeting population and economic centers, and warned that Iran could launch an attack tens of times more powerful than the demonstrative strikes carried out Saturday night if Israel retaliates. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/us-mulling-new-sanctions-against-iran-over-attack-on-israel---house-majority-leader-1117937774.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/irans-top-8-missiles-that-could-strike-israel-1117873177.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240414/un-security-council-holds-emergency-meeting-over-irans-attack-on-israel-1117928135.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240414/scott-ritter-irans-retaliatory-attack-reestablished-deterrence-to-hold-israel-us-in-check-1117924882.html israel iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov did iran use hypersonic missiles, did iran fire hypersonic missiles at israel, did israel shoot down iranian missiles, did iran's missile and drone strikes succeed or fail https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/metal-prices-hit-record-highs-amid-new-western-sanctions-on-russia-1117938971.html Metal Prices Hit Record Highs Amid New Western Sanctions on Russia Metal Prices Hit Record Highs Amid New Western Sanctions on Russia Sputnik International Aluminum prices have hit record highs in response to new sanctions levied upon the Russian-produced metals. 2024-04-15T10:27+0000 2024-04-15T10:27+0000 2024-04-15T10:27+0000 economy russia aluminum china rusal cme nickel copper sanctions russian economy under sanctions https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0f/1117938323_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a4a9f7c3fde7cdc9bd07f1db63314250.jpg Prices on aluminum have hit record highs in response to new sanctions levied on Russian-produced metals.Aluminum soared by 9.4%, while nickel rose as much as 8.8% on the London Metal Exchange (LME). Aluminum was trading for $2,616.50 a ton by 1:35 p.m. Shanghai time.The closing price was at $2,494.00 USD/mt. It should be noted that the LME is where global benchmark prices are set.It is nothing new to see Western sanctions backfire, with those wielding them as a tool forced to feel the bite of the restrictions. In this case, three key Russian industrial metals aluminum, copper, and nickel were chosen in an attempt to "cripple" Russian sales.The US Treasury Department and UK government banned delivery of Russian supplies of the metals to the LME and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). Specifically, the ban applies to Russian aluminum, copper, and nickel produced from April 13. Older Russian metal is still permitted."Aluminum from these brands produced prior to April 13, 2024, will continue to be eligible for warranting and delivery against the exchanges aluminum futures contract," the CME said.The surge in price reflected worries that the sanctions will reduce Russian flows to Western markets, Jia Zheng, head of trading and research at Shanghai Dongwu Jiuying Investment Management Co, was cited by Bloomberg as saying.While the US and its allies did not hesitate to impose round upon round of sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine conflict, aluminum has not been targeted before, and Russian base metals continued to be traded and stored by the LME. Since the restrictions only directly affect deliveries to the exchange, they cannot impact the much larger quantity of metal that is acquired, sold, and shipped outside the LME warehouse system. Citigroup analysts were cited as hoping that this fact will moderate the scale of the price impact.The analysts also acknowledged that Russian metal heavyweights like Rusal and MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC are less entangled in the western financial system than they were before.While these prohibitions are unlikely to stop Russian sales of the metals in question, they can be sure to infuse further uncertainty into commodities markets. Western economic aggression against Moscow over Ukraine has already roiled markets and upset supply chains, driving prices up, as was acutely felt in the wake of sanctions on the Russian energy sector.Most observers cited by the publication agreed that the new restrictions would result in a redirection of Russian metal flows to other markets, specifically to China. A quarter of Rusal's revenues in 2023 came from trade with the People's Republic of China. Last year, the Biden administration slapped a 200 percent duty on new Russian-made aluminum and scrap. Following the move, Canada banned the import of aluminum products from Russia. The UK also announced it was prohibiting the import of Russian copper, aluminum, and nickel, as well as Russian diamonds.However, as some countries blindly follow the US-led sanctions policy to their own detriment, Russia has been reorienting its market and boosting relations with friendly countries. Thus, sales of refined aluminum to China soared almost threefold in April 2023 from the previous year to 88,859 tons, according to Chinese customs data. Furthermore, Chinese buyers are offered a chance to pay in their own currency, advancing Beijings efforts to globalize the yuan amid an increasing trend towards de-dollarization. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230613/lme-growing-more-reliant-on-russian-aluminum-as-sources-from-other-players-dwindle-1111100743.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/sanctions-empower-russia-boomerang-on-europe-and-undermine-dollar-hegemony--experts-1117684289.html russia china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko aluminum trade, tariffs, anti-russia sanctions, self-harming anti-russia sanctions, sanctions on russian metals, sanctions on russian aluminum, nickel, copper https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/netanyahu-asks-idf-to-list-target-options-in-iran-to-send-message---reports-1117945944.html Netanyahu Asks IDF to List Target Options in Iran to Send Message - Reports Netanyahu Asks IDF to List Target Options in Iran to Send Message - Reports Sputnik International Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to list a possible targets in Iran to send a "message" to Tehran without causing casualties, The Washington Post reported on Monday. 2024-04-15T17:43+0000 2024-04-15T17:43+0000 2024-04-15T17:43+0000 military middle east benjamin netanyahu israel tehran israel defense forces (idf) iran-israel row islamic revolutionary guard corps syria https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/07/1113183563_0:0:1981:1114_1920x0_80_0_0_4a956e0b6936c6063b005ba74b959a8a.jpg The potential options include a cyberattack or a strike on a facility in Tehran, an official told The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity. According to the newspaper, Israel wants to respond in a way that does not anger its allies or undermine opportunities of building an alliance against Iran. On Saturday night, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel in its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory, the IDF said. The attack came in response to Israel's airstrike on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital in early April. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israel had intercepted 99% of the aerial targets fired by Iran, including all drones. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240414/scoop-iran-may-have-used-new-hypersonic-missiles-to-pierce-israeli-air-defenses-1117930117.html israel tehran syria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International iran strikes iraq, iran strikes pakistan, recent missile strikes in the middle east, why did iran attacks iraq, why did iran attack pakistan, whats behind irans missile attacks, iranian missile capabilities, what missiles does iran have, why is iran attacking other countries, relations between iran and iraq, relations between iran and pakistan, irans role in the middle east, alliances in the middle east, iran strikes on israel, iran attacks israel https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/s-korean-presidents-approval-rating-drops-to-6-month-low-of-326---poll-1117939356.html S. Korean President's Approval Rating Drops to 6-Month Low of 32.6% - Poll S. Korean President's Approval Rating Drops to 6-Month Low of 32.6% - Poll Sputnik International The approval rating of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has dropped to the lowest level of 32.6% since October 2023 after the main opposition bloc won a landslide victory in the general elections last week, the Yonhap news agency reported on Monday, citing a poll conducted by Seoul-based company Realmeter. 2024-04-15T09:05+0000 2024-04-15T09:05+0000 2024-04-15T09:05+0000 asia koreas seoul south korea yonhap https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0f/1117939198_0:230:2825:1819_1920x0_80_0_0_03054ef2b55361d5e5245622233e306c.jpg The survey found that the positive assessment of Yoon's job performance declined by 4.7 percentage points week-on-week, while public disapproval rose by 4.1 percentage points and was expressed by 63.6% of those surveyed, Yonhap reported. For comparison, in the third week of October 2023, Yoon's job performance was approved by 32.5% of the South Korean population. The new poll was conducted among 2,010 adults from April 8-12 with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2 percentage points, the report said. Meanwhile, a separate poll showed that the approval ratings of South Korea's ruling People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party stood at 33.6% and 37%, respectively, as of last week, the report also said. The survey on the approval ratings of the political parties was conducted among 1,002 adults from April 18-19 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. Last week, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and its satellite People Future Party won a total of 108 seats in the parliament, while the opposition Democratic Party and its satellite Democratic United Party won 175 of the 300 seats. The Rebuilding Korea Party led by former Justice Minister Cho Kuk became the third-largest in the parliament with 12 seats, while the New Reform Party led by former PPP leader Lee Jun-seok won three seats, and the New Future Party and the Progressive Party won one seat each. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240305/north-korea-condemns-joint-us-south-korean-military-drills-1117138864.html koreas seoul south korea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International the approval rating of south korean president yoon suk-yeol has dropped to the lowest level of 32.6% since october 2023 after the main opposition bloc won a landslide victory in the general elections last week, the yonhap news agency reported on monday, citing a poll conducted by seoul-based company realmeter. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/scott-ritter-ukraine-owned-by-us-while-with-israel-its-the-other-way-around-1117944704.html Scott Ritter: Ukraine 'Owned' by US, While With Israel Its the Other Way Around Scott Ritter: Ukraine 'Owned' by US, While With Israel Its the Other Way Around Sputnik International Senior Ukrainian officials couldnt help but feel sidelined by the outpouring of US attention and support for Israel as Tel Aviv sought to fend off an unprecedented Iranian missile and drone attack over the weekend. Theres a good reason for that, says former US Marine Corps intelligence officer and UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter. 2024-04-15T16:28+0000 2024-04-15T16:28+0000 2024-04-15T16:28+0000 analysis scott ritter joe biden volodymyr zelensky us israel ukraine russia aid assistance https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0f/1117943882_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_a36cca5aede602b590e524bd4a99386a.jpg President Zelensky took to X on Sunday to plead with US lawmakers not to forget about Ukraine, saying it is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen Americas allies in this critical time by delivering on the aid package promised by President Biden six months ago.Zelenskys comments were echoed by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who told reporters on Monday that Ukraine also needs help from its Western partners, even if its not in the form of direct military help like Israel got. All we ask our partners is, even if you cannot act the way you act in Israel, give us what is needed, and we will do the rest ourselves, Kuleba urged.Let me make this very clear to the Ukrainian crowd. You see, the difference between Israel and Ukraine is that, whether you like it or not, Israel has bought and paid for the United States' support, while Ukraine hasnt, Scott Ritter told Sputnik.With Ukraine, its the other way around, the observer said.Youve done your duty. You created a problem for the Russians. But now youve become inconvenient. And we're going to stand by and let the Russians finish the job without spending any more money or providing you with much more assistance. You don't matter to us. You're not Israel. You don't own us. We're not going to fight and die for you. I hope I made that clear, Ritter summed up.You got a win. Take the win, President Biden reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning that the US wouldnt support any Israeli aggression against Iran. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/zelensky-takes-advantage-of-iran-israel-crisis-to-plead-for-more-money-1117935640.html israel ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Scott Ritter slams Ukraines delusional entitlement mentality Sputnik International Scott Ritter slams Ukraines delusional entitlement mentality 2024-04-15T16:28+0000 true PT3M21S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov why is us aid to ukraine and israel different, who owns us, who owns ukraine, scott ritter, why does us support israel https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/texas-national-guard-confirms-us-soldier-discharged-weapon-in-border-related-incident-1117947578.html Texas National Guard Confirms US Soldier Discharged Weapon in 'Border-Related Incident' Texas National Guard Confirms US Soldier Discharged Weapon in 'Border-Related Incident' Sputnik International A Texas Military Department spokesperson confirmed to Sputnik on Monday that a US National Guard servicemember fired his gun during a border-related incident on the US border with Mexico on Sunday. 2024-04-15T19:00+0000 2024-04-15T19:00+0000 2024-04-15T19:00+0000 americas us texas indiana mexico us customs and border protection (cbp) texas national guard border security border tensions us-mexico border https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1f/1116521292_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_6717f06e08ddc0dcb62fcbd36bfac29d.jpg "Early on the afternoon of 14 April, a National Guard Servicemember assigned to Operation Lone Star discharged a weapon in a border-related incident," the spokesperson said. The incident is under investigation and more information will be made available as the investigation progresses, the spokesperson noted. The Indiana National Guard told Sputnik that it is aware of the incident, but did not provide other details. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) declined to comment on the matter. The Texas Governor's office did not immediately respond to Sputnik's request for comment on the matter. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240413/bidens-secret-border-agenda-migrants-fill-the-us-baby-gap-1117898582.html americas texas indiana mexico Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us border crisis, us mexico border, illegal immigrants in america, undocumented immigrants in us https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/ukraines-groundhog-day-of-rehashed-counteroffensive-and-crimean-bridge-bluster-1117942239.html Ukraine's Groundhog Day of Rehashed Counteroffensive and Crimean Bridge Bluster Ukraine's Groundhog Day of Rehashed Counteroffensive and Crimean Bridge Bluster Sputnik International After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky trailed plans for another counteroffensive in an interview to German newspaper Bild, a high-ranking source in the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the new attempt would end in complete disaster for Kiev and the ultimate defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 2024-04-15T17:47+0000 2024-04-15T17:47+0000 2024-04-15T17:47+0000 world ukraine russia crimean bridge volodymyr zelensky crimean bridge terror attacks storm shadow cruise missile us f-16 https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0f/1117941479_0:160:3074:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_3808ce680e44f3c97b7a69536ddd6ea9.jpg For Volodymyr Zelensky and his neo-Nazi henchmen it increasingly looks like Groundhog Day, as they regurgitate the same old bravado.The Ukrainian president and his generals have touted plans for a new counteroffensive, along with a 100-day plot to destroy the Crimean Bridge.Although the much-heralded summer counteroffensive of 2023 ground to a halt with crippling troop and equipment losses, Zelensky is now claiming that all he needs is more advanced weapons from his Western backers.British newspaper The Sun ran a click-bait story over the weekend claiming to have exclusive knowledge of Ukraines plot to attack the Crimea Bridge in mid-July.The tabloid even found a weapons expert to draw up infographics about how the plan could be pulled off in a "multi-pronged attack.Some 20 to 40 UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles and their French counterpart SCALP would ostensibly pummel the bridges upper structure, while unmanned explosive boats could detonate at its base. US-made F-16s, which Ukraine is yet to get its hands on from European patrons, would supposedly be used in the attack although the expert quoted did note the snag that the jet fighters are not yet compatible with Storm Shadows.Anonymous officials from Ukraines military intelligence service announced their intent to destroy the bridge "in the first half of 2024". One quoted official claimed that Ukraine already had most of the means to carry out this goal.Meanwhile, Zelensky has been pleading with his Western sponsors for more modern weapons systems and money, claiming in an interview with German tabloid Bild that Ukraine has a plan for a "new counteroffensive."The previous such attempt, announced in early 2023, was delayed until June 4 and called off by Zelensky in November 2023 without achieving its goal to reach the Sea of Azov in order to cut the land bridge between Crimea and the mainland.The Crimean Bridge across the Kerch Strait, which links Russias Crimean Peninsula with Krasnodar territory, has been an thorn in the side of the Kiev regime and its patrons in the West. The Ukrainian military has tried to compensate for its failures on the battlefield by targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including the bridge.In March, a leaked audio of a conversation between four German senior military officers, including German Air Force chief General Ingo Gerhartz, revealed plans for an attack on the Crimean Bridge.The high-ranking Bundeswehr officers discussed how they would "bomb the Crimean bridge" using German Cruise missiles fired from French fighter jets in the 40-minute recording, mentioning colleagues from the US and UK. The audio also included operational and targeting details of Taurus missiles. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraines Main Intelligence Directorate, recently admitted that Kiev faced problems achieving the destruction of the bridge as the structure was well protected. Budanov, who has been charged in absentia by Russias Investigative Committee with 104 cases of terrorism carried out on Russian territory, told the German Bild that Ukrainian special services are still working on a plan.All the plans discussed by Ukrainian authorities assume the use of terrorist methods against Russian infrastructure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier in April."The Kiev regime is openly talking about its aggressive plans, terrorist plans against the infrastructure of the Russian Federation. Thus, it once again demonstrates their nature, the spokesman told reporters.Zelensky's latest threats once again expose the nature of the Kiev regime and prove the correctness of the decision to launch the special military operation, Peskov noted.Pointing to Ukraine's combat losses, huge personnel shortages and dysfunction in Kiev, a senior Russian Ministry of Defense was quoteted as saying that there was little doubt Zelensky's new plan for a counteroffensive would end in a complete disaster for Ukraine and "the beginning of the path to peace on Russian terms." https://sputnikglobe.com/20230909/russian-navy-destroys-3-ukrainian-boats-trying-to-attack-crimean-bridge---mod-1113232804.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240301/full-transcript-of-german-top-military-officials-leaked-plot-to-attack-crimean-bridge-1117078481.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240412/scott-ritter-there-will-be-no-great-counteroffensive-as-ukraine-teeters-on-brink-of-collapse-1117887907.html ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko russian special military operation, ukrainian counteroffensive attempt, ukraine's failed counteroffensive, nato's proxy war against russia in ukraine, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/us-hard-pressed-to-react-as-iran-gets-complete-map-of-israeli-defense-capabilities-1117944044.html US Hard-Pressed to React as Iran Gets Complete Map of Israeli Defense Capabilities US Hard-Pressed to React as Iran Gets Complete Map of Israeli Defense Capabilities Sputnik International Iran launched a large-scale missile and drone attack into Israel overnight Saturday targeting military and intelligence sites in response to an Israeli attack on its Damascus Embassy compound April 1. Prime Minister Netanyahu has threatened to hurt Iran, while President Biden has reportedly said the US wont assist in an Israeli counterattack. 2024-04-15T15:24+0000 2024-04-15T15:24+0000 2024-04-15T15:24+0000 analysis benjamin netanyahu joe biden benny gantz middle east israel tel aviv washington israel defense forces (idf) iran-israel row https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0f/1117944395_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_d718022fecc89474bfbd9faa97c24434.jpg Israels war cabinet has reportedly failed to reach a consensus on when and how to respond to Irans weekend missile and drone barrage, with Israeli media reporting that US pressure has complicated planning.There will be a response, an anonymous Israeli official was quoted as saying by Israel Hayom. However, a final decision has not been made, and the cabinet is divided over what the form the response could take and its timing, according to a Times of Israel report.US media have reported that President Biden told the Israeli prime minister that Washington wouldnt support any offensive action against Iran, calling the coordinated defense of Israeli airspace together with the UK, France and Jordan a win and promising ironclad US support for Tel Aviv going forward.US Has Only Itself to BlameThe US is always in complicated situations, and most of the time they can only blame themselves, Dr. Marco Carnelos, a veteran Italian diplomat and former Middle East advisor to Prime Ministers Prodi and Belusconi, told Sputnik, commenting on the strategic bind Washington has found itself in the wake of Irans counterstrike.Its becoming a more and more difficult circle to square, especially in a difficult and highly polarized electoral year. The US needs to buy time, until November, [but] are we so sure that all the other players are keen to sell some time to Washington?As far as Israels response is concerned, Dr. Carnelos says that without US help, it could come in the form of activating its regional proxies, who are admittedly not quite [as] effective as those their adversary. Such a step could also backfire, the observer says, noting that even an escalation caused by proxies may be something the US is looking to avoid.Ultimately, the ball is now in the Israeli court as far as the response is concerned, Carnelos believes.That means next time, if Israel responds with force despite warnings not to do so, another [Iranian] attack could not be largely preannounced as it has been this time, and above allcould be carried out with far more lethal and accurate modalities, Carnelos warned. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/americans-approval-of-bidens-handling-of-gaza-conflict-drops-to-new-low---poll-1117940898.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/at-least-9-iranian-missiles-hit-2-targeted-israeli-airbases---reports-1117937383.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240414/israeli-president-calls-irans-missile-and-drone-attack-declaration-of-war-1117932032.html israel tel aviv washington Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov how will israel respond to iran's attack, will us help israel, will us attack iran https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/us-mulling-new-sanctions-against-iran-over-attack-on-israel---house-majority-leader-1117937774.html US Mulling New Sanctions Against Iran Over Attack on Israel - House Majority Leader US Mulling New Sanctions Against Iran Over Attack on Israel - House Majority Leader Sputnik International Members of the US Congress plan to consider a number of draft laws on new sanctions against Iran after the latter's attack on Israel, US House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said, adding that the first bill could be submitted to the House of Representatives as early as Monday night. 2024-04-15T07:11+0000 2024-04-15T07:11+0000 2024-04-15T07:11+0000 world steve scalise middle east israel iran israel defense forces (idf) congress palestine-israel conflict iran-israel row https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/0b/1114117368_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_fb7a9e8066055d89655ea07c41f30d84.jpg "It's a growing sentiment in the Congress that we need to increase sanctions. So we're going to be bringing a number of bills to ratchet those up and raise the stakes against Iran for their actions," Scalise told The Jerusalem Post newspaper on Sunday. The US Congress will also consider a number of bills that are related to the country's alleged use of oil sales income to fund Palestinian movement Hamas, the lawmaker was cited as saying by the newspaper. The first bill could be submitted to the House on Monday evening, Scalise said. On Saturday night, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel in its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The attack came in response to Israel's airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. Iranian state media reported that Iran had fired at least seven hypersonic missiles at Israel, with none of them intercepted. Meanwhile, CNN reported, citing US officials, that the US military had intercepted more than 79 drones and at least three hypersonic missiles during the attack. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israel had intercepted 99% of the aerial targets fired by Iran, including all drones. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/at-least-9-iranian-missiles-hit-2-targeted-israeli-airbases---reports-1117937383.html israel iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International members of the us congress plan to consider a number of draft laws on new sanctions against iran after the latter's attack on israel, us house majority leader steve scalise said, adding that the first bill could be submitted to the house of representatives as early as monday night. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/whither-free-speech-college-campuses-sacrifice-professed-values-to-alter-of-zionism---report-1117936015.html Whither Free Speech? College Campuses Sacrifice Professed Values to Altar of Zionism - Report Whither Free Speech? College Campuses Sacrifice Professed Values to Altar of Zionism - Report Sputnik International Free speech is often held as among the United States most sacred values, but recent events suggest the right does not extend to criticism of Israel. 2024-04-15T04:34+0000 2024-04-15T04:34+0000 2024-04-15T05:14+0000 americas israel university of michigan jewish voice for peace american civil liberties union (aclu) palestine genocide palestine-israel conflict humanitarian crisis humanitarian disaster https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0f/1117936148_0:108:3071:1835_1920x0_80_0_0_99c738a3ecef10e2e20a8fc16a996e66.jpg A wave of repression is taking place on US college campuses, demonstrated by a proposed policy at the University of Michigan offering severe punishment for political protest.The proposal emerged after demonstrators disrupted an honors graduation ceremony late last month. The protesters, echoing the demands of students across the country, called on the university to divest its endowment from Israeli companies and military contractors.The schools president Santo Ono was deeply dismayed by the act of defiance against a country credibly accused of genocide, claiming the action brought profound disappointment to students, parents, grandparents, siblings, and other relatives and friends.The schools response: a new policy threatening student protesters with expulsion. Sympathetic faculty could face firing.The state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has also criticized the measure, claiming it would deprive students of core civil liberties. We believe the proposed policy is vague and overbroad, and risks chilling a substantial amount of free speech and expression, the group said in a letter.Ono, naturally, has dressed his authoritarian proposal in the garb of liberal anti-racism, claiming the students protest was painful for everyone who had gathered and especially so for members of our Jewish community.But Jewish students have become some of the biggest targets of colleges repressive actions, with Jewish-led organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace facing suspensions across the country. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has persecuted pro-Palestine campus groups with a zeal otherwise reserved only for Disney and Guantanamo detainees.As with the countrys recent about face on free trade in regards to China, values are only held so long as they prove useful to the wealthy and powerful. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231104/thousands-protest-in-washington-against-us-support-for-israeli-war-in-gaza-1114729432.html americas israel palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg genocide, ethnic cleansing, us supports israel, no free speech, no freedom of press, american autocracy, american censorship, censorship in us, us censorship, witch hunt, witchhunt, witch hunt in us, american witchhunt, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces, hostages, israeli military, hamas fighters, hamas soldiers, hamas military, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths, indiscriminate shelling, indiscriminate killing, war crimes https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/zelensky-takes-advantage-of-iran-israel-crisis-to-plead-for-more-money-1117935640.html Zelensky Takes Advantage of Iran-Israel Crisis to Plead for More Money Zelensky Takes Advantage of Iran-Israel Crisis to Plead for More Money Sputnik International President Volodymyr Zelensky took to the X social media platform Sunday to remind Western lawmakers not to forget about Ukraine as the world responds to Irans retaliatory strike against Israel. 2024-04-15T03:27+0000 2024-04-15T03:27+0000 2024-04-15T04:33+0000 analysis volodymyr zelensky volodymyr omelyan donald trump ukraine israel russia patriot missile system richard spencer odessa massacre https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0f/1116809167_0:277:3000:1965_1920x0_80_0_0_4d69d2814bdb8229ff28cf99539157e3.jpg President Volodymyr Zelensky took to the X (formerly Twitter) social media platform Sunday to remind Western lawmakers not to forget about Ukraine as the world responds to Irans retaliatory strike against Israel.Ukraine condemns Irans attack on Israel using Shahed drones and missiles, the leader wrote, claiming Moscow and Tehran utilize the same kinds of armaments.Former Ukrainian minister Volodymyr Omelyan was even more forceful, slamming former US President Donald Trump whose America First brand of conservatism has questioned US military spending.China, Russia, Iran and North Korea persistently attack the West, he said, without clarifying when they have done so.China, Iran and North Korea have historically been subject to deadly US-backed economic sanctions. The United States invaded Russia in 1918 in an attempt to thwart the countrys unfolding revolution, and invaded China to help put down the Boxer Rebellion.Zelensky has occasionally compared Ukraines plight to that of Israel. In 2022 the Ukrainian leader claimed he saw the country as a model for Ukraines future, saying Ukraine should become a big Israel.The president said he was referring to Israels model of hardened internal security, but critics may instead draw comparisons between the two countries strident nationalism and treatment of minorities. The Kiev regime has launched attacks on its Russian-speaking eastern regions for more than a decade, often killing civilians.A 2014 massacre of trade unionists in Odessa drew particular condemnation. Paramilitary groups attacked a peaceful rally in the coastal city, forcing people to take refuge in the Odessa Trade Union House. The neo-Nazi gangs then set fire to the building, killing some 50 people and bludgeoning to death those who attempted to escape.Anti-Russian Ukrainian nationalists have continued to constitute an important faction of the countrys armed forces, with Kiev officially integrating the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion into its military later that year.Israel has also received criticism for its increasingly extremist trajectory in recent years. Neo-Nazi activist Richard Spencer publicly praised the countrys so-called Jewish Nation State law in 2018, viewing it as a model for his desired white ethnostate. Israeli human rights group Btselem has called Israel an apartheid and ethnic supremacist regime.Ukraine has become more coercive in recent months as US aid has been stalled amidst political infighting.Kuleba appeared to economically blackmail Western countries in recent comments, suggesting Ukraine would drive up global oil prices with attacks on Russian refineries if US aid were not forthcoming. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240413/zelensky-could-end-ukraines-viability-as-country-with-mobilization-law-1117903959.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/germany-escalates-donbass-conflict-as-ukraine-admits-frontline-is-deteriorating-1117933923.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240413/ukraines-anti-terrorist-operation-in-donbass-licensed-neo-nazis-bloodbath--1117908365.html ukraine israel russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg zelensky wants more money, zelensky begs for us aid, zelensky compares ukraine to israel, zelensky compares iran to russia, ukraine and israel similarities, us funding to ukraine, russian economy under sanctions, us sanctions, sanctions on russia, sanctions against russia, us hegemony, unipolar world, russophobia, russophoby, anti-russian bias, neo-nazis, fascists, us arms for ukraine, us assistance to ukraine, aid allocations for ukraine, ukraine aid, money for ukraine, us for ukraine, us weapons for ukraine, us aid to ukraine, us funding for ukraine, us funding to ukraine WELLINGTON, April 15 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and Singapore committed to strengthening cooperation in the next phase of their relationship. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made the statement after holding a bilateral meeting on Monday with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore, according to a New Zealand government statement. The strengthening of the cooperation will be under the Singapore-New Zealand Enhanced Partnership, with the relationship to be elevated by the end of 2025, Luxon said. Luxon was in Singapore as part of his visit to Southeast Asia this week. The two prime ministers agreed to streamline flows of critical supplies between Singapore and New Zealand during times of crisis, the statement said, adding the two countries will continue to strengthen defence and security cooperation. The two sides also agreed to continue cooperation on green economy initiatives, including on energy and transport technology, and finance and investment including carbon markets. "Singapore is New Zealand's closest security and economic partner in Southeast Asia," Luxon said. Harness racing's future stars are preparing for competition, with some of those highly-anticipated two-year-olds comprising categories in the 2024 TROT Magazine Fantasy Stable. Trot Insider has compiled an overview of the contenders in each two-year-old category as the deadline approaches. (All names are up to date as of publication.) GROUP I - Two-Year-Old Pacing Colts & Geldings Twin B Fresh Bet (Bettors Delight-Fresh Breeze) is the third foal out of the unraced Captaintreacherous mare Fresh Breeze and a half brother to multiple Grand Circuit stakes winner Twin B Joe Fresh (p, 3, 1:48.2 [$1,455,464]). He was a $500,000 purchase from the Standardbred Horse Sales Company's The Black Book Yearling Sale in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Readyforprimetime (Bettors Delight-Prescient Beauty) is the second foal out of the Grand Circuit stakes-winning Art Major mare Prescient Beauty and a half brother to last year's Metro Pace winner Captains Quarters (p, 2, 1:49.3s [$525,904]). His dam is a sibling to a pair of O'Brien Award winners, stallion Sportswriter and Precocious Beauty. Readyforprimetime was another half-million dollar yearling, purchased from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale in Lexington, Kentucky. Phantomofthenight (Tall Dark Stranger-Lus Illusion) is the second foal out of a Sweet Lou sister to double millionaires Rock N Roll Heaven and Clear Vision. Purchased for $350,000 from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, Phantomofthenight is a half sibling to stakes winner Donegal Spirit (p, 2, 1:53.1f [$43,074]). Wavemaker (Tall Dark Stranger-Making Waves) was purchased for $300,000 from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale as the first foal out of the Captaintreacherous mare Making Waves, who is a 1:50.1 Kentucky stakes winner with siblings that include a pair of millionaires in former world champion and two-time O'Brien Award winner American Jewel and the Breeders Crown-winning stallion Luck Be Withyou. Morrone Dolce (Tall Dark Stranger-Attention Hanover) was a $300,000 yearling purchased from The Black Book Yearling Sale. He is the first foal out of the Somebeachsomewhere mare Attention Hanover, who is a half-sister to millionaire Abuckabett Hanover and was a career winner of more than $200,000 herself. Set Shot (Bettors Delight-Pristine Beauty) is the second foal out of the Art Major mare Pristine Beauty and a half-brother to Ohio fair stakes winner Swaggy Cal (p, 2, 1:55.4h [$27,477]). His dam is a full sister to the aforementioned Prescient Beauty. Set Shot sold for $280,000 at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Glowing Lou (Sweet Lou-Teenybopper) is the third foal out of the unraced Somebeachsomewhere mare Teenybopper and a half brother to Teen Dream (p, 4, 1:53.2f [$92,862]). His second dam is the O'Brien Award-winning double millionaire, Glowing Report, a full sister to the dam of prolific stallion Well Said. Glowing Lou was a $260,000 yearling purchase from The Black Book Sale. TH Colby (Papi Rob Hanover-Fade) is the fourth foal out of the Shadow Play mare Fade, an Ontario stakes winner. Purchased for $250,000 at The Black Book Yearling Sale, TH Colby is a half brother to last year's Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final champion and Breeders Crown elimination winner Storm Shadow (p, 2, 1:51.1s [$375,154]) as well as Grand Circuit stakes winner Fade Out (p, 4, 1:50.1f [$411,633]) and Fade To Light (p, 3, 1:51.1s [$85,801]). Fallout (Captaintreacherous-Aria Hanover) is the fifth foal out of the Pennsylvania stakes-winning Well Said mare Aria Hanover and was purchased for $250,000 from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. The colt's full siblings include a pair of sub-1:48 pacers in Blue Diamond Eyes (p, 3, 1:47.2 [$1,340,144]) and new stallion Captain Kirk (p, 4, 1:47.4 [$462,582]). Higher Ground (Always B Miki-Shebesailin) was a $230,000 yearling purchase from the Lexington Selected Sale as the first foal out of the Captaintreacherous sister to millionaire stallion and two-time Breeders Crown champion Perfect Sting. Higher Ground's second dam is the world champion Shebestingin. GROUP J - Two-Year-Old Pacing Fillies Penny Benjamin (Sweet Lou-Dismissal), a $400,000 yearling purchase from The Black Book Sale, is the fourth foal out of the Western Terror mare Dismissal. She is a half sister to world champion Bythemissal (p, 4, 1:47.1 [$2,230,509]), who includes the Breeders Crown and Little Brown Jug among his numerous Grand Circuit stakes conquests. Lily White Hanover (Captaintreacherous-Lillian Hanover) was purchased for $350,000 as a yearling from the Lexington Selected Sale and is the fourth foal out of the Well Said sister to millionaire Dealt A Winner. Lily White Hanover's half siblings include last year's O'Brien Award-winning two-year-old colt Legendary Hanover (p, 2, 1:50s, [$405,100]), Canadian record holder Linedrive Hanover (p, 5, 1:47s [$675,195]) and Yarm (p, 4, 1:52.1f [$78,622]). Supermax Contract (Papi Rob Hanover-Big McDeal) is the fifth foal out of the former world champion and 100 per cent producing McArdle mare Big McDeal. A $350,000 yearling purchase from the Lexington Selected Sale, she is a half sister to last year's Breeders Crown winner Max Contract (p, 3, 1:48.3 [$658,405]) as well as Im A Big Deal (p, 4, 1:49f $419,270]), Hungry Man (p, 3, 1:49f [$182,138]) and Deal The Cards (p, 7, 1:52.4f [$115,842]). Champagne Room (Papi Rob Hanover-See You At Peelers) is the seventh foal out of the former world champion and millionaire Bettors Delight mare See You At Peelers. The $310,000 yearling purchase from the Lexington Selected Sale is a half-sister to six-figure earners Toronto (p, 3, 1:491f [$202,276]), Threshold [p, 4, 1:52.4f [$130,665]) and Ivy League (p, 2, 1:52.2f [$113,395]) as well as Geometry, the dam of Geocentric (p, 2, 1:49.3 ($556,251]) and Horizontal [p, 3, 1:48.4 [$139,770]). Charlotte Station (Captaintreacherous-Southwind Spring) is the first foal out of the unraced Well Said sister to Little Brown Jug champion and millionaire stallion Southwind Ozzi. Charlotte Station was purchased for $300,000 from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Millie May Hanover (Bettors Delight-Mayhem Seelster) is the fifth foal out of the Ontario Sires Stakes-winning Mach Three mare Mayhem Seelster. Her full brother is Grand Circuit stakes winner Mirage Hanover (p, 2, 1:50.4s [$220,660]) and half siblings are Mad Max Hanover (p, 3, 1:47.4 [$733,225]), Milieu Hanover (p, 3, 1:51f [$393,457]) and Mollop Hanover (p, 3, 1:50s [$151,065]). She was a $300,000 yearling buy from The Black Book Sale. Shesnostranger (Tall Dark Stranger-Sandbetweenurtoes) is the first foal out of the millionaire O'Brien Award-winning Somebeachsomewhere mare Sandbetweenurtoes, a Grand Circuit stakes champion as a sophomore and top Open distaffer at Woodbine racetracks for many years. Shesnostranger was a $275,000 purchase from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Ascendance (Captaintreacherous-Higher And Higher) is the seventh foal out of multiple Grand Circuit stakes-winning Western Terror mare Higher And Higher, who banked close to $1 million in her career. Ascendance's siblings include Highalator (p, 5, 1:48f [$675,764]), South Beach Star (p, 5, 1:48.1f [$393,994]) and JK Higher Power, the dam of Joyride Hanover (p, 3, 1:51.2 [$254,005]). She was purchased for $260,000 from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Stonebridge Georja (Bettors Delight-Rock N Soul) is the fifth foal out of the millionaire Rocknroll Hanover mare Rock N Soul. A half sibling to Grand Circuit stakes winner Stonebridge Soul (p, 3, 1:49.3f [$794,961]), Stonebridge Reef (p, 4, 1:50.1 [$273,320]) and Stonebridge Karis (p, 3, 1:50.4f [$121,553], Stonebridge Georja was a $250,000 yearling purchase from the Lexington Selected Sale. Call You Up (Captaintreacherous-Southwind Silence) is the fifth foal out of the $500,000-earning full sister to the aformentioned Southwind Spring. Call You Up is a half sibling to Battle Of Waterloo champion Sounds Good (p, 3, 1:50.4s [$241,748]) and Off The Record (p, 3, 1:51 [$227,032]). She was purchased from The Black Book Yearling Sale for $245,000. GROUP K - Two-Year-Old Trotting Colts & Geldings Hidalgo (Muscle Hill-Brooklyn) was the 2023 Black Book Yearling Sale topper at $600,000. He is the eighth foal out of the Grand Circuit stakes-winning Conway Hall mare Brooklyn. His full siblings include Grand Circuit stakes winners Kings County (t, 6, 1:51.4f [$534,189]) and exported Brooklyn Hill (t, 2, 1:53.1 [$279,328]). Maryland (Chapter Seven-Crucial) is the first foal out of the $500,000-earning Father Patrick sister to O'Brien Award-winning millionaire Venerable. He was purchased for $475,000 at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Grande Via (Muscle Hill-Megadolce) is the second foal out of the Cantab Hall mare Megadolce to sell for $450,000 at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. His dam is a half sister to two-time Breeders Crown champion and double millionaire Bella Bellini as well as Boccone Dolce, the dam of millionaire Breeders Crown winner Bond. Hatfield (Cantab Hall-Nicoles Promise) is the ninth foal out of the Dream Vacation mare Nicoles Promise and a full brother to last year's O'Brien Award-winning two-year-old colt T C I (t, 2, 1:51.4 [$1,453,270]). Other siblings include Livininthefastlane (t, 3, 1:53f [$460,481]), Global Pandemic (t, 2, 1:54.4f [$212,174]) and Jula Magician (t, 4, 1:53.4f [$204,354]). Hatfield went through The Black Book Yearling Sale ring for $400,000. The Rogue Prince (Walner-Check Me Out) is the seventh foal out of former world champion and Breeders Crown winner Check Me Out. He is a full brother to stallion King Of The North (t, 3, 1:50.3 [$1,370,242]), who set a Canadian record with his own Breeders Crown triumph, and a half sibling to Check Out Trixie, the dam of Grand Circuit stakes winner Instagram Model (t, 2, 1:53 [$546,726]). The Rogue Prince was purchased for $375,000 at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Sparkling Volo (Tactical Landing-Sterling Volo) is the seventh foal out of the Donato Hanover mare Sterling Volo, with a Breeders Crown-winning half sibling Lily Stride (t, 3, 1:50.2 [$717,762]). The colt was purchased from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale for $300,000. Super Chapter (Chapter Seven-Lifetime Pursuit) is out of the former world champion Cantab Hall mare Lifetime Pursuit, a millionaire Hambletonian Oaks winner with four other unraced foals. The colt was a $300,000 yearling purchased from The Black Book Sale. Brulee (Walner-Biscotti) is the third foal out of the unraced Father Patrick mare Biscotti and he is a full brother to Pizzelle (t, 2, 1:53.2 [$315,850]) and half sibling to Espresso (t, 2, 1:53.3 [$364,043]) -- both multiple Grand Circuit stakes winners. Brulee was purchased for $280,000 from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Liberty (Muscle Hill-Thatsnotmyname) is the eighth foal out of the Grand Circuit stakes-winning Windsongs Legacy sister to stallions Muscle Mass and Muscle Massive -- the former a world champion Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame candidate and the latter a millionaire Hambletonian Stakes winner. A $275,000 yearling purchase from the Lexington Selected Sale, Liberty's own siblings include Grand Circuit stakes winners Security Protected (t, 2, 1:52.4 [$357,354]) and Basquiat (t, 3, 1:51.2 [$289,748]). Mister Malone (Muscle Hill-Gama Bourbon FR) is the first foal out of international race winner Gama Bourbon FR by Ready Cash. His family includes two-time Prix d'Amerique winner Face Time Bourbon, a career winner of nearly $5 million, in addition to European stakes stars Mara Bourbon and Qualita Bourbon, both double millionaires. Mister Malone was a $260,000 yearling purchased from the Lexington Selected Sale. GROUP L - Two-Year-Old Trotting Fillies Kadena (Gimpanzee-Mission Brief) was purchased for the hefty tag of $800,000 to top the 2023 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale as the fourth foal out of the world champion sister to fellow Muscle Hill-sired Breeders Crown winner and stallion Tactical Landing. Kadena's half siblings include stakes winner Adirondack (t, 3, 1:52.1 [$88,411]) and Breeders Crown finalist Jaya Bae (t, 2, 1:53.2 [$28,900]). Voguish (Gimpanzee-Jolene Jolene) is the fifth foal out of the multiple Grand Circuit stakes-winning Muscle Hill mare Jolene Jolene. The filly is a half sister to the aforementioned O'Brien Award winner Venerable (t, 2, 1:52 [$1,348,176]) and Pennsylvania champion Crucial (t, 3, 1:52.4f [$528,598]). She was purchased for $535,000 from The Black Book Yearling Sale. Destiny Deo (Chapter Seven-Princess Deo) is the first foal out of the Grand Circuit stakes-winning Trixton mare Princess Deo and she was purchased for $460,000 from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Mybffannee (Tactical Landing-Avalicious) is the sixth foal out of the New York stakes-winning RC Royalty mare Avalicious. A full sister to last year's Breeders Crown two-year-old colt champion Karl (t, 2, 1:51.2 [$1,041,977]), Mybffannee was purchased for $435,000 from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Royal Mission (Chapter Seven-Swinging Royalty) is the fourth foal out of the 100 per cent stakes-winning producer Swinging Royalty, a daughter of RC Royalty and a New York stakes winner herself. Royal Mission is a full sister to Canadian Trotting Classic champions Ahundreddollarbill (t, 4, 1:50.2 [$1,020,355]) and Slay (t, 3, 1:51 [$868,860]) as well as New York stakes winner Royal Filly (t, 3, 1:52 [$246,209]). She was a $390,000 yearling purchase from The Black Book Sale. Lisbon (Tactical Landing-Swing It Cathy) is the third foal out of the Donato Hanover full sister to Breeders Crown champion and double millionaire Shake It Cerry and stakes winners Uncle Lasse and the exported Solvato. Lisbon is a half sister to Quaint (t, 3, 1:56.1 [$48,497]) and was purchased as a yearling for $375,000 at the Lexington Selected Sale. French Riviera (Greenshoe-Creamy Mimi) is the 12th foal out of the Hambletonian Oaks champion mare by Conway Hall. A $350,000 purchase from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, French Riviera is a half sister to the likes of dual Pennsylvania and Kentucky champion French Wine (t, 3, 1:50 [$1,014,905]), exported Grand Circuit stakes winner French Laundry (t, 3, 1:52.4 [$679,629]) and French Cafe (3, 1:52.3 [$228,331]). French Kisses (Chapter Seven-Sans Defaut) is the first foal out of the full sister to the former world champion and stallion Southwind Frank. The Muscle Hill mare Sans Defaut is a multiple Pennsylvania stakes winner herself with more than a quarter-million dollars in earnings. French Kisses was purchased for $325,000 from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Soupie J (Southwind Frank-Bayou) is the second foal out of the Father Patrick sister to millionaire Breeders Crown champion Bond. She was a Lexington Selected Sale yearling, purchased for $310,000. Oklahomasmokeshow (Tactical Landing-Flawless Lindy), a $300,000 Lexington Selected Sale yearling, is the fourth foal out the Cantab Hall mare Flawless Lindy. She is a half sister to the aforementioned O'Brien Award winner Southwind Frank (t, 3, 1:52.1 [$2,115,999]) and Sans Defaut (t, 3, 1:53.2f [$275,722]) as well as Southwind Fiat, the dam of Grand Circuit stakes winner Point Of Perfect (t, 3, 1:51.2 [$378,146]). Contest entry is now open, but you have until 5 p.m. (EST) on May 24 to make your selections. You cannot change your stable once submitted. The contest is based on total earnings of selected horses and five percent of the earnings of selected trainers and drivers between May 24, 2024 and Dec. 31, 2024. Follow along all year long! For the purposes of the fantasy bankroll, the winners (horses only) of the 2024 Breeders Crown Finals will each receive a $200,000 contest bankroll bonus. Once again, in the two-year-old categories, you must select TWO horses in each. At the end of the year, the first three finishers (based on total stable earnings) will be awarded betting vouchers in the amount of $800 (first place), $400 (second place) and $200 (third place). Full contest rules are available here. Enter today using the form below! 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 Tech giant Apple said Monday it would increase spending on suppliers in Vietnam, a key production hub, as CEO Tim Cook arrived in the country for a two-day visit. The iPhone maker announced the news in a statement on its website but gave no details of how much it would spend or where the money would go. Cook is expected to meet programmers, content creators and students during his visit, according to VnExpress. The visit comes as US President Joe Biden's administration seeks to ramp up Vietnam's role in the global tech supply chain in order to reduce American dependence on China. Images on the VnExpress news site showed Cook taking a walk by Hoan Kiem lake in downtown Hanoi. "Hello Vietnam. I am so excited to be here today. I can't wait to see all the developers and creators in the community," the Apple boss said in a video posted on the news site. The Apple statement said the company has spent nearly 400 trillion dong ($16 billion) since 2019 through its local supply chain and has more than doubled its annual spending to Vietnam during the same period. "From cooperating with local suppliers, to supporting clean water projects and educational opportunities, we are committed to continuing to strengthen connections in Vietnam," Cook said in the statement. Last week more than 60 environmental and human rights organizations called on the US-based company to oppose the detention of climate activists in Vietnam. 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Deep Rajwar from Pexels The U.S. power grid is the largest and most complex machine ever built. It's also aging and under increasing stress from climate-driven disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes and heat waves. Over the past decade, power grids have played roles in wildfires in multiple states, including California, Hawaii, Oregon and Minnesota. When wind speeds are high and humidity is low, electrical infrastructure such as aboveground power lines can blow into vegetation or spark against other components, starting a fire that high winds then spread. Under extreme conditions, utilities may opt to shut off power to parts of the grid in their service areas to reduce wildfire risk. These outages, known as public safety power shutoffs, have occurred mainly in California, where wildfires have become larger and more destructive in recent decades. On April 5-6, 2024, Colorado utility Xcel Energy carried out that state's first public safety power shutoff, cutting power to thousands of customers ahead of an intense windstorm. Public officials and Xcel customers complained that they had not received enough warning or explanation. Gov. Jared Polis has directed state regulators to investigate the incident and propose better procedures for the future. I am an electrical and computer engineer, and study efficient operation of power grids. I also live in Boulder County, where a wind-driven wildfire destroyed more than 1,000 homes in 2021. These shutoffs are likely to become more common in more places as climate-driven weather extremes stress aging grid components. This makes it important to understand and evaluate utilities' public safety shutoff plans. An intricate system Shutting off power and turning it back onin utility-speak, de-energizing and re-energizingrequires more than flipping a switch. The power grid is a complex system that maintains a balance in real time between electricity flowing in from generating plants and out to customers. Power lines don't have the capacity to store electricity for use laterit has to be used immediately. This makes the grid different from other critical infrastructure. Water networks can hold water in their pipes, and roadways can support cars at a standstill if traffic can't flow. Coloradans describe how they were affected by the April outages. Because the grid can't store electricity, de-energizing and re-energizing have to happen in stages to ensure that changes in the demand side of the power grid are not too rapid for the supply side to adapt to. Power plants can't turn on instantaneously: Some can start up within minutes, while others take hours, depending on their age, design and the type of fuel they use. And they generally can't raise their output from 10% of their generating capacity to 90% with the flick of a switch. When a utility restores power after an outage, it produces a large, instantaneous spike in power use as devices in many homes turn back on. The grid also needs time to adapt to that surge in demand. And utilities may visually inspect power lines to check for damage before restoring power. The complexities of local grids can make it seem as though these outages are being implemented unevenly or arbitrarily. The distribution transformer serving power to your home may be completely electrically disconnected from the one serving your neighbor across the street, putting your block in the dark while the next block's lights stay on. And a utility may cut power because of a risk somewhere in its network that customers can't see. It's not always possible for utilities to fine-tune areas where power shutoffs happen. Creating shutdown plans California has been a test bed of sorts for public safety power shutoffs. The state's public utility commission approved them in 2012 as a way to mitigate the potential impacts of utility equipment-induced wildfires, and it has issued regulations guiding when utilities can de-energize power lines. The regulations require power companies to notify customers in advance and submit detailed reports within 10 days after each planned blackout. Millions of Californians have experienced these shutdowns over the past decade. A 2023 review by PSE Healthy Energy, an independent research institute, found that the most-affected counties, mainly in Southern California, average four to five public safety outages yearly, which on average last 48 hours. Oregon has followed suit, adopting public safety shutdown rules in 2022, but many other jurisdictions do not yet have formal protocols in place. Instead, these critical decisions rest with utilities. Developing sophisticated plans for public safety outages requires extensive knowledge of a utility's territory and accurate assessments of which zones are high-risk areas. This Southern California Edison video explains how the utility determines whether a public safety power outage is required and how it manages these actions. Utilities, however, don't always have abundant sensors in low-voltage distribution gridsthe portion of the system that brings power into neighborhoodsand may lack extremely granular control over individual components. In fact, unplanned outages often must be manually reported. Many utilities are installing smart meters, some of which can automatically report outages back to the utility. Power providers are also taking other steps to strengthen their grids against disasters, such as burying power lines. But depending on the location, this strategy can easily cost up to US$1 million per mile for low-voltage distribution grids and millions of dollars per mile for high-voltage transmission lines. These projects require intricate cost-benefit calculations, and their costs ultimately will trickle down to electricity consumers. Preparing for public safety power shutdowns For some people, losing power is a minor inconvenience. For others, it can mean the difference between life or death if they need electricity to keep essential medicine refrigerated, charge a portable oxygen concentrator or maintain their home temperature within a safe range. Utilities should keep in contact with customers during every step of a public safety shutoff, starting with alerting them to charge essential devices and take other preparatory steps. They also should move people who have medical conditions or other issues that require access to power out of the blackout zone. To make that kind of cooperation possible, utilities will need better insight into the state of the distribution grid, more detailed models of their systems, and improved measurement and sensing strategies that can help them develop accurate and granular assessments of wildfire risk. Finally, utilities will need to make their decisions more transparent. No one likes losing power, so it is essential for ratepayers to understand why and how these outages happen and what their utility is doing to provide power as safely and reliably as possible. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Manufacturing nations in the Global North are stockpiling energy and emission problems by outsourcing energy-intensive industrial processes to countries in the Global South, a new study reveals. Global North countries use their advantages in capital and technology to grab a large amount of energy through outsourcingcreating a 'false decoupling' of energy consumption from economic growth. However, backward production technologies in the Global South tend to result in more energy consumption per unit of outputleading to greater carbon emissions and environmental damage. An international group of researchers from the UK, Netherlands, and China published their findings in Energy Economicscalling on countries across both Global North and Global South to work together on resolving the problem. Concerns about the energy associated with the manufacturing of a product or service or so-called embodied energy in international trade have been increasing due to global energy shortages and environmental degradation. Co-author Yuli Shan, from the University of Birmingham, commented, "As negotiations unfold on global trade agreements, the Global North must recognize the pivotal role played by certain nations in the Global South with export-oriented, manufacturing economies." "We must ensure energy equity in these negotiationswhile energy-rich countries in the Global North primarily export energy resources, the Global South engages in energy-intensive export production, potentially compromising their own environment. "Policymakers must address the question of which countries benefit from embodied energy and offshoring unsustainable production processes. This is fundamental to fostering equity, sustainability, and shared responsibility in the global economic landscape." The researchers note that the Global South is not only a source of increasing global energy consumption but also a central player in global embodied energy transfersenergy consumption 'baked into' manufactured products, which are then exported around the globe. Recognizing that more efficient usage of energy can significantly curb the escalation of global embodied energy transfer, the researchers call for Global South nations to unite in advancing technology levels and fostering regional collaboration. The team also calls on companies and governments in the Global North to play their part by contributing substantial technical support to enhance the efficiency of industrial processes in the Global South. "The importance of collaborative efforts to enhance technological capabilities and strengthen regional cooperation cannot be overstated. Improving energy efficiency is key to mitigating potential inefficiencies that could strain an already fragile ecological environment and hasten climate change," added Shan. "By bolstering technical support, fostering collaboration, and collectively improving energy efficiency, nations can work together to address the challenges posed by rising energy consumption and achieve the shared goal of a greener, more sustainable world." Using the most up-to-date multi-regional input-output database (GTAP 11), the researchers analyzed the spatial pattern and driving forces of change for energy embodied in international trade among developed and developing countries from 2000 to 2019. The results show that while North-North trade dominates global embodied energy transfers, its dominance is waning, and the difference in embodied energy transfers between the Global South and Global North remains huge. More information: Yu Yang et al, The shift of embodied energy flows among the Global South and Global North in the post-globalisation era, Energy Economics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2024.107408 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: Intrinsically stretchable quantum dot light-emitting diodes. Credit: Nature Electronics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-024-01152-w A team of South Korean scientists led by Professor KIM Dae-Hyeong of the Center for Nanoparticle Research within the Institute for Basic Science has pioneered a novel approach to stretchable displays. The team announced the first development of intrinsically stretchable quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). The findings are published in Nature Electronics. In the rapidly evolving world of display technologies, the quest for creating intrinsically stretchable displays has been ongoing. Traditional displays, constrained by rigid and inflexible components, have struggled to evolve beyond flexible ones. There has been a clear need for novel materials and device designs that can endure significant stretching while maintaining their functionality, which is essential for applications including wearable and adaptable interfacing technologies. The majority of the flexible displays on the market employ organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, which employs organic materials as light-emitting components. However, OLED often has drawbacks such as limited brightness and color purity issues. On the other hand, QLED displays offer excellent color reproduction, brightness, and longevity, making them a compelling choice for consumers who prioritize these factors. However, the intrinsic challenge for developing flexible QLED displays lies in the nature of quantum dots (QDs) themselves; as 0-D inorganic nanoparticles, they do not possess inherent stretchability. There have been some attempts to embed QDs within elastic materials to create a light-emitting and elastic composite material. A significant hurdle encountered during this approach was the elastomers' insulating properties, which impede the efficient injection of electrons and holes into the QDs, thereby diminishing the device's electroluminescent efficiency. QD-based stretchable emission layer for intrinsically stretchable quantum dot light-emitting diodesSchematic illustration of is-QLED based on the intrinsically stretchable emission layer. The stretchable EML is a ternary composite of QDs, SEBS-g-MA, and TFB, with a unique internal structure of phase separation. The TFB-rich islands at the bottom of stretchable EML facilitate the hole injection into QDs while minimizing excitation quenching sites, thus enhancing the device's efficiency and brightness. Credit: Nature Electronics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-024-01152-w Hence the IBS researchers had to come up with innovations to overcome these limitations. Their work showcased the incorporation of a third material in the composite to enhance carrier delivery to the QDs. A p-type semiconducting polymer, TFB, was employed to enhance both the stretchability of the device and the efficiency of hole injection. Adding TFB also improved the balance between the electron and hole injections. An intriguing aspect of the ternary nanocomposite film was the distinctive internal structure exhibiting phase separation, where TFB-rich "islands" are formed at the base and QDs embedded in the SEBS-g-MA matrix lay on top of these islands. This unique structural arrangement minimizes exciton quenching sites and enhances hole injection efficiency, resulting in optimal device performance. After careful selection and engineering of these materials, the IBS researchers achieved QLEDs with high brightness (15,170 cd m-2), which is the highest among the stretchable LEDs, in addition to a low threshold voltage (3.2 V). The device did not suffer damage even when significant force was applied to stretch the material. Even when stretched up to 1.5 times, there was no significant change in the distance between the quantum dots inside the device. For example, if a 20-inch QLED TV is made with this device, this means that the display performance will remain the same even when pulled to a 30-inch size. Demonstrations of intrinsically stretchable quantum dot light-emitting diodesThe intrinsically stretchable QLEDs have a device structure where all the layers were engineered to have a sufficient level of stretchability. The stretchable QLEDs could be stretched to 50% with consistent device performance. Also, a passive matrix and full-color QLEDs were demonstrated. Credit: Nature Electronics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-024-01152-w Co-first author Professor KIM Dong-chan explained, "Our research team has also developed a high-resolution patterning technology that can be applied to stretchable quantum dot light-emitting layers. By combining light-emitting materials and patterning technology, we demonstrated the potential of our device for RGB LEDs and complex applications like passive matrix arrays." This research not only demonstrates the superior performance of QDs in stretchable displays but also sets a new direction for further enhancing device performance. Future research will focus on optimizing carrier injection efficiency and stretchability across all device layers. This finding lays a solid foundation for the next generation of QLED technology, promising a future where display technologies are not just flexible but truly stretchable, allowing new forms of wearable electronics and beyond. More information: Dong Chan Kim et al, Intrinsically stretchable quantum dot light-emitting diodes, Nature Electronics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-024-01152-w Journal information: Nature Electronics LUSAKA, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Zambia said on Monday that there is a need to protect shared water bodies because of the important role they play in socio-economic development. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Mike Mposha said shared water bodies are critical to ensuring environmental sustainability, fostering regional cooperation, and promoting economic development, hence the need to ensure effective management. In his remarks delivered at the opening of a regional conference on transboundary water allocation, the Zambian minister said 60 percent of the world's freshwater comes from transboundary sources, underscoring the interconnectedness of water resources and borders. Effective cross-border cooperation and sustainable management practices are needed to ensure equitable utilization and conservation of shared waters, he said. According to him, the challenges faced by countries are multifaceted, ranging from competing demands for water to climate change, weak governance, and environmental degradation. He added that the conference comes at a critical time when the southern African region is facing serious water challenges due to the drought that has hit some countries. James Wakiaga, the United Nations Development Program resident representative, said there is a need for more effective, integrated, and coordinated action, coupled with political will, to ensure proper management of shared waters. Clenard Parker, 42, of Chappell Hill has been charged with five felonies after he drove a stolen 18-wheeler into a Texas Department of Public Safety office in Brenham on Friday morning, killing one and injuring 13 others, according to DPS. Parker has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle and one count of evading arrest, according to Washington County Jail records. On Monday, DPS identified the deceased victim as Bobby Huff, 78. Huff was transported to CHI St. Joseph Regional Hospital in Bryan where he later died due to his injuries. Two other victims remain in critical, but stable condition, according to DPS. In total, six of the 13 people injured had to be transferred. On Friday morning, Parker allegedly stole an 18-wheeler and was being pursued by the Washington County Sheriffs Office when he took a sharp turn into the one-story brick DPS office along US Highway 290, according to officials. Officers said Parker was not injured in the wreck. On Thursday, Parker went to the DPS office and was denied a renewal of his commercial drivers license, according to Texas DPS Sgt. Justin Ruiz. Police believe Parker drove into the building in retaliation for having been denied his renewal license. There was no reason given for the rejection of his license renewal. Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura said during a press conference Friday afternoon that Parker likely would have brought the building down if given the chance to ram it again. Parker had backed the semi out into the parking lot in an apparent effort and slamming into it again when apprehended. It is unfortunate that we are here gathered for a really senseless tragedy, Kenjura said. Our prayers are with those who are still in critical care. I want to say thanks to our first responders. Had it not been for their quick action, the suspect was backing the vehicle up with the intent of going into it again. Our fire chief mentioned that if he had veered a little to the left there would have been a lot more injuries and possibly [more] death[s]. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Evading arrest in a motor vehicle is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Unauthorized use of a vehicle is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Parker is being held under a $2 million bond, according to jail records. According to DPS, the Texas Rangers are still actively investigating the crash. The Brenham office will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time. Alternative offices are Bryan, Hempstead and Caldwell. Customers with scheduled appointments at the Brenham office will be contacted by the DPS Driver License Division, according to DPS. Blending traditional Chinese culture with modern innovation, Chinese independent watchmakers showcased a unique charm at the Time to Watches 2024 exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland. #GLOBALink Produced by Xinhua Global Service Feature: Xuelong 2 brings "polar spirit" to Hong Kong Xinhua) 09:58, April 15, 2024 People visit a helicopter pad on polar icebreaker Xuelong 2 in Hong Kong, south China, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Long Jingyi) HONG KONG, April 13 (Xinhua) -- This week in Victoria Harbor of Hong Kong, as the sea fog gradually cleared on Monday morning, a giant ship of red and white came into sight. It slowly sailed into Tsim Sha Tsui Ocean Terminal to began its visit to Hong Kong. "Xuelong 2, Hong Kong welcomes you!" At the harborfront, some people chanted enthusiastically, waving the national flags in their hands. Put into service in 2019, Xuelong 2 or Snow Dragon 2, measuring 122.5 meters long and 22.3 meters wide, is China's first domestically made polar icebreaker, capable of breaking ice 1.5 meters high and snow 0.2 meters thick. "This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's polar expedition, and Hong Kong was the first stop of Xuelong 2's homebound voyage after the country's 40th Antarctic expedition. This is a gift for us from the country," Ho Kin Chung, chairman of an executive committee of Xuelong 2's visit, said with excitement. Twenty years ago, icebreaker Xuelong visited Hong Kong and was warmly welcomed. Now China has made remarkable achievements in polar exploration, making the people of Hong Kong feel excited and proud. As early as in 1999, Ho boarded Xuelong to participate in China's first Arctic scientific expedition. "Xuelong is an unidirectional icebreaker and it takes more than 10 hours to turn around in a fixed ice area. Xuelong 2 has the world's advanced bidirectional icebreaking technology, which can reduced the time to about half an hour," Ho said. The past 20 years since Xuelong's first visit to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have witnessed steady advancements in China's capability to design and build the Antarctic research vessel, Ho said. In 2004 when Xuelong came to Hong Kong, Ho was a visitor. This time he became an organizer of Xuelong 2's visit and engaged in the preparatory work from September last year. Xuelong 2 completed a five-day visit to Hong Kong and began its return journey to Shanghai on Friday. During its stay in the HKSAR, China's 40th Antarctic expedition team shared stories of scientists' struggles in work and life in the polar regions with Hong Kong people. "The South Pole is extremely difficult," Wei Fuhai, deputy leader of the expedition team, said. Extremely low temperature, sudden snowstorm and unknown abyss beneath the ice made each expedition not only a battle against the hostile environment, but also a test of the researchers' determination and perseverance to explore the polar world. The Antarctic summer, which runs from December to February, is supposed to be the prime time for the research work. However, in January of this year, a sudden category 12 hurricane put the expedition team to face the biggest challenge of their Antarctic mission. "The team members were challenging their limits in the unknown test, in order to help mankind better understand the Antarctic, protect it and use it," Wei said. The scientists' sharing has brought "polar spirit" to Hong Kong, enhancing young people's sense of national pride and encouraging students to pursue their dreams. "When I realized that a group of Chinese polar explorers are making contributions to the development of mankind and the world, come rain or shine, there is an undescribable glory felt in my heart," Evelyn Ji, a student from Pui Kiu Middle School, said. Middle school student Chen Kai Yuan was deeply moved by the determination of the researchers to overcome difficulties and their selfless dedication. The young chemistry lover said he hopes to do something for China's polar expedition. "I want to develop a medicine that can prevent frostbite in extremely cold weather, so that the team can carry out polar expedition safely," Chen, who aspires to be a pharmacist, said. To help the young people in Hong Kong understand more about the polar regions and encourage them to devote themselves to related research fields, Ho founded Polar Research Institute of Hong Kong in 2018. "I want to sow the seeds of polar exploration in the hearts of Hong Kong students," He said, hoping these seeds will one day take root, sprout, grow and bloom. Evelyn Ji, a student from Pui Kiu Middle School, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Long Jingyi) Wei Fuhai, deputy leader of China's 40th Antarctic expedition team, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Long Jingyi) Ho Kin Chung, chairman of an executive committee of Xuelong 2's visit, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Long Jingyi) Chen Kai Yuan, a student from Pui Kiu Middle School, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Long Jingyi) People visit polar icebreaker Xuelong 2 in Hong Kong, south China, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Tan Jiaming) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) As Rwanda commemorated the 30th anniversary of the genocide this past week, the nation has been confronted with reminders of its painful history. Following the shooting-down of the plane of then-President Juvenal Habyarimana who was ethnic Hutu, Hutu extremists blamed the Tutsi rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front, and started an organized killing campaign across the country. In just 100 days, over 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis along with some moderate Hutus, were killed by the Hutu extremists. A report by the Associated Press pointed to recent discoveries of new mass graves in rural southern Rwanda that serve as symbols of the ongoing struggle for reconciliation and healing, even after thirty years. On the day of commemoration, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame led a ceremony at the genocide memorial. It's where the bones of more than a quarter of a million people murdered in the genocide are believed to be buried. Addressing the international community he said, "It was the international community which failed all of us, whether from contempt or cowardice." French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that France and its allies could have stopped the 1994 Rwanda genocide. In a video released on Rwanda's commemoration day, Macron commented on France's complicity during the genocide. "France, which could have stopped the genocide with its Western and African allies, lacked the will to do so," he admitted. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Reflecting on the role of the Church in Rwanda's journey toward reconciliation, Rev. Esron Manigraba, the General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of Rwanda, emphasized the significant contribution of religious institutions. In a comments to Christian Daily International, Rev. Esron pointed to the Church's intervention mechanisms amidst the prevailing tales of despair and trauma. "The Church has played a big role in promoting forgiveness and reconciliation. Understandably, the government cannot achieve that alone which was seen after the genocide. It was the journey together to see unity, communities reconciled that resulted in the current cohesion," he said. He highlighted the importance of instilling values of human dignity among church members, emphasizing that such teachings are essential for future advocacy and the prevention of indifference toward the suffering of others. For the future, he expressed hope, stating that "this lesson is for the members of the churches as well as clergy to avoid future silence and sadistic attitudes and feel sorry for what happened. We must pray and pledge to obey Him even during tough situations." LINCOLN Two-hundred-thirty-four University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduate students who have been officially admitted to teacher education programs during the 2023-24 academic year were recognized at the inaugural Teacher Education Convocation on April 5 at Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall. The event featured two ceremonies one for students admitted last fall and the other for those admitted this spring. Were seeking to elevate the stature of education and educators, said Nick Pace, acting dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. Teachers really are the gateway to the kind of world we want to live in, and we want to honor that. No matter ones position in life, everyone can point to a teacher who made a deep impact on their life. Students were formally recognized during the convocation ceremonies and presented with a commemorative pin symbolizing that they are one step closer to entering the professional life of an educator. Marilyn Moore, a longtime educator who earned her bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees from CEHS, provided the keynote address for both ceremonies. Give attention to why it is that youre doing this, Moore said. Build your own sense of mission. The business world now calls it knowing your why. That mission is what sustains you as you do the work. On the really hard days, remembering your why is a really important thing to do because its what keeps you going. Its what gets you up and in your classroom the next day after a hard day. I hope that you build that in a way that it energizes you, that it is a positive affirmation of your work. Central Nebraska students who were recognized include: AMHERST: Riley Adelung, senior, secondary education: mathematics; and Breanna Trampe, senior, family and consumer sciences, occupational (6-12). AURORA: Lexie Wolinski, senior, elementary education. AYR: Elli Marker, junior, secondary education: science. BROKEN BOW: Haley Wells, sophomore, elementary education. CEDAR RAPIDS: Hope Schalk, junior, elementary education. CENTRAL CITY: Megan Blomstedt, junior, secondary education: English language arts; and Tammy Poongkumarn, sophomore, elementary education and early childhood education. GENOA: Alexis Cherry, senior, family and consumer sciences, occupational (6-12). GRAND ISLAND: Ella Beckstrom, sophomore, elementary education; Mya Eriksen, junior, elementary education; Michelle Garcia-Barillas, junior, secondary education: social science; Lesly Ixtabalan Dominguez, junior, elementary education; Claire Kelly, junior, elementary education; Craityn Mills, senior, elementary education; Sadie Pehrson, sophomore, secondary education: social science; and Kenzie Zapata, junior, elementary education. HASTINGS: Jaziel Armendariz, sophomore, secondary education: Spanish. JUNIATA: Carley Norlen, junior, elementary education. KEARNEY: Josie Denney, sophomore, elementary education; Katelynn Jochum, junior, elementary education; Maddie Krueger, senior, elementary education. RAVENNA: Rowan Havranek, junior, secondary education: English; Bailey Schirmer, junior, elementary education and special education (K-6). Korean chaebol SK okayed to study investment in central Vietnam LNG-to-power plant By Tri Duc Mon, April 15, 2024 | 4:34 pm GMT+7 Quang Tri's Department of Planning and Investment has agreed to let a South Korea-Vietnam joint venture study the feasibility of an LNG-fired thermal plant project in the central province. The department said it has received a project proposal for the plant from the joint venture, formed by SK E&S and Vietnamese conglomerate T&T Group. However, Quang Tri authorities will have to adjust the provincial master plan to include the new plant and get the project included in the national power development plan VIII (PDP 8) for final project approval. The department has recommended that an in-principle approval can be granted to the joint venture, after provincial authorities completes scrapping the memorandum of understanding signed by them and the previous investor, in July. The predecessor of the LNG-fired thermal plant is the $2.3 billion, 1,320-MW Quang Tri I coal-fired power plant. It was to be built and operated by EGAT International (EGATi), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. Construction of the project began in November 2019, but little progress has been made since, amidst the trend of renewable energy and emission reduction. In September-October 2023, EGATi signed documents with Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade and Quang Tri authorities for terminating the project. An illustration of Quang Tri I thermal power plant project in Quang Tri province, central Vietnam. Photo courtesy of EGATi. Quang Tri is home to another 1,500 MW LNG-to-power project, the Hai Lang LNG Power Complex, which also has T&T Group as a co-investor. The other investors are the Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), Korea Southern Power (KOSPO), and Hanwha, also from South Korea. Construction of the project started in January 2022. It is set to enter commercial operation in 2026-2027. Vietnam currently has no LNG-fired power plant in operation. The Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4 plants in Dong Nai province, a southern industrial hub, are under construction. Contracts are being negotiated for other projects. U.N. human rights experts on Thursday (April 11) called on Pakistan to make legal changes in light of continued vulnerability of women and girls of minority faiths to forced marriages and religious conversions. The U.N. special rapporteurs demanded Pakistan raise the legal age for girls to marry to 18 as a deterrent against exploitation in the 96-percent Muslim country. The exposure of young women and girls belonging to religious minority communities to such heinous human rights violations, and the impunity of such crimes, can no longer be tolerated or justified, they said in a statement issued in Geneva. They expressed concern that forced marriages and religious conversions of girls from minority faiths, including Christianity, were validated by the courts, often invoking religious law to justify keeping victims with their abductors rather than allowing them to return them to their parents. Perpetrators often escape accountability, with police dismissing crimes under the guise of love marriages, they said. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up The experts stressed that child, early and forced marriages could not be justified on religious or cultural grounds. They underscored that, under international law, consent was irrelevant when the victim was a child under the age of 18. At present Sindh is the only province in Pakistan where the legal marriage age for both girls and boys is 18 years, while in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the minimum for girls is still 16 years. A womans right to choose a spouse and freely enter into marriage is central to her life, dignity and equality as a human being and must be protected and upheld by law, the experts said. They stressed the need for provisions to invalidate, annul or dissolve marriages contracted under duress, with due consideration for the women and girls concerned, and to ensure access to justice, remedy, protection and adequate assistance for victims. Notwithstanding the right of children to freedom of thought, conscience and religion in accordance with Article 14 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, change of religion or belief in all circumstances must be free, without coercion and undue inducements, they said. The Pakistani authorities must enact and rigorously enforce laws to ensure that marriages are contracted only with the free and full consent of the intended spouses, and that the minimum age for marriage is raised to 18, including for girls, the experts stated. Women and girls must be treated without discrimination, including those belonging to the Christian and Hindu communities. They highlighted cases of forced religious conversions, including that of Mishal Rasheed, who was abducted at gunpoint from her home in Punjab Province while preparing for school in 2022. Mishal was sexually assaulted, forcibly converted to Islam and forced to marry her abductor. They also noted that last month, on March 13, a 13-year-old Christian girl was allegedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam and married to her kidnapper after her age was recorded as 18 on a marriage certificate. The U.N. experts said that Christian and Hindu girls remained particularly vulnerable to forced religious conversion, abduction, trafficking, child, early and forced marriage, domestic servitude and sexual violence. The group included Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Nazila Ghanea; Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues Nicolas Levrat; Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking Siobhan Mullally, and Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery Tomoya Obokata. The chair of the working group on discrimination against women and girls, Dorothy Estrada Tanck, and members of the working group Claudia Flores, Ivana Krstic, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi also joined the experts. The special rapporteurs are part of the Special Procedures of the U.N. Human Rights Council. Special procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the U.N. Human Rights system, is the general name of the councils independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. The U.N. experts urged Pakistan to bring perpetrators to justice, enforce existing legal protections against child, early and forced marriage, abduction and trafficking of minority girls, and uphold the countrys international human rights obligations. A report published in November 2021 by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion and Belief claimed that approximately 1,000 girls from other religious groups in Pakistan had been abducted and forcibly converted. Tehmina Arora, Asia advocacy director for Alliace Defending Freedom International, said a uniform age for marriage across Pakistan coupled with a watchful judiciary will protect the rights and freedoms of young girls across the country, particularly those belonging to the vulnerable Christian community. Every year in Pakistan, thousands of minor girls are forcibly converted by and married to their abductors, Arora said. Nobody should suffer the horrors of abduction, forced marriage and forced conversion. Pakistan has faced global opprobrium for its shaky commitments to safeguarding religious minorities, and the unwillingness of the Pakistani government to denounce extremism without equivocation. But that has not slowed the momentum of oppression targeting Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis, who are among the most marginalized and persecuted groups in the country. Despite attempts to do so, especially in provincial assemblies, liberal Pakistani legislators have been unable to pass legislation against forced conversions and further amending Pakistans child marriage laws. These two issues have a deep correlation and further complicate attempts to enact any such laws. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. In the night of Saturday to Sunday local time, Iran launched more than three hundred drones and missiles towards Israel, almost all of which were shot down by air defense systems and aircraft in Israel and Jordan, with support from the U.S. and the U.K. Iran stated that the military action was in retaliation for a recent attack on its consulate in Damascus, Syria that killed two generals and several other officials. Israel is widely assumed to have been behind the attack some two weeks ago, although it has not officially confirmed it. Citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Iran has justified the direct retribution the first time it has directly launched an attack from its own soil as self-defense and stated, the matter can be deemed concluded, according to reporting by the BBC. The UN Charters Article 51 recognizes "the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs." Irans permanent mission to the United Nations tweeted, Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Irans military action was in response to the Zionist regimes aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus." It warned that, should Israeli regime make another mistake, Irans response will be considerably more severe. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up While acknowledging that the widely-condemned attack was bigger than many analysts expected, a BBC report also pointed out that Iran had given warnings for days and that the statements as well as the attack itself showed a desire to cool down the situation rather than escalate further. Iran chose to open the attack not with supersonic ballistic missiles, but with slow drones, that were on radar screens for two hours as they approached their targets, BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen writes. Much of the international community has condemned Irans actions but also called for restraint and de-escalation. While life in Israel is returning to normal with airports resuming normal operation, Israel said it would respond to Irans aggression when the time is right. A further escalation of the war in Gaza that began with the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel has been a lingering concern for months. Iran has been involved in a proxy war against Israel for years, mainly through its financial and military support for Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthi rebels in Yemen and others, while Israel has been striking targets related to Iran in neighboring countries. The ongoing war has been a polarizing issue in many parts of the world, also dividing opinions among Christian leaders. A recent opinion article on Christian Daily International pointed to the complexity and dilemma of both, the war aiming to eradicate Hamas or a cease-fire that is poised to be a pre-lude to another attack on Israel in the future. Meanwhile, Christian voices in the region point to the spiritual issue at the heart of the conflict. In an interview with CDI last month, Jordanian Rami Al Halaseh, Arabic Channels Executive Director of Sat-7, said, According to the Bible, we as Christians shouldn't think of any human being as the enemy. Because according to the Bible, our fight is not against flesh and blood, it's against spiritual forces. (Ephesians 6:12) And we believe that any conflict in the world, any conflict that leads to the killing of children, women and men, is in its essence a spiritual problem, and we cannot solve a spiritual problem with carnal solutions. They talk about peace. They have been talking about peace for the last seventy years and beyond. But peace cannot happen and cannot be experienced without a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, he commented. The Bible says that Jesus is the author of peace and author to me means he invented the concept. He invented that status of peace. So, unless we believe in Jesus, unless we are in Christ, we can never see peace established. It will only last for a few years, but then something else will happen. And then we'll go back to the same old Psalm. And while the secular media focuses on Irans military aggression and political power play, Christian ministries serving in the country highlight that large parts of the population are dissatisfied with their government and many are coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Janki Devi, the two hour play, returns to the national stage for a second showing, this time at the Cipriani Labour College in Valsayn on October 19. The play, presented by Parsan Productions, is based on the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, and will be portrayed from a female perspective. In June 2024, the production was staged to a sold-out crowd at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) by a cast and crew of 32. A father yesterday called for police officers to be trained to handle people with mental health conditions, after his son was shot and killed by a municipal officer on Friday afternoon. He needed help and they kill him, Cleophas Noel said of his son, Elijah Noel. Cleophas said Elijah, 20, was schizophrenic. An Eastern Syriac bishop and at least three others were stabbed as he presided over a worship service in a suburb of Sydney, Australia that was being livestreamed on Monday evening (April 15). Video footage of the livestream shows an assailant approaching Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and thrusting what appeared to be a knife at him at least six times as the ultra-conservative preacher addressed the Christ The Good Shepherd Church congregation in Wakeley, according to watoday.com. Police arrived at the site soon after 7 p.m. and arrested a suspect, according to The Guardian. Protestors at the church site had clashed with police clamoring for the suspect to be arrested. CNN reported on Tuesday (April 16) that New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb indicated the attack was religiously motivated. We believe there are elements that are satisfied in terms of religious motivated extremism, she told reporters. After consideration of all the material, I declared that it was a terrorist incident. While video footage appeared to show first-responders aiding the downed and bleeding bishop, police reportedly said no one suffered life-threatening injuries. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up The bishop and the other wounded members were treated by paramedics and taken to a hospital. Ive heard the bishop is OK, and the attacker has been arrested, Fairfield City Council Deputy Mayor Charbel Saliba said, according to watoday.com. The congregation at the church arrested him, held him down until the police came. Ive also heard from people who were there that the bishop, after he got stabbed, they restrained the attacker, put his hand on him and prayed on him, for Jesus to save him. Saliba, who is not a member of Christ The Good Shepherd Church, is reportedly a close friend of the bishop. The church reportedly hosts Emmanuels sermons, which have a wide audience, as well as English and Assyrian Bible studies, Divine Liturgy services and youth ministries. A prominent leader of an ultra-conservative wing of the Assyrian Orthodox, Emmanuel reportedly gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic for criticizing lockdowns and vaccines. Livestreaming his preaching on YouTube and other social media, he reportedly opposed LGBTQ ideology and voiced hardline views on U.S. and Russian issues. Born Robert Shlimon in 1970 in Iraq, Emmanuel was ordained a priest in 2009. He adopted the episcopal name Mari Emmanuel when he was he was ordained a bishop in 2011 in the Ancient Church of the East. In 2015, he established an independent, Eastern Syriac church. (Updated April 16 to include comment by NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb about religious motivation) The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: Award-winning investigative journalist Amy Silverman has exposed numerous problems at Arizonas Department of Economic Security. Shes done it through a series of reports documenting the delays and denials faced by citizens who seek services from the agencys Division of Developmental Disabilities. But recently, when Silverman sought some public records from the department to find out how it treats vulnerable adults under its care, she ran into a wall: the agency refused to turn over the records, citing a state law that makes certain information gathered by the department confidential. That particular law has over a dozen exceptions some of which have their own exceptions! but the Department of Economic Security said she didnt fit under any of them. So Silverman sued the agency under Arizonas open-records laws, and the Goldwater Institute filed a brief in the Arizona Supreme Court last month supporting her argument that the agency must hand over the documents. The Court heard oral arguments in the case on April 9. There are few things government should hide from the public. Thats why Arizona law broadly requires the disclosure of public records, with limited exceptions. And when the legislature creates exceptions to those exceptions, courts should interpret them to allow broad disclosure so the public can keep an eye on what government officials and employees are up to. True, these laws include exceptions, designed to protect peoples privacy. But those exceptions must be carefully limited, to serve Arizonas policy of openness. The exception at issue in Silvermans case says that the Department of Economic Security is not required to turn over documents containing certain personal information. But that exception contains its own exception, which requires disclosure to [a]ny person engaged in bona fide research, if no personally identifying information is made available. Since Silverman didnt seek personal identifying information (like names or phone numbers), the department should have given her the records she requested. But the agency refused, claiming that Silverman did not count as a person engaged in bona fide research. Fortunately for Silverman, the Arizona State University First Amendment Clinic stepped up to represent her in court. But although she won in the trial court, the Court of Appeals issued a mixed ruling that imposed additional qualifications on what counts as research, and created a burdensome preapproval process for researchers. Now the states high court is reviewing the case. Goldwaters brief emphasizes that the bona fide research exception must be viewed in light of the strong public policy of disclosure found in Arizonas Public Records Law and that the preapproval requirements created by the Court of Appeals may violate freedom of speech because they let the government pick and choose which types of research are deserving of access to public information. This type of prior restraint is frowned upon in the law. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: In 2015, my handyman of 35 years told me I was fortunate to be an anti-Trumper. Why? ... I asked. He said that if I supported Trump in his presidential campaign, he would no longer work for me. Indeed, he said that before taking on new customers or continuing to work for current ones, he needed to flush out their views on this man. While I respected his right to choose his clients, I wondered whether he was being overly (and inappropriately) sensitive to peoples political views. Now, nine years later, having observed Donald Trumps unethical behaviors, immoral beliefs and unintelligent actions both as President and as a private citizen, I have decided to reconsider my handymans thinking but as it applies to friendships. The great Roman philosopher Cicero (106-43 BCE) regarded friendship as the most important relationship a man could have. He said that the quality of a potential friend was of paramount importance. He advised being friends with those who have good character; and not begin or continue friendships that will compromise ones own character and integrity. I agree with this sage advice. I want friendships to enrich me and make my life more enjoyable. I think core value compatibility is key to achieving this goal. The things we can control in life are limited: We cannot choose our parents, relatives, genetics or control the things that happen in the world. We can, however, pick our friends. In my view, Trump supporters are, at best, either misinformed uninformed, or gullible. At worst, however, they are as unethical, immoral and irrational as he is. I hope the former group outnumbers the latter. Because, at least with the former, there is better hope for redemption. To support Donald Trump is to agree that his unethical conduct and immoral beliefs are acceptable and his unintelligence a virtue. While many people unfortunately share some of his failings, the sheer quantity, quality, and persistence of his appalling and stupid behaviors are breathtaking and frightening. His despicable behaviors include lying, stealing, cheating, grifting, fraud, sexual abuse, criminality, obstruction of justice, fomenting an insurrection, the denial of basic human rights and dog-whistling his goons to physically harm his perceived enemies. His immoral beliefs include bigotry, prejudice, racism (white supremacy), the disrespect/denigration of women and others, and justifying cruelty and violence to achieve political and personal ends. His unintelligent behaviors include recommending ingesting bleach to kill the COVID-19 virus, trying to terminate the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA) without offering a comparable alternative, and expressing disconnected, and often bizarre thoughts, in rants of word salads. To his loyalists: Please explain how you can admire such a profoundly flawed, manifestly vile, and dangerous man. Indeed, think of what endorsing him says about your ethics, morals, and critical thinking skills. And spare me the list you consider his great economic, immigration, domestic and foreign policies. You forget that: Our economy was on an upswing when he got into office; and he stymied its growth by adding trillions to our national debt by giving tax cuts to the wealthy. Trump recently demanded his party reject a bipartisan initiative on border security so he could run on that issue. He echoed Hitlers words dehumanizing immigrants as animals and the vermin who poison American blood. His border policies were cruel and inhumane. Experts estimated that 40% of US Covid-19 deaths could have been averted had Trump not undermined and outright rejected expert recommendations about properly dealing with the pandemic. He has threatened to withdraw from NATO putting all members at unacceptable security risks. No wonder so many U.S. and world leaders considered him uneducated, unpredictable, unreliable, unstable, and dangerous. And I could go on. I cannot respect anyone who respects Trump. While I do not seek perfection in friendships, ones lack of personal integrity outweighs any other positive benefits someone could offer me. This is not immaturity or overreaction to people with whom I disagree. Rather, it is a sober and thoughtful assessment of the basis of a friendship. I am not ruling out acquaintance-level relationships with Trumpers to better understand our basic differences. Indeed, for legislators especially, finding common ground, negotiating, and compromising with political opponents are necessary strategies for good governance. Is appeasement the answer? Should I just accept a friends cultish infatuation with this sociopath as a one-off in an otherwise good relationship? Just agree to disagree, many might advise. I will not do that because the matters at play here are indicators of common decencies, fundamental human rights, and rational thought. My biggest concerns are the people at issue: Are they co-workers, friends, or family? Should I deal with each in the same way? Should some existing friendships just be grandfathered in? I am now grappling with that very dilemma as a longtime friendship is at risk for the reasons I listed. Have you questioned your friendships with Trumpers? Apple CEO Tim Cook arrived in Hanoi on Monday morning and will announce the tech giants plan to increase its spending on local suppliers. During his two-day business trip to the Southeast Asian country, Cook is expected to meet Vietnamese students, content creators, and app developers. He will have meetings with users of Apple products to better understand how the items are employed. The iPhone maker plans to facilitate clean water projects for local schools and expand its vocational training program for the disabled as part of its efforts to support people across its supply chain. Apple will expand programs under its US$50-million Supplier Employee Development Fund, which was launched in March 2022 to better access to learning opportunities and skill development, after increasing its spending on suppliers in Vietnam. The CEO said that Apple is always striving to bolster its connection with local suppliers as well as offer more benefits to local people. Apple CEO Tim Cook is on a two-day visit to Vietnam. Photo: AFP Cook joined Apple in March 1998 and was named Apple CEO in 2011. Since then the tech giant has witnessed robust growth, with its sales and profits doubling in the 2011-20 period. Apple entered the Vietnamese market around 10 years ago, offering jobs to more than 200,000 people in the country through direct employment, its supply chain, and iOS ecosystem. Under Cook's helm, the tech giant has spent nearly VND400 trillion ($15.8 billion) in the Vietnamese market through its supply chain partners since 2019. According to its supplier list, 25 Apple suppliers are doing business in Vietnam, such as Foxconn, Luxshare, and Goertek, in addition to 27 manufacturing facilities located in 13 Vietnamese provinces. Apple has also partnered with clean water organization Gravity Water to install rainwater storage systems across schools in Hoa Binh Province, northern Vietnam. With the support from Apple, Gravity Water is moving toward a target of covering 131 schools by the end of April, providing a safe and steady water source throughout the year for more than 42,000 students, teachers, and their families. Aside from clean water, Apple also provides schools in Vietnams rural areas with clean energy through the Power for Impact initiative. Employees work at a Foxconn plant in Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam. Foxconn is one of Apples major suppliers. Photo: Giang Son Dong The tech behemoth is working with the TRE Foundation to set up solar panels in 20 schools in rural Vietnam, while supporting children's teaching programs on sustainable development and STEMs. During his meeting with then-State President of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong in November last year, Cook said that Vietnams economy was growing robustly Lots of U.S. leading electronics and tech firms have set up shop in Vietnam, which is home to highly-skilled tech employees and engineers. The Apple leader suggested that Vietnam should upgrade sets of standards for 5G technology applications and complete its legal framework to serve the growth of the digital economy, especially issues linked to user security and safety. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The film adaptation of "Wicked" has finally revealed the goat. Well, the actor that will play its famed goat character Dr. Dillamond, at least. As per The Hollywood Reporter, in CinemaCon last Wednesday, April 10, it was announced that Emmy-winning "Game of Thrones" mainstay vet Peter Dinklage will play the hoofed Shiz University professor in the upcoming 2-part film series. Updates on the 'Wicked' Cast and Other Information This recent cast revelation answers many of the questions that the upcoming adaptation's teaser trailer has raised, specifically of which was the exclusion of Dr. Dillamond, Elphaba's benevolent teacher who notified her of "something bad" that is about to happen in Oz. However, Dinklage does not embody the character using the approach that the stage counterpart of the adaptation employed, which is by performing the goat professor live through prosthetics. Rather, he is set to voice a CG version of the mentor instead. Dinklage's singing background, particularly as seen in the 2019 Off-Broadway musical iteration of the "Cyrano" production, helps build confidence that the actor will nail his rendition of the musical number: "Something Bad." Also starring in the "Wicked" movie, which is set to hit cinemas on Nov. 27, are Tony-winning actress Cynthia Erivo as Elpha and pop icon and Broadway alum Ariana Grande as Glinda. Olivier-winning actor from West End's "Company" musical, Jonathan Bailey, who also starred in "Bridgerton," will also join the other stage stars as Fiyero in the "Wicked" film, alongside "SpongeBob SquarePants" headliner Ethan Slater as Boq. Other cast members include Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Madam Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, and up-and-comer Marissa Bode as Nessarose, the first wheelchair-using actor to take up the role in the musical's expansive history. Stage and screen actress Keala Settle, Bowen Yang from SNL, Bronwyn James, Aaron Teoh, and Colin Michael Carmichael, on the other hand, will play newly introduced characters that are film version-only. This includes Settle as Miss Coddle, Carmichael as Professor Nikidik, and Yang, James, and Teoh as Shiz students Pfannee, ShenShen, and Avaric. The 2-part film adaptation will also include new musical numbers written by Stephen Schwartz himself and will be steered by the "In the Heights" movie director Jon M. Chu. Winnie Holzman, the book writer for the "Wicked" stage musical, penned the screenplay, while Tony winner Paul Tazewell is in charge of designing the costumes. The 2nd part of the series is slated to be out on Nov. 26. For more information, visit the official website for the upcoming film adaptation: https://www.wickedmovie.com/. You can also watch the trailer below. Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Vietnam is deeply concerned about the tension escalation in the Middle East, especially violent acts that violate the UN Charter and inflict damage on civilians, Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Sunday, urging the parties to immediately end such actions. -- Vietnamese citizens in the Middle East have remained safe amidst the complicated and escalating tension between Israel and Iran, the Vietnamese Embassies in Israel and Iran said on Sunday. Society -- An elderly woman in Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam exhibits feet with curled toes, reminiscent of those of Giao Chi people -- a group of ancient Vietnamese. -- A hailstorm and whirlwind struck the mountainous district of Ky Son in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, injuring one person and causing multiple houses to lose their roofs and collapse on Sunday afternoon. -- Tien Giang Water Company Limited has activated 114 public taps and urged Dong Tam Water Plant to ensure a steady water flow of 65,000 cubic meters a day to address the freshwater scarcity in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang amidst persistent drought conditions. -- Police in Ho Chi Minh City are verifying the case of a foreign man suspected of molesting a little girl at a supermarket in Go Vap District. Lifestyle -- Vietnam Railways Corporation has launched a night train service, offering tourists the opportunity to dine in a restaurant set up in vintage train carriages and enjoy views of Da Lat at night as the train travels between the city center and Trai Mat, located in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong. -- British and Vietnamese cave expedition experts have just discovered 22 more caves in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park area in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam. Sports -- The organizers of the VPBank Can Tho Music Night Run 2024 on Sunday issued an apology to participants for the unsafe situation where they had to navigate through streets shared with cars and motorbikes on the previous night, causing widespread concerns in the community. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Hoa Phat Group, the largest steel producer in Vietnam, has announced that it is deliberating on the manufacturing of tracks for high-speed railways with a planned speed of 850 kilometers per hour, which has surprised many experts. Professor Dr. Bui Xuan Phong, former chairman of the Vietnam Economics and Railway Transport Association, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that plans to develop high-speed railways by Hoa Phat or any other enterprises are worth supporting. However, the North-South express railway project remains on paper. Technologies which will be applied to the project and the speed that the railway will allow remain unknown. Hoa Phat's project, if implemented, will demand advanced techniques due to the rapid wear and tear associated with high-speed railways. This complexity may surpass the capabilities of many enterprises and even countries, Phong said. He added that there is no ground to say Hoa Phat can or cannot execute the project. However, it will likely have to import technologies and human resources. As a result, the project will be costly and it is not certain when it will be commenced, Phong said. Hoa Phat Group produces steel billets, construction steel, and hot-rolled coil steel, but materials for high-speed railways are a completely different matter. The expert mentioned that high-speed railway projects require significant investments and intricate techniques, with uncertainties surrounding their efficiency and lifespan. According to former Deputy Minister of Transport La Ngoc Khue, tracks for express railways are not overly sophisticated but they do require high steel quality. Current railways allow maximum speeds of some 450 kilometers per hour, so he was surprised at Hoa Phats plan. Vietnam has not established the criteria for high-speed rail tracks but other countries have. Hoa Phats products, once completed, can be appraised in other countries, Khue added. No Vietnamese steel maker has been involved in rail track manufacturing, the ex-official said, noting that it is good if they can join. If they manage to research and manufacture such products successfully, they can export them, especially if Vietnam has not adopted them yet. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hong Thai, dean of the Faculty of Transport Economics at the University of Transport and Communications, said enterprises should be incentivized to increase their focus on studying and entering high-tech sectors. Hoa Phat Groups announcement to study and produce tracks for 850-kilometer-per-hour railways has aroused mixed opinions. Some cast doubt on its ability to do the job as the world currently has railways allowing maximum speeds of lower than 500 kilometers per hour only. Thai said it would be extremely hard for Hoa Phat to make the plan a success due to limited technologies in Vietnam. The group will have to calculate the investment and feasibility of the project, better than anyone else, Thai confirmed. While acknowledging that it may take Hoa Phat a considerable amount of time to research and implement the project, he said that dreams should not be hindered by the duration or effort involved. However, he stressed the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of the tracks. Therefore, enterprises should seek guidance from other countries and incorporate advanced technologies. Hoa Phat Group chairman Tran Dinh Long admitted to Tuoi Tre that it is extremely hard to manufacture tracks for high-speed rail lines. However, the group is not fearful of hardship, Long added. The billionaire affirmed that his group has the capacity to invest in the project, and it is currently in the research stage. It is employing experienced foreign experts for the job. The project is in line with the groups core business, according to Long. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! One resident was injured, while several roofs were blown off houses after a hailstorm and whirlwind struck many parts of the mountainous district of Ky Son in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam on Sunday afternoon. Nguyen Viet Hung, chairman of the Ky Son District administration, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper at night on the same day that among affected communes, Bao Thang, Bao Nam, and Huoi Tu suffered the heaviest damage. Locals in these mountainous communes saw black clouds gathering in the sky at around 5:00 pm. Right after that, a violent thunderstorm, paired with hail, battered the district. Many hailstones were reportedly as big as a big toe. Oc Pho Thang, a resident of Bao Thang Commune under Ky Son District, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, suffers injuries to his head after being hit by a tile during a violent thunderstorm, April 14, 2024. Photo: Tam Pham / Tuoi Tre Hailstones pelt down in Ky Son District, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, April 14, 2024. Photo: Tam Pham / Tuoi Tre Powerful winds tore multiple metal roofing sheets off houses, Lo Thi Hai, a resident of Bao Nam Commune, recounted. Her family members had to shelter from the thunderstorm under their stilt house. An official from the administration of Bao Thang Commune said that the hailstorm affected most of the households in the commune, with one house completely collapsing. Local Oc Phong Thang suffered injuries to his head after being hit by a tile. On the same day, border guards were dispatched to Tuong Duong District to help residents recover from the consequences of the hailstorm and thunderstorm that swept through the district on Saturday afternoon. On March 28, chunks of egg-sized hailstones ravaged many districts in the province such as Anh Son, Do Luong, Tuong Duong, Quy Chau, and Que Phong. Hailstorms and thunderstorms are common when seasons change in the mountainous districts of Nghe An Province, according to the regional weather center. A strong wind blows roofs off a house in Ky Son District, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, April 14, 2024. Photo: Tam Pham / Tuoi Tre Metal roofing sheets are blown off a house by powerful winds in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, April 14, 2024. Photo: Tam Pham / Tuoi Tre Locals clean up after a hailstorm and thunderstorm struck Ky Son District, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, April 14, 2024. Photo: Tam Pham / Tuoi Tre Border guards help residents deal with the consequences of a hailstorm occurring in Tuong Duong District, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, April 13, 2024. Photo: Hai Thuong / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The ongoing heatwave has pushed Ho Chi Minh Citys daily electricity consumption to record highs over the past few days. The Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation forecasts that power consumption in the city could exceed 100 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in the coming days due to the higher demand given the unrelenting heat. Since the southern metropolis entered the hot period in March, the volume of consumed power in the city has skyrocketed and surpassed the record set at 94.8 million kWh on May 6, 2023. The city used over 95.12 million kWh of electricity on April 3, its highest daily power consumption level. On April 4, the electricity consumption hit a new high of 95.17 million kWh, which was surpassed by a new record of 96.89 million kWh a day later. The city recorded daily power consumption of over 97.87 million kWh on April 9, an increase of more than three million kWh from the 2023 peak. Statistics from the citys power industry indicated that Ho Chi Minh City saw its average electricity consumption in March reach 84.84 million kWh a day, a 8.31-percent year-on-year jump. The citys power consumption in the first three months of 2024 expanded nearly 11 percent year on year, making the growth the highest in over 10 years. The demand for power by manufacturers in the city grew 5.3 percent, while the demand of households surged 15 percent. Bui Trung Kien, deputy head of the Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation, said that the scorching heat was to blame for the spike in power consumption in the city. The baking heat sent the demand for air conditioning and electric fans up, resulting in monthly power bills soaring, he explained. Kien called on residents and firms to save power to ensure the electricity system can run well. Residents should turn off unnecessary electric appliances and regularly clean these devices in a bid to reduce power consumption. Air conditioners should be set at 26 degrees Celsius or higher, turned on one hour later than the office opening time, and turned off one hour earlier than the office closing time. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A major university in Ho Chi Minh City has supplied 180 cubic meters of fresh water to deprived areas in Long An Province, southern Vietnam, which is among the locales hit by prolonged drought in the region. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, president of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) under the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, on Sunday morning headed a USSH team to send fresh water to several affected areas in the provinces Can Duoc and Can Giuoc Districts. Local authorities then arranged smaller vehicles to deliver the fresh water from tank trucks to remote areas. Hundreds of residents expressed their delight at getting fresh water at the time they needed it the most, according to Pham Thanh Duy, head of the administrative affairs department at USSH. The fresh water donation is part of the universitys charity program to help ease water stress in southern localities. Drought and saltwater intrusion due to climate change have wreaked havoc on Long An and several other provinces in Vietnams Mekong Delta region since the beginning of the year. In Long An, close to 5,000 local households, mostly in Can Duoc and Can Giuoc, are suffering fresh water scarcity in the 2024 dry season, according to the Long An Center for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation. The universitys Saemaul Undong Rural Development Center was well aware of the water shortage in these areas as the center had launched many projects on socio-economic growth there, the USSH president elaborated. USSH decided to launch the charity program to offer a lending hand to drought-hit residents amid the prolonged heatwave, Lan said. In the first phase of the program, the university tapped funding contributed by USSH members and units to buy and supply 180 cubic meters of fresh water to the two districts, with 80 cubic meters going to Can Duoc and the rest offered to Can Giuoc. The Saemaul Undong Rural Development Center is working with other parties and donors to supply additional fresh water to deprived areas, Lan added. A tank truck carries fresh water to drought-hit Can Duoc District, Long An Province, southern Vietnam, April 14, 2024. Photo: Thao Chi Local volunteers transport fresh water to drought-hit residents in Long An Province, southern Vietnam, April 14, 2024. Photo: Thao Chi Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Federal Court of Australia has dismissed a defamation case instigated by Bruce Lehrmann against Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson. In his lengthy findings, Justice Lee concluded incidents in a parliamentary suite in 2019 between Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins were sufficient for sexual intercourse to have taken place, in a state of intoxication, without consent. Mr Lehrmann raped Miss Higgins, he concluded in what is a civil, not criminal, trial. But Lees decision does not amount to a finding of criminal guilt. I hasten to add these findings are on the balance of probabilities. These findings should not be misconstrued or mischaracterised. Today Lee referred to unreliable witnesses and found Lehrmanns account around what took place was false and fanciful. Lehrmann was described as a poor witness while Higgins was an unsatisfactory witness. Lee was satisfied that 10 and Wilkinson had proven to the civil standard on the balance of probabilities and dismissed the case. In summary, I consider it more likely than not in those early hours, after a long night of conviviality and drinking and having successfully brought Ms Higgins back to a secluded place, Mr Lehrmann was hellbent on having sex with a woman he found attractive, said Lee. Having escaped the lions den, Bruce Lehrmann made the mistake of coming back for his hat, he said Justice Lee, referring to the abandonment of Lehrmanns rape trial, due to juror misconduct. In his findings the judge said Lehrmann was no doubt identified by The Project story. He found The Project did not do enough to seek a response from Bruce Lehrmann before broadcast. (Producer Angus) Llewellyn, like Ms Wilkinson, started from the premise that what Ms Higgins said about her allegations was necessarily true, he said. Defamatory imputations of rape fell short of the standard of reasonableness. Justice Lee stated that while Lehrmann was not a compulsive liar he had told falsehoods and been mendacious in testimony. He determined Lehrmann had no compunction in departing from the truth if it was beneficial. His untruths were all over the shop. Brittany Higgins was found to be complex and there was some unreliability and concerns around credibility, some of which he attributed to memory and trauma. There were differences in credibility in testimony around separate years which the court needed to assess separately. Lisa Wilkinson was a polished an articulate witness who was let down by her legal counsel, in seeking advice prior to giving her Logies award speech, but as an experienced journalist she ought to have known the speech was frought with danger. The judge determined she had become inextricably entwined with Ms. Higgins as a woman whose story must be believed. But he was more critical of 10s legal counsel which had advised her. Former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach was determined as laying allegations on thick after being resentful of Seven and his colleagues. But he concluded Lehrmann had been less than candid about the benefits he received while the Seven Network was negotiating an interview with him. Separately, today Seven has confirmed Mark Llewellyn is no longer employed at Seven. At the top of his findings, Justice Lee also referred to the trial as an omnishambles for its fallout. Not long after that the courtroom audio fell silent and the court had to be adjourned for around 30 minutes. Updated: Justice Lee has asked both parties to file submissions as to costs by April 22. Outside court Lisa Wilkinson said: I sincerely hope that this judgement gives strength to women around the country. I am also so grateful to have had the benefit of my independent legal team led by Sue Chrysanthou whose expertise and wise counsel have been a source of ongoing strength to me for the last 14 months. Thank you. Throughout every step of this process, I have been surrounded by the love of my wonderful family as well as incredibly supportive friends and colleagues. I can never thank them enough. I also want to say how grateful I am to all the generous members of the public who have approached me almost every single day to express, often through tears, their unwavering support. Thanks very much. Network 10 statement: At its core this case was first and foremost about truth and Justice Lee has found that Network 10 prevailed in proving that Brittany Higgins allegations of rape were true. This judgment is a triumph for truth. Justice Lees judgment is vindication for the courageous Brittany Higgins who gave a voice to women across the nation. Network 10 is considering Justice Lees 324-page judgment. It is clear however that Australias defamation laws remain highly restrictive. When put to the test, it was always our obligation to inform the public of these important social and political matters notwithstanding the challenges presented by these laws and todays judgment vindicates the telling of Brittanys story. Network 10 remains firmly committed to honest, fair and independent journalism; to holding those in power to account; to giving people a voice who wouldnt otherwise have one; and to always pursuing without fear or favour, journalism that is firmly in the public interest. Source: ABC. This post updates. Industry names have been announced for the second Australian Childrens Content Summit, a three day conference to be held at Coffs Coast in August. Emma Watkins (Emma Memma, The Wiggles) has been named as host for the event which brings together producers, creators, writers, directors, buyers, distributors, investors, screen agencies, policy makers, and industry influencers. International featured guests confirmed include Jane Gould Co-Founder Wonderworks Insights, Kate Morton Head of Commissioning & Acquisitions 0-6 BBC, Katharina Pietzch VP Sales Kids & Family BBC Studios, Adriano Schmid VP of Content PBS KIDS and Mellany Welsh VP, Head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press. Australian featured guests include Jenny Buckland CEO Australian Childrens Television Foundation, Grainne Brunsdon COO Screen Australia, Geoff Cooper Production and Programming Manager Queensland Nine Network Australia, Libbie Doherty Head of ABC Children and Family, Kyas Hepworth Head of Screen NSW, Marissa McDowell Head of Commissions NITV and Bernadette OMahony Head of Content / Acting CEO Australian Childrens Television Foundation as well as executives from Screenwest. SLR Productions CEO and Australian Childrens Content Summit Founder, Suzanne Ryan, said speaker panels, exclusive content pitches, business discussions and more would allow the childrens and family screen industry to network, collaborate, share insights, and build significant business relationships. Im beyond thrilled to see the Australian Childrens Content Summit return to Coffs Harbour to highlight the incredible childrens and family screen industry. The Australian Childrens Content Summit is not just an event; its a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the connection to audiences in Australia and globally that our inspiring content makes. The Australian Childrens Content Summit is proud to be at the heart of this wonderful gathering. Australian Childrens Television Foundation CEO Jenny Buckland said, The Summit is a must do event bringing the Australian childrens television sector together under one roof and attracting major international partners, in an intimate and inclusive setting. The Australian Childrens Television Foundation is a very proud supporter. Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, Following the success of the inaugural Australian Childrens Content Summit last year, Screen NSW is pleased to support this important event again in 2024. The summit is a fantastic opportunity for industry to come together to focus on delivering great local content for children and families that will have global reach. Head of ABC Children and Family Libbie Doherty said, The Australian Childrens Content Summit will again open up the opportunity for industry collaboration and to share pitches, insights and connect with the childrens indy production community. I feel so proud of the ABCs commitment to Aussie kids and their families and excited to showcase the breadth and creativity of our slate. It will be a great joy to be back in Coffs Harbour and explore Australian storytelling and excellence with our friends from overseas who are attending this year. Flying Bark Productions President and CEO Barbara Stephen said, Flying Bark is thrilled to return as the Platinum sponsor for the 2024 Australian Childrens Content Summit. As a company, we are committed to producing Australian stories for local and global audiences. The Australian Childrens Content Summit is the perfect opportunity to network with industry professionals and garner important insights from local and international buyers. The 2024 Australian Childrens Content Summit is Presented by SLR Productions with Principal Partner, the Australian Childrens Television Foundation. The Major Government Partners are Screen Australia and Screen NSW. Platinum Partner for the 2024 Australian Childrens Content Summit is Flying Bark Productions. Gold Partners for this years summit are ABC, Simpsons and Screenwest. This years Silver Partners are Screen Territory, Count Out Loud, Silver Trak Digital and Paradox Media. Werner Film Productions, Fremantle and Input Advisory are the Bronze Partners. Industry Partner is Screen Producers Australia and the summits Destination Partner is the City of Coffs Harbour. Australian Childrens Content Summit Tuesday 27 August to Thursday 29 August 2024 Pacific Bay Resort, Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour australianchildrenscontentsummit.com Miriam travels to Byron Bay, and meets influencers, hippies as well as locals caught up in the towns homelessness crisis. 8pm Tuesday on ABC. High Country Farmer Wants a Wife Creative Types with Virginia Trioli Clarksons Farm Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Roadtrip This week on Impossibly Australian, Miriam Margolyes travels to Byron Bay, a beacon of creativity and freedom, and where individualism and influencers thrive. Here she meets Jade Kevin Foster, a social media powerhouse (whatever that means) and learns the dos and donts of the influencer lifestyle, a world that remains incomprehensible to Miriam. But she finds that the price of freedom is quite steep in Byron, where a housing crisis is breeding homelessness, and where climate change is powering devastating floods through nearby Lismore. Finally, Miriam meets some local Byron Bay hippies and agrees to get her yoni steamed. 8pm Tuesday on ABC. WA chef, broadcaster, and author Ian Parmenter, best known for ABCs Consuming Passions has died, aged 79. Long-time friends confirmed he passed away over the weekend. Parmenter rose to national prominence in the 1990s as the host of Consuming Passions, helming 450 five-minute episodes between 1992 and 2001. Born in London, he joined ABC Perth in 1974 in behind-the-scenes roles and eventually becoming a television producer and director. Consuming Passions was originally filmed at Parmenters home in Fremantle but he purchased a small cottage near Margaret River, and relocated in 1999, becoming a long-time advocate for the regions food, wine, and culture. I never got into areas of high speed food processing and complex things, he once said. If it couldnt be done in the cottage, it couldnt be done at home, basically. He remained a regular contributor to the ABC and other media after the series wrapped up, authoring a string of successful cookbooks and playing a prominent role in food events and festivals. While he was very flamboyant, he was also quite strongly opinionated, said former ABC journalist and broadcaster Verity James. He was unapologetically himself and encouraged us all to value what we have down here. Parmenter was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2011 for his service to the food and tourism industries as an event director, author, journalist, and broadcaster. Bon appetit! Source: ABC Faith Ringgold, who innovated with the mediums of painting, sculpture, quilts, and books to spread stories of the African American experience across an expansive career over five decades, has passed away at the age of 93 in her home in Englewood, New Jersey. According to long-time representatives of her work, the ACA Galleries, which first worked with Ringgold back in 1995, the artist's death took place last Saturday, April 13. "Faith leaves behind an impactful legacy of activism and advocacy for diversity and inclusion that has left a lasting mark on the art world, inspiring countless others to use their voice as a tool for social change," said Dorian Bergen, President of ACA Galleries, in a statement. The Expansive Tapestry of Faith Ringgold's Career Ringgold is perhaps most known for her elaborately painted story quilts that chronicle Black life and history in multi-arranged panels, blending both imagery and text. One such work is her famed 1983 piece: "Who's Afraid of Aunt Jemima?" This particular artwork reimagines a historically reductive stereotype against those of African descent as a hero championing feminist principles. Similarly, her 1990 piece: "Tar Beach 2," is another Black culture-injected artwork, however, it specifically conjures Ringgold's own experiences living and growing up in Harlem, while also blending a touch of fantasy into the piece. In an interview with Wallpaper Magazine, Ringgold said: "Throughout my professional life I felt free to do whatever I wanted to do-and use whatever material was suitable for my vision," expressing that she felt "no limitation" in doing so. Crossing over to other disciplines like painting, sculpture, and even performance art by the 1960s up until the '70s, Ringgold's narrative quilt work seeped through and saw the artist blossom into one of the leading individuals of the Black Arts movement. Thus, her practice of the arts was done hand-in-hand with activism. In 1970 she even co-founded the Women Students and Artists for Black Art Liberation (WSABAL) collective together with her daughter: Michele Wallace. A year later, she also helped establish "Where We At" in support of Black women in art. At the turn of the next two decades, in the 1990s, Ringgold dipped into the realm of children's books and wrote over 10 titles. For one, she made "Tar Beach," a 1991 work that bagged the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration. She also published her own memoir: "We Flew Over the Bridge" in 1995, where she described the simple joys she had gone through during her formative years in Harlem alongside the struggles of an artist who is also simultaneously raising a family. In an Instagram post honoring the artist, ACA Galleries quoted Ringgold saying: "Anyone can fly. All you need is somewhere to go that you can't get to any other way. The next thing you know, you're flying among the stars." The gallery also announced that they are opening her exhibition "Anyone Can Fly" this coming May. More information will be posted on the gallery's website. AB Novaturas Novaturas Group, the leader in the Baltic tourism market, recorded revenues* of EUR 13.8 mln. in March the same as in the corresponding period in 2023 (EUR 13.8 mln.). The number of customers served was approx. 14.8 thsnd., compared to around 15.5 thsnd. in March last year. Continued diversification of destinations and tailoring of the programme to the needs of customers help ensure efficiency, which is one of the priorities of the company. A group-wide load factor for leisure destinations has remained very high for the third month, reaching 97% in March. We are consistently pursuing our diversification strategy and focusing on those destinations where we see the greatest potential. Firstly, we are meeting our customers needs, and secondly, we are maintaining operational efficiency and sustainability. By monitoring traveller behaviour, we are adjusting our planned volumes in Turkey, where competition is the fiercest, and increasing our capacity in the Greek islands, Montenegro, which has been a great success for more than a year, as well as in the Italian and Spanish resorts, and Bulgaria. As the market leader offering the widest range of destinations, we have the strength to monitor the market dynamics and to make the necessary decisions promptly in order to achieve customer satisfaction and, at the same time, profitability, says Kristijonas Kaikaris, CEO of Novaturas Group. In March, the company launched the first familiarisation tours of destinations and hotels for partners, during which the representatives of agencies are introduced to the upcoming season news. The first such fam tour took place in Cyprus introduced by the company as a new destination for this summer season. In total, the company is planning around 25 group-wide tours for its Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian partners in spring and summer in different destinations, including Tunisia, Malaga, Rhodes, Crete, Montenegro, Turkey and Bulgaria. In addition, as every year, the company has organised awards for the best agents and agencies in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to promote long-term partnerships and successful cooperation. The Estonian branch of the company celebrates its 20th anniversary this spring. *The company reports revenue results corresponding to the number of travellers who started their trip in the month as published. In order to provide a clearer and more accurate presentation of the results in the quarterly financial statements, IFRS 15 (International Financial Reporting Standard 15) will be applied on a quarterly basis as of 2024 until now Novaturas has been applying this standard once a year. Its application will result in a requirement to recognise revenue over the entire travel period, rather than at the start of the trip. Therefore, when recording the results of QI (and subsequently other relevant quarters), EUR 2.1 mln. of the revenue of the company will move from March 2024 to April 2024. By comparison, if the provisions of the standard were applied in 2023, a similar adjustment would result in the revenue of EUR 1.4 mln. Story continues About the company Novaturas Group is the largest and the only charter flights local tour operator in the Baltic States, offering summer and winter trips to more than 30 destinations worldwide and more than 100 tours. In 2023, Novaturas Group recorded revenues of EUR 209 million and served 259 000 passengers in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Vygantas Reifonas CFO of AB Novaturas +370 687 21603 The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCO) has issued new warnings for Britons booked up for the likes of the UAE, Morocco and Egypt, after military action sparked across the Middle East at the weekend. Across all three tourist hotspots, the FCO warns: "On April 13, 2024, Iran carried out military action against Israel. "Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast." Britons who have holidays booked in the coming weeks are urged to monitor FCO advice before travelling, to stay up to date with any developments which could impact travel plans. The FCO also says that 'no travel can be guaranteed safe' regardless of a person's destination. The official update came after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel on Saturday evening (April 13), marking its first-ever direct attack on the state. The Express reports that Israeli military spokesperson P Adm Daniel Hagari noted that 99 per cent of incoming drones were intercepted by Israel and allies, but the move has sparked fresh warnings for tourists travelling to surrounding nations. As well as updated advice through the military action, the FCO has listed information about terrorist attacks which could target Britons and UK nationals on foreign soil. The FCO states that terrorists are either 'likely' or 'very likely' to carry out attacks in all three countries. For the UAE, the FCO warn: "Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including against UK citizens." For Morocco, advice reads: "There is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups. Authorities regularly disrupt terrorist cells. "Places at higher risk of attack include: crowded areas, government installations, transportation networks, businesses with Western interests [and] areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather." Meanwhile, advice on Egypt, reads: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times." Britons are also reminded to ensure they have travel insurance before heading on holiday, and to avoid travelling in any regions the FCO advise against - as this could void insurance. At the time of writing, the FCO is not advising against travel to Dubai and Morocco, but tourists are urged to stay vigilant and refresh advice pages. Parts of Egypt are advised not to be travelled to by the FCO, including within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, and the Governorate of North Sinai. It also warns against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal, the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta (with some exceptions), the northern part of the Governorate east of South Sinai, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road - barring coastal areas on the east and west of the peninsula - and the Halaib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid. Citizenship Amendment Act 2019: 10 Claims and Blunders There are ten claims, which can easily be proved baseless regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA). Some claims made by the Constitutional office holders and the verified truths that prove the statements as lies are below. Monday April 15, 2024 3:05 PM , Dr M Sridhar Acharyulu Dr. BR Ambedkar must have turned in grave with the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA). The Constitution of India gave rights of citizenship to persons who have migrated to India from Pakistan at the commencement of this Constitution if he or either of his parents or any of his grand-parents was born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935. In case where such person has so migrated before 19th July 1948 has been since ordinarily resident in India, or where he migrated after that date, he was granted citizenship on his application before the commencement of the Constitution. Such a person should have been a resident of India for at least six months immediately preceding the date of application. Ambedkar totally supported with this Constitutional foundation of Indian citizenship, provides various paths for individuals to acquire citizenship, such as by birth, descent, naturalization, registration, or territorial incorporation. Importantly, religion is not a criterion in any of these methods. The Citizenship Act of 1955 further elaborates on the acquisition and termination of citizenship, ensuring that the process remains secular and non-discriminatory. The Citizenship Act of 1955 explains how someone can become a citizen and how citizenship can be taken away, ensuring that the process is fair and not based on religion. While previous laws and the Constitution aimed to keep citizenship separate from religion, the CAA goes against this by bringing religious discrimination into the process of gaining citizenship. Ten Claims There are ten claims, which can easily be proved baseless regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA). By the time, the reader verifies these claims, the untruth travels long and their IT or social media managers, print and electronic media agents and PR teams will make it viral. Some claims made by the Constitutional office holders and the verified truths that prove the statements as lies are below. 1. Claim: The CAA has nothing to do with National Register of Citizens (NRC). This is totally separate and its false to link the two. - PM and others. The Truth: They are closely connected. April 2019: Home Minister, Amit Shah said: First the CAB will come. All refugees will get citizenship. Then NRC will come. This is why refugees should not worry, but infiltrators should. Understand the chronology CAB will come and then NRC. NRC is not just for Bengal, its for the entire country. December 9, 2019: Amit Shah said in Parliament that a nationwide NRC would follow the passing of the CAA. During the debate on CAA in Lok Sabha, he said: We will bring the NRC across the country. Not a single infiltrator will be spared. December 19, 2019: JP Nadda, the BJP working president, stated that the CAA would be implemented and, going forward, NRC also will be brought in. He continued: India is marching ahead under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will continue to do so. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act will be implemented, so will the NRC in future. 2. Claim: I want to let the 130 crore citizens of India know that since my government has come to power, since 2014 there has been no discussion on NRC anywhere. PM said on December 22. The Truth: June 20, 2019, President addressing joint session of Parliament said: Illegal infiltrators pose a major threat to our internal security. This is leading to social imbalance and putting a huge pressure on limited livelihood opportunities. My government has decided to implement the process of National Register of Citizens on a priority basis in areas affected by infiltrators While on the one hand government is working to identify the infiltrators, on the other, it is also fully committed to protecting the victims of persecution due to their faith. On November 21, 2019 Home Minister, Amit Shah said same in the Rajya Sabha. 3. The Claim: In December 2019: The Minister of State for Home Affairs has said: A countrywide NRC had not been notified so far and no one should fear. The Truth: The NRC was made part of law in 2003 by amendment to Citizenship Act. It added a saying: Clause 14a (2) The Central government may maintain a National Register of Indian Citizens and for that purpose establish a National Registration Authority. (3)The Registrar General of India shall act as the National Registration Authority and he shall function as the Registrar General of Citizen Registration. The process to establish NRC was mentioned in the Rules which were adopted in 2003. 4. The Claim: Nationwide NRC not announced State Home Minister. The Truth: The process of preparing a nationwide NRC began with a gazette notification of July 31, 2019. The notification said: In pursuance of sub-rule (4) of rule 3 of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, the Central government hereby decides to prepare and update the Population Register (PR) and the field work for house to house enumeration throughout the country except Assam for collection of information relating to all persons who are usually residing within the jurisdiction of local registrar shall be undertaken between the 1st day of April 2020 to 30th September, 2020. On July 23, 2014 Minister of State for Home Affairs told Parliament: The government has now decided to create the National Register of Indian Citizens based on the information collected under the scheme of NPR by verifying the citizenship status of all individuals in the country. The gazette notification for preparing and updating the NPR was issued by the Registrar General of Citizen Registration on July 31, 2019. 5. The Claim: The NRC and National Population Registration are not linked. Amit Shah says the NPR has nothing to do with the NRC. The Truth: The Rules notified in 2003 for NRC state that the process will begin with the house to house enumeration for the creation of a National Population Register NPR. The Rules for the NRC in Clause 4 says: A population register will be prepared by collecting information relating to all persons who are usually residing within the jurisdiction of the local registrar. The local register of Indian citizens (as part of the national register) shall contain details of persons after due verification made from the population register. It means NRC will be completed only after verification of Population Register. Rule 3 of Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, (2003 Rules) mentioned in the gazette, is about the concept of NRIC and its sub-rule (4) provides for Preparation of the National Register of Indian Citizens. 6. The Claim: The Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar claimed that the National Population Register is only for the purpose of the Census and has nothing to do with the NRC or citizenship. The Truth: The Home Ministry said in its annual report of 2018-2019. In Ch 15, para 15. 40 it is stated: Government of India has approved a scheme of creation of NPR which is the first step towards creation of NRIC. 7. The Claim: Govt. There are no detention centers at all. The Truth: Home Ministry told Rajya Sabha in November 2019: In Assam detention camps, where suspected immigrants are confined, 28 people have died, and 988 foreigners were lodged in six detention centers in Assam. Home Ministry told Rajya Sabha on December 11, 2019: The instructions have been issued to all States for setting up detention centers to detain illegal migrants or convicted foreigners pending deportation. The Central government on 9.1.2019 sent consolidated instructions for the construction of detention centres to all state/union administrators. The Ministry of Home Affairs sent instructions on 24/29 April 2014 and again on 9-10 September 2014. On this basis, a model detention centre/holding centre/camp manual was issued to all states/union territories in 2018. In an affidavit, the Centre wrote the Karnataka High Court on November 28, that they wrote to all State governments in 2014 and follow-up letter in 2018 to have detention centres. MHA told Lok Sabha on July 9, 2019 (Question Number 2660) the detention centre in Goalpara of Assam, housing 267 detainees and another one at a cost of Rs 46.51 crore was sanctioned. Karnataka & Maharashtra earmarked sites for detention centres. For one detention centre, MHA sanctioned Rs 46.51 crore to house 3,000 detainees. MHA estimates that total detention centres needed are 26,658 at a total cost of Rs 12.4 lakh crore that amounts to 8.8% of GDP in Financial Year of 2019. 8. The Claim: The people of India need not fear about these processes. Only infiltrators and enemies of the country will be excluded. It is for the protection of our nation BJP leaders & Ministers. The Truth: The Home Ministry stated that citizenship is not automatically accorded to people. This means that it is presumed that each person is not citizen, and the burden is on each to prove that he/she is Indian. 9. The Claim: The CAA 2019 is not discriminatory-Government: The Truth: The Articles 5 to 11 of Constitution explains the citizenship of people at the time of commencement of Constitution, without referring to religion. The Citizenship Act 1955, enacted under authority given by Article 11, had no provision to consider religion. The Citizenship Amendment Act 2003 introduced Section 2(1)-b that defines illegal immigrants. It did not define illegal immigrant by religion. The CAA 2019 it amends Sec 2(1)-b to include any person belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan who came on or before 31 December 2014 will not be considered an illegal immigrant. For the first time in the independent India, in 2019 religion was prescribed as ground to secure citizenship of India. Among two such immigrant residents if one is Hindu or Christian or Sikh with proof of their residency even if there are no documents about his ancestors, he can still be considered legal immigrant. In similar circumstances, another person belonging to religions other than six specified in CAA 2019, including Muslim, will be considered illegal. Because of this, one lakh Hindu Tamils residing in South India for several decades may not be considered legal immigrants. 10. The Claim: The CAA 2019 or NRC are meant to give citizenship and not to deny the citizenship- Government. The Truth: Process of NRC in Assam resulted in loss of citizenship for more than 19 lakh persons. It will affect persons belonging to all kinds of religions, not just Muslims. Out of 19 lakh new foreigners found by officers in Assam, only five lakhs were Muslims, and others include Hindus and various other religious persons. Most of them are being sent to detention centres. Centre has added six new questions in making NPR. The new six questions include name of the father and mother, their places and dates of birth and others. [The writer, Dr. M Sridhar Acharyulu (LL.D.), is Professor at Mahindra University, Hyderabad.] Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Google Cloud launches new courses on GenAI, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics Google Cloud Monday announced new certificates and courses in Generative AI, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics at the ASU + GSV Summit to help connect talent to in-demand tech jobs across industries and sectors. Monday April 15, 2024 11:13 PM , ummid.com News Network Sunnyvale (California): Google Cloud Monday announced new certificates and courses in Generative AI, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics at the ASU + GSV Summit to help connect talent to in-demand tech jobs across industries and sectors. The new Google Cloud Data Analytics and Cybersecurity Certificates, and courses in Generative AI provide dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that validate skills with industry-recognized credentials. The learning journey is powered by generative AI tools, like Interview Warmup, to prepare learners for in-demand cloud roles in data analytics, cybersecurity, software development, systems operations, and more particularly as jobs start to require advanced AI knowledge. The courses launch employer partners include the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Rackspace, Jack Henry, and Purdue Global, all of whom are helping learners advance their careers through the new trainings. As the demand for AI and cybersecurity skills increases, U.S. employers posted nearly 200,000 jobs for AI skills and job roles in the past 12 months, according to Network World. Demand driven courses In addition, the World Economic Forum reports that demand for AI and machine learning specialists is expected to grow 40%, adding about one million jobs to the global economy over the next five years. Collaboration between industry, government, education, and employers can help prepare to keep up with this demand. "Google Cloud is committed to driving innovation in the public and private sectors, and that includes working with future technologists and the current workforce to prepare for careers in high-growth areas like AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics," said Lee Moore, Vice President, Google Cloud Consulting. "While these investments enable individuals to pursue exciting new jobs, they also ultimately help organizations achieve their own digital transformation goals", Lee said. "In addition to the digital trainings that are available on YouTube, certificate completers will also have the chance to take custom, hands-on labs that represent on-the-job scenarios. The labs are specific to each employer partner and will be considered the first stage in their hiring process", Google Cloud said. Credit-bearing pathways To expand access to these programs, the new trainings are being offered to educational institutions, government, and nonprofit workforce development programs across the globe at no cost. The Google Cloud Certificates also offer credit-bearing pathways to academic institutions, like Purdue Global. "Purdue Global's students have benefited greatly from the strong working relationship between Purdue Global and Google," said Frank Dooley, Chancellor of Purdue Global. "Encouraging our students to build industry-recognized, stackable credentials will make them more competitive candidates for in-demand tech careers. We believe these new Google Cloud Cybersecurity and Data Analytics Certificates will equip our working adult learners with the essential skills to move forward and succeed in today's cloud-driven market", Frank said. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home JEE Advanced 2024 Practice Tests Released, Check Here JEE Advanced 2024 will be held in India and abroad, on May 26, 2024 (Sunday), in two shifts. Monday April 15, 2024 8:38 PM , ummid.com News Network JEE Advanced 2024 Practice Tests: IIT Madras has launched JEE Advanced Practice Tests, also called as JEE Advanced Mock Test and IIT JEE Advanced 2024 Model Question Papers, on its official website jeeadv.ac.in. "Practice Tests for Paper-1 and Paper-2 are availble now in Resources Menu", IIT Madras announced on JEE Advanced website. JEE Advanced 2024 will be held in India and abroad, on May 26, 2024 (Sunday), in two shifts, according to the exam schedule released originally . There were rumours that JEE Advanced could be rescheduled because of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. IIT Madras however ruled out all such rumours. "There is no change in the exam date for the JEE (Advanced) 2024 in view of the general elections 2024. The exam will be conducted on 26th May, 2024 as scheduled", IIT Madras said. Direcy Link to JEE Advanced Mock Test 1. Click here to go to the official website: jeeadv.ac.in . 2. Click on the Menu Item marked as "Resources" in the Nav Bar section of the home page. 3. Select "Practice Test for Paper 1" or "Practice Test for Paper 2" as per your choice. 4. On the Login page, click on Sign in. 5. Read the instructions carefully, select language and click on the blue button to start Mock Test. Along with launching the Mock Test (Practice Test Paper), IIT Madras has also uploaded on the JEE Advanced official website the detailed syllabus of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. JEE Advanced 2024 Admit Card Download Date JEE Advanced 2024 admit card will be released on May 17. It will be available for download till May 26 the date of the exam to be held in Online Mode. Copy of candidate responses will be available on the JEE (Advanced) 2024 website on May 31 and JEE Advanced Answer Key (Provisional) will be published on June 02, 2024, IIT Madras said. The final answer key and JEE Advanced 2024 result will be declared on June 09, 2024, it said. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. HA NOI Bach Hoa Xanh, a subsidiary of Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG), recently announced that it has successfully completed a private placement deal to sell a 5 per cent stake to CDH Investment. According to the initial plan, Bach Hoa Xanh had aimed to sell a maximum of 20 per cent of its capital. However, the company has stated that due to positive cash flow and improved business performance, there is no longer a need to proceed with the sale as initially planned. The value of the deal was not disclosed, but it mentioned that the funds would be utilised for operational activities and business expansion. Bach Hoa Xanh is a retail chain specialising in food and essential consumer goods, operating under MWG. Established in 2015, the chain was expected to generate billion-dollar revenues and lead the domestic consumer retail sector. However, in its early stages, the company experienced continuous losses, accumulating a total of VN8.3 trillion (US$332.6 million) in losses by the end of the previous year. However, in the first two months of the year, Bach Hoa Xanh experienced the highest growth rate among the Mobile World systems. The chain achieved a revenue of nearly VN6.1 trillion, up 47 per cent year-on-year. Despite operating for fewer days in February due to the Lunar New Year holiday, each Bach Hoa Xanh store generated an average revenue of VN1.8 billion. With the impressive performance, the chain has successfully reached its expected breakeven point as planned. Meanwhile, CDH Investment, established in 2022 and headquartered in Beijing, is among the first private equity fund management firms in China. It is well-known for its involvement in traditional sectors such as consumer goods and manufacturing. With over $27 billion in assets under management, the firm has invested in more than 350 companies across various industries. VNS HA NOI In March, the Vietnamese automobile market achieved a notable turnaround in total sales, reversing a trend of several months of decline. According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), its members sold a total of 27,289 units in March, up 135 per cent against February. However, the figure was still 9 per cent lower than the sales recorded in March 2023. In the first quarter of this year, the VAMA members total sales reached 58,165 units, down 17 per cent year-on-year. Of the total, that of passenger cars declined by 21 per cent, commercial vehicles by 6 per cent and special-purpose ones by 48 per cent. In the period, the sales of domestically assembled cars reached 30,919 units, down 20 per cent, while imported cars were 27,246, down 14 per cent compared to the same period last year. Besides VAMA members, the Vietnamese auto market also includes other automakers such as Audi, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo, but they did not disclose their business results. In addition, VinFast, Viet Nams first electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has not published its monthly sales data since August 2023. Based on sales reports officially announced by the VAMA and the Thanh Cong (TC) Group, in March, the groups Hyundai brand continued to lead the Vietnamese auto market in terms of sales with 4,542 vehicles sold, followed by Toyota (3,865 units), Ford (3,686), Mitsubishi (3,439), and Honda (2,832). An abundant supply, combined with the launch of new models and the adjustment of prices to benefit customers, is expected to help the market enter a period of prosperous business and well recover in the rest of 2024. VNS BINH DUONG Binh Duong Province in southern Viet Nam remains an appealing investment destination for foreign investors, speakers told an international conference in the province. Nearly 700 delegates, including high-level members of the Horasis Vision Community and influential international business leaders, are participating in the 2024 Horasis China Meeting. Speaking at the opening of the meeting on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha hailed the province for its remarkable economic and social performance, particularly in attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Binh Duong has emerged as the third most attractive investment location in the country, following HCM City and Ha Noi, he noted. Viet Nam offers a stable political environment, a sizable market, and a plentiful workforce, making it an ideal investment destination, he added. The forum serves as a platform for constructive dialogue among stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, according to Ha. He called on all stakeholders to step up efforts to share expertise in green energy and innovation to address climate change and promote a sustainable future. Investment opportunities During the event, Binh Duong authorities approved numerous investment proposals and granted investment registration certificates to businesses. Nearly 10 FDI enterprises were awarded investment registration certificates totalling over US$223 million. Many domestic enterprises were also granted approval for investment proposals on various infrastructure projects, social housing, and large real estate projects. These include several high-rise social housing developments in Thu Dau Mot and Thuan An cities by Becamex IDC Corporation with capital of over VN6.3 trillion, and the Thang Long social housing development in Ben Cat Town with total investment of over VN1 trillion. The provincial authorities also signed a cooperation agreement with Viettel to develop a project to establish an international-level logistics hub in the province. The event also witnessed the signing of agreements between local enterprises and international corporations. Vo Van Minh, chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said the province would continue creating the most favourable conditions for investors. With 29 industrial parks and 12 industrial clusters, Binh Duong remains one of Viet Nams top three provinces in FDI attraction with nearly 4,255 projects worth a total of US$40.5 billion as of today, he said. Dr. Frank-Jurgen Richter, founder and chairman of Horasis, said it was essential to foster knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships to drive economic development in Binh Duong, Viet Nam, and across Asia, in order to create a thriving ecosystem of innovation that extends beyond borders. Featuring six plenary sessions and 21 dialogue sessions with presentations from top global speakers, the event aims to find solutions to address economic challenges on a global scale. Horasis, an independent think-tank with headquarters in Switzerland, was founded in 2005. Its annual China Meeting remains one of the worlds foremost discussion forums. The three-day event is held in partnership with the southern province of Binh Duong and the China Federation of Industrial Economics. VNS VINH PHUC Many Singaporean enterprises are interested in opportunities for cooperation with Vinh Phuc in such areas as education, health care and tourism, Singaporean Ambassador to Viet Nam Jaya Ratnam said during a working visit to this northern province on Monday. He said that the Viet Nam-Singapore relations have made great strides with deep political trust and growing economic and trade ties. Currently, he noted, Singapore is one the three biggest foreign investors in Viet Nam. In Vinh Phuc alone, the city state has invested nearly US$500 million in 12 projects. In particular, its YCH Group's SuperPort dry port project, carried out in coordination with Viet Nam's T&T Group, has become a success symbol of the two countries' mutually beneficial cooperation. The ambassador emphasised that Singapore is committed to strengthening cooperation with the province in training high-quality human resources. In the next five years, it is ready to support Vinh Phuc to train and improve the capacity of about 500 cadres and skilled workers, especially in the field of logistics. Ratnam also called on Vinh Phuc to provide optimal conditions for Singaporean investors to effectively implement investment, production and business projects in the province. At the meeting, Secretary of the Vinh Phuc provincial Party Committee Duong Van An applauded cooperation activities between the province and Singapore, which have contributed to the extensive ties between the two countries. He highlighted many investment projects of Singaporean enterprises in Vinh Phuc as well as cooperation potential and opportunities in various fields in the coming time. He hoped that the ambassador will keep acting as a bridge to further strengthen Singapore's relations with Viet Nam in general and Vinh Phuc in particular, and assist Singaporean firms to come and seek investment opportunities in the province. He affirmed that Vinh Phuc will direct relevant agencies and closely coordinate with the Government, ministries and central agencies to remove difficulties and obstacles to facilitate Singaporean projects. At the same time, the province will also discuss with the Singaporean side to secure closer cooperation in human resources training to meet local development demand. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam has nearly 900,000 operating private enterprises with about 7 million entrepreneurs, contributing nearly 45 per cent of the country's GDP. The Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA), the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee co-ordinated and organised the 2024 Private Economic Development Strategy conference in Ha Long City on Monday. The conference provided an overview of capital sources and solutions for developing the Vietnamese private economy. This is one of a series of important events organised to create co-operation and links between scientific and entrepreneurial networks, provide databases and participate in the ecosystem of experts, entrepreneurs and media in the private economic development strategy, promoting private economic development to truly become an important driving force of the socialist-oriented market economy. According to reports at the conference, the private economy is contributing nearly 45 per cent of the country's GDP, one third of State budget revenue and more than 40 per cent of investment capital for the entire society, creating jobs for 85 per cent of the country's workers; accounting for 35 per cent of total import turnover and 25 per cent of total export turnover. The conference is the first activity of the Vietnamese scientific and business community to respond and implement Resolution 41-NQ/TW, dated October 10 last year, of the Politburo on building and promoting the role of Vietnamese entrepreneurs in the new era. Phan Xuan Dung, VUSTA Chairman, said that the world was entering a new phase with development based on science and technology. The 4.0 Technology Revolution was at an unprecedented high, he said. Therefore, businesses and entrepreneurs must have a development strategy to survive and advance to be on par with their peers around the world, he noted. Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province Cao Tuong Huy said that this conference would contribute to promoting links and co-operation between entrepreneurs, businesses and scientists; promote businesses to access science and technology, creating breakthroughs in production, business and technological innovation, and increasing labour productivity for businesses to develop quickly and sustainably. At the same time, it would also strengthen links and co-operation between entrepreneurs and businesses, creating opportunities to participate more deeply in the supply chain and global value chain, he added. Quang Ninh Province recognised the important contributions of the private economic sector in recent years. To date, there are 16,981 enterprises in the locality with a total registered capital of VN346.6 trillion. Among them, a number of large-scale private sector enterprises have been formed and developed, conducting multi-sector businesses and becoming important players in the economy. Investment by the private economy in the province is constantly growing, over 10.2 per cent per year on average. The proportion of the private economy accounts for about 70 per cent of total social investment capital. The private economic sector's contribution to domestic budget revenue accounts for about 14-15 per cent of the province's total domestic budget revenue. VNS Central hub to display Japanese traditional arts and culture A NANG Japanese artists, craftsmen and organisations will display traditional cultural and arts in an exhibition and cultural exchange event at a Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resorts & Spa on April 20-21, marking the first ever Japanese arts exhibition to a Nang city. The events organisers, B Productions company, said Japanese artists will bring an art space to local residents and Vietnamese visitors, introducing Japanese-style Tsunami Arts art created in the aftermath of Japanese earthquake, Dragon Ryujin painting, Japanese flower arrangement or Ikebana, calligraphy, samurai dances, kimono display and fashion, and Japanese tea-making and tasting experience. It said the event will be open at no charge for visitors to exchange and experience Japanese arts and culture in a Nang. Last year, an exhibition of Japanese dolls celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Viet Nam, was organised by the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Viet Nam. a Nang is seen as a favourite rendezvous of art troupes and artists from Sakai, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Kisarazu, Mimasaka, Nagasaki and Kushiro in Japan, for the annual Viet Nam-Japan Culture Exchange since 2014. a Nang city-based ong A University also organises an annual Japanese-Vietnamese Culture Exchange Day, strengthening the friendship between a Nang and Japan. ROME The Viet Nam - Timeless Charm tourism brand was brought closer to Italy in a recent tourism promotion event held in Macerata city, Marche region, by the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy in collaboration with local authorities and the MRNC 12 Racing Team. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Duong Hai Hung affirmed that Viet Nam's visa waiver expansion to 45 days for Italians and a distinct possibility of a direct route will create favourable conditions for trade and tourism cooperation between the two nations. Meanwhile, President of Marche region Francesco Acquaroli said he stands ready to facilitate cooperation with Viet Nam. Deputy Mayor of Macerata city Francesca DAlessandro told the Vietnam News Agency the city wishes to bolster cooperation with Viet Nam, helping the people of both sides get a better insight into each others standout cultural traits. Viet Nam is an appealing tourist destination while Macerata city and Marche region, home to a number of Italys renowned manufacturing and processing firms, could play a role in connecting Vietnam with its partners in the country, she said. According to Director of Vietnam Airlines agent in Italy Massimo Gaggianesi, Vietnam and Italy are discussing the possibilities to operate a direct flight between Viet Nam and Italy on the outset of 2025. As part of the activities held within the Viet Nam Marche bridge programme, Ambassador Hung had working sessions with local leading officials as well as met with the business community and the principal of Macerata Univerity to discuss specific measures for comprehensive cooperation with Southern Italy. Hungrecommended local officials to support activities to promote trade, investment, culture, and education between the two sides, and committed to helping Vietnamese and Italian firms to grasp cooperation and investment opportunities. Meanwhile, local leaders said they want to maintain connectivity with Vietnam to support the business communities of both sides. VNA/VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quangs official visit to Cuba from April 14 to 19 demonstrates the great attention Viet Nam pays to the special relations and time-honoured friendship with the Caribbean nation, said Ruvislei Gonzalez Saez, senior researcher at the Cuban Centre for International Policy Studies of Cuba. Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, he said Cuba welcomed Vietnamese Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha within the framework of the G77 plus China Summit in 2023. Last year, Le Minh Khai, another Deputy PM of Vietnam, hosted Vice President of the National Assembly of Peoples Power of Cuba Ana Maria Mari Machado in Ha Noi. Gonzalez highlighted the practicality of this times visit, which he believed is a chance for not only the Vietnamese Government to promote interaction with Cuban partners but also Vietnamese enterprises to gain a deeper insight into the current situation of Cuba. The expert, who is also Vice Chairman of the Cuba-Viet Nam Friendship Organisation, noted that Viet Nam has consistently shown long-lasting solidarity with Cuba. The two sides have always stood ready to give wholehearted assistance to each other. During the visit, Quang will also attend the 41st meeting of the countries Inter-Governmental Committee, the first in-person session of this committee after the COVID-19 pandemic, which is important to promoting direct exchanges. The focus of this visit is to continue enhancing the political relationship, which is now at its prime, and lifting economic ties on par with that relationship. Through visits to important economic entities of Vietnam in Cuba and the search for new opportunities for boosting exchanges with the youth of Cuba, the trip is a step to implement Viet Nams economic and people-to-people diplomacy. Gonzalez perceived that the two countries have exerted unceasing efforts in recent years to strengthen cooperation at all levels. Many cooperation projects have been expanded, especially in the field of agriculture and food which holds strategic significance to Cuba. He suggested the countries continue tapping into available advantages to further step up partnerships in health care, biotechnology, climate change fight, and education. They also boast much potential for reinforcing ties in developing renewable energy. VNS PARIS The Vietnamese Embassy in France has organised a ceremony in Paris to mark the 70th anniversary of the ien Bien Phu Victory with the participation of scholars, researchers, Vietnamese people, and French friends. Seventy years have gone by, the wounds of war have been healed and now peace and friendship prevail, yet the memory of the campaign remains fresh, Ambassador inh Toan Thang said at the April 13 event. He described international solidarity, especially the French peoples great support for Viet Nam during its past struggle for national independence and peace, as a firm foundation to build friendship and cooperation between the two countries, expressing his hope that the two peoples will carry forward the tradition in the time ahead. Taylan Coskun, Politburo member of the French Communist Party (PCF), recalled PCF members efforts against the Indochina war, and for Vietnamese peoples struggle for national independence and freedom. On this occasion, he called on people of goodwill to courageously oppose wars and to act for peace, justice, and cooperation among nations. Earlier, the embassy in coordination with Paul-Valery Montpellier 3 University and the French Defense Audiovisual Agency (ECPAD) held a roundtable, where journalists, scholars, researchers, film directors, and war veterans gave multi-dimensional perspectives on the ien Bien Phu Battle. A documentary by the French agency screened at the event presented flashbacks of the campaign to more than 100 participants. The roundtable offered a chance for French war veterans to recall the battle and share the love of their homeland and the aspirations to come closer, toward harmony between the two nations, said Professor Pierre Journoud from Paul-Valery Montpellier 3 University, noting his hope that more young people and students will pay attention to the history, especially the signing of the Geneva Accords on ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina 70 years ago. Ambassador Thang stressed that the roundtable highlighted the great significance of the victory, the heroism of the Vietnamese army and people in the resistance war against the French forces, and the art of Viet Nam's righteous military tactics and ideology. It also demonstrated the two nations spirit of rising together, shelving the past, treasuring the present, and looking towards the future, he said. VNS NINH BINH A delegation from the Hungarian National Assembly (NA) led by First Deputy of the Speaker Marta Matrai paid a working visit to the northern province of Ninh Binh on Monday as part of their trip to Viet Nam. During a working session with the delegation, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee oan Minh Huan highlighted the fine relations between Viet Nam and Hungary, saying that the visit contributes to promoting parliamentary diplomacy between the two countries, and offers a good opportunity for Ninh Binh to expand ties with Balatonfured city of Hungary. He briefed the guests on local potential, and strength, saying that Ninh Binh is known as one of the top three automotive industry centres in Viet Nam. Ninh Binh aims to become a centrally-run city with a millennium-old urban heritage by 2035. To achieve this goal, the province needs cooperation of traditional partners, including Hungary, he said. The locality identifies cultural industry and heritage value exploitation as the pillars of tourism development, he stressed. Ninh Binh hopes to collaborate on tourism, training and developing high-quality human resources, sharing experience in tourism development and cultural preservation and in building laws related to heritage conservation, especially legislation tailored to urban areas with heritage, he added. For her part, Matrai expressed her impression on the beauty of natural landscapes of Ninh Binh, and highly valued the working visit of local officials to Balatonfured in June 2023. She spoke highly of Ninh Binh's proposals to Hungary in areas such as investment attraction and legislation, affirming that her country always supports and promotes these areas. Regarding education and training cooperation, Viet Nam regularly sends students to study in Hungary, with approximately 200 students per year, she said. Apart from granting scholarships, Hungary continues to monitor and accompany students who have received scholarships to study in Hungary, she said, adding that this will be an opportunity for people from Ninh Binh to join this training support. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) held an international press conference in Ha Noi on Monday to announce Viet Nam's National Report under the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)s fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. Chairing the event, MoFA Deputy Minister o Hung Viet said UPR is one of the most important mechanisms of the UNHRC. Its role is to review the human rights situation in all UN member states and thereby foster the full enforcement of their human rights obligations based on the principles of dialogue, equal cooperation, objectivity and transparency. With a consistent policy of protecting and promoting human rights, Viet Nam attaches great importance to the UPR mechanism and always seriously prepares its national reports as well as follows the recommendations that it has accepted in all cycles, he said, adding that Viet Nam has officially submitted its fourth UPR cycle report, and currently, the full report in both English and Vietnamese has been published on the MoFAs website. On May 7, a Vietnamese delegation is due to attend a dialogue session on the national fourth UPR cycle report at the UNHRC. Among the 241 recommendations accepted in the third cycle, Viet Nam has successfully fulfilled 209, accounting for 86.7 per cent; partially met 30 others, or 12.4 per cent. Two others are slated for fulfillment at an appropriate time, Viet said. Highlighting notable points in the report, he said from 2019 to November 2023, Viet Nam continued its efforts to build a rule-of-law state with the adoption of 44 laws, many of them are significant in terms of human and civil rights. The country also joined the International Labour Organisation (ILO)s Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention No.98 and ILOs Abolition of Forced Labour Convention No. 105. Viet Nam also engaged in negotiations and formally joined the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The report also presented several statistical figures that highlight Viet Nam's development achievements in various sectors. Since 2009, its GDP per capita has increased by 25 per cent while the poverty rate has been decreasing by 1.5 per cent annually. Health insurance coverage has risen from over 81 per cent in 2016 to 92 per cent in 2022. The rate of households using clean water has reached 98.3 per cent, up nearly 1 percentage point compared to 2018. The media, press, and Internet have developed robustly and become forums where citizens and social organisations can express opinions. As of September 2023, there were 78 million Internet users in Viet Nam, which marked a 21 per cent growth from 2019. The number of mobile broadband subscriptions reached 86.6 million, up 38 per cent from 2019. About 72,000 associations are actively operating in Viet Nam, playing a significant role in addressing key socio-economic issues. In addition to the significant results achieved, Viet said the report has pointed out the challenges faced by Viet Nam and priority directions, such as increasing resources for sustainable and inclusive development, improving the efficiency of public service delivery and efforts to reform administrative procedures, effectively carrying out strategies on green transition and digital transformation; fully meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or expanding the social security system and narrowing the development gap between urban and rural areas, remote and mountainous areas, and raising public awareness of human rights issues. Regarding the report preparation process, he noted that the report was carried out comprehensively and transparently with contributions from State agencies, socio-political, professional and non-Governmental organisations, development partners and citizens, and direct feedback at consultation workshops held by the MoFA, relevant ministries and agencies, and those directly sent to the MoFA. Answering reporters queries about the UN agencies report that contains unobjective contents about human rights situation in Viet Nam, Viet said one of the fundamental principles of modern international relations, which is enshrined in the UN Charter, is the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states. And one of the foundational principles of the relationship between Viet Nam and other countries around the world is the respect for each other's political regime. He also firmly rejected any opinions, proposals or recommendations that violate this rule. According to him, all other reports from the UN agencies are neither conducted openly and transparently, nor fully consulted in the way that Viet Nam has done its national report. VNS KHANH HOA Recent cases of food poisoning among students in the south central coastal province of Khanh Hoa have sounded the alarm on food safety at school gates. Since the beginning of 2024, out of five food safety incidents in the province, four have involved students, Tin Tuc (News) newspaper reported. In an incident in late January, 23 students from a school in Ninh Hoa Town were hospitalised after consuming candy brought in by a classmate. Although they have since recovered and been discharged, the incident has served as a reminder of the importance of effective school food safety management. Chau inh Hung Son, head of the Department of Education and Training in Ninh Hoa Town, described this as the first major suspected case of food poisoning in the town. Local schools have been proactive in educating students about food safety and the risks of food poisoning. Following this incident, the Department of Education and Training has ramped up awareness raising campaigns and is eagerly awaiting findings from relevant authorities to implement further measures ensuring food hygiene and safety at schools. In late March, public concern peaked following a widespread food poisoning incident linked to a chicken rice eatery on Ba Trieu Street, Nha Trang City, which left over 360 people needing hospital treatment. A local high school in Xuong Huan Ward, Nha Trang City, witnessed multiple students hospitalised after consuming street food outside the school gates. Despite monitoring and treatment, the incidents persisted, with two more cases in early April affecting students in Vinh Truong Ward, Nha Trang City, and To Hap Town, Khanh Son mountainous district. In response, schools in the district have joined forces with local authorities to enforce strict food safety regulations both inside and outside school boundaries, aiming to prevent future incidents and restore public trust. Amid growing public concerns regarding food safety at school entrances, Kim Anh, a mother of a first-grade student at Loc Tho Elementary School in Nha Trang City, underscores the importance of scrutinising her child's school meals. She and numerous other parents, routinely conducts surprise inspections of the school kitchen. She said that the food meets stringent safety, hygiene, taste and nutritional standards. Kim Anh and other parents concur with the resolution to prohibit their children from consuming food outside the school premises, all with the aim of safeguarding their children's optimal health. Truong Thi Tam, principal of Loc Tho Elementary School in Nha Trang City, asserted that ensuring food safety within and outside the school premises is not just a matter of public perception, but a continuous and regular duty of the school. For the boarding kitchen, the school strictly adheres to principles from food reception, preparation and cooking, to serving students. The school has established a board of directors for the boarding kitchen, consisting of various members from the school and parents. To date, no student has suffered from food poisoning at the school. Vice Principal of Phuoc Tien Elementary School in Nha Trang City Vo Thi Hong Hai sheds light on the multifaceted issues surrounding food safety at school gates. She pointed out that busy parents often resort to letting their children buy food from nearby eateries, which may not prioritise safety standards. To combat this, the school has taken a proactive approach, establishing a self-managed school security team to monitor the area and ensure no unauthorised vendors operate near the gates. Additionally, during initial school meetings, teachers emphasise to parents the importance of avoiding street vendors to ensure their children have clean and safe food and beverages. In the 2023-24 academic year, Khanh Hoa Province is home to 529 schools accommodating over 290,000 students. Despite efforts by the Department of Education and Training to enforce food safety protocols, recent incidents outside school premises have sparked concerns. The department's Director Vo Hoan Hai stressed that ensuring food safety requires collaboration from all stakeholders. The agency continues to urge schools to uphold strict standards in their kitchens and regulate vendors operating near school entrances. Fostering effective communication and education among families, parents, and students remains paramount in safeguarding student health. To address these challenges, the province has designated a month for comprehensive food safety inspections, involving provincial teams scrutinising all establishments, including schools. inh Van Thieu, deputy chairman of the provincial People's Committee, emphasised the importance of conducting thorough inspections in conjunction with urban order checks on street food vendors. Strict measures will be taken against violators, including the suspension of operations and public disclosure of infractions through various media channels. In 2022, a school in Nha Trang City faced a severe food safety breach, resulting in numerous student hospitalisations and one fatality. Subsequent to this tragedy, local authorities, in conjunction with the provincial Department of Education and Training, enacted rigorous measures to safeguard school canteens. These efforts have yielded positive results, with no further incidents of food poisoning reported on school premises. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) has reported to the Government regarding proposals from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour focusing on reducing working hours. The Confederation cited Resolution 101/2019/QH14, urging the Government to study reducing weekly working hours to below 48 hours and report to the National Assembly. It recommended MoLISA coordinate with other ministries to implement the resolution promptly, aiming to ensure fairness between the public sector (40 hours/week) and business sector (48 hours/week) working hours, and to allow workers to rest and take care of their families. In response, MoLISA acknowledged the significant socio-economic impact of reducing normal working hours to below 48 hours per week. It promised to conduct thorough studies to ensure the feasibility of such policy changes during the process of amending and supplementing the Labour Code. Currently, the Labour Code 2019 stipulates that normal working hours should not exceed eight hours per day and 48 hours per week. Employers have the right to determine daily or weekly working hours but must inform workers. Weekly working hours should not exceed ten hours per day or 48 hours per week. The State encourages a 40-hour workweek for workers and emphasises the responsibility of employers to ensure workers' safety and limit exposure to hazards according to national technical standards and relevant laws. The proposal to reduce working hours has been deliberated by various organisations and experts during the drafting of the Labour Code 2019. It was also part of the recommendations put forward by workers at the 13th Congress of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour last December. VNS HA NOI A Vietnamese youth delegation will attend the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum which will take place from April 16-18 at the UN headquarters in New York. Head delegate Nguyen Ngoc Luong, Permanent Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee and President of the Viet Nam Youth Federation, is scheduled to deliver a speech on Vietnamese youth organisations' participation in coping with climate change at the forum. The delegation will also visit and hold working sessions with the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the UN, the Vietnamese Embassy in the US, the US Educational Testing Service ETS and the Vietnamese Students' Association in New York. The ECOSOC 2024 forum provides a global platform for dialogue among member states and young leaders from around the world on solutions to challenges affecting youth wellbeing. It also serves as a space for young people to share their visions and actions as well as provides an opportunity to advance youth solutions to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Discussions will be guided by the overall theme of the 2024 ECOSOC and the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions". They will take place around the SDGs under review at the 2024 HLPF, namely no poverty (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), climate action (SDG 13), peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). The Youth Forum will also gather young people to share their recommendations and innovative ideas in preparation of the Summit of the Future, to be held under the auspices of the General Assembly, in September 2024. VNS HA NOI Australian Ambassador for Climate Change, Kristin Tilley, will visit Viet Nam this week to further cooperation and strengthen bilateral engagement on climate and energy. Ambassador Tilley will visit Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. Ambassador Tilley will meet senior government officials to continue momentum following recent high-level exchanges between Australia and Viet Nam, in particular the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which includes a dedicated climate and energy pillar. She will share Australias approach to climate diplomacy in a policy exchange on climate and energy with the Vietnam-Australia Centre at the Ho Chi Minh Political Academy. Ambassador Tilley will also participate in the Australia-Viet Nam Green Economy Summit alongside Australian Government Assistant Minister for Climate and Energy, Senator Jenny McAllister. Her visit to Can Tho highlights Australias support for climate adaptation and resilience in the Mekong Delta region firsthand. Australia is partnering with Viet Nam to support our mutual ambition for energy transition and decarbonisation and to address the key challenge of our generation through ambitious climate action," Ambassador Tilley said. I am proud the Australia-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership includes a standalone pillar dedicated to climate and energy cooperation, the first of its kind for Australia. This strong commitment signals to the region, and to the world, that Viet Nam and Australia not only recognise the impact of the climate crisis, but the importance of boldly addressing the challenges and harnessing the opportunities to strengthen economies, she said. VNS LONG AN Long An Province People's Court on Monday sentenced 60-year-old Nguyen Thi Bach Hue (originally hailed from the southern city Can Tho) to 12 years in prison for the crime of attempting to overthrow the people's administration. In early 2020, Hue went to HCM City to meet a woman returning from the United States and she was encouraged to participate in the terrorist organisation Provisional National Government of Vietnam established by ao Minh Quan in the US, with promises of money and housing. Hue submitted an application to join this organisation and was instructed to install an application for online meetings, study and read the biography of Quan, listen to ideological instructions, and was assigned to write propaganda articles about the organisation. Between 2020 and 2021, under foreign direction, Hue used seven social media accounts and seven Gmail accounts to communicate and exchange with other members of the organisation, engaging in activities such as defamation of the government, insulting leaders and recruiting and mobilising people to overthrow the Vietnamese government through social media platforms. Due to her active involvement, Hue was assigned various aliases, secret codes, and positions ranging from "lieutenant, captain to team leader" by the terrorist organisation, and received around VN10 million (nearly US$400) from them. In April 2023, Hue was arrested and detained with numerous documents and evidence of her activities within the organisation. At the trial, Hue expressed her remorse and had truthfully confessed, and her family's contributions to the revolution were taken into account, resulting in a partial reduction of the punishment. VNS Big tech is manipulating us even more now, despite the pushback By Rachel Alexander web posted April 15, 2024 Concerns have increased in recent years about Big Tech manipulating us, and there has been some pushback, but it hasn't stopped. It's getting worse. While they've backed off on some of the most harmful damage, like Instagram feeds harming young girls with excessive photos of unrealistic, photoshopped females, at the same time they're secretly increasing the less obvious manipulation. The companies put what they want you to see at the top of your newsfeed, to subtly nudge you in a direction they want you to go. Most of us think we're getting a service for free with Big Tech, but the price is the manipulation. You may think you're strong and aware enough to resist it, but when you see story after story in your feed about pets dying, how can you stop that from making you sad? Much of the manipulation is done to drive clicks, another significant focus is to drive people politically to the left, and a third goal is to get you addicted. More and more studies are coming out showing a link between heavy internet use and mental health problems. Compounding the problem is there are still no clear guidelines on what constitutes tech addiction. We blame the COVID-19 lockdowns for the recent rise in mental illness, which impacted the left the worst due to being more likely to live in the heaviest lockdown areas and their self-inflicted social isolation, but it's proving to be broader than that. Look at Facebook. They moved away from political news and now bombard users with posts about romantic relationships and people mourning the death of a pet. Constantly seeing news of dead pets is not good for anyone's mental health. Nor is the obsession with romantic relationships; viewing that type of information every day can lead to doubting your own relationship, cheating, depression and convince you to meddle in a perfect stranger's life with some inappropriate comment. Did you notice when Big Tech switched notifications from blue to red a few years ago? That's because it adds a sense of urgency to influence you to go look. They keep expanding the ways they notify you of new posts text notifications, email notifications, multiple types of notifications on your desktop, notifications within the platforms, and even repeat reminders of those notifications. LinkedIn may be the worst; their opt-out page is lengthy with all the types of notifications someone can turn off. All of this is to create an addiction, which like almost any addiction, comes with harmful side effects. Addicted users neglect their work, families, healthy habits like exercise, and instead become artificially interested in whatever content they're being overfed. A former design ethicist at Google, Tristan Harris, admitted that he studied how to "persuade users to take certain actions" and "developed the techniques to make apps and gadgets addictive." He said, "[H]ow would we hook people into spending more time on the screen or driving more page views or getting people to click on ads?" With the exception of X, the Big Tech platforms that still allow political content to thrive, such as YouTube, Apple and Amazon, heavily censor conservatives and conservative reporting. LinkedIn suspended me multiple times for merely posting my news articles about election fraud. They are grooming users into becoming leftists. Longtime tech reporter Allum Bokhari observed, "Big Tech has become the most powerful election-influencing machine in American history." In 2020, he said a source at Facebook told him, "We have thousands of people on the platform who have gone from far right to center in the past year, so we can build a model from those people and try to make everyone else on the right follow the same path." Bokhari said Big Tech assigns users "quality scores" that decrease based on how conservative their posts, friends, etc. are. He said the companies will not reveal their secret scoring, calling it "Silicon Valley's version of the social credit system overseen by the Chinese Communist Party." He said a field of computer science called "network analysis" is dedicated to identifying groups of people with shared interests, which "gives them the ability to shut down a story they don't like before it gets out of hand." The Electronic Frontier Foundation observed that "platforms can increase engagement by making you angry, anxious, or outraged, and these emotions are much easier to engender with automated processes." Adding to the problem, "Big Tech's monopolies with their attendant lock-in mechanisms that hold users' data and social relations hostage remove any accountability that might come from the fear that unhappy users might switch to competitors." About 68% of Americans get news from social media, according to Pew. What's so dangerous about this manipulation is it's being done under the guise of capitalism and compliance with the U.S. Constitution. I've written previously why Big Tech is no longer acting as free market players, and how we are basically being ruled by a hybrid oligarchy of government and large corporations. Thankfully, a realistic challenger to Google has emerged, Luxxle. It contains results from both the right and the left, and doesn't censor conservative sites; even articles from The Gateway Pundit are included in its news searches. Luxxle doesn't sell user data, and uses minimal user data to generate relevant search results. This is desperately needed. Bokhari discovered that Google reduced the visibility of Breitbart News links in search results by 99% in 2020 compared to 2016. Clicks on Breitbart News stories from Google searches for "Joe Biden" went to zero and stayed at zero through the election. Bokhari has a brilliant solution to stop the manipulation. He said Big Tech should be prohibited from implementing their biased filters, since they're supposed to be merely publishers under Section 30 which protects them. Instead, third parties should be free to design filters that could be plugged into the Big Tech platforms, so people can choose which biases they want. Luxxle is already on the way, allowing users to choose right-leaning or left-leaning news if desired. Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative. She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home Apple CEO Tim Cook (C) walks in a street in downtown Hanoi during his visit to Vietnam on April 15, 2024. Tech giant Apple said it would increase spending on suppliers in Vietnam, a key production hub, as CEO Tim Cook arrived on April 15, 2024 in the country for a two-day visit. Nhac NGUYEN / AFP The iPhone maker announced the news in a statement on its website but gave no details of how much it would spend or where the money would go. Cook is expected to meet programmers, content creators and students during his visit, according to VnExpress. The visit comes as US President Joe Biden's administration seeks to ramp up Vietnam's role in the global tech supply chain in order to reduce American dependence on China. Images on the VnExpress news site showed Cook taking a walk by Hoan Kiem lake in downtown Hanoi. Hello Vietnam. I am so excited to be here today. I can't wait to see all the developers and creators in the community," the Apple boss said in a video posted on the news site. The Apple statement said the company has spent nearly 400 trillion dong ($16 billion) since 2019 through its local supply chain and has more than doubled its annual spending to Vietnam during the same period. "From cooperating with local suppliers, to supporting clean water projects and educational opportunities, we are committed to continuing to strengthen connections in Vietnam," Cook said in the statement. Last week more than 60 environmental and human rights organisations called on the US-based company to oppose the detention of climate activists in Vietnam. Apple hit with 1.8-bn-euro EU fine for music streaming restrictions The EU on Monday hit Apple with a more than 1.8-billion-euro fine ($1.9 billion) for violating the bloc's laws by preventing European users from accessing information about alternative, cheaper music streaming services. Apple's new EU measures draw complaint from 34 digital organisations Changes Apple is making to its services in the European Union "make a mockery" of new antitrust rules in the bloc, 34 digital organisations complained to the European Commission this week. Apple, Google and Meta set to face probes under new law: source Apple, Google and Meta are set to face the EU's wrath next week as Brussels prepares to hit the tech giants with probes into potential violations of a landmark law, sources close to the matter said Friday. Regulatory improvements will include import and export documentation rules expansion, photo Le Toan ASEAN ministers last month introduced over a dozen priority economic deliverables in various sectors, embracing agriculture, tourism, energy, intellectual property, and digital transformation, as well as initiatives to strengthen supply chain and narrow the development gap among ASEAN member states. When it comes to trade, ministers have agreed to further opening markets to ensure food security and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the regional supply chain. They will also build foundations for intra-bloc trade facilitation to support supply chain connectivity, as well as utilising digital technology and commerce to support businesses. Once the activities are implemented, Vietnams trade ties with other regional nations could improve. Last year, Vietnams total two-way trade with regional nations hit $73.7 billion, with the country suffering from an $8.3 billion trade deficit. Vietnams export turnover from ASEAN member states sat at $32.7 billion, down 4.1 per cent on-year, and the countrys import turnover reached $41 billion, down 13.3 per cent on-year. In the first three months of 2024, bilateral trade hit $20 billion, with Vietnams exports of $8.9 billion (up 9.5 per cent), and imports of $11.1 billion (up 9.8 per cent), meaning a trade deficit of $2.2 billion. ASEAN is Vietnams fourth-largest export and third-largest import market. It is expected that this year, representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Planning and Investment will continue working with peers from the other nine ASEAN member states to discuss a new version of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). The updated version will cover tariff liberalisation, rules of origin, non-tariff measures, trade facilitation, customs, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and trade remedy measures. The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EABC) has suggested that regarding trade liberalisation under the ATIGA, specific measures should be explicitly included on the tariff-free treatment of reused, recycled, repaired, and remanufactured goods to speed up movement to a circular economy in ASEAN. Remaining tariffs on some goods in some member states should be further eliminated to bring the ATIGA on par with other agreements that have been entered into subsequently, the EABC said. In another case, in the chapter on trade facilitation, it is recommended that improvements should include specific and enforceable deadlines for the further expansion of the ASEAN Single Window to include all documentation needed for the import or export of goods. The ASEAN Secretariat has commended Vietnams investment facilitation, which will help attract more investment both inside and outside ASEAN. Vietnams government has continued to reform and take steps to further improve the countrys investment environment, including implementing resolutions and regulatory directives on strengthening information provision, simplifying processes and reducing administrative requirements, the secretariat stated. Denny Abdi, Ambassador of Indonesia to Vietnam, said that the two nations share priorities for cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, high-tech industries, renewable energy, and digital economy. Indonesia and Vietnam are in a very similar situation: rapid socioeconomic growth driven by its youth, and a vast potential of human and natural resources, Abdi said. To ensure these advantages translate into tangible benefits, it is fundamental to collaborate in developing and connecting our resources. This means promoting investment in education, research, and innovation. Jaya Ratnam, Singapores Ambassador to Vietnam, also said that Singapore and Vietnam are working on bringing their economic cooperation to an even higher level. The Vietnam-Singapore Connectivity Framework first launched in 2006 has been upgraded this year to include cooperation in energy, sustainability, and innovation. Secondly, we will launch the first annual meeting of our prime ministers, in a format that will enable high-level oversight and direction for our cooperation. ASEAN employers tend to prioritise AI-skilled talent Hiring AI-skilled talent is a priority for nine in ten ASEAN employers, of which 72 per cent struggle to find the talent they need, highlighting a looming AI skills gap in the region. Vietnam now China's top ASEAN trading partner Despite the gloomy global economic landscape, trade between Vietnam and China maintained positive momentum last year, with China emerging as Vietnam's largest trading partner in 2023 and trade turnover between the two countries valued at just under $172 billion. According to a statement released on April 15, the assistant minister will visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, meeting with Vietnamese ministers, as well as development partners and business leaders. She will deliver a keynote speech to the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit in Ho Chi Minh City on April 16, reinforcing Australias support for Vietnam and Southeast Asia throughout their clean energy transformations. The meetings and summit will help Australia and Vietnam work together to capture the opportunities offered by renewable energy and address the challenges of climate change. Assistant Minister McAllister said Australia would work with Vietnam to share the benefits of the clean energy transition. This visit will further Australian and Vietnamese cooperation on new clean energy industries, technologies and networks, McAllister said. Cooperation is the key to unlocking economic opportunities for Australia and Vietnam as our countries, and international partners, undergo a clean energy transformation. I look forward to working with the government and business leaders of Vietnam to take these opportunities and secure our energy future. On March 7, Australia and Vietnam elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the first of its kind with a standalone climate and clean energy pillar. "Invested: Australias Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040" also identifies the green energy transition as a priority sector for cooperation with Vietnam. Another step forward in Australia-Vietnam relations Australian industries and businesses are taking a close-up approach to the Vietnamese market through establishment of the Australian Industry Hub Vietnam (AusHub). VIRs Bich Ngoc talked with AusHub manager Edwin Law on his assessment of the platform after a year of operation. Australia engages with projects across sectors A surge in Australian investment is expected to hit Vietnam following the elevation of the Vietnam-Australia relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. China's Tianjin port welcomes three int'l cruise ships within a week Xinhua) 10:21, April 15, 2024 Foreign tourists go through passenger clearance procedures at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua) TIANJIN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Silver Shadow cruise ship, operated by the Royal Caribbean Group, docked at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's port city of Tianjin on Saturday morning, making it the third international cruise ship to visit Tianjin within a week. Featuring luxurious facilities, Silver Shadow is one of the most popular cruise ships in the Silversea fleet. The cruise ship began service in 2000 and underwent renovation in 2019. The ship has visited Tianjin 17 times in the past and this is its first visit to the city this year. The ship will dock at Tianjin for two days and one night. The majority of the over 200 foreign tourists from 21 countries and regions aboard will go on sightseeing tours in Beijing and Tianjin. "We work with the cruise line and the port company to streamline passenger clearance procedures, allowing them to have more travel time in China," said Liu Yang, a local immigration inspection officer. With the rapid recovery of the cruise industry, there is a growing demand among foreign tourists to visit China's scenic spots and historic sites, Liu said. "Last time I came to China to visit the Great Wall. This time, I would like to experience something different. I hope to take the high-speed rail from Tianjin to visit and enjoy Beijing," said Christopher Hamilton, a tourist hailing from Britain. A couple from Germany stated that they had only one day in Beijing and would like to visit the Great Wall, perhaps the Forbidden City, and other popular attractions. As the largest cruise home port in northern China, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port has welcomed three international cruise ships within a week. Cruise ship Serenade of the Seas, also operated by Royal Caribbean Group, and Seabourn Odyssey, operated by Seabourn Cruise Line, docked at this port on April 7 and 8, respectively. "The frequency of international cruise ships visiting Tianjin has surpassed previous levels," Liu said. The Tianjin International Cruise Home Port has welcomed 24 cruise ships with 74,000 tourists so far this year, according to Dong Zichen, deputy general manager of Tianjin International Cruise Home Port Co., Ltd. "We are quite optimistic about the recovery of the cruise tourism industry in Tianjin," Dong said, adding that the port is estimated to receive 100 cruise ships and 300,000 inbound and outbound tourists this year. Royal Caribbean International announced its new China route deployment plan in March, which includes two cruises deployed in the ports of Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong, with the sailing timeframe spanning from February 2025 to April 2026. "We always stick to the Chinese market, and we are committed to creating value for Chinese consumers, social and economic development, as well as inbound and outbound travel. We have full confidence in the resilience of the Chinese economy," said Liu Zinan, chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Asia. An aerial drone photo taken on April 13, 2024 shows the Silver Shadow cruise ship, operated by the Royal Caribbean Group, docking at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on April 13, 2024 shows the Silver Shadow cruise ship, operated by the Royal Caribbean Group, docking at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Do Hamas' leaders abroad have a mandate to negotiate? By Khaled Abu Toameh web posted April 15, 2024 The Egyptians and Qataris are negotiating with Hamas leaders in Qatar and Lebanon in a bid to reach an agreement that would result in a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of the Israeli hostages held by the Iran-backed terror group. The Hamas team is led by Khalil al-Hayya and Ismail Haniyeh, both based in Qatar. Al-Hayya is a member of Hamas' Politburo and deputy head of Hamas's Regional Politburo in the Gaza Strip, which Yahya Sinwar heads. Al-Hayya left the Gaza Strip in 2021, shortly after he was appointed as Hamas's liaison to Arab and Islamic countries. In February 2017, Sinwar was secretly elected Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, taking over from Ismail Haniyeh, who is the current chairman of Hamas Politburo. Haniyeh, too, left the Gaza Strip five years ago and has since been living in Qatar. In recent years, several other senior Hamas officials have also left the Gaza Strip. Most have settled in Qatar, Lebanon, and Turkey. According to Palestinian sources in the Gaza Strip, the Hamas leaders who chose to leave the coastal enclave did so after falling out with Sinwar and his brother, Mohammed, a commander of Hamas's armed wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. "The Sinwar brothers carried out a silent coup against the veteran political leadership of Hamas," the sources said. "Yahya and Mohammed did not tolerate any competition and ruled the Gaza Strip as if it were their private fiefdom." The Sinwar brothers Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, the Sinwar brothers, the masterminds of the Hamas invasion of Israel, have gone into hiding to avoid being captured or assassinated by Israeli security forces. The two, who have not been seen in public in the past six months, are believed to be hiding in the southern Gaza Strip, surrounded by a handful of close and trusted aides and bodyguards. Prior to the war, relations between the Sinwar brothers and the Hamas leadership abroad were said to be tense. The Sinwar brothers, with the help of Hamas military commanders Mohammed Deif and Marwan Issa, acted as if they were a separate group from Hamas, often refusing to accept dictates from Haniyeh and other senior Hamas officials in Qatar and Lebanon. As part of an attempt to tighten their grip on the Gaza Strip, the Sinwar brothers opened direct channels with Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In return, the Iranians rewarded the Gaza-based Hamas leaders with financial and military aid. The Hamas leaders abroad, though dismayed by the open challenge to their authority by the Sinwar brothers, chose not to engage in an open confrontation with the Gaza-based leaders. From their offices in Doha and Beirut, Haniyeh and the other Hamas leaders silently watched as the Sinwar brothers pushed them to the sidelines and commandeered the terror group's armed wing. Some Palestinians in the Gaza Strip claim that the October 7 assault on Israel caught the Hamas leaders abroad by surprise. "This shows that Sinwar and his brother don't trust the Hamas political leaders in Qatar and Lebanon," said a Palestinian political analyst in the Gaza Strip. "In light of the rupture between the Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip and the Hamas leadership abroad, it's safe to assume that there is almost no direct contact between the Sinwar brothers and Ismail Haniyeh and Khalil al-Hayya." In the aftermath of the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip, the disconnect between the Sinwar brothers and the Hamas leadership abroad has only deepened. It's not clear how messages are being directly communicated, if at all, between the Hamas leaders abroad, who are negotiating with the Egyptians and Qataris, and the incommunicado Gaza-based Hamas leaders. According to an Arab diplomatic source, Yahya Sinwar recently sent an urgent message from his hideout to the Egyptians to the effect that any deal brokered by Haniyeh would be turned down by the Gaza-based leadership and Hamas' military wing. As a result, Haniyeh was forced to call off a planned visit to the Egyptian capital of Cairo. The tensions between Hamas' "tunnel leadership" in the Gaza Strip and the terror group's leaders in Doha and Beirut are the main reason why the negotiations over a ceasefire and the release of the hostages remain stalled. The Sinwar brothers, together with the commanders of Hamas' armed wing, are worried that the group's leaders abroad are prepared to make unacceptable concessions to Israel as a result of immense pressure from Qatar and Egypt. As far as the Sinwar brothers are concerned, the only thing that matters now is their personal survival and retaining control of the Gaza Strip. Apparently, they are concerned that the Hamas leaders abroad would be happy to see them either killed or forced into exile, probably to Algeria, Yemen, or Lebanon. Given the mistrust (and disconnect) between the Gaza-based Hamas leadership and the terror group's leaders abroad, one can only wonder whether the Qataris and Egyptians are not wasting their time negotiating with representatives who do not represent the Sinwar brothers and the shambles of what remains of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Khaled Abu Toameh is an award-winning Israeli Arab journalist, lecturer, and documentary filmmaker specializing in Palestinian affairs. A Senior Distinguished Fellow at the Gatestone Institute and a Fellow of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, he has also worked as a senior producer for NBC in the Middle East and has reported on events in the West Bank and Gaza for several media outlets. Home The communications and creative industries have emerged as pivotal sectors, serving as prerequisite for businesses to connect with their target audiences swiftly and effectively. Consequently, there is an increasingly growing demand for highly adept individuals capable of navigating the dynamic landscape of this market. Bringing a wealth of film, television, media production, and higher education experience to his new role, Paul D.J. Moody assumed leadership at the School of Communications and Creative Industries (SCCI) at BUV as of March. Dr. Paul Moody With a robust background in teaching, higher education management, and an unwavering commitment to research, Moody brings fresh perspectives and insight into BUV's academic framework, further advancing the universitys mission of delivering world-class education to Vietnamese students. Before starting his new journey at BUV, Moody taught at prestigious UK universities and colleges, including the National Film and Television School, University of London Goldsmiths College, the Royal College of Art, London College of Communication, and the London Film School. Beyond the UK, he taught at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Ramon Llull University (Barcelona), and has collaborated extensively with the Polish and French national film schools on post-graduate programmes. Paul Moody (left) with colleagues and students of the French national film school, La Femis His 23 years of higher education, fund management, and talent development experience sit within a 34-year media production career that includes continuing involvement in feature films, television drama, documentary, arts, advertising, and promotional production. Moody has produced and worked on projects for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Film Four, Universal Pictures, ARTE, ARD/Sender Freies Berlin, Bayerischer Rundfunk, the UK Department of Employment, and commercial organisations such as Pfizer and Budweiser. His doctoral research films are preserved at the British Film Institute archive, and he is currently working on a series of historical and musical documentaries. Paul Moody (right) with French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet From the outset of his career, Moody has dedicated significant time and effort to expanding his knowledge and exploring the fields of communications and creativity. Before gaining his PhD from the UKs Royal College of Art in 2023, Moody gained his bachelor's degree in communication studies with sociology, from Goldsmiths, University of London in 1985 where he made his first films - and a diploma in professional film and television production in 1989 from the Northeast Media Training Centre in Gateshead. He was awarded a fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in 2016 and gained a diploma from the one-year European Audio-Visual Entrepreneurs programme in 1997. Moody has stated his decision to join BUV after years of international experience is due to its strong potential for the future development of the communications and creative industries. He perceives Vietnam as a new and exciting destination and an ideal environment for nurturing creativity and innovation in the communications and creative industries. "I chose to join the BUV family because I saw similarities in the approach to education, reputation, and long-term vision of the university to higher education I had delivered elsewhere," said Moody. "My new role allows me to participate in making profound decisions in building a dynamic learning environment in which students acquire specialised knowledge and benefit from opportunities for practical training and development of real-world skills." Leveraging his experience in fundraising and ensuring financial stability for research projects, the new discipline lead of SCCI expressed his commitment to actively seeking opportunities for collaboration with international businesses and organisations to provide students with internship and job opportunities, ensuring the best preparation for them after graduation. "With the excellence of our faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the SCCI is committed to providing a quality learning and research environment, enabling students to realise their fullest potential and transform their interests and passions into successful careers," Moody added. Currently, SCCI courses at BUV are awarded by the Arts University Bournemouth and Staffordshire University. Among them, the Professional Communication (Business, Design and Strategy) course is awarded by Arts University Bournemouth, a top art university in the creative industry in the UK and awarded gold by TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework) and HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England) for its excellent teaching framework. Designed to cater to the needs of the Vietnamese market, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical applications, ensuring students are well-equipped after graduation. Through flexible training programmes and quality faculty, the SCCI stands as a beacon within BUV's educational system, significantly contributing to BUVs success in the higher education landscape. British University Vietnam is the first and only international university in Vietnam to award bachelor's degrees from the University of London, Staffordshire University, University of Stirling, and Arts University Bournemouth. To learn more information about BUV, please visit: www.buv.edu.vn The MIC introduces technology maps The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) introduced technology maps for eight areas on October 9, making it the first ministry in Vietnam to do so. BUV announces new programmes awarded by top UK universities British University Vietnam (BUV) has introduced new undergraduate programmes that are awarded by prestigious universities in the UK, and announced a $3.7 million scholarship fund for 2024, fostering opportunities for local students to engage in an international-standard learning environment in Vietnam. At present, lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer incidences and mortality in Vietnam. Nearly 30 per cent of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are diagnosed in the early stages. The goal of treatment is to cure the disease with standard therapies such as surgery to remove tumours and adjuvant chemotherapy. However, with standard therapies, there is a high risk of cancer returning. In the past, adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery was a standard therapy for NSCLC patients. Poor overall survival and high recurrence risk are common in early-stage NSCLC despite curative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Today, medical evidence around the world confirms the effectiveness of immunotherapy for NSCLC patients. Study findings published by The Lancet reveal that immunotherapy following radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy has significantly improved disease-free survival for early stage NSCLC patients against the best supportive care. Data also shows that immunotherapy results in a 34 per cent reduced risk of recurrence or death in NSCLC patients and a 57 per cent reduced risk for high PD-L1-expressing patients. In June 2023, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, for the first time, approved immunotherapy after surgery alongside chemotherapy for early-stage NSCLC patients. Le Van Quang, director of K Hospital, said, "Recurrence after treatment is one of the problems that non-small cell lung cancer patients have to cope with, despite early diagnosis and treatment. Immunotherapy with efficacy in reducing recurrence risk is one of the effective tools in multidisciplinary treatment." Lennor Carrillo, general director of Roche Pharma Vietnam said, "Roche has strived to research solutions to enhance the chance of a cure for cancer patients, including immunotherapy. We are delighted that lung cancer patients in Vietnam can gain access to this advanced therapy and expect the best outcomes for real-life treatment." At the conference, oncologists shared encouraging results for the real-life treatment of early stage NSCLC patients with immunotherapy. Pham Cam Phuong, director of the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Centre at Bach Mai Hospital, shared information on the treatment of a 70-year-old male patient diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer in 2020. The patient received treatment in Singapore and Vietnam. Following laparoscopic thoracic resection of lung lobes with a tumour, lymph node dissection, and post-surgery evaluation, the patient continued to receive treatment with chemotherapy and adjuvant immunotherapy. The patient has undergone regular check-ups and is now stable after nearly four years, with no recurrence detected. Bright Future Fund and Roche launch 2023 breast cancer awareness campaign On October 19, the Bright Future Fund, in collaboration with Roche Pharma Vietnam, celebrated the kick-off event for "Joining hands for the women I love" campaign 2023 to raise awareness about breast cancer and improve womens health. Roche's decade-long commitment to improving women's health in Vietnam For Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Vietnamese Women's Day, Lennor Carrillo, general director of Roche Pharma Vietnam spoke with VIR's Thanh Van on Roche's 10 years of partnership for a healthier future for women, focusing on breast cancer care and raising awareness through free screenings and informative programmes. China, Thailand forge alliance for moon exploration, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com Bangkok - China and Thailand have inked preliminary agreements to collaborate on the peaceful exploration and use of space, as well as on the development of international lunar research stations. According to the China National Space Administration, these agreements serve as a significant step towards cooperation in space exploration between the two countries. Both nations plan to establish a joint working group focused on space exploration and applications, signaling a more in-depth engagement in space science and technology. The partnership also extends to the construction and management of lunar research stations, highlighting both countries' ambition to contribute to the exploration of the moon. In 2023, China selected a space weather monitoring instrument developed by Thailand to be part of its Chang'e-7 lunar probe mission. The highly anticipated space program, scheduled for launch around 2026, is set to investigate the moon's South Pole resources to support long-term human living conditions on the lunar surface. China said its ambition to have astronauts on the moon by 2030 complements the collaborative efforts with Thailand, placing both nations as leaders in global space exploration initiatives. The partnership also emphasizes their mutual commitment to unraveling the secrets of outer space and utilising the moon's resources for future generations. Vietnam now China's top ASEAN trading partner Despite the gloomy global economic landscape, trade between Vietnam and China maintained positive momentum last year, with China emerging as Vietnam's largest trading partner in 2023 and trade turnover between the two countries valued at just under $172 billion. Volkswagen to invest additional 2.5 bn euros in China German carmaking giant Volkswagen Group said Thursday it would invest 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) to expand its operations in China as it tries to prevent a sales slide in its most important market. Cryptocurrency is not banned in Vietnam: Ministry, Illustrative image (Photo: AFP) Hanoi - Cryptocurrency is not banned in Vietnam but it is necessary to develop a legal framework to ensure its on-track development and prevent risks, a representative from the Ministry of Justice has said. Cao Dang Vinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Economic and Civil Legislation, said on April 12 that there are still different understandings about virtual assets, digital currencies and cryptocurrencies. Countries also have different management approaches. Cryptocurrencies contain a number of risks which make it easy to take advantage of this type of assets for appropriation or money laundering. Vietnam has not had regulations to manage their development, he said, adding that cryptocurrency is not considered a legal asset. It is necessary for Vietnam to develop a legal framework for cryptocurrency to prevent risks and illegal appropriation, he stressed. When the Ministry of Finance raises specific proposals, the Ministry of Justice will have more detailed opinions. The Government has asked the State Bank of Vietnam to study the pilot implementation of cryptocurrencies to prevent money laundering. Two years ago, the National Assembly asked the Government to develop the legal framework for this new type of asset early. In February, the Government asked the Ministry of Finance to study and complete the development of the legal framework to regulate cryptocurrency market by May 2025. Cryptocurrency transactions in Vietnam are mostly implemented on international platforms or put-through transactions. Statistics of the Vietnam Blockchain Association said that the value of cryptocurrencies Vietnam received totalled nearly 91 billion USD by September 2023, of which, illegal transactions were worth around 956 million USD. Vietnam crypto holders are the third biggest gainers in 2023 Vietnam accounted for a significant proportion of global crypto gains in 2023 with $1.18 billion, making it the third biggest gainer, according to data released by crypto analytics firm Chainalysis on March 14. Crypto fraudster Bankman-Fried faces sentencing Disgraced cryptocurrency wunderkind Sam Bankman-Fried is set to be sentenced Thursday following his conviction in one of the biggest financial fraud cases in history. Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA) Paris The Vietnamese Embassy in France has organised a ceremony in Paris to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory with the participation of scholars, researchers, Vietnamese people, and French friends. Seventy years have gone by, the wounds of war have been healed and now peace and friendship prevail, yet the memory of the campaign remain refresh, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang said at the April 13 event. He described international solidarity, especially French peoples great support for Vietnam during its past struggle for national independence and peace, as a firm foundation to build the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, expressing his hope that the two peoples will carry forward the tradition in the time ahead. Taylan Coskun, Politburo member of the French Communist Party (PCF), recalled PCF members efforts against the Indochina war, and for Vietnamese peoples struggle for national independence and freedom. On this occasion, he called on people of goodwill to courageously oppose wars and to act for peace, justice, and cooperation among nations. Earlier, the embassy in coordination with Paul-Valery Montpellier 3 University and the French Defense Audiovisual Agency (ECPAD) held a roundtable, where journalists, scholars, researchers, film directors, and war veterans gave multi-dimensional perspectives on the Dien Bien Phu battle. A documentary by the French agency screened at the event presented flashbacks of the campaign to the more than 100 participants. The roundtable offered a chance for French war veterans to recall the battle and share the love of their homeland and the aspirations to come closer, toward the harmony between the two nations, said Professor Pierre Journoud from Paul-Valery Montpellier 3 University, noting his hope that more young people and students will pay attention to the history, especially the signing of the Geneva Accords on ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina 70 years ago. Ambassador Thang stressed that the roundtable highlighted the great significance of the victory, the heroism of the Vietnamese army and people in the resistance war against the French forces, and the art of Vietnam's righteous military tactics and ideology. It also demonstrated the two nations spirit of rising together, shelving the past, treasuring the present, and looking towards the future, he said. Muong Thanh Group campaign celebrates 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and National Tourism Year - Dien Bien 2024, Muong Thanh Group is running a series of meaningful events under the campaign themed "Huyen Thoai Dien Bien-Hao Khi Muong Thanh" (Legend of Dien Bien Phu - Pride of Muong Thanh). Listing ambitions of Vietnamese banks backed by leaders VietABank has announced the agenda for its upcoming AGM, scheduled for late April. A key proposal involves the potential listing of all circulating shares on the stock exchange, subject to regulatory approval and favourable market conditions. The decision regarding listing on either the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HSX) or the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) will be vested in the board of directors, which will also be empowered to oversee other listing-related matters. Moreover, VietABank seeks approval to increase its charter capital by approximately $88 million, equivalent to 39 per cent, through the issuance of shares to distribute dividends from retained earnings and bolster legal capital reserves. The projected increase in charter capital, subject to regulatory consent, is set to augment VietABanks financial footing. It has set ambitious financial targets for 2024, including a pre-tax profit goal of around $44 million and an asset growth target of 4.3 per cent. Likewise, during its recent AGM, ABBank shareholders voiced inquiries concerning the banks listing roadmap. In response, chairman Dao Manh Khang articulated the banks ambition to list its shares on the HSX, aiming to optimise market capitalisation and enhance transparency. Key stakeholders, including the International Finance Corporation and Maybank, have echoed the importance of transparent governance. I fully support the listing objective. A listing will not only elevate stock value but also instil greater investor confidence in the bank. However, prevailing conditions this year present challenges to the listing process, said Khang. In our 5-year roadmap aimed at achieving a market capitalisation of $3 billion, relying solely on organic growth wont suffice. To this end, McKinsey will collaborate with us to implement this strategic roadmap. Beyond individual bank strategies, there is a broader trend towards stock exchange listings among Vietnamese banks. Earlier this month, Nam A Bank (NAB) marked its debut trading session on the HSX. It was the sole banking entity to secure the HSXs approval for listing in 2023, thereby expanding the total count of listed banks on the exchange to 18. The listing of both public firms at large and specifically Nam A Bank is a pivotal stride in our growth trajectory. The listing of NAB shares will not only streamline capital attraction and foster business expansion but also fortify shareholder value and foster sustainable bank development, said CEO Tran Ngoc Tam. Alongside the capital augmentation initiative, the banks latest AGM green-lit the issuance of convertible bonds, with a ceiling of $100 million, scheduled for either 2024 or 2025, with a maximum bond tenure of five years. Furthermore, shareholders endorsed the continued pursuit of establishing a wholly owned Nam A Bank or an overseas branch, strategically focusing on Southeast Asian markets. Currently, the domestic stock market hosts seven banks on the Unlisted Public Company Market, including VietABank, ABBank, Kienlongbank, Vietbank, PGBank, SaigonBank, and BVBank. Last year, ABBank, Vietbank, Kienlongbank, Nam A Bank, and BVBank unveiled plans to list their shares on either the HSX or the HNX. Of these, only Nam A Bank successfully listed its shares on the former, while Kienlongbank withdrew its application. The others are yet to finalise their listing arrangements. Meanwhile, VietDragon Securities CEO Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen revealed last week that the final testing day for the second phase of the Korean Exchange (KRX) technology at the HSX was April 9. While the technology system is nearing operational readiness, its current functionality is confined to system aspects, pending the implementation of new products. If there are no changes, the KRX system will be operational by early May, Huyen said. The impending implementation signifies a significant advancement for the market, potentially prompting banks to consider listing on HSX as part of their growth strategies. Malaysia issues heatwave alert for 14 areas, Ilustrative image (Photo: Bernama) Kuala Lumpur The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued hot weather warnings for 14 areas across the country, particularly in the states of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak and Sabah. The affected areas are Langkawi, Pendang, Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu, Pokok Sena, Sik, Baling and Bandar Baharu in Kedah; Gua Musang in Kelantan and the entire state of Perlis. Higher temperatures are also expected in Mukah and Telang Usan in Sarawak as well as Tuaran and Tenom in Sabah. MetMalaysia said the heat wave will likely to persist for at least three consecutive days with temperatures ranging between 35-37 degrees Celsius. Earlier on April 7, the department issued a heat warning nationwide, with seven areas predicted to brace for temperatures from 37-40 degrees Celsius for three days in a row and the remaining areas experiencing temperature from 35 37 degrees Celsius. The hot and dry weather is expected to gradually easy by mid-April as the country is entering the transition period to the monsoon, the department said, adding that it will be accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds which might cause flash floods. Malaysia aims to develop semiconductor enterprises industry Malaysian Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Liew Chin Tong said the government is committed to developing the semiconductor industry which is now a strategic income source for the country. Malaysia passes Cyber Security Bill 2024 The Dewan Negara (upper house) of Malaysia passed the Cyber Security Bill 2024 on April 3 to enhance the nations cyber security through compliance with specific measures, standards, and processes in managing cyber security threats. Malaysian airlines to charge carbon levy soon, Illustrative image (Photo: Bernama) Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia is gearing up for greener skies once the carbon levy collection by the airlines comes into effect as soon as the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) makes the necessary review, according to Assoc Prof Major Dr Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian, an aviation and aerospace expert. Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently said that the carbon levy can be imposed once the MAVCOM makes the necessary amendments to the MAVCOM (Code of Conduct) Regulations 2018. Mohd Harridon said the carbon levy is a good strategy for Malaysias overall carbon footprint reduction through a linear progression by 2050. The levy imposed by the airlines is to offset their carbon emissions and is an international obligation applicable to all airlines, not only in Malaysia, to contribute towards the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Denmark, Sweden, South Africa and the Netherlands are among the countries that have imposed carbon levies upon passengers. The airlines can either use the levy to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) or pay credit to offset their carbon emission, explained Mohd Harridon. SAF is recognised globally as the most feasible option to reduce aviation emissions in the near term. It also gives another avenue for Malaysia to develop its industry around it, he said. Sport shoes manufactured for export (Photo: VNA) Buenos Aires Paraguayan Minister of Industry and Commerce Javier Gimenez has expressed his hope to expand economic cooperation with Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a whole. During a recent working session with Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Minh Nguyet and the Ambassadors of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines in Buenos Aires, he affirmed that Vietnam and Paraguay hold huge cooperation potential in the areas of economy, trade and investment. He briefed the ambassadors on Paraguays economic and trade activities, attraction of foreign investments as well as trade cooperation potential with ASEAN member states. Statistics from the Paraguayan Ministry of Industry and Commerce showed that trade revenue between Vietnam and Paraguay reached 240 million USD in 2023, of which Vietnams exports were worth nearly 110 million USD, and import 130 million USD. During the 2021-2023 period, Vietnam shipped telephones and components, footwear, garment and textile, automobile tires and electronics to Paraguay while importing soybeans, meat meal, cotton, frozen beef and corn from the country. According to the World Bank, Paraguays economy grows at a faster pace than the Latin Americas average thanks to its macro-economic stability and a favourable exernal environment. Last year, its gross domestic product (GDP) growth hit 4.7%, the highest in the region. Paraguay, a member of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) together with Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, offers various tax incentives with the lowest average rate in the South American region. More employment opportunities expected for Vietnamese in Macau Consul General of Vietnam in Hong Kong and Macau (China) Pham Binh Dam has visited the Macau Special Administrative Region for the first time since it reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic. HCM City, British Columbia eye stronger trade and investment ties Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Vo Van Hoan on May 25 hosted a reception for Jagrup Brar, Minister of State for Trade at the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation in the Canadian province of British Columbia, where they discussed orientations to promote trade and investment cooperation. PM calls for more Chinese investments Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on Chinese investors to expand investment in Vietnam, while addressing the Vietnam - China Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum in Beijing on June 28 within the framework of his official visit to China. Planning for 30 airports to complete by 2025. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi The planning for 30 airports, both international and domestic, is expected to be completed by 2025 under a master plan on airport development for 2021-2030 with a vision towards 2050. The Ministry of Transport recently proposed the Prime Minister approve plans, policies, and solutions to materialise the master plan. Accordingly, the ministry will focus on major projects and prioritise investments in those that play a crucial role in the Hanoi capital regions socio-economic development, and international integration, specifically Noi Bai International Airport, and the Ho Chi Minh City region, referring to Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh International Airports. Among the 30 airports, 14 are international, namely Van Don, Cat Bi, Noi Bai, Tho Xuan, Vinh, Phu Bai, Sa Nang, Chu Lai, Cam Ranh, Lien Khuong, Long Thanh, Tan Son Nhat, Can Tho, and Phu Quoc. The research and planning for Cao Bang airport, the second in the Hanoi capital region, and Hai Phong International Airport are set to be done in the 2026-2030 period. The total investment for airport infrastructure, excluding the projects invested by Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), for 2021-2030 is estimated at about 420.5 trillion VND (16.7 billion USD). To attract such capital, the ministry proposed the phased allocation of the state budget as approved, saying relevant ministries, agencies, and localities should step up coordination in the work, and social sources in the form of public-private partnership (PPP) be maximised. Apart from policies on investment, human resources development, scientific-technological application, and aviation development, more attention should be paid to social welfare, environmental protection, and national defence and security, it said. Deputy PM inspects construction of Long Thanh airport Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on October 16 made a field trip to the construction site of Long Thanh International Airport in the southern province of Dong Nai. Danang sets roadmap for planning implementation The central city of Danangs approved city planning for the rest of this decade and with a vision to 2050 determines the aspirations of the locality becoming a liveable city and a major socioeconomic centre for the country. Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, President and CEO of greater:SATX, during a press conference at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. Dignitaries were on hand as they announced that Britains JCB will open an industrial equipment plant in South San Antonio. They are expected to hire 1,500 workers in the next five years. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News New connections to Europe could bring more manufacturing, energy, life sciences and cybersecurity jobs to San Antonio, economic development officials said after making connections with business leaders ahead of the citys first nonstop air service to Germany. The delegation, which included tourism and city officials, traveled to Frankfurt and London last month. Were really trying to gin up business that will obviously feed into route sustainability for Condor, Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, president and CEO of regional economic development agency Greater:SATX, said of the Condor Airlines service to Frankfurt starting in May. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Describing the 10 or so meetings that took place during the March 15-19 trip as highly productive, she said conversations with several businesses looking to expand in the U.S. could pay dividends for the region. She declined to identify them. The German market was more industrial in nature, Saucedo-Herrera said. In fact, Germany writ large, they are a great market for us from an automotive manufacturing perspective. A Condor Airlines aircraft on the tarmac in Frankfurt in July. Michael Probst/AP Tech, cyber, space The delegation also found opportunities in other sectors, including computer chips and alternative energy technology. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We want to find a new energy technology company there and then also chip manufacturers, and theres a lot to be said, from a statewide perspective, about what the governor is doing specifically related to our semiconductor manufacturing sector, Saucedo-Herrera said. At the same time, and totally related, on the space and information security side as well. The delegations visit to the United Kingdom came on the heels of Gov. Greg Abbotts trip to Europe to forge new trade ties, and the group was in London when Abbott later announced the creation of the Texas Space Commission. People are paying attention, she said of such moves. People are asking questions people are interested. Some of the European businesses had recently earned their FedRAMP status a U.S. government-wide effort outlining security requirements for cloud products and services. The status helps cloud technology companies do business with the U.S. government. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the cybersecurity leaders the group met with knew about Washington D.C.s broad cybersecurity footprint, some were unaware of San Antonios growing importance in the industry. A lot (of cybersecurity companies) are looking in the D.C. area, but also contemplating satellite offices, regional offices and even hiring remote talent, she said. All the companies the San Antonio group met with meet Greater:SATXs requirements to become a so-called development project, Saucedo-Herrera said. The requirements include real estate needs, full-time employee headcount and a need for capital investment. She said at least two of the European-based companies they met with are actively working site location searches so the delegation's visit timely for them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cybersecurity businesses are the top industry that qualify for Greater:SATX support, Saucedo-Herrera said. Office-type deals, that include cybersecurity, information technology, life sciences and financial services have doubled since this time last year. DAsseldorf, Germany - September 08, 2006: Boeing 757-330 of Condor Flugdienst at the airport of DAsseldorf on the way to passenger boarding bridge. This plane with the registration number D-ABOI and the serial number 29018 / line number 909 was manufactured in 1999. fp-foto/Getty Images International push The delegation included Saucedo-Herrera and another Greater:SATX staffer; Marc Anderson, president and CEO of Visit San Antonio and two of his team members; and city reps included City Manager Erik Walsh and Airports Director Jesus Saenz. The citys push into Europe gained momentum two years ago as Visit San Antonio began focusing more on international development than domestic or even markets within driving distance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad About the same time Greater:SATX also began diversifying its target markets. The city, Saucedo-Herrera said, has been in key markets like Japan and Mexico for decades, and its looking to expand. So today, the U.K. is a market for us Germanys a market for us. Were still heavily invested in Japan but we also have an office and or consultant in South Korea as well, she said. In fact, South Korea is one of our top-performing international geographies right now from a pipeline development perspective. Mayor Ron Nirenberg shares a piece of cake with Mikko Turtiainen, Condor Director of Sales of the Americas, after the announcement of flights to Frankfurt on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2023 at San Antonio International Center Ronald Cortes / Contribuitor She said the shift toward focusing on international deals comes in part due to market changes. International deals used to take longer but those timelines are shrinking at the same time timelines for domestic deals are getting longer. I think north of 50% of the deals (in Greater:SATXs pipeline) are international, she said. So, were going to obviously reallocate our resources where were seeing the highest return. She said the Condor service between San Antonio and Frankfurt will help. What is your take on the trade and investment relationship between the two economies? French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet The France-Vietnam relationship is in its heyday now, with a cooperation framework set out at October 2023 talks between Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and French President Emmanuel Macron. The framework is focused on cooperation in national sovereignty protection, dealing with global challenge, and promotion of innovation. Within this framework, both nations trade and investment have been flourishing, and bilateral trade reached $8 billion in 2023. Last year saw Vietnam face numerous challenges in external trade, meaning that this figure remained quite optimistic, and could have been bigger if Frances exports to Vietnam via third markets such as Singapore and Hong Kong were taken into account. Regarding investment, France is now the second-largest European investor in Vietnam, with over 700 valid projects registered at $3.8 billion. Vietnam is now home to over 300 French companies registered at about $3 billion, employing 50,000 local workers. How can you envision the outlook of France-Vietnam trade and investment cooperation moving forward? In May or June, there will be a high-level economic dialogue in Paris, co-hosted by Frances Ministry of Commerce and Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment. This is a significant event where both sides will review all economic, trade, and investment cooperation achievements, and determine obstructions needed to be removed, as well as set out new cooperation orientations in line with the cooperation framework. What is more, in 2025, it is expected that President Macron will pay a state visit to Vietnam, creating a new milestone in bilateral ties focused not only trade and investment, but also in politics and other sectors. I cannot make any specific forecast about how trade and investment will increase, but I do believe that the increase will be bigger because Vietnam is now in more need for French products such as aircraft in the transportation sector, and foodstuffs in the agricultural sector. Additionally, we hope that iconic French projects in Vietnam will be put into operation in the coming time. For example, in July the third metro line in Hanoi, implemented and funded by the French, will become operational. At present, nearly all of the work has been completed, and the remaining tiny percentage involving safety certification is being solved, and depends on authorised agencies in Vietnam. In another case, in autumn this year, French-backed Sagemcoms project in the northern city of Haiphong producing electronics products is about to be completed. It considers Vietnam its global manufacturing base. Last year, French-invested Synergy CADs project making electronics items in the northern province of Bac Giang was also put into operation. Also, the French-invested Son My 1 power plant, run by natural gas, is expected to be completed by 2030, contributing to Vietnams efforts in energy transition and green growth. What are the key drivers of French investments into Vietnam, and how important is the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to the trade and investment ties between both economies? Not only French companies but also foreign investors have the same sentiment that the Vietnamese market is quite attractive to them as Vietnam is a dynamic economy with high growth, political stability, and a wealth in labour. Besides that, many French businesses are now applying a policy of diversifying investment markets to shun risks caused by a single market where they used to depend on. Reality showed that during the pandemic, the businesses faced difficulties in a big market next to Vietnam, and then they had to decide on diversifying their overseas investment markets. The EVFTA is critical for boosting the trade and investment cooperation between France and Vietnam. Many businesses exporting goods from Vietnam to France and the wider European market are foreign invested, such as Decathlon making sports-related products. They have benefited greatly from tariff reduction and removal under the EVFTA commitments. What challenges will need to be removed to further cement these trade and investment ties? Vietnam and France have organised many forums and dialogues to help businesses out of difficulties. We see that further refinements need to be made in Vietnam. Investors want a more transparent and clearer business and investment climate in the country, so that their projects can operate smoothly. Other improvements would need to be seen in the sectors of intellectual property right protection, energy-oriented infrastructure, and transportation. However, we also see that Vietnam is making major efforts in solving these impediments. Vietnamese and French businesses seek to boost cooperation Businesses from localities of Vietnam and France gathered at a forum in Hanoi on April 15 to discuss cooperation possibilities. France-Vietnam Job Fair held in HCM City, offering over 200 jobs A France-Vietnam Job Fair was held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 13 by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (CCIFV) and the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF). Vietnam, France cooperate in digital transformation, public service reform Vietnamese Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra held talks with French Minister of Public Transformation and Service Stanislas Guerini in Hanoi on November 30. SBV to increase gold bar supply to stabilise domestic market, Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) Hanoi - The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) will increase the supply of gold bullion to handle the existing huge difference in domestic and world gold prices, SBV Deputy Governor Pham Thanh Ha told the press on April 12. This is one of the bold solutions raised by the SBV after Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked for prompt efforts to be taken to stabilise the domestic gold market, ensuring its transparent, healthy and efficient operation. For the gold jewellery segment, the SBV will strive to ensure raw materials for production and export. In addition, the SBV will increase cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies to ask enterprises to issue e-invoices for every transaction which will help improve transparency of the domestic gold market as well as the management efficiency, Ha said. The supervision will also be enhanced to prevent smuggling of gold, speculation and gold price manipulation. Inspection on the gold business of enterprises and credit institutions will be carried out this month, he stressed. The SBV has proposed amendments to Decree 24 on gold business management towards ensuring on-track development of the domestic gold market and efficiency in management. The domestic gold prices have increased strongly recently to set new records, widening the gap with the global prices. SJC gold prices were listed at 82.8 million VND (3,310 USD) for buying and 84.8 million VND for selling per tael at 3pm on April 12 to set new records, an increase 900,000 VND per tael compared to the April 11 trading session. SJC gold buying prices have increased by 17.5 per cent and selling prices by 15.4 per cent since the beginning of this year. At Bao Tin Minh Chau, plain gold rings are listed at 75.78 million VND for buying and 77.68 million VND per for selling per tael, an increase by 1.3 million VND per tael over April 11 closing. On Kitco.com, gold spot price increased 1.17 per cent to 2,399.20 USD per tael as of 3.05pm (local time). The bullion hit an all-time high for an eighth straight session on April 9. Bullion prices hit an all-time high for an eighth straight session on April 9 after softer-than-expected US producer prices data boosted hope for US rate cuts this year. Year on year, gold is up around 16 per cent as central banks are stocking gold, seeing gold as a safe haven during time of economic and international turmoil. At a recent meeting about gold market, the PM asked the SBV to promptly implement solutions effectively manage the gold market, especially handling the existing huge gaps between SJC gold prices with the world prices. The focus will be on ensuring supply of raw materials for the production and gold bullion and jewellery and increasing the export of gold jewellery. The PM also asked inspections to be enhanced on gold business to prevent smuggling, speculation and price manipulation. Violations must be strictly handled. Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya told VIR that ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement of 2009 (AITIGA) will be completed next year for improving the trade regime between the two countries. The India-Vietnam Joint Trade Sub-Commission, the Minister-level Joint Commission, and several joint working groups in agriculture, health, and IT are assessing and enhancing trade, economic, and business cooperation in these areas, Arya said. The fourth meeting of the AITIGA Joint Committee is planned to be held in Kuala Lumpur next month. A total of eight subcommittees have been constituted under the committee to undertake negotiations on different policy areas related to the agreement. The first three meetings of the committee were held in May and August 2023, and February this year. The new version will be more user-friendly, simple, and trade facilitative for businesses as well as support sustainable and inclusive growth. It is also expected to enhance and diversify trade while bringing symmetry in the bilateral trade between ASEAN countries and India. The ministers have agreed to have a quarterly schedule of negotiations by the joint committee in order to conclude the review in 2025. Under the existing agreement, ASEAN member states and India have agreed to open their respective markets by progressively reducing and removing duties on 76.4 per cent of goods and liberalising tariffs on over 90 per cent of goods. At present, import tariffs for many types of agricultural materials have been removed, from an average of 10-15 per cent. According to the ASEAN Secretariat, the new version will be aimed to provide more convenience for enterprises of the participating economies, therefrom helping increase trade and investment cooperation between India and Vietnam in particular and between India with the other ASEAN member states. This will also help further strengthen the regional supply chains and better respond to regional and global challenges now. The AITIGA was clinched in 2009. ASEAN and India registered a two-way trade of $131.5 billion in the fiscal year of 2022-2023, accounting for 11.3 per cent of Indias global trade in this period. Bilateral trade between Vietnam and India hit $14.48 billion last year, with Vietnams exports of $8.56 billion and imports of 5.92 billion, Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade reported. Indias main exports to Vietnam include metals, machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, and agricultural products. Vietnam exported to India many types of products such as electronic equipment, chemicals, machinery, and animal feed. According to Ambassador Arya, many Indian businesses could benefit from the upgrade of the trade agrement which can enable them to engage more in the Vietnamese market, which they are seeing great potential. Trade facilitation ahead with ASEAN-India deal upgrade Many businesses such as Bharat Electronics, Allanasons, Marhaba, and Fair Exports are already exporting their products to Vietnam. Some Indian participants at the Vietnam International Trade Fair held over a week ago in Hanoi are operating successful projects in Vietnam such as Spark Minda Corporation (automobiles), Marico (personal/consumer care), Tata Coffee, and KCP (machinery/sugar). Meanwhile, Bharat Electronics, Adani Ports, and Ion Exchange are considering projects in communications, defence, infrastructure, waste management, and renewable energy sectors. In addition, Bank of India, present in Ho Chi Minh City for eight years, is expanding banking and financial services to businesses and individuals focusing on both nations. We have active plans this year to advance government and business exchanges towards enhance trade, industrial, digital, banking, defence and economic relations between the two countries, Ambassador Arya stressed. Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment reported that cumulatively as of March 20, Indian businesses had nearly 400 valid projects in Vietnam registered at $1.02 billion. Meanwhile, Vietnamese companies currently have six valid ventures in India with total registered capital of $28.55 million, operating in the sectors of pharmaceuticals, IT, chemicals, and building materials. According to the Indian Embassy, hundreds of Indian businesses in Vietnam are creating economic values in areas such as consumer goods, vehicle sub-systems, sugar, coffee, IT services, mineral processing, hydrocarbons, garments and textiles, engineering goods, aviation, banking, and tourism. New opportunities in energy, infrastructure, electronics, and digital technologies and arrangements for facilitating trade, bilateral digital payment transactions, and direct shipping are also being discussed. As two rapidly growing economies that are already comprehensive strategic partners, bilateral trade, business collaboration, investments, projects and economic partnership between the two countries are priority areas for both countries, Ambassador Arya said. In 2017, the Vietnamese government enacted a special import tariff scheme to carry out the commitments under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area for the 2018-2022 period. Under the plan, nearly 5,700 lines of tariffs around 60 per cent have been either erased or reduced. Product groups with the most tax cuts consist of meat-based products, vegetables, and other types of agricultural products. Vietnam and India have also agreed to actively cooperate in oil and gas exploration projects in third countries. Vietnam welcomes Indian oil and gas companies to take advantage of opportunities in the midstream and downstream sectors in Vietnam. Vietnam has also become an attractive market of renewable energy for Indian companies. For example, Adani Group has invested in two projects in Vietnam, the Adani Phuoc Minh wind power plant and the Adani Phuoc Minh solar power plant. Diplomat proposes ways to beef up India ASEAN relations Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau has attended workshops themed Act East through North East and Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence held recently by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of Assam State. The move marks an important milestone in the mutual commitment of the two entities towards promoting sustainable production and business. The short-term trade finance credit is the first collaboration in green finance and other sustainable facilities between UOB Vietnam and Betrimex, Vietnam's leading manufacturer of coconut products. To secure financing, Betrimex successfully navigated UOB Vietnam's rigorous green credit approval process, which focuses on assessing compliance with the ESG principles (environmental, social, and governance) of the enterprise. The financing will enable Betrimex to import or purchase raw materials and domestic goods to produce with products of organic certifications, including Fairtrade certified products. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet stringent requirements for social, environmental, and economic responsibility, particularly in areas such as safe working conditions, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, community development funds, and developing connections between buyers and farmers. "The application of strict international standards such as Fairtrade will enable Betrimex to contribute more actively to the environment and community, especially in ensuring the livelihoods of coconut growers. This will promote the sustainable development of Vietnam's agriculture industry, creating greater economic value," said Lim Dyi Chang, head of Commercial Banking at UOB Vietnam. "UOB Vietnam is proud to accompany businesses on this important journey through sustainable trade finance activities. We are also actively building up our pipeline of customers who are looking for green financing to help in their sustainability transition." Vietnam ranks fourth in the Asia-Pacific in terms of the total export value of coconut and coconut products, with export turnover surpassing $900 million in 2023, according to the General Department of Customs. "The potential for the coconut industry remains vast as market demand for coconut products continues to rise, and there is still untapped value from coconut trees. With coconut trees now recognised as a key industrial crop, the coconut industry is expected to receive increased attention and support, leading to more sustainable development and new opportunities," said Dang Huynh Uc My, Betrimex chairman. "Collaborating with UOB Vietnam through the green trade finance facility agreement marks a new milestone in Betrimex's journey towards sustainable development. We hope that Betrimex and UOB Vietnam will continue to accompany each other in achieving our common goal of promoting practices within the circular economy and sustainable development," she added. UOB and its growth in Vietnam With the largest consumer banking network in ASEAN and as a Singaporean bank with a wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in Vietnam, UOB has played an active role in serving a significant clientele of foreign investors over the past 30 years, while making contributions towards enhancing the investment climate in this emerging market. UOB releases flagship study on consumer sentiment On November 1, United Overseas Bank (UOB Vietnam) held a ceremony to bring exposure to its flagship study on consumer sentiment across ASEAN. Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai (second from right) presents flowers to congratulate Nguyen Huynh Khanh Linh on re-election as President of the Vietnamese Community Association in India (Photo: VNA) New Delhi The Vietnamese community in India always stays united, and its members help one another to overcome difficulties, contributing to the homelands development as well as the Vietnam-India relations through various forms, according to President of the Vietnamese Community Association in India Nguyen Huynh Khanh Linh. Speaking at its congress for the 2024-2027 term held on April 14, Linh said that since its establishment in 2017, the association has provided updates on Vietnamese Party and States policies for Vietnamese in the host country. Lauding the results gained by the association over the past time, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai affirmed the Party and States consistent policy of taking the overseas Vietnamese (OV) community as an inseparable part and an important resource of the nation. Accordingly, the embassy takes affairs relating to OVs as a focus and always supports them in strengthening their legal status, protecting their legitimate rights, and stabilising their lives and integrating into the host society, Hai added. The congress elected a five-member executive board, with Linh re-elected as the associations head. There are currently 800-1,000 Vietnamese people living, working or studying in India. Vietnamese durian is expected to maintain its reign in the Chinese market. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi Vietnam's agricultural products were sold well in foreign markets in Q1, with a surge in both volume and prices documented. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), durian exports brought home 254 million USD in the first three months of the year, shooting up 66 per cent against the same time last year. Vietnam shipped some 32,750 tonnes of the fruit worth 161 million USD to China during January February, overtaking Thailand to become the largest exporter of the staple to the northern neighbour. The country accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the total market share of durian in China, well above the 32 per cent in 2023. Within less than two years, Vietnamese durian made a giant stride in the market of more than 1 billion consumers, and the fruit is expected to maintain its reign in this market for a long time thanks to bumper crops, competitive prices, and rapid transportation. In the same vein, coffee has been on its heyday after more than 30 years reaching out to the European market. The country gained nearly 1.9 billion USD from exporting 800,000 tonnes, up 54.2 per cent in value and 44.4 per cent in quantity year-on-year. As coffee bean is now sold at around 4,000 USD per tonne, it is possible to achieve the set target of 5 billion USD in export revenue this year, experts have said. Meanwhile, Vietnamese banana has won the taste of the Republic of Korea, Chinas Hong Kong, and Japan, among others. Vietnamese fresh banana has hit the shelves of more than 90 AEON stores in Hong Kong while the Philippines, Chinas Taiwan, and Singapore were the main supplier previously. Rice made a great contribution to Vietnams farm produce export growth in the three-month period. More than 2 million tonnes were shipped abroad for 1.37 billion USD, a year-on-year rise of 12 per cent in volume and 40 per cent in value. Vietnam, among the worlds top three rice exporters, is pinning a high hope for rice export this year, given its stable production and Indias export ban. Besides, the export of Vietnamese fishery products made a breakthrough in the period with nearly 1.9 billion USD in revenue, up nearly 2 per cent from the same time last year. The items have been in the shopping list of consumers in 170 countries and territories. Japan, the US, and China are the key markets of Vietnamese fishery products. Particularly, Vietnam has surpassed its rivals such as Ecuador, India, and Indonesia in shrimp shipments to China. Experts held that they should zone off quality cultivation area, strictly comply with food safety and hygiene standards and quarantine requirements of fastidious markets, and build brands for their products. China and Vietnam to cooperate more in agriculture A delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development travelled to China for negotiations in early January, to promote closer cooperation on agricultural matters, including boosting exports. Inspiring signs for agricultural exports The number of shipments of Vietnamese agricultural products to markets around the world since the start of the Lunar New Year heralds a bonanza year for the sector's exports. Warburg Pincus is the largest global private equity investor in Vietnam, and its investment in Xuyen A underscores the firms focus on the countrys rapidly emerging healthcare sector. Xuyen A, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, owns and operates a portfolio of four large-format, multi-speciality tertiary hospitals situated in densely populated cities in southern Vietnam, including its flagship hospital located in Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City. Xuyen A was founded and is led by Dr. Nguyen Van Chau who built the hospital group from the ground up through greenfield development. Xuyen A has built a reputation for medical excellence over the years and has strived to provide high-quality medical care at affordable prices. Saurabh Agarwal, managing director and head of Southeast Asia Private Equity at Warburg Pincus, said, "We believe the private healthcare sector in Vietnam presents a tremendous opportunity for outsized growth. We are deeply impressed by Dr. Chau and his exceptional management team and are excited to partner with them in Xuyen As next phase of growth. By leveraging our global experience in the healthcare space, we are confident we can help Xuyen A grow into a pre-eminent private hospital group while continuing to provide quality healthcare at affordable prices." Nguyen Van Chau, founder and CEO of Xuyen A, said, "We are very pleased to partner with Warburg Pincus to accelerate Xuyen As growth and jointly build a next-generation leader in Vietnams hospital industry. Together with Warburg Pincus, Xuyen A will continue to explore opportunities to enhance our care offering, scale up through further greenfield or brownfield development, and strengthen our medical team." As Xuyen A continues to make strides in expanding its range of treatments and intensifying its focus on speciality care, the hospital group announced the launch of a new oncology centre at its flagship hospital on the same day, becoming one of the few private hospital groups in Ho Chi Minh City to offer a full suite of oncology services including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology. Warburg Pincus has invested in healthcare for over five decades, backing major companies such as Summit Health, the largest multi-speciality and outpatient-focused physician group in the United States, and United Family, an international hospital and clinic network providing private premium healthcare in China. Warburg Pincus started investing in Vietnam in 2013. Today, it has become the largest and most active global private equity investor in Vietnam, with over $2 billion invested in companies such as Vincom Retail, MoMo, Techcombank, BW Industrial, and Lodgis, among others. These companies have collectively created over 40,000 jobs, contributing to Vietnam's economic growth and development. Additionally, the firm has completed two of the largest initial public offerings in Vietnam Vincom Retail and Techcombank. Appreciating efforts to attract more overseas capital Over the past decade, Warburg Pincus has been investing across Vietnam in companies that support the governments goals of diversifying and modernising the countrys economy. Warburg Pincus celebrates 10 years in Vietnam Renowned private equity firm Warburg Pincus celebrated its 10th anniversary of investing in Vietnam on November 9 in Hanoi, with the attendance of Marc E. Knapper, US Ambassador to Vietnam, and Tran Duy Dong, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam. Before last weeks ballyhooed solar eclipse, cars dotted the parking lot of Hillsboros new Buc-ees convenience store. Buc-ees officials had hoped the store could simultaneously welcome the general public and eclipse fans to a grand opening, but that proved undoable. Vendors and crafstmen remained busy putting the finishing touches on the 74,000-square-foot building Sunday as Buc-ees announced it will open April 21, offering snacks, drinks, novelty merchandise and gasoline from 120 fueling positions, said a news release that adds Buc-ees will employ at least 200 people in Hillsboro, with starting pay well above the minimum wage, full benefits, a 6% matching 401k, and three weeks of paid vacation. Untold economic benefits may accrue to the community 30 miles north of Waco on Interstate 35, City Manager Megan Henderson estimating sales tax revenue will jump $300,000 annually in a few years, though not immediately because Hillsboro has promised Buc-ees sales tax breaks as an incentive. The city will receive only a portion of that initially, but over time will receive the entire amount, said Henderson in an email response. The property has already been annexed into the city limits, so well receive property taxes on their partially-complete values for 2024 and fully-complete values thereafter, said Henderson of Buc-ees emergence at the northeast corner of I-35 and Highway 77, a location previously outside the city. Doors will open to the public at 6 a.m. April 21, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled at 1 p.m. Scheduled to attend are Henderson, Mayor Scott Johnson, along with members of the Hillsboro City Council, Economic Development Director Art Mann, as well as Hill County Judge Justin Lewis and the Hill County Commissioners Court, said a news release. With the grand opening in Hillsboro, Buc-ees will operate 49 stores, its brand moving beyond Texas to travel centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri and Colorado. Buc-ees broke ground on the first Virginia and Mississippi locations earlier this year. Were thrilled to open our newest travel center in Hillsboro, said Buc-ees spokesman Stan Beard in a release. This community has been nothing but supportive and we cant wait to welcome locals, as well as I-35 travelers (East and West) to enjoy all that Buc-ees has to offer. Waco travelers soon will have two nearby Buc-ees options, both about 30 miles from the city. A 60,000-square-foot location valued at $16 million opened in 2015 at North General Bruce Drive and I-35 in Temple. A year later, in 2016, a Buc-ees opened in Fort Worth. Buc-ees signs dot the interstate northward and southward from Waco. I expect that instead of putting up new billboards, theyll update the mileage quoted on all their existing billboards, said Henderson, referencing signs north of Waco that reference driving distance to Fort Worth. Much was made of Buc-ees announced plans to open its Hillsboro store in early April, the event possibly coinciding with the full solar eclipse. Though Buc-ees tossed cold water on that eventually a week or so before the eclipse, saying the store was not ready for occupancy, Hillsboro went all-out in its eclipse preparations, becoming the talk of Central Texas. Eclipse weekend was awesome, said Henderson in an email response. Throughout the weekend attendance was lower than expected at the outlet mall concert but higher than expected downtown. On eclipse day, we were prepared to receive more people than we wound up with, but downtown was close to perfect: full but not crowded, folks from all over the world, all having a great time and enjoying the mix of small-town charm, international company and cosmic spectacle, she said in her response. We wont know the exact numbers for a while, but we lived up to our aspiration of being good hosts, meeting the needs of visitors and locals, and showcasing the kinds of authentic connection that make Hillsboro such a wonderful place, Henderson concluded in her email. Liz Teitz covers environmental news and the Hill Country for the San Antonio Express-News. She writes about the San Antonio Water System, news in New Braunfels and Comal County and water issues around Central Texas. She can be reached at liz.teitz@express-news.net. Liz joined the Express-News in June 2023. She has been a reporter for eight years, covering housing, government, education and other topics for the Ouray County Plaindealer, Hearst Connecticut Media Group and the Beaumont Enterprise. Liz grew up in Rhode Island and graduated from Georgetown University. Achill Island RNLI assisted two men on board a small open pleasure craft which was drifting off Old Head yesterday after they were alerted by the Irish Coast Guard that the vessel was in difficulty. The all-weather lifeboat was launched shortly after 3pm and the Westport Coast Guard unit were also asked to help during the operation. The drifting vessel was located around two miles east of Old Head and there was good visibility at the time. Upon their arrival, the six man crew observed that the two men, who were wearing Personal Flotation Devices, were well. A decision was reached a short time later for the Westport Coast Guard Delta to set-up a tow and pull the men and their small vessel back to Old Head, while the lifeboat remained on standby. The two men were subsequently safely brought back to the Old Head shore. UNITED NATIONS, April 15. /TASS/. Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya has called the UN Security Councils emergency meeting on Irans retaliatory strike against Israel a parade of hypocrisy and double standards. You know very well that an attack on a diplomatic mission is a casus belli under international law. And if Western missions were attacked, you would not hesitate to retaliate and prove your case in this room. Because for you, everything that concerns Western missions and Western citizens is sacred and must be protected, he said at a UN Security Council meeting convened in the wake of the Iranian attack on Israeli military installations. Today, the Security Council is witnessing such a parade of Western hypocrisy and double standards that it is even somewhat uncomfortable to watch, the diplomat said. https://tass.com/politics/1775171 In this image taken from a police body-camera video taken Oct. 2, 2022, Erik Cantu looks toward San Antonio police officer James Brennand as the officer opens the car door and orders the teenager out. Cantu filed a civil rights lawsuit against Brennand and the City of San Antonio on Friday. Associated Press Erik Cantu was discharged in late November 2022 from University Hospital, where he had been since being shot on Oct. 2, 2022, by since-fired San Antonio police officer James Brennand. Courtesy of the Cantu family Former San Antonio police officer James Brennand sits in the gallery ahead of a court hearing on March 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Defense Attorney Nico LaHood speaks with his client, ex-San Antonio police officer James Brennand, after a hearing on March 20, 2024. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Video captured the shoooting of teenager Erik Cantu by San Antonio Police Officer James Brennand in a San Antonio McDonalds parking lot Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. San Antonio Police Department FILE - In this image taken from Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, police body camera video and released by the San Antonio Police Department, San Antonio Police Officer James Brennand shoots Erik Cantu, who was holding a hamburger in a fast food restaurant parking lot, as Cantu drives away in San Antonio, Texas. Brennand opened fire several times, wounding the unarmed teenager as he drove away. Brennand was fired after the shooting, and on Tuesday, Oct. 11 he was charged in connection with the shooting of Cantu, according to police. (San Antonio Police Department via AP, File) Associated Press Erik Cantu, who was shot and critically injured by police officer James Brennand in 2022, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the now-fired officer and the city of San Antonio, alleging that Brennand used excessive force and discriminated against him because he is Hispanic. The lawsuit contends that the city encourages, and is thereby the moving force behind, the very type of misconduct at issue by failing to adequately train, supervise, control and discipline its officers. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that city leaders, including Police Chief William McManus, repeatedly failed to discipline officers for using excessive force, creating an informal policy of tolerance and support for officers who unconstitutionally use excessive force. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court, also asserts that city officials have repeatedly reinstated officers who were terminated for misconduct. In response, City Attorney Andy Segovia said the departments policies on use of force have consistently been found to be well above the legal standard. James Brennands actions on that day were clearly inconsistent with SAPD training and policy, Segovia said in a statement. The claims asserted are without merit and we will vigorously defend the City in this litigation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cantus civil complaint seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future pain and suffering, physical disfigurement, mental anguish and other costs, including legal fees. It seeks punitive as well as compensatory damages. His girlfriend, Emily Proulx, is also a plaintiff in the suit. She was in the passenger seat of his car when he was shot, but she was not injured. Brennand was arrested nine days after the shooting and is now awaiting trial on charges of aggravated assault by a public servant and deadly conduct. McManus also fired him, saying his actions violated department tactics, training and procedures. The shooting The suit is the latest legal development in a case that began when Brennand confronted Cantu in the parking lot of a McDonalds restaurant on the North Side on Oct. 2, 2022. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cantu, then 17, was sitting in a maroon BMW eating a hamburger when Brennand, a probationary officer with seven months on the job, spotted him. On body camera video, Brennand can be heard telling dispatchers that he recognized the BMW as a stolen vehicle whose driver had eluded him the night before. The cars license plates did not match the vehicle, prompting Brennand to think the car was stolen. In fact, it was not stolen, as the San Antonio Police Department later confirmed. Brennand requested backup, and approached the car with his gun drawn. He opened the drivers side door and told a seemingly stunned Cantu, Get out of the car! He did not identify himself as a police officer. In the lawsuit, Cantus lawyers said Brennand could have waited for backup to arrive rather than confront Cantu on his own. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cantu drove in reverse for several feet, hitting Brennands leg with the open car door, police said at the time. Cantus lawyers contend that the door did not hit Brennand. The teenager then sped toward the exit of the parking lot. Brennand fired at least 10 rounds at the car, four of which struck Cantu. Brennands actions were clearly unnecessary, reckless, and an excessive use of force as Brennand had no reason for firing the shots at Cantu and Proulx and had no reason to continue firing as Cantu was fleeing, the lawsuit states. Brennand could have simply followed the vehicle, without using lethal force. Cantu stopped his car about a block away. Brennand caught up with him and performed CPR as he waited for paramedics to arrive, his attorneys said. Cantu was rushed to University Hospital, where he spent several weeks on a ventilator. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The teenager suffered injuries to his stomach, diaphragm, lungs, liver and arm, the lawsuit states. Doctors removed three of the bullets. The fourth, near his heart, could not be removed safely. Proulx, meanwhile, developed tremendous anxiety and fear stemming from this traumatic event and will require extensive and continuous counseling as a result, the lawsuit states. After the shooting, Cantu initially was charged with evading arrest and assault on a peace officer. District Attorney Joe Gonzales later dropped the charges. Last month, Brennand lost a bid to move his criminal trial out of Bexar County. His defense team filed the change-of-venue motion in October, arguing that the scope and tenor of news coverage of the case would make it impossible for Brennand to receive a fair trial in Bexar County. Natasha Iverson's mind went blank. Alerted by a phone call from her fiance that an active shooter might be on their town of Albion property last Wednesday evening, the mother of four shouted for her 16-year old daughter and her 2-year-old son to go up to a bedroom on the second floor and lock the door. Her other two children, 16 and 19, were away. Running through the house, Iverson locked the rest of the doors, an unusual precaution in their otherwise quiet rural property on a 37-acre lot that includes a pole barn, a fenced area where the family keeps horses and Iverson's pet boarding and grooming business, Quarry Kennels. "You go into panic mode," Iverson said. But nothing could prepare her for what happened next. Pushing back the curtain to check the lock on the sliding-glass door of the walk-out basement at the back of the house, Iverson saw the gunman, Alexander Grunke, just outside her door. Her body in shock, Iverson ran for her life as Grunke raised his weapon and fired into the home. For more than 30 minutes, Iverson huddled with her two children on the second floor with the gunman in her house. While her daughter called 911, Iverson desperately tried to calm her unsettled toddler and keep him quiet, for fear the gunman might find them. As police closed in on the house, Iverson dropped the toddler from the second-story window to waiting law enforcement officials below. She and her teenage daughter then dropped down, also to be caught and whisked to safety. "You just keep moving," Iverson said. "You don't know how you're feeling." The family had not spoken publicly about the ordeal until Sunday, when Iverson, her fiance, Chad Gallagher, her 19-year-old son, Austin, and one of her twin daughters joined family friend Dawn Lenio as she read a statement and answered some questions. It would be some time before the family could make sense of what had happened. But by then, police already had a good idea what they were dealing with. Earlier that day, police say, Grunke, 38, of Middleton, had killed his former girlfriend, Tana Poppe, 32, outside of Dubuque and left with her 13-year-old daughter and 5-month-old infant. After dropping the infant off at the home of an acquaintance, Grunke and the 13-year-old were spotted by Dane County authorities in a black Ford Escape. As deputies tried to pull it over, the vehicle fled, and both Grunke and the girl fired weapons at pursuing officers, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said last week. After using a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle in the town of Albion, the two ran into a wooded area toward the home Iverson shared with her children and Gallagher. A lifesaving phone call It was about that time that Gallagher, who works as a mechanic and had spent the previous two days out of town on a job, was on his way home. "The State Patrol officer told me I couldn't go that way" because there was an active shooter in the area, Gallagher said. "He's screaming at me." Gallagher begged the officer to tell him what was going on. He then called Iverson. "If not for Chad's panicked call, this story may have ended with much more tragedy," said Lenio during the briefing at Halverson's Everything Nice restaurant in Stoughton on Sunday. "The lower level of their home is where Natashas daughters bedroom was, and where she was relaxing as Grunke approached," Lenio said in her statement. "If not for Chads call, she would have still been in that room when Grunke made entry moments later. Not only is her sense of security destroyed, her bedroom is destroyed. Her safe place, her home." Safely away from the house, the family would be spared what came next. After Grunke barricaded himself in the basement, negotiators tried unsuccessfully to contact him for several hours. Chemical agents were deployed, and a robot was eventually sent into the house where Grunke was found dead of an apparent suicide. The 13-year-old would also be found dead in a wooded area outside the house. Authorities have not revealed a cause of death, but Barrett said no firearms were found near her and she had no obvious signs or wounds. Waiting to go home For days since the shocking series of events, family members have leaned on the help of friends and community. The family is staying in a hotel while they wait for their home, now a crime scene, to be professionally cleaned and aired out from the chemical agents law enforcement officials used in trying to flush Grunke from the house. There are bullet holes in the walls and broken glass, Lenio said. Lenio, who said she's known Iverson since they were 13, has started a GoFundMe page to help the family with medical bills for trauma therapy, food, clothing and other essentials until they can be back in their home. As of Sunday, there were 150 donations totaling $9,540, beyond the $5,000 goal. Iverson said Sunday that the outpouring of support from loved ones and the rest of the community has been overwhelming. The family also thanked the law enforcement officials who helped them on the night of the invasion. "You helped this family on the worst night of their lives," Lenio said in her statement. "And with the trauma they will never forget, they will also never forget your acts of bravery that saved their lives." Quarterly Activities and Cashflow Report Perth, April 15, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Arrow Minerals Limited ( ASX:AMD ) is pleased to report on its activities for the quarter ended 31 March 2024 ("March 2024 Quarter"). Highlights - Raised $13 million in two placements to fund Simandou North Iron Project - Completed accelerated acquisition of remaining 66.7% interest, taking 100% legal and beneficial interest in Amalgamated Minerals Pte. Ltd, which holds the Simandou North Iron Project - Strong start to 2024 drilling campaign with the identification of iron mineralisation in the very first holes - Completed 21 drill holes for 1,358 metres during the Quarter - Drilling continues with a further 7 holes completed for 480 metres in early April - Drill capacity doubled during March, with the Company on track to have 5 drill rigs drilling targets for Direct Shipping Ore ("DSO") iron mineralisation by the end of April 2024 - Board restructure completed in February 2024 Mr David Flanagan, Managing Director said: "The team have achieved a great deal, and we are just getting started. We've raised the funds, put drilling rigs in the field, and there are more to come. We really like the geology and we are looking forward to results due from the laboratory later in April. The target for the June quarter is to complete 6 times the drilling we achieved this quarter - This is high impact drilling, testing another 5 target areas in the next three months. That means spreading out across the project, drilling more than 100 holes and staying focused. "We are also very pleased to report our neighbours (Winning Consortium, Rio and SimFer Joint Venture) remain on track for commissioning a multi-user, heavy haul rail network linking the project to the port in late 2025." SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES DURING THE MARCH 2024 QUARTER Strong start to 2024 drilling Arrow's Simandou North Iron Project is located immediately north of the Simandou Iron Ore Project, the world's largest high grade iron ore project. Approximately 40 kilometres of strike of the prospective Simandou iron formation is interpreted to extend into the Company's Simandou North license. The Company (as disclosed via ASX Announcement 3 October 2023) has identified high grade mineralisation in the sequence and is now systematically testing targets across the project. Arrow has already reported encouraging geology in drilling results (see ASX release dated 1 March 2024). The Company eagerly awaits assay results which will start arriving from late April. Subject to weather and drilling conditions, the Company is planning to complete more than 10,000 metres in the June Quarter. The Winning Consortium and the SimFer Joint Venture (Rio Tinto and Chinalco) are collectively spending $USD26 Billion to develop a mine, multi-user rail, and port system. This is a huge investment undertaken after 30 years of studies and investment due diligence. Arrow's Simandou North Iron Project comes within 25km of the rail construction corridor. ~$13 million raised in two placements to fund the Simandou North Iron Project The proceeds of the Placements and recent Share Purchase Plan ("SPP") will be predominantly used to advance exploration at the Company's Simandou North Iron Project, with a focus on executing a high impact drilling programme in 2024; 1. $3,050,000 Tranche 2 Placement subscription funds (before costs) following shareholder approval on 15 February 2024; 2. $500,000 via a Share Purchase Plan ("SPP") (refer ASX announcement on 27 February 2024); 3. ~$9,500,000 Tranche 1 Placement subscription funds (pursuant to a share issue completed on 21 March 2024); and 4. ~$500,000 Tranche 2 Placement subscription funds subject to shareholder approval on 23 April 2024. Acquisition of the remaining 66.7% interest in the Simandou North Iron Project During the March 2024 Quarter, Arrow completed the acquisition of the remaining 66.7% interest in Amalgamated Minerals Pte. Ltd ("Amalgamated"), which holds the Simandou North Iron Project, taking the Company's legal and beneficial interest to 100% (refer ASX Announcements of 13 and 27 March 2024 for further details) ("Amalgamated Acquisition"). The $2,000,000 payment to the vendors at completion of the Amalgamated Acquisition forms part of the intended use of proceeds referred to in the Company's $10,000,000 capital raising announced on 13 March 2024. Board restructure completed in February 2024 Effective from 15 February 2024, following shareholder approval of the second tranche of the Placement announced in December 2023 and other resolutions, as previously announced, experienced director, Jeff Dowling was appointed Non-Executive Chair and Mr David Flanagan was appointed Managing Director. Former Chair, Mr Tommy McKeith became a Non-Executive Director and Mr Alwyn Vorster remains as Non-Executive Director. To view the Full Quarterly Report, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/O11Z0CG8 About Arrow Minerals Ltd Arrow Minerals Ltd (ASX:AMD) is an exploration and development company focused on delivering long-term shareholder value through the discovery of economic mineral deposits in West Africa. The Company has implemented a systematic science-based exploration philosophy whilst remaining commercially nimble to ensure we capture and retain value. Related Companies Mayor Ron Nirenberg listens to Councilman Marc Whyte speak ahead of the City Council's Jan. 14 vote to censure him for his recent arrest. Robin Jerstad District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte listens to discussion during the City Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Mayor Ron Nirenberg is letting Council Member Marc Whyte return to his City Council committee assignments, ending a three-month suspension that followed Whytes arrest on a charge of driving while intoxicated. I removed Councilmember Whyte from Committee work to demonstrate that we take drinking and driving seriously, Nirenberg said in a statement to the San Antonio Express-News. Councilmember Whytes case is working its way through the courts, and I appreciate that he has since been transparent and committed to reconciling his behavior with what we should expect from a member of the Council going forward. Nirenberg told the citys 10 council members on Friday that Whyte could resume his work on the Public Safety, Audit and Economic and Workforce Development committees. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whyte, who represents District 10 on the Northeast Side, said he would attend Tuesdays Public Safety Committee meeting at City Hall. The suspension restricted Whytes ability to shape city policy, which usually winds through City Council committees before going to the full council for approval. While my work for District 10 in promoting public safety, economic prosperity and government transparency never stopped, Im happy that my formal duties as a member of the public safety, economic development and audit committees have now resumed, he said in a text message. Ill continue to work tirelessly for District 10 and the City of San Antonio to make sure we are the best city we can be. In January, City Council censured him for his actions the night of Dec. 29, a reprimand that carried no penalties. The resolution, which passed 10-0, states that Whytes actions and pending DWI charge have negatively impacted his and the City Councils ability to conduct its business. In his comments to council ahead of the vote, Whyte characterized his censure as a broader statement against drinking and driving, downplaying his own DWI arrest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A few days after Whytes arrest, he and his chief of staff, Raul Ubides, were fretting over the possibility of Whyte getting kicked off of his council committees, according to text messages obtained by the Express-News through an open records request. Has Ron said anything to you? Ubides asked Whyte within a week of his arrest. No, Whyte responded. We talked briefly but he didnt say much. Hopefully we dont get stripped of committee appointments, Ubides said. When Nirenbergs decision came down on Jan. 11, Whyte insisted that it would not have any effect on his work for the district. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whytes predecessor in District 10, Clayton Perry, also was stripped of committee assignments after he drunkenly drove his Jeep Rubicon into a Honda Civic and fled the scene on the North Side in November 2022. But Nirenberg never opted to reinstate Perry in the final six months that he served on City Council. Perry, a three-term incumbent, decided in February last year not to run for reelection. He was handed one year of probation in April as part of a plea deal. He also was ordered to pay $500 and perform 24 hours of community service. Then-District 1 Council Member Mario Bravo was stripped of his assignments for less than three months in 2022 after a verbal outburst involving then-Council Member Ana Sandoval. When he returned to his committee work, Bravo was placed on committees separate from Sandoval, who was his former romantic partner. Whytes case In late February, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that Whytes blood alcohol concentration was 0.089 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. DWI is defined in the Texas Penal Code as driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. Its a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail. Advertisement Article continues below this ad DPS suspended Whytes license after his arrest. He appealed to the state Office of Administrative Hearings, but presiding Administrative Law Judge Melissa Ricard ruled last month that DPS could suspend Whytes license for 180 days. A six-month suspension is the standard for someone who, like Whyte, refused to take a breath test or have their blood drawn voluntarily for a blood alcohol analysis. Whyte, 43, was issued an occupational license, so he is able to continue driving to council-related activities. Devin McCroy, an officer with the San Antonio Police Departments DWI unit, pulled over the council member just after 11 p.m. on Dec. 29. In a police affidavit, the officer said hed observed Whyte speeding and changing lanes without signaling on a Northeast Loop 410 frontage road near San Antonio International Airport. Advertisement Article continues below this ad McCroy said in a recent hearing on the status of Whytes drivers license that Whyte asked to speak with the citys police chief the night of his arrest. Whyte said he didnt recall making that request. Youanmi New Lithium Anomaly Penny East Perth, April 15, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Venus Metals Corporation Limited ( ASX:VMC ) is pleased to provide an update on the regional exploration results at its Youanmi Lithium Project regarding recent soil geochemical surveys conducted at Penny East on tenement E57/1128 (Venus 100% all commodities), located 20km Northeast from the Company's Deep South Lithium Project (ASX release 25 March 2024) and 10km east from the Penny West Gold Mine (Ramelius Resources Ltd ASX:RMS ). This tenement was selected for its prospectivity for gold and base metal mineralisation (refer ASX release 31May 2022) but the recent exploration highlights its lithium potential. Summary - Distinct lithium soil anomalies (greater than of equal to110ppm Li2O, up to 182ppm Li2O) identified from 200m and 50m spaced ultrafine (UF) soil sampling programme over an area previously mapped as granite but with little or no bedrock outcrop. The main geochemical anomaly is 800m long and up to 600m wide. A second 800m wide anomaly is open to the north. - Based on the interpretation of aeromagnetic imagery, the soil anomalies are located adjacent to an intrusive body within a northwest-southeast trending shear zone that contains rafts of greenstone rocks. The shear zone is considered to be a splay from the regionally important Youanmi Fault Zone located 8km to the west. - The exploration results appear to support geological models for a regional fault control on the intrusion of Lithium-rich pegmatites/granites. Lithium soil anomalies and/or lithium mineralisation have now been reported from several localities east of the Youanmi Fault Zone over a strike length of over 30km. - An urgent programme of follow-up field sampling and shallow drilling at Penny East is being prepared to coincide with planned exploration at the Company's Deep South Lithium Deposit where recent drilling returned 24m @1.71% Li2O, including 14m @ 2.54% Li2O (refer ASX release 25 March 2024). As part of the Company's regional exploration of the Youanmi tenements, a soil geochemistry sampling programme was conducted over selected areas on tenement E57/1128 (Venus 100% all commodities). An initial programme of 50m spaced UF soil samples along north-south lines targeted priority areas identified in previous geophysical interpretations of the area (Figure 2*; refer ASX release 31 May 2022). The results showed clear anomalous lithium values for the Penny East area which were followed-up with additional UF sampling on a 200m x 200m grid (Figure 2*). From regional studies and detailed studies at the Company's Deep South Lithium Prospect, UF soil assays over 110ppm Li2O are considered anomalous (refer ASX release 29 January 2024). Venus Managing Director Matthew Hogan commented: "The Venus Metals exploration team have been systematically targeting lithium prospects across our wholly owned Youanmi Lithium Project by utilising modern geochemistry, geophysics and drilling. With the emergence of Penny East, and the previous announcements by Rox Resources Ltd of extensive lithium soil anomalies south from the Deep South Prospect, there are now reported lithium anomalies or mineralisation over about 30km of strike of the Youanmi Fault Zone. The recent success in identifying high-grade lithium in our maiden drilling at the Deep South Prospect has provided validation in our geological modelling which suggests the Youanmi Lithium Project may host a district-scale system of lithium-rich pegmatites. We eagerly anticipate drilling and field work at both Deep South and Penny East to further advance these exciting discoveries". *To view figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/3P0AX003 About Venus Metals Corporation Limited Venus Metals Corporation Limited (ASX:VMC) is a West Australian based Company with a focus on gold, base metals, vanadium and lithium exploration projects. The Company aims to increase shareholder value through targeted exploration success on its projects. The Company's major gold project is the Youanmi Gold Mine, located 500km north-east of Perth. The Youanmi Gold Mine is now jointly owned by Venus Metals (30%) and Rox Resources Limited (70%); Indicated and Inferred Resource of the mine is in excess of 3 million ounces of gold. Related Companies East Coast Research Report Perth, April 15, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Led by lithium pioneer, Iggy Tan, Lithium Universe Limited ( ASX:LU7 ) has gathered a big team of lithium industry experts with proven experience and a track record of successfully constructing and commissioning lithium projects on time and budget. The team consists of mainly former Galaxy Resources executives who successfully built and commissioned the world-class Mt Cattlin Spodumene Concentrator in Western Australia and the Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate Refinery in China. Drawing on its expertise, LU7's Dream Team is working on closing the massive gap in downstream lithium processing in North America by building a 16,000 tpa Lithium Carbonate Refinery in Quebec, Canada, in the first stage and then building a spodumene concentrator in the same region in the second stage. The company has also acquired multiple highly prospective lithium and REE exploration assets in tier 1 mining jurisdictions of Canada and Australia in proximity to existing significant discoveries. The company is rapidly progressing with completing a DFS for its Quebec Lithium Carbonate Refinery Project. We initiate coverage on Lithium Universe ( ASX:LU7 ) with a 12-month target price of $0.053 - representing a 151.7% upside from the current share price of $0.021. Led by lithium pioneer, Iggy Tan, Lithium Universe has gathered a big team of lithium industry experts with proven experience and a track record of successfully constructing and commissioning lithium projects on time and on budget. Drawing on its expertise, LU7's Dream Team is working on closing the massive gap in downstream lithium processing in North America by building a 16,000 tpa Lithium Carbonate Refinery in Quebec, for which the company is rapidly completing a DFS. China's dominance over the lithium supply chain is a threat to the West China has been securing its supply of raw lithium materials by acquiring numerous lithium mines around the globe as well as developing its domestic lithium resources. China also hosts nearly 60% of the world's lithium refining capacity for batteries, underscoring its predominant position in the lithium supply chain. The United States and its allies are worried China could exploit its control over lithium processing when Western automakers need refined lithium to power the switch to EVs. In response, the Western governments have come up with policies and strategic plans to support the expansion of their lithium refining capacities. However, the biggest challenge here is a lack of expertise that has led to a series of recent failures and delayed startups in the sector. This is where LU7's Dream Team shines with its proven track record of successfully constructing and commissioning such projects. LU7 to build a Lithium Carbonate Refinery in Quebec, Canada LU7 is planning to replicate the Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate Refinery, using the same engineering manager (Hatch) and the key executives who built the world-class Jiangsu Refinery, therefore minimising the execution risks associated with the project. The company is completing a DFS for the project and has already finalised the Refinery's flow sheet design. It has also secured prime industrial land with existing infrastructure in Quebec for its Refinery. Canadian federal and provincial governments have assigned a substantial budget to assist with the expansion of the country's EV industry. With a significant downstream lithium processing gap in North America and given Canada's rapidly expanding EV industry and the current reliance on Chinese lithium processing capacity, we anticipate substantial support from Canadian governments as well as large industry players in the region for LU7's Lithium Carbonate Refinery Project. Valuation range of A$0.047-0.058 per share We have valued LU7 at A$0.047 per share in a base-case scenario and A$0.058 per share in a bull-case scenario using an NPV-based valuation approach. Our target price range is solely based on the Quebec Lithium Carbonate Refinery Project. It does not include the value of LU7's multiple prospective exploration assets or its Spodumene Concentrator Project in Quebec. Our mid-point target price of A$0.053 represents a significant valuation headroom to the current price. The key risks to our investment thesis include commodity price, market, exchange rate, execution, and funding risks. Behzad Golmohammadi, the lead analyst on this report, is an equity research analyst at Shares in Value (East Coast Research). - Behzad has a bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial) and a master's degree in Applied Finance (Investing) from Sydney Business School, where he was the top performer in his cohort. He has also passed the first two levels of the CFA Program. - Behzad has several years of experience working as an Equity Research Analyst and Technical Analyst in Australia and overseas and has a broad knowledge of ASX-listed companies. Combining his technical background in engineering with his financial analysis skills has allowed him to establish himself as a resources analyst, also capable of analysing companies in a variety of other industries. *To view the full East Coast Research Report, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/312SDD28 About Lithium Universe Ltd Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Universe team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited. Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe's mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects. Related Companies Heritage Surveys Over Andover North and South Completed Perth, April 16, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Raiden Resources Limited ( ASX:RDN ) ( YM4:FRA ) is pleased to announce the archaeological/anthropological heritage survey, with the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation ("NAC"), over its Andover North and Andover South Project areas (E47/3849, P47/2028, E47/4063, E47/4603, E47/4062 and E47/4063) has been completed. Highlights - The heritage surveys over the Andover North and Andover South projects have been completed - Both surveys were completed on schedule and within the budget - Company is waiting for preliminary reports for both projects, with final reports following Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation ("NAC") approval - Drill program timetable to be outlined as soon as final reports are received Mr Dusko Ljubojevic, Managing Director of Raiden commented: "With both surveys over Andover North and South completed, we look forward to receiving the preliminary reports from the consultants. As soon as we have the final reports of the survey, management will provide a drill commencement plan, timetable and finalise all contractor engagements". The Andover South Heritage Survey commenced on the 25 March 2024 over the Company's priority lithium-bearing pegmatite targets at the Andover South Project area comprising tenements (E47/4061 & E47/4062). The heritage survey encompasses areas where Raiden has defined priority targets for drilling over the high-grade lithium-bearing pegmatites at Andover South. The Heritage Survey on the Andover North Lithium Project comprising tenements (E47/3849, P47/2028, E47/4063 & E47/4603) commenced in early April. On receipt of the final NCA approved report, management will finalise all drill contractor engagement and will provide a timeline in regard to planned drill program. *To view figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/4665Z24I About Raiden Resources Limited Raiden Resources Limited (ASX:RDN) (DAX:YM4) is a dual listed exploration and development company which is advancing the Mt Sholl Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-Palladium deposit in the Pilbara. The Company's portfolio host metals and commodities considered critical for the energy and electrification revolution. Related Companies In this exclusive interview with Adgully, we delve into the insights and strategies of Taranjeet Singh, Managing Director, APAC Venture Markets, Criteo. With a focus on Indias burgeoning market and the evolving landscape of commerce media, Taranjeet Singh shares valuable perspectives on current business operations, growth strategies, and the future trajectory of AI adoption in retail. Could you throw some light on the current business operations in India? For us, India is a strategic market, and we continue to invest since we established our operations in 2016. We work with various clients and partners across e-commerce and retail sectors. We recognize the tremendous potential and growth of the India market, and are excited to be part of this rapidly evolving landscape as more and more Indians turn to digital channels for their shopping needs. You know, it is crucial for brands and retailers to have a strong presence in the commerce media space. India is an ever-growing and strategically important market. And thats why weve been continuously investing in our operations and building our business a little bit. What are the strategies for growth in India? In terms of our strategies, were focused on investing across the entire marketing funnel. Our commerce media platform supports brands and marketers in achieving various goals, whether it is driving awareness, acquiring new customers, retaining existing ones, or even retargeting. In the retail media space, were collaborating with emerging players, acting as a trusted partner to help them develop monetization strategies. For instance, weve partnered with Flipkart to assist in monetizing their offsite inventory, and were working with numerous other players in the retail media sphere to foster growth. Our overarching strategy revolves around embracing an Omni-channel approach, particularly crucial given the evolving retail landscape in India. With the Indian retail sector increasingly drawing global attention and many international brands establishing their first stores in the country, having a comprehensive Omni-channel strategy is paramount. Additionally, Indias unique market dynamics see digital-first businesses expanding into physical retail, while traditional retailers are venturing into the online space. This dynamism underscores the importance of adapting to the evolving digital ecosystem across commerce and media. What were some of the key findings from The Great Defrag Report, and how do they impact the advertising landscape? Criteo conducted a survey across 1,000 brands, agencies, retailers, and publishers. Titled The Great Defrag: how commerce media will unite advertising in 2024, the report found that 85% of brands and agencies globally agree that the ability to drive upper-funnel brand awareness is growing stronger. Retail media, particularly sponsored products, historically seen as a lower-funnel tactic, now targets retailers audiences across the open web, enabling marketers to engage shoppers further up the funnel. Retail media is now seen as driving across the funnel, not just lower-funnel metrics. Four out of 10 brands and five out of 10 agencies plan to spend more on retail media off-site to achieve their 2024 objectives. Currently, 56% of brands and 47% of agencies globally are investing in retail media on-site and off-site, while another 24% of brands and 25% of agencies are investing only on-site but plan to expand to off-site in the future. And, 50% of publishers globally prioritize building long-term partnerships with brands, agencies, and retailers to earn new revenue by enabling first-party audience activation on-site and accessing unique shopping data. A third of retailers globally (31%) say forming new partnerships will be much more important as a marketing objective in 2024 compared to 2023, and 34% of brands globally agree. Regarding the open web, 37% of brands and agencies plan to spend more, while 47% will spend the same as they have in the past. Audience behaviour shows that 60% spend more time on the open web than in closed environments, indicating potential for increased advertising spending. Layering retail media off-site on top of on-site efforts can significantly increase sales. Shoppers exposed to both on-site and off-site ads are five times more likely to convert on the retailers site compared to those who only saw a sponsored ad. 58% of brands and 51% of agencies are interested in seeing other verticals beyond retail, such as airlines, hotels, and financial services, create retail media-like offerings. 45% of brands and agencies plan to achieve their 2024 objectives by investing in non-retail verticals that offer similar first-party data and targeting features as retail media. What opportunities does the whitepaper highlight for advertisers and retailers in the context of Commerce Media? If we consider the trends, it is evident that AI will continue to revolutionize marketing landscapes. Generative AI is likely to be used for hyper-personalized messaging, images, and video creatives, leveraging current natural language processing models. AI will further transform performance optimization by developing deep learning models, advancing towards foundational commerce models. These AI-driven models will find new applications in bidding recommendations, pricing, revenue forecasting, and other areas, becoming essential co-pilots for budget execution and media planning. Performance marketers will harness the power of data for personalized reporting and granular personalization. Retail media networks will move towards standardization as retailers recognize the value of their first-party data and consumer relationships. Early adopters of these networks will experience exponential growth, amplifying their impact on the advertising landscape. This evolution will open doors to new opportunities for retailers and brand partners, including off-site and physical store retail media. Standardization efforts will streamline operations, enhance transparency, and facilitate interactions across various retail media networks, fostering a more comprehensive and accessible ecosystem. Another significant trend is the convergence of physical stores and e-commerce into a seamless shopping experience. The integration of digital and physical advertising will provide enhanced value for customers. Digital displays in physical stores will enable retailers to offer personalized, in-the-moment messaging to shoppers, showcasing brand partners and new products. This convergence presents a win-win situation for retailers seeking to expand their networks and brands aiming to reach new consumers while retaining existing ones. Overall, these trends signify significant shifts in the marketing landscape. How does Criteo plan to leverage the findings from this whitepaper to drive innovation and collaboration in the advertising industry? We excel at serving content at the perfect moment, optimizing for the best results, all powered by advanced AI algorithms. These algorithms analyze real-time data from over 700 million daily active users, encompassing almost 4.2 billion product queues and over 3,700 product categories. As the engine learns from real shopper behaviour, it continuously adapts to clients campaign objectives, driving predictive bidding and smarter campaign goals. It provides product recommendations tailored to each shopper. Our DCO+, an advanced dynamic creative optimization technology, includes a lookalike finder, identifying similar users who resemble existing customers. The Criteo AI Lab, located in Paris, serves as a center of excellence for creation, experimentation, and large-scale deployment of machine learning technology, particularly in commerce. The AI lab operates with two main goals: applied research and academic contributions. Scientists collaborate closely with product engineering counterparts to deliver cutting-edge solutions and are encouraged to publish their work, collaborate with academic partners, and file patents. We are a leading tech partner for brands leveraging our technology; publishers seeking to monetize their audiences and inventories, and retailers aim to create new revenue streams. In terms of addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities within the retail sector, our full product offerings include: Commerce Growth: Driving performance for brands. Driving performance for brands. Commerce Yield: A retail media platform enabling retailers to monetize their inventory. A retail media platform enabling retailers to monetize their inventory. Commerce Max: A self-serve demand-side platform providing access to retail media inventory on-site and across premium publishers off-site. A self-serve demand-side platform providing access to retail media inventory on-site and across premium publishers off-site. Commerce Grid: A supply-side platform curating audiences for retailers to monetize across their inventory. These offerings cater to the entire digital ecosystem, providing solutions for publishers, retailers, brands, and agencies alike. What do you see as the future trajectory of AI adoption in retail, and how is Criteo positioned to lead in this space? With our AI continually evolving and enhancing its capabilities, Im confident in Criteos position and future prospects. We are committed to providing some of the best AI solutions globally, and we strive to ensure that our technology remains at the forefront of innovation. I believe strongly in our ability to assist our retail partners in leveraging our capabilities and technology to grow their audience monetization efforts. As we look ahead, I see vast opportunities for us to collaborate and drive success together, paving the way for a prosperous future across the retail landscape. In a strategic move to bolster its market leadership and innovation in spine care, ANSSI Wellness, the preeminent name in non-invasive spine treatments across Asia and the Middle East, proudly onboards Vikram Kharvi as Strategic Investor and Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). With an illustrious career spanning over 27 years in integrated marketing communications, Kharvi brings a wealth of expertise to ANSSI Wellness, setting the stage for an ambitious brand evolution and expansion strategy. Leveraging the pioneering non-surgical spinal decompression technology, ANSSI Wellness has revolutionized spine care since its inception in 2019, successfully evading surgery in over 6000 cases through its network of more than 17 clinics in India and Dubai. Vikrams appointment underscores the brand's commitment to extending its leadership in providing innovative, effective, and safe spine care solutions. The introduction of Kharvi aims to further this legacy, leveraging his extensive experience and deep understanding of brand building and strategic communication. Dinesh Dalvi, Founder of ANSSI Wellness, expressed his enthusiasm about Vikrams joining: "We are at a pivotal moment in our journey, poised for greater heights. I have known Vikram from our MBA days; I strongly believe Vikram's visionary leadership and proven expertise in integrated communications is exactly what ANSSI Wellness needs to propel its mission forward. His role will be crucial in enhancing our brand's presence and ensuring our life-transforming services reach more people in need." Prior to his new role at ANSSI Wellness, Vikram Kharvi honed his expertise at India's premier public relations firm, Adfactors PR as Senior Vice President. Vikram was associated with Adfactors PR for around 14 years in two different stints. His extensive background also includes significant contribution to Tata Housing, Sampark PR, The Resort, and the Indian Express Group, alongside his entrepreneurial success in maritime publishing. Vikram's philosophy of impactful and purpose-driven communication perfectly aligns with ANSSI Wellness's ethos of excellence and innovation in spine care. Reflecting on his new role, Kharvi expressed, "I am thrilled to step into my role at ANSSI Wellness, a pioneering brand in non-invasive spine treatment, and to contribute to a mission that enhances life quality. ANSSI stands at the forefront of an exciting opportunity to serve humanity, and I am eager to apply my experience towards crafting impactful marketing strategies to broaden our reach. Working alongside the visionary co-founders, Dinesh Dalvi, Sumed Sthul, and Vidya Zilpe, is an opportunity I value deeply. Their commitment to liberating Indians from back and neck pain is not only admirable but proven through the rapid expansion to 17 clinics in under five years. Together, we aim to lead in delivering holistic spine care solutions, making a significant difference in people's lives." Vikram's appointment is a testament to ANSSI Wellness commitment to excellence and its vision for a future where effective and accessible spine care solutions are available to all. His leadership is expected to drive significant advancements in the brands marketing efforts, enhancing its ability to reach and positively impact the lives of individuals suffering from spinal disorders. Awshad, a pioneering medical cannabis wellness startup, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest innovation, Myndshroom. Representing the companys debut in the nutraceutical category, Myndshroom is poised to revolutionize brain health and function with its unique blend of potent ingredients. Myndshroom stands as Awshad's flagship product for 2024, embodying Awshads commitment to excellence and wellness. Crafted as a premium non-prescription health supplement, Myndshroom is meticulously formulated with a blend of functional mushrooms including Lions Mane and Cordyceps, alongside the renowned L-theanine, delivering a powerful boost to cognitive function and mental clarity. Shivam Singhee, CEO of Awshad said- "In India, discussions about brain health are often overlooked. Our mushroom blend capsules aim to change that narrative by offering a natural solution for enhanced cognition, focus, and energy. It's about time we prioritize mental wellness and empower individuals to achieve peak performance. We are very excited for this new launch and we hope the consumers see some great results!" Ms. Richa Jaggi, Co-Founder & CMO at Awshad said- "With Myndshroom, Awshad aims to shift the conversation around brain health in India. We are seeing more cases of adult ADHD and other brain-related ailments coming up on the daily. Our blend of Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and L-theanine used in Myndshroom offers superior brain performance, stress reduction, mood regulation, and enhanced focus, making it an essential addition to any wellness regimen." Myndshroom is specifically designed to cater to a diverse audience, including students seeking improved focus, high-functioning executives navigating demanding workloads, athletes aiming for peak performance, and individuals at high risk of cognitive decline such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Additionally, Myndshroom appeals to the burgeoning community of functional mushroom enthusiasts, offering a convenient and effective means of incorporating these superfoods into their daily routine. Key Features of Myndshroom: Cordyceps Militaris 150mg per capsule Lions Mane 150mg per capsule L-theanine 150mg per capsule Moreover, Myndshroom is a non-CBD product with an FSSAI license, ensuring its compliance with regulatory standards, and eliminating the need for a prescription, thus providing consumers with easy accessibility and peace of mind. Harnessing the power of nature and science, Myndshroom offers a range of benefits including stress reduction, mood regulation, and enhanced mental focus, all without inducing sedative effects, making it an indispensable addition to any wellness regimen. Myndshroom will be available through various sales channels, including Awshad.com, and premium wellness marketplaces online, and select extra-premium wellness and food stores offline Indias prestigious men's brand Denver, has launched an inspiring extension of their success campaign featuring megastar and brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan. In an era where achievements often overshadow virtues, this campaign inspires a paradigm shift, redefining success beyond mere accomplishments. The brand film delivers a poignant message through a simple yet powerful narrative. Bollywood Badshah, Shahrukh Khan is prominently known as G O A T (Greatest of all times) and true icon of success. As a self-made man, who had come from a humble background has redefined all measures of success. Centering around him, as a symbol of humility and empathy, the film emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect regardless of their societal status. Through his dialogue, "Insaan chota ya bada apni soch se hota hai (a persons thinking decides their place in society), success should not go to your head," Shah Rukh encourages viewers to reflect on their own attitudes towards others and to embrace a mindset of equality and compassion. Overall, the brand film effectively redefines how successful people let their aura (scent) speak of their achievements while staying humble. Saurabh Gupta, MD & CEO, Hamilton Sciences Private Limited said, "As a brand committed to enhancing lives through fragrance, we believe in the power of success intertwined with humility. With this campaign, we aim to spark conversations that remind individuals that true success is marked by kindness, and empathy. Shah Rukh Khan, who is the epitome of success and modesty, is the right fit to deliver our brand message. Like our fragrances, success is not about showing off but about embracing everyone with grace." Shah Rukh Khan has been associated with deodorant brand Denver as its brand ambassador for seven years. Over the years, the brand has emerged as the most preferred fragrance in the country. It further envisions evolving into an all-encompassing grooming brand for men over the next few years. Denver, as a brand, embodies the essence of a real man. Rooted in the virtues of gentleness and humility, Denver stands as a testament to hard work and authenticity. A true Denver man is not defined merely by his strength or achievements but by his character and values. Just as Denver has consistently supported and reflected the personality of its wearer, the brand itself upholds the qualities of a genuine gentleman: kind-hearted yet determined, modest yet ambitious. In a world that often celebrates superficiality, Denver remains committed to celebrating the depth and integrity of the modern man. The house of Christopher Preciado, 19, and his parents, Ramon Preciado, 53, and Myrta Romanos, 47, is going up for sale. Police say Christopher Preciado killed Savannah Soto, her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, and their unborn child in December and that his parents helped him hide their bodies. Greg Jefferson/Staff The house of Christopher Preciado, 19, and his parents, Ramon Preciado, 53, and Myrta Romanos, 47, is going up for sale. Police say Christopher Preciado killed Savannah Soto, her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, and their unborn child in December and that his parents helped him hide their bodies. Greg Jefferson/Staff The home of a San Antonio man and his parents, who have been arrested in connection with the deaths of pregnant teen Savannah Soto, her boyfriend and their unborn baby, is going up for sale. The Northwest Side house at 5735 Charlie Chan was the home of Christopher Preciado, 19; Preciados father, Ramon, 53; and his mother, Myrta Romanos, 47. Christopher Preciado is accused of killing Soto, 18, who was nine months pregnant at the time, and her 22-year-old boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, in December. He is facing charges of capital murder-multiple persons, capital murder-child under 10 and capital murder-underlying robbery. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ramon Preciado and Romanos were charged with multiple counts of altering, destroying or concealing human remains, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. Police say Preciado killed Soto and Guerra during a botched drug deal and that his parents helped him hide the bodies. The home is less than three minutes away from where Sotos and Guerras bodies were found. A for sale sign was placed outside the house, indicating it would be up for sale soon. Keller Williams Realty confirmed the official listing would be available Thursday. As of Monday morning, the company could not provide an asking price. The sale comes nearly four months after Soto was declared missing Christmas weekend. Family members grew worried after she did not show up to the hospital where she was scheduled to be induced. A day after Christmas, Sotos and Guerras bodies were found inside an abandoned car parked at an apartment complex in the 5900 block of Danny Kaye Drive on the Northwest Side. Both had been killed by a gunshot wound to the head, according to the medical examiner. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to an arrest affidavit, Christopher Preciado told police that Soto and Guerra went to his home on Charlie Chan Drive to sell him marijuana. He said Guerra pointed a gun at him during the sale and that Guerra and Soto were shot while he was wrestling with Guerra for the weapon, according to the affidavit. But police say that story is inconsistent with Sotos and Guerras gunshot wounds. Sophie Raine, previously the managing director of consumer brands at Ketchum London, has taken on the role of managing director at Havas Red in London. With four years of experience leading UK consumer PR at Ketchum UK and prior experience as the deputy managing director at W Communications, Raine brings a wealth of expertise to her new position. In her new role, Raine will oversee the growth, new business initiatives, and overall client experience at Havas Red's London office. She will report directly to Rachael Sansom, the Europe and UK chief executive, and will collaborate with prominent clients such as American Express and Jaguar Land Rover. Raine's appointment follows the departure of Richard Clarke, who is transitioning to a new role within the Havas Creative Group in Australia. Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Raine emphasized the vibrant atmosphere within Havas Red and the broader Havas Village in London. She praised the agency's achievements since its establishment in 2019 and highlighted her alignment with the team's dedication to the craft of earned media. Additionally, Raine's involvement with the Women in PR committee over the past three years and her recognition as one of Campaign's 40 over 40 in 2023 underscore her industry leadership. Rachael Sansom commended Raine's appointment, noting her outstanding qualifications and proven track record. While bidding farewell to Richard Clarke, Sansom expressed confidence in Raine's ability to lead the next phase of Havas Red's growth in the UK. Sansom herself was promoted to her current role in October the previous year. Havas Red was established in 2019 through the merger of Havas PR in the UK with counterparts in the US and Australia's Red Agency. With 23 offices worldwide, including nine in Europe, Havas Red has positioned itself as a significant player in the global agency landscape. Havells India Limited, a leading Fast-Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) Company launched a new campaign, showcasing its commitment to catering to the dynamic consumer requirements with its technologically advanced, energy efficient, and designer range of fans. Havells rolls its latest BLDC+ fan range, showcasing innovative features targeting aspirations of tech savvy consumers: Albus an elegantly crafted MDF wooden blades with reversible designs, this fan enhances any room's ambiance with mood-setting underlighting and dimming capabilities. Control is seamless with an all-encompassing RF remote, offering breeze and sleep modes, plus a timer for ultimate convenience. Stealth Voice revolutionizes your space with Indias first voice-controlled fan no need for WiFi, internet, or smartphone connections. Experience unmatched silence and efficiency with a 245 cmm air delivery at just 40 W power consumption. Crista, elevates smart home living with its IoT integration, allowing for seamless control via the Havells Sync app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant, and is complemented by a telescopic canopy for automatic adjustment with ceiling height and dust-resistant blades. Florette has adaptive comfort with its Smartsense mode, automatically adjusting fan speed in response to room humidity and temperature, for an effortlessly optimized environment. Elio UL BLDC+ embrace minimalist elegance with this sleek fan, consuming only 28 Watts. Available in a variety of colors including mist pearl white, matt black, and pinewood finishes. The brand resonates with the thought that whenever the consumer felt the need to experience something new from their fans, they have looked up to Havells, a brand that has always delivered industry best experience. It celebrates the idea of As much as you look up to us, we look up to you (for inspiration). These fans represent more than just technological excellence; they are a symbol of inspiration, drawing from the very needs and desires of the consumers. Havells BLDC+ campaign, conceptualised by Mullen Lowe Lintas, the campaign is a montage of everyday moments, that encapsulates the journey beautifully, giving a unique touch to the product storytelling. It brings the 'technology and innovation' narrative to life, highlighting the advanced features of Havells fans. The ad film aims to showcase how each innovation is a step forward in responding to the customers' evolving needs, reinforcing Havells commitment to excellence and leadership in the fan category. Talking about the campaign, Mr Deepak Bansal, Executive Vice President, Havells India, said, Havells continues to be a trusted name, maintaining a strong presence in the fan category through relentless progression and a focus on driving innovation. Our new range BLDC+ fans epitomize the culmination of technology with aesthetics which are the major evolving key buying factor of a consumer. From introducing smart sense technology to designing aesthetically superior fans, Havells has pioneered innovative solutions fans to enhance the customer experience. Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Rohit Kapoor, EVP Brand Marcom, Havells India said, Innovation is the cornerstone of our journey at Havells, driven by a deep understanding and anticipation of our consumers' needs. Through our persistent efforts, Havells has emerged as the brand of choice for many. Our latest BLDC+ campaign is a testament to our enduring commitment to telling compelling stories that resonate with our audience. It underscores how Havells fans have been instrumental in meeting the evolving demands of our customers. We believe that this campaign, with its compelling narrative will not only celebrate our brand's heritage but also further solidify Havells' position as a leader in the fan category. Talking about the campaign, Mr. Ram Cobain, Chief Creative Officer, Mullen Lintas, said, By their very nature, ceiling fans make us look up to them. Our campaign shows how Havells has instead, always looked up to its consumers and sought inspiration from their lives. Every fan is so much more than just a fan; it is an empath, an enabler, and a friend. Our is a range film with heart technology in true service of unsaid human desires, warm, intuitive and beyond the utilitarian. The brand has tied up with Vikrant Massey, Aditi Rao Hydari and Mamta Mohan Das to promote the range as key digital influencers. The 360-degree campaign is live and promoted across all mediums Television, Digital, influencer marketing, Outdoor, BTL and retail visibility. It will be aired during the IPL series on star sports, major GEC, movie, news, and regional channels across the country. Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), through its holistic art programs including Art for Hope & Artisan Fests, has consistently provided a common platform for artists across the diverse tapestry of India to showcase regional art forms. HMIF announced its art projects have touched lives of over 25,000 artists and art collectives across 27 States in India, through investments in excess of 5.8 crores. HMIFs flagship Art for Hope project, has also awarded collective grants of 1.05 crore to 100 plus beneficiaries. Sharing the impact of HMIFs art programs, Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head, Corporate Affairs, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, Hyundai is committed towards playing a key role in Indias holistic growth. Under Hyundais global CSR philosophy of CONTINUE we have been giving back to the society with various initiatives under the pillars of Earth, Mobility and Hope. Our dedicated art programs have been holistic change-makers in the national art space. Through our art programs, including Art for Hope and Artisan Fest, we are fortunate to have reached out to over 25,000 artists. Our dedication to the Indian art community remains unwavering. Hyundai Motor India Foundation has invested over 5.8 crores towards reviving lost art-forms of India, till date. HMIFs flagship, art CSR program, Art for Hope has awarded grants of 1.05 crore to 100 plus artists and art collectives. Art for Hope program has continued to inspire positivity and growth, documenting the journey of Progress for Humanity for Indias diverse art creators. This inclusive program has been a key enabler for artists from various domains, who are undiscovered, need support to carry on their art form, and in need of a larger platform. I am hopeful, HMIFs art programs will support and promote Indias rich and storied heritage of arts, craft and culture. Puneet, added. Art for Hope: Uniting diverse art forms Launched in 2021, Art for Hope has reached every state in India. In the last three years, HMIF has consistently been dedicated to promoting art and culture. While all beneficiaries have contributed significantly in their respective fields, a few stories truly stand out: Miriam Koshy, Earthvist Collective | Goa An Earthvist Collective response to the onslaught of ecological wounds to save Goas natural coast guards, the Mangroves. It was key to harmoniously sustaining the farmer and the fishermen in earning their livelihood via what is considered Goas staple - fish, curry and rice. The Earthvist Collective's first project, Aamche Mangrove was conceived to increase sensitisation towards the importance of Mangroves for Goas ecosystem and spark social conversation on the importance of conservation of mangroves. As an intervention, Earthvist created a spiral installation of prayer flags made of gauze, entitled Mangrave: (En)circling the Loss. Their installation calls out the loss of mangroves by draping the central spiral of skeletal trees (of lost mangroves) with prayer flags in red. A documentary on the installation supported by HMIFs Art for Hope grant, aims to create awareness and act as an agent of change against the widespread destruction. This project received widespread attention from all corners of the community. Tapan Moharana | Odisha Tapan Mohaana is an Odiya artist, who has effectively engaged and collaborated with communities most deeply affected by the adverse effects of the nature-culture divide. Tapans work often utilizes miniature-sized, toy like sculptural objects. His works are an amalgamation of various local and indigenous art forms like shadow play and shadow theatre. Sunset in the Eastern Land, his active art installation, showcased at HMIFs Art for Hope exhibition, examines how changes in the landscape have political impact on society, and how these changes relate to mythological stories about nature and god, depicted through a traditional shadow puppetry art form of Ravanachhaya. As a reflection of the impact his art has, Tapan has been a part of prestigious residency programs including Pro-Helvetica (Swiss Arts Council) scholarship. Chananji Khan | Rajasthan Chananji Khan belongs to Manganiyar community of Rajasthan, with a 100 year old legacy of playing the Surmandal instrument. The traditional 36 strings lap harp, has been a part of Chananjis family for decades. With dwindling interest in the instrument, Chananji is now the only Surmandal player in a community of over 25,000 persons. For many years, Chananjis Surmandal was the only instrument of its kind in existence. To save the legacy, Chananji and his sons are tirelessly working to preserve this lost art form on the verge of extinction. Today, with HMIF support and widespread awareness, this dying art form has been well recognised. His family and he created new instruments, which they now use to train people from distant villages. Tarun Sharma | New Delhi Tarun Sharma, a visual artist currently living and working in New Delhi, practices art through drawings, paintings, mezzotint prints, woodcut prints and installations. He is also one of the first SEED Awardees (2021), from Prince Claus Funds, Netherlands. The common thread of his art is empathy. From documenting lives of people living helplessly on the streets of Delhi without food or shelter, to his current work that revolves around problems faced by animals in metro cities in an ever-growing urban jungle, Taruns art has made his audience stop, think and evaluate life around them. His art language is actively working towards imbibing a sense of empathy towards society and the environment. Today, Tarun is spreading the art of conscious print-making through various workshops for the community. Tamsin Noronha | Goa Tamsin Noronha, an environment activist and artist, has championed the cause of eradicating plastic waste through beach clean-ups in her home state of Goa. Post beach clean-up drives. Tamsin would take home the waste collected, wash them and create patterns and configuration, sorted by colour. Using the waste, Tamsin would arrange them piece-by-piece to form Goan Azulejo tiles, a common among Goas public spaces. Today, Tamsins artworks have been displayed pan-India and her art and conservation efforts have created significant awareness on the importance of keeping the ecology preserved. Hyundai Motor India Foundation, through its holistic art programs, has provided participants with not only social, emotional and financial support, but a nationwide platform that acts as a springboard for further opportunities. Through its holistic approach, due recognition, an array of upskilling workshops, and mentorship for talented artists and Indian artscape, HMIF is actively driving Progress for Humanity and a brighter future for all. Meta has announced a significant commitment to securing the 2024 global elections. This commitment dwarfs efforts by other tech companies, with Meta deploying a dedicated team of 40,000 individuals and investing over $20 billion in technology specifically designed to safeguard online elections worldwide. This substantial investment underscores Meta's dedication to ensuring the integrity of elections across its platforms. With a robust workforce and cutting-edge technology, the company aims to tackle emerging threats and foster trust in global electoral processes. In a recent statement, Meta, the social media giant behind Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, outlined its specific plans for South Africa's upcoming elections. A dedicated "Elections Operations Center" will be activated to identify and mitigate potential threats in real-time. Additionally, Meta boasts the largest fact-checking network in the country, with partners verifying content accuracy in multiple languages. Meta has also been working directly with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to ensure smooth election conduct. The company has streamlined the process for fact-checkers to identify and verify election-related content, making it easier to identify and address misinformation. To further bolster transparency and participation, Meta will launch "Voter Information Unit" and "Election Day Reminder" features on Facebook and Instagram. These features will provide voters with crucial information and encourage them to exercise their right to vote. Indias foremost advertising event, Goafest 2024 is all set to be held in Mumbai this year instead of its permanent venue of Goa due to the Lok Sabha elections. It is learnt from industry sources that the Goafest committee has been deliberating over the change in venue of the event instead of changing the dates May 29 to 31, 2024. However, after discussions the committee is expected to shorten the duration of Goafest from three days to two days and hold it on May 30 and 31. When Adgully reached out to the Goafest committee member, on condition of anonymity the member said that this year is a special case due to the Lok Sabha elections. Prior to this, the Covid period had disrupted the Goafest event and the festival was not held for two years due to the prevailing circumstances. The member further stated if other important events can be held in Mumbai during the election season, such as the ongoing Indian Premier League, then there is no reason why Goafest also cant be held in Mumbai. However, given the shortness of time and the high cost of venues, it could be a logistical nightmare for the organiser. After a few years of seeing a dip in attendance and participation by the industry, Goafest 2023 saw a great response from the industry. The collaboration with One Show has given the ABBY Awards a more formidable presence among the various industry awards. Given the increased presence of agencies as well as clients at Goafest 2023, the event this year is expected to see an even greater number of delegates. On the plus side, Mumbai is home to Indias advertising industry and being the financial capital of India, holding Goafest 2024 in the metro city could see an even higher presence of the industry, making it a bigger success. Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports Bern, 15.04.2024 - In a few days time President Viola Amherd will travel to Hungary, which will assume the EU Council presidency in the second half of the year. The main topics for discussion at meetings with President Tamas Sulyok, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the Speaker of the National Assembly Laszlo Kover on Friday, 19 April, will include bilateral relations between Switzerland and Hungary, European policy and the security situation in Europe. On Thursday, 18 April, Ms Amherd will give a speech on these topics at Andrassy University in Budapest. The talks with the future EU Council presidency will focus on the ongoing negotiations between Switzerland and the EU. The high-level conference on peace in Ukraine will be a key topic with regard to the security situation in Europe. President Amherd will set out the aims of the conference from the Swiss perspective. Talks are also set to cover bilateral cooperation within the framework of Switzerlands contributions to selected EU member states, including Hungary. Switzerland and Hungary have close historical ties, particularly since taking in around 12,000 refugees following the 1956 uprising. The opportunities and challenges of bilateral economic relations will also be addressed. Switzerland is the fifth largest investor in Hungary and the 900 or so Swiss companies represented in the country have generated almost 30,000 jobs. The volume of trade amounts to CHF 2.6 billion. The programme of the presidential visit also includes a speech at Andrassy University to students and members of the international and Swiss communities in Budapest. Ms Amherd will speak about Switzerland's situation in Europe and the outlook for the continent also against the backdrop of Russias war against Ukraine and increasing authoritarian tendencies in many parts of the world. Address for enquiries DDPS Communications +41 58 464 50 58 kommunikation@gs-vbs.admin.ch Publisher Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports http://www.vbs.admin.ch Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Bern, 15.04.2024 - At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground. On 15 April 2024, exactly one year after the outbreak of conflict in Sudan, an international donor conference was held in Paris. Under the leadership of France, Germany and the EU, the aim was to mobilise urgently needed support to finance humanitarian aid for the affected people in Sudan and its neighbouring countries. At the conference, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million for 2024 to support the people suffering from the consequences of the conflict. At the same time, the approximately 60 participating states called on the conflicting parties to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the country. "Today, this region needs our solidarity more than ever," said Ambassador Nicolas Randin, SDC assistant director general and head of the Sub-Saharan Africa Division, who represented Switzerland in Paris. The fierce conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces militias has led to a severe deterioration in the security situation and humanitarian conditions for the people of Sudan. More than 8.6 million people have been displaced so far, including 4 million children. Two million people have fled to neighbouring countries, especially to Chad, South Sudan and Egypt. According to UN figures, of the 49 million people living in Sudan in 2024, 25 million will need humanitarian aid, and almost 18 million people are already suffering from acute hunger. Switzerland is also working at the multilateral level to promote peace, ensure the protection of the civilian population, improve the humanitarian situation and find a political solution to the conflict in Sudan. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Switzerland supported a resolution on 7 March 2024 calling for an immediate end to hostilities and respect for international humanitarian law. Switzerland is also present on the ground, providing its good offices. Through its peace diplomacy instruments and its special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Switzerland is working in particular to create opportunities for inclusive dialogue aimed at finding a political solution to the conflict. Although Sudan's neighbouring countries themselves face major humanitarian challenges, they are taking in a large number of refugees. In light of this situation, the SDC increased its humanitarian aid for Sudan and the neighbouring countries last year. The SDC's support package for the Sudan crisis includes financial contributions and the deployment of specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) to multilateral partner organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), which are active in Sudan and its neighbouring countries. This is in addition to contributions to the World Food Programme (WFP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In total, Switzerland has made CHF 83 million available for humanitarian aid since the beginning of the war, of which around one third has been allocated to Sudan and two thirds on its neighbouring countries. Address for enquiries FDFA Communication Federal Palace West Wing CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55 E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch Twitter: @SwissMFA Publisher Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html Starting position Everyone in Switzerland receives the medical treatment they need. The costs are covered by compulsory health insurance. These costs have risen sharply in recent decades and so have health insurance premiums. Premiums are a growing burden for some people. Around a quarter of the population receives a premium reduction, which is financed by the federal government and the cantons. The federal government automatically increases its contribution if costs rise. The cantons only do this in some cases. The initiative The initiative proposes that no one should pay more than 10 per cent of their disposable income on health insurance premiums. The Confederation and cantons should increase the premium reduction, with the Confederation paying at least two thirds of the reduction. This would require several billion francs of additional funding each year. Indirect counter-proposal The Federal Council and Parliament reject the initiative. Nevertheless, they have drawn up an indirect counter-proposal. Currently, the federal government automatically increases its contribution to premium reductions when the costs of compulsory health insurance rise. The cantons should do the same. The indirect counter-proposal requires them to make a minimum contribution to the premium reduction. This would result in additional costs of at least CHF 360 million for the cantons, but none for the federal government. A counter-proposal comes into force if the initiative is rejected and no referendum is requested. An anonymous donor has given Tuskegee University $20 million the second donation of the amount in four years. The donation, which the university announced April 12, will fund STEM programming and research, scholarships, faculty positions, campus improvements and a match for Tuskegees United Negro College Fund endowment. This contribution is a testament to our collective efforts and the enduring trust inspired by the Tuskegee legacy, President Charlotte P. Morris said. Tuskegee, founded in 1881, is one of the nations historically black colleges and universities. Last fall, the school enrolled 2,400 undergraduate students and more than 400 graduate and professional students. Four out of the five top majors for Tuskegee students in 2023 were animal poultry and veterinary sciences, nursing, biology and mechanical engineering all of which are STEM programs and are expected to be bolstered through the anonymous funding. Last weeks donation matches the largest donation in the universitys history, which philanthropist MacKenzie Scott awarded in 2020. Scotts $20 million donation funded scholarships, faculty and curriculum development, interdisciplinary programs and campus infrastructure improvements, according to a Tuskegee news release. Travis Scott performs at Astroworld Festival at NRG park on Nov. 5, 2021. Jamaal Ellis, Houston Chronicle / Contributor Attorneys for Houston-born rapper Travis Scott are expected to appear before a civil district court judge today to make arguments for his removal from the civil lawsuit over the deadly 2021 Astroworld concert he headlined. Scott's effort for removal through a summary judgment by 11th District Court Judge Kristen Hawkins are being opposed by victims of the concert tragedy, as well as some of his co-defendants. LATEST ON ASTROWORLD: Follow all the developments from the Astroworld tragedy Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ten people were killed by compression asphyxia and scores were injured on the first night of the November 2021 festival at NRG Park. The injuries happened in crowd crush event, as masses of bodies pressed against each other and pushed people into security barriers as Scott performed on the festival's main stage. The concert disaster ranks among the deadliest in U.S. history. Scott's attorneys in a March filing argued the rapper, whose real name is Jacques Bermon Webster II, acted primarily as a performer during the concert, and couldn't be held personally responsible for problems that arose from planning and security. The other parties have argued that Scott's actions before and during the concert, as well as the actions of some of his employees and close associates, should be considered by a jury during a trial. The first Astroworld civil trial is scheduled to begin in May. The trial could be the first time a jury decide on who bears responsibility for the concert's deaths and injuries. A Harris County grand jury last year declined to bring criminal charges against Scott and other people involved in the concert. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hawkins has already denied a separate bid by some of Scott's companies to be removed from the sprawling, which involves dozens of defendants and hundreds of plaintiffs. She also ruled that Apple Inc., the tech giant contracted to live-stream Scott's performance, would not be dismissed before the trial. Other defendants, including the rapper Drake, were dismissed by Hawkins in a wave of rulings last week, following their arguments that the victims attorney hadn't provided enough evidence that they could be held responsible for the deaths and injuries. Theyre only open three days a week Friday, Saturday, Sunday -- and its a 30-minute drive from Five Points in Huntsville out to the sticks of Harvest. But theres a reason LJz Backyard Bayou has built buzz here. Larry LJ Johnson cooks Creole and Cajun recipes he grew up eating in Franklin, La., west of New Orleans near Lafayette. Front of house, Larrys wife Wendy Johnson welcomes customers like theyre guests at a potluck. Skincare company Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. has voluntarily recalled some of its hand sanitizer and another gel product because they contain alcohol denatured with methanol. The company recalled 40 lots of Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel Alcohol 80% and Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel to the consumer level, according to a press release on the FDA website. Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel is used as a sanitizer to help reduce bacteria. Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel is used for temporary relief of pain and itching associated with minor burns, sunburn, insect bites, or minor skin irritations. READ MORE: Coca-Cola has recalled its popular sports drinks due to potential foreign metal objects Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache blurred vision, coma, seizures, permanent blindness, permanent damage to the central nervous system, or death. The products were distributed between May 1, 2021 and Oct. 27, 2023. They were only sold online via the Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. website. To date, the company has not received any reports of adverse events related to these products, according to the press release. Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. has notified all customers that bought these products by email and has offered a discount coupon for a next purchase. Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. by email at recall@arubaaloe.com. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product. Authorities have released the name of a man found shot to death outside his tow truck late Saturday night in southwest Birmingham. Birmingham police identified the citys 40th homicide victim as Christopher Deandre Coleman. He was 41 and lived in Birmingham. Coleman was the owner of Colemans Towing. He was a father, a grandfather and described by friends as a family man. West Precinct officers were dispatched at 11:10 p.m. Saturday to the 1700 block of Maple Avenue S.W. after someone called 911 about a tow truck that was backed onto the property of a vacant house. Officers arrived to the find the tow truck was still running. As they walked around the truck, they found Coleman dead on the ground. A man was found shot to death outside a running tow truck on Birmingham's Maple Avenue S.W. on Saturday, April 13, 2024.(Carol Robinson) Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said one of the residents in the neighborhood did hear gunshots but did not go outside to investigate. Coleman was Birminghams third homicide in less than 72 hours. On Thursday, a 40-year-old woman, Nakita Chantryce Kita Davidson, was shot and abducted by her boyfriend. Her body was found Friday. Early Saturday morning, a 26-year-old man was killed on the citys east side. No arrests have been made. Anyone with any information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. A new national poll shows former president Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden by a slim margin. Siena College and the New York Times survey of registered voters shows Trump ahead of Biden 46% to 45%. If independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is included, Trumps lead inched up 2 percentage points to 42%, compared to 40% for Biden, a Democrat, and 2% for Kennedy. READ MORE: No clear leader: What can we learn from latest Biden-Trump poll numbers? Trump polled highest among people in the South and Midwest, the choice of 52% and 50%, respectively. The numbers were reversed in the northeast and west, which showed 54% and 55%, respectively, backing Biden. The poll also showed that many respondents felt the country was going in the wrong direction. According to the poll, 64% of the registered voters felt the country was going in the wrong direction compared to 25% who feel it was going in the right direction and 11% didnt know or refused to answer. Sixty-eight percent of registered voters in the West felt the country was headed in the wrong direction, compared to 67% in the South, 63% in Midwest and 57% in the Northeast. The poll was conducted April 7-11 with 1,059 registered voters by telephone and live interviews. The polls margin of error is plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into the deadly collapse of Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge that is focused on the circumstances leading up to it and whether all federal laws were followed, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. The FBI was present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity, the agency said in a statement Monday. The investigation was first reported by The Washington Post. And on Monday, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced a partnership with two law firms to launch legal action to hold the wrongdoers responsible and mitigate harm to city residents. The container ship Dali left Baltimores port in the early hours of March 26, laden with cargo and headed for Sri Lanka, when it struck one of the bridges supporting columns, causing the span to collapse into the Patapsco River and sending six members of a roadwork crew plunging to their deaths. Divers have recovered three bodies from the underwater wreckage, while the remaining three victims are still unaccounted for. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said last week that investigators are focusing on the electrical power system of the massive container ship that veered off course. The ship experienced power issues moments before the crash, as evidenced in videos showing its lights going out and coming back on. Homendy said information gleaned from the vessels voyage data recorder is relatively basic, so that information in the engine room will help us tremendously. Mondays statement from Baltimore said the city will take decisive action to hold responsible all entities accountable for the Key Bridge tragedy, including the owner, charterer, manager/operator, and the manufacturer of the M/V Dali, as well as any other potentially liable third parties. We are continuing to do everything in our power to support everyone impacted here and will continue to recognize the human impact this event has had, Scott said in a statement. Part of that work needs to be seeking recourse from those who may potentially be responsible, and with the ships owner filing a petition to limit its liability mere days after the incident, we need to act equally as quickly to protect the Citys interests. Florida became at least the third state to honor the Tuskegee Airmen with a state holiday when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day into law on Monday. Meanwhile, Alabama, home to the countrys first Black airmen, does not have a state holiday recognizing them. A spokeswoman for Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey could not immediately be reached for comment. While not an official state holiday, the governor has honored Tuskegee Airmen Day with a proclamation. All of the nearly 1,000 Black military pilots who trained in the U.S. during World War II did so in Tuskegee. Of those, 450 were deployed overseas and 150 died, including 66 who were killed in action. There were also more than 15,000 support staff, like navigators, bombardiers and mechanics. The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site pays homage to the storied service-members, preserving five structures used for flight training during the war. Before DeSantis signed the Florida state holiday into law, at least two other states -- Mississippi and Kentucky -- had laws granting a state holiday to Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a proclamation declaring Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, but it was unclear whether the day is an official state holiday. The Tallahassee Democrat newspaper noted that the new Florida holiday came the year after the state rejected the AP African American Studies course and created its own version which was widely criticized for whitewashing history, and a few months after the Florida Department of State rejected a slate of books for Tallahassees Grove Museum for its 2024 monthly storytime program, including the book Wind Flyers about Florida connections to the Tuskegee Airmen. On March 28, President Biden celebrated Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. I send my warmest greetings to all those celebrating National Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day-a time to honor the story, service, and sacrifice of the Black pilots, bombardiers, navigators, mechanics, instructors, and crewmembers who changed the course of history, the president wrote in a message, according to Democrats Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C., who led a group encouraging Biden to commemorate the day. Its a story that continues to inspire us today, Biden continued. Daring and determined, the Tuskegee Airmen blazed a new path-becoming our Nations first Black military pilots. They flew and supported over 15,000 sorties in battle and destroyed over 100 enemy aircraft. They defended the Allies and became one of the most decorated fighter groups during World War II. Time and again, they risked their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, stepping up to fly some of our countrys most dangerous and critical missions. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt slammed the media and what she called a two-tiered system of justice ahead of the beginning of jury selection in the trial of former President Donald Trump. Appearing on Fox & Friends Monday morning, the Alabama Republican was asked about the Trump trial in New York City, the first ever criminal trial of a former president. Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records, which prosecutors say were linked to hush money payments before the 2016 election to adult film star Stormy Daniels alleging an affair with Trump. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied the affair. Britt said the trial is a consequence of the left continuing to melt down over Donald Trump. They are obsessed, she said. People are sick of the two-tiered system of justice that were seeing. I think that the more the media can talk about this, which were going to see them do, then the less they have to talk about the disaster this country is under Joe Biden. They know people want Donald Trump back in the White House and they absolutely cannot stand it. Britt argued, like Trump, that the trial - the first of four potential prosecutions for the former president - constitutes election interference, as Trump is in the midst of his campaign. We need Donald Trump out there, giving that message, and obviously bringing more people in, she said. And they know that when that happens, hes going to win in November and they absolutely cant stand that. So weve got to get him back out there and get this wrapped up and save our country. Britt also commented on the Senates role in a potential impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. According to Axios, the House plans to deliver impeachment articles to the Senate on Tuesday. The House impeached Mayorkas in February along partisan lines. Britt said Republicans need to continue to keep the pressure on Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to carry out a trial. Senate Democrats have said they plan to quickly dismiss or otherwise dispose of the two articles for willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law and breach of public trust. Britt argued Schumer does not want Democrats in swing states to vote on an impeachment. He wants to just completely sweep this under the rug, Britt said. It is unprecedented to not have a free, open trial in front of the American people. Whether it is drug cartels, or human traffickers or terrorists, it is absolutely open season under Joe Biden and Secretary Mayorkas, and these failed policies, and somebody needs to answer for it. A capital murder warrant has now been issued for the boyfriend of a Birmingham mother of four who was kidnapped early Thursday and found shot to death the following day. The warrant was issued Sunday for Cedric Dewayne Robertson, 37. Killed was 40-year-old Nakita Chantryce Kita Davidson. Robertson, a convicted felon, was initially charged with first-degree kidnapping. Court records indicate he deliberately crashed into Davidsons vehicle, shot her, and then drove away in her vehicle after putting her into the trunk. Records also state Robertsons own vehicle, as well as his cell phone, were found at the crash site, which was near Elmwood Cemetery. Robertson also has other prior felony convictions and an extensive arrest history dating back to 2004. He taken into custody about 6 p.m. Friday by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Birmingham Police Departments Crime Reduction Team, and Jefferson County sheriffs deputies. His arrest ended a manhunt that began roughly 36 hours earlier. Cedric Robertson, boyfriend of Nakita Davidson, was arrested by U.S. Marshals and Birmingham police on Northland Avenue in southwest Birmingham.(Photo contributed by Erica Carpenter) The investigation began when South Precinct officers were dispatched at 2:11 a.m. Thursday on a report of a two-vehicle wreck at Sixth Avenue S.W. and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Wade said officers arrived to find evidence of a possible shooting. Police earlier released a photo of a pink Nike sneaker, and that photo helped to quickly identify Davidson, whose family recognized the shoe and contacted Birmingham police. Davidsons vehicle a 2008 burgundy Saturn Outlook was driven away from the scene. She was found in that vehicle Friday afternoon in a heavily wooded area off of 18th Place S.W. The discovery was made by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and Birmingham Police Departments Crime Reduction Team. Dozens of Davidsons family members waited outside the crime scene location for hours, hoping for the best but for preparing for the worst. They erupted into cries of anguish when their worst fears were confirmed. Davidsons brother, Laderrius Swain, spoke with AL.com earlier Friday and said he believed his sister had been killed. Nakita Davidson, a mother of four, was slain Thursday, April 11, 2024. Her body was found the following day.(Special to AL.com) She is one good-hearted person, said her brother, Laderrius Swain. She would give you the shirt off her back. Swain said his sister had been dating Roberts for less than a year. Her plan was to get away from him, he said. Thats what she was trying to do that night. Swain has launched a GoFundMe to help with his sisters burial. Her life was tragically cut short due to a senseless act of violence, Swain wrote, leaving four children without their mother. Donations can be made here. North Alabama police arrested a man Sunday after he allegedly evaded a traffic stop and hit multiple law enforcement officers with a car. Earlier in the day, Hartselle police attempted to stop a vehicle being driven erratically, according to a news release from the Morgan County sheriffs department. The vehicle, apparently driven by Jackson Longfellow Stone, fled to Decatur, where a Decatur police officer was struck. Stone then drove between Hartselle and Falkville jurisdictions, hit another deputy and attempted to hit other law enforcement vehicles, according to the sheriffs department. Stone was eventually arrested by a Priceville police officer and charged with felony attempting to evade a police officer by Hartselle police. His bond has been set at $100,000. The sheriffs department said that other charges are likely. The department did not detail any injuries related to the incident. Mary Strong, 60, was in the Dallas County Jail for drug-related offenses in 2022, when she became sick with pneumonia. She was released from jail and died days later of septic shock, a lawsuit alleges. Her family is suing, alleging that the jail first denied care to Strong and then turned her out once she became very ill. The suit says the jail has a scheme of releasing sick inmates to avoid paying for their care. If Strong had received proper medical care and attention at the Dallas County Jail, including, but not limited to proper, timely, and complete antibiotic therapy, then Mary would have likely survived, the suit states. The lawsuit was filed in federal court this month by Denise Strong, a representative of the estate of Mary Strong. It names the Dallas County Sheriffs Office, jail staff, and the county commission, which is legally responsible for funding the jail. We look forward to litigating this case and presenting the actual facts rather than the allegations in the complaint, said attorney Randy McNeil. In June of 2021, Strong entered the Dallas County Jail on a $1.5 million bond, according to the lawsuit. In March and April of the following year, she developed pneumonia. The suit alleges jail staff failed to do a proper medical intake on Strong when she arrived and did not give her timely medical care when she got sick. It also claims staff waited to release Strong until after her condition became severe, at which point it was too late for her to be saved. According to the complaint, the jail released Strong on April 1 on a medical bond, however her family was not told of her medical condition at the time. Medical bonds allow sick inmates to leave jail so they can pursue their own treatment. By April 3, Strongs family called an ambulance because her condition was worsening, the suit alleges. She was taken to Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma and then to Baptist Princeton Medical Center in Birmingham. On April 5, she died of septic shock. According to the suit, the Dallas County Jail has a history of releasing inmates on medical bond. The jail was also underfunded, according to the suit. In 2019, Sheriff, Michael Granthum asked for more funding from the county commission, saying the jail only had $140,000 in the budget for medical expenses that year, less than the cost of treating some individual inmates. This case highlights the need for a broader discussion on how local entities handle medical care of inmates, said attorney for the family, Martin Weinberg. As of right now they can shirk from their financial responsibility of care. Former President Donald Trump stopped short of endorsing a federal abortion ban, instead arguing that the issue should be left up to the states. "My view is now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint," the presumptive Republican nominee said in a video shared to Truth Social on Monday morning. . "The states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both, and whatever they decide must be the law of the land. In this case, the law of the state." In the Truth Social video, Trump emphasized the importance of a November victory, telling voters to follow their hearts before adding, "but we must win. We have to win." "Many states will be different, many will have a different number of weeks or some will have more conservative than others, and that's what they will be," he said. The former president also advanced several false claims about Democratic policy surrounding abortion. He said that "radical" Democrats wanted abortion to be legal "up to and even beyond the ninth month" and "execution after birth." Trump also said that he was "strongly in favor of exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother." The former president also broke ranks with some of the most conservative Republicans who have advocated for bans on in vitro fertilization. He praised the Alabama legislature for acting "very quickly" to undo the legal consequences of LePage v. Center for Reproductive Medicine - a state Supreme Court decision that held that frozen embryos are living beings. "I strongly support the availability of IVF for couples who are trying to have a precious baby," Trump said. "What could be more beautiful or better than that?" In the two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion has increasingly proved to be a losing issue for Republicans. Many attributed the GOP's underperformance in the midterms to anger about the abortion bans sweeping the country. Referenda on abortion access have overwhelmingly resulted in victories for reproductive freedom advocates. Even in Republican-dominated states, like Kentucky, Kansas and Montana, putting abortion on the ballot has resulted in pro-choice victories. "Abortion is to Republicans what immigration is to Democrats," former Republican Representative Carlos Curbelo told Politico, last week. "If they're talking about it, they're losing." The president of the United Auto Workers says he believes this year could see historic gains for the union in its push to organize auto plants in the Deep South. Shawn Fain, speaking to The Guardian, said last years Stand Up Strike against the Big Three automakers yielded gains for union members that are resonating with auto workers in states historically resistant to union efforts. I truly believe were going to see a huge shift this year. I think were gonna win in the South, Fain said. Fains comments come days before voting is scheduled to commence at Volkswagens Chattanooga auto plant, where two previous elections have gone against the UAW. The National Labor Relations Board has yet to set a date for a union election at Mercedes-Benzs factory in Vance. Earlier this month, more than 5,000 workers had signed union cards, petitioning for a union election at the Tuscaloosa County facility. Fain pointed out that non-union automakers, including Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Tesla, have announced unsolicited raises, improved benefits and elimination of a two-tier wage structure since the strike last year. Workers have realized theyve been getting screwed for decades, and theyre fed up If Volkswagen workers had Fords [new] agreement, they would have got $23,000 profit-sharing checks this year. Instead, they got zero, Fain said. We made a big deal in the big three contract fight that these companies made a quarter trillion dollars in profits in the last decade. But the Japanese and Korean six (with U.S. factories) made $480 billion. The German three made $460 billion in profits worldwide. Toyota alone made $256 billion profit in the last decade. Their profit margins are obscenely more gross than they were at the Big Three, and yet their workers get less. At the same time as UAW works to organize in Vance, the union is organizing a union drive at Montgomerys Hyundai factory, where 30% of the workers have signed union cards. Last month, police were deployed to form a ring of steel around the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, London, to protect it from the hands of an irate pro-Palestinian mob. Needless to say, there is something of an irony here: although Churchill is being targeted on the hackneyed view that he was a leading member of the White Patriarchy (aka, the root of all evil) -- BLM attacked this same statue for that very reason in 2020 -- the British statesman did, in fact, have some insightful things to say about the religion of many of his would-be attackers. Consider the following quote from Churchills 1899 book, The River War: An Historical Account of the Reconquest of the Soudan (vol.1): How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries, improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement, the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property, either as a child, a wife, or a concubine, must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Individual Muslims may show splendid qualities, but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilization of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilization of ancient Rome. The United Kingdom -- as well as many other Western nations and polities that host large Muslim populations -- has been learning the truths of this excerpt the hard way. As just one example, crime, including sex crimes, have soared -- unsurprisingly so, since insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live, to say nothing of the aforementioned degraded sensualism, fanatical frenzy, and slovenly systems. (Its the same all throughout European nations with large Muslim populations. In Sweden, violent crime has increased by 300% and rapes by 1,472% -- thanks to its burgeoning Muslim demographic.) Note too Churchills fair observation that Individual Muslims may show splendid qualities, but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. This assertion perfectly explains the truth behind so-called moderate Muslims who end up making for good citizens in the West. They are good in spite of, not because of, the teachings of their religion. Churchill is also noteworthy for warning against the dangers of pacifism in the face of growing threats -- another topic relevant to the UKs circumstances vis-a-vis its overwhelming Muslim population. While the following excerpt was written in response to the policy of appeasing Hitler leading up to WWII, it is especially relevant to the UKs migrant problem, and the appeasement it has been met with, resulting in a demographic conquest: in the very capital of the UK -- London, where Churchills statue stands, and where a few days ago rioting Muslim mobs hurled trash at passive police -- the name Muhammad is today the most popular name for newborn baby boys (as well as in several other Western capitals, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Oslo, et al). While it is doubtful that Churchill -- or any other Brit born in the late nineteenth century -- could ever have conceived that Britain would willingly give itself over to Islam, here are his rather applicable words concerning passivity in the face of growing threats (in this case, Hitler): [I]f you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves. Such words are proving increasingly ominous for much of Western Europe -- with Londonistan at the fore. Raymond Ibrahim, author of Defenders of the West and Sword and Scimitar, is the Distinguished Senior Shillman Fellow at the Gatestone Institute and the Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum. Image: Public Domain Democrats want everything to be fair. Perhaps, then, Biden (and his sycophants) can explain how his student loan forgiveness and cancellation scheme is fair. The scheme certainly isn't even close to being fair. It benefits over 30 million Americans at the expense of 300 million of us. The scheme's total cost stands at $400 billion. Biden, in an effort to buy votes, has announced yet another round of student loan cancellation or forgiveness that will benefit 277,000 borrowers at a total of $7.4 billion. Biden's attitude about votes is 'if you can't win them, buy them.' The loan recipients entered into a legally binding contract to repay the loan principal and any accrued interest. Nobody twisted their arms or made promises about future earnings. The student loan amounts don't 'just go away.' That amounts are real. The amounts will be transferred to all Americans as an obligation that must be met, either in the form of tax dollars paid to lenders or deficit dollars printed by the Federal Reserve paid to lenders. Biden tells folks he will make the 'rich' pay. The sad part is it will not be only the rich paying. Everyone will pay, including people who chose not to go to college, which is 63% of the American population. There is currently an attempt to garner sympathy by saying the interest owed exceeds the principal borrowed. For example, Rachael Maddow said, "Republicans are suing to make sure that Americans have to pay more in student loans, to make sure that you have to pay more interest to banks on your student loans. That is what they are offering America in this election year. Isn't that what America most needs? For banks to make more money off people who took out loans to go to college?" I guess Maddow doesn't understand that interest is the price paid for the use of money. Nor does she understand that money, like everything else in the world, has a price. If the principal amount is not fully repaid then, of course, the price is added to the outstanding principal and a new loan balance, one that reflects the unpaid amount plus the price of not repaying the entire principal, is reported. By the way, blaming banks is common among Democrats. But banks play no part in issuing student loans. Passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 excluded them. Getting a college degree increases earning prospects. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people who obtain a degree make an average of 71% more money than those with a high-school diploma. Students in some majors can expect to experience a significantly higher cost in work, study, and effort than others. They can also expect to be paid more than those with less demanding, majors. The college majors with the highest earnings-to-debt ratio are in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Physical sciences, computer engineering, general engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science are the top five earning degrees. The majors with the lowest earnings-to-debt ratio included law, pharmacy, and education, mainly because of the postgraduate degrees these majors require (Note: law and pharmacy eventually generate good pay), Graduates who major in, for example, social services, fine arts, or 'studies' are usually paid low salaries. Many entering these lesser-paid fields are underemployed, employed in jobs that don't traditionally require a college degree. We finally get to the crux of Biden's student loan and forgiveness scheme: equity. Why is equity replacing equality as a political and social goal? Because equity is inexorably linked with identity and discrimination. Biden identifies the group he thinks should receive equity (and therefore vote for him), then discriminates by creating two groups: those who receive loan forgiveness and those who pay. Biden is denying equality to the 300 million who didn't take out student loans, is granting equity to those who took out loans by placing them ahead of those who didn't get loans in two ways. First, he's making us taxpayers assume the forgiven loans. Second, he is, to buy votes, placing those who got loans ahead of the rest of us Americans by doing them a financial favor. Biden is using a classic Democrat tactic: Make what he does for one group sound wonderful without mentioning the consequences for the other group. But what about equality? As shown above, college majors chosen make a difference. Is it 'fair' to forgive equal loan amounts for a person whose STEM degree was much more difficult to get than for a person with a 'studies' degree? Biden, ever the hypocrite, declared in February, 2020, in response to a voter asking whether he'd back a proposal to cancel or forgive student loan debt, responded, "I will not make that happen. I don't think I have the authority." Biden was correct. The Supreme Court, by a 6-3 decision, stopped his plan to buy votes. SCOTUS said Biden's plan overstepped his authority. But still he tries to buy votes. Have you noticed that Biden never mentions people who have paid off their federal student loans? Is that fair? Is he treating these people the same as those with outstanding loan balances? Bottom Line: Election time draws near. Warren Beatty has created a web page that facilitates quick responses to anything you consider outrageous: quick-rant.atwebpages.com Image: Public Domain By now, it must be overwhelmingly apparent to every American citizen that what candidate Barack Obama promised on the campaign trail back in 2008 has come to pass. Obama touted a fundamental transformation of America if elected president and, once elected, he proceeded to accomplish that one huge goal. The question in 2024 is whether enough people want to make the effort to re-ravel America to the normal, constitutional nation she once was. It can certainly be argued that the country experienced a slow boiling of the frog during the eight years of Obamas presidency and that, during that period, the pot neither got to boil too long nor did the frog feel the heat intensely enough to hop out. The Democrats anointed Hillary Clinton to follow Obama to continue the unraveling of Americas constitutional republic, replacing it with their own interpretation of a democracy. But, somehow, out of nowhere, a wrecking ball named Donald J. Trump collided with the original fundamental-transformation plan. That, as we all experienced, was only a temporary setback. Once the 2020 election was successfully rigged and stolen and a hand-puppet-Biden government was installed, Obama and his global handlers continued stirring and reheating the pot to the required boiling point. As it turned out, this time around, turning up the heat also necessitated putting a lid on the pot because there was a real chance that the frog might finally catch on and attempt to jump out. So, where are we now? Image of our unraveled flag by AI. The pot continues to frantically boil with the frog finally awakening to its fatebut trapped inside the pot. And the only one capable of removing the lid is that same old why-wont-he-just-go-away-already Trump. Even with the onslaught of tactics straight out of the Jussie Smollett playbook (i.e., if you cant find a crime, make one up) resulting in New York- and DC-style fair trials and verdicts, Trump continues to generate his own heat resulting in the heads of Democrats boilingand sometimes even exploding. What is it about Trump and, more importantly, about the movement that he has inspired? One could say that the MAGA movement is the Tea Party supercharged. The latter was pushback against Obamas early years in office, with a large portion of the country seeing what fundamental transformation really meanspitting poor against rich, black against white, women against men, children against parentsand saying these are not the ideals upon which our country was founded nor for which it fought. Can anyone stand in a cemetery and thoughtfully observe rows upon rows of simple, small, white crosses heading hundreds of graves that mark fallen soldiers and not reflect upon their noble sacrifices? Did these overwhelmingly young men and women not go off to war to fight tyranny overseas to preserve the God-given freedoms we peacefully enjoy here at home? What would any of them say today about their sacrifices? Would they really have gone off to fight to preserve the unraveled, fundamentally- transformed country in which we now find ourselves? A country where: Wide-open borders allow an overwhelming influx of unvetted foreigners, along with human traffickers, drug pushers, killer gangs, dangerous diseases Males claiming to be females win swimming meets and track races against girls Graphic sex literature is made available to kindergarten and young elementary school children Boys and girls are being told they can medically and surgically change their sex if it feels right, even without parental consent Election Day has become Election Season, where one party can keep counting ballots until they have manufactured their desired outcome And of course, rounding out this partial list is the fact that we are a country where the government vilifies and even jails the opposition party. Whenever Democrats and the Far Left talk about Trump supporters, they always sneer when saying the name MAGA. In other words, they never say the words to which the letters refer. Why not? They do not want people to hear that those opposing their leftist views want to make America great again. If you love this country, why would you not want to see it great, now and in the future? And the opposite is also true. If you do not love this country, wouldnt you naturally want to change it in a whole other direction, thus the need to manufacture a transformation? When you marry someone, its only the most devious who, after saying, I do, then say, Now that I have you, I want you to transform, to be a totally different person. I dont love you, per se, I love the person I can now turn you into. If you dont love this country, and you dont want to leave it, you would stay and fundamentally transform it. And to do so, you would have to unravel the very foundations upon which the country was built. Unravel the unity of We the People; unravel the belief of Nature and Natures God; unravel limited government. All of these must go because these three principles alone are key to the true freedom made possible within self-government. This years election is our final wake-up call. Good men and women need to be ever vigilant to make sure that the Democrats, the Deep State, the RINOs, and the globalists do not have even the slightest chance to solidify their scheme to fundamentally transform this great nation by completely unraveling its foundations. Albin Sadar is the author of Obvious: Seeing the Evil Thats in Plain Sight and Doing Something About It, as well as the childrens book collection Hamster Holmes: Box of Mysteries. Albin was formerly the producer of The Eric Metaxas Show. Yesterday, Iran launched a ferocious onslaught against Israel. It was only because Israel has spent decades investing in infrastructure and training to defend herself that she didnt suffer mass casualties and major damage to Jerusalem and her military installations. Biden immediately announced that Israels defense constituted a victory and told her he wouldnt support a counterattack. Now, in a bizarre twist, the Jerusalem Post reports that, according to a Turkish report, Biden actually gave Iran the green light to attack Israel! Iran started huffing and puffing about attacking Israel because Israel killed an Iranian general who was in Damascus. A common media report is that Israel attacked the Iranian embassy, which would have constituted an attack against Iran itself. In fact, the general, along with six other Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members, was killed at an embassy annex that the IRGC used. In other words, it was an Iranian military installation in Syria. Image: Iranian missile in Israel. X screen grab. And what made the general a target? That would be the undisputed fact that he planned the October 7 massacre against Israel. In other words, Israel wasnt launching an unprovoked military assault against Iran on Iranian soil. Instead, this was a purely retaliatory strike against someone who attacked Israel ostensibly without his governments imprimatur because he acted through Hamas, not the Iranian military. Let's dispense with a few lies you will likely hear in the coming days: Lie #1: "Israel started this with its airstrike in Damascus." False. Iran has been maintaining a constant assault on Israel for decades via its proxies in the region chief among them Hezbollah, which is pic.twitter.com/l6paFXfL9h Avi Mayer (@AviMayer) April 14, 2024 Given the circumstances, Israel had a legitimate right to take out Mohammed Reza Zehadi, who, along with Yahya Sinwar, masterminded the murderous, sadistic military attack against Israel. However, reports are that this is not how Biden sees things. Instead, he apparently thought that Iran was owed a chance to strike at Israel as long as it tempered its attack: Iran informed Turkey in advance of its planned operation against Israel, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters on Sunday, adding that Washington had conveyed to Tehran via Ankara that any action it took had to be within certain limits. [snip] Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Fidan to make clear that escalation in the Middle East was not in anyones interest. Iran informed us in advance of what would happen. Possible developments also came up during the meeting with Blinken, and they (the US) conveyed to Iran through us that this reaction must be within certain limits, the source said. If this permission sounds familiar, its because Biden did exactly the same thing with Putin in the lead-up to the Ukraine War: President Joe Biden appeared to suggest the US may not heavily punish Russia if it conducts a minor incursion into Ukraine, prompting the White House to swiftly clarify his remarks. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Biden said that he predicts President Vladimir Putin will invade Ukraine and that NATO needs to be in agreement on a response. I think what youre going to see is that Russia will be held accountable if it invades, and it depends on what it does, Biden said. Its one thing if its a minor incursion and we [NATO] end up having to fight about what to do and not to do. Of course, the big difference is that, in Ukraines case, Biden has been emptying our entire military stockpile into Ukraine as a gift to a government that treated his son so generouslyall over what truly started as a border dispute. Meanwhile, when it comes to Israel, which is faced with an enemy that is explicit about its genocidal desires, Biden has been desperately trying to hand Hamas and, by extension, Iran a victory. Now, having had Israel exhaust her Iron Dome defense system (and you can bet that Biden will slow-walk its replenishment and make Israel pay cash up front), Biden has told Israel that she is forbidden to retaliate. And speaking of retaliation, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby just warned Iran that if it attacks the U.S., Iran can expect America to retaliate. The Biden rule in D.C. is that Israel may freely be attacked but that Israel, alone among nations, must just sit and take it. UPDATE: Somehow, this seems apropos to the points I made: Given its recent behavior, would you trust anything the CDC now says on COVID policy? The FDA on COVID vaccines and therapeutics? NIH on COVID origins and protocols? How about the FBI on Trump-Russia collusion or domestic terrorism? These agencies earned our distrust. Lets not forget another major player, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. As reported by M.D. Kittle in the Federalist last month: A report released last fall by the House Judiciary Committee and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government details just how CISA Colluded With Big Tech And Disinformation Partners To Censor Americans. Although the investigation is ongoing, information obtained to date has revealed that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)an upstart agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)has facilitated the censorship of Americans directly and through third-party intermediaries, the congressional report states. The report goes on to assert that the shadowy agency has metastasized into the nerve center of the federal governments domestic surveillance and censorship operations on social media. Launched in 2018, CISA was supposed to be an ancillary agency designed to protect critical infrastructure and guard against cybersecurity threats, the report notes. By 2020, the agency was routinely targeting what CISA officials claimed to be disinformation on social media. A year later, the agency had established a formal team devoted to what it decided was misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, the latter of which CISA defines as information based on fact, but used out of context to mislead, harm, or manipulate. In other words, factual information that is problematic to the Biden regime. It continues with this: Leaked documents obtained by The Intercept show that Microsoft executive and former DHS official Matt Masterson texted CISA director Jen Easterly in February 2022, saying Platforms have got to get comfortable with govt. Its really interesting how hesitant they remain. More details at the Federalist link reveal how these platforms have in time grown to be more comfortable. Which brings us to the latest, from Newsmax (well, really from Thomson/Reuters, so, despite appearances, not necessarily Newsmaxs own view): The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said Russian government-backed hackers have used their access to Microsoft's email system to steal correspondence between officials and the tech giant, an emergency directive by the U.S. watchdog released on Thursday showed. We know this fromCISA and Microsoft. And just to make it look real, throw in some lame blame on Microsoft, an excuse for both to meddle even more: That disclosure, which set alarm bells ringing across the cybersecurity industry, was followed just last week by a report from the U.S. Cyber Safety Review Board which said that a separate hack blamed on China had been preventable, faulting the company for cybersecurity lapses and a deliberate lack of transparency. CISA declined to name agencies that might have been affected. Microsoft said in an email that it was working with our customers to help them investigate and mitigate. This includes working with CISA on an emergency directive to provide guidance to government agencies. Given CISA is the nerve center of domestic censorship and Microsoft a compliant player, I wouldnt take anything they say on blind faith. We watched for years as the FBI, the CIA, and their puppet the MSM over-hyped the Russia narrative, whether to deflect from Hillarys emails or her unfavorable election results, to Get Trump, or to push for Ukraine funding and possibly even war (by proxy?) with Russia. I dont think theyve let go of this narrative just yet, as they may still have devious uses for it. Expect more of these stories, at least up until the November election. Theres an old Russian saying the West has co-opted: , (doveryai, no proveryai), Trust, but verify, which, if you understand Russian wit, really means dont trust anything, verify everything. Give CISA the benefit of our distrust. W.A. Eliot is a pseudonym. Image: Public domain. Biden's diplomacy towards Israel is Jekyll and Hyde diplomacy. It emboldens Iran and restrains Israel even as the latter fights for its survival. Israel, the tiny sliver of a democratic nation, remains surrounded by Iran and its surrogates which have dedicated, among themselves, to dominate the entire region while eliminating Israel in the process. Were it not for Trump's thinking outside the box, which motivated/allowed him to support Israel by recognizing Jerusalem as its capital, which, in turn, fortuitously led to the Abraham Accords, followed by Biden's senseless attempt to do everything he could to undo Trump's accomplishments, the world would not be in the pickle it is in today. Weakness encourages nothing favorable, yet we elect leaders who seem never to learn. Meanwhile, incessant rocketing by Hamas into Israel, prior to its 10/7 butchering attack and continuous rocketing post 10/7 commensurate with Hezb'allah rocketing, supported by unprovoked comparable Houthi attacks, gave Israel every right to attack Iran's consulate in Damascus, resulting in the death of several senior RPGC generals. The concept that proportionality must now dictate Israel's response is anathema to all reason and again reflects weakness and ambivalence by Biden. Did Joe know? Lamentably, I have now come upon a report, which I am unable to verify, suggesting Biden knew from Turkish sources that Iran was going to attack Israel and his response allegedly was he knew. (In a stunning yet somehow unsurprising turn of events, evidence has now emerged that Joe Biden didn't just know about Iran's attack on Israel, but that he went so far as to green-light it through back channels.) Israel is at war, yet Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu finds himself in the position of a hen-pecked husband in that he must protect his nation only if he conforms according to rules/demands spelled out by so-called friends. The old expression of "who needs enemies with friends like these?" comes to mind. Seriously, would any rational American president allow a supposed friend, like Israel, to dictate how America was to act if Canada and/or Mexico began shooting missiles into Maine, New Hampshire, Arizona, Texas etc.? To make matters worse, and more despicable, what if it was revealed that Israel had advance word that Canada and Mexico were going to launch attacks, and Israel not only acquiesced, as long as their attack was within proportional limits but withheld this fact and did not warn our president? Israel is a sovereign nation, the only one Jews can call their historical and rightful home and yet they are treated as a puppet because the president of the United States is a wimp, and a chameleon. Yes , Shakespeare was correct when he wrote 'something is rotten...' Image: Carlos Varela, via Flickr // CC BY 2.0 DEED The American tradwife is no submissive slave. Instead, she is voluntarily following a great American tradition that will optimize her happiness and that of her children. Were nearing April 19, the date of the Battle of Lexington/Concord of 1775. That battle was memorialized in Ralph Waldo Emersons Concord Hymn, with its marvelous opening stanza: By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to Aprils breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world. Fifteen months later the American Declaration of Independence trumpeted life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as divine rights of all mankind. That marked the moment when pursuing happiness became recognized in human affairs as an endowment by the Holy One. Now, surely, the pursuit of happiness is a quite personal and unique endeavor that will lead different supplicants in quite different directions. Therefore, its unsurprising that today, notwithstanding feminisms dominance today, there persist numerous women of various ages and stations who have thrown in their lot with the tradwife movement. Why? Because their own pursuit of happiness propels them in that direction. Image by AI. Today, while some feminist activists seek to destroy marriage, the tradwoman, having become aware that marriage is the surest path to her happiness, also realizes that the fulfillment found as a tradwife restores her to her rightful place of political power in society. The tradwoman and the feminist strike competing stances in a common pursuit, both sharing a central goal: Each seeks to acquire political influence as the CEO of a preeminent enterprise. The feminist may seek to be the CEO of Ford or Harvard, whereas the tradwoman may seek to become CEO and central political power of the worlds most important enterprise, the family home. Is this a Back to the Future movement? Certainly not. In the past, the traditional wifes role was not entirely voluntary, for society had imposed it from time immemorial as an expectation of the wife (recall Home Economics in school). Today, however, becoming a tradwife is 100% voluntary, with many practitioners insisting it is a personal choice and one that provides a life personally fulfilling. Naturally, the big bugaboo of todays feminist detractors of tradwives is the tradwifes traditional submission to the husband, the third promise of the tradwifes wedding vow to Love, Honor, and Obey. Because of emanations feminists imagine they perceive in the penumbras of the word obey, they claim that a trad wedding merely celebrates female servitude. However, were you to tell that to a tradhusband, youre absolutely guaranteed to elicit gasps, snorts, misty eyes, and hearty guffaws, for the husband knows that the little woman is no servant, and is not to be treated as one. They know that Kipling was right when he said, when hunter meets with husband, each confirms the others talethe female of the species is more deadly than the male. This eternal truth applies to males whether among Cro-Magnon in a forest glade, worker bees high up on a girder, blue collars at happy hour, or starchy white collars in a C-suite. Recall C.S. Lewiss anecdote of neighborhood encounters: If your kid batted a ball through a neighbors kitchen window and you knocked on the front door to apologize and arrange reparations, would you prefer that your knock be answered by the husband or by the wife? The most elemental difference between the tradwoman and the feminist career woman lies in their relative bargaining power in marriage. Since the feminists principal inducement to a forever bond is cash flow, the best she can get in exchange is Ill give it a shot or Until I change my mind. But the tradwoman exchanges Love, Honor & Obey for Provide and Protect. That is, the tradwife gains a tradhusband in the bargain, a bargain that grows legs and has strings attached. Despite the feminist having entered with good faith into the blessed state, soon enough mere reality intrudes upon the feminist imagination, and she learns that (1) motherhood is an 18-year, full-time job, (2) the available time and energy for any activity is finite, and (3) the human sojourn here is temporary. She also learns that her trad husband may have limited respect for that first job, since it brings in no money. But the tradwoman knows well that a tradwife requires a tradhusband, and she winnows the run of the stream with penetrating interrogatories fraught with daunting responsibility: Will he gladly give me children? Will he provide? Will he protect? Can I housebreak him? And it is in that final interrogatory that we glimpse the truest role of tradwife submission: A subtle female stratagem for the capture of the elusive male heart. Soon after President Biden uttered the lukewarm warning Dont, Irans recent first-ever strike on the homeland of Israel now has the potential to engulf the entire Middle East in a major regional conflict. It also demonstrates that former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was and continues to be on target regarding the lackluster abilities of our current Commander-in-Chief Joe Biden in foreign policy and national security. For starters, Bidens weak enforcement of sanctions against Iran and the release of billions of frozen assets of humanitarian aid surely served as the catalyst for the horror that Hamas inflicted upon the people of Israel on October 7th. In addition, our continued tepid response to Irans proxy the Houthi rebels only emboldened Iran to be the pariah and bully of the Middle East. As a result of our continued appeasement and pandering, the very existence of the state of Israel may be threatened and the United States will be pulled yet again into another conflict that could have been prevented had the Biden Administration demonstrated more resolve against Iran. Ronald Reagan know that bullies only respond to force and not idle words. Muammar Khadafis line of death was crossed with the shootdown of two of his MiG fighter jets. In addition, the Iranian Navy was decimated in less the seventy-two hours after the USS Samuel B. Roberts was damaged by an Iranian-planted mine in the Persian Gulf. Reagans Strength through Power were not idle words, and unlike the current commander-in-chief, he met challenges head on rather than hoping they would go way or get better with time. From our disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan (not coordinated with our NATO Allies) to Putins invasion of Ukraine prompted by our perceived weakness and resolve once again Robert Gates has proven that he is consistent in his assessment of Bidens ability in national security affairs -- He has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy question -- but clairvoyant as well. It is time to move beyond idle words such as Dont. Our actions must speak louder than Bidens ineffectual words that are not backed by resolve. As Winston Churchill stated, Appeasement is feeding the alligator in the hope he eats you last. Image: Tasnim News Agency According to the government's disaster management department, at least 33 people have been killed over three days of heavy rains and flash flooding in Afghanistan. The department spokesman said the provinces with the greatest damage were Kandahar, Herat, southern Zabul, and western Farah. On Sunday, department spokesman Janan Sayeq said that the rains caused flash floods, which caused high human and financial losses. According to the primary information, Sayeq confirmed that 27 people were injured. About 600 houses were damaged or completely demolished, and roof collapses were the primary cause of deaths. The official also stated that 200 livestock had died, around 600 kilometers (370 miles) of roads had been damaged, and around 800 hectares (1,975 acres) of agricultural area had "flooded away." Twenty of the nation's 34 provinces were lashed by the heavy rains, which followed an exceptionally dry winter season that parched the land and forced farmers to postpone planting. The authorities have warned that additional rain is predicted for most of Afghanistan's provinces in the coming days. Foreign aid flowing into the poor nation has significantly decreased since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, making it more challenging to respond to natural calamities. In eastern Afghanistan, heavy snowfall in February caused a landslide that claimed at least 25 lives, while a three-week period of precipitation that ended in March claimed the lives of around 60 people. Furthermore, the United Nations warned last year that Afghanistan is experiencing major swings in extreme weather conditions. Scientists claim that global warming is causing extreme weather patterns. Afghanistan is ranked among the countries least prepared to deal with climate change after being ravaged by four decades of conflict. The global smartphone industry continued its recovery in Q1 2024, registering a 7.8% growth from last year. It was the third consecutive quarter of year-over-year (YoY) shipment growth. However, the market wasnt kind to Apple. The iPhone maker suffered almost a 10% shipment decline this past quarter. Market leader Samsungs shipments remained flat. Apple suffered a shipment decline in Q1 2024 despite a market growth Apples iPhone sales are usually low in the first quarter of a new year due to various factors. It launches new models in September and enjoys strong sales in the final quarter of the previous yearApple often leads the market in Q4. Sales slow down as we enter the new year. The Q1 also sees Samsung and other Android vendors introduce their latest flagships, so they eat into Apples market. Something similar happened in Q1 2024. In January, Samsung launched its Galaxy S24 series with built-in AI features. The devices have been selling well. Not well enough to help the Korean company improve its shipments over Q1 2023, though. According to market research firm IDC, it shipped 60.1 million smartphones this past quarter, a 0.7% drop from 60.5 million during the same period last year. The companys market share dropped from 22.5% to 20.8%. While Samsung managed to keep shipments flat, Apples shipment volume dropped 9.6% from 55.4 million to 50.1 million. Expectedly, the iPhone makers market share also declined to 17.3%. It was 20.7 percent in the first quarter of 2023. This drop allowed the third-placed Xiaomi to narrow the gap to Apple. The Chinese firm shipped 40.8 million Android smartphones in Q1 2024, capturing 14.1% of the global market. Xiaomi and Transsion had a strong start to 2024 Xiaomi enjoyed a solid start to 2024. It registered a 33.8% YoY shipment growth in the first quarter, going up from 30.5 million shipments and an 11.4% market share. However, its growth rate was bettered by Transsion, which makes phones under the Tecno, Itel, and Infinix brands. It almost doubled its shipments from 15.4 million to 28.5 million, an 84.9% growth. This allowed it to leapfrog OPPO into the fourth spot on the chart. OPPO saw its shipments decline 8.5% to 25.2 million units. Its market share dropped from 10.3% in Q1 2023 to 8.7% in Q1 2024. The rest of the brands, including Google, OnePlus, Vivo, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, and others, captured the remaining 29.3% of the market. These brands cumulatively registered a 7.2% shipment growth in this years first three months. Some companies may have enjoyed better success than others, though. It remains to be seen how the market unfolds for the rest of the year. Huawei has decided to rebrand its flagship smartphone lineup after 12 years. Were talking about the Huawei P lineup. We were expecting the Huawei P70 devices to arrive in the near future, but that wont be the case. Well, theyll arrive, but under a different name. Huawei has decided to rebrand its flagship smartphone lineup after 12 years Huawei has decided to rename the Huawei P series into the Huawei Pura smartphone lineup. This name signifies purity and beauty in Spanish, and its pronounced piurua. This is a huge change for the company following a 12-year stint with the Huawei P series devices. Do note that Huawei did not officially confirm the names of its upcoming flagships, but Digital Chat Station did. Hes one of the most reliable tipsters out of China. Four Huawei Pura 70 series smartphones are on their way According to one of the best-known tipsters in the business, four devices are coming. Huawei will release the Huawei Pura 70, Pura 70 Pro, Pura 70 Pro+, and Pura 70 Ultra. The Ultra model will be a successor to the Huawei P60 Art that launched last year. The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra will likely have the same specs as the Pura 70 Pro+, but it will include a different design. The Huawei Pura 70 Pro and Pura 70 Pro+ will differ in both battery life and photography departments. The phones are right around the corner, but we still dont have the launch date Youre probably wondering when will these devices arrive. Well, were still not sure, as reports have been circulating regarding Huaweis plans to postpone the launch event. This rebrand could have something to do with it. The Huawei P70 series was rumored to arrive in April. Were in the middle of April at the moment, and that didnt happen. Huawei did announce some products a couple of days ago in China, including its very compelling new ultrabook. The Huawei Pura 70 series could arrive later this month, though chances are Huawei will make the phones official next month, or even a bit later than that. Best Buy is currently offering a really good deal on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 gaming monitor bringing the price down by a significant amount. This monitor regularly retails for $1,800 at full price. But you can currently pick it up for $1,100. That saves you $700 which is a really good price drop for this particular monitor. Its one of Samsungs best gaming monitors, and its such a massive display that you can see so much on-screen in your games. The Odyssey OLED G9 has been down to this price once before, but that was back at the beginning of March. And it hasnt been that price again since as far as we know. It typically goes on sale for at least $100 more than it is now. So this is an excellent price worth taking advantage of. Aside from having a huge 49-inch OLED display with a 1000R curve, the Odyssey OLED G9 has one of my favorite features on any gaming monitor. The picture-by-picture mode. Heres why this is awesome. If youre like me, then you may have your gaming PC and a console or two hooked up to the same monitor. With the Odyssey OLED G9 and the picture-by-picture mode, you can split the panel into two equal-sized monitors side by side, with each side using a different input. So you can have your PC running on one and a console on the other. This is great for watching videos while you play. Another really neat feature is the Samsung Gaming Hub. This is a smart monitor. So you can connect it to your Wi-Fi network and play games in the cloud using Samsung Gaming Hub. This works through services like Xbox Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce NOW. If you want to upgrade your gaming experience a ton, this is how you do it. Buy at Best Buy Authorities in Oklahoma say they have located the bodies believed to be of two Kansas women who went missing in rural Oklahoma and are believed to have been murdered. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said the bodies were found in Texas County and were to be taken to the medical examiner's office to make an official identity. 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jillian Kelley, a preacher's wife, disappeared in late March while they were traveling across state lines to pick up Butler's children. Their vehicle was found abandoned near Highway 95 in Texas County and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said there was evidence to indicate foul play. The evidence reportedly included blood in the vehicle. Four people were arrested Saturday on murder charges in connection with their disappearance, including the mother-in-law of one of the victims. Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties. Adams was Bulter's mother-in-law, according to the Daily Mail, and the children were living with her. Cullum is Adams' boyfriend, according to the report. All four were booked into the Texas County Jail on two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree. Court documents showed that Butler, the father of her children as well as his family were involved in a bitter custody dispute. In a motion reportedly filed last November, Adams opposed any adjustment in the supervised visitation arrangement Butler had with the children. She allegedly claimed that the children had been exposed to sexual abuse while under Butler's care. Kelley is the wife of a pastor at Hugoton First Christian Church in Kansas. Heath Kelley recently agreed to serve as the new pastor of Willow Christian Church in Nebraska. Andy Murray will not have surgery on an ankle injury and his rehabilitation is progressing enough for him to think about a return to practice again soon. The 36-year-old ruptured ligaments at last months Miami Open but he is now out of his protective boot. A spokesperson from Murrays team said the former world number ones rehab is going well and he is hoping to start hitting again on court soon but added that he doesnt have a date yet for returning to competition. Murray was injured late on in his third-round defeat by Tomas Machac at the Miami Open on March 24. After crying out in pain and falling to the floor, he was able to complete the match following on-court treatment but revealed in an Instagram post that he had seriously damaged two ligaments in his left ankle. The timing was cruel for the three-time grand slam champion, who had won back-to-back matches for the first time this year in Miami. Murray has said he is unlikely to play beyond this summer as retirement looms ever nearer. It is unclear if he will be fit for Wimbledon, which gets under way on July 1, while the Olympic Games in Paris which the two-time gold medallist said he would like to play at starts on July 26. When it comes to baby animals, watching them learn and explore the world around them always makes me happy. Their reactions to things are sometimes funny, cute, or even fearful, but they always make me smile. Located in Alice Springs, Australia, The Kangaroo Sanctuary is home to many orphaned joeys being raised by the humans that care for them. They shared a video at the end of March showing one of their baby kangaroos being introduced to a bearded dragon, and they whole thing is too cute! The joey's name is Euro Stella, and she's clearly very curious about the weird looking animal standing in front of her, a bearded dragon named Emily. Euro tentatively approaches Emily and sniffs her out. Watch until the end to see what happens next! The baby kangaroo's fast and furious hop backwards and away from the unfazed bearded dragon was adorable! The Kangaroo Sanctuary said in their caption, "And yes, kangaroos can hop backwards!" @chaoticcrhapsody pointed out, "Her shaking her head after almost like shes embarrassed at herself LOL!" and @Bossy Boy added, "Jump Scare!" @TwitchyTitchy made me laugh with, "Kangaroos are so adorable because they kind of look like theyve been assembled wrong!" Related: Rescuer Shares Baby Kangaroos Adorable Nighttime Routine Interesting Facts About Joeys I love learning about baby animals, and I'm always looking to learn more about them. A-Z Animals shared some fun facts about joeys that I found interesting. At birth, joeys are only the size of a lima bean, and won't leave their mother's pouch for months. When born they don't even resemble a kangaroo...or really any animal...since they are so tiny. Surprisingly, they are also born potty trained...kinda, "Baby kangaroos cant go to the bathroom unless their mom licks them to give them the sensation to go. Although this sounds less than appealing, the babies only produce at most a drop or two of waste at a time on account of how tiny they are." Joeys live in mom's pouch until it's about a year old. Occasionally they will pop their heads out for a look around and to see what's going on in the world. When they are several months old, they begin to venture out for short periods of time, eventually even touching the ground and learning to hop. And even when they no longer 'live' in mom's pouch, they continue to nurse from mom until they are over a year old. As they get older and more independent, they drink less milk and start to eat more plants. I wonder if Euro Stella and Emily will ever become friends. Emily didn't seem at all bothered by the hopping baby, but the joey definitely wasn't sure about the lizard! I hope the park continues to share videos of these two, and I hope one day they'll become friends! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. BBC presenter Nick Robinson has said he should have been clearer when describing Israeli attacks in Gaza as murders that it was not his view or that of the corporation. Robinson addressed the pushback he received on words he used when interviewing the Foreign Secretary on Mondays BBC Radio 4 Today programme. During the show, he questioned Lord David Cameron on Britains position after Irans attack on Israel over the weekend. Theres been some controversy about words I used when I was interviewing the Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron on @bbcr4today about Israel this morning. My final question was about the perceived morality of the governments position in particular the risk that their Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) April 15, 2024 Following the interview, Robinson wrote on X: Theres been some controversy about words I used when I was interviewing the Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron on @bbcr4today about Israel this morning. My final question was about the perceived morality of the governments position in particular the risk that their position could appear to look like active support for Israel when it is under attack but nothing other than words when Israel attacks or murders tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians. I should have been clearer that I was not expressing my own view, let alone that of the BBC when I used the words murders. In this 15-minute long interview I asked the Foreign Secretary why ministers had supported Israel militarily; why they didnt go further & support Israel in confronting Iran; why they werent tougher in confronting Israel over Gaza and ended with that question about the perceived morality and the risk of how the governments position appears. It was a lengthy and detailed exploration of the policy choices made by the government. "Why risk British lives and spend taxpayers' money in defence of Israel?"@BBCNickRobinson asks Lord Cameron, who says the risk of casualties and escalation means 'we acted entirely within our national interest'. Listen to the #R4Today interview with the Foreign Secretary BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) April 15, 2024 Robinson said he wanted to end the interview with a question of morality, adding: You will know, I think youve talked about, the fact that the West has been perceived to lose the argument, with even many of its own people, ever since the war of terror began. Isnt the real risk of where we are now, that Western governments appear to back Israel the moment that Israel is under attack, but when Israel attacks and murders tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians, we say the words but we do almost nothing? The former prime minister replied: I dont think thats right at all. I think, actually, over this weekend and into this week, people can see that the truly malign actor in the region is Iran. A country that has launched a state-on-state attack for the first time since the Islamic revolution in 1979. After the interview aired, Conversative MP Theresa Villiers branded Robinsons words shocking bias in an interview with The Sun, and called for an immediate investigation. Downing Street said Rishi Sunak would not use murder to describe events in Gaza and that people should be careful with their words. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Impartiality, in reference to the BBC, is absolutely paramount. Complaints should be raised to the BBC, to Ofcom in the usual ways if people feel they have issue with the way in which the BBC reported that. More broadly, though, Israel is an ally of the UK, is the victim of a brutal terror attack and clearly has a right to defend itself. We should all be careful with our words at this time, particularly given heightened community tensions in the UK. The unprecedented attack by Iran, which it said was in retaliation against a strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria earlier this month, has raised fears over the Israel-Hamas war spiralling into a wider regional conflagration. The BBC has offered no further comment on Robinsons statement. Cameron urges Israel to be smart by not escalating tensions with Iran Lord David Cameron has urged Israel to be smart as well as tough by not escalating the conflict with Iran. Israel should recognise Tehrans attack at the weekend as an almost total failure and think with head as well as heart in its response, the Foreign Secretary said. He confirmed that British RAF jets shot down a small number of drones fired by Iran in what was its first direct military assault on Israeli soil. The unprecedented attack by Iran, which it said was in retaliation against a strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria earlier this month, has raised fears over the Israel-Hamas war spiralling into a wider regional conflagration. Speaking ahead of a Commons statement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the matter, Lord Cameron on Monday echoed US President Joe Bidens comment that Israel should view the successful defence against around 350 drones and missiles launched by Iran as a victory. The Foreign Secretary told Times Radio: The best thing to do in the case of Israel is to recognise this has been a failure for Iran. And so they should, as President Biden has said to them, as it were, take the win and then move on to focus on how to eradicate Hamas in Gaza and how to get those hostages free. Today I formally condemned in the strongest terms Irans attack on Israel in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian. I made clear that Iran must stop these reckless attacks, de-escalate and release the MSC Aries. David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 14, 2024 He also said: Israeli people this morning are thinking Weve suffered this massive attack. Of course, we want our government to respond. And thats why I think we have to be sensitive in the way we put this, but to say Look, you have had a win because the Iran attack was such a failure and the smart thing to do as well as the tough thing to do now is actually not to escalate. He described it as a double defeat for Tehran, with its attack being not only an almost total failure, but also the rest of the world can now see what a malign influence they are in the region. Had those weapons not been shot down, there could have been thousands of casualties, including civilian casualties, he told Sky News, describing Tehrans actions as reckless and dangerous. The UK would absolutely consider further sanctions on Iran and will seek to work with G7 partners to look at what further steps we can do, the Cabinet minister said. RAF jets could defend Israel again, even if the countrys leaders ignored calls from the UK and US to hold back from retaliation against Iran, Lord Cameron suggested. If there was another Iran attack Iran has said theyre not going to attack again, and after the failure of their attack, Im not surprised but absolutely, well always keep these things under review. The UKs role was to backfill for the US in joint operations against the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, he said. But at the same time, we also agreed that if there were drones coming in through that area that we would shoot them down. And our planes did that. A small number of drones were shot down. (PA Graphics) Downing Street said there are no current plans to publish legal advice on the UK action, since British forces are operating within existing permissions and defined geographic area of the Operation Shader mission. Giving pilots permission to intercept any airborne attacks from Iran is a common-sense measure to ensure that drones or missiles flying at or past British aircraft could be taken out, the Prime Ministers spokesman said, while declining to say how many were shot down by the RAF. The official also rejected Irans assertion that it gave advance warning of its strike, saying: We were not briefed directly by Iran on their attacks. Lord Cameron called for a pivot in focus to the release of hostages by Hamas. Our hope is that there wont be a retaliatory response, and instead the worlds focus should shift to Hamas. They still hold those hostages. Theyve been offered a deal that prisoners can be released from Israeli jails in return for some of those hostages and therell be a pause in the fighting. Thats what needs to happen next and thats what I hope we can focus on. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to make a House of Commons statement on the developments in the Middle East on Monday (Benjamin Cremel/PA) He placed the blame for the ongoing Gaza war with Hamas, saying the militant group has rejected Israels offer. Anyone in any doubt who is responsible for keeping this conflict going, its not Israel, it is Hamas, and the focus should be on them. An Israeli offensive in Gaza, sparked by Hamass October 7 attack that claimed the lives of 1,200 people, has caused widespread devastation and killed more than 33,000 Palestinians. Leaders of the G7 on Sunday warned that an uncontrollable regional escalation in the Middle East must be prevented and said they stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives. All eyes will be on the response from Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, with countries in the region and elsewhere urging restraint to avoid intensifying the conflict. A spokeswoman for the Israeli embassy in London said Israel is not in the business of revenge but wants to ensure Iran is deterred from launching further attacks. Orly Goldschmidt told Sky News: We are listening very carefully to our allies, were taking what theyre saying into consideration but, at the end of the day, we will have to defend ourselves against this Iranian threat. Shadow defence secretary John Healey urged Mr Sunak to set out the Governments actions to pursue the path of peace in the Middle East. He told BBC Breakfast: We need to hear about the reasons for the military action, the legal basis for it, but most importantly what the UK Government is doing diplomatically to try and reduce tensions, to restore some stability and to pursue the path of peace and a ceasefire in Gaza. The final victim of the stabbing attack at a Sydney shopping centre has been named as a Chinese student. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that Yixuan Cheng was among those killed in the knife attack at the Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction in the east of the city. She was a Chinese national studying here whos lost her life, along with Ashlee Good, Dawn Singleton, Jade Young, Pikria Darchia and the security guard (Faraz Tahir) who lost his life, a refugee whod only been here for a short period of time, he said in an interview with Triple M radio. New South Wales police assistant commissioner Tony Cooke said the force had made contact with the overseas families of two of the victims who were travelling to Australia. Well support those families as we are with all through the liaison officer program to ensure theyre getting the support and information that they need, he said. Ms Singleton, 25, was the daughter of John Singleton, 82, a well-known entrepreneur in Australia who built his success through advertising. He has eight children. According to her LinkedIn profile, she had studied for a degree in communications at the University of Technology Sydney and worked at clothes retailer White Fox Boutique. In a tribute released on Instagram, her employers said: Over the weekend we lost not only an employee of White Fox but someone special to us who felt like a family member. We are all truly devastated by this loss. Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was amazing. Undated family handout photo of Ashlee Good (Family handout/Schillings/PA) Ashlee Good, 38, who was attempting to save her nine-month-old baby when she was attacked by Joel Cauchi, later died in hospital. Police said the baby had undergone surgery following the attack. A statement from Ms Goods family provided to the PA news agency said: Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human, and so much more. We appreciate the well wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl. New South Wales health minister Ryan Park said on Monday her daughter Harriet had moved from a critical to serious but stable condition in Sydney Childrens Hospital. (PA Graphics) Security guard Faraz Tahir was described by the Australian Pakistani National Association as courageous on social media. Let us stand together in solidarity, offering support and prayers to those grieving and affected by this heartbreaking loss, the statement said. New South Wales Police confirmed the remaining victims were 47-year-old Jade Young, who worked as an architect in Sydney, and 55-year-old Pikria Darchia. Undated family handout photo of Pikria Darchia (Family handout/New South Wales Police/PA) Ms Darchia described herself as an artist on her LinkedIn profile, which stated she worked in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi from 2003 to 2013 as a designer. She then spent three years studying at Sydneys City East Community College in Bondi Junction in 2013. The attacker, Joel Cauchi, was a 40-year-old man from Queensland with mental health issues, police have said. He attacked shoppers on Saturday afternoon before he was shot dead by police inspector Amy Scott, who has been praised by Mr Albanese for her bravery. New South Wales Police said Inspector Scott, 39, has 19 years of experience and is attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command. Her family has requested privacy. Scottish Labour are calling on SNP ministers to convene a crisis summit to discuss the future of Scotlands arts and culture festivals. The party echoed calls from the chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Shona McCarthy, who said the government and other agencies should provide more funding. Glasgows Aye Write book festival has been cancelled this year after a funding bid was refused. Creative Scotland says it is making difficult decisions each day as it can only support around 30% of applications to its open fund. MSPs are due to debate Scotlands international culture strategy on Tuesday. Scottish Labours culture spokesman Neil Bibby said: Scotlands festival scene is world-famous, but the SNP standing idly by while it collapses. We are already seeing the consequences of the SNP-Green governments disastrous cut to Creative Scotland with the loss of Aye Write, and more could follow if we do not act. There must be urgent action to support Scotlands iconic arts sector and the vast economic, social and cultural benefits it delivers. The SNP must urgently convene a crisis summit and develop a plan to save Scotlands festivals. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: Despite the challenging financial situation faced by the UK, Scottish ministers have increased culture sector funding by 15.8 million to almost 200 million this financial year, as the first step to achieving the First Ministers commitment to invest at least 100 million more annually in culture and the arts by 2028/29. We value the significance of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and wider Edinburgh Festivals, and are committed to supporting this world-renowned event. In 2023/24 and also in 2022/23, we awarded Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society 550,000 for its Made in Scotland programme. We will continue to work with the culture sector to identify barriers to immediate and long-term recovery, and do everything within our limited devolved powers and resources to help those most affected by current economic challenges. A High Court judge has been removed from overseeing a case involving an alleged rape victim due to his membership of the male-only Garrick Club. Sir Jonathan Cohen was due to hear a family court case involving a dispute between a mother and father over their sons care, with the woman accusing the man of domestic abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour. The court has heard that at no stage have the mothers allegations against the father been determined. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has also alleged that she was raped and sexually assaulted by other men, and is appealing against a courts decision for a male psychologist to assess the family due to being an alleged victim of male violence. She applied for Sir Jonathan to step back from her case, claiming she would feel prejudiced due to his membership of the Garrick Club, which does not allow female members. A different High Court judge decided on Thursday that Sir Jonathan should not hear the case due to his club membership, adding that the father was also a regular visitor. In his ruling, Mr Justice Keehan said: The application for recusal is granted on the basis that, but solely on the basis that, Sir Jonathan Cohen is a member of the Garrick Club, the father was a regular visitor to the Garrick Club, the fathers ex-employer is a member of the Garrick Club. The judge also said the mother had previously protested outside the club. The Guardian reported last month that several High Court judges and dozens of barristers are members of the Garrick Club, in central London. Responding to the reports, Sam Townend KC, chairman of the Bar Council, said it remains the choice of judges and barristers as to whether they join such institutions, but warned that closed doors and exclusionary spaces could create an unfair advantage and it is vitally important that we retain the trust and confidence of the public. Sir Jonathan was not named by the Guardian, but the mother claimed he was named as a member in other press reports. In written submissions, she said: The fair-minded and informed observer, having considered these facts, would conclude that there was a real possibility of bias should Sir Jonathan Cohen determine the appeal. I would also feel prejudiced and I do not feel that I would receive a fair hearing. Sir Jonathan was due to hear the mothers appeal over a judges decision made last August that a man should carry out a global psychological assessment of the family. The appeal is now being heard by a different judge at the Royal Courts of Justice (Nick Ansell/PA) The mother asked that a female psychologist instead carry out the assessment, suggesting several women who could complete it, but this request was refused last October. The appeal is now being heard by Ms Justice Henke at the Royal Courts of Justice and is set to conclude on Tuesday. In written arguments, Dr Charlotte Proudman, representing the mother at the hearing on Monday, said: A psychological assessment is intimate and invasive. For a vulnerable person subject to the assessment to feel fearful, intimidated and frightened prevents them from engaging in the assessment, which could result in adverse inferences being drawn against them. The mother instructs that she would not be able to open up to a male psychologist about the male violence she has suffered, which would prevent a full assessment from taking place, creating an artificial exercise and likely resulting in a gap in the evidence. This is also a single joint assessment and, as such, both parties must have confidence in the assessor and the assessment process, which is not the case here. In essence, the assessment has failed before it has begun. Both parents attended the first day of the hearing, with the mother hidden by a screen. Barristers for the father previously said the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, a body which represents children in family court proceedings, said the parents made cross-allegations of domestic abuse but that there are no safeguarding concerns about the child spending time with the father. An executive producer of Horrible Histories has spoken about how the past keeps getting re-examined by the series as it celebrates 15 years on the BBC. The series, based on the book series of the same name by Terry Deary, has featured comic sketches about historical figures since airing on CBBC on April 16 2009 and is known for the sarcastic rat puppet Rattus Rattus among other characters. It has also led to films, including 2019s Horrible Histories: The Movie Rotten Romans starring Sir Derek Jacobi, Submarine actor Craig Roberts and Sherlock star Rupert Graves, and 2015s Bill with Homeland star Damian Lewis, which spoofed the life of William Shakespeare. There has also been a spin-off game show and plays. Craig Roberts played Emperor Nero in Horrible Histories The Movie Rotten Romans (Chris Radburn/PA) Simon Welton has worked on the series for around nine years, having entered between series six and series seven to executively produce the show with Richard Bradley. When asked by the PA news agency about criticism of the historical accuracy of Horrible Histories over the last 15 years, Mr Welton defended the show. He said: I think history can be very subjective, there are quite often two sides to history, particularly if it revolves around perhaps conflict or something like that. I think people can often choose to have different views of history, it can be quite particular in that sense. But I think everything that we do is checked every sketch comes from a true factor and that true factor has been verified from a number of sources. And sometimes, of course, what youve also got to look at is, the show has now been going for 15 years, and in that time, history is constantly re-examined. So sometimes, new evidence might come to light, which actually puts a different perspective on some of the history that we might have used or just history, generally, history is a sort of, in a way, its a constantly evolving area. So I think its quite a nuanced conversation to have, actually. Horrible Histories Martin Brown and Terry Deary (Chris Radburn/PA) In September 2014, the BBC found a sketch featuring Florence Nightingale breached editorial guidelines on accuracy after suggesting that the founder of modern nursing turned down Jamaican-born Mary Seacole for employment. The corporation found there was no evidence Ms Nightingale would have acted in a racially discriminatory manner towards her fellow nurse during this period. In recent years, the shows song Weve Been Here From The Start, about Black British History, has also seen online criticism, and broadcaster Andrew Neil called the song British Things anti-British drivel after it saw a footman singing about Queen Victoria being told items such as tea and sugar do not have their origins in this country. Mr Welton agreed that the show can get caught up in cultural conflicts and added that Horrible Histories is really careful about the accuracy of our history and songs. He added: Its important that our audience learns things, and its also important that we make them laugh, so its light-hearted I think people can choose to take an issue with it, but thats up to them really. Mr Welton also spoke about how the series has been constantly changing and evolving due to the way its young audience consumes media. He says this has meant embracing TikTok, Instagram and YouTube parodies, online social media memes and hit reality shows such as Love Island in sketches. Over the years, they have also attracted famous British faces because actors and TV personalities enjoy being quite silly, according to Mr Welton. Mark Labbett is set to make an appearance in the show (Ian West/PA) The Chase star Mark Labbett will co-host the programme alongside Rattus in coming episodes, while Blackadder actor Rowan Atkinson has previously made an appearance as Henry VIII. Mr Welton also said the production has dialogues with actors about playing figures such as Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi because they may feel a certain weight comes with that role. We will always pay great attention to that, it is a subject that obviously needs to be taken very seriously, he added. Feature: How Chinese are helping Suriname turn around its farming fortunes Xinhua) 10:25, April 15, 2024 PARAMARIBO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- As the sun rises over the Saramacca District, the promise of pomelo season fills the air. In Ashwien Doekhi's orchard, a scene of abundance unfolds, with trees heavy-laden with ripe citrus fruits swaying gently in the breeze. Doekhi, his brother, and an eager team of workers dived into their harvest. The story had been different in previous years, when Doekhi's family struggled to afford even basic agricultural tools, often borrowing money from friends and relatives. In 2022, the China-aided Suriname Agricultural Technical Cooperation Center launched a technical assistance project, including 10 training sessions for over 300 individuals. Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi attended the launch ceremony. He saw China's technologies as instrumental in fostering high-yield, high-quality agricultural produce and vital for improving the livelihoods of farmers in Suriname. Doekhi, a 26-year-old participant, lived a ten-minute drive from the center. Chinese experts visited Doekhi's fields almost every day and provided tailored advice at all stages of cultivation, from nurturing seedlings to applying fertilizer. Doekhi started planting products like chili peppers, eggplants, and watermelons, sold both at local markets and to neighboring countries. Doekhi's crop yields doubled, and his annual income increased twofold. "This initiative is so good; it helps us export agricultural products worldwide," said the young farmer, after having seen the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative directly benefit his community. Suriname is among the first Caribbean countries to sign a cooperation plan within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative with China. Jason Bakker, an official from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in Suriname, told reporters that local agricultural technicians travel two and a half hours each day to attend training sessions, and are eager to learn more about agricultural technologies from China. "We cooperate quite well with Chinese agricultural experts, sharing the same goals and working together," he said. Su Lirong, a cultivation expert from China's Hunan Province, said that the cooperation center has won the trust and affection of local farmers who often seek advice from his team. Suriname's government frequently invites Su and his colleagues to visit local farms and production sites for research and suggestions. "I feel like we have truly entered the hearts of the Surinamese people," he said. Surinamese agricultural researcher Jan Jagnath believes that China's assistance to Suriname increases agricultural productivity and addresses food security concerns, and that Sino-Surinamese agricultural cooperation has "great potential and a bright future." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The gun supervisor convicted in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by actor Alec Baldwin called the jurors in her case "idiots," "r----ds" and "a--holes" during phone calls from jail, prosecutors revealed ahead of her scheduled Monday sentencing. The recorded conversations took place after Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and locked up last month for the Oct. 21, 2021, slaying of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie "Rust," according to court papers filed Friday. During her jailhouse calls, Gutierrez-Reed, 36, "referred to the jurors as 'r----ds,' 'idiots' and 'a--holes,'" prosecutors wrote. Gutierrez-Reed also said she'd refuse to testify at Baldwin's upcoming trial because he "didn't show up for her" and "stunningly" expressed the desire that Hutchins' husband and son seek leniency for her at her sentencing, according to court papers. Prosecutors accused Gutierrez-Reed of of an "astonishing lack of diligence" for unknowingly bringing live ammunition onto the set outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, and failing to check what she thought were "dummy" rounds loaded into the production's prop guns. "This was a game of Russian roulette every time an actor had a gun with dummies," prosecutor Kari Morrissey said during closing arguments. Gutierrez-Reed faces 18 months in prison but is seeking a conditional discharge that would free her from jail and could lead to her conviction being wiped from her record. Baldwin, who was movie's lead actor and co-producer, has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and is scheduled for trial in July. The Emmy-winning actor, 66, maintains that he cocked the revolver but didn't pull the trigger before it fired, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin is seeking to have the case against him dismissed. Hunt to insist UK economy is on the up on trip to IMF meetings in US Jeremy Hunt will insist the UK economy is on the up as he travels to the United States for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) spring meetings. The Chancellor will seek to further strengthen UK-US economic ties and stress the importance of standing together with allies at times of instability across the globe. He will jet to New York on Tuesday, before heading to Washington on Wednesday for two days at the IMF gathering. In New York, Mr Hunt will meet with leaders from businesses including Bloomberg, Comcast and Blackrock, to promote Britains financial services and creative industries. Ahead of his trip, the Chancellor said: At times of instability across the globe, we are reminded that we are stronger when we stand together. The US is our most important strategic ally and we are both at the forefront of keeping the world safe. Our economic relationship sees one trillion dollars (800 billion) invested in one anothers countries and I will be looking to deepen it further during my time in New York. In Washington, Mr Hunt will reiterate the need to stick to the Governments plan for the economy and highlight the progress being made, the Treasury said. Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks Conservatives are languishing in opinion polls (Benjamin Cremel/PA) Official data, last week, estimated gross domestic product rose 0.1% in February, raising hopes the country was emerging from recession. But with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak battling an opinion poll deficit and Labour attacking the Government over its economic record, it is unclear whether a gradually improving economy will be enough to boost his partys electoral prospects ahead of the upcoming general election. The Chancellor said the improving position will allow Britain to better co-operate with allies such as Ukraine and Israel. He will point to UK action to defend Israel against Irans unprecedented drone and missile attack, with the UK calling for restraint in Tel Avivs response to the strike. The Chancellor will also underline the UKs support for Ukraine and how Britain is retaining pressure on Moscow via its sanctions regime. Mr Hunt will push for collaboration on artificial intelligence, global economic security and supply chain resilience in meetings with G7 and G20 partners, as well as with the finance ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US. He will also call for reform of the international financial system and point to British support for developing countries. Mr Hunt said: The UKs resilient economy is on the up, and it is from this improving position that we can be the best partner possible to our friends around the world including standing steadfast with Ukraine in its fight against President Putin and standing up for Israels security. Liverpool is to fall silent 35 years on from the Hillsborough disaster. Ninety-seven men, women and children died in the tragedy at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15 1989. On Monday at 3.06pm the time the match was stopped a minutes silence will be observed in Exchange Flags, behind Liverpool Town Hall, and by players and staff at the football club. Exchange Flags in Liverpool (Alamy/PA) Members of the public are invited to gather at Exchange Flags for the silence, led by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Mary Rasmussen. A spokeswoman for Liverpool City Council said flags will be flown at half-mast on civic buildings and the town hall will light up red in the evening in tribute. A specially designed bench to recognise survivors of the disaster was unveiled at Anfield on Friday. Inquests into the deaths, held after the original verdicts were quashed following the Hillsborough Independent Panel report, concluded in 2016 and found the victims were unlawfully killed and errors by the police and ambulance service caused or contributed to the deaths. The match commander on the day, David Duckenfield, was charged with gross negligence manslaughter in 2017, but was cleared in 2019 at a retrial held after the jury in his first trial was unable to reach a verdict. David Duckenfield (Peter Powell/PA) In 2021, retired officers Donald Denton and Alan Foster and former force solicitor Peter Metcalf, who were accused of amending statements to minimise the blame on South Yorkshire Police, were acquitted of perverting the course of justice after a judge ruled there was no case to answer. Families have campaigned for a Hillsborough Law to help victims of major disasters get justice. A spokesman for the campaign said: The pain and suffering of the past 35 years have not diminished. Today, we pay tribute to all 97 supporters, they will never be forgotten, and we fight on in their memory and for all those who have suffered such injustice at the hands of the state. The truth of what really happened on that dreadful day was not revealed for decades because public authorities and officials concealed the truth in their own interests. Yet 35 years on, the experiences of Hillsborough families have been repeated countless times, currently with the Post Office scandal. Little has changed. A Hillsborough Law, with a duty of candour at its heart, would ensure that the battles faced by the Hillsborough and Post Office families, and countless others, can never be repeated. It would create a legal duty on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively co-operate with official investigations and inquiries. Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to make this law a reality if the Labour Party comes to power, we hope other parties will follow suit and stop this criminal abuse of power. Andy Robertson vowed to keep fighting after Liverpool lost more ground in the title race over the weekend. The Reds, who topped the Premier League a fortnight ago, have slipped to third after damaging results in their last two outings. Following on from a frustrating draw at Manchester United, Jurgen Klopps side suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace on Sunday. The blow was softened a little as second-placed Arsenal were also beaten later in the day, but Liverpool still trail favourites Manchester City by two points with six games remaining. Robertson told the clubs website: This group of lads will never stop fighting. Its hugely frustrating to be in the position were in now, being third and relying on two teams dropping points. This time last week, we shouldnt have been in that position. Thats where the frustration comes from. But thats where we are, it is what it is. We need to be perfect from here on in, thats for sure. We cant drop any more points and lets see what the other two teams do. Eberechi Eze scored the only goal at Anfield on Sunday (Peter Byrne/PA) The Palace loss, secured by Eberechi Ezes 14th-minute strike, capped a dismal week for Liverpool in which they were also thrashed 3-0 by Atalanta in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. They now head to Italy for the second leg on Thursday before successive Premier League away games at Fulham, Everton and West Ham. We have to stay positive, said left-back Robertson, who produced a superb goal-line clearance to prevent Liverpool falling 2-0 behind soon after Ezes opener. We have to pick everyone up in the changing room because theres a lot of people who are down, whether they missed a chance, gave the ball away or whatever it is. We pick up, we go again on Thursday and we give everything weve got. Palaces victory only their second under new manager Oliver Glasner eased their fears of getting dragged into the relegation battle. The Eagles, in 14th, now have an eight-point cushion over 18th-placed Luton and have a game in hand over most of the teams below them. Glasner said: I dont look at the table every day because I know we will get our points when we perform well. I am really concentrating on our performance, what we have to improve, what are the strengths of our players and how can we combine them to be compact in defence and create chances in offence. I know if we perform well we will get enough points to stay in the league. Our full focus is on that. There are so many dogs who have been in shelters far too long and one of these dogs is an adorable Pit Bull mix named Rihanna who has been in a Maryland shelter for 426 days. When you hear about how awesome she is it's pretty unfathomable that someone hasn't given her a forever home yet! The Montgomery County Animal Services And Adoption Center explains that Rihanna is not only house trained and crate trained, but that she is great with kids, smart as a whip and good on her leash! She does need to go to a home with no other pets, however. Here's another sweet post about beautiful Rihanna. It's so heartbreaking because the shelter explained that Rihanna was briefly adopted, but she was returned to the shelter through no fault of her own and that "upon her return, staff members report that Rihanna resisted returning to her kennel, urinated on herself, and had a visibly broken heart." This poor girl needs the best forever home as soon as possible. You can just tell she'd make someone the most wonderful companion ever. Fingers crossed for you Rihanna! What To Know Before Adopting a Dog Adopting a dog, especially a dog that has spent weeks or months in a shelter, if an absolutely wonderful thing to do. But there are many important factors to take into consideration before you add a fur baby to your family, and they can include things like how much time do you have to spend with a dog? Do you work long hours? If you are gone most of the day it may be a good idea to adopt an older dog instead of a puppy who needs frequent attention and bathroom breaks. Where you live. A larger dog may need a yard or close access to a park so they can have room to run, where a smaller dog may be better suited to apartment living. What grooming requirements a dog has. Are you willing to shell out money for monthly grooming appointments or do you want a shorter hair breed dog who can do with the occasional bath? Do you want a more playful dog, a dog that follows commands well, or a lazy dog? The AKC is such a wonderful resource for information on so many different dog breeds. You can also ask shelter volunteers what they would suggest for the best type of dog for your family. We are sure they'd love to match you with your forever friend. If you are interested in donating, volunteering, or adopting your own cat or dog, please check with your local animal rescue, breed specific rescue, or Humane Society. If you would like more information about beautiful Rihanna, you can visit the website for the Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center (MCASAC) here. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Tributes are flowing for those killed in the Bondi Junction stabbing attack. Six people five women and one man were killed by Queensland man Joel Cauchi on Saturday while 12 others, including an infant, were injured. Eight of the injured were women, according to the NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb. Here is what we know so far about the victims of the Sydney stabbings at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre. default Faraz Tahir, 30 Refugee Faraz Tahir was working his first day shift at the shopping centre when he was fatally stabbed. He had a great heart. He was really grateful to be part of this community, to make Australia home, Adnan Qadir, Tahirs friend, said. A Pakistani citizen, Tahir had fled religious persecution in his home country and sought refuge in Australia, first arriving in Brisbane in December 2022 before moving to Sydney last year. He was a frequent charity volunteer and active in Sydneys Ahmadiyya Muslim community. No matter how hard things were, he was always there to take time out and give back, Qadir said. While Tahirs parents are deceased, his two older brothers will come to Sydney from Pakistan and the UK for his funeral. The high commission of Pakistan in Australia on Monday paid tribute to Tahirs immense bravery. Mr Tahir was a beloved member of the Pakistani community, deputy high commissioner, Ayesha Saeed, said. He was a dedicated individual who lost his life while trying to save others. Ashlee Good, 38 Ashlee Good was remembered as a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more. In her final moments, Good had attempted to save her nine-month-old baby and managed to pass the infant into the arms of a shopper. In a statement, Goods family confirmed that as of Sunday morning the baby was doing well after hours of surgery. According to her LinkedIn page, Good worked as an account executive at the software company Docusign. She also had a masters degree in osteopathy from RMIT University. Sky News Australia anchor Laura Jayes, who said she knew Good, described her as an incredible person who had the world at her feet. She was one of those all-rounders. She was an incredible athlete. She was so smart, so beautiful, Jayes said. Dawn Singleton, 25 Another victim, Dawn Singleton, was soon to be married. The 25-year-old was the daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton and lawyer Julie Martin. Her cousin, Jade OConnor, said Singleton lit up every room she walked into. Dawn, I should be writing your wedding speech [but] instead I sit here sobbing coming to terms with how life isnt fair that you are no longer here, OConnor wrote on Facebook. This year you were meant to get married to the love of your life. Im so broken and [cant] believe this is reality. Related: Joel Cauchi: who was the Queensland man who carried out the Bondi Junction mass stabbing? The fashion label, White Fox Boutique, posted a social media tribute to Singleton who worked as an e-commerce assistant at the company. Over the weekend we lost not only an employee... but someone special to us who felt like a family member, the company wrote. We are all truly devastated by this loss. Dawn was a sweet, kind hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing [and] she will always be remembered as part of the White Fox family. Jade Young, 47 Jade Young, a Sydney architect, had two children. She was a member of the Bronte Surf Club, which cancelled their social drinks on Sunday due to the mass stabbing. This is and will be a difficult time for the community, the club said on Facebook. We are here to support the community, and our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone affected. Pikria Darchia, 55 Late on Sunday, NSW police distributed a photo of a fifth victim, 55-year-old Pikria Darchia. According to her LinkedIn account, Darchia was an artist and a designer who worked for a decade in Tbilisi, Georgia. She also studied business administration at TAFE NSW. One mourner at the makeshift flower memorial in Bondi Junction told the ABC Darchia was such a beautiful woman. She was such a lovely lady. She loved art. She used to sit there and sketch people and everything. I just cant believe it. Its just shocking everyone. Yixuan Cheng University of Sydney student Yixuan Cheng was identified on Monday morning as the sixth victim. A Chinese Australian-based media outlet quoted Chengs fiance as saying he had spoken to her shortly before the attack. She happily spoke to me at around 3pm and tried on clothes to show me, but I didnt realise that the attack happened when she hung up the phone, said the man, surnamed Wang. Wang, who has booked a flight to Sydney, said the couple had planned to marry after she graduated later this year. The Chinese embassy in Australia said on Monday it was deeply shocked and saddened by Chengs death, and the serious injury of another Chinese student. We will continue to maintain close communication with the Australian side and do our utmost to provide necessary assistance to the families of the Chinese victims, the embassy said in a statement. The vice-chancellor of the University of Sydney, Prof Mark Scott, said in an email to staff and students on Monday: On behalf of the university, I extend my sincere condolences to the students family and friends. We are working closely with the Chinese consulate and the students family to assist in any way we can. Police on Sunday confirmed Cauchi had a history of mental illness, for which he was known to authorities in NSW and Queensland. The 40-year-old was shot dead by a police officer, Amy Scott, who responded to the attack at the busy shopping centre while on duty for an unrelated matter. Additional reporting by Tamsin Rose and Chi Hui Lin The body knows. And the camera shows Self-Portrait Lying Down, 1975. Photograph: The Peter Hujar Archive/Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY He made me wear white, says Fran Lebowitz, down the phone from New York. The writer is talking about the day her close friend, the photographer Peter Hujar, shot her for Portraits in Life and Death, the only book he ever made. Peter was very specific. It was in my apartment which was the size of, I dont know, a book. And the light was a big thing as it was with all photographers, back when they were actually photographers. This week, the picture of a 24-year-old Lebowitz smoking a cigarette, slightly slumped, in a white shirt and tight white trousers on the arm of a settee, goes on show at the Venice biennale, alongside the 40 other pictures from Portraits in Life and Death. Twenty-nine of them depict artists, writers and performers Hujar knew and admired from the downtown scene of 1970s New York many of them reclining in a state of reverie that seems completely un-posed. Theres the writer Susan Sontag, supine on a bed with a pensive expression; the drag artist and underground film star Divine off duty and resting on some cushions; nightclub dancer TC, topless and drowsily seductive; poet and dance critic Edwin Denby with his eyes meditatively closed, his wrinkles mirroring the rumpled duvet behind him. He took me to an S&M club that was so brutal, I told him: If people knew what was going on here, they would send in the national guard The book then cuts to a memento mori: a dozen startling shots of 17th-century skeletons in their graves, taken in 20 minutes when Hujar visited the catacombs in Palermo, Italy, in 1963. They seem to suggest that everyone pictured in the book is dying, the photographer and the viewer, too. In fact, Hujar died of Aids in 1987, aged 53. As Sontag says in her foreword, written in hospital while she was being treated for breast cancer: We no longer study the art of dying, a regular discipline and hygiene in older cultures; but all eyes, at rest, contain that knowledge. The body knows. And the camera shows, inexorably. Published in 1976, Portraits in Life and Death got just four reviews, the most-high profile being in the Village Voice. It failed to sell many copies. Today, however, it is recognised as not only a priceless document of a vanished culture, but as a collection of some of the finest portraits ever taken. Hujar insisted on printing all his pictures himself, and his meticulous efforts in his darkroom on Second Avenue resulted in black-and-white images that marry psychological acuity with flawless technique. Theres a richness about the shades of grey he coaxes out of each print, says Grace Deveney, curator of the Venice show. And the longer you look, the more you see. He made me conscious of the importance of the photograph as an object a print to be held, examined and appreciated, notes Vince Aletti, photography critic of the New Yorker, and another of Hujars close friends. A photograph is not just a picture on a piece of paper. It has variations of size, weight, tone, texture and clarity that can vary from print to print. I never thought much about these things before I knew Hujar. Now I cant forget them. Hujars reputation has risen in the past couple of decades. Many people first encountered his work on the cover of I Am a Bird Now by Anthony and the Johnsons, a stunning shot of the trans Warhol superstar Candy Darling in a hospital bed as she was dying of lymphoma aged 29. Another classic Hujar image, a mans face at the point of orgasm, is on the cover of Hanya Yanagiharas misery lit blockbuster A Little Life. Yet despite his works undeniable quality, Hujar never attained the success of his peer and rival Robert Mapplethorpe, not least because he had a habit of infuriating anyone who could have helped him. He was sitting on a lot of rage, says writer Stephen Koch, who was executor of his estate. As Lebowitz recalls: I used to admonish him, If someone is going to give you a show in Paris, dont hit them over the head with a bar stool. Lebowitz is referring to an actual incident in which Hujar attacked two gallerists keen to exhibit his work. After Hujar died, Koch found a letter from the famous photographer Richard Avedon stressing how much he admired Hujars work and inviting him to get in touch. Needless to say, says Koch, it was never answered. The reasons for this self-sabotage lay in Hujars childhood. Peter was a born member of the underground, Koch says. He was a Manhattan street urchin. His mother was a waitress, his father was a bootlegger who abandoned her when she was pregnant, so she was without resources to raise him. Hujars family were part of an influx of Ukrainian immigrants who came to the US after the second world war. His lack of English initially made his teachers think he had learning disabilities. He was brought up by his grandparents in rural New Jersey, but after his grandmother died, his mother moved him to Manhattan. Hujar left home at 16 after suffering violence and abuse during his teens. Having experimented with his mothers camera, he enrolled as a photography student at the School of Industrial Art. With the encouragement of his teacher Daisy Aldan, of whom he took one of his earliest great photographs, Hujar launched himself into the world of commercial photography. His first job was walking the bosss dog, Koch says. But he learned very sophisticated photographic techniques. Hujar also became immersed in New Yorks art scene a small world according to Lebowitz. Like really small, she says. The whole New York art world would fit in one restaurant. Aldan, who was also a poet, held salons at which Hujar met the likes of the poet and critic John Ashbery and the painter Helen Frankenthaler. He had a relationship with Paul Thek, the painter and sculptor who is photographed in Portraits in Life and Death. The pair were filmed by Andy Warhol for a 1964 project called The Thirteen Most Beautiful Boys. Despite this accolade, and the fact that almost everyone considered him handsome, Lebowitz says: Peter was very insecure about his looks which were dazzling, by the way. He was immediately someone I could have a crush on, agrees Vince Aletti. The friendship between Aletti and Hujar is palpable in Portraits of Life and Death: Aletti looks relaxed but watchful, his moustache and open shirt embodying the hip gay look of the day, the watch on his hairy forearm another nod to the passing of time. Meanwhile, the poet Anne Waldman is photographed crashed out on a patchwork quilt, her Mandarin Chinese robe spread around her. I felt honoured to be included, she says. I also felt he could really see me. He had never seen a middle-class suburban house: a two-car garage, a lawn, a washing machine. He was amazed Aletti lived across the street from Hujar, took him to record industry parties, and spoke to him most days. This sense of an artistic community or tribe is one of the most appealing things about Hujars work, and it isnt hard to see where the need for it came from. A lot of the people around Maxs had had horrible childhoods, says Lebowitz, referring to the restaurant that was the scenes nexus. People who were not just a misfit in their little town, but who were thrown out of the house or who never had a house to be thrown out of. Hujar was astonished when Lebowitz took him to her familys home in New Jersey, because it was so far from his own experience. He had never seen a middle-class suburban house, Koch says. A two-car garage, a lawn, a washing machine. He was amazed. Waldman vividly describes a downtown Manhattan neighbourhood that was a ferment of both radical art and radical politics: You could wake up in the morning and see WH Auden jogging a little further down the block. Hujar wasnt a political animal though he photographed an early poster for the Gay Liberation Front advertising New Yorks first ever Pride march in 1970. But he was fully engaged in everything else the underground had to offer. His recreational activities ranged from avant-garde theatre to cruising the Chelsea piers for anonymous sex. He once told Lebowitz that he had probably had sex with 6,000 men, but that he hadnt much enjoyed it, explaining: It was just my way of getting close to people. Hujar once smuggled Lebowitz into a gay S&M club so hardcore that she could only stand it for half an hour. It was too brutal. I remember saying to Peter, If everyone else knew what was going on down here, they would send in the national guard. Portraits in Life and Death was never intended to encapsulate an artistic era the subjects were just people Hujar knew and was drawn to. Yet it captured a huge family of poets, composers, artists and drag queens engaging in creativity for its own sake rather than due to any commercial imperative, another reason why the book has such a charge. It is also one of many great works that underline the destruction wreaked by the Aids crisis. After Hujar was diagnosed on 1 January 1987, he never took another picture. When he died, on Thanksgiving Day later that year, his friend the artist David Wojnarowicz (who would himself die of Aids in 1993) took some shattering photographs of Hujars withered body in a hospital bed. Its hard not to think of them when you see the skeletons in Portraits in Life and Death. Hujar predicted that his work would become famous after his death, and his friends have mixed feelings about this prescience. I absolutely dont care, says Lebowitz. Peter was practically starving to death in his life. And see how expensive his work is now. Its of no use to Peter. Aletti agrees. Its sad that its happening without Peter here to appreciate it and benefit from it. But Im so glad to see Peters name as part of the conversation about photography now, when he was hardly acknowledged or even known in his lifetime. Hujars sensibility is so finely honed, his portraits so intimate, his hand-crafting of the images so lovingly precise, that he still feels astonishingly present in Portraits in Life and Death. Peter and I walked around together all the time, Lebowitz says. He would just suddenly stop in the street and say, Look at the light on that fire hydrant. Look at that light! I dont think I ever thought about light before I knew Peter. And Ive been highly aware of it ever since. A damaged army tank seen on the street in in Omdurman, almost one year into the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces - El Tayeb Siddig/REUTERS Britain has sanctioned three businesses said to be funding groups in Sudans catastrophic war, as a crisis summit heard it was becoming one of the worst humanitarian disasters in decades. Envoys on Monday met in Paris to try to raise $1bn (0.8bn) in aid to stop the African nation tipping into famine and mass death after a year of fighting. The United Nations says war has forced nearly 11 million from their homes and sent two million refugees into neighbouring countries. Food supplies and aid cannot cross front lines and much of the countrys agricultural land is out of use. As famine looms, worst-case scenarios modelled by Western experts and diplomats predict the death toll could hit thousands per day within months, the Telegraph understands. Some 25 million in the region are unable to feed themselves properly, with at least five million on the cusp of famine. War erupted a year ago from a long-simmering rivalry between the de-facto president, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his deputy, Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagaloa, known as Hemedti. The fighting has turned much of the country into a war zone - El Tayeb Siddig/REUTERS Fighting between the army and Hemdetis Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia has turned much of the country of nearly 50 million into a war zone. Britain said Alkhaleej Bank, Al-Fakher Advanced Works and Red Rock Mining would be subject to an asset freeze, limiting their financial freedom. Alkhaleej Bank is accused of being key to the RSF financing its operations, while the militia allegedly uses Al-Fakher Advanced Works to export gold. Red Rock Mining provides funds to the Sudanese army. David Cameron, Foreign Secretary, said: The businesses that support the warring parties must be held to account, alongside those responsible for human rights abuses. The world must not forget about Sudan. We urgently need to end the violence. Envoys met in Paris to try to raise $1bn (0.8bn) in aid to stop the African nation tipping into famine - BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images Sudanese groups and envoys to the country complain that it has become a forgotten conflict as the worlds attention is fixed on wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The United Nations has this year asked for $2.7bn (2.2bn) to get food, health care and other supplies to 24 million people in Sudan. Donors have so far given less than five per cent. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, said the nation was trapped in the nightmare of bloodshed. We cannot let this nightmare slide from view, he told the conference. Its time to support the Sudanese people. Its time to silence the guns, he added. After a year of war, Sudan descended into what has been called a blood soaked playground for regional powers backing different factions and fighting proxy wars. Russia, Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the Saudis and even Ukraine are all backing sides. Stephane Sejourne, French foreign minister, said the Paris conference aimed to mobilize funding to help Sudanese victims of both a terrible war and international indifference. Its a colossal task, she said. Its a war the Sudanese people did not want, a war that only produces chaos and suffering. Annalena Baerbock, Germanys foreign minister, said in the worst case, one million could die of hunger this year. She said: We can manage together to avoid a terrible famine catastrophe, but only if we get active together now. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Bruce Lehrmann has lost his defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson, bringing to an end a sprawling legal saga which has gripped the nation. In a live oral summary that took two and a half hours, Justice Michael Lee said the former Liberal staffer was not defamed by Wilkinson and Ten when The Project broadcast an interview with Brittany Higgins on Monday 15 February 2021 in which she alleged she was raped in Parliament House. He found that on the balance of probabilities Lehrmann raped Higgins on the ministers couch in Parliament House in 2019. Related: A hapless Bumble date, Qing dynasty ceramics and the Algonquin round table: the best lines from the Bruce Lehrmann verdict In summary, I consider it more likely than not in those early hours, after a long night of conviviality and drinking and having successfully brought Ms Higgins back to a secluded place, Mr Lehrmann was hellbent on having sex with a woman he found attractive and knew was inebriated, Lee said. He did not care one way or the other whether Ms Higgins understood or agreed to what was going on. Lee said of Lehrmanns decision to bring the civil case against Channel Ten and Wilkinson, after his criminal trial was aborted due to juror misconduct: Having escaped the lions den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat. Lehrmann denied the rape allegations and pleaded not guilty at his trial in the Australian Capital Territory supreme court which was aborted. Prosecutors did not seek a retrial due to concerns about Higginss mental health. Lehrmann and Wilkinson were both in court for the decision. Lehrmann sat with his head bowed for most of the proceedings, rarely looking up to where Lee sat issuing a judgment that was at times scathing of Lehrmann and his truthfulness. To remark that Mr Lehrmann was a poor witness is an exercise in understatement, Lee said in his first few minutes of the judgment. Both Lehrmann and Wilkinson were in court for most of the five-week trial, sitting at opposite ends of the courtroom. The full judgment has been published online. Lee was, however, critical of the conduct of Channel Tens The Project team, saying the rape allegations were intertwined with the cover-up and the Project team had strong indications of the unreliability of their main source, particularly as to how she lost material on her phone and selected material survived. He also criticised their approach to seeking comment from Lehrmann: If Network Ten wanted to get in contact with Mr Lehrmann, there were ways of ensuring that contact could be achieved. He was not living the life of a hermit. Lee said the case functioned as a Rorschach test for some observers. For more than a few, this dispute has become a proxy for broader cultural and political conflicts. In The Project interview, Higgins told Wilkinson she was sexually assaulted on a couch in the office of her then boss, former defence industry minister Linda Reynolds, in the early hours of Saturday 23 March 2019. The Project did not name Lehrmann as the Liberal staffer at the heart of the allegation but Lee found he was identifiable in the broadcast. In February 2023, after his criminal trial was abandoned, Lehrmann began legal action against Network Ten in the federal court. In the judgment Lee said Ten and Wilkinson had proved the imputation he raped Higgins was true on the balance of probabilities. The applicant has always denied raping Higgins or having any sexual relations with her at all. Did you sexually assault Brittany Higgins in that office on that evening? his barrister, Steven Whybrow SC, asked during the trial in December last year. Absolutely not, Lehrmann replied. In the witness box over five days Lehrmann admitted telling three different stories including two that were lies about the reason for his after-hours visit to Parliament House with Higgins after a night out in Canberra. Lee was scathing of Lehrmanns explanations that he returned to the ministers office to retrieve his keys, detailing the complicated process involved in getting through Parliament House security: I think it is safe to conclude that the process of getting into a flat he shared with his girlfriend would have been a significantly less elaborate exercise, he said scornfully. He also dismissed as fanciful the idea that Lehrmann, having been out drinking and accompanied by a woman he found attractive went to the office at nearly 2am to note up briefs for a Question Time that was not to occur for one and a half weeks especially when Lehrmann hitherto had demonstrated no outward signs of being a workaholic. He told Lee he must have been mistaken when he told the Australian federal police he did not have any alcohol in his office. Under cross-examination he conceded he had multiple bottles of whisky and gin at the time. When the defence presented its case, the court heard Higgins weighed 60kg at the time of the alleged rape and an expert testified that a woman of her size would have likely had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.23% at the time of the alleged rape. Higgins was in the witness box for four days during which she became emotional as she recounted in graphic detail her alleged rape, as well as the deterioration of her relationship with her employer after she reported the alleged incident. As I was being raped, it wasnt my primary concern where my dress was I was deeply more concerned about the penis in my vagina that I didnt want than I was about my dress, Higgins said through tears. Lehrmann maintains his innocence. In the criminal trial in 2022 he pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent, denying that any sexual activity occurred. In December of that year prosecutors dropped charges against him for the alleged rape of Higgins, saying a retrial would pose an unacceptable risk to her health. Lee noted that if Lehrmann had won he would have been entitled to damages of $20,000. The parties have until 22 April to file submissions for costs. The Cult of Beauty explores notions of beauty through more than 200 historical and contemporary objects - Imageplotter /Alamy An exhibition on physical beauty has displayed its transgender curators surgically removed breasts in a jar. The Cult of Beauty show at the Wellcome Collection in London seeks to explore aesthetics beyond binaries of beautiful or ugly. A display about transness, which charts the communitys transcestors, includes the breasts of E-J Scott, a transgender man. Trigger warnings for visitors entering the exhibit tell them to expect nudity, images of surgery and human tissue. Scott explains in a caption that a cis gaze falling on the breast tissue will inevitably try to piece a body and the person back together, but adds that this is wrong because body modification in the radical pursuit of pleasure is about body autonomy. Scott adds that curating and displaying objects relating to transgenderism helps to prove the historical existence of trans forebears, or transcestors. Scott, who also founded the Museum of Transology, the worlds largest collection of items representing the lives of transgender people, states in the caption: We are securing our place in history, on our own terms, in our own words. Were not only halting the erasure of transcestry, were literally saving ourselves. Collecting is connecting. It bonds us with each other today and with our transcestors tomorrow. The show encourages visitors to 'define beauty according to our own values' - Eddie Mulholland The Wellcome Collection is funded by the Wellcome Trust, the charitable organisation founded by Sir Henry Wellcome, a pharmaceutical magnate, to display medical collections. Signage for the free show, which runs until April 28, says: [The exhibition] questions and celebrates what beauty means to different communities, particularly marginalised ones, in our world today. It encourages us to claim agency over our identities and to define beauty according to our own values. It adds: The Cult of Beauty is an invitation to widen and complicate our understanding of beauty beyond the binaries of beautiful or ugly, natural or artificial, physical or digital. As well as trigger warnings for human tissue, visitors are also notified of racist and misogynist materials. Perhaps We are All Fictions in the Eye of the Beholder (2021) by Xu Yang, on show at The Cult of Beauty - Imageplotter /Alamy One section deals with how racialised whiteness has defined beauty standards around the world. It argues that categorisations of racialised beauty have been a tool of colonial violence, adding that: The idea that light skin is more beautiful than dark skin is the consequence of colonisation and racist Western beauty norms in many contexts. Other displays in the show include an examination of the improbable proportion of Barbie dolls, and how selfies have been used to show off physical appearance in recent years. The Wellcome Collection previously caused controversy in 2022 when it shut down a gallery titled Medicine Man, calling the collection gathered by its own founder racist, sexist and ableist. A spokesman for the Wellcome Collection said: Wellcome Collection is a free museum committed to sharing different perspectives on health, medicine and human experience. The Cult of Beauty exhibition includes artworks and objects that explore a wide range of ideas and experiences of beauty throughout history, and how these relate to health and the human body. There are content advisory notes throughout the exhibition, including at the beginning of the Bodily Autonomy section, which includes the material that you are referring to. This section considers lived experience of body transformation and self-image, and how these relate to ideas of beauty. For example, it also includes medical and stylised images of cosmetic surgery. As this section contains images of surgery, and human tissue, the advisory notes are in place for people who would prefer to avoid them. The items on display from transgender artists and contributors in The Cult of Beauty illustrate how they personally perceive beauty and are just some of the different perspectives presented in the exhibition. We want our trans visitors, partners and employees to be able to live as themselves, feel welcomed in our spaces and be reflected in the stories we share. A Lebanese soldier and emergency responders survey an impact crater after an Israeli airstrike hit a road in southern Lebanon on Monday. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Four Israeli soldiers have been injured inside Lebanon, one seriously, after being hit by bombs planted by Hezbollah. The incident was confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces and came after the Lebanese Shia group said it had ambushed Israeli troops. The IDF indicated the incident took place during operational activity by a Golani Brigade reconnaissance unit and combat engineering unit on the Lebanese side of the border, several hundred metres from Israels fence. It appeared to be the first acknowledged breach of Lebanese sovereignty by Israeli troops on the ground to become known since the Gaza war erupted in October, leading to months of exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah. It appears likely it is not the first time in the past six months that Israeli troops have crossed the fence into Lebanon amid its escalating border war with Hezbollah. Israeli jets and drones, however, regularly enter Lebanons airspace while an Israeli assassination of a senior Hamas official in a Beirut suburb was also condemned as a breach of the countrys sovereignty. The body of Mohammad Sarur, 57, was found riddled with bullets in a villa in the Lebanese mountain town of Beit Mery last Tuesday, and senior Lebanese officials have said that the Mossad was responsible. Hezbollah said in a statement that its fighters had planted explosive devices in the Tel Ismail area near the border on the Lebanese side. It said that when a patrol of Israels Golani Brigade crossed into Lebanon and arrived in the area where the devices were planted, Hezbollah detonated them, leading to deaths and injuries. Earlier on Monday, the military had said four soldiers were injured, one severely, as a result of an explosion of an unknown source during overnight activity along the northern border and that the incident was under review. Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire on a near daily basis since Hamass attack on Israel on 7 October. The ongoing conflict has killed about 270 Hezbollah fighters and an estimated 50 civilians, security sources say, and displaced 90,000 people in southern Lebanon. About 60,000 Israelis have been evacuated from the countrys northern border area, and 18 people civilians and soldiers have been killed on the Israeli side of the border, according to Israeli tallies. The latest incident in an already tense region follows a series of dangerous escalations in recent weeks after Israel hit an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus on 1 April prompting Iran to launch a large-scale but well-flagged drone and missile strike on Israel at the weekend. Authorities in Oklahoma on Monday revealed new details about two Kansas women who went missing in rural Oklahoma and are now believed to have been murdered. "This case did not end the way we hoped. It certainly has been a tragedy for everyone involved," Aungela Spurlock Director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said. "Our condolences go out to the family." Two bodies believed to be the missing women were found in Texas County on Sunday and were to be taken to the medical examiner's office to make an official identity. The cause of death will also need to be confirmed. 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jillian Kelley, a preacher's wife, disappeared in late March while they were traveling across state lines to pick up Butler's children. Their vehicle was found abandoned near Highway 95 in Texas County and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said there was evidence to indicate foul play. The evidence reportedly included blood in the vehicle. Investigators say they suspected foul play early in the case. "We felt this wasn't random." Texas County Sheriff Matt Boley said. "We felt it was targeted." Authorities said they worked around the clock for 15 days to solve the crimes. They thanked the public for providing tips during the investigation but they would not confirm if a tip helped in the arrests. State Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Hunter McKee called it an "absolutely brutal crime." Four people were arrested Saturday on murder charges in connection with their disappearance, including the mother-in-law of one of the victims. Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties. Adams was Bulter's mother-in-law, according to the Daily Mail, and the children were living with her. Cullum is Adams' boyfriend, according to the report. All four were booked into the Texas County Jail on two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree. Court documents showed that Butler, the father of her children as well as his family were involved in a bitter custody dispute. In a motion reportedly filed last November, Adams opposed any adjustment in the supervised visitation arrangement Butler had with the children. She allegedly claimed that the children had been exposed to sexual abuse while under Butler's care. Kelley is the wife of a pastor at Hugoton First Christian Church in Kansas. Heath Kelley recently agreed to serve as the new pastor of Willow Christian Church in Nebraska. Justice Michael Lee spent two-and-a-half hours delivering an oral summary of his 324-page judgment in the defamation case brought by Bruce Lehrmann against Channel Ten and Lisa Wilkinson. The judgment was incredibly nuanced, with Lee seeking to draw fine distinctions based upon the subtleties of the evidence. But it was also characterised by Lees penchant for a creatively turned phrase, drawing laughter from the gallery at a number of points. The full judgment is online here or read some of the judges finest rhetorical flourishes below. Omnishambles It is a singular case, said Lee in his opening. Indeed, given its unexpected detours and the collateral damage it has occasioned, it might be more fitting to describe it as an omnishambles. About a minute later, the audio from the courtroom cut out, meaning that the roughly 25,000 people watching the livestream of the judgment at that point had no clue what was going on. When the audio was fixed about half an hour later, Lee resumed the bench. I think I got up to the point where I said omnishambles, he said wryly. On Lehrmanns credibility Almost as soon as he began his judgment, Lee made it clear what he thought about Lehrmanns truthfulness. To remark that Mr Lehrmann was a poor witness is an exercise in understatement. Later, in recounting comments that Lehrmann made to Lauren Gain, who had been at the Dock bar with Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins on the night Lehrmann allegedly raped Higgins, Lee said: Ms Gain had not previously met Mr Lehrmann and she asked him where he worked. Mr Lehrmann told her that he was in Senator Reynolds office and, at some point in the conversation, Mr Lehrmann spun the tall tale he was waiting on a clearance to come through so that he could go and work at Asis. Ms Gain, politely, kept her well-founded incredulity to herself All these falsehoods, together with his Walter Mitty-like imaginings in skiting to Ms Gain about the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (Asis), demonstrate that Mr Lehrmann had no compunction about departing from the truth if he thought it expedient. On Lehrmann finding the whole courtroom attractive The first of Lees comments to get an outright laugh from the public gallery was when he was discussing Lehrmanns evidence about whether he found Higgins attractive. In his 2023 Spotlight interview, Lehrmann denied thinking Higgins was attractive, despite other comments he had made about Higgins in 2019. Lee said, with a raised eyebrow: When confronted by this inconsistency, his attempt to explain it away by suggesting the attraction he felt for Ms Higgins was just like [the attraction] I can find [in] anybody else in this [court]room, irrespective of gender was as disconcerting as it was unconvincing. There was a loud chuckle from the room that was promptly shushed. On Higgins autobiography Lee addressed Lehrmanns submission that the draft manuscript of Higgins book was full of inaccuracies and inconsistencies with her evidence, by saying: As to the book, as the saying goes, an autobiography usually reveals nothing bad about its writer except his memory. On Higgins hapless Bumble date Lee sought to restore some dignity to the man Higgins met on the dating app Bumble and who she invited to come to the bar on the night of the alleged rape. Ms Higgins extended the invitation to a number of others, including Mr Wenke Mr Lehrmann and a man she was in contact with on the dating application Bumble, who also worked in politics. Ms Higgins hapless date was referred to initially as Bumble guy, but later was given the dignity of being described by his Christian name, Nick. He later said: Nick, alas, was left chatting to a man in a blue shirt. After being forsaken like a shag on a rock for an extended period and despite then making successful attempts to interact with some of the group on the larger table, Nick understandably left The Dock, no doubt ruing swiping right. On the chat at the Dock Bar between the staffers With the exception of Mr Lehrmann, no one who gave evidence as to their time at The Dock could recall discussing Australias submarine contracts with France at either table. The lack of recollection of any discussion of this topic is intuitively unsurprising. Declaiming on the topics of who was building submarines and where they were being built was not quite the repartee one would usually expect to hear over a convivial drink on a Friday night between 20-year-olds out for a good time even if (with respect) one would not expect the badinage of the Algonquin Round Table. On distractions in the background of the CCTV from The Dock Ms Higgins seems by this stage to be ebullient, putting her hands in the air and is evidently in high spirits; although it is easy to be distracted at this point in the video by two happy middle-aged ladies re-enacting what might be a scene out of Mamma Mia in the background. On whether Lehrmann continued drinking in the ministerial suite Intuitively, given what had been happening, one would think it likely the drinking continued given what we know about Mr Lehrmann encouraging Ms Higgins to imbibe and the rationale given by him for them both to come back to the Suite. After all, Mr Lehrmann said he was going to show Ms Higgins whisky not Qing Dynasty ceramics. And more on the topic of whisky: Demonstrating his forensic difficulty with his representations concerning the Scottish libation, his evidence on this topic at trial was all over the shop. Some fatherly advice At one point Lee cited the wisdom that nothing good happens after two oclock in the morning Here too there was a combination of drink and the wee hours, and it led, on any view of it, to trouble. On Lehrmanns keys Lee roasted Lehrmann over his claim that he went back to Parliament House after being out drinking with Higgins and others in order to retrieve his keys. If the reason Mr Lehrmann needed to return to Parliament House was to collect his keys, he could have texted his girlfriend to have her meet him at the door or called her. Mr Lehrmann asks me to accept the proposition that it was a process to get in to his shared flat and that to avoid this complication, he preferred to: (a) go out of his way to go back to work in the early hours; (b) lie to Parliament House security; (c) sign the necessary register; (d) be issued with a pass; (e) go through a metal detector; (f) be escorted by a security guard to his office; (g) obtain his keys from his office; (h) book another Uber; (i) go back through a Parliamentary exit; (j) meet the ride-share car; and then (k) ride home. Even if he was in the doghouse because he had stayed out late, I think it is safe to conclude that the process of getting into a flat he shared with his girlfriend would have been a significantly less elaborate exercise. On Lehrmanns work habits Among Lehrmanns other claims about what he was doing in the ministers office at around 2am was that he needed to note up briefs for the minister. Lee rejected this claim with savagery: As I have already noted, put in stark terms, it is fanciful a somewhat lubricated male staffer accompanied by a woman he found attractive, who he had just been pashing in a nightclub despite having a girlfriend, would then be interested, after coming to a private place very late, to just say cheerio, and then soberly proceed to note up briefs for a Question Time that was not to occur for one and a half weeks, a fortiori when the staffer had already resigned; had no outstanding tasks; was not ordinarily involved in work concerning the Defence portfolio; and hitherto had demonstrated no outward signs of being a workaholic. On the security guards assessment of Lehrmanns and Higgins drunkenness [Mark] Fairweather recalled a general smell of alcohol but did not think that the visitors were overly affected (by which he meant slurring, falling over, vomiting level drunk) so as to be refused entry . Mr Fairweather, although an experienced security guard, was not a breathalyser in human form. On Lehrmanns decision to bring the defamation case, after his criminal trial was aborted Israels top general has said the country will respond to Irans missile and drone attack, but it remains unclear what form that response will take and whether it will be so forceful that it could tip a worsening spiral of violence into a full-scale regional war. US officials said on Monday that some form of counter to Irans attack, which involved more than 300 missiles and drones, was almost inevitable, but the Biden administration was still hoping it would be a limited counterstrike and not aimed at Iranian territory. The Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, gave the clearest confirmation so far since the attack that Israel would strike back. Related: Middle East crisis: visual guide to Irans attack on Israel This launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response, Halevi said, speaking from the Nevatim air force base in southern Israel, which was lightly damaged in the attack. Israels war cabinet met for the fourth time in the last two days on Monday afternoon, as the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, and Benny Gantz, the former defence minister and centrist Netanyahu rival, again discussed how to walk the tightrope between escalation and deterrence. We respect that thats a decision the war cabinet, the prime minister, have to make. We know that they live in a very tough neighbourhood, the White House national security spokesperson, John Kirby, told CNN on Monday. But he added that Joe Biden had also been very clear that we dont want a war with Iran. We dont seek to widen and broaden this conflict. We dont want to see things escalate. A range of options were discussed during a meeting that lasted several hours, Israels Channel N12 News reported, which would show Iran its actions had crossed a red line without triggering an even bigger response, as Tehran has threatened. N12 reported that Israel intended to coordinate with the US on its response, but the Biden administration has said repeatedly it will not take part or assist any Israeli counterattack. US officials appeared resigned on Monday that the Israeli government would not heed Bidens advice to take the win of having shot down the overwhelming majority of incoming Iranian missiles and drones on Saturday night and Sunday morning, and that there would be some sort of Israeli response. Irans foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, told his Chinese counterpart on Tuesday that Tehran was willing to exercise restraint and had no intention of further escalating the situation, according to state media. The IDF claims it shot down 99% of the drones and ballistic and cruise missiles. But it was later reported that many of the Iranian munitions had failed to launch or fell far short of their targets. In the end, only four Iranian missiles struck in and around the Nevatim base. The Biden administration remained hopeful, however, that the counterstrike would not physically target anything on Iranian soil, but would take the form of a large-scale cyber-attack, or aim at an Iranian proxy or an Iranian military target, such as a drone manufacturing plant, in a third country such as Lebanon, Syria or Iraq. Officials suggested another possibility was a covert attack on a target inside Iran, not to be explicitly acknowledged by Israel but which would be widely known to have been carried out by Israeli special forces or intelligence. Over the past decades there have been a series of assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists and blasts at sensitive military sites that have been attributed to Israel, but any open attack on military sites or infrastructure targets inside Iran would be viewed differently by Tehran, which has threatened to escalate further, making an all-out war much more likely. Related: How will Israel respond to Irans attack and could it cope with a war? Some hardline Israeli security establishment figures may view this weekends developments as a window of opportunity to go after Irans nuclear facilities, where Iranian technicians have come much closer to making weapons-grade uranium since the collapse of a 2015 nuclear deal, triggered by Donald Trumps unilateral withdrawal from the agreement. As with Saturdays attack on Israel, the amount of casualties or damage caused by a direct Israeli retaliation would be likely to determine Irans next move. Biden and the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, contacted Israels Arab neighbours on Sunday and Monday to reassure them of Washingtons position: that it was urging Netanyahu not to respond to the Iranian attack and that the US would play no part in any Israeli counterstrike. During talks in Washington on Monday, Iraqs prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, called for restraint in the Middle East. We encourage all the efforts of stopping the expansion of the area of conflict, especially the latest development, Sudani said at the start of a meeting with Biden. France, whose aircraft played a part in shooting down incoming Iranian munitions on Sunday, joined the chorus of foreign powers calling for Israeli restraint. For several years now we have had an airbase in Jordan to fight terrorism, Emmanuel Macron told the BFM TV news channel. Jordanian airspace was violated We made our planes take off and we intercepted what we had to intercept. Macron echoed the Biden position, saying France would help bolster Israeli defences but would not countenance a counterattack on Iranian territory. We will do everything to avoid a conflagration that is to say an escalation, the French president said. We need to be by Israels side to ensure its protection to the maximum, but also to call for a limit to avoid an escalation. He said the emphasis of the international community should be on isolating Iran, convincing countries in the region that Iran is a danger, increasing sanctions, reinforcing pressure over nuclear activities. A newspaper featuring an illustrated image of the Iranian surface-to-surface missiles on its front page in downtown Tehran - Rouzbeh Fouladi/ZUMA Press/Alamy Live News Iran has charged several journalists and newspapers after they criticised Saturdays strikes on Israel. Tehrans prosecutors office said it had issued charges against the pro-reform newspaper Etemad and its journalist Abbas Abdi, the financial newspaper the Jahan Sanat, and the journalist Yashar Soltani and prominent filmmaker Hossein Dehbashi. All had criticised Irans retaliatory bombardment against Israel in response to the latters air strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. Iran fired some 300 drones and missiles late on Saturday almost all of which were shot down by the US, UK and Israel. In a piece published in Etemad on Sunday, Mr Abdi wrote: Contrary to popular belief, I believe that Israels attack was fundamentally a reaction and did not necessitate a response from Iran. Mr Abdi added that attacking a country whose existence you do not recognise as a means of deterrence is meaningless and impractical, referring to Irans stance on the Israeli state. Tehran prosecutors office said it had charged Mr Abdi and the newspaper under its legal obligation to address individuals who disrupt societal psychological security. Billboard in central Tehran depicting Iranian ballistic missiles with text in Arabic reading 'Israel is weaker than a spider's web' - ATTA KENARE/AFP Yashar Soltani and Hossein Dehbashi were summoned to the prosecutors office after making critical comments on social media. Mr Dehbashi called the attack flashy, inadequate, and ineffective and challenged authorities who claimed the strikes were more successful than we anticipated. Mohsen Borhani, one local lawyer, said the indictment doesnt even exist under the countrys current laws. Jahan Sanat, a Tehran-based financial newspaper, was charged with trying to undermine the psychological security of society and disrupt the economic stability of the nation with its front page on Sunday. The newspaper had said it was concerned about the hit to the economy and stock market that escalating tensions between Iran and Israel would have. The apparent reprisals against the media follow warnings by the countrys elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that critics of the strikes will face swift and resolute consequences. The involvement of some social media pages in endorsing and bolstering the Zionist regimes actions has deeply wounded the sentiments of the Iranian people, the intelligence organisation of the IRGC said over the weekend. How Irans attack on Israel unfolded minute by minute Israel is planning a painful strike on Iran that does not cause casualties, according to leaks from the prime ministers war cabinet. Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly asked the Israel Defense Forces to draw up a list of targets that Israel could choose to hit that the US would not object to. A carefully calibrated response to Irans unprecedented missile and drone attack on Sunday could come in the form of a precision strike on a facility in Tehran, or a cyber attack, the Washington Post reported, citing an Israeli official familiar with the sensitive discussions. Everybody agrees that Israel must respond, the official said. How to respond, when to respond, is the question. Israels Channel 12 news claimed the war cabinet had agreed to strike back at Iran clearly and forcefully, and that several options had been discussed that would be painful but unlikely to trigger a regional war. The war cabinet is also aiming to find a way to retaliate against Iran that wont be blocked by the United States, the broadcaster reported, after Joe Biden told Mr Netanyahu that Washington would not support an Israeli counter-attack. Israel's war cabinet met on Monday to discuss a retaliation against Iran - Anadolu Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defence minister, on Monday told his US counterpart that Israel has no choice but to respond to Irans attack, which was thwarted with help from the United States and Britain. Mr Netanyahu has still not publicly commented on the plan for retaliation, and the war cabinet is due to reconvene on Tuesday morning. Hardliners in the cabinet late on Sunday night said Israel must go berserk on Iran, and should not waste time with its retaliation for Irans first ever direct attack on Israel. Ideas of containment and moderation are the perceptions that ended on Oct 7, Itamar Ben-Gvir, the national security minister and leader of the most popular Right-wing party, said in a statement late on Sunday. To create a deterrent in the Middle East, Israel has got to show that it is prepared to go berserk. 06:24 PM BST Thank you for following todays live blog Thank you for following our live coverage of the Middle East crisis. We will be back with the latest updates tomorrow. 06:17 PM BST Israel on its own if it launches military attack on Iran, says US Israel has been told been told by Washington that if it launches a retaliatory military attack on Iran, it is on its own, writes David Millward, US Correspondent. The message was delivered by US defence secretary Lloyd Austin to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, ABC News reported. Asked whether the US would help Israel in a counter offensive, a Washington official said: We would not envision ourselves participating in such a thing. Following the Iran attack, the Biden administration said its support for Israel was ironclad. But the refusal to join Israel in striking back was made clear to the Netanyahu government in a very direct manner, an official said. 05:55 PM BST US condemns West Bank killings The United States strongly condemns the killing of Israeli teenager Binyamin Achimair and is increasingly concerned by the violence against Palestinians and their property that ensued in the occupied West Bank after his death, the State Department has said. That violence resulted in the killing of two Palestinians, Jihad Abu Aliya, 25, and Omar Ahmad Abdulghani Hamed, 17, the department said in a statement. We strongly condemn these murders, it added. The violence must stop. Civilians are never legitimate targets. We call on the authorities to take measures to protect all communities from harm, and we urge Israel and the Palestinian Authority to do everything possible to de-escalate tensions, the department said. 05:44 PM BST Biden: US remains committed to Israels security Joe Biden said the United States was committed to Israels security and a ceasefire in Gaza, writes Tony Diver in Washington. Speaking at a meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shyaa Al-Sudani, at the White House, the US president addressed Americas involvement in defending Israel from Saturdays attack by Iran. Together with our partners, we defeated that attack, he said. The United States is committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict from spreadingthan it already has. He added that the United States is committed to Israels security and that the US-Iraqi relationship was critical for the region and the world. He did not answer questions from reporters. 05:30 PM BST Netanyahu asks IDF for list of targets that would not cause casualties Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly asked the Israel Defense Forces to provide a list of targets that it could strike, but that wouldnt cause casualties. Israels war cabinet ended a meeting earlier this afternoon at which ministers deliberated how to respond to Irans attack. Mr Netanyahu is looking at options that would send a message to Tehran, including a possible strike on a facility in the Iranian capital, or a cyber attack, the Washington Post reported, citing an Israeli official familiar with the sensitive discussions. Everybody agrees that Israel must respond, the official said. How to respond, when to respond, is the question. 05:09 PM BST Pictured: Israeli troops on the Gaza border Israeli soldiers exit an armored personnel carrier near the border with the Gaza - Amir Levy/Getty Images Europe Israeli soldiers launch a reconnaisance drone from southern Israel - Amir Levy/Getty Images Europe 05:00 PM BST France summons Iranian ambassador France has summoned the Iranian ambassador to condemn the attack on Israel. He was reminded, with the greatest firmness, of Frances condemnation of the attack, the French foreign ministry said, adding that France was working with its partners to de-escalate the situation and calling on everyone to exercise restraint. 04:47 PM BST Israels war cabinet finishes discussing potential responses to Iran attack Israels war cabinet has finished a meeting that was called to discuss a potential retaliation to Sundays attack by Iran, writes Nataliya Vasilyeva in Jerusalem. The ministers did not appear to reach a conclusion on what the response should be, according to Israeli media. Several options are on the table for a painful retaliation against Iran that should not spark off a regional conflict, Israels Channel 12 reported. It is also understood that Israel would only go for an option that would not face opposition from Washington, which has warned against any actions that could trigger further escalation. 04:38 PM BST Iranian attack on Israel legitimate, says Malaysian PM Irans unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel was legitimate, Malaysias prime minister has said. Anwar Ibrahim, the leader of the Muslim-majority country, urged Israel not to take any further retaliation that will aggravate tensions in the Middle East. The launching of the drones by Iran is a legitimate act following the barbarous attack by the Israeli Zionist regime against the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Mr Anwar said, referring to the strike on Tehrans consulate in the Syrian capital that killed several Iranian generals. Mr Anwar has previously defended Malaysias ties with Hamas. He stressed during a visit to Germany last month that Malaysias links were with the terror groups political wing and not with its military arm. I make no apologies about it, he said at the time. 04:21 PM BST Belgium summons Iranian ambassador The Belgian foreign ministry said it had summoned The Iranian ambassador to condemn the Iranian attack on Israel. This attack endangers regional stability and the population, and takes us further away from peace. I call on all parties to exercise the greatest restraint, Hadja Lahbib, the Belgian foreign minister, said. 04:08 PM BST Sunak to speak with Netanyahu and call for restraint Rishi Sunak has said he will soon speak with Benjamin Netanyahu about how to prevent escalation in the region after Irans drone and missile attack. I will also shortly be speaking to Prime Minister Netanyahu to express our solidarity with Israel in the face of this attack, and to discuss how we can prevent further escalation, Mr Sunak told parliament. All sides must show restraint, he added. 03:57 PM BST Sunak set out three steps to put region on better path Rishi Sunak set out his three vital steps to put the region on to a better path. The Prime Minister told the Commons: I believe there are three vital steps to put the region onto a better path. First we must uphold regional security against hostile actors including in the Red Sea, and we must ensure Israels security - that is non-negotiable. It is a fundamental condition for peace in the region. In the face of threats like we saw this weekend, Israel has our full support. Second we must invest more deeply in the two state solution, that is what we have been doing over the past six months, including working closely with the Palestinian authority so that when the time comes they can provide more effective governance for Gaza and the West Bank. It is significant that other regional partners actually help to prevent a much worse attack over the weekend, it reminds us how important the attempts to normalise relations between Israel and its neighbours really are, and it holds out precious hope for the region. Third, the conflict in Gaza must end, Hamas which is backed by Iran started this war, they wanted not just to kill and murder but to destabilise the whole region. 03:54 PM BST G7 united in condemnation Rishi Sunak said his fellow G7 leaders are united in our condemnation of this attack by Iran, adding to MPs: We discussed further potential diplomatic measures which well be working together to co-ordinate in the coming days. I will also shortly be speaking to prime minister Netanyahu to express our solidarity with Israel in the face of this attack and to discuss how we can prevent further escalation. All sides must show restraint. 03:48 PM BST Middle East conflict in no ones interest, Starmer says Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons that a conflict in the Middle East is in no ones interest. The Labour leader said that the combined action this weekend was a success and because of that lives were saved. Sir Keir went on to call for restraint from all involved in the conflict. Israel must now show the same strength and courage to de-escalate, he said. 03:46 PM BST Keir Starmer addresses MPs Sir Keir Starmer is now speaking in the House of Commons. The Labour leader said that he supports the actions taken by the RAF to defend Israel and the sending of British planes to the area. Their efforts are vital for a safer world, he said. 03:44 PM BST Sunak renews calls for a two-state solution Rishi Sunak has called for more investment in the two-state solution as he addressed MPs. I want to be clear, nothing that has happened over the last 48 hours changes our position on Gaza, he said. Mr Sunak added that the whole country wants to see an end to the bloodshed. He called for more humanitarian aid to pass into Gaza as he remembered the British volunteers killed delivering aid recently. Mr Sunak described John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47 from the World Central Kitchen as heroes. 03:40 PM BST Iran sought to plunge Middle East into new crisis, says Sunak Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, told MPs in the House of Commons that Iran sought to plunge the Middle East into a new crisis when they attacked Israel late on Saturday. It was a reckless and dangerous escalation The fallout and toll on Israeli citizens would have been catastrophic, he said. Mr Sunak confirmed the RAF destroyed a number of Iranian drones and provided intelligence and reconnaissance support to Israel. He reaffirmed British support for Israel and added that Iran is intent on sowing chaos in their backyard. 03:36 PM BST Rishi Sunak speaking live from parliament The Prime Minister is speaking in parliament on Irans recent attack on Israel. We will bring updates as they come and you can watch live via the video at the top of this page. 03:29 PM BST Pictured: Palestinians surrounded by rubble Palestinians have been photographed surrounded by destroyed buildings in Gaza. Palestinians inspect the destroyed buildings after the Israeli attack on Al-Maghazi refugee camp A man walks through rubble by a heavily damaged building in the eastern side of the Maghazi camp - AFP via Getty Images 03:01 PM BST Italy open to new G7 sanctions on Israels enemies Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven major democracies (G7), is open to new sanctions against individuals engaged against Israel following the Iranian drone and missile attack, its foreign minister said on Monday. Iran launched explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel late on Saturday in retaliation for an attack on its embassy compound in Damascus, fuelling fears of a wider regional conflict bursting out of the Israel-Hamas war. Antonio Tajani told Reuters: If we need to have more sanctions for people clearly engaged against Israel, supporting for example terrorism, supporting Hamas, it is possible to do it. But we need to be very serious and to work all together. 02:41 PM BST Watch: Displaced Gazans head north Displaced Gazans have been seen heading north to return home. 02:17 PM BST BBCs Nick Robinson should have been clearer in comments on Gaza attacks BBC presenter Nick Robinson has said he should have been clearer when describing Israel attacks in Gaza as murders that it was not his view or that of the corporation. Mr Robinson addressed the push-back he received after interviewing David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, on Mondays BBC Radio 4 Today programme about the words he used. In a post to X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: My final question was about the perceived morality of the governments position - in particular the risk that their position could appear to look like active support for Israel when it is under attack but nothing other than words when Israel attacks or murders tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians. I should have been clearer that I was not expressing my own view let alone that of the BBC when I used the words murders. In this 15 minute long interview I asked the Foreign Secretary why ministers had supported Israel militarily; why they didnt go further & support Israel in confronting Iran; why they werent tougher in confronting Israel over Gaza and ended with that question about the perceived morality and the risk of how the governments position appears. It was a lengthy and detailed exploration of the policy choices made by the Government. 01:51 PM BST US Centcom forces intercept four Houthi UAVs The US Central Command (Centcom) said on Monday its forces destroyed four uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on April 14, acting in self-defence. Centcom added in a Red Sea update that Houthi militants launched an anti-ship ballistic missile toward the Gulf of Aden from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen on Saturday and that there were no injuries or damage reported by US, coalition, or commercial ships. 01:31 PM BST Aid to Gaza has increased dramatically, says White House Humanitarian aid arriving in Gaza has increased dramatically in the last few days, John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, said, adding that the US needs to see that aid sustained. The aid has increased and quite dramatically in just the last few days, Mr Kirby said in an interview with MSNBC. Thats important but it has to be sustained. More than 2,000 trucks have been able to get in, with around 100 entering in the past 24 hours alone, he added. His comments came after Washington threatened to render its support for Israel conditional on the country permitting greater aid into the war-torn region. In a separate interview on CNBC, Mr Kirby reiterated this stance, stating: Our policy with respect to Gaza will change if we dont see significant changes over time. 12:57 PM BST UK dismisses Iran assertion it gave warning before attacking Israel Britain rejects an assertion by Iran that it provided advance notice before attacking Israel, a spokesman for Rishi Sunak said on Monday. Hossein Amirabdollahian, the Iranian Foreign Minister, said on Sunday that Iran gave neighbouring countries and Israels ally the United States 72-hours notice it would launch the strikes. I would reject that characterisation, Mr Sunaks spokesman told reporters. And more broadly we condemn in the strongest possible terms their direct attack against Israel. 12:41 PM BST Hezbollah claims attack on Israeli troops who had crossed border Lebanons Hezbollah claimed on Monday it had detonated explosive devices targeting Israeli soldiers who the group said had crossed into Lebanese territory. Israels army said four soldiers were wounded overnight in an explosion in the area of the northern border, but without specifying on which side of the frontier. One of the soldiers was severely injured it said. It was the first time Hezbollah claimed such an attack in six months of near-daily cross-border clashes between the Iran-backed group and Israel since the Gaza war broke out. Hezbollah fighters planted explosive devices in the Tal Ismail area inside Lebanon, detonating them after Israeli soldiers crossed the border, the group said in a statement. 12:22 PM BST Germany summons Iranian ambassador Germany on Monday summoned the Iranian ambassador, a day after Tehran sent for the German, French and British envoys over their countries response to Irans missile and drone attack on Israel. I can inform you that the Iranian ambassador has been summoned to the foreign ministry this morning and that the talks are currently taking place, a spokesman for the ministry told a regular government press conference, without specifying what issue would be raised. 12:06 PM BST Biggest single disruption to air travel since 9/11 Global airlines continue to face disruption this morning following what has been called the biggest single disruption to air travel since 9/11. Mark Lee, the founder of OPSGROUP, which monitors airspace and airports, said Irans drone and missile attack on Israel has led to the largest single disruption to the sector since the attack on the World Trade Centre in 2001. His comments came as Europes aviation regulator reaffirmed advice to airlines to exercise caution when flying through Israeli and Iranian airspace. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said it and the European Commission would continue to closely monitor the situation to assess any potential safety risks for EU aircraft operators and be ready to act as appropriate. KLM, the Dutch airline, has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until tomorrow, while at least a dozen airlines have had to cancel or reroute flights in the past two days, including Qantas, Germanys Lufthansa, United Airlines and Air India. 10:57 AM BST Kremlin extremely concerned about Middle East escalation The Kremlin has said it is extremely concerned about an escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran, as it urged both sides to show restraint. We are extremely concerned about the escalation of tensions in the region, Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, told reporters. We call on all countries in the region to exercise restraint. Mr Peskov called on both parties to resolve the the simmering crisis through diplomatic means, rather than resorting to retaliatory strikes. Further escalation is in no ones interests. Therefore, of course, we advocate that all disagreements be resolved exclusively by political and diplomatic methods, he said. Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, spoke on the phone with his Iranian counterpart on Sunday, as Moscow refrained from criticising its ally in public over the strikes. 10:45 AM BST Middle East on cliff edge, says EU foreign policy chief The European Unions foreign policy chief said the Middle East stands on the edge of the cliff as he called for de-escalation between Israel and Iran. Josep Borrell told Spanish radio station Onda Cero: Were on the edge of the cliff and we have to move away from it. We have to step on the brakes and reverse gear. Mr Borrell said he expected a response from Israel to Irans unprecedented attack but hoped it would not spark further escalation. He added there was profound division within Israels Right-wing governing coalition between hardliners seeking fierce retaliation and a more moderate and sensible faction. That faction advocates for retaliation, Mr Borrell said, but in a way that avoids a response to the response. Mr Borrell, who spoke with Hossein Amirabdollahian, the Iranian foreign minister, late on Sunday, said the EU needed to have the best possible relations with Iran despite sanctions placed on the Islamic Republic over its nuclear ambitions and human rights abuses. Its in everyones interest that Iran does not become a nuclear power and that the Middle East is pacified, he said. 10:38 AM BST Germany calls for de-escalation Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, has urged restraint by Israel after it successfully repelled Irans unprecedented drone and missile attack. Everyone agrees that the way in which Israel managed to successfully repel this attack... is really impressive, said Mr Scholz, adding: that is a success that should not be given away, and therefore our advice is to contribute to de-escalation. His comments were echoed by Annalena Baerbock, Germanys foreign minister, who said Israels defensive victory over Iran must be secured via diplomatic means. Israel has won defensively thanks to its strong air defence and the efforts of the US, Britain and Arabic states, Ms Baerbock told a news conference in Paris. She added: Now we must prevent an escalation in the region, before explaining she had spoken to Irans foreign minister on Sunday and clearly warned him against further escalation. 10:23 AM BST Pictured: Wreckage in southern Gaza Palestinians returning Khan Yunis after Israel withdrawal - Ali Jadallah/Getty Images A drone captures general destruction in the city of Khan Yunis - Shutterstock Israel last week withdrew its forces from the region of southern Gaza after weeks of intense fighting - Shutterstock 10:19 AM BST Iran seized Israeli-linked ship over maritime laws violation Iran said it seized an Israel-linked vessel on Saturday over a maritime laws violation. Footage of the incident shared by Iranian state media showed Iranian troops rappelling from a helicopter onto the deck of the MSC Aries cargo ship, which was sailing under a Portuguese flag. Nasser Kanaani, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, said: Iran strives to create a safe shipping environment in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf. The vessel was diverted into Irans territorial waters as a result of it violating maritime laws and not answering calls made by Iranian authorities. 10:14 AM BST Iran urges West to appreciate restraint towards Israel Tehran has called on Western nations to appreciate Irans restraint towards Israel after it launched an unprecedented attack against its rival in response to a deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Nasser Kanani, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, said: Instead of making accusations against Iran, [Western] countries should blame themselves and answer to public opinion for the measures they have taken against the...war crimes committed by Israel. Mr Kanani added that Western countries should appreciate Irans restraint in recent months. Iran said it had informed the United States and gave a 72-hour warning to neighbouring countries ahead of what it called its limited attack on Israel, but said no prearranged deal was made with any country regarding how Tehran would carry out its strike. The aim of Irans actions was to create a deterrent in the aim to prevent the repetition of the actions of the Zionist regime and to defend [Iranian] interests, Mr Kanani added. 10:04 AM BST EU to discuss placing fresh sanctions on Iran The European Union will discuss whether to hit Iran with new sanctions after the Islamic Republic launched 300 missiles and drones at Israel over the weekend. But hardline views within the bloc will likely be watered down by a wider international effort to prevent an escalation between Israel and Iran. Josep Borrell, the EUs top diplomat, who has been keen to soften sanctions talk in favour of keeping diplomacy open with Tehran, warned Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian not to escalate further. Charles Michel, the European Councils president, who attended a meeting of G7 leaders over the weekend, added: We will continue all our efforts to work towards de-escalation. The strikes will feature prominently in discussions between EU leaders when they meet for a summit in Brussels later this week. At their last meeting, they discussed whether to hit Iran with new economic sanctions in response to intelligence warnings that Tehran was preparing to ship ballistic missiles to Russia. The blocs foreign ministers will hold talks via video conference on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the EUs Aviation Safety Agency has recommended a buffer zone of 100 nautical miles around Israel. For Iran, it warned: There continues to be an increased potential for miscalculation and/or misidentification in airspace over the capital Tehran. 09:53 AM BST Israel to reconvene war cabinet this morning, reports suggest Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, will reconvene his war cabinet at 2pm (11am GMT) on Monday, a government source said. The war cabinet, comprising Mr Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, the defence minister, Benny Gantz, a former defence minister, and several observers, previously met on Sunday night, the source told Reuters. It comes amid international concern that Israel is planning a response to Irans unprecedented attack on Saturday that could further escalate tensions in the region. 09:49 AM BST Israel not in the business of revenge A spokeswoman for the Israeli embassy in London has said Israel is not in the business of revenge but needs to ensure Iran is deterred from launching further attacks. Asked if Israel will heed warnings from its allies calling for restraint, Orly Goldschmidt told Sky News: We are listening very carefully to our allies, were taking what theyre saying into consideration but, at the end of the day, we will have to defend ourselves against this Iranian threat. Ms Goldschmidt said she would not comment on what Israels response may look like or when it might take place. Not revenge, because were not in the business of revenge but we want to make sure that they are deterred, she said. What happened on Saturday cannot happen on a daily basis, on a weekly basis. We have to understand that its not a new normal that can happen in the Middle East, we have to make sure that the Iranians understand and they are deterred. 09:39 AM BST Israel accuses UN of spreading Hamas propaganda Israel has accused the UN of spreading Hamas propaganda over concerns that aid trucks entering Gaza are only half-full, writes Dominic Penna. Thats just a UN ruse, David Mencer, an Israeli spokesman, told BBC Radio 4s Today. The issue here is distribution. The UN is hopelessly inefficient at distributing aid. Asked about the extent of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Samantha Power, the head of the US agency for international development, has said famine is already under way, Mr Mencer cautioned against taking such warnings at face value. You must not take this sort of propaganda at face value. This is what Hamas wants you to believe. There are 500 trucks right now waiting to be picked up on the Gazan side of the border full to the brim, he said. Israel has recently opened a new Northern Crossing to funnel aid into the war-torn territory instead of re-opening the Erez crossing, amid concerns that Israeli protesters would block trucks from passing through. 09:22 AM BST Pictured: Israels military staff Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi (left) attending a situational assessment with members of the General Staff - Getty Images/AFP 09:04 AM BST RAF jets could defend Israel again, says Lord Cameron Lord Cameron has suggested RAF fighter jets could be used to defend Israel again, despite warning against retaliation. Asked whether British forces could again be involved in fending off another Iranian strike, Lord Cameron told BBC Radio 4s Today: If they come under attack, thats a different issue. RAF troops joined US and Israeli pilots in helping to down a barrage of hundreds of missiles and drones fired at Israel at Iran on Saturday night. Despite continued British support for Israel, the foreign secretary was clear in calling for decrease in tensions. We are saying very clearly we dont support a retaliatory strike. We dont think they should make one. What we are saying very clearly to the Israelis is we respect your right to take action, you are an independent, sovereign country, he said. The right thing to do, the tough thing to do now is not to escalate further but to switch the focus back on to getting the hostages home. 08:50 AM BST Watch: Damage caused by Irans attack 08:43 AM BST Israel knows what our second retaliation would be, says Iran ambassador Irans ambassador to the UN has said Israel is aware of what Tehrans next attack will involve. Israel would know what our second retaliation would be... they understand the next one will be most decisive, Amir Saeid Iravani told Sky News. Speaking after an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss tensions in the Middle East, he described the promise of an Israeli response as a threat, not an action. His comments came after Israels war cabinet convened on Sunday to discuss a potential retaliation against Iran, with one unnamed official vowing a significant response, Israels Channel 12 reported. Despite his threats, Mr Iravani suggested Tehrans strike, which came in response to an Israeli attack on Irans consular in Damascus, should draw a line under further escalation by Israel. I think there should be no military response from Israel, he said. 08:31 AM BST Lord Cameron: Hamas is to blame for ongoing Gaza war Hamas is to blame for keeping the Gaza conflict going, Lord Cameron has said. Israel has put an offer on the table, which is incredibly difficult for them, the foreign secretary said, alluding to the proposed release of dozens of prisoners and a pause in fighting. These are very difficult decisions to make, but theyve made them. And Hamas has rejected that offer. So anyone in any doubt who is responsible for keeping this conflict going, its not Israel, it is Hamas, and the focus should be on them. 08:24 AM BST Lord Cameron urges Israel: Think with head as well as heart Lord Cameron has urged Israel not to retaliate after Irans drone and missile attack, saying it should think with head as well as heart because Tehrans strike had been a near total failure. I think theyre perfectly justified to think they should respond because they have been attacked, but we are urging them as friends to think with head as well as heart, to be smart as well as tough, the Foreign Secretary told BBC Radio 4s the Today programme. The strike by more than 300 missiles and drones from Iran caused only modest damage in Israel as most were shot down by its Iron Dome defence system with help from the US, Britain, France and Jordan. 08:12 AM BST UK would consider more sanctions against Iran, says Cameron Britain would consider further sanctions against Iran, Lord Cameron has said, following its drone and missile attack on Israel. Asked whether the government would consider more sanctions on Iran, the Foreign Secretary told the BBC: Yes, absolutely. We already have 400 sanctions on Iran. We put in place a whole new sanctions regime at the end of last year, which is proving very effective. Weve sanctioned the IRGC, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, in its entirety, and well continue to look at what further steps we can do, he added. Lord Cameron also said Britain would keep under review whether it should proscribe the IRGC. 08:10 AM BST Macron: France will do everything to avoid Middle East conflagration Emmanuel Macron has said France would help do everything to avoid a conflagration in the Middle East following Irans unprecedented missile and drone attack. We will do everything to avoid... a conflagration, the French president told the BFMTV news channel, adding that French jets helped repel an Iranian violation of Jordans air space during the attack on Saturday night. 08:03 AM BST IDF downs drone headed towards Israel Israeli fighter jets shot down a drone last night launched towards Israel from the east, the military reported. The drones flight path was tracked throughout the incident, the IDF told the Times of Israel, and no sirens sounded in Israel. Drones have been launched at Israel by Iran-backed militants in Iraq several times since the outbreak of war in Gaza. The strike comes as the country remains on red alert following Irans major assault on Saturday night involving 170 drones, of which Israel claimed it downed 99 per cent. 07:58 AM BST Crazy Iran prepared for war Iran is crazier than the world realises and is ready for the consequences that accompany an outright war, a regime insider has said. An Iranian source told the Financial Times: Irans message was clear: were crazier than you realise and were prepared to endure the consequences of war if necessary. This is meant to serve as a deterrent and a signal to the US and Israel that enough is enough. Iran launched a massive barrage of drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday, its first ever direct attack against its long-standing rival. Ahmad Dastmalchian, Irans former ambassador to Lebanon, said: This was an act of punishment thats now over. If they [Israel] commit another mistake, Iran will respond on a much larger scale. But we believe neither the Americans nor the other parties have any interest in broadening the conflict. 07:40 AM BST Irans attack on Israel disproportionate, says Macron Emmanuel Macron has labelled Irans retaliatory strike on Israel deploying hundreds of drones and missiles a disproportionate response. Iran has replied to Israels strike in Damascus in disproportionate fashion, the French president said. We have to stand by Israels side to ensure its protection as best we can. Irans major strike, its first direct attack on Israeli soil, followed Israels bombing of Tehrans consular in Damascus that killed seven of its Revolutionary Guard. Mr Macrons comments came ahead of a planned phone call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu later today, as France stepped up security around Jewish schools and synagogues, partly as a response to the current Middle East crisis. Gerald Darmanin, the interior minister, wrote on X, formally Twitter: As Passover approaches and given the current international situation, I have told local officials to significantly step up security at places visited by our Jewish compatriots, especially with regards to synagogues and Jewish schools. 07:25 AM BST Pictured: Israels talking points at the UN Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan looks at notes as he delivers remarks during a United Nations Security Council meeting - CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP The meeting addressed the situation in the Middle East, including Iran's recent attack against Israel - CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP 07:22 AM BST Catch up: Israel calls up two reserve brigades to send to Gaza The Israeli army has announced it will be recruiting two additional brigades to serve in Gaza, writes Nataliya Vasilyeva. Approximately two brigades of reservists will be called up for operation activities in the territory where fighting has been going on for over six months, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Sunday. Their calling will allow the continuous effort and readiness to defend the State of Israel and the security of civilians, it said. The announcement was made a week after the IDF pulled its troops from the southern city of Khan Yunis amid expectations that they could be later used for a ground manoeuvre in the southern city of Rafah, something that Israels allies have strongly opposed. Read Nataliyas full report here. 07:20 AM BST Catch up: Israel urges UK to proscribe IRGC as terrorist group Israel has urged allies, including Britain, to proscribe Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group following the drone and missile attacks on the country, writes Charles Hymas. On Sunday, Lior Haiat, a spokesman for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called for a terrorist ban on the IRGC as an initial price for its large-scale and unprecedented aggression against Israel. The call will increase pressure on the Government with Tory MPs and Labour set to reaffirm their demands for a ban on Monday when Rishi Sunak is expected to give a statement on the Iranian attack to the Commons. Meanwhile Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, summoned Irans charge daffaires on Sunday. In a statement, a government spokesman reiterated the UKs condemnation of Irans actions and said that the UK will continue to stand up for Israels security. Read Charless full report here. 07:19 AM BST Catch up: RAF Typhoons and bionic helmets helped Israel repel drones Israel and its allies, including the UK, were preparing for 10 days for an Iranian attack, according to a senior US military official. Israel claims 99 per cent of the more than 330 drones, cruise and ballistic missiles fired from Iran were shot down. The RAF jets shot down somewhere between 10 and 20 Shaheed suicide drones. Each aircraft has the capability to carry six medium-range and two short-range air-to-air missiles. Their precision was aided by the Helmet-Mounted Symbology System, a bionic helmet and support system that lets the pilot see through the body of the aircraft, giving them a vital advantage when it comes to split-second decision-making. Read more about the RAFs role and the technology behind Israels defensive strategies. 07:18 AM BST Catch up: Israel tells UN it reserves the right to retaliate against Iran Israel has told the UN it has every right to retaliate against Iran after Saturdays barrage of more than 350 drones and missiles. Gilad Erdan, Israels ambassador to the UN, told an emergency meeting of the security council on Sunday: We are surrounded by Irans terror proxies. This attack crossed every red line and Israel reserves every right to retaliate. Comparing Iran to Nazi Germany, he added: The Islamic regime of today is no different from the Third Reich and Khamenei [Iranian Supreme Leader] is no different from Adolf Hitler. Mr Erdans comments come as Israel weighs its options in responding to Irans attack on Saturday, which was largely intercepted by Israel, the US, the UK and Jordan. Joe Biden and other Western leaders have urged Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint but a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces said the countrys war cabinet had already approved offensive and defensive operations. The Iranian ambassador to the UN said Tehran had an inherent right to respond proportionately if the US was to join any Israeli military operations against Iran. Benjamin Netanyahu attending a meeting of Israels wartime cabinet at the defence ministry in Tel Aviv on Sunday. Photograph: Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock Israels war cabinet is to convene again as the country continues to deliberate how to respond to Irans unprecedented missile and drone assault on its territory. The three-man war cabinet the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, and Benny Gantz, a former defence minister and centrist Netanyahu rival, as well as several observers will meet at 2pm local time (1200 BST) on Monday. It last convened late on Sunday. Statements from Gallant and Gantz on Sunday afternoon, in the aftermath of the successful interception of more than 300 missiles and drones fired directly from Iranian territory for the first time, suggested a direct Israeli response to Tehran was not imminently on the cards. The prime minister, however, is yet to declare a formal decision, and the rest of the world remains on high alert for potential escalation triggered by the six-month war in Gaza. US and Israeli media reported that late on Saturday, when it became clear an Iranian attack had been launched, Israels war cabinet decided to strike back, but was dissuaded by Joe Biden in a 25-minute phone call between the US leader and Netanyahu in the early hours of Sunday. Biden reportedly told Netanyahu that given the fact the attack caused minimum damage, Israel should consider the incident a win and not respond militarily. CNN, citing an unnamed Israel official, said Israel would respond to Irans attack but the scope of this had yet to be decided. R Adm Daniel Hagari, Israels chief military spokesperson, made clear that Israel was keeping its options open. Over the last few hours we approved operational plans for both offensive and defensive action, he told reporters on Sunday. World leaders continued to call for restraint and de-escalation on Monday even as some said an Israeli response was to be expected. The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, told the Spanish radio station Onda Cero that the Middle East stood on the edge of the cliff and we have to step on the brakes and reverse gear. The profound division within Israels rightwing governing coalition between hardliners seeking fierce retaliation and a more moderate and sensible faction complicated the situation, he said. The British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, said the UK did not support a retaliatory strike, while the French president, Emmanuel Macron, said Paris will try to convince Israel that we must not respond by escalating. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said further escalation was in no ones interests. US officials have said the Iranian salvo, which included more than 100 ballistic missiles, could have been catastrophically destructive had they not been intercepted, and would have made a regional war much more likely. Related: Why Israels attack on Iranian consulate in Syria was a gamechanger Irans foreign ministry said on Monday that no pre-arranged agreement was made with any country before Irans attack in retaliation for a 1 April strike attributed to Israel that killed several Iranian Revolutionary Guards officers at a consular building in the Syrian capital, Damascus. Regional officials, including Irans foreign minister, had previously said Tehran had given notice to neighbouring countries days before its attack, which gave Israel and allies the US, UK and Jordan time to convene a significant defensive response. Also on Monday, Irans foreign ministry said the west should appreciate Irans restraint in recent months. Instead of making accusations against Iran, [western] countries should blame themselves and answer to public opinion for the measures they have taken against the ... war crimes committed by Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza, said the ministrys spokesperson, Nasser Kanani. Normality was somewhat restored in Israel on Monday after an announcement from the the Israel Defense Forces Home Front command the night before that schools could reopen. Officials said they had chosen to wait 24 hours in case of additional attacks from Irans proxy groups and allies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, all of which have joined the fray since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October last year. Some international carriers have suspended flights to and from the region until at least Thursday. Overnight, a drone travelling from the east was shot down by Israeli jets, the military said, and tit-for-tat attacks with Hezbollah, the powerful Iran-backed Lebanese militia, continued into Monday. Al Mayadeen, a Hezbollah-linked news outlet, said Israel had attacked targets in the towns of Dhayra and Naqoura. Joe Biden, US president - Alex Brandon/AP Joe Biden is under mounting pressure to scrap $10 billion in sanctions relief for Iran after its drone and missile attack on Israel. Republican congressmen have demanded the US president reverse his decision to unfreeze Iranian funds generated from electricity shipments to Iraq. The US first waived sanctions on the $10 billion (8 billion) in 2018, giving Iran access to money that had been frozen. The order was renewed by Mr Biden in November. The State Department said the money, which is held in euros in Oman, can only be used for humanitarian purposes under the terms of the waiver. However, critics argue this has freed resources and enabled Iran to fund its proxies across the Middle East and step up its nuclear weapons programme. G7 countries are thought to have discussed the prospect of further sanctions on Iran in a call on Sunday, after Iran sent more than 350 drones, missiles and rockets towards Israel on Saturday. Iranians burn Israeli and US flags at Palestine Square in Tehran on April 1 - AFP Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor of the exchequer, will on Tuesday begin a three-day trip to Washington DC, where he will attend meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), members of the G7 and G20, and finance ministers from Five Eyes intelligence sharing countries. At times of instability across the globe, we are reminded that we are stronger when we stand together, he said in advance of the visit. The US is our most important strategic ally and we are both at the forefront of keeping the world safe. His visit comes as legislators across the West call on their governments to step up sanctions against Iran, which are already significant. In the UK, Labour has demanded the government introduce a raft of measures in response to the attack. The EU has also announced it will discuss whether to impose new sanctions, although the blocs leaders suggested on Monday they were focused on de-escalating the conflict first. Josep Borrell, the EUs top diplomat, who has been keen to soften sanctions talk, warned Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iranian foreign minister, not to escalate further. Charles Michel, the European Councils president, who attended a meeting of G7 leaders over the weekend, added: We will continue all our efforts to work towards de-escalation. Iranian lawmakers chant slogans at an open session of the parliament in Tehran as Iran launches dozens of drones toward Israel - Icana News Agency/Zuma Press / eyevine The strikes will feature prominently in discussions between EU leaders when they meet for a summit in Brussels later this week. At their last meeting, they discussed whether to hit Iran with new economic sanctions in response to intelligence warnings that Tehran was preparing to ship ballistic missiles to Russia. Republicans in Washington demanded that Mr Biden restrict Iranian imports and sanction Chinese companies which buy oil from Tehran. Joni Ernst, a senator from Iowa, has proposed one of several bills in Congress to increase restrictions on Iranian trade. President Biden must enforce sanctions on Iran now, she said on Monday. My bipartisan bill would help stop the flow of Iranian oil and hold Biden accountable. Hit Irans oil industry Another bill, introduced in the House of Representatives by Republican Mike Lawler, would hit Irans oil industry, which was worth $35 billion (28 billion) to the country in the last 12 months. We must cut off the illicit oil trade bankrolling Iran, he said. Irans revenue from electricity trading with Iraq had already led to criticism of Mr Biden from Republicans after the war in Gaza began on Oct 7. Earlier this month, 13 senators led by former presidential candidate Tim Scott of South Carolina, stepped up their attack on the policy in an open letter to Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and Janet Yellen, the treasury secretary. It is unfathomable that this is the context in which the administration determined that it was within the national security interest of the United States to waive sanctions on restricted Iranian funds, making them more accessible to the regime, they wrote. They accused Mr Biden of expanding Irans access to energy revenue and sharing limited information on his plan for the Middle East with Congress. Britain needs to look out and up and stride towards its future, not wallow in its past. Photograph: Sally Anscombe/Getty Martin Kettle is right to highlight the need for great Britain to establish a more nuanced and inclusive place in the world. (Lets stop talking about great Britain and rebrand ourselves a different sort of country, 11 April). The rebrand must include a rejection of our ridiculous and continuing national claims of exclusiveness and superiority, a recognition that money isnt quite so important as health and happiness, and that kindness, tolerance and togetherness are ingrained in the collective British blood. I would further insist that no politician is allowed to mention or exemplar the second world war ever again on penalty of long-term exclusion from the House. Britain needs to look out and up, and stride towards its future, not wallow in its past. Jasper Dorgan Edington, Wiltshire The first three articles that I read in the Guardian on 11 March reflected different facets of the same problem. Aditya Chakrabortty (on Shildon), Martin Kettle (on great Britain and realism) and your editorial (on Labour and the tax gap) in different ways ask what sort of Britain do we want to live in? I think for the overwhelming majority, the answer is clear: one that supports deindustrialised communities and all those suffering the negative consequences of globalisation. One that recognises the importance of reasonable tax levels on the wealthy and large corporations in restoring the public realm and public sector. And a Britain that no longer trades on delusions of grandeur, but seeks to play a positive role in world affairs. These are not mutually exclusive but together frame a better future for a modest Britain. Geoff Skinner London When William Hague made the speech referred to by Martin Kettle, the then Financial Times Deutschland reported it sardonically under the headline Hague will neues Britisches Reich (Hague wants a new British empire). The rot leading to Brexit fantasies had begun, and the problem with the idea of Great Britain is far worse than Kettle describes, because consent for the political and cultural construct of Britain exists only in England. Scots overwhelmingly identify as Scottish, not British. The constitutional mechanism already exists for Northern Ireland to quit the UK via a border poll, and without Scotland, Britain is England and Wales, with decreasing certainty the Welsh will continue to accept an English veto indefinitely. The realism that Martin Kettle rightly calls for probably has to go further in recognising that it is England that has to be truthful and realistic about its identity and its place in Europe and the world. Tom Brown London Surely, as is made explicit by the French Grande Bretagne (and equivalents in Polish, Romanian etc), the name Great Britain is nothing more than a description of its size compared to Bretagne (Brittany) two regions at the oceanic fringe of Europe. Thus the name means nothing more than those of two villages near me Great and Little Gransden. No one in our area would imply that these referred to anything more than size. The misuse of Great Britain is thus no more than ignorance or, as is all too common, wilful misinterpretation. Owen Mountford St Neots, Cambridgeshire It was inevitable that Britain would suffer from post-imperial decline, exacerbated by the idiocy of Brexit, which ironically was largely supported by people embracing the delusional thought that Britain was still great. Most nations, I suppose, indulge in some self-aggrandisement, and those wishing to temper such excesses will be accused by rabid rightwingers of national self-hatred. These people cling to a dangerously self-important past. Without it, there is no excuse for their jingoism. Countries where national self-hatred is not tolerated are not better behaved. They are not hard to spot. Jerry Stuart London Occasionally I flirt with the fantasy of a new statute to rename the country as simply Britain. Isnt the country correctly named The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland? So what is wrong with calling it what it is, the UK? Not great, but united. Granville Heptonstall York Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section. Home affairs department secretary Stephanie Foster says directions punishable by a year in prison are a measure of last resort for non-compliant bridging visa E holders. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian Home affairs officials have revealed up to 5,000 non-citizens could receive orders to cooperate with removal from Australia under Labors controversial deportation bill, a figure far higher that earlier estimates. Related: Minister was warned of increased legal risks of immigration detention in 2022 Officials revealed at a Senate inquiry on Monday that 4,463 people on bridging visa E could be subject to threats of a minimum of one year in prison if they refuse to cooperate, significantly more than the fewer than 1,000 people that were initially said to be affected. The bill creates an offence with a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison for an unlawful non-citizen refusing to cooperate with their deportation and gives the immigration minister powers to blacklist new visa applications from countries that refuse involuntary deportations. Officials revealed that those who could be directed to cooperate with deportation included: 4,463 people on bridging visa E (BVE) 150 to 200 people in detention 152 people granted bridging visa R (BVR) due to the high courts NZYQ decision that indefinite detention is unlawful; and a further 99 people on BVRs pre-dating the high court decision Michael Thomas, the first assistant secretary of immigration compliance, argued that the true figure was likely to be far lower as the department believed that only 1,200 of those on BVEs may have an issue with their departure if they dont cooperate; while most people on BVEs do cooperate with deportation. The home affairs department secretary Stephanie Foster added that directions punishable by a year in prison are a measure of last resort. Earlier the chair of the Law Councils migration law committee, Carina Ford, warned the bill could see people rounded up to be removed. Even if the intention is only a small part [of those in scope would receive directions], once passed it can apply to a large number of people, she said. Piumetharshika Kaneshan, a 19-year-old nursing student, told the inquiry she was one of the people who might be jailed if this bill is passed into law. Kaneshan said that her family had been failed by the fast-track visa assessment process, with claims of needing protection from Sri Lanka rejected because authorities said we were safe because of my father who has now died. Kaneshan said her family is appealing in the federal circuit court but if their case fails their visas will expire in 35 days. This bill would put us in jail if we dont go back to Sri Lankan, she said. We consider ourselves Australian. We thought the Australian community accepted us. Betia Shakiba, an Iranian lawyer, submitted that her mother and husband had failed to secure protection in Australia and their cases are now finally determined, meaning they face being deported or imprisoned for trying to keep their family together in Australia. Ahead of the hearing the shadow home affairs minister, James Paterson, confirmed the Coalition is considering amendments to ensure the extraordinary powers for the immigration minister have appropriate safeguards and rigour around them. Paterson told reporters in Canberra that multicultural groups are being silenced and government legal experts will not appear due to the fact the inquiry had been limited to one day. He blamed this on the fact the legal affairs legislation committee is government-dominated. In his questioning, Paterson explored the possibility of sunsetting the power to blacklist countries so that it would end on a designated date, or adding a power for parliament to disallow such a designation. The Australian Human Rights Commission has recommended that the bill not be passed. If that is rejected, it proposed amendments including a set of factors that must be considered prior to the minister blacklisting a country from new visa applications. Foster told the inquiry that the department acknowledges the concerns of those who gave evidence particularly in relation to family unity, but she warned that most had roles in advocacy. We remain strongly of the view the bill is an important measure to take to protect the integrity [of the migration system], she said. Foster said the bill dealt with a relatively small caseload of non-citizens who have come to end of the line with efforts to stay including having exhausted merits and judicial review and are not cooperating with departure. Foster noted the bill does not expand the cohort of people who are required to be removed from Australia; and the powers to revisit a protection finding only apply to those on a removal pathway. Joao Candido Felisberto, centre at left of man in suit, stands among other sailors on the deck of a Brazilian warship in 1910. Photograph: Photo 12/Alamy He was a Black Brazilian sailor who led an unprecedented mutiny against abuse by white officers, and helped end flogging in the countrys navy only to be imprisoned, persecuted and die in poverty. For five days in 1910, Joao Candido Felisberto held Rio de Janeiro hostage under the guns of the Brazilian fleet, in an uprising known as the Revolt of the Lash. Thousands of Black sailors, some of whom had been radicalized when they were sent for training in Newcastle upon Tyne, joined the mutiny, which took place just 22 years after Brazil abolished slavery. The mutineers achieved their main goal the end of corporal punishment but the uprising was swiftly crushed, and hundreds were imprisoned. Candido, once dubbed the Black Admiral, was jailed and eventually cashiered from the navy. Once free, his efforts to find work were blocked by the military, and he was forced to scrape a living as a dock worker. Now, however, a new effort has been launched to achieve a measure of posthumous justice. Julio Araujo, a federal prosecutor in Rio, has petitioned Brazils government to make reparation for the treatment he endured. The Brazilian state played an active role in the surveilling, persecuting and controlling the life and the legacy of Joao Candido, wrote Araujo, who has also called for Candidos descendants to receive financial compensation. Related: Brazil slave traffickers links to top bank spark debate over reparations Born in 1880 to enslaved parents, Candido joined the Brazilian navy at 15, sailing to ports across South America and Europe. At the time, the force was still in effect segregated, with Black or mixed-race sailors and mostly white officers, who maintained discipline with a heavy dose of corporal punishment. Other navies had abolished the use of disciplinary beatings, but even minor infractions on Brazils fleet were met by beatings with whips, sticks and rope, sometimes enhanced with nails. The sailors were also overburdened with work and treated like slaves, said the historian Alvaro Nascimento, professor at the Federal Rural University of Rio and author of a book about Candido. But Brazilian sailors were exposed to a strain of transatlantic radicalism by contact with their British counterparts. In 1909, the Brazilian government bought two dreadnought battleships from British shipbuilders, and hundreds of sailors were sent to Newcastle, where they spent months training and also picking up new political ideas. They were in touch with English sailors, who had a different social consciousness. Ideas about strikes, anarcho-syndicalism, and the workers struggle started circulating among Brazilian sailors, said historian Silvia Capanema, professor at Universite Sorbonne Paris Nord, who has also written about Candido. The sailors in the UK organised rebel committees, and stayed in touch with sympathizers back in Rio, then the Brazilian capital. When the two battleships returned to Brazil in early 1910, the two groups started plotting how to end corporal punishment for good. The immediate catalyst for the revolt came on 21 November 1910 when the crew of the dreadnought Minas Gerais was forced to witness the flogging of a crewman who was given 350 lashes. The following night, mutineers seized the Minas Gerais and later the other new battleship, Sao Paulo. Six officers and six sailors were killed. Warning shells were fired, one of them killing two children on the hills above Rio (the sailors would later pool their resources to compensate the childrens families). In a telegram to then-president Hermes da Fonseca, the mutineers demanded the immediate end of corporal punishment; for good measure, they also trained their guns on the Catete Palace, which housed Fonsecas offices. The uprising ended on 26 November after the president promised to ban corporal punishment and grant amnesty to all those involved. But just three days later, Fonseca authorized the navy to summarily dismiss any military personnel shown to be refractory to discipline. A new uprising erupted the following month, but it was quickly crushed, with the arrest of hundreds. Joao Candido didnt take part but was identified as a ringleader and spent two years behind bars. He was never convicted, but faced years of persecution, said Capanema. The navy didnt allow him to stay or work anywhere else. They even withheld his documents at some point, so he couldnt apply for any new job. Candido died in 1969 aged 89. In the petition he filed last month, Araujo accused the navy of the incessant persecution of the Black Admiral. He addressed his petition to an amnesty commission attached to the human rights ministry, which earlier this month issued Brazils first-ever apology for the torture and persecution of Indigenous people during the military dictatorship. Araujo also called on members of congress to approve a bill recognising Joao Candido as a Hero of the Nation. After being approved by the senate in 2021, the bill is currently stalled in the lower house, reportedly due to the navys resistance. Thiago Andre, a former naval sergeant who left the force to host the Black history podcast Historia Preta, said that while much had changed since Candidos revolt, many things had remained the same such as the inequality between officers and lower-rank personnel. But he cautioned that such issues were not restricted to the forces. When someone says to me, The navy is very racist, I reply, This is Brazil. Brazil is very racist, said Andre. David Rolls, pictured outside Lewes Crown Court on Monday, denies misconduct in public office - Brighton Pictures A police inspector filmed himself having sex with a junior police officer while on duty before saying he had to leave to go shopping with his wife, a court heard. Former Detective Chief Inspector David Rolls, 46, is accused of using his senior position to take advantage of the female officer. After meeting as part of his work with Sussex Police, the detective began sending the junior officer a series of flirty texts. For more than a year they had a close relationship and would exchange texts and photos. On one occasion he sent her a photograph of himself sitting naked touching his penis. When he later visited her at her home he exposed himself to her and asked her: Is there anything else? On another occasion he visited her home again and asked her to give him oral sex, which she did. Asked why, the junior officer said she had done it to please the senior officer, who, the court was told, was married with two children. The pair later went on to have sex on the floor of her home, with Rolls allegedly filming or taking photos on his mobile phone. Rolls, who has since resigned as detective chief inspector with Sussex Police, went on trial at Lewes Crown Court charged with misconduct in a public office on Monday. The court heard the alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had suffered health problems. Rolls met the junior officer, who worked within the same police force, in the summer of 2016. However, in January and February 2017, his relationship with her began to change, as Rolls became increasingly flirty and started to exchange photos with her. Alisdair Smith, prosecuting, said: This included one of him sitting naked touching his penis. This was a picture he regularly mentioned to her and suggested that she might like to see again. He would, according to her, introduce the subject by saying words to the effect of: Is there anything else? On another occasion, he visited her house and, as he was leaving, she could see he was aroused. Mr Smith said: He said: Is there anything else ... Do you want a hug? He said the detective inspector then took out his penis and asked the junior officer to give him oral sex. Mr Smith said: Asked why she had done this, she said it was to please him. He added: [Rolls] had intercourse with her, albeit only for a short period of time. While he was doing that he had his phone out and she assumed he was taking a picture or video of what he was doing. After that, he needed to go to the shops with his wife and then left. Things escalated In a police interview video played to the court the alleged victim was asked whether Rolls was on duty when he visited her. She replied: Every time he came round to my house he was. He was wearing his smart clothes. The woman said: I guess we became friends and I confided in him with how I was feeling. Our friendship turned a little bit into something more. Things escalated to us sending pictures to each other and I remember hed asked to see a picture of me, like a naked one, but I didnt really feel comfortable sending a naked one. I sent him one with my naked stomach. I was sitting with white pants and he said he wanted to see what was under the pants. I remember sending one when I was in the bath and there were loads of bubbles so you couldnt see my private bits and my hand was there and he said he wanted to see what was under my hand. She added: Hed always text to ask if he could come round and hed always come in his work stuff, on duty, carrying his notebook. Almost running out of ideas The woman continued: I sent pictures of me in my pants. I was self-conscious and then hed keep wanting more. I felt pressured to keep sending more intimate ones, like I was almost disappointing him by not sending the ones he wanted. Like hed say: Thats not what I want to see. I remember almost running out of ideas of what pictures I was meant to be sending. As time went on they got more intimate and there were pictures of me naked and hed want close-ups of my private parts, so I sent him several pictures like that. The court heard on one occasion Rolls showed her a 10-second video of himself performing a sex act in his bathroom. She said she told him the video turned her on because she did not want to lose him as a friend. Lewes Crown Court heard that eventually the junior officers husband found three images of her naked on an old mobile phone, and confronted her and demanded to know to whom she had sent the photos. The court heard the pair later separated and divorced. The jury was told her relationship with the senior officer ended on Nov 21 2017. Rolls denies misconduct in a public office. The case continues. More than half of the 96 potential jurors were dismissed from the jury pool on the first day of jury selection for Donald Trump's high-profile hush-money case Monday in Manhattan, in the first criminal trial of a former president. At least 50 jurors were rejected after admitting they would be unable to remain impartial in the trial over allegations Trump, 77, made substantial payments to former porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal in an effort to get them to keep quiet about their alleged affairs prior to the 2016 presidential election. Nine others were excused by Judge Juan Merchan after claiming they'd be unable to serve for other reasons, according to CNN. One person was let go because she claimed she had firm beliefs about Trump. Separately, Merchan excused a father so he could attend his daughter's upcoming June nuptials, the outlet reported. Trump previously pleaded not guilty to 34 felony criminal charges of falsifying business records in connection with the alleged scheme. Attorneys on both sides will ultimately choose 12 jurors and six alternates. Potential jurors are vetted through a written questionnaire, followed by an appearance in the jury box, where lawyers are permitted to ask follow-up questions. Eighteen jurors made it to the jury box Monday, and Merchan questioned nine, before dismissing court for the day. Jury selection could take up to two weeks, according to ABC News. Outside the courtroom, Trump complained to reporters, "Now I can't go to my son's graduation. I can't go to the United States Supreme Court. I'm not in Georgia or Florida or North Carolina campaigning like I should be," ABC reported. "It's a scam, it's a political witch hunt," he continued. "We're not going to be given a fair trial." Jury selection will resume Tuesday morning. Trump's trial is expected to last six to eight weeks. Sydney stabbing: Chinese student Yixuan Cheng has been named as the sixth person killed by Joel Cauchi at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday. Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images Yixuan Cheng has been confirmed as the sixth person stabbed to death in Bondi Junction on Saturday in what police are now investigating as a murderous rampage possibly targeting women. The Chinese national, a University of Sydney student who was in her 20s, was killed by a Queensland man, Joel Cauchi, at the shopping centre on Saturday afternoon alongside five others. The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, also announced on Monday $18m would be provided to the state coroner to undertake an independent inquiry looking into the police response, investigation and the interactions the killer had with government agencies. The people who have been killed were innocent people who had their entire lives ahead of them, he said. The community is devastated in the knowledge of their loss, whether we were personally known to those who were killed or not. The state government will also look at restrictions on security guards in major crowded centres, while ruling out changing any policies to allow them to carry firearms or stun guns. University of Sydneys vice-chancellor, Prof Mark Scott, said the university was working with the Chinese consulate and the students family. Related: Bondi Junction mass stabbing attack: who are the six victims? In an email to staff and students on Monday, Scott said he was shocked and saddened by the senseless violence and loss of life that occurred on Saturday afternoon. On behalf of the university, I extend my sincere condolences to the students family and friends, he said, adding: Please take time today to check in on each other, this is a deeply distressing time for our community and I encourage you to look after each other and access the support available. Wang Chunsheng, Chinas acting consul general in Sydney, said he was very sorry to hear about Chengs death. The consulate would be in contact with her relatives in China to make arrangements, Wang said. In similar cases in the past, Chinese relatives have been flown to Australia. Anthony Albanese thanked the police who responded and paid tribute to those who had died. Theres no sense of anything other than randomness, the prime minister told Kiis FM. People going about their shopping and, in the case of Faraz Tahir, a gentleman who hadnt been here that long, a refugee from Pakistan who was working as a security guard. On Sunday evening about a dozen people remained in hospital. Of those, eight were women. Four were released overnight and five remained on Monday morning. The baby of Ashlee Good, a woman who was killed in the attack, was in a critical but stable condition in hospital on Monday morning. Videos circulating online have shown Cauchi avoiding men and targeting women and children. The NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, told ABC News Breakfast that the videos speak for themselves. Thats certainly a line for inquiry for us, she said. Its obvious to me, its obvious to detectives that seems to be an area of interest that the offender had focused on women and avoided the men. Five of the deceased are women and the majority of victims in hospital are also women. We dont know what was operating in the mind of the offender and thats why its important now that detectives spend so much time interviewing those who know him, were around him and close to him. Early in the investigation police ruled out terrorism as a motive for the shocking attack. Cauchi was diagnosed with serious mental health issues in his late teens and spent much of his adult life moving between shelters, hostels and living in his car. According to police, he arrived in Sydney last month from Queensland. Albanese has thanked members of the public who tried to stop Cauchi as he roamed the centre with the large knife, and praised the work of the police officer who stopped him. It is remarkable that people ran towards danger in order to help their fellow Australians, not the least of which of course was police inspector Amy Scott, he said. Related: Joel Cauchi: who was the Queensland man who carried out the Bondi Junction mass stabbing? The Westfield shopping centre has been handed back from police to its owners after processing the scene over the past two days, though it remains closed to the public. NSW police seized many, many exhibits from that crime scene, Webb said. The job ahead of us now is to examine all those exhibits, as part of the evidence. Detectives will focus on interviewing family of the deceased, which will be a very slow, methodical process. She said overnight 50 more witnesses had come forward. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org The Sydney attacker was desperate for a girlfriend, his family has revealed as police confirmed that he had targeted women. Joel Cauchi killed five women and one man during a knife attack on the Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre on Saturday. Karen Webb, the New South Wales police commissioner, said: The videos speak for themselves. Its obvious the offender had focused on women and avoided the men. The majority of the 12 people Cauchi seriously wounded were female, including a baby girl. Andrew Cauchi, his father, said on Monday he knew why his mentally unwell son had targeted women. The 76-year-old told reporters outside his home in Queensland: Because he wanted a girlfriend and hes got no social skills and he was frustrated out of his brain. Describing his son as very sick, he described trying to deal with the feelings of loving a monster. The victims of the attack were the babys mother Ashlee Good, 38, architect Jade Young, 47, artist Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, a 27-year-old economics student, and Dawn Singleton, 25, who had been buying makeup for her wedding to her high-school sweetheart. The male victim was Faraz Tahir, 30, an unarmed security guard who had been on his first shift. Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, told ABC News: The gender breakdown is, of course, concerning. A woman leaves flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the shopping centre - Flavio Brancaleone/Shutterstock Cauchi grew up in a loving home, had been top of his class and had many friends until he was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 18, his mother, Michele Cauchi, said. Helped by medication and with family support, he obtained a university degree and went on to work as an English tutor. Since tapering off his medication, the 40-year-old had, in recent months, been homeless in Sydney, where he joined escort websites to sell sexual services to both men and women. Mrs Cauchi said that her son was likely to have been triggered into a psychosis, adding: This is a parents absolute nightmare when they have a child with a mental illness, that something like this would happen. If he was in his right mind, he would be absolutely devastated about what hes done. Joel Cauchi's mother said: 'If he was in his right mind, he would be absolutely devastated about what he's done' - UNPIXS On Saturday night, Mr and Mrs Cauchi recognised their son in news footage of the crime scene. The family said they supported Insp Amy Scott, the police officer who killed Cauchi. If I was in her uniform, and this wasnt my son and he runs at me with a knife, Id have to do the same thing, said Mr Cauchi. As detectives investigated the motive, Chris Minns, NSW Premier, said an inquest would consider the need to strengthen the mental health system. Flags flew at half-mast in Australia on Monday, and the Sydney Opera House was lit up to honour the victims of the attack. Hundreds of people clashed with police in western Sydney on Monday night after a prominent Orthodox Christian leader was allegedly stabbed at the altar of his church. The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, called for calm after the alleged attack took place while Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was saying mass at the Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd church in Wakeley just after 7pm. A live stream of the mass on the churchs website showed a person approaching the altar who then appeared to stab toward the bishops head multiple times. Three other people were also injured in the alleged attack. The footage of the mass then showed the congregation swarm forward toward Emmanuel before the stream was cut off. Police said that they had arrested a 15-year-old at the scene and were forced to hold him at the church for his own safety as a large crowd of several hundred people gathered outside the church. Riot police were called in to forcibly move the crowd on after police cars were smashed. A helicopter flew overhead urging the crowd to leave the area. Those violent pictures [from the live stream] are probably what caused the uproar in the community people saw that, responded and unfortunately we ended up with a public order incident, the NSW acting assistant commissioner, Andrew Holland, told reporters. He said the 15-year-old suspect, who was held down by parishioners of the church until police arrived, sustained injuries to his hand as a result of his actions. Holland said police were in the process of taking the teenager from the church when they realised that a large group had gathered outside and decided to keep the suspect in the church for his safety. Two police officers were taken to hospital after being injured by members of the crowd who broke into a number of houses to gain weapons to throw at the police. Holland said some in the group also threw items at the church in a bid to get access to the suspect. They need to let police to do their jobs and let us do the investigation, he said, promising more arrests over the public order incident. Minns urged the community to remain calm. Disturbing scenes tonight in Wakeley tonight, he said in a post to X. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe. Its important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of police and emergency services. Emmanuel, who gained a large online following during the Covid pandemic, was taken to hospital along with another priest. Both were in a stable condition on Monday night, the church said in a statement posted on social media last night. We ask for your prayers at this time. We also kindly ask anyone at the church to leave in peace as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, teaches us. Amid tensions in western Sydney, Inamul Haq Kauser, national president and grand imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, said the community unequivocally condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms. We extend our deepest sympathy to all those injured in the attack and wish them a speedy and complete recovery. The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and were treated by NSW ambulance paramedics. NSW Ambulance said they were called to the church about 7.15pm and sent paramedic teams to the scene. Related: We need to stand together: Bondi reels from incomprehensible act of cruelty and violence A spokesperson said they had treated a man in his 50s for multiple cuts before taking him to Liverpool hospital. A man his 30s was also treated for lacerations and taken to hospital. A man in his 20s was being treated for a cut to his hand and a man in his 60s treated for a laceration to his arm at the scene. The incident comes with Sydney still reeling from the shocking killings of six people at Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday. Australian Associated Press contributed to this report. The award-winning cast of the 2016 series of The Night Manager Tom Hiddleston has revealed that the late John le Carre contributed to the newly announced series of The Night Manager. The actor, 43, talked about the authors contribution as he failed to rule out fellow actor Hugh Lauries return as the villain arms dealer. Speaking after it was announced that the Emmy and Golden Globe winning series would be renewed after eight years, Hiddleston told late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel that le Carre had a huge input on the story. The two new seasons, which will be filmed in London and South America later this year, are to go beyond the events of le Carres 1993 novel. Hiddleston will return as executive producer as well as play the lead role of the hotel manager turned spy Jonathan Pine. John le Carre died in 2020, but had huge input" on the story of the forthcoming two series of The Night Manager - BRIDGEMAN IMAGES Asked by Kimmel why the renewal was coming almost a decade after the first season, the British actor said: Honestly, we were just trying to get the story right. We were talking and working very closely with John le Carre - the great writer who wrote the original novel and many others - who sadly passed away a few years ago. But hes had a huge input on the story. Pressed on Lauries return after saying that he would also be an executive producer, Hiddleston said: I dont know. He is a huge influence, he knows le Carre better than anyone. When Kimmel said his response feels like a lie, the actor added: Its something were still you know, he is involved as a producer and thats been great. When the late-night show host asked Hiddleston whether he had to come up with the rest of the story, the actor responded: Right, alongside him and his sons, who are the producers. And honestly, the first series was one of the most creatively fulfilling projects I have ever worked on. Le Carres Jonathan Pine is just complex. Le Carre, who died in 2020, left a body of work that is managed by his two sons, Simon and Stephen Cornwell, co-founders of The Ink Factory production company. Simon and Nick Cornwall manage a body of work left by their father, John le Carre - DAVID ROSE FOR THE TELEGRAPH Announcing the new seasons, they said that they did not take the decision of going beyond the events in their fathers novel lightly, but explained that writer David Farrs vision for the next chapter was irresistible. Le Carre was understood to have taken a very hands-off approach to the first series, which followed Hiddleston as Pine, a former British soldier who is recruited by the manager of a Foreign Office taskforce to infiltrate an arms dealers inner circle while he is night manager of a luxury Cairo hotel. The series became one of the top-rated UK dramas of 2016 and spawned a number of subsequent Le Carre adaptations from The Ink Factory. The new adaptation, given the go-ahead by Amazon Prime and the BBC, will be set in the present day and will follow Pine facing new challenges after the finale of season one saw arms dealer Richard Roper played by Laurie driven away in the back of a van by displeased arms buyers. Laurie, Hiddelston and Olivia Colman all won Golden Globes for their performances in the series, which also featured Elizabeth Debicki and Tom Hollander. Landmark moment Le Carres sons said season one proved a landmark moment for the golden era of television uniting on-screen and behind-the-camera talent at the top of their game and an audience reception which was beyond our wildest imagining. They added: Revisiting the story of Pine also means going beyond the events of John le Carres original work: that is a decision we have not taken lightly, but his compelling characters and the vision David [Farr] has for their next chapter were irresistible. Oil prices dipped on Monday following increased tensions between Iran and Israel over the weekend. (Reuters / Reuters) Oil prices tracked lower on Monday morning in European trading hours, as markets digest news of Iran's attack on Israel over the weekend. Comments from Israeli officials suggest the conflict is "not over" as market watchers wait to see what will happen. Money was taken off the table following a near-six month high of $92.18 for Brent crude last week. Crude futures headed 0.9% lower, to trade at $84.87 (63.08) a barrel, while Brent crude was 0.8% lower and trading at $89.74. Read more: FTSE 100 LIVE: European stock markets mixed amid rising tensions in the Middle East Iran said it had launched drones and missiles towards Israel in retaliation for a 1 April attack on its consulate in Damascus, Syria. Israel has not confirmed whether it carried out the attack. Iran's retaliation raises concerns about broader conflict in the middle east and the passage of oil supplies. Goldman Sachs (GS) Bank Goldman Sachs is set to report earnings on Monday before the opening bell in the US, with quarterly results set to be lower for the three months to the end of March. Earnings are expected at $8.56 per share, down from $8.79 per share in the same quarter a year ago, according to Bazinga data. Read more: Stocks that are trending today The company is projected to report quarterly revenue of $12.9bn, compared to $12.2bn. Shares closed 2% lower on Friday and were down a further 0.6% in premarket on Monday. Monday also sees earnings report from Morgan Stanley and Bank of America. Bitcoin (BTC-USD) and ethereum (ETH-USD) Bitcoin and other digital assets rallied on Monday morning, following a drop over the weekend, as news hit that Hong Kong has given the initial green light for spot bitcoin and ether ETFs. China Asset Management, Harvest Global Investments and a partnership between HashKey Capital Ltd and Bosera Asset Management (International) Co told the market of initial approvals in separate statements earlier today. Read more: Pound rises against dollar after hitting lowest point in five months Hong Kong's approval comes following the a nod from the US Securities and Exchange Commission to allow spot bitcoin ETFs, a move which brought the likes of Blackrock into the market. Since then, bitcoin's price has risen from around $42,000 to above $66,300 today. The digital asset was trading more than 3% higher by mid-morning on Monday. Ethereum was also 5.4% higher, to trade at around $3,250. Watch: IDF on 'High Alert' after Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Donald Trump in court in New York on 29 May 2024. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump is the first US president to be tried on criminal charges and could face prison if convicted. Trump allegedly falsified the financial transaction behind the $130,000 hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. He denies 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in spring 2023. Following closing arguments in court by the defense and prosecution, its expected that jury deliberations will begin on Wednesday. Heres what you need to know about the case. 29 May: whats happening today Jury deliberations are poised to begin Wednesday after Judge Juan Merchan instructs jurors on the law. Merchans directives on the law are intended on guiding jurors about how they are supposed to weigh the case. A jury of 12 people empaneled for the first criminal trial of a former president in US history is made up of seven men and five women who live in different parts of Manhattan, including the Upper East Side, Harlem, Hells Kitchen and the West Village. If jurors reach a verdict, they will determine whether he is guilty or not guilty. If Trump is found guilty, Trump faces the prospect of jail albeit unlikely when hes sentenced. Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in relation to paying off Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump is the first US president, former or present, to face a criminal trial. Trump has denied the charge against him. Key characters and facts Trump hush-money trial status: Trump pleaded not guilty; the trial began on 15 April 2024. default Charges: 34 felony charges of falsifying business records. Hush-money case summary: The case involves a hush-money scheme during the 2016 presidential election. Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen paid $130,000 to the adult film star Stormy Daniels to quash her story about an alleged extramarital affair with the former president. Trump has denied the affair took place. Prosecutors accuse the former president of illegally reimbursing Cohen for the hush-money payment by falsely classifying the transaction, executed by the Trump Organization, as legal expenses. Verdict before election? Likely. Key moments in the trial so far Simon Taylor outside Winchester Crown Court. The former teacher at Winchester College invited his accuser round for tea and a chat after directing him in a Shakespearean play, the court heard - ANDREW CROFT/SOLENT NEWS & PHOTO AGENCY A former Winchester College teacher kissed and cuddled a male pupil after inviting the student to his home for tea, a court heard. Simon Taylor would pet the teenager while awkwardly spooning him on his sofa, jurors were told. The prosecution alleges that the 78 year-old, who taught English and drama at the college between 1990 and 2013, even shared a bed with the former pupil after his leaving party. Mr Taylor, a father of three who the court heard was affectionate with his favourites, invited the student round for tea and a chat after directing him in a Shakespearean play. But he kissed and cuddled him on numerous occasions, before declaring his love for him, the court was told. Winchester College, which was founded in 1382, is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Britain and charges boarding pupils almost 52,000 a year. Winchester College was founded in 1382 and charges boarding pupils almost 52,000 a year - MICHAEL WALD/ALAMY Mr Taylor denies two counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust. Tim Moores, opening the prosecution case, told Winchester Crown Court that the alleged offences took place in the mid 2000s. In a nutshell, [the complainant] was a pupil at Winchester College, he said. Simon Taylor was a teacher at the school and had been there for many years. He was the head of drama and had previously taught [the complainant] English during GCSEs. The court heard that the student was under some emotional strain and struggling with his studies. On regular occasions he would visit the defendant at his home for tea and a chat, said Mr Moores. He alleges that during some of those visits when they were on the sofa the defendant would lean over and kiss him on the lips while cuddling him with his arm around him. While it was unwelcome he didnt physically object at the time. The defendant was in a position of trust in relation to him because he was his teacher. In those circumstances any form of sexual touching of him is prohibited, regardless of whether he consented or he believed he was consenting. Full-on kisses The court heard the student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was part of a school production of King Lear which Mr Taylor was directing and was consoled by the teacher after the play. The defendant invited him to come to his home for tea and chat, Mr Moores added. On the first visit they chatted and nothing untoward happened. He continued to visit through the summer term and there was then the first occasion the defendant made physical contact with him. On the first occasion they were sat apart when the defendant tentatively leaned in and kissed him on the lips three or four times. Mr Moores said they were quite full-on kisses and took place at the property in Kingsgate Street, which he said was provided by the college. The court heard that the student who was aged between 16 and 17 at the time didnt reciprocate the kisses, but despite feeling uncomfortable saw the friendship as valuable and didnt want to seem ungrateful. The following school year, he visited Mr Taylor regularly where a pattern developed of being kissed on at least four occasions. Emotional needs [Mr Taylor] would cuddle, kiss him on the lips and neck, Mr Moores continued. [The pupil] says it was always the defendant who initiated contact and would do an awkward sideways spooning. At some point the defendant told [the student] he loved him, and despite what the defendant was doing it was otherwise meeting his psychological and emotional needs so he continued to visit. The court heard that a college housemaster arranged for pastoral support as the pupil was struggling with work which Mr Taylor was appointed to meaning his visits were less likely to arouse suspicion. The Crown says the kissing was sexual because of its nature, Mr Moores added. It was full-blown kissing on the mouth, with cuddling in private, out of sight of other people. The court heard this behaviour continued after the student turned 18, particularly after the leaving party, where it was tradition that pupils dont stay in boarding houses. [The pupil] had arranged to stay at Mr Taylors house, he said. That time was the only time they shared a bed and there was sexual kissing. Fallen in love However, because the student was over the age of 18, it does not make up a criminal charge. The court heard that the former pupil told a friend in 2019 how Mr Taylor had fallen in love with him and detailed his visits to his house. In May 2021, Mr Taylor messaged his ex-student out of the blue, saying he had been thinking about their Winch days and wanted to follow up. When asked about what, he said: Our relationship and my closeness to you. I have been worried you might be upset by it. The student made complaints to the police in September 2021. Mr Taylor was interviewed under caution in February 2022 where he denied any sexual acts of kissing, cuddling or loving the then teenager in any romantic way, but said he may have put an arm around his shoulder. The court heard he messaged his former student afterwards, saying: Please let us reconcile and we can resolve this without lawyers and courts. Very charismatic In a further follow up message, he asked whether his ex-pupil really believed what had happened between them warranted a prison sentence. The former pupil described Mr Taylor as charismatic and admitted that it was nice to have attention from him to begin with. In a police interview played to the court, the alleged victim said he would often go to the teachers address on Sunday evenings. He was very charismatic, he said. The attention I saw him give to other people that I craved meant something because he was a very dynamic, charismatic person. It was nice to have attention from him. The former pupil said on the last night of their King Lear play he got himself in a state, and wildly romantic. Mr Taylor consoled him before inviting him round for the first time. Tensing in my stomach Speaking about his visits, he said: The pattern developed where we would sit on the sofa in his front room. [Hed be] cuddling and kissing me on the lips and neck. The most vivid memory was him kissing my mouth because I didnt enjoy it. I remember tensing in my stomach and thinking OK, here we go, got to sit this out. I felt that the friendship that he was offering was valuable and supportive, and I felt it would have been ungrateful not to afford him what he wanted out of it. I basically felt I owed it to him to let him do all those things. The pupil said he believed at the time that he would have been willing to sleep with Mr Taylor had it not been for my Christian faith and the fact I had a girlfriend. He said he told Mr Taylor this, and the teacher responded that he didnt want to have sex with him anyway. Wildly romantic outlook But I very much got the impression that he would have wanted to from a purely lustful perspective, he added. I do think Simon believed he was doing me good, and being supportive when I needed it, and I believed the same. I dont think his actions and behaviour were malicious. He had this wildly romantic outlook on the world. I think he believed that love triumphs all, and that because he loved me that was the most important thing, and that as long as his love was pure that made it OK which I think was naive and arrogant. The student said he was rattled by Mr Taylors out of the blue message on Facebook. While he said he wasnt out to get Mr Taylor, and didnt want to destroy his life, he wanted to ensure it didnt happen to anyone else. There are other young people Simon has access to now because he is still involved in theatre so this is to make sure Ive done my part. The trial continues. Products featured in this Yahoo article are selected by our shopping writers. We will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. This hugely popular serum works to even skin tone, firm skin and smooth visible fine lines and wrinkles. (Olay / Yahoo Life UK) It's not often viral beauty products from across the pond join us in the UK. Usually, we find ourselves envying the US for keeping all the best picks to themselves. But for once, this isn't the case! Following a brilliant reception in the US back in 2023 when it was first released. Olay has now launched its hugely popular and very highly rated Super Serum in the UK, available exclusively at Boots. In a nutshell, this premium beauty pick from Olay features five powerhouse active ingredients designed to improve skin texture, even skin tone, firm skin, smooth visible lines and provide long-lasting hydration. It's the serum to end all serums, and has even been described by shoppers as the "cult beauty product" to have. At 39.99, it doesn't come cheap. However, as part of a special introductory offer, Boots is selling the top-rated skincare buy for just 19.99 for a limited time only. Landing in Boots earlier this month, the serum sold out within hours of release, but has just been restocked online and continues to be on offer. So, if you were eyeing it up beforehand but didn't get a chance, then we suggest shopping it from Boots in-store or online as soon as you can! Why we rate it The ingredients in this are what gives this serum its edge. Bursting with the likes of Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Collagen Peptides and more, each ingredient works together to essentially nourish the skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, evening skin tone, improving texture and hydrating deep beneath the skin. The powerful serum helps to leave your skin feel firmer, as well as look smoother. (Olay / Boots) Supercharge your skin and simplify your skincare routine with this five-in-one serum. (Olay) From Vitamin E to Collagen Peptides, the serum has all the ingredients your routine needs. (Boots / Olay) 19.99 39.99 at Boots The ingredients and what they do: Activated Niacinamide Boosts surface cell turnover, evens skin tone and tackles discolouration Vitamin Protects from fine lines and uneven skin tone Collagen Peptides Penetrates up to 10 layers deep into the skin, reducing appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Vitamin E Helps combat damage and keeps skin looking youthful AHA Lactic Acid Tackles hyperpigmentation, providing hydration and improving texture On first application, the serum has a purple-like hue, before transforming to give your skin a gorgeous glow perfect as a base for make-up. To integrate the formula into your skincare routine, simply use it after you cleanse, and then layer it with your moisturiser and SPF. Available in 30ml bottles, it comes with a handy pipette for controlled usage (a little goes a long way) and can be used day and night for best results. What the reviews say Brand-new to Boots, Olay's Super Serum only has a handful of reviews from UK shoppers. But even so, it's receiving glowing praise. Here's what some skincare fanatics had to say: "This is honestly incredible! I bought it two weeks ago (I managed to get my hands on one before it sold out!) and my skin looks firmer, brighter and fine lines have been reduced! Very impressed and would highly recommend!" "This deserves the hype! Left my skin feeling super hydrated and super smooth. Usually I feel like my face has a lot texture due to dryness and aging but if feel almost glossy after I used it. It improved the look of my make up too." "I have been using Olay Super Serum for a month now, the bottle is so pretty and is easy to use. Giving me the perfect amount of product for my skin, a little bit goes a long way. The product has a gorgeous iridescent shimmer and absorbs so well into my combination skin, it keeps my skin feeling hydrated yet lightweight without any heaviness or stickiness. Gives me a perfect base to apply my day moisturiser on top and keeps my skin smooth and glowing." Shop now: Olay Super Serum | 19.99 (Was 39.99) from Boots Shop now Peers were urged to calm down and allow the Governments Rwanda deportation legislation to progress, as MPs voted to overturn amendments made by the Lords. The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill will not receive royal assent until both the House of Commons and House of Lords agree its final wording, a process known as parliamentary ping-pong. MPs returned from the Easter recess on Monday to discuss six further changes made by peers, with the Government tabling motions to disagree with them while also moving its own proposal in a bid to ease concerns over how the Bill operates in relation to modern slavery victims. The Bill seeks to compel judges to regard the east African country as safe in a bid to clear the way to send asylum seekers who cross the Channel in small boats on a one-way flight to Rwanda. The amendments overturned included an attempt by peers to ensure the Bill has due regard for domestic and international law and that Rwanda is only regarded as safe for as long as the provisions of the UKs treaty with that country are in place. Peers are expected to consider the Bill again on Tuesday and could make further changes which would prolong the parliamentary wrangling. Speaking in the Commons, Conservative MP Sir Bill Cash (Stone) said: The real question now is, lets get this Bill done, lets get the House of Lords to calm down a bit, let us also at the same time wait for what is inevitably going to be another claim and then see what the judgment of the Supreme Court is on the wording providing it is clear and unambiguous of this Bill. That is all I need to say, I may come back again however if there is another insistence by the Lords on these ridiculous amendments. For Labour, shadow Home Office minister Stephen Kinnock said the Rwanda scheme is doomed to fail. He said: The boats have kept coming, the backlog has kept growing, and the people smugglers are still laughing all the way to the bank. Two years of headline-chasing gimmicks, two years of pursuing a policy that is fundamentally unworkable, unaffordable and unlawful. Two years of flogging this dead horse. I am an inveterate optimist, so I truly believe that one day the benches opposite will come to understand that hard graft and common sense are always more effective than the sugar rush of a tabloid front page. (PA Graphics) Opening the debate, Home Office minister Michael Tomlinson said: Here we are, back again, debating the same issues and amendments we have already rejected. Were not quite at the point yet of completing each others sentences, but we are almost there. On amendment 10B, which sought to exempt agents, allies and employees of the UK overseas from being removed to Rwanda, he said: This Government recognises the commitment and responsibility that comes with combat veterans, whether our own or those who showed courage by serving alongside us, we will not let them down. I want to reassure Parliament that once the United Kingdoms special forces ARAP (Afghan relocations and assistance policy) review has concluded, the Government will consider and revisit how the Illegal Migration Act and removal under existing legislation will apply to those who are eligible as a result of the review, ensuring that these people receive the attention they deserve. MPs voted 312 to 253, majority 59, to reject Lords amendment 10B. Sunday was the busiest day yet for Channel crossings so far this year after more than 500 migrants arrived in the UK in a single day. The latest crossings took the provisional total for the year so far to 6,265 28% higher than this time last year (4,899) and 7% higher than the 5,828 recorded at this point in 2022. PA news agency analysis of the figures suggests 75,629 migrants have made the journey since then home secretary Priti Patel signed what she called a world-first agreement in Rwandas capital Kigali on April 14 2022, with 43,328 taking place since Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister six months later. PM to urge restraint in message to Netanyahu after Iranian attack Rishi Sunak is set to urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint on Tuesday after the thwarting of an Iranian attack over the weekend. Britain joined the US and other allies in shooting down Iranian attack drones on Saturday night, and has subsequently joined the US in urging calm in the region. The Prime Minister had been due to speak to Mr Netanyahu on Monday, but with the Israeli prime minister locked in a war cabinet this proved not to be possible. In a Commons statement, Mr Sunak said he would express our solidarity with Israel in the face of this attack and discuss how we can prevent further escalation. The Foreign Secretary is also expected to visit Israel soon, and on Monday urged Tel Aviv to be smart as well as tough by not escalating the conflict with Iran. Israel is still considering its response to Saturday nights attack, which saw Iran launch around 350 drones and missiles, but on Monday night said the barrage will be met with a response. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Netanyahus official account said his country deeply appreciates the support of the United States, Britain, France and others in thwarting the Iranian attack against Israel. He added: Directly and through its terror proxies Hamas and others, Iran is conducting a full-scale campaign of aggression that threatens not only Israel but the entire Middle East. The international community must continue to stand united in resisting this Iranian aggression, which threatens world peace. Former defence secretary Ben Wallace argued that the UK should use support for Israel as leverage to secure Israeli support for Ukraine (Victoria Jones/PA) Mr Netanyahu has already spoken to US President Joe Biden and congressional majority leader Steve Scalise, according to posts on X. Meanwhile, former defence secretary Ben Wallace urged the Government to use its defence of Israel as leverage to secure Israeli support for Ukraine. Mr Wallace, writing in The Daily Telegraph, said Israel had been absent from the list of countries donating weapons and other items to Ukraine, and that he had pleaded with the countrys ambassador but been told Israel didnt want to upset Russia. He said: We stand by Israel because we share common values, oppose terrorism and respect sovereignty. But if pilots of the RAF are to help protect Israel, then we should expect Israel to help Ukraine with lethal weapons and other assets, because alliances work both ways. The former cabinet minister also called for a strong response to Irans attack, saying the UK was weak in Tehrans eyes. He said: I have learnt, working against Britains adversaries, that the only way to deal with a bully is to retaliate. The only option when Iran and Russia hit, I have concluded, is to hit back twice as hard and not stop until they get the message. Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, will receive $6.4 billion towards developing advanced computer chips at the semiconductor plant it's building in Tyler, the Biden administration announced Monday. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer WASHINGTON Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, will receive $6.4 billion toward developing advanced computer chips at the semiconductor plant it's building in Central Texas, the Biden administration announced Monday. The deal comes as the federal government is distributing tens of billions of dollars for the construction of computer chip plants in the United States, an effort aimed at reducing the nation's increasing dependence on supply chains running through Asia. In a statement Monday, President Joe Biden said the funding would "cement central Texass role as a state-of-the-art semiconductor ecosystem." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "These facilities will support the production of some of the most powerful chips in the world, which are essential to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and will bolster U.S. national security," he said. Samsung has now committed to spending $40 billion on the plant it is building in Taylor, with plans for a second factory by the end of the decade and a new research center. Congress passed the CHIPS Act in 2022 along bipartisan lines, offering U.S. and foreign chip manufacturers up to $39 billion in subsidies for building plants in the the U.S. The administration last week announced $6.6 billion in funding for Taiwan-based chip companyTSMC to expand a plant in Arizona. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, cheered the Samsung announcement as helping, "the U.S. reclaim its leadership role in the critically important semiconductor industry." Armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after loading a gun for US actor Alec Baldwin, which fired and killed a cinematographer on the set of western film Rust. Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter following the shooting of 42-year-old Halyna Hutchins in October 2021, at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer of the film, was pointing a gun at Ms Hutchins during a rehearsal when the weapon went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza. The actor pleaded not guilty after he was re-charged with involuntary manslaughter in January this year, before lawyers filed to dismiss the charge a motion of which is yet to be decided. He is currently scheduled to face a trial in July. A jury convicted Gutierrez-Reed in March following a two-week trial, and on Monday she was sentenced to the maximum 18 months of incarceration at a New Mexico womens correctional facility. The word remorse, a deep regret coming from a sense of guilt for past wrongs that is not you, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said in her sentencing remarks. You were the armourer, the one that stood between a safe weapon and a weapon that could kill someone. You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon. But for you, Ms Hutchins would be alive, a husband would have his partner and a little boy would have his mother. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed with her attorney Jason Bowles and paralegal Carmella Sisneros prepare for a sentencing hearing in state district court in Santa Fe, New Mexico (Eddie Moore/The Albuquerque Journal via AP) Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey told the judge that Gutierrez-Reed had not expressed any genuine remorse or taken responsibility for the cascade of safety violations that led to Ms Hutchinss death, instead choosing to place blame including on the paramedics who tried to save her life. During her sentencing remarks, Judge Sommer referred to a review of almost 200 of Gutierrez-Reeds calls while she was incarcerated waiting to be sentenced. The calls heard Gutierrez-Reed describe the criminal proceedings as messing up her modelling career, while the judge said she was also dismissive of the fatal incident, describing a possible lengthy sentence as ridiculous over what happened. The court also heard a host of emotional statements from Ms Hutchinss friends and family, which all lamented the completely preventable tragedy and systemic failure, including from her mother Olga Solovey and father Anatolii Androsovych. A video interview of Ms Solovey, who lives and works in Kyiv as a nurse caring for those wounded in the Ukrainian war, saw her relive the 3am call she received from Ms Hutchins husband Matthew, informing her of the death of her daughter. The day of her death ruined my entire lifeevery minute I wait until Ill meet her again, she said of Ms Hutchins, who was hoping to have her own daughter following the birth of her son Andros. While her former Marine officer father said it was indescribable to express the soul-crushing pain that I live through every day, adding that the incident had caused an abrupt decline of my health. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed during her two-week trial in March (Luis Sanchez Saturno/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP) Rust director Souza also appeared on a video link, telling the court: I want the pain to go away, I want to be who I was before all this happened and above all, I want Halyna to be back home with her husband and son in the house she never got to live in. Gutierrez-Reed, who appeared emotional at points during the hearing, took to the stand before her sentencing asking the judge for probation saying I beg you, please dont give me more time. She said her heart aches for the Hutchins family, calling herself young and naive on the Rust set, while also chastising the media for portraying her as a complete monster. Baldwin was initially charged in January 2023, but those charges were formally dismissed three months later. Alec Baldwin practising drawing his revolver on the set of the Rust film (Santa Fe County Sheriff/PA) Earlier in January 2024, special prosecutors brought the case before a grand jury in Santa Fe after receiving a new analysis of the gun, and Baldwin was re-charged. The indictment accuses Baldwin of involuntary manslaughter through negligent use of a firearm, and an alternative charge of involuntary manslaughter without due caution or circumspection. Baldwin previously said he pulled back the hammer, but not the trigger, and the gun fired. Lawyers for Baldwin asked a judge to dismiss the charge, accusing prosecutors of violating nearly every rule in the book in acquiring the indictment, while prosecutors claimed the motion to dismiss was predictable false, misleading, and histrionic misrepresentation of the facts. A judge is yet to give a ruling on the motion. The filming of Rust resumed last year in Montana, under an agreement with the cinematographers widower Matthew Hutchins that made him an executive producer. Stephen Fry is among the famous faces who have backed a campaign led by cancer charities in a bid to recruit a new generation of volunteers. The actor and writer, who announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2018, features in a new video for the Big Help Out campaign which encourages the public to lend a hand for an hour or a day. Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Now and Young Lives vs Cancer are among the host of health charities collaborating on the project to boost volunteering across the country. TV presenter Laura Whitmore is also supporting the campaign (Ian West/PA) In the video, Fry leads a string of famous faces in saying: You are not alone. Presenter Laura Whitmore, former athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, Good Morning Britain host Charlotte Hawkins and former Strictly Come Dancing star Dame Arlene Phillips are also among the celebrities who can be seen repeating the campaign slogan. Fry continues: Im one of the millions in the UK whos faced the battle against cancer. I know the feeling of being alone and the fear. But thanks to the NHS, our loved ones and the thousands of volunteers across the country supporting health charities, you are not alone. From fundraisers to befrienders, from residential volunteers to campaigners theres a network of support ready for you, provided and funded by volunteers. Together volunteers make a big difference in the lives of people suffering from cancer. Discussing how people can get involved in the Big Help Out campaign, he says: Whether you can lend a hand for an hour or a day. Your time can changes lives. The Blackadder star also encouraged the public to download the new Big Help Out app which helps find ways for people to volunteer and to get involved in the weekend of the June 7 to 9. The campaign comes after cancer charities saw a surge in the public visiting their websites following the cancer diagnoses of the King and Princess of Wales. Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden, who has shared her diagnosis of stage three breast cancer last May before being told there was now no evidence of disease earlier this year, also helped launch the app. She said: A year ago I was a fit and healthy 32-year-old, I never thought I would get cancer at such a young age. Hearing about the recent cancer diagnoses of the King and the Princess of Wales reminds us that the disease can strike any one of us, at any time. No one should face cancer alone. I know that the kindness of friends, family and strangers can make all the difference when times are tough. I am forever grateful to the volunteers who have supported me on my cancer journey. So this year, to launch the Big Help Out app, we are making a special call to those interested in joining the fight against cancer to get involved. The chief executive at Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell, said: Volunteers are incredibly important to us at Cancer Research UK, and their impact is felt across every area of the charity. Without them, our work to beat cancer wouldnt be possible. She added: Were making progress to beat the disease. In the last 50 years, our work has helped double cancer survival in the UK. But we need people to continue to support us. So this summer, were delighted to be working with the Big Help Out to raise awareness of the importance of volunteering. Whether youve got five minutes to spare or an afternoon, weve got activities available to suit everyone. Add your voice to our online campaigns, support your local superstore with a donation drop, or spend a few hours cheering on participants at our outdoor events however you choose to get involved, youll be helping to make a difference for people affected by cancer. Steve Coogan has accused United Utilities of greenwashing and PR spin as he criticised the company for putting sewage into Lake Windermere. The Im Alan Partridge star joined a protest outside the North West water companys offices near the lake as he called on the Government to compel them to clean up Englands largest lake rather than pay huge dividends to shareholders. He told ITVs Good Morning Britain: United Utilities have a big PR machine and they put nice fancy offices up like this and say were working together with the people of Windermere but its all a smokescreen to distract attention from what theyve been doing over the last 30 years, which is putting treated and untreated sewage into Lake Windermere. Actor Steve Coogan has joined protestors in a very high profile fight to stop sewage being dumped into Lake Windermere in the Lake District by the local water company, United Utilities. He tells @susannareid100 & @edballs that he is calling on the company to clear up the lake. pic.twitter.com/qqXw6NZBel Good Morning Britain (@GMB) April 15, 2024 Its to such an extent that there are toxic levels of algae, there are algae blooms that show the nitrate levels are like through the roof. And theyve been doing this year on year. He added: They have been paying out record dividends to shareholders, theres no excuse for this. Were telling them to stop putting sewage in the lake and take out what they put in. Coogan said the company should not be allowed to pass on the cost of cleaning up to the lake to bill payers but rather should deny their shareholders a dividend for a few years. He said: Either they need to do it themselves, which I doubt they will because they are powerless to their shareholders, or the Government needs to act. Addressing why is it legal for the company to put sewage in the lake, Coogan said: What makes it more obscene is its almost like the business model is predicated on the ability to put sewage in a lake and not do anything about it, because to sort that problem would require a huge investment that they are not prepared to put into it. The actor said the money the company is investing in addressing the issue is chicken feed in comparison to the profits and the grants are PR spin and greenwashing. He added: It is all to stop people looking at the fundamental problem, which is they are the biggest polluters in this country, the biggest water utility company pollutes British waterways. The lakes are there for everyone, people who cant afford holidays abroad to be able to use the lake for recreation and its threatening that. Asked how he could defend dumping untreated sewage into the lake, Chris Matthews, of United Utilities, told the programme: We share the concerns that Steve has expressed there, and many other people, about the overflow operations and the impact on local water courses and are investing to tackle this problem. How can you defend this appalling situation?' @susannareid100 Susanna challenges Chris Matthews from United Utilities following data that the company dumped more than 27,000 hours worth of untreated sewage since 2020. Mr Matthews is also asked to reveal what the return to pic.twitter.com/JZDWLfW799 Good Morning Britain (@GMB) April 15, 2024 We are investing to tackle this problem here at Windermere, weve spent 75 million on our wastewater treatment to halve the amount of phosphorus that goes into the lake. He added: We are taking this problem extremely seriously as part of a huge investment programme. He told the show that customer bills will be increasing to help fund the programme. saying: Its going to be about 25 a year that bills will go up, about 2 a month, to help fund what is a 14 billion plan. A custody battle might have led to the deaths of two Kansas women who vanished on their way to pick up one of the pair's children for a birthday party last month in Oklahoma, court papers revealed Monday. Remains were found in Texas County, Oklahoma, but have not yet been identified as those of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, both of Hugoton, Kansas, officials said Monday. "It has been a tragedy for everyone involved," Aungela Spurlock, director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, or OSBI, told reporters. "Our condolences go out to the family." The OSBI had said in a statement X that its agents along with Texas County sheriffs personnel recovered the bodies in a rural part of the county. Four people were booked into the Texas County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit murder Saturday in connection with the probe. The OSBI identified them as Tad Bert Cullum, 43; Tifany Machel Adams, 54; Cole Earl Twombly, 50; and Cora Twombly, 44. The four were arrested in Texas County and neighboring Cimarron County. Adams was in a "problematic custody battle" with Butler, who had two children with Adams' son, Wrangler Rickman, according to an affidavit by OSBI Special Agent Jason Ott. Butler had supervised visits with her children every Saturday, and she, along with her friend Kelley, were on their way for such a meeting on March 30, according to Ott's affidavit supporting Adams' arrest. "Butler planned on bringing her daughter to a birthday party but after they did not arrive, the family began looking for Butler," the affidavit said. Butler's car was discovered in Texas County with signs of a violent struggle, officials said. Blood stained the nearby ground, and Butler's glasses "were also found in the roadway south of the vehicle, near a broken hammer," Ott wrote. Rickman was "in a rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma City" at the time of the disappearance, the affidavit said, and he does not appear to be a suspect. Rickman also had disputes with his mother, Adams, the affidavit said. At times, Adams would keep the children and refused to turn them over to Rickman, even though he had legal custody of them, according to Ott. A key witness in the case is the 16-year-old daughter of suspect Cora Twombly. The girl, identified as "CW," said Cora Twombly and the suspect's husband, Cole Twombly, told her on March 29 they wouldn't be home when she got up the next morning, because they were on a "mission," according to the court affidavit. When the couple returned home at noon, they asked their daughter to clean their Chevy pickup truck, the affidavit said. "CW asked Cora what had happened and was told things did not go as planned, but they would not have to worry about her [Butler] again," the court document said. "CW was told that Cora and Cole blocked the road to stop Butler and Kelley and deliver them to where Adams [and] Cullum ... were. CW asked about Kelley and why she had to die and was told by Cora that she wasn't innocent either, as she had supported Butler. CW asked Cora if their bodies were put in a well and Cora replied, 'something like that.'" Adams purchased three pre-paid cellphones from a Wal-Mart on Feb. 13, according to the affidavit, and all three were "in the areas where Butler's car was located and the last known location of Butler and Kelley, at the time of their disappearance." Butler and Kelley were the subjects of an endangered missing advisory by Oklahoma authorities distributed on March 30 after the vehicle they were in was found in Texas County, the OSBI said. It wasn't clear whether the suspects had legal representation Monday afternoon. Texas County Sheriff Matt Boley didnt reveal many details of the alleged crime when he met with reporters Monday morning, but he did say that Butler and Kelley were victims of a targeted attack and that authorities didn't believe anyone else in the public was in danger. We felt this wasnt a random deal, Boley said. We felt that with some of the information coming in that it was more targeted, and we started to look in those areas. Picture this: Your bestie is getting married, and it was "an automatic given" that you'd be a bridesmaid. Only thing is, the wedding is set to take place thousands of miles away in a remote Scandinavian town and the ceremony has just been moved up an entire year, making it just four months away. As a result of this last-minute switcharoo, the trip will cost you a staggering $8,000, if not more. That's precisely the predicament one Reddit user has found herself in, and she's considering lying to get out of the wedding altogether. According to the woman (who did not reveal her name), she is financially stable and has been saving money...but for a completely different trip: her 10th anniversary getaway to Japan. "Between flights, the hotel... the rental car, the bridesmaid dress, the full traditional outfit required to be worn for some the the events, pet boarding, as well as general incidentals and we are looking at a minimum $8,000," she wrote. She did write that she had her own destination wedding in Alaska back when her friends were fresh out of college and low on cash. And it was attended by the woman who's now getting married in Scandinavia. She's been thinking of concocting a lie to get out of it. "My idea was to lie and say we have to do a major home repair (fixing the foundation maybe) that will cost all of what we have saved plus more, then when it did come time for the Asia trip say we were gifted the trip by my husband's parents," she wrote. Unsurprisingly, this scenario has sparked a juicy debate in the comments over the proper etiquette here. Here's where people stand: Guests should never go broke to attend a wedding. Most Reddit users can't seem to get past spending $8,000 on a friend's wedding. "8K is almost how much my entire wedding cost. Not the cost per guest," said one user. Others were surprised that the bride-to-be would bring up the woman's anniversary trip fund. "Also, it was pretty rude to expect your friend to use their ten year anniversary fund which they have been saving up for a while on your wedding," read one comment. Honesty really is the best policy. A number of people pointed out that the entire situation could go a lot smoother if the woman is open about having recently purchased her anniversary flight tickets and not being able to afford the wedding. "Please just tell your friend that you can't afford the trip. Also, it is unfair for your friend to essentially spend your money - meaning she knows you have money saved for a special trip, and for her to assume that you want to use THIS money for HER is ridiculous," one person wrote. "If you cant be honest with her, is it really a friendship worth saving?" someone else pointed out. Overall, most comments in the thread leaned toward not attending the wedding, but being honest about her decision not to. There didn't appear to be a single comment urging the woman to attend the $8,000 wedding in Scandinavia. We have to ask: Where do you stand on this? You Might Also Like PARIS Five years ago a fire brought Paris Notre Dame Cathedral to its knees, destroying the vaulted wooden ceiling and spire. In Hatfield, Massachusetts, carpenter Hank Silver watched in horror as flames shot into the air and rapidly spread over the fabled Gothic buildings roof, known as The Forest because of its long planks of 800-year-old wood. Soon, Silver joined an army of skilled craftsmen from around the world and went to the buildings aid. Now Paris soaring medieval landmark is ready to serve as a symbol of the French capital. Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration (Geoffroy Van Der Hassely / AFP - Getty Images file) The work changed my life, Silver told NBC News on Sunday, and he said it had given him a new appreciation of the skills carpenters had in the Middle Ages. Its a once in a millennium experience, he said in an interview. Having that as my job site at my place of work every day does not get old. Silver, who is part of Carpenters Without Borders, a team of volunteers who restore historical structures the world over, is one of a handful of craftsmen from around the world who are trained to carry out the work of rebuilding Notre Dame. Much of what theyve done requires tools re-created on site to match those used by workers centuries ago before the towering symbol of French national pride was completed in 1345. The day la fleche came down On April 15, 2019, thousands of horrified Parisians and tourists looked on, many with tears in their eyes, as Notre Dames iconic spire known in France as la fleche, or arrow lurched and crashed into the inferno. In a matter of minutes, one of the most recognizable sights in the French capital was gone. The following day, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the edifice within five years, a pledge that left many experts skeptical at the time. Emily Guerry, a senior lecturer of medieval European history at Britains University of Kent, was among them. I was one of those people, she said. I thought no way, youre not going to be able to find the trees. Hank Silver works on restorations at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. (Joel Lawrence / NBC News) However, 2,000 Oak trees were sourced from forests around Europe for the rebuild. Some of them up to 400 years old, they were left to dry for 12 to 19 months before the carpenters used them. Guerry said she thought finding the money for the expensive rebuild might have been an issue, but, gosh, the people wanted Notre Dame back. Rebuilding Notre Dame de Paris, the public body responsible for the conservation and restoration of the cathedral, estimated it would cost $760 million. To date 340,000 donors from more than 150 countries have donated around $895 million, it says on its website. Guerry said the French state and the Catholic Church had also contributed along with wealthy dynasties. It was very medieval to have the elite families step forward and donate, she added. Whats perhaps slightly different today is there is no demand to put their name on the building, she said. But what a wonderful legacy to leave behind. We all felt something watching that spire fall, she added. It made us feel like we were losing a part of our history, our heritage and our connection to our spiritual selves, and no matter where you were in the world watching this ancient building catch fire, you felt for the people of Paris, you felt for the people of France and perhaps you felt for the people who built it. Significant progress has been made on the restoration work, according to a report last year by the Friends of Notre Dame de Paris, a nonprofit that raises money for the restoration work. Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in France is expected to be completed this year (Esra Taskin / Anadolu via Getty Images) And ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, work by the crack team of carpenters, scaffolding experts, professional climbers, organ mechanics and others continues apace at the cathedral, which oversees Paris from an island on the Seine river. While the most modern of building methods are being employed, Silver, the carpenter, said when NBC News first interviewed him at a workshop in Normandy last year that tools had been re-created on site to match those used centuries ago, by the original builders. Were using a mix of 13th-century tools such as the broad axes or dog walk to finish all the surfaces, were using chisels and saws, mallets, he said. Everything is finished by hand so that the result is an almost identical replica of the Gothic frame that was there. Silver, who watched on as the oak roof frames he crafted were lifted into position by a large crane earlier this year, said the U.S. has a built tradition thats much newer, but that is derived from these European methods. So for someone like me, being able to work on this building, which is the birth of this technique, is particularly meaningful, he said. Did you ever think youd be able to look at Notre Dame and say, I built that? Keir Simmons and Laura Saravia reported from Paris. Henry Austin reported from London. Congressional leaders from both parties were quick to condemn Irans retaliatory strikes on Israel this Saturday but still remain at odds on how to pass additional Israel funding in wake of the attacks. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday he will move forward with a vote on additional Israel aid but did not go into specifics about his plans as he walks a knifes edge with conservatives over the potential inclusion of Ukraine funding. The House Republicans and the Republican Party understand the necessity of standing with Israel. Were going to try again this week, and the details of that package are being put together right now. Were looking at the options and all these supplemental issues, Johnson told Fox News Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures. But hardline conservatives are warning Johnson against attaching Ukraine funding to any Israel aid package, underscoring the competing pressures on the speaker as he weighs critical decisions about the path ahead following Irans attack on Israel. Congress should be clear: no action by Iran or Israel merits a vote on the Ukraine omnibus the Senate seeks, GOP Rep. Warren Davidson wrote on social media. The pressure campaign from Johnsons right flank comes amid bipartisan calls including from GOP Leader Mitch McConnell to take up the Senate-passed foreign package that includes money for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, arguing that is the fastest way to get aid to Israel. Johnson has vowed to put some sort of Israel aid bill on the floor this week, but said the details are still being finalized. The House GOP Conference will meet Monday evening to discuss the Iran-Israel situation and their legislative plans going forward, according to GOP sources. It all amounts to a complicated calculation for Johnson. The House previously struggled to pass a standalone Israel aid bill, but Johnson could draw ire from the right if he ties it to Ukraine or puts the Senate bill on the floor. The speaker has, however, been trying to get former President Donald Trumps crucial buy-in for a more GOP-friendly Ukraine aid package, such as structuring the aid as a loan which Trump signaled openness to during a press conference with Johnson at Mar-a-Lago. President Joe Biden participated in a call with congressional leadership on Sunday afternoon to discuss the urgent need for the House to pass the bipartisan Senate-passed aid package. The President discussed the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible, the White House said Sunday. McConnell, Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries all participated in the call, according to the White House. At a news conference Sunday, Schumer urged the GOP-led House to move on the Senate-passed aid package in the wake of the Iranian attack. The best way to help Israel and to help Ukraine is to pass the supplemental this week, Schumer said, according to a transcript provided by his office. Ive called on Speaker Johnson to do that. The House has thus far declined to take a vote on the Senate-passed legislation, with many House conservatives opposed to sending additional aid to Ukraine and wanting stricter US southern border policies included in any aid package. But its unclear how the Democrat-controlled Senate would approach whatever legislation comes from the GOP-led House. Individual members have also weighed in on the conflict since the Iranian attacks on Israel, with Democrats imploring Johnson to bring up the Senate foreign aid package as many Republicans call on Schumer to act on Israel only. Responding to calls from McConnell for the House to bring to the floor the $95.3 billion supplemental foreign aid package that passed the Senate in February, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio sidestepped, insisting on Sunday that the Senate could pass standalone aid to Israel and win House approval. We could go on Monday to Washington, DC, and we can pass aid to Israel right away, Rubio told CNNs Jake Tapper on State of the Union, adding: If the Senate were to send the House an Israel aid bill on Monday, the House will pass it. Democratic Sen. Chris Coons, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of the issue, called on Johnson to bring the supplemental foreign aid package passed by the Senate in February to the floor on Monday. I think the most important deterrent action that Congress can take is for Speaker Johnson to not take days or weeks to try and come up with some other package but to pass the supplemental tomorrow, Coons told Tapper in a separate interview. How Congress reached this point While the Senate passed its foreign aid bill in February, Johnson said he never planned to bring the bill to the floor. The House, in turn, tried but failed to pass a standalone package for $17.6 billion in Israel aid amid opposition from both Republicans and Democratic leaders. Because of resistance among members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, Johnson had been forced to bring up the bill under a procedure that requires a two-thirds majority of the House to approve it. That means he needed the support of a sizable number of Democrats to get behind it, and failed to cross that threshold. At a closed caucus meeting prior to the vote, House Democratic leadership made a forceful case against supporting the standalone Israel aid package to members. However, given the attacks by Iran and its proxies, leadership in both chambers are under increased pressure to reach a consensus. This story has been updated with additional developments. CNNs Samantha Waldenberg, Haley Talbot, Lauren Fox, Manu Raju, Aileen Graef and Avery Lotz contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com At 8 years old, social media sensation Howie the crab is several years older than her species' life expectancy Laura Porter Laura Porter and Howie the Crab Laura Porter's pet crab, Howie, has reached millions of fans and followers with her viral posts across social media platforms On Instagram and TikTok, Porter posts photos and videos of Howie communicating through sign language, wearing hats, eating human food and going on neighborhood walks outside The online sensation-crustacean has surpassed the life expectancy for her species, and her fans are nervously hoping to see Howie make it to her 9th birthday this June Most crabs only encounter caviar when served together on a seafood platter, but one lucky crustacean in Nebraska snacks on the upscale delicacy as a favored treat. Howie the Crab lives a charmed life between the walls of her semi-aquatic tank in Omaha. Caviar is just one of the surprising foods she consumes courtesy of her owner, Laura Porter. Howies also fond of cheese and various vegetables, both of which she often enjoys while wearing one of the many hats or crowns in her vast wardrobe of shell-top accessories. After indulging at mealtime and dressing up in the likes of a bedazzled cowboy hat, the blue-tinted terrestrial crab might be tied onto her leash and join Porter for a sunny walk around their neighborhood. At some point during her leisurely day, Howie will almost certainly create new content for her social media pages, where shes reached millions of fans and followers across platforms. The crab has stolen hearts online with her surprisingly intelligent behavior. Beyond her chic taste in knitted beanies and refined culinary palette, Howie plays with toys and fearlessly fraternizes with Porters pet cat. Laura Porter The shellbound internet personality has even attracted some celebrity attention too. Americas Got Talent judge Howie Mandel posted a duetted TikTok video shouting out the creature who shares his name. What an honor to have a crab named after you, Mandel said in the clip from March 2023. Porters unlikely pet first went viral on TikTok in February 2022, when she shared a video cleaning Howie by scrubbing her shell with a toothbrush. In overlaying text, the crabs owner shared a bit more about Howie, her hygiene routine and how she eats what we eat meaning people food, like fruits and vegetables (and, of course, the occasional spoonful of caviar). Though the clip garnered over 797,000 likes, Porter tells PEOPLE that she received a noteworthy amount of negative attention as well. Laura Porter I felt like I had to justify why I was being kind to her because no one understood that she is a sentient pet, says Porter, who mainly posted videos of her pet squirrels before Howies TikTok debut. Somewhere in the haze of criticism, Porter and Howie found their target audience My tribe of animal lovers, not just the furry kind, the former banking professional explains. The people that love all animals were supportive and wanted to learn more about Howie. Indeed theres plenty to know about Howie, who is of the Cardisoma Armatum species more commonly known as the rainbow crab. Remarkably, she can communicate her hunger using sign language, a skill she picked up by watching Porter during feeding time, says the crabs owner. Laura Porter I would always give her food and tap my mouth. Years went by, and one day I started noticing that she would beg against the tank glass and tap her mouth, Porter recalls to PEOPLE. Even I was skeptical at first. I thought it was a coincidence, or that I was seeing what I wanted to believe. Porter also claims that her clawed confidante can recognize human faces, especially that of her dedicated caretaker. She has always been able to distinguish me from other people and family members, Porter says. Laura Porter Howie and Porter have an especially close bond she says the crab has only pinched her once, by accident but it was Porters daughter who originally wanted to adopt Howie back in 2016. Still, Porter took on the role of their pets primary caretaker, in part because she worried Howie may pinch others and because she wanted to fully meet the crustacean's needs. I am not a believer in allowing kids to be caregivers for pets, Porter tells PEOPLE. Animals deserve responsible care. So even though Howie lived in my daughter's bedroom for many years, I have always been Howie's favorite person. Porter adds that while she had some experience keeping other types of crustaceans, looking after Howie required some guesswork at first. Laura Porter We combined previous knowledge and also learned along the way, she explains. There was not a lot of species-specific care information online when we got her. At 8 years old, Howie the crab has surpassed her species typical life expectancy. Per the FAQ section on Howies website, most rainbow crabs only live two to three years in the wild and three to five years in captivity. Like lobsters, shrimp and other crustaceans, crabs grow by shedding their exoskeleton shells in a process called molting. As they get older, molts become increasingly difficult and painful for the creature, and Porter worries her beloved Howie may not make it through her next, which she predicts will happen this month. Laura Porter While she waits for Howie to shed, shes been keeping the crabs fans updated with transparent posts about her activity levels and food intake, which continues to dwindle as Howie prepares to molt. Having an aging pet on social media is a difficult situation to navigate. There are a lot of people emotionally invested in Howie's story and well being, Porter says. While I don't want every post to be a reminder of just how old she is, I feel like it's important to make her fans aware of her limited time with us. Laura Porter Though Howie faces challenging days ahead, her owner is staying optimistic and keeping the crab comfortable. I try to live in the moment and enjoy the time I have left with her, however long that may be, Porter tells PEOPLE, adding, I do want to stay hopeful that she will make it through another molt. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. By Susan Heavey, Brendan O'Brien and Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The FBI said on Monday it opened a criminal probe into the collapse of a Baltimore bridge in March when a ship crashed into a bridge support, while local officials confirmed the recovery of a fourth body from the incident. FBI agents boarded the cargo ship Dali to conduct court-authorized law enforcement activity regarding the crash, an FBI spokesperson said. The spokesperson said there was no other public information available and the bureau will have no further comment. The body of a fourth victim was recovered on Monday after divers spotted what they believed to be a missing construction vehicle, inside which they found the body, the Key Bridge Unified Command said in a statement. Details surrounding the victim's identity were not made public at the request of family. The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River in the early morning of March 26, killing six men who were working on the span at the time, after the massive container ship lost power and crashed into a support pylon. The bodies of two victims are still missing. The investigation into the collapse will focus in part on whether the crew of the Dali left the port knowing the freighter had serious problems with its systems, the Washington Post reported earlier. Safety investigators have recovered the ship's "black box" recorder, which provides data on its position, speed, heading, radar, and bridge audio and radio communications, as well as alarms. The city of Baltimore said on Monday it hired two law firms - DiCello Levitt and Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky Trial Lawyers - as it considered litigation against the owner, charterer and operator of the ship. The registered owner of the Singapore-flagged ship is Grace Ocean Pte Ltd. Synergy Marine Group managed the ship and Maersk chartered the vessel. The head of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board separately told Congress last week that its investigators had interviewed key cargo ship personnel as part of its probe. Work to clear the wreckage and restore traffic through the Baltimore port's shipping channel continues. Replacing the bridge will likely take years, but authorities have opened two temporary channels to allow some shallow-draft vessels to move around the stricken container vessel. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said two weeks ago that it expected to open a new channel to the Port of Baltimore by the end of April. When the crash occurred, the Dali was leaving Baltimore en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, with a crew of 21, plus two pilots on board to guide it out of the port. The same ship was involved in an incident in the port of Antwerp, Belgium, in 2016, when it hit a quay as it tried to exit a North Sea container terminal. An inspection in June 2023 carried out in San Antonio, Chile, found the vessel had propulsion and auxiliary machinery deficiencies, according to data on the public Equasis website, which provides information on ships. According to Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority, the vessel passed foreign-port inspections last June and September. (Reporting by Susan Heavey, Brendan O'Brien, Kanishka Singh and Diana Jones; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Jonathan Oatis and Leslie Adler) Aerial view of Bandar Abbas major Iranian Persian Gulf port city with several harbors and ship traffic, Strait of Hormuz, Iran Credit - Getty Images2020 German Vogel (DUBAI, United Arab Emirates) Commandos from Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard rappelled down from a helicopter onto an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz and seized the vessel Saturday, the latest in a series of attacks between the two countries. The Middle East had braced for potential Iranian retaliation over a suspected Israeli strike earlier this month on an Iranian consular building in Syria that killed 12 people, including a senior Guard general who once commanded its expeditionary Quds Force there. The Israeli war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip meanwhile is now 6 months old and is inflaming decades-old tensions across the whole region. With Iranian-backed forces like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Yemen's Houthi rebels also involved in the fighting, any new attack in the Mideast threatens to escalate that conflict into a wider regional war. Iran's state-run IRNA said a special forces unit of the Guard's navy carried out the attack on the vessel, the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, a container ship associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime. Zodiac Maritime is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. Zodiac declined to comment and referred questions to MSC. Geneva-based MSC later acknowledged the seizure and said 25 crew had been aboard the vessel. IRNA said the Guard would take the vessel into Iranian territorial waters. Earlier, a Middle East defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, shared a video of the attack with The Associated Press. In it, the Iranian commandos are seen rappelling down onto a stack of containers sitting on the deck of the vessel. A crew member on the ship can be heard saying: Dont come out. He then tells his colleagues to go to the ships bridge as more commandos come down on the deck. One commando can be seen kneeling above the others to provide them potential cover fire. The video corresponded with known details of the MSC Aries. The helicopter used also appeared to be a Soviet-era Mil Mi-17 helicopter, which both the Guard and the Iranian-backed Houthis of Yemen have used in the past to conduct commando raids on ships. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations described the vessel as being seized by regional authorities in the Gulf of Oman off the Emirati port city of Fujairah, without elaborating. The MSC Aries had been last located off Dubai heading toward the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. The ship had turned off its tracking data, which has been common for Israeli-affiliated ships moving through the region. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called on nations to list the Guard as a terrorist organization. Iran is a criminal regime that supports Hamas crimes and is now conducting a pirate operation in violation of international law, Katz said. Iran since 2019 has engaged in a series of ship seizures and attacks on vessels have been attributed to it amid ongoing tensions with the West over its rapidly advancing nuclear program. Since November, Iran had dialed back its ship attacks as the Houthis targeted ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Houthi attacks have slowed in recent weeks as the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan ended and the rebels have faced months of U.S.-led airstrikes targeting them. In previous seizures, Iran has offered initial explanations about their operations to make it seem like the attacks had nothing to do with the wider geopolitical tensions though later acknowledging as much. In Saturday's attack, however, Iran telling offered no explanation for the seizure other than to say the MSC Aries had links to Israel. For days, Iranian officials up to and including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been threatening to slap Israel for the Syria strike. Western governments have issued warnings to their citizens in the region to be prepared for attacks. However, Iran in the past largely has avoided directly attacking Israel, despite it carrying out the targeted killing of nuclear scientists and multiple sabotage campaigns against Iran's atomic sites. Iran has however targeted Israeli or Jewish-linked sites through proxy forces over the decades. Earlier this week, Guard Gen. Ali Reza Tangsiri, who oversees its naval forces, criticized the presence of Israelis in the region and in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE reached a diplomatic recognition deal with Israel in 2020, something that long has enraged Tehran. We know that bringing Zionists in this point is not merely for economic work," Tangsiri reportedly said. "Now, they are carrying out security and military jobs, indeed. This is a threat, and this should not happen. The U.S., Israel's main backer, has stood by the country despite growing concerns over Israel's war on Gaza killing more than 33,600 Palestinians and wounding over 76,200 more. Israel's war began after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw some 250 others taken hostage. On Friday, President Joe Biden warned Iran not to attack Israel and said he felt an Iranian attack on Israel likely would happen "sooner than later. We will help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed, Biden added. The Gulf of Oman is near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all globally traded oil passes. Fujairah, on the United Arab Emirates eastern coast, is a main port in the region for ships to take on new oil cargo, pick up supplies or trade out crew. Since 2019, the waters off Fujairah have seen a series of explosions and hijackings. The U.S. Navy blamed Iran for limpet mine attacks on vessels that damaged tankers. The UAE meanwhile has sought to mend ties with Iran and issued a statement condemning the suspected Israeli attack in Syria. Meanwhile, Lufthansa Group said on Saturday it had extended the suspension of its flights between Frankfurt and Tehran though Thursday and said that all of its planes would avoid Iranian airspace in that period. The German carrier also said that, until at least Tuesday, flights to and from Amman will be operated as day flights so crews can return to Frankfurt without spending a night in the Jordanian capital. Dutch airline KLM said in a statement Saturday that it will no longer fly over Iran or Israel, but will continue flights to and from Tel Aviv, a destination not currently deemed risky. Safety has the highest priority, KLM said. ___ Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, Stephen Graham in Berlin and Thomas Adamson in Paris contributed to this report. Contact us at letters@time.com. Katy parents gather at the scene of a school bus accident on Monday, April 15, 2024. Claire Goodman, Staff writer After a school bus was involved in a crash Monday morning, parents of some Woodcreek Junior High students said they are concerned because they were not immediately notified of the accident by the school district. Parents at the scene of the accident on Falcon Point near Kingsland Boulevard said they only found out about it from their children. Parents had received a text from Katy ISD's notification system stating the bus was late, not that their children had been in an accident. The bus collided with another vehicle at the intersection, according to parents, students and the other driver at the scene. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Katy ISD acknowledged that parents were informed of the bus delay, adding that parents were informed via email with "additional information" once a second bus had transported children to campus, according to Nick Petito, media relations representative for the district. No injuries were reported, Petito said, but out of an abundance of caution, all students were assessed by the clinic upon arrival at campus. Bailey Adams, a sixth grader, said the children onboard were thrown forward. We heard this big bang, and then we all slammed into the seats in front of us, she said. I was a little freaked out by it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Janyiah Steel, also a sixth grader, said that a district official then boarded the bus and asked if the children were injured. When no one raised their hand, she said, the official began moving the children to another bus. Her mother Jazmen Steel was among a group of angry parents who reported that they were not informed of the accident. She said Janyiah called her from the inoperable bus. The school texted that the bus was running late, but not that there was an accident, she said. When she demanded to know why parents werent immediately notified, she said, We were told that we would have gotten an email at the end of the school day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some injuries that can be sustained in an accident arent immediately apparent, Steel said, adding that she will be taking her child to the doctor to check for signs of a concussion or whiplash. Israel was set to take its first steps towards a ground offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah but delayed that campaign after Irans weekend attack on their country, which has sparked a heated debate in the war cabinet over how to respond, Israeli sources have told CNN. The Israeli Air Force was set to begin dropping leaflets on parts of Rafah on Monday, two Israeli sources said, amid preparations for a ground offensive into Gazas southernmost city where more than 1 million people are sheltering. Those plans were paused after a retaliatory weekend attack from Iran, which saw more than 300 projectiles fired towards Israel, the vast majority of which were intercepted by Israel and its partners. One Israeli official said Israel remains determined to carry out a ground offensive in Rafah, although the timing of civilian evacuations and the coming ground offensive remains unclear at the moment. The Israeli military declined to comment. The war cabinet meanwhile remains determined to respond to Irans attack. On Monday during a nearly three-hour meeting, it reviewed military plans for a potential response, an Israeli official said. However, it is not clear at this point if a decision has been made on what that response will be or when it might happen. The IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said later on Monday that Irans attack will be met with a response, while IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said the force will do all that is necessary to defend Israel and will do that at the time we choose. In addition to a potential military response, the war cabinet is also mulling diplomatic options to further isolate Iran on the world stage. Benny Gantz, a key member of the war cabinet, has pushed for a swifter response to Irans attack, two Israeli officials said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far pumped the brakes on making a decision. Gantz believes that the longer Israel delays its response to Irans attack, the harder it will be to garner international support for such an attack, the sources said. Multiple countries are already cautioning Israel against escalating the situation further with a military response. Israels government is aware that the country is currently enjoying international support and good will from its allies and does not want to squander that. At the same time, the government recognizes that it cannot allow Irans first attack on Israeli soil to go unanswered. Among the military options that are being considered, the war cabinet is considering an attack on an Iranian facility that would send a message, but avoid causing casualties, one Israeli official said. But Israeli officials recognize that will be a difficult needle to thread, hence the ongoing debate. The timing of a decision remains unclear. Pressure to de-escalate Netanyahu has been facing international pressure to de-escalate a fraught situation after Irans weekend attack. The attack came in response to a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic complex in Syria earlier this month, which killed at least seven officials including Mohammed Reza Zahedi, a top commander in Irans elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), and senior commander Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi. US President Joe Biden spoke by phone with Netanyahu after the weekend attack, and made clear that the US would not participate in any offensive operations against Iran, a senior White House administration official told CNN. Biden told Netanyahu he should consider the events of Saturday night a win as Irans attacks had been largely unsuccessful, and instead demonstrated Israels remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks. But Gantz urged on Sunday the need to build a regional coalition and exact a price from Iran, in a way and at a time that suits us. Israel and Iran have long been rivals, but tensions escalated in the wake of Hamas attacks on Israel, which left about 1,200 people dead. Iran backs a web of proxies across the Middle East that have frequently clashed with Israel since the attacks. Offensive looming in Rafah Netanyahu has stressed the importance of invading Rafah in order to dismantle Hamass remaining battalions, despite significant pressure from the United States to call off an all-out ground offensive. The future of the war in Gaza and a coming ground offensive in Rafah are also factoring into the war cabinets debate about a potential response to Irans attack. A military response that risks escalating the conflict with Iran further would pull the militarys attention and resources away from Gaza, where Israels government has vowed to hand Hamas a total defeat. A displaced man makes tea in Rafah last week. - Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images American officials reiterated last week that the US has not seen anything resembling a comprehensive plan from the Israelis on how they would carry out such an operation, including first moving the majority of the estimated 1.4 million civilians out of Rafah. Palestinians from across Gaza fled to the city, in the south of the enclave, in the early stages of the war to escape an advancing Israeli military. But with the Egyptian border to the south closed, there is no clear escape route for those Palestinians, many of whom are living in tents surrounding the city. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Lara Trump, the co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), said the hush money case brought against her father-in-law is insane as jury selection for the trial begins Monday. Former President Trump is back in a New York courtroom for the first day of the hush money trial where he faces 34 counts of falsifying business records. Lara Trump took aim Monday at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) for bringing the case during the 2024 election season. It is ridiculous that they are dragging this man in a New York City courtroom. It is so clear how partisan this is, that Alvin Bragg himself wouldnt even take this case up until when, until Donald Trump announced he was running for president, she said on NewsNations Morning in America. It is insane that we are in this place in the United States of America, she added. She said while the case was ludicrous, she did not expect it to hurt the former presidents campaign for the White House. She noted that people dont care about these court cases brought against him. This doesnt have anything to do with crime or with the right thing happening. Its about politics, she said. People see that, they understand that, and it is why whenever you have situations like this, our fundraising tends to go up. I dont think this will be any different. I think people are going to continue to support this president. The trial will take place over at least six weeks, meaning that Trump will need to spend much of his time in the New York courtroom instead of on the campaign trail. He is expected attend campaign events during his days off. Trump is facing 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with his reimbursements to his then-fixer, Michael Cohen, for paying adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 before the 2016 election to stay quiet about an alleged affair with the former president. Trump has denied any wrongdoing in the hush money case, labeling the effort as politically motivated during an election season. Just hours before his appearance in the New York courtroom Monday, he also blasted the judge overseeing the trial and again labeled the entire case as a witch hunt. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. It's been more than two decades since Lucy Lawless starred in Xena: Warrior Princess, but fans still look forward to new projects from the leading lady. In her latest role, Lawless leads My Life is Murder, an Acorn TV series about a retired homicide detective who keeps getting pulled back into solving crimes. The show was a hit when it premiered in 2019 and was quickly renewed for a second season with Lawless' character moving from Australia in Season 1 to her home country of New Zealand in Seasons 2 and 3, which featured a mini Xena reunion when Renee O'Connor guest starred on the show. Other guest stars have included Star Trek's William Shatner, Virgin River's Martin Henderson, Beauty and the Beast's Jay Ryan and Fear the Walking Dead's Michelle Ang. Season 4 of My Life is Murder premieres in June and we have all the details! Read on for everything we know so far about the new season of My Life is Murder. Related: Jay Ryan Guest Stars as a Winemaker With a Dodgy Past in My Life Is Murder What is My Life is Murder about? My Life is Murder stars Lucy Lawless as Alexa Crowe, a complex and confident retired homicide detective (and current bread baker) in the murder-mystery series. Alexa cant resist a mystery (or a good sourdough), so when a former colleague and longtime friend Detective Inspector Kieran Hussey (Bernard Curry) asks her to consult on his trickier cases, she's reluctant but cannot resist. After she moves back home to her native New Zealand, Kieran gives her name to Harry (Rawiri Jobe), a local New Zealand detective who loops her into his hard-to-crack cases. Joining Alexa in her quest to solve the unsolvable is the bubbly, sarcastic, ambitious and grounded, Madison (Ebony Vagulans). A true extrovert, Madison works as a data analyst for the police who Alexa often calls on when trying to solve a case. Related: Alexa Gets Roped Into What Seems Like an Open-and-Shut Case My Life is Murder Where does My Life is Murder take place? The first season was set in Melbourne, Australia while the subsequent seasons take place in Auckland, New Zealand. How many episodes are there of My Life is Murder? The first three seasons of My Life is Murder had 10 episodes each. Season 4 will will be comprised of eight episodes. What cases will Alexa investigate in Season 4 of My Life is Murder? Each episode of Season 4 will feature a diabolical new killer and a new mystery that only Alexa can solve. This time with the help of her friends and family. Emboldened by the changes in her life, ready to revisit demons of the past and excited to embrace her future, Alexa is even more of a force in Season 4. She's determined to reveal the most carefully hidden secrets and crack the most bewildering cases. And, somehow, she and her fabulous whanau (chosen family) still have a bunch of fun along the way. Who's in the My Life is Murder cast? Courtesy of Acorn TV Lucy Lawless (Alexa Crowe) Alexa Crowe was a homicide detective who now bakes bread in lieu of solving murders. In the first season, she was pulled back in by her former colleague, Detective Inspector Kieran Hussey who engaged her on some of his trickier cases. After she headed back to New Zealand in Season 2, DI Hussey gave her name to the local constabulary as a person to call on if they need a fresh perspective on a case. The naturally blonde Lawless is best known for playing the titular role in the television series, Xena: Warrior Princess for six seasons. A New Zealand native, she's married to Rob Tapert, an executive producer and co-creator of Xena. Courtesy of Acorn TV Ebony Vagulans (Madison Feliciano) Hussey lends tech-savvy Madison to Alexa for any research she might need on the cases he gives her. The rookie Madison is in awe of Alexa and looks to her for mentorship. In season 2, when Alexa asks Madison for help, she doesn't expect her to show up on her doorstep in Auckland. My Life is Murder is the first major role for Vagulans, who graduated from NIDA, the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney. Courtesy of Acorn TV Rawiri Jobe (Harry) Harry is the handsome and charismatic New Zealand detective who entices Alexa with cases she can't refuse. Jobe had a stint on Shortland Street, a long-running New Zealand prime-time soap opera set in the fictitious Shortland Street Hospital. The series also starred Martin Henderson (though at different times). Joe Naufahu (Reuben) Reuben is the owner of a cafe where Alexa now delivers her homemade bread. Naufahu was a former professional rugby player before turning to acting. He was previously on Game of Thrones. Courtesy of Acorn TV Martin Henderson (Will Crowe) Henderson has been up to series regular for season 3 and 4. The Virgin River star returns as Alexa's ne'er-do-well brother who is now out of jail and working odd jobs to make ends meet. Where can I watch My Life Is Murder? You can stream My Life is Murder with a subscription to Acorn TV. Season 4 will stream on Acorn TV with a linear broadcast on BBC America. When does Season 4 of My Life Is Murder premiere? Season 4 of My Life is Murder will premiere with two episodes in the U.S. on Acorn TV with a co-premiere on BBC America on Monday, June 17. Two episodes will drop weekly on Mondays on both platforms. Will all of Season 4 of My Life Is Murder drop at the same time? Nope. You'll have to wait for weekly drops. The first two episodes will premiere on June 17 with two new episodes dropping weekly on Mondays. Check out some images from the previous seasons of My Life is Murder Take a look at some images from previous seasons of My Life is Murder. Courtesy of Acorn TV View the 20 images of this gallery on the original article How to subscribe to Acorn TV To watch shows like My Life is Murder, Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries, Queens of Mystery and more, you can go to acorn.tv and receive a 7-day free trial before subscribing. Is there a trailer for My Life Is Murder? The official Twitter account for My Life is Murder recently tweeted this: New season. New crime puzzles. New coats.@RealLucyLawless returns as seasoned detective Alexa Crowe with more mysteries, surprises and guest stars. My Life Is Murder, coming soon. TVNZ 1: Monday August 29 Acorn TV: Monday October 10#DeadlyDough #AlexaCrowe #MyLifeIsMurder pic.twitter.com/n9ndf75jEG My Life Is Murder (@MLIM_TV) August 19, 2022 Is there a sneak peek from Season 4 of My Life is Murder? We don't have one from season 4 just yet, but check out this Parade.com exclusive sneak peek from Season 3 of My Life is Murder. Next, The Queens of Mystery Are Back! Get a Sneak Peek of the Unrequited Love, Mysteries and Murder From Season 2 Tax day is upon us, and that means millions of Americans are rushing to get their tax returns filed or extended before midnight. The Internal Revenue Service had received just over 101 million returns as of April 5, but the agency expects more than 128.7 million individual tax returns to be filed by the deadline. That leaves a lot coming down to the wire. Doing taxes late is how I get back at the government, X user @LaVendrickS posted Monday. Or at least that's what I tell myself to justify my natural inclination to procrastinate and be late to things. I procrastinate on everything. Why exclude taxes? wrote X user @mglev_eth. Tax preparers across the country reported that this tax season has had far fewer hiccups than in previous years. One notable improvement: actually getting through to an IRS representative on the phone. Most of that recovery, the US Treasury notes, is due to the tax agency's $80 billion boost in funding from President Bidens Inflation Reduction Act. The cash was used to target problem areas in the agency, mainly to bolster hiring, revamp phone services, and deliver a smooth direct filing experience. Still, Monday was an all-hands-on-deck effort. On a day like today, April 15, we might see a million returns come in every hour," IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said Monday on CNBC. Read more: Tax day is here. What you need to know to file before the deadline. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at IRS headquarters in Washington on March 19. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) St. Louis, Missouri: This year was different Last year, tax filers and preparers had to wait hours on the phone to get through to the IRS. This year was different. The federal agencys callback performance for phone inquiries on its main taxpayer helpline hit 88% this tax season, exceeding its 85% target. Prior to receiving additional funding, the IRS had only achieved a 15% score. Call wait times were cut down from almost 30 minutes to just three minutes. This year, the IRS expanded its customer callback option, making it readily available to 97% of eligible taxpayers at the beginning of the call if the wait time was longer than 15 minutes. The initiative collectively saved taxpayers 1.4 million hours of time on hold, the US Treasury reported. Hours that last year at times amounted to no help at all. Last year was frustrating. Youre sitting on the phone, and then it disconnects, or something happens. Youre just left infuriatingly mad at no one, Rus Garofalo, president of Brass Taxes in St. Louis, Mo., told Yahoo Finance. This year was different, it felt smoother. Just last week, Garofalo had to make a call to the IRS through the tax preparers hotline, and the experience was less taxing overall. I just got on a callback list, which is a huge difference, he said. I was like, cool, I can work with that. They said they would call me back in 62 minutes, and I was able to just go about my day instead of being hours on the phone. Overall, the IRS answered more than 1 million more calls than the 2023 filing season through the week ending April 6, and nearly 3 million more compared to the 2022 filing season. New York, New York: Not afraid to say no to last-minute filers If youre not going to make it on tax day, your deadline to file an extension is also today. The IRS estimates that 19 million taxpayers will file for an automatic extension by the tax deadline. Tax preparers across the country were anticipating a new wave of extensions to be filed today. Last year, Garofalo filed 732 tax extensions throughout the entire season. This year, even more people are racing to submit a form to get some extra time to file. I expect well probably get a couple hundred more just today, he told Yahoo Finance on Monday morning. Right now, were up to 882. In Manhattan, Ramona Cedeno, said 40% of her clients had filed an automatic extension, many of them weeks ago because they knew they wouldnt meet the deadline. The founder and CEO of FiBrick said her team has been filing extensions for the last two weeks. Any new clients that have come to us in the last two weeks will be an extension, she said. We will not start your return in April. We want the best for our clients, allowing sufficient time for the work to be done well. While an extension buys you time until Oct. 15 to file your return, it does not give you any extension to pay your taxes. The IRS said those who dont file on time will face a Failure to File penalty, which is calculated based on how late their return is and the amount of unpaid tax as of the original due date. If you owe taxes and dont pay by the deadline, youll also be hit by a Failure to Pay penalty. To avoid penalties and late fees, taxpayers who owe should pay their entire tax bill (or as much as they can afford) by midnight. There are tools that can help you calculate the amount you owe on taxes. As for Garofalos team, they had to limit how many last-minute extensions they could file. We do have boundaries and have worked on that in the last few years, he said. We built a robust process of getting extensions, a big challenge for us because most of our clients have fairly complicated taxes. Cedenos team, who works mainly with business owners, wasn't accepting any last-minute automatic extensions from new clients today. We are not afraid to say no, as long as were trying to do whats best for them, she said. An inflatable advertising sign dances outside of a tax preparer's office on Monday in Chicago. Today is the deadline for filing federal income taxes in the United States. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (Scott Olson via Getty Images) New York, New York: IRA contribution deadline is today Eric Bronnenkant, CPA and head of tax at financial services company Betterment, was helping clients with questions about IRA contributions and brokerage statements. Taxpayers have until midnight (April 15) to get a tax deduction by putting money into an IRA for 2023. The total amount eligible for deduction depends on your income, and the contribution is limited to $6,500 ($7,500 if you are age 50 or older). You can fund your retirement accounts through cash, checks, or a direct transfer from the bank. Of the three, electronic transfers are the fastest and safest way to make a payment. Both bank wire and automated clearing house (ACH) can help with electronic fund transfers, but while wire is instantaneous, ACH can take a couple of days to clear. Regardless of which method you choose, Bronnenkant said as long as taxpayers start the contribution process by the end of the day, Betterment accepts it as a contribution made on time. Houston, Texas: Your procrastination does not make an emergency on my situation Grant Dougherty, enrolled agent and founder of Dougherty Tax Solution, was filing an extension for a new client who hired him today. Dougherty normally doesn't take on new customers on the day of the tax deadline, but this one worked out. It's a guy I've been chatting with for a while, Dougherty said. I had been expecting him to sign up. Yet, unless you have been communicating with your accountant and expect to make a tax payment, Dougherty said taxpayers should avoid paying or doing taxes on the day of the deadline or even the days leading up to the deadline. Rushing on tax returns can lead to unnecessary errors that can reduce refunds and credits. There's a time crunch, and rushing on something like a tax return is not OK, Dougherty said. Its also a burden for tax professionals when clients procrastinate. Given how busy tax season can get, Dougherty often has no choice but to waitlist customers who delay providing information or answering questions. Your procrastination does not make an emergency in my situation, Dougherty said. There can be a lot of unreasonable expectations around this time of the year. Still, procrastination is not uncommon. Nearly one-third of 2022 tax returns were submitted two weeks before the deadline, IRS tax filing data shows. Gabriella Cruz-Martinez is a personal finance and housing reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X @__gabriellacruz. Rebecca Chen is a reporter for Yahoo Finance and previously worked as an investment tax certified public accountant (CPA). Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance A Nebraska high school teacher was jailed on Monday after officials say they found her naked in a car with a teenage student after a car crash. Erin Ward, 45, a substitute teacher at Omaha Public Schools, was arrested over the weekend on one count of first-degree sexual abuse by a school employee after she admitted to having sex with the teen boy, Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson confirmed to USA TODAY. According to Hanson, just before 3 a.m. on Saturday, deputies responded to a call regarding a suspicious vehicle parked on a dead end road in a neighborhood in Elkhorn. Elkorn is a neighborhood on the western side of the city of Omaha. Deadly NOLA mass shooting: 1 killed, 11 hurt in mass shooting in city's Warehouse District Teen boy attempts to drive away naked, crashes into yard According to a press release from the sheriff's office, arriving deputies found two people in the backseat of a gray Honda Pilot one who jumped into the drivers seat, sped off and crashed into a yard two blocks away. After the crash, the release continues, deputies reported seeing a teen boy without clothes get out of the drivers seat and flee. A Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputy at a traffic stop. On April 13, 2024, deputies arrested Erin Ward, 45, on one count of first-degree sexual abuse by a school employee after she was allegedly found unclothed in a vehicle with a 17-year-old student. The teen, police said, attempted to drive away when deputies approached the vehicle they were in but crashed into a nearby yard. Look up today (with a telescope): 2,000-foot long asteroid to pass by earth Monday Teacher Erin Ward found undressed in backseat of car At that same time, according to the release, the other person in the Honda identified by deputies as Ward was putting her clothes on in the backseat. After officers found an Omaha Public Schools employee ID in the car, Ward told deputies she is a substitute teacher for several schools in the district including Burke High School. Deputies also said she admitted she had sex with the teen a 17-year-old boy from one of the high schools she worked for. Just over an hour later, the release continues, deputies located the teen in a nearby neighborhood wearing only boxers, a T-shirt and socks. "The victim was transported to a safe place to receive care and be interviewed," the release states. Both the teen and Ward were treated for minor injuries from the crash, the sheriff's office reported, and Ward was arrested and booked into the local jail. Substitute teacher taught at Omaha Public Schools since September Omaha Public Schools spokesperson Bridget Blevins said Ward substitute taught for the district starting in September 2023, but "was not considered a full-time or part-time employee." "They will not be returning to our school or any others in our district," Burke High School Principal Darren Rasmussen wrote to parents in a letter obtained by USA TODAY. "Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of the students we serve. We take this most seriously." Rasmussen added counselors will be available on Tuesday for students in need of support." Teacher Erin Ward jailed without bond A jail spokesperson said Ward was being held without bond on Monday. It was not immediately known if she had obtained an attorney or when she is scheduled to appear before a judge on the felony charge. Anyone with additional information about Ward is asked to contact the sheriff's office. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nebraska teacher arrested, accused of sexual abuse of a teen boy Mark Wahlberg as detective Spenser in "Spenser Confidential." Netflix Dan Lin, Netflix's new film chief, wants to diversify its movie offerings. The move follows criticism of Netflix's focus on big-budget films. Lin's plan involves prioritizing in-house producers and skipping theatrical releases. Tired of seeing the same action movie on Netflix over and over? Netflix knows, and they're working on it. High-octane action films backed by big-name casts have dominated Netflix in recent years. Dan Lin, the company's new film chief, now wants to change that, according to The New York Times. It might have something to do with Mark Wahlberg. In 2020, Netflix paid Wahlberg a whopping $30 million to star in "Spenser Confidential," which clocks in at 24 on the highest-paid film roles of all time. Critics panned the action thriller, an adaptation of Robert P. Barker's 2013 novel "Wonderland." It scored a dismal 36% on Rotten Tomatoes despite the hefty investment. Netflix appears to want to learn from that lesson. Netflix's previous film chief, Scott Stuber, left the company in January following clashes with bosses over what kinds of films to produce. Before Stuber's exit, Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria met with the company's film department, where she said film quality needed to improve, according to the Times. In the meeting, Bajaria told staff that the company was moving in a new direction and to consider leaving if they were not on board, according to the outlet. Lin is now tasked with producing a wider variety of films, which the company thinks can be done at a lower budget, to connect better with the site's audience, the Times reported. One of his first moves was putting an end to massive upfront paychecks for actors. Lin quickly went to work reorganizing the company's film department, laying off 15 of its 150 film department staff, and reorganizing the department by budget rather than genre, according to the outlet. Lin also "indicated that Netflix is no longer only the home of expensive action flicks featuring big movie stars." The company is now emphasizing its own producers, who it expects to become "more aggressive" at developing their own concepts instead of waiting for other producers to bring in big deals, the Times reported. Netflix did not immediately return a request for comment from Business Insider on Sunday. Read the original article on Business Insider David Chang issued a public apology on his podcast amid criticism over his company Momofuku attempting to trademark the term chili crunch. Chang, chef and founder of Momofuku, and Momofuku CEO Marguerite Mariscal said on the April 12 episode of Changs podcast, The Dave Chang Show, that they were no longer enforcing the trademark. First and foremost, I want to apologize to everyone in the AAPI community whos been hurt or feels like Ive marginalized them or put a ceiling on them by our actions, Chang said. Theres a lot of chefs that Im friends with. Theres a lot of people that are upset, customers, and thats the last thing literally the last thing that I wanted to happen. He continued, adding, I spent the greater part of my adult life trying to bring light to Asian food, Asian American food, Asian identity, what it means to be Asian American. I understand why people are upset and Im truly sorry. According to the Guardian, the brand sent cease-and-desist letters to companies using the term chili crunch and chile crunch and was hoping to successfully trademark the former. When we created our product, we wanted a name we could own and intentionally picked Chili Crunch to further differentiate it from the broader chili crisp category, a spokesperson for Momofuku and Chang told TODAY.com. The company said it hopes to resolve branding disputes amicably. Chang, in his podcast, explained the backstory behind Momofukus chili crunch, citing the brand Lao Gan Ma, known for its spicy chili crisp sauce, as one of the original inspirations for the product, in addition to other sauces including ssamjang and salsa macha. When we were thinking about naming and again, shame on me if I didnt know this but we named it chili crunch specifically because it was not chili crisp, Chang explained. And we named it chili crunch because it was out of deference to chili crisp, which we associated with as Chinese, specifically carved out by Lao Gan Ma. The name behind the popular product was intentional, with Chang explaining that the product wasnt chili crisp, but rather the texture was crunchy. Had I known, or Momofuku known, that chili crunch was a tautology, basically the same as chili crisp, we would have never named it chili crunch, he said. Chang and Mariscal explained that when the brand launched its chili crunch product, it received a cease-and-desist letter from the Colorado based company Chile Colonial. However, rather than changing the name of its product, Marsical said that Momofuku worked with the company to purchase the trademark and gave the brand a perpetual license to continue to use the name. When we acquired this mark, it then became our job to protect it, Mariscal explained. The reason we received a cease-and-desist from Chile Colonial is the same exact reason that Momofuku was sending them out, which is if you dont show the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) that youre routinely defending your mark and thats from any size business, large, small then youre at risk of losing your trademark. TODAY.com reached out to Chile Colonial for comment about Momofuku purchasing the Chile Crunch trademark from them and about a license to continue to use the name but did not hear back at the time of publication. Mariscal said Momofuku was stuck with a dilemma of how to handle and protect the trademark without having the term chili crunch claimed by another company. At the end of the podcast, Chang shared the future of Momofukus plans with the trademark, explaining, The plan moving forward with this trademark is and its a strange way of sort of taking the power away from it by doing nothing. Were not going to enforce the trademark, he said. And by doing so, its possible that it becomes a generic term and nobody can own it. Marsical added, As a business, were taking the risk that by not enforcing it. Someone could come along someone much bigger than us say were not enforcing it, and therefore, they should own the mark. Over the years, Chang has become somewhat synonymous in the U.S. with Korean fine dining, microwave cooking and a host of Asian supermarket goods. As a celebrity chef, hes no stranger to controversy: Chang isnt afraid to share hot takes online, and hes been accused of facilitating toxic work environments in his restaurants. (Chang called accusations made in a 2020 Eater article consistent with his behaviors at the time, and apologized, though he didnt remember them specifically.) But this time, folks are fuming over his recent attempt to own the term chili crunch, which it uses for the chile-allium-oil condiment sold under the Momofuku brand. In 2020, Momofuku started selling jars of chili crunch a spicy condiment commonly found across many Asian cultures made with chilis and oil which it launched in 2018. The product also goes by chili crisp, chili oil, crunchy chili sauce and countless other names, and it took off exponentially across the American grocery market in 2021, though Momofuku was not the first to bring it to shelves. There are now dozens of brands selling to consumers across the country, and all of them have their own recipe twists and monikers. Some opt to include the word crunch in the name, much like Changs company did. On April 4, the Guardian reported Momofuku is currently trying to trademark chili crunch with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Though it doesnt own the trademark yet, Momofuku allegedly sent cease-and-desist letters to an unknown number of brands that use crunch in their condiments name. What small business owners had said in response The phrase that I would use to refer to Momofuku in this case, is a trademark bully, says Stephen Coates, the lawyer representing New York-based Malaysian food brand Homiah, which received a cease-and-desist. Homiah sells a Sambal Chili Crunch. The brands founder, Michelle Tew, wrote in a LinkedIn post that the letter felt like a punch in the gut. She told the Guardian that had she received a cease and desist from a large corporation like Kraft Heinz, it would have been distressing, but the fact that it was Momofuku makes me feel really, really sad. Jing Gao, founder and CEO of Fly by Jing, a Sichuan chili sauce company, wrote on LinkedIn that she is disheartened to see Changs company allegedly go after numerous brands including small minority women founded businesses. This kind of action, if successful, sets a dangerous precedent for the squashing of fair competition, not to mention how ridiculous it is to try and take ownership of a generic cultural term, Gao continued. She told TODAY.com that as a business owner herself who was told in the past that her chili crisp product was too niche for the American market, she sees more competition as a good thing. This isnt a zero-sum game, and there is enough space for everyone, Gao said. The bigger we can grow the pie for all, the better it is for everyone. Eric Huang, chef and founder of Pecking House, told TODAY.com that trademarking food is an exercise in capitalist nonsense. Between all the effort hes seen is necessary for building a business, the work that goes into recipe testing and the logistics of creating a food product, the only reason you would (trademark food) is for a soulless cash grab. Huang called the trademark filing a disappointing turn of events for someone who so singularly represents AAPI in the food & beverage industry. This is so uncool, Kerry Diamond, founder of Cherry Bombe magazine and former coffee shop owner, wrote in an Instagram caption. Dave was once the little guy. I hope it isnt Dave Chang personally issuing this command, Huang says, but rather his boardroom of likely rich, white dudes who got their MBA from Tuck. (Reuters) - Global airlines faced disruptions to flights on Monday after Iran's missile and drone attacks on Israel further narrowed options for planes navigating between Europe and Asia. While Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon reopened their airspaces on Sunday, some routes continue to be affected. Below airlines have provided an update: CANCELLED/REROUTED Europe * KLM cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Dutch arm of Air France KLM said on Monday. * Finnair suspended operations in Iranian airspace until further notice, which may cause longer flight times on flights from Doha. A spokesperson said the Finnish carrier will reroute over Egypt, resulting in delays of a "few minutes". * A SAS spokesperson said flights between Copenhagen and Bangkok fly partially over the region, and one flight had to reroute on the night between Saturday and Sunday. * IAG-owned Iberia Express said on X social media it would cancel flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday. * Britain's easyJet on Sunday paused operations to and from Tel Aviv. The carrier said in an emailed statement to Reuters it will temporarily pause operations to and from Tel Aviv until 21 April. * Wizz Air said it had cancelled most of its flights to and from Tel Aviv on Saturday through Monday. North America * United Airlines canceled Monday's flight to Tel Aviv and also canceled its flight from Washington Dulles Airport to Amman, Jordan for Tuesday. United has resumed its regularly scheduled flights between Newark Liberty Airport in the United States and Dubai. * Air Canada warned of long delays and cancellations on its Israel flights, and cancelled flights to Tel Aviv on Monday and Tuesday. Australia * Australia's Qantas Airways said on Saturday it had temporarily rerouted flights between Perth and London. Asia * China Southern Airlines cancelled Sunday's flight to Iran, and Hainan Airlines said it is monitoring the situation and evaluating whether an upcoming flight to Israel can fly normally, Chinese business outlet Yicai reported. * Air India has cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv till April 20. The airline ran five weekly flights to the Israeli city, according to flight tracking platform Flightradar 24. * Indian carrier IndiGo has rerouted its daily flights to Istanbul from Delhi and Mumbai, according to Flightradar 24. The company, however, did not issue a formal statement on the change. Both flights, which earlier flew over Iran, now fly through Central Asia, according to Flightradar 24. * Indian carrier Vistara, co-owned by Tata and Singapore Airlines, said it is "making changes to flight-paths" of some of its flights, without providing further details. The Middle East * Israel's El Al Airlines cancelled 15 flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. * Smaller Israeli carrier Arkia said it was making adjustments to its flight schedule after initially postponing flights to Athens, Milan and Geneva. * Some Fly Dubai flights were affected by the closure of airspaces, according to a statement from the Emirati airline on state news agency WAM. RESUMED * Germany's Lufthansa will resume its flights serving Tel Aviv, Amman and Erbil on Tuesday. Flights to Tehran and Beirut will remain canceled up to Thursday. * Etihad Airways cancelled services to Tel Aviv, Israel and Amman, Jordan on Sunday, but said it planned to operate scheduled passenger and cargo services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, Amman and Beirut from Monday. It warned "there may still be a risk of some knock-on disruption" through Monday. * Emirates Airlines resumed scheduled operations to and from Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq from Sunday afternoon, a spokesperson said. * Qatar Airways also resumed services to Amman, Beirut and Baghdad, it said in a post on X on Sunday. (Compiled by Alessandro Parodi, Joao Manuel Mauricio and Tristan Veyet in Gdansk and Nandan Mandayam in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Greta Rosen Fondahn and Kate Holton; Edited by Milla Nissi, Shounak Dasgupta, David Evans and Maju Samuel) By Boureima Balima and Abdel-Kader Mazou NIAMEY (Reuters) - Hundreds took to the streets of Niger's capital on Saturday to demand the departure of U.S. troops, after the ruling junta further shifted its strategy by ending a military accord with the United States and welcoming Russian military instructors. Marching arm in arm through central Niamey, the crowd waved Nigerien flags in a demonstration that recalled anti-French protests that spurred the withdrawal of France's forces from Niger last year after the army seized power in a coup. One hand-written sign in English read "USA rush out of Niger," in a show of support for the junta and its decision in mid-March to revoke an accord that had allowed around 1,000 U.S. military personnel to operate on its territory out of two bases. "We're here to say no to the American base, we don't want Americans on our soil," said protester Maria Saley on the sidelines of the march. Until the coup, Niger had remained a key security partner of France and the United States, which used it as a base as part of international efforts to curb a decade-old Islamist insurgency in West Africa's Sahel region. But the new authorities in Niger have joined juntas in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso in ending military deals with one-time Western allies, quitting the regional political and economic bloc ECOWAS and fostering closer ties with Russia. The arrival on Wednesday of Russian military instructors and equipment was further evidence of the junta's openness to closer cooperation with Moscow, which is seeking to boost its influence in Africa. A few Russian flags were visible at the protest, but some citizens told Reuters on Friday they did not want the welcome Russian defence assistance to lead to a permanent presence in Niger. "We must not subsequently see the implementation of Russian foreign military bases," said Abdoulaye Seydou, the coordinator of the M62 coalition of civil society groups that led anti-French protests last year. His concerns were echoed by student Souleymane Ousmane: "This is how the French and the Americans and all the other countries settled in Niger from military cooperation, they ended up occupying large parts of our country." It is unclear, however, if or when the U.S. troops will leave. In March, the top U.S. general appeared to suggest there was at least some support from within Niger's junta for a continued U.S. military presence despite its announced revocation of the accord. One of the U.S. programmes in Niger is a drone base known as Air Base 201, which cost more than $100 million. Violence in the central Sahel hit a high in 2023, with conflict fatalities in the region rising by 38% compared with the previous year, according to U.S.-based crisis-monitoring group ACLED, citing reports of over 8,000 people killed in Burkina Faso alone last year. (Writing by Portia Crowe and Alessandra Prentice; editing by Clelia Oziel) By Trevor Hunnicutt and Simon Lewis WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called for restraint in the Middle East on Monday during talks in Washington as tensions soar between Iran and Israel after Tehran's weekend strikes. "We encourage all the efforts of stopping the expansion of the area of conflict, especially the latest development," Sudani said at the White House at the start of a meeting with President Joe Biden. The meetings come as U.S. ally Israel weighs its response to Iran's missile and drone attack, with the United States and Europe urging restraint. Iraq is a rare ally of both Washington and Tehran. Iraqi airspace was a main route for Irans unprecedented drone and ballistic missile attack on Israel, and Iraqi officials say Iran informed them, as well as other countries in the region, ahead of the attack. Sudani is leading a delegation that met officials across Washington on Monday, including Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. "In the spirit of partnership our views may be divergent about whats happening in the region," Sudani said through a translator as he sat next to Biden in the Oval Office. "But we agree certainly about the international law, the international humanitarian law and the responsibility to protect and the law of war, and we reject any repression against the civilians, especially women and children, and we encourage the commitment about respecting international norms and diplomatic missions." Biden said Washington was committed to Israel's security and to bringing an end to fighting in Gaza. "We're committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and preventing conflict from spreading beyond what it already has," Biden said. "The partnership between the United States and Iraq is critical," he added, noting efforts against ISIS and the two nations' critical strategic agreement. Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim, who co-chaired a meeting of the U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said Iraq was concerned about its region being "dragged into a wider war that will threaten international security and safety." "And therefore we call on all parties for self-restraint and respect the rules of diplomatic works and also international laws," he said. U.S. and other Western officials have welcomed economic reform plans put forward by Sudani, but concerns remain over the influence of Iran-backed groups. Shi'ite Muslim armed groups have engaged in tit-for-tat attacks on U.S. forces linked to Israel's war in Gaza. The United States has 2,500 troops in Iraq, advising and assisting local forces to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State, which in 2014 seized large parts of Iraq and Syria before being defeated. At the Pentagon, Austin said both countries agree "on the need to transition to an enduring bilateral security relationship" and said military leaders were conducting assessments to inform talks on a potential reduction in U.S. troop numbers in Iraq. Separate from talks on ending the U.S.-led military coalition in the country is the Higher Coordinating Committee, which is tasked with discussing other aspects of the relationship, including economic ties. Blinken, who reiterated that Washington does not want the regional conflict to swell, said the meetings would focus on issues including energy security, democracy, the rule of law, climate and water, and noted U.S. private sector interest, especially in Iraq's energy sector. "Through these efforts we look forward to helping advance the prime minister's affirmative agenda, and seeing Iraq succeed," Blinken said. (Reporting by Simon Lewis, Trevor Hunnicutt, Susan Heavey and Idrees Ali in Washington and Timour Azhari in BeirutEditing by Jeff Mason, Chizu Nomiyama and Matthew Lewis) A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper inspects the scene of a fatal school bus crash on Texas State Highway 21 near Caldwell Road on Friday, March 22, 2024, in Bastrop, Texas. Texas authorities say a school bus with more than 40 pre-K students collided with a concrete truck and rolled over while returning from a field trip, killing a boy on the bus and a man in another vehicle. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP) Jay Janner/Associated Press Six families connected to the deadly school bus crash in Central Texas that killed two people filed a lawsuit against the driver of the concrete pump truck and the company he worked for. The lawsuit comes after a pre-K teacher who was injured in the crash filed a lawsuit against the driver, Jerry Hernandez, 43, and the concrete company, F.J.M. Concrete. The crash resulted in the deaths of Hays County preschooler Ulises Rodriguez Montoya, 5, and Ryan Wallace, 33, a Bastrop resident and University of Texas at Austin doctoral student. Hernandez was arrested one week after the crash and was charged with criminally negligent homicide. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to CBS Austin, six families who had children on the bus say the crash forever altered the courses of all lives of those on the bus. The lawsuit cites Hernandezs criminal history, alleged drug use, lack of sleep and the company allowing Hernandez to drive while his license was prohibited, as reasons for the lawsuit, according to CBS Austin. Authorities say Hernandez veered into an oncoming lane on Texas 21, hitting a bus that was carrying 44 preschoolers from Budas Tom Green Elementary and 11 adults. They were returning from a field trip to the Bastrop Zoo. Wallace was driving a 2024 Hyundai behind the bus and also was hit by the concrete pump truck, Texas DPS Sgt. Deon Cockrell said. Records show that Hernandez had failed two drug tests in the past two years, and his employer had not verified his status with a federal clearinghouse for drug and alcohol violations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to a search warrant, Hernandez told an officer that he smoked marijuana the night before the crash and was operating on little sleep. He also said he had consumed cocaine the morning of the crash, according to the search warrant. By Tamara Vaal PETROPAVLOVSK, Kazakhstan (Reuters) -Swathes of northern Kazakhstan and Russia's Urals region were flooded on Monday as melt waters swelled the tributaries of the world's seventh longest river system, forcing more than 125,000 people to flee their homes. Russia's southern Ural region and northern Kazakhstan have been grappling with the worst flooding in living memory after very large snow falls melted swiftly amid heavy rain over land already waterlogged before winter. That has swelled the tributaries of the Ob, which rises in the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia and empties into the Arctic Ocean, beyond bursting point, leaving some cities in Russia and Kazakhstan under water. A Reuters journalist said several districts of the northern Kazakh city of Petropavlovsk were completely flooded. The city which sits on the Ishim River, a tributary of the Irtysh, the chief tributary of the Ob. Almost 1,000 houses have been flooded in the North Kazakhstan region of which Petropavlovsk is the centre, and over 5,000 people have been evacuated, local officials said. There have been interruptions in power and water supply in the city. People were queuing up in front of water trucks moving from one neighbourhood to another in the city. The main reservoir supplying the city with drinkable water has been flooded. Just a few hundred kilometres over the border, Russia's Kurgan, a region of 800,000 people at the confluence of the Ural mountains and Siberia, was grappling with flooding and rising water levels in the Tobol River, another tributary of the Irtysh. Water levels rose to 6.31 metres (over 20 ft) in the main city, Kurgan. Governor Vadim Shumkov said the main mass of water was 10 km away from the city. "The volume of water is colossal," Shumkov said. "In addition to the waters of the Tobol itself and melt water pouring into it, there is 1.3 billion cubic metres of water coming from Kazakhstan, which... is twice as much as in 1994 (when Kurgan was flooded for a month)." "Fellow countrymen, leave the flooded areas immediately." Shumkov warned that flooding would begin shortly on the right bank of the Tobol, which slices the region south to north, and the low part of its left bank. Floods were also inundating homes in the Tomsk region in the southwestern part of Siberia, regional officials said on Telegram. Almost 140 houses near the city of Tomsk, which is the regional administrative centre, were under water on Monday and 84 people were evacuated. The Ob-Irtysh river system is the world's seventh largest, after the Yellow River, the Yenisei, the Mississippi, the Yangtze, the Amazon and the Nile. Kazakhstan was also evacuating settlements in its West Kazakhstan region, expecting fresh inflows of water in the Ural river in the coming days. (Writing by Lidia Kelly in Lisbon, Olzhas Auyezov in Almaty and Guy Faulconbridge in Moscow; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Michael Perry and Angus MacSwan) By Andrew Hay SANTA FE, New Mexico (Reuters) - Hannah Gutierrez, the chief weapons handler for the Western movie "Rust," was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Monday in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was shot when actor Alec Baldwin was handling a gun during the film's production in 2021. In March, Gutierrez, 27, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for mistakenly loading a live round into a revolver Baldwin was using on a Santa Fe, New Mexico, movie set. "You turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon," Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer told Gutierrez as she handed down the sentence. In video calls and the courtroom during the hearing, Hutchins' friends from the film industry paid tribute to her creativity and kindness. They also lambasted Gutierrez's breaches in firearms safety protocol. "I struggle to deal with this repeatedly being called an accident, because it was not an accident, it was negligence," said Jen White, a film industry colleague. The shooting, which stunned Hollywood, is believed to be the first time in modern times that a member of a film crew or cast was killed by a live round accidentally loaded into a gun. Baldwin's trial is set for July 10 after a grand jury indicted him on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in January. Gutierrez's lawyer Jason Bowles had requested she be given probation, but prosecutors argued for a full 18 months due to lack of contrition. "I beg you please don't give me more time," Gutierrez told the court, adding that her "heart ached" for Hutchins' family "The jury has found me at fault for this tragedy but that doesn't make me a monster that makes me human." In a video call from Kiev the Ukraine-born cinematographer's mother mourned her daughter's death and her young grandson Andros being left without a mother. "It's the hardest thing to lose a child," said Olga Solovey, whose comments were translated into English in subtitles. Prosecutor Kari Morrissey pointed to phone calls by Gutierrez from jail in which she said the jurors were "idiots," the judge had been "paid off," and she continued to blame Baldwin and others for the shooting. Gutierrez had already spent a month in Santa Fe county jail following her conviction. THREE-WEEK TRIAL On March 6, a Santa Fe jury took less than two hours to find her guilty. One juror afterwards said Gutierrez had not done her job to ensure weapons safety on set. Hutchins' death initially prompted U.S. film and television productions to stop using real firearms and blank ammunition. Two and a half years later, many are using them again because of the realistic effects they produce, according to armorers. Hutchins was fatally shot when Baldwin pointed his gun at the cinematographer and cocked the weapon as she set up a scene. During Gutierrez's three-week trial, prosecutors accused her of unknowingly bringing live Colt .45 rounds onto the set of the low-budget movie, something that has been strictly forbidden for nearly a century under Screen Actors Guild safety guidelines. Bowles said Gutierrez was the scapegoat for a chaotic production where she was not given time to check weapons. He blamed Hutchins' death on reckless use of firearms by Baldwin and his efforts to rush and control the filming. Baldwin was also a producer and writer on the movie. The "30 Rock" actor denies pulling the trigger and said he had been directed to aim it at the camera. But the FBI and an independent firearms expert found the gun would not fire without the trigger depressed. Film historians such as Alan Rode have look to back to the early part of the last century to find examples of Hollywood cast or crew killed by live rounds accidentally loaded into guns. Previous on-set fatal shootings of actors Brandon Lee in 1993 and Jon-Erik Hexum in 1984 involved blank rounds. (Reporting By Andrew Hay; Editing by Aurora Ellis) A 79-year-old Houston-area woman's trip to the mall for shoes resulted in a facial procedure and cosmetics unknowingly costing her nearly $10,000, subsequently draining her bank account, according to her son. Trey Fleming told USA TODAY his mother went to Katy Mills Mall in Katy, Texas alone on April 1 to try on Hey Dude shoes, but when she left, her hands contained a bag of cosmetics and two receipts totaling around $9,600. His mom, who suffers from "age-related occasional confusion," had her savings and checking accounts emptied, he said. "She's a retired social worker," Fleming said. "She worked for Child Protective Services for over 25 years or so, and she retired from CPS probably 10 or 12 years ago... She's never had a whole lot of money, but she's always been extremely responsible." When Fleming's mother got older, he took financial power of attorney over her, he said. "She would be upset about spending $15 at Walmart on makeup," Fleming said about his mother. "... she would never spend this kind of money." USA TODAY contacted the Simon Property Group Team, which owns Katy Mills Mall, on Monday morning but did not receive an immediate response. Stock photo of generic jars of facial creams. How did Trey Fleming's mom's trip to Katy Mills Mall go awry? Fleming's mother's mall trip went awry after she stopped at a kiosk to ask for directions to the Hey Dude store, he said. Once his mother began speaking to the employee at the kiosk, their conversation shifted from directions to cosmetic products, he added. "She stopped by one of the kiosks to ask for directions (and) they started talking to her about their products," Fleming said. "... They ended up taking her into their salon for a free facial." The salon Fleming's mom entered was Royal Bee, a cosmetics company located in Katy Mills Mall. Fleming said he became weary of the situation once his sister told him their mother was having lunch with two guys at the Cheesecake Factory in Katy Mills Mall. Fleming immediately began looking up his mother's accounts to see how much she spent at the Cheesecake Factory, and what he saw was a "whole bunch of big charges." "I'm looking and I see her bank accounts are empty," Fleming said. Trey Fleming's mom 'was just floored' after learning her bank accounts were empty Fleming said once he and his sister got their mom on the phone, she explained how the salespeople at Royal Bee took her to the back for a free facial and showed her the different products and packages they were selling. The salespeople told his mother how their products would be great for her daughter and other family members, he added. When Fleming initially checked his mom's account, he saw charges totaling $9,600 from Royal Bee. He learned from his mother's bank, which froze her accounts due to suspicious activities, that $91,000 in charges were run against her debit card during her mall trip, he said. "She had no idea she was spending that type of money," Fleming said about his mother. "When I told her that her bank accounts were empty, she was just floored and her jaw dropped." USA TODAY contacted Royal Bee on Monday morning but did not receive an immediate response. Royal Bee refused to give Trey Fleming's mom a refund Fleming said he and his mother disputed all the attempted charges with her bank and then he returned to the mall to confront the salespeople at Royal Bee. When Fleming walked into the salon, the manager greeted him and asked if he came in for a facial, he recalled. Once the manager learned who Fleming was, he called his mother "wonderful" and "great," he added. Fleming said he saw a book of paperwork containing his mother's contract with the salon, so he grabbed it and walked out. "I was livid, as you can imagine," Fleming said. "You find out your mom was taken advantage of. We knew she would never buy this type of thing... that's three times her monthly income." Bank fraud prevention: Whose job should it be? Fleming returned to Royal Bee about an hour later, but this time with his sister and their mother. They went into the salon with the bags of stuff their mother had bought, and requested a refund, he said. The salespeople at Royal Bee told the Flemings, "Absolutely no refunds (and) no returns," according to Trey Fleming. The shop only said products can be exchanged within 14 days for other products, he recalled. "My mom is sweet as can be," Fleming said. "She had no idea that people are out there that will take advantage of her." Nextdoor helped Trey Fleming's mother receive a refund Fleming said his wife's Nextdoor post about the situation led to outrage against the Katy Mills Mall. "They were livid," Fleming said about the users on the social network app. "There were several people that had the same thing happen to them." The pressure from the Nextdoor users led to mall management going to the salon to inquire about the "exorbitant charges," according to Fleming. Once the mall got involved, Fleming began getting calls from the salon saying they got approval for a full refund, he said. Fleming's mother received a full refund by April 11, he said. She did have to pay $250 for the facial and $50 for the lunch, he added. "Just to get out of this, it was like 'OK fine,'" Fleming said about paying the $300 after the refund. Fleming said he and his mother also filed a consumer complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Office about the mall mishap. "It's unfortunate, and it's not just the makeup industry," Fleming said. "Anything they can do to target seniors, it's so much easier to scare them into buying something." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Houston retiree's Royal Bee visit at Katy Mills ends with $10,000 bill Protesters and police gathered outside the courthouse in lower Manhattan Monday morning for the opening of Donald Trump's trial for falsifying business records, the first criminal trial of any former president. Inside the courtroom, Trump faces 34 criminal charges related to hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election that Trump narrowly won. Prosecutors allege he covered up the payments to disguise illegal campaign contributions. Jury selection started Monday. Outside, New York Police Department (NYPD) barricades attempted to separate small crowds of pro- and anti-Trump demonstrators who tousled occasionally but largely remained in their own camps in Collect Pond Park, across the street from Manhattan Criminal Court. The crowd of Trump supporters was peppered with large flags and Make American Great Again hats. One man wore a scarf stitched with MAGA slogans. The biggest flag, bannered Trump 2024: Save America waved above the protesters who held a smattering of signs with slogans like Make America godly again and Google it! Jews vs TikTok. The group appeared to skew male and some conservative media was interspersed, along with comedian Jordan Klepper, known on the "Daily Show" for baiting Trump supporters into "gotcha" segments. Where would you like me to stand, or not stand, while I play patriotic songs on my flute? Marc Crawford Leavitt, a 70-something Queens lawyer wearing an anti-Trump sign around his neck, asked a police officer at the barricades outside the courthouse. Eventually, Leavitt stood atop a park bench and performed in front of Trump supporters curiously recording on their phones. Trump trial live updates: Manhattan DA wants Trump held in contempt; jurors sworn in Low protester turnout on both sides There appeared to be more reporters than demonstrators before the trial started at 9:30 a.m. NYPD installed barricades down the middle of the park, as they did last April, when Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg first indicted the former president. Then, much larger groups of demonstrators screamed at one another across NYPD barricades. On Monday, the crowds appear more mixed, while still firmly entrenched in their views. What to know: Donald Trump's historic New York hush money trial is set to start Monday Anti-Trump protestor Marc Leavitt plays the flute outside of the New York State Supreme Court during the arrival of former President Donald Trump on April 15, 2024 in New York City. Trump fans think the charges are political I definitely dont believe the charges, said Vish Burra, 33, executive secretary of the New York Young Republican Club, which helped organize the protest, and a former top aide to disgraced former New York Republican Rep. George Santos. He sported a black Make America Great Again hat and scanned the crowd of some anti-Trump protesters on his phone. I believe theyve been stretched and cooked to create this situation where the Democrats and Biden administration can interfere in the 2024 election, Burra said. Former President Donald Trump, center, appears with his legal team Todd Blanche, left, and Emil Bove, right, ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024 in New York City. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. Bijaya Acharya, 32, slept just a couple hours after finishing Uber driving at 4 a.m. so he could take the train from Queens to see former President Donald Trump leave Trump Tower in the morning. Then, Acharya, donning the iconic red Make America Great Again hat, and went to the courthouse to support the former president. Since becoming a citizen in 2021, Acharya, a native of Nepal, plans to vote in his first presidential election. He supports Trumps promise to crack down on crime and illegal immigration. He believes the trial only helps Trumps chances of winning. Its going to backfire, he said. Its not going to hurt him. The first time Trump appeared in court, Acharya added, it bumped him up. Trump supporter Gary Phaneuf rallies outside of the New York State Supreme Court during the arrival of former President Donald Trump on April 15, 2024 in New York City. A few feet away, Andrew Giuliani, son of longtime Trump advisor and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, stood among a mix of reporters and other Trump supporters waving flags. He acknowledged the difficulty with jury selection because so many have opinions about the president. But he believed if people looked at the facts of the case, Trump would be acquitted. You need two or three in there, even one, Andrew Giuliani said. But two or three, that way you dont have one that gets bullied around by the others. Im just hopeful that you do have a few unbiased jurors in there. Trump opponents say the case is about election interference Mike Jamison, 67, of Philadelphia, stood alone against the barricades opposite the courthouse. While visiting his brother in Brooklyn, he said he stopped by the courthouse for the circus. He is a Democrat who plans to vote again for President Joe Biden. I think he should get convicted, Jamison said of Trump. But who knows, you know? It only takes one juror. At nearby Foley Square, just a block from the court building, a group of anti-Trump protesters gathered for a press conference. This 2016 election interference is part of a pattern of Donald Trump interfering improperly, illegally, and criminally with elections, said Robert Weisman, president of the non-profit Public Citizen, said, who stood in front of advocates holding large orange letters reading No one is above the law. Jamie Bauer, who is part of the group Rise and Resist, which formed after Trumps election, says the group has come out to protest every case. Protestors march along Leonard Street in New York City before Former President Donald Trump arrived at NY Criminal Court Monday morning, April 15, 2024. They want to provoke us so that it will look like theyre the victims of left-wing aggression, they said of the pro-Trump crowd. They are particularly concerned about the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 and a second Trump administration's rumored desire to fire lots of public servants in administrative roles. Robert Croonquist, 75, one of the advocates at the press conference, voiced similar concerns. Contrary to how Ive felt in earlier elections, with this one its may the center hold," he said, its important to step out of single issues in terms of supporting democracy. Croonquist feels the hush money case is strong, but that the risk comes with a jury who could lie prompting a mistrial. The case is set to continue Tuesday, when lawyers meet to continue with jury selection. As of now, a timeline remains uncertain, but over half the first round of potential jurors said they could not be impartial which may signal a long road ahead. Aysha Bagchi of USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump trial protests start off with a whimper Rudy Giuliani has lost his bid to dismiss the $148 million defamation judgment against him from late last year. The judgment was won by former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea "Shaye" Moss. "Giuliani's renewed motion urging this Court to reverse its prior findings and rulings and to override the jury's considered verdict on the basis of five threadbare arguments falls well short of persuading that 'the evidence and all reasonable inferences that can be drawn therefrom are so one-sided that reasonable men and women could not have reached a verdict in [plaintiffs'] favor,'" U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell said in her ruling Monday. The mother and daughter were accused by Giuliani of committing election fraud while the two were counting ballots in Georgia's Fulton County on Election Day in 2020. MORE: Jury awards election workers nearly $150 million in Giuliani defamation trial "I will always have to be careful about where I go and who I will be able to share my name with," Freeman told reporters after the defamation ruling in December. She reiterated her need to remain anonymous due to the fear of threats. "I miss my name," she said. "A jury stood witness to what Rudy Giuliani did to me and my daughter ... for that I am thankful," added Freeman. But, she said, "I want people to understand this: Money will never solve all of my problems." PHOTO: Rudy Giuliani speaks to reporters after Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump spoke at a primary election night party in Nashua, N.H., Jan. 23, 2024. (Matt Rourke/AP) Giuliani filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a New York court a week after losing the ruling. Giuliani listed his net worth between $1 million and $10 million, but claimed he owes more than $151 million to various creditors, according to his bankruptcy petition. "The filing should be a surprise to no one," Ted Goodman, a political adviser to Giuliani, said in a statement. MORE: Judge orders immediate enforcement of Georgia election workers' $148M judgment against Giuliani A bankruptcy judge ruled in February that Giuliani could appeal the judgment, which was later reduced to just shy of $146 million. Frank Braun and Frances Watson, both investigators with the Georgia Secretary of State at the time, said during the trial that Freeman and Moss returned to State Farm Arena late on Nov. 3, 2020, after the secretary extended hours for counting ballots, to help expedite the process -- not, as Giuliani and others suggested, to rig votes. "There was no evidence that suggested they did anything wrong, except show up to work and work hard," Braun said in his video deposition. ABC News' Luc Bruggeman, Aaron Katersky and Laura Romero contributed to this report. Rudy Giuliani loses bid to dismiss $148 million defamation judgment in Georgia election workers case originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Ryan Gosling wont rest until the person responsible for the "Avatar" movie franchise logo pays. In Goslings return to Saturday Night Live on April 13, the actor and three-time host made a callback to a fan-favorite sketch from 2017, Papyrus, which saw his character, Steven, haunted by the font choice used on the poster for Avatar. The first iteration of the skit saw him haunted by the design, telling a therapist, "He just highlighted 'Avatar,' clicked the drop down menu, and then he just randomly selected Papyrus, like a thoughtless child." "He just got away with it. This man, this professional graphic designer," he added later, after flipping a table in rage. Now, with the 2022 release of "Avatar: The Way of Water," Gosling's character has to confront his demons again in Papyrus 2. While on a first date, when hes asked to share more about himself, he can't divulge his deepest, darkest secret. His date, played by Sarah Sherman, wrote his hesitancy off by assuring him that we all have something. My 'something' was hard to explain. My something was that Avatar, one of the most expensive movies in history, used Papyrus as its logo, he explained. I wasnt going back to that. I found my peace. And then it happened. I came face to face with my demons. While undergoing dental work, Gosling was trapped watching the sequel. Despite asking for the movie to be turned off, it was too late he saw the new logo. Though he admitted it was not a huge improvement, he was happy that it was no longer Papyrus. Or so he thought. One restless night, he went to his computer and typed Avatar in a word document before changing the font to Papyrus. It didnt take long for all of his progress to unravel as he uncovered the truth He just put it in bold. All the money in the world, and he just put it in bold, Gosling said as he looked up the graphic designer for the logo. Its him. Its the same designer. He just put it in bold. The new Avatar logo reignited Ryan Gosling's character's passionate hatred of the font. (Saturday Night Live) Gosling's world devolved into chaos as he embraced his inner Joker and put his plan into action. It was then revealed the person he went on a date with worked in IT at Disney and would be attending a "Disney Graphics Awards Ball." At the award ceremony, he got the opportunity to confront the logo designer, portrayed by SNL alum Kyle Mooney, face-to-face. Gosling took the opportunity to interrupt Mooneys speech and demanded he tell them what you did, before singing, The Avatar logo is Papyrus in bold! Mooney remained calm during Goslings tirade about the font choice before asking him who he was. In a twist, Gosling revealed himself as Steven Wingdings, the son of the creator of the font of the same name. The Wingdings font turns letters into seemingly meaningless symbols. For example, a comma translates into a picture of a mailbox. But Gosling's hatred of the font was no match for Mooneys heartfelt meaning behind the decision for the font His speech ended with a simple lesson for Gosling: And here, Papyrus compelled me to make it bold, to bring you to me, to teach you to let go. My dad was so hard to read, Gosling said, breaking down in tears. And Avatar wasnt too big of a movie to use Papyrus. Its humble enough to say thank you. Ryan Gosling's character confronted his hatred of Papyrus and his daddy issues, all at once. (Saturday Night Live) The film's director James Cameron addressed the original sketch during a December 2023 interview with People, calling the bit funny. I mean, the thing is, we actually now had a dilemma on movie two, he revealed. Its like, Are we going to keep the same font, the highest-grossing film in history, or are we going to change it? Mess with the formula. Its like, F--- it, were using the font. If Ryan gets his panties in a bunch over it, then so be it. Papyrus 2 wasnt the only callback to Gosling's previous hosting gigs. Kate McKinnon made a surprise appearance during the shows cold open when she reprised her eccentric character Colleen Rafferty for the third installment of the Close Encounter sketch, in which McKinnon and Goslings characters repeatedly get abducted by aliens, but with vastly different experiences. The episode also featured cameos from Emily Blunt during Goslings musical monologue, which served as a send off to Ken set to the tune of Taylor Swifts All Too Well. Caitlin Clark also stopped by the Weekend Update desk to roast Michael Che through jokes she wrote from him. This article was originally published on TODAY.com By Lewis Jackson, Stella Qiu, Scott Murdoch SYDNEY (Reuters) -At least four people were wounded, including a bishop with a global online following, in a knife attack during a service at a church in a suburb of Sydney on Monday, police and witnesses said, triggering clashes between angry residents and police. Police said they arrested a 15-year-old male at the scene and were forced to hold him at the church in Wakeley, a suburb about 30 km (18 miles) west of downtown Sydney, for his own safety after a crowd gathered outside and demanded the attacker be brought out. It was the second major stabbing attack in just three days after six people were killed in a knife attack at a beachside mall in the Bondi area. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel of the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church was speaking during an evening service on Monday when a man walked towards him and lunged with a knife, according to video of the event captured from a livestream on the church's social media page. Horrified members of the congregation scream as the man stabs the priest several times in the head and chest, the videos show. A separate eyewitness video, verified by Reuters and taken in the aftermath of the incident, shows the man being pinned to the ground by several others, his face obscured. A voice speaks in Arabic and says: "If they didnt insult my prophet, I wouldnt have come here. If he didnt involve himself in my religion, I would not have come here." Authorities disclosed no motive for the attack and have not identified the suspect. Two witnesses told Reuters the crowd threw rocks at police. More than 100 police officers were ultimately called in to deal with the unrest, and two were taken to hospital with injuries, police said. Reuters saw two men pepper sprayed. "There was so much anger because the bishop is loved by them, hes loved by myself as well, he preaches about the Lord and we love the Lord, said a local resident who gave her name as Canny. The perpetrator was taken to an undisclosed location. The New South Wales ambulance service said four people had been injured in the attack. In a Facebook post, the church said bishop Emmanuel and a priest, Father Isaac Royel, were among those hurt. Police said no injuries were life-threatening. "We ask for your prayers at this time. It is the Bishop's and Father's wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator," the church's post said. Emmanuel was ordained a priest in 2009 and then a bishop in 2011, according to the church's website. The bishop has become a popular figure on social media, with clips of his sermons racking up hundreds of thousands of views on platforms including YouTube and TikTok. Emmanuel became well known for his hardline views during the pandemic, local media reported at the time, with the bishop describing COVID lockdowns as "mass slavery". A recent sermon posted online by fans shows him claim the United Nations was founded by Satan. FAITH GROUPS CONDEMN VIOLENCE Coming only days after a mass stabbing attack in Bondi, the attack drew condemnation from the city's religious communities and calls for calm from authorities. New South Wales state Premier Chris Minns convened a late-night meeting of faith leaders following the attack, which unanimously condemned violence in any form. In a separate statement, the Australian National Imams Council denounced the "horrifying" attack and urged the community to stay calm. "Extremely concerning scenes at a Sydney church," the Australian Jewish Association said in a social media post. "Our thoughts are with our Assyrian friends." Police said they would patrol mosques and other places of religious worship across south-western Sydney in the early hours of Tuesday. (Reporting by Lewis Jackson, Stella Qiu, Scott Murdoch, Alasdair Pal and Praveen Menon, writing by Praveen Menon and Alasdair Pal; Editing by William Maclean, Peter Graff, Angus MacSwan and Lisa Shumaker) The bitter conflict between Israel and Iran has long been confined to the realm of secret assassinations, audacious cyberattacks, nuclear sabotage and war-by-proxy. But that largely covert struggle burst into full view over the weekend with Tehrans retaliatory drone and missile strikes. The Islamic Republics unprecedented direct attack on the Jewish state, which followed Israels deadly strike on Irans consular building in Syria, left the United States and its allies scrambling to avoid a wider conflict as the world waits to see what comes next. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus war Cabinet convened Monday to weigh its options. Western leaders have urged restraint, with President Joe Biden warning his Israeli counterpart against carrying out new strikes on Iran and making it clear that Washington would not join in any such counterattack. (Speaking after the war Cabinet convened, an Israeli official told NBC News that a response may be imminent.) While almost all the drones and missiles used in the attack were taken down by Israel, the U.S. and other allied countries, the stakes after the attack could not be higher. In the eyes of some foreign policy hawks, the attacks could be perceived as a grave provocation that demands a furious rejoinder. But other analysts have warned that if Netanyahu decides to hit back hard, it could plunge the wider Middle East into war amid Israels devastating monthslong military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Complicating matters, Irans intentions are not entirely clear. In the days after the attacks, some analysts have argued that its aerial barrage seemed primarily designed to bolster its position with domestic hard-liners and deter regional foes, but calibrated not to lead to a more sweeping war. Objects are seen in the sky above Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in Jerusalem (Ronen Zvulun / Reuters) Iran understands its relatively weak in the region, and so it had to make sure that whatever action it took was sufficiently significant to send a very strong message but not so successful that it would invite retaliation not only from Israel, but from Israels allies, Rodger Shanahan, a Middle East analyst based in Australia, said in a phone interview Monday from Lebanon. William F. Wechsler, senior director of Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council, an international affairs think tank, similarly argued that the nature of Tehrans retaliatory mission was telling. Iran sent an unmistakable signal that it wanted to avoid a further escalation that could spark a truly regional war, Wechsler said in an analysis. It chose long-range attacks that could be readily thwarted by known Israeli defenses and pointedly did not target any U.S. facilities. Tehran which does not officially recognize Israels existence, has long championed the Palestinian cause and celebrated Hamas' Oct. 7 attack as a victory worked to frame its weekend strikes as a legitimate and responsible reaction to Israel bombing its consulate in Syria. The West should be grateful for Irans restraint, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said on Monday. Yet some in Tehran have described the Saturday attack in more drastic terms. We have decided to create a new equation with Israel, the chief of the countrys Revolutionary Guard Corps said. Israel has battled its arch-enemy Iran through clandestine operations and proxy forces, as well as warning Tehran over its intentions as it develops its nuclear programs. (Iran has long insisted that its nuclear program is peaceful a claim Israel rejects.) Through its proxies, most notably Hezbollah, the powerful and well-armed political party and militant group in Lebanon, Iran has struck at Israel. But before Saturday, neither side had openly and directly attacked the other at home. Israel Military Base Tel Aviv (Israeli Army / AFP - Getty Images) The region is entering uncharted territory where the previous strategic paradigm and rules of engagement no longer apply, Amal Saad, a lecturer at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom, said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Regardless of what Israel does next, there is no going back to the status quo ante, Saad said in a subsequent post. Western leaders nonetheless appear eager for Israel to show restraint in its response. U.S. officials told NBC News that Washington was concerned that Israel could respond quickly without thinking through the potential fallout, and Biden told Netanyahu that the U.S. will not participate in offensive operations against Iran, a senior administration official said. Iran has long viewed its missile arsenal as the ultimate ace card to deter and threaten its adversaries, but Israels success in defending itself against hundreds of Iranian projectiles raised doubts about Tehrans military power. In an editorial for The Wall Street Journal, a former commander of U.S. Central Command argued that Irans aerial assault was a display of weakness. The vulnerability of Irans force has been exposed, and the regime is gravely weakened as a result, retired Marine Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. wrote. Israel has been strengthened by a stunning display of military competence, a striking contrast with that seen on Oct. 7. An aerial assault on Saudi Arabia by Iranian-backed Houthi forces in 2019, which the U.S. and Israel blamed on Iran, was much more effective. In that attack, which Iran denied responsibility for, drones struck key Saudi oil facilities, penetrating Riyadhs U.S.-made air defense systems. The episode sparked concern in Washington and the region that Irans missile and drone fleets posed a growing threat. In many respects, Iran and Israel have been on a collision course for nearly half a century. Israel and Iran have been enemies since the Islamic Revolution in the late 1970s. Irans theocratic regime has vowed to wipe the Jewish state off the map; Israel and the U.S. have long accused Tehran of funding terrorist organizations and armed proxies in the Middle East, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Erdan urged the Security Council to impose But the hostilities between Israel and Iran have never risen to the level of face-to-face military confrontation. Instead, the two countries have carried out furtive attacks on each other by land, sea, air and cyberspace. Iran routinely targets Israel through its Axis of Resistance, a network that extends Tehrans influence across the Arab world. While Iran has denied that it played a role in Hamas Oct. 7 terrorist attack, and a senior Hamas official has said Iran did not order or sanction the operation, both Israel and the United States say Tehran was complicit in the assault, having armed and trained the militants for years. In the aftermath of Oct. 7, Israel concluded that its past targeting of Iranian arms shipments to Hezbollah in Lebanon and other covert actions had failed to sufficiently deter Iran, prompting it to go after the Revolutionary Guard officers at the diplomatic compound in Damascus this month, former U.S. officials and regional experts said. It is rare for Iran to deploy its capabilities so directly against an enemy, even when its senior commanders are taken out. In 2020, when the U.S. launched a drone strike in Baghdad that killed Tehrans powerful Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Iran struck back with missiles on Iraqi bases housing American troops, injuring about 100 personnel. The war in Gaza raised tensions between Iran and Israel to new heights, before the Israeli strike on Tehrans diplomatic compound in Damascus on April 1 killed at least seven of its military officers, including two top commanders. Iran vowed vengeance and then delivered on that promise Saturday. The question now is how Israel chooses to deliver its response. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) said he supports former President Trump despite believing he contributed to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Sununu went back and forth with co-anchor George Stephanopoulos on ABCs This Week on Sunday to explain why he is backing Trump despite condemning his actions leading up to Jan. 6. Stephanopoulos pressed Sununu on his statement released after the Jan. 6 attacks that stated Trumps rhetoric and actions contributed to the insurrection. Sununu, who has endorsed Trump, said Sunday that he stood by his statement. I think he his actions absolutely contributed to that. Theres no question about that. I hate the election denialism of 2020. Nobody wants to be talking about that in 2024, he said. He said that while he believes Trump contributed to the attack, he is backing Trump to elect a Republican to the White House. Because for me, its not about him as much as it is having a Republican administration Republican secretaries, Republican rules, a sense where states rights come first, individual rights come first, parents rights come first, he said. Its not about Trump with me, he added. Sununu supported former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley during the Republican presidential primaries before she dropped out of the race last month. He has frequently criticized the former president and said last year he would work to narrow the 2024 GOP field in an effort to defeat Trump. Stephanopoulos continued to press Sununu on his support for the former president on Sunday. And you believe that someone you believe that a president who contributed to an insurrection should be president again? he asked. As does 51 percent of America, George. I mean, really, Sununu responded. I understand youre part of the media. I understand youre in this New York City bubble or whatever it is, but youve got to look around whats happening across this country. Theyre not its not about just supporting Trump. Its getting rid of what we have today. Sununu later reiterated that it is about the party ticket, not Trump. I know youre shocked that the Republican governor is supporting a Republican president and the Republican ticket, but its about the ticket. Its about up and down the ballot, right? he said. I want Republican governors and senators and congressmen, and that type of culture, if you will. I keep going back to that because thats exactly what it is. Thats the change America is looking for, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former President Donald Trump is on trial in New York City, where he is facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. It marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges. MORE: Donald Trump is on trial in New York. Here's what to know about the historic case Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election. MORE: Who is Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing Trump's New York criminal trial? Jury selection could take up to two weeks, with the entire trial expected to last between six and eight weeks. Latest Developments Apr 16, 4:23 PM Judge swears in 2nd group of 96 prospective jurors With six seats filled on the jury that will determine the outcome of Donald Trump's first criminal trial, a new group of 96 New Yorkers was ushered into the courtroom and sworn in as prospective jurors. Many of them craned their necks to get a look at the defendant. "Ma'am, ma'am, put your cellphone away," a court security officer told one woman who tried to pull out her phone after spotting Trump. One man and woman were seen whispering feverishly to one another. After members of the group were sworn in, Judge Merchan told them he was sending them home for the day. "I know that you've been sitting around all day, waiting for something to happen, and I want you to know that that wasn't lost on us," Merchan said, telling them the proceedings would start right away when they return Thursday morning following Wednesday's day off. Before the new panel was brought in, the judge asked Trump's defense team to confirm that the social media posts it's been digging up are all are public. Trump attorney Todd Blanche confirmed they were. Apr 16, 4:01 PM Judge suggests arguments could begin early next week After selecting and swearing in the first six jurors, Judge Juan Merchan asked them to return on Monday unless they hear otherwise from the court -- suggesting that opening statements could happen as soon as early next week. The judge, however, cautioned that seating the remaining jurors may not happen by then. "We don't know exactly how long that will last," Merchan said. Apr 16, 3:55 PM 6 jurors now seated Judge Juan Merchan has now seated and sworn in six jurors to sit in judgment of former President Trump, after each side used several preemptory strikes and other prospective jurors were stricken over politically-charged social media posts. "You are the first six jurors selected for this trial," Merchan said. Juror No. 1, the foreperson, is a man born in Ireland who works in sales and lives in West Harlem. Juror No. 2 is an oncology nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering who lives on the Upper East Side. Juror No. 3 is an attorney who lives in Chelsea. Juror No. 4 is an IT consultant who lives on the Lower East Side and is originally from Puerto Rico. Juror No. 5 is a charter school teacher from Harlem. Juror No. 6 is a software employee who works for Disney and lives in Chelsea. Apr 16, 3:42 PM First 3 jurors seated Three jurors from the first batch of 96 prospects have been selected for the jury. After the defense raised a series of motions to remove jurors for cause, citing their social media posts, Judge Juan Merchan formally approved three jurors: - an Irish-born salesman; - an oncology nurse; and - an attorney who lives in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. The selections came after Judge Merchan blocked one other motion from the defense to strike a juror for cause and granted another. The juror Merchan agreed to remove was an Upper West Side bookseller who recently re-posted an AI video to social media mocking Trump, which included a fake Trump saying, "I'm dumb as f---." "I thought it would be funny," the juror said. The government then used three of its ten preemptory strikes and the defense used four. Apr 16, 3:18 PM Judge removes juror whose post said 'lock him up' After declining to strike a potential juror for her Facebook content, Judge Merchan granted a defense motion to strike another juror for a social media post. "Good news!!" the post read. "Trump lost his court battle on his unlawful travel ban!!!" If the post ended there, Judge Merchan said, he would allow him to remain in contention. But the post didn't stop there. "Get him out and lock him up," the post continued. Those post shows the prospective juror expressing "the desire that Trump be locked up," Merchan said. "Everyone knows that if Mr. Trump" is found guilty, he could face prison time. "I don't think I can allow this juror to remain," the judge said, before agreeing to strike the juror. Apr 16, 3:06 PM Judge declines defense's motion to remove juror Judge Merchan declined to strike for cause the prospective juror who posted what the defense called "hostile" Facebook videos, explaining that he believed the juror when she told the court that she would follow the facts of the case. "I don't want a juror on this panel who lies to us. I don't want a juror on this panel who misleads us," he said. "And for this reason, I did want to hear from the juror." Ultimately, Merchan found her assurances to be honest. "I was able to see her demeanor, I was able to hear her voice," he said. "That juror looked me right in the eye, and when she said she could be fair and impartial, she meant it." "I find her to be credible," Merchan concluded, before denying the defense motion to remove her from the jury. Apr 16, 3:03 PM Judge scolds Trump for 'muttering' at prospective juror As jury selection resumed for the afternoon session, Judge Juan Merchan scolded former President Trump over his audible "muttering" while a prospective juror was speaking. "Your client was audibly muttering something," the judge told Trump's attorneys. "He was speaking in the direction of the juror. I will not tolerate that. I will not have any jurors intimidated in this courtroom. I want to make that crystal clear. Take a minute and speak to your client." The interaction occurred after Trump's defense attorney sought to immediately strike potential jurors for cause based on social media posts that he said contradicted their assertions of fairness. "There's a number of the jurors that we have social media posts for very much contrary to the answers that they gave," defense attorney Todd Blanche said. Blanche pointed to a woman who he said has a "series of extraordinarily hostile Facebook posts." One of the posts read, "So I've been in the middle of the ocean for the last few weeks. What's going on?" Another post included a video of people celebrating near Manhattan's 96th Street and the words, "Full-on dance party at 96 Street." PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump attends jury selection with his attorneys Todd Blanche (L) and Emil Bove on the second day of his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court, Apr. 16, 2024, in New York City. (Curtis Means/Pool via Reuters) Judge Merchan seemed baffled. "Show me the bias," the judge said. "I'm trying to understand. How does this call into question what the juror said when that juror was answering questions?" Blanche insisted the post, a day after the 2020 election, was a celebration of Trump's loss. "This is ridiculous," prosecutor Josh Steinglass said. The judge determined "there are enough questions here" to allow the defense to question the woman about her posts. "I think I went to the car to alternate-side parking or something like that and there were people dancing in the street," the woman said, adding that it reminded her of the pandemic-era cheer for health workers. "I understand that bias exists," the woman said. "The job of the juror is to understand the facts of the trial." When the woman left the room, that's when the judge scolded Trump. Apr 16, 2:55 PM Jury selection resumes after break Former President Trump is back at the defense table as court resumes after the lunch break. While on break, Trump shared on his social media platform a newspaper opinion piece calling his former attorney Michael Cohen a "serial perjurer" and a "legal thug." The former president, who is under a limited gag order prohibiting him from targeting witnesses in the case, did not add any comment of his own. Apr 16, 1:24 PM 'Feelings are not facts,' prospective juror says Defense attorney Todd Blanche finished questioning the first group of potential jurors, including asking them to think about their social media usage and whether it affects their opinion of Trump. Blanche asked a man born in Mexico who became a U.S. citizen when Trump was president if that would color his jury experience. "I think the media and the opinions of my Facebook friends are inconsequential to this trial," the man said. "Feelings are not facts." A woman who had said she had been living in a WiFi-free lake house for much of February and March said she didn't know much about the case, but she knew about Trump's policies. She said she had "very little agreement policy-wise" with Trump, but told Blanche she "didn't sleep last night" because she was thinking so hard about fairness and impartiality. "You want your client to have a fair shake. I will do my level-headed best to make sure that happens," she said. This part of the day clearly interested Trump. He turned his body in the direction of the jury box, shifting his gaze from his lawyer to the people who may sit in judgment of him. Judge Juan Merchan subsequently recessed the court for a lunch break. Apr 16, 1:14 PM Prospective jurors asked how they see Trump What do you make of Trump? In answering that question from attorneys, prospective jurors are painting a portrait of the man seated at the defendant's table -- complete with his complexities and his merits. "President Trump speaks his mind," said one juror, a young black woman who teaches at a charter school. "And I'd rather that than someone who's in office who you don't know what they're thinking." PHOTO: Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass questions potential jurors as former President Trump and defense lawyer Todd Blanche listen, during the jury selection of his trial in Manhattan state court in New York City, April 16, 2024 in this courtroom sketch. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters) "He walks into a room, and he sets people off -- one way or another," the juror said. "I find that really interesting. Really -- this one guy can do all of this. 'Wow' -- that's what I think." Trump smirked when another prospective juror said, "He stirs the pot." "He speaks his mind," she said. "You can't judge him because he speaks his mind." Click here to read the rest of the blog. NASA astronaut Loral OHara answers questions Monday, April 15, 2024, regarding her mission to the International Space Station where she spent six months and returned to Earth April 6, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer NASA communications representative Chelsey Ballarte moderates, as astronaut Loral OHara answers questions Monday, April 15, 2024, regarding her mission to the International Space Station where she spent six months and returned to Earth April 6, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Astronaut Loral OHara answers questions Monday, April 15, 2024, regarding her mission to the International Space Station where she spent six months and returned to Earth April 6, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer NASA communications representative Chelsey Ballarte moderates, as astronaut Loral OHara answers questions Monday, April 15, 2024, regarding her mission to the International Space Station where she spent six months and returned to Earth April 6, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer NASA communications representative Chelsey Ballarte moderates, as astronaut Loral OHara answers questions Monday, April 15, 2024, regarding her mission to the International Space Station where she spent six months and returned to Earth April 6, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer NASA astronaut Loral OHara answers questions Monday, April 15, 2024, regarding her mission to the International Space Station where she spent six months and returned to Earth April 6, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Houston native Loral OHara was pleasantly surprised by her haircut after returning from the International Space Station. The NASA astronaut spent 204 days in space, during which she conducted dozens of science and technology experiments, helped maintain the orbiting platform and completed her first spacewalk. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But living in space requires other skills, too. For OHara, one of those was cutting hair for herself and her crewmates made all the more difficult in weightlessness. I got a lot better at it, I think, on orbit, she said Monday during a news conference from NASAs Johnson Space Center. With maybe one or two misses, but it was overall pretty good. And surprisingly, mine was OK when I got back because I cut mine three times I think while I was up there. OHara returned to Earth on April 6, landing in Kazakhstan in a Russian Soyuz capsule. She later flew home to Ellington Field where she was greeted by her family, including a new baby nephew she met for the first time. Her family lives nearby as OHara is the second Houston native to become a NASA astronaut. She was born in Houston and raised in Sugar Land, attending Quail Valley Elementary School in Missouri City and then First Colony Middle School and Clements High School in Sugar Land. To celebrate OHaras return to Earth and Houston her family rented a house on the beach. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Getting to spend time with them next to Galveston Bay, where I spend a lot of time here, was really special, she said. OHaras first spaceflight included 3,264 orbits of Earth, and she welcomed eight visiting spacecraft carrying both cargo and crew. Her spacewalk with NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli lasted six hours and 42 minutes. Some of her favorite research projects were in the life sciences category, where she helped conduct tests that analyzed human health in space. Some of those experiments also could have applications on Earth for immune system function and aging, OHara said. We were taking care of cell cultures, feeding these cells basically with medium-sized syringes, said OHara, whose pre-NASA experience focused on engineering. I felt very much like a scientist in the laboratory. Advertisement Article continues below this ad YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev yev signed a joint statement following the meeting. The joint statement signed based on the results of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Armenia states, the Armenian PM's office said. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelovich Tokayev paid an official visit to the Republic of Armenia on April 14-15, 2024 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Vovayevich Pashinyan. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, comprehensively studying the state of the entire complex of Armenian-Kazakh relations and development prospects, Relying on the historical ties between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, strong bonds of friendship and partnership between the peoples of the two countries, Relying on the indissolubility of the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan of September 2, 1999, Guided by the provisions of the United Nations Charter of October 24, 1945 and the Alma-Ata Declaration of December 21, 1991, Being confident that the further strengthening of interstate relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan corresponds to the fundamental interests of the peoples of both countries, Emphasizing the importance of further close cooperation within the framework of regional formats and, in the international arena in general, Striving for the consistent development, improvement and substantive enhancement of bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, Announce the following: The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to as the Parties) will continue to build their relations on the basis of future-oriented strategic cooperation in the spirit of mutual trust, guided by the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and mutual benefit, peaceful settlement of disputes and non-use of force or threat of force, non-interference in internal affairs of each other, The Parties will develop constructive and fruitful cooperation on a bilateral basis, as well as within the framework of international organizations, for the benefit of the prosperity and development of both countries, the establishment and strengthening of peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The Parties will continue efforts to promote partnership within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union and to adapt the Commonwealth of Independent States to modern realities. The Parties, taking into account the interest of both states in ensuring international and regional security, will continue cooperation in the field of defense in bilateral and multilateral formats. The Parties are convinced that the deepening of cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, based on consideration of mutual interests, equality and non-interference in internal affairs of one another, is of fundamental nature. The Parties confirm their mutual obligation to refrain from participating in any actions, activities, as well as unions and alliances directed against the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the other Party. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan stand for the speedy resolution of all conflicts exclusively by peaceful means, based on the norms and principles of international law, the provisions of the UN Charter, The Parties highly appreciate the reforms and measures being implemented in the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan aimed at strengthening the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and social justice, as necessary conditions for the stable socio-economic development aimed at increasing the well-being of the peoples of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan note with satisfaction the efforts of the Parties to promote major transport initiatives and the existence of great potential for transport-transit cooperation, emphasize the importance of expanding communication opportunities and their uninterrupted operation in accordance with the principles of sovereignty and equality and taking into account the jurisdiction and legislation of the Parties, the provisions of international agreements and contracts. The Republic of Kazakhstan commends the efforts of the Republic of Armenia aimed at establishing peace and stability in the South Caucasus, including noting the "Crossroads of Peace" concept initiated by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, which is aimed at mutually beneficial transport cooperation of all countries of the region. The parties welcome the early establishment of regular direct air traffic between Yerevan and Astana. The Parties positively evaluate the activities of the Kazakh Language, History and Culture Center named after Abai at Yerevan State University, emphasize the importance of providing a cultural platform for the Armenian language, history and culture at L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The Parties are full of determination to implement the principles and provisions of the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan for the benefit of shared prosperity and strong friendship between the present and future generations of the citizens of the two countries. For this end, the Parties intend to: Maintain regular contacts at the high and top levels, deepen interdepartmental practical cooperation aimed at strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation, Develop bilateral cooperation in the fields of information security, as well as combating terrorism, illegal drug trafficking, cross-border organized crime, other modern challenges and threats on the basis of the international agreements to which the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan are parties. For this purpose, the Parties will deepen cooperation between security councils, defense and law enforcement agencies and special services of the two countries, Attach special importance to the activities of intergovernmental cooperation groups, as well as to the cooperation of the parliaments of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan on various international platforms, Pay primary attention to the deepening of mutually beneficial economic cooperation. For this purpose, the Parties are ready to contribute to the realization of the existing trade and economic potential by providing maximum support to the growth of trade turnover, to the deepening of cooperation in the fields of fuel and energy, transport and communication, innovations and technologies, agriculture, mining, metallurgical industry and processing, as well as in other fields of mutual interest, Continue systematic work within the framework of the Armenian-Kazakh intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation, including through the organization and holding of annual meetings. All necessary measures will be taken towards the implementation of the trade and economic cooperation road map 2024-2025 between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Expand the cooperation between the regions of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, contribute to the development of inter-regional cooperation in the trade-industrial, cultural and humanitarian spheres, promote "horizontal" direct connections between economic operators and other entities, Consider opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation and information exchange in the fields of high technologies, information security and digitization, including the creation, regulation and application of artificial intelligence, Comprehensively contribute to the expansion of contacts in the fields of culture, science, education, healthcare, support the establishment of direct connections between culture and art organizations and figures, research centers, educational institutions, mass media, Hold Armenia Days in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2024, and Kazakhstan Culture Days in the Republic of Armenia in 2025, Support the development of cultural-humanitarian ties, including by promoting the linguistic, cultural and religious identity of the ethnic groups living in the territory of the two countries. Ensure their full participation in socio-political, economic and cultural life. Promote interest towards the traditions and spiritual values of the peoples of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan are confident that the current phase of development of relations between the two countries opens a wide perspective for interstate cooperation, intensive deepening of ties in all fields, for the benefit of the comprehensive development of the national economy and culture, strong peace, stability and security. The Parties expressed confidence that the negotiations, the agreements reached during them and the documents signed during the official visit will give new impetus to the further development of bilateral cooperation in various fields and will serve the interests of the peoples of both countries. President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.K. Tokayev expressed sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia N.V. Pashinyan and the entire Armenian people for their warm welcome and hospitality and invited the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia to pay an official visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The invitation was gratefully accepted." Next, in the presence of the leaders of the two countries, other documents were signed between Armenia and Kazakhstan. Atturra previously worked with Brisbane Grammar in 2016 in supplying and managing laptops, with the pair now sharing a long-standing and successful relationship. When we went to market, we were looking for an IT services partner that would be able to set the school up for success in the decades ahead and support our agenda for growth and digital innovation, said Alexis Hill, chief information officer for Brisbane Grammar. We selected Atturra based on their experience in education and their comprehensive understanding of how education works. Having an existing relationship with them, they have been able to better support us with an inherent understanding of the value of education, in an age when new technologies are creating exciting opportunities to transform the future of learning. Brett Auton, K12 industry lead for Atturra, added that the solution is a strategic joint effort towards initiating lasting change and fostering innovation within the education sector. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lambasted the BJP accusing it of advocating the notion of having one leader in the country, which he deemed as an insult to the people of India. The MP said the Congress wants to listen to the people and love and respect their beliefs, language, religion, culture. We did not get freedom from the British to be colonised by the ideology of the RSS. We want India to be ruled by all her people, he said. Rahul Gandhi asserted on Monday that the forthcoming electoral contest in India revolves around the clash of ideologies between the Congress and the RSS. He said that the Congress not being in power at the Centre and in Kerala has affected development. The Congress will return to power in both places and all issues will be resolved. When I come to Wayanad, it's like coming home. I'll force my mother to come here for a week. It is said that when you don't come to Wayanad, you lose the best land in the world, he said. Rahul said if the Congress came to power at the Centre, the development of Nilambur railway station would become a reality. Regarding the setting up of a medical college in Wayanad, the Congress leader said; I have written to the minister several times. But it is not being resolved, he said. Addressing a gathering in Wayanad, Gandhi likened India to a bouquet of flowers, stressing the importance of respecting each individual component for the beauty of the whole. During a roadshow in Pulpally, Rahul criticised the Modi government for waiving loans of the wealthy and pledged that the I,N.D.I.A. bloc, if elected in 2024, would prioritise waiving farmers' loans. He condemned the lack of fair pricing for farmers' produce and alleged monopolisation of the procurement system by entities like Adani. Rahul assured that the India alliance would safeguard farmers' interests and prioritise agricultural growth. Tirunelveli (TN)/ Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi. making a special appeal to first-time voters in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, pledged to create a drug-free nation in the next five years. Seeking votes for NDA candidates contesting in the Lok Sabha seats of Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi and Virudhunagar, and for the BJP candidate at the Vilavancode Assembly constituency that goes for a bypoll on April 19, Modi said on Monday it was his last meeting in Tamil Nadu for this election. The overwhelming support I was given during my election campaigns in Tamil Nadu gives me the hope that a new history is to be created on April 19 by the people of Tamil Nadu, said the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on seeing the peoples support enjoyed by the BJP in the state, the DMK and Congress in the I.N.D.I.A. bloc have lost sleep. Reacting to the Modi again and the Bharat Mata Ki Jai slogans of the cadre at the rally, Modi said the meeting seemed not a poll campaign but a victory meeting of the BJP. The DMK and Congress, however, have been frightened by the support you gave to me, said the PM, who also wanted Tamil Nadus people to give a shock to the INDIA bloc in the state by voting in favour of the BJP and NDA candidates on April 19. Earlier on Monday, while campaigning in Kerala, Modi tore into the states ruling CPM, accusing the Marxists of embezzling crores of rupees. In a fierce attack on the Left parties, particularly the CPM, he accused them of embezzling crores of rupees of poor and middle class families deposited in cooperative banks across the state. Addressing separate public meetings in Alathur in Palakkad district and Kattakada in Thiruvananthapuram district, Modi accused the CPM of devising new models of corruption to loot every single rupee of the people. More than one lakh crore rupees of the poor and middle-class families are deposited in over 300 cooperative banks in the state. This money is under threat, he said. Modi said the kickbacks received by the CPM leaders in this corruption are also worth crores of rupees. A bribe of '25 crore was deposited in over 80 undisclosed accounts in Thrissur district alone. Over 100 properties have been bought in the name of the Thrissur district secretary. The PM alleged that the accused in the Cochin Minerals and Rutiles Ltd (CMRL) corruption case have disclosed that they had paid bribes to the chief minister and his daughter. But the state government was using its entire might to stall the probe into the case. Modis no-holds-barred attack on the CPM assumes significance in the backdrop of the Congress-led UDF accusing the Central government of going soft on cooperative bank corruption cases involving LDF leaders and the CMRL issue. The Congress has time and again accused the CPM of having an underhand deal with the BJP in many seats. I am seeking legal opinion on whether the crores of rupees of the corrupt people attached by the agencies can be given back to the affected people. My government has already returned Rs 17,000 crores to scam-affected people across the country, Modi said. The Prime Minister took a dig at the governments led by the Left parties in the past. Whether it was earlier governments in West Bengal, Tripura and now Kerala, the Left parties have only one character: Nothing is left wherever they rule and nothing happens right either when they are in power. He added: First, they ruled and ruined West Bengal and Tripura, and now they are doing the same in Kerala. Also, without naming Rahul Gandhi, the PM said that a top Congress leader had left his family seat in Uttar Pradesh because of a lack of confidence. Now he has found refuge in Kerala. He is tying up with organisations that are banned for anti-national activities, the PM said, indirectly referring to the SDPI's (political arm of banned PFI) recent offer to support the Congress. Modi said both the UDF and LDF fight here and embrace each other outside Kerala. They are together in neighbouring Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu where I will be addressing a public meeting later in the day, he said. He added that both parties have been rejected by the people of the country. The prime minister solicited votes for BJP candidates Rajeev Chandrashekhar (Thiruvananthapuram), V. Muraleedharan (Attingal) and K. Krishnakumar (Kollam). In Tamil Nadu, making a special appeal to first-time voters to vote for the BJP and its allies, Modi pledged to create a drug-free nation in the next five years. Regretting the rampant narcotic drug trafficking in Tamil Nadu, Modi said: You all very well know under whose aegis drug sales is so rampant in Tamil Nadu. Your Modi, however, will not allow drug peddling and I vow to eliminate narcotic drugs from the country. Aptly playing the caste card by naming leaders belonging to the dominant communities in the southern districts, Modi also invoked the legacy of MGR and Jayalalithaa as he has been doing in his electioneering in the state. The Prime Minister advised the electorate to remember the bad treatment meted out to Jayalalithaa by the DMK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and the DMKs attempts to destroy MGRs legacy, while they go to vote. The Prime Minister also alleged that the Congress and DMK committed a historic blunder by ceding Katchatheevu to a foreign nation (not naming Sri Lanka). I view it a great sin and it should not be forgiven as our fishermen are affected by that sin of the Congress and the DMK, said Modi. Guwahati: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday asserted that he wouldnt allow the breakup of Manipur, and alleged that there have been attempts to change the demography of the frontier state through infiltration from across the border. Touching the emotive demand of Manipur on the Inner Line Permit, Mr Shah, addressing a public rally in Imphal, said: I want to tell this today that our (CM) Biren Singh may not say this, but he kept a big demand before PM Modi -- Manipur cannot remain united without an Inner Line Permit. The BJP government has strengthened Manipur by giving the Inner Line Permit. Equating the Lok Sabha election between the forces trying to break Manipur and those keeping it united, he claimed: There have been many attempts to alter Manipur's demography through infiltration. It is significant that ahead of his arrival, women protesters blocked roads in different parts of the city, including Khurai Lamlong and New Checkon in Imphal East, and Kakwa in Imphal West. Mr Shah arrived at Imphal International Airport at around 2.30 pm and headed straight to the rally venue at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal East district. Mr Shah reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modis priority was to restore peace in Manipur, while keeping its integrity intact, by holding talks with all sections. Manipur will witness peace in the days to come. Over the past six years, Manipur had been peaceful I assure you that the BJP will hold talks with those who have ignited the conflict and those who have endured it, and restore peace by taking all the communities on board, he said. He targeted the Congress Party, and alleged it was always engaging in divisive politics and responsible for chaos to Manipur. He said: The destiny of country will change when that of the Northeast and Manipur will change. Mr Shah appealed to people to vote for BJP candidates in the Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituencies. It must be noted that at least 219 people were killed after ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3 last year, when a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The state is scheduled to go for the polls in two phases in the coming Lok Sabha elections. Inner Manipur constituency, one of the states two seats, and the one that covers most of the Meitei-majority Valley region, will vote on April 19. The Outer Manipur seat, which covers most Kuki-Zomi and Naga dominated areas, will go to the polls on April 26. Three years ago, on April 15, 2021, the National Task Force on Covid-19 met for the first time in three months (the last meeting was on January 11). Cases were now at 216,000 and deaths over 1,100. Two days after that, on April 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held what he said was his largest-ever rally at Asansol in West Bengal, with lakhs of people in the audience. The daily positive cases that day were 260,000 with 1,500 deaths. Till this time, Mr Modi had appeared to be oblivious to the power of exponential growth though the government was warned specifically and severally about an impending second wave. It was only after he returned that evening from West Bengal and perhaps internalised the commentary on television of the devastation in Delhis hospitals that Mr Modi acted. The next day, April 18, he cancelled any further activity at the Kumbh Mela. Daily cases were now at 275,000 but it still took another four days for Mr Modi to cancel his rallies in Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum and Kolkata. He said the rallies would be virtual (in reality, only the speaker was virtual and appeared on a screen; the crowd still gathered). By now, cases were at 332,000, with 2,200 deaths daily. The same day that Mr Modi cancelled his rallies, the obliging Election Commission banned rallies for all parties. In guiding India through this second wave, Mr Modi flew by the seat of his pants. Structurally, there was nothing other than his office running the Covid-19 strategy. The Union Cabinet did not decide or discuss a single issue related to the pandemic as the second wave surged through March and April 2021. It met five times, but only to clear things like the second phase of Bengalurus metro project and some memoranda of understanding with foreign nations. Even on May 11, it met only to approve things like a ropeway project in Uttarakhand. Ministers did not appear to know what Mr Modis vaccination strategy was, or if indeed he had any. On May 18, Nitin Gadkari asked for more firms to be issued licences to make the vaccine. This was reported the next day, and it was pointed out that this was exactly what former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had suggested to Mr Modi a month before (a suggestion that was met with an insolent reply from Harsh Vardhan). In the face of calamity, Mr Modi froze. In the seven months from March to September 2020, Mr Modi made 82 public appearances physical as well as virtual. In the next four months, he made 111 such appearances. From February to April 25, 2021, he clocked 92 public appearances. From April 25, after he called off the Kumbh and his West Bengal rallies, Mr Modi disappeared. He made no public appearance for 20 days. The Prime Minister of India fled the field when his people needed the government most. Twice in 2020, in April and in November, the government had been warned that an oxygen shortage was looming. The minutes of one meeting said in clear terms: In the coming days India could face a shortage of oxygen supplies. While before April, Mr Modi did not himself take the pandemic seriously, he also insisted on managing it personally. If there was any strategy at all in tackling the pandemic, it came directly from Mr Modis office; there was no role for the Cabinet in pandemic control, PMO calls the shots, as a newspaper headline put it. This was in keeping with the way in which he has run the government all this time. A wave that began at the end of February was not only allowed to gather momentum, it was goaded on. Through four weeks of March, through three weeks of April, India held gigantic gatherings directly organised by the BJP or approved and encouraged by it. The consequences were felt by the countrys healthcare system, which was always fragile and unavailable to the poor at the best of times. Here, the second aspect to tackling a pandemic, the failure to anticipate the effects of a sudden wave and the preparation of a war chest of medical equipment, came into play. In the eight weeks between March 1 and April 30, Indias daily cases grew 40 times from 11,000 to more than 400,000. No healthcare system in the world can handle an explosion of patients of this sort. The only way to protect the population is to stockpile things that may not be immediately required today but are produced and procured and set aside in anticipation of a waves peak. India did not do that. In April 2020, the government decided it would procure 50,000 Make in India ventilators, but ultimately only procured 35,000 of them after it determined that the pandemic had been seen off. Corporates like Maruti said they had made ventilators, but the government chose not to procure them. Two months before the second wave, on February 21, 2021, the BJP passed a resolution: It can be said with pride that India not only defeated Covid under the able, sensitive, committed and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, but also infused in all its citizens the confidence to build an Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The party unequivocally hails its leadership for introducing India to the world as a proud and victorious nation in the fight against Covid. When the crematoria began to overflow, no reference to this was made. All this may not affect the claims and the bombast, but this is not history from 1526, this happened to us just three years ago and must not be forgotten. The incumbent prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has moved the country closer to Beijing over the past five years with Beijing funding several infrastructure projects. Various opposition candidates would like to restore ties with the countrys traditional partners, Australia and New Zealand. Many observers believe that domestic political issues will play a role in the vote, despite taking a backseat in the campaign. Honiara (AsiaNews/Agencies) Solomon Islands general election will be closely followed. Incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who signed a security pact with China in 2022 raising concerns among Western countries, hopes to be the first prime minister to be elected for two consecutive terms. The country is one of the poorest places in the Pacific, with limited infrastructure and a weak healthcare system, whose development has relied heavily on foreign aid (traditionally from Australia and New Zealand), an issue some opposition candidates have focused on. In 2019 Prime Minister Sogavare ran as an independent candidate, becoming head of government for a fourth time; he then proceeded to break off broke diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favour of the Peoples Republic of China. This election was initially scheduled for last year but was postponed by a year because the country hosted the Pacific Games (paid by China) and the prime minister argued that it could not afford both at the same time. As he has done since, Sogavare has based his campaign on his Look North strategy, which he first launched in 2008, stressing the pivotal support provided by China to build the countrys infrastructure and set it on a more favourable path, a right footing domestically and internationally, he said. Several opposition candidates disagree and would like to review the Solomon Islands' position vis-a-vis China. One of them, Peter Kenilorea Jr., wants the terms of the security pact signed with China be published as well as the re-establishment of relations with Taiwan. Allied with former Prime Minister Rick Hou, Matthew Wale has promised to improve education and health and prioritise national interests in foreign policy. A third politician opposed to the China connection is Daniel Suidani, who wants to become, again, the premier of Malaita, the countrys largest province. He had previously banned Chinese companies from the province. Some observers believe that foreign policy has eclipsed domestic issues that deserved more attention from the politicians running for office. We should put aside geopolitics and first respond to the pressing development needs and struggles our rural people have experienced over decades, said the former vice-chancellor of Solomon Islands National University Dr Jack Maebuta. Ruth Liloqula, head of Transparency Solomon Islands, agrees. In his view, the election campaign should not be "mainly based on foreign policy". Look at rural areas first, rather than Look North or wherever you may wish to look, but remember our rural people are suffering every day, he said. Located 1,600 kilometres northeast of Australia, the Solomon Islands have a population of about 700,000, living on six main islands: Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Makira, Malaita, New Georgia, and Santa Isabel. Voters will cast their ballot next Wednesday, 17 April, from 7 am to 4 pm, to pick 50 members of the National Parliament; once a governing coalition has been formed, a prime minister will be selected. Sogavare first came to power in 2000 and governed for 17 months. He served again in 2006 for 18 months, and held the post again in 2014, but did not complete his four-year term following a vote of no confidence. In 2021, when anti-government riots broke out, he was forced to call in Australian security forces to restore order. For various observers, it is hard to predict the outcome of this election. One of the reasons is that on the eve of the vote, known as the "night of the devil", candidates often resort to vote buying. To counter the practice, the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission began an advertising campaign urging voters to "Keep your votes secret and say NO to vote buying and selling. by Steve Suwannarat Under pressure from local businessmen, Parliament wants to relax stringent regulations on the protection of the sea and working conditions on fishing vessels, which are often linked to human trafficking. The current law had been passed in 2015 under pressure from the European Union, which threatened a ban on local fish products. But now, with industrial production in crisis, Thailand hopes to catch up by 'liberalising' the sector. Bangkok (AsiaNews) - The Thai parliament is preparing to examine several bills that would lead to a substantial revision of the laws governing the fishing industry. The fear of many is that the result could set the employment situation back by years in a sector where conditions of exploitation and violence against labour, especially foreign labour, have been denounced with more frequency and determination. In this case, the fallout on the country's image, which has long been under scrutiny, could also be substantial. The changes so far proposed to the 2015 law - despite the differences expressed by the various parties - tend to overcome a situation considered too restrictive and unfavourable to entrepreneurs and ship owners. In fact, there would be the liberalisation of destructive fishing tools such as bottom trawls, the return of the transhipment of fish between offshore vessels, wider meshes regarding the capture of protected marine species and, finally, a reduction in the penalties currently provided for illegal or irregular fishing. For the latter, fines could be reduced by as much as 98%, while prison sentences would be abolished altogether. The new rules, however, would not only endanger rare species or delicate marine ecosystems; they would also return many thousands of workers to a state of insecurity, exposing them to inhuman working conditions and throwing them back into the hands of human traffickers. "All political parties agree that the penalties in the current law are excessive. However, amending it does not mean deleting everything,' said Woraphop Viriyaroj, MP for the opposition Move Forward progressive party and vice-chairman of the committee dealing with amendments to the Fisheries Act. The current law had been passed and enacted after the military coup in May 2014, spurred by the risk that Thai fisheries, among the largest in Asia, would be banned by the European Union and other international markets. The law had led four years later to Thailand's removal from the list of countries under observation and to its inclusion in level 3 (the worst) on the list of countries involved in human trafficking. It was precisely the improvement in working conditions at sea that had subsequently led Bangkok to move up to level 2 and then 1 in this second ranking as well. It is difficult to understand the current moves without attributing them to pressure from the oligopolies that influence a large part of the Thai economy and which politics cannot ignore. The impression is that the aim is to use the sector as a buffer for falling industrial production and lower than expected tourism revenues. However, the risk of repercussions is high. The Asian branch of the Environmental Justice Foundation believes that the drastic changes under consideration could put 60% of a fish export worth .3 billion a year at risk of international sanctions. by Angeline Tan Chosen by his party two years ago, Wong will be the fourth prime minister since Singapore's independence. Outgoing PM Lee had already announced his retirement but the pandemic changed his plans. Wong is already implementing new policies for seniors. Singapore (AsiaNews) In Singapore the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) announced today that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down on 15 May handing over power to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Premier Lawrence Wong. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 8 pm at the Istana, the official residence and office of the president of Singapore, making Wong Singapores fourth prime minister since the city-state attained independence. Lawrence and the 4G team (fourth generation leadership team) have worked hard to gain the peoples trust, notably during the pandemic, Lee wrote in Facebook. Through the Forward Singapore exercise, they have worked with many Singaporeans to refresh our social compact and develop the national agenda for a new generation. Lee had originally expressed his intention to retire before his 70th birthday in February 2022, but COVID-19 forced a change of plans. He came to power in 2004, replacing Goh Chok Tong who took office in 1990. Before that, Lee Kuan Yew served as Singapores prime minister for more than 30 years, from 1959 to 1990. In April 2022, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) selected Wong to replace Lee; the latter, at the partys biennial convention in November 2023, said he hopes to hand over the job to Wong before the next general election, in November 2025. Wong entered politics in 2011, serving in different cabinet posts, including minister of Education, Defence and National Development. In June 2022 he launched Forward Singapore, with a report on what policies the government should promote in the coming years through citizens participation. According to experts, the 4G team will go further than the policies pursued by its predecessors, introducing important changes, such as unemployment assistance. Last February, Wong announced that the government would earmark S.5 billion (US$ 2.6 billion) over the next decade for Singapores seniors so that they can remain active, have access to better care options, and live more independently in the community. Infrastructure for commuters will also be improved, with a focus on the needs of seniors in this area as well. With a rapidly aging population, the fiscal pressures of healthcare will only grow. As a responsible government, we have to plan ahead and set aside sufficient resources to keep healthcare affordable for all, Wong stated at that time. In Singapore, about one in four Singapore citizens will be aged 65 or over by 2030, compared to about one in five now. A man waits for help to move from an encampment Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, near Minute Maid Park in Houston. A worker from Coalition for the Homeless Houston waited with the man as workers cleared and cleaned the areas around his tent. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Kelly Young, the new CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston and Harris County, poses for a photograph on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 at Career and Recovery Resources in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Khena Minor, an associate of outreach with Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, grabs water to hand to two homeless people on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in the Fifth Ward neighborhood in Houston. Minor was part of a team speaking with homeless people during the annual point-in-time count. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Houstons plan to end homelessness in the city, the Coalition for the Homeless-run Housing First initiative, was featured in a segment on CBS Sunday Morning this week, during which leaders touted it as a model for the nation. The Housing First program began in 2011, when the city went all-in to try to reduce homelessness by more than half in four years. The initiative, still in place after more than 12 years, was dedicated to providing housing for unhoused individuals in Houston before focusing on other next steps, which could include recovery or looking for stable work. Mandy Chapman Semple, an author of the nationally recognized program, was interviewed during the Sunday segment. Semple now travels the U.S. helping other major metropoliss work on reducing the number of inhabitants with no stable place to live. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'The idea that if you have no permanent place to live, that you're also going to be able to transform and tackle complex mental health issues, addiction issues, complex financial issues? It's just unrealistic,' Semple told CBS Correspondent Martha Teichner. Since the programs inception in 2011, more than 30,000 people have been housed in Houston, a 63% reduction in the unhoused population. Thats a stark difference from 2011 when Houston was a city with the fifth-highest population of unhoused residents, 8,500 men, women and children were homeless that year, a surge of 25 percent from 2010. The success is a testament to the citys shelters and homelessness reduction nonprofits working together to log people in their system and get them into furnished apartments. The partnership called The Way Home encouraged independent organizations to combine their resources and work together, instead of working in a silo, which sometimes resulted in redundancies and inefficiencies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad National acclaim The program, which has since received many national accolades including an in-depth New York Times article in 2022 titled "How Houston Moved 25,000 People From the Streets Into Homes of Their Own" which lauded the program as having made remarkable progress toward ending the citys homelessness crisis after COVID-19. And a couple years prior in 2020, an investigation by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Arizonas Walter Cronkite School of Journalism compared and contrasted Houston and San Diegos similar initiatives to end homelessness. In the story titled Two cities tried to fix homelessness, only one has yet succeeded, the data-based conclusion was made that Houstons approach came out on top, due to a combination of better organizational structure and a clearer plan for financial sustainability. Others have debated that in some ways, Houston is a city poised for success in a housing first program because lack of zoning regulations and urban sprawl help keep costs low for developers who can build apartment buildings with hundreds of small apartments (the studio featured on CBS Sunday mornings was 320 square feet) for a fraction of the cost in other cities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a New York Times opinion piece from November about the program, opinion columnist Nicholas Kristoff questioned whether urban sprawl, which has historically been controversial, could have benefits. I was forced to reassess how I weighed the trade-offs when a school friend, Stacy, froze to death while homeless in Oregon. I wondered: If we accepted more sprawl, would she have found cheap housing and survived? Kristoff wrote. Battling evictions And while the program has seen considerable success compared to other cities in the U.S., there are still quite a few kinks, one of them being that some unhoused individuals are getting evicted after they were housed through the program, showing failing safeguards meant to protect against being forced to vacate a residence. A Houston Chronicle story from December followed this trend focusing on the life of a veteran Navy Officer named Stephen Lockhart who was housed in 2018 by the city, but died two months following an eviction in 2022. His family struggled to understand how he could have been evicted, when a rent of only $1 per month was expected from him, and there were safeguards in place to make sure that if he was behind on his rent, his support system would be able to step in and help before it was too late. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lockhart had been housed in the Travis Street Plaza complex, dedicated to housing veterans in the 150 units available. In recent years, other veterans faced evictions like Lockharts from the complex. The story showed that a series of bureaucratic issues with paperwork, tracking individuals who graduate from the voucher program and apartment inspections were partly to blame for these evictions, a data point which the city of Houston did not track as of December. Then theres the price tag of the program, which had been fueled by an efficient use of federal COVID-19 relief funds, which will have mostly all been completed by 2024, causing Houston to face a steep fiscal cliff. The conversation about where funds will be sought for the Housing First initiative is ongoing, but the former president of the Coalition for the Homeless, Michael C. Nichols told Kristoff in his opinion column that the end of federal relief funding would pose a huge problem for the housing program. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tally, a Kemp's ridley sea turtle, waits to be released as volunteers and others involved in its care take a group photo Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at Stewart Beach in Galveston, Texas. Jon Shapley/Associated Press Texas first Kemps ridley sea turtle nest of the 2024 season was found at the Padre Island National Seashore last weekend, the park announced on social media, kicking off the annual international effort to conserve the highly endangered animals. Kemps ridley sea turtles are primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico, with the Texas coast serving as a main nesting ground. The species is the smallest of sea turtles, measuring about 2 feet long and weighing as much as 100 pounds, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They are also the most endangered of all sea turtle species and considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a collection of government and civil society organizations seen as a global authority on conservation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad From the 1940s to 1980s, the Kemps ridley sea turtles suffered a 99.4% reduction in the number of nests, spurring a joint project between the U.S. and Mexico to protect the species nests, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. That included establishing a nesting colony at Padre Island National Seashore, a national park near Corpus Christi. The first Kemps ridley sea turtle nest along the Texas coast this year was created by a first-time nesting sea turtle that laid 81 eggs, according to Padre Island National Seashores announcement. The eggs were collected by trained biologists and relocated for protected incubation; when they hatch in 42 to 56 days, the turtles will be released into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the parks post. The Fish and Wildlife Service urged visitors to Texas beaches to drive slow and alert to conserve the imperiled sea turtles. If a nesting turtle is seen, the agency asks visitors to quickly report the sighting to 866-TURTLE-5 (866-887-8535) and to remain at the site until a biologist arrives. If the visitor cant stay until then, they are asked to mark the site by laying pieces of beach debris around the nest. Visitors should avoid disturbing nesting sites, the agency said. Kemps ridley sea turtles, unlike many other species, nest during the day, making them especially vulnerable to predators and vehicle traffic on the beach. The turtles enter a trancelike state while nesting, meaning they cant move to avoid hazards. They blend into the sand and often choose to nest in tire ruts, putting them at additional risk of being crushed and killed, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Last year, 256 Kemps ridley nests were found in Texas. Since the launch of the international project in 1978, the largest number of recorded nests in Texas was 353 nests found in 2017. For context, in 1947, an estimated 40,000 Kemps ridley turtles nested on a stretch of beach near Rancho Nuevo, Mexico, the only known nesting site at the time, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nesting season for Kemps ridley sea turtles typically runs from late March through September, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Andranik Kocharian, a senior member of Pashinians ruling Civil Contract party and lawmaker who heads the parliaments defense committee, told RFE/RLs Armenian Service in a TV program aired on Sunday that Pashinians goal is to build real foundations related to the Genocide and make the entire list of compatriots subjected to genocide more objective. He stressed that it is necessary to have the names of all Armenians subjected to genocide and verify where, how and under what conditions they were killed. Kocharian reiterated the idea during a press briefing in parliament on Monday. This is a simple goal for us to know the addresses and locations of each of our 1.5 million compatriots. It is very important for the building of our relations in the future as well, Kocharian said. [The] April 24 [Genocide Commemoration Day] is approaching. Was it 1.5 million, 2 million or less? It should be strictly addressed. But if we dont record it, the other side can always say that no such thing happened. And till today that have been saying so, he added. Genocide expert Suren Manukian, who formerly served as deputy director of the Genocide Museum in Yerevan, described this latest government initiative as very dangerous, reminding that the idea of making lists has been advocated by Turkey since the 1960s. Most historians in and outside Armenia believe that up to 1.5 million ethnic Armenians were killed by Turks in a bloody wave of deportations and massacres during the First World War. Turkey, which denies that Ottoman-era killings of Armenians were of a systematic nature and constituted genocide, claims that only about 300,000 ethnic Armenians died. It says that many innocent Muslim Turks also died in the turmoil of war. About three dozen countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Canada and others, have recognized the Armenian genocide in Ottoman Turkey. Switzerland has also criminalized the denial of the Armenian genocide. U.S. President Joe Biden has characterized the Ottoman-era killings of Armenians as genocide in his statements issued annually on Armenian Remembrance Day on April 24 since he assumed office in 2021. Manukian said that one of the earliest narratives advanced by Ankara in denying the Armenian Genocide was that the number of 1.5 million Armenian victims was a lie. They have said that nothing like that happened, and if Armenians are lying about the number, then they are lying about the whole thing. And they demanded to be given a list, he said. Manukian and other genocide specialists acknowledge that retrieving full records of victims would be an impossible task considering that the Ottoman Empire often kept no records related to its ethnic minorities. Consequently, our only source that we can cite are the memories of survivors most of whom were children who often did not remember even their own family names let alone the names of other victims, Manukian said. At the same time, the genocide expert said that Yerevan has always countered the Turkish demand for compiling a list of victims by saying that it is not important how many people were killed, because genocide is not about the numbers, but it is about being an act intended to destroy a group of people and it doesnt matter how many people were in that group. The expert cited the example of the Bosnian genocide, during which some 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed in the Srebrenica events in 1995, which were recognized as genocide by an international court. Numbers are not important at all in terms of whether what happened was genocide or not, Manukian said. The expert said that no one but Turkey has questioned the fact that 1.5 million Armenians were killed in the 1915 genocide. He said that with this latest initiative the Armenian government also does this. Meanwhile, Eduard Sharmazanov, a Pashinian critic representing the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia, has accused the Pashinian government of following orders from Turkey to consign the Armenian genocide to history ahead of the commemoration day. How will Pashinian justify it before the Armenian people that he does not turn April 24 into a major foreign-policy factor? He will say that it is a threat posed by historical Armenia, Sharmazanov told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. The Armenian Apostolic Church canonized 1.5 million victims of the Armenian genocide, collectively declaring them to be saints, when the centennial of the Armenian genocide was marked in 2015. 15 April 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more Iran was not going to fire rockets at Israel; Tehran did not have a firm decision about this. Nevertheless, Iran's incessant internal strife and proxy forces abroad forced it to take this step even if unwillingly. Since 2020, Iran has witnessed the murder of several of its generals. This time, the shooting of Iranian generals and several additional people in the Mezze district of Damascus meant a red line for Iran in its truest sense. On the night of April 14, Iran's ballistic missile attacks on Israeli territory caused considerable concern amidst rising tensions and the ongoing difficult situation in the Middle East. This was not only a war between Iran and Israel, but also a threat to the security of the states in the region. This sudden attack, which Iran called "revenge" or "retaliatory fire", first, caused serious concern in the lands of Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. Many of the missiles and drones fired by Iran aimed at Israel missed the target and landed either in the territories of Iraq or neighboring countries. In this way, Iran also demonstrated the gap in its military preparation, as well as its disrespectful approach to the security and territorial integrity of the surrounding states, except for the state it is in acrimony. Do you think the Iranian military is that inexperienced, or do they just destroy and blow up missiles and drones that cost at least hundreds of thousands of dollars each? The regime, which is experiencing turmoil in the economic crisis, does not intend to go to war with the West, nor with Israel, which it calls its so-called enemy. The Tehran regime undertook the mission of playing such a game just so that its image among the Islamic states would not be completely destroyed. If this were not the case, it would have mobilized all its forces without listening to the words of the US that it calls its adverse enemy. Hundreds of missile strikes, but the target mixed locations... Irans real target behind its Israel hostility Iran's air attack against Israel also worried Western countries. US, UK, France, Italy and Canada officials immediately demanded that Iran stop airstrikes against Israel. Iran could no longer take a step forward. Because the West, especially the White House, had set a red line for him, and even if the outcome for Iran was successful or unsuccessful, Tehran had to stop its military game. The key for Iran was to fire back at Israel, which it did. However, Iran also wanted to send a threatening message to rival states in the region, which is one of its main goals. It should be recalled that a few weeks ago, an Iranian official drew attention with his provoking statement about shooting the Israeli embassy in Baku. Although Iran could not declare its open enmity towards Azerbaijan, it always tried to manifest it through its mouthpieces like Jalal Rashidi Kuchi, or the hands of certain political circles. Undoubtedly, Tehran is not satisfied with the development of Azerbaijan in the region and the expansion of its relations, including the fact that it has a leading role in the elimination of the conflict in the South Caucasus. Before that, Iran, which did not react to the tripartite meeting in Brussels on April 5, could not do more against Azerbaijan. So, it is clear from the processes that the West is not a threat to Iran in the South Caucasus. The main threat for the regime is the strengthening of Turkish-Azerbaijani relations and the imminent start of the Zangazur Corridor. If the territory of Armenia is a red line for Iran, why is it not worried about the European Mission that almost controls Armenia's borders and the NATO representatives conducting exercises in the area? Iran is more inspired by Azerbaijan's actions and makes decisions or makes baseless statements every day. Baku perceives this very well and knows that Iran's real desire is not to wage war with the West, Israel, or the European Union. Its real problem is the Turkic world, which is getting stronger day by day. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief; follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 15:44 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more In a stirring speech delivered at Chatham House in London, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell issued a compelling call to action, asserting that the next two years are pivotal in the fight against climate change. With an impassioned plea for global cooperation and decisive measures, Stiell outlined the urgency of the climate crisis and laid out a roadmap for averting catastrophic consequences. Stiell began by acknowledging the dramatic nature of the event's title, "Two years to save the world," recognising that some may view it as overly melodramatic. However, he wasted no time in emphasising the gravity of the situation, citing record-breaking heatwaves, economic upheaval, and the urgent need for decisive action. With the stakes higher than ever, Stiell underscored the critical importance of the next two years in charting a course towards a sustainable future. Central to Stiell's message was the need for bold and ambitious national climate plans. He stressed that these plans are not only essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change but also present an opportunity for economic growth and job creation. Stiell highlighted the interconnectedness of climate action with broader development goals, emphasising that addressing climate change is fundamental to achieving global prosperity and equity. Stiell's emphasis on the need for bold and ambitious national climate plans underscores a fundamental aspect of contemporary climate change discourse. National climate plans, often referred to as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are critical policy frameworks that outline a country's strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. These plans are submitted by countries to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as part of their commitment to the Paris Agreement. The call for bold and ambitious national climate plans reflects the recognition that traditional approaches to climate policy may no longer be sufficient given the urgency and scale of the climate crisis. Stiell's assertion that these plans are essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change echoes the scientific consensus that urgent and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are necessary to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. However, Stiell goes beyond framing climate action solely as a response to environmental challenges. He highlights the economic opportunities inherent in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This perspective aligns with the growing recognition of the economic benefits associated with climate action, including job creation in renewable energy industries, improved public health outcomes, and enhanced energy security. Moreover, Stiell emphasises the interconnectedness of climate action with broader development goals, such as poverty alleviation, food security, and gender equality. This reflects an understanding of the multifaceted nature of the climate crisis and the need for integrated, cross-cutting solutions that address both climate and development challenges simultaneously. By linking climate action to broader development objectives, Stiell underscores the importance of ensuring that climate policies contribute to achieving global prosperity and equity. Stiell's message underscores the transformative potential of bold and ambitious national climate plans. By framing climate action as an opportunity for economic growth, job creation, and global development, he seeks to mobilise support for ambitious climate policies that not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also contribute to building a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all. A key theme of Stiell's speech was the crucial role of climate finance in enabling countries to implement effective climate plans. He called for a significant increase in climate finance, including concessional finance, debt relief, and reform of development banks. Stiell emphasised the need for developed countries to fulfil their commitments to support developing nations in their climate efforts, underscoring the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Moreover, Stiell emphasised the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change. He called on institutions like the G7, G20, World Bank, and IMF to mobilise resources and accelerate climate action. Stiell stressed the need for innovative solutions and the importance of transitioning to clean energy while phasing out fossil fuels. Perhaps most importantly, Stiell underscored the power of individual voices in driving climate action. He urged people everywhere to raise their voices and demand bolder policies from their governments. Stiell's message resonated with the growing public awareness and concern about climate change, emphasising the need for grassroots activism and engagement. In conclusion, Simon Stiell's speech at Chatham House delivered a powerful and urgent call to action on climate change. By outlining key strategies and emphasising the importance of global cooperation and individual engagement, Stiell inspired hope and mobilised support for the collective effort to save the planet. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 22:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Following the colonial period of history, the Islamic world looked for its hero to stand against the West and protect its culture. Several countries took on this role and collapsed. Accusing the Shah regime of collaborating with the West, Mullahs were able to overthrow the regime and come to power at the end of the 1970s. However, they did not repeat the mistake of other Muslim countries and confront the West. Instead, they developed a scheme, and thanks to this project, they have been able to live up until now. The Mullahs covertly collogate with Western countries, even with the USA. The Watergate scandal is one of the best examples of what we said. As is known, the Americans secretly provided Iran with lethal weapons during the Iran-Iraq war, and when they were unearthed, the President of the USA was obliged to resign. On the other hand, Iran overtly challenged the West and managed to convince some part of the Islamic world, more precisely Shiites, by using its soft power inherited from the Safavid Empire. Frankly speaking, Iran has managed to continue this hypocritical foreign policy for over 40 years. During these years, Iran declared Israel its enemy, but it never fought with Israel openly. The Mullahcracy declared itself the protector of Palestine and even created a troop called the Quds Force, but it has never sent the said force to Palestine. Besides, Iran is the only Muslim country in the world that stands with Armenia against another Muslim country, Azerbaijan. Tehran lit green lights and opened its airspace to the USA during the invasion of Afghanistan. Iran collaborates with India against Pakistan, another Muslim country, and so on. These are only a few examples of how the Mullahs manipulate reality. The missile and drone attacks on Israel are part of this hypocritical policy. The only winner of this conflict is the Netenyahu government. As is known, the response of Israel to Palestinian illegal organisations was questioned not only in the world, but in Israel as well. Day by day, the voices against the Netenyahu government within Israel increased. Israel regained the international support it lost due to what it did in Gaza and gained legitimacy for the steps it took, The current government, whose domestic support has decreased, "repaired" its domestic reputation by "destroying" 99% of the IEDs and rockets fired. As for the Biden administration, the US moderated well between Iran and Israel and showed that it is still the main director in the world. Most importantly, all these things happened on the night from Saturday to Sunday, that is, when the world stock exchanges were closed, so that there would not be a serious increase in the price of oil and other products. Needless to say, the Netanyahu government will be grateful to Iran but Palestinians will pay high price for this. Because missile and drone attacks on the Jewish state gave an upper hand to Netanyahu and Biden and encouraged them to take much harsher measures against Palestine. Reviewing all these events that happened over the last few days, some can easily come to the conclusion that Iran provided Causus Belli for the Netenyahu government to continue the operation in Palestine, in which the civil population suffers more. The longer the operation continues, the more Palestinians will die, and the more Iran will take advantage of this. Certainly, it is normal for Mullahcracy because nobody questions them. Like George Orwell's saying, Tyranny needs enemies for existing, and Iran needs Israel and the West for existing and expanding its dirty policy. I hope soon the people who look for support from Iran will understand the hypocratic policy of Iran and the hidden side of Mullahs will be uncovered. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 19:21 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more During the last decade, many regions of the world have become the centre of wars and provocations. Although the Middle East and Ukraine are the most prominent among them, new sparks are being formed to increase the ranks of conflict zones. There is no doubt that Western countries have been interested in creating new hotbeds of war and conflict in the East for a long time. Looking at the current events in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the South Caucasus, it is possible to clearly see the foundations of war laid by Europe and the United States. The conflicts that have been taking place in countries like Iraq and Syria for years, the loss of life, the purchase of weapons, the continued hunger and bloodshed in Ukraine, and the continuous Armenian provocations in the South Caucasus are clear evidence of the West's desire to start WWIII. One of the conflicts currently on the agenda continues in Eastern Europe. The Russo-Ukraine war, which has been going on for almost 3 years, weakens both sides and leads to economic and social decline. However, when looking at the core of the issue, it is possible to clearly see that this serves the implementation of the West's plans. Unfortunately, the West's false promises and provocative statements have turned the two Slavic nations into hostile enemies and have led to the killing of hundreds of thousands of innocent citizens. Despite all this, Europe is still interested in the continuation of the war here. Thus, sending new weapons to Ukraine, sounding war drums instead of promoting peace shows that the West is a supporter of bloodshed in the region. It should be noted that there are issues of migrants, drug and arms trade, and human trafficking among the consequences of the war. It is no secret that millions of migrants from several countries of the world, due to war or poverty, are heading to the West as well as to Great Britain. Although Western countries use the labour of illegal migrants to a certain extent, the "problems" created by these people force state officials to make a final decision. It seems that official London is already thinking of sending illegal migrants to Botswana, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, and finally to Armenia as a solution. Thus, Britain has already started negotiations with these four countries that can receive illegal migrants sent by the kingdom. The inclusion of Armenia in this list undoubtedly indicates that Yerevan, deceived by the promise of "great support", is a new "playground" and "ward" for the West. Because not long ago, during the Brussels meeting held on April 5, the 2.6 billion euro financial aid package to be given to Yerevan by the EU was on the agenda. It seems that Pashinyan is so busy counting the money he will receive from his patrons in the EU that he has difficulty seeing the scenarios written for Armenia. The plan for the West is clear. The geographical location and natural resources of the South Caucasus have always attracted the attention of foreign forces. For centuries, wars and invasions were carried out on these lands. It seems that the networks of Western-leaning agencies, which were created during the Safavid rule to block the Turkic world, are still active today and are taking advantage of Armenia's ignorance. Aids, special attention, and care sent to official Yerevan aim to attract attention. Because throughout history, it has not been seen that the old continent was ever interested in the fate of places outside of its own territory, nurtured spiritual feelings, and worked for the benefit of some nations. On the contrary, the countries that describe themselves as the indigenous people of Europe have created colonial traditions in many regions of the world for centuries, followed a policy of colonisation, and committed massacres. Now, Armenia has become a pawn in the hands of the West and is trying to fuel the conflict in the South Caucasus, as in previous scenarios. However, we should not forget that Azerbaijan is well aware of these games of the West and the steps that can be taken in the future, most importantly, Armenia. Undoubtedly, after some time, the official Erivan will perceive the main goal of the countries it trusts and will understand that participants from outside the region are endangering not only the South Caucasus but also Armenia itself. Until that time, every provocative act committed by Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan will surely be reciprocated. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 11:08 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov is scheduled to participate in the 2nd annual Green Hydrogen Summit in the UAE on April 16, Azernews reports, citing Masdar company (UAE). Minister Shahbazov will serve as a keynote speaker during the forum's commencement in Abu Dhabi. He will contribute to a distinguished panel focusing on 'National Strategies and Policies to Accelerate the Hydrogen Economy.' Notable speakers joining him include Yoshida Nobuhiro, the Parliamentary Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and Frederik Wisselink, the Special Envoy for Energy of the Economic Affairs and Climate Policy Ministry of the Netherlands. The panel aims to delve into topics such as hydrogen's role, governmental initiatives to overcome market obstacles and foster demand at both national and international levels, as well as the implications of hydrogen on domestic energy systems. Masdar highlighted that the Green Hydrogen Summit will assemble policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and representatives from civil society globally to engage in crucial discussions. These conversations will explore hydrogen's pivotal role in decarbonising the energy sector and the necessary steps to enable the widespread adoption of green hydrogen, supporting an equitable transition towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Moreover, the Azerbaijani minister will join the Ministerial Panel on National Strategies and Policies to Accelerate Green Hydrogen Economies within the Green Hydrogen Summit as a speaker, as well as address the High-Level Plenary Session on Tripling of Renewables and the High-Level Public-Private Dialogue "Building momentum towards a 100% renewable energy system" of the IRENA Coalition for Action within the 14th session of the IRENA Assembly. As part of the trip, the Azerbaijani delegation will also hold bilateral meetings. Notably, the summit will feature former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as its primary guest. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 12:48 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The Presidency of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change hosted its first press conference on April 15, Azernews reports. The press conference featured addresses from various key figures including COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev, Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev, Chief Executive Officer Elnur Soltanov, Chair of the COP29 Operating Company and Chief Operating Officer Narmin Jarchalova, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion Nigar Arpadarai, and UN Youth Climate Champion Leyla Hasanova. At the first press conference held at the COP29 Presidency headquarters, COP29 Chief Executive Officer Elnur Soltanov says that COP29 will be a platform for broad discussion and action on accelerating the transition to green energy. UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29, Nigar Arpadarai, said at a press conference that the upcoming decisions at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku will affect many countries. Climate issues are issues that concern the whole world. The countries of the world are coming together to discuss all this. COP29, in this regard, is a very authoritative event. The decisions that will be made here will affect many countries, Arpadarai emphasized. COP29 Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev noted during the first press conference of the COP29 presidency that Azerbaijan engages in the COP29 negotiation process with all involved parties through the prism of transparency, inclusiveness, and neutrality. "All parties are engaged in comprehensive discussions on the key topics of the COP29 negotiations, which include climate finance. Active efforts are underway to explore potential solutions for the successful conclusion of the negotiations," the official said. President of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) Mukhtar Babayev said during the first press conference of the COP29 presidency stressed that Azerbaijan sees green transition among its national priorities. He mentioned that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan demonstrates the international community's trust in the policies pursued by the country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev at both national and international levels, including efforts to address climate change. "Within the framework of the presidency and the hosting of COP29, our country will demonstrate continuous activity towards strengthening global solidarity on climate change issues," emphasized Babayev. Babayev also noted that Azerbaijan has joined the Global Methane Pledge, which involves voluntary commitments by states to reduce methane emissions, and has set a goal to increase the share of renewable energy sources in installed electricity capacity to 30 percent by 2030. This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Hana Ikramuddin is a Hearst Fellow in Connecticut. She spent the first part of her fellowship at the Houston Chronicle. Raised in the Twin Cities, Hana majored in journalism and political science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. She has held internships with the Star Tribune, APM Reports and Sahan Journal. In her free time, she loves to cook, make chai and take care of her houseplants. 15 April 2024 14:18 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Heydar Aliyev Centre in Shaki has hosted the Greater Caucasus Cup 2024 Dance and Art Competition. The competition was co-organised by the Azerbaijan Youth Union Public Union and the Azerbaijan Dance Association, Azernews reports. Participants from Baku and Sumgait, as well as music schools, culture houses, and associations from Yevlakh, Barda, Tovuz, Agdash, Shaki, and other cities, participated in the competition in dance and various types of arts, including academic instruments, folk musical instruments, vocals, and drawing. The winners of the large-scale competition, consisting of five parts, were evaluated by professional judges. The award ceremony was chaired by the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Youth Union, Zakir Aliyev. "It is important to organise such competitions for children and youth so that they can discover and demonstrate their talents, to create stage culture and self-confidence, as well as to develop cultural dialogue. We pay special attention to such competitions. Our duty is to support them because they are our future," said Zakir Aliyev. The head of the project and the Azerbaijan Dance Association, Aziz Azizov, stressed the significance of the Great Caucasus Cup 2024. "Thanks to the participants who participated in the competition, we see an interest in art among children and young people. They are constantly striving to improve. I am sure that they will represent Azerbaijan properly at all times and everywhere," said Aziz Azizov. The Greater Caucasus Cup 2024 brought together young talents from Shaki Art School's dance team, Children's Music School No. 4, Children's Music School No. 1 named after Habil Aliyev, Agdash city, Alov Dance Ensemble and Nargis Dance Ensemble. The media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 11:27 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more For the first time, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, attends the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue Central Asia Gulf Cooperation Council as a guest of honour, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by Aykhan Hajizade, press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on his official "X" account. "Much has been accomplished among our countries, and even more is to come," he noted. For the first time, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan @Bayramov_Jeyhun attends the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue Central Asia Gulf Cooperation Council as a guest of honor. Much has been accomplished among our countries, and even more is to come. pic.twitter.com/49CBwymRF2 Aykhan Hajizada (@Aykhanh) April 15, 2024 Note that Jeyhun Bayramov met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, during his visit to Tashkent. "Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to further deepening the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and filling it with new practical substance," said the Azerbaijani minister. I had a pleasure to meet with @FM_Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in beautiful Tashkent. Together we reaffirmed our commitment to further deepening the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and filling it with new practical substance. pic.twitter.com/4KXrtpAgFn Jeyhun Bayramov (@Bayramov_Jeyhun) April 14, 2024 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 14:30 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has sent congratulatory letter to Peter Pellegrini on his election as the President of the Slovak Republic, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "Dear Mr. Pellegrini, I sincerely congratulate you on your election as President of the Slovak Republic. The development of friendly relations with Slovakia holds great significance for us. Currently, there are good opportunities for enriching the Azerbaijan-Slovakia cooperation with new content in various areas. I believe that the Embassy of our country, which started its activities in Bratislava last year, will contribute to the expansion of our bilateral ties. I am confident that we will make joint efforts towards further strengthening our intergovernmental relations and deepening our cooperation in line with the interests of our peoples. I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your upcoming responsible activities for the prosperity of the friendly people of Slovakia. Sincerely, Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku, 15 April 2024" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with China's top legislator, Zhao Leji, in Pyongyang and discussed ways to further deepen bilateral ties, the North's state media said Sunday, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap. During the luncheon meeting held Saturday, Kim said Zhao's visit to Pyongyang is "of very weighty significance in demonstrating the invincibility of the DPRK-China friendship and further developing the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries as required by the times," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Zhao, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, is the first high-ranking Chinese official to visit the North since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The three-day trip by the No. 3 official in the Chinese Communist Party came as the two countries mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 10:17 (UTC+04:00) Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad International Airport resumed operations in Tehran, Iran, citing, the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran. It was reported that the two mentioned airports started to operate flights today (April 15) at 06:00 local time. It should be noted that on April 14, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it fired dozens of rockets and anti-aircraft missiles at Israel. Following this, Iran's Tehran airports temporarily stopped their operations. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 12:34 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more Kristalina Georgieva was re-elected as the head of the IMF. Azernews reports that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a statement on it. According to the statement, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday selected Kristalina Georgieva to serve as IMF managing director for a second five-year term starting on Oct. 1, 2024. The statement said that the decision was adopted unanimously. During her tenure, Georgieva was praised for her "strong and flexible" leadership in dealing with a number of major global upheavals. The board is focused on strengthening Georgiyeva's support for fund members through effective policy advice, capacity building, and funding, the statement noted. After being re-elected as the head of the IMF, Georgieva said that she was honoured to continue her position as president for the second time for a 5-year term. Note that the IMF is a global organisation that works to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for all of its 190 member countries. It does so by supporting economic policies that promote financial stability and monetary cooperation, which are essential to increasing productivity, job creation, and economic well-being. The IMF is governed by and accountable to its member countries. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 18:51 (UTC+04:00) Uzbekistan and Qatar discussed the realization of the Trans-Afghan Railway construction project, Azernews reports. According to the Uzbek Presidents office, the project was reviewed at a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with the delegation of Qatar headed by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. During the meeting, the sides discussed matters of expanding bilateral cooperation in trade and economics, investment and transportation and communication spheres. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted the intensive political dialog, the dynamic growth of mutual trade and investments. Furthermore, both sides noted the importance of promoting joint investment projects and creating effective mechanisms for their financial support as soon as possible. Both parties discussed regional issues, including the serious escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Meanwhile, in October 2023, Uzbekistan Railways JSC presented the Transfagan Railway project to Qatar's Ministry of Transport. Following the presentation, the parties discussed how to ensure Qatar's participation in the project's implementation. The administrations of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan signed a road map for the building of the Termez-Mazar-I-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway in February 2021. According to the calculations of the participants in the project, with a preliminary cost of about $5 billion, the new transport corridor with a transit potential of up to 20 million tons of cargo should connect the countries of Europe, Russia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and further the states of Southeast Asia. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 22:35 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The Chinese side is interested in building a large land port on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan. It was noted that a delegation of deputies and businessmen headed by the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan Temir Sariev is in Xi'an (China). The delegation met with the leadership of the Xi'an Land Railway Port, where the main flows of China-Central Asia, China-Russia, and China-Europe are formed. "Last year they built a port for Kazakhstan. Considering that the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will begin in the near future, the management of the Xi'an Port is interested in building the same large port on the territory of Kyrgyzstan," the message says. It was noted that this issue was also raised during the talks between the heads of Kyrgyzstan and China. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 23:40 (UTC+04:00) South Korea's foreign minister on Monday discussed "alternatives" with the top US envoy to the UN after Russia vetoed the renewal of an expert panel monitoring sanctions on North Korea, local media reported. Cho Tae-yul held talks with Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who arrived in Seoul Sunday, on measures to ensure continued reporting about North Korea's "weapons proliferation and sanctions evasion activities," Seoul-based Yonhap News reported. Thomas-Greenfield is currently on a four-day visit to South Korea and is expected to meet with other senior officials, including Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, to discuss cooperation in the UN Security Council. "It was very productive and I look forward to continuing those discussions over the course of the next two days," she told reporters as she left the Foreign Ministry building. Her visit, which also marks the first trip to South Korea by a US ambassador to the UN since 2016, came after Russia last month vetoed the UN's annual renewal of an expert panel monitoring Pyongyang's compliance with UN sanctions. The panel's mandate is set to expire at the end of this month. North Korea has been under strict UN sanctions, which call for, among other things, a ban on the country's exports of coal and other mineral resources to cut off Pyongyang's access to hard currency. Thomas-Greenfield is also set to travel to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas, meet with North Korean "defectors" and speak with students at Ewha Womans University before heading to Japan on Wednesday. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2024 23:05 (UTC+04:00) Turkish firm Karmod has produced a double-walled acid storage tank with a focus on environmental safety, according to a statement issued by its subsidiary Karmod Plastic, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. The newly developed tank was made using polyethylene raw materials. Soner Kement, Karmod Plastics production manager, said in the statement that the new tank will provide full security to the production areas in the industry. Kement stated that Karmod offers solutions to the chemical industry in particular, saying: We give emphasis to sustainable environmental understanding in our products. In the production and transformation industries, inorganic acids are heavily used, which are known to be corrosive chemicals with serious effects. In order to ensure full protection in said areas, the chance for these acids to contact with the environment or humans must be completely eliminated, which is where our new double-walled acid tanks come in, as they offer safety, he added. Kement mentioned that full security of no-contact was ensured by integrating a sensor system into tanks. "Since the tank is double-layered, warning sensors are activated as soon as the leaks that may occur in the first layer pass to the second layer, Kement added. He added that they produce the newly developed double-walled polyethylene acid storage tanks in all intermediate tonnages, up to 20,000 liters. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz With record scale, China's consumer products expo shares opportunities, market with world Xinhua) 10:40, April 15, 2024 HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China, the world's second-largest economy, is sharing its booming consumer market with companies around the world, with its heavyweight expo hitting a record high scale held in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province. The country launched a series of global consumption events on Saturday at the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo in the island province known for its offshore duty-free shopping and free trade port policies. Lasting from April 13 to 18, the expo themed "Share Open Opportunities, Co-create a Better Life" will host over 4,000 brands from 71 countries and regions, showcasing their novel and upmarket products for global consumers. This photo taken on April 13, 2024 shows a view outside the venue of the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengjiao) In addition to the main venue at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center in Haikou, the provincial capital, three sub-venues regarding sailboats and yachts, duty-free shopping and international health have been set up in Haikou and Boao. The total indoor exhibition area is expected to reach 128,000 square meters, surpassing its previous editions. More than 300 themed activities and featured activities such as new product releases will also be carried out. Over the past three years, the scale, quality and influence of the expo have been continuously improved, Peng Qinghua, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said at the launch ceremony. The expo has become the largest consumer products exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, a gathering place for global consumer products and a vane for the consumer market, becoming a name card for the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port, he said. Feng Fei, secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, said from this year, the expo will be held in Hainan from April 13 to 18 every year to better facilitate the arrangements of participants. A piece of jewelry designed with artificial intelligence is displayed at the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) In addition, the quality of the exhibitions is improving. Especially, more attention has been paid to the marketization, internationalization and specialization of the exhibitions. Ireland is the guest of honor at this year's expo, with a dedicated exhibition venue showing the country's scientific and technological innovation, education, investment, tourism and culture. "China is our largest trading partner in the Asia Pacific. Many of our companies will be represented at the Hainan consumer products expo," Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said in a congratulatory letter to the expo, adding that international expos like this one give Irish producers an important and direct platform to promote their high quality produce. Ann Derwin, Ireland's ambassador to China, said the economic and trade exchanges between the two countries are strong. In 2022, the total bilateral trade reached over 45 billion euros, a 28 percent year-on-year increase, she said. "Free Trade Zones, such as Hainan Free Trade Port, are an important element and driver of this system as they allow greater freedom and incentives to companies wishing to trade globally," she added. Israel Alexander Assa, Estee Lauder Companies Travel Retail Global President, said that Hainan has made significant progress in developing its duty-free sector in recent years, with improvements in shopping policy and retail infrastructure and the company remains optimistic about the sector's long term future. In the first two months of this year, retail sales of consumer goods totaled 8.1 trillion yuan (about 1.14 trillion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.5 percent year on year. "This fully reflects the strong resilience and vitality of China's consumer market, and also lays a foundation for stable consumption throughout the year," said Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Octopus Tree Atop Cape Meares: History, Hikes, Rumors of the Oregon Coast Celeb Published 4/12/24 at 12:05 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Oceanside, Oregon) Whether or not it's the oldest, or tallest or even strangest, whatever titles the Octopus Tree atop Cape Meares has (sort of) acquired, it's at the top of the list of favorites for many. For over 60 years now, this sprawling multi-limbed forest freak has been accessible and it's been the center of attention for scores over that time, providing tiny, nearby Oceanside with an attraction that's amazing and legendary. (All photos Oregon Coast Beach Connection) Indeed, it had quite the fame for a time. Cape Meares' Octopus Tree has a distinct and downright odd candelabra shape, consisting of six branches that spread out from what looks to be no base at all. It's almost as if it has no trunk. However, that base is underground: those limbs all meet down at the very bottom of the Octopus Tree. Then, count all the major offshoots of this behemoth: you'll notice there's really like eight or nine different limbs, depending on how you think of it. The thing is full of mystery. One of those is just how it got to look this way. In spite of whatever you read out in Internet Land, the origin of its shape is still not exactly known. There are numerous theories, however. The Octopus Tree is several hundred feet from the main viewpoint at Cape Meares and the parking lot. From there, you enter a deep and dense forest. Even in '63, travel writers said it was a place where sunlight barely penetrated. That's still the case, as you can see by the photos of the Octopus Tree over some 20 years that Oregon Coast Beach Connection has documented it. There, it's fenced off, with an informative sign and another asking you not to climb. Sad that's even needed. In 2001: look close and you'll see where the missing limb was. And just how old is the Octopus Tree? That's a puzzle too. For decades, the Octopus Tree was thought to be 400 years old, but in recent years it's been narrowed down to 200 to 300 years old. Rumors about the unique tree abound, but the frequently-heard tale that is true is that one of the limbs was torn off during a heavy windstorm in the '90s. You can see the spot where something is clearly missing. There were until then seven large limbs extending from it, which was well documented in the 1960s when the tree was featured in the Ripley's Believe It Or Not books which were a hip, cool trivia thing long before the internet. They called it seven trees in one. Which brings us to the name why it's called the Octopus Tree. Who gave it that moniker isn't clear, though it seems it had it long before 1963. It's about that year when the park opened and the first newspaper articles appear that mention the Octopus Tree, shortly after the Three Capes Loop was built (now known as the Three Capes Scenic Route, among other things). Likely, earlier residents gave the tree that name because of the unique candelabra-like shape. Back in '63 when the state park just opened, the Capital Journal wrote it was a Sitka spruce of exceptional size, candelabra in its branching and grotesquely formed by strong coastal winds and the sheltered hollow of its location. It turns out, that's likely not how it was formed. But more on that in a second. There are numerous internet rumors that it is the tallest in Oregon. Nope. This was debunked a few times, and it could be that people had the Octopus Tree mixed up with another Sitka Spruce nearby that was under consideration. A soaring monster of a tree near Cannon Beach was the tallest in the state until late in the 2000s, when a big Oregon coast blowout knocked it over. There are many more trees much higher, including at Yachats and around Brookings and Bend. What is the height of the Octopus Tree? The north Oregon coast's Octopus Tree is a mere 105 feet high. However, it's some 60 feet in circumference, because those limbs stretch out as far as 30 feet away from the center, making it a giant in other ways . While Ripley's made it a celeb through the mid century, the tree was long revered by local tribes as a ceremonial site, possibly for hundreds of years. There were numerous such native spiritual trees documented by Sam Boardman in the early century yes, the same man the big scenic corridor on the south Oregon coast is named for. This is where the big mystery of the Octopus Tree's origin comes in: how did it get this look? A common practice among tribes was to push sacred tree limbs downward while it was still flexible, and they grew outward until they were allowed to grow normally. Then the branches would grow straight upwards. In this case, the Octopus Tree limbs jut out some 16 and then another good 100 feet skyward. There was also talk tribes would bury some of their dead in canoes in between tree limbs, but that's unsubstantiated. Oregon coast gale winds have been the other theory, though that's less popular now. However, another guess in decades past has been that when the tree was a seedling, it had gotten trampled underfoot now and again, thus getting a different shape. In either case, Cape Meares' Octopus is not to be missed, along with the stunning viewpoint a few steps away. From here you get a nice glimpse into Lost Boy Beach, the absolutely hidden and dangerous beach between Short Beach and Oceanside's Tunnel Beach (often known as Star Trek Beach). There are numerous hiking opportunities atop Cape Meares, with the main path between the parking lot and the tree less than 1,000 feet worth of a hike. According to Oregon State Parks: "From a turnoff at the park entrance, a 0.8-mile trail heads north through a forest of old growth spruce that's part of a National Wildlife Refuge. Take the .25-mile spur trail to the largest Sitka spruce tree in Oregon." Also see Cape Meares Scary Geology Hotels in Oceanside - Where to eat - Oceanside Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Now that Kamala Harris has been coronated the Democratic Socialist designee for nomination as their candidate for President of these United States, after that political party's contrived primary process "democratically" elected Joseph R. Biden: What are your feelings about this party's progressive posture within their self-styled exercise of "Saving Democracy for America," and how truly critical the outcome of this presidential election will be? 8.7% I am ecstatic that this "Democracy's" First partially Black, First partially Indian, First female Co-Parent, and this nation's primary necessity is to her elect our First woman president.26.09% I really do not care about all these "Firsts." I will continue to pray, and work for this Representative Republic to elect someone competent, and brilliantly patriotic to be our next president.65.22% I will never vote for any politician that "first" does not have the core values to understand how dire this Constitutional Republic's situation has become. A physician and a chiropractor at a Kentucky pain clinic were sentenced for their roles in a scheme that defrauded Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance companies of more than $4 million. The clinic's medical director, William Lawrence Siefert, MD, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison and ordered to pay $1.97 million in restitution. The clinic's owner and licensed chiropractor Timothy Ehn was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and ordered to pay $3.78 million in restitution. Dr. Ehn and Dr. Siefert billed for urine drug tests that were not medically necessary but were lucratively reimbursed by providers such as Medicare and Medicaid, according to an April 12 news release from the Justice Department. Dr. Ehn was convicted of healthcare fraud and conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. Dr. Siefert was convicted of healthcare fraud. Students are shown in the English III AP classroom of teacher Shardae Merritt at Kashmere High School, 6900 Wileyvale Rd., Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Diversity, equity and inclusion Regarding "The backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion in business is in full force but myths obscure the real value of DEI," (April 11): As an almost old white lady, I remember the lack of diversity, equity and inclusion for Black people from the '50s to yesterday. I attended segregated public schools. My father was a school board member, and he visited the Black school. He came home and told of the poor facilities, desks that the white school would not use, and old books missing pages. Yes, some things have improved, but we have a long way to go until all people have equity and inclusion. In America we have neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan and other groups promoting hatred of non-white people. Doing away with DEI is just another form of Jim Crow. Linda Butler, Dickinson Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kids and social media Regarding "'Generation Anxiety' needs free play. Not smartphones. (Editorial)," (April 2): We are enthralled with new technology! Our excitement over bright, shiny discoveries seems to supersede most thought of ethics or social impact. This may be some innate character trait of humans. But it is not one to value too highly. Do we feel we'll lose that creative spark if we couple talent and innovation with a serious and thoughtful consideration of the potential negatives of our deep dive into technology? No matter the rationale, the impact of our toys on society, especially our children, must be considered prior to releasing the latest, greatest designs to emanate from human genius. As the Chronicle editorial posited, early attachment to social media platforms has often been detrimental to children's development physically, socially and psychologically. My young grandchildren have certainly been introduced to remote participation in life. Luckily at ages 8 and 11, their screen time is currently balanced with actual human-to-human relationships. They live in a part of the country where outdoor play is common, in a neighborhood full of kids. They have minimally supervised free time, as I did. As did my children. And yet, they are certainly exposed to the lure of the screen. The desire to be popular, accepted, part of the group, is not much different for kids or adults. Except, of course, adults should have the maturity to realize a padded screen persona is a lie not worth the telling. And judgment by others reflects more of their needs than our limits. Peer pressure is a two-sided coin. Can we take a chance that its result in this instance will avoid the dangerous, sometimes fatal, circumstances we've already experienced too many times? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Few children or younger teens have an emotional grasp on the vagaries of life, nor do they command the ability to make the mature decisions social media demands. The least we can do is guide and protect our children, while allowing them to learn from small errors in decision-making or lapses in judgment before the shiny new technology sweeps them into waters too deep to navigate. Carol Godell, Spring A healthy rivalry Regarding "Let's be clear: UT's rival isn't Texas A&M | Opinion," (April 12): As a 1982 graduate of the University of Texas and a parent of daughters who graduated from Texas A&M in 2014 and UT in 2017, I believe this letter writer couldn't be more wrong. His arrogance serves only to harm what has long been a mostly healthy rivalry. The competition in so many arenas has been helpful to both of these great schools. Maybe the letter writer should go back to his cartoons. Beth Shaw, Houston Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bugging out Regarding "It's gnat season in Houston. Here's how to get rid of the pests invading your home," (April 6): Thank you for your article that listed tips to prevent gnats and fruit flies. Yes, fruit flies have been driving me buggy. After bringing bananas home from the store, I had been rinsing them off and storing them overnight in the refrigerator. It wasn't enough. From now on I'll be more scrupulous in my cleaning of the countertops and floor. It's helpful to know, too, that others have this problem. I'll be taping your article to a cabinet door. Eritha Yardley, Houston Losing leisure Regarding "Rest in peace, Art Car Museum. Long live hell-raising and weirdness. | Editorial," (April 10): Today's Chronicle mentions the FinanceBuzz (whoever that is) report finding Houston to be the most uptight city in the country because it lacks leisure activities, followed a few pages later by the editorial lamenting the closing of the Art Car Museum, and the earlier closing of the Station Museum. Which of our leisure activities will go next? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jack Hall, Houston This is government Regarding "Unchecked Forces: A Houston Chronicle Investigation," (March 28): Thanks to the five reporters for their excellent research and reporting on how, over the decades, the unchecked power of Harris County constables developed. Only by addressing this history can a plan be formulated to solve this irrational bureaucracy. It reminds me of my time as an employee of a county elected official. I fielded calls from angry constituents about many issues in Harris County. After listening to the often justified complaints, I would reply, Im so sorry this happened to you. But what can I say? This is government. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sally Lehr, Houston The highest-earning executives at Tenet Healthcare, parent company of ASC chain United Surgical Partners International, saw overall pay increases in 2023, according to a proxy statement filed April 12 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Here are the five top-paid executives from Dallas-based Tenet: Saum Sutaria, MD. CEO: $18,518,109 total 2023 compensation Salary: $1,500,000 Stock awards: $10,130,393 Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $6,300,000 Other: $587,717 Dan Cancelmi, CFO: $9,272,504 (Sun Park became CFO in 2024) Salary: $750,000 Stock awards: $2,366,606 Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $2,100,000 Pension value and nonqualified deferred compensation: $4,045,998 Other: $9,900 Tom Arnst. Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary: $3,672,298 Salary: $650,000 Stock awards: $1,614,898 Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $1,267,500 Other: $139,900 Lisa Foo. Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations: $3,235,506 Salary: $650,000 Stock awards: $1,150,146 Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $1,267,500 Other: $167,860 Paola Arbour. Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer: $2,467,441 Salary: $550,000 Stock awards: $807,541 Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $990,000 Other: $119,900 Patrick Cawley, MD, CEO of Charleston, S.C.-based Medical University of South Carolina, has received approval from the MUSC board of trustees for the development of two hospital projects for a total of $705 million. The first project approved by the board is a $395 million, 70-bed Nexton Medical Center and a 30,000-square-foot cancer medical office, which would be located in Berkeley County, S.C., a spokesperson for MUSC said in a statement shared with Becker's. A 50-bed Indian Land Medical Center and a 60,000-square-foot medical office in Lancaster County, S.C., was also approved for up to $310 million. Now that Dr. Cawley has received board approval for both projects, MUSC will need approval from the State Fiscal Accountability Authority to receive market loans, the spokesperson confirmed. MUSC is an academic health system that provides care at 16 hospitals, with around 2,700 beds, and has four more hospitals in development. It also has over 350 telehealth sites and almost 750 care locations across South Carolina. MUSC has 31,000 employees, according to an April 12 news release shared with Becker's. Becker's has reached out to SFAA for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available. Valley Health System has moved 203 patients out of its hospital in Ridgewood, N.J., to a new $800 million facility in Paramus, N.J. The transfer took place April 14 and involved 75 ambulances, according to local news outlets. The move took more than a year of planning to ensure patients are transferred safely and without disruptions to care, officials told CBS New York. "There was a lot involved in the design, there was a lot involved in the construction, and the logistics for this move are just really massive," Robert Brenner, MD, president of Ridgewood-based Valley Health System, told the news outlet. "There's so much more involved than one would ever imagine." The new hospital in Paramus comprises 370 beds, single-patient rooms, an expanded emergency department and larger operating rooms. It is about 2.5 miles from the Ridgewood campus, which is transitioning to an outpatient facility that offers outpatient laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy services and a recovery and wellness center. Nurses, more than 400 volunteers and other workers were involved in the patient transfer, NorthJersey.com reported. The move was originally scheduled for January, but health system leaders determined respiratory virus season may complicate the transfer and delayed the move to April. Read more about the new Paramus campus here. UC San Diego Health has been piloting the use of generative artificial intelligence in its Epic EHR system to help draft responses to patient messages and found that the tool is assisting physicians in drafting more empathetic responses. Initiated in April 2023, the University of California San Diego School of Medicine conducted a study of the tool in the health system's EHR to test its ability to draft physician responses to nonemergency questions. The results, published April 15 in JAMA Network Open, found the tool did not reduce physician response time to messages, but it was able to start an empathetic draft that physicians could edit instead of starting from scratch, according to an April 15 news release UC San Diego Health shared with Becker's. The generative AI tool was also able to help draft longer, compassionate responses, according to the study. "This study shows that generative AI can be a collaborative tool," Ming Tai-Seale, PhD, study lead author and professor of family medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, said in the release. "Our physicians receive about 200 messages a week. AI could help break 'writer's block' by providing physicians an empathy-infused draft upon which to craft thoughtful responses to patients." From his vantage point as CEO of University of Pennsylvania Health System, Kevin Mahoney sees a math problem unfolding for health systems of all types one that will require stronger responses than many may be ready for. Mr. Mahoney, who has led the health system pillar of $10 billion Penn Medicine in Philadelphia since 2019, says that while rhetoric about financial models and reform carries on in healthcare, the scale continues to tip toward one direction for health system revenue. "I think we have a math problem in healthcare," Mr. Mahoney said April 8 at the Becker's Annual Meeting in Chicago. "Medicare for all, Medicare for none the debate goes on and on. While we're talking about it, we're becoming a single payer system." When Mr. Mahoney began his tenure with Penn Medicine in 1996, its payer mix was approximately 60% commercial and 40% governmental reimbursement. He said it has completely flipped today. The six-hospital system with hundreds of outpatient locations is now nearly 63% government paid. ("You could also say 'government underpaid,'" as he put it.) University of Pennsylvania Health System is one of the largest health systems that is privately owned by a university, with 60% of its profit margin going back to research, 25% back to health system capital and 15% back to education. "Math problem" is often used to describe healthcare's workforce shortages, but Mr. Mahoney's remarks underscore how demographic shifts over the next five years will intensify funding challenges as well. By 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 or older. In 2000, the U.S. was home to about 35 million Medicare-eligible people; by 2030, that number is expected to reach nearly 70 million. "As a healthcare system, we have significant demographic trends that we have to face up to. You can't change your payer mix; people aren't going to get younger," Mr. Mahoney said. The current day reality and math problem only intensifies pressure for health systems, particularly academic institutions, to become more efficient. In a recent McKinsey survey of 1,000 academic medical centers, 66% of respondents said they expect margins to remain flat or fall over the next year, and 31% said they anticipate a need to decrease funding for education and research in the next three years. The need for efficiency is not debatable, but Mr. Mahoney urged leaders to be cautious about over-crediting interventions that merely rearrange the furniture. Superficial "workflow redesigns" or artificial intelligence overlays may change the appearance of work or yield marginal improvements, but fall short of sustainable, meaningful change. For instance, instead of a redesign where four people tackle an inefficiency that once required five, why not strive to eliminate the inefficiency altogether? "I hear a lot about AI eliminating repetitive human functions, and I think we should just eliminate repetitive human functions and pre-authorization denials," he said. "We have to deeply get underneath so many of the regulations and things that are just churning up [inefficiencies]." And like AI band-aids or workarounds, Mr. Mahoney also emphasized that a strategy focused solely on minimizing wage expenses is not sustainable in the long run. "We have to learn not to balance our budget on the back of the workers, but to use our brains to really step back and truly make the system more efficient," Mr. Mahoney said. HealthOne a Denver-based branch of HCA Healthcare has named Ryan Thornton, BSN, RN, president and CEO of its North Suburban Medical Center in Thornton, Colo. Most recently, Mr. Thornton served as chief nursing executive for HCA's Continental Division, which includes HealthOne, according to an April 11 news release. He has been with HealthOne for more than a decade, holding nursing leadership positions in a number of the system's hospitals. Prior to joining the health system, Mr. Thornton served eight years in the U.S. Air Force as both an enlisted member and an officer. Rick Francis, a state representative for District 145, was appointed CEO of Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based Cross Trails Medical Center, Southeast Missourian reported April 15. Mr. Francis has served on the clinic's board of directors for the last eight years, including four as its president, according to a news release cited by the newspaper. He assumed his state office in 2017, and his current term expires in January. In his new role, Mr. Francis will succeed Ron Camp, who retired, according to the release. Cross Trails Medical Center, a federally qualified health center and a community health center, includes clinics in four Missouri cities: Cape Girardeau, Advance, Marble Hill and Perryville. Imran Andrabi, MD, is more than 100 days into his role as president of the newly combined 18-hospital system in Wisconsin formed by Froedtert Health and ThedaCare, and he's quick to note this timeline. "Not that I'm counting, but it's day 103," Dr. Andrabi told Becker's April 12. "I say that out loud often because it's important to remember it's been a short time since we have come together. There was a lot of work that was done beforehand. But now it's allowed teams across the system to come together and start having some meaningful conversations." Milwaukee-based Froedtert and Neenah, Wis.-based ThedaCare finalized their merger agreement and launched a combined system in January. The combined system announced its board of directors in February, and it is now in the first phase of integration. Dr. Andrabi who will assume the dual role of president and CEO of Froedtert ThedaCare Health when current CEO Catherine Jacobson retires this summer said this phase includes various discussions among team members. "Where I find there's a tremendous amount of synergy is around our mission and vision and values and why we came together to create an organization that creates value for the people of our communities," he said. "We are both very quality and safety centric. We are both very community centric, and also very intentional about the Wisconsin connection. Led by people in Wisconsin, governed by people in Wisconsin, for the people of Wisconsin." Dr. Andrabi said several hundred clinicians between Froedtert and ThedaCare legacy systems and the Medical College of Wisconsin have also come together to learn from each other and to see where the opportunities are to advance population health. From a leadership perspective, he has known Ms. Jacobson for about a decade since he was president and CEO of Mercy Health-Toledo (Ohio) Region. He said he's also had a good working relationship with Ms. Jacobson since coming to Wisconsin in 2017 as president and CEO of ThedaCare. Ms. Jacobson was president and CEO of Froedtert Health before the merger with ThedaCare. "We often will say that we finish each other's sentences," said Dr. Andrabi. "She's been an excellent leader in terms of being inclusive and running things by me. We're texting each other, calling each other all the time. So it's been a great experience up to this point where we have open lines of communication." He and Ms. Jacobson are splitting the work ahead of the leadership transition this summer. Dr. Andrabi is focused on all things related to operations and integration. Ms. Jacobson is focused on governance issues. "Her presence is going to be missed, and she needs to be respected and honored for what she's been able to accomplish," Dr. Andrabi said. "I personally have a lot of respect for her, and I'm grateful I've had the opportunity to do what I'm going to do and the opportunity to work with her during this time so we have a smooth transition." Moving forward, he said he is focused on staying connected to the organization's purpose. "Staying true to the true north is very important. To have humility is very important because this work is complex, and you have people's lives you're dealing with," said Dr. Andrabi. "... Having curiosity is [also] important. Healthcare is changing so rapidly. No one has all the answers. But if we're curious and we're asking the right questions, hopefully we can be adaptive and learn and understand and pivot appropriately to respond." Another priority of the combined system is "making sure we understand it's our privilege and honor to serve, not the other way around," he said. Pete McCanna serves as CEO of Dallas-based Baylor Scott & White Health, the largest nonprofit health system in Texas, and he brings with him decades of healthcare management and consulting experience. Mr. McCanna took the helm of the 51-hospital organization in January 2022 after serving as president since September 2017. Before joining Baylor Scott & White, he served as executive vice president and COO at Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine. He also previously served as CFO of Albuquerque, N.M.-based Presbyterian Healthcare Services and CFO at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver. Mr. McCanna told Becker's Hospital Review that he got an early sense of what it takes to lead a business from his first job, and despite his deep experience in healthcare, he looks to a different industry when reflecting on an example of what not to do. He shared these lessons, discussed agile management and revealed what accomplishment he wants to achieve before he retires. Editor's note: This is a regular series of conversations with CEOs of the nation's health systems. Responses were lightly edited for length and clarity. Question: What's an industry or business outside of healthcare that you think we could take notes from? Pete McCanna: One reflection on an old industry is looking at the example and it would be a negative example of the auto industry of the 1970s. It was three big legacy companies Ford, General Motors and Chrysler and during a period of disruption, they were obsessed with what the others were doing, and the product improvements were only incremental every year when they brought new models out. And they were selling and promoting antiquated models that were gas guzzlers, they were big, they were low quality, and they were high cost. The companies' single-mindedness was around regulatory protection, maintaining their market share and profit levels, and one-upping each other, who have essentially the same model. And during this period, they were completely disrupted by innovative Japanese automakers who brought to our markets a whole new model that responded to customer needs in terms of higher gas efficiency, lower cost and higher quality. I think it's a very good lesson of how legacy industries can get very insular in their approach and miss that their industry is being disrupted. I thought that was an old industry model that serves as a cautionary tale. And then new industries are really new service companies that have robust platforms and data insights so that they know their customer, they can personalize products to their customers, and their service offerings are scalable. I think we can learn a lot from newer contemporary companies that are based on data and customer platforms. Q: What was your first job? How old were you? Biggest thing you learned? PM: My first job I was a paperboy. I was 12 years old. I learned a lot about business being a paperboy. At that time, you did the billing, you did the collecting, you did the distribution. I think the most important lesson was if I served the customer well, the customer treated me well. So I made a lot of money on tips. If I put the paper exactly where they wanted it and I delivered it in the time window they wanted it, I did well on tips, and I learned a lot about the basics of business from doing it. I thought it was a fabulous experience. Q: If you could go back in time 10 years, what would you tell yourself to start doing, or start learning about? What ended up being a bigger deal than it might have seemed at one point? PM: If I could go back 10 years and start doing or start learning about something more than I did, it would have been agile management methods, which is a new way of management compared to the historical hierarchical approaches to management. [To be] agile is to be adaptable. It is notable for its speed. It's notable for how it empowers a broader set of professionals and employees. It's very collaborative. And it leaves a lot of room for creativity. So that speed, that creativity, that adaptability are hallmarks of agile management that are not present in historial hierarchical management. And I would have learned more about that method and applied it more extensively over the last 10 years knowing what I know now. What ended up being a bigger deal than it might have seemed at one point is clearly artificial intelligence and its potential. Every bit of what we learned since the announcement of a workable generative AI model really points to another revolution in American business and global business. I think that's a far bigger deal than we could have ever anticipated 10 years ago. Q: Picture this. It's the first day of your retirement. What, if anything, do you worry about regretting? What do you hope your legacy will be? PM: Honestly, I don't care about my legacy. But what I really care about is that our leadership team is able to have the satisfaction and the celebration of winning. What I mean by winning is the achievement of our vision. Our vision is "empowering you to live well." What does that mean tangibly? It means three things that we are building that would tangibly achieve that vision, and I wouldn't want to retire without achieving that. The first piece is a frictionless, high-quality delivery of care that's customer obsessed in and out of the hospital, in every setting. The second is a digital-first experience through a multichannel expansive customer engagement platform. The third tangible piece of that vision are expanded product offerings, also known as a product ecosystem, of convenient health offerings. I wouldn't want to step into retirement without this team here at Baylor Scott & White truly achieving that vision. And we're on a journey to achieve it right now. New Hampshire is the latest state to consider nixing collaborative agreements for physician assistants, the New Hampshire Bulletin reported April 15. The bill has passed in the state House and is heading to the Senate. It was written in response to complaints that physician assistants were being charged $1,000 a month for a document they argued did not change how they practice and that they have lost jobs when new physicians arrive at their practice and refuse to sign agreements, the report said. The bill to require collaborative agreements only for physician assistants with fewer than 8,000 hours of clinical practice whose office or system does not include at least one physician doing similar work. Physician assistants would still be required to consult with their practices' team on whether to implement a collaborative agreement. The New Hampshire Medical Society, meanwhile, argued that dropping agreements would endanger patients. "We do not allow medical students to practice medicine right out of medical school, instead they have to train in a residency program for three to five years under strict supervision of attending physicians and then have to take a board exam in their respected specialty," Maria Boylan, DO, president of the society, told the Bulletin. "This proposed legislation sets a much lower, unsafe bar for the independent practice of PAs than is set for physicians." Microsoft Windows 11 users may soon start seeing ads pop up on their Start menu as evidenced by the latest Beta update the OS maker has launched. In a blog post on Friday, Microsoft said it is testing to include suggested apps from the Microsoft Store in the Start menu's "Recommended" section "to help you discover great apps." Users can still disable the ads by going to Settings > Personalization > Start and switching off the "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more" options. The added feature is currently available only on Windows Insiders on its US Beta Channel as Microsoft tests out users' feedback. There is no confirmation yet that the company is rolling out the ads on the regular Windows 11 version. The possible ad rollout follows after Microsoft's earlier promotional model for its app store in the Windows 10 version's lock screen. Also Read : Microsoft Preps for Enhanced PC Game Performance With AI Feature on Windows 11 More Ads on Microsoft Products, Software Microsoft has been looking to integrate more advertisements on its products for over a decade now. Microsoft previously tested launching ads on its File Explorer but later discontinued the project after discouraging feedback from beta users. However, it seems like it has finally found a way that is tolerable to many customers as evidenced by the same trend that can be seen with its AI services. The company has been pushing its AI chatbot, Copilot, across its products, launching it as a feature on the Edge browser, Windows 10, and even adding it as a new keyboard key for new Microsoft laptops. Related Article : Microsoft to Add Dedicated Keyboard Key for Copilot AI Possible Features for the Windows 11 OS A possible advertisement section is not the only addition Microsoft is looking to add to its Windows 11. Other features being tested include a change in the "Desktop Spotlight" toggle to allow users to easily change the desktop icon and wallpaper. Of course, Copilot AI is also receiving attention on the proposed additional features that will let users switch between the existing "docked" chatbot to an adjustable panel. The feature is expected to be also available on other Windows 11 apps. Medical Properties Trust, one of the world's largest hospital real estate owners, has offloaded five Dallas-based Steward Health Care-operated Utah hospitals for around $1.1 billion in total cash proceeds. The offload comes after Medical Properties Trust recently sold five facilities across California and New Jersey to Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare for $350 million. The Utah hospitals were leased to Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives Colorado, part of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health, and will be managed by Centennial, Colo.-based Centura Health, according to a Feb. 15 news release. Around 25% interest was retained by Medical Properties Trust in the sale; the 75% stake was sold to a real estate investment firm for $886 million. The purchase validated Medical Properties Trust's $1.2 billion underwritten lease base. New nonrecourse secured financing was placed by the joint venture during the sale closure, which gave Medical Properties Trust $190 million in added cash from "its share of the proceeds and further confirming underwritten asset values," the release said. Approximately $1.1 billion in immediate cash, before costs and reserves, went to Medical Properties Trust from the two transactions. The profits will go toward reducing Medical Properties Trust's debt along with general corporate purposes. "Our primary focus remains on accelerating our capital allocation strategy, and we are now confident that we will exceed our initial target of $2.0 billion in liquidity transactions in 2024 based on the valuations achieved on recent transactions and the terms we are actively negotiating for additional transactions," Edward Aldag Jr., chair, president and CEO of Medical Properties Trust, said in the release. Medical Properties Trust's cash basis portfolio of financially troubled Steward is $3.5 billion, according to MPT's recent financial reports shared in February. Mr. Aldag shared in the February report that the company was "encouraged" at the interest received from other hospital operators for Steward's facilities. Catholic Health Initiatives Colorado can purchase the leased Utah real estate during the fifth or 10th anniversary of the start date for the 2023 master lease at either fair market value or the lease base for approximately $1.2 billion. Specific preferences were given to CommonSpirit Health by Medical Properties trust based on the potential purchase price. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is planning to quickly reactivate its kidney transplant program, which the hospital halted earlier this month after discovering evidence of a physician allegedly altering transplant candidates' medical records, the Houston Chronicle reported April 12. The teaching hospital told the publication it is working with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to "make the necessary changes that will allow for the quick reactivation of the kidney transplant program under a different physician leadership structure." Houston-based Memorial Hermann voluntarily paused liver transplants April 4 and kidney transplants April 9, at the time attributing the actions to a pattern of irregularities with donor acceptance criteria from the database used by United Network for Organ Sharing. On April 11, the hospital told The New York Times that a physician in its abdominal transplant program admitted to manipulating patient records, potentially preventing some individuals from receiving lifesaving transplants. Memorial Hermann did not specify when the kidney transplant program may be reactivated or share an update about its liver transplant program, which was also paused as it was led by the same physician. The hospital is working with affected families, patients and caregivers who are affected by the program closures. Transplant care coordinations are contacting patients to review ongoing care options, including a potential transition to another transplant program, the hospital told the Houston Chronicle on April 12. Editor's note: Becker's reached out to Memorial Hermann for comment and will update this article if more information becomes available. WuXi AppTec, a drugmaker in China that manufactures multiple chemotherapies for U.S. patients, is facing scrutiny from lawmakers concerned about security threats, The New York Times reported April 15. The company is involved in one-fourth of the medications used in the U.S., according to one estimate. But in hearings, legislators rarely mention the biotech company's influence on the country's pharmaceutical industry, according to the Times. Members of Congress say WuXi AppTec has ties to the Chinese government, and lawmakers have named WuXi AppTec and other companies as a potential national security threat to Americans' genetic information and U.S. intellectual property. A Times review of hundreds of pages of global records shows the biotech company is "heavily embedded in the U.S. medicine chest, making some or all of the main ingredients for multibillion-dollar therapies that are highly sought to treat cancers, [including] some types of leukemia and lymphoma, as well as obesity and HIV." In mid-March, WuXi AppTec ended its membership in the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, a pharmaceutical trade organization. WuXi AppTec and its affiliate company, WuXi Biologies, have developed a reputation for low-cost and reliable services. Now, a bill moving through Congress aims to restrict the U.S. government from contracting with WuXi. Health system leaders testified in support of extending telehealth flexibilities set to expire Dec. 31 at a recent Congressional hearing. The witnesses who gave testimony April 10 included Lee Schwamm, MD, chief digital health officer of Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health System; Eve Cunningham, MD, chief of virtual care and digital health for Renton, Wash.-based Providence; and Ateev Mehrotra, MD, a Harvard Medical School professor and hospitalist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Telehealth has become a "core function of healthcare delivery," Dr. Cunningham testified before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, according to an April 11 American Telemedicine Association news release. Dr. Mehrotra encouraged Congress to permanently remove site-location requirements for telehealth, do away with in-person mandates before virtual mental health visits, and allow providers to practice virtually across state lines. The subcommittee is addressing 15 bills on telehealth flexibilities, many of them having gone into effect on a temporary basis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Orthopedic surgeons remain the highest paid physician specialty in 2024, despite a 3% decline in pay from the year prior, according to Medscape's 2024 "Physician Compensation Report," published April 12. Here are 12 statistics to know on physician compensation in 2024, per Medscape: 1. Physicians earn an average salary of $363,000 in 2024, while specialists earn an average of $394,000. 2. Orthopedic surgeons earn an average salary of $558,000. 3. The majority of physicians (61%) believe that most U.S. physicians are underpaid. 4. Over half of physicians (51%) feel underpaid in comparison to their work demands. 5. Orthopedic surgeon pay declined by 3% in 2024. 6. The majority of physicians (55%) reported that compensation was a factor when picking a specialty, but for most (38% of all physicians surveyed) it played only a minor role. Forty-five percent said it was not a factor at all. 7. Male specialists earn considerably more than their female specialist counterparts, at $435,000 compared to $333,000. 8. Physicians working in the West North Central region of the U.S., which comprises North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas, earn more than physicians working in any other U.S. region. 9. The majority of physicians (61%) do not take side jobs to boost their yearly income. 10. While the average incentive bonus for specialists is $51,000, the average incentive bonus for orthopedic surgeons reaches $102,000. 11. Less than half of orthopedic surgeons (44%) are happy with their compensation. 12. Employed physicians earn less than their self-employed counterparts, at $353,000 and $391,000, respectively. Three NI eateries have been forced to confirm theyre shutting up shop in recent days The Sooty Olive which is closing its doors Clenaghans Restaurant which will close at the end of April 2024 A popular restaurant in east Belfast has announced its closure due to impossibly high expenses and staffing concerns. Broker in Ballyhackamore joins a number of other restaurants across Northern Ireland that have been forced to close their doors in recent days. The Sooty Olive in Derry, which picked up an award for Best Emerging Irish Cuisine at the Irish Restaurants Awards last year, announced its closure on Monday due to ever-increasing costs. It will close permanently on Sunday after 11 years. Meanwhile, Clenaghans based on the Soldierstown Road near Aghalee in Co Antrim said it will close at the end of this month. Despite Broker opening in October 2022, owner Peter McCloskey, who also owns Belfasts Olivers chain, is now closing the restaurant saying it has never been harder. Owner of Broker restaurant Peter McCloskey (Pic: Kevin Scott/Belfast Telegraph) Its too hard to get quality staff here in Northern Ireland, he said. If we had the staff here that they have in other countries the industry would be totally different. Here, it is seen as a luxury to go to a restaurant but working in one is seen as just a casual job. Mr McCloskey feels the government can and should provide restaurants with greater support. He said rates relief and reducing VAT from 20% to 13.5% (the rate for the hospitality and tourism sector in the Republic of Ireland) would help business owners. Restaurants in GB are paying discounted rates and down south the VAT is much more manageable, places here have such impossibly high expenses and then people cant afford to eat out, he said. This comes as a Craigavon cafe shared its rates bill for 2024/25 totalling 71,041.14. Number Seven, which is located in Rushmere Shopping Centre, shared a photograph of its bill showing a payment plan of 7,104.15 a month. Number Seven cafe in Craigavon's Rushmere Shopping Centre. Meanwhile, Mr McCloskey described Belfast as a one-night city as many businesses cant afford to open full-time. He fears that if something isnt done to support restaurants in the city soon, more independent businesses will close. The rates are just far too high here, you have to bring in an awful lot of money to make any money, he said. We are heading to a place where the only restaurants that can afford the rates in Belfast are chain restaurants, and thats not what we want, we want to see talented and creative chefs in the city, not just a lot of chain restaurants. Despite the challenges within the industry Mr McCloskey doesnt want to discourage anyone from opening a restaurant. Chef Chris Hayden plans to take over the unit where Broker resided. He is a very talented chef and he has a lot of ideas he wants to showcase, he is the head chef at a hotel at the minute but having your own restaurant means you can put your stamp on things and do it the way you want to, Mr McCloskey said. He added that Mr Hayden can offer customers in east Belfast a great menu and has a supportive staff around him. He is a good chef and he has good chefs who want to work under him, you need a good staff to offer customers food they are willing to pay for and he will have that, Mr McCloskey said. Take Five: The chief executive of East Belfast Enterprise fills us in on his favourites FP McCann has said it's been issued with a no-action notice by the Home Office after a raid in north Wales. The company's premises include Craigall Quarry in Kilrea, Co Derry (above) Northern Ireland concrete company FP McCann has said its been cleared by the Home Office of any wrongdoing following a raid it carried out on a site in north Wales. A spokesman for the Magherafelt-based firm said it was issued with a no-action notice after Home Office immigration enforcement officers raided the site, a former paper mill, on March 19 to investigate the status of staff working on the site. He said: Following a detailed inquiry into a number of workers on site, it has been quickly established that all FP McCann Limited employees were suitably qualified to work in the UK. The notice issued on April 11 is confirmation that the company is not liable for a civil penalty under section 15 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. The notification is in respect to an investigation in March by Home Office immigration enforcement officers on a construction site in north Wales. He said the firm and its lawyers had worked with the Home Office to address the damage caused by erroneous press coverage based on incorrect Home Office information. The Home Office has said it wrongly stated that FP McCann and another firm had been handed fines worth a combined 400,000 for employing illegal workers. It clarified that it had in fact referred the firms for a civil penalty notice. That has now resulted in the no action notice given to FP McCann. The Home Office has been asked for further comment. FP McCann said it had provided the Home Office with information to satisfy it of the companys very comprehensive anti-slavery position adopted by the company both in relation to its direct employees and also articulating that to the subcontract network. He added: FP McCann Ltd are now content with the matter being closed with no enforcement action being taken. "FP McCann would also like to acknowledge the swift and immediate investigative action undertaken by the Home Office and the validation of our strict illegal immigration policies and procedures, resulting in the subsequent and prompt closure of the case by Immigration Enforcement. The Home Office had said that its immigration enforcement officers had visited the former mill, now being turned into a containerboard factory, in response to allegations from the public. A Home Office spokesperson said: Following an enforcement visit on March 19, a number of contractors were found to be working illegally. However, our subsequent investigation has established that FP McCann were not liable for the employment of these workers and a No Action Notice was issued to the company by the Home Office on 11 April. FP McCann have fully co-operated with the Home Office in our investigation into the discovery of the illegal workers, which is still ongoing. News Catch Up: Monday 15th April 2024 Illinois shared that the state is spending $25.1 million to build new EV charging infrastructure under the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program. The fund is awarded to 20 applicants and will be used for the development of 643 new Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports across 141 locations in Illinois. Read Also : Tesla Model Y Driver Survives a Crane Collapse as It Bounced Off the Vehicle Illinois Promotes Cleaner Driving With EV Charging Stations Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) director John J. Kim confirmed the state's plan to establish new EV charging infrastructure. Previously, the EPA awarded $12.6 million in Volkswagen Settlement funding for the development of over 300 new EV fast charging ports in 2023. According to Kim, the grants will effectively increase the number of fast-charging ports across the state by over 100%. The state is also expecting to have around 1,000 more ports for Illinois' motorists and visitors. "This is significant progress in building out EV charging infrastructure throughout Illinois, with more opportunities on the way," Kim added. Illinois Plans for DCFC Stations on Accessible Areas The upcoming DCFC charging stations will be situated in publicly accessible locations such as malls, gas stations, hotels, and more. Reports also revealed that additional funds were given to projects under Equity Investment Eligible Communities. "Thanks to recent grant awards, my administration will double the number of publicly available fast charging ports - putting us one step closer to our goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2050," said Governor JB Pritzker. Some of the charging ports will be developed around healthcare establishments, retail stores, restaurants, car dealerships, college hotels, and university hotels. Most locations were awarded over $270,000 while some prime locations, like gas stations, were given around $2 million to $8 million. Event will build on Septembers major conference in city highlighting regions unique dual access to British and EU markets in the wake of Brexit More than 100 business and government representatives from America and the UK arrive here this week for trade talks. The eighth annual UK-US small to medium sized enterprises summit in conjunction with the Department for Business and Trade will take place in Belfast on Tuesday. Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands said it is more apparent than ever that the UK-US special relationship is built on business. Following the success of the Northern Ireland Investment Summit (NIIS), events like this are so important in continuing to demonstrate our commitment to Northern Ireland and the strength of businesses here, he added. Im delighted to see the many ways were highlighting Northern Irelands bright future and the potential of our fantastic SMEs. The NIIS took place last September and highlighted the unique advantages of doing business in the only UK region to share a land border with the EU with dual market access. Tuesdays event will bring stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic together in a bid to ramp up support for small businesses and reaffirm their role as the engines of the economy. A separate event, in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses, will take place in Belfast today. The Made in Northern Ireland, Sold to the US conference will seek to highlight exporting opportunities for businesses in the US signed up to a UK memorandum of understanding initiative: Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, Oklahoma, Florida, Washington and Texas. The formal agreements set out a framework for companies to collaborate on projects. These events demonstrate the UK Governments continued commitment to NI businesses following the success of NIIS last year, the Department for Business and Trade said. As seen at NIIS, Northern Ireland has a unique trading position and is a story of energy, creativity and innovation. The UK is taking a twin-track approach to trade with the US strengthening ties on a federal level while also signing trade pacts with individual US states. US technology service provider Lucera has become the first tenant for Belfasts newest serviced office location. venYou has opened Thomas House on James Street in the city centre, following a refurbishment of the building into five floors of loft-style office space. And Lucera, a spin-off from Cantor Fitzgerald which first opened a location in Northern Ireland in 2015, has now moved its operation in the city into Thomas House. Damian Maguire, vice president of engineering at Lucera, said: The facilities in Thomas House were as high a standard as anything we looked at across Belfast. "What set the office space apart was the in space facilities such as having our own board room, kitchen, and bathroom facilities. That was something we didnt find anywhere else for the requirements that we had. Mr Maguire added: The new build out in an older building provides a modern, high class working space that is combined with a real character and identity afforded by the original building. "venYous team has been excellent since the initial contact, and our team at Lucera is extremely pleased with our new office space. venYou already operates office space at its flagship Scottish Provident Building on Donegall Square West, as well as Ascot House and Northern Court in the city centre. Thomas House has at least 34 workstations on each of its five floors, with a private boardroom, kitchen and breakout areas on each floor. The ground floor also has an executive lounge with coffee machines. Donna Linehan, clients services director at venYou, said: We are pleased to officially open Thomas House after an extensive refurbishment process, and delighted to welcome Lucera as its first client. "With this space, we wanted to create an environment where businesses could progress, collaborate and thrive, and were confident that this has been achieved, given the growing interest in the remaining floors. Jonny Hill, operations director at venYou, added: With the ever-evolving shift in the way companies are working, we used feedback from our clients to influence some of the elements of Thomas House. Second series is bigger, bolder and more engrossing (if thats possible) than the first Petrol bombs, balaclavas and an attempt to set fire to a police Land Rover youd be forgiven if Blue Lights opening scenes depicted a news report and not what turns out to be public order training. Grace, Stevie, Tommy and Annie fare poorly thats putting it kindly as their endeavour is dubbed one of the worst training exercise, with an officer suggesting they wave to the angels in the overhead drone. If this was real life, youd be joining them, he says tartly. So begins the second series with the first episode running the gamut of emotions. The episode may be called This Too Shall Pass, but its clear there are plenty of obstacles to manoeuvre around in the process namely the rise in drug supply and seizures in the city centre. One year on from the McIntyres downfall, it looks like someone has taken over and turned up the volume, says Murray Canning, latterly of Blackthorn Station and now a member of the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. The stats are not pretty. That much rings true: Stevie and Grace are called to a drug death early in the episode. Soupy, a former soldier, is found on the street and while the dynamic duo attempt to provide him with a level of respect, theyre accused of contributing to the citys chaos. Sian Brooke and Martin McCann as Grace and Stevie Elsewhere, staffing levels are down. The third response officer has left within a year, one opting for the better salary offered by lorry driving. Fewer cops, more crime, Inspector Helen McNally tells Chief Superintendent Robinson. Rival loyalist gangs, led by Jim Dixon and Davy Hamill, are top of Cannings list. Hes got new recruit PC Shane Bradley as his eyes and ears on the ground (and has high hopes for him joining the intelligence unit) but hes also quick to try and claim Tommy whom he calls not your average grunt. Which is all well and good, and Tommy looks to be swayed to a degree, but Cannings no Cliff. A surprise appearance from Tina McIntyre ensures the drug plot is stepped up a notch. Dixon meets the high heel-booted Mrs McIntyre who does a three-point turn of which driving instructors would be proud where she firmly lays down her law. Chillingly, she tells Dixon, you dont give me orders ever. Gulp. Watch: Blue lights series 2 trailer released Audiences meet siblings Lee and Mags Thompson (Seamus OHara and Seana Kerslake), owners of The Loyal Pub who pay protection money to Dixon. Soupy Ian Campbell served with Lee in Lashkar Gar, Afghanistan, and was living in the pub until thrown out for using drugs. In drugs of another nature, Annie and Tommy arrive at Moylans pharmacy where a youth Mr McSweeney recently turned 18 is demanding methadone. Its to the pharmacy viewers later return, the pharmacist now injured, McSweeney now in the shop, lowering the shutters while Stevie is locked inside. As Grace draws her gun, she freezes, while Shane makes swift work of handling McSweeney. Later, after washing blood from her hands, she and Stevie have a loaded chat about their relationship why any personal link cant work when they work together. Thats how Grace feels, leaving Stevie to walk his dog alone and no doubt lament his calling Graces perfectly sliced Fifteens merely good. CSI Robinsons daughter Jen immediately gets a kinder edit than series one, securing a solicitor role in a company. Mummy pretends to be pleased, telling Jen that perhaps shed found her niche, and commenting on her academic prowess through gritted teeth. Jen also meets up with Happy Kelly whos working in a soup kitchen. Happys frightened that hes responsible for the loss of loved ones I get people hurt specifically Gerry, and his father who was caught up in a 1978 bomb. Nathan Braniff as Tommy and Katherine Devlin as Annie The conversation between Hannah McClean and Paddy Jenkins is one of the most quietly important of the episode. As Jen later does some digging into the chip shop blast, this is one legacy story that we hope runs throughout the series. Of course, the spirit of dearly departed Gerry Cliff lingers. Wife Sandra, newly promoted, contemplates a return to London, the only thing putting her off is that Id be the only person there who really remembered him. Will she make the decision to go? Still though, things are looking up for Tommy when he eventually rings Aisling, whom he met on a training course last series texting weak, calling strong, everybody knows that says Annie and she agrees to meet up. Towards the episodes end, Dixon tells Lee hes not a fan of freelancers, ie, drug suppliers not working for him, and urges him to join officially. This too shall pass, says Lee when Dixon leaves. Will it though? asks barman Rab McKendry (Dan Gordon). One thing is for sure, theres no going back whatever decision Lee makes. Welcome back Blue Lights. Blue Lights is on BBC One each Monday at 9pm. All episodes are available now from BBC iPlayer Sir Salman Rushdie has said he did not want to attend the talk where he was attacked in 2022 after having a premonition of the incident. The author suffered life-changing injuries in the knife attack, including the loss of his right eye, while preparing to deliver a speech on free speech in upstate New York. In his first major television interview since the attack, Mr Rushdie, 76, told Anderson Cooper on CBS programme 60 minutes he had dreamed of a man bearing down on him with a spear in an amphitheatre in the days before the event. I woke up and I was quite shaken, he said. I said to my wife, Eliza, You know I dont want to go. Because of the dream. And then I thought, Dont be silly. Its a dream. His 1988 book The Satanic Verses has been banned in Iran since it was published as many Muslims view it as blasphemous and its publication prompted Irans then-leader Ayatollah Khomeini to issue a fatwa calling for his death. The Iranian government withdrew support for the death sentence in 1998. The Indian-born author, who said he had about half a dozen serious assassination attempts on his life, was due to speak about safe places for writers at the event in the small town of Chautauqua. It felt like something coming out of the distant past and trying to drag me back in time, if you like, back into that distant past, in order to kill me, he said. I think he was just slashing. It was the half minute of intimacy between life and death. I was watching it (blood) spread and then thinking I was probably dying. It was quite matter of fact. Ive not had a revelation except there is no revelation to be had. He continued: One of the surgeons who had saved my life said to me: First you were really unlucky and then you were really lucky. I said, whats the lucky part? and he said well, the lucky part is that the man who attacked you had no idea how to kill a man with a knife. Sir Salman Rushdie is made a Companion of Honour by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle (PA) Mr Rushdie was speaking ahead of the publication of his book, Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder, which he admitted he was initially reluctant to write. It was the last thing I wanted to do, he said. The only thing anyone knew about me was this death threat, but I had to write this, to focus on the elephant in the room. It then became a book I really wanted to write. Language is a way of breaking open the world. I dont have any other weapons. He does not name his attacker a 24-year-old man from New Jersey named Hadi Matar, who has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial in the book. I dont want his name in my book and I dont want him in my life, he said. We had 27 seconds together (the length of the attack), I dont want to give him any more of my time. Reading from the book, he described his assailant as coming in hard and low. A squat missile. Sir Salman said: In the corner of my right eye, the last thing my right eye would ever see, I saw the man in black running towards me, down the right hand side of the seating area. Black clothes, black face mask. On April 21, he will discuss his book and the attack that left him blind in one eye and with a damaged hand as part of a series of events for the Southbank Centres Spring Literature and Spoken Word Season. The author has said he will consider leaving the US and moving back to Britain if Donald Trump wins the presidential election in November. Sir Salman has lived in New York for more than 20 years but said America will be unlivable if Mr Trump returns to the White House. He told the Daily Telegraph he is ready to return to London if there is a second Trump presidency and while the choice of America under Trump or post-Brexit Britain would be like choosing the lesser of two evils, one evil has my family in it. He said a Trump victory would be unbearable, unthinkable, because hell be much worse this time. Hell be unleashed. Hes a liar and a bully, and cares about nothing except himself. Asked if he would consider leaving, he said: [My children] want me to come back to London. Ive always been torn by having almost all my close family live in London, and to be living here. Asked if he would return, he said: I might do. Im not going to say more than that. Clenaghans restaurant said rising costs meant it had unfortunately become impossible to stay in business Clenaghans is to close later this month. A popular restaurant in Co Armagh is to close at the end of this month. Clenaghans said rising costs meant it had unfortunately become impossible for the eatery to stay in business. In a dire warning about the state of the hospitality industry, its owners warned that many more outlets face closure. The restaurant is based on the Soldierstown Road near Aghalee. On its website, it promises modern comfort warming the traditional stone building. A cosy interior is housed by a building dating back to the 18th century, fusing old with new. It had opened in December 2021 in between pandemic-era restrictions. But now the restaurant, which had been trading from Thursday to Sunday, is closing. The apartment business will remain open. The news came in a statement posted on its Facebook page on Sunday evening. Its owners said: We are deeply saddened to announce that Clenaghans will be closing its doors from the 28th of this month. With rising costs hitting us from all sides, it has unfortunately become impossible to keep the doors open and to continue to provide the quality experience that we love so much to bring to you all. We have seen many other much loved venues have to make this same decision, and if nothing changes for the hospitality sector, I am sure we will continue to see many more. Pork belly dish at Clenaghan's We have made some fantastic friends and connections since taking the reins at Clenaghans mid-pandemic, and we would like to thank every customer that has joined us for a meal or a special occasion during our tenure. We are so grateful to all of you for the part you have played in our journey, particularly our regulars who have been with us every step of the way. And to all the front of house and kitchen team thank you for giving us your everything and always bringing your A game. We love you loads, and wish every single one of you the best in whatever you go on to next. The restaurant will be open as normal for now, with our last service on April 28 so please get booked in and get any outstanding vouchers used up." Customers spoke of their sadness as they reacted to the news of the restaurants closure. One said: Sadly another casualty to the near impossible trading conditions facing hospitality and small businesses throughout the country. Another said: So sorry to be reading this, Clenaghans is one of Northern Irelands best kept secrets, a lovely, quirky restaurant. A Co Down woman has denied defrauding more than 50,000 from the Orange Order. Standing in the dock of Downpatrick Crown Court today, 52-year-old Lorraine Hunter entered not guilty pleas to each of the three charges against her accusing her of theft, forgery and false accounting. A Downpatrick woman who stabbed a woman in the legs and smashed her face off a toilet bowl in a New Year bar brawl narrowly avoided going to jail today. Judge Geoffrey Miller KC told Natasha Farrell while there can be no question of the custody threshold not being passed for her offences, there were issues in the background which allowed him to impose an Enhanced Combination Order of three years probation and 100 hours community service as a direct alternative to sending her to prison. The family of a mother-of-six shot dead by a soldier more than 50 years ago have lost a legal battle aimed at fast-tracking a decision on any potential prosecution for her killing. Sexual assault survivor makes call for better education on issue of consent Victim says schools must do more to teach pupils about the dangers of misogyny Abby Davidson (Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph) Caoimhe Clements Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 07:15 The victim of a sex assault in Belfast has called for better education around consent in our schools. Margaret McGuckin (front right), of victims group Savia, speaks to the media in the Great Hall at Stormont (PA) Stormonts Executive Office will shortly announce how much those behind former institutions where abuse took place have contributed towards a redress fund for victims and survivors. The extent of sexual, physical and emotion abuse at former homes run by the state, church and charities from 1922 to 1995 was revealed by the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry. Support and compensation for victims and survivors were among the recommendations of the inquiry in 2017. At the Executive Office scrutiny committee last week, Jon McCourt, chairman of Survivors North West, expressed his frustration at the length of time it had taken for the institutions to contribute. Abuse victim and campaigner Jon McCourt, chairman of Survivors North West (PA) Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly indicated to the Assembly on Monday that an announcement would be made on that very very shortly. This is an incredibly important issue, not just because there ought to be a financial contribution by the institutions because there was fault by those institutions, she told MLAs during questions for the Executive Office. But I think it is also incredibly important in terms of the acknowledgement of their role, and I know that that has been raised by the victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse, that that is an important element. We have appointed a person in terms of that liaison. That person has been in place for the last number of years, and we have extended that by further two years to enable him to continue that engagement with the institutions. We have made progress, and we hope to be in a position to announce very shortly some of the early financial contributions by some of the institutions. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (PA) But that work will continue. We are determined that institutions should play their part and make that financial contribution and that is what this work is committed to, and we will update the House in due course in terms of progress. Pressed by Alliance MLA Connie Egan asked Ms Little-Pengelly if she would agreed that the time this has taken has compounded the trauma for victims and survivors. Ms Little-Pengelly responded: Absolutely. This has been a very challenging journey for many many of those campaigners who sought for this inquiry to happen, for the truth to be told and for redress. I pay tribute absolutely to those campaigners. I am glad that the work of the redress board is now drawing to a close in terms of the processing of those applications with only a small number of those applications left to be processed. We do anticipate that some may come forward now within the last year of the operation of that (redress) board, so the work is not yet complete, but we are certainly getting to the end of that work. TikTok and YouTube are starting to replace Google as the go-to search engine among Gen Zs, according to a recent survey from YPulse via Axios. According to the study, at least 21% of respondents aged 18 to 24 years old have started using TikTok as their main search query app, while 5% turned to YouTube. Google Search remains the most popular search engine for most of Gen Zs, although it has considerably dropped down to 46%. The findings reflect an earlier survey from the Pew Research Center showing that TikTok and YouTube are currently the most popular social media for younger generations. At least 93% of teens aged 13 to 17, or nine out of 10, said they prefer YouTube as their main online platform, while 63% chose TikTok. Both placed higher than Snapchat and Instagram. Also Read : YouTube, TikTok are the Most Used Social Media Apps Among US Teens Why Does Gen Zs Turning to TikTok, YouTube Over Google for Questions? The trend of TikTok and YouTube slowly taking over Google Search's users stem from a growing dissatisfaction on the search engine and social media platforms offering more accessible answers to people. For example, people can easily search for the best restaurant or store near their area on TikTok through the video reviews of other people, allowing a view on genuine reactions towards certain products and businesses. While the same can be seen on Google, TikTok users can see reviews from other people's firsthand experience rather than limited word reviews. It does not help that inquiries for any business establishment on Google will be fronted with ads. So far, the same is not as prevalent with TikTok or YouTube. Related Article : Gen Zs are Relying More on Social Media Influencers for Financial Advice, New Study Says Google Search Results are Being Filled with AI-Made Content The same applies towards simple search results with dedicated accounts simplifying complex topics to their viewers, a contrast to Google Search results often populated with AI-generated and spam content. A study from Germany has highlighted this issue, claiming that low-effort content are being pushed more on top of Google search results just because of search engine optimization. On the other hand, people have better chances of finding relevant answers on social media based on the number of views and likes. While search results on TikTok and YouTube are still vulnerable to be manipulated through artificial views, the platforms are more active on cracking down on fake accounts than Google's search engine. A yellow weather warning is in force for Northern Ireland, with strong winds expected to cause disruption throughout Monday. The warning is in place from 6.25am on Monday morning until 10pm this evening and affects all counties in Northern Ireland. The Met Office said: "Gusts of between 40 and 45 mph are expected widely inland with isolated gusts as high as 50 to 55 mph on exposed coasts and near to heavier showers. This is likely to lead to some disruption and longer journey times." It will be a showery day overall on Monday, some heavy and frequent and wintry over the hills. It will feel chilly in the strong west or northwest winds, with gales around the coast and a maximum temperature of 9C. By Monday night, it will remain showery, these heaviest and most widespread this evening. There will be some drier and clearer spells overnight, and northwesterly winds which will be fresh or strong around the coast. There will be a minimum temperature of 4C. On Tuesday, there will be a mixture of bright spells and occasional showers. A few sunny spells, the best of these early and later in the day and chilly northwest winds, with a maximum temperature of 11C. The outlook for Wednesday to Friday is rather cloudy with occasional rain or showers, although a mainly dry and bright start on Wednesday. It will turn drier later on Friday and breezy at times. Tony Blairs Government wanted an amnesty only for terrorists, with soldiers and police excluded, files reveal Tories aware of secret report, but despite fears pardoning of soldiers for crimes would damage reputation of UK and legitimise IRA campaign, they still passed legislation last year The Blair government wanted to avoid giving the security forces an amnesty and restrict it to terrorists (Photo: Brian Little/PA) Sam McBride Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 07:55 Long before the government legislated to give an amnesty for all Troubles crimes, its own files show it had been warned an amnesty for soldiers would damage the UK abroad and legitimise the IRA campaign. Taoiseach Simon Harris is met by Brendan Smith and Dame Karen Bradley before he addresses the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) at Druid's Glen Hotel in Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co Wicklow. Picture date: Monday April 15, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story IRISH Assembly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire Taoiseach Simon Harris has said people of his 'generation' are 'more familiar' with Berlin and Paris than they are with Belfast or Derry. The Fine Gael leader made the comments as he addressed the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (Bipa) at Druids Glen Hotel in Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co Wicklow. He added that the relationship between Britain and Ireland is "a lot better" today than it was a year ago, It was the first time he has spoken as Taoiseach at a meeting of Irish and UK parliamentarians. Praising the political leaders in Northern Ireland, Mr Harris said: "I think British Irish relationships are a lot better now than they were even a year ago, thanks to the Windsor Framework. "There is now an opportunity to say 'What's next? What more can we do together?' And I look forward to exploring that because both the First Minister (Michelle O'Neill) and the deputy First Minister (Emma Little-Pengelly) were very clear that they are determined to work together on shared objectives in a practical and pragmatic way and to work with the Government of Ireland in the same spirit. "The Government of Ireland will likewise continue to work to realise the full potential of co-operation and dialogue across borders and communities. This is at the heart of the Government's shared islands initiative." Mr Harris told delegates that, as the world becomes ever more competitive, they need to work together to help "grow the size of the pie" so everyone across the islands benefit. The 37-year-old reminded the audience that he was not old enough to vote in the Good Friday Agreement, but that he is now the head of government in the Republic. "We need to really consider this. There's a whole generation of people who are yearning to be involved in a conversation about the future, in a conversation about how we work together, in a conversation that is not meant to be divisive and not meant to be argumentative, but in a conversation about what are the practical areas in which we can work together and how do we get to know each other better," he added. "I'm also, if I'm being very honest, of a generation where people are more familiar now with London and Berlin and Paris than they might be with Belfast or Derry. "I think we really have to challenge ourselves, emblems aside - how do we actually make sure people on this island and these islands get to know each other better? "Because it is interpersonal relationships, it's knowing each other, it's being familiar with each other that is the key to embedding peace. "I think there's a challenge in all of us and a challenge I pose to this assembly today. How do we get talking again and how do we get people knowing each other?" He also praised past political leaders who were instrumental in bringing peace in Northern Ireland, but said the public have yet to see the full benefit of their achievements. "I want us to reflect how, in this turbulent world, we can make these islands a better place for the generations that follow us," he said. "I often think the last generation gave us the most incredible gift possible, they gave us a peace process. They gave us peace. They gave us a framework, and they gave us one of the most enduring peace processes possible. "But, if we're to be self-critical, we have yet to see the full benefit of it. We've seen the peace elements, now we must see the prosperity element." The family of a wealthy heiress who drowned in a swimming pool are asking a judge to rule she was unlawfully killed to stop her husband getting her 4.4 million will after his murder trial collapsed (Greater Manchester Police/PA) The family of a wealthy heiress who drowned in a swimming pool are asking a judge to rule she was unlawfully killed to stop her husband getting her 4.4 million will after his murder trial collapsed. Property developer Donald McPherson, 50, had denied the murder of Paula Leeson, 47, in 2017, and a judge ordered the jury to find him not guilty at his trial in 2021, as there was insufficient evidence for a safe conviction. Her family want a judge to rule he killed her so he forfeits any legal entitlement from benefiting from his late wifes will and other assets worth 4.4 million, Manchester Civil Court of Justice heard. Before her death, McPherson had taken out seven secret life insurance policies on his besotted wife and stood to gain 3.5 million from the policies if she died, his murder trial in 2021 heard. He claimed to be sleeping when she drowned in the pool at the remote holiday cottage in western Denmark where they were staying on June 6, 2017. The next day he began transferring large sums of money from her accounts to clear his debts and a week later joined a group, Widowed and Young, he described as, Tinder for Widows. Ms Leesons family have brought a case against him in the civil courts her father, Willy, an Irish businessman and owner of the family construction firm, brother Neville and only son, Ben, attended the hearing as their lawyer, Lesley Anderson KC, opened their case to the judge, Mr Justice Richard Smith. McPherson, who had previously told the judge he would attend the hearing, was not present and the case went ahead without him. He is believed to be living in several countries in the South Pacific, including French Polynesia and Fiji. The case is being heard at Manchester Civil Justice Centre (Dave Thompson/PA) The court has been told McPherson has been convicted of 32 criminal offences of dishonesty or fraud in New Zealand, where he was born, the UK and Germany, where he was jailed for involvement in an 11.8 million bank fraud. Ms Anderson said, The central issue still stands what happened in Denmark? It is not an issue the cause of death was drowning. The only issue is the manner of death. It is the manner of death that causes the death to be unlawful. Ms Leeson, who was 5ft 5 inches tall, drowned in the pool that was under 4ft deep, though she could swim and was an otherwise healthy, mother-of-one. Ms Anderson continued: Essentially our case is that Paula must have been unconscious when she went into the water, otherwise her natural reaction would be to stand up to save herself. Therefore, she must have gone into the water unconscious. We do say it probably was a choke hold or a neck hold. Despite walking around with wads of cash in elastic bands presenting as a man of means in fact McPherson was struggling financially, it was suggested. Ms Anderson said at the time of the death n was running out of money which, super-charged the financial motive for him so he had to do something. She said McPherson had given inconsistent and dishonest accounts of what had happened in Denmark. He had also systematically deleted data from his wifes phone which may have explained what happened, Ms Anderson said, and was a man who had shown, almost no upset or remorse over her death. McPhersons murder trial was dramatically halted in March 2021 by trial judge Mr Justice Goose, ruling insufficient evidence to jurors to safely convict as the prosecution case was based on circumstantial evidence. Crucially, an accidental death could not be ruled out. He directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict to murder. Pathologists found 13 separate injuries on Ms Leesons body, which jurors heard may have been sustained while being restrained or in a rescue and resuscitationattempt. Prosecutors had alleged while Ms Leesons death looked like a tragic accident, in fact it was a pre-planned killing by her husband, who was born Alexander James Lang and originally from New Zealand. He and Ms Leeson were wed following a whirlwind romance in a no expense spared ceremony at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire, in June 2014. Ms Leeson had stood to inherit the family business owned by her father, who had built up a successful groundwork and skip hire firm in Sale, Greater Manchester, after emigrating from County Wicklow, Ireland, in the 1960s. She oversaw the skip hire business where she met McPherson, who renovated and sold on property. After he was acquitted in a statement through his solicitors, McPherson denied any involvement in his wifes death. The hearing continues. Anas Sarwar has said the UK supply of arms to Israel should end following clear breaches of international humanitarian law. In a speech to Scotlands biggest trade union body on Monday, the Scottish Labour leader took aim at the actions of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing the continued retaliation on Gaza undermined the cause of peace. Mr Sarwar has previously called for a ceasefire but has now gone further to claim Israel had committed breaches of international law by attacking aid workers, innocent civilians and basic infrastructure. Speaking at the STUC congress in Dundee, he said: I believe there are clear breaches of international humanitarian law. Attacking aid workers is a breach of international humanitarian law, targeting innocent civilians is a breach of international humanitarian law, attacking the basic infrastructure of schools is a breach of international humanitarian law. And it is very clear that if there is a legal question on arms from the UK going to Israel being involved in breaches of international humanitarian law, then there should not be the sale of those arms to Israel. Thats why I believe we must look at that. Mr Sarwar said he hoped we can play our full part in leveraging all the support we can from the international community to make sure we are finally delivering justice for the people of Israel and Palestine. Later in his speech, Mr Sarwar turned his attention to the upcoming general election where he attacked both the SNP and the Conservatives over their efforts in government. He said the UK Government was looking after their own skin skin rather than focusing on the huge challenges facing our country. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar (Andrew Milligan/PA) In the last year, we have seen the Tories plumb new depths as they desperately try to cling on to power and defer the inevitable judgement the people of this country will impose on them, he said. After 14 years of cruelty and chaos no wonder they are running scared from the public. As Rishi Sunak and his dwindling crew of Tory ministers have watched as the polls widen and widen, they have resorted to stoking the politics of division in a desperate attempt to prevent electoral wipeout. And taking aim at the SNP, Mr Sarwar accused ministers of putting the tax burden on working people, such as nurses, instead of energy giants like Shell and BP. He said: I promise you this the Scottish Labour Party I lead will never balance the books on the backs of working people. The Scottish Labour Party I lead will never make workers pay the price of government failure. And the Scottish Labour Party I lead will never put corporate interests ahead of those of working people. Because the Scottish Labour Party I lead will always be on your side the side of working people. The SNPs Kevin Stewart MSP commented: Anas Sarwar has some nerve to talk about supporting workers, when the Labour Partys plans for a windfall tax puts up to 100,000 jobs in the North East at risk throwing our oil and gas workers on the scrapheap. Only the SNP can deliver for the North East, and the whole of Scotland, with a windfall tax that supports households in Scotland through the cost-of-living crisis and puts money back into our communities. Scottish Conservatives chairman Craig Hoy said: Scots wont be fooled by Anas Sarwars sudden pretence that he is on the side of hard-pressed workers. He joined the SNP to vote for their plans which have made us the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom, while his previous tax proposals would have gone even further than the Nationalists currently have. The Scottish Labour leader cannot speak about delivering change when you cannot get a cigarette paper between him and Humza Yousaf. From the Hate Crime Act, to turning off the taps in the North Sea, they have sided with the SNP. In crucial seats across Scotland, only the Scottish Conservatives can beat the SNP and ensure the focus moves onto peoples real priorities. The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into the deadly collapse of Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge, according to sources. It is understood that the probe is focused on the circumstances leading up to the incident in the state of Maryland and whether all US federal laws were followed. The FBI was present aboard the cargo ship Dali to conduct court-authorised law enforcement activity, the agency said in a statement. The investigation was first reported by the Washington Post, with sources confirming the probe to the Associated Press. Investigations are ongoing into the incident (AP) Separately, Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott announced a partnership with two law firms to launch legal action to hold the wrongdoers responsible and mitigate harm to city residents over the incident. The container ship Dali left Baltimores port in the early hours of March 26, laden with cargo and headed for Sri Lanka, when it struck one of the bridges supporting columns, causing the span to collapse into the Patapsco River and sending six road workers plunging to their deaths. Divers have recovered three bodies from the underwater wreckage, while the remaining three victims are still unaccounted for. National Transportation Safety Board chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said last week that investigators are focusing on the electrical power system of the massive container ship that veered off course. The ship experienced power issues moments before the crash, as evidenced in videos showing its lights going out and coming back on. Six people died after the container ship Dali collided with the bridge (Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies via AP, file) Ms Homendy said information gleaned from the vessels voyage data recorder is relatively basic, so that information in the engine room will help us tremendously. Mondays statement from Baltimore said the city will take decisive action to hold responsible all entities accountable for the Key Bridge tragedy, including the owner, charterer, manager/operator, and the manufacturer of the M/V Dali, as well as any other potentially liable third parties. We are continuing to do everything in our power to support everyone impacted here and will continue to recognise the human impact this event has had, Mr Scott said in a statement. Part of that work needs to be seeking recourse from those who may potentially be responsible, and with the ships owner filing a petition to limit its liability mere days after the incident, we need to act equally as quickly to protect the Citys interests. Former US president Donald Trump sits inside a Manhattan criminal court in New York (Jeenah Moon/Pool Photo via AP) Jury selection is under way in the hush-money case against Donald Trump, the start of a historic trial as the former president answers to criminal charges that he falsified business records in order to stifle stories about his sex life. The first trial of any former US commander in chief will unfold as Trump vies to reclaim the White House, creating a remarkable split-screen spectacle of the presumptive Republican nominee spending his days as a criminal defendant while also campaigning for the presidency. He has blended those roles over the last year by presenting himself, on the campaign trail and on social media, as victim of politically motivated prosecutions designed to derail his candidacy. After a norm-shattering presidency shadowed by years of investigations, the trial amounts to a historic courtroom reckoning for Trump, who now faces four indictments charging him with crimes ranging from hoarding classified documents to plotting to overturn an election. Courtroom sketch of former president Donald Trump (Jane Rosenberg/Pool Photo via AP) Yet the political stakes are less clear since a conviction would not preclude him from becoming president and because the allegations in this case date back years and are seen as less grievous than the conduct behind the three other indictments. The day began with hours of pretrial arguments, including over a potential fine for Trump, before moving into the start of jury selection Monday afternoon. Ninety-six jurors were brought into the courtroom. Trump craned his neck to look back at the pool of people who could decide his fate, whispering to his lawyer as they entered the jury box. You are about to participate in a trial by jury. The system of trial by jury is one the cornerstones of our judicial system, Judge Juan Merchan told the jurors. The name of this case is the People of the State of New York vs Donald Trump. Trumps notoriety would make the process of picking 12 jurors and six alternates a near-herculean task in any year, but it is likely to be especially challenging now, unfolding in a closely contested presidential election in the city where Trump grew up and catapulted to celebrity status before winning the White House. Judge Merchan has written that the key is whether the prospective juror can assure us that they will set aside any personal feelings or biases and render a decision that is based on the evidence and the law. No matter the outcome, Trump is determined to benefit from the proceedings, casting the case, and his indictments elsewhere, as a broad weaponisation of law enforcement by Democratic prosecutors and officials. He maintains they are orchestrating sham charges in hopes of impeding his presidential run. He has lambasted judges and prosecutors for years, a pattern of attacks that continued up to the moment he entered court on Monday, when he said: This is political persecution. This is a persecution like never before. Earlier in the day, the judge denied a defence request to recuse himself from the case after Trumps lawyers said he had a conflict of interest. He also said prosecutors could not play for the jury the 2005 Access Hollywood recording in which Trump was captured discussing grabbing women sexually without their permission. However, prosecutors will be allowed to question witnesses about the recording, which became public in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign. Prosecutors also asked for Judge Merchan to fine Trump 3,000 dollars over social media posts that they said violated the judges gag order barring him from attacking witnesses. Last week, he used his Truth Social platform to call his former lawyer Michael Cohen and the adult film actor Stormy Daniels two sleaze bags who have, with their lies and misrepresentations, cost our Country dearly. The defendant has demonstrated his willingness to flout the order. Hes attacked witnesses in the case, said Christopher Conroy, one of the trial prosecutors. One of Trumps lawyers, Todd Blanche, maintained that Trump was simply responding to the witnesses statements. Its not as if President Trump is going out and targeting individuals. He is responding to salacious, repeated vehement attacks by these witnesses, Mr Blanche said. Stormy Daniels (Ringo HW Chiu/AP) Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records that arose from an alleged effort to keep salacious and, he says, bogus stories about his sex life from emerging during his 2016 campaign. The charges centre on 130,000 dollars in payments that Trumps company made to Mr Cohen. He had paid that sum on Trumps behalf to keep Daniels from going public, a month before the election, with her claims of a sexual encounter with the married mogul a decade earlier. Prosecutors say the payments to Mr Cohen were falsely logged as legal fees in order to cloak their actual purpose. Trumps lawyers say the disbursements indeed were legal expenses, not a cover-up. After decades of fielding and initiating lawsuits, the businessman-turned-politician now faces a trial that could result in up to four years in prison if he is convicted, though a no-jail sentence also would be possible. Trump would also be expected to appeal against any conviction. Trumps attorneys lost a bid to get the hush-money case dismissed and have since repeatedly sought to delay it, prompting a flurry of last-minute appeals court hearings last week. Among other things, Trumps lawyers maintain that the jury pool in overwhelmingly Democratic Manhattan has been tainted by negative publicity about Trump and that the case should be moved elsewhere. An appeals judge turned down an emergency request to delay the trial while the change-of-venue request goes to a group of appellate judges, who are set to consider it in the coming weeks. Manhattan prosecutors have countered that a lot of the publicity stems from Trumps own comments and that questioning will tease out whether prospective jurors can put aside any preconceptions they may have. There is no reason, prosecutors said, to think that 12 fair and impartial people cannot be found amid Manhattans roughly 1.4 million adult residents. The process of choosing those 12, plus six alternates, will begin with scores of people filing into Judge Merchans courtroom. They will be known only by number, as he has ordered their names to be kept secret from everyone except prosecutors, Trump and their legal teams. After hearing some basics about the case and jury service, the prospective jurors will be asked to raise hands if they believe they cannot serve or be fair and impartial. Those who do so will be excused, according to Judge Merchans filing last week. The rest will be eligible for questioning. The 42 pre-approved, sometimes multi-pronged queries include background basics but also reflect the uniqueness of the case. Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about former President Donald Trump, or the fact that he is a current candidate for president, that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror? asks one question. Others ask about attendance at Trump or anti-Trump rallies, opinions on how he is being treated in the case, news sources and more including any political, moral, intellectual, or religious beliefs or opinions that might slant a prospective jurors approach to the case. Based on the answers, the attorneys can ask a judge to eliminate people for cause if they meet certain criteria for being unable to serve or be unbiased. The lawyers also can use peremptory challenges to nix 10 potential jurors and two prospective alternates without giving a reason. If youre going to strike everybody whos either a Republican or a Democrat, the judge observed at a February hearing, youre going to run out of peremptory challenges very quickly. Ukrainian refugee and her daughter building new life in NI thanks to gran from Warrenpoint Charity chairwoman Jacinta gave mum and disabled girl a place to call home after chance encounter at the Polish border Jacinta Curran and Daria Yakovenko with her daughter Vlada (Photo by Jade Beecroft) Jade Beecroft Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 09:40 Some special friendships span generations, nationalities, life experiences and language barriers and thats exactly what Jacinta Curran and Daria Yakovenko have forged. Belfast mum on falling pregnant during studies: I thought Im going to prove I can do this Belfast woman Catriona on juggling motherhood alongside her accounting course Catriona at home with Harper Sarah Henderson Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 20:30 A Belfast woman faced the challenge of repeat examinations to claim a highly regarded accounting qualification as a working mother even sitting exams on the day she was due to give birth. Its brawl over: Loyalist street fighters hauled before courts on disorderly rap David Wee Mac Matthews and Andy Tyrie jnrs embarrassing scrap put UVF and UDA on collision course David Matthews and Andy Tyrie fighting in Belfast city centre Sunday Life Reporter Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 09:40 Loyalist street brawlers whose public bust-up caused a fallout between rival paramilitary gangs have been hauled before a judge. Tesla employees are fearing for another massive layoff to cut costs amid multiple financial troubles the company is currently is facing, Business Insider reported. Several anonymous workers told the news outlet that the electric vehicle manufacturer may conduct more job cuts as early as this week. At least 20% of the workforce are expected to be affected by the layoffs. The rumors of layoffs follow after Tesla was reported to have began asking managers to identify relevant employees in the company last February. Employee performance review have also been delayed for nearly two months now, further enflaming worries of a massive job cut. It did not help that the company announced a reduction in production shifts for its flagship Cybertrucks at the Gigafactory in Texas, a sign that the company is preparing to cut down operations. Tesla EV Sales Plummet from Increasingly Steep Market Talks of a massive layoff in Tesla has been circulating for quite a while as the company struggle to get over slower demands in an increasingly steeper EV market in the US. Even efforts to boost its sales, like slashing down prices for its Model Y cars, are expected to further hurt the company's profits. The company has also been noted of failing to reach its predicted EV deliveries amid operation disruptions across its international facilities and business troubles on US locations. It did not help that other automakers have ramped up sales of their own EV models, many of which were far less expensive than the faulty Tesla cars. Tesla has already warned investors of "notably lower" sales growth as it focuses on producing another EV model. Also Related : Tesla EV Sales Drop Amid Increasing Competitive US Market Legal Troubles Sweep Over Tesla Operations Lower sales are not the only problems the EV maker has been facing over the past months as the number of legal battles also continue to grow. Just recently, the company settled a lawsuit after its autopilot system has killed an Apple engineer in 2018. This is not to count the multiple penalties Tesla has to pay over the past months from workplace incidents following its push to release more products on time despite production hurdles. Battlefield losses, drone attacks at Naypyidaw headquarters are having a psychological effect on the juntas generals. The State Administrative Council, as the Myanmar junta is formally known, was shaken by the incursion of some 29 drones flown into Naypyidaw on April 4 that targeted the military headquarters, the Aye Lar airbase and leader Min Aung Hlaings palatial residence. None did significant damage and the military claims to have brought down 13 drones. Anti-junta rebel forces claimed to have caused five casualties. While there was little physical damage, the psychological impact is more important. Naypyidaw is the impregnable fortress of the State Administrative Council, or SAC. Thats why and how it was built. Its the physical manifestation of the mental bubble that the generals live in. As Kyaw Zaw, the presidential spokesman for the shadow National Unity Government, said, With this attack on their nerve center, Naypyidaw, we want to highlight that they dont have a safe place. Immediately, the SAC announced that it was redeploying troops to Naypyidaw. But more importantly, the drone attacks are sapping the militarys already depleted morale. More officers will be scapegoated for allowing the incursion. The remainder will be spending more of their time trying to get their ill-gotten gains out of the country. The anti-junta drone squad Kloud Team prepares drones for the attack on junta locations in Myanmar, April 4, 2024. [Kloud Team via Facebook] And morale has been ebbing quickly. Around the country, the military is spread thin and continues to suffer significant setbacks. The military has been unable to retake any territory that it lost in northern Shan state since the Three Brotherhood Alliance launched its Operation 1027 offensive in October. The Border Guards Forces in Kayin state, which are formally aligned with the junta, have begun to distance themselves from the military. The Kachin Independence Armys offensive continues in the northeast, with the capture of over 60 camps, and it now controls the key border crossings and the main highways. In the countrys west, the Arakan Army now controls eight of 16 townships and has driven the military out of much of northern Rakhine state. And while the fractious Chin groups dont have as much effective control, the mountainous terrain and long and windy roads have made any military counter-offensive costly. Special evacuation flights The SAC couldnt muster a dry-season offensive, exactly when conventional forces should be at their strongest and they are now entering a rainy season that will favor guerrilla forces. The exception to this has been in the Sagaing and Magway regions, the ethnic Bamar heartland, which has been the militarys priority. There they have fought with desperation and barbarity, burning homes, intentionally targeting civilians with air and artillery strikes, and committing egregious human rights abuses, including torture, the killing of POWs including beheadings. This week, opposition forces took control of Myawaddy, the primary border crossing with Thailand. Some 617 soldiers, civil servants and family members apparently surrendered. Even more humiliating, the SAC requested landing rights for three charter planes to evacuate its officers, bureaucrats and their families from Thailands Mae Sot. One flight allegedly ferried the cash reserves of the banks from the thriving border town. A Myanmar soldier rests on the Myanmar side of a bridge across the Moei River to Thailands Mae Sot district, April 11, 2024. [Nava Natthong/AP] Apparently, the humiliation of the flight, which was leaked to the media, led to the SAC scrapping the other two flights that Thailand had agreed to on humanitarian grounds. Attempts to retake Myawaddy have failed, and the regime has taken to bombings and helicopters strafing civilians. About 200 soldiers crossed into Thailand, where they were disarmed. Unit level defections continue. Sixty soldiers fled into China from Kachin state, while attacks from a Peoples Defense Force militia led to the capture of 120 in Sagaing. Junta troops that have defected in recent months acknowledge having received no food, water, medicine and ammunition. Its difficult to maintain discipline and morale when logistics have broken down. The loss of 12 aircraft since the February 2021 coup, including at least three heavy-lift helicopters, has severely impacted the militarys ability to resupply and reinforce units. Urban guerrilla forces have launched a series of bombings and attacks against military targets in Yangon in the past few months, including an attack on a military office in Mingaladon township. As one would expect, the SAC has been rotating generals in their search for scapegoats. A Yangon-based think tank, the Institute of Strategy and Policy, recently reported that there have been 56 personnel changes to the SAC since it was established just after the coup. The SAC has been reorganized four separate times and only 11 of 51 individuals beneath the level of prime minister and deputy prime minister have served the full term. At present, the SAC has only 18 members, as Min Aung Hlaing surrounds himself with his most loyal sycophants. Since March, the SAC has replaced four regional military commanders. In early April, the SAC fired its deputy minister of defense, Maj. Gen. Aung Lin Tun at Chinas urging for his alleged profiteering from transnational crime scam centers. With few friends, the junta has no choice but to give in to Chinese demands. Yet, now the SAC is taking away the personal revenue streams of its corrupted officer corps. Depleted ranks The arrest of senior officers has also included those in the field. Officers who negotiated the surrender of their over-run troops, on SAC orders, in northern Shan state were tried and sentenced to death for treason. The deployment of senior-level officials to engage with tactical level operations is usually a sign of a failed plan, a lack of confidence in the military leadership and desperation. The 79th annual Army Day parade was significantly scaled down. With so many troops deployed across the country, the ceremony was held under the cover of darkness to hide the depleted ranks, as Min Aung Hlaing railed against foreign interference. Regional forces were unable to participate, leaving female-staffed units rarely seen in the machismo Myanmar military on parade. The Air Force, which normally does flybys for the event, appeared in comical fashion, with lights silhouetting the few airframes that they could muster. Myanmar soldiers march during a parade to commemorate Myanmars 79th Armed Forces Day, in Naypyidaw, March 27, 2024. [Aung Shine Oo/AP] At the recent graduation ceremony of the once prestigious Defense Service Academy, well under 200 newly commissioned officers were photographed in state-controlled media half the pre-coup graduation rate. To make matters worse, on April 8, NUG forces lobbed five 107mm rockets into the Defense Service Academy grounds. Though they missed the barracks, a symbolic target was struck. Days later, they fired rockets into Naypyidaws Aye Lar airbase. The military is so short of manpower that it has had to rely on a pre-existing but unimplemented conscription law. Originally supposed to go into effect in mid-April, the generals began enforcing it a month early, desperate to reach their 5,000-man monthly quota. People have taken to the hills to join the opposition, or have fled abroad. Military units are dragooning men at roadside checkpoints, while other units are frantically searching for those who are avoiding conscription, threatening two- to three-year prison sentences. In retaliation, the NUG has stepped up their assassination of officials in charge of implementing the conscription law. Already, 37 have been gunned down. The generals continue to be divorced from reality, but economic collapse, battlefield losses, escalating violence in the cities and drones buzzing the capital are puncturing their cocoon. The NUG and their allies are getting into the generals headspace, which is good, because panicked people do stupid things. That might be their greatest victory yet. Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or BenarNews. The Philippine president says the insistence of the Chinese government convinces him his predecessor made an agreement. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. answers questions from members of the media during a forum hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines in Manila on April 15, 2024. UPDATED at 9:12 a.m. ET on 2024-04-15 Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday he was convinced that his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had entered into a questionable secret agreement with Beijing on the South China Sea, while maintaining there was no record of its existence. Dutertes former spokesman, Harry Roque, has said that the previous Philippine administration struck a deal with China to keep the status quo in the disputed waterway. It allegedly included a pledge by Manila not to repair the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship that was run aground to serve as the Philippines military outpost at Second Thomas Shoal. I think by now you can see that in fact there was a secret agreement and what verifies that and what at least convinces me was the insistence of the Chinese government, Marcos said in a forum organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Monday. I dont think Beijing will make it up out of nowhere when there is no such thing. I think in my mind, that is sufficient to prove to me that there was such an agreement. Last week, Marcos said he had seen no documentation or record of the so-called gentlemens agreement, adding he was horrified by the possibility that Philippines sovereignty might have been compromised. Why is there not one single document that contains that agreement? he said on Monday. Why, when we took the transition period between the previous administration and this administration, did no one mention a secret agreement? In an interview on the sidelines of a historic trilateral summit with U.S. and Japanese leaders last week, Marcos told reporters that officials must be held accountable for the agreements they make. You have any agreement with another sovereign state should really be known by the people so that way youre accountable. If its a bad decision, youre accountable, he said in Washington, according to transcripts released by the president's office. Marcos said he had reached out to different Duterte administration officials to seek clarification on the issue, but had received conflicting answers. Duterte last week criticized Marcos for taking a pro-America stance, calling his successor a cry baby after the latter had questioned his alleged deal with Beijing. Days before Marcos appeared for the first time as president in front of members of FOCAP, Duterte denied that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had ever made such a verbal agreement on the contested waterway. Duterte said no one not even the Philippine President can concede anything of our territories to a foreign power. Let me be very clear on this: We have not conceded anything to China. There might have been [an] exchange of control over the China Sea to those who are really territorial in nature, not involving the encroachment of China in our exclusive economic zone. Thats different, he said in an interview with SMNI, a broadcast network owned by a friend. Duterte said he remembered speaking with Xi, and that they had agreed to maintain the status quo over the disputed sea to avoid an escalation of tensions. Thats what I remember. If it were a gentleman's agreement, it would always have been an agreement to keep the peace in the South China Sea, Duterte told SMNI and reporters in his hometown of Davao. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses members of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, in Manila, April 15, 2024. [Chantal Eco/FOCAP] Marcos latest criticism of the ex-president highlights a growing feud between the countrys top two political families, which allied in the last election. Dutertes daughter, Sara, is the vice-president under Marcos. Marcos told journalists on Monday that his relationship with Sara was complicated. No additional bases for US Meanwhile, Marcos said that the Philippines would not grant the U.S. military access to any more bases in the Southeast Asian archipelago, despite heightened tensions in the region. In 2023, Marcos granted the U.S. access to an additional five bases, many of which are located near Taiwan and the South China Sea, bringing the total number available for American forces to nine. The Philippines has no plans to open or to establish more EDCA bases, Marcos said, referring to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed between Washington and Manila in 2014 allowing the rotation. Asked if he was concerned about a possible change of leadership in the White House after this years U.S. election, Marcos said changes in foreign policy were inevitable but he believed Manilas agreements with Washington to be on good ground. If [Joe] Biden is reelected, we have a fairly solid ground to base on our position because we have already spoken. But I believe what we have agreed with the U.S. is beyond all that. They almost rise to duty agreements, Marcos said. Aside from the U.S., Marcos is stepping up ties with Japan, which is also a maritime nation facing similar challenges with China in the East China Sea. Marcos said Manila and Tokyo would soon sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement, which would grant rotational access to both countrys military forces for training and joint exercises. Its just a question of getting the language down and defining precisely how it's going to work, the logistical system and how its going to work, he said. Marcos said it would be different from the Visiting Forces Agreement with the U.S., but did not disclose further details. The Thai cabinet nominated the brackish water lagoon to be the nations next World Heritage Site. Buffalo herded at the Thale Noi wetland in Phatthalung can dive for up to 20 seconds to graze on aquatic plants, March 15, 2024. [Watjanaphol Srichumpuang/BenarNews] The Thai cabinet has nominated the brackish water Songkhla Lake, located in three southern provinces and pictured on March 11, 2024, for a listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [Watjanaphol Srichumpuang/BenarNews] Songkhla Lake, Thailands only brackish water lagoon, hosts over 700 species of fish, crab, shellfish and prawn along with over 200 species of birds in the surrounding wetlands, making it one of the countrys most important biodiversity sites, Thai fisheries officials say. The lake lies in three southern provinces: Songkhla, Phatthalung and Nakhon Si Thammarat. It is fed by small rivers and streams that empty into the lake and out into the Gulf of Thailand through a natural inlet. The lake has brackish water a mix of fresh and salt water and freshwater ecosystems. Last week, the Thai cabinet passed a resolution to propose that Songkhla Lake and its associated lagoon settlements be included on the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This is the first step in declaring it a World Heritage Site. The proposal will bring many benefits to Thailand as it will stimulate the conservation of cultural heritage of Songkhla and promote tourism and economic growth in both the local and national level, said Kenika Ounjit, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Ministers Office. Songkhla Lake is considered a lagoon because it is a body of coastal brackish water lake that has an open inlet to the sea. These complex and diverse natural ecosystems of Songkhla Lake have created the distinctive cultural identity of the lagoon settlements, she said. Even as it becomes shallower because of sediment deposits, the lake has plentiful natural resources. Seventeen groups of farmers are raising nearly 5,000 buffalo in the freshwater wetlands of Phatthalung and Songkhla, according to the Thale Noi Wetland Foundation, an environmentalist NGO. In addition, destructive fishing practices are a factor in damaging the ecosystem. If approved, the lake would be the fifth World Heritage Site in Thailand. Already on the list are the Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns, Historic City of Ayutthaya, Ban Chiang Archaeological Site and the Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Google confirmed that its VPN by Google One will no longer be available in the coming months after almost four years of service. The VPN service launched in 2020 as an added layer of online protection for Android phones. Read Also : Google Removes California News Websites Links to Prevent Paying Under Pending Legislation Google One Faces Challenge Due to Lack of Users Currently, VPN service is available in the Google One apps both for Android and iOS phones. The service is also available to Mac and Windows users for a certain price. Initially, Google One VPN costs $9.99 per month on the Premium plan. However, due to a lack of customers, the company decided to discount the subscription and made it available for only $1.99 per month since March 2023. However, Google recently announced that it will be continuing the VPN service after finding out that people were not using it. Moreover, the company shared that the team handling the feature will be refocused and transitioned to support more in-demand features of Google One. Google One to Close VPN Service Soon As of writing, there is still no specific timeline as to when the service will be completely unavailable anymore. Existing users of the service will be directed to third-party VPN alternatives. The Windows client of Google One VPN is also reportedly super buggy. Some suggested that it is probably easier for the company to shut down the service than to fix it. On the other hand, the free VPN service that was included in the Pixel 7 series in 2022 will not be affected by the shutdown. According to its introduction, the free service will be available for five years to Pixel 7 users. In June, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, and Fold will be getting a significant VPN upgrade, similar to the one that is included with the Pixel 8. The VPN with Google Fi will also remain unaffected and available. You are the owner of this article. More than 30 percent of potential voters didnt bother to cast ballots in the last presidential election, laments columnist Ruth Bass. Taking the time to simply fill in the oval has the power to change or enhance the outcome. The US House of Representatives has passed the legislation seeking to spy on immigrants and non-Americans even without a warrant despite protests concerning data and personal privacy. With a 273-147 vote last Friday, the House reauthorized the use of spying tools to collect intelligence from non-US citizens in the country for two more years. The proposed Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act previously suggested that surveillance operations be continued for the next five years. The bill's passing was first reported by CBS News. Democrats have long touted the law as a tool in curbing cybercrime, drug trafficking, terrorist plots, and foreign espionage on Americans. FISA is Also Spying on US Citizens It is worth noting, however, that the legislation also allows government agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation to bypass warrant requirements to spy on US citizens for communication with foreign individuals. FISA has been among the sweeping legislations passed under former President George W. Bush as a supposed part of the administration's efforts to prevent another 9/11 incident. The same law was reported to be misused and abused by state officials on multiple occasions, especially in alleged investigations on racial justice and civil protests. Also Read : NSA is Buying Americans' Data Activity Without Warrant Gov't Agencies Caught Abusing FISA Provisions Amid regulatory crackdowns on tech companies from collecting US users' data, the same cannot be said for the actual government bodies. A court finding in May 2023 has revealed that FBI agents have repeatedly violated FISA provisions by illegally collecting thousands of foreign intelligence for information related to the Capitol Hill insurrection and the Black Lives Matter protests. According to the court documents, the FBI conducted investigations on individuals suspected of being involved in the Jan. 6 riot for supposed connection with foreign governments without much justification. More privacy experts and even Republicans, including impeached President Donald Trump, have since then decried the law for allowing rampant spying on US citizens. Calamities and distress happen to Christians and non-Christians alike. But for Christians who trust God, knowing God is in control doesnt always bring the reassurance wed expect. How may we find encouragement from knowing God is sovereign when painful situations arise? Sometimes telling someone who is facing a trial that God is in control feels to them like platitudes. Weve all heard it before, but deep in our hearts, do we believe it when we are suffering? A wise pastor once said we are either in, coming out of, or going into a trial; if you monitor your life for a year, you may find that to be a true adage. Often, well-meaning loved ones will say, This too shall pass, but where can we go in the Bible to find rest and encouragement knowing God is sovereign? What Does the Bible Say about Gods Sovereignty? Pastor and author Chip Ingram tells us, There is absolutely nothing that happens in the universe that is outside of Gods influence and authority. As King of kings and Lord of lords, God has no limitations. Its no surprise, as Pastor Ingram gets this information straight from Scripture. Once we understand and accept Gods sovereignty, we can rest in His promises from His Word as His Holy Spirit gives us understanding. As Dr. John Frame states, Gods lordship attributes are spelled out within the themes of control, authority, and presence. Control God is the One who controls all nature and all history for His glory and purposes. Authority Scripture is truth and all authority in heaven and on earth is His (Matthew 28:18). Gods Word to us requires our belief, faith, and submission. Presence Because He is omnipresent, He is always with us (Deuteronomy 31:6). When God answered Moses question, Who am I? He said, I will be with you (Exodus 3:11-12a). And then Jesus put on flesh as Immanuel, God with Us (Matthew 1:23). As believers, in every season of life we can be confident that our sovereign God is with us. There is joy in His presence. For us to move forward and not languish as we face trials and tribulation, we must first realize God is sovereign. If we dont trust Him and His control over every aspect of life, we will falter in our faith; Gods Word tells us, whatever does not proceed from faith is sin (Romans 14:23b). People in the Bible Who Suffered, and Reached Out to God Job Hes our go-to when we think of the suffering of mere mortals. Job had absolutely no idea what was going on behind the scenes (Job 1:6-12), but he held fast to His Redeemer when: - His belongings and children were lost. And he said, Naked I came from my mothers womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong (Job 1:21-22). - He was afflicted with boils and his wife said, Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die. But he said to her, You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this Job did not sin with his lips (Job 2:9-10). - When his three friends showed up to console him, the best use of their lips was to remain shut (Job 2:13). As they railed on and on from Job 3:1 -37:4, Job listened, argued, and lamented both to them and to and about God. He grieved yes, but in the end, he proclaimed this solid truth to which he clung, For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth (Job 19:25). Joshua When the Lord had Moses pass the mantle of leadership to Joshua, the Lord addressed fear. God said to Joshua, upon entering the Promised Land, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). Joshua knew the pitfalls of leading people, for he witnessed the Jews egregious acts against the LORD God. They failed to believe God and trust Him, they disobeyed Him, and their hearts were hardened toward him (never seeing nor hearing, says Deuteronomy 31:18, Isaiah 6:10, and John 12:40). The Lord, however, prepared Joshuas resolve, for three times in Joshua 1:1-9, the LORD God told him not to fear, but to be strong and courageous, and He reiterated His promise to be with them (Joshua 1:9). For the most part throughout the book of Joshua, we read Gods commands to him, followed by Joshuas immediate obedience. After the destruction of Jericho, Joshua faced rebellion as Achan stole some of the items devoted to the treasury of the Lord (Joshua 7:1). This act angered the Lord, and Israel faced defeat at the hands of the people of Ai. Joshua questioned the Lords wisdom in bringing the people over the Jordan when He knew what would befall them. He expressed dismay that the surrounding nations would attempt to cut off the LORDs name and asked God, And what will You do for Your great name? (Joshua 7:7-9). The LORD revealed Achans sin to Joshua and said, I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you (Joshua 7:12). Joshua lamented about the transgressor and obeyed the Lord and dealt with Achan in view of all the people (Joshua 7:25-26). Joshua trusted the LORD, obeyed Him immediately, and the Lord blessed his endeavors against Ai. Joshua then worshiped and exalted the Lord in the presence of all of the Jews (Joshua 8:30-35). Despite the occasions of disobedience and rejection of the Lord by the people, God remained faithful and merciful. Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass (Joshua 21:45). King David From a young age, Davids life was fraught with difficulties, and his calling to be king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13) didnt allay any of them. David killed Goliath, the one who defied the armies of the living God (1 Samuel 17:26). His act caused the people of Israel to give him renown (1 Samuel 18:7) above that of King Saul, and thereafter, Saul sought Davids life (1 Samuel 18:8-9). David strayed from the Lords commandment when he took Uriah the Hittites wife, impregnated her, and had Uriah placed in the front lines of battle to assure his death. After Uriahs death, he took Bathsheba as his wife. But when confronted by Nathan the prophet, a contrite and penitent David confessed his sin and was restored. Psalm 51 is a beautiful look at Davids submission to his loving God. After David became king, his son Amnon took his sister, Tamar, by force and then hated her. Absalom heard of it and had his brother killed (2 Samuel 13). Absalom fled from the kings presence and later wooed many of the people to follow him instead of King David (2 Samuel 15:6). King David fled (2 Samuel 15:14). As ruler, Absalom went in to his fathers concubines, (2 Samuel 16:22), shaming his fathers name. Davids commander, Joab, saw to the death of Absalom (2 Samuel 18:15), whom David greatly grieved. Davids prayers are well recorded throughout the Psalms. In them he lamented, cried to the Lord, questioned Him, praised Him, worshiped Him, and poured out his heart. A number of them start with grievances, yet most end with hope in the One David trusted as his. David sinned, yet he confessed and went to the Lord God with a broken and contrite heart. David is rightly called a man after Gods own heart. Dr. R. C. Sproul explains why, If you read Psalm 51 and read it carefully and thoughtfully, that Psalm will reveal more than anything else in the history of David why David was called a man after God's own heart. Because here it reveals the broken heart of a sinful man who sees his sin clearly." The Apostle Paul The lives of Joshua, Job, and David give us fine examples of those who suffered well for the Lord and kept their trust in Him. While we see the same in the Apostle Paul, the Lord also used him to give us direct written instructions on how to live the true Christian life. Pauls conversion as he journeyed to Damascus to persecute Christians left him dazed and blind. And 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 gives us a comprehensive list of Pauls suffering as an Apostle. He was beaten, shipwrecked, stoned, adrift on the sea, and experienced danger in many places. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul said, So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Yet Paul is the one who wrote Romans 8:28, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. If anyone knows that truth, Paul does, and we gain much confidence from all his encouragement. How Can Believers Rest in Gods Sovereignty? Remember these awe-inspiring truths about God: - We are not alone (Matthew 28:20). - God hears our prayers (Psalm 139:4, 1 John 5:1415, 1 Peter 3:12). - He is working for, in, and through us every day (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). - Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). - We are victorious in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-17). - Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35, 39). - Though we have tribulation, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33). - He uses our troubles to help others (2 Corinthians 1:4-5). - We can rejoice in our trials, knowing God will conform us more to Christs image as we endure (James 1). - We can rejoice in God always because He is at hand (Philippians 4:4-9). - Remember, in our trials, we are sharing Christs sufferings (1 Peter 4:12-13). Be honest with God and go before Him knowing He already knows everything about you. Read Gods answer to Job in Job 38-41 and His rebuke of Jobs friends and His restoration of Job in chapter 42. As further encouragement for us, the writer of Hebrews reminds us, Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). A Prayer to Encourage Us in Trials Almighty Father, Thank You for Who You are, and thank You for continuing to work in us so we may become the people You created us to be. Fiery trials, heartache, and things we cannot control will seek to overwhelm us but we only need look to You for our peace. You promise never to leave us; help us to rest in that and bring Your Word into our hearts so we remember all the wondrous things You have done, are doing, and will do. We love You, Lord, and we trust You for everything because You are our everything. We cannot do anything without You, and we dont want to. Help us through the storms of life You who calm the raging seas with but a Word. We love you and trust You, our Rock and our Redeemer. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen. Photo credit: Getty Images/urbazon Lisa Loraine Baker is the multiple award-winning author of Someplace to be Somebody. She writes fiction and nonfiction. In addition to writing for the Salem Web Network, Lisa serves as a Word Weavers mentor and is part of a critique group. Lisa and her husband, Stephen, a pastor, live in a small Ohio village with their crazy cat, Lewis. Breakthrough medium delivers speed and scale to CAR-T cell therapy manufacturers US-based Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has introduced the Gibco CTS OpTmizer One Serum-Free Medium (CTS OpTmizer One SFM), a novel animal origin-free (AOF) formulation designed specifically for clinical and commercial cell therapy manufacturing to deliver increased scalability and performance of T-cell expansion. As a result, cell therapy manufacturers can use CTS OpTmizer One SFM to help optimise their workflows and get T-cell therapies to patients faster. CTS OpTmizer One SFMs ready-to-use, one-part medium can help cell therapy manufacturers scale their manufacturing from process development to clinical trials and commercial manufacturing while maintaining consistent performance. As part of the cell expansion process, CTS OpTmizer One SFM delivers high cell viability, improved growth and maintains early memory T cell phenotype. In addition, the AOF formulation can help in mitigating risk by reducing opportunities for contamination or inconsistency due to animal-origin (AO) components. The ability to more-rapidly expand less-differentiated T-cells to reach a desired dose can help manufacturers shorten the time to treatment, lower manufacturing costs, increase patient access, and enhance therapeutic efficacy. OpTmizer One SFMs ready-to-use, one-part medium advances T-cell expansion and cell growth while helping cell therapy manufacturers improve overall drug function for both autologous and allogeneic therapies, when compared to other leading AOF T-cell media. CTS OpTmizer One SFM expands Thermo Fisher Scientifics Gibco Cell Therapy Systems (CTS) portfolio of products. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. (Photo : Unsplash/ Meric Dagl) Relativity Space, a company using 3D printing to build its launch vehicles, has secured an $8.7 million contract with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for real-time flaw detection exploration in additive manufacturing. The Ribbon-Cutting of A New Additive Facility The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 9, 2022, marking the reopening of its renovated Additive Manufacturing Laboratory and installing a new 3D printing system for aerospace-grade materials. RX, AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate organized a tour of its Computed Tomography Laboratory to highlight recent infrastructure upgrades and the introduction of a new Computed Tomography machine and suite. These machines are capable of non-destructive testing, allowing for the detection and measurement of internal geometry, defects, manufacturing errors, and failure modes in materials produced by additive manufacturing. AFRL allocated approximately $6 million in Flex-4 funding to finance the renovations. Flex-4 funds from the Department of Defense facilitate unique capabilities in research labs. Upgrading the two lab spaces and adding new machines will help AFRL cut costs, speed up research, enhance worker safety, boost efficiency, and maintain material integrity. In the past, replacing aging aerospace parts has been costly and challenging. Still, if material quality can be ensured, additive manufacturing can save time and money by meeting the demand for replacement parts. Relativity Space's Real-Time Flaw Detection Real-time flaw detection in 3D printing involves spotting defects as parts are being printed. This is crucial because additive manufacturing builds objects by stacking thin layers of material, increasing the chances of imperfections with each layer. AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, provided the two-year research contract, which will take place at Relativity's factory in Long Beach, California, utilizing the company's Stargate 3D printing platform, renowned for its ability to print large-scale metal objects. Adam Hicks, a physicist at AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, mentioned to SpaceNews that the collaboration with Relativity Space is a response to a congressional demand signal. READ ALSO: FAA Imposes Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing for Foreign Aircraft-Repair Shop Workers, Affecting 65 Countries A Legislative Mandate In the National Defense Authorization Act, Congress directed the Defense Department to examine how additive manufacturing could speed up the production of aerospace components and vehicles. Lawmakers also required the DoD to create a network of domestic suppliers to assess these technologies. Hicks mentioned that AFRL will collaborate with Relativity on real-time flaw detection in large-format additive manufacturing to investigate different in-situ process monitoring and post-build non-destructive evaluation techniques, as well as advanced robotics, automation, and digital enterprise tools. Nondestructive evaluation techniques check the quality and integrity of the final product by inspecting the structure of a part without causing damage. Relativity Space will create and validate a real-time flaw detection system to identify, locate, and categorize defects as printing occurs. Data will be consolidated to establish a complete digital thread. Aerospace's Digital Thread A digital thread serves as the central nervous system for the entire lifecycle of a platform like an aircraft, spanning from design through disposal. According to aerospace engineering, it is formed by data that connects different stages of the aircraft's existence. Relativity Space is among the pioneering companies utilizing additive manufacturing in aerospace, which offers benefits such as shorter lead times, greater design flexibility, and lighter parts. RELATED ARTICLE: Boeing Fatal Crashes Make Headlines, Prompting Broader Investigation into "Inadequate and Confusing" Safety Culture 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after loading a gun for US actor Alec Baldwin, which fired and killed a cinematographer on the set of western film Rust. Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter following the shooting of 42-year-old Halyna Hutchins in October 2021, at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Advertisement Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer of the film, was pointing a gun at Ms Hutchins during a rehearsal when the weapon went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza. Alec Baldwin practising drawing his revolver on the set of the Rust film (Santa Fe County Sheriff/PA) The actor pleaded not guilty after he was re-charged with involuntary manslaughter in January this year, before lawyers filed to dismiss the charge a motion of which is yet to be decided. He is currently scheduled to face a trial in July. Advertisement A jury convicted Gutierrez-Reed in March following a two-week trial, and on Monday she was sentenced to the maximum 18 months of incarceration at a New Mexico womens correctional facility. The word remorse, a deep regret coming from a sense of guilt for past wrongs that is not you, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said in her sentencing remarks. I find that what you did constitutes a serious violent offence, it was committed in a physically violent manner. A fatal gunshot done with your recklessness in the face of knowledge that your acts were reasonably likely to result in serious harm. You were the armourer, the one that stood between a safe weapon and a weapon that could kill someone. You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon. Advertisement But for you, Ms Hutchins would be alive, a husband would have his partner and a little boy would have his mother. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, center, with her attorney Jason Bowles, left, and paralegal Carmella Sisneros prepare for a sentencing hearing in state district court in Santa Fe, New Mexico (Eddie Moore/The Albuquerque Journal via AP) The sentence hearing came two weeks after the judge denied Gutierrez-Reeds emergency request for a new trial and release from custody, where she was taken after the guilty verdict. Advertisement The court heard a host of emotional witness statements, including from Ms Hutchins mother Olga Solovey, father Anatolii Androsovych and sister Svetlana Zemko. A video interview of Ms Solovey, who lives and works in Kyiv as a nurse caring for those wounded in the Ukrainian war, saw her relive the 3am call she received from Ms Hutchins husband Matthew, informing her of the death of her daughter in October 2021. The day of her death ruined my entire lifeevery minute I wait until Ill meet her again, she said of Ms Hutchins, who was hoping to have her own daughter following the birth of her son Andros. While her former Marine officer father said it was indescribable to express the soul-crushing pain that I live through every day. Advertisement Hannah Gutierrez-Reed during her two-week trial (Luis Sanchez Saturno/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP) The constant state of stress, the turmoil of my soul has drained my physical strength and caused an abrupt decline of my health with continued physical pain in my heart, he said in a statement read to the court. Rust director Souza also appeared on a video link to read a statement, telling the court: I want the pain to go away, I want to be who I was before all this happened and above all, I want Halyna to be back home with her husband and son in the house she never got to live in. The last two-and-a-half years are difficult to put into words, Souza added. What it has done to me and the burden it has placed on me, both emotionally and physically are my private burdens and I think Ill choose to keep them that way today. What I will say is one moment the world made sense, and the next moment it didnt and it still doesnt. And I dont know if it ever will again. What I really want I cant have, I want everyone damaged by Ms Gutierrez-Reeds failures that day to find peace, I want this whole thing not to have been consumed by the world as some sick form of mass entertainment. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed during her sentence hearing (Eddie Moore/The Albuquerque Journal via AP) Gutierrez-Reed, who appeared emotional at points during the hearing, took to the stand before her sentencing asking the judge for probation saying I beg you, please dont give me more time. I am saddened by the way the media sensationalised our traumatic tragedy and portrayed me as a complete monster, which has actually been the total opposite of what has been in my heart, she said. When I took on Rust, I was young and I was naive, but I took my job as seriously as I knew how to, despite not having proper time, resources and staffing. When things got tough, I just did my best to handle it. The jury has found me in part at fault for this god awful tragedy, but that doesnt make me a monster, that makes me human. Actor Alec Baldwin on the set of the film Rust (Santa Fe County Sheriff/PA) Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey told the judge that Gutierrez-Reed had not expressed any genuine remorse or taken responsibility for the cascade of safety violations that led to Ms Hutchins death, instead choosing to place blame including on the paramedics who tried to save her life. During her sentencing remarks, Judge Sommer referred to a review of Gutierrez-Reeds calls while she was incarcerated waiting to be sentenced. On the phone, she and another are talking about how much of Hannahs life this could take up and that this is messing up her modelling career, she told the court. And what does she say about the death of Halyna. Hannah is dismissive of the judge talking about someone dying as a result of her actions, Hannah says shes looking at 13 months which is ridiculous over what happened. Hannah says that people have accidents and people die, it is an unfortunate part of life but it doesnt mean she should be in jail. A conditional discharge is not appropriate and the second option of leaving you in the detention centre would be giving you a pass you do not deserve. US actor Alec Baldwin was initially charged in January 2023 (Ian West/PA) Baldwin was initially charged in January 2023, but those charges were formally dismissed three months later. Earlier in January 2024, special prosecutors brought the case before a grand jury in Santa Fe after receiving a new analysis of the gun, and Baldwin was re-charged. The indictment accuses Baldwin of involuntary manslaughter through negligent use of a firearm, and an alternative charge of involuntary manslaughter without due caution or circumspection. Baldwin previously said he pulled back the hammer, but not the trigger, and the gun fired. Lawyers for Baldwin asked a judge to dismiss the charge, accusing prosecutors of violating nearly every rule in the book in acquiring the indictment, while prosecutors claimed the motion to dismiss was predictable false, misleading, and histrionic misrepresentation of the facts. A judge is yet to give a ruling on the motion. The filming of Rust resumed last year in Montana, under an agreement with the cinematographers widower Matthew Hutchins that made him an executive producer. Taoiseach Simon Harris has criticised those behind an alleged arson attack on a building that was earmarked for asylum seeker accommodation in Co Wicklow. The fire, at Trudder House in Newtownmountkennedy, broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning. Advertisement Fire services attended the scene and extinguished the fire. Gardai said a technical examination of the scene has been conducted and investigations into the incident are ongoing. Simon Harris said the arson attack was unhelpful during a housing crisis (Niall Carson/PA) Advertisement A number of buildings that have been earmarked for housing asylum seekers, as well as sites rumoured to be, have been targeted in recent times. There have been more than 20 fires at properties associated, sometimes incorrectly, with accommodating asylum seekers in 2023 and 2024. Mr Harris said the State is responding to a humanitarian crisis and that the arson attacks on buildings during a housing crisis is extraordinarily unhelpful. I understand theres investigation ongoing in relation to that incident, and I dont want to say anything in the position I hold that prejudices the outcome of that, Mr Harris said on Monday. Advertisement Trudder House was the scene of protests over plans to house asylum seekers (Niall Carson/PA) But, of course, Im very concerned to see any fire happening in any buildings or indeed any location, particularly at a time when we live in a country that already has it constraints when it comes to housing supply. For anybody to take any action that will in any way further worsen that situation is extraordinarily unhelpful and in a very, very difficult and challenging time, when Ireland is responding to an humanitarian crisis. Advertisement Ill let the Garda investigation run its course before I comment further on any motives. A number of protesters have been staging a demonstration near the building in recent weeks, with some remaining in the area on Monday. The Department of Integration had been assessing the site for suitability for providing accommodation after accepting a HSE offer to use the empty building. Simeon Burke has had his conviction for a volatile breach of the peace following a "melee" at his brother Enoch's case in the Four Courts in Dublin last year struck out after a judge found there was insufficient evidence he had committed a criminal offence. At an appeal against his District Court conviction on Monday, Judge John Martin said he was not convinced that Simeon Burkes unbecoming behaviour met the threshold for a public order offence. Advertisement Mr Burke (25), who was called to the Bar as a barrister last October, had denied the charge before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court last July but was convicted and fined 300 for a public order offence that occurred on March 7th, 2023, on or about the Four Courts on Inns Quay in Dublin. Simeon Burke was convicted under section 6 of the Public Order Act, which states it is an offence for any person in a public place to use or engage in any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace may be occasioned. At the appeals court on Monday, Simeon Burke, with an address at Cloonsunna, Castlebar, Co Mayo, had his appeal allowed and his conviction quashed. Judge Martin said the threshold for Mr Burke, who was representing himself, to be convicted of a breach of the peace offence had to be beyond a reasonable doubt as it was a criminal matter. Advertisement Judge Martin said he did not feel that the Garda witnesses in the case had proved the requisite standard for Mr Burkes behaviour to attract a criminal conviction. I have heard evidence that he strongly resisted [gardai] and was obstructing them and was crying terms concerning transgenderism and that gardai should deploy their resources to other parts of the city, Judge Martin said. Does it reach the criminal standard? I am afraid it doesnt, and I am allowing the appeal, the judge added. The incident in question happened as Mr Burke had been in attendance at the Four Courts where his brother Enoch was involved in a legal dispute before the Court of Appeal with Wilson's Hospital School. Simeon Burke's contested District Court hearing featured CCTV evidence from the Four Courts, but not from inside the courtroom where the incident started before it spilled out to the yard, where Mr Burke was dragged by three gardai to the front of the building and onto Inns Quay before being arrested. Careful consideration must be given to any proposals to change Irelands abortion laws, the Taoiseach has said. Simon Harris said an independent review of the current laws needed to be treated with the same sensitivity that was given ahead of the Eighth Amendment referendum in 2018. Advertisement He made the comments ahead of a documentary on RTE which will reveal that almost 1,000 people in Ireland contacted a UK abortion charity about accessing services abroad since the referendum passed. Senior barrister Marie OShea, who authored the review of Irelands abortion law, called on Government to prioritise ongoing issues with the legislation, saying vulnerable women who continue to be forced abroad for terminations are being treated like criminals. Celebrations in Dublin Castle after Ireland to repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution which prohibited abortions unless a mothers life is in danger (Niall Carson/PA) Advertisement Ms OShea criticised a lack of action on many of the legislative recommendations contained in the report which was delivered to Government early last year. A review of the legislation was required after three years. As part of her report, Ms OShea recommended the removal of a mandatory three-day waiting period between a womans initial medical consultation and her being given access to abortion treatment or medication. Mr Harris said he wanted to respect the diversity of views and bring forth consensus. Advertisement In relation to the review of abortion services, of course, I have personal views, but personally Im here as Taoiseach of a country 5.3 million people and I want to await to the views of the Minister for Health and his departments when they come forward to Cabinet. Weve taken a number of very significant steps in Ireland, the Irish people have over the last number of years, a constitutional referendum, legislation, the rollout of services, and measures in relation to free contraception. A number of steps that were taken have been based on the cross-party committee on abortion. I think we need to approach this issue with the same sensitivity now that we did then. Advertisement I do want to, with the the time available to me before the next general election, to make progress on a number of areas. He said that the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly is considering the review and will bring forward proposals. In my new role as Taoiseach, I dont intend to wade straight in, I intend to wait and to engage with the minister and engage with Cabinet colleagues, he added. Of course, we also put in a review clause for this very reason so that people will continue to check their services is working as planned and are things going as was intended. Advertisement I do think they need to be given consideration, but that is the balance. The Irish people were given assurances that they voted for this, and theres obviously theres a review alongside that. So I think this requires careful consideration. Irans aerial attack on Israel dominates the front pages of Monday's newspapers. The Irish Times leads with the US response, with president Joe Biden making an unequivocal condemnation of the air missile attack as western leaders vowed to work to avoid further destabilisation in the Middle East. Advertisement The words of Israeli president Isaac Herzog features on the front of the Irish Daily Mail as he says: Its time the world faces evil empire of Tehran. Advertisement The Irish Daily Mirror has a simpler message from the G7 Step back from the brink. In other news, the Irish Examiner reports that families of the victims of some of the countrys worst criminals are urging the Taoiseach to make reforms to the parole system. Advertisement The Irish Independent says a personal tax package worth 1,200 is expected to be included in the next budget. Taoiseach Simon Harris has told the Irish Daily Star that he fully supports the Garda's work to bring the Kinahan cartel to justice. Advertisement A prominent loyalist activist could stand against the DUP interim leader in the upcoming Westminster election, the Belfast Telegraph reports. Armed gardai arrested a serial criminal after a carjacking targeting a Dublin pensioner, according to The Herald. Advertisement The British papers also focus heavily on the Middle East conflict. Metro concentrates on the attack and the part of British pilots in shooting down drones, while The Sun declares RAF top guns foil Iran blitz. Tomorrow's Paper Today IRAN V ISRAEL: MIDDLE EAST IN CRISIS RAIN OF TERROR Hundreds of missiles are fired in huge night-time revenge raid RAF Typhoons help IDF shoot drones out of sky to foil attack#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/9T3lFBPFpA Metro (@MetroUK) April 14, 2024 On tomorrow's front page: RAF Top Guns helped down more than 300 drones and missiles as Iran threatened to trigger World War Three early yesterdayhttps://t.co/6gqgfNm2Sf pic.twitter.com/2UQ6HUUF8L The Sun (@TheSun) April 14, 2024 The reaction of G7 nations occupies the front of the i, which says they warned Iran it has risked an uncontrollable conflict. Western nations are urging restraint as Israel plans a revenge attack on Iran, according to The Daily Telegraph. The front page of today's Daily Telegraph: 'Israel plans revenge attack on Iran as West urges restraint' Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/tk08sSU2Qz The Telegraph (@Telegraph) April 15, 2024 The Financial Times says Israel is weighing up its options, while The Guardian says the US has warned it will not take part in any counter-offensive. Financial Times: Israel weighs options after Iran attack #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/KYM6efkrgG George Mann (@sgfmann) April 14, 2024 The Guardian: US warning as Israel weighs up response to Irans attack #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/FdMYGAqLxi George Mann (@sgfmann) April 14, 2024 Both the Daily Express and The Independent say the world is holding its breath ahead of a response. The Times says the world has called for calm as Israel vows revenge. The Times: Britain may try to send migrants to Costa Rica #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/U2V0lfskRM George Mann (@sgfmann) April 14, 2024 The Daily Star does feature the attack on the front, but leads on a vow from a tycoon planning a new Titanic to include more lifeboats. A woman who was hit with a bill for almost 330,000 in unpaid excise duties following the discovery of a large amount of smuggled fuel on her farm had the sum reduced by over 254,000 on appeal. The Tax Appeals Commission ruled that the Revenue had only provided admissible evidence in relation to six out of 24 separate deliveries of fuel which it claimed had been made to the womans farm which straddles the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland in 2016. Advertisement It reduced the amount of unpaid excise duty owed by the appellant to just under 75,000. The tax notice was issued to the woman following a raid by gardai and customs officers on a farm she owns with her brother on June 30th, 2016 following a surveillance operation. The TAC heard that officials had observed lorries, which had been followed from their arrival at Dublin Port, towing trailers suspected of carrying fuel in the vicinity of the farm. A total of 52,000 litres of fuel which were stored in intermediate bulk carriers were seized during the raid. Advertisement A Revenue official formed the belief that the appellant had taken delivery of 24 separate consignments of 26,000 litres of unmarked diesel and two consignments of a similar quantity of petrol. The TAC was informed that Revenue received intelligence that articulated lorries and trailers units ostensibly carrying solvents were smuggling diesel from the Czech Republic through Poland and other countries to Ireland. A customs officer gave evidence that Operation Chess, which was established on foot of such information, found lorries would stop at a service station where they would stay for up to 48 hours awaiting further instruction before travelling towards the appellants farm. Individual deliveries He outlined how the surveillance operation had observed 24 individual deliveries to the area on dates between March 23rd and June 30th, 2016 including four deliveries by the same lorry used on the final date. Advertisement Another customer officer who took part in the raid of the farm on June 30th, 2016 described how he had used a ladder to climb over closed gates which blocked access to the farm. He outlined how one of two individuals who were unloading the trailer took off across the fields towards Northern Ireland in a four-wheel drive. The witness said the other male, who was the driver of the lorry, was apprehended and had cash of 21,300 in his possession seized. The TAC heard that the woman submitted annual income tax returns for 2015 and 2016 with respective turnover of 367,497 and 250,523 but gave evidence that she never had any involvement in the running of the farm and had no knowledge of whatever activity took place on it.. Advertisement It was informed that she had worked as a shop assistant until she retired in 2014. Under cross-examination, she claimed the filings were arranged by her accountant acting on her sons instructions, whom she claimed was the true owner of the farm. However, she accepted she was the registered owner of the farm and that she received farm subsidy payments. The woman said she had never noticed lorries along the road near the farmyard and had no knowledge of fuel being delivered to the property. Advertisement She was unable to answer questions over documents submitted as part of her appeal which appeared to show that her son was operating an oil trading business from her address. The TAC heard that her son had District Court convictions from 2010 and 2014 relating to illegal oil, but she denied any knowledge of them. The womans solicitor argued that only people who trade in oils may be liable for excise duty and claimed it was simply ludicrous to assume an elderly woman was involved in smuggling oil and arranging loads of fuel to come from the Czech Republic. The solicitor said his client held the farm in name only and held it on trust for her son. Excisable goods He admitted there was no dispute that two deliveries of fuel of 26,000 litres each had been made to the farm on June 30th, 2016 but stressed the appellant had no knowledge of them. The solicitor also accepted that some kind of deliveries had been made to the farm on other dates but claimed there was no admissible evidence that they involved excisable goods. He also argued that Revenues assessment was in error as it was apparent that the fuel was destined for the UK and therefore a matter for the UK tax authorities. Counsel for Revenue said the woman was the registered owner of the farm and delegating its management to her son did not absolve her of responsibility for what happened on it. While there was no direct eyewitness evidence about other deliveries, counsel said the evidence of the customs officer overseeing Operation Ches was sufficient. Revenue withdraw the assessment for unpaid excise duty of 30,561 in relation to petrol at the end of the hearing, leaving the appellant with a bill for 298,908 in relation to 624,000 litres of unmarked diesel In his ruling, TAC Commissioner Conor OHiggins it was a striking feature of the case that no specific reasons were given why hearsay evidence by the customs officer overseeing Operation Chess should be admitted as proof in relation to 18 alleged deliveries to the farm. Mr OHiggins claimed such evidence was in clear breach of the rule against hearsay which exists to safeguard fair procedures. However, he accepted the evidence of the other customs witness about the remaining deliveries. The TAC commissioner said there was direct evidence about the two deliveries on June 30th, 2016 and he disagreed with the appellants lawyer that there was insufficient evidence about the other deliveries given the pattern of behaviour by the same lorry. Mr OHiggins said the evidence about the deliveries on June 30, 2016 proved beyond any major doubt that all of the deliveries were transported in a smuggling operation. He ruled that the woman was liable for unpaid excise duty on six deliveries totalling 74,727. (Photo : Unsplash/Gab Audiovisuel) Two Democratic senators from steel-producing states, in a challenging re-election battle, are calling on President Joe Biden to take further action to block Japan's Nippon Steel Corp's proposed acquisition of United States Steel Corp. US Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio stated they are pressing the White House on national security and trade enforcement issues regarding the acquisition, emphasizing its implications for American workers and jobs on Bloomberg Television. President Biden's Public Opposition on The Merger Despite President Biden's public opposition and stance that the company should be US-owned, United States Steel shareholders voted in favor of Nippon Steel's $14.1 billion takeover offer. READ ALSO: Nippon Steel Under Serious Scrutiny, Declares No Layoffs, Plant Closures Amid $14.9B Acquisition Deal The Biden administration is subjecting the deal to a national security review, a confidential process usually reserved for transactions involving adversarial nations rather than allies like Japan, which could be contested in court by the Committee on Foreign Investment. While the US Department of Justice has initiated an expanded antitrust investigation into the takeover, introducing further obstacles to finalizing the deal, the companies are contemplating postponing the anticipated timeline. In a statement titled "Nippon Steel Shows its True Colors," issued on Wednesday, the Steelworkers argued that if Nippon were to acquire US Steel, it would prioritize the Japanese market over the US market, potentially harming American workers. Senator Sherrod Brown's Merger Opposition Brown's Senate race is viewed as one of the most fiercely contested this November, which is crucial to win industrial workers over as his re-election prospects. However, despite the steelworkers union's preference for the Ohio-based Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. mining company to make the acquisition, US Steel went against their request. Senator Bob Casey's Merger Opposition Democratic US Senator Bob Casey, facing a competitive re-election in Pennsylvania, where US Steel is headquartered, also champions the cause. During an interview with Bloomberg Television, Casey expressed his main concern about steelworker jobs, citing significant worries about the deal's threat to these jobs. Casey mentioned that he is contacting the White House to inquire about how the disagreement over the acquisition was addressed in Biden's discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his recent state visit. News Conference with Kishida During a joint news conference, Biden reaffirmed his opposition to support the United Steelworkers Union, while Kishida expressed optimism that they would result in favorable outcomes for both sides. The leaders released a joint statement reaffirming their alliance and introducing new defense, technology, and climate initiatives. Bolstering their relationship is essential to offsetting China's influence in the Asia Pacific region. Nippon Steel's Future Commitment Nippon Steel agreed to purchase the US Steel at a considerable premium in December last year, asserting that the deal would enhance the US steel industry's competitiveness. Donald Trump, the presumed Republican presidential nominee, has stated that if elected, he would attempt to prevent the deal. RELATED ARTICLE: Biden Backing Up Steelworkers Amid Nippon Steel's Scrutiny, Raises Worries Over Regulatory Bureaucracy 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A rental car has been pictured with Go Home graffiti on it in Tenerife ahead of protests this Saturday over the effects of mass tourism. Slogans were plastered on walls and benches earlier this month in the resort of Palm Mar in the south of the island. Advertisement The messages left in English included: My misery your paradise and Average salary in Canary Islands is 1,200. Overnight, a photo of a hire car with the words Go Home scrawled down the right-hand side of the vehicle, was published by island press. Tenerife daily El Dia said the car belonged to regional rental car company Cicar, which has more than 40 offices across the Canary Islands, and described it as another act of tourism-phobia. One Tenerife-based social media user, referring to foreign tourists with the colloquial Spanish word guiris, responded by claiming: Cicars cars always come with fully comprehensive insurance. Advertisement I wish I could rent a car in Lanzarote with this on it. At least this way Id go around the island with the message, Go home, f##king guiris. Another rebuked him by writing on X, formerly Twitter: Cicar is a Canarian firm that puts food on the table of Canarian workers. These go home people are a bunch of simpletons who dont work or intend working. A sympathiser added: Whoever has done this is an idiot. You dont know if the person renting the car is a tourist or not. Advertisement Car rental companies rent their cars to everyone. Remember that before you do stupid things like this. The campaigners behind the April 20 protests, which will take place in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote as well as Tenerife, have been quick to distance themselves from the anti-tourist graffiti. Last week they accused regional politicians of dirty tricks for accusing them of tourism-phobia. Half a dozen Canarians started an indefinite hunger strike on Friday at a church in the town of La Laguna in the north of Tenerife. Advertisement They are all members of a platform called Canarias Se Agota, which literally translates into English as The Canary Islands are Exhausted. The hunger strikers want the authorities to paralyse two tourist projects, one involving the construction of a five-star hotel by one of Tenerifes last virgin beaches called La Tejita. They also want 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. Victor Martin, a spokesperson for Canarias Se Agota who will not be stopping eating but is fronting the protest, said: The hunger strike is indefinite and will continue until the two macro 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. Advertisement "A tragedy could occur and someone could die if the government don't listen." Alfonso Boullon, a spokesman for the organisation Salvar La Tejita which is aligned to Canarias Se Agota, added just before the hunger strike started: This hunger strike is designed to push for a change of social and economic model in the Canary Islands, which is fundamentally affected by tourism which the islands economy is based around. Its not an anti-tourist protest, its a protest aimed at reformulating the model that has led us to where we are today. Its a model that is totally unsustainable, it exhausts resources and the environment. We want a moratorium on the number of tourist beds available so they dont increase and the paralysation of the tourist complexes Hotel La Tejita and Cuna del Alma as a show of commitment towards a real will for change. Hotel La Tejita is a hotel project for over 800 guests in the south of the island which campaigners are trying to stop because they say it will be built partly overprotected sand dunes and public coastal domain. Israels military chief has said his country will respond to Irans missile strike over the weekend. Lt Gen Herzi Halevi added that Israel is still considering its steps. Advertisement But he said the Iranian strike of missiles and attack drones will be met with a response. Advertisement Lt Gen Halevi spoke during a visit to the Nevatim airbase, which Israel says suffered light damage in the Iranian attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been meeting with top officials to discuss a possible response. World leaders have been urging Israel not to retaliate after Iran launched an attack involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The Iranian attack on Saturday marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Advertisement The attack happened less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building. The Israeli military says that 99% of the drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted, with the help of other countries including the United States, the UK and France. Despite the reported interceptions, Iran has called the attack a success. In Washington, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to say whether the US had been or expects to be briefed on any Israeli response plans. Advertisement We will let the Israelis speak to that, he told reporters. We are not involved in their decision-making process about a potential response. Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israels six-month war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. Twelve news organisations have urged presumptive presidential nominees Joe Biden and Donald Trump to agree to debates, saying they were a rich tradition that have been part of every campaign since 1976. While Mr Trump, who did not participate in debates for the Republican nomination, has indicated a willingness to take on his 2020 rival, the Democratic president has not committed to debating him again. Advertisement Although invitations have not been formally issued, the news organisations said it was not too early for each campaign to say publicly that it will participate in the three presidential and one vice presidential forums set by the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates. If there is one thing Americans can agree on during this polarised time, it is that the stakes of this election are exceptionally high, the organisations said in a joint statement. Joe Biden, right, answers a question as Donald Trump listens during the second and final presidential debate in 2020 (Morry Gash/AP) Advertisement Amidst that backdrop, there is simply no substitute for the candidates debating with each other, and before the American people, their visions for the future of our nation. ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, PBS, NBC, NPR and The Associated Press all signed the letter. Mr Biden and Mr Trump debated twice in 2020. A third debate was cancelled after Mr Trump, then president, tested positive for Covid-19 and would not debate remotely. Asked on March 8 whether he would commit to a debate with Mr Trump, Mr Biden said, it depends on his behaviour. Advertisement The president was visibly fed up with his opponent in the first 2020 debate, at one point saying: Will you shut up? Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in a letter last week that we have already indicated President Trump is willing to debate anytime, any place and anywhere and the time to start these debates is now. They cited the seven 1858 Illinois Senate debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, saying certainly todays America deserves as much. The Republican National Committee voted in 2022 to no longer participate in forums sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. Advertisement The Trump campaign has not indicated it would adhere to that but did have some conditions. The campaign managers said the commission selected a demonstrably anti-Trump moderator in then-Fox News host Chris Wallace in 2020 and wants assurances the commission debates are fair and impartial. The Trump campaign also wants the timetable moved up, saying that many Americans will have already voted by September 16, October 1 and October 9, the dates of the three debates set by the commission. The Biden campaign declined to comment on the news organisations letter, pointing to the presidents earlier statement. There was no immediate response from the Trump campaign. Donald Trump became the first former US president to stand criminal trial on Monday, when he appeared in a court in Manhattan to face charges stemming from a hush-money payment to a porn star that could complicate his bid to win back the White House. "This is political persecution," Trump (77) said before entering the courtroom and taking his seat at the defence table. Advertisement He is required to attend the trial, which is expected to last through May. Jury selection is expected to take about a week, followed by witness testimony. Police stood guard in front of the courthouse amid a maze of barricades, and helicopters shadowed the motorcade of black SUVs that ferried Trump from his Trump Tower apartment. A handful of protesters, gathered in the plaza across the street, carried hand-painted signs reading 'Loser' and 'Convict Trump already'. Though the case is regarded by some legal experts as the least consequential of the four criminal prosecutions he faces, it is the only one guaranteed to go to trial before the November 5th election. Advertisement Trump has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could still hold office, but polling by Reuters/Ipsos shows a guilty verdict could hobble his prospects. The businessman-turned-politician, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, has used past court appearances to rally his supporters and claim he is being persecuted by his political enemies. New York state prosecutors accuse him of falsifying records to cover up a $130,000 payment in the waning days of the 2016 presidential campaign to buy the silence of porn star Stormy Daniels about a 2006 sexual encounter she claims they had. Trump has denied any such relationship. Advertisement 'Politically motivated prosecution' He pleaded not guilty last year to 34 counts of falsification of business records in the case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, in New York state court. In his three other criminal cases, Trump stands accused of mishandling classified information and trying to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. He has painted all the criminal cases against him as a plot by Biden's Democrats to undermine his presidential campaign. "There's going to be an argument from the defence that this is a politically motivated prosecution, and if they had a real crime they'd have brought a real crime, and instead they have little notations on a checkbook," Adam Kaufmann, a former prosecutor in the Manhattan district attorney's office, said. On Monday morning, Trump repeated those claims on social media and said Justice Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, is "highly conflicted". Advertisement Bragg has argued that the case concerns an unlawful scheme to corrupt the 2016 election by burying a scandalous story that would have harmed Trump's campaign. Trump's lawyers have said the payment to Daniels did not amount to an illegal campaign contribution. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published last week found that nearly two in three voters found the charges in the case at least somewhat serious. One in four of his fellow Republicans and half of independents said they would not vote for Trump if he were convicted of a felony. 'Catch and kill' Choosing a jury from a pool of people from heavily Democratic Manhattan could take several days, to be followed by opening statements and witness testimony. Daniels and Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen, who has testified that he made the payments to Daniels, are among the witnesses expected to testify. Advertisement Trump has said he plans to testify in his own defence, a risky proposition that would open him up to probing cross-examination by prosecutors. Prosecutors have said the payment to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, was part of a broader "catch and kill" scheme to suppress unflattering information about Trump before the 2016 election, in which he defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump is accused of falsely recording reimbursements to Cohen as monthly legal retainer fees in his New York-based real estate company's books. Falsifying business records in New York is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison, though many defendants convicted of that charge have been sentenced to fines or probation. Trump's defence has argued that his payments to Cohen in 2017, while he was US president, were for legal services. Trump has called Cohen a "serial liar" and his lawyers are expected to attack his credibility at trial. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to violating campaign finance law, though the federal prosecutors who brought that case did not charge Trump. Trump's lawyers lodged three last-minute bids to delay the trial last week, all of which were rejected by judges. -Reuters The hush money trial of former US president Donald Trump is due to begin in New York City with jury selection. It is the first criminal trial of a former US leader and the first of Trumps four indictments to go to trial. Advertisement Because Trump is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, the trial in Manhattan will also produce the split-screen effect of a candidate for the White House spending his days in court and, he has said, campaigning during the night. To some extent, it is a trial of the US justice system itself as it grapples with a defendant who has used his enormous prominence to assail the judge, his daughter, the district attorney, some witnesses as well as the allegations against him all while blasting the legitimacy of a legal structure that he insists has been appropriated by his political opponents. The charges relate to alleged payments made to porn performer Stormy Daniels (AP) Advertisement Against that backdrop, scores of ordinary citizens are due to be called on Monday into a cavernous room in a utilitarian court to determine whether they can serve, fairly and impartially, on the jury. Judge Juan M Merchan wrote in an April 8 filing: The ultimate issue is whether the prospective jurors can assure us that they will set aside any personal feelings or biases and render a decision that is based on the evidence and the law. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of an alleged effort to keep salacious and, he says, bogus stories about his sex life from emerging during his 2016 campaign. The charges centre on 130,000 US dollars in payments that Trumps company made to his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen. Advertisement He paid that sum on Trumps behalf to keep porn actor Stormy Daniels from going public, a month before the election, with her claims of a sexual encounter with the married mogul a decade earlier. Prosecutors say the payments to Mr Cohen were falsely logged as legal fees in order to cloak their actual purpose. The charges centre on 130,000 US dollars in payments that Trumps company made to his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen (AP) Advertisement Trumps lawyers say the disbursements were legal expenses, not a cover-up. The former president himself casts the case, and his other indictments elsewhere, as a broad weaponisation of law enforcement by Democratic prosecutors and officials. He maintains they are orchestrating sham charges in the hopes of impeding his presidential run. After decades of fielding and initiating lawsuits, the businessman-turned-politician now faces a trial that could result in up to four years in prison if he is convicted, though a non-custodial sentence is also possible. Regardless of the eventual outcome, the trial of an ex-president and current candidate is a moment of extraordinary gravity for the American political system, as well as for Trump himself. Advertisement Such a scenario would have once seemed unthinkable to many Americans, even for a president whose tenure left a trail of shattered norms, including twice being impeached and acquitted by the US senate. The scene inside the courtroom may be greeted with a spectacle outside. When Trump was arraigned last year, police broke up small skirmishes between his supporters and protesters near the courthouse in a tiny park, where a local Republican group has planned a pro-Trump rally on Monday. The trial will take place before Judge Juan Merchan in Manhattan (AP) Trumps lawyers lost a bid to get the hush money case dismissed and have since repeatedly sought to delay it, prompting a flurry of last-minute appeals court hearings last week. Among other things, Trumps lawyers maintain that the jury pool in overwhelmingly Democratic Manhattan has been tainted by negative publicity about Trump and that the case should be moved elsewhere. An appeals judge turned down an emergency request to delay the trial while the change-of-venue request goes to a group of appellate judges, who are set to consider it in the coming weeks. Manhattan prosecutors have countered that a lot of the publicity stems from Trumps own comments and that questioning will tease out whether prospective jurors can put aside any preconceptions they may have. There is no reason, prosecutors said, to think that 12 fair and impartial people cannot be found amid Manhattans roughly 1.4 million adult residents. If convicted, Trump could face a custodial sentence (AP) The process of choosing those 12, plus six alternates, will begin with scores of people filing into Judge Merchans courtroom. They will be known only by number, as he has ordered their names to be kept secret from everyone except prosecutors, Trump and their legal teams. After hearing some basics about the case and jury service, the prospective jurors will be asked to raise hands if they believe they cannot serve or be fair and impartial. Those who do so will be excused, according to Judge Merchans filing last week. The rest will be eligible for questioning. The 42 preapproved, sometimes multi-pronged queries include background basics but also reflect the uniqueness of the case. Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about former president Donald Trump, or the fact that he is a current candidate for president, that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror? asks one question. Others ask about attendance at Trump or anti-Trump rallies, opinions on how he is being treated in the case, news sources and more including any political, moral, intellectual, or religious beliefs or opinions that might slant a prospective jurors approach to the case. The FBI has opened a federal criminal probe into the March 26th bridge collapse in Maryland, the Washington Post reported on Monday, citing two US officials familiar with the matter. The investigation will at least partly focus on the Dali cargo ship and whether its crew left the port in Baltimore knowing the ship had serious problems with its systems, the Post reported. Advertisement Representatives for the FBI could not be immediately reached to comment on the report. The head of the US National Transportation Safety Board separately told the US Congress last week that it had interviewed key cargo ship personnel as part of its investigation of the crash. Work to clear the wreckage and restore traffic through the Mid-Atlantic state's shipping channel is ongoing after a massive container ship lost power and crashed into a support pylon last month, sending the bridge collapsing into the Patapsco River and killing six bridge workers. -Reuters Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The moment the first trailer for Civil War dropped, people immediately began asking if it was such a great idea to release a film about the collapse of American democracy in an election year. With increasing political polarisation, and 43 per cent of Americans believing a real-life civil war is a distinct possibility, could this be the spark that sets it off? Perhaps surprisingly, Alex Garland, writer-director of the movie that stars Kirsten Dunst as an American war photographer covering a conflict in her own country, doesnt dismiss that concern out of hand. The incitement question is interesting, he says. Its just that to know the answer to it, you would have to be in possession of a lot of other information, and youd have to be able to project into the future and anticipate behaviour. Theres a lot of unknowns there. But if you look at the counter-position, which is silencing, there are fewer unknowns. There are significant dangers involved in either silencing other people or silencing yourself, which are quite predictable and quite well-documented. So I cant prove it with the positive, but in a way I can prove it with the negative. Garland (right) on the set of his film, in which heavily armed factions battle for control of the not-so-united States. Credit: Roadshow That might sound like hes making the case for the right to free speech, regardless of its impacts, and that might seem to put him on the side of the right. But thats not where he, or his film, actually sits. Civil War follows a small band of journalists, including Dunst, Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny, as they travel across the eastern seaboard of the US hoping to cover the front line of the conflict, and to score an interview with the president (Nick Offerman). Its a road movie through an America ripped apart by divisions the ballot box can no longer contain, where militias are engaged in open combat, the streets are no longer safe, and atrocities are commonplace. Advertisement If there are sides here, its difficult to know which one we should be barracking for. But not impossible, insists Garland. There is a side it comes down against, and theres a side it comes down for, by implication, he says. The side it comes down against is fascists. Its just not taking sides in the terms some people might want it to take, which would be, Im left-wing, I wanted to attack the right or Im right-wing, I wanted to attack the left. Its deliberately taking that out. Its an old-fashioned way of thinking a centrist way of thinking, actually that says governments are there, systems of checks and balances are there, to guard against fascism. Thats why they exist. Garlands story focuses on the efforts of four journalists to capture the truth of the conflict. Wagner Moura (front right) plays journalist Joel, and Stephen McKinley Henderson is the veteran New York Times writer Sammy. Credit: Roadshow Civil War is a very modern edge-of-the-seat immersion in the hell, and the fog, of war. But it is old-fashioned in another way: the journalists (Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny are the photographers, Wagner Moura and Stephen McKinley Henderson the writers) are its heroes. The film brilliantly captures the adrenaline addiction, and the trauma, that can grip conflict journalists. But that in no way negates the absolutely critical role they play in keeping us informed and safe from tyranny. Garland grew up around journalists. His father was a political cartoonist for The Daily Telegraph, Spectator and New Statesman (and the co-creator, with Barry Humphries, of the Barry McKenzie comic strip in Private Eye in the 1960s). Advertisement Today, he concedes, journalism is a much-maligned profession. And I find that surreal. Its like maligning doctors. You just try living in a society where journalists have been erased, where they are no longer holding people to account, and see where it gets you. And you could say we are starting to see what that is like anyway. Sometimes, he says, he likes to play a little thought experiment in which he imagines a modern-day Watergate, complete with Woodward and Bernstein exposing deep corruption at the highest levels. Would it lead to the downfall of that government? At the moment, not necessarily. Garland burst onto the scene as the 26-year-old author of runaway bestseller The Beach back in 1996 and has since enjoyed considerable success as a screenwriter (28 Days Later, Never Let Me Go) and writer-director (Ex-Machina, Annihilation, Men, the TV series Devs). If theres a strand that unites this body of work, he says, it is an obsession with fascistic power structures and personalities. Journalism is a much-maligned profession. And I find that surreal. Its like maligning doctors. Alex Garland Even The Beach is sort of about that, really, the different spaces fascist thinking can come from. I think thats probably because I was born in 1970, and the Second World War, and the things surrounding it, simply did not feel distant. These days, he says, fascism seems to be a more abstract concept to people, particularly in the Western democracies. And that is a danger. Advertisement When they see it at all, they see it as something either historically or geographically distant. And that allows for fascism creeping into their own behaviour, even though they would not ever consider themselves to be fascists. Its an evolutionary process that can be quieter and more insidious than people realise. Do you mean to suggest that theres an innate drift towards fascism, and that without the safeguards of strong public institutions, courts, and media, we risk an inexorable slide into it? Yes, he says. It is avoided by rational, compassionate thinking, and its avoided by systems. It is not arbitrary that we have those systems; those systems were created thoughtfully, primarily as a protection against extremism. In truth, Civil War isnt intended as an incitement, but as a warning. Nick Offerman plays the president. Credit: Roadshow The problem presented in the film is that a populist politics, a divided country, journalists and the fourth estate not having the power and the traction they need to hold people to account, has led to an authoritarian in power, he says. If you erode the media in a certain kind of way, or you break apart some of the systems of government, the thing you are guarding against might actually occur. We act as if were not guarding against something real, but I think we are. But its not just the US we should be concerned about, he says, pointing to the impunity with which Boris Johnson lied his way through his prime ministership in Britain. Its all the other places, too, where so-called strong leaders have emerged and sought to weaken the institutions that protect civil society. And its also the impact a weakened, and morally diminished, America has on the rest of the world. Advertisement What does that allow other countries to do maybe other countries that are expansionist and violent and authoritarian? What has been permitted by that chaos? Its an interrelated problem, which is explicitly not localised to America, either in its cause or in its effect. Its a grim prognosis. Do you think theres any way back? Absolutely, of course, he says. If you can come back from World War Two and that scale of expansionist, psychopathic behaviour and genocide, then yeah, of course theres a way back. But its a way back that has to be taken. Humans are often very good at correctly anticipating a problem, but much less good at acting on it. They see the tsunami coming, and they all stand around pointing at it, but do they actually do anything, build defences, run away, whatever it happens to be? I get the sense that the great big wave is on its way, and the water is sucking out down the shore at a rather alarming rate, he says. Thats where we are right now. There might be a tsunami, and so we should react to that. Civil War is in cinemas now. Contact the author at kquinn@theage.com.au, follow him on Facebook at karlquinnjournalist and on Twitter @karlkwin, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Review Eating outDarlinghurst Its not fancy, but Joes Table is one of the nicest restaurants in the eastern suburbs Why? Because its Joes, and nobody elses. Not the banks. Not the silent partners. Not a private equity firm. Terry Durack April 16, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 1 / 7 The bigger, brighter home for cult restaurant and one-man show Joes Table. James Brickwood 2 / 7 Red curry of barbecue duck with snake bean and sweet basil. James Brickwood 3 / 7 Steamed fish fillet with coconut milk, fresh herbs and makrut lime leaf. James Brickwood 4 / 7 Joes Table and its homely white curtains. James Brickwood 5 / 7 Go-to dish: Hanoi spring rolls. James Brickwood 6 / 7 Stir-fried Asian greens with ginger and mushrooms. James Brickwood 7 / 7 Patsavouropita with walnut, orange and cinnamon in filo pastry. James Brickwood Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score Thai$$$$ Joes Table is not the fanciest, fastest and flashest restaurant in the eastern suburbs. But then, they have more than enough fancy, fast and flash restaurants. They could do with one thats just nice, sincere and modest. And Joes Table is one of the nicest, sincerest and most modest restaurants in the eastern suburbs. Why? Because its Joes, and nobody elses. Not the banks. Not the silent partners. Not a private equity firm. Not even Merivales. Its Joes. Joe Kitsana is the original one-man band. Having worked over the years for Longrain, Sailors Thai and Phamish, he has been the sole chef, waiter, and sommelier of the tiny 20-seater Joes Table on Kings Lane in Darlos Republic precinct for the past eight years. Advertisement Joe Kitsana at his new larger venue. Edwina Pickles Hed get up early to go to Cabramatta to buy the produce, and stay up late to do the dishes and clean up for the next day. I love the process from beginning to end, he tells me. There is satisfaction in having to prepare, cook and wash personally for my customers. In late 2023, he moved 500 metres away to a larger but still modest site on the corner of Bourke and William streets. The front door, coming in off hectic William Street, is a bit of an issue (mind the step, its a doozy). The loo is basic, and can be found through a back door, behind a stack of folded tables. Windows are lined with homely white curtains and the place is filled with regulars who greet Joe like an old friend. And Joe has plenty of old friends, from renowned chef Janni Kyritsis, who contributed the recipe for his Greek orange pudding, to media personality Deborah Hutton and gallerist Judith Neilson of White Rabbit. In the kitchen a surprise. Joe has a kitchen assistant, Gig Wutthipong, enabling him to emerge long enough to bring menus, take orders, clear tables, fetch water and settle bills, then go back in to cook. Advertisement Red curry of barbecue duck with snake bean and sweet basil. James Brickwood On the menu no real surprises. This is the Thai food Joe does best simple curries, a couple of snacks and stir-fries. Thai fish cakes, caramelised beef ribs with pickled mustard greens, silken tofu with garlic and chilli. Its simple, bright home cooking, carpeted with herbs; instantly familiar to so many Sydneysiders. A couple of off-duty hospo folk recommend the Hanoi spring rolls. Thanks, good call. Rolled in banh trang rice paper rather than spring roll pastry, theyre chunky, chewy, and filled with chicken, black fungus and veg ($19.50), with a bowl of nuoc cham for dipping. Western Australian snapper fillets ($31.50) are steamed and bathed in a pool of herby coconut broth tangled with herbs and makrut lime leaf. Yes, youll be needing jasmine rice with that ($4.50 per person). Red curry with barbecue duck ($31.50) takes me back to the 90s when it challenged green chicken curry for ubiquity. Its pure comfort food; the thick chunks of Chinatown duck contrasting with the crunch of snake bean and apple eggplant. Advertisement Go-to dish: Hanoi spring rolls. James Brickwood Dishes arrive as they are cooked, which means a side dish of Asian greens glossy, beautifully cooked snake beans, gai laan and snow peas tossed with ginger and mushrooms ($19.50) might come after your curry and rice. Or before. Its hard to say. The warm Greek cake ($18.50), chockers with fruit and walnuts and scented with orange, has the nostalgic vibe of a sticky date pudding. And if you dont BYO, Joe offers half a dozen wines, from the tropical qualities of Little Angel sauvignon blanc ($14.50/$49.50) from Marlborough, New Zealand, to the plum-and-berry nature of Scotchmans Hill Pinot noir ($14.50/$55.50). There are plenty of Thai restaurants in the neighbourhood, from the top-value, chef-training Marko (also BYO) and sweet little Moon in Liverpool Street, right up to the hatted Viand in Crown Street. But theres something special about Joes Table. It might be the modest, neighbourhood atmosphere, or the nostalgia, or the fact that the food is so fresh and light. Or maybe its just Joe. The low-down Vibe: The quintessential Thai local from a one-man-band chef Go-to dish: Hanoi spring rolls, $19.50 Drinks: BYO is welcome ($4.50pp corkage) and theres a short list of wines pegged at under $60 Cost: $120 for two, plus drinks Tiny one-man show Joes Table finds bigger, brighter home for cult restaurant I have short blonde hair, ears to rival King Charles and a seven oclock shadow but after my first skin needling treatment I am a dead ringer for Samantha Jones from Sex and the City. This was not my intention. The sex positive television character received a chemical peel in a 2002 television episode, temporarily leaving her skin the same shade of red as my freshly needled face, which is attracting curious and concerned glances on the street. Actor Kim Cattrall as Samantha Jones who receives a damaging chemical peel in a 2002 episode of Sex and the City; journalist Damien Woolnough, 50, immediately after receiving a skin needling treatment. Credit: HBO What is microneedling? The tomato transformation is a result of a clinician using needles in a sleek delivery device to puncture my skin. Most clinics penetrate the skin to a depth of 0.5 to 2.5 millimetres. The wounds trigger collagen production to tighten skin and reduce signs of ageing. News that the perpetrator of the tragic mass homicide in Bondi Junction may have had schizophrenia raises the public alarm about the danger of people with severe mental illness in our community. While we can be reassured that the homicide of strangers by people with schizophrenia is extremely rare, homelessness is a known risk factor for loss of continuity of treatment, and for stranger homicide. Bondi Junction attacker Joel Cauchi was both mentally ill and homeless. We conducted an international case-controlled study of stranger homicide offenders with psychosis which identified 42 cases from NSW, Ontario, Finland, and the Netherlands in the previous two decades. The rate of stranger homicide by people with psychosis was about one per 14 million population per year, or one in NSW every two years. One in five of the stranger homicide offenders was homeless, compared to none in the comparison group, and only one in eight were receiving treatment with antipsychotic medication. It is hard enough for people without mental illness who are employed and have good social skills to find suitable accommodation in our major cities. For people with severe mental illness who are rarely able to work and who have impairment in a range of other social domains, finding and keeping stable accommodation is extremely difficult. It is well known that most of the chronic rough sleepers in our cities have chronic schizophrenia. People experiencing both homelessness and mental illnesses often have trouble accessing treatment. This is due to the nature of their illness and also because mental health services are poorly organised and badly resourced for the treatment of the homeless who are mentally ill. Thousands protest in Niger demanding withdrawal of U.S. troops Xinhua) 10:50, April 15, 2024 NIAMEY, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of demonstrators marched in the streets of Niger's capital of Niamey on Saturday, calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, following the government's decision to terminate a military agreement with the United States. Braving the heatwave, young men and women holding signs staged a peaceful protest. "U.S. army, you leave, you move, you vanish," read the signs. Mohamed Alkabir, who is in charge of synergizing Nigerien civil society organizations, said that this mobilization aims to urge the U.S. side to promptly announce its timetable for withdrawing its troops from Niger. In March, the nation halted its military pact with the United States. A White House report to Congress indicated that approximately 650 U.S. personnel were in Niger in December. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) By Park Jin-hai The Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music (SSF), now in its 19th year, invites classical music enthusiasts into the captivating world of chamber music. This year's festival, running from April 23 and May 5, will be held under the theme of All in the Family and 60 musicians from around the world will put on 14 concerts at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul Arts Center, Art Space 3 and the Yun Po-sun Residence, which is designated as Historic Site No. 438. "Family plays a crucial role in the musical journeys of many musicians. The theme was chosen to reflect the profound connections that exist between performers, composers and audiences, SSFs artistic director Kang Dong-suk said during a press conference at the former president's residence in Anguk-dong, central Seoul, Monday. Members of quartets, for instance, often forge deeper connections with their partners than they do with their own kin. Diverse programs aim to capture the essence of family in many forms composers who left their homelands and settled in foreign countries, veteran ensembles with long-established camaraderie, female composers and musical couples. Since its inception in 2006, the SSF has been at the forefront of promoting chamber music, a genre often perceived as challenging for the average listener. Kang said while there are many exceptional soloists, not all of them seamlessly transition into the world of chamber music. I often see great soloists struggle when performing chamber music. Unlike playing solo, which only requires individual artistry, chamber music requires musicians to be flexible and blend their voices into a cohesive ensemble. It's a skill that not every musician possesses, but I believe that those who lack it cannot achieve greatness in music, the director said. Violinist Danny Koo, a familiar face for audiences for his appearance in MBCs reality show Home Alone, said chamber music is the heart and soul of classical music. I cannot help but become a bit depressed, because everyday I spend hours practicing alone in a dimly lit room, staring only at the mirror. Self-criticism is what I do to excel more. But playing with an ensemble is about creating a new narrative with other musicians, said Koo, showing excitement about participating in the festival. He has been participating in the festival since 2020. The SSF provides rare opportunities for musicians to hear the musical opinions of others. Playing chamber music is a great way to learn." Pianist Park Sang-wook, a member of the piano duo ShinPark, which clinched the second prize at the international ARD Music Competition in Munich in 2015, has been participating in the festival since 2018. Park also echoed the joy of performing chamber music, saying that there's an undeniable thrill that comes from creating music in collaboration with others. The opening event, "Classical Family," will showcase virtuosos of the classical periods, featuring Ferdinand Ries Quartet No.1 for Flute, Violin, Viola, and Cello in C Major, Op. 145, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozarts Quintet for Piano and Winds in E-flat Major, K. 452, and Franz Schuberts Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, D. 898. The "Anniversaries" concert, set to take place at the Yun Po-sun Residence on April 27, promises an evening of musical homage to composers whose legacies are intertwined with the year 2024. Among them are Chopin, Dvorak, Puccini, and Faure. The event marks significant milestones: the 175th anniversary of Chopin's passing, the 120th anniversary of Dvorak's departure, and the centenaries of both Puccini and Faure. This year, Korea's renowned ensembles, such as the Novus Quartet and Abel Quartet, will make a comeback to SSF, while acclaimed violist Lee Hae-sue, violinist Song Ji-won, and cellist Marie Hallynck will be joining the festival for the first time. Additionally, new ensembles participating this year include the Ventus Brass Quintet and the Espressivo! Piano Quartet. Lets cross back to an opinion piece on outgoing Woolworths chief executive Brad Banduccis comments today. A photo finish was needed to decide the winner of the gold medal for the most ridiculous performance at a Senate Inquiry the contenders being Greens senator Nick McKim for his pertinacious questions on just one particular Woolworths profit measure, or the supermarket chief executive Banducci for refusing to answer. The sparring deteriorated into an unedifying headbutting contest. This is because there was no great reveal in the answer its contained in Woolworths annual report. And if one cant be bothered sifting through that 187-page document, a quick Google search will do the trick. Brad Banducci during the Senate hearing today. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos For those not schooled in corporate finance, McKim was doggedly pushing Banducci to publicly state Woolworths return on equity in 2023 which, put simply, is calculated by dividing net profit by the value of its shareholders equity. There is nothing in commercial confidence about it. It isnt a vital ingredient of Woolworths profit-making secret sauce. So why was McKim so laser-focused on this metric? Because he had become aware that Woolies return on equity was two and a half times larger than that of the Australian banks. And he figured that if everyone already thinks the banks are rapacious, then Woolworths must be gouging customers and bear some responsibility for increased instances of dumpster diving and families going hungry. Read more of the opinion piece here. Mannequins were older than the teens who typically grace the catwalk these days. Diane said it was an advantage to be more mature and sophisticated. They were called high fashion models and the wealthy women who bought the clothes were not kids. Diane Masters models the gown of the year at Mascot airport in 1959. Credit: Source unknown One of the highlights of her career was modelling Hall Ludlows Gown of the Year in 1959, an extraordinary ensemble for the time that enhanced Ludlows reputation as Australias first true couturier. The tear-shaped gown was made of layer upon layer of pure hand-fringed Australian white wool, set off by a matching coat with a dramatic red lining. The skirt meant Diane had to take very short steps, but she carried it off with her usual aplomb. She was born in Bondi, Sydney, and grew up in Potts Point. Her father, George Bunting, was a solicitor, and her mother, Victoria (Vicky) Cowdroy, was an artist. When Diane was a child, she used to play under the tables in the sculpture department at East Sydney Technical College (now the National Art School) where Vicky and other students of the sculptor Rayner Hoff were at work. Vicky was a skilful artist specialising in female nudes, and Diane took after her, though her sketches showed women clothed in the latest styles. She kept up a career for many years as a fashion journalist and illustrator. Her modelling career began accidentally in the 1940s. She and her friend Patricia Tuckwell (later Bambi Shmith) were talent-spotted in the street and asked to join a parade. An early success was being chosen as Miss Pink Champagne. In 1947, after her father had died, she sailed with Vicky to London, and met her future first husband, Keith Shannon, on the boat. After a divorce, she married John Masters who died a while later. During this first visit to London, she had a brief brush with the movies, understudying for Margaret Leighton in the 1948 film Bonnie Prince Charlie. By the time Diane came to stay in London on a second visit, Vicky had married her second husband, the cartoonist Arthur Horner. They had two children: myself and my younger sister, Julia. Diane was single again and Julia and I were impressed by her throng of admirers, including a Balinese prince. Diane Masters modelling 1950s fashion. One suitor tried to get into her good books by inviting Julia and me to a lavish tea at a luxury hotel. We tucked into the cakes and decided Diane should definitely marry this one. So we were disappointed when she chose someone else the Australian architect Frederick Romberg, one of the foremost proponents of modernism. Their marriage in 1961 was at a registry office, so we couldnt even be bridesmaids. We soon came around because Diane had made the right choice. She returned to Melbourne with Frederick (who later changed the family name to Romney) and they had two children, Jason and Gabrielle. During this time, they moved to Newcastle, where Frederick was a foundation professor of architecture at the University of Newcastle. Diane busied herself supporting her husband and family and became a leading light in local charities. The architect Norman Day was a friend, and has happy memories of Diane: She was one of those otherworldly people calm, organised, genuinely friendly and inquisitive, intelligent and of course very beautiful. To my mind, she led a seamless and refined life, where she made things happen without noticeable fuss, simply, elegantly and thoughtfully. I could see how that naughty sparkle in the profs eyes would find focus, peace and love with her. In 1975, the family returned to Melbourne, where Frederick had shared an innovative practice with Roy Grounds and Robin Boyd, and he continued his own practice from their home in East Melbourne. He died in 1992; some time later, Diane enjoyed 10 happy years with her companion Dr Herbert Bower, a psychiatrist who did pioneering work with transgender patients, and they travelled together to many places around the world. Herbert died in 2004. Diane Masters at Swish, an exhibition of 1950s fashion at the Ian Potter Gallery in 2003. Credit: Penny Stephens In her later years, Diane became an important contributor to the history of Australian fashion as a donor, archivist and exhibition curator. She donated Hall Ludlow gowns to the Victorian College of the Arts wardrobe department and gave extensive records of her own career, Fredericks work and the work of textile designer Frances Burke to the RMIT University design archives. Her family was always asking her to write an autobiography, but typically for her, she devoted her writing skills to recording other peoples lives, notably her friend Laurie Carew, window dresser for the Georges store in Melbourne: they wrote a book about him together, Still Here, and toured as a double act to promote it. She also wrote an unpublished biography of Hall Ludlow. The withering forensic gaze that Justice Michael Lee has brought to bear on the fraught Bruce Lehrmann defamation case leaves none of the main characters walking away unscathed. In a rigorously structured, exhaustively documented judgment delivered on Monday, Lee has ensured that the hard-partying, until-now cocksure Lehrmann will forever be branded a rapist, based on the civil test of the judge being so persuaded on the balance of probabilities (a lower threshold than would have applied in a criminal trial). Lisa Wilkinson and Bruce Lehrmann on Monday; Brittany Higgins back in December last year. Credit: Getty Images, Dominic Lorrimer, Steven Siewert But in other respects, there is little comfort for key players Lisa Wilkinson, her producer Angus Llewellyn, Network Ten lawyer Tasha Smithies, and Brittany Higgins herself, despite the stunning vindication the latter has now had on the rape allegation. Lehrmann has been branded a liar in multiple respects, his overarching need, according to Lee, having been to fashion his responses in what he perceived to be his forensic interests. Outside their modest home on Monday, the Cauchis were adamant that for many years their son had his schizophrenia under control. His mother, Michele, said the medication made him feel ill, but he was doing so well his doctors agreed to let him gradually reduce his dosage. My heart goes out to the people he has hurt, Michele Cauchi said, stoic and well-spoken. If he was in his right mind he would be absolutely devastated by what he has done. Queensland Health has confirmed that, by the time Cauchi was 29, he was being treated privately by a psychiatrist, no longer needing the public sector. By the time he was in his mid-30s, when his former school friends had families, Cauchi had moved away from home. Michele Cauchi said her son, no longer feeling the negative effects of medication, wanted to have a life. But he also left his psychiatrist behind, and she concedes she was worried. An unemployed Cauchi travelled to Brisbane and started adding to an online profile that is now being pored over by investigators. In March 2020, Cauchi was looking for a life drawing class free, preferably small in Brisbane. The next month, he wanted to learn languages from Russian and German speakers. By October of that year, he was seeking companions to do some travel to a few beaches, maybe the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or an Island. And then he asked an outdoors group if he could meet with people who shoot guns, including handguns. Facebook posts and reviews from Joel Cauchi, the Bondi Junction killer. Within months, Cauchi was leaving a review for a Brisbane knife sharpener, who he claimed had blunted his instruments. But he would also leave glowing reviews for a gelati shop in Noosa, cafes in Kangaroo Point, Byron Bay, Cronulla, Newtown and Toowoomba. In Toowoomba, some women who had spent time with Cauchi suggest he was unremarkable, and they didnt feel in danger. His mother Michele insisted that, despite what people might claim, her son previously had friends. His father Andrew who acknowledged his son appeared to have deliberately targeted women in the knife attack said he also desperately wanted a girlfriend. He has no social skills and hes frustrated out of his brain, Andrew Cauchi said, at times referring to his own trouble with other people, and even a psychiatric assessment after he lost his temper once. Queensland acting Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe said the majority of contact police had with Cauchi had been since 2000, when it appeared his mental health started to decline. But nothing was so serious as to warrant charges or ongoing monitoring. Loading We have people in our society who suffer from mental health, Lowe said. They go about their days without causing these types of crimes. Mental health in society is not a crime. We do not run an intelligence regime on persons who suffer from mental health. There would only be an exchange of information if a person were to present such a security risk in society that we would need to monitor that behaviour. Based on his Facebook history alone, Cauchi seems to have travelled the east coast in recent years, and spent time in Sydney and Melbourne, often seeking to meet new people and have new experiences. By mid-2023, when he left a review for the Minx Gentlemans Club in Sydney, he was advertising himself as an escort for men, women and couples. Yet in June, NSW police had reason to stop him in The Rocks, where they believe he had been sleeping rough. At other times he had stayed in backpacker hostels, or sharehouses. Joel Cauchi in an undated photo, used on his Facebook profile, from a surfing lesson at Noosa. Credit: Facebook By September, Cauchi was interested in naturist places around Melbourne, and in October said he wanted to learn how to use a surfboard from someone in Sydney. He later joined another online singles group. In December, he asked a south-east Queensland astrophotography group about any coming workshops. He was based in Surfers Paradise at the time, where he again came to the attention of Queensland police. He was searched for a knife, during a routine wanding patrol in the tourist hotspot, but on that occasion was not carrying one. At some point, he returned home to Toowoomba. His father took combat knives off him, prompting Cauchi to complain to police, and his father to insist he wasnt stealing them. Loading Andrew Cauchi said he told police his son had schizophrenia, and told a friend he was worried he was going to be killed in my own house by my own son with an American US Army combat knife. But, on Monday, he insisted he was not critical of police, and still did not believe his son was capable of such violence. For most of this year, Cauchi is believed to have been back in Sydney, living in his car, possibly in a storage unit. He sought friends and transport through a backpackers group, remained interested in astrophotography, and was still looking for people to learn languages from. There werent many replies. Last week, Cauchi asked a Facebook group for beginner surfers and adventurers if anyone wanted to surf with him at Bondi. About the same time, he changed his profile photo to an older portrait in a wetsuit getting surfing lessons at Noosa. His relationship status was still single, he still didnt have a job, and his parents hadnt heard from him in weeks. By Saturday night, Cauchis online presence was terrifying and final, leaving nothing open to interpretation. Through posts from strangers, and the media, Cauchi would be remembered as an unshaven, sinewy, seemingly composed man in a rugby league jersey and shorts, hunting random women with a knife in the Bondi Junction Westfield. I love my son, Id give my life for him, Andrew Cauchi said on Monday, attempting to explain the life of a parent with an unwell child but unable to explain his actions. How do you love a monster? Michele Cauchi told the media she was having trouble becoming lucid, and Im trying to keep my son from getting upset. She then corrected herself, to say she was trying to protect her husband, who has high blood pressure. I dont have a son any more, she said. When Lee made adverse findings about the credibility of Higgins and Wilkinson, Lehrmann sat back and rested his cheek on his hand, with the pen sticking out from his fist. He again brought along his silver pen and his notebook, and retreated into them every time Lee denounced his credibility, shoulders high, scribbling furiously while those seated behind craned to see how he was taking the demolition of his character. His account of the events was an elaborate fancy, the judge said. Lehrmann must have known his chances of vindication were slim by the time he arrived at the Federal Court in Sydney on Monday morning, given concessions made by his own legal team and Lees comments about his credit during the trial. Justice Michael Lee best summed up the wisdom of Lehrmanns decision to sue for defamation after his criminal trial collapsed due to juror misconduct: Having escaped the lions den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of coming back for his hat. Because it wasnt just Lehrmann who was disgraced by this judgment it was an excoriation of all the protagonists, each of whom at times subjugated the truth of the allegation to their own self-aggrandisement. While accepting the truth of Higgins central allegation that she had been raped by Lehrmann, and sympathising with her attempts to play it down in the immediate aftermath, Lee was troubled by her later conduct. The most important aspect of this later conduct, commencing in early 2021, was the way in which Ms Higgins crafted a narrative accusing others of putting up roadblocks and forcing her to choose between her career and seeking justice, he said. Wilkinson was also singled out for criticism. She had argued her controversial Logies speech, which delayed Lehrmanns criminal trial, had been signed off by Tens in-house lawyer, Tasha Smithies. But Wilkinson should have known that it ran the risk of derailing the trial and her suggestion that she was somehow vexed and reticent and had been forced into making it by her employer does not ring true at all, Lee said. If she had thought matters through as an experienced journalist, and not as a champion for Higgins, she ought to have known the speech was fraught with danger, Lee said. Frustrated parents have been unable to apply for hundreds of dollars in financial support due to technical issues with the state governments ServiceWA and myGovID apps. Last month, the West Australian government unveiled the $103.5 million Student Assistance Payment program, which provided payments for households with school-aged children amid the national cost-of-living crisis. Families will be given payments to help with the cost of living. Credit: Craig Sillitoe Applications to receive payments of $250 for each secondary school student and $150 for each primary student and kindergartener opened on Monday. One mother said it was a convoluted process to register for the Service WA and myGovID app. On time and on budget. Its the holy grail for anyone trying to finish a project of any type or size, let alone a state government putting such emphasis on its growing $89 billion infrastructure pipeline that its slapped on a (borrowed) slogan: the Big Build. This makes any deviation a boon for critics and oppositions for good reason, this is public money after all and deviation there has been nationwide as project costs and timelines grow. But, unlike elsewhere, this is an election year in Queensland, so a truckload of salt is needed. Even more so when the pay and conditions enjoyed by some groups of workers are being used to foster resentment among others, rather than lifting the rest up. Cross River Rail boss Graeme Newton briefs state and federal MPs, including then acting premier Steven Miles. The $6.3 billion mega project is one of many on the governments growing books. Enter Queenslands best practice industry conditions, referred to as BPICs, or pejoratively by some critics and media as the CFMEU tax playing into the construction unions militant reputation for maximum public scare factor. Homes in regional Australia have recorded stronger price growth than in capital cities in the past three months, as migration from the big smoke to the country continues even post-lockdown. Property prices have increased by double digits in the past year in local government areas including the Tweed Valley in NSW, Campaspe in Victoria, Bunbury in Western Australia and Southport in Queensland, CoreLogic data for March shows. Property prices have risen in the Tweed Valley area, which includes Kingscliff. Credit: Regional dwelling values increased by 1.8 per cent for the March quarter to a combined median of $620,032, while capital city values had a softer gain of 1.5 per cent to a median of $848,475. The regions are just a little bit better than the capital cities now, CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said. The capitals have slowed since mid-last year, while weve seen stronger regional markets. Afternoon tea on a vintage bus See London from a red double-decker bus. This fun tour combines a double-decker red bus and afternoon tea it doesnt get more British than that. Tick off Londons landmarks Big Ben, Marble Arch, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and more as you tuck into a delicious spread of miniature cakes, scones, pastries and sandwiches aboard a refitted 1960s red bus. Hot beverages are served in keep cups which are yours at the end of the 90-minute Brigits Bakery tour. Passengers are seated at tables of four with reupholstered seats while a catchy playlist and recorded commentary plays as you pass key sights. See b-bakery.com/london/bus-tours Hyde Park Londons beating green heart one of eight royal parks covering 142 hectares is truly special. Rollerblade (see lonskate.com) or scooter lakeside paths and walkways, visit Kensington Gardens, the Diana Memorial Foundation or take a dip in the seawater lido. Hire pedalos and row boats on the Serpentine or enjoy rides, mulled wine and hot chocolate from November 17 to January 1 at Winter Wonderland. The parks wildflower meadows, trees and waterways are home to abundant wildlife including swans, blackbirds, wrens, owls, ducks, foxes, bats and squirrels. See royalparks.org.uk Thailand is bracing for a crisis on its border amid fears Myanmars brutal junta are about to launch a counter-offensive to reclaim a strategic city it has lost to resistance forces. The citys full capture by forces for the Karen National Union and its allies on Thursday was one of the most significant gains by armed resistance groups inside Myanmar since the military took power in a February 2021 coup that toppled the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Karen forces and allied groups took the town of Myawaddy from Myanmars military junta last week. Credit: You can think of it in two ways, Morgan Michaels, a Myanmar analyst at Singapores International Institute for Strategic Studies, said of Myawaddys fall. Theres the material and strategic value, but also the symbolic value. And symbolically, its massive. This is the last major international border gate that the military controls. It makes them look weak, and it will galvanise opposition forces. By Lee Gyu-lee The month of May will be filled with a series of romance dramas, along with the long-awaited Disney+ original series Uncle Samsik. JTBCs new series Frankly Speaking will premiere on May 1. The rom-com series revolves around a news anchor, Song Ki-baek (Ko Kyoung-pyo), who has worked his way up presenting himself as an elite, well-mannered presenter. When he is about to become the primetime news anchor, an incident causes him to uncontrollably speak his mind frankly. Losing the ability to speak with a filter, Song catches the eye of an enthusiastic TV reality show writer, On Woo-joo (Kang Han-na), who convinces him to star in her show. The series is led by director Jang Ji-yeon, whose previous work includes the two-part series Off the Course (2021). Actor Jang Ki-yong is making his small screen return with another JTBC romance series, The Atypical Family, after a two-year break due to his mandatory military service. The fantasy series, scheduled to start airing on May 4, follows a man, Bok Gwi-joo (Jang), who was born into a family who all possess supernatural powers. Bok can travel back in time but loses his power when he falls into depression. One day, Bok and his family cross paths with a mysterious woman, Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee), bringing changes to their powerless lives. The series is helmed by director Jo Hyun-tak, who is best known for leading the smash-hit series Sky Castle (2018). TvN is rolling out a new romance series The Midnight Romance in Hagwon on May 11. The melodrama series revolves around a star lecturer, Seo Hye-jin (Jung Ryeo-won), who has made her name in the cutthroat private education field in southern Seoul's affluent Gangnam over the past 14 years. Her former student, Lee Joon-ho (Wi Ha-joon), reappears to disrupt her stable life. Seo earned her reputation when she helped Lee to get into a prestigious university 10 years ago. But when Lee quits his well-paying job to return to the academy hed studied at to teach, Seos life takes an unexpected turn. Ahn Pan-seok, who is known for leading romance series like Something in the Rain (2018) and One Spring Night (2019), directed the series. Disney+s original title Uncle Samsik, which created a buzz as actor Song Kang-hos first series work, is finally set for release on May 15. Led by director Park Chul-hwan, who previously helmed the Disney+ series Grid, the drama series follows the story of Park Doo-chill (Song), a shady fixer who goes by the name Uncle Samsik, in the 1960s. During the country's difficult times, Parks main concern is making sure his family is provided with three meals a day. One day, he encounters an elite idealist, Kim San (Byun Yo-han), who is ambitious to reshape the countrys fortunes. These two quite opposite types of people form an unlikely friendship, working together for the countrys prosperity. Netflix will also drop a new Korean original series, The 8 Show, next month. The comedy series, slated to premiere on May 17, is about eight cash-strapped individuals in a reality competition. Trapped in a mysterious eight-story building, the players must compete in a dangerous game where time is money. To win a large sum of prizes, they do whatever it takes to outlast the other players. The series, based on the popular webtoon "Money Game" and its sequel "Pie Game" by Bae Jin-soo, is the series directorial debut for filmmaker Han Jae-rim, who is known for the 2013 thriller period film "The Face Reader." ENA will be releasing a comedy detective series, Crash, on May 13. The upcoming series revolves around elite detective Cha Yeon-ho (Lee Min-ki) who is newly transferred to the Traffic Crime Investigation (TCI) squad. He was a science prodigy, graduating from a prestigious science university. However, just as he is about to go abroad to study at MIT, he suddenly decides to pursue a career in law enforcement. With fellow colleagues in the team, led by charismatic Min So-hee (Kwak Sun-young) and veteran detective Jung Chae-man (Heo Sung-tae), Cha must combat the rise of traffic crimes using his skills. The series is led by director Park Joon-woo, whose previous work includes the hit action series Taxi Driver (2021). Al-Furah, Israel: The hospital waiting room was quiet on Monday: there was no crowd of relatives, no flood of patients. Israels air defences had just fended off a large-scale Iranian attack, with only one serious casualty recorded. There was no sense that a crisis had been averted outside the paediatric intensive care unit at Soroka Medical Centre in southern Israels city of Beersheba. Instead, tension filled the air until the doors to the ward swung open and a gasping mother stumbled out, her face contorted. Then raw emotion quickly took its place as she crumbled into a chair, crying. Holes in the roof and floor at the home of Amina al-Hasoni, a seven-year-old girl who was injured by missile shrapnel. Credit: The New York Times While Israel suffered little in the way of significant damage on Sunday (AEST), this one family was dealt a devastating blow. Amina al-Hasoni, 7, was clinging to life the sole serious casualty of the Iranian barrage. And were it not for systemic inequities in Israel, her relatives said, maybe she too could have been spared. There are roughly 300,000 Arab Bedouins in the Negev desert. About one-quarter of them live in villages that are not recognised by Israeli officials. Without state recognition, those communities have long suffered from a lack of planning and basic services including running water, sewers and electricity. And few have access to bomb shelters, despite repeated requests to the state. The volume of auctions held is well down from the pre-Easter period, when the weekly volumes peaked at 3,519, but well above a year ago when 1,708 auctions were held, Fono said. According to the Australian Signals Directorates latest cyber threat report, the 2022-23 financial year saw nearly 94,000 cybercrime reports, or around one every six minutes. The financial cost of these crimes is also rising, with the average loss for small businesses climbing 14% to $46,000 and to $97,200 for medium-sized businesses, the same report found. By Lee Gyu-lee Actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Lim Soo-jung, and Yang Se-jong have teamed up for the Disney+ original series, The Hooligans (tentative title), scheduled for release in 2025. The streaming platform announced the cast members for its upcoming title, Monday. Based on the webtoon of the same name by Yoon Tae-Ho, the series will follow individuals setting out to dig up treasure from a ship sunk on the coast off South Jeolla Province in the 1970s. The series is led by filmmaker Kang Yun-sung, who previously led the platforms hit series Big Bet, and the crime action film The Outlaws (2017). Along with the three lead actors, actors Lee Dong-hwi, Chung Yun-ho, Kim Sung-oh, Kim Eui-sung, and Hong Gi-jun will also star in the series. Ryu recently drew the global spotlight with Disney+s smash-hit series Moving, which won him the Best Actor accolade at the Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards last year. He is also shortlisted for Best Actor in TV Series for this years Baeksang Arts Awards, set to be held on May 7. His latest work is Netflixs comedy mystery series Chicken Nugget, led by director Lee Byeong-heon who led the hit comedy film Extreme Job (2019). Lim will be making a small screen return with this new Disney+ series since she played the lead role in 2021 romance series Melancholia. The actor recently starred in the star-studded comedy film Cobweb, led by filmmaker Kim Jee-woon, and the romantic comedy film Single in Seoul, last year. Yang, who debuted in 2016 with a supporting role in the hit medical series Dr. Romantic, has played lead roles in various series, including the romance series Temperature of Love (2017) and the period series My Country: The New Age (2019). He recently starred in Netflixs romance series Doona! last year, led by the star director Lee Jung-hyo who is known for directing the hit series Crash Landing on You (2019). FPT Corporation (FPT) announced its strategic directions for the 2024-2026 period at the 2024 Annual General Meeting, with five focused areas defined as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automotive, Semiconductor, Digital Transformation, and Green Transformation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415401317/en/ FPTs 2024 Annual General Meeting was held in Hanoi, Vietnam (Photo: Business Wire) According to FPT Chairman Dr. Truong Gia Binh, these five areas have shaped the course of modern history and will continue to be of critical importance in decades to come. In Vietnams case, they have been instrumental in solidifying the country's position as a global hub for business and innovation. In this direction, AI remains at the heart of FPT's development strategy, aiming to serve at least 50% of Vietnamese citizens and 300 million global citizens. The Corporation is committed to expanding its AI ecosystem, continuing strategic partnerships with the worlds leading names, and embedding AI into all of its solutions and services. FPT's Generative AI and Visual AI solutions will also be tailored to cater to specific industry needs. In the automotive sector, following the launch of FPT Automotive in 2023, FPTs investment lies in the development of intelligent solutions, offering comprehensive automotive services. FPT Automotive aims to transition from software outsourcing to technical design for software-defined vehicles, targeting a 50% annual growth rate and a revenue of 1 billion USD by 2030. With regard to the semiconductor industry, FPT has a dual target: supplying chips to more global customers and enhancing workforce development. FPT Chairman emphasized the Corporations aspiration to turn Vietnam into a powerhouse in semiconductor, mirroring its past success with software export. According to Dr. Truong Gia Binh, FPT will fully integrate Vietnam into the global semiconductor ecosystem. We will establish joint ventures for IC design and testing and partner with local authorities to attract foreign investment in the semiconductor sector, he added. For the 2024-2026 period, FPT also aims to accelerate digital transformation, promote green transformation with smart transformation initiatives, further establishing its position as a leading partner for global businesses in these areas. To accelerate these goals, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) will continue to be FPTs strategic focus, especially in supporting the automotive sector. FPT wants to acquire companies that manufacture and design cars, said Dr. Binh. Its M&A activities this year will center around the US and expand to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Europe. These are built upon successful investments and M&A deals in 2023, notably with NAC, Cardinal Peak, AOSIS, Landing AI, and Intertec International. In 2023, FPT exceeded its targets, recording an increase of 19.6% in revenue and 20.1% in pre-tax profit compared to the previous year. The year 2023 also witnessed a historic milestone for FPT, with the revenue from IT services for the global market exceeding $1 billion, generated by its subsidiary FPT Software. In 2024, FPT aims for a 17.5% revenue growth and an 18.2% increase in profit before tax. Pham Minh Tuan, FPT EVP and FPT Software CEO, said: Starting from 2024, the Corporation remains committed to deep investment, focusing on the development of high-value technologies like AI and Data, and ventures in rapidly growing sectors such as Automotive, Healthcare, Banking, Insurance, and Energy. We are determined to elevate our standards and surpass expectations to become a world-class company. About FPT Corporation and FPT Software FPT Corporation is a global technology corporation and a leader in consulting, providing, and deploying technology and telecommunications services and solutions. It records a global workforce of 48,000+ and total revenue of $2.17 billion (2023). FPT Software, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation, is a global technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam, with $1 billion in revenue (2023) and over 30,000 employees in 30 countries. The company champions complex business opportunities and challenges with its world-class services in Advanced Analytics, AI, Digital Platforms, Cloud, Hyperautomation, IoT, Low-code, and so on. It has partnered with over 1,000+ clients worldwide, 91 of which are Fortune Global 500 companies in Aviation, Automotive, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Healthcare, Logistics, Manufacturing, Utilities, and more. For more information, please visit https://fptsoftware.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415401317/en/ Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (Osaka Gas) announced on April 8 its subsidiary OSAKA GAS SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. (OGS) has reached an agreement with Sumitomo Corporation (Sumitomo) and Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development (JOIN) to invest in AG&P LNG Marketing Pte. Ltd. (AG&P LNG Marketing), aiming to boost AG&P LNG Marketings city gas distribution (CGD) business in India. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415587093/en/ Project_Area (Graphic: Business Wire) This investment will be made through a Japanese consortium jointly owned by OGS, Sumitomo, and JOIN. This marks OGS second major investment in the CGD business in India, following the first one in 2021. OGS intends to establish a medium- to long-term revenue stream in India while contributing to a stable supply of low-carbon energy. This investment allows AG&P LNG Marketing to expand its gas distribution coverage in India. Since 2021, the company has been developing CGD business in twelve geographical areas1 (GAs) under the brand name AGP Pratham, primarily in the suburbs of southern India. With this new investment, AG&P LNG Marketing will also develop seven additional GAs under the brand name THINK Gas2 in the urban areas of north and central India. The total area of these nineteen GAs represents approximately 320,000 km2 or 10% of the country (comparable to approximately 90% of Japans land). AG&P LNG Marketing plans to construct compressed natural gas (CNG) stations and extend its gas distribution networks further, aiming to increase gas sales mainly in the transportation segment as well as household, commercial, and industrial segments. AG&P LNG Marketings goal is to grow its gas sales volume in India to more than half the gas sales volume of Osaka Gas in Japan.3 AG&P LNG Marketing is led by an experienced management team that has demonstrated quality execution and O&M of the companys assets. The management will be guided by a competent board of directors which will have representation from I Squared Capital (an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities, telecom and transport in the Americas, Europe, and Asia), AG&P Group, Osaka Gas, Sumitomo (each of whom has taken on many overseas natural gas projects), and JOIN (a public-private infrastructure fund who supports Japanese businesses for overseas infrastructure projects with their knowledge, expertise, and technology). In addition, Osaka Gas will provide technical and sales support. The Indian government is promoting the use of natural gas,4 such as increasing the number of vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG vehicles) by developing city gas distribution networks to meet the rising energy needs and reduce carbon emissions and air pollution as the country's economy is growing. City gas suppliers are selected in a bidding process for each GA and given exclusive gas sales and infrastructure rights (exclusive business rights) for an agreed period. About Osaka Gas Under the Medium-Term Business Plan 2026: Connecting Ambitious Dreams, Osaka Gas aims to fast-track its business development in the growth market in Asia. The company is working to invest and develop energy infrastructure and renewable energy in Asian countries to contribute to their economic growth driven by low-carbon and decarbonized energy. Press release on December 20, 2021: Osaka Gas Becomes the First Japanese Company to Participate in City Gas Distribution Business in India The holding company of AG&Ps CGD business has merged with the holding company of THINK Gas CGD business. Osaka Gas consolidated gas (45 MJ/m3) sales volume in fiscal 2022 was 6.845 billion m3. In December 2019, the Indian government announced a goal of increasing the percentage of natural gas as a primary energy source from 6% in 2019 to 15% by 2030. 1. Overview of the city gas distribution business in India (1) Investment structure The CGD businesses of THINK Gas and AG&P are owned by AG&P LNG Marketing. AG&P LNG Marketing is owned by I Squared Capital, AG&P SPV3, and the Japanese consortium. Osaka Gas will invest approximately USD 240 million in the Japanese consortium through OGS. The Japanese consortium jointly owned by Osaka Gas, Sumitomo, and JOIN will invest approximately USD 370 million in AG&P LNG Marketing. Osaka Gas has held equity in the target company through AG&P SPV3 since 2021, when Osaka Gas invested in AG&P SPV3 through OGS in 2021, alongside JOIN. (2) Project Area Refer to the graphic "Project Area". (3) Business operation Natural gas/LNG procurement, storage, distribution, sales, demand development. Refer to the graphic "Business operation". 2. Company Overview OGS Company Name Osaka Gas Singapore Pte. Ltd. Established March 2013 Address 182 Cecil Street, #30-02 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547 Representative Hideomi Tsujimura Main Business Research, development, and investment in energy-related businesses, managing and operating businesses in Southeast and South Asia. Japanese Consortium Company Name DAIGAS SJ CGD PTE. LTD. Established October 2023 Address 182 Cecil Street, #30-02 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547 Representative Hideomi Tsujimura Main Business Gas distribution in India. Target Company Company Name AG&P LNG Marketing Pte. Ltd. Established January 2018 Address 65 Chulia Street, #47-04 OCBC Centre, Singapore 049513 Representative Sayantan Lahiri Main Business Natural gas and LNG transport, storage, distribution, sales and demand development in 19 GAs in southern, north and central India. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415587093/en/ By Lee Kyung-min Hana Bank opened a branch at Terminal 1 in Incheon International Airport after relocating its previous one, the lender said Monday. Hana is the only local commercial lender to have opened a branch there in 2001 when the airport began operation. Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) President Lee Hag-jae, flight crews of Korean Air, Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo, Hana Bank CEO Lee Seung-lyul and Hana Bank executives and employees attended the opening ceremony. The branch is easily recognizable, due to its walls painted green, a color Hana Financial uses for corporate branding. Unmanned kiosks and automated teller machines are available at the branch. Apart from the newly opened branch, a branch at Terminal 2 has a transaction window dedicated to Korean Air employees. The IIAC and Hana Bank, Asias leading foreign exchange service provider, will continue partnership over the next decade, the IIAC president said during the event. We are happy to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the opening of Incheon International Airport with Hana Bank. We will grow together, Lee said. Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo said the partnership will continue to provide the best customer service at the airport, an international transport hub of Asia. We are honored to continue on a journey with IIAC for decades, including the next 10 years," Ham said. "Hana Bank will spare no efforts to provide the best services to customers and airport employees. Korea Public Procurement Expo 2024 to showcase high-tech, cutting-edge products By Lee Kyung-min The government will create an ecosystem whereby promising export firms are able to fortify cooperation with their foreign counterparts, in a demand-oriented market service established to generate stable robust growth of the public procurement industry, the head of the state-run public procurement agency said, Monday. A greater number of exporters will be able to find both private- and publicly run business partners, as matched by strengthened demonstrations of innovative products overseas as well as integrated overseas development assistance (ODA) projects, according to Public Procurement Service (PPS) Administrator Lim Ki-keun. It will also expand support for innovative products to be selected for the overseas emergency relief programs, jointly by the foreign ministry and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The Public Procurement Service's efforts prioritize bolstering exports, underpinned by all available government resources that can propel local players succeed in the challenging global market, Lim said in an interview with The Korea Times. Central to the objective will be the creation of an ecosystem encompassing expansion of overseas networking, identifying and fostering local firms with great growth potential. Many budding firms with excellent technological capabilities and growth strategies will be able to gain footing on the global stage, he said. The PPS will continue cooperating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its KOICA to support the promotion of locally developed goods and services that can be elevated as a growth driver for the country. Korea Public Procurement Expo 2024 A record-high 650 firms will be able to expand overseas business opportunities at the Korea Public Procurement Expo 2024. The three-day annual event will be held at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, from Wednesday to Friday. Organized by the PPS, the event provides tailored government assistance for excelling small and medium-sized industry players seeking greater growth opportunities overseas. This years event will showcase high-tech products, including demonstrations of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and research-intensive products such as 3D printers. About 1,100 booths will be set up to display Korea-made products to help visitors understand the latest market trends. Officials from some 20 countries as well as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will be participating in International Public Procurement Workshop (IPPW) held during the expo, sharing the latest information on public procurement. There will also be the Multilateral Meeting on Government Procurement (MMGP), where representatives from Korea, the U.S. the U.K., Canada, Italy and Chile six leading economies in the global public procurement market will be discussing innovation and the future of public procurement. Multilateral meetings and high-level bilateral meetings are in store. Drawing much anticipation is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Hall, where cutting-edge tech products introduced at the show held in U.S. in January this year will be displayed. Included are robots that detect and remove pollutants in the sea. At the booth set up jointly by the defense ministry will be autofocus binoculars, high-protection material safety boots and blankets. There will also be export consultations, totaling around 750, with some 90 overseas buyers. Adding significance to this weeks event is the first participation of buyer from the International Network of Korean Entrepreneurs (INKE). Events for public The state-run agency will run a sales hall for members of the public to purchase products manufactured for global public procurement at a low price. The sales event is to promote the excellent quality of locally manufactured goods and services to the public, Lim said. A variety of events will be held to help a wider public enhance understanding of the government procurement policies and receive feedback to improve the status quo. Lim plans to broaden the circle of contacts to include government bodies, private sector and the public, an effort he considers vital to bolster effective policymaking. About 100 days have passed since I took the helm of the PPS, and I will continue to maintain close communication with private entities, public organizations and experts from all walks of life, he said. The chief of the Bank of Korea (BOK) will leave for the United States this week to attend a series of meetings of financial and economic policymakers and discuss the latest global economic conditions, his office said Monday. BOK Gov. Rhee Chang-yong will depart for Washington on Tuesday to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, as well as gatherings of finance chiefs and top central bankers of the Group of 20 countries, according to the BOK. Participants will discuss the latest global economic situations, sustainable finance, global capital movements and other key global issues. He will return home next Tuesday. (Yonhap) Harrison Elementary is one of 343 schools to be awarded a grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., a TVA retiree organization, to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education programs for students that will inspire interest in STEM-related fields. Citing specific projects or programs they hoped to implement, educators from across TVAs seven-state region applied for grants of up to $5,000. We are honored and excited by the continued support TVA invests in our students, said Sam Martin, STEM teacher at Harrison. We have fantastic students at Harrison and we believe they are the future. This grant will be used to inspire and prepare students for careers in STEM related fields. Schools who are awarded grants must receive their power from a local power company served by TVA. Harrison Elementary is served by the Electric Power Board (EPB). Mr. Martin will use the grant to show students how TVA serves the community by creating electricity from renewable resources. Students will explore, create and design systems to create renewable power and move it by building circuits.It is important for our students to realize wind, water, and the sun can all be harnessed for our energy needs, he explained. TVA is committed to supporting schools and educators who are inspiring an interest in STEM education in students across the Valley as we know our young people will design and build the energy systems of the future, said Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president and chief external relations officer. Providing resources and access to STEM education is key to inspiring innovation and were proud to contribute to the next generations visionaries. Since 2018, TVA and BVI have awarded nearly $6 million in STEM grants to support local education. Albert Larry Kinamore, Jr. was born to Albert and Hazel Riley Kinamore in Chattanooga, (Park City) Tn., on July 19, 1945. He attended the Chattanooga Public Schools and graduated with the Howard Class of 1963. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam. Additionally, he joined the Army Reserves and was deployed to the Gulf War serving in Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He retired from the military in 2004. He was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, his only wife, Yvonne Barber Kinamore. They were married for 52 dedicated years. To this union, one loving daughter, Dorinda Rachelle, was born. On Jan. 1, 1974, he was hired by the Chattanooga Fire Department as a Firefighter. On July 17, 1979, he received a letter of commendation from Chief Knowles. He retired from the Fire Department on March 22, 1992. Larry was a faithful and dedicated member of Union Hill Baptist Church for over 15 years where he served in the Trustee and Kitchen Ministries. He faithfully served in various capacities as needed. In 2023, he and his wife joined Hawkinsville Baptist Church. Larry's character was that of a "quiet storm" and he demonstrated strength, courage, and fortitude. Larry was the epitome of working and providing for his family and serving others. Larrys upkeep of his lawn was kept in pristine condition. According to his family and neighbors, he loved showing off his tireless work of planting nature done by his hands. He never showed weakness. On April 3, 2024, with his wife and daughter by his side, he peacefully passed away. He is now absent from the body and present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:3). He was preceded in death by his parents: Albert and Hazel Kinamore; sisters: Twilight Kinamore and Jacqueline Asberry; and brother: Harold Dudley. He leaves to mourn and celebrate his memories; his loving and devoted wife: Yvonne Kinamore; his dedicated daughter: Dorinda Rachelle (Stacy) Little, Tyrone, Ga.; grandchildren, Courtney Little and Jonathan Little; sons: Alanda and Daren Kinamore; brother: Kevelin (Vickie) Kinamore; sister: Darrene Watson; mother-in-law: Rosie L. McCuthison; brothers-in-law: Cecil W. (Linda) Barber, Joshuah L. (Valerie) Barber, Gerry L. (Linda) McCuthison; sisters-in-law: Sylvia Ann Barber, Patricia (Wesley) Greer and Vickie McPherson; grandchildren, host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, at the funeral home. An 11:30 a.m. funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 17, at Hawkinsville Baptist Church, 7463 Pinewood Drive, Chattanooga. Interment will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Gate time is at 2 p.m. Arrangements are by John P Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995. To kick off local focus on World Quantum Day 2024 (April 14), the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga hosts the first of a three-part, weekly Quantum Advantage speaker series this Wednesday. All three speaking engagements take place in the UTC Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the James R. Mapp Building on campus. The first speaker, at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, is Dr. Joe Lukens, formerly with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and currently head of quantum networking at Arizona State University (ASU). Dr. Lukens talk is free and open to the public, and ample free parking is available at the Mapp Building. For those unable to attend in person, the presentation can be watched online via livestream here. In his talk, Quantum Advantage: Networking, Dr. Lukens will be discussing principles of quantum mechanics, including entanglement, network demonstrations and future applications, with an audience based in a region that is home to the recently launched Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, multiple collaborations involving ORNL, EPB, Qubitekk and UTC; and federal funding support for several quantum projects. After earning a doctorate in electrical engineering from Purdue University, Dr. Lukens served as a Wigner fellow and research scientist in quantum information science at ORNL. He is now senior director of quantum networking and research professor at ASU, with a joint faculty appointment at ORNL. The second speaker in the series, on Wednesday, April 24, is Tim Rogers, quantum solutions engineer with quantum computing manufacturer IonQ. Mr. Rogers has bachelors and masters degrees in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University and more than 13 years experience with Duke Energy Corporation prior to joining IonQ. In his talk, Quantum Advantage: Computing, Mr. Rogers will give an overview of IonQs technology and its transformational potential for various industries. His presentation is at noon in the UTC Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and includes a free lunch. Participants are asked to RSVP here. The livestream presentation can be watched here. On Wednesday, May 1, the third speaker in the series is Dr. Phil Lotshaw, ORNL research scientist focused on solving optimization problems with quantum computers. His talk, Quantum Advantage: Optimization, will explore new solutions offered by quantum technology to complex optimization challenges across various domains. Dr. Lotshaw has a doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of Oregon and has been with ORNL since 2020. The livestream presentation can be watched here. The UTC Speaker Series of events launching in commemoration of World Quantum Day is followed by video presentations and downloadable interactive activities intended for a range of age groups and interest levels. See the entire list of quantum learning events and opportunities and make plans to engage here. Chattanooga State Community College inducted 26 students into the Spire Honor Society, a national honorary society for adult and other non-traditional students, last Thursday.Spire was created to provide non-traditional students with the same level of recognition that outstanding traditional students have always received."The Spire program at Chattanooga State embodies our commitment to recognizing the diverse pathways to academic success, said Marsha Barker, director of Adult Services at Chattanooga State.Each of these 26 students has overcome unique challenges, and their induction into the Spire Honor Society is a celebration of their resilience, leadership, integrity and commitment to lifelong learning."Carla Frizzell, a Chattanooga State alumna, spoke at the induction ceremony. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Ms. Frizzell now works for the Tennessee Valley Authority. She was a recipient of Chattanooga States Eye of the Tiger award and was recognized as a Tennessee Reconnect Student of the Week."In everything I do, I've got my family and friends in mind, Ms. Frizzell said. Theyre my rock, pushing me to be my best, whether I'm at work at TVA or just living life. Beating cancer showed me it's not just about meit's about showing others that no matter what life throws your way, you can come out on top. I've taken the rough patches and turned them into opportunities, and look at me now, still standing and smiling."Established in 1989, Spire represents the highest achievement of academic performance and out-of-class accomplishments that a non-traditional student can attain in Americas community and junior colleges.To be selected for Spire, individuals must qualify as an adult or non-traditional, be within 12 months of graduation or have completed 33 college credit hours, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be involved in at least three campus or community activities, demonstrate leadership, persistence, future promise, and maintain the highest ethical standards.Inductees: Fatma Aldarwish Chattanooga Byron Banks Chattanooga Tammie Beers Tracy City Francena Bibbs Chattanooga Rebecca Boling Chattanooga Matthew Casey Chattanooga Allisa D'Apice Ooltewah Stephanie Dotson Chatsworth Jody Emanuel Ooltewah Jordan Filippi Chattanooga Justine Hernandez Chattanooga Gweniqua Jacobs Chattanooga Margie Lawhorn Hixson Leslie Lawrence Hixson Alexandra Lepley Hixson Christopher McJunkin Chattanooga Kellie Mills Spring City Jessica Partin Dunlap Tessa Sentell Hixson Nancy Sharkey Chattanooga Wendy Sheppard Chattanooga Ashley Spresser Georgetown Casey Sullivan Sale Creek Marvin Toms Chattanooga Brandy Wyrick Chattanooga Tatyana Zharova-Smitherman Chattanooga I am writing to express my strong support for the consideration of a ban on short-term vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods in Hamilton County. As a concerned resident and advocate for community well-being, I believe this measure is necessary to preserve the integrity, safety, and tranquility of our neighborhoods. While I understand the appeal of short-term vacation rentals for travelers seeking unique experiences and affordable accommodations, their proliferation in residential areas has raised significant concerns among residents. These concerns range from noise disturbances and parking issues to disruptions in the social fabric of our communities. With all the safety concerns with regards to what is happening in our nation, why would individuals want transient people who they do not know going in and out of their neighborhoods? Your home is supposed to be a place of solitude, a safe haven, and a comfort zone for families. One of the primary reasons why neighborhoods are cherished by residents is the sense of security, stability, and familiarity they provide. Introducing a constant influx of transient guests through short-term vacation rentals can erode this sense of community and compromise the quality of life for permanent residents. Moreover, the commercialization of residential properties for short-term rental purposes can distort the housing market, making it increasingly challenging for individuals and families to find long-term housing options. By considering a ban on short-term vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods, Hamilton County has the opportunity to prioritize the well-being and interests of its residents. Such a measure would not only address the immediate concerns related to noise, parking, and community cohesion but also safeguard the long-term sustainability of our neighborhoods. Additionally, implementing regulations to limit short-term vacation rentals to designated commercial areas can help strike a balance between promoting tourism and preserving residential areas. This approach would allow travelers to enjoy the benefits of vacation rentals while minimizing the negative impact on neighborhoods. In conclusion, I urge you to support the proposal for a ban on short-term vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods in Hamilton County. By taking proactive steps to protect the character and livability of our communities, we can ensure that Hamilton County remains a desirable place to live, work, and visit for generations to come. Steve Roark * * * Having Short Term Vacation Rentals in our neighborhoods has caused increasing fear and frustration for Hamilton County residents. This past weekend our own neighborhood experienced a four day nightmare due to an STVR rental. Our situation ended without injury, yet were reminded of the terror those neighbors in Brently Woods must have felt last September when an active shooter, renting an STVR, got in a fight in the front yard and shot several rounds which hit multiple houses and vehicles. The county declares action has been taken to avoid any further incidences like this one, yet the county STVR regulations/Resolution was in force for six months prior to this shooting. And sadly, criminal activity in STVR rental units isnt an isolated experience. The sheriff cant be called for a violation of STVR ruleshis office can only be concerned with criminal activity. If these STVRs were taken out of private neighborhoods, it would greatly lessen the load on an overburdened sheriffs department. Our neighborhood was never advised of the proper protocol to file a complaint against an STVR. Weve been writing the owner of the STVR, as well as our commissioners and the county attorney regarding numerous violations and damage done to neighboring property, to no avail. It was said that this latest episode was the first and only violation against this particular STVR. Can you imagine living next door to a Motel 6new people coming in daily, noises, damage to adjacent properties, and in some cases, criminal activity. Would you feel comfortable with your children playing next door, or walking the neighborhood? Is it fair for one person to make money at the expense of the rest of their neighbors? Will income to the county coffers trump county resident safety? The City Council amended their existing STVR regulations and banned these in private neighborhoods last May; why wouldnt the county provide the same protections for their constituents? There is a meeting at the county commission this Wednesday at 9:30 to vote on the amendment to ban new STVR permits in residential areas, and we ask that you show up and stand up for your safety and your freedom. Commercial enterprises need to be located in commercial zones. Jerry and Sharon Johnson For many Polynesian Indigenous groups, whales are more than just animals. They are regarded as sacred beings that guided their ancestors across the Pacific Ocean. As a result, those groups consider it their responsibility to protect the enormous aquatic creatures. Recently, Indigenous leaders of New Zealand, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands signed an official treaty that grants whales legal personhood. They hope that the move will spur conservation efforts from national governments. The treaty is called He Whakaputanga Moana, which translates to Declaration for the Ocean. It was signed during a ceremony that took place on Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands. In attendance were Tuheitia Potatau te Wherowhero VII, the king of New Zealands Indigenous Maori people, and 15 chiefs of Tahiti and the Cook Islands. The sounds of our ancestors song have grown weaker, and her habitat is under threat, which is why we must act now, the Maori king said in a statement. Giving whales the same rights as people would open the door to discussions with national governments to enforce the protection of whales against climate change, collisions with ships, and entanglement with fishing gear. Mere Takoko, the vice president of Conservation International Aotearoa, wrote about the new initiative in the climate and culture magazine Atmos, stating that legal personhood for whales would entail the right to freedom of movement, a healthy environment, and the ability to thrive alongside humanity. A similar approach has been taken in previous years, involving legal personhood being granted to the Whanganui River in New Zealand. The body of water has the same rights as humans, so if it is harmed, that is the equivalent of harming a human. Aside from giving whales personhood, the signing of the treaty represents an agreement to establish a Hinemoana Halo Ocean Protection Fund, which will provide the necessary resources to achieve the goals of protecting whale populations. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. It is a wonder as to how some of the ancient architectural structures of Rome still remain standing today. Modern infrastructure is constantly at risk of falling apart after a few decades, or even a few years. But, the aqueducts and buildings that the Romans created have endured the test of time and continue to be stable constructions at historical sites that tourists visit every year. Last year, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, and laboratories in Switzerland and Italy unlocked the secret to the durability of the 2,000-year-old structures. Self-healing concrete is the reason they are so long-lasting. The study shows that a special ingredient called lime clasts is what made ancient Roman concrete so strong. Previously, scientists believed that volcanic ash from Pozzuoli on the Bay of Naples was what contributed to the toughness of the concrete. The ash was shipped across the Roman Empire to be used for construction. However, in the most recent study, the researchers looked at lime clasts for answers. Lime clasts are small, white chunks that were mixed into the concrete. In the past, they were thought to be the result of careless practices or low-quality materials. They are also not included in modern concrete formulations. Overall, they didnt seem to serve any purpose. But, it turns out that lime clasts are what gives the ancient concrete self-healing abilities. The idea that the presence of these lime clasts was simply attributed to low quality control always bothered me, said Admir Masic, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at MIT. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Korea's industry ministry said Monday that the government plans to provide support, such as trade financing, to exporters depending on various scenarios in the wake of Iran's recent missile and drone strikes against Israel. Iran conducted the attack Saturday in retaliation for Israel's airstrike on Iran's diplomatic complex in Syria earlier this month, sparking further geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East. "So far, (the attack) did not have a direct impact on the delivery of export goods," First Vice Industry Minister Kang Kyung-sung said during a meeting in the central city of Sejong. Kang, however, said as the current issue could potentially increase the logistics costs for Korean companies, similar to the impact of the Red Sea incident last November, the government plans to implement a contingency plan in collaboration with the private sector to provide the necessary support. "While the Middle East takes up a small portion of Korea's exports, we need to remain vigilant as the impact is significant considering fuel and shipping costs," Kang said. The first vice minister noted the government plans to provide shipping vouchers and additional trade financing to affected exporters, with specific measures tailored to various scenarios. As for the country's exports, Kang said outbound shipments of key products, including chips, automobiles and ships, are anticipated to maintain solid growth throughout April. Korea's exports rose 21.6 percent on-year in the first 10 days of April on robust global demand for semiconductors. Chip exports jumped 45.5 percent, and those of automobiles went up 8.6 percent over the period. (Yonhap) If youre a parent with a kid in public school, youve probably had to fill out paperwork to inform the school and school nurses about their basic health information. This paperwork usually inquires about your childs age, if they have any allergies, on any medications, etc. The information is fairly basic and can be used in an emergency. However, some schools are apparently requiring much more specific and personal health information from parents. One TikTok user recently went viral after sharing the suspiciously detailed questions listed on her teenage daughters medical paperwork for school. Lauren had already filled out health forms at the beginning of her daughters school year but was unexpectedly given more paperwork in the middle of the year. My 13-year-old daughter just brought home this student health questionnaire that the school nurse gave to everybody apparently and needed back immediately, says Lauren (@lauren1xoxo), a mom and TikTok user, at the beginning of her viral video. But I need you to help me figure out if its weird or not because it seems weird to me. Lauren begins reading from the questionnaire, which starts with fairly basic questions, asking if her child has any allergies, diseases, or disorders the school should know about. But then, it quickly starts to get weird. An entire section of the questionnaire included questions about Laurens pregnancy and her daughters birth. It asked if Lauren had a healthy pregnancy, how her daughter was delivered, if there were any complications during her birth, etc. The questionnaire went as far as to ask how long Lauren was pregnant with her daughter, what week of pregnancy she was born, etc. Then, the questionnaire wanted to know all the details about her daughters development as an infant: when she sat up for the first time, when she said her first word, as well as when she crawled and walked for the first time. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. The founder of Concerned Women for America was credited by President Ronald Reagan with changing the face of American politics. Concerned Women for America / edits by Rick Szeucs Beverly LaHaye, a timid pastors wife who became a fierce champion for conservative Christian politics and a force mobilizing hundreds of thousands of religious women, died on Sunday in a retirement home in El Cajon, California. She was 94. President Ronald Reagan once praised LaHaye as one of the powerhouses of the conservative movement and said she was changing the face of American politics. Paul Weyrich, the conservative activist who helped start The Heritage Foundation and coined the term moral majority, called the group LaHaye founded in 1979, the Concerned Women for America (CWA), the most effective organization on the Religious Right. He told CT in 1987 that the CWA had the best follow-through of any political group hed ever worked with. Sign up for The Daily Briefing Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. At the height of LaHayes power, she could get the women she called my ladies to send more than 1,000 postcards to a US senator who had slighted her in a public hearing; 2,000 to support a Republican administration official who had been caught selling weapons illegally to Iran; 64,000 to support a controversial conservative candidate for the US Supreme Court; and 778,000 to protest a TV station that ran an advertisement for condoms during prime time. LaHaye gave a lot of women a language for understanding womens conservative activism as absolutely necessary, historian Emily Suzanne Johnson told The Washington Post. Women have been the driving force of this movement in a lot of ways, particularly at the grass-roots level. Im not sure that happens without Beverly LaHaye. Her success earned her the ire of those on the left, especially people concerned about LGBTQ rights. In 1993, the spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign called her a professional hatemonger. LaHaye also became a subject of fascination for mainstream media. According to the Chicago Tribune, LaHaye had a spun-sugar exterior but directed her organization with the fervor of a general. The Washington Post reported she combined combative rhetoric with a cheery public image, handing out pink business cards and decorating her organizations Washington headquarters with pink chairs and pink curtains. And the Philadelphia Inquirer wondered how she could call herself a traditionalist while running a national organization with a $6 million budget, waging high-profile political battles, and drawing crowds that dwarfed those of her husband, the prominent evangelical minister Tim LaHaye. LaHayes answer was that her husband, who would go on to co-author of the popular apocalyptic Left Behind novels, supported and encouraged her political activism. And she was just trying to answer Gods calling on her life. I think God just pushed me up out of my chair and said, Beverly, go for it. Anything Ive done is not my natural way, but God has put it in my heart to do it, she once said. You know, when you say, Whatever Lord, wherever you send me, whatever you want me to say, whatever you want me to do, here I am, you better hang on. You better hang on tight. LaHaye was born in Detroit on April 30, 1929, the second daughter of Lowell and Nellie Davenport. Her father died when she was 2, and her mother was forced to move in with a neighbor and work for the phone company until she got remarried to a tool-and-die maker who worked at Ford. Watching her mother, LaHaye later said she learned that women can be very powerful, in quiet ways. LaHaye had to summon that strength during difficult times in her childhood. Her mother got sick with a heart condition, and LaHaye took time off school to care for her and take over her domestic responsibilities while still a teenager. At 17, LaHaye left home to study at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. There she met her husband Tim, then a 21-year-old veteran who had been an Air Force gunner in World War II and aspired to become a pastor. They got married a year later. LaHaye left school to support her husband in ministry. In the early days, he made so little money serving Baptist congregations in Pumpkintown, South Carolina, and Minnetonka, Minnesota, that she had to work outside the home to financially sustain the family. Things changed in 1956, when Tim was called to a 300-member church in San Diego. Under his leadership, Scott Memorial Baptist grew into a megachurch. In Southern California, the 27-year-old pastors wife threw herself into any work that needed to be done. When the position of church secretary was vacant, LaHaye filled in. When the church needed someone to direct junior Sunday school, she volunteered. But LaHaye shrank from the spotlight when she was asked to lead Bible studies and speak to womens groups. She was so shy that Tim called her a turtle. I had an inferiority complex, LaHaye later said. I didnt really think I had much to offer the world. At the same time, she struggled with a smoldering resentment at the drudgery of household chores and the many menial tasks assigned to her as a wife and mother. Day after day I would perform the same routine procedures: picking up dirty socks, hanging up wet towels, closing closet doors, turning off lights that had been left on, creating a path through the clutter of toys, she wrote. While similar experiences pushed many women toward feminism, LaHaye came to think this wasnt an issue of inequality and the unfairness of social expectations put on women. It was a spiritual issue. She believed she needed to learn submission, because submission is Gods design for women, and that would transform her experience of the daily tasks of a wife and mother. I wasnt just picking up dirty socks for my husband, she wrote in The Spirit-Controlled Woman. I was serving the Lord Jesus. In the 1970s, LaHaybe began to overcome her timidity and start teaching others what she had learned. She and Tim started Family Life Seminars, offering eight lectures on the biblical principles they said that God gave to guarantee the happiness and fulfillment He intended for the Christian home. LaHaye spoke on overcoming anxiety, discipling children, Spirit-controlled family living, and sex. When the youngest of LaHayes four children turned 18, LaHaye started publishing books. The Act of Marriage, which she coauthored with her husband in 1976, became a bestseller. A deliberately frank book, The Act of Marriage told readers that God never intended any Christian couple to spend a lifetime in the sexual wilderness of orgasmic malfunction. In fact, Spirit-controlled Christians following biblical principles would enjoy the beauty of sexual lovemaking more than anyone else. It was commonly used in evangelical marriage counseling and premarital counseling, and the book sold more than 1 million copies a year for 20 years. LaHaye became a political activist in 1978. As she frequently recounted over the years, she and her husband were watching the feminist Betty Friedan being interviewed on television, and she grew frustrated that Friedan acted like she represented all women. She didnt speak for LaHaye. She didnt speak for all the average, normal, and traditional women who were committed to their families, their churches, and the traditional values sustaining America, LaHaye said. LaHaye decided to organize a coffee klatch for local women opposed to feminism and the Equal Rights Amendment, and in the process she founded Concerned Women for America. I was just kind of swept along, she explained later. The hall owners said, Whats the name of the organization? When I said, Were just a group of ladies in the community, the reply was, We only rent to organizations. Then I said, Oh, Concerned Women for America. I laughed when I said itI never meant it to be serious. More than 1,000 people showed up at the coffee and the CWA was soon organizing chapters across the country. Churchwomen all over America were hungry for someone to sort out the things that would affect families and the religious values systems they had, LaHaye said. From there, it took off like a prairie fire. In the early days, the CWA rallied opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment, which would have added a prohibition to discrimination on the basis of sex to the US Constitution. The CWA, along with other conservative activists such as Phyllis Schlafly, helped the amendment from being ratified by the required 35 states. Under LaHayes leadership, the group also engaged with a wide array of other political issues. The CWA put a major emphasis on opposition to abortion and mobilized women to call for prayer in schools, abstinence-only education, and parents rights to exempt their children from curriculum they found offensive. The organization also advocated for more military spending and raised concern about the growing Communist influence in Latin America. The CWA opposed legal protections for the civil rights of LGBTQ people and supported laws that would prohibit them from having contact with children. LaHaye argued that homosexuality was unnatural and that gay people recruited converts through sexual abuse. Im not saying they all are, she told the Chicago Tribune, but the movement itself is aggressively trying to go after boys. By the mid-1980s, the CWA boasted 500,000 dues-paying members and nearly 2,000 prayer/action groups around the country. When they hear about issues, women are not content to sit back and say, Well, somebodys got to do something. They say, What can we do? LaHaye told CT. We try to give them not just prayer requests, but action ideas, too. There is action at all levels, whether a woman sits at home and writes a letter, or has time to go to the nations capital. LaHaye moved to the capital herself to be closer to the center of the action, as she explained to the Arizona Republic in 1985. She oversaw a staff of more than 25 people, including lawyers and professional lobbyists, who pushed conservative priorities in the Reagan White House and both houses of Congress. On some occasions, LaHaye took center stage in the national political discourse. In 1987, for example, she testified on behalf of Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork, who faced fierce opposition from liberals. She defended him at a hearing broadcast on live television and answered aggressive and tricky questions from Democratic Party leaders, including Joe Biden, then the senator from Delaware. Beverly would not hesitate to accept the opportunity to be the voice of Christian women, according to a family-authorized obituary. She always conducted herself with grace and dignity and spoke truth with strength and clarity. LaHaye served as president of the CWA until 2006. She retired from its board in 2020. Her life is a testament to the impact one woman with a vision and mission can have on the course of history, said Penny Nance, the current president of the CWA. LaHayes husband died in 2016 after 69 years of marriage. Her son Lee died the following year. LaHaye is survived by her children Linda, Larry, and Lori, as well as 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. But experts say it can offer opportunities for leaders and congregations to grow. Illustration by Mallory Rentsch Tlapek / Source Images: Unsplash Conflict had become the norm at Trinity Church in Redlands, California. The lead pastor left in 2022 amid a wave of disgruntled attendees. Following his departure, some church members remained upset at the congregations elders. In all, there had been at least a dozen situations that came up over a 14-year period. When Doug Baker arrived as interim pastor, he knew the conflict had to be addressed. Trinity called in Peacemaker Ministries, a group that mediates conflicts from a biblical perspective. Over a weekend in March 2023, Peacemaker held 15 meetings with people embroiled in the church conflict, put together a plan, and peace began to emerge. Sign up for The Daily Briefing Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. Healing started. Many conflicts were resolved. Some people forgave. Some left the church. Trinity, which now averages 500 attendees in Sunday worship, began to change. The conflict resolution process revealed that the congregation didnt feel as if the elders valued their opinions. The elders began to listen humbly, and they have kept listening. Two elders stand at the welcome booth each Sunday to hear peoples opinions about church matters. According to Baker, conversations have opened back up. The situation at Trinity has been bettermuch, much better, he said. There is a peace. There is a graciousness, a unity, a love for each other and for the lost. People are reengaging with ministry. We are seeing specific ministries thriving a whole lot better because people are not worried about the struggle. They are more concerned about the kingdom. According to church conflict researchers, Trinity illustrates some broader trends. Conflict often provokes pastors to leave their churches or at least consider leaving, researchers at the Hartford Institute for Religion Research found. Yet, conflict experts also say, that doesnt have to be the result of conflict. Rather than provoking departures, conflict should be viewed as an opportunity for personal and congregational growth. All conflict produces friction, and friction will always produce heat, said Tony Rose, a longtime Southern Baptist pastor who holds a masters degree in conflict management and now consults with churches in conflict. But the one who manages conflict properly turns that friction into traction, not heat. Church conflict is on the rise, according to a Hartford report released earlier this year titled Im Exhausted All the Time: Exploring the Factors Contributing to Growing Clergy Discontentment. The research was based on a survey of about 1,700 religious leaders in the fall of 2023. At that time, nearly three-quarters (72%) of US churches reported some kind of disagreement or conflict. Thats up from 61 percent in early 2023 and 64 percent in 2020, according to previous reports. That conflict impacts pastors. More conflict in a church increases the pastors likelihood of leaving. Nearly 40 percent of pastors who have never considered leaving their present congregation reported no conflict in their churches. Yet only 5 percent of pastors who fairly often or often consider leaving say their churches are conflict-free. Conflict in the church is not the only reason pastors reported thoughts of departure. Congregational unwillingness to meet new challenges, diminished congregational vitality, and attendance of 50 people or less also correlated with increased thoughts of leaving the congregation. However, these dynamics were less influential on thoughts of leaving ones current congregation than the presence of conflict and poor congregational relationship quality, the report stated. Church conflict also increases a pastors chances of leaving ministry altogether. Ninety-one percent of pastors who think about leaving pastoral ministry fairly often or very often serve in churches reporting conflict. And 77 percent of pastors who have considered leaving pastoral ministry once, twice, or a few times report conflict in their churches. Of those who never consider leaving pastoral ministry, 63 percent serve in churches with conflict. What is positively associated with fewer thoughts of leaving, the report concluded, is being in a church with a bright outlook for the future, one that has less conflict, is more open to change and adaptation, and cultivates good, healthy relationships between the members and pastor. Peacemaker Ministries CEO Laurie Stewart said the research coincides with her experience in churches. It does seem like church conflict has been increasing over the past few years, she said. Yet with proper strategy for managing conflict, Stewart said, it can be harnessed for good. Conflict is an opportunity for us to share the gospel, she said. The gospel isnt just a one-time event where you pray a prayer and now youre secured in heaven. Its more than that. Its meant to transform our lives while we are still on this side of eternity. One of the ways God gets our attention to help us realize our need for transformation by the Holy Spirit is through conflict. Careful listening is one of the most important strategies for managing conflict, Stewart said. So is avoiding the urges to divide, blame, and run away. Rather, tension should drive Christians to take responsibility for hurt they have caused and seek forgiveness. Its not a quick process. Even in those situations where I think I did everything right, if I have caused other people harm or hurt their feelings, Im still responsible for the harm I have caused, she said. Even if believers have not sinned, they should learn to say, Im really sorry I hurt you. I care about you. What can we do? Would you please forgive me? Peacemaker Ministries applied these principles in one situation where two pastors clashed within a congregation. The church was convinced one of the pastors had to go. But after a mediation process, they reconciled. Jesus says, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God [Matt. 5:9]. So if we are already adopted into the kingdom, Stewart said, we are peacemakers. We just dont know how to do it, so we really need to learn how to do peacemaking. Rose added some practical pointers for navigating church conflict: Remember that church conflict is normal. Even Paul and Barnabas had trouble getting along when they clashed over whether to give John Mark a second chance as their missionary traveling companion (Acts 15:3641). Dont try to win a conflict. Instead, seek a win-win solution for all parties involved and adopt a sympathetic perspective. Never address topics of tension in an email or text. Make a phone call at the very least. Talk in person whenever possible. During conflicts, focus more on being a godly person than on obtaining a specific outcome. Realize its not always wrong for a pastor to depart a church amid conflict. If you change churches simply because of problems, all youre going to do is exchange sets of problems, Rose said. Yet, there are instances when its time to go. Theres no guilt in that. You just have to weigh it out. While not all conflicts have happy endings, some do. The likelihood for happy endings increases when all parties remember that Jesus has called them to be peacemakers. Baker and Trinity Church learned that firsthand. Bakers message for other churches and pastors in conflict is simple: Theres hope. There is always hope if we will be the people that we need to be, Baker said. You cant control your reputation, but you can control your character. You have to ask yourself: What kind of person do I want to be in this moment? Then act that way and leave the rest up to God. David Roach is a freelance reporter for CT and pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Saraland, Alabama. Home News Pastor Greg Laurie on why Irans attack on Israel is a sign of the End Times UN Secretary-General says 'now is the time to defuse and de-escalate Irans attack on Israel is a significant biblical sign, said Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Fellowship during his sermon on Sunday, titled "The Road Less Traveled." However, he cautioned against concluding that the event could lead to the scenario described in Ezekiel 38, which sets the stage for the ultimate victory of God's people and the acknowledgment of Gods power and authority by the nations. Lauries remarks came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following a significant aerial assault on Israel by Iran, which involved the launch of hundreds of drones and missiles. According to Israels military, this marked a severe escalation that could lead to broader conflict. Irans Revolutionary Guards claimed the strikes were retaliation for an attack on their consulate in Damascus earlier in April. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Iran has never openly attacked Israel, Laurie pointed out, adding that Iran has typically acted through proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. The Bible says the Jewish people would be regathered in their homeland in the End Times, which happened in 1948, Laurie explained, adding that the Bible says Israel would be isolated, which is happening. The Bible also says anti-Semitism would grow stronger in the end times. That, too, is happening. And the Bible says a large force from the north of Israel would attack her. And that force is identified as Magog. Many scholars believe Magog is Russia. However, he cautioned, No one can say that with absolute certainty, but it seems likely. But we do know, he underlined, that one of the allies that marches with Magog against Israel is Persia. Persia is Iran. However, this doesnt mean whats happening will lead to the scenario we read about in Ezekiel 38. Not necessarily. But it is certainly a preview of things to come. It is a game changer, and its a big deal. The Bible tells us to pray for peace in Israel, Laurie said, adding that 99% of the missiles sent by Iran to attack Israel were shot down. The pastor then read aloud Deuteronomy 33:29: Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights. Laurie stated that when we witness these events unfolding, our response should be to affirm our belief in the truth of the Bibles prophecies, recognizing that our redemption is near, rather than freak out. Amid the conflict, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint during an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, The Wall Street Journal reported. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint, Guterres said, underlining the need for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza and the unimpeded delivery of aid. The Iranian assault involved a sophisticated deployment of over 300 drones and missiles, described by Israels military as a potential escalator to major conflict. As Laurie said, the Israeli Defense Forces were able to intercept 99% of these threats, showcasing the effectiveness of Israels missile defense systems. On the ground, the impact of the attack, while largely mitigated by Israels defense technology, still resulted in minor damages and a few casualties. A 7-year-old girl in southern Israel was reported injured due to debris from an intercepted missile. This has led to a heightened state of alert across the nation, with advisories for civilians to seek shelter and prepare for potential further escalations. From Tehran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards confirmed the strikes, framing them as retaliation for the April 1 attack on their consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of two high-ranking officers. In response, President Joe Biden has reaffirmed robust U.S. support for Israel. The U.S. has reportedly expedited military support, deploying additional aircraft and missile defense systems to the region. The global reaction has been swift, with widespread condemnation of the Iranian regime's actions seen as reckless and provocative. From Paris to London, governments have echoed the need for stability and caution to avoid further inflaming the situation. Home News Assyrian bishop, priest stabbed during church service in Australia by black-clad assailant Editor's note: This article contains embedded videos that show violence. Police in Sydney, Australia, arrested a 15-year-old young man Monday for allegedly stabbing a priest and three others during a service at an Orthodox Assyrian Church. Police were called to the area of Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley at approximately 7:10 p.m. local time following reports of multiple stabbing victims, according to New South Wales (NSW) Police. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was preaching when the black-clad assailant approached him and began stabbing at his head and upper body, according to a livestream of the service that aired on the church's YouTube and subsequently went viral on social media after the incident. ????JUST IN! Bishop Mari Mari Emmanuel of the Assyrian Church in Australia has just been attacked by an armed assailant during a church service in Western Sydney. Shocking. pic.twitter.com/SUSGRO6ofi Aussie Cossack (@aussiecossack) April 15, 2024 Three others, including Father Isaac Royel, were injured as they tried to stop the stabbing. All received care at the scene and were taken to a hospital, though no one experienced life-threatening injuries, according to authorities. NSW Police, who noted in a press release at 12:34 a.m. local time that their operation had concluded, said they arrested a man at the scene and moved him to an undisclosed location. He was seen smiling as he was restrained by a parishioner in the church, according to footage on X. Police did not immediately release the identity of the assailant but noted that he was only 15 years old and that he experienced serious hand injuries, according to Agence France-Presse. A photo circulated on X appeared to show that some of his fingers had been cut off. Tense protests erupted outside the church following the incident, prompting hundreds of officers to respond, including tactical police and armored vehicles. Riot police ultimately dispersed the crowd with tear gas and established a perimeter around the church, according to The Telegraph. Law enforcement asked the media not to publicize the location where the suspect remains in custody to prevent further protests, according to The Associated Press. ????????SYDNEY ERUPTS AFTER PREACHER STABBING Protestors burst onto the streets after police arrested the man accused of stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and three church-goers during a service at Good Shepherd church. Plenty of strong Christian men, angry men, now basically https://t.co/yi8ZB72Zgcpic.twitter.com/CblDxEBzBz Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 15, 2024 The church urged calm in a statement released on social media following the attack. "We ask for your prayers at this time," the statement said. "It is the Bishop's and the Father's wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator. We also kindly ask anyone at the Church premises to leave in peace, as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, teaches us." New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemned the attack, calling the scene "disturbing." "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe," he said in a statement. "It's important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of police and emergency services." Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone, who heads the nearby municipal government, described the situation as "very emotional" and urged everyone to "stay calm," according to local 9News. The Assyrian Orthodox Church, pockets of which are in the Sydney area and comprised of Christians who have fled the violence in the Middle East, remains in its Lenten season in anticipation of Easter Sunday, which the Eastern Church celebrates this year on May 5. Emmanuel has a sizable following on social media and drew attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for criticizing the government's lockdowns as "mass slavery" and expressing skepticism regarding the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to The Daily Mail. COVID-19 lockdown measures in New South Wales were especially strict, with NSW Police issuing more than 60,000 fines for alleged violations between March 2020 and September 2022, including to children. The church stabbing comes days after Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old man with a history of mental illness, allegedly stabbed six women and children at the Westfield shopping complex in the Sydney suburb of Bondi Junction on Saturday, according to The Guardian. Home News Bill Maher 'respects' absolutist position, says abortion is murder and he's 'OK with that' Comedian balks at Trump's position: Killing babies is OK in some states? HBO host Bill Maher prompted silence from his audience on Friday's episode of "Real Time" when he acknowledged that abortion is murder while suggesting he's "OK" with it because there are enough people on the planet. Speaking during a panel discussion with British journalists Piers Morgan and Gillian Tett, Maher conceded the consistency of the "absolutist" argument that abortion is always wrong, and that attempts to draw the line at various stages of gestation make little sense. "That's why I don't understand the 15-week thing, or Trump's plan [to] leave it to the states,'" he said. "You mean, so killing babies is OK in some states? I can respect the absolutist position. I really can." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe NEW: Room goes silent as Bill Maher admits that he thinks abortion is murder but says he is okay with that because there's 8 billion people in the world. Yikes. I scold the left on when they say: oh, you know what, they just hate women. People who aren't pro-life, they pic.twitter.com/A2ps5CNNtG Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 13, 2024 "I scold the Left when they say, 'Oh, you know what? They just hate women, people who are pro-life,'" he continued. "They don't hate women. They just made that up. They think it's murder, and it kind of is. I'm just OK with that. I am. I mean, there's 8 billion people in the world. I'm sorry, we won't miss you. That's my position on that." "What?" Maher said after his statement was met with awkward silence from Morgan, Tett, and the audience. "That's quite harsh, Bill," Morgan said, adding that perhaps Maher adheres to that position "because you don't like children." Maher pushed back by noting how if Morgan is pro-choice, then he technically agrees with him. Morgan went on to explain that while he is personally pro-choice, he respects those who have a differing opinion and that he believes Trump changed his public abortion views in a cynical attempt to court Evangelical voters in 2016. "What I think I don't respect quite so much with Trump, is that he's clearly done a complete U-turn, and I think for political reasons," he said. "He did it in 2016 to get the Evangelicals with him. He said, 'I'm going to pack the court. I'm going to get this done and overturn Roe v. Wade.' So they all came with him." "And I think now he feels he's got them, and now you're seeing him and, again, I say I don't support what he's doing," he continued. "But I do understand the political reasons he's doing it and I think it could be quite effective, actually, neutralizing what is becoming a massive banana skin for the party. And I think that's what he's recognized, and he's getting ahead of it. I think it could work for him." Trump has drawn mixed reactions in recent days for suggesting last week that abortion laws should be left to the states. In a video posted last Monday to Truth Social, Trump promised that "under my leadership, the Republican Party will always support the creation of strong, thriving and healthy American families," adding, "We want to make it easier for mothers and families to have babies, not harder." After noting his support for in-vitro fertilization and blasting the Democrats for allegedly supporting abortion "up to and even beyond the ninth month," he said whatever individual states decide on the issue "must be the law of the land" in that state. Trump's video came a day before the Arizona Supreme Court reversed a lower court ruling by upholding a strict state law established in 1864 that enacts a near-ban on the procedure. The law was later reenacted in 1977 and re-affirmed in 2022. Home News Catholic Church sees membership rise but number of priests decline While the number of Catholics worldwide slightly increased from 2021 to 2022, new statistics show that the number of priests continues to decline. The Vatican released the 2024 Pontifical Yearbook and the 2022 Statistical Yearbook of the Church earlier this month. Edited by the Vatican Secretariat of State's Central Statistical Office, the publications are being distributed in bookstores and published by the Vatican Printing Press. The publications highlight "statistical data to assess the main trends affecting the evolution of the Catholic Church worldwide," reports Vatican News. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The latest edition of the Statistical Yearbook shows the number of baptized Catholics in the world increased from 1.376 billion in 2021 to 1.39 billion in 2022, which amounted to an increase of 1.0%. Africa saw the highest rate of increase in the number of Catholics (3%), followed by the Americas (0.9%) and Asia (0.6%). The number of Catholics in Europe remained relatively stable at 286 million, while Oceania "reported stability" as well. The number of priests worldwide registered a very small decrease between 2021 and 2022. While there were 407,872 priests in 2021, that number dropped to 407,730 a year later. Even as the number of priests declined worldwide, increases were reported in Africa (3.2%) and Asia (1.6%). On the other hand, the number of priests decreased by 1.7% in Europe and 1.5% in Oceania. The number of priests in the Americas remained "almost stationary." As the number of priests declined, permanent deacons increased from 2021 to 2022. While deacons can take on some administrative roles within a church and give homilies, they cannot preside over mass. Worldwide, deacons increased by 2% from 49,176 in 2021 to 50,150 in 2022. In Africa, Asia and Oceania, the number rose by 1.1% from 2021 to 2022, reaching a total of 1,380 in 2022. In the Americas and Europe, permanent deacons saw respective increases of 2.1% and 1.7%. The Vatican's statistics also examined the number of non-priest professed religious men. In 2022, 49,414 religious men held such positions, a decrease from the 49,774 recorded in 2021. "The decline was attributable, in order of importance, to the European, African, and Oceanian continents," the Vatican News report stated. "In Asia, on the other hand, religious men increased considerably, and to a lesser extent in the Americas." The number of religious women in the Catholic Church dropped by 1.6% from 608,958 in 2021 to 599,228 in 2022. While religious women increased by 1.7% in Africa and 0.1% in Southeast Asia, the number of professed religious sisters dropped in South and Central America (2.5%), North America (3%), Europe (3.5%) and Oceania (3.6%). Looking to the future, the number of seminarians studying to become priests declined by 1.3% from 2021 through 2022. Although seminarians increased by 2.1% in Africa and 1.3% in Oceania, the other regions in the world saw a decrease in the number of men seeking to join the priesthood. A drop in vocations was recorded in Europe (6%), the Americas (3.2%) and Asia (1.2%). Home News Chiropractor who advertized himself as 'Christian' charged with raping, assaulting patients An Indiana man who advertised himself as a "Christian chiropractor" is facing several criminal charges as at least eight former clients have accused him of rape and sexual assault. Roc Byrd, 61, of Danville, who worked as a chiropractor for Cornerstone Chiropractic in Avon, is facing one felony count of rape, five felony counts of sexual battery and four misdemeanor counts of battery, the Indianapolis-based Fox 59 reports. He is accused of raping a client, touching clients inappropriately over and under their clothes during appointments without consent and pressing his genitals up against multiple patients. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Byrd identified himself as a practicing Christian and reportedly began each of his chiropractic appointments by praying with clients. Byrd was arrested and initially charged with rape in September in relation to an alleged crime that occurred in November 2022. Byrd was accused of inserting a finger inside a female patient without her consent. He reportedly told the victim that he thought that is what she wanted. In the following months, after media coverage of his initial charge, several former clients came forward and accused Byrd of touching them inappropriately during appointments. "It was so gradual. I feel so stupid now," one victim told Fox 59. Many victims told investigators they wrestled for a long time with Byrd's violation of their bodies because some couldn't fully understand what had happened during their visits with him, court documents suggest. Some of the victims said they put their trust in Byrd because he presented himself as "a Christian Chiropractor." "He was a Christian, or so he said, we talked about it," one victim told Fox59. "Doesn't compute, right?" Byrd was first contacted by police in November 2022 following the first allegations that were reported. Some of the alleged victims who recently came forward shared that Byrd assaulted them in early 2023, months after he was made aware of the police investigation. "Roc Byrd did not fear these allegations enough to stop assaulting his patients," an investigator stated when filing for the new charges. A victim filed a lawsuit against Byrd and Cornerstone Chiropractic last December. Byrd has been released on bond since posting bail in October. He has a pretrial conference set for April 25. Home News Open Doors US leader reveals what Western Church can learn from persecuted Christians In a world where comfort often silences the cries for justice and religious freedom, Ryan Brown, CEO of persecution watchdog Open Doors U.S., is highlighting the realities faced by believers in hostile regions and challenging the Western church to awaken from its slumber of comfort and materialism. People often assume that, when we come alongside the persecuted Church, the goal is to pull them out of their persecution and that context, Brown told The Christian Post. That's not what they're asking for. As we come alongside the persecuted Church, they want to be the hands and feet of Christ, right there in the context of their persecution. What they're asking for is that we remember them in prayer, that we lift them up, that they would be faithful in their testimony. They believe that Christ has put them there for a reason and that they want to be faithful to that purpose that Christ has called them to. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Certainly, there are circumstances where it's a necessity that the people be pulled out, but thats not their first request. Their first request is that they'd be resourced and supported so that they can be the hands and feet of Christ right there. According to Brown, many Christians in persecuted countries prioritize their faith over cultural conformity, often at great personal sacrifice something the Western Church would do well to emulate. We need to be woken up, we need to strengthen what remains and is about to die within our own context, he said. Its a testament to the way that Christ has designed His Church. When He brings us all together, we have the opportunity to lift up our brothers and sisters in prayer, to provide appropriate types of support, to allow them to be the hands and feet of Christ right there in their context they have an understanding of this pearl of great price, they know that the Kingdom of Christ can cost us something. It was this conviction that the Western Church can learn valuable lessons from its persecuted counterparts that first drew Brown to Open Doors, which works in more than 70 countries, supplying Bibles, training church leaders, providing practical support and emergency relief, and supporting Christians who suffer persecution and discrimination for their faith. I think that very few of us here in the U.S. would argue that we're increasingly living in a post-Christian culture, he told CP. That is such new territory for so many of us. Yet, we have our persecuted brothers and sisters around the globe who have gone before us in this, and, at great cost and a great sacrifice to themselves, have made that decision to utilize their faith to determine how they're going to engage their culture, rather than using their culture to determine how they are going to engage with their faith. And that is something that we need here in the West. One of Open Doors' key contributions to raising awareness is the annual World Watch List, which ranks the 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. The most recent list, Brown said, highlights the distressing trend of increasing violence, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where nations like Nigeria see believers killed for their faith in staggering numbers. What is going on there can be considered an epicenter of what has happened throughout the region, where the complexion of persecution continues to turn increasingly violent, Brown said. The list also saw a significant increase in the persecution of Christians globally, marked by a notable rise in the destruction of their homes, churches, schools and hospitals, he said. The number of Christians forced to flee their homes due to violence and persecution also grew exponentially, according to the World Watch List. Open Doors USA was founded in 1955 by a Dutch missionary named Brother Andrew, who at the time helped smuggle Bibles behind the Iron Curtain to persecuted believers in Poland, which was at that time part of the Soviet bloc. Brown shared how today, Open Doors has adapted to meet the changing face of persecution, addressing contemporary needs such as livelihood and education. Christians are denied access to opportunities for livelihood, they're denied access to opportunities for education, he said. When somebody cannot provide for their family, even though they're desiring to be the hands and feet of Christ right there, they have to leave. So, you have to come alongside the local Church and equip them. Sometimes, its creating opportunities through microfinance or giving individuals an opportunity to earn a livelihood and continue to be the church in those areas. Other times, it's providing access to education so that your folks can read the written word of God. To support Open Doors and the persecuted church worldwide, Brown encouraged Christians to engage with the World Watch List as a starting point for awareness and prayer. Each of those countries is profiled and gives some information as far as the realities on the ground, but it doesn't stop there. It actually gives specific prayer points that we can be lifting up our brothers and sisters in prayer, he said. Awareness is a starting point. But if awareness is where it ends, we've fallen short. Ideally, it drives us to our knees. We should be lifting up our brothers and sisters in prayer. As for the future, Brown said his hope for the global Church, particularly those under persecution, is rooted in faithfulness. He noted that persecution is inherently linked with the Christian faith, as evidenced by the experiences and teachings of the New Testament. Some of the regions experiencing the most significant growth of the Church today, he said, are also those facing the most severe persecution. Persecution and the Christian faith are linked, he said. Even right now, the areas of the globe in which the Church is most exploding are where persecution is the greatest. My prayer is that we pray for safety, absolutely, and advocate for justice for religious freedoms and those basic human rights Absolutely. But the prayer is that in those realities of persecution, myself and others would be faithful in our witness and testimony to what Christ has called us to do and who Christ has called us to be. Learn more about Open Doors U.S. here. Home News Moving Holocaust film 'Irena's Vow' sheds light on resilience of Polish Catholic during WWII The Holocaust film "Irena's Vow captures the resilience and heroism of one young woman during World War II and serves as a poignant reminder of one of modern history's darkest times amid growing antisemitism, according to the daughter of the film's real-life heroine. Irenas Vow, in theaters April 1516, chronicles the life of Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish Catholic who risked her life during the war by hiding Jews in the home of a Nazi commandant where she was employed as a housekeeper. Directed by Louise Archambault, the film is written by Dan Gordon, known for "The Hurricane," which draws from his own stage play to depict Opdyke's transformation. The narrative follows Opdyke's journey from a devout 19-year-old nurse to a cunning and practical young woman, navigating the dangers of her wartime environment with courage and determination. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In an interview with The Christian Post, Opdykes daughter, Jeannie Smith, said she hopes the film underscores the importance of life and kindness a lesson her mother exemplified through her actions. Mom was a big proponent of life, honestly, and the value of it, whether it was from a little wounded animal to the most elderly person and the unborn baby, Smith said. Theres no hope without life. Its so important to hold on to it, to cherish it, to fight for it. Smith, a devout Christian, has for years traveled the world sharing her mothers remarkable story yet she had no idea how timely the film adaption of Opdyke's life would be, given the rise in antisemitism around the world. It just blew me away with the things that happened with Israel and Hamas," she said. "To me, the timing of it is perfect. There's unfortunately a decline in support for Israel, even among people who are believers, Catholics, Christians and young people. The timing is perfect, I think. I hope that it has a big impact on that as well. Smith stressed that the Scriptures are full of verses that say, Those who bless Israel will be blessed, adding: As Christians, Judaism is our root. There would be no Christianity, no Catholicism, without Judaism. They are the apple of God's eye. He told them that, and He does not change His mind. Its been an honor to be a part of their lives to support them and to show the value that they brought to our world. There are doctors, scientists, musicians and lawyers, that are Jewish and are brilliant. I tell the Jewish people that I believe in God, basically, because I know all these Jewish people, I see all of His brilliance put into them. Actress Sophie Nelisse portrays Opdyke in the film and effectively captures how, despite being Polish, her ability to appear German helped her advance quickly within the Nazi hierarchy. Through sheer resourcefulness, she eventually earned a position managing the household of Major Rugemer, played by Dougray Scott, while hiding Jews in a cellar behind his property. Rated R, the film does include some harrowing moments, including a powerful scene involving the tragic fate of an infant, subtly portrayed to emphasize its impact on Irena and how it fueled her passion for life. Nelisse said embodying Opdyke impacted her deeply. I carry a lot of her soul with me every day because she tells such an inspiring story and its so relevant to our modern society, she said. I think we are so closed off and centered on our own lives without ever looking up and trying to help the person next to us. I think she's proof that the smallest actions can go the longest way. Its a constant reminder that it doesn't have to be as heroic as Irena, but just a smile or a compliment, helping someone pick up a bag, can have a ripple effect down the line. If we were all a little more caring towards each other, wed be in a much more beautiful society. For younger audiences, particularly, the 24-year-old actress said she hopes the film bridges the gap between historical events and modern implications. "We should all be more empathetic," she said. I think [stories like this] can feel so far away and out of touch and out of reach because it feels like forever ago, she continued. But it wasn't long ago, and it keeps happening, obviously. We're so quick to judge our differences as a society, but our differences are what makes us beautiful as a human race. It doesn't mean that you have to agree with everyone's opinions and everyone's values, but we should be more empathetic and at least try to be more and more understanding. Though it took years for Opdyke to share her story it wasnt until she encountered a Holocaust denier that she chose to open up about her experience she eventually received several recognitions for the work she did to protect Jews during the Holocaust, including being honored as Righteous Among the Nations by the Israeli Holocaust Commission and a Medal of Honor recipient in a ceremony at Jerusalems Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Her story is also part of a permanent exhibit in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., among other recognitions, and in 1995, she received a papal blessing from Pope John Paul II for her sacrifice. But according to her daughter, Opdyke never anticipated recognition and accolades for her work: I just hope she knows her story is getting told, Smith said. She emphasized that Irenas Vow isnt just another Holocaust story; it is a call to action, a plea for empathy and a reminder of the courage and resilience that comes through faith. I get a lot of people going, Oh, I wasn't sure I was going to see this movie because I've seen so many Holocaust movies and heard so many Holocaust stories, Smith said. But this one is different. It's not from a Jewish perspective. It's from a girl who was all on her own. She was away from her family. She didn't have her home. She didn't have parents, sisters or any friends. Its a story about how one person can make a difference. It hopefully shouts louder to everybody that no matter how insignificant they feel, they have great power to make a difference. "Irena's Vow" is in theaters April 1516. The top U.S. envoy to the United Nations met with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in Seoul on Monday for discussions that have likely centered on exploring alternatives after Russia's veto on renewing the U.N. expert panel monitoring sanctions on North Korea. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield's meeting with Cho took place as part of her four-day visit to South Korea, during which she is also expected to meet with senior government officials in Seoul to discuss cooperation in the U.N. Security Council. She arrived in South Korea on Sunday. "It was very productive and I look forward to continuing those discussions over the course of the next two days," Thomas-Greenfield told reporters as she left the foreign ministry building. Later Monday, the U.S. envoy met with Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and expressed concern over Russia's recent veto, noting that it could create lapses in implementing U.N. Security Council sanctions resolutions on the North, according to Seoul's defense ministry. The U.S. envoy explained that Washington is making efforts to ensure that an alternative credible report on North Korean sanctions can continue to be produced, and expressed hopes for support from South Korea, it said. The U.S. envoy called North Korea's advancement of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and an illegal act that undermines the universal values of the international community. The two sides also expressed concern over increasing uncertainty in the global security situation, and agreed to cooperate to push for projects connected to the U.N. Security Council resolutions, according to the ministry. Her visit came after Russia last month vetoed the U.N.'s annual renewal of an expert panel monitoring the North's compliance with U.N. sanctions. North Korea has been under tightened U.N. sanctions, which call for, among other things, a ban on the country's exports of coal and other mineral resources to cut off North Korea's access to hard currency. With the veto, the panel's mandate is set to expire April 30, a termination that observers say could chip away at international efforts to curb evolving North Korean nuclear and missile threats. During her trip, the U.S. envoy will also travel to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas, meet young North Korean defectors and speak with students at Ewha Womans University before heading to Japan on Wednesday. It marks Thomas-Greenfield's first visit to Seoul, and the first trip by a U.S. ambassador to the U.N. since 2016. (Yonhap) Home News Nurse investigated for abortion pill reversal treatments can challenge state law, court rules Nurse practitioner Chelsea Mynyk may join a lawsuit challenging a Colorado law that bars healthcare providers from offering abortion pill reversal treatments after the state investigated her, a federal judge has ruled. United States Magistrate Judge Susan Prose issued an order last Monday allowing Mynyk to intervene in the case Bella Health and Wellness v. Weiser, according to the legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents the nurse. Mynyk practices as a certified nurse midwife at Castle Rock Women's Health, which she operates. Her involvement in the lawsuit follows a preliminary injunction favoring Bella Health and Wellness, which challenged the same state law. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The law restricts medical professionals from assisting women who regret initiating or may have been coerced to initiate a chemical abortion process by taking mifepristone. Also known as RU-486, mifepristone is the first pill in the chemical abortion regimen. It is a synthetic steroid endocrine disruptor that blocks progesterone receptors in the uterus and starves the baby to death. ADF Senior Counsel Kevin Theriot argues in a statement that the abortion pill reversal treatment, which involves administering progesterone to counteract mifepristone, is an option that should remain available to patients. "Colorado can't silence medical professionals and prevent them from saving lives," Theriot said. "Many women regret their abortions, and some choose to reverse the effects of the first abortion drug, often saving their baby's life. But Colorado's law wrongly denies women the freedom to make that choice. The state can't force women to follow through with an abortion when a safe alternative is available one that Chelsea and the pro-life plaintiffs in this case can skillfully provide." Proponents of abortion pill reversal argue it is a safe and effective means to reverse the effects of mifepristone, advocating for the patient's right to choose continuation of pregnancy after initial steps towards abortion. Critics, however, question the treatment's safety and scientific backing. Last year, Colorado passed a law explicitly banning the procedure, prompting Bella Health and Wellness, represented by The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, to file a lawsuit against Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and other state entities, stating that the law infringed on their constitutional rights and religious freedoms. The case saw a significant development when U.S. District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico granted a preliminary injunction that temporarily halted enforcement of the law against Bella Health and Wellness. However, this injunction did not extend to other providers like Mynyk, who seeks legal recourse to defend her practice and her patients' choices. Mynyk's stake in the matter escalated when she received a notification from the Colorado State Board of Nursing about an investigation into her practice based on an anonymous complaint regarding her provision of abortion pill reversal. The investigation reflects the practical implications of the law for individual healthcare providers. Mynyk argues that she feels "religiously compelled" to provide abortion pill reversal. In her legal fight, Mynyk asserts that the Colorado law violates her First Amendment rights by restricting free speech and her Fourteenth Amendment rights by impeding due process and unlawfully limiting her ability to provide complete information and services to their patients. The lawsuit coincides with national scrutiny over abortion policies, especially following the U.S. Supreme Court's consideration of challenges to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's regulations on mifepristone. Groups like the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists argue that loosening restrictions on abortion drugs compromises patient safety. "According to the FDA's own label, roughly one in 25 women who use these drugs will require emergency medical attention for serious, even life-threatening, complications," AAPLOG stated. "The risks to women who take abortion drugs only increase without in-person screenings by medical professionals." Home News UK Supreme Court weighs anonymity of doctors involved in end-of-life cases The United Kingdom Supreme Court is hearing arguments this week on the extent to which courts can restrict public disclosure of the identities of medical personnel involved in emotionally charged end-of-life cases involving children. The judicial review stems from appeals by parents who were forced by hospital trusts to withdraw life-sustaining treatment from their children against their wishes. The session, scheduled to commence Monday and conclude Tuesday, features justices Lord Reed, Lord Hodge, Lord Briggs, Lord Sales and Lord Stephens, according to Christian Concern, whose legal arm, the Christians Legal Centre, is supporting the parents. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The justices will review a decision from the Court of Appeal that contested the lifetime anonymity previously granted to healthcare workers in similar cases. The case is brought on behalf of the Abbasis and the Haastrups families. It challenges the broad injunctions that, until now, shielded the identities of involved medical staff, arguing that such measures infringe upon their rights to free speech. The families of Archie Battersbee, Indi Gregory and Sudiksha Thirumalesh will reportedly attend the hearing. The Abbasis family claims that a "toxic environment" surrounded their daughter's medical care, including the distressing incident where father Rashid Abbasis was arrested on video at the bedside of his 6-year-old daughter in intensive care. The parents of Isaiah Haastrup, who endured his severe brain injuries due to negligence, also fought to stop the withdrawal of treatment from their 1-year-old son. In both cases, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust received "extremely broad" reporting restrictions, the Christian Legal Centre contends. "These restrictions have prevented the press from exploring the serious concerns that both sets of parents raised about the processes surrounding the treatment of their children," the legal group maintained in a statement. "The gagging orders have prevented both sets of parents from telling the full stories of what happened to them. Reporting restrictions in such cases usually cease when the child's life ends. However, in these two cases the High Court ruled that they should continue indefinitely." Supported by the CLC and with an intervention by the Free Speech Union, the cases involve the intersection of competing sections from the European Convention on Human Rights: the hospital staff's Article 8 privacy rights and the parents' Article 10 rights to freedom of expression. Legal precedents in this area are shifting, Christian Concern noted. The High Court initially sided with maintaining confidentiality indefinitely, emphasizing the need to protect medical professionals from potential backlash. However, this stance was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which emphasized the paramount importance of open justice and the rights of individuals to share their experiences publicly. The Court of Appeal's March 2023 decision articulated that concerns for the well-being and morale of medical staff do not justify overriding the expressive rights guaranteed under Article 10. This ruling, now challenged, awaits a definitive verdict from the Supreme Court. These legal proceedings also draw parallels with other notable end-of-life cases such as that of Thirumalesh, who died last year after suffering from a rare mitochondrial disorder. She was dependent on a ventilator and dialysis, and clinicians declared she was "actively dying." The case involved contentious legal battles over the continuation of life-supporting treatments, with courts frequently siding with hospital authorities over the wishes of families. Despite Sudiksha's ability to communicate and express her desires, legal constraints prevented public discourse about her treatment, including options for experimental therapy abroad. These gag orders, only partially lifted posthumously, have been the subject of intense criticism from rights groups advocating for transparency and accountability in medical practice. The outcome of this week's hearing is poised to significantly influence the legal landscape concerning the balance between individual rights and professional confidentiality in the healthcare sector. The decision will set precedents affecting how the media and the legal system handle such sensitive cases in the future. "Withdrawal of life support from a child is the gravest decision which the doctors and judges can ever make," said Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre. "Transparency is essential to ensure proper scrutiny of those decisions by the public and especially by the medical profession." "We know from experience that even in cases of profound disagreements between families and doctors, most families have a lot of praise for health professionals who had done their best for their child," she added. "There may sometimes be criticisms of particular actions by particular doctors. The best way to get to the truth of the matter is through open courts. Professionals who have done nothing wrong have nothing to fear from transparency." Hamas Doesn't Have 40 Living Hostages, UMC "Queer Clergy" Caucus, Chuck Swindoll Stepping Down link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 08:07 08:07 CLICK HERE to get FREE ACTIVATION on PATRIOT MOBILE with offer code CHRISTIANPOST Top headlines for Monday, April 15, 2024 In this episode, we discuss how Hamas's inability to identify 40 living hostages is complicating a U.S.-backed ceasefire deal. Then, we explore an emerging movement within the United Methodist Church, as an unofficial caucus of LGBT-identified clergy seeks to advocate for a reconsideration of the denominations stance on homosexuality. Our conversation also touches on the controversy surrounding an Indiana University's investment in a BDSM workshop for students which was ultimately canceled. Finally, we reflect on the end of an era at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, as notable pastor Chuck Swindoll steps down as senior pastor but vows to continue his preaching legacy. Home Opinion Did Peter lose his salvation when he denied Christ? First, those darned servant girls outed him (Matt. 26:69-71), and then his accent sent him down for the count again (Matt. 26:73). Not once, or twice, but three times Peter said of Jesus: I do not know the man (Matt. 26:74). Not pretty, but lets pull back from the normal How could you do that Peter? reaction for a minute and ask an important question: did Peters denial of Jesus at that point in time result in a loss of his salvation? Did Peter move from a saved to an unsaved state when he said hed never met Christ? Before you answer, lets make things a little more personal. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Imagine youre teleported back in time to Oregons Umpqua Community College where, in 2015, 26-year-old Chris Harper Mercer went on a shooting rampage, specifically asking victims if they were Christians and shooting them dead if they responded yes. Suppose he came to you and (as a Christian) you answered no. Would you, right then, suddenly become damned to Hell for your lie? Plenty of people say that both you and Peter were at least in that moment lost for eternity. But would that be true? What does "denying" Jesus really mean? Some say you cant get a more explicit answer to this question than Matthew 10:32-33 (also found in Luke 12:8-9) which has Jesus saying: So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in Heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in Heaven. In Luke, Jesus also states: For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels (Luke 9:26). In addition, we have Paul who seems to back this up when he writes: If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us (2 Tim. 2:12). John also says, No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also (1 John 2:23). Regarding Peter, a few say Mark alludes to his ouster from the faith when he appears to be excluded from the rest of the disciples in what the angel said after Christs resurrection: But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you (Mark 16:7, my emphasis). Lastly, even Peter himself talks about those outside the faith who are found denying the Master who bought them (2 Pet. 2:1). Whether its Peter or you/me, we have a few options open to us to answer the question of what happens when you deny Christ but then go on like Peter did to finish the course (2 Tim 4:7): 1. The person was not saved before denying Christ, but has a real salvation experience afterward; 2. The person was saved before denying Christ, backslid and fell into condemnation, but then was re-converted; 3. The individual sinned but was saved the entire time. Option 1 is a tough sell because Peter certainly appears to have had a divine revelation and faith experience where Jesus was concerned: He [Jesus] said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven (Matt. 16:1317). King James Bible advocates are quick to counter and point out that Jesus said to Peter in the upper room: I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (Luke 22:31, my emphasis). Most other translations, though, more accurately translate the Greek term epistrepsas used in the verse to indicate repentance: I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers (Luke 22:3132, my emphasis). Where option 2 is concerned, theres a galactically-large debate over whether a Christian can be saved one day, and not the next, but then gets saved again, and on and on. Im not a fan of this thinking with a few verses in Hebrews standing out to me on the issue: For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame (Heb. 6:46, my emphasis). That leaves us with option 3, that Peter was truly saved the entire time. This is where I land for the following reasons. First, its important to clearly define what denying Christ truly refers to. Is it a simple refusal to admit that you know Jesus in an interpersonal way as in Peters case or that you lie and say youre not a believer as in the situation of a gun thats pointed at your head? Put another way, do you think when Peter denied Jesus he lost faith in Christ that he concluded that Jesus wasnt the Messiah, that He didnt have the words of eternal life (John 6:68), and that he was washing his hands of the one he had followed for several years? Thats hard to swallow in my opinion. In Revelation, I believe Jesus makes a quick statement to the church at Pergamum about what denying Christ more fully involves: I know where you dwell, where Satans throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells (Rev. 2:13, my emphasis). Even when they saw Antipas killed, the believers at Pergamum didnt throw up their hands, say OK, Im out and bail on their belief of Jesus being their Savior. In Peters case, as bad as the situation turned out, it seems far more likely to conclude that he acted cowardly when faced with the possibility of death and, to save his own skin said he didnt know who Jesus was. Moreover, we have something Jesus said to Peter in the upper room that seems to indicate his faith never left him something weve already looked at, but lets see it again: Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. (Luke 22:3132, my emphasis). Dr. Sinclair Ferguson goes so far as to say: Scripture doesnt tell us Peter was saved because his failure was more straightforward, more normal than Judas Nor does Scripture say that Peter was saved because he was regenerate Peter was saved because Jesus prayed for him ... Theres a message there for all of us: Our security doesnt lie in ourselves. It doesnt even lie in what God has done within us, wonderful although that is. It lies in Jesus and His intercession for us. Remember what Hebrews says: He is able to save to the uttermost those who drawn near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them (Heb. 7:25). So, there you have it I believe Peter didnt lose his salvation when he denied Jesus, and if were really saved, well persevere as he did and enjoy the power of Jesus continued intercession for us before the Father as well. Home Opinion What Trump could do to make America great again Every single year across our nation, hundreds of thousands of little babies are legally murdered after the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Abortion is a legally acceptable pay-to-murder industry. Today, sadly, it is still very possible to murder babies in the United States of America. In recent days, Donald Trump has been signaling that he will seek to accommodate certain groups by assuring that abortion will be accessible under certain circumstances. Abortion is one of the hottest topics of this political season, and as November approaches, each party and political candidate will attempt to speak to the issue of abortion in order to satisfy their base and pick up votes along the way. The Republican Party understands that the abortion issue is a hot topic and the Democrats are working overtime to position themselves as the abortion party in order to capture as many sympathizers on the topic. This makes the abortion issue a major voting bloc concern for both parties. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Joe Bidens political statement on abortion If you visit the website for President Joe Bidens presidential campaign, you will find the following language regarding abortion, or as he refers to it reproductive health care: Donald Trump brags about overturning Roe v. Wade and has even said that women should face punishment for obtaining reproductive health care. If he returns to the White House, he is planning to ban abortion nationwide, with or without the help of Congress. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris believe women should make their own health care decisions and are fighting for federal legislation to protect reproductive health care access in every state. As president, Donald Trump overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing MAGA Republicans in states across the country to ban reproductive health care. Because of Donald Trump, more than 1 in 3 women of reproductive age now live under an abortion ban in effect, many of which have no exceptions for rape or incest. Across the nation, MAGA Republicans are inserting themselves into the most personal decisions a family can make, from trying to restrict access to contraception to blocking IVF fertility treatments and preventing loving couples from growing their families. And Trump and MAGA Republicans want to go even further in 2024 and ban abortion nationwide ripping away reproductive freedom in all 50 states. This language is a political scare tactic in order to instill fear into the hearts of those who may be looking to vote for the former President in this years presidential race on the basis of the economy or on the basis of President Bidens extremely poor performance and ongoing mental health concerns. Its also a way of attracting new votes from those who may support Trump in other areas, but disagree with a total ban on abortion. What is crystal clear is that the abortion topic is front and center for the 2024 presidential race. Trumps abortion plan Donald Trump has evolved and shifted many times on the issue of abortion. Through the years, he has changed his position openly and publicly from pro-choice to pro-life. In 1999, Trump stated in an interview with Meet the Press that he was very much pro-choice. He said, I hate the concept of abortion. He went on to say, But still, I just believe in choice. In a 2015 debate, when asked about his position on abortion, he claimed that his position had changed. To use his words, he said he had evolved on the issue and now embraced a pro-life position. This was used against him as his opponents contrasted his 1999 pro-choice position. On March 30, 2016, in a MSNBC exclusive interview, Chris Matthews asked Donald Trump to be clear on his position on abortion. Matthews asked if Trump would support punishment for abortions once abortion was overturned specifically for mothers who abort their children. Trump affirmed that he would support some form of punishment for mothers. Due to the backlash, he would alter his position again with a published statement that called mothers who abort their children, victims: If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb. Once Donald Trump was elected as the President of the United States of America, he signed a memorandum blocking the United States from funding organizations that provide abortion services. He went on to sign a bill to withhold federal money from organizations that provide abortions. President Trump became the first sitting president to attend the March for Life rally and he nominated three candidates to the Supreme Court which led to a reversal of Roe v. Wade in the landslide 6-3 decision handed down on June 24, 2022 in the Dobbs vs. Jackson Womens Health case. At that point, former President Donald Trump wasted no time taking credit for the decision by stating it was the biggest WIN for LIFE in a generation. He went on to say the outcome was only made possible because I delivered everything as promised, including nominating and getting three highly respected and strong Constitutionalists confirmed to the United States Supreme Court. Now, as he is the front runner for the office of President of the United States as the candidate for the Republican Party in 2024, he is once again being pressed to be clear on the hot issue of abortion. Some are asking for him to call for a federal ban. He signaled that he would consider a national ban at about 15 weeks. However, in recent days, he made the following statement on April 7, 2024, on his platform on Truth Social: I will be putting out my statement on Abortion and Abortion Rights tomorrow morning. Republicans, and all others, must follow their hearts and minds, but remember that, like Ronald Reagan before me, I, and most other Republicans, believe in EXCEPTIONS for Rape, Incest, and Life of the Mother. Great love and compassion must be shown when even thinking about the subject of LIFE, but at the same time we must use common sense in realizing that we have an obligation to the salvation of our Nation, which is currently in serious DECLINE, TO WIN ELECTIONS, without which we will have nothing other than failure, death, and destruction. We will not let that happen. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! In a video announcement on April 8, 2024, Trump stated that his position would be to leave the issue of abortion up to each individual state. In other words, he is signaling loud and clear to those who are fearful of a federal ban that he will not support such a ban but will instead leave the issue to each individual state to decide locally. He led in the video announcement with his vow to support IVF treatment options in all 50 states which has become a controversial matter among conservatives who are concerned with the process that results in the death of multitudes of babies every single year. What Trump should do to make America great again One of the things that attracted many voters, especially conservative voters, to Donald Trump as a presidential candidate in the beginning was his willingness to go nose-to-nose with the political establishment without concern for political correctness. As he runs for the highest office in the land in 2024, it appears that his campaign is much more concerned with political correctness especially on the issue of the politically charged topic of abortion. If Donald Trump truly wants to make America great again, he should do the following: Make abortion illegal again. Make life great again. Make murder vile again. Make equal protection for all people accessible again. Make equal justice for all under the law the standard again. Abortion is nothing short of legal child sacrifice. We have the Bible that teaches us the truth about the sanctity of life (Gen 1:2628, Ex 20:13, Ps 139) and the technology that places vivid imagery of little preborn babies before our eyes on a daily basis. To support abortion is to support murder and to deny equal protection and justice for all human beings. As the leader of the entire world, America can take the lead on the issue of life and put a full stop on the legal murder industry thats being propped up by political activists, lobbyists, and the Pro-Life industry. We need less weathervane politicians. Theyre a dime a dozen. We need firm men who stand upon truth and refuse to capitulate. If Donald Trump would commit to ending abortion across our nation, he could take a giant step forward in making America great again. Originally published at G3 Ministries. In today's post-Christian Britain, Poirot has lost his faith Kenneth Branagh's recent film versions of two Agatha Christie novels remind me of former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron's speech in favour of gay marriage at his party conference in 2011. Cameron, now UK Foreign Secretary, drew loud applause from delegates when he said: "I don't support gay marriage despite being a Conservative. I support gay marriage because I'm a Conservative." His Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 duly cruised through a House of Commons packed with sexual revolutionaries. Cameron took an institution that belonged to Christian Britain - life-long, monogamous, heterosexual marriage - and redefined it in a way that embraced the 1960s sexual revolution. Branagh seems to have done a similar thing with Agatha Christie (1890-1976) in his films based on two of her books, which he directed and in which he played her celebrated Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot. He has taken a feature from Christian Britain and remoulded it in the image of the permissive society. Christie was a writer with a committed Christian faith who made Poirot a Roman Catholic Christian. Writing in 2009 in First Things, the American religion and public life magazine, Yale University historian Nick Baldock shed light on "the Christian world of Agatha Christie". He wrote: "Christie was baptized into the Church of England, although her peripatetic mother dabbled in other religions, including Catholicism, and introduced Agatha to the possibilities of occult spirituality, a theme that recurs in her stories outside the classic detective genre. Nonetheless, it was her mother's copy of The Imitation of Christ that Christie kept by her bedside." Inscribed on the flyleaf of her copy was a quotation from Romans 8 beginning: 'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" Baldock recorded that at Christie's memorial service in 1976, her publisher William Collins shared this as "a reflection of the gentle Christian spirit that resided within her". Baldock also observed: "The sleuth, as bringer of truth and dispenser of justice, is always to some extent an agent of God and Poirot was given to addressing le bon Dieu with a degree of familiarity. Occasionally he was more serious, as in Cards on the Table, in which he notes that a man 'imbued with the idea that he knows who ought to be allowed to live and who ought not' is 'halfway to becoming the most dangerous killer there isthe arrogant criminal who kills not for profitbut for an idea. He has usurped the functions of le bon Dieu'." Branagh's 2022 version of Christie's 1937 novel, Death on the Nile, turns two of the characters, originally a wealthy woman and her nurse cum bag-carrier, into a lesbian couple, played by the comedy duo, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French. Branagh's Death on the Nile also has the principal female villain at the beginning of the film boasting about the amount of pre-marital sex she has been having, words that Christie would never have dreamed of putting into the mouth of one of her characters and absent from the 1978 film version of her novel, with Peter Ustinov as Poirot. Branagh's 2023 film, A Haunting in Venice, loosely based on Christie's 1969 novel, Hallowe'en Party, puts Poirot in Italy just after the end of World War II and subjects him to a fate that Christie never did. Branagh has him losing his Christian faith and giving a crass justification for his apostasy. Branagh's Poirot declares: "If there is a soul, there is a God who made it and if we have God, then we have everything - meaning, order, justice. But I have seen too much of the world, countless crimes, two wars, the bitter evil of human indifference, and I conclude, no - no God." Christie's Poirot, by contrast, took a more rational view of the evil we human beings do and rightly refused to blame it on God. Why won't the likes of Cameron and Branagh leave Christian Britain alone and create their own institutions and characters? Perhaps they recognise quality when they see it and want to hand these legacies on to the next generation but adapted to a form that Millennials and Generation Z can accept? Or perhaps they lack the imagination to make their own original 'progressive' creations? But the result of trying to take features from Christian Britain and make them politically correct is precisely the pit Branagh's Poirot fell into over his loss of faith absurdity. Christie would never have had her Poirot saying anything so absurd. Julian Mann is a former Church of England vicar, now an evangelical journalist based in Lancashire. Pastors praying for Israel in response to Iran launching drone, missile attack (CP) Prominent Christian leaders worldwide are urgently calling for prayers for peace and security in Israel after Iran initiated a significant aerial assault on Israel, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles early Sunday, intensifying existing regional tensions and pushing the Middle East closer to a broader conflict. Security officials reported the launches from Iran included over 300 drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, an attack described by Israel's military as potentially escalating to major conflict levels, Reuters reported. Despite the vast number of launches, Israel's advanced defense systems successfully intercepted the majority of these threats, as much as 99%, the Israel Defense Forces said. From Tehran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards confirmed the strikes, framing them as retaliation for an April 1 attack on its consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of two high-ranking officers. While Israel has maintained silence over allegations of its involvement, the incident has stirred considerable international response, with President Joe Biden affirming robust support for Israel. Prominent religious leaders have voiced their concerns and called for peace. Pastor Greg Laurie of the Harvest Fellowship in California and Hawaii pointed to the biblical significance of the attacks. "As American evangelicals, we want our Jewish friends to know that we stand behind the Jewish homeland and her people," Laurie wrote on X. "This attack is on the heels of the horrific attack from Hamas, which is a proxy of Iran on Israel on October 7th." He added, "We pray that God almighty would protect Israel at this hour and we are to 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.' (Psalm 122:6) One of the signs of the end time is an increase in anti-Semitism and the increasing isolation of the state of Israel. we are certainly seeing that happen before our very eyes." Similarly, Jack Hibbs, a senior pastor, also connected current events with biblical prophecies. "This could be [the] hook that is set into the jaw of Gog ... that would be Russia. ... And if Russia gets involved, then we could see Ezekiel 38 unfold. ... A lot of great scholars believe that the Rapture could happen before the Ezekiel battle," Hibbs, of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, said in a video post on X, urging his followers to spread the word and pray. Radio host Fr. Calvin Robinson wrote: "Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed; Kindle, we pray thee, in every heart the true love of peace; and guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." The Rev. Johnnie Moore, the president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, wrote that Christian congregations worldwide will be dedicating themselves to prayer for the peace and security of Israel. "There will be hundreds of millions of prayers prayed." The global community was also quick to react. Condemnations rolled in from the United Nations and several countries, highlighting the recklessness of the Iranian regime's action and its potential to spark further escalation. From Paris, the French government emphasized the attack's risk to regional stability, a sentiment echoed by Britain and Germany. In a detailed response to the aggression, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari of Israel noted the strategic success of their defense systems, which managed to neutralize most of the threats outside Israel's borders, as reported by the AP. "A wide-scale attack by Iran is a major escalation," Hagari stated during a press briefing. He refrained from outlining potential retaliatory steps but confirmed ongoing defensive measures. The U.S. has played a pivotal role in the current situation, with Biden directing the movement of aircraft and missile defense systems to the region over the past week. "Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our service members, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles," Biden stated. Further, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that American forces intercepted numerous missiles and UAVs heading toward Israel, launched not only from Iran but also from locations in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Despite the high interception rate, several missiles breached Israeli defenses, causing minor damage to an air base and injuring a 7-year-old girl in southern Israel. The Israeli military has ramped up its alert status, closing airspace and advising civilians in threatened areas to seek shelter. Israel and Iran have seen escalating tensions over the past months, particularly with the ongoing conflict involving Hamas in Gaza, which has drawn in various regional players and extended the battlefield across Lebanon, Syria and even as far as Yemen. Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said a more severe attack would be launched if Israel or its allies retaliate, the Qatari government-run Al Jazeera reported. "If the Zionist regime [Israel] or its supporters demonstrate reckless behavior, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response," Raisi said in a statement on Sunday. Iran's military chief, Major-General Mohammad Bagheri, said the Iranian attack on Israel "has achieved all its goals, and in our view the operation has ended, and we do not intend to continue." He also warned of a "much larger" attack if Israel strikes back at Tehran. The Christian Post Scottish Church leaders set out opposition to assisted suicide Church leaders have expressed "very grave concerns" about proposals to assisted suicide legal in Scotland. Rev Andrew Downie, Moderator of the United Free Church of Scotland, and Rev Bob Akroyd, Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland, are urging MSPs not to support Liam McArthur's Bill to legalise assisted suicide. In a letter to all 129 MSPs, they say that supporting the proposed legislation would cross "a bright red moral line" and "mean that Scottish society has lost its trust in the inherent value of all human life". They warned that Scotland risks "becoming an ethical wilderness" and said that the Scottish Parliament "must always maintain that all lives are equally meaningful". Legalising assisted suicide would send the message that some people "have become unworthy of life", they added. "We believe, as indicated in the book of Genesis in the Bible, that everyone is created by God in his image an image that reflects and expresses his equal love for everyone. As a result, every life has equal value a value which can only be measured by the sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross for humanity," the church leaders write. "We also believe that for a civilised society to survive, everyone should believe that everyone else is equally valuable. It is very important, therefore, to understand the consequences for the Scottish Parliament if it crosses the bright red moral line of acknowledging that, if a life does not reach a certain quality, then it loses its worth and can be ended. "It would become a society where the value of all human life is actually unequal and purely relative. It would be a society where the worth of every human life could then be graded depending on its usefulness, meaningfulness, and the amount of pleasure it may experience." The letter ends with a call for quality palliative and hospice care to be developed across Scotland to make people "as comfortable as possible without intentionally ending their lives". "Society will then continue to recognise these patients as having full worth and value while accepting them, unconditionally, for who they are in compassion and care," they said. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo was set to embark on an eight-day trip to the United States and Canada on Monday in an effort to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy with the two countries, his office said. Kim seeks to establish regular communication channels with the parliaments of the U.S. and Canada, while boosting cooperation in the defense industry and the establishment of supply chains of key minerals, his office said. Kim is the first National Assembly speaker to visit the U.S. in five years. (Yonhap) Aboneaza-te la rubricile dorite si primeste zilnic notificari pe email cu link-uri la articolele care au fost adaugate in ultimele 24 de ore. Notificarile vor fi expediate la adresa indicata mai jos. Daca doresti sa schimbi adresa - o poti modifica editand informatia de profil aici. Yoon meets US envoy to UN in Seoul By Lee Hyo-jin President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted South Korea's steadfast commitment to upholding U.N. sanctions on North Korea during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield in Seoul, Monday. The meeting, which took place during the U.S. envoy's visit to South Korea, indicates increased collaboration between Seoul and Washington in establishing a new monitoring mechanism for North Korea. This effort is crucial as North Korea seeks to circumvent international sanctions, especially with the soon-to-expire U.N. monitoring body. Thomas-Greenfield arrived in Seoul on Sunday for a four-day visit, with a primary focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation concerning North Korea amid heightened concerns over the modernization of Pyongyang's arms program, particularly given its burgeoning military partnership with Russia. During the meeting, Yoon stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ensure compliance with sanctions imposed on North Korea by both Pyongyang and other member states, according to the presidential office. In response, the U.S. envoy expressed full support for Seoul's efforts to deter Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development and promote human rights in North Korea. Thomas-Greenfield also held separate talks with South Korea's foreign and defense ministers on the same day. During her meeting with Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, the envoy expressed concerns about the impending disbandment of the U.N. expert panel. She highlighted the potential for this disbandment to create gaps in the implementation of sanctions on North Korea, which Pyongyang might exploit as opportunities for further nuclear and missile advancements, according to the defense ministry. The envoy also called on South Korea to join U.S. efforts to come up with alternative measures to ensure the continued issuance of reliable reports on violations of the sanctions on North Korea. In response, Shin said Seoul will continue to strengthen cooperation with the U.N. and Washington in the future to ensure the implementation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Before visiting the defense ministry, Thomas-Greenfield also held talks with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul. During the remaining days of her stay, the envoy plans to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas and meet young North Korean defectors, before departing for Japan on Wednesday. Her trip marks the first visit to Seoul by a U.S. ambassador to the U.N. since 2016. The rare visit of the American envoy comes amid escalating concerns regarding the weakening of international efforts to restrain Pyongyangs nuclear weapons program, with just two weeks left until the UNSC panel of experts terminates its operations. The panel, created in 2009, has been submitting reports biannually to the UNSC, recommending actions to enhance the implementation of sanctions on North Korea first imposed in 2006 and subsequently strengthened in response to its continued weapons development. However, Russia vetoed the annual renewal of the panel's mandate in a routine UNSC resolution vote last month, with China abstaining. Without the resolution, the panel will cease to exist on April 30. In other words, the sanctions will still be in force, but the eight-member experts group set up to monitor violations will be disbanded. South Korean Ambassador to the U.N. Hwang Joon-kook has been vocal in condemning Russia's veto, likening it to "destroying a surveillance camera to avoid being caught red-handed." In a U.N. General Assembly meeting last week, he called for the need for alternative measures to uphold sanctions enforcement. Earlier this month, Cho called for cooperation from NATO members during his visit to Brussels for a NATO meeting of foreign ministers. During a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Cho stated that South Korea is collaborating with like-minded nations to establish a new monitoring mechanism against North Korea. He also urged cooperation on Seoul's efforts to convene a U.N. General Assembly meeting to condemn Russia's veto. Freedom From Torture logo Freedom from Torture charity has launched its Stop the Flights 2.0 campaign ahead of the Rwanda bill potentially passing in parliament in the next few days. Last year, Freedom from Torture won the Overall Award for Excellence at the 2023 Charity Awards for its original Stop The Flights campaign, which convinced four commercial airlines to rule themselves out of the running for government contracts to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda. It has now received 24,000 signatories to its follow-up campaign, which targets another airline called AirTanker. Parliament is set resume voting on the government's Rwanda bill as MPs return to the Commons. The plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda has faced challenges since it was first announced in April 2022. In November 2023, the UK Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the Rwanda scheme was unlawful. Freedom from Torture has reported that AirTanker is potentially going to be the airline carrying out the flights if the bill passes, despite previously reportedly ruling itself out in June 2022 via email from their CEO, AirTanker did not respond to a comment request from Civil Society. Hey @AirTanker, long time no see. 2 years ago you told us you wouldnt fly refugees to Rwanda on behalf of the UK government ... now you're not answering our calls. So we're turning up the heat. Tell AirTanker: Don't profit from refugees' pain https://t.co/CZe0yYPWm1 pic.twitter.com/KCwxCh443q Freedom from Torture (@FreefromTorture) April 9, 2024 Charities supporting asylum seekers may also launch legal challenges against moving people to Rwanda, if the new law passes in the coming days. Charity Care4Calais said it had recruited hundreds of volunteers to identify people who are set to be removed. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, copyright Parliament It is tempting to compare the situation now with that of 1997 and to look for similar policy solutions for civil society and government relationships. Tempting but wrong. Wrong for three reasons. Firstly, the policy leadership of the sector has more diverse voices. Secondly, in 1997, two years had been invested by the sector in the Deakin Report which paralleled the report by Alun Michael entitled Building the Future Together. This meant that there was a strong joint agenda which created both permanent and temporary success in the first term of the incoming Labour administration. Although the sectors influence waned as Brexit became the dominant issue. This election year, despite the recent welcome Labour interest in the sector, it is clear that they have no clear policy agenda. Thirdly, and most significantly, the outgoing Major government had left the public finances in a reasonable state. This time it will not be the case and any public monies available are likely to be devoted to the NHS and to possible rearmament in the face of a significant threat from a resurgence of Russian expansionism. So, to put it simply, in the first term at least, the sector will need to look for relatively low-cost policies in generic areas. What might these be? Finance There are a number of measures which might release resources at relatively low cost. Whilst unused assets have been released and will continue to be released from the private sector there are many underutilised assets within the charitable sector. The Charity Commission does some valuable work behind the scenes with community foundations to release some of these but we don't know much there is or where they are on a systematic basis. Perhaps a major investigation by an independent commission might be of value here. Philanthropy itself might also be encouraged by policy changes. The culture secretary is in discussions with the Treasury to boost tax advantages for donors and simplifying the process for reclaiming tax on gifts as in the US. This initiative should be encouraged both by the sector and across political parties. Two further initiatives might also be considered. First, an asset-based scheme which would encourage tax effective matching for particular boosts to parts of the public sector a sort of citizens PFI with donations rather than private investment. Second, tax incentives for direct giving via local platforms to local projects a citizen direct service. This would enable local giving to be linked to local projects via local giving platforms. Finally, social investment. Again, incentives could be encouraged to encourage institutional investors to deploy their resources and national and local growth funds for private investment could be created to operate in partnership with a citizens PFI initiative to integrate the deployment of social investment and philanthropic giving. Volunteering On volunteering, three initiatives in recent years could be built on at relatively low cost. The local response to the pandemic, Helpforce and the Big Help Out. I doubt if there has been enough analysis of the local spontaneous response to creating local resilience during the pandemic but this might help to shape local capability in the future. Helpforce has certainly begun to shape volunteering in the NHS and the Big Help Out has tapped a rich vein of volunteering. Now is the time to bring the learning from these initiatives together and to explore the scope for increasing volunteering particularly but not exclusively in the public service and to create statutory time off for volunteering as for trade union activity and magistrates. Institutional framework At a macro level, government should focus on measuring and reporting on wellbeing as the principle measure of the nations success rather than GDP. Not only is that more sensible but it also identifies a key driver of civil society action. It is not only the final impact of what civil society does but the intermediate impacts of how it does it that mark it out as unique and different from a consumerist model for. We are more as people than economic actors. The regulatory environment needs to place more emphasis on enhanced public benefit to justify the special status accorded to charities together with transparency of reporting. Whilst I don't take a view on the status of think tanks, they should be required to publish a list of their donors so a more informed view can be formed of their recommendations in the public arena. We also need to see a restoration of a high-level minister within the Cabinet Office as civil society activity transcends government departments. Government might also experiment more with citizen forums and participatory budgeting as a way of getting better informed decisions and citizens. Perhaps there is room for one blast from the past. Compacts were useful in the early years of the last Labour government not only because they had some outcomes, for example enshrining the right to campaign irrespective of the funding relationship. But as important, negotiating them, particularly at a local level, increased the visibility of the sector. If, of course, a new government succeeds in increasing growth and productivity and more money is available then there might be a more ambitious agenda. Others will be ready Im sure but my top three would be: the reform of social care, the sorry state of which has caused major problems; increased investment in the sector of AI capability to reduce costs; and most ambitious, greater focus on universal basic income with a citizenship premium. But thats perhaps for another day. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Donald Trump is adept at looming over stories that dont immediately involve him, and so it was again last week with the passing of O.J. Simpson, who died from cancer at seventy-six. One obituary, in the LA Times, inadvertently used Trumps name rather than Simpsons to narrate an aspect of the latters life; others steered clear of on-the-nose typos, but did trace a line, implicitly or explicitly, from Simpson to the media culture that gave us Trumps presidency. Simpsons 1995 trial on charges that he murdered his ex-wife and her friend (he was acquitted but later found civilly liable for their deaths) ushered in an age of noisy information saturation and sensationalized infotainment, we were told, while demonstrating the power of media to unite a country around a shared obsession and at the same time sharply divide perceptions of it. And it turbocharged the appeal of reality TV and cable news, with its rotating cast of bloviating talking heads, while providing impetus for the creation of Fox Newsa three-legged stool of factors, CNNs Oliver Darcy argued, without which it is difficult to imagine Trump becoming president. Simpsons trial also echoedagain, implicitly or explicitlyin at least some coverage of the most pressing current story involving Trump: starting today, he will go on criminal trial himselfthe first former president ever to do soin a New York case alleging that he paid hush money to the adult-film star Stormy Daniels to cover up an affair in the run-up to the 2016 election, then falsified records to conceal the payment. Like Simpsons trial before it, Trumps has been dubbed the trial of the century in some quarters; analysts, meanwhile, have compared various legal dynamics at play across the two. On The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon quipped that Trump had requested a delay to his trial so that he might mourn Simpsons death (a reference to Trumps very real, and only slightly less ridiculous, attempts to push his case back). Its fitting that President Trumps trial is starting on the heels of O.J. Simpsons passing, Giancarlo Sopo, a Republican media strategist, told NBC News. The media circus around their legal troubles is similar, with one key difference: The more people heard about the Simpson case, the more they thought he was guilty. With Trump, the opposite is true. While the latter claim might be questionable (more on which later), the media circus around the two cases does indeed seem comparable. (Indeed, Trump invoked it as one of his grounds for a delay, suggesting that the flood of coverage would make the trial unfair; the judge denied the request, pointing out that Trump courted coverage himself.) After Trump was indicted in the case last year, news networks looped endless footage of his journey from Florida to New York to be arraignedinviting inevitable parallels with the coverage of Simpsons infamous flight from police in a white Ford Bronco in 1994, so much so that O.J. Simpson briefly trended on Twitter. (The footage of Trump headed to his arraignment, by plane then by car, rolled up Trump-era and O.J.-era TV excess in one package, the New York Times TV critic James Poniewozik wrote at the time.) Heading into the trial, journalists have pointed out that some of the media characters who found pundit fame during Simpsons trial are still around for Trumps. Others have chronicled the logistics of the media circus this time, given access restrictions at the courthouse. On the one hand, its just like any other case, any other day at court, one reporter told Vanity Fairs Charlotte Klein last week. On the other hand, its the fucking Thunderdome. Of course, there are also ample differences between the two trials: not least that Simpson, unlike Trump, was charged with murder, and that Trump, unlike Simpson, is a former and would-be future president. These differences extend to the media context around the trials, too: where Simpsons captivated a nation as a live courtroom drama, Trumps will not be broadcast on TV at all, a contrast that various observers have held up as highly significant. This is fair. But I would argue that it doesnt necessarily take cameras in court to make a media circus. Perhaps a more consequential difference is the wider media environment into which Trumps trial is falling, one that has evolved substantially over the past thirty years. At the very least, the novelty of that period has long since worn off. If the three-legged stool of reality TV, cable bluster, and Fox News is still standingand is visibly propping up some of the coverage of Trumps trialin other ways that coverage feels different, or at least is being consumed in a different context. If Trumps New York trial will not be televised, that isnt for want of trying on the part of news organizationsas he prepared to be arraigned in the case last year, various outlets asked the judge to let cameras in, but he declined. (A handful of still photographers were allowed to snap Trump in the courtroom but were required to leave before the proceedings began.) If this decision seemed miserly, it was at least consistent: while some trials are broadcast, like Simpsons, New York courts have fairly tight restrictions on the practice, as does the federal judiciary. (The trials in other criminal cases that Trump is facing will likely be cameraless, too, though Georgia, where Trump has been charged with participating in a conspiracy to subvert the 2020 election, does permit cameras in court. Whether these other trials are able to take place before the election is a different question.) Sign up for CJRs daily email As Ive written before in this newsletter, the debate around whether to allow cameras in a given case typically follows similar contours: supporters of the practice argue that it is essential for transparency; detractors counter that it can tip the scales of justice and incentivize lawyers to mug for the court of public opinion, triggering the descent into circus-like conditions or reality TV (with Simpsons trial often held up as exhibit A). In Trumps case, observers have also debated whether the presence or absence of cameras might benefit him more. As suggested above, he has often exploited reality-TV-type dynamics in the past. And yet the courtroom is a setting that he cant stage-manageone synonymous, arguably, with his disempowerment, when Trump prefers to project strength and control. (His lawyers, perhaps, feared this impression when they argued last year that allowing cameras for his arraignment would only feed the media circusa position that otherwise smacked of the Ringling brothers calling for a federal ban on big tops.) The broader debate around cameras in court is a consequential one with concrete implications for how justice is served and seen to be served. (Im generally pro, as I explained here.) But again, I dont think Trump needs them to make his trial a circus; indeed, their absence may help him to do so on his own terms. As Poniewozik put it in the Times earlier this year, Trump has exploited a void in TV imagery of his recent court proceedingsnot only in criminal court, but in civil cases involving his business and alleged defamation and sexual assault of the writer E. Jean Carrollby railing against them from outside the courtroom: With the trial(s) of the century unfolding behind closed doors, the cameras will be hungry, Poniewozik wrote, and if theres one thing Mr. Trump knows, its how to feed them. As cable networks, in particular, showed last year with their breathless live coverage of Trumps journey to his arraignment, if they want to make an O.J.-style legal reality show of the story, they wont let a trivial thing like a lack of access stand in their way. In other respects, though, the atmosphere around the trial coverage feels different from the Simpson case. Admittedly, Im not the best person to make a direct one-to-one comparison herewhen Simpson went on trial, I was two years old. But now, at least, the media effort to gin up excitement around Trumps trial feels to me somewhat forced. The Bronco chase, I am led to believe, was genuinely exciting; the footage of Trumps car making its way to his arraignment a year ago was anything but, as Paul Farhi, then of the Washington Post, noted at the time. The arraignment did appear to juice cable news ratings. And yet, on the whole, the frenzied excitement that greeted the Trump story as he first ran for, and won, the presidencyas seen in the much-discussed Trump bump for major outletsseems to have fizzled into a form of collective fatigue. The broader Trump story may now be more akin to a car crash than a car chase: our eyes might still be glued to it, but we probably dont feel great about it. Even amid the media circus of Trumps arraignment in the New York case, there were signs that some in the press werent anticipating a lavishly dramatic story going forward. Rachel Maddow warned at the time that while the story of the case appeared to have momentum, it would likely turn out to be boring in ways that the punditocracy seemed not to have prepared for; it could come to feel like reading the small print on the back of a lottery ticket, she said. Many members of the punditocracy, meanwhile, dismissed the case against Trump as legally weak even before seeing details of the indictment, often regretting that he wasnt charged first in one of the other, more serious criminal matters that he faces, not least the federal case in which he was eventually charged with trying to subvert the election. As I wrote at the time, no few media analysts seemed to find the New York case unserious. One dismissed it as the stripper case. Fast-forward to the eve of the trial, and this assessment may have changed in some quarters: last week, the New York Times reported that many experts now see the New York case as being considerably stronger than they once did; some polling, meanwhile, suggests that a clear majority of the public considers the charges to be serious. But skeptics remain. (In the LA Times, the election-law expert Rick Hasen wrote over the weekend that he has a hard time even mustering a meh about the case compared with the election-subversion one.) And, while the media circus around the case as a whole is well-documented (see above) and will surely only ramp up for the trial itself, it felt to me relatively (with the emphasis on relatively) muted over the weekend, given the historic stakes. On the Sunday shows, for example, the trial was overshadowed by Irans (also historic) attack on Israel. It was also, in places, overshadowed by the abortion ban in Arizona. Face the Nation mentioned the trial only as an aside. Meet the Press discussed it mostly in its closing panel segment. I am not saying that this is a bad thing. Indeed, it may even be a good onethe Israel and abortion stories are highly substantive, and one frequent criticism of the media landscape birthed by the Simpson trial has been a lack of substance. Personally, I saw little value in the Bronco-style coverage of Trumps plane and motorcade a year ago. Even the purveyors of that type of coverage likely recognize that theyll have to pace themselves now given the length of the trial. At times, the coverage is already resembling reality TV. It surely will again. And yet this case against Trump is itself a substantive storyeven if the legal merits can legitimately be debated, the charges are serious, involving a possible alleged campaign-finance crime, not just a tawdry extramarital affair. They deserve better than dismissal as unserious reality-TV fodder or as a circusclaims, indeed, that echo the recent talking points of some Trump allieseven if we want the coverage to steer clear of reality or circus tropes. Ultimately, it should center what coverage of Simpson should always have centered, and should still, even in his death: the facts of the case and the legal process surrounding it. Yesterday, Meet the Press reflected on Simpsons death before it finally got into its panel discussion on the Trump trial, airing an archival clip of the sportscaster Bob Costas, who once worked with Simpson, appearing on the show to discuss the case ahead of Simpsons trial. This is a tragedy that, I guess almost inevitably in this mass-media agehas rapidly become a spectacle, Costas said. But we have to keep in mind a horrible crime has been committed. Other notable stories: This morning, Irans unprecedented weekend attack on Israel, pitched as retaliation against the latter countrys recent strike on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Syria, continues to dominate the news cycle. Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones at targets inside of Israel, though it telegraphed its attack in advance and most of the weapons were intercepted by Israel and its allies; one Israeli air base was slightly damaged while a seven-year-old girl sustained serious injuries. The story is continuing to develop as Israel weighs how to respond, with various observers fearing a serious regional escalation. In other news, late last week, several journalists were injured, one critically, in an apparent Israeli strike on a refugee camp in Gaza. CNN has more details. And the Colorado Republican Party attracted widespread criticism last week after it expelled Sandra Fish, a veteran journalist in the state, from an event on the grounds that the partys pro-Trump chairman found her reporting to be unfair. Now the Colorado media-watcher Corey Hutchins reports that the Colorado Sun, a nonprofit outlet where Fish works, has seen a surge of support in the wake of the incident, fielding dozens of sign-ups and thousands of dollars in fresh donations. New from CJR: A new podcast chronicles the rise and fall of the alt-weekly Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee said it would hold a hearing next week with members of an expert panel that released a report in February criticizing Boeings safety culture and calling for significant improvements. The hearing next Wednesday comes as the U.S. planemaker has been grappling with a full-blown safety crisis that has undermined its reputation following a Jan. 5 mid-air panel blowout on a new 737 MAX 9. It has since undergone a management shakeup, U.S. regulators have put curbs on its production and its aircraft deliveries fell by half in March. The committee will hear from three panel members, including Tracy Dillinger, a NASA expert on safety culture, Javier de Luis, an aeronautics expert at MIT, and Najmedin Meshkati, a University of Southern California professor and expert on aviation safety. Senator Maria Cantwell, the committee chair, said on Wednesday she was impressed with the expert witness panel report and wanted to hear from members first before she called the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a future hearing. Boeing declined to comment on the hearing. The panels report was directed by Congress after fatal 737 MAX crashes in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019 that killed 346 people, including panel member De Luis sister in the Ethiopian crash. It criticized Boeings safety culture on a number of fronts and found a lack of awareness of safety-related metrics at all levels of the organization. The panel also cited an inadequate and confusing implementation of the components of a positive safety culture. The panel was appointed by the FAA in early 2023 and said that within six months Boeing should review the recommendations and develop an action plan. The FAA in February ordered Boeing to address systemic quality-control issues within 90 days after an audit found fault with the companys manufacturing processes. The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations will hear testimony later in the day next Wednesday from a Boeing whistleblower and company engineer Sam Salehpour who claims it dismissed safety and quality concerns in the production of 787 and 777 jets. Senator Richard Blumenthal, the panels chair, said Salehpour will testify on what the senator called Boeings broken safety culture. Blumenthal has also asked outgoing CEO Dave Calhoun to testify at a future hearing. Boeing responded this week to Salehpour, saying the company is fully confident in the 787, adding that the claims are inaccurate and do not represent the comprehensive work Boeing has done to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft. Top photo: AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File. Dutch-headquartered chipmaker Nexperia was victim of a hacking attack by cyber criminals last month, the Chinese-owned company said on Friday, and was investigating the incident with the help of outside specialists. Nexperia has become aware that an unauthorized third party accessed certain Nexperia IT servers in March 2024, the company said in a statement, confirming an earlier report by Dutch broadcaster RTL. We promptly took action and disconnected the affected systems from the Internet to contain the incident and implemented extensive mitigation. Nexperia is the former Standard Products division of chipmaker NXP, spun off in 2016 and acquired by Chinas Wingtech 600745.SS in 2018. It makes basic chips, transistors and diodes. The company said it had started an investigation with the support of third-party experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. It did not say if it had suffered any damage or losses as a result of the hack, but RTL said the cyber criminals had published dozens of confidential documents on the dark web in a demand for ransom. The criminals claimed to have stolen hundreds of gigabytes of confidential information, RTL said, including trade secrets, chip designs and data relating to customers including Apple, Huawei and SpaceX. (Reporting by Meijer and Sterling; Additional reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by David Goodman and David Holmes) Apple on Friday lost a bid to throw out a mass lawsuit valued at just under $1 billion brought in London on behalf of more than 1,500 app developers over its App Store fees. The case, worth up to 785 million pounds ($979 million) and one of several faced by the tech giant in the United Kingdom, alleges Apple charged third-party developers unfair commissions of up to 30% on purchases of apps or other content. Apples lawyers argued developers cannot have a claim in the UK unless they were charged on purchases made through the UK App Store. But the companys bid to throw out that part of the case was rejected by the Competition Appeal Tribunal on Friday. (Reporting by Tobin; editing by Sarah Young) OMAHA, Nebraska An Omaha Public Schools substitute teacher in the Omaha has been charged with sexual abuse by a school employee after she reportedly was found in the backseat of her vehicle with a nude 17-year-old student. Erin Ward, 45, a substitute at Burke High School, reportedly admitted to deputies with the Douglas County Sheriffs Office that she was having sex with the student when she was caught, WOWT Channel 6 reports. She was arrested and booked into the county jail. The Omaha World-Herald reports that deputies were called just before 3 a.m. Saturday about a suspicious vehicle parked on a dead-end road. When deputies arrived, they spotted Ward and the student in the back of her Honda Pilot. The student jumped into the drivers seat of the vehicle and drove off, but crashed in the front yard of a residence about two blocks away, the World-Herald reports. He then jumped out of the vehicle with no clothes on and ran. The teen was found about an hour later in a nearby neighborhood wearing a T-shirt, underwear and socks, WOWT reports. Ward was still in the back of the vehicle when it crashed and was putting her clothes back on when deputies approached, KETV Channel 7 reports. The car is owned by Ward and her husband, reports say. The school district released a statement saying Ward will not be allowed to return to work. Chinese-brand passenger vehicle sales surge in Q1 Xinhua) 10:53, April 15, 2024 BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Sales of Chinese-brand passenger vehicles soared 26.4 percent year on year in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, industry data showed. About 3.39 million such vehicles were sold during this period, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. The market share of domestic-brand passenger vehicles rose 7.4 percentage points year on year to 59.6 percent during the period. In March alone, nearly 1.33 million such vehicles were sold, with the market share up 7.2 percentage points from a year earlier to 59.3 percent. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Korea on Monday issued a special travel advisory for parts of Iran, the foreign ministry said, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following Tehran's attack on Israel. The ministry said it has decided to maintain the Level 3 travel advisory in the following areas: the Turkey-Iraq border region, the Sistan and Baluchestan province, as well as the three provinces of Khuzestan, Bushehr and Hormozgan along the Persian Gulf. A special travel advisory was issued Monday for the rest of country, which calls for Korean citizens to cancel or postpone their trips to Iran and for those living there to flee to a safe country unless for urgent matters. The special advisory is issued by the government in cases of urgent security risks to travelers and can be maintained for up to 90 days. The ministry said it will continue to keep a close watch on the situation in Iran and consider taking extra measures for the travel advisory if necessary. Korea earlier raised the advisory to Level 3 for all of Israel with the exception of the Gaza Strip, where a Level 4 travel alert is currently issued. (Yonhap) Documentary sheds light on solidarity among bereaved families embracing lasting scars By Lee Hae-rin "Is it true that time heals everything? asked Yoo Gyung-geun, a bereaved father who lost his 18-year-old daughter Ye-eun in the Sewol ferry tragedy on April 16, 2014. In response, Bae Eun-sim, the mother of student activist Lee Han-yeol, who died after being hit by a tear gas canister fired by riot police during Koreas pro-democracy movement in 1987, replied, "No." After a brief pause, she added, You just have to keep on living. Life goes on with the lasting scar." The conversation is an excerpt from Life Goes On, a documentary by Jang Min-kyung. A winner of the Korean Film category at the 13th DMZ International Documentary Film Festival in 2021, the piece centers on bereaved parents who lost children in some of the nation's notorious man-made disasters, depicting how they channel their loss, anger and frustration into solidarity and personal growth. In the film, Yoo talks with Bae and Hwang Myung-ae, whose daughter was one of the 192 who lost their lives in the deadly Daegu subway fire of February 2003, and Koh Seok, a father who lost twin girls in a fire at the Sealand Youth Training Center that killed 23 in June 1999. The conversations were later made into a podcast series. Jang, who was among a team of documentary filmmakers who have been archiving the aftermath of the Sewol ferry disaster in solidarity with the victims, taped the recording sessions and made them into a film, as she saw parallels between the social disasters and problems that bereaved families must deal with after their losses. These social disasters happened at different times and in different places, yet they shared a common thread: a tendency to recur one after another," she said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. Also these problems and the suffering the bereaved families went through were not personal matters, but results of what happens when a societys system fails to function. I thought that needs to be shared with the world. These families lost children to different tragedies but faced similar issues. They all had trouble recovering the bodies of their lost loved ones and finding out how and why they died. They have been severely criticized and accused of harboring political motivations for demanding a proper investigation, a request that has often been denied. Also, their efforts to build memorials faced fierce opposition from those concerned due to worries about potentially lowering housing prices in the surrounding area. Years and decades have passed since their losses, but they say the painful memories still remain vivid and fresh. However, they learned to channel their anger and frustration to grow stronger and bigger hearts and stand in solidarity with other neglected and vulnerable people so as to remember the victims, as witnessed by Jang. For example, Koh established the Korea Children Safety Foundation in 2000, the year after he lost his children. The institute now trains safety experts and runs safety education programs and campaigns for children. Hwang and Yoo have done everything they can to fight for fact-finding probes and demand justice. Yet, they say they feel sorry that the bereaved families of social disasters that happened afterward also went through the same problems they faced. Thats when Bae and the mothers of the victims of the governments deadly suppression of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising offered consolation to bereaved families of the Sewol ferry tragedy with words of solidarity, telling them, We know what you have been through. 'Time does not heal everything, but continuing with life does,' the bereaved families said," according to Jang. "But living on doesnt mean simply sitting and doing nothing. It means going out and meeting people, asking questions and demanding justice. That's what they emphasized as the essence of moving forward in life. She added, I believe connecting the stories of different social tragedies is also a way for the rest of us to continue living as a society." President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating fell to 32.6 percent, marking its lowest point since last October, following his party's crushing defeat in last week's general elections, a poll showed Monday. The survey, conducted by the polling agency Realmeter, showed that the positive assessment of Yoon's performance went down by 4.7 percentage points from the previous week, while 63.6 percent of respondents disapproved of his performance, up 4.1 percentage points. Yoon is expected to give a public statement sometime soon about his party's crushing defeat in Wednesday's election. The opposition bloc, led by the main opposition Democratic Party 0f Korea (DPK), won 192 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, while the ruling People Power Party (PPP) secured only 108. Regionally, respondents from most areas registered a decline in approval, except for those in the southern cities of Busan and Ulsan and the surrounding South Gyeongsang Province, which saw a slight increase of 0.7 percentage point. The poll, conducted on 2,010 adults from last Monday to Friday, had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2 percentage points. In a separate poll, the approval ratings of the PPP and the DPK came to 33.6 percent and 37 percent, respectively. The poll on the approval ratings of the political parties was conducted on 1,002 adults Thursday and Friday and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. (Yonhap) Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong once again called on doctors Monday to come forward for dialogue to end the prolonged walkout by junior doctors and present a unified proposal regarding the quota for medical school admissions, stressing its firm will to push for medical reform plans. More than 90 percent of Korea's 13,000 trainee doctors have walked off the job in protest since Feb. 20 in protest of the government's push to increase the number of medical school seats by 2,000 starting next year from the current 3,058. "The government's will for medical reform remains strong. The medical school quota hike and other reform measures are preconditions for reviving essential medical fields and medical systems in rural areas," Cho said during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. "Time is running out given the schedule for the government's announcement of detailed plans and requirements for college entrance next year. The medical circle should come up with a unified proposal swiftly based on scientific grounds," he added. Cho's comments marked the first official stance taken by the government on the matter after a resounding defeat in last week's parliamentary elections. The quota hike plan was a hot-button issue for the elections, and eyes have been on possible changes to the government's stance according to the election outcome. The government has said it is open to talks, though it believes a hike of 2,000 is the minimum as the plan was based on scientific research and discussion with the medical community. President Yoon Suk Yeol met with the chief of a striking trainee doctors' group earlier this month, but no immediate breakthrough has been reported. Doctors have demanded that the government review the issue from the outset, as the planned quota hike would compromise the quality of medical education and services and create a surplus of physicians. They have also urged the government to devise ways of better protecting them from malpractice suits and extending compensation to induce more physicians to practice in such "unpopular" areas. On Monday, 1,325 trainee doctors filed a complaint against Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo for alleged abuse of power, and vowed not to return to work unless the government fires him. In response to growing disruptions to hospital operations, the government decided to send more than 2,700 additional physician assistant nurses to hospitals to have them fill in for striking doctors, and will launch training and education programs Thursday. The government has stressed the need to increase the medical school admission quota to address a shortage of doctors. Given Korea's rapid population aging and other issues, the country is expected to fall short by 15,000 doctors by 2035, according to the health ministry. (Yonhap) In this article AAPL Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now Apple CEO Tim Cook arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Monday as the U.S. tech giant looks to boost sales in new markets. Cook will meet with Apple users, developers and content creators during the two-day visit, local media reported. The CEO posted pictures on X on Monday in Hanoi with musicians. He drank an egg coffee. Cook's visit comes at a testing time for the U.S. technology giant. Figures released Monday by the International Data Corporation (IDC) showed global iPhone shipments fell 10% year on year in the first quarter of 2024. Apple is facing intense competition in the high-end smartphone market where it operates, especially in key markets like China. Apple has quietly grown into Vietnam's third-largest smartphone vendor by shipments, according to IDC, behind Chinese electronics maker Oppo and Samsung. And Vietnam has become a key location for manufacturing as the Cupertino giant looks to diversify the assembly of its products away from China. Apple's reliance on China for its products came under scrutiny in 2022 as the country's strict Covid-19 prevention measures and worker unrest at Foxconn's flagship iPhone factory disrupted production. Foxconn is the main assembler of Apple's iPhones. In December, the Nikkei reported Apple was moving some of its key iPad engineering resources to Vietnam. The country is now reportedly involved in the development and manufacturing of the MacBook, iPad and Apple Watch. Apple CEO Tim Cook (C) walks near Hoan Kiem lake in downtown Hanoi during his visit to Vietnam on April 15, 2024. Giang Huy | Afp | Getty Images "Vietnam is important to Apple not only due to its growing base of fans there, but also because the industry is hedging its bets by diversifying its manufacturing beyond China. That includes key locations like Vietnam, where Samsung has long had a presence in the northern part of the country," Bryan Ma, vice president of client devices research at IDC, told CNBC. "Apple's diversification efforts also include devices like notebooks, where its contract manufacturers like Quanta and Foxconn have already been investing." India has also emerged as a key hub for iPhone manufacturing. Bloomberg reported last week that Apple now makes one in seven of its iPhones in India. Apple began assembling its latest line of iPhones in India in 2022. That started with the iPhone 14 series. India also represents a huge consumer market for Apple. Cook's visit to Vietnam comes after 61 environmental and human rights groups called on Apple to oppose the country's detention of climate activists. Employees work in the trading room inside the Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking head office in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Asia-Pacific markets fell Monday as traders weighed the impact of Iran's massive drone and missile attacks on Israel over the weekend, with focus also on key economic data from China and Japan later in the week. Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles against military targets in Israel on Saturday in an attack that U.S. President Joe Biden described as "unprecedented." The U.S. intervened to directly help Israel shoot down nearly all of the incoming munitions, Biden said in a statement Saturday. Oil prices were little changed on Monday morning, with Brent crude futures trading 0.14% down at $90.32 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures down 0.32% at $85.39. India's wholesale inflation climbed 0.53% in March, slightly higher than Reuters' estimates of a 0.51% rise. China will announce its first-quarter GDP numbers on Tuesday. Japan will release its March trade data and inflation numbers on Wednesday and Friday, respectively. Survivor still grapples with ongoing trauma while support services face closure By Jung Da-hyun The slogan "We will never forget," frequently used in commemorations of the 2014 Sewol ferry sinking tragedy, underscores the importance of remembrance, particularly for those grappling with ongoing trauma from the nation's worst peacetime disaster. However, for Choi Eun-soo, a truck driver who survived the tragic accident, the catchphrase appears to have already been forgotten, as government assistance for survivors to help overcome trauma has been halted, and there is diminished vigilance over safety alerts. "Theres no big difference between a year and a decade after the tragedy. I've struggled to sleep deeply for more than two hours since it occurred," Choi said during an interview with The Korea Times in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. This year commemorates the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, which occurred on April 16, 2014. The 6,800-ton vessel sank in waters off the countrys southwest coast, claiming 304 lives. The majority of those lost were high school students on a four-day field trip to Jeju Island. Choi drove his truck onto the ferry that day, carrying cargo bound for the island as part of his routine duties. "Like other truck drivers, I was positioned at the rear of the ship with my truck. While I was outside smoking, I noticed the vessel tilting," he said. His recollection of the accident was remarkably vivid, as though it transpired only yesterday. Describing the situation, he mentioned feeling an impact, which then caused it to tilt. "As the ship leaned, red containers toppled, and I grasped a handrail tightly to avoid falling," he said, reflecting on the memory of that day. In the middle of the chaos, Choi assisted other passengers, including two women at the rear who were there taking photographs before the incident. Ultimately, he was rescued from the ship, after helping passengers, including fellow truck drivers, amid the chaos. "When I was rescued, there was no one else at the back of the ship, and a coast guard officer told me that everyone had been evacuated. But upon reaching the shelter on Jin Island, South Jeolla Province, I realized that many students were still trapped below deck," he said. He stopped working for three years, focusing on recovery and participating in events to advocate for a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the accident. Four years ago, Choi resumed working as a truck driver. However, the trauma from the accident continues to haunt him, particularly affecting his ability to sleep, especially when on the cargo ship leg of a delivery. This persistent challenge has plagued him for a decade. "I wake up every two hours since the accident," he said. "Even the slightest sound wakes me, causing my body to tense up. I often take sleeping pills or have a drink to get to sleep." Despite the lingering trauma, he continues to travel on a sea route to Jeju Island with his cargo truck, as he explained that he has no other choice to make a living. "I've reduced the frequency of these trips, particularly during March and April. This period is less busy and also it recalls vivid memories of the accident. So I usually take a break from work, choosing to relax at home instead," Choi said. He also expressed profound concerns regarding the tragedy fading from public memory, emphasizing that the dilemma of whether to move on or continue mourning only adds to the hardships endured by survivors and bereaved families. Choi emphasized the significance of survivors' testimonies in portraying the incident accurately. However, he lamented the lack of substantial changes despite retelling his story annually. This is exacerbated when seeing news of similar disasters, such as the Itaewon crowd crush that claimed 159 lives in 2022. "I find it challenging when I sense that there has been no progress after the accident and feel that people forget about the tragedy after a certain amount of time," he said. The discontinuation of support presents a significant challenge as well. Initially, survivors had access to certain hospitals nationwide for both mental and physical treatment, with government backing for the first two to three years. However, this support has markedly diminished, leaving only one in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, despite survivors being dispersed across the country. "Theres no ongoing assessment of survivors' well-being. I hope there is a sustained social system dedicated to continuous care for survivors," Choi said. According to experts, the trauma experienced by survivors and bereaved families can resurface as vividly as if the tragedy occurred yesterday. This phenomenon, characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is particularly pronounced in the aftermath of social disasters. Paik Jong-woo, a professor at the Department of Psychiatry at Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, highlighted the existential questions that often arise among survivors, questioning the safety of the world and the trustworthiness of humans. "Creating a preventive system to avert similar disasters and fostering an environment of collective remembrance and commemoration are crucial in aiding trauma recovery," he said. Paik also emphasized the power of the voices of those most affected by such tragedies. "When survivors speak out and receive widespread support from society, it can lead to significant changes in laws, institutions and systems," he said. He asserted that it is important to listen to survivors' voices and reform social systems based on their experiences and insights. Chae Jeong-ho, a Psychiatry professor at Seoul St. Marys Hospital, emphasized the pivotal role of social support in aiding recovery. "One of the key factors is how empathetically society embraces those grappling with such trauma," he said. He also emphasized a critical issue regarding the discontinuation of treatment and support programs that now face closure a decade after the tragedy. "They may feel neglected, realizing that the challenges they faced are now fading from public memory," Chae said. He underscored the importance of the state authorities offering sincere apologies and implementing comprehensive recovery efforts to provide a sense of support, especially in the aftermath of social disasters like the Sewol ferry tragedy. According to research by the National Medical Center last year focusing on 175 bereaved family members of the Sewol tragedy, 49 percent, or 85 of them, were still categorized as being at high risk of developing serious mental health issues necessitating continuous psychological treatment. However, medical expense support for survivors and bereaved families of the Sewol ferry tragedy ended on Monday. This is due to the limitation set in the special law for relief and support, restricting the coverage to costs incurred until April 15, 2024. In contrast, the United States has effectively committed to lifetime medical support for victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001, with the termination point for medical assistance set at 2090. Similarly, Japan continues to provide psychological therapy for survivors of the 1995 Kobe earthquake, even more than 20 years after the incident. A revision to the special act on the Sewol ferry tragedy was proposed in March last year, aiming to allow unlimited medical expense support for victims. However, it still remians pending in the National Assembly. The Biden administration has reached an agreement to provide up to $6.4 billion in direct funding for Samsung Electronics to develop a computer chip manufacturing and research cluster in Texas. The funding announced Monday by the Commerce Department is part of a total investment in the cluster that, with private money, is expected to exceed $40 billion. The government support comes from the CHIPS and Science Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022 with the goal of reviving the production of advanced computer chips domestically. "The proposed project will propel Texas into a state of the art semiconductor ecosystem," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on a call with reporters. "It puts us on track to hit our goal of producing 20% of the world's leading edge chips in the United States by the end of the decade." Raimondo said she expects the project will create at least 17,000 construction jobs and more than 4,500 manufacturing jobs. Samsung's cluster in Taylor, Texas, would include two factories that would make four- and two-nanometer chips. Also, there would be a factory dedicated to research and development, as well as a facility for the packaging that surrounds chip components. The first factory would begin production in 2026, with the second starting in 2027, according to the government. The funding also would expand an existing Samsung facility in Austin, Texas. Lael Brainard, director of the White House National Economic Council, said Samsung will be able to manufacture chips in Austin directly for the Defense Department as a result. Access to advanced technology has become a major national security concern amid competition between the U.S. and China. In addition to the $6.4 billion, Samsung has indicated it also will claim an investment tax credit from the U.S. Treasury Department. The government has previously announced terms to support other chipmakers including Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in projects spread across the country. An employee works on the tail of a Boeing Co. Dreamliner 787 plane on the production line at the company's final assembly facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. Boeing on Monday defended the quality and safety testing on its 787 Dreamliner and 777 aircraft, days after one of the company's engineers went public with allegations that the plane-maker took "shortcuts" to speed up production of the planes. The whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, last week said that Boeing's 787 assembly put excessive stress on airplane joints that could reduce some of the planes' lifespans. Boeing denied the allegations, calling them "inaccurate" and said it stood by the planes' safety. Salehpour is scheduled to appear along with another whistleblower who worked at Boeing, a former aviation official and an independent safety expert at a Senate hearing on Wednesday about aircraft safety called "Examining Boeing's Broken Safety Culture: Firsthand Accounts." Salehpour's claims come as Boeing navigates intense scrutiny after a door plug blew out of a 737 Max plane in January. The narrow-body aircraft is Boeing's bestseller, and the blowout at 16,000 feet put passengers inches from tragedy. Since the accident the Federal Aviation Administration has blocked Boeing from increasing production of that plane. In a roughly two-hour presentation with reporters on Monday, two Boeing engineering managers detailed the company's stress and safety tests for the 787, which include testing the plane for 165,000 cycles, each meant to provide an equivalent of a flight, with varying conditions. In addition, the fuselage skin was struck by a 300-pound pendulum, the engineers said. Steve Chisholm, chief engineer for Boeing's mechanical and structural engineering, said Boeing created damage to fuselage panels in intense tests that were repeated more times than what aircraft would experience in service, "and the damage didn't grow." Salehpour's allegations relate to tiny spaces where pieces of the 787's carbon composite fuselage meet. He said Boeing used force to join the pieces together and didn't properly measure the gaps. He and his lawyers sent a letter to the FAA in January detailing his allegations, and the agency is investigating. The whistleblower said on a call with reporters last week that he "literally saw people jumping on the pieces" of the 777 "to get them to align." Boeing later that day said those claims are inaccurate and that it is "fully confident in the safety and durability of the 777 family." Boeing previously suspended deliveries of the 787 for nearly two years until August 2022 because of incorrect spacing on some portions of the fuselage of the planes. "These claims about the structural integrity of the 787 are inaccurate and do not represent the comprehensive work Boeing has done to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft," the plane-maker said in a statement in response to the claims. "The issues raised have been subject to rigorous engineering examination under FAA oversight. This analysis has validated that these issues do not present any safety concerns and the aircraft will maintain its service life over several decades." Salehpour's lawyers also allege that Boeing retaliated against him after he voiced his concerns by excluding him from meetings and moving him off of the 787 program and onto the company's 777 plan. Boeing last week declined to comment on those specific allegations, citing the FAA's ongoing whistleblower investigation, but said, "Retaliation is strictly prohibited at Boeing." The company is scheduled to report quarterly results on April 24, when it will face investor questions about aircraft safety, production rates and FAA oversight. BP has cut over a tenth of the workforce in its electric vehicle charging business and pulled it out of several markets after a bet on rapid growth in commercial EV fleets didn't pay off, company sources said. The changes at BP Pulse are part of CEO Murray Auchincloss's efforts to focus on the British company's most profitable segments as it battles investor doubts over its plan to shift away from oil and gas to low-carbon energy. BP Pulse reduced the number of countries it operates in from 12 to four in recent months, focusing now on the United States, Britain, Germany and China, where it expects the fastest growth in the EV market, BP told Reuters. As a result, the division axed over 100 jobs in recent months, or over 10% of its global workforce of 900, with many employees being moved into other divisions and only a handful leaving the company, the sources said. BP did not comment on the exact numbers of jobs that were cut. The move comes as automakers across the world tighten their belts amid a slower than expected uptake of EVs. Tech publication Electrek reported on Monday that U.S. EV pioneer Tesla would lay off more than 10% of its workforce. EV charging, however, remains one of BP's key growth engines. BP had over 29,000 charging points globally at the end of 2023, compared with 22,000 a year earlier, it said in its annual report. It aims to have 100,000 points by 2030. "Our EV ambitions have not changed," BP said. The changes at BP Pulse are "a step towards ensuring that we can execute our goals with even greater precision and effectiveness". BP Pulse has also stepped away from several bets it made since launching its energy transition strategy under previous group CEO Bernard Looney in 2020. BP initially expected commercial car fleets would be first and fastest to switch to EVs at scale, but that did not pan out, in part because governments eased mandates for switching to EV vehicles, Auchincloss told analysts in February. "We thought fleets would move first. But given recessionary pressures and some relief from governments, fleets have slowed down," Auchincloss said. BP last May also shut down its home EV charging business. The company now focuses mostly on fast charging hubs. The company says it expects returns from its EV charging and convenience stores operations to exceed 15% and create $1.5 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization by 2025. In this photo illustration, an OpenAI logo is displayed on a smartphone screen. OpenAI has opened its first Asian office in Tokyo, Japan as the ChatGPT developer aims to expand its global presence. "We're excited to be in Japan which has a rich history of people and technology coming together to do more," CEO Sam Altman said in the statement released Sunday. "We believe AI will accelerate work by empowering people to be more creative and productive, while also delivering broad value to current and new industries that have yet to be imagined." As part of the move, the company has appointed Tadao Nagasaki as the new president of OpenAI Japan, to head commercial and market engagement efforts. Tokyo was chosen due to "its global leadership in technology, culture of service, and a community that embraces innovation." "As a first step in our long-term commitment to the region, we're providing local businesses with early access to a GPT-4 custom model specifically optimized for the Japanese language," according to the statement. "This custom model offers improved performance in translating and summarizing Japanese text, is cost effective, and operates up to 3x faster than its predecessor," it added. Japanese corporations like Daikin, Toyota as well as local governments are using ChatGPT to improve their efficiency, the company said. Altman met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last year and reportedly mentioned he was looking into opening a new office in Japan. The artificial intelligence startup burst into the mainstream after the public launch of the ChatGPT chatbot in late 2022. The company is backed by Microsoft and has a private market valuation that's reportedly approaching $100 billion. Last week, Microsoft said it will be investing $2.9 billion over the next two years to increase its hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Japan. This is the "single largest investment in its 46-year history in Japan, also the site of its first international office," Microsoft said. Vertigo3d | E+ | Getty Images The chief technology officer of Ceres Power has warned that as artificial intelligence tools become more widely used for efficiency, there is a risk that this could result in even higher energy consumption. "What scares me is the energy consumption if you're using ChatGPT [for simple queries]," Caroline Hargrove said during an "IOT: Powering the Digital Economy" panel on the new energy landscape. Hargrove is CTO of Ceres Power, a developer of clean energy technology, including electrolysers for green hydrogen. An International Energy Agency report, published in January, highlighted that on average a typical Google search uses 0.3 watt-hours of electricity versus 2.9 watt-hours for a ChatGPT request. The report suggested that when this technology is incorporated into 9 billion searches daily, it would require nearly 10 terawatt-hours of additional electricity a year. watch now More broadly, the IEA's report said that by 2026, the "AI industry is expected to have grown exponentially to consume at least ten times its [electricity] demand in 2023." Hargrove said if this consumption was not managed properly "then the perverse effect could happen that we use so much more energy." "So as much as I'm a big fan in using the data to really optimize everything, we should use it to reduce our consumption, but the perverse effect can happen when you have a new toy and, and people getting behind it at [such] a rate," she said. 'Responsible users' of AI ChinaAMC said that it had received regulatory approval for the provision of "virtual asset management services" and it is "actively deploying resources in the development" of a spot bitcoin and ether ETF. OSL Digital Securities will be a custodian for ChinaAMC. Three ETF providers have been approved by Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). Bitcoin was trading around 3% higher at 7:11 a.m. ET after a rough sell-off over the weekend . Hong Kong regulators on Monday approved the launch of spot bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), asset managers said, following U.S. moves this year to bring these products to market. Harvest Global and Bosera International have also received SFC approval for bitcoin and ether ETFs, according to the companies. The Hong Kong SFC was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC. While these asset managers have received the green light for the ETFs, they have not yet launched them. Crypto trading is effectively banned in mainland China after a massive crackdown on the sector in 2021. However, Hong Kong has slowly been trying to make itself a regulated crypto hub to compete with places like Dubai and Singapore. It's unclear whether mainland Chinese investors will be allowed to invest in cryptocurrencies via the ETFs. Hong Kong's moves come after U.S. securities regulators approved the trade of spot bitcoin ETFs, which have seen billions of dollars of inflows. A bitcoin ETF allows an investor to be exposed to the price movement of the asset without having to own the underlying cryptocurrency. Many commentators have said ETFs will allow more traditional investors to enter the crypto market. Hong Kong would be one of the first places in the world to approve an ether ETF. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not yet approved such a product and asset managers told CNBC last week they do not expect the regulator to do so. - CNBC's Yolande Chee contributed to this report. Iran's weekend attack on Israel marks a "new paradigm" in the Middle East conflict, which risks escalating into a wider regional war, Chatham House's Middle East director said Monday. Sanam Vakil at the London-based think tank said it was a matter of when and not if Israel would respond after its war Cabinet vowed on Sunday to "exact a price" against Tehran for its overnight aerial assault on the Jewish state. "The Israeli leadership will have a hard time not responding. They may not do it immediately, but I think a confrontation between Israel and Iran which might be priced into the markets is certainly coming, it's just a question of when," Vakil told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Monday. Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles against military targets inside Israel on Saturday in response to an Israeli strike that killed top Iranian officials in Syria. The attack, though well telegraphed in advance, has presented some opportunity for Israel to rehabilitate its image following its monthslong onslaught in Gaza, which many perceive as disproportionate to Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attacks. An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. Amir Cohen | Reuters Israel has vowed to "exact a price" from Iran in retaliation for the large-scale aerial assault on the Jewish state this weekend while some analysts expect Israel to respond, the timing and extent of that retaliation remains in question. Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles against military targets inside Israel on Saturday, in what President Joe Biden described as "unprecedented." "Right now, they certainly are seriously considering direct strikes on Iran, because that is a clearest path back to deterrence," according to Ryan Bohl, senior Middle East and North Africa analyst at risk intelligence platform Rane Network. But Israel will need to strike a delicate balance, he noted, highlighting that "they don't want an overt conflict with Iran." The less risky tactic is a "covert escalation," where the Israelis will be "looking for ways where they can get their shadow war back into the shadows with greater intensity," Bohl told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Monday. While Biden has pledged an "ironclad" commitment to Israel's security against Iranian threats, he has also made clear to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the U.S. will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran, a senior administration official told NBC News. watch now Ahead of a war Cabinet meeting on Sunday, Israel's centrist minister, Benny Gantz, vowed to "build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us." Iran has said the attack on Israel was in response to an Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month. The Islamic regime has accused Israel of the April 1 attack which killed seven Iranian military personnel, including senior commanders. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (2nd R) attends the Israel's war cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (not seen), held to discuss the drone attack launched by Iran in Tel Aviv, Israel on April 14, 2024. Israeli Ministry of Defense | Anadolu | Getty Images Iran's envoy to the United Nations cited self-defense for the country's actions. "This action was in the exercise of Iran's inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in response to the Israeli recurring military aggressions, particularly its armed attack on 1st April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises," Iran's U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, said. Israel and Iran have been at odds for decades, with Iran funding and supporting groups opposing Israel including the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has often been referred to as a proxy war between Israel and Iran. Tehran has also been supporting Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemeni Houthis as well as the Syrian regime under President Bashar Assad. "Strategically, I think you will get a movement from Israel within a week," said David Roche, president and global strategist at Independent Strategy, who does not expect Israeli forces to attack Iranian oil facilities as it would "displease all of their supporters" like the United States. watch now Roche said Israel's immediate response may be moderate, but he did not rule out that an "extreme retaliation" may still be in the cards in about a year or more from now. "If you got the most extreme form of retaliation which I don't think you will get now but you will get inevitably within a year or 18 months, against Iran's nuclear capacity, then I think you're into a market meltdown," he told CNBC on Monday. In any case, what the U.S. wants is de-escalation, said Roche. "But I stress you're de-escalating within a higher level of escalation, which is here to stay, which I think due to the nuclear threat from Iran, is destined to move higher over the next 18 months by a big jump." What's next for Iran? Israeli army Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi listens to an officer as he visited soldiers during the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in a location given as Gaza, in this handout image released on November 16, 2023. Israel's military chief said Monday that his country will respond to Iran's weekend attack, but he did not elaborate on when and how as world leaders urged Israel not to retaliate, trying to avoid a spiral of violence in the Middle East. The Iranian attack on Saturday came in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike two weeks earlier on an Iranian consular building in the Syrian capital of Damascus that killed two Iranian generals. It marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel despite decades of enmity dating back to the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles at Israel in the attack. The Israeli military said that 99% of the drones and missiles were intercepted, by Israel's own air defenses and warplanes and in coordination with a U.S.-led coalition of partners. Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said Monday that Israel is considering its next steps but that the Iranian strike "will be met with a response." Halevi gave no details. The army's spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said Israel will respond "at the time that we choose." Both men spoke at the Nevatim air base in southern Israel, which Hagari said suffered only light damage in the Iranian attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been huddling with top officials to discuss a possible response. For a second straight day, the government made no announcements on any decisions. In a conversation with U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Netanyahu said that "Israel will do whatever is required to defend itself," the prime minister's office announced. While Israeli leaders have hinted at retaliation, the government is under heavy international pressure not to further escalate the conflict especially after the Iranian strike caused such little damage. The U.S. has urged Israel to show restraint as it seeks to build a broad diplomatic response. The Group of Seven advanced democracies issued a joint statement "unequivocally condemning in the strongest terms" the Iranian attack while expressing "full solidarity and support to Israel." The U.S. also has been working in recent years to strengthen ties between Israel and moderate Arab states in an alliance to counter Iran. Much of that cooperation has been under the umbrella of the U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Centcom works closely with militaries across the region, including Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. The U.S., Britain and Jordan a key American ally in the region have all said their air forces helped intercept the Iranian missiles and drones. Halevia said France and "other partners" were involved, and he noted that "Iran's attack has created new opportunities for cooperation in the Middle East." The Iranian weapons also flew through Saudi skies, according to a map released by the Israeli military. Israel says most of the interceptions took place outside of Israeli airspace, indicating at least tacit cooperation with the Saudis. A unilateral Israeli strike could strain these behind-the-scenes contacts, particularly with countries like Saudi Arabia that do not have official diplomatic relations with Israel. It also could risk opening a new front with Iran at a time when Israel is bogged down in a six-month war inside Gaza against Hamas militants. Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout the Gaza war. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. Israel's offensive in Gaza has killed over 33,700 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and caused widespread devastation. Throughout the war, Israel has traded fire across its northern border with Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, while Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen have also attacked Israel. The friction has kept up fears of a potentially destructive all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, or a broader direct confrontation between Israel and Iran. World leaders pressed Israel not to strike Iran. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said "all sides must show restraint" to avoid a rising spiral of violence in the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris will try to "convince Israel that we must not respond by escalating." In Washington, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to say Monday whether the U.S. had been or expects to be briefed on any Israeli response plans. "We will let the Israelis speak to that," he said. "We are not involved in their decision-making process about a potential response," Kirby said. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. doesn't seek escalation but said it would continue to support Israel's security. He pledged to step up the diplomatic efforts against Iran. "Strength and wisdom need to be different sides of the same coin," he said. JPMorgan says Iran's drone attack on Israel over the weekend can drive a near-term surge in Lockheed Martin stock. The bank upgraded the defense stock, the prime contractor for the military's F-35 fighter jet, to overweight from neutral in a Monday note and raised its price target to $518 per share from $475. JPMorgan's forecast implies roughly 15% upside from Lockheed's closing price of $450.40 on Friday. LMT YTD mountain Lockheed Martin stock. Rising tensions in the Middle East since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October have spurred geopolitical uncertainty and added another layer of volatility to an already uneasy market. Iran's weekend strikes on Israel were made in retaliation for an attack on an Iranian diplomatic compound earlier in April, which targeted top Iranian military commanders and was attributed to Israel. In the short term, JPMorgan analyst Seth Seifman says his bullish outlook on Lockheed could find more support from stepped-up military preparedness springing from the Middle East, especially since the defense sector is largely under-owned by institutional investors. "We had prepared our preview and LMT upgrade prior to the attack and do not venture a prediction regarding how that specific situation will evolve," Seifman said, referring to Lockheed's scheduled first-quarter earnings release on April 23. "What we can say is that it's a dangerous world and while that is not a sufficient condition for Defense stocks to outperform, it is a potential source of support, especially when they are under-owned." The analyst added that Lockheed Martin and the array of defense stocks could benefit from a small increase to the defense budget last month, forecasting some supplemental spending for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Overall, "any change in market momentum would likely leave Defense stocks for which LMT is the bellwether well-placed in relative terms," according to Seifman. Lockheed Martin stock has lagged the broader market so far in 2024, falling less than 1% through Friday. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. Let no one have to fight for investigations into their children's deaths, bereaved father says By Lee Hae-rin Jang Joon-hyung, a student from the class of 2016 at Danwon High School in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, was an amiable boy who would always greet others first. However, Jang did not have a chance to say his last goodbye to his family on the morning of April 16, 2014. His father was already at work at the morning market and his younger siblings were still sleeping, so he left home quietly on his way to a school field trip, without knowing he would never come back, along with 303 other souls who lost their lives in the deadly Sewol ferry disaster. Jang was a diligent and sociable student who once dreamed of becoming a Catholic priest. But he decided to get into nursing instead because he wanted to have a girlfriend. Like his father had always taught him, he always tried not to be a coward, and to speak up for justice and help his friends in need. For his father, Jang Hoon, Joon-hyung, the eldest of his four children, was the one he relied on the most. Joon-hyung would have taken my place if I were to die tonight, he said during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday, recalling how his son would comfort and encourage him, telling him his family would soon get over poverty and become happy together. Like many other bereaved parents, Jang could not believe his child would be lost on that day. The disaster was so traumatic that he can barely remember the previous 45 years of his life before Joon-hyungs death. He recalls his business once went bankrupt, he got divorced and worked day and night to pay his debts as the breadwinner of the family. However, none of those memories remain as vivid as the last 10 years of struggle for Joon-hyung, fighting for truth-finding investigations into what happened to his son. I felt immense guilt and thought, I should have spent more time with Joon-hyung instead of working so hard to pay off the debt. Thats probably why I have been delving into the truth-finding for years, because I feel so sorry that there was not much I did for him as a parent, Jang said. Two days after the disaster, April 18, he called the bereaved families together amid the chaos, as Jang believed they deserved some explanation from the education authorities and Coast Guard on what happened and why. The group later became known as the April 16 Sewol Families for Truth and a Safer Society. Thats how the 10 years of struggle began. I promised my son at Paengmok Harbor that I would find all his friends and come back. So I went back there right away as soon as the funeral ended, Jang said. The harbor is the location closest to where the ferry sank. He summoned and questioned the then-oceans minister on April 23 and stayed in the harbor area until the end of the month. He led the bereaved families mission to salvage the ship and recovery bodies for a year and also served as the head of the victims group for two years. Also, he was appointed as a committee member to the investigative body under the special act, which was enacted in December 2018, because he had become an expert on the Sewol ferry and the sinking tragedy over the years. A decade has passed since the disaster and Jang now works as a delivery man. However, the tragedy is an ongoing issue and a lifelong mission for him. Thats why in 2021, he set up the April 16 Safe Society Institute, a private organization and his office where he goes over unread records of the ferry sinking and studies international safety policies to make legislation suggestions. He recently published a memoir with other bereaved families and their attorneys to commemorate the 10th year of the disaster. Jang said the journey has been demanding both physically and emotionally. Most of the Sewols bereaved families only have a few teeth left due to chronic stress. Gums start falling apart (from infection), which harms supporting bones and results in tooth loss. Some of the fathers have had more than 10 teeth implanted, Jang said, adding that the bereaved families of the Itaewon crowd crush must also be going through similar symptoms of stress. Bereaved families also suffer from insomnia, severe depression, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and high blood pressure, Jang noted. According to the National Medical Centers study last year on 175 people who lost loved ones in the Sewol tragedy, half of them, or 85, have major depressive disorders in high-risk group levels. The percentage is over double the average in other patient groups, the study noted. Their knee joints have also deteriorated after years of protesting, fasting, sleeping in the streets in all weather and walking from Seoul to Paengmok Harbor. If somebody stabs me in the back, I wont be able to run after him and catch the person. Its a joke, but also true. I cant run anymore after my knee surgery, Jang said. The trauma of losing children to such a social disaster is like a broken glass bottle. There is no way to put it back together. It just needs to be covered up with something to protect oneself and others from getting hurt, as witnessed by Jang. The bereaved father believes his pain would have been much lighter if he could understand why and how his son died in the first place. If only someone came up to me and explained everything, I wouldnt have gone this far. But bereaved families of the Itaewon tragedy and Osong flooding are going through the same things again. Theyre asking to legislate a special act for a proper investigation, they're protesting, fasting, until its too late to punish those responsible and find out what happened Do we need to go through that every time a disaster happens? Jang said. He believes the deadly accident reshaped Korean society and peoples perceptions of safety, but the government is behind in progress. He underscored the need for an independent, permanent investigative body that serves as a control tower to watch over mass disasters and deal with their aftermaths, like how the National Human Rights Commission of Korea watches over human rights issues in the country. Jang highlighted the difference between prosecutorial and fact-finding investigations. A prosecutorial investigation aims to punish offenders, but is not concerned with enhancing public safety or preventing future man-made disasters. Punishing a few individuals wont stop such social disasters from happening again. We need to fix the entire system, change regulations and have a bigger, clearer picture of whats happening from A to Z, Jang pointed out, adding that an absence of such infrastructure leads to a shortage of experts and researchers in the country. Many other countries have investigation agencies that are specialized in deadly accidents, but Korea is one of the few developed nations that lacks a proper investigation committee for mass disasters, Jang said, giving the examples of France and Japan. So Jang joined the Rebuilding Korea Party, led by former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, three weeks ago, after having been a member of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea for the past decade. The party accepted his request to create a panel dedicated to the investigation, boosting social safety and preventing more man-made disasters. No one should be bereaved in the first place, but no bereaved families should need to endure this, Jang said. It (building a public safety watchdog) is the only way to protect bereaved families. Former President Donald Trump arrives at Manhattan criminal court with his legal team ahead of the start of jury selection in New York on April 15, 2024. Prosecutors on Monday asked a New York judge to sanction Donald Trump for violating a gag order by commenting on likely witnesses at the former president's criminal hush money trial. The request came as the jury selection process began for the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president. It could take a week or more to finish selecting jurors before testimony begins. "He is a criminal defendant, and like all criminal defendants, he is subject to court supervision," assistant District Attorney Chris Conroy told Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan as Trump looked on in court. Conroy pointed to three recent social media posts that referenced Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal lawyer, and Stormy Daniels, the porn star whose receipt of a $130,000 hush money payment from Cohen is at the center of the criminal case. The prosecutor asked Merchan to impose a $1,000 sanction for each of the three posts and order Trump to take them down. The prosecutors also want Merchan to warn Trump that another violation could result in jail time. The judge said he would hold a hearing on the request on April 24. The first group of potential jurors to enter the jury box stared frequently at Trump while Merchan explained the case to them. Trump occasionally glanced back at them. After the trial adjourned Monday afternoon, Trump accused Merchan of refusing to let him skip court on May 17 to attend the high school graduation of his youngest son, Barron Trump. It "looks like the judge will not let me go" to the graduation, Trump said outside the courtroom. In fact, Merchan declined to rule on whether the trial will be held on that date. He said it will depend on how the trial is going. Merchan was also asked to allow Trump to travel to Washington, D.C., next Thursday to hear his lawyers argue with federal prosecutors before the Supreme Court as part of another criminal case against Trump. Those oral arguments will center on whether Trump, as a former president, is immune from being charged with trying to overturn his 2020 election loss to President Joe Biden. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office opposed the request to let Trump go to D.C. Merchan noted that Trump is not required to be at the Supreme Court, but he is required by law to attend the hush money trial, which is expected to last six weeks or more. Defense attorney Todd Blanche griped that the trial of Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, should not have been scheduled during the presidential election cycle. Merchan shot back, "You don't think you should be here at all?" Outside of court, Trump complained that Merchan "thinks he's superior" to the Supreme Court, and once again accused him of having a conflict of interest. "We're not going to be given a fair trial," Trump claimed before departing the courthouse. So ended the first day of Trump's first criminal trial, which might be the only one to come prior to the Nov. 5 presidential election. Trump's lawyers last week repeatedly sought to delay Monday's start date with last-ditch efforts in an appeals court, but those efforts failed. In all, defense attorneys tried about a dozen times to dismiss or delay the trial, but only succeeded in pushing it back by a few weeks. Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Monday: Morgan Stanley reiterates Apple at overweight Morgan Stanley said it sees upside to its iPhone build forecast for Apple. "New build forecasts point to 3-5% upside vs. our March and June quarter iPhone shipment forecasts." Morgan Stanley downgrades Logitech to underweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley said it's negative on the stock heading into earnings later this month. "Following our deep dive into LOGI's biz segments, we now forecast just 3% annual revenue growth through FY27, 200bp below Consensus and 500-700bp below what is priced into shares today." Citi upgrades Frontier to buy from neutral Citi said it sees EBITDA growth ahead for the telecom and internet provider. "We upgrade FYBR shares to Buy with an upwardly revised target of $30 (from $28)." Evercore ISI adds a tactical outperform on IBM Evercore said it's bullish heading into earnings next week. "Adding IBM to Tactical OP List Ahead of Q1 Print." Argus upgrades Constellation Brands to buy from hold Argus said the maker of wines and beers warrants a "higher multiple." " STZ shares are trading at 18.6-times our revised FY25 earnings estimate; however, we think a higher multiple is warranted given the company's prospects for strong sales and earnings and management's plans to increase beer output." Mizuho initiates GE Vernova as buy Mizuho said it's bullish on shares of the GE spinoff energy company. "We initiate GE Vernova (GEV) with a Buy rating and $154 price target." Citi opens a positive catalyst watch on Nvidia Citi said investors should buy any weakness in the stock. "We are opening a positive catalyst watch on NVDA post the [GPU Technology Conference] event stock pullback on profit taking." Barclays initiates Cava at equal weight Barclays said the Mediterranean fast-food restaurant chain is fully valued right now. " CAVA's revenue growth is industry-leading, culminating in long-term annual guidance for high-teens growth, supported by 15%+ unit & low-to-mid-single-digit comp growth, both proving conservative to date." Citi reiterates Meta as a top pick Citi raised its price target on the Instagram parent to $590 per share from $525. "Bigger picture, with the broader online advertising environment strengthening and Meta's multi-year product strategy continuing to come into focus, Meta remains our Top-Pick and we are raising our projections and PT to $590." Barclays initiates Astera Labs at overweight Barclays said the cloud connectivity platform is well positioned. " Astera Labs is at the forefront of connectivity within the Data Center and looks well positioned to take advantage of the continued growth and momentum of AI spend across the industry." Morgan Stanley initiates Reddit at equal weight Morgan Stanley said the stock is fully valued right now. "We like RDDT's position as a unique, authentic platform and see opportunities to drive ad revenue through innovation and performance improvements, with high margin data licensing a call option." JPMorgan initiates Hilton Grand Vacations at overweight JPMorgan said it's bullish on shares of the timeshare operator. "We are initiating coverage of Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) at an Overweight rating and a December 2024 price target of $59." UBS downgrades Rollins to neutral from buy UBS said in its downgrade of Rollins that it sees a more balanced risk/reward for the pest control company. "We are downgrading to Neutral as potential shifts in growth/margin narratives are creating a more balanced setup in the coming months." Seaport initiates Las Vegas Sands and MGM at buy Seaport initiated several casino companies on Monday and said it's bullish. "We are launching [coverage on] on 4 US listed stocks and 5 HK listed stocks: Las Vegas Sands ( LVS, Buy, PT $63); MGM Resorts (MGM, Buy, PT $56); Melco Resorts (MLCO, Buy, PT $10)." UBS initiates SharkNinja at buy UBS said SharkNinja is a "global small appliances leader in the making." "We initiate coverage of SharkNinja (SN) with a Buy. SN is the fifth-largest small appliances company globally, by 2023 revenue." JPMorgan upgrades Lockheed Martin to overweight from neutral JPMorgan said investors should buy the dip in shares of the defense contractor. "Like Defense peers, LMT has been a significant under-performer, with the stock flat YTD (vs +8% for the market) and down 5% the past year (vs +26% for the market)." Bank of America upgrades Cisco to buy from neutral Bank of America said it sees several growth drivers ahead for Cisco. "We upgrade Cisco from Neutral to Buy and identify three catalysts for growth acceleration." Bank of America upgrades Integer Holdings to buy from neutral Bank of America said it's bullish on shares of the medical device contract manufacturer. " Integer is one of the market leading medical device contract manufacturers in the world." Needham initiates Bitdeer Technologies at buy Needham said the bitcoin miner company can weather the bitcoin cycle storm. "We are initiating coverage on Bitdeer (BTDR) with a Buy rating and a $14 PT." Citi adds a positive catalyst watch on Intel Citi said investors should buy the dip. " Intel stock is down ~29% YTD and we believe the stock is experiencing negative sentiment due to the foundry businesses losses." Deutsche Bank reiterates Netflix as hold Deutsche raised its price target on the stock to $550 per share from $525 ahead of earnings later this week. "We believe the $450 increase in Netflix's stock price over the past 18 months makes for a tricky set up into Thursday's earnings report with the stock trading at 30x 2025E EPS and a 3% 2025E UFCF yield." Canaccord initiates Coty as buy Canaccord said it likes the beauty company's management. "We are initiating coverage of Coty with a BUY rating and $14 price target." Jefferies initiates Janus at buy Jefferies said the self-storage company is an "under-the-radar" name. "With JBI still under the radar, we see the stock as undervalued for a quality small-cap growth name, and are initiating coverage with a Buy rating & $20 PT." Stifel upgrades Masimo to buy from hold Stifel said it sees several positive catalysts ahead for the maker of patient-monitoring equipment. "We are upgrading MASI to Buy from Hold; Our TP moves to $170 from $148." Guggenheim downgrades ServiceNow to neutral from buy Guggenheim downgraded the stock on valuation. "We are downgrading ServiceNow to Neutral from Buy and removing our price target (of $838)." Wells Fargo upgrades Churchill Downs to overweight from equal weight Wells said it sees a compelling entry point for the horse racing company. "We are upgrading CHDN to OW, and our $141 PT implies 17% upside." Wedbush upgrades PVH to outperform from neutral Wedbush said investors should buy the dip in shares of the Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein clothing-maker. "We are upgrading shares of PVH to Outperform from Neutral, as we view the ~25% selloff post-EPS as a buying opportunity." Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the correct name of Integer Holdings. This article was also updated to reflect that Wells Fargo upgraded Churchill Downs to overweight from equal weight. Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Monday's key moments. U.S. stocks edged higher Monday as the market attempted to rebound from last week's sell-off on hopes that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East won't escalate further. But there's a lot of uncertainty around the situation. Friday's big pullback moved the S & P 500 Short Range Oscillator into oversold territory for the first time since late October. As usual in an oversold market, the Club looked for opportunities to scoop up shares of quality companies at a discount. We added to our Best Buy position earlier Monday. The stock has drifted lower since we took a stake in late March, despite additional indications that the personal computer market is poised to return to growth. Meanwhile, Citigroup opened up a 90-day catalyst watch on Nvidia and argued that shares will see more upside on upbeat supply chain commentary. Analysts cited upcoming earnings calls of high bandwidth memory suppliers like Micron , along with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's June keynote at the Computex Taipei conference. Demand for Nvidia's offerings remains incredibly high, and investors want to be sure Nvidia has the supply to fulfill all its orders and meet Wall Street's financial expectations. Salesforce shares fell more than 5% Monday after The Wall Street Journal reported that the longtime tech holding is in advanced talks to buy cloud data management company Informatica . Investors may be concerned that the news signals Salesforce returning to large-scale acquisitions and the pace of buybacks could slow as a result. While we understand wariness around Salesforce returning to its aggressive dealmaking of the past, we think the market's reaction Monday is overblown. Informatica trades at a relatively similar revenue multiple to Salesforce, and its margins also are close, so potential dilution would be very manageable. Additionally, The Journal reported the price being discussed is below where Informatica's stock closed Friday, which suggests Salesforce is exercising some discipline. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long NVDA, CRM, BBY. 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. Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, speaks during a press conference in New York City, Sept. 22, 2023. A New York tax preparer was arrested Monday on charges related to causing "substantially" more than $100 million in tax losses through the filing of false returns one of the largest tax frauds ever by a preparer, federal prosecutors said. The preparer, Rafael Alvarez, orchestrated a "wide-ranging scheme" at his Bronx firm ATAX New York "to file tens of thousands of federal individual income tax returns" that included false information to reduce the tax liability of their filers, according to prosecutors. The false information allegedly included bogus itemized deductions, fake capital losses, and phony business expenses and tax credits. "Many of the numbers that Alvarez entered were completely fictitious, and were not supported by any evidence or documentation," an indictment against him alleges. The 60-year-old Alvarez became known to customers as "The Magician" for his "ability to make customers' tax burden disappear," said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams on Monday, the deadline for most Americans to file their income tax returns. ATAX New York grossed more than $15 million from 2016 through 2019, according to Thomas Fattorusso, the IRS special agent in charge of criminal investigations. Alvarez was the CEO, owner and manager of ATAX from 2010 through 2020, and the firm during that time prepared more than 90,000 income tax returns, according to prosecutors. In 2021, a Manhattan federal court judge permanently barred Alvarez and ATAX from preparing federal tax returns for others, after the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office alleged in a civil complaint that he and the company had prepared and filed fraudulent returns for others. Alvarez and ATAX agreed to pay $159,600 to the United States in disgorgement in that case. Singapore's new prime minister Lawrence Wong will be sworn in on May 15, 2024. The current prime minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on April 15 that he will be stepping down and handing the leadership reins to Wong. SINGAPORE Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down on May 15 and hand over the power to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the Prime Minister's Office said on Monday. Wong will be sworn in at 8 p.m. local time that day to become Singapore's fourth prime minister since its independence in 1965. Lee announced in November that Wong will take the reins from him as leader of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) before the next general election due November 2025. Lee has served as prime minister since 2004. Wong has the unanimous support of the PAP members of parliament, the PMO statement said. "For any country, a leadership transition is a significant moment. Lawrence and the 4G team have worked hard to gain the people's trust, notably during the pandemic," Lee said in a Facebook post following the announcement. The fourth-generation leaders of the country are commonly referred to as the 4G. "Through the Forward Singapore exercise, they have worked with many Singaporeans to refresh our social compact and develop the national agenda for a new generation," he said, referring to a plan aimed at fostering a more inclusive, fair and resilient society. Wong, who is 51, entered politics after being elected a member of parliament during the 2011 General Election. He was subsequently appointed as Minister of State for education and defence. He is currently the Minister of Finance, a position he has held since 2021. He is also Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the country's central bank and financial regulator. Lee previously praised Wong for how he helped the country navigate through the Covid crisis, during which he rose to prominence as one of the co-chairs of the Covid task force at the height of the pandemic. Wong has held positions in the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Communications and Information, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, the Ministry of National Development, and the Ministry of Education. Before entering politics, Wong occupied roles as chief executive of the Energy Market Authority, and principal private secretary to Lee. Check out the companies making headlines before the bell. Goldman Sachs Goldman Sachs shares jumped 3.3% in premarket trading after the company beat Wall Street's first-quarter earnings expectations . Goldman posted earnings of $11.58 per share on revenue of $14.21 billion for the period, fueled by its trading and investment banking businesses. Analysts surveyed by LSEG had called for earnings of $8.56 per share on revenue of $12.92 billion, meanwhile. Logitech Shares pulled back roughly 2% after Morgan Stanley downgraded the computer peripherals stock to underweight. Analyst Erik Woodring thinks the market is "mis-pricing" Logitech's outlook and forecasts only 3% annual revenue growth through fiscal year 2027. Masimo The health tech stock rose more than 2% following an upgrade to buy from hold at Stifel. Analyst Rick Wise said he sees "room for further share price appreciation," citing as catalysts the bank's business improvement and gross margin expansion opportunities. Salesforce Shares slid nearly 3% in premarket trading, following reports from the Wall Street Journal and Reuters that the software company is in advanced talks to acquire Informatica, a data management firm. Medical Properties Trust Shares soared 14% after the real estate investment trust said that it would sell its majority interests in five Utah hospitals to a new joint venture, with the deal coming to a total valuation of $886 million. Coupang The South Korea-based e-commerce company climbed 2% following an upgrade to buy from neutral at Citi. The bank thinks there's still room for Coupang's margins to expand as the firm increases its subscription fees, anticipating little customer pushback due to its strong delivery service. Lockheed Martin The aerospace and defense stock gained nearly 2% following an upgrade to overweight at JPMorgan. While the stock has underperformed this year, the bank expects a better outlook from here on out as the company receives supplemental funding due to overseas geopolitical events. Cisco Systems Shares of the technology giant added 2% following an upgrade to buy from neutral at Bank of America. Analyst Tal Liani sees upside for the stock, citing expected growth in the security and networking categories, as well as from Cisco's recent acquisition of Splunk. Coty Shares moved 1.3% higher after Canaccord Genuity initiated coverage of the beauty products company with a buy rating. The firm said Coty has significant growth opportunities and strong brands that keep consumers interested. Charles Schwab The online brokerage fell 1% on the back of mixed first-quarter results. Schwab earned 74 cents, matching an LSEG estimate. Revenue came in at $4.74 billion, slightly above a consensus forecast of $4.71 billion. Snap One , Resideo Technologies Snap One shares surged 30% after the provider of smart living products said it was going to be acquired by Resideo Technologies, a home automation company, for $10.75 per share in cash. The transaction is valued at roughly $1.4 billion, including net debt. Resideo shares jumped 5%. Tesla Shares of the electric vehicle maker slid 1% after an internal memo showed that the firm was planning to lay off more than 10% of its global workforce . "As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity," Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in the memo. CNBC's Brian Evans, Michelle Fox, Sarah Min and Pia Singh contributed reporting. Few college admission cycles have been as hard on students as this one. National College Decision Day the deadline most schools set to decide on a college is just two weeks away. But many college hopefuls are still unsure of where they stand financially, as problems persist with the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid. "This is make or break for students," said Ellie Bruecker, interim director of research at the Institute for College Access and Success. "We are really concerned about high school seniors having to make decisions about where to go to college or whether to go to college with such limited information." More from Personal Finance: FAFSA 'fiasco' could cause decline in college enrollment Harvard is back on top as the ultimate 'dream' school More of the nation's top colleges roll out no-loan policies In ordinary years, financial aid award letters are sent around the same time as offers of admission in early spring, giving students a month or more to make informed enrollment decisions ahead of National College Decision Day on May 1. For most students and their families, the college they choose hinges on the amount of financial aid offered and the breakdown between grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities and student loans. However, this year, those award letters have been significantly delayed, as the Department of Education works to resolve ongoing issues with the new form. Even some applications submitted early now have to be reprocessed due to problems with applicants' tax data. Russia's Foreign Ministry on Sunday expressed "extreme concern over another dangerous escalation" in the Middle East following Iran's missile and drone strike on Israel. "We express our extreme concern at yet another dangerous escalation in the region. We have repeatedly warned that the numerous unresolved crises in the Middle East, primarily in the area of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which are often fueled by irresponsible provocative actions, will exacerbate tensions," the foreign ministry said on Telegram. "We call on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint. We expect the regional states to resolve the existing problems through political and diplomatic means. We believe it is important for the constructively-minded international players to contribute to this effort," it added. The oil market has brushed off Iran's weekend air assault against Israel, with futures trading as much as 1.5% lower on Monday. Where prices go from here, however, depends on how Israel responds. Crude oil futures had already priced in the risk as Iran had telegraphed an attack was looming, according to Maximilian Layton, head of commodities strategy at Citi. U.S. crude and the global benchmark Brent are up more than 2% since Israel bombed an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month, the event that triggered Tehran's weekend assault. "What is not priced into the current market, in our view, is a potential continuation of a direct conflict between Iran and Israel," Layton told clients in a note. Oil prices could spike above $100 a barrel depending on how Israel responds to the attack, the analyst wrote. "An example of this could be if Israel moved to directly reduce Iran's domestic uranium enrichment program," Layton wrote. Barring such an escalation, Citi views the geopolitical political tensions as now priced in, with the bank raising its short-term Brent forecast to $88 a barrel, up from $80 previously. @CL.1 YTD mountain WTI year to date Israel's War Cabinet appears to be divided right now with a hawkish faction advocating a strong response aimed at hitting Iran's military capabilities, while others favor building an international coalition to contain the threat posed by Tehran and its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, according to a Saturday research note from RBC Capital Markets. "Market participants have decided that this chapter of this war story is over for now," RBC strategist Helima Croft told CNBC's " Squawk on the Street " on Monday. "But the war cabinet has not made a decision yet on how to respond to the attacks over the weekend you could still see some significant Israeli retaliation." The weekend barrage of more than 300 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles was the first time the Islamic Republic has directly attacked Israel from Iranian territory. The assault was a "dramatic departure for Tehran" which has preferred to hit Israel through its proxies, according to JPMorgan commodities strategist Natasha Kaneva. "The attack is seen as potentially rewriting the rules of engagement between the two countries and could trigger an Israeli response that threatens a full-scale regional war," Kaneva told clients in a note. Attack 'well-telegraphed' Iran's attack, though unprecedented, did little actual damage as Israel and the U.S. intercepted nearly all the drones and missiles. Iran's mission to the United Nations said the current round of hostilities is "concluded," describing the attack as self-defense. The Islamic Republic warned, however, it would strike harder next time if Israel responds to the weekend attack. "The well-telegraphed and relatively limited nature of Iran's attack suggests it was calibrated to be a contained retaliation for the Israeli bombing of its embassy in Damascus on April 1 and is not intended to be escalatory, consistent with public statements made by Iranian officials," Goldman Sachs commodity strategist Daan Struyven told clients in a note. JPMorgan is maintaining its base case of Brent at $90 per barrel through May and then $85 in the second half of 2024. The main players in the Middle East have strong incentives to keep the conflict contained, according to the investment bank. Russian production cuts are actually more bullish than Middle East tensions and could push Brent to $100 by September, according to the bank. There is a risk that further escalation could lead to a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, though which about 30% of the world's seaborne oil passes, according to JPMorgan. An Iranian blockade would supercharge oil prices, but the risk is low given that the strait has never been closed off despite many threats by Tehran to do so over the past four decades, according to the bank. "They can't close the Strait of Hormuz, but they can do significant damage to energy infrastructure, to vessels in the region," RBC's Croft told CNBC on Monday, referring to Iran's capabilities. Oil prices should fade unless there is a further round of escalation, according to Jan Stuart, global energy strategist at Piper Sandler. Potential threats include Iran seizing ships associated with Israel in the Strait of Hormuz; Israel attacking Iranian oil and gas assets; or Iran striking energy assets of its neighbors if Israel hits too hard. "We are afraid this affair is very far from concluded," Stuart told clients. "Disruption risk has escalated." People gather in support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' attack on Israel on April 14, 2024 in Tehran, Iran. Late on Saturday, Iran launched a direct attack at Israel, about two weeks following the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria. Majid Saeedi | Getty Images News | Getty Images World leaders have called for calm in the aftermath of Iran's large-scale air attacks on Israel on Saturday, with many expressing deep concern over the prospect of a broader regional conflict. Iran's strikes, which Israel's defense forces say involved more than 300 drones and missiles against military targets in Israel, have ratcheted up fears of a spillover conflict in a region already grappling with the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The assault only resulted in limited damage, with Israel's military saying its Iron Dome air defense system intercepted 99% of the drones and missiles launched by Iran. Iran says its air offensive came in response to an Israeli strike on its embassy compound in the Syrian capital of Damascus earlier this month. "We will not be able to comment on the claims regarding a strike in Damascus," an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson told CNBC on Sunday. Ahead of a war Cabinet meeting on Monday, Israel has pledged to "exact a price" from Iran in response to the Saturday attack. Analysts have said they are unsure of the exact timing and extent of such a retaliation. watch now U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday said he condemned "in the strongest possible terms" Iran's unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. Biden added that the U.S. "will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people." His comments come as some top U.S. officials reportedly worry that Israel may soon respond to Iran's drone and missile attacks and trigger a wider regional conflict, according to NBC News. Biden, who affirmed the White House's "ironclad" commitment to Israel's security once again over the weekend, has privately expressed concern that Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is trying to drag the U.S. into a broader conflict, NBC News reported Sunday, citing three unnamed people familiar with the matter. CNBC could not independently verify the report. 'Prelude to World War III' In South America, Colombia's president, Gustavo Petro, called on the United Nations to "meet urgently" and "immediately commit to peace." "It was predictable; we're now in the prelude to World War III precisely when humanity should rebuild its economy towards the rapid goal of decarbonization," Petro said. "The support of the U.S., in practice, for a genocide, has ignited the world. Everyone knows how wars start, no one knows how they end." Gustavo Petro, Colombia's president, during a meeting with Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's president, not pictured, at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Argentina's president, Javier Milei, said his office expressed its "solidarity and unwavering commitment" to Israel after the attacks by Iran. "The Republic of Argentina recognizes the right of State-Nations to defend themselves and strongly supports the State of Israel in the defense of its sovereignty, in particular against regimes that promote terror and seek the destruction of western civilization," Milei said. 'No one wants to see more bloodshed' European leaders castigated Iran's attack against Israel and vowed to work to de-escalate the situation. "I condemn in the strongest terms the unprecedented attack launched by Iran against Israel, which threatens to destabilize the region," French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday on social media platform X. "France is working on de-escalation with its partners and calls for restraint." Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak records a statement about the Iranian attacks on Israel overnight, at 10 Downing Street on April 14, 2024 in London, England. Wpa Pool | Getty Images News | Getty Images German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Saturday said that Germany "strongly" condemned the attack and warned that it could "plunge an entire region into chaos." "Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately. Israel has our full solidarity at this time," Baerbock said via X, according to an NBC translation. U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Saturday that he condemned "in the strongest terms" the "reckless" Iranian attack against Israel, adding that the country would "continue to stand up" for Israel's security. "Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard," Sunak said in a statement. "Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed," he added. France and the U.K. intercepted some of Iran's strikes on Israel on Saturday. 'Utmost levels of restraint' In the Middle East and North Africa region, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry expressed "deep concern" regarding the developments of military escalation in the region "and the seriousness of its repercussions." In a statement published via X on Sunday and translated by NBC News, the ministry called on all parties "to exercise the utmost levels of restraint" and urged the United Nations Security Council to prevent the escalation of a crisis that would have "serious consequences if it expands." watch now Egypt said it expressed "deep concern" regarding the Iranian offensive and called for the "utmost degree of restraint to spare the region and its peoples from further factors of instability and tension." "Egypt considers that the dangerous escalation that the Iranian/Israeli arena is currently witnessing is nothing but a direct result of what Egypt has repeatedly warned about, about the dangers of expanding the conflict in the region as a result of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, and the provocative military actions being practiced in the region," the ministry said on X, according to a translation. 'Latest spillover of the Gaza conflict' In Asia, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson for China said Sunday that Beijing expressed "deep concern" over the escalation of tensions in the region and called on relevant parties "to exercise calm and restraint." "The ongoing situation is the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict," the spokesperson said in response to a question about Iran's strikes. "China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region." Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa speaks during a press conference as she announced to resume funding to the UN agency for refugees in Palestine, or the UNRWA, Kyodo news agency reported, in Tokyo, Japan on April 2, 2024. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images By Jun Ji-hye The Seoul Metropolitan Government has received some 10 petitions filed by citizens who called for bringing giant panda Fu Bao back to Korea since she was sent to China earlier this month. Most of the petitioners suggested that the city government find ways for Fu Bao to be brought to Seoul Grand Park, the city-run zoo located in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, and housed there. The suggestions include the city government funding the rental of Fu Bao from China. But there has been considerable skepticism, with objectors arguing that such a measure would require a massive budget and that the petitioners did not show enough consideration for Fu Bao's wellbeing when making the suggestions. Fu Bao is the first Korea-born giant panda. She was born in 2020 to her panda parents, Ai Bao and Le Bao, who had been sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2016 as a symbol of friendship between Seoul and Beijing. Korea's favorite giant panda was born in Everland, the nations largest amusement park, run by Samsung C&T, and lived there until she was transferred to China on April 3 in accordance with an endangered species conservation agreement that stipulates that China's loaned pandas, and their offspring, are to be returned before they turn 4. Disputes began on April 8 after a citizen surnamed Kim wrote about the idea of Seoul City paying a rental fee for the return of Fu Bao on the Sangsangdaero Seoul website, an online platform for citizens to make suggestions to the city government. I ask the city government to enable citizens and Chinese tourists to see Fu Bao at Seoul Grand Park to share friendship, Kim wrote. The city government is obligated to issue an official statement regarding a petition if 50 or more people support it within a month. As Kims post has earned more than 1,100 clicks in support of the proposal as of Monday, the Seoul Grand Park said it is preparing an official reply. The loan of Fu Bao would be possible only when the Chinese government approves it, a Seoul Grand Park official said. Even if it is approved, the loan would require a massive budget. Other petitions conveyed similar suggestions, but these petitions, at the same time, have invited criticism and objections. On Saturday, a citizen surnamed Lee denounced the suggestions to bring Fu Bao back and display her to the public, calling it animal abuse. Fu Bao has the right to mate and enjoy vast natural resources. Bringing her back to Korea amounts to animal abuse, Lee wrote. In addition, the question remains about who should bear the hundreds of millions of won needed for the loan of the giant panda. 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. "Good" cholesterol may help lower the risk of mental illnesses, according to scientific research. In a comprehensive study examining biomarkers and their association with mental health disorders, researchers found intriguing connections between metabolic factors and psychological well-being. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 211,000 participants to investigate the relationship between blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol levels, and the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Participants in the Swedish Apolipoprotein-Related Mortality Risk (AMORIS) cohort were studied over 20 years, with researchers measuring various metabolic biomarkers including blood sugar, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol, and triglycerides. The results revealed that individuals with higher levels of blood sugar and triglycerides were at an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders, while those with higher levels of HDL cholesterol seemed to be protected against these mental illnesses. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring metabolic biomarkers and conducting regular follow-ups to enable early detection and intervention for mental health conditions. Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, commented on the study's significance, noting the potential implications of glucose and triglyceride levels on mental health outcomes. "This was an interesting study. High levels of glucose and triglycerides and low levels of (healthy) HDL protein were associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety and stress-disorders... Elevations in glucose and triglycerides as well as lipid abnormalities, may be associated with autonomic dysregulation (high cortisol states). These markers may also be signs of elevated inflammation, which has also been associated with mental health conditions," Dimitriu told Medical News Today. However, the study also faced certain limitations, including its specific population sample, which may limit generalizability to other demographics. Additionally, potential confounding factors such as obesity and physical inactivity could affect both metabolic changes and the risk of developing mental health disorders, highlighting the complexity of the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and mental well-being. While the findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between metabolic factors and mental health, further research involving diverse populations and accounting for potential confounders is warranted to validate and expand upon these results. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, board-certified interventional cardiologist, emphasized the need for caution in interpreting observational studies, noting the complexity of determining causality in such research. "As with all observational studies, the direction of causality cannot be determined; it might be that people at risk for developing depression and anxiety have underlying physiology that [affects] metabolic changes which increase glucose and triglyceride levels," Chen reportedly said. "The results might also be confounded by attributes such as obesity or physical inactivity that might relate both abnormal glucose/triglycerides and also the risk of developing depression and anxiety. For now, these findings highlight the complex relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and mental health." When you think about it, its pretty weird that movies are divided by age into only three categories: the first 10 years of life, the next 10 and all the rest of it. Theres a much bigger difference between 30 and 80 than there is between 15 and 20, yet there was never a middle age or golden oldies section of Blockbuster. Hollywood is hyper-focused on the teen years, probably because people are very good looking at 22, the ideal age for actors to play teenagers. But with so much of your life spent getting farther and farther from teenagehood, youve got plenty of time to realize all those hot kids were dumb as hell. With the wisdom of age and the regulation of hormones, you come to an understanding that the parents and teachers in the movies were just trying to make sure those little assholes didnt ruin their lives. Thats why, when user roix_ducat asked r/AskReddit, What teen movie is the epitome of the older I get, the more I agree with the adult?, thousands of Redditors could name a perfectly reasonable movie adult who couldnt catch a break. 21 Dirty Dancing 20 Ice Princess 19 The Breakfast Club 18 Sixteen Candles Advertisement Advertisement 17 Ferris Buellers Day Off 16 Animal House Advertisement Advertisement 15 Fast Times at Ridgemont High 14 Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure Advertisement Advertisement 13 Karate Kid 12 Twilight Advertisement Advertisement 11 Dead Poets Society 10 Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone Advertisement Advertisement 9 10 Things I Hate About You 8 Labyrinth Advertisement Advertisement 7 Footloose 6 Empire Records Advertisement Advertisement 5 Cadet Kelly 4 The Lizzie McGuire Movie Advertisement Advertisement 3 A Goofy Movie 2 Mean Girls Advertisement Advertisement The craven liars of class presidential races make real politicians look like absolute saints. Were all familiar with their casual, populist lies, knowing full well theyll never come to fruition. They dont even have the excuse of over-powerful lobbyists, or pleasing donors. No, they simply stride onto the gymnasium floor and lie to us whole cloth. Not only did we never receive soda from our water fountains, but I now know as an adult the chaos that would wreak on the entire schools plumbing system. Better tasting cafeteria food? Really, Tanner? You think you have the juice to alter school infrastructure, especially in a public school? Youd be lucky to convince them to give us free access to salt and pepper. But in the empty air left by these charlatans proclamations, the government of Poland has come through for their children. Specifically, on the greatest false hope of all: No more homework. My god, Ive never been more jealous of a younger generation. Do you know how many monsters I could have been ranching on my PlayStation without all those worksheets! And yet, according to ABC News at least, from first to third grade, required homework in Poland is banned. From grades four to eight, optional homework can be given, but isnt allowed to count toward students grades. Don't Miss Up to EIGHTH grade? Imagine that freedom. If Poland has 7-Elevens, they are going to become sovereign nations of middle schoolers every afternoon. Advertisement Pixabay Polish children watching whatever the Polish version of C-SPAN is today. It would be easy to grow resentful and angry of this young, Polish generation. To call them lazy freeloaders, drunk off early evening sun. Instead, I choose to celebrate their access to the freedom I once craved. Should I ever get access to both a time machine and a location machine (which I suppose is just a plane), maybe Ill send my young self to Poland circa 2024 to enjoy this blessing. For now, though, Im happy for them. They should enjoy it while it lasts, anyways, since once they reach working age, theyll realize adult life is mostly homework, anyways. Its just that instead of multiplication tables, its doing dishes. Mayors of both cities highlight collaboration, sharing consensus on policies for sustainable future By Jung Da-hyun Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, accompanied by a delegation of 67 economic leaders, visited Seoul on Monday to gain insights into the city's key urban policies and expertise. The visit, part of an international leadership program organized by Great Seattle Partners and the Seattle Metro Chamber, marked the largest economic delegation ever to visit Seoul. The delegation includes government representatives from the Washington State Legislature and Port of Seattle, as well as executives from major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing and T-Mobile. Additionally, officials from the University of Washington and Washington State University are part of the delegation. The program was initiated at Seattle's request to exchange knowledge on Seouls major urban policies and practices, according to the city government. Harrell, Seattle's first Asian mayor and the son of a Korean War veteran, expressed significant interest in Seoul's initiatives. Recalling his previous visit last June, he said that there are numerous lessons to be learned from the city of 10 million people, particularly in areas such as transportation services, environmental sustainability, work ethic and balancing growth with protecting people and the economy. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon introduced the citys unlimited transit pass system, known as the Climate Card, as a flagship urban policy. This pass allows unlimited access to all bus routes, subway lines and the public bike-sharing service (Ttareungyi) for a monthly fee of 65,000 won ($46.98), or 62,000 won without the bike service. While introducing the Climate Card, Oh expressed hope that not only the economic delegation visiting Seoul this time but also their families would visit Seoul more frequently and utilize the transit pass. Brian Surratt, CEO of Greater Seattle Partners, shared his positive impressions of Seoul, mentioning his visit with his family three days ahead of the schedule. The citys public transportation system left a lasting impression on me and my family. Now, when my high school daughter imagines a bustling metropolis, Seoul is the first that comes to mind, he said. In addition to the transit pass, the city government introduced policies focusing on inclusive growth, such as the Seoul Safety Income Program aiding low-income households and Seoul Learn, an online education support initiative that provides equal and quality education for youth. Both are part of the citys policies to address polarization. Policies aimed at enhancing the city's attractiveness, such as the Great Han River Project and initiatives to expand green spaces in the city, were also highlighted. Notably, Seattle announced its One Seattle Plan, aimed at fostering growth inclusively, in March. This plan outlines the city's growth and investment vision for the next two decades, prioritizing equity, livability and sustainability. Harrell emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership between the two cities, viewing it as a shared journey of friendship, trust and commitment to each other and their respective countries. Oh pledged active support through relevant departments to Seattle's inquiries about programs of interest, mentioning that he hopes this visit could enhance Seattle's municipal development. Moreover, Oh introduced upcoming international events in Seoul, including the 2024 Seoul International Safe Income Forum, the Try Everything global startup festival and Seoul Smart Life Week. He underscored further cooperation and policy exchanges benefiting citizens of both cities through these kinds of global events. Harrell also expressed intent to formally invite Oh and a delegation from the city government to the Bloomberg Green Festival, focusing on climate change, the environment and sustainability. The festival will be held in Seattle in July this year. Both mayors expressed that the visit highlights a strong commitment to mutual learning and collaboration between the two cities across various policy domains. Small and medium businesses (SMBs) have increased their digital footprint, embracing remote work, employing more internet-connected devices, and adopting new tools and technologies. They now find themselves a more attractive target to cyber criminals, and behind the headline-making attacks on large organizations, SMBs are being attacked with increasing regularity. The exact numbers can be hard to gauge, but 69% of SMBs reported experiencing at least one cyberattack in the last year, according to Devolutions State of IT Security in SMBs 2023-2024 report, an increase from the previous year. Cybersecurity incidents are particularly damaging to smaller businesses because there arent the financial and organizational resources to cope with the impact. In some cases, it can result in them going under. Ron Chernow is buying a $4.75 million apartment, which, judging by the listing, has enough history and cachet to match the authors output. Photo: Douglas Elliman Real Estate Ron Chernow Photo: arah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images Not a lot of writers make the kind of money you need to buy an apartment at the Dakota. Harlan Coben did, and then, if you count lyrics, there was John Lennon. Rex Reed has lived on the eighth floor since 1969, when he paid $30,000 for a maze of former servants quarters. Now, theres Ron Chernow. Property records show the best-selling, Pulitzer Prizewinning author behind heavyweight biographies Rockefeller, Washington, Hamilton, Grant just closed on apartment 45, which was last listed for $4.75 million. The two-bedroom, previously owned by David A. Bell, an advertising executive, and Gail Galvani Bell, an actor, has the kinds of details that would likely make a writer whose work is enmeshed in history foam at the mouth. Theres a library, three working fireplaces, parquet floors, and a grand entrance with period wooden doors and a chandelier. In one photo, ornate glass-fronted wooden cabinetry is filled with an owners china; one could imagine it being subbed out in favor of signed first editions. A listing photo shows built-ins stuffed with china. Photo: Douglas Elliman Real Estate This is a big move for Chernow, who grew up in Queens but has spent more than 30 years in Brooklyn first in a townhouse on Joralemon Street with his wife, Valerie, then, after she died, in a rental nearby. The apartment is relatively cheap for the Dakota maybe because it doesnt look over Central Park and its on a lower floor, with views into the mansard roofs of the townhouses across 73rd Street. Still, maintenance is $11,057 a month. If youre wondering how an author of history tomes can afford that, you may be forgetting what happened to Chernow in his 60s. His biography of Alexander Hamilton had been optioned by three different film companies already a coup when it was plucked up by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The musical is still running on Broadway eight years later. Chernow has said that though he was surprised to find his book the basis for a hip-hop musical, he understood the appeal in Hamiltons story. Theres something improbable about his life, a fairy-tale quality. A listing photo shows a dining nook in the kitchen. Not shown, a butlers pantry and a wine fridge. The unit was initially listed for $4.95 million, but the price dropped to $4.75 million. Photo: Douglas Elliman Real Estate Not all physics majors want to pursue a career in research or teaching. Some prefer to use the skills they learn in college to study living systems or enter the medical field. A new laboratory at Central Washington University is expected to make this alternate career path more attainable for physics students, giving them hands-on experience with industry-grade radiation equipment. Identifying a growing need for medical physicists and medical physicist assistants, the CWU Department of Physics has partnered with Dr. M. Miron Zaini of the Northwest Medical Physics Center (NMPC) to create a lab on the Ellensburg campus that will deliver mutual benefits to students and industry. The lab is part of a larger collaboration between the physics department and NMPC to introduce CWU students to opportunities in the medical physics field. Students are gaining real-world experience in medical physics through coursework taught by practicing medical physicists, participation in the new radiation physics lab, and clinical practicum rotations. We are one of the largest groups of medical physicists in the country, and we are always shorthanded, said Zaini, the president and CEO of NMPC, a nonprofit scientific organization based in Lynnwood. We treat 10,000 cancer patients per year, and we need to train more people to keep up with the demand. NMPC has long-term contracts with 34 clinics in seven states that provide radiation oncology services to their patients. The center employs about 50 physicists, dosimetrists, residents, and assistants, who provide consulting services, such as treatment planning consultation, therapeutic radiation calibrations, radiotherapy equipment selection, shielding design and evaluation, acceptance testing, research, and education. In collaboration with CWU Physics department chair Dr. Erin Craig, Zaini agreed to donate and repurpose some old radiation equipment for CWU, and he was given a part-time visiting professorship so he could help train the students in the field of medical physics. This was all Erins idea, but we complement each other well, said Zaini, a former professor at the University of Minnesota. This is philanthropy work, but it also has the benefit of raising awareness that these career paths exist. This partnership will give CWU students more opportunities to go into a lucrative field, and it also gives my colleagues a chance to help train future professionals. Craig explained that the opportunity for CWU to partner with NMPC was somewhat serendipitous. When she and her colleagues identified the need for a radiation lab two years ago, they reached out to NMPC to help them decommission some old equipment at a hospital in Hood River County, Oregon. Even though the old equipment was no longer useful for a hospital, its still functioning equipment, Craig said. We knew it could still be used for education, and we saw a chance to provide our students with some valuable hands-on learning opportunities. NMPC staff, hospital staff and CWU faculty met in Hood River County, Oregon, to present the hospital radiation equipment for the new lab. From left: Jay Deisler, Peter Zencak, Behrad Alavi, Erin Craig, Miron Zaini, and Chris Aguilera. Craig added that that her department has been exposing students to real-world practitioners for the past five years, offering a one-credit medical physics course in partnership with the Northwest Medical Physics Center since 2019. The new radiation physics lab in Discovery Hall has allowed the faculty to take the next step in their plan to develop more medical physicist assistants. Craig noted that the learning opportunities for CWU students extend beyond the classroom and the lab as the partnership allows them to partake in clinical practicum rotations in the clinics and hospitals NMPC serves. Working alongside senior clinical physicists in a hospital setting is invaluable as students learn about the profession of radiological physics. Whats exciting about this collaboration, from a department perspective, is that we are expanding job opportunities for students across the state and the region, she said, adding that the radiation lab exemplifies the kind of high-impact practice CWU has embraced. This training aligns well with some of our subprograms, like biophysics and physics engineering, and it also gives our students a chance to develop and apply skills they will need in the industry. Zaini said he is ecstatic to partner with CWU to bring additional visibility to a relatively hidden career path. He noted few other higher education institutions offer any similar training or exposure to industry-grade radiation equipment. Outside of CWU, you would have to go to Oregon Health Sciences University, Stanford, or the University of Minnesota for this level of training. CWU Physics Instructional Technician Peter Zencak, left, conducts research in the new radiation lab with students Christian Laurent and Bobby Campbell, and Dr. Miron Zaini from Northwest Medical Physics Center. One student who has already benefited from the hands-on training in the lab is Nic Boyles, who was hired by NMPC this year as a medical physics assistant. He recognizes how fortunate he is to have landed such an opportunity. I am extremely lucky that the physics department here at CWU emphasizes undergraduate research to such a great extent, Boyles said. This research-oriented curriculum in exactly what fostered the collaboration between NMPC and CWU. Boyles said he was honored that only a few months after being trained on the radiation equipment, he was hired to do the same work in a professional setting. The learning curve has been steep and fast-paced, but my hours of research and study that I have done here at CWU have more than prepared me for this opportunity, he said. CWU and NMPC currently have a five-year memorandum of understanding in place, and both parties believe the agreement will be extended, given the increasing need for medical physicist assistants nationwide. There are high school students interested in physics who dont realize there are other options they can pursue with a physics degree besides research, Zaini said. This partnership will allow us to start promoting a number of interdisciplinary areas to those students, and that will benefit the medical field and society as a whole. By Kwak Yeon-soo The number of spoiled ballots for 46 proportional representation races in the April 10 general elections reached a record high, according to the election watchdog, Monday. According to the information released by the National Election Commission, there were 1,309,931 spoiled ballots, equivalent to 4.4 percent of the total votes for proportional representation. A ballot is declared spoiled when one or more votes on a formally submitted ballot have been marked in a manner that renders it impossible to determine the voters intent. This number of spoiled ballots was the fourth highest, following the People Future Party which garnered around 10.4 million votes, the Democratic United Party which attracted 7.57 million votes and the Rebuilding Korea Party which won 6.87 million votes. It surpassed that of the Reform Party which won 3.6 percent of the total votes en route to securing two parliamentary seats. Other minor parties the Green Justice Party and the Saemirae Party got 2.1 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively. Since introducing the proportional representation electoral system in the 2020 general elections, the proportion of spoiled ballots has increased significantly. In the 2012 and 2016 general elections, they made up only 2.2 percent and 2.7 percent of total votes, respectively. But in the 2020 general elections, there were over 1.23 million spoiled ballots, or 4.2 percent. The system, which was introduced to allocate fewer proportional representation seats to parties that win many constituency seats, is aimed at supporting smaller parties. However, the original intention has been circumvented as major parties have created satellite parties to avoid losing seats, leading to an increase in spoiled ballots. Due to the ballot papers length (51.7 centimeters), the proportional representation ballots couldnt be processed by machine. Therefore, personnel had to conduct manual counting. The length of the ballot paper was due to a significant increase in the number of political parties, which reached 38 in total. More ruling party lawmakers support investigation By Nam Hyun-woo The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is ramping up pressure on President Yoon Suk Yeol to approve a bill proposing a special counsel investigation into the death of a Marine, which has been one of the main sources of bipartisan conflict. The DPK has alleged that the Yoon administration influenced the military's investigation into the death of Corporal Chae Su-geun, who died last year during a search operation after floods, in order to downplay the responsibilities of ranking military officials. In a related move, the opposition already introduced a separate bill last month to investigate then-Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, amid suspicion that Yoon appointed him as ambassador to Australia to shield him from accusations. Lee resigned from the post in late March following mounting criticism, and the controversy over his appointment is believed to be one factor that undermined support for the ruling bloc ahead of the general elections. During a DPK Supreme Council meeting, Monday, floor leader Rep. Hong Ihk-pyo said the party will do its best to pass the two bills before the 21st National Assembly ends on May 29. After that date, pending bills will be automatically scrapped, as the newly elected lawmakers from last week's general elections will constitute the 22nd Assembly. We still have over a month left in the term of the 21st Assembly, and there are a number of pending issues, including special counsel probe bills on Chae's death and (former ambassador) Lee, Hong said. Through negotiations with the ruling party, we will do our best to address the bills until the very last moment. The bill on Chae is scheduled for a vote at a plenary session and the bill on Lee is now pending at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee before being presented for a decision in a plenary session. The DPK is seeking to hold a plenary session on May 2 and pass the bills by taking advantage of its majority status the DPK and its satellite party hold 156 out of a total 297 seats in the Assembly. DPK deputy floor leader Rep. Park Ju-min, who proposed the bill on Lee, said during a radio interview with broadcaster MBC that the two measures could be combined in the tabling process. The DPK is seeking to expedite the voting for the bills to maintain the momentum of the election results, where the party secured an overwhelming victory. Interpreting the results as a sign of public distrust in the Yoon administration, the president pledged to "change the approach to governing" and collaborate with the opposition. With these commitments, there is widespread anticipation that Yoon will likely hesitate to exercise his veto power. If Yoon vetoes the bills and returns them to the Assembly for a second vote, the DPK cannot unilaterally pass them, because a second voting requires approval from two-thirds of attending lawmakers. In that case, the DPK will likely witness those bills being scrapped but can launch political offensives, arguing that Yoon is not demonstrating gestures of cooperation. Moreover, the bills are gaining support even from some ruling People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers. PPP Rep. Cho Kyoung-tae said, It is hard to deny that the Marines death affected the public sentiment during the general elections. He added, There is no reason (for me) to oppose the bills. Kim Jae-sup, who was elected in Seouls Dobong-A district, also said in a radio interview with broadcaster CBS, Monday, that he is positive about the special counsel probe on Chaes case, but the issue should be handled by the 22nd Assembly. On Monday, the PPP convened a meeting of lawmakers who secured their fourth term or more, aiming to brainstorm ideas to navigate the party through the post-election turmoil. After the election loss, the partys interim leader Han Dong-hoon resigned, leaving the party leadership in a state of uncertainty. The PPP's acting leader Rep. Yun Jae-ok said, The party charter states that an emergency committee is required to hold a party convention. But he added, Nothing has been determined about the next leadership and how to recover from the election loss. 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The boat was reported to be an illegally modified tour vessel. The owner of the ship and related responsible personnel have been detained by police. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in Taolinkou village of Qinhuangdao. Thirty-one passengers were onboard at the time of the accident. The boat was an illegally modified tour boat, according to media reports. Most tourists were elderly tourists, and were not wearing life jackets. A total of 31 fire trucks, 144 firefighters, four response boats, and 13 rubber boats were dispatched to the scene to lead rescue operations. An accident investigation group was set up to investigate the cause and responsibility of the accident. The Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection has initiated the relevant work of accountability. A preliminary investigation revealed that on Saturday, 155 tourists departed Tangshan on three buses organized by a travel agency. They had lunch near Taolinkou village, and 31 of them visited Qinglong River, where they boarded the boat which capsized shortly after departure. The owner of the boat and relevant responsible individuals are being held by police. An all-round probe and rectification work is carried out in the tourism industry in Qinhuangdao. Taolinkou village, which is famous for its long history, has been a popular tourist destination since 2008. Lu Chuntian, a village official once said that almost every family in the village owns a boat which they rent out to tourists during peak holiday periods. The village also conducted safety work on tour boats several years ago when the government started water safety awareness work. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Yoon urges gov't officials to exercise discipline to stabilize public livelihood By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk Yeol will make an address, Tuesday, on the ruling People Power Partys (PPP) crushing defeat in last week's general elections during a televised Cabinet meeting. According to the presidential office, Yoon plans to discuss his assessment of the election outcome, in which the ruling party secured 108 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, and outline envisioned changes to his approach to governing. On April 11, a day after the elections, Yoon conveyed through Presidential Chief of Staff Lee Kwan-sup that he "will humbly accept the peoples intention shown in the elections" and "will do (my) best to reform the governing stance and stabilize the economy." Following the remarks, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo expressed his intention to step down, and all senior presidential secretaries, except for those in charge of national security, also tendered their resignations, pending Yoons approval. Reportedly, the presidential office initially considered a press conference, an address to the nation, or other methods to deliver Yoons post-election message. However, they decided to incorporate the message into Yoons opening remarks at the Cabinet meeting. This means that he will not take questions from reporters. Meanwhile, during a weekly meeting with the prime minister, Yoon said, "The top priority in the government's affairs is stabilizing the public's livelihood" and asked Han oversee "morale and discipline among public officials, according to presidential spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung. The comments align with concerns that Yoon's control over his administration will be significantly weakened, and high-ranking government officials may start to distance themselves from deeply engaging in administrative matters. "The president asked the prime minister to assess the working atmosphere and discipline within the public sector to safeguard the stability of people's livelihoods," Kim said. Sir Keir Starmer did his 'I'm a moderate' act but the benches behind him wriggled and itched and surged and grumbled. Support Israel? You could forget about that. Little uttered in the Commons will have influenced the Israeli government. Benjamin Netanyahu won't give a stuff what the Hon Member for Scratchford North thinks. But Tehran, Moscow and Beijing will draw satisfaction that so many parliamentarians in a Nato country would not support the side their own armed forces are defending. Western forces, including the RAF, had just shot down hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles that could have killed thousands of Israelis. Sir Keir Starmer speaking in the House of Commons on Monday during a statement from PM Rishi Sunak on Iran's missile attack on Israel Sir Keir Starmer, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Shadow Cabinet Minister for International Development Lisa Nandy arriving at the Cabinet Office on Monday The Commons heard a Rishi Sunak update and was so full that Lee Anderson (Reform, Ashfield) had to sit next to Jeremy Corbyn (Ind, Islington North). Even Angela Rayner turned up. The celebrated property speculator chatted amicably to Sir Keir. Lucy Powell, on Ms Rayner's other side, was eavesdropping like mad. Iran had 'once again shown its colours' in 'sowing chaos', said Mr Sunak. Although he said 'Israel has our full support', the PM wanted 'calmer heads to prevail' following the Iranians' attempted Blitz. Mr Sunak was so much more pro-Israel than Lord Cameron that one wondered if he had cleared this statement with his lordship. The Foreign Secretary may have to summon young Sunak for an interview without coffee. Who does he think runs our foreign policy? Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down) put Mr Netanyahu on the same level as Vladimir Putin. Mohammad Yasin (Lab, Bedford) spoke of 'genocide' in Gaza and wanted us to stop exporting weapons to Israel. Claudia Webbe, sent to Westminster by the same parliamentary Labour Party that gave us Keith Vaz, demanded the RAF shoot down Israeli missiles aimed at Hamas. Kim Johnson (Lab, Liverpool Riverside) curled her lip about the democratically elected Israeli government. Beth Winter (Lab, Cynon Valley) moaned that Israel was 'driving regional instability'. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaking in the House of Commons about Iran's missile attack on Israel Suella Braverman was one of several to demand proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Matt Western (Lab, Warwick & Leamington) asked if Mr Netanyahu had written a letter of apology for killing three British aid workers. I think we can guess who these MPs would cheer in any Israel-Iran penalty shoot-out. Several Labour MPs, possibly told not to embarrass Sir Keir, opted for the displacement therapy of demanding that we resume payments to a UN relief agency whose staff allegedly helped Hamas to attack Israel. Jeepers, if this mob really do win our next election, they'll be hauling down the Ukraine flag from Whitehall and hoisting the Pan-Iranian tricolour. Mr Sunak kept calm during this barrage. The sniffiest he became was after an anti-Israel question from John McDonnell (Lab, Hayes & Harlington) when Rishi sarcastically feared he must have missed the moment when Mr McDonnell condemned Hamas or Iran for their violence. George Galloway (Workers Party, Rochdale) began a philippic against the London government but rather ran out of runway. He never actually asked a question. That allowed Mr Sunak to make light of the moment and Mr Galloway soon left the chamber. The House of Commons was more crowded than usual during Sunak's statement on Iran and Israel Israel had many more friends on the Conservative benches. Suella Braverman (Fareham) was one of several to demand proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Mrs Braverman was heckled loudly by Labour MPs for suggesting this, even though it was something Sir Keir apparently favoured. David Jones (Con, Clwyd West) reported that officials from that Iranian corps 'can be seen dining at restaurants in west London'. You book a romantic table for two in Chiswick and turn up to find a couple of mullahs at the adjacent table. Then they order the bombe dessert. Time to do a runner, Marjorie. Sir Liam Fox (Con, Somerset North) wondered why Iran's airline was still using Heathrow and Iranian bankers were still in the City. Mr Sunak gave a 'watch this space' reply, sort of. In hair news, Stella Creasy (Lab, Walthamstow) has gone peach and Afzal Khan (Lab, Gorton), eek, has turned a peculiar purple. If he doesn't check the dosage on his henna shampoo he'll go the full Janet Fookes. Tristian asked his more than 356,000 followers to help him recall who it was The internet has been sent into a frenzy over a once-prolific 'conspiracy theorist' who made accurate predictions about politics, celebrities, and a certain global pandemic before going missing. Tristian Galindo recently took to TikTok to raise questions about the whereabouts of the former social media personality as he expressed alarm about the years-long disappearance of an unnamed creator. Though he couldn't remember the name of the man in question, Tristian issued a plea to his more than 356,000 followers to chime in if the description rang any bells. 'I wanna see if anybody else remembers this. When Covid started here in the US, there was this guy that had millions of followers throughout all these platforms, and he deleted all of his other platforms except for TikTok,' he began. Tristian Galindo recently took to TikTok to raise questions about the whereabouts of the former social media personality as he expressed alarm about the years-long disappearance of an unnamed creator 'And he made a series of videos apologizing to his fans and pretty much telling them to be prepared from what happens now when Covid started to 2026,' Tristian continued. He went on to explain he had discovered the account when he'd been sick with coronavirus for a month and a half. 'So I had time to watch all his videos,' Tristian continued. 'There were like 70 to 80 videos, and you can tell they were all made in the same day. So he was trying to hurry and push out the information, and then he was gone. 'His last video he was like sobbing. Could barely even speak at that point. 'And he said that him, his wife and his three kids were going to live off grid and disappear until 2029, when he will be able to come back and reveal who gave him this information, and who his resources were.' Tristian said that the mystery content creator would refer to his informants as 'uppers' - and claim that the group had 'given him' social media fame along with instructions for what information to disseminate. In Tristian's understanding, 'uppers' were essentially 'a famous person that has a committee' united against 'the bad famous people.' 'They gave him social media platforms with millions of followers and told him to post for two months so he becomes a familiar face. 'And then to delete all his platforms and just stick with one platform that is popular in that time and during that time. And now TikTok is the most popular platform,' Tristian recounted in awe. Though he couldn't remember the name of the man in question, Tristian issued a plea to his more than 356,000 followers to chime in if the description rang any bells 'And I'm into conspiracies, and I only remember the ones that scare me. I know that's weird,' Tristian admitted. 'But I remember watching all of his videos. And I was terrified because of things he was saying made sense. And I almost made like a mental checklist. So anytime anything happens, I'm like, "F**k, he said that,"' Tristian went on. 'I kid you not. Everything this man has said so far has happened. And I cannot find his videos. 'And I hope people remember him, because it was a year straight people made fun of him, and then he just... it just all stopped,' he recalled. 'What brought this up today is, I just watched a video of the Simpsons talking about the stars falling from the sky, and he made this comment that made no f**king sense to me. 'And he said, "I want you guys to know that the stars are going to fall, but it's not the ones that are in the sky. It's the ones you look up to."' Only recently did Tristian realize that the mysterious creator may have been talking about stars - as in, celebrities. Among recent 'stars' to seemingly be taken down include Diddy, with the federal agents raiding his homes two weeks ago. Additionally, the docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids delved into the behind-the-scenes misconduct carried out by showrunners - namely Dan Schneider and Brian Peck - at Nickelodeon in the 1990s and early 2000s. 'And now it makes sense, after seeing that little clip. It just blows my mind. If anybody remembers it, and you can find a video, tag me in it so I can have proof. 'But also, I wanna re-watch his videos because, holy s**t. Like, mind blown,' Tristian concluded, also adding a final plea for his viewers to help him brainstorm the creator's name. In a subsequent video, Tristian characterized the creator as 'wearing a white T-shirt, he's African American, and in the beginning - for the first I don't know how many videos - he's wearing a hat. 'But you will notice it's him because of his eyes. I thought his eyes were wicked, they were beautiful One side of it is dark green, the other side of is brown, and then this one is just plain brown,' he continued. 'He was like pacing throughout like a backyard, I think it what it is. And that's all I can really remember. 'And you'll notice it's him because you can see the worry in his eyes Like you can feel the way he's feeling when you watch his videos. It is intense.' Tristan was flooded with potential names of creator's that matched the description. He later shared a third video in which he confirmed that he believed the username mk_ultramk - allegedly the handle for a TikToker named Marcus D. King - 'actually does sound familiar.' But, he continued, nothing comes up when looking up that username, so he further egged his followers on to 'do our research on this name, and see if this is the one.' Other users suggested that the man in question might be a content creator known as Moe Othman, who used to regularly post conspiracy theories on his TikTok account, before suddenly going quiet back in 2022. An American woman living in the UK has revealed what has surprised her the most since moving abroad. Andrea Celeste, originally from California, has built up a loyal following of 193,000 followers on TikTok thanks to her popular content comparing and contrasting the two cultures. Most recently, she opened up about the things that had given her the biggest shocks - including her thoughts on the English accent. Dozens of viewers then flooded to share their own perceptions of the key differences between the countries. Andrea Celeste, originally from California, has revealed what has surprised her the most since moving abroad She has built up a loyal following of 193,000 followers on TikTok thanks to her popular content comparing and contrasting the two cultures An American's biggest UK 'culture shocks' Highways, houses and cars are noticeably smaller in the UK There are many variations in the English accent People dress with more adaptability towards sudden rain Advertisement In the clip, which has so far been viewed 417,000 times, Andrea wasted little time as she launched straight into her list: 'One of the biggest culture shocks I got moving from California to England was how small everything was like highways, houses, cars. 'Everything, just felt a lot smaller, which isn't surprising, because I come from a place that has 10-lane freeways and giant cars.' She continued: 'Also, pretty obviously, the accents, but I was actually more surprised at how many different English accents there were. 'I think in the US, you grow up watching films placed in England, and 99 per cent of the time, they're London or more neutral accents. 'I actually went to North Yorkshire on my first ever trip to England, so I got a huge surprise when they didn't all sound like Tom Hiddleston.' But Andrea did not stop there. 'Lastly, is the way people dress. It really caught me off guard, because it was just slightly different to how people dress in California. 'But you can definitely tell the difference - especially in the shoes because wearing thin fabric shoes like Vans and Converse isn't as common, due to the unpredictable rain, which I actually learned the first day at university when I wore Toms, and they got absolutely soaked in the first 15 minutes of being outside.' Most recently, she admitted to the things that had given her the biggest shocks - including her thoughts on the English accent In the clip, Andrea wasted little time as she began: 'One of the biggest culture shocks I got moving from California to England was how small everything was like highways, houses, cars' She humorously referenced her soaked sneakers in her video caption, in which she wrote: 'Learned the hard way in the third one,' with a laughing emoji. Andrea's video was soon flooded with comments with many people sharing their own observations. One person wrote: 'Everything smaller, even though London bigger than LA.' Another commented: 'Omg the size difference is huge!! One of my friends is American and their house has two guest bedrooms, a master bedroom AND TWO ENSUITE BATHROOMS, and apparently that's AVERAGE?! All on one level.' A third person added: 'And I got a culture shock because of how everything is big here in the states, compared to England.' Someone else shared: 'In America at the moment, and it's crazy how big everything is.' One commented: 'In USA for the first time as a British person. I was literally shocked how big everything was.' Other followers divulged their thoughts on the accents and even on Andrea's accent changing during her stay in the UK. Dozens of viewers then flooded to share their own thoughts on the key differences between the countries One person commented: '"Didn't sound like Tom Hiddleston," yeah we're more Sean Bean/Mark Addy up here lol.' A second person noted: 'It's crazy that you adopted the UK accent lol.' Another wrote: 'I can literally hear a small bit of a British accent in you.' A fourth person commented: 'WAIT. I thought you moved here from UK?!? Mind blown.' Some followers commented on the style differences. One person wrote: 'You'll see no end of Vans and Converse in the summer.' Another person added: 'As a Londoner, the Converse point was one of the first things I noticed when I went to New York! Converse, tote bags and gym-wear seemed popular.' One person suggested: 'Get a water-proofing shoe spray for wearing fabric shoes like Converse, makes a difference!!' A 21-year-old woman who gets 'crazy' hate and called 'disgusting' for not shaving her body hair has hit back at trolls. Canadian influencer Spencer Barbosa has almost 10 million followers on TikTok, where she racks up hundreds of thousands of views on every video. However, not everyone is kind about the social media star's body positive content and she's met with a lot of backlash for refusing to shave her back and arm hair. Spencer says she spent 'years' hiding and grooming her body hair, but by the age of 17, she'd had enough of feeling embarrassed. Choosing to embrace her body in its natural state, she started sharing pictures and videos of herself on social media, which has proved controversial. A 21-year-old woman who gets 'crazy' hate and called 'disgusting' for not shaving her body hair has hit back at trolls Spencer says she spent 'years' hiding and grooming her body hair, but by the age of 17, she'd had enough of feeling embarrassed While she says the backlash has been 'crazy' - including trolls saying 'no man will ever love her if she's hairy' - Spencer is on a mission to get other young women to accept their bodies as they are, sharing clips to her growing following. 'I get a lot of negativity telling me that I should shave or that no man will ever love me if I'm hairy,' the content creator, from Toronto, told What's The Jam. 'I get some pretty crazy reactions online when I post my back hair or when I embrace my arm hair. 'A lot of people comment about how disgusting it is, or say how they're throwing up and that it's not that hard to shave. 'I decided to embrace my body hair when I was 17, after years of hiding my arm hair [and] feeling embarrassed of what my body naturally grows. 'I was shaving, waxing and lasering all the time - not because I wanted to, but because I felt pressure to. 'I think it's really interesting how disgusting and scary people consider something that naturally grows in your body. You should never be scared of your own body.' She added: 'But honestly as the years go on of being a content creator, I've gotten kind of used to the heat, and it really doesn't bother me.' While she says the backlash has been 'crazy' - including trolls saying 'no man will ever love her if she's hairy' - Spencer is on a mission to get other young women to accept their bodies as they are, sharing clips to her growing following In one clip Spencer reveals that she already has crows feet and smile lines (LEFT) and in another she shares some of the hate comments she's recieved (RIGHT) The Canadian influencer has almost 10 million followers on TikTok , where she racks up hundreds of thousands of views on every video Spencer regularly goes viral with her confidence-boosting posts on TikTok, garnering millions of views and sparking debate in the comments section. In one clip, she pokes fun at the people saying, 'Girls shouldn't have back hair', dancing around with her back exposed to show her dark hair. In another post, she shares an insight into the sort of trolling she gets - including 'her poor boyfriend', 'body hair is disgusting', 'women don't have moustaches', 'please shave', and a series of comments about her weight. Spencer also advocates for body positivity across the board, sharing clips of her wrinkles, crow's feet and developing smile lines, as well as close-up shots of her skin. In one TikTok, which garnered 134,000 likes, she shows the difference between her body in its posed state versus more candid shots. Spencer added: 'It is very important for me to post about body hair because I remember being 10 years old and begging my mum to let me shave my legs because the boys in my class started pointing it out. 'I fell into an awful trap of shaving my entire body because I was scared of being bullied, or I was scared that people would perceive me as 'hairy'. 'I want to make it very clear I am never telling other people what they need to do with their body, or how to groom their body hair, I am just trying to educate people that it is not unhygienic or ugly to grow natural body hair. Spencer advocates for body positivity across the board, sharing clips of her wrinkles, crow's feet and developing smile lines, as well as close-up shots of her skin Spencer added: 'It is very important for me to post about body hair because I remember being 10 years old and begging my mum to let me shave my legs because the boys in my class started pointing it out' The influencer insists: 'You should only shave if you want to - it is your choice, it's your body' 'It actually grows for a reason. Also, even though I post about body hair all the time, I still choose to shave my armpits in my legs because I want to.' She insists: 'You should only shave if you want to - it is your choice, it's your body. 'It's really important to love your body, understand your body and not be scared of it. 'Body hair naturally grows on your body. It is normal - it's not embarrassing. 'You're allowed to raise your arm if you forgot to shave your armpit. You should never let body hair hold you back from anything. 'And if you do choose to wax shave or laser, please make the choice for yourself, and not because you're scared of what other people think.' And Spencer is not the only woman reshaping how we think about women's body hair. One hairy lady revealed that even though people constantly glare at her bushy pins, men are supposedly obsessed with them. Aria Loca from Mexico is fed up with society reinforcing the idea that women need to have hairless bodies - so she's rebelling against the norms. The 34-year-old has opted for a more low-maintenance look, and she doesn't care who can see her fuzzy parts - at all. Although her hairy appearance attracts some puzzled looks, Aria says men online are completely enamoured by her bushy style. But despite receiving daily messages from men professing their love for her fluffy pins and armpits - her natural look has still brought tension into her dating life. A mother has issued an urgent warning to parents about the 'chroming' challenge after she feared her daughter would die when she became 'violently ill' after trying the dangerous social media trend. Mikayla Solomon, from Rochester, Kent, was scared she would lose her daughter when she and a friend inhaled 'five or six' aerosol cans after hearing about the trend known as 'chroming'. She said 12-year-old Teigan and her pal got their hands on the canisters from her home and two other houses in the neighbourhood. The word 'chroming' is an informal word that originates from Australia. It involves inhaling fumes from a toxic source such as an aerosol can, a spray deodorant or a paint container. When the inhalants are abused, they affect the central nervous system and slow down brain activity, which results in a short-term 'high.' Teigan, 12, and her friend inhaled 'five or six' aerosol cans after reportedly hearing about the trend known as 'chroming' at the start of March Teigan is pictured in hospital after trying the dangerous social media challenge 'chroming' Mikayla Solomon was concerned about her 12-year-old daughter (both pictured) and took her to A&E immediately 11-year-old boy named Tommie-Lee Billington died after inhaling toxic chemicals at around the same time Teigan tried the dangerous challenge The dangerous trend can result in slurred speech, dizziness, hallucinations, nausea and disorientation but can also cause a heart attack or suffocation. Mikayla feels 'grateful' her daughter's symptoms weren't more severe - and urged other parents to remain aware of this 'dangerous' challenge. She said: 'I just feel so grateful it wasn't worse. She could've easily gone into cardiac arrest. I could've easily lost my daughter that day. 'After it happened, I saw a little boy had died from it and a girl had been in ICU, it's terrifying. 'I am concerned about long-term damage. I've read things like it can cause cognitive impairment and memory loss. It's worrying. 'She's 12 so she shouldn't really be on [social media] but all their friends are so they're going to see these trends but [the platforms] need to crack down on it. Social media influences our children so much. Parents need to know the dangers. 'It's a really dangerous trend. If you think your child has done this, get them checked - it can cause long-term damage.' The 37-year-old rushed her daughter Teigan to A&E at Medway Maritime Hospital in Kent after she found out she had inhaled the cans with a friend at a sleepover 'for a laugh'. The concerned mother-of-two said Teigan complained of heart palpitations and dizziness hours after inhaling the fumes. Mikayla feels 'grateful' her daughter's symptoms weren't more severe - and urged other parents to remain aware of this 'dangerous' challenge. Above: Teigan and her mother Mikayla said said 12-year-old Teigan and her pal got their hands on the canisters from her home and two neighbours' houses The mother said her daughter still wasn't well in the days following the incident - baffling medics as to the cause of her symptoms Mikayla said her daughter was having heart palpations and was being sick constantly Despite receiving the all-clear from doctors, Mikayla said Teigan was vomiting continuously for 12 days - and fears the incident may have left long-term damage. Mikayla said: 'I didn't really know what she had done but my older daughter said Teigan had inhaled deodorant. I didn't really have a clue what that meant. The harmful effects of solvent abuse Solvent abuse is the inhalation of volatile substances that contain chemicals such as butane or propane gas, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and acetone. It is deliberate inhalation for the purpose of getting intoxicated or 'high'. The short-term effects of solvent abuse vary but can include hallucinations, blackouts, sickness, dizziness, disorientation, slurred speech, dilated pupils and headaches. People can suffocate, choke and suffer heart attacks. Long-term use of some solvents can cause brain, lung, liver and kidney damage. Sources: Re-solv and West Yorkshire Police Advertisement 'It was five or six deodorant cans between the two of them. They had taken the cans from mine, a neighbour and another neighbour. 'When I found out, I thought I need to get her to get checked. She apologised and said she just wanted to do it to make her laugh and didn't really think about the consequences. 'She thought it would just make her and her friend laugh. She said her heart was doing palpitations.' The the supermarket team leader rushed Teigan to hospital where she underwent multiple tests. Luckily all came back as normal. However, she said her daughter still wasn't well in the days following the incident - baffling medics as to the cause of her symptoms. The mother, who also has an 18-year-old daughter called Jaymee-Leigh said: 'Teigan really wasn't well after coming home. She was being sick constantly. She said she felt like everything was in slow motion and delayed. 'I didn't really know what to think - I didn't know if she was making it up. I told her she could've died. The doctors talked to her and I think it scared her. 'She slept in my bed that night and I could hear her wheezing. She still didn't feel well. I was thinking maybe this trend has caused damage. She was being sick and had diarrhoea. 'I thought it would've cleared by now after a few days but she was still being sick. She was sick every day for 12 days, if it was a bug it would've gone in 24 hours. 'And she kept burping sulphur-like burps which were really gassy and I really do think it was linked to the deodorant cans. Mikayla is pictured with her two daughters Teigan and Jaymee-Leigh The mother (pictured with both of her daughters) urged other parents to take action quickly if they suspect their child has taken part in the dangerous challenge The mother (pictured with both of her daughters) said she was concerned about long-term damage 'We went back to A&E and they weren't sure what was wrong with her.' In early March, at around the same time Teigan tried 'chroming', an 11-year-old boy named Tommie-Lee Billington died after inhaling toxic chemicals. Lancashire Police was called to the scene by North West Ambulance Service. He was transferred to hospital but was later pronounced dead. His family blamed it on the online craze and called for social media giants to take action. His grandmother Tina claimed Tommie-Lee 'died instantly' and the family now wants social media to be banned for children under the age of 16. 'This is breaking us all but we want to help save other children's lives and give families awareness to keep their children safe,' she told the Lancashire Post at the time. Prince Harry's polo pal Nacho Figeueras has shared his heartwarming 'dream' for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The father-of-four, 47, from Argentina, competed against the Duke of Sussex in the Royal Salute Polo Challenge, which took place in Santa Barbara last Friday. The annual event raises money for Sentebale, the charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 to support vulnerable young people in Southern Africa. Following the match, which saw Royal Salute Sentebale triumph over the Grand Champions, Nacho opened up about his close friendship with the Duke and his 'dream' for their families' future. In an interview with Hello!, the polo player - who has known Prince Harry since 2007 - said he hopes that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet inherit their father's love of the sport. Pictured: Prince Harry and his polo playing pal Nacho Figueras attend the annual Sentebale charity match When asked if he'd like Harry's children to play against his own, Nacho said: 'I really hope so, I hope that Archie and Lili get to love horses as much as he does.' Nacho continued: 'I know my kids love it and they love to play. It would be a dream that one day we all get to play polo together.' Nacho welcomed his first child with his Argentinian photographer wife Delfina Blaquier in 2000. The couple now has four children together: Hilario; Aurora; Artemo; and Alba. What's more, Nacho also opened up about his close relationship with the Duke and said they 'speak very often'. Following the Sentebale's team's win, Nacho praised his 'very good friend' Prince Harry on Instagram and labelled his 'commitment to making a difference' as 'truly inspiring'. The father-of-four wrote: 'What an incredible day yesterday at the Grand Champions Polo Club, It was a day not just of sport, but of significant purpose.' 'Im so proud to have shared this experience with my very good friend, Prince Harry. We came together to support Sentebale, a charity close to our hearts that does remarkable work for children in Lesotho and Botswana. 'Its always an honor to ride alongside Prince Harry, whose commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring. Pictured: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie during a royal visit to South Africa in September 2019 Prince Harry's friend Nacho Figueras has revealed his 'hopes' that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet (pictured) will inherit their father's love of horses 'Heres to more unforgettable moments and continuing to support the wonderful causes that improve so many lives! Since 2006, celebrity polo matches around the world have raised about $15 million for the charity, organisers said. The pair have played polo alongside one another in various matches over the years, and Nacho, 46, has become one of Harry and Meghan's most vocal supporters, praising them in magazine interviews and during TV appearances. The father-of-four was also among a handful of the Duke and Duchess's closest confidantes who appeared in the couple's Netflix documentary series. It has also been speculated that Nacho and his glamorous wife Delfina could be regulars in two Netflix series due to be launched by Harry and Meghan as part of their $100 million (80 million) deal with the streaming giant. While Meghan's series is likely to focus on cooking and lifestyle, Harry will showcase his love of polo in another programme as part of the deal. On Saturday, the Duchess of Sussex was seen warmly hugging Prince Harry's polo-playing pal Nacho as her husband filmed scenes for his new Netflix series in Palm Beach. The mother-of-two, 42, also went on to embrace Nacho's wife Delfina, who has affectionately described the Duchess as her 'sister' and 'polo wife' in the past. The two women - who have forged a strong friendship after attending polo matches together to watch their spouses play - were seen walking away from their husbands with their arms wrapped around each other as filming got underway. Later in the day, Meghan was also seen affectionately greeting the couple's eight-year-old daughter Alba - giving her a kiss on the head and a warm hug. Meghan's daughter Lilibet appears to have forged a close friendship with Alba. On Saturday, the couple mingled with spectators and smiled for photos before Harry saddled up to take on a team captained by his dashing Argentine pal, Nacho Figueras Meghan Markle seen kissing Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier's eight-year-old daughter Alba behind the scenes of Netflix filming According to Hello reporter Alexandra Hurtado, Alba was asking after her friend at the polo event on Friday. The royal reporter wrote: 'According to Nacho, Alba wanted to know why the Sussexes daughter Lili wasnt there.' Alba's mother Delfina has even previously referred to the Duchess of Sussex as a 'sister' when gushing over the 'fellow polo-wife' in an Instagram post in 2022. She also praised the royal mother-of-two as being 'stronger than she knows' in an interview with Hello! magazine in the same year. Pictured: The late Queen - who passed away in September 2022 - seen beaming at a horse during a visit to the Windsor Horse Show In 2022, following a glamorous polo meet in Aspen, Colorado, Delfina said: '[Meghan] is so wonderful and strong. Stronger than she knows. I love being around my friends, and I will always support her.'Prince Harry's grandmother also had a life-long love of horses - after being given a Shetland pony called Peggy at the age of four.The late monarch's racing advisor John Warren has previously said that the Queen was discussing her 'love of horses right to the very end'.Speaking in September 2022, Mr Warren revealed he spent the weekend before the Queen died in Scotland discussing her horses.He reflected: 'We sat there for hours over the weekend strategising and making plans going forward.'And I think the nicest thing for me is to know that she was surrounded by her family members. 'She was in such a healthy state of mind and in tremendous form. It's very important to know that she was absolutely, wonderfully switched on.' Deborah James' mother Heather has revealed how she felt the presence of her daughter on her son Benjamin's recent wedding day. She made the comments while appearing on Lorraine this morning to discuss how it will be continuing its 'No Butts' campaign. The campaign, which aims to raise awareness of bowel cancer, was launched in April 2021, with Dame Deborah appearing on the programme to launch it. Mother-of-two Deborah died at the age of 40 in June 2022 following a five-year battle with the illness. Speaking today, Heather James, 66, from Surrey, responded to Lorraine describing her daughter's legacy as 'astonishing'. Deborah James ' mother Heather appeared on Lorraine today (pictured) to discuss the programme's No Butts awareness campaign MOTHER AND DAUGHTER: Heather (pictured, right) with her daughter Dame Deborah James (pictured, left) She said: 'Let's hope...one day we can find the cure for this awful disease.' Heather added: 'We'll get people checked earlier.' Part of the No Butts campaign is the distribution of toilet rolls with information about bowel cancer on them across the UK. Lorraine said of the rolls: '[Deborah] would have loved [them] because even towards the end she was campaigning for this to happen...to get the message on bog rolls.' Heather noted that Deborah would be delighted that Lorraine is continuing the No Butts campaign, and continuing to raise awareness. Dr Hilary also appeared on the segment, to discuss the campaign, as well as discuss some of the symptoms of bowel cancer. He revealed that an increase of 10 per cent in cases of colon cancer is expected in the next 15 years, 'so going up from 42,800 now to about 47,000 in 15 years time'. The doctor continued: 'So it's really important that we raise awareness . '[Heather via the Bowel Babe charity] is spending a lot of money with research into the the causes of early bowel cancer and the detection of early bowel cancer. 'This will go a long way, but of course we still have our leaflets telling people [about the symptoms] if they're too young to get screening tests.' Listing what people should keep an eye on, Dr Hilary continued: 'Look for blood in the poo...any obvious change in your bowel habit lasting more than three weeks, any weight loss which you can't explain easily, any extreme tiredness and lumps in your tummy or pain in your tummy again, which you can't explain.' While on the programme, Heather also spoke about her son Benjamin's wedding, which took place in Barbados recently. She said: 'Obviously it was emotional, but it was so beautiful as well. We took Deborah with us.' Heather continued: 'She was there, and everyone raised one or two, even three glasses of Champagne to her.' She also discussed how Ben popped the question to his then fiancee Ashley after the family met Prince William in 2022 - and even he asked why the couple hadn't wed. As part of the campaign, these toilet rolls featuring information about the illness are being given out across the UK After proposing, Deborah revealed the happy news on Instagram, writing: 'Ashley Hall and Benjamin James have finally "put a ring on it". I cried and cried...Even Prince William asked my brother why he hadn't done it yet.' Posting a gallery of snaps online, the mother-of-two wrote: 'He finally put a ring on it! Congratulations to @benjaminrjames and @ashleyclairehall for finally getting engaged after 11 years! 'If you ever followed my podcasts, brother banter features highly, and even Prince William joined in on the action recently! 'The question to my brother has always been why havent you proposed! As a family everyone knew they both wanted to, it wasnt like the its been off the cards its just always been apparently about the right time.' She continued: 'So they finally did it and then face timed me from Cornwall and then friends all afterwards - my mouth was still opened for the rest of the day! 'I couldnt be prouder to be able to finally say that @ashleyclairehall will be my sister in law - I adore her. And she makes @benjaminrjames happy which is all that matters and vice versa.' When sharing the joyful news of the engagement to her Instagram page in 2022, Deborah had revealed that even Prince William had asked Benjamin 'why he hadn't done it (proposed) yet' Deborah added: 'Of course Im sad I wont see the wedding but it gave me an excuse to throw my last impromptu party (and I even sat at the table for a bit of it!!).' The family went on to celebrate with a stunning meal outside to mark the occasion, with Deborah writing: 'With the help of my sister and niece - it was days of @cricut , kids baked a cake and exploded a mess, and I tracked down all the last minute silver fairy lights, I could find! 'I love curating table scapes and parties and whilst that was the last one in me, Eloise has truly now outdone me so I feel chuffed I can pass on the party train trait! A memory made without us even trying to make it a memory! Win! 'Luckily the rain just held off and my body kept awake for a few hours! Ashley welcome officially to a slightly mad family, but we couldnt be happier you are here.' Following the death of Deborah, Benjamin thanked his 'big sis Debs' for helping him 'find a life that is worth enjoying' in an emotional tribute to the cancer campaigner. He posted the heartfelt words on Instagram before her funeral took place in July 2022 and said her legacy would 'live on forever'. He accompanied the touching words with a selection of images of the pair showing their close bond, including an image of them running the Race for Life, which raises funds for cancer research. Prince William visiting the mother-of-two and her family (pictured) to award her with a damehood in May that year, after she raised millions for Cancer Research UK through her BowelBabe fund Benjamin wrote: 'Big sis, Debs. Thank you for teaching me how to live life to the full since the day I was born - you made me find that life worth enjoying! 'Saying bye is never going to be easy, but knowing you achieved more than any of us could ever dream ofand so, so much moremakes it that little bit more bearable. 'Your legacy will go on forever and well do our very best to make you proud. Take it easy up there. Heres to you x.' Dame Deborah, a podcast host and mother of two who became known as Bowelbabe - after her social media handle - died aged 40 on June 28, 2022 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. After being diagnosed with cancer when she was 35 years old, she became a viral sensation through her social media content as she danced her way through chemotherapy and lived with 'rebellious hope'. A man who was dubbed the 'living Nostradamus' issued a warning to humanity after his first 2024 prediction came true. Athos Salome, 36, who is a trained parapsychologist and psychic, from Brazil, claims to have foreseen the coronavirus pandemic, Elon Musk buying Twitter and even the Queen Elizabeth's death. Now he has worryingly suggested that artificial intelligence may cause future epidemics. Speaking to the Daily Star he said: 'Future epidemics might not be natural phenomena but rather synthetic creations from AI laboratories. 'This fusion between biology and technology suggests a scenario where artificial viruses could be developed, whether to cure existing diseases or, paradoxically, to create new ailments.' Athos Salome, 36, who is a trained parapsychologist and psychic, from Brazil, has worryingly suggested that artificial intelligence may cause future epidemics Salome also suggested humans and AI might be more similar than we think because electricity unites us. He added: 'Electricity is a medium between humans and AI, but the ends are distinct: one is the maintenance and experience of biological life, and the other is the processing of information and the execution of programmed or manipulated tasks.' When previously asked by LADBible about his 2024 predictions he eerily claimed humans will be able to contact the dead with the help of Artificial Intelligence. In his predictions, he stated that AI would help us contact the dead, enhance the pervasiveness of CCTV and assist with experimenting on humans, though in a way to enhance our knowledge of our 'cosmic origins'. Athos said mankind stands on the brink of a 'spiritual revolution'. Speaking to The Daily Star, he previously said: 'What may have seemed like science fiction years ago is on the brink of becoming a part of everyday life normalizing what was once deemed supernatural. 'Through this groundbreaking technology people can not only overcome traumas and challenges but also gain insights into their life purposes and spiritual paths.' Athos does, however, question whether we are adequately prepared to handle the responses we may receive from 'a mediated realm beyond our understanding.' He said future epidemics 'might not be natural phenomena' but 'synthetic creations from AI' laboratories Salome also suggested humans and AI might be more similar than we think as electricity unites us Elsewhere during an interview with The Sun, he admitted to harbouring scepticism towards this technology as it posed challenges to his knowledge and beliefs. When LADbible asked about where his powers came from, he attributed his 'abilities' to his family that came from 'the mystical world'. He said: 'I'm a descendant of gypsies and the great-grandson of a sorcerer, which is how I consolidated what I did and saw, whether it was paranormal abilities, the development of the pineal gland or super abilities.' He claimed he knew from an early age that he was different, despite medical professionals finding nothing wrong with him. He was most recently proved right when he predicted there was a coronal mass ejection (CME), which are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona, headed for Earth, as we witnessed one of the biggest solar storms last month which triggered the most powerful disruption to our planet's magnetic field since 2017. Qualified picks for PM, chief aide crucial for Yoon President Yoon Suk Yeol again disappointed the Korean people when he made a statement regarding the crushing defeat of his governing People Power Party (PPP) in the April 10 general elections. Via a 56-word statement read by his chief secretary Lee Kwan-sup on Thursday, Yoon vowed to humbly accept the people's will demonstrated in the elections. He also pledged to revamp state administration, stabilize the economy, and enhance the well-being of the public. Regrettably, Yoon failed to demonstrate sincerity and remorse, even in the wake of a resounding loss in the recent elections. Yoon needs to feel a sense of urgency over the gravity of the situation. Besides the poorly prepared statement plus the fact that he didn't deliver it himself, Yoon deserves criticism for failing to be sincere as he just regurgitated the usual typical political jargon. Now, all eyes are on the looming reshuffle of major posts in the Yoon administration. The key highlight, of course, will be on who will succeed Han Duck-soo as prime minister and Lee Kwan-sup as chief presidential secretary. Naming the appropriate individuals to these positions is especially critical, as it will significantly indicate whether the ruling bloc can fulfill the public's expectations following the humiliating defeat. Yoon needs to brace for the challenging task of fighting with a gigantic opposition bloc comprising 192 seats in the National Assembly. This requires the president to appoint a prime minister who can wield authority beyond partisan differences. Instead of being just a caretaker, Yoon needs a stalwart politician who can steadfastly pursue change and revamp the ruling bloc. To achieve this, the president should engage with the opposition camp, enabling them to suggest a suitable candidate known for their trustworthiness, commitment to reform and authenticity. The oppositions cooperation is crucial for Yoon, because the new premier has to be approved by the National Assembly through hearings. The new prime minister should engage in direct communication with opposition leaders and lawmakers to solicit their cooperation in carrying out state affairs. The president should steer clear of selecting a candidate from his inner circle. It's crucial to avoid individuals implicated in policy blunders during Yoon's tenure or those associated with the prosecution. Should Yoon ignore this, he will surely face an enormous backlash from the people and suffer a significant setback during the remainder of his term. On Sunday, the presidential office said it would take time to unveil the list of possible candidates for the new prime minister and chief presidential secretary. It appears that the government is on the verge of unveiling a set of initiatives aimed at addressing the deteriorating public sentiment. It is also important to consider strategies for success in the upcoming parliamentary hearings. Alongside the naming of the prime minister and the chief aide, Yoon should embark on a full-fledged overhaul of cabinet members and his staff. The chief presidential secretary should be selected from individuals capable of candidly advising the president, ensuring direct communication of the people's sentiments. He or she should be capable of playing a role that extends beyond merely assisting the head of state. The new chief secretary should briskly communicate with party leaders and lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition camps. Most importantly, Yoon himself should prove his own unswerving will and sincerity toward reform and change. Earlier, he said, The people are always right, yet in a seemingly reluctant way. He has also triggered criticism for his underwhelming communication style. The appointment of the prime minister and chief presidential secretary should be a watershed that can profoundly change Yoons "uncommunicative" style of state administration. The possible success of Yoons remaining three years in office will largely hinge on the imminent reshuffle. The president plans to express his stance regarding the election defeat during a Cabinet meeting slated for Tuesday. He must first acknowledge his responsibility for the loss and devise measures aimed at rebuilding trust with the public and repairing relations with the opposition camp, ultimately steering the nation back on a normal course. Opening my wardrobe, I select my outfit with great care. I pick out tailored trousers, a silk T-shirt and a blazer. I blow dry my hair, apply make-up not too much and add discreet jewellery: small diamond hoops and a chain necklace. Anxiously, I check the effect in the mirror. Have I gauged it right? Do I look sufficiently smart, professional, even authoritative? You might assume Im dressing for a job interview or work meeting. The truth is, I have an appointment at a large London hospital. And all this effort is in the hope that, this time, I will not be belittled, dismissed, misdiagnosed or simply not listened to by my doctor. I can assure you Im neither paranoid nor a hypochondriac. In September 2021, I was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of breast cancer that had already spread to the lymph nodes under my arm. My treatment so far has included eight rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, reconstruction with implants and 16 sessions of radiotherapy, all of which has left with me with complications. A year ago, one side of my reconstructed chest swelled up dramatically. It hurt, and my skin was red and inflamed so I called the hospital and was given an urgent appointment. So far, so good. But, after a cursory examination, the doctor told me I was mistaken. In September 2021, London-based Leah Hardy (pictured) was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of breast cancer that had already spread to the lymph nodes under her arm I wasnt swollen at all, he insisted. Slowly, as if to an idiotic child, he explained that my plastic surgeon must have put in a much bigger implant on one side in case it shrank when you were having radiotherapy. I looked at him in astonishment. I had my reconstruction surgery four months before. Did he seriously think Id only just noticed this obvious asymmetry? Whats more, I had discussed the implants with my plastic surgeon and knew precisely what size they were, and that they were identical. I even had, on my phone, a photograph of the package the implants came in. But when I showed it to him, he bristled at my impertinence. He patted me firmly on the shoulder as if I was a pet Labrador and told me I should stop coming to the hospital so often, as if it was an eccentric hobby. I should, he said, go for a nice picnic instead. Anyone who knows me will tell you Im not easily silenced, but his response left me speechless. He then ushered me out of his consulting room. When Id recovered sufficiently to insist on a second opinion, tests revealed I had a serious infection one described as the most feared complication of reconstruction. My plastic surgeon later confided shed had sleepless nights worrying that she would have to remove my implant possibly leaving me permanently lopsided if the now raging infection couldnt be treated. I flatly refused to accept this, and after many weeks of strong antibiotics, the infection finally subsided, though it is likely to have damaged my implant. This means I will soon need more surgery. When I considered the chance of a professional man in his 50s, presenting after cancer, being told to go for a nice picnic, I laughed. Much as I refuse to play the victim, its impossible not to conclude that sexism played a part in his attitude. Leah (pictured) says: 'My treatment so far has included eight rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, reconstruction with implants and 16 sessions of radiotherapy, all of which has left with me with complications. A year ago, one side of my reconstructed chest swelled up dramatically... But, after a cursory examination, the doctor told me I was mistaken' And sadly, Dr Picnic isnt unique. Like many women, Ive encountered medical professionals who seem to think that, because Im a woman, Im also a melodramatic simpleton who couldnt possibly know whats going on in my own body. Hence my decision to dress more authoritatively in the hope of garnering greater respect. But it doesnt seem to make one jot of a difference. I always make an effort to dress well for my own self esteem, too. And Im far from alone in being unceremoniously dismissed on account of my gender. I remember my mother, then only in her 50s and a superfit ballet teacher, experiencing muscle pain and weakness that led her to collapse in the street. She was told on countless GP visits that at her age falls were normal. It was only when she passed out from internal bleeding and organ failure, caused by taking so many painkillers, that tests revealed her thyroid had stopped working completely. More recently, in December 2021, the damning results of a survey into sexism in healthcare by the Department of Health revealed that more than eight in ten women felt they were not listened to by health professionals. Almost 100,000 women shared their stories as part of the survey, with ministers describing the responses as stark and sobering. The report stated that not being listened to appears to happen in all areas of healthcare. Many women said their symptoms were not taken seriously or dismissed upon first contact with GPs and other health professionals, it read. Instead, they had to persistently advocate for themselves to secure a diagnosis, often over multiple visits, months and years. Khushboo Hirani (pictured), an actress from North London, was experiencing so much abdominal pain that she struggled to walk when she was dismissed by a male doctor in 2019 If they did secure a diagnosis, there were limited opportunities to discuss or ask questions about treatment options and their preferences were often ignored. Of the 80 per cent of women who felt they werent listened to, 72 per cent said this was when like me they were discussing their symptoms, more than half when discussing treatment options, and half when asking for more information. The main example women gave of not being listened to was that symptoms [were] not taken seriously and viewed as exaggerated. And these harmful prejudices have serious consequences. Multiple studies have shown that women are routinely assumed to be exaggerating their pain and given less pain relief as a result. A 2021 University College London study asked people of both sexes to watch video clips of real patients undergoing painful examinations. Compared with the patients own pain rating, observers consistently underestimated womens pain and overestimated that of men. A study published in April in the Journal of Pain by researchers from the University of Miami in the U.S. also found that when the same level of pain was expressed by female and male patients, female patients pain was viewed as less intense than mens based on stereotypes. Many studies have shown that women are more likely to be offered sedatives, antidepressants or psychotherapy for their pain, while men were prescribed more pain relief, even after heart surgery. In her bestselling book, Invisible Women, author and campaigner Caroline Criado Perez reports many cases where women were told that their very real symptoms were attributed to anxiety or a mental health condition. Instead of believing women when they say theyre in pain, we tend to label them as mad, she says. Is it just a coincidence that many of the worst medical scandals in the UK from deaths on maternity units, to controversial vaginal mesh implants and thalidomide have primarily affected women? In June 2020, a government inquiry into maternity scandals described an arrogant culture in which medical complications were dismissed as womens problems. Musician Alienna Nova (pictured) is another whose crippling pain was repeatedly ignored by male doctors in her case for 15 years Dr Kim Thomas, CEO of the Birth Trauma Association, says: In maternity, a failure to listen to womens concerns and a tendency to minimise their distress can lead to tragic consequences. If health professionals took time to listen to what women were telling them about their own bodies, then many tragic outcomes could be avoided. But all too often, thats still not happening. And its being seen with all types of illnesses and ailments. Khushboo Hirani, an actress from North London, was experiencing so much abdominal pain that she struggled to walk when she was dismissed by a male doctor in 2019. He was in his mid-30s and asked if Id eaten that day, she recalls. After examining my abdomen and announcing he couldnt find anything wrong, he looked me in the eyes and said, Are you sure youre not just making this up and looking for attention? I was in total shock, I didnt know how to respond to such a question. Looking back, it infuriates me. I was extremely vulnerable and he made me feel like I was wasting his time. When she suffered more intense abdominal pain, she tried another emergency department: Initially it was just firefighting the immediate symptom, no one directed me or advised me to investigate the cause more deeply. It took Khushboo, 30, another two years of blood tests and specialist visits, chronic pain and fatigue, before she was finally referred to a gastroenterologist who diagnosed ulcerative colitis. The lifelong inflammatory bowel disease causes painful ulcers on the inner lining of the large intestine. Owing to the two-year period without treatment, in which she struggled to keep food down, Khushboo lost nearly a stone in weight. Even though this is not a rare condition, I felt I was being criticised for seeking medical help. On another occasion, I went to A&E and was written off by a consultant as a drama queen. Again it was inferred that I was making up an illness for attention. On reflection, perhaps it was an ill-advised joke but I was in pain and unable to make light of the situation. I put the dismissive attitude of the medical establishment down to the fact that I look young. It took far too long for someone to believe me. All I wanted was a diagnosis and the help I needed to return to as normal a life as possible. Musician Alienna Nova is another whose crippling pain was repeatedly ignored by male doctors in her case for 15 years. She had been to three different medical practices and seen various male GPs but it was only when she finally saw a female family doctor that she was diagnosed with advanced endometriosis. By then it was so advanced that I was told I might need a hysterectomy, says Alienna, now 33, from Rishton, Lancashire. Im so frustrated and angry because I spent so many years seen by male doctors who wouldnt listen. Having first visited the doctors for severe period pain when she was 17, she was repeatedly fobbed off with paracetamol and a hot water bottle. They just didnt take me seriously, says Alienna. The attitude was we know best and youre making a fuss over nothing. It was upsetting and stressful. Then, in her late 20s, Alienna experienced severe back pain which prevented her getting out of bed, let alone walking. It was like my back and tummy muscles were collapsing inwards and couldnt hold me upright. Her new female doctor sent her for MRI and ultrasound scans on her back and pelvic area, which led directly to the much- delayed diagnosis. Alienna, a mother-of-one, is yet to undergo the operation to remove her womb but says: Its beyond awful to think I cant have any more children as a result of the medical establishment ignoring my symptoms. Such is the shocking fallout from delayed diagnosis. Sexism can also lead to doctors withholding information, which, as Ive discovered, can be equally as harmful. Many women who have breast cancer surgery will end up with a lifelong condition called lymphoedema, in which the removal of lymph nodes causes fluid to back up in the body, causing swelling, hardening and infections. Sometimes, limbs become so distended that sufferers become disabled. Because of my breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy, I was at very high risk. Yet various medical professionals insisted I would be alright because youre not fat. After Id suffered complications from my infection, I noticed that my right arm was puffy, especially above my elbow. Yet I was told this was merely a case of post-surgical changes that would settle down. It took several appointments before the hospital admitted that the swelling I had was indeed lymphoedema. Six months on from my diagnosis, Ive still had no treatment. And even worse, I was not told about an operation that could have prevented it in the first place. A type of microsurgery is available on the NHS that dramatically reduces the risk of lymphoedema. However, I only found out about it after surgery not from a doctor, but from a fellow breast cancer survivor on Twitter. When I politely asked a medic in my own hospital why I wasnt told about it, he appeared irritated, talked over me, explained my treatment and said I wouldnt have been suitable for the procedure because you had your lymph nodes removed, even though the surgery is for people who have their lymph nodes taken out. When I challenged him, he leaned back, defensively crossed his arms over his chest and said: I can see you are very anxious. I have sometimes felt as if doctors are contradicting me out of pure habit. Yet still I have often blamed myself for not being heard. Perhaps Ive been too vague, too specific, too cheerful, not cheerful enough, too polite, or not polite enough? Ive tried bringing in a list so I dont miss anything I want to raise, then worried that the doctor didnt like it. Ive followed up unsatisfactory appointments with emails, and I always ask my husband to read them first, asking: Do I sound OK? Is the tone right? Not too angry, or emotional? (Hes horrified that I need to do this and admits hes never once considered the tone of any communications hes had with medics.) A year ago, I even put in an official complaint via the hospital PALS system (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) hoping this might prevent other women with infections being misdiagnosed. But this was ignored completely. And of course, Ive tried looking as professional, pulled-together and serious as I am able. This is not an article I ever wanted to write. My biggest fear is that some readers might be put off coming forward with cancer symptoms. I beg you not to do this; it is vital that you report any changes immediately and be as persistent as you need to be to have them taken seriously. And despite my post-treatment care being disappointing, the cancer treatment itself was textbook. The doctors followed NICE guidelines to the letter. I was having chemo 20 days after my first GP appointment. I felt supported and respected, especially by my female GP, the almost entirely female chemo team and my breast-care nurse. But, while Im genuinely grateful every day for my survival, Im not out of the woods yet. My cancer was an aggressive type called HER2-positive, which, if it comes back, is most likely to recur within three years of treatment. This is something Ive learned for myself, as my clinical team are painfully reluctant to discuss my survival chances, recurrence or its symptoms. Fellow survivors have said their symptoms of recurrence, including bone pain and headaches, were dismissed by doctors, sometimes for several years. I no longer have any routine check-ups or scans, so its down to me, and others in my position, to pester the clinic if we suspect something is wrong. This responsibility means its vital we are respected and heard. Listening to patients and taking them seriously is something the NHS can offer for free. And I dont think anyone should have to resort to dressing up to make it happen. Additional reporting: Samantha Brick A woman has slammed Switzerland for 'exploiting seasonal workers' after she was fired twice from a hotel and bar in the county. Nila Marino, from Cape Town, travelled to the Swiss Alps at the end of November in the hopes of staying for the next couple of months by getting a job there. At the start of January, Nila started a new job at a bar in Wengen, Switzerland after being fired from another place in a nearby ski town. 'My time here has been a s*** show to put it lightly,' she said. The travel influencer first started a role as a waitress in a restaurant at a hotel in Vangen which she enjoyed at first. She said her team was 'really good' and described her manager as 'awesome'. But after about 10 days, Nila, who said she's always wanted to be a YouTuber, said she found the shifts too hard. Nila Marino, from Cape Town, travelled to Switzerland Alps at the end of November in the hopes of staying for the next couple of months by getting a job there, but she was fired twice instead @nila.marino thank you to all the incredible humans who have been so supportive since ive been here original sound - Nila Marino 'It was exhausting, I didn't have a day off when I was there, it was the busiest period,' she said. 'I was honestly struggling so much at that job because I was doing split shifts. I was doing early mornings and then I would finish late as well.' Nila then got fired because she wasn't 'enthusiastic' enough and found another job for the bar in Wengen. But when she started, Nila said she was faced with the tough task of serving more tourists than usual due to a ski competition. She said that because it was 'so busy', the owners brought in more workers to help for just that week, one of which included their daughter. 'I thought their daughter was really nice and I got on super well with her. But then a few days in I started to notice that she had really weird moods. 'I would say something to her and she would barely respond and I was getting a really weird vibe from her. ' Nila said she proceeded to ignore her, adding that starting that week was challenging as there were 'so many Swiss people.' 'Me not speaking German was really hard because they were really rude and I had to learn so many Swiss drinks. All the beers were in German, so there was a lot to learn.' The 27-year-old said she thought she did 'really well' and learn 'a lot' in the short time that she was there. Nila said she was let go from the hotel's restaurant because she wasn't 'enthusiastic' enough @nila.marino Lol back on the rollercoaster that is my life original sound - Nila Marino She then found out from her housemate that their daughter was 'gossiping' about her at work and said Nila was 'too slow' at her job, which was also later repeated by her boss. The following week, Nila said she felt ill and only worked three days because the business shut for a day and she took a day off sick. 'In that week, my manager basically had a chat with me and was just criticising everything I was doing. 'Told me that I was too slow and that I was asking too many questions. Apparently they couldn't deal with all the questions I was asking, which I've never been told in my life. A new job and I can't ask questions?' Nila claims that she felt 'unwanted' and got the feeling that they wanted to fire her. She then said that the company 'used her' to deal with that busy week, claiming that this was a 'common thing in Switzerland.' The TikTok influencer said they made up a 'bunch of excuses' as to why they had to let her go and she hit out at the country for their treatment and 'exploitation of seasonal workers.' 'It's f***ing awful. I am so disappointed in Switzerland, I thought it would be completely different. Nila said she then got fired from a bar in Wengen because she was 'too slow' and asked 'too many questions' Users took to her clips to comment their views on the situation, with some saying they could relate to how she was feeling 'No-one gives a f*** about you, they treat you like absolute s*** and I'm f***ing tired of it, I think it's pretty clear.' Nila said that her landlord offered to let her keep her place and continue renting it because 'they're not hiring anyone else'. But she said she's not actively looking for another job and is instead asking people she knows if anything is available. 'If I could just find some work for another month that would be great. The one part of me is so ready to leave and get the f*** out of here because my mental health has taken such a toll in the past two months. I'm doing okay but it's been hard.' Users took to her clips to comment their views on the situation, with some saying they could relate to how she was feeling. One wrote: 'Same - got fired after only two weeks in Switzerland and I still dont know why but I also thought what is meant to be will be.' Another penned: 'Swiss-Germany is well known to be very tough & unfriendly people around... just come to the French part, u will have a nice time!' A third said: 'Swiss here! Come to Basel, its much more international and we are chill!' A fourth commented: 'It's the mentality of the employers here. I'm not treated any differently. Its not you, its them.' The 'world's first' paper margarine tub - launched by Flora earlier this year - is now available in the UK. The plastic-free packaging will be available at 386 Sainsbury's stores across the UK, from April 17. The new containers are made from compressed wet paper fibres, and are completely oil and waterproof. There is no plastic liner included, which also means the entire tub can be recycled as paper and cardboard household waste. The move comes as food company Upfield - which owns the Flora brand - aims to 'reduce plastic across its portfolio by 80 per cent by 2030'. The 'world's first' paper margarine tub - launched by Flora earlier this year - is now available in the UK The packaging has already been successfully rolled out in Austia, and follows 'four years of dedicated innovation by Upfield's leading food scientists and product & packaging experts, in collaboration with Footprint, MCC, and Pages Group'. It will initially be available for the brand's Flora Plant B+tter Spreadable product - which launched last year and claims to be made with natural ingredients as well as being 100 per cent plant-based, dairy free and palm oil free. 'We know UK shoppers want products that have less climate impact but are unsure how to do this easily,' Ian Hepburn, Marketing Director, UK, Upfield, said. 'We launched Flora Plant last year and now we've gone one step further by bringing world-first packaging innovation to UK supermarket shelves, helping shoppers to make simple sustainable swaps. 'Flora has been a staple of British kitchen cupboards for over six decades thanks to our commitment to constantly listen to our customers and evolve our products in tune with their demands.' It comes amid a big push for stores across the UK to reduce plastic in their packaging. In December, it was reported that supermarkets faced a ban on plastic packaging for some fruit and vegetables under new rules that will force them to sell more fresh produce loose. The Government is considering introducing the new guidelines in a victory for The Mail on Sunday's campaigns to combat the UK's growing amount of food and packaging waste. The new containers are made from compressed wet paper fibres, and are completely oil and waterproof The plastic-free packaging will be available at 386 Sainsbury's stores across the UK, from April 17. Stock image used In a return to traditional greengrocer methods, shoppers will have to pick exactly how much fruit or veg they want instead of buying pre-packed larger quantities. It will cut down on the amount of food being thrown away by encouraging people to buy no more than they need. But it is also expected to lead to a huge reduction in the thousands of tons of plastic packaging that ends up in landfill or being burned in the UK every year. Research shows every person in the UK throws away 76kg of food a year, an increase of 9kg on 2018. The plastic packaging crackdown has been recommended by anti-waste charity Wrap, which advises the Government, although it is believed that some delicate items such as soft fruit will be exempt. While many supermarkets already sell fresh produce in recyclable or compostable bags, the new rules will make it compulsory. Environment Minister Robbie Moore said: 'Nobody wants to see good food go to waste. It harms our environment, it's bad for business and it's morally indefensible.' Tory MP Sir Robert Goodwill, chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee said: 'I welcome any attempts to reduce plastic packaging of supermarket food, and allow more people to buy fruit and veg loose.' Sir Robert, himself a farmer in North Yorkshire, added: 'Of course, some foodstuffs such as cucumbers will always be better sold pre-packed to lengthen the life of the product and prevent leakage that contaminates other foods. 'But that packing doesn't always have to be in plastic and, where possible, wholesalers and supermarkets should do their utmost to use recyclable, paper-based packaging.' Catherine David, director of behaviour change and business programmes at Wrap, said: 'We waste 12 per cent of the food that we buy, with an average household of four throwing away 1,000 of good food each year. 'This is happening because our food system is making it hard for people to buy only what they need, and to use more of what they buy. But a British Retail Consortium spokesman warned that any rules should not go too far, saying: 'There are economic and technical barriers to increasing loose produce (such as imported products), which would not be resolved by bringing forward legislation. 'With grocers already facing very significant cost increases across the supply chain it's important any further regulatory burdens are proportionate and part of a cohesive strategy.' READ MORE: Ex-Mormon on the church's 'creepy' baptisms for the DEAD An ex-member of a religious sect has lifted the lid on 'why certain people look Mormon,' claiming it's all a result of the community's incredibly strict rules about marriage. Alyssa Grenfell, 31, grew up within the confines of an ultra-strict household but escaped the uptight lifestyle and began to focus on reclaiming her body when she was in her late 20s after moving from Utah to New York in 2017. The former member of the Mormon church has since been sharing tidbits about her transformation and her journey to freedom as she dishes about the unknown truths surrounding the religion on her social media account. Now, Alyssa has revealed the reasoning behind Mormons' matching features - claiming that you can often tell whether someone is a member of the religious sect because of their similar appearances, which she said was the result of the religion's 'small gene pool'. An ex-Mormon has shared the secret as to why so many people in the religious community have the same looks Alyssa Grenfell, 31, grew up within the confines of an ultra-strict household, but escaped the uptight lifestyle and began to focus on reclaiming her body when she was in her late 20s Now, Alyssa has revealed the reasoning behind Mormons' matching features - with her using Ryan Gosling, who was raised Mormon, as an example In a clip posted to her YouTube account, Alyssa detailed why she thought Mormons look alike - beginning with who they love and their personalities. She said: 'Have you ever wondered why certain people look Mormon? I see this all over social media.' Alyssa pointed to Ryan Gosling, who was raised in a Mormon household but has previously said he never really consider himself one, as an example of someone can easily be identified as a member of the religion due to his appearance. The ex-member explained that this was because they only marry other people in the religion so they often share some DNA. 'Mormons really only marry other Mormons. You can't marry in a Mormon temple unless it's two Mormons getting married, this in large part has made it so that the gene pool is actually very small - especially in a place like Utah, where Mormons fled to be able to practice polygamy in peace,' Alyssa said. 'Those Mormons were only making babies with other Mormons for a very long time, and the only other opportunity to make the gene pool larger is to convert people.' Alyssa also noted that Mormons tend to be spotted from a crowd due to their personalities. 'I think another reason is not just the way Mormons look, but it's also their vibe. Mormons are hyper-friendly, almost too friendly. Mormons are taught to share their religion. I think that Mormon culture is very copycat,' she added. The ex-member explained that this is because they only marry other people in the religion so they often share some DNA Other celebrities who were raised Mormon and and have drawn comparisons are Katherine Heigl, Julianne Hough and Derek Hough Other celebrities who were raised Mormon and and have drawn comparisons are Katherine Heigl, Julianne Hough and Derek Hough Alyssa, along with her husband, left the Mormon Church and moved from Utah to New York City in 2017, embarking on a journey to discover what her life could be outside the church The former member explained that Mormons believe in the 'straight and narrow path,' which gives them a very strict and direct outline in life, which they can't stray from. She noted that they often believed that there was only 'one right way to do things.' Alyssa, along with her husband, left the Mormon Church and moved from Utah to New York City in 2017, embarking on a journey to discover what her life could be outside the church. Alyssa was a Missionary Training Center (MTC) teacher at the time she got married, and has spoken out about the undergarments she would wear under all her clothing. As she and her husband got older, they started trying things outside what was allowed in the Mormon church, like coffee and Alyssa experimented with not wearing undergarments under her clothes. As Alyssa, who has also written a book called How To Leave The Mormon Church gets older her fashion choices become bolder; as she starts to show more skin and 'reclaim her body back.' The mom-of-two and teacher previously showed off her full transformation in a clip shared to TikTok. The billionaire and his wife watched Saturday's UFC 300 event with a new look Zuckerberg wore a white shirt and gold chain, while his wife wore all-black The look is similar to Lauren Sanchez's 'mob wife' look from Milan Fashion Week Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery - and if the critics are correct, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan's latest 'mob chic' fashion adventure is the ultimate homage to Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. The Meta CEO and his wife debuted a different look at Saturday's UFC 300 event, showing off a more daring fashion choice. 'What an epic night,' the tech billionaire gushed in a Facebook post on Sunday, alongside several pictures and videos of the event. He then congratulated the event's winners, tagging Aljamain Sterling, Bo Nickal, Weili Zhang, Max Holloway and Alex Pereira in the post. The Meta CEO and his wife, Priscilla Chan, had a different look at Saturday's UFC 300 event, showing off a more daring fashion choice According to critics, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla's latest fashion adventure is an homage to Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's mob wife aesthetic The comparison between the billionaire couples was first made by Business Insider, who suggested the couple were coming for Bezos and Sanchez's 'mob chic crown.' While this isn't the first time Zuckerberg and his wife have been seen at a UFC event, the couple's major fashion glow up had other fans talking. Zuckerberg, 39, donned a white shirt, gold chain and black pants to watch the fight, and pose in photos with UFC champions. His wife opted for an all-black outfit, wearing a short black dress with tights and black leather shoes, with a solid gold necklace. She walked in wearing black sunglasses to accompany her sleek look. However, Facebook users were split over the tech founder's new look, with one person joking: 'One thing about Zuck he is going to dress like he got no money.' 'First time Ive ever seen Zuckerberg wear jewellery.. is he trying to be cool or something,' questioned another person. Others applauded his new look. 'I like your outfit mark,' an enthusiastic fan wrote. 'Still rockin those plains but a different style. Keep it up mark! Ill be waitin for your next post.' The Facebook founder, who trains in mixed martial arts himself, was even challenged to a fight by fellow billionaire Elon Musk last year. While this isn't the first time Zuckerberg and his wife have gone to a UFC event, the couple's major fashion glow up had other fans talking Zuckerberg, 39, donned a white shirt, gold chain and black pants to watch the fight Chan and Zuckerberg were seen mingling with UFC fighters at the event Zuckerberg has been fully engrossed in MMA training, with the billionaire tearing his ACL in November while training. He has been eyeing a return to the cage in September after revealing recovery was 'going well' post-surgery, but he has been unable to stay away from the sport in his competitive absence. Zuckerberg shocked fans by appearing in the corner of Alexander Volkanovski in California in February, where he walked to the Octagon with the Australian featherweight and his team ahead of his bout against Ilia Topuria. However, he could only watch on as Volkanovski suffered a knockout defeat to Topuria on the night. It's not the first time a billionaire couple has gone for a darker fashion choice. In January, Lauren Sanchez was spotted wearing a daring 'mob wife' inspired look at Milan Fashion Week. The former journalist, 54, donned a low-cut, floor-length sheer dress with lace detail, catching the eye of fashion lovers, who declared she had fully adopted the aesthetic. In addition to her figure-hugging black dress, she also wore a striking black jacket over her shoulders and her long hair flowing with choppy bangs. While the billionaire and his wife may be just experimenting with his fashion; the parallel to Bezo and Sanchez did not go unnoticed. Lauren Sanchez showed off a new aesthetic in January, embracing the 'mob wife' trend Her daring outfit and bold makeup look is on trend with the viral aesthetic. Sanchez pictured here with Bezos in Milan in January The trendy aesthetic is inspired by wives in famous mob movies, such as Carmela Soprano and Adriana La Cerva from The Sopranos, Karen Hill in Goodfellas, and Elvira Hancock in Scarface. The outfits are usually loud and flashy, with big fur coats and busy prints being key components to achieving the looks. This is paired with black clothes, gold bling, sunglasses, striking makeup and 'big' blown-out hair - often including a smokey eye look as well red lipstick and bright nails, such as red or French tips. Celebrities such as Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lawrence, have all adopted the mob-wife look - and recently snapped in garish designs and floor-length fur coats. Dua, 28, was recently seen in New York in a black lace ensemble and fur coat. Jennifer Lawrence, 33, has also entered her mob wife phase, with The Hunger Games actress snapped leaving the Golden Globes afterparty in a showy velour look. During a ski trip in Aspen, Kendall Jenner, 28, looked mob-wife chic in a floor-length fur coat paired with heeled black leather boots and matching leather gloves. Elon Musk has been mocked over his red carpet appearance at the annual Breakthrough Prize awards over the weekend. The SpaceX founder, 52, was seen hamming it up for the cameras as he struck a series of awkward poses - from extending his arms up and out like an orchestra conductor to a bizarre faux-tortured expression. Between poses, Musk, who was joined at the event by the likes of Margot Robbie, Robert Downey Jr, and Kim Kardashian, appeared amused at his own efforts, laughing to himself while surveying the pack of photographers and reporters gathered in front of him. Naturally, users who glimpsed the 32-second clip on Musk's social media platform X were quick to ridicule the billionaire after it was shared by The Hollywood Reporter. Elon Musk, 52, gave it his all during his red carpet appearance at the Breakthrough Prize awards - but his efforts were mercilessly mocked by users on his social media platform X After outstretching his arms as though an orchestra conductor, Musk morphed the pose into a strange faux-tortured expression He then transitioned into a stance of mock confusion, hunching up his shoulders as if pretending to shrug 'The awkward laugh and frantically looking around for validation every time kills me,' one X commenter cringed In the short video, Musk is also seen poking fun at the go-to celebrity red carpet pose by looking at cameras over his shoulder with his back turned. But not everyone was impressed with his moves as he appeared to be. 'The awkward laugh and frantically looking around for validation every time kills me,' one wrote. 'It's like watching Mitt Romney attempt foreplay,' a second imagined. 'Embarrassing,' a third scoffed. 'When you get your drawing on the fridge,' a fourth jeered, alongside a still shot of Musk looking extraordinarily pleased with himself. 'What a tool,' a fifth sneered. 'Why is he posing like a sim,' sixth person chimed in, observing that his movements appeared akin to the stilted, unnatural-looking maneuvers of the human-like Sims avatars in the eponymous video game series. 'He wants to be Tony Stark so bad,' a seventh pointed out of Musk's seeming reverence of comic-book characters. On viewing the 32-second clip of Musk posing, X users were quick to tear his efforts to shreds Still, a few X users came to Musk's defense - with one even defending his 'being goofy on the red carpet,' and pointing out that critiques would be better wielded at the billionaire's actions 'Oh god this hurts to watch. Why does he act like a 10 yr old who just discovered anime?' an eighth echoed. 'Richest man on earth, can't pose for a picture,' a ninth sighed. Still, a few came to Musk's defense. 'Now this is why we love the man. He is extremely smart, Yet ever so humble and funny,' one Musk-eteer gushed. And someone else sagely argued that perhaps the peanut gallery should reserve their judgements of Musk's actions, rather than tearing apart his surface-level mannerisms. In their words: 'So many mean comments and why? Over someone's looks? Being goofy in the red carpet? That's pretty endearing actually. Criticize people on their actions or words, but the personal attacks tend to say more about those engaging in that way than the ones being attacked.' His life changed after almost dying from Covid in 2021 SHOPPING - Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this article are selected by our writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Daily Mail Australia will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information. An Australian beauty entrepreneur has a new lease on life after he nearly died of Covid following early symptoms of a 'common cold'. Theo Ikosidekas, 36, from Melbourne, was a self-described 'workaholic' before being struck down by a deadly strain of Covid in 2021 that put him in an induced coma for two weeks. After being told he would need to be put into a coma because his oxygen levels were dangerously low, he frantically texted and emailed his employees in the middle of the night to ensure his brand BodyBlendz would stay afloat while he was gone. The brand skyrocketed to success with its famous natural coffee scrub and has since expanded to a hugely popular range of beauty and skin products, including its 'anti-cellulite' lotion and tan. While Theo eventually overcame his life-threatening illness he spent months learning how to walk again - and slowly learned to live life without being consumed by work. Beauty entrepreneur Theo Ikosidekas (pictured) was a 'workaholic' before being struck down by a deadly strain of Covid in October 2021 that put him in an induced coma for two weeks 'It was a different normal but finally I was able to stand on my feet and get back into what I love doing. With every bad situation, there is a positive and you should utilise it to your full potential,' Theo told FEMAIL. Theo started experiencing symptoms similar to the common cold one Friday in October of 2021 when Covid's Delta strain was rife in Melbourne. His age group was not yet eligible for the new vaccine and rapid antigen tests weren't readily available. After his two week coma, Theo had to relearn how to walk and build his strength as his muscles became weak and depleted By Saturday, lethargy had set in and on Sunday night Theo was so exhausted and short of breath he had to call an ambulance. Medical staff informed Theo his oxygen levels were sitting dangerously low at around 70 per cent. Anything below 90 per cent is cause for urgent medical intervention. He was told he would need to go into a medically-induced coma and be put on a ventilator to prevent brain damage; they didn't know how long he would be out for. Patients with oxygen deprivation are sometimes put into a coma to reduce brain swelling and inflammation that can cause brain damage. While he was in a life-threatening situation, Theo was mainly concerned about his business still being able to function in his absence. In hindsight he admits this was probably a subconscious distraction from the scary situation. 'I remember so vividly asking, "Do you know how long I'm gonna be unconscious for?" They said no, it was very vague,' he said. 'I'm in this state of mind, freaking out but thinking business like, "Okay, I need to give passwords out. Only I have access to the business bank accounts" while they're telling me I'm about to be put to sleep.' He said being in a coma was like having a series of strange dreams and nightmares. 'It's so weird to flash back to these sort of nightmares that you would have. They give you some sort of sedation medication, but you are still put to sleep,' Theo explained. 'I remember in the dream I was in a hospital and family and friends were always visiting me. I was trying to talk to them but no one was responsive to me.' However, due to Covid restrictions, Theo was not able to have any visitors. His family were getting daily phone calls with updates on his condition. When he was released from hospital he could only walk short distances and was forced to take a step back from the BodyBlendz and prioritise resting and recuperation When he was stabilised and woke 15 days later, he found out his oxygen levels dropped because the Covid had progressed to pneumonia and he contracted a secondary infection while in the ICU. 'I remember waking up and I was connected to a catheter... I didn't know what had just happened,' he recalled. 'I've got bruising above my ribs from all the tubes and scarring on my face from bed sores. They're constant reminders of what I went through.' Theo spent a week in the respiratory ward determined to build his strength and learn how to walk again after losing his muscle function while in the coma. When he was released from hospital he could only walk short distances and was forced to take a step back from his business and prioritise resting and recuperation. 'I was tired when I got home but it was great because the hospital offered at-home care where different therapists would come in every few days,' he said. Theo gradually picked up work again and was back at it by early 2022 without returning to his former 'workaholic' habits and relinquishing control to his loyal BodyBlendz team As he recovered, Theo gradually picked up work again and was back at it by early 2022 without returning to his former 'workaholic' habits and relinquishing control to his team. 'Having to trust my team and not do everything myself has been the greatest learning for BodyBlendz and myself as an entrepreneur,' he said. 'Like so many other start-ups you think you have to do everything yourself, it wasn't until I was literally forced to hand things over that I realised not only was this possible it's actually led to huge growth.' Theo said he focuses on getting plenty of 'me time' and started seeing a psychiatrist after suffering PTSD from being in a coma which led to a life-changing ADHD diagnosis. 'I thought the issues I was facing were part of the Covid recovery - but nearly two years into my recovery I noticed they weren't going away,' he said. Theo said he focuses on getting plenty of 'me time' and started seeing a psychiatrist after suffering PTSD from being in a coma which led to a life-changing ADHD diagnosis 'I struggled to focus, to finish tasks. Not only that, family made me realise that these things had always been a struggle for me, they were just heightened now.' He said he had a very 'all or nothing' approach to his work in that he could do 'two months of work in a week' and then burn out and feel exhausted. Theo found a combination of medication through trial and error as well as management strategies that worked to his strengths and alleviated his more challenging symptoms. 'Medication is just one part of managing ADHD. Therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and self-awareness play equally crucial roles and it's something I am working on,' he said. 'I just can't believe it's taken me until my mid-thirties to work out what was wrong.' He views his ADHD as a superpower in that it brings unique strengths, including creativity, hyper-focus abilities and a distinct way of thinking. Theo being able to manage and utilise his ADHD coupled with his new work-life balance has better equipped him to grow the brand. The BodyBlendz range is now available at Chemist Warehouse and Woolworths and Theo is setting his sights on stocking the brand internationally. He wants fellow entrepreneurs facing similar challenges to 'embrace your unique brain', and play to their strengths and weaknesses. You can browse the range here. Queen Mary of Denmark has written a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offering her condolences following the Bondi Junction attack. Anthony Albanese said the Australian-born royal expressed her 'solidarity and concern' over the devastating incident which left six innocent shoppers dead at the hand of Queensland man Joel Cauchi. The Prime Minister told Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson live on radio on Monday that he had just woken to the 'lovely' letter from the Queen. Daily Mail Australia requested a copy of the letter, however the Prime Minister's office declined as it is deemed private correspondence. Police have revealed Cauchi suffered from mental health concerns which were likely behind Saturday afternoon's horrific attack. Queen Mary of Denmark has written a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offering her condolences following the Bondi Junction attack Queen Mary has been a staunch advocate for mental health since she stepped on to the world stage and has described it as 'one of the great challenges of our time'. On Saturday the Danish Royal Palace posted an unrelated message, aiming at improved mental health services for young people, on behalf of the Queen. 'Mental depression is a big challenge among our children and young people. 15% will receive a psychiatric diagnosis before they turn 18, according to the Health Board,' the Queen's message read. Police have revealed Cauchi suffered from mental health concerns which were likely behind Saturday afternoon's horrific attack 'Although mental illness can affect everyone, it can be difficult to ask for help and find the right support or treatment,' she added. 'Today I met with the Psychiatrifonden and Novo Nordisk Fonden, who have [come] together to create better help for children and young people with mental illnesses that require treatment.' Australian jewellery brand Michael Hill is set to undergo a drastic overhaul with international model and entrepreneur Miranda Kerr as its global ambassador. For decades Michael Hill has been known to millions as an affordable jewellery brand - but everything is about to change. Chief Marketing Officer Jo Feeney told FEMAIL the rebrand has been three years in the making with the goal to move into a 'higher end premium jewellery category'. The Michael Hill logo, stores, social media and website will be completely transformed for the ultimate refresh. Images of store renders appear elegant and luxurious - a significant difference to the old purple and grey colour scheme. This image of international model Miranda Kerr marks the drastic rebrand of Australian fine jewellery brand Michael Hill. For decades its been known to sell affordable jewellery but now will be moving in the a higher end premium space Ms Kerr said she's honoured to be part of the transformation at such a pivotal moment for the brand. 'This partnership is so special to me because one of my first photoshoots in my career was with Michael Hill over 20 years ago,' she added Before: Michael Hill has been known for decades as an affordable jeweller After: Now the Michael Hill logo, stores and website will be completely refreshed. Images of store renders (pictured) appear elegant and luxurious - a significant difference to the old purple and grey colour scheme The revamp was decided with the intension to veer away from the perception that Michael Hill is an affordable jewellery brand on the lower end of the spectrum. 'We want to move into more premium space - not luxury. Michael Hill will still be known as a fine jeweller but will move away from the affordable end,' Ms Feeney said. Ms Kerr said she's honoured to be part of the transformation at such a pivotal moment for the brand. 'I am thrilled to be the Michael Hill ambassador; this partnership is so special to me because one of my first photoshoots in my career was with Michael Hill over 20 years ago,' she said. 'I'm proud to support Michael Hill in the next chapter of its journey, just like they supported me all those years ago.' 'This next chapter in the brand is super exciting as they continue to create beautiful, sentimental jewellery that captures the meaningful moments. I love the campaign and the brand's new elevated direction.' Ms Feeney said she believes the logo is the 'most dramatic change' of the rebrand (pictured) Michael Hill's Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Bracken, said Ms Kerr's appointment was a 'critical element' of its long-term strategy. 'Miranda not only embodies our brand values, but she's close to our antipodean roots and is the epitome of timeless elegance and sophistication,' he said. 'Michael Hill has the ambition to be one of the most sustainable jewellery brands in the world and this aligns perfectly with the sustainable business practices that Miranda follows'. Customers can expect elevated fine jewellery with stores of neutral tones radiating sophistication and elegance The new colour palette and packaging was designed with simplicity in mind, and was inspired by the beautiful green New Zealand landscapes from which Sir Michael Hill began the story of the brand nearly 45 years ago To celebrate the rebrand Michael Hill will launch a signature lock collection, a range of limited edition products and a selection of higher-end pieces priced beyond $100,000. However, Ms Feeney said the loyal current Michael Hill customers won't get left behind as a selection of affordable products will still be available less than $10,000. Customers can expect elevated fine jewellery with stores of neutral tones radiating sophistication and elegance. The new colour palette and packaging was designed with simplicity in mind, and was inspired by the beautiful green New Zealand landscapes from which Sir Michael Hill began the story of the brand nearly 45 years ago. A traveller was left scratching his head after a confusing trip to an Australian cafe where he discovered a secret 'unspoken rule' that everyone should know. The Chinese man asked on Reddit: 'Are you supposed to leave soon after you finish all your food in a cafe?' He shared that the waitress asked him an innocent question that sparked a surprising realisation. 'I finished my food and coffee but was still reading my book, then a waitress came to take the dishes and asked me if I'd like another coffee,' he said. 'Is that a hint that I should leave if I'm not ordering anything more? I did prefer to sit a bit longer to read my book. Is that okay?' Australians debated the proper etiquette of staying at cafes after finishing your food Australians debated the proper etiquette in the comments, with the consensus being to take a closer look at the context. 'If it's really busy or there are people waiting for tables, then yes, it's better to leave. Or if it's getting close to closing time, or you've been there for hours and haven't bought much then it would be polite to buy something more,' one summed up. It is generally thought that spending 30-45 minutes at a cafe is standard if you're in a party of more than two people and have ordered food and beverages. One even said that staying for up to 20 minutes after you finished eating was acceptable. 'It's okay [to linger] for a little bit but that cafe is trying to make money, not provide you a place to read. If you want somewhere nice to read, go look for a library or a local park with a big tree,' a man suggested. Some pointed out that the traveller was thinking too deeply about the simple encounter. 'They're asking if you want another coffee since you have finished your meal. You are reading into this far too much,' a woman said. 'They are trained to ask if you need more coffee. It's good customer service and more money in the register if you order another!' one wrote. 'Well-trained floor staff will kindly let you know they need your table others are waiting. 'If the cafe isn't full, they would be more than happy for you to stay and read. A cafe with people in it looks better than an empty one,' another said. By Baek Byung-yeul LG Uplus, SK Telecom and other ICT companies are scrambling to recruit experts in artificial intelligence at a time when enabling AI has become a top survival priority for companies, especially tech companies, according to the companies and industry officials, Monday. They said they are rolling up their sleeves to increase the number of AI professionals by dispatching the company's top executives to the United States where the world's top AI experts are gathered and offering to foster university students majoring in ICT as their AI professionals. An official in the IT industry here said tech companies are scrambling to recruit AI experts because AI-related businesses are important and will be responsible for their future. "Recruiting talented personnel with experience in the AI industry or majoring in AI has become a top priority for ICT companies. The importance of the AI industry will continue to grow in the future, so the competition for attracting experts will continue, the official said on condition of anonymity. LG Uplus said its CEO Hwang Hyeon-sik hosted a recruiting event in Silicon Valley on Saturday (local time), inviting more than 10 masters and doctoral students studying AI at major U.S. schools such as Stanford University, Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois. The telecommunications company said its CEO traveled to the U.S. as part of efforts to attract experts and strengthen its AI capabilities, adding that the attendees are students in core AI fields such as natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLM) and AI vision. "LG Uplus aims to be a digital transformation platform company that drives change in the daily lives of our customers," Hwang told the attendees. "To achieve this, we need AI technology that will make customer experience a reality, and most importantly, people who can advance this technology. The company said students taking part in the event were excited that LG Uplus, with its agile corporate culture, will be able to quickly try out various things related to new AI technologies. SK Telecom also said that it is garnering applicants for its future AI expert nurturing program, SKT AI Fellowship. Undergraduates and graduate students studying AI are eligible to apply for the program by forming teams of three or less and submitting their research plans by next month. Participants of the previous AI Fellowship program wrote papers and filed patents based on their research, and some of their technologies have been commercialized in SK Telecoms services, the company said, adding that this years program is focused on researching generative AI projects such as LLM and multimodality. The selected teams will conduct research projects from May to October, mentored by current developers, and will receive research support and rewards of up to 10 million won ($7,230) per team. The winners will also be able to pass the first round of the companys recruitment process. "We hope that the participants of the SKT AI Fellowship will grow into future professionals in the AI field experiencing the real world and gaining solid practical experience," said Ahn Jung-hwan, head of corporate culture at SK Telecom. Kakao and KT are also operating recruitment-linked programs with domestic universities to ensure a stable supply of AI experts. The companies offer courses in machine learning, deep learning and AI vision in collaboration with universities and provide internships and job opportunities to students who complete the courses. A KFC fan favourite is back - and turning up the heat - after a three-year hiatus and almost constant demand from customers. Hot Rods, which first appeared on the Colonels menu in 2007 and were last served in 2021, returned to Australian restaurants (outside of South Australia) on Tuesday. The 'spicy feeds on a stick' are 'simple yet delicious', incorporating the chain's famous chicken and crispy-golden coating with a bit of a spicy kick. There have long been demands on Instagram for the Colonel to bring the skewered rods back Down Under. 'Bring these juicy babes back,' one fan demanded. Hot Rods, which first appeared on the Colonels menu in 2007 and were last served in 2021, returned to Australian restaurants on Tuesday 'It's time. Bring it back,' another said under an old photo of the snack. 'Bring back the hot rods,' a third commented on an unrelated post by the fast food giant. The calls have been answered - albeit for a limited time. Available from Tuesday April 16 to Monday May 13, all Hot Rods can be purchased from participating restaurants nationwide, excluding South Australia. Available from Tuesday 16 April to Monday 13 May, all Hot Rods can be purchased from participating restaurants nationwide, excluding South Australia Hot Rods are available as a two-piece snack with a side of KFCs aioli sauce for $4.95 at KFC restaurants or via the KFC app for just $2.95. The Hot Rods Combo for $8.95, which includes two Hot Rods, aioli sauce, chips and a drink. Tourists in the know are visiting a theme park on an island in Vietnam that looks just like a European city. Grand World Phu Quoc, dubbed the 'sleepless city', bears a striking resemblance to Venice in Italy with stunning architecture, colourful buildings and vibrant streets. While the facades are eye-catching the buildings are hollow, often with just a cafe, store or restaurant on the ground floor and nothing above. They are much like the buildings on the iconic Las Vegas strip. Families have raved about the destination online and rated it a 'must-see' five-star holiday for those with young kids. Grand World offers a lookalike of Venice in a Vietnam theme park (pictured). The buildings are picturesque, colourful and make for the perfect 'Instagrammable' moment Thousands of tourists have travelled to the island theme park to snap the perfect shot While the facades are eye-catching the buildings are hollow often with just a cafe, store or restaurant on the ground floor and nothing above - much like the buildings on the iconic Las Vegas strip The park spans across an impressive 85 hectares and has been described as 'glorious'. Visitors can find a plethora of fun activities to explore and watch, including roller coasters, evening shows, a taxi boat or gondola ride, and performances by Disney characters. There's also the Teddy Bear Museum, Art Park, and 40-minute water show at night. Travellers recommend staying all day and into the evening to get the full experience of the park. Families have raved about the destination online and rated it a 'must-see' five-star holiday for those with young kids The park spans across an impressive 85 hectares and has been described as 'glorious' When the sun goes down the building lights glisten and reflect off the river running through the city When the sun goes down the building lights glisten and reflect off the river running through the city. Travellers who have visited Grand World have boasted about it online and shared their experiences. 'Grand World was incredible, words cannot describe it, access to all the rides are included as well as the mermaid show at 2pm and the water show at 6.45pm, not to mention flying on Aladdin's carpet and visiting the seven dwarfs house, just fabulous! It was a fun day and I'd highly recommend it for all ages,' one wrote. 'This place is amazing at night. The bright lights and the vibe is great. There was a black out during the water show so they restarted, but other than that, there's many cafes and restaurants around the main canal,' another said. 'What a stunning place to visit. The Venice boat ride is just lovely in the evening on sunset and you have loads of food and beverage place to enjoy,' a third wrote. In addition to Grand World there's another two parks - Vinpearl Safari and VinWonders. GPs in affluent areas write almost twice as many HRT prescriptions as those in poorer regions, a new report claims laying bare the postcode lottery for menopause treatments. Researchers found doctors in wealthy districts also spend twice as much on medications, appointments and complementary therapies for women aged 45 to 60. As a stark example of the divide, 1,636 HRT items were prescribed per 1,000 women last year in well-off Winchester, compared with just 346 items per 1,000 women in deprived Sparkhill, Birmingham. The NHS spent 26,253 per 1,000 women in Winchester, but just 5,030 per 1,000 women in Sparkhill. In wealthy Somerset West, 1,676 HRT items are prescribed and 26,221 is spent per 1,000 women aged 45-60, compared with 275 items and 4,144 per 1,000 women in deprived Barking and Dagenham, east London. Researchers found doctors in wealthy districts also spend twice as much on medication (stock image) More than 80 per cent of women will experience debilitating menopause symptoms for more than one year (stock image) According to the study, women from ethnic minorities were the least likely to receive adequate treatment though that may be due to cultural factors. The report, which was commissioned by women's health company Theramex, recommends increased training for GPs on menopause, as well as community engagement to raise awareness of treatments and better access to prescriptions for women. Some clinicians interviewed by the researchers said offering evening, weekend and online appointments had broken down many barriers women encountered when trying to access treatment. Janet Lindsay, of health charity Wellbeing Of Women, said: 'As this report highlights, there are stark inequalities for women accessing HRT for the menopause. 'Existing sources of information and care are generally not designed to meet the particular needs of women from ethnic minority backgrounds, poorer communities or who are disabled, and urgent action is needed to help them get the support they need. 'More needs to be done to ensure that all women have the same access to menopause care and treatment, regardless of where they live.' She said Wellbeing Of Women is promoting grassroots groups working with women from marginalised communities to improve their health outcomes. In wealthy Somerset West, 1,676 HRT items are prescribed and 26,221 is spent per 1,000 women aged 45-60, compared with 275 items and 4,144 per 1,000 women in deprived Barking and Dagenham (stock image) Tina Backhouse, of Theramex, which commissioned the study, said: 'It is not right that women face a cruel lottery for essential care. Despite positive steps, including the publication of the Women's Health Strategy for England, progress has been too slow. 'Every day that passes, and every woman that is forced to manage without basic care, has a public health and economic impact that policymakers must address.' More than 80 per cent of women will experience debilitating menopause symptoms for more than one year, the report said, and many will still have symptoms seven years after their final period. These symptoms can significantly reduce a woman's quality of life and lead to an overall loss of productivity. Education about these symptoms is lacking among public and healthcare professionals. A 2021 Freedom of Information request, which was responded to by 32 medical schools, found that 41 per cent of UK universities do not have mandatory menopause education on the curriculum. A30 year-old mother has shared a horrifying image of 20 giant blood clots found lurking in her leg - a gruesome side effect of birthing a 'whopping' sized baby. Starla Ellis, 30, from Dayton, Ohio, had recently given birth to a 9lb 10.5oz newborn, following a prolonged and agonizing labor, when she began feeling 'excruciating' pain in her right leg. Doctors at the hospital said the pain was a result of a blood clot that likely formed due to pressure on the blood vessels in her lower body. The physicians sent her home with blood thinners - but she returned a couple of days later after her leg went totally stiff. Scans taken revealed she in fact had scores of blood clots in her leg that would prove deadly if they weren't removed immediately. Ms Ellis said: 'I was terrified and I didn't think I was going to make it out [of the hospital]' Ms Ellis gave birth to her third child Amaris via emergency C-section after the baby got 'stuck' Ms Ellis said her third child Amaris, who eventually arrived via an emergency C-section in November, got 'stuck' in her vaginal canal - which led to excessive pushing before doctors decided to take her to the OR. After the birth, Ms Ellis went home as planned but the mother-of-three soon began to experience a 'burning ache' in her lower back, which then moved to her abdomen and into her right leg. Ms Ellis said she first believed the pain to be her body releasing pregnancy hormones and readjusting in the weeks after giving birth to her son. But when the pain became unbearable, she went to the hospital where she claims she was told she had one blood clot in the femoral artery in her right leg and was given blood thinners and sent home. The 20 red blood clots laying on a piece of cloth after they were removed from Ms Ellis' right leg Initially Ms Ellis thought the medication was working but when her leg went stiff and she couldn't bend it, she visited another hospital for a second opinion two days later. The customer service worker claims here she underwent an ultrasound where she was told she actually had 20 clumps in her leg and they needed to be surgically removed right away. Disturbing photos show the bulging red clots on a piece of cloth after they were removed from her right leg. Ms Ellis claims she thought she would die and is now urging people to be persistent with their hospital referrals to ensure they get the care they need the first time round. Ms Ellis said: 'I broke down when I saw how many blood clots were in my leg as I didn't realize it was that bad. 'Seeing a photo of all the blood clots put it into perspective of how bad it was and how close it was to me losing my life. 'Not only did the photo of the 20 blood clots shock me, it hurt my feelings that the previous doctor let me walk out of the hospital.' According to the CDC, blood clots can be very serious and need to be treated quickly. They can lead to illness, disability and even death if not treated early. While it remains unclear what caused the clots, Ms Ellis claims a doctor told her the blood clots could have been caused by possible C-section complications. According to Medical News Today, there are two kinds of blood clots women may experience after giving birth. One is clots that are passed through the vagina in the days after birth, which are from the shedding of the womb's lining and the detachment of the placenta. Ms Ellis with her family while pregnant with her third child Ms Ellis also said Amaris was a very 'big' baby for her size. 'I was told he was going to be a big baby and he was big for my body as I'm five foot three and he was 9lbs 10oz,' she said The second is clots that happen inside the body's veins, which are uncommon but can be life-threatening. This may be because pregnancy raises the pressure in the veins in your legs and pelvis, making clots more likely. Ms Ellis also said Amaris was a very 'big' baby for her size. 'I was told he was going to be a big baby and he was big for my body as I'm five foot three and he was 9lbs 10oz,' she said. 'The pain [in my leg after the C-section] was pretty persistent and kept getting worse and I went to the emergency room. 'At this point, the pain was excruciating. I couldn't move and I had to almost crawl to the car to go to the hospital.' Doctors ran some tests on her and discovered a blood clot in a large blood vessel in her leg. She was sent home with a blood thinner and told to follow up with her doctor in a week. 'As they discharged me I was quite concerned as I had a numbing feeling in my leg but I just ignored this as the hospital said I was good to leave. 'At first, I thought the blood thinners were working. I tried to push through as the hospital had cleared me but by that night I was back on the floor. 'My leg was completely stiff at this point and I couldn't bend it. Complete terror was going through my head and I thought I might lose my leg,' she said. She decided to go to a different ER for a second opinion. 'I had a fever at this point and I was given pain medicine but it did not help at all as the pain was so bad. 'I was then sent up to the blood and vascular department and they ran some tests on me and did an ultrasound on my leg and they realized that the clots were a lot worse. 'I was terrified and I didn't think I was going to make it out [of the hospital].' After being shown a photo of the 20 clots removed from her leg, she said she 'broke down' at the sight of them. Ms Ellis said: 'You need to stay persistent with your doctor with your healthcare and they don't always seem to be as worried as you are. 'You know your body and if you feel like something is wrong you need to get it checked out. 'Make sure you follow up with your doctor as blood clots can be fatal.' Thousands of breast cancer cases could be prevented each year if women drank less alcohol and breastfed more, a major report warns today. One on four UK cases are down to 'modifiable risk factors', which could be reduced with lifestyle changes. Almost one in 20 around 2,600 cases - are linked to low breastfeeding rates and one in 10 to alcohol consumption , according to research by the Lancet Commission. While 'tremendous advances' in research and treatments have slashed death rates, bold policy actions are now needed to promote better lifestyles, it said. Checking your breasts should be part of your monthly routine so you notice any unusual changes. Simply, rub and feel from top to bottom, feel in semi-circles and in a circular motion around your breast tissue to feel for any abnormalities Latest figures show there are 55,900 new cases of the disease each year, with around 11,500 deaths. The Commission, led by the University of Cambridge, studied the diagnosis, treatment and experiences of women diagnosed with the most common cancer in the world. In high income countries including the UK, there were more cases of preventable disease triggered by factors such as sedentary lifestyles and obesity. Experts estimate 4.7 per cent of UK cases are linked to women not breastfeeding, which is known to lower the risk of disease by four per cent for every 12 months spent doing it. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life. Yet the UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates globally with only around one in 200 women continuing past 12 months. Ministers have been urged to implement policies that encourage breastfeeding such as ensuring 'supportive work environments' where mothers can breastfeed or express milk. Elsewhere, researchers found those who have a small glass of wine a day are nine per cent more likely to get breast cancer than non-drinkers, rising to 60 per cent among the heaviest drinkers. Officials must consider smoking-style warnings on alcohol or following Scotland's lead with minimum pricing, it suggests, blaming it for around one in ten cases. It follows a recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggesting British women are the biggest binge drinkers in the developed world. One in four regularly down more than six drinks in one drinking session, despite the increased risk of heart disease, strokes, liver cirrhosis and certain cancers. Between eight and 13 per cent of breast cancer cases in the UK are due to obesity, the Commission found, which increases the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Symptoms of breast cancer to look out for include lumps and swellings, dimpling of the skin, changes in colour, discharge and a rash or crusting around the nipple The percentages of breast cancer attributable to hormone replacement therapy and hormonal contraceptives in the UK is 2.1 per cent and 08 per cent respectively, it added. Dr Simon Vincent, director of research, support and influencing at Breast Cancer Now, said several factors including genetics, lifestyle and environment, play a part. He said: 'While we can't predict who will get breast cancer, we know that prevention is our best weapon against the disease and there are some things people can do to lower their risk of getting it. 'The Lancet Breast Cancer Commission report highlights that many cases of breast cancer are preventable, but not enough people know about modifiable risk factors and the steps they can take to minimise their chance of developing the disease. 'These include lowering alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active. 'It's vital that women are supported to make healthy lifestyle changes that can positively impact their health and help lower their risk of breast cancer.' For several years Ive suffered from lower back pain. In the past year Ive had MRI and CT scans, X-rays, a colonoscopy and ultrasound scans, which found only some degeneration of the spine. The pain seems to improve when I get up, but its there all the time and is affecting me badly. Nadine Taylor, Southport. Dr Scurr replies: It sounds like youve had a comprehensive set of investigations yet, despite that, you dont have an exact diagnosis. I wonder if the issue is facet joint arthritis, because from the kind of tests youve had, it seems other common causes of lower back pain at your age (you say youre 73), such as a collapsed vertebra due to osteoporosis or a slipped disc, have been ruled out. The facet joints come in pairs - one on the top and one at the bottom on each side of the vertebrae - and stabilise the spine. One option for back pain is a surgical procedure known as rhizolysis, using radio-frequency ablation to destroy the nerves leading to the joints Osteoarthritis or degeneration of the facet joints is common, and the vast majority of adults over the age of 60 will have it to some extent. Yet the degree of discomfort and pain will vary. Some people with facet joint deterioration experience little in the way of symptoms, with just a bit of stiffness perhaps; others are crippled by chronic pain. (In old-fashioned terms, the pain might have been described as lumbago.) Treatment, typically, is with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy and, at times, other complementary approaches such as acupuncture or tai chi. If these dont help, another option is a surgical procedure known as rhizolysis, using radio-frequency ablation to destroy the nerves leading to the joints. The specialist first injects local anaesthetic into the affected joint. If this immediately resolves the pain, it confirms the problem is facet joint arthritis and then radiofrequency ablation is performed, bringing pain relief that may last for years. Id recommend asking your GP or physiotherapist specifically if the scans showed facet joint arthritis. If so, you should be referred to a spinal surgeon. I wake up most mornings with a stuffy nose and I sneeze a lot. It disappears by about midday but Ive got into the habit of taking an antihistamine and a cold and flu pill every morning to stop it. Is this safe long term? Gina Knight, East London. Dr Scurr replies: The fact that taking an antihistamine appears to control your symptoms leads me to conclude that your symptoms are due to allergic rhinitis inflammation in nasal passages. Antihistamines are a type of drug known as anticholinergics, which inhibit the action of certain brain chemicals and include tricyclic antidepressants and drugs used to treat Parkinsons. There is evidence linking some of these drugs to dementia if taken long term, though I can reassure you that regular antihistamine use is not implicated. But I wonder whats causing your night-time nasal allergy; it could be feathers in your pillows or duvets and/or house dust. Its not unusual to develop an allergy in adulthood triggered by, for example, a viral infection or the menopause; some kind of change in your immunology that switches on an allergy gene. I suggest vacuuming carefully on and under your mattress and under the bed, and dusting all surfaces regularly (the advice is to do this twice a month). You could also try using an anti-allergy nasal spray at night rather than an oral antihistamine, if you do want to avoid a long-term anticholinergic. The most effective are corticosteroid sprays such as beclomethasone. As with any medication, such sprays can have their own side-effects, principally excessive nasal drying and nosebleeds (stop using the spray if you experience either of these). Id switch to using this at night and in the morning. After a couple of months, youll be in a position to compare its effectiveness with the antihistamines. A woman who took ibuprofen for her flu-like symptoms suffered a horrific reaction that caused red and swollen eyes and snake-like scales on her face. The 45-year-old patient had taken the over-the-counter painkiller just hours earlier and also had an odd yellow crust on her lips and severe swelling of her face. She was rushed to hospital in Iraq, and diagnosed with a vanishingly rare severe adverse reaction to ibuprofen called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. This happens when the immune system over-reacts to a trigger, such as a drug, causing high levels of inflammation and leading it to attack the body's own cells, including those in the skin causing blistering and swelling. Doctors said she had suffered from a vanishingly rare severe adverse reaction to ibuprofen caused by the immune system sparking high levels of inflammation The patient was sent to the ICU where she had a tube put down her throat to administer fluids, received an IV drip and was prescribed a course of antibiotics. Doctors kept her in the ward for seven days until the swelling began to subside and no new rashes emerged. She had never suffered the reaction from ibuprofen before, and it was unclear whether the woman who had no underlying illnesses had suffered any long-term effects from the reaction. Revealing the rare case in Clinical Case Reports, the doctors said: 'Ibuprofen... has long been a stalwart in the realm of pain relief and inflammation management. 'However, behind its commonplace presence in medicine cabinets, there lies a potential peril that, though rare, demands our attention and understanding.' They added: 'While ibuprofen is generally safe, the rare occurrence of severe reactions such as SJS serves as a reminder that no medication is entirely without risk.' Rashes also erupted across the patient's limbs, as shown above. Tests revealed the outer layer of her skin, containing billions of healthy cells, had also detached The woman, 45, was rushed into intensive care in Iraq after suffering from these symptoms after taking ibuprofen Americans take an estimated 30 billion doses of over-the-counter or prescription painkillers such as ibuprofen every year, with the vast majority having no reactions. Only in extremely rare cases are serious reactions such as SJS are recorded with 847 cases in the US linked to ibuprofen since 2004. Patients are commonly hospitalized and in some cases can die from the disease. In the reaction, the immune system triggers high levels of inflammation against ibuprofen misidentifying it as a threat. This can cause problems in the outer skin, which contains billions of healthy cells and a lot of blood vessels, which may cause the outer layer to become detached in certain places. The woman told doctors she had taken two 400mg tablets of ibuprofen before the reaction. Tests on her internal organs such as her lungs and heart showed these were all functioning normally. But a sample taken from her skin revealed that the outer layer had separated from the body leading to the diagnosis. Doctors also recorded signs of necrosis, or when healthy cells begin to die because of a failure in the blood supply. The woman also had no underlying illnesses and was a nonsmoker and did not consume alcohol. She was treated by doctors at Al Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital in Thi Qar, southern Iraq. A major Chinese pharma firm is stealing Americans genetic information to build a massive worldwide database, lawmakers say. WuXi AppTec, which has bases in Massachusetts, Delaware, and California devises molecules and tests them in the lab and in animals that US pharmaceutical companies base their medications on, some of which help treat cancer and cystic fibrosis among other serious health issues. But the company, which has close ties with the Chinese Communist Party, has been found to have gleaned a mountain of Americans' genetic information via hacks and corporate mergers. Last month, a congressional committee passed a bill to pressure health firms to decouple themselves from the company. Ongoing investigations have shown that private genetic sequences via blood samples, DNA data, and individuals medical histories have landed in Chinese companies hands due to hacks and corporate mergers. Sensitive data is believed to be gathered in China to develop medicines for its military, posing what lawmakers have called a major national security risk funded by US taxpayers. Nearly $6 billion in profits for WuXi, which Congress warns is collecting Americans' private data, comes from US contracts WuXi has been targeted by Congressional efforts to pressure US health firms to decouple from the drugmaker, which creates crucial cancer and cystic fibrosis treatments Reports over the past five years have shown that companies like WuXi AppTec have posed a threat to private information and intellectual property. WuXi makes some or all of the main ingredients for costly medicines, such as Imbruvica, a leukemia treatment from Janssen and AbbVie which runs for about $130,000 per year, and Trikafta, a cystic fibrosis medication that costs about $320,000 per year. About two-thirds of Wuxis sales last year came from the US. The companys revenue has more than quadrupled from 2018 to $5.6 billion in 2023. According to Global Data's Pharma Intelligence Center Drugs by Manufacturer database, WuXi is behind 19 biosimilar drugs, or drugs that are derived from human or animals cells, not in the lab. A bill in the House trained on WuXi, linking it to the military arm of the CCP, the Peoples Liberation Army. Lawmakers who wrote the bill say that the company has sponsored military operations linked to the CCP in China. According to the House of Representatives, WuXi's chairman has thanked the CCP's work in the company and has linked its success to CCP support. It also pledged to keep working with the CCP, establishing a 'management committee' staffed by party officials. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security passed a bill by 11 to 1 to restrict business with WuXi and another firm called BGI, though the bill has a long way to go before becoming law. WuXi AppTec has received millions in tax incentives to create research and manufacturing sites in California, Massachusetts and Delaware. The company develops molecules that could cure diseases and test them in the lab and in animal models to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Dr Peter Kolchinsky, managing partner of the firm RA Capital Management, said: Your U.S. company has the idea and raises the money and owns the rights to the drug. But they may count on WuXi or similar contractors for almost every step of the process. China is building a global database of genetic information that could be used to boost surveillance and build bioweapons, according to House Republican Mike Gallagher, who chairs the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party. He said: The database includes Americans, whose DNA theyre collecting with large cyber hacks, corporate acquisitions, and other methods to include the collection of DNA from 8 million pregnant women globally. WuXi insists that it does not pose any threat to national security, has denied using genetic data, and that efforts to limit its activity in the US relies on misleading allegations and inaccurate assertions to propose preemptive and unjustified prohibitions against our company without due process. The company is a major boon for at least 200 biotech firms in the US BGI, meanwhile, was recently added to the US Commerce Departments list of foreign entities deemed a national security risk and has said that it does not have access to Americans' personal data. Democratic Sen Gary Peters, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said: Its important that when Americans undergo typical medical care, such as getting their blood drawn or other tests, they are confident their DNA will not end up in the wrong hands. A Reuters investigation into BGIs practices found that the company has worked with the Chinese government to create a prenatal test that theyre using to collect genetic data from millions of women in order to conduct research on the traits of whole populations. BGI used its prenatal test, among the most popular in the world and sold in at least 52 countries, which analyzes leftover blood samples and genetic data to gather information, capture data on the woman who uses the test including height and weight. Over 8 million women have taken the tests globally. In a recent article, I said at least 20 micro-cap life sciences stocks were waiting to pop once interest returned to the sector. Investors can now add Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals to the watch list after it pulled off the near impossible by raising $4.2million at a time when investors have largely gone into hibernation. This feat of resourcefulness, which will fund the initial stages of a first-in-human study of the drug developer's lead asset, HEMO-CAR-T, only tells part of the story. The pedigree of the scientific team backing the efforts of Hemogenyx is impressive. At the same time, the interest in the next generation of CAR-T the type of therapy that Hemogenyx is developing amongst big pharma has seen the likes of AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Abbvie and Novartis top the billion-dollar threshold in milestone and royalty payments. The pedigree of the scientific team backing the efforts of Hemogenyx is impressive Upfront payments, usually a good litmus test of 'real' interest from these titans of the world of drugs, have been eye-watering; in some cases up to $100million. The reason? CAR-T offers something that the healthcare industry rarely comes up with a curative treatment, showing the world has truly moved on from the era of me-too, once-a-day pills such as statins. Anyway, before we delve into the nuts and bolts of the Hemogenyx investment case, it is probably worth explaining just what CAR-T therapy is and how it might revolutionise the treatment of cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), which is the particular area of interest of this UK biotech. CAR-T, or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, redefines the battle against the disease by reprogramming the body's own natural defences, called T-cells, to recognise and kill cancer cells. This advanced form of immunotherapy involves extracting T-cells from a patient, genetically engineering them to target cancer cells, and then reintroducing these enhanced cells into the patient's bloodstream. CAR-T has demonstrated remarkable success in tackling certain blood cancers, offering new avenues for combating previously untreatable cancers. Despite its potential, much of the research is now focused on CAR-T therapy's significant side effects, while broadening its applicability to a wider array of cancers. Hemogenyx will use the newly raised funds to take HEMO-CAR-T into the clinic to treat AML later this year. The open-label study will test for any potential side effects from treating people with blood-borne diseases and assess how the therapy interacts with the body. A secondary goal or 'endpoint' will be whether any of the critically ill AML patients chosen for the trial respond to the CAR-T infusion. Under the strict guidelines laid down by the US Food & Drug Administration, patients will be dosed individually one month apart, recognising people are being administered with a potentially toxic cells. Hemogenyx hopes to have the results from 'two, or even three patients' in time for the American Society of Hematology conference in early December. Success at this stage would be a 30% response rate, says Dr Vladislav Sandler, chief executive and co-founder of Hemogenyx. Investigational work will be carried out by a team from the University of Pennsylvania, led by Professor Nolle Frey, who has headed a number of important CAR-T clinical trials. The entre was provided by Professor Carl June, the 'father' of CAR-T, and his colleague, Dr Saar Gill, who was involved in the preclinical research on HEMO-CAR-T. On the university's involvement, Sandler said: 'This isn't a situation where we've paid [UPenn] to carry out the work. They don't work like that. All along it been data driven.' While no guarantee of success, it provides validation for the science behind the efforts of Hemogenyx. So expensive is the process of creating individual CAR-T treatments, that cash raised in February may be enough to dose three patients. Hemogenyx will look to further non-dilutive funding to assess a cohort of around 18 AML sufferers, which will take it to the phase II stage of the clinical evaluation. This is key, as it is the point that big pharma has weighed into the sector with the deals mentioned above. If all of this suggests that Hemogenyx is a one-trick pony, then that would be misleading. Before moving into the area of CAR-T, its team together with Eli Lilly, developed a breakthrough that enhances bone marrow and stem cell transplant procedures. The approach focuses on the initial critical stages of eradicating diseased cells and replacing them with healthy ones, using a CDX bi-specific antibody that is both safer and more effective than traditional chemotherapy. 'We decided to do something that other people wouldn't touch at that time,' says Sandler. This has been a theme with all of Hemogenyx's research - attempting the difficult. As such, the company has created and is a leader in the field of chimeric bait receptors. Put simply, CBRs are designed to attract and catch harmful cells, like cancer cells, by pretending to be something the harmful cells want to attach to. Once the bad cells latch onto these bait receptors, the immune system can easily find and destroy them. Its research is being deployed to combat brain cancers such as glioblastoma and neurodegenerative diseases where delivering therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier has long been problematic. At the same time, it is working on intranasal delivery of CBRs to tackle airborne viral infections, an area of research germane to the civil defence industry and the military. While Sandler wouldn't be drawn on exactly who he is talking to, there are discussions with parties interested in helping develop the viral infections defense deployment, the CEO confirmed. 'We are talking to institutions and agencies,' Sandler says. 'There is a lot of interest and we are moving these conversations along.' The Ice Age-like big freeze across the small-cap market in the UK means none of company's potential has been captured in the current share price, which values Hemogenyx at a bargain basement 21million. If we accept this is a cyclical anomaly, the rebound could be dramatic - not just for the sector, but individual stocks such as Hemogenyx. Inchcape plans to sell its UK retail operations to US car dealership giant Group 1 Automotive in an all-cash deal worth around 346million. The group said the sale would help it focus on becoming a distribution-focused business covering fields like logistics, product planning and aftersales. It intends to spend 100million of proceeds from the deal on a share buyback programme, with the remainder used to finance future growth, takeovers and organic investment. Disposal: Inchcape said the sale of its UK retail operations to Group 1 Automotive would help it focus on becoming a distribution-focused business In January, Inchcape said it was 'reviewing strategic options' for the UK business, such as a potential disposal, following reports the group had hired bankers from Rothschild to oversee discussions with potential buyers. The division employs around 3,600 people across over 80 sites, and earned 2.1billion in revenue last year while posting a 49million adjusted operating profit. Once its sale is completed, Inchchape's distribution activities will account for more than 99 per cent of its total revenue and operating profit. Inchcape anticipates finalising the transaction during the third quarter of 2024, dependent on Financial Conduct Authority approval. Duncan Tait, chief executive of Inchcape, said: 'With our active international expansion into higher value distribution activities, the strategic importance of the UK retail operations has become limited. 'The board has therefore concluded it is the right time for a new owner to take this business forward.' He added: 'In Group 1, our UK Retail operations will have a new owner with a strong track record of industry growth, existing presence and retail experience in the UK market, and a strong balance sheet.' Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Group 1 runs just over 200 car dealerships and 265 franchises across the UK and US and sells over 35 brands, ranging from BMW to Ford, Land Rover and Nissan. The firm achieved its highest-ever annual turnover of $17.9billion last year, helped by solid growth at its British arm and record sales of used and new vehicles. Inchcape shares rose 3.9 per cent to 725.5p on Monday morning following the takeover announcement, but have flatlined since the year started. Maritime ministry vows efforts to find new owner for HMM By Park Jae-hyuk The government will inject an additional 3.5 trillion won ($2.5 billion) into the shipping industry by 2030 to revitalize the sector, which is facing a worsening outlook, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Monday. The ministry also unveiled the governments plan to extend the tonnage tax system, while making continuous efforts to privatize HMM, Koreas largest container shipping company. Amid the growing uncertainties over the global economy, the worlds second-largest container shipping company even suffered a loss, Oceans Minister Kang Do-hyung said during an emergency meeting of economic ministers. The government and the private sector will jointly reform domestic shipping firms, so that the nations shipping industry can overcome the current crisis and grow further. The investment plan was announced as sea freight rates have remained low after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, following the increasing supply of large vessels and the global economic slowdown. The maritime ministry explained that its proposed 3.5 trillion won investment is separate from its previous plan to invest 3 trillion won to enhance the shipping industrys competitiveness, which was announced in November 2022. We will offer an additional 250 billion won in financial support to small- and medium-sized shipping firms, while investing 2.13 trillion won in the construction of eco-friendly vessels and 1.1 trillion won in the establishment of eco-friendly bunkering infrastructure, Vice Oceans Minister Song Myeong-dal told reporters last Thursday. With the financial support, the government aims to increase Koreas capacity of shipping to 140 million tons by 2030, while raising the capacity of container shipping to 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2030 from the current 1.2 million TEUs. HMM also said Monday that its container shipping capacity will rise to 1.5 million TEUs by 2030 from 920,000 TEUs in 2024. The company also seeks to raise the size of bulk cargo to 12.28 million dead weight tonnage (DWT) by 2030 from 6.3 million DWT in 2024. Regarding the shipping firms privatization, which ended in failure earlier this year, the vice oceans minister said the ministry is in talks with relevant institutions to decide when and how to sell the company. He added that the Ministry of Economy and Finance is looking favorably on extending the tonnage tax system, after President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged his support of the system during his visit to the seventh container terminal at Busan New Port in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, April 5. The system allows shipping companies to pay taxes based on the net tonnage of their fleet, rather than their profits, making the tax burden lighter than when paying corporate taxes. The oceans ministry has differed with the finance ministry over the systems scheduled expiration at the end of this year. In response to the tightening of global environmental regulations, the government plans to offer various incentives for investments in eco-friendly vessels. Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor says: 'There has been a negative reaction from the oil market to Irans retaliatory attack on Iran over the weekend, partly because a lot of the geopolitical risk was already priced in last week after oil hit six-month highs. Plus risk-off sentiment gripped markets overnight with a sea of red across Asia-Pacific markets. And Israels government said the damage was limited. 'Having already gained around 18% so far in 2024, there are growing concerns that brent crude could surge past $100 a barrel. Money managers have been upping their long positions on US crude futures and options lately in anticipation of a possible threat to supply. There are worries about disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz in particular which sees around 20% of global oil pass through the waterway. Audioboom Group shares plunged on Monday after the firm swung to an annual loss due to a softer advertising market and the loss of a popular podcast. The AIM-listed podcast developer revealed adjusted losses before nasties totalled $396,000 in 2023, compared to positive earnings of $3.59 million the prior year. This was despite the company's audience numbers and average monthly downloads of its shows rising to a record 38 million and 121.9 million, respectively. Loss: Podcast developer Audioboom revealed that its adjusted losses before nasties totalled $396,000 in 2023, compared to positive earnings of $3.59 million the prior year Audioboom's revenue fell by almost $10million to $65million as a subdued economic backdrop led to businesses further reducing their marketing budgets. Turnover also declined following the departure of the highly popular US true crime anthology Morbid to rival Wondery in May 2022. Before it transferred, Morbid was downloaded 30 million times per month and provided approximately a fifth of Audioboom's sales. As a result, shares in Audioboom slumped 10.7 per cent to 2.70 by late Monday afternoon, meaning they have shrunk by about 90 per cent since peaking in April 2022. However, the London-based company believes 2024 will be a record year, thanks to a strong first-quarter performance and the expectation that revenue growth and profits will expand over the coming months. In the opening three months of this year, Audioboom's average turnover per 1,000 downloads jumped by 27 per cent to $52.17, which helped total sales rise by 11 per cent to $17.1million. During the period, the group renewed contracts with programmes like Crime Weekly, The Tim Dillon Show and Real Ghost Stories. It also signed deals with comedy show Soder, history podcast Omnibus, and George Conway Explains It All To Sarah Longwell, whose two presenters discuss the legal cases facing former US President Donald Trump. Stuart Last, Audioboom's chief executive, said 2024 'has started exactly as we hoped, with the positive momentum of the final quarter of last year continuing'. Founded in 2009, Audioboom is the fourth-biggest podcast publisher in the United States, with 5.6 million average weekly users, according to advertising group Triton Digital. The business produces the official podcasts for motor racing series Formula One, such as F1: Beyond the Grid and F1 Nation, Other shows on its network include Truth vs Hollywood, Sue Perkins: An Hour or So With, and No Such Thing as a Fish, which is hosted by the research team behind the BBC comedy panel show QI. The number of Footsie firms pushing for pay rises for their chief executives has jumped even after the average salary hit 4.5million, a study has revealed. As the debate about boardroom excess intensifies, the analysis by Deloitte showed that 16 FTSE 100 companies are looking to revamp pay policies this year. This includes nine that plan to significantly increase the maximum on offer to their boss. Fat cat pay: As the debate about boardroom excess intensifies, analysis by Deloitte showed that 16 FTSE 100 companies are looking to revamp pay policies this year This time last year, just four blue-chips were angling for big pay rises, according to the report from the accounting and auditing giant. The research is based on the first 55 Footsie firms to publish their annual reports this year. The demands for more generous potential rewards come despite average pay for a FTSE 100 boss jumping 4 per cent to 4.5million last year. Boardroom pay has once again become a major issue in the City as companies seek to compete with US rivals where salaries and bonuses are typically higher. AstraZeneca was last week rocked by an investor revolt as 35 per cent of shareholders voted against a deal that could see chief executive Pascal Soriot paid as much as 18.7million this year. The backlash came after influential shareholder advisory groups Glass Lewis and ISS told investors to vote against the excessive pay plan at the pharma giants annual meeting. Poll Should UK CEOs be paid more money? Yes no Should UK CEOs be paid more money? Yes 2 votes no 21 votes Now share your opinion However, the package was ultimately signed off by shareholders thanks to vocal supporters of Soriot, including top shareholder GQG Partners which said he was massively underpaid. Over the weekend, AstraZeneca chairman Michel Demare hit out against proxy advisers for double standards that do serious harm to the competitiveness of British companies, But it is not just UK pharma that is feeling the pressure over pay. Smith & Nephew is facing its own showdown after shareholders were last week urged to snub a pay rise for its US-based boss. Under proposals from the London-listed medical equipment group, chief executive Deepak Nath could receive 9.4million next year if he meets targets. Beneficiaries: AstraZeneca boss Pascal Soriot, left, and London Stock Exchange chief exec David Schwimmer, right, are among those in line for big pay rises But ISS has slammed it as excessive and recommended that investors reject it at next months annual meeting. The London Stock Exchange Group is also looking to convince shareholders later this month over pay for its chief executive David Schwimmer. Under its plans, he will have the chance to earn twice his current maximum package of 6.25million. Mitul Shah, a Deloitte partner, who advises companies on their pay policies, said the trend of more radical pay proposals was down to mounting competition for talent. He said: Many of these companies have a significant US footprint and cite the disparity in pay levels between the UK and US as a challenge when competing for and retaining senior talent in a global marketplace. Mark Austin, a lawyer at global law firm Latham & Watkins, said: If large international London-listed companies want to compete for talent globally, they need to be able to offer competitive compensation. Leading business figures in the City, including Julia Hoggett, who is chief executive of the LSE Groups stock market business, are pushing for executives to receive higher salaries. But some have flagged concerns about the growing push for executive pay. Luke Hildyard, from the High Pay Centre, said: This is obviously good news for chief executives and other high earning professionals. It remains to be seen what benefits it will bring to the rest of the country. I accumulated a small company pension in the mid 1980s with a company called Intercontinental Medical Statistics. I have tried all the conventional methods to trace this money but without success. The question I would like to ask is why, when I have an Employee Benefit Statement from a British insurance company, I cannot trace the pension? The difficulty appears to stem from the fact that the insurance company concerned, Norwich Union, is no longer in business. However, it is known that the pension assets of NU were taken over, it's just that no-one can tell me who controls them now. I wonder how many others are in this difficulty. SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT HOW TO ASK STEVE YOUR PENSION QUESTION Treasure hunt: Steve Webb goes on the trail of a long lost pension for a This is Money reader Steve Webb replies: As you know, you contacted us about this missing pension before Christmas, and since then we have been on a detective hunt spanning multiple pension providers, multiple pension administrators and even multiple continents. By sharing your story, I hope that we can help other people to track down missing pensions, even though to date the hunt for your pension continues. Tip 1. Start with the paperwork The best place to start in hunting down a lost pension is always any official paperwork that you hold. This can include vital detail like policy numbers which make the job of tracing lost pensions much easier. For this reason it's vital that, even today, people keep all correspondence regarding their pensions rather than throwing it away. In your case you have a statement from 1986 showing that you had a workplace pension run by Norwich Union. Norwich Union changed its name in 2009 to Aviva, so we started off by contacting them. Got a question for Steve Webb? Scroll down to find out how to contact him The paperwork also mentioned that life insurance under the scheme was provided by Canada Life, so you also contacted them, but unfortunately the firm had no records for you. Tip 2. Follow the people administering your pension Aviva was helpful and replied saying that a couple of years after your statement was issued, back in 1988, this scheme was moved. The investments were moved to a company called Confederation Life (of which more later), and the administration and records went to a company called Willis consulting. As there is now a big pension consulting company called Willis Towers Watson, it seemed worth going there next to see if it held any records. WTW kindly replied saying that the business of Willis consulting was sold in 1996 to another firm called Buck consulting. I contacted Buck who told us of some rather complicated deals whereby in 1993 the IMS pension scheme was incorporated by another scheme the Dun & Bradstreet scheme but that in 1997 there was a demerger. Buck only administers the Dun & Bradstreet scheme, and it said that another company Capita appears to administer the IMS(UK) scheme. Tip 3. Try the Government's pension tracing service If you type 'trace lost pension' into a search engine you will be offered a lot of commercial tracing services. It's vital that, even today, people keep all correspondence regarding their pensions rather than throwing it away However, the Government offers a (quite limited) Pension Tracing Service which is in essence a kind of glorified telephone directory. The Government site asks various questions and tries to identify an up-to-date contact. In the case of your former employer, a search on the government site (which is free of charge) also pointed us towards Capita the same firm suggested by Buck. Unfortunately, however, when you contacted Capita it simply said that it had no record of a pension in your name. So it seemed like a dead end. As it turns out, it seems that the scheme on the Government's pension tracing service was only for people who worked for your company after 1997, so this is not the scheme in which you held any rights. Tip 4. Follow the money Having drawn a blank tracking down the records and administration of the scheme, it seemed worth trying to find where the money had gone. We had been told that the policy transferred to Confederation Life but it turns out that it went into liquidation in 1994. The liquidator was a well-known firm called KPMG and it directed you to a Canadian company which KPMG said had bought up the pensions business of Confederation Life. However, when the Canadian company dug into its archives they found that it had only bought the Canadian policies of Confederation Life, and that the UK policies had been bought by a company called Sun Life of Canada. A bit of research on Sun Life of Canada (UK) revealed that it had recently been taken over by a company called Phoenix, which holds a large number of what are known in the pensions industry as 'legacy' pension policies. Phoenix responded very quickly to our inquiries but said that it had searched its records and could find no reference to your old scheme. Tip 5. Use your own networks Having drawn a blank on all of these avenues, we did discuss whether you were still in touch with anyone whom you worked with at the time. Just one person who was receiving a pension from the scheme today would be enough to find contact details and hopefully find your lost pension. Unfortunately, you were working at the company around 40 years ago and by now you have lost touch with former colleagues. Conclusion: Don't give up I know that you have been trying to locate your pension for more than a decade and it's great that you haven't given up. We certainly have a clearer idea of some of the story of what happened since the mid 1980s, though ultimately have still hit a brick wall. But even going through all the various letters we have received has given me one or two last avenues to try. Hopefully for many people the story of their missing pension will be a lot less involved than yours and some of these tips will help them to track down the money that is rightfully theirs. I'll be discussing more about how to track down lost pension pots on ITV's Tonight programme which goes out this Thursday (18 April) at 8.30pm on ITV1. A Louisiana author has revealed he maintains a close relationship with his dad - despite his father's recent conviction over the brutal cold case murder of his mom. On August 23, 1987, Selonia Reed's lifeless body was found in her 1986 Chevrolet Sprint at a local convenience store in Hammond, Louisiana. The gruesome scene revealed her body covered in lotion, her face mutilated by blunt force trauma, and dozens of stab wounds, including one inflicted by an umbrella between her legs. The incident took an even darker turn nearly 40 years later, on November 18, 2022, when Reginald Reed Sr., the father of the author, was found guilty of second-degree murder in Selonia's death. Now as Reginald Reed Sr. serves a life sentence in prison - his son, Reginald 'Reggie' Reed Jr., 64, is releasing his memoir, 'The Day My Mother Never Came Home.' In an exclusive interview with Dailymail.com, Reed Jr. explained how despite the horrifying circumstances of her death, he has clung onto his relationship with his father, whom his four-year-old son refers to as 'paw paw.' 'This is the man that raised me. I can't just flip the script that he's a monster,' he said. On August 23, 1987, Selonia Reed's lifeless body was found in her 1986 Chevrolet Sprint at a local convenience store in Hammond, Louisiana. Nearly 40 years later, on November 18, 2022, Reginald Reed Sr. was found guilty of second-degree murder in Selonia's death In an exclusive interview with Dailymail.com, Reed Jr. (pictured as a child) explained how he maintained his close relationship with his father, whom his four-year-old son refers to as 'paw paw' Now Reginald Reed Sr. is serving a life sentence in prison and his son, Reginald 'Reggie' Reed Jr. is releasing his memoir, 'The Day My Mother Never Came Home' (Pictured) In an emotional interview he recounted the moment his life changed forever - the last time he saw his mother alive and the subsequent police investigation into his murder that initially yielded no results. 'I was six years old, I recall us being at home, my mother had gone out, we were at home playing Nintendo,' he said. I just remember waking up and she never came home, realizing it was my last time seeing her.' 'The town did a thorough investigation at the time. They turned over every stone, they interviewed a plethora of people - nothing came of it. Life just went on.' Reed Jr's father continued to raise him as he tried to move on with little physical or emotional support from his extended family. 'I came to terms that no matter if we found the perpetrator or the suspect, it wasn't going to bring my mother back. I wasn't just going to live my life trying to find out who did it or why they did it,' he explained. However, after a push from his mother's side of the family, pressure mounted to reopen the case. Eventually, new evidence emerged, leading to the arrest and testimony of a man connected to the crime scene. Police tested a cigarette bud found at the scene through their investigation, and charged the man who had since become homeless. Then as part of a plea deal the man testified against his father. And in 2019, Reed Jr. received a phone call that shook him to his core: 'I got this call over thirty years later saying my dad got indicted.' In 2019, Reed Jr. received a phone call that shook him to his core: 'I got this call over thirty years later saying my dad got indicted' Still, Reed Sr. is involved in his son's life and an involved grandfather to two of Reed Jr.'s children, one of whom is named after him Despite these revelations, Reed Jr. maintained his relationship with his father, acknowledging his central role in his upbringing and questioning his role in his mother's murder. 'I don't feel resentment to my father. I think it's going to be hard for a lot people to understand my situation as far as still having that relationship with my dad,' he said. 'I don't think people take the time to understand. This is the man that raised me, and a lot of my learning and teaching - my upbringing came from him. And all of a sudden I'm exposed to this revelation that my dad murdered my mom - I can't just flip the script that he's a monster.' 'He continued to be a dad, a father, a provider.' Still now, Reed Sr. is involved in his son's life and an involved grandfather to two of Reed Jr.'s children - a two-month old and a four-year-old who is named after him. He discusses Spiderman and Transformers with his grandson on calls from prison. Reed Jr. doesn't believe his father would ever be considered a danger to his sons. He admits the evidence against his father doesn't look good but can't believe his father could have murdered his mother in that gruesome manner - and he still struggles with the lack of closure regarding his mother's death. 'There's no concrete evidence. There's no video of him stabbing my mom. I'm a realist - I know it doesn't look good,' he said. 'The defendant testifying against him, the life insurance money - but at the same token this is the parent that I interacted with the majority of my life.' Reed Jr. and his father did not discuss his mother's tragic death in their home growing up. He referred to the incident as 'the elephant in the room.' He only became aware of the graphic details of his mother's murder in his teenage years when he became curious and went to research the details in the local library. Even after learning the gruesome truth of his mother's murder, Reed Jr. found it difficult to reconcile it with the reality of her death. 'I felt like I was reading about somebody else,' he said. 'It's hard to read that and think that's my mother. I felt like I was reading something that didn't align with me.' After the indictment of his father, Reed Jr. questioned the evidence against him. 'It's all circumstantial, all these years nothing came out. 'There's still an unhappiness with the outcome of how this played out with my dad. I was hoping to get full closure, but at the end of the day I still don't have a clear answer as to who killed my mother. 'Hypothetically, if he really did actually do everything and he's the same person who raised me - that's crazy.' He also expressed disappointment in the lack of support from his mother's family throughout the ordeal. His family on his mother's side did not reach out to him for years, later blaming it on his father saying he wouldn't let them see him. But Reed Jr. believes that that isn't a valid excuse. He said they could have reached out when he was 18-years-old or a 30-year-old man, but they never did. 'The support wasn't there .. where was the support,' he said. 'I don't share this story for sympathy reasons,' Reed Jr emphasized. 'I got through my whole life without a pat on my back but even after trial, after he was indicted, nobody reached out. 'But my dad, the only parent I had left was convicted of second degree murder and will spend life in prison and nobody had the nerve to reach out - not nobody, but it wasn't the dynamic support one would expect.' Looking back at the few years he enjoyed with his mother and father living together as a family, Reed Jr, recalled: 'I was a mama's boy. My memories - I wish I had more - they're very slim of all of us together as a family. But I don't remember anything out of the norm.' Reed describes the act of forgiving his father and how it 'didn't erase the pain or justify his actions,' but rather allowed him to 'release the burden of resentment and focus on healing and moving forward' His new book, available in May, recounts the 'real-life emotional rollercoaster' as he describes the tragedy that 'shook his world' at just six years old. Reed describes the act of forgiving his father and how it 'didn't erase the pain or justify his actions,' but rather allowed him to 'release the burden of resentment and focus on healing and moving forward.' 'I underwent a painful process of coming to terms with the duality of his character. The caring father I knew who was very charismatic, involved within the local community and heavily involved in the political arena was the same person capable of committing a crime that tore our family apart,' he said in a piece he wrote for Newsweek. He added: 'Our relationship, though changed forever, evolved into something different yet still meaningful. We communicate through letters and occasional visits, discussing mundane aspects of life and occasionally delving into deeper topics. 'There are moments of shared laughter and tears, acknowledging the past while trying to find moments of connection in the present'. 'Growing up, my father was a central figure in my lifea source of love, guidance, and support. He taught me valuable life lessons, instilled important values, and showed me what it means to be responsible and caring. Our bond was strong, built on years of shared experiences and mutual respect,' Reed wrote in Newsweek. He also seeks to break down stigmas surrounding mental health in the Black community and pave the way for future generations to navigate life's challenges with courage. 'I've also been given the chance to spark dialogue and promote positive change in society by shedding light on important issues such as forgiveness and redemption, as well as the intricacies of the criminal justice system.' 'It's important to encourage conversations about empathy, understanding, and the power of second chances.' Even after the indictment of his father (pictured), Reed Jr. questioned the evidence against him 'It's also crucial to address the challenges Black men face in navigating their mental health. By opening up conversations about mental well-being, I aim to break down stigmas and barriers that hinder access to support and resources. 'Through my advocacy, I strive to promote a culture of empathy, understanding, and empowerment, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive and seek help when needed.' The Day My Mother Never Came Home is available for pre-order. New York also legalized take out alcohol during the pandemic to keep bars afloat It follows a trend set in Italy where the historic custom returned during Covid Please Tell Me in Brooklyn will serve wine-to-go through a hole-in-the-wall There aren't many things we enjoyed about the pandemic. But the relaxation of outdoor drinking rules might be one of the few. And now a trendy New York bar has opened up with a built-in 'wine window', where punters can order alcohol-to-go in a nod to Covid era liquor laws. Please Tell Me in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has borrowed the concept from Tuscany, where 'buchette del vinos' were used in the 1630s when the plague was rife. The 'hole in the wall' wine windows began reappearing in Italy during the pandemic to ensure customers observed social distancing. Please Tell Me in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, will serve wine-to-go through a hole-in-the-wall It has borrowed the concept from Tuscany, where 'wine windows', known as buchettes del vino, were used in the 1630s during when the plague was rife, before returning during Covid Please Tell Me owners Austin Woolridge (left) and Eric Griego (right) are part-time DJs But the move proved popular and the windows stayed open, inspiring the New York bar to follow suit. Owners Eric Griego and Austin Woolridge took over the establishment in one of Brooklyn's most popular neighborhoods last fall, with the wine window officially opening this week. It will introduce new world wines to patrons, including Merlots from Mexico, Syrahs from Japan and Whites from Slovenia. Prices will range from $9 a glass for house wines to between $10 and $15 for organic wines. To avoid breaking New York's open-carry laws, beverages, including beers, will be served in seal cups alongside small sandwiches. Alcohol-to-go sales in the city were legalized during the pandemic to help bars and restaurants stay afloat when indoor mingling was outlawed. Griego and Woolridge are both part-time DJs - and music is also central to their ethos. Alcohol-to-go sales in New York were legalized during the pandemic to help bars and restaurants stay afloat Punters cram into Please Tell Me for Winyl Wednesdays, when DJs spin everything from hip-hop and Amapiano, to UK Grime and Nigerian Pop Despite the pint size venue - the 500 square-foot establishment has 28 seats inside and 16 outside - punters cram in for Winyl Wednesdays, when the bar blares out everything from hip-hop and Amapiano, to UK Grime and Nigerian Pop. Woolridge told DailyMail.com he wanted to open a place where he could play otherwise unheard of tracks because he was 'bored' of all the other bars in New York spinning out tired classics. The wine window will be open on Wednesday nights from 5pm - 10pm in addition to Saturdays and Sundays during brunch (weather permitting) to coincide with the opening of Please Tell Me's outdoor seating. But customers may have to take advantage of its offerings while they still can. New York's drinks to-go program is due to expire next April, although the food and wine industry are lobbying to extend the window. Furious residents in Teeside, Hull and Bradford have blasted a government scheme to buy up private rented homes for asylum seekers - warning it could create 'mini ghettos' that risk hindering integration. The Home Office has secured around 16,000 rental properties for asylum seekers as it seeks to move them out of hotels, with an official claiming the purchases were focused in areas where property was cheaper. Locals in Middlesbrough were among those to slam the move, claiming that concentrating asylum seekers in certain areas will slow their integration into British society and add to the regional housing crisis. Jason Cutler, a 52-year-old former soldier from Middlesbrough, warned there had already been tension between residents and asylum seekers. He told MailOnline: 'There are people moving in who aren't aware of English customs and it's causing disharmony as people don't understand our culture and norms. Jason Cutler, a 52-year-old former soldier from Middlesbrough, warned of 'mini ghettos' while Sue Turner was worried about pressure on local services The Home Office is buying up housing in 'cheaper' areas such as Teeside, according to reports. Pictured is a street in Middlesbrough Locals complained about homeless people not receiving enough support (pictured is Bradford in West Yorkshire) Ministers are determined to move asylum seekers out of hotels (pictured is a group of asylum seekers arriving at a hotel near Hull) 'If they put them all in the same areas it will create mini ghettos and it will make it difficult for them to integrate. 'I'm not in favour of the policy. The housing situation around here is already pretty dire and this will make it worse. 'I have two children, one of them is disabled, and I've got a small property and we are trying to get a bigger one through social housing. READ MORE - Fury as Home Office loses track of almost 6,000 asylum seekers who are now roaming Britain in immigration farce branded 'shocking' by Labour Advertisement 'I've tried so hard to get my foot in the door. You feel like you're stuck somewhere and it's hard to get out. This will make it harder.' Shaun Crockett, 39, a construction worker from Middlesbrough, said: 'It's scandalous. They should be helping all the homeless people around here get off the streets first. 'What about young people leaving college and trying to get a home? It's unfair on locals. 'It's going to create a small community for the asylum seekers and they won't integrate with the locals. 'It's all going to be paid for by the taxpayer. They should be investing that into our local communities. 'I have two kids and it's a safety concern, as some of the asylum seekers won't have been processed yet and we could be unsure of their background.' Sue Turner, 66, a retired sales assistant from Darlington, County Durham, said: 'We have issues with access to services like the dentist and doctors already, it will put more pressure on them and locals won't get appointments.' But chef Stuart Kenyon, 39, was more relaxed, saying: 'As long as landlords are getting paid for their accommodation being used then fair play to them. 'We're one world, we have to look after each other. I think it will help them integrate more because they will have English neighbours so they will be able to get to know them.' Stuart Kenyon, a chef in Middlesbrough, was relaxed about the proposals, saying: 'As long as landlords are getting paid for their accommodation being used then fair play to them' A road in Middlesbrough, where residents warned concentrating asylum seekers in particular areas could hinder integration Contractors employed by the Home Office, including Serco, have been offered landlords five-year leases with 'rent paid in full, on time, every month, with no arrears', as well as full repair and maintenance, except for structural defects, according to the Telegraph. The homes come from the same pool as those in the private and social rented sector, and are currently being used to house more than 58,000 asylum seekers in Great Britain. This is more than double of those in rented 'dispersed accommodation' ten years ago. Housing asylum seekers in dispersed accommodation can reportedly cost as little as 30 every day, five times less than the 150 to put them up in hotels. But families and young adults could face losing out on cheaper rented housing, experts advising the Home Office have advised. Hayley Smith, who is 37 and lives in Hull, was furious at the plans - especially since she is currently battling to get a council home for her daughter and new grandchild. 'We are trying to get my daughter a house and had no success at all so far,' he said. 'She has been told she is unlikely to get a house even with a child because there are too many people on the waiting list. 'They would happy for her to be out on the streets. So this is not right. She has a six week old baby to look after. She needs her own place and we live in Hull.' Amanda Craig said the plans were a 'good idea', while Tony Smith was sceptical An official has said the properties being purchased have been 'heavily clustered' in areas with cheap housing, such as Bradford (pictured) Sofie Bentley, 31, was also shocked particularly having seen how many of Hull's citizens are already on the streets. 'Housing people is always brilliant but you don't know if this idea is going to cause any issues,' she said. 'There are already a lot of homeless people in Hull. I was walking through the town centre the other night and it seemed really busy. 'Then I realised it was homeless people all around. They were walking around with sleeping bags and begging for change.' Sam Bridge, 29, moved into the Spring Bank area of the city little over a year ago and is also shocked by the local homeless problem. He said: 'I would like to see asylum seekers supported but it is a tricky situation. 'There is homelessness all around me and some houses already being used as temporary accommodation. 'Every day I see the same man sitting in the street sitting propped up next to a clothing bank and through out town it is an issue.' Shaz Smith, 30, has lived in Hull all her life though her dad came originally from kashmir. 'I am half Pakistani and not racist. But I am concerned who will be living amongst us with this scheme,' she said. 'My dad came to this country when he was 8 but has always worked. We have to get DBS checked when we apply for certain jobs. 'Anyone who steps in this country should be checked out straight away rather than rely on the sham stories that some of them tell. 'Otherwise, they could be getting these free homes under false pretences.' Bradford residents also voiced there opinions about the plan. Amanda Craig, a 48-year-old retired mother of two, said:'I think that it is a really good idea. I think they should be housed, it's not fair where they are living in hotels at the moment. 'They deserve to have a property. I can't see the plan creating any more danger than we have already got in Bradford.' Rows of terraced housing in Bradford, West Yorkshire, where locals have complained about the quality of accommodation Sofie Bentley, a 31-year-old from Hull, said: 'Housing people is always brilliant but you don't know if this idea is going to cause any issues' But Tony Smith, 58, said:'The Government is forcing this area to provide adequate accommodation for the asylum seekers when there is already inadequate accommodation for the local population.' One insider who spoke to the Telegraph said that the department prefers dispersal accommodation as it is less expensive and 'more discreet than hotels'. They said that contractors were using properties in 'pretty normal streets', adding that someone could buy a 300,000 house and then find that next door is 'full of asylum seekers'. The insider said that MPs were starting to hear reports of problems because of this. They said the properties have been 'heavily clustered' in areas with cheap housing, such as Hull, Bradford and Teesside. 'It is potentially damaging to these places because it creates ghettos which are terrible for integration,' they said. It is understood by the paper that up to 30,000 homes may be needed to end the use of asylum hotels without significantly cutting the 100,000 long list of asylum cases awaiting a decision. Around 1.21million people were on council housing waiting lists at the end of 2021-22, a slight increase from 1.19 million in 2020-21. Serco, Clearsprings and Mears, the contractors behind the asylum accommodation scheme, have been paid around 4billion over ten years. Benefits to landlords espoused by Serco including five-year leases with 'rent paid in full, on time, every month, with no arrears', and full repairs and maintenance cover, apart from structural defects with the property. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We have always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being put on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country over recent years. 'We continue to work across government and with local authorities to identify a range of accommodation options to reduce the unacceptable use of hotels and limit the burden on the taxpayer.' They say you should dress to impress - and that's exactly what kids at one elementary school in Maine are now doing every week. From elegant dresses to swanky suits, Chelsea Elementary School's 'Dapper Wednesday' is a chance for children to show off their fanciest looks. Eight-year-old James Ramage and his friend Lincoln Bolitho's inspired school attire sparked the tradition and soon everyone wanted in on the fun. Now, the smart movement has even been picked up by neighboring schools. 'When we started wearing it, a bunch of teachers just complimented us, and then more kids get involved, and they get complimented. It just keeps on going, and a bunch of people can make - can feel good,' Ramage told NPR. Ramage's grandmother gave him his first suit for a birthday present. Once he began wearing them to school, Bolitho decided to do the same thing James Ramage, 8, and his wardrobe inspired Chelsea Elementary School to start Dapper Wednesday last year What used to be a fun trio thing for Ramage, Lincoln Bolitho and ed tech Dean Paquette turned into something that the whole school can do together Ramage began wearing suits after he was inspired by the wardrobe of a character on Fuller House - who only wore fancy attire. He was then given a suit by his grandmother for his birthday and he said it made him feel good right when he put it on. 'I felt good. Because I thought when I looked at it in the mirror, it looked cool on me,' Ramage told Maine Public Radio (MPR). According to his mom, the new look 'definitely helped his confidence.' By December 2023, he owned a few more suits and allowed MPR to get a glimpse behind the scenes of his special dressing up routine for Wednesdays. Ramage is seen in the video moving clothes in his closet from side to side while searching for the perfect suit to wear. Once he has picked out a suit, he then selects a shirt and rummages through his box full of bow ties. Dressed and ready to go, Ramage slides a comb through his hair and tops off his adorable businessman look with a fedora. Paquette joined in on the fun so that he can support the boys and their fun Dapper Wednesdays and gives out bow ties to the children who forget to dress up Ramage began wearing suits after he was inspired by the wardrobe of a character on Fuller House - who only wore fancy attire Ramage's mom claimed that wearing the suit made him feel much more confident in himself Ramage revealed to MPR that he liked the suit and felt good when he wore it because when he saw himself in the mirror, he thought it looked cool on him Ramage and Bolitho now own multiple suits and Bolitho has more than 40 bow ties At school, his friend Bolitho liked Ramage's look right away and thought it would be great if he got a suit of his own. Now, Bolitho owns at least three suits and more than 40 bow ties. Ed tech Dean Paquette also took a liking to the boys' suits and decided to join in on their dapper fun. 'I first saw it, it's just that I wanted to support it,' he told MPR. 'That was that was my big thing as an educator, here are two young boys that are doing something a little bit different.' By the time Ramage's classmates starting getting involved, the ed tech was there to help pass out bowties to the kids who forgot to dress up. One student told CBS News their formal attire made them not feel like they were a kid, while another schoolmate declared they felt like they were a president. Paquette thought what the boys were doing was fun and wanted to support them. He also gives out bowties to students who forget to dress up on Dapper Wednesdays Chelsea Elementary School principal Allison Hernandez was thrilled to see what everyone has been doing and is also a Dapper Wednesday participant Not only are the children and teachers dressing dapper for fun, they're also receiving support from within and outside of the school. According to Spectrum Local News, individuals have donated money to Chelsea Elementary along with other dress clothes to create the Dapper Closet. Oklahoma high school students also sent the school a jacket made of neckties, which was originally used in their school play. Fuller House star Jodie Sweetin even took the time to meet Ramage and all of his classmates after she found out about Dapper Wednesday. 'I think they like that it's team building for the school and makes people feel good about themselves,' said Bolitho. 'And I don't think anyone would expect two kids to start a movement so big.' At least two schools in Maine have started doing Dapper Wednesdays following the success of the one at Chelsea Elementary School A teacher at Oleson Elementary School in Texas requested that teachers and students do a Dapper Wednesday last January Other Maine schools now have a Dapper Day of their own, including P. Burr Elementary in Lincoln and Greenville Consolidated School. Oleson Elementary School in Texas also joined in on the fun after a teacher, Ms, Burton, insisted they introduced a Dapper Wednesday to help 'promote excellence and high self-esteem.' A young woman with dreamy eyes, smartly dressed from her lace collar down, stares slightly away from the camera, as she stands in front of a picket fence. This is or rather was Ivy Angerer: one of many thousands of people with disabilities or mental health problems murdered by the Nazis between 1939 and 1941 as part of a medical programme known as Aktion T4. This euthanasia scheme was organised under the auspices of the Reich Committee for the Scientific Registering of Serious Hereditary Congenital Illnesses. What makes Ivy unusual is that she was born in this country (in 1911 at Hermitage Cottage, Broughty Ferry, near Dundee). And we know this largely because of research conducted over many years by Helen Atherton, 49, a registered nurse for people with learning disabilities, who is now a lecturer in the School of Healthcare at the University of Leeds. British-born Ivy Angerer: one of many thousands of people with disabilities or mental health problems murdered by the Nazis between 1939 and 1941 as part of a medical programme known as Aktion T4 That research has uncovered the details of 12 other British-born people who met their fate in the same way. Like Ivy, they were all from German or Austrian immigrant families, who later returned to what became the Reich largely because of anti-German feelings here or the threat of internment as enemy aliens during World War I. The biographies and images of all these British-born victims are at the heart of an exhibition that opened last week at the London Metropolitan Archives, and will then travel to other venues across the country. I was invited to the launch, at which Helen spoke, alongside Dr Paul Weindling, the leading British historian in this field (who has written numerous books, including From Clinic To Concentration Camp). The exhibition is called Finding Ivy: A Life Worthy Of Life. Its title is a reference to the term used in Germany by the medical advocates of euthanasia (long before the Nazi government began Aktion T-4) for people such as Ivy, Lebensunwertes Leben lives unworthy of life. An account of Ivys early life records that she was hard working and good at singing, but struggled with more academic subjects. She had what would now be termed a congenital disability, and had been sent in 1931 to the Am Steinhof psychiatric hospital in Vienna, where she was categorised as a high-grade imbecile and worked in the laundry. Nine years later, after Austria had become part of the Reich, Ivy, along with many others, was taken to a killing centre in Hartheim, accompanied by nurses in special grey buses. The passengers were told that they were being transferred to another clinic, and would be required to have a shower on arrival. These were the same as the showers later used to murder millions of Jews: disguised gas chambers. Ivys cause of death (at 29) was registered as liver atrophy. Doctors would invariably fabricate such certificates. Although it was part of a coherent eugenic programme, the authorities, naturally, didnt want parents to know their children had been murdered. Indeed, Aktion-T4 was suspended in 1941 after the Catholic Bishop Clemens Von Galen courageously denounced it from his pulpit in Munster. Many of the clinicians involved then switched their skills to Auschwitz and other extermination camps. But this was not the death of medically sanctioned eugenics. Echoes of it persist today, here, within the NHS. This is Helen Athertons view, and not only hers. She wrote to me: Alarmingly there is evidence that, like the Nazis, healthcare professionals are making subjective value-based judgments about the quality of life of an individual based purely on the label of learning disabilities. In some cases, this has led to the denial of life-saving treatment. The misuse of Do Not Resuscitate Notices is probably the most obvious example. This became stark during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) produced a Clinical Frailty Scale for regulating treatment. It had nine categories, and the guidance was to deny life-saving medical treatment to all those in categories 7 to 9. Category 7 was defined as follows: Completely dependent for personal care, from whatever cause (physical or cognitive). Even so, they seem stable and not at high risk of dying. Aktion-T4 was suspended in 1941. But this was not the death of medically sanctioned eugenics, writes Dominic Lawson. Echoes of it persist today, here, within the NHS - which is a view of Helen Atherton (pictured) This would have defined my 28-year-old younger daughter, who has Downs syndrome. She works part-time at the Grand Hotel, Brighton, and takes huge joy from life; but she depends entirely on others, in the sense that she could not live alone without a full-time carer. Yet she was, in March 2020, being written off as not meriting life-saving treatment if she contracted Covid-19, simply because of her learning disability. After an outcry, Nice amended its guidelines. Yet there is a prevalent view in the medical profession that my daughters existence is an aberration in itself. Shortly after Domenica was born, the first paediatrician we saw said: You didnt need to have this child, you know. This was an unsubtle reference to the antenatal tests used to detect Downs syndrome. Officially, the decision on whether to terminate such pregnancies is entirely that of the parents-to-be. But those who say they want to keep their child all too frequently come under insidious and sometimes open pressure from medics to end such pregnancies even up to the moment of natural birth. Many women have confirmed this and it doesnt just apply to Downs syndrome. The Paralympic champion Tanni Grey-Thompson, who has spina bifida, revealed that it was in the face of much medical discouragement that she had a child herself: The first thing I was offered at my first scan was a termination because people like you should not have children I was told, she said. When, in 1995, I wrote about my daughters birth, the nations then favourite former nurse, Claire Rayner, declared that the Lawsons had behaved selfishly, because of the cost to society of people such as Domenica. This was precisely the argument used to justify the Aktion-T4 programme. Amazingly, Rayner was, at the time, a patron of the Downs Syndrome Association. Yet she was stunned when the Association asked her to resign. I suspect her astonishment was because her view was widespread in medical circles. And it is encapsulated in our abortion law, to this extent: the limit for termination is 24 weeks (marking viability, more or less). But if there is a substantial risk of a serious handicap, the unborn child can be eliminated at any stage. This exception is based on the spurious justification that such people, if born, cannot lead a meaningful life as set out by the legislations intellectual progenitor, the late Baroness (Mary) Warnock. It has even been used, extraordinarily, as a reason for third-trimester terminations of babies with cleft palate. Now the former Cabinet Minister Sir Liam Fox is planning to bring an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, which would end the exception to the 24-week rule for Downs syndrome: in other words, they would have the same protection under law as any other. Helen Atherton cited this now topical issue in her speech launching the Finding Ivy exhibition. Not unreasonably, as they are linked by eugenic theory and practice. And when I looked at that photograph of Ivy, I saw my daughter, Domenica, too. Iran's government celebrated its 'revenge' as missiles and drones hurtled towards Israel early on Sunday, while Tehran's streets filled with thousands of supporters celebrating the attack - and emptied of those fearful of a possible retaliation. State television broadcast jubilant scenes in the capital and several other cities, where pro-regime Iranians set off flares, flew flags and chanted 'Death to Israel'. Their slogans were repeated by Iranian MPs gathered in parliament, with footage showing lawmakers crowding together, raising their fists in the air and chanting victoriously as the Iranian flag is held up above them. But for many ordinary Iranians, Sunday night was filled with terror as their fears of an Israeli counter-attack mounted, with roads reportedly becoming gridlocked as scores of families sought to leave the capital. Footage shows long queues of cars outside petrol stations as people made emergency preparations, while others packed up their belongings and headed away from Tehran and other areas feared to be possible targets. Iran 's government celebrated its 'revenge' as missiles and drones hurtled towards Israel early on Sunday Iranian MPs gathered in parliament punching the air and chanting victoriously as the Iranian flag is held up above them Iranian demonstrators wave Palestinian flags as they attend an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, April 14, 2024 An Iranian man is holding a scale model of a cannon shell during a celebration in support of Iran's IRGC UAV and missile attack against Israel A Tehran resident said: 'People are terrified,' he added. 'The authorities took a huge gamble. It's like a suicide. It might be their downfall, but the public will suffer most.' The man named Ali told The Telegraph in the early hours of Sunday that he and his family were fleeing Tehran for his parents' home 200km away. Meanwhile residents in the city of Qom, around two hours south of the capital, are reported to have bunkered down amid fears that their area could be a target for a possible Israeli reprisal. Fordow is based in the city, an underground uranium enrichment facility at an ex Iranian military base, with residents reportedly telling of their fear that nuclear radiation could spill out. Sima Shine, a former Mossad agent who heads the INSS Iran programme, said that 'if Israel retaliates, it will be done within the same framework: targeting military sites, not civilian areas, and probably not economic targets'. Security consultant Stephane Audrand said that, to limit the risk of further escalation, 'the Israelis would need to confine themselves to strikes on conventional sites, on sites from which missiles were launched, on drone factories'. Speaking on Sunday as the immediate threat appeared to dissipate, one Iranian proudly declared his support for his government's actions, saying they showed Iran's strength and that it will retaliate where necessary. Iranian lawmakers chant slogans at an open session of the parliament in Tehran as Iran launches dozens of drones toward Israel People gather in support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' attack on Israel on April 14, 2024 '[Israel] realised who they are dealing with. It's perfect!' the resident told reporters in Tehran. Further video appeared to show crowds at the grave of Qasem Soleimani, the top Iranian military commander who was killed by a US air strike in Iraq in 2020. The large group of men were said to be chanting death to America and Israel shortly after the Revolutionary Guards announced the launch of their so-called Operation Honest Promise. As some 350 rockets, missiles and drones were launched at Israel in the early hours of Sunday, demonstrators flocked to Tehran's Palestine Square. Scores waved Iranian and Palestinian national flags alongside banners reading 'God's victory is near'. A mural saying 'the next slap is fiercer' was unveiled in in Tehran's Palestine Square square, where a huge banner has hung for days calling, in Hebrew, for Israelis to 'take shelter'. Telegram channels supporting Iran also celebrated what they suggested was a successful operation, with one saying: 'The enemy will regret it and consider it a historic slap.' The same phrase was reportedly used by Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who referred to the attack as 'the Iranian people's slap' on the enemy's face, saying it taught Israel 'a lesson' and made Iranians 'happy'. By Lee Min-hyung Ford and Jaguar are on the verge of exiting the Korean market, as they experience a gradual decline not only in sales but also in overall brand identity, due to customers' increasing preference for home-grown players and a limited number of German luxury automakers, according to data and company officials, Monday. The outlook reflects their worsening revenues, primarily triggered by plummeting vehicle sales. According to an audit report by Ford Sales and Service Korea, the automaker reported an operating loss of 4.92 billion won ($3.55 million) in 2023. Its net loss also came in at 19.5 billion won during the same period, hit by a drastic sales drop of 30.25 percent last year compared to 2022. Other data from the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) showed the automaker sold 3,450 vehicles last year, down 55.9 percent from 2022. Fords luxury arm, Lincoln, also ended up selling only 1,658 cars here, down 34.9 percent during the same period. Both automakers sold more than 10,000 vehicles combined in 2021, but the figure almost halved two years later. A spokesperson for Ford Sales and Service Korea was unavailable for comment. The Park Motors, the authorized dealer of Fords local subsidiary, also ended up reporting an operating loss of 4.2 billion won last year amid the sluggish sales performance. Jaguar is another struggling auto brand here. The brand decided to suspend sales of its vehicles from the latter half of 2023 amid a drastic sales fall. According to KAIDA data, Jaguar sold more than 4,100 vehicles in 2017, but it has since failed to recover its old glory. In 2022, its sales stood at only 163 vehicles. Jaguar Land Rover Korea denied rumors of its possible exit from the Korean market, saying that it will resume sales of its new electric vehicles sometime in 2025. Earlier, a group of imported automakers opted to exit the Korean market after struggling to compete with two major domestic automakers, Hyundai Motor and Kia, as well as two German luxury carmakers, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Back in 2020, Japans Nissan and Infiniti pulled out of the Korean market. French auto brand Citroen also left the local market in 2022 amid falling sales. Despite ongoing struggles among other automakers, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are experiencing increasing popularity among Korean customers. Their combined sales accounted for more than half of the total imported vehicle sales here in 2023, according to data from KAIDA. Even if the global auto industry is in a transition period ahead of the upcoming era for electric vehicles (EV), customers preference for local automakers and the two German brands appears to remain in place for the time being, an official from an automaker here said. An Indianapolis woman, her boyfriend, and her mother have all been arrested in connection with the 'horrific' death of the woman's five-year-old daughter. On Tuesday, police were called to a report of an unresponsive child at around 5:15pm. Authorities say they found five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty looking malnourished and thin with sunken eyes and with feces on her feet and in her hair when she was found. They took her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The hospital she was taken to said she weighed more at two-and-a-half years old than at five. The girl's mother, 29-year-old Toni McClure and her live-in boyfriend, 27-year-old Ryan Smith, were both arrested for child neglect resulting in death, with McClure given a murder charge. An Indianapolis woman with a history of abuse, her boyfriend and her mother have all been arrested in connection with the 'horrific' death of the woman's five-year-old daughter, Kinsleigh Welty (pictured) On Friday, 53-year-old Tammy Halsey - Kinsleigh's grandmother - was taken into custody for neglect of a dependent. Her death is being investigating by local child abuse detectives and workers for the Indiana Department of Child Services. IMPD Chief Chris Bailey called the death 'horrific,' as court documents reveal that McClure has had past issues. In December 2018, McClure had gone to the hospital with a medical issue as police in Mooresville were called to a home that she lived in with several children. A one-year-old and a baby of just three weeks were discovered with completely full diapers while the kids ran and crawled around a floor littered with garbage, dirt and cigarette butts. The toilet had fecal matter that had never been cleaned off. The infants were also playing with old potatoes near a 'filthy couch, dirty mattress and full ashtray,' according to Fox 59. Worse, they were well within reach of expired, moldy food and sharp objects. 'It appeared the trash had never been taken out,' an officer reported. 'Nats were flying all over the kitchen and living room.' The girl's mother, 29-year-old Toni McClure, has been arrested and charged with murder and neglect McClure's live-in boyfriend, 27-year-old Ryan Smith, was also arrested and charged with neglect Authorities say they found five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty looking malnourished and thin with sunken eyes and with feces on her feet and in her hair when she was found When officers found them, they declared the home 'one of the worst living conditions [they'd] ever seen' and a 'repulsive sight.' They were 'hazardous nightmares for an adult, let alone a toddler and newborn.' McClure was contacted about DCS' presence at the time and began 'freaking out.' At that point, officers contacted Child Services to respond to the scene. When McClure was informed that DCS was at her house, she reportedly began 'freaking out.' The three-week-old girl, whose age would match up with Kinsleigh, was said to be malnourished back then, with filth on her head and hands and in a 'failure to thrive' state, even losing weight despite being just three weeks old. McClure was arrested over the 2018 findings and charged with four counts of neglect, alongside a man named Bradley Welty who received two charges. She eventually pled guilty to one count and was sentenced to 900 days in jail. McClure had her sentence suspended after just six weeks and was given 540 days of probation instead. In a 2018 incident charging McClure with neglect, when officers came to her home, they declared it 'one of the worst living conditions [they'd] ever seen' and a 'repulsive sight.' Tricia Welty (pictured right), Kinsleigh's grandmother on her father's side, now feels guilt over having given the girl back to McClure after having lived with her twice Tricia Welty, Kinsleigh's grandmother on her father's side, now feels guilt over having given the girl back to McClure after having lived with her twice. Welty said she pleaded with the department of child services to do something about it but her cries went unanswered and now she's demanding change. 'We just don't want her death to be in vain. We want change. We don't want any more kids to have to die because of the failure of the system,' she said. 'She was in our home, and she was safe, but she was handed back to her abuser and she's not here anymore.' It's this information that has some of the girl's family wondering why the state didn't step in when it was clear McClure wouldn't protect her children. 'As far as I'm concerned, she was not a mother, she was a monster,' Kyla Welsh, Kinsleigh's cousin, told WRTV. 'It's unimaginable what we're dealing with right now.' ' If the parents aren't going to love and protect them, and the state is not, who is going to protect them,' asked Welty. Tributes laid out for Kinsleigh Welty after she was pronounced dead earlier this week 'My heart breaks knowing what Kinsleigh went through in her short life and how she left this world,' Bailey said in a statement. 'The circumstances of Kinsleigh's death are horrific and beyond comprehension. No human being, let alone a child should be treated like she was. These alleged suspects, if convicted, should never step foot outside of a prison.' DCS is prevented by law from commenting on these cases until a criminal investigation is finished. Joshua Bain, an Indianapolis City Councilmember, is calling for a full investigation. 'It boggles your mind,' Bain told Fox 59 after writing a letter to the state department of child services. 'It makes you sick to your stomach.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available A heroic shopper caught up in the Westfield Bondi Junction attack has recalled the moment he joined others to try and help police subdue the knifeman. Ryan Bramble was shopping in Zara on Saturday with a friend when they heard the bloodcurdling screams of women as Joel Cauchi, 40, began his attack. 'I just heard women screaming and keep screaming,' Mr Bramble told 2GB on Monday. 'We looked at the front and just saw hundreds of people running.' He said he was just a few metres away from Cauchi and made eye contact, but the knifeman did not seem interested in him. Ryan Bramble (centre) was shopping in Zara on Saturday with a friend when they heard the blood curdling screams of women as Joel Cauchi, 40, began his attack Six people were killed in the rampage on Saturday. Attacker Joel Cauchi 'This bloke walks around the corner, just really casually... and I notice a massive Rambo knife in his hand,' Mr Ramble said. 'I look him in the eyes. He looked at me, we were only a few metres apart, but he looked at me and just kept going. Just a really deranged look on his face.' It was at that moment that hero police officer Amy Scott came running into the shopping centre and asked where the offender was and what he looked like. Mr Bramble said shoppers made the quick decision to grab chairs and bollards and followed the officer as back-up. 2GB host Ben Fordham told Mr Bramble on Monday morning that he and others put themselves in danger. 'I didn't really feel like that at the time. I just wanted to get the bugger,' Mr Bramble said. The hero shopper relived the moment on Sunrise recalling the moment Cauchi froze when the group and police officer caught up with him. 'He just went to charge straight back at us - straight at the female police officer and myself and the guy in the white shirt,' he said. 'And as he's done that, she's just shot him three times straight in the chest. Just so accurate.' Business owner Bill Mohana opened up on the terrifying moment the massacre unfolded. He was saying hello to 'the girls' at his partner's salon on level five at the shopping centre when he turned around and saw 'people stampeding' and a 'broken glass bottle' and a blood trail. Speaking with Nine, Mr Mohana described the confusion he felt during the first moments of the crisis before quickly acting to hide himself and others in the shop. 'I quickly closed the front of the shop, locked everyone in, turned up the lights, turned off everything, put everyone in the back room,' he said. Men can be seen running behind hero cop Amy Scott (pictured far right), with one grabbing a chair to use as a weapon Business owner Bill Mohana (pictured) opened up on the terrifying moment the massacre unfolded 'I helped an elderly man who was like, "let me in". I quickly put him in, shuttled them all into the back, closed the door, told everyone, "turn off the lights" to pretend or act like we were no longer in the shop and the shop was closed.' Mr Mohana said the wait for news was 'terrifying and horrific'. 'Like I had already seen the bodies laying on the floor and when I heard the gunshots, I thought, oh, we're next,' he said. He said his partner, Victoria Kerr, hasn't slept for two days. Cauchi killed five women and a male security guard during the rampage. NSW premier Chris Minns - who flew home from a family holiday in Tokyo on Saturday - spoke with 2GB radio station on Monday morning. 'I received a text message from my chief of staff saying call me urgently... which I thought was unusual,' he said. 'I left [my family] at the airport and was able to get a flight straightaway, I just turned around and jumped on a flight and came back.' He said Cauchi's sole interaction with NSW police was a 'move-on order' while he was sleeping rough in The Rocks. NSW premier Chris Minns - who flew home from a family holiday in Tokyo on Saturday - spoke with 2GB radio station on Monday morning (pictured, Joel Cauchi) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits the scene of the massacre in Bondi Junction (pictured) Anthony Albanese, NSW premier Chris Minns, with local leaders paying their respects Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has made an urgent request for more blood donations after the attack left 12 people in hospital, many of whom suffered significant blood loss. At least 50 witnesses made reports to NSW police on Sunday after the incident, as investigators continue to piece together how the horrific incident unfolded. The parents of an eight-year-old boy who died after being hit by a car in Wiltshire have described him as 'the light of our small village', as fellow mourners gathered today for a candelit vigil in memory of the youngster. Lennix Sutcliffe was fatally injured while on a low-down toy scooter in Woodland View, in Dilton Marsh, near Westbury, when a driver was pulling into a driveway at around 4.30pm on Saturday, police said. Paying tribute to their son, his parents Jackie and Chris said: 'Our Lennix was always playing, a happy go lucky child who was loved by everyone and who loved everyone. 'He simply loved life and was the light of our small village. 'He loved Pokemon and his favourite character was Charizard. He was playing today, just playing, taking every ounce of enjoyment that life offered. Mourners gathered in Woodland View, Wiltshire, on Sunday evening to pay their respects to Lennix Sutcliffe, who was tragically killed while playing in his road on Saturday afternoon Candles were lit in memory of Lennix, who was described by his parents as 'the light of our small village' People hugged one another at the gathering on Sunday evening to remember Lennix Sutcliffe Lennix was fatally injured while on a low-down toy scooter in Woodland View, in Dilton Marsh, near Westbury, when a driver pulled into a driveway at around 4.30pm on Saturday. Pictured: Mourners support one another at Sunday's vigil 'We as a family are now coming together to support one another. We ask our community to provide us both time and space in the days, weeks and months ahead of us.' Relatives and residents gathered on Sunday evening by the play area in Woodland View to light candles and pay tribute to the youngster. People were visibly moved and hugged one another as they lay flowers at the site. Wiltshire Police said enquiries in relation to the incident remain ongoing by its serious collision investigation team. Earlier today, Lennix's mother paid tribute to her 'bubbly and kind' son who was 'loved by everyone'. Little Lennix had been playing with friends yesterday afternoon on a quiet Wiltshire cul-de-sac when he was tragically struck down. His grandfather Nigel Sutcliffe was returning from the shops at the time when he heard screams that a boy had been knocked over on Woodland View in Dilton Marsh. Mr Sutcliffe, who works in a Tesco warehouse and has received first aid training for his role, raced over along with an off duty police officer and tried to give the schoolboy CPR but sadly he could not be saved. Lennix's mother Jackie Meredith told MailOnline today: 'He was bubbly and kind, loved by everybody. He had so many wonderful friends. He had his birthday two weeks ago and had his whole life ahead of him.' His grandfather, who was been diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma and been receiving chemotherapy, added: 'I'm broken over it. My little shining star has gone. 'We had a strong bond and we will miss him. I can't understand how something like this can happen.' Lennix had been a pupil at Dilton Marsh primary school, just a stone's throw away from the street he grew up on with his six-year-old brother. Lennix's mother paid tribute to her 'bubbly and kind' son who was 'loved by everyone' The community has been left shaken by the death of 8-year-old boy Lennix Sutcliffe while playing out in the street Little Lennix, 8, had been playing with friends yesterday afternoon on a quiet Wiltshire cul-de-sac when he was tragically struck down yesterday afternoon Tonight a vigil will be held outside the play area in Dilton Marsh for Lennix as the street tries to come to terms with their loss Pictured: Police officers at the scene in Dilton Marsh yesterday afternoon following the tragedy Youngsters living in the area are said to be confused and unable to understand why Lennix won't be at school on Monday. Stephen Bosson lives next to the the park and his grandchildren were also playing at the time. He said: 'The children were playing tag when they came running in saying a boy was under a car. An off duty police officer and neighbours gave him CPR. They had to try. 'We're shaken as a community. The children are confused and can't understand why he's not going to be in school on Monday.' Another neighbour, who does not wish to be named, was mowing his lawn when he heard screaming and went out. He said: 'I saw three people trying to resuscitate him. I don't know how the children are coping. They say one thing, then they're all upset.' Jackie said that the whole street had been supportive since the devastating accident. The location where the young boy was hit last night Amongst the tributes and flowers was a card from Lennix's mother and father Another from his aunty and uncle said: 'To our little whirlwind. You literally fill out hearts as much as you do the room. Fly high angel. We love you so much' This afternoon, photographs of Lennix, flowers and cards were placed on the fence outside the playpark, while tealights were placed on the floor. A message from his mother and father read: 'To my darling boy. Fly high superstar. Love you always mummy and daddy.' Another from his aunty and uncle said: 'To our little whirlwind. You literally fill our hearts as much as you do the room. Fly high angel. We love you so much.' One written by a child read: 'Will miss you forever best friend.' Emergency services were called out to the crash at 4.30pm on Saturday with the road in the rural village being closed in the night. The tragic scene saw Wiltshire Air Ambulance scramble to the road alongside other 999 responders but despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A man in his 30s is being interviewed, the police said, as 'is usual in these circumstances'. Tributes have flooded social media this morning, with many paying their respects to the boys family. One wrote: 'What sad news... fly high little man.. sending hug and love to his family and friends at this sad occasion.' Witnesses to the collision or anyone with dash cam footage are being urged to contact the serious collision investigation team The little boy's family have been informed and is being supported by a specialist officer. Pictured: Officers on the quiet cul-de-sac Emergency services were called to a road traffic collision in Woodland View, Dilton Marsh at 4.30pm on Saturday. Pictured: Police offices at the scene Another said: 'This is so very very sad. Sending my thoughts to his family at this most unimaginably awful time.' 'Rest in paradise beautiful boy, thoughts are with the family,' a third added, while a fourth wrote: 'My condolences to the family, this is so tragic to read.' The devastating collision happened in Dilton Marsh on the warmest day of the year so far. The quiet village has a local pub, called The Prince of Wales, a pre-school and a primary school as well as a parent and toddler group. Woodland View is a small cul-de-sac with a few new build houses backing onto a large field. It is a close walk from both the primary and prep school. 'Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time', a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said. 'A man in his 30s is being interviewed, as is usual in these circumstances,' they added. Witnesses to the collision or anyone with dash cam footage are being urged to contact the serious collision investigation team on 01225 694597 quoting log number 218 of yesterday's date (13/04). Witnesses can also contact the team directly by emailing SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk. The spectacle of Donald Trump's first criminal trial has arrived. The former president will appear in court in Manhattan on Monday, despite multiple efforts from his legal team to delay the start of the Stormy Daniels hush money case, where he is accused of trying to hide a $130,000 payment to cover up an affair he denies ever having. His legal team have been in and out of court for months trying to get the charges tossed and claiming it should be in a different venue, because he can't get a fair trial in Manhattan. The presumptive Republican nominee's attorneys will now go to battle with prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. He has picked a veteran white-collar lawyer, a criminal defense attorney and those who have worked on Trump Organization cases to fight his corner as he stares down 34 charges of falsifying business records. Here are the key members of both the prosecution and defense teams as jury selection begins on Monday. The spectacle of Donald Trump's first criminal trial has arrived. The former president will appear in court in Manhattan on Monday, despite multiple efforts from his legal team to delay the start of the Stormy Daniels hush money case THE DEFENSE Todd Blanche Blanche is the head of Trump's legal team and will be leading his defense in the trial that could last between six and eight weeks. The white-collar attorney and former federal prosecutor was hired the day before Trump's arraignment in the case in April 2023. He resigned from an elite New York law firm and relished the opportunity to represent Trump, and is now assigned to three of his four criminal cases. Blanche has already worked for Trump's inner circle. He represented Trump lawyer Boris Epshteyn, former campaign manager Paul Manafort and Rudy Giuliani associate Igor Furman. Todd Blanche is the head of Trump's legal team and will be leading his defense in the trial that could last between six and eight weeks Susan Necheles Trained at Yale Law School and head of her own legal firm, Necheles is known to be particularly tough in cross-examination and cut her teeth representing mobsters. The fearless attorney joined Trump's legal team years ago when she represented the Trump Orgnizaton in the Manhattan district attorney's tax fraud case. When Trump has appeared in the Manhattan courtroom, she has been by his side at the defense table and giving him counsel. She started her career with corporate law firm and in the Brooklyn District Attorneys office. Then she moved into criminal law at a firm with Frederick Hafetz, who eventually named her partner. Recently, she defended Seagrams heiress Clare Bronfman, who was convicted in 2020 of financing the NXIVM sex cult in upstate New York. She also gave counsel to Genovese crime family underboss Venero Mangano, who was known as Bennie Eggs and has represented a Miss America and Lady Astor's son. According to reports, Harvey Weinstein tried to hire her to fight sex assault allegations against him in 2019, because of her 'extremely creative arguments'. When Trump has appeared in the Manhattan courtroom, Susan Necheles (right) has been by his side at the defense table and giving him counsel Emil Bove Trump added Bove to his team in September 2023. He was the co-chief of the national security unit at the US attorneys office for the Southern District of New York. In a statement to CNN when he was hired, Blanche called Bove 'an expert in white collar and CIPA-related litigation'. Trump added Emil Bove (left) to his team in September 2023. He was the co-chief of the national security unit at the US attorneys office for the Southern District of New York Gedalia Stern Stern is a partner at Necheles' law firm who also worked on the Trump Organization tax fraud case in 2022. 'He has extensive experience representing clients in both federal and state court charged with a variety of crimes, including bribery, benefits fraud, wire fraud, kidnapping, and sex crimes,' a description on Necheles' firm's website reads. Gedalia Stern is a partner at Necheles' law firm who also worked on the Trump Organization tax fraud case in 2022 THE PROSECUTION Chris Conroy Conroy has worked in the Manhattan District Attorney's office for 27 years and now serves as the Executive Assistant District Attorney and Senior Advisor to the Investigation Division. He has worked in the Violent Criminal Enterprises Unit and the DA's Major Economic Crimes Bureau. He has overseen major cases including the violations of U.S. sanctions and is an expert on calcification of business records, the charges Trump is facing. Chis Conroy has worked in the Manhattan District Attorney's office for 27 years and now serves as the Executive Assistant District Attorney and Senior Advisor to the Investigation Division Susan Hoffinger Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg hired Hoffinger last year to bolster the team investigating Trump. She argued against Necheles during the Trump Organization tax fraud case, and secured a conviction. The Columbia Law school graduate worked at the Manhattan District Attorney's office from 1992 to 2000. She moved into private practice before she was brought onto the prosecution's team last year when two members abruptly resigned over how Bragg was handling the case. As both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, she has extensive experience in white-collar crime. One of her tactics may be that she will treat Trump like any other defendant in a criminal case. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg hired Susan Hoffinger last year to bolster the team investigating Trump Josh Steinglass Steinglass is a 25-year veteran of the Manhattan district attorney's office known for prosecuting high-profile murder and manslaughter cases. Alongside the Trump case, he also led the investigation into the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on the subway. Daniel Penny is awaiting trial and has pleaded not guilty to the charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Steinglass was also a key member of the team that secured the conviction of two Trump Organization companies in 2022 on 17 counts of tax fraud. He questioned key witnesses and delivering the closing argument. Josh Steinglass (center) is a 25-year veteran of the Manhattan district attorney's office known for prosecuting high-profile murder and manslaughter cases Matthew Colangelo Former Senior Justice Department official Colangelo is an attorney Trump has frequently cited as evidence that the Manhattan investigation is tied to the Biden administration. He was hired in 2022 after being involved in the New York attorney general's civil investigation of Trump, which ended in the former president having to pay a $454 million fine for fraud. Interaction about surfing lessons came just months before the attack The man who murdered six people during a terrifying rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction asked a local for surfing lessons just months before the attack. Joel Cauchi, 40, stabbed five women and one man to death and critically injured 12 others with a 30cm hunting knife at about 3.20pm on Saturday. Cauchi was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott who has been hailed a hero for ending the killing spree and giving CPR to the victims. Bondi man Stefan Deutsch shared the disturbing moment he realised he had exchanged Facebook messages with Cauchi just six months earlier. Mr Deutsch shared a screenshot of their short interaction on TikTok, which began after Cauchi responded to his advert for surfing lessons. 'Hi I am interested in the surfing lessons in Sydney, can I apply please?' Cauchi said. 'Hi, yes I can give you surf lessons!' Mr Deutsch replied. 'Is it free?' Cauchi asked. 'Heya, no, it's not free sorry,' Mr Deutsch said. Cauchi read the message but never replied. Bondi man Stefan Deutsch (pictured) shared the disturbing moment he realised he had exchanged Facebook messages with Bondi Junction killer Joel Cauchi Mr Deutsch shared a screenshot of their short interaction on TikTok , which began after Cauchi responded to his ad for surfing lessons (pictured) Just six days before the attack, Cauchi invited Sydneysiders to join him for a surf at Bondi Beach in a post shared to a Facebook group for beginner surfers. 'Hi I am surfing Bondi this afternoon if anyone wants to meet there for a surf!' he said. Less than a week later, Cauchi would be shot dead after killing five women and one man in a violent stabbing spree that has shocked the world. The victims include: Cauchi's victims include - Ashlee Good, a 38-year-old mum (left); Dawn Singleton (centre), the 25-year-old daughter of multi-millionaire advertising guru John Singleton; and mother-of-two and Architect Jade Young (right) Cauchi's victims from left to right: Westfield security guard and Pakistani refugee, 30-year-old Faraz Tahi; Local artist and Bondi Junction woman, 55-year-old Pikria Darchia and Chinese national and student Yixuan Cheng Cauchi's motives are yet to be confirmed, but NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said on Monday that he had appeared to target women and avoid men. 'The videos speak for themselves, don't they?' she said. 'That's certainly a line of inquiry for us. 'It's obvious to me, it's obvious to detectives that seems to be an area of interest that the offender had focused on women and avoided the men. 'As you know, and has been reported, five of the deceased are women. And the majority of victims in hospital are also women. We don't know what was operating in the mind of the offender and that's why it's important now that detectives spend so much time interviewing those who know him, were around him and close to him. 'So we can get some insight into what he might have been thinking. We won't know necessarily. But we have to take a judgement from those who know him.' His motives are yet to be confirmed, however NSW police commissioner Karen Webb said on Monday that Cauchi (pictured) had appeared to target women and avoid men Cauchi was known to police and had been living in Sydney sporadically over the past couple of years. He was reportedly sleeping rough and had no fixed address. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17, and it's understood he has a history of being obsessed with knives. While living with his parents in Toowoomba, south-east Queensland, they became so worried about his fixation that they took his knives away from him. His parents, Andrew and Michelle, declined to speak with media after earlier describing their son Joel Cauchi's murderous rampage as 'truly horrific'. His parents learnt about the horror when they recognised their son from footage on TV and made a frantic phone call to police, but by that stage it was too late. Cauchi's parents Andrew (pictured) and Michelle, declined to speak with media after earlier describing their son's murderous rampage as 'truly horrific' NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the majority of Cauchi's victims were women The Cauchis have lived in the Toowoomba suburb of Rockville for 46 years, and last saw their son just a few short months ago when the 40-year-old came for Christmas. They said in their statement that they have 'no issues' with Inspector Scott's actions or those of the NSW Police. 'Joel's actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened,' the statement read. 'He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager. 'We are in contact with both the New South Wales Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the Police Officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned that Australia's biggest trade partner China could experience its worst economic growth in almost 50 years. The Chinese economy, the world's second biggest, last year grew by 5.2 per cent. But Dr Chalmers said China's growth pace was likely to have a 'four' in front of it for three years in a row - marking the slowest expansion over several years since the era before the country opened up to world trade in 1978. 'What we're looking at here in the current forecasts which will be finalised between now and the Budget itself is growth with a four in front of it, for three consecutive years in China,' he told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday. The Chinese economy, the world's second biggest, last year grew by 5.2 per cent (pictured, Chinese president Xi Jinping) China, Australia's biggest trading partner, is the biggest customer of iron ore - until recently Australia's most valuable export used to make steel (pictured are Fortescue workers in Western Australia) 'If that happens that will be the slowest period of economic growth in China since they started opening up in the late 1970s. 'So, we expect the Chinese economy to be a bit weaker for a bit longer and that has obvious consequences for us, for our economy, but also for our Budget.' China is the biggest customer of iron ore - until recently Australia's most valuable export used to make steel. The spot price of iron ore has plunged by 30 per cent from $US142 a tonne at the start of January to $US99 in early April. The commodity had risen from $US100 a tonne in September last year. But Treasury's Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, released in December, predicted iron ore would be worth just $US60 a tonnne by September 2024 - marking another 39 per cent plunge from this month. Next month's Budget for 2024-25 is expected to have even more pessimistic forecasts. A weaker iron ore price means less revenue from federal government royalties from mining companies, like BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue. 'The iron ore price was about, was more than $130 a tonne at the start of the year,' Dr Chalmers said. 'It's been bouncing around in the low 90s. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is warning Australians to brace for China - Australia's biggest trading partner - having the worst economic growth in 46 years 'To give you a sense of what that means for the budget, the difference between 130 plus and in the low 90s is something like $9billion in revenue in the budget, something like $35billion in nominal economic activity, so can you see the drop off in the iron ore price. 'You can see why this is one of the reasons why we expect much, much smaller revenue upgrades in the budget than we've become accustomed to on the last couple of occasions.' Iron ore was, until 2021-22, Australia's most valuable export. But in 2022-23, coal overtook it to be worth $127.423billion, compared with $124.101billion for iron ore, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade figures showed. The fears about a slowing Chinese economy are being publicised just weeks after China scrapped the 200 per cent tariffs on Australian wine that had been imposed in 2020 in retaliation at former prime minister Scott Morrison's call for an inquiry into the origins of Covid. His Labor successor Anthony Albanese visited Beijing in November to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a bid to repair diplomatic ties. The World Bank in December forecast Chinese economic growth slowing to 4.5 per cent in 2024. China's economy shrunk by just 2.2 per cent in 2020 during the Covid lockdowns but bounced back to 8.4 per cent in 2021. A economic growth pace starting with a '4' in 2024, 2025 and 2026 would be the slowest expansion over several years since the mid-1970s, before China opened up to world trade in 1978. Broadcaster Ray Hadley is leading calls for security guards to be armed in Australia - as questions grow about how one man could stab six people to death. Six people were seriously wounded before Queensland man Joel Cauchi, 40, was shot dead by police during the terrifying rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon. Among those stabbed to death was Faraz Tahir, a security guard at Westfield Bondi Junction, while another guard was injured during the rampage. Mr Tahir was a refugee from Pakistan, and Daily Mail Australia understands it was his first week working as a security guard at the centre. CCTV footage shows Joel Cauchi walking through the shopping centre while holding a 30cm hunting knife. Cauchi stabbed shoppers at random and killed six people, including two security guards Most retail security staff in NSW are unarmed, with batons and classified as prohibited weapons that require special licensing and training. Following the horrific attacks, Hadley has demanded that security guards are armed across the state. 'For years I've been arguing that all security guards in the state in hospitals and shopping centres should be better equipped. 'Particularly in hospitals, the madness of a weekend, drug-affected people wanting to attack doctors and nurses. 'And these poor security guards, unarmed, unable to do what they should do - protecting the people that they are there to protect. 'At the very least, they need capsicum spray and even tasers after being fully trained in their use. He demanded NSW Premier Chris Minns take urgent action now after the premier announced an independent coronial inquest into the Bondi Junction stabbings. 'I heard Minns say we will wait until the coronial inquiry. 'Minns, you don't need a brand new inquiry. You need to make sure the security guards can keep people safe in some way,' Hadley told listeners. 'You must act immediately on unarmed security guards in these areas like shopping centres and hospitals. We don't need an inquiry.' A hair salon owner, who has five shops in Westfield centres across NSW, including Bondi Junction, claimed 'there isn't enough security' at the centre. 'I work in a Westfield shopping centre and no, there isn't enough security,' she commented on a Facebook post. 'There needs to be security at each entry full stop. Thursday nights are increasingly scary. Juveniles running a muck, bag snatching, knives, etc.' Two Westfield security guards were fatally stabbed in the attack, including 30-year-old Pakistani refugee Faraz Tahir (pictured) She added security 'walk around the centre' and believed if there was more guards at all entrances and some patrolling the levels the attack might have been avoided. 'All security do is walk around the centre. That does nothing if they are not at the right section at the right time,' she wrote. 'Put a security guard at each entry and have some patrolling the centre. If that was the case, [Saturday] may not have happened.' A major coronial inquiry, bolstered by up to $18 million in extra funding, will examine Cauchi's 'horrifying, vile act' as well as his previous interactions with authorities, Premier Chris Minns said on Monday. Those include an incident when police asked him to move on from where he was believed to be sleeping rough in Sydney's city centre and when he sought health care for an ear ailment. Cauchi's estranged family said he had battled mental health issues for decades as they responded with devastation for his actions and the sorrow they had caused. 'Joel's actions were truly horrific and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened,' they said. Health Minister Ryan Park said the killer had not fallen 'through the cracks' in a NSW mental health system that he did not appear to have interacted with since moving to the state from Queensland. Five women and one man were killed, while 12 others - including a baby - were seriously wounded before Cauchi was shot. Eight people remained in hospital on Monday, including a nine-month-old girl who had undergone surgery and was in a serious but stable condition. The baby's mother, 38-year-old osteopath Ashlee Good, was among those killed in the attack. Dawn Singleton, the 25-year-old daughter of multi-millionaire businessman John Singleton, was one of the women killed, as were 47-year-old architect Jade Young, 55-year-old artist and d Ray Hadley has fought back tears as he revealed how he had to tell John Singleton of the tragic murder of the ad guru's daughter in the shopping centre massacre on Saturday. The radio host relived the heartbreaking call about Dawn Singleton's brutal death on 3AW's Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft show on Monday. Ms Singleton, 25, was one of the five women and one man stabbed to death in the horrific Westfield Bondi Junction attack by crazed knifeman Joel Cauchi. But Hadley had to break the news to her father, Hadley's close mate for more than 30 years, after he got a frantic message from the worried dad on Saturday evening. 'I got a text from Singo about half past six pleading for me to ring him,' said Hadley. 'I didnt know what it was about. 'I rang him and he said, "I think my Dawnie is one of those who has lost their life. I cant confirm it, can you do something?",' he added. Dawn Singleton (pictured) the daughter of John Singleton was tragically murdered in the Westfield Bondi Junction massacre on Saturday The veteran 2GB broadcaster said he then called police contacts including NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb. 'I asked her if she had any names and she said, "Only one," and confirmed it was Dawn, a beautiful 25-year-old girl Ive known since she was born,' Hadley said. Hadley recalled how he then broke the gut-wrenching news to his friend. 'I had the job of ringing John back and officially confirming that his dear darling daughter had been stabbed to death by this lunatic,' he said. He also revealed that two of his daughters had holidayed with Dawn and her sister Summer in Fiji many years ago and had kept in touch via social media. He told 3AW that the day before she was killed, Dawn had put a deposit down on a wedding dress and was planning her wedding to her childhood sweetheart. 'She was about to be married to a young police officer, young Ashley, who I imagine along with John and Julie are in a dreadful state today trying to come to terms with what happened,' he added. Hadley spoke of how Dawn's fiance attended Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon as the unimaginable events were unfolding. 'Ashley was on duty and he went to the scene actually and was shepherded away by his fellow officers when they realised that it was his fiancee who had been one of the people left devastated and dead,' Hadley said. 'Like all the other families I know one family but there are all other families impacted by this today. Its just a horrible, horrible horrible feeling.' Dawn Singleton, the daughter of John Singleton (pictured) was tragically murdered in the Westfield Bondi Junction massacre on Saturday Ray Hadley (pictured) revealed he broke the tragic news to his close mate of 30 years Hadley spoke of how Sydney is in a state of shock and of the bravery of the first responders and witnesses to the horrific events on Saturday afternoon at Westfield Bondi Junction. 'Bondi will never be the same, Westfield will never be the same. It will be a testimony not just to the bravery of the officer involved, but all the other people,' he said. 'When you think you live in a really safe place which we do but every now and then theres a realisation that there are bad people out there wanting to do bad things to other people.' On his 2GB program this morning, Ray Hadley spoke again about the tragic murder and its unimaginable impact on the Singleton family and other families. 'The Singleton family, as are all the other families affected by this are absolutely devastated,' he said. 'Its every parents worst nightmare their worst nightmare... and John and Julie are living that nightmare along with their daughters, Dawns siblings and everyone connected with the family.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available This is the shocking moment a Good Samaritan attempted to gun down an alleged carjacker before being mowed down and killed by the man. Jonathan Adam Lecompte, 38, died after being struck and thrown into the air by the stolen vehicle after he fired four shots at a carjacker outside a Burger King. The incident happened last month in Lumberton, North Carolina, after police say Ricky Alex Driggers, 28, stole a vehicle and then hit Lecompte. Authorities charged Driggers with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted common law robbery, larceny of a motor vehicle and felony fleeing to elude. Footage of the incident, which has been widely shared on social media, shows Lecompte aiming a firearm at Driggers moments before he was mowed down. Jonathan Adam Lecompte, left, died after being struck by the stolen vehicle after he fired four shots at a carjacker Him and one other man can be seen running across the road away from the truck, which then collides with him As Driggers backs away, Lecompte can be heard shouting: 'Get out the way, he is going to run into us' Lecompte can be heard warning him: 'Don't get in the god damn truck fool', as he starts letting off shots at Driggers. In total, Lecompte fires four times before Driggers reverses up the road away from him. As Driggers backs away, Lecompte can be heard shouting: 'Get out the way, he is going to run into us.' Him and one other man can be seen running across the road away from the truck, which then collides with him. Lecompte is thrown into the air as bystanders start screaming, with one woman heard repeatedly shouting: 'Oh my god!' Others who observed the collision can be seeing running over towards Lecompte who lays lifeless at the side of the road. Officers with Lumberton Police Department later caught up with Driggers who fled the scene, after he wrecked the vehicle on a highway. In a statement, they said: 'Good Samaritans got involved to prevent the carjacking but the suspect was then able to steal the vehicle of one of the good Samaritans.' Footage of the incident, which has been widely shared on social media, shows Lecompte aiming a firearm at Driggers moments before he was mowed down Driggers is currently being held without bond in the Robeson County Detention Center 'In the process of stealing the vehicle the suspect reportedly intentionally struck one of the good Samaritans with the stolen vehicle. 'The male victim who was struck by the vehicle was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. 'Officers arriving on the scene saw the suspect as he was fleeing the scene and pursued the suspect in the stolen vehicle until the suspect wrecked the stolen vehicle on Selma Road near Highway 41.' Driggers is currently being held without bond in the Robeson County Detention Center. Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins at Parliament House after a long night of drinking, Federal Court Justice Michael Lee has found. The former Liberal staffer sued Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson over an episode of The Project broadcast in February 2021. In the interview, Ms Higgins went public with her allegations for the first time, claiming an unnamed staffer raped her at Parliament House in March 2019. Mr Lehrmann claimed friends and colleagues were able to identify him as the alleged rapist. He has always maintained his innocence. While Justice Lee on Monday accepted there was 'no doubt' that Mr Lehrmann was identified in the program, he said he accepted the basis of the report. After several hours of explanation, Justice Lee came to the conclusion: 'Mr Lehrmann did rape Brittany Higgins' Justice Lee determined that, contrary to Mr Lehrmann's evidence, sexual intercourse did occur, and that Ms Higgins did not consent Federal Court Justice Michael Lee ruled in Network 10's favour on Monday, determining that report was truthful in its allegations against Mr Lehrmann. Network 10 had mounted two separate defences of their conduct - a substantial truth defence and qualified privilege. Justice Lee first dealt with the qualified privilege defence, determining it 'fell short of the standard'. That meant Justice Lee had to accept that Ten's report was, on the civil standard of basis of probabilities, factually correct. After several hours of explanation, Justice Lee came to the conclusion: 'Mr Lehrmann did rape Brittany Higgins.' Justice Lee determined that, contrary to Mr Lehrmann's evidence, sexual intercourse did occur, and that Ms Higgins did not consent. 'I am convinced that sexual intercourse took place,' the judge said. Justice Lee said Mr Lehrmann was 'on top' of Ms Higgins and that she was unable to remove herself from the couch. Mr Lehrmann was also pictured making his way into the Federal Court with his legal team 'Taking all my reservations as to the credibility and reliability of Ms Higgins into account, her evidence that she was not aware of her surroundings and became aware when he was on top of her struck me forcefully as being credible and having the ring of the truth,' he said. 'Ms Higgins did not consent to intercourse when she became aware that Mr Lehrmann was on top of her.' He also offered five 'key facts' about the night in question, honing in particularly in the 40 unaccounted for minutes when Mr Lehrmann and Ms Higgins were alone in the ministerial suite. These were: 1. They were alone in the suite for about 40 minutes 2. Mr Lehrmann did not answer six calls from his girlfriend 3. He left alone at about 2.33am 4. Ms Higgins was impacted by alcohol and fell asleep on the couch in a state of undress 5. There was time for the pair to have 'coitus' In his opening remarks, Justice Lee described the case in its entirety as an 'omnishambles'. He was scathing of both Ms Higgins and Mr Lehrmann, describing them both as unreliable witnesses. 'To remark that Mr Lehrmann is a poor witness is an understatement. Mr Lehrmann's attachment to the truth was tenuous,' he said. But he put much of Ms Higgins' inconsistencies down to trauma. Lisa Wilkinson arrived in court for the verdict this morning wearing all white Ms Wilkinson wore the same suit on February 14 The month-long trial was heard in December, with judgment initially set down for April 4. However, the matter was reopened in early April after Network Ten successfully argued there was new evidence from former Channel Seven employee Taylor Auerbach which was not available during the trial. Mr Auerbach was on the team at Seven's Spotlight program when it secured exclusive interviews with Mr Lehrmann, which aired in June and August last year. It was during those two interviews that classified information from Mr Lehrmann's criminal trial was broadcast on national television. The confidential material included Ms Higgins' private texts and CCTV of Ms Higgins and Mr Lehrmann entering Parliament House before she was allegedly raped in March 2019. The leaked information had originally been collected by Australian Federal Police during the investigation into Ms Higgins' rape allegations and was protected under the Harman undertaking, which meant it could not be used for anything other than court proceedings. Mr Auerbach, who left his job at Seven last year, reportedly claimed in his affidavit that Mr Lehrmann was the source of the confidential material. Mr Lehrmann has denied in court that he was the source of the leaked content, but Justice Lee made a ruling that he was not entirely truthful in relation to that matter. Mr Auerbach was cross-examined by Mr Lehrmann's barrister Matthew Richardson SC, during which he claimed Channel Seven covered Mr Lehrmann's costs for drugs and sex workers. Mr Lehrmann and Channel Seven have denied those claims. The U.S. government announced a plan Monday to award Samsung Electronics up to $6.4 billion in grants to support the Korean tech giant's chipmaking investment in central Texas, as it strives to strengthen domestic semiconductor production. The Commerce Department said it has reached a nonbinding preliminary agreement with Samsung to provide the grants under the CHIPS and Science Act to back the company's expected investment of more than $40 billion, in the establishment of a "leading-edge semiconductor ecosystem" in the state. The proposed investment would be split across multiple projects at two separate locations in Texas, including the construction of an advanced manufacturing cluster in Taylor and the expansion of the existing facilities in Austin. President Joe Biden touted Samsung's investment in light of the decadesold alliance between South Korea and the United States. "Today's announcement of Samsung's investment in the United States is another example of how my Investing in America agenda and the U.S.-ROK alliance is creating opportunity in every corner of the country," he said in a statement. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. He reiterated that the 2022 CHIPS Act is designed to restore U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and help maintain access to chips. "Well before the law was passed, I was working to address our supply chain vulnerabilities," he said. "This included my trip to the Republic of Korea, where I visited Samsung's Pyeongtaek campus to see one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the world." Samsung's proposed investment in Taylor would construct a comprehensive advanced manufacturing cluster, including two leading-edge logic foundry fabs focused on mass production of 4 nanometer (nm) and 2 nm process technologies, a research and development fab dedicated to technology generations ahead of nodes currently in production, and an advanced packaging facility. Its investment in Austin is dedicated to expanding the existing facilities to support the production of leading fully depleted silicon-on-insulator process technologies for U.S. industries, including aerospace, defense and automotive, according to the department. The act sets aside $39 billion in incentives to encourage chipmakers to build, expand or modernize semiconductor facilities in the U.S. The Commerce Department plans to invest about $28 billion of the total in leading-edge chipmakers, like Samsung. The much-anticipated announcement came after TSMC Arizona Corporation, Intel Corp., GlobalFoundries, the American subsidiary of BAE Systems Plc and Microchip Technology Inc. were selected as beneficiaries. Investments by Samsung and other firms put the U.S. on track to deliver on its plan to produce about 20 percent of the world's leading-edge logic chips by 2030, the department said. (Yonhap) The world had been waiting with deep foreboding to see how Tehran would respond to Israel's air strike on its consulate in Damascus, killing two Iranian generals and five other soldiers. Now we know. More than 300 drones, cruise and ballistic missiles launched at Israeli targets from bases within Iran. It was an unprecedented assault, and not just in the sheer volume of hardware. Iran usually hides behind paid proxies to pursue its bloody feuds Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, the Houthi rebels and, of course, Hamas. This was the first attack on Israel from its own soil and signals a chilling escalation in the Middle East conflict. The question is: Can it be contained? Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hardly renowned for his moderation and officials warned Iran would 'pay the price' for its aggression. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) is hardly renowned for his moderation and officials warned Iran would 'pay the price' for its aggression However, while there is certainly just cause for retaliation, now might be a good time to pause for breath. This would not be weakness but common sense. For the first time in months, Israel has regained the sympathy of the international community. After widespread criticism over the death and destruction caused in Gaza, it is now the one under attack. The US has offered Israel 'ironclad' support, as demonstrated by the fact that American jets along with British and Jordanian fighters helped intercept missiles and drones launched on Saturday. Thanks to that and Israel's own highly effective air defences, the assault caused limited damage and no apparent fatalities. Tehran has also said its revenge for Damascus is complete (though the ayatollahs are hardly a trustworthy bunch). The G7 nations were unequivocal in their condemnation of Iran yesterday and 'unshakeable' in their commitment to Israel's right to self-defence. But they also called for 'maximum restraint' from all parties. Separately, President Biden warned that America won't help Israel in any offensive campaign against Iran. So with the fight for Gaza still raging, would it really be a good idea for Mr Netanyahu to wage all-out war on a second front, with the added risk of alienating his allies and galvanising regional support for Iran? In The Art of War, the Chinese soldier/philosopher Sun Tzu counsels that victory depends on more than military might: 'He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight,' he writes. Nowhere is that advice more judicious than in the boiling cauldron of the Middle East today. Incurious Keir Sir Keir Starmer's apparent lack of curiosity over the scandal engulfing his deputy is becoming more implausible by the day. Angela Rayner was allegedly registered on the electoral roll at the ex-council house she owned in Vicarage Road, Stockport, for several years while actually living at her husband's house with their children. Sir Keir Starmer's (pictured) apparent lack of curiosity over the scandal engulfing his deputy is becoming more implausible by the day Angela Rayner (pictured) was allegedly registered on the electoral roll at the ex-council house she owned in Vicarage Road, Stockport, for several years while actually living at her husband's house with their children As well as breaching electoral law, if Vicarage Road was not her principal property, she may have avoided capital gains tax on the 48,500 profit she made on selling it in 2015. She says 'expert' legal advisers have exonerated her yet refuses to publish their advice. Sir Keir says he has not seen it, though members of his staff have. Sir Keir is a former Director of Public Prosecutions. The deputy leader of his party is under police investigation and may have broken the law. Can we honestly believe he's uninterested in taking even a cursory glance at her legal advice? Or is he deliberately distancing himself from this embarrassing affair? British and Irish expats have described being driven out of Portugal after locals allegedly killed their pets and hounded them with violent threats. Lynn and Richard Appleby-Brisco moved abroad in 2016 in the hope of starting a more 'affordable' life with their two young daughters in Portugal's Guarda district and featured in Channel 4's Our Wildest Dreams. But the experience soon became a nightmare after a group of Portuguese villagers launched a campaign of hate against them that saw their dog Cu - an estrela mountain cross retriever - die after being attacked. Another expat with a horrifying story to tell is Orla Dargan, a 65-year-old former City of London investment banker who retired to the Algarve but was forced into hiding after an 'aggressive' neighbour took over her land and drove her out of her home. The mother-of-two, who is originally from Dublin, lived happily in the 600,000 villa for several years before her neighbour, an estate agent she describes as a 'dangerous' man, moved in next door. She went on to face years of threatening behaviour, including an alleged attempt to drive her off the road near her home, before the body of her beloved rescue dog was found floating in a shallow well with horrifying injuries. Lynn and Richard Appleby-Brisco moved abroad in 2016 to start a more 'affordable' life with their two daughters (all pictured together) in Portugal's Guarda district The family's move to the remote village was filmed for Channel 4's Our Wildest Dreams. They are pictured on the show in 2018 Orla Dargan, who is from Dublin but spent much of her career in the City of London, was involved in a boundary dispute in Portugal that she said led to the death of her dog, Henry Ms Dargan, 65, bought her dream Portuguese villa for around 600,000 in 2016 The Appleby-Briscos, who are from Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, said their other animals were also targeted by angry neighbours. They claim a local admitted to stealing their cat Ponyo and kitten bubbles in January, and that their goats were poisoned. Ms Appleby-Brisco, 51, claims that when she confronted a villager about the mystery deaths, she was told: 'We've taken your pets and you're next She told The Sun: 'I just couldn't take it anymore, and it was my absolute lowest point. 'I was scared to be in the house on my own so I would hang around the biggest local town all day to feel safe. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: My dream retirement to Portugal became a nightmare when neighbour tried to steal my land, someone tried to ram my car off the road and my dog was tortured to death - I fear for my life Advertisement 'It was so bad that when I would go down to the farm I would carry a knife with me, and I consider myself a pacifist.' The family believe they inadvertently put a target on their backs after their episode aired in 2018. Among the outrageous incidents of harassment, the family were spat at and called 'English pigs' - while rumours were spread about Ms Appleby-Brisco being a devil-worshipping prostitute after she planted flowers outside their home. The family-of-four flew home to the UK in February with a small suitcase holding a change of clothes and pyjamas. Ms Appleby-Brisco and her children, Emily, 12, and Yvie, 10, are now living in a one-bed apartment, while their father is still trying to sell the property in Portugal and drive back all of their belongings. The family have raised 3,700 through a GoFundMe page to try and recover from the failed plot to move abroad. On the page, Ms Appleby-Brisco wrote: 'We arrived in Portugal almost eight years ago full of excitement of starting a new, sustainable life. We were followed by the film crew from Channel 4's Our Wildest Dreams as we wanted to inspire others. 'Initially our lives were great, we wanted to integrate locally so didn't mix as much with the expats, put our girls in the village school, bought a little farm on the edge of the village, started to learn the language better, did everything we thought right. 'Little did we know there was a storm of resentment in the village towards us, we had done nothing wrong so why would we even question it.' Channel 4 has been approached for comment. Lynn said she was 'scared to be in the house' on her own and would 'carry a knife' when she went down to the farm Richard is pictured building their Portugal home before they were forced back to the UK The family have raised 3,700 through a GoFundMe page to try and recover from the failed plot to move abroad Orla Dargan's long-running issues with her neighbour came to a head in 2021 when she returned to visit family in Ireland to find diggers had been ordered onto her land, with the fence between their properties moved and a pumphouse for a hot tub erected nearby. Years of legal wrangling ensued, with a judge eventually siding with Ms Dargan and ordering the neighbour to return her land - which has still not happened more than a year on. Has your holiday home dream been turned into a nightmare? Email martin.robinson@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement The most chilling part of her ordeal was the brutal 'killing' of her beloved rescue dog, who first went missing on the day of a court appearance and was later found dead, floating in a shallow well with horrific injuries. This series of disturbing events has left Ms Dargan living in fear and suffering from PTSD, and she fled the Algarve last year 'for her own safety', moving between addresses in Portugal and Spain to avoid detection. David Mapley, a fraud investigator who has been assisting the expat, said her case is an extreme example of the common occurrence of 'land grabbing' in the region - which he and others refer to as the 'Algrab'. Years after divorcing her husband, Ms Dargan bought her dream house in Santa Barbara De Nexe, an area popular with British and Irish ex-pats and known for its celebrity residents, in the hope of having a quiet life after a high-flying career. 'It's a very small town, home to some of the wealthiest houses in the Faro district. I just wanted a quieter place to live, but it turned into a nightmare,' she told MailOnline. When her neighbour first moved in, Ms Dargan claims his construction workers 'harassed and intimidated' her, saying they threw rubbish into her property and urinated publicly in front of it. Ms Dargan's dog Henry went missing and was found dead in a shallow well Things went from bad to worse, she said, when a boundary dispute erupted in March 2021, with Ms Dargan claiming her neighbour ordered the workers to infringe onto her land. She says he had moved the fence between their properties, digging up the earth and putting piles of rocks along it to increase the height of the property - making a 'mess' of her property as they gave way. A small construction and air vent for the neighbour's jacuzzi had also been put up, she said, 'on the edge' of her land, with a pipe coming through the fence releasing 'toxic waste' onto her side. After she challenged him over the apparent land grab, she says he shouted at her and she ran back into her house, fearing he would turn to 'physical violence'. She began to lock her doors and windows, fearing for her safety and that of her Portuguese partner, who she lived with at the time. In July, her neighbour was ordered to hand back her land, which he appealed and refused to do. Days later, she claims she had been driven off the road by an SUV, forcing her much smaller car into a ditch. Ms Dargan's son said his usually calm mother called him immediately afterwards in a state of 'emotional distress'. She increased security measures, installing CCTV cameras, before she and her partner moved out in January 2022 for the house to undergo a renovation. The sea view from Ms Dargan's property, which she says she has been unable to live at for more than a year due to renovation works and the alleged threat posed by her neighbour EXCLUSIVE A young woman says she was shocked to find the 'true gentleman' she once dated was the deranged mass killer behind the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing attack. The Gold Coast woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Daily Mail Australia about her brief relationship with crazed knifeman, Joel Cauchi, 40. Cauchi was shot dead by lone policewoman, Amy Scott, on Saturday afternoon after stabbing five women and one man to death and injuring at least a dozen more, including a nine-month-old baby girl. But the woman said she barely recognised the savage killer - who stabbed the infant in her pram - from the man she met on the Badoo dating app in April 2020. A woman previously in a relationship with Westfield Bondi Junction knifeman Joel Cauchi has revealed he was a 'true gentleman' (pictured, a photo Cauchi sent to the woman between 2020 and 2021) The woman (pictured), who does not wish to be identified, met with Cauchi in 2020 and spent a year messaging with him 'I struck up a conversation with him for a while then I had a few drinks with him at his house in Brisbane. He lived there with flatmates,' she said. 'He was a lovely guy when I met him, definitely quiet and reserved. I'm just very shocked at what has happened. 'It's hard to believe he has killed these innocent people.' She described Cauchi as a 'true gentleman' but admitted they only met in person once as he wasn't her type. Despite this, the pair continued their relationship into 2021. 'He was a very nice guy. Well spoken. I only saw him once but we did text for a good year after that,' she said. 'He came across a little too nerdy for me to be honest, but we still kept in touch. I live on the Gold Coast and he lived in Brisbane at the time.' Despite Cauchi's father previously telling Daily Mail Australia the 40-year-old lived a 'backpacker' lifestyle, which involved rotating between sleeping in his car and cheap hostels, the Gold Coast woman didn't recalled Cauchi having an interest in travel. 'He never mentioned travelling to me. That's why I was surprised he was in Bondi,' she said. Another woman who claims to have dated Cauchi said she stopped seeing him due to his odd behaviour. 'We went to church together. I went on a few coffee dates with him, but he had compulsions,' she said. 'It was a bit weird so I stopped messaging him, then he said he was moving away. I'm in shock.' Cauchi (pictured) stabbed six people to death at Westfield Bondi Junction shortly before 4pm on Saturday The Gold Coast woman said Cauchi was 'quiet', 'reserved' and 'nerdy' (pictured, a photo Cauchi sent the woman between 2020 and 2021) READ MORE: The terror of the Sydney stabbings is because it took place in the most ordinary of settings. It could have happened to any of us Advertisement Since the shocking attack, several people claiming to have known or attended school alongside Cauchi have shared differing accounts of him online. One person, claiming to be in the knifeman's 'close circle of friends' during high school in Toowoomba in south-east Queensland, gave some background to Cauchi's reported strange behaviour. 'He was one of those ones at school that was shy, always a bit on the weird side, but whenever he did something it was always full tilt,' they wrote. 'In hindsight he probably didn't regulate that well. 'Dropped off the radar after school but to my knowledge he didn't maintain any friendships with his circle of school mates.' They believe Cauchi was suffering a mental health episode at the time of Saturday's Westfield attack which is a theory shared by police and achoed by his distraught parents. Cauchi was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager and his parents said he had gone off his medication, which had triggered his psychosis. 'It might seem like misplaced empathy but the Joel that I knew would have not been himself, not in command of his actions while he attacked those people,' the friend wrote. 'If there's a lesson, it's that mental illness is a b*tch and we shouldn't muck around with it. 'We shouldn't be too tough to get help ourselves when we need to, and when people reach out to us for connection we should see it for what it is and not ignore them. 'Joel's surely not the only one struggling.' Joel Cauchi (pictured) was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager and it's understood he was unmedicated at the time of the attack Cauchi's mother (pictured) and father described Saturday's stabbing as 'truly horrific' and said they have 'no issues' with the officer who fatally shot their son They also shared their sympathy for the loved ones of the six shoppers who were killed and the injured. 'I know that it's no comfort for the victims, the whole thing is a bloody tragedy for them and their families, for Joel and his family, and for everyone connected with the event who doesn't feel as safe to go shopping there now,' they wrote. The six people killed in Saturday's rampage have been identified as mother Ashlee Good, 38, advertising heiress Dawn Singleton, 25, architect Jade Young, 47, artist Pikria Darchia, 55, and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, and Chinese student Yixuan Cheng, 27. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park on Monday morning confirmed Ashlee Good's nine-month-old daughter's condition has eased from 'critical' to 'serious'. The baby was rushed from Westfield Bondi Junction to Sydney Children's Hospital after her mother handed her to strangers when they were attacked by Cauchi. NSW Police do not believe the stabbing was an incident of terrorism, instead pointing to Cauchi's history of mental illness. His parents, Andrew and Michele Cauchi, spoke from their family home in Toowoomba on Sunday and called the tragedy 'truly horrific'. They admitted their knife-obsessed son was a 'monster' who hated women because he was 'frustrated' at being unable to find a girlfriend, they said. 'He wanted a girlfriend and he's got no social skills,' said Mr Cauchi. 'He was frustrated out of his brain.' It's understood Cauchi filed a police report against his mother and father (pictured) for 'stealing' his collection of knives after he became obsessed Six people were stabbed to death during Cauchi's rampage and at least a dozen more were injured, including a nine-month-old baby girl The family appear to have had a strained relationship with some neighbours claiming they last saw Cauchi banging on his parents' door, which they refused to open. Just two months earlier, Cauchi had filed a police report against them for 'stealing' his knife collection. It's understood his parents had taken his collection over their growing concerns he could be a danger to himself or others. The close friend of Cauchi also touched on their experience with his family. 'I played at his house a couple of times in early high school and he played at mine,' they said. 'His mum was the sweetest thing ever, dad was prone to outbursts - in the few instances I saw - although it probably wouldn't have been labelled that way back in the mid 90s.' Cauchi's father is known around town for being 'very religious' and breeding homing pigeons. He currently cares for about 700 of the birds. One neighbour told Daily Mail Australia the couple were expecting Cauchi to come home this week as they needed help relocating some of the pigeons due to noise and smell complaints. The parents reportedly were quick to recognise their son in footage of Saturday's attack and frantically contacted police to identify him. The Cauchis said in a statement they have 'no issues' with the actions of the officer who fatally shot their son. Cauchi's parents said: 'We are absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney' (pictured, witnesses talking to an officer at the scene) 'We are absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney yesterday,' they said. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time. 'Joel's actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. 'He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager. 'We are in contact with both the NSW Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the Police Officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright.' Britain is targeting four more countries as it seeks to replicate the Rwanda deportation scheme around the world, leaked documents are reported to show. Armenia, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and Botswana have all entered talks with the UK government in what it describes as a 'third-country asylum processing deal', according to The Times. Progress has reportedly stalled with all four countries, which were priorities in a long list of potential locations, as the Rwanda scheme struggles to get off the ground after two years of legal and political wrangling. The Foreign Office (FCDO) also considered South American states including Paraguay, Peru, Brazil and Ecuador, but suggested their governments may have less interest in signing up. Among those on a 'reserve list' included Cape Verde, Senegal, Tanzania and Sierra Leone - meaning they could be approached if talks with other, more favoured targets didn't succeed. Rwandan President Paul Kagame met with Rishi Sunak last week as the British Prime Minister continues to push to get the Rwanda scheme up and running File image shows a Border Force vessel docking in Dover following a small boat incident in the Channel last month Meanwhile other countries including Morocco, Tunisia and Namibia are said to have 'explicitly declined' to enter technical discussions, and others were ruled out by officials as 'non-starters'. The UK is in talks with the nations after Rishi Sunak gave the Home Office and Foreign Office a deadline of last autumn to secure two additional deals, The Times reports. Civil servants are said to be testing countries against a feasibility criteria, which include the size of the territory and of its population - with some smaller states such as Suriname and Belize ruled out. There were fears expressed by the Home Office in its discussions with the FCDO that not focusing on 'credible and realistically deliverable' risks 'wasting time, resource and political capital' as well as exposure to potential diplomatic issues. Ministers were said to be keen to approach a wide geographical range of countries in the process. Concerns were expressed that issues with the Rwanda Bill could put potential candidates off, with Armenia for example said to be awaiting the outcome of the policy, which is set to cost at least 290 million. One senior FCDO official is reported to have written in one correspondence: 'We are conscious that many potential partner countries are following the UK legal process on the partnership with Rwanda and may be cautious about engaging substantively until this process is satisfactorily resolved.' James Cleverly, who was foreign secretary at the time, reportedly told officials that pursuing any new countries would have to come at the same time as legal proceedings regarding Rwanda. A government spokesman said: 'The UK is continuing to work with a range of international partners to tackle global illegal migration challenges. 'Sold' signs outside units at the Bwiza Riverside Estate in Rwanda, 'the majority' of which are said to have been sold to locals 'Our focus right now is passing the Safety of Rwanda Bill, which builds on the Illegal Migration Act, and putting plans in place to get flights off the ground as soon as possible.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has repeatedly said flights to Kigali will take off by spring, but refused to name a specific date. The scheme has been in limbo since June 2022 when a flight was cancelled at the 11th-hour after a late night challenge at the European Court of Human Rights . The Home Office is hoping to deport the first migrants by June, though it has so far failed to secure an airline to carry out the flights. Concerns were expressed that issues with the Rwanda Bill could put potential candidates off, with Armenia for example said to be awaiting the outcome of the policy (file image of Yerevan) Reports have suggested that Rwanda's state-owned airline turned down a UK Government proposal to transport asylum seekers because it wanted to avoid being associated with the controversial scheme. In 2022 Mallorca-based Privilege Style - originally hired to provide Rwanda flights - pulled out of the deal following pressure from campaigners. If similar scenarios develop in the run-up to the first Rwanda flights, the Ministry of Defence could provide a 'back-stop', it has been suggested. The Safety of Rwanda Bill, which aims to protect the Government's troubled deportation scheme from further legal setbacks after the UK Supreme Court ruled against it, will return to the Commons next week. As well as compelling judges to regard the east African country as safe, the legislation would also give ministers the power to ignore emergency injunctions. But the Lords has insisted on an amendment to restore the jurisdiction of domestic courts in relation to the safety of Rwanda to enable them to intervene. Terrifying details have emerged about the day Joel Cauchi killed six people in a horrific stabbing spree at Westfield Bondi Junction. Cauchi, 40, stabbed five women and one man to death and injured 12 others with a 30cm hunting knife in Sydney's eastern suburbs at 3.20pm on Saturday. He was then shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott who has been hailed a hero for ending the killing spree and giving CPR to the victims. Authorities are scrambling to determine the motive behind the mass killing that sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Below is a timeline of how the attack unfolded before Cauchi was fatally shot and his horrific stabbing spree brought to an end. Terrifying details have emerged about the day Joel Cauchi killed six people in a murderous stabbing spree at Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Centre Seven people are now dead, including the attacker himself, after what has become the single deadliest attack in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. Before the attack Cauchi was seen ordering a red chicken curry from Saigon Noodle - just one block away from the shopping centre - at 10am. He opened his wallet but didn't pay and then told the worker serving him that he would return before leaving the restaurant. The lone knifeman came back at 12.21pm, ordered the same chicken curry, and spent 15 minutes eating his final meal. He travelled to the inner southern suburbs, where he visited a small storage unit he had been renting. From there he is believed to have caught a train back to Bondi Junction station. Yixuan Cheng, Ashlee Good, Pikria Darchia, Jade Young, Dawn Singleton and Faraz Tahir (pictured) Cauchi was seen ordering a red chicken curry from Saigon Noodle - just one block away from the shopping centre - at 10am The attack At 3.10pm, Cauchi walked into the Westfield, but then left, only to return 20 minutes later wearing a Kangaroos jersey and carrying a dark backpack. Cauchi then began his stabbing spree on Level 4. He pulled a 30cm long knife out of his bag and stabbed his first victims outside the Sourdough Bakery. Cauchi stabbed to death mother Ashlee Good, 38, while wounding her nine-month-old baby girl outside Cotton On. The dying mother threw her injured baby into the arms of two strangers and selflessly begged them to help the infant. Cauchi killed Dawn Singleton, 25, near Chanel. Ms Singleton was the daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton. She was engaged to her high school sweetheart Ashley Wildey and had been shopping for makeup. Cauchi then moved down to Level 3 before he attempted to get back up to Level 4. Damien Guerot picked up a retractable barrier and confronted killer Joel Cauchi, 40, as he advanced menacingly up an escalator (pictured) Ryan Bramble (centre) was shopping in Zara on Saturday with a friend when they heard the blood curdling screams of women as Joel Cauchi, 40, began his attack He tried to go up the level via an escalator but he was stopped by Frenchman Damien Guerot. Mr Guerot was going to the gym with his fellow Frenchman Silas Despreaux when they were caught in the middle of the attack. Mr Guerot picked up a retractable barrier with footage capturing the act and earning Mr Guerot the nickname of 'Bollard man'. Cauchi managed to find another way up the shopping centre and reached Level 5. Terrifying footage showed a shopper trip over his feet as he tried to get away while a husband confronted the knifeman in an attempt to protect his family. Four other shoppers would lose their lives: architect Jade Young, 47, security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, Pikria Darchia, 55, and Chinese national Yixuan Cheng, 27. It is understood that parents rushed children inside clothes stores which pulled their shutters down to provide some safety. Moments later Inspector Amy Scott arrived and ran towards Cauchi yelling at him to 'drop the knife'. Ryan Bramble and a group of shoppers armed themselves with chairs and bollards before following the police officer to provide her support. Cauchi lunged towards inspector Scott and raised his knife before he was shot dead. Inspector Scott tried to perform CPR, but the 40-year-old knifeman died at the scene. Emergency services could be seen wheeling the bodies of the victims and their killer out of the shopping centre in maroon bags on Sunday morning Inspector Amy Scott shot Cauchi dead after he lunged at her with a knife and he died at the scene After the attack Emergency services could be seen wheeling the bodies of the victims and their killer out of the shopping centre in maroon bags on Sunday morning. NSW Police confirmed that Cauchi was known to law enforcement and suffered from schizophrenia. There is no suggestion that Cauchi was part of any particular ideology, with police treating the tragedy as a mental-health related incident. Assistant commissioner Anthony Cooke said Ms Scott entered the scene alone as the attack was happening before the rest of the force arrived. 'She confronted the offender who had moved by this stage to level five. As she continued to walk quickly behind him to catch up with him,' commissioner Cooke said. 'He turned, faced her, raised a knife. She discharged a firearm and that person is now deceased.' Mr Cooke then said it was clear that Cauchi meant to hurt as many people as possible. 'As he moved to the centre, he engaged with about nine people, and its clear that during that engagement he caused harm to those people, we believe by stabbing them with a weapon he was carrying,' he said. Mr Cooke then said it was clear that the Cauchi (pictured) meant to hurt as many people as possible The family and friends of a popular celebrity hairstylist savagely attacked outside a gay LA nightclub fear he was targeted for his race or sexuality in a brutal hate crime. Alberto Vasquez, 53, was beaten unconscious and left for dead as he left Heart Weho in the Rainbow District of West Hollywood at 8pm on Friday, April 5. The stylist, who has worked for studios and catwalks in Paris and New York, spent more than a week critically ill in an ICU, with doctors forced to remove part of his skull to relieve pressure on a swelling in his brain. His family fear he will never fully recover, and that his attacker could target other gay men. 'We feel it's gay bashing,' sister Gloria Jimenez said. 'He did not get robbed. Alberto Vasquez, 53, was brutally attacked and left for dead outside an LGBT friendly nightclub in West Hollywood last week His family do not know if he will ever fully recover from the attack which left him unconscious and needing emergency brain surgery to save his life 'He's got injuries all over his body, his neck, we don't know if he'll ever be the same. 'He's the type of guy who wouldn't harm anyone we know this for a fact, I mean he's harmless and to leave him almost for dead is awful.' Vasquez was heading out of the nightclub to meet friends at the nearby Gym Bar but never arrived. He was taken to Cedars Sinai Medical Center in the early hours of Saturday morning after a passer-by spotted him unconscious and bleeding in a car lot next to the nightclub. But it was five days before his family was able to track him down when a nurse at the hospital answered a call to his cell phone. 'The punch to his face, you can tell it was on the eye,' Jimenez told KTLA. 'They fractured his skull around his eye socket.' West Hollywood, which was incorporated as a city in 1984, claims on its website that more than 40 percent of its residents identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. 'For more than three decades, West Hollywood has been one of the most influential small cities in the nation; no other city of its size has had a greater impact on the national progressive public policy agenda.' 'He's the type of guy who wouldn't harm anyone we know this for a fact,' his sister Gloria Jimenez said, 'I mean he's harmless and to leave him almost for dead is awful' The popular stylist has worked for catwalks and salons across the country and abroad 'We need to find out who did this to our wonderful friend, brother, and uncle,' friend and colleague Michelle Hansen (pictured) wrote Vasquez pictured himself with Emmy Award-winning actress Elisabeth Moss on Instagram 'We are relieved that he is expected to survive, but he will need multiple surgeries, has possible brain damage, and has a long road ahead to recovery,' his GoFundMe appeal notes 'We feel it's gay bashing,' sister Gloria Jimenez (pictured) said, 'He did not get robbed' Vasquez, who boasts Emmy Award winner Elisabeth Moss among his friends, has had a GoFundMe appeal set up in his name which has already raised $47,000 of its $50,000 target. 'We do not know if he was randomly attacked by a stranger in what could be a homophobic or racist hate crime, or if he was attacked by someone he interacted with at one of the bars,' administrator Brett Foreman wrote. 'Alberto was taken by EMS to a hospital on Saturday morning and spent the past week in critical condition. 'We are relieved that he is expected to survive, but he will need multiple surgeries, has possible brain damage, and has a long road ahead to recovery. 'While we await further details about his recovery timetable from medical staff, we are beginning to raise money that will be used to cover medical and living expenses as he will be unable to work for the foreseeable future.' The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation but has yet to identify any suspects. Michelle Hansen, the salon director at Pony Studios in Oakland, where Alberto had worked, said the attacker has to be caught before he finds another victim. 'We need to find out who did this to our wonderful friend, brother, and uncle,' she wrote. William Shakespeare's mastery of the English language has remained unchallenged for centuries. But a renowned literary institution has provoked anger by hosting a debate on whether some of the Bard's works could have been written by a woman. Oliver Kamm, a journalist and author, has written to the Chairman of the London Library to complain about the 'wildly inappropriate' event and its 'promotion of a baseless and anti-intellectual conspiracy theory.' The 19th century library, which contains one million books, is holding a panel discussion in June with Elizabeth Winkler, the author of the controversial book 'Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies', which explores 'who the Bard might really be.' The book looks at 'how the forces of nationalism and empire, religion and mythmaking, gender and class have shaped our admiration of Shakespeare across the centuries.' A row has erupted over the bizarre suggestion William Shakespeare's works could have been written by a woman It analyses the 'literary taboo' not to question 'the identity of the god of English literature,' which it's been suggested could involve a 'forgotten woman, a disgraced aristocrat or a government spy' writing some of his works. The London Library's discussion on such a divisive topic will also involve Sir Derek Jacobi, one of the great Shakesperean actors, and author and critic Stephanie Merritt. However, Mr Kamm has written to library chairman Simon Goodwin to criticise the 'institution' for holding the event. He described it as a 'grave misjudgement', adding: 'There is a cost to indulging conspiracy theories, evident in the coarsening of public discourse and the spread of irrationalism.' Mr Kamm wrote: 'To host a 'conversation' with Shakespeare denialists is a betrayal of the values of literary scholarship and critical inquiry that we hold to.' He likened it to the Royal Geographical Society holding a discussion with 'flat-earthers.' Winkler's book explores arguments for possible Shakespeare author candidates including poet Emilia Bassano, playwright Christopher Marlowe, philosopher Francis Bacon and Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. But Mr Kamm commented that 'literary scholars dismiss these fantasies because there is zero evidence to support the notion of concealed authorship'. The London Library (pictured) is holding a panel discussion with Elizabeth Winkler, the author of the controversial book 'Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies' The London Library's (pictured) discussion on such a divisive topic will also involve Sir Derek Jacobi, one of the great Shakespearean actors, and author and critic Stephanie Merritt Mr Kamm called on the library to add a Shakespeare specialist to the line-up such as Professor Emma Smith, an expert in Shakespeare studies at the University of Oxford. Another critic of the event was Jonathan Beckman, editor of The Economist's 1843 magazine, who posted on X that he had also written to the director because 'the library is supposed to be a bastion of scholarship.' The London Library was not available for comment. Ms Winkler said her book and the London Library discussion was 'not suggesting Shakespeare was female.' She said her book 'is about the theories that have been put forward over the centuries. It does not argue for any one of them in particular.' Commenting on Mr Kamm and critics of the library event, she added: 'I'm not sure why these people feel so threatened by a simple library discussion. 'Arguments about the past are a fundamental feature of academic freedom and democratic debate. 'There is nothing dangerous or 'immoral' in exploring this subject. Shutting down discussion is obviously anti-intellectual.' An Ohio man has been charged with murder after shooting dead a female Uber driver who had been tricked by scammers into going to his home to collect a package. The fatal incident, captured on the driver's dashcam, took place in the town of South Charleston, Ohio, on March 25 at around 11:25am. William Brock, 81, told police he had been receiving fraudulent phone calls from scammers demanding money and had been threatened by them in the weeks leading up to the altercation. On the day of the shooting, one called him telling him a relative was in jail. They demanded money from him, then placed an order via Uber for someone to collect a package from his house. The driver was Lo-Letha Hall, 61. She was unaware the man was being targeted, and thought the job was legitimate. When she showed up, Brock shockingly whipped out a gun and demanded she identify who had sent her. An 81-year-old Ohio man has been charged with murder after he admitted to shooting an Uber driver who'd been tricked by a scammer to pick up a package at the man's home Lo-Letha Hall, 61, was an Uber driver who had been called on a job to pick up a parcel from William Brock's home. Brock, who had been receiving scam calls moments before, believed Hall was there to take his money, according to officials Much of the scene was captured on the video camera in Hall's vehicle and released by the Clark County Sheriff's Office. Brock also allegedly took her phone and wouldn't let her leave, though he never dialed 911 or called for help, police said. There was apparently a 'scuffle' between the two, during which Brock asked Hall who she worked for, then he shot her again and then a third time after a 'further exchange.' She was shot in the upper left side of her torso, one to the upper front of her left leg, one on the inside of her left knee and one in the center mass of her sternum. Hall tried to get back to her car when Brock shot her. Afterward, Hall can be heard screaming in pain, while Brock threatens to 'shoot the other leg.' Hall was taken to a local hospital but died while undergoing surgery, authorities said. Brock, who himself suffered injuries to his head and ear, called 911 only after he had shot Hall. William Brock, 81, told police he had been receiving fraudulent phone calls and been threatened in recent weeks One of the people he suspected was scamming him and threatening him messaged Uber delivery driver Letha Hall (pictured left), 61, to tell him to pick up a package at Brock's home Brock, who himself suffered injuries to his head and ear, only called 911 after he had shot Hall Hall showed up at Brock's home and according to police, 'made no threats or assaults' toward him and just asked about the package. Fearing she was going to hurt him, Brock whipped out a gun and demanded she identify who had sent her He told deputies - 'without being asked' as they put it - that Hall was there to 'take [my] money.' Brock said that Hall attacked him after he shot her by slamming his head into the door of her car and then tried to escape, so he shot her again, thinking she was going to get a gun of her own. 'He provided he didn't want to shoot her but he thought she was going to kill him,' the incident report said. Brock is being charged with murder because he didn't call 911 and because there was 'no active threat presented by Ms Hall at any time during the encounter.' He posted a $200,000 bond but could face further charges after the incident is investigated further. The alleged killer of an Indian death row prisoner was gunned down at home in Pakistan by a gang, it emerged last night. Amir Sarfaraz, also known as Tamba, was accused of brutally murdering Sarabjit Singh, 49, in Kot Lakhpat jail in 2013 before he was assassinated in Lahore. The Pakistani underworld don was reportedly attacked by the gang of assailants after they raced to his home on motorbikes. Local reports claim the assailants rang Sarfaraz's home doorbell before entering the house and firing multiple shots at him. Sarfaraz was rushed to hospital in critical condition, but eventually succumbed to his injuries. The Pakistani underworld don, Amir Sarfaraz, was assassinated on Sunday by a gang of assailants on motorbikes in Lahore, India Also known as Tamba, Sarfaraz was allegedly part of the group of six inmates who killed Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh in 2013 Sarabjit Singh was allegedly beaten to death with bricks and iron rods while carrying out a death row sentence at Kot Lakhpat jail The don was born in Lahore in 1979 and was a close associate of the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba - a militant Islamist group operating in India and Pakistan. A case was filed against Sarfaraz and others for attacking Sarabjit Singh in jail. The killing of the Sikh prisoner caused uproar in India as the nature of his death was so violent and brutal. Singh was killed in captivity after being attacked with bricks and iron rods in 2013, by a gang of six inmates - allegedly including Sarfaraz. Sources said he was hit on the head with bricks and his face and torso cut with weapons fashioned from spoons and pieces of ghee tins. The attack occurred when Singh and other prisoners were brought out of their cells for a break. At the time of the incident, both he and Sarfaraz were in jail after their conviction in another criminal case. He was initially taken to the hospital within the jail. But as his condition worsened, Singh was rushed to Jinnah Hospital with severe head injuries and an injured backbone. A senior doctor at Jinnah Hospital said that Singh's sister, wife and two daughters were allowed to see him through a window from outside the intensive care unit as it was not good for the patient as well as attendants to get close to each other. The killing of Singh caused uproar throughout India 'Sarabjit Singh's face is swollen. He was beaten with iron rods. He is unconscious and in a very critical condition,' said Dalbir Kaur, Singh's elder sister. Six days later, he died of cardiac arrest after being in a coma for nearly a week and his body was returned to India for its last rites. An autopsy would go on to reveal his skull was broken into two pieces. The finger was initially pointed at Sarfaraz, but he was acquitted by a Pakistani court in 2018, citing 'lack of evidence' against him. 'Not a single witness testified in the court against both the suspects. The court acquitted them for lack of evidence against them,' an official said at the time. Singh, a resident of Punjab, after being convicted of terrorism by Pakistan, a claim vehemently refuted by his family and Indian authorities. His family claims that he mistakenly crossed the Pakistan border while farming and revealed they had no idea of his arrest for nearly a year, until they received a letter of his conviction. Singh was arrested by Pakistani Rangers near Kasur, on an unmarked area of the Indo-Pakistan border on August 30, 1990. Hours before his body was flown into Amritsar aboard a special plane sent by India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanded that Pakistan bring the 'criminals responsible for the barbaric and murderous attack on Sarabjit to justice'. Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid added that Sarabjit's murder had 'hurt' bilateral ties. 'A sustainable relationship between two countries has to be between people. That relation has been hurt by what has happened today,' he said. In 2013, two of the six prisoners who brutally assaulted Singh in Kot Lakhpat Jail said that a police superintendent ordered them to attack the Indian prisoner. According to sources, seven officials, including jail superintendent Mohsin Rafiq and additional superintendents Ishtiaq Ahmed Gill and Sawar Sumera, were suspended for failing to protect the prisoner. Throughout his 20-year jail sentence, Dalbir Kaur pleaded tirelessly to secure her brother's release. In 2016, a Hindi feature film titled 'Sarabjit' was released, starring actors Randeep Hooda and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The film was based on the account of Dalbir Kaur and her ordeal seeking the release of her brother. Donald Trump has lashed out at 'crooked Joe Biden's henchman' as the former president prepares for the start of his Stormy Daniels hush money trial in NYC. In a post to his Truth Social page, the 77-year-old said: 'Tomorrow morning I'll be in Criminal Court, before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS. 'A state being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Biden's henchmen 'Rigging the System' against his Political Opponent, ME! 'I will be fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country. 'Election Interference like this has never happened in the USA before and, hopefully, will never happen again. We are now a Nation in serious Decline, a Failing Nation, but we will soon be a Great Nation Again.' Trump is facing 34 felony counts stemming from allegations that he falsified business records in an attempt to cover up an alleged sexual encounter with the porn star which took place a decade before he ran for president in 2016. The case focuses around $130,000 paid to Daniels ahead of the presidential election to keep her quiet about their alleged affair In his post, Trump said New York state was being run by 'Biden's henchmen' who are 'rigging the system' against him Stormy Daniels with Donald Trump in 2006, at the time of the alleged affair The trial of the former president could be the first of four criminal prosecutions against Trump to go to trial this year as he runs for a second term in the White House. The case focuses around $130,000 paid to Daniels ahead of the presidential election to keep her quiet about their alleged affair. In the indictment first brought against Trump in April 2023, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accused the ex-president of falsifying New York business records in order to conceal damaging information and unlawful activity from voters. Bragg claims Trump and others participated in a 'catch and kill' scheme to bury negative information about him and went to great lengths to hide his conduct including making dozens of false entries in business records to hide criminal activity. Trump pleaded not guilty last spring to all 34 counts. While prosecutors have not released an official list of potential witnesses to take the stand, some of the people in Trump's former orbit expected to testify in the trial include his lawyer Michael Cohen. Cohen, Trump's longtime personal lawyer and fixer turned harsh critic, is expected to take the stand as his activities are at the center of the hush money case. Trump claimed he was paying Cohen for legal services performed in 2017 with payments for nine months, but the Manhattan district attorney's office alleges the ex-president was reimbursing Cohen for the $130,000 payments he directed Cohen to make to Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. Prosecutors argue Cohen also coordinated with the National Enquirer's publisher to give the former Playboy model Karen McDougal $150,000, to thwart her accounts of sexual encounters with Trump in a practice known as 'catch-and-kill.' New York DA Alvin Bragg speaks after Trump appeared at Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, after his indictment following a probe into hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford, is also expected to testify in the trial as the woman at the center of the hush money payment case Trump's namesake company then repaid Cohen $420,000 in a handful of installments, prosecutors said. Last month, Trump's legal team attempted to block Cohen from testifying. Trump's lawyer, according to the court filing, argued Cohen had a history of lying and would lie again at trial. In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance laws in regards to the payments of Daniels and lying before Congress. He was sentenced to prison in December and served thirteen and a half months behind bars and a year and a half in home confinement. Ahead of the hush money trial, Cohen told the Playbook Deep Dive podcast he thinks people will be surprised by the corroborating evidence that's brought in the case Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford, is also expected to testify in the trial as the woman at the center of the hush money payment case. Daniels, 45, alleges in 2006 she had a sexual encounter with Trump who at the time was already married to Melania Trump. Michael Cohen arrives at New York Supreme Court Oct. 25, 2023, in New York Trump (L) awaits the start of a hearing at New York Criminal Court in New York, New York, USA, 25 March 2024 Daniels in 2018 told 60 Minutes, she met Trump at an event in Nevada in 2006 and he invited her to dinner. She said she met him at his hotel suite where they had sex. Daniels said Trump later invited her to other events in New York and California. Prosecutors claim that in October 2016 just before the election, Trump's fixer Michael Cohen wired Daniels' lawyer the $130,000 to keep her quiet about their encounters amid concern it could hurt his chances of winning the presidential election. Trump denies having an affair with Daniels. At a press conference in Mar-a-Lago on Friday, he said: ''It's a scam. That's not a trial. That's a scam'.' He said he would testify just as the judge declined to delay the trial because of the huge amount of publicity surrounding the case. His legal team have consistently argued there is no way the prominent Republican can get a fair trial because the majority of the city leans Democratic. If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison for each of the 34 charges against him. It's more likely, however, that the 77-year-old would face probation due to him being a first-time offender in the state. The United States on Sunday highlighted its role in helping Israel thwart Iran's aerial attack as President Joe Biden convened leaders of the Group of Seven countries in an effort to prevent a wider regional escalation and coordinate a global rebuke of Tehran. The U.S. assisted Israel in shooting down dozens of drones and missiles fired by Iran on Saturday in what was the first time it had launched a direct military assault on Israel. Israeli authorities said 99 percent of the inbound weapons were shot down without causing any significant damage. U.S. officials said that despite the high interception rate, Irans intent was to destroy and cause casualties and that if successful, the strikes would have caused an uncontrollable escalation across the Mideast. U.S. officials said Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an effort to contain tensions, that Washington would not participate in any offensive action against Iran, and the president made very clear to Netanyahu that we do have to think carefully and strategically about risks of escalation. The push to encourage Israel to show restraint mirrored ongoing American efforts to curtail Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, which is now in its seventh month, and to do more to protect civilian lives in the territory. While the U.S. and its allies were preparing for days for such an attack, the launches were at the high end of what was anticipated, according to the officials, who were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity. At one point, at least 100 ballistic missiles from Iran were in the air simultaneously with just minutes of flight time to Israel, the officials said. Biden and senior officials monitored the firings and interception attempts in real time in the White House Situation Room. The officials said there was relief in the room once they saw that the missile defense efforts had succeeded. A senior U.S. military official said American aircraft shot down more than 70 drones and cruise missiles, while U.S. destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea downed between four and six ballistic missiles, and an American Patriot missile battery in Iraq shot down one more. At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week, Biden said in a statement late Saturday. Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles. Administration officials said the call demonstrated that despite differences over the war in Gaza, the U.S. commitment to Israel's defense was ironclad and that the U.S. would mount a similar effort again if needed. The officials rejected the notion that Iran intentionally gave Israel and the U.S. time to prepare for an attack, but said they took advantage of the time Iran needed before it was ready to launch the assault to prepare their response. The officials said Iran passed word to the U.S. while the attack was unfolding late Saturday that what was seen was the totality of their response. The message was sent through the Swiss government since the two countries don't have direct diplomatic ties. Biden, in a Saturday evening call with Netanyahu, urged that Israel claim victory for its defense prowess as the president aimed to persuade Americas closest Middle East ally not to undertake a larger retaliatory strike against Iran, the officials said. I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel, Biden said in his statement after the call. Biden had a call Sunday with Jordans King Abdullah II in which the king said any escalatory measures by Israel would lead to a broader conflict in the region, according to the Royal Court. The White House said the situation in Gaza was discussed, and the leaders reaffirmed their cooperation to find a path to end the crisis as soon as possible. The president also spoke with some of the U.S. forces involved in shooting down the Iranian drones. Later Sunday, Biden spoke with the leaders of the House and Senate, emphasizing the urgent need for the House to pass additional wartime funding for Israel and Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Sunday with foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to underscore the importance of avoiding escalation and coordinating on a diplomatic response, a department spokesman said. After the G7 videoconference Sunday, the leaders issued a joint statement unequivocally condemning in the strongest terms" the direct attack by Iran while expressing our full solidarity and support to Israel and reaffirming our commitment towards its security. The group of advanced democracies the U.S., Italy, Japan, Germany, France, Britain and Canada also said that Iran, with its actions, has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. They said their nations stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives. A senior U.S. administration official said some of the countries discussed listing Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and unlocking further sanctions against Tehran, though no final decisions were made. The Israel-Hamas war was referenced in the G7 statement, with the leaders saying they will bolster our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the attack. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. Now is the time for maximum restraint. Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan called the attach an unprecedented escalation, while Iranian Ambassador Saeid Iravani said, Irans operation was entirely in the exercise of Irans inherent right to self-defense." After the meeting ended without any council action, U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood said, There has to be a Security Council response to what happened last night. The U.S. and Israel had been bracing for an attack for days after Iran said it would retaliate for a suspected Israeli strike this month on an Iranian consular building in Syria that killed 12 people, including two senior Iranian generals in the Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticized the White House for leaking it to the press that Biden told Netanyahu to take the win and not retaliate. Rubio told CNN's State of the Union that it was part of the White Houses efforts to appease people calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. (AP) A building company that completed projects at Taronga Zoo and Hayman Island has gone into voluntary administration. NSW-based company Viridi Group has found itself in trouble after its multi-million dollar government contract was suspended, putting about 115 jobs at risk. Viridi Group CEO Ben Nurmi told news.com.au the contract was paused due to 'fiscal challenges'. 'The factory was set up to deliver certain products and we were halfway through that contract when we got advice it will be suspended,' he said. Mr Nurmi said the company is now working in a 'limited capacity' and focusing on finishing work that had started before the contract was suspended. The construction company had their factory set up to deliver products as part of a multi-million dollar contract, but the government job was suspended half-way through The company manufactures and installs emergency temporary housing (pictured), as well as luxury cabins and infrastructure in the education sector The CEO said the company was founded in 2020 and employs 15 people directly, however has a large subcontractor base of 90 to 100 workers. 'Staff will be scaled back as delivery is scaled back, but at present they are still working,' he said. The construction company has worked on high-profile projects ranging from InterContinental Hayman Island Luxury Cabins, Sydney's Taronga Zoo's wildlife retreat to Lismore emergency flood housing and Sydney private school Cranbrook's redevelopment. The company is an off-site manufacturer of prefabricated building products and solutions in NSW, such as defence projects, the supply of infrastructure to schools and modular housing for emergency housing. Christopher Darin and Joanne Keating of Worrells were appointed voluntary administrators of Viridi Group on April 5. In a statement from Worrells, the administrator said they were told by the company's director that the move into voluntary administration was necessary because of the suspension of the government contract and to protect the interest of all key stakeholders. Viridi Group CEO Ben Nurmi has said the company was caught off guard when it heard about the lucrative contract's suspension 'The director appointed voluntary administrators as the only responsible course of action available after urgently exploring financial options and seeking professional advice from several parties,' Mr Darin said. 'This decision has been an extremely difficult one. 'The administration process is in its infancy and we're working hard to immediately establish the Company's financial position and operations of the business, in order to continue to trade the business in a limited capacity during the Voluntary Administration.' The company's financial woes forced it into Safe Harbour under the Corporations Act in September 2023. Safe Harbour is when directors can address a company's financial troubles behind-the-scenes, allowing a company to operate whilst under supervision of an advisor. Mr Nurmi said things were going well under the Safe Harbour plan but that was based on the revenue being available, with the government being a major contributor of revenue. The CEO is confident the company would emerge from its problems and continue to operate,' he said. Daily Mail Australia contacted Viridi Group and Worrells. The nine-month-old baby girl, whose mother died protecting her when they were stabbed in the Westfield Bondi Junction knife attack, is finally on the mend, relieved officials revealed on Monday. The infant's mother, Dr Ashlee Good, 38, was among six innocent shoppers who were killed in the horrific random attack in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Saturday. She was a trained osteopath and a first-time mother. The baby was rushed to Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick in a critical condition on Saturday night. But NSW health minister Ryan Park revealed on Monday that her condition had improved. The baby's mother, Ashlee Good, 38, was among six innocent shoppers who were killed in the horrific random attack in Sydney's Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday Six people were stabbed to death at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday (pictured left-right, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, Yixuan Cheng, 27, Ashlee Good, 38 and Faraz Tahir, 30. 'No doubt our country has been holding its breath to see how the little baby, nine-month-old child, is going at Randwick Hospital,' he said. 'And this morning I asked for an update around how that baby was tracking, in terms of her condition. 'I was delighted to be informed she has been moved from critical to serious. 'That is a big change and a significant improvement, and what we hope to do is to be able to get that baby on the ward over the coming days. 'That would be a great outcome.' He added: 'Her dad, and her family, are receiving significant support, as you could imagine, but in the darkest of times comes sometimes the brightest of lights. 'I think that is something that our whole country was holding its breath and hoping that she started to improve and, certainly, over the last 12 hours or so we've seen that improvement.' The update came after Dr Good's family issued a statement on Sunday afternoon. 'Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more,' it read. 'We appreciate the well-wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl. 'We are so grateful for the expert care and attention of the medical team at Sydney Childrens Hospital. 'We would also like to thank the New South Wales Police for their kindness and diligence in this tragedy and emergency services for getting our baby the care she needed as quickly as possible. 'To the two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not - words cannot express our gratitude.' The dying mother threw her injured baby into the arms of two strangers and selflessly begged them to help the infant. The hero who took the baby was identified on Nine News shortly after the tragedy. 'The baby got stabbed and yeah, the mum got stabbed,' he said. 'The mum came over with the baby and threw it at me.' The man said he used clothes from a store to try to stem the baby's bleeding. 'I just helped by holding the baby... and trying to compress the baby,' he said. The two brothers stayed with the mother as they waited for emergency services. Just hours before the horror unfolded, Dr Good posted a photo to Instagram with her daughter in her arms. The two brothers used clothing and shirts from a shop to try and stop the baby's bleeding Just 12 weeks after her little girl was born, Dr Good posted a heartfelt message to social media about being a mother. 'It's almost too much to put into words,' she posted. 'The love. The happiness. The fears. The new world. The new me; one that I'm still discovering as I enter motherhood and complete the so-called fourth trimester. 'It's like experiencing your heart swell with love whilst navigating anxiety for the first time. 'Feeling so proud, and then so overwhelmed. The dichotomy of it all. 'Pure joy and extraordinary exhaustion blended with emotions you've never felt before.' She went on to say that it's a parent is 'the most outstandingly beautiful gift one can ever receive'. She added: 'Sitting here feeling so deeply thankful, and still pinching myself she's ours. 'I love her so much.' Dr Good was one of six people killed, including five women and one man. Additionally, 12 others, including Dr Good's baby, were seriously wounded before knifeman Joel Cauchi, 40, was shot dead by police. Investigations continue and a lengthy coronial inquiry will examine the violent and horrific crime but the mentally ill attacker's motive might never be conclusively known, NSW Premier Chris Minns said. 'The truth of the matter is that there are a lot of women in NSW hospitals and women were targeted by this attacker,' he said. 'It's been a terrible day, a terrible weekend for Sydney and NSW and there's millions of people that are grieving at the moment.' Shoppers were evacuated into shop store rooms to escape the killer Shoppers run though Bondi Junction as police lock down the centre following reports of a major incident Emergency vehicles flooded the Bondi area in the aftermath of the attack Among the victims was Dawn Singleton, the 25-year-old daughter of multi-millionaire businessman John Singleton, along with architect Jade Young, 47, security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, and artist Pikria Darchia, 55. The identity of the sixth victim, 27-year-old Chinese woman Yixuan Cheng, was revealed on Monday. Cauchi's estranged family said they were devastated by his actions, expressing sorrow for the people he killed. 'Joel's actions were truly horrific and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened,' they said in a statement. 'He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager.' His family added they had no issue with the lone female police officer, Inspector Amy Scott, who shot their son, saying she was only doing her job. Elliott Rusanow, chief executive of Scentre Group which owns the shopping centre, offered condolences to the family of Mr Tahir, and praised his bravery and that of another security worker who was also injured in the attack. The Westfield Bondi Junction massacre raises troubling questions about how 'calm' killer Joel Cauchi could take so many innocent lives in a suburban shopping centre without being stopped. How could a man suffering serious mental illness apparently slip through the cracks of health and law enforcement in two states without anyone noticing he was about to explode in violence? How could anyone - however disturbed - stab a nine-month-old baby girl along with her mother? Just as importantly, could anything more have been done to stop Cauchi once he began the senseless slaughter? The Westfield Bondi Junction massacre raises troubling questions about how deranged killer Joel Cauchi (above) could take so many innocent lives in a suburban shopping centre without being stopped Since Cauchi killed five women and one man on Saturday afternoon evidence has surfaced that the 40-year-old's mental state had been steadily getting worse. His family said he had suffered mental health issues since he was a teenager and police believe in recent years he had been taking drugs including meth and psychedelics. The six people Cauchi killed have now been identified, as police continue to look into what sparked his rampage. They are new mum Ashlee Good, 28, bride-to-be Dawn Singleton, 25, architect Jade Young, 47, security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, artist Pikria Darchia, 55 and economics student Yixuan Cheng, 27. Twelve others - including nine women, two men and Ms Good's nine-month-old baby - who suffered stab wounds were treated by paramedics and taken to various hospitals. His parents have since said that Cauchi hated women because he was 'frustrated' at being unable to find a girlfriend. Cauchi was shot dead by the first police officer on the scene, Inspector Amy Scott, after heroic members of the public tried to contain him and retail staff locked customers in their shops. Almost all Cauchi's stabbing victims were women, including new mum Ashlee Good, whose nine-month-old baby was also seriously injured While Queensland-born Cauchi's killing spree took place in Sydney's eastern suburbs most of the information about his background has come out of his home state. Cauchi, who grew up in Toowoomba, 130km west of Brisbane, was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17. His life went off the rails when he tried to get off his anti-psychotic medication under the supervision of a doctor because 'he wanted to have a life' - but instead triggered his psychosis, his parents said on Monday. 'He took his medication, Then he asked the doctor if he could come down on it, and she did over a period of a number of years, very carefully giving him warnings of what might happen,' his mother, Michele Cauchi, said. 'And when he came off, it was like his eyes had it had all lifted from him and he wanted to have a life. 'So after living at home until he was 35, he went to Brisbane.' He was 'known' to Queensland police but had never been charged with a criminal offence or been the subject of a restraining order. Queensland police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe said his officers had only limited recent interactions with Cauchi. 'Queensland Police have primarily had contact with this individual over the last four to five years we are aware this individual has suffered with mental health,' Mr Lowe said on Sunday. The last contact police had with Cauchi was on the Gold Coast in December 2023 when he was stopped in the street to check on his behaviour. They had also responded to an 'incident' early that year at the Cauchi home in Toowoomba, which was being investigated Mr Lowe said those inquiries were part of wider investigations into Cauchi's 'conduct, his health, his interaction with treating practitioners'. Since Cauchi killed five women and one man on Saturday afternoon evidence has surfaced that the 40-year-old's mental state had been steadily getting worse Police would also look at Cauchi's relocation to NSW about a month ago and 'what's changed from a person who is 40 and has for a number of years functioned in society to commit such a horrific crime'. Cauchi had a fascination with knives, sought companions in Sydney to shoot guns and had been advertising services as a male escort. He had apparently spent time living on the street of Toowoomba, Brisbane and the Gold Coast and was recently homeless in Sydney. The last contact Cauchi had with his parents was in March, according to information provided by the family to police. Cauchi's schizophrenia diagnosis came when he was in Year 12 at Toowoomba's Harristown State High School in 2000 and he received clinical treatment through Queensland Health for the next dozen years. Aged about 30 he was was placed in the care of his Toowoomba GP and a private psychiatrist. The six people Cauchi killed have now been identified, as police continue to look into what sparked the slaughter. Paramedics are pictured at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday That change in treatment appears to have occurred after Cauchi had completed a degree at the University of Southern Queensland and was deemed to be 'high-functioning'. Queensland Health confirmed Cauchi was transferred into private sector care in 2012 and extended its sympathies 'to everyone involved in the tragic incident'. 'We will work with Queensland and NSW police on any information and assistance we can provide,' the department said in a statement. Daily Mail Australia understands Cauchi's only interaction with the Queensland public hospital system after 2012 was unrelated to his mental health. A review of records showed his last contact with Queensland Health was four years ago. Mr Lowe was asked whether Queensland police should have monitored Cauchi more closely and informed their NSW counterparts of his movements. 'We have people in our society who suffer from mental health,' he said. 'They go about their days without trouble, without causing these types of crimes. Cauchi, pictured in school uniform, was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 17. His parents on Monday said that he had stopped taking his medication 'Mental health in our society is not a crime and we do not run an intelligence regime on person who suffer from mental health. 'There'd have only been an exchange of information if a person were to present such a security risk in society, that we would need to monitor that behaviour.' NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the only dealings Cauchi had with his state's public system was presenting to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital at Camperdown late last year for a physical problem. Mr Park told 7.30 that NSW Health would look at anything it could do to improve communication processes between states for cases like Cauchi's. Psychiatrist Dr Ahmed Tanveer said a mentally ill person in Cauchi's circumstances presented problems for authorities. 'As soon as they move interstate, that raises challenges,' he told the Seven Network. 'And also, this guy was itinerant so he probably did not even have a registered address and that makes you invisible to authorities. 'It's possible that he was not adequately tied into mental health services but it's also possible that there was nothing that happened in the very recent year or two that warranted it.' Cauchi was 'known' to Queensland police but had never been charged with a criminal offence or been the subject of a restraining order Dr Tanveer said Cauchi's conduct in the week leading up to what happened on Saturday - including looking for surfing companions - would likely not have alarmed anyone. 'It's not really a picture of someone really deranged, unwell, so you do wonder if something's happened between then and the Saturday afternoon,' he said. 'Maybe then it could absolutely be associated with some sort of drug use.' Dr Tanveer said he found it unnerving that Cauchi did not look 'terribly deranged' as he moved through the shopping centre, relatively calmly. 'He wasn't shouting out random things,' he said. 'He wasn't just kind of lurching at everyone. 'It may be that he was hearing voices or having commands, there's a range of mental illness scenarios.' Dr Tanveer described Cauchi as 'someone on the edge of criminal and mental health services'. 'They're not getting the input that they usually need,' he said. 'And then something tips them over and there's no one to catch them then and I suspect that's what happened here. Joel Cauchi had a fascination with knives, sought companions in Sydney to shoot guns and had been advertising services as a male escort 'Even though this man may well have fallen through the cracks, we don't know that for sure. It's possible he hadn't done enough to kind of bring up those lights and unfortunately that sometimes happens. 'We may never know some of the answers to these questions.' NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said on Sunday that determining whether the knifeman had deliberately targeted women was 'an obvious line of the inquiry'. One unnamed officer who had viewed extensive CCTV footage of Cauchi's trail of murder through the shopping centre said investigators believed he was 'definitely' singling out women. 'I don't think there's any other way to look at it,' the officer told The Daily Telegraph. 'You can see on the footage he walks past other people. He just keeps moving past them and then attacks a woman.' Dr Tanveer was not convinced Cauchi went to Westfield with the intention of killing female shoppers and noted the number of men who had offered resistance. 'My impression was that he was essentially cowardly, going for essentially the weakest targets,' Dr Tanveer told the Seven Network. Cauchi was shot dead by the first police officer on the scene, Inspector Amy Scott, after heroic members of the public tried to contain him and retail staff locked customers in their shops 'I'm not sure he was actively going for women. He probably would have been willing to go for men but a lot of the men stood eye-to-eye with him.' Dr Tanveer thought that selective process suggested 'a level of rationality'. Conversely, stabbing a defenceless baby would normally be beyond 'even the most hardened killers' and 'raises the question of more serious mental illness'. 'We've got a lot more to learn and we may never learn it about this man,' Dr Tanveer said. Westfield's owner Scentre Group has not responded to requests for comment about its security arrangements but chief executive officer Elliott Rusanow praised the actions of Mr Tahir, who lost his life doing his job. One of those injured was another member of the centre's security team and that person remains in hospital. Westfield Bondi Junction has been closed since the fatal attack. On Monday, Scentre Group issued a further statement saying the centre would re-open 'in due course'. Australians have defended their country's strict gun laws following the deaths of six innocent shoppers at Westfield Bondi Junction. Joel Cauchi, 40, murdered five women and one man after he entered the busy shopping centre wielding a 30cm knife on Saturday at about 3.20pm. Cauchi's rampage only came to an end after NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who was patrolling nearby, sprinted into the complex and shot him dead. Inspector Scott has been praised for her bravery and quick-thinking on Saturday with Cauchi's grief-stricken parents saying they had 'no issue' with her actions. American far-right personality Tara Bull said Cauchi's stabbing spree was why she believed in allowing people to carry concealed weapons in public places. 'This is why I believe in concealed carry,' she wrote in a lengthy statement on X. 'How many would've survived if there was a good guy with a gun? Self-defence and self-preservation are human rights.' American far-right personality Tara Bull said Joel Cauchi's stabbing spree was why she believed in allowing people to carry concealed weapons in public places 'This is why I believe in concealed carry,' the American commentator wrote in a statement on X However, many leapt to defend Australia's strict gun laws which were introduced after 35 people were killed by a lone shooter in the Port Arthur massacre of 1996. We gave up our guns so this guy couldn't kill 60 people instead of 6,' one wrote. 'We're glad we did.' 'Have you heard of a little place called the United States. This experiment has been tried and is failing miserably,' a second said. 'No, we gave up guns so we could save lives,' a third shared. 'Compare how many children Australia has lost in school shootings to America. Compare how many lives are lost in Australia to shootings to America.' Many argued that Inspector Scott had been the 'good guy present' and had saved countless lives by stopping Cauchi in his tracks. 'There was a 'good guy with a gun', it was the police officer,' a second wrote. 'Very rarely is there a 'good guy with a gun' who makes a difference in American massacres, it's usually the police,' another said. 'And the difference here, is that perpetrators cannot access automatic weapons, so shooting deaths are rare. Your country is so f***** up, you are unable to see it.' Joel Cauchi's rampage only came to an end after NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who was patrolling nearby, sprinted into the complex and shot him dead Joel Cauchi, 40, murdered five women and one man after he entered Westfield Bondi Junction wielding a 30cm knife on Saturday at about 3.20pm (pictured) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia's strict gun laws, which were introduced after the Port Arthur massacre, had prevented many more deaths. 'This man wielded a knife, but if it was an automatic gun, then we would have been speaking about hundreds of deaths. And it is an important reminder of how important it is that we do have strong gun laws in this country,' he said. The murder of the six Bondi Junction victims and the death of Cauchi himself marks Sydney's worst massacre since the Quakers Hill nursing home fire in 2011. Fourteen people perished after drug-dependent nurse Roger Dean deliberately lit the fire in an attempt to destroy evidence that he had stolen prescription drugs. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the fact that security officers are not armed in Australian shopping centres would form part of the inquest. 'Well, the security officers at Westfield aren't armed. That will no doubt form part of the inquest with the coroner,' she told ABC News Breakfast on Monday. 'And we'll work with the coroner on what that looks like. But certainly that, you know, that's something that will be raised.' Commissioner Webb said arming security officers would 'come with risk'. 'So I think it's something that we need to treat carefully and think through very carefully before there's any decision,' she said. 'And it's ultimately a decision for government.' Members of the public are seen paying their respect to victims of the Bondi Junction stabbing Police were called to Bondi Junction Westfield at 3.20pm on Saturday after 40-year-old Cauchi began chasing men, women and children with a knife. He stabbed to death Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27 and Faraz Tahir, 30. Dozens more were injured, including Ms Good's nine-month-old baby girl, who was stabbed during the chaos that unfolded on Saturday. Cauchi, who had been treated for schizophrenia, moved from Queensland to Sydney only a month ago and was known to police in his home state. He was reportedly sleeping rough before the attack and had no fixed address. Two bodies have been recovered in connection with the disappearance of a pair of Kansas mothers who were last seen two weeks ago, while four people have been charged with kidnapping and murder. Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, were traveling together to pick up Butler's children, ages 6 and 8, on March 30, when they disappeared about three miles from where they were scheduled to pick up Butler's children. Butler was going through a nasty divorce and custody battle and Kelley, a pastor's wife, is one of her supervisors for her visitations with the kids. It was Butler's six-year-old daughter's birthday and they were planning to celebrate. Four people have been arrested after a huge Oklahoma SWAT raid over the possible kidnapping and murder. Officials have found two bodies in Oklahoma's Texas County in connection with their disappearance, according to News Nation. Two bodies have been recovered in connection with the disappearance of a pair of Kansas mothers - Veronica Butler (pictured left), 27, and Jilian Kelley (pictured right), 39 - who were last seen two weeks ago Authorities are currently transporting them to a medical examiner to identify and determine cause of death. A convoy of 20 police vehicles, including SWAT trucks, was spotted traveling swiftly along a dirt track in the Oklahoma panhandle on Saturday. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation announced the arrests shortly after, saying there was evidence to indicate foul play. Among the four arrested people are Tifany Adams, 54, the children's grandmother and Adams' boyfriend, Tad Cullum, 43, according to NewsNation. The other two arrested individuals, Cole Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, are a couple of eight years. They are friends with Adams on Facebook. All four individuals were booked into the Texas County Jail on two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree. The children were reportedly staying with their grandmother, Adams, as Butler is going through a divorce and custody battle with her husband, Wrangler Cole Rickman. Kelley, described as more an acquaintance than a friend of Butler's, is a pastor's wife who is said to supervise Butler's visitations with her children. On March 20, ten days before they went missing, Butler filed a petition in court that would grant her more time with her children, with her goal being full custody. Four people have been arrested after a huge Oklahoma SWAT raid over the kidnapping and murder of a Kansas mother and her friend, who disappeared while en route to pick up her children. Among the arrested are Tifany Adams (left), 54, Butler's mother-in-law, and Adams' boyfriend, Tad Cullum (right), 43 The other two arrested individuals, Cole Twombly (right), 50, and Cora Twombly (left), 44, are a couple of eight years. They are friends with Adams on Facebook Court filings claimed that Butler and the children's grandmother, Adams, were not getting along amid the custody battle. Butler has weekly, court-mandated visits every Saturday with the kids, with Kelley one of four people listed as supervisors of those visits. They had made the 45-minute drive from Hugoton to a gas station in Eva, located near the Four Corners section of Oklahoma, but disappeared, with the car found just three miles from where they were supposed to meet. Multiple puddles of blood were found near the vehicle in the desolate Oklahoma panhandle, which was found 1,000 feet off of Oklahoma State Highway 95, near a school Butler attended and graduated from in 2015. Kelley is the wife of Pastor Heath Kelley, who serves at two churches in Kansas and Nebraska. A massive convoy of SWAT trucks and police cars is racing through rural Oklahoma on Saturday. Authorities announced the arrests shortly after Multiple puddles of blood were found near the vehicle in the desolate Oklahoma panhandle, which was found 1,000 feet off of Oklahoma State Highway 95, near a school Butler attended and graduated from in 2015 Kelley is the wife of Pastor Heath Kelley, who serves at two churches in Kansas and Nebraska On April 3, Kelley's Willow Christian Church in Nebraska posted to Facebook: 'We ask that you continue to pray for Jilian and Veronica and their families as the search and investigation continue.' 'Pray for strength, wisdom and faith for everyone involved. We appreciate everyone who has shared the prayer requests. We are getting messages from all over the country of people praying for these two women and their families.' Hugoton First Christian Church has also offered prayers on Facebook, while friends and family have started a Meal Train page for Kelley's family. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for comment. Iran is 'stirring the pot of religious prejudice' by stoking protests outside schools and on the streets of the UK, a new report has warned British intelligence services. The paper by the think tank Policy Exchange says MI5 must reinstate 'counter-subversion operations' to deal with the threat posed by Tehran. It highlighted a series of protests condemning apparent instances of blasphemy, linking them to the alleged influence of the Islamic Republic regime on British Muslims. Two of the cases it discussed were the 2021 Batley Grammar School protests and the demonstrations over The Lady Of Heaven film in 2022, which Policy Exchange said 'serve as an indication that de facto blasphemy codes can be enforced on the streets if protesters commit to doing so'. Dr Paul Stott, head of security and extremism at the think tank, told The Times that Iran has 'encouraged an atmosphere which anything that smacks of blasphemy leads to intimidation'. A study says the director of ICEL is appointed by Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei (pictured), suggesting the centre 'is not merely some dry, arid religious institution' but rather 'sits at the centre of a substantial network of Iranian influence operations within this country' Protests were held outside the gates at Batley Grammar School in West Yorkshire in 2021 Controversy: Poster for the film The Lady Of Heaven Some cinemas made the decision to pull the film from theatres following the backlash. Pictured: Cineworld in Birmingham The report further said that Iran is threatening Britain's security and values by sending radical regime-sponsored clerics to a 'nerve centre' in west London. The hardline Islamic Republic of Iran has spent decades 'curating a politico-religious infrastructure in Britain' focused on the Islamic Centre of England (ICEL) a registered UK charity based in a converted cinema in Maida Vale, a study by Policy Exchange found. It suggests Iran is using the centre as a base from which to 'undermine our values and impose blasphemy codes'. It says the director of ICEL is appointed by Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, suggesting the centre 'is not merely some dry, arid religious institution' but rather 'sits at the centre of a substantial network of Iranian influence operations within this country'. In 2021, cinemas saw protests from Muslims claiming the film The Lady of Heaven is 'blasphemous'. Pictured: Birmingham ICEL, which states its charitable purpose as advancing the religion of Islam and education and the provision of social and religious welfare facilities, is at the centre of a statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission. The watchdog launched its inquiry in November 2022 after issuing the charity with an official warning in 2020 when two events at the centre 'eulogised' Iranian military commander General Qasem Soleimani, who was subject to UK sanctions and killed in a US air strike. A string of senior clerics trained by and loyal to the Iranian regime have been able to travel freely between Tehran and London even when Iran has imprisoned British citizens such as Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe the report, entitled 'Tehran calling: The Iranian threat to the UK', said. The UK has a long-standing policy of issuing visas for Iranian clerics to work in Britain, it says, claiming 100 such visas were handed out between 2005 and 2022. The report also hit out at MI5 for apparently abandoning its 'core task' of counter-subversion at a time when Iran is trying 'to influence political, religious, educational or cultural organisations, or shape contemporary protest movements, to its own ends'. ICEL, which states its charitable purpose as advancing the religion of Islam and education and the provision of social and religious welfare facilities, is at the centre of a statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission. Pictured: Iran's supreme leader and Iranian clerics It adds: 'The idea that Iran may be seeking to influence British Muslims, and that it may be someone's job to stop this, has not been openly articulated by the Security Service.' Policy Exchange urged the Home Secretary to order the Home Office and Security Service to take urgent action to counter Iranian subversion in the UK. It also called for a crackdown on issuing UK visas to hardline clerics and Iranians coming to work at ICEL and any associated institutions. Report author Dr Paul Stott said: 'Iran challenges our security, but it also threatens the UK's social cohesion and our values. Allowing it to build and sustain an infrastructure in this country is madness. 'We need to get much smarter in our response, and that starts with proper control of the visa system.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Almost a dozen guests fell violently ill with gastro-symptoms with six rushed to hospital after being exposed to a 'toxic substance' at an 80th birthday. As many as 64 guests arrived at the party on Hope Street in Norman Park, Brisbane, at 3.30pm on Sunday. Emergency services were immediately called after several guests began to experience gastro symptoms including fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Ten guests were observed by paramedics at the scene before half a dozen were taken to Mater, Princess Alexandra or QEII hospitals. Around a dozen people fell and several guests were rushed to hospital, after they consumed a mystery substance at a house party, in Brisbane on Sunday afternoon Emergency services were later called to another home in Shorncliffe at midnight after receiving reports a woman was experiencing similar symptoms. She was taken to Princess Charles Hospital in a stable condition. Queensland Police said the guests became ill after consuming a 'mystery' substance. 'A large number of these people became affected by a substance, the nature of that substance at this stage is not known,' Inspector Daniel Bragg told 7 News. Police have ruled out food poisoning as the likely cause of the incident. Police said they have not been able to determine what caused the illness however, they have ruled out food poisoning Emergency crews who were called to the scene were alerted that guests may have been exposed to pest control work, that had been conducted at the property before the party was held. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) were called to the home and conducted tests but did not detect any toxic substances. A spokeswoman from Queensland Health told Daily Mail Australia four patients - two from Princess Alexandra Hospital and two from QEII Hospital have since been discharged. A spokesman from Mater Hospital declined to comment. Queensland Police and QFES are investigating. Melania Trump is said to be 'easing into the Trump campaign' after her absence sparked rumors that their marriage was on the rocks. Aloof and enigmatic, the Slovenian-born former model has been noticeably absent as husband Donald Trump makes his third bid for the White House. Nor has she attended any court hearings with her husband as he navigates a myriad of cases. His first criminal trial begins on Monday, and her plans remain unclear. The trial revolves around allegations that Trump falsified business records to cover up an alleged sexual encounter he had with porn star Stormy Daniels. The 53-year-old was left 'humiliated' by Trump's alleged affair with Daniels, according to one of her former aides. Aloof and enigmatic, the Slovenian-born former model has been noticeably absent as husband Donald Trump makes his third bid for the White House Her absences are unusual in the US, where the norm is that politicians' spouses show solidarity in times of crisis which has fueled rumors about the couple's relationship Trump, left, arrives with Melania Trump for a GOP fundraiser, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Palm Beach In early April, Melania Trump accompanied her husband to a major fundraising event at which Republicans raised more than $50 million for his presidential campaign. And on April 20, she is to take part in a fundraiser for a group of LGBTQ conservatives, the so-called Log Cabin Republicans. It is hard to tell whether the former first lady is starting to make minimal appearances in order to cut short speculation about the couple or out of a desire to help her spouse win back the White House in November. For Katherine Jellison, a history professor at Ohio University and specialist in presidential couples, the fundraiser appearances illustrate a significant shift by Melania Trump. 'These are only a few appearances, but they seem to be signs that she is easing her way back into public life - and into the Trump campaign,' Jellison told AFP. Melania Trump herself had hinted at such a comeback in a very brief exchange with journalists in mid-March. 'Stay tuned,' she said with a smile, wearing large dark glasses. According to Jellison, the former first lady might prefer events like the ones she's attending in April. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, right, waves to the crowd during the Human Rights Campaign's 'Equality in Action' event on Friday, April 12, 2024 Trump stands onstage with Melania, after announcing that he will once again run for U.S. president in the 2024 election In November, Melania Trump appeared at Rosalynn Carter's funeral along with fellow first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton 'She seems most comfortable doing these events rather than the more typical campaign activities for a political spouse -- shaking hands and making small talk with a crowd of voters,' Jellison said. That style, she believes, is more suited to Jill Biden, whose husband, President Joe Biden, is Donald Trump's Democratic rival in the November election. Jill Biden regularly crisscrosses the country, unafraid to venture into hotly disputed states. And in early March, she launched an initiative to mobilize women voters. Melania Trump on the other hand has not had an easy time with her previous major public appearances. Her speech to the 2016 Republican nominating convention was ridiculed, and not without merit: Entire passages were lifted from a speech by former first lady Michelle Obama. She also faced criticism on trips undertaken as first lady, notably when she visited newly arrived migrant children in a shelter near the border with Mexico. Former President Donald Trump, right, stands with Melania Trump, second from right, as they are greeted by John Paulson, left, and Alina de Almeida, second from left, at a GOP fundraiser Melania Trump listens as her husband speaks at a rally in Maryland on October 27, 2020 Melania Trump had an event for Log Cabin Republicans at Mar-a-Lago in November 2021 She wore a jacket with the message 'I really don't care. Do U?' written on the back. She since has been sparing and cautious in her public appearances. She did emerge from her silence in a rare interview in 2018. When asked about her husband's presumed infidelity with porn star Stormy Daniels, she assured the questioner that she had 'much more important things to think about.' It was the hush money payments Donald Trump authorized to the adult-film actress, shortly before the 2016 election, that led to his first criminal trial. Jury selection starts Monday in New York. With Melania or not, the ex-president is expected to be in attendance. Trump is facing 34 felony counts and if convicted, could face up to four years in prison for each of the 34 charges against him. It's more likely, however, that the 77-year-old would face probation due to him being a first-time offender in the state. Melania kisses Trump after delivering a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 Donald and Melania Trump arrive for the official launch of the Trump 2020 campaign at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida on June 18, 2019 Daniels in 2018 told 60 Minutes, she met Trump at an event in Nevada in 2006 and he invited her to dinner. She said she met him at his hotel suite where they had sex. Daniels said Trump later invited her to other events in New York and California. Prosecutors claim that Trump's fixer Michael Cohen wired Daniels' lawyer $130,000 to keep her quiet about their encounters. Trump denies having an affair with Daniels. At a press conference in Mar-a-Lago on Friday, he said: ''It's a scam. That's not a trial. That's a scam'.' He said he would testify just as the judge declined to delay the trial because of the huge amount of publicity surrounding the case. It was the scream heard around the world - or at least the neighborhood, when a mother-of-three got the fright of her life after she saw a 'scary clown' out of the corner of her eye. Sadly, the New Jersey woman who became part of the hilarious viral video in 2022 has passed away after losing her battle with metastatic breast cancer. Cheryl Granito, from Denville, was a teacher and died last month at the age of 44 leaving behind three young daughters, 12-year-old Harper, Kayla, 7, and Ellie who is 4. She is also survived by her husband, 56-year-old Mark. The ginger, curly-haired man seen in the clip, that has more than 500 million views, is now trying to raise money for the grieving family, with more than $40,000 generated so far in a GoFundMe. 'I am the man coming to pick up something from her. I myself donated $4000 to the GoFundMe. Her famous scream spread joy all over the world,' 20-year-old Brayden Krupiarz told DailyMail.com. Cheryl Granito seen with her daughters, 12-year-old Harper, Kayla, 7, and Ellie who is 4 Cheryl Granito, the woman featured in a viral video that captured a mother's startling scream at the sight of a 'scary clown' has died from breast cancer at the age of 44 A second GoFundMe was already set up by the family in March which raised $56,000. The video became so popular that Krupiarz even started an Instagram account devoted to the encounter, complete with the handle 'driveway.dude'. The original video begins innocently enough with Granito seen speaking to a neighbor alongside another women and one of her children. She appears calm and relaxed on calm a summers day when suddenly, Krupiarz can be seen moving up the driveway towards her. Granito became known for her powerful scream after being becoming alarmed at the presence of Brayden Krupiarz, 20, who could be seen walking up a driveway behind her Granito let out an almighty scream which served to scare those around her Brayden Krupiarz, 20, appeared to have a 'creepy clown' look about him as he approached Cheryl Granito, from Denville, New Jersey , was a teacher and died last month at the age of 44 leaving behind three doting young girls, 12-year-old Harper, Kayla, 7, and Ellie who is 4, and their 56-year-old dad, Mark Granito was so engrossed in conversation that she didnt notice the young man moving silently up behind her. The driveway camera captures his long, curly ginger hair and mirrored sunglasses. What may have been an innocent look was seen as creepy clown-like by Granito who lets out an ear-piercingly loud scream lasting several seconds. The scream, in turn, also alarms her children who jump back in fright. Holy s**t! Granito shouts. Krupiarz appears to be enjoying his 15 minutes of fame from the brief encounter appearing in the same clothes in all his subsequent videos Krupiarz can be heard apologizing explaining that he had only come over to pick something up. It's understood that a parcel of his had been delivered to her address. The video still generates laughs even years after its first uploading. 'This video makes me cough laugh every single time! I saved it a LONG time ago so that I could rewatch it when I need a laugh!' wrote Wendy Angela. 'I've never laughed as much, every time I see it. The best clip on the net stated Battlesu. 'The sorry for simply existing is comedy!' added another. Cheryl Granito, who worked as a special education teacher at Lakeview Elementary School, was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Following her death, Krupiarz wrote on his page: 'I am so extremely saddened to tell you all that the woman with the scream heard around the world has passed away. 'Cheryl was an amazing mom and had become a great friend. Please share and donate.' Prosecutors are asking for an extra 18 months in jail for Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who faces sentencing Monday after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter over the death of Halyna Hutchins. Hutchins was accidentally shot dead during filming on the set of Rust in October 2021 when a gun Alec Baldwin was practicing with discharged live ammo that was the responsibility of Gutierrez-Reed. Prosecutors blamed Gutierrez-Reed at a two-week trial for unwittingly bringing live ammunition onto the set of 'Rust' where it was expressly prohibited. They also said she failed to follow basic gun safety protocols. The jury convicted her in March of involuntary manslaughter which carries a felony sentence of up to 18 months and a $5,000 fine. They say Gutierrez-Reed, 26, has shown no remorse over her actions and used foul language to describe the jurors who convicted her and should have her sentence doubled. Prosecutors are asking for an extra 18 months in jail for Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who faces sentencing Monday after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter over the death of Halyna Hutchins Special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis filed a response to a request by Gutierrez-Reed to be granted a conditional discharge by arguing she deserves the exact opposite. Morrissey urged the judge to impose the maximum prison sentence and designate Gutierrez-Reed as a 'serious violent offender' to limit her eligibility for a sentence reduction later, describing the defendant's behavior on the set of 'Rust' as exceptionally reckless. She said Gutierrez-Reed has shown a lack of remorse, citing comments by Gutierrez-Reed in phone calls from jail conversations with her mom, boyfriend and her attorney's paralegal that are monitored by authorities. Those comments include referring to the jury that convicted her as 'a**holes,' 'idiots' and 'r*****s.' They've also said that she wants Baldwin, who fired the gun that killed Hutchins, to go to jail as well and refuses to testify at his upcoming trial because 'she shouldn't be subpoenaed if Baldwin didn't show up for her.' 'Hannah wants them to put Alec Baldwin in jail also,' prosecutors added in the filing. She has also tried to get her legal team to ask Hutchins' widower and son to speak on her behalf at her sentencing and been angry about how the conviction has hurt both her life and potential modeling career. They say that she has done all this without ever 'expressing genuine remorse at any time' while claiming the witnesses who testified at trial are lying. Hutchins was accidentally shot dead during filming on the set of Rust in October 2021 when a gun Alec Baldwin was practicing with discharged live ammo that was the responsibility of Gutierrez-Reed Prosecutors said that Gutierrez-Reed wants Baldwin, who fired the gun that killed Hutchins, to go to jail as well and refuses to testify at his upcoming trial because 'she shouldn't be subpoenaed if Baldwin didn't show up for her' Halyna Hutchins at an event in an Instagram picture - her family wants everyone held accountable Gutierrez-Reed is also, prosecutors say, facing another felony charge for concealing a firearm from the security staff at a bar in New Mexico. 'Upon successfully circumventing the security at the bar she went into the restroom and made a selfie video stating 'They checked my purse but they didn't cheek my butt cheeks! Wah, wah, wah,' the filing states. She also claims that other inmates have told her: 'I can't believe they threw your pretty little white a** in here for nothing' and compared prison food to cat food. Attorney Jason Bowles told NBC News in a statement that her legal team 'will be filing a reply most likely tomorrow.' Gutierrez-Reed was convicted in March by a jury on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Hutchins and has been held for more than a month at a county jail on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer for 'Rust,' was pointing a gun at Hutchins when the revolver went off, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. The 30 Rock actor has pleaded not guilty to an involuntary manslaughter charge and says he pulled back the gun's hammer, but not the trigger, before the gun went off. His trial is scheduled for July before the same judge, Mary Marlowe Sommer, who oversaw the trail of Gutierrez-Reed. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed poses for mugshot after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter Hannah Gutierrez-Reed during her trial this month where the jury convicted her of involuntary manslaughter - now court records show she is challenging the verdict Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office released this image of Alec Baldwin speaking to investigators on the set of Rust after killing Halyna Hutchins Baldwin, Hutchins and armorer Gutierrez-Reed are circled on the set of Rust Gutierrez-Reed could also receive a $5,000 fine. Prosecutors blamed Gutierrez-Reed for unwittingly bringing live ammunition onto the set of 'Rust' where it was expressly prohibited and for failing to follow basic gun safety protocols. After a two-week trial, the jury deliberated for about three hours in reaching its verdict. Irans unprecedented attack on Israel early Sunday marked a change in approach for Tehran, which had relied on proxies across the Middle East since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. All eyes are now on whether Israel chooses to take further military action, while Washington seeks diplomatic measures instead to ease regional tensions. Iran says the attack was in response to an airstrike widely blamed on Israel that destroyed what Iran says were consular offices in Syria and killed two generals with its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard earlier this month. Israel said almost all the over 300 drones and missiles launched overnight by Iran were shot down by its anti-missile defense system, backed by the U.S. and Britain. The sole reported casualty was a wounded girl in southern Israel, and a missile struck an Israeli airbase, causing light damage. Still, the chief of Irans Revolutionary Guard called the operation successful. Iran has managed to strike a balance between retaliating publicly for the strike in Damascus and avoiding provoking further Israeli military action at least initially, which could lead to a much wider conflict, said Mona Yacoubian, vice president of the Middle East and North Africa center at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Both (Iran and Israel) are able at this point to claim victory and step down off the precipice, particularly since there were no Israeli civilians killed, Yacoubian said. The world was still waiting, however, for the result of an Israeli War Cabinet meeting on Sunday. Israeli hard-liners have pushed for a response, but others have suggested restraint, saying Israel should focus on strengthening budding ties with Arab partners. We will build a regional coalition and collect the price from Iran, in the way and at the time that suits us, said Benny Gantz, a member of the War Cabinet. Analysts say Iran sent a message that it would be willing to escalate and change its rules of engagement in its shadow war with Israel. Its a warning shot, saying that if Israel breaks the rules, there are consequences, said Magnus Ranstorp, strategic adviser at the Swedish Defense University. Irans attack has further stoked fears of the war in Gaza causing regional havoc. But Iran maintains that it does not seek all-out war across the region. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations at this point unless it is attacked. Iran stressed that it targeted Israeli facilities involved in the Damascus attack, not civilians or economic areas. After Israel began its offensive in Gaza against Hamas, Iran-backed groups were involved militarily while Tehran sat on the sidelines. Lebanons Hezbollah group fired rockets into northern Israel. Yemens Houthi rebels attacked Western ships on the Red Sea. An umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias attacked U.S. military positions in Iraq and Syria. Now, Tehran is willing to up the ante without relying on proxies, said the director of the Carnegie Middle East Center, Maha Yahya. Still, Iran only went so far. They gave enough warning that this was coming, and I think they knew that they (the drones and missiles) would be brought down before they reached Israeli territory, Yahya said. She also noted that the recent mounting pressure on Israel over its conduct in Gaza has now shifted to deescalating regional tensions instead. Yacoubian says Washington has a critical role to play in avoiding further escalations. Israel taking further military action does not seem popular among its allies including the United States, said Eldad Shavit, who heads the Israel-U.S. Research Program at Israeli think tank the Institute for National Security Studies. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told NBC that President Joe Biden does not want an escalation in the regional conflict or a wider war with Iran, and is working on the diplomatic side of this personally. Urgent meetings of the G7 the informal gathering of industrialized countries that includes the United States, United Kingdom, and France and the U.N. Security Council were being held Sunday. G7 meeting participants in a statement unanimously condemned Iran's attack, saying we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives. (AP) A police officer and a sheriff's deputy have been killed following a shooting in upstate New York that sparked a major emergency response on Sunday night. The shooting took place at a home in the Oot Meadows neighborhood in Salina, just outside Syracuse, where officers had been responding to reports of a stolen vehicle. The suspect was also shot and killed in the incident during which up to 40 officers descended on the sleepy neighborhood. Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile told reporters that the incident began around 7pm as cops attempted a traffic stop. The car sped off and after running the plates the vehicle was traced to a home on Darien Drive in Salina. The shooting took place at the address, resulting in the deaths of the officers and the suspect. Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said that there was no wider threat to the public. Two police officers have been killed after a shooting just outside Syracuse on Sunday night Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said that one person at the home was injured while one was taken into custody The incident took place near Darien Drive in Salina, just outside of Syracuse, seen here, where officers had been responding to reports of a stolen vehicle Hundreds of police officers and first responders line entrance to Upstate University Hospital as bodies of fallen officer and deputy leave in procession. pic.twitter.com/CxMLEDC7XO Andrew Donovan (@AndrewDonovan) April 15, 2024 Images taken of the scene show a large police presence on the street following the incident. An officer down call had gone out just before 9pm on Sunday, according to the Onondaga County 911 Center dispatches. Shortly after, the outlet reported that a vehicle was seen rushing people to Upstate University Hospital. Local outlets reported that a command center was set up as police canvased the area, while a helicopter was also put in the air. Brian Fagan told Syracuse.com that he heard a car ripping through the streets and flew past his home with five deputy police cruisers in tow. Fagan said the tires screeched as the vehicles stopped before four of five gunshots went off. Local outlets reported that a command center was set up as police canvased the area, while a helicopter was also put in the air Sheriff Shelley said updates would be provided on Monday about the incident and said there was no direct threat to the community A large number of police officers from across Central New York gathered outside Upstate University Hospital where the officers had been taken He said: 'I'm looking out my window now and there's probably 30 to 40 state troopers and sheriff's up my street.' Fagan also told the outlet that a county 911 system alerted him to shelter in place following the incident. Sheriff Shelley said updates would be provided on Monday about the incident and said there was no direct threat to the community. Meanwhile a large number of police officers from across Central New York gathered outside Upstate University Hospital where the officers had been taken. The parents of the Bondi Junction mass killer have admitted their son was a 'monster' who hated women because he was 'frustrated' at being unable to find a girlfriend. Parents Michele and Andrew Cauchi opened about their 'troubled...beautiful boy' Joel Cauchi, 40, who they said they 'loved so much' until he went on his murderous rampage. Knife-obsessed Cauchi killed five women and one man at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday when he ran through the shopping centre hacking and stabbing at shoppers. On Monday, his parents said he was a diagnosed schizophrenic who had lived at home with them until he was 35 in Toowoomba, southern Queensland. His life went off the rails when he tried to get off his anti-psychotic medication because 'he wanted to have a life' - but instead triggered his psychosis, said his parents. 'How do you love a monster? Give birth to them!' tearful dad Andrew Cauchi said. Andrew Cauchi spoke to reporters outside his Toowoomba home on Monday, two days after his son Joel stabbed six people to death at Westfield Bondi Junction A devastated Michele Cauchi opened up about her son's long battle with mental illness READ MORE: Chilling moment surfer realises he was talking to the killer before his deadly attack Joel Cauchi (pictured) asked a Bondi local for surfing lessons just months before his terrifying rampage at Westfield Advertisement 'I loved my son. But he had a fascination with knives. 'He had five or six army commando knives. He had a problem with women, he couldn't get a girlfriend.' Earlier, Mr Cauchi lashed out at the media pack outside his home in an angry outburst before his wife Michele stepped in to defuse the situation. Mrs Cauchi said that she was 'so sorry' for what her son had done. 'He was brought up in love. He was a lovely child and he was in the care of his doctors for something like 18 years,' she said. 'He took his medication, Then he asked the doctor if he could come down on it, and she did over a period of a number of years, very carefully giving him warnings of what might happen. 'And when he came off, it was like his eyes had it had all lifted from him and he wanted to have a life. 'So after living at home until he was 35, he went to Brisbane.' She added: 'My heart goes out to the people our son has hurt. 'If he was in his right mind, he would be absolutely devastated at what he has done. 'But he was obviously not in his right mind. He somehow had been triggered into psychosis and he'd lost touch with reality. 'We're just ordinary people and brought up our son as best we could.' Andrew Cauchi (left) lashed out at the media earlier on Monday before his wife (right) stepped in to defuse the situation Andrew and Michele Cauchi said that they did everything they could to help their son Joel Mrs Cauchi revealed her son had been 'top of his class' and that 'his teachers loved him'. 'He worked hard. He had a lot of friends growing up,' she recalled. Her husband admitted that his son was awkward. Mr Cauchi said his son targeted women in the ruthless attack 'because he wanted a girlfriend and he's got no social skills. 'He was frustrated out of his brain.' Mr Cauchi said he had been 'putting myself through hell' watching footage of his son on the afternoon of the knife attacks. 'But I'm prepared to do that because I love my son and I want to find out what's wrong,' he said. 'You have no idea how beautiful my boy is.' Mr Cauchi said that when his son was growing up 'everybody said what a lovely son you've got'. But he said that Cauchi's mental health issues from his late teens and early 20s meant 'you couldn't help him'. He added: 'I did everything in my power to help him. I'd go down to Brisbane, spend the day with them, take him to the Gold Coast, take him wherever he wanted. 'There's nothing I can do or say that can bring it back. 'My son, my son I'm loving a monster. He's a monster to me. He was a very sick boy. 'Do you think there's anything that could have been done differently with his mental illness that could have helped?' Andrew Cauchi (left) revealed to reporters that his son Joel was awkward and had no social skills Joel Cauchi lived at home with his parents until he was 35 and moved to Brisbane five years ago Mr Cauchi said he had last seen his son via a selfie video that showed him looking happy on Coogee Beach on February 5, two months before the knife attacks. His son had said on the video: 'I just want to show you beautiful Coogee Beach,' revealed his father. 'Can you imagine this boy so happy in five weeks time or whatever it is committing the atrocity?,' Mr Cauchi said. 'That's what mental illness is. Mental illness is horrendous.' Mr Cauchi said that if mentally ill people even 'just raise a knife, they shoot them dead' and he believed that only made it worse. 'You're encouraging the mentally ill to do something crazy so they can get shot,' he said. 'This crime should never have happened. I'm not blaming the police. 'I took five US Army combat knives off him when I brought him up from Brisbane. 'I said, "Look Joe, you're welcome to stay in my place. But you're not going to have these knives here".' Mr Cauchi denied his son had ever threatened him but added: 'He was really angry. He called the police and accused me of stealing his knives.' Bruce Lehrmann has emerged pale-faced from court after losing his defamation case against Channel Ten. Justice Michael Lee on Tuesday ruled that Lerhmann had raped Brittany Higgins, saying he been 'hellbent' on having sex with his former colleague. The 28-year-old stood when the Justice Lee adjourned the matter, kept his head down, and charged from the court at the first opportunity. Lehrmann was flanked by his legal team as he left NSW's Federal Court and made efforts to avoid a waiting throng of reporters and cameramen. He remained stoney-faced and silent as he was followed down the street with one cameraman seen falling over onto the pavement amid the chaos. Moment earlier Lee found that Lehrmann was 'indifferent' to whether drunk Ms Higgins consented or not before he raped her on a senator's couch at Parliament House in March 2019. Chris Merritt, a legal affairs analyst, told Sky News: 'Bruce is ruined'. Mr Merritt pointed to the sky-high costs of running a defamation action in the federal court with the total cost of the trial expected to have cost at least $10million. Pale-faced Bruce Lehrmann has emerged from court after Justice Michael Lee ruled he had raped Ms Higgins on the balance of probabilities (pictured) Bruce Lehrmann remained silent as he left NSW's Federal Court on Monday The 28-year-old was flanked by his legal team as he left NSW's Federal Court and made efforts to avoid a waiting throng of reporters and cameramen (pictured) Bruce Lehrmann remained stoney-faced and silent as he was followed down the street with one cameraman seen falling over onto the pavement amid the chaos (pictured) The findings were delivered on Monday as Justice Lee handed down his judgment in Lehrmann's defamation case against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson. 'Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins,' he said of the infamous night in March 2019. While there was no evidence Lehrmann knew that Ms Higgins did not consent to the sexual activity, he was recklessly indifferent to her rights and was 'hellbent' on having sex, the judge said. Earlier on Monday, Justice Lee slammed Lehrmann as being an unreliable, dishonest witness. 'Mr Lehrmann has no compunction from departing from the truth if he thought it was expedient,' the judge said. 'I am satisfied that in important respects, he told deliberate lies.' The 28-year-old was suing Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson for defamation over a February 2021 report on The Project in which Brittany Higgins claimed he raped her in a Parliament House office almost two years prior. Justice Lee described both Lehrmann and Ms Higgins as 'unreliable historians' when recounting what occurred on that fateful night. Brittany Higgins is seen at ACT Supreme Court in Canberra in 2022 Bruce Lehrmann sued Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson (right) for defamation over a February 2021 report on The Project in which Brittany Higgins claimed he raped her Lisa Wilkinson and lawyer Sue Chrysanthou SC grin as they leave court on Monday just moments after Justice Michael Lee found Ten's defence of truth to have been successful The judge said Ms Higgins had been loose with the truth regarding allegations made to Ten in 2021 that members of the Coalition government at the time had sought to silence her in reporting the alleged rape. 'The cover-up allegation was objectively short on facts but long on speculation,' he said. But Justice Lee found that any incorrect statements made to the police in 2019 were not inconsistent with remarks being made by a 'genuine victim of sexual assault'. Justice Lee said that Lehrmann was identified by Ten's report, despite denials from the network. The ex-Liberal staffer claims his reputation was ruined and is seeking significant damages. Ten has defended its reporting, saying claims in the interview were true and in the public interest as they involved alleged sexual abuse in Parliament House. Justice Lee considered whether or not, on the balance of probabilities, the alleged sexual assault occurred in the office of their then-boss, Senator Linda Reynolds. Lehrmann denies the sexual assault allegation and a criminal case was dropped in 2022, with no findings made against him. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 An uncle was allegedly stabbed to death by his nephew after a fight broke out at the house they were sharing in a small town. Paul Mann, 55, was allegedly knifed inside the Running Creek Road property at Kilkivan, west of Gympie, Queensland, on Friday afternoon. Police will allege Mr Mann's nephew, James Neale, 42, stabbed his uncle during the fight. It is understood a healthcare worker went to the home for a routine visit but heard the fighting and called emergency services, the Courier Mail reported. Paul Mann, 55, (pictured) died from injuries after allegedly being stabbed by his nephew Mr Mann's nephew James Neale, 42, (pictured) allegedly ran at a police officer with a knife at the property both men shared. The officer shot him and Mr Neale is in hospital in a coma. No charges have been laid One police officer arrived shortly after 3.15pm to assist ambulance workers when Mr Neale allegedly ran at the officer armed with a knife. The officer tried to retreat, as well as negotiate with Mr Neale, but he was forced to shoot him. Mr Neale is in hospital in a coma and police are yet to speak with him. No charges have been laid. Mr Mann has been described as a 'friendly' local who had been in a horrific car crash decades earlier in his teenage years, resulting in permanent injury. One Kilkivan resident said Mr Mann was often seen on his motorised scooter at the general store and chemist. 'He was a lovely, friendly man,' they said. Detective acting superintendent Paul Algie said on Saturday the officer had no choice but to shoot Mr Neale. 'He shot him once in the chest and then went to his aid immediately to provide first aid as per his training,' superintendent Algie said. 'The police officer attempted to retreat and negotiate with the man and did that for an extended period of time unfortunately he was left with no further action but to fire his service pistol. 'Upon arrival from back-up police, his colleagues and friends from Goomeri, assisted in first aid for not only the suspect but the man who had been stabbed initially.' The police officer who turned up to assist the ambulance officers tried to retreat and negotiate with Mr Neale (pictured police outside the scene of the crime in the small country town of Kilkivan) Stabbing victim, Mr Mann, 55, was described as a 'lovely, friendly man' (pictured scene of the crime) Superintendent Algie also described the incident as an 'unusual set of circumstances'. Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the incident was a worst- nightmare situation for any officer. 'Its a country town, hes a country police officer, turning up to call for service to assist the Queensland Ambulance Service on his own, and hes confronted where suddenly he has to fend for his life,' Mr Leavers said. 'So, this will not only affect him and his colleagues in country police stations right around the state of Queensland, but it will also affect the tight-knit community in Kilkivan and this will be very difficult for the town.' But he lost his right eye and suffered stabs to his face, neck, chest, abdomen, thigh and hand at New York's Chautauqua Amphitheater He thought he was safe after Iran withdrew the $3million bounty placed on his head for his 'blasphemous' 1988 novel The Satanic Verses The Satanic Verses author nearly pulled out of the speaking event where he was attacked in August 2022 after dreaming about being stabbed two nights earlier Salman Rushdie has revealed he was shaken by a premonition of being stabbed by a Roman gladiator, just two days before the knife attack that nearly killed him. The Satanic Verses author said he thought he would die as he opened up for the first time about the assassination attempt on stage at a New York literary festival that cost him an eye and stab wounds to his face, neck, chest, abdomen, thigh and hand. He said the attack two years ago still upsets me every day as he prepares to see his account of it published in Knife, his 22nd book, on Tuesday. I confess, I had sometimes imagined my assassin rising up in some public forum or other, and coming for me in just this way, he wrote. So my first thought when I saw this murderous shape rushing towards me was, 'So it's you. Here you are.' Salman Rushdie described how his attacker slashed his throat during the assassination attempt that cost him an eye and nearly killed him in August 2022 It took 27 seconds for festival goers and festival staff to drag Rushdie's attacker off him The author spent eight hours in surgery, 18 days in hospital, and three weeks in rehabilitation after being airlifted to hospital from New York's Chautauqua Amphitheater I remember thinking that I was probably dying. And it was interesting because it was quite matter of fact,' Rushdie said The Indian-born author spent ten years in hiding after Iran placed a $3million fatwa contract on his life for the blasphemy contained in his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses. His police minders alerted him to half a dozen serious assassination attempts from state-sponsored terrorists before Iran called off its attempts in 1998. But the fatwa remains in place and a lone wolf nearly claimed the prize after Rushdie accepted an invitation to speak at the Chautauqua Amphitheater in August 2022. He nearly pulled out after having a dream two nights earlier in which he was being violently attacked. Perhaps spurred unconsciously by the venue's name, he found himself dreaming that he was in a Roman gladiatorial arena. It was just somebody with a spear stabbing downwards, and I was rolling around on the floor trying to get away from him, he told CBS. The dream was so vivid he thrashed around in his bed trying to escape, waking his wife, the poet and novelist Rachel Eliza Griffiths, who had to wake him in turn and reassure him. I was quite shaken by it, he told the BBC, and I said to Eliza, I dont want to go. 'And then you wake up a bit more, and you think, its just a dream, and youre not going to allow your life to be ruled by something that happened in a dream. And so I thought, Ill go. Its a gig. He brushed his fears aside but discovered that there was no security as he took to the stage to deliver a lecture on the importance of protecting writers whose lives are under threat. In the corner of my right eye the last thing my right eye would ever see I saw the man in black running towards me down the right-hand side of the seating area, he writes in his book. But he did not see the knife and thought, at first, that he'd just been punched. I think he was just wildly, you know, flailing around, Rushdie said. The Indian-born author had a $3million fatwa placed on his head and endured at least six state-sponsored assassination attempts after the publication of The Satanic Verses in 1988 The book sparked worldwide protests among Muslims outraged at its alleged 'blasphemy' But then he saw a pool of blood spreading out from my body, and realized that his right eye was kind of hanging out of my face, sitting on my cheek, I've said like a soft-boiled egg. And blind. I remember thinking that I was probably dying. And it was interesting because it was quite matter of fact. It wasn't, it wasn't like I was terrified of it or whatever. Rushdie's account of the attack will be published by Penguin Random House It was 27 seconds before festival staff managed to pull the attacker off the then 75-year-old. That's quite a long time, Rushdie said. That's the extraordinary half-minute of intimacy, you know, in which life meets death. The author was airlifted to hospital where he underwent eight hours of emergency surgery before being placed on a ventilator, unable to speak. He said he felt a 'profound sense of loneliness' at the prospect of dying away rom his family, but recovered because 'A part of me, some battling part deep within simply had no plan to die'. After 18 days in hospital and three weeks of rehabilitation, Rushdie was discharged. One of his surgeons told him that he was both really unlucky and really lucky. I said, 'What's the lucky part?' And he said, 'Well, the lucky part is that the man who attacked you had no idea how to kill a man with a knife, Rushdie said. His attacker, Hadi Matar, 24, was dragged off the stage by stewards and has been held without bail at the Chautauqua County Jail as he awaits trial. Born in California to Lebanese parents he was found with a false driving license in the name of two Hezbollah commanders when he was seized, admitting he had only read two pages of the book which had so outraged the Iranian clerics. Rushdie is likely to see Matar again in person when he eventually comes to trial but has refused to name him in his new book. He and I had 27 seconds together, you know? That's it, Rushdie told 60 Minutes correspondent Anderson Cooper. I don't need to give him any more of my time. The author has always fought against being defined by the attempts on his life and was reluctant to turn his pen on the attack that nearly killed him until he decided it might help him come to terms with it. I need to focus on, you know, to use the cliche, the elephant in the room, he said. And the moment I thought that, kinda something changed in my head. And it then became a book I really very much wanted to write. I mean, language is a way of breaking open the world. I don't have any other weapons. His alleged attacker, Hadi Matar, 24, admitted he had only read two pages of the book which had so outraged the Iranian clerics Hadi Matar, 25, returned from four weeks in Lebanon as a religious bigot his mother told Dailymail.com Author Salman Rushdie has described his 256-page memoir as 'a way to take charge of what happened, and to answer violence with art' after the attack in August 2022 And he said he realized that his slowly growing confidence in an ability to lead a normal life had been a mistake. That sense of time warp, you know, of being dragged into a narrative that I thought had concluded, and then it turned out had not. I think that shadow is just there, and some days it's dark and some days it's not. I'm hoping this is just a last twitch of that story. I don't know. I'll let you know. Channel 10 lawyer Justin Quill has unleashed on Bruce Lehrmann with a brutal piece of advice after a judge found that the former political staffer raped Brittany Higgins. Lehrmann sued Network Ten and Wilkinson for defamation over a February 2021 report on The Project in which Ms Higgins claimed she was raped by her colleague Lehrmann in a Parliament House office in 2019. Justice Michael Lee on Monday ruled that Lerhmann had raped Ms Higgins, saying he been 'hellbent' on having sex with his former colleague. He ruled in favour of Ten when he handed down his verdict. Outside court afterwards, Mr Quill described the 324 page judgement as a resounding win for Channel 10 and a dismal failure for Lehrmann. Channel 10 lawyer Justin Quill slammed Bruce Lehrmann after Justice Michael Lee handed down his judgement on Monday Bruce Lehrmann leaves court on Monday after Justice Michael Lee ruled in favour of Channel Ten 'My advice for Mr Lehrmann given that he is studying law would be to maybe find another course to study at university,' he said. Mr Quill claimed Lehrmann took Channel 10 to court for two reasons - to make money and reinvent history. 'He wanted people to believe his version of events and he's failed in both endeavours,' he added. 'It's an unmitigated disaster for Bruce Lehrmann.' Mr Quill added that the Channel 10 was deserving of the vindication the network received from the ruling. He added that it was also vindication for Ms Higgins, who was hailed as courageous. 'Vindication in its belief and support in Brittany Higgins, who was particularly brave to come to court and unlike most rape victims who come to court, having chosen not to have anonymity and give her evidence in the glare of publicity and spotlight,' Mr Quill said. 'It's a vindication by Ten to continue to run and defend these defamation proceedings and the cost and fight in doing so.' The judge found that Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins (pictured) in 2019 Mr Quill added in a statement that Channel Ten is considering Justice Lee's 324-page judgement. 'It is clear however that Australia's defamation laws remain highly restrictive,' the statement read. 'Network Ten remains firmly committed to honest, fair and independent journalism; to holding those in power to account; to giving people a voice who wouldn't otherwise have one; and to always pursuing without fear or favour journalism that is firmly in the public interest.' Lisa Wilkinson, who won a Logie award for her interview with Ms Higgins on The Project also addressed the media outside court after winning the defamation case. 'Today the federal court has found that I published a true story about a rape at a federal politician's office in March 2019,' Wilkinson said. 'I sincerely hope the judgment gives strength to women around the country. 'I'm also so grateful to have had the benefit of our independent legal team.' Brittany Higgins' fiance David Sharaz has shared several messages with Australia after Lisa Wilkinson won her defamation case against Bruce Lehrmann. Federal Court Justice Michael Lee found that Lehrman raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019. His findings come after Lehrmann sued Network Ten and Wilkinson for defamation over a February 2021 report on The Project, where Brittany Higgins claimed he raped her in a Parliament House office almost two years' prior. But Mr Lee ruled in Network 10's favour on Monday, determining that its report was truthful in its allegations against Lehrmann. Brittany Higgins' fiance David Sharaz (pictured right) has spoken out after Lisa Wilkinson won her defamation case against Bruce Lehrmann 'Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins,' Justice Lee said, a finding made by the civil court standard - the balance of probabilities, rather than beyond reasonable doubt, the criminal court standard. Daily Mail Australia understands Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz were watching the outcome of the decision from France, after relocating to the small town of Lunas in 2023. Mr Sharaz reposted comments from several women's rights campaigners on social media shortly after the decision was handed down. One of the messages he shared was from sexual assault survivor and anti-violence advocate Saxon Mullins. 'We can't forget that in order to get here we watched our legal system tear apart a real person,' she said. 'Family, friends, love life, spelling errors, diaries, texts, photos, mistakes. It was all laid bare for us to judge and pick apart. Is this what justice looks like to you?' He also posted comments from ABC presenter Dr Julia Baird, who spoke out against the coverage of the case. 'Probably a good time to reflect on how devotedly and brutally mastheads and prominent commentators seek to undermine, discredit and destroy women who allege sexual assault, or report on sexual assault. There's been a lot of bullying masquerading as journalism; it infects,' the post read. Alongside the posts from the two advocates, Mr Sharaz shared a statement from Network 10. The statement reads: 'This judgment is a triumph for truth. 'Justice Lee's judgment is vindication for the courageous Brittany Higgins who gave a voice to women across the nation.' Outside court, a vindicated Ms Wilkinson said: 'Today the Federal court has found that I published a true story about a rape at a federal politician's office in March 2019. 'I sincerely hope the judgment gives strength to women around the country. 'I'm also so grateful to have had the benefit of our independent legal team'. She thanked her barrister Sue Chrysanthou KC for her 'expertise and wise counsel' that have been a 'source of ongoing strength to me for the past 14 months.' Lisa Wilkinson smiled and thanked the public as she won the defamation case Bruce Lehrmann brought against her and Network Ten Lisa Wilkinson (right) embraced her barrister Sue Chrysanthou KC outside the courtroom, and profusely thanked her Wilkinson also thanked her family and friends and 'generous' members of the public who often approach her in tears. 'Throughout every step of this process I have been surrounded by the love of my incredibly supportive family. 'As well as incredibly supportive friends and colleagues. I can never thank them enough. 'I also wanted to say how grateful I am to members of the public who approached me almost every single day to express often through tears their unwavering support.' In contrast Mr Lehrmann didn't say a word as he charged through the press pack following the ruling. The former Liberal staffer sat with his head bowed while listening to the judge's findings. 'He was a 23-year-old male cheating on his girlfriend, having just 'hooked up' with a woman he found sexually attractive,' Justice Lee said. Bruce Lehrmann didn't say a word as he charged through the press pack following the ruling from Justice Lee 'Human experience suggests what he then wanted to happen is not exactly shrouded in mystery.' The judge said Lehrmann was 'hellbent on having sex with a woman he found sexually attractive, had been mutually passionately kissing and touching and knew had reduced inhibition.' 'He did not care one way or the other whether Ms Higgins understood or consented to what was going on. Justice Lee determined that, contrary to Lehrmann's evidence, sexual intercourse did occur, and that Ms Higgins did not consent. 'I am convinced that sexual intercourse took place,' the judge said. Justice Lee said Lehrmann was 'on top' of Ms Higgins and that she was unable to remove herself from the couch. If the 28-year-old had won his defamation case, he would only have been entitled to a 'very modest' amount of $20,000 in damages given the limited nature of any hurt from Ten's reporting, Justice Lee said. Mr Lehrmann launched defamation proceedings after the criminal trial fell through. The judge said of that decision: 'Having escaped the lion's den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake to come back for his hat' While a Logies speech by Lisa Wilkinson over The Project segment derailed criminal proceedings against Lehrmann and denied him the right to a fair trial, this gave his legal team more time to attack Ms Higgins' allegations. The criminal trial against Lehrmann was abandoned in 2022 with no findings made against him. 'Having escaped the lions' den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat,' Justice Lee said. Justice Lee described both Lehrmann and Ms Higgins as 'unreliable historians' when recounting what occurred on that fateful night. The judge said Ms Higgins had been loose with the truth regarding allegations made to Ten in 2021 that members of the then-coalition government had sought to silence her in reporting the alleged rape. The judge found any of Brittany Higgins' incorrect statements to police in 2019 explicable But Justice Lee found that any incorrect statements made to the police in 2019 were not inconsistent with remarks being made by a genuine victim of sexual assault. The judge also slammed Ten for its conduct after Wilkinson made a Logie speech where she hailed Higgins' courage just eight-days before the criminal trial of Lehrmann. The judge pointed out that Wilkinson did seek advice, but Network Ten failed her by suggesting she deliver the speech in support of Ms Higgins. 'The conduct of Ten was grossly improper and unjustifiable.' Queen Elizabeth II 'loved it' when things went wrong because it 'spiced her life up', a former aide has claimed. Samantha Cohen spoke fondly of her relationship with the late Queen in an interview with Australian newspaper The Herald Sun. Ms Cohen served as The Queen's press secretary for 17 years and then as her assistant and private secretary, before stepping away from working for the Royal household in 2019. Speaking to the newspaper she said: 'The Queen had no ego, she was so comfortable in herself, yet she loved it when things went wrong.' In particular, the Queen loved it when a 'cake was not cutting' or a 'plaque didn't unveil', she added. Queen Elizabeth II (pictured) 'loved it' when things went wrong because it 'spiced her life up' a former aide has claimed Samantha Cohen (pictured), worked as a former assistant private secretary to the Queen and a senior adviser to the Duchess of Sussex Queen Elizabeth II cuts a Women's Institute Celebrating 100 Years cake Women's Institute AGM, Royal Albert Hall, London in 2015 Ms Cohen said the 'best times' were accompanying the Queen on her two royal tours to South Australia and Queensland in 2002 and 2011. Ms Cohen was nicknamed 'Samantha the Panther' because of her pragmatic attitude and she was enthusiastic about the Royal Family launching a YouTube account when the idea was suggested. The former aide spoke to the Queen daily and for almost 10 years had her own bedroom at Windsor Castle. In 2018, Samantha Cohen worked as a private secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the request of the Queen. It was claimed in Valentine Low's book that Ms Cohen left her position after being treated 'harshly' and because it was like 'working with teenagers', but she would not comment on these claims according to The Herald Sun. The Duchess of Sussex's team denied the allegation of bullying. Ms Cohen sitting behind The Queen and Meghan Markle at an event (pictured) Elizabeth II cuts a cake to celebrate the start of the Platinum Jubilee during a reception in the Ballroom of Sandringham House (pictured) Queen Elizabeth II unveils a plaque during a visit to officially open the new building at Thames Hospice, Maidenhead Five-year-old Sam Mitchell (right) gives Queen Elizabeth II a present during a visit to The Kelpies sculpture near Falkirk to unveil a plaque to name the Queen Elizabeth II Canal Queen Elizabeth II unveils a plaque to mark the official opening of the 'Elizabeth Line' rail service at Paddington Station in London on May 17, 2022 Britain's Queen Elizabeth II unveils a plaque to inaugurate the new headquarters of the Royal Philatelic society in London on November 26, 2019 Ms Cohen was once invited to Balmoral for Christmas and said The Queen was a 'special woman' and that she missed her. Originally from Brisbane in Australia, Ms Cohen started her career as a journalist on the Sunshine Coast Daily in Australia before working for the Australian government. She is now working as chief of staff for the global chief executive of the mining giant Rio Tinto. A British family who were hounded out of Portugal by locals who branded them 'English pigs' and spread rumours of devil-worship have told how their dream life turned into a nightmare. Lynn and Richard Appleby-Brisco moved to the Mediterranean country's Guarda district in 2016 with plans to start a more 'affordable' life with their two young daughters. The family featured on Channel 4's Our Wildest Dreams but not long after the show aired, their life in the remote village became their wildest nightmare. The angry locals attacked the family's dog Cu - an estrela mountain cross retriever - which later died at the age of four. The Appleby-Brisco's ordeal has chilling echoes to that of Orla Dargan, who faced years of of threatening behaviour from a neighbour and found her rescue dog dead in a shallow well after she moved to Portugal in 2016. The family-of-four, from Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, say that after their goats were poisoned a local admitted to stealing their cat Ponyo and her kitten bubbles in January. Ms Appleby-Brisco, 51, said that when she confronted a villager about the mystery deaths, she was told: 'We've taken your pets and you're next.' Lynn and Richard Appleby-Brisco moved abroad in 2016 to start a more 'affordable' life with their two daughters (all pictured together) in Portugal's Guarda district The family's move to the remote village was filmed for Channel 4's Our Wildest Dreams. They are pictured on the show in 2018 here Lynn said she was 'scared to be in the house' on her own and would 'carry a knife' when she went down to the farm She told The Sun: 'I just couldn't take it anymore, and it was my absolute lowest point. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: My dream retirement to Portugal became a nightmare when neighbour tried to steal my land, someone tried to ram my car off the road and my dog was tortured to death - I fear for my life Advertisement 'I was scared to be in the house on my own so I would hang around the biggest local town all day to feel safe. 'It was so bad that when I would go down to the farm I would carry a knife with me, and I consider myself a pacifist.' The family believe they inadvertently put a target on their backs after their episode aired in 2018. Among the outrageous incidents of harassment, the family were spat at and called 'English pigs' - while rumours were spread about Ms Appleby-Brisco being a devil-worshipping prostitute after she planted flowers outside their home. The family flew home to the UK in February with a small suitcase holding a change of clothes and pyjamas. Ms Appleby-Brisco and her children, Emily, 12, and Yvie, 10, are now living in a one-bed apartment, while their father is still trying to sell the property in Portugal and drive back all of their belongings. It comes after a former City investment banker who retired to the Algarve told MailOnline about her years of hell after an 'aggressive' neighbour took over her land and drove her out of her home, forcing her to go into hiding. Orla Dargan bought her dream Portuguese villa for around 600,000 in 2016, and lived there happily for several years before her neighbour, an estate agent she describes as a 'dangerous' man, moved in next door. The mother-of-two said she was warned about his 'temper' and went on to face years of threatening behaviour, including an alleged attempt to drive her off the road near her home. Her beloved rescue dog was also found dead, floating in a shallow well with horrifying injuries. Orla Dargan in Portugal with her rescue dog Henry, who she says was 'killed' amid an ongoing boundary dispute Orla Dargan bought her dream Portuguese villa for around 600,000 in 2016 Richard is pictured building their Portugal home before they were forced back to the UK The family have raised 3,700 through a GoFundMe page to try and recover from the failed plan to move abroad The Appleby-Briscos have raised 3,800 through a GoFundMe page to try and recover from the failed plan to move abroad. On the page, Ms Appleby-Brisco wrote: 'We arrived in Portugal almost eight years ago full of excitement of starting a new, sustainable life. We were followed by the film crew from Channel Fours Our Wildest Dreams as we wanted to inspire others. 'Initially our lives were great, we wanted to integrate locally so didn't mix as much with the expats, put our girls in the village school, bought a little farm on the edge of the village, started to learn the language better, did everything we thought right. 'Little did we know there was a storm of resentment in the village towards us, we had done nothing wrong so why would we even question it.' Channel 4 has been approached for comment. Bridges, castles, parks, golf clubs and markets across Britain shut due to high winds today as the Met Office issued an urgent warning for strong gusts until tonight. Kew Gardens in London was the most high-profile closure because of the weather, while the M48 Severn Bridge connecting England and Wales was also shut. Parks across London such as Queen's Park, Highgate Wood and parts of Hampstead Heath were closed today, along with some National Trust sites such as Chirk Castle in Wales and English Heritage locations including sections of Dover Castle in Kent. Markets and golf clubs were also unable to open due to the weather after the Met Office said England and Wales would face gale-force 55mph gusts and heavy rain. The wind alert began as soon as it was announced at 6.25am and will run until 10pm - with forecasters warning of travel delays, power cuts and large waves on the coast. The yellow warning covers all of England up to Keswick in the west and Scarborough in the east, along with the whole of Wales and Northern Ireland - but not Scotland. The Met Office said a depression will move east just to the north of Scotland and bring strong winds to the UK, with gusts of 40 to 45mph expected widely inland. Isolated gusts as high as 50 to 55mph are set to hit exposed coasts as well as heavy rain, which will 'likely to lead to some disruption and longer journey times'. An Aer Lingus aircraft arriving from Dublin has a bumpy landing this morning in the strong winds and rain at Leeds Bradford Airport in West Yorkshire where a wind warning was issued Commuters cross London Bridge during wet and windy weather in the capital this morning Stormy clouds are pictured over the Oxfordshire countryside at Dunsden this morning Your browser does not support iframes. Forecasters said it was 'likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves'. They added that 'some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely' and 'probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer'. In addition, 'some short term loss of power and other services is possible' and 'delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely'. National Highways said the M48 Severn Bridge connecting England and Wales had been shut due to the winds, with a diversion route via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge. The Met Office yellow wind warning runs from 6.25am until 10pm today for much of the UK Kew Gardens in London was the most high-profile closure because of the weather today And a Kew Gardens spokesman said: 'Kew Gardens will be closed today, Monday 15 April, due to adverse weather conditions. READ MORE Beechgrove Garden star George Anderson reveals his 10 simple tips for rescuing your outdoor space after winter Advertisement 'If you have a pre-booked ticket, your ticketing provider will be in touch with more information. Were sorry for any inconvenience caused.' It comes as temperatures will be slightly chillier than average with significantly less rainfall from tomorrow as the country recovers from a wet and windy start to 2024. The Met Office said today will be the wettest day of the week as a band of rain pushes its way south-eastwards, causing widespread rainfall across the country. Temperatures will generally sit a little below their April average with particularly cold starts in Scotland, where cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow are predicted to see early morning lows of 2C or 3C. Slightly warmer temperatures of around 8C to 10C are expected across England throughout the day, with highs of 12C. In some colder areas, such as northern Wales and Scotland, showers may be accompanied by wintry winds bringing sleet and hail, Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said. He added: 'Monday is classic April showers really. We've got a pretty windy day across the whole of the UK with gusts of wind up to 40-50mph pretty much anywhere across the country. READ MORE Brits bask in the warmest day of the year so far as crowds flock to parks and beaches to soak up the sun - with temperatures hitting 21C Advertisement 'With that, we'll have some quite blustery showers which will be slightly wintry in nature across the northern parts of the UK. 'You could get a little bit of sleet and certainly some hail so it will be a much colder feeling day.' But the rest of this week is predicted to be much drier and less windy, with localised showers in northern Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland tomorrowbut sunny weather elsewhere, especially south and east England. Some areas had unusually warm temperatures over the weekend - the highest being 21.8C recorded in Writtle, Essex, on Saturday. So the drop to more typical temperatures this week with stronger winds today 'might be a bit of a shock to the system for a number of people', Mr Partridge said.There will be more rain in Scotland on Wednesday and Thursday, the Met Office said, but temperatures across the rest of the country will be close to their seasonal averages with cloudy skies and scattered light showers. By Friday, temperatures across the country are expected to reach the low to mid-teens with slightly warmer conditions in the south. READ MORE Construction sector hammered by wet weather and high interest rates - holding back UK economic growth Advertisement Forecasters also said the lighter rain seen across some parts of the UK will slowly move away towards the end of the week as an area of high pressure drifts eastwards, making for a 'mostly dry' Saturday and Sunday nationwide. Mr Partridge said light winds and clear skies would make for 'chilly nights' and cold early mornings, though temperatures will rise quickly once the sun comes up. He added decreased rainfall was good news for parts of the country that have experienced, or been at risk of, flooding over the last few weeks. 'We've had way more rain so far this year than we would usually have, so (next week) is a chance for all the places that have been suffering from all the rainfall to finally recover a little bit,' he said. Figures show England saw a record amount of rainfall between October 2022 and March 2024, the highest for any 18-month period since comparable data began in 1836. Australian police are examining why a lone assailant who stabbed six people to death in a busy Sydney shopping mall and injured more than a dozen others targeted women while avoiding men, a police commissioner said on Monday. The killer's father blamed his son's frustration at not having a girlfriend. Police shot and killed the homeless assailant, Joel Cauchi, during his knife attack in the Westfield Bondi Junction mall on Saturday near world-famous Bondi Beach. Police have ruled out terrorism and said the 40-year-old had a history of mental illness. New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb said detectives would question Cauchis family in a bid to determine his motive. CCTV footage from the mall showed Cauchi targeted women. The videos speak for themselves, dont they? And thats certainly a line of inquiry for us, Webb said. Its obvious to me, its obvious to detectives that that seems to be an area of interest: that the offender had focused on women and avoided the men, Webb added. The attacker's father Andrew Cauchi said he knew why his son, who suffered from schizophrenia, had targeted women. Because he wanted a girlfriend and hes got no social skills and he was frustrated out of his brain, the visibly distraught 76-year-old told reporters outside his home in Toowoomba in Queensland state, an 870-kilometer (540-mile) drive across the New South Wales border from Sydney. Hes my son, and Im loving a monster. To you, hes a monster. To me, he was a very sick boy. Believe me, he was a very sick boy, the father added. The only male killed was Faraz Tahir, a Pakistani refugee who worked at the mall as a security guard. Tahir had not been armed. Webb said most of the 12 victims who survived their wounds were also women. The evidence will be provided to a coroner to report on the circumstances of the deaths. Webb expected the coroner would also address the question of whether security guards at the mall, which is one of Australias largest, should be armed. The families of two victims based overseas had been advised of their deaths, police said. Those victims are Tahir, 30, from Pakistan, and Yixuan Cheng, 27, from China. Also killed were Jade Young, 47; Dawn Singleton, 25; Pikria Darchia, 55; and Ashlee Good, 38. Eight victims who survived their injuries remained in hospitals on Monday, including Goods 9-month-old daughter. The babys condition improved overnight Sunday from critical to serious, health authorities said. The conditions of the other seven ranged from critical to stable. Andrew Cauchi said his son had a fascination with knives. The father took five U.S. military combat knives from his son while they were both living in the Toowoomba family home last year for fear they would be used for violence. The father said his son had become angry and called police, accusing the father of theft. The knives were given to a friend for safekeeping. I told the police my son had schizophrenia and Im worried for myself, Andrew Cauchi said. I said to my mate, Why do I feel Im going to be killed in my own house by my own son with a U.S. combat knife?" he added. Flags on government buildings around Australia flew at half-staff on Monday as a day of national mourning was declared to honor the victims. A black ribbon will appear on the sails of the Sydney Opera House on Monday night has part of a light display. Police had given control of the seven-story crime scene back to the mall operators on Sunday night, but a decision has yet to be announced on when it will reopen for business. The police officer who has been credited with saving many lives by shooting Cauchi dead, Insp. Amy Scott, will be interviewed by detectives on Tuesday. (AP) A BBC weatherman sparked concern among Radio 4 listeners after he was heard struggling to catch his breath during a live broadcast. Simon King appeared to struggle for air during Sunday morning's forecast, leading to speculation online that he was having 'some sort of attack'. Several listeners expressed their worry that they had not received an update on the veteran broadcaster's health after the concerning segment. But the weather presenter later took to X to reassure listeners that he had simply been running late and was forced to run up a flight of stairs to make it to the studio in time. He said: 'Thank you to those who asked if I was alright after my Radio 4 weather earlier. 'Not going to lie, it was horrendousI just couldn't catch a breath. Simon King appeared to struggle to breathe during Sunday morning's forecast, leading to speculation online. He reassured viewers in a social media post later that morning Mr King provides the forecast live on Radio 4 along with the Breakfast programme and Radio 5 Live. He was assigned to BBC Weather in August 2008 'Time was really tight after I finished a TV hit so I decided to run upstairs to the radio studiobig mistake.' Mr King provides the forecast live on Radio 4 along with the Breakfast programme and Radio 5 Live. The breakfast forecast is usually read at 7.45am with the Radio 4 slot beginning at 7.57am, but on Sunday the presenter didn't get out of the studio until 7.55am. Mr King had been bombarded with concerned messages which prompted him to explain in the post. Concerned listeners had speculated whether he was having an 'attack' and another slammed it as 'disgraceful' no one took over for him. After he reassured the public on social media, viewers posted their relief and joked 'maybe take the lift next week?' Speaking to The Telegraph, he said people had asked if he had suffered an 'asthma attack' or a heart attack. But he explained to the newspaper: 'Fortunately it was nothing more than just running to get to the studio in time up a massive flight of stairs and then struggling with it.' The weather presenter said the incident made him realise he needed to become 'fitter' as 'running up some stairs shouldn't be too much of a trauma' After he reassured the public on social media, viewers posted their relief and joked 'maybe take the lift next week?' He said he looked at his watch and realised he only had 'two minutes' before he was due to appear on Radio 4. The TV studio - in Salford - is on the ground floor, and the radio studio is on the floor above. So he told The Telegraph he made a 'split second decision' to leg it up the stairs instead of waiting for the lift. But as soon as he reached the studio and he 'couldn't breathe' he 'immediately thought that was probably a bad idea'. He continued: 'These things get even worse as you start talking. I couldn't grab my breath. It just got worse and worse.' Mr King told the newspaper he felt the 'panic set in' and worried about the listeners feeling let down by his performance. However he said social media users were overwhelmingly supportive, and expressed his gratitude. The presenter said the incident made him realise he needed to become 'fitter' as 'running up some stairs shouldn't be too much of a trauma'. He previously served as an officer in the Royal Air Force Reserve before joining the BBC. While serving, he completed tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He told the Telegraph that, 13 years ago, he had a cyst in his spleen which 'decided to burst' when he was reading the forecast. Mr King said he had been in an 'incredible amount of pain' and was rushed to hospital straight after. But he added: 'I actually think I styled that out better...I got away with it last time.' Iran sent more than 300 missiles and drones streaking towards Israel early Sunday morning in what was the first-ever direct strike on the Jewish state by Tehran. The Islamic Republic announced the attack was in response to a suspected IDF strike in Syria on April 1 that damaged the Iranian consulate in Damascus and killed two of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) generals. Israel said almost all the over 300 drones and missiles were shot down by its sophisticated air defence system, with only one person wounded. The aerial bombardment was telegraphed to regional and Western officials by Tehran ahead of time, suggesting the Islamic Republic did not intend to cause significant damage, but rather demonstrate its will. But the attack has pushed tensions in the region higher still, with the possibility of a full-scale clash between the two arch-enemies - and a wider confrontation that could consume the Middle East - looking closer than ever before. Briefing an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council this morning, Secretary General Antonio Guterres said solemnly: 'The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. 'Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate.' Now all eyes are on Tel Aviv, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his War Cabinet set to determine what comes next. Benny Gantz, Israel's former defence minister and a member of the War Cabinet said cryptically this morning that Tel-Aviv 'will collect the price from Iran, in the way and at the time that suits us' - but for now the exact course of action remains a mystery. With that in mind, MailOnline assesses the myriad approaches Israel could take following Iran's attack, and explains the potentially catastrophic consequences that could befall the Middle East - and the world - should Tel Aviv decide to strike back. This photo taken on April 14, 2024 shows flares from explosions in the sky over Jerusalem as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts missiles and drones from Iran Israeli Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024 A view of a crater on a damaged road, after Iran's mass drone and missile attack, at a location given as Hermon area, Israel, in this handout picture released on April 14, 2024 This handout picture released by the Israeli Army shows the head of the military, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi (L), attending a situational assessment with members of the General Staff Forum at the Kirya military base, after Iran's overnight attacks This picture taken on April 15, 2024 shows a mural drawn by the 'Grafitiyul' graffiti art group depicting US President Joe Biden dressed as the Marvel comics character 'Captain America' standing before an Israeli flag and holding up his shield depicting the Star of David symbol, along a street in Tel Aviv Experts said Iran's strike changed its rules of engagement in its decades long shadow war with Israel - a shift in the conflict that must precipitate an Israeli response. RUSI associate fellow and defence analyst Samuel Cranny-Evans told MailOnline: 'Iran has deviated from its usual strategy of using proxies to exert influence and conduct conflict in the area and moved to direct state-on-state confrontation. 'The dynamics have changed and made the risk of conflict greater - both between Israel and Iran, and in the wider region. 'Israel has and can act independently (of the US) - they have to do something to restore deterrence... Netanyahu is all about security, and in the context of Hamas' October 7 attacks is unlikely to want to be seen as weak in the face of Iranian aggression.' Former Israeli intelligence officer Avi Melamed told MailOnline that Tel-Aviv would seek to exact some kind of cost from Iran, arguing that such a strike cannot go unpunished lest Israel be seen as more vulnerable by its foes. 'Iran is watching to see if Israel is capable of mounting a response, and a failure to do so will result in added risk for Israel of future attacks from Iran and other enemies,' he said. These comments were echoed by Ari Sacher, senior policy advisor at the U.S. Israel Education Association. 'It's imperative for Israel to respond here. De-escalation is a suboptimal path forward so long as Iran and its proxies fail to recognize Israel as a sovereign nation... A purely defensive stance by Israel against Iran's attacks will continue this cycle of aggression, leaving Israel strategically vulnerable and emboldening the Islamic Republic.' One likely course of action would see Israel step up its strikes on Iran's proxy forces. It was an Israeli strike in Damascus that prompted Sunday's attack from Iran - but several IRGC officers were killed, including two Quds force generals. More intense strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and targets elsewhere that are linked to Iran could demonstrate Israel's willingness and military capability to Tehran, without risking any more Iranian lives. Cranny-Evans said: 'Israel could choose to strike against Iranian proxies in Yemen, Syria and Lebanon to undermine Iran's strength in those regions. This is the safest for Israel, as the IDF is already conducting such operations. 'Stepping up strikes of this nature allows Israel to deal blows to the Islamic Republic without direct escalation. 'It's also worth noting this course of action may give further grounds for the US and UK to continue their operations in the Red Sea, striking Houthi assets. 'But there is of course still a risk that this could still be seen as escalatory by the Iranian regime. 'If Israel goes for something bigger, that could trigger another retaliation,' he warned. Israel's air defence systems intercept Iranian projectiles, Sunday, April 14, 2024 A battery of Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system, deployed to intercept rockets, sits in Ashkelon, southern Israel Briefing an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council this morning, Secretary General Antonio Guterres said solemnly: 'The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict.' Rocket trails are seen in the sky above Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as Iranian missiles are intercepted by air defences Israel could seek to up the intensity of its operations against Iranian proxy forces in the region Something bigger is exactly what some commentators are calling for, arguing that Tel-Aviv cannot afford to be seen to permit Iranian aggression and must strike back with force. Avi Melamed said: 'It's very possible that Israel will respond to the direct attack with a series of covert operations within Iranian borders, telegraphing Israel's deterrence capabilities, while highlighting Iranian exposure to Israel's military and intelligence prowess. 'These operations are likely to start in the near future,' he concluded. But Professor Gerald Steinberg, who leads the NGO Monitor organisation in Jerusalem, said that Israel would likely instead pursue a more overt form of retaliation on Iranian military infrastructure. 'Israel must exact a significant cost - perhaps by targeting more key IRGC officials or destroying the bases where the attacks were launched from.' Retired US Army Colonel Jonathan Sweet and security expert Mark Toth said Israel is more than capable of launching such direct attacks, thanks to its advanced air force, an array of rockets and bombs, such as the GBU-72 'bunker busters' that are designed to destroy underground targets, such as Iranian nuclear facilities. 'Israel can deploy one or all of its long-range assets - F-35 stealth fighter-bombers and precision strike missiles,' they said. '(An Israeli attack) could take the form of the IDF striking Iran's nuclear sites in an effort to kill two birds with one stone: deterrence and markedly setting back Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's nuclear programme.' Ari Sacher said any number of options were available to Israel, cautioning against a tit-for-tat response but underscoring the importance of a firm demonstration of Tel Aviv's capabilities. 'Israel need not play tit-for-tat with a 350-missile barrage of its own. The destruction of only one Iranian oil refinery will send a clear message that the Iranian economy is a legitimate target and that Israel has the means and the wherewithal to hit it. 'A cyber attack might be equally effective. Whats important to understand is that Israel must respond. Standing down only normalises the behavior and fuels Irans aggression.' Any targeted attacks by Israel on Iranian soil - particularly kinetic strikes with drones or missiles - would undoubtedly trigger another response of greater magnitude from Tehran. Iranian officials have already promised as much - and the next round of strikes is unlikely to be telegraphed. But there is doubt over Iran's willingness to enter an all-out war. FILE PHOTO: A F-35 fighter jet flies during a graduation ceremony for Israeli Air Force pilots at Hatzerim Airbase, in southern Israel, June 29, 2023 A woman walks past a banner depicting launching missiles bearing the emblem of the Islamic Republic of Iran in central Tehran on April 15, 2024 Motorists drive their vehicles past a billboard depicting named Iranian ballistic missiles in service, with text in Arabic reading 'the honest [person's] promise' and in Persian 'Israel is weaker than a spider's web', in Valiasr Square in central Tehran on April 15, 2024 The United Nations Security Council holds a meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including Iran's recent attack against Israel, at UN headquarters in New York City on April 14, 2024 Sweet and Toth told MailOnline: 'It has been widely reported of course that Tehran wants to avoid such a direct conflict with Israel and the US. 'This is likely because the Iranian leadership knows that it might be very difficult for it to control the national and regional repercussions of such a development,' he concluded. How Iran uses its influence and proxy fighters to spread mayhem throughout the Middle East in war with the West Advertisement Iran is also politically isolated in the region. Besides its proxies in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon, it lacks any meaningful support from other powers in the Middle East, with several Arab countries condemning Sunday's attacks and urging restraint. Jordan participated in downing several Iranian missiles and drones in coordination with Israel, US, French and UK air defence systems. Saudi Arabia and the other Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab states have tended towards improving ties with Israel in recent years, and have long been opposed to Iran's Shia regime. After Iran's attack, White House national security spokesman John Kirby told NBC that President Joe Biden does not want an escalation in the regional conflict or a 'wider war' with Iran, and is 'working on the diplomatic side of this personally.' Meanwhile, a senior US official told AFP that US President Biden told Netanyahu that his administration would not offer military support for any retaliation on Iran. But Biden himself declared Washington would provide 'ironclad' support for Israel, leading some analysts to suggest that although Washington has urged restraint and campaigned for de-escalation, the US would be compelled to come to Israel's defence if all-out war did occur. Nomi Bar-Yaacov, an associate fellow at Chatham House, said: 'Netanyahu's plan is clear - to distract attention from the war in Gaza and to drag the US and other Western allies back into the Middle East.' This sentiment was echoed by RUSI geopolitical analyst Dr H A Hellyer, who said in comments to Al-Jazeera that Netanyahu will choose 'to take advantage of Western sympathy for Tel Aviv following Iran's highly telegraphed attack.' Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Joe Biden following the deliberations of the Security Cabinet and the War Cabinet after Iran's missile and drone attack Iron Dome air defence system fires to intercept a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in central Israel, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, January 15, 2024 A handout picture provided by the Iranian Army media office on January 19, 2024, shows the launch of a missile during a military drill at an undisclosed location in southern Iran Justin Crump, British army veteran and CEO of global risk analysis firm Sibylline, added that escalation may even benefit Netanyahu, arguing that the prospect of major conflict with Iran reduces the political pressure over Israel's war in Gaza. Prior to Iran's attack, the Israeli Prime Minister was facing a torrent of international criticism amid a rapidly increasing Palestinian death toll in Gaza, the deaths of seven aid workers following an Israeli drone attack, and outcry over a planned military incursion into the southern Gazan city of Rafah. 'Permacrisis suits Netanyahu at this stage,' Crump told MailOnline. 'This situation has certainly helped Israel and its leadership, reversing the trend of pressure over Gaza and helping defuse some political tensions that were once again building. 'It is to be expected that Netanyahu will leverage this environment. The Israeli public stance from the War Cabinet will therefore remain belligerent, whatever goes on behind the scenes.' Iran's attack not only prompted Washington to reaffirm 'ironclad support' for Israel, but also pushed Rishi Sunak to declare Britain would 'continue to stand up for Israel's security' - just weeks after UK politicians seriously debated the possibility of reducing or halting its arms supplies to Tel Aviv. But although Sunday's attack was unprecedented and an unquestionable escalation in the historically vitriolic relations between Tehran and Tel Aviv, further conflict could be avoided should cooler heads prevail. Despite the ferocity of the missile and drone launches, Iran took steps to limit their impact. 'They gave enough warning that this was coming, and I think they knew that they (the drones and missiles) would be brought down before they reached Israeli territory,' said Maha Yahya, the director of the Carnegie Middle East Center. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said Iran has 'no intention of continuing defensive operations' at this point unless it is attacked again, and considers the business 'concluded', while UN ambassador Saeis Iravani said his nation 'does not seek escalation or war'. Iranian officials also stressed that its strikes exclusively targeted Israeli military facilities involved in the Damascus attack, not civilians or 'economic areas', and military chiefs said they considered the strikes a 'success', even though next to no damage was dealt to Israel's infrastructure. With this in mind, Mona Yacoubian, vice president of the Middle East and North Africa center at the US Institute of Peace, said both sides could climb down now without losing face. 'Both (Iran and Israel) are able at this point to claim victory and step down off the precipice, particularly since there were no Israeli civilians killed,' Yacoubian said. NHS bosses have been accused of 'woke pandering' after they brought out a banner featuring flags for 21 genders or sexualities. Different terms for those who consider themselves not belonging to any sex, or are a combination of both, are included on the banner at Royal Stoke Hospital. The familiar Gay Pride flag, which features a rainbow, appears on the banner alongside a selection of lesser-known identities - such as Polysexual, Demiromantic and Genderqueer. The collection of flags is titled 'Everyone is welcome here'. Patients at the hospital in Stoke-on-Trent have expressed outrage at the banner, with one telling The Sun: 'People are waiting months and even years for treatment but the NHS is more interested in woke pandering than taking care of patients it seems.' University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust - considered one of the country's worst performing - said the flag enables patients to 'be themselves'. A banner featuring flags for 21 genders or sexualities appears at Royal Stoke Hospital The new banner comes after an NHS hospital was criticised last year for including 18 gender options on a patient form. Pictured NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard In support of Pride Month, University Hospitals of North Midlands unveiled a new LGBTQ+ inclusion banner at Royal Stoke. The banner shows 21 different flags representing that everyone is welcome here at UHNM. Read more https://t.co/A541Z9pbRV pic.twitter.com/FCPGK7gEsI UHNM NHS Trust (@UHNM_NHS) June 14, 2023 The trust added that the banner shows support for LGBTQ+ communities ahead of Pride month in June. Jane Haire, UHNM Chief People Officer, said: 'We understand that different individuals may have varying views on symbols and flags used to represent different identities but this banner symbolises our commitment to achieving a more inclusive organisation where both colleagues and the people we care for are encouraged to be themselves.' The new banner comes after an NHS hospital was criticised last year for including 18 gender options on a patient form. In November last year, NHS doctors also hit out at a new 'nonsensical' form they were being asked to fill out which involved ticking whether patients have a penis or vagina. The form included questions about sexual orientation, gender, sex assigned at birth, preferred pronouns, if they have transitioned and if so to what extent and whether they have any plans to change gender in the future. Medics were asked to fill in what 'organs the patient currently has,' 'organs present at birth,' 'organs surgically enhanced or constructed' and 'organs hormonally enhanced,' according to the Telegraph. Doctors were given a list of possible organs the patient has which includes a penis, vagina, uterus, cervix, breasts, prostate, testes and ovaries. But some staff have described the forms as 'insane,' 'bizarre' and 'nonsensical' from a scientific point of view. In 2021, a BBC programme aimed at nine-to 12-year-olds includes the astonishing claim that there are 'over 100 gender identities'. The film, 'Identity Understanding Sexual and Gender Identities', was offered on the corporation's website as part of its relationships and sex education package. It came despite Government guidance published the year before which advised schools to exercise caution when teaching children about gender issues. The programme, which featured children asking adults about sexuality and gender on behalf of their peers, suggested the different identities include 'bi-gender', 'gender-queer' and 'pansexual'. The film also told children that becoming transgender is a way to be 'happy' while making no mention of medical concerns. More than 700 people tried to cross the English Channel illegally this weekend, new figures show - as MPs are set to finally give the go-ahead to Rwanda deportations. The latest small boats surge - including a new daily record this year of 534 migrants yesterday - comes as a controversial Government bill which could pave the way for flights to Rwanda returns to the Commons today. A cabinet minister yesterday insisted the journeys could take off 'within weeks' but charities have vowed to launch new legal challenges to block them. Official Home Office data shows there were 534 migrants detected on boats crossing the Channel on Sunday, after 214 on Sunday, following four days with none after last Monday's 82 on two vessels. The latest figures come after British-funded French police were seen standing by and watching as dozens of migrants sprinted across beaches to board small boats and cross the English Channel. A boat of migrants was picked up by Border Force officials in the English Channel today - after it was revealed 214 people attempted the crossing over the weekend Border Force staff are seen dealing with migrants coming ashore in Dover, Kent, on Saturday This past weekend's activities saw the number of migrants crossing this year approach 6,000 There has been a 500million investment from the UK government as part of a three-year contract with France, meant to help put a stop to dangerous crossings. The large injection of money is set to be used on vehicles and surveillance equipment, including drones, to help control the area. Yet in footage captured by ITV, the newest UK-funded hardware was watched by unbothered French cops appearing to let migrants cross in front of them. A large group - including children - was seen huddling as people crossed the beach before starting a sprint across the sands to reach a small boat. As passengers piled on to a rubber dinghy, it became perilously overloaded - with a French officer estimating a total of 100 people on board before it departed France. The UK Border Force then sent out a vessel to retrieve the individuals in the Channel, ahead of their arrival at Dover in Kent. Home Secretary James Cleverly vowed in February that the UK and France would 'expand upon' co-operation he said had proved successful so far - citing figures showing a 36 per cent reduction in crossings last year. But there were more than 2,000 migrants brought ashore last month alone, despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to 'stop the boats'. And over 40,000 migrants have now attempted the dangerous channel crossing from England to France since Mr Sunak became Prime Minister, figures revealed. The latest crossings take the provisional total number of UK arrivals so far this year to 6,265 - including a previous record for the year of 514 on March 20. In the same period in the record year of 2022 there were 6,266 arrivals, while at this point last year the Home Office had recorded 4,936. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel demonstrates exactly why we must get flights to Rwanda off the ground as soon as possible. 'We continue to work closely with French police who are facing increasing violence and disruption on their beaches as they work tirelessly to prevent these dangerous, illegal and unnecessary journeys. Border Force boats are on duty today across the Channel - official figures show there have been 5,731 migrant arrivals on small boats so far this year Health Secretary Victoria Atkins told the BBC Rwanda flights could happen 'within weeks' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Rwanda's president Paul Kagame, seen meeting at Downing Street in London last week, have agreed a deal for deportation flights to the African country 'We remain committed to building on the successes that saw arrivals drop by more than a third last year, including tougher legislation and agreements with international partners, in order to save lives and stop the boats.' A scheme to send small boat arrivals to Rwanda - agreed with the country's president Paul Kagame - was not passed before Easter after peers inflicted a series of defeats and ministers did not try rushing it through ahead of recess. The Safety of Rwanda Bill comes back before MPs as Parliament resumes today, with the Commons expected to undo the latest changes made by the Lords and send it back to the upper chamber. A charity is planning new court challenges, with Care4Calais saying it had recruited hundreds of volunteers to identify migrants who are due on the first flights and would help them make last-minute appeals. A source at the refugee support group which was reprimanded for historic misconduct and mismanagement by the Charity Commission last year told the BBC: 'Human rights still apply we are ready to go.' The organisation's chief executive Steve Smith told the i newspaper: 'If Parliament passes the Rwanda Bill next week we will leave no stone unturned to identify those at risk and signpost them to get legal support.' The move was criticised by former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel, who announced the Rwanda plan on a trip to the country's capital Kigali exactly two years ago. She told the Mail: 'These so-called charities continue to aid the evil people-smugglers by supporting a vast number of unmeritorious asylum claims and those who are jumping the asylum queue rather than supporting those in genuine need. 'They have chosen to prioritise political activism ahead of stopping the dangerous trade in people-smuggling and ending the tragedy of lives lost at sea.' Health Secretary Victoria Atkins told Sky News yesterday that the first flights to Rwanda could take off 'within weeks' - though she could not confirm who would operate the journeys. She said: 'We want them to take off as quickly as possible - certainly within weeks, we very much plan to have it within weeks.' Ex-Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel, seen at the launch of the Popular Conservatism movement at central London's Emmanuel Centre in February, proposed the Rwanda flights Current Home Secretary James Cleverly, pictured on a visit to Sussex Police HQ in Lewes last month, has pointed to a 36 per cent fall in Channel crossings last year The Border Force Ranger boat is seen escorting 70 migrants into the Dover docks on Saturday When asked whether an airline had been found to transport failed asylum seekers, she insisted: 'The Home Office is working on this and so, believe you me, the Home Office is ready to go.' It has emerged that Rwandas state airline turned down an offer from the UK Government to operate removals flights. The east African nations flag carrier RwandAir was approached by British ministers last year to operate flights carrying irregular migrants from the UK. But the airline, wholly-owned by the Rwandan government, declined to take part due to potential damage to their 'brand'. It is understood the Home Office is poised to announce details of the removals flights - involving more than one operator - when new asylum legislation completes its passage through Parliament. The Ministry of Defence is set to be a 'close partner' in the Rwanda asylum programme, the Mail disclosed last week - raising the prospect of migrants being deported aboard military jets. If agreements with commercial operators fall through, the MoD would be on stand-by to fly migrants to Kigali on government-owned aircraft, it is thought. In 2022 Mallorca-based Privilege Style - originally hired to provide Rwanda flights - pulled out of the deal following pressure from campaigners. The Mail understands the Home Office has been examining using military transports - such as an RAF Airbus Voyager - for at least a year. The RAF has a 14-strong fleet of Voyagers in standard configurations which can each carry up to 291 passengers, and are thought to be the most likely option for Rwanda flights. It also has a fleet of 22 Atlas C1 A400M aircraft which can transport up to 116 passengers. A large group of migrants was seen sprinting across a beach before climbing on to a small dinghy as they prepared to head towards the UK in front of UK-funded French police Some migrants could be seen carrying small children - but none appeared to be wearing life-jackets as they headed out to sea The boat, packed and heading towards the UK, then made a bold U-turn towards the beach where police were present The RAF's fleet of Hercules transport aircraft was retired at the end of June last year. Conservative MP Sir John Hayes today predicted the House of Lords 'will give way' on the Rwanda Bill. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'This is a rebalancing of the relationship between two elements of the state and Parliament's will is clear, it reflects the will of the people and it must be done. 'When a government devises and wants to implement a policy which is clear and precise in terms of its objectives, the Lords shouldn't stand in its way - and I think in the end the Lords will give way on this because they recognise that balance.' EXCLUSIVE Bruce Lehrmann is highly unlikely to be prosecuted again for the rape of Brittany Higgins but a second criminal case is not technically impossible. One of the country's most experienced criminal lawyers told Daily Mail Australia he could not see the Federal Court finding that Lehrmann had raped Ms Higgins leading to further charges. Lehrmann's defamation action against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson was decided by Justice Michael Lee on the balance of probabilities rather than the criminal standard of proving allegations beyond reasonable doubt. Former NSW Senior Crown Prosecutor Ian LLoyd KC, who now practises as a defence barrister, believed Lehrmann would not be re-tried for raping Ms Higgins. 'I can't imagine any prosecuting authority attempting to re-try him,' Mr Lloyd said. 'I just can't see it.' Bruce Lehrmann (above) was highly unlikely to be prosecuted again for the rape of Brittany Higgins but a second criminal case would be technically possible Lehrmann faced trial in October 2022 for having sexual intercourse with Ms Higgins without her consent at Parliament House in March 2019, having always denied raping his onetime fellow political staffer. That trial in the ACT Supreme Court was aborted due to juror misconduct and the territory's then Director of Public Prosecutions, Shane Drumgold SC, subsequently determined the case would be dropped. Mr Drumgold said there was 'compelling evidence' from medical experts that putting the case before another jury would be 'a significant and unacceptable risk' to Ms Higgins's life. Mr Lloyd said that would almost certainly be the end of the matter for Lehrmann. 'The bottom line is that a jury was discharged and did not return a verdict of guilty or not guilty,' Mr Lloyd said. 'In theory, you could not say it would be impossible for another prosecution to be launched. 'Having said that, people have gone on the record and said there will not be another prosecution.' One of Australia's most experienced criminal barristers said he could not see the Federal Court finding that Lehrmann had raped Ms Higgins (above with fiance David Sharaz) leading to further charges After the trial was aborted Ms Higgins gave a speech outside court which many observers took to mean she was publicly asserting Lehrmann was guilty. 'I chose to speak up - to speak up against rape, to speak up against injustice, speak up and share my experiences with others,' she had said. 'I told the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or unflattering that truth was. 'This outcome does not change that truth.' Lehrmann's lawyers referred those comments to the Australian Federal Police and the ACT Supreme Court. Mr Lloyd said the history of the case meant if any further criminal action was taken against Lehrmann it would likely be thrown out of court. 'The fact that the complainant Brittany Higgins came out and said what she said after the jury was discharged would almost certainly guarantee that he could not get a fair trial,' Mr Lloyd said. 'In my experience, in all the circumstances of the case, if the prosecuting authority did attempt to re-try him it would be almost certain that a trial judge would grant a permanent say of proceedings, given what has gone previously.' Lehrmann is accused of raping another woman in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, in October 2021 and has indicated he will plead not guilty. The 28-year-old was charged with two counts of rape in January last year and is set to face a committal hearing on June 17 in Toowoomba Magistrates Court. Lord Cameron pleaded with Israel not to escalate clashes with Iran today amid frantic efforts to defuse tensions. The Foreign Secretary echoed Joe Biden's suggestion that Benjamin Netanyahu should 'take the win' as he toured broadcast studios. He insisted the world needs to maintain a focus on Hamas and the continuing standoff over hostages from the October 7 terror attacks. Rishi Sunak will make a statement to MPs this afternoon, with Israel threatening airstrikes in retaliation for a 350-missile blitz over the weekend. The US, UK and other allies are hoping to take the heat out of the situation, which comes against the backdrop of the bitter conflict in Gaza. There are fears violence could spread across the Middle East, and potentially drag in global powers. Lord Cameron (right) pleaded with Israel not to escalate clashes with Iran today amid frantic efforts to defuse tensions. Rishi Sunak (left) will make a statement to MPs later Israel's Iron Dome responding to intercept the attack by Iran over the weekend Lord Cameron said 'Israel has every right to respond as an independent sovereign country being attacked in this way'. 'But I think we're very anxious to avoid escalation and to say to our friends in Israel it's a time to think with with head as well as heart,' he told Sky News. 'And in many ways this is a double defeat for Iran. Not only was their attack an almost total failure, but also the rest of the world can now see what a malign influence they are in the region and understand their true nature. 'And so I think it is right for Israel not to escalate, but obviously they're a sovereign, independent country and they'll make their own decisions.' The Foreign Secretary said: 'Our hope is that there won't be a retaliatory response, and instead the world's focus should shift to Hamas. 'They still hold those hostages. They've been offered a deal that prisoners can be released from Israeli jails in return for some of those hostages and there'll be a pause in the fighting. That's what needs to happen next and that's what I hope we can focus on.' IDF spokesman Peter Lerner said this morning that there would be retaliation from Israel, stating that this could involve 'a strike or no strike.' He explained that military top brass had submitted 'a wide range of options' and that there are 'a lot of different scenarios' on the table. The Israeli government will 'decide on the steps forward' as early as today. Israel says it intercepted 99 per cent of the hundreds of missiles and drones fired by Iran, with assistance from the US, UK and France. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) during a War Cabinet meeting at the Kirya in Tel Aviv Joe Biden spoke with Mr Netanyahu in a late-night phone call on Saturday 'Just because we were successful in intercepting, we shouldn't underestimate what Iran did,' Mr Lerner said. 'We can't take that lightly.' Asked whether Britain would impose more sanctions on Tehran, as Labour has called for, Lord Cameron told BBC Breakfast: 'Absolutely. We already have 400 sanctions on Iran. We put in place a whole new sanctions regime at the end of last year, which is proving very effective. 'We've sanctioned the IRGC the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in its entirety. And we'll continue to look at what further steps we can do. 'I think there is an opportunity, and I'm sure the Prime Minister will talk about this in his statement to the House of Commons, to try and work very closely with our partners in the G7. All these things are more effective if countries can act together. 'I think Britain in many ways has been at the sort of sharp end, has been the most keen on sanctions and on pressure and on turning up the heat, recognising that Iran is the malign actor in the region, but it's best if we can do these things together.' This is the moment a prolific shoplifter punched a Tesco worker in the face when she was confronted in a car park after stealing four bottles of vodka. Joleen Maughan, 37, also threatened staff with a needle when they followed her out of the store as she tried to make off with the 96 worth of alcohol. CCTV footage shows her picking out the bottles of booze and putting them in her bag, before she sneakily covers the loot with a coat over her shoulder. But on her way out of the Tesco extra store at Serpentine Green in Hampton, near Peterborough, staff became aware of the theft and pursued her. The three staff members eventually closed in and surrounded Maughan but she refused to give up the goods. Joleen Maughan, 37, also threatened staff with a needle when they followed her out of the store as she tried to make off with the 96 worth of alcohol The prolific shoplifter punched a Tesco worker in the face when she was confronted in a car park after stealing four bottles of vodka CCTV footage shows her picking out the bottles of booze and putting them in her bag The experienced thief then sneakily covers the loot with a coat over her shoulder - before walking brazely out of the store When one member of staff attempts to grab the bottles out of her bag - Maughan twists and punches her straight in the face. Police were called to the area and found Maughan nearby. She was charged with assault and theft from the shop on March 20 before appearing at Huntingdon Magistrates' Court on March 21, but was released on bail. However only two weeks later, on April 2, Maughan was back to thieving. She was spotted by CCTV operators entering Boots in Queensgate Shopping Centre and later leaving with two Ted Baker gift boxes. But the prolific troublemaker had already been banned from the shopping centre after she was slapped with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in July last year. CCTV continued to monitor her as she walked to another shop in Park Road where she was arrested by the Peterborough City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) on suspicion of theft from a shop and breaching her CBO. She was later charged with theft from a shop in court, and breaching her CBO. The three staff members eventually closed in and surrounded Maughan but she refuses to give up the goods Maughan stole the vodka from a Tesco extra store at Serpentine Green in Hampton, near Peterborough (pictured in 2017) Maughan, of Dogsthorpe, appeared at Huntingdon Magistrates' Court on Thursday, April 4, where she was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison after admitting all offences. She has also been ordered to pay 50 in compensation to the victim of the assault. PC Ruth Watson, from the city centre NPT, said: 'Assaults and abuse towards retail staff is unacceptable and no one should be subjected to this treatment, especially in the workplace. 'The CBO gives us greater powers when it comes to Maughan's offending, as if she is found to be in breach of the order, we are able to arrest her and put her back before the courts.' Tesco has been contacted for comment. Maughan's shoplifting spree comes after Rishi Sunak promised last week to 'stop shoplifters in their tracks' with a tough package of measures. In response to an epidemic of violent thefts, assaulting a shop worker will be made a specific offence for the first time. Prolific shoplifters will also be fitted with GPS satellite electronic tags so their movements can be tracked. Mr Sunak, writing exclusively in the Daily Mail, said: 'Fundamentally, something has gone wrong when people think they can wander into their local shop and just pick up whatever they want without paying. Rishi Sunak promised last week to 'stop shoplifters in their tracks' with a tough package of measures Assaulting a shop worker will be made a specific offence for the first time (stock image) 'We'll tackle this head-on. And together, with the police and retailers, we'll stop the shoplifters in their tracks.' RISHI SUNAK: Three ways we will put an end to the blight of shoplifting on our high streets Advertisement The latest crime data showed a 32 per cent surge in shoplifting, costing the sector more than 3billion a year. Home Secretary James Cleverly said assaulting retail staff will be made a specific criminal offence. It will carry up to six months' imprisonment, or an unlimited fine, and a ban on returning to the shop where the crime took place. Thieves caught shoplifting three times, or who assault staff on three occasions, could be forced to wear a GPS tag. The Government will invest 55million in facial recognition technology for police over the next four years, including 4million on 'mobile units' on the street to identify criminals through CCTV. 'Units will take live footage of crowds... comparing images to specific people wanted by the police or banned from that location,' a Home Office spokesman said. 'Police in the area will then be alerted so they can track down these offenders.' The situation on Ukraine's eastern front has worsened in eastern Ukraine, the country's top commander has warned as Putin reportedly gears up for a large-scale spring or summer assault. Ukraine's military chief, general Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Ukraine's battlefield situation in the industrial east had 'significantly worsened in recent days' in an update on Telegram. He said warming weather has allowed Russian forces to launch a fresh push along several stretches of the 620-mile-long front line and added that Russian troops will likely use the drier conditions to launch tank attacks. Ukrainian and Western officials said they believe that Putin is preparing a large-scale spring or summer assault in the hopes of taking control of more Ukrainian territory in Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporzhzhia, the Financial Times reports. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a similar warning in his evening address on Sunday, adding that 'these days - and especially on the Donetsk front - it's getting harder.' This comes as US aid for the war-torn country remains stalled in the US Congress, with analysts warning that delays would see Kyiv struggle to fight off Russian offensives. This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on November 30, 2023 shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-L) and Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi (C-R) visiting a Ukraine's army command post in Kupiansk, Kharkiv region A view of destruction in the town of Chasiv Yar as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues in the direction of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on February 27, 2024 A Ukrainian serviceman drives a British FV103 Spartan armoured personnel carrier on a road that leads to the town of Chasiv Yar, in the Donetsk region, on March 30, 2024 This photograph taken on April 11, 2024, near the town of Chasiv Yar, in Donetsk region, shows smoke rising from fires after bombing Gen Syrskyi said on Sunday that Russian forces aimed to capture the town of Chasiv Yar by May 9, setting the stage for an important battle for control of high ground in the east where Russia is focusing its assaults. The fall of the town west of the shattered city of Bakhmut by the date Moscow marks the Soviet victory in World War Two would indicate growing Russian battlefield momentum as Kyiv faces a slowdown in Western military aid. The Ukrainian military chief, who warned this weekend that the situation in the east had deteriorated, said Russia was focusing its efforts west of occupied Bakhmut to try to capture Chasiv Yar before moving towards the city of Kramatorsk. Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region lies three to six miles from Bakhmut, the devastated city captured by Russian forces in May last year after months of bloody fighting. Kyiv's brigades were holding back the assaults near Chasiv Yar for now and had been reinforced with ammunition, drones and electronic warfare devices, he said in a statement on the Telegram messenger. 'The threat remains relevant, taking into account the fact that the higher Russian military leadership has set its troops the task of capturing Chasiv Yar by May 9,' he said, without elaborating. Footage on social media allegedly shows 'glide bombs' and heavy artillery hitting Ukrainian positions in Chasiv Yar. Gen Syrskyi also said that Russian forces had been 'actively attacking' Ukrainian positions near the cities of Lyman, Bakhmut and Pokrovsk. The war has escalated in recent weeks with Russia staging three massive air strikes on Ukrainian power plants and substations, raising fears over the resilience of an energy system that was hobbled in the war's first winter. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Ukrainians in his nightly address on Sunday: 'The situation at the front during such a hot war is always difficult. But these days - and especially on the Donetsk front - it's getting harder.' The Ukrainian leader has warned the Kremlin may be preparing to launch a big offensive in late spring or summer. It is unclear where that attack would come, but Russia has focused its attacking efforts in the Donetsk region. Ukraine has this year tried to find a pressure point to strike back against the Kremlin, using domestically-produced long-range drones to bomb oil facilities deep inside Russia. A Ukrainian tank of the 17th tank brigade fires at the Russian positions in Chasiv Yar, the site of fierce battles with the Russian troops in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Thursday, February 29, 2024 This photograph taken on April 2, 2024, shows 'dragon's teeth' fortifications near the town of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, amid Russia's invasion on Ukraine Ukrainian servicemen drive in a military vehicle on a road near the town of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, amid Russia's invasion on Ukraine. The eastern city of Chasiv Yar is facing a 'difficult and tense' situation, a Ukrainian army official said on March 25, 2024 Ukrainian servicemen fire an artillery in the direction of Siversk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. Once the gas strikes, even if it is not fatal, troops panic and 'the first instinct is to get out' Ukraine now faces manpower challenges and artillery shell shortages. Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a think-tank in Philadelphia, said on X that Chasiv Yar would likely prove an important battle. 'Chasiv Yar is located on defensible high ground. If Russia takes the [town], they could potentially increase the rate of advance deeper into Donetsk [region] as part of an expected summer offensive,' he said. 'Russian forces will still have to cross the canal to take the [town], but they have now reached the canal southeast of the [town]. Immediate increased deliveries of ammunition could prove critical.' More civilians have died across Ukraine as the US aid package remains stalled in congress. One man was killed on Sunday after a Russian drone hit the truck he was driving in the Sumy region, the local prosecutor's office said. Elsewhere, a 67-year-old woman was killed after shelling hit an apartment block in the Donetsk region, said governor Vadym Filashkin. Officials in the Kharkiv region also said they had retrieved the bodies of a 61-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man killed by a Russian strike the previous day. Ten Russian Shahed-type drones were shot down over the Kharkiv region overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force said on Sunday. Meanwhile, shelling in the Russian-occupied Kherson region killed two civilians on Sunday, said Moscow-installed leader Vladimir Saldo. Ukrainian drones were also reported in Russia's Krasnodar and Belgorod regions and over the Black Sea, the Russian defence ministry said. The news came as the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, warned that delays in Western military assistance would increasingly hamper Ukraine's ability to push back Russian advances. With the war in Ukraine entering its third year and a vital US aid package for Kyiv stuck in congress, Russia has used its edge in firepower and personnel to step up attacks across eastern Ukraine. A view of destruction in the town of Chasiv Yar as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues in the direction of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on February 27, 2024 Servicemen of the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine run at their positions at a frontline. Ukraine has claimed that there have been 626 gas related attacks by Russia since the outbreak of the war A Russian missile launcher fires rockets in the direction of Ukrainian troops in this image released on April 4 A serviceman of the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine fires a howitzer towards Russian troops in Donetsk region, Ukraine April 5, 2024 It has increasingly used satellite-guided gliding bombs - dropped from planes from a safe distance - to pummel Ukrainian forces beset by a shortage of troops and ammunition. In its report, the ISW said that Russian forces were prioritizing grinding, tactical gains with operational-level efforts focusing on the cities of Lyman, Chasiv Yar, and Pokrovsk. 'The Russian military command likely assesses that Ukrainian forces will be unable to defend against current and future Russian offensive operations due to delays in or the permanent end of US military assistance,' the think tank said. This has been underlined by Yuriy Fedorenko, commander of the 'Achilles' drone battalion, who told the Financial Times that Ukrainian troops are outgunned but had no choice but to fight. Gen Syrskyi said he had ordered for more air defence and electronic warfare systems to be delivered to 'the most problematic areas of the defence' in Chasiv Yar, as experts predict the city could become an 'important battleground', according to the Financial Times. But the limited air defences are not Ukraine's only problem in the area, as Ukraine also needs enough, properly-trained troops to fight. Gen Syrskyi said on Telegram: 'The second serious problem is to improve the quality of training military personnel, primarily infantry units, so that they can make maximum use of all the capabilities of military equipment and western weapons.' Countdown star Rachel Riley has been slammed for her 'embarrassing' and 'pathetic' apology after being accused of 'racism' and 'Islamophobia' for her tweet about the Sydney mall massacre. The 38-year-old presenter is now facing calls to be sacked from Channel 4 amid claims she appeared to falsely compare Saturday's horror attack in Australia to Islamist terrorism. The bloody rampage was carried out by English tutor Joel Cauchi, 40, from Queensland, who police said had been suffering from mental health issues. It had no link to terrorism, authorities confirmed. In her now-deleted tweet, Riley appeared to link the violence, in which six people were killed before Cauchi was shot dead by police, to the 'globalised Infitada' movement - before later insisting her comments had been 'misunderstood'. 'Globalize the Intifada' is a term often used by pro-Palestinian activists that calls for aggressive resistance against Israel and those who support the country - and has been linked to wide-spread demonstration and protests in London. Riley - who is Jewish and has been a staunch supporter of Israel following the October 7 attack by terror group Hamas - has since released a grovelling apology on X in which she said she was 'sorry' if her message had been 'misunderstood'. But she is today facing a furious backlash on social media over her 'pathetic defence' of the post, with one person declaring: 'Its getting embarrassing at this point. @channel4 sack this woman and put her out of her misery please.' Countdown star Rachel Riley has apologised after being accused of Islamophobia following her tweet about the Sydney mall massacre The 38-year-old presenter faced a huge backlash after she falsely claimed Saturday's horror attack in Australia was the result of pro-Palestinian uprising (pictured: knifeman Joel Cauchi who carried out the deadly attack) In her apology, Riley said her message had been 'misunderstood' and that this was 'not my intention' 'Just to clarify, my intention with this tweet was not to say this attack was caused by any ideation or to link it to Islamic extremism,' the presenter wrote. The former Strictly Come Dancing star continued: 'At the time we did not know who the attacker was, and as such I made no reference. 'My aim was to highlight the weekly calls for 'intifada' being tolerated in London and around the world, which in actuality means violence on our streets. READ MORE: Police officer Ashley Wildey rushed to the scene as the Bondi stabbing horror unfolded... only to learn his fiancee was among the victims Advertisement 'For 6 months now, I have avoided taking the tube, or going with my kids to anywhere near the marches each Saturday, and each week we see the extremist chants on proud display with little outcry. 'Sadly, the type of attack seen in Sydney yesterday is exactly the kind of violence the previous intifada involved and I hope to avoid in future, but in my opinion ignoring the problem won't make it go away. 'Attacks on Jews have recently become repackaged as 'resistance' in some circles, and we should in one voice condemn all acts of violence, whoever the perpetrators and whoever the victims. 'I am sorry if this message was misunderstood, that was not my intention.' But she is now facing a fresh wave out outrage over the row, with people demanding she is fired. 'What a pathetic defence of her spreading her uninformed bigoted hatred! let's see if Channel4 or TalkTV embrace this sewage,' one person wrote of her apology. Another raged: 'Good god it just gets worse the more she types. Maths might be her strong point but literacy and critical thinking not so much.' While a third added: 'No one misinterpreted you, you're only walking it back because you weren't expecting to cop so much heat.' Riley's apology came after she sparked mass outrage on X and was accused of writing a racist statement about the Sydney stabbing (she is pictured on Countdown) The bloody rampage in Sydney was carried out by English tutor Joel Cauchi (pictured), from Queensland , who police said had been suffering from mental health issues Shoppers run though Bondi Junction as police lock down the centre following reports of a major incident (left) with Cauchi (right) pictured running through the shopping centre armed with a knife Cauchi was later shot and killed by hero police inspector Amy Scott, after he reportedly refused to drop his knife when told to by the officer (Scott is pictured with Cauchi after he was shot) MailOnline has approached Riley for comment. Her apology came after she sparked mass outrage on X and was accused of writing a racist statement about the Sydney stabbing. In the now-deleted tweet, Riley wrote: 'For 6 months now, people have been out on our streets proudly calling for the 'Intifada Revolution.' 'If you want to know what 'Globalised Intifada' looks like, see the Sydney Mall. '5 victims stabbed to death and 8 transferred to hospital, including a baby, due to one man and a knife. 'In the second intifada over 1,000 Israelis were murdered in restaurants, on buses and in the streets by suicide bombings, stabbings, stoning, lynching, shooting rockets. The youngest victim was just 9 hours old. 'Sydney mall, multiple times over is what they've been proudly calling for.' Riley was slammed for this tweet, which she has since deleted, in which she claimed the attack was part of the 'globalised Infitada' Riley has previously spoken out about the amount of hatred she has witnessed for British Jews since the attack on Israel - telling the MailOnline it had left her 'shaking with fear'. READ MORE: Sydney is rocked by ANOTHER mass stabbing with a priest and multiple worshippers attacked at a church Advertisement The 37-year-old Jewish star, who has had long running battles with the Corbynite wing of the Labour party over antisemitism, told how the events have left her frequently in tears. Speaking last year, the star told MailOnline: 'Sometimes I go online and I'm terrified by this huge overwhelming amount of people who seem to be baying for blood. 'For me and my Jewish friends, the pain and the stress are something we are all struggling with. 'We are crying when we wake up, we are struggling to sleep and the images of carnage are hard to get out of your head. 'People are scared, they are hiding themselves, antisemitic attacks have gone up by more than 1,000 per cent in London. The last global survey found there were 1.09billion people in the world who hold antisemitic views - so for every Jew on the planet there are 70 people who hate them. This is the scale we are dealing with.' Her tweet over the weekend sparked mass outrage on social media, with @TocquevilleJnr among those who called her comments racist and demanded her employer, Channel 4, take action. Riley was condemned online following her tweet on Saturday, with some accusing her of Islamophobia - and is facing a fresh backlash today over the comments They wrote: 'Dear Alex Mahon, CEO of publicly owned @Channel4. Is it right that a regular contributor to your station (Ms Rachel Riley) is IMO so outrageously divisive, hateful & racist ? Based on a complete falsehood. 'This person should NOT be a role model on our MSM @krishgm.' Another person added: 'Where's your apology @RachelRileyRR? Islamophobic to its core. @Channel4- you need to consider whether Rachel Riley represents your values.' And Professor Ahmed Hankir wrote on X: 'I cannot, in good conscience, remain silent. We must not remain silent. When we see such bigotry, Islamophobia, racism & hatred we must call it out. Rachel Riley must be held accountable for these vile & divisive comments.' A spokesperson for Channel 4 said: 'We have reminded Rachel of her obligations as a contributor to Channel 4 programming.' Also coming under fire for comments about the attack was TalkTV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer. She wrote on X: 'Another day. Another terror attack by another Islamist terrorist. Six dead, others seriously injured, including a baby. 'Today it's Australia's turn, the other day it was France's. It'll be our turn again next.' She later wrote that her tweet had been 'incorrect' and that the Sydney massacre 'was not an Islamist terror attack'. But British Jewish comedian David Baddiel was among those to hit out - and blasted people for sharing false information and rumours while the news of the attack was breaking. Among the misinformation shared widely on social media before the Sydney killer was identified, was that it was a Jewish man called 'Ben Cohen' - or was an Islamist extremist. Neither of these theories were proven to be true, Sydney police said. Taking to X, Baddiel wrote: 'The crazed rush to insist that the Bondi killer was Muslim by some and Jewish by others - when in fact he was neither - is another example of how much this platform is just somewhere people come to have their confirmation biases further confirmed.' Victims pictured L-R top row: Yixuan Cheng, 27, Ashlee Good, 38, and Pikria Darchia, 55. Pictured L-R bottom row: Jade Young, 47, Dawn Singleton, 25, and Faraz Tahir, 30. Jewish comedian David Baddiel also hit out over the 'crazed rush' to insist the man behind the Sydney massacre was a 'Muslim' or a 'Jew' Film producer and writer Jemima Khan also lashed out at those on social media - and even appeared to take a pot shot at Riley the language used in the Countdown star's now-deleted post Film producer and writer Jemima Khan also lashed out at those on social media - and even appeared to take a pot shot at Riley the language used in the Countdown star's now-deleted post. The 50-year-old, who was once married to the former leader of Pakistan, Imran Khan, wrote: 'Why are those high profile people on X who rushed to claim that the Bondi killer was a Muslim terrorist who killed women and attacked babies in Australia or a globalise - the - intifada jihadist not deleting their posts & expressing remorse now they know that not to be true ? 'AND why are those on here who claimed the killer was a Jewish man called Benjamin Cohen not deleting, apologising & correcting their posts now they know that not to be true? Its not only depressing. Its dangerous to create this kind of division & hatred ' Cauchi was shot and killed by a police inspector Amy Scott, who confronted him by herself during his deadly rampage at the Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction in the east of Sydney. Six people died in the mayhem, with 12 others - including a nine-month-old baby girl - left injured. In a statement released through Queensland Police, the Cauchi family said: 'We are absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney yesterday. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time. 'Joel's actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. 'He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager.' hey added: 'We are in contact with both the New South Wales Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the police officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others, and we hope she is coping alright.' MailOnline looks into the unanswered questions that still surround the disaster On April 15, 1912, the most famous ship in history sank to the bottom of the Atlantic, after hitting an iceberg just four days into its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. The now famous tragedy resulted in the deaths of more than 1,500 people, including children, and the remains of the boat now lie on the seafloor about 350 nautical miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. As years passed, the RMS Titanic became the focus of endless films, documentaries, and news reports. Despite this, 112 years have gone by and today on the ships anniversary, there are still a myriad of unanswered questions surrounding how tragedy unfolded for the boat that was famously dubbed 'unsinkable'. Here, MailOnline looks into the remaining mysteries of the Titanic, which we may never know the answer to, including what happened to the passengers and whether an iceberg really caused the disaster. 112 years have gone by and today on the ships anniversary, there are still a myriad of unanswered questions surrounding how tragedy unfolded for the boat that was famously dubbed 'unsinkable' What happened to the passengers? More than 1,500 people around 70 per cent of the passengers onboard tragically perished after the Titanic hit an iceberg 112 years ago. But, the bodies of around 1,160 passengers were never found and where they are remains a mystery to this day - they were unaccounted for and never seen again. Only around 340 bodies with lifejackets still on them were recovered from the ocean's surface, leading people to question what happened to the others. Among those never found were US businessman Benjamin Guggenheim, Liverpool-born ship steward Thomas Peter O'Connor and the ship's captain, Edward Smith. James Delgado, a maritime archaeologist and historian who has dived to the wreck himself, said there could be 'some semblance of human remains' still inside what's left of the luxury liner. 'Scientists think that could be a possibility, but this is a science we don't know much about, particularly in the deep ocean,' Delgado told MailOnline. Speaking to MailOnline from Washington DC, Delgado added that 'even teeth dissolve' after sustained periods on the ocean floor, which is mostly populated by microbial life such as bacteria. He has made two expeditions down to the Titanic's remains, in 2000 and in 2010, and called it a 'very sobering and powerful place'. More than 1,500 people around 70 per cent of the passengers onboard tragically perished after the Titanic hit an iceberg 112 years ago Captain Edward Smith died the night the Titanic went down, but what exactly happened to him remains much more of a mystery Among the people on the Titanic whose bodies were never found were American businessman Benjamin Guggenheim Photograph of Titanic leaving Southampton at the start of her maiden voyage on April 10, 1912. Five days after this photo was taken the ship was on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean As years passed, the RMS Titanic became the focus of endless films, documentaries, and news reports 'What you see which is very compelling is pairs of shoes splayed, suggesting this is where they ultimately came to rest,' said Delgado, who is senior vice president of archaeology firm SEARCH Inc. 'It's a tangible reminder of the loss of these lives.' In the 112 years that have followed the disaster, expeditions to the Titanic have not found any human remains, according to RMS Titanic Inc, the company that owns rights to the wreckage. Bodies would have decomposed or been eaten away by the marine life at this depth, including fish and crustaceans such as shrimp, as well as bacteria. The creatures adapted to this unique underwater ecosystem would have consumed human skin and tissue but what about bone? Professor John Cassella, a forensic scientist at Atlantic Technological University Sligo in Ireland, said bone degrades quickly in salty water. 'Bone is made from a mineral called hydroxyapatite, made up of calcium and phosphate primarily but lots of other smaller molecules,' he told MailOnline. 'The water will assist in the dissolution or the dissolving of this bone mineral and of course the fragile organic proteins that help glue the bone together.' Haunting images show a pair of shoes that lie at the bottom of the North Atlantic on the wreck of the Titanic, which sank on its maiden voyage in April 1912 Professor Cassella said there could be human bones that still remain in the ruins even after 100 years, but this depends on salt water levels, the pH of the water and effects of microorganisms. Professor Dame Sue Black, a forensic anthropologist and President of St John's College at Oxford University, said bones 'don't like to be underwater'. 'In reality it is the damage done by predation that causes the destruction,' she told MailOnline. 'Marine life see bones as a calcium reservoir to be tapped.' The Titanic's wreck wasn't found until September 1985, over 73 years after the sinking. Even in a cold and low oxygen environment such as the bottom of the ocean, the decomposition of the bodies would have been slowed down but not stopped, according to Professor Cassella. Whether they're there or not, finding human remnants at the Titanic site will likely require underwater research vessels to disturb parts of the wreck something they are prohibited from doing. Titanic is already in a fragile state, as bacteria are eating iron in the ship's hull and will eventually consume the entire ship. What's left of the ship is deteriorating so rapidly underwater that it could disappear completely within the next 40 years. Did an iceberg really cause the tragedy? Another question that many people have tried to find an answer to is whether the ship really sank because of an iceberg, and why the crew didn't see it. Passengers who survived the tragedy told of a beautiful, cloudless night, with some even claiming they spent their final moments on deck before boarding a lifeboat discussing the brightness of the stars - so, how was it missed? One theory suggests that a freak weather event created the phenomenon, which possibly both obscured the iceberg until it was too late and hindered communication with a nearby ship. Historian and broadcaster Tim Maltin claims the Titanic's crew fell victim to a thermal inversion, which is caused by a band of cold air forcing itself underneath a band of warmer air, the Times reports. He believes that the cold current in the North Atlantic Ocean called Labrador pushed this cold air beneath the warm Gulf Stream, creating a mirage. It was a clear, starry sky above the Titanic as it struck an iceberg in the night of April 14, 1912 (pictured: the actual iceberg which sank the ship, photographed from nearby German ship Prinz Adalbert) Titanic had been sailing smoothly for the majority of the journey's intended distance disaster struck. The wreck of Titanic now lies 350 nautical miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada Titanic: Basic facts Constructed by Belfast-based shipbuilders Harland and Wolff between 1909 and 1912, RMS Titanic was the largest ship afloat of her time. Owned and operated by the White Star Line, the passenger vessel set sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on April 10, 1912. The liner made two short stops en route to her planned Atlantic crossing - one at the French port of Cherbourg, the other at Cork Harbour, Ireland, where smaller vessels ferried passengers on and off board the Titanic. On April 14, Titanic struck an iceberg at around 23:40 local time, generating six narrow openings in the vessel's starboard hull, believed to have occurred as a result of the rivets in the hull snapping. The ship sank two hours and 40 minutes later, in the early hours of April 15. An estimated 1,517 people died. Advertisement The light rays are bent downwards, which creates the illusion that the horizon is higher than it actually is. The scattered light also creates a haze lingering over the water, which Maltin believes likely hid the iceberg behind it in the moonless night. Those on the vantage point, the crow's nest of the ship, likely will have only seen the gap between true horizon and the refracted one as a haze. This 'haze' was later described by surviving crew members as well as other ships in the area at the time. The survivor and rescuer reports clearly indicate a thermal inversion being present that night, according to Maltin, author of Titanic: A Very Deceiving Night. Lookouts later said the iceberg had looked dark as the haze blurred its lines and made it difficult to set apart from the sea. 'The reason why the berg appeared to be dark was because they were seeing it against a lighter haze,' Maltin told the Times. James Moody was on night watch when the collision happened and took the call from the watchman, asking him 'What do you see?' The man responded: 'Iceberg, dead ahead.' By 2.20am, with hundreds of people still on board, the ship plunged beneath the waves, taking more than 1,500, including Moody, with it. Among the nearby ships which might have been able to help save some of the 2,240 passengers and crew was the SS Californian, which failed to communicate with the Titanic and spot that it was sinking because of the haze. It wasn't carrying any passengers and would have had plenty of space for the people on Titanic. Due to the false horizon, crewmembers on the SS Californian thought they were looking at a much smaller ship that was closer to them, Maltin theorised. One theory suggests that a freak weather event created the phenomenon, which possibly both obscured the iceberg until it was too late and hindered communication with a nearby ship Pictured, the SS Californian. While captained by Stanley Lord, this steamship was on her way to Boston, Massachusetts when Titanic sank Newspaper headlines proclaimed a 'great loss of life' when the famous Titanic sank on its maiden voyage over a century ago Photo shows Cyril Furmstone Evans, the wireless operator aboard the SS Californian that night They thought as a small vessel, the other ship would not be equipped with a wireless operator, and therefore concluded the best way to communicate with the Titanic would be via a powerful morse lamp. This was briefly spotted by those on the Titanic, as Colonel Archibald Gracie, who survived the tragedy, later said. He told how he pointed out a 'bright white light' to other passengers, which he believed to come from a ship 'about five miles off'. 'But instead of growing brighter [when I leaned over the rail of the ship], we men saw the light fade and then pass altogether,' Colonel Gracie was quoted as saying in the book 'Titanic: A Survivor's Story by Colonel Archibald Gracie' by Deborah Collcutt. The morse code sent from the SS Californian to the Titanic and back was distorted by the haze and therefore they couldn't effectively communicate, Maltin argues. Why were there not enough lifeboats? Famously, Titanic did not have enough lifeboats to hold the 2,224 souls on board. If it had, many more hundreds if not all of the lives that were lost that night could have been saved. Titanic had a total of 20 lifeboats, which all together could accommodate 1,178 people, just over half of the total (although two of these boats weren't launched when the ship went down). There are several suggestions as to why there weren't more. Firstly, it was said that Titanic's designers felt too many lifeboats would clutter the deck and obscure views of the sea for first class passengers. Looking at a plan of Titanic, the lifeboats were mostly kept on the officers' promenade towards the front and the second class promenade towards the back. The first class promenade, meanwhile, was almost completely free of lifeboats, meaning the first class passengers could stroll and admire clear views of the Atlantic on either side. Although it seems unthinkable now, Titanic's selling point was clearly its grandeur and luxury, not its safety. Lifeboats row away from the still lighted ship on April 15, 1912, as depicted in this British newspaper sketch Plan of Titanic's boat deck from above, showing the location of the lifeboats. The main lifeboats are marked in green, while the two smaller 'emergency' wooden boats are highlighted in red. Two of the collapsible lifeboats are marked in purple. The other two collapsible lifeboats (not on this diagram) were situated on the roof of the officers' quarters behind the wheelhouse. Note the lifeboat-free space in the first class promenade in the centre Additionally, it wasn't anticipated that Titanic would need its lifeboats to hold all passengers at the same time. Instead, if Titanic were to encounter any trouble, its lifeboats were to be used to ferry passengers off Titanic and onto a rescue ship. Tragically, many of Titanic's lifeboats that did launch weren't filled to capacity, because certain crew members mistakenly thought they couldn't hold the weight. What happened to the Captain? Captain Edward Smith died the night the Titanic went down, but what exactly happened to him remains much more of a mystery. Smith who had planned to make the Titanic his final voyage before retiring 'went down with the ship', which was the maritime tradition at the time. But there were several different accounts from survivors of where he was last seen and how he died. In Cameron's 1997 film, Smith, played by English actor Bernard Hill, is shown shutting himself in the wheelhouse on Titanic's bridge as it fills with water, allegedly based on testimony from some survivors. Smith who had planned to make the Titanic his final voyage before retiring 'went down with the ship', which was the maritime tradition at the time One of which, first-class passenger Robert Williams Daniel, said: 'I saw Captain Smith on the bridge. My eyes seemingly clung to him. 'The deck from which I had leapt was immersed. The water had risen slowly, and was now to the floor of the bridge. Then it was to Captain Smith's waist. I saw him no more. He died a hero.' Other survivors, including wireless operator Harold Bride, said they'd seen him jump off certain parts of the ship, while others still said Smith had swum to lifeboats holding an infant. As author Wyn Craig Wade wrote in his 1992 book 'The Titanic: End of a Dream', Captain Smith 'had at least five different deaths, from heroic to ignominious'. However he perished, Smith's body was never found. Why was the ship going so fast? The judge who led the British inquiry into the Titanic disaster, John Charles Bigham, 1st Viscount Mersey, wrote in his journal that the ship was travelling at 'excessive speed' and there was 'no reduction of speed' in the icy environment. The 'unsinkable' liner was going at around 22.5 knots or 25 miles per hour, just 0.5 knots below its top speed of 23 knots. In James Cameron's 1997 film 'Titanic', White Star Line chairman Bruce Ismay is depicted urging Captain Smith to increase the speed to get into New York ahead of schedule and 'make the headlines'. This scene was based on a genuine conversation overheard by first-class passenger and survivor Elizabeth Lindsey Lines, who testified after the sinking. Her testimony suggests Ismay wanted to beat a record set by Titanic's sister ship, the RMS Olympic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York the year before. Olympic set sail from Southampton on June 14, 1911, calling at Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown, Ireland (the same route as Titanic) before reaching New York six days later, on June 21 that year. Mrs Lines said: 'I heard him [Ismay] make the statement: "We will beat the Olympic and get in to New York on Tuesday."' However, Royal Museums Greenwich claims stories of the captain trying to make a speed record are 'without substance', despite the testimony from Mrs Lines. Another theory posited in 2004 by a US engineer was that a smoldering coal fire in the depths of Titanic meant the ship had to get to New York faster than originally planned. According to Robert Essenhigh at Ohio State University, Titanic's records show there was a fire one of Titanic's coal bunkers, forward bunker #6. Increasing the rate at which the coal in this bunker was removed and put into the boilers would have allowed the ship's workers to control the fire, but this would have sped the ship up, he said. Essenhigh claimed the crew of the Titanic couldn't have been trying to break any records crossing the Atlantic because the ship was built for comfort, not speed and was advertised as such before its voyage. The theory was repeated in the 2017 documentary 'Titanic: The New Evidence' by Irish journalist Senan Molony, who said Titanic 'should never have been put to sea' because the fire supposedly weakened her hull, which took the impact from the iceberg. Lightning and heavy rains have killed at least 36 people, mostly farmers, across Pakistan in the past three days, officials said Monday, as authorities in the country's southwest declared a state of emergency. Most of the deaths occurred when lightning struck farmers harvesting wheat and rains caused houses to collapse in eastern Punjab province, said Arfan Kathia, a spokesman for the provincial disaster management authority. He said more rains were expected this week. Rain also lashed the capital, Islamabad, and killed seven people in southwestern Baluchistan province over the weekend, and eight others died in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. Rainwaters flooded streets in the northwestern city of Peshawar and in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan, where authorities declared a state of emergency. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in televised remarks that he had ordered authorities to provide relief aid in regions hit by rains. Pakistans water reservoirs would improve because of the rains, he said, while expressing concern over the deaths and damage. Meanwhile, heavy flooding from seasonal rains in Afghanistan killed 33 people and injured 27 others in three days, according to Abdullah Janan Saiq, the Talibans spokesman for the State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management. More than 600 houses were either damaged or destroyed while around 200 livestock died. The flooding also damaged large areas of agricultural land and more than 85 kilometers (53 miles) of roads, he said. He said authorities in Afghanistan had provided aid to nearly 23,000 families, and that flash floods were reported in 20 out of the country's 34 provinces. Rafay Alam, a Pakistani environmental expert, said that such heavy April rainfall is unusual. Two years ago, Pakistan witnessed a heat wave in March and April and now we are witnessing rains and it is all of because of climate change, which had caused heavy flooding in 2022," he said. In 2022, downpours had swelled rivers and at one point inundated one-third of Pakistan, killing 1,739 people. The floods also caused $30 billion in damage. Associated Press writers Rahim Faiez in Islamabad, Riaz Khan in Peshawar, Babar Dogar in Lahore, Asim Tanveer in Multan and Abdul Sattar in Quetta contributed to this report. (AP) Three young men have died and another is fighting for his life in hospital after a horror car crash near a north London retail park. Five people, all believed to be in their early 20s, were in the vehicle when it ploughed into trees near Staples Corner in Brent Cross at 11.26pm on Sunday. It is not believed that any other vehicle was involved in the incident at the shopping park, which is located on the corner of the North Circular. Police confirmed that three men died, while another is in a critical condition. A fifth man sustained injuries not deemed to be life-threatening, in what police described as a 'terrible accident'. No arrests have been made. Officers retrieved the wreckage of the silver-coloured vehicle, which was removed on Monday morning from the Staples Corner roundabout. Five people, all believed to be in their early 20s, were in the vehicle when it ploughed into trees near Staples Corner in Brent Cross at 11.26pm on Sunday (scene pictured) Police confirmed that three men died, while another is in a critical condition (Pictured: Staples Corner retail park) Fire crew at the scene of the fatal car collision on Monday morning The London Fire Brigade at the scene near Staples Corner in Brent Cross on Monday morning Emergency services responding to the fatal crash on Sunday evening Police traffic investigators at the scene of the crash on Monday morning A local garage owner told the Evening Standard: 'I turned up for work this morning and there were police everywhere. It was carnage. There as blood in the road it was horrific.' Inspector William Mcdonald, one of the officers responsible for policing Barnet, said: 'Emergency services responded last night to what seems to have been a terrible accident. 'An urgent police investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances, led by detectives from the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit. 'Officers are in the process of informing the families of the five young people. The families will be supported by specialist officers. I send them my sincere condolences.' Steve Coogan has demanded United Utilities stop dumping sewage in the iconic Lake Windermere and called on them to clear up the beauty spot. The Alan Partridge star, 58, joined protesters in the high-profile row as he accused the water firm of 'greenwashing' and 'PR spin' this morning. The actor - who filmed most of the first series of The Trip in the Lake District with Rob Brydon - spoke from a rally outside the North West water company's offices. He also called on the Government to compel them to clean up the Cumbria beauty spot rather than pay huge dividends to shareholders. While Coogan lives in the quiet Sussex village of Barcombe, he has previously said he owns a second home in the Lake District. The actor appeared today to support Matt Staniek, 28, who is in the 24th week of a 'sewage strike' in Windermere. In response, Chris Matthews from United Utilities said: 'We are taking this problem extremely seriously.' Alan Partridge star Steve Coogan has demanded United Utilities stop a 'timebomb' by dumping sewage and called on them to clear up iconic Lake Windermere Coogan, 58, joined protesters in the high-profile row as he slammed the water firm of 'greenwashing' and 'PR spin' this morning on Good Morning Britain Pictured is Coogan speaking during a Save Windermere campaign in May 2023 Lake Windermere and Waterhead Bay in Ambleside in the Lake District National Park United Utilities was the worst water firm for sewage spills last year, partly due to it's large number of storm overflow outlets. Today's protest follows the revelation of data showing that the company dumped more than 27,000 hours worth of untreated sewage since 2020 - which is the equivalent of just over three years. Comedians have previously rallied in support of the Save Windermere campaign, including Lee Mack and Paul Whitehouse. Speaking to Good Morning Britain, Coogan called the situation a 'timebomb' and said: 'United Utilities have a big fancy PR machine and they put nice fancy offices up like this to say 'we're working together with the people of Windermere'. READ MORE - Top comedians Paul Whitehouse and Lee Mack turn serious at huge Save Windermere rally to agree that sewage pollution at one of Britain's biggest lakes is no joke Advertisement 'But it's all a smokescreen to distract attention from what they've been doing over the last 30 years, which is putting treated and untreated sewage into Lake Windermere. 'It's to such an extent that there are toxic levels of algae, there are algae blooms that show the nitrate levels are like through the roof. 'They've been doing this year on year. They're doing it legally and we have evidence they're legally putting sewage into the lake. They've been paying record dividends to shareholders, there's no excuse for this. 'We're telling them to stop putting sewage in the lake and take out what they've put in. It is possible. They've said they'll pass the bill for that operation onto the bill payers. 'They shouldn't be able to do that, they should take it from the huge profits they've made and just deny their shareholders a dividend for a few years and put that money into infrastructure to clean up the lake. 'They won't do that of course, because they're not bound to do that. They have a monopoly - there's no competition here and the customer can't go anywhere else. Steve Coogan (front row left) and Paul Whitehouse (front row right) joined up with members of Dum Nation during the Save Windermere campaign in Cumbria last year Lee Mack (middle) also joined the three-hour protest at Bowness on Windermere in 2023 'Either they have to do this themselves or the government needs to act. It needs to be dealt with once and for all.' Addressing why is it legal for the company to put sewage in the lake, Coogan said: 'What makes it more obscene is it's almost like the business model is predicated on the ability to put sewage in a lake and not do anything about it, because to sort that problem would require a huge investment that they are not prepared to put into it.' The actor said the money the company is investing in addressing the issue is 'chicken feed' in comparison to the profits and the grants are 'PR spin and greenwashing'. He added: 'It is all to stop people looking at the fundamental problem, which is they are the biggest polluters in this country, the biggest water utility company pollutes British waterways. 'The lakes are there for everyone, people who can't afford holidays abroad to be able to use the lake for recreation and it's threatening that.' In response, Mr Matthews from United Utilities told GMB: 'We share the concerns of Steve and the other people about the overflow operations and the impact on local water courses. We're already investing to tackle this problem. Great stretches of the water have been turning alarming shades of green recently The protest follows the revelation of data showing that the company dumped more than 27,000 hours worth of untreated sewage since 2020. Stock photo 'We've spent 75m on our wastewater treatment to half the amount of phosphorous which goes into the lake. 'The four bathing waters at Windermere all have an excellent status, and we're going to be investing a further 41m to reduce overflow operation by half. We are taking this problem extremely seriously. It's part of a huge investment programme.' Asked what their net profit was last year by Susanna Reid, he reluctantly answered 'about 300m'. But he evaded the question on what dividend shareholders receive from United Utilities. Ms Reid asked if the figure 452m is correct and he said it 'varies year to year'. He told the show that customer bills will be increasing to help fund the programme, saying: 'It's going to be about 25 a year that bills will go up, about 2 a month, to help fund what is a 14 billion plan.' A United Utilities spokesperson told The Times: 'Over the last 20 years we have invested over 75m improving our wastewater services around Windermere, which has halved the levels of phosphorus entering the lake from our systems since 2015 and contributed to all four of the lake's bathing waters being classed as 'Excellent'. 'We are currently making an early start on a further 41m of planned investment to meet the new requirements of the Environment Act 2021, which means customers will not be paying twice.' A man who shocked passengers by exposing himself and urinating on empty seats on a Jetstar flight has been slammed by a magistrate as 'despicable'. Jason Rangi, 52, was on board a flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne on December 18 when he was spotted vaping by flight attendants and told to stop. But instead he stood up, took off his pants, and urinated on nearby seats. Rangi pleaded guilty to seven charges in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday and was sentenced to one month imprisonment - suspended for six months - and fined $1,000. A 52-year-old man has plead guilty to a number of offences after he exposed himself and urinated on empty seats on a Jetstar flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne (stock image) Rangi's defence lawyer, Joanna McNae, told the court her client struggled with alcohol abuse after becoming addicted to painkillers following a car accident. The court heard he told police he had consumed a number of drinks, including two beers and shots of bourbon, before the flight. Ms McNae revealed Rangi is currently homeless and unemployed but is taking steps towards rehabilitation and breaking the 'vicious cycle' he found himself in. 'He is someone who needs assistance and he certainly accepts that,' Ms McNae told the court, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin. Magistrate Pamela Dowse described Rangi's actions as 'hideous' and said she would have sent him to jail if the sentencing option were available. 'My God, Mr Rangi, your behaviour is despicable shameful in the extreme, disrespectful, inconsiderate and ugly,' Ms Dowse said. '(It's) revolting, really revolting. Why should everyone else have to put up with that?' AFP Commander Superintendent at Gold Coast Airport Josh Kinghorn said he was 'appalled by the disgraceful behaviour' shortly after Rangi's arrest. 'AFP has zero tolerance for bad behaviour at airports and this case is an example of how one person's abhorrent actions have a direct impact on those around them,' he said in a statement. 'Smoking a vape and urinating on a seat is not only repugnant but also poses a severe risk to the safety and comfort of passengers. 'Such despicable actions will never be tolerated, and we will ensure appropriate measures are taken to hold the individual accountable for the appalling conduct.' Peers are coming under increasing pressure to drop their opposition to the government's new law to deport Channel migrants to Rwanda, with ministers hoping to start flights within weeks. The Commons returns from Easter recess this afternoon with the legislation high on the agenda for a Tory government desperate for a boost in the polls. MPs will this evening consider amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, which inflicted a series of defeats against the controversial policy before rising for the spring break. The Government will seek to strip out changes made by peers who want extra legal safeguards, including a provision to ensure 'due regard' for domestic and international law. But the Lords could decide to push their changes again, starting what is known as 'ping-pong' with the law passing between the Commons and the upper chamber repeatedly. Peers were today warned not to do this, having made clear their feelings about the law. Senior Tory Sir John Hayes told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Of course, it's right that there is a balance between Commons and Lords and indeed between Parliament and the executive but when a government devises and wants to implement a policy which is clear and precise in terms of its objectives, the Lords shouldn't stand in its way... 'I think in the end the Lords will give way on this because they recognise that balance.' It came as it was revealed ministers were examining plans to expand the deportation scheme away from east Africa, holding talks with countries including Armenia, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and Botswana. The Commons returns from Easter recess this afternoon with the legislation high on the agenda for a Tory government desperate for a boost in the polls. MPs will this evening consider amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, which inflicted a series of defeats against the controversial policy before rising for the spring break. They have all entered talks with the UK government in what it describes as a 'third-country asylum processing deal', according to The Times. Progress has reportedly stalled with all four countries, which were priorities in a long list of potential locations, as the Rwanda scheme struggles to get off the ground after two years of legal and political wrangling. The Foreign Office (FCDO) also considered South American states including Paraguay, Peru, Brazil and Ecuador, but suggested their governments may have less interest in signing up. Among those on a 'reserve list' included Cape Verde, Senegal, Tanzania and Sierra Leone - meaning they could be approached if talks with other, more favoured targets didn't succeed. Concerns were expressed that issues with the Rwanda Bill could put potential candidates off, with Armenia for example said to be awaiting the outcome of the policy (capital Yerevan pictured) However senior Tories at the weekend suggested that they have yet to find an airline to carry deported migrants to Rwanda, despite planning to begin flights within weeks. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins insisted the Home Office is 'ready to go' in implementing the scheme as a Bill aimed at saving the stalled deportation policy makes its way through Parliament. But she could not confirm in media interviews today who would operate the flights. And separately, deputy Tory Party chairwoman Rachel Maclean appeared to suggest a carrier had still not been confirmed. Ms Maclean told Times Radio: 'I'm sure that we will have a carrier in place ... and this is all part of operationalising the plan. We need this plan because we need to have the deterrent effect.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has repeatedly said flights to Kigali will take off by spring, but refused to name a specific date. It comes after reports suggested that Rwanda's state-owned airline turned down a UK Government proposal to transport asylum seekers because it wanted to avoid being associated with the controversial scheme. A double killer who slaughtered two war heroes during a rampage of violence and received a record 26 life sentences is still too dangerous to be released. Andrew Aston, then 29, received the longest prison sentence ever handed down in England and Wales when he was convicted in 2002. Over a period of three months in early 2001, Aston attacked 26 elderly and disabled people in robberies at their homes in Birmingham and nearby Smethwick, with two dying. George Dale, 87, died two weeks after being attacked in his home in the inner city area of Ladywood and Frank Hobley, 80, attacked the same month at home in Stechford, succumbed to his injuries three months later. By the time he went on trial in January 2002, six of his victims had died, while another six were too frail to give evidence against him in court. Of the dead victims, it was felt that only two met the threshold for murder charges. Andrew Aston, then 29, received the longest prison sentence ever handed down in England and Wales when he was convicted in 2002 Over a period of three months in early 2001, Aston attacked 26 elderly and disabled people in robberies at their homes in Birmingham and nearby Smethwick, with two dying (stock image) Aston, now 51, had a one-day hearing in March 2023 and told the Parole Board he was a reformed man and no longer a danger to the public (stock photo of prison) Sentencing Aston, Mr Justice Butterfield described the offences as brutal and cowardly and said the drug addict might never be released from prison: 'In his case, imprisonment for life may well mean exactly that.' No minimum set term was set by the judge at the time, nor has the Home Office been reported to have set a minimum tariff. Despite this, MailOnline can confirm that the killer had his first parole hearing. He has currently served 22-years behind bars. Aston, now 51, had a one-day hearing in March 2023 and told the Parole Board he was a reformed man and no longer a danger to the public. Despite his pleas, the killer was told a few weeks later that his appeal had been rejected. He was also refused a move to an open prison. A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Andrew Aston following a paper review. The panel also refused to recommend a move to open prison. 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. 'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. 'Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority. Despite his pleas, the killer was told a few weeks later that his appeal had been rejected. He was also refused a move to an open prison (stock photo) 'Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.' Aston's violent spree began in the small industrial town of Smethwick, West Midlands, on the 12th January 2001, when he robbed a 71-year-old man of 100. By the end of that month, he had robbed a further eight elderly people at different addresses in the town, the oldest being an 85-year-old woman. Detectives investigating Aston's case said his attacks became more horrific and brutal each time. Birmingham Crown Court was told George Dale was attacked in his home on the 16th March 2001 - five days after Frank Hobley - but was the first to die two weeks later. The war veteran, who was partially sighted and a father-of-two was left paralysed from the waist down with a broken neck, severed spinal cord and severe facial injuries. Before he died, George's son Derek said: 'It was a really sick crime. Even though he is 87, George was fit and healthy and had his life ahead of him. He was looking forward to being 100.' Disabled Frank Hobley, 80, who saw action at Dunkirk, Burma and India, died in June 2021, three months after having his hip broken in an attack at his home. Aston wanted money to feed his drug habit. A third victim, 64-year-old Beresford Johnson, who had recently had a leg amputated, was tipped from his wheelchair, kicked and left helpless on the floor with head injuries. West Midlands police tracked Aston for four days before arresting him on 31 March 2001. A spokesman for the crown prosecution service said at the time of his sentencing in 2002 that the 26 life terms are believed to be a British record. Pictured: File photo of a man reading a book while in HMP Pentonville He was cornered after tricking his way into the home of 92-year- old William Dorman. Detectives burst in to find Aston holding his terrified victim in an armlock. Throughout his five-week trial jobless Aston, of Stechford, denied two charges of murder, 21 of robbery and five assaults with intent to rob. He claimed that he was working with his father Roger, a painter and decorator, when some of the crimes took place. But his father gave evidence against him, telling the court Aston was lying and that he did not know where his son had been. Relatives of Aston's victims cheered and wept as the jury of eight men and four women found him guilty. He was cleared of one charge of assault with intent and one charge of robbery. Sentencing Aston, Mr Justice Butterfield said: 'All his victims were elderly, frail and vulnerable and I am satisfied he targeted them. They were at his mercy and he gave them none. 'The whole community must have lived under a shadow of fear waiting for the robber to strike again. 'The defendant robbed Mr Dale of his life. Equally Mr Hobley, a man who had served his country and had a family, was murdered because of Mr Aston's violence for him to feed a habit for the evil drug cocaine.' Detectives said Aston, described as a loner, knew many of his victims would be too frail to testify against him. The killer's father, Roger Aston, a former ambulance man, said after the verdict: 'I would hang him, because as long as Andy's alive every Christmas, every birthday, we'll remember him. I cannot go near him. 'I have brought two children into the world. Both of them were given love in the same way and punished in the same way, One is a good mother, the other is a killer. Why?' A stock image picture of a wing at Shrewsbury Prison, before it closed in 2013 (stock image) A stock image of a prison cell at Shrewsbury Prison Describing how his son took cannabis then 'graduated' to harder drugs, he added: 'We cannot put up with the drugs that are affecting everybody's lives. I believe in a life for a life. We need a deterrent. 'If you want to decriminalise soft drugs, you might just as well decriminalise murder.' Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Pallister said: 'Aston is a cowardly and brutal individual who committed a catalogue of appalling offences against some of the most vulnerable people in society. 'I don't think drugs were the only issue here. It is obvious that he took gratuitous pleasure in inflicting pain on his victims. 'We take no pleasure in his conviction because so many innocent people have suffered at his hands. 'We can only take a grim satisfaction that an evil danger has been removed from society.' He added: 'The determination of those who survived Aston's attacks to obtain justice has been an example to us all.' Aston - who initially faced 47 charges - was released from custody only weeks before embarking on his three-month reign of terror. He was detained in September 2000 on suspicion of committing a robbery while posing as a policeman, but released in December after police could not gather enough evidence to charge him. A spokesman for the crown prosecution service said at the time of his sentencing in 2002 that the 26 life terms are believed to be a British record. Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, received 20 life sentences in 1981, and Harold Shipman, the mass murder GP, 15. Facebook has been accused of 'grossly offending' Holocaust survivors and 'erasing history' after a photograph of victims was temporarily removed and 20 other posts were incorrectly flagged on the Auschwitz Memorial Museum's profile page for violating the platform's rules such as 'promoting adult nudity' and 'sexual activity'. Outraged museum staff lashed out at the social media giant on Friday evening saying that the removal or flagging of photos and biographical information of those who died in the death camp was 'hurtful to survivors, descendants, and all those committed to preserving historical truth.' In a statement the museum said: 'The posts, which serve as tributes to individual victims of Auschwitz, have been unjustly targeted by this platform's content moderation system, citing absurd reasons such as "Adult Nudity and Sexual Activity," "Bullying and Harassment," "Hate Speech," and "Violence Incitement."' A Meta spokesperson told MailOnline that Facebook had 'mistakenly sent notices to the Auschwitz Museum' that the posts had been 'demoted', but said that the posts had never actually been censored. 'We offer our sincere apologies for the error.' They also said that an image showing a group of Jewish orphans - which the museum said had been 'summarily removed without the possibility of recourse' entirely - had been restored. One of the posts flagged by Facebook shows a Jewish Czech woman named Ida Mullerova. It says that she was deported to Auschwitz on December 15, 1943 and 'did not survive'. The post was flagged for 'going against our Community Standards for Sexual Solicitation' This memorial to Polish prisoner Feliks Koprianiuk was flagged for 'violence and incitement' Norwegian Marie Sachnowitz was murdered in a gas chamber after arriving in December 1942. According to Facebook, the post violated its standards of 'adult nudity and sexual activity' A memorial to Polish Jew Berek Antaba was removed for going against Facebooks Community Standards for 'Bullying and Harassment' This picture of Jewish children from the orphanage in Izieu was removed by Facebook because it violated unspecified 'Community Standards' Established in April 1940 to hold Polish prisoners following Nazi Germany 's invasion of Poland, by the time it was liberated in January 1945 the Auschwitz death camp had grown into the largest killing machine in history. Over one million people, mainly Jews, were executed, beaten, tortured, starved or gassed to death there, while countless others died of disease or malnutrition. One of the posts flagged by Facebook shows a Jewish Czech woman named Ida Mullerova. The post, which says that she was deported to Auschwitz on December 15, 1943 and 'did not survive', was flagged by Facebook for 'going against our Community Standards for sexual solicitation.' Another showing Polish prisoner Feliks Koprianiuk was flagged for 'violence and incitement.' Yet another shows Jewish Norwegian woman Marie Sachnowitz who was murdered in a gas chamber after arriving in December 1942. According to Facebook, the post violated its standards of 'adult nudity and sexual activity.' In another, the museum posted a memorial to Berek Antaba, a Polish Jew born in 1984 who was deported to Auschwitz in November 1942. 'He did not survive,' the post says, along with his picture. But a note against the post added by Facebook says: 'We moved one of your posts lower in Feed', with the explanatory note underneath the picture saying: 'Our technology showed that this post looks like others that go against our Community Standards for Bullying and Harassment.' Meta told MailOnline no post on the page was actually demoted. This memorial to Czech Jew Harry Ditmar was removed from the Auschwitz Museums post for violating Facebooks standards for 'Restricted goods and services' This post from the Auschwitz Memorial Museum about Polish Jew Menashe Rojat, prisoner number 20654, was removed by Facebook being 'Violent and Graphic Content' German Jew Sigmund Wolfgang Haberhauffe was imprisoned in Auschwitz in February 1943 where he was given prisoner number 103757. He died in the camp 10 months later on December 30. Facebook flagged his image for going against its standards for 'Restricted goods and services' This memorial post about 10-year-old Jewish girl Debora Chaja Strassberg who was murdered in an Auschwitz gas chamber in 1942 was also flagged by Facebook's moderation systems But these were just three of several that the museum said had been flagged by Facebook, which shared screenshots of the posts and the website's note explaining which of the platform's rules had supposedly been broken. The museum has now hit back, saying that the idea that the posts violate Facebook's community standards 'is utterly confounding.' It said: 'For years, the Auschwitz Memorial has been sharing similar content without any issues, yet suddenly, 21 posts are simultaneously flagged. 'Moreover, we also noticed that a post commemorating the tragic fate of Jewish children from an orphanage in Izieu from 6 April was summarily removed without the possibility of recourse. 'This egregious incident not only undermines the important work of our institution. 'Such an act is unacceptable and offensive to the memory of the victims of Auschwitz that we try to preserve. 'The posts in question feature nothing but respectful remembrance and historical documentation, showcasing the faces and biographical information of those who suffered and were murdered in a place that symbolizes one of the darkest chapters of human history. 'We demand an immediate and thorough review of this matter, along with a transparent explanation of why these posts were flagged in the first place.' Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, called the flagging of the posts 'utterly absurd'. 'The Auschwitz Memorial and Museum has for years been sharing educational content regarding the Jewish families who were brutally murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust,' Ms Pollock told MailOnline. 'These posts reach millions around the world and ensure that the memory of these innocent victims are never forgotten. 'When social media sites seem to be flooded with antisemitism and hate with little to no action taken, it is astonishing that key material that enables people to learn about and remember the 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered is being removed. This is very worrying, and we join the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum calling for an urgent thorough review' Responding to the museum's statement on X (formerly Twitter), some users suggested that the posts had been targeted by other Facebook users by spuriously reporting the posts as inappropriate in a deliberate attempt to censor them. Judy Shapiro, CEO of Trust Web and other companies, suggested 'a reason why [posts were being flagged] is if Facebook got a lot of complaints' from other users. 'I have known hate groups execute these campaigns to get content de-platformed by hitting the platform with a lot of complaints. 'If a platform gets enough complaints - they take down the content. It is a war of numbers and alas Jews have many many haters. This post about tours at Auschwitz was flagged for 'Bullying and Harassment' by Facebook This image shared by the Auschwitz Memorial Museum shows the various reasons its posts were flagged by Facebook, including hate speech, graphic violence and sexual solicitation Over one million people, mainly Jews, were executed, beaten, tortured, starved or gassed to death in Auschwitz, while countless others died of disease or malnutrition People visit the former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oswiecim, Poland, Thursday, January 26, 2023 'As a community we are tiny,' she added. MailOnline contacted Meta - Facebook's parent company - for its response to the claim from the museum. In response, a Meta spokesperson said: 'We mistakenly sent notices to the Auschwitz Museum that several pieces of content the museum posted had been demoted. 'In fact, that content does not violate our policies and was never actually demoted. We offer our sincere apologies for the error.' Terrified Iranians appear to be queuing for petrol as they prepare to flee possible Israeli retaliation for Tehran's weekend drone and missile attack, according to footage that has emerged from the country. Video, captured by a person inside a car driving down a road, shows hundreds of cars in a traffic jam going in the opposite direction. According to social media profiles sharing the video, the cars seen in the queue are waiting to get into a petrol station, preparing to flee Tehran. This comes amid fears that Israel could strike back against the Islamic Republic after Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night. Israel said 99 percent of the projectiles were shot down before reaching their targets. However, calls are mounting in the Jewish State for a strong response. Meanwhile allies, including the US and the UK, are urging restraint. Terrified Iranians appear to be queuing for petrol as they prepare to flee possible Israeli retaliation for Tehran's weekend drone and missile attack, according to footage that has emerged from the country (pictured) Video, captured by a person inside a car driving down a road, shows hundreds of cars in a traffic jam going in the opposite direction This photo taken on April 14, 2024 shows flares from explosions in the sky over Jerusalem as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts missiles and drones from Iran Rocket trails are seen in the sky above Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as Iranian missiles are intercepted by air defences over the weekend While it is not yet clear how Israel intends to respond, the footage suggests people in Iran and worried the Jewish state could launch strikes deep into Iran. It was not clear exactly where the footage was captured, but posts online said the Iranian capital of Tehran - some 960 miles from Jerusalem. Iran's attack on Saturday night saw Israel's air defences activated across the country, with footage from Jerusalem showing IDF missiles intercepted those from Iran. Iran launched the attack, its first ever to directly target Israeli territory, in retaliation for a deadly air strike widely blamed on Israel that destroyed Tehran's consular building in Syria's capital early this month. The strikes raise Middle East tensions to a dangerous new level six months into a deadly conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, prompting international cries of alarm. Now all eyes are on Tel-Aviv, with the next move of Benjamin Netanyahu and his War Cabinet set to tip the scales toward an uneasy peace - or all-out war. The cabinet has weighed Israel's response to the Iranian attack, but the prime minister has not made any public comments. Benny Gantz, Israel's former defence minister and a member of the War Cabinet said cryptically this morning that Tel-Aviv 'will collect the price from Iran, in the way and at the time that suits us' - but for now the exact course of action remains a mystery. World powers have urged restraint for fear that Iran's unprecedented missile and drone strikes on Israel could spark a wider war in the Middle East. 'Neither the region nor the world can afford more war,' UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the body's Security Council as it met to discuss Iran's attack. 'The Middle East is on the brink,' he warned. 'The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate.' Israel's UN envoy, Gilad Erdan, urged the Council to 'impose all possible sanctions on Iran before it's too late' and 'condemn Iran for their terror'. G7 leaders earlier said they were ready to 'take further measures' in response to 'destabilising initiatives'. Iran's UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, retorted that the Islamic republic was exercising its 'inherent right to self-defence' and 'had no choice' but to act. He insisted his country did 'not seek escalation or war', but would respond to any 'threat or aggression'. Israeli Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024 A view of a crater on a damaged road, after Iran's mass drone and missile attack, at a location given as Hermon area, Israel, in this handout picture released on April 14, 2024 Analysts have told MailOnline they expect to see Israel strike back against Iran's proxy forces in Iraq and Syria - and possibly Hezbollah in Lebanon. How Iran uses its influence and proxy fighters to spread mayhem throughout the Middle East in war with the West Advertisement Justin Crump, British army veteran and CEO of global risk analysis firm Sibylline, said he also expected to see Israel's allies implement more sanctions on Tehran. 'Israel's allies are signalling that they expect international pressure on Iran to be increased, and are hoping that this sort of action - for example - will suffice to mitigate an Israeli response,' he said. 'This seems uncertain, with hawks on all sides arguing that Iran will remain a particular threat. 'Drone factories, missile development sites and nuclear sites are high on any potential target list. Meanwhile, allied strikes against targets in Syria and Iraq will likely also increase as an attempt to mollify the Israeli position.' Mr Crump also said the situation has likely strengthened Netanyahu's position. The situation has certainly helped Israel and its leadership, reversing the trend of pressure over Gaza and helping defuse some political tensions that were once again building,' he said. 'Permacrisis suits Netanyahu at this stage and it is to be expected that he will leverage this environment. The Israeli public stance from the war cabinet will therefore remain belligerent, whatever goes on behind the scenes.' As for whether the conflict could escalate further, Mr Crump said that now 'lies firmly in Israel's court and will rely largely on what is considered in the best interests of the embattled state.' 'But,' he warned, 'the slide into full conflicts often emerges quickly and in this environment small miscalculations can have enormous consequences - especially when so many on all sides are partly cheering on a conflict.' Through Saturday night, air raid sirens wailed and Israelis sought cover in bunkers and shelters as missile defence systems and warplanes intercepted the missiles. Israel and its allies intercepted the vast majority of the more than 300 incoming projectiles, the Israeli army said, reporting 12 people injured and no deaths, but the attack sharply heightened fears of an Israeli counterstrike. 'Together we thwarted Iran's attack, Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement. 'This was the first time that such a coalition worked together against the threat of Iran and its proxies in the Middle East.' G7 leaders condemned Iran's attack and called for 'restraint' on all sides, European Council President Charles Michel wrote on X after a video conference. 'We will continue all our efforts to work towards de-escalation. Ending the crisis in Gaza as soon as possible, notably through an immediate ceasefire, will make a difference.' Israel's top ally the United States also urged caution and calm. 'We don't want to see this escalate,' White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told NBC. 'We're not looking for a wider war with Iran.' A senior US official said President Joe Biden had told Netanyahu that Washington would not offer military support for any retaliation on Iran. Your browser does not support iframes. 'We would not be a part of any response they do,' the official told reporters on a call, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'We would not envision ourselves participating in such an act.' Biden reaffirmed the US' 'ironclad' support for Israel, but also appeared to guide it away from a military response against the two countries' common adversary, Iran. News outlet Axios reported that Biden had told Netanyahu he should 'take the win', and that Washington would oppose an Israeli counterattack. Before Tehran attacked, Israel's military had warned Iran it would suffer the 'consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further'. Netanyahu on Sunday met with his war cabinet, formed at the outset of the Gaza conflict following the bloody October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday cautioned Israel against a 'reckless' retaliation, warning this would spark 'a decisive and much stronger response'. Iran's mission to the United Nations also warned Washington to keep out of its conflict with Israel. It added in a message on X that 'the matter can be deemed concluded'. 'However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe.' Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday that 'the campaign is not over yet - we must remain alert'. Iran said its attack came in response to the April 1 air strike on Tehran's consulate building in Damascus, which killed seven Revolutionary Guards including two generals. Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Joe Biden following the deliberations of the Security Cabinet and the War Cabinet after Iran's missile and drone attack The Israeli military said that while 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles were shot down before reaching Israel, a few of the 110 ballistic missiles did get through. One of those wounded was a seven-year-old girl near Israel's southern town of Arad who was in intensive care. Iran's allies, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, joined the attack. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels also launched drones at Israel, security agency Ambrey said. Officials said British and other allied jets and Jordanian defences also shot down incoming projectiles, mostly before they reached Israeli airspace. Officers clashed with pro-Palestine demonstrators across the country today as protesters took part in 'economic blockades' amid fears that an unprecedented 350-missile attack on Israel by Iran could escalate the war in the Middle East. Hundreds of people gathered in areas of London and Kent thought to have links to Israeli drone manufacturer Elbit Systems to chant and unfurl banners as police struggled to keep crowds under control. People had been encouraged by pro-Palestinian groups to participate in the 'economic blockade' by missing work or school and only making purchases from companies sympathetic to their cause. In London, chaotic footage shows dozens of officers appearing to jostle with protesters outside One Curzon in Mayfair, in an attempt to keep them out of the road with umbrellas getting crushed in the crowds and some people having to step over bikes parked on the pavement. The office block is home to London Metric, which protest group Palestine Action has previously claimed rents property to Elbit systems. Met Police on Curzon Street in Mayfair, London, this morning attempting to keep a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters under control Officers could also be seen trying to hold back a crowd charging towards them nearby Protesters held up a sign reading, 'evict the arms companies' while crowds chanted, 'the people united will never be defeated' Police officers pictured pushing a group away from an office block in Mayfair, London Some officers filmed the commotion in London while others formed a cordon When police eventually formed a cordon in the area, demonstrators held up banners and shouted through megaphones as the crowds grew. The group had gathered in front of the block in one of the capital's most expensive areas and held up a huge banner with the words, 'stop arming Israel'. Officers, some holding cameras to film the commotion, then rushed behind the crowd holding the sign and pushed demonstrators, many of whom chanted 'free Palestine', away from the office block. Nearby, a large group of Met Police officers struggled to stop a group of charging protesters, most wearing black, as they rushed down the street. A large group of people held up a banner reading, 'evict the arms companies' while crowds chanted, 'the people united will never be defeated'. Some demonstrators banged drums to stir up the rally further as people started jumping in the air while police watched on. A number of protesters waved Palestine flags and a sign reading, 'Israeli weapons kill in Sudan' could be seen. London Metric has been approached for comment. Palestine Action activists previously targeted One Curzon in December by throwing blood red paint on the building in the early hours of the morning. Two women and a man were then arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. After the December protest, the group wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Palestine Action halts operations at London Metric - who rent property to Elbit Systems. 'If you do business with Israeli weapons manufacturers, you should expect us. No more business as usual for genocide profiteers!' Similar demonstrations also took place in Kent today as protesters from Palestine Action descended on the Discovery Park, in Sandwich, in a blockade 'making access to the business estate impossible'. The site, which has been dubbed one of the UK's top science parks for pharmaceutical firms, is also home to Instro Precision Ltd, a subsidiary of Elbit systems. Footage shared on X, formerly Twitter, shows demonstrators setting off green smoke flares, lying down in sleeping bags in the middle of the car park, with others holding up Palestinian flags while chanting: 'Shut down Elbit now'. Similar demonstrations also took place in Kent today as protesters from Palestine Action descended on the Discovery Park, in Sandwich, in a blockade 'making access to the business estate impossible' Demonstrators in Kent could be seen lying in the middle of the car park Footage shared on X, formerly Twitter, shows demonstrators setting off green smoke flares, with others holding up Palestinian flags while chanting: 'Shut down Elbit now' A woman was filmed being placed under arrests for allegedly attempting to join the blockade A spokesperson from Kent Police said: 'Kent Police officers are currently at the scene of a protest at Discovery Park near Sandwich' Protesters held up a huge banner with the words, 'stop arming Israel' in front of the office block Signs reading, 'Israeli weapons kill in Sudan' could also be seen throughout the demonstration The scenes come as the world holds its breath over fears of World War III breaking out chaotic footage shows dozens of officers appearing to jostle with protesters oin an attempt to keep them out of the road with umbrellas getting crushed in the crowds and some people having to step over bikes parked on the pavement Nearby, a large group of Met Police officers struggled to stop a group of charging protesters, most wearing black, as they rushed down the street Some protesters can be seen swaddled in large Palestine flags as they lie on the tarmac of the car park, surrounded by officers. READ MORE: Met Police arrest nine as Palestine and Israel demonstrators trade insults as thousands march through London to protest about Gaza conflict Advertisement A woman was filmed being placed under arrests for allegedly attempting to join the blockade. Footage shows the woman, faced down as three officers place her in cuffs. This is not the first time that Discovery Park has been targeted by Palestine Action, with eight protesters from the group taking part in a blockade just three weeks ago by attaching themselves to each other through lock ons - a technique used by demonstrators to make it harder for police officers to make arrests. As the landlord for the weapons factor, the business estate was attended by 150 protesters from unions in October, including Unite, UNISON, the NEU, UCU, the BMA and BFAWU, demonstrating at the base over the war in Israel. Palestine Action posted footage of the protest on social media, calling for others to join them, and wrote: 'Discovery Park is the base of Elbits Instro Precision weapons factory, who make sniper rifle sights for the Israeli army to commit genocide. 'As part of the economic blockade for Palestine, weve shut them down!' A spokesperson from Kent Police said: 'Kent Police officers are currently at the scene of a protest at Discovery Park near Sandwich.' It has not been confirmed by the force if any arrests were made. At a press conference on Sunday evening, IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari (pictured) said Iran's plan had 'failed' A G7 meeting took place yesterday as leaders condemned Iran's air attack on Israel 'in the strongest terms' Drones or missiles vying for targets at undisclosed locations in northern Israel on April 14 Parts of a missile launched by Iran are found in Amman, Jordan, on April 14 After Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, near Arad, this is the remains of a rocket booster which reportedly injured a seven-year-old child The scenes come as the world holds its breath over fears of World War III breaking out after Iran carried out an unprecedented 350-missile attack on Israel overnight on Saturday in a massive retaliatory attack. Iran claimed that the fierce bombardment of Israel is a response to the April 1 airstrike on an Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus, which killed 12 Iranians and two senior commanders. Iran has blamed Israel for the airstrike, but the country has not yet confirmed to carrying out what Iran has dubbed 'Operation True Promise'. The attack began on Saturday at around 8pm and lasted around five hours, according to US officials. During the attack, explosions were heard across cities in Israel, including Tel Aviv and were even heard in Jerusalem as air raid sirens blared in over 720 locations. Israel is reportedly considering whether to 'go big' in its retaliation against Iran despite fears of an all-out conflict in the Middle East, after the Islamic republic launched hundreds of missiles at the Jewish State over the weekend. The country's war cabinet met on Sunday to decide between military retaliation, or to respond to Iran's attack in a more measured way, according to the Financial Times - citing an Israeli figure familiar with government deliberations. Nationalist figures in Israel called on the five-person cabinet - which includes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - to choose the former, despite fears from allies of a 'catastrophic escalation' leading to a wider Middle East war and World War Three. 'We need a crushing attack,' Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on X. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said if Israel 'hesitates' in its response, then 'we will put ourselves and our children in existential danger.' Last night Israel described the strike as a 'declaration of war' and confirmed it has approved plans for 'offensive and defensive action'. The country's president Isaac Herzog insisted that Israel did not want a war but suggested they would retaliate after Iran's audacious airstrike early on Sunday. He said it was 'about time the world faces this empire of evil in Tehran' and makes it clear that its behaviour is 'unacceptable'. President Herzog told Sky News: 'It's a declaration of war... we are considering all options and I'm quite confident we will take the necessary steps to protect and defend our people.' Israel's chief military spokesman, Daniel Hagari, said Iran's attack involved more than 120 ballistic missiles, 170 drones, and more than 30 cruise missiles, according to reports. A seven-year-old girl was also severely injured by missile fragments, while other patients sustained minor injuries and some were treated for anxiety. The attack also came as the latest attempt to reach a ceasefire in the war in Gaza appeared to falter, with Israel accusing Hamas of rejecting a truce proposal. Yesterday Israel showed their first signs of retaliation after levelling a building in east Lebanon and vowing a response to Iran's attack. A source within Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group said Israel struck one of its buildings close to the Syrian border. Leaders of the G7 - including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - also held talks on Sunday in which they 'unequivocally' condemned Iran's attack on Israel and warned that the risk of an 'uncontrollable regional escalation' must be avoided. The UK was one of several countries, including the US, which helped counter Iran's bombardment - in its first ever direct strike on Israeli grounds. Prime Minster Rishi Sunak has confirmed RAF pilots shot down 'a number' of Iranian attack drones while intercepting the attack of Israel This map shows sites around Israel which the IDF has issued protective warnings to residents Additional RAF jets were deployed over Iraq and Syria, not Israel, the Ministry of Defence said. Speaking to reporters in Downing Street, Mr Sunak said if Iran had been successful in their attack 'the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate'. He did not confirm how many Iranian drones were shot down by British forces. On Saturday, before the attack took place, the Met arrested nine people as thousands of pro-Palestine activists and Israel supporting counter protesters marched through London. The Met said in a statement: 'During a pro-Palestine protest and counter protests in Westminster on Saturday, 13 April the Met arrested nine people for public order offences.' Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in London to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and urge the Government to stop all arms sales to Israel. Protesters marched from Russell Square to Parliament Square where speakers led chants of 'free Palestine' and addressed crowds of people waving Palestinian flags and holding signs calling for a 'ceasefire now' and an end to arms sales. One man was arrested for a public order offence after making cut-throat gestures towards protesters at a significantly smaller pro-Israel counter-demonstration at Aldwych, the Metropolitan Police said. The Met Police arrested nine people on Saturday as thousands of pro-Palestine activists and Israel supporting counter protesters marched through London amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza (police pictured at the pro-Palestine protest in London) People hold a variety of flags and placards at the protests in London on Saturday, including Palestine and Israel national flags Pro-Palestinian supporters speak with a police officer during a protest organised by Turning Point UK in London The counter-protesters exchanged chants with the larger pro-Palestinian march as it passed by, calling for a release of hostages held by Hamas. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which organised the Pro-Palestinian protest, said some 80,000 people attended the march. The Met said they deployed nearly 1,000 officers to police the events, which also included a demonstration held at the Cenotaph by right-wing group Turning Point UK. More than a third of Cabinet ministers are viewed negatively by Tory members, a new grassroots survey has shown. The latest research by the ConservativeHome website showed 12 out of 32 Cabinet ministers had a negative rating among party members. Both PM Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt were among the bottom three in the keenly-watched Cabinet rankings. Mr Sunak was found to have a net satisfaction rating of -27.7, while Mr Hunt scored marginally better with -22.7. Only Michael Tomlinson, the illegal migration minister, fared worse than the PM and Chancellor with a net satisfaction rating of -43.1. The website claimed it was 'looking as bleak as ever it has' for Mr Sunak's Government amid the low ratings for many Cabinet ministers. Many Tories are fearing a catastrophe at next month's local elections as Labour continue to hold huge leads in opinion polls. The latest Techne poll showed Sir Keir Starmer's party with a 21-point lead over Mr Sunak's, with Labour backed by 44 per cent of voters and the Tories by 23 per cent. Both PM Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt were among the bottom three in the latest Cabinet rankings by the ConservativeHome website More than a third of Cabinet ministers are viewed negatively by Tory members, the new grassroots survey showed The latest research by ConservativeHome showed 12 out of 32 Cabinet ministers had a negative rating among party members Kemi Badenoch (+56.2) was the most popular Cabinet minister with Tory members in the ConservativeHome survey. The Business Secretary returned to top spot in the rankings after being overtaken last month by Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the House of Commons. Ms Mordaunt (+42) dropped to third place in the March survey, as she was also overtaken by veterans minister Johnny Mercer (+42.8). Foreign Secretary David Cameron (-7.8), Deputy PM Oliver Dowden (-12), Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove (-14.3) and Tory chairman Richard Holden (-15.6) all suffered negative ratings. In a comment on the latest Cabinet ratings, the ConservativeHome website said: 'Few people are ever likely to have very strong opinions about everyone who attends a body so large as the modern Cabinet. 'The overall scores are, therefore, likely a useful barometer for our panel's sentiments about the Government as a whole. 'Five months into the PM's post-conference fightback, it's looking as bleak as ever it has.' The latest Techne poll showed Sir Keir Starmer's party with a 21-point lead over Mr Sunak's, with Labour backed by 44 per cent of voters and the Tories by 23 per cent Polling experts Professor Colin Rallings and Professor Michael Thrasher, associate members of Nuffield College, Oxford, have said Tory losses at local elections in England and Wales on 2 May are 'inevitable'. They pointed to how the Tories are defending many council seats at the local elections that were last contested at a high point in Boris Johnson's premiership. The expert duo warned the Conservatives are on course to lose up to 500 seats half the party's councillors facing election. Techne questioned 1,624 voters online across the UK between 10 to 11 April. Rishi Sunak today dismissed French anger over post-Brexit curbs on fishing rights. Downing Street shrugged off an official protest from Paris over the UK's decision to ban 'bottom trawling' in parts of its territorial waters. That means fishing vessels cannot drag heavy nets along the sea bed, in response to fears that vulnerable habitats are being destroyed. France is claiming the move breaches the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, potentially opening the door to punitive measures against Britain. Many trawlers operating out of Boulogne depend on catches from the 13 areas subject to the restrictions. But the PM's official spokesman said: 'We are proud of our strong record on safeguarding our oceans and the precious species that depend on them. 'The recent decision to prohibit bottom trawling - which applies to all vessels, including British ones - followed extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders, including UK and French fishing organisations.' There will be concerns that an escalation could revive the so-called 'Scallop Wars' - when the fleets clashed over access to waters. Pictured, a French protest at Jersey in 2021 According to the Financial Times, French diplomats raised the issue at a meeting of EU ministers on March 19. Officials from the European Commission are expected to meet UK counterparts later today. There will be concerns that an escalation could revive the so-called 'Scallop Wars' - when the fleets clashed over access to waters. Emmanuel Macron's party has been coming under intense pressure to act ahead of European Parliament election in June. The UK has stressed that all fishing vessels are affected, not just French ones. Conservation groups have also backed the action to protect the ecological balance in the 13 Marine Protected Areas, which cover around 4,000 square kilometres. A UK government spokesman told the FT: 'We are proud of our strong record of safeguarding our oceans and the precious species that depend on them.' 'The recent decision to prohibit bottom trawling, which applies to all vessels, including British ones, followed extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders, including UK and French fishing organisations.' Over 2,300 people battling forest fire in southwest China Xinhua) 11:12, April 15, 2024 A fire-fighting helicopter operates at the site of a forest fire in Jinning District of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 14, 2024. (Xinhua) KUNMING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- More than 2,300 people are battling a forest fire that has raged in southwest China's Yunnan Province since Friday, local authorities said Sunday. The fire started at around 4 p.m. Friday in Diantou Village in Jinning District of the capital city Kunming. No casualties have been reported so far. Officials confirmed the mobilization of 46 excavators and two helicopters to help put out the blaze. Firefighters operate at the site of a forest fire in Jinning District of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 14, 2024. (Xinhua) Firefighters operate at the site of a forest fire in Jinning District of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Former Labour 'First Lady' Cherie Blair today heaped pressure on the party's current leadership to remove the two-child benefit cap if it wins the election by joining an anti-poverty campaign demanding it is scrapped. The barrister, who is married to ex-PM Sir Tony Blair, is backing the Children's Poverty Plan, which says the law that means Universal Credit payments cover only two of a family's children 'breaks the link between what children need and the support they receive'. Her intervention could be awkward for Sir Keir, who has said he plans to keep the cap in place if he wins the election, despite unease among Labour politicians including Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning, Lady Blair said there had been a 'massive increase of relative poverty' in recent years. 'The amazing thing about government is that every day there are choices to be made and depending on the way you look at things, and your emphasis, each little choice an make a difference,' she said. 'What we want to make sure is whatever the next government is, it is aware that the public at large, across all spectrums of society, care about the future of our children.' The barrister, who is married to ex-PM Sir Tony Blair, is backing the Children's Poverty Plan, which says the law that means Universal Credit payments cover only two of a family's children 'breaks the link between what children need and the support they receive'. Her intervention could be awkward for Sir Keir, who has said he plans to keep the cap in place if he wins the election, despite unease among Labour politicians including Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. The Children's Poverty Plan seeks to have it removed, along with other benefit changes that could lift a million children out of relative poverty by 2030. She added: Everybody, whatever party, needs to care about the future of our country, and that future of our country is tied up with the future of our children. 'In a society now, where we are getting children going hungry, where our schools are increasingly having to set up breakfast clubs in order to make sure that children start the day with something in their stomachs, we have to ask how is this happening and how can we do something to alleviate that? 'Because in the end, if a child is hungry a child is not going to be able to take education in the way that it should. And if a child is not properly educated then they are not going to be able to contribute to the future economy.' The benefit cap, introduced by the Conservative government, prevents parents from claiming universal credit or child tax credit for a third or additional child born after April 2017. The Child Poverty Action Group says abolishing the two-child limit would lift 250,000 children out of poverty, at a cost of 1.3 billion. The Children's Poverty Plan seeks to have it removed, along with other benefit changes that could lift a million children out of relative poverty by 2030. It wants an increase in child benefits, an end to the cap on overall benefits, and a reduction of automatic deductions taken from payments to cover rent and other arrears. Joining the campaign, Lady Blair said: 'From government bodies to private sector champions, from local communities to international partners, we must all come together in a grand coalition for our children. Mobilising this collective strength, we will ensure that the future of every child is defined not by the circumstances of their birth but by the boundlessness of their potential.' Last summer Labour leader Sir Keir insisted that he had to make tough decisions to ensure his party is in a good place to fight the next election. In a conversation with Sir Tony at the Future of Britain conference, he said: My first reaction is we keep saying collectively as a party that we have to make tough decisions. And in the abstract, everyone says, Thats right Keir. But then we get into the tough decision, weve been in one of those for the last few days, and they say, We dont like that, can we just not make that one, Im sure there is another tough decision somewhere else we can make. But we have to take the tough decisions. He later said the party has had to make really ruthless decisions since he took the reins to ensure Labour was in a good place to contest the next election. A host of party figures called on the Labour leader to scrap the two-child benefit cap. Backbench MP Stella Creasy said it was fuelling child poverty and may cost more than it saves. The argument that many of us are making is that the evidence in and of itself is this policy is costing us more than it is saving, might it not be better to deal with policy and also get the savings we can put into investing in the economy, she told the BBC. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged Sir Keir to put scrapping the two-child limit at the front of the queue when there is enough money. An Albanian influencer known as the 'King of Instagram' gave his followers tips on sneaking into Britain and making '6,000 a month' working in the illegal drugs trade. Kozak Braci, who has more than half a million followers on TikTok and Instagram, shared livestreamed tours of cannabis farms as he discussed how to profit from criminality in the UK. 'It's great to stay in the cannabis house. I can live there without a problem,' he tells viewers in one the clips. Another video shows Braci asking a people smuggling 'expert' how they can sneak into Britain illegally inside a lorry. 'You know there are a lot of brothers and sisters in hardship. Can you show how to go there unnoticed, without being detected? How do they do it?' he asks. Braci, who has more than half a million followers on TikTok and Instagram, poses with a Audi in a photo shared to social media Popular Albanian influencer Kozak Braci has shared videos where he takes tours around cannabis farms A man shows off a huge pile of cannabis buds during one of the farm tours Graham Wettone, a former Met Police officer who was showed the videos by the Express, described them as 'glorifying the production of drugs in the UK' and 'enticing' potential criminals into Britain. READ MORE - At least 1,700 serious organised criminals from Albania are walking free in Britain, police fear Advertisement Braci claims to make 25,000 a month from his social media accounts, and regularly shares photos of him posing with expensive cars and designer gear. One photo shows him standing next to a man in a black SUV in front of a house flying the Union flag. The influencer, who has tattoos of AK-47s on his chest and right arm, is seen in another photo wearing a Chelsea shirt in front of a red Audi. Dr Alexandros K Antoniou, an expert in social media law at the University of Essex, said it was 'astonishing' Instagram had not only let Braci share drug-related content but let him to become one of the biggest stars in Albania on its platform after doing so. Braci was tracked down by the Express to a Communist-era block of flats in Albania's capital, TIrana. He claimed the tours of cannabis farm were unplanned and he had stopped making such videos. The influencer has tattoos of AK-47s on his chest and right arm and claims to make 25,000 a month from his social media accounts The tours of cannabis farms consist of someone showing Braci around the sites as he comments on what he sees The influencer said he did not endorse criminality and said some of his compatriots had gone to deal drugs in Britain 'because of a life filled with hardships'. It emerged earlier this year that the Home Office plans to begin paying Albanian influencers to tell their followers not to come to Britain illegally. In a modern-day update of the 'public information film', the 100,000 plan is designed to get messages through to 'hard to reach' groups who fall for lies peddled by people traffickers. The scheme emerged in Downing Street from Cass Horowitz, the social media expert behind 'Brand Rishi'. But campaigners branded it 'toy town tinkering' and say it will have 'zero impact'. Albanian gangsters now exert 'considerable control' over the UK cocaine market, according to a United Nations report, with violent criminals importing the drug from their counterparts in mainland Europe through ports in south-east England. Notorious gangs include Hellbanianz, which is based in East London and crowds about its criminal activities on social media. It recently emerged that 80 Albanian migrants have been sentenced to a total of 130 years in jail over the first four months of the year. Albanian organised criminals have a substantial presence in the UK. Pictured are members of Hellbanianz, a gang based in London In a Hellbanianz music video released in 2022, masked men are seen cruising around a London estate in an armoured fighting vehicle equipped with a .30 calibre machine gun An alleged Hellbanianz member posts a picture of two gang members wearing red balaclavas emblazoned with the Albanian flag, while one brandishes a machine gun Their crimes included murder, manslaughter, rape, firearms offences and kidnap. The scale of the crime wave is putting pressure on the UK's already bursting prisons, with the Government forced to strike deals with Tirana to allow criminals to be deported before the end of their sentences. However, some Albanian youngsters are sneaking into the UK and joining drugs gangs with the aim of getting sent to prison so they can claim to be victims of modern slavery and gain asylum, as MailOnline previously revealed. READ MORE - How Albanian teens are sneaking into the UK to work for drugs gangs like Hellbanianz and WANT to go to prison to help get asylum Advertisement TikTok said: 'TikTok works closely with UK law enforcement, the National Crime Agency and organisations such as STOP THE TRAFFIK to fight this industry-wide issue, and our steadfast efforts helped reduce the number of small boat crossings last year, according to Border Officials. 'We continue to strictly maintain a zero tolerance approach to human exploitation and proactively find over 95% of content we remove for breaking these rules.' The platform prohibits content that facilitates human smuggling and trafficking and does not allow showing or promoting or facilitating the trade of drugs, a spokes person said. Meta said: 'We have removed the violating content brought to our attention. 'Buying, selling or soliciting drugs is not allowed on our platforms; our teams use a mix of technology and human review to remove this content as quickly as possible, and we work with the police and youth organisations to get better at detection. 'We've also worked with industry experts to tackle the issue of people smuggling for a number of years, and when we find content coordinating this illegal activity we remove it from our platforms.' Albanian gangsters now exert 'considerable control' over the UK cocaine market, according to a United Nations report A British tourist has been found dead in a holiday apartment on the Algarve in Portugal. The man, aged 30, was discovered inside the Orada Tourist Apartments near the marina in the town of Albufeira. He is understood to have been staying at the property with a friend. Respected Portuguese daily Correio da Mana reported the whereabouts of the friend, whose nationality has not yet been made public, is not known. Portugal's GNR police force were the first force alerted but the investigation has now been handed over to the country's Policia Judiciaria force. There has not yet been any official comment from police. As well as police, firefighters and ambulance workers were also mobilised as part of the emergency response. The victim was declared dead at the scene. The four-star Orada Tourist Apartments complex has an outdoor pool and 220 apartments plus a reception area that is staffed 24/7. Aerial view of whitewashed architecture of Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal A well-placed source close to the ongoing investigation said: 'The British man's body was found on the floor by the toilet door in his apartment. 'There was a lot of vomit around him. 'Police suspect he had suffered some sort of health issue. 'The GNR force took a call around 7am this morning from an English speaker they believe was a friend saying a man was probably dead in the flat. 'But that same person simply then disappeared and the police can't find him at the moment which is what's odd about all of this and why the PJ police were called in. 'They are trying to establish his whereabouts at the moment. 'The dead man had been due to leave the apartment this morning so was probably going to fly back to the UK and investigators are trying to confirm it was his friend who called them and whether he ended up just going to Faro Airport after making the emergency call. 'They find it all very weird that he didn't realise he needed to stay around after making the call as the person who phoned the emergency services.' Another source added: 'There are no obvious signs of any violence in the apartment or anything pointing to the man's death being the result of a crime. 'It looks like it's related to a health issue. 'But a post-mortem has yet to take place and the Policia Judiciaria will carry out a full forensic examination of the apartment and speak to reception and ask for CCTV footage. 'Officers will also try to track down and speak to the person that called.' Police sources said the dead man was on a 'short break' to Portugal. He is understood to have travelled with only a small suitcase. A woman who use to work in an upmarket B&B has won a sex discrimination case after her male boss refused to help her change bed sheets because it was a 'woman's job'. Jason Fairfield made the comment in March 2022 when Nicola Nolan suggested he should strip his own bed at the Lake District guest house he co-owned with his wife Catherine, an employment tribunal heard. Before the comments, Ms Nolan was said to have a 'good working relationship' with Mrs Fairfield - her official boss at Appletree's Guest House in Keswick - but when she 'refused' to apologise for her husband's behaviour this 'changed'. After a 'heated discussion' between Ms Nolan and her boss, she walked out of the guest house and sued her employers for sex harassment and constructive dismissal. Despite Mr Fairfield insisting he 'would not make a comment of this nature because he has three daughters', an employment judge found the 'woman's work' comment 'violated' Ms Nolan's dignity. Appletree's guest house in Keswick where co-owner Jason Fairfield refused to change his bedding because it was a 'woman's job' after his then employee Nicola Nolan asked him to Jason Fairfield and his wife Catherine co-own the B&B in the Lake District. Before the comments, Ms Nolan was said to have a 'good working relationship' with Mrs Fairfield - her official boss at Appletree's Guest House in Keswick - but when she 'refused' to apologise for her husband's behaviour this 'changed' The Manchester tribunal heard Ms Nolan was employed as an 'assistant' at Appletree's in 2019 and among her duties were cleaning the guest's rooms and serving breakfast. The Victorian B&B claim on their website that 'a warm welcome awaits you at Appletree's guest house.' A room costs 175 for a two night stay and the hotel has a 9.6/10 score on Booking.com and 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor. Both Ms Nolan and Mrs Fairfield shared a 'good working relationship' before March 2022 and the tribunal was presented with messages that demonstrated 'friendly' interactions which were full of 'kisses and a variety of emojis'. But, on March 16, comments made by Mrs Fairfield's husband 'changed the previously good working relationship'. Employment Judge Hilary Slater said Ms Nolan said 'something' to Mr Fairfield, 'suggesting that he should have made or stripped the bed that he and Catherine Fairfield had slept in the previous night'. In response, Mr Fairfield told the employee: 'No, it's not my job to do it, it is a woman's job.' Despite his denial, EJ Slater said: 'It is possible that it was not a sincerely held view which he expressed but something said to deliberately wind [Ms Nolan] up.' Later that day, there was a further conversation between the pair in relation to a faulty toilet seat. Ms Nolan said she had raised the issue of the broken seat on a 'number of occasions' and on this day, he responded in a 'patronising' way. Representing herself, Ms Nolan told the tribunal that Mr Fairfield said words to the effect of 'Do I need to take you upstairs and show you how to clean a toilet seat?' or 'Do I need to give you an instruction manual on how to clean a toilet seat?'. The following day, Ms Nolan raised the 'issue of conduct' of Mr Fairfield to his wife. But, Mrs Fairfield 'did not respond' or do anything to indicate that she would consider or address the issue of her husband's behaviour. For the following week, there was 'an atmosphere' between the pair as they were 'not as chatty as before'. Then, at the end of March, Ms Nolan was off work sick until she returned on April 4 and requested another chat with her boss. Mr and Mrs Fairfield. Despite Mr Fairfield insisting he 'would not make a comment of this nature because he has three daughters', an employment judge found the 'woman's work' comment 'violated' Ms Nolan's dignity Ms Nolan 'raised the issue' of Mr Fairfield with her boss which resulted in a 'difficult discussion' between the pair 'which may have been heated'. It was said at the end of the meeting, Ms Nolan walked out and said 'she had no choice but to leave'. She said she 'wanted an apology' from her boss for her husband's actions but Mrs Fairfield refused. After this meeting, on April 4, Mrs Fairfield sent Ms Nolan a message reading saying she was 'really sorry' how the 'morning turned out', and asked whether she should take this as her resignation. Ms Nolan did not reply to the text and later that day, Mrs Fairfield messaged her again saying she was treating her 'decision to walk out of work' as a 'termination' of her employment at Appletrees. EJ Slater found that Mr Fairfield had been 'insulting and patronising'. She said: 'Catherine Fairfield, by her response, or lack of it, to [Ms Nolan] raising an issue about Jason Fairfield's behaviour, gave [Ms Nolan] no assurance that she would take steps to prevent any recurrence of similar behaviour. 'Catherine Fairfield was failing in her duty as an employer to acknowledge and look into a grievance raised by her employee.' Addressing the 'sexist comment' made by Mr Fairfield, EJ Slater said: 'The comment was made with the purpose of violating [Ms Nolan's] dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for [her]. Her claims of constructive unfair dismissal and complaint of harassment related to sex in relation to Mr Fairfield 'Woman's job' comment were upheld although other claims she made were rejected. American forces destroyed more than 80 one-way attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles aimed at Israel from Iran and Yemen, it has emerged. Iran launched an attack by more than 300 missiles and drones on Israeli territory on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria on April 1 that killed top Revolutionary Guards commanders. The attack, mostly launched from inside Iran, caused only modest damage as most were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defense system and with help from the United States, Britain, France and Jordan. US forces, supported by US European Command destroyers, on Saturday and Sunday destroyed destroyed more than 80 Iranian drones, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday. The US is in touch with Iran as well, sending 'a series of direct communications through the Swiss channel,' a senior administration official said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also spoke to counterparts including in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan, stressing the need to avoid escalation, the importance of a coordinated diplomatic response, and emphasizing the US will continue to support Israel's defense. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is said to be privately fearing a 'catastrophic escalation' as Israel draws up plans to retaliate against Iran's unprecedented 350-missile strike. United States President Joe Biden (right) meets with members of the National Security Council, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) regarding the unfolding missile attacks on Israel in the Situation Room of the White House on Saturday Iran launched an attack by more than 300 missiles and drones on Israeli territory on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria. One of the missiles launched on Saturday is pictured A view of a crater on a damaged road, after Iran's mass drone and missile attack, at a location given as Hermon area, Israel on Sunday A view of a damaged area, after Iran's mass drone and missile attack, at a location given as Nevatim Airbase, Israel on Sunday General Erik Kurilla, the head of the US military command responsible for the region, was dispatched to the region and provided real-time updates, CENTCOM revealed on Monday. Kurilla is also coordinating with the Israelis and other partners. Washington has deployed additional military assets to the region 'to bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection for US forces,' a US defense official said last week. This includes a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven UAVs destroyed on the ground prior to their launch in areas controlled by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. 'At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the US military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week,' Biden said in a statement. 'Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.' Administration officials said the call demonstrated that despite differences over the war in Gaza, the US commitment to Israel's defense was 'ironclad' and that America would mount a similar effort again if needed. The officials rejected the notion that Iran intentionally gave Israel and the US time to prepare for an attack, but said they took advantage of the time Iran needed before it was ready to launch the assault to prepare their response. The officials said Iran passed word to the USwhile the attack was unfolding late Saturday that what was seen was the totality of their response. The message was sent through the Swiss government since the two countries don't have direct diplomatic ties. 'CENTCOM remains postured to support Israel's defense against these dangerous actions by Iran. We will continue to work with all our regional partners to increase regional security,' the US military added on Monday. Blinken spoke Sunday with foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to underscore the 'importance of avoiding escalation and coordinating on a diplomatic response,' a department spokesman said. Ahead of the attack, US officials including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Blinken were in 'constant, ongoing, continuous contact' with the Israelis, as well as with other countries in the Middle East. The US goal since the start of the latest round of conflict between Israel and Hamas six months ago has been to prevent it from spiraling into a broader regional conflict, and Washington is keen to lower the temperature in the region. 'We would not be a part of any response they do,' the senior administration official said of possible Israeli action after the attack. 'We would not envision ourselves participating in such an act.' Israel has meanwhile 'made clear to us they're not looking for a significant escalation with Iran,' but 'a big question is not only whether, but what Israel might choose to do,' the official said. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) during a War Cabinet meeting at the Kirya in Tel Aviv on Sunday, April 14 Parts of a missile launched by Iran are found in Amman, Jordan, on Sunday, April 14 US officials said Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an effort to contain tensions, that Washington would not participate in any offensive action against Iran, and the president made 'very clear' to Netanyahu 'that we do have to think carefully and strategically' about risks of escalation. The push to encourage Israel to show restraint mirrored ongoing American efforts to curtail Israel's war against Hamas, which is now in its seventh month, and to do more to protect civilian lives in the territory. While the US and its allies were preparing for days for such an attack, Iran's launches on Saturday were at the 'high end' of what was anticipated, according to the officials, who were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity. Biden, in a Saturday evening call with Netanyahu, urged that Israel claim victory for its defense prowess as the president aimed to persuade America's closest Middle East ally not to undertake a larger retaliatory strike against Iran, the officials said. 'I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks - sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,' Biden said in his statement after the call. Biden also had a call Sunday with Jordan's King Abdullah II in which the king said any 'escalatory measures' by Israel would lead to a broader conflict in the region, according to the Royal Court. The White House said the situation in Gaza was discussed, and the leaders reaffirmed their cooperation 'to find a path to end the crisis as soon as possible.' The president also spoke with some of the US forces involved in shooting down the Iranian drones. Later Sunday, Biden spoke with the leaders of the House and Senate, emphasizing the urgent need for the House to pass additional wartime funding for Israel and Ukraine. Drones or missiles vying for targets at undisclosed locations in northern Israel on April 14 A G7 meeting took place on Sunday afternoon as leaders condemned Iran's air attack on Israel 'in the strongest terms' After Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, near Arad, this is the remains of a rocket booster on Sunday which reportedly injured a seven-year-old child Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel with hundreds of drones and missiles marked the culmination of a tense two weeks in which Washington engaged in whirlwind efforts to prepare for the expected violence. American aircraft and planes downed dozens of drones and missiles when Iran launched the attack on Saturday, after Tehran repeatedly threatened to hit back in response to an Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus that killed two top officers at the beginning of the month. Senior US officials detailed the role Washington played - both militarily and diplomatically - in countering the attack: Iran launched a barrage of more than 100 medium-range ballistic missiles, more than 30 land-attack cruise missiles and more than 150 attack drones at Israel, a senior US military official said. US forces 'successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen,' US Central Command said on Twitter Sunday. President Joe Biden spent Saturday evening receiving real-time updates in the Situation Room at the White House as the attack unfolded. 'At one point, we knew there were over 100 ballistic missiles in the sky' and 'the results of the defenses of course were unclear until all was said and done,' a senior administration official said, describing the tense atmosphere. Objects are seen in the sky above Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel People gather around a destroyed building targeted by Israeli air strikes on the village of Nabi Sheet in the Baablbek district in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley on April 14, 2024 Smoke billows over the area of an Israeli air strike on the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila near the border with Israel on April 14, 2024 People drive along a street in Jerusalem on Sunday after Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel Israel carried out a strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus on April 1, killing seven Revolutionary Guards including two generals and prompting warnings from Tehran that it would respond. Top US officials were pulled aside and informed of details about the strike during a visit by the Israeli ambassador and defense attache at the White House, the senior administration official said. 'We were not a part of that strike' but 'we knew that that would have repercussions,' the official said. A few days later, Biden instructed the government 'to defend Israel to the maximum extent possible' and to ensure that all necessary authorities and assets were in place to do so - a directive that sent officials into action. Its name is thought to derive from when Londoners were fleeing the capital for the Hampshire countryside during the Great Plague in the 17th century. But more than 350 years later, residents of Little London have hit out at 'greedy' developers amid fears they are being overrun by newcomers from London. Locals in the village near Basingstoke say wealthy people who are after a 'country pad' are buying expensive houses in the area that they cannot afford. And they warned those looking to escape the city that there is 'nothing here' for them because the infrastructure will not cope with the number of residents. Little London has just one pub, no shop or street lights, and hosts a population of only a few hundred which could rise significantly if developers get their way. Local residents of Little London in Hampshire protest in front of the sign for the small village Locals are concerned about the number of new homes being built in Little London, Hampshire Retired teacher Carol Donner, 65, who has lived in Little London for 13 years, said she and other villagers are now working together to stop the overdevelopment of the village One example of a house in Little London that has significantly risen in price is this cottage. It sold for 500,000 in 2004, then 845,000 in 2019 and is now on the market for 1,100,000 Among those concerned for the village is Carol Donner, 65, who has lived there for 13 years. She said: 'We have got this sign that says 'Welcome to Little London'. Houses prices on the up in Little London Data from Zoopla shows the average sold price for a property in Little London last year was 981,050, in a year that had two sales. The average figure in 2022 was 755,000 with two sales, and the 2021 average was 770,000 with five sales. RightMove suggests the previous peak for local prices was 2013 when five homes sold for an 801,900 average. The village falls under Basingstoke and Deane Council for housing services - and the average price of a home bought with a mortgage in that area in January was 353,000, according to the Office for National Statistics. Advertisement 'We were going to put a sign underneath it and say 'Twinned with Greater London'.' The retired teacher said she and other villagers are now working together to stop the overdevelopment of Little London. Mrs Donner said: 'There's quite a few of us that are getting together and we have met up and come up with ideas and things we need to do. 'It's an ancient village, there's not many houses and it's got no infrastructure at all - we don't even have street lights. We have got nothing in the village at all and it's just being concreted over by people who are being greedy. 'They are coming from London because they want a country pad and they are just going to concrete over here.' Among the applications are plans for multiple houses, battery storage facilities and conversions of barns into business units and event venues. Mrs Donner added: 'It's just ridiculous. It's not a village where you can buy affordable houses because there's no infrastructure, even if you thought you could build affordable houses, it's not the right place for them. 'It's greed over need and it's the wrong houses in the wrong place' She continued: 'I looked at all the houses for sale within a two and a half mile radius and I stopped counting... 25 houses all over 700,000. I mean, who is going to buy those houses? New homes being built in Little London in Hampshire which are causing concern for locals Carpenter and joiner Tom Cullum has lived in Little London for 37 years and said: 'It's just horrendous what's happening in this village' Applications include plans for multiple houses and conversions of barns into business units 'It's a very stoic village because there's nothing here and it's not a place people move to. There's just nothing here for them, this is the whole point. 'We can't stress this enough, this is just a village with some houses and a pub that doesn't open very often.' A plan to build three detached houses in Little London is one of the many new applications that sparked a protest from residents. According to Mrs Donner, the proposed plan will transform stables into homes and she fears this will encourage other neighbours to do the same. The resident said the application saw 40 objections from frustrated locals. Kevin Chatburn, 69, chair of the local rural protection group, said: 'I've got relatives in their 30s and they have all moved out of the area completely because they can't buy anything here' Locals fear the continual planning proposals threaten to destroy parts of the nearby woodland Josie Calladine, five, on the shoulders of her father James, holds up a tongue-in-cheek sign to add to the 'Welcome to Little London' sign in the area, adding: 'Twinned with Greater London' She added: 'None of them are what we call nimby, they are people that have their heart and soul in the countryside and want to protect that. Why can't people go and build affordable houses on brownfield sites that people can afford to buy. 'We don't know who will be able to afford to buy them and none of the houses around here are cheap.' Ms Donner added: 'The situation is appalling here... no sooner is the ink dry on one application than another one pops up.' Tom Cullum has lived in Little London for 37 years and said: 'It's just horrendous what's happening in this village'. The 79-year-old added: 'It's obvious what's happening, the village is being infilled by houses - really expensive houses - over 700,000 to 800,000 and they're filling in the spaces. The Plough Inn is the only pub in the Hampshire village of Little London, which has no shop Locals in the village near Basingstoke say wealthy newcomers are after a 'country pad' A phonebox in Little London which now hosts a small book exchange for people in the village 'It's just gone absolutely crazy in this village and the traffic has doubled - it's horrendous. It's almost a rat run now.' The carpenter and joiner said the houses that are being built are 'not affordable houses anyway'. He added: 'The type of houses that are being built, local villagers couldn't afford them anyway. 'They're people from London, I would have thought - business people who want to come and live in a rural village.' Kevin Chatburn, 69, is chair of the Tadley and Pamber Rural Protection group. Residents warned those looking to escape the city that there is 'nothing here' for them The retired engineer from neighbouring Tadley said: 'All of the houses that are being proposed in Pamber are typically 750,000 to 1.25million so they're being purchased by people from outside the area. 'They are not providing dwellings for those who are already living in the area - particularly young people. 'I've got relatives in their 30s and they have all moved out of the area completely because they can't buy anything here.' Little London backs onto Pamber forest, which is described by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust as being 'one of the foremost important woodland sites outside of the New Forest'. Residents of Little London have hit out at 'greedy' developers amid fears of overdevelopment But locals fear the continual planning proposals threaten to destroy parts of this woodland. Mr Chatburn said his organisation works with villagers to oppose 'inappropriate developments'. He added: 'The landscape and visual amenity of the village is impacted by quite a lot of these developments as well.' The planning portal has seen continuous objections to developments from neighbours. Objecting to a stable conversion proposal on the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council planning portal, Gary Hills said: 'The proposed development is another attempt to extend the village into the surrounding farmland, expanding the footprint of the village.' Little London has just one pub, no shop or street lights, and a population of a few hundred On behalf of the Pamber Parish Council, Chris Gunnell wrote: 'There is no local need. 'At present there are at least 17 properties for sale in the area, there are 13 properties under construction in the parish and 30 yet to be constructed that have planning permission granted.' There are 12 villages called Little London in the UK, although there used to be more than 100 - and the name is said derives from the outbreak of the Great Plague in 1665. Describing the history of the village, Mrs Donner said: 'There are a few Little Londons in the UK and they come from when there was the great plague. 'People moved out of Greater London to avoid the plague and set up the small villages.' ** Is your village threatened by overdevelopment? Email: tips@dailymail.com ** A father who built an 'eyesore' monster mansion without planning permission has finally demolished it, but neighbours claim the mess left behind has made their homes unsellable. Delivery driver Gurwinder Singh, was granted permission to build a modest extension to his semi-detached 1960s home in Willenhall, West Midlands, back in 2020 but instead he bulldozed the whole house to rebuild a four-bedroom home. He was ordered to tear down the half-built 300,000 home by Walsall Council in 2020 following almost 100 complaints from fuming neighbours on Sandringham Avenue. Residents said the building work had made their 'lives hell' and others described the 'eyesore' as 'like a Travelodge in the middle of a housing estate'. Mr Singh, 43, appealed to the council's Planning Inspectorate but they dismissed the appeal and ordered him to bulldoze the property by April 7. Father Gurwinder Singh has finally demolished the 'eyesore' monster mansion, but neighbours claim the mess left behind has made their homes unsellable Mr Singh was ordered to tear down the half-built 300,000 home (pictured) by Walsall Council following almost 100 complaints from fuming neighbours on Sandringham Avenue Residents said the building work had made their 'lives hell' and others described the 'eyesore' as 'like a Travelodge in the middle of a housing estate' The dad-of-two has since demolished the illegal building - but left behind piles of rubble and building materials, which he has failed to tidy up. He now faces possible court action for failing to comply with the enforcement notice following the four-year row. A councillor said the local authority is now looking to prosecute him over the mess. Next-door neighbour Pat Harding, 76, a grandmother-of-one, claimed her house has been left damaged and unsellable - with one wall now exposed to the elements. She said: 'I was even sat reading a book on my bed one time and an RSJ (rolled steel joist) came through my bedroom wall. 'They also put holes in my living room wall that I could see out of. I could just look out into the building site. 'But they never seemed to think it was a problem. There has been no respect shown from the start. Slide me The 'monster mansion' pictured while it was being constructed and now after it has been torn down The original 1960's property before the construction work on the monster mansion began Grandfather-of-four Cliff Stevenson, 84, a retired mechanic, lives opposite the house and branded it 'an appalling eyesore' The dad-of-two Mr Singh has since demolished the illegal building - but left behind piles of rubble and building materials, which he has failed to tidy up Other locals living in the area say the mess left behind by Mr Singh has left the residential estate looking like 'a construction site in the middle of Birmingham' Next-door neighbour Pat Harding, 76, a grandmother-of-one, claimed her house has been left damaged and unsellable - with one wall now exposed to the elements The next-door neighbour has claimed damage was done to her property by Mr Singh's works 'My chimney has been left balanced by the gallows brackets and I've been told it's unsafe and I should move out. 'But I'm not going to move out of my home, why should I? 'They have also caused damage to my wall and they have just covered it with plastic sheeting held down with wooden batons. 'I've had two winters where it was 11c inside my house. I've had barely any insulation and they have just left it like this. 'There's building materials strewn all over the place and they have not repaired the damage to my home. 'I have rising damp because of no drainage and guttering. It's been a nightmare. 'They just don't seem to care and it has taken it has taken its toll on me. 'When it began I had just had cancer surgery. I really don't need this stress at almost 77 years old. 'I could not sell this home if I wanted to. It's missing a wall on one side.' Mr Singh now faces possible court action for failing to comply with the enforcement notice following the four-year row. Pictured: Tory councillor Stacie Elson at the site of the house Councillor Stacie Elson said the council were now looking to prosecute Mr Singh because the deadline on the enforcement notice had passed Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'We can't believe this saga is still going on - it's a joke and been a living hell' The home was half-built when Mr Singh was ordered to tear it down Pictures from the scene show lumps of lumber and debris lying around Other locals living in the area say the mess left behind by Mr Singh has left the residential estate looking like 'a construction site in the middle of Birmingham'. Grandfather-of-four Cliff Stevenson, 84, a retired mechanic, lives opposite the house and branded it 'an appalling eyesore'. He said: 'We've got the house knocked down finally but now the problem is all the mess and these great big boards he has erected. 'It also causes a problem for the traffic because it blocks people's view on the corner - it's really quite dangerous. 'I live opposite so have to look at it every single day and it's an appalling eyesore. It has been a nightmare for everyone living on the estate. 'The gentleman has never spoken to us about it, the only time you would see him was when building work was going on, which was disruptive enough. 'It was left half built and kids would jump over the fences and go and play in there. It's just been a building site really. 'We'll get there eventually hopefully but it seems like it's never-ending. It has just been terrible.' Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'We can't believe this saga is still going on - it's a joke and been a living hell. 'The house is now gone, thank goodness, but it looks just as bad, if not worse, due to the mess he has left behind. 'Our road looks like a construction site in the middle of Birmingham at the moment. It needs sorting out because it's beyond a joke now.' It is thought the brand new house Mr Singh wanted to construct would have cost in the region of 300,000 to build - and would have been the biggest property in the area. Pictured during its construction The property pictured in December last year while works were being carried out to demolish it Workers pictured in December demolishing the structure, much to relief of surrounding residents in Sandringham Avenue Workmen tearing down the building after the order by Walsall Council A third local, who did not want to be named, added: 'The council should never have let it get to the size it did in the first place. 'It was enormous and looked ridiculous. Now there's building materials strewn around the place and the site needs clearing. 'He wants to rebuild it again. It's going to have cost them a fortune by the time he's built two houses.' It is thought the brand new house Mr Singh wanted to construct would have cost in the region of 300,000 to build - and would have been the biggest property in the area. When enforcement got involved, two retrospective planning applications were submitted - the first of which was withdrawn and the second refused. He was then given a series of five deadlines, with the first giving him until October 7 to demolish the building. He was also given until November 7 to stabilise the adjoining property and remove all below ground works by December 7. Tory councillor Stacie Elson said the council were now looking to prosecute Mr Singh because the deadline had passed. She added: 'I know the council is now taking legal advice whether to now prosecute him for failing to comply with the enforcement notice. 'If he has actively breached the notice then he could be prosecuted as the site should have been cleared up by now as the deadline has passed. 'He has complied with the demolition order but he has not cleared the site. 'An enforcement officer has been down there to take photos and these will now be submitted to our legal services department who will advise the next steps.' A Walsall Council spokesperson said: 'The council is monitoring the situation to ensure all actions in the enforcement notice are complied with.' A 16-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed a bishop during a livestreamed sermon is understood to have accidentally cut off one of his fingers during the attack. It's understood one of the teenager's fingers was severed after he allegedly attacked Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, in Sydney's west, at about 7pm on Monday. Police confirmed the alleged assailant had serious hand injuries and that he and the bishop had undergone surgery on Tuesday morning. It is understood that Father Isaac Royel, who serves in the Assyrian ministry at St Shimun Bar Sabbae and St Mary Cathedral, was among those injured. After the attack, around 2000 parishioners and local supporters swarmed around the church as they sought out the alleged attacker, with riots breaking out as police tried to impose order. Crowds also formed at Liverpool Hospital after at least some of those injured at the church were taken there for treatment. It is understood the hospital went into lockdown as a result. Christian leader Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was allegedly being attacked at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley on Monday night Footage has emerged of the alleged attacker being pinned down on his front by at least three people, including a police officer, as he smiled and appeared to mock his captors Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was helped by churchgoers after the alleged attack (pictured) Alleged attack Shocking footage of the alleged attack showed the bishop speaking at the church's pulpit when a male dressed in black calmly walked toward him. The bishop, who was looking down, only noticed the alleged attacker at the last moment and put his hands up to block the hand coming down in a stabbing motion to the face and neck. The bishop then fell to the ground. Screams were heard from the crowd, as several people rushed forward to try to help. The footage was taken from a livestream from the church's YouTube page. Some of those injured during the attack were rushed to Liverpool Hospital (pictured) which went into lockdown after large crowds formed outside Angry crowds gathered in southwestern Sydney following the stabbing attack An injured police officer at the scene of the Wakeley stabbing Rumours boy's finger cut off NSW Police gave an update in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday where they confirmed that the alleged attacker was known to police and was not a regular attendee of the church. Acting assistant commissioner Andrew Holland said the boy had initially been apprehended by worshippers but police had taken him to an 'undisclosed location'. He had asked to speak with his parents. Comm Holland was also asked about rumours that the boy had fingers cut off immediately after the attack as he was being held down by multiple people. One man, with blood on his jeans, was seen straddling the alleged attacker's head with his legs. The video also showed the boy apparently smiling at the camera. 'Reports are that he has injuries to his hands - I don't know the extent of those injuries at this point,' Comm Holland said. 'His injuries are quite severe in his hand, he's fairly upset and fairly distraught.' Riots erupted following the alleged stabbing with video posted to social media showing police vehicles and ambulances damaged. Police said officers were continuing to 'work on restoring order' following the riots and will continue to monitor places of worship throughout the night. Crowds formed outside Liverpool Hospital as injured worshippers received treatment Chaos erupts In a statement, the church confirmed that another prominent member of its community Father Isaac Royel was among the injured. 'We ask for your prayers at this time,' the statement read. 'It is the bishop's and father's wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator. 'We also kindly ask anyone at the church premises to leave in peace.' Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone said the alleged attack was 'horrific' and he understood people were 'distraught', but he also called for calm. 'I understand that many people are upset, and justifiably so,' he told Sky News. 'I feel for everybody that witnessed that (stabbing) but I do call for calm. 'The police will do their job and please let's not make the police's job any harder.' Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone called for calm amid the chaotic scenes in Sydney's west New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the scene as 'disturbing'. 'I have received a briefing from the Commissioner of Police and NSW Health on the situation,' he said in a statement. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe. 'It's important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of police and emergency services. 'We are a strong community in NSW and it's important that we all stick together, particularly in the face of adversity.' A NSW Ambulance spokesman told NCA NewsWire a man aged in his fifties was taken to Liverpool Hospital with multiple stab wounds. The attack on the bishop comes just three days after six people were killed during a stabbing massacre at Sydney's Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre Three other people were also injured - a man aged in his thirties suffered multiple lacerations, a man in his twenties received a cut to his hand, and a man in his sixties had wounds on an arm. 'Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command, supported by multiple police resources from a number of commands and specialist units, attended,' police said in a statement. 'A male was arrested and remains in police custody. 'The injured individuals suffered non-life threatening injuries and were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being conveyed to hospital.' The attack on the bishop came just three days after a knife attack across town at Westfield Bondi Junction left six people dead. This is the dramatic moment Met Police officers pursued a burglar on the run, following a Christmas Day crime spree, ramming the thug off the road before placing him in handcuffs, Ethan Veiro, 26, targeted addresses across Dagenham, East London on December 25, 2022, making off with cars, a house key and cash from families busy spending time with their loved ones, celebrating the festivities. After Met Police officers were alerted that a vehicle was reported stolen, they managed to locate the criminal in nearby Redbridge at around 12pm. A high-speed pursuit then broke out after Veiro failed to stop, following a route out of London and into Essex. Police dashcam footage show police tearing down a narrow road as officers zero in on the criminal. Veiro, of Woodford Green, was arrested and later found guilty of four counts of burglary and one count of robbery Video from the police helicopter shows Veiro attempting to flee down the motorway in a silver car When the chase reached the M11 officers were able to use a tactical manoeuvre to halt the runaway driver Footage shows Veiro's car being rammed into the hard shoulder by marked cars, expertly cornering him without any means of escape Veiro is led away in cuffs following the dramatic pursuit on Christmas Day Video from the police helicopter shows Veiro attempting to flee down the motorway in a silver car, but when the chase reached the M11 officers were able to use a tactical manoeuvre to halt the runaway driver. Footage shows Veiro's car being rammed into the hard shoulder by marked cars, expertly cornering him without any means of escape. Veiro, of Woodford Green, was arrested and later found guilty of four counts of burglary and one count of robbery. He was sentenced to six years in jail at Snaresbrook Crown Court last month. Sergeant Adam Sparrow, investigating officer, said: 'We know the damaging effect burglaries can have to individuals and communities which is why in our A New Met for London plan we're working to reduce this type of crime across London. 'Veiro managed to commit the series of offences very quickly but was tracked and pursued through the streets by my officers. 'I commend their actions, which will mean he now spends a significant amount of time behind bars.' A video posted on social media shows the shocking moment a balaclava wearing bike gang attempted to stop a police van from attending a 999 call in London. The disturbing incident apparently took place yesterday on Whitechapel Road and after being posted on X, formerly Twitter, it has been viewed over 170,000 times. In the footage, a balaclava-clad thug on a bike can be seen seemingly giving the middle finger to the police officer behind the wheel as they prevent the van from driving any further. The trouble-causing cyclist is then joined by others who blatantly ignore the van's blaring sirens and continue to block its path. The police van then attempts to reverse in a possible attempt to get around the hooligans. However, the same biker, who rudely gestured at the coppers seconds earlier, follows them and begins aggressively kicking the vehicle. In the footage, a balaclava-clad thug on a bike can be seen seemingly giving the middle finger to the police officer behind the wheel as they prevented the van from driving any further The trouble-causing cyclist is then joined by others who blatantly ignore the van's blaring sirens and continue to block its path Eventually, the thugs relent and allow the police van to carry on its journey. The camera then pans out to reveal dozens of other cyclists loitering along the busy East London road. Some small children can also be seen amongst the large crowds This happened outside barclays bank in whitechapel Road pic.twitter.com/xK6wyF0GwO London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) April 14, 2024 Eventually, the thugs relent and allow the police van to carry on its journey. The camera then pans out to reveal dozens of other cyclists loitering along the busy East London road. Some small children can also be seen amongst the large crowds. In another lawless incident in the capital yesterday, the Metropolitan Police clashed with pro-Palestine demonstrators. Hundreds of people gathered in London as the police struggled to keep the crows under control. The chaotic footage shows dozens of officers appearing to jostle with protesters on Curzon Street, Mayfair, in an attempt to keep them out of the road with umbrellas getting crushed in the crowds and some people having to step over bikes parked on the pavement. When police eventually formed a cordon in the area, demonstrators held up banners and shouted through megaphones as the crowds grew. The police also struggled to keep a group of charging protesters under control as they rushed down the street. Policing in London has become a hot button issue for the candidates in this year's Mayoral election. The incumbent Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan claims on his campaign website that he will be: 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime' and says keeping London safe and reforming the Met is his 'top priority.' Meanwhile, Susan Hall, the Tory candidate who wants Mr Khan's job, has promised to 'get a grip on crime' if she wins the election on May 2. MailOnline has approached the Metropolitan Police for a comment. The priest stabbed during a sermon at a church in western Sydney is a known anti-vaxxer who railed against lockdowns during the Covid pandemic. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was delivering mass at Wakeley's Christ The Good Shepherd Church on Monday night when he was attacked at about 7pm. Horrifying footage of the incident, which was being broadcast live on the church's YouTube page, shows Bishop Emmanuel look up in astonishment as the attacker dressed in black suddenly rains down blows on his face and head. The attack comes just days after six people were stabbed to death in a separate rampage at Sydney's Westfield Bondi Junction. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was delivering mass at Wakeley's Christ The Good Shepherd Church on Monday night when he was attacked at about 7pm Bishop Emmanuel rose to prominence during the Covid pandemic by criticising harsh lockdown measures which he branded 'mass slavery'. He claimed vaccines would not work against the virus because living 'normally' would boost immunity. 'Are we humans? Because we are being treated like animals,' Bishop Emmanuel said in a sermon in 2021. 'They are encouraging people to go and take vaccine and stay at home. They have had enough.' He also said: 'I believe, even though I am not in the medical field and I am not an expert, that stress is the number one killer of the immune system,. 'The vaccine supposedly is to work to strengthen the immune system yet on the other hand we have made people go through so much stress and anxiety that it has destroyed it. Then what is the use of this vaccine?' Bishop Emmanuel is pictured with Father Isaac Royel, who was also hurt Horrifying footage of the incident, which was being broadcast live on the church's YouTube page, shows Bishop Emmanuel look up in astonishment as the attacker dressed in black suddenly rains down blows on his face and hea Bishop Emmanuel rose to prominence during the Covid pandemic by criticising harsh lockdown measures which he branded 'mass slavery' He has since developed a large TikTok following and has 290,000 followers on the church's Facebook. A spokesperson for NSW Police said Bishop Emmanuel suffered 'non-life threatening injuries'. 'Officers arrested a male and he is assisting police with inquiries,' the spokesperson added. Daily Mail Australia approached NSW Ambulance for comment. More than 500 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats yesterday on the busiest day of arrivals so far this year, as politicians prepare for the latest fight to get deportation flights to Rwanda off the ground. Some 534 people were detected crossing from the continent on Sunday, according to provisional figures from the Home Office. It takes the figure for the year to date to 6,265 - 28 per cent higher than the same point in 2023. It came as the Commons returns from Easter recess this afternoon with Rwanda flight legislation high on the agenda for a Tory government desperate for a boost in the polls. Peers are coming under increasing pressure to drop their opposition to the government's new law, with ministers hoping to start flights within weeks. Asked whether the timeline could slip in to the summer, the Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters on Monday: 'Our commitment remains to get flights off as soon as possible, and that has not changed. Some 534 people were detected crossing from the continent on Sunday, the highest according to provisional figures from the Home Office. MPs will this evening consider amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, which inflicted a series of defeats against the controversial policy before rising for the spring break. The cumulative number of arrivals by small boats in 2024 now stands at a provisional total of 6,265 - 28 per cent higher than the total at the equivalent point last year, which was 4,899, and 7 per cent higher than the total at this stage in 2022, which was 5,828. 'Clearly this week the PM is focused on ensuring that the Bill progresses through Parliament as quickly as possible. 'And once the Safety of Rwanda Bill and the treaty are in place to get flights off as soon as possible then we'll set out further details on operational plans subsequently.' Pressed repeatedly on whether this meant flights in spring, the official said: 'We remain committed to the timetables previously set out.' Some 10 boats were detected on Sunday, which suggests an average of around 53 people per boat. MPs will this evening consider amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, which inflicted a series of defeats against the controversial policy before rising for the spring break. Your browser does not support iframes. The Government will seek to strip out changes made by peers who want extra legal safeguards, including a provision to ensure 'due regard' for domestic and international law. But the Lords could decide to push their changes again, starting what is known as 'ping-pong' with the law passing between the Commons and the upper chamber repeatedly. Peers were today warned not to do this, having made clear their feelings about the law. Senior Tory Sir John Hayes told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Of course, it's right that there is a balance between Commons and Lords and indeed between Parliament and the executive but when a government devises and wants to implement a policy which is clear and precise in terms of its objectives, the Lords shouldn't stand in its way... No10 today said the Prime Minister's message to the Lords was: 'This week Parliament has the opportunity to pass a Bill to save the lives of those being exploited by people smuggling gangs.' 'I think in the end the Lords will give way on this because they recognise that balance.' It came as it was revealed ministers were examining plans to expand the deportation scheme away from east Africa, holding talks with countries including Armenia, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and Botswana. They have all entered talks with the UK government in what it describes as a 'third-country asylum processing deal', according to The Times. Progress has reportedly stalled with all four countries, which were priorities in a long list of potential locations, as the Rwanda scheme struggles to get off the ground after two years of legal and political wrangling. The Foreign Office (FCDO) also considered South American states including Paraguay, Peru, Brazil and Ecuador, but suggested their governments may have less interest in signing up. Among those on a 'reserve list' included Cape Verde, Senegal, Tanzania and Sierra Leone - meaning they could be approached if talks with other, more favoured targets didn't succeed. Concerns were expressed that issues with the Rwanda Bill could put potential candidates off, with Armenia for example said to be awaiting the outcome of the policy (capital Yerevan pictured) However senior Tories at the weekend suggested that they have yet to find an airline to carry deported migrants to Rwanda, despite planning to begin flights within weeks. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins insisted the Home Office is 'ready to go' in implementing the scheme as a Bill aimed at saving the stalled deportation policy makes its way through Parliament. But she could not confirm in media interviews today who would operate the flights. And separately, deputy Tory Party chairwoman Rachel Maclean appeared to suggest a carrier had still not been confirmed. Ms Maclean told Times Radio: 'I'm sure that we will have a carrier in place ... and this is all part of operationalising the plan. We need this plan because we need to have the deterrent effect.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has repeatedly said flights to Kigali will take off by spring, but refused to name a specific date. It comes after reports suggested that Rwanda's state-owned airline turned down a UK Government proposal to transport asylum seekers because it wanted to avoid being associated with the controversial scheme. BBC bosses today apologised after Radio 2 played Kool & The Gang's 70's hit Ladies Night, which contains the lyrics 'oh, what a night', during a report about Iran's missile attack on Israel. The technical issue, that saw the intro to the 1979 hit played out, happened on the Radio 2 5pm news bulletin yesterday. It played as the IDF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner launched a verbal attack on Iran for its decision to send 350 drones and missiles to blitz Israel on Saturday night. As Lt Lerner said that Iran had 'proven' it continues to be 'a very substantial enemy' to Israel, a base and guitar can be heard clearly alongside his comments, while someone sings 'oh yeah'. Hitting out the mishap, that took place right before Judi Love came on to cover Rob Beckett, one listener fumed: 'Is it amateur hour at the BBC?' The BBC have apologised for a blunder after it played Kool & The Gang's 70's hit Ladies Night, which contains the lyrics 'oh, what a night', during a report about Iran 's missile attack on Israel Iran sent more than 300 drones and missiles to blitz Israel on Saturday night. Pictured: An anti-missile system operating over Ashkelon, Israel Lyrics from Kool & the Gang's song include: 'Oh yes it's ladies night and the feeling's right - oh yes it's ladies night, oh what a night, oh what a night!' Lyrics from the song include: 'Oh yes it's ladies night and the feeling's right - oh yes it's ladies night, oh what a night, oh what a night!' Another told the Sun: 'I just thought, 'wow, someone must be having a wind-up here'. I was gobsmacked, I couldn't believe they could have played that. Surely, at a time when everyone is fearing World War 3, we didn't need to hear that.' A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'The introduction of the first song to be played on Judi Love's show was played within a part of the Radio 2 news bulletin at 5pm by mistake, and we apologise for the error.' The blitz that went on into the early hours of Sunday morning saw the RAF and the United State's Air Force preventing the missiles, alongside Israel's Iron Dome defence system. It marked a pivotal moment in the conflict with the world on edge to see if Israel will retaliate to Tehran's attack. This morning, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, urged Israel not to escalate clashes with Iran further, in a frantic bid to defuse tensions. This morning, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, urged Israel not to escalate clashes with Iran further, in a frantic bid to defuse tensions As Lt Lerner said that Iran had 'proven' it continues to be 'a very substantial enemy' to Israel, a base and guitar can be heard clearly alongside his comments, while someone sings 'oh yeah'. Pictured: Rocket trails above the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) during a War Cabinet meeting at the Kirya in Tel Aviv He said the focus needed to remain on Hamas and rescuing the hostages that have still not been returned. Lord Cameron's media round came ahead of Rishi Sunak making a statement to MPs this afternoon. Last night's technical mishap is not the first time the BBC has made a mistake since war broke out in the Middle East once again following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. In November the corporation apologised after it incorrectly reported that Israeli soldiers were 'targeting medical teams and Arab speakers' in a raid on Gaza's main hospital. Ms Miller had misread the initial report made by Reuters news agency, telling viewers: 'We are hearing from Reuters that Israel says its forces are carrying out an operation against Hamas in Gaza's al Shifa hospital. 'And they are targeting people including medical teams as well as Arab speakers.' The newsreader then went on to repeat the claim again, stating that Israel was 'targeting Arab speakers as well as some of the medical staff there'. The incident led to an uproar from those within the British Jewish community with The Board of Deputies of British Jews calling for an immediate apology. BBC newsreader Monica Miller misquoted a report about what the IDF is calling a 'targeted operation against Hamas Meanwhile the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: 'The BBC has become a parody of itself. 'It baselessly accuses Israel of "targeting health workers and Arab speakers" only to acknowledge it should have said the very opposite: that the Israeli teams included health workers and Arabic speakers, in order to minimise harm to local civilians.' Last night's sound tracking mistake came a month after the Mail on Sunday revealed that BBC journalists behind a report accusing Israeli soldiers of beating medics at a Gaza hospital had 'liked' videos celebrating Hamas terror attacks online. The FBI has launched a criminal probe into the Baltimore bridge collapse that killed six construction workers. Agents will investigate whether the 22-strong crew of the Dali knew it had serious systemic issues before they left the Maryland port on March 26. Some were seen arriving at the ship today to speak to the crew, who remain onboard. Meanwhile Baltimore's mayor said the city is bringing in outside firms to 'hold responsible all entities accountable for the Key Bridge tragedy'. He has hired two law firms to sue Grace Ocean Private, the Singapore-based company that owns the ship. FBI agents arrive at the Dali on Monday morning to interview the crew still on board Agents were seen arriving at the cargo ship on Monday morning to conduct interviews It comes just three weeks after shocking footage beamed around the world showing the 110,000-ton cargo ship ram into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The huge smash caused it to collapse on to the vessel and into the freezing river, sending six construction workers to their death. The criminal probe will be overseen by the US district attorney's office in Maryland and focus on how much the 22-crew knew about the ship's problems. Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott said: 'This unthinkable tragedy has taken Marylanders from their loved ones, and risked the livelihoods of thousands of Baltimoreans who rely on the Port of Baltimore. 'Part of that work needs to be seeking recourse from those who may potentially be responsible, and with the ship's owner filing a petition to limit its liability mere days after the incident, we need to act equally as quickly yo protect the City's interest.' There is already a separate federal probe into the deadly collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge by the National Transportation Safety Board. The FBI has launched a criminal probe into the Baltimore bridge collapse that left six construction workers dead Six construction workers who fell into the river when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed are presumed dead as the Coast Guard calls of the search During the initial stages of that probe, investigators are focusing on the electrical power system of the massive container ship that veered off course. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said her agency is gathering data with assistance from Hyundai, the manufacturer of equipment in the ship's engine room. Testifying before a U.S. Senate committee, she said investigators have also requested assistance to examine its circuit breakers. 'That is where our focus is right now in this investigation,' she said. 'Of course, that's preliminary. It could take different roads, different paths as we continue this investigation.' Homendy said they've zeroed in on the electrical system. The ship experienced power issues moments before the crash, as evidenced in videos showing its lights going out and coming back on. Investigators are also examining the bridge design and how it could be built with better pier protection 'under today's standards,' Homendy said. The construction workers killed in the collapse, from top left to bottom right, Alejandro Hernandez, Miguel Luna, Maynor Suazo, Jose Lopez and Dorlian Castillo The container ship Dali was leaving Baltimore, laden with cargo and headed for Sri Lanka, when it struck one of the bridge's supporting columns last month, causing the span to collapse into the Patapsco River and sending six members of a roadwork crew plunging to their deaths. Divers have recovered three bodies from the underwater wreckage, while the remaining three victims are still unaccounted for. Crews have been working to extract sections of the fallen bridge, including those entangled in a muddy mess at the bottom of the Patapsco River. 'This work is remarkably complex,' Maryland Governor Wes Moore said during a news conference last week. Officials said they still expect to open a third temporary shipping channel by late April, which will allow significantly more commercial traffic to pass through the port of Baltimore. The east coast shipping hub has been closed to most maritime traffic since the bridge collapse, which blocked access to its main channel. Moore said efforts continue to unload shipping containers from the Dali, which will eventually be refloated once pieces of the fallen bridge have also been lifted from its bow. He said crews aim to remove 178 containers; 34 have been removed so far. Moore also called for bipartisan congressional support to fund construction of a new bridge, saying federal lawmakers came together in 2007 to pay for rebuilding the Interstate 35 bridge in Minnesota after it collapsed into the Mississippi River. He called on members of Congress to visit Maryland and see for themselves. 'Sit down with me and my team, get up close to the wreckage,' he said. 'See what we've been seeing for two weeks. See what it looks like when a steel bridge falls on top of a shipping vessel that is the size of the Eiffel Tower.' Federal safety investigators remain on scene in Baltimore. They've conducted numerous interviews, including with the ship's pilots and crew members, Homendy said during her testimony Wednesday. She testified at a hearing on her nomination to continue serving as board chair for a second term. She said the board's preliminary report on the crash will likely be released early next month. Safety investigators previously laid out a preliminary timeline leading up to the crash, which federal and state officials have said appeared to be an accident. Less than an hour after the Dali left Baltimore's port in the early hours of March 26, signs of trouble came when numerous alarms sounded. About a minute later, steering commands and rudder orders were issued, and at 1:26 a.m. and 39 seconds, a pilot made a general radio call for nearby tugboats. Just after 1:27 a.m., the pilot commanded the ship to drop an anchor on the left side and issued added steering commands. About 20 seconds later, the pilot issued a radio call reporting that the Dali had lost all power approaching the bridge. Police had enough time to stop traffic from getting onto the bridge, but not enough to alert the contraction workers. Only two of their bodies have so far been recovered from the water. Danny Abdallah, the father of the Oatlands crash tragedy victims, has spoken out after a popular bishop who he has known for years was attacked in a stabbing rampage. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was preaching at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley in Sydney's west on Monday just after 7pm when a man dressed in black walked up to the altar and stabbed him multiple times. There are also reports of multiple others taken to hospital as a tense situation unfolds on nearby streets. Mr Abdallah, who is a devoted Christian, said he cannot comprehend why anyone would want to hurt him. Hes a respected man in the community. Hes loved by all of the Assyrian community especially, he said. Bishop Emmanuel has been described as 'wonderful' and 'loved' by his congregation Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was preaching at The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley in Sydney's west on Monday evening when a man dressed in black walked up to the altar and stabbed him multiple times (pictured) Danny Abdallah says he has known the bishop for years and described him as 'respected' Hes a wonderful priest. He lives to serve others and help people. What happened tonight was just devastating. I don't know why anyone would do that. It doesnt make sense hes a very peaceful man. Mr Abdallah and his wife Leila's children Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, Sienna, eight, and their niece Veronique Sakr, 11, were walking on a footpath to buy ice-cream in Oatlands, in Sydney's west, when they were hit by a car and killed on February 1, 2020. The driver, Samuel Davidson, was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time. He is serving a 20-year jail sentence. Despite the horrific tragedy and the anger he felt, he publicly forgave Davidson and credited his faith for giving him the courage to do so. Elsewhere, NSW Police have urged members of the public to avoid the area around the church following the attack, while there are also reports that Liverpool Hospital is in lockdown as a result of riots. Worshippers outside the church in the aftermath of the stabbing as tensions threatened to boil over The suspect and the injured bishop have been taken to two different hospitals in Sydney's west, both reportedly with non life-threatening injuries. Footage posted to social media shows angry worshippers outside the Christ The Good Shepherd Church, with some heard shouting 'an eye for an eye' after the attack. Video then circulated of the alleged attacker being pinned down by churchgoers. More RAF jets have been sent to the Middle East as Rishi Sunak urges Israel to avoid escalating clashes with Iran. Downing Street said planes have been shifted from Romania as a 'prudent' measure amid rising tensions. The move comes as the PM called for 'calm heads to prevail' amid frantic diplomatic efforts to defuse the situation. Mr Sunak's official spokesman said Tehran is 'intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard' following the 350-missile blitz over the weekend. The premier will make a statement to MPs this afternoon, but No10 has dismissed pressure for a vote after the RAF helped Israel shoot down Iranian drones. British planes were already operating above Iraq and Syria and were given further permission to join the US response, the spokesman said. 'The RAF sent Typhoon fighter jets and air refuelling tankers to the region to bolster our existing operations to counter Daesh [Islamic State] in Iraq and Syria under Operation Shader,' he told reporters. 'Those jets shot down a number of one-way Iranian attack drones over Iraq and Syria. 'They also backfilled American planes in the counter Daesh operation, allowing them to deploy elsewhere to deal with the incoming threat from Iran.' Lord Cameron (right) pleaded with Israel not to escalate clashes with Iran today amid frantic efforts to defuse tensions. Rishi Sunak (left) will make a statement to MPs later Israel's Iron Dome responding to intercept the attack by Iran over the weekend Your browser does not support iframes. Six RAF Typhoons have been in Romania protecting NATO's eastern flank, close to the Black Sea. Other countries from the military alliance have stepped in. The spokesman added: 'We already have a significant presence in the region but as a prudent measure we temporarily moved a number of aircraft from Romania to bolster our existing footprint. 'Allied air forces continue to patrol NATO airspace to ensure it is protected from all threats and we have coordinated with NATO and our allies on our planes to ensure there is no gap in Romania.' Downing Street rejected Iran's claim that it gave advance warning of its drone and missile attack on Israel. Mr Sunak's spokesman said: 'We were not briefed directly by Iran on their attacks.' He added that 'more broadly, we condemn in the strongest possible terms their direct attack against Israel on Saturday night', also saying that 'it would be hard to overstate the fallout for regional stability' had the air strikes been successful. 'What we want to see now is calm heads to prevail,' the spokesman continued. 'The UK will work with our allies, including regional partners, to de-escalate the situation.' No10 said RAF jets were operating within existing permissions and defined geographic area of the Operation Shader mission against Islamic State. 'In addition, the pilots were given further permission to intercept any airborne attacks originating from Iran or their proxies within the range of our existing mission, the PM's spokesman added. 'This was a common sense measure to ensure that missiles that were flying at or past our aircraft en route to do damage, we could take them out. The UK was acting in the collective self-defence of Israel and for regional security.' It was 'absolutely right' the UK and its allies supported Israel by taking out a number of Iranian drones, the spokesman said, while declining to say how many drones were shot down by the RAF. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron echoed Joe Biden's suggestion that Benjamin Netanyahu should 'take the win' as he toured broadcast studios. He insisted the world needs to maintain a focus on Hamas and the continuing standoff over hostages from the October 7 terror attacks. The US, UK and other allies are hoping to take the heat out of the situation, which comes against the backdrop of the bitter conflict in Gaza. There are fears violence could spread across the Middle East, and potentially drag in global powers. Lord Cameron said 'Israel has every right to respond as an independent sovereign country being attacked in this way'. 'But I think we're very anxious to avoid escalation and to say to our friends in Israel it's a time to think with with head as well as heart,' he told Sky News. 'And in many ways this is a double defeat for Iran. Not only was their attack an almost total failure, but also the rest of the world can now see what a malign influence they are in the region and understand their true nature. 'And so I think it is right for Israel not to escalate, but obviously they're a sovereign, independent country and they'll make their own decisions.' The Foreign Secretary said: 'Our hope is that there won't be a retaliatory response, and instead the world's focus should shift to Hamas. 'They still hold those hostages. They've been offered a deal that prisoners can be released from Israeli jails in return for some of those hostages and there'll be a pause in the fighting. That's what needs to happen next and that's what I hope we can focus on.' IDF spokesman Peter Lerner said this morning that there would be retaliation from Israel, stating that this could involve 'a strike or no strike.' He explained that military top brass had submitted 'a wide range of options' and that there are 'a lot of different scenarios' on the table. The Israeli government will 'decide on the steps forward' as early as today. Israel says it intercepted 99 per cent of the hundreds of missiles and drones fired by Iran, with assistance from the US, UK and France. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) during a War Cabinet meeting at the Kirya in Tel Aviv Joe Biden spoke with Mr Netanyahu in a late-night phone call on Saturday 'Just because we were successful in intercepting, we shouldn't underestimate what Iran did,' Mr Lerner said. 'We can't take that lightly.' Asked whether Britain would impose more sanctions on Tehran, as Labour has called for, Lord Cameron told BBC Breakfast: 'Absolutely. We already have 400 sanctions on Iran. We put in place a whole new sanctions regime at the end of last year, which is proving very effective. 'We've sanctioned the IRGC the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in its entirety. And we'll continue to look at what further steps we can do. 'I think there is an opportunity, and I'm sure the Prime Minister will talk about this in his statement to the House of Commons, to try and work very closely with our partners in the G7. All these things are more effective if countries can act together. 'I think Britain in many ways has been at the sort of sharp end, has been the most keen on sanctions and on pressure and on turning up the heat, recognising that Iran is the malign actor in the region, but it's best if we can do these things together.' The moment worshippers pinned down the 15-year-old boy accused of stabbing a bishop in the middle of a church sermon in Sydney has been captured on video. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was preaching at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley in Sydney's west on Monday just after 7pm when a boy dressed in a dark hoodie walked up to the altar and stabbed him multiple times. Horrifying footage of the incident, which was being broadcast live on the church's YouTube page, shows Bishop Emmanuel look up in astonishment as the attacker suddenly rains down blows on his face and head. Father Isaac Royel was also among those injured in the chaos. The horror incident sparked unrest outside the church as hundreds gathered in protest, hurling bottles and bricks at a hastily-erected police barrier as chants of 'an eye for an eye' and 'bring him out' could be heard. It's understood the crowds believed the alleged attacker was still inside the building. Footage immediately after the attack has emerged of the alleged attacker being pinned down on his front by at least three people, including a police officer, as he smiles and appears to mock his captors. The moment worshippers pinned down the boy accused of stabbing a bishop in the middle of a sermon has been captured on video Bishop Mari Mari Emmanuel (left) and Father Isaac Royel (right) were both injured One man, with blood visible on his jeans, sits with his legs straddling the alleged attacker's head. 'People are praying and you come and (allegedly) do this?', the man says as he lightly slaps him on his cheek. The police officer interjects: 'Stop, just let go, please. You're going to make it worse.' But then the man holding the camera pulls the other man's leg away to reveal the alleged attacker's face. He is smiling and appears to laugh as the man holding the camera says 'you're a f***ing idiot, you're going to cop it'. The alleged attacker then appears to say: 'You think they'll hurt my brother?' as the police officers try to usher the men away. The situation outside the church and on surrounding streets remained tense. 'Police were in the process of removing the young person from the church when it was identified that a large crowd had gathered outside,' Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland told media at a late-night press conference. 'A decision was made to retain the young person in the church for his safety.' Up to 100 police officers, including riot squad cops, were called to the scene along with POL AIR. 'A number of police were injured and multiple police vehicles were damaged,' Acting Assistant Commissioner Holland said. The church asked crowds gathering outside to go home and confirmed Bishop Emmanuel and Father Isaac were in a stable condition in hospital. 'We ask for your prayers at this time,' a spokesman said, 'It is the Bishop and Father's wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator. We also kindly ask anyone at the Church premises to leave in peace, as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, teaches us.' Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was preaching at The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley in Sydney's west on Monday evening when a boy dressed in black walked up to the altar and stabbed him multiple times (pictured) Bishop Emmanuel (left) gained notoriety during the pandemic when he slammed Sydneys Covid lockdown as 'mass slavery' and claimed vaccines are futile because living 'normally' will boost immunity/ Father Isaac Royel is pictured right NSW Ambulance said that four people were injured in the incident and had been taken to Liverpool Hospital - which was placed into lockdown when angry crowds swarmed the facility. The alleged attacker suffered a hand injury and is now at an undisclosed location. Outside the church, groups of police officers, completely outnumbered, huddled together as bottles and bricks were hurled at them. Two police officer were injured in the chaos. Some in the crowd cheered as car windows were smashed. Footage on social media appeared to show a ladder being used to smash down a window of the church. Police tried to hold a perimeter in nearby Welcome Park but were broken on a number of occasions by rioters who ran towards the church. There were hostile scenes outside the church as worshippers gathered outside the church Worshippers outside the church in the aftermath of the stabbing as tensions threatened to boil over Police deployed tear gas to allow their officers to move out of the area The police were heavily armed in their efforts to quell a riot outside the church A congregation of police officers gather outside the church in Sydney's Wakeley They then deployed tear gas to allow their officers to move out of the area. Some of those gathered could be heard shouting 'they attack us with gas'. 'We are a little bit disappointed in the community themselves. A number of houses have been damaged. They've broken into a number of houses to gain weapons to throw at the police,' Acting Assistant Commissioner Holland said. 'They've thrown weapons and items at the church itself. It was obviously people who wanted to get access to the young person.' Police have vowed to ramp up patrols on mosques and places of worship in the area as tensions run high. It comes just 48 hours after six people were murdered in Westfield Bondi Junction by a crazed knifeman. Joel Cauchi, 40, stabbed five women and a male security guard to death and injured several others before he was gunned down by a police officer. A spokesperson for NSW Police said Bishop Emmanuel suffered 'non-life threatening injuries'. 'Officers arrested a male and he is assisting police with inquiries,' the spokesperson added. Daily Mail Australia approached NSW Ambulance for comment. Christ The Good Shepherd Church is in Wakeley, in Sydney's west Bishop Emmanuel has a large flock on social media, with over 17,000 followers on Facebook. He gained notoriety during the pandemic when he slammed Sydneys Covid lockdown as 'mass slavery' and claimed vaccines are futile because living 'normally' will boost immunity. Christ The Good Shepherd Church has almost 200,000 subscribers on YouTube. Two best friends who died alongside a computer science student were racing around a retail park in a convertible before hitting a hedge and crashing down an embankment, a witness has claimed. Sohail Zulfiqar, 20, and Mohamad Zeidani, 22, along with his long-time friend Mohammed Ghazzi, also 22, were killed in the horror car crash near Staples Corner in Brent Cross at the weekend. Five people, all believed to be in their early 20s, were in the Mercedes CLK convertible when it ploughed into trees at 11.26pm on Sunday. Officers believe that a number of cars were in the car park. Enquires are ongoing to establish what happened and to trace everyone who was in the car park at the time of the incident. A local shop owner said teenagers regularly 'race around' the car park and said the boys made 'several laps' of the circuit. Mr Ghazzi, Mr Zeidani and Mr Zulfiqar had been travelling with two other friends and were returning home after going to the gym in a nearby Retail Park. A family friend of Mr Zeidani's father said he is 'devastated' and his 'heart has been broken'. Mr Zulfiqar, a 20-year-old computer science student at Brunel University in Uxbridge, was just 10 days away from celebrating his 21st birthday, his brother said. Sohail Zulfiqar (pictured), a 20-year-old computer science student at Brunel University in Uxbridge, was just 10 days away from celebrating his 21st birthday, his brother said Mr Zulfiqar's younger brother said today: 'My brother was the most generous person and he was the strongest person I know'. Pictured is Sohail Royal Holloway student Mohamad Emad Zeidani, 22, (pictured) was one of the three men killed Mohammed Ghazzi, 22, was also killed in the horror car crash near Staples Corner in Brent Cross at the weekend The car can be seen in the bushes next to the road in west London today after the incident Police officers stand beside a vehicle in the undergrowth at the scene at Staples Corner today Damage to the undergrowth after a vehicle involved in the accident was removed today Police confirmed that three men died, while another is in a critical condition. A fifth man sustained injuries not deemed to be life-threatening, in what police described as a 'terrible accident'. No arrests have been made. Mr Zulfiqar, a 20-year-old computer science student at Brunel University in Uxbridge, was also killed in the crash. His younger brother, Shaan, said today: 'My brother was the most generous person and he was the strongest person I know. 'He was in his second year at university and was going to turn 21 in ten days time. 'Everybody loved him, he was just the best person you could meet. If you needed anything, he'd always help you.' A friend of the boys, who only gave his name as Nabil, said: 'They were lovely boys who'd been friends since childhood. 'They did everything together and went to the same university. They were both very intelligent.' The boys had been returning from The Gym Group, which is open 24-hours a day. Another friend at the scene, who asked not to be named, said the man who escaped serious harm did so because he was flung clear of the vehicle before it crashed. He said: 'We don't know how this accident happened. We have no answers. The families are waiting for answers from the police. We need more information. 'Three of the friends died instantly and the two others were rushed to hospital. One of them is in a very bad way. Emergency services at the scene where three people have died and another has been left critically injured in a car crash near the Staples Corner retail park Fire crew pictured at the scene of the fatal car collision on Monday morning The London Fire Brigade at the scene near Staples Corner in Brent Cross this morning 'The man who was less seriously injured was somehow thrown from the car. I don't know if that was after the car dropped down from the bank or he threw himself out.' The friend said he knew Mr Zeidani's father, who is originally from Lebanon. He added: 'He is devastated. You cannot even talk to him at the moment. His heart has been broken.' A retail worker who had viewed CCTV of the incident told MailOnline: 'You can see the car making several laps of the retail park car park over a period of about half an hour. 'The car was a soft top and had the top down. You can see it whizz past the shop on the wrong side of the car park's one-way system before it hits the hedge at speed. 'You have to slow it down in order to see the car go past. I think the driver was going pretty fast. 'Young men regularly meet in this car park and race around it. It's a fairly regular thing but on this occasion, it's ended in tragedy.' Police confirmed that three men died. Pictured: Staples Corner retail park Five people, all believed to be in their early 20s, were in the vehicle when it ploughed into trees near Staples Corner in Brent Cross at 11.26pm on Sunday (scene pictured) Emergency services were responding to the fatal crash on Sunday evening Police traffic investigators pictured at the scene of the crash on Monday morning Officers retrieved the wreckage of the silver-coloured vehicle, which was removed on Monday morning from the Staples Corner roundabout. A local garage owner told the Evening Standard: 'I turned up for work this morning and there were police everywhere. It was carnage. There was blood in the road, it was horrific.' Inspector William Mcdonald, one of the officers responsible for policing Barnet, said: 'Emergency services responded last night to what seems to have been a terrible accident. 'An urgent police investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances, led by detectives from the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit. 'Officers are in the process of informing the families of the five young people. The families will be supported by specialist officers. I send them my sincere condolences.' The recovery process was extremely complicated which led to extensive road closures but all roads have now reopened. No arrests have been made at this time. The woman dubbed 'America's worst mayor' has been accused of trying to cover for a trustee who allegedly sexually assaulted another employee on a work trip to Vegas. Dolton Democrat Mayor Tiffany Henyard, 40, faces a litany of investigations over claims of corruption, sexual harassment and retaliation against political opponents. In the latest lawsuit, Henyard is accused of attempting to protect Dolton Trustee and community activist Andrew Holmes after he was accused of sexual assault. The alleged victim claims Holmes assaulted her before parading her naked body on a video call to Henyard's security officer after a conference on May 26, 2023. The officer alerted Henyard - but she responded by demoting him to 'patrol duty' and firing the alleged victim, per the lawsuit. Holmes vehemently denies the claims. Tiffany Henyard, Mayor of the small village of Dolton, Illinois, is clinging on to power - and a nearly $300,000 salary - despite a slew of complaints and investigations into her In the latest lawsuit, Henyard is accused of attempting to protect Dolton Trustee and community activist Andrew Holmes after he was accused of sexual assault. Holmes (pictured) denies the claims Dolton Democrat Mayor Tiffany Henyard, 40, faces a litany of investigations over claims of corruption, sexual harassment and retaliation against political opponents In the civil suit filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the alleged victim says she began to feel 'disoriented' and 'blacked out' during the trip to Las Vegas. She said she has no memory of the night after that until waking up fully dressed in Holmes' bed, according to the documents seen by the Chicago Tribune. Meanwhile, Henyard's former security officer, who is the second plaintiff in the suit, said that Holmes launched a disturbing video call with him that same evening. He said Holmes appeared intoxicated and showed the alleged victim 'partially undressed' in his Nevada hotel bed during the call. Holmes 'moved the camera to various private areas of (the employee's) body displaying them on screen... and at times moving or removing articles of clothing as he transmitted the images' according to the legal documents. The security officer said Holmes later told him the sex was 'unprotected' and the officer relayed this information to the alleged victim. They had a meeting with Henyard to recount the events of the night - but instead of investigating the claims, she fired the alleged victim, according to the lawsuit. The security guard was also seemingly punished for his whistleblowing - he was 'demoted to patrol duty' just 'days later' per the complaint. On top of this, he was also 'subjected to criticism unlike his peers for various behaviors' and was told to avoid Holmes and Henyard at work events. The lawsuit seeks 'civil remedies' in compensation for the alleged 'assault and battery' by Holmes and retaliation by Henyard. Attorney Burt Odelson, legislative counsel for the Dolton Board of Trustees, claims Henyard has 'pillaged the village' through her spending and alleged impropriety Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot may have a new job very soon, as she's been hired by the nearby village of Dolton, Illinois to investigator their mayor, whom many have called 'America's worst' Henyard even has a criminal past and a mugshot, having been arrested and charged with criminal trespass to vehicles in 2016, the New York Post reported It claims Holmes violated the Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images Act, while Henyard, the village of Dolton and Thornton Township of violated the Human Rights Act. DailyMail.com has contacted Henyard, Holmes and the mayor's office for comment. Henyard cashes in a $300,000 salary for being the mayor of Dolton - a Chicago suburb - and supervisor of nearby Thornton Township. The FBI is investigating Henyard for corruption and the Dolton board of trustees appointed former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot to lead a separate probe into Henyard. Lightfoot's appointment, at a cost of $400 an hour, has also proved controversial after her disappointing stint as Chicago mayor. Repeated efforts to oust Henyard have failed. A recall vote in favor of removing her from office was overturned by an appeals court and opponents are now hoping the slew of investigations will trigger her downfall and possibly even criminal charges. Henyard gained notoriety and the label 'America's worst mayor' for her lavish personal spending and bombastic approach to politics, which has included recruiting DJs to perform at village meetings. Recent meetings of the Village of Dolton have descended into confrontations about Henyard's conduct, with residents pleading with her to step down. But Henyard has used her mayoral powers to block attempts to oust her. Last week she vetoed a resolution passed by the village board in support of an investigation into her spending. The board, which has a majority who are against Henyard, has overrode her veto powers on several occasions. Self-described 'Super Mayor' Tiffany Henyard, 40, has been accused of embezzling taxpayer funds and retaliating against a victim of sexual assault - and last month vetoed an investigation into the allegations Lightfoot may not get very far, however, as Henyard's mayoral powers extend to potentially vetoing the probe The high-rolling mayor, who earns $300,000 for her public duties, has spent thousands more on first class trips, a professional hair and makeup team and a security detail In one photo posted to Instagram, Henyard even appeared to pose with a dog laden with jewelry Attorney Burt Odelson, legislative counsel for the Dolton Board of Trustees, said: 'Bills aren't getting paid, the poor village is $7 million in debt and she goes on Las Vegas junkets. 'That seems to be the most obnoxious thing she has done. But it is not. There [are] many, many more.' Odelson said the litany of claims and Henyard's refusal to step down or explain herself have led to 'the oddest situation' he has encountered in five decades as an attorney representing municipalities. 'The people are suffering because they are denied services,' he said, adding that Henyard has 'pillaged the village'. She has also been accused of weaponizing the local police force to act as her own security detail and retaliate against her political opponents. Henyard denies wrongdoing. Police have found a missing toddler, aged three, who vanished near a major London train station. The young boy, called Samarth, was last seen prior to his disappearance at the junction of Bishopsgate and Liverpool Street. He was wearing a red puffer jacket with a hood at the time of his disappearance. The City of London Police issued an appeal for the public's help on Twitter, but deleted it soon after to announce he had been found. A spokesman for the force has thanked everyone who shared the appeal. The young boy, called Samarth, went missing at the junction of Bishopsgate and Liverpool Street Anyone with information was urged call City of London Police on 020 7601 2222 or 101. City of London Police has been contacted for further comment. The relationship between Britain and Ireland is 'a lot better' today than it was a year ago, according to Irish premier Simon Harris. The Fine Gael leader has also vowed to work with the governments across the UK to 'realise the full potential' of all communities. Mr Harris made the comments as he addressed the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (Bipa) at Druids Glen Hotel in Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co Wicklow. It was the first time he has spoken as Taoiseach at a meeting of Irish and UK parliamentarians. Praising the political leaders in Northern Ireland, Mr Harris said: 'I think British Irish relationships are a lot better now than they were even a year ago, thanks to the Windsor Framework. 'There is now an opportunity to say 'What's next? What more can we do together?' And I look forward to exploring that because both the First Minister (Michelle O'Neill) and the deputy First Minister (Emma Little-Pengelly) were very clear that they are determined to work together on shared objectives in a practical and pragmatic way and to work with the Government of Ireland in the same spirit. The Fine Gael leader has also vowed to work with the governments across the UK to 'realise the full potential' of all communities. Mr Harris made the comments as he addressed the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (Bipa) at Druids Glen Hotel in Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co Wicklow. It was the first time he has spoken as Taoiseach at a meeting of Irish and UK parliamentarians. 'The Government of Ireland will likewise continue to work to realise the full potential of co-operation and dialogue across borders and communities. This is at the heart of the Government's shared islands initiative.' Mr Harris told delegates that, as the world becomes ever more competitive, they need to work together to help 'grow the size of the pie' so everyone across the islands benefit. The 37-year-old reminded the audience that he was not old enough to vote in the Good Friday Agreement, but that he is now the head of government in the Republic. 'We need to really consider this. There's a whole generation of people who are yearning to be involved in a conversation about the future, in a conversation about how we work together, in a conversation that is not meant to be divisive and not meant to be argumentative, but in a conversation about what are the practical areas in which we can work together and how do we get to know each other better,' he added. 'I'm also, if I'm being very honest, of a generation where people are more familiar now with London and Berlin and Paris than they might be with Belfast or Derry. 'I think we really have to challenge ourselves, emblems aside - how do we actually make sure people on this island and these islands get to know each other better? 'Because it is interpersonal relationships, it's knowing each other, it's being familiar with each other that is the key to embedding peace. 'I think there's a challenge in all of us and a challenge I pose to this assembly today. How do we get talking again and how do we get people knowing each other?' He also praised past political leaders who were instrumental in bringing peace in Northern Ireland, but said the public have yet to see the full benefit of their achievements. 'I want us to reflect how, in this turbulent world, we can make these islands a better place for the generations that follow us,' he said. 'I often think the last generation gave us the most incredible gift possible, they gave us a peace process. They gave us peace. They gave us a framework, and they gave us one of the most enduring peace processes possible. 'But, if we're to be self-critical, we have yet to see the full benefit of it. We've seen the peace elements, now we must see the prosperity element.' Humphrey believes she has found a likely suspect who will face charges this year Melissa Witt vanished when she went to surprise her mother at a bowling alley A private investigator who has dedicated a decade of her life to unmasking the killer of a 19-year-old Arkansas student believes the suspect is soon to face charges. LaDonna Humphrey is an author and advocate based near the city of Fort Smith, where Melissa 'Missy' Witt grew up and was last seen alive. The teen vanished on December 1, 1994, after going to surprise her mother at a bowling alley. Six weeks later, hunters discovered her naked body in the Ozark National Forest. 'We are very confident that we know who killed Melissa, which is a huge place to be,' Humphrey told the U.S. Sun. The author has dedicated the past eight years of her life to scrutinizing the cold case in the hopes of preventing the teenager from becoming 'just another female victim.' Melissa 'Missy' Witt, 19, vanished from the parking lot of a bowling alley in Fort Smith, Arkansas in December 1994 Her body was discovered by hunters in Ozark National Forest (pictured) six weeks later. She was naked and without her belongings LaDonna Humphrey, an author and private investigator, has dedicated nearly a decade of her life to hunting Witt's killer - and believes the suspect will face charges 'imminently' As a mother to five daughters herself, Humphrey feels personally responsible to find Witt's killer - and believes he will be charged 'imminently.' On the day of her disappearance, the teen was planning to meet her mother after an argument but never made it inside the bowling alley. Investigators found blood in the parking lot and apparent signs of a struggle. An autopsy showed she had been strangled before she was dumped in the forest, around 45 miles from home. Her clothing and belongings were never found. Humphrey has written several books about the decades-long cold case, and the third and final installment features interviews with members of law enforcement who investigated the case. The book, which is out later this month, lays out three pieces of evidence Humphrey believes will lead to the identification of the real murderer. For years, police held convicted killer and rapist, Larry Swearingen, as the prime suspect in Witt's case. Swearingen had been found guilty of the 1998 murder of another 19-year-old, Melissa Trotter, in neighboring Texas. He professed his innocence up to the day of his execution in August 2019, and Humphrey herself is convinced he was not involved in Witt's case. Witt was strangled before her body was dumped in the woods. Police found blood and signs of a struggle in the parking lot from which she had vanished Convicted killer Larry Swearingen was considered the prime suspect in Witt's case, but denied involvement up to the time of his execution. As Humphrey pored over Witt's journals, she found a promising lead The author declined to name the suspect, but says he 'has a very violent history' including the abuse of a number of ex-girlfriends As she launched a 'deep dive' into the teen's life that included combing through her diary, one suspect continued to crop up. Humphrey has declined to name him amid the pending investigation, but shared he 'has a very violent history,' with nearly two dozen people coming forward 'to talk about the violence that they had experienced at his hands.' This included ex-girlfriends who had been beaten and strangled by the suspect, Humphrey said. A breakthrough came when she managed to trace the man's former roommate, who said the suspect was 'supposed to see Melissa the night she disappeared.' He also had a Mickey Mouse watch that he displayed in their apartment, adding to the mystery. Witt was wearing a similar watch at the time of her death, but it was never recovered. 'He fits the profile given by the FBI of Melissa's killer,' Humphrey said of the suspect, adding that he had served prison time. She conceded that there will be no way to prove the watch was Witt's 'until we get our hands on it,' but insists it was more than a coincidence. Last December 1 marked the 29th anniversary of Witt's abduction from the Bowling World parking lot in Fort Smith. The man's former roommate shared that he kept a Mickey Mouse watch on display in their apartment, similar to one Witt had been wearing that vanished from her body Humphrey's organization, All the Lost Girls, partnered with Who Killed Missy Witt to put forth a $29,000 reward for 'critical pieces of information' connected to the case Widespread fascination with the case has sparked the genesis of organizations specifically dedicated to hunting her killer. Humphrey is the co-founder of All the Lost Girls, a nonprofit that offers support for female strangulation cold cases in the United States by funding services like DNA testing and genetic genealogy. Her group partnered with another organization, Who Killed Missy Witt, to put forth a $29,000 reward for 'critical pieces of information' related to the case. 'This was a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her and somebody took it from her,' Witt told 5 News. 'And it left behind people who were devastated and have had to try to go on with their lives for 29 years without justice.' The author and amateur sleuth once again expressed her belief that justice is around the corner. 'I believe that we're gonna see it solved in the next year, I firmly believe that,' Humphrey said. 'I really am so encouraged that even after 29 years, people are saying we can't let this go on another year, we don't want to get to the 30th anniversary, we want answers now.' One New York City worker is willing to commute from a bit further away than typical in order to save a few bucks. Hairstylist, Katlin Jay, 30, spends money on planes, trains and automobiles, to travel from her Charlotte, North Carolina, home to her job on the Upper West side. But, she insists that she is paying less money to travel in for two weeks a month than if she lived in New York City. She estimates that she spends just under $1,000 a month on flights, ground transportation and paying some rent to a friend with whom she stays. The average cost of rent in New York City is about $3,747. The average rent in Charlotte is less than half that- $1,400. 'I stay at my friend Jenni's house. I pay her a little bit for rent so it works out both ways thats one of the things that made it really affordable to do this back and forth. I dont have to get a hotel every time,' Jay told NBC New York. Katlin Jay, 30, commutes nearly 650 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina, to New York City to work her job as a hairstylist on the Upper West Side The Upper-West-Side stylist documented her commute in a video she posted on her TikTok. In the video, she showed how she wakes up at 5:30 am to prepare for her flight, quickly performing her skin-care routine and grabbing some breakfast. At the airport, she goes through TSA pre-check and takes a shuttle to her gate, where she arrives 13 minutes before boarding begins. Then she boards the plane, sits in her seat and naps for the duration of the flight. After landing in New York, she takes public transport to the Upper West Side and has time to stop at a favorite coffee shop for a quick cup of coffee. Once Jay is at the salon, she normally has some time budgeted before her first client. In the video, the stylist said: 'If all goes to plan...I have about an hour and half to two hours before my first client.' Before the salon closes at 9 pm, Jay sees nine clients and then goes to her friend's place, where she's staying while in the Big Apple. Jay told The New York Post her commute, which she has been doing for a year, is more feasible than renting an apartment. 'It's cheaper than renting my own apartment on the Upper West Side,' she said. Over the course of a month, Jay works six days in the city and four days at a salon in Charlotte, where she moved to be closer to her boyfriend and 'enjoy a slower pace of life'. The commute affords the stylist time to rest and unwind. 'I nap on the plane traveling both ways, and I have a lot of personal time between trips'. Jay shared a video on her Instagram that documented her commute. She took an Uber to the Charlotte Airport, where she arrived at her gate 13 minutes before boarding began Before closing her window, Jay filmed an aerial view of Charlotte. The hairstylist naps for the duration of the hour and a half flight Jay previously lived in New York City, but left in April of last year, saying she wanted to be closer to her boyfriend and to enjoy a slower lifestyle pace 'I'm coming out ahead,' Jay said. Jay had only good things to say about the commute when she spoke with NBC4. The stylist said: 'The pros are not paying New York City rent. As we know, it is quite expensive'. Jay is what's known as a 'super commuter,' someone who travels from far-flung places to get to work and save a few bucks. According to the findings of a recent report conducted by the Center for Women's Welfare, half of all households in New York City fail to earn enough money to take care of their basic needs. As a consequence of the dearth of affordable housing, 'super commuters' are on the rise. Jay is one of an estimated 64,000 'super commuters,' who travel from outside of the tri-state area to work in Manhattan. Jay (pictured at the salon on the Upper West Side) said her commute is cheaper than renting an apartment in Manhattan At the salon on the Upper West Side, Jay normally sees nine clients over the course of a day In a month, Jay works six days at the salon in Manhattan and four days at a salon in Charlotte Another super commuter, Chip Cutter, a Wall Street Journal reporter, relocated closer to his family in Columbus, Ohio, early in the pandemic and never left. He chose to show up at the office for at least three days a week, maintaining elite status with both Hyatt and American Airlines, instead of paying thousands of dollars for a shaky Manhattan studio. On commuting days, Cutter woke up at 4.15am in Columbus to catch a 6am flight, arriving at the office in Midtown Manhattan after three hours. He spent nights at an elegant and classy room in the Beekman, a luxury hotel known for its historic atrium in lower Manhattan and enjoyed free breakfasts as an elite member with Hyatt. After three days of meeting sources and working at the office, he would return to Columbus, where the rent is half the price of Manhattan. But Cutter learned that the super commuter lifestyle is a hard one to sustain. 'Shocking no one, that fantasy [of a super commuter] soon came crashing down. Burning points on fancy hotel rooms was the first problem,' Cutter wrote in a WSJ article. He felt awkward answering questions about his living situation at parties. 'I came to dread the go-to question asked at parties and work events in New York: So where do you live? Chip Cutter, a Wall Street Journal reporter, relocated closer to his family in Columbus, Ohio, early in the pandemic and has never left. He has become a fully-fledged super commuter Cutter spent nights at an elegant and classy room in the Beekman, a luxury hotel known for its historic atrium in lower Manhattan and enjoyed free breakfasts as an elite member with Hyatt Ultimately, the elaborate commute turned out not to be as prudent an endeavor as he had thought. 'In the end, the math didnt work. I blew my budget by 15% and drained my miles balance,' he acknowledged. But Cutter remained satisfied with the experience, although he wasn't certain how long he could keep it up: 'I still enjoy having one foot in the Midwest and one on the East Coast, though Im not sure how long I can keep it up'. Suggesting someone is 'playing the race card' if they complain about how they have been treated at work is racist, an employment tribunal has ruled. Implying that an ethnic minority colleague is raising bigotry without foundation is an act of of discrimination itself, a judgment concluded. This is because it is 'inconceivable' a white person would face the same accusation, the tribunal said, describing the comment as 'irrefutably connected' with race. The ruling came in the case of British Army musician Dwight Pile-Grey who successfully sued the Ministry of Defence for race discrimination, harassment and victimisation. The Lance Sergeant, a black Rastafarian French Horn player in the Grenadier Guards, took legal action after he was denied entry to his barracks while wearing civilian clothes by a guard who did not believe at first he was a soldier. The ruling came in the case of British Army musician Dwight Pile-Grey (pictured) who successfully sued the Ministry of Defence for race discrimination, harassment and victimisation LSgt Pile-Grey's victory in the tribunal against the MoD was first reported last December. However, the full judgment in the case has only now been published The Lance Sergeant, a black Rastafarian French Horn player in the Grenadier Guards, took legal action after he was denied entry to his barracks while wearing civilian clothes by a guard who did not believe at first he was a soldier When LSgt Pile-Grey complained that the Lance Corporal wouldn't have treated him that way if he had been white, he was accused of 'playing the race card' by both the guard and his superior officer who alleged he was turning the incident 'into a racial thing'. These comments, the tribunal found, were discriminatory. 'It was the tribunal's finding that a hypothetical white comparator would not have been treated in the same manner,' the tribunal said. The tribunal continued: 'It was clear from the wording used; 'going to turn this into a racial thing' and 'playing the race card' that [LSgt Pile-Grey] being black was at the forefront of [the officer's] mind. 'It seems inconceivable that he would have used such words to a white person and it therefore seemed likely that his entire approach to the interactions with [LSgt Pile-Grey] were influenced by race. 'The nature of the comment is irrefutably connected with race and as such, race must have been the reason for the treatment.' LSgt Pile-Grey's victory in the tribunal was first reported last December. However, the full judgment in the case has only now been published. The hearing in central London was told that he had joined the Army in 2005 and at the time of the incident in July 2021 was based at Wellington Barracks in the capital. The tribunal was told that while off duty and after attending a medical appointment he was stopped by a guard on duty - identified in the judgment only as Lance Corporal Stott - from returning to the barracks (stock image of the Grenadier Guards) Musicians of the Grenadier Guards march down the High Street in Windsor to rehearse the Queen's funeral At the time of the incident in July 2021 LSgt Pile-Grey was based at Wellington Barracks in central London (pictured behind the Life Guards on the right) Events he had marched at include Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Trooping the Colour and Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph. The tribunal was told that while off duty and after attending a medical appointment he was stopped by a guard on duty - identified in the judgment only as Lance Corporal Stott - from returning to the barracks. He was asked for ID but didn't have it on him at the time. The tribunal continued: '[LSgt Pile-Grey] alleges that he was subjected to racist comments by the guard. [He] also alleged that LCpl Stott was patronising and condescending in the manner in which he addressed him. '[He] alleged that he was not called 'Sir' which he should have been done by LCpl Stott, as any unidentified visitor to the barracks should be. '[LSgt Pile-Grey] goes on to allege that he identified himself and then LCpl Stott enquired with his colleagues in the barracks to confirm [his] identity. '[He] alleges that LCpl Stott said 'this gentleman thinks that he's left his ID in here, does anyone know him?' and when doing so emphasised the word 'gentleman' as if air quotes were being used - that is that LCpl did not consider [him] to be a gentleman. '[LSgt Pile-Grey] then alleges that when he identified himself, LCpl Stott said 'Well I don't know who you are and I don't need your attitude'. [LSgt Pile-Grey] eventually gained access to the barracks. He then changed into his uniform and returned to speak to the guard to challenge his behaviour '[He] alleges that during that confrontation LCpl Stott accused the Claimant of 'playing the race card'. [LSgt Pile-Grey] then sought to speak to the guard's superior officer, Staff Sargeant Flowers, who was in the guard room. '[He] alleges that when he tried to speak to SS Flowers, he made comments to him to indicate that he was not interested in listening to him, accused [him] of 'playing the race card' He also accused SS Flowers of telling him: 'If you are going to turn this into a racial thing then I'm not interested'. Grenadier Guards escort the coffin as the Procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022 in Windsor After SS Flowers walked away, the tribunal heard LSgt Pile-Grey was forcibly removed from the guardroom and an 'aggressive' altercation ensued. LSgt Pile-Grey, then 53, complained about his treatment to the garrison commander and agreed to a mediation meeting between himself, SS Flowers and LCorp Stott. However, the two soldiers never attended the meeting and instead LSgt Pile-Grey faced a disciplinary investigation for the way he had behaved that eventually resulted in him pleading guilty to insubordination in October that year. He was docked a day's pay and had the disciplinary finding added to his record. LSgt Pile-Grey made a service complaint in December about the incident and the way his complaints had been handled but this was rejected in November the following year. He took the MoD to the tribunal in June 2023. The panel upheld all of his complaints, finding that he had been discriminated against, harassed and victimised by what had happened in July 2021 and the subsequent disciplinary proceedings against him and handling of his complaints. LSgt Pile-Grey has left the Army and now teaches music. The Trump campaign arrived in New York Supreme Criminal Court on Monday morning. Donald Trump delivered remarks in the court hallway, while one his most loyal hucksters worked the crowd outside and c-list talking heads took their seats in an overflow room to watch proceedings. This was what day one in the first of Trump's criminal trials looked like. The history books will record that the first ever trial of a former commander-in-chief, a momentous day for the nation and the world, opened with discussion of whether the evidence could include unproven allegations of sexual assault against him (no, said Judge Juan Merchan) or headlines that 2016 rival Ted Cruz's father was somehow involved in the assassination of JFK (yes, ruled the judge). Through it all, in courtroom 1530 in downtown New York, the defendant made his displeasure clear. Donald Trump pursed his lips, folded his arms and made his displeasure clear during the first morning of his first criminal trial on Monday in New York Trump arrives to attend the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City Donald Trump sat stony faced, eyes narrowed and lips pursed as his lawyers did battle with prosecutors over how many salacious (and untrue) National Enquirer headlines could be shown to jurors and whether they could hear him say 'grab them by their p*****s' or whether they could only read transcripts of the famous Access Hollywood tape. The Manhattan district attorney's team sat shoulder to shoulder at their desk. In contrast, Trump dominated the space among his legal team. He leaned back in his chair or shifted forward to look at a video screen, like a silverback gorilla reminding the courtroom of who was boss. When a decision went against himlike when Judge Juan Merchan ruled he would not be recusing himselfhe briefly showed his frustration, giving a furious little nod. But at other times he did his impression of a legal scholar: Brow furrowed, head tilted as if he were considering the judge's ruling on admitting Molineux evidence. On their face the charges are prosaic: 34 counts of fiddling business records. But beneath it, prosecutors allege, was a plot to pay off two women including a porn star, Stormy Daniels, and hide their affair from voters in the run up to the 2016 election. The charges may be the least serious of the 88 he faces in four different criminal casesincluding accusations he endangered national security by keeping secret intelligence files or trying to overturn the 2020 electionbut they could turn out to be the most consequential. The New York case looks likely to be the only completed ahead of November's election. And it will provide a ream of attack lines for President Joe Biden's campaign and doubts for swing voters. Anti-Trump protesters gathered outside the courthouse on Monday morning Trump accuses prosecutors of 'political persecution' in the hallway outside courtroom Trump with his legal team, from left to right: Todd Blanche, Emil Bove and Susan Necheles Jury selection was due to begin Monday, but first the two legal teams had to work through a string of arguments about what evidence was and was not admissible. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass asked to introduce evidence about the Trump 2016 campaign's coordination with The National Enquirer. Stories included hit pieces on his 2016 rivals, including that Sen. Marco Rubio was addicted to drugs and was mired in a sex scandal. He said they were part of a deal struck at Trump Tower between the campaign and National Enquire's owner American Media Inc to hide damaging stories in a practise known as 'catch and kill.' 'This evidence will do nothing but confuse the jury about the actual crime charged,' said Todd Blanche for the defense, and he said the stories had been cherry picked. But he also said there was nothing 'illegal' or 'improper' about a publisher and a campaign meeting to discuss stories. Merchan ruled that prosecutors would be allowed to introduce them. As ever, Trump had to use his appearance to sow doubt on the proceedings as a form of election interference and to do what he could to keep his campaign running. Journalists are monitoring proceedings by videolink, with split screen views of the prosecution (bottom left), Trump team (bottom right) and Judge Juan Merchan top Outside court a maze of barricades kept protesters away from Trump's criminal trial A Trump impersonator talks to far right podcast host and Trump ally Laura Loomer 'This is an assault on America,' he told reporters in the corridor outside courtroom 1530. 'Nothing like this has ever happened beforetheres never been anything like it. 'Every legal scholar says this is nonsense, it should never have been brought. It doesnt deserve anything like this. There is no case.' His appearance brought out a familiar crop of people who have become famous on his coattails (on both sides.) George Conway, who split from Trump pollster Kellyanne Conway after he became increasingly vocal in his opposition to the then president, sat with journalists watching the hearing unfold in court room 1523, an overflow room. Outside his loyal ally Laura Loomer, known for promoting conspiracy theories, worked a crowd of Trump supporters, pausing occasionally for media hits. A maze of barricades directed pedestrians away from Trump's criminal trial. The case revolves around payments allegedly made to Stormy Daniels to hide an affair Journalists arrived early for seats in an overflow room to follow proceedings Trump waved as he left Trump Tower on Monday morning for a downtown courthouse Harried security guards directed journalists one way and then another. Protesters held up signs reading 'Loser' and 'Convict Trump Already.' Reporters were screened twice with magnetometers. Bags checked and then searched again. On the 15th floor, a makeshift pen had been built for a handful of photographers and reporters to document the former president's arrival in courtroom 1530. Trump cut a defiant figure as he left his Trump Tower home at about 8:30am, waving to onlookers. And he kept up a steady stream of social media posts and fundraising emails in the 24 hours before his appearance, accusing his opponents of using the courts to keep him off the campaign trail. 'The radical left Democrats are already cheating on the 2024 presidential election by bringing, or helping to bring, all of these bogus lawsuits against me, thereby forcing me to sit in courthouses, and spend money that could be used for campaigning, instead of being out in the field knocking Crooked Joe Biden, the worst president in the history of the United States,' he posted on his Truth Social website. 'Election Interference!' The judge in Donald Trump's hush money trial has sensationally allowed prosecutors to introduce evidence of an alleged affair with Playboy model Karen McDougal but not claims that it happened while his wife Melania was pregnant with their son Barron. Judge Juan Merchan said prosecutors could bring evidence that Trump's campaign coordinated with the National Enquirer to suppress the McDougal allegations before the 2016 election. But he stopped short of letting them bring up salacious details of the alleged relationship in front of a jury. The ruling kicked off a dramatic start to jury selection in the historic trial as Judge Merchan wouldn't say if Trump could miss court next month to attend 18-year-old Barron's high school graduation A defiant Donald Trump made history as the first former president to stand in a criminal trial as he arrived in court on Monday for jury selection in the Manhattan hush-money case Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass told the court: We intend to elicit evidence Karen McDougal was a former Playboy model who claims to have had a romantic and sexual relations with Mr Trump including while Mr Trumps wife Melania was pregnant with their child. He said that they have no intention of describing sexual acts or locales where it happened. But the fact this occurred while Melania was pregnant and after the birth of his son speaks directly to the extent to which the defendant believes the story could be damaging to his campaign, Steinglass said. Trumps lawyer Todd Blanche argued that the only value is to embarrass President Trump. He said the claims were salacious with no value Judge Merchan said that the evidence should be allowed in except for bringing up that the defendants wife was pregnant and this went on and even after she gave birth At this moment the prejudicial value excuses the probative value, he said. McDougal claims she had a ten-month affair and was in love with Trump between 2006 and 2007. She was then paid $150,000 to tell her story to the National Enquirer, but the interview was never published. Trump's blushes were spared at the start of his hush money trial on Monday as the judge refused to allow evidence he was allegedly having sex with Playboy model Karen McDougal while his wife Melania was pregnant with their son Barron McDougal claims she had a ten-month affair and was in love with Trump between 2006 and 2007. She was then paid $150,000 to keep quiet about it by the National Enquirer The former president, 77, is facing 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels over their alleged affair. Each count he has strenuously denied carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, but if found guilty he could face a fine or probation as a first-time offender. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass asked the judge to allow evidence describing the liaisons between Trump and McDougal, and the fact the former first lady was due to give birth at the time. Steinglass said: We intend to elicit evidence Karen McDougal was a former Playboy model who claims to have had a romantic and sexual relations with Mr Trump including while Mr Trumps wife Melania was pregnant with their child. Steinglass said that the National Enquirer thought the story was true after looking into it. But he said that they have no intention of describing sexual acts or locales where it happened. But the fact this occurred while Melania was pregnant and after the birth of his son speaks directly to the extent to which the defendant believes the story could be damaging to his campaign, Steinglass said. Trumps lawyer Todd Blanche aid that the only value is to embarrass' his client. He said that there is no scenario a jury wont take a negative view of Trumps behaviour and that it was salacious with no value Merchan said that the evidence should come in except for bringing up that the defendants wife was pregnant and this went on and even after she gave birth At this moment the prejudicial value excuses the probative value, he said. Trump walked into court wearing a dark blue suit and a red tie after telling reporters the case was 'outrageous' and an 'assault on America' In a setback for Trump, Judge Merchan allowed into evidence the transcript of the former president's infamous Access Hollywood tape. Steinglass said that it was incendiary and that it was an admission, or at the very least a description of sexual assault. The prosecutor said it was more than just comments of a sexual nature . Prosecutors will show jurors emails from Steve Bannon to Michael Cohen which said that the Access Hollywood tape was all over the place. Steinglass said it was powerful evidence of the Trump campaigns reaction to the incendiary evidence and explains why the campaign were so eager to explain his words as locker room talk. Daniels was living proof the defendant wasnt all talk, Steinglass added. In another ruling Judge Merchan denied a request to introduce reports that were published after the Access Hollywood tape came out about three other women making accusations against Trump. Judge Merchan said they were very, very prejudicial and just gossip. But jurors will be able to see videos of Trump denying the claims, the judge ruled. Trump's day got off to a bad start as Judge Merchan rejected a request from the his legal team to recuse himself and claimed the former president was using a 'series of inferences, innuendos and unsupported speculation'. He slapped down suggestions that posts on X by his daughter should cause him to recuse because it wasnt her account, and didn't impact his ability to oversee the proceedings. Merchan also said he wasn't ready to say whether the high-profile defendant could attend his 18-year-old son Barron's high school graduation on May 17, which falls in the middle of the case. The judge said: If everything is going according to schedule then Im sure well be able to adjourn for one or both of those days. But if were running behind schedule we will not be able to. As the judge spoke Trump folded his arms and looked unimpressed. Trump walked into court wearing a dark blue suit and a red tie after telling reporters the case was 'outrageous' and an 'assault on America'. 'This is a persecution like never before. It is an assault on America and thats why I'm very proud to be here,' he said. He then sat at his desk with his lawyer with his hands together on the desk. Trump entered behind his lead attorney Blanche, paused for a split second, licked his lips, then began walking up the courtroom's center aisle. 'Good morning, Mr. Trump', Judge Juan Merchan said cordially as he officially called the case and invited the lawyers to introduce themselves. Trump has frequently targeted Merchan with criticism and sparked a gag order after slamming his daughter's links to the Democratic party. The presumptive Republican nominee for president looked defiant as he left Trump Tower on Monday morning and waved to waiting fans and photographers as he got into his motorcade. Before he departed he went on a rant on his social media platform, Truth Social, about the 'rigged' case and the 'corrupt' charge. The presumptive Republican nominee for president sat at the defense table next to hus attorney Todd Blanche with his hands clasped 'When I walk into that courtroom, I know I will have the love of 200 million Americans behind me, and I will be FIGHTING for the FREEDOM of 325 MILLION AMERICANS!' he wrote. Trump and his team of lawyers claim the prosecution is political and the trial is a 'witch hunt' meant to stop him running for president again. The court was surrounded by protesters and photographers as he made the four-mile journey downtown to 100 Centre Street. Attorneys from both sides now have the arduous task of picking a panel of 12 impartial jurors from a pool of hundreds of Manhattan residents. Experts believe the selection process could last anywhere between five days and two weeks. The trial itself - set to last between six and eight weeks - will be full of bombshell testimony and drama that are the results of years of scandal. Trump's day got off to a bad start as Judge Juan Merchan rejected a request from the his legal team to recuse himself Judge Merchan also said he wasn't ready to say whether the high-profile defendant could attend his 18-year-old son Barron's high school graduation on May 17, which falls in the middle of the case The former president, 77, is facing 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels over their alleged affair Attorneys from both sides now have the arduous task of picking a panel of 12 impartial jurors from a pool of hundreds of Manhattan residents Trump told reporters the case was 'outrageous' and 'this is a persecution like never before nobody's ever seen' The former president, 77, is facing 34 charges of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush-money payment he made to Stormy Daniels over an alleged affair Trump walks into the downtown Manhattan Criminal Court with attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove and waves at the gathered crowds Trump and his team of lawyers claim the prosecution is political and the trial is a 'witch hunt' meant to stop him running for president again Witnesses will testify about lurid allegations of hotel suite encounters, blockbuster TV interviews and backroom deals involving the presumptive Republican nominee for president. The case revolves around the payment made to Daniels by Trump's then-fixer Michel Cohen ahead of the 2016 presidential election to keep her quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. She claims it occurred less than four months after Melania Trump gave birth to the couple's son , Barron. Since then there have been legal twists and turns at every corner, while Trump has spent four years in the White House and is now in the middle of bid for another term. Journalists and members of the public had to go through two sets of airport style security before they could get into the overflow courtroom to watch jury selection - the main courtroom was to be full of potential jurors. The second set of security involved a fingertip bag search and all glass bottles or containers were removed. The court was surrounded by barricades and a heavy police presence as the former president entered the courtroom The court was surrounded by protesters and photographers as Trump's motorcade made the four-mile journey downtown to 100 Centre Street Camera crews and media set up outside the court house on Day One of the Stormy Daniels hush money trial Anti-Trump demonstrators with large banners stand outside the Manhattan Criminal Court House at 100 Centre Street in New York City on Monday awaiting the former president's arrival A Trump supporter holds a flag backing the former president's reelection outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse on Monday ahead of his arrival Nobody was allowed to leave the courtroom when Trump arrived on the 15th floor. One member of the public protested that he couldn't leave, had a verbal altercation with court staff and asked for one of their names. The overflow room had three large TVs beaming a live stream from the main courtroom. The trial is not televised to the wider public. The TV screens showed the table where Trump and his lawyers would be seated, the prosecution table and the judge. The jury was not shown to avoid identifying them. Police have arrested a 69-year-old man on suspicion of murder relating to the death of postmistress Una Crown 11 years ago. The man, from Wisbech, was arrested this morning and remains in custody at Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough. Mrs Crown had her throat slit and her body torched before she was found lying in a pool of her blood and surrounded by burnt newspaper. Officers were called to her home in Magazine Lane, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, after family members and a neighbour discovered the body on January 13, 2013. Mrs Crown's wedding ring, front door key, and 40 were missing. Police initially thought she had accidentally set herself alight, and later apologised after a post-mortem revealed she had died from stab wounds to her neck and chest. Una Crown, 86, whose throat was slit before her body was torched The last image of Una Crown alive - CCTV taken at Wisbech Tesco on January 11 2013 Mrs Crown had been seen alive two days before and had spoken to a friend over the phone at about 5pm on the Saturday. She also appeared in good spirits as she went shopping on the Friday - with CCTV capturing her leaving a store with her trolley. Her death was initially treated as unexplained but, after a post-mortem examination concluded Mrs Crown died from stab wounds to her neck and chest, a murder investigation was launched. Mrs Crown's clothing had been set alight, in an apparent attempt to disguise her injuries and destroy evidence, but the fire did not spread to the rest of the house. Two attending police officers had initially concluded the death was not suspicious, thinking the pensioner had died from a heart attack after her clothing had accidentally caught fire due to a faulty hob ring which she had tried to put out with a tea towel. They also believed the slits to her throat were caused by the pressure from a scarf as her body hit the floor. Una Crown's bungalow in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire The bungled initial investigation meant that family members were allowed back into the property and key evidence may have been destroyed. In January, Detective Superintendent Iain Moor, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: 'It has now been 11 years since Mrs Crown's tragic death and we still seek justice for her family. 'Last year we appealed for help on national television with a reconstruction of events. It is incredibly positive we were able to reach such a large audience, but we continue to seek opportunities for new lines of enquiry. 'We also continue to re-appeal to the public for information and keep the case in people's minds. 'I am urging anyone who has information but has not yet come forward, to do the right thing and get in touch. 'Any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, may be key to solving this investigation and finally getting justice.' A pair of drug kingpins, who hid 17.2 million of cocaine in blocks of Gouda cheese, have been jailed after officers raided their drugs unit. Saleem Chaudhri was spotted by Lancashire Police driving to the unit in a Toyota estate he had picked up from a drugs courier. Officers then followed the 46-year-old and found 217 kilograms of cocaine, imported from Belgium, at the Old Fire Station in Blackburn, ready to be distributed across the country. The kingpin was arrested on May 3 2023, just hours before he was set to hand over 67kg of drugs to one courier, who was arrested on the same day, and 63kg to another. Two months later, police arrested Rieddul Mohabath, 28, who had been directing couriers involved in the cocaine distribution operation and was found to have Class A drugs and 'a significant amount of cash' in properties in the northeast. In footage posted to X, Lancashire Police officers are seen opening cardboard boxes in Saleem Chaudhri's unit After clawing away the Gouda, police find cocaine hidden away The 46-year-old was arrested on May 3 2023, just hours before he was set to hand over 67kg of drugs to one courier and 63kg to another, and the courier on the same day Chaudhri (pictured), 46, will spend 27 and a half years in prison after being sentenced on Friday Two months later, police arrested Rieddul Mohabath (pictured), 28, who had been directing couriers involved in the cocaine distribution operation. He will spend 16 years in jail Investigators later found evidence that Chaudhri agreed to sell over 2000kg of cocaine worth over 70 million. The astonishing moment officers find bags of cocaine buried inside the blocks of cheese was revealed in a video posted on social media by Lancashire Police. Police are seen cutting open cardboard boxes with a knife and finding them filled with orange cheese. The officers then carefully claw away the Gouda and discover blocks of drugs hidden away. More cocaine was then found in black bin bags at the unit and police later found almost 10,000 in cash at Chaudhri's home. The cheese-themed announcement on X, formerly Twitter, said: 'Say cheese! This is the moment Saleem Chaudhri and Rieddul Mohabath said 'cheese' to our custody camera, after concealing cocaine inside blocks of Gouda smuggled from Belgium. 'Not a Gouda idea, if you ask us. 'Back in May 2023, we raided Chaudhri's unit at the Old Fire Station in Blackburn and found a 17.2 million haul of cocaine ready to be distributed to the UK. Detective Sergeant Haydn Sibley of Lancashire Police said: 'Chaudhri and his associates went to great lengths to hide their product and with the amount of cocaine seized the biggest haul ever in Lancashire you can understand why' He added: 'I welcome the sentences that both Chaudhri and Mohabath received and I hope they send out a clear message about what you should expect to happen when we catch you supplying Class A drugs in Lancashire' The cheese-themed announcement on X, formerly Twitter, said: 'Say cheese! This is the moment Saleem Chaudhri and Rieddul Mohabath said 'cheese' to our custody camera, after concealing cocaine inside blocks of Gouda smuggled from Belgium' More cocaine was then found in black bin bags at the unit Police later found almost 10,000 in cash at Chaudhri's home 'Some of the drugs were hidden in blocks of cheese, but no problem for our sharp officers who got to work uncovering it. 'An investigation was launched, uncovering money laundering and other criminal exploits before it all crumbled like feta. 'Our evidence shows that between September 2022 and May 2023 Chaudhri agreed to sell over 2000 kilos of cocaine worth over 70 million. 'And luckily we didn't take Chaudhri's curd that he was acting alone - our investigation identified that Mohabath was directing couriers, storing cash and concealing drugs as part of the organised crime gang. 'On Friday Chaudhri was sentenced to 27 and a half years. Mohabath was today [April 12] jailed for 16 years. Meaning the pair wont be brie - sorry - free for a very long time.' The pair pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine with Chaudhri also pleading guilty to money laundering at Preston Crown Court on Friday. The post added: 'Our evidence shows that between September 2022 and May 2023 Chaudhri agreed to sell over 2000 kilos of cocaine worth over 70 million' The post added: 'Some of the drugs were hidden in blocks of cheese, but no problem for our sharp officers who got to work uncovering it' The pair pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine with Chaudhri also pleading guilty to money laundering at Preston Crown Court on Friday Detective Sergeant Haydn Sibley of Lancashire Police said: 'Chaudhri and his associates went to great lengths to hide their product and with the amount of cocaine seized the biggest haul ever in Lancashire you can understand why. 'When we arrested Chaudhri you could see by the look on his face that his world had crumbled and that is reflected by the significant sentence he has received today. 'I welcome the sentences that both Chaudhri and Mohabath received and I hope they send out a clear message about what you should expect to happen when we catch you supplying Class A drugs in Lancashire.' A leading theatre director has accused able-bodied actors of 'cripping up' and playing disabled characters. Jenny Sealey, who co-directed the opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games in 2012, said deaf and disabled people should get to play those roles instead. The 61-year-old is artistic director of Graeae Theatre Company, which is composed of deaf and disabled artists. Her comments follow the recent backlash over Shakespeare's Globe casting a non-disabled actor to play Richard III, who suffered from the spinal condition scoliosis. Able-bodied stars who have played the king in the past include Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, Kevin Spacey and Kenneth Branagh. Jenny Sealey - pictured in 2022 - is artistic director of Graeae Theatre Company, which is composed of deaf and disabled artists Ms Sealey co-directed the opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games in 2012 Actor and director Laurence Olivier seen as Richard III in the 1955 film of the same name A portrait of Laurence Olivier as Richard III in the 1955 movie Ian McKellen played the main character in the 1995 film Richard III Kevin Spacey as Richard III at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in 2011 Ms Sealey, who has been deaf since the age of seven, told Desert Island Discs: 'It's a whole series of a few steps, or wheels, forward and a hundred back. 'We have been making some fantastic in-roads. 'But at the same time, there are people who are cripping up, saying I could play Richard III, and it's like hang on a minute.' In January it emerged that Michelle Terry, artistic director of the Globe Theatre, will play Richard III during a performance of the play at the London theatre this summer. Ms Sealey continued: 'The world out there thinks that acting should be about playing anybody, absolutely, I get that. 'And people say ''Oh Jenny, you want your cake and you can eat it''. 'I said too right, I do, because we actually have not had a full cake yet, we've been given slivers. 'I want the full cake and I want more, so I do want, for my artists, and the deaf and disabled community, to play the roles that are for deaf and disabled characters. 'But also, a whole plethora of roles, until we have absolute priority.' She continued: 'Best practise? Have deaf and disabled people in the room when you're casting. 'I always cast the best person for the job. 'Their physicality, their disability, their impairment, that is part of who they are. 'Can they act? Yes, brilliant. And if they're rubbish then they don't get the job.' Kenneth Branagh performing as Richard III at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 2002 Robert Lindsay in the 'Richard III' play performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company Mark Rylance as Richard III at The Apollo Theatre in London on November 13, 2012 Kenneth Branagh as King Richard III at the Crucible in Sheffield in 2002 In January it emerged that Michelle Terry, artistic director of the Globe Theatre, will play Richard III during a performance of the play at the London theatre this summer The Globe's decision to cast Michelle Terry as Richard III caused a row when the news broke in January. Brittanie Pallet, a professionally trained disabled performer, wrote on X at the time: 'Why is an artistic director of any theatre firing themselves to play the lead when it's not their casting or lived experience? 'The misrepresentation and misinformation causes actual daily harm to the lives of real disabled people. 'The work we make is, in varying degrees, a reflection of our society and our beliefs about the people we share the world with. Most people's only experience of disabled life is through the stories we tell so it's bloody dangerous when we get that wrong.' In response to the criticism, Ms Terry said that the Globe 'hoped to provide an opportunity for all people to engage and participate in stories, told carefully and with beautiful imperfection and hopefully inspire us all to engage in the conversation,' of what it means to be human. A portrait of Richard III, Shakespeare's 'bunch-backed' scheming king The theatre itself said: 'We recognise the barriers to access in our industry and to our organisation and we are working hard to address that. 'We believe the Shakespearean canon is based on a foundation of anti-literalism and therefore all artists should have the right to play all parts in, and the casting across all our work year-round is no different.' But its response only added fuel to the fire, with one person writing: 'The Globe is making it clear that they don't care when it comes to disabled representation and refuse to listen.' Ben Wilson, a blind actor who was in Pirates of the Caribbean, said: 'Thought the battle for Richard III was starting to be won, but this feels like we're taking about 10 steps backwards.' Arthur Hughes in 2022 became the first disabled actor to play Richard III in the Royal Shakespeare Company's history. He has been previously played by disabled actors in major productions such as Kate Mulvany for Australia's Bell Shakespeare Company in 2017. It comes after Arthur Hughes in 2022 became the first disabled actor to play Richard III Controversy has also raged about whether it is legitimate for straight actors to play gay characters. Andrew Scott weighed in on the debate late last year, insisting he did not want a 'totalitarian' approach. He told Screen Daily: 'I remember growing up and reading Empire magazine and thinking I would never get a chance to play leading roles in the cinema. And I am thrilled that has changed. 'As much as I feel like representation is important, so is transformation. I don't love the idea of being cast for something purely for my own sexuality you're not just playing 'gay', you're playing the attributes of the character. 'I don't want a totalitarian regime - we have to look at each individual story we're telling and what's right for that.' Meanwhile, director Andrew Haigh said he did not believe only gay actors should play gay characters. He said: 'I'm not one of those people who thinks you have to cast a queer actor in a queer role. 'But for this role, I did want to because I was trying to unpick some nuances of a certain generation of gay people.' A former teacher at the prestigious 51,000-a-year Winchester College has appeared in court accused of 'kissing and cuddling' a schoolboy. Simon Taylor, who was the former head of drama at the independent school, would pet the teenager while 'awkwardly spooning' him on his sofa, jurors were told. Prosecutors allege the 78-year-old, who taught English and Drama at the College between 1990 and 2013, even shared a bed with the 'emotionally vulnerable' former pupil after his leaving party. The father-of-three - who the court heard was 'affectionate' with his favourites - invited the student round for tea and a chat after directing him in a Shakespearean play. But Mr Taylor went on to kiss and cuddle him on numerous occasions, before declaring his love for him, it was heard. Former drama teacher Simon Taylor, 78, pictured outside Winchester Crown Court. He denies two counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust Mr Taylor taught English and Drama at Winchester College (pictured) between 1990 and 2013 Mr Taylor (pictured outside court on Monday) is accused of 'kissing and cuddling' a schoolboy in the mid 2000s Winchester College, which was founded in 1382, is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Britain and charges boarding pupils 51,000-a-year. Mr Taylor denies two counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust. Opening the historical sex case at Winchester Crown Court, Hampshire, prosecutor Tim Moores said the alleged offences took place in the mid 2000s. 'In a nutshell, [the complainant] was a pupil at Winchester College,' he said. 'Simon Taylor was a teacher at the school and had been there for many years. 'He was the head of drama and had previously taught [the complainant] English during GCSEs.' The court heard the student was 'under some emotional strain' and 'struggling with his studies'. 'On regular occasions he would visit the defendant at his home for tea and a chat,' he continued. 'He alleges that during some of those visits when they were on the sofa the defendant would lean over and kiss him on the lips while cuddling him with his arm around him. 'While it was unwelcome he didn't physically object at the time. The defendant was in a position of trust in relation to him because he was his teacher. 'In those circumstances any form of sexual touching of him is prohibited, regardless of whether he consented or he believed he was consenting.' The court heard the the student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was part of a school production of King Lear - which Taylor was directing - and was consoled by the teacher after the play. 'Thereafter the defendant invited him to come to his home for tea and chat', Mr Moores added. 'On the first visit they chatted and nothing untoward happened. He continued to visit through the summer term and there was then the first occasion the defendant made physical contact with him. 'On the first occasion they were sat apart when the defendant tentatively leaned in and kissed him on the lips three or four times.' Mr Moores said they were 'quite full on kisses' which were 'not a peck' that took place at the property in Kingsgate Street which he said was provided by the college. The court heard the student - who was aged between 16 and 17 at the time - didn't reciprocate the kisses, but despite feeling 'uncomfortable' saw the friendship as 'valuable' and 'didn't want to seem ungrateful'. The following school year, he visited Taylor 'regularly' where a pattern 'developed' of being kissed 'on at least four occasions'. '[Taylor] would cuddle, kiss him on the lips and neck,' Mr Moores continued. '[The pupil] says it was always the defendant who initiated contact and would do an awkward sideways spooning. 'At some point the defendant told [the student] he loved him and despite what the defendant was doing it was otherwise meeting his psychological and emotional needs so he continued to visit.' The court heard a college Housemaster arranged for pastoral support as he was struggling with work - which Taylor was appointed to - meaning his visits were less likely to arouse suspicion. 'The Crown say the kissing was sexual because of its nature,' he added. 'It was full blown kissing on the mouth, with cuddling in private, out of sight of other people.' The court heard this behaviour continued after he turned 18, particularly after the leaving party, where it was 'tradition' pupils don't stay in boarding houses. '[The pupil] had arranged to stay at Taylor's house,' he said. 'That time was the only time they shared a bed and there was sexual kissing..' However, because the student was over the age of 18, it does not make up a criminal charge. The court heard he told a friend in 2019 how Taylor had 'fallen in love with him' and detailed his visits to his house. In May 2021, Taylor messaged his ex-student 'out of the blue', saying he'd been 'thinking about their Winch days' and wanted to 'follow up'. The case is being heard at Winchester Crown Court (pictured) in Hampshire When asked about what, he said: 'Our relationship and my closeness to you. I have been worried you might be upset by it.' In his police interview with the court, the student described himself 'emotionally vulnerable' and said Taylor had his favourites - 'towards whom he was quite affectionate'. The student reported the complaints to the police in September 2021. Taylor was interviewed under caution in February 2022 where he denied any sexual acts of kissing, cuddling or loving him in any romantic way, but said he may have put an arm around his shoulder. The court heard he messaged his former student afterwards, saying: 'Please let us reconcile and we can resolve this without lawyers and courts.' In a further follow up message, he asked whether his ex-pupil 'really believed' what had happened between them warranted a prison sentence. The trial continues. A Texas mother has been accused of leaving her two small children alone at home for six days while she partied on a cruise in Puerto Rico. Lakesha Woods Williams, 29, was arrested after police responded to a welfare check at her apartment in a luxurious Houston high-rise on Tuesday, according to court records seen by DailyMail.com. Officials say they found Williams' eight-year-old son and six-year-old daughter at the home without supervision - almost a week after Williams had flown to Miami on April 4. The home smelled of urine and had trash and food thrown everywhere. The kids told police their mom had left for a trip and they did not know when she would be back. Lakesha Woods Williams, 29, was arrested after police responded to a welfare check at her apartment in a Houston high-rise on Tuesday She is charged with two counts of abandoning a child with intent to return; her bond was set at $40,000 They added that Williams used a webcam and cell phone to check in on them, according to the police report. Court records say police tried to contact Williams but she did not cooperate and kept changing her whereabouts. Williams returned from the trip on April 10 and was arrested the following day. Neighbors told police they saw Williams leaving with luggage on April 4 - and it's not the first time something like this happened. She is charged with two counts of abandoning a child with intent to return; her bond was set at $40,000. The McKinley high-rise, where Williams and her children live, is billed as a luxury apartment community in Houston's Memorial City district The children were determined to be healthy and released to their aunt. 'We are still putting together the facts and circumstances of how these children were left alone for several days,' said Ted Heap with the Harris County Constable's Office. 'But the important thing is they are safe now and those responsible should be held accountable for leaving these kids in an unsafe situation.' The McKinley high-rise, where Williams and her children live, is billed as a luxury apartment community in Houston's Memorial City district. Monthly rent in the building for one to two bedroom apartments goes from approximately $2,500 to over $8,000. Investigators learned Sunday the yacht operator was not licensed to provide services to tourists and is facing a suspension this week The group was returning from visiting Islas del Rosario when it began to take on water in the Punta Gigante sector A dozen Americans tourists and two crew members were rescued from a yacht before sinking off the coast of a Colombian city on Friday Fourteen people, including 12 Americans, were rescued from a yacht after it took on water and sank off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia. The 'Bahari' was transporting the U.S. tourists after a trip to Islas del Rosario when it encountered problems in the Punta Gigante sector on Friday, the General Maritime Directorate (Dimar) said. Two vessels in the area noticed the emergency and rushed to the yacht, where they were able to assist the tourists and the two crew members. The group was taken to Club Nautico port, where they were provided medical and psychological assistance. Colombian authorities said 12 American tourists and two crew members were rescued from the 'Bahari' on Friday after the yacht took on water and later sank No injuries were reported in the terrifying ordeal. While the General Maritime Directorate said an investigation into the yacht's sinking was underway and it is looking into whether the crew violated any maritime laws. Cartagena investigators met Sunday with the vessel's owner, Mareta Group, and discovered that did not have a license to operate, El Tiempo newspaper reported. 'They do not have a current National Tourism Registry, nor do they have a service provision contract for clients, guaranteeing policies and insurance,' tourism secretary Terese Londono said. She added the Mareta Group will be sanctioned this week for failing to operate the tourist yacht service without the required licensing. Investigators discovered that Mareta Group, the company which owns and operates the yacht, was not licensed by the Ministry of Tourism 'From the Ministry of Tourism, we call on all tourism service providers to formalize and comply with the required documentation in order to provide an optimal tourist service and have a city that provides security to our visitors,' Londono said. The incident comes nearly two months after sailboat with the Swedish flag was found leaning on its side off the coast in Barranquilla A fisherman alert authorities after spotting of the lifeless body of one of the two crew members lying on the beach shore on February 19. The second person's body has not been located. Johnson is also facing the threat of removal from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene if he moves forward with the Senate's bill The deal also includes billions for Ukraine, which many in the GOP don't support Senators passed a $95 billion foreign aid package that includes money for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific in February After Iran's strikes on Israel, Speaker Mike Johnson is facing pressure to pass a foreign aid deal to support the embattled country Speaker Mike Johnson faces one of the toughest weeks of his career as pressure mounts on him to pass a foreign aid package that could prompt his removal from office. Following Iran's drone and missile attacks on Israel over the weekend, Congress is getting calls to green-light billions of dollars for the Jewish country that has been embroiled in conflicts with Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah. The Saturday night salvo of over 300 missiles and drones and was Iran's first direct attack on Israel in history. Now, U.S. leaders see delivering aid quickly as vital to supporting the country's anti-missile and anti-drone defense systems. The Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid package that provides money for Israel in February, but the Republican-held House has not touched the measure as many conservatives don't want to dole out money abroad before passing southern border security legislation. Meanwhile, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has set in motion the process to remove Johnson, and has warned him against putting the Senate's bill up for a vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing pressure from the left and right to quickly pass foreign aid money for Israel after the country was attacked by Iran over the weekend Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday in response to Israel's April 1 bombing of an Iranian consulate in Syria Further, the White House has also been adamant in calling for Congress to get moving on the foreign aid deal. 'We are going to continue to make sure that Israel can defend itself,' National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Monday on Fox News. 'We got to make sure that they have what they need and that's why we need that supplemental passed in the House so quickly.' And the Biden administration has made clear it is against a bill that would provide funding for Israel only. 'We are opposed to a stand-alone bill that would just work on Israel, as weve seen proposed,' Kirby said Monday. 'We would oppose a stand-alone bill.' In total, the supplemental package includes roughly $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel and $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan. The White House and Pentagon have repeatedly pushed the package, citing Russia's recent frontline gains and Iran's missile attack as signals that the money needs to be delivered quickly. 'The best and fastest way to meet our commitments to our ally Israel, and to our partner, Ukraine, is for the House to pass that bipartisan bill which which passed in in the Senate,' Kirby said Monday. Johnson, who met with Donal Trump last Friday at Mar-a-Lago, has also said he wants to get foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel. The speaker told Fox News on Sunday that he and the former president 'are 100 percent united on these big agenda items.' And Johnson's alliance with Trump on the path forward for foreign aid could dissuade Greene from trying to remove the speaker for putting the Senate's foreign aid package up for a vote. 'When you talk about aid to Ukraine, [Trump's] introduced the loan lease concept, which is a really important one, I think has a lot of consensus as well as these other ideas - the REPO Act, which we've discussed, which is seizing the the assets of corrupt Russian oligarchs to help pay for this resistance,' Johnson said. 'I think these are ideas that I think can get consensus, and that's what we've been working through.' 'We'll send our package, we'll put something together and send it to the Senate and get these obligations completed,' the speaker said Sunday. Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile defense batteries were activated Saturday to shoot down the incoming Iranian projectiles. But when the House will be ready to move on foreign aid is still up in the air. The House is expected to reconvene Monday evening for votes, but foreign aid, as of Monday morning, is not currently on the docket. Although it is expected to be added at some point this week. And some members want the foreign aid deal to be passed before Tuesday. Just under 100 members of the House sent a letter to Johnson to get moving on the Senate's $95 billion foreign aid package, arguing if he does that the legislation could be passed within 24 hours. 'This weekend, the Iranian regime launched hundreds of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles directly against our key, democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel,' the lawmakers wrote. 'Time is of the essence, and we must ensure critical aid is delivered to Israel and our other democratic allies facing threats from our adversaries around the world.' 'We urge you to put the Senate Supplemental Aid package on the floor for an immediate vote when we return on Monday.' 'This aid package passed the Senate with 70 votes, Democrats and Republicans, and we can send it to the Presidents desk for signature Monday night.' Israeli anti-missile systems shoot down incoming Iranian missiles and drones on Saturday The bipartisan letter was spearheaded by Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C. It was also signed by 90 other House members mostly from the Democrat caucus. The top appropriator in the House, Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., has signaled there is a desire among House Republicans to get Israel funding moving quickly. Still, when and how the House will allocate additional money for Israel and Ukraine is unclear. The Dewey family from Bristol fear they could be stuck in Jordan for weeks Have you been left stranded in the Middle East? Email: elena.salvoni@mailonline.co.uk A British family are among dozens of travellers abandoned in Jordan after Wizzair cancelled their Amman-London flight less an hour before take-off when Iran launched its drone and missile attack on Israel on Saturday night. The Deweys from Bristol, fear they could be stuck in a war zone for weeks as the low-cost carrier has stopped services in and out of Jordan, and is not booking passengers on flights with alternative airlines. Jon Dewey, his wife Sam, and their sons Gabriel, 23, and Jem, 18, had been visiting his 21-year-old daughter Joely, who is studying Arabic at a language school in the middle eastern state, over the Easter holidays. But the family were shepherded along with other Wizzair passengers - into Amman airport car park on Saturday night, after Jordan closed its airspace, and watched as Iranian drones and missiles were shot down overhead. Now the family are battling to find seats on any flight back to UK at huge expense - before Israel mounts a retaliation attack on Iran. The Dewey family visiting the Roman Amphitheatre in Amman, Jordan. Jon Dewey, his wife Sam, and their sons Gabriel, 23, and Jem, 18, had been visiting his 21-year-old daughter Joely, who is studying Arabic at a language school in the middle eastern state, over the Easter holidays The Dewey family stranded at a hotel. The family are battling to find seats on any flight back to UK at huge expense - before Israel mounts a retaliation attack on Iran Amman Airport. the Deweys were shepherded along with other Wizzair passengers - into Amman airport car park on Saturday night, after Jordan closed its airspace, and watched as Iranian drones and missiles were shot down overhead Jon, 57, told the Mail: Weve been in Jordan visiting my daughter Joely who is studying Arabic and is on a six month placement in the country from the University of Manchester. We had a wonderful time travelling around Jordan which is a beautiful country visiting the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea and the Wadi Rum desert oasis. We were meant to be travelling home on Saturday [13th April] when our Wizzair flight was cancelled. We had checked in and had passed through security and then less than an hour before take-off there was an announcement that the flight had been cancelled. There was no explanation. We looked at our phones and saw that Iran had launched its drone strikes on Israel. We were shepherded into the car park to wait for transport to take us to a hotel and we had a clear view of the aerial bombardments. We all stood there watching the burning debris as drones were shot out of the sky. The family visiting Petra in Jordan. Jon said: We had a wonderful time travelling around Jordan which is a beautiful country visiting the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea and the Wadi Rum desert oasis' The Dewey children visiting Petra. The family face paying over 2,000 to get home. Jon said: Ive been scanning for alternative flights but theres nothing under 2,000 for the four of us and that going all around the houses Cairo, Berlin and then London Jon's wife, Sam, and her son Gabriel at Wadi Rum. Sam, a teacher, was meant to be back in work today but instead is stranded in Jordan There were several explosions nearby. You could hear the thump of bombs. We felt a bit of panic. We were seeing these drones. We didnt know how long the attack was going to last or where the missiles were going to land. Eventually we were picked up by a bus at about 4.30am and taken to the Crowne Plaza hotel. We had a couple of hours of sleep. But we heard nothing from Wizzair. They sent out an email saying that the flight had been cancelled and to rebook via their App. But the next two flights tomorrow [Tuesday 16th] and on Thursday [18th] have been cancelled too. The next available flight in on Tuesday 23rd April. Thats more than a week away. How do we know they are not going to cancel that flight. Israel is threatening to retaliate against Iran. We could be stuck in a war zone for weeks if that happens! Jon, a brand manager, added that the family all had important commitments at home. He said: My wife Sam is a teacher and shes meant to go back to work tomorrow. My youngest son Jem was meant to be being back at school today. He has A levels in a month! And Gabriel and I are both missing clients calls and appointments. We have two dogs and a cat that my sister is looking after, and I have a sick mother who is 90. We need to get home. But Wizzair are doing nothing. We might be out of this hotel on our ear at midday tomorrow! We feel totally abandoned. Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from Lebanon towards Israel. The Dewey found themselves stranded in Amman after Jordan closed its airspace. They spent saturday evening watching drones from Iran fly overhead Jon continued: Its so frustrating. Jordan has reopened its airspace. The skies are open, other airlines are flying but not Wizzair. Apparently our plane was diverted to Larnaca [Cyprus]. Why cant our flight be reinstated and Wizzair bring us home. Ive been scanning for alternative flights but theres nothing under 2,000 for the four of us and that going all around the houses Cairo, Berlin and then London. British and European airlines have a duty to provide accommodation and find alternative flights for passengers whose flights have been cancelled. Wizzair maintain they have not abandoned their passengers in Amman. A spokeswoman said: We would like to express our sincerest apologies to customers impacted by the cancellation of flight W9 5304 from Amman to the UK. We know that this would have caused significant disruption for those affected. The health and safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority and, in this instance, the flight was cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. All passengers were provided with transportation and hotel accommodation, and we have been in touch to outline their rights and options for forward travel, including rebooking or requesting a refund. Again, we apologise for any disruption this has caused our passengers. A Georgian lawmaker punched a rival politician in the face today over the government's re-introduction of a controversial 'foreign influence' bill, sparking a mass brawl in parliament. Critics say the legislation mirrors repressive Russian laws used by Vladimir Putin and his Kremlin regime to silence and intimidate dissidents. The ruling Georgian Dream party announced the proposal earlier this month, reviving a similar bill that was dropped a year ago after mass protests. Video from a parliamentary hearing showed an opposition MP punching a speaking ruling party lawmaker who co-sponsored the bill in the head, prompting a mass brawl to break out on the floor and for the live feed to be cut. Video of the incident shows MP Aleko Elisashvili charge in from Mamuka Mdinaradze's left, swinging his fist and making contact with his face. Another politician sitting behind the speaker is seen watching on open mouthed. This is the moment a Georgian lawmaker (right) punched a rival politician in the face over the government's re-introduction of a controversial 'foreign influence' bill Video of the incident shows the politician - MP Aleko Elisashvili - charge in from the speaker's left, swinging his fist and making contact with the man's face. Another politician sitting behind the speaker is seenwatching on, open mouthed, in shoc Video of the incident shows MP Aleko Elisashvili - charge in from the speaking politician's left, swinging his fist and making contact with the man's face. Another politician sitting behind the speaker is seen watching on, open mouthed, in shock As Elisashvili and the speaking politician fall off the podium together, a mass of bodies surround them and work to subdue the MP As Elisashvili and Mdinaradze fall off the podium together, a mass of bodies surround them and work to subdue the attacking MP. Further footage showed other suit-wearing politicians in the brawl swinging punches as others desperately tried to calm the situation. In angry comments made outside the building in the aftermath of the incident, Elisashvili told reporters: 'I got beaten, but if it's for Georgia, then so be it! 'We must shove this law up their a**es,' he said, clenching his fist to a cheering crowd. 'There is no time for politeness. They are dragging us into Russia directly. 'We are either Georgians, or slaves - and we are not slaves,' he added. The scuffle came as dozens of Georgians rallied outside parliament against the proposed law, which they argue undermines Georgia's bid for EU membership. Ahead of a rally planned for Monday evening, protesters could be seen unfurling a large European Union flag and shouting: 'No to the Russian law!' 'Georgia's society is strong enough not to allow the country to slide into Russian-styled authoritarianism,' Saba Gotua, an architect, said. 'We will not let Georgian Dream waste Georgia's historic chance to become an EU member.' Georgia has sought for years to deepen relations with the West but the current ruling party is accused of attempting to reconnect the former Soviet republic with Russia. According to the bill, any independent organisation that receives more than 20 percent of funding from abroad is required to register as an 'organisation pursuing the interests of a foreign power'. In angry comments made outside the building in the aftermath of the incident, Elisashvili told reporters: 'I got beaten, but if it's for Georgia, then so be it!' Demonstrators gather to protest against the reintroduction of the 'Foreign Agent Bill' at the First Republic Square (Rose Revolution Square) in Tbilisi, Georgia on April 15 Critics say the legislation propsed by the government mirrors repressive Russian laws used by Vladimir Putin and his Kremlin regime to silence and intimidate dissidents That was a change from last year's proposal, which used the term 'agent of foreign influence'. Georgian Dream said it changed the wording after accepting that the initial one had negative connotations. The term 'foreign agent' is rooted in the Soviet past and suggests such people are traitors and enemies of the state. Last week, around 8,000 people staged a rally in central Tbilisi, following the ruling party's surprise announcement that it planned to pass the bill in May. Analysts said that the ruling party - widely suspected of covert cooperation with the Kremlin - sees Western funding for Georgia's pro-democracy NGOs and independent media as a challenge to its grip on power. 'Georgian Dream makes no secret of the fact that the law is aimed at neutralising Western influence,' political analyst Ghia Nodia told AFP. 'The party keeps saying that it steers Georgia towards the EU, but in fact they are sabotaging Georgia's European prospects,' which are supported by some 80 percent of population, according to opinion polls. Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze - known for his anti-Western rhetoric - has insisted his cabinet is committed to the country's European aspirations. In an effort to defend the ruling party's cause, he invited ambassadors of the EU countries who have criticised the draft law to live televised debates. The European Commission has called on Tbilisi not to pass the legislation, saying it contradicts the democratic reform agenda which Tbilisi is required to pursue to progress on its path towards EU membership. In December, the EU granted Georgia official candidate status but said Tbilisi would have to reform its judicial and electoral systems, reduce political polarisation, improve press freedom and curtail the power of oligarchs before membership talks are formally launched. The United States said last week that passing the law would 'derail Georgia from its European path.' Demonstrators gather to protest against the reintroduction of the 'Foreign Agent Bill' at the First Republic Square (Rose Revolution Square) in Tbilisi, Georgia on April 15, 2024 'We are deeply concerned that, if it is enacted, this draft legislation would harm civil society organizations (and)... impede independent media organizations,' US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told journalists. 'Stay tuned,' he said when asked on the prospect of the US slapping sanctions on Georgia. The adoption of the controversial legislation is likely to further deepen divisions in Georgia, whose staunchly pro-Western president Salome Zurabishvili has condemned the bill as damaging democracy. Traditionally seen as a leader of democratic transformation among ex-Soviet countries, Georgia has in recent years been criticised for perceived democratic backsliding. Horrific footage captured on Chinese fur farms has shown how distressed animals are suffering in 'cramped, barren cages' before they are bludgeoned to death. An investigation of five fur farms in north China housing foxes, raccoon dogs and mink has revealed that 'mentally disturbed' animals are densely packed into small, empty cages with wire mesh floors and surrounded by 'piles of filth'. The farms in China's northern Hebei and Liaoning provinces each held between 2,000 and 4,000 animals in intensive conditions, said animal protection group Humane Society International (HSI) who conducted the study at the end of 2023. Animals on fur farms are most commonly slaughtered through an electric shock to the mouth and rectum. Although the probe found some farm operators kill mink by smashing their heads against a metal pole or beating them over the head with a club. Campaigners allege the 'squalid and cramped conditions' on fur farms are 'dire for the tragic animals trapped in them', with HSI having now renewed its call for a global end to the fur trade and an import ban on fur in Britain. The animal protection group also estimates that the amount of fur imported into the UK over the last five years equates to approximately seven million animals brutally killed for the fashion industry. Horrific footage captured on Chinese fur farms has shown how distressed animals are suffering in 'cramped, barren cages' before they are bludgeoned to death An investigation of five fur farms in north China housing foxes, raccoon dogs and mink has revealed that 'mentally disturbed' animals are densely packed into small, empty cages with wire mesh floors and surrounded by 'piles of filth' The probe found some farm operators slaughter the animals by smashing their heads against a metal pole or beating them over the head with a club The alarming footage provided exclusively to MailOnline shows how thousands of terrified foxes, dogs and mink are kept outdoors through intensive conditions in rows of barren cages. The small cages were packed so closely together that in some cases the mink or raccoon dogs could touch animals in neighbouring cages through the wire walls. Many animals could be seen pacing up and down repetitively, an action linked to psychological distress, according to veterinary experts. 'The fur farms we visited were typical of fur farms across China,' said investigator Xiao Chen. 'These are naturally inquisitive, energetic animals but they are reduced to this sad existence in a wire cage with nowhere to go and nothing to do.' 'I cannot imagine their frustration and boredom, all to produce something as trivial as fur fashion,' he said, adding that the 'cruelty and indifference' the animals endure made him 'feel ashamed to be a human'. Alastair MacMillan, a visiting professor at Surrey University's Veterinary School, added the high stocking density of the animals facilitates the rapid spread of viruses on droplets from one to another, and potentially to humans. Food preparation areas on several fur farms were found to have large quantities of frozen fish, chicken meat and liver, eggs and milk powder would then be ground up into paste. The paste is then used as animal feed, according to HSI, despite EU experts having identified feeding raw chicken meat to animals on fur farms as a biosecurity risk. The small cages were packed so closely together that in some cases the mink (pictured) or racoon dogs could touch animals in neighbouring cages through the wire walls Veterinary experts say the animals on the farms demonstrated signs of psychological distress A raccoon is caged on a fur farm in Pulandian, located in the south of Liaoning province, China The investigation has also revealed that on some farms animals slaughtered for their fur are kept in close proximity to poultry, despite the potential for zoonotic disease spread. 'The rapid circulation and mixing of different strains of virus from animal to animal facilitates their adaption to a mammalian host, the development of mutant strains of concern and a greater likelihood of a threat of human infection,' MacMillan said. The veterinary microbiologist explained that from a disease transmission and public health perspective the footage was extremely worrying as it is well known that animals farmed for their fur are susceptible to respiratory viruses that can infect humans. 'I am deeply concerned by the apparent lack of biosecurity and potential for transmission of avian influenza due to chickens and ducks moving freely between cages of raccoon dogs,' he said. 'That demonstrates a ready route of transmission via direct contact or faecal contamination. Cases of avian influenza have already been documented on European fur farms and such close proximity between species significantly heightens the risk of avian-to-mammal transmission.' MacMillan has also raised concerns about the number of markets in the region selling animal carcasses from fur farms for approximately 2 to 3 yuan (about 0.22 to 0.33) per kilogram. He added: 'The sale of raccoon dog carcasses and cooked meat for human consumption also raises concerns about the potential for zoonotic disease transmission.' At one local restaurant visited by investigators, boiled, fried and marinated raccoon dog meat was being sold to local customers for around 20 yuan (2.22), HSI said. Staff reportedly confirmed that the establishment cooked roughly 42 raccoon dogs each day. Photos and footage from HSI showed animals densely packed in small empty cages with wire mesh floors at farms in China's northern Hebei and Liaoning provinces. Each farm held between 2,000 and 4,000 animals Experts also said the high stocking density of the animals facilitates the rapid spread of viruses on droplets from one to another, and potentially to humans Data from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic briefly uploaded to a database by Chinese scientists last year suggested raccoon dogs may also have been involved in coronavirus reaching humans. MailOnline has approached China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for comment regarding the conditions on the fur farms and the risk of disease spread. Even as China's fur production has fallen in line with global trends, down 50 per cent from 2022 to 2023 and a near 90 per cent decline in the past decade, there appears to be still robust demand for fur. Dr Peter Li, HSI's China policy expert, said: 'Because of the rejection of fur by so many designers and consumers, fur farming in China has seen a dramatic reduction in recent years. But the end of this cruel, environmentally damaging and dangerous industry cannot come soon enough.' Fur farming has been banned on ethical grounds in Britain since 2003, however fur from countries including China is still imported into the country, HSI claims. The UK Government in May 2011 launched a Call for Evidence on the UK fur trade, but almost three years on, but officials are still withholding the results. BBC presenter Nick Robinson today admitted he 'should have been clearer' after sparking a 'bias' row by saying Israel 'murders' Palestinians. The Radio 4 Today programme host issued a statement to clarify he was 'not expressing my own view, let alone that of the BBC when I used the words 'murders''. It followed Tory outrage at Robinson's remarks, which he made during an interview with Foreign Secretary David Cameron this morning. Downing Street stressed that BBC impartiality was 'absolutely paramount' and said PM Rishi Sunak would not use the term 'murder' to describe Israel's actions in Gaza. No10 also issued a plea for all Britons to 'be careful with our words at this time'. BBC presenter Nick Robinson today admitted he 'should have been clearer' after sparking a 'bias' row by saying Israel 'murders' Palestinians The Radio 4 Today programme host faced Tory outrage at the comments, which he made during an interview with Foreign Secretary David Cameron In a statement on X, formerly known on Twitter, Robinson this afternoon sought to clarify his remarks During this morning's Today show, Robinson quizzed Lord Cameron on the UK's position following Iran's military assault on Israel over the weekend. He said he wanted to end the interview with a 'question of morality', adding: 'You will know, I think you've talked about, the fact that the West has been perceived to lose the argument, with even many of its own people, ever since the war on terror began. 'Isn't the real risk of where we are now, that Western governments appear to back Israel the moment that Israel is under attack. 'But when Israel attacks and murders tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians, we say the words but we do almost nothing?' The Foreign Secretary replied: 'I don't think that's right at all. I think, actually, over this weekend and into this week, people can see that the truly malign actor in the region is Iran. 'A country that has launched a state-on-state attack for the first time since the Islamic revolution in 1979.' Robinson's comments prompted anger with senior Tory MP Theresa Villiers demanding an 'immediate investigation into this latest example of an anti-Israel statement' by a BBC presenter. The ex-Cabinet minister told The Sun: 'Even by the BBC's standards this is shocking bias. 'I can't believe that this kind of question is asked on one of the nation's most influential and highly regarded news programmes. Israel does not target civilians. 'The country is defending itself from a brutal terror attack and making strenuous efforts not to harm civilians. 'The BBC should launch an immediate investigation into this latest example of an anti-Israel statement by one of its presenters.' Fellow Conservative MP Greg Smith said: 'Outrageous bias from the BBC. 'Israel is the nation being attacked - the actual victims - seeking to defend themselves from further attacks by terrorists who have the stated aim of destroying Israel and killing Jews.' Asked about Robinson's comments, the PM's official spokesman said: 'Impartiality, in reference to the BBC, is absolutely paramount. 'Complaints should be raised to the BBC, to Ofcom in the usual ways if people feel they have issue with the way in which the BBC reported that. 'More broadly, though, Israel is an ally of the UK, is the victim of a brutal terror attack and clearly has a right to defend itself. 'We should all be careful with our words at this time, particularly given heightened community tensions in the UK.' In a statement on X, formerly known on Twitter, Robinson this afternoon sought to clarify his remarks. 'There's been some controversy about words I used when I was interviewing the Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron on @bbcr4today about Israel this morning,' he said. 'My final question was about the perceived 'morality' of the government's position - in particular the 'risk' that their position could 'appear' to look like active support for Israel when it is under attack but nothing other than words 'when Israel attacks or murders tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians'. 'I should have been clearer that I was not expressing my own view let alone that of the BBC when I used the words 'murders'. 'In this 15 minute long interview I asked the Foreign Secretary why ministers had supported Israel militarily; why they didn't go further & support Israel in confronting Iran; why they weren't tougher in confronting Israel over Gaza and ended with that question about the perceived 'morality' and the 'risk' of how the government's position 'appears'. 'It was a lengthy and detailed exploration of the policy choices made by the government.' A 15-year-old Muslim convert who was caught by the FBI as he planned a terror attack on the Isle of Wight music festival has been jailed for seven years. The boy searched for knives, stab vests and pick-up trucks and researched the event's security arrangements before abandoning the plan because he couldn't drive or find a vehicle. He instead decided to 'slice' the throat of a teacher at his special educational unit who he believed had insulted Islam but was eventually arrested. UK counter terrorism police became aware of the teenager as a result of information shared by the FBI from instant messaging platform Discord. He was arrested on the day of his planned festival attack and found with a knife in his rucksack and notes saying farewell to his mother and grandmother and begging them to become Muslim. The rucksack which contained the knife, with stab marks, was seized by police after the teenager's plan for the atrocity was foiled The by wrote to his mother saying that 'anything which happens did not be caused by you and what you limited me from doing' The youth was found with a handwritten note titled 'To My Family' in the event anything happened to him, which said whatever he did would be 'driven by hatred of the 'kuffar' A court heard that since his arrest, the youth - who cannot be named - has been involved in 18 separate offences of attacking staff at a detention centre and using makeshift weapons. On March 9, following the end of his trial, police found graffiti about 'Islamic matters' on his cell wall at Feltham Young Offenders' Institution, the judge was told. In one online exchange, the youth was warned by another user on Instagram: 'If they get your phone it's curtains' but boasted: 'Nah, even if I do get caught I'm 15 they will just tell me off and put me on some prevention course trust me.' Sentencing him to seven years in youth custody, Mrs Justice McGowan said the youth was an 'isolated and troubled young man who looked for the fellowship and comfort of religious faith' and 'came to believe it was acceptable to kill those who insulted his faith.' READ MORE - The smiling 'stabber': Second mass 'stabbing' in Sydney within 48 hours shocks Australia and sparks riot Advertisement She told him: 'You thought about killing two people who offended you and your religion - both those two people had tried to help you.' The annual Isle of Wight music festival took place between June 16 and 19 2022 with an attendance of around 90,000. In the days before, the boy made four searches for a 'fast lorry' and 21 for pickup trucks and Ford trucks. He performed 21 searches for knives at Waitrose and B&Q and also looked for hunting knives and swords. Another convert, aged 16 messaged the youth via Instagram on July 4, asking: 'I heard you were going to attack the festival, is this true?' The boy replied: 'Correct. But I had no car.' Instead, the youth planned to attack individuals who worked at the educational unit for pupils with 'complex needs' where he was studying. On July 6, the told another Discord user that he was planning to do an attack 'for Allah' and that he 'stole a knife from a kafir 2day.' When asked, 'What's the plan?' he responded: 'To slaughter a kafir.' He was asked to swear that he was telling the truth and responded 'wallahi' - I swear by god. The festival in 2022 was attended by a total of 90,000 people and featured performances from the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Madness, Kasabian and Happy Mondays After changing his plan to attack Isle of Wight Festival in June 2022, the boy allegedly drew up 'alternative targets for a knife attack' The youth, who had the screen name TawhidOverKufir - meaning 'god over disbelief' - planned his attack for July 11, 2022 but was arrested that afternoon. His bag was searched and a stainless steel kitchen knife recovered, along with a series of handwritten notes. One note on a torn off piece of card, stated: 'Did you think you could commit major sins such as eating pork. We see ur aggression. Stay away from the Muslims unless you want your throat sliced.' A second note, titled 'To My Family' had the word 'Mum' and read: 'Please know that anything which happens did not be caused by you [sic] and what you limited me from doing. Rather if anything does happen then it was fueled by my hatred to the kuffar.' The youth was also found guilty of sharing links to graphic ISIS propaganda videos called Ma Vengeance - 'My revenge' - and 'O Disbelievers of the World.' He appeared in the dock wearing a white shirt buttoned to the neck and dark trousers and was jailed for seven years with one year extended licences for preparing acts of terrorism, possession of a knife and disseminating terrorist publications. The judge declined to lift his anonymity. The teenager had converted to Islam in the autumn of 2021 and it was initially seen as having a positive impact by his mother and teachers. However, within a few months, his views hardened and he had to be provided with taxis to get to school because he refused to travel with women. Around March or April, staff at the educational unit considered referring the boy to the Prevent de-radicalisation programme but, instead, sessions were arranged with a local imam so the youth could explore his religion further in a safe context. However, he posted to Instagram users that 'some so-called Muslim' was coming to talk to him about 'anti-terrorism', adding: 'As if I'm gonna listen.' Between February and May 2022, he looked up terms including the 'ISIS Paris Attacks,' 'Charlie Hebdo attack' and 'Jihadi John', the ISIS executioner. Following the boy's arrest, one tutor was interviewed by police and recalled a general conversation where he had been talking to the youth about belief and made a brief 'doodle' to illustrate a concept. The youth was found with a rucksack that had several stab marks and a knife inside it A search of the teenager's internet history showed that in the months before the festival, he had searched for 'Jihadi John,' ISIS Paris attacks' and 'Charlie Hebdo' (Pictured: French firefighters load one of the three people injured into a waiting ambulance near the former offices of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo) The youth asked whether it was a picture of god and replied that it was 'just a shape to illustrate our thoughts.' Another tutor said he had told the boy he had a girlfriend who worked in a meat packing plant and made an 'ill-advised joke' that she was packing 'pork chops in the shape of the Prophet Mohammed.' One tutor noticed the defendant had a picture of Osama bin Laden as his phone screen picture around a year and a half before his arrest, but was not too concerned as he 'was often trying to shock people with what he said'. The same tutor also said the defendant told him he had become involved in an online anti-gay group 'with Muslims in it' before his conversion. Staff had considered referring him to the Government's Prevent anti-radicalisation programme but the teenager became angry when he heard about this, jurors were told. The court heard the boy's father committed suicide and the boy was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of five but was described as 'bright, articulate and capable of exchanging ideas with others.' Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, head of Thames Valley Police's Counter Terrorism Policing South East, said: 'We know that terrorist groups use their toxic rhetoric to try to exploit vulnerable people. 'This case was particularly concerning because a teenager had gone so far as taking active steps to prepare for an attack. Thanks to a swift response we were able to stop him, and he has now been sentenced to imprisonment as a result of his actions. 'Where we can, we really do prefer to intervene early and divert young people away from extremism long before it gets to this point. 'So if you are worried that someone you know is being drawn down a path of extremism, please do act by telling someone. There is support and advice available through ACT Early and Action Counters Terrorism.' A 2.7-magnitude earthquake has hit the Adelaide Hills. The small but noticeable tremor was felt by at least 300 people in Adelaide and surrounding areas. Its epicentre was 22km below Mount Barker at 7.16pm on Monday. There is no tsunami threat. Its epicentre was 22km below Mount Barker at 7.16pm on Monday Seismological Association of Australia chief seismologist David Love told the Adevertiser that not many people would have felt Monday's quake. 'Some people have felt the shock, but only weakly, given its considerable depth,' he said. In March 2022, a 3.7-magnitude earthquake struck a similar area. Former 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has joined the Hudson Institute, the conservative think tank announced Monday. Haley has kept a low-profile since dropping out of the 2024 race last month. She pulled the plug on her campaign after losing all but one state to former President Donald Trump on Super Tuesday, bowing out a day later from Charleston, South Carolina. Trump, now the presumptive Republican nominee, has signaled it's unlikely he'll add Haley to his ticket, with The New York Times reporting Sunday that he's savaged her in conversations with aides and friends. During her presidential run, Haley also said she wasn't interested in being someone's VP. Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is joining the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C. She's kept a low profile since bowing out of the presidential race from Charleston, South Carolina on March 6 (pictured) Nikki Haley poses with supporters on March 3 in South Burlington, Vermont. Haley won Vermont and Washington, D.C. but lost all the other Republican primaries to former President Donald Trump, exiting the presidential race early last month 'I don't play for second. I don't want to be anybody's vice president. That is off the table,' she said ahead of the New Hampshire primary in January. Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, previously served as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations. It's also unlikely she'd take another cabinet role. However, working for a D.C.-based think tank keeps her in the political game. Haley was the final Republican presidential candidate who remained in the race. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was seen as Trump's strongest opponent when he launched his presidential bid last May, never got the kind of traction needed to take on the former president. After a hail Mary trip to South Carolina after the Iowa caucuses, DeSantis dropped out of the race in January, ahead of the New Hampshire primary where he wasn't expected to perform well. Former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley was named the Walter P. Stern Chair at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. DeSantis endorsed Trump on his way out, though gave Haley a shot at a one-on-one race with Trump. But Haley lost New Hampshire to Trump by 11 points and then lost her home state of South Carolina to Trump by 20. She only won primaries in Washington, D.C. and Vermont before announcing on March 6 that she was exiting the race. Haley did not endorse Trump on her way out. The former U.N. ambassador has been named the Walter P. Stern Chair at the Hudson Institute. Stern led the Hudson Institute through 10 presidential administrations and passed away in 2022. 'It is fitting that Nikki has taken on this title,' said his daughter, Sarah May Stern, who serves as the chair of Hudson's Board of Trustees. 'She is a courageous and insightful policymaker and these qualities are vital in making Hudson the powerhouse policy organization it is today, and I am extremely proud that she has joined the Institute.' In a statement Haley added, 'When our policymakers fail to call out our enemies or acknowledge the importance of our alliances, the world is less safe. That is why Hudson's work is so critical.' 'They believe the American people should have the facts and policymakers should have the solutions to support a secure, free, and prosperous future,' she also said. 'I look forward to partnering with them to defend the principles that make America the greatest country in the world.' The UK's state-of-the-art submarine-hunting ships could be delayed so BAE Systems can supply Norway with one of the frigates, it has emerged. Oslo has said it wants to secure at least five frigates to deter increasing Russian activity in the area. The British defence giant looks in a good position to win the contract, with the new generation Type 26 frigate being built at the Govan shipyard in Glasgow. However, Norway is determined to have at least one of the ships by 2029. That might not be possible if the Royal Navy forces BAE Systems to honour a commitment to supply the UK with the first eight. The so-called 'City Class' warships are set to be some of the most advanced of their kind in the world. CGI image The so-called 'City Class' warships are set to be some of the most advanced of their kind in the world. Under a 7.9billion deal, Grant Shapps' MoD is due to take delivery of the Type 26 frigates between 2028 to 2035. The first, HMS Glasgow, is being prepared for sea trials in 2026 and construction has started on three others. Norway is a fellow NATO member, and helping BAE Systems clinch the contract would bolster the future of the Glasgow shipyard. But it could also fuel anxiety about the state of the UK's own naval forces. An MoD spokesman said: 'We are working jointly with BAE Systems on options to support Norway's future frigate programme and actively support the promotion of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship design to other navies around the world with a similar requirement.' A BAE spokesman told the Telegraph: 'We're committed to delivering the eight ship Type 26 programme for the Royal Navy and are making good progress with construction underway on the first four vessels.' One of the countrys worst shoplifters has finally been jailed after six suspended sentences failed to stop her. Violent Paula McKenna, 35, targeted some businesses up to three times a day and told staff who tried to stop her dont you dare. She was finally jailed after magistrates in Northampton lost patience with her persistent offending. She was handed a 50-week sentence and ordered to pay 3,316.73 compensation after admitting 19 new offences that began just a week after her last court appearance in August last year when she was handed her sixth suspended term. In one incident at Greggs in Corby in March she grabbed a female store worker by the throat and pushed her into a door when she tried to stop her from taking goods without paying. Paula McKenna (pictured) was finally jailed after magistrates in Northampton lost patience with her persistent offending She also targeted a Shell garage eight times in the space of one month and Marks and Spencer in the town, taking meat, salmon, chocolate, wine and beer, and air fresheners. She also took 96 worth of stock from upmarket grocers, Budgens in Uppingham and wine from Morrisons. McKenna, of Corby, was also dealt with for three shop thefts committed in 2023 which she had denied, including the theft of 2,050-worth of coats and jackets from Cotswold Outdoors at Rushden Lakes on November 11, 2023. Her sentence took into account the fact many of the offences had been committed while she was under the operational period of a previously imposed suspended sentence. This week, shop keepers welcomed the fact she was finally behind bars. A store worker at M&S said: Everyone knew her. She wasnt going to any till. She just took what she wanted and walked out. A shop worker at the Shell Garage said: We had to keep phoning the police. She would never buy anything. She would just walk in, take what she wanted and walk out. It was so obvious what she was doing but if you tried to intervene she would threaten you. One time she looked at me and said, Dont you dare try to stop me. In 2021 she had been let off with a suspended sentence after admitting 32 counts of theft totalling 2,300 during a 20-month shoplifting spree. She stole candles, kitchen roll, alcohol, meat, fish, Lego, clothes, a toothbrush, chocolate, burgers, steak, prosecco, pizza and ready meals. Magistrates gave her a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months on the condition that she undertakes drug dependency treatment. She was spared custody after defence barrister Claire Fitzpatrick told the court: This must all be considered in the context of Miss McKennas addiction to class A drugs which coincided with her falling into the kind of crime, to fund the habit. Speaking after sentencing, Sergeant Steve Briggs of Corby Neighbourhood Policing Team said: Her offending has often been brazen and in at least one instance, progressed to the use of violence against a store worker, so Im very pleased to see her receive a substantial custodial sentence. A wildly popular New York City influencer told his more than 6 million YouTube subscribers in a video last Friday that he's fleeing the Big Apple - all thanks to subway conditions, crime and a host of other issues. Xiaomanyc, whose real name is Arieh Smith, said he paid over 50 percent of what he earned last year in taxes - which includes city taxes, state taxes, federal taxes and corporate tax - on his business. This made him wonder what benefits or lack thereof he was receiving for all that money spent. 'What I got in return for spending that money in terms of public safety, infrastructure et cetera, is very questionable,' Smith said. As a man with a young child, Smith described the city as 'a terrifying environment' to raise a family. 'Just a few weeks ago, I was pushing my two-year-old son in a stroller down the block of our downtown New York City neighborhood, and there was a half-naked man on the block ahead of us screaming at the top of his lungs, violently punching the air...in broad daylight,' Smith said. Xiaomanyc, real name Arieh Smith, who has over 6 million subscribers on YouTube and is known for making New York City-centric content - but is now fleeing thanks to high taxes that don't bring much return He cited crime as one of the reasons. Pictured: Migrants scuffle with NYPD officers in the middle of Times Square 'The subway is also extremely dirty and smells like excrement much of the time,' Smith said in a video with nearly 750,000 views. A park near where Smith used to live has been under construction for five years, he said in his video He said he crossed the street to avoid the man, adding he had to steer clear of disturbed individuals about once a month. Smith also referenced the swathe of sucker punching incidents throughout the city, telling his subscribers that while he hasn't been a victim, a friend of his unfortunately got acquainted with what some call the 'knockout game.' 'I actually don't want to exaggerate how bad living in New York City is because most of the time, frankly, it's quite a pleasant and normal place to live,' Smith said, adding that single men might not mind some of the increased risks. But he said when it comes to women and children, experiencing violent outbursts on the street is 'simply not acceptable.' 'My wife was not willing to go out on the street with my son by herself,' he added. 'That just makes me feel ashamed of the city where I grew up.' Traveling underground to the subway, public safety threats in stations and train cars are arguably just as dire as those on the street level. Throughout 2023, around two dozen people were shoved on to subway tracjs or into moving cars, according to the New York Post. Smith told his subscribers that his wife wasn't 'willing to go out on the street with my son by herself' because of the risk of violence. Pictured: Migrants assault police officers in Times Square Smith called the state of the New York City subways an 'embarrassment' Beyond the dirt and grime in the stations and train cars, subways attacks are also on the mind of New Yorkers The most recent attack on the subway came in March, when 54-year-old Jason Volz died after being pushed onto the tracks in what police called an unprovoked attack. A woman, also in March of this year, had to get her feet amputated after her boyfriend allegedly pushed her in front of the 3 train at a platform in the Financial District. In response to the growing list of victims, New York Governor Kathy Hochul stationed 750 national guard members at the busiest subway stations. For 33-year-old Smith, who's lived in the city for 20 years, this appears to be too little too late. 'It's really more about the feeling that you get when you come into the subway and there's somebody who is clearly unwell...possibly screaming his head off,' Smith said in his video. 'Besides which the subway is also extremely dirty and smells like excrement much of the time.' He added: 'The subway is actually such an embarrassment that people in other countries frequently make fun of how bad the subway system of our nation's biggest city is.' Smith's bread and butter on YouTube is making vlogs where he surprises various groups of people by speaking their language competently as a white American. He speaks Spanish and Mandarin Chinese fluently, according to his website, though he's proficient in many other languages. A collapsed crane at a construction site in midtown Manhattan in July 2023 Smith said a variety of factors are making him decide to leave New York City, including the never-ending construction As such, his subscriber base is diverse with a lot of Chinese fans. The criticism he said he often hears from foreigners about New York City's subway system is that the government spends so much money on transportation without substantively upgrading it. Smith mentioned a station the Metropolitan Transportation Authority spent $11 billion on. It was dubbed 'Grand Central Madison' and was meant to bridge the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Station and Penn Station. Vice reported in June 2023 that the MTA was originally supposed to spend $3 billion on the project, and that after completion, some people's commutes were actually made longer. 'New York is simply abusing taxpayer money. Where is it going?' Smith asked at one point in his video. Smith also briefly mentioned the 'surge in migrants' that's been plaguing the city for around two years. He said that while he's 'generally pro-immigrant,' the problem arises when government officials end up 'lavishing' tax money on migrants. New York City wants to spend an extra $1 billion on hotel rooms for immigrants for three more years. City officials have also begun handing Migrant families prepaid debit cards that could see them receive up to $18,200 a year. Smith said policies such as these have 'attracted' migrants. Smith also mentioned how construction projects throughout the city are often at a standstill. He referenced a park near him that has been under construction for five years. All of this and more led him to the bittersweet decision to leave where he grew up. 'It's kind of sad because New York is and always will be my home, but it's frankly no longer a city where you can raise a family.' A dozen Republican-led states plan to send a letter to Bank of America demanding an explanation for why it allegedly de-banked Christian and other conservative groups. The letter obtained first by DailyMail.com, led by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, demands that the financial institution turn over documents related to its account cancellation policies and requested that the bank update its terms of services to not discriminate against clients with certain political or religious beliefs. The notice comes after it was revealed that Bank of America sent the FBI and U.S. Treasury private consumer financial data to help the agencies investigate crimes related to the January 6 Capitol protest. 'Unfortunately, Bank of America appears to be conditioning access to its services on customers having the bank's preferred religious or political views,' Kobach writes in the letter to Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan obtained by DailyMail.com. 'Your discriminatory behavior is a serious threat to free speech and religious freedom, is potentially illegal, and is causing political and regulatory backlash.' Bank of America sent the private financial data of customers to federal officials to help them investigate crimes related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol protest The House Judiciary Committee revealed in January that officials at the U.S. Treasury circulated a memo instructing financial institutions how to spot extremism indicators like purchasing travel to Washington, D.C. or religious texts around the time of January 6, 2021 'Your bank needs to be transparent with and assure us, its shareholders, and others that it will not continue to de-bank customers for their speech or religious exercise.' The letter is co-signed by officials from Alaska, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. 'Religious beliefs are not a factor in any account-closing decision,' a representative for Bank of America told DailyMail.com. 'We are proud to provide banking services to non-profit organizations affiliated with diverse faith communities throughout the United States.' But the memo details several instances of apparent discrimination against Christian groups where Bank of America canceled their accounts. Specifically, the letter notes how the financial institution de-banked the Christian ministry groups Timothy Two Project International, Indigenous Advance and the Memphis, Tennessee-based church Servants of Christ. Kobach writes that the Timothy Two Project had its account cancelled by Bank of America for 'operating a business type we have chosen not to service.' He also wrote how Indigenous Advance similarly had its account canceled because, the bank claims, it 'no longer aligns with the bank's risk tolerance.' Bank of America, however, told DailyMail.com that Indigenous Advance operates a business in Uganda and the bank does not 'serve small businesses operating outside the United States.' Servants of Christ had its account cancelled because it 'was the wrong 'business type,'' the Kansas Attorney General wrote. Kobach added that the de-banking carried out by Bank of America could be illegal. 'Bank of America is exposing itself to numerous legal risks by engaging in de-banking,' the letter states. 'It is opening itself up to potential legal liability under consumer protection and antidiscrimination laws, and creating substantial regulatory and political risk from states that are already taking action to stop debanking.' 'Financial institutions set the stage for politicized de-banking by adopting vague and subjective 'reputational risk' policies and prohibitions on 'hate' that are susceptible to abuse.' The letter comes as the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government has probed several institution's relationships with the federal officials. It was previously revealed that transactions at Bass Pro Shops and Dick's Sporting Goods around the time of the January 6 Capitol protests could be indicators of 'extremism,' according to a U.S. Treasury memo circulated to banks. Crowdfunding sites GoFundMe and Eventbrite have also both been the subject of House investigations. The committee's probes remain ongoing. Currently, the Bank of America is the second-largest bank in the U.S., handling over $3 trillion. Though federal officials did not force financial institutions to turnover their customers' private transaction data, Bank of America provided it to them willingly 'You appear to be using this power to punish conservative and religious customers by handing their data over to federal law enforcement and even cancelling their accounts,' Kobach writes. 'This not only undermines free speech and religious freedom, but also is potentially illegal and could lead to investigations, litigation, regulation, and political backlash.' The attorneys general are requesting a response from Bank of America within 30 days of receiving the letter. It is expected to be sent to the bank on Tuesday. Donald Trump will be off the 2024 trail a significant amount of time while he stands criminal trial related to hush money payments, but his campaign is moving full speed ahead. The ex-president is the first to ever stand criminal trial in U.S. history and it comes as he is mounting a third bid for president as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. Jury selection in the hush money case began on Monday and the trial is expected to last about six weeks. Trump's campaign said it will take full advantage of trial off days on Wednesday and weekends. The president has his own plane making one-day travel for campaign stops possible. The ex-president according to the campaign will continue to deliver his message with in-person and virtual events when he's not in the courtroom. Ex-president Donald Trump sitting in court on Monday as his criminal trial related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels gets underway. He is the first former president in history to stand criminal trial Trump speaking outside the courtroom after arriving at the Manhattan criminal court on Monday ahead of jury selection starting His campaign claims the court appearances and indictments have proven to backfire for Democrats and Biden and expect this case to be no different. When Trump is in court, his team believes all the attention will be on him and his message. 'Joe Biden and the Democrats entire strategy to defeat President Trump is to keep him away from campaigning by confining him to a courtroom,' said Karoline Leavitt, National Press Secretary in a statement. 'President Trump will continue to fight for truth in the courtroom and to share his winning message on the campaign trail,' she said. Trump's trial will meet on seven days in total in April and nearly all those days will likely be jury selection. It is unlikely there will be any live testimony at all this month. Trump supporters gathered outside the Manhattan criminal court on Monday, April 15, 2024 Heading into court on Monday, the president blasted the trial as a 'political persecution.' His campaign senior adviser Jason Miller tweeted on Monday simply 'Wall to wall' with an image showing all the networks airing Trump's court entrance. At a rally in Schnecksville, PA ahead of the trial start, Trump spent a significant amount of time decrying the case, told supporters it was an honor to be indicted and said they should 'have a good time watching.' And as Trump appeared in court on Monday for the first day of jury selection, the ex-president's social media pages was actively posting coverage defending Trump. Trump's senior campaign adviser noted the networks taking Trump's remarks outside the courtroom on Monday with the post 'Wall to wall.' Trump told his supporters at his rally on Saturday 'have a good time watching' his trial two days before jury duty was set to begin on Monday A Trump supporter at his rally in Schnecksville, PA on April 13, 2024 Among the president's events already on the books despite the trial is an upcoming fundraiser in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, April 20. Tickets go for as much as $250,000 a person according to the invite. The fundraiser rakes in cash for the Trump 47 joint fundraising committee. On the eve of the hush money case starting, Trump was already fundraising off the trial start. 'My SHAM trial begins tomorrow. Before I head to court, I need to know that EVERY TRUMP LOVING PATRIOT has joined my Advisory board,' one email asking for contributions read. While Trump has lagged Biden in fundraising, his previous court appearances have proven to be a strong fundraising tool. At his political events, supporters wear t-shirts adorned with his mugshot from another case. The hush money case could be the first of four criminal trials the ex-president faces this year. The three other criminal cases against him include an election interference case in Georgia, the federal election interference case around January 6 and charges for the classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago. Rishi Sunak today slammed Iran for 'sowing chaos' in the Middle East as he called for 'calmer heads to prevail' in the wake of Tehran's attack on Israel. In a statement to the House of Commons, the Prime Minister urged all sides to 'show restraint' following Iran's missile and drone blitz over the weekend. Mr Sunak updated MPs on Britain's response to the escalating crisis after RAF jets were used to help shoot down those drones headed towards Israel. He revealed he would 'shortly' be speaking with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been locked in emergency meetings with his war cabinet over the past few days. Mr Netanyahu is still mulling Israel's response to Iran's attack, but is facing pressure from the US and UK to act calmly. More RAF jets have been scrambled to the Middle East to bolster Britain's presence in the region, amid fears the crisis could spiral out of control. With the Israeli leader locked in crisis talks with his top ministers, it remains uncertain when exactly Mr Sunak will be able to speak to Mr Netanyahu. Speaking to MPs this afternoon, Mr Sunak said: 'With this attack Iran has once again shown its true colours. 'They are intent on sowing chaos in their own backyard, on further destabilising the Middle East. 'Our aim is to support stability and security because it is right for the region and because although the Middle East is thousands of miles away, it has a direct effect on our security and prosperity at home. 'So we're working urgently with our allies to de-escalate the situation and prevent further bloodshed. 'We want to see calmer heads prevail and we're directing all our diplomatic efforts to that end.' Rishi Sunak, in a statement to the House of Commons, slammed Iran for 'sowing chaos' in the Middle East as he called for 'calmer heads to prevail' in the wake of Tehran's attack on Israel Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is still mulling his response to Iran's attack, but is facing pressure from the US and UK to act calmly Mr Sunak told the Commons he would use his talks with Mr Netanyahu to 'express our solidarity with Israel... and to discuss how we can prevent further escalation'. 'All sides must show restraint,' the PM added, as he also stressed that Britain's position on Gaza had not changed. 'Nothing that has happened over the last 48 hours affects our position on Gaza,' Mr Sunak told the Commons. 'The appalling toll on civilians continues to grow, the hunger, the desperation, the loss of life on an awful scale, the whole country wants to see an end to the bloodshed and to see more humanitarian support going in. 'The recent increase in aid flows is positive but it is still not enough. We need to see new crossing open for longer, to get in vital supplies.' The PM also warned of the links between Iran's 'despotic' regime and Vladimir Putin's Russia. 'Saturday's attack was the act not of the people but of a despotic regime and it is emblematic of the dangers that we face today,' he said. 'The links between such regimes are growing, Tel Aviv was not the only target of Iranian drones on Saturday, Putin was also launching them at Kyiv. 'Who was the sole voice speaking up for Iran yesterday, seeking to justify their actions? Russia.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer joined Mr Sunak in urging Israel to show restraint in its response to Iran's attack. He told MPs there was 'no doubt' the assault 'has left the world a more dangerous place' and said Iran 'must be wholly condemned by all'. Sir Keir added: 'But let us also be clear, a full-scale conflict in the Middle East is in no-one's interest. 'It is a path that can only lead to more bloodshed, more instability, and the unleashing of forces that are beyond the ability of anyone to control.' The Labour leader also offered a rebuke to Israel over the targeting of Iran's consulate in Syria earlier this month. 'If diplomacy takes centre stage, and it must, then we also need to be clear diplomatic premises should not be targeted and attacked,' Sir Keir said. 'That is a point of principle.' Mr Sunak faced demands from senior Tory MPs in the Commons to proscribe Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror group. This would put the IRGC same standing as al-Qaeda or Islamic State and make it a criminal offence to be a member, encourage support for, or provide funds to the group. Tory ex-leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told Mr Sunak: 'Please, please could he now consider proscribing the IRGC and to do it in a way that will make sure they can no longer ferment extremism here in the UK as well.' The PM replied: 'We are urgently working with our allies to see what steps we can take together in a co-ordinated fashion to deter and condemn what Iran is doing. 'With regard to destabilising activity here in the UK, he'll know that the Charity Commission very recently have opened an investigation into a particular organisation and we will continue to use all the powers at our disposal to make sure that people aren't fermenting hate and undermining British values here at home from abroad.' Former home secretary Suella Braverman told Mr Sunak: 'We have proscribed Hamas, we have proscribed Hezbollah. Prime Minister, why don't we put the UK's national security first by now proscribing the IRGC?' The PM replied: 'We don't comment on any potential proscription decisions. But of course we recognise the threat from Iran and have taken measures to counter it at home and around the world. 'I'm confident the police, security services and courts all have the tools they need to sanction, prosecute and mitigate the threats from Iran. 'We strengthened our sanctions regime recently, including sanctioning the IRGC in its entirety.' Israel's 'Iron Dome' defence system pictured in action during the attack by Iran over the weekend Your browser does not support iframes. Downing Street earlier said RAF planes have been shifted from Romania to the Middle East as a 'prudent' measure amid rising tensions. British planes were already operating above Iraq and Syria and were given further permission to join the US response, No10 said. 'The RAF sent Typhoon fighter jets and air refuelling tankers to the region to bolster our existing operations to counter Daesh [Islamic State] in Iraq and Syria under Operation Shader,' the PM's official spokesman told reporters. 'Those jets shot down a number of one-way Iranian attack drones over Iraq and Syria. 'They also backfilled American planes in the counter Daesh operation, allowing them to deploy elsewhere to deal with the incoming threat from Iran.' Six RAF Typhoons have been in Romania protecting NATO's eastern flank, close to the Black Sea. Other countries from the military alliance have stepped in. The spokesman added: 'We already have a significant presence in the region but as a prudent measure we temporarily moved a number of aircraft from Romania to bolster our existing footprint. 'Allied air forces continue to patrol NATO airspace to ensure it is protected from all threats and we have coordinated with NATO and our allies on our planes to ensure there is no gap in Romania.' Downing Street rejected Iran's claim that it gave advance warning of its drone and missile attack on Israel. Mr Sunak's spokesman said: 'We were not briefed directly by Iran on their attacks.' He added that 'more broadly, we condemn in the strongest possible terms their direct attack against Israel on Saturday night', also saying that 'it would be hard to overstate the fallout for regional stability' had the air strikes been successful. 'What we want to see now is calm heads to prevail,' the spokesman continued. 'The UK will work with our allies, including regional partners, to de-escalate the situation.' No10 said RAF jets were operating within existing permissions and defined geographic area of the Operation Shader mission against Islamic State. 'In addition, the pilots were given further permission to intercept any airborne attacks originating from Iran or their proxies within the range of our existing mission, the PM's spokesman added. 'This was a common sense measure to ensure that missiles that were flying at or past our aircraft en route to do damage, we could take them out. The UK was acting in the collective self-defence of Israel and for regional security.' It was 'absolutely right' the UK and its allies supported Israel by taking out a number of Iranian drones, the spokesman said, while declining to say how many drones were shot down by the RAF. Earlier, Foreign Secretary David Cameron echoed US President Joe Biden's suggestion that Mr Netanyahu should 'take the win' as he toured broadcast studios. He insisted the world needs to maintain a focus on Hamas and the continuing standoff over hostages from the October 7 terror attacks. Lord Cameron said 'Israel has every right to respond as an independent sovereign country being attacked in this way'. 'But I think we're very anxious to avoid escalation and to say to our friends in Israel it's a time to think with with head as well as heart,' he told Sky News. 'And in many ways this is a double defeat for Iran. Not only was their attack an almost total failure, but also the rest of the world can now see what a malign influence they are in the region and understand their true nature. 'And so I think it is right for Israel not to escalate, but obviously they're a sovereign, independent country and they'll make their own decisions.' The Foreign Secretary said: 'Our hope is that there won't be a retaliatory response, and instead the world's focus should shift to Hamas. 'They still hold those hostages. They've been offered a deal that prisoners can be released from Israeli jails in return for some of those hostages and there'll be a pause in the fighting. That's what needs to happen next and that's what I hope we can focus on.' IDF spokesman Peter Lerner said this morning that there would be retaliation from Israel, stating that this could involve 'a strike or no strike.' He explained that military top brass had submitted 'a wide range of options' and that there are 'a lot of different scenarios' on the table. The Israeli government will 'decide on the steps forward' as early as today. Israel said it intercepted 99 per cent of the hundreds of missiles and drones fired by Iran, with assistance from the US, UK and France. Mr Netanyahu (centre) pictured during a war cabinet meeting at the Kirya in Tel Aviv US President Joe Biden spoke with Mr Netanyahu in a late-night phone call on Saturday 'Just because we were successful in intercepting, we shouldn't underestimate what Iran did,' Mr Lerner said. 'We can't take that lightly.' Asked whether Britain would impose more sanctions on Tehran, as Labour has called for, Lord Cameron told BBC Breakfast: 'Absolutely. We already have 400 sanctions on Iran. We put in place a whole new sanctions regime at the end of last year, which is proving very effective. 'We've sanctioned the IRGC the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in its entirety. And we'll continue to look at what further steps we can do. 'I think there is an opportunity, and I'm sure the Prime Minister will talk about this in his statement to the House of Commons, to try and work very closely with our partners in the G7. All these things are more effective if countries can act together. 'I think Britain in many ways has been at the sort of sharp end, has been the most keen on sanctions and on pressure and on turning up the heat, recognising that Iran is the malign actor in the region, but it's best if we can do these things together.' George Santos' comeback bid for Congress raised no money at all last month, suggesting the campaign may be another ploy for attention. Filings with the Federal Election Committee (FEC) released Monday show no contributions and no expenditures for his campaign committee. Santos announced a run against New York Rep. Nick LaLota last month after making a dramatic appearance at President Biden's State of the Union address. He did not qualify for the GOP primary in June, but could still run as an Independent. 'New York hasn't had a real conservative represent them since I left office arbitrarily, thanks to RINO, empty suits like [LaLota],' Santos wrote on X. LaLota launched the effort to kick Santos out of Congress. George Santos ' comeback bid for Congress raised no money at all last month, suggesting the campaign may be another ploy for attention 'Pathetic little man Since you refuse to move to the district, I'm coming in hot!' Santos seethed, calling him a 'Democrat RINO with an abysmal record!' LaLota shot back on X, along with a link to donate to his campaign: 'To raise the standard in Congress, and to hold a pathological liar who stole an election accountable, I led the charge to expel George Santos. If finishing the job requires beating him in a primary, count me in.' Santos and LaLota have sparred for months. 'I don't like Nick LaLota. He's a traditional meathead,' Santos said in November. 'If he faces a true challenger, well funded, one person without a spoiler candidate, he might not win,' Santos continued. 'He's not well-liked. He's an arrogant person. He's not a nice guy. He's cocky. He's a traditional meathead, somebody that's not nice to you for no reason.' The ousted GOP member who fabricated most of his resume and used campaign funds on botox and OnlyFans still has privileges that mean he can get on the House floor. Santos announced a run against Rep. Nick LaLota last month after making a dramatic appearance at President Biden's State of the Union address But in recent days Santos' former New York GOP colleagues made a push to keep him away from Capitol Hill. Rep. Anthony D'Esposito introduced a resolution, cosponsored by Reps. Mike Lawler and LaLota, on Friday to 'deny certain privileges of the House of Representatives to former Members who have been expelled from the House.' Santos' campaign committee from the past election cycle also filed with the FEC on Monday, reporting hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. With only a small handful of new donations, that committee had to return $21,000 to donors. The Ethics Committee found that Santos stole campaign donations to fund a lavish lifestyle, and improperly charged donors' credit cards at luxury stores. The stunning dossier also states that the congressman reported fake loans to his political committees so that donors and party committees would want to make further contributions to him. It found that Santos deceived people into donating to RedStone Strategies, which in 2022 was listed as a committee dedicated to supporting his candidacy, and then transferred those funds to his personal account, using the money on Sephora, OnlyFans, and a $4,000 purchase at Hermes. It also found he spent campaign funds on Botox treatments and lavish Atlantic City trips with his husband. Separately, Santos has already pleaded not guilty to 23 charges in federal court, including identity theft, charging his donors' credit cards without their approval and submitting false campaign reports. Israel must show it is 'prepared to go berserk' on Iran in the wake of its weekend missile onslaught, the country's hard-line security minister has said. The country's war cabinet met on Sunday and again today to discuss the Israeli response to Tehran launching 300 missiles and drones on Saturday, the majority of which were intercepted by Israel and its allies the US, UK, France and Jordan. According to people familiar with the matter, the five-person cabinet - including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - is considering whether to 'go big' in its retaliation, or respond to Iran's attack in a more measured way. Nationalist figures in Israel are calling for the former, including Itamar Ben-Gvir - Israel's national security minister and leader of the most popular Right-wing party - even as the EU warned the Middle East is standing 'on the edge of a cliff.' 'Ideas of containment and moderation are the perceptions that ended on Oct 7,' he said in a statement late on Sunday, referring to the deadly Hamas terror attack last year that killed around 1,200 people in Israel. 'To create a deterrent in the Middle East, Israel has got to show that it is prepared to go berserk,' he added. This video grab from AFPTV taken on April 14, 2024 shows explosions lighting up Jerusalem sky during the Iranian attack on Israel An Iranian missile launch is seen in this footage, claimed to be the first missile launched towards Israel in Tehran's attack over the weekend Nationalist figures in Israel are calling for the former, including Itamar Ben-Gvir (pictured) - Israel's national security minister and leader of the most popular Right-wing party - even as the EU warned the Middle East is stood 'on the edge of a cliff' Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said if Israel 'hesitates' in its response, then 'we will put ourselves and our children in existential danger,' in another nod to the Hamas attack which also saw 240 people kidnapped and resulted in Israel launching its devastating military offensive on the Gaza strip. Pressure from the likes of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich came despite fears that further retaliation could push the Middle East further towards an all-out war. With such fears mounting, Israel's western allies have urged restraint. US president Joe Biden has reportedly told Netanyahu that his military would not support the Jewish state in any counterattack, urging the Israeli leader to 'take the win' after the IDF said it had shot down 99 percent of the 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles fired by Iran with help from allies. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told a Spanish radio station today: 'We're on the edge of the cliff and we have to move away from it. 'We have to step on the brakes and reverse gear,' he said. Britain's Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron urged Israel to be 'smart as well as tough' by not escalating the conflict with Iran. Israel should recognise Tehran's attack as an 'almost total failure' and 'think with head as well as heart' in its response, he said, while confirming British RAF jets shot down a 'small number' of drones fired by Iran. In addition to Netanyahu, the War Cabinet also features defence minister Yoav Gallant and former defence minister Benny Gantz. Statements from Gallant and Gantz on Sunday suggested a direct Israeli response to Iran's weekend salvo was not imminently on the cards. It was their comments that prompted the likes of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to speak. 'We need a crushing attack,' Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on X. Iran, meanwhile, accused Israel of crossing 'a red line that was unbearable' by striking the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1, and told Western leaders they should 'appreciate its restraint' shown towards Israel. Israel today threatened airstrikes on Iran in retaliation for a 350-missile blitz amid fears the conflict will spiral into all-out war in the Middle East. Pictured: Rocket trails are seen in the sky above Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as Iranian missiles are intercepted by air defences Iran bombarded Israel with hundreds of missiles and drones on Saturday in response to a drone strike in Syria that killed 12 Iranians Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (centre) during a War Cabinet meeting at the Kirya in Tel Aviv on Sunday Your browser does not support iframes. Chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces General Mohammad Bagheri said after Saturday's attack: 'The Mission is accomplished and the operation is over and we have no intentions of going further.' However, Bagheri warned that if Israel did 'commit to any act against us, be it on our territory or in our compounds in Syria', then Iran's 'next operation will be larger.' Any decision on whether to strike back against Iran will be Israel's alone, according to the person familiar with the cabinet's discussions quoted by the Financial Times. However, discussions are understood to be continuing with Israel's key allies, especially those in the White House. IDF spokesman Peter Lerner on Monday morning confirmed that there would be retaliation from Israel, stating that this could involve 'a strike or no strike.' He explained that military top brass had submitted 'a wide range of options' and that there are 'a lot of different scenarios' on the table. The Israeli government will 'decide on the steps forward' as early as today or within the coming days, Lerner told reporters. He added that 'just because we were successful in intercepting [99 percent of the missiles], we shouldn't underestimate what Iran did. We can't take that lightly.' According to Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official who went on to serve as senior Arab affairs adviser to Jerusalem Mayors Teddy Kollek and Ehud Olmert, the cabinet has many 'complex calculations to make', warning that if the country chooses not to act, it risks appearing weak to its enemies. 'Israel's war cabinet's seeming indecision reflects the many complex calculations it must make as it plans its response to Iran's aggression,' he told MailOnline. 'While the US is not wrong in stating that the aerial defence and the consolidation of the coalition in Israel's defence was a great success for Israel against Iran during the Saturday attack, the region, including Iran is watching to see if Israel is capable of mounting a response, and a failure to do so will result in added risk for Israel of future attacks from Iran and other enemies.' He continued: 'In Middle East geopolitics, perception is key, as is projection of power and deterrence capacity. 'That being said, for the moment, the US has advocated for Israel not to launch a wide-scale attack on Iran and Israel has the opportunity to use that US priority to its advantage in pushing the US for the diplomatic support of its incursion into Rafah and dismantling of the Iranian proxies - Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. 'Likely, these conversations have already started and it's clear that following Iran's attack, Israel has already mobilised additional reserve forces to deploy to Gaza.' On what Israel's response to Iran could look like, Melamed said: 'It's very possible that Israel will respond to the direct attack with a series of covert operations within Iranian borders, telegraphing Israel's deterrence capabilities, while highlighting Iranian exposure to Israel's military and intelligence prowess. 'These operations are likely to start in the near future,' he added. Justin Crump, British army veteran and CEO of global risk analysis firm Sibylline, said he also expected to see Israel's allies implement more sanctions on Tehran. 'Israel's allies are signalling that they expect international pressure on Iran to be increased, and are hoping that this sort of action - for example - will suffice to mitigate an Israeli response,' he said. 'This seems uncertain, with hawks on all sides arguing that Iran will remain a particular threat. 'Drone factories, missile development sites and nuclear sites are high on any potential target list. Meanwhile, allied strikes against targets in Syria and Iraq will likely also increase as an attempt to mollify the Israeli position.' Mr Crump also said the situation has likely strengthened Netanyahu's position. The situation has certainly helped Israel and its leadership, reversing the trend of pressure over Gaza and helping defuse some political tensions that were once again building,' he said. 'Permacrisis suits Netanyahu at this stage and it is to be expected that he will leverage this environment. The Israeli public stance from the war cabinet will therefore remain belligerent, whatever goes on behind the scenes.' As for whether the conflict could escalate further, Mr Crump said that now 'lies firmly in Israel's court and will rely largely on what is considered in the best interests of the embattled state.' 'But,' he warned, 'the slide into full conflicts often emerges quickly and in this environment small miscalculations can have enormous consequences - especially when so many on all sides are partly cheering on a conflict.' Biden urged Netanyahu not to respond to the attacks by retaliating against Iran during a phone call on Saturday evening. Netanyahu is seen her on the phone to Biden Shortly after news broke of the attacks on Israel by Iranian forces, President Biden was rushed back to the White House from Delaware for a national security meeting, seen here Iranians walk past an anti-Israel billboard carrying pictures of Iranian missiles in Tehran today As the Middle East stands on the brink of war... Israel described Iran's 350-missile attack on the nation as a 'declaration of war' The country confirmed their plans for 'offensive and defensive action' Biden met with G7 leaders and they 'unequivocally' condemned Iran's actions Israel's ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan said that the Iranian attack had 'crossed every red line' and his country has the 'legal right to retaliate' Biden is privately fearing a potentially 'catastrophic escalation' as the Israeli government plans their next move, Pentagon officials told NBC News. Senior Pentagon officials told the outlet last night that they worry an Israeli response to the attacks would be 'frenetic.' White House staff told NBC that Biden has also privately expressed concern that Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to draw the US into the conflict. Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones on Saturday in response to a drone strike in Syria that killed 12 Iranians, including two top generals. Biden spoke with Netanyahu in a late-night phone call on Saturday and made it clear that US forces would not participate any further. Biden has urged Netanyahu not to respond to the attacks by retaliating against Iran. The Israeli Prime Minister's war cabinet is in favor of a reaction - but is divided over the timing and scale of any such response, according to reports. The White House is said to believe that the Israelis are not looking for a direct war with Iran. An Israeli official in Netanyahu's office said: 'Israel can't allow such a large attack over Israel without some kind of response be it small or large.' The US was joined by UK, French and Jordanian forces in assisting Israel in shooting down dozens of drones and missiles fired by Iran, in what was the first time it had launched a direct military assault on Israel. Israeli authorities said 99 percent of the inbound weapons were shot down without causing any significant damage. The push to encourage Israel to show restraint mirrored ongoing American efforts to curtail Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, which is now in its seventh month. But Fawaz Gerges, professor of International Relations and Middle Eastern Politics at the London School of Economics criticized Biden's ability to translate his concerns into influence over Israel. He told NBC: 'The strategy of the Biden administration has failed miserably. Biden is sleepwalking the U.S. into another catastrophic war in the Middle East. 'His overarching goal of preventing the war in Gaza from escalating into neighboring countries has failed. 'Biden has failed to influence Netanyahu's decisions either in Gaza or towards Iran.' Benjamin Friedman, policy director of the think tank Defense Priorities, said: 'The Israeli government has courted a fight with Iran, perhaps encouraged by the prospect of U.S. help in going after Iran. 'Instead of talking about 'ironclad' support for Israel, the president should have made clear the U.S. support is limited and does not extend to all circumstances.' While the US were preparing for days for such an attack, the launches were at the 'high end' of what was anticipated, according to the officials. pic.twitter.com/6VMlO063NU roi kais (@kaisos1987) April 13, 2024 At a press conference on Sunday evening, IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari (pictured) said Iran's plan had 'failed' Over the weekend, Israel described Iran's unprecedented 350-missile attack as a 'declaration of war' and confirmed it has plans for 'offensive and defensive action'. The country's president Isaac Herzog insisted that Israel did not want a war but suggested they would retaliate after Iran's audacious airstrike early on Sunday. He said it was 'about time the world faces this empire of evil in Tehran' and makes it clear that its behavior is 'unacceptable'. Israel's ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan said that the Iranian attack had 'crossed every red line' and his country has the 'legal right to retaliate'. At a press conference on Sunday evening, IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Iran's plan had 'failed' - as he praised the response from the 'regional alliance'. Hagari accused Iran of trying to 'ignite the Middle East and escalate the region' by firing 60 tons of suicide drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and rockets at Israel overnight - but insisted his army was on 'high alert'. 'Over the last two hours, we approved operational plans for both offensive and defensive action,' he said. 'We will continue to protect the State of Israel, and together with our partners, we will continue to build a more secure and stable future for the entire Middle East.' The IDF spokesman did not elaborate on what plans have been approved, but it comes after a meeting of Israel's war cabinet. Biden and leaders of the G7 held talks on Sunday in which they 'unequivocally' condemned Iran's attack on Israel and warned that the risk of an 'uncontrollable regional escalation' must be avoided. A G7 meeting took place this afternoon as leaders condemned Iran's air attack on Israel 'in the strongest terms' Drones or missiles vying for targets at undisclosed locations in northern Israel on April 14 Parts of a missile launched by Iran are found in Amman, Jordan, on April 14 After Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, near Arad, this is the remains of a rocket booster which reportedly injured a seven-year-old child Israeli President Isaac Herzog insisted that Israel did not want a war but suggested his country would retaliate In a joint statement following an urgent call, the countries said they 'stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives'. The G7 statement said: 'We, the leaders of the G7, unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran's direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. 'Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack. 'We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security. 'With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided.' Leaders from the Group of Seven advanced economies, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the US, demanded Iran and its proxies 'cease their attacks,' adding: 'We stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives.' The statement continued: 'We will also strengthen our co-operation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.' Netanyahu's war cabinet favours a retaliation against Iran for its mass drone and missile attack but is divided over the timing and scale of any such response, according to Reuters. The five-member cabinet, in which Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz have decision-making powers, was expected to convene again for further discussions after meeting on Sunday. Hagari also told reporters on Sunday: 'Together we thwarted Iran's attack. This was the first time that such a coalition worked together against the threat of Iran and its proxies in the Middle East.' 'Iran launched over 350 threats, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, rockets and suicide drones towards Israel and also other countries in the region could have got that threat on the way.' Speaking to Sky News, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said: 'There is an empire of evil in Tehran which has its proxies laid all over the region and terror cells all over the world, and it's about time that the world faces this empire of evil in Tehran and makes it clear to the Iranian regime that this cannot pass by. 'Everyone should look at this and ask 'what would we do, had we been attacked in such an aggressive way?' He also said: 'Israel has undertaken all the necessary steps to block this attack, which was a violent, flagrant violation of all the rules. Asked about the global warnings not to escalate, he said: 'The last thing Israel is seeking in this region is to go to war. We are seeking peace, we are peace-seekers.' Donald Trump can still run for president in 2024 if he is convicted of a felony. The 77-year-old is at the Manhattan courthouse Monday as jury selection commences at the start of the first criminal trial against the former president. Trump stands charged with falsification of business documents related to the hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about their affair ahead of the 2016 election. Trump has been charged with dozens of felonies since last year, including in the New York case, an election subversion case in Georgia and two federal cases one on trying to overturn the 2020 election and one on handling of classified documents following his first White House term. At the rate some of the cases are moving, Trump could be convicted of a crime before the presidential election in 2024. Former President Donald Trump appears in Manhattan court on Monday, April 15 as jury selection commenced for the first criminal trial against him Trump can still run for president in 2024 if he is convicted of a felony crime. Pictured: Supporters of Trump gather outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse for the start of the criminal trial against the former president on Monday With nearly 100 criminal charges against the former president, critics and supporters alike have raised questions over whether Trump could still continue to pursue the highest U.S. office with a felony conviction under his belt. The short answer: Yes. The Constitution sets little eligibility requirements for who can run for President of the United States. Those seeking the office must be 35-years-old, a 'natural born' citizen of the United States and have lived in the country for at least 14 years. However, no limitations are listed on whether a person running for president has a criminal record. Some states prohibit felons from running for office in state and local elections but those laws do not apply at a federal level to nationwide offices. Trump still remains highly popular among his base and is the de facto Republican nominee after sweeping most GOP primary elections so far. The Republican National Committee (RNC) Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this summer will officially crown him the party's nominee for the third straight election cycle. Some states are trying to override Trump's ability to remain on the 2024 ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump could not appear on the state's presidential ballot under a provision of Clause 3 of the 14 Amendment that says those who 'engaged in insurrection or rebellion' after taking an oath to the Constitution cannot run for office. But the 6-3 conservative Supreme Court struck down the Colorado decision, claiming that states cannot decide which candidates can and cannot appear on the ballot for federal-level elections under this constitutional amendment. Anti-Trump demonstrators come together outside the court house in New York City on Monday to protest the former president and champion the lawsuits against him Trump walks into the courtroom in Manhattan after a break during jury selection in the case alleging business record falsification in relation to payments to porn star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an affair before the 2016 presidential election Several lawsuits argue Trump's actions before and on January 6, 2021, meet the bar for disqualification for office in the clause but the 14th Amendment does not specifically reference presidential office and the former president has not yet been convicted of insurrection at the federal level. The last candidate to run from a prison cell was Eugene Debs more than 100 years ago. But the socialist had no real shot of becoming president despite running five times through the early 1900s and the final time while serving a six month sentence. Trump is the first candidate in U.S. history that has a real shot of winning presidential office with a felony conviction should at least one of the cases against him emerge successful. Rwanda will get 50million of taxpayers money as a new law to deport migrants comes into force, despite none having yet arrived in the country, it was revealed today. The east African nation is being paid 290million to rehome Channel migrants, with the last tranche being dolled out as soon as the Safety of Rwanda Bill is granted Royal Assent by the King, Home Office permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft said. This could come as early as this week or next week, with politicians prepare for the latest fight to get deportation flights to Rwanda off the ground. Peers are coming under increasing pressure to drop their opposition to the government's new law, with ministers hoping to start flights within weeks. Sir Matthew appeared in front of the Public Accounts Committee as it was revealed more than 500 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats yesterday on the busiest day of arrivals so far this year. He said: 'It will go out as soon as we have Royal Assent.' The east African nation is being paid 290million to rehome Channel migrants, with the last tranche being dolled out as soon as the Safety of Rwanda Bill is granted Royal Assent by the King, Home Office permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft said. Some 534 people were detected crossing from the continent on Sunday, the highest according to provisional figures from the Home Office. MPs will this evening consider amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, which inflicted a series of defeats against the controversial policy before rising for the spring break. The cumulative number of arrivals by small boats in 2024 now stands at a provisional total of 6,265 - 28 per cent higher than the total at the equivalent point last year, which was 4,899, and 7 per cent higher than the total at this stage in 2022, which was 5,828. Some 534 people were detected crossing from the continent on Sunday, according to provisional figures from the Home Office. It takes the figure for the year to date to 6,265 - 28 per cent higher than the same point in 2023. Asked whether the timeline could slip in to the summer, the Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters on Monday: 'Our commitment remains to get flights off as soon as possible, and that has not changed. 'Clearly this week the PM is focused on ensuring that the Bill progresses through Parliament as quickly as possible. 'And once the Safety of Rwanda Bill and the treaty are in place to get flights off as soon as possible then we'll set out further details on operational plans subsequently.' Pressed repeatedly on whether this meant flights in spring, the official said: 'We remain committed to the timetables previously set out.' Some 10 boats were detected on Sunday, which suggests an average of around 53 people per boat. MPs will this evening consider amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, which inflicted a series of defeats against the controversial policy before rising for the spring break. Your browser does not support iframes. The Government will seek to strip out changes made by peers who want extra legal safeguards, including a provision to ensure 'due regard' for domestic and international law. But the Lords could decide to push their changes again, starting what is known as 'ping-pong' with the law passing between the Commons and the upper chamber repeatedly. Peers were today warned not to do this, having made clear their feelings about the law. Senior Tory Sir John Hayes told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Of course, it's right that there is a balance between Commons and Lords and indeed between Parliament and the executive but when a government devises and wants to implement a policy which is clear and precise in terms of its objectives, the Lords shouldn't stand in its way... No10 today said the Prime Minister's message to the Lords was: 'This week Parliament has the opportunity to pass a Bill to save the lives of those being exploited by people smuggling gangs.' 'I think in the end the Lords will give way on this because they recognise that balance.' It came as it was revealed ministers were examining plans to expand the deportation scheme away from east Africa, holding talks with countries including Armenia, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and Botswana. They have all entered talks with the UK government in what it describes as a 'third-country asylum processing deal', according to The Times. Progress has reportedly stalled with all four countries, which were priorities in a long list of potential locations, as the Rwanda scheme struggles to get off the ground after two years of legal and political wrangling. The Foreign Office (FCDO) also considered South American states including Paraguay, Peru, Brazil and Ecuador, but suggested their governments may have less interest in signing up. Among those on a 'reserve list' included Cape Verde, Senegal, Tanzania and Sierra Leone - meaning they could be approached if talks with other, more favoured targets didn't succeed. Concerns were expressed that issues with the Rwanda Bill could put potential candidates off, with Armenia for example said to be awaiting the outcome of the policy (capital Yerevan pictured) However senior Tories at the weekend suggested that they have yet to find an airline to carry deported migrants to Rwanda, despite planning to begin flights within weeks. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins insisted the Home Office is 'ready to go' in implementing the scheme as a Bill aimed at saving the stalled deportation policy makes its way through Parliament. But she could not confirm in media interviews today who would operate the flights. And separately, deputy Tory Party chairwoman Rachel Maclean appeared to suggest a carrier had still not been confirmed. Ms Maclean told Times Radio: 'I'm sure that we will have a carrier in place ... and this is all part of operationalising the plan. We need this plan because we need to have the deterrent effect.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has repeatedly said flights to Kigali will take off by spring, but refused to name a specific date. It comes after reports suggested that Rwanda's state-owned airline turned down a UK Government proposal to transport asylum seekers because it wanted to avoid being associated with the controversial scheme. 'I was gradually getting frozen up, and by the grace of God I came across a lifeboat and they pulled me in.' Those were the words of Titanic survivor Frank Prentice, speaking 67 years after the ship sank on this day in April 1912 with the loss of more than 1,500 passengers and crew. Mr Prentice, then just 23, was serving as assistant purser on the ship when it fatefully hit an iceberg. He told BBC documentary series The Great Liners in 1979: 'There was no impact as such. 'It was just like jamming your brakes on the car and that was that she stopped. 'We had a porthole open and I looked out and the sky was clear, stars were shining, the sea was dead calm and I thought, I couldn't understand it.' 'I was gradually getting frozen up, and by the grace of God I came across a lifeboat and they pulled me in.' Those were the words of Titanic survivor Frank Prentice, speaking 67 years after the ship sank on this day in April 1912 with the loss of more than 1,500 passengers and crew RMS Titanic departing Southampton on April 10, 1912. The vessel was sailing to New York on its maiden voyage After the Titanic hit the iceberg, Mr Prentice left his cabin to investigate. But there was no sign of damage because the point of impact had been below the waterline. Unbeknown to him, the ship was catastrophically crippled and sank within three hours of the collision. Despite an order for women and children to get into the lifeboats, many were reluctant because of the 70foot drop into the water and their faith in the ship's status as an 'unsinkable' vessel. As a result, many more people lost their lives than if all 16 lifeboats had been filled to capacity. Mr Prentice said: 'Don't forget we had 16 lifeboats and they each carried 50, and if they'd been filled we could've saved 800 whereas we only saved 500.' Describing the moment the Titanic broke in two, he added: 'All of a sudden, she lifted up quickly and you could hear everything crashing through her.' The caption of the Titanic, Edward Smith (pictured) tragically died the night the Titanic went down The ship tragically sank within three hours of the collision. Pictured: American passenger businessman Benjamin Guggenheim whose body was never found As half of the ship rose out of the water, Mr Prentice was clinging on to a board. He realised that he had no option but to let go and plunge into the freezing water. 'I had a lifebelt on and I hit the water with a terrific crack,' he said. As bodies floated 'all over the place', Mr Prentice watched the ship disappear beneath the water. Mr Prentice escaped death when he was pulled from the water into a lifeboat. He found himself sat next to Virginia Estelle Clark, who he had helped with her lifejacket on deck. Newly-married Ms Clark, who was on her honeymoon, had been persauded by Mr Prentice to leave her new husband Walter behind and get into a lifeboat. Ms Clark had asked Mr Prentice if he had seen her husband but it later emerged he had died. Mr Prentice believed the woman had probably saved his life by wrapping a cloak around him. 'I saved hers I think I might have done, I think I did, and she saved mine,' he said. Along with the rest of the survivors, the pair were rescued by the RMS Carpathia, which was nearly 60 miles away when it picked up the Titanic's distress call. The survivors were carried to safety in New York, where an initial inquiry into the disaster was held. Mr Prentice escaped death when he was pulled from the water into a lifeboat The RMS Titanic was the largest ship afloat at the time and is pictured setting off on its voyage in 1912 Mr Prentice died in 1982 at the age of 93. For the rest of his life he kept the watch he had been carrying on the day the Titanic sank. It was frozen in time at 2.20am, the time it fell into the water. 'It was frozen up like I was I think it lasted for about 20 minutes in the water,' Mr Prentice said. He admitted that giving an interview about his ordeal meant he would probably 'have another nightmare'. 'You'd think I'm too old for that, but you'd be amazed. You lie in bed at night and the whole thing comes round again,' he added. He attained a master's degree from the Harvard Extension School in 2021 William 'Doug' Ward, 53, is a high-ranking U.S. government official The husband of the Nebraska teacher accused of having sex with one of her students has been revealed as a Harvard-educated deputy at the Department of Defense. Erin Ward, 45, was charged with one count of felony sexual abuse by a school employee after she was found naked with the high school boy, 17, in her husband's car. Now, DailyMail.com can reveal her husband is a high-ranking US government employee who has worked with the Department of Defense for nearly two decades. William Douglas 'Doug' Ward, 53, was appointed Deputy Director of the Commander's Action Group and Senior Nuclear Deterrence Advisor at the United States Strategic Command in February. His LinkedIn shows he worked with the Strategic Command since 2005 and initially served as a Deputy Branch Chief. The husband of Nebraska substitute teacher Erin Ward has been revealed as Doug Ward, 53, a U.S. Department of Defense employee Ward, 45, was arrested Saturday morning after Douglas County Sheriff's deputies found her naked inside a car with a 17-year-old student The couple's daughter, a 10th grader, is around the same age as the boy Ward sexually abused The Strategic Command, which is headquartered in Omaha, is a military unit that detects and deters attacks against the country and its allies. In addition to his impressive job title, Doug graduated from the Harvard Extension School in 2021 with a master's degree in political science and government. The father of three posted a photo dressed in his cap and gown to X, formerly Twitter, as he attended a virtual graduation ceremony during the pandemic. 'I graduated today!' he proclaimed, accompanied by the hashtag '#couchcommencement'. The couple share a home in Gretna, just outside Omaha, with their three teenage children. Their adopted daughter is a 10th grade student around the same age as the boy Ward is charged with abusing. The couple's children feature prominently on their social media pages, where they laud their academic achievements. Doug liked several tweets denouncing child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in 2017, in between photos of his kids and retweets from his wife's page. Doug graduated from the Harvard Extension School in 2021 with a master's degree in political science and government The father of three was appointed Deputy Director of the Commander's Action Group with the United States Strategic Command in February Ward (center) was a substitute teacher at several Omaha-area schools include Harry A. Burke High School In November, Ward posted a picture of keys, a printed schedule and a Harry A. Burke High School lanyard on her profile. 'Absolutely the best school as a guest school teacher,' she wrote. 'Favorite building to teach at...love when I get to be a bulldog.' The 45-year-old worked as a substitute teacher at several metro area schools. It was at Burke she met the teenage boy with whom she was found in the early-morning hours of April 13. Around 3 a.m., Douglas County deputies were called to investigate a suspicious car parked on a dead-end road. There, they found Ward and the victim inside a Honda Pilot 'determined to be owned by Ward and her spouse,' the Douglas County Sheriff's Office wrote in a press release. The 17-year-old jumped into the drivers seat and sped off in the SUV, crashing into a yard two blocks away. He then ran off, wearing only a t-shirt, boxers and socks, and was found about an hour later. Ward was getting dressed in the back seat when deputies approached. They recovered an Omaha Public Schools employee ID from inside the car. Ward confirmed she was a substitute teacher at Burke, where the teen was enrolled, and admitted to having sex with him. In November, Ward posted a photo of a schedule and a Burke High School lanyard to X, formerly Twitter, professing it was 'the best school' Doug (second from left) and Erin Ward (far right) have three children together, two sons and a daughter The couple and their kids live in Gretna, a city just outside Omaha Police recovered an Omaha Public Schools ID from the car where Ward and the boy were found. She admitted that the 17-year-old was a student at Burke and was charged with one count of felony sexual abuse by a school employee Both she and the victim were taken to the hospital to treat minor injuries stemming from the crash. As the age of consent in Nebraska is 16, Ward was not charged with statutory rape, but faces a Class IIA felony charge carrying up to 20 years in prison. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office announced that it is working closely with Omaha Public Schools amid the ongoing investigation. Burke's principal, Darren Rasmussen, released a statement to members of the community following news of Ward's arrest. 'We are writing to share that law enforcement has arrested a metro-area substitute teacher for inappropriate conduct with a minor,' he wrote. 'The individual worked at Burke High several days during the 2023-24 school year. They will not be returning to our school or any others in our district. 'Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of the students we serve. We take this most seriously. Counselors will be available on Tuesday for students in need of support.' Two Palermo men, age 44 and 41, were arrested Monday in connection to the rape of a 30-year-old Canadian tourist at her B&B in Sicily. The victim reportedly told the police she had met one of the two men, who was a hospital porter, while she was visiting her boyfriend in the hospital after he suffered a minor injury. She told officers she and the porter began talking and she invited him back to her bed and breakfast. The tourist described him as 'very nice' but 'after a certain point I can't remember anything,' she reportedly said, according to ANSA. The porter was joined by another man and allegedly took turns raping the tourist, she told police. The victim reportedly took a sexual assault forensic exam, known more colloquially as a 'rape kit,' which allegedly confirmed that she was assaulted. Two Palermo men, age 44 and 41, were arrested Monday in connection to the rape of a 30-year-old Canadian tourist at her B&B in Sicily The victim reportedly told the police she had met one of the two men, who was a hospital porter, while she was visiting her boyfriend in the hospital after he suffered a minor injury (Pictured: Chief of Police and Director of Public Security Captain Vittorio Pisani) She told officers she invited the porter back to her bed and breakfast. The tourist described him as 'very nice' but 'after a certain point I can't remember anything," she reportedly said The names of the victim and the suspects have not been released. No further information has been provided about this case. Per the Canadian government's travel website, a travel advisory has not been made for Italy or Sicily. The latest report comes shortly after a barman accused of raping a British tourist was arrested last month by police in Naples after traces of his DNA were found on her clothing - eight months after she reported she had been attacked in a Naples nightclub. The suspect reportedly served the young woman drinks and chatted with her as she drank in the bar with a friend in July last year. When she went to the bathroom he followed her and brutally attacked her, according to local media reports. She told police: 'Suddenly he was on top of me and I saw his trousers down. There wasn't my consent at all. I didn't give my consent.' A barman accused of raping a British tourist has been arrested by police in Italy eight months after she reported she had been attacked in a Naples nightclub Although the woman returned to England, she cooperated with Italian authorities by providing DNA evidence and continued to help police track down her attacker After the attack, the victim - who is believed to be in her early 20s - went to hospital and reported the incident to police, who launched an investigation. Two French tourists are believed to have helped the woman and her friend in the aftermath of the alleged attack, giving them the police's contact information. Although the woman returned to England, she cooperated with Italian authorities by providing DNA evidence and continued to help police track down her attacker. She returned to Italy in December and provided prosecutor Mariangela Magariello and deputy prosecutor Raffaello Falcone with further statements and identification. After reviewing the evidence, which also included video footage, police arrested the barman. Naples judge Carla Sarno ordered him to be held under house arrest after prosecutors and the victim's lawyer Lucilla Longone said there were fears he could try to flee. Italian media reports that the suspect is 27 and was the owner of the bar, which is in the historic Decumani area of the city. According to the victim's testimony, he saw the two British women go past and invited them into his bar for a drink, Corriere della Sera reports. Police are still investigating. A woman, 29, said she was sexually assaulted by a tattooed man, believed to be 25, at the Terme di Milano spa (pictured) in the middle of the Italian city, according to local media reports In February, another instance occurred in which a British tourist was allegedly raped at a Milan spa resort. The woman, 29, said she was sexually assaulted by a man with distinctive tattoos, believed to be 25, at the Terme di Milano spa in the middle of the Italian city. The English tourist claimed the man approached her at the spa while she was relaxing with a friend. They reportedly knew each other and had consumed alcohol together. After inviting her to follow him into the men's changing room, the suspect turned violent and raped her at around 10 pm, Italian newspaper Il Giorno reports. She screamed for help and attracted the attention of her friend, causing the man to flee. Italian police officers from the Carabinieri are looking for the alleged rapist after the Briton reported the assault after returning to her hotel at around 11 pm. The man is said to be 25 years old, Italian-Moroccan and to have several tattoos. Republicans are planning to deliver the articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate on Tuesday. The handover is expected to happen around 2:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday afternoon, immediately triggering a constitutional process that will force the Senate to decide the fate of the embattled border chief. Mayorkas will actually be on Capitol Hill while Republicans transmit the impeachment articles against him, setting up a showdown. Currently, Mayorkas is set to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee on the Department of Homeland Security's $108 billion 2025 budget request at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. Senators aren't expected to be sworn in for the trial - that top Democrat plans to quickly dismiss - until Wednesday morning. Speaker Mike Johnson had originally planned to send the articles to the Senate last week but after speaking with GOP Senators he decided to delay until this week. Now, Johnson's office has confirmed that the procession to the Senate will occur Tuesday. Department of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas' future in the position is unclear as the House has passed articles of impeachment against the man in charge of U.S. border security but the Democrat-held Senate is likely to acquit the charges against him Republicans charge that Mayorkas has intentionally loosened restrictions around illegal immigration under the orders of President Joe Biden Speaker Mike Johnson has claimed about 9 million migrants have been encountered illegally crossing into U.S. under Mayorkas' tenure How did we get here? Mayorkas impeachment timeline: The Republican-led House Homeland Security Committee has been investigating Mayorkas' mishandling of the U.S. border since last summer. The committee released a five-installment report spanning from July 2023 to December 2023. In January, Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., released an impeachment resolution with two individual charges against Mayorkas. The impeachment articles said that Mayorkas 'refused to comply with Federal immigration laws' amid a record surge of migrants and that he has 'breached the public trust' in his claims to Congress that the US-Mexico border is secure. After a late night vote passing the articles out of the committee on January 31, the resolution was teed up for a vote on the House floor. A week later, the House voted 216-214 on the impeachment articles and the Republican-backed motion failed. But a week later, on February 13, the House tried again and the articles of impeachment passed by a single vote. 'Secretary Mayorkas impeachmentthe first of a sitting Cabinet official in U.S. historyindicates how seriously the House takes his refusal to comply with the law and his breach of the public trust,' Green told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'This historic vote followed a thorough, fair, comprehensive, and nearly year-long investigation conducted by the House Committee on Homeland Security into Secretary Mayorkas and his handling of the unprecedented border crisis.' 'The Framers of our Constitution gave Congress this grave authority when public officials choose to ignore the law and inflict grave harm on our constitutional order. The Democrat-led Senate must hold the trial, render a verdict, and hold Secretary Mayorkas accountable,' Green added. Republicans say that Mayorkas has incentivized migrant to come across the U.S. border illegally because DHS has lessened penalties for doing so A number of asylum seekers await transportation from Custom and Border Protection. In recent months thousands of migrants from China have crossed into the U.S. illegally Following the passage of the articles in the House, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's office released a statement indicating that the articles would be promptly acted upon after the following a in-district work period. But as that time came and went the House did not send the Senate the articles, instead working for weeks on massive funding packages to keep the government from a partial shutdown. After another at home work period for Easter recess, Speaker Johnson and his appointed impeachment managers sent a letter to Schumer on March 28 informing him they would walk the articles to the Senate on April 10. On April 9, however, a group of GOP Senators led by Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, John Kennedy, R-La., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., held a press conference advocating for the House to hold off sending the articles. The 11th-hour plea for delaying was because the Republicans knew if the articles were delivered on schedule - Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. - the Senate would have little motivation to have a long trial as many had planned to fly out of D.C. by Thursday. 'Many House and Senate members think Johnsons timing is dumb, because a Wednesday night delivery [and] Thursday afternoon floor fight arent enough time to win the news cycle and to hammer the fight in Washington,' a senior Senate aide told DailyMail.com Tuesday. Later that evening, Speaker Johnson agreed to the Senator's request and held off on sending the articles. A spokesperson for Speaker Johnson said that 'to ensure the Senate has adequate time to perform its constitutional duty, the House will transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate next week.' 'There is no reason whatsoever for the Senate to abdicate its responsibility to hold an impeachment trial,' Taylor Haulsee told DailyMail.com. A source familiar with the matter told DailyMail.com that the House is expected to deliver the articles to the Senate on Tuesday, April 16. The U.S.-Mexico border is an inhospitable place where migrants who cross illegally regularly need immediate medical attention after their dangerous journeys What will happen next week? The articles of impeachment against Mayorkas will be physically walked across the Capitol from the House to the Senate by the Johnson-appointed impeachment managers. House impeachment managers Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn. Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La. Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va. Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss. Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo. Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla. Advertisement The procession from the House to the Senate will be led by House staff workers and will also feature the eleven impeachment managers following behind them. The last time the impeachment ceremony took place was in January 2021, when former President Donald Trump was impeached by the House for high crimes and misdemeanors related to his behavior on January 6. Once over on the Senate side the House employees are expected to enter the upper chamber and present the articles to the senator presiding over the floor. Delivery of the articles immediately begins the process in the Senate. 'As busy as we are, one issue the Senate will soon have to address is the House vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas,' Schumer said Wednesday after Johnson agreed to delaying the articles' transmission. 'Our plan over here has not changed: the Senate is ready to go whenever the House is. We want to address this issue as expeditiously as possible.' 'And as I said yesterday, impeachment should never be used to settle policy disagreements. That sets an awful precedent.' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not revealed what he plans to do with the articles of impeachment against Mayorkas Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, requested Johnson delay sending the articles of impeachment to allow the Senate more time to deliberate the motion Schumer stating that the Senate will work quickly on the matter without providing further detail shows how closely he is holding his cards to his chest. Will Democrats move to quash the trial for Mayorkas? He has several routes forward upon receiving the articles. First, he could put the articles up for an immediate vote, which could and likely would result in the Democrats voting to table the motion, meaning there would be no impeachment trial in the Senate and Mayorkas would be cleared of wrongdoing. Democrats control the Senate by a slim majority of 51-49, but some Republicans have indicated that they would vote to dismiss because there is no path forward for a trial. Second, he could proceed by swearing in the Senate as jurors in the case, which would then enable the House impeachment managers to argue their case against Mayorkas before the upper chamber. After hearing the case, the Senate would then vote on the articles. Schumer's third option is to send the articles into committee for review. The special committee would then investigate the articles of impeachment and would later provide recommendations for how the Senate should move forward. In that case, the Senate floor would not be jammed up with impeachment proceedings, allowing them to legislate on other matters while simultaneously addressing Mayorkas' impeachment. Still, how Schumer wants to move forward is remains to be seen. Senate Republicans are hoping for a full trial as they argue it is the Senate's Constitutional duty. But as the Senate is controlled by Democrats, it appears unlikely Schumer will decide to move forward in that matter. The Attorney General's Office is awaiting the results of an autopsy report A New York man has died while on vacation in Colombia after he drowned at a beach. The victim, who was identified as Elicee Desroise, 24, was found floating face down at Hollywood Beach in Cartagena on Saturday. Video footage shows a man and a woman frantically trying to save Desroise by performing CPR. Cops arrived on the scene and spoke with several bystanders before several men picked up him from the sand and carried him away. A man and a woman perform CPR on Elicee Desroise at a beach in Cartagena, Colombia, on Saturday. The 24-year-old New Yorker was taken to a local hospital and confirmed dead Colombia's Attorney General's Office is awaiting the results of an autopsy for Elicee Desroise Desroise was taken to Bocagrande Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead, El Universo newspaper reported. Deivis Villa, who oversees lifeguards at beaches in Cartagena, told the outlet it was strange that Desroise did not signal for assistance. 'They immediately proceeded to rescue him and perform resuscitation maneuvers, but the strange thing about this case is that the foreigner did not ask for help,' Villa said. 'He was close to the shore and no one heard him kick, scream or ask for help, something that always happens.' 'This person begins to bleed, something that is not common in drownings,' he added. 'Furthermore, his body did not submerge, it floated the entire time and food and foam came out of his mouth.' A man compressed the chest of Elicee Desroise in an attempt to revive him after he was found floating face down at Hollywood Beach in Cartagena, Colombia on Saturday Sources with knowledge of the incident told El Universo that Desroise had recently arrived in Colombia with his brother and friends. His body was taken to a local morgue, where the Attorney General's office is awaiting the results of an autopsy. Government data shows at least 23 people drowned in Cartagena in 2023. At least 15 people were rescued from drowning in March. Villa advised people should to exercise more caution when visiting the beach. 'They should not enter the water under the stimulus of alcohol or hallucinogenic substances,' he said. They must listen to the lifeguards, they must heed the recommendations, the prevention signs, the advice. 'If you are parents or guardians, please take care of the children on the beaches because lifeguards are not babysitters. Also, rest your meals before entering the water.' A hunt is on for a thief who whispered 'that's very nice' and ripped the wedding ring off an 83-year-old patient's finger as he lay helpless in hospital. Laura Martin, from Portsmouth, said her elderly father has been an in-patient at the city's Queen Alexandra Hospital since Good Friday. Her parents were married for 47 years and after her mother Mary died three years ago, her father insisted that he would always wear the treasured wedding ring. The gold ring is engraved with her mother's name and the date her parents got married. But when Laura visited him on Saturday, April 6, he told her the ring had been violently pulled from his finger during the night. Today the Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust apologised and said an 'internal review' had been launched. Hampshire Police have also confirmed they are investigating. Laura Martin, from Portsmouth, said her elderly father (pictured on his wedding day) has been an in-patient at the city's Queen Alexandra Hospital since Good Friday The gold ring is engraved with Laura's mother's name and the date her parents got married Laura said: 'Mum passed away three years ago, and my dad has worn his wedding ring for 50 years without ever taking it off. 'It's not worth anything, it's just sentimental and I want to get it back for him. A low-life scum literally ripped it off his hand while he slept overnight. 'My dad has delirium, most of the time he doesn't know what's going on.' Laura also added that her father remembered the ring being 'ripped off his hand in the dark' and he told her he had been 'robbed'. 'He told me they said it was 'very nice' and twisted it off his finger. He has been left with a mark and bruising. 'It's disgusting what's happened to my dad, we want the ring returned.' Today the Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust apologised and said an 'internal review' had been launched Peter Ridley, chief officer at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said 'We are very sorry this incident occurred whilst the patient was in our care and for the distress this has caused. 'The theft has been reported to the police and we have launched an internal review into the incident to ensure we can learn any lessons and improve the management and safety of patient property. 'We are in contact with the patient and their family and will share the outcomes with them. 'We ask all patients to not bring valuables into the hospital whenever possible, however we understand that some items, like wedding rings, hold huge sentimental value and are not regularly removed by patients.' Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said 'We received a report at 11.53 on Saturday 6 April of a theft at QA Hospital. 'A patient aged in his 80s had a wedding ring removed from his finger at the hospital.' The judge in Donald Trump's hush-money case warned he could be jailed if interfered with proceedings and had to interfere in a heated exchange between the prosecutors and defense teams. Prosecutors also claimed the former president had violated the gag order against him and demanded a $3,000 fine for three social media posts. One of them attacked Michael Cohen and another called Merchan a corrupt New York Judge'. The 77-year-old's lead defense attorney Todd Blanche got a word of caution from Judge Juan Merchan when he said his high-profile client wanted to be involved in every aspect of the trial. In a highly unusual move, Blanche said that whenever a juror had a problem during the selection process and needed to talk about it in private, Trump wanted to be there himself. The judge in Donald Trump 's hush-money case warned he could be jailed if interfered with proceedings and had to interfere in a heated exchange between the prosecutors and defense teams Prosecutors also claimed the former president had violated the gag order against him and demanded a $3,000 fine for three social media posts targeting the judge Judge Merchan said that these conferences would happen in a side room with Trump and his Secret Service detail present. The ruling raises the bizarre prospect that jurors with delicate matters to discuss will have to do it with a former President staring at them from a few feet away. Jurors often ask for these conferences to talk about personal matters which affect their ability to serve that they do not want the wider public to hear. 'President Trump wants to be present at everything,' Blanche said. Renato Stabile, an attorney who specializes in juries, told DailyMail.com that Trump's move to be in all meetings with jurors could lead to intimidation. 'Most criminal defendants waive their right to be present at all sidebars,' he said. 'Any criminal defendant has the right to be physically present at nearly any stage of a criminal proceeding in order to exert psychological influence of the jurors or witnesses. 'It's highly unusual, but not necessarily a bad idea. It will create some logistical problems in court because of the security issues.' Merchan then warned that he could put Trump behind bars if he interferes and let the trial continue in his absence. Merchan warned that if Trump disrupts the proceeding, he could be jailed with the proceeding continuing in his absence. The exchange followed an explosive start to the trial where Merchan ruled that Playboy model Karen McDougal could testify about her alleged affair with the then-reality star. He also said prosecutors could bring evidence that Trump's campaign coordinated with the National Enquirer to suppress the McDougal allegations before the 2016 election. But he stopped short of letting them bring up salacious details of the alleged relationship in front of a jury. After a morning break, Merchan lambasted Trumps lawyers again and told both sides to relax as temperatures became heated. Blanche objected to having to tell prosecutors 48 hours before filing any motions to the docket. Judge Merchan said that he put the rule in place because Trumps lawyers had absolutely inundated the court with motions, many of which were close to frivolous if not frivolous. The judge said that each side should allow the other side to have until the end of that business day to reply. Steinglass tried insist that Trumps lawyers could not send motions over at 4.30pm to try and skirt around the law. As Steinglass spoke, Judge Merchan said: Mr Blanche, please wait for him to finish Judge Merchan said that Blanche was clear that motions were one page. But he noted that in recent motions from the Trump team the font has been getting increasingly smaller. When Blanche insisted he was not trying to flout the courts orders, Judge Merchan told him and Steinglass: Please both of you sit down, relax. The judge said: We have 500 jurors waiting. To be honest with you Im not interested in getting into this minutia There is more important work to be done. I expect you both (Steinglass and Blanche to conduct yourselves as the professionals that you are. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass told the court: We intend to elicit evidence Karen McDouglas was a former Playboy model who claims to have had a romantic and sexual relations with Mr Trump including while Mr Trumps wife Melania was pregnant with their child. He said that they have no intention of describing sexual acts or locales where it happened. But the fact this occurred while Melania was pregnant and after the birth of his son speaks directly to the extent to which the defendant believes the story could be damaging to his campaign, Steinglass said. Trumps lawyer Todd Blanche argued that the only value is to embarrass President Trump. He said the claims were salacious with no value Judge Merchan said that the evidence should be allowed in except for bringing up that the defendants wife was pregnant and this went on and even after she gave birth At this moment the prejudicial value excuses the probative value, he said. McDougal claims she had a ten-month affair and was in love with Trump between 2006 and 2007. She was then paid $150,000 to tell her story to the National Enquirer, but the interview was never published. Trump's blushes were spared at the start of his hush money trial on Monday as the judge refused to allow evidence he was allegedly having sex with Playboy model Karen McDougal while his wife Melania was pregnant with their son Barron McDougal claims she had a ten-month affair and was in love with Trump between 2006 and 2007. She was then paid $150,000 to keep quiet about it by the National Enquirer he former president, 77, is facing 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels over their alleged affair. Each count he has strenuously denied carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, but if found guilty he could face a fine or probation as a first-time offender. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass asked the judge to allow evidence describing the liaisons between Trump and McDougal, and the fact the former first lady was due to give birth at the time. Steinglass said: We intend to elicit evidence Karen McDougal was a former Playboy model who claims to have had a romantic and sexual relations with Mr Trump including while Mr Trumps wife Melania was pregnant with their child. Steinglass said that the National Enquirer thought the story was true after looking into it. But he said that they have no intention of describing sexual acts or locales where it happened. But the fact this occurred while Melania was pregnant and after the birth of his son speaks directly to the extent to which the defendant believes the story could be damaging to his campaign, Steinglass said. Trumps lawyer Todd Blanche aid that the only value is to embarrass' his client. He said that there is no scenario a jury wont take a negative view of Trumps behaviour and that it was salacious with no value Merchan said that the evidence should come in except for bringing up that the defendants wife was pregnant and this went on and even after she gave birth At this moment the prejudicial value excuses the probative value, he said. Trump walked into court wearing a dark blue suit and a red tie after telling reporters the case was 'outrageous' and an 'assault on America' In a setback for Trump, Judge Merchan allowed into evidence the transcript of the former president's infamous Access Hollywood tape. Steinglass said that it was incendiary and that it was an admission, or at the very least a description of sexual assault. The prosecutor said it was more than just comments of a sexual nature . Prosecutors will show jurors emails from Steve Bannon to Michael Cohen which said that the Access Hollywood tape was all over the place. Steinglass said it was powerful evidence of the Trump campaigns reaction to the incendiary evidence and explains why the campaign were so eager to explain his words as locker room talk. Daniels was living proof the defendant wasnt all talk, Steinglass added. In another ruling Judge Merchan denied a request to introduce reports that were published after the Access Hollywood tape came out about three other women making accusations against Trump. Judge Merchan said they were very, very prejudicial and just gossip. But jurors will be able to see videos of Trump denying the claims, the judge ruled. Trump's day got off to a bad start as Judge Merchan rejected a request from the his legal team to recuse himself and claimed the former president was using a 'series of inferences, innuendos and unsupported speculation'. He slapped down suggestions that posts on X by his daughter should cause him to recuse because it wasnt her account, and didn't impact his ability to oversee the proceedings. Merchan also said he wasn't ready to say whether the high-profile defendant could attend his 18-year-old son Barron's high school graduation on May 17, which falls in the middle of the case. The judge said: If everything is going according to schedule then Im sure well be able to adjourn for one or both of those days. But if were running behind schedule we will not be able to. As the judge spoke Trump folded his arms and looked unimpressed. Trump walked into court wearing a dark blue suit and a red tie after telling reporters the case was 'outrageous' and an 'assault on America'. 'This is a persecution like never before. It is an assault on America and thats why I'm very proud to be here,' he said. He then sat at his desk with his lawyer with his hands together on the desk. Trump entered behind his lead attorney Blanche, paused for a split second, licked his lips, then began walking up the courtroom's center aisle. 'Good morning, Mr. Trump', Judge Juan Merchan said cordially as he officially called the case and invited the lawyers to introduce themselves. Trump has frequently targeted Merchan with criticism and sparked a gag order after slamming his daughter's links to the Democratic party. The presumptive Republican nominee for president looked defiant as he left Trump Tower on Monday morning and waved to waiting fans and photographers as he got into his motorcade. Before he departed he went on a rant on his social media platform, Truth Social, about the 'rigged' case and the 'corrupt' charge. The presumptive Republican nominee for president sat at the defense table next to hus attorney Todd Blanche with his hands clasped 'When I walk into that courtroom, I know I will have the love of 200 million Americans behind me, and I will be FIGHTING for the FREEDOM of 325 MILLION AMERICANS!' he wrote. Trump and his team of lawyers claim the prosecution is political and the trial is a 'witch hunt' meant to stop him running for president again. The court was surrounded by protesters and photographers as he made the four-mile journey downtown to 100 Centre Street. Attorneys from both sides now have the arduous task of picking a panel of 12 impartial jurors from a pool of hundreds of Manhattan residents. Experts believe the selection process could last anywhere between five days and two weeks. The trial itself - set to last between six and eight weeks - will be full of bombshell testimony and drama that are the results of years of scandal. Trump's day got off to a bad start as Judge Juan Merchan rejected a request from the his legal team to recuse himself Judge Merchan also said he wasn't ready to say whether the high-profile defendant could attend his 18-year-old son Barron's high school graduation on May 17, which falls in the middle of the case The former president, 77, is facing 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels over their alleged affair Attorneys from both sides now have the arduous task of picking a panel of 12 impartial jurors from a pool of hundreds of Manhattan residents Trump told reporters the case was 'outrageous' and 'this is a persecution like never before nobody's ever seen' The former president, 77, is facing 34 charges of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush-money payment he made to Stormy Daniels over an alleged affair Trump walks into the downtown Manhattan Criminal Court with attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove and waves at the gathered crowds Trump and his team of lawyers claim the prosecution is political and the trial is a 'witch hunt' meant to stop him running for president again Witnesses will testify about lurid allegations of hotel suite encounters, blockbuster TV interviews and backroom deals involving the presumptive Republican nominee for president. The case revolves around the payment made to Daniels by Trump's then-fixer Michel Cohen ahead of the 2016 presidential election to keep her quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. She claims it occurred less than four months after Melania Trump gave birth to the couple's son , Barron. Since then there have been legal twists and turns at every corner, while Trump has spent four years in the White House and is now in the middle of bid for another term. Journalists and members of the public had to go through two sets of airport style security before they could get into the overflow courtroom to watch jury selection - the main courtroom was to be full of potential jurors. The second set of security involved a fingertip bag search and all glass bottles or containers were removed. The court was surrounded by barricades and a heavy police presence as the former president entered the courtroom The court was surrounded by protesters and photographers as Trump's motorcade made the four-mile journey downtown to 100 Centre Street Camera crews and media set up outside the court house on Day One of the Stormy Daniels hush money trial Anti-Trump demonstrators with large banners stand outside the Manhattan Criminal Court House at 100 Centre Street in New York City on Monday awaiting the former president's arrival A Trump supporter holds a flag backing the former president's reelection outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse on Monday ahead of his arrival Nobody was allowed to leave the courtroom when Trump arrived on the 15th floor. One member of the public protested that he couldn't leave, had a verbal altercation with court staff and asked for one of their names. The overflow room had three large TVs beaming a live stream from the main courtroom. The trial is not televised to the wider public. The TV screens showed the table where Trump and his lawyers would be seated, the prosecution table and the judge. The jury was not shown to avoid identifying them. Salman Rushdie has revealed that his wife chartered a $20,000 private plane to be at his side after doctors admitted they did not think he would survive when he was stabbed 15 times during a frenzied knife attack. The Satanic Verses author has opened up for the first time about the assassination attempt on stage at a New York literary festival in August 2022 that cost him an eye and saw him suffer stab wounds to his face, neck, chest, abdomen, thigh and hand. Sir Salman's wife, the poet and novelist Rachel Eliza Griffiths, was a seven-hour drive away in New York City when she was told on the phone that her husband had been attacked and was 'not going to make it'. The medics who assessed the Indian-born British author when he was rushed to hospital in an air ambulance later admitted they did not believe they could save him. In his new memoir, Knife, Sir Salman revealed that Eliza chartered a private jet that cost more than $20,000 (16,050) in order to get to the hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It was here that surgeons spent eight hours treating different injuries simultaneously to save the author's life. Sir Salman's wife, the poet and novelist Rachel Eliza Griffiths (pictured together), chartered a private plane to reach him after the attack The Satanic Verses author has opened up for the first time about the assassination attempt on stage at a New York literary festival in August 2022 that cost him an eye and saw him suffer stab wounds to his face, neck, chest, abdomen, thigh and hand Salman Rushdie seen at 'Good Morning America' on April 15 The Booker Prize-winning author says he has used his new memoir, which is his 22nd book, as a way of fighting back against what happened. READ MORE: Salman Rushdie reveals he dreamed he was a gladiator being stabbed just TWO DAYS before he was knifed at New York event Advertisement Sir Salman Rushdie has also revealed he did not want to attend the talk where he was attacked after having a premonition of the incident. In his first major television interview since the attack, Mr Rushdie told Anderson Cooper on CBS programme 60 minutes he had dreamed of a man bearing down on him with a spear in an 'amphitheatre' in the days before the event. 'I woke up and I was quite shaken,' he said. 'I said to my wife, Eliza, 'You know I don't want to go'. Because of the dream. And then I thought, 'Don't be silly. It's a dream'.' His 1988 book The Satanic Verses has been banned in Iran since it was published as many Muslims view it as blasphemous and its publication prompted Iran's then-leader Ayatollah Khomeini to issue a fatwa calling for his death. The Iranian government withdrew support for the death sentence in 1998. Sir Salman, who said he had about 'half a dozen serious assassination attempts' on his life, was due to speak about safe places for writers at the event at the Chautauqua Institution in New York State. 'It felt like something coming out of the distant past and trying to drag me back in time, if you like, back into that distant past, in order to kill me,' he said. 'I think he was just slashing. It was the half minute of intimacy between life and death. I was watching it (blood) spread and then thinking I was probably dying. It was quite matter of fact. It took 27 seconds for festival goers and festival staff to drag Rushdie's attacker off him The author spent eight hours in surgery, 18 days in hospital, and three weeks in rehabilitation after being airlifted to hospital from New York's Chautauqua Amphitheater 'I've not had a revelation except there is no revelation to be had.' He continued: 'One of the surgeons who had saved my life said to me: 'First you were really unlucky and then you were really lucky'. 'I said, 'what's the lucky part?' and he said 'well, the lucky part is that the man who attacked you had no idea how to kill a man with a knife'.' Mr Rushdie was speaking ahead of the publication of his book, Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder, which he admitted he was initially reluctant to write. 'It was the last thing I wanted to do,' he said. 'The only thing anyone knew about me was this death threat, but I had to write this, to focus on the elephant in the room. 'It then became a book I really wanted to write. 'Language is a way of breaking open the world. I don't have any other weapons.' He does not name his attacker - a 24-year-old man from New Jersey named Hadi Matar, who has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial - in the book. The Indian-born author had a $3million fatwa placed on his head and endured at least six state-sponsored assassination attempts after the publication of The Satanic Verses in 1988 The book sparked worldwide protests among Muslims outraged at its alleged 'blasphemy' His alleged attacker, Hadi Matar, 24, admitted he had only read two pages of the book which had so outraged the Iranian clerics 'I don't want his name in my book and I don't want him in my life,' he said. 'We had 27 seconds together (the length of the attack), I don't want to give him any more of my time.' Reading from the book, he described his assailant as 'coming in hard and low. A squat missile'. Sir Salman said: 'In the corner of my right eye, the last thing my right eye would ever see, I saw the man in black running towards me, down the right hand side of the seating area. Black clothes, black face mask.' On April 21, he will discuss his book and the attack that left him blind in one eye and with a damaged hand as part of a series of events for the Southbank Centre's Spring Literature and Spoken Word Season. Sir Salman has also revealed that he receives 24-hour protection by the Met Police when is in the UK. When he arrived in London for the first time since the stabbing, the Met was there to meet him and stayed with him at all times. In the book, he also talks about how he say the masked knifeman coming towards him but did not run. 'I just stood there like a pinata and let him smash me,' he said. He believes that when an attack comes out of the blue, 'fear, panic, paralysis take over from rational thought' and that when confronted with violence 'our minds no longer know how to work'. House Republicans are planning dozens of votes on measures in support of Israel and condemnation of Iran after the weekend attacks, but still do not have a path forward on funding for the U.S. ally. Speaker Mike Johnson has put 17 new bills involving Iran and Israel on the House floor schedule after Iran launched drone attacks on Israel over the weekend. He's pushed off plans for 'appliance week,' where the House was expected to vote on a series of messaging measures against the Biden administration's regulations on home appliances like gas stoves. The bills would require the U.S. to 'fully implement' sanctions on Iran and make sure there aren't any loopholes, restrict Iranian imports and crack down on financial transactions between the U.S. and Iran and sanction Chinese companies that buy oil from Iran. Speaker Mike Johnson has put 17 new bills involving Iran and Israel on the House floor schedule after Iran launched drone attacks on Israel over the weekend Republicans are planning dozens of votes on measures in support of Israel and condemnation of Iran, led by Ayatollah Khameini, above, after the weekend attacks, but still do not have a path forward on funding for the U.S. ally Another of the bills would declare the phrase 'from the river to the sea,' controversially used by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., to be anti-semitic and another would urge the EU to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. a terrorist organization. In light of the attacks, Democrats have turned up the heat on Johnson to put the $95 billion, Senate-passed supplemental funding bill with money for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific on the House floor. Conservative hardliners have warned Johnson against attaching any Ukraine funding to an Israel aid bill. Johnson has remained coy on how he'd like to move forward but called an emergency all-conference meeting of his Republicans for Monday evening. Israel has deemed Iran's 350-missile attack a 'declaration of war,' though it said 99 percent of the missiles were intercepted. The attack was in response to Israel's drone strike in Syria tht killed 12 Iranians, including two top generals. Meanwhile President Biden is facing mounting pressure to contain the crisis, with defense experts claiming the president has allowed the conflict in Gaza to spread and that the expanding battle lines risk pulling in allies including the US. Donald Trump last night accused Biden of 'weakness and incompetence' as he railed against his election rival for failing to address the American public following the attack by Tehran, its first-ever direct assault on Israel. IDF spokesman Peter Lerner on Monday morning confirmed that there would be retaliation from Israel, stating that this could involve 'a strike or no strike.' He explained that military top brass had submitted 'a wide range of options' and that there are 'a lot of different scenarios' on the table. Iranian missiles launched into Israel, as seen on Iranian TV An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024 The Israeli government will 'decide on the steps forward' as early as Monday or within the coming days, Lerner told reporters. Johnson has signaled that he wants to get foreign aid for both Israel and Ukraine across the finish line. But he hasn't said whether that will consist of one vote or multiple. Appearing with Johnson on Friday, Trump said he was 'taking a look' at Ukraine aid, but favored it in the form of a loan rather than a direct grant. Johnson and his top brass have discussed using the Lend-Lease Act, which would require Ukraine to give back any military equipment that is not destroyed after a certain time frame, and the REPO Act, which would seize Russian assets that have been frozen across the globe for Ukraine. An image-grab from a video taken early on April 14, 2024, shows rocket trails in the sky above the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem But a motion to vacate has loomed over Johnson's head since Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene launched the bid to oust him last month. The Georgia Republican is a staunch opponent to Ukraine aid and has already threatened to try to boot Johnson if he brings it to the floor. With Republicans' razor-thin majority, Johnson can only afford to lose three Republicans and keep his job. The Senate-passed bill included both humanitarian and military aid: $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel in its war against Hamas and $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific. Johnson suggested he would not be putting the Senate bill on the House floor, adding military-only aid is 'more palatable' to members. 'No American taxpayer should be tasked with propping up the pension system of the nation of Ukraine.' Any foreign aid bill would likely have to come to the House floor under suspension of the rules, meaning it would need a two-thirds majority vote to pass. The bill would lose a number of Democrats would oppose further aid to Israel without humanitarian conditions. It would lose a number of Republicans who outright oppose Ukraine aid - potentially jeopardizing its chances of passing. But Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries insisted the bill would pass even under suspension - he would put up enough Democratic votes. 'I believe that there are a sufficient number of votes to make sure that the national security bill makes it over the legislative finish line,' Jeffries said. From the window of Room 190 of the Union Jack Club, D-Day veteran Peter Kent can take in all of South London and beyond to the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs. Since 1976 millions of veterans like him have been coming to this military 'home from home' where they can soak up the finest views of the capital as a small token of their service. But now a millionaire New Labour darling has lodged plans to build an 'oppressive' 20-storey office block just 15 metres from this refuge for British war heroes. The project will further enrich Robert Bourne, 73, who partied with Peter Mandelson, is neighbours with Sir Mick Jagger in Chelsea and Phillip Green in Monaco, and was embroiled in a cronyism row with Sir Tony Blair over plans to buy the Millennium Dome in the noughties. Sketches show how the huge development by Waterloo station will leave the Union Jack Club 'in the shadows', blocking daylight for 60 of the 261 rooms. Plans submitted to Lambeth Council show how the new block would fit in to the area Military veterans who are members of the Union Jack Club in Waterloo, south London, are alarmed by plans for a new 20-storey office block Planning documents show the area as it currently appears Permission has been sought by Grandseal Ltd which is owned by millionaire Robert Bourne, pictured here with his wife Sally Greene at the Old Vic Theatre's summer gala in July 2016 'It's wrong, they ought to leave it be,' says Mr Kent, 98, one of the last survivors of the Normandy landings who has been coming here for over 30 years. 'This is a special place, it should be protected from development like this.' The navy veteran who was an able seaman in June 1944 is not alone. Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew 'Vern' Stokes, who organised the King's Coronation, gave a rousing speech to Labour-run Lambeth council last October. He told the planning committee: 'Our people have been to the darkest places and deserve light. 'The UJC is the only charity dedicated to the wellbeing of the enlisted ranks - this isn't a privileged club for officers, it supports those from every walk of background and hardship.' More than 2,500 people have written to the council objecting to the plans, while only 28 have written in support. But the local authority, which along with the Greater London Authority stands to gain over 14million in financial obligations and levies from the deal, signalled they would wave it through last October. D-Day veteran Peter Kent, seen here in one of the rooms at the Union Jack Club in Waterloo, has described it as a 'special place' which should be 'protected' Peter Kent, pictured during his military days, took part in the Normandy landings in June 1944 The huge new skyscraper would stand just 15m from the Union Jack Club in Waterloo Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew 'Vern' Stokes, who organised the King's Coronation, told Lambeth Council how veterans going to the Union Jack Club 'deserve light' Regulars at the club include people who took part in the D-Day landings during the Second World War - British forces are pictured here on Sword beach in Normandy on June 6, 1944 London Mayor Sadiq Khan refused a request to call that decision in for review in February, before Housing Secretary Michael Gove rejected an appeal to central government last week. It means that unless there is an extraordinary intervention from the Prime Minister, a change of heart on the council or a successful judicial review, the tower block will forever loom over Britain's only club for the rank and file of our armed forces which first opened nearby in 1907. The victory would, however, add to the extraordinary wealth of Mr Bourne, who ultimately owns the applicant Grandseal Ltd, as well as his son Benjamin, 32, who runs Bourne Capital which owns the 73million land. They have been greatly helped by the fact that the Grade II* listed Old Vic theatre next door has not challenged the project. This is something that has raised eyebrows with club members, not least as Mr Bourne and his wife Sally Greene, 69, were directors of the The Old Vic Theatre Trust until stepping down last April. The Old Vic sent a detailed objection against a smaller plan nearby in 2021. Mr Bourne and his wife, a New Labour power couple worth 120million and who have his and hers '2BE' and 'NOT2B' numberplates, are no strangers to controversy. Members of the Union Jack Club fear the proposed new building will block daylight for 60 of its 261 rooms Veterans have described the Union Jack Club as a welcome 'home from home' Tony Blair, pictured at the 2023 Concordia Annual Summit in New York last September, was Labour leader and Prime Minister when Robert Bourne donated to his party Mr Bourne also threw a party for former Labour cabinet minister Peter Mandelson, seen here appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain programme last October They were major donors to Sir Tony's party and threw a birthday do for his key aide Mr Mandelson at their 12million Chelsea mansion before getting accused of cronyism accusations they strongly deny. In 2008 they purchased a multi-million-pound small zoo in Cap Ferrat, France, and angered residents by relocating 500 animals and selling the land to a Russian businessman. The Union Jack Club say it has been wrongly categorised as a 'hotel' rather than a 'home from home' as the veterans call it, which means bedrooms are not so strenuously protected. They point to the fact many members suffer from PTSD and stay for weeks on end but would struggle with a giant building looming over them just metres away. Phil Botes, development director of Bourne Capital, said it was 'impossible to develop in an urban location without any impact which has been mitigated by the substantial amendments made during the course of our engagement with the UJC'. He said: 'The proposals have been scrutinised by Lambeth Council, local resident and business amenity groups, the GLA, English Heritage/Historic England and the Secretary of State. 'With the exception of the Union Jack Club and its members, the development has not received any significant opposition which is unusual for a development in an inner urban location and we believe speaks volumes to the benefits of Waterloo Central.' Bosses at the nearby Old Vic Theatre have not objected to the new office block plans Planners behind the scheme have said it would be 'impossible to develop in an urban location without any impact' Inside the Union Jack Club, described by supporters as somewhere which supports veterans 'of every walk of background and hardship' A Lambeth Council spokesman said its planning committee 'carefully considered all concerns', adding: 'The Secretary of State has confirmed his agreement to allow Lambeth to determine the planning application so there's no delay in bringing forward a comprehensive range of public benefits on this key site in Waterloo.' A spokesman for the Old Vic said the building 'stands to positively enhance the area of Waterloo for the local community, the theatre and beyond'. He added: 'Our objection to the previous proposal was in relation to the location and height of that particular project.' The Bourne family declined to comment. A gunman took his wife hostage in the back of a car in a Missouri parking lot following an apparent court case fallout. Armed cops swooped on the garage near City Hall in the St Louis suburb of St Charles after a person was heard screaming. Police later updated that the suspect was arrested and the victim set free without being harmed. 'At 12.08, the male voluntarily surrendered and complied,' said Lt. Daniel Gibbons, adding officials believe the gunman and woman are married. Police have not identified the suspect or the alleged victim, but they believe the pair are husband and wife. Armed cops swooped on the garage in St Charles, near City Hall, after a person was heard screaming Missouri cops were in a standoff with a man who reportedly took a woman hostage in his car A mental health professional was on the scene as the situation unfolds, according to reports Officers could be seen surrounding the building and blocking the only exit as they said they were trying to talk the gunman down. Mayor Dan Borgmeyer claimed on Monday morning the hostage was likely taken due to an argument over a court case at a nearby building that did not go well for the suspect. Borgmeye said the suspect grabbed the woman after she walked from the courthouse to the parking lot at about 10am. St Charles, a city of approximately 70,493, is about 30 minutes northwest of St Louis. Mayor Dan Borgmeyer claimed on Monday morning the hostage was likely taken due to an argument over a court case at a nearby building There were no injuries reported in the standoff in St Charles Monday A mental health professional was on the scene as the situation unfolded, according to local media. The area was back to normal by 1pm EST, with all roads re-opened and most police presence cleared. An heiress found dead in a Danish swimming pool was drowned by her convicted fraudster husband in order to cash in on insurance pay-outs worth more than 4million, lawyers for her family claimed in court today. In 2021 'serial liar' Donald McPherson was dramatically cleared of murdering 47-year-old Paula Leeson after prosecutors were unable to disprove his defence that she had fallen in or jumped. The judge directed a not guilty verdict despite ruling it was 'clearly more likely' that he had killed her than the alternative of an accident prompting her furious family to condemn Mr McPherson as 'the devil incarnate'. Last week they pledged they would 'never give up' fighting to stop him 'deriving any financial benefit from Paula's death', despite the 'astronomical' legal bills they have run up. Today their lawyers asked a High Court judge to rule that Ms Leeson was 'unlawfully killed' by her husband, meaning he would forfeit the massive pay-outs he is due under joint life insurance policies he took out before her death in 2017. Paula Leeson (pictured) was found drowned in a 4ft-deep swimming pool in an isolated Danish chalet. Her husband Donald McPherson was dramatically cleared of her death in 2021 The heiress's family have vowed to stop 'serial liar' McPherson, 50, (pictured) from accessing her 4.4million fortune Ms Leeson's father William, 81, and her brother Neville believe she suffered pressure to her neck which caused her to pass out and deny she committed suicide or drowned They also argued that he forged her will so as to benefit from it, saying it should be ruled invalid. Their barrister, Lesley Anderson KC, argued in documents supporting their case that the 50-year-old born in New Zealand as Alexander Lang - was 'a dishonest man and fraudster of longstanding (sic) who unlawfully killed his wife Paula by drowning her'. In doing so, she said he had 'forfeited any entitlement' to assets and insurance pay-outs to which he would otherwise be due. Ms Anderson argued that Mr Justice Richard Smith could decide 'beyond speculation or conjecture' that it was 'more likely than not' that Ms Leeson's death 'was a result of unlawful violence' inflicted by Mr McPherson, 'motivated by financial gain'. 'This was not a tragic accident,' she added. Mr McPherson who returned to his native New Zealand following his acquittal is not attending the trial and is not legally represented after failing in an attempt to have the claim struck out. The murder trial heard that despite his 47-year-old wife hating swimming and preferring city breaks, in June 2017 Mr McPherson booked the couple who lived in Sale, Greater Manchester - a chalet with an indoor pool in a remote part of Denmark. On the last day of the trip, Mr McPherson frantically called an ambulance, saying he had found his wife fully-clothed in the pool, which was less than 4ft deep. He claimed he had struggled to drag her to safety as he had hurt his shoulder. According to prosecutors, within hours of her death he was 'tucking into' a steak dinner after transferring more than 20,000 from their joint account to start covering his debts. McPherson (pictured) was labelled a 'serial liar' after it emerged that he had used several different aliases to commit 32 offences of fraud or dishonesty in New Zealand, Germany and the UK The Danish summer house at Sndervang, Nrre Nebel where Ms Leeson was found fully-clothed and drowned in a pool Manchester Crown Court heard that McPhearson continued monthly repayments on life insurance policies totalling almost 400-a-monthin the run-up to his wife's death But the trial was dramatically stopped as the prosecution were unable to disprove his defence that she had fallen in or jumped. Jurors were not informed about his secret life of fraud. The Daily Mail later revealed that under another assumed name, Donald Somers, he had been jailed in Germany for three years and three months for embezzlement after 12million was stolen from Commerzbank. While behind bars, his Swedish wife Ira Kulppi who had fled to Australia after the family were allegedly threatened tragically died in a house fire along with their daughter, Natalie. Investigators concluded they had been overcome after the 35-year-old deliberately started the blaze. Ms Leeson's anguished family who run a successful civil engineering firm - later told the Mail of their burning sense of injustice. Today's hearing at the High Court in Manchester heard McPherson was 'a serial liar' who had been convicted of 32 offences of fraud or dishonesty in New Zealand, Germany and the UK. In the run-up to his wife's death, he maintained monthly repayments on the life insurance policies totalling almost 400-a-month despite being 65,000 in debt himself. His claims to be a property developer were false, the murder trial was told, and he was in reality 'a man of straw'. Today's hearing was played recordings of McPherson's phone calls to a string of insurers in which he checked he would receive a pay-out in the event of her death. At his murder trial, lawyers for McPherson argued neck injuries found on Ms Leeson's body were sustained during resuscitation attempts. But in documents in support of the unlawful killing claim brought by her father William, 81, and her son by a previous relationship, Ben, 36 - Ms Anderson argued the 'proper conclusion' to draw was that she had been subjected to 'a neck lock'. The compression of her carotid artery would have been 'sufficient to render Paula unconscious in as little as ten seconds,' she added. McPherson's account that he and Ms Leeson had fallen asleep and that when he awoke he found her in the pool was rendered 'highly improbable' by analysis of her final movements from the Fitbit device she was wearing, she said. The court could 'safely infer' that Mr McPherson inflicted the fatal injuries, she added. His actions in transferring thousands of pounds to his bank account later that day showed the 'indecent haste' with which he had begun 'chasing the money,' Ms Anderson told the court. McPherson's murder trial was told Ms Leeson's will and documents relating to 800,000 held in trust were amended using forged documents in order to benefit him. Her family's lawyers claim that in both cases, Mr McPherson was responsible. They are asking the court to declare her will invalid and to remove Mr McPherson whose assets have been frozen by the court - as a trustee of the fund. In addition they say he should repay joint assets worth around 250,000. An inquest into Ms Leeson's death is expected to take place later this year. Following his acquittal, Mr McPherson insisted his wife's death had been 'a tragic accident'. The trial continues. President Joe Biden on Monday said he did not want the Middle East conflict 'spreading' and reiterated his demand for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. 'The United States is committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict from spreading,' Biden said in the Oval Office ahead of his meeting with and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shyaa Al-Sudani. 'The United States if committed' to Israel's security, he added. 'The United States is committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict from spreading,' President Joe Biden said of Middle East Biden has been focused on stopping the war in the Middle East from escalating after Iran attacked Israel on Saturday. He's also been pushing for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza strip so hostages can be released and humanitarian aid can enter the region. Complicating matters was Iran's attack on Israel over the weekend. Biden's meeting with the Iraqi prime minister was scheduled long before Tehran fired over 300 missiles at Tel Aviv. The United States has had a military presence in Iraq for two-decade. On Saturday evening, a U.S. Patriot battery in Irbil, Iraq, shot down at least one Iranian ballistic missile, according to American officials. The U.S. helped bring down dozens of missiles and drones to defend Israel. However, Iranian proxies have initiated attacks against U.S. interests throughout the Middle East from inside Iraq. Those ongoing strikes have made U.S.-Iraq discussions about regional stability and future U.S. troop deployments all the more critical. 'Our partnership is pivotal for our nations, the Middle East and the world,' Biden told al-Sudani, as the Iraqi leader noted the discussion comes at a 'sensitive time.' Meanwhile, the White House on Monday said Iran 'utterly failed' in its attack on Israel as it tries to persuade Israel's war cabinet not to retaliate for the 350-missile blitz amid fears the conflict will spiral into all-out war in the Middle East. The White House has emphasized that President Biden is pushing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take the win. 'The president, in his conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu lauded the amazing success that they had in shooting down a vast, vast majority of the missiles and drones that were fired at them. Very few impacts, no casualties,' said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on NBC's Today Show. 'It was an incredible achievement. And he urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to consider the impact of that great success not only in Israel's military superiority but also that Iran had utterly failed in what they tried to do.' Smoke rises and billows above settlements after Israeli attack on east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in the Oval Office Biden is facing mounting pressure to contain the crisis, with defense experts claiming the president has allowed the conflict in Gaza to spread and that the expanding battle lines risk pulling in allies including the US. The Israeli government said it is discussing further steps. Kirby said Monday morning it was unclear what Israel would ultimately do. 'We don't have any indication that they have made a decision,' he said on ABC's Good Morning America, 'or what they might do. Obviously, this is for them to decide and to speak to.' And Kirby told the Today Show: 'The president made it clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that there was much to be proud of the other night in terms of the military success. The president has been very clear in multiple venues that we do not seek a war with Iran. We don't want to see a wider war in the region.' Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones on Saturday in response to a drone strike in Syria that killed 12 Iranians, including two top generals. Israeli defense forces - along with coalition partners that include the U.S., the UK, Jordan and France - shot down 99% of those aerial missiles. Biden spoke with Netanyahu in a late-night phone call on Saturday and made it clear that US forces would not participate any further. The president has urged Netanyahu not to respond to the attacks by retaliating against Iran. 'You got a win. Take the win,' Biden reportedly told Netanyahu. A woman stands amidst rubble before a collapsed building in the eastern side of the Maghazi camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip The Israeli Prime Minister's war cabinet is in favor of a reaction - but is divided over the timing and scale of any such response, according to reports. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. is coordinating a diplomatic response to the Iranian attack intended to prevent further escalation. 'Strength and wisdom must be the two sides of the same coin,' Blinken said in what seems to be a message for Israel. An asylum seeker who stabbed a pensioner to death in the street had previously cursed two housemates who had converted to Christianity as 'devils' before knifing one of them, a court heard. Moroccan Ahmed Alid is charged with stabbing Terence Carney, 70, who was out walking in Hartlepool town centre, eight days after Hamas launched its attack on Israel. The prosecution at Teesside Crown Court claims that Alid was motivated to get 'revenge' for the Palestinian victims of Israel. The 45-year-old first attacked his Iranian housemate Javed Nouri, a Christian convert, and stabbed him six times as he slept in his room at the Home Office-approved property in Wharton Terrace. Nouri, who the jury has heard is bigger than Alid, managed to fight him off and Alid fled into the street where his path crossed with Carney, a stranger, whom he fatally stabbed. Alid (pictured) called two housemates who had converted to Christianity 'devils' before knifing one of them The bedroom in Wharton Terrace after the alleged attack by Moroccan asylum seeker Alid The knife that was found by police in the address at Wharton Terrace The jury has heard how Nouri and Alid had previously fallen out about religion, and how Nouri had converted to Christianity. Their housemate Mohammed Karimi, also from Iran and a fellow convert to Christianity, told investigators Alid would curse them in the house and say in Arabic: 'You are devils'. Karimi told detectives: 'I could ignore that but Javed could not.' Asked to explain why he thought Alid would curse them, Karimi replied: 'I am from Iran, a Muslim country. 'He hated when I was drinking (alcohol) or having a girlfriend. 'I am a Christian and Javed, he was a Muslim and he turned Christian.' He explained the context of a Muslim using those curses, telling police: 'When you see someone you don't like, anyone who is not Muslim, anyone or anything who offends your religion, (they say) 'Devil go away, you are a devil, God damn you'.' Karimi said some Muslims had 'no problems' with people from another religion. 'You have some Muslims like Ahmed, they just want to force you to be Muslim,' he said. Alid is alleged to have Nouri six times before walking into the street and stabbing pensioner Tom Carney to death The scene on Wharton Terrace in Hartlepool following the incident where a police cordon was put in place Alid denies murder, attempted murder and two counts of assaulting female detectives after he was arrested. It comes after Nouri told of how he had warned the Home Office housing managers and police about the 'crazy' Alid, who routinely carried a knife. But no action was ever taken. 'I told them that we are not safe here... he could attack us at any moment,' he previously said. The other asylum seekers sharing the Home Office accommodation in Hartlepool became quickly aware of his 'extremist' views and were frightened of him too. Speaking of the ordeal, Nouri said: 'I woke up and I saw somebody had broken into my bedroom. He stabbed me in my heart as soon as he entered my bedroom.' Alid repeated shouted 'Allahu Akbar' as he stabbed his housemate with a knife six times. 'It was dark but I could see the knife shining in his hand and I was screaming, what are you doing?' Nouri was stabbed in the mouth before managing to get Alid in a headlock and force him out the door. 'It was a nightmare. I was sleepy, I didn't know what was going on, I was very frightened.' At that point he feared he was dying. He said: 'I felt I won't be seeing my family anymore because I was getting out of breath and it feels like I am breathing my last breaths. 'I kept reminding myself to stay awake and don't let go and don't pass out.' The court heard how he miraculously stemmed the bleeding with a blanket and managed to phone a friend for help. Alid fled the house and walked into town where he came across Carney on an early morning walk and allegedly stabbed him to death. The trial continues. Nearly a quarter of voters who backed the Conservatives at the last general election now support Reform UK, a new poll has found. According to a Redfield & Wilton survey, 24 per cent of those who supported the Tories in 2019 have since switched to the Nigel Farage-backed party - a record high. Only two in five (42 per cent) of 2019 Tory voters said they would still back the party at a general election, which was the joint-lowest level since Rishi Sunak became PM. Meanwhile 18 per cent said they would support Labour and 7 per cent would opt for other parties if an election was held tomorrow. It will further increase Tory fears of looming catastrophe amid Labour's huge poll lead and the recent rise in Reform's popularity. Among all voters in the Redfield and Wilton poll, Labour held a 22-point lead with Sir Keir Starmer's party on 44 per cent and the Conservatives on 22 per cent. Nearly a quarter of voters (24 per cent) who backed the Conservatives at the last general election now support Reform UK, a new Redfield & Wilton poll has found Among all voters in the Redfield and Wilton poll, Labour held a 22-point lead with Sir Keir Starmer's party on 44 per cent and the Conservatives on 22 per cent Only two in five (42 per cent) of 2019 Tory voters said they would still back the party at a general election, which was the joint-lowest level since Rishi Sunak became PM More than eight in 10 (82 per cent) of those who backed Labour in 2019 said they would vote for the party again. There was further grim news for Mr Sunak and the Tories with the Government's net competency rating falling by four points to -36 per cent. More than half of voters (52 per cent) said the Government was incompetent, compared to just 16 per cent who said it was competent. Mr Sunak's personal net approval rating was down four points from the previous Redfield & Wilton poll last week. Less than a quarter of voters (24 per cent) approved of the PM's overall job performance, while 48 per cent disapproved. Sir Keir (42 per cent) led Mr Sunak (29 per cent) by 13 points when voters were asked who would be the better PM at this moment. A separate Tory grassroots survey found more than a third of Cabinet ministers are viewed negatively by Conservative Party members. The latest research by the ConservativeHome website showed 12 out of 32 Cabinet ministers had a negative rating among party members. Both Mr Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt were among the bottom three in the publication's keenly-watched Cabinet rankings. Mr Sunak was found to have a net satisfaction rating of -27.7, while Mr Hunt scored marginally better with -22.7. Only Michael Tomlinson, the illegal migration minister, fared worse than the PM and Chancellor with a net satisfaction rating of -43.1. The website claimed it was 'looking as bleak as ever it has' for Mr Sunak's Government amid the low ratings for many Cabinet ministers. Official campaign encouraged public to speak up Humza Yousaf faces the threat of a rebellion over his controversial hate crime law unless he agrees to overhaul it. The First Minister is under pressure from within the SNP to make changes in response to widespread concerns about the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act. It comes ahead of a Holyrood vote tomorrow on calls for the legislation, which came into force at the start of this month, to be repealed. Senior legal figures and police officers are among those who have highlighted problems with implementing the law. Lord Hope of Craighead, who was Scotlands most senior judge as Lord Justice General and also Deputy President of the Supreme Court, last week said the hate crime law is unworkable for the police, dismissing it as gesture politics. First Minister Humza Yousaf's hate crime law has been dismissed as gesture politics Thousands of allegations of hate crime have been lodged by members of the public per day since the legislation came into force. One Nationalist MSP said: I am critical of the law and think that it needs to be reformed to take account of Lord Hopes critique; the massive waste of police time on investigating every complaint when only a tiny fraction go anywhere; the recording on a persons record, without their even knowing about it, of a non-crime hate incident; and a lack of inclusion of women as a protected group. All these require reform. The Act introduces new offences for threatening or abusive behaviour which is intended to stir up hatred, which previously only applied to race, and the new law can even be broken within private family homes. Offences are considered to be aggravated if they involve prejudice towards attributes including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics. When the Bill was pushed through Holyrood by Mr Yousaf when he was justice secretary in 2021, two Nationalist MSPs Joan McAlpine and Alex Neil abstained in the final vote, although both subsequently stood down. But it is understood there is disquiet about the implementation of the law within sections of the SNP, including the failure to include women among the protected characteristics. The Scottish Conservatives will use opposition business time at Holyrood to force a vote on scrapping the legislation. The partys motion reads: That the Scottish parliament believes that the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 should be repealed. If Justice Secretary Angela Constance fails to acknowledge the need to respond to calls for reforms during tomorrows debate, some Nationalist MSPs may decide to abstain or vote with their opponents. Russell Findlay, justice spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: Humza Yousafs disastrous hate crime law has caused utter chaos in the fortnight since its introduction. It is proving every bit as unworkable as many critics warned, and must be repealed. We now appeal to Labour and Lib Dem MSPs and the more sensible Nationalists to admit they made a huge mistake and back our call for its repeal. In the March 2021 vote at stage 3 of the Bill, it passed by 82 votes to 32. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar yesterday said implementation of the law had been an absolute disaster but the issue was more complex than a simple repeal. Mr Sarwar said the law should be updated urgently to include sex and misogyny. The Scottish Government said the Hate Crime Act does not prevent people expressing controversial, challenging or offensive views, and the right to freedom of expression is built into the Act. Prince Harry was today ordered to reimburse taxpayers after losing his High Court battle with the Home Office for downgrading his police protection. He potentially faces a bill of around 1million when his own legal costs are taken into account. A judge rejected a bid to halve the amount he had to pay by saying the Duke of Sussex had 'comprehensively lost' his case. Separately Sir Peter Lane also threw out the duke's application to appeal against the ruling, describing one section of it as 'frankly hopeless'. Harry, who has previously vowed to appeal the case, can still approach the Court of Appeal directly if he wishes to pursue it. The twin rulings are another legal blow to the duke after he lost his two-year Home Office battle in February. Prince Harry (pictured at High Court last June) was today ordered to reimburse taxpayers after losing his High Court battle with the Home Office for downgrading his police protection Harry had taken the Home Office to court over no longer being given the 'same degree' of protection after he and Meghan quit royal life and Britain in January 2020. He had compared the dangers to him and his family to the risks his mother Princess Diana faced before her death in 1997 while being chased by paparazzi. READ MORE: Moment Meghan Markle asks woman not to pose next to Prince Harry for Polo prizegiving photo - and lets royal fan stand next to her instead Advertisement The Home Office spent more than 500,000 of public money successfully fighting the case. After he lost, Harry's lawyers argued in written submissions that he should only have to foot no more than half the public's legal costs. But Sir Peter ruled: 'I am in no doubt that the claimant's submission that his costs liability should be subject to a reduction of 50-60% is unsupportable.' He added 'for the avoidance of doubt' that the duke's suggestion that his case had been 'partially successful' was 'without merit'. The judge did agree with Harry's lawyers that the Home Office had committed certain breaches of legal rules, but he said these did 'not alter the fact that the claimant comprehensively lost'. Sir Peter ordered the duke to pay 90 per cent of the public's legal bill. The exact sum was not specified. But figures released via a Freedom of Information request a few weeks ago revealed the government had so far spent 514,128, including more than 180,000 on barristers, 320,000 on solicitors at the Government Legal Department, and 2,300 in court fees. Harry's own legal costs have not been revealed, but could be similar. Prince Harry, right, and wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrive for the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge to Benefit Sentebale, on April 12, 2024 The judge also refused Harry's request for permission to appeal, saying his application was 'largely a recapitulation' of the case he had already lost. He said there were 'no compelling reasons' to allow an appeal to proceed. Sir Peter said that just because the case concerned 'protection of life' did not give Harry a compelling reason, because otherwise 'there would be vast numbers' of appeals in the immigration courts under the Refugee Convention. Following the previous ruling in February, a spokesperson for the duke said he intended to challenge the judgment, adding that Harry 'hopes he will obtain justice from the Court of Appeal'. Prince Harry continues to insist that the withdrawal of guaranteed police protection renders him vulnerable when visiting the UK. He is required to give 30 days' notice of any travel plans so each visit can be assessed on its merits. Sources close to him have been quoted as saying he is unwilling to return with Meghan or their children without the level of security he feels he needs. Harry got a 10 per cent discount on his legal costs after the judge penalised the Government for a delay in providing key documents about the workings of Ravec. Sources close to him have been quoted as saying he is unwilling to return with Meghan or their children without the level of security he feels he needs. Pictured: Harry and Meghan at a polo event on Friday Ravec is the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, which falls under the Home Office and oversees security arrangements for the royal family and other VIPS. Sir Peter said the Home Office had not acted in bad faith but its failures in supplying the duke with the information were 'sanctionable'. However the judge ruled it was 'frankly hopeless' of Harry's lawyers to have suggested that the court 'should not afford 'deference' to Ravec's decision-making because the subject matter involved the protection of an individual'. The judge also revealed Harry had been forced to apologise for breaking confidentiality rules in his own case. The duke shared private information from the High Court case with the MP and veterans minister Johnny Mercer, who has long shared a bond with the prince. Mr Justice Lane revealed how, during the course of the sensitive case, the duke had 'breached the terms of the confidentiality ring order by emailing certain information to a partner of Schillings, who was not within the confidentiality ring, and to the Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP'. He said the breach had been quickly detected by Harry's own lawyers who alerted the court. The judge said: 'The claimant has apologised.' The Home Office said: 'While we are pleased with the decision of the Court to refuse permission to appeal, it would be inappropriate to comment further on ongoing legal proceedings.' Chinese nationals crossing the border in 2024 so far has massively surged from prior years and is causing heightened concern over why so many migrants from China are coming illegally into the country. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrested nearly 25,000 nationals from the People's Republic of China (PRC) since October, according to government data of crossings at the southern and northern borders over the last four years. The recent figures represent an astounding 7,000 percent increase from the same time period in 2021. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas insists that he struck a recent agreement with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for the U.S. to send back to Beijing more deportation flights full of migrants. The number of Chinese nationals who crossed the U.S. border illegally in Fiscal Year 2024 has already surpassed the total number of this demographic who were apprehended in all of FY2023 There is a 7,000% increase in the number of Chinese migrants illegally crossing the southern and northern U.S. borders from October through March compared to the same time period in FY2021. Pictured: Chinese migrants are detained by CBP in Jacumba, Calif. on Nov. 11, 2023 Only 342 migrants from China were detained by CBP in Fiscal Year 2021 and 1,987 were apprehended the next fiscal year cycle. But the number of illegal migrants coming from China surged in 2023 with 24,125 crossing the entire year. There are still six months left in Fiscal Year 2024, but the number of Chinese nationals apprehended by CBP during the first half of the year has already surpassed the total number in the year prior. CBP's data set includes only apprehensions of Chinese migrants who crossed illegally and does not include ports of entry where tens of thousands of migrants from the PRC have crossed over the last few years. The border crossing surge from PRC comes as the communist country becomes increasingly hostile toward the U.S. and attempts to assert dominance in the region as it inches toward conflict with Taiwan. The overwhelming majority of Chinese nationals encountered illegally crossing the borders are single adults. This demographic is concerning to some who claim they are spies for the CCP. Sec. Mayorkas said last week during a House hearing that the U.S. has so far sent one flight of Chinese nationals back to the PRC and there are plans to send more. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Wednesday one flight of Chinese migrants so far has been sent back to China and there are plans to send more plane loads of deportations More than 46,000 Chinese nationals arrived since the start of Fiscal Year 2023, according to CBP data 24,296 of whom crossed illegally at U.S. borders. Pictured: Chinese migrants arrive in Jacumba, California on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 The DHS chief said the new plans come after he was able to speak for the first time with his CCP counterpart and push for more removal flights of their illegal border hoppers. Mayorkas appeared before the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee last week regarding his agency's 2025 budget proposal, which totals $108 billion a 4 percent increase from the prior year. It's not surprising that the number of Chinese migrants crossing into the U.S. has increased in the last few years with border hopping surging to record-high rates in every category. The House voted in February to impeach Mayorkas and the articles are being sent to the Senate on Tuesday. Mayorkas will likely be acquitted in the Democrat-controlled upper chamber. Meanwhile, congressional Republicans took the chance with Mayorkas in the hot seat last week to grill the embattled DHS Secretary over the lack of border security. Mayorkas said during a House hearing last week that after meeting for the first time with CCP Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong (right), an agreement was reached for the Beijing to accept more flights of deportations of Chinese nationals who illegally crossed into the U.S. This includes the more than 46,000 Chinese nationals who illegally crossed the southern border since the start of Fiscal Year 2023, according to CBP data. 'For the first time I had an engagement with my counterpart from the People's Republic of China to ensure that China would begin to accept removal flights so that we can deliver a consequence regime for individuals from the People's Republic of China who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States,' Mayorkas said. 'And those discussions are ongoing,' the cabinet official added, revealing: 'And we actually did effect one flight most recently, the first time in a number of years.' A former Ministry of Defence official who took kickbacks worth more than 70,000 for commissioning military reports for Saudi Arabia has been jailed for two-and-a-half years. Jeffrey Cook, 67, was the managing director of the Airbus subsidiary GPT Special Project Management Ltd, whose sole business was working on the Saudi National Guard's communications. Payments were made to members of the Saudi royal household including HRH Miteb bin Abdullah, Southwark Crown Court was told. Cook helped funnel the money to officials in the National Guard in return for the work. He received around 45,000 in cash, along with new cars worth a combined value of 30,000 for him and his wife, after persuading his boss to use 702,000 in MoD cash to pay for military reports. Jeffrey Cook (pictured), 67, was the managing director of the Airbus subsidiary GPT Special Project Management Ltd, whose sole business was working on the Saudi National Guard's communications He received 45,000 in commissions, along with new cars worth a combined value of 30,000 for him and his wife, after persuading his boss to use 702,000 in MoD cash to pay for military reports. Pictured: Southwark Crown Court John Mason, 81, the accountant and part-owner of GPT, was commissioned to write reports for the National Guard while Cook was at the MoD, the court heard. Mason was said to have passed on 70 per cent to Saudi officials between 2007 and 2012 through Cayman-Island-registered 'Simtec companies'. Cook and Mason admitted bribes were paid to the Saudis but insisted they were not the ones who knowingly made them. They said the British government approved payments worth millions of pounds because they were in the country's 'best strategic interests.' Cook and Mason denied and were both cleared of corruption by the jury. Cook alone denied but was convicted of misconduct in public office, between 2004 and 2008, by 'seeking and receiving (in cash and in kind) a 'commission' on a contract or contracts which the MoD, his employer, placed with ME Consultants Limited, without reasonable justification or excuse'. Mr Justice Picken told Cook: 'You made a personal gain at the expense of the public purse, receiving money that could have been used for the benefit of the public.' Referring to the cars that Cook and his wife received the judge said: 'You denied that you received any personally for any personal benefit, denying that the vehicle transaction had any connection to the report.' 'This offence is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified...' The judge accepted that others took part in the bribery and said that there had been a significant delay in bringing the case to court. In addition to the jail term, Cook was ordered to pay a confiscation order of 23,813 and 25,000 in costs. John Mason (pictured), 81, the accountant and part-owner of GPT, was commissioned to write reports for the National Guard while Cook was at the MoD, the court heard Prosecutor Mark Heywood KC had said the total amount paid to the Saudi officials between 2007 and 2012 was 9,724,723. He alleged 702,000 was paid by the MoD for military reports, directly into the Swiss bank account of a company called ME Consultants, owned by Mason. Jurors heard 45,100 was paid into Cook's accounts. Cook was given a Honda Civic while his wife received a Nissan Primera. Terence Dorothy, 82, also a former civil servant at the MoD who went onto work for Marconi, and Peter Austin, 80, a co-founder of the Simec companies, were also involved in the plot, Mr Heywood said. They were both arrested in the course of the investigation but are now too unwell to stand trial. Dorothy, through a company called MEC Consultants Ltd, owned by Mason, was commissioned by Austin or Cook to write six reports on how to improve the project for 702,000. Cook, Austin, Mason and Dorothy all worked together on the reports and received the proceeds while implying others were involved, the court heard. Mr Heywood said: 'The UK government agreed to provide western military level kit to the Saudi government which, at that time at least, it was unable to acquire locally in the Middle East. 'The MoD gets to supervise the work of the UK company, so the Saudis can rely on the MoD to make sure the UK company are getting it right.' GPT's contract with the Simec companies said they would advise GPT on Saudi government policy, on Sharia and give logistical advice on accommodation, healthcare and transport. 'Peter Austin and John Mason, in entering into and managing these subcontracts, knew perfectly well that almost all of the money they received under the contracts was not going to be spent on providing services of this kind. Prosecutor Mark Heywood KC had said the total amount paid to the Saudi officials between 2007 and 2012 was 9,724,723. Pictured: Members of the Saudi national guard in 2015 'In simple terms, they bought and paid for influence with bribes, rather than having to work legitimately for commercial results.' Tom Allen KC, defending Cook, asked the judge to give him a suspended sentence and told of the impact the 12 years have had on his life, as well as his age and 'exemplary years of service prior to his misconduct'. He added: The mitigation is so unusual and so striking that when examined carefully this case falls within a window that permits the court to sentence within the two year period that allows suspension.' Mr Allen also told the court that Cook had experienced a stroke and a heart attack. Cook, from Ceredigion, denied and was cleared of corruption but he was convicted of misconduct in public office. Mason, from Norfolk, denied and was cleared of corruption. A Bevin Boy branded a 'coward' after being forced to dig coal rather than fight during World War Two has finally been honoured for his service - 80 years later. John Avery, 97, was one of thousands of men who were made to work in the mines to increase coal production - even though they put themselves forward for the military. While the young men were drawn for the roles by ballot, the general public often looked down on them - wrongly believing that they were draft dodgers. But eight decades on, John - who is known as Jack to his friends - has finally received a Defence Medal to acknowledge the importance of his national service to Britain's war effort. And the great-grandfather of seven dedicated the award to other brave men and women who went unrecognised while serving in civilian roles during the conflict. John Avery, 97, who was branded a 'coward' after being forced to dig coal rather than fight during World War Two has finally been honoured for his service - 80 years later John Avery and his wife Brenda on their honeymoon in Blackpool in 1953 John Avery being awarded his Defence Medal to acknowledge the importance of his national service to Britain's war effort He said: 'This medal is not just for me but for all those who served on the Home Front and were never recognised. The Bevin Boys: How thousands of young men were conscripted into the mines during WWII The Bevin Boys were a group of 48,000 young men who were conscripted into the mines during WWII. The scheme was run on a ballot system whereby young men aged 18 to 25 years, upon registering for National Service, would be selected according to the last digit of their registration number. The Bevin Boys kept the country supplied with energy - getting their nickname from the then Labour and National Service minister, Ernest Bevin, who created the policy. But their crucial contribution to the war effort was only recognised in 1995 by the government. Advertisement 'I think of all those who were killed during the bombings on the Home Front, especially the firefighters and just count my blessings I have had such a long and happy life.' John grew up at a Fenham barracks, in Newcastle, where his hero dad John William Avery - who served in both world wars - was stationed as a groundsman. But when he applied to follow in his footsteps, he was instead conscripted into the role of a miner, becoming one of the 48,000 young men known as 'Bevin Boys'. They kept the country supplied with energy - getting their nickname from the then Labour and National Service minister, Ernest Bevin, who created the policy. But their crucial contribution to the war effort was only recognised in 1995 by the government - with John unaware that he could even qualify for a medal until recently. He was finally presented with it at the Guildhall, in his home city of York on April 5 by his local MP Rachael Maskell. John said: 'It means a lot. It is something that I can wear when I go to the parades and it's something I can pass on to my son and grandson. 'I didn't even know there was a medal and when I found out I certainly didn't expect this today - I thought it would come through the post!' John's daughter, Angela Lancaster, said the honour had helped him overcome some of the decades of hurt that he had felt following the war. She said: 'The medal makes up for a lot of the pain that he's had all his life - that he was not recognised for what he did. 'He's really struggled with it. People thought he was a conscientious objector or he was a coward - it was forced labour in a way. 'He was very, very nervous about the ceremony. But once he got into it, he absolutely loved it. And he said since, 'What a lovely day'. He really did enjoy it.' The great-grandad of seven dedicated the award to other brave men and women who went unrecognised while serving in civilian roles during the conflict John Avery with his youngest great grandchild, Emilia Heward, on April 5 following the award presentation The 97-year-old ahead of receiving his medal on April 5 John Avery surrounded by friends and family receiving his Defence Medal on April 5 John Avery with his daughter Angela Lancaster (left) and son Trevor Avery after receiving his award Rachael Maskell MP said she was equally pleased that he had finally received recognition for his incredible work during World War Two. She added: 'I was delighted to be able to present John with his medal today for his service to our country during the Second World War. 'With Mr Avery being one of the last few veterans in the UK, it was a memorable day for him and his family and it was lovely to hear his stories and hear of his time in the Navy, as a Bevin Boy down the pits and how the world has changed in his 97 years.' John, who was born in October 1926, was just 13 years old when the Second World War broke out in September 1939. But as soon as he turned 16, he volunteered for the Home Civil Defence Force as a bike messenger and recalled delivering letters during German bombing raids. He said: 'I remember the Newcastle Blitz and taking crates of drink to the firefighters. 'We climbed over the hoses and debris while they fought the fires to make sure they got bottles of drink. 'We didn't think of the danger, we just knew the firefighters needed drinks to keep going.' Mr Avery in 1946 just after the end of the Second World War Brenda and John Avery on their honeymoon in Blackpool in 1953 John, who was born in October 1926, was just 13 years old when the Second World War broke out in September 1939 John also delivered messages for brave soldiers who arrived back from Dunkirk and were stationed at a nearby barracks - who he recalled paid him in foreign coins. And he put his name forward for the Navy at the age of 19, in the hopes of serving in the forces just like his dad, who was a Lance Corporal in the Northumberland Fusiliers and Pioneer Corps. But he was instead forced into the coal mines as the war raged to work as a Bevin Boy, despite his dad's appeals against the decision. While the public often viewed the workers to be not as brave as their military counterparts, John said his time down the pit, from 1944 to 1948, was fraught with peril. He said: 'The pits were very dangerous and I had a near-fatal accident when some tubs of coal derailed and I ended underneath them in the smallest gap. 'How I escaped being killed I'll never know.' After the war, John moved to York in 1950, where he first worked on the land before spending 35 years at the British confectionary brand Rowntree's in the packing, storage and security departments. He got married to his wife Brenda in 1953 and remained with her until her death ten years ago. More than 50 of the first 96 potential jurors in the blockbuster Donald Trump hush money trial were excused by the judge on Monday afternoon after admitting they could not be impartial. As the first ever criminal trial of a former U.S. President got underway the first batch of Manhattan residents were brought into the courtroom and sworn in. The court then established who would qualified for the panel that will decide the fate of the presumptive Republican nominee for president. As they walked in the potential jurors strained to catch a glimpse of the high-profile defendant and one woman appeared to giggle. There were indications that finding 12 impartial jurors could take up to two weeks. Those chosen will ultimately vote to decide if the 77-year-old defendant is guilty or not guilty of 34 charges of falsifying business records. Prosecutors allege records were falsified to hide a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels to stop her discussing an alleged affair before the 2016 election. Each count carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison but, if found guilty, Trump would be a first-time offender and could face a fine or probation. More than 500 potential jurors arrived at court to see if they are needed for the trial that could last up to six weeks. They are faced with 42 questions - including what news networks they watch and whether they have supported QAnon - if they want to qualify. Several of the potential jurors appeared to frequently stare at Trump while the judge introduced the case and read out a list of witnesses who could testify, including his wife Melania Trump. Donald Trump stood and gave a group of 96 potential jurors a smirk as the selection process finally began in the hush money trial However Merchan made it clear that not all those on the list would take the stand. A young female juror was excused after she said that she had strong feelings about Trump being a Presidential candidate. The question she said yes to was: 'Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about former President Donald Trump, or the fact that he is a current candidate for president that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror?' Earlier the woman had sparked laughter in court when she said that her pastimes included going 'to the club' and shopping. Another was excused after admitting she couldn't be impartial and said 'I just couldn't do it' as she walked out. One man was told he could step aside to avoid a clash with his daughter's wedding on June 8. The first three prospective jurors were all white collar professionals with a diet of liberal media. One was a woman who said she worked in venture capital, had no kids and read the New York Times, the Wall St Journal and watched CNN. Another was a man who was a creative director at a fashion company. He said he was married with children, like playing with his dog and read the New York Times, USA Today and watched CNN. The third potential juror worked for a New York city agency and said she enjoyed going to parks and shows in the city and seeing art. She said that she followed Trump on social media but read the New York Times and watched CNN. Many prospective panelists sat in the back rows stretched their necks to get a look at Trump once in their seats. One woman in the second row from the back on the right giggled and put her hand over her mouth, looking at the person seated next to her with raised eyebrows. There was no discernable reaction from potential jurors when Judge Merchan called the name of the case. They potential jurors were sworn in at 2:34 p.m. Judge Merchan then told them that the case was the People of the State of New York versus Donald J Trump. He said; The defendant is Mr Donald Trump, who is seated to my right, Judge Merchan then introduced the lawyers for each side. Addressing the jury, Judge Juan Merchan gave them a summary of the case. He said: The allegations are, in substance, that Donald Trump falsified business records to conceal an agreement with others to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election. Specifically, it is alleged that Donald Trump made or caused false business records to hide the true nature of payments made to (his former personal lawyer) Michael Cohen, by characterizing them as payment for legal services rendered pursuant to a retainer agreement. The People allege that in fact, the payments were intended to reimburse Michael Cohen for money he paid to Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels, in the weeks before the presidential election to prevent her from publicly revealing details about a past sexual encounter with Donald Trump'. After lunch Trump appeared noticeably more alert and engaged than before the break Judge Merchan added that Trump had pleaded not guilty. After lunch Trump appeared noticeably more alert and engaged in proceedings than than before the break. He was speaking animatedly with his lawyer Todd Blanche and pointing with his fingers while he spoke. It is not clear if the former President had read reports about him dozing off before lunch. A visibly irate Judge Merchan gave Trumps lawyers 24 hours to identify all their exhibits or they will be unable to use them in the trial The judge had asked Trumps team to do this in February but they have failed to do so, the court heard. More than 500 potential jurors are in the court waiting to see if they are needed for the trial that could last up to six weeks Those chosen for the jury will ultimately decide if the 77-year-old is guilty or not guilty of falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels over their alleged affair Blanche tried to argue it was not possible to do so given the Trump legal team would be in court all day. But Judge Merchan shot back that they had filed three motions last Sunday within 30 minutes of each other. His voice rising, the judge said: Right now youre in violation of the order and set a deadline of 24 hours for them to comply. Trumps lawyers and the prosecution will only get one paper list of the first set of 96 potential jurors names, the judge said. That copy is not to be photographed, duplicated in any way or any form, Judge Merchan said. Once the 96 had been dealt with, that list was to be returned to the judge. Trump judge bars mention of Melania being pregnant during his 'affair' with Playboy model Karen McDougal The judge in Donald Trump's hush money trial has sensationally allowed prosecutors to introduce evidence of an alleged affair with Playboy model Karen McDougal but not claims that it happened while his wife Melania was pregnant with their son Barron. Judge Merchan said prosecutors could bring evidence that Trump's campaign coordinated with the National Enquirer to suppress the McDougal allegations before the 2016 election. Trump's blushes were spared at the start of his hush money trial on Monday as the judge refused to allow evidence he was allegedly having sex with Playboy model Karen McDougal while his wife Melania was pregnant with their son Barron McDougal claims she had a ten-month affair and was in love with Trump between 2006 and 2007. She was then paid $150,000 to keep quiet about it by the National Enquirer But he stopped short of letting them bring up salacious details of the alleged relationship in front of a jury. The ruling kicked off a dramatic start to jury selection in the historic trial as Judge Merchan wouldn't say if Trump could miss court next month to attend 18-year-old Barron's high school graduation. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass told the court: We intend to elicit evidence Karen McDougal was a former Playboy model who claims to have had a romantic and sexual relations with Mr Trump including while Mr Trumps wife Melania was pregnant with their child. He said that they have no intention of describing sexual acts or locales where it happened. But the fact this occurred while Melania was pregnant and after the birth of his son speaks directly to the extent to which the defendant believes the story could be damaging to his campaign, Steinglass said. Trumps lawyer Todd Blanche argued that the only value is to embarrass President Trump. He said the claims were salacious with no value Judge Merchan said that the evidence should be allowed in except for bringing up that the defendants wife was pregnant and this went on and even after she gave birth Trump walked into court wearing a dark blue suit and a red tie after telling reporters the case was 'outrageous' and an 'assault on America' At this moment the prejudicial value excuses the probative value, he said. McDougal claims she had a ten-month affair and was in love with Trump between 2006 and 2007. She was then paid $150,000 to tell her story to the National Enquirer, but the interview was never published. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass asked the judge to allow evidence describing the liaisons between Trump and McDougal, and the fact the former first lady was due to give birth at the time. Steinglass said: We intend to elicit evidence Karen McDougal was a former Playboy model who claims to have had a romantic and sexual relations with Mr Trump including while Mr Trumps wife Melania was pregnant with their child. Steinglass said that the National Enquirer thought the story was true after looking into it. But he said that they have no intention of describing sexual acts or locales where it happened. But the fact this occurred while Melania was pregnant and after the birth of his son speaks directly to the extent to which the defendant believes the story could be damaging to his campaign, Steinglass said. Trumps lawyer Todd Blanche aid that the only value is to embarrass' his client. He said that there is no scenario a jury wont take a negative view of Trumps behaviour and that it was salacious with no value Merchan said that the evidence should come in except for bringing up that the defendants wife was pregnant and this went on and even after she gave birth At this moment the prejudicial value excuses the probative value, he said. Rishi Sunak has rejected calls to proscribe Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror group amid fears it could destroy relations with Tehran at a crucial time, sources have claimed. The Prime Minister is under mounting pressure from both Labour and Tory MPs - including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman - to ban the IRGC after Iran's unprecedented 350-missile attack against Israel on the weekend. Israel has vowed that the Iranian strike 'will be met with a response' over the weekend - despite world leaders being united in their view that Israel should 'take the win' and not retaliate. Mr Sunak on Monday condemned Tehran as a 'despotic regime' but government sources claimed proscribing the IRCG would put Britain 'at a disadvantage'. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has said that Britain's diplomatic relations with Iran, including a British embassy, allow the UK to 'deliver a direct message to the Iranians'. The Prime Minister's spokesman said the UK's presence in Iran is 'one of our most effective channels for avoiding escalation' and enables 'robust messages' to be delivered to the regime. A senior government source told The Times: 'It is better to keep talking to them directly rather than go through proxies. Proscribing the IRGC would put us at a disadvantage. We keep all these things under review but they have been heavily sanctioned already.' Rishi Sunak (pictured) has rejected calls to proscribe Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps amid fears it could sever diplomatic ties with Tehran at a crucial time Rishi Sunak is pictured with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in October last year The Prime Minister is under mounting pressure from Labour and Tory MPs to ban the terrorist organisation after Iran's unprecedented 350-missile attack (pictured) against Israel on the weekend Proscribing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has divided the Government. While Mr Sunak, Mr Cameron and Home Secretary James Cleverly have so far resisted calls to ban the group, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat would favour action to be taken. Mr Sunak said on Monday that he would tell Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to 'show restraint' as the IDF decides how it will retaliate. 'I will also shortly be speaking to Prime Minister Netanyahu to express our solidarity with Israel in the face of this attack, and to discuss how we can prevent further escalation,' Mr Sunak told MPs in the Commons on monday. Mr Sunak said: 'With this attack Iran has once again shown its true colours. They are intent on sowing chaos... on further destabilising the Middle East. We're working urgently with our allies to de-escalate the situation and prevent further bloodshed. 'We want to see calmer heads prevail and we're directing all our diplomatic efforts to that end.' His comments echo those of US President Joe Biden and other western allies including France. Lord Cameron, of Chipping Norton, agreed on Monday that Israel should 'take the win' after 99 per cent of the missiles fired by Iran were intercepted. The Foreign Secretary, who is expected to travel to Israel shortly for a pre-arranged trip, will tell Netanyahu not to retaliate. But Israel's military chief said his country will respond to Iran's missile strike over the weekend. Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said that Israel is still considering its steps. But he said the Iranian strike of missiles and attack drones 'will be met with a response'. Lt Gen Halevi spoke during a visit to the Nevatim airbase, which Israel says suffered light damage in the Iranian attack. Mr Netanyahu has been meeting with top officials to discuss a possible response. The Iranian attack on Saturday marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The attack happened less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building. The Israeli military says that 99 per cent of the drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted, with the help of other countries including the United States, the UK and France. Mr Sunak said RAF jets shot down 'a number' of drones during what was the biggest air-to-air battle involving the UK since the Falklands in 1982. Despite the reported interceptions, Iran has called the attack a success. In Washington, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to say whether the US had been or expects to be briefed on any Israeli response plans. 'We will let the Israelis speak to that,' he told reporters. We are not involved in their decision-making process about a potential response.' The IRGC - which carried out the attack - was founded as a custodian of Iran's 1979 revolution but has since grown into a major, political and economic force for the country. Rumblings about the IRGC becoming a terrorist organisation in the UK have been ongoing for months now. Proscription would make it illegal to be a member of or support the group in the UK - putting it on the same level as Islamic State and al-Qaeda. The Hamas terrorist group which massacred 1,200 Israelis on October 7 have also been proscribed in the UK. Rishi Sunak, in a statement to the House of Commons, slammed Iran for 'sowing chaos' in the Middle East as he called for 'calmer heads to prevail' in the wake of Tehran's attack on Israel Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is still mulling his response to Iran's attack, but is facing pressure from the US and UK to act calmly Senior Conservative figures have led calls for the UK to ban the IRCG as a terror group following the country's attack on Israel. The US prescribed the Iranian state's security body as a terrorist organisation in 2019 Tory former cabinet ministers Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Ms Braverman urged Mr Sunak to take the step following Iran's missile and drone barrage over Israeli airspace, which the UK and other allies joined efforts to thwart. Sir Iain asked the Prime Minister to consider proscribing the IRGC after he speaks to the UK's allies about joint next steps. The move would see the organisation added to a list of banned groups, which includes Islamists and far-right terrorists. Ms Braverman meanwhile suggested the move would 'put the UK's national security first'. Sir Iain told the Commons: 'All roads lead back to Tehran when it comes to the terrible violence and the wars that take place in the Middle East. 'And every country, not just Israel, other Arab countries fear what Tehran is doing in their countries as well, I think we forget about it. This video grab from AFPTV taken on April 14, 2024 shows explosions lighting up Jerusalem sky during the Iranian attack on Israel Israel's 'Iron Dome' defence system pictured in action during the attack by Iran over the weekend Your browser does not support iframes. 'We know that they are committing murder at home, they have executed thousands of protesters whilst this war ... has been taking place. 'With all of that known, could I please ask him, when he sits down with our international colleagues and looks for other things to take place with regards to restricting Iran, please, please could he now consider proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - and to do it in a way that will make sure they can no longer foment extremism here in the United Kingdom as well?' The Prime Minister replied: 'We are urgently working with our allies to see what steps we can take together in a co-ordinated fashion to deter and condemn what Iran is doing.' In an earlier reply to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Sunak suggested any steps to further limit the IRGC's reach would be taken in concert with the UK's allies. He told the Commons: 'Yesterday at the G7 we agreed to work together on further measures to counter the Iranian regime and its proxies. 'It was agreed that we should co-ordinate those actions and that work is now under way, and obviously at the appropriate time either I or ministers will update the House.' Mr Netanyahu (centre) pictured during a war cabinet meeting at the Kirya in Tel Aviv US President Joe Biden spoke with Mr Netanyahu in a late-night phone call on Saturday Parts of a missile launched by Iran are found in Amman, Jordan, on April 14 After Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, near Arad, this is the remains of a rocket booster which reportedly injured a seven-year-old child Former home secretary Ms Braverman meanwhile told MPs about her recent visit to Israel's northern border, where 'Iran-backed Hezbollah has fired over 4,000 rockets into northern Israel, displacing over 150,000 Israeli civilians'. She added: 'We have known for years that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is the world's chief sponsor of terrorism, funding and promoting terrorist plots, radicalisation and hostage-taking both in the Middle East and at home. 'We have proscribed Hezbollah, we have proscribed Hamas, Prime Minister, why don't we put the UK's national security first by now proscribing the IRGC?' Mr Sunak replied: '(Ms Braverman) knows that we don't comment on any potential proscription decisions but of course we recognise the threat from Iran and have taken measures to counter it at home and around the world.' Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East, said: 'The proscription of the IRGC; the removal of the embassy here and return of all those officials to Iran; our officials returning to the United Kingdom; and the harshest possible sanctions against the regime in Iran; are the fundamentals that are required.' Former home secretary Ms Braverman called for the IRGC to be proscribed Conservative former minister David Jones also backed proscribing the IRGC, adding: 'It's actually the case that IRGC officials can be seen dining out in restaurants in west London quite regularly.' Elsewhere, the Prime Minister insisted the UK's position on selling arms to Israel remained unchanged. Labour MP Zarah Sultana (Coventry South) asked Mr Sunak about reports that Alicia Kearns, Conservative chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, believes the Government has received advice that Israel is flouting the law but has refused to confirm this. The Prime Minister replied: 'As the Foreign Secretary (Lord Cameron) confirmed last week, the UK position on export licences is unchanged, and following the latest assessment is in line with our legal advice. 'We will keep that position under review and act in accordance with advice. I would also point out to her that actually most like-minded countries have not suspended their existing arms export licences to Israel.' MailOnline contacted No 10 for comment. A woman has been charged with the murder of a newborn baby who was found strangled to death in woods near a theme park more than 25 years ago. The body of baby 'Callum' was discovered in a bin bag by a dogwalker in woodland close to Gulliver's World in Warrington, Cheshire, in 1998. A post mortem previously confirmed that he had been strangled and beaten around the head and was just hours old when he died - reportedly weighing just 7lb 8oz. On Monday night, Cheshire Police confirmed Joanne Sharkey, 54, of West Derby, Liverpool, had been charged with the infant's murder. Sharkey, who was arrested along with a man in July 2023, is due to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. The man has since been released without charge, the force said, as it confirmed detectives are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death. The unidentified baby boy's body was discovered in a black bin bag by a dog walker in a woodland (pictured) near the theme park in Warrington, Cheshire, on March 14, 1998. Joanne Sharkey, 54, has been charged with his murder A post mortem examination confirmed that 'Callum' been strangled and beaten around the head and was just hours old when he died The coffin bearing the body of abandoned baby Callum found strangled shortly after his birth lies in St Elphin's parish church Four months after his tiny body was discovered, baby Callum was laid to rest in a tiny white coffin following a moving ceremony at St Elphin's Church in the town The funeral of baby Callum where more than 150 people - including the town's mayor - paid their respects Detective Inspector Hannah Friend said: 'I understand that this is an extremely emotional case which has attracted a lot of attention over the past twenty-six years, however I would ask people not to speculate. 'Criminal proceedings are now active against Joanne Sharkey, and she has the right to a fair trial.' The parents of the baby, who was eventually named Callum by officers after the Callands area of the town where he was discovered, were never found and his true identity remains a mystery. But in July, Cheshire Police confirmed two people, both from Liverpool, had been arrested on suspicion of his murder. The discovery sparked a massive police probe that saw thousands of people interviewed and a special hotline number set up for anyone offering information. The DNA of nearly 500 women was tested during the police probe, including that of many schoolgirls, but these tests failed to find a match. Thousands more people were interviewed to assist the investigation. Four months after his body was discovered, Callum was laid to rest in a white coffin following a moving ceremony at St Elphin's Church in the town. Locals rallied to raise 888 to pay for a headstone that was used when he was buried at Warrington Cemetery. It was inscribed: 'Baby Callum, precious child of God. Laid to rest July 27, 1998. With love, from the people of Warrington.' More than 150 people including the town's mayor paid their respects before he was buried in a small grave, surrounded by flowers and children's toys. Schoolchildren placed handmade cards next to his coffin while Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven' played in the background. A woman, described as 'upset and emotional' called and claimed to be the baby's mother but she was never traced and her identity remains unknown. A distressed girl in a beige coat spotted in the area at the time was also never found. Detective Chief Inspector John Hester, who led the investigation, once described the case as 'one of the most disturbing' of his career. He said at the time: 'He was a small, defenceless baby who didn't really have a chance of survival.' This is the shocking moment a 'child' joyrider reverses a stolen police car along a pavement at speed - after an officer abandoned his vehicle to chase a suspect on foot. A video shared on TikTok shows a BMW 4x4 in police livery being driven recklessly down a street in Kirkholt, Rochdale. The car can be seen reversing along the pavement, with its blue lights on, before backing into a side street and bouncing off the kerb and back onto the road, while a group of neighbours watch on. The footage, posted on Sunday, features the caption: 'Local kids steal a police car.' Greater Manchester Police said it was aware of the footage and officers believe they have identified the suspect 'for further action'. The force did not confirm the age of the suspect. A video shared on TikTok shows a BMW 4x4 in police livery being driven recklessly down a street in Kirkholt, Rochdale The car can be seen reversing along the pavement at pace, before backing into a side street and bouncing off the kerb and back onto the road, while a group of neighbours watch on Witnesses said the stolen police car was being driven by a child, but police are yet to confirm the age of the suspect A spokesperson said the incident took place after an officer left the vehicle to detain a man in a nearby shop following a short chase. The 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and driving with no licence and no insurance, the Manchester Evening News reported. They was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article, assault of an emergency worker, criminal damage and breach of a court order. The police car was recovered close to the scene a short time later, the force said. Responding to the footage on social media, a spokesperson said: 'We're aware of a video being shared online of a police car being driven dangerously in Kirkholt over the weekend. 'This happened after an officer left the car to bravely detain a 28-year-old man in a nearby shop following a pursuit. 'Someone decided to get into the car and behave in this unacceptable manner and now believe we have identified them for further action.' MailOnline has contacted Greater Manchester Police for further comment. QUESTION Why was German-born Karl Marx buried in Londons Highgate Cemetery? Karl Marx was born in Trier, which was then part of the Kingdom of Prussia in the German Confederation. He spent his early years in Germany, studying law, philosophy, and economics. Marx was expelled from Prussia in 1845 in objection to his anti-royalist articles and settled in Brussels. After leaving Belgium in 1848 owing to political upheaval, Marx briefly lived in France before being expelled by the French government. This led him to England where he was allowed freedom of speech. He arrived in London in 1849 and remained until he died in 1883. He lived in various places within the city, including Soho, Hampstead, Maitland Park and Primrose Hill. Karl Marx was born in Trier, which was then part of the Kingdom of Prussia in the German Confederation. Pictured: A bust of Karl Marx in Highgate Cemetery It was in London that Marx produced most of his significant works, including Das Kapital, and became the leading figure in the international socialist movement. TOMORROW'S QUESTIONS Q: Did Sir Boyle Roche inspire the word malapropism? Christian Lewis, Brighton. Q: A photo that often accompanies articles on the D-Day landings features a soldier in round spectacles wading ashore. Do we know who he was? Neil Finlay, Durham. Q: What classical works were completed posthumously? Sarah Westwood, Birmingham. Advertisement Marx died as a stateless Londoner. He was buried in the East side of Highgate Cemetery in a modest grave next to his wife Jenny von Westphalen, who died in 1881. It was geographically appropriate. The bodies were disinterred and reburied at a nearby location in 1954. A monumental tomb featuring Marxs head was designed by Laurence Bradshaw and was unveiled in 1956. The ceremony was led by Harry Pollitt, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Great Britain, which funded the memorial. Lou Jones, London SW4. QUESTION What were the origins of the vocoder that Steve Harley liked to use on his records? The vocoder, short for voice encoder, was developed in the 1920s for telecommunications encoding purposes by Bell Labs engineer Homer Dudley. Dudleys work was focused on improving the quality of long-distance telephone calls by reducing bandwidth requirements. His vocoder worked by splitting the input sound into multiple frequency bands. It then used these bands to modulate a carrier signal, creating a blend of the two sources. Selective filtering reduced the input signals full audio spectrum to a fraction of its original bandwidth. Dudleys research led to the development of the first vocoder prototype, which he called the Voder. The Voder was demonstrated at the 1939 New York Worlds Fair and garnered significant attention. Steve Harley (pictured) used the vocoder extensively on his 1976 album Loves A Prima Donna During World War II, the vocoder was used for secure voice communication by the military. The major transition from military device to musical effect was when composer Wendy Carlos used it on the soundtrack for 1971s A Clockwork Orange. She performed a vocoder arrangement of the fourth movement of Beethovens Ninth Symphony, using a Moog synthesiser as the carrier signal. Steve Harley, who sadly died recently, used the vocoder extensively on his 1976 album Loves A Prima Donna, on the songs G.I. Valentine, Finally A Card Came and Is It True What They Say? They have since become especially popular in electronic music genres where artists use them to manipulate and distort vocal sounds creatively. Some famous tracks that use the technology include In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins and Blue Monday by New Order. Philip Murray, Stirling. QUESTION Did Canada have Indian Wars in the way America did? In Canada there were conflicts between indigenous peoples and European settlers, but they werent systematic. In the United States the Indian Wars were characterised by large-scale violence and displacement of indigenous peoples. They were underlined by a deliberate policy of westward expansion. One notable series of conflicts in Canada were the Beaver Wars in the 17th century. These were complex affairs; the Iroquois Confederation led by the Mohawks mobilised against Huron, Algonquin and related tribes of the Great Lakes region. Pictured: Viking Octantis in the Georgian Bay, Great Lakes, Ontario, Canada The Iroquois were supplied with arms by their Dutch and English trading partners; the Algonquins and Hurons were backed by the French, their chief trading partner. Another later period of conflict was the resistance of indigenous peoples to the encroachment of European settlers and the imposition of Canadian government policies, such as the Red River Rebellion led by Metis leader Louis Riel in the late 19th century, and the Northwest Resistance led by Cree chief Big Bear. These conflicts were often localised and driven by specific grievances rather than part of a larger, organised campaign of conquest. Jo Grainger, Worcester. A British family who were hounded out of Portugal by locals who branded them 'English pigs' were told their situation 'wasn't desperate enough' for them to be deserving of help after they fled back to the UK, a friend has revealed. Lynn and Richard Appleby-Brisco moved to the Mediterranean country's Guarda district in 2016 with plans to start a more 'affordable' life with their two young daughters. But the family, who featured on Channel 4's Our Wildest Dreams, were forced to return to the UK not long after the show aired when their life in a remote village became their worst nightmare. Lynn's close friend Denny Lewis told MailOnline: 'She landed at Heathrow with her two young girls and had to get the night bus to Bedford and went to a local Premier Inn. 'I went to see her and we got her some clothes sent down by a friend and by other people. But the local housing authorities said, and I quote, that their situation 'wasn't bad enough".' Lynn and Richard Appleby-Brisco moved to the Mediterranean country's Guarda district in 2016 - and are seen here in the Channel 4 show ahead of their big change Lynn and Richard Appleby-Brisco moved abroad in 2016 to start a more 'affordable' life with their two daughters (all pictured together) in Portugal's Guarda district The family's move to the remote village was filmed for Channel 4's Our Wildest Dreams. They are pictured on the show in 2018 here Lynn said she was 'scared to be in the house' on her own and would 'carry a knife' when she went down to the farm Ms Lewis added: 'She wasn't in a desperate state enough to be helped apparently, so she started to go to food banks and we have now started a GoFundMe page. 'Lynn had no money, nowhere to live and she would have been on the streets. The local government would have left her on the streets with two young girls and they still won't help her now. 'She had paid her taxes for 30 years before she went to Portugal. She was literally on the streets and with very little money. 'So as they wouldn't help her, a friend and me found her a little place in Kempston. It is like a little holiday chalet. 'So she and the girls moved into there, but she couldn't get any Government help. 'But Lynn is not a shirker, so the minute she got into the hotel , she was setting up interviews to get herself a job.' Ms Lewis said her friend was joined by her husband who had made the journey back from Portugal by road and with some of their possessions. She said that the mother-of-two is now working as a chef in a pub restaurant and doing 12 hour shifts. 'It hasn't been good, she and Richard were certainly left by the wayside,' she said. The couple's harrowing experience in Portugal reached a chilling climax when angry locals attacked the family's dog Cu - an estrela mountain cross retriever - which later died at the age of four. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: My dream retirement to Portugal became a nightmare when neighbour tried to steal my land, someone tried to ram my car off the road and my dog was tortured to death - I fear for my life Advertisement The Appleby-Brisco's ordeal has chilling echoes to that of Orla Dargan, who faced years of of threatening behaviour from a neighbour and found her rescue dog dead in a shallow well after she moved to Portugal in 2016. The family-of-four, from Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, say that after their goats were poisoned after a local admitted to stealing their cat Ponyo and her kitten bubbles in January. Ms Appleby-Brisco, 51, said that when she confronted a villager about the mystery deaths, she was told: 'We've taken your pets and you're next.' She told The Sun: 'I just couldn't take it anymore, and it was my absolute lowest point. 'I was scared to be in the house on my own so I would hang around the biggest local town all day to feel safe. 'It was so bad that when I would go down to the farm I would carry a knife with me, and I consider myself a pacifist.' The family believe they inadvertently put a target on their backs after their episode aired in 2018. Orla Dargan in Portugal with her rescue dog Henry, who she says was 'killed' amid an ongoing boundary dispute Among the outrageous incidents of harassment, the family were spat at and called 'English pigs' - while rumours were spread about Ms Appleby-Brisco being a devil-worshipping prostitute after she planted flowers outside their home. The family flew home to the UK in February with a small suitcase holding a change of clothes and pyjamas. Ms Appleby-Brisco and her children, Emily, 12, and Yvie, 10, are now living in a one-bed apartment, while their father is still trying to sell the property in Portugal and drive back all of their belongings. It comes after a former City investment banker who retired to the Algarve told MailOnline about her years of hell after an 'aggressive' neighbour took over her land and drove her out of her home, forcing her to go into hiding. Orla Dargan bought her dream Portuguese villa for around 600,000 in 2016 Orla Dargan bought her dream Portuguese villa for around 600,000 in 2016, and lived there happily for several years before her neighbour, an estate agent she describes as a 'dangerous' man, moved in next door. The mother-of-two said she was warned about his 'temper' and went on to face years of threatening behaviour, including an alleged attempt to drive her off the road near her home. Her beloved rescue dog was also found dead, floating in a shallow well with horrifying injuries. Richard is pictured building their Portugal home before they were forced back to the UK The family have raised 3,700 through a GoFundMe page to try and recover from the failed plan to move abroad The Appleby-Briscos have raised 3,800 through a GoFundMe page to try and recover from the failed plan to move abroad. On the page, Ms Appleby-Brisco wrote: 'We arrived in Portugal almost eight years ago full of excitement of starting a new, sustainable life. We were followed by the film crew from Channel Fours Our Wildest Dreams as we wanted to inspire others. 'Initially our lives were great, we wanted to integrate locally so didn't mix as much with the expats, put our girls in the village school, bought a little farm on the edge of the village, started to learn the language better, did everything we thought right. 'Little did we know there was a storm of resentment in the village towards us, we had done nothing wrong so why would we even question it.' Channel 4 has been approached for comment. A baby girl critically injured in the Sydney shopping centre stabbing massacre is showing signs of recovery. Five women - including the baby's mother, 38-year-old osteopath Ashlee Good - and a man were killed by knife-wielding Joel Cauchi at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday. Cauchi seemingly targeted women but authorities have not attributed any motive to the attack, beyond pointing to the attacker's history of mental illness. Cauchi was shot dead after killing Ms Good, along with Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27, and 30-year-old man Faraz Tahir. The baby's mother, Ashlee Good, 38, was among six innocent shoppers who were killed in the horrific random attack in Sydney's Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday Six people were stabbed to death at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday (pictured left-right, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, Yixuan Cheng, 27, Ashlee Good, 38 and Faraz Tahir, 30. Seven wounded, including the baby girl, remained in hospital on Monday night, when the Sydney Opera House lit up with a black ribbon as a tribute to the victims. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the condition of the baby girl had improved. 'Pleasingly, We have seen the nine-month-old baby in the children's hospital at Randwick have her condition downgraded from critical to serious,' Mr Park told the ABC. 'We hope to have her on a ward over the next few days.' NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said detectives would go to Queensland to talk to Cauchi's family, associates and friends to get 'insight into the offender and what he might have been thinking'. 'He had a fascination with knives, we've been told that. What else was on his mind we really don't know.' Cauchi, 40, whose family say he lived with mental ill health including schizophrenia for decades, moved to Sydney from Queensland in March. 'He wanted a girlfriend and he has no social skills and he was frustrated out of his brain,' the killer's father Andrew Cauchi said. The two brothers used clothing and shirts from a shop to try and stop the baby's bleeding Hundreds of people fled the busy eastern Sydney shopping centre during the terrifying attack, with many shoppers uploading vision of the chaos inside to social media. Authorities have praised the police inspector who rushed into the dangerous situation and shot Cauchi dead, as well several shoppers who confronted him during the ordeal and temporarily slowed his progress. A permanent memorial is being considered near the shopping centre, where floral tributes have been left n the days since and mental health support is being offered to those traumatised by what they witnessed. Shoppers were evacuated into shop store rooms to escape the killer Shoppers run though Bondi Junction as police lock down the centre following reports of a major incident A founding member and former bassist of Saxon, one of the UK's most successful heavy metal bands, has been jailed for assaulting a six-year-old girl. Stephen Dawson, 72, was sentenced to five years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday after he was convicted of four counts of indecent assault of a child under 14. The rock band, which was formed in Barnsley, South Yorks, sold over 23 million records and its eccentric musicians later inspired the cult mockumentary 'This is Spinal Tap'. Dawson's former bandmates, including Saxon co-founder and guitarist Graham Oliver, said they were left 'shocked', 'sickened' and 'disgusted' at his actions. And while the abuse took place in the 1990s following Dawson's dismissal from the band in 1986, Oliver said they hoped the victim had 'closure' following the ordeal. Stephen Dawson was sentenced to five years in prison after he was convicted of four counts of indecent assault of a child under 14. He is pictured performing in Chicago in 1984 File image shows Steve Dawson performing in Long Marston in 2009 His statement read: 'To say we are all shocked and disgusted by Dawson's actions is an understatement. 'While these vile offences occurred post-Saxon and pre Son of a Bitch/Oliver Dawson Saxon era, we are all sickened by his predatory behaviour against a small child, and hope this prison sentence gives his victim some closure on her terrible ordeal.' Dawson founded Saxon with Oliver in 1976 before Peter 'Biff' Byford joined on vocals and Paul Quinn came in on guitar. And he helped write hits including '747 Strangers in the Night' and 'Freeway Mad' off their 1980 platinum record, 'Wheels of Steel'. Dawson was also thought to be the inspiration behind the fictional character Derek Smalls, played by Harry Shearer in the film This Is Spinal Tap, released in 1984. He remained with the group until 1986 when he was reportedly fired due to arguments with his fellow musicians. Dawson, from Rotherham, was originally found guilty on March 21 before being given his custodial sentence this week. Following the verdict, Detective Constable Robert Heath, from South Yorkshire Police, said his victim had demonstrated 'extraordinary strength'. Dawson founded Saxon with Oliver in 1976 before Peter 'Biff' Byford joined on vocals and Paul Quinn came in on guitar. Pictured in 1982 from left are Paul Quinn, Nigel Glockler, Biff Byford, Graham Oliver, and Steve Dawson He said: 'Stephen Dawson thought he had got away with committing these horrific crimes against a young, vulnerable victim 30 years ago. 'She has shown extraordinary strength through coming forward and throughout the course of the investigation, resulting in Dawson spending a number of years in prison. 'It is clear that his evil acts have remained with her throughout her life, and I hope this sentence goes some way to allowing her to move on from these traumatic events. The band inspired the cult mockumentary 'This is Spinal Tap' (pictured) 'The result of this case demonstrates just how seriously we take these offences. 'We hope this provides some encouragement that if you have been subjected to any offence, no matter how long ago it happened, to come forward and report it to us. 'We are here to listen, investigate and bring the perpetrators before courts.' They criticized President Biden and Harris for allowing record production of fossil fuels Six activists were arrested by police after blocking a street near her home Climate activists were arrested by police on Monday after they occupied the street in front of Vice President Kamala Harris' home in Brentwood, California. A group of about 40 activists from the Sunrise Movement criticized chanted slogans against Harris, demanding the Biden administration declare a climate emergency to enact more draconian measures to stop climate change. 'We're occupying the street outside VP Harris' home to demand she join us in calling on Biden to declare a climate emergency,' the group wrote on social media, sharing video of their activists chanting slogans. When she was running for President @KamalaHarris backed the Green New Deal and co-sponsored a #ClimateEmergency resolution in the Senate. We're occupying the street outside VP Harris' home to demand she join us in calling on Biden to declare a #ClimateEmergency. pic.twitter.com/o4lXjHU0Ns Sunrise Movement (@sunrisemvmt) April 15, 2024 Climate activist protests Kamala Harris outside her home in Brentwood, CA Protesters arrested by police outside Kamala Harris' home Fund climate action not genocide,' one sign read, indicating they were not happy with the Biden administration's financial support of Israel's war in Gaza. The group spent the night in the street next to Harris' home in protest. They appeared disillusioned by Harris' lack of action on the issue, recalling the positions she supported while running for president in 2020 like the Green New Deal. Harris' motorcade was forced to take an alternative route from her home to the Los Angeles Airport on Monday, as she had scheduled a campaign trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. Climate activists cause chaos at Kamala Harris' California home Climate activists cause chaos at Kamala Harris' California home Harris, Harris, cant you see, this is an emergency, the protesters chanted, insisting that 'fossil fuels are killing me.' Six of the activists were arrested by police. One of the arrested activists criticized Biden and Harris for continuing to allow record production of fossil fuels. 'Im on the frontlines raising my voice for my Black and Latine families and friends because I know that we deserve to have affordable housing and healthcare, we deserve an administration who will fight for us, but instead of declaring a climate emergency, we are seeing Biden and Harris expand oil and gas production to record levels,' Ariela Lara, 18, said according to a release. A bail fund was set up on GoFundMe to help get activists out of jail but at the time of publication, only $90 of their $5,000 goal had been reached. There is no going back to the days before October 7, 2023 - before Hamas stormed across Israel's borders to murder, rape, maim and kidnap innocent civilians. Now, there's no going back to a time before April 13, 2024, either. The world irrevocably changed on Saturday when Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei unleashed, for the first time, a direct attack on the Jewish State from Iranian territory. Israel has now proven, in the most significant way yet, the superiority of its missile defensive systems by intercepting over 95 percent of the hundreds of armed drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles launched by Tehran. However, pride in this technological wizardry mustn't lull Israel or its allies into a false sense of security or diminish the severity of this change in the Middle East's savage rules of engagement. Make no mistake the threat to Israel's existence is greater today than it has ever been before. For decades, Tehran has acted as the head of a terrorist octopus, lashing out at its Western foes with long tentacles in the form of proxy armies arrayed in a ring of fire around Israel (Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and militias in Yemen, Syria and Iraq). But these new attacks raise the stakes dramatically. Right now, Tehran is building a new heavily fortified facility near Natanz (above) in central Iran that is reportedly designed to extend over 100 meters underground and is buried under a mountain. The world irrevocably changed on Saturday when Iran 's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (above) unleashed, for the first time, a direct attack on the Jewish State from Iranian territory. Iran's assault came in response to an Israeli Air Force strike in Damascus earlier this month, which killed Mohammad Reza Zahedi the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon. Zahedi was a big fish. He was responsible for numerous terrorist attacks on Israel and participated in an Iranian-backed militia attack that killed three American troops in Jordan in January. There is also evidence that he participated in the planning and execution of the October 7 attacks - and at the time of his assassination, Zahedi was planning other terror plots. Israel was acting well within the rules of its dangerous neighborhood by taking him out. But the Ayatollah responded with a potentially catastrophic barrage on Israeli civilians, military bases and government facilities. If Iran walks away from this moment without paying a severe price, Tehran may be emboldened to deploy its weapons again. And the next time, these drones and missiles may be armed with nuclear or chemical payloads. Yet today, some are arguing that Israel's response must match the actual damage, not the potential devastation, caused by the Iranian attack. Only a few of Iran's deadly drones and missiles actually penetrated the Israeli 'Iron Curtain' of incredible air defenses, and those that did scarcely caused significant damage or causalities, save for the serious injury of a seven-year-old Israeli Bedouin girl who remains in hospital. 'You got a win. Take the win,' President Biden reportedly advised Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while warning the U.S. would not support an Israeli counterattack on Iran. It would be a mistake for Israel to heed Biden's advice. 'You got a win. Take the win,' President Biden reportedly advised Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while warning the U.S. would not support an Israeli counterattack on Iran. It would be a mistake for Israel to heed Biden's advice. Make no mistake the threat to Israel's existence is greater today than it has ever been before. The concept of 'deterrence by denial', where Israel uses its military and technology to limit the cost of attacks on its civilians, is a fatally flawed strategy. Indeed, 'deterrence by denial' failed spectacularly on October 7, when Israel failed to foresee and foil the attack from Hamas. Israel must now adopt a doctrine of 'deterrence by punishment' where it inflicts disproportionate costs on its enemies and focus its response on a few priority targets. The Israeli military could destroy the weapons deployed against them, including unnamed aerial vehicle development and production plants, as well as cruise missile and drone storage facilities inside Iran. Israel could also hit Iranian ports, oil and gas refineries, pipelines, and other infrastructure that finance the regime. Other targets could include leadership assets. Such strikes have the added deterrent effect of demonstrating the long arm of Israel's intelligence and military capabilities. But the Israeli military's most important strategic target should be Iran's nuclear weapons program. Israeli attention, which in recent decades has focused on delaying Tehran's progress in fissile material production, must now shift to neutralizing Iran's nuclear scientists and their ability to build an actual weapon. Right now, Tehran is building a new heavily fortified facility near Natanz in central Iran that is reportedly designed to extend over 100 meters underground and is buried under a mountain. It is here that Iran could develop an enrichment plant powered by advanced centrifuges capable of producing multiple nuclear weapons without detection. If completed, the Natanz facility could be impervious to Israeli and even American bombs. Though, in contrast to Israeli 'deterrence by punishment', President Biden will dangle new weapons sales, political support and continued intelligence and defensive cooperation in front of Netanyahu in exchange for quiet in the Middle East before the November elections. The Israeli military's most important strategic target should be Iran's nuclear weapons program. (Above) The location of the Natanz nuclear facility In Natanz, Iran could develop an enrichment plant powered by advanced centrifuges capable of producing multiple nuclear weapons without detection. If completed, the Natanz facility could be impervious to Israeli and even American bombs. (Above) July 3, 2020 satellite image of the Natanz facility Biden's thinking right now is short-term. His political advisers don't want to risk a widening conflict threatening the flow of oil supplies and causing domestic gas prices to rise, or making Biden appear to be a feckless observer to an international crisis. Israel must think long-term. Biden's supposedly steadfast support for Israel after October 7 has diminished as he faced political pressure from the extreme left of his party. There's no reason Biden's will won't weaken again. Israel's enemies will also interpret the lack of any meaningful response as weakness and capitulation to American demands. This will immediately influence their behavior in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, and reduce the chances that Hamas releases its hostages. After this weekend, the threat of a nuclear weapon being deployed from inside Iran toward Israel is a step closer to reality. Israel must decide for itself the nature and timing of its response, but it must inflict serious damage on Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his regime to restore Israeli deterrence. Brig. Gen. (res.) Jacob Nagel is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a professor at the Technion. He served as National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu and as acting head of the National Security Council. Mark Dubowitz is FDD's chief executive and an expert on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions. In 2019, he was sanctioned by Iran. He prayed for his alleged attacker just moments after he was injured A 'beloved' bishop who was stabbed during a livestreamed church service in Sydney prayed for his alleged attacker moments after he was injured. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley on Monday evening - an incident broadcast on the church's livestream. His alleged attacker, a 16-year-old boy dressed in all-black, was seen approaching and stabbing the bishop multiple times to the head and upper body at the altar as parishioners screamed and ran to the cleric's aid. The bishop and the teenager both underwent surgery on Tuesday morning. In a stunning twist, Councillor Steve Christou from the Cumberland City Council confirmed Bishop Mar Mari was praying for his alleged attacker. 'It just shows the remarkable courage of a man and forgiveness he has within him to pray for his alleged attacker,' he told Channel Seven's Matt Doran on Tuesday. After the attack, a furious mob of around 2000 people swarmed near the church with riots breaking out and police struggling to maintain order. Cr Christou said the majority of people who showed up to the church were in support of the wellbeing of the 'beloved' bishop. 'However the actions of a few are not representative of the Western Sydney community and people,' he said. 'I just call for calm, peace, show forgiveness. This is a time for the community to come together and let love, peace and unit triumph over hate.' It comes as NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb branded the attack on the bishop as a 'terrorist incident' that was 'centred around religion'. She said the suspect was known to police but was not on any terror watch lists. 'We will allege there is a degree of premeditation.. this person has travelled to that location... he's travelled with a knife and subsequently the bishop and the priest have been stabbed,' Commissioner Webb said on Tuesday. 'They are lucky to be alive.' In a stunning twist, Councillor Steve Christou from the Cumberland City Council (right) confirmed Bishop Mar Mari was praying for this alleged attacker Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley - an incident broadcast on the church's livestream (pictured) A 16-year-old boy who was known to police has been arrested over the incident (he is seen being held down by several church-goers before officers intervened) The commissioner lashed the actions of the angry mob as 'unacceptable' and said the safety of paramedics and police had been compromised. Officers had to barricade themselves inside the church with the alleged attacker for several hours on Monday as the violence continued outside. 'People used what was available to them in the area, including bricks and concrete pilings, to assault police and throw missiles at police and police equipment and police vehicles,' Webb said. 'We've had police injured and taken to hospital overnight, and we've had many, many police vehicles damaged. Twenty have been damaged, and 10 are unusable.' NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dom Morgan said six paramedics had been forced to take cover in the church for several hours. 'The paramedics that serve this community and police every single day were holed up in that church for three-and-a-half hours,' he said. 'Six of our paramedics could not leave that facility for fear of their own safety.' Bishop Mar Mari (pictured) is a respected leader of an ultra-conservative sect of the Assyrian orthodox who has gained thousands of followers on social media The streets surrounding the Good Shepherd Church were littered with glass and rubbish Police tape encircled the church on Tuesday morning as police continue their investigation NSW Premier Chris Minns is considering sending extra police to Sydney's west. It comes as its revealed the alleged attacker reportedly made a series of religious comments to a group of parishioners moments after the bishop was stabbed. An Arabic translation of his comments says: 'If he didn't swear at my Prophet I wouldn't be here. If he didn't involve himself in my religion I wouldn't be here'. He has been taken to an undisclosed location where he remains under police guard. Police confirmed the 16-year-old had undergone surgery for serious injuries to his hands after rumours swirled he lost a finger during the alleged attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticised those who attacked police cars following the terror attack in Sydney last night. 'I certainly understand the distress and concerns which are there, particularly after the tragic event at Bondi,' he said. 'But it is completely not acceptable to impede and injure police doing their duty or to damage police vehicles in the way that occurred last night,' he exclaimed. Mr Albanese urged the public to remain calm. A wooden fence paling was seen on the road outside the church A part of the fence behind the Christ The Good Shepherd Church was missing on Tuesday Shards of glass and bricks were scattered across the pavement 'There's no place for violent extremism. We're a peace-loving nation. This is a time to unite, not to divide as a community,' he said. 'This is a very distressing incident, with the young man who was responsible for this incident is in custody, so there isn't further danger there.' Bishop Mar Mari is a respected leader of an ultra-conservative sect of the Assyrian Orthodox Church with thousands of followers on social media. During the pandemic, he gained notoriety for his derisive comments on coronavirus being 'just another type of flu' and his criticism of vaccines and lockdowns. His preaching's on LGBTQI+ issues, Russia, America and Satan have been shared on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube where videos have received millions of views. He was ordained as a priest in 2009 and a bishop in 2011. Creating sexually explicit 'deepfake' images can result in prosecution under new legislation to be announced today. Ministers will table an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill - set to return to the Commons in the coming weeks - to make creating the 'immoral' material a crime. People who make the images without consent will face a criminal record and an unlimited fine. It is already an offence to share 'deepfake' intimate images. In recent months, a number of high profile figures have been victims of deepfake pornography, including pop star Taylor Swift and US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Fake images and videos are made to look realistic, and victims are usually unaware and unable to consent to being sexualised in such a way. Creating sexually explicit 'deepfake' images can result in prosecution under new legislation to be announced today US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been the victim of sexually explicit deepfake content Taylor Swift was targeted by sexually explicit deepfake images that went viral on X in January Last year, the Government criminalised the sharing of 'deepfake' intimate images for the first time. But the new law will mean anyone who makes sexually explicit 'deepfake' images of adults maliciously and without consent will face prosecution. It also strengthens the existing offence, as creating and then sharing the image could lead to a person being charged with two offences - potentially leading to a longer sentence. Victims and Safeguarding Minister Laura Farris said the new offence would send a 'crystal clear message that making this material is immoral, often misogynistic, and a crime'. She added: 'The creation of deepfake sexual images is despicable and completely unacceptable irrespective of whether the image is shared. 'It is another example of ways in which certain people seek to degrade and dehumanise others - especially women. And it has the capacity to cause catastrophic consequences if the material is shared more widely. This Government will not tolerate it.' Victims and Safeguarding Minister Laura Farris (pictured) said the new offence would send a 'crystal clear message that making this material is immoral, often misogynistic, and a crime' Cally Jane Beech (pictured), 32, is former Love Island contestant who has campaigned on the issue after discovering fake nude images of herself online Cally Jane Beech, former Love Island contestant, who has campaigned on the issue after discovering fake nude images of herself online, said the offence was a 'huge step in further strengthening of the laws around deepfakes to better protect women'. 'What I endured went beyond embarrassment or inconvenience. Too many women continue to have their privacy, dignity, and identity compromised by malicious individuals in this way and it has to stop. People who do this need to be held accountable.' The Criminal Justice Bill, which is expected to return to the Commons later this month, also creates a range of new criminal offences to punish people who take or record intimate images without consent, or install the equipment to enable someone to do so. Donald Trump lambasted the judge in his historic hush money trial for potentially refusing him permission to attend his son Barron's high school graduation next month. The former president also castigated the judge for stopping him going to the U.S. Supreme Court next week for a hearing related to January 6. Trump let loose outside court after day one of jury selection as he became the first U.S. ex-president to stand criminal trial. Barron, 18, graduates from high school on May 17 and the trial is set to still be going on by then. A furious Trump said: 'It looks like the judge will not let me go to the graduation of my son who's worked very, very hard. 'He's a great student and he's very proud of the fact he did so well and was looking forward for years to having his graduation with his mother and father there, and it looks like the judge isn't gong to allow me to escape this scam, it' a scam trial.' Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press after the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024 in New York City In this courtroom sketch, Judge Juan M. Merchan presides over former U.S. President Donald Trump's trial in a Manhattan criminal court in New York, Monday, April 15, 2024 Former US President Donald Trump speaks to the press after the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 202 Judge Juan Merchan refused Trump permission to be at the Supreme Court next week for arguments related to charges against January 6th defendants for obstructing an official proceeding, a case which could impact his other criminal trials. Trump claimed it was part of a 'political witch hunt' that 'continues forever'. The former president said: 'We're not going to be given a fair trial. He's a very conflicted judge. He won't allow me to leave here for half a day go to D.C. and go before the U.S. Supreme Court because he thinks he's superior, I guess, to the Supreme Court. Barron Trump is graduating from high school Barron Trump, 18, (middle) at Mar-a-Lago President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Barron Trump seen returning to the White House in Washington, DC via the Marine One helicopter during his presidency 'We've got a real problem with this judge and a real problem with a lot of things having to do with this trial.' Trump said those problems included that 'you go right outside and people are being mugged and killed all day long and he (the judge) is sitting here all day with about 10 or 12 prosecutors over nothing, over what people say shouldn't be a trial.' He went on: 'That I can't go to my son's graduation, that I can't go to the U.S. Supreme Court, that I'm not in Georgia or Florida or North Carolina campaigning like I should be...it's perfect for the radical-left Democrats. 'That's exactly what they want. This is about election interference, that's all its about.' Earlier, Trump's lawyers had asked the judge not to sit on the day of Barron's graduation. But the judge said he was not able to rule at this stage if the court could take that day off. Judge Merchan said: 'If everything is going according to schedule then Im sure well be able to adjourn...but if were running behind schedule we will not be able to. It really depends on if we are on time and where we are in the trial.' In this courtroom sketch, former President Donald Trump smiles to the jury pool as he is introduced to them at the beginning of his trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in Manhattan state court in New York, Monday, April 15, 2024 Former US President Donald J. Trump (L) at the Manhattan criminal court in New York, USA, 15 April 2024 Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024 in New York City It came as Judge Merchan, sitting in New York City, dismissed dozens of potential jurors who said they could not fairly decide whether the 2024 Republican presidential candidate illegally covered up a hush money payment to a porn star. Judge Merchan told nearly 100 prospective jurors they must set aside any biases or personal attitudes about the defendant or the case, including "political orientation." At least 50 were dismissed after saying they could not be impartial in judging Trump. Others were excused who said they could not serve for other reasons. "I just couldn't do it," one prospective juror was heard to say outside the courtroom. Critics of Donald Trump gather outside of the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse for the start of the first-ever criminal trial against a former president of the United States on April 15, 2024 in New York City A protestor demonstrates against Donald Trump amidst Trump supporters outside Manhattan criminal court, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, has charged Trump with falsifying records to cover up a $130,000 payment in the waning days of the 2016 presidential campaign to buy the silence of porn star Stormy Daniels about a 2006 sexual encounter she has said they had. Trump has denied any such relationship with Daniels and has pleaded not guilty. Trump's former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen will testify that he made the payment to buy Daniels' silence ahead of the 2016 election, in which Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump must attend the trial, which is expected to last through May, the judge ruled. Lawyers from both sides will seek to impanel 12 jurors and six alternates to hear what could be the only criminal case Trump faces before the Nov. 5 election. Choosing a jury from a pool of people from heavily Democratic Manhattan could take several days, to be followed by opening statements and testimony from a parade of potentially riveting witnesses, including Cohen and Daniels. Judge Merchan said that in order to convict, jurors must find that Trump is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, not that he is "probably" guilty. In this courtroom sketch, former U.S. President Donald Trump smiles to the jury pool as he is introduced to them at the beginning of his trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in Manhattan state court in New York, Monday, April 15, 2024 Former President Donald Trump's motorcade arrives at Trump Tower on April 15, 2024 in New York City after the first day of jury selection A guilty verdict would not bar Trump from office. Falsifying business records in New York is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison, though many of those found guilty have been sentenced to fines or probation. Wearing his signature blue suit and red tie, Trump, 77, watched from the defendant's table as prosecutors asked a judge to fine him and remind him he could go to jail for violating a gag order that bars him from interfering with potential witnesses. Prosecutors also asked the judge to fine Trump $1,000 for each of three social-media posts this month about Cohen and Daniels. A California college student who had been missing for two weeks has suddenly reappeared and made contact with her parents. The parents of Noelle Lynch, 23, say their 'prayers have been answered' after their daughter got in touch over the weekend. 'We would like to extend our gratitude for all of your prayers for locating our daughter Noelle,' Kellie Lynch wrote on Facebook on Saturday. 'Those prayers have been answered and Noelle has reached out to us.' Police had been looking for her after she was last seen earlier this month leaving an apartment building in Inglewood, Los Angeles. She had last spoken with her parents on the cellphone of a stranger, with her own phone later being found inside LAX airport. 'Please, we ask that you respect our family's privacy at this difficult time,' Kellie Lynch's Facebook post went on to state. 'And know that we will share updates with you when we can. Thank you for your love and support.' Missing California college student, Noelle Lynch, 23, has reappeared after two weeks, making contact with her parents, who thanked everyone for their prayers Nicole, pictured with her mother, Kellie, posted a message on Facebook saying the family's 'prayers had been answered' Nicole's mother, Kellie, posted a message to Facebook saying she had made contact and that the family's 'prayers had been answered' The 23-year-old is pictured second from the left during a day out with her friends Lynch's family had particular concerns over her being a 'vulnerable person' as she had left the family home in Sacramento in 'a difficult state of mind' without any of her personal belongings and 'may or not be able to identify herself'. Noelle had been involved in a car accident according to her father, with her car being totaled. 'We didn't know where she was going and the next thing we knew she was in an accident in Los Angeles at 3am to 4am,' he told SFGate. Two other vehicles were also involved, he said, with no injuries being reported in the collision. Noelle's mother Kellie then booked a hotel room for her daughter near LAX and the pair drove to meet her. Their daughter didn't stay at the hotel, and Kellie later got a call from her daughter on a 'strange person's phone'. According to Mark, the conversation was short and Noelle was 'mostly not making sense'. That was the last time her parents heard anything from her. Her father Mark Lynch had earlier said that his daughter was vulnerable and had left their home in Sacramento in 'a difficult state of mind' Noelle Lynch, 23, had last been seen earlier this month as she left an apartment building in Inglewood, Los Angeles Lynch's disappearance followed a car accident, leaving her family worried about her vulnerable state and erratic behavior It was later that same day she was spotted leaving the apartment building in Inglewood. Her father said he does not know why she was at the apartment building, with detectives obtaining video of her daughter leaving. Kellie went to the building and found her daughter's things which included a backpack. Her phone was then found at the ticket counter of Southwest Airlines at LAX Airport, but according to Mark there is no evidence she got on a plane. Mark added: 'She always calls. This is very out of character. She has had a tough time but she has always called.' Mom, Kellie, told ABC10: 'She's a good person, she's a good human, she's caring and kind.' Noelle is a junior at Sacramento State, with the university confirming with that she is enrolled at the college. Andy Burnham once hailed Angela Rayner as an 'amazing politician' but now the Greater Manchester mayor has been forced to clarify he will have no involvement in the police investigation into the Labour Deputy Leader's housing affairs. Mr Burnham's role incorporates the Police and Crime Commissioner for the region, which includes oversight of policing priorities and budgets. The role is delegated to the deputy mayor, Kate Green, but Burnham who is up for re-election for a third term in office on May 2 has been urged 'not to take a public position' or appear with Ms Rayner until the investigation concludes. Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham out canvassing on the streets of Birmingham in March Mr Burnham's role as Greater Manchester mayor incorporates the Police and Crime Commissioner for the region, which includes oversight of policing priorities and budgets Ms Rayner is being investigated over claims she wrongly declared on the electoral roll she was living at a council house she bought under right to buy, on Vicarage Road, Stockport - when she was living primarily at her husband Mark's home a mile away in Lowndes Lane. Under electoral law, parliamentary candidates must be registered to vote at their permanent address. She has also faced questions over whether she should have paid capital gains tax on the council house when it was sold in 2015 for a 48,500 profit, if it was not her principal residence. Mr Burnham's spokesman said: 'In line with established practice . . . neither the mayor nor the deputy mayor have had, nor will have, any involvement in this investigation. It is a purely operational matter for GMP.' The statement came after Tory MP Chris Clarkson told The Mail on Sunday it was important Mr Burnham 'does not take any public position on this or appear with her until the inquiry is concluded'. He said: 'It's not just about justice being done but also about justice being seen to be done.' Senior officers at Greater Manchester Police were understood to have been meeting yesterday to discuss how to proceed with the investigation. Ms Rayner is being investigated over claims she wrongly declared on the electoral roll she was living at a council house she bought under right to buy, on Vicarage Road, Stockport Tory MP Chris Clarkson (pictured) told The Mail on Sunday it was important Mr Burnham 'does not take any public position on this or appear with her until the inquiry is concluded' Mr Burnham's stance comes after having previously been a cheerleader of Ms Rayner's. He supported her when she stood to be deputy leader after the party's election drubbing in 2019, And he later told Sky News: 'I've seen her over the years develop into the amazing politician that she is today. And in an election when Labour was in some places losing its connection with working-class northern communities, surely a proud, northern, working-class woman should be absolutely front and centre of everything we're doing?' In 2021, the pair performed a karaoke duet together at the Labour Party conference. Ms Rayner has denied any wrongdoing but says she will resign if she was 'found to have committed a criminal offence'. Parliament was urged to finally pass the Rwanda bill last night after the number of illegal Channel crossings hit a new daily high for 2024. Latest figures revealed that 534 migrants in 10 boats reached Britain on Sunday, following 214 in five dinghies the day before. That takes the total number of arrivals so far this year to 6,265 28 per cent higher than by this time last year. Downing Street admitted the figures were 'unacceptable' and said they showed the need for the new Safety of Rwanda Bill which has been held up by Government defeats in the House of Lords to deter more people from making the crossing. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'It's an unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel and it demonstrates exactly why we must pass this Bill and get flights off the ground as soon as possible and provide the important deterrent that the Bill will provide.' Parliament was urged to finally pass the Rwanda bill last night after the number of illegal Channel crossings hit a new daily high for 2024 (file picture) Latest figures revealed that 534 migrants in 10 boats reached Britain on Sunday, following 214 in five dinghies the day before (file picture) The legislation, which declares Rwanda is a safe country for migrants to be sent to after the Supreme Court ruled the scheme unlawful last autumn, returned to the Commons last night for fresh consideration of amendments voted through by the Lords before Easter. Illegal Migration Minister Michael Tomlinson told MPs: 'Here we are, back again, debating the same issues and amendments we have already rejected. We're not quite at the point yet of completing each others' sentences, but we are almost there. 'The issue before the House is whether the clearly expressed views of this House, throughout the entire passage of the Bill, should prevail. 'We cannot accept amendments to provide for loopholes which would perpetuate the current cycle of delays and late legal challenges. 'We have a moral duty to stop the boats. We must bring an end to the dangerous, unnecessary and illegal methods that have been deployed. We must protect our borders and, most importantly, save lives at sea.' He added: 'Our partnership with Rwanda is a key part of our strategy. The message is absolutely clear: if you come to the United Kingdom illegally, you will not be able to stay; you will be detained and swiftly returned to your country, to a safe country or to a safe third country, Rwanda.' He rejected the need for the Lords' amendments, including one that would exempt those who helped UK armed forces overseas from being deported, insisting 'we will not let them down'. But Shadow Immigration Minister Stephen Kinnock said the Rwanda scheme was 'doomed to fail' and that in the two years since it was announced, it had led to hundreds of millions of pounds being handed to the Rwandan government, while the only people flown to the capital Kigali had been three Home Secretaries. 'The boats have kept coming, the backlog has kept growing and the people-smugglers are still laughing all the way to the bank. 'Two years of headline-chasing gimmicks, two years of pursuing a policy that is fundamentally unworkable, unaffordable and unlawful. Two years of flogging this dead horse,' he said. Illegal Migration Minister Michael Tomlinson called on MPs to finally pass the Rwanda bill Downing Street admitted the figures were 'unacceptable' and said they showed the need for the new Safety of Rwanda Bill which has been held up by Government defeats in the House of Lords to deter more people from making the crossing (file pic) It is expected that the Lords will table more amendments aimed at watering down the Bill again today, which could be passed if crossbenchers and rebel Tories continue their opposition to the plan. That will lead to a final round of parliamentary 'ping pong' on Wednesday when the Bill returns to the Commons for the amendments to be undone again before they are finally agreed to by the Lords. Ministers then hope the first deportation flight will take off 'within weeks'. However, refugee charities, including Care4Calais, have vowed to launch legal challenges. Veteran Tory MP Sir Bill Cash told the Commons: 'Let's get this Bill done. Let's get the House of Lords to calm down a bit. 'Let us also see what the judgement of the Supreme Court is on the wording providing it is clear and unambiguous of this Bill.' MPs began voting on a series of amendments to the Bill at 8.30pm last night. Due to the Tory majority, the Government was expected to win all of them, undoing the changes inserted by the Lords. Speaker Mike Johnson will lead House Republicans in pushing three separate bills this week to send billions to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, DailyMail.com confirmed. A fourth bill will reportedly include several measures such as requiring TikTok divest from its Chinese-owned parent company, an effort to obtain seized Russian assets, a lend-lease program for military aid to Ukraine and also loans for humanitarian aid. All four bills would be lumped together under the same 'rule' to advance them to the House floor for final passage this week before going to the Senate. The fourth bill include a provision involving the REPO Act, meaning it would seize Russian assets that until now have only been frozen, and one that would involve the Lend-Lease Act, which would require Ukraine to give back U.S. military assets that are not destroyed in war. He noted that some 65 percent of the package is just replenishing U.S. stockpiles that have been depleted, from giving arms to Ukraine to defending Israel from Iran's attacks. The package is expected to be valued in total at around $95 billion. On the defense side, $14 billion would go to Israel, $48 billion would go to Ukraine, $5 billion would go to Indo-Pacific Command and $3 billion would go to the submarine industrial base, according to a source familiar with House leadership's plans. The package is also expected to include humanitarian aid in the form of a loan. The two parties have remained at an impasse as the White House has made clear President Joe Biden does not support a package with aid for only Israel Johnson told reporters he 'believes' he'll be able to pass a rule to allow debate for each bill. Passing a rule typically requires nearly all Republican buy-in since the minority party usually does not vote for a rule. Hardliner Republicans have used the tactic of voting against the rule to paralyze House business seven times this Congress. But at least one hardliner - Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona - suggested to reporters he'd vote for the rule to allow the bill to the floor because he's satisfied the legislation is all coming up separately. The other option would be to put the bills up under suspension, which would mean they would need a two-thirds majority to pass. Johnson also said he wants to honor the 72-hour rule and give members three days to read the text of the legislation. 'That probably puts us into perhaps Friday evening,' Johnson said. Democrats and Republican have remained at an impasse as the White House has made clear President Joe Biden does not support a package with aid for only Israel. Instead, he is urging House Republicans to pass the Senate-passed $95 billion package with combined money for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific - a package that hardliners have balked at. Johnson so far had remained coy about how he will address foreign aid, but called an emergency all-conference meeting on Monday to chart a path forward after Iran's attacks over the weekend. It is unclear if Johnson has the votes to get the bills across the finish line in his tiny one-vote majority, but lawmakers coming out of the conference seemed optimistic it will pass. Israeli soldiers exit an armored personnel carrier near the border with the Gaza Strip on April 15 I have just spoken with the @HouseGOP conference on my plan to address national security supplemental legislation on the growing security crises. This week, we will consider separate bills with a structured and germane amendment process to: Fund our ally Israel Support Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) April 15, 2024 'I have just spoken with the [GOP conference] on my plan to address national security supplemental legislation on the growing security crises,' Johnson wrote on X. 'This week, we will consider separate bills with a structured and germane amendment process to: Fund our ally Israel, support Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression, strengthen our allies in the Indo-Pacific, pass additional measures to counter our adversaries and strengthen our national security.' He tabled plans for 'appliance week,' where the House GOP would vote on messaging bills to push back on Biden's kitchen appliance regulations, so the House could work on legislation targeting Iran with sanctions and foreign aid for Israel. Johnson put the $17 billion Israel-only aid package on the House floor in February, but it failed to garner the two-thirds majority it needed to pass under suspension. 'We're going to try again this week, and the details of that package are being put together right now,' he said on Sunday. 'We're looking at the options and all these supplemental issues.' The House passed a $14 billion aid package for Israel in October, but the deal was offset by cuts to IRS funding that led to its demise in the Democrat-led Senate. Conservative hardliners have warned Johnson against attaching any Ukraine funding to an Israel aid bill. 'Under no circumstances will the House Freedom Caucus abide using the emergency situation in Israel as a bogus justification to ram through Ukraine aid with no offset and no security for our own wide-open borders,' the conservative hardliner Freedom Caucus said in a statement on Monday. Meanwhile a motion to vacate has loomed over Johnson's head since Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene launched the bid to oust him last month. The Georgia Republican is a staunch opponent to Ukraine aid and has already threatened to try to boot Johnson if he brings it to the floor. But after Johnson met with Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago Friday and said he stands by him, Greene showed no daylight between her and the president. She told DailyMail.com: 'I am one of President Trump's biggest fighters here in Washington and everyone knows that we're grateful for the president and I want him to focus on beating these ridiculous trials in New York and winning his election.' Trump was in New York City Monday for the first day in his criminal hush money trial over an alleged scheme to pay off porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. With Republicans' razor-thin majority, Johnson can only afford to lose three Republicans and keep his job, unless Democrats vote to save him. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has suggested they would if Johnson does what Democrats want: passes the $95 billion supplemental. Israel has deemed Iran's 350-missile attack a 'declaration of war,' though it said 99 percent of the missiles were intercepted. The attack was in response to Israel's drone strike in Syria that killed 12 Iranians, including two top generals. The Senate-passed bill included both humanitarian and military aid: $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel in its war against Hamas and $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific. Johnson suggested earlier that he would not be putting the Senate bill on the House floor, adding military-only aid is 'more palatable' to members. Israeli armored personnel carriers moves near the border with the Gaza Strip on April 15, 2024 in Southern Israel Johnson met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday This photograph taken on April 15, 2024, shows an unexploded Russian FAB-500 aerial bomb in a field near the village of Ocheretyne not far from Avdiivka town in the Donetsk region, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine Local residents sit at the entrance of an apartment building destroyed by shelling in the village of Ocheretyne not far from Avdiivka town in the Donetsk region, on April 15, 2024 A local resident walks past apartment buildings destroyed by air bomb in the village of Ocheretyne not far from Avdiivka town in the Donetsk region, on April 15, 2024 'No American taxpayer should be tasked with propping up the pension system of the nation of Ukraine.' Any foreign aid bill would likely have to come to the House floor under suspension of the rules, meaning it would need a two-thirds majority vote to pass. The bill would lose a number of Democrats would oppose further aid to Israel without humanitarian conditions. It would lose a number of Republicans who outright oppose Ukraine aid - potentially jeopardizing its chances of passing. Police have identified the officer and a sheriff's deputy who were fatally shot in upstate New York by a man who was himself killed by law enforcement in an gunfight. Officer Michael Jensen, 29, and Sheriff's Deputy Michael Hoosock, 37, were killed in a gunfire exchange Sunday evening shortly after 8pm in Liverpool, about six miles north of Syracuse. Jensen had earlier attempted to pull over a car believed to have been driven by the suspected shooter, 33-year-old Christopher Murphy. But the driver refused to pull over and eluded police, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said on Monday. Officers were able to identify the license plate and tracked it to an address in nearby Liverpool. Officer Michael Jensen (pictured left), 29, and Sheriff's Deputy Michael Hoosock (pictured right), 37, were killed in a gunfire exchange Sunday evening shortly after 8pm in Liverpool, about six miles north of Syracuse Police have identified the officer and a sheriff's deputy who were fatally shot in upstate New York by a man who was himself killed by law enforcement in an gunfight They requested assistance from the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile said during a news conference. The officers found the vehicle at the home and saw what appeared to be guns inside the automobile. At some point, they 'heard what sounded like someone manipulating a firearm from inside the residence,' Cecile said. Inside the house, Murphy had told a friend police were not going to arrest him and that the friend needed to leave. The friend ran from the house. Murphy began firing a high-capacity weapon, Fitzpatrick said. 'We believe the first officer shot is a sheriffs deputy in the rear of the house. And I dont believe he knew what was coming,' Fitzpatrick said. Murphy came out of the house and fired on four Syracuse police officers who were out front, striking one near the armpit in an area not protected by the officer's vest. Two officers returned fire, including the officer who was shot, the prosecutor said. The Syracuse officer, sheriffs deputy and the suspect were brought to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. Police officers salute as the bodies of Jensen and Hoosock are transported to the Wally Howard Forensics Science Center in Syracuse Transport ambulances carry the bodies of the two slain officers early Monday morning Armed law enforcement officers patrol around the scene of the shooting in Liverpool Police officers outside Murphy's home on Darien Drive in Salina gathering evidence and searching for clues to aid in their investigation All three were pronounced dead at the hospital, Cecile said. 'We lost two heroes tonight,' she added. Hoosock was a veteran public servant, having spent 16 years as a fire department captain and lieutenant in Moyers Coners, a paramedic for Rural Metro Syracuse as well as a law enforcement officer. 'To say he will be missed is an extreme understatement. Whether it was in the service of the Fire Department, Law Enforcement, or as an EMS provider, everyone knew how dedicated he was to the community,' the fire department said in a Facebook post. 'Even as a Lieutenant, he was out in the community providing proactive policing, and helping any way that he could with his vast and varied background of experience.' Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said the deputy had been with the department for a long period of time and 'was just a great guy.' Jensen had just joined the local police department two years earlier from nearby Rome, New York. Cecile described him as ambitious and hard-working. Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul said she was 'horrified by the senseless killing' of the two officers. Murphy had told a friend police were not going to arrest him and that the friend needed to leave Hoosock was a veteran public servant, having spent 16 years as a fire department captain and lieutenant in Moyers Coners, a paramedic for Rural Metro Syracuse as well as a law enforcement officer 'To say he will be missed is an extreme understatement. Whether it was in the service of the Fire Department, Law Enforcement, or as an EMS provider, everyone knew how dedicated he was to the community,' the fire department said in a Facebook post Murphy came out of the house and fired on four Syracuse police officers who were out front, striking one near the armpit in an area not protected by the officer's vest. Two officers returned fire, including the officer who was shot, the prosecutor said 'My prayers are with their families, loved ones, and their colleagues,' the governor posted on X. 'New York will never forget their heroism and service.' The officers were the first law enforcement officers to be killed in the line of duty in Onondaga County since Officer Wallie Howard Jr. was shot to death during an undercover drug operation in October 1990, officials said. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, 'This is a dark day for Syracuse. This is our worst nightmare come true.' Shelley said police planned to search the house as part of the ongoing investigation. Murphy had no criminal record beyond being charged with driving while intoxicated a decade ago, Fitzpatrick said. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Syracuse Police Department for further comment. Keeping Rishi Sunak as Tory leader could scupper the chance to leave the European Convention on Human Rights for 'a generation', Suella Braverman will warn today. In an incendiary speech, the former home secretary and long-time ECHR opponent will accuse the Prime Minister of not being serious about leaving the treaty. She will brand suggestions from No 10 that the PM is open to leaving as 'inauthentic'. And she will warn Right-leaning party colleagues eager to leave that promising to do so in a losing election manifesto risks 'setting the cause back' for a decade or more. This is because Labour, which wants to remain in the ECHR, is expected to storm to victory with such a big majority it could be at least two terms before the Tories can regain power. Keeping Rishi Sunak as Tory leader could scupper the chance to leave the European Convention on Human Rights for 'a generation', Suella Braverman will warn today In an incendiary speech, the former home secretary and long-time ECHR opponent will accuse the Prime Minister of not being serious about leaving the treaty Ms Braverman's explosive intervention will be seen as a blatant attempt to rally MPs to topple Mr Sunak and install her as PM before the general election, to keep the dream of leaving the ECHR alive. The issue threatens to become a major challenge to Mr Sunak's authority once again in the coming days, with the Rwanda bill potentially passing by the end of this week. But there are fears the long-awaited deportation flights could yet be thwarted by European judges in Strasbourg, who administer the ECHR. They previously blocked the flights on the grounds that sending asylum-seekers to Rwanda could breach their human rights. A second attempt to derail the policy would pile pressure on the PM to leave the pact. Ms Braverman's explosive intervention will be seen as a blatant attempt to rally MPs to topple Mr Sunak, to keep the dream of leaving the ECHR alive He has repeatedly pledged not to allow 'a foreign court' to block his flagship asylum policy again. Last week he suggested he could leave the convention following an 'illegitimate' ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that imposes a duty on governments to achieve net zero, after it ruled the human rights of a group of Swiss women had been violated by their government's failure to act quickly enough to tackle climate change. The ruling also applies to the UK. In her speech at the National Conservatism conference in Brussels today, Ms Braverman will accuse the PM of paying lip service to the idea of leaving the treaty and warn MPs that a change of leadership may be necessary to secure Britain's withdrawal. She will say: 'The current UK Government doesn't have the political will to take on the ECHR. It's no surprise that recent noises in this direction are easily dismissed as inauthentic. Any attempt to include a plan for ECHR withdrawal in a losing Conservative election manifesto risks setting the cause back a generation.' The bishop stabbed during a church service in Sydney on Monday night was warned there had been a threat to his life in the weeks before the incident. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in i the southwestern suburb of Wakeley during an service that was being livestreamed. His alleged attacker, a 16-year-old boy, was seen approaching the pulpit where the bishop stood and then stabbing him multiple times to the head and neck as parishioners could be heard screaming and shouting before rushing to intervene. In February, Bishop Mar Mari revealed threats made toward him on social media, telling him he would die within weeks. 'There's been a video circulating on TikTok and I don't know where else, saying that the bishop has two weeks to live,' he said in a sermon. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley - an incident broadcast on the church's livestream (pictured) A 16-year-old boy known to police has been arrested over the incident (he is pictured being held down by at least three people before police arrived at the scene) 'Somebody say, "Farewell bishop, and we are really sad to see you go". 'Look, I was extremely excited when I heard that I have two weeks to live. Because I don't want to stay in this world. For me, it's over. 'Whether I stay or not, that doesn't matter, really. I've had my share of this world. And I pray that the Lord takes me today before tomorrow, I want to be with him.' Bishop Mar Mari said that if he died, it would not be an 'escape' or 'running away'. 'I'm saying it with confidence in the Lord Jesus, I love you, Lord, and I choose you,' he said. 'Any time of the day, all day long, to be with you. I don't care about the world and whatever the world gives. 'Thank the person who did this video. Thank you so much. I didn't know that I was dying in two weeks. 'I'm not sure if I will go in two weeks' time; maybe I don't know,' he said before brushing off any insinuation he was battling health issues. 'As far as I'm concerned, I don't think I am sick, and I'm dying.' The video clip of his sermon ended with the Bishop saying: 'Some of them heard and said 'Yes, finally we getting rid of this old Bishop.' 'Sorry, guys. I'm still sitting on your heart,' he laughed. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after a stabbing of the bishop, which sparked unrest as an angry mob confronted police. Police have declared the incident a terror attack as NSW Premier Chris Minns urged calm on Monday night after the stabbing of Bishop. 'Those violent pictures are probably what caused the uproar in the community - people saw that, responded and unfortunately we ended up with a public order incident,' NSW acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland told reporters. The suspect was 'known to police,' Mr Holland said, and not a regular attendee at the church. Mr Minns said the scene was disturbing but urged calm, adding that he convened a meeting of faith leaders representing religious communities across western Sydney late on Monday night. He said they 'endorsed and supported a unanimous condemnation of violence in any form, called for the community to follow first responder and police instructions and called for calm in the community'. 'We're calling on everyone to act with kindness and respect for each other,' he said. NSW Ambulance said they were called to the church about 7.15pm and sent multiple paramedics to the scene. NSW Police said two clergyman were taken to hospital. The church said Bishop Emmanuel and a senior priest were in a stable condition and also appealed for calm. 'We ask for your prayers at this time,' the church said in a statement posted on social media. 'We also kindly ask anyone at the church to leave in peace as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, teaches us.' Mr Holland said a 15-year-old suspect 'sustained injuries to his hand as a result of his actions'. He said the stabbing suspect was held down by parishioners of the church until police arrived. 'Police were in the process of conveying the young person from the church when it was identified a large group had gathered outside,' Mr Holland said. 'A decision was made to retain the young person in the church for his safety'. The crowd continued to build outside the church and 'a public order incident developed requiring police from all regions across Sydney'. Mr Holland said more than 100 police officers and 30 police vehicles attended and the suspect was later removed from the church. Two police officers were taken to hospital after being injured by members of the crowd who broke into 'a number of houses to gain weapons to throw at the police'. More than 20 police cars were damaged. Mr Holland said some in the group also threw items at the church in a bid to get access to the suspect. 'They need to let police to do their jobs and let us do the investigation,' he said. 'Police will make arrests in the future in relation to this public order incident,' Mr Holland said. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden released their tax returns Monday that showed that their income rose 7 percent to nearly $620,000 in 2023 and that the couple paid 23.7 percent of their income in federal taxes. The first couple's combined income was $619,976 last year and they paid $146,629 in federal taxes. Biden released the data on the day U.S. taxes for the prior year are due, and as the Democrat seeks re-election in 2024. Biden and his wife earned four-fifths of their income from their jobs as president and teacher at Northern Virginia Community College, respectively. Additional money came from interest on investments, pensions and a pass-through entity that collects book royalties. First lady Jill Biden (left) and President Joe Biden (right) released their tax returns Monday that showed that their income rose 7 percent to nearly $620,000 in 2023 and that the couple paid 23.7 percent of their income in federal taxes The proportion of Joe Biden's income that went to federal taxes was roughly equal to the prior year. The return also showed that Biden donated $20,477 to charity, with the beneficiaries including several churches, public health groups like the Epilepsy Foundation and the Fraternal Order of Police. The president, who was elected to the U.S. Senate at age 29, has often boasted about how he's from humble roots. 'For 36 years, I was listed as the poorest man in Congress,' Biden said at a fundraiser in California in February. 'Not a joke.' Biden's running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff, also released a tax return showing $450,380 income for 2023 and federal taxes of $88,570. Besides releasing his tax returns, the president will mark tax day a day late. He is traveling to his birthplace of Scranton, Pennsylvania Tuesday where he will deliver a tax-centric speech on how the wealthy need to pay their fair share. Biden and his wife earned four-fifths of their income from their jobs as president and teacher at Northern Virginia Community College, respectively Biden has long promised never to raise taxes on Americans who make less than $400,000 a year. Former President Donald Trump, Biden's 2024 Republican opponent, has never released his tax returns. As a candidate in 2016 Trump falsely claimed he couldn't release his tax returns due to them being under audit by the IRS. In 2022, the Democrat-led House Ways and Means Committee released six years of Trump's tax returns over the objections of the former president. In 2019, The New York Times also published Trump's partial tax returns from from 1985 to 1994. During that time period the real estate developer lost $1.17 billion. In September 2020, The New York Times released another report on Trump's taxes, including that he only paid $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and in 2017. Trump also paid no federal income tax for 10 of the previous 15 years due to losing so much money from his business dealings. As he released his returns Monday, Biden called on future presidents to be transparent about their finances. 'President Biden believes that all occupants of the Oval Office should be open and honest with the American people, and that the longstanding tradition of annually releasing presidential tax returns should continue unbroken,' the White House said. Police in Australia have declared that they are treating a knife attack at a church in Sydney as a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism. New South Wales police officers have detained a 16-year-old boy who is accused of stabbing a bishop and injuring three others during a sermon at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney's Wakeley district on Monday. It was the second knife assault to rock Sydney in three days and has sparked riots and unrest in Australia's largest city. The shocking attack, which was being live-streamed on YouTube by church cameras, came while Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was preaching on Monday afternoon. The bishop was speaking from the altar when a male dressed in a dark hoodie sauntered up and suddenly lunged at him, furiously swinging at the elderly clergyman's head and neck. The alleged attacker - who was known to police - was seen smirking at horrified onlookers as he was pinned down after wounding Bishop Emmanuel, Father Isaac Royel and two others. Police arrested the attacker at the scene and were forced to hold him at the church for his own safety after a crowd gathered outside and demanded the attacker be brought out. At a press conference early on Tuesday morning in Sydney, NSW Commissioner Karen Webb said: 'I declared that it was a terrorist incident... We believe there are elements that are satisfied in terms of religious motivated extremism.' The shocking attack, streamed live on YouTube by church cameras, came while Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel (pictured) was preaching on Monday afternoon The moment worshippers pinned down the man accused of stabbing a bishop in the middle of a sermon has been captured on video Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was preaching at The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley in west Sydney on Monday evening when a man dressed in black walked up to the altar and stabbed him multiple times A man stabs Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a church service at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley She added: 'Strike Force Petrina has been established to investigate that side of the events last night and a referral has been made and agreed to by the joint counterterrorism investigation team that we will work jointly with NSW police lead, with AFP and other Commonwealth agencies in this investigation.' Christ The Good Shepherd Church revealed both Bishop Emmanuel and Father Isaac were in a 'stable condition'. The suspect is also being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Premier Chris Minns also warned vigilantes after violent riots were sparked by the stabbing which resulted in 30 people treated by paramedics. 'There is no such thing in Australia in taking the law into your own hands. You will be met by the full force of the law if there is any tit for tat violence in Sydney over the coming days.' Commissioner Webb said 20 police cars were damaged in the riots. 'The police officers, of which there were many, acted courageously to protect that community, witnesses, victims and the ambulance officers,' she said. 'They went there to do their job last night and they were turned on.'' NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dom Morgan slammed rioters who forced ambulance officers to fear for their safety. 'Paramedics became under threat and ... had to retreat into the church. 'The officers that serve this community and police every single day were holed up in that church for three-and-a-half hours. 'Six of our paramedics could not leave that facility for fear of their own safety.' Bishop Emmanuel (pictured) gained notoriety during the pandemic when he slammed Sydney's Covid lockdown as 'mass slavery' and claimed vaccines are futile because living 'normally' will boost immunity Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel with Father Isaac Royel who was also among those injured New South Wales police guard the perimeter of the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney's western suburb of Wakeley on April 15, 2024 New South Wales police gather outside the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney's western suburb of Wakeley on April 15, 2024, after several people were stabbed in the church premises Commissioner Webb said 20 police cars were damaged in the riots NSW acting assistant commissioner Andrew Holland had earlier revealed that the suspect was being treated for wounds to his hand. He has been taken to a secure location. After the shocking attack, churchgoers sprang into action, running up to the altar and piling on top of the alleged attacker as others placed urgent calls to emergency services. Footage shared on social media minutes after the stabbing showed the alleged attacker being pinned down on his front by at least three people, including a police officer. He can be seen grinning at the camera as one of his captors sits beside him in bloodstained jeans. Meanwhile outside the church, dozens of angry Sydneysiders gathered singing chants of 'an eye for an eye' and 'bring him out' as riot police descended on the scene. Nobody was killed in the attack, though a clip shared to social media showed the stricken bishop being rushed out of the church on a stretcher and bundled into the back of an ambulance. AC Holland said at a press briefing today that the 16-year-old suspect is 'known to police' and that investigators have spoken to him. 'Police have initially spoken to the young person again, his injuries are quite severe in his hand,' he said, adding: 'He's fairly upset and very distraught. 'He's asked to speak to his parents at this stage and we're making arrangements with his parents to make contact with him.' AC Holland added: 'Police are obviously making sure that that young person is safe and, and obviously with the action of the parishioners and obviously the local community, there was concerns for his safety. 'Hence, the decision was made to detain him in the in the church until later in the night.' The senior cop was also asked about rumours that the alleged assailant's fingers had been chopped off in revenge. 'Reports are that he has injuries to his hands - I don't know the extent of those injuries at this point,' Acting Assistant Commissioner Holland said. He added: 'His injuries are quite severe in his hand, he's fairly upset and fairly distraught.' He also praised the churchgoers who jumped into action amid the horrifying attack. 'The parishioners did a fantastic job subduing him after he stabbed the two clergy members,' he said. The deplorable attack comes just two days after a knifeman cut down six people in ruthless killing spree just 20 miles away in an eastern Sydney suburb. Joel Cauchi, 40, stabbed five women and one man to death and injured 12 others with a 30cm hunting knife in Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon, before being shot dead by New South Wales Police Inspector Amy Scott. His distraught parents said their son struggled with schizophrenia and severe mental health issues, with police probing the possibility his attack targeted women. Mass killings are rare in the country of about 27 million people, which has some of the world's toughest gun and knife laws. The stabbing of Bishop Emmanuel caused a riot outside the Good Shepherd Church, with a crowd of onlookers baying for the attacker's blood. The New South Wales Public Order riot squad was deployed to the scene to contain the chaos after protesters smashed church windows and launched bottles and bricks at the officers detaining the suspect. Riot officers were forced to deploy tear gas to repel the protesters as they shuttled the bishop and other injured churchgoers to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. NSW Ambulance said that four people were injured in the incident and had been taken to hospital, while a spokesperson for NSW Police said Bishop Emmanuel suffered 'non-life threatening injuries'. 'Officers arrested a male and he is assisting police with inquiries,' the spokesperson added. 'A large police response is underway and the public is urged to avoid the area.' Bishop Emmanuel has a large flock on social media, with over 17,000 followers on Facebook. He gained notoriety during the pandemic when he slammed Sydney's Covid lockdown as 'mass slavery' and claimed vaccines are futile because living 'normally' will boost immunity. Then last year the bishop appeared on national television when a clip from a sermon surfaced in which he said trans people were 'not human'. 'When a man calls himself a woman, he is neither a man nor a woman, you are not a human, then you are an it. Now, since you are an it, I will not address you as a human anymore because it is not my choosing, it your choosing,' he said. Christ The Good Shepherd Church has almost 200,000 subscribers on YouTube, thousands of whom had tuned into watch his sermon and saw firsthand how he was set upon by the violent knifeman. Meanwhile, the father of the attacker who killed six people and injured a dozen more in Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday said his son struggled with extensive mental health issues and harboured frustrations with women, leading police to question whether he targeted female victims. Joel Cauchi, 40, stabbed five women and a male security guard to death and injured several others before he was gunned down by a police officer. Clad in shorts and an Australian national rugby league jersey, Cauchi was seen on security cameras roaming through the busy shopping mall carrying a large blade. He was shot to death by Inspector Amy Scott, who confronted him alone on the fifth floor after a pursuit through the mall. Joel Cauchi, 40, stabbed five women and a male security guard to death and injured several others before he was gunned down by a police officer Inspector Amy Scott shot Cauchi dead after he lunged at her with a knife. He died at the scene Mr Cooke then said it was clear that Cauchi (pictured) meant to hurt as many people as possible Terrifying details have emerged about the day Joel Cauchi killed six people in a murderous stabbing spree at Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Centre The attacker's father, Andrew Cauchi, told reporters on Monday he was devastated by the news and said his son had a long history of mental illness and frustrations with women. 'He wanted a girlfriend and he's got no social skills and he was frustrated out of his brain,' the visibly distraught 76-year-old told reporters outside his home in Toowoomba in Queensland state, a 540-mile-drive across the New South Wales border from Sydney. 'He's my son, and I'm loving a monster. To you, he's a monster. To me, he was a very sick boy. Believe me, he was a very sick boy,' the father added. Andrew said he had taken five U.S. army knives from Joel when Joel visited him last year as he feared he could get stabbed. The father said his son had become angry and called police, accusing the father of theft. The knives were given to a friend for safekeeping. 'I told the police my son had schizophrenia and I'm worried for myself,' Andrew said. 'I said to my mate, ''Why do I feel I'm going to be killed in my own house by my own son with a U.S. combat knife?'' he added. The killer's mother, Michele Cauchi, said his rampage was the 'absolute worst nightmare' of any parent of a mentally ill child. Their comments came hours after senior police officers said they were investigating the possibility the attacker had focused on women. 'It's obvious to me, it's obvious to detectives that seems to be an area of interest that the offender had focused on women and avoided the men,' New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. 'The videos speak for themselves, don't they? That's certainly a line for inquiry for us.' Police have said there was no indication ideology was a motive. The six people killed by Cauchi were named today as Jade Young, 47; Dawn Singleton, 25; Pikria Darchia, 55; Ashlee Good, 38; Faraz Tahir, 30, from Pakistan, and Yixuan Cheng, 27, from China. The only man killed during the attack was security guard, Faraz Tahir, who had arrived in Australia last year as a refugee from Pakistan, according to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia, to which he belonged. Authorities on Monday identified the sixth victim as Chinese national Cheng who was studying in the country. Anthony Albanese (pictured laying flowers at the shopping centre) announced all government building would lower their flags to half mask as a mark of 'mourning and respect' following Syndey stabbing Victims of Cauchi's knife attack: (Top L - bottom R) Yixuan Cheng, Ashlee Good, Pikria Darchia, Jade Young, Dawn Singleton and Faraz Tahir A black ribbon was projected onto the Sydney Opera House on Monday night, two days after six people were killed during the deadly Bondi Junction massacre (pictured) The black ribbon is a symbol of remembrance or mourning and is displayed as a public symbol of consolation Eight victims who survived their injuries remained in hospitals on Monday, including Good's 9-month-old daughter. The baby's condition improved overnight Sunday from critical to serious, health authorities said. The conditions of the other seven ranged from critical to stable. The New South Wales government announced on Monday a A$18 million independent coronial inquest into the attack but Premier Chris Minns ruled out new rules that would allow private security guards to carry firearms. Thousands of flowers and wreaths lay in a makeshift memorial outside the mall on Monday as hundreds came from across the city to honour those killed. 'It's shocking something like this could happen so close to home,' said Wren Wyatt, who paid respects at the memorial. 'I'm still trying to get back to everyday life. I've taken today off to try and get my head better,' she added. Wyatt said she was walking past the mall on Saturday when a crowd rushed past her screaming and security told her to flee. David Spencer travelled more than 30 miles from the city's west with his two young sons to lay a wreath as a family after watching his eldest react with terror to the news. The Australian national flag is flying at half-mast across the country, including at the Parliament House and Sydney's Harbour Bridge, in honour of the victims. Rishi Sunak faces a Cabinet split today as MPs vote on legislation to create a 'smoke-free generation' today. Several ministers are expected to vote against - and scores could abstain - when the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is debated in the Commons for the first time. The legislation will ban tobacco sales to anybody born on or after January 1 2009 - meaning children aged 15 or younger today will never legally be sold a cigarette in England. It also gives the Government powers to tackle youth vaping, with restrictions on flavours and new rules on packaging and selling vapes. MPs will be given a free vote on the plans when it is debated at second reading today, but it will be a blow to the Prime Minister if several frontbenchers rebel. Rishi Sunak giving a statement to MPs in Parliament. The Prime Minister could face a revolt in his own party against his proposed smoking ban The legislation will ban tobacco sales to anybody born on or after January 1 2009, meaning no one under the age of 15 in England will be able to legally buy a cigarette (Stock Image) Winston Churchill was famous for his love of cigars. Boris Johnson said it was 'absolutely nuts' that the party of Winston Churchill would want to ban cigarettes and cigars The government's proposals have been blasted by Tory MPs and former prime ministers including Liz Truss (Stock Image) Tory sources said they expected a number of ministers to rebel over fears the proposals are 'unconservative'. But Government insiders insisted it was a 'genuine' free vote. One rebel, Tory former cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke, told the Mail he would vote against the Bill. He said: 'It is both philosophically and practically a dreadful idea. Nobody doubts that smoking does enormous harm to your health, and I wouldn't encourage anyone to smoke, but it is not the state's role to try to ban people from doing so. 'If we attempt to do so, we will almost certainly make a laughing stock of ourselves and waste enormous amounts of police and local authority time trying to enforce a ban that will not work. 'We already struggle to contain the real danger of illegal drugs, so to seek to try and police tobacco in this way is a recipe for creating a whole new black market.' Tory former prime minister Liz Truss has previously said the proposals are an example of the 'nanny state' in action. And Boris Johnson has branded the plan 'absolutely nuts', saying last week: 'We're banning cigars. What is the point of banning - the party of Winston Churchill wants to ban cigars... Donnez moi un break, as they say in Quebec. It's just mad.' Despite the Tory opposition, Labour is expected to whip in favour of the Bill meaning it will almost certainly pass. The Government believes creating a 'smokefree generation' could prevent more than 470,000 cases of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and other deadly diseases by the turn of the century. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the Bill will save 'thousands of lives, ease the strain on our NHS, and improve the UK's productivity'. She said: 'The truth is that there is no safe level of tobacco consumption. It is uniquely harmful and that is why we are taking this important action today to protect the next generation.' Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, added: 'Smoking kills and causes harm at all stages of life from stillbirths, asthma in children, stroke, cancer to heart attacks and dementia. 'This Bill, if passed, will have a substantial impact - preventing disease, disability and premature deaths long into the future.' In border hot spot Eagle Pass, the deadliest place to cross the US-Mexico border, the morgue has run out of space to keep migrant bodies. Local authorities are currently using a refrigerated trailer, bought during the pandemic, to house 28 bodies, although the space is only meant for 20, reported the Washington Post. Among them, an entire Venezuelan family who drowned together. About half of border crossers are not identified, as some migrants don't have ID on them when their bloated bodies are pulled from the river. Most are either drownings or have died from exposure to heat or dehydration on remote and vast Texas ranches. Local authorities tasked with managing the bodies, documenting them and possibly reaching out to family members face extraordinary challenges, like remains that have been in the river so long that the current has literally washed away facial features. 'River. River. Ranch. Ranch,' a local justice of the peace identified as Smith said while looking at photos of the dead on her phone. It's her decision whether to request an autopsy for a migrant. Local authorities are currently using a refrigerated trailer, bought during the pandemic, to house 28 bodies, although the space is only meant for 20 The grim interior of the makeshift morgue that became a symbol of the COVID pandemic A migrant is pulled from the water near Eagle Pass, Texas in video shared with DailyMail.com in February Migrants wade across the danger Rio Grande, the river the separates the US and Mexico A mother and her child are rescued from the water by members of the Texas National Guard 'John Doe. Jane Doe. John Doe. Fetus, the mother gave birth at the river, but the baby didnt survive. They come from everywhere. I say a little prayer for each one.' More than 1.7 million migrants have illegally crossed the border from October to March of this year, according to federal statistics. The nation has been seeing historic numbers of migrants entering the country since 2021, having unintended consequences and taxing the scant resources in places like Eagle Pass. Maverick County had only put aside $100,000 for handling migrant bodies, but will spend more than $1 million, the county attorney told the Washington paper. The record numbers of border crossings have also led to a record number in rescues, as migrants are often plucked from the river that separates Texas and Mexico. Known as the Rio Grande in the US, the river is called the Rio Bravo, or ferocious, in Mexico. Border Patrol agents save a child from drowning along the Texas border An entire family in danger of drowning, is pulled from the river by Texas law enforcement A woman and several children were among those saved A child is bundled up after being plucked from the Rio Grande Border Patrol rescues of migrants have also surged to 37,323 in 2023. By comparison, 2019 saw only 2,920 rescued before the border crisis began. At least 895 migrant died crossing into the US in 2022, the last year for which data is available. The United Nations named the US-Mexico border the deadliest migration land route in the world last year. The Del Rio, which Eagle Pass is a part of was the deadliest. Migrant crossings have dropped in Eagle Pass since January A Mexican National Guardsman shines a light as a police officer uses a stick to rescue a woman from Columbia who was rapidly being pulled downstream by the rushing current while attempting to cross the Rio Grande A man attempts to resuscitate a man from Mexico who is unconscious and lays on the shore of the Rio Grande River near Eagle Pass But the mounting toll is more than just a financial one. Many migrants are buried without their families ever knowing what happened to them, as lack of ID prevents notification. American first responders who pull the bloated bodies from the river also feel it. Firefighter and emergency medical technician Marcos Kypuros rescued severn children in just weeks in November. 'It got to the point where Id put them in the body bags in a way so that I wouldnt have to even see their faces anymore,' he told the outlet. He avoid talking about his work with family but has to detail the body retrievals at work in painful detail. Deputy Sgt. Aaron Horta is tasked with documenting the remains. He catalogues scars, tattoos, birthmarks and clothing to help ID a migrant whose family might come looking for them. Before he photographs the deceased, he applies Vicks VapoRub under his nose and takes menthol lozenges to mask the smell of decaying corpses. 'If theyve been in the water awhile, their skin gets pruned and webby and starts to peel off. Their eyes, nose and mouth get swollen. For a while, I couldnt sleep,' Horta said. A man with a knife who had attacked two migrants on the border near El Paso, Texas over the weekend was shot at by a national guard member. The shooting took place after an unidentified Indian National Guard member saw a man with the knife on the US side of the border stabbing two migrants, according to a security bulletin obtained by News Nation. Soldiers from several states are deployed to the Texas border in support of the Lone Star State's effort to bring down illegal border crossings. It's not clear whether the armed man was actually struck by the bullet, but he was seen running back into Mexico. The two migrants who were stabbed had non-life threatening injures and received medical care. Groups of migrants arrive at the Texas border in search of crossing into the United States, but Texas security prevents them from surrendering to US Border Patrol #BREAKING An Indiana National Guard soldier deployed to Texas under Operation Lonestar shoots an illegal immigrant who stabbed two others with a knife in the Ysleta area of the El Paso sectorAccording to the internal bulletin obtained from DHS sources, the man ran back into pic.twitter.com/KvvRUonynC Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) April 15, 2024 Migrants breach infrastructure set up by the Texas National Guard on the Rio Grande in El Paso, Texas on March 21, 2024 The incident comes during a time of increased tension along that particular stretch of the international boundary. A riot broke out just a few miles from where the shooting happened last month after members of the Texas National Guard were punched and stomped on by hundreds of migrants who forced their way past them. Asylum-seeking migrants were trying to surrender to US Border Patrol, however, the Texas National Guard has put in place fencing that prevents migrants from doing so. One migrant even tried to wrestle a soldier's gun away from him, El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks said as he announced plans to prosecute hundreds of migrants in connection for the stampede. After the March 26 mob scene, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered hundreds of additional national guard members to Texas' sixth largest city. The troops have been adding additional layers of razor wire and anti-climb fencing to keep migrants out. The identity of the guard member who fired the shot has not been released. 50 Hoosier State soldiers have been on the border since February and was expected to last about 10 months, according a local TV station. One tweet from the Texas Military Department showed Indiana soldiers on patrol earlier this month. Several Republican governors have ordered out of state soldiers to Texas, bragging about the deployments when often, less than a dozen troops are physically present in Texas. This mission has been criticised for having an unrealistic budget and schedule NASA is preparing to make a big announcement today that could reveal the future of America's next mission to Mars. The Mars Return Sample (MRS) aims to bring Martian soil back to Earth, but the progress of the mission has been uncertain since a damning report last year criticised the 'unrealistic budget'. However, the announcement today has sparked hopes that NASA might reveal the timeline and budget for the next stage of this challenging scientific mission. Excitingly, NASA says that the samples could finally help to answer one of the biggest remaining questions in space exploration - whether or not there is life beyond Earth. NASA said: 'The return of the samples will also help NASA's search for signs of ancient life.' Today NASA will make a big announcement on the future of the Mars Sample Return mission. This mission aimed to use a number of vehicles (pictured) to bring back material from Mars READ MORE: Another sign of life on Mars: NASA finds evidence of an ancient lake that may have bred microbial lifeforms 3 billion years ago Advertisement At 18:00 BST (13:00 EDT), the American space agency will host a media teleconference on the MRS mission. You can follow MailOnline's coverage for all the updates as they happen, or watch the announcement live on NASA TV Live. The MRS mission began in February 2021 when NASA's Perseverance rover landed on the Martian surface. Since then, Perseverance has travelled alongside the Ingenuity Mars helicopter around the Jezero Crater, collecting rock samples. The original plan was that NASA would send a secondary lander to collect the samples from Ingenuity and bring these back to Earth for analysis. These samples are believed to be of extremely high scientific value and could help scientists uncover what Mars' weather and climate would have been like in the distant past. NASA said: 'NASAs Perseverance rover is collecting compelling science samples that will help scientists understand the geological history of Mars, the evolution of its climate, and prepare for future human explorers. The Mars Sample Return mission began in 2021 when the Perseverance rover (pictured) landed on the Martian surface to collect rock samples Rock samples could help scientists understand the geological history of Mars (pictured) and even answer whether the planet was once home to ancient life Timeline of NASA's key Mars missions 1975: Viking 1 and 2 become the first US mission to land on Mars 1992: Mars Observer reaches orbit 1996: Pathfinder (rover) finds Mars was once warm and wet 2001: Spirit and Opportunity (rovers) arrive to search for life 2007: Phoenix Scout (lander) collects atmospheric data and creates maps of the surface 2011: Curiosity (rover) finds chemical evidence that Mars was once habitable 2018: Insight (lander) reaches Mars 2021: Perseverance (rover) lands on Mars to collect rock samples for Mars Sample Return Advertisement It said: The return of the sample will also help NASA's search for signs of ancient life.' As of now, Perseverance has collected 24 samples of the planet's surface including 21 rock cores, two samples of regolith, and one atmospheric sample. Most of these samples are held on Perseverance including those believed to be of the highest value, but a number of other samples have also been cached nearby. However, the mission has been on shaky ground since last year after it was blasted by a damning independent report. This criticised the MSR for having an 'unrealistic budget and schedule expectations from the beginning'. The report's authors also wrote that the mission 'is not arranged to be led effectively'. This was almost immediately followed by significant budget cuts for NASA to be taken out of the MSR mission. The Senate and House of Representatives appropriations committee approved a new budget that included a cut of $454,080,000 (364,190,323) for the mission. NASA's original timeline suggested that an orbital craft would be launched as early as 2027, followed by a lander in 2028. On this timeline, the samples would come back to Earth by 2033 but it is not yet known how this has been affected by the reduced budget. Today, NASA administrator Bill Nelson and Nicky Fox, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, will give the first update on the project's status. Perseverance has now collected 24 samples (pictured) from various points in the Jezero Crater The mission to develop a return vehicle (pictured during testing) was criticised for being over budget and poorly organised, today's update could reveal the future of the mission It is hoped that their announcement will lay out a plan for meeting the existing timeline, although no details have yet been released. At the time of the report's publication, NASA said that it would make a recommendation for 'a path forward for Mars Sample Return within a balanced overall science program.' The space agency also said that it would delay confirming the mission's final budget and schedule until the review had been completed. As NASA is now calling a conference to discuss the mission it is possible that we might see the first concrete details of the next mission to Mars. If so, this would mark a significant step forward for the agency's ambitions for the planet. 'Major lunar standstill' only occurs once every 18.6 years could prove theory Stonehenge is famous for its alignment with the sun, which is why visitors flock to the ancient site at the start of summer. But 5,000 years ago, the ancient Wiltshire monument may also have been carefully built with our lunar satellite in mind. Experts think some of the famous upright stones were arranged to align with the moon during an event called 'major lunar standstill'. Occurring just once every 18.6 years, this is when moonrise and moonset are furthest apart along the horizon, as viewed from Earth. Thousands of years ago, ancient Brits may have worshipped at the site during major lunar standstill, just like they did for the summer and winter solstice. Stonehenge is famous for its alignment with the sun, but the ancient monument may have also been carefully designed to align with the movements of the moon Occurring just once every 18.6 years, major lunar standstill is when moonrise and moonset are furthest apart along the horizon, as viewed from Earth What is major lunar standstill? Major lunar standstill is when moonrise and moonset are furthest apart along Earth's horizon. This astronomical event occurs once every 18.6 years, last occuring in 2006. During a major lunar standstill, the northernmost and southernmost positions of the moon are at their furthest apart along the horizon. It is believed that these distinct lunar movements may have been observed during the early phase of Stonehenge, potentially influencing the monument's design and purpose. Advertisement A project to investigate Stonehenge's link with the major lunar standstill is being led by experts at the universities of Oxford, Leicester and Bournemouth. Dr Fabio Silva, senior lecturer in archaeological modelling at Bournemouth University, said this 'major lunar standstill season' runs from February 2024 to November 2025. 'It happens twice a month for about 1.5 to two years,' he told MailOnline. 'For example, this past Saturday the moon was at its northernmost limit, and in a fortnight it will be at its southernmost. 'This will repeat every month for the rest of 2024 and most of 2025.' How exactly the moon will align with Stonehenge's individual stones is yet to be seen. But experts think that during the major lunar standstill, the moon will be in alignment with Stonehenge's ancient 'Station Stones'. Although only two are still standing, the Station Stones marked the corners of a perfect rectangle with its central point in the exact centre of the monument. One of the sides of this rectangle appears to be pointing in a southeast direction, corresponding to where the moon will be rising during major lunar standstill. 'We want to assess whether this is likely to be by chance or whether it was intentional,' Dr Silva told MailOnline. Experts think that during the major lunar standstill, the moon will be in alignment with Stonehenge's ancient 'Station Stones'. Although only two are still standing, the Station Stones marked the corners of a perfect rectangle with its central point in the exact centre of the monument The Station Stones are elements of the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. Originally there were four stones, resembling the four corners of a rectangle. Pictured is Station Stone 'S93' at the south-west corner of the Station Stone Rectangle Stonehenge is a prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, two miles (3 km) west of Amesbury READ MORE: Was Stonehenge an ancient solar calendar? Experts are divided A British researcher proposed the monument was a giant calendar, but other experts poured cold water on his theory Advertisement 'So we want to assess where one needs to stand, how many people could effectively witness the alignment, whether after rising/before setting the moon will be obscured by other stones that may diminish the experience, whether moonlight casts shadows inside the circle. 'These are the things that, put together, may help us build an argument for or against these alignments.' It's already well known that the whole layout of Stonehenge is positioned in relation to the summer and winter solstices when the Earth's tilt towards the sun is at its most extreme, either at the north or south pole. In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs when Earth's north is most greatly tilted towards the sun, and the winter solstice occurs when it's titled away from the sun. Stonehenge was deliberately built to align with the sun on the solstices, according to English Heritage, which manages the site. It explains: 'At Stonehenge on the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone in the north-east part of the horizon and its first rays shine into the heart of Stonehenge. 'Observers at Stonehenge at the winter solstice, standing in the enclosure entrance and facing the centre of the stones, can watch the sun set in the south-west part of the horizon.' In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs when Earth's north is most greatly inclined towards the sun, and the winter solstice occurs when it's titled away from the sun Largely because it's a whopping 5,000 years old, the origins of Stonehenge, including why and how it was built, are still a source of frenzied debate. Professor Timothy Darvill, an archaeologist at Bournemouth University, thinks Stonehenge served as an ancient solar calendar, helping people track the days of the year. The British researcher behind the theory thinks Stonehenge's great sandstone slabs, called sarsens, each represented a single day in a month, making the entire site a huge time-keeping device. However, another team of experts poured cold water on this theory, describing it as 'totally unsubstantiated' and based on 'forced interpretations, numerology and unsupported analogies'. Other theories include that it was a cult centre for healing, a temple, a place where ancestors were worshipped or even a graveyard. Between 3000 and 2500BC, several centuries before the large stones were brought to Stonehenge, people were burying cremated remains in the ditch and bank that now surrounds the stone circle, English Heritage says. Black and white pandas are common - but rarely are they are born with brown fur Hailing from forests nestled within mountain ranges across China, the iconic giant panda has long captivated the world with its distinctive black and white coat. Yet, amidst the sea of monochrome fur, a rare sight occasionally emerges - a panda adorned in rich shades of brown. For years, the origins of these unconventional pandas have puzzled scientists and conservationists alike, with experts previously attributing their mutation to inbreeding or environmental factors. Now, a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers in Beijing, China, has shed light on this captivating phenomenon, uncovering the genetic underpinnings behind the existence of brown pandas and dispelling the notion of inbreeding as the cause. After examining the genetics of pandas in the wild and in captivity, scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Zoology in Beijing have suggested that pandas with brown-and-white coats are the result of natural variation. Hailing from forests nestled within mountain ranges across China , the iconic giant panda has long captivated the world with its distinctive black and white coat (stock image) For years, the origins of rare pandas with brown-and-white coats have puzzled scientists and conservationists alike - but scientists have now shed light on this captivating phenomenon Senior author Dr. Fuwen Wei, a professor of wildlife ecology and conservation biology at the institute, has said that gaining a better understanding of the mutation could help inform efforts to breed brown-and-white pandas in captivity. The first brown panda known to science was a female named Dan Dan, an ailing bear found by a local ranger in Foping County in Shaanxi province's Qinling Mountains in 1985. READ MORE: World's only captive brown panda stands up on his back legs in comic footage as zookeepers start training him for breeding season Advertisement The panda was held in captivity at Xi'an Zoo until her death in 2000 - but, shockingly, since her discovery nearly four decades ago, there have only been 11 sightings of brown pandas, according to CNN. Each sighting has either been have been documented through official news reports and or through personal accounts shared with the authors of the latest study that appeared in the journal PNAS on March 4. Led by a team of geneticists and conservationists, the study delved into the intricate DNA of both brown and black-and-white pandas, including analysing hair samples from bears across various regions of China. The researchers studied Qizai, a male brown panda rescued as a cub in 2009 from Foping National Nature Reserve in Hanzhong. He is currently the only brown panda in captivity. When compared under a microscope with hair samples from three black-and-white pandas, Qizai's brownish fur had fewer and smaller melanosomes, tiny structures found in cells that are responsible for skin and hair pigment in mammals. Piecing together his family tree, researchers found that Qizai's mother and father were black-and-white pandas, while Qizai's son, born in captivity in 2020, was also born with a black-and-white coat. The researchers studied Qizai (pictured), a male brown panda rescued as a cub in 2009 from Foping National Nature Reserve in Hanzhong Researchers were able to show that Qizai's parents and son all had one copy of the recessive trait on a gene known as Bace2, while Qizai had two copies Findings have also shown that the first discovered brown bear, Dan Dan, had the same recessive trait Dr. Fuwen Wei has said that gaining a better understanding of the mutation could help inform efforts to breed brown-and-white pandas, such as Qizai (pictured, left) in captivity The scientists studied genetic information - such as scat and blood samples - from Qizai's family members and compared it with that of 12 black-and-white pandas from the Qinling Mountains and 17 black-and-white pandas from other regions in China. While none of Qizai's immediate family members had brown fur, the researchers were able to show that his parents and son all had one copy of the recessive trait on a gene known as Bace2, while Qizai had two copies. Thanks to an analysis of a tissue sample stored for more than two decades in ethanol, scientists also were able to study the genome of Dan Dan - and findings have shown that the first discovered brown bear had the same recessive trait. However, it is not clear what causes the genetic mutation, with Dr. Wei suggesting it could be linked to the specific environment of the Qinling Mountains, which has a different climate than Sichuan. He added: 'It is more likely to be a result of natural variation rather than inbreeding. Our kinship analysis indicates that Qizai's parents are not closely related.' In 2022, Qizai, who is now 15-years-old, mated naturally with a partner for the first time at a Chinese breeding centre. There's nothing quite like seeing a myriad of fish dart in and out of brightly-coloured reefs. But coral across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans has turned white as the world's fourth global bleaching event has been confirmed. The change, caused by heat stress, is linked to climate change and rising ocean temperatures as well as low tides, pollution or too much sunlight. And experts have warned that, unless there is a global effort to help the coral recover, it will turn black and die. 'As the world's oceans continue to warm, coral bleaching is becoming more frequent and severe,' Derek Manzello, NOAA Coral Reef Watch coordinator, said. There's nothing quite like seeing a myriad of fish dart in and out of brightly-coloured reefs. But coral across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans has turned white as the World's fourth global bleaching event has been confirmed. Pictured: Coral bleaching in American Samoa Your browser does not support iframes. What is coral bleaching? Corals have a symbiotic relationship with a tiny marine algae called 'zooxanthellae' that live inside and nourish them. When sea surface temperatures rise, corals expel the colourful algae. The loss of the algae causes them to bleach and turn white. This bleached states can last for up to six weeks, and while corals can recover if the temperature drops and the algae return, severely bleached corals die. Advertisement Healthy coral is coated with an algae-like substance called zooxanthellae, which they depend on to survive. When coral becomes too stressed from changes in its environment, the coating can become toxic and leave the coral turning it white and leaving it vulnerable to starvation, disease and death. A report, published by the International Coral Reef Institute (ICRI), reveals that since 2023 there has been confirmation of mass bleaching of coral reefs in at least 53 countries, territories and local economies. This includes Florida, the Caribbean, the Eastern Tropical Pacific including Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, large areas of the South Pacific including Fiji, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and the Samoas, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Aden. Reports have also been confirmed of widespread bleaching across parts of the Western Indian Ocean, including Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Tromelin, Mayotte, and off the western coast of Indonesia. The monitoring of coral reefs is carried out by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The change, caused by heat stress, is linked to climate change and rising ocean temperatures as well as low tides, pollution or too much sunlight. Pictured: coral bleaching on Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef Experts have warned that, unless there is a global effort to help the coral recover, the coral will turn black and die. Pictured: Coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef Mr Manzello said: 'From February 2023 to April 2024, significant coral bleaching has been documented in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres of each major ocean basin. 'When these events are sufficiently severe or prolonged, they can cause coral mortality, which can negatively impact the goods and services coral reefs provide that people depend on for their livelihoods.' Widespread coral death can impact livelihoods, food security and economies, including local tourism and the commercial fishing industry. However, researchers said that it is important to remember that coral bleaching does not always lead to coral death. Widespread coral death can impact livelihoods, food security and economies, including local tourism and the commercial fishing industry. Pictured: knobby cactus coral in the Virgin Islands in July 2023, November 2023, and March 2024 However, researchers said that it is important to remember that coral bleaching does not always lead to coral death. Pictured: large flower coral in the Virgin Islands in April 2022, November 2023, and March 2024 If the stress driving the bleaching diminishes, corals can recover allowing reefs to bounce back. In 2019, NOAA published a plan to help coral reefs in distress. This was implemented during the 2023 heatwave in Florida, when coral nurseries were moved to deeper, cooler waters and sunshades were erected to protect corals from the sun. Jennifer Koss, director of NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program, said: 'Climate model predictions for coral reefs have been suggesting, for years, that bleaching impacts would increase in frequency and magnitude as the oceans warm. If the stress driving the bleaching diminishes, corals can recover allowing reefs to bounce back. Pictured: Coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef Figures suggest that since the 1950s, more than 50 per cent of the world's coral reefs have died, with predictions that up to 90 per cent may die within the next century. Pictured: Coral bleaching in American Samoa 'We are on the frontlines of coral reef research management and restoration, and are actively and aggressively implementing the recommendations of the 2019 Interventions Report.' Figures suggest that since the 1950s, more than 50 per cent of the world's coral reefs have died, with predictions that up to 90 per cent may die within the next century. Thousands of marine animals including turtles, crabs and starfish depend on coral reefs for survival as they provide shelter, spawning grounds and protection from predators. In a scene straight out of a sci-fi thriller, a press conference showcasing 'alien mummies' took a bizarre turn after Peruvian authorities attempted to seize a 'pregnant' new specimen. As part of the event, hosted by ufologist Jaime Maussan in Peru, a new 'alien' specimen named Montserrat was presented to those in attendance. Maussan, 70, known for his prolific research into extraterrestrial phenomena, had previously made headlines by presenting two alleged mummified aliens - found in Palpa and Nazca in Peru in 2016 - at the Mexican congress in September 2023. The ufologist has been claiming there is 'definitive proof' on the so-called tridactyl mummies, due to them having three fingers and toes, for several weeks. Now, seven months on, he unveiled his latest discovery - a mummified being named Montserrat that is claimed to have been pregnant at the time of her death. A press conference showcasing ' alien mummies' took a bizarre turn after Peruvian officials attempted to seize a 'pregnant' new specimen As part of the event, hosted by ufologist Jaime Maussan in Peru, a new 'alien' specimen named Montserrat was presented to those in attendance Pictured: Jois Mantilla is interrupted by the Peruvian authorities According to event's host, the 'alien' had been expecting a tridactyl foetus, now affectionately named as Rafael by Maussan. However, in a dramatic turn, the press conference was interrupted by officials from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture who stormed the event with the intention of seizing Montserrat's mummified body. Accompanied by specialised police officers, officials interrupted a speech given by researcher and journalist Jois Mantilla to take control of the microphone. The official said: 'Sorry for the interruption, we are taking an unexpected preventive action with the Ministry of Culture and the Specialised Cultural Heritage Police regarding the exhibition of the tridactyl mummies that you have reported on social networks.' But, in an even eerier twist, plans to confiscate Montserrat's body were halted after stunned ministry officials learned that the physical mummy was not present at the event. Instead, Maussan and colleagues were carrying out a video presentation on the tridactyl mummy, which resulted in officials being invited to watch the 15-minute video alongside the audience. The presentation involved analysis by forensic odontologist and retired professor at the University of Colorado, John McDowell. He was accompanied by William Rodriguez, forensic anthropologist for Maryland State Medical Examiner, and Dr. James Caruso, a medical examiner based in Denver, Colorado. Pictured: Jaime Maussan Pictured: Jois Mantilla is interrupted by the Peruvian officials, who took control of the microphone to announce their intention of seizing Montserrat's body Pictured: The press conference is interrupted by Peruvian authorities The Peruvian Ministry of Culture stormed the event with the intention of seizing Montserrat's mummified body - but later discovered the actual mummy was not present According to event's host, the 'alien' had been expecting a tridactyl foetus, now affectionately named as Rafael by Maussan Officials maintain that the bodies are 'dolls' made of human bones, which are likely to have been dug up by grave looters to sell on to the black market The guest speakers concluded that the mummified bodies are to undergo further investigation and cannot yet be dismissed as fake. Officials maintain that the bodies are 'dolls' made of human bones, which are likely to have been dug up by grave looters to sell on the black market, as reported by NeedToKnow. Science writer Mick West said: 'There are many reasons why the Peruvian government might want to take action against Jamie Maussan's alien mummy. He added: 'Grave robbery? Illegal transportation of human remains? Smuggling of archaeological artefacts? Fraud? We'll have to wait and see.' Meanwhile, another set of 'alien mummies' surfaced in March - with the three-fingered beings said to be from Peru - according to filmmakers who claim to have X-rayed the alleged corpses. One seemingly plaster-encased, four-foot tall specimen, these documentarians said, contains a new form of DNA and appears to show signs of 'genetic engineering.' Biden to convene G7 leaders to coordinate "united diplomatic response" to Iran's attack against Israel Xinhua) 11:13, April 15, 2024 WASHINGTON, April 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden said Saturday that he will convene leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries on Sunday to coordinate a "united diplomatic response" to Iran's attack against Israel. "Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack," Biden said in a statement following his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden said that he reaffirmed "America's ironclad commitment to the security of Israel" while on the phone with Netanyahu. "I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks - sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel," he added. Biden condemned the attacks "in the strongest terms possible," saying that they were carried out through air by Iran and "its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq." U.S. forces in the region "helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles," the president said. Saturday's attacks did not target U.S. forces and facilities, according to Biden, who nonetheless said that the U.S. military "will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people." Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel earlier, in retaliation to an Israeli missile attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) From 22 March to 24 March, the annual national congress of the Austrian section of the International Marxist Tendency (IMT) took place. 225 participants discussed the crisis of capitalism, the upswing of the class struggle and the tasks of communists worldwide and in Austria. [Originally published in German at derfunke.at] The discussion on world perspectives kicked off on Friday. As Niklas from the International Secretariat of the IMT explained: Capitalism worldwide is in crisis, we are in an age of wars, crises, revolutions and counter-revolutions. At the same time, there is an upswing in the class struggle, more and more workers and young people are drawing radical conclusions and a growing number are open to communism and revolution. The presence and contributions of 31 comrades from Switzerland, Germany, the former Yugoslavia, Poland, Italy, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Great Britain deepened the internationalist character of the meeting. The atmosphere at the congress was very enthusiastic / Image: Der Funke The remaining two days were devoted specifically to the political and economic situation in Austria and how this impacts the building of revolutionary forces in this country. Austria's economic outlook is one of the worst in Europe, the decades of stability are over and the next government will undoubtedly introduce a programme of massive cuts. The working class and youth are already seething with anger, as comrades at the congress explained, quoting public studies, but also reports from their own workplaces, universities and schools. It is clear that class struggle is the order of the day in Austria! Comrades also reported on their practical work in different areas. To name but a few examples, comrades across Austria have started an initiative to prevent a factory closure, organised a student committee against an undemocratic and anti-Palestinian school administration and participated in a university protest against the war on Gaza. The atmosphere at the congress was very enthusiastic, with lively discussions even during the short breaks and at the socials in the evenings, which ended with the spontaneous singing of workers' songs. The theory and literature stall was also well attended / Image: Der Funke The theory and literature stall was also well attended. In Defence of Lenin, the new text on Lenin's life and ideas, published by Wellred Books, as well as our new booklet on the Russian Revolution sold particularly well. Over 140 copies of the Manifesto of the Revolutionary Communist International (RCI) were sold. This reflects the serious attitude to the ideas of Marxism that was expressed by one comrade during the discussion: Theory is not a dogma, but an instruction for action. Over the course of the weekend there was also a report on development of the IMT internationally. In July last year, 5000 comrades were organised with the IMT worldwide, now there are over 6000. We are growing fast, but this is just the beginning. There are millions of unorganised communists around the world, who will play an important role in the class struggles that are now heating up. As the RCI manifesto states: Communists have the responsibility to make conscious the unconscious or semi-conscious urge of the working class to change society. Only the working class has the power to overthrow the dictatorship of the bankers and capitalists. You cannot accomplish this task on your own. You need collective experience, Marxist theory and the material resources to make it happen. The International Marxist Tendency wants to take up the challenge of raising a revolutionary banner for all unorganised communists. To that end, we will be launching the Revolutionary Communist International in July and aim to be an organisation of 10,000 communists internationally by the end of the year. We need to match that spirit in every country around the globe. The revolutionary communists of Der Funke in Austria grew from 200 members last year, to 300 members just before our congress. But we are setting our sights higher! The coming 12 months will be marked by an increasing economic and political crisis. The working class in Austria needs a revolutionary leadership. Noone else will build that. That's why we decided at this congress to aim to grow to 500 members. We will organise the young communists, the future revolutionary vanguard into a fighting Bolshevik party as part of the Revolutionary Communist International! Contributions from congress attendees We live in an extremely turbulent world. There is no stability to be found anywhere. There are crises at all levels. The world is being turned upside down. The recurring government crises have become an integral part of our society. All civic institutions are being called into question. A majority of people believe that society only works for the rich, that capitalism does more harm than good in the world. -Niklas The working class in Austria needs a revolutionary leadership / Image: Der Funke "These are the real experiences that young people have had in recent years. They learn the role of the state apparatus, when it criminalises solidarity with Palestine. They learn the role of authority, when the lack of teachers means that you don't even have regular lessons in schools. They learn about the political parties all the people who attended climate demonstrations and then voted for the Greens now see the Greens as a completely treacherous party. The people who have learnt these lessons, who want to fight, these are our people" -Yola Two years ago, we would talk about the war in Ukraine in every class in school, even in maths lessons. But now, when the school students want their teachers to talk about Palestine, there's silence. And what should we do now? You have to fight back, of course. I wrote an open letter and in this letter I defended Palestine against the silence of the school management. I then printed out the letter 400 times and arrived an hour early to post the letter around the school with my friends. That's how I found a lot of supporters and we founded the student committee for Palestine. - Zaya As a branch, we have set ourselves the goal of building up the forces of communism at the Vienna University of Technology. We are doing this, for example, by putting up posters inside the buildings. And at the last two stalls we organised, we met 14 people who were interested in getting active. We will meet with them and discuss the Manifesto of the RCI. We have had many reading groups as a branch and we wanted to turn them into an internal one-day seminar for the comrades. But we need to be bolder: we want to turn it into a recruitment event at the University. - Michael McDonald's Coca-Cola has long been touted as a top-tier soft drink compared to other fast-food and restaurants, but now there is a scientific reason why. Abby Thiel, a food scientist, explained that the flavorful taste, the extra bubbles and the superior taste all stem from the chain's treatment of the carbonated beverage. The chain filters the water that removes chlorine and other chemicals to give it a better taste and stores the Coca-Cola syrup in a stainless steel keg-like container that regulates the temperature and keeps the drink carbonated. McDonald's also claims its wider straws fully expose customer's taste buds to the Coke. McDonald's uses filtered water and colder temperatures to give it the extra sweet and bubbly taste that customers have grown to love. The restaurant partnered Coca-Cola in 1955, one year after it was franchised McDonald's has the syrup used in Coke delivered in a stainless steel container that prevents it from losing its carbonation and keeps the temperature from fluctuating which contributes to the superior taste For years, McDonald's-goers have taken to online forums with questions about how the Coke tastes better than at other establishments, with some people claiming it 'tastes way more refreshing than bottled coke.' McDonald's has reportedly achieved the perfect four-step recipe to offer sublime Coca-Cola that leaves customers raving about its quality and taste. Typically, soda is stored in plastic bags that are kept in a cardboard box and when the syrup from one bag runs out, a hose is unscrewed and reattached to a plastic cap in a new soda bag. To give Coke a better taste, McDonald's strays off the beaten path and has their soda delivered in stainless steel tanks that can hold 80 gallons of syrup. The stainless steel containers have the dual purpose of maintaining the temperature so it doesn't fluctuate and limiting the light exposure. The tank also stores CO2 - which controls the amount of carbonation - it prevents the soft drink from losing its bubbles. 'Any carbonated product that is kept in a container will gradually lose carbonation,' Thiel told Parade, adding: 'This gives McDonald's the benefit of carbonating the Coke on-site and right before you drink it.' Most soda syrup packaging is mixed with water at a rate of one part syrup to between three and six parts water which, when combined with ice, dilutes the flavor. Because McDonald's adds the carbonation on site, it means that the taste won't become watered down if you're given too much ice. The containers also keep the syrup cool by using insulated tubes that connect the liquid to the soda fountain which doesnt allow the carbonation to escape. McDonald's uses wider straws so the Coke can hit all of the customer's taste buds at once and carbonates the soda on site so it remains bubbly and flavorful READ MORE: Why McDonald's ice cream machines are always broken Federal agencies have requested exemptions to allow franchise owners more freedom in repairs as current restrictions limit repairs to authorized technicians Advertisement In 2021, McDonald's briefly acknowledged that its Coke tastes better than other establishments because it keeps the soda at colder levels and uses filtered water that removes all chlorine and anything else that could tarnish the taste. 'Soft drink producers will usually have their own water supplier or a filtration system to increase the quality of water,' Thiel told Parade. 'Most often, chlorine is removed as it can result in a 'disinfectant' taste, the water hardness will be adjusted since it affects the acidity of the drink, and iron will be removed to limit color and flavor defects,' she continued. 'Without this treatment, the end result is a Coke that has off-flavors and aromas due to low-quality, inconsistent water.' McDonald's has also said its straw impacts the taste because it is wider, allowing the Coke to hit all your taste buds. Coca-Cola has had a special relationship with McDonald's since 1955 when then-owner Ray Croc met with Waddy Pratt who ran the soft drink company's fountain division. 'Those two companies helped each other grow and expand around the globe,' Dick Starmann who was close with Croc told The New York Times in 2014. 'Neither one would be what they are today without the other,' he added. A NASA photographer captured spellbinding images that appear to show majestic fuchsia-pink flames bursting forth from behind the solar eclipse. Snapper Keegan Barber captured the total eclipse as the moon blocked out the sun and plunged Dallas, Texas into darkness on April 8, 2024. The photos show massive pink spires of plasma pulsing out from the surface of the sun into its second atmosphere, the chromosphere, and the outermost solar corona. These planet-sized pink flames are called 'solar prominences' loops of anchored plasma, or superheated, electrically charged gas that can last for months at a time on the sun's surface. Both the sun's outer dimmer layers, chromosphere and corona, where these solar prominences flow are normally drowned out by the full power of the sun's brightness but were visible to pro and amateur astronomers alike during last week's eclipse. NASA photographer Keegan Barber captured several bright pink 'solar prominences' during the eclipse as the sun hung nearly 93 million miles above Dallas, Texas on April 8, 2024 (above) A solar prominence differs from a flare in that these loops of anchored plasma, or superheated, electrically charged gas, can last for months at a time on the sun's surface Solar prominences are also gigantic and can be ten times the diameter of planet Earth or more Barber, who also works as a NASA photo researcher, was able to grab multiple high resolution snaps of the solar prominences, unusually visible thanks to the moon, which had eclipsed everything but the sun's white corona and pink chromosphere. But even casual onlookers watching the eclipse from safely behind their eclipse glasses and photographing the event with nothing more special than a phone camera could catch peeks at the pinkish-red spires. 'I don't know what these red things actually are, but they were visible to the naked eye,' one Reddit user posted to the r/space subreddit, 'and they show up quite clearly on camera.' The solar prominence derives its pinkish-reddish hue from the the transformation of the sun's hydrogen gas into a plasma, because elemental hydrogen emits reddish light when heated to high temperatures. The heating of various different chemical elements has long been known to produce specific colors, a scientific fact employed in the fireworks industry, in fact: Copper metal in fireworks for example lead to blazes of blue light, while barium is known to produce bright greens and sodium erupts in vivid yellows. The NASA photo researcher took multiple high resolution snaps of these solar prominences, unusually visible thanks to the moon, which had eclipsed everything but the sun's white corona and its reddish-pink chromosphere One Reddit poster did some 'back of the envelope' calculations, based on the diameter of the sun, to find that this solar prominence was about five-times the length of Earth. 'That prominence on the bottom is around 17.5 pixels tall,' they said, or 'a height of 44,500 miles' READ MORE: Huge sunspot that launched strongest solar flare in six years now pointing 'almost directly' at Earth - and it could spark geomagnetic storms and power outages, scientists warn A sunspot called AR3590 has already emitted three solar flares - fast eruptions of intense high-energy radiation - towards Earth, but there could be more to come. That's because AR3590 is now pointed directly at our planet. Sunspots are cooler parts of the Sun's surface caused by massive changes in the Sun's magnetic field. They appear dark because they are cooler than other parts of the sun's surface. The temperature of a sunspot is still very hot though - around 6,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Advertisement The arced and pointed shapes of each prominence derives from the magnetic fields surrounding them which trap the flow of the electrically charged hydrogen plasma inside it, like a flow of metallic balls in a magnetic tube. Over the course of their first day or so of existence, a solar prominence starts out as a smaller loop closer to the sun's surface, expanding or unfurling like a loose look of thread on a sweater, extending out further into the sun's upper atmosphere. A giant nuclear fusion reaction bound in space by its own gravity, the sun is predominantly made of plasma, which is an electrified gas of electrons and ions. The electrified flow of that plasma, according to astronomers, is what leads to the powerful magnified pulses that occasionally eject from the sun. When the magnetic loops are released into space, huge streams of plasma are attracted to fill them that results in prominences that can last for weeks or months. While the brilliant arches of these solar prominences often will collapse, or 'drain' gas down through their magnetic field lines back toward the the sun, there are instances when they become unstable and their energy is released into space. 'At the time of the eclipse, the Sun was near a solar maximum, a period of heightened activity that occurs about every 11 years when the Suns magnetic field flips,' NASA's geophysics writer Lindsey Doermann said. 'The Suns activity was much different during the 2017 total solar eclipse,' she noted. 'At that time, it was nearing a solar minimum.' Images taken during the 2017 eclipse, during a period of less intense solar energy and solar activity during that low cyclical ebb, showed less tangles and less streams of magnetic, plasma eruptions from the sun. 'Streamers,' like these solar prominences, Doermann said, 'were restricted to the Suns equatorial region' in 2017. In the last week, six dead smalltooth sawfish washed up on the shores of the Florida Keys, baffling researchers who have documented a total of 38 deaths since January. The smalltooth sawfish is on the brink of extinction and a growing number of reported deaths is raising additional concern among marine biologists. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is conducting autopsies on the smalltooth sawfish including analyzing blood and tissue samples for any toxins in their system. Researchers are still unsure about what's causing the fish to die off, but Florida has seen an excess growth of harmful and toxic algae in the ocean that can get into a fish's blood stream through the food they eat causing erratic swimming and death, according to the FWC. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rescued a smalltooth sawfish (pictured) after it received reports that it was acting oddly and was swimming in circles The FWC took blood and tissue samples from the rescued sawfish to determine if it had any toxins in its system There have also been reports that smalltooth sawfish are beaching themselves, adding to the growing concerning behavior of other fish that have been seen spinning off the coast of the Florida Keys Researchers first documented alarming behavior among some fish species in November of last year as reports of fish spinning in circles came flooding in. But when they discovered the first dead sawfish earlier this year, researchers wanted to know if the two events could be linked. 'Are the two related? We can't definitively say that,' Tom Matthews, a biologist at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, told Forbes. 'But we're pursuing this with every means we have,' he added. The smalltooth sawfish is a critically endangered species, believed to be due to habitat loss. The species once lived as far down as the coast of central west Africa up to North Carolina These events are made more concerning by reports from local anglers and divers who said they watched the sawfish intentionally beach themselves - when an animal washes on shore and can't return to the sea. 'Typically, when we think of fish acting strangely or dying we either think of low oxygen conditions in the water or red tide and so we saw neither,' Mike Parsons, a marine scientist told CNN. Last week, biologists rescued a sawfish that was exhibiting similar behaviors after the FWC received a call about a sawfish swimming in circles in Cudjoe Key. Researchers are trying to understand if the two events of the spinning fish and the dead sawfish are related The biologists are using the rescued sawfish (pictured) to identify what could be causing the fish to behave so strangely The biologists analyzed its health, took samples and measurements and tagged the sawfish before deciding that its best chance was survival was to rescue it. They loaded it onto a vessel and gave it respiratory assistance on the way to the temporary holding tank at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. READ MORE: Almost half the planet's species are experiencing rapid population decline Nearly half of the animals on the planet are facing steep drops in population, which is almost twice as many as past estimates, scientists warn. Advertisement The rescue efforts were led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which 'has not been attempted before, but this unusual mortality event made this necessary,' said Gil McRae, Director of FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. 'We are hopeful this rescue and rehabilitation of a smalltooth sawfish will bring us one step closer to understanding the cause of this event.' The smalltooth sawfish became the first marine fish to become federally protected in 2003 when it was added to the endangered species list. It is now illegal to catch, harm, harass or kill a sawfish which were once found along the East Coast stretching from the central west coast of Africa up to North Carolina but are now primarily found off the coast of Florida. Smalltooth sawfish remain understudied, so it is still unknown how small the population is now, but their loss in numbers is believed to be related to habitat loss. The FWC said it is working with other marine organizations and universities including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Florida Gulf Coast University as well as federal, state and local agencies to conduct investigations and rescue other endangered smalltooth sawfish. The organizations are asking the public for help identifying other deaths or abnormal behavior by calling the sawfish hotline: 844-4-SAWFISH. DailyMail.com has reached out to the FWC and the NOAA for comment. An intricate network of Israel's missile defense tech faced a serious test of its mettle Saturday night, downing '99 percent' of an aerial assault launched from Iran. Approximately 170 Iranian drones, 120 ballistic missiles and over 30 cruise missiles had been launched from Iranian territory in the attack, soaring over 1,100 miles. Iran's airborne phalanx was repelled by ground-based anti-air missiles with names like the 'Iron Dome,' 'David's Sling' and 'Arrow-3,' the latest hardware in Israel's frequently updated national defense arsenal. Below, an overview of the equipment Israel has developed, sometimes with the help of American military contractors, and how it keeps bombardments in check. First operational in 2011, Israel's Iron Dome faced its first test over a decade ago, when militants in Gaza fired an estimated 1,500 rockets at Israel over eight days in Nov. 2014 - at least 10 Iron Dome missile batteries are known to exist, total (like this one pictured above) Iron Dome First operational in 2011, Israel's Iron Dome faced its first test over a decade ago, when militants in Gaza fired an estimated 1,500 rockets at Israel over eight days in November of 2014. In the dome's decade of operation, officials with the Israeli Defense Force have reported a success rate of 90 percent: a statistic that's difficult to assess given that the system is designed to go after only those rockets on course for real damage. Each of the 10 Iron Dome missile batteries known to exist is equipped with radar to detect airborne targets and a connection to an automated command-and-control system for remote firing calculations. When one of the Dome's missile batteries detects a rocket on radar, it relays that projectile's speed and trajectory data to its control center, which then uses that information to determine if the rocket is likely to hit a populated area. A missile is fired from the battery's matrix of 20 interceptor missiles only if the detected rocket missile poses a genuine threat, a cost-saving measure given the low-tech barrage of rockets fired by Hamas, Hezbollah and other regional militants, whose equipment tends to be less than precise. Israel's solution to the Iron Dome's cost issue, the Iron Beam laser, is currently in development. Above, President Joe Biden walks with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz (to Biden's left) in front of an Iron Beam prototype (left) and an Iron Dome battery (right) in July 2022 Israel reportedly 'jammed' GPS signals in the days before Iran's Saturday night's series of missile strikes in a bid to confuse Iranian enemies (pictured above) The Iron Dome system is also designed to intercept rockets and missiles flying in high arcs, which can otherwise make the objects harder to counterstrike. But the hardware has not been without its share of criticism domestically. Early in its operation, a military analyst and ex-fighter pilot at Israel's Tel Aviv University, Reuven Pedatzur, for example, argued that the Iron Dome was too expensive. Militants, Pedatzur argued, could effectively drain Israel's budget as pricey Dome missiles, which can run up to $100,000 apiece, were wasted on militants' dramatically cheaper rockets, which at that time cost about $5. Israel's laser-blasting solution to the cost issue, dubbed the Iron Beam, is currently in development. Iron Beam's 100-kilowatt laser is designed to intercept and detonate threats as structurally different as rockets, artillery, mortars and drones from miles away. 'I'd seen the system when I last went to Israel, I saw the first prototype,' the US Army's assistant secretary for acquisition, logistics and technology, Doug Bush, said last November. 'It's intriguing.' 'There's potential if theirs works well, it could be something we could think about leveraging for our needs in that space,' Bush told DefenseScoop, adding that the Iron Beam served as a compliment to the Pentagon's own Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) prototype. Iran said it attacked Israel late Saturday in 'self-defense' following an April 1 strike on its diplomatic mission in Damascus, widely blamed on Israel. Above, the missiles from Saturday The latest and arguably the top of Israel's current system, the Arrow-3, was created specifically to take down ballistic missiles armed with nuclear and other, 'nonconventional' warheads coming in from out space-based trajectories (above) Arrow-3 The latest and arguably the top of Israel's current system, the Arrow-3, was created specifically to take down ballistic missiles armed with nuclear and other 'nonconventional' warheads including those coming in from outer space. Israel's chief military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said after last Saturday's assault that the Arrow-3 had 'proved itself against a significant number of ballistic missiles' fired by Iran this weekend, albeit of a much more conventional kind. Arrow-3's missile interceptors are significantly larger than those fired by the Iron Dome, which are typically only just 6-inches wide and 10-feet long, but still guided by sophisticated miniature sensors for the more persistent threat of short-range rocket attacks. Arrow-3 missiles by contrast are substantial two-stage rockets, 23-feet long in size, that can go at hypersonic speeds. Prior to Saturday's attack, Arrow-3 had gotten use striking long-range missiles launched from Yemen by Houthi militants, who are engaged in a civil war on the southern tip of the Arabian peninsula and have chosen sides in Israel's Gaza conflict. US military contractor Boeing and the Israeli government-owned firm Israel Aerospace Industries worked in cooperation to develop the Arrow-3 with substantial investment from the United States. The success of the space-ready interceptor missile has now led to a $3.5 billion agreement, approved by the US, allowing Israel to sell Arrow-3 systems to Germany. Like the Arrow-3, the David's Sling, previously called the Magic Wand is a two-stage rocker with a powerful range for intercepting larger missiles. These anti-air missiles have a range of 160 miles and can travel at speeds up to 7.5 Mach (above0 David's Sling Like the Arrow-3, the David's Sling, previously called the 'Magic Wand' is a two-stage rocket with a powerful range for intercepting larger missiles. According to the Missile Threat project at the Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS), the system uses both Stunner and SkyCeptor kinetic so-called 'hit to kill' interceptors. These anti-air missiles have a range of over 160 miles and can travel at blinding speeds up to 7.5 Mach. The SkyCeptor, in particular, was designed to be a more cost effective but no less effective replacement for US-made Patriot missiles. READ MORE: Israeli army deployed controversial AI system 'Lavender' to create 'kill list' of Palestinian militants and bomb 37,000 targets, report claims The Israeli army has been using an AI system to populate its 'kill list' of alleged Hamas terrorists, despite a known 10% error rate, six Israeli intelligence officials told reporters Advertisement Each of these interceptors has two targeting and guidance systems installed in the tip of the missile's nose, along with an electro-optical sensor for further identification of its target. David's Sling was a collaboration between Israeli defense firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and US defense titan Raytheon, which has made everything from fighter jet radar to NSA listening posts for America's national security apparatus. The Sling, of course, takes its name from the famous weapon used by King David in the Biblical story of David and Goliath, but the name was also meant to reference its long-distance range. 'We'll be able to intercept threats at high altitude in enemy territories, not exactly over Israel,' one Rafael official told the Associated Press. 'We don't want it falling on us, but over the enemy.' Originally, the joint-project had been developed to specifically combat medium-range missiles reportedly in the possession of the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, north of Israel. But other US allies are now pursuing Raytheon partnerships for their own version of SkyCeptor including Romania which initiated a three-year investment project in 2023 to build the missile interceptors, in part, due to the protracted conflict in nearby Ukraine. The only way to get there is a two-hour speedboat ride from Cartagena Casa en el Agua sits within the San Bernardo islands off the coast of Colombia Most would agree - there's something glamorous about arriving at a hotel by speedboat, whether it's a glittering five-star property or a tented camp. So a thrilling start to a stay at Casa en el Agua in Colombia's San Bernardo archipelago in the Caribbean Sea is guaranteed - because the only way to reach this hostel is by boat. As its Spanish name, meaning 'House on Water', suggests, it is surrounded by water. The 30-year-old wooden house sits on a concrete foundation and was once a holiday home. And despite its outlying location - it's a two-hour ride away from Cartagena, the nearest city - it attracts backpackers from across the globe. Casa en el Agua - a stunning hostel in Colombia's San Bernardo archipelago that's reachable only by boat Despite its outlying location - it's a two-hour speedboat ride away from Cartagena, the nearest city - it attracts backpackers from across the globe To get there, visitors can choose between a two or five-hour transfer from Cartagena. The solar-powered eco-friendly hostel offers various rooms, from an eight-bed dorm to private king and queen-sized beds - with prices starting at 365,000 Colombian Pesos (75/$94) per night. As a cheaper alternative, guests can sleep in a hammock for 287,000 COP (59/$74) per night. These, we're told, have 'the best view in the house'. There's no Wi-Fi or running water, and the toilets are compost. To shower, guests must use buckets of fresh water. Speaking to MailOnline Travel, the hostel's general manager, Ronaldo Hurtado, says it is a 'perfect' year-round getaway. He claims: 'It is always sunny and the Caribbean water is always warm.' The 30-year-old wooden house sits on a concrete foundation and was once a holiday home Guests can swim in the clear Caribbean waters that surround the hostel Alongside its location, he says the people at the hostel make it so unique. 'They create such a family environment that, as soon as you get to the house, you feel this energy and that's the beginning of the amazing time you'll have with us,' Ronaldo says. As if the location wasn't fascinating enough, guests can partake in various exhilarating tours, from snorkelling around the coral reef to travelling to nearby islands Tintipan, Mucura and Santa Cruz del Islote - the most densely populated island on earth. Thrillseekers, meanwhile, can 'fly underwater' on a 'subwing' tour. Participants are towed through the water by a speedboat while holding on to 'wings', enabling them to 'experience the crystal clear sea from a completely new perspective'. Tours and activities available from the hostel include snorkelling and island hopping General manager Ronaldo Hurtado says the hostel's people are what makes it so unique, with the staff working hard to create a 'family environment', particularly at meal times The hostel also offers plankton sighting tours, where guests swim among the bioluminescent creatures in the moonlight. Back at base, guests can tuck into fresh food, caught daily - including octopus, fish and crab. And while the hostel has a 'don't bring your own drinks' policy, it's far from teetotal - there's a bar with an 'all-day-every-day' happy hour, coupled with a claim for the 'best hangover cure in South America' - a bed-to-sea dive from the first-floor deck. Sharing some tips to first-time visitors, Ronaldo says: 'Wear fresh cotton clothing, a bathing suit, pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect the skin from insects and branches that can cause minor injuries, and from the sun.' The hostel claims to have 'the best hangover cure in South America' - diving straight out of bed into the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea The hostel has several rooms, from an eight-bed dorm to queen and king-sized beds. It offers freshly caught food and an 'all-day-everyday' happy hour at the bar He advises guests to bring reusable and environmentally-friendly products to the eco-friendly hotel. He says: 'You will not only enjoy the beauty that nature shares with us, but you will also have the opportunity to learn, raise awareness and act for the preservation and care of the sea and the environment.' The hostel has a four-star rating on Tripadvisor, with many hailing it as a 'literal paradise' and a must-see when in Colombia. To book a trip to Casa en el Agua visit its website casaenelagua.com. A woman who stayed at the 'Pink Palace of the Pacific' in Hawaii for a jaw-dropping $530 per night has detailed why she would never book a room at the 'basic' and 'outdated' hotel again. Carly Caramanna is a Disney-obsessed content creator who frequently shares her opinions on the delicious foods at the brand's theme parks. However, the adventure expert recently turned her sights on a different kind of experience and offered up her review on Hawaii's most aesthetically pleasing five-star resort, The Royal Hawaiian. And while it had been a lifelong dream for Carly to stay in the tourist hotspot, she left feeling very underwhelmed with the rooms, despite having paid more $500 for her one-night stay. Carly Caramanna is a Disney-obsessed content creator who frequently shares her opinions on the delicious foods at the brand's theme park She stayed at the 'Pink Palace of the Pacific' in Hawaii for a jaw-dropping $530 per night and has detailed why she would never book a room at the 'basic' and 'outdated' hotel again The content creator and travel writer lifted the lid on her experience at the costly resort to Business Insider. She revealed that while on vacation with her mom, the duo decided to stay in the resort, which has been nicknamed the 'Pink Palace of the Pacific.' Carly admitted that staying at the Barbie-like home had been a 'dream' of hers. 'The iconic 528-room hotel is famed for its pink facade and mai-tai cocktails. It also happens to be one of the first hotels in downtown Honolulu in the heart of all the action of Waikiki Beach,' she told the outlet. Going into her stay, Carly had extremely high expectations, however she was disappointed upon arrival. She booked a room for a one-night stay in the cheapest section available, which was the West Wing. For a one-night stay, the room Carly stayed in cost $480. She also had to pay a $50 resort fee. And despite splashing out a lot of cash, the travel writer explained that she found her room to be quite bland. She told Insider: 'Once I saw my room, I wasn't impressed. It looked very basic and quite dated especially because of the patterned carpet. I also found it to be lacking in natural light. ' The room featured two full-sized beds, which were covered with white comforters. It was decorated in pink wallpaper and the floor was smoothed over with tan carpet. And while the beds left much to be desired, Carly noted that the bathrooms were luckily more 'modern.' While she loved the marbled tile, the glass shower doors, and mirrors with built-in lights, she wished that the space was much larger. Despite not being obsessed with her room, Carly gushed over the resort itself - adding that the beautiful greenery and open-air spots gave her sprawling views of the stunning ocean. She said: 'The green landscaping and florals around the property felt super lush. I also liked enjoyed seeing the hotel pool, which is surrounded by iconic pink and white lounge chairs, cabanas, and umbrellas.' The adventure expert recently turned her sights on a different kind of experience and offered up her review on Hawaii's five-star resort, The Royal Hawaiian And because the rooms were average, Carly spent the majority of her time on the lavish beaches, which she fell in love with. However, for the price she was paying to stay on the resort, Carly wasn't thrilled that she had to pay an extra fee to lounge on the chairs. Luckily, the money she saved on laying on towels on the sandy beaches was able to be used on the delicious alcoholic beverages. 'One of the main reasons I wanted to visit The Royal Hawaiian was for its famous mai tais. The Royal Hawaiian is said to be the first to serve the Hawaiian version of the mai tai, which is now the most famous drink on the islands. Fortunately, the Royal Hawaiian's mai-tai bar is right on the beach, so it comes with sweeping views of the island,' she explained. 'During my trip, I ordered the classic Royal Hawaiian mai tai for $20. The price was comparable with what I paid for other mai tais on the island, and this rum cocktail was one of the very best drinks I tried during my trip.' In total, Carly had an average stay and enjoyed her time, but wouldn't spend the funds to stay in the Pink Palace again. She told the outlet: 'I'll definitely return to The Royal Hawaiian's bar for mai tais, but I won't be staying again as an overnight guest. ' Coming in at number one is Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International Traveling in the modern era comes with plenty of downsides - many of which hit jet-set vacationers from the moment they enter their airport of choice, where they are more often than not met with over-crowding, endless security lines, and a host of very grumpy passengers. With summer just around the corner, airports across the globe are going to see a huge surge in the number of people coming and going, particularly amid a mass return to international travel in the wake of the pandemic. To help jet-setters plan their trips, the Airports Council International has released its preliminary rankings for 2023 for the top 10 most-packed aviation centers across the world - with half of the locations situated in the US. Coming in at first place is Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International, which comes as no surprise given that the Georgia airport has held that very same spot for the last two decades. To help jet-setters plan their trips, the Airports Council International released its preliminary rankings for 2023 for the top 10 most-packed aviation centers across the world Coming in at first place is Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International (pictured), which comes as no surprise because the Georgia airport has held the spot for the last two decades Meanwhile, holding second place is Dubai United Arab Emirates airport (seen), which made a jump from fifth place in the last year Travel center! The top 10 busiest airports Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Georgia (ATL): 104.7 million passengers Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB): 87 million passengers Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas (DFW): 81.8 million passengers London Heathrow, United Kingdom (LHR): 79.2 million passengers Tokyo Haneda, Japan (HND): 78.7 million passengers Denver, Colorado (DEN): 77.8 million passengers Istanbul, Turkey (IST): 76 million passengers Los Angeles, California (LAX): 75.1 million passengers Chicago OHare, Illinois (ORD): 73.9 million passengers Delhi, India (DEL): 72.2 million passengers Advertisement Passenger traffic at the Atlanta airport has grown rapidly in recent years. In 2023, it grew by 27 per cent from 2022. According to the ACI, the airport should serve 110 million passengers in 2024. Meanwhile, holding second place is Dubai United Arab Emirates airport, which made a jump from fifth place in the last year. 'Dubai served around 87 million passengers in 2023. That is a year-to-year increase of 31 per cent, and that is 1 per cent higher than 2019. And they connected 262 destinations around 104 countries to 102 international carriers,' ACI Worlds director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, told CNN. And while Dubai is number two when it comes to overall airports, it sits at the top spot for international areas. Meanwhile, the US holds five out of 10 of the slots for busiest airports in the world. Dallas/Fort Worth International airport comes in at number three on the list and serves a whopping 81.8 million passengers, which is up 11.4 per cent from 2022. London Heathrow airpot, which sits at number four, jumped four slots in the last year as it previously held number eight. The UK aviation center serves 79.2 million passengers, with that number having increased 28.5 per cent since 2022. Japan's Tokyo Haneda airport made the biggest leap in the past year and went from number 16 to number five. It now has a whopping 78.7 million passengers, which is up 55.1 per cent from 2022. London Heathrow airpot, (seen) which sits at number four, jumped four slots in the last year as it previously held number eight Japan's Tokyo Haneda airport made the biggest leap in the past year and went from number 16 to number five Coming in at sixth place is another US airport. Denver (seen) is proudly helping 77.8 million passengers reach their destination, which is a 12.3 per cent increase from 2022 Coming in at sixth place is another US airport. Denver is proudly helping 77.8 million passengers reach their destination, which is a 12.3 per cent increase from 2022. Istanbul's airport stayed at number seven, which is the same slot as it was last year. However, the number of passengers visiting the aviation center did increase by 18.3 per cent. The next two slots are occupied by US airports, with California's LAX coming in at eighth place and serving 75.1 million passengers, which is a 13.8 per cent increase from the last year. In ninth place is Chicago OHare airport, which increased 8.1 per cent from 2022 and serves 73.9 million passengers. Lastly, at number 10, is Indira Gandhi International Airport, which went from nine to 10 in the last year and now serves 72.2 million passengers. According to aviation experts, airports are still recovering from the lack of traffic during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020. Istanbul's airport stayed at number seven, which is the same slot as it was last year In ninth place is Chicago OHare airport, which increased 8.1 per cent from 2022 and serves 73.9 million passengers Lastly, at number 10, is Indira Gandhi International Airport (seen), which went from nine to 10 in the last year and now serves 72.2 million passengers 'In 2020, we lost like 20 years of development of the aviation sector in one year, so we are recovering very fast considering that,' de Oliveira told CNN. And while airports have been recovering, travel safety has been at the forefront of jet-setter's minds in recent months due to ongoing issues with Boeing aircrafts. Recent travel disasters involving Boeing aircrafts have left travelers and flight attendants worried, including the infamous moment that a door plug blew out at 16,000 feet. There have been a slew of safety incidents in recent years and months regarding Boeing planes. A door plug blew off midflight on January 5 with 171 passengers and crew onboard, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon. Its catastrophic failure depressurized the cabin, with the force of the air rushing in ripping the shirt off a young boy, whose mom was seen holding onto him. Passengers also watched as their phones were sucked out into the night sky. Terrifying footage showed fliers looking out through the gaping hole of the fuselage onto the twinkling lights of Portland below in the eerily quiet cabin. Six Alaska Airlines passengers have sued Boeing after their horror flight where a door plug blew out at 16,000ft, forcing a dramatic emergency landing in Oregon There were no serious injuries from the terrifying air failure, but passenger's belongings including phones flew out of the aircraft Miraculously, no injuries were reported on the plane, which had only gone into service in November 2023. Boeing, Alaska Airlines and the National Transportation Safety Board have all launched investigations. It even sparked a criminal investigation into Boeing - whose whistleblower was found dead. The criminal investigation will examine whether Boeing has met the conditions of the 2021 settlement reached after the fatal 2018 and 2019 crashes that killed 346 people. The first occurred when a Max 8 operated by Indonesia's Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea in October 2018. The second was when an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max 8 crashed nearly straight down into a field six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa in March 2019. Boeing reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the FBI and the Transportation Department in the wake of the crashes, admitting that two former employees had misled the FAA over how much training a new flight control system would require. If the Justice Department finds that Boeing has violated the terms of that settlement, they could face prosecution on the original count of defrauding the US. Boeing declined to comment on the criminal investigation. DailyMail.com contacted Alaska Airlines for comment. Boeing is also facing a civil lawsuit from a group of passengers onboard the flight. Former Biggest Loser host Ajay Rochester admits she is taking Ozempic after struggling with her weight for several years. In a heartbreaking interview with 7NEWS Spotlight, Rochester said she faced immense pressure to be thin during her time hosting The Biggest Loser which often led to unhealthy eating habits. 'The pressure was on to lose those extra kilos. When I was hosting Biggest Loser, the lightest I got was 70 kilos and I did not eat, did not eat,' she explained. 'I was an emaciated doll that was still apparently not thin enough. See this photo? I actually thought I was fat there because I was being told that I was too fat for designers to dress me. 'I am not healthy there, but I'm thin. Apparently not thin enough.' Former Biggest Loser host Ajay Rochester admits she is taking Ozempic after struggling with her weight for many years In a heartbreaking interview with 7NEWS Spotlight, Rochester said she faced immense pressure to be thin during her time hosting The Biggest Loser which often led to unhealthy eating habits. Pictured with Michelle Bridges Rochester said she was given dangerous medical advice from doctors at the time. 'Oh, you're consistently told, even by doctors, "Oh, it's just eat less, move more." If you knew how less I ate and how much more I moved and still couldn't get thin, that is a stupid prescription,' she said. She said she has often been publicly humiliated over her weight and once had a milkshake thrown at her in the street. 'I mean, people have thrown things at me in the street, like I had a milkshake thrown at me in Sydney one time, where these guys, "yeah, you fat pig." And threw a milkshake at me, driving past,' she explained. Ajay has been publicly humiliated over her weight and once had a milkshake thrown at her in the street 'I've been paparazzied on beaches, with my body thrown on the front cover of magazines, like a criminal block across my face, like "guess who?" And it's like such fat shaming,' she said. The TV host-turned-casting director said that Ozempic has been the silver lining in her story. 'This drug has absolutely transformed my life. It's not a trick. It's not cheating. It's medicine,' she said. 'Like, I was a prisoner in my body... Let the magic happen. I have a disease, like I didn't want to die from obesity.' Ajay said Ozempic has changed her life In 2021, Ajay revealed she is following in Rebel Wilson's footsteps after being inspired by the actress' 'year of health'. She shared an Instagram post detailing her efforts, alongside a photo of herself post-workout. 'This past week I made some key changes, so I subbed my white bread for Soy Burgen (sorry peeps Keto is not for me),' she began. 'There are NO lollies in my house and yes the sugar withdrawals are real, I have subbed with fruit or small protein snack (Eg jerky), introduced TABATA training (not fun), upped my water intake, had Brookfarm gluten free muesli and Greek yogurt for breakky and most important of all - zero alcohol!' she went on. In 2021, Ajay revealed she is following in Rebel Wilson's footsteps after being inspired by the actress' 'year of health' Tabata is a type of HIIT workout that involves eight 20 second rounds of strenuous exercise, followed by 10 seconds of rest. 'I don't know what I weigh as I don't have a scale and that's not important right now. Getting moving, making healthier choices and feeling better is the key to moving more,' she went on. 'I lost a few days to a bad back which will get easier as I get lighter. Don't worry about what you can't do focus on what you can.' Ajay poses in the swimsuit in June 2022 Months before she said she was planning to drop the kilos she gained in following a health scare. 'It's time to take my health and fitness back! If Rebel Wilson can do it I can too!' she wrote alongside a selfie of her in hospital. Ajay explained that she ended up in the emergency room for an electrocardiogram after her heart started to flutter, causing her blood pressure to rise and panic. 'I'm fine. My EKG was normal, but it was enough of a scare to make me wake up and get serious. So here's to MY year of health!' she wrote. Drake and Rick Ross are making more personal attacks in their online battle. Ross, 48, who angered his neighbor Tyreek Hill when he shot video of his burning home, fired the first shot when he accused the God's Plan artist of having a nose job in his Champagne Moments single. In the lyrics, Ross calls Drake, 37, a 'white boy,' and raps 'Thats why you had an operation to make your nose smaller than your father nose.' Drake took to social media Sunday, sharing a text exchange with his mother, Sandi Graham, in which he denied having plastic surgery and got in a dig of his own. 'Aubs- the internet is saying you got a nose job?? You looked the same to me in the kitchen today,' his mom joked. Drake and Rick Ross are making more personal attacks in their online battle. Ross, 48, fired the first shot when he accused the God's Plan artist of having a nose job in his Champagne Moments single 'I cant believe you would get one without me cuz you know I always wanted one. Dont tell me that you got tattoos without me and now this too?' The Grammy winner denied making any changes to his appearance, writing back, 'I would have got us a 2 for 1 deal if I went ma.' He then pushed back against his nemesis explaining, 'Its coming from Rick Ross the guy I did songs with.' Drake then made allegations about the B.M.F artist using a diabetes drug that can also promote weight loss. 'Hes gone loopy off the Mounjaro he hasnt eaten in days and its turned him angry and racist,' he claimed adding, 'hes performing at proms for money its bad dont worry well handle it.' Drake tagged Ross on the Instagram Story slide writing, 'Youre one nosey goof.' After Drake posted his denial, the Lyrical Eazy rapper was quick to hit back, sharing a video showing his luxurious swimming pool with a yellow nose emoji, writing BBL Drizzy and tagging the (drake) at @champagnepapi. 'I just realized BBL Drizzy called his mommy on me,' The Boss artist said on the clip. Drake shared a screenshot of a text exchange he had with his mother Sunday, in which he denied changing his appearance and joked about getting a '2 for 1 deal.' He also tagged Ross writing 'you're one nosey goof' After Drake posted his denial and dig against Ross, the B.M.F artist shared a video showing his luxurious pool while continuing to call the Grammy winner, who is mixed-race, a 'white boy.' He also called Drake 'big nose' Ross also altered this photo of Drake and shared it in his Instagram stories, including a big nose emoji and writing 'Who nose?' 'He shared their text messages between each other. Ah, cupcake Drake. Tell your momma you stayed out past your curfew, white boy,' he taunted. Drake is mixed race. His father Dennis Graham is Black and his mother Sandi Graham is Jewish. 'You wanted to hang at the park with the nas, smoke weed with the nas while we washed our old school Chevys, white boy. You got a Chevy, white boy? I doubt it,' he sneered. 'But, anyway, big nose. Boy you had 25% body fat with a carved-out six piece. Stop, we know what time it is. That s**t cost 40 bands.' 'Stop, but tell your momma tell your old girl she a beautiful lady. I told you that before and I meant that, but you tell your momma, white boy, you stayed out at the park too late and you cant call her when you get in this s**t. This s**t too deep to call your momma, white boy.' Ross also grabbed a photo of the Spin U About rapper's Instagram account and embellished with some diamond encrusted chains writing 'Who nose?' She has recently faced rumours her engagement to Matt Zukowski was in trouble. But Tammy Hembrow put the speculation to bed on Sunday night by flaunting her giant diamond ring in a set of racy photos posted to Instagram. The images showed the influencer, 29, posing in a racy red top and skirt set, which flaunted her toned abs as she sipped on a glass of red wine. Tammy completed her outfit with a Louis Vuitton handbag and a pair of black heels. The 29-year-old captioned the post 'fine wine'. Tammy Hembrow put rumours her engagement to Matt Zukowski was in strife to bed on Sunday night by flaunting her giant diamond ring in a set of racy photos she posted to Instagram Last Monday, eagle-eyed fans noticed Tammy and Matt were no longer following each other on Instagram. The images showed the influencer, 29, posing in a racy red top and skirt set, which flaunted her toned abs as she sipped on a glass of red wine However, the pair quickly refollowed each other shortly after the surprise move. They also enjoyed a getaway to Byron Bay together last week. The chatter started after fans speculated why Matt had dropped off from Tammy's feed. Tammy completed her outfit with a Louis Vuitton handbag and a pair of black heels The 29-year-old captioned the post 'fine wine' One anonymous fan sent a message to Instagram account Aussie Influencers Opinions questioning his absence, writing: 'Am I crazy or has Matt dropped off Tammy's socials for ages now?' In response, the account theorised they are still involved and spending time together, but are not tagging each other and have decided to 'drop off' each other's socials. 'Both are spending time with each other but not being as obvious about it in posts and not tagging each other,' the page speculated. It follows weeks of rumours there was trouble in paradise with Love Island star Matt, with many pointing out they have not featured in each other's posts for some time With uncertainty and instability rocking the real economy globally, gambling investors are once again turning to speculation in search of a quick buck. But the whole of capitalism is a casino. Its time to overthrow this bankrupt system. [Originally published at communist.red] The capitalists are once again piling into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency tokens. Yes, Bitcoin is back! The infamous cryptocurrency hit a record high of $72,000 last month, on 14 March, having tripled in value in the past year. Other tokens have also benefited, such as Elon Musks beloved Dogecoin, with an estimated value of over $2.7tn for the first time in two years. Theres a lot of talk of the next token going to the moon. Like thin air, however, these so-called digital assets have no intrinsic value. All this trading is simply speculation. It is amazing to think that some people are getting phenomenally rich on this stuff. It brings to mind the tulip mania of the 17th century, and the Florida land speculation of the 1920s, where vast sums were won and lost. So far, the cryptocurrency craze is not as obvious a danger. Nevertheless, it is clear that such scams are built into the capitalist system. And given the fragility and uncertainty in the global economy, the fallout from these bubbles bursting could cause wider damage back in the real world. Pure speculation There have been 11 Bitcoin-based exchange traded funds approved by the US Securities and Exchange Commission this year. Big investors are getting in on the act, such as BlackRock, the worlds biggest asset manager. Some of the worlds biggest banks Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America are lining up to get involved. They want to diversify their assets, you see. The divide between pure speculation and sound finance is again breaking down / Image: The Communist The experience of the crash of 2007-2008 and the solemn promise to avoid high-risk toxic assets has seemingly been forgotten about altogether. The capitalists are just like the drunk who repeatedly vows never again! the morning after. But why spoil the party? When an asset is valuable simply because people believe it is, then the more believers the better! The divide between pure speculation and sound finance is again breaking down. As one commentator on the Bitcoin focused podcast The Wolf of All Streets recently stated: TradFi is just as degen as the crypto community is. This is jargon for: Traditional finance capital is just as reckless and degenerate as the crypto community of speculators which is true. Trump cashes in Another hyped-up stock that has attracted attention is the Trump Media and Technology Group, trading under the ticket DJT. This is the owner of Donald Trumps struggling social media platform Truth Social. It became a public company after merging with a blank cheque company, known as a SPAC, which acquires companies through mergers and acquisitions. These stocks attracted a multibillion dollar valuation, several billion dollars in a single day, with their value soaring by 56% upon trading markets opening. A few days later, the same stocks fell by more than $1bn. But Trump, as a majority shareholder, has made billions on the deal. Another hyped-up stock that has attracted attention is the Trump Media and Technology Group, trading under the ticket DJT / Image: Gage Skidmore The whole thing is a pyramid scheme. The company does not make any money. In fact, it loses a great deal of it. And its main product, Truth Social, is haemorrhaging users. At this point the company is valued at around $5.7bn, which means that it is trading at a preposterous 1,400 times its revenue! A company trading at 10 times or 20 times its revenue would be bad enough. 1,400 times is out of this world. It has no basis in reality. But why let the facts ruin a good story? The reality doesnt matter: its the feeling or sentiment that matters a bit like Bitcoin, which has no intrinsic value. Casino capitalism Speculation, parasitism, and gambling has always been an intrinsic feature of capitalism a further indication of the rottenness of the system. Its not only tech-bro investors who will lose out in this casino, however. Given the instability in the world economy and the global financial system, such recklessness could bring the whole house down. Emma McKeon relationship with Cody Simpson is going from strength-to-strength. The Olympic swimmer said she has never been so happy. 'The things that make me really happy are my relationship and my family,' she told Stellar Magazine. 'Swimming is not forever, so you have to be happy outside of that. And I am now.' The loved-up pair celebrated their two-year anniversary earlier this month. Emma McKeon relationship with Cody Simpson is going from strength-to-strength Cody, 27, and Emma went 'Instagram official' with their relationship in July 2022, three months after they began dating in secret. Last year, the couple celebrated by buying their first home together. The pair splashed out $1.826million on a family-sized love nest on the Gold Coast, proving their headline-making romance that flourished during training for the 2022 Commonwealth Games has become rather serious. In November, Cody's family hinted that wedding bells could be on the cards for the pop star and his golden girl. 'The things that make me really happy are my relationship and my family,' she told Stellar Magazine . 'Swimming is not forever, so you have to be happy outside of that. And I am now' Cody, 27, and Emma went 'Instagram official' with their relationship in July 2022, three months after they began dating in secret Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Cody's sister Alli and mother Angie said they hope for a future engagement and that they adore the Olympic swimmer. 'We love Emma. The three of us went to a movie the other day and when Cody was working, we were like, we're stealing Emma,' Alli said. 'She just shines and she makes Cody really happy. It's the most at peace I've seen Cody.' Last year, the couple celebrated by buying their first home together Advertisement Quinta Brunson was joined by Niecy Nash-Betts and Sandra Oh to lead the stars at the 76th Writers Guild Awards on Sunday. The stunning A-listers descended upon the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles to honor the best writing in film, television and radio. Quinta commanded attention in a plunging black suit, while Niecy sparkled in a magenta gown and Sandra stole the spotlight with a daring fringe dress. Emmy-winning actress and producer Niecy hosted the event in LA, part of conjoined and concurrent ceremonies in Hollywood and New York City. With the event being postponed after the guild engaged in a strike for over four and a half months in 2023, the gliterrati made sure to come out in full force as the gorgeous ladies were joined by the likes of Busy Philipps, Natasha Lyonne. Wanda Sykes, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Sarah Silverman. Quinta Brunson was joined by Niecy Nash-Betts and Sandra Oh to lead the stars at the 76th Writers Guild Awards on Sunday. Quinta, the creator of Abbott Elementary, exuded charm in a sleek black suit vest and matching pants, complemented by a pair of stylish stiletto heels NIecy blew a kiss to her adoring fans on the red carpet Quinta, the creator of Abbott Elementary, exuded charm in a sleek black suit vest and matching pants, complemented by a pair of stylish stiletto heels. Accompanied by her wife Jessica Betts, Niecy exuded movie-star glamour in a stunning outfit adorned with two-toned colors. Sandra, not to be outdone, stunned in an elegant two-toned frock, featuring a beautiful blend of heather grey and cream that created a captivating ombre effect. The ceremony unfolded at the Hollywood Palladium, a departure from its previous venues of hotel ballrooms at the Beverly Hilton or Century Plaza, injecting a fresh vibe into the evening. Another change for the event was the scheduling, as winners will be honored over a month following the Academy Awards, marking a departure from the customary pre-Oscars schedule. Though not aired, the West Coast event of the evening, boasting over 800 attendees, is 'still produced like a television show with a big budget, with a lot of cameras and production value,' producer Hugh Fink told Variety. The West Coast soiree will team up with the WGA's East Coast dinner, led by writer-performer Josh Gondelman, to coordinate announcements seamlessly and stave off any potential spoilers, according to Fink. Fink's primary objective is to cultivate a lively, edgy, and free-spirited atmosphere for the WGA celebrations. Accompanied by her wife Jessica Betts, Niecy exuded movie-star glamour in a stunning outfit adorned with two-toned colors Niecy and Jessica were adorable as they couldn't keep their hands off each other Wendi McClendon-Covey rocked a form-fitting dress in a gorgeous shade of orange Busy Philipps gave a leggy display shimmering strapless number as she swept her hair into a messy bun Ilana Glazer was perfection in pink Natasha Lyonne took the plunge in a daring black gown adorned with butterflies Wanda Sykes was ravishing in red for the red carpet 'Writers as a group are obviously a different mentality than directors or actors, and theyre super-smart but somewhat cynical and sarcastic,' he added. Niecy kicked off the show by addressing the WGA strike. 'We fought for equal pay, equal say and our rights to make it to the end of a 10-episode season,' Nash-Betts said. Moreover, Drew Carey, renowned for his generous gesture of providing millions of dollars worth of free meals to WGA members during the strike, received a heartfelt standing ovation. Notable presenters slated to grace the L.A. awards show include Drew Carey, Tony Hale, Nathan Fielder, Bill Burr, Randall Park, and Tig Notaro. Additional presenters included Bill Burr (Old Dads, F is For Family), Diedrich Bader (Veep, The Drew Carey Show), Gina Yashere (Bob Hearts Abishola), Lindsay Dougherty (secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 399), Maria Sten (Big Sky, Reacher), and Randall Park (Always Be My Maybe, Fresh Off The Boat). Air, Barbie, The Holdovers, May December, and Past Lives are contending for the original screenplay WGA trophy. American Fiction, Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Oppenheimer are competing in the adapted category. Cord Jefferson clinched the Oscar for adapted screenplay with American Fiction. The Oscar-winning original screenplay, Anatomy of a Fall by Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, was ineligible for similar WGA honors. On the TV front, writers on freshman shows like The Curse, The Diplomat, The Last of Us, and Jury Duty are aiming for victory against established shows such as The Crown, Succession, Abbott Elementary, Barry, The Bear, and Only Murders in the Building. Succession's J. Smith-Cameron dared to impress in emerald green Niecy Nash-Betts and Wendi McClendon-Covey had a Reno 9-1-1 reunion Brit Marling dared to impress in a chic black wardrobe Brit added a single bangle bracelet to her arm to add a bit of drama Bridget Everett was as pretty as a petal in her stunning dress Sarah Silverman rocked daisy dukes and sheer stockings as she was joined by Rory Albanese Randall Park cut a classic figure in his tuxedo Loni Steele Sosth and Jen D'Angelo held up their big wins from the glitzy award show Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, winners of the Outstanding New Series award for 'The Last of Us' pose with their trophies Comedian Julio Torres kept it casual with a unique messenger bag Tig Notaro speaks onstage during the 2024 Writers Guild Awards Chris Hayes, Kate A. Shaw, and Busy Philipps posed together during the event Natasha Lyonne and Nick Kroll were all smiles as they posed together Sandra Oh, Bowen Yang, and Susan Soon He Stanton looked like they were having a blast together Randall Park and his wife Jae Suh Park Ilana Glazer, Julio Torres, and Larry Owens kept it cute while they posed together In the realm of honorary awards, David A. Goodman and Chris Keyser were bestowed with the Morgan Cox Guild Service Award, while Walter Hill was slated to receive the Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement. Additionally, Linda Bloodworth Thomason was recognized with the Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement, and Cord Jefferson was presented with the Paul Selvin Award. In New York, Ron Nyswaner was honored with the Walter Bernstein Award, while the Richard B. Jablow Award was conferred upon the members and leadership of IATSE, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, SAG-AFTRA, and American Federation of Musicians, recognizing their steadfast support and sacrifice during the WGA's 148-day strike. Last year, Severance, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Women Talking claimed top honors at the Writers Guild of America Awards. One of Bianca Censori's family members has revealed how the Australian architect really feels about Kanye West and her marriage to the controversial rapper. Sophie called into Nova's Ben, Liam & Belle during their 'obscure celebrity connection' segment and claimed her cousin's wife is the aunt of Bianca. Host Liam Stapleton quickly began interrogating Sophie about the 29-year-old's relationship with Kanye, 46, and the increasing fears surrounding it. 'Kanye is walking out in a ski mask and this weird oversized leather jacket... and she's wearing fishnet stockings and... a shocked look on her face,' he said. 'They're walking out with wild, wild stuff. Do you know what [the family] makes of all this? Are they sort of like, well, this is a bit weird?' One of Bianca Censori 's family members has revealed how the Australian architect really feels about Kanye West and her marriage to the controversial rapper Sophie painted the couple in a positive light, despite fears Kanye is controlling Bianca. 'No, you'd have to ask my cousin's wife about that,' she said. 'But all I know is that they're in love, and they're happy.' It comes just a few weeks after sources revealed Bianca's father Leo had summoned Kanye and his daughter to return to Australia for a serious sit-down. DailyMail.com previously reported Leo wished to confront his son-in-law - who married the Aussie designer in December 2022 - just one month after finalising his divorce from ex-wife Kim Kardashian. Now, Leo has reportedly requested Kanye fly out to meet him in Australia after his wife voiced fears about his 'intimidating' demeanour when she visited last month. 'No, you'd have to ask my cousin's wife about that,' she said. 'But all I know is that they're in love, and they're happy' 'Kanye has been invited to go to Australia and Bianca is hesitant to allow this to happen because she knows how her father will react,' a source exclusively told DailyMail.com late last month. 'Her dad still plans to have a sit down with Kanye, and Leo will not be intimidated by Kanye's power or control. No one is expecting this to be all rainbows and family portraits.' The demand comes after Bianca's mother Alexandra flew to the US with the intention of 'saving' her child, but seemingly failed to get through to the pair. 'Bianca's father was not necessarily pleased with his wife's visit to see their daughter because he feels like she enabled Bianca to continue doing what she is doing,' the insider continued. 'Yes, Bianca dressed provocatively while her mother was there, but it was nothing in comparison to some of the outfits she has worn prior to and since the visit.' It comes after it was revealed Bianca's father Leo wants to confront Kanye over their relationship. A source explained: 'Her dad still plans to have a sit down with Kanye, and Leo will not be intimidated by Kanye's power or control' Since her mother departed, Bianca has made headlines with her flesh flashing fashion choices. She recently exposed her bare butt cheeks in a metallic silver micro miniskirt and thong which she teamed with a triangle bikini top. Another explicit outfit saw her dressed in see-through, neon green tights, which she paired with a skimpy beige tube top. The outfit became even more X-rated when her husband proceeded to pull her tights down in order to reveal the top of her bottom. Bianca's father is said to be disappointed by Alexandra's inability to help her daughter see through Kanye's influence, with the source adding: 'Alexandra wanted to do this alone and her dad was under the impression that she was going to speak to her about how she is presenting herself. Bianca's father Leo (left) and mother Alexandra (right) have previously expressed concerns to loved ones about their daughter who married the rapper in December 2022 'She was so caught up in the attention and fame of it all that she became slightly intimidated by Kanye's influence.' Alexandra reportedly flew out in March 'to see for herself' whether her daughter is in control of her life. 'Bianca's mom had to see for herself after Bianca told her family she has this under control,' a source told DailyMail.com. 'This has been a wonderful opportunity for Alexandra to get to spend time with Bianca and assess the situation for herself.' The insider continued: 'Alexandra was lowkey believing she would come to save her daughter. But this is not the case. Kanye has started to turn things around since the release of Vultures in the sense that he is not going off on as many unhinged rants. 'He also knows how to sweet talk a mom. This has been really a good experience, and everyone is so relieved to see her with Alexandra.' Bianca's recent behaviour has done little to put her father's mind at peace despite the visit she had from her mother Alexandra last month 'She has a lot invested in her marriage to Kanye and her game plan is starting to become apparent,' the source continued. 'She has ownership in his clothing line, in his music she is the only model in his latest video and on the cover of Vultures in his real estate investments, and more,' the insider added. 'She is a very smart woman and it appears she is just as involved in her outrageous outfits as he is. 'She has always been risque, but she knows that this is her minute and that her minute won't last forever.' Kanye and Bianca have been making important moves through Oxpaha with all of Kanye's recent trademark applications - including clothing items used for his album release - filed under the company. Bianca (second, left) pictured with her mother Alexandra, second right is Bianca's sister Alyssia and far right is Bianca's other sister Angelina A 7,416-square-foot commercial building on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, which it is believed he will use as a multi-purpose unit for his Yeezy fashion and music businesses, was also purchased last year under Oxpaha. Bianca was named special power of attorney for the property deal, highlighting her importance within the rapper's business dealings. She was also listed as a business partner in VZW Acquisition group for many years before she first connected with Kanye. Back in December, Leo and Alexandra were said to have been fearful that their daughter was simply a rebound in the wake of Kanye's divorce from Kim Kardashian - which was finalised in November 2022, less than one month before he married Bianca. Halle Berry might have finished her lavish Mexican getaway to Nobu Hotel Los Cabos last Tuesday, but she was still posting vacation snaps on Sunday. The 57-year-old Oscar winner was clearly paid richly to promote the five-star resort located on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, as she made seven sponsored posts for the viewing pleasure of her combined 13.8M social media following. While there, Halle (born Maria) enjoyed an 'exquisite culinary explosion' catered by two private Nobu chefs, Luis Herrera and Angel Rumualdo, which was so good it made her 'happy dance.' Berry - who began perimenopause at age 54 - took a picturesque horseback ride on the beach where she 'met a new friend.' 'The new Nobu Residences was the perfect long-term private stay for my whole family,' the re.spin founder gushed of the trip. Halle Berry might have finished her lavish Mexican getaway to Nobu Hotel Los Cabos last Tuesday, but she was still posting vacation snaps on Sunday 'Until next time, Cabo!' The 57-year-old Oscar winner was clearly paid richly to promote the five-star resort located on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, as she made seven sponsored posts for the viewing pleasure of her combined 13.8M social media following 'I enjoyed kicking up my feet, soaking up the sun, and just being in the moment. Sometimes it feels good to just BE! Thank you @nobuloscabos... it was divine!' Halle was joined by her boyfriend of four years - Grammy winner Van Hunt - who was game for an off-road ATV scenic drive through Cabo's deserts, mountains, canyons, and beaches. Berry and the 54-year-old neo soul artist drove their own ATVS alongside what appeared to be her 10-year-old son Maceo Robert Martinez, whom she welcomed during her two-year marriage to ex-husband #3 Olivier Martinez, which ended in 2016. The biracial beauty reportedly pays the 58-year-old Frenchman $8K/month in child support. Halle also nuzzled up to a camel and played with bunnies while visiting the Los Cabos Animal Kingdom Experience inside adventure park Wild Canyon. Berry's 'unforgettable stay' in Cabo could have began earlier than April 3, but she's just now posting the pictures. Last Wednesday, the thrice-divorced mother-of-two was in Las Vegas where she promoted her new movie Never Let Go at CinemaCon, which was held at Caesars Palace's Colosseum. Halle pretended to skin a squirrel and eat raw frogs for her role in Alexandre Aja's haunted horror film - hitting US theaters September 27 - which she also executive produced. While there, Halle (born Maria) enjoyed an 'exquisite culinary explosion' catered by two private Nobu chefs, Luis Herrera and Angel Rumualdo, which was so good it made her 'happy dance' Berry - who began perimenopause at age 54 - took a picturesque horseback ride on the beach where she 'met a new friend' The re.spin founder gushed: 'The new Nobu Residences was the perfect long-term private stay for my whole family. I enjoyed kicking up my feet, soaking up the sun, and just being in the moment. Sometimes it feels good to just BE! Thank you @nobuloscabos... it was divine!' Halle was joined by her boyfriend of four years - Grammy winner Van Hunt (R) - who was game for an off-road ATV scenic drive through Cabo's deserts, mountains, canyons, and beaches Berry and the 54-year-old neo soul artist drove their own ATVS alongside what appeared to be her 10-year-old son Maceo Robert Martinez (R), whom she welcomed during her two-year marriage to ex-husband #3 Olivier Martinez, which ended in 2016 The biracial beauty also nuzzled up to a camel and played with bunnies while visiting the Los Cabos Animal Kingdom Experience inside adventure park Wild Canyon Halle's 'unforgettable stay' in Cabo could have began earlier than April 3, but she's just now posting the pictures Last Wednesday, Berry was in Las Vegas where she promoted her new movie Never Let Go at CinemaCon, which was held at Caesars Palace's Colosseum The thrice-divorced mother-of-two pretended to skin a squirrel and eat raw frogs for her role in Alexandre Aja's haunted horror film - hitting US theaters September 27 - which she also executive produced Halle thinks her 16-year-old daughter Nahla Ariela Aubry (R, pictured August 14) is 'going to like' Never Let Go Berry told Extra last Wednesday: 'My son would have nightmares for a very long time! I mean, he saw a trailer of, like, a scary movie, and it took us a year to get him to go to bed by himself, so he won't be seeing it' But first, audiences can catch Miss Ohio 1986 playing spy Roxanne Hall opposite Mark Wahlberg's (L) construction worker Mike McKenna in Julian Farino's thriller The Union, which premieres August 16 on Netflix Berry thinks her 16-year-old daughter Nahla Ariela Aubry is 'going to like' Never Let Go. 'My son would have nightmares for a very long time!' Miss Ohio 1986 told Extra last Wednesday. 'I mean, he saw a trailer of, like, a scary movie, and it took us a year to get him to go to bed by himself, so he won't be seeing it.' Halle reportedly pays her ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry $16K/month in child support to co-parent their teenager, and their four-year relationship ended in 2010. But first, audiences can catch Berry playing spy Roxanne Hall opposite Mark Wahlberg's construction worker Mike McKenna in Julian Farino's thriller The Union, which premieres August 16 on Netflix. The action comedy - formerly known as Our Man from Jersey - also features Mike Colter, J. K. Simmons, Jackie Earle Haley, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. It's been a year since the B.A.P.S. alum was attached to produce and star opposite Angelina Jolie in Roseanne Liang's action thriller Maude v Maude for Warner Bros., but it's unclear what the status is at this point. Amazon bosses are reportedly in 'crisis talks' over their upcoming historical drama A Very Royal Scandal about the 2019 Newsnight television interview of Prince Andrew after Netflix's Scoop won praise. Three-part series A Very Royal Scandal from Amazon MGM Studios is not set for release until October, six months after rival streaming service Netflix's version, which was out on April 5. The Amazon version retells journalist Emily Maitlis professional and personal journey in the run-up to the BBC Two interview with Prince Andrew, who is played by actor Michael Sheen. Based on the book Scoops, by Sam McAlister, the Netflix film Scoop captures the tension behind booking the royal for the interview, as well as the fraught atmosphere among the cast during the interview. Now, it is claimed Amazon bosses are desperately trying to think of ideas to promote A Very Royal Scandal, fearing the public would have lost interest in the story by October. Amazon bosses are reportedly in 'crisis talks' over their historical drama A Very Royal Scandal about the 2019 television interview of Prince Andrew after Netflix's Scoop won praise (actor Michael Sheen pictured as Prince Andrew for A Very Royal Scandal) The Amazon version retells journalist Emily Maitlis professional and personal journey in the run-up to the BBC Two interview with Prince Andrew (actress Ruth Wilson pictured as Emily Maitlis for Amazon's A Very Royal Scandal) An insider told The Sun: 'Amazons in crisis talks. 'They spent a lot of money and are really worried that when it comes out, the public will think, "Weve watched this," and itll flop.' One idea bosses are said to have come up with is to get journalist Maitlis to grill actress Ruth Wilson who plays her in the mini series. The insider added: 'Getting Scoop out first was the best thing. 'Amazon feels like its already lost the battle with Netflix.' MailOnline has contacted Amazon for comment. It comes after Emily spoke out about Netflix's dramatisation of her infamous Prince Andrew interview, saying she 'left them very much to do their own thing'. The film, Scoop, looks at the story behind the journalist's Newsnight interview with Andrew who spoke about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew are seen following the BBC Newsnight interview in November 2019 One idea to get the attention of the public is to get journalist Maitlis to grill actress Ruth Wilson, who plays her in the mini series (Ruth pictured last month) Three-part series A Very Royal Scandal from Amazon MGM Studios is not set for release until October, six months after rival streaming service Netflix's version (Michael Sheen, who is to play Prince Andrew in the Amazon version, pictured last month) Prince Andrew, Duke of York departs from the Easter Mattins Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle last month But Maitlis, who is played by Gillian Anderson, said she was not involved 'because I think the last thing they want is me peeking around the edges' offering her views. The Netflix production was an adaptation of a book by Sam McAlister, the producer who sealed the interview. Meanwhile, Matilis is continuing work on her own version of the story for Amazon called A Very Royal Scandal. McAlister has also spoken out about Scoop, and was asked by Hello! on the red carpet whether she had received contact from Buckingham Palace. Laughing, she replied: 'I'm still waiting on my CBE but I'm not sure it's going to happen.' Matilis told Deadline that Netflix has said Scoop is 'based on a fictional account, so I think it goes into different places and it does different things' to the Amazon series.' The disclaimer used by Netflix for Scoop says: 'This film is based on real events - however certain elements have been fictionalised for dramatic purposes.' Maitlis, 53, said she had not watched Scoop before its premiere, but would 'get around to it at some stage'. She added that she was 'very excited' about the film and described McAlister as having taken the story to 'new heights'. Gillian Anderson (left) stars as Emily Maitlis (right) in the newly-released Netflix film Scoop, which came out on April 5 In Scoop, Rufus Sewell plays Andrew and Billie Piper plays McAlister. Keeley Hawes is Andrew's former personal secretary Amanda Thirsk. A Very Royal Scandal will star Ruth Wilson as Maitlis and Michael Sheen as Andrew, with McAlister played by Clare Calbraith. Maitlis said of Wilson: 'I've seen Ruth and what she has done is extraordinary to the point where I keep seeing flashes and go: 'Oh, you're looking great. Oh s**t, it's not me'. That has been a very strange but brilliant process.' Maitlis has already served as an executive producer of a Channel 4 documentary about the interview. Salma Hayek happily meditated with the help of her adorable pet own named Kering in a new video shared to Instagram on Sunday. The From Dusk Till Dawn actress, 57 - who recently put on a busty display in a plunging blue swimsuit - sat cross-legged on the floor of a spacious room with the animal perched on top of her head. The star opted for comfort while sporting a pair of warm, gray sweatpants as well as a printed, Janis Joplin shirt. Her dark locks were parted in the middle, and easily pulled back into a simple, low ponytail. Hayek added rainbow graphics that lit up around her body while calming, instrumental music played in the background of the reel. Salma Hayek, 57, happily meditated with the help of her adorable pet own named Kering in a new video shared to Instagram on Sunday The From Dusk Till Dawn actress sat cross-legged on the floor of a spacious room with the animal perched on top of her head In the caption of the post, Salma penned to her 28.5 million fans and followers, 'Love meditating with an owl on my head #meditate,' and also translated the message into Spanish. Back in 2019, the actress rescued the southern, white-faced owl and gifted the sweet bird to her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault. During an interview with People in 2021, she opened up about Kering and recalled, 'I gave it to my husband as a Valentine's present and named her Kering because that's the name of his company and their symbol of the owl.' She humorously added, 'And he was like, "Well, thank you, but I know this is your own present for yourself."' Hayek explained that she has a close bond with the owl and expressed, 'When my husband is not in town, she sleeps in the room with me.' 'We have certain routines before we go to sleep. I watch TV with my iPad, and she likes to stand on the iPad.' The star then revealed one of Kering's unique qualities and informed the outlet, 'Even though owls don't drink liquids because they take everything from their prey, she likes good wine, this one.' The owl often spends time on Salma's 'head or my shoulder, my arms.' 'Sometimes, when she is really close to me, I can feel her rubbing against me, which is really nice. And I feel so blessed.' The star opted for comfort while sporting a pair of warm, gray sweatpants as well as a printed, Janis Joplin shirt Hayek added rainbow graphics that lit up around her body while calming, instrumental music played in the background of the reel In the caption of the post, Salma penned to her 28.5 million fans and followers, 'Love meditating with an owl on my head #meditate,' and also translated the message into Spanish During an interview with People in 2021, she opened up about Kering and recalled, 'I gave it to my husband as a Valentine's present and named her Kering because that's the name of his company and their symbol of the owl' In regards to her 'super cool' pet, Hayek further gushed, 'Just being in the same room [with her], there's an energy to it, and it is mesmerizing.' The Frida star has shared cute photos of Kering on her social media over the years since rescuing the bird. Also in 2021, she further discussed her love of owls during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. 'I don't know, I became obsessed with the owls and dreaming about it. I didn't understand they were everywhere,' she explained to the host. 'And I said ''Can people have owls?'' And it turns out you can in London. It's legal. And I said are there any owls that need some rescue? Can you rescue an owl? And I started doing some research. And, yeah, sure enough.' The beauty is also a big fan of meditation, and last year in July, she credited both the practice as well as 'frequency machines' for her youthful appearance. At the time, she also revealed that she has never gotten Botox during an interview on Kelly Ripa's Let's Talk Off Camera podcast. At one point, the talk show host gushed over Salma's beauty and questioned whether the actress has used Botox, with the star responding with, 'No Botox!' In regards to how she has acquired such a youthful appearance, she explained that both 'meditation' and 'frequency machines' have attributed to her glow. 'I know what it is.' In regards to her 'super cool' pet, Hayek further gushed, 'Just being in the same room [with her], there's an energy to it, and it is mesmerizing' The beauty is also a big fan of meditation, and last year in July, she credited both the practice as well as 'frequency machines' for her youthful appearance Earlier this week on Wednesday, the beauty took to her main Instagram page to share sultry snaps as she donned a plunging blue swimsuit while on vacation in Mexico 'Because of a lot of things in my body and health issues, somehow I developed this strange meditation that I keep evolving. I can do it for hours because you don't feel the time, and it's so much fun.' While talking about the kind of meditation that she follows, Salma stated, 'It's actually feeling the energy. And it moves and it dances inside of you, different feelings and sensations.' 'So, I do a lot of the frequency machines and they work on me better than on anyone. And just the meditation sometimes when I'm doing it, people tell me when I come out of the room, ''Oh my God, again, you look 20 years old,"' she revealed. On what kind of machines she uses, the star stated that she utilizes both radio frequency and micro-frequency machines to help achieve tighter skin. 'The people that do the machines say that the results I get, they don't get with other people,' Salma gushed. The Magic Mike's Last Dance actress shared the meanings behind the color blue as well as the sea in other images in the Instagram carousel. Another slide had 'As free as the ocean,' printed in blue lettering And in the caption, the actress typed out to her fans, 'It's okay to be blue #azul,' followed by a blue heart emoji Earlier this week on Wednesday, the beauty took to her main Instagram page to share sultry snaps as she donned a plunging blue swimsuit while on vacation in Mexico. She also sported a pair of reflective, blue shades as she soaked up the warm sunshine while spending time out on the water. The Magic Mike's Last Dance actress then shared the meanings behind the color blue as well as the sea in other images. Another slide had 'As free as the ocean,' printed in blue lettering. And in the caption, the actress typed out to her fans, 'It's okay to be blue #azul,' followed by a blue heart emoji. Every season Channel Seven's dating series Farmer Wants A Wife is rocked by controversy that some of the farmers aren't 'real'. And this year, it's Queensland-based Bert Harris, a pineapple farmer from Wamuran, who has found himself in the thick of controversy. Several fans believe that Bert is just 'a grower'. 'A farmer to me has sheep, cattle, [and] wheat,' one fan wrote under a Facebook video about Bert. 'Work from dawn to dusk, shearing, droving, marking sheep, drenching, ploughing, harvesting. Thousands of acres... that's my farmer, not someone who grows pineapples,' a second wrote. Farmer Wants A Wife's Bert Harris has hit back at shock claims he is 'not a real farmer' despite owning a pineapple farm in Wamuran, Queensland 'Do any of these guys actually have a farm in their name?' a third asked. 'So, they all own a farm this year, right? I guess we'll find out soon,' a sceptical fan wrote. 'So, does he own the farm or just work on it?' yet another asked. However, Bert and fellow contestant Dustin Manwaring have hit back at the claims in a hilarious chat with Yahoo Lifestyle. The duo playfully dismissed the claims, with Dustin teasing Bert about not being a 'real farmer' because of his choice of crop. Several fans believe that Bert is just 'a grower'. 'A farmer to me has sheep, cattle, [and] wheat,' one fan wrote under a Facebook video about Bert 'Apparently, I'm not a real farmer,' Bert added, with Dustin joking, 'Actually, you're not!' 'A pineapple farmer isn't a farmer, I suppose,' Bert jokingly responded. 'Yeah, that doesn't count as a farm.' Bert is pictured on his pineapple farm with his father 'Gotta have sheep, cows, and tractors you've got tractors?' Dustin asked, as Bert said he did, in fact, have tractors. 'But, nah, you don't count,' Dustin added with a laugh. Bert then joked that he is not a real farmer because he hasn't been spotted at the local bakery. 'The local bakery someone said that I wasn't a real farmer because they had never seen me in the bakery before,' Bert recounted with a smile. 'So I can't tell if they just don't have good meat pies, or if I'm just not a farmer!' Farmer Wants A Wife continues Monday at 7.30pm on Channel Seven. BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst has broken her social media silence as she reached out to fans for advice. The journalist, 43, announced a hiatus from social media platforms two weeks ago, and admitted she loves Instagram 'a bit too much' because she finds herself 'scrolling all the time'. Revealing she has encountered the dark sides of the platform, such as 'catching up on peoples stories' and 'checking for likes', the BBC star claimed 'enough is enough'. But just after a few weeks, Nina peeped out on X - formerly Twitter - asking her 47K followers for a friendly word of advice. 'Afternoon all. Breaking my non-work social media hiatus to ask for recommendations for a girls* weekend in the fine city of #Birmingham,' she penned. BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst has broken her social media silence as she reached out to fans for advice The journalist, 43, announced a hiatus from social media platforms two weeks ago, and admitted she loves Instagram 'a bit too much' because she finds herself 'scrolling all the time' She added a ticking box emoji before listing: 'Cocktails, curries, cosy pubs, interesting wanders.' Then she added a red X emoji, ruling out: 'Having to shout or queue at dinner. '(*ok were 43 but were girls when we met, so).' Although, Nina hasn't returned to any of her social media platforms yet since announcing the break. At the time, Nina shared a heart-melting snap with her little daughter Nance, 9 months, as she playfully cradled her. Alongside the sweet shot, she shared a very candid statement: 'TTFN. Signing off from insta for a few weeks. I *love* this site. I dont take myself, or the apparently perfect lives of others, too seriously. 'I howl laughing every day from a scarily accurate meme. I connect with lovely people who I dont get to see IRL. And there are loads of cats and babies. 'Maybe I love it too much. Because Ive found myself scrolling all. The. Time. But just after a few weeks, Nina peeped out on X - formerly Twitter - asking her 47K followers for a friendly word of advice At the time, Nina shared a heart-melting snap with her little daughter Nance, 9 months, as she playfully cradled her Alongside the sweet shot, she shared a very candid statement about her choice to opt out of social media for a few weeks 'Catching up on peoples stories, having a nosey at how people live who have nothing to do with me, and (the absolute grossest) checking for likes. Enough is enough. Ive never had so many plates to spin, and this little chick needs my full attention more often,' she said bluntly 'Catching up on peoples stories, having a nosey at how people live who have nothing to do with me, and (the absolute grossest) checking for likes. Enough is enough,' she wrote bluntly. 'Ive never had so many plates to spin, and this little chick needs my full attention more often. '(I also need to see if our friendship extends beyond the holiday planning and kitten memes). See you soon x x x x,' Nina finished. Fans rushed to comment below the presenter's post, showing a massive support and wishing her well on her hiatus. 'Will miss you! Love you on Breakfast and Instagram,' penned one person. 'Ill miss your really honest take on life, family and SM people generally. But enjoy the break and give your time to those you care about. And make time for the chocolate this weekend. Xx' ; 'Will miss you but watch you on Breakfast '; 'Aw will miss you and your brilliant, honest, truthful posts on here, but I completely understand. Take care, Nina, and big love to you and your family. '; 'Will miss you. Your honesty is refreshing'; 'Sorry to see you go. You have a lovely family and have enjoyed your lovely personality on here . Take care and enjoy family time xx'. Samantha Armytage showed off a glamorous new look last Friday when she was spotted leaving the Channel Seven studio in Sydney. The Farmer Wants A Wife host, 47, looked chic in a double denim outfit as she left an appearance on Sunrise to promote the show. Armytage wore denim shirt with necktie feature tucked into a pair of jeans. The TV star was seen waving goodbye to a colleague and blew them a kiss. She carried a large woven basket bag packed with the dress she wore during her appearance on the breakfast show and some water. Samantha Armytage, 47, (pictured) put on a glamorous display last Friday when she was spotted wearing a very country chic ensemble at the Seven offices in Sydney Over her other shoulder, the TV presenter carried a brown $369 handbag from Oroton which perfectly matched her brown and white loafers. Samantha made a surprise return to the Sunrise studio on Friday morning after departing the program three years ago. Tensions were made obvious as the former breakfast television host, who quit Sunrise in 2021, sat opposite co-hosts Matt Shirvington and her rival successor Natalie Barr to plug the upcoming Channel Seven series of Famer Wants A Wife. The Farmer Wants A Wife Australia host, 47, looked chic in a double denim outfit as she left an appearance on Sunrise to promote the show Armytage wore denim shirt with necktie feature tucked into a pair of jeans The TV star was seen waving goodbye to a colleague and blew them a kiss Armytage, 47, sat next to Barr, 56, but kept a few metres' distance for the sit-down interview with this season's famers Bert and Dustin. The pair appeared to exchange several awkward glances at each other as Barr and Shirvington welcomed her back to the show. 'Samantha Armytage, back on the couch,' Barr said. Even fans noticed the star's demeanour and took to social media to call it out. 'She looks SO happy to be there' one user sarcastically wrote on Australian TV forum Media Spy. She carried a large woven basket bag packed with the dress she wore during her appearance on the breakfast show and some water Over her other shoulder, the TV presenter carried a brown $369 handbag from Oroton which perfectly matched her brown and white loafers It's Armtage's first time appearing on Sunrise as part of the publicity tour for FWAW, as she famously snubbed the morning show back in 2022. She was instead interviewed on The Kyle and Jackie O Show while the farmers sat down with Barr and Shirvington. During the interview on Friday, Armytage, a real-life farmer's wife who married horse breeder Richard Lavender in late 2020, raved about her life away from the Sunrise studio and her role hosting the matchmaking series. 'It's perfect. This show has been great for me. I'm really enjoying it and meeting these guys. It's fantastic,' she said. Armytage became Sunrise co-host alongside David 'Kochie' Koch in 2013, before exiting in 2021. She was replaced by Barr, who remains on the morning program with Shirvington after he took over Koch's duties in 2023. Samantha also flashed her wedding/engagement ring along with an expensive watch on her wrist The presenter kept a pair of designer glasses in hand as she strolled down the footpath Armytage famously 'upset' Barr with a snarky tweet after departing the show in March, 2021. 'Look, I'm out. Nat's wanted the job forever... and she's finally got it. She just needs to get on and enjoy it - and forget about me (even though I'm unforgettable),' she tweeted at the time. Barr was reportedly 'gutted' by her predecessor's hurtful tweet months after her 2021 departure, suggesting she was desperate for the top job. The Farmer Wants A Wife host was all smiles as she chatted away with her companion Barr was not expecting the former anchor to be so 'snarky' after they'd worked together on Seven's breakfast show for years, a source told New Idea at the time. 'No one was more shocked and saddened over Sam's comments than Nat,' the insider claimed. 'She is gutted and has no idea why the snarkiness continues, even though Sam has been gone [from Sunrise] for months.' Meanwhile, Barr previously revealed she didn't have a close relationship with Armytage. Samantha made a surprise return to the Sunrise studio on Friday morning after departing the program three years ago Tensions were made obvious as the former breakfast television host, who quit Sunrise in 2021, sat opposite co-hosts Matt Shirvington and her rival successor Natalie Barr to plug the upcoming Channel Seven series of Famer Wants A Wife When asked about rumours they weren't close, Barr told The Australian Women's Weekly the pair 'got along well in the office' but rarely spoke after the cameras stopped rolling because they didn't have much in common. 'The truth is we didn't really see each other outside the office,' Barr said. 'We had vastly different lives, I guess,' the mother of two added. 'We were in different places. She was hanging with her friends, and I was spending time with my family. 'So, yes, we were in different places.' Macaulay Culkin, 43, and Brenda Song, 36, got caught getting drenched in rain while arriving with their kids to the Burbank train station. The Home Alone star did his best to stay dry as he donned a navy jacket over a t-shirt and grey sweatpants. He was in a rush as he dragged his luggage and carried a backpack as well as a tote bag while his wife's father picked them up. Brenda cut a casual figure in an oversized grey hoodie and black sweats and her honey-brown hair was tied up as she tended to her children and carried more bags. The couple's two sons tagged along as Brenda's mother carried their youngest - who's name has yet to be revealed. Macaulay Culkin, 43, and Brenda Song, 36, got caught getting drenched in rain while arriving with their kids to the Burbank train station The couple's two sons tagged along as Brenda's mother carried their youngest - who's name has yet to be revealed The pair - who were recently seen in a rare appearance at a Clarins party just a few weeks ago - have been going strong since 2017. The couple, who both began their careers at a young age, first met on the set of Dads. She starred on the show with Seth Green and Giovanni Ribisi during its one and only season from 2013-2014, and Culkin had apparently visited his friend Ribisi on set. Culkin claimed Song at first brushed him off, which she protested when they both appeared on the actor's Bunny Ears podcast. They met again when each was cast in Green's comedy-drama Changeland, shot in Thailand in 2017, and that' when they really got to know each other. The pair don't speak often about their relationship, but the Righteous Gemstones actor offered a peek into their situation during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience in 2018. 'I have a good life now. I've got a special lady friend. We have a dog and a cat. It's one thing to exchange keys. It's another to get a cat,' he explained of their commitment. Both Culkin and Song began their careers at an early age. After parts in 1988's Rocket Gibraltar and 1989's Uncle Buck, he was cast in 1990's Home Alone. The movie about a young boy who must defend his family home against some bungling burglars after he's left behind by his parents in the scramble to catch a flight for a Christmas vacation was an instant hit. Culkin became an international star at the age of 10. The film made $476.7 million. He returned to the character of Kevin again in 1992's Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, which was nearly as successful as the original, earning $359 million worldwide. The young actor showed his dramatic skills in the 1991 dramady My Girl, with Anna Chlumsky and Dan Akroyd. Culkin became an international star at the age of 10 The ever private pair have not announced any wedding plans The couple, who both began their careers at a young age, first met on the set of Dads Earlier this month, Macaulay and Brenda celebrated her 36th birthday in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, where he served her a variety of ways Donning a white polo shirt with the resort's name on the chest, Culkin said, 'On our first day we went to the gift shop and I found this shirt' In one image, Song took a selfie with Culkin in the background toting her suitcases In another shot, Culkin was seen presenting his partner with a towel as she relaxed on a beach chair The Home Alone alum was seen making a bed in another shot from the slideshow Culkin presented Song with a room service cart toting a bottle of Champagne Song, who voices the role of Akemi on the Netflix animated series Blue Eye Samurai, shared a slideshow of images from the excursion She relaxed in a cabana in the set of pictures, with Culkin presumably taking on the role of photographer as well Some Instagram users referenced Song's role as hotel heiress London Tipton on Disney's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody in relation to the luxury trip The ever private pair have not announced any wedding plans, but when the American Horror Story star received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he gave some insight into their commitment to one another. 'You are absolutely everything,' he said in an emotional speech. 'You're my champion.' 'You're the only person happier for me today than I am. You're not only the best woman I've ever know, you're the best person I've ever known,' he said in a faltering voice as Song wiped away tears from her eyes. 'You've given me all my purpose. You've given me family. I love you. I love you so much.' Celebrity chef Ian Parmenter has died, aged 79. Close friends of the culinary star, who hosted ABC TV's Consuming Passions from 1992 to 2001, confirmed he passed away over the weekend, reported the ABC on Monday. The entertainer was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2011 for his incredible service to the food and tourism industries over his decades-long career. Parmenter began his working life as a journalist on Fleet Street in London before moving to Australia and getting a job in advertising. He went on to join ABC Perth in 1974 where he took on several behind-the-scenes roles before working his way up the ladder to become a TV producer and director. Celebrity chef Ian Parmenter (pictured) has died aged 79 When Parmenter began his show Consuming Passions, he purchased a small cottage near Margaret River, south of Perth, where he worked on recipes for the series. He told ABC local radio in 2017 he thought Margaret River had a 'great community' and it was 'just extraordinary, the amount of energy that is in this place'. A local of the region sung Parmenter's praises and his connection with the community and its people. Close friends of the culinary star, who hosted ABC TV's Consuming Passions (pictured) from 1992 to 2001, confirmed he passed away over the weekend, reported the ABC on Monday The entertainer was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2011 for his incredible service to the food and tourism industries over his decades-long career 'I think he had many sides to him... He love connection people, an ambassador for the region... an incredible bloke,' she told ABC. After Consuming Passions wrapped in 2001, Parmenter maintained his close ties to ABC, writing several successful cookbooks and attending numerous food events. Verity James, a former ABC journalist and broadcaster, told Michael Tetlow on ABC Perth that while Parmenter was great in front of a camera, he was also 'incredibly introspective'. Parmenter joined ABC Perth in 1974 where he took on several behind-the-scenes roles before working his way up the ladder to become a TV producer and director When Parmenter began his show Consuming Passions, he purchased a small cottage near Margaret River, south of Perth, where he worked on recipes for the series Fans of the celebrity chef flocked to X - formerly known at Twitter - to express their grief over his passing 'So thoughtful and so compassionate,' she said before mentioning the TV news he directed in the 80s and 90s. 'While he was very flamboyant, he was also quite strongly opinionated,' she added. Fans of the celebrity chef flocked to X - formerly known at Twitter - to express their grief over his passing. One person tweeted, 'Thanks for the memories,' alongside a red wine glass emoji,' while another wrote: 'Lovely man blessed to have met him. Will be missed.' 'So long and thanks for all the bliss!' a third added, as another commented a heart emoji and said: 'RIP Ian Parmenter. We will miss you.' Yet another commended Parmenter's incredible career, writing: 'One of the best TV cooks... so the story goes, was never supposed to be host of [Consuming Affairs]. 'When producers couldn't find the right person, he accidentally fell into the role and did a superb job.' British TV chef Nigella Lawson has shared her support for Lisa Wilkinson after she won her defamation case against Bruce Lehrmann. Lehrmann sued Network Ten and Wilkinson for defamation over a February 2021 report on The Project, where Brittany Higgins claimed he raped her in a Parliament House office almost two years prior. Federal Court Justice Michael Lee ruled in Network 10's favour on Monday, determining that its report was truthful in its allegations against Lehrmann. A few short hours after the verdict was read, Lawson took to X, formerly Twitter, to congratulate Wilkinson. 'So proud of Lisa Wilkinson. And so relieved for all of us,' she wrote. Nigella Lawson (right) congratulated Lisa Wilkinson (left) on her defamation lawsuit win against accused rapist Bruce Lehrmann Peter FitzSimons, Wilkinson's husband, responded to Lawson by simply writing: 'Thank you, Nigella.' Wilkinson and Lawson have interacted several times, including in 2016 when Wilkinson had a 'girl crush' moment with the celebrity chef. She had shared a selfie of her and Lawson cooking a recipe from her cookbook, Simply Nigella. Lawson also recently shared the love under an Instagram post Wilkinson had captioned: 'Some days are diamonds.' Lawson commented: 'And some people are Diamonds!' Justice Lee on Monday told the court that 'Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins'. His finding was made by the civil court standard - the balance of probabilities, rather than beyond reasonable doubt, the criminal court standard. Outside court, a vindicated Ms Wilkinson said: 'Today the Federal court has found that I published a true story about a rape at a federal politician's office in March 2019. 'I sincerely hope the judgment gives strength to women around the country. Lisa Wilkinson thanked the public as she won the defamation case Bruce Lehrmann brought against her and Network Ten Lisa Wilkinson (right) embraced her barrister Sue Chrysanthou KC outside the courtroom, and profusely thanked her 'I'm also so grateful to have had the benefit of our independent legal team'. She thanked her barrister Sue Chrysanthou KC for her 'expertise and wise counsel' that have been a 'source of ongoing strength to me for the past 14 months.' Wilkinson also thanked her family and friends and 'generous' members of the public who often approach her in tears. 'Throughout every step of this process I have been surrounded by the love of my incredibly supportive family. 'As well as incredibly supportive friends and colleagues. I can never thank them enough. 'I also wanted to say how grateful I am to members of the public who approached me almost every single day to express often through tears their unwavering support.' Wilkinson's husband Peter FitzSimons tweeted that he was 'very proud'. Bruce Lehrmann didn't say a word as he charged through the press pack following the ruling from Justice Lee In contrast, Lehrmann didn't say a word as he charged through the press pack following the ruling. READ MORE: HOW THE VERDICT UNFOLDED Advertisement The former Liberal staffer sat with his head bowed while listening to the judge's findings. 'He was a 23-year-old male cheating on his girlfriend, having just 'hooked up' with a woman he found sexually attractive,' Justice Lee said. 'Human experience suggests what he then wanted to happen is not exactly shrouded in mystery.' The judge said Lehrmann was 'hellbent on having sex with a woman he found sexually attractive, had been mutually passionately kissing and touching and knew had reduced inhibition.' 'He did not care one way or the other whether Ms Higgins understood or consented to what was going on. Justice Lee determined that, contrary to Lehrmann's evidence, sexual intercourse did occur, and that Ms Higgins did not consent. 'I am convinced that sexual intercourse took place,' the judge said. Justice Lee said Mr Lehrmann was 'on top' of Ms Higgins and that she was unable to remove herself from the couch. Mr Lehrmann launched defamation proceedings after the criminal trial fell through. The judge said of that decision: 'Having escaped the lion's den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake to come back for his hat' If the 28-year-old had won his defamation case, he would only have been entitled to a 'very modest' amount of $20,000 in damages given the limited nature of any hurt from Ten's reporting, Justice Lee said. While a Logies speech by Lisa Wilkinson over The Project segment derailed criminal proceedings against Lehrmann and denied him the right to a fair trial, this gave his legal team more time to attack Ms Higgins' allegations. The criminal trial against Lehrmann was abandoned in 2022 with no findings made against him. 'Having escaped the lions' den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat,' Justice Lee said. Justice Lee described both Lehrmann and Ms Higgins as 'unreliable historians' when recounting what occurred on that fateful night. The judge said Ms Higgins had been loose with the truth regarding allegations made to Ten in 2021 that members of the then-coalition government had sought to silence her in reporting the alleged rape. But Justice Lee found that any incorrect statements made to the police in 2019 were not inconsistent with remarks being made by a genuine victim of sexual assault. The judge found any of Brittany Higgins' incorrect statements to police in 2019 explicable The judge also slammed Ten for its conduct after Wilkinson made a Logie speech where she hailed Higgins' courage just eight-days before the criminal trial of Lehrmann. The judge pointed out that Ms Wilkinson did seek advice, but Network Ten failed her by suggesting she deliver the speech in support of Ms Higgins. 'The conduct of Ten was grossly improper and unjustifiable.' Amber Turner broke down in tears during Sunday's episode of The Only Way Is Essex after ex-boyfriend Dan Edgar moved on with their castmate Ella Rae Wise. As the reality show returns for a brand new series in Bali the former couple, who parted ways last May after six tumultuous years, have faced awkward run ins. Amber, 30, and Dan, 33, had an on-off relationship from 2017 and are currently broiled in a bitter custody row over their shared pet dog. Despite Ella confessing she had been 'snogging' Dan 'the entire time' they were in Bali, Amber had managed to keep her cool, until now. Amber has now admitted Dan and their pet, Oliver, were her family as she cried on the shoulders of her friends Elma Pazar and Chloe Meadows. Amber Turner broke down in tears during Sunday's episode of The Only Way Is Essex after ex-boyfriend Dan Edgar moved on with their castmate Ella Rae Wise 'The fact that they are together, I think because I knew it was gonna happen - that part doesn't shock me,' she explained. Elma responded: 'You've handled the whole thing really, really well - too well almost.' 'That's why it makes me emotional, you've handled it so well that I feel like I'm taking on your emotions!' Chloe said. Amber went on to explain how Dan and their dog Oliver was 'her family' before breaking down at the thought of loosing them. 'I'm already crying and I don't even know why,' she explained. The former couple have been embroiled in a bitter custody row over their dog, with Dan taking over his care while Amber has been living in Dubai. Previous episodes saw Amber tell Dan to 'feel free' to crack on with her 'if that makes him happy' during an argument about their 'shared' pet pooch, Oliver. Within days of landing at the Balinese resort, fans saw a whirlwind of drama as Dan and Ella ignited an unexpected romance, catching everyone off guard. As the reality show returns for a brand new series in Bali the former couple, who parted ways last May after six tumultuous years , have faced awkward run ins Despite Ella confessing she had been 'snogging' Dan 'the entire time' they were in Bali, Amber had managed to keep her cool, until now Amber has now admitted Dan and their pet, Oliver, were her family as she cried on the shoulders of her friends Elma Pazar and Chloe Meadows 'That's why it makes me emotional, you've handled it so well that I feel like I'm taking on your emotions!' Chloe said Dan and Ella, 23, grew close while filming for the thirty-third series, but are not thought to be serious. Amber and Dan dated on and off from 2017 till 2023, after beginning their relationship with Amber rocked by rumours she had cheated on her boyfriend. Amber reportedly split from a new partner after being left heart-broken by the romance between Dan and Ella, who is a decade his junior. A source told The Sun: 'Amber had been seeing a guy who was based out in Dubai in recent months, but she recently called it a day with him. 'She realised it was a rebound after her break-up with Dan, and she didn't see a future in the new relationship, so she quietly ended things before she went to Bali to film TOWIE.' The insider also claimed Amber was hoping to rekindle things with Dan while they are filming the new series of TOWIE abroad but his growing romance with Ella has got in the way. Dan and Ella, 23, grew close while filming for the thirty-third series, but are not thought to be serious The former couple have been embroiled in a bitter custody row over their dog, with Dan taking over his care while Amber has been living in Dubai The source added: 'Amber had a breakdown on camera about it and sobbed to her co-stars, which will all play out on the new series of TOWIE.' The insider told how Amber wasn't expecting to see Dan move on with another cast member and she found it difficult to watch and now feels 'heartbroken'. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Amber Turner and Dan Edgar for comment. Series 33 of The Only Way Is Essex continues airing Sundays at 9 pm on ITVBe, and all episodes are available on ITVX. It was a Made In Chelsea reunion this weekend as Binky Felstead's son Wilder's first birthday party brought some of the old cast back together. Former reality star Binky, 33, invited the whole gang to her west London home on Saturday to celebrate at the bash - sharing sweet snaps on her Instagram on the day. Binky shares Wilder and son Wolfie, two, with her husband Max Darnton. She also has daughter India, seven, with her ex Josh Patterson who also starred on the show. At the party Lucy Watson, 33, and her husband James Dunmore brought their six-week old son Willoughby along, while her sister Tiffany, 30, was joined by her son Jude, nine months. Binky's close pal Ollie Locke was also in attendance and brought along his twins Apollo and Cosima. It was a Made In Chelsea reunion this weekend as Binky Felstead 's son Wilder's first birthday party brought some of the old cast back together (L-R: Lucy Watson, Binky, Tiffany Watson) Former reality star Binky, 33, invited the whole gang to her west London home on Saturday to celebrate at the bash - sharing sweet snaps on her Instagram on the day (with Ollie Locke) Lucy, Tiffany and Binky all posed together in one snap as they held their babies and beamed for the camera. Binky looked stunning in a pale green dress as she doted on her three children at the party. Sharing some snaps from the day on her social media she penned in the caption: 'Wilders first birthday party!!! 'His actual birthday isn't until Monday but we started celebrations early with a little party at home. Thank you Sun!!!! PHEW 'My feet are up, my curry is en route & my kids are refusing to go to bed because of the sugar rush & all the fun All in all, a good sign of a pretty glorious day me thinks!!' It comes after earlier this month Lucy revealed she was faced with a 'life-or-death decision' after her baby son became tangled in his own umbilical cord during the final months of her pregnancy. She welcomed son Willoughby - her first child with husband James - in March, but later described the birthing process as 'long, with complications.' Lucy has since shared her birth story in a lengthy social medial post, admitting she opted for private consultant-led care over the National Health Service as she went through the various stages of pregnancy. At the party Lucy Watson, 33, and her husband James Dunmore brought their six-week old son Willoughby along, while her sister Tiffany, 30, (seen) was joined by her son Jude, nine months Tiffany took to her Instagram to share some snaps from the day too as she was joined by her sister Lucy and her newborn Sharing some snaps from the day on her social media she penned in the caption: 'Wilders first birthday party!!!' Lucy also shared a snap of her husband James with one of Ollie's twins as the old friends had a good catch up Binky added in his caption: 'His actual birthday isn't until Monday but we started celebrations early with a little party at home. Thank you Sun!!!! PHEW' 'I didn't have a birth plan at all, I was just trusting in my consultant - I thought she was amazing,' the TV personality told TikTok followers on Monday. 'I always said to her from the beginning, whatever is safest, I don't care what I do. I don't care if I do pain relief, I don't care if I do caesarean or vaginal birth, whatever is safest for me and the baby is what I'm happy to do.' She added: 'I did say the one thing I really didn't want was an emergency C-section. I didn't want to ever be in the position where I was in an emergency scenario. That was my one thing that I really didn't want.' But Lucy's worst-case scenario became a reality after a routine 39-week scan revealed the baby's umbilical cord had wrapped itself around his head. The TV personality was advised to check into hospital the following day and was given two choices - be induced or submit to a C-section. A second scan the following morning confirmed the cord was no longer wrapped around the child's head, meaning his passage through the vaginal canal would be less risky. Encouraged by the news, Lucy- who had already been contracting for more than a week - opted for a conventional birth. She recalled: 'They broke my waters, not fun... I was gushing fluid for four hours, and not just a little bit, I was gushing bucket-loads of fluid. I don't even know where it was coming from but every time I moved there would be a gush.' After contracting for six hours without pain relief she opted for an epidural after being told she was still only five centimeters dilated. Fifteen hours into labour the child's head had emerged from her cervix, but was swollen and Willoughby was unable to force his way through. 'It got to the point where his heart rate was really high,' said Lucy. 'I was exhausted, the alarms were going off in the hospital, in our room, you could tell everyone was really worried. It comes after earlier this month Lucy revealed she was faced with a 'life-or-death decision' after her baby son became tangled in his own umbilical cord during the final months of her pregnancy Lucy and James both looked every inch the doting parents as they posed with their son in a black and white snap - when they initially revealed the joyful birth news 'The alarm was going off for a while and they came in and said we need to get him out, he's not in a good way, he's in distress. It's a life or death situation and we need to get him out now, we need to do an emergency caesarean.' Watson admitted it initially crossed her mind that she might lose her son, and credited husband James for being her rock throughout the ordeal. 'James was incredible,' she said. 'He didn't leave my side at any point. He was with me and talking to me and comforting me the whole time.' The influencer announced in September 2023 she was pregnant with their first child and called the baby a 'little miracle' after a three-year battle to conceive. James Martin looks happier than ever as he bounces back from a rollercoaster year. And it seems it's all down to his new personal trainer girlfriend Kim Johnson, 38, who has abs to die for and a VERY famous ex-husband. TV chef James's new romance comes after he split from his girlfriend of 12 years, Louise Davies, whom he remains good friends with. And while he's largely keeping quiet about his personal life, it's clear to see that James, 51, is happy being seen being very tactile in public with beautiful Kim. James couldn't wipe the big smile from his face when they stepped out together in London on Saturday. How James Martin looks happier than ever as he bounces back from a rollercoaster year - and it's all down to new personal trainer girlfriend Kim Johnson, 38, who has abs to die for and a VERY famous ex-husband! (Pictured together on Saturday) Kim previously shares this bikini-clad picture of herself on holiday but has set all her social media accounts to private after embarking on her new romance On Saturday, James and Kim didn't mind who saw them looking loved-up as they placed their arms around one another, just above one another's bottoms The couple were first pictured together in April when they were seen jewellery shopping in Tiffany's in Old Bond Street (pictured) And what's more, the pair weren't afraid who saw them with their arms around eachother, with their hands placed slightly above one another's bottoms. The pair were first spotted looking at jewellery store in Tiffany's in London's Old Bond Street in April, which led to their relationship coming to light. While James split from his long-term love in December, Kim was previously married to Elizabeth Hurley's ex-husband Arun Nayar, 59, going their separate ways in 2017. Arun and Elizabeth were previously married for four years, splitting in 2011. He and Kim first got together after the split and went on to tie the knot in July 2016, but then divorced the following year. Her official Instagram handle is @kimjohnson.pt and her name is still Kim Nayar in her bio. She has now set her account as private but had it verified in January after her old account was hacked. But it doesn't look like James and Kim couple will be tying the knot anytime soon. The unveiling of James's romance signalled the end of his 12-year relationship with Louise Davies, having parted ways in December with the aim of remaining 'firm friends' (pictured 2015) Kim is the ex-wife of Arun Nayar, tying the knot in July 2016, before divorcing the following year (pictured in 2015) Kim's official Instagram handle is @kimjohnson.pt and her name is still Kim Nayar in her bio Speaking to the Sunday People in 2019, James revealed why he is not interested in marriage. He said: 'No, it doesn't interest me in the slightest, mainly because I've catered for so many weddings, really. 'I admire people who do it, that's fine, but I'm quite happy. I don't need to spend 60 grand on a day, no, I'm more than happy thanks.' No doubt James is pleased to have some good fortune in his life after a turbulent few year. In December, James quietly split from his long-term Louise. The chef and the TV producer, 47, first began dating in 2011 after they met on the set of Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? The couple lived together in a mansion in Hampshire during their relationship. A spokesperson for James confirmed they parted ways in December 2023 and remain firm friends. And last summer, James found himself at the centre of a very public scandal when he was accused of bullying and intimidating behaviour by crew working on his ITV food show. Reports then emerged of a second incident with ITV, as it was claimed the broadcaster had previously been made aware of James' conduct following a separate incident in 2018. Subsequently, James apologised for his behaviour and admitted the turmoil that was going on his personal life. He opened up about unfortunate events in his life, which began with the death of his grandfather, then was followed by a home invasion by masked burglars, and then a shock cancer diagnosis. Last July, ITV were forced to confirm they had spoken to the star after concerns were raised over the treatment of crew members during the filming of James Martin's Spanish Adventure in May. Reports then emerged of a second incident with ITV in 2018, when he launched a foul-mouthed tirade against staff after a drain was blocked at his home during the production of his show, James Martin's Saturday Morning. After investigating the matter, ITV chiefs told the programme's production company Blue Marlin that changes would be made immediately, online news website Deadline reports. James responded by saying 'lessons have been learned' and apologised for 'acting emotionally'. Sources at ITV told the Mail that bosses would be taking a 'close interest in any future filming' featuring the chef, whose affable demeanour has earned him a huge fan base. Regarding the reports of this being the second outburst James had been accused of, a Blue Marlin spokesperson addressed the first incident. They said: 'An unfortunate incident occurred after filming James Martin's Saturday Morning in 2018 where James' home was badly damaged. 'Blue Marlin Television accepted responsibility. James was shocked by what had happened and on reflection acknowledges he responded emotionally, which he wholly regrets. 'James apologises for any offence or upset caused, as he did at the time to the crew involved.' They added: 'Following this and some issues filming James Martin's Spanish Adventures, James and Blue Marlin Television agree that lessons have been learned which have been discussed with members of the team and with ITV. 'Blue Marlin Television and James Martin have taken on board ITV's recommendations and their sharing of best practice, and are in the process of fully implementing. 'Since the 2018 incident, Blue Marlin Television has continued to film over 500 shows at James' home. 'Blue Marlin Television remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all those with whom they work is of the utmost priority.' An ITV spokesman said at the time: 'At ITV people and their welfare are our highest priority. The production companies who make shows for us have primary responsibility for the duty of care of everyone they work with, both on and off screen. 'We make clear our expectations in this regard as part of our pre-greenlight duty of care processes. This includes having appropriate independent controls in place to enable everyone who works on their shows to confidently and confidentially raise concerns. 'Following a complaint we received in May from members of the Blue Marlin production team about the filming of James Martin's Spanish Adventure, we contacted Blue Marlin to discuss these concerns and to understand how the issues raised were being addressed and what actions were being taken. 'As a result, we made a number of recommendations for Blue Marlin to implement as soon as possible, sharing best practice of some of our own relevant procedures around staff welfare and reiterating our Supplier Code of Conduct.' Audio footage of his shocked rant was then leaked to The Sun, and in response to the shock outburst, James said that the end of 2017 was 'one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life'. In the recording, he swore 42 times and says his staff should be 'f***ing fried' and orders them to take their lunch break standing in the 'f***ing rain'. He demanded that his team showed him and his house 'more f***ing respect', adding: 'If not, you're gone.' Reflecting on the outburst, he admitted that he was dealing with the death of his last living grandparent, his grandfather, and that he could not attend his funeral due to work commitments. James added that he was burgled by masked men later that month who entered his home while his partner Louise was at home alone and he was away working. Businessman Arun was previously married to actress Elizabeth Hurley from 2007 to 2011 (pictured together in 2010) Hen then shockingly revealed his cancer diagnosis, adding that he was in a 'very emotional state' from all the stress. James told The Sun: 'I was then diagnosed with cancer on my face and I had to have surgery, which I couldn't do until two days before Christmas when we had finished filming. Since then it has returned on several occasions and I have to have regular treatments.' He said that he became 'extremely upset' when his home flooded while filming in 2018. The chef claims the drain blockage caused 30,000 worth of damage. 'I can only say I am human and following a build-up of personal life pressure, I admit that I overreacted regarding the damage to my home,' he told The Sun. In November, James gave fans an update on his health woes as he revealed he would be taking from his TV career amid his ongoing cancer treatment. He said at a public appearance: 'On a personal note, I just wanted to say thank you for 30 years of television. 'For me personally, I've been through a lot of s**t with cancer but I'm getting sorted at the end of next month. 'I will be back fighting at the end of February but I'm going on a little bit of a break to get that sorted.' Prior to his relationship with Louise, James enjoyed a four-and-a-half year romance with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. The chef and the film boss, 63, met when she paid 18,000 to have him cook a meal for her as part of a charity auction in 2001 when he was 29. The pair clicked right away and James cooked for her again at her birthday party. Martin, 12 years younger than Broccoli, insisted the age difference never posed a problem in their relationship. Writing in the Daily Mail, he said: 'The age difference never appeared to be a problem. I've always liked independent women: we both had strong opinions and plenty to say for ourselves, so life was never boring.' He described her as 'the first real love of my life' and said he will always think the world of her. They ultimately went their separate ways when James realised there was an 'imbalance' in their relationship. Broccoli lavished him with gifts including a Picasso painting and once offered to buy him a 180,000 Aston Martin which he felt was too expensive. Recalling the breakup, he wrote: 'To walk away from someone you love and who loves you that much is hard. 'Maybe it was the daftest thing I have done in my life but it was probably the most sensible, too. 'In the end I think it was for the best, not just for Barbara and me but also for her children.' James Martin, 51, in his own words on the 'love of his life' Barbara Broccoli, 63, and the dark side of their age-gap romance that 'dented his male pride' - as he moves on from long-term girlfriend Louise Davies with Kim Johnson Famously private about his love life, James Martin, 51, quietly parted ways with longterm partner Louise Davies in December, yet the pair have remained 'firm friends'. Despite being together for more than a decade, James rarely spoke about Louise only to admit marriage was off the table for the pair because he was 'quite happy' as he was and didn't 'feel the need to spend 60 grand on a day.' His reluctance to speak about his love life has come only in later years, however, with James openly declaring that James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, 63, whom he dated prior to meeting Louise was the 'love of his life'. The chef and the film boss first met at a charity auction in 2001 when Barbara, then 41, paid 18,000 to have him cook a meal for her when he was 29-years-old and a star on the rise. James Martin, 51, wrote about the 'love of his life' Barbara Broccoli, 63, and the dark side of their age-gap romance that 'dented his male pride' for the Daily Mail in 2008 The pair clicked right away and James cooked for her again at her birthday party leading to a blossoming romance. Yet things came to an end in 2008. And James, who is 12 years younger than Barbara, wasn't shy of speaking out about the problems they faced in their relationship. He admitted he was 'a bit of a late starter when it came to women' and noted that when accompanying Barbara to glitzy film premieres and hobnobbing with the stars of Bond films he felt 'out of my depth, a spare part'. Writing for the Daily Mail in October 2008, James - who had by then moved on with Miss England 2001, Sally Kettle - explained how their age gap and wealth got in the way of their relationship. Barbara had lavished the chef with gifts including a Picasso painting and once offered to buy him a 180,000 Aston Martin, but James confessed his 'male pride' stopped him from accepting such extravagant purchases. James noted that while their age gap wasn't a bother to him as he had 'always liked independent women', it 'didn't help matters in public'. He confessed: 'When we went to functions I felt uncomfortable when people looked at me, this nobody, and probably thought, "He's with her for the money".' Despite the hurdles they faced, James insisted: 'Barbara was the first real love of my life. I still think the world of her and always will.' He described their breakup poignantly, writing: 'To walk away from someone you love and who loves you that much is hard. 'Maybe it was the daftest thing I have done in my life but it was probably the most sensible, too. In the end I think it was for the best, not just for Barbara and me but also for her children.' Read on for James' full analysis of their relationship in his own words. A spokesperson for the TV chef, 51, confirmed James and Louise parted ways in December 2023 and remain firm friends (pictured 2019) Why did I split with Barbara Broccoli? She tried to buy me a 180,000 Aston Martin, by TV chef James Martin My girlfriend once bought me a Picasso. Not a Picasso print or a Picasso poster but a genuine Picasso. Actually, it wasn't just one, it was three. Perhaps it makes more sense if I tell you that the woman in question was the Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, one of the most powerful people in Hollywood and more than ten years my senior. And if this generosity wasn't tricky enough - for instance, what exactly does a man do with such a valuable work of art? - Barbara then insisted on buying me a state-of-the-art Aston Martin DBS, chassis number 007, costing an eye-watering 180,000. Just because I said I liked it. I was a bit of a late starter when it came to women. Cars and cooking were my passions but by the time I was old enough to fully appreciate girls, I was able to flambe chicken livers and was obsessed with Ferraris. Women were a distraction I didn't have time for. I was born in Yorkshire in 1972 and grew up around food. At eight, I was washing pots in the kitchens of Castle Howard, where my father was manager, and after catering college I headed off to London with 50 in my pocket. Those early days were tough. I worked for Antony Worrall Thompson for a tiny wage but at least that was better than the big fat zero I got from my next boss, Marco Pierre White. When I was seven, I had boasted to my grandfather that I wanted to be a head chef by the age of 30, have my own restaurant at 35 and own a Ferrari when I was 40. I never imagined I would achieve those ambitions by the time I was 24. I opened the Hotel du Vin in Winchester just before my 22nd birthday and bought my first Ferrari, a stunning black 360 costing 82,000, two years later. For reasons I've never understood, my life has been full of headstrong women who, no doubt bored with waiting for me to notice them, have made the first move. Which is probably just as well: most of them were so obviously out of my league I wouldn't have given myself a chance. James revealed: 'Barbara insisted on buying me a state-of-the-art Aston Martin DBS, chassis number 007, costing an eye-watering 180,000. Just because I said I liked it' Meeting Barbara, daughter of the first Bond producer, 'Cubby' Broccoli, was unusual to say the least. She 'won' me in a charity auction in 2001 when I was 29, paying 18,000 to have me cook a meal at her Chelsea house. Perhaps it was my trademark dessert dish of spun sugar that swung it. Six weeks later I turned up at Barbara's to make the meal for her and five friends. The evening was hilarious - and we just clicked. I didn't know she was co-producer of the current James Bond films with her half-brother Michael G. Wilson. I just thought she was an amazing woman. The following day I told my then personal assistant Erica about the evening. She decided to play Cupid, calling Barbara's PA. It transpired that Barbara's PA was trying to organise a surprise for her birthday, so I offered to cook. Thus began my longest relationship, the most surreal, exciting and unforgettable four-and-a-half years of my life. Barbara was incredibly easy to be around. My phrase for her was 'Being with you is as easy as breathing' and it was true. She's generous to a fault. She'd never ask for anything but would give everything to make you happy. Unlike many in her business, Barbara is not pretentious or ostentatious - she drives a Volvo, for crying out loud - and when it was just the two of us she was the best company you could ask for. The age difference never appeared to be a problem. I've always liked independent women: we both had strong opinions and plenty to say for ourselves, so life was never boring. I've always been mature. I grew up quickly, cooking in Michelin-starred restaurants in France during my teenage years. Now, I thought I had done well for myself - I was appearing on the BBC cookery show Ready Steady Cook, I had published books and even had an account with Coutts - until I met Barbara. She wasn't just in the megaleague, she was at the very top of it. We had been together for three months or so when she invited me to join her in Los Angeles. Her house was massive - the lounge alone was twice the size of my home. 'What am I doing here?' I kept thinking. 'How did this happen?' One day, while Barbara was out, I answered the door to a man dressed in a black suit holding a silver plate with an envelope. Inside was a set of car keys with a prancing horse on the fob and a note from Barbara which read: 'Enjoy Beverly Hills, I'll see you later, love B.' On the drive was a silver Ferrari 360 Spyder, exactly the same as the black 360 I once owned but with a soft top which, let's face it, you've got to have in Beverly Hills. He confessed: 'Now, I thought I had done well for myself - I was on the BBC's Ready Steady Cook - until I met Barbara. She wasn't just in the megaleague, she was at the very top of it' (L-R Antony Worrall-Thompson, Dominic Cork, Ainsley Harriott, Anne Robinson and James) With that the phone rang. It was Barbara, checking I had got it. 'Yeah, I've got it,' I replied, 'but what am I supposed to do with it?' 'Well,' she said, 'you're on the insurance, just go for a drive and enjoy LA.' A few days earlier I had been in my little house in England - now I was driving along Rodeo Drive in a silver Ferrari 360 with cream leather interior - the odour of Ferrari leather is unique, it's like they genetically engineer it to smell of money. So what did I do? I headed for a KFC drive-thru and bought myself a Bargain Bucket. There were always surprises with Barbara. One year I went to the Baftas in London with her. As we waited for the show to start, Halle Berry, who was then the new Bond girl, sat next to me. She turned to Barbara, seated in the row behind me, and said: 'Hi, B, how ya doin'?' Then she said to me: 'Hey, James, how's it goin'?' Sorry? What? Me? While I was trying to get my head around that, Nicole Kidman sat in front of me. She too turned around. 'Hi, Barb, hi, James.' As the lights went down and the show started I tried subtly to send text messages to my mum: Halle Berry and Nicole Kidman just asked how I was doing. Barbara leaned forward. 'What are you doing?' she asked. 'Nothing, just checking to see if I've got any messages.' I was used to meeting famous people, yet still I was star-struck. I felt like a small fish in a very big pond. I was out of my depth, a spare part. Cars, however, are a great leveller. That's why I got on with Daniel Craig. We sat opposite each other at dinner in a private room at Nobu in Park Lane one night, chatting about motors. We later went to the Aston Martin headquarters in Warwickshire to see the new DBS for the first time. This was the Aston Martin Daniel would drive in Casino Royale, but at this stage the car had not even been built - it was just a clay model. It was a pitch by the company, looking for Barbara's approval. Barbara wasn't much interested in cars so she wanted me to look over it. A cover was pulled off to reveal a full-size clay model spray-painted to look exactly as the finished car would. It was all top secret. James confessed: 'I got on with Daniel Craig. We sat opposite each other at dinner in a private room at Nobu in Park Lane one night, chatting about motors' (Daniel and Barbara pictured in 2019) 'It's all right that, isn't it?' Daniel said to me. 'What do you think?' 'That's f****** ace,' I said. 'It looks the b*******.' The detail was incredible. They had mock-ups of the interior and the Bond gadgets that were going to go on it - the defibrillator, the champagne holder in the back. Then they started arguing over the colour. One of the guys from Aston Martin said it should be graphite, a gunmetal grey. Barbara asked: 'What colour do you think it should be, James?' Everyone knows that Bond's Aston Martin has got to be silver. The graphite was too grey; it needed to be lighter. On the other hand you don't want a silver that's too light otherwise it will just look rubbish. We went through the colour chart and found the perfect silver. So there you go, if you didn't like the colour of the DBS in Casino Royale, blame me. As if that wasn't enough for one day, Aston Martin boss Ulrich Betz asked Daniel and me if we were ready for a test drive. Which car did we want to go out in first - the new DB9 Sport or an immaculate 1964 platinum DB5 formerly owned by George Harrison? Barbara was laughing. Daniel and I looked like a couple of eight-year-olds who had just been told they could have any toy in the shop. Daniel took the DB5 and I drove the DB9 Sport, blatting it around the test track accompanied by drivers telling us to go 'faster' and really 'push it', which we happily did. At the time, newspapers were opposed to Daniel being the new Bond and ran ridiculous stories about him, including one that he couldn't drive. As well as being a brilliant actor, I can tell you he's pretty handy behind the wheel. In the four-and-a-half years Barbara and I were together there were many strange Bond- related moments. I watched the ice hotel in Die Another Day melt in front of me. I accidentally knocked the first script for Casino Royale off the counter in Barbara's kitchen and only noticed when Fudge, my clumber spaniel, had reshuffled the pages like a pack of cards. I even babysat Casino Royale Bond girl Eva Green's yappy little dog in Venice while she and Daniel were sailing up the Grand Canal in a fabulous yacht. Ask any of my friends and they'll tell you that I'm the hardest-working person they know. Ask me and I'll tell you that the hardest-working person I know, and the most generous, is Barbara. If there's anyone who thinks Barbara got where she is because her dad was a legendary film producer, they are mistaken. She took over the Bond films with her half-brother in 1990 and has shown herself willing to take risks - and they usually pay off. Bringing Pierce Brosnan in turned things around for the Bond franchise; hiring Daniel was also an inspired choice. I remember the sleepless nights spent over the script for Casino Royale - the idea of taking it all back to the beginning was a huge gamble. But Barbara had the guts to do it and to hire Daniel when everyone was against it. She showed me old letters from some film executives who wanted Eddie Murphy to be Bond. Can you imagine? Barbara loves what she does and she adores her children - her daughter Angelica and Michael, who she's guardian to. She's a very giving person, and when you've got almost limitless resources that can mean you're giving a hell of a lot. The first year we were together, Barbara gave me a Picasso for my birthday. We had gone to an exhibition of the artist's work at a London gallery on our first date and there was one drawing I couldn't stop looking at. About six months later, Barbara organised a party for my birthday in Chelsea. She had secretly invited 40 of my friends along and they all showed up with little presents. James shared: 'In the four-and-a-half years Barbara and I were together there were many strange Bond- related moments' (pictured in 2006) Then Barbara said: 'I didn't really want to do this here in front of everyone, but, well, here you are. Happy birthday.' And with that she handed me this bulky rectangular present. It was the Picasso. An absolutely beautiful thing from his last exhibition. Barbara always said smart money buys art and that Madonna, who had just recorded the theme song for Die Another Day, had lots of Picassos in her house. Fair enough - only I wasn't Madonna. I was a TV chef. I was recording three episodes of Ready Steady Cook the next day. I arrived at the studio in South London with this painting in a brown paper bag in the boot of my Audi because I wouldn't let it out of my sight. I locked it in my dressing room for six hours while I recorded the shows. I rang Richard, my man at Coutts, and asked if he could help me out with a valuable work of art. He told me to meet him at their branch on the Strand because it had a massive vault. After finishing Ready Steady Cook, I drove into Central London and walked down the Strand with a Picasso under my arm in the brown paper bag, praying nobody mugged me. READ MORE: James Martin reveals the big secret behind his three stone weight loss after eating the same meal TWICE a day Advertisement Richard met me at the door, along with a security guard, and led me to the vault. As Richard was filling in all the paperwork he asked me for the value of the piece, to which I replied: 'I don't know.' I still don't. He gave me a funny look, so I explained that it was a present. Then he asked what the painting was. I told him it was a Picasso. 'No, it's not,' he laughed. 'Yes, it is,' I said. 'No, it's not,' he insisted. 'People don't just carry Picassos around under their arms in brown paper bags.' I assured him that this person did and that it was most definitely the genuine article. I had to tell Barbara to stop buying me Picassos after the third one because I couldn't afford the insurance on them. Instead, she bought me a magnificent pencil drawing of Whitstable by L. S. Lowry instead (I'd mentioned that I liked his work). I still have all four in a vault and I go to see them every now and then. Barbara also bought me a watch - not just any old watch but a Paul Newman Daytona Rolex, one of the rarest. God knows how she found it. Barbara had an astonishing ability to remember detail. If you said you liked a painting, six months or a year later she would have found it and bought it for you. We once saw Ronan Keating on Top Of The Pops and he had this great Tiffany ring on his little finger. I made an admiring remark about it. Barbara got me an identical ring that Christmas, inscribing inside with our saying: Being with you is as easy as breathing. During the filming of Casino Royale, I took my mother shopping in Venice to try to find a present for Barbara. Mum took me to a jewellers where she recalled Barbara had liked a ring - a handmade piece of incredibly fine silver and gold that looked almost like lace. I didn't ask the price. I gave the guy my card and at first, when he punched in the total, I thought, 'F****** hell, it's 260,000'. Then I realised that if it was that much, the card would be declined anyway so it didn't really matter. The price tag was actually 26,000 - 17,000. It completely wiped me out. My account stood at zero. I knew I had a big tax bill coming at the end of the next quarter, so I got my head down and worked extremely hard. James said: 'Barbara was the first real love of my life. I still think the world of her and always will. I would be there for her tomorrow if anything happened' (pictured 2022) Barbara was the first real love of my life. I still think the world of her and always will. I would be there for her tomorrow if anything happened. We've both moved on but it was one of those special relationships where you never forget the times you had together. Looking back, the days that really stand out for me are those when it was just the two of us. We would switch off our mobile phones and it would be our time. But that would only happen four or five times a year. If you took away all the money, success, houses and cars we would still have been good together because we clicked. In fact, we would probably still be together. In our own world, she and I were a great partnership. In her world, though, I felt like an onlooker. I had worked hard all my life and succeeded in my career, yet I felt like I had suddenly gone down a long snake right back to the beginning. If I owned 50 restaurants then maybe I would have been able to move more comfortably in her circles but as it was I could not compete. The age gap didn't help matters in public. When we went to functions I felt uncomfortable when people looked at me, this nobody, and probably thought, 'He's with her for the money'. They would actually come up to me and say: 'Oh yeah, you're the cook.' But I never wanted anything from Barbara. Maybe it's male pride but there were certain places I refused to go unless I paid. When I said I hated us being apart, she said: 'Why don't you give it all up, then? I'll look after you.' That was the last thing I wanted. To be given a cheque every week? No thanks. I wanted to work. It was that day we went with Daniel Craig to Aston Martin's headquarters to see the clay model that it hit home how far apart our worlds were. After I had picked the colour, I added: 'Of course, if it was for me personally, I'd go for black on black - black paint, black interior.' Barbara said: 'Well, have one if you want one.' I laughed. 'No, it's all right.' She was insistent. 'Have one.' She was genuinely going to buy one for me. This was the Aston Martin DBS, price 180,000. I told her not to be so ridiculous but she was already saying: 'Yes, we'll have it black, with black interior, and we'll have the chassis number 007.' I continued to say: 'No, we won't.' Barbara replied: 'Why not? If you want it we'll get it.' I tried to explain to her that you can't just give someone a 180,000 car as a gift. A watch is a gift. A ring is a gift. A 180,000 car is too much. It wasn't as if it was my birthday or Christmas - it was just a spur of the moment thought. In the end I said: 'If I want something, I'll work for it. Just drop it or we're going to fall out over this.' After his split from Barbara, James moved on in the same year with Miss England 2001, Sally Kettle, before then settling down with Louise Davies (pictured 2021) for 12 years But she and Ulrich Betz continued to organise it so I left them to it. I don't know what happened in the end. Barbara probably bought it. She's probably got a black on black Aston Martin DBS, chassis number 007, in a garage somewhere. It was a defining moment in our relationship. Deep down, I knew there was always going to be an imbalance. I told my mum I didn't think I could handle it any more. 'You're mad,' she said. 'You've got a woman there who adores you, who you absolutely adore. Forget about all the other stuff - that's irrelevant. It's just the two of you.' To walk away from someone you love and who loves you that much is hard. Maybe it was the daftest thing I have done in my life but it was probably the most sensible, too. In the end I think it was for the best, not just for Barbara and me but also for her children. James Martin gave an update on his cancer battle during an appearance on Lorraine on Monday morning. The TV chef, 51, has previously had surgery to remove facial cancer after his first diagnosis in 2018. Lorraine asked if he was feeling good during the star's Monday morning appearance to which the chef replied: 'Yes, the stitches have fallen out, as you know, the last time I was on, I was in the middle of operations. As we speak, the stitches have fallen out of my body at the moment and that's all clear, onwards and upwards!' James Martin gave an update on his cancer battle during an appearance on Lorraine on Monday morning James first went public with his cancer battle last year when his foul-mouthed rant at his TV crew was laid bare by an extraordinary leaked tape recorded shortly after his diagnosis. The TV star berated crew working on his food show James Martin's Spanish Adventure, with the extraordinary tape leaked to The Sun. He told the newspaper that the outburst was the culmination of a string of unfortunate events in his life, which began with the death of his grandfather, then was followed by a home invasion by masked burglars, and finally his cancer diagnosis. He said: 'I was then diagnosed with cancer on my face and I had to have surgery, which I couldn't do until two days before Christmas when we had finished filming. Since then it has returned on several occasions and I have to have regular treatments.' The abusive rant which happened during the production of his show, James Martin's Saturday Morning, took place on a heated Zoom call in 2018 the same year he had surgery for his cancer. Martin said he 'wholly regrets' getting angry, and agreed 'lessons have been learned.' In November James gave an update on his health during a tour date at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall. 'On a personal note, I just wanted to say thank you for 30 years of television,' he told the crowd. The TV chef, 51, has previously had surgery to remove facial cancer after his first diagnosis in 2018, explaining to Lorraine that 'as we speak, the stitches have fallen out of my body' Lorraine asked if he was feeling good during the star's Monday morning appearance to which the chef replied: 'The last time I was on, I was in the middle of operations. As we speak, the stitches have fallen out of my body at the moment and that's all clear, onwards and upwards!' 'For me personally, I've been through a lot of s**t with cancer but I'm getting sorted at the end of next month. 'I will be back fighting at the end of February but I'm going on a little bit of a break to get that sorted.' James' popular Saturday Morning show is currently on air with the star telling Lorraine he is busy filming every week at his Hampshire home with celebrity guests. He told Lorraine that 'I feel like I've found my home. Well I guess I have, it is in my home. I love that we get guests coming back.' James is also currently enjoying a new romance with personal trainer Kim Johnson, four months after confirming his separation from former partner Louise Davies. Bluey fans across the world have been tuning into the series three finale and sharing their emotional reactions. The children's show debuted its first 28 minute long episode, titled The Sign, on Sunday, to mark the end of season three, before it takes an extended break. 24 hours after the show landed on Disney + in the UK, it was trending on social media with parents admitting they cried more than their children at the emotional ending and some blink-and-you'll-miss-it details. Fans were left in shock last week, when the family put their fictional home up for sale in the series three penultimate episode Ghost Basket, with many worried it signalled the end of the cartoon. And The Sign, which had been billed as the episode set to 'change the popular Heeler family forever', had viewers in tears as it was revealed Bluey, her little sister Bingo and their parents Bandit and Chilli were moving away after Bandit landed a new job. Bluey fans across the world have been tuning into the series three finale and sharing their emotional reactions to the hidden details The episode focused on the family's last days at their Brisbane house as they hosted the wedding of Bandit's brother Rad and Bluey's 'fairy godmother' Frisky. But the wedding didn't go off without a hitch as Chilli, Bluey, Bingo and their cousins had to search for an upset Frisky who was having second thoughts. The emotional punch came at the close of the episode as Chilli broke the news to Bingo that selling their home meant they had to leave. Their empty rooms were shown before the twist was revealed - their buyers had pulled out of the sale and Bandit had made the decision the family should stay put. Parents admitted they were in tears at the relatable message about choosing what's best for your family, with one tweeting: 'This was such a beautiful episode. The end had me sobbing. Absolutely brilliant. The message and the way it all played out.just perfect.' Other emotional fans posted: 'why am i crying over a childrens show'; 'We just watched the most current episode of Bluey. It came out today, and my daughter has been so excited. All 3 of us were left crying. It's a children's cartoon, and we're emotional.'; 'Just finished it and holy moly, best Bluey episode ever. Im in tears right now. This episode was honestly TOO relatable'; 'My 7yr old son and 13yr old daughter asked me to wake them up at 5am to watch #BlueyTheSign together before I went to the airport to head to a conference. So I did and I sat there with them snuggled up with me and watched it and wow all the emotions caused by a friggin cartoon;' 'Made my grown ass cry, the kids dont understand'. Other hidden details or Easter Eggs left viewers in tears, especially when a brief scene saw Chilli's sister Brandy with a baby bump. In previous episode Onesies, the series tackled the subject of infertility when it was revealed that Brandy wasn't able to have a baby of her own and therefore had distanced herself from her sister's family. But The Sign saw a pregnant Brandy being happily greeted by Chilli at the wedding. The Sign,had viewers in tears as it was revealed Bluey, her little sister Bingo and their parents Bandit and Chilli were moving away after Bandit landed a new job The episode focused on the family's last days at their Brisbane house as they hosted the wedding of Bandit's brother Rad and Chilli's best pal Frisky 'I openly sobbed during #BlueyTheSign,' one fan tweeted. 'Brandy is pregnant. All the heartache, all those negative tests, every single tear she shed, her storm passed, and the rainbow came. As someone who walked Brandy's path, I could jump for joy for her. Whew, what a journey.' Other Easter Eggs included the return of Greeny, Blue's green balloon which floated away at the end of the episode Mum School and Nana Heeler and Grandpa Bob, aka Bobba, flossing at the wedding after Bluey taught them the move in Grannies. The show about the Australian animated family, which airs on BBC and Disney+ in the UK, sparked cancellation fears last week when the storyline revealed their 15 to 20 room Brisbane home was on the market for 6m Australian dollars (3m). Flooding Twitter, parents voiced their worries over what the storyline means for the show's future - with threats to 'riot' if the heartwarming programme concludes. The emotional punch came at the close of the episode though as Chilli broke the news to Bingo that selling their home meant they had to leave Their empty rooms were shown before the twist was revealed - their buyers had pulled out of the sale and Bandit had made the decision the family should stay put Other hidden details or Easter Eggs left viewers in tears, especially when a brief scene saw Chilli's sister Brandy with a baby bump Bluey creator Joe Brumm told Australia's Daily Telegraph that the rambling heritage house situated in trendy Paddington, in Brisbane features a wraparound veranda and '15 to 20 rooms' and has been spotted on real life estate agent websites. Swarming social media, enraged fans penned: 'Bluey's house is for sale. It appears the worst might be happening. If Bluey ends we riot... I saw Bluey [and] at the end I was literally crying because Bluey sold her house!! But why? Is the show over?' News of the house's sale soon spread after the episode Ghost Basket showed the final scene depicting a For Sale sign outside the lavish home. Additionally, the animated house was also listed on an Australian real estate site, Domain, which describes the home as 'a quaint, animated family home nestled in an undisclosed Brisbane location, that could be in Red Hill or The Gap (we'll never tell)... 'With mid-century design aesthetics offset by whimsical touches. The quintessential Queenslander, radiating heritage charm, complete with upwards of 100 hidden small long dogs to be found.' Parents admitted they were in tears at the relatable message about choosing what's best for your family, with one tweeting: 'This was such a beautiful episode. The end had me sobbing Fans were left in shock last week, when the family put their fictional home up for sale in the episode Ghost Basket, with many worried it signalled the end of the cartoon A host of Twitter users continued: 'Oh no theyre totally selling the house in bluey im going to sob... just finished bluey WDYM THEYRE SELLING THE HOUSE??... WHY IS BLUEY'S HOUSE UP FOR SALE ON TIK TOK WHAT IS HAPPENING?! #Bluey... 'Bluey moving house has thrown me. Wasn't ready for this news... JUST WATCHED THE NEW BLUEY EPISODE WDYM THEYRE SELLING THE HOUSE ?!??!?!?! WHATTTTT... Bluey's house is for sale. It appears the worst might be happening... 'If Bluey ends we riot... I JUST WATCHED THE NEW BLUEY EPISODE AND ISTGGG THEY CANT SELL THE HOUSE... Why am I so sad they listed the bluey house for sale??... What do you mean the Heelers are selling their house?! #bluey... Bluey fans were urged to re-watch five core episodes of the children's cartoon before the show's 'supersized finale' on April 14, including Campsite from season one, and Onesies and Double Babysitter from season three as they have important storylines which will be resolved in the finale. Sam Faiers has revealed her son Edward has given her a corneal abrasion after 'painful' accident. The television personality and businesswoman, 33, who shares also shares Paul, seven, and Rosie, five, with her partner Paul Knightley, said her youngest child 23-months, had poked her in the eye. Sharing a selfie to her Instagram Story on Monday, Sam shielded her eyes with a pair of oversized sunglasses and explained what had happened. She captioned the update: 'New pain unlocked and never experienced before. Edward poked me in the eye this morning 'This sounds dramatic but I've never had this kind of pain before from an eye poke. It's a corneal abrasion. So painful... like burns. Any tips? Sunglasses help slightly.' Sam Faiers, 33, has revealed her son Edward has given her a corneal abrasion after 'painful' accident The television personality, who shares also shares Paul, seven, and Rosie, five, with her partner Paul Knightley, said her youngest child 23-months, had poked her in the eye Corneal abrasions are a small scratch on the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye. They are generally a result of injury to the surface of the eye. Common causes include a fingernail scratching the eye, walking into something, and getting grit in the eye, particularly if the eye is then rubbed. It comes following the news that Sam's skincare brand has raked in a staggering 13.2 million since it launched just three years ago. The reality star shot to fame as an original cast member on ITV's The Only Way Is Essex in 2010, which she starred in until 2014 when she quit to appear in her own series, The Mummy Diaries, which ran until 2021. Since bowing out of the TV limelight, Sam has turned her fame into fortune by starting up multiple businesses and her brand Revive Collagen has certainly proved a hit by achieving a whopping 13.2 million turnover in just three years. The star's beauty company specialises in award-winning ready to drink collagen and has been endorsed by celebrities such as Oti Mabuse, Paloma Faith and Amanda Holden, who is an ambassador for the brand. A source exclusively told MailOnline: 'Sam is one savvy businesswoman. She risked it all by starting the business, especially during the uncertain times of the lockdown.' She captioned the update: 'New pain unlocked and never experienced before. Edward poked me in the eye this morning' They added: 'She took no external investment and built the business from the ground up with her business partner. 'With the business being profitable from day one and set to launch across the US next month, she firmly has her eyes set on becoming the global market leader in ingestible collagen. 'Whilst she's had a couple of business failures along the way, she's definitely struck gold with Revive Collagen.' Revive Collagen now claims to sell one box every 90 seconds and is stocked in over 2,000 stores across the UK, including high-profile retail locations like Harrods, Boots, and Holland & Barrett and is also stocked at Saks Fifth Avenue in the US. Location, Location, Location star Kirstie Allsopp has vented her frustration after her British Airways flight was delayed for nearly 48 hours. The delay caused the mother-of-two, 52, from London to miss hospital appointments and filming. Kirstie appears to still be holed up in the unknown getaway location after returning to the airport only to find out that the departure had been delayed yet again. Fuming, she posted on X: 'I dont think I have ever been so enraged by any company as I have been, and still am, with @British_Airways. 'This latest episode, a delay of over 24 hours with next to no information and missed hospital appointments and filming as a result, is but another in a long line of [poo emoji].' Location, Location, Location star Kirstie Allsopp has vented her frustration after her British Airways flight was delayed for nearly 48 hours After being told to return 24 hours after the original flight time, the flight was delayed an extra 23 hours, according to the presenter Kirstie's post has been viewed by over 65,000 people, and did get a swift reply from the airline's official X account, inviting the presenter to contact them so they could 'take a closer look' to see if they could arrange an earlier flight After an hour-and-a-half's breather, the Channel 4 star returned to social media to add: 'We pitched up at the airport as instructed, 24 hours after our original flight, waited 2 hours to be told that our flight is now delayed by another 21 hours until 5pm local time tomorrow.' That amounts to a 47-hour wait in total. She concluded that the delay was 'utter chaos'. Kirstie's post has been viewed by over 65,000 people, and did get a swift reply from the airline's official X account, inviting the presenter to contact them so they could 'take a closer look' to see if they could arrange an earlier flight. Kirstie had already seemingly had a disrupted flight with BA in the previous few weeks. On March 27, she posted on X: 'Has anyone ever had a ghost booking with British Airways, a ticket is booked but cos the payment didnt register, through no fault of yours, the ticket disappears and you think you never booked it/are going mad?' Her followers reported that similar things had happened to them, causing them to 'lose the plot'. Kirstie already said that this incident had made her 'beyond angry'. Understandably, one follower of the housing expert asked: 'Seriously Kirstie. You constantly criticise BA. Im just wondering why you dont choose a different carrier?' British Airways said: 'We've been in contact with our customers to apologise for the delay to their flight. This was caused by a technical issue with the aircraft and our teams are working hard to get them on the way as quickly as possible.' They added that they were covering all accommodation and meal costs for customers affected. Emily Ratajkowski showcased her toned abs Monday as she went on her daily walk with her dog Colombo. The model, 32, flaunted her fit form, wearing a gray bra top and low waist red joggers. She kept warm in the chilly New York City temperatures, donning a tan toned quilted jacket The runway regular wore comfortable white sneakers with black stripes for her stroll with her pooch. She appeared to be wearing light makeup with a natural lip and styled her long, brunette locks straight. Emily Ratajkowski showcased her toned abs Monday as she went on her daily walk with her dog Colombo in the Big Apple The model, 32, flaunted her fit form, wearing a gray bra top and low waist red joggers The cover model accessorized with dark sunglasses, thick gold hoop earrings and a stacked necklaces, including a nameplate and two pendants. After taking Colombo out, Ratajkowski stepped out again for a little nosh, picking up a treat for herself as she got in her daily steps. The feminist advocate, who made headlines when she released pictures of her divorce rings, two pieces of jewelry made from her Toi et Moi engagement ring, which included a square cut stone and a pear shaped stone. The influencer was married to movie producer Sebastian Bear-McClard from 2018-2022 and they share a son, Sylvester, three. On April 7, the headline maker revealed she had forgotten to make TikTok about her altered jewelry. She told her fans the 'main reason that I'm sharing that I did this because I've seen so many comments that associate divorce with failure and shame. And both personally and politically, I fundamentally disagree with that.' 'I think historically, the shame around divorce is at least partly what has kept women in unfair, unhappy, and even sometimes abusive marriages,' she said. 'Finding the resources and strength to leave a relationship is often a very brave and remarkable act,' she maintained. The influencer kept warm in the chilly New York City temperatures, donning a tan toned quilted jacket. The cover model accessorized with dark sunglasses, thick gold hoop earrings and a stacked necklaces, including a nameplate and two pendants She also chatted on her cell phone as her jacket opened 'I'm not trying to make the point that everyone needs to make a divorce ring or turn their wedding dress into a mini dress or whatever symbolic gesture for evolution, but I do think that single moms and women who are starting over for the first time in a terrifying way should find solace in the fact that they're not failures for leaving.' In an article with Glamour UK published in January, the model, who is often criticized for her looks, what's she's wearing or what she's NOT wearing, said she refuses to judge other women. 'I just absolutely refuse to be as hard on women as we are as a culture. I just cant do it,' she asserted. 'And even when I hear a story [about a woman] and my initial thought is like, "Oh, shes so desperate, stupid, blah, blah, blah" I question that instinct now, because I do think its internalized misogyny and some of the most staunch academic feminists or people who maybe can write the best pieces around feminists are not nice to other women in real life,' she claimed. The My Body author said she doesn't care as much what people think of her as she used to. 'Ive learned to prioritize my own happiness, probably because of my son,' she explained. The runway regular wore comfortable white sneakers with black stripes for her stroll The runway regular appeared to be wearing light makeup with a natural lip and styled her long, brunette locks straight Ratajkowski has put her popular podcast, the Hi Low with Emrata on hold and has returned to acting pursuits. She recently completed work on a TV movie called Bright Futures with Friends star Lisa Kudrow 'I feel I have bigger fish to fry than caring about the politics of whether or not Im appealing to the male gaze in a given moment.' Ratajkowski has put her popular podcast, the Hi Low with Emrata on hold and has returned to acting pursuits. She recently completed work on a TV movie called Bright Futures with Friends star Lisa Kudrow. The actress also has a role in the new TV series, Too Much, which was co-created and co-written by Lena Dunham. Andrew Scott has become the subject of a hilarious viral meme. The Sherlock star, 47, cropped up on Twitter when a user shared a snap with the caption: 'Someone said Andrew Scott looks like Ant and Dec and I can't unsee it'. An accompanying image showed Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly - leading to uproar from tickled fans who concurred with the statement. Instagram users replied to the post writing: 'I cant unsee this... I knew there was something I couldnt put my finger on... Well this changes things... 'I dont know who this is but they are not wrong... Anton Dec... He is like an uncanny amalgamation of the two... The simulations broken.' Andrew Scott has become the subject of a hilarious viral meme, with Twitter users noting he looked like a blend of two celebrities The Sherlock star, 47, cropped up on Twitter when a user shared a snap with the caption: 'Someone said Andrew Scott looks like Ant and Dec and I can't unsee it' Instagram users replied to the post writing: 'I cant unsee this... I knew there was something I couldnt put my finger on... Well this changes things' Andrew beamed on the red carpet in the initial image which was being likened to a backdated snap of the beloved TV duo. The tweet was shared by an account with the handle Tom Reagan's Hat, before a screenshot was posted on The Archbishop Of Banterbury. The social media spot comes after Andrew spoke out about his close friendship with his All Of Us Strangers co-star Paul Mescal, calling him ' a wonderful friend.' The Irish actors worked together on their Oscar-nominated movie, and spent awards season together, delighting fans with their red carpet antics. Andrew has now revealed how Paul, 27, played a pivotal role in helping him through a tough time after his beloved mother Nora died suddenly in March, right in the middle of the awards season spotlight. 'I adore Paul, he's so, so continues to be ' Andrew told The Sunday Times. 'Obviously it's been a tough time recently and he just continues to be a wonderful friend. It's everything.' 'The more I work in the industry, I realise, you make some stuff that people love and you make some stuff that people don't like, and all really that you are left with is the relationships that you make. I love him dearly.' The social media spot comes after Andrew spoke out about his close friendship with his All Of Us Strangers co-star Paul Mescal , calling him ' a wonderful friend' (pictured together at a screening for their film in November ) Andrew has now revealed how Paul, 27, played a pivotal role in helping him through a tough time after his beloved mother Nora died suddenly in March, right in the middle of the awards season spotlight All Of Us Strangers sees Andrew star as a screenwriter drawn back to his childhood home who enters into a fledgling relationship with a mysterious neighbor played by Paul. The film is an adaptation of Taichi Yamadas 1987 Japanese psychological novel Strangers. Director Andrew Haigh previously said that Paul and Andrew were 'fearless' when filming their sex scenes in the new movie. Speaking to Vanity Fair, he said: 'There was chemistry between the two of them literally the second I saw them together. 'Both of them were pretty fearless. There was no sense of them being afraid of approaching those scenes. They knew how important they were.' As well as the success of All Of Us Strangers, Andrew is currently basking in a flurry of positive reviews for his starring role in a new Netflix adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley. He also recently collected the Critics' Circle Theatre award for his remarkable performance in a contemporary rendering of Chekhov masterpiece Vanya. Andrew, 47, has now revealed how Paul, 27, played a pivotal role in helping him through a tough time after his beloved mother Nora died suddenly in March 'I adore Paul, he's so, so continues to be ' Andrew told The Sunday Times. 'Obviously it's been a tough time recently and he just continues to be a wonderful friend. It's everything# (pictured together at February's BAFTAs) But the occasion was tinged with sadness for the Irish star, whose devoted mother Nora passed away with a 'sudden illness' in March - shortly before Mother's Day. And Scott - who dedicated the award to her memory by telling audience members 'she was the source of practically every joyful thing in my life' - admits he felt compelled to immerse himself in work following her recent passing. 'Well, you know, you have to life goes on, you manage it day by day,' he told the Sunday Times. 'It's very recent, but I certainly can say that so much of it is surprising and unique, and there is so much that I will be able to speak about at some point.' MILF Manor is back for a second season that's sure to rile up viewers. The TLC series is back with a new trailer for the upcoming season, which debuts April 28 on TLC. Viewers in the UK and Ireland can stream the series beginning Monday April 29 on Discovery+. This season features a new crop of cougars searching for love, including a 45-year-old former stripper. The first season generated controversy and shocked viewers when it was revealed that the ripped young men the female contestants were being set up with were their own sons. MILF Manor is back for a second season that's sure to rile up viewers. The TLC series is back with a new trailer for the upcoming season, which debuts April 28 on TLC in the US and on April 29 on Discover+ for UK and Irish viewers This season features a new crop of cougars searching for love, including a 45-year-old former stripper named Barbie (pictured) The first season generated controversy and shocked viewers when it was revealed that the ripped young men the female contestants were being set up with were their own sons The trailer opens with idyllic views of what a lakeside mansion set up on a hill and surrounded by thick forest. 'I am ready to find love in this lake house,' one of the women says confidently in voiceover as the women are seen stepping out of their cars one by one. Kelly, a 59-year-old Pilates instructor, is seen gasping and starring wide eyed as she enters the enormous luxury home. 'Welcome to a brand-new season of MILF Manor,' says Jami, a 51-year-old two-time divorcee, as she reads a message on her phone. 'Get ready for an unforgettable experience with wild challenges, major shocks, incredible dates, and most importantly, the opportunity to find true love.' Barbie, a 45-year-old ex-stripperturnedmarketing executive, appears to quickly establish a romantic connection, as she's seen sitting face-to-face with a musclebound man on a dock. It's not clear what the show's challenges will be, but it likely involves getting intimately close with the young men. In one brief scene, Kelly and Crystal, a 48-year-old makeup artist getting out on the dating scene after grieving the death of her son, both rub some kind of syrupy concoction all over the rock-hard muscles of two young men. The ladies, along with Barbie, are then seen in a shocking excerpt as they lick the substance off of their chosen men, and Christina, a 46-year-old looking to start over after the end of her 20-year marriage, is seen gasping. 'I am ready to find love in this lake house,' one of the women says confidently in voiceover as the women are seen stepping out of their cars one by one Kelly, a 59-year-old Pilates instructor, is seen gasping and starring wide eyed as she enters the enormous luxury home 'Welcome to a brand-new season of MILF Manor,' Jami, a 51-year-old two-time divorcee, reads from her phone. 'Get ready for an unforgettable experience with wild challenges, major shocks, incredible dates, and most importantly, the opportunity to find true love' Barbie, a 45-year-old ex-stripperturnedmarketing executive, appears to quickly establish a romantic connection, as she's seen sitting face-to-face with a musclebound man on a dock The ladies of MILF Manor are also seen in a quick montage of romantic dates, though the men mostly have their faces blurred out or obscured by odd camera angles to preserve the surprises. 'Everyone here is looking for a real connection,' adds Lannette, 50, who is looking to start over after her divorce from the only romantic partner she ever had. Later, she's seen in a confessional. 'Dating younger men makes me feel playful,' she admits to the camera. Then Barbie is seen in a steamy scene as she makes out with a chiseled younger man. 'I will fight for what I want. And you are what I want,' he appears to say in voiceover. But Crystal urges another unseen man to not 'play games with my heart.' The trailer also hints that some of the women will leave the series, as they are seen from behind as they appear to pack up their belongings into their suitcases. The trailer ends with images of shocked MILFs as it promises that 'This season, the twisted is even more twisted.' It's not clear what the show's challenges will be, but it likely involves getting intimately close with the young men In one brief scene, Kelly and Crystal, a 48-year-old makeup artist getting out on the dating scene after grieving the death of her son, both rub some kind of syrupy concoction all over the rock-hard muscles of two young men The ladies, along with Barbie, are then seen in a shocking excerpt as they lick the substance off of their chosen men, and Christina, a 46-year-old looking to start over after the end of her 20-year marriage, is seen gasping The ladies of MILF Manor are also seen in a quick montage of romantic dates, though the men mostly have their faces blurred out or obscured by odd camera angles to preserve the surprises Crystal urges another unseen man to not 'play games with my heart' 'Dating younger men makes me feel playful,' Lannette, 50, admits to the camera The trailer ends with images of shocked MILFs as it promises that 'This season, the twisted is even more twisted' The first season twist revealed that the women were being set up with each other's sons US viewers can catch MILF Manor 2 on TLC on April 28, while viewers in the UK and Ireland can stream it from April 29 on Discovery+ The first season twist appeared to be that the young men the women were being set up with were their own sons. Although the young men all pursued other women, the motherson duos still had to participate in awkwardly raunchy games and make intimate confessions about their sex lives. The latest trailer is careful to avoid mentioning if the newest crop of men are also the sons of the women in question, and it played coy about the twist would be this time around, though presumably it won't exactly replicate that of season one. US viewers can catch MILF Manor 2 on TLC on April 28, while viewers in the UK and Ireland can stream it from April 29 on Discovery+. For many women, it might be thought becoming a mother means putting their career on hold. But Sarah Snook has revealed the sleepless nights spent breastfeeding her baby helped her win her Olivier award. The mother of one said breastfeeding her daughter in the middle of the night gave her the window to learn the 60,000 words of the Oscar Wilde monologue which won her British theatre's biggest award on Sunday night. The Australian actress best known for playing Shiv Roy in Succession, for which she won an Emmy for this year, won the best actress Olivier Award for her one-woman performance of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. Ms Snook, 36, said she had feared at one point she would not be able to learn her lines for her West End debut and that motherhood has once made her regret taking on such a demanding role. Sarah Snook has revealed the sleepless nights spent breastfeeding her baby helped her win her Olivier award (pictured at the event on Sunday night) Snook welcomed her daughter with her husband, Australian actor Dave Lawson, 45, last year Speaking after collecting her award she said: 'I just felt 'what am I doing? Why am I doing a 60,000 word monologue with an eight-month-old baby?' I felt so stupid. 'So I was doing a lot of night breastfeeding. 'And in the evening when I would wake up then rather than being on my phone and feeding her I would run over the lines. 'I find that if you learn your lines at night and then sleep on them they do go in more effectively.' Ms Snook went head-to-head with fellow TV star Sarah Jessica Parker, 59, of Sex And The City as well as Sheridan Smith, 42, Sophie Okonedo, 55, and Laura Donnelly, 41. But the awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall was dominated by a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard which won best actor and actress in a musical for its lead performers, Tom Francis and Nicole Scherzinger, 45. This awards season has been one to celebrate for Ms Snook, which saw her triumph at the Critics Choice, Golden Globes and Emmy Awards. The mother of one said breastfeeding her daughter in the middle of the night gave her the window to learn the 60,000 words of the Oscar Wilde monologue The Australian actress best known for playing Shiv Roy in Succession, for which she won an Emmy for this year, won the best actress Olivier Award During the evening she reunited with her on-screen father and Succession co-star Brian Cox Snook welcomed her daughter with her husband, Australian actor Dave Lawson, 45, last year. The Succession star made the announcement on Instagram as she penned an emotional tribute to the show after it aired its final episode. She posted a photo of her and her new baby sitting in front of the TV, ready to watch the finale. In the caption she wrote: 'I just watched the final episode of the final season of something that has changed my life. And now, my life has changed again.' RHOM star Alexia Nepola has been left 'shocked' after learning that her husband Todd has filed for divorce after two years of marriage. Todd, 51, a real estate exec, says their marriage is 'irretrievably broken' The couple, who celebrated their one year anniversary in Italy, had shown no major signs of a split - with Alexia posting a gushing Valentine's Day for her husband this year. Todd filed the court papers on April 11, according to Page Six. Alexia, 56, best known as a member of the Real Housewives of Miami cast, has yet to respond to the petition. However, she took to her social media account to tells fans she was 'shocked' and 'heartbroken.' Todd, a commercial real estate executive, revealed in his filing that each had signed a prenuptial agreement on Dec. 10, 2021, six days before they tied the knot. Alexia Nepola, 56, and her husband Todd, 51, are divorcing after two years of marriage (Pictured in Hallandale, FL in January 2019) The details of the contract were not listed in the filing. A 'heartbroken' Nepola shared a statement responding to the divorce filing shortly after news broke her spouse had filed to end the marriage. 'I am shocked and heartbroken that Todd has chosen to dissolve our marriage,' she posted to her Instagram Stories on Monday. 'I will take comfort in the fact that my friends and family will be by my side supporting me during this difficult time. 'I'm praying for better times ahead.' The pair tied the knot quietly in St. Barts. The Bravo star told US Weekly at the time she announced it, the intimate ceremony was 'perfect for us! Truly everything we wanted. Just him and I.' 'Our favorite moment of the ceremony was when a big sea turtle came up to above the water. I knew there was a symbolic and spiritual meaning and the universe trying to tell me something,' she recalled. The mother of two, shares her sons Peter, 31, and Frankie, 27, with ex-husband Pedro Rosello, to whom she was married from 1992 to 1996. She became famous as Alexia Echevarria when she married her late husband Hermann, who passed away unexpectedly in 2016. They were separated at the time of his death. Alexia and Todd met in 2017 and became engaged in 2019, before walking down the aisle two years later. The relationship between Todd and his step-son Peter was always a difficult one. Court papers filed by Todd Nepola on April 11 call the marriage 'irretrievably broken' (Pictured in New York in February 2023) The couple wed during a quiet ceremony in St. Barts in late December 2021 and traveled to Italy a year later to celebrate their first anniversary Court papers indicate that the pair signed a prenup before tying the knot. Details of the contract were not disclosed in the filing (Pictured in Miami in December 2022) Alexia has yet to respond to the petition It's been going on for a few years,' Alexia told BravoTV.com in January 2022. 'The viewers are going to see Todd's side of the argument, and they're also going to see Peter's side of the argument. And the truth is, you can never judge. You have to be at the moment and really know the whole story in order to form an opinion.' The devoted mom also helps provide care for Frankie, who suffered permanent brain damage from a 2011 car accident. Since then, she has worked as an advocate for people with brain injuries. He is known for his stylish looks and penchant for designer clothing. And on Monday, Lewis Hamilton continued to mark his footprint in the fashion world as he attended the Rimowa photocall in Seoul, South Korea. The F1 racing driver, 39, who is an ambassador of the German suitcase brand, looked stylish in a grey buttoned oversized shirt teamed with matching wide-leg trousers. He gave a further stylish touch with red-tinted shades, while rocking a pearl choker necklace and dazzling diamond earrings. The Mercedes alum looked in good spirits as he beamed, stopping to strike a few poses in front of the brand's logo. Monday, Lewis Hamilton continued to mark his footprint in the fashion world as he attended the Rimowa photocall in Seoul, South Korea The F1 racing driver, 39, who is an ambassador of the German suitcase brand, looked stylish in a grey buttoned oversized shirt teamed with matching wide-leg trousers He gave a further stylish touch with red-tinted shades, while rocking a pearl choker necklace and dazzling diamond earrings Lewis was snapped posing alongside Rimowa's CEO Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert. It comes soon after he admitted he was offered a role in the Hollywood star's 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick by Hollywood legend Tom Cruise. A sequel to the 1986 film starring Tom, 61, as Naval Aviator Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell is widely credited for pulling Hollywood out of the financial hole created by COVID-19 and the global pandemic. It grossed $1.496 billion worldwide. But Lewis missed out on the opportunity after conflicting schedules resulted in the Mercedes driver turning down a cameo role in the action flick. Speaking to GQ, he admitted to begging for a role in the film years before principal photography began, when the prospect of a potential sequel was first mooted by Cruise. 'I said, "Dude, if you ever do Top Gun 2, I will even be a janitor. Just let me be in it,"' he recalled. Despite Lewis' limited acting ability, good-natured Tom introduced him to the film's director, Joseph Kosinski, but the driver soon realised he couldn't commit to a role. He gave a further stylish touch with red-tinted shades Lewis also rocked a pearl choker necklace and dazzling diamond earrings The Mercedes alum looked in good spirits as he beamed He stopped to strike a few poses in front of the brand's logo Proving the tied collaboration with brand, Lewis was snapped posing alongside Rimowa's CEO Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert 'Firstly, I hadnt even had, like, an acting lesson,' he said. 'And I dont want to be the one that lets this movie down. 'And then secondly, I just really didnt have the time to dedicate to it. I remember having to tell Joe and Tom and it broke my heart.' He added: 'And then I regretted it, naturally, when they show me the movie and its: "It couldve been me!"' As Madonna prepares for the final stretch of The Celebration Tour, she found time to grace the pages of a fashion magazine. The Grammy Award winner, 65, put on a busty display with a Bible and rosary as she posed for the cover of Re-Edition Magazine's upcoming spring/summer 2024 issue. 'None of your Business' wrote Madonna on Instagram with the cover. She was dripping with Swarovski jewels in the photo, donning a Dolce & Gabbana ensemble with long sheer white gloves by Lael Osness. The closeup featured Madonna sitting on the floor and crouching over her Bible and rosary on a coffee table. Madonna put on a busty display with a Bible and rosary as she posed for the cover of Re-Edition Magazine 's upcoming spring/summer 2024 issue Madonna's latest post comes amid her two-night stop in Austin as part of The Celebration Tour Griselda actor Alberto Guerra also appeared in the shoot, donning Roberto Cavalli and whispering in Madonna's ear. Madonna previously enjoyed a night off as she showed her support at son Rocco Ritchie's art exhibit Pack a Punch in Miami this week. 'So happy to have the night off to enjoy my son Roccoss latest collection of paintings called "Pack A Punch" inspired by Muay Thai fighters. So Proud!' Madonna captioned a photo of herself with the 23-year-old. The mother of six was also joined by son David Banda and daughter Mercy James, both 18, as well as 11-year-old twin girls Stella and Estere, all of whom she adopted from Malawi. She shares Rocco with ex-husband Guy Ritchie, and daughter Lourdes, , with ex Carlos Leon. Madonna's latest post comes amid her two-night stop in Austin as part of The Celebration Tour. 'Hello Austin,' she wrote Sunday with a recent photo on her Instagram Story. 'See you tonight!!' Performing her most beloved hits from her decades-spanning career, Madonna kicked off the tour on October 14 in London. She announced last month that the tour will culminate on May 4 with a free concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Performing her most beloved hits from her decades-spanning career, Madonna kicked off the tour on October 14 in London Madonna previously enjoyed a night off as she showed her support at son Rocco Ritchie 's art exhibit Pack a Punch in Miami this week The mother of six was also joined by son David Banda and daughter Mercy James, both 18, as well as 11-year-old twin girls Stella and Estere, all of whom she adopted from Malawi Madonna previously had to scale back the seven-month tour after she was hospitalized and intubated over a bacterial infection last June. The Madame X artist later revealed that she was in an induced coma for 48 hours after suffering lung and kidney failure. During her first Celebration Tour stop in London, Madonna admitted onstage that she 'didn't think I'd make it' during the stint, during which she 'forgot five days' of her life. Health scares aside, Madonna has also been met with lawsuits from fans during the Celebration Tour, after her NYC shows started two hours late. Madonna's legal team and Live Nation responded to the lawsuit in TMZ. 'Madonna just completed and sold out her 2023 Celebration Tour in Europe - which received rave reviews,' they said. 'The shows opened in North America at Barclays in Brooklyn as planned, with the exception of a technical issue December 13th during soundcheck.' 'This caused a delay that was well documented in press reports at the time. We intend to defend this case vigorously,' they added. Madonna's Celebration Tour continues Monday with a second night in Austin, before heading onto Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro. Former Vanderpump Rules star Brittany Cartwright believes that the current cast members are 'jealous' of Ariana Madix's success following the Scandoval affair. After her boyfriend Tom Sandoval cheated on her with pal Rachel Leviss last year, Ariana's celebrity status skyrocketed and she was inundated with lucrative endorsement deals, acting and hosting roles, and a starring role on Broadway. Brittany, 35, addressed Ariana's newfound popularity on the Not Skinny Not Fat podcast after host Amanda Hirsch asked if the cast can truly be 'genuinely happy' for Ariana - or will it always be mixed with 'jealousy'. Amanda added, 'Because you're all kind of doing the same thing and you all want the same things and [Ariana's] getting it right now.' 'I think it's obvious that there's a little bit of jealousy going on in that show,' said Cartwright who is now starring on her own show, The Valley. Former Vanderpump Rules star Brittany Cartwright believes that the current cast are 'jealous' of Ariana Madix's success following the Scandoval affair After her boyfriend Tom Sandoval (center) cheated on her with pal Rachel Leviss (left) last year, Ariana's (right) celebrity status skyrocketed 'I think it's obvious that there's a little bit of jealousy going on in that show,' Cartwright said of Madix 'I'm definitely happy for her and I know that they're all happy for her. I think that everybody's just like, "Well, why isn't this happening to me!" 'Like Scheana [Shay] for instance,' she said. 'She's definitely happy for Ariana, but you can still be happy for someone and want to do those things too.' Madix getting cast on Dancing with the Stars over Shay was a storyline on the current season of Vanderpump Rules. Following Scandoval, Madix landed a seemingly endless string of endorsement deals with brands like Bic, Duracell, Bloomingdales, Lays, T-Mobile, Uber, Airbnb, and more. The 38-year-old also just launched her own footwear collaboration with DSW. Along with endorsements and doing Dancing with the Stars, Madix also launched a cocktail book, starred in a Lifetime film, and was just named the new host of Love Island USA. She covered Glamour magazine and Us Weekly, and even played Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway. Madix was inundated with lucrative endorsement deals, acting and hosting roles, and a starring role on Broadway after being cheated on Ariana was able to turn her heartbreak into money-making opportunities, including deals with Uber One (left) and BIC razors (right) The 38-year-old starred in the Lifetime film Buying Back My Daughter last year The former waitress became a celebrity cover girl by gracing the cover of Glamour magazine Madix's Vanderpump Rules co-star Lala Kent has been critical of her following Scandoval. In a confessional on the show, she said Madix needs to 'pull her head from out of her own a**' and 'remember who her friends are and what they've done for her.' Meanwhile, Madix reportedly purchased a $1.6 million 'recently renovated mid-century modern' property that was originally built in 1962. The blonde beauty just replaced Sarah Hyland as the host of Love Island USA Madix also graced the stage of Broadway by getting to play Roxie Hart on Broadway According to Page Six, the main level of the TV personality's new pad has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open floor plan. The living room and dining room are connected to the kitchen, equipped with stainless steel appliances and brass hardware. The second floor has a 'generously-sized primary suite with a modern bathroom, seating area and picturesque views of LA, including the iconic Hollywood sign.' Her new yard is an entertainer's dream, with enough space to host up to 20 people. It is also said to have a 'seating area and meditation deck with panoramic views.' Vanderpump Rules is available to watch on Hayu EastEnders star Clay Milner Russell is set to leave the soap after five years. The actor, 24, who plays Bobby Beale on the BBC serial, is hoping to take on some challenging roles after filming his final Walford scenes. Clay is the fifth person to portray killer Bobby after he took over from Eliot Carrington in 2019. Current cast member Clay played Bobby as he spent time in a young offenders institute after killing his sister Lucy Beale. When he returned to Albert Square, Bobby converted to Islam and suffered a breakdown after seeing vivid visions of his dead sister Lucy. EastEnders star Clay Milner Russell is set to leave the soap after five years (seen in EastEnders as character Bobby Beale last year) The actor, 24, who plays Bobby Beale on the BBC serial, is hoping to take on some challenging roles after filming his final Walford scenes (Clay pictured in 2022) He also had a tense reunion with Lucy's mother, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) when she returned to E20 last year. Bobby is currently in a relationship with his step-sister Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) despite her previously sleeping with his best friend Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier). Despite his character's gripping storylines, Clay is ready to move on, with a source telling The Sun: 'Clays a talented actor and hes ambitious. 'He was never going to stay in EastEnders forever. Hes loved playing Bobby but he became an actor to play all kinds of roles and he wants to do that. 'The door is being left open but for now its a definite goodbye.' They added: 'Clay is a young actor so he wants to use these years to try his hand at other roles.' A EastEnders spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We can confirm that Clay will be leaving EastEnders later this year, we wish him all the best for the future.' It comes after it was reported Bobby Brazier had renewed his EastEnders contract following fears he was set to quit the soap. Current cast member Clay played Bobby as he spent time in a young offenders institute after killing his sister Lucy Beale (pictured in 2019) Bobby (pictured) is currently in a relationship with his step-sister Anna Knight (Molly Rainford, pictured) despite her previously sleeping with his best friend Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) The model and actor, 20, is said to have been inundated with offers since competing on Strictly Come Dancing last year. But, after contemplating walking away from the BBC serial, he has decided to continue in his role as Freddie Slater. A source told the Mirror: 'Bobby is seen as one of the Squares brightest young stars, and to lose him would have been a massive blow for the show. 'For his part, he loves playing Freddie, but he was in such demand after Strictly and he felt he needed to give all of the offers open to him proper consideration. 'Thankfully he has now decided to renew his contract and everyone is thrilled. It comes after Bobby Brazier reportedly renewed his EastEnders contract following fears he was set to quit the soap (pictured in February) After contemplating walking away from the BBC serial, he has decided to continue in his role as Freddie Slater (seen in EastEnders in August 2023) 'He does still have other projects he is in talks for, but they will run alongside his work on the show - much like Molly Rainfords single last year or Tameka Empsons recent play.' A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: We never comment on artists contracts.' MailOnline contacted a representative for Bobby for comment. Bobby returned to filming for EastEnders in February this year after finishing as runner-up on 2023's Strictly Come Dancing. The future of one Strictly Come Dancing professional has seemingly been confirmed after his fiancee let slip. Gorka Marquez's fiancee Gemma Atkinson indadvertedly revealed the pro is returning to the BBC show when it returns later this year. The mother-of-two accidentally confirmed that Gorka will be returning to the dance floor, but is unsure whether he will have a partner on the show. Gemma, who shares daughter Mia, four, and Thiago, 10 months, with Gorka, addressed their children's childcare when he goes off to Strictly training. While she juggles her own working commitments, Gemma said she has to rely on her parents as Gorka's family live in Spain. The future of one Strictly Come Dancing professional has seemingly been confirmed after his fiancee let slip In a now-deleted post on social media, Gemma explained: 'Depending on Gorka's partner and whether he has a partner, depending on where they're based, he doesn't know where he is. 'All the childcare lands on my family because obviously all his family are in Spain.' Last week, Gorka's co-stars Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal revealed they still do not know whether they are returning to the 2024 series. Jowita explained: 'Hopefully we are back, we don't know yet. You will have to watch to find out.' Luba added: 'Fingers crossed, it's very exciting.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course.' It comes after Gemma hit back at critics of her long-distance relationship with Gorka on Lorraine in February. The presenter revealed she is 'great on her own' while the Strictly Come Dancing star goes away to work as she likes her own 'space' as she continues to hit back at persistent split rumours. Gorka Marquez's fiancee Gemma Atkinson indadvertedly revealed the pro is returning to the BBC show when it returns later this year The mother-of-two accidentally confirmed that Gorka will be returning to the dance floor, but is unsure whether he will have a partner on the show Gemma, who shares daughter Mia, four, and Thiago, 10 months, with Gorka, addressed their children's childcare when he goes off to Strictly training In a now-deleted post on social media according to The Sun , Gemma explained: ' Depending on Gorka's partner and whether he has a partner, depending on where they're based, he doesn't know where he is' Currently, Gorka is a judge on the Spanish version of the BBC competition, Bailando con las Estrellas, and is 'home during the week' and in Madrid on the weekends to film. Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Gemma said she doesn't care if people find their romance 'strange' because she is used to it and 'it has always been that way'. She said: 'He's on the Spanish Strictly as a judge, he's home during the week but then at the weekends I get my space so it works out.' She continued: 'I get that people would find it strange that we are apart a lot but that's how it's always since we met. Every year I know between August and Christmas, and Gorka knows, he doesnt know where he is going to be. 'Because I have done Strictly and I know that side of it, its not a shock to me. Army wives, their partners are away for six or seven months and they make out that Ive been moaning that Ive been on my own for three weeks but really I am having the best time. 'You dont want to be so dependent on each other that you cant do anything without them and I think thats whats great about me and Gorka is that on his own hes great, on my own Im great but together its like unstoppable.' Two Bargain Hunt contestants where left in hysterics when one of their items made an unexpected profit at auction during Monday's episode. The blue team - nurse Joe and his wife Mhari - were seen scouring the stalls at antiques fairs and car boot sales in a bid to find items they thought they could sell on in a bid to make more profit than the red team. They had a disappointing start at auction towards the end of the instalment after a quaint clock they had purchased for 99 only made 50 under the hammer. However, their spirits were lifted when a cast iron toilet roll holder proved popular with bidders. The 15 item flew at auction, prompting Joe to exclaim: 'No way!' Two Bargain Hunt contestants where left in hysterics when one of their items made an unexpected profit at auction during Monday's episode Their spirits were lifted when a cast iron toilet roll holder proved popular with bidders at auction Watching from the side of the room an excited Mhari shouted: 'Come on!', as the bits kept coming in. The auctioneer joked that the couple were 'on a roll' as the bids rose to 32. Turning to his wife, Joe laughed: 'You're joking! They've gone mad,' as the hammer dropped, meaning they made 17 profit. Viewers were just as stunned, with some taking to social media to express their surprise. One person wrote on Twitter: '[They're] a tenner on Amazon.' While someone else shared: 'Ridiculous price for the bog roll holder.' 'The toilet roll holder are for sale all over the Internet at 10 each,' wrote another viewer. And someone else joked: 'Somebody must be flush with cash.' The auctioneer joked that the couple were 'on a roll' as the bids rose to 32. Turning to his wife, Joe laughed: 'You're joking! They've gone mad,' as the hammer dropped Viewers were just as stunned, with some taking to social media to express their surprise after the toilet roll holder made 17 profit They went on to sell a set of six ornate buttons for 110 at auction which they had bought earlier for 49. After being convinced to take a gamble by expert John Cameron an ornate inkwell shaped like a stove, buying it for 40, it sold for 30 at auction, meaning they made a 10 loss. However, they made a profit overall, meaning they triumphed over the red team. It comes after two Bargain Hunt red team members were left speechless by a hefty mystery buy from Roo Irvine that managed to save them from a massive loss. Letting out a huge gasp, red team members Sasha and Marian couldn't help but say 'wow' when they opened their eyes and saw the huge West German vase. With only a 160 in her budget, the antiques expert managed to bag the wildcard item for 35 in the hopes it would rake in at least 55 for the team. Roo's stunning buy came shortly after the two women had suffered a terrible start in a tense battle with the blue team earlier on in the episode. In total, they suffered a loss of 26 after their 1930s German clock and art-deco broaches failed to perform at auction. It comes after Bargain Hunt red team members (left to right) Sasha and Miriam were left speechless by Roo's mystery buy The antiques pro was hoping the West-German vase would fetch for anywhere between 55 and 60 (pictured) In the nick of time a violin, which cost 28, managed to lower their deficit of minus 14 after the instrument sold for a 12 profit. But Roo still had quite the challenge on her hands to try and bring the team back from the brink of losing with her mystery buy. However the antiques expert managed to exceed herself nabbing the stunning vase with a red patterned design, leaving the pair totally enamoured. Taken aback by their positive reaction, Roo was all smiles as the women said: 'Wow. Oh My Gosh. It is really nice. No I really like it. Oh wow.' Happy with their enthusiasm, the antiques pro responded: 'That's a reaction I wanted to get.' Sasha, who continued to express her happiness with the vase, adding: 'It is just beautiful, isn't it? I really love it. Thank you so much.' Although Roo was fairly confident the item would fetch for anywhere between 55 and 60, Bargain Hunt host Eric Knowles thought she was being too optimistic, quipping that the vase wouldn't sell for more than 25. Although the women were impressed with the find, buyers weren't quite as enamoured with the item selling for only 25 (left to right: Roo Irvine, Sasha and Miriam) In the end, his estimation was accurate with the ceramic vase auctioning for only 25. Although, the red team didn't walk away with a profit - Roo managed to get them the win, with the blue team taking a loss of minus 39. This comes shortly after a Bargain Hunt 'hidden gem' makes a staggering profit leaving an evaluation expert Raj Bisram shocked. Nathalie and Karl - who were on the red team up against Adam and Jemma on the blue team - had been given the job of finding a profitable fashion accessory. Meanwhile, the blue team were required to find and make a profit on an item with a Chinese theme. It took both teams a mere 20 minutes to find two items, giving them 40 minutes to find what they would acquire for their final purchase. 'Twenty mins down, two items. It's a walk in the park what else can I say.' Although Natalie and Karl purchased a Swedish vase for 15, they clearly had their eyes on a bigger prize judging by their next purchase. They followed it up by forking out 130 for a 1970s vintage Omega gentleman's watch Antique expert Raj, 68, was impressed by their speed, enthusing: 'This is probably one of the easiest teams I've ever had. Coronation Street star Alex Bain is struggling to accept the end of his time on the soap as he 'begged bosses' to bring his character back, it has been reported. The actor, 22, who is known by many for playing Simon Barlow since 2008, has recently been very 'emotional' as the choice was out of his control. Although telling last year he was quitting the iconic ITV soap after 15 years - it seems it was not down to him and actually, he 'really doesn't want to leave'. 'Alex has been putting on a brave face saying he quit the show but in reality bosses decided it was time for him to move on,' a source told The Sun. 'It's been incredibly emotional for Alex and he really doesn't want to leave at all. Coronation Street star Alex Bain is struggling to accept the end of his time on the soap as he 'begged bosses' to bring his character back, it has been reported The actor, 22, who is known by many for playing Simon Barlow since 2008, has recently been very 'emotional' as the choice was out of his control (he is pictured in 2019) 'He's been begging bosses to keep him in mind for the future. He wants to go back already.' His close pal and fellow Corrie star Jack James Ryan shared an emotional tribute to Alex, calling him an 'icon' and a 'brother' as they celebrated his exit from the soap. Sharing the snap on his Instagram stories Jack, 28 - who played former bad boy Jacob Hay - posed hugging Alex alongside two female pals and penned proudly: '15 years is no joke. an icon for so many & a brother of mine. we love u @alexbainofficial.' The actor rushed to repost Jack's tribute on his own stories, adding a sweet comment: 'Love ya too man! thank you to everyone who came last night. It was an absolute blast!' Playing the legendary character since he was only 7-year-old, Alex has now wrapped up filming and is set to depart in an explosive storyline in the summer. Yet, In December The Sun reported a source revealed Alex, who became a father in real life in 2018, was 'very excited' to move on from the ITV soap opera into new opportunities. MailOnline has contacted ITV and Alex's representatives for comment. Alex has been involved in a number of controversial storylines while on the Cobbles and won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2011 and scooped up another gong in 2014 at the Inside Soap Awards. 'Alex has been putting on a brave face saying he quit the show but in reality bosses decided it was time for him to move on. It's been incredibly emotional for Alex and he really doesn't want to leave at all,' a source told The Sun (he is pictured in 2018) His close pal and fellow Corrie star Jack James Ryan shared an emotional tribute to Alex, calling him an 'icon' and a 'brother' as they celebrated his exit from the soap The actor rushed to repost Jack's tribute on his own stories, adding a sweet comment: 'Love ya too man! thank you to everyone who came last night. It was an absolute blast!' Alex - who joined Corrie when he was only 7 - has been involved in a number of controversial storylines while on the Cobbles and won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2011 and scooped up another gong in 2014 at the Inside Soap Awards (pictured in 2009) In real life, the actor became a dad at the age of 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at 16 years old. At the time, a source said: 'They were over the moon at the birth of their baby girl and were really happy together. But they've been through a lot together and they're both still so young.' Their relationship ended the following May, and the soap star met dancer Mollie Lockwood, 22, in 2019. Alex then revealed in December 2022 that he had popped the question to Mollie two months earlier. But the couple has reportedly already split - only six months after getting engaged, as Alex has wiped all trace of Mollie from his Instagram account. An insider told The Sun: 'They're gutted the relationship didn't work out, but they're both so young it's hard to make such a big commitment early on in their lives. 'Their mates have rallied around to support them and keep them busy. Simon is focused on the soap and getting stuck into storylines and his role.' After becoming engaged in October after one year of dating. The lovebirds then broke the happy news to their friends and families over Christmas, two months later. Speaking to OK! magazine, Alex gushed: 'I can't spend my life with anyone else.' While Mollie explained why the couple kept the news secret for so long, saying: 'We wanted to enjoy that special time together, just the two of us, for a while.' Alex spoke of his nerves, saying: 'I thought, 'If I don't do it now, I'll keep getting more and more nervous!' I was pretty certain she'd say yes, but I was still bricking it.' Alex has reportedly split from his fiancee Mollie Lockwood, 20, just 6 months after getting engaged The actor announced that he had popped the question to Mollie, in December 2022 Alex became a dad at 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby (pictured) gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at just 16 years old. The couple split in 2019 Alex previously credited his daughter and his role on Corrie as saving him from 'dark times' in the past. He said: 'If I didn't stick at the job that I'm in now I would have been lost. 'Corrie has kept me going and especially having a daughter has kept me going it gives me something to do.' Angelina Jolie showcased some fresh ink on her latest red carpet. The 48-year-old Oscar-winning actress - who was joined by two of her children - showcased a new tattoo as she attended the Broadway opening night of her musical, The Outsiders, on Thursday night after working as the executive producer. It was there where she showcased some new body art on her left forearm which had a reference to the musical adapted from the classic 1967 novel of the same name written by S.E. Hinton. Her fresh ink said 'stay gold' which is what the character Johnny tells Ponyboy as a way of reminding him to always stay true to himself. Meanwhile, Angelina said she was 'honoured' to have worked on the production, looked incredible in a metallic gold gown teamed with a rust-hued cape. Angelina Jolie showcased some fresh ink on her latest red carpet as she attended the Broadway opening night of her musical, The Outsiders, on Thursday night after working as the executive producer Her fresh ink said 'stay gold' which is what the character Johnny tells Ponyboy as a way of reminding him to always stay true to himself Jolie is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with ex-husband Brad Pitt, 60, over their French vineyard, however she brushed off her woes to attend the event. She was joined by daughter Vivienne, 15 at the premiere. The two notably have been working together on the project due to the teenager being interested in theatre. Vivienne first saw a production of the musical in San Diego. Vivienne wore a stylish blue boiler suit for the event as she joined the cast and her mother on the red carpet. In a statement last year, Jolie said that her daughter, 'reminds me of my mother in that she isn't focused on being the center of attention but in being a support to other creatives.' 'She's very thoughtful and serious about theatre and working hard to best understand how to contribute,' the actress continued. 'I hope to be able to contribute while continuing to learn from this amazing team, who I have been working with since my daughter brought me to see the show at La Jolla Playhouse.' 'I can't begin to express how excited I am for this musical to make its Broadway debut and look forward to sharing this new adaptation of The Outsiders with the world.' Jolie told People magazine she was 'inspired' to make the musical which is based on S.E Hinton's 1987 novel because she felt 'strongly about the material and team'. Angelina looked incredible The Bone Collector star was joined by daughter Vivienne, 15 (end left) at the premiere. The two notably have been working together on the project due to the teenager being interested in theater She said: 'It's been a privilege to be a part of the process. I have so much respect for Broadway and all who work within.' 'I've been in the theatre watching as the first reactions came in, including the often very emotional reaction from young people. It's very moving.' Jolie's outing comes after her legal team said Brad Pitt was physically abusive to her before their 2016 row on a plane, in newly-filed legal documents linked to the former pair's battle over their French winery. Attorneys on Thursday for Jolie filed papers in a motion in Los Angeles County Superior Court, saying that Pitt had a history of being physically aggressive with Jolie before the well-documented September 14, 2016 row during a flight from Nice, France to L.A. Pitt has denied all of the allegations of physical abuse, and was not charged amid an FBI probe into the incident; Dailymail.com has reached out to Pitt's reps for comment on the story. 'While Pitt's history of physical abuse of Jolie started well before the family's September 2016 plane trip from France to Los Angeles, this flight marked the first time he turned his physical abuse on the children as well,' Jolie's legal team said in court docs about the ongoing legal proceedings. The star wore her blonde locks in soft waves and sported smoky eye make-up and red lipstick Angelina wowed as she posed with Vivienne on the red carpet Angelina was typically stunning as she wowed on the red carpet The star sported statement earrings as she attended the premiere Jolie's son Pax Jolie-Pitt, 20, joined sister Vivienne and their mother at the festival event The acclaimed actress and director joined a crowd of people outside the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York City The mother of six chatted with journalists alongside her theater-loving daughter Vivienne Jolie first announced that she was working as a lead producer on the new musical in August 2023 with Vivienne serving as a volunteer assistant Both mother and daughter were inspired to get involved in the musical when they saw the pre-Broadway production at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego Jolie helped work on the production of the new adaption of S. E. Hinton's beloved 1967 coming-of-age novel Jolie appeared to be relishing in the time she's been able to spend working on the project with Vivienne, who said he be a lover of theater A source close to the Maleficent actress said that Pitt declined to enter into counseling for domestic violence, and disregarded severe family problems by seeking partial custody of their six children: Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 17, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 15. 'Pitt never came to this understanding and not only sought 50-50 custodial time - including with children with whom he had not had a stable relationship in years - but also sought sole custody if the children did not sufficiently bond with him,' Jolie's lawyers told the court in legal docs. Jolie's legal team said in their court filing Thursday that 'despite this distressing request, Jolie still did not seek sole custody' of the children. 'Instead she advocated that the children's wishes and needs be prioritized, based in part on what the children felt they could do, and for a custody plan formulated in the children's best interest to heal.' Jolie's lawyer Paul Murphy told Dailymail.com in a statement that the information released in Thursday's filing is revealing of why the Fight Club actor wanted Jolie to sign a non-disclosure agreement amid the parting. Attorneys on Thursday for Jolie filed papers in a motion in Los Angeles County Superior Court, saying that Pitt had a history of being physically aggressive with Jolie before the well-documented September 14, 2016 row during a flight from Nice, France to L.A; seen in 2023 in Las Vegas 'Mr. Pitt refused to purchase Ms. Jolie's interest when she would not be silenced by his NDA,' Murphy said. 'By refusing to buy her interest but then suing her, Mr. Pitt put directly at issue why that NDA was so important to him and what he hoped it would bury: his abuse of Ms. Jolie and their family. After eight months of delays, this motion asks the Court to force Mr. Pitt to finally produce that evidence.' An insider close to the situation told Dailymail.com that the Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood actor has caused himself problems with his long-running litigation over the French winery. 'Pitt is drawing all of this out of Angelina,' the insider said. 'She does not want to be here, she does not want to be raising any of these facts, and she is doing it only because Pitt's lawsuit against her is forcing her to defend herself.' The insider described the situation as 'incredibly sad,' adding that Jolie 'just wishes' Pitt 'could move on and let her be.' Jolie's lawyer Paul Murphy told Dailymail.com in a statement that the information released in Thursday's filing is revealing of why the Fight Club actor wanted Jolie to sign a non-disclosure agreement amid the parting; seen in 2015 in Hollywood By prolonging the legal battle over the winery - which the former couple purchased in 2008 for $28.4 million - Pitt has left himself more exposed to further problematic allegations that could circulate through the court system, and subsequently, to the public, the insider said. Pitt has since accused Jolie of being a 'hypocrite' due to claiming that he wanted her to sign an NDA to 'control' the actress amidst selling their French vineyard. The actor's lawyers informed the LA Superior Court on Friday that Jolie's claims regarding the NDA was simply a cover to 'rationalize' betraying Brad, per TMZ. His legal team also claimed that Angelina had asked Pitt to sign an NDA months later. Late last month in March, a source told DailyMail.com that the former couple's years-long divorce battle had been nearing the end and were in final negotiatio The Golden Bachelor star Theresa Nist has shared her heartbreak over the breakdown of her marriage to Gerry Turner after just three months. Nist, 70, wed Turner, 72 in January following the inaugural season of the dating show for seniors - but shocked fans on Friday when they announced their split and Turner filed for divorce. 'Theresa and I have had a number of heart-to-heart conversations, and weve looked closely at our situation, our living situation, so forth and - and weve kind of come to the conclusion mutually that its probably time for us to - dissolve our marriage,' Gerry told GMA host Juju Chang. He admitted that their decision to separate was motivated in large part by their 'dedication' to their respective families - hinting that this has made it incredibly difficult for them to decide on a place to settle down together. Nist shared a post to Instagram on Monday which read: 'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened' - with fans congratulating her on 'dodging a bullet' by splitting from Turner. The Golden Bachelor star Theresa Nist has shared her heartbreak over the breakdown of her marriage to Gerry Turner after just three months Gerry, 72, and Theresa, 70, tied the knot in a televised ceremony back in January - but just three months later, they have confirmed they are 'dissolving' their marriage She wrote: 'To everyone who has expressed love, support and kindness to me I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are all such wonderful human beings. It means the world to me that you took the time to reach out to me, whether in person, on the phone, by text or by direct message. You are all so kind to do so. 'For everyone else who is confused and angry and who does not understand, please try to find it in your heart to understand and to try a little kindness. Not just for me but for the world and for everyone you encounter. 'It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, something I never expected to happen at this point in my life and I truly thought it was going to last forever. It turns out, even at the age of 70, you dont know everything. 'Sometimes things dont go the way you planned and thats okay. I take so many positives away from this experience, most importantly and above all the incredible friends I now have in all of these amazing, wonderful women and in Angie and Jenny, Payton and Charlee, the producers, the production crew and so many of you. 'I ask you to please stay open to all the experiences, opportunities, and love that may come your way. Keep smiling, keep laughing I will. I love you all.' Fans quickly showed their support in the comment section, writing: 'Youre never too old to dodge a bullet. A second wrote: 'Going through a personal situation in the public eye has got to make this so much harder. You brought a lot of positively to us all. I hope we can all support and understand. Others typed: 'youre dodging a major bullet here. sending you so much love', 'You gave it a go and decided what was best for you' and 'You are a class act, Theresa! I hope many years of love and happiness are on the horizon for both you and Gerry.' Nist shared a post to Instagram on Monday which read: 'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened' - with fans congratulating her on 'dodging a bullet' by splitting from Turner Gerry was presented as a loving retired restaurateur who had not had a single date since his wife of 45 years, Toni, suddenly passed away from an infection in 2017. But an investigation by The Hollywood Reporter released after the finale quickly shattered that reputation 'Sending so many happy vibes. This is called life. None of us have a crystal ball' another fan wrote. Both Gerry, a retired restauranteur from Indiana, and Theresa, a securities professional from New Jersey, have kids from past relationships; he has two daughters and two granddaughters, while she has a son, daughter, and six grandsons. 'The thing that strikes me the most in our conversations, its been how dedicated both of us are to our families,' Gerry explained. 'So we look at these situations and I think we just feel like its best for the happiness of each of us to live apart.' However, Theresa insisted that the former couple tried their utmost to reach a compromise that would work for both of their families, revealing that they had looked at different locations across the country in the hopes of finding a ideal home to start their new lives together. 'We looked at homes in South Carolina, we considered New Jersey, and we just looked at home after home, but we never got to the point where we made that decision,' she said. 'We have received so much love and support from so many people who watched The Golden Bachelor, and I dont think we can tell you how many people told us that it gave them so much hope,' Theresa added. 'We want none of that to change for anybody.' When asked if they 'fell out of love,' Gerry insisted, 'No. I still love this person. There's no doubt in my mind, I am still in love with her and still root for her every day.' 'We've kind of come to the conclusion mutually that its probably time for us to - dissolve our marriage,' Gerry said during an interview with GMA today It seems as though the couple struggled to decide on a place to settle down together, as they were still living in separate homes three months after their nuptials. Gerry's home is seen Gerry was living at his lake house in Northern Indiana, while Theresa remained in her house in New Jersey (seen), where she'd been living with her family They added that they were going to have to 'give their rings back,' but that they were happy they could keep 'the memories' that they shared. The couple met on the first season of the Golden Bachelor, which premiered late last year, and Gerry proposed during the show's finale. They then tied the knot in January during a televised wedding, with Theresa gushing in her vows, 'I promise to be your calm in a storm, to comfort you when you're sad, to laugh with you when you're happy, and just stick with you throughout it all.' In an interview with GMA after the wedding, they insisted that they had 'found their person.' Gerry and Theresa's shock announcement comes just days after it was revealed the pair were still living in separate homes three months after their nuptials. Gerry pulled on the hearts of millions when he appeared on the show, as he was presented as a loving retired restaurateur who had not had a single date since his wife of 45 years, Toni, suddenly passed away from an infection in 2017. But an investigation by The Hollywood Reporter released after the finale quickly shattered that reputation. The publication reported that he had a professional and personal history that did not match with the persona of a grieving man who hadn't gone on a first date in decades. Instead, it claimed that he had a secret past that included a three-year relationship after the death of his wife and various blue-collar jobs. He reportedly dated a woman named Carolyn, who is 14 years his junior and claimed he dumped her because she gained 10 pounds. In addition, his LinkedIn profile showed that he had not owned a restaurant since 1985, when he sold his Mr Quick hamburger franchise in Iowa, where had worked his way up since high school. But an investigation released after the finale quickly shattered that reputation, claiming he dated a woman for three years after his wife died. He's seen with his late wife Since then, he worked various sales and management jobs in the meat industry, per his resume on the website - despite the show claiming he had been retired for decades. He also worked installing hot tubs and as a maintenance man in Iowa. It was during his time as a maintenance man at the Vera French Mental Health Center in Davenport that he met Carolyn, but the two did not get together until two months after his wife died. Carolyn told The Hollywood Reporter the two began dating after Gerry called her following his wife's death to ask for help donating some clothes to charity. She claimed she quit her job to move in with him in July 2018, but things soon went south, as his demands began to emerge. For example, she alleged that he he soon informed Carolyn she would have to pay about $1,000 a month for her share of expenses, which she managed to negotiate down to $850. Gerry was reportedly so concerned with dividing costs that Carolyn would pay for her meals at restaurants beforehand so when the check came, he could pretend he was paying the whole tab. The reality star was also allegedly obsessed with cleanliness and demanded Carolyn make the bed every morning before they had breakfast. The romance ended in late 2019, when, according to Carolyn, Gerry said he would not be taking her to his high school reunion because of her weight. The Golden Bachelor then allegedly told Carolyn she had to be out of the house by January 1, 2020, according to THR, which reviewed emails and texts between the former couple and spoke to people who witnessed the relationship. Carolyn fell down the stairs while she packed and required emergency surgery - but said Gerry accused her of using the fall as an excuse to extend her stay at his home and claimed she was planning on suing him over it. He reportedly wouldn't even let her stay at the home while she finished the two weeks of notice she had to give at her new job in Indiana, forcing her to stay at a hotel, she claimed. When asked if the scandal 'played in' to their split, Theresa insisted, 'No. Gerry had already discussed that with me and explained it before the report was ever released. So we were good with that.' People quickly rushed to social media to share their thoughts on the divorce - and many admitted that they were 'not surprised.' 'The thing that strikes me the most in our conversations, its been how dedicated both of us are to our families,' he explained 'Oh no surprise there,' one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Another agreed, 'Hate to say it but not really... Told ya so.' 'Are we surprised?' someone else asked, while a fourth person simply stated, 'Called this one.' Others said they 'understood' their situation, with a fifth tweet reading, 'Most women in her 70s would tell you, "My grandkids and kids are everything." I wouldn't move away from my family for anything. Especially a man. Nope.' A sixth said, 'At that age, who wants to give up their life and family to go and live with some stranger that just came into your life? You dont have much time left. Spend it with family.' Stephen Graham appeared in good spirits as he posed hand-in-hand with his wife Hannah Walters at the Jeanne du Barry UK premiere at The Curzon Mayfair in London on Monday. The actor, 50, who married actress Hannah in 2008, opted for smart-casual attire, wearing a black polo shirt under a lightweight jacket in the same colour. He wore a pair of black jeans and had on some comfortable trainers in the same colour. Hannah - who met Stephen when they were training at the Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance before growing closer on the set of drama This Is England in 2006 - looked chic in a floor-length black dress for the evening. She wore a long shawl over the top and carried a black handbag with her to match the rest of her ensemble. The couple could be seen smiling as they arrived before posing together on the red carpet. Indie period drama Jeanne du Barry sees Johnny Depp attempt a comeback with his first film in four years. The 60-year-old actor plays King Louis XV in this period drama alongside actress, writer and director Maiwenn in the film, which is set for release in the UK on 19 April. The film had its world premiere as the opening night film of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, released theatrically in France on the same day. A new trailer was released earlier this month, beginning by revealing the film is set in France 1768, showing Depp enter a room flanked by many guards. A title card reads that his character Louis XV, 'had many lovers... but only one stole his heart,' while a male character tells another that the King must meet Jeanne. Maiwenn's title character is introduced, making a regal introduction, as she's told not to look the king in the eyes and, 'one does not show feelings at Court'. Jeanne completely disregards protocol and looks Louis right in the eyes as she slowly gives him a curtsy, while someone says, 'Who does she think she is?' One of Louis' servants tells Jeanne that the King wants to meet her, as she enters his chambers and tells him she's 'honoured' to be there. He offers her champagne before they kiss, as a title card reveals this is based on, 'the untold true story.' King Louis is seen walking into a regal event with Jeanne and is heard saying: 'I want to be by her side. When the sun rises, and when it sets.' He's seen presenting her with a magnificent necklace, before telling her he wants her to stay with him at his palace in Versailles. A female character says there is, 'A vile rumour that has Versailles abuzz,' while some of the other women conspire to get Jeanne removed from the court. 'You are in danger, madame,' a male character tells Jeanne,' as they show critic quotes praising Depp's performance, his first ever using the French language. Louis is told that the, 'union between France and Austria is at stake,' while Louis tells another character, 'You know what must be done.' Jeanne is told, 'You are starting to see the King's dark side,' while Louis tells Jeanne that he's in love with her, but she insists, 'This isn't love.' The trailer winds down with a number of dramatic shots of Louis and Jeanne Actor Johnny, who plays King Louis XV in the period drama, received a seven-minute standing ovation during the premiere of the film at the Cannes Film Festival in France last year. The film is Depp's first project since he was blackballed by Hollywood in the years following his ex-wife Amber Heard's abuse allegations in 2016. But after a six-week trial in 2022, it was determined that Heard had defamed her ex-husband and she was ordered to pay him over $8million in damages though they later agreed on $1million in order to put an end to their legal battle. According to reports, throngs of onlookers shouted 'Johnny!' as Depp, in purple-hued sunglasses signed autographs and edged back into the spotlight. Jeanne du Barry has been billed as Depp's comeback - though his prominent presence at Cannes has been hotly debated. Despite earning a standing ovation, the critics had mixed reactions to Depp's performance and the film itself. Some were impressed by his French spoken word, while others said it was 'great to see Depp in subtle and quiet mode.' Louis XV reigned over France from 1715 to his death in 1774. He was married to Queen of France, Marie Leczinska but had a number of long-term affairs. Jeanne was his final lover before he died. Johnny Depp is attempting a comeback with his first film in four years, the indie period drama Jeanne du Barry The 60-year-old actor plays King Louis XV in this period drama alongside actress/writer/director Maiwenn (pictured) in the film Maiwenn's title character is introduced, making a regal introduction, as she's told not to look the king in the eyes and, 'one does not show feelings at Court' One of Louis' servants tells Jeanne that the King wants to meet her, as she enters his chambers and tells him she's 'honoured' to be there He's seen presenting her with a magnificent necklace, before telling her he wants her to stay with him at his palace in Versailles The highly-anticipated period piece was shot over the summer of 2022 and, along with being his career comeback, this also marks Johnny's first film in French. According to the synopsis, the story follows 'Jeanne Vaubernier, a young working-class woman hungry for culture and pleasure [who] uses her intelligence and allure to climb the rungs of the social ladder one by one.' The plot continues as she 'becomes the favorite of King Louis XV, who, unaware of her status as courtesan, regains through her his appetite for life. 'They fall madly in love,' the synopsis reads. 'Against all propriety and etiquette, Jeanne moves to Versailles, where her arrival scandalises the court.' Johnny Depp embraced his Jeanne du Barry co-star Maiwenn as he attended the UK premiere of the period drama in London on Monday evening. The 60-year-old actor plays King Louis XV in this period drama alongside actress-writer-director Maiwenn in the film, which arrives in cinemas on May 2. Stepping out for the UK premiere at The Curzon Mayfair in London, Johnny showed affection for his co-star. The actor, who has been attempting a comeback with his first film in four years, sported a long grey coat with a black suit underneath for the premiere. While he gripped onto Maiwenn affectionately, Johnny gave a very serious expression in many of the snaps, adopting a similarly serious stance. Johnny Depp embraced his Jeanne du Barry co-star Maiwenn as he attended the UK premiere of the period drama in London on Sunday Johnny is attempting a comeback with his first film in four years, the indie period drama Jeanne du Barry Stepping out for the UK premiere at The Curzon Mayfair in London on Monday, Johnny showed affection for his co-star Among the stars at spotted at the premiere was Liam Gallagher's son Gene. Also in attendance was British acting legend Mackenzie Crook with his much-taller son Jude. The new trailer for Jeanne du Barry was released earlier this month (via Vertical YouTube) offering new footage from the film. The film had its world premiere as the opening night film of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, released theatrically in France on the same day, with Vertical releasing the film in the U.S. The trailer for the French language film begins by revealing the film is set in France 1768, showing Depp enter a room flanked by many guards. A title card reads that his character Louis XV, 'had many lovers... but only one stole his heart,' while a male character tells another that the King must meet Jeanne. Maiwenn's character is introduced, making a regal introduction as she is told not to look the king in the eyes and, 'one does not show feelings at Court.' Jeanne completely disregards protocol and looks Louis right in the eyes as she slowly gives him a curtsy, while someone says, 'Who does she think she is?' One of Louis' servants tells Jeanne that the King wants to meet her, as she enters his chambers and tells him she's 'honoured' to be there. He offers her champagne before they kiss, as a title card reveals this is based on, 'the untold true story.' While he gripped onto Maiwenn affectionately, Johnny gave a very serious expression in many of the snaps, adopting a similarly serious stance The actor, who has been attempting a comeback with his first film in four years, sported a long grey coat with a black suit underneath for the premiere The 60-year-old actor plays King Louis XV in this period drama alongside actress/writer/director Maiwenn in the film, arriving in cinemas on May 2 The film had its world premiere as the opening night film of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival , released theatrically in France on the same day, with Vertical releasing the film in the U.S King Louis is seen walking into a regal event with Jeanne and is heard saying, 'I want to be by her side. When the sun rises, and when it sets.' He's seen presenting her with a magnificent necklace, before telling her he wants her to stay with him at his palace in Versailles. A female character says there is, 'A vile rumour that has Versailles abuzz,' while some of the other women conspire to get Jeanne removed from the court. 'You are in danger, madame,' a male character tells Jeanne,' as they show critic quotes praising Depp's performance, his first ever using the French language. Louis is told that the, 'union between France and Austria is at stake,' while Louis tells another character, 'You know what must be done.' Jeanne is told, 'You are starting to see the King's dark side,' while Louis tells Jeanne that he's in love with her, but she insists, 'This isn't love.' The trailer winds down with a number of dramatic shots of Louis and Jeanne, as one woman says their tryst is 'grotesque,' when Louis' handler responds. 'No, it's Versailles,' as the trailer comes to an end. Among the stars at spotted at the premiere was Liam Gallagher's son Gene Also in attendance was British acting legend Mackenzie Crook with his much-taller son Jude Actor Stephen Graham with his wife Hannah Walters Blue Lights (BBC1) Rating: Cops eat doughnuts. Coppers eat cake. That's the distinction between US and UK police same ethos, different recipes, that's all. On the streets of Belfast, as the crime drama Blue Lights returned, PCs Stevie and Grace (Martin McCann and Sian Brooke) were bonding over a bake during a quiet moment on patrol. She unclipped her Tupperware box suggestively and urged him to try a slice of 'fifteen'. The Beeb has a grand wee tradition of policemen from Northern Ireland Adrian Dunbar as Line Of Duty's Supt Hastings, James Nesbitt's morally ambiguous DCI Brannick in Bloodlands, all the way back to James Ellis as PC Bert Lynch in Z Cars. But none of them, as far as I can recall, ever tucked into a wedge of fifteen on screen. They must have eaten it when they were growing up it's a favourite of Ulster schoolchildren. On the streets of Belfast , as the crime drama Blue Lights returned, PCs Stevie and Grace (Martin McCann and Sian Brooke, pictured) were bonding over a bake during a quiet moment on patrol The Beeb has a grand wee tradition of policemen from Northern Ireland Adrian Dunbar as Line Of Duty's Supt Hastings, James Nesbitt's morally ambiguous DCI Brannick in Bloodlands. Pictured: Nathan Braniff and Katherine Devlin in Blue Lights Come to that, I'd love to see it served up on Bake Off, just to witness Paul and Prue's reactions. There's no actual baking involved, you see. Take 15 crushed digestive biscuits, 15 chopped marshmallows and 15 sliced glace cherries, and mix with a teacup of condensed milk. Roll the mixture into a log, coat with dessicated coconut and chill for a few hours. Then slice it like a jam roly poly. That's fifteen. And don't say this column never teaches you anything. If Blue Lights runs for long enough, eventually the BBC will be able to publish a recipe book as a spin-off. In the first season last year, Stevie's vol au vents were a particular success, though he hasn't yet persuaded Grace to start dating him. Now he's trying too hard, acting the alpha male to keep her out of danger on call-outs. That backfired when they responded to an alarm at a chemist's: Stevie sent Grace to a side door and, while he was marooned in aisles of sticking plasters and mouthwash, she was confronting a junkie with a knife in the back of the shop. Soaring drugs crime on the city streets is the theme for the uniformed officers ('peelers', in Belfast slang) on Blue Lights this time round. Stevie and Grace had already found a homeless heroin addict dead from an overdose, while the unit's new man-on-a-mission, DS Canning (Desmond Eastwood) was enlisting rookie PC Tommy Foster (Nathan Braniff) to bring down a drugs baron and former terrorist gangster. Stevie and Grace had already found a homeless heroin addict dead from an overdose, while the unit's new man-on-a-mission, DS Canning (Desmond Eastwood) was enlisting rookie PC Tommy Foster (Nathan Braniff, pictured) to bring down a drugs baron and former terrorist gangster While the era of the Troubles is over, there's a brooding sense that sectarian pressures are still bubbling below the surface. A similar hangover from past events makes some scenes in Blue Lights difficult to follow. If you don't have total recall of last year's series, you're going to wonder who Tina (Abigail McGibbon) is, in her high-heeled boots. The touchiness of PC Annie Conlon (Katherine Devlin) isn't clearly explained either. Don't fret too much about the plot, and just enjoy the cake. As Clint Eastwood nearly said in the crime classic Dirty Harry, 'Go ahead bake my day.' Harrison Ford told the story of how Jimmy Buffett, who passed away in September, inspired him to pierce his ear on Saturday during a tribute event in Los Angeles. The 81-year-old actor took the stage at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday during a concert called Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett. 'I remember a long some might say "boozy" lunch with Jimmy and Ed Bradley, and it was Bradley's birthday. I saw both of them had earrings. So right after lunch, I got my ear pierced,' Ford remembered fondly. 'That's just how infectious Jimmy's coolness is infectious enough for a 40-year-old man to spontaneously get his f***ing ear pierced,' he added. The Indiana Jones star shared the anecdote before introducing Zac Brown Band. Harrison Ford told the story of how Jimmy Buffett, who passed away in September, inspired him to pierce his ear on Saturday during a tribute event in Los Angeles; seen in 2008 Harrison, 81, took the stage at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday during a concert called Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett; Jimmy pictured in 2020 The Indiana Jones star shared the piercing anecdote before introducing Zac Brown Band; pictured with then-girlfriend Calista Flockhart in 2003 Harrison also noted that his late friend, who died at 76, was 'infectious' enough to 'create an entire culture around his music. 'There is no other way to say it: There will never be another like Jimmy,' the longtime Hollywood leading man said. He added about his friend, 'He was kind. He was beloved by his family, by his friends, by his band, his crew and his collaborators, and he loved them all back.' Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Bon Jovi, Dave Grohl, Jon Bon Jovi, and more turned up to perform at the memorial concert. Jane Fonda and Woody Harrelson also appeared on stage to share remarks. Joining Ford at the star-studded celebration of Jimmy's life was his longtime wife Calista Flockhart, 59. They met at the 2002 Golden Globe Awards, married in 2010, and share the son Calista adopted, Liam Flockhart Ford, 22, in 2001. Last week it was announced that Harrison will appear in the upcoming movie Captain America: Brave New World. Joining Ford at the star-studded celebration of Jimmy's life was his wife Calista, 59; the couple pictured in 2015 The trailer for the film debuted at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. In the teaser, President Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross (Ford) is the target of an attempted assassination that is thwarted by Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). In the clip, President Ross told Wilson, 'I want Captain America to help me rebuild the Avengers.' Ford previously played the role of the commander-in-chief as President James Marshall in the 1997 action film Air Force One. Having Damien Hirst as her boyfriend seems to be awfully hard work for Sophie Cannell. The former ballerina, 30, has been performing dances around the stripper pole he had installed at his 36 million home in Regent's Park, London, even though she's heavily pregnant. Sophie shared this photograph online of her leaning on the pole in an outfit that displayed her breasts and baby bump. 'Blue for a boy,' she comments, referring to the sex of the child she's expecting. Hirst who is 28 years her senior, is said to be Britain's richest artist, with an estimated fortune of 300 million. The new arrival will have to share his home with their French bulldogs, Pablo, Chapo and Blanco. The artist, known for his shark pickled in a tank, has three adult children with former girlfriend Maia Norman. Sophie Cannell, 30, has been performing dances around the stripper pole he had installed at his 36 million home in Regent's Park, London, even though she's heavily pregnant Damien Hirst (left) is said to be Britain's richest artist, with an estimated fortune of 300 million Fearless rider Edie braves new injury Edie Campbell is such a keen equestrian that she trained herself to win the Magnolia Cup at Glorious Goodwood in 2014. And the top model is certainly willing to suffer for her sport. The daughter of Old Etonian Roddy Campbell and architect Sophie Hicks had to undergo emergency plastic surgery last year after being kicked in the face and shoulder by a horse. Now, I hear that Edie, 33, rode in the Burnham Market International horse trials at the weekend even though she had suffered an injury to her hand. Edie competed on her horse Big Bruno in an event won by Olympic champion Laura Collett. She says: 'Big Bruno put a smile on everyone's face, after a chaotic day of dislocated fingers and other nice things.' Zara Tindall has been a handsomely paid ambassador for Land Rover for the past 18 years, so her arrival at the Burnham Market International horse trials in a Hyundai Tucson caused some surprise. King Charles's niece, 42, was driving the three-year-old Hyundai worth about 20,000. It was covered in mud and had at least one bird dropping on the roof. The Range Rover SVR normally driven by Zara would cost about 100,000. A spokesman for Land Rover is keen to make clear: 'Zara is an ambassador for Land Rover.' Zara Tindall has been a handsomely paid ambassador for Land Rover for the past 18 years, so her arrival at the Burnham Market International horse trials in a Hyundai Tucson caused some surprise King Charles's niece, 42, was driving the three-year-old Hyundai worth about 20,000. It was covered in mud and had at least one bird dropping on the roof Gregg's holiday deal Gregg Wallace has revealed he's now starting to save himself a fortune after ditching expensive, action-packed holidays. The MasterChef star, 59, who's married to Anne-Marie Sterpini, 22 years his junior, explains: 'I said to Mrs Wallace (I'm madly in love with my wife, because she likes to paint), 'Would you be happy if we just rented an apartment somewhere in a Tuscan hill town and you painted all day?' Gregg Wallace has revealed he's now starting to save himself a fortune after ditching expensive, action-packed holidays 'She went: 'Absolutely.' I went: 'Would you be happy if I then just played strategy war games on my laptop and read history books?' ' He adds that she may have just 'revolutionised' their holidays, which 'are about to get cheaper and cheaper'. He's known for making edgy jokes about amputees, the Holocaust and tax avoidance, but Jimmy Carr is highly sensitive when it comes to his own image. Indeed, the comedian, 51, says he's developed a 'low-level eating disorder' because of watching himself on television. 'I'm very conscious of my weight and my appearance,' he says. 'There's something about being on screen all the time that you get very conscious and maybe it's slightly a control thing.' New York party girls let their heir down Heiresses were out in force at the weekend: Nicky Hilton and Ivy Getty, whose families have a combined wealth of 7billion, partied together at a charity fundraiser in New York. They are pictured at Save Venice's annual masquerade ball, in aid of preserving the artistic heritage of the Italian city, which took place at The Plaza Hotel. Heiresses were out in force at the weekend: Nicky Hilton and Ivy Getty, whose families have a combined wealth of 7billion, partied together at a charity fundraiser in New York Not only do Nicky, 40, and Ivy, 29, come from two of America's richest families, but both are married to English men. Nicky, the elder sister of Paris Hilton, is the wife of British banking scion James Rothschild, with whom she has three children. Ivy is married to photographer Toby Engel, son of former Corrie star Cheryl Prime. Keanu Reeves has joined the cast of Sonic The Hedgehog 3. The actor, 59, who has been working on the dark comedy Outcome with Jonah Hill, 40, and daytime diva Susan Lucci, 77, will play a dark character in the highly anticipated animated adventure. News The Matrix star had ventured into the world of Sonic, based on the popular video game series, was first reported by The John Campea Show and confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter through multiple sources. The MTV Movie Award winner will be providing the voice of a character named Shadow, who is new to the film franchise, but appeared in the 2001 video game Sonic Adventure 2. Shadow is a Sonic alter-ego created by Jim Carrey's Dr. Robotnik to deal with his depression after the events in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Keanu Reeves, 59, has joined the cast of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Pictured in London in June 2023) Reeves will provide the voice of Shadow, a sort of Sonic alter-ego created by Jim Carrey's Dr. Robotnik. Shadow has the same powers as Sonic, but is more dark and edgy According to those who saw the presentation at CinemaCon, Shadow is the opposite of Sonic. He has the same kinds of powers, but is dark and edgy. Paramount Pictures, the studio producing the Sonic franchise, hinted at the character when they released a teaser trailer for the new movie in February. 'You all thought I was gone, but Ive just been underground. What youve seen from me is only a #shadow of things to come' they wrote on social media. The Sonic franchise has been an extremely successful one. The first film in 2020 became a breakout hit earning more than $319 million worldwide. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was even more successful, pulling in some $405 million. Idris Elba will reprise his role as the voice of Knuckles and James Marsden will appear again as Sonic's pal Tom Wachowski. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is currently scheduled to be released in theaters in December. Keanu is also set to star in the upcoming film Good Fortune, which marks the directorial debut of Aziz Ansari. Joining Ansari in the cast are Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer. Keanu and his girlfriend Alexandra Grant stole the spotlight at the MOCA Gala 2024 on Saturday night Following a delay caused by last year's writers' strike, filming for Good Fortune commenced in January 2024, taking place in LA's Koreatown neighborhood. Reeves has built a devoted following over his nearly four-decade career, notably for his memorable depiction of a hitman in the hugely popular John Wick franchise. Before John Wick, he achieved renown for his portrayal of Neo in the groundbreaking "Matrix" series, spanning releases in 1999, 2003, 2002, and a recent installment in 2021. He once joked about the dismal state of his teeth at the height of his Hollywood fame in the 1990s. Now significantly older, Johnny Depp was clearly none the wiser on Monday evening as he revealed a set of yellowing teeth that only Captain Jack Sparrow could be proud of. The American star, 60, was evidently in high spirits as he greeted fans The Curzon Mayfair during the UK premiere of his French language romp Jeanne Du Barry - almost a year after it featured in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. But as he flashed a grin, Johnny's nicotine stained teeth were on full display - after fans trolled him for poor dental hygiene while promoting the film in Cannes last May. Johnny bragged about the dismal state of his teeth in a 1995 Premiere magazine interview that resurfaced last year, admitting he had 'loads of cavities'. Johnny Depp bared his yellowing teeth at the UK premiere of his period drama Jeanne Du Barry in London on Monday The remarks were unearthed by Page Six after Johnny's appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2023, which prompted fans to troll him for his 'rotten' gnashers. In the Premiere article, Johnny declared: 'Ive got loads of cavities. I had a root canal done eight years ago thats unfinished. Its like a rotten little stub.' He insisted: 'But I like it. Its like when the Indians would make something beaded, they would always put imperfections on it.' Johnny, who at the time of the interview was 31, indicated his uneven bottom teeth and said: 'Im proud of these.' The Edward Scissorhands star added: 'When I see people with perfect teeth, it drives me up the wall. Id rather swallow a tick than have that!' His interviewer marvelled that he managed not to have foul-smelling breath - this in spite of his dental condition plus the cigarettes and wine he had just indulged in. Fans said he looked like Captain Jack Sparrow as he showed off his 'rotten' smile while launching his comeback at Cannes 2023. The actor received a seven-minute standing ovation at the premiere of his film Jeanne du Barry after his blockbuster court trial saw his ex-wife Amber Heard ordered to pay him 6.4million in damages. As he smiled, Johnny's yellow teeth were on full display - a year after fans trolled him for poor dental hygiene Johnny bragged about the dismal state of his teeth in a 1995 Premiere magazine interview that resurfaced last year (Pictured at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival) The remarks were unearthed by Page Six after Johnny's appearance at the Cannes Film Festival this Tuesday (pictured), which prompted fans to troll him for his 'rotten' gnashers But fans couldn't help but pick up on the actor's smile and how his browning teeth showed visible signs of decay as he posed for photographers on the red carpet. Johnny recently signed a 16million cologne deal with Dior, thanks to his striking looks and charm. But unlike many Hollywood stars, the actor has shunned spending thousands on pearly white veneers or expensive composite bonding. Johnny is known for transforming his smile depending on the roles he plays. For Pirates of the Caribbean he had extensive gold capping of his teeth. He held onto the gold caps until filming closed on the third installment of the franchise. Johnny has also been open about his battle with substance abuse and told the court during the defamation trial he'd tried 'every kind of drug known to man' by age 14. Fans couldn't help but pick up on the actor's smile and how his browning teeth showed visible signs of decay (right pictured in Pirates Of The Caribbean with gold teeth) Fans said he looked like Captain Jack Sparrow as he showed off his 'rotten' teeth while making his Hollywood comeback at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday Drug use can erode tooth enamel and expose the underlying dentine to decay-causing bacteria. For the Jeanne Du Barry premiere, Johnny showed affection for his co-star Maiwenn. The actor, who has been attempting a comeback with his first film in four years, sported a long grey coat with a black suit underneath for the premiere. While he gripped onto Maiwenn affectionately, Johnny gave a very serious expression in many of the snaps, adopting a similarly serious stance. She recently described her new life as a single woman as 'kind of exciting' following her shock split from husband Hugh Jackman. And Deborra-Lee Furness, 68, looked like a woman living her best life on Monday as she took to the streets of New York on her electric scooter. The Australian actress was all smiles as she zipped down the footpath in a black T-shirt, matching trousers and a brown leather jacket. She completed her low-key ensemble with a pair of sneakers, a silver necklace and a ring worn on her left pinkie finger. The mother-of-two went makeup-free for the casual outing, and allowed her peroxide blonde locks to blow freely in the breeze. Newly-single Deborra-Lee Furness, 68, (pictured) looked like a woman living her best life on Monday as she took to the streets of New York on her electric scooter The sighting comes after Deborra-Lee revealed she is in equal parts excited and frightened about her future following her highly-publicised divorce. 'It is kind of exciting,' she told Adelaide Now in January when quizzed on her bachelorette lifestyle. 'You know what? Change, transition, evolution is a little frightening and we are all a bit scared of it but I think it is probably our greatest gift' she added. The Australian actress was all smiles as she zipped down the footpath in a black T-shirt, matching trousers and a brown leather jacket Deborra-Lee and Hugh, 55, announced their shock split in September after 27 years of marriage, telling fans they separated 'to pursue our individual growth'. 'We have been blessed to share almost three decades together in a wonderful, loving marriage,' the couple said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. 'Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth. She completed her low-key ensemble with a pair of sneakers, a silver necklace and a ring worn on her left pinkie finger The sighting comes after Deborra-Lee revealed she is in equal parts excited and frightened about her future following her highly-publicised divorce 'Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. 'We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition.' The former couple signed the statement as 'Deb and Hugh Jackman,' adding: 'This is the sole statement either of us will make.' The pair had tied the knot in 1996 after crossing paths on set of Correlli in 1995. During the course of their marriage, they adopted two children: son Oscar, 23, and daughter Ava, 18. Johnny Depp has undergone a radical mid-life transformation totally making himself over as he approaches his 61st birthday. Earlier this year, the actor cut a distinctly bohemian figure. In February, in Turin, Italy where he is directing his new film Modi, about the artist Modigliani he was pictured wearing a rasta beanie, a camo jacket complete with a Che Guevara patch, and hair so long that it spilled below shoulder length. He has since had a very respectable make-over. Exclusive pictures show him arriving on Monday night at the small UK movie premiere of 'Jeanne Du Barry'. Depp who has clearly lost a considerable amount of weight wore a slim-fitting Dior suit and had his hair trimmed short. Johnny Depp has undergone a radical mid-life transformation totally making himself over as he approaches his 61st birthday (pictured on Monday) Previously the actor cut a distinctly bohemian figure with hair so long that it spilled below shoulder length (pictured last year) In February, in Turin, Italy he was pictured wearing a rasta beanie, a camo jacket complete with a Che Guevara patch, and hair so long that it spilled below shoulder length Friends of the Hollywood star, who turns 61 in June, confide that he has been living in London for a period and that the city is suiting him. One says: 'He's been living in the UK while editing Modi, and has been living a cleaner lifestyle than at times in the past.' I'm told that the long hair came off around a fortnight ago in advance of Depp filming another advertising campaign for Dior. (He is the face of their best-selling fragrance, Sauvage.) Depp plays Louis XV in 'Jeanne Du Barry', and speaks in French in the picture. The film is out in the UK on Friday and released in America next month. It was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last May. Back then, Depp decried talk of his 'comeback'. Asked whether he felt 'boycotted by Hollywood' following domestic abuse allegations made against him by his ex-wife Amber Heard, he said her claims were 'just vowels and consonants floating in the air.' 'It's almost like I need to comeback and do a tap dance and dance my best for you guys, and hope you approve,' he said. 'I didn't come back from anywhere,' he added. 'I didn't go anywhere.' In 2022, Depp won a blockbuster US trial against Heard, with the court finding that she had defamed him when she alleged domestic abuse. A previous libel trial, against The Sun newspaper which had called him a 'wife beater', ended in defeat for Depp in 2020. Here's the moment Line of Duty cast member Vicky McClure aka DI Kate Fleming was reunited with cast members Martin Compston (DI Steve Arnott) and Craig Parkinson (DI Matthew 'Dot' Cottan) at a Glasgow club. Punters couldn't believe their eyes as stars of the hit BBC police show took to the stage to dance to ABBA, The Proclaimers, Madness and more on Saturday afternoon. Vicky and her producer husband Jonny Owen were hosting their daytime nightclub Day Fever UK alongside Reverend and the Maker's Jon McClure in the east end of Glasgow, and didn't hold back when it came to dancing to the classics. Martin and Craig couldn't resist joining in for what turned out to be a massive reunion in front of over 800 people. Martin crowd surfed and climbed on his friend's shoulders while Vicky danced to all the songs, kissing punters and laughing away as she watched the crowd in front of her. Here's the moment Line of Duty cast member Vicky McClure aka DI Kate Fleming was reunited with cast members Martin Compston (DI Steve Arnott) and Craig Parkinson (DI Matthew 'Dot' Cottan) at a Glasgow club Punters couldn't believe their eyes as stars of the hit BBC police show took to the stage to dance to ABBA, The Proclaimers, Madness and more on Saturday afternoon Season 7: The actor stars as Detective Inspector Steve Arnott in the hit BBC show alongside Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar and said writer Jed Mercurio had created a group chat Craig also giggled as he swigged from his bottle. The cast joined others on stage for a huge rendition of Loch Lomond by Runrig. Anthony Boyle from Masters of The Air also joined the party and A Place In The Sun's Jean Johansson was also in attendance. Vicky arrived on Friday night with her husband and their ten strong party and they headed out for a curry at Glasgow's The Dhabba restaurant as well as popping into the Horseshoe Bar. She said she loved her visit to Glasgow and the food in The Dhabba. Martin also said: 'Genuinely one of the best days out I've had in years. Edinburgh you're in for a treat.' Fans loved seeing the trio back together with some questioning if they were meeting for another Line of Duty comeback in mind. Martin, Adrian, and Line of Duty creator Jed last reunited to celebrate Vicky's wedding in 2023. Vicky let her hair down during the reception as she partied with her Line of Duty co-stars after secretly tying the knot with fiance Jonny Owen. The cast joined others on stage for a huge rendition of Loch Lomond by Runrig Martin crowd surfed and climbed on his friend's shoulders while Vicky danced to all the songs, kissing punters and laughing away as she watched the crowd in front of her Martin, Adrian, and Line of Duty creator Jed last reunited to celebrate Vicky's wedding in 2023 The actress had earlier walked down the aisle with her film director beau in a romantic ceremony in Nottingham, before later announcing the news on Jonny's daughter Katie Owen's BBC Wales show. Vicky was certainly off duty during the evening's celebrations as she downed cans of Red Stripe Beer with her co-stars. The group looked in great spirits as they happily posed for photos together, with Vicky clutching onto her drink for the snap. Things then took a comical turn as Martin, who plays DI Steve Arnott in the police drama and Jed Mercurio donned police hats alongside actor Craig Parkinson who plays DI Matthew 'Dot' Cottan. Row back risks reversing the historic gains made by women in the workforce Cost-cutting measure comes as law firms engage in layoffs and hiring freezes A major law firm has quietly cut the amount of paternity leave it offers the majority of its attorneys by six weeks amidst widespread industry layoffs. Non-partners at global firm DLA Piper are now eligible for just 12 weeks of paternal leave, down from 18 and less than the 16-week average of most major law firms. However, birth mothers will have an additional six weeks of leave. It comes as law firms engage in a jobs bloodbath and hiring freezes sparked by economic uncertainty. In a statement, communications director Geneva Dawn Youel said the firm had to 'strike a balance' between offering staff competitive benefits while ensuring client work is properly covered. Non-partners at global firm DLA Piper are now eligible for just 12 weeks of paternal leave, down from 18 and less than the 16-week average of most major law firms. In a statement, communications director Geneva Dawn Youel (pictured) said the firm had to 'strike a balance' between offering staff competitive benefits while ensuring client work is properly covered Businesses rarely cut such benefits as they are a crucial pillar of staff recruitment and retention. But widespread hiring freezes and layoffs have hit the legal sector. Hiring across the industry fell 35 percent in 2023 compared to the year prior, according to a report by the National Association for Law Placement. Slashing paternity benefits could therefore be seen as a cost-cutting measure to avoid layoffs, Axios reports. Youel told the outlet: 'As a law firm, our top priority is to provide consistent, exceptional client service. 'To meet that goal, we need to strike a balance of providing our lawyers competitive benefits while also ensuring that the firm has proper coverage of client matters. We have done so here.' DailyMail.com reached out to DLA Piper for comment. Experts hit out at the decision as it would hinder their ability to recruit more staff. Hilarie Bass, former co-president of Greenberg Traurig and former head of the American Bar Association told Axios: 'I think it's a really short-sighted approach. I think it's going to hurt them competitively in the recruiting world.' Writing for Above the Law, Kathryn Rubino said: 'This is absolutely the kind of thing associates leave firms over because even if they aren't immediately impacted by the change. 'It shows how little the firm actually cares about their non-partner attorneys.' A 2022 study shows that the number of organizations offering paid maternity leave dropped 35 percent in that year. It had fallen 53 percent from the pandemic in 2020. In April, the participation rate of women in the workforce reached a record high of 77.5 percent, surpassing a peak reached in 2000 The findings, from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), found the proportion of companies offering paid paternity leave similarly fell from 44 percent to 27 percent. More companies cutting the benefit risks reversing historic gains made by women in the workplace. Last year the number of women in the US workforce reached its highest level ever, smashing a record set in 2000. The data, from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, showed gains had been driven by a rise in working mothers. Some 73 percent of women with children under 18 were either employed or looking for employment. The trend was triggered by a pandemic-induced shift towards hybrid and remote working which made it easier for mothers to balance childcare duties with their careers. Now competition with Android makers like Xiaomi is heating up Apple has lost its spot as the largest smartphone seller in the world after iPhone shipments dropped about 10 percent in the first three months of the year. iPhone sales were hit by increased competition from rival Android smartphone makers like Samsung, which took back the largest market share after losing it last year. Samsung - which launched its flagship Galaxy S24 this year - sold some 20.8 percent of the total 289.4 million units shipped globally between January and March, according to data from intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC). Apple shares were down less than 1 percent when markets opened on Monday morning. It comes after the tech giant scrapped its decade-long plan to create its own electric vehicle and is now said to be experimenting with a personal robot device as insiders say they are grappling to find its 'next big thing' to drive sales. Samsung sold some 20.8 percent of the total 289.4 million units shipped globally between January and March. Source: International Data Corporation Apple became the best-selling smartphone maker last year after the release of its iPhone 15 but swiftly lost its crown Chinese brands like Huawei have gained a bigger share of the iPhone market, IDC data shows. Xiaomi, one of China's top smartphone makers, took the third position with a market share of 14.1 percent - selling 50.1 million units. Apple became the best-selling phone maker in the world in 2023 thanks to strong sales performance in December after the release of the iPhone 15. SMARTPHONE MARKET SHARE Q1 2024: Samsung - 60.1 million - 20.8 percent Apple - 50.1 million - 17.3 percent Xiaomi - 40.8 million - 14.1 percent Transmission - 28.5 million - 14.1 percent OPPO - 25.2 million - 9.9 percent Others - 25.2 million - 8.7 percent Source: Source: IDC Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, April 15, 2024 Advertisement But in the first quarter of this year, Apple shipped 50.1 million iPhones, down from 55.4 million units over the same period last year, according to IDC. That 9.6 percent year-on-year drop is the steepest for Apple since Covid lockdowns disrupted supply chains in 2022. The drop is fueled by problems it's facing in China, its third biggest market. Some Chinese companies and government agencies have banned the use of foreign phones. The measure mirrors the US government's own restrictions on Chinese apps on security grounds. 'The smartphone market is emerging from the turbulence of the last two years both stronger and changed,' said Nabila Popal, research director at IDC. 'While Apple has been super resilient and seen a lot of growth in shipments and share over the last few years, it will be a challenge for it to maintain the pace of growth and the peak share it saw in 2023. 'As the market recovers further in 2024, IDC expects Android to grow much faster than Apple.' Apple in June will hold its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where it will highlight updates to the software powering iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices. Samsung started selling its flagship S24 earlier this year which provided a boost to its sales Apple launched the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus in September While Samsung has taken the top spot every year since 2010, it was finally knocked off its pedestal by Apple in 2023 The company earlier this year lost the crown as the world's most valuable company to Microsoft. It also made headlines last month after it canceled its plans to build an electric car. In an internal memo, it said that some employees on the team that had been developing the car, known as the Special Projects Group, would be moved to its artificial intelligence (AI) division. Investors are closely watching for updates on artificial intelligence development at Apple, which has so far spoken little about incorporating the AI technology into its devices. Its share price is slipping - down 4.9 percent so far this year. The International Youth Economic Forum, organised by the Roscongress Foundation, will be held on the last day of Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum 2024 (SPIEF) on June 8. It will bring together young entrepreneurs, managers, talented students, postgraduates and scientists, including those awarded scholarships, grants and prizes of the president of the Russian Federation, said the SPIEF. The agenda of the (SPIEF 2024) Youth Day is to cover all areas of self-fulfilment of the younger generation including business support measures, development of youth professional communities, international scientific and technological projects, tourism, environmental protection and much more. This year, the format of the SPIEF 2024 Youth Programme will be conceptually changed in favour of practice-oriented content at the Forum venue and it will contain new formats aimed at creating opportunities for self-fulfilment of young talented leaders, developing the institute of mentorship and involving young people in addressing issues on the global socio-economic agenda, said Anton Kobyakov, adviser to the president of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the SPIEF Organising Committee. He said the main goal will be to create a permanent, innovative and inspiring platform for talented young people and a talent pool will be formed for the leading Russian companies.In order to ensure that SPIEF functions as an effective mechanism for interaction, business communications and fruitful dialogue between the youth community, representatives of the authorities and world-class experts, the SPIEF Organizing Committee will accredit Youth Day participants without a registration fee. Amid escalating unease surrounding the credibility of Government agencies, the path to assuaging these concerns and reinstating trust lies in conducting a transparent inquiry Clearly, in these dystopian times reality has come to be stranger than fiction and social mores turned on their head. In an earlier time, actions seen as abhorrent or distasteful, when caught, would be immediately disavowed. Today they are brazenly flaunted as a badge of honour and attempted to be normalised. The blatant misuse of our Central Agencies to hound and arm-twist opposition politicians, journalists, businessmen and corporates being one such. What could be more unconscionable than a politician publicly claiming personal credit for an initiative after our Supreme Court has declared it unconstitutional? That too, because it violates the citizens fundamental right to information. In fact, not only did he attempt to justify his action using that tired old cliche, it was for our own good, but also added to good effect that those critical would subsequently regret it. An implied threat perhaps? The reasoning in support was that we would never have come to know the specifics of political donations if not for this initiative, which while accurate, could not be further from the truth. There can be no dispute that was certainly not the intention to begin with, otherwise why the secrecy in the first place? Moreover, it was the Governments top lawyers who made every effort to convince the court that the ordinary citizen had no right to such information. While it may have just been an attempt to brazen through in view of the elections, one cannot help but feel that the Government believes it has not erred and is thus unrepentant and likely to be pushed through again. The Belgian painter and author, Erik Pevernagie, makes a very pertinent point when he writes politicians are but tantalising storytellers, as they mix facts with fiction, grab our emotion and tell things, they want us to believe. Their factoids are unremittingly reiterated, take a life on their own and in the end become the very truth until the bubble bursts. Unfortunately for this Government it seems that the bubble has been pricked, if not burst, as the Supreme Court appears to have finally awakened from its deep slumber. Its actions, though still at a very nascent stage, if followed through, may help in ensuring a level playing field during the forthcoming elections and are therefore exceedingly welcome. More importantly, it has put the bosses of our public institutions, be it public sector companies, the central investigative agencies or the Election Commission on notice. Moreover, details of alleged linkages that are emerging from the Electoral Bonds issues suggest humungous malfeasance and sordid corruption at an unimaginable scale indulged in by the richest and most powerful within the country for their own personal gain. All of this has been at the cost of the ordinary tax payer. Moreover, we have yet to learn whether foreign entities have channelled in funds through domestic players, as is a distinct possibility. Such interference, if it has occurred, should be a matter of great concern given the impact it may have on national security. In this context, the functioning of the Prime Ministers Cares Fund must also be viewed with suspicion, given its lack of transparency and the various allegations made against it. Both these initiatives were conceived and implemented by the present dispensation in power, which in all probability, will return. It is extremely unlikely therefore, that they will undertake a credible or fair investigation of allegations made. Moreover, our premier investigative agencies also find themselves under a cloud for their acts of omission and commission. For example, the Enforcement Directorate has since 2005 registered approximately 5900 cases. It has completed and filed chargesheets in only 1142 cases and disposed of just twenty-five of these, with twenty-four ending in convictions. What is worse is its biased actions in investigating politicians. As media reports show, since 2014 the Directorate has probed 121 prominent politicians of which 115, or 95 per cent, belong to the opposition. As per these same reports the Central Bureau of Investigation mirrored the pattern followed by the ED. In these circumstances, the only credible option remaining is for the Supreme Court to order a judicial investigation under its own aegis, that should be broadcast live to ensure complete transparency and accountability. One does not need to be a soothsayer to suggest that if such a strict and non-partisan step is not initiated at the earliest, we will always remain at the mercy of leeches who will suck the life blood out of our democratic norms, right to good governance and the rule of law. Finally, from the proceedings in Supreme Court on the Electoral Bonds case one can infer that the manner in which the Chairman, State Bank of India, used the resources entrusted to him by the depositors to defy and hamper the directions of the Court render him patently unfit to hold that appointment. Just because the party in power appoints him and others to head public institutions and agencies, they cannot see themselves as mere factotums of those who appointed them and do their bidding. One expects far more of them, not least to show integrity of character and follow rules without fear or favour. (The author, a military veteran, is a visiting fellow with the Observer Research Foundation and a senior visiting fellow with The Peninsula Foundation, Chennai, views are personal) The alliance confronts formidable challenges amidst mounting criticism from European nations and the surge of right-wing nationalist movements One of the biggest challenges being faced by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on its 75th anniversary pertains to combating and addressing the severe criticism from some European countries and the spread of right-wing nationalist movements. Hence, it needs to adopt a cautious and balanced approach to stay relevant in the 21st century. Challenges ahead to stay relent: NATO, with 32 member states and five aligned nations including Japan, New Zealand, Israel, Australia and South Korea, must enhance defence capabilities and security arrangements to ensure mutual trust and better cooperation. NATO also called Washington Treaty, was created on April 4, 1949 to counterweight to Soviet military forces stationed in Central and Eastern Europe after world war 2nd, has traversed a hazardous journey and sustained faith of security and protection from aggressors hinges on its commitment to stay united and germane. Secondly, NATOs military potential is being perceived as a tool and weapon of the United States to ensure its hegemony over nations that do not pose military threats. There is a calamitous need to dispel such impressions of supremacy, evident from its 200 military interventions worldwide in 75 years, including 20 major ones like the questionable outcome of combating terrorism in Afghanistan, unlawful interference in Syria, invasion of Iraq, bombing of Yugoslavia, destabilisation of Libya and the creation of ISIS. Thirdly, as a parting gift, NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg has proposed a $100 billion package of military aid to Ukraine for five years, aimed at avoiding a potential halt in aid if Trump wins the 2024 American presidential elections. Former President Trump has made it clear to keep his country away from such conflicts and he is seen as pro-Putin, which might upset NATO. Experts feel that NATO members should get this proposal approved at the upcoming meeting in Washington and counter Russias aggression in Ukraine. NATO Needs Reforms: Foreign policy experts argue that NATO needs to focus on non-traditional threats such as terror attacks, disinformation campaigns, cyber assaults and risks to disrupt supply chains to preserve its allies. Otherwise, it will lose its credentials and effectiveness. Secondly, NATO must adopt a comprehensive strategy that will be productive and fruitful only if it integrates itself with international organisations besides strengthening its military capabilities. Thirdly, it should put in place an effective mechanism to foster a shared sense of purpose and make relentless efforts to ensure cohesiveness and unity among the member states. Consensus-building should be the primary motto of the alliance, guided by essential elements like discussion, dialogue, unified planning and political alignments. Fourthly, transparency is obligatory to create mutual trust and internal synergy, as well as to improve coordination among the five main policy formation committees, including the executive working group, political committee, policy formalisation group, military group and senior resource board. Why did India reject the US offer to be part of NATO? From the Indian perspective, experts say that India has already rejected the US offer to be part of an alliance to safeguard against Chinese aggression. India is capable of independently countering such threats and, therefore, does not need the assistance of a military grouping like NATO. If India joins NATO, it will pave the way for the US to establish military bases, which is unacceptable to Delhi. US allies like Australia, Israel, Japan and South Korea have permitted military bases, but India cannot allow the infringement of its sovereignty and degradation of its positioning in the world arena. While maintaining strategic autonomy, India will never jeopardise its age-old trustworthy ties with Russia, which is at odds with America and its allies after the Ukraine conflict. A United States Congressional committee had recommended that the US should strengthen NATO Plus to safeguard borders from China and enhance its capabilities to counter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region hence it warrants Indias inclusion in the organisation. The successes and failures of the organisation go hand in hand, but conflicts contamination is spreading among major powers and frozen encounters may always heat up in the future, attributed to growing state brittleness and spill-over threats, thereby disturbing the world order. The recent Global Risk Report has come out with curious findings pertaining to the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) which is the culmination of the analysis of fifteen hundred global experts who have investigated the global risks through three time frames to support decision-makers responsible for balancing current crises and long-term policies and priorities. One major failure of NATO relates to the lack of allocation of 2 per cent of funds by defence ministers of state members of their GDP agreed upon in 2006 towards security related expenditures, especially when the United States accounts for two-thirds of the alliances spending, which needs to be shared by other nations in the organisation. NATO had focused on restricting communism, discouraging militant nationalism and controlling the Soviet Union during the Cold War, but now the situation has become volatile in post-Cold War era as Russia has indulged in annexing neighbours, posing a threat to other smaller nations as well. Analysts feel that as NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024, it stands at a vintage point of passing through a litmus test of its core mission of safeguarding the security and freedom of its members, based on a principle-oriented international order and mandate. Trumps potential return to the White House may jeopardise the existence of NATO as it may encourage aggressors like Putin and give a boost to Chinas over-ambitious expansion policy to annex Taiwan in the future. Trump may encourage Putin to continue his onslaught on Ukraine, putting Europes security at risk. (The writer is a political analyst based in Shimla; views are personal) Central to Indias dynamic democracy is the principle of constitutional morality, serving as a compass guiding the nations advancement and growth Every Quadrennial year, the election season in India sets a stage for new hope, a new batch of electorates and especially a power in each electorate to exercise their right of adult universal suffrage. News channels are brimming with discourses and the candidates are doing their best to secure a seat in the political engine of society. The vibrancy of the largest democracy was foreseen by the members of the constituent assembly who wanted the ruling ideals to rise from the Constitution itself to guide the coming of a new independent nation. The father of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar defined Constitutional morality as a paramount reverence for all the forms of the Constitution, enforcing obedience to authority and acting within these forms in addition to the habit of open speech and action subject only to definite legal control. He believed that constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment rather it needs to be cultivated consciously. In contemporary times, it has become a principal tool of activism in the hands of the judicial wing of our country. Unlike other ideals of brotherhood, equality, fairness, non-arbitrariness, etc. which sprung from the need for pre-independent India, constitutional morality had to be injected into the bloodstream of the country. The Judiciary has brought back the discourse on constitutional morality through a slew of judgments in contemporary times. Thereby reinstating the nature of the Indian Constitution, an organic and living document, pulsating life into a more than half-century-old Manga Carta of India. The CJI of India, D.Y. Chandrachud speaking in the same vein said that judges go by the values derived from the Constitution that the courts are intended to espouse such as human dignity, personal liberty, equality, fairness, etc. He also added that the Supreme Court is final not because they(judges) are right, but they are right because they are final. Transformational jurisprudence on constitutional morality is a pre-constitutional concept. For Instance, practice, which was within the bounds of the then prevailing social morality, was abolished and this act was a part of constitutional morality, even though the constitution was drawn up years later. Post Independence may not have found an explicit place in the text but it is embedded in the essence of constitutionalism. It demands morality to be objective based on the prevailing dynamics of society. The conscience-keepers are duty-bound to draw a balance between individual/class liberty and societal acceptance of change in the socio-legal and politico scenario. From LGBTQ+ rights recognition in Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India to the striking down of section 497 of IPC, 1960, dealing with the law of adultery in Joseph Shine vs. Union of India, the Judiciary has advocated its mandate to include constitutional morality over majoritarian or popular morality. Constitutional morality is derived from public morality, however, slightly divorced from it and sifted through constitutional idealism. The intersectionality of social and religious belief systems entangles it further, for instance, in the Sabarimala judgment, the debate circled between the popular socio-religious belief and the fundamental right of freedom of religion of a class of women (menstruating women) under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, is a worthy example in this regard. Constitutional morality may also at times be at a crossroads with Jus naturale. Euthanasia as a practice or the Right to Abortion, both were initially entrenched in belief systems to be against societal morality. It was not until the Supreme Court of India balanced the interests of the right seekers and the opposers, allowing both the above practices in a judicially permissible manner, that it found its acceptance. (The writer is a research scholar; their views are personal) Elections serve as a litmus test for the health of a nations democracy, revealing the true character of leaders The narrative that happens during the time of the General Election is an indicator of the quality of democracy practiced in a country. Leaders, especially the star campaigners, should set a standard for the public discourse through their speeches and interviews with the media persons. They should bear in mind that every word they utter is being recorded digitally with cameras and audio instruments. Whatever they speak is under public scrutiny and any aberrations would lead to major mishaps. The campaign speeches in India took a new low during the tenure of Rajiv Gandhi as Prime Minister (1984-1989). Rajiv, who took over the post of Prime Minister following the assassination of his mother Indira Gandhi, was a refreshing change from the image of conventional Congress leaders spotting the ear-to-ear smile and perverted smile. But that did not last long as the Government he headed was enmeshed in corruption charges ranging from Bofors Gun to HDW submarine deals. It was futile to expect the truncated Opposition to sit idle while the whole world was discussing the gun contract. Rajiv Gandhi, who was upset with the charges, went to the extent of describing the opposition as political limpets. This is a term coined by a speech writer of Rajiv who always flouted his Indian Foreign Service background to play one-upmanship against old-time Congress leaders. On seeing that Rajiv Gandhi was upset with the allegations of corruption, Ram Jethmalani, the doyen among the countrys lawyers launched a fusillade of questions at the Prime Minister. Ill ask you ten questions each day about the Bofors deal and if you claim that there is no corruption involved in it, please answer my questions, said Jethmalani. This made Rajiv furious and he shot back saying that he would not answer barking dogs. Ram Jethmalani was a highly respected lawyer and social activist and the general public did not take the comments of the then Prime Minister lightly. Ram Nath Goenka, the founder of Indian Express, who had said in a signed front-page editorial in his newspaper that he could die peacefully with Rajiv Gandhi occupying the Prime Ministers chair had to make a retreat and wrote that the earlier Rajiv Gandhi goes the better for the country. The Congress alone was responsible for the falling standard in the national narrative during the election. When the Congress made use of public discourses with unparliamentary and uncivilized words, it was futile to expect the opposition to sit back and suffer silently. Barring leaders like A B Vajpayee, L K Advani, Murali Manohar Joshi, George Fernandes and S Chandrasekhar, the opposition too had an array of leaders capable of spitting venom and fire at the rivals. Though many seasoned statesmen like Nani Palkhivala and J R D Tata cautioned the nation about the falling standards in the quality of debates and discussions, it did not make any impact as politicians continued their harangues with the sole purpose of scoring brownie points. The result was that the political campaigns that should have served as a source of knowledge and information got degraded into speeches full of chosen abuses. The present-day Congress leaders are no different. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister said in a media meeting on 4 January 2014 that it would be disastrous for the country to have Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. Now it is for the people of India to decide whether Narendra Modis decade-long regime was disastrous or not. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is no different from M M Mani, the Marxist leader of Kerala when it comes to showering rivals with the choicest of abuses. Being the president of the GOP, Kharge has the major responsibility to ensure the dignity of the narratives. But the kind of words he has used and is using do not augur well for the position he holds. Politics is a profession that requires dignity, decency and decorum. One could not speak or behave in a manner that would put hooligans to shame. A politician should be able to control the language and mannerisms while he interacts with the people. The behaviour of former union minister Dayanidhi Maran (grand nephew of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin) who is in politics only because of his family connections, is reprehensible as well as condemnable. When he was asked about K Annamalai, the state chief of Tamil Nadu BJP, Maran went to the extent of describing him as a joker and said he does not know any Annamalai. This is the zenith of arrogance as Annamalai is the most talked about person in South India as of date. His rise in BJP was not because of his family background while his educational and professional qualifications are sufficient to make one say My My.. Maran and his ilk need sensibility to cherish the beauty of Annamalais qualifications. In his decade-long service as an IPS officer, Annamalai earned encomium from all his seniors while Maran was dropped from the Manmohan Singh-led Government within three years of being sworn in following corruption charges against him. This much for dynasty politics. (The writer is special correspondent with The Pioneer; views are personal) The recent mudslinging between the TMC and BJP has highlighted a historical narrative concerning the role of the Roy family in the downfall of Bengals Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula With the campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections heating, mudslinging isnt left behind, although one wishes this werent so. The Trinamool Congress has abused Smt. Amrita Roy, the BJPs KrishnanagarLok Sabha candidate, for belonging to the family of Krishna Chandra Roy, who had sided with the East India Company to take down Bengals Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1757. The current Rajmata of Krishna Nagar has justified her familys act, saying had they not done so, Sanatana Dharma and Bengali culture under the tyrannical Siraj would have ceased to exist. Moreover, Raja Krishna Chandra Roy, Amritas forefather wasnt alone; Jagat Seth, Raja Naba Krishna Deb and above all Mir Jafar and many others wanted to see the end of Siraj-ud-Daula. Such was the ill-will he had generated. What would have been Bengals fate had these merchant princes not contrived to overthrow Siraj? More than likely, Nadia district and todays West Bengal might have gone to Pakistan and subsequently Bangladesh. Pakistans first President Iskander Mirza was a direct descendant of Siraj-ud-Daula. The family lived in Murshidabad, but on the morrow of Partition, promptly migrated to Karachi, then Pakistans capital. Iskander first became defence secretary and then Pakistans president in March 1956. To go back to Murshidabad, Siraj-ud-Daula came to the throne in 1756. He soon showed his colours by dismissing his chief minister RaiDurlabh, picked by his grandfather NawabAlivardi Khan. The young Nawabhumiliated the wealthy state banker Jagat Seth by publicly slapping him in the durbar and threatening him with sunnat, i.e., circumcision (see Plassey to Pakistan by HumayunMirza, son of IskandarMirza). The merchant princes were resentful of the rule by people of Central Asian stock and wanted more say in governance for the local people. However, they lacked the military organisation to effect an overthrow. Come 1757, upon the orders of the East India Companys Court of Directors in London, Robert Clive arrived from Madras, along with some sailors and soldiers, to teach Siraj-ud-Daula a lasting lesson for humiliating the British at Fort William in Calcutta the previous year. This is where the Black Hole tragedy was perpetrated on the nawabsorders. The nawabates merchant princes saw this as a rare opportunity to do away with this odious regime. British arms and Bengali money as well as contacts would ensure victory. Clive had only about 3,000 men, whereas Siraj-ud-Daula had an army of a lakh, plus a cavalry and elephants. This large army had to be truncated in numbers. Mir Jafar, who commanded half the army of the Nawab, was promised that if he helped to overthrow Siraj-ud-Daula, he would be made the Nawab. Consequently, over half of Sirajs army did not fight. The Battle of Plassey on June 23, 1757, ended the saga of Siraj-ud-Daula and his life. At the time we are talking about, there were two cultures in Bengal, namely Bengali and Islamic. Since the 12th century, the region had been slipping out of Bengali influence and had become two-thirds Arabized. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was the first decisive setback. After Siraj was defeated and killed and his nawabate erased, Hindus for the first time in many years could celebrate puja openly. A grand Durga Puja was held at the palace of Raja Naba Krishna Deb, where the chief guest was Robert Clive. Imagine if Bengal had remained on the Islamic track, there would have been no historic renaissance for which Bengal is justly renowned and respected. There would have been no Raja Rammohan Roy, no Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, no Rabindranath Tagore, no Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, no Yogi Aurobindo, no Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and certainly no Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. One can only imagine what this region might have become. Gopal Krishna Gokhale, more than a hundred years ago, had famously said What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow. But if the likes of Siraj-ud-Daula had continued on the throne, there would not have been a Bengal today. Gandhi did awaken Indians to the value of freedom, politics, soul and economics, but the find winner was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his Indian National Army (INA). This was admitted and affirmed by none other than Clement Atlee, Prime Minister of Britain from 1946 to 1951 the British leader who signed the Indian Independence Act of 1947 heralding Indias independence. After relinquishing office, Atlee came to India and was a guest of the then West Bengal Governor Justice P.B. Chakraborty. During a dinner conversation, Chakraborty asked his guest why the British quit India in a hurry in 1947, when there was no immediate cause, with the Quit India movement of 1942 having failed. The former British Prime Minister in reply quoted several reasons, principal among them being the erosion of loyalty to the British Crown among the Indian army, navy and air force, as a result of the action of Subhas Chandra Bose. Atlees reply to Chakrabortys question on how much the non-violent satyagraha of Gandhi had influenced the British to free India, was m-i-n-i-m-a-l, with emphasis on each letter and a contemptuous smile. Had there been no Bengal, there wouldnt have been a Netaji in the first place. (The writer is a well-known columnist, an author and a former member of the Rajya Sabha; views are personal) Iran will soon allow Indian Government officials to meet with 17 Indian crew members who are onboard a Israel-linked ship seized near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday by Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Amir-Abdollahian conveyed this to Jaishankar during a telephonic conversation on Sunday, according to an Iranian readout. In the talks, Jaishankar called for the release of the Indians onboard Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries. We are following up on the details of the seized ship and soon it will be possible for the representatives of the Indian Government to meet with the crew of the said ship, the Iranian readout quoted Amir-Abdollahian as saying. He also reportedly called for Indias role to stop the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The readout said Jaishankar expressed his concern about the situation of the 17 Indian crew members and requested assistance from Iran in this regard. Special Naval Forces of Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) seized MSC Aries reportedly in view of its links with Israel. The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) said on Saturday that it is working closely with relevant authorities for the well-being of 25 crew members and the return of the vessel. Hours after the Iranian action, White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the ships crew consisted of Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Russian and Estonian nationals. Official sources in India said it is in touch with Iran to secure the release of 17 Indians. During the phone call, Amirabdollahian told Jaishankar about the need to reduce tensions and defended his countrys legitimate defence, while referring to Irans attack on Israel. He called for Indias continued role through international institutions, including the UN Security Council, to stop the war in Gaza, as well as to end the Israeli offensive in the Palestinian enclave, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. He reiterated Irans demand for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of peace and security in the region from the Mediterranean shores to the Red Sea, it said. On his part, Jaishankar said the most important issue was to ensure a reduction in tensions. He also called on all parties to exercise restraint and measures to ensure a favourable end to tensions between Iran and Israel. On Sunday, Jaishankar said he spoke to his counterparts from Iran and Israel and shared his concerns over the ongoing tensions between the two Middle East countries. During a phone call with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Jaishankar said he raised the issue of 17 Indian crew members stranded on board the MSC Aries. Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch, he wrote on X. In a similar tweet after holding talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Jaishankar said, Just concluded a conversation with Israel FM @Israel_katz. Shared our concern at the developments yesterday. Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch. On Sunday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Jaishankar, seeking decisive action through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety of 17 Indian crew members on board the MSC Aries. In the letter, the Chief Minister emphasised that three of the crew members on the ship, Sumesh, PV Dhanesh, and Syamnath, are from Kerala. He said the unexpected seizure of the ship had led to anxiety and concern among families and friends of the crew members. In a whirlwind election campaign that saw him heli-hopping from Kochi to Kunnamkulam and back to Kochi from where he flew down to Kattakkada in southern Kerala on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made startling disclosure. Kerala has emerged as the narcotics capital of South India and the State is under the shackles of a drug mafia. Politicians ruling the State are offering patronage to these drug syndicates while campuses in the State have become killing fields where students are murdered while the law enforcing agencies look the other way, said the Prime Minister. He also disclosed that both the Congress and the CPI(M) were hands-in-glove with banned extremist outfits. These organisations themselves have declared their alliance with these parties, pointed out Modi. Modi said there was no difference between the Congress and the Communists except in their names. When they are in Kerala, they act as if they are enemies. Once they cross the border and enter Tamil Nadu, both these parties are friends and allies. They are cheating the public of Kerala, charged the Prime Minister. He pointed out that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has not uttered anything against the cooperative bank scam in Kerala in which the CPI(M) embezzled hundreds of crores of rupees belonging to the poor people. Modi promised the electors of Kerala that his Government would make the State a hub of heritage tourism. He also made an irresistible offer to all homemakers liberal financial assistance to arrange homestay facilities for promoting tourism. A massive crowd has turned up at Kunnamkulam and Kattakkada to greet the Prime Minister and listen to him. Waxing eloquence on the natural beauty and salubriousness of the States climate, Modi said he is at a loss to understand why the Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)-led LDF kept Kerala as an underdeveloped region despite the fact that nature has been very kin to the State. Explaining the salient points in the election manifesto released by the BJP on Sunday, which happened to be the Vishu Day, the Prime Minister told the gathering that what they have witnessed in the ten years was just a trailer while the mega action is to be expected in the next tenure of the NDA Government. The Prime Minister said the bullet train connecting Ahmedabad and Mumbai will become a reality in the next few months. Once Ahmedabad is linked with Mumbai through the high speed bullet train, we will launch the works to link the North, East and South with bullet trains and this will see India making a quantum jump in infrastructure development. Works are in full swing to complete highways, expressways and super express highways which would connect the entire length and breadth of the country. The parties that ruled the State all these years failed to exploit the tourism potential of Kerala, said Modi. He came down heavily on the CPI(M) and Congress Governments for their callousness towards the needs of the common man. The Communists have made Kerala a quagmire of corruption and nepotism. Though the Central Government offered 3.6 million water connections to the State, the CPI(M) was not interested in implementing the scheme, Now, the people of Kerala are struggling to get drinking water. The Central Government is providing free ration to 1.5 crore people in the State and this would be continued for the next five years. What the LDF and the UDF were doing was to retard the progress of the State. Wherever the LDF was in power, (West Bengal and Tripura) there is nothing left and they have done nothing right, said the Prime Minister. Giving enough indications that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members were in for major trouble in connection with the Cooperative Bank scam and the sand mining scam, Modi said whatever money swindled by the Marxist leaders from the cooperative banks would be returned to the poor and middle class people who had invested the hard earned money with these banks. The cooperative bank scam is being investigated and we will not allow the misappropriation of the poor account holders cash, said the Prime Minister. With the mystery and controversy over the Electoral Bonds yet to settle, the flow of unaccounted money of about Rs 5,000 crore by the Election Commission in the last one and a half months has raised eyebrows. In a move to crackdown on black money in form of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and freebies supply ahead of the first phase of polling for the 102 Lok Sabha seats on April 19, the poll watchdog has seized Rs 4658.167 crore since March 1. So on an average the poll watchdog has seized Rs 100 crore per day. What is more concerning is the seizure of drugs worth Rs 2,069 crore during this period. Out of the total recoveries worth Rs 4,658 crore, freebies and other items stand at over Rs 1142.49 crore, the cash component stands at over Rs 395.39 crore, while liquor stands at more than Rs 489.31 crore. Significantly, 45 per cent of the seizures are of drugs (Rs 2,069 crore). Data shared by the EC showed that authorities have been making seizures worth Rs 100 crore every day since March 1. The EC said the seizures made since March 1 exceed the over Rs 3,475 crore recovered during the 2019 parliamentary polls. If the amount of January and February which stood at Rs 7,502 crore added to this will bring the total seizure to over Rs 12,000 crore so far. Meanwhile, the EC has ordered the removal of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of Murshidabad in West Bengal over violence in the district and the officers alleged lack of supervision to immediately prevent more incidents, according to sources. With over Rs 778.52 crore, Rajasthan is top in the list, followed by Gujarat (Rs 605.33 crore), Tamil Nadu (Rs 460.84 crore), Maharashtra (Rs 431.34 crore), Punjab (Rs 311. 84 crore), Kerala (Rs 281. 43 crore) Delhi (Rs 236.06 crore), West Bengal (Rs 219.60 crore), and Bihar (Rs 155. 76 crore) are among the top in the seizures list. Karnataka, West Bengal and Rajasthan are among the top in distributing liquor to voters during polls. Significantly, 45 per cent of the seizures are of drugs and narcotics that are under the special focus of the commission. Notably, there was a substantial focus on drug seizures, which accounted for approximately 75 per cent of the total seizures in January and February 2024. According to the EC, drug seizures accounted for approximately 75 per cent of the total seizures in January and February this year with the poll panel focussing on the menace much before the poll schedule was announced. Over the past few years, significant seizures have been made during elections to state assemblies in Gujarat, Punjab, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram. In an incident in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, the commission suspended the flying squad leader for laxity in duty and selective checking of a cavalcade of a prominent leader. Similarly, officials checked vehicles in the convoy of the Chime Minister of a State and also vehicles of a Deputy Chief Minister in another State. The commission has also taken strict action against approximately 106 Government servants who have been found assisting politicians in campaigning, thereby violating the Model Code of Conduct and instructions. The seizures have been possible by comprehensive planning, scaled up collaboration and unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizen participation and optimal engagement of technology. The commission has also collaborated with the Directorate General of the Narcotics Control Bureau and its senior officials to identify key routes and corridors for drug trafficking and ensure effective counter measures are in place, the EC said in a statement. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, while announcing the polls last month, had underlined money power as one of the 4M challenges, the poll authority recalled. The poll panel pointed out that it has been taking action to ensure level playing field such as checking vehicles of prominent leaders and even removing officials for laxity in carrying out their mandate. The commission, it said, has also taken strict action against nearly 106 Government servants who were found assisting politicians in campaigning, which is against various rules and ethics. The EC sources also pointed out that there is nothing new in search of helicopters, as was done in case of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. In the run-up to the polls, all district magistrates and superintendents of police were told to keep a strict watch on airfields and helipads. Such searches are taking place in airfields, both public and private, across the country to ensure inducements are not ferried by air, the sources said. The 133rd birth anniversary of the creator of the Constitution of India and Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar was celebrated with traditional joy and enthusiasm at BHEL, Bhopal. SM Ramanathan, Executive Director, BHEL Bhopal was present as the Chief Guest in the program. B K Singh, General Manager (HR) presided over the programme. In the program, all the General Managers and S A Dongre, Additional General Manager and Liaison Officer SC (BHEL, Bhopal), executive members of Joint Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and OBC Employees Welfare Association garlanded the statue of Babasaheb. Representatives of various trade unions and a large number of employees were also present in the program. Ramanathan said that 14th April is a golden day in the history of India. Babasaheb was not just an extraordinary individual, but an era pioneer who created a new modern India. Baba Saheb did unprecedented work in changing the social structure. Baba Saheb wanted to build an India which would be the most powerful in the world, would lead the entire world and its people would be powerful and independent from the social, political and economic point of view. He always emphasized that no person is above the country. Let us all unite and work hard shoulder to shoulder, selflessly for the progress of the country. Baba Saheb dedicated his entire life for the progress of the country and society. His message was "Educate, Agitate, Organise." He said that we all should take inspiration from the life of Babasaheb and fulfill his dreams to build a powerful India. On this occasion, Singh said that the creator of the Constitution, Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, has included all the dimensions in the Constitution for proper justice and upliftment of every class and religion. Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was an ardent patriot, while on the other hand he was also a savior of the oppressed, women and the poor. Baba Saheb's inspirational life is exemplary for countless people. He was a true nation builder and global leader who established new dimensions of social justice. In the end, certificates were given to the SC/ST and OBC meritorious students studying in schools of the township who secured first, second and third positions followed by Buddha Vandana. The Aam Aadmi Party will hold 200 Sankalp Sabha meetings in four Lok Sabha constituencies of Delhi it is contesting as part of a seat-sharing deal with the Congress, to seek peoples support against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals arrest. Addressing a press conference, Delhi Minister Gopal Rai said the meetings, to be held in 40 Assembly segments under the four Lok Sabha seats, will be attended by senior AAP leaders and ministers. Rai and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh will take part in the Sankalp Sabha meetings in the 40 Assembly segments. Rai will hold the first meeting in the Vishwas Nagar Assembly segment under the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. When asked if Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals wife Sunita Kejriwal will attend these meetings, Rai said only party leaders will hold the Sankalp Sabha meetings. Poll management is crucial in this Lok Sabha elections rather than the candidates, Rai said and claimed that under the ongoing door-to-door Jail Ka Jawab, Vote Se campaign, a majority of three lakh households have said that the arrest of the Delhi chief minister and the treatment meted to him in the jail was wrong. Kejriwal has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam in the national capital. He is currently in judicial custody.The first phase of the Jail Ka Jawab, Vote Se campaign launched by the AAP to generate support against Kejriwals arrest and judicial remand will end on April 25. The party will hold Sankalp Sabha meetings to augment support against Kejriwals arrest. After each meeting, people take a pledge to respond to the imprisonment of Kejriwal with a vote in the May 25 Lok Sabha polls. We are aiming to prepare one lakh people who will further visit households in the city and seek support for the party, Rai said. He said under the Jail Ka Jawab, Vote Se campaign launched on April 9, over 2,000 teams of party volunteers visited three lakh households in the four Lok Sabha constituencies. These teams covered on an average 50,000 to 60,000 households per day, he said. Around 90 per cent of the people contacted believed that the arrest of Kejriwal was wrong. Also, many who voted for the BJP in the last Lok Sabha polls said they were angry over the arrest of Kejriwal and will not vote for that party this time, he claimed. Sharing with reporters the feedback received during the campaign, Rai claimed that people also do not believe the BJPs allegation that Kejriwal was arrested for corruption. They believe his arrest was political in nature, he said. The emotional attachment of people with Kejriwal has increased and those who voted for AAP in the Assembly elections said that it was an insult to their vote, he said and added that there was a qualitative change in the perception of the people that will be visible in the election results. The Sankalp Sabha meetings will conclude on May 23, Rai said and added that after the Congress prepares its campaign planning for the three seats it is contesting, the AAP will extend to it whatever cooperation the party needs for the polls. The Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to be held in seven phases starting April 19 and the counting of votes will be taken up on June 4. Delhi goes to polls on May 25. In a strategic move to address discontent within the family of Jalandhars former MP Santokh Chaudhary and bolster its stronghold in the constituency, the Congress party is considering fielding a member of the Chaudhary family from Hoshiarpur reserve seat, following the nomination of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi from Jalandhar. The decision stemmed from the concerns that the dissatisfaction within the Chaudhary family could potentially harm the Congress prospects in their bastion Jalandhar. Known for their influence over the Scheduled Caste (SC) vote bank in the segment, the Chaudhary familys discontent poses a significant challenge for the grand old party. By contemplating the move to field a Chaudhry family member from Hoshiarpur, the Congress is hoping to mitigate the rift within the former MPs family and safeguard its electoral interests in Jalandhar. Notably, former MPs son Phillaur MLA Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary had recently resigned from the post of partys chief whip amidst the reports indicating that high command was in favour of fielding Channi from Jalandhar, ignoring the Chaudhary familys stake on the seat. Speculations were also rife that Vikramjit, along with his mother Karamjeet Kaur Chaudhary, may join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). It has been learnt that AAP had given them a two-day ultimatum to join, but the Chaudhary family did not make a decision. Despite the same, the party chose Channi. This time, the Congress party is deciding on its candidates only after conducting the ground-level assessmentsA thorough groundwork has been done and the party is selecting candidates on the basis of their winnability. And while doing so, wherever needed, the party will not hesitate to brush aside the claims of senior leaders as well, a senior party leader told The Pioneer. In awarding tickets from Jalandhar, Congress has also taken into account caste dynamics and vote distribution. Estimates suggest that nearly 40 per cent of Jalandhar constituencys population comprises SCs (Scheduled Castes). Channi, who went on to become Punjabs first dalit Chief Minister, maintains good control over the SC fraternity. Moreover, he has strong ties with the largest deras (spiritual centers) in the state, which are associated with the SC community in Jalandhar. Even if the Chaudhary family opposes, Channi is expected to receive support from the SC community. The recent developments within the grand old party indicated a shift in its approach to candidate selection, with a focus on appeasing influential factions within the party beforehand to prevent internal rifts. Under the same, a meeting was held between the Chaudhary family and high-ranking Congress leaders to assuage tensions, with assurances given that the family would get party ticket from Hoshiarpur. Congress, on Sunday night, unveiled its initial list of candidates for Punjab, revealing six out of 13 names. The party leader said: In the candidate selection process, Congress meticulously assessed the opposition to each potential nominee and its potential repercussions. Leaders, who raised objections to certain candidates, were called for discussions by the party's top leadership. Consequently, the final selection favoured candidates who faced minimal backlash from within. Apart from a member of Chaudhary family, the name of partys Adampur MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli is also in the race for ticket from Hoshiarpur. Congress decision to consider the Chaudhary family for Hoshiarpur seat underscored its commitment to carefully balance the regional dynamics and community representation. Hoshiarpur lacks a strong Congress candidate, making it a viable option for accommodating the Chaudhary family and avoiding further internal strife. Chaudhary familys third generation has aligned with the Congress. In fact, it was during Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, the then Jalandhar MP Santokh Chaudhary passed away. In the by-election following his sudden demise, the Congress had given a ticket to his widow Karamjeet Chaudhary, but faced defeat against AAPs Sushil Kumar Rinku. Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Sunday paid tribute to Baba Saheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary and rued that total distortion and subjugation of every value he stood for is being witnessed just to cling to power. In a series of posts on X, Saxena said Ambedkars ideals were specifically against dynastic politics. Baba Sahebs ideals of constitutional/democratic morality, though not mentioned in the text of our constitution, because he thought of them to be enshrined in our hearts & heads, were specifically against dynastic politics and illusionary attachment to seats of power, the LG posted. His sense of detachment militated against unprincipled attachment to power, he added. Alas, what we are witnessing today, is total distortion and subjugation of every value that he stood for, just to cling on to a position of power at any cost, he said without naming anyone. His remarks come in the backdrop of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal refusing to resign from his post following his arrest in a money laundering scam. The LG also asked people to embrace Ambedkars thoughts and not only his picture. A letter has surfaced on Monday regarding the working culture at Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal. In this, describing the environment of the medical college as toxic, there has been talk of mass suicide on May 31, 2024. In the letter, instead of name of writer, The 5 Residency of Toxicity Hub,' Gandhi Medical College, Hamidia Hospital is written. The letter is addressed to the President of Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), New Delhi. However, the name of any resident doctor is not mentioned in it. Due to this, questions are also being raised on the credibility of the letter. After the letter came out, GMC Dean Dr. Salil Bhargava called a meeting of the Junior Doctors Association. In the letter it has been mentioned that 'A venomous greeting to whoever received the letter. In Gandhi Medical College (Hamidia Hospital), day and night, every moment, we are breathing poisonous breath. We have been part of this toxic culture for a long time. We thought that something would change after the martyrdom of doctors, but things are still the same. In the hospital one has to work continuously for more than 24 hours (sometimes more than 36 hours) without sleeping. Despite working without leave, seniors and advisors indulge in verbal abuse even when there are no mistakes. If they say something, they threaten. They say, Shut up, otherwise you will not pass the exam and Degree diploma will not be given. If the situation does not improve in two months, we will commit group suicide. In the letter, the five resident doctors of Gandhi Medical College have said that they will commit mass suicide in the college itself on May 31. Also, it has been said that the letter itself should be accepted as a suicide note. It is written in the letter that if the Chief Minister is reading the letter, then your Honor should understand our problem. Because your daughter herself has studied medicine. We are also like your children. Don't consider this an unnecessary complaint. We want to learn good work. Get a degree and provide good medical services. But, the environment here is forcing us to commit suicide. Junior Doctors Association (JDA) Bhopal spokesperson Kuldeep Gupta says that junior doctors are being made to work 24 to 36 hours in the hospital. We are abused and also threatened. It is said that if you say anything, you will not pass the third year. Will fail. All this is said by the senior consultant and even on holidays they are forced to work. GMC Dean Dr Salil Bhargava said that information has been received about letters written to FAIMA by five residence doctors of the college. In this, five residence doctors, fed up with the toxic environment of the college, have talked about suicide on May 31. Have talked to Junior Doctors Association (JDA). A meeting has been called with JDA. If any resident doctor has any problem, please let me know. Will solve the related problem. The teams of Army Law Institute, Pune, and Oriental University, Indore were declared the winner and runner-up, respectively, of the 4th Padma Shri Dr. NN Jain National Moot Court Competition organized by the Department of Law of Prestige Institute of Management and Research (PIMR). The winning and runner-up teams were awarded cash prizes of Rs 35,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively, along with trophies and certificates by the guests. Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Patiala, was declared the winner of the Best Memorial Award, while Durgash Nandini of Oriental University, Indore, was awarded the 'Best Speaker' award. Shreya Khare of the Career College of Law, Bhopal, was awarded the 'Best Researcher' award. Addressing the students at the valedictory ceremony, the chief guest, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime), Indore, Manoj Shrivastava, said that law is a very interesting field. Advocacy is a noble profession, provided it is done justly, you will shine like a star. He told the students that they may face difficulties in the early days of their careers, but they should remain steadfast on their career path and face the challenges with enthusiasm, success will one day kiss their feet. Special guest, former judge, Madhya Pradesh High Court, Indore Bench, Justice Ishwar Sahay Srivastava, said that to become a good lawyer, students should adopt the 3D formula, in which the main thing is determination, deep knowledge of the case and deep knowledge of the subject. While sharing his experiences in the field of law in his life through cases, he informed the students that a lawyer should understand the evidence well and only then fight the cases. He told the students that they should read as many books as possible available in Indian literature so that they can use the law to deliver justice and establish themselves in the field of justice. Associate Dean of Adamas University, Kolkata, Prof. Dr. Souvik Roy, asked the students to try to fulfill their duty with full dedication, keeping in mind the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, and contributing to the establishment of a strong justice system in the country in the coming time. Delhi minister Atishi has written to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena asking him to suspend the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) within 24 hours after a woman was killed following a quarrel with her neighbour over taking water from a common tap in Farsh Bazar area in north-east Delhi here. In the note, Atishi, who also holds the water portfolio, urged Saxena to institute an independent enquiry into the acts of omission and commission of Chief Secretary, as well as officers of Finance Department, Urban Development Department and DJB. She claimed their actions have led to DJB being starved of funds in the 2023-24 financial year and therefore unable to execute essential works like installation of borewells. For more than a year ... Chief minister had given clear directions and a road map for improving water supply in Delhi. For the last six months, the undersigned gave repeated directions (enclosed) to the CEO of Delhi Jal Board and the Chief Secretary to ensure augmentation of water supply, so that there is no shortage of water when the onset of summer happens. However, despite repeated directions, no action has been taken to prevent this water crisis in Delhi, she alleged. Delhi Police on Sunday apprehended a 15-year-old girl for allegedly stabbing her 34-year-old neighbour to death following a dispute over filling water from the common tap, officials said. In light of this shocking incident of the death of a woman in Farsh Bazar following violence due to water shortage, Honble LG is requested to immediately suspend the CEO of Delhi Jal Board within 24 hours as this criminal negligence has taken place under his watch. Initiate a disciplinary action against all officers both in DJB and other departments of GNCTD responsible for non-augmentation of water supply for summers of 2024, Atishi said. The actions and inactions of officers of the Delhi government have led to the loss of life in Delhi, she alleged. Being incharge of Services and Vigilance, swift and strong action must be taken by the Honble LG to give a message to all officers that such negligence will not be tolerated. The people of Delhi will be looking towards the Honble LG for immediate action, she said. In the last few weeks, many reminders were given to the CEO of DJB and the chief secretary to ensure that the water supply is augmented through tube wells and water tankers, she claimed. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and BJP State President VD Sharma released BJP's resolution letter 'Modi's Guarantee' on Monday at the State Media Centeron Monday. On this occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, while addressing the media, said that this resolution letter of BJP will give impetus to the development of the country as well as Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee is a guarantee of fulfillment of every guarantee and this resolution letter is a document of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee, which has provisions to accelerate the development of Madhya Pradesh along with the country. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that BJP's resolution letter is also a guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier manifestos used to come, but now Modi has named it Sankalp Patra. Sometimes the announcement was not completed, but whatever was resolved had to be completed at any cost. Bharatiya Janata Party had also issued a resolution letter in the assembly elections and the work of fulfilling those resolutions has been done by the state government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Now BJP has also issued a manifesto in the Lok Sabha elections and these resolutions will also be fulfilled. Yadav said that Modi said, 'This is the time, this is the right time.' Certainly this is the right time to move forward with the BJP's manifesto and we will make good use of this time. He said that in the last 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has won the trust of the country and the countrymen and has built his reputation. With this resolution letter, immense possibilities will increase in many fields including tourism, medical, education in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Yadav said that whatever the Prime Minister said, he fulfilled it under all circumstances. He had said that every poor person in the country and state will be given a house. During his tenure, more than four crore people have been given permanent houses. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, concrete roofs have been provided to the poor everywhere in urban areas and rural areas. Even in Madhya Pradesh, the maximum number of houses in urban areas have been given to Ujjain district. He said that the party's manifesto has shown that ancient knowledge, modern science and employment are important for us and the resolve for development is also fulfilled. We have also seen the success of Chandrayaan in the country and now we will also achieve the glory of Gaganyaan. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that many steps have been taken in the resolution letter for the expansion of tourism. At present, there is immense potential for tourism in Madhya Pradesh as well as in the country. Regarding tourism, the Government of Madhya Pradesh is working on the Cheetah Project and Heritage. After the construction of Ujjain Mahakal Lok and Devi Lok in the state, religious tourism here has also taken a huge leap. We have a lot of potential in all types of tourism here. The Chief Minister said that the financial system of more than 60 countries of the world runs through tourism. There are many states in our country whose economy is dependent on tourism. Yadav said that a solution to the slums of the poor has also been found in the resolution letter. Now the resolution of satellite towns has been taken. Generally urbanization is increasing rapidly. Master plans made for cities are also made keeping 25 years in mind, but now through satellite towns, the city as well as the cities around it will be developed. Like Sehore will develop with the development of Bhopal, Dewas and Ujjain will develop with Indore. A six-year-old boy who fell into an open borewell in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district was located on Sunday after 40 hours of rescue operation but he was "unresponsive" and efforts were on to bring him out, an official said. Rescue teams were supplying oxygen into the 70-feet-deep borewell and parallel pits were dug as part of efforts to reach him. The child fell into the open borewell at Manika village, located close to the Uttar Pradesh border, at around 3 pm on Friday when was playing near it. He was stuck at a depth of around 40 feet, officials earlier said. "The boy has been located and efforts are on to pull him out from the borewell. He is not responding," Rewa Collector Pratibha Pal told on Sunday. Teams of the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration were at the site and making all efforts to bring the boy out of the borewell. MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday said he was monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with the local authorities. Pits about 35 feet wide were dug on both sides of the borewell through which the rescue teams were trying to bring the boy out, an official earlier said. Oxygen was being supplied to the boy through a pipe, Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Sonkar had earlier said. isten to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com A team of the NDRF was called in from Varanasi in UP, he said, adding that unseasonal rains had affected the rescue operation. Have capability to fight and accept every challengewill bring new identity to Mandi constituency Following the formidable political footprints left by his parents Himachal Pradeshs former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his MP wife Pratibha Singh, Vikramaditya Singh is poised to inherit the political legacy in Mandi a constituency deeply entrenched in the states royal familys history. In past electoral contests, his father Raja ji secured victories, while his mother had once faced a setback. Virbhadra Singh, a stalwart who served as the Chief Minister for six terms, charted his political trajectory from the Mandi parliamentary seat, even holding ministerial positions in Dr Manmohan Singhs administration. Currently, Pratibha is representing the significant seat. Set to contest from the familys bastion, Vikramaditya on Sunday said that he never get intimidated by challenges and he has the capability to fight and accept every challenge. In Rampur, Vikramaditya also expressed his gratitude to Congress top leadership for nominating him from Mandi, where he will be facing a tough challenge from the Bollywood actress and BJP candidate Kangna Ranaut. I have overcome every challenge with the blessings of the deities. With truth and honesty, I believe in serving the people of the State. I want to assure the people of Mandi that, just like I have worked for the development of rural Shimla as its legislator, I will bring a new identity to the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, said Vikramaditya, a day after his name was announced by the Congress. Vikramaditya, who is also a Cabinet Minister in Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu Government, emphasized that he would present a new model of development for the country and raise the voice of his region strongly in the Parliament. My father Virbhadra Singh, and mother Pratibha Singh, have been Members of Parliament from Mandi. They have laid the foundation of development in this area, and I will carry it forward, he added. Asserting his commitment to holistic development in Himachal Pradesh, Vikramaditya highlighted that he aimed to present his entire vision document to the people of Mandi in the coming days. He underscored that the elections are not about individual personalities but about issues affecting the region. It is not about specific individualsIt is about contesting on issues, he remarked. Vikramadityas candidature from Mandi, one of the key constituencies in Himachal Pradesh, has generated significant interest among political observers. As the son of veteran politician Virbhadra Singh, he carries forward the political legacy of his family while aiming to carve his own path in state politics. The connection of Virbhadra Singh family with Mandi parliamentary constituency dates back 57 years. In 1971, Virbhadra Singh contested his first Lok Sabha election from here and secured a record 71.95 per cent of the votes. His opponent Mandhar Lal received only 16.14 per cent of the votes. However, in 1977 elections, he had to face defeat amidst the wave of the Janata Party. In 1980, Virbhadra Singh was elected as the Member of Parliament for the second time from here. After a gap of 18 years, his wife Pratibha Singh contested the elections from Mandi in 1998. She faced Maheshwar Singh of the BJP, her close relative, in a fiercely contested battle. Unfortunately, Pratibha had to taste defeat. She contested again in 2004, and this time, retaliating against her previous loss, she emerged victorious against Maheshwar Singh, securing her position as a Member of Parliament for the first time. In 2009, the baton was passed to her husband, Virbhadra Singh, who contested from Mandi. He won against his opponents, marking his third term as an MP from the constituency. After assuming the role of Chief Minister, Virbhadra resigned as a Member of Parliament in 2012. In the subsequent by-elections, Pratibha Singh contested for the third time from Mandi. She defeated the then opposition leader Jairam Thakur, and became an MP for the second time. However, in the 2014 elections, she faced defeat against Ramswaroop Sharma of the BJP. In November 2021, Pratibha Singh contested again in a by-election. This marked her fifth electoral battle. Despite the shifting political dynamics, she emerged victorious for the third time. Virbhadra and Pratibha Singh contested a total of nine elections in this parliamentary constituency, securing victory six times. Now, Vikramaditya Singh, following the footsteps of his parents, is all set to embark on his political journey from the Mandi parliamentary constituency, which spans across 17 assembly segments in six districts of the state. Taking a crucial step towards enhancing voter turnout and participation in the electoral process, Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi P Krishnamurthy announced the implementation of Election Commission of India (ECI) Order which grants paid holiday to employees on day of poll in NCT of Delhi under Section 135B of the RP Act 1951. Delhi will go to polls on May 25. As per the order, all eligible employees, be it public or private, who are voters in the NCT of Delhi are entitled to a paid holiday to exercise their democratic right to vote on the polling day. Besides, it is to state that voters of neighbouring cities Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan working in Delhi to also be given a paid holiday on the day of voting and vice versa for voters of Delhi working in neighbouring cities as per their polling dates. This initiative underscores the importance of voter turnout and the fundamental role of every citizen in the bolstering the electoral process. By granting a paid holiday, the CEO of Delhi under the guidance of ECI aims to facilitate unhindered participation and spreading voter awareness among the residents of Delhi. Further, employers of concerned public, private or any other establishments are urged to comply with this order and ensure that their employees have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process without any hindrance. It is to state that non-compliance to this order amounts to fine as well as punishment under the provisions specified. The CEO of Delhi appealed to the youth and young voters in the NCT of Delhi to utilize this opportunity and cast their vote on polling day. Delhi BJP leaders on Sunday here welcomed the BJPs 2024 election manifesto presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said unlike other parties, the party (BJP) delivers what it promises, with a strong resolve. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said the manifesto is based on the achievements of the Modi Government over the past 10 years and outlines the roadmap for the development of the next two and a half decades. Lauding the manifesto, Sachdeva also said the desire to host the Olympics in India has motivated the youth of India. Moreover, the promise to hold the Olympics has increased the sense of national pride among the youth, he said. Sachdeva said Prime Minister Modi, by giving the first copy of the 2024 manifesto to Hawker Raghuvir Chhole Kulche Wala of East Delhi, has signaled significant changes in the lives of Delhis poor street vendors and other labourers. He said in the past decade, Prime Minister Modi has controlled corruption and has promised to tighten the screws on corrupt individuals in the future, which will build a transparent India. The proposal to issue E-Shram cards to auto-rickshaw, cab drivers, domestic workers, and small laborers will integrate urban poor into the mainstream. Also, it is now certain that every elderly person in Delhi over 70 years old will benefit from the Ayushman Yojana, Sachdeva said. The Delhi BJP President said while a lot of work has been done in the past decade to provide housing to the poor under the Prime Ministers Housing Scheme, the thought of providing housing to the middle class under the Prime Ministers Housing Scheme has brought waves of happiness among the people of Delhi. Sachdeva said where this manifesto showcases the thinking of infrastructure development in developed India, it also talks about the collective development of society in four categories - the poor, the youth, the farmers, and women. Dedicated to building a self-reliant, self-employed, clean, and successful India, this manifesto of the BJP envisions India in 2047 and is determined to take the BJP beyond the 400-seat mark. Delhi BJP Secretaries Bansuri Swaraj and Harish Khurana, along with Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor have in a joint statement said the BJPs manifesto for 2024 is a commitment to the development of youth, urban poor, and women, which will make India a bright India by 2047. BJP leaders have said the BJPs manifesto for 2024, dedicated to public welfare, is showing clarity to Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi and her Congress allies, who are now trying to criticize the manifesto amidst political disappointment. BJP leaders said Atishi should understand that India today belongs to the youth who want to see an end to corruption and who want to be job creators rather than being job seekers. The BJPs manifesto is a document that creates self-employment opportunities according to the aspirations of the youth. Atishi should understand that the proposal of hosting the Olympics in India kept by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased the sense of national pride among the youth. In a press conference held at Bokaro Hansregency , the prominent leader of the opposition in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, Amar Kumar Bauri, directed attention to the BJP's "Modi's Guarantee 2024" manifesto. At this special occasion, prominent BJP leaders including loksabha candidate Dhullu Mahto discussed the significant provisions of the manifesto in detail. Further underlining the essence of "Modi's Guarantee," Amar Kumar Bauri again ignited fervor within the party by declaring the ambitious slogan "Abki Baar, 400 Paar" expressed unwavering confidence in the BJP's ability to propel India towards development. Emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's steadfast dedication to public welfare, the manifesto pledges to continue prioritizing the needs of villages, the underprivileged, Dalits, women, youth, and farmers. Adding a significant dimension to the press conference, Dhullu Mahto was also present alongside other dignitaries. Notably Amar Kumar Bauri, acknowledging Dhullu's presence, hailed him as one of the foremost well-wishers and champions of the underprivileged, particularly evident through his ground-level efforts. Amar Bauri expressed unwavering confidence in Dhullu's candidacy, portraying him as a person deeply committed to development-oriented initiatives of poor peoples. He lauded Dhullu's dedication to uplifting the marginalized sections of society, emphasizing his track record of tangible contributions at the grassroots level. In response to various allegations leveled against him, Dhullu Mahto maintained his focus on constructive endeavors. He affirmed his commitment to carrying out good works and extended an open invitation for any inquiry into his actions. Furthermore, Dhullu Mahto expressed full confidence in the "Modi Guarantee," echoing the sentiment shared by his fellow leaders. He exuded optimism about the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, expressing his belief in securing victory with the overwhelming support and blessings of the people in his constituency. Over all the press conference exuded enthusiasm and confidence regarding the BJP's "Modi's Guarantee 2024" manifesto. Through this manifesto, the BJP has reaffirmed its commitment to the direction of a developed India. A Haryana based girl was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the room of Hotel K Square located in Bawadia Kalan, Bhopal late in the night on Saturday. Police said that she was found semi-nude, no serious injury marks were found over her body, preliminary investigation suggest that she has been killed but to ascertain it, is not possible as the post mortem report is awaited. The police have registered a case and started investigation. The girl is a resident of Faridabad, Haryana. Postmortem will be conducted after the arrival of his family members. Incharge of Kolar police Raghunath Singh said that the hotel employee had informed about this at 11:30 pm on Saturday night. According to the police, the girl has marks on her neck. There are no serious injury marks on his body. On the basis of the documents found from her, she has been identified as Shashi Pandey (26) a resident of Faridabad, Haryana. She checked into the hotel at 7:30 pm on Saturday evening. It was found that Rahul Pandey, who lives in Kolar, Bhopal, was already staying in the room where the girl was staying. There was friendship between the two through social media. The girl had come to Bhopal only on Rahul's insistence. However, police said that it is not known when and how the girl came to Bhopal. What work did she do? Information about this has also not been received. The hotel staff told the police that there was a dispute between the young man and the girl before the incident. Employees had also heard voices. The young man suddenly got nervous and came out of the room and went away. While leaving, the young man himself had asked an employee to go and check the room. After this the dead body of the girl was seen. In this case, the police have detained the hotel employee along with a young man named Rahul, a suspect. Both are being interrogated. According to the police, the accused is continuously misleading. The suspected hotel employee is also said to be an old acquaintance of the girl. Haryana Police's efforts to bolster cybersecurity have yielded significant results, with the recovery of Rs 71 lakh in a recent cyber fraud case, an official spokesperson said on Monday, adding that through proactive measures and public awareness campaigns via social media platforms, the force aims to prevent individuals from falling prey to cyber criminals. The spokesperson said that the incident unfolded in Gurugram, where a resident filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime East Police Station on February 16, 2024. The victim narrated being duped into investing in the stock market through a fraudulent app promising lucrative returns. Prompt action was taken by the Cyber Crime East Gurugram police station, resulting in the arrest of three suspects from Jaipur on March 22. The apprehended individuals were identified as Makwana Harshad Ramesh Bhai, Nikunj Mansukh Bhai Chauhan, and Khan Zuber Jamshed, all residents of Gujarat.Led by Assistant Police Commissioner Cyber Crime, Priyanshu Dewan, the investigative team recovered approximately Rs 71 lakh defrauded from the complainant. While the investigation remains ongoing, the swift action and dedication of the Cyber Crime Police Station East Gurugram have been lauded by the victim, the spokesperson added. The spokesperson said that Citizens are urged to refrain from clicking on suspicious links, downloading unfamiliar mobile apps, or sharing personal banking information or OTPs. The force's social media channels provide valuable insights into various cybercrime tactics through informative videos, aiming to empower individuals to recognize and avoid potential threats. The public is encouraged to follow Haryana Police's social media handles for continuous updates and insights into cybercrime prevention strategies. The 77th Himachal Day was celebrated in the State on Monday with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla unfurling the Tricolour and taking the salute of an impressive march past at the State-level Himachal Day function held on the historic Ridge, Shimla. The march past was led by Parade Commander, IPS Abhishek in which contingents of State Police, Home Guards, and Bharat Scouts & Guides and NCC cadets also participated. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister was also present on the occasion. The Governor, while congratulating the people of the State on the occasion of Himachal Day, highlighted the rich heritage and natural splendour that defines this hill state. Emphasizing the role of its honest and hardworking people, he commended their resilience in overcoming geographical and economic challenges to drive rapid development as we see today. He praised the peaceful atmosphere and social harmony as hallmarks that set Himachal Pradesh apart. Recognizing the state's journey from modest beginnings to becoming a beacon of hill development, the Governor credited the unwavering dedication to its citizens. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that the same spirit of determination will propel the state towards continued progress and prosperity. Coming in existence on April 15, 1948 with the merger of 30 small hill princely hill states, our rich culture, high traditions and natural beauty are the distinctive identity of Dev Bhoomi, he said. The hard-working people contributed a lot in the development of the State since its formation, said the Governor. This small hill state started its journey with meagre resources and today the State has emerged as the forerunner of hill development setting an example for other states to follow. The credit goes to the honest people, their passion and determination towards achieving the goals set. I hope that this zeal continues in future as well to keep the pace of development going, said Shukla. The Governor expressed his gratitude to those great sons of the state who have contributed in the development of Himachal Pradesh and also paid tribute to those great freedom fighters of the State who were the real heroes in paving the way in making Himachal a self-reliant state. He also paid homage to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of the nation. The Governor also appealed to all the citizens to exercise their right to franchise and to ensure their cent percent participation in the Utsav of Democracy. A colourful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion. Health Minister Dr.(Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Lady Governor Janaki Shukla, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries and senior officers of the State Government and other prominent people were also present on the occasion. With barely two days left for campaigning for the first phase of polls in Uttar Pradesh, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), a multi-party bloc of opposition parties, has failed to hold a Congress-Samajwadi Party joint rally. Voting for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in UP will take place on April 19 in eight constituencies. But so far, no election rally or public meeting of any big opposition leader from other states, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and other state leaders, has been scheduled in western Uttar Pradesh. However, on the last day of campaigning on April 17, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is scheduled to hold a road show in Saharanpur in support of party candidate Imran Masood from Gol Kothi at 10 am. The Congress is contesting elections in UP in alliance with the INDIA bloc. However, in the first phase, the party is contesting only one seat in UP Saharanpur. Despite all efforts, the party has not been able to organise even a single rally or meeting of any big leader in the first phase. The election campaign for the first phase has now reached its final stage. So far, no programme of a big leader has been organised in western Uttar Pradesh. What is more, no big leader of the party from other states has been able to come for campaigning in UP. Chairman of the partys media department, Dr CP Rai, said preparations were on for Priyanka Gandhi Vadras road show in Saharanpur on April 16 or 17. He said it was expected that soon the central leadership would finalise Priyankas programme and that of other leaders. He said in the second phase, there would be meetings of many leaders, rallies and meetings with the leaders of the alliance. There may not be programmes of national leaders in western UP but the state Congress leaders have camped in the area, he added. On the one hand, partys state in-charge Avinash Pandey is holding Lok Sabha-wise meetings and reviews. UPCC president Ajay Rai and Pramod Tiwari are reaching out to the public whereas the programme of public relation meetings of Brijlal Khabri, Naseemuddin Siddiqui and others are also on the card. Along with campaigning at the grassroots level, the party has also intensified the campaign on social media. On Sunday, the party prepared and released videos of different leaders on the issues of women, youth and farmers. Party leaders say that every day five to ten videos on major issues will be made and released. It will be delivered through various mediums as well as at the booth level. Lok Sabha election is a national activity and every voter should participate in it. Voter awareness (SVEEP) activities must be conducted to increase voting percentage. All officers should discharge their duties with full capacity and dedication. Special care must be taken to ensure transparency during the entire election process. Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan gave the above instructions in a meeting of Collector and District Election Officers of Sagar Division in the second session in the meeting room of Commissioner Office, Bhopal on Saturday. Rajan said that all the officers should be fully alert and vigilant during election work. He told them to seek guidance from him or other senior election officials and complete the election process flawlessly. Joint Chief Electoral Officer Vivek Shrotriya, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) and State Police Nodal Officer Anshuman Singh, Additional Commissioner Sagar Division Pawan Jain, Inspector General of Police Sagar Range besides Returning Officer of Lok Sabha Parliamentary Constituency No. 5 Sagar, Lok Sabha Parliamentary Constituency No.-6 Tikamgarh (SC), Lok Sabha Parliamentary Constituency No.-7 Damoh and Lok Sabha Parliamentary Constituency No.-8 Khajuraho and Collector and District Election Officer of Panna and Niwari, Superintendents of Police and other officers of all districts were present in the meeting. Rajan told the Collector and District Election Officers that along with the polling parties, sector officers should also be given hands-on training to operate EVM and VVPAT machines. In view of the heat, ensure availability of shade, water, medicine and ORS packets in all polling stations. Para medical staff should also be present along with the Sector Officer, so that if anyone needs treatment, he/she can be provided immediate medical care. Rajan instructed the District Election Officers to brace the monitoring teams (enforcement agencies) and take legal action in cases of violation of the Model Code of Conduct. He said that strict action should be taken against criminal elements that can influence the elections and they should also inform the general public about such action through the media. Vigil must be increased in the state and through inter-state checkpoints. Collector and SP should jointly visit as many polling stations as possible, hold discussions with the people and take their feedback even on small issues. Quickly resolve complaints received through cVIGIL app. He said that for complete transparency in the election process, instructions were given to inform the political parties and candidates about the updated guidelines of the Election Commission. State Police Nodal Officer Singh told all the Superintendents of Police that most of the districts of Sagar division are connected to the Uttar Pradesh border, hence keep special vigil on sensitive areas and strengthen your monitoring and information system by communicating with the Superintendents of Police of the border districts of Uttar Pradesh and also take their support while sealing the border of the district. He said that the number of sector mobile units in the districts should be increased. This will help in intensive monitoring in the area. Special arrangements should be made for security at the polling station on polling day. In the meeting, all the collectors and district election officers of Sagar division gave information through PPT presentation about the ongoing preparations for Lok Sabha elections 2024 in the district and the innovative efforts being made for voter awareness. A man was beaten up by agents of brokers outside the reservation building located at the main railway station of Bhopal in the morning on Sunday, victim claimed that GRP & RPF caught the accused but released them within a few minutes and they started to threaten him again. The victim Ajmal Khan told that on Sunday morning the agents of the brokers assaulted him up at the gate of the reservation building. Ajmal has accused the broker and his agents were supported by police internally. A complaint was made to the RPF, in which it was said that after releasing the accused, they would be threatened again. Complainant Ajmal Khan said that the reservation counter of Railways opens at eight in the morning. He stood in line outside the main gate and sat in front of the gate at 5.30 am on Sunday morning. After some time, a person named Aamir came with four-five of his companions. He asked me to move away from the gate. He abused me and threatened to kill me if I refused. When I protested, he pushed me. I complained about this to GRP and RPF. The police caught two of the five accused immediately but released them after 10 minutes. They came to the reservation counter and started threatening me again. Ajmal Khan said that they are people of brokers. Every day, a large number of people line up at these counters even before they open. They don't even have any form. In between, someone gives another form to the people standing in the queue and goes away. In Madhya Pradesh, the Meteorological Department has issued an alert for 15 districts. There is a possibility of change in weather here in the afternoon. Sagar, Ashoknagar and North Seoni may experience rain and hailstorm along with lightning and there is also a possibility of thunderstorms. Apart from this, there is a possibility of light thunderstorms with lightning in Mandla, Chhindwara, Damoh, Shivpuri, Anuppur, Sheopur. It may rain in the evening in Morena, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Dindori, Umaria, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Vidisha. For the last 7 days in Madhya Pradesh, along with storms and rain, hailstorms have also been witnessed in different areas of the state. However, now the system will become a little weak. Still, there will be a possibility of thunderstorms and rain at some places. The Met has issued warning of thunderstorm and gusty winds in Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Betul, Ujjain, Shajapur, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ashoknagar, Datia, Bhind, Reewa, Mauganj, Satna, Maihar, Shahdol, Umaria, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat, Panna, Damoh, Sagar while Rajgarh, Agarmalva, Guna, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh districts would witness thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds. IMD Bhopal said due to western disturbance, cyclonic circulation and trough line, strong system is active in the state. Due to this, the weather will change for two-three days. After this, the weather may clear for a few days, but there may be more activity of two western disturbances in the coming days. Due to this, rain and hail are expected. This way there will not be much heat in April. Due to the weather of hail, rain and storm, the Meteorological Department has also issued advisory for the people. In which they have been asked to take necessary precautions. There is a possibility of damage to crops in open areas due to hailstorm and strong wind. So keep it together. Thunderstorm lightning can cause damage to life and property. In such a situation, stay at a safe place. Stay indoors. Close windows and doors and avoid traveling if possible. Take safe shelter and take shelter under trees. Remove plugs from electric and electronic equipment. Wherever there is a possibility of rain in Eastern Madhya Pradesh, take measures to protect crops by avoiding irrigation and chemical spraying. In western Madhya Pradesh, where strong sunlight is expected, do light irrigation.boundaries will also be formed in Sehore Assembly. The Delhi Police on Sunday arrested a 15-year-old girl for allegedly stabbing a neighbour to death in a fight over water from a common tap in the Delhis Farsh Bazar area on Friday. According to the police on Sunday, The victim identified as Soni, a 34-year-old woman, was declared dead on arrival by doctors. She received several cuts in her left hand and a stab wound in the stomach. According to the police, on Friday at 10.59 pm, a PCR call was received with the caller saying that his wife had been stabbed in the stomach and needed an ambulance. Acting on the call, the police team reached the spot which was Gali no 2, Bhikam Singh Colony and found injured Soni in her room. She was having two-three cut marks on her left hand and a small wound on her stomach, DCP Shahdara Surendra Choudhary said. The victim was rushed to Hedgewar Hospital where she was declared dead on arrival by doctors. During the probe, it was revealed that Soni and her husband Satbir had a fight with their neighbours. According to the police, there are four rooms on the first floor of the house. Three rooms are occupied by three separate families and the owner kept a room for his use. All the occupants of these four rooms use a common toilet and a common tap. There is a small space near the tap which is used by all the tenants for washing clothes and utensils. On the day of the incident, the mother of alleged CCL was filling water in a tub for washing clothes but the deceased also wanted to wash her utensils so she removed the tub before it got filled. As the mother of alleged CCL had to leave for her work soon, she wanted to wash her clothes whereas the deceased wanted to use the same space for washing utensils at the same time and an argument happened between the two. In the evening, the argument again started when the deceaseds husband Satbir came home and started abusing the family of alleged CCL after consuming liquor. During the verbal spat, Soni twisted the girls hand, prompting the girl to seek treatment at Hedgewar Hospital. The girl was treated as a non-Medico Legal Case (MLC) patient, and an X-ray of her hand was conducted. Subsequently, the girl and her mother returned to their home and engaged in another altercation with Soni and her husband Satbir. During this second altercation, Soni was stabbed by the girl, said the DCP. The officer said the girl has been apprehended and will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. A case under section 302 (attempt to murder) has been registered and investigation in the matter is ongoing. Piplani police have nabbed two vehicle lifters including a minor boy and recovered 8 motorbikes and 2 scooters worth Rs 6 lakh from their possession on Saturday. Acting swiftly on information received that a person riding a motorbike near the Ganesh temple is stolen one. Based on the information police tracked the accused and nabbed him, he was identified as Raja Nayak alias Raja(23) of Raisen road. During the investigation, the accused confessed to have stolen seven motorbikes and two scooters from Bhopal while 1 motorbike from Ganjbasoda, the vehicle stealing was done with the help of his aide. Police nabbed the other accused in the crime who was found to be a minor. The accused has been booked for 11 crimes by Piplani and Govindpura police while the minor has been booked twice for theft by Govindpura police. Meanwhile Bajaria police have arrested two vehicle lifters and recovered 6 vehicles worth Rs 3 lakh; accused used to steal to fulfill their wants. In the investigation of complainant Nadeem Khan of Bajaria regarding his motorbike on April 11 which was black splendor bearing registration number MP04ZG9840 and when he found that someone was trying to break the lock to steal it, he tried to catch him but he escaped. On the information received, with the help of patrolling police party, police tracked the accused and nabbed him. The accused was identified as Kailash Kushwaha(33) of Vidisha who confessed to stealing vehicles with his aide Aamir Khan of Chhola Mandir. The two confessed stealing of 6 two-wheelers from different places of Bhopal city, which were intended to be sold outside the district. Rohtak results will lay foundation for change of power in Hry: Deepender Hooda Jhajjar/Chandigarh: Rajya Sabha MP Deepender Singh Hooda on Sunday said that Rohtak Lok Sabha results will lay the foundation for change of power in Haryana, and a Congress Government will be formed in the State. Every Haryana voter will cast their vote this time to save the Constitution given by Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. People of Haryana would respond back to the BJPs mentality of changing and crushing the Constitution, with the power of their votes, he said, addressing a Samvidhan Bachao Jan Akrosh rally organized in Jhajjar on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar by former Minister and local MLA Geeta Bhukkal, Deepender administered oath to thousands of people to protect the Constitution with the slogan Jai Bhim. People took an oath that they will cast their vote to protect the Constitution and will never allow the forces conspiring to change the Constitution to succeed. Youth power made BJP strongest, largest political party in World: Tandon Chandigarh: BJP candidate from Chandigarh parliamentary seat Sanjay Tandon on Sunday said that if youth power is with any organization, its success is certain. This is the strength of the world's largest political party, Bharatiya Janata Party, he said while addressing hundreds of youth, who had come to join the BJP under the leadership of Sunny Shah and Tushar Shah at the BJP office in Sector 33, Chandigarh. Tandon said that youth of the country today understands the importance of the changes that have taken place during the 10 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure. Tandon also encouraged the members, who have joined the BJP family and appealed to them to contribute to the nation. At the same time, he appealed to explain this to colleagues and contacts that after the opportunity to vote on June 1, the next opportunity will be available only after five years, hence no mistake in choosing the candidate should be made. If the people of Chandigarh take the right decision, they will get more benefits in the next five years and if the button is pressed at the wrong place, then there will be trouble, because this election is about giving the next opportunity to an honest government and giving the keys to power to the corrupt, he said. Verify vote thro Voter Helpline App or ECIs Portal before May 4: Chd CEO to voters Chandigarh: To boost democratic participation in General Elections-2024 and ensure robust electoral engagement, Chandigarhs Chief Electoral Officer Dr Vijay N Zade on Sunday presided over a meeting with the representatives of various RWAs of Chandigarh Residence Association Welfare Federation (CRAWFED) under the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme. CEO appealed to the members of RWAs to motivate their societys residents to verify their votes through the Voter Helpline App or the ECIs Voter Portal before May 4, 2024. If any resident is still not enrolled in the electoral roll, he or she may fill out Form 6 online through the Voter Helpline App, ECIs Voter Portal, or simply hand over their form to their Booth Level Officer at the concerned AERO office before May 4, 2024, as it is the last date for submission of Form 6 for addition of new votes. Zade also informed the members that officers have been ordered to visit their RWAs to attend voter awareness programs in order to motivate all the residents to verify their names on the electoral roll. Booth Level Officer will get connected with the president of RWAs during this campaign, and he or she will ensure that all members of the society verify their votes in the electoral roll and come out to vote on June 1, 2024. Election-related hoardings, posters, banners must have identity of printer, publisher: Mohali DEO Mohali: Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Electoral Officer Aashika Jain on Sunday made it clear that election-related hoardings, posters, or banners must have the identity of printer and publisher. Citing the fresh guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India regarding the election-related hoardings on sites controlled or regulated by local self-government or Municipal Authorities, Jain said that the ECI has emphasized that the fundamental imperatives which underwrite the design of R P Act 1951 and the Model Code of Conduct in the campaigning space, in print mode, inter-alia, are the disclosure of identity of the publisher and, thereby his responsibility of the content of the material so published. Similarly, Section 127A of the R P Act 1951 clearly prohibits publishing of election pamphlet or poster without bearing the name and publisher on the face thereof. Section 127 A (3) (b) gives a wide amplitude to the meaning of the phase election pamphlet or poster, to include placard or poster. Thus, any non-compliances or obfuscation of this requirement is always to be viewed seriously. She has advised all municipal authorities or such authorities that are responsible for hoardings, posters, or banners etc for strict compliance of the orders of ECI. Besides, printers and publishers (political parties or candidates or their representatives) have also been asked to adhere to the directions of ECI, in principle. BJP manifesto promises farmers a bright future: Chugh Chandigarh: BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Sunday said that the BJP manifesto has unleashed a new era of farmers welfare in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the manifesto, has promised that the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme will be strengthened to provide sustained financial support to farmers, he said, adding that party will also strengthen the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana through more technological interventions to ensure speedy and more accurate assessment, faster payouts and quicker grievance resolution. Stating that BJP promises to increase the minimum support price (MSP) for crops, Chugh said that the manifesto also announced to launch the Krishi Infrastructure Mission for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of agri-infrastructure projects like storage facilities, irrigation, grading and sorting units, cold-storage facilities and food processing; expansion of irrigation facilities, launching technology-enabled irrigation initiatives to implement cutting-edge technology for efficient water management and launching an indigenous Bharat Krishi satellite for farm-related activities like crop forecasting, pesticide application, irrigation, soil health and weather forecasting. BJP promised that India will soon become a global food hub as the party will focus on Shree Anna that benefits two crore people engaged in its farming, he added. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar jail Monday and alleged he was being treated like a terrorist, even as AAP said its Government in Delhi will start functioning from jail under a proper format with Chief Minister Kejriwal planning to meet two Ministers from next week. Mann, who was accompanied by Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, said they met Kejriwal for half-an-hour but they were separated by a glass wall and had to interact over a phone call. Mann said Kejriwal asked him to campaign for INDIA bloc candidates in different parts of the country. Pathak said Chief Minister Kejriwal will start meeting two Ministers in the jail every week from next week and review their works. We will undertake whatever legal processes are needed (to make this happen), he said. From next week, when the ministers meet, the Government will start functioning from jail in a proper format. Delhi BJP Spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor hit back at the AAP Government saying the claim of Pathak, the general secretary of the AAP, to run the Government from jail in Delhi is humorous and misleading. In reality, Kejriwal is in jail and the Government has come to a standstill, he said. The BJP has been demanding Kejriwals resignation since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in an excise policy-related money laundering case. The AAP and its ministers have, however, maintained that Kejriwal will continue to run the government from jail. The Punjab Chief Minister told reporters after the meeting that he got emotional when he saw his partys chief. It is very sad to see that Arvind Kejriwal is not even getting the facilities that a hardcore criminal gets. What is his crime? That he built schools, hospitals, mohalla clinics and gave free electricity to the public? You are treating him as if you have arrested a big terrorist of the country. When (Congress leader) P Chidambaram was in jail, Sonia Gandhi used to meet him in-person but today we were separated by a glass wall which was very dirty. What does Modiji want? This will cost them. Kejriwal, who is a kattar imandar and who started a politics of transparency, is being treated like this, he said.Mann said AAP will emerge a strong political force on June 4 when Lok Sabha election results are announced. Kejriwal was worried about the country. If the Constitution survives, the party will also survive. We dont know why there is so much hostility towards us that we are being treated like terrorists, he asked. Mann also dismissed suggestions that AAP has been hit by defections since Kejriwals arrest, saying its a disciplined party and is completely together and united. We all stand with Arvind Kejriwal like a rock. Arvind Kejriwal will come out of jail soon, he added. Pathak said Kejriwal was concerned about the people of Delhi and was constantly enquiring whether they were getting their subsidies. Even while being in the jail, he is worried about the people of Delhi. He said that from next week, he will call two ministers to discuss issues. He has also asked party MLAs to go out among people and address their grievances, Pathak said. Later, addressing a press conference, Pathak said Mann was crying after seeing Kejriwal and was choked for a few minutes. When we asked Kejriwal about his health, he said, I am ready for the struggle. Do not worry about me. First tell me what is the public saying? Is the electricity subsidy continuing and are there any power cuts? Are free medicines available in government hospitals? He asked us everything and was only satisfied after we told him everything about the people of Delhi, the MP added. Pathak said that during his meetings with two ministers from next week, Kejriwal will review the work being done by their departments.He will issue them guidelines and directions. He has also asked party MLAs to meet people in their constituencies over their issues and stay 24 hours among the public. He asked MLAs to put in twice the effort that they were putting in earlier, Pathak said. He said the chief minister also enquired about the Delhi governments Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana for 2024-25 under which eligible women will get Rs 1,000 every month. He said that nobody should be worried and assured that the scheme will be implemented as soon as he comes out of jail. There was no sign of worry on his face. He assured that wherever he stays he will continue to struggle, he added. The meeting between the three AAP leaders took place in the mulakat jangla, a room divided with a glass wall, a Tihar jail official said. The Foundation Day of Himachal Pradesh was celebrated at Punjab Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh with Banwari Lal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh extending greetings to all the guests present at the function. He said that Himachal Pradesh is a state which is known for its cultural and historical importance. Its people, their rich heritage and diverse communities deserve praise for their unity and strength. Purohit said that through 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat', mutual familiarization among the people of the states, spirit of unity, diverse traditions, art, culture, costumes and foods are also exchanged. He said that every state has a unique identity, and the unity in diversity of states is the strength of India. He said that Himachal Pradesh is not only famous for its history and culture, but it is also famous all over the world for tourism. On this occasion, we all have got the opportunity to understand and know how the people of the state have made this ancient land a center of prosperity and prestige. On the occasion, a captivating presentation of folk music and dances of Himachal Pradesh was also presented which mesmerized the guests present. The dignitaries present on the occasion included Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, K. Siva Prasad, Advisor to the Administrator UT Chandigarh, Rajeev Verma, Home Secretary, UT Chandigarh Nitin Kumar Yadav and DGP UT Chandigarh, Surendra Singh Yadav, President of Himachal Mahasabha, Pirthi Singh Prajapati was also present along with members of Himachal Mahasabha . A shocking revelation has come to fore in the case of murder of a Haryana based young woman who was killed in the hotel Square located in Bawadia Kalan, Bhopal on Saturday night; she died of excessive bleeding caused due to injuries. Police said that she died due to excessive bleeding due to serious injury. A case has been registered against five people including a woman. Police conducted the postmortem of the woman on Monday. The short PM report revealed that the woman was brutally assaulted. Police's efforts to reach the woman's family have currently failed. Police have taken four accused into custody. Apart from this, the main accused Ritul alias Rahul Pandey has been arrested. DCP Priyanka Shukla said that the body of a 27-year-old woman was found in the square room of the hotel late on Saturday night. Based on the PM report, a case of murder has been registered. The police have not found her family members at the address of Faridabad, Haryana, recorded in the documents found with her. Information was received about her address in Delhi, police contacted there also, but her family members were not found. The deceaseds SIM is registered on the address of Lucknow, the police contacted this address also, here too no one was found to recognize her and post mortem has been conducted in the absence of family members. Will wait for one more day, if they are not contacted, the body will be buried. Shukla informed that among the accused Kunal is a former employee of Hotel K-Square. After finalizing the deal with the customer, he used to leave the deceased with the customer. The customer's location was near Kunal. Sagar alias Surendra Chauhan is also a former employee of the hotel, he used to find a customer and arrange a meeting with gang member Kunal. Bahadur is a current employee of the hotel. He used to drop the woman sent by Kunal to the customers in the hotel and back to her home. The woman accused Mehak Yadav is reportedly member of a prostitution gang. After finalizing the deal with customers she used to take money into the account online. Also, she used to remain in touch with girls. Shukla further said that Ritul alias Rahul Pandey is the main accused in the Kolar area. The deceased was called by Mehak Yadav through Sagar in the hotel. For this, Mehak had also taken an advance of Rs 4000. Accused Ritul alias Rahul Pandey had brutally murdered the woman in the hotel room. Cases of assault have also been registered against him in the past, the aDCP added.. Accused Ritul alias Rahul Pandey told during interrogation that the woman was a call girl. Former employee of the hotel remained in touch with Sagar. I had booked the hotel room three days in advance. The woman was called to the hotel through Sagar. Here he made some special demands from the woman which she denied. There was a dispute over this matter and he caused serious injury to the victim's private part. After this the girl also started bleeding from her mouth and died. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar jail on Monday and alleged the AAP chief was not being given amenities that are provided even to hardcore criminals. Mann, who was accompanied by AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, said they met Kejriwal for half-an-hour but they were separated by a glass wall and interacted over a phone call. "I became emotional seeing him. He is being treated like a hardcore criminal. What is his fault? Is it his fault that he built mohalla clinics?" said Mann. The Punjab chief minister said he was asked by Kejriwal to visit different places for campaigning for INDIA bloc candidates. He also said the Aam Aadmi Party will emerge a strong political force on June 4, when Lok Sabha election results are announced. Pathak said Kejriwal was worried about the people of Delhi and was constantly inquiring whether they were getting subsidies. "Even while being inside jail, he is worried about the people of Delhi. He said that from next week, he will call two ministers to discuss issues. He has also asked party MLAs to go out among people," Pathak said. The meeting took place in the 'mulakat jangla,' a room divided with a glass wall, a Tihar jail official said. Security was already heightened with local police being deployed outside Tihar jail, given that Mann is Z+ protectee. The Delhi chief minister and AAP national convenor was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21. His current judicial custody is expiring on Monday. The ED has accused Kejriwal of being involved in the "entire conspiracy of Delhi liquor scam, in drafting and implementation of the policy, for favouring and benefiting the quid pro receiving kickbacks and eventually using part of proceeds of crime generated out of the scheduled offence in the election campaign for Goa Assembly elections". Israel is "strong and resilient" and, if needed, it will "confront Iran" after the recent attack, the Israeli envoy here asserted on Monday and said India should play a role in bringing stability in the West Asia region. In an interview to PTI at the Israeli Embassy here, the country's ambassador to India Naor Gilon said that Israeli defence forces with the support of the US and "other friends in the region" were able to "intercept 99 per cent" of the UAVs and missiles fired by Iranians. However, there was "minor damage" suffered at Nevatim air base in the attack late Saturday, he said. With Iran's attack on Israel triggering the spectre of a wider conflict in West Asia, India on Sunday said it is seriously concerned over the escalating hostilities between the two sides and called for an immediate halt to violence and return to the path of diplomacy. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held separate telephonic conversations with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts and underlined the importance of avoiding escalation and exercising restraint. Iran carried out the attack on Israel in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1 that killed seven Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards including a senior general. Ambassador Gilon, in the interview, said India as a "very respected player in the international arena should put its influence and weight" in bringing things back to normal. He was asked what role he expected from India in the present situation, given the telephonic conversations of Jaishankar with his counterparts in Israel and Iran. "I think that we expect from India, as a friend, to be very strong in international community in making sure that Iran stops its destabilisation of West Asia. "I think West Asia as a region is also very important for India because there are millions of Indians working in that region. Many business connections, strong ones with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar. And, I think, this is very important that India will be active as a part of the international community, in stopping Iran," he said. Gilon said the Iranians had shot about "350 different UAVs to cruise missiles to surface to surface missiles, all in all about 60 tonnes of explosives", trying to overcome the Israeli defence system by shooting simultaneously. "Thanks to the US and other friends in the region, and the huge capacity of our air defence and air force, we were able to intercept 99 per cent of these missiles and UAVs and luckily, no casualty. There was one young, seven-year-old girl, a Bedouin Muslin girl from the south of Israel, who was severely wounded, I hope she comes out of it," the Israeli envoy said. Gilon alleged that the attack was a "clear continuation of the behaviour of Iran" for a very long time, bringing instability in West Asia. Two days ago, they "changed mould and attacked Israel directly from the territory of Iran" and other territories and also proxies, he said. "Iran cannot continue this behaviour, if we need we will confront Iran. It is not a choice of ours. We are merely the receiving side here, and we will probably find the right time and moment to retaliate or send back a message to Iran that this is unacceptable. "We should send the retaliating message that this is unacceptable," the envoy said. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a post on X on Sunday night had said that the close cooperation between the US military and the IDF has led to the "formation of a strong coalition that proved itself last night in the face of Iran's aerial attack". Asked what steps are being taken to foster a sense of security among citizens in Israel, Gilon said, "They got a boost of security feeling, from the huge success of the interception of Iranian attack". Israel does not see "any difference" between an Israeli or a Thai or an Indian resident, "for us, all are the same", he said adding, "We are trying to protect all of them in the same way. There is no difference in Israeli and foreign citizens (in Israel), we treat them the same way". At present, around 18,500 Indians are residing in Israel, according to official estimates. The envoy also said, "If Iran goes forward with its nuclear programme, if it will be nuclear ... It will be devastating for the world, not only for Israel". "So, one has to look at it from this viewpoint too. I think the international community should unite to put pressure on Iran," he added. On the Iranian military seizing a cargo ship with Israeli links near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, he alleged that it was an act of "piracy" by Iran in stopping the ship in international waters. In his phone conversation with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Jaishankar had also called for the release of 17 Indians onboard the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries. Asked if technology will decide the direction of conflicts in future, Gilon said, "We should say it's Israeli-developed technology, our very good pilots" who went out to counter the cruise missiles, adding, "Technology in future combats is going to be a big factor, a major factor". The second batch of Indian military personnel manning a helicopter gifted by India to the Maldives has left the island nation as demanded by him, President Mohamed Muizzu has said. Muizzu, a pro-China leader, also reaffirmed that foreign ambassadors in Male will not wield authority over him emphasising that ultimate power rests with the citizens. Last month, he had alleged that his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih operated on the orders from a foreign ambassador without naming any country. He announced the withdrawal of the second Indian military contingent from the Maldives while speaking during a campaign event for the ruling Peoples National Congress party candidates ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 21. The first team has already gone. Now, on April 9, the soldiers on the second platform have also been withdrawn, Muizzu, who has been demanding the withdrawal of foreign soldiers from the Maldives during his election campaign last year, was quoted as saying by the local media on Saturday. Muizzu had set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his country. Under an agreement between Maldives and India in February, New Delhi agreed to replace the Indian military personnel stationed in Maldives to oversee the operations of the military aircraft the country has gifted with trained civilians also from India. Muizzu also said the Indian soldiers on the last aviation platform would also leave the Maldives before May 10 deadline set by him and that would mark the fulfillment of his pledge to remove Indian soldiers from the island nation. There is only one platform left. As the two countries have already signed, they [the remaining Indian military personnel] will also be recalled ahead of May 10. They will leave, Muizzu was quoted as saying by Edition.mv news portal on Saturday. He did not provide details of the number of the second batch of Indian military personnel who have left the Maldives. He also did not clarify whether the soldiers had been replaced by trained Indian civilians. Neither the Maldives Defence Ministry nor India have commented on the latest withdrawal of Indian military personnel from this country. According to the Maldives government, 88 Indian soldiers were stationed in the Maldives to operate helicopters in Addu and Laamu Kadhdhoo and a Dornier aircraft in Hanimaadhoo. The figure also includes doctors at the Senahiya military hospital, according to local media reports. The first group of Indian soldiers left the Maldives on March 11. The Defence Ministry said 26 soldiers based in Addu were replaced by 26 Indian civilians. India also replaced the old helicopter in Addu with a new one. Relations between Maldives and India have deteriorated since Muizzu came to power in November last year while closer ties are maintained with China. He also travelled to China in January and met top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping. China and the Maldives recently signed a defence cooperation agreement and several other infrastructure development projects. The Maldives is Indias key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a special place in its initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy of the Indian government. China calls for restraint after Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel Xinhua) 11:15, April 15, 2024 UNITED NATIONS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Sunday called for calm and restraint after Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel over the latter's deadly assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria. "China calls on relevant parties to exercise maximum calm and restraint and resolve their differences and disputes in accordance with the purposes of the UN Charter and international law to prevent further escalation," said Dai Bing, the charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. On April 1, Iran's diplomatic premises in Syria were attacked by airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian personnel and severe damage to the premises. This is a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law and a breach of the sovereignty of both Syria and Iran. The attack is of an extremely vicious nature, he noted. China expressed deep concern over Saturday's escalation. It has also noted that Iran stated that its military action was in response to Israel's aggression against its diplomatic premises and the matter can be deemed concluded, said Dai. The ongoing situation is the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict. It serves as another reminder that the Palestinian question remains central to the Middle East issue and bears on the peace, stability and long-term security in the region, he said. If the flames of the Gaza conflict are allowed to continue raging, the adverse spillover is set to spread still further, making the region even more unstable. Countries and peoples in the Middle East do not want to see, nor can they afford a larger conflict or war. Therefore, the priority is implementing Security Council Resolution 2728 and securing an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, he said. The ultimate solution is to implement the two-state solution and put an end to the vicious circle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability of the region, he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Following restoration techniques established in Scandinavia to counteract the impacts of acid rain, the Nova Scotia Salmon Association has pursued a program of adding crushed limestone to rivers and the forests that drain into them. Dr. Sterling collaborated with the charitable organization and its former lead scientist Dr. Halfyard to study the process and how its introduction of alkalinity to the waterways can help fish flourish. Drs. Sterling and Halfyard had been working for years trying to save what remains of Nova Scotias wild salmon stocks by studying a process that combats the acidification of the provinces rivers. While pursuing research aimed to restore Nova Scotia salmon habitats, Dalhousie hydrologist Dr. Shannon Sterling and Dal alum Dr. Edmund Halfyard stumbled into the forefront of carbon dioxide (CO2) removal science and growing market demand to remove the gas from the atmosphere. The discovery led to her current role as founder and chief science officer of CarbonRun , a promising CO2 removal startup attracting investment from global players. It was the IPCC Paris Agreement where the world community got together and collectively said Okay, weve really screwed up. Even if we meet all our CO2 emissions reduction targets, we're still going to overshoot by 1.5 degrees of warming. We have to draw down carbon from the atmosphere, says Dr. Sterling. A noble pursuit, but Dr. Sterling discovered that there was as much good happening above the waterline as there was for fish in the river. The a-ha moment came in 2018, when she started reading scientific papers focused on the urgent need to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Emerging studies showed that adding alkaline materials such as limestone to the Earths surface had the potential to enhance the absorption of CO2 from the air. Weve been doing that in watersheds for years, thought Dr. Sterling, who felt slightly dizzied by the realization that her ecosytem research might serendipitously make her a player in the emerging global movement to remove atmospheric CO2. The Challenge The scariest thing we faced was building a whole new pathway, she says. We were making quite a large claim. There was ocean alkalinity enhancement as a CO 2 removal strategy. And enhanced weathering on land. But we were proposing this whole new new class of CO 2 removal for rivers. Dalhousie graduate student tests river water. To start getting the idea on the radar of the global climate mitigation community, she reached out to one of the leaders in the space, Dr. David Beerling at the University of Sheffield. The founder and director of the Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, had received a large grant following the Paris Agreement to study how spreading crushed rocks on soils could hack the long-term carbon cycle. So, I called David and said, You know, we're already putting crushed rock on soils and in rivers in our work with salmon. Maybe there is a CO 2 removal component to what we are doing youd like to consider, she says. Excited by the opportunity to see similar work in action, he came to observe Dr. Sterling and her colleagues field studies spreading limestone on forest floors via helecopter. While she was encouraged by Dr. Beerlings interest in their land-based work, she couldnt help her attention flowing back to the potential of river-based methods. I was thinking rivers could actually give us similar result with the added advantage of increased control and speed, she says. We've been monitoring the effects of adding limestore to land and you dont get results for a few years, so theres potentially years delay in the impact. With rivers, you can quickly test if you don't have the right dose and can change it. The Solution She set out to investigate her theory with Dr. Halfyard. But to move the science forward, the pair needed monitor reactions at the waters surface to observe if CO 2 was being absorbed. It would take complex and expensive fieldwork. A lab on the side of the riverbank. Thats when Dr. Sterling got a lifeline from a Toronto philanthropist turned on to her work by Dr. Beerling who, in yet another fortunate twist of fate, had just returned from his visit to Nova Scotia. They funded our monitoring, and we started measuring changes to the carbonate system in rivers where limestone dosers were being employed. The results were impressive, she says, It was like, wow, this is actually working really well. When Dr. Sterling looked out into the world, she couldnt find anyone else doing what she was doing. CO 2 removal researchers were focused on the ocean and land, but not rivers. She realized that her discovery could comprise intellectual property for a new carbon credits business venture while also advancing her goals to restore acidified river habitats. And so, with Dr. Halfyard and Luke Connell, who is now CEO, as her cofounders, CarbonRun was born. Dalhousie alumnus Dr. Edmund Halfyard, CarbonRuns Chief Tech Officer. (Photo provided) She turned to Dalhousies Office of Commercialization and Industry Engagement for advice on how to build the company grounded in university research. She was concerned about pursuing studies that serve both her roles as an academic and entrepreneur. They were able to point out where conflicts could occur. Just knowing where the problems might be ahead of time was extremely helpful. University-industry relationships can go wrong, but they can also go really, really right when executed properly, she said. The Impact Using standards defined by the Frontier Carbon Removal Fund to identify successful carbon removal startups, Dr. Sterling worked hard to validate the impact of her approach. They established criteria and we started ticking them off one by one cost, community engagement, feedstock, CO 2 uptake tick, tick, tick, she says. And, because there are more than 50 years of research focused on adding limestone to rivers for habitat restoration, she says there is significant data demonstrating safety and ecosystem benefits. Taking readings. CarbonRun is currently quantifying the carbon drawdown of two limestone dosers operated by the Nova Scotia Salmon Association. The dosers use solar and wind power and passively take in river water, mix it with limestone and then return it to the river. Currents then weather the mineral, creating the reaction that allows it to capture CO and convert it to a stable bicarbonate. Then its off to the ocean for permanent storage. The strength of CarbonRuns science has attracted major global attention, including the Frontier Carbon Removal Fund which was founded by companies like Google, Meta, and Shopify. Frontier made an advance market commitment, a pre-purchase of carbon credits to provide both a vote of confidence and a financial boost to advance and scale CarbonRuns research and operations. Its a very heady time for the researcher, who just three years ago had no plans to pursue entrepreneurship. The company has been welcomed into The Labs, Invest Nova Scotias state-of-the-art facility geared to helping science-based startups build their enterprises. And she is working closely with communities in the province to establish new sites for limestone dosing. Partnerships are paramount she says, noting that community collaboration and comfort are essential to moving forward. CarbonRuns projects will bring ecosystem restoration, employment and other economic benefits Dr. Sterling says, all of which will be important to communicate to communities surrounding potential new dosing sites. The hunt is now on to find the ideal locations. Its important that sites are close to limestone deposits to lessen fossil fuels used to deliver the minerals to the site a key variable to consider when CO 2 removal is the essence of your enterprise. Factors like river size, velocity, chemistry, and proximity to the ocean are also important, but most important are the considerations of the aquatic ecosystems and the communities around each river. It's a Goldilocks approach, she says. We need to find communities to partner with and rivers that are just right." For Ihor Krasilia, sticking his hands near a fire is part of his daily routine as Dalhousies new scientific glass blower. Glass blowing requires precision, dexterity, control, and most of all, patience. Krasilia joined the Dal community in November with more than a decade of training and experience. As the university glassblower, he crafts specialized glassware for the research community and one-of-a-kind gifts from the glass-blowing lab on the third floor of the Chemistry Building. With temperatures higher than 500 degrees, Krasilia adds that its a different kind of heat that you have to feel with your eyes. Backstory Krasilia is originally from Ukraine and studied economics at the Kharkiv Institute of Business and Management. A friend suggested Krasilia join him in trying glassblowing and start a small business. Krasilia completed a scientific glassblowing course at the National Technical University and within six months, sold his first piece. The pair made decanters, lampshades, pipes, hookahs, and other small souvenir sculptures. Krasilia then sought out mentors and additional training to learn how to make laboratory items, such as beakers, tubes, and Klein bottles. He started working at the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute in the Ukraine where he spent the next seven years making glassware, training students, and hosting master classes for groups of 20-50 people, including children. After Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Krasilia remembers I would make something out of glass and then a rocket would fly overhead. He knew that his family was not safe and faced an impossibly difficult decision. His wife moved to the Netherlands where he would later join and work for a company that manufactures combustion analyzers instruments designed to measure the gases in a combustion process and accessories with a dedicated glass facility. A friend in Manitoba, also from the Ukraine, recommended Canada as a beautiful and stable country. Canada introduced open work permits for Ukrainians and their family members, and Krasilia was then connected to Dalhousie. Coming to Canada It is common for government organizations and research universities to have dedicated glassblowers. The role fills a niche, but important role in crafting and repairing glassware for research experiments. Sheila MacLean, manager of recruitment and retention in Human Resources, says the search for a new glassblower Dal's previous one, Todd Carter, moved on in the fall of 2020 was more challenging than some recruitment processes as it's for such a specialized role. She commends her team for their diligence and collaboration throughout the process as they discovered a great candidate. We were thrilled at Ihor's candidacy. He is a highly trained scientific glassblower with experience working at universities, most extensively in his Ukrainian home, she says. When speaking about the experience arriving at Dalhousie, Krasilia says Everything is possible because Danielle helped. He is referring to Danielle Pottie, the administrator for the chemistry department. Pottie supported the recruitment process and later, with Krasilias local housing search. She also sourced donations to furnish his apartment. In his first month in Canada, Krasilia shares that he ran over 200 kilometers. The ocean and nature are beautiful, he says. His wife and now seven-month-old baby joined him in Canada on Christmas day. What's next Krasilia is keen to connect with the Dalhousie research community about design and production abilities within the glass-blowing lab. Having a glassblower on campus also opens a unique opportunity for one-of-a-kind gifts. The Faculty of Science recently commissioned Krasilia to create a custom, weather-themed gift for CBC meteorologist and Dal alum Tina Simpkin (BSc94, DMET95), who served as a guest speaker at two Faculty events in March. Dr. Chuck Macdonald, dean of the Faculty of Science, presenting Tina Simpkin with her custom gift at the Deans Reception in March 2024. As he did in the Ukraine, Krasilia also hopes to provide masterclasses and public demonstrations for students and the broader Dalhousie community. Learn more about resources and facilities in the Department of Chemistry. Key Points: The Netherlands firmly supports Ukraines defense, committing 4 billion in military aid over 2024-2026 and increasing its defense budget. The Netherlands prioritizes replenishing air defense and ammunition stock, investing in systems like the AMRAAM missile and Kongsberg NASAMS. Dutch leaders recognize the need to surpass NATO spending targets, advocating for further increases to reverse years of defense budget cuts. The Dutch government has committed significantly to Ukraines defense, earmarking 4 billion (US $4.25 billion) in military aid for the 2024-2026 period. Announced in the spring budget update, the move signals the Netherlands ongoing support for Ukraines defense against Russian aggression. Get alerts: Defense Spending and Strategic Priorities Alongside the substantial military aid, defense leaders have pledged a structural increase in defense spending by 500 million per year from 2028. This investment targets vital areas, including air defense and ammunition stocks, as Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren highlighted. Enhanced air defense capabilities and ammunition reserves provide tactical support for Ukraine and strengthen the Netherlands security position. The Dutch military has acknowledged limitations in its ability to provide Ukraine with more Patriot air systems, which are a critical component of air defense. While expressing staunch support, the Netherlands is prioritizing its baseline defense capabilities. Surpassing NATO Spending Targets Recognizing the critical importance of Ukraines defense for broader European security, the Netherlands is prioritizing strategic investments. Additional funds for the Defense Ministry enable the pursuit of necessary reinforcements, long-term commitments to Ukraine and better alignment with industry procurement. State Secretary for Defence Christophe van der Maat underscores the urgency of replenishing ammunition stocks, a priority reflected in plans to acquire AMRAAM missiles and explore other air defense solutions such as the Kongsberg NASAMS system. After years of reduced defense budgets, the Netherlands has rapidly ramped up its defense spending. The 2024 budget allocation of 21.4 billion ($23.2 billion), or 1.95% of GDP, demonstrates a shift toward addressing security concerns. Military officials advocate for further increases beyond the 2% of GDP target of NATO, recognizing the need to bolster the nations defenses. Investments in tanks, intelligence, drone/counter-drone technology and medical and logistical support are all prioritized in line with the necessities of modern warfare. The focus on air defense and ammunition aligns with Ukraines immediate needs and enhances the Netherlands defense posture. These investments must now be channeled into concrete procurement and development strategies. Geopolitical Context and Long-Term Commitment The Netherlands commitment to Ukraine extends beyond budgetary decisions. Ongoing talks to form a new Dutch government following the November elections present a degree of continuity. Despite political transitions, Prime Minister Mark Ruttes caretaker Cabinet has demonstrated unwavering support for Ukraine. The Netherlands has provided substantial aid, including equipment and commercially procured military supplies. Moreover, purchasing seven Thales Ground Master 200 mobile radar systems, with the option for two more, reinforces the focus on enhancing defensive capabilities. The Netherlands commitment to integrating the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Block 2 on existing and future frigates reflects a strategic focus on anti-ship missile defense. Prime Minister Mark Ruttes pledge of an additional 1 billion euros ($1.06 billion USD) in military support for 2024 aligns with his discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Rutte considered a leading contender for the next NATO Secretary-General position, has consistently emphasized the Netherlands role in aiding Ukraine and accelerating the supply of weapons and ammunition. The Netherlands support for Ukraine, in terms of substantial military aid and diplomatic efforts, highlights a long-term strategic commitment to defending European security. These moves will strengthen the Netherlands defense capabilities and enhance its position within the NATO framework. The Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) has called upon the people of Derry to again take the streets for Palestine. The organisation is holding a Rally for Gaza, at 1.00pm, at Free Derry Corner, on Saturday April 20. Spokesperson, Catherine Hutton said: "Western hypocrisy has never been more exposed than in the response to the Iranian drone strikes on Israel. "Britain and America threw their military might into protecting Israel and her citizens. The Western media ran minute by minute coverage of Iran's attack on Israel. Politicians jostled for position on who could be most pro Israel in their words and deeds. "These same lousy hypocrites have allowed Israel to slaughter over 40,000 people in Gaza without lifting a finger to help the Palestinians. "Where has been the US or British military intervention to stop an Israeli engineered famine in Gaza?" asked Ms Hutton. Catherine Hutton claimed that Irish political leaders who sent "messages of solidarity to Israel following the Iranian attack are not representing the Irish people". She added: "Political leaders throughout Ireland and across the world are so far disconnected from the people they claim to represent. "The people of the world stand with the Palestinians and against genocide. "Let's send a clear message from our rally on Saturday - Stop Arming Israel. End Western complicity in genocide. The IPSC Rally for Gaza is at 1pm Free Derry Corner on Saturday April 20. EAST Derry MLA Claire Sugden has expressed profound disappointment that a potential client has withdrawn their interest in investing at Coleraines now-defunct unique enterprise zone. Just weeks before the Atlantic Link Enterprise Zone on the Portstewart Road lost its unique status as Northern Irelands only such zone, a potential investor was found. This was after eight years of the zone having only one client and just before news broke that the whole of NI would now become an Enhanced Investment Zone. The timing of this is particularly tough to take and bad news for the area in general, Ms Sugden said. For years this was the provinces only such enterprise zone, offering tax breaks and other incentives for companies looking to set up shop here. While the scale and nature of the potential client was not made public, it could itself have drawn further interest and investment to the zone and to the area more generally. Following the deal to get Stormont up and running again, the unique status of the zone was, however, lost, with the entire province instead becoming an Enhanced Investment Zone. While this is great news for the whole of Northern Ireland and Coleraine will individually benefit from the 20m regeneration funding from central government over the next 10 years it is a shame that we were not able to take better advantage of our unique opportunity while we had it. Much more should have been achieved in that time. Following an Assembly question from Ms Sugden to the Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy, Mr Murphy confirmed that the prospective client had withdrawn its interest and that work was now going into develop proposals for the new Enhanced Investment Zone. I really hope this area can instead go on to benefit from the province-wide approach that is now being worked out, Ms Sugden continued. The north coast and East Londonderry more generally remains an attractive place to live, work and visit. We must now do all we can to sell ourselves to potential investors and to support the numerous home-grown enterprises we already have and all the local people who have business ambitions of their own. Furious nursing staff at Muckamore Abbey Hospital have raised serious concerns over management claiming that they 'aren't doing their jobs properly'. Numerous staff have contacted the County Derry Post to voice their concerns about ongoing issues within the hospital which is earmarked for closure in June. The hospital, which is on the outskirts of Antrim and which provides facilities for adults with severe learning disabilities and mental health needs, has been at the centre of a long-running investigation into reports of patient abuse by staff. The staff, who have contacted this newspaper are employed by Belfast Trust, and claim that management are 'turning a blind eye' to a lot of staffing issues within the hospital. The fed-up employees have accused management of 'failing to provide any support or response when staff escalate issues to them'. They have also claimed that on occasions when they have reported issues, management have shown confidential reports to other staff. Further claims made by the Trust staff include agency workers falsifying time sheets, agency staff 'sleeping on the job' and giving diabetic patients numerous Mars bars for breakfast. The Trust staff say they are also upset because they do not know what will happen to their jobs come June. Several months ago, a video was circulated among staff showing a countdown timer to the closure of Muckamore Abbey Hospital. They claim that this timer was created by HR staff and say it has caused anger among employees who were originally told they would automatically be redeployed within the Belfast Trust or Northern Trust. Now they allege they have since been told that they must go through a recruitment process before being employed by any other hospital. The Belfast Trust say they aren't offering redundancy as it's not the Belfast Trust closing it, it's the Department of Health, said a Trust staff member, who wanted to remain anonymous. They told us they were going to do whatever was needed to get us redeployed but now we believe they were just telling us that to keep us here. They are now saying if you want a job within another hospital then you must apply for it and if there are more than three people in for that job then you must go through a recruitment process. It's not our fault that they are closing but it's worrying that we could be left with nothing. Nurses employed by the Trust at Muckamore received an additional 15 per cent pay increase for their contracted hours however they claim this was taken off them after two months when agency staff were employed. We had it (pay increase) for about two months and then they took it off us again, another employee claimed. Then they said they were bringing in a specialised staff (agency staff) who were mental health trained, yet none of them are trained for learning disability. They've taken our 15 per cent off us along with our overtime to give agency staff full time work when they aren't needed. The remaining staff that are still there want to know why they are being treated differently. We are being discriminated against. The staff claim they are 'constantly being watched on cameras by management and being scrutinised' however 'agency staff are never pulled for anything'. The way management speak to staff is terrible, a nurse told the County Derry Post. Staff are escalating issues to management but there's no support or response to our emails. Anything that goes on now, we are scared to voice it because we know that nothing is going to be done any more. They say one of the values with the Belfast Trust is an open and honest policy no it's not. If nothing is being done about these issues, then it's not open and honest. They aren't supporting us because they couldn't care less about it. They have to tolerate the agency staff's bad decision making and their poor care because legally they have to have a certain number of staff to keep the hospital open. They don't manage a crisis the way they should manage it. There's no confidentiality whatsoever and management are constantly telling lies to staff and patients. Even when we are attacked by patients, we are never even asked by management if we are ok? They don't reply to any of our emails and back-to-work meetings are not being held for staff who have returned to work having been off on long term sick leave. You're bringing things to them, issues we have, and the emails are just being ignored. I think they are just laughing at us, it's like they don't care, that's what it feels like. From what happened, they still haven't learned, they just brush everything under the carpet. The staff have also expressed concern over patient care within the hospital. Not one of the management are LD (learning disability) trained, they are just trained in mental health now there's some difference in that that's like a baker and a mechanic, and these are the people running the place, the employee continued. Patients' medications are given at a certain time and they are given at that time for a reason because they are long acting or slow acting. Some of them are not getting the medications until the middle of the day and then they are all out of their routine. Patients are actually starting to ask for their medication now, it's that bad. Then you have agency staff who are giving diabetic patients Mars bars to eat after their breakfast to keep them quiet - that's neglect and it's slowly killing them. Daily notes aren't being recorded. Some patients may need their medication upped and some might need them lessened. Night staff don't know what the patient needs because day staff aren't recording information on their notes, and vice versa. In the past syringes have not been put into the Sharps bin if a patient had have got access to those needles and stabbed a staff member, where would you stand there? It's things like this that is all being brushed under the carpet. The staff say they have reported these issues to the RQIA (Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority) but claim 'it's all falling on deaf ears'. Management just are not doing their jobs. They aren't following through when they are presented with concerns and allegations about other staff and issues within the hospital wards, continued the frustrated nurse. We need to see more senior management on the wards and have them asking the staff if anyone wants to have a chat if they have any concerns we want them to do their job. We've nobody to talk to. Nobody has come to chat to us either. The Health Minister Robin Swann hasn't come to see any of the staff. All over Covid we got nothing. Every other hospital got all the praise, yet we got nothing. We are no different to any other hospital. The situation has actually forced staff who have been there years and years to leave. You're treated like dirt, the way management speak to you. We are at breaking point at this stage. Management aren't doing their job. They aren't supporting the Trust staff. I have nothing against the agency workers but there is a major difference being made between us and them. A spokesperson for Belfast Trust last night said: Belfast Trust is responsible for leading on the implementation of the planned closure of Muckamore Abbey Hospital in June 2024, following the decision made by the Department of Health. A draft Equality Impact Assessment has assessed the potential impact on current and future patients, families, carers and staff in terms of equality, good relations, human rights and identified measures to lessen any potential impact of the closure. We understand that the closure of Muckamore Abbey Hospital has created uncertainty for staff and as part of our engagement with all key stakeholders we have facilitated additional engagement sessions and 1:1s for staff to provide further opportunities to discuss our future service model. We take the care of our patients and any concerns our staff have extremely seriously. We encourage our staff to make management aware of any issues giving them concern which can also be raised through our whistleblowing process. We have a low threshold for taking action and when it is required we will take the necessary steps to ensure the concern is addressed appropriately. We are fully committed to supporting patients, families and staff in the months ahead and will do our utmost to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible. The prosecution is to appeal the granting of bail to a man charged with historical sex offences against his two sisters at Derry Magistrate's Court today. The man with an address in England and who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victims in the case appeared charged with a total of 8 charges of sexual and physical abuse against the two females on dates between July 14, 1980 and July 14, 1987. The court heard that the two women would have been aged around 7 to 14-years-old at the time. A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. He told the court one of the alleged victims came forward to police in 1995 claiming she had been raped by her brother. The court heard that she then decided not to proceed with the case. In 2022 the woman again approached police and alleged her brother had committed 'significant sexual offences' against her. Her sister also made allegations against the man. Bail was opposed as a police officer told the court that the defendant had 102 previous convictions in the North and 41 in England. The court heard that the man had 'multiple violent, sexual and dishonesty offences' on his record. The officer said that the two women were 'vulnerable' and were scared if the defendant was released he could harm them. A defence barrister said that the offences were of an historical nature and the defendant had been aware of them for many years. Deputy District Judge Liam McStay released the man on bail subject to conditions he has no contact with the alleged victims and that he does not enter the North. The case was adjourned until May 13. A prosecution solicitor told the court that he had instructions to appeal the granting of bail. Northern Irelands administration is to be urged to remove the two-child limit for benefits payments as a key move to tackle childhood poverty. Some one in five children in the region are living in relative poverty, an Audit Office report found, while almost one in 10 households are struggling to afford basic goods amid the cost-of-living crisis. On the second Opposition Day to take place at Stormont on Tuesday, the SDLP will propose a series of motions to address the shame of poverty. These include motions to place an obligation on ministers to bring a commitment in the Programme for Government to eradicate poverty, an updated fuel poverty strategy, and a permanent ban on no-fault evictions. The Opposition also proposed a motion on reducing child poverty on Monday. Proposed by Opposition leader Matthew OToole, and seconded by East Londonderry MLA Cara Hunter, the motion calls on Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to introduce a comprehensive child poverty strategy by September, which would include specific and measurable targets to reduce child poverty by the end of this mandate. Mr OToole said that, taken together, the interventions would form the basis of a comprehensive and powerful strategy to address poverty which costs hundreds of lives in Northern Ireland each year. Tuesday will be the second Opposition Day this mandate following the resumption of devolved government earlier this year. The SDLP took the decision to go into Opposition at that point, aiming to scrutinise the work of the Executive. The first of the motions on Tuesday calls for the removal of the two-child limit for a key benefit payment. From 2017, families in receipt of Universal Credit no longer receive an additional amount for a third or subsequent child born on or after April 6 2017 unless special circumstances apply. Charities working to support those in poverty have consistently called for the rule to be scrapped, describing it as harmful, and contending its removal would lift a quarter of a million children in the UK out of poverty overnight. The estimated cost in Northern Ireland of introducing mitigations to lift the rule in the region has been calculated at around 45 million. The Opposition has suggested this could be covered by the increased revenue from the rates rise, as well as reforming rates relief for vacant non-domestic property. It has also suggesting stopping a 2.3 million annual subsidy on long-haul flights to Northern Ireland where a transatlantic route has not operated in more than four years. Mr OToole said removing the two-child limit will bring long-term savings. He said experts agree that the pernicious limit has a disproportionate effect on pushing families and children into poverty and keeping them there. Our proposal is practical and costed, and we are urging the Executive parties to agree to it, he said. Save the Children NI welcomed the Opposition Day motions, and called for encouraging words to be converted into policy action. Naomi McBurney, policy and public affairs adviser for Save the Children NI, said: We are fully behind the SDLPs motion to remove the two-child limit. The policy is deeply unfair and is the biggest driver of child poverty across the UK. Every child deserves an equal opportunity, and this cruel policy is robbing thousands of children of a secure future, by restricting financial support when it is needed most. Scrapping the sibling tax should be a priority for the Northern Ireland Executive children living in poverty cant wait around for change. Unionist parties have demanded a public inquiry into the Kingsmill massacre as they rounded on Sinn Fein for its failure to engage with the inquest into the murders. Assembly business on Monday began with a debate on the outcome of the inquest into the January 1976 atrocity. On Friday, a coroner ruled that the shooting dead of 10 Protestant workmen at Kingsmill in Co Armagh was an overtly sectarian attack by the IRA. The atrocity, which was one of the most notorious of the Troubles, was claimed by a little-known paramilitary group calling itself the South Armagh Republican Action Force. It was long seen as a front for the IRA, which was supposedly on ceasefire at the time of the sectarian massacre. Delivering his findings in the long-running inquest, coroner Brian Sherrard heavily criticised the IRA, and its political representatives, for failing to engage with the proceedings. The sole survivor of the shooting Alan Black and relatives of one of the victims have called for a public inquiry into the attack, insisting the coronial proceedings had failed to answer their questions. Those calls were supported by the DUP, UUP and TUV during Mondays Assembly matter of the day debate, which was tabled by TUV leader Jim Allister. Sinn Feins Linda Dillon told the Assembly that Mr Black and those bereaved at Kingsmill were entitled to truth. She claimed the UK Governments Legacy Act was denying them the transparency they seek and called for the implementation for the shelved legacy mechanisms outlined in the Stormont House Agreement of 2014. However, unionist rivals criticised her partys stance, highlighting the coroners findings on the non-cooperation of the IRAs political representatives. They also contrasted events at Kingsmill with Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle ONeills 2022 comment that there was no alternative to the IRAs armed campaign during the Troubles. The 10 workmen were killed when their minibus was ambushed by a gang of at least 12 men posing as British soldiers outside the village of Kingsmill on their way home from a textiles factory. Those on board were asked their religion, and the only Catholic was ordered to run away. The killers forced the 11 remaining men to line up outside the van before opening fire. Mr Black survived despite being shot multiple times. No-one has ever been convicted of the Kingsmill murders. Opening Mondays debate, Mr Allister said the massacre was the ultimate epitome of the IRAs evil sectarian murder campaign. The TUV leader, who named three deceased men he claimed were among the perpetrators of the attack, questioned Ms ONeills no alternative comment. No alternative to taking 10 men off a bus and shooting them down like dogs because they were Protestant? he said. Mr Allister said it was quite clear that a public inquiry was required. DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the atrocity was a war crime. Terrorism was always wrong and there was always an alternative, she added. Her party colleague Jonathan Buckley described the murders as an act of genocide. He criticised the silence of Sinn Fein in regard to engaging with the inquest. The truth lies within their ranks, he said. And I would encourage them now, even at this stage, to please cooperate, give Alan Black and the families the justice that they deserve, the truth that theyre calling out for. And as for the First Minister for all. Where is she today? Was there an alternative? Surely there was to what can only be described as an act of genocide? Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie described the unimaginable attack at Kingsmill as an act of appalling sectarian murder. Ive written to the Secretary of State (Chris Heaton-Harris) and Ive asked that he does have an inquiry and he makes that inquiry public, he said. Mr Beattie also questioned whether Sinn Fein ministers were in breach of their oath of office that includes a pledge to support the police and courts. If you dont do, it is purely words and words is absolutely no basis for government, he said. So well ask them all to reflect on that. And Ive also written to the justice minister (Naomi Long) to ask for her adjudication on that particular issue. The Kingsmill shootings were seen as a retaliatory action in response to loyalist attacks against two Catholic families the day before in which six men were fatally injured. The coroner acknowledged the ostensible link to the attacks on the ODowd and Reavey families, but he made clear that planning for the Kingsmill shootings had started long before the targeting of those two families. A number of speakers referenced the loss suffered by the ODowd and Reavey families in their contributions to the debate. Sinn Feins Ms Dillon said: I am sorry for the lives lost at Kingsmill and for the loss of the ODowd and Reavey familiesduring that awful time. And for all of the families whove lost loved ones in the conflict. The Kingsmill families are entitled to truth and justice. She called on the UK Government to repeal its shameful legacy act and implement the Stormont House Agreement. Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister said Kingsmill provided a shameful reminder of the actions of the IRA and the brutality of sectarianism in the past. Lets be clear, only through truth and transparency and accountability of all involved and the pursuit of justice will these families finally be at peace, she added. SDLP leader of the opposition Matthew OToole said the atrocity was a grotesque sectarian slaughter. What happened all those years ago in 1976 was as disgusting and reprehensible an act of sectarian slaughter as it is possible to imagine, he said. Mr OToole also criticised those he accused of trying to pull a veil over the bloodshed of the Troubles. Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty, who is sitting as independent having lost the SDLP whip, said the murders has been permanently etched into the soul of his local community. The Kingsmill massacre was a brutally designed act with a sole objective of slaughtering totally innocent human beings for obscene motives, he said. MLAs will have to decide whether it is necessary and justified to use the Stormont brake mechanism in response to a proposed EU ban on dental amalgam fillings, health minister Robin Swann has said. Mr Swann told the Assembly the proposed EU changes were a cause of significant concern and that he was liaising on it with ministerial colleagues at Stormont and Westminster, as well as with dentists. The EU is set to prohibit the use of amalgam from January 2025 as part of a health drive to reduce public exposure to mercury. Under post-Brexit trading rules, aspects of EU law still apply in Northern Ireland. Some member states will be able to avail of an 18-month derogation if it can be demonstrated the law change would have a disproportionate socio-economic effect on low-income households. The consequences of the proposals for Northern Ireland are currently being examined by Stormonts Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee. The Assembly committee has been established to scrutinise forthcoming EU law changes as part of the Stormont brake oversight element of the Windsor Framework. The British Dental Association (BDA) has already warned that if the ban was introduced in Northern Ireland, it could lead to the collapse of NHS dentistry in the region. During ministerial questions at Stormont, Alliance Party MLA Eoin Tennyson asked Mr Swann if he was seeking a derogation on the new law. Mr Swann said: I am aware of the developments regarding EU regulations on mercury, which includes dental amalgam. They are a cause of significant concern. The changes would significantly restrict dentists from placing amalgam fillings, increase costs for patients and taxpayers and have a negative impact on the capacity of a service that is still struggling since the pandemic. My view remains that a phase-down, in line with the wider UK position, rather than a phase-out of amalgam is in the best interests of patients in Northern Ireland. I am however conscious that this is a matter for the new Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee to consider in detail in terms of their role of assessing impacts in Northern Ireland. Mr Swann added: Thereafter members of the Assembly will wish to consider whether the initiation of the Stormont brake process is necessary and justified. My department has already written to the committee to advise of concerns around the significant and persisting impacts of the new laws and I will continue to help the committee in any way I can. Mr Tennyson said he believed the Stormont brake should only be used a last resort. The mechanism allows a minimum of 30 MLAs to refer a proposed law change to the UK Government. The Government would then make an assessment of the proposed changes on Northern Ireland and could ultimately veto its application in the region. Norway's floating wind expertise propels Taiwan towards renewable energy goals In the global quest for renewable energy solutions, the offshore wind industry has emerged as a pivotal player. The vast untapped potential of offshore wind resources offers higher wind speeds and more consistent energy generation compared to onshore options. The utilization of floating offshore wind farms globally still trails behind bottom-fixed variants in actual grid-connected capacity. 80% of the world's offshore wind resource potential lies in waters deeper than 60m, but only 188 MW of net floating wind capacity is in operation worldwide, accounting for 0.3 % of total installed offshore wind capacity as of the end of 2022. Europe leads the way in floating wind. As for regional distribution, the Global Wind Energy Council(GWEC) expects Europe to contribute 66% of total installations added in 2023 2032, followed by APAC (32%) and North America (6%). By the end of 2032, a total of 26.2 GW of floating wind is likely to be installed worldwide. However, GWEC still predicts floating offshore wind will not reach commercialization until 2030. Taking into account the higher cost of floating wind energy, current challenging economic and financial conditions, and expected supply chain bottlenecks in floating wind foundations and port facilities, GWEC has downgraded its global floating wind forecast to 10.9 GW by 2030. Credit: ResearchGate The prevalent forms of technology actively employed in the global development of floating offshore wind power include three main types: Semi-submersible, Spar-buoy, and Tension leg platform(TLP). These solutions have been crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by deeper waters, where traditional bottom-fixed turbines are not feasible. Environmental factors specific to each maritime region, localization efforts by different countries, and supply chain considerations all influence the choice of underwater foundation types by development teams. One of the flagship projects is the Hywind Tampen project, in the Norwegian North Sea, which boasts an impressive 95 MW capacity, making it the world's largest floating offshore wind farm. According to GWEC, Norway commissioned 60 MW of floating wind capacity in 2022, bringing the region's total installations to 171 MW, equal to 91% of global installations, followed by Asia-Pacific (16.7 MW, or 9% of global market share). Credit: Equinor The offshore wind industry in Taiwan has also gained significant momentum, with the government setting a target of 30% renewable energy by 2030. The current offshore wind capacity stands at 2.3 GW, with 288 turbines in operation. However, the country's ambitious goals stretch even further, aiming for 13.1 GW by 2030 and a staggering 40-55 GW by 2050. The Taiwanese offshore wind landscape poses unique challenges, with water depths ranging from 50 to 100 meters, predominantly in the central and southern regions. This depth range falls within the intermediate to deep waters, making it unsuitable for traditional bottom-fixed turbines. As a result, the focus has shifted towards developing innovative floating offshore wind solutions to harness the country's vast wind resources. Based on Europe's developmental experiences, the design of floating platforms, mooring system deployment, and cable equipment are pivotal for the success of floating offshore wind power projects. Credit: BW Ideol Professor Muk Chen Ong, a member of the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (NTVA) and the leader of the Ocean Technology Innovation Cluster Stavanger (OTICS), highlighted several areas of potential work in Taiwan. They include the development of semi-taut mooring systems for shallow and intermediate waters, cost reduction strategies for the installation and decommissioning of suction anchors, and addressing navigational safety concerns, marine life entanglement risks, and the coexistence of wind, solar, wave, and aquaculture industries. In adherence to the floating wind farm demonstration project, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has stipulated a maximum capacity of 90 to 180 MW for a single wind farm installation, equivalent to 6 to 12 floating platforms. As a fundamental guideline, two wind farms are anticipated to be made available for demonstration projects. Operators have the option to flexibly increase one wind farm based on project content, potentially resulting in a maximum total installed capacity of 540 MW. The procurement of feed-in tariffs is planned, with grid connection expected by 2029-2030. Furthermore, developers such as Blue Float Energy, SRE, CIP, and Taiya Renewable Energy have all successfully passed the initial environmental impact assessment (EIA) review. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. From gas-powered to EV, Clientron showcases electric system integration technology in Taiwan E-Mobility Exhibition The highly anticipated annual electric vehicle event, "2035 E-Mobility Taiwan," is set to take place from April 17th to 20th at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 1. This gathering of industry leaders promises to showcase the latest developments and trends in electric vehicles (EVs). Among the forefront exhibitors is Clientron, renowned for its focus on smart electric cockpits designed for EVs. Clientron's exhibition will feature a comprehensive lineup of smart e-cockpit products alongside a spotlight on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), emphasizing its "electric system integration solutions" aimed at transitioning from gas-powered to electric vehicles. The impending European Union ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales by 2035 looms large, significantly impacting various automotive sectors, including specialty vehicles like ATVs, agricultural vehicles, and tuk-tuks. Traditionally powered by ICE engines, these vehicles are synonymous with noise, emissions, and vibrations. However, the shift to EVs heralds numerous advantages such as quieter operation, smoother acceleration, reduced emissions, and alignment with carbon reduction initiatives and net-zero emission policies. Navigating this transition poses challenges for manufacturers but also presents avenues for innovation and business growth. Clientron's suite of electric system integration solutions addresses these challenges, facilitating a seamless transition from gas-powered engines to electric systems through the integration of electric motors, batteries, and electronic control systems. Central to Clientron's showcase is the "Electric Vehicle Smart e-Cockpit" solution, recognized as a 2024 Taiwan Excellence Awards recipient. This innovative product encompasses two distinct smart e-cockpits tailored for passenger autos and commercial vehicles. Featuring integrated in-vehicle information systems, including meters, battery power indicators, gear positions, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), blind-spot detection, and in-vehicle infotainment, the smart e-cockpit ensures a blend of intelligent technology and user convenience. With the burgeoning popularity of EVs and the influx of new models from automakers, there's a surging demand for automotive Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. Leveraging Taiwan's robust chip supply chain, Clientron collaborates with industry-leading manufacturers like MediaTek, Sunplus, PixArt, Novatek, and Holtek to develop an array of automotive IC chip solutions. These solutions find applications across smart e-cockpit systems, virtual onboard units, steering wheel control, visual assistance systems, and more, culminating in comprehensive automotive electronic system integration solutions. Clientron's President and CEO, Kelly Wu, underscores the company's commitment to advancing EV technology, citing Clientron's roots in automotive multimedia systems design. This foundation has equipped Clientron with a profound understanding of automotive structures and principles, enabling the development of an efficient electrical system integration platform for EVs. This platform seamlessly integrates key electrical systems, facilitating the transition from traditional specialty vehicle manufacturing to electric vehicles. As industry-wide advancements in battery technology, infrastructure development with increased charging stations, low maintenance costs, and enhanced driving experiences continue to unfold, the future of electric vehicles appears increasingly promising, paving the way for a sustainable and tech-driven mobility landscape. For more information and to explore Clientron's cutting-edge solutions in the realm of automotive electronics, visit their booth at "2035 E-Mobility Taiwan." Smart eCockpit of Electric Vehicle Careful consideration must be given to any proposals to change Irelands abortion laws, the Taoiseach has said. Simon Harris said an independent review of the current laws needed to be treated with the same sensitivity that was given ahead of the Eighth Amendment referendum in 2018. He made the comments ahead of a documentary on RTE which will reveal that almost 1,000 people in Ireland contacted a UK abortion charity about accessing services abroad since the referendum passed. Senior barrister Marie OShea, who authored the review of Irelands abortion law, called on Government to prioritise ongoing issues with the legislation, saying vulnerable women who continue to be forced abroad for terminations are being treated like criminals. Ms OShea criticised a lack of action on many of the legislative recommendations contained in the report which was delivered to Government early last year. A review of the legislation was required after three years. As part of her report, Ms OShea recommended the removal of a mandatory three-day waiting period between a womans initial medical consultation and her being given access to abortion treatment or medication. Mr Harris said he wanted to respect the diversity of views and bring forth consensus. In relation to the review of abortion services, of course, I have personal views, but personally Im here as Taoiseach of a country 5.3 million people and I want to await to the views of the Minister for Health and his departments when they come forward to Cabinet. Weve taken a number of very significant steps in Ireland, the Irish people have over the last number of years, a constitutional referendum, legislation, the rollout of services, and measures in relation to free contraception. A number of steps that were taken have been based on the cross-party committee on abortion. I think we need to approach this issue with the same sensitivity now that we did then. I do want to, with the the time available to me before the next general election, to make progress on a number of areas. He said that the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is considering the review and will bring forward proposals. In my new role as Taoiseach, I dont intend to wade straight in, I intend to wait and to engage with the minister and engage with Cabinet colleagues, he added. Of course, we also put in a review clause for this very reason so that people will continue to check their services is working as planned and are things going as was intended. I do think they need to be given consideration, but that is the balance. The Irish people were given assurances that they voted for this, and theres obviously theres a review alongside that. So I think this requires careful consideration. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is to start immediately spending an additional three million euros on awareness campaigns in response to an increase in the number of road deaths. It is one of a series of actions that were agreed by the agency and the Government following an engagement with the Taoiseach and relevant ministers. They also agreed to cut average waiting times for driving tests down to 10 weeks and NCT appointments to 12 days by mid-year, as per service-level agreements. Simon Harris also met the Garda Commissioner and expressed concern about resources allocated to road policing. Working with Government, the RSA committed to working towards resolving technical and legal issues so enforcement cameras can identify mobile phone use and seatbelt wearing as offences. A Government statement following the meeting said that it was agreed to progress the delivery of 12 camera enforcement sites within the coming months, three of which are average speed cameras. The RSA is to calculate its financial need for the remainder of 2024 and the Department of Transport is to ensure ongoing funding for the agency, subject to assessment and findings of an independent review. It will also work with the Data Protection Commission to resolve the suspension of data sharing between the RSA and local authorities. The Taoiseach confirmed he would chair a meeting of the Governments Ministerial Road Safety Committee in the coming weeks to ensure urgent progress on these and other actions. He added: After nearly two decades of positive progress, we have seen recently a sudden, and worrying, increase in road deaths. The rise in the number of deaths on our roads is unacceptable, and a renewed focus is needed on road safety and driver behaviour. The funds for the RSAs increased road safety campaigns and education initiatives are to come from the organisations own reserves. Earlier, Mr Harris said he is concerned with the low numbers of gardai in the roads policing unit. He said Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has committed to increasing the number of gardai in the unit this year after increases in 2023 and 2024 in the number of road fatalities. The Taoiseach also emphasised the responsibility on each citizen to be safe on Irish roads, and said that you dont need a guard to tell you not to drink and drive. The Fine Gael leader agreed with his colleagues Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and junior minister Jack Chambers that the Road Safety Authoritys remit needed to be reviewed, but said he had confidence in the state agency. Were not in a good place at all, to put it mildly, in relation to the trend regarding loss of lives and roads, Mr Harris said on Monday, speaking in Lucan. We have made a lot of progress as a country and we need to ask ourselves, why is that progress being reversed? I dont think its any one thing by the way, I think its quite a number of things. But I was really concerned to see over the Easter bank holiday weekend that the gardai detected so many people driving under the influence of drink and driving under the influence of drugs. And I think weve got to get real in relation to our own individual responsibilities in relation to these areas as well. Mr Harris said one of his first meetings as Taoiseach was with the Garda Commissioner and Justice Minister Helen McEntee last Friday, where the issue of road safety was discussed. He said that the Garda boss assured him that he was prioritising road safety, and discussed a directive issued to members to allocate 30 minutes of road policing to each shift. He also said he had been given assurances that numbers allocated to road policing would grow. Mr Harris said: I am concerned about the level of Garda resource in road traffic policing. I know the commissioner has to make difficult decisions with the resources available to him. I want to see those resources increased, so does he, and he expects them to increase over the course of this year. He added: Weve seen 63 people lose their lives on Irish roads so far this year. Half of them are below the age of 30. And this is an extraordinarily serious issue. Weve made a lot of progress in recent years as a country but we have seen a lot of that progress now to be reversed. The trend is concerning and Im conscious when we talk about trends and numbers that doesnt capture the enormity of the loss of life, the empty seat at the kitchen table. Asked about the increase in road fatalities, Mr Ryan said that we have to turn those figures around. We had seen incredible progress we were up to the fourth best in terms of road fatalities, weve dropped down to seven, so we need to get back up again, the Green Party leader said. He said lowering speeds, increased enforcement including more speed cameras, and redesigning blackspots on Irish roads were needed to address the issue. Mr Chambers said that the road traffic Bill, which will lower speed limits along some roads, needed to be matched with a serious uplift in enforcement. Because enforcement levels have collapsed, and you have double-digit reductions in enforcement with the reductions in the numbers in roads policing units, he said. The relationship between Britain and Ireland is a lot better today than it was a year ago, according to Irish premier Simon Harris. The Fine Gael leader has also vowed to work with the governments across the UK to realise the full potential of all communities. Mr Harris made the comments as he addressed the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (Bipa) at Druids Glen Hotel in Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co Wicklow. It was the first time he has spoken as Taoiseach at a meeting of Irish and UK parliamentarians. Praising the political leaders in Northern Ireland, Mr Harris said: I think British-Irish relationships are a lot better now than they were even a year ago, thanks to the Windsor Framework. There is now an opportunity to say Whats next? What more can we do together? And I look forward to exploring that because both the First Minister (Michelle ONeill) and the deputy First Minister (Emma Little-Pengelly) were very clear that they are determined to work together on shared objectives in a practical and pragmatic way and to work with the Government of Ireland in the same spirit. The Government of Ireland will likewise continue to work to realise the full potential of co-operation and dialogue across borders and communities. This is at the heart of the Governments shared islands initiative. Mr Harris told delegates that, as the world becomes ever more competitive, they need to work together to help grow the size of the pie so everyone across the islands benefit. The 37-year-old reminded the audience that he was not old enough to vote in the Good Friday Agreement, but that he is now the head of government in the Republic. We need to really consider this. Theres a whole generation of people who are yearning to be involved in a conversation about the future, in a conversation about how we work together, in a conversation that is not meant to be divisive and not meant to be argumentative, but in a conversation about what are the practical areas in which we can work together and how do we get to know each other better, he added. Im also, if Im being very honest, of a generation where people are more familiar now with London and Berlin and Paris than they might be with Belfast or Derry. I think we really have to challenge ourselves, emblems aside how do we actually make sure people on this island and these islands get to know each other better? Because it is interpersonal relationships, its knowing each other, its being familiar with each other that is the key to embedding peace. I think theres a challenge in all of us and a challenge I pose to this assembly today. How do we get talking again and how do we get people knowing each other? He also praised past political leaders who were instrumental in bringing peace in Northern Ireland, but said the public have yet to see the full benefit of their achievements. I want us to reflect how, in this turbulent world, we can make these islands a better place for the generations that follow us, he said. I often think the last generation gave us the most incredible gift possible, they gave us a peace process. They gave us peace. They gave us a framework, and they gave us one of the most enduring peace processes possible. But, if were to be self-critical, we have yet to see the full benefit of it. Weve seen the peace elements, now we must see the prosperity element. InterTradeIreland is encouraging ambitious early-stage and high-growth start-ups to apply for the Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition, the largest business competition of its kind on the island of Ireland with an overall cash prize fund of 300,000. The closing date for applications is Friday, 26th April. Designed to help new start and early-stage businesses get investor-ready, the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition provides participating companies with the opportunity to improve their investment pitches, get expert feedback on their business plans, and gain exposure to venture capitalists, business angels, and some of the islands leading industry experts and entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2003, over 3,700 companies have benefitted from entering the competition and previous overall winners hail from across Ireland and Northern Ireland, spanning a range of sectors. An integral part of the competition emphasises the collaborative spirit of entrepreneurship across the island. Connor Sweeney, Seedcorn Programme Manager at InterTradeIreland said: In its twenty second year, the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition has been a part of some of the greatest start-up success stories on this island. We continue to be passionate about nurturing the next generation of groundbreaking businesses. This platform offers more than just a chance to win substantial cash prizes; it provides a platform for these ambitious businesses to gain expert feedback, exposure to venture capitalists, business angels, and some of the island's leading industry experts and entrepreneurs. The InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition can help take your idea to investment. He further added; This year's 300,000 prize fund is just one way we are committed to empowering early-stage companies with the tools and connections they need to translate their vision into reality. We are excited to see a new wave of innovative talent emerge through Seedcorn and become the future success stories of our island's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem." The InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition offers two distinct categories - 'new start' and 'early stage', along with four regional finals. Sarah-Marie Rust, CEO and Founder of Electric Vehicle Ecosystem and winner of the Dublin Best Early-Stage category 2023 shared her experience: The companys success in last years Seedcorn competition was instrumental for EVE. It validated our business idea and provided us with the mentorship, exposure, and confidence needed to take our venture to the next level. It was the perfect platform to hone our investor pitch as we prepared for our upcoming round. The competition realistically simulates the investment process, and the valuable lessons we learned significantly enhanced our investor readiness. I encourage all ambitious start-ups and early-stage businesses to seize this incredible opportunity. For the fourth consecutive year, an additional 20,000 prize will be awarded for best investment proposal from a company operating in the low carbon/green sector. The closing date for applications to the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition 2024 is Friday, 26th of April more information can be found at intertradeireland.com/funding/seedcorn A new drive is underway to bolster State funding for services which heart and stroke patients in Co Louth describe as their lifeline. The Louth public is being urged to lobby their TDs and Senators to sign a pledge to support Irish Heart Foundation patient support services - with funding vital to their continued operation. It is estimated that 16,000 people in Louth are living with cardiovascular disease. For many, supports provided by the charity are the only help they receive after a life-changing heart event, heart failure, stroke or other cardiac conditions. The practical, social and emotional support services begin when patients leave hospital and continue for as long as they are needed. Now local people are being encouraged to ask their local representatives to sign an online pledge on irishheart.ie/advocacy to ensure 1.2million in crucial annual funding is made available. The Irish Heart Foundation currently receives just 8.6% of this to fund patient support services nationwide, which it says is inadequate to help the current volume of patients. The services reduce costs for the State every year by supporting patients to continue living in their homes rather than requiring nursing home care or being readmitted to hospital - but only a fraction of this work is State-funded, says the charitys Director of Advocacy and Patient Support, Chris Macey. Nationally, 80,000 heart and stroke patients are discharged from hospital every year, or one every seven minutes, in many cases to a bleak and uncertain future, he said. One in three of all stroke patients returning home are being referred in to our services, whilst we are also supporting thousands of heart patients. These people cannot simply return to the lives they led before and desperately need the unique pathway of support services that the Irish Heart Foundation provides. We are doing our utmost with our resources to ensure that people can make the most of life after a stroke or heart diagnosis, but we cannot guarantee continued delivery of these services. In 2017, 33-year-old Carmel Finnegan from Dundalk, returned home with her husband Mark from Dubai to give birth to her first child. After little Senans arrival, she was home three days when she began to feel unwell, had fatigue and checked her blood pressure, which was through the roof. Carmel was struggling to breathe and her cough was worsening. She went to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, where her lungs were checked. She was given oxygen and later had blood transfusions. After further assessments, the primary school teacher was diagnosed with heart failure and spent the first few weeks of Senans life in hospital recovering. Following the birth of her second child, Carmel began using the Irish Heart Foundations Nurse Support Line, the counselling service, the Facebook Group Heart Support Network, and she also joined the Patient Champions Programme. I had no expectations of the services, but I felt it was better to hear from those with real-life experience who had been through something similar, she said. The services and groups I am involved in are so positive and no one is ever negative, despite their diagnosis. I would absolutely recommend these services to anyone going through similar to what I did. The services give me a support no one else can give me and give me a reassurance no one else can. Mr Macey says stroke patients leaving hospital often feel abandoned and many heart failure patients end up in a revolving-door system where they need to be re-admitted. Our range of services, described by patients as a lifeline, reduce the need for admission to hospitals and nursing homes. A heart disease diagnosis or stroke often leads to post traumatic stress disorder. But the counselling we provide is the only psychological support available to many patients. People are denied basic services and it is appalling. In addition to counselling, the Irish Heart Foundation provides nurse-led needs assessments, weekly support calls, back-to-work programmes, fatigue management, peer-to-peer support services, social interaction and online exercise groups. Patients also have access to a Nurse Support Line to provide medical advice. Once they sign the pledge, elected representatives names will appear on irishheart.ie/advocacy/ and they are also asked to share the pledge on their websites and social media. A Donegal man has spoken about the horrifying scenes in Sydney where a knife-wielding man killed six people in a shopping centre before being shot dead. Declan Greene from Mill Road, Dungloe, and his fiancee Hannah Butler from Clonakilty, Co Cork, were in the crowded Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon and witnessed the frenetic scenes inside and then on the adjacent streets afterwards. It was like something youd see on a drama show - there were SWAT teams, detectives, maybe 20 or 30 ambulances, a helicopter, Declan, a 30-year-old mechanical engineer, tells DonegalLive. People were running about everywhere, not sure where they were running to or from. Stretchers took away people who were injured or maybe even dead. I have never seen anything like it in my life. I never want to see anything like it in my life again. It was a crazy scene. Frightening. Nobody knew what was going on. Joel Cauchi, 40, began stabbing people with a long blade, which some eyewitnesses described as being 50cm in length. The only man killed in the attack was security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, who tried to intervene. The other victims were Jade Young, 47; Pikria Darchia, 55; Dawn Singleton, 25; Ashlee Good, 38; and Yixuan Cheng, who is believed to be in her 20s. New South Wales Police said several others were injured, including a nine-month-old baby, saved by her mother, Ashlee Good, at the expense of her own life. Asked whether she believed Cauchi was targeting women, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said on Sunday it would be "an obvious line of inquiry". Declan has been in Australia for over seven years and he and Hannah are moving back to Ireland in six weeks. On Saturday they decided to go to Westfield. Declan had to sort out his phone contact with Vodafone and had arranged to meet Hannah afterwards. While Hannah, a management consultant, went into Kookai - a womens clothing shop - Declan passed the time and decided to wander through Myers, a multifloor clothes shop just next door. There he picked up a couple of shirts, which he went to try on. There was some sort of noise outside. Declan snapped the shirts and sent Hannah the photo: Which colour do you think? Hannah rings me, Declan says. Asking me was I alright? She was locked in the shop next door. You wonder right away as to what is going on here. Cauchi was wandering about Myers, a much larger store than Kookai, which was almost filled entirely with women. Hannah told me there was a man in Myers with a knife, Declan adds. It didnt really hit me what was happening and eventually, sirens started and messages were coming out on the intercom saying: Go to the hub, which was a designated meet-up point. Declan had to decide whether to run or hide, with no idea of what lay in wait. There was soon shooting and sirens. He decided to tread carefully, unsure where to go from one step to the next, a matter complicated as he was not overly familiar with the layout of the centre. When I eventually came out, the shop was completely cleared, with the shutters down, so I was locked inside, he says. I was on the phone back and forth with Hannah. There was word that there were two people and people thought the shots were coming from them. Then youre thinking: Is there a gunman in his shop? We got talking, he was a young Australian lad, very worried and that probably made me a bit worse. He was probably in a different changing room. The message kept coming out for people to make their way toward this hub but we didnt know where it was. You could hear the woman on the mic was panicking as well, she was out of breath and urging shop owners to close down the tills and get moving. We eventually found a fire exit at the back of the store but all the doors were locked. We made our way up and managed to get a door that let us out onto the street. It was crazy out there. Really crazy. Whilst there, Declan got talking to an Irish woman, who had been in Tommy Hilfiger and the woman with the baby (Ashlee Good) had come running in there. She was screaming someone take the baby and the woman I was talking to actually held the compression of the womans wound, who eventually passed away. Hannah, in this time, had been moved into a shop called Lululemon by the police, Declan adds. The security guard (Faraz Tahir) was killed outside of the store and she was in there and his body was in there, one end of the store from them, maybe five or six metres away. She was locked inside for an hour, maybe an hour and a half. Its a long time when youre waiting. She was with a crowd that was gathered from different shops. People eventually got released section by section. It was worrying as Hannah and I werent together. When she came off the phone to me originally, I was standing where it all took place. If I was still there a few minutes in either direction, I wouldve been in the middle of it. Hannah was trying on clothes and we were to meet in the Myers shop afterwards." Declan stood about on Oxford Street, by the front door of the centre, where a crowd he estimates of over 100 waited. Cauchi was killed inside by a police officer. Hannah eventually got out of a different side, with the cordons meaning the usual 30-second walk was impassable. They left their car and wouldnt see it again for 48 hours, taking a taxi back to Coogee, a drive of under 15 minutes. As it happened, you struggle to comprehend," Declan says. "It was only a day or two later that it set in. I avoided the news for a little while until it settled. Its so sad for those who died or were injured. People there did nothing wrong, just going about their business on a Saturday. Its horrible to even think about it. THE 26th West Cork Literary Festival is to take place in and around the town of Bantry from July 12 to 19 this year. It is an eight day-long celebration of writing and reading, with a varied and extensive programme, and has become a firmly established highlight of the Irish literary calendar. Famous Irish and international writers, both established and emerging, gather in the picturesque town each year. This years list of visitors to Bantry includes Anne Enright, Colm Toibin, Adania Shibli, David Nicholls, Dolly Alderton, Paul Lynch, Ronan Hession, Eimear Ryan, Theo Dorgan, Andrea Mara, Irvine Welsh, Miriam Margoyles, Elizabeth Day, Caleb Azumah Nelson and Jason Allen-Paisant. The West Cork Literary Festivals programme includes masterclasses and workshops on topics from poetry writing to publishing your work, as well as talks and interviews with authors, book launches, and a range of other events, with some aimed at children and others aimed at adults. A huge amount of the events are free, but most still encourage pre-booking, and the full line-up is available on westcorkmusic.ie/literary-festival/programme/. The opening reception of the 26th West Cork Literary Festival takes place in Bantry Library on July 12 at 5pm, and is a free event. Festival director Eimear OHerlihy encouraged people to attend this year. It feels like West Cork Literary Festival is becoming a destination festival because what could be better than a week in Bantry in the summer with friends, writers and exciting and inspiring conversations happening on stages and in cafes all over town, she said. Our writers and our audiences make it the brilliant week that it is and we hope that everyone follows the road to Bantry this summer. KINSALE is a town where tourism plays a key role in the local economy and is set to be an issue on the doors ahead of the local elections. On the ground, there have been calls for increased tourism marketing in Kinsale, with claims there is no clear indication that the town marks the beginning of the prestigious Wild Atlantic Way. Launched by Failte Ireland in 2014, the initiative was designed to drive domestic and international tourism to the west of Ireland, with a signposted route along the Atlantic coast from Kinsale to Malin Head in County Donegal. Part of this initiative included the erection of corten steel discovery signs, which proudly stand between 3.5m and 5m tall, at all 188 of the Wild Atlantic Way visiting points. Currently there are no marked visiting points at the start of the route in Kinsale town, with the closest discovery sign located 11km outside of Kinsale at the Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower. Kinsale local and owner of the Blue Haven Group, Ciaran Fitzgerald told The Echo that the dream would be to capitalise further on the initiative to increase tourism offerings in the area. We are sitting on some of the most interesting and important historical assets in Ireland, if not Europe, and I would love to see them evolve and their story told in a more interactive way, he said. Kinsale is the start of the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way so, in time, the dream is to create an iconic start point somewhere in the town that would mark this. The famous discovery signs, used to create a cohesive focal point for the initiative at lay-bys and viewing points, mark the significance of an area to the coastal route, and the inclusion of one in Kinsale town would continue to drive tourism toward important cultural landmarks. Echoing calls for a distinct marked starting point, chairman of the Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, and owner of Jim Edwards Bar & Restaurant, Liam Edwards said: If youre to drive into Kinsale theres nothing to commemorate the Wild Atlantic Way, theres no clear indication we are at the start of it. Wed love to see some sort of plaque to say youre on it, he added. Its probably been the best thing marketing-wise thats happened to this region in the last ten years, but theres nothing really telling you that youre at the start of it. Its a pity, because theres a perfect opportunity there to build around it, he said. Sitting Fine Gael councillor for the Bandon-Kinsale municipal district and local Kinsale business owner, Marie OSullivan said there are huge assets in the town, such as Charles Fort, which she suggested would be agreat spot to have some kind of initial marking point. Picture Denis Minihane. Sitting Fine Gael councillor for the Bandon-Kinsale municipal district and local Kinsale business owner, Marie OSullivan said there are huge assets in the town, such as Charles Fort, which she suggested would be agreat spot to have some kind of initial marking point. I know that our Chamber of Tourism has been very much involved in looking towards doing something, and would be tying in with Failte Ireland as well, she added. A spokesperson for Failte Ireland said that the organisation is working closely with council members and locals in the area to devise an approach that best suits their needs. There is currently no discovery point in Kinsale town, however, Failte Ireland has recently launched a new West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development plan, where one of the key actions of this plan will be to mark Kinsale as the start point of the Wild Atlantic Way, said the spokesperson. Appropriate signage, orientation and improvements to the public realm and infrastructure will be delivered by working closely together with our colleagues in Cork County Council and the Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, as well as the businesses and community in the area, the spokesperson said. Fianna Fail local election candidate for the Kinsale-Bandon area and former TD, Margaret Murphy OMahony said that the erection of a corten steel sign at Charles Fort would be a great start to promote the initiative in Kinsale. We are very lucky that the Wild Atlantic Way starts in our local electoral area, but we seem to be the bridesmaid of the entire operation. Theres an awful lot of work that needs to be done to promote it, she said. It needs more than just a sign, but it would be a great start. It needs to be marketed more because if its not highlighted enough, people will go on to the next step. I would be hoping we could get a deal on the cost of the sign. It seems a lot of money for a one-off payment but, in the same sense, without it, nothing else would replace the importance of one. The initial cost per discovery sign was set at 15,000 each, with 9,000 required for installation of the site marker and interpretation panel, associated groundworks, and paving. The remaining 6,000 was intended for maintenance and repair works as needed, with costs covered by funding from the Government allocated for the Wild Atlantic Way initiative. Detailing further issues with missed marketing opportunities, locals and business owners shared a consensus that the multi-level town square, located at the heart of Kinsale town, lacks vibrancy and has become a point of contention for those on its doorstep. Mr Edwards, whose business overlooks the town square, shared his frustrations about its lack of usage. This has been going on for about 10 to 15 years and there has been plans submitted to the Cork County Council years ago to have the raised platform levelled off, he said. It would create a lovely focal point to enhance the centre of town, like youd see in any town abroad, its what Kinsale lacks. Theres massive potential there and I think it would be brilliant if something could be done, but every year were told something might happen, and nothings been done about it, so its very frustrating, he said. Local election candidate for the Kinsale-Bandon LEA and Social Democrats representative, Ann Bambury said that the town square should be a space that enhances the social life of the community. One of my priorities if elected would be reimagining Kinsale town square, by engaging with the local community. One of the best things about a town square is its role as a social venue. Kinsale Town Square could be transformed into a more engaging space. The space should be multi-use, and perhaps outdoor performances could be embraced if the space was reimagined, she added. Also in agreement, Fine Gael councillor Marie OSullivan said: There is no plan for the town square at the moment. In an ideal world the square would be levelled off. It would be fabulous to have it as an events space, where you could hold outdoor concerts, with some type of roofing, maybe plastic awnings in the shape of sails, tying it in with the Wild Atlantic Way theme. Its definitely something Ill be looking in to. Commenting on future plans for an upgrade to the town square, a spokesperson for Cork County Council said: Cork County Council are reviewing the town square and its current and potential future use. Any future plans will be made after careful consultation with the elected members, and should a decision be made to develop this area, we will consult with the local community in advance. Negotiating traffic in Kinsale is like playing chicken, says councillor A MAJOR overhaul of Kinsale infrastructure is critically needed as navigating roads can be like playing chicken, said Fine Gael councillor Marie OSullivan. She described the influx of traffic in Kinsale as crazy and said that a relief road is needed for the town. Ms OSullivan, who is also a business owner in the town, will be contesting this years local elections for a repeat seat on Cork County Council, for the Bandon-Kinsale area. Speaking to The Echo, Ms OSullivan said that traffic congestion in the town has become a serious issue and that increased delays have posed threats to emergency services trying to access people in need in the area. It can mean a life-or-death situation, and when lives come into play you have to mitigate against it, she said. I brought a motion to our western division on this last year, as our existing traffic management plan was published in 2009. If re-elected, Ms OSullivan said she plans to push for a relief road for the area. Its something we have pencilled in to the county development plan, theres nothing written in stone, but it is contemplated. My campaign will focus on a big investment into the public realm. Kinsale has become the poor relation municipal district regarding investment. I think its time to implement a one-way system in Kinsale, she said. Were going to have to look at it because there are lots of areas in the town that arent suitable for cars to pass each other, the streets are too narrow. Also speaking on the impact that increased traffic congestion has on businesses, the owner of Jim Edwards Bar & Restaurant, Liam Edwards, said: I think everybody in business here is singing from the same hymn sheet. Its only getting worse, theres a lot of frustration among locals. The infrastructure is a major issue that the council needs to look at. We have seen a huge population growth and the roads that lead into Kinsale are shabby and not fit for purpose. It takes the beauty away from Kinsale. All of a sudden youre hit with a backlog of traffic or youre spending time circling the town looking for parking. Thats the major issue. A bypass would be a major investment, and probably wont happen for the next five to 10 years, but wed love to see it happen, he added. Ms OSullivan said that the issue is compounded during the busy tourism season. A major overhaul of Kinsale infrastructure is critically needed as navigating roads can be like playing chicken, said Fine Gael councillor Marie OSullivan. In the past number of years, weve seen a lot of development here with more than 500- plus new houses being built, and in order to be able to furnish a mortgage, a couple both have to be working, which means two cars in each house, and more cars in the urban area. In the summer theres an increase again. The town becomes choked with traffic. So instead of people having a good experience, theyre caught in gridlock, which is no good for small businesses who depend on passing traffic and footfall. Its a serious issue because if you dont have a good experience somewhere, youre not likely to go back, she said. It puts people off. First-time candidate committed to improving connectivity for his area IMPROVING connectivity in the areas of Timoleague, Barryroe and Kilbrittain is an issue which is key to first-time candidate John Michael Foley who is contesting the upcoming local elections for Fine Gael in the Bandon-Kinsale district. The issue is one which is impacting businesses in the local area, with Kevin Collins, owner of Molaga Honey in Timoleague, saying that unpredictable broadband is negatively impacting day-to-day business operations. Urban areas are the ones that always get served, its the rural areas that dont get served. We get left behind, and its very frustrating, said Mr Collins. Unless we shout and scream, we dont get what were looking for and unfortunately we do have to shout louder. We have a girl who comes in three days a week for administration purposes, he added.Sometimes it takes her an extra half day to get something done because its so slow. First and foremost, its an extra cost, there are days we cant download our remittances, so my biggest issue is its just hard to get work done and its very frustrating if youre the person doing it. Were being told that national broadband is being rolled out, and Ive seen them in the area, but it could be another 12 months before we see anything, it just makes life difficult, Mr Collins said. John Michael Foley said that if elected to Cork County Council at this years local elections, it is an issue he wants to address. The enhancement of community facilities across the entire area is very important to me. My main canvas would be out here in the rural area, which would focus on improving broadband and mobile phone coverage, which is very poor in certain places. Connectivity is critical to all areas. Everyone working in the communities in Timoleague, Barryroe and Kilbrittain are affected, he said. Mr Foley, a local funeral director, monument mason and business owner in Timoleague, said that a lack of efficient broadband is also an issue which impacts him directly. I know it myself in my own business, you go to do a simple function like paying the wages, and it takes a lot longer than it should, because the internet goes in the middle of it. We have connection but it is weak, Mr Foley added. I have made submissions to National Broadband Ireland to address the problem and have commenced work in the area, but a completion date is yet to come. Its on the cards that it should be completed this year, so were keeping the pressure on and keeping an eye out for any progress, Mr Foley said. National Broadband Ireland (NBI) was contacted for a comment on the matter. The board of management at a Cork primary school has said it is devastating news that the school will not now be given a second special education class and, as a result, the option of a purpose-built modular building to accommodate special education classes is no longer available. Last November, Brooklodge National School in Glanmire was given a commitment it would receive funding for a second class for children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Padraig OSullivan, Fianna Fail TD for Cork North Central, told The Echo the school had also been sanctioned a purpose-made modular building allowing both classes accommodate six children each, and that this sanction had now been withdrawn. He said the allocation had been made by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), which has statutory responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs. But a review by the Department of Education has now found additional special education spaces in other schools in the area. This means Brooklodge NS will not now have a second special class and, as a result, will not now receive the modular building. Mr OSullivan has called on Education Minister Norma Foley to honour the commitment that was given last year, and said he was deeply concerned by the development. That the NCSE has sanctioned a number of these classes right across the county and the country and for the Department of Education to now come in after a review and say that theyre no longer required is simply unacceptable, he said. Its particularly unacceptable because schools have advertised in good faith that these classes were coming, and in many cases theyve enrolled children for the coming September, and now those kids face the unknown of whether they will have a special class or not. Ive spoken with both the Tanaiste and the Minister for Education, and the minister has assured me that there will be ASD spaces available for all affected children, Mr OSullivan said. The difficulty I have is Brooklodge was initially earmarked as the site for a modular ASD class, and at this time I am working to ensure that is reinstated. A Department of Education spokesperson said the NCSE had advised the Department of Education that it had sanctioned two additional special classes at primary level in the local school planning area, on top of the current nine special classes, one of which existing classes is in Brooklodge NS. The spokesperson said the NCSE would continue to monitor need in the area and was engaging with schools in the area to ensure there were sufficient places. Whilst schools with available accommodation are being engaged with, the need for additional classes in schools like Brooklodge NS remains an ongoing consideration, they said. As the demand for placement at local level is being verified, both for students new to education and for those within existing mainstream classes, NCSE will be in contact with all relevant schools. The spokesperson said parents seeking special class placements for their children were advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Labour Party councillor for Cork City North East John Maher said it was imperative that the new Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education Hildegard Naughton visit Brooklodge NS as a matter of urgency. Minister Hildegarde Naughton has a wonderful opportunity to begin her tenure in her department by taking effective and swift action to respond to the needs of Brooklodge, Mr Maher said, adding that anything less would be simply not acceptable. THE reinstatement of the 9% Vat rate is critical for the viability of the food and hospitality sector, the Cork-based president of the Irish Hotels Federation has said. Michael Magner said the sector is currently heading into real trouble because of a tsunami of costs. Mr Magners comments came in response to a pledge of a substantial income tax package in next years budget, from Fianna Fail Finance Minister Michael McGrath. During a wide-ranging speech made at the Fianna Fail ard fheis in Dublin on Saturday, Cork South Central TD Mr McGrath made no reference to the campaign by restaurant, hotel, and vintner representative bodies to restore the Vat rate of 13% for the accommodation, leisure, and hospitality sector back to 9%. Closures According to Mr Magner, owner of the Vienna Woods Hotel in Glanmire, there is real concern for the food sector as many businesses are being overwhelmed by the growing expense of staying open. Since the beginning of the year, a number of leading Cork restaurants have closed, citing the growing cost of doing business among the reasons for their decisions. Mr Magner described the former Vat rate of 9% as being the correct rate for the sector and said what he described as a tsunami of costs meant reform of PRSI for employers was not enough. There is evidence that food-related business is heading towards real trouble, he said. It is imperative that targeted supports protect these jobs and the future of the sector, said Mr Magner, who pointed out that the 270,000 workers employed in the tourism sector represent 13% of the Irish workforce. The industry welcomes the commitment from the minister and Government to reforming employers PRSI, and meaningful reform must be introduced now and not later. The reinstatement of the 9% Vat rate for food and food-led business is critical for the viability and the sustainability of these businesses. Mr Magner said the tourism industry made a tremendous contribution to the Irish economy each year and said it was important to have a viable and sustainable tourism product to meet the demand from tourists. Measures to support sector In his speech at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, Finance Minister and Cork South Central TD Michael McGrath outlined a number of measures the Government was taking to support the business sector. We all recognise the impact rising costs are having on small businesses throughout the country, said Mr McGrath. This is why I reduced to 0% the interest charged on warehoused tax debt. We also allocated over a quarter of a billion euro to the increased cost of business support grant a grant that businesses can now apply for. We have also committed to reforming employers PRSI, which is a direct cost on businesses employing staff. We are increasing the energy efficiency grant for businesses, and embedding an SME test in all policy decisions across Government. The minister also pointed to the first cut in the universal social charge in five years, the increase in tax credits, and the lifting of the entry point to the higher rate of tax, as measures taken by the Government to support families. A 100% increase in funding for the National Meals on Wheels Network has been announced, a move that an advocate for older people in Cork said is massively welcomed. This increase means that for the 312 Meals on Wheels organisations in Ireland, funding will now go from over 3m in 2022 to over 6m. The funding will go towards these organisations that deliver on average 239,000 meals to 19,000 people each month across the country. I am really pleased to announce the doubling of funding to our national network of Meals on Wheels organisations, Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler said. As we know, the service is about much more than simply a hot, nutritious meal, and is a link to the community and a friendly and caring face each day. Since its establishment in 2015, the Meals on Wheels network has been an invaluable resource for older people in maintaining their health and independence through the provision of healthy meals. This service forms part of the triangle of supports of home care, day care and meals on wheels, including dementia-specific supports, which are a key factor in supporting older people to age well in their own homes and communities, added Ms Butler. This is why the funding allocation for these areas has increased every year since the formation of this Government. Supporting the expansion and increased availability of this service has been a key focus for me since I took office, as it is my view that this service is one of the cornerstones of community supports, she concluded. Paddy OBrien, an advocate for older people in Cork told The Echo that the decision to double the networks funding is massively welcomed. I was involved with Meals on Wheels myself many years ago, and I know the joy it brings to people, he said. I get great reports back on the quality of the meals on wheels food, people love it. An increase of 3 million is honestly fantastic news, he added. I hope a good portion of the funding will come to Cork city and county. This means more people can benefit from this important service and those who volunteer to do it are great people. Having meals delivered to your house gives elderly people independence, and that is vital today. Its a great asset and comfort that people can wake in the morning and have food there for them, Mr OBrien said. THE names of 79 passengers who boarded the Titanic in Cobh, formerly Queenstown, were read aloud yesterday at a special ceremony in the Cork harbour town to mark the 112th anniversary of the ill-fated ocean liners visit to the port on its maiden and last voyage. The people of Cobh commemorated the 112th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic on Sunday. Pic Larry Cummins The reading out of the names of the passengers who boarded in Cobh on April 11, 1912, was part of a series of ceremonies to mark the visit of the White Star liner to the town. The people of Cobh commemorated the 112th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic on Sunday Pic Larry Cummins A wreath was also cast into the water where the passengers boarded and the Last Post and Reveille were played by the Cobh Confraternity Band. Members of Cobh Animation Team hold on to their umbrellas in the strong winds at the promenade.Pic Larry Cummins The remembrance ceremony was preceded by a march to the towns Titanic memorial by a colour party from the Cobh branch of the Irish Army Ex-Servicemen, while prayers were also said. The Commodore Male Voice Choir sang a musical tribute to those who perished. The town is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world with an interest in the Titanic, and is home to a museum packed with memorabilia of the voyage, called the Titanic Experience. CORK is undergoing considerable change and is uniquely positioned to emerge as a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable city, the newly elected president of the Cork Business Association (CBA) Aaron Mansworth told those attending Saturday nights Presidents Dinner at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island. The new President of the Cork Business Association Aaron Mansworth gives his first public address at the CBA Presidents Dinner and Cork Business of the Year Awards. Corkbusness.ie Picture Chani Anderson In his address, Mr Mansworth, who is Managing Director of Trigon Hotels, said the city was seeing new hotels and retailers opening and undergoing significant refurbishment while others were visiting Cork to consider locating here and this all showed growing confidence. Together, we have the power to shape the future of our city and foster an environment where businesses of all sizes can flourish, said Mr Mansworth. Our city is undergoing a period of considerable change, he said. An unprecedented amount of national exchequer money has been invested in the city, which is a very attractive proposition for retailers and businesses alike. The event, which raised funds for autism charity, the Rainbow Club, was attended by Corks Lord Mayor, Kieran McCarthy, Seanad Eireann Cathaoirleach, Jerry Buttimer, and the Cork North Central Fine Gael TD and newly appointed Minister for State in the Department of Health, Colm Burke. Cork firms recognised After feasting on a special Taste of Cork menu created by local chefs working in Irish Hotel Federation establishments, attendees enjoyed the presentation of the Cork Business of the Year Awards which recognised several of the citys leading firms and outlets. McKechnie Cleaning Service was named Large Business of the Year while Cameron Bakery received the Small and Medium Enterprise accolade. His unwavering support for emerging talent and marginalised youth earned Echo columnist and Red FM music presenter Stevie Grainger, Stevie G, the Champion of Cork award while former CBA Director and Board Chair Claire Nash was also acknowledged for her central role in the association over decades. The winners were selected by a panel of independent adjudicators and were voted on by more than 15,000 members of the public. CBA President Aaron Mansworth pictured pictured with management and staff from the Marina Market, winner of the Best New Business Award at the Cork Business Associations Cork Business of the Year Awards. Corkbusness.ie Picture Chani Anderson Local food business Oakfire Pizza was honoured for Sustainable Business Innovation while the Marina Market was named the Best New Business. OSullivans Gastropub in Douglas was awarded the title of Corks Best Restaurant while Moody Cafe Vin was named Best Cafe. The Liberty Bar won the title of the best Vintners Federation of Ireland pub while the Best Retail Business in Cork was named as Flowers by To Have and To Hold. The Crawford Gallery in the city centre won the Best Tourism Arts Events award. Other award winners were DBFL Consulting Engineering in the Best Professional category and Craving Cork which won the Best Digital award. The awards, which are run in partnership with JCD, Centra, Peninsula Ireland, and media partner the Irish Examiner, recognise the value and achievement of Cork businesses who survived, thrived and innovated over the past year and those who have contributed to or promoted the enhancement of the commercial, cultural or civic life of Cork. DIRECTIONS are still awaited in the case against a man aged 36 who is accused of burgling a house and medical centre, and the defendant was remanded in custody with consent to bail. Judge Mary Dorgan put the case back until April 25 at Cork District Court after Sergeant Dave Delea said DPP directions were not yet available in respect of the very recent alleged incidents. Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said the accused was not in a position to raise the bail as set recently and would be applying to the High Court to get bail on different conditions. The background allegation against Don Duggan, who is originally from 65 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, is that a young man woke at night to see a stranger in his home. Detective Sergeant Kieran OSullivan objected to bail being granted on the charge of carrying out that burglary at Old Youghal Rd, Cork, at around 3am on April 4. He faced a second charge of burgling a doctors surgery at Mayfield Medical Centre on March 27. Det Sgt OSullivan said CCTV footage of that alleged incident showed a man getting into the premises by a back window, moving around inside, and taking 50 from a cashbox. In respect of the April 4 burglary at the house, the detective said: A female was home at 3am when her son saw an unknown male in the house. Seeing the son [who is in his 20s], he fled the scene. Her bank card was tapped at a nearby garage 27 minutes later for a 37 transaction, Det Sgt OSullivan said, adding that gardai recognised the defendant from CCTV at the garage and in the previous incident at the medical centre. Mr Duggan said he would be pleading not guilty to the burglary charges. Mr Collins-Daly said it was disputed by the defendant that he was seen on CCTV which he described as being of poor quality. Judge Dorgan granted bail on extensive conditions that included twice-daily signing at his local garda station, an 11pm curfew, and 5,000 bail, with half of that to be lodged. An independent surety of 7,500 was required, with 3,500 of that to be lodged in court. He is to reside at an address at Newtown Ave, Boherboy, Lotabeg, if granted bail. CALLS have been made for a review and redesign of a junction in Cork City that is causing issues for motorists and residents. In March 2023, councillors in Ballyphehane and Turners Cross voiced their concerns about the Curragh Road junction at a local area committee meeting. Congestion and turning issues, as well as new rat runs through estates, were raised at the meeting and councillors were assured that the Curragh Road junction would be reviewed. Independent councillor Mick Finn said at the time that councillors concerns were not taken into account when plans for the junction were drawn up, and that all the ward councillors were receiving complaints about it. We have been informed that the traffic lights have yet to be fully harmonised and that the junction upgrade is still a work in progress, he added. We have indicated several issues around queueing across the span of the junction and issues with vehicles turning up Tory Top Road. However, more than one year on from those reassurances, Mr Finn said the junction is still causing issues. The former lord mayor called for a review and redesign of the junction, highlighting proposed developments that he said will only exacerbate the situation. The Curragh Road junction upgrade is still causing issues for residents of several nearby estates and motorists, said Mr Finn. Two new large scale housing developments planned for the area will only add to the problems there, he added. A spokesperson for Cork City Council said: With traffic volumes increasing across the city, journey times are increasing and some junctions, such as this, are experiencing more delays during busy periods. The scheme undertaken in this location was to improve the pedestrian safety in the area and to reduce conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users. "Further improvements to this area will be undertaken as part of BusConnects in the coming years. Biden says to oppose any Israeli counterattack against Iran -- media Xinhua) 11:19, April 15, 2024 This photo released on April 14, 2024 shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu making a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden. U.S. President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a call on Saturday that the United States will oppose any Israeli counterattack against Iran, U.S. news portal Axios reported, citing a senior White House official. (GPO/Handout via Xinhua) WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a call on Saturday that the United States will oppose any Israeli counterattack against Iran, U.S. news portal Axios reported, citing a senior White House official. "You got a win. Take the win," Biden told Netanyahu, thanking Israel, the United States, and other countries for their joint efforts, which failed Iran's attacks, according to the official. The official was quoted as saying that when Biden told Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in any offensive operations against Iran and would not support such operations, Netanyahu said he understood. Also on Saturday night, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke for the second time with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, during which the Pentagon chief reiterated Washington's "ironclad" support for Israel's defense, Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder said in a statement. Austin told Gallant that the United States would ask Israel to notify Washington ahead of any response against Iran, reported Axios, citing a senior Israeli official. This photo released by Israeli Defense Ministry on April 14, 2024 shows Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant having a phone call with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. On Saturday night, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke for the second time with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, during which the Pentagon chief reiterated Washington's "ironclad" support for Israel's defense, Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder said in a statement. (Ariel Hermoni - Israeli Defense Ministry/Handout via Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The CEX electronics shop on Grand Parade was burgled on two different nights by the same man who got away with a total of over 30,000 worth of property that was never recovered. And the same culprit targeted other branches of this store around the country for several other similar crimes. Now for the Cork crimes Ion Barbulescu has been jailed for two and a half years by Judge Helen Boyle at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The judge imposed a total jail term of three and a half years with the last year suspended. Aggravating factors in this case include the fact that a significant amount of property was taken. The modus operandi was to target these kind of properties. This is a city centre premises. It is very important that the vibrant and diverse trading community can trade in a safe environment and not be targeted in the manner in which you did, the judge said. On the mitigating side, Judge Boyle took into consideration the fact that the accused was fully cooperative with the gardai investigating the case. In fact, he was caught elsewhere in the country and asked during his questioning if he could talk to gardai in Cork about these offences at the Grand Parade premises. Defence barrister, Mahon Corkery, said that in fairness to the defendant, he had worked productively in Ireland for a long time in the area of horse-training and had been employed at some of the best stud farms in the country. However, he lost his employment during the Covid pandemic. His problems spiralled down to the point of homelessness and an addiction to crack cocaine. The burglaries were committed to feed this addiction. CONFESSION The 34-year-old man confessed to burglary at the electronics shop in Cork city centre on two separate occasion, stealing 17,000 worth of phones and other items the first time and 14,000 worth of similar products the second time. Garda Paul Dromey formally arrested Ion Barbulescu in Cork city on the two charges one related to January 2022 and the other related to May 2022. Garda Dromey said the accused man committed similar burglaries at CEX stores twice in Dublin, twice in Ennis, County Clare, and once in Mayo. Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, indicated at an early stage that the accused was prepared to sign a plea of guilty to both charges. The first charge stated that on January 12 2022 at CEX on Grand Parade, Cork, having entered the building as a trespasser he committed the theft of mobile phones, tablets, smart watches and other electronic items to the value of 17,000. The second count was similarly brought under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 and related to a similar offence on May 8 where the same range of devices to the value of 14,000 were stolen. Before the young mans life descended into this criminality he worked at a high level with horses in stud farms around the country, Mr Corkery said. A 51-year-old man who was convicted as a much younger man with manslaughter was sentenced for a more recent crime where he used a sledgehammer to break into a fishing and shooting stockist in the centre of Cork city. John Keith ODonovan of Spriggs Road, Gurranabraher, Cork, and Monataggart, Donoughmore, County Cork, signed guilty pleas to this and other offences. Judge Helen Boyle jailed him for two years. The judge imposed a sentence of three years on the accused with the last year suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court with the sentence backdated to July 3 2023 as he has been in custody since that time. Judge Helen Boyle said, This could be classed as a spree of offending you targeted commercial premises. Garda Alan OConnell gave evidence of the offences of burglary and attempted burglary committed in Cork city centre by the accused. Gardai responded to a call in relation to a burglary at the Linen Weaver Bar on Paul Street which occurred earlier that morning, July 3. He was identified on CCTV wearing clothes matching the description of him on Cornmarket Street where he was found in possession of bottles of alcohol identified as taken from the Linen Weaver Bar. He was seen on the same date at 4.37 a.m. attempting to break the lock of the door of TW Murrays using a sledgehammer. The man can be seen walk down Careys Lane, change his clothes from a camouflage jacket to a black jacket and return to the front door of TW Murrays and look through the door. He can then be seen walk down Careys Lane towards the Linen Weaver Bar. On July 1 the same man gained entry to the Sostrene Grene shop on St. Patricks Street and interfered with a number of cash registers and stole items of stock valued 139 from the store. Defence barrister Donal OSullivan said the accused was serving a sentence at Portlaoise prison in respect of an unrelated matter. He said the accused mans previous convictions including the most serious one date back some 20 years. Mr OSullivan said it was inevitable the accused was going to be identified as the man responsible for these crimes two of burglary and one of attempted burglary in respect of Murrays. The barrister said Cork city was busy with people out and about at night and that the accused made no effort to conceal his identity. He tells me he had been in England for a while. When he returned he tried to apply for social housing. He was homeless and drinking and these crimes were efforts to get money for drink. He does have a serious record but those convictions relate to when he was a much younger man, Mr OSullivan said. THE trial of a Ukrainian motorist who denies dangerous driving causing the death of GAA broadcaster Paudie Palmer will go in to its fifth day of evidence tomorrow. Bohdan Bezverkhyi, aged 33, of Rigsdale House, Rigsdale, Ballinhassig, Co Cork, denies the charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Palmer at Dunkereen Cross, Innishannon, Co Cork, on December 29, 2022. The case is proceeding before Judge Jonathan Dunphy and the jury of seven women and five men at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Prosecution barrister Brendan Kelly said the case was that the accused approached the junction and had a stop line and stop sign against him and that a motorist coming on to the junction from this road would have had an unrestricted, 150m view of traffic coming from the direction of Mr Palmer. Defence senior counsel Seamus Roche referred to Mr Palmer not wearing a seatbelt: I dont wish to be unfair to the man, but that is a factor of the case. He was not driving in a safe manner, for whatever reason, and was, in fact, on his incorrect side of the road: That is the nub of the defence. He (Bohdan Bezverkhyi) was trying to negotiate the cross as safely as he could. A NEW charge has been brought against a man arrested in connection with the biggest drug seizure in the history of the State. Harold Estoesta, aged 30, a Filippino national, faced a new charge that on September 4, 2023, with knowledge of a criminal organisations existence, he participated in or contributed to activity intending to facilitate a serious offence by that criminal organisation or its members. This was contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, as substituted by Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. No bail application could be made on the new charge, Inspector Tony OSullivan told Mallow District Court. Mr Estoesta replied nothing, no comment after he was charged and cautioned yesterday morning, Detective Garda Redmond OLeary told Mallow District Court. Mr Estoesta was a crew member on the MV Matthew when elite army rangers tight-roped onto the moving vessel in stormy waters on September 26, 2023, and detained the vessel in a joint operation between gardai, customs officers and the Naval Service in which cocaine worth in excess of 157m was seized. Mr Estoesta is one of five men who were charged after some 2.25 tonnes of cocaine were seized from the MV Matthew in that operation. Statements Gardai have taken 290 statements, gathered some 200 exhibits of which 50 are electronic devices, and are consulting both internal and external experts in what is the biggest drugs seizure in the history of the State, Det. Gda OLeary said. Mr Estoestas solicitor, Aiden Desmond, said that the States book of evidence in the case was due yesterday. His client has been in prison since he was first charged more than six months ago, he said. Mr Desmond noted that on March 5 he was informed that Mr Estoestas matters would be dealt with in the Circuit Court, but 42 days later the book of evidence had not been served and there had been no application to extend the period for it. The court had to be satisfied of good reasons to extend that period for the book of evidence, and Mr Desmond said that he did not believe the State had made that case. Inspector Tony OSullivan said that he had been informed by the State that the book of evidence should be available for all the accused on May 7. Judge Colm Roberts granted the State an extension for making that book of evidence available. Judge Roberts acknowledged that Mr Estoesta and his co-accused had now been in custody for some time and he said that he had expressed concern when the dates to serve the book of evidence were not reached. But he was not satisfied that the delays were caused by any malfeasance by the State. They were instead due to the investigation and the complexity of the case before the court. Judge Roberts said: This is the biggest drug trial in the country. Ongoing Several jurisdictions are involved and to some extent, the investigation is still ongoing regarding the analysis of some devices, he said. Although one could force the State to have the book of evidence today it would be incomplete and a later application would have to made to add to it. I understand that your client needs a date for a hearing as soon as possible, Judge Roberts said, but that could only happen when the full case against him had been made so that the defence could have the full case to work on. Applications by defence legal teams to board the MV Matthew are expected but the ship cannot be boarded until all the evidence has been gathered and that is all taking time, Judge Roberts said. I am allowing an extension for the book of evidence, Judge Roberts said. The reality of the situation is that because of the nature of the offence, it is requiring a lot of An Garda Siochana and other experts to be involved, which regretfully takes an awful lot of time. Mr Desmond said that the defence would also require plenty of time to work on its case once the book of evidence has been delivered. That is out of my control, Judge Roberts said. But whats good for the goose is good for the gander. If the State took more time its likely the defence will be given more time. I appreciate the situation, I do share your clients frustration, it is important that things move forward as quickly as possible. But it is a complex case, Judge Roberts said. Mr Estoesta was remanded in custody to appear again on Monday, via videolink in Mallow District Court, on the new charge. On the older charges he consented to appearing on May 7 hopefully for the book of evidence to be served on him and on his co-accused, the court heard. Mr Estoesta carried the self-help book Mastery by Robert Greene which examines the lives of historic figures including Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein to draw lessons on how to become successful. He wore reading glasses, a dark green Puffa jacket and beige trousers. Interpreter He was aided in court by a Filippino interpreter. Mr Estoesta previously told the district court that he was innocent, that he had been tricked and he deserved to be freed. The Filipino national was previously charged with possession of cocaine for sale or supply with a value in excess of 13,000 in Irish waters and for possession of cocaine for sale or supply with a value in excess of 13,000 outside of Irish territorial waters. He was also charged with conspiracy to have in his possession, on September 24, cocaine for sale or supply in excess of 13,000 in contravention of Sections 5 and 15a of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977. He is one of five men facing these charges after some 2.25 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated value of more than 157 million was seized from the large bulk carrier ship, the MV Matthew, off the Cork coast in September. Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, aged 48; Iranian Saeid Hassani, aged 37, and Ukrainians Mykhalo Gavryk, aged 30, and Vitaliy Vlasoi, aged 31, have also been charged in relation to this incident. FIGURES from the European Commission last month, documenting changes in road deaths from 2019 to 2023, show that Ireland is at the very bottom of the list. Where many countries show a reduction in death rates of 20-35%, Irelands rate rocketed upwards, increasing 31% over the four years. These figures do not include the further rise in fatalities (38%) since January 1 compared to the same period a year ago, with 58 people losing their lives in the first three months of 2024. One of the Taoiseachs first tasks on assuming office must be an urgent meeting with the Road Safety Authority (RSA). A key priority in any discussions must be the toxic culture of alcohol in Ireland and the continued casual relationship between hazardous drinking, consumption of alcohol and driving on Irish roads. Over the Easter weekend, an alarmingly high number of people (177) were arrested under suspicion of driving while the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to figures from An Garda Siochanas Roads Policing Unit. In Ireland, 37% of road fatalities have a positive toxicology for alcohol, with 72% taking place on rural roads. Added to this, recent research from the RSA indicate one in ten drivers admit to drink driving in the last year while, tragically, road deaths continue to rise. Ireland has shown itself a global leader in its coherent cross-government approach to addressing the public health impact of tobacco, introducing legislation two decades ago that outlawed smoking in pubs for the first time, despite huge opposition from the tobacco and hospitality industry. The decision sparked ferocious debate in what was the first real discussion on public health in Ireland. But it succeeded, saving countless lives across the globe as over 70 countries followed suit. The same concerted response cannot be said of Irelands response to alcohol, despite an ongoing troubled relationship with it. The evidence is incontrovertible, with over 1,500 alcohol attributable deaths per year. 1,500 hospital beds a day are occupied by people with alcohol-related problems - costing at least 11% of the healthcare budget. One in seven of the population have an alcohol use disorder, of which 90,000 have a severe problem. Alcohol has a significant impact on workplace and productivity. The OECD estimates alcohol use will cause Irelands GDP to be 1.9% lower between now and 2050 if no action is taken. The prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy here is a staggering 60% or more - the highest in the world for which data is available. This is reflected in the prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Ireland, at 7.7 cases per 1,000 individuals. The rate in the WHO European region is 19.8/1,000. With this incontestable evidence of alcohol harm caused in Irish society, including road deaths, the real question is why are we not paying attention? All this remains largely invisible to citizens - unnamed and unexamined as the alcohol industry ploughs inexorably on, leaving a trail of damage and destroyed lives. We appear to have a limitless capacity to sit back and watch as political life is seized by lobbyists and an industry intent on maximising profit. What is incomprehensible is the incoherence of Government policy as road deaths rise and streets are overtaken, weekend after weekend, by teenagers and young adults openly intoxicated and a danger to themselves and others. Since 2018, alcohol consumption has been affected by powerful legislation impacting on price, marketing and availability, following the introduction of the Public Health Alcohol Act (PHAA). Ireland showed itself to be a global leader last year with the introduction of mandatory labelling requirements for all alcohol products sold here, despite a predictable backlash from the drinks industry to prevent it. Now the Department of Justice is proposing to introduce legislation that will scupper recent gains from these measures. The proposed legislation to reform late licensing laws is due to be in place in the coming months to allow pubs and clubs to stay open later this summer. Added to that, the vociferous marketing of zero alcohol drinks continues - products that make up just 1.5% of the Irish drinks market. The Six Nations tournament, sponsored by Guinness, is perhaps the most blatant with the Guinness emblem and characteristic Guinness script plastered right across the centre of the pitch as supporters feast on this emblem from the stands, on TVs or in pubs. What are we supposed to think? That this advertising is going to cause viewers across the country wound up in the excitement of a major national sporting event, to lick their lips and reach for a Guinness 0.0? Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) state that this type of marketing is a direct flouting of the law and warrants a legal challenge, according to its CEO, Dr Sheila Gilheany. How can a brand use its logo and trademark and yet claim its product is not being advertised? Strong and coherent cross-government policy over decades in terms of tobacco use has led to significant reductions in cigarette smoking over decades. But the real impact has been the significant cultural change that followed an unapologetic and highly targeted government approach to the issue. Equally, alcohol harm could be comprehensively and coherently addressed with the establishment of a statutory office for Alcohol Harm Reduction. This would allow for cross- government co-ordination of all aspects of alcohol regulation including licensing, marketing and promotion, strategic development of treatment services, education and prevention programmes and the commissioning of relevant data plus the monitoring and evaluation of policy. This office would support the full implementation of the PHAA, the protection of children, and the provision of timely alcohol treatment recovery services, while ensuring that the needs of citizens are comprehensively protected and balanced against the needs of the alcohol industry and the economy. Proactive first steps Simon Harris could take to address road deaths and alcohol harm collectively are to scrap the farcical Sale of Alcohol bill, to legally challenge the marketing of zero-alcohol products, and to establish a much- needed office for Alcohol Harm reduction. This type of robust response to the role of alcohol harm in Irish society would have the potential to impact hugely on the ongoing destructive alcohol culture that is at the heart of so much grief on Irish roads and in every community across Ireland. NEARLY 30 road safety advocacy bodies have reportedly declared they have no confidence in the Road Safety Authority (RSA), after a spate of deaths in the first three months of 2024. Multiple organisations from across the country have lost confidence in the RSA, and say it is no longer fit for purpose. There have been 61 deaths on Irish roads this year, 16 more than had been recorded at the same stage in 2023, which was itself the worst year for fatalities on Irish roads in a decade. The advocates said that the RSA bears responsibility for the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, the primary aim of which is to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% by 2030. However, they complained that the data available to road safety researchers is insufficient or outdated. Historic road collision data is not being made available to road safety auditors, and the RSA is not providing up-to-date data which can be used to make the roads safer. I suggest its not being shared with the general population either, and it should be. If you listen to the traffic reports on the radio every morning, you will hear of disruptions due to accidents. Theres hardly a morning goes by without delays on the M50 alone because of tips, and this is where the RSA could be making a difference. Every accident has a cause, and if these were highlighted, then maybe drivers might learn something. I investigated many traffic accidents in the course of my 35-plus years in An Garda Siochana, from the minor fender-benders to the more serious collisions involving death and/or injury. Nothing unusual about that - it comes with the territory. Most police officers employed on outdoor duty will have to deal with those at some point in their career. If theyre lucky, they might never have to call to a house to deliver the news to a family that their loved one is not coming home. That is one of the most difficult things a police officer has to do, but unfortunately, as the number of deaths on our roads continues to rise, its a job that many more gardai will have to face. Many of these accidents could have been avoided, but as long as you have humans in charge of machines that can travel at speed, there will be accidents. Human error is an important piece of this puzzle, and needs to be addressed. In spite of all the road safety campaigns, garda traffic management plans, enforcement of the various pieces of new legislation, improved safety features in cars, better signage of black spots, and the introduction of anti-skid surfaces, the carnage continues. Demands for more laws and more garda enforcement have come hot and heavy. One campaigner recently even suggested that the gardai needed to put the fear of God into drivers. Another one said: Its early days yet, but if the Government and Garda Commissioner dont act ASAP, we will see a repeat of last years figures and maybe even more. The issues that have to be addressed are not being addressed. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that 2023 had been a difficult year on Irish roads, and she was working with gardai to improve road safety. Minister of State for Transport Jack Chambers has promised a new Road Safety Bill will be introduced into the Oireachtas early this year to amend the penalty points system, reduce certain speed limits, amend the rules on testing for intoxicants, to provide for drug testing to align with current rules on alcohol testing. Legislation is necessary, of course, and so is enforcement but unless you have a garda stationed at 100 metre intervals on every single road in the country, that alone wont be enough. Denis Cusack, director of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety and a Dublin-based coroner, said a huge factor in the recent increase in road deaths was a deterioration in driving behaviour. Hes right of course. Its driver behaviour that needs to change, because the choices we make when driving will impact other road users, often with fatal consequences. Every motorist assumes responsibility for their actions once they get behind the wheel. Minister McEntee, Minister Chambers, the RSA and the gardai all have a role to play, but responsibility for dangerous and bad driving has to be placed squarely where it belongs, on the shoulders of drivers. We cant expect everyone else to fix it, and until we deal with human behaviour, were going nowhere. Throwing more legislation at the problem and calling for more gardai isnt working, so lets try something different. Education for example. I never came across a car that ended up on its roof while it was being driven normally and within the speed limit. I have never seen a car leave the road of its own accord in normal conditions and end up in a field or a river either. Cars tend not to do that unless there are other factors at play. Young people think they are invincible. Many of them believe that driving at speed is what marks them as experts. The faster the car goes, the better the driver they are, they reckon. The reality is completely different, of course, and the only way to change that attitude is through education. Todays children are tomorrows drivers, so lets teach them how to do it properly, starting in primary school and continuing right up to leaving certificate. Teach them about driving safely, being courteous, and the importance of concentration. Highlight the causes of accidents and show how they can be avoided. That will pay dividends in the long term. The only problem, though, is that it will take time to achieve results, and we know how officialdom doesnt like long-term strategies. (Screenshot from BBC)Pope Francis delivering his 2017 "urbi et orbi" address on East Sunday, April16, 2017. Pope Francis has made "a heartfelt appeal" to "stop every action that could stoke the spiral of violence and risk dragging the Middle East into a much bigger war conflict" on the morning after Iran's attack on Israel. He also appealed on April 14, for a ceasefire in Gaza, calling for the release of hostages held in the Strip and the provision of humanitarian aid to the 2.3 million Palestinians living there, America, the Jesuit Review reported on Apri 14. According to UN and humanitarian agencies, the majority of people in Gaza are on the brink of starvation, America reported. World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay, on behalf of the global church fellowship, expressed grave concern regarding the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East following the first direct confrontation between Iran and Israel. The Pope pleaded with nations to exercise restraint and avoid an escalation of violence in the Middle East, Catholic News Service reported. The pontiff issued his "urgent appeal" when he greeted thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square at midday on April 14 after his Sunday mass and after Israel threatened a military reprisal against Iran for the previous night's attack. It was the first time since the establishment of the Iranian Republic in 1979 that Iran, with a population of 89 million, mostly Shite Muslims, has directly attacked Israel, which its population of nine million. "I follow with prayer, with concern and with pain, the news that arrived in these last hours of the deterioration of the situation in Israel because of the intervention by Iran," the Pope said. "I make a heartfelt appeal to stop every action that could stoke the spiral of violence with the risk of dragging the Middle East into a much bigger war conflict," said Francis. He made an appeal to prevent further escalation of the violence and the real risk of widening the war in the region. He has appealed on several occasions, including earlier this week, to avoid this risk of escalation, and on April 14, he joined world leaders, including from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East, in an appeal to Israel. Francis did not name Israel specifically but urged not making the situation even worse with an attack on Iranian soil. "No one should threaten the existence of the other," the Pope said in what appeared to be an appeal to Iran (again without naming it), a country that has strongly supported the Palestinian cause. The Palestinian question is at the heart of the present conflict in the Middle East that started on Oct. 7 when Hamas, which Iran supports, attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking over 200 hostages (133 are still being held hostage, though it seems that around 40 may have died). It often feels like we live in a fully connected world, but anyone who has been caught without a signal at a time of need can tell you it's far from true. Emergency satellite connectivity is a solution to this problem, and one the Google Pixel 9 series and next-generation Google Fold will allegedly offer, according to Android Authority's Kamila Wojciechowska. The feature will purportedly be available for T-Mobile customers first, thanks to the network provider's partnership with SpaceX to create satellite messaging. It could become available on other networks in the future. The messaging service will allegedly ask users questions such as "What best describes your situation?" and "Are there weapons involved?" It's unclear whether the feature will be free for Google Pixel 9 and next-gen Google Fold users. T-Mobile hasn't confirmed pricing for its satellite messaging service in previous announcements. If the news is true, Google would be following in the footsteps of Apple, which launched its own Emergency SOS satellite feature in late 2022 for iPhone 14 users in countries such as the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The tool has since expanded to include the iPhone 15 and countries such as Australia and New Zealand, which have mass wilderness areas where cellular service is absent. The Biden administration just announced a preliminary agreement to award Samsung up to $6.4 billion in grants as part of CHIPS Act funding. This money will complement the $44 billion in private investment that the company has promised to spend in the state to build a semiconductor ecosystem. This money will be spent to finish a leading-edge campus in Taylor, Texas that will focus on research and development of advanced logic technologies, manufacturing and, perhaps most importantly, packaging. When it comes to chips, packaging refers to providing power, inputs and outputs. Its a highly specialized process thats typically done overseas, which means that even chips built on US soil have to get shipped to another country and then mailed back. Samsungs dedicated packaging facility should eliminate some of these headaches and strengthen the overall supply chain. The money will also go toward an expansion of Samsungs pre-existing facility in Austin. Taylor and Austin are only 40 minutes away from one another, leading the Biden administration to suggest that the combination of both facilities will turn Samsungs existing presence in Texas into a comprehensive ecosystem for the development and production of leading-edge chips in the United States. The president also says itll lead to 21,500 jobs for Texans, with $40 million set aside for training. The CHIPS and Science Act has given the federal government authority to award funding and offer loans to tech companies to encourage domestic spending. GlobalFoundries received a grant of $1.5 billion back in February to help with a major expansion, in addition to snapping up a $1.6 billion loan. The company plans on spending this money in Malta, New York to build a new fabrication facility that manufactures chips for the automotive, aerospace, defense and AI industries. Intel recently received the largest CHIPS grant to date , grabbing up to $8.5 billion to continue various US-based ventures. Intel plans on using that money to build some new plants that manufacture semiconductor chips for the AI industry. Its building two new fabrication facilities in Arizona and two more in Ohio. Intel will also use the financial windfall to modernize a pair of pre-existing plants in New Mexico and one in Oregon. The company says itll be investing $100 billion in US-based chip manufacturing, leading to an influx of around 30,000 jobs. President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law back in 2022 to encourage domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing in order to lessen America's reliance on Chinese suppliers. All told, it sets aside $52 billion in tax credits and funding for companies to expand stateside production. Instagram got a surprise visitor. Meta AI, the companys AI-powered chatbot that can answer questions, write poetry and generate images with a simple text prompt, is up in your DMs. Meta warned that Meta AI was coming and has spent the last few months adding the chatbot to products like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. We all knew Instagram would be next. Our generative AI-powered experiences are under development in various phases, and were testing a range of them publicly in a limited capacity, a Meta spokesperson told Engadget. For some of us at Engadget, the feature appeared in Instagrams Direct Messaging inbox. We could tap it to start a conversation with Meta AI, where it could give definitions of words, suggest headlines and generate images of dogs on skateboards. Ah, the future. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed The Humane AI Pin review Our favorite Sony wireless earbuds are on sale for a record-low price Interstellar is coming back to theaters in September for its 10-year anniversary Playdate revisited: Two years later You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! Stop reading this and just watch. TCL TCL, maker of many TVs, is to release its first special a short romance movie on TCLtv+ this summer. Minimizing effort (and artistic license), its using generative AI, and the result is as creepy, dreamy and blurry as all the other generative AI video weve seen so far. Watch the protagonists faces contort and blur. Marvel at the tone and color profiles switching for no apparent reason. You have to watch it: a rare laugh on a Monday morning. Continue reading. The company is asking a judge to deny Epics recent motion. Last month, Epic Games filed a motion asking a California judge to hold Apple in contempt for what it claims are violations of a 2021 injunction. Now, Apple is asking the judge to reject Epics request, alleging the motion is an attempt to micromanage Apples business operations in a way that would increase Epics profitability. Epic said Apples so-called compliance is a sham and accused the company of violating the injunction with its recent moves. Apple maintains it has acted in compliance with the injunction, stating in the new filing: The purpose of the injunction is to make information regarding alternative purchase options more readily available, not to dictate the commercial terms. Continue reading. The company is temporarily removing links to California news for some. Google, the search giant that brought in more than $73 billion in profit last year, is protesting a California bill that would require it and other platforms to pay media outlets. The company announced it was beginning a short-term test to block links to local California news sources for a small percentage of users in the state. How will this end up? Lets take a look elsewhere. The company pulled its News service out of Spain for seven years in protest of local copyright laws. However, in Australia, the company signed deals worth about $150 million to pay publishers. It also eventually backed off threats to pull news from search results in Canada and forked over about $74 million. Continue reading. True work-and-play machines. Engadget Gaming laptops are now cheaper and more powerful than ever, and many wouldnt look out of place in a classroom. If you aim to do some serious multimedia work alongside playing video games online, its worth looking at a dedicated gaming system. We select the best machines for balancing work with play, with advice on screen sizes, portability and more. Jack will no longer be a dull boy. Continue reading. Warning: graphic images. Prominent Orthodox Christian leader Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was reportedly stabbed on Monday at the altar of his church home Christ The Good Shepherd Church. According to 'The Guardian,' Bishop Emmanuel was hosting mass in church just after 7 p.m. when a man calmly approached him at the altar and proceeded to stab him in the head and upper body multiple times. Horrified screams ensued instantly, as the congregation at the Assyrian church collected to restrain the deranged male. Per the news outlet, three additional church-goers were reported injured in the attack. RELATED: Beyonce 'Puts Her Foot Down' With 'Rules' For Jay-Z After Alleged Previous Affairs: Report NBC News reported that the bishop and his senior priest are in stable condition at a hospital. "Our beloved Bishop, his grace Mar Mari Emmanuel and Father Isaac have been admitted to the hospital. They are in stable condition," the church's social media announced. "We ask for your prayers at this time. It is the Bishop's and Father's wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator. We also kindly ask anyone at the church premises to leave in peace, as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, teaches us," the post concluded. RELATED: Usher's Ex-Wife Tameka Foster Says An 'All Bad' Interview With Wendy Williams Derailed Her Career A spokesman claimed a man in his 30s was treated for lacerations to the arm, a man in his 20s was treated for cuts to the arm and hand, and an older man in his 60s was treated for lacerations to the arm. According to police, no injuries have been life-threatening. Per police, a 15-year-old was arrested and held in custody at the scene for his own safety after a crowd gathered outside demanding the attacker be brought out. The Beef Carbon Reduction (BCR) scheme, a new payment support system for beef farmers in Northern Ireland, has opened today for applications. The scheme encourages farms to reduce the slaughter age of clean finished beef cattle to improve the efficiency of the beef sector and reduce livestock emissions. It is being implemented initially over a four-year period and will incentivise a progressive reduction in the age at slaughter each year. Payments of 20, 40 and 60 will be made for eligible animals slaughtered in January, February and March of this year respectively. The scheme will provide the farmer with funding of 75 for each eligible animal slaughtered. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said its opening was a significant milestone in supporting the industry toward greater environmental sustainability. He said: My department is committed to supporting more environmentally sustainable farming practices that benefit our climate and environment, whilst providing clear incentives to drive better resource efficiency within our agricultural sector. This innovative approach signals a shift in how we deliver support to decarbonise and protect our environment, thereby contributing to meeting the targets set by the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022. "I would encourage farmers to engage with the department on how best to adapt their on-farm practices to meet the targets set for the Scheme and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable and productive sector. Eligible farm businesses must opt-in to the scheme to receive payment and can do so from today (15 April) via the DAERA website. The business only needs to opt-in once for BCR from 2024. If the business has opted-in they will receive a BCR payment each year thereafter provided they meet the eligibility conditions in that year. Businesses must be eligible to claim Basic Payment Scheme in 2024, or its replacement, from 2025 onwards to avail of the BCR scheme. If farm businesses opt-in and do not have any eligible animals in that scheme year, no penalties will apply. A Welsh farming family has been issued substantial fines after deliberately swapping cattle ear tags which saw animals with bovine TB reactors remain on the farm. The actions of Edward, Charles and Henry Hartt displayed widespread illegality and created an unacceptable and serious risk to animal health, Swansea Crown Court heard. The three men, who previously pleaded guilty to 12 counts in 2022, were sentenced for offences committed under the Cattle Identification (Wales) Regulations 2007. The Hartts operate a large dairy and beef farming enterprise - Messrs EW Hartt & Sons - at Longford Farm, Clynderwen, comprising about 2,800 cattle. The court heard that where higher value cattle had tested positive for TB and would be valued for compensation, poorer quality animals would then be sent for slaughter in its place. This meant that infected animals were kept on the farm with a risk of spreading the disease to other animals and jeopardising Wales' TB eradication programme. The case brought by Pembrokeshire County Council followed an in-depth investigation by officers from the councils Public Protection Animal Health and Welfare Team, working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). It was also determined that a portion of farms milk would have come from TB reactors that should have been removed, which under food safety legislation was banned from entering the food chain. Where poorer cattle tested positive, evidence showed that they were substituted at valuation for higher value animals, attracting a higher level of compensation - but with the more valuable animals subsequently retained and the lower value TB reactors sent for slaughter. Each defendant was fined a total of 24,000 - 2,000 for each count on the indictment. As well as the fines, associated action had been taken against the defendants under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). This legislation was introduced with the aim of recovering assets, including money, acquired through criminal activity. The use of POCA is particularly pertinent when it is in the public interest to ensure criminal activity is not rewarded. The criminal benefit arising in connection with the offending would have been derived through a mix of pathways. This included TB compensation payments, sale of illegal stock, sale of milk from illegally retained stock, as well as the wider benefits gained by the farming enterprise. The court heard that the Hartts actions enabled a steady and continual expansion of the business, on a stronger financial footing, to the detriment of other farms in a competitive market. This resulted in confiscation orders of 217,906 against each defendant jointly and severally to reflect the criminal benefit associated with the offending. The court also awarded the council costs of 94,569. Cllr Michelle Bateman, the council's Cabinet Member for Housing Operations and Regulatory Services, welcomed the level of sentence. She said: This case will have resulted in unnecessary cost and a drain on resources for those involved in the TB eradication programme, including the major use of public money by Welsh government who fund the implementation of the compensation scheme. It also greatly risks the health of neighbouring herds through unnecessary contamination of the environment as well as damaging the farming industry and public confidence in the safety of milk and meat." The NFU is campaigning for urgent action to stamp out rural crime as Police and Crime Commissioner elections soon take place in England and Wales. Police and Crime Commissioners are elected to make sure that the local police in their area are meeting the needs of the community. But farming groups warn that rural communities do not feel adequately protected against criminals and organised crime gangs. Theft of large and small machinery, fly-tipping, dog attacks on livestock and hare coursing continue to blight farming communities. As a result, rural crime cost the UK 49.5 million in 2022, according to the latest figures. However, the full scale cost and social impact of crime in rural areas is thought to be underestimated, under-reported and not fully understood. The NFU, which has launched an open letter to every single elected PCC, said the elections offered a timely opportunity to shine a light on these issues. Survey work carried out for the union shows that 71% of the public believe rural crime should be treated more seriously by the police. "The elections will be taking place on 2 May. You have until 12 May to sign this letter and back our call for better rural policing," the NFU said. "The NFU is also inviting all candidates in the upcoming PCC elections to meet local farmers to hear first-hand the impact of criminal activity on farming businesses and discuss steps to help combat this threat. "Alongside making rural crime a priority at a local level, the NFU continues to campaign for a consistent and coordinated response to rural crime across government and police forces." What does the open letter ask for? The NFU will be sending an open letter to every single elected PPC, calling on them to: Ensure priorities for addressing rural crime are detailed in their police and crime plan. Recruit a dedicated rural crime specialist. Engage regularly with the farming community. Deliver effective response and investigation of crimes impacting farm businesses. Work with farm businesses on effective crime prevention strategies. Develop a strategy to counter the impact of organised crime groups operating in rural areas. Provide greater rural crime training for officers and control centres. Sheep producers in Northern Ireland have slammed the local government's lack of progress in announcing future sheep schemes. The NI Sheep Task Force said farmers in the province were 'worse off' than their counterparts in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland in terms of support. Sheep farming is a key part of the Northern Irish agricultural economy and a key element in countryside management to benefit the environment. A task force was set up by the industry to look at ways to maintain viability and improve productivity within the sheep sector. A report was conducted and has now been with NI's Department of Agriculture (DAERA) for some time, setting out ways to maintain the viability of the sheep sector. But the Sheep Task Force said a lack of progress in discussing sheep support schemes "flies in the face of encouragement for the industry which has produced suggestions to create a sustainable future". Responding, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) said the Northern Irish sheep sector "want to see action" on the matter. What we do know is that farmers deserve better for the effort they have put into the task force report," said UFU deputy president, John McLenaghan. "We now have political structures back in place at Stormont so lets see action." Under DAERA plans, other livestock sector schemes have been created to boost payments in return for improvements that will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, no scheme has been developed for the sheep industry. The task force report sets out the potential for improved sheep genetics to make the sector more competitive. Sheep farming is difficult even at the best of times regarding profitability," said Mr McLenaghan. "The industry, through the task force, has been proactive and willing to co-design meaningful support measures for an industry that is a vital part of the economic and environmental mix of agriculture. "We look forward to sitting down with DAERA to progress the real gains that the report sets out for the sheep sector. Seven of the UKs major retailers have now responded to the call for supermarkets to back the nations farmers by adding buy British tabs to their websites. Tesco is the latest national supermarket to join the campaign, after it recently launched a Best of British section to its website. Other supermarkets who have taken up the call to back Britains farmers include Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, Aldi, Ocado and the Co-op. Asda is the only major UK retailer which is yet to announce a similar move. It follows an open letter by Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans to the chief executives of eight major supermarkets asking for a filter which would direct shoppers to homegrown food. The letter was co-signed by 126 cross-party MPs, and echoed a long-standing NFU ask dating back to 2016. Tesco's chief commercial officer, Ashwin Prasad said supporting British farmers remained critical to ensuring the UK had a robust food industry. "We count ourselves as proud champions of British agriculture, striving to source produce from the UK wherever possible," he said. Our customers share our love for British produce, and we want to do all we can to make it as easy to find as possible, no matter how they shop with us." NFU Deputy President David Exwood added it was 'brilliant' to see Tesco follow six other supermarkets lead to add a buy British section on their website. "Not only does this help support Dr Luke Evans fantastic campaign to help back British farmers and growers, but it also offers shoppers a direct way to support their local farms and buy homegrown produce. "We know from our own independent research that the public want to buy more British food from retailers and thats why we have been championing this important issue since 2016." Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, said he was pleased to welcome Tesco to the fray. "Its great to see the UKs largest supermarket join other major retailers in implementing an online Buy British section. This is really welcome news and a step forward in supporting our nations food growers and producers by showcasing over 500 homegrown items, with everything from meat and vegetables to dairy products now easier to find. Following repeated calls from the NFU and more than 27,000 members of the public, the former Defra Secretary Therese Coffey announced her support on Back British Farming Day for signposting customers to buy British when they shop online. The Conservative Environment Network has backed the Buy British button in their farming manifesto and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also lent his support to the campaign and called for industry-led action. Mr Sunak said: We will continue to encourage all retailers to do all they can to showcase the incredible food produced right here, in the United Kingdom. Open letter signatories to Dr Evans letter included former Defra Secretary Theresa Villiers, chair of the Environmental Audit Committee Philip Dunne MP, Climate Minister Graham Stuart and members of the Commons Efra Committee. The letter was signed by representatives from all the main political parties. It said that the small change would give customers greater autonomy over their food choices and could boost seasonal eating. Former NFU President Minette Batters said it was "great to see MPs and their constituents getting behind the idea of a buy British tab online. We know from our own independent survey that 86% of the public want to buy more British food, but it is often tricky to determine what products are produced in the UK and this simple change would help shoppers do that. John Wayne Bobbitt recently lost his toes. John Wayne Bobbitt recently lost his toes The 57-year-old former Marine who made global headlines in 1993 when his then-wife chopped off his penis while he slept was diagnosed with toxic peripheral polyneuropathy after being exposed to contaminated water at the Camp Lejeune military training facility in the late 1980s. Its a condition that causes nerve damage to the extremities and caused Bobbitt to have all of his toes amputated over the years, the last of which were removed in 2023. The operations have left John Wayne with two stumps for feet, a limp and needing special prosthetic shoes. He told The US Sun: Maybe I would have made better decisions if my cognitive functioning wasnt distorted by the chemicals. His condition can also lead to chronic infections, ulcers and painful skin grafts. His ex-wife Lorena says she cut off his penis after he raped and beat her and in June 1993. She sliced off his manhood with a kitchen knife at their apartment in Virginia, before fleeing to her boss house and tossing the sliced penis out of the window as she drove. It was salvaged and doctors spent nine hours reattaching it and according to John Wayne it is now back to a normal function. He went on to launch a porn career, and in 2013 claimed he slept with 70 women since his wifes attack. But that year he nearly lost a foot after contracting an infection from a dirty nail at a construction site. John Waynes former wife faced up to 20 years in prison for the infamous act but was found not guilty due to insanity and was acquitted on charges of sexual assault in 1993. Emily VanCamp is a new mum after welcoming a baby girl. Emily VanCamp and Josh Bowman have become parents for a second time The 'Revenge' star, 36, and her husband Josh Bowman, 36, welcomed their second daughter - Rio Rose - on Friday (12.03.24) and they shared the happy news on Sunday (14.03.24) in a post on Instagram alongside a black and white picture of the newborn. Emily wrote: "Rio Rose 3-12-2024 Welcome to the world baby girl. We love you so much." Rio joins big sister Iris, who was born in 2021. The couple - who met working on TV drama 'Revenge' together - announced their baby news back in February by sharing a picture of Emily's baby bump with the actress adding: "Not long now.. Ready when you are little love." After meeting on the set of 'Revenge', Emily and Josh began dating in 2011 and they got engaged in 2017 when Josh proposed during a hike. Emily previously admitted the proposal was perfect. Speaking at the Fox VIP Upfronts event in New York City in 2017, she shared: "We were in nature on a hike kind of doing what we do. It was very, sort of, us. It was great - beautiful." They went on to marry in the Bahamas in 2018. Emily marked their wedding anniversary in December by celebrating the couple's love story in a post on Instagram, writing: "Five years married, 12 together. "What a beautiful ride its been. Love the life weve built, our wild adventures but mostly the little family weve created. Happy Anniversary my love. Cant wait for all that is to come!! Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is facing 18 months in prison The 26-year-old 'Rust' armourer received her sentence in a court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Monday (15.04.24), after she was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter last month of the October 2021 shooting of Halyna Hutchins. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer sentenced Gutierrez-Reed to 18 months of incarceration at a women's correctional facility in New Mexico. Gutierrez-Reed did not testify in her defence. However, she did prepare a statement and she read it aloud during the hearing. She said: "First and foremost, my heart aches for the Hutchins family and friends and colleagues as well, and it has since the day this tragedy occurred." During her speech, Gutierrez-Reed - who was responsible for the prop guns on the set of the Western movie - also paid tribute to Hutchins, describing the late cinematographer as an "inspiration". She added: "I understand that she was taken too soon, and I pray that you all find peace." What's more, Gutierrez-Reed confessed to being "young and naive" when she took the job on 'Rust'. Gutierrez-Reed was found to be partially responsible for Hutchins' death. However, she has been cleared of allegations that she tampered with the evidence. Gutierrez-Reed's legal team has already suggested that she will appeal the verdict. Meanwhile, attorneys Gloria Allred and John Carpenter, who represent the Hutchins family, have confirmed that they're satisfied with the results of the case. However, they will continue to push for push in the coming months. They said in a statement: "We look forward to the justice system continuing to make sure that everyone else who is responsible for Halyna's death is required to face the legal consequences for their actions." Alec Baldwin held the weapon that discharged and killed Hutchins in October 2021, aged 42. The 66-year-old actor has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, and is due to face trial in July. Baldwin - who faces up to 18 months in prison - has denied the allegations. Megan Fox quipped it's best to "not waste your energy on boys" after her engagement to Machine Gun Kelly ended. Megan Fox really said boys are a waste of time when asked for her relationship advice The 37-year-old 'Transformers' actress - who has Noah, 11, Bodhi, 10, and Journey, seven, with ex-spouse Brain Austin Green - recently confirmed on the Call Her Daddy podcast that reports about her and the 33-year-old rapper calling off their engagement at some point was accurate. And whilst they have not divulged their relationship status, an insider claimed they are "still together" - but taking some space to "figure things out". Speaking to E! News at Revolve Festival, Megan said when asked to give her advice to single ladies: Just learn a skill or develop a hobby, and do not waste your energy on boys. All theyre going to do is drain you. Just move on. Invest in yourself. Megan shared the clip from the interview to her Instagram and quipped: "life advice from a relationship expert. (sic)" And MGK - whose real name is Colson Baker - added to the comments: "PREACH." A source recently told ET: "Megan and MGKs relationship is up and down. Right now, they are taking some space, but things could easily change. "They are still together as a couple and trying to figure things out. MGK is very in love with Megan, so he does his best to keep her happy and lets her take the lead." Megan said on the podcast: "As of now I don't have a comment on the status of the relationship per se. What I can say [is] that [he's] what I refer to as being my 'twin soul.' There will always be a tether to him no matter what. I can't say for sure what the capacity will be, but I will always be connected to him somehow. "Beyond that I'm not willing to explain, but all those things you said were accurate things that have occurred." Megan and MGK - who has 14-year-old daughter Casie with ex-wife Emma Cannon - have been dating since 2020 and got engaged in 2022 and have had their share of ups and downs over the years, including a devastating miscarriage. The 'Jennifer's Body' star sparked break-up rumours in February 2023 after she deleted most of her photos with MGK from her social media and unfollowed him, while also sharing lyrics about dishonesty. She was also seen without her engagement ring at the time, with a source claiming she and MGK had a big fight that was much more serious than past issues they had. Celebrate Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, with a special festival menu at Thai Naam in Mumbai Songkran, celebrated from April 13 to 15 annually, ushers in the traditional Thai New Year; for many Thais, it is the happiest and most-eagerly-awaited festival on the calendar. In fact, Songkran is so culturally significant in Thailand that it has recently been awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status. Very like Holi in India, this festival brings communities together to celebrate with water. The act of splashing water symbolically represents spiritual renewal and physical cleansing making for a joyous celebration that draws travellers from all over the world, including from India. With Songkran, the Thai people express gratitude for the new year, and commit again to spiritual devotion. Temples are thronged by devotees offering food and floral garlands, and, across the kingdom, visitors can be part of community events, colourful parades and cultural performances. On from April 11 to 15, the Maha Songkran World Water Festival in Bangkok has been where the action is at, with everything from performances including the Khon masked drama and Nora dance drama (recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage performing arts) to 20 grand processions. And Now To Celebrate Songkran In Mumbai If you didnt manage to make it to the Water Festival in Thailand, you can still get a taste of the new year at Thai Naam in Mumbai. The special Songkran festival menu is available until April 18, 2024. Curated to showcase authentic recipes and new Thai trends, the menu reflects the travels of the Thai Naam culinary team. Start with a range of appetisers, including Assorted Vegetable Dim Sum, Garlic Pepper Potatoes with Cashew Nuts, Jalapeno Poppers, and Crispy Vegetables. Choose from Southern Style Curry with Water Chestnut, Palm Hearts and Edamame in Cashew Nut Sauce, Silky Bean Curd with Chilli Garlic Basil, and Burnt Garlic Spicy Jasmine Fried Rice for your mains. And end your meal just right with Diced Water Chestnuts with Coconut Milk, Thai Mud Cake made with Felchlin Chocolate, or Honey Nut Crunch Ice Cream. Non vegetarians will enjoy an equally wide range of choices. Both a set menu and a la carte options are available, alongside seasonal drinks such as Sukhumvit (made with sparkling plum and cherry) and the Temple of Dawn (tender coconut and rose). Location: Thai Naam, The Orb, IA Project Road, near JW Marriott Sahar, Andheri, Mumbai Timings: 12 pm to 3.30 pm and 7 pm to 12 pm Also Read: Legendary Chef Massimo Bottura Is Cooking Soon In Delhi Kannada film producer Soundarya Jagadish was found dead at his Bengaluru house after attempting suicide by hanging. He was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. The filmmaker, aged 55, passed away on Sunday at his residence in Bengaluru's Mahalakshmi Layout. The reason for his extreme step is not known, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of his death. One of his friends stated that he had no health issues and clarified that the bank notice issue was unrelated to his suicide attempt, saying, "It has no connection with this. That issue has been there for some time now. Business issues are different." Several reports suggest that he was embroiled in a controversy related to a late-night club, which led to the temporary cancellation of his licence. Jagadish had produced many popular Kannada films, including Appu Pappu, Mast Maja Maadi, Snehitaru, and Ramleela, among others. The two men who were captured by CCTVs firing rounds around Salman Khan's Bandra are reportedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang. These men are suspected to be from Haryana's Gurugram. One of them has been identified as Vishal and is reportedly associated with Bishnoi gang member Rohit Godara. Mumbai police reports suggest that Vishal is also wanted for connection with the March murder of Gurugram-based businessman Sachin Munjal. Rohit Godara reportedly also confessed to Munjal's killing. CCTV footage revealed that the two members wore caps and carried backpacks. They reportedly abandoned their vehicle and stole a motorcycle near Mount Mary Church in Bandra. They also evaded capture by taking a rickshaw to Bandra railway station. The police recovered their vehicle over a kilometre away from the actor's home. Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, Anmol Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the gunfire incident in an online post and described it as a "preview." ECW Executive Director Yasmine Sherif Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of Hostilities in Sudan NEW YORK, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The conflict in Sudan is one of the worst in the world today, and millions of children and adolescents bear the brunt within and across the border from Sudan. As we mark the one-year anniversary of this vicious conflict, we call on world leaders to ensure that all girls and boys impacted by the conflict can access life-saving quality education. Their hope and future hinge on this. Sudan experiences a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. Without urgent international action, this catastrophe could engulf the entire country and have even more devastating impacts on neighboring countries, as refugees flee across borders into neighboring states. The brutal conflict continues to take innocent lives, with over 14,000 children, women and men reportedly killed already. According to the United Nations, half of Sudan's population - 25 million people, including 14 million children - urgently need humanitarian assistance. An estimated 5 million people are one step away from famine. Sudan also has the largest forced displacement crisis in the world today. Over 8 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since 15 April 2023, including 4 million children. Most schools are shuttered or are struggling to re-open across the country, leaving nearly 19 million school-aged children at risk of losing out on their education. To put this in perspective, that's more children at risk than the total populations of Finland, Ireland and Norway combined. As the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises hosted within the United Nations, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and our global strategic partners have responded with speed, agility and coordination to provide girls and boys impacted by this complex conflict with the safety, hope and opportunity of a quality education. ECW has provided US$10 million to date in response to the regional refugee education needs, with First Emergency Response grants announced in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan. In Sudan, we have provided US$28 million in funding, including a US$5 million grant announced in August 2023 that will reach over 86,000 girls and boys with access to an inclusive, quality education. Yet, these investments are simply not enough. We must step up global funding for education in all the world's forgotten crises, in places like Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, the Sahel, South Sudan and so many more. In all, over 224 million girls and boys are having their futures ripped from their hands by armed conflict, forced displacement, climate change and other protracted crises around the globe. This not only threatens global security and efforts to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, but it is also an affront to their humanity. Without safe places to learn and grow, girls face a number of grave risks, including child marriage, sexual violence, human trafficking and forced labor. Boys find themselves against impossible odds and risk forced recruitment as child soldiers, forced labor and other assaults on their human rights. It's an impossible un-ending cycle of violence, displacement, poverty, hunger, chaos and uncertainty. With school feeding programmes, they have nutritious meals. With gender-inclusive classrooms, they have safe places to learn. With mental health and psychosocial support, they find a way to regain their dignity and build strong, resilient communities. It's a systems-wide approach that puts children first in our investments in sustainable development and puts humanity first in our global efforts to end war and build a better future for generations to come. As we build on calls from today's High-Level Conference for Sudan and its Neighbors, the African Year of Education, and other important efforts to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, we appeal to public donors, the private sector and philanthropic foundations to urgently mobilize US$600 million in renewed support for ECW's 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. With a total of US$1.5 billion, we can reach 20 million children and adolescents. In South Sudan, education is an opportunity to "change my life" for Living Sunday, a young teenage mother who resumed her education against all odds. In Ethiopia, where prolonged drought made worse by climate change has disrupted education for an entire generation, it means Nakurchel, 12, is attending school for the first time in her life. In her own words: "Education has given me wings to fly." Still more needs to be done, in sub-Saharan Africa, only 1 out of 9 children can read a simple text. Sudan cannot wait. Africa cannot wait. The rest of the world needs to be unapologetically impatient in heeding their calls. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386093/Sudan_has_the_largest_forced_displacement_crisis.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/education-cannot-wait-in-responding-to-the-regional-crisis-stemming-from-the-armed-conflict-in-sudan-302115805.html Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus. Korrektur als Einstiegschance Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen. 3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! The joint financing facility will support the energy-as-a-service provider to grow its rooftop solar portfolio in South and South-East Asia to nearly 350 MW by 2025, which will help avoid 319,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. Supported by local government policies, the nascent Commercial and Industrial solar sector is offering cleaner and lower-cost electricity to customers to displace consumption of on-grid power. SINGAPORE, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- British International Investment (BII), the UK's development finance institution and impact investor, and FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, today announced a joint loan commitment of US$50 million to BECIS, a leading energy-as-a-service (EaaS) provider in South-East Asia. BECIS offers a wide array of services, such as rooftop solar, bio energy and energy efficiency solutions, tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses and communities across Asia. With a strong commitment to sustainability, BECIS leverages advanced technologies and strategic partnerships to optimise energy consumption, drive the adoption of renewable energy sources, enhance operational efficiency, build resilient energy infrastructure, and promote energy literacy within communities. The joint financing facility will be used to fuel BECIS' expansion and back their groundbreaking energy solutions across Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India. This is in response to the growing demand for clean and affordable energy within these economies. As BECIS brings its portfolio to 346MW by 2025, it aims to avoid 319,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year by offering cleaner and lower-cost electricity to its customers to displace on-grid power. The loan commitment from BII and FMO underscores their confidence in BECIS' vision and capabilities to revolutionise the energy sector across the region. This partnership goes beyond just finances; it is a symbol of their united mission to propel sustainable development and cultivate innovation across South-East Asia. Eren Ergin, CEO of BECIS commented: "This loan commitment from BII and FMO represents trust and confidence from esteemed partners in our existing capabilities and growth plans. The funding will enable us to further expand our operations and accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in the region. We will be well positioned to help our customers achieve their net zero targets and drive sustainable growth." Speaking on the investment, Srini Nagarajan, Managing Director and Head of Asia at BII, expressed: "Our investment in BECIS is BII's first direct debt financing in South-East Asia. The commitment to commercial and industrial renewables reflects the evolving landscape of energy production, where DFIs can play a key role by providing climate finance to support the region's low-carbon transition. Collaborations with trusted partners like BECIS and FMO underscore the collective effort to mitigate climate change by reducing reliance on traditional on-grid electricity sources." Jeesun Han, Manager Energy at FMO, stated: "We are pleased to continue supporting BECIS's efforts in expanding its clean energy generation and efficiency solutions in South and South-East Asia. BECIS's service is valuable to its commercial and industrial consumers by meeting their high energy demand in cost-efficient and reliable manners from clean energy sources. Through this transaction, FMO is also delighted to facilitate BII's first direct financing into South-East Asia as a trusted partner in climate action." BII and FMO remain committed to fostering partnerships that drive sustainable development, innovation, and economic prosperity across Asia. This new financing in BECIS embodies their shared vision for a thriving, sustainable future for the region. About BECIS BECIS is a leading Energy as a Service (EaaS) provider to high-quality commercial and industrial customers. With the EaaS model, BECIS develops, constructs, operates and owns distributed energy solutions. This reduces the risk and complexity for our customers whilst achieving their key objectives of sustainability, increased cost efficiency and resilience of their energy infrastructure. For more information: please visit https://be-cis.com/ About British International Investment British International Investment is the UK's development finance institution and impact investor. As a trusted investment partner to businesses in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, BII invests to support the UK Government's Clean Green Initiative and to create productive, sustainable and inclusive economies in our markets. Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII's total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII intends to deploy up to 500m in climate finance projects in South-East Asia to support decarbonisation in the region. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $16 billion to empower women's economic development. The company has investments in over 1,470 businesses across 65 countries and total assets of 8.1 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn and X. About FMO FMO is the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. As a leading impact investor, FMO supports sustainable private sector growth in developing countries and emerging markets by investing in ambitious projects and entrepreneurs. FMO believes that a strong private sector leads to economic and social development and has?a 50+ year?proven track-record?in?empowering entrepreneurs to make local economies more inclusive, productive, resilient and sustainable. FMO focuses on three sectors that have high development impact: Agribusiness, Food & Water, Energy, and Financial Institutions. With a total committed portfolio of EUR ~13 billion spanning over 85 countries, FMO is one of the larger bilateral private sector development banks globally. For more information: please visit?www.fmo.nl Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2385757/BII_FMO_back_BECIS_Group_Photo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bii-and-fmo-back-becis-with-joint-us50-million-financing-facility-supporting-commercial-and-industrial-renewables-sector-in-south-east-asia-302115502.html EQS Newswire / 15/04/2024 / 09:00 UTC+8 Trio Industrial Electronics Group Limited Announces 2023 Annual Results Revenue Surged 18.6% to HK$1.16 Billion Profit Attributable to The Owners of The Company was HK$47.1 million Trio Group Creates a "Greater Asia Renewable Energy Business Circle" [Hong Kong - 12 April 2024] Trio Industrial Electronics Group Limited ("Trio Group" or the Group", Stock code: 1710), a leading manufacturer and distributor of advanced industrial electronic components and products in Hong Kong, is pleased to announce the consolidated annual results of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group") for the year ended 31 December 2023 ( "FY2023"). The Group's revenue for the year ended 31 December 2023 soared by 18.6% year-on-year to HK$1,160.2 million. Gross profit increased further by 7.4% year-on-year to HK$222.7 million and gross profit margin was 19.2%. The Group reported a net profit of HK$47.1 million for FY2023. Europe and North America continued to be the Group's major markets during the year, which contributed 89.1% and 7.3% of total revenue respectively. The Group's sales growth was primarily driven by increased sales of our smart vending systems and switch-mode power supplies in Europe Revenue from smart vending systems increased by 184.3% to HK$407.8 million, accounting for approximately 35.2% of the Group's total revenue. The Group's other main products, namely, electro-mechanical products, switch-mode power supplies and smart chargers. In terms of business development, the Group is actively involved in the emerging sectors including electric vehicles, solar power, and wind power. It manufactured components for solar and wind power applications. Furthermore, it developed the esteemed electric vehicle charging solutions under self-developed brand, Deltrix, thereby expanding the business landscape into the electric vehicle charging field in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia. In line with the business development, the Group strategically leased two new buildings adjacent to our existing production base in the PRC, equipped with advanced automation and digitisation equipment which have further enhanced our efficiency. The Group is also expanding our production capabilities with the additional factory building near our existing facility in Thailand, which is scheduled to commence operations in the second quarter of 2024. The Group has been able to maintain a healthy financial position, with cash and bank balances (including restricted bank deposits) amounted to HK$77.5 million (2022: HK$79.0 million) and a current ratio at 2.9 times as at 31 December 2023. (2022: 2.3 times) Mr. Cecil Wong, the Chairman of Trio Industrial Electronics Group Limited said, "Trio remains at the forefront of innovation by embracing smart manufacturing practices. Despite the uncertainties that characterised the global economic landscape in 2023, we seized positive business opportunities and achieved revenue growth. Looking ahead, with the global trend of increasing health-consciousness, digital transformation, automation solutions, and energy-efficient technologies, the global demand for power supply is fuelled increased, with notable growth in the European market. In addition, aligning with China's influential "Belt and Road" initiative, Trio Group is actively pursuing expansion opportunities in Central Asia, such as Kazakhstan, including the partnership with CNPC, the state-owned enterprise in 2024, to actively proceed the electric vehicle charging station project in Kazakhstan. In addition, it established cooperation with another state-owned enterprise, CAMCE , to develop the Olympic City project for the Asian Youth Games in Uzbekistan in 2025. We aim to establish a strong presence in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia by offering comprehensive electric vehicle charging solutions. Our goal is to create a "Greater Asia Renewable Energy Business Circle", fostering collaboration and growth in the regions." - End - About Trio Group Trio Industrial Electronics Group is a manufacturer and distributor of advanced industrial electronic components and products in Hong Kong with nearly 40 years of industry experience. It is also the first Hong Kong-based industrial electronic company awarded with the Industry 4.0 maturity certificate - Industry 4.01i level. The Group's major products include smart chargers, electro-mechanical product and switch-mode power supplies, which are widely used in smart city systems, medical and healthcare sector, as well as renewable energy field. The Group has built up a good reputation and become a trusted supplier to various international well-known brands. The majority of its clients are from Europe and the US while some from Southeast Asia and PRC. In addition, the Group and its partner have developed their own EV charger solution - Deltrix since 2017, which has been launched in the European market in response to the global efforts to develop smart economies. This press release is issued by DLK Advisory Limited on behalf of Trio Industrial Electronics Group Limited. For more details, please contact: Skye Shum - IR Manager skyeshum@triohk.com.hk PR media: DLK Advisory pr@dlkadvisory.com File: Trio Industrial Electronics Group Limited Announces 2023 Annual Results 15/04/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com International wine connoisseurs and premium winemakers attend prestigious awards ceremony 'Wynn Chinese Wine Month' in May MACAU, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Before an audience of 500 international wine enthusiasts, winemakers, industry experts and regional media, Wynn revealed the winners of the first-ever Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards on April 13. As the world's biggest Chinese wine competition of international standard, the much-anticipated awards ceremony is part of Wynn's ongoing commitment to showcase the highest quality wines from China on a global stage. Wynn will also host a 'Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Month' in May to celebrate Chinese wine excellence with a symphony of global gastronomy. Following the rigorous judging process, Fei Tswei Marselan Reserve 2021 was honored with the coveted Best Wine of China Trophy. Its exceptional quality also earned it the titles of Best Red Wine, Best Marselan and Best of Ningxia. Xige Estate N28 Chardonnay 2021 won two trophies, including Best White Wine and Best Value Wine, while Domaine Franco Chinois Petit Manseng 2018 received the Best Sweet Wine, Best Petit Manseng and Best of North China titles. Ms. Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited said: "The newly launched Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards aims to promote outstanding Chinese wines and showcase Macao and Wynn's world-class hospitality. As the independent hotel brand earning the most Forbes Travel Guide Five-star Awards worldwide, we follow the most authoritative and professional wine grading system. We have created the much-anticipated awards ceremony to serve as a global platform to allow wine experts from various regions in China to collaborate, exchange knowledge and promote Chinese wines on a larger international stage, enhancing the reputation of Chinese premium wineries in the world. This also expands the target regional markets for Chinese products. Through leveraging Macao's strong position as the Creative City of Gastronomy and capitalizing on the city's role as the World Center of Tourism and Leisure, we gather the top Chinese wineries and quality wine industry stakeholders to showcase the edge of Chinese brands. Together, we contribute to the Macao's tourism development with enhanced productivity. " Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao the Government Tourism Office (MGTO) added, "Fine wines paired with exquisite delicacies are the essence for a banquet. As the "Creative City of Gastronomy", Macao offers a rich culture of gastronomy. MGTO is pleased to see that Macao's integrated tourism and leisure enterprises are proactively organizing a wide range of events and activities together with their industry peers. This strengthens Macao's position as the City of Gastronomy and enriches its offerings as a World Center of Tourism and Leisure, thereby promoting the sustainable development of Macao's tourism industry and related industries." The prestigious awards ceremony was officiated by esteemed guests of honor, Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, Mr. Vincent U U Sang, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr. Yang Yi, Deputy Director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; and Ms. Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited, who were joined by Mr. Eddie McDougall, Chair of judges for Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, Mr. Frederic Luvisutto, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited, Mr. Julien Boulard MW, Panel Chair of the Awards and Mr. Chris Ashton, Chief of Stewards of the Awards. A panel of 27 internationally acclaimed wine judges, including seven Masters of Wines, three Master Sommeliers, winemakers, educators, journalists, hoteliers, and wine buyers, conducted a series of intensive blinder tastings assessing more than 700 submissions gathered from nearly 200 premium wineries. Eddie McDougall, Chair of Judges and three Vice Chairs - Fongyee Walker MW, Gus Zhu MW and Andrew Caillard MW - were among the highly respected panel of judges. All wine submissions were evaluated to win the Gold Medal (95-100 points), Silver Medal (90-94 points) and Bronze Medal (85-89 points). At the same time, winemakers also competed for the Wynn Signature Best Wine of China Trophy as well as an additional 23 trophies spread across three divisions, namely "Wynn Signature Trophies", "Varietals Champion Trophies" and "Regional Champion Trophies." The three special divisions honor China's most talented winemakers while recognizing the breadth of major varietal expressions and regionality in China. Each trophy recipient is distinguished with a 'Best in Class' ranking and sets the benchmark for unsurpassed excellence in their respective category. Along with the gala ceremony, the weekend-long awards program included a series of Chinese wine pairing tasting events and exclusive masterclasses hosted by world-renowned wine experts. Respected winemaker Ian Dai hosted a masterclass on pairing Chinese wine and wine academic Professor Ma Huiqin educated diners with a masterclass on the premium wines produced in the Shandong region and another masterclass on wines of the Silk Road. The festivities began on Friday with celebrated Master of Wine Julien Boulard welcoming over 400 guests to a Chinese Wine Dinner at Wynn Macau Ballroom. Julien Boulard also moderated a "Chinese Wine Forum" for a discussion on the Chinese wine industry featuring the country's leading winemakers. Following the announcement of the prestigious award ceremony, Wynn is pleased to announce the registration for the esteemed Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards 2025 starts on May 1, 2024, continuing its role as the global platform to recognize Chinese wineries and winemakers who have set new standards of excellence. The Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards initiative aims to provide Chinese winemakers with strategic support to enhance their presence in high-end markets. To further this goal, the award-winning wines will receive the prestigious "Wynn Signature Award" label and be invited to participate in national masterclasses, hospitality and consumer events, media tastings, and major banquets. As part of Wynn's ongoing commitment to champion China's fine wines and premium winemakers, Wynn will host 'Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Month' promotion in May, a celebration of Chinese wine excellence with a symphony of global gastronomy. Throughout the month, guests can experience specially curated wine pairing tasting menus at Wynn's prestigious dining venues, including Chef Tam's Seasons, Lakeview Palace, SW Steakhouse and Mizumi at Wynn Palace as well as Golden Flower, Wing Lei, Lakeside Trattoria and Mizumi at Wynn Macau. For a casual alternative, visitors can also participate in tasting flights featuring the prizewinning wines at Wynn's various bars, including Palace Reserve Club, Cinnebar, Bar Cristal and Wing Lei Bar. Throughout the year, guests can discover the wines and cuisine of China's key winemaking regions including Ningxia, Shandong, Shanxi, Hebei, Yunnan, Sichuan and Xinjiang, through a series of masterclasses hosted by acclaimed wine experts, wine and gourmet experiences. For more information on the winners and details on the upcoming Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Month promotion in May, please refer to https://www.wynnresortsmacau.com/en/wynn-palace/whats-on/wynn-signature-chinese-wine-awards Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386291/5.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386297/1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2356090/LOGO_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/wynn-announces-winners-of-the-inaugural--wynn-signature-chinese-wine-awards-302116075.html NEW DELHI, India and AMSTERDAM, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Falcon Autotech (Falcon), a leading global intralogistics automation solutions provider, opens its office in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to expand its global presence further. This expansion would position Falcon as one of the global leaders in the warehouse automation industry with a growing presence in the European continent/region. With this strategic expansion, Falcon aims to forge deeper connections with its European clientele, fostering stronger relationships and better understanding of their needs. This will enable Falcon to introduce its state-of-the-art warehouse automation solutions, such as the NEO 3D ASRS, Robotics, Sortation, and Conveying systems, across the region. This move signifies Falcon's commitment to delivering innovative solutions and providing tailored solutions to meet the unique requirements of European clients and prospects. Along with the dedicated team of warehouse automation experts and strategic channel partners in the region, Falcon aims to assist companies in the European market in realizing their vision of warehouse automation, transformation and upgrades. Additionally, Falcon will collaborate with its partners to identify additional opportunities to leverage their service network to streamline support, after-sales service and establish of a spares depot. Sandeep Bansal, Chief Business Officer, Falcon, said, "We have witnessed exponentially growing demand of warehouse automation in the Europe region. Setting up an office in Amsterdam will enable us to cater to this demand and further strengthen our presence in the fast-growing European market." Falcon has appointed Johan Hoelen, as the General Manager for Europe operations, who commenting on the expansion, said, "With Falcon having a footprint in the region, we are close to our customers. I am happy to start this journey together and have great confidence that we can work together with our (future) customers and support them fully in realising their operation as efficient as possible." About Falcon: Falcon Autotech is a global intralogistics automation solutions company. With over 12 years of experience, Falcon has worked with some of the most innovative brands in E-Commerce, CEP, Fashion, Food/FMCG, Auto, and Pharmaceutical Industries. With its proprietary software and robust hardware integration capabilities, Falcon designs, manufactures, supplies, implements, and maintains world-class warehouse automation systems globally. Contact: Abhishek.sahu@falconautotech.com Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der zweiten Reihe noch enormes Aufwartspotenzial. Im kostenlosen, exklusiven Spezialreport prasentieren wir ihnen 5 innovative KI-Unternehmen, die bahnbrechende Entwicklungen in diesem Sektor pragen konnten. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Trotz der jungsten Erfolge steht die Entwicklung der kunstlichen Intelligenz noch am Beginn eines neuen Superzyklus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Sektor bis 2032 global auf 1,3 Billionen US-Dollar explodieren wird, wobei ein groer Teil auf Hardware und Infrastruktur entfallen wird. Nutzen Sie die Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 5 KI-Aktien das grote Potenzial zur Vervielfachung besitzen. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen die aussichtsreichsten Investments im KI-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! BNP Paribas has signed an agreement with Fosun Group to acquire its stake in ageas Press Release Paris, 14 April 2024 BNP Paribas Group announces the signature, through its insurance subsidiary BNP Paribas Cardif, of an agreement to acquire Fosun Group's stake of approximately 9% in ageas. The acquisition will be performed in two tranches: 4.8% of the issued shares in the coming days The balance following the receipt of mandatory regulatory approvals. The total consideration is estimated to approximately 730 million euros, corresponding to a marginal impact on BNP Paribas Group's Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of approximately 2 basis points. BNP Paribas Group, through BNP Paribas Fortis, benefits from a partnership with ageas, through AG Insurance (AGI), the leading insurer in Belgium. This partnership is materialized by an exclusive distribution agreement for Life and Non-Life insurance between AGI and BNP Paribas Fortis and by a stake of 25% (plus one share) held by the latter in AGI. BNP Paribas Group acquisition of a minority stake in ageas does not modify any term of this historic and strategic partnership. About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is the European Union's leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 63 countries and has nearly 183,000 employees, including more than 145,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group's commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporate and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group's performance and stability. Press contact Sandrine Romano - sandrine.romano@bnpparibas.com - +33 6 71 18 23 05 Hacina Habchi - hacina.habchi@bnpparibas.com - +33 7 61 97 65 20 GFT, the global digital transformation specialists, in partnership with Google Cloud's Industry Value Networks, have built the next generation interface for retail banks. LONDON , April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Projections show that the global AI adoption rate could grow as much as 40% between 2023 and 2030. This anticipated growth is a fitting context for the announcement of an innovative offering that sees Google Cloud's Industry Value Networks and GFT combine efforts, along with independent software vendors (ISVs), to bring forward a new GenAI Intelligent Assistant for banks to support their customer service. The GenAI Intelligent Assistant is a conversational interface, built on Google Cloud's Generative and Vertex AI technologies, utilising advanced large language models (LLMs) to give banking customers immense flexibility on the questions they can ask and have answered by the AI-powered assistant. Real use case, real benefits Discussions around AI, with a focus on GenAI, have been widespread and constant for a number of years, with businesses and consumers now keen to see real use cases of this innovative technology in action. Today's announcement brings forward one of those all important use cases. Some of the ways that the GenAI Intelligent Assistant will benefit banking customers: Reduced costs : Banks will be able to take advantage of this offering to answer customer queries and not having to rely on an army of customer support staff. Banks will be able to take advantage of this offering to answer customer queries and not having to rely on an army of customer support staff. Improved customer service : GenAI-supported customer relations and engagement means consumers can get quicker access to secure services, improving customer engagement and satisfaction. GenAI-supported customer relations and engagement means consumers can get quicker access to secure services, improving customer engagement and satisfaction. Employee engagement: With the GenAI assistant, employees can focus on high value tasks, rather than repetitive actions, thereby developing into more comprehensive roles within the business. A tool for an increasingly digital clientele Reacting to the announcement, Carlton Hopper, UK MD, GFT said: "Businesses and consumers have heard a lot about AI in recent years. It's high time they started to see and feel the benefits of this technology. The GenAI Intelligent Assistant is a perfect example of industry-leading technology coming to the benefit of both clients and consumers." Dean Clark, UK CTO, GFT highlighted the technological value of a product such as the GenAI Intelligent Assistant: "Todays announcement brings together a number of truly innovative players in the Tech industry. It brings together the LLM experience of Google and the platform engineering expertise of GFT. Through this offering, Banks can benefit from significant value, cost efficiencies, and innovation." The GenAI Intelligent Assistant provides a fully secure offering that banks and financial institutions can implement into their businesses to significantly improve proactive and personalised experience for their customers. This press release is also available for download via the GFT newsroom Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/742447/4436299/GFT_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gft-teams-up-with-google-cloud-to-launch-genai-intelligent-assistant-302116458.html PRESS RELEASE 15 April 2024, Copenhagen, Denmark A leading Chilean iron ore miner has awarded FLSmidth with a multiple year contract to service its five HPGRs across three of its mines in Chile. Key focus for the customer has been to enhance productivity and extend the lifetime of its HPGRs. High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) are subject to significant wear and tear. Consequently, keeping them in operation is key to securing a mine's productivity and throughput as well as reducing customers' operational costs. To facilitate to this, having a strong service setup around HPGRs is paramount. The new service order on these five HPGRs, which originally have been installed by another equipment provider, proves that FLSmidth's HPGR service offerings are among the most attractive in the market. All assembly works as well as repairs on shafts are included in the contract. The service contract will be managed and executed by FLSmidth's Chilean service centre, which is in close proximity to the three mines, thereby reducing logistic costs to customer and providing best in class services. FLSmidth's service centre is fully equipped to manufacture large HPGR parts and allows all work to be performed in a clean environment and using best in class tools. Prior to winning this new service contract, FLSmidth has previously delivered HPGR roll tires to the customer, which have proven to last more than three times as long as the originally installed roll tires as well as increased operational availability and significantly reduced recirculation. "For long our HPGR solution has been regarded among the best in the industry. The fact that we can win a large service contract on a non-FLSmidth HPGR platform proves that we have the service concept to back up the technology, securing enhanced productivity and extended lifetime", comments Joshua Meyer, Service Business Line President at FLSmidth. About HPGR: HPGR is among the most energy-efficient comminution technologies, as it lowers power consumption, while providing a more stable grinding operation and eliminating the need for grinding media. FLSmidth is the global market leader within HPGR with +155 units installed to date around the world. On top of its market leading position, FLSmidth has further developed the grinding technology and introduced the HPGR Pro, a next-generation technology with game-changing features offering up to 20% more throughput capacity, up to 15% energy savings and up to 30% extended roll life. FLSmidth has numerous service centres strategically placed around the world, which are fully equipped to address the many challenges of supplying and supporting HPGRs. This setup secures close customer proximity and offers global customers an agile and efficient HPGR service setup. Contacts: Media Relations Rasmus Windfeld, +45 40 44 60 60, rwin@flsmidth.com Investor Relations Jannick Lindegaard Denholt, +45 21 69 66 57, jli@flsmidth.com Andreas Escherich Holkjr, +45 24 85 03 84, andh@flsmidth.com Therese Mollevinge, +45 41 37 16 38, tmo@flsmidth.com About FLSmidth FLSmidth is a full flowsheet technology and service supplier to the global mining and cement industries. We enable our customers to improve performance, lower operating costs and reduce environmental impact. MissionZero is our sustainability ambition towards zero emissions in mining and cement by 2030. We work within fully validated Science-Based Targets, have a clear commitment to reducing the sustainability footprint of the global mining and cement industries and aim to become carbon neutral in our own operations by 2030. www.flsmidth.com . Attachment EQS-News: Multitude SE / Schlagwort(e): Sonstiges Multitude SE: Distribution of Own Shares to Employees Based on Matching Share Plan Vesting 15.04.2024 / 13:00 CET/CEST Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich. Multitude SE: Distribution of Own Shares to Employees Based on Matching Share Plan Vesting Helsinki, 15 April 2024 - Multitude SE (ISIN: FI4000106299, WKN: A1W9NS) ("Multitude" or "the Group") is pleased to announce distributing the third batch of shares from the Matching Share Plan ("MSP") to its employees. In line with keeping employee and shareholder incentives aligned, the Group launched a Matching Share Plan in Q1 2021. The plan allowed employees to invest up to 10% of their annual gross salary in Multitude shares. The total potential investment of 10% was split into two rounds of up to 5%, which the Group committed to matching for free at a 1:1 ratio after a vesting period of two years, providing that participating employees have held the shares and been employed by Multitude during the entire holding period without interruptions. Shaun Vella, Chief HR Officer, said, "We are pleased to welcome the active participation of our employees in the MSP. Since the launch of our MSP in Q1 2021, we have been able to strengthen the commitment and mutual trust amongst ourselves as well as align our team's interests with shareholders even further." A total of 20,750 of the Group's treasury shares are conveyed without consideration, according to the Q1/2022 MSP terms. The original uptake was 49 employees, and 42 employees were eligible at the moment of grant. The directed share issue is based on an authorisation by the Annual General Meeting held on 27 April 2023. Following the directed share issue, the number of treasury shares now stands at 60,036 or 0.28% of the total shares outstanding. Multitude SE Board of Directors Contacts: Lasse Makela Chief Strategy and IR Officer Lasse.makela@multitude.com About Multitude SE : Multitude is a listed European FinTech company, offering digital lending and online banking services to consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and other FinTechs overlooked by traditional banks. The services are provided through three independent business units, which are served by our internal Banking-as-a-Service Growth Platform. Multitude's business units are consumer banking (Ferratum), SME banking (CapitalBox) and wholesale banking (Multitude Bank). Multitude Group employs over 700 people in 25 countries and offers services in 16 countries, achieving a combined turnover of 230 million euros in 2023. Multitude was founded in Finland in 2005 and is listed on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol 'FRU'. www.multitude.com 15.04.2024 CET/CEST Veroffentlichung einer Corporate News/Finanznachricht, ubermittelt durch EQS News - ein Service der EQS Group AG. Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich. Die EQS Distributionsservices umfassen gesetzliche Meldepflichten, Corporate News/Finanznachrichten und Pressemitteilungen. Medienarchiv unter https://eqs-news.com Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), acting on behalf of its flagship fund, CI V, today announced the successful acquisition of Liberty Renewables, a 1.3 GW portfolio of onshore wind projects in New York. NEW YORK, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Established in 2019, Liberty Renewables ("Liberty") owns a portfolio of greenfield renewable energy projects in New York. With a robust pipeline of approximately 1.3 GW of onshore wind, Liberty is well positioned to contribute significantly to New York's clean energy objectives and to support the state's journey towards economy-wide decarbonization. "Onshore wind will play an important role in decarbonizing New York's power grid and will be critical to achieving its nation-leading renewable targets," said Tim Evans, partner and Head of North America at CIP. "We are excited to support New York's clean energy transition through the acquisition of the Liberty portfolio." "We are delighted to announce this transaction with CIP," said Andy MacCallum, President, Liberty Renewables. "CIP has a strong track record of developing and financing renewable energy projects across multiple markets in the U.S., and we are excited to leverage this expertise for the successful delivery of this portfolio in New York." Liberty's inaugural project, Hoffman Falls Wind, recently submitted its 94-C application to New York's Office of Renewable Energy Siting and is scheduled to commence construction in 2026. The remaining projects in the portfolio are expected to start construction between 2027 and 2030. With a target size of EUR 12bn, CIP's fifth flagship fund, CI V, is set to become the largest of its kind globally. CI V is off to a strong start with a large and diversified portfolio of renewable energy infrastructure projects in the development stage and potential equity commitments of EUR 22 billion. The fund has already made two investments with additional four investments expected during 2024 ensuring fast deployment of capital. About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Founded in 2012, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP) is the world's largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments and a global leader in offshore wind. The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and Power-to-X. CIP manages 12 funds and has to date raised approximately EUR 28 billion for investments in clean energy and associated infrastructure from more than 160 institutional investors globally. CIP has approximately 500 employees and 12 offices around the world. For more information, visit www.cip.com Gross Revenue Outperforms Guidance: Achieved $8.9 million in Gross Revenues, outperforming the guidance range of $8.2 million to $8.7 million. Trending Revenue Growth: Record Net Revenue increased 15% to $8.1 million. International Expansion Surge: Global sales increased 21% to a record of $3.3 million, underscoring strong demand for Avant's premium products internationally. Enhanced Profitability: Achieved a record Adjusted EBITDA2 of $3.8 million, marking substantial growth and operational efficiency. KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Avant Brands Inc (TSX:AVNT)(OTCQX:AVTBF)(FRA:1BUP) ("Avant" or the "Company"), a leading producer of innovative and award-winning cannabis products, today released its financial results for the first quarter ended February 29, 2024 ("Q1 2024"). Driven by a continued focus on strategic international expansion and operational improvements, the Company achieved significant financial milestones. In Q1 2024, Avant Brands reports records across key financial metrics, underscoring the Company's commitment to operational excellence. These highlights include: Record Net Revenues: Increased 15% to $8.1 million compared to Q1 2023, demonstrating sustained growth as the Company continues to experience significant demand internationally. Increased 15% to $8.1 million compared to Q1 2023, demonstrating sustained growth as the Company continues to experience significant demand internationally. International Sales Surge: International sales increased to a record of $3.3 million, representing a 21% increase over Q1 2023, reflecting the success of Avant's premium flower in global markets, with sales accounting for 37% of total gross revenue. This was driven by Avant's aggressive market penetration in key regions such as Australia, Germany and Israel. International sales increased to a record of $3.3 million, representing a 21% increase over Q1 2023, reflecting the success of Avant's premium flower in global markets, with sales accounting for 37% of total gross revenue. This was driven by Avant's aggressive market penetration in key regions such as Australia, Germany and Israel. Significant Margin Improvement: Increasing production output resulted in record kilograms (" KG ") produced, resulting in lower production costs per gram and significantly increased Gross Margin 3 . Increasing production output resulted in record kilograms (" ") produced, resulting in lower production costs per gram and significantly increased Gross Margin . Enhanced Profitability: Achieved a record Adjusted EBITDA 2 of $3.8 million, marking a substantial 120% increase. Achieved a record Adjusted EBITDA of $3.8 million, marking a substantial 120% increase. Cash Flow from Operations 1 : Increased to $3.8 million. Increased to $3.8 million. Sustained Results: Adjusted EBITDA 2 was positive for six of the past seven quarters, with seven consecutive quarters of positive Cash Flow from Operations 1 . Adjusted EBITDA was positive for six of the past seven quarters, with seven consecutive quarters of positive Cash Flow from Operations . Adjusted Net Income6: Achieved a record of $1.2 million, demonstrating significant improvement attributed to effective cost-control measures and increased sales, further bolstering the Company's profitability. Avant Brands Founder & CEO Norton Singhavon Comments: "Despite facing short-term challenges in late 2023, Avant Brands is pleased to report record-breaking Q1 2024 results across all key metrics. This achievement signifies a successful return to our growth trajectory. Our team's unwavering commitment to production increases, sales growth, and cost reduction has played a pivotal role in driving this turnaround. We are confident that by staying relentless in adhering to these core principles, we will achieve continued growth as we execute our global expansion strategy." Fiscal Q1 2024 Financial Highlights (vs. Fiscal Q1 2023): Record Revenue Growth: Gross Revenue: $8.9 million Net Revenue: Record of $8.1 million (+15%) International Revenue: Record $3.3 million (+21%) Canadian Recreational Revenue: $3.4 million (-19%) Domestic B2B Revenue: $1.3 million (vs. $0.06 million) Record Gross Margin3 (before fair value adjustments): Gross Margin 3 dollars: Record of $4.7 million (+61%) dollars: Record of $4.7 million (+61%) Gross Margin 3 percentage: Increased to 58% (vs. 42%) percentage: Increased to 58% (vs. 42%) Canadian Recreational Gross Margin 3 : Record of 63% (vs. 47%) : Record of 63% (vs. 47%) Export Gross Margin3: Record of 74% (vs. 31%) Record Production and Sales: Cannabis Production: Record of 3,231 KG (+23%), with five consecutive quarters of record production Cannabis Sales: Record 2,785 KG sold (+96%) Average Selling Prices Across Key Channels: International Selling Price (on-spec product): $4.30 per gram Recreational Cannabis Selling Price (net of excise): $5.49 per gram (vs. $6.00) Weighted Average Selling Price: Decreased to $3.18 per gram (vs. $5.08) The decrease in the weighted average selling price was due to liquidating off-spec inventory through domestic wholesale channels. Recreational cannabis prices declined with the Flowr brand relaunch, which has a lower price point than BLK MKTTM and TenzoTM. Notably, Avant's international sales and recreational brands maintained their pricing integrity, demonstrating resilience against pricing pressures. Optimizing Cash Flows: Cash Flow from Operations1: Increased to $3.8 million (+114%), achieving seven consecutive quarters of positive Cash Flow from Operations1 Operational Efficiency: SG&A and Corporate Expenses5: Decreased to $2.5 million (-14%) Record Trends in Profitability Metrics: Adjusted EBITDA 2 : Record of $3.8 million (+120%) : Record of $3.8 million (+120%) Adjusted EBITDA Margin 2 of Net Revenue: Record of 47% (vs. 24%) of Net Revenue: Record of 47% (vs. 24%) Adjusted Net Income6: Record of $1.2 million (+403%) Avant Brands CFO, Jeremy Wright Comments: "I'm thrilled by Avant Brands' outstanding Q1 2024 performance. I'm impressed by the efforts of our sales and operations teams, which are driving record-breaking results. Our strong financial performance, including record net revenue and substantial growth in cash flow from operations, reflects the effectiveness of our strategies. With continued focus, we'll sustain this momentum and drive further growth. It's an exciting time to be back with the team." Fiscal Q1 2024 Corporate Highlights Rapidly Growing International Demand: Avant's aggressive pursuit of international growth led to the establishment of partnerships with five new entities across Australia, Germany, and Israel, tapping into a combined population exceeding 120 million. Notably, the Company maintains a flawless track record, achieving 100% collection on all international sales and brand licensing revenue. Avant's aggressive pursuit of international growth led to the establishment of partnerships with five new entities across Australia, Germany, and Israel, tapping into a combined population exceeding 120 million. Notably, the Company maintains a flawless track record, achieving 100% collection on all international sales and brand licensing revenue. Enhancing Financial Flexibility: Avant prioritized financial flexibility by restructuring loan agreements, aiming to bolster its ability to navigate dynamic market conditions. This provides Avant with the flexibility to manage its strong cash flow from operations and prioritize initiatives to increase sales in Canada and internationally. Key Subsequent Events Cultivar Expansion : Avant Brands broadens its cultivar offerings to meet rising global demand. : Avant Brands broadens its cultivar offerings to meet rising global demand. Strategic Team Growth: Avant strengthens its leadership with Sukhie Chahal, VP of Revenue Strategy (previously at Canopy Growth), and Tyson Macdonald - Board of Directors (previously at Acreage Holdings). Avant strengthens its leadership with Sukhie Chahal, VP of Revenue Strategy (previously at Canopy Growth), and Tyson Macdonald - Board of Directors (previously at Acreage Holdings). International Brand Recognition: Avant partners with IM Cannabis to launch BLK MKTTM in Germany, tapping into the recently announced recreational legalization. This positions BLK MKTTM to become a prominent player in what is anticipated to be the largest recreational cannabis market globally. Avant Brands Strategic Priorities for Fiscal 2024 1. Market Expansion and International Growth Avant Brands recognizes the immense potential of international cannabis markets. Leveraging our brand reputation and quality recognition, the Company will prioritize the following strategic initiatives for the remainder of fiscal 2024: Target High-Potential Markets : From Germany's recent legalization (serving a population of 84 million) to emerging markets, Avant will strategically expand its global reach. : From Germany's recent legalization (serving a population of 84 million) to emerging markets, Avant will strategically expand its global reach. Secure Additional Clients: As one of Canada's largest indoor producers, the Company is well-positioned to continue expanding its international sales and actively seek partnerships in the UK, Switzerland, and other emerging markets. 2. BLK MKTTM: Building a Global Icon The Company's flagship brand, BLK MKTTM, is well-positioned for global recognition. Key initiatives to support this include: Strategic Licensing Partnerships: With a priority to expand BLK MKTTM beyond Israel and Germany, the Company is in active discussions to launch the BLK MKTTM brand in Australia, solidifying its status as a premium cannabis icon. 3. Revenue Growth and Strong Partnerships Avant Brands remains committed to strong international partnerships: Successful Deliveries : Initial shipments to a new international client are complete, reinforcing our commitment to reliability. : Initial shipments to a new international client are complete, reinforcing our commitment to reliability. Repeat Business: Avant anticipates continued shipments as we continue building trust and reliability amongst new and existing clients. 4. Driving Efficiency and Quality for Sustainable Growth Efficiency and quality are the cornerstones of Avant's operations. This commitment is evident in our recent achievements: Increased Production & Reduced Costs : Avant expanded its production capacity by 50% through the Flowr acquisition while simultaneously achieving a 14% reduction in SG&A and corporate overhead. This demonstrates effective cost-control strategies that support sustainable growth. : Avant expanded its production capacity by 50% through the Flowr acquisition while simultaneously achieving a 14% reduction in SG&A and corporate overhead. This demonstrates effective cost-control strategies that support sustainable growth. Quality at Scale: As we scale our global footprint, maintaining the highest quality standards remains paramount. 5. Driving Canadian Recreational Sales: Avant Brands is committed to capturing a significant share of the Canadian recreational cannabis market. We will achieve this through: Brand Building & Marketing: Implementing strategic marketing campaigns and activations to elevate brand awareness and recognition among Canadian consumers. Implementing strategic marketing campaigns and activations to elevate brand awareness and recognition among Canadian consumers. Product Diversification: Optimizing our product portfolio to cater to diverse and evolving trends and market segments. Optimizing our product portfolio to cater to diverse and evolving trends and market segments. Distribution Network Optimization: Strengthening our relationships with provincial cannabis boards and key retailers to ensure wider product availability across Canada. 6. Innovation and Consumer Trends Staying ahead of the curve: Avant Brands will introduce exciting new cultivars, keeping ahead of evolving consumer trends. Download the Company's Updated Corporate Presentation: https://avantbrands.ca/investor/presentation Fiscal Q1 2024 Earnings Conference Call Details A conference call with management will be held on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, at 1 PM PT (4 PM ET) to discuss Avant's 2024 Q1 earnings. Conference Call Dial Details: Canada/USA TF: +1-800-319-4610 International Toll: +1-604-638-5340 Callers are encouraged to dial in 5 minutes in advance to ensure a timely connection to the call. A transcript of the call will be posted on the Company's website at www.avantbrands.ca within 48 hours of the call. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the Company's financial performance, the financial statements for the quarter ended February 29, 2024 (the "Financial Statements"), along with the related management discussion & analysis (the "MD&A"), will be available for download on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca or directly from the Company's website. Your participation is valued as we discuss our achievements, strategies, and vision for the future during this insightful conference call. About Avant Brands Inc. Avant is an innovative, market-leading premium cannabis company. Avant has multiple operational production facilities across Canada, which produce high-quality, handcrafted cannabis products based on unique and exceptional cultivars. Avant offers a comprehensive product portfolio catering to recreational, medical, and export markets. Our renowned consumer brands, including BLK MKT, Tenzo, Cognoscente, flowr and Treehugger, are available in key recreational markets across Canada. Avant's products are distributed globally to Australia, Israel and Germany, with its flagship brand BLK MKT currently being sold in Israel. Additionally, Avant's medical cannabis brand, GreenTec, serves qualified patients nationwide through its GreenTec Medical portal and trusted medical cannabis partners. Avant is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: AVNT) and accessible to international investors through the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX:AVTBF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA: 1BU0). Headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, Avant operates in strategic locations, including British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. For more information about Avant, including access to investor presentations and details about its consumer brands, please visit www.avantbrands.ca. For further inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations at Avant Brands Inc. 1-800-351-6358 ir@avantbrands.ca Note 1 - Cash Flows from Operations before changes in net-working capital is a non-IFRS performance measure and is calculated by adjusting the net loss from continuing operations for items not affecting cash, before applying changes in non-cash operating working capital. Note 2 - Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are non-IFRS measures. The Company calculates Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, unrealized gain (loss) on changes in fair value of biological assets, equity loss on investment in associate, loss on sale of assets, investment loss and share based payments. The Company calculates Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Revenue. Management determined that the exclusion of the fair value adjustment is an alternative representation of performance. The fair value adjustment is a non-cash gain (loss) and is based on fair market value less cost to sell. The most directly comparable measure to Adjusted EBITDA (excluding fair value adjustment to biological assets and inventory) calculated in accordance with IFRS is net income (loss) from continuing operations. For more information on the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, please refer to the MD&A or view the reconciliation table at the end of this news release. Note 3 - Gross margin before fair value adjustments. Please refer to the Financial Statements and MD&A for definitions and a reconciliation to IFRS. Note 5 - Selling, General and Administrative Expenses and Corporate Expenses are Operating Expenses as listed in the Financial Statements. Note 6 - Adjusted Net Income is a non-IFRS performance measure and is calculated by adjusting the net income for items not affecting cash such as; equity loss on investment in associate, share based payments, fair value gain on acquisition, and fair value changes on biological assets. The Company has elected to report Adjusted Net Income, which is a non-IFRS measure, as it believes this metric provides more accurate results of the Company's financial performance to readers, as it removes the fair value changes on biological assets (amongst other minor adjustments). The most directly comparable measure to Adjusted Net Income calculated in accordance with IFRS is net income (loss) from continuing operations. For more information on the reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income, please refer to the MD&A at page 10 or view the reconciliation table at the end of this news release. RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN ADJUSTED EBITDA (NON-IFRS PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT) The Company has identified Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin as relevant industry performance indicators. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are non-IFRS financial measures used by management that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management defines Adjusted EBITDA as income (loss) from continuing operations, as reported, adjusted for depreciation and amortization, equity (gain) loss on investment in associate, financing costs, gains and losses on sale of marketable securities, Canadian emergency wage subsidy, interest and accretion, share-based payments, fair value gain on acquisition, impairment of inventory, change in fair value of biological assets realized through inventory sold, and unrealized gains and losses on changes in fair value of biological assets. Management calculates Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Revenue. Management believes these measures provide useful information as commonly used measures in the capital markets to approximate operating earnings. See table below for determination of specific components of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) NON-IFRS PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT The Company has identified adjusted net income as a relevant industry performance indicator. Adjusted net income is a non-IFRS financial measure used by management that does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management defines adjusted net income as income (loss) from continuing operations, as reported, adjusted for equity (gain) loss on investment in associate, share-based payments, fair value gain on acquisition, change in fair value of biological assets realized through inventory sold, and unrealized gains and losses on changes in fair value of biological assets. Management believes this measure provides useful information as it is a commonly used measure in the capital markets to approximate operating earnings. See the table below for the determination of specific components of adjusted net income. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, encompassing statements regarding Avant Brands Inc.'s ("Avant" or the "Company") plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations concerning future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by words such as "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," or similar expressions. It covers various aspects, including the Company's expectations for future revenue growth, demonstrated by its record Q1 net revenue exceeding revenue guidance. Additionally, it includes plans for international market expansion, such as the surge in international sales and securing agreements with new international partners, becoming a prominent player in Germany, reflecting Avant's strategic initiatives. Furthermore, the forward-looking information addresses the Company's efforts in brand building, particularly in establishing and strengthening its premium cannabis brands like BLK MKT. It also encompasses strategies for product development to meet evolving consumer preferences and market trends, as well as the focus on maintaining cost controls and operational efficiencies to enhance profitability and financial performance, and the company's expected continued growth. Moreover, the forward-looking information considers the anticipated performance of the BLK MKTTM brand in the global cannabis industry, supported by successful international expansion and strategic partnerships. Lastly, it mentions the expected availability of the Audited Financial Statements and the MD&A on the Company's SEDAR+ profile and website, providing investors with comprehensive financial information. Investors should be aware that forward-looking information involves inherent risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such information. Management's current expectations may not accurately predict future events or outcomes. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical fact but instead reflects management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: regulatory and licensing risks; changes in consumer demand and preferences; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; compliance with extensive government regulation; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; the impact of COVID-19; and the risk factors set out in the Company's annual information form dated February 27, 2023, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. This news release refers to certain financial performance measures that are not defined by and do not have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. These non-IFRS financial performance measures are defined in the MD&A. Non-IFRS financial measures are used by management to assess the financial and operational performance of the Company. The Company believes that these non-IFRS financial measures, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, enable investors to evaluate the Company's operating results, underlying performance and prospects in a similar manner to the Company's management. As there are no standardized methods of calculating these non-IFRS measures, the Company's approaches may differ from those used by others, and accordingly, the use of these measures may not be directly comparable. Accordingly, these non-IFRS measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. SOURCE: Avant Brands Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com New York State can now benefit from additional return on its planned $1B investment in clean transportation by working directly with a nationally recognized leader in EV charging infrastructure development with headquarters, software development and manufacturing operations based in New York Livingston Energy Group, a Lynkwell company, has been awarded a New York State Office of General Services (OGS) statewide procurement contract for public, private and fleet electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The company, one of four contractors awarded and the only one based in New York State, can now offer its Buy America-compliant electric vehicle charging equipment, software, and monitoring and maintenance services to state public purchasing entities through a streamlined procurement process. As government entities increasingly look to spearhead the adoption of electric vehicles across public spaces, employee facilities and fleet operations, the need to efficiently navigate the dynamic EV charging landscape is crucial. Selecting a vendor with vertical integration expedites deployment and ensures optimal functionality for scalable success. Access to diverse hardware options, experience in large-scale infrastructure design and deployment, grant and incentive acquisition, reliable maintenance, and advanced software implementation for performance monitoring and optimization are critical factors in project success. Evidenced by New York State's nation-leading climate plan, which includes a goal of converting all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the state to be zero emission by 2035 and a more than $1 billion investment in clean transportation, purchasing agents in the state will increasingly need partners with a track record of reliability. With the second-largest network of EV chargers in New York State and a top-10 ranking nationwide, Livingston Energy Group attributes its industry-leading reliability and uptime as foundational to its success. The company's full vertical integration ensures effective deployment and ongoing support beyond infrastructure deployment, prioritizing customer satisfaction. Livingston Energy Group has a demonstrated track record in providing e-mobility solutions for municipal agencies such as the City of Schenectady by leveraging cooperative purchasing contracts alongside state and federal procurement agreements since 2016. The streamlined solicitation process offered through the OGS contract award will save staff time and related expenses throughout the procurement process, save state funds through volume-driven cost reductions, and ensure quality and compliance through pre-vetting conducted by the state. Livingston Energy Group is poised to meet the needs of New York State's diverse agencies and purchasing entities, equipped with a comprehensive hardware catalog spanning more than 500 options and successful deployments across North America. Livingston Energy Group's software solution, which is developed, managed, and maintained by a team of U.S.-based engineers, offers infrastructure management capabilities to monitor vehicles, receive real-time alerts and control energy costs, thus reducing fuel costs and optimizing fleet efficiency. "We appreciate New York recognizing us as an industry leader and awarding us the opportunity to collaborate to build the necessary infrastructure to transition to zero-emission vehicles. While we deploy our products across the country, our investments into workforce development and R&D into green technology innovations and infrastructure are influenced by New York's climate leadership," said Jason Zarillo, president and co-founder of Livingston Energy Group and Lynkwell. "As New York State continues to deliver transformational funding for advancements in clean transportation, it's critical to ensure that New York-based businesses reap the benefits of these investments. With that in mind, I'm thrilled to see Schenectady's own Livingston Energy Group awarded this OGS contract to develop EV charging infrastructure across New York State," said Representative Paul Tonko of New York's 20th congressional district. "This award underscores the importance of investing in local companies like Livingston that operate at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure development. I'm proud of my efforts at the federal level to bolster EV infrastructure here in New York and across the nation, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our local partners to ensure a greener future for all." "The announcement of Schenectady-based Livingston Energy Group as the sole NY-based provider of EV charging station hardware and software is great news for the economy of the 44th Senate District and for the state's efforts to expand our alternative fuel options," Senator Jim Tedisco commented. "As a member of the New York State Assembly's Energy Committee, I'm pleased to see Livingston Energy Group, based in Schenectady, awarded a state contract for electric vehicle charging infrastructure," said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. "Known for their extensive charger network and successful track record, this partnership not only brings much-needed high-tech jobs to our community but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable future. Livingston Energy Group's leadership in this effort is commendable, and I'm proud to support their work." "I extend my congratulations to Livingston Energy Group on being awarded this important contract with the New York State Office of General Services. Livingston has not only been one of the fastest-growing companies in Schenectady but has also been a great partner to the City of Schenectady in providing innovative EV charging solutions that have solidified our city as a leader in green technology," stated City of Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. "I expect Livingston Energy Group to continue to deliver a great product that will now be a true asset to our state government in delivering on their clean energy goals. I look forward to Livingston's continued success and rapid growth as an employer within the City of Schenectady." "We applaud the state for awarding Livingston Energy Group a statewide procurement contract for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This streamlined approach not only accelerates our transition to clean transportation but also drives economic efficiency and competitiveness," added Mark Eagan, president and CEO of the Capital Region Center for Economic Growth. "By enabling agencies to purchase directly from state contracts, we're ensuring that taxpayer dollars are maximized, fostering innovation, and supporting our local economies. This is a clear example of how strategic procurement can catalyze economic growth while advancing our sustainability goals." "Hudson Valley Community College is a proud partner of Livingston Energy Group, which deployed an electric vehicle charging infrastructure on our main campus and partners on several clean and renewable energy-related projects," said President Roger Ramsammy of Hudson Valley Community College. "I am pleased to congratulate the company for its future work with OGS and on becoming the only New York-based company to earn such an opportunity. I anticipate that our community members will greatly benefit from the new collaboration, and I commend them for their impactful commitment to a greener future." Under the agreement, Livingston Energy Group's solutions are available to New York government agencies through a simplified procurement process, offering competitive pricing and process efficiencies to state customers. As one of multiple providers on the OGS contract award, Livingston Energy Group can now offer its broad selection of equipment and services in compliance with state regulations and procurement guidelines. To learn more about Livingston Energy Group's EV charging solutions available through the OGS contract, visit https://info.lynkwell.com/ny-ev-charging-solutions. The OGS contract award notice can be accessed via this link, and the contract number is PC70332. Media Contact: Mallory Insyxiengmay, minsyxiengmay@solution.energy Content Manager, Livingston Energy Group and Lynkwell About Livingston Energy Group and Lynkwell: Livingston Energy Group, a Lynkwell company, is a full deployment electric vehicle charging solutions provider. Ranked as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States the last two years in a row and among the top 10 networked providers of electric vehicle chargers in the country, Livingston Energy Group and Lynkwell have close to 10,000 charging stations active and in development on its cloud-based software platform, which hosts dozens of EV charging networks. With an extensive catalog boasting more than 500 cutting-edge products, the companies offer a diverse range of commercial Level 2 and Level 3 (DCFC) charging equipment alongside industry-leading software solutions. Since 2016, the companies have been instrumental in establishing private and public charging solutions to support America's growing electric fleet. For more information, visit the Livingston Energy Group website at www.solution.energy or explore the Lynkwell Media Hub at www.lynkwell.com/media-hub for the latest news and updates. Follow Livingston and Lynkwell on LinkedIn and Facebook at @LivingstonEnergy and @Lynkwell. ### SOURCE: Livingston Energy Group View the original press release on accesswire.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Revolve Renewable Power Corp. (TSXV:REVV)(OTCQB:REVVF) ("Revolve" or the "Company"), a, North American owner, operator and developer of renewable energy projects, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Tania Ontiveros as its new Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), effective May 1, 2024. Steve Dalton, CEO of Revolve, said: "We are delighted to welcome Tania to the Revolve team. Her experience, expertise and proven track record in the renewable energy sector will be an excellent addition to the Company and will significantly enhance our financial reporting, treasury and corporate finance skillset. Tania's appointment comes at an ideal time for the Company as we continue to accelerate our transition from a developer to an operator of renewable energy projects as well as expanding our presence in the Canadian market. "I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our outgoing CFO, Mr. Nick Furber, for his guidance and support during his time with the Company. Nick has been CFO on an interim basis since completing our RTO in March 2022 and has helped ensure a smooth transition from a private to public company. It has been a pleasure working with Nick and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors." Ms. Ontiveros is a CPA, CGA with over 15 years of accounting, finance and operations experience in private companies in Canada with a specific focus on the renewable energy sector. Over the past twelve years she has held a variety of roles in Elemental Energy, a renewable energy operator and developer based in Vancouver, Canada. This included most recently as Director of Corporate Finance & Operations. Ms. Ontiveros has a B.A. in Public Accounting from Universidad De La Salle Bajio, Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico and is a member and chapter lead in British Columbia of the Women in Renewable Energy ("WiRE") (www.womeninrenewableenergy.ca). "I'm excited to step into the role of CFO at Revolve. I look forward to leveraging my financial expertise to drive strategic decision-making and contribute to the continued success and growth of the organization," said Ms. Ontiveros. In her role as CFO, Ms. Ontiveros will be a key part of the Revolve senior management team based in Vancouver and will oversee the financial aspects of the Company's operations, including financial planning, budgeting, strategic financial analysis, project financing and will play a crucial role in driving and supporting the Company's continued growth. In connection with Ms. Ontiveros appointment and pursuant to Revolve's stock option plan, the Company issued to her 100,000 stock options to acquire common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.50 with a term of three years. These stock options will fully vest after one year following her appointment. The stock options are governed by the Company's stock option plan. Ms. Ontiveros appointment as CFO of the Company is subject to acceptance and approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. About Revolve Revolve was formed in 2012 to capitalize on the growing global demand for renewable power. Revolve develops utility-scale wind, solar, hydro and battery storage projects in the US, Canada and Mexico with a portfolio of approx. 3,070MW under development. The Company has a second division, Revolve Renewable Business Solutions which installs and operates sub 20MW "behind the meter" distributed generation (or "DG") assets. Revolve Renewable Business Solutions currently has an operating portfolio of 6MW with an additional 3MW under construction phase and 146MW under development. Revolve has an accomplished management team with a demonstrated track record of taking projects from "greenfield" through to "ready to build" (or "RTB") status and successfully concluding project sales to large operators of utility-scale renewable energy projects. To-date, Revolve has developed and sold over 1,550MW of projects. Revolve is targeting 5,000MW of utility-scale projects under development in the US, Canada and Mexico, and in parallel is rapidly growing its portfolio of revenue-generating DG (distributed generation) assets. For further information contact: Steve Dalton, CEO IR@revolve-renewablepower.com Or Sunita Prasad VP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations Phone:1-778-885-5550 IR@revolve-renewablepower.com Forward Looking Information Although Revolve believes, considering the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Revolve can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the business plans of Revolve and Revolve's management's expectation on the growth and performance of its business in the United States and Mexico, including the planned MW capacity of its projects; its expansion into the distributed generation market; potential opportunities in the distributed generation market; the completion and timing of the development of its planned portfolio of distributed generation projects; potential revenues and cashflows generated from its DG division; and the Company's plans to develop, construct and finance rooftop solar, battery storage and energy efficiency projects of up to 5MW and enter into long term power purchase agreements for the sale of electricity from the projects with the underlying customers. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Revolve. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions, having regard to the Company's experience and its perception of historical trends, and includes, but is not limited to, expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions relating to the extent of regulations pertaining to the Company's projects and Revolve's ability to continue as going concern. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information, including but not limited to: the effects of weather, catastrophes and public health crises, including COVID-19; labour availability; disruptions to the Company's supply chains; changes to regulatory environment, including interpretation of production tax credits; armed hostilities and geopolitical conflicts; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely fashion, or at all; risks related to the development and potential development of the Company's projects; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the availability of tax incentives in connection with the development of renewable energy projects and the sale of electrical energy; as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings on SEDAR. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Revolve. By their nature, forward- looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Revolve as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Revolve does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Revolve Renewable Power Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2024) - Excellon Resources Inc. (TSX: EXN) (OTCQB: EXNRF) (FSE: E4X2) ("Excellon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's news release dated April 4, 2024, it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") of units of the Company ("Units") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $709,574. The Company expects to close a second and final tranche of the Offering prior to the end of April 2024. Pursuant to the closing of the first tranche of the Offering, the Company issued 3,942,077 Units at a price of $0.18 per Unit. Each Unit was comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.27 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering. In connection with the closing of the first tranche of the Offering, the Company also paid cash finder's fees in the amount of approximately $15,158 and issued a total of 79,210 non-transferable finder's warrants on the same terms as the Warrants to certain arm's length parties in consideration of Units sold to subscribers introduced by such parties. The Company intends to use a portion of the net proceeds to receive final assay results from the Company's 2,100 metre drill program at the Kilgore Project in 2022. The remaining assays include approximately 1,600 metres of drilling, which will be used for further target identification and continued exploration drilling. The Company expects to release these results within the next two weeks. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Units are being offered: (a) by way of private placement in each of the provinces of Canada pursuant to applicable exemptions from the prospectus requirements under applicable Canadian securities laws; (b) in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements provided for under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"); and (c) in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis. The securities issued and to be issued pursuant to the Offering are or will be subject to a four-month hold period in Canada pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy in the United States nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Excellon Excellon's vision is to realize opportunities through the acquisition of advanced development or producing assets with further potential to gain from an experienced management team for the benefit of our employees, communities and shareholders. The Company is advancing a portfolio of gold, silver and base metals assets including Kilgore, an advanced gold exploration project in Idaho; and Silver City, a high-grade epithermal silver district in Saxony, Germany with 750 years of mining history and little modern exploration. Additional details on Excellon's properties are available at www.excellonresources.com. For Further Information, Please Contact: Excellon Resources Inc. Shawn Howarth, President & Chief Executive Officer info@excellonresources.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained, referenced or incorporated by reference in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as: "actively", "advance", "anticipated", "assess", "believe", "cause", "commence", "completion", "conditions", "consideration", "continues", "development", "due course", "expectation", "exploration", "extend", "extension", "flexibility", "focused", "forward", "further", "future", "if", "implement", "liquidity", "looking", "maturity", "may", "negotiations", "occur", "opportunities", "options", "outcome", "outstanding", "potential", "providing", "reach", "restructuring", "risk", "subject to", "to be", "update", "vision", "waive", "when", "will", and "would", or variations of such words, and similar such words, expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results can, could, may, should, to, will, would (or not) be achieved, occur, provide, result, complete or support in the future or which, by their nature, refer to future events. In some cases, forward-looking information may be stated in the present tense, such as in respect of current matters that may be continuing, or that may have a future impact or effect. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the structure and terms of the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; the timing and ability of the Company to complete any further tranche of the Offering; the timing and ability of the Company to receive necessary approvals; exploration and drilling programs, including the timing, completion and results thereof; potential mineralization; and the Company's objectives, goals and future plans and strategies. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct, and any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future actions, results or performance. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions, which are considered reasonable and represent best judgment based on available facts, as of the date such statements are made. If such assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions prove to be incorrect, actual and future results may be materially different than expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors include, among others, the inability of the Company to complete any further tranche of the Offering on the terms proposed or at all, the "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated April 1, 2024 (the "2024 AIF"), and the risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors identified in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis, and accompanying financial statements, for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the Company's other applicable public disclosure (collectively, "Company Disclosure"). The foregoing list of risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors is not exhaustive; readers should consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is provided in the 2024 AIF and the other Company Disclosure. The forward-looking statements referenced or contained in this news release are expressly qualified by these Cautionary Statements as well as the Cautionary Statements in the other Company Disclosure. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release (or as otherwise expressly specified) and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. 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/205493 SOURCE: Excellon Resources Inc. Equativ Buyer Connect (EBC) platform levels up programmatic efficiency, combining innovative curation tools with first-party data to streamline unique deal creation. PARIS and NEW YORK, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Equativ , the global independent ad tech company, today announced the latest enhancements on Equativ Buyer Connect (EBC), a self-serve curation platform built for control and simplicity. EBC provides agencies, data providers, and media owners with an all-inclusive toolkit for creating, enriching, and scaling media products that can help amplify performance and grow their businesses. Following significant investment in the past year, and with the increasing importance of controlled media buying solutions due to the loss of third-party cookies, the platform now offers expanded addressability options, facilitating more direct, efficient, and transparent transactions for both buyers and sellers. The extended offering also boasts a host of features driving innovation at scale and unlocking competitive differentiation using bespoke media products. This includes fueling simplified creation of data-enriched deals across multiple media owners with substantial reach. Buyers get direct access to high-quality supply from Equativ's marketplace while media owners who make their inventory available for curation can gain incremental demand, driving equitable value across the ecosystem. Additional platform benefits include: Creative versatility: Diverse audience targeting across high-quality inventory and impactful creative formats, covering connected TV (CTV), online video, and display. Diverse audience targeting across high-quality inventory and impactful creative formats, covering connected TV (CTV), online video, and display. Efficient deal management: Ability to package multiple deals into a single deal ID to build strategic marketplaces around key strategies like CTV and sustainability, with greater transparency into the supply path. Ability to package multiple deals into a single deal ID to build strategic marketplaces around key strategies like CTV and sustainability, with greater transparency into the supply path. Future-proofed media buying: Privacy-first solutions like contextual targeting power safe addressability at scale, while Equativ's partnerships with leading clean rooms enable secure and seamless activation of first-party audience data. Privacy-first solutions like contextual targeting power safe addressability at scale, while Equativ's partnerships with leading clean rooms enable secure and seamless activation of first-party audience data. Agnostic identity approach: Delivering advertising use cases (data onboarding, frequency capping) using alternative IDs across any demand-side platform (DSP), facilitating enhanced delivery and measurement of key performance metrics. Omnicom Media Group is among the leading media and marketing agencies using EBC's curation tools to build marketplaces that maximize performance against its global advertising objectives. Highlighting their recent campaign successes, Carlos Aguilar , Head of Programmatic at Omnicom Media Group, shares: "In 2023, Equativ's SSP successfully drove 50% of our campaigns with its focus on curated inventory, making sure our ads are of high quality and cost-effective. This approach is also aligned with Omnicom's key principles: transparency in the supply chain, premium inventory selection, customer protection and quality brand safety, and optimization of competitive costs." Audigent is one of the forward-looking data providers exploring the potential curation creates to propel privacy-centric, transparent, and sustainable data usage. Commenting on the company's long-standing collaboration with Equativ, Chris Meredith , GM of Supply Side Partnerships at Audigent says: "Partners like Equativ demonstrate leadership in curation through their significant investments in integration and infrastructure, which are serving to unlock the full potential of curation for their partners and clients." "The addition of further curation capabilities to the EBC platform helps drive our goal to streamline supply paths by facilitating clear, straightforward, and flexible deal creation, as well as smart data-led targeting," comments Parag Vohra Chief Revenue Officer for Equativ. " In the near future, the addition of immediate campaign activation capabilities will see Equativ become the only end-to-end curation platform. To learn more, please reach out to Equativ's representatives. About Equativ Equativ is a leading independent ad tech platform built to serve the interests of both advertisers and publishers. Equativ provides brand and privacy-safe solutions that empower its clients to achieve maximum impact, while respecting the rights of consumers, and combines client expertise and engineering excellence to serve the interests of both the supply-side and demand-side with equal professionalism and technical sophistication. Headquartered in Paris and New York, Equativ operates globally with a team of over 550 employees in 16 offices. Equativ offers the market its own independent ad server, SSP, buyer tools, and media services to fulfill the promise of advertising technology. Learn more at Equativ.com Contact: Caroline MILLIE FIGUEIREDO cmilliefigueiredo@equativ.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386916/Equativ_1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386918/Equativ_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/equativ-enhances-curation-offering-to-drive-greater-addressability-in-a-changing-identity-landscape-302116605.html Investigational technology designed for patients undergoing emerging large bore percutaneous catheter-based venous interventional procedures Vivasure Medical, a company pioneering novel fully absorbable technology for percutaneous vessel closure, today announced it has treated the first large bore venous patient with the PerQseal Elite vascular closure system, a sutureless and fully bioresorbable large-bore vessel closure device. The first successful implant was completed by Prof. Nicolas Van Mieghem, M.D. Ph.D., Clinical Director of Interventional Cardiology at the Thoraxcentre, Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, as part of the company's ELITE Venous Clinical Study-a prospective, multi-center, single-arm clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the vascular closure system. Leveraging Vivasure Medical's PerQseal technology, the PerQseal Elite vascular closure system is designed exclusively for sutureless and fully absorbable large-bore venous vessel closure following percutaneous cardiovascular procedures, such as transcatheter mitral valve repair or replacement (TMVR), transcatheter tricuspid valve repair or replacement (TTVR) and leadless pacemaker implants. Currently, there are no sutureless options available for vessel closure following large-bore venous procedures. "Current venous closure methods are not indicated for large hole venous access applications like Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge repair (TEER), TMVR and TTVR. As these procedures become more common, there's a need for closure options that can effectively address these emerging clinical applications," said Prof. Nicolas Van Mieghem, principal investigator of the ELITE Study. "I'm looking forward to further study the PerQseal ELITE technology for venous closure and assess its performance for patients." The PerQseal Elite vascular closure system is placed from inside the vein, making deployment simpler and more controlled than conventional closure techniques and returning the vein to its natural state without leaving materials like collagen, metal implants or sutures behind, as commonly seen in other closure technologies. "Cardiovascular procedures have increasingly adopted minimally invasive approaches, but conventional venous closure techniques have presented risks for vascular complications," said Andrew Glass, chief executive officer of Vivasure Medical. "We're encouraged by the early progress we've seen in clinical studies of the Elite vascular closure system to address this unmet need. I'm grateful to Prof. Van Mieghem for treating the first patient in this study and look forward to following the outcomes from other patients in this study." Vivasure's Elite Venous Clinical Study will enroll up to 97 patients at up to 12 European investigational sites. Completion of the study is expected this year, and results will support CE mark and pre-market approval submissions. About Vivasure Medical Based in Galway, Ireland, Vivasure is focused on the development of advanced polymer implants and delivery systems, primarily focused on minimally invasive vessel closure in cardiology, interventional radiology and vascular surgery. Vivasure operates a fully integrated R&D and ISO 13485 certified manufacturing facility and is backed by leading international medtech investors. For more information, please visit www.vivasuremedical.com. The PerQseal is not available for sale in the United States. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415956534/en/ Contacts: Anne Alo Health+Commerce aalo@healthandcommerce.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2024) - Bayhorse Silver Inc, (TSXV: BHS) (OTCQB: BHSIF) (FSE: 7KXN) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") has received from Geotech its magnetic structural interpretations and structural complexity analysis of its recent survey from the Bayhorse Idaho/Oregon Geophysics Project area. The area is situated in the Huntington, Oregon and Weiser portions of Idaho. This summary report describes the results of the geophysical interpretations, and the results of magnetic modeling. Two silver exploration targets, BGP_T1 and BGP_T2 have been identified (Figure 1). BGP_T1 covers the western half of the Bayhorse Silver Mine while BGP_T2 located in the NE region of the Idaho portion of the survey area could be a potential silver exploration target. We are particularly encouraged that one of the silver targets on the Oregon side aligns well with the western end of the Bayhorse Mine workings. This confirms our intention to extend the underground drilling to the west, as well as downdip. On the Idaho claims, where drill permitting is underway, the silver target BGP_T2 suggests the possibility of a silver endowment like that at the Bayhorse Mine (Figure 1). Bayhorse CEO, Graeme O'Neill, comments "Geotech, with its huge experience in VTEM and Magnetic surveying has provided analysis of the magnetic signature at the Bayhorse Mine, that coupled with our geologists' significant understanding of the Bayhorse silver mineralization, have provided excellent silver drill target at the Bayhorse Silver Mine as well as on the newly acquired Idaho properties. The Bayhorse Mine style silver rich "tetrahedrite" mineralization is hosted in hydrothermally altered rhyolite, that is dominated by presence of sulfosalts of silver, copper, antimony, low Fe zinc, and lead, (Ray, 2015, NI-43-101 Technical Report). Figure 1 Selected Ag exploration targets over the Structural Complexity (COD and OE) composite map.*. The lines AA and BB may represent faults. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5015/205508_11aed2e9e416eb2a_001full.jpg *(Structural Complexity (SC) is an important exploration parameter for structurally controlled deposits. Two SC products are generated from the combined structural vectors, e.g., the Contact Occurrence Density (COD) and Orientation Entropy (OE). The Idaho portion of the geophysical interpretation area shows magnetic ridges and inferred faults (A-A and B-B) extending part way southwesterly into the target area. There are also some evenly spaced magnetic ridges and inferred faults surrounding the south half of the target area). Geophysics are an important tool in mineral exploration, however they do not necessarily indicate economic mineralization and require drilling to determine the cause of their anomalies. Drill permitting is underway for the Idaho targets. This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its content. Mark Abrams, AIPG Certified Professional Geologist, a Qualified Person and Director of the Company has prepared, supervised the preparation of, and approved the technical content of this press release. On Behalf of the Board. Graeme O'Neill, CEO 866-399-6539 About Bayhorse Silver Inc. Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA. With state of the art Steinert Ore-Sorting technology reducing waste rock entering the processing stream by up to 85%, we have created a minimum environmental impact facility capable of mining 200 tons of mineralization per day and the ability to process and supply 3,600 tons per year of silver/copper/antimony concentrate ranging between 7,500 to 15,000 g/t silver and 10-12% copper, 10-12% antimony, and 15-18% zinc using standard flotation processing at its milling facility in nearby Payette County, Idaho, USA, with an offtake agreement in place with Ocean Partners UK Limited. The Company also has an option to acquire an 80% interest in the Brandywine high grade silver/gold property located in B.C. Canada. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise in both exploration and building mines. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205508 SOURCE: Bayhorse Silver Inc. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / CMC Metals Ltd. (TSX-V:CMB)(Frankfurt:ZM5P)(OTCQB:CMCXF) ("CMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has prepared a new conceptual mineralization model (see Figure 1) for its Silverknife Property. The model is based on an interpretation of recent and historical exploration data and publicly available regional data. The model will serve as a guideline to future exploration efforts on the property and conceptually depicts the potential of the four zones on the property previously announced on March 20, 2024. In addition, selected results from the 2023 drilling at the Silverknife Prospect Area not previously announced, were as follows: Hole SKP 23-02 from a depth of 34.0 meters to 202.27 was consistently mineralized with elevated levels of zinc and lead. Of particular note is (i) a 16.19 meter interval from 41.33-57.52 meters with an average of 11,399.3 g/t zinc with a range of values from 1,245-38,500 g/t zinc and lead values ranging from 624-11,250 g/t; (ii) a 13.65 meter interval from 83.85-97.50 meters with an average of 13,580 g/t zinc with a range of values from 2,380-34,700 g/t zinc and lead values ranging from 288-6,020 g/t (iii) a 2.70 meter interval from 125.80-128.50 m with 0.31 g/t Gold, and 59. 7 g/t Silver; and (iv) a 4.00 meter interval from 139-143.00 m with 0.20 g/t Gold, and 56.10 g/t Silver Hole SKP 23-03 with a 1.2 meter interval from 190.30-191.50 meters with 53 g/t silver, 34,600 g/t lead, and 7,440 g/t zinc. Hole SKP 23-04 with a 1.98 meter interval from 123.40-125.38 meters with 25.02 g/t silver, 6,154.2 g/t lead, and 46,921 g/t zinc. Hole SKP 23-06: 881 g/t silver , 5,060 g/t lead, 1,500 g/t zinc and 1,335 g/t copper at a depth interval of 67.7-68.20 meters , 5,060 g/t lead, 1,500 g/t zinc and 1,335 g/t copper at a depth interval of 67.7-68.20 meters Hole SKP 2P 23-07 with (i) a 3.91 meter interval from 72.00-75.91 m with 0.73 g/t Gold, and 17.63 g/t Silver; and (ii) a 1.6 meter interval from 172.05-173.65 meters with 9,079.7 g/t zinc Hole SKP 23-08 with (i) a 26.52 meter interval from70.48-97.00 meters with 2,078 g/t zinc with values ranging from 1,415-14,350 g/t and lead values ranging from 209-4,040 g/t; and, (ii) a 5.88 meter interval from 100.12-106.0 meters grading 4,224.49 g/t zinc with elevated level s of lead and zinc from 63.0-107.87 meters. Hole SKP 23-09 with (i) a 1.0 meter interval from 55.0-56.0 meters grading 189 g/t silver, 2,680 g/t lead and 651 g/t zinc; (ii) a 1.0 meter interval from 61.0-62.0 meters grading 46 g/t silver, 1,700 g/t lead and 5,790 g/t zinc; and (iii) a 1.52 meter interval from 129.96-131.48 meters grading 67 g/t silver, 15,100 g/t lead and 4,030 g/t zinc in mineralized intervals from 55.0-72.01 meters, 93.30-96.27 meters and 123.97-134.0 meters. Fugitive calcite veining was noted in Holes SKP 23-04, SKP 23-05,SKP 23-06, SKP 23-07, SKP 23-08 and SKP 23-09. This is significant as fugitive calcite with cross-cutting "epithermal textures" suggest the presence of a large, longer life mineralizing system which is a critical factor in the formation of carbonate replacement deposits. Mr. Kevin Brewer, P.Geo. and President and CEO of the Company noted that "We initially did not understand the significance of this data. We hit mineralization in seven of the nine holes we drilled in this area. Furthermore, the alteration associated with the mineralization, suggests we are proximal to a large system. We encountered faulting in the drilling program that forced us to abandon two of the holes, and faulting is evidence that the plumbing system exists in this area for fluid migration, and the heat source exists as we intercepted the Cassiar granodiorite at depth. This verifies to us the significant potential of the Silverknife Prospect Zone which is yet to be fully evaluated and also the immense potential of examining western extensions of this system in the South-Central Silverknife Zone where we have large conductivity anomalies associated with significant geochemical soil anomalies. The development of the conceptual mineralization model by our project geologist Cesar Symonds is also a great addition to our knowledge of the property." Qualified Person Qualified Person Kevin Brewer, a registered professional geoscientist, is the Company's President and CEO, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). He has given his approval of the technical information pertaining reported herein. The Company is committed to meeting the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological reporting, geophysical investigations, environmental and baseline studies, engineering studies, metallurgical testing, assaying and all other technical data. About CMC Metals Ltd. CMC Metals Ltd. is a growth stage exploration company focused on opportunities for high grade polymetallic deposits in British Columbia, Yukon and Newfoundland. Our flagship project is the Silverknife Property in the emerging Rancheria Silver District. Other projects in this District include the Amy project (British Columbia) and the Silver Hart Deposit/Blue Heaven claims (Yukon). Our polymetallic projects with potential for copper-silver-gold and other metals include Bridal Veil (Newfoundland) and Logjam (Yukon), both of which are available for option. On behalf of the Board: "John Bossio" John Bossio, Chairman CMC METALS LTD. For Further Information and Investor Inquiries: Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc.(Hons), Dip. Mine Eng. President, CEO and Director Tel: (+52) 669 198 8503 kbrewer80@hotmail.com Suite 1000-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2 To be added to CMC's news distribution list, please send an email to info@cmcmetals.ca or contact Mr. Kevin Brewer directly. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. "This news release may contain certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles and exploitation activities and developments. In this release disclosure regarding the potential to undertake future exploration work comprise forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks, including the ability of the Company to raise the funds necessary to fund its projects, to carry out the work and, accordingly, may not occur as described herein or at all. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, the impact of the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are referred to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators for information on these and other risk factors, available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof 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, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation." SOURCE: CMC Metals Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com G&A's Sustainability Highlights (04.01.2024) NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / The majority of asset owners in the U.S. retain investment firms, both privately-owned and publicly-traded, to assist in managing investments across various asset classes. These asset owners (mainly fiduciaries) include state, city, and other public retirement systems with beneficiaries to protect with health benefit plans and reliable income in retirement. Collectively, this part of the capital markets is significant, with the U.S. Census Bureau estimating that 300 state plans and several thousand local plans have total assets of more than US$5 trillion. California, the land of superlatives, of course has the largest retirement system in the U.S. This is CalPERS, the California Public Employees Retirement System, with 2.2 members in the retirement system and 1.5 million members and families in the health program. CalPERS AUM was as of its last financial report on June 30, 2023, was US$485 billion. The investments made by the plan are central to CalPERS staying power, with 56% of income over the last 20 years coming from investment earnings; 11% coming from plan member dues; and 33% from state public sector employers paying into the system. CalPERS, which is the subject of our Top Story, is an important player in sustainable investment, setting an example through its leadership in both investing and operations. As the systems' managers note, "We take sustainability seriously. It's woven into the fabric of everything we do, whether it's in our business practices or in our investment strategy." For example, CalPERS headquarters at Lincoln Plaza in Sacramento is a green building complex - a "testament to being stewards of conservation and a leader in sustainable operations." CalPERS' sustainable operations include a bike share program, paper reduction, mileage/emissions reduction, a decarbonization plan, EVs and charging stations, and The Climate Registry (with third party verification of GHG emissions, which has helped to reduce its GHG inventory against the 2010 benchmark). On the investment side, CalPERS' sustainable investment program includes integration of ESG risk and opportunities in investment decision-making. Over the years, the pioneering CalPERS Corporate Governance Principles evolved from a guide to corporate proxy voting in the public markets to a broader statement of the board and management's views on best practices for guiding engagement with companies to understand, mitigate, and manage ESG risks and opportunities; shaping the advocacy agenda with public policy makers and standard setters on topics that could affect returns; and setting expectations for both internal and external (retained) managers. In the present environment of right-wing pushback on ESG and DEI, CalPERS is staying the course. As CalPERS describes its efforts, managers consider that long-term value creation requires the effective management of three forms of capital - Financial, Physical, Human, all part of its economic approach to sustainable investment. You can learn more here. G&A Institute will continue to monitor trends in sustainable investing and looks forward to keeping you updated on the activities of major asset owners and asset managers. This is just the introduction of G&A's Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/governance-accountability-institute-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com DAPHNE, Ala., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BBB Industries, LLC (BBB), a leading sustainable manufacturer serving the automotive and industrial markets, recently donated a state-of-the-art thermal imaging drone to the Yazoo City, Mississippi Police Department. This cutting-edge technology will bolster officer safety and optimize law enforcement operations. Duncan Gillis, CEO of BBB Industries, emphasized the company's unwavering commitment to supporting the invaluable work carried out by the Yazoo City Police Department. "We want to thank the Yazoo City Police Department for their work and dedication. Through this donation, we aim to equip them with advanced aerial surveillance and data collection capabilities to further enhance public safety." The thermal imaging drone, a DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Enterprise, will be used to enhance safety during police operations in Yazoo County, Mississippi and other neighboring communities. Its utilization extends to aiding active shooter responses, facilitating search and rescue missions, and optimizing nighttime operations through its thermal imaging capabilities. The drone's swift deployment capability will enhance the police department's ability to apprehend suspects attempting to evade capture on foot. Additionally, it will serve as a crucial asset during large-scale natural disasters, including tornadoes and floods. The Yazoo City Police Department is well-prepared to integrate this technology seamlessly into its operations, boasting a dedicated drone operator on staff. About BBB Industries BBB Industries, LLC is a leading sustainable manufacturer serving the automotive, industrial, and renewable energy markets. With an extensive footprint and operations throughout North America, BBB entered the European market in 2020 and now sustainably manufactures and supplies an assortment of nondiscretionary repair parts across more than 90 countries. TERREPOWER is a division of BBB that services the electric vehicle, energy storage, and solar markets across North America and Europe. Founded in 1987, BBB Industries, LLC is a private company with corporate centers in greater Mobile, Alabama, and Dallas, Texas. Please see www.bbbind.com for more information. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2337976/BBB_Logo_CMYK_2018.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bbb-industries-donates-thermal-imaging-drone-to-yazoo-city-mississippi-police-department-302115594.html From the popular Grizzl-E design made in Canada, United Chargers announces the new, powerful, affordable, and smart Grizzl-E Ultimate EVSE, now on sale for $699 USD. UL-certified, smart open OCPP-connected EV charger with 19.2 KW maximum output ideal for Cybertruck, Ford Lightning, Porsche, Tesla and all other EVs on the market. RICHMOND HILL, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Today, United Chargers, a leading EV Charger manufacturer known for the Grizzl-E line of products, announces the Grizzl-E Ultimate. This first-of-its-kind made in North America Level 2 EV Charger provides up to 80A 19.2kW with either J1772 or NACS connector and open OCPP software for an affordable price of US $699. Grizzl-E Ultimate Grizzl-E Ultimate 80 Amps 19.2 KW EVSE Grizzl-E became one of North America's most popular EVSE brands for its industry-leading durability, performance, and affordability. Now, United Chargers is introducing the next generation of Grizzl-E with the 80A Grizzl-E Ultimate. The 80A maximum output current is twice as powerful as a standard Level 2 EV Charger for the fastest affordable home charging. Grizzl-E Ultimate also features a choice of J1772 connector or NACS connector for Tesla vehicles. Made in Canada and built to withstand any outdoor condition, the rugged design and indestructible aluminum cast enclosure that made Grizzl-E Classic a best-seller carries forward with the Grizzl-E Ultimate. Grizzl-E Ultimate uses the open and interoperable Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) for its smart charging software. It is the only affordable home charger to use OCPP. Grizzl-E Ultimate connects to the free Grizzl-E Connect app, available on iOS or Android, for smart charging, including scheduling, usage tracking, and charger monitoring. Compared with other Level 2 EV Charging Stations on the market, the new Grizzl-E Ultimate is a clear winner in power, affordability, durability, and the features that matter most to EV drivers. "I believe the Grizzl-E Ultimate is the most significant EV Charger to date. The 80A, OCCP, affordable Level 2 charger is something that has not been seen up to now. It is an important step in the electric vehicle adaption that will allow faster and more affordable charging with open software," said Gleb Nikiforov, CEO of United Chargers. Grizzl-E Ultimate charger is UL/cUL Safety Certified and comes with a standard three-year warranty. The Grizzl-E Ultimate is now available in the United States and Canada. It can be ordered from the Grizzl-E website: https://grizzl-e.com/products/grizzl-e-ultimate About United Chargers United Chargers is a Canadian EVSE manufacturer and a leader in Level 2 EVSEs. United Chargers launched the popular Grizzl-E line of EV chargers at the beginning of 2020 and has followed with more successful products, including the Grizzl-E Smart and Grizzl-E Duo. United Chargers' goal is to speed up the adoption of electric vehicles with durable, affordable, and practical products for home and commercial use. Contact Information Keith Newman PR keith@unitedchargers.com 1-833-971-8118 ext 122 SOURCE: United Chargers Inc View the original press release on newswire.com. Tyenne is the first tocilizumab biosimilar by Fresenius Kabi, an operating company of Fresenius SE, with an intravenous and subcutaneous formulation approved by the FDA. The tocilizumab biosimilar provides increased access and an affordable, high-quality, and safe treatment option for U.S. patients. Excellent performance of the (Bio)Pharma business in 2024 so far, also driven by Tyenne which became the first tocilizumab biosimilar available in Europe in November 2023. The launch of the tocilizumab biosimilar contributes directly to growing Fresenius' (Bio)Pharma platform, a substantial cornerstone of the FutureFresenius strategy. Fresenius, via its operating company Fresenius Kabi, announced today the immediate U.S. availability of Tyenne (tocilizumab-aazg), a biosimilar of Actemra (tocilizumab). Tyenne, for use in the treatment of chronic autoimmune diseases, is available in an intravenous (IV) formulation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415467178/en/ Fresenius Kabi announced that Tyenne (tocilizumab-aazg), a biosimilar of Actemra (tocilizumab) is now available in the U.S. in an IV presentation. Tyenne tocilizumab-aazg) is for use in the treatment of chronic autoimmune diseases. (Photo: Business Wire) Michael Sen, CEO of Fresenius: "With the launch of Tyenne in the U.S., we have reached another important milestone in accelerating our strong (Bio)Pharma momentum. Growing this platform is a substantial cornerstone of our FutureFresenius journey. Overall, we have seen an excellent performance of our (Bio)Pharma business in 2024 so far. We are particularly happy with the good progress of our majority-owned biotechnology company mAbxience and the traction of Tyenne, the first tocilizumab biosimilar available in Europe since November 2023." Tyenne is the first tocilizumab biosimilar with an intravenous and subcutaneous formulation approved by the FDA. The biosimilar received FDA approval on March 5, 2024. Tyenne is Fresenius' third approved biosimilar available in the U.S. and the second within its immunology portfolio. The biologic medicine is indicated for the treatment of several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pierluigi Antonelli, CEO of Fresenius Kabi: "Tyenne will impact the treatment landscape for inflammatory and immune diseases in the U.S. Reaching ever more patients with our state-of-the-art biopharma portfolio signals a clear growth path in a highly promising market segment. We will continue to roll out our comprehensive pipeline of autoimmune and oncology biosimilars with several molecules in late-stage development." Supported by Fresenius Kabi's support program for health care professionals and patients, the company's biologic medicine provides wider access to more treatment options and contributes to the viability of health care systems. Next to its two available biosimilars, Idacio(adalimumab) and Stimufend(pegfilgrastim), Fresenius Kabi has a growing pipeline of autoimmune and oncology biosimilars with several molecules in late-stage development. To learn more about how Fresenius Kabi provides comprehensive patient support for Tyenne in the U.S. please click here. With FutureFresenius, Fresenius successfully set the course last year to become a leading therapy-focused company. In line with the strategy, Fresenius has simplified its structure, is sharpening its focus by concentrating on its operating companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios and is continuously enhancing its performance. About Tyenne, a Tocilizumab Biosimilar Tyenne (tocilizumab-aazg), a biosimilar to Actemra (tocilizumab), is a prescription medicine called an Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. It was developed by Fresenius Kabi using advanced analytical and manufacturing technologies for use in the treatment of several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Serious infections leading to hospitalization or death including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, invasive fungal, viral, and other opportunistic infections have occurred in patients receiving the product. Tyenne is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab products. For more information about Tyenne, please see the full prescribing information for the U.S. here. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RISK OF SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with TYENNE (tocilizumab-aazg) are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic infections. If a serious infection develops, interrupt TYENNE until the infection is controlled. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis, which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Patients should be tested for latent tuberculosis before TYENNE use and during therapy. Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to TYENNE use. Invasive fungal infections, including candidiasis, aspergillosis, and pneumocystis. Patients with invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Bacterial, viral and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens. The risks and benefits of treatment with TYENNE should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with TYENNE, including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy. CONTRAINDICATION TYENNE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab products. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Gastrointestinal Perforations Events of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation have been reported in clinical trials, primarily as complications of diverticulitis in patients treated with tocilizumab. Use TYENNE with caution in patients who may be at increased risk for GI perforation. Promptly evaluate patients presenting with new-onset abdominal symptoms for early identification of GI perforation. Hepatotoxicity Serious cases of hepatic injury have been observed in patients taking intravenous or subcutaneous tocilizumab products. Some of these cases have resulted in liver transplant or death. Time to onset for cases ranged from months to years after treatment initiation. Most cases presented with marked elevations of transaminases (> 5 times ULN), and some cases presented with signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction and only mildly elevated transaminases. Treatment with tocilizumab was associated with a higher incidence of transaminase elevations; increased frequency and magnitude of these elevations were observed when tocilizumab was used in combination with potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., methotrexate). It is not recommended to initiate TYENNE treatment in RA, GCA, PJIA, and SJIA patients with elevated transaminases ALT or AST greater than 1.5x ULN. In patients who develop elevated ALT or AST greater than 5x ULN discontinue TYENNE. Measure liver tests promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury. If the patient is found to have abnormal liver tests, TYENNE treatment should be interrupted. TYENNE should only be restarted in patients with another explanation for the liver test abnormalities after normalization of the liver tests. Laboratory Parameters Laboratory monitoring is recommended due to potential consequences of treatment-related laboratory abnormalities in neutrophils, platelets, lipids, and liver function tests. Dosage modifications may be required. Neutropenia: Treatment with tocilizumab products was associated with a higher incidence of neutropenia. It is not recommended to initiate TYENNE treatment in RA, GCA, PJIA, and SJIA patients with a low neutrophil count i.e., absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 2000 per mm3. In patients who develop an ANC less than 500 per mm3 treatment is not recommended. Thrombocytopenia: Treatment with tocilizumab products was associated with a reduction in platelet counts. It is not recommended to initiate TYENNE in RA, GCA, PJIA, and SJIA patients with a platelet count below 100,000 per mm3. In patients who develop a platelet count less than 50,000 per mm3, treatment is not recommended. Elevated Liver Enzymes: It is not recommended to initiate TYENNE treatment in patients with elevated transaminases ALT or AST >1.5x ULN. In patients who develop elevated ALT or AST >5x ULN, treatment is not recommended. Lipid Abnormalities: Treatment with tocilizumab products was associated with increases in lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterols, and/or HDL cholesterol. Immunosuppression The impact of treatment with tocilizumab products on the development of malignancies is not known, but malignancies were observed in clinical studies with tocilizumab. TYENNE is an immunosuppressant, and treatment with immunosuppressants may result in an increased risk of malignancies. Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in association with tocilizumab products and anaphylactic events with a fatal outcome have been reported with intravenous infusion of tocilizumab products. TYENNE for intravenous use should only be infused by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage anaphylaxis. For TYENNE subcutaneous injection, advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction. If anaphylaxis or other hypersensitivity reaction occurs, stop administration of TYENNE immediately and discontinue TYENNE permanently. Do not administer TYENNE to patients with known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab products. Demyelinating Disorders The impact of treatment with tocilizumab products on demyelinating disorders is not known, but multiple sclerosis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy were reported rarely in clinical studies. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of demyelinating disorders. Prescribers should exercise caution in considering the use of TYENNE in patients with preexisting or recent onset demyelinating disorders. Active Hepatic Disease and Hepatic Impairment Treatment with TYENNE is not recommended in patients with active hepatic disease or hepatic impairment. Vaccinations Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with TYENNE. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving TYENNE or on the effectiveness of vaccination in patients receiving TYENNE. Patients should be brought up to date on all recommended vaccinations prior to initiation of TYENNE therapy, if possible. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence of at least 5%): upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension, increased ALT, injection site reactions. DRUG INTERACTIONS In GCA patients, no effect of concomitant corticosteroid on tocilizumab exposure was observed. Cytochrome P450s in the liver are down-regulated by infection and inflammation stimuli including cytokines such as IL-6. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling in RA patients treated with tocilizumab products may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels than those in the absence of tocilizumab products leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates. Exercise caution when coadministering TYENNE with CYP3A4 substrate drugs where decrease in effectiveness is undesirable, e.g., oral contraceptives, lovastatin, atorvastatin, etc. USE IN PREGNANCY The limited available data with tocilizumab products in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine whether there is a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Fresenius Kabi at (800) 551-7176. Please see additional Important Safety Information in full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning. INDICATIONS TYENNE is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). TYENNE is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adult patients. TYENNE is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) in patients 2 years of age and older. TYENNE is indicated for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) in patients 2 years of age and older. Tyenne demonstrates Fresenius Kabi's commitment to providing access to affordable and cost-effective biosimilars to more patients living with autoimmune diseases around the world while enabling savings for health care systems. KabiCare, Fresenius Kabi's comprehensive patient support program, will be available to patients and health care providers in the U.S. from launch. About Fresenius SE Fresenius SE Co. KGaA (Frankfurt/Xetra: FRE) is a global healthcare company headquartered in Bad Homburg v. d. Hohe, Germany. In the 2023 fiscal year, Fresenius generated 22.3 billion in annual revenue with its more than 190,000 employees. Fresenius offers solutions to the social challenges posed by a growing and ageing population and the resulting need for affordable, high-quality healthcare. The Fresenius Group comprises the operating companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios as well as the investment companies Fresenius Vamed and Fresenius Medical Care. With 140 hospitals and countless outpatient facilities, Fresenius Helios is the leading private hospital operator in Germany and Spain, treating around 26 million patients every year. Fresenius Kabi's product portfolio includes a range of highly complex biopharmaceuticals, clinical nutrition, medical technology, and generic intravenous drugs. Fresenius was established in 1912 by the Frankfurt pharmacist Dr. Eduard Fresenius. After his death, Else Kroner took over management of the company in 1952. She laid the foundations for a global enterprise that today pursues the goal of improving people's health. The largest shareholder is the non-profit Else Kroner-Fresenius Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing medical research and supporting humanitarian projects. For more information visit the company website at www.fresenius.com. Follow us on social media: www.fresenius.com/socialmedia. About Fresenius Kabi Fresenius Kabi is a global healthcare company that specializes in lifesaving medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition. The company's products and services are used for the therapy and care of critically and chronically ill patients. Its product portfolio comprises a range of highly complex biopharmaceuticals, clinical nutrition, medical technologies, and I.V. generic drugs. Within biopharmaceuticals, Fresenius Kabi offers, among others, biosimilar drugs with a focus on autoimmune diseases and oncology. The company's clinical nutrition offering includes a wide selection of enteral and parenteral nutrition products. In the segment of medical technologies, its offering includes vital disposables, infusions pumps, apheresis machines, cell therapy devices, and more. Fresenius Kabi puts essential medicines and technologies in the hands of people who help patients and finds the best answers to the challenges they face. Following its strategy "Vision 2026", which is a key part of the FutureFresenius program of the Fresenius healthcare group, the company is furthermore committed to increase efficiencies in the therapy and care of patients and improve access to high-quality healthcare around the globe. Fresenius Kabi aspires to be leading globally in its product segments all for the benefit of patients, its customers, and its stakeholders. Actemra is a registered trademark of Chugai Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha Corp., a member of the Roche Group. Tyenne is a registered trademark of Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH. Idacio and Stimufend are registered trademarks of Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH in selected countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415467178/en/ Contacts: Matt Kuhn (847) 220-3033 matt.kuhn@fresenius-kabi.com Bangkok, Thailand--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2024) - OsseoLabs, a pioneering medical device startup specializing in advanced reconstructive procedures utilizing AI-powered technology and 3D printing, has recently announced its expansion into the Global market in 2024. Having already established partnerships with over 20 hospitals in Thailand, OsseoLabs is poised to meet the growing demand for specialized procedures. Specializing in maxillofacial and orthopedic surgeries, OsseoLabs is leading a revolution with personalized surgical solutions tailored to individual patient needs. They've established several notable partnerships in Thailand, including the Faculty of Dentistry at Chulalongkorn University, the Department of Orthopedics, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Rajavithi Hospital, and Ramathibodi Hospital. They are also backed by close to $2 million in venture funding; OsseoLabs is now looking to roll out its surgical procedures internationally. Specifically, their focus extends to procedures like mandibular reconstruction, talus reconstruction, spinal reconstruction, and those that address prevalent medical issues such as cleft palates. At the heart of the technology is their patented TPMS technology, which enables the creation of unique, customizable implants designed to promote optimal osseointegration. These implants are distinguished by their customized internal porous design features, including shape, size, thickness, and a proprietary porous structure. OsseoLabs' implants boast significantly lower rejection rates compared to conventional methods, ensuring better patient outcomes. (photo credit: OsseoLabs) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10129/205053_6684ad8c24047951_001full.jpg Through a series A funding round, OsseoLabs is actively pursuing FDA approval for the US and European markets, aiming to broaden its clientele and impact. Additionally, OsseoLabs is open to collaborating with executives and licensing its advanced medical technology to further expand its reach. In saturating the Thai medical market with their technology, OsseoLabs has been growing personalized medical devices and has successfully completed over 80 clinical cases, ranging from mandible and orthognathic surgeries to talus reconstruction. These procedures have demonstrated effectiveness with surgical solutions and implants that seamlessly integrate with natural bone growth, leading to enhanced durability and accelerated patient recovery. While OsseoLabs' immediate objectives of global expansion are evident, its larger mission is to establish pioneering global healthcare standards through a precise and highly patient-centric approach seldom seen in the field of medical devices. About: OsseoLabs was founded by Dr. Vikram Ahuja and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patcharapit Promoppatum is a pioneering medical device startup specializing in advanced reconstructive procedures utilizing AI-powered technology and 3D printing. Recently expanding into the US market in 2024, with established partnerships in over 20 US hospitals, OsseoLabs is positioned to meet the growing demand for specialized procedures, particularly in maxillofacial and orthopedic surgeries. With a focus on personalized surgical solutions, OsseoLabs' patented TPMS technology enables the creation of unique implants designed for optimal osseointegration, boasting significantly lower rejection rates compared to conventional methods. Actively pursuing FDA approval for the US and European markets through a series A investment round, OsseoLabs aims to broaden its impact globally while adhering to a highly patient-centric approach, setting new standards in medical device innovation. Company Name: OsseoLabs Contact Person: Vikram Ahuja, Patcharapit Promoppatum Get in touch: Vikram @osseolabs.com Website Link: https://osseolabs.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205053 SOURCE: AK Infinite NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / St. Thomas Aquinas College is proud to announce a significant milestone in its commitment to advancing STEM education with the receipt of a $30,000 grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation. This grant will fuel the creation of the new Computer Science Scholar Success Program, slated to launch for the 2024-2025 academic year, which is aimed at bolstering the success of both incoming and current computer science majors. "We are so pleased to be launching our inaugural Motorola Solutions Foundation Computer Science Scholar Success Program," said Dr. Bianca Wentzell, Dean of the School of STEM at St. Thomas Aquinas College. "This initiative has been meticulously crafted to provide a transformative cohort experience for Computer Science majors, fostering engagement and success by enabling students to build important social, professional, and leadership skills and connections." Highlights of the program include: - Monthly Cohort Discussions on Computer Science Advancements - Professional Mentorship - Motorola Solutions Foundation Computer Science Scholar Success Event - XLab Research Team Participation - Generous Financial Assistance "The Motorola Solutions Foundation is honored to partner with organizations like St. Thomas Aquinas College that are actively driving positive change within the community," said Karem Perez, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. "We are immensely proud of the work that St. Thomas Aquinas College is doing, and we look forward to seeing their continued impact." Students accepted into the Computer Science program for Fall 2024 and current St. Thomas Aquinas College Computer Science students are encouraged to apply to the Program. The application deadline is April 15, 2024. For more details, please visit stac.edu/motorola. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects in computer science and information technology will grow 15% in this decade. Beyond abundant job opportunities, careers in computer science offer high earning potential and numerous avenues for advancement. Students majoring in computer science at St. Thomas Aquinas College can choose from concentrations in cloud computing, data analytics or graphics. The College's School of STEM remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the future workforce of computer scientists, with classes taught by experienced professors and a supportive environment that facilitates student growth. To learn more about the Computer Science program, visit stac.edu/computer-science. This grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation marks a pivotal moment in St. Thomas Aquinas College's mission to equip students with the skills and resources needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of computer science. About St. Thomas Aquinas College St. Thomas Aquinas College is an independent liberal arts college located on 76 acres in Rockland County, NY, providing education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The College's diverse student body of approximately 2,000 full and part-time students can choose from over 100 majors, minors, and specializations across four Schools: Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Education, and STEM. The College is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the Top-Tier for Regional Universities, and by Colleges of Distinction in its New York edition for Business, Education, and Career Development. The College is also recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Program institution. St. Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; its School of Education is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), and its School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). For more information, visit www.stac.edu. About the Motorola Solutions Foundation As the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, the Motorola Solutions Foundation partners with organizations around the globe to create safer cities and equitable, thriving communities. We focus on giving back through strategic grants, employee volunteerism and other community investment initiatives. Our strategic grants program supports organizations that offer first responder programming and technology and engineering education, and align to our values of accountability, innovation, impact, diversity and inclusion. The Foundation is one of the many ways in which the company lives out its purpose of helping people be their best in the moments that matter. For more information on the Foundation, visit: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Motorola Solutions on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Motorola Solutions Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/motorola-solutions Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Motorola Solutions View the original press release on accesswire.com WELLINGTON, New Zealand, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nium, the global leader in real-time, cross-border payments, today announced that it is now registered as a Financial Services Provider in New Zealand. This pivotal step marks Nium's entry into the dynamic financial landscape of New Zealand and reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions globally. The registration adds to Nium's extensive portfolio of licenses and registrations that cover more than 40 countries globally. In 2024, Nium has already received approvals / in-principle approvals for four licenses and registrations, including: a)Japan: Type 1 Funds Transfer Service Provider (FTSP) license from Japan's Financial Service Agency (FSA); b)India: Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI); c)India: Payment Aggregator (PA) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI); and, d)New Zealand: Registration on the Financial Service Provider Register (FSPR). This registration is a first step towards offering businesses in New Zealand a range of financial services that could include virtual accounts, debit and pre-paid cards, funds collection, and global payouts. The move builds on Nium's well-established presence in the Oceania region - with two out of three of the largest spend management platforms in Australia leveraging Nium's global network. The registration in New Zealand further strengthens Nium's position as a leader for cross-border money movement, empowering banks, financial institutions, travel platforms, payroll providers and other businesses. Runn Sachasiri, Senior Vice President of Global Expansion and CEO's Office at Nium expressed the company's excitement about the local and global impact, stating "We are thrilled to bring Nium's innovative cross-border payments services to New Zealand. We look forward to enabling businesses to do more commerce with New Zealand by providing the speed, efficiency, and transparency of payments that has long been missing from the global markets." Nium recently announced its partnership with Weel, Australia's leading spend management platform as a card-issuing partner. "Our partnership with Nium is a key enabler of our strategy to support the global spend management needs of our customers.," stated Russell Martin, Co-Founder and CTO at Weel. "Nium's registration in New Zealand paves the way for us to meet demand from our customers to bring our offering to the New Zealand market in the coming months." About Nium Nium, the leader in real-time, cross-border payments, was founded on the mission to deliver the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the global economy, its payments infrastructure is shaping how banks, fintechs, and businesses everywhere collect, convert, and disburse funds instantly across borders. Its payout network supports 100 currencies and spans 190+ countries, 100 of which in real-time. Funds can be disbursed to accounts, wallets, and cards and collected locally in 35 markets. Nium's growing card issuance business is already available in 34 countries. Nium holds regulatory licenses and authorizations in more than 40 countries, enabling seamless onboarding, rapid integration, and compliance - independent of geography. The company is co-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1678669/4649199/Nium_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nium-approved-as-a-registered-financial-service-provider-in-new-zealand-302117056.html LANGLEY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024/ Adastra Holdings Ltd. (CSE:XTRX)(FRA:D2EP) ("Adastra" or the "Company"), a leading cannabis processor and producer of two top Canadian concentrates brands, with a focus on product innovation and commercialization for adult-use and medical markets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lachlan McLeod, CPA, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective April 12, 2024. Mr. McLeod is currently the Company's CFO and Corporate Secretary and will continue to hold those roles. Mr. McLeod has been serving as Adastra's CFO since January 2023, playing a pivotal role in strengthening its financial strategy and driving sustainable growth over the past 15 months. He was recently appointed Corporate Secretary, as previously announced in a news release dated April 2, 2024. Adastra is in the process of selecting and approving a permanent CEO to lead the Company's next phase of growth and development. Board Update Adastra also announces the resignation of Smoke Wallin from its Board of Directors (the "Board"), effective April 12, 2024. Mr. Wallin, who has served as a Director on Adastra's Board since May 2022, will be focusing on his other business ventures. The Company is now in the process of selecting a new Director to fill the Board vacancy. Lachlan McLeod, Interim CEO of Adastra, stated: "We extend our gratitude to Smoke for his valuable contributions during his time on our Board of Directors. Smoke played a pivotal role in driving Adastra's sustained success, providing leadership support and drawing upon his wealth of experience in the cannabis industry. We deeply appreciate his years of service and wish him the best in all his future endeavours." About Adastra Holdings Ltd. Adastra has become one of Canada's leaders in the supply and manufacturing of ethnobotanical and cannabis products for lawful adult-use. It serves medical markets and engages in forward-looking therapeutic applications. With cannabis concentrate products sold through retailers at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, Adastra's Phyto Extractions and Endgame Extracts brands are now well established with a growing distribution presence. As a Health Canada licensed facility, it specializes in extraction, distillation and manufacturing of a range of cannabis-derived products. Adastra partners with healthcare professionals and practitioners within the regulated environment to create products suitable for the medical cannabis market, with the ultimate aim of addressing the needs of patients. For more information, visit: www.adastraholdings.ca. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Lachlan McLeod, Interim CEO, CFO & Corporate Secretary (778) 715 5011 For additional information, please contact: (778) 715 5011 info@adastraholdings.ca SOURCE: Adastra Holdings Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com Milestone Reinforces Ukraine's Commitments to Climate, Energy Security Goals Westinghouse Electric Company congratulates Energoatom, the state-owned nuclear utility of Ukraine, on the start of AP1000 activities at Khmelnytskyi Unit 5 in Ukraine. This is a critical first step in advancing the commitment made by both companies under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022 for the deployment of nine AP1000 reactors in Ukraine. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415282247/en/ Westinghouse Electric Company congratulates Energoatom on the start of AP1000 activities at Khmelnytskyi Unit 5 in Ukraine. (Photo: Business Wire) Today's news follows the arrival of the first batch of Westinghouse VVER-1000 nuclear fuel for the two operating units at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant in March 2024. The VVER-1000 fuel was manufactured at Westinghouse's fuel fabrication facility in Sweden, which also delivered the first batch of VVER-440 nuclear fuel to Ukraine's Rivne Nuclear Power Plant in September 2023 in a record-setting development program. This milestone strengthens the existing strategic partnership between Westinghouse and Energoatom to supply all VVER nuclear fuel for the country's nuclear fleet. "The Westinghouse company is our reliable strategic partner: both in the development and loading of alternative fuel into the VVER reactors, and in the creation of a fuel production line in Ukraine, and in the construction of new power units using Westinghouse AP1000 technology. During the war, we have not stopped, but on the contrary deepened and accelerated our cooperation," said Petro Kotin, head of Energoatom. "The facilities that we plan to build at the Khmelnytskyi NPP will enable Ukraine to make the largest recovery since the Second World War. I am very grateful to Westinghouse," said Herman Halushchenko, Ukraine's Minister of Energy. "In 2020, we signed an agreement to develop fuel for VVER-440 type reactors for five years. But after the full-scale invasion, we significantly accelerated that process and did the impossible Westinghouse, together with Ukrainian specialists, developed that fuel twice as fast." "This is a significant step for Ukrainian energy independence," said U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink. "I would like to applaud the efforts by Ukraine's Ministry of Energy, Westinghouse and Energoatom to prioritize and continue development of Ukraine's nuclear energy industry despite Russia's continuing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The private sector is key to Ukraine's recovery, and America's Westinghouse plays a leading role in ensuring Ukraine's secure energy future." "Westinghouse is honored to be a trusted partner supporting Ukraine in its pursuit of clean, reliable and secure energy for generations to come," said Patrick Fragman, Westinghouse President and CEO. "This milestone moves us one step closer to bringing another AP1000 reactor online in Europe and joining our global fleet of AP1000 units in China and the U.S., and we remain proud to continue our long-standing, nearly 20-year partnership with Ukraine on proven and reliable nuclear fuel supply." In addition to the deployment of the AP1000 reactor, Westinghouse signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine in September 2023 for the development and deployment of the AP300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR). Westinghouse also remains a trusted partner to Energoatom's current operating fleet with the supply of nuclear fuel and plant services. The AP1000 reactor is the only operating Generation III+ reactor with fully passive safety systems, modular construction design and the smallest footprint per MWe on the market. In the U.S., at the Vogtle site in Georgia, one AP1000 unit achieved commercial operation in July 2023 and is producing power for the grid, while a second unit recently achieved initial criticality with commercial operation projected during the second quarter of 2024. Four AP1000 reactors are currently setting operational performance and availability records in China with eight additional reactors under construction. Bulgaria selected the AP1000 technology for two units at the Kozloduy nuclear site, and the technology is under consideration at multiple other sites in Central and Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom, India and North America. Westinghouse Electric Company is shaping the future of carbon-free energy by providing safe, innovative nuclear and other clean power technologies and services globally. Westinghouse supplied the world's first commercial pressurized water reactor in 1957 and the company's technology is the basis for nearly one-half of the world's operating nuclear plants. Over 135 years of innovation makes Westinghouse the preferred partner for advanced technologies covering the complete nuclear energy life cycle. For more information, visit www.westinghousenuclear.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415282247/en/ Contacts: media@westinghouse.com FAIRFAX, Va., April 15, 2024, were unveiled on Friday night at a gala ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada USA, attended by more than 400 executives from around the world. The complete list of Stevie Winners by category is available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/Sales . The 10 most-honored organizations in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service received Grand ("best in show") Stevie Award trophies. Nominees were not able to apply for Grand Stevie Awards directly. Winners were determined by a points system based on the total number of awards won, as well as having the highest average score in selected categories. DP DHL Worldwide, with 13 Gold, 18 Silver, and 14 Bronze Stevie Award wins, was the most honored organization this year, earning the top Grand Stevie Award trophy. In descending order, the organizations below were presented with Grand Stevie Award trophies in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service on behalf of themselves and/or clients. There was a ninth-place tie between Toco Warranty and Purpol Marketing Limited. DP DHL (Worldwide), 96 points IBM (Armonk, NY USA), 64 points Support Services Group, Inc. (Waco, TX USA), 49 points Allianz Services Pvt Ltd (Trivandrum, Kerala, India), 39 points Sales Partnerships, Inc. (Broomfield, CO USA), 38.5 points UPMC Health Plan (Pittsburgh, PA USA), 31 points Blackhawk Network (Pleasanton, CA USA), 26 points VIZIO Inc. (Irvine, CA USA), 22 points Toco Warranty ( Los Angeles, CA USA), 19 points Purpol Marketing Limited (Chippenham, United Kingdom), 19 points Other notable winners with three Gold Stevie Awards include Alight Solutions (Lincolnshire, IL USA), Optum (Eden Prairie, MN USA), and WNS (Holdings) Limited (Mumbai, India). Organizations winning a combination of five or more Gold, Silver, or Bronze Stevie Awards include TransPerfect Translations, New York, NY USA (eight), VMWare (Broadcom) Palo Alto, CA USA (seven), Intuit, Toronto, Canada (seven), Avetta, Lehi, UT USA (seven), SAP, Worldwide (seven), ValueSelling Associates, Inc., Carlsbad, CA USA (six), Element Electronics, Winnsboro, SC USA (six), Voya Financial, New York, NY USA (six), CivicPlus, Manhattan, KS USA (five), Capital Rx, New York, NY USA (five), Datasite, Minneapolis, MN USA (five), Inspiro, Makati City, Philippines (five), Loveholidays, London, UK (five), OpenGov, San Francisco, CA USA (five), QNB Finansbank, Istanbul, Turkey (five), and Qualitest Group, Bridgewater, NJ USA (five). More than 2,300 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were evaluated in this year's competition. Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 200 professionals worldwide in seven specialized judging committees . Entries were considered in more than 60 categories for customer service and contact center achievements, including Contact Center of the Year, Award for Innovation in Customer Service, and Customer Service Department of the Year; 60 categories for sales and business development achievements, ranging from Sales Director of the Year to Sales Training Practice of the Year, and Achievement in Sales Automation; and categories to recognize new products and services and solution providers, among others. Winners in one special category, the Sales Partnerships Ethics in Sales Award, were also announced and recognized at the April 12 ceremony. This award recognizes organizations for best practices and achievements in demonstrating the highest ethical standards in the sales industry. Integrity Solutions of Nashville, TN USA is the Gold Stevie winner in this category. The Silver winners are Better Way Health (Kennesaw, GA USA), Stateside Affairs (Manasquan, NJ USA), and Desiderate (New South Wales, Australia). Bronze Stevie winners are Alright Retiree Health Solutions (Chicago, IL USA), Belkins (Dover, DE USA), Rootstack (Panama), Shell International Aviation (Makati, Philippines), TCN (St. George, UT USA), and Yuksekbilgili Egitim & Danismanli (Istanbul, Turkey). Winners of the 2024 People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Customer Service, announced on April 4, were also honored at the April 12 awards gala. People's Choice Stevie Award winners receive the coveted crystal People's Choice Stevie Award, which is determined by a worldwide public vote. The presentations were broadcast live via Vimeo and are available to watch online . Nominations for the 2025 edition of the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service will be accepted starting this July. The entry kit may be requested at http://www.StevieAwards.com/Sales . About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the new Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries annually from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com . Sponsors of the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service include Sales Partnerships, Inc. Support Services Group, Inc., and ValueSelling Associates, Inc. Media Contact: Nina Moore +1 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0520bf9-f814-4189-9d3f-b3a1f8a31877 Zoth, a Singapore-based stablecoin and yield company, raised $2.5m in funding. The round was led by Blockchain Founders Fund with participation from Momentum 6, Borderless Capital, Mindfulness Capital, Yap Capital, Singularity DAO, Aztlan Capital, Outlier Ventures, Orbit Startups, Graviton Web3 Accelerator, and others. The company intends to use the funds to build a multichain stablecoin-powered #RWA ecosystem, in preparation for irs upcoming public offering. Zoth is an ecosystem that connects liquidity across Traditional Finance and Onchain Finance, effectively accelerating the influx of assets and capital between these sectors. The company aims to accelerate the flow of trillions into sustainable RWAs, making finance fairer and more accessible globally. The inaugural offering, ZOTH-FI, represents an Institutional Grade Fixed Income Marketplace, that facilitates investor access to top-tier Fixed Income assets through Stable coins. Zoth encompasses a diverse spectrum of asset classes including Cross Border Trade Finance, Sovereign Government Bonds, and Corporate Credit. FinSMEs 15/04/2024 The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Mauritius was originally established to prevent the double taxation read more Indias recent protocol amendment to its tax treaty with Mauritius has stirred significant concerns among investors and market analysts. The amendment aims to tighten the terms under which investments from Mauritius are taxed, introducing measures that increase scrutiny over these investments. This move is part of an ongoing effort to prevent tax evasion and abuse of the treaty, but it has led to apprehension about increased regulatory burdens and potential retrospective taxation. Advertisement Market reactions These concerns were immediately reflected in the stock market, with a noticeable sell-off by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) on Friday and Monday. What is the DTAA all about? The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Mauritius was originally established to prevent the double taxation of income earned in one country by residents of the other. This treaty allowed capital gains from investments routed through Mauritius to be taxed at the lower of the two countries rates. Since Mauritius did not tax such gains, the arrangement provided significant tax advantages to investors, making Mauritius one of the most favored routes for foreign investments into India. Plugging the gaps Over the years, the treaty has been criticised for facilitating tax avoidance through the creation of shell companiesentities with no real business operations in Mauritius but established solely to benefit from the favorable tax treatment. In response, India sought to plug these loopholes to ensure that the treaty serves its original purpose without enabling tax evasion. The 2016 and 2024 amendments The 2016 amendment marked a pivotal shift by introducing source-based taxation for capital gains, meaning that gains from the sale of shares acquired in an Indian company through a Mauritius entity, from April 1, 2017, onwards, would be taxed in India. This change was complemented by grandfathering provisions, protecting investments made prior to this date from the new rules. Advertisement The latest 2024 amendment goes further by implementing the Principal Purpose Test (PPT). This test requires Mauritius-based investment entities to demonstrate that they have a substantial economic presence and are not merely shell operations. The inclusion of the PPT in the treaty not only aims to enforce greater compliance but also casts a shadow over the grandfathering provisions by allowing scrutiny of all investments, regardless of when they were made. Impact on the stock market The fear of more stringent tax norms and the potential for investigations into previously untaxed gains has caused unease among investors, contributing to volatility and declines in the Indian stock markets. Advertisement Although the fear of retrospective effects of the new rules have spooked investors, the impact is expected to be short-lived. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services, said, This is a healthy and desirable development which will impact only investments from those conduits formed with the sole purpose of tax avoidance. The impact will be short-lived. Whether the markets bounce back on Monday remains to be seen. With inputs from agencies Speaking to reporters at Chaityabhoomi in suburban Dadar after paying respects to B R Ambedkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary, Shinde also said the firing incident was very unfortunate read more Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday spoke with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in the wake of firing outside his residence and assured support saying the state government would not allow anybody to take the law into their hands. Two motorbike-borne unidentified persons opened fire outside Khans house in suburban Bandra early Sunday morning leading the police to enhance security and launch a search for the accused, an official said. Speaking to reporters at Chaityabhoomi in suburban Dadar after paying respects to B R Ambedkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary, Shinde also said the firing incident was very unfortunate. Advertisement I spoke with the Mumbai police commissioner and actor Salman Khan and offered him our support. The firing incident is very unfortunate. I assure people that this government will not tolerate anybody trying to take the law into their hands, the chief minister said. According to police, two persons fired four rounds outside the Galaxy Apartments in Bandra area, where Khan resides, at around 5 am and fled from the spot. There was no official word from the police or Khans family on whether the actor was present in the house at the time of the incident. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke with Khan in the wake of the firing and assured support saying the state government would not allow anybody to take the law into their hands read more The Mumbai police have registered an FIR after two motorbike-borne unidentified persons opened fire outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khans house in the citys Bandra area early Sunday morning, an official said. The police have also recovered a two-wheeler, a little over a kilometre from the actor home, suspected to have been used by the duo, he said. According to the Bandra police official, a first information report (FIR) has been registered against unidentified person under section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act. Advertisement Two persons fired four rounds outside Bandras Galaxy Apartments, where the actor resides, around 5 am and fled from the spot, the police official said. Security outside Salman Khans residence was stepped up after the firing, he said. The local police, crime branch personnel and a team of forensic experts reached the spot to collect evidence, including footage of the CCTV cameras installed near the actors house, and started a probe into the incident, the official said. There was no official word from the police or Khans family on whether the actor was present in the house at the time of the incident. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke with Khan in the wake of the firing and assured support saying the state government would not allow anybody to take the law into their hands. Speaking to reporters at Chaityabhoomi in suburban Dadar after paying respects to B R Ambedkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary, Shinde called the firing very unfortunate. I spoke with the Mumbai police commissioner and actor Salman Khan and offered him our support. The firing incident is very unfortunate. I assure people that this government will not tolerate anybody trying to take the law into their hands," the chief minister said. Advertisement In March last year, an e-mail threatening Khan was received at his office following which the Mumbai police registered an FIR against gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar and another person under IPC sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 506-II (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention). The FIR was based on a complaint lodged with the Bandra police by one Prashant Gunjalkar, who according to cops frequently visited the Bandra-based residence of Khan and ran an artist management company. The e-mail stated that Khan must have seen an interview given to a news channel by Lawrence Bishnoi, and if not, he should see it. Addressing Gunjalkar, it said if Khan wants to close the matter, he should talk face-to-face with Goldy bhai, adding there is still time but agli bar, jhatka dekhne ko milega (youll see something shocking next time), police earlier said. Advertisement In June 2022, an unidentified person threatened Khan via a handwritten note, they said. Recently, Salman Khan came under scrutiny for after gunshots were fired outside his house. But the tumultuous relationship between Bollywood and the underworld goes long back read more We dont make films about the underworld for random reasons. Bollywood and the underworld go long back. The assassination of music baron Gulshan Kumar shook the industry and the nation alike in the fateful month of August 1997. Succumb or succumb seems to be the gangsters motto. Here are some stars that came under the underworld threats: Recently, Salman Khan came under scrutiny for after few gunshots were fired outside his house. Advertisement The star is being threatened by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi over his infamous 1998 BlackBuck case that happened in Rajasthan during the shoot of Hum Saath Saath Hain. The actor got a bullet proof Land Cruiser imported for his safety and the security outside his residence Galaxy Apartments has been beefed up too. Right from Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to Raj Thackeray, politicians have paid a visit to Khan amid the trying times. Preity Zinta The most controversial and explosive case happened during 2001 ahead of the release of Abbas Mastans Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, which was reportedly funded by the underworld. And Preity Zinta, one of the leading ladies of the film, became the only actress to testify against them in the court. Back in 2018, during an interview, she recalled the time and what transpired. She said, For the record, if I knew that everyone was going to back out, I also would have. It was a scary time in my life. I should have been protected. Whatever I said in court was on TV ten minutes later." The actress added, I dont think there was anything happening on that set. But there was definitely fear going around. Because Rakesh ji (Roshan) had been shot. Everyone was paranoid. People would keep their phones switched off, worried that they will get a call." The next one in line is Shah Rukh Khan. He too spoke about them in an interaction and said, They would set up a system, and they would say you do it. I may not have succumbed to it, but then they shoot you. So, sometimes its nice to do a film. I had a lot of security for three years. Advertisement On getting a call from Abu Salem In Anupama Chopras book King Of Bollywood: Shah Rukh Khan and the Seductive World of Indian Cinema, the star revealed, He would tell me that he could see me. It was like living under a telescope. It was very depressing and very scary. Karan Johar Speaking in extensive detail about the threat in his 2016 autobiography, An Unsuitable Boy, Karan Johar wrote how a man from the underworld named Abu Salem called them and asked them not to release Kuch Kuch Hota Hai on that particular Friday in 1998. Not just this, he also added how his mother-producer Hiroo Johar was paralysed with terror when she heard were going to shoot him if you release this film on Friday. Advertisement As part of the conversation with Mid-Day, Karan Johar revealed snippets from a scary incident that unfolded on the premiere night of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai starring Shah Rukh Khan , Kajol and Rani Mukerji. The filmmaker shared that he was hiding in a hotel room after receiving a threat from a gangster. An attempt was made to shoot the filmmaker after the historic success of his directorial Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai that launched his son Hrithik Roshan and catapulted him into overnight stardom. In an interview shared by Wild Film India, Hrithik had said, That entire phase of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai is a very memorable time in my life. From the release of the film, to Dad being shot. Even that, eventually, was a blessing in disguise because if he had not been shot, we would have never found out that he had five of his arteries blocked. He would have suffered a massive heart attack in the coming months and we would have not even known. A new startling study has found a link between fairness creams containing mercury and the development of Membranous Nephropathy (MN), a disorder that damages kidney filters and results in protein leakage. It says neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL-1), which is a rare form of MN, is more likely to be linked to cancer read more A 2019 report by the World Health Organization said that fairness creams that contain mercury can lead to kidney damage. Pexels/Representative Image Skin fairness creams enjoy a profitable industry in India, fueled by societys concern with having fair skin. Even though they seem harmless, a recent study has shown how severely they affect your body. The study published in the Kidney International Journal recently claims that these fairness creams contain high levels of mercury, which can have detrimental effects on your kidneys. Lets take a look. What does the study say? According to the study, there is a link between the increasing use of fairness creams with high levels of mercury and the development of Membranous Nephropathy (MN), a disorder that damages kidney filters and results in protein leakage. Advertisement MN is an autoimmune disease resulting in nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder that causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine. Neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL-1) is a rare form of MN that is more likely to be linked to cancer. The research looked at 22 incidents of MN that were documented between July 2021 and September 2023. According to IANS, the patients were presented to the Aster MIMS Hospital with symptoms that were often subtle, such as fatigue, mild oedema, and increased frothing of urine. Only three patients had gross oedema, but all had elevated protein levels in their urine. One patient developed cerebral vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the brain, but renal function was preserved in all. The results showed that approximately 68 per cent, or 15 out of the 22, tested positive for NELL-1. 13 out of the 15 patients acknowledged using skin-fairness creams before the start of their symptoms. Out of the remaining ones, one had previously used traditional indigenous remedies, and the other did not have a clear trigger, according to the agency. How does mercury wreak havoc in the kidney? One of the researchers, Dr Sajeesh Sivadas, Department of Nephrology, Aster MIMS Hospital, Kottakkal, Kerala, wrote in a post on X, Mercury gets absorbed through the skin, and wreaks havoc on kidney filters, leading to a surge in nephrotic syndrome cases. Advertisement These creams, widely available in Indias unregulated markets, promise quick results, but at what cost? Users often describe a disturbing addiction, as stopping usage leads to even darker skin, he added. Our groundbreaking study -largest series of fairness cream induced Nephrotic syndrome is a troubling truth: fairness creams are fueling a surge in Membranous Nephropathy cases, a condition damaging kidney filters and causing protein leakage. In fact, they've become a major drsajeesh sivadas (@drsajeesh1) April 13, 2024 Most cases resolved on cessation of use of the inciting creams. This poses a potential public health risk, and it is imperative to spread public awareness about hazards of using such products and alert health authorities to curb this menace, said the researchers in the paper, as per IANS. Dr Sivadas pinned the blame on social media influencers and actors for championing these creams and perpetuating their use in a multibillion-dollar industry. This isnt just a skincare/kidney health issue; its a public health crisis. And if mercury applied to the skin can cause such harm, imagine the implications if consumed. Its time for immediate action to regulate these harmful products and protect public health, he added. Advertisement What do global agencies say? A 2019 report by the World Health Organization said that fairness creams that contain mercury can lead to kidney damage. Mercury-containing skin lightening products are hazardous to health and, as a result have been banned in many countries. The report also said one of the adverse impacts of fairness creams, apart from kidney damage, are skin rashes, discolouration, scarring, and reduction in skins resistance to bacterial infections. In February this year, the Times of India reported a case of two residents of Raigad who developed kidney diseases as a result of using fairness cream. For more than eight months, a woman had been using a herbal fairness cream that her local doctor had recommended. For three to four months, the barber prescribed herbal cream to another male patient. They sought medical attention from Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai after experiencing bodily oedema. Advertisement According to the report, their kidney biopsies indicated membranous nephropathy along with the presence of NELL-1 antigen, and toxic and heavy metals in the skin-lightening creams. Dr Amit Langote suggests avoiding uncertified fairness creams, home-based creams that barbers or salons sell. He told TOI, Using uncertified fairness products with undisclosed ingredients can endanger kidney health and overall well-being. Consumers should avoid purchasing products without proper authorisation from qualified experts and opt for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved creams to ensure safety. He suggests checking ingredients thoroughly, as many creams dont indicate the hidden toxic metals/mercury in them. In fact, labels only show plant-based ingredients luring consumers to use them as being safe. Those who use any kind of fairness products should first consult a doctor and understand their side effects. According to the FDA, if the words mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, mercurio, or mercury are listed on the label of the product, mercury is in it and one should stop using the product immediately. With inputs from agencies Its going to be an action-packed Monday. The Supreme Court will hear Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals plea challenging the High Courts decision to uphold his arrest in the excise policy case. Internationally, Donald Trump will go on trial in the hush money case. There are fears of rising tensions in West Asia after Iran launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on Saturday night read more Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi walks past a banner of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is in judicial custody till 15 April in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. File image/PTI Its a brand new week and theres some very big news coming your way. Today (15 April), the Supreme Court will hear Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals plea against the High Courts decision to uphold his arrest in the excise policy case. The India Meteorological Department has also predicted a fresh spell of heat wave conditions over isolated parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh for three days, beginning from Monday. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will campaign for party candidates and address rallies of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala starting today whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in Tamil Nadus Tirunelveli. Advertisement Across the pond, former US president Donald Trump will go on trial today for allegedly covering up hush money payments to hide affairs ahead of the 2016 presidential election which propelled him into the White House. Theres also worries over a further escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel after the former launched an unprecedented attack of over 200 missiles and drones against the Jewish nation on Saturday. SC to hear Kejriwals plea The Supreme Court will hear Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals plea against a high court order that has upheld his arrest in a money-laundering case stemming from the alleged excise policy scam. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta will hear on 15 April Kejriwals petition challenging the Delhi High Courts 9 April order. Earlier, in a massive blow to the chief minister, the high court had upheld his arrest in the money-laundering case, saying the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was left with little option after he skipped repeated summonses and refused to join the investigation. The matter pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi governments excise policy for 2021-22 that was later scrapped. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on 21 March, hours after the high court refused to grant him protection from coercive action by the federal anti-money laundering agency. He is in judicial custody until 15 April and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. Advertisement Days before the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tamil Nadus Tirunelveli. This will be the PMs second visit to the southern state since the poll dates were announced. File image/PTI PM Modi to visit Tirunelveli Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tirunelveli today to canvas for the BJPs candidate for Tirunelveli parliamentary constituency Nainar Nagenthiran and other candidates of National Democratic Alliance (NDA), who have been fielded in the southern districts. This will be his sixth visit to the southern state of Tamil Nadu since the beginning of 2024 and the second since the Lok Sabha poll dates were announced. Earlier, Modi went on a road show in Coimbatore, and paid homage to the victims of the 1998 bomb blasts. Rahul Gandhi to campaign in Kerala Rahul Gandhi will campaign for party candidates and address rallies of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala today. He will arrive in Kerala on 15 April and will address a UDF rally in northern Kozhikode district on Monday evening. Advertisement Gandhi would also take part in several programmes in Wayanad constituency on 15 and 16 April, Joseph Vazhackan, the coordinator of the programmes, said. On 18 April, the leader would take part in meetings in Kannur, Palakkad and Kottayam constituencies. Students with scarves and umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun as the temperature continues to soar. File image/PTI IMDs heatwave warning Indias official weatherman, the IMD, has predicted a three-day heatwave over isolated parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, beginning today. The weather department said that the temperature is expected to cross 42 degrees Celsius. Rayalaseema region will experience hot, humid and uncomfortable weather from Monday. The IMD predicted that heatwave conditions are most likely to prevail over Srikakulam, Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, ASR, Anakapalle, Kakinada and East Godavari districts from 15-17 April. Advertisement Donald Trumps hush money trial to begin Former US president Donald Trump will go on trial today in Manhattan for his alleged role in a hush money scheme to silence porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. He will become the first former US president to go on criminal trial as it begins today. As Trump closed in on victory in the 2016 presidential election, adult film star Stormy Daniels was paid $130,000 (Rs 1.08 crore) to keep quiet about an alleged 2006 sexual tryst with Trump. The payments, made by Trumps lawyer at the time, Michael Cohen, were revealed by The Wall Street Journal in Jan 2018. Advertisement Prosecutors have seized on concealment of the payments as legal fees in the Trump Organisations accounts when Cohen was reimbursed as the heart of their case. Iran launched a barrage of more than 100 medium-range ballistic missiles, more than 30 land-attack cruise missiles and more than 150 attack drones at Israel. Heres how Washington helped counter Irans attack on Israel read more Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel with hundreds of drones and missiles marked the culmination of a tense two weeks in which Washington engaged in whirlwind efforts to prepare for the expected violence. File image/Reuters Tensions between Iran and Israel have reached a boiling point since Hamas deadly attack on 7 October. Over the weekend, Iran launched a retaliatory attack on Israel, sparking a regional conflict involving US military forces. The attack, which included over 300 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, was Irans first direct military attack on a West Asian country. The incident marked the end of a tense two weeks in which Washington engaged in whirlwind efforts to prepare for the expected violence, after Tehran repeatedly threatened to hit back in response to an Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus that killed two top officers at the beginning of the month. Advertisement US military took swift action destroying four to six ballistic missiles, shooting down around 70 Iranian drones, with US president Joe Biden closely monitoring the situation. Heres how Washington helped counter Irans attack on Israel. Iranian attack Iran launched a barrage of more than 100 medium-range ballistic missiles, more than 30 land-attack cruise missiles and more than 150 attack drones at Israel, a senior US military official said. Two American warships the USS Arleigh Burke and the USS Carney destroyed between four and six ballistic missiles, while US aircraft shot down more than 70 Iranian drones, the military official said. An Iranian demonstrator ignites a flare as others carry a Palestinian flag during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Sq in Tehran, Iran. AP A Patriot missile battery also shot down a ballistic missile that was headed toward Israel in the area of the northern Iraq city of Arbil. President Joe Biden spent Saturday evening receiving real-time updates in the Situation Room at the White House as the attack unfolded. At one point, we knew there were over 100 ballistic missiles in the sky and the results of the defences of course were unclear until all was said and done, a senior administration official said, describing the tense atmosphere. Advertisement The catalyst Israel carried out a strike on Irans consulate in Damascus on 1 April, killing seven Revolutionary Guards including two generals and prompting warnings from Tehran that it would respond. Top US officials were pulled aside and informed of details about the strike during a visit by the Israeli ambassador and defence attack at the White House, the senior administration official said. We were not a part of that strike but we knew that that would have repercussions, the official said. A few days later, Biden instructed the government to defend Israel to the maximum extent possible and to ensure that all necessary authorities and assets were in place to do so a directive that sent officials into action. Advertisement US preparations Ahead of the attack, US officials including Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken were in constant, ongoing, continuous contact with the Israelis, as well as with other countries in the West Asia. People protest against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group in Tel Aviv, Israel. AP General Erik Kurilla, the head of the US military command responsible for the region, was dispatched to the region and provided real-time updates as well as coordinating with the Israelis and other partners. The United States was in touch with Iran as well, sending a series of direct communications through the Swiss channel, the senior administration official said. Washington also deployed additional military assets to the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection for US forces, a US defence official said last week. Advertisement The future The US goal since the start of the latest round of conflict between Israel and Hamas six months ago has been to prevent it from spiralling into a broader regional conflict, and Washington is keen to lower the temperature in the region. We would not be a part of any response they do, the senior administration official said of possible Israeli action after the attack. We would not envision ourselves participating in such an act. Israel has meanwhile made clear to us theyre not looking for a significant escalation with Iran, but a big question is not only whether, but what Israel might choose to do, the official said. Advertisement With inputs from AFP On Tuesday, tensions in West Asia escalated further when Iran launched a barrage of 180 ballistic missiles at Israel. This shines a spotlight on the military might of the two countries. Which side has the bigger army? Who possesses more advanced, potent weapons? read more The drumbeats of war are thumping louder in West Asia. On Tuesday, Iran launched a barrage ballistic missiles into Israel almost 180 of them. The attack comes after the Benjamin Netanyahu-led nation expanded its war in the region, by dismantling Hezbollahs leadership, launching airstrikes and a ground invasion in Lebanon and hitting back at Iran-supported Houthi forces in Yemen. Israel said that its air defences intercepted most of the incoming Iranian projectiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. According to Israels national rescue service, two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel and in the West Bank, Palestinian officials said a Palestinian man was killed by a missile that fell near the town of Jericho, though it wasnt clear where the attack originated. Advertisement Responding to the attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country would retaliate against Iran, saying it had made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it. This has once again brought renewed attention to Iran and Israels armed forces. We take a closer look at both the militaries and how they match up against one another. Might of Iran vs Israel A side-by-side comparison of Iran and Israels militaries shows that Tehran outclasses the Jewish nation in terms of manpower. Iran has a population ten times larger than Israels, from which it draws its armed forces. According to Global Firepowers 2024 index, Irans population stood at 8,75,90,873. Compare this to Israel, who has a population of 90,43,387. This means that Iran has a larger pool of people to pick from. In fact, a New York Times report has stated that the Iranian armed forces are among the largest in the West Asia region, with at least 5,80,000 active-duty personnel and about 200,000 trained reserve personnel divided among the traditional army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attend an IRGC ground forces military drill in the Aras area, East Azerbaijan province, Iran. The Iranian armed forces are among the largest in the West Asia region, with at least 5,80,000 active-duty personnel and about 200,000 trained reserve personnel. File image/Reuters This in comparison to Israel, which has 1,69,500 active military personnel in the army, navy and paramilitary. A further 4,65,000 constitute its reserve forces, while 8,000 form part of its paramilitary. Advertisement However, when it comes to defence spending, Israel outclasses Iran. The Global Firepower Index reveals that Israels defence budget is $24 billion whereas Irans is $9.95 billion. However, Irans military establishment, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), does not depend merely on the state budget for its funding, according to the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). The military establishment controls (one-fifth) of the market value of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange and owns thousands of other companies, all of which generate revenue for the armed forces, the FDD reported. Additionally, the IRGC controls a significant portion of Irans underground economy. Advertisement Irans weaponry takes on Israel While Iran may outdo Israel in terms of sheer manpower strength, Tel Aviv holds the edge in terms of weaponry. For instance, Israel possesses more air power than Tehran. The Global Firepower Index reveals that Israel has a total of 612 aircraft, whereas Iran has 551. The one important aspect to point out is that Israels air force comprises the most modern fighter aircraft like F-15s, F-16s, and F-35s. But that is not the case for Iran. In Israels possession is also its famed multi-tiered aerial defence system, which includes the Iron Dome, Davids Sling, Arrow as well as The Patriot. Advertisement Israeli Air Force F-15 Eagle is pictured at an air base, said to be following an interception mission of an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel. Reuters However, Irans missile arsenal is incomparable. The International Institute for Strategic Studies has reported that Iran has one of the largest arsenals of ballistic missiles and drones in West Asia, which includes cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles, as well as ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,000 kilometres. These have the capacity and range to hit any target, including Israel. In fact, Iran has made no secret of the build-up, displaying its trove of drones and missiles during military parades, and has ambitions to build a large export business in drones. Irans drones are being used by Russia in Ukraine and have surfaced in the conflict in Sudan. Advertisement When it comes to land power, Israel is in possession of 1,370 tanks whereas Iran has 1,996. However, having more tanks than Israel does not by any stretch ensure military overmatch. Moreover, the Jewish nation has in its arsenal more advanced tanks such as the Merkava tanks, considered among the best-designed and heavily armoured in the world. Neither Iran or Israel have much of a naval presence, however Iran is known for its ability to launch small boat attacks. According to Global Firepower, Tehrans fleet strength is 101 compared to 67. Additionally, it operates as many as 19 submarines, compared with Israels five. A missile being launched during a military exercise in Isfahan, Iran. Iran has one of the largest arsenals of ballistic missiles and drones in West Asia, which includes cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles, as well as ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,000 kilometres. File image/Reuters In terms of nuclear power, Israel has the edge. According to a previous Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, Israel has approximately 80 nuclear weapons. Of these, approximately 30 are gravity bombs for delivery by aircraft. The remaining 50 weapons are for delivery by Jericho II medium-range ballistic missiles, which are believed to be based with their mobile launchers in caves at a military base east of Jerusalem. Irans proxy power One of the biggest strengths that Iran has militarily is its complex military apparatus. In fact, a New York Times report states that Irans adversaries, primarily the United States and Israel, have avoided direct military strikes on Iran for decades, not wishing to tangle with it. Afshon Ostovar, an associate professor of national security affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School and an expert on Irans military, tells the American news outlet, There is a reason Iran has not been struck. Its not that Irans adversaries fear Iran. Its that they realise any war against Iran is a very serious war. Iran arms, trains and supports a network of proxy militias throughout West Asia known as the Axis of Resistance. These militias include Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, militia groups in Syria and Iraq and Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. While they are not counted as part of Irans armed forces, they are battle ready, heavily armed and fiercely loyal to Iran and would even come to Tehrans aid if attacked. An Iranian carries the Iranian and Hezbollah flags in Tehran, Iran. These proxies such as the Hezbollah, Hamas and others are battle ready, heavily armed and fiercely loyal to Iran. File image/Reuters Suzanne Maloney, vice president & director of _Brookings Foreign Polic_y speaking on these proxies said: One of the most valuable tools in the Iranian arsenal is the network of militias that its leadership has cultivated, coordinated, trained, and supplied with advanced weaponry. The network extends across the broader Middle East from Lebanon to Pakistan, and these proxies have proven integral to Tehrans security, longevity, and influence. They provide the Islamic Republic with strategic depth and wide regional influence and access while insulating Irans leadership from the full risk of their actions. The path ahead is unclear. But until then the world holds its breath as the clouds of war gather over West Asia. With inputs from agencies The escalating tensions in West Asia after Irans attack on Israel could affect your travel plans. Several international airlines including Air India are avoiding the Iranian airspace, a route frequently used to travel between Europe and India or Southeast Asia. As flight time increases, so does the cost of fuel and this could lead to a surge in airfare read more Passengers check an information board at the Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Several airlines have suspended operations to the country after Iran's attack on Israel on Saturday. File photo/AFP Will Israel now attack Iran to retaliate for Saturdays strike? The fear of yet another war looms large. You might be far removed from the tensions in West Asia but they are likely to impact everyday living. Your travel plans will be affected and airfares are likely to soar. After Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel in a five-hour assault, it prompted several countries in West Asia like Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt and Kuwait to temporarily close their airspaces. Both Iran and Israel also imposed restrictions on air traffic. Now the airspaces have opened but airlines are reluctant to take the routes as the region remains volatile. They are looking at new options to operate between Asia and Europe. Advertisement As tensions simmer between Iran and Israel, heres what you need to know if you are flying overseas. Airlines that have been affected by Iran-Israel tensions Air India has temporarily suspended its flights to Tel Aviv and other Indian airlines have charted alternative flight paths to avoid the Iranian airspace. The Tata Group-owned carrier operates four weekly flights between New Delhi and the Israeli city. The move comes as India advised its citizens not to travel to Iran and Israel until further notice. Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo are avoiding Iranian airspace and have opted for alternative paths for their flights to the West. An official in the know said that IndiGo, which operates flights to Istanbul with aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines, is staying away from the Iranian airspace. Vistara also changed some of its flight paths because of the situation in West Asia. Australias Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa have also decided to avoid troubled spaces. Lufthansas aircraft are seen on the tarmac at the Munich International Airport, Germany. It has suspended operations to several cities in West Asia as tensions rise in the region. File photo/Reuters Days before Irans attack, Lufthansa Group suspended flights to several West Asian cities. The company, which includes Germanys flag carrier Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Swiss International Air, will resume flights to Tel Aviv, Amman and Iraqs Ebril on Tuesday but those to Beirut and Tehran will be halted until Thursday, reports Bloomberg. Advertisement Etihad Airways cancelled services to Tel Aviv and Amman on Sunday and Emirates too cancelled some flights. Qatar Airways and Emirates resumed some suspended services to West Asia after airspaces reopened. Cathay Pacific is keeping a close eye on the situation in West Asia but operations remain normal, a spokesperson was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. A graphical representation of air traffic shows airspace over Iran and neighbouring West Asia. With several airlines avoiding the Iranian airspace, the duration of flights to Europe will increase. Flightradar24.Com/Handout via Reuters The impact on flight duration, airfares Irans airspace is frequently used by airlines operating between Europe and India or Southeast Asia. With the latest diversion, flight duration will be prolonged. This means more fuel would be required to operate along these routes. A case in point is Qantas direct Perth to London flight. It will now stop over in Singapore for the extra fuel needed for re-routing around the troubled region. Advertisement An Air India flight from Delhi to London did not fly over Iran on Saturday. Instead, of the usual India-Pakistan-Iran-Turkey Black Sea route to Europe, it followed a northern path, flying over Russia, reports The Times of India (TOI). Air India is using a different route to fly to Europe, avoiding the Iranian airspace. File photo/Reuters Lufthansas Frankfurt-Mumbai flight took the Greece-Midettrrenean Sea-Saudi Arabia-Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea route. It would earlier fly over the Black Sea, Iran and Pakistan. A spokesperson for the German carrier told TOI, We have temporarily flying over Iranian Airspace until 18 April. Security is our number one priority. With additional fuel needed, the cost of airfare is also likely to rise. A senior aircraft pilot at an Indian carrier told the news agency Press Trust of India that the alternative paths are increasing the flight duration. With the revised flight paths chosen after taking safety and security into consideration, the duration of some flights has increased by around half an hour, the pilot said. Advertisement Such a scenario will result in higher operational costs, increased fuel usage and more crew members might have to be roped in for flights due to duty time limitations. According to the pilot, the rise in expenses could even be passed on to the passengers, which means that international airfares could go up. Also read: How Irans attack on Israel could affect trade, oil prices and daily life The recent disruptions in air travel Airspaces across West Asia have been facing risks as tensions rise in the region. It has been a volatile few months for several countries as fear of a wider conflict has been persistent since the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel. Advertisement In the early days of the Israel-Hamas conflict, airlines faced massive disruptions, mostly centred around Tel Aviv. Many airlines cancelled flights in and out of the country. Air India suspended the Delhi-Tel Aviv route in October last year and resumed operations only on 3 March. Passengers stand at the ticket counter at the airport in India. Airfares to Europe will likely soar if the situation in West Asia remains tense. File photo/Reuters The Russia-Ukraine conflict has also affected air travel. After Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, access to both airspaces was cut off, leading to lengthy diversions which continue to this day. Most Western airlines do not fly over the two nations. Also read: How US, UK, France and Jordan came to Israels rescue as Iran attacked While US carriers have been avoiding Iran for some time, several commercial airlines do not fly over Afghanistan since the Taliban took over the country in August 2021. In August last year, the US started easing rules that allowed commercial airlines to fly over the country to cut time and fuel consumption for East-West travel. But airlines like American Airlines and Air India continue to be reluctant. Some travel south over Iran and Pakistan. Other flights rush through Afghan airspace for only a few minutes while over the sparsely populated Wakhan Corridor, a narrow panhandle that juts out of the east of the country between Tajikistan and Pakistan, before continuing on their way, reports The Associated Press. But now with escalating tensions in West Asia, airlines are facing more turbulance. With inputs from agencies Irans Saturday attack on Israel marks a new chapter in the ties between the two countries. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the relationship between the two changed drastically with Tehran at one point calling the Jewish nation Little Satan read more Iranian demonstrators react after the IRGC attack on Israel, during an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Reuters Saturday (13 April) marks another escalation in the tensions in the West Asia region after Iran unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones at least 300 of them on Israel. Saturdays attack is a retaliatory measure undertaken by Tehran against the Jewish nation, which carried out an airstrike last week, targeting Irans consulate in Syria. This marks another chapter in the Iran-Israel ties, which surprisingly started off on a positive note. Advertisement Heres a quick look at the history of relations between Iran and Israel, and where things stand now. Allies Israel, following its creation in 1948, had close ties with Iran, which became the second Muslim country to recognise the Jewish state after Turkey. They became allies under the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. At the time, Iran was home to the biggest Jewish community in the West Asia region. The new Jewish state imported 40 per cent of its oil from Iran in exchange for weapons, technology and agricultural produce. Israels Mossad spy agency helped train the Shahs feared Savak secret police. Islamic Revolution The 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran changed things between Israel and Tehran. The revolution saw the toppling of the Shah, which led to a dramatic end to the friendship between the two countries. This is because Israel did not recognise the new Islamic Republic. In turn, the ayatollahs considered Israel illegal occupiers of Jerusalem. With the ascent of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khamenei, the United States became known in Iran as the Great Satan, and Israel as the Little Satan. However, informal commercial links remained in place between the two nations. But later a hostile rivalry emerged as Iran built up and funded proxy militias and other groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. In 1980, the Islamic Jihad became the first Islamist Palestinian organisation to take up arms against Israel with Iran as its main backer. Nonetheless, Israel sent Tehran around 1,500 missiles to help it fight Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war that raged from 1980 to 1988. Advertisement People walk below an anti-Israel billboard on a street in Tehran, Iran. Once allies, the two countries have become enemies in the recent past. Reuters Creation of Hezbollah In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon to counter Palestinian groups based there, going all the way to briefly hold the capital Beirut. Irans elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps subsequently backed the creation of militant group Hezbollah, which waged a campaign against Israeli forces from Shiite strongholds in southern Lebanon. Israel blamed Hezbollah for attacks abroad, including in Argentina, where the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy killed 29 people and a 1994 attack on a Jewish community centre left 85 dead. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Israel Tensions between the two nations rose even further after the election in 2005 and the rise of ultra conservative Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who talked on several occasions of bringing an end to Israel and described the Holocaust as a myth. Advertisement Iran resumed uranium enrichment at Isfahan the same year. When the Iran nuclear deal was brokered by world powers in 2015, Netanyahu slammed it as an historic mistake. He was the first to congratulate then-US president Donald Trump when he withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018. Iran has since resumed uranium enrichment. Battleground Syria Officially still at war with Syria, Israel claimed to want to stay out of the civil war that broke out in 2011 and still simmers. But from 2013 on, Israel wary of Hezbollah and Irans presence on the side of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad carried out hundreds of air strikes against them in Syria. Advertisement An Iranian woman shouts anti-US and anti-Israel slogans in Tehran. File image/Reuters Alliance against Iran Israel began cultivating ties with long-time foe Saudi Arabia, Irans main religious and regional rival. In September 2020, Saudi allies the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed normalisation accords with Israel. The Unites States sought Israel-Saudi rapprochement, but the efforts were derailed by the Gaza War. Recent attacks In recent months, Israel has accused Iran of attacks on vessels. Meanwhile, Iran has accused Israel of targeted assassinations and the sabotage of the uranium enrichment plant at Natanz. Israel has also been blamed for targeted attacks on Iranians in Syria, including top members of the Revolutionary Guard in 2022 and 2023. An Israeli airstrike on Irans consular annex building in Damascus on 1 April 2024 killed more than a dozen people including two senior members of the Revolutionary Guards. Advertisement US president Joe Biden warned that Iran was threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel, promising Israel ironclad support. And on 13 April two weeks after the unprecedented attack on its consular facilities Iran responded by sending waves of drones from its territory towards Israel, which closed its airspace, as did Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israels air defence systems were deployed and that it was prepared for a direct attack from Iran. With inputs from AFP The tensions between Iran and Israel have stepped out of the shadows after Tehran launched a barrage of drone and missile strikes against the Jewish nation on Saturday. The Benjamin Netanyahu-led nation is now weighing its response, while its Western allies urge restraint. We decode what could possibly happen next read more Iranian demonstrators flash the victory sign as they hold an Iranian flag and a model of a bullet during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. AP On Saturday night (13 April), air raid sirens rang out loudly across Israel when missiles started flying over the resplendent Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Drones and missiles almost 300 of them came from Iran as a retaliation for the Israeli airstrike on 1 April that killed seven Iranian officers, including a top general, at the countrys embassy in Syrias Damascus. And with this, the shadow war between the two countries, Iran and Israel, has exploded into the open. After all, it is the first time that Tehran has struck at the Jewish nation from its own soil. While some call Tehrans strike on Saturday a military flop almost 99 per cent of the missiles and drones were intercepted it has also led to worries of a further escalation of tensions in the West Asia conflict. Advertisement So, what happens next? Will Israel strike back? Will an all-out war break out between the two nations? And what happens to the West Asia region if a war does take place? We explore all the possibilities and give you the answers. Iran rains down drones and missiles against Israel On Saturday, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel. More than 300 projectiles, including around 170 drones and over 120 ballistic missiles, were fired toward Israel in the immense aerial attack overnight. Approximately 350 rockets were fired from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanons Hezbollah, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari. The strike was Irans response to Israels attack on its consulate in Syrias Damascus on 1 April, which killed top commanders from Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In fact, Tehran had warned of an attack ever since Israels airstrike on the consulate. However, Saturdays strike was not military successful. According to the Israeli military, 99 per cent of the projectiles were intercepted by Israels aerial defence systems and its allies the United States, the United Kingdom, France and even Jordan. The Israeli ambulance service reported just one injury; a seven-year-old girl who was hurt by falling shrapnel in the countrys south. And even though Iran did score a direct hit on an Israeli air base in the Negev desert, the base remains operational. Advertisement For some, Irans attack against Israel was more about restoring its honour and to some extent, a deterrence. Experts note that even though Irans strike was unable to penetrate Israels aerial defence systems, it at least caused some amount of shock and awe. As Foreign Policy notes, Iran hopes that the strike was unpleasant enough to give Israeli leaders pause the next time they consider an operation like the embassy strike. Israeli Iron Dome air defence system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel. Israel says more than 300 drones, cruise and ballistic missiles were launched by Iran. AP Moreover, it also shows Tehrans restraint. After all, the nation could have launched a bigger attack with better missiles, but chose not to, indicating that Tehran wants to avoid an escalation. Israel weighs its response to Iran Advertisement Following Tehrans attack, Israel is weighing its response even as other countries call for restraint. Israels war Cabinet met on Sunday to decide on the next steps, as a nervous world waits for any sign of further escalation. A key war Cabinet member, Benny Gantz said after the meeting: [Israel] will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israels chief military spokesperson, also said that Israel was keeping its options open. Over the last few hours we approved operational plans for both offensive and defensive action, Hagari said. Advertisement Meanwhile, the United States, who had affirmed ironclad support to Israel earlier, reportedly said it would not take part in any counter offensive against Iranian territory. We are committed to defending Israel. We would not be a part of any response they do. This is a very consistent policy, a senior White House official said. Our aim is to deescalate regional tensions. We do not want a broader regional conflict. Our focus has been to contain this crisis. President Joe Biden, along with members of his national security team, receive an update on an ongoing airborne attack on Israel from Iran, as they meet in the Situation Room of the White House in Washington. While Biden has reaffirmed his support to Israel, he has told Netanyahu that the US will not be a part of any counter action against Iran. AP The official further added that Israel would not escalate the situation. Israel has made clear to us theyre not looking for a significant escalation with Iran, the official said. Thats not what theyre looking for. Theyre looking to protect themselves and defend themselves. Advertisement Other G7 nations also condemned Irans strike, saying in a statement, We demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives. However, some experts note that even though Israel will still feel the need to respond to Tehrans attack. This is because, as analysts believe, Iran has crossed a red line. It signals a failure of Israeli deterrence. As Indian Express writes, That Iran could attack the Israeli mainland indicates not only the logistical capabilities of the Iranian arsenal but also its political determination to challenge Israeli deterrence. An anti-Israel billboard is seen from a street in Tehran, Iran. Reuters Moreover, the Iranian offence serves as inspiration to other adversaries of Israel, showing that they too could strike the Jewish nation as and when they develop sufficient military capabilities. Some analysts also believe that an Israel response is a must for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Failure to act on Netanyahus part would show political and military weakness a trait he cant display as of now. As Hussein Banai, co-author of Republics of Myth: National Narratives and the US-Iran Conflict said to Politico, Netanyahu is a leader who simply would not want to be remembered for not having responded to a direct attack from Iran. Also read our other explainers on Iran-Israel conflict How Israel shielded itself from more than 300 Iranian drones, missiles Iran vs Israel: How the two countries went from friends to foes An uncertain and fearful future Will a war break out or not, is the question that everyone is asking and fearing. And the decisions made by Israels war Cabinet will dictate the immediate next steps. In fact, soon after Israels Cabinet meet, Iran said a new equation in its relationship with Israel had been opened and warned of a much bigger assault on the country should Netanyahu decide on a tit-for-tat attack. Iranian armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri said on state TV: Our response will be much larger than tonights military action if Israel retaliates against Iran. He added that Tehran had warned Washington that any backing of Israeli retaliation would result in US bases being targeted. Israels Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan shows a video of the missile attacks as he speaks to members of Security Council during a meeting on the situation in West Asia at UN headquarters in New York City, New York. Reuters But despite countries urging restraint from Israel, analysts believe that Israel will respond in one way or another. Some have stated that the Netanyahu-led country will retaliate in kind, launching drones and missiles against military sites in Iran. However, this carries a risk of Iran striking back harder. It would also isolate Israel from its allies, who dont want a regional war. The second option that Israel has is that it could attack Iranian targets elsewhere in the region, which would signal that it is not deterred but would be less likely to cause further escalation. Or as The Economist notes, Israel could do nothing keeping in mind Napoleons famous adage: Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake. However, whether the Israel government can make such a judgement is an open question. What an all-out war may look like If Israel chooses to go all out against Iran, what would it look like. On paper, Israel comes out on top; Israels forces have a vast technological edge over Irans. The Jewish nation is also believed to have nuclear weapons, but has never acknowledged the same. On the other hand, Iran has limited access to foreign military owing to isolation and political sanctions from Western nations. However, Tehran has a significant stockpile of the ballistic and cruise missiles and cheap unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, as was visible through Saturdays attack. The war would also draw in other countries, putting many Arab nations in a difficult position. For instance, four Arab nations have signed peace accords with Israel. But an all-out war would make any Arab nation rethink ties with Israel. Only time will tell what happens next. But Washington and its western allies hope that Israel and Netanyahu dont press on for a retaliatory measure, pushing the region into a bigger conflict. With inputs from agencies Amid fresh tensions between Iran and Israel, social media posts claiming that Princess Salma bint Abdullah, the third child of King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan, shot down Iranian drones that had entered Jordanian airspace en route to Israel have taken over the internet. Heres the truth read more The widely shared image featured a picture of Princess Salma bint Abdullah wearing the uniform of an air force pilot in Jordan. Image Courtesy: AFP/Jordanian Air Force Emerging from the shadows, Iran fired over 300 missiles and drones against its longtime foe Israel in a direct attack for the first time. Despite decades of enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution, the attack came less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building. An Israeli military spokesperson said that 99 per cent of the drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted. Advertisement Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israels six-month war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on 7 October 2023 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. Amid fresh tensions between Iran and Israel, social media posts claiming that Princess Salma bint Abdullah, the third child of King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan, shot down Iranian drones that had entered Jordanian airspace en route to Israel have taken over the internet. Heres all we know about it. Did the Jordanian princess really shoot down Iranian drones? The widely shared image featured a picture of Princess Salma bint Abdullah wearing the uniform of an air force pilot in Jordan, along with the caption, Princess Salma of Jordan shot down six Iranian drones last night. Princess Salma is a true hero. The first Jordanian female pilot at only 19 and at 23 (my own daughters age) is dropping aid in to Gaza and shooting down Iranian drones destined for Israel. She also has an archaeology degree. Adore her already. I mean wow. Powerhouse. pic.twitter.com/tK3CMR5Wwf Fiona-Natasha Syms (@fifisyms) April 14, 2024 Despite her status as a pilot in the Royal Jordanian Air Force, the picture that has taken over the internet is misleading. However, numerous 2023 news reports featuring the same picture have proved that the widely circulated photo is from the same year. D-Intent Data, a news data research and fact-checking organisation, also took to X after the posts became viral to clarify that the report was false. A digitally altered screenshot of a media outlet has been shared claiming that Princess Salma of Jordan shot down six Iranian drones last night. These claims are fake and fabricated. The articles original headline reads, Princess Salma of Jordan leads Air Force initiative to airdrop medical supplies in Gaza. 1845 ANALYSIS: Fake FACT: A digitally altered screenshot of a media outlet has been shared claiming that Princess Salma of Jordan shot down 6 Iranian drones last night. These claims are fake and fabricated. The article's original headline reads, (1/2) pic.twitter.com/QK13RnViWY D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) April 14, 2024 Advertisement It was published on 15 December 2023. INTENT: Propagandists are circulating digitally altered news articles to set their propaganda over the escalating conflict between Israel-Iran, the organisation added. Furthermore, no government source has confirmed the claim that she took part in the operation to down Iranian drones. For the uninitiated, Princess Salma, a first lieutenant in the Jordanian Air Force, was a part of the contingent that airlifted supplies to a Jordanian field hospital in northern Gaza, as per NDTV. In 2020, the 23-year-old made history as the first female pilot in her nation. With inputs from agencies The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwals plea challenging his arrest in the excise policy case read more The Supreme Court, on Monday, issued notice to the ED on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals plea challenging his arrest by the agency in the money laundering case connected to the now scraped Delhi excise policy and sought its response by April 24. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta sought the response of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and posted the matter for further hearing on April 29. With this, the apex court has also denied Kejriwals request for an urgent hearing of his plea. Advertisement The court also turned down the request by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chiefs lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, for interim relief of Kejriwal until ED replies to the petition. Issue notice. returnable on April 24. Notice is accepted by the respondent who are presented in court on caveat. Reply to be filed on or before April 24 and rejoinder on or before April 27. Post on April 29, the top court said. Singhvi requested an earlier date, but Justice Khanna declined, saying: This is the most possible shortest date. The SC was hearing a plea by Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the ED and his subsequent remand in the Delhi excise policy case. Recently, the Delhi High Court dismissed the chief ministers plea in connection with the matter and said that there was evidence to show that Kejriwal was involved in the scam. The plea was filed challenging the April 10 judgment of the High Court. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 and was then produced before Delhis Rouse Avenue Court, which initially remanded him to ED custody till March 28. The EDs custody was later extended till April 1. Thereafter, the Delhi CM was sent to judicial custody till April 15. He is presently lodged in Tihar Jail. Advertisement The EDs money laundering investigation stems from a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 17, 2022 in connection with alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22. The CBI case was registered on a complaint made by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on July 20, 2022. It alleged that a criminal conspiracy was hatched by AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and other unidentified and unnamed private persons/entities during the stage of the policys formulation. With inputs from agencies Moments before the Delhi court hearing, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the ED on Kejriwals plea challenging his arrest read more A Delhi Court on Monday extended Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals judicial custody till April 25 in the Excise Policy case. A bench at Delhis Rouse Avenue court has also ordered Kejriwal to be produced before the court on April 23 via videoconferencing. Moments before the Delhi court hearing, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate on Kejriwals plea challenging his arrest. The apex court also turned down the request by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chiefs lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, for interim relief of Kejriwal until the ED replies to the petition. Advertisement Recently, the Delhi High Court dismissed the chief ministers plea in connection with the matter and said that there was evidence to show that Kejriwal was involved in the scam. The plea was filed challenging the April 10 judgment of the High Court. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 and was produced before Rouse Avenue Court, which initially remanded him to ED custody till March 28. The EDs custody was later extended till April 1. Thereafter, the Delhi CM was sent to judicial custody till April 15. He is presently lodged in Tihar Jail. Earlier today, the Rouse Avenue Court also sent BRS leader and daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, K Kavitha to judicial custody till April 23. EC had taken note of two instances of violence in Murshidabad where weapons and explosives were used. During the Panchayat elections of 2023, Murshidabad saw widespread pre-poll violence that led to the death and injury of several party workers from BJP and Congress read more In a major crackdown on poll violence, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday dismissed the DIG of West Bengals Murshidabad over his failure to address the violent situation in the region and lack of supervision to immediately prevent more incidents. Sources said that the ECI had taken note of two instances of violence in Murshidabad where weapons and explosives were used. While visiting the state ahead of announcing the Lok Sabha poll dates, the polling body had said there would be zero tolerance for election violence and that responsibility would be fixed at higher levels. Advertisement Polling on 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal will be held in seven phases between April 19 to June 1. The state has a history of political violence in the elections and the panchayat polls held in 2023, about 50 people have lost their lives. Violence in Murshidabad During the Panchayat elections of 2023, Murshidabad saw widespread pre-poll violence that led to the death and injury of several party workers from BJP and Congress. Clashes between Trinamool Congress and Congress resulted in the death of at least one party worker of the grand old party. Meanwhile, four BJP workers were severely injured after being shot at by TMC workers. Other EC transfers in West Bengal In view of pre and post-poll violence in West Bengal, the ECI last month transferred West Bengals DGP Rajeev Kumar to non-political. Kumars transfer, according to the commission, was part of its efforts to maintain a level-playing field and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Back in 2016, Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, was removed by the EC from the post of Commissioner of Kolkata Police. He was reinstated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee soon after the Trinamool Congress returned to power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will be a gamechanger like the ancient Silk Route read more PM Narendra Modi said he got the fighting in Yemen and Ukraine stop after talking to the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Russia to evacuate Indians. Source: ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India has managed to help its nationals in wars and conflicts because he has acquired credibility in the world and the Indian flag is now strong in the world. In an interview with ANI, Modi said that he shifted the levels of diplomacy at the onset of his tenure in 2014 by doing away with the protocol. He said that receiving heads of states and governments personally irrespective of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) protocol made way for the strengthening of personal relationships that came in handy later. Advertisement Recalling the conflicts in Yemen and Ukraine, Modi said the relationships with the King of Saudi Arabia and the leaders of Ukraine and Russia allowed him to produce breaks in the fighting for the evacuation of Indians from those conflict zones. Touching upon Indias relationships with neighbours, Modi said that India follows the policy of Neighbourhood First and the countries have also come to count on India in challenging situations like natural calamities and economic turmoil. Personal relations are very much there When asked about personality politics at the world stage, Modi said that personal relations are very much there in foreign policy. Modi said that if Indian diplomacy is stuck in protocol, then India will not be able to perform. The power of diplomacy is also there in the informal. It is not the same in the protocol. In the protocol, it is more of positioning: who will come first, who will shake hands first, etc, said Modi, adding that the act of receiving visiting foreign leaders personally at the time of swearing-in in 2014 opened all the doors for him. First day, we did not even have a foreign minister. I was completely new to all these things. I decided to go to the gate to receive them. So, the whole system was shakenFor me, that one action opened all the doors for me. Thats why instead of being stuck in protocol, I focused on performance. I have tried to shift the level of diplomacy and I have succeeded in that, said Modi. Advertisement PM Modi recalls interventions in Yemen, Ukraine In the interview, Modi recalled his intervention in the Yemen Civil War in 2015 and the Ukraine War in 2015. He recalled his conversations with Saudi Arabias King Salman bin Abdulaziz regarding Yemen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Hailing Indias stature in the world, Modi said that the Indian flag has become his guarantee to get things done. I spoke to the Saudi King and told him that I want to bring people from Yemen there: your bombarding is going on and we are not able to do it. How will you help us? So, he said, please try to understand meThere was a period on the request of India in which there was no bombarding. During that time, we took our people out in aircraft. We brought about 5,000 people from Yemen. It was the same in Ukraine, said Modi. Advertisement Highlighting his relationship with the Ukrainian and Russian leaders, Modi said, I have a similar relationship with Russia. I have been very friendly with both the presidents. I can publicly say to President Putin that this is not the time for war. I can also say publicly to Ukraine that we should follow the path of dialogue. Our neighbours count on us In the light of Indias Neighbourhood First policy, Indias neighbours have come to expect a lot from India in a positive way, said Modi. Listing out the ways in which India has helped its neighbours, Modi said be it the Nepal Earthquake or the Sri Lankan economic crisis, there is not a country in the region that India has not helped in its time of need. Advertisement When asked about the relationship with Pakistan, China, and the Maldives where friction has been seen, Modi said, Their internal policy is important. More than the relations between India and those countries, some things are important for their internal politics. IMEC will be game changer like Silk Route While talking about the Indian presidency of the G-20, Modi referred to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and said that it would be a game changer like the ancient Silk Route that connected the East and the West in that era. The IMEC is a network of connectivity of maritime, rail, and road projects connecting India with Europe via the Middle East that was announced during the last years G-20 Summit held in Delhi. Advertisement We have worked on the IMEC which is going to be a big game changer like the Silk Route was a game changer. There was a positive and proactive role of the Gulf countries. India got an opportunity to play a good role. The US and Europe were with us. Everyone thought that there would be a concrete positive outcomeThere was an opportunity to get the Saudi King and President Biden together, and I had a good friendship with both, said Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that Tamil Nadu in India has the most villages in the country named after Lord Ram and such cultural diversity should be celebrated read more In an interview days ahead of the first round of voting in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi rejected the 'North vs South divide'. Source: ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rejected the North vs South divide and said that diversity is Indias strength and should be celebrated. In an interview with ANI, Modi also touched upon the cultural aspects and said that it is Tamil Nadu that has the most places named after Lord Ram. He said, Which part of India has the most number of villages associated with Lord Rams name? Tamil NaduDiversity is our strength, we should celebrate it. Advertisement Modis remarks come just days ahead of the first round of voting in the seven-phase 2024 Lok Sabha elections on April 19. The final round of voting will be held on June 1. The counting of votes will take place on June 4 and results are expected the same day. The North vs South divide refers to the perceived differences between northern and southern Indian states in terms of economic contribution, growth, development, and culture. The critics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have also frequently flagged that it remains a North India-centric party with little electoral presence in southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Rejecting such as a perception, Modi said that viewing of India in different units as mindless. He further said that India is a bouquet where everyone can see their flower and such a sentiment should be harboured. Modi further said, India is a country of diversityViewing India as different units is a result of mindlessness regarding India. Which part of India has the most number of villages associated with Lord Rams name? Tamil NaduHow can you term it a separate (unit)?There is diversity. An individual from Nagaland will not be like a person from Punjab. A person from Kashmir will not be like a Gujarati. Diversity is our strength, we should celebrate it. India is a bouquet where everyone can see their flower. That is the sentiment which should be harboured. Advertisement #WATCH | On the so-called 'North-South divide' PM Modi says, "...Viewing India as different units is a result of mindlessness regarding India. Which part of India has the most number of villages associated with Lord Ram's name? Tamil Nadu...Diversity is our strength, we should pic.twitter.com/33kgDmq2L4 ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2024 In the interview, Modi also recalled his time spent in a temple in South India during the 11-day ritualistic period before the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in January. I went to Srirangam Temple [Ranganathaswamy Temple] in South India. I studied Kamba Ramayana there. Then the people there told me, Sir, 800 years ago, when Kamba Ramayana was created, the first recitation took place at this very place. What I experienced in the South, people here dont have an idea of the faith and devotion there and how pious it is, said Modi. #WATCH | On the issue of Ram Temple, "For them (opposition), it was a political weapon. Now it has been built, so the issue has gone out of their hands" says PM Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/DVXrxykxMJ ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2024 India's ruling BJP releases election manifesto titled "Modi's Guarantee" Xinhua) 11:20, April 15, 2024 NEW DELHI, April 14 (Xinhua) -- India's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released its election manifesto titled "Modi ki Guarantee (Modi's Guarantee)," promising to create jobs, boost infrastructure and expand welfare programs. The manifesto promised the upliftment of women, youth, farmers and the poor. In the document, the government said it would focus on taking piped gas to all homes and providing free electricity through solar power. The free ration and healthcare schemes for the poor will be extended by five more years. The BJP also said it will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and focus on One Nation, One Poll (ONOP). The UCC promises one law applicable to all religious communities in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and maintenance. India has a uniform or one set of "criminal code" for all its citizens but does not have uniform civil law. Likewise, ONOP refers to holding simultaneous elections across the country, which means polls for parliament and state assemblies will be held together. India's general election will begin on April 19 and last until June 1. The vote count is scheduled to be held on June 4 and results will be announced on the same day. Officials said nearly 970 million people are expected to cast their votes at over 1 million polling stations in the seven-phase elections. In the forthcoming elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the BJP is seeking a third term. He is facing a challenge from an alliance of around two dozen opposition parties namely the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), led by the country's main opposition Congress party. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The judges have accused certain factions, often motivated by political interests and personal gains, are undermining the judicial system in a way that strives to erode the publics confidence in the judiciary read more A group of 21 retired Supreme Court and High Court judges has written to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud flagging attempts to undermine judiciary through calculated pressure, misinformation, and public disparagement. The letter was signed by 21 former judges of various high courts as well as the Supreme Court. The development comes days after over 600 lawyers from across India wrote a letter to the CJI alleging that a vested interest group is coercing the judicial system and defaming courtson the basis of frivolous logic and stale political agendas. Advertisement What does the judges letter say? The judges have accused certain factions, often motivated by political interests and personal gains, are undermining the judicial system in a way that strives to erode the publics confidence in the judiciary. The letter reads, Such actions not only disrespect the sanctity of our judiciary but also pose a direct challenge to the principles of fairness and impartiality that Judges, as guardians of the law, have sworn to uphold. The strategy employed by these groups is deeply troubling ranging from the propagation of baseless theories intended to malign the judiciarys reputation to engaging in overt and covert attempts to influence judicial outcomes to their favour, it added. The judges have urged the apex court to safeguard courts from such pressures and ensure that the sanctity and autonomy of our legal system are preserved. 600 lawyers letter to CJI In late March, a letter was signed by high-profile lawyers including senior advocate Harish Salve and Bar Council of India chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra, and other legal practitioners across the country accusing an unidentified group of employing pressure tactics to influence judicial outcomes, particularly in cases involving political figures and corruption allegations. Advertisement Such actions, the lawyers argue, threaten the functioning of the judicial system. With inputs from agencies Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the money trail emerging from the donations under the electoral bonds scheme is the proof of the schemes success read more PM Narendra Modi said that the abolition of electoral bonds scheme has pushed the country towards black money. Source: ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the abolition of the electoral bonds scheme has pushed the country towards black money and everyone will come to regret it with time. In February, the Supreme Court held the electoral bonds scheme as unconstitutional. The scheme was introduced by the Modi government in 2018 with the stated objective of bringing transparency in political funding. In an interview with ANI, Modi said that the fact that a money trail has emerged from the details of the scheme published out of the SC proceedings is the proof of the success of the scheme. Advertisement Modi said that there can be deficiencies in the governments decision-making and the scheme could have been improved. It is very possible to improve in this too, but today we have completely pushed the country towards black money. That is why I say everyone will regret it. When they think honestly later, everyone will regret it, said Modi. #WATCH | On Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi's, charge on electoral bonds and whether this was a bad decision, PM says, "...If there were no electoral bonds, who would have had the power to find out where the money came from and where it went? This is the success story pic.twitter.com/JwJva8O7YV ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2024 Under the electoral bonds scheme, the public or the Election Commission of India (ECI) did not know the identity of the donors. Only the State Bank of India (SBI), which was the only authorised entity to issue the bonds, was aware of the identity via the know your customer (KYC) process. The critics said that this anonymity brought in opacity in political funding. Modi also refuted the Oppositions allegations that the donations under the electoral bonds scheme were used by companies under investigation. Across the country, a total of 3,000 companies donated electoral bonds. Of these 3,000 companies, 26 were such against which action has been takenOf these 26, a total of 16 companies were such that purchased bonds when they were being raidedThe bonds that these 16 companies purchased, BJP has 37% of that amount, 63% to the opposition, said Modi. Advertisement Following the interview, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the scheme extortion and said Modi was giving interviews because he had been caught. If you see the names and dates you will know that when they (donors) gave the electoral bond, right after that contract was given to them or CBI inquiry was withdrawn against them. Pradhan Mantri pakade gaye hain isiliye ANI ko interview de rahe hain. This is the biggest extortion scheme of the world and PM Modi is the mastermind of it, said Rahul, as per a video shared by ANI. #WATCH | On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview to ANI, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "The important thing in electoral bond is- names and dates. If you see the names and dates you will know that when they (donors) gave the electoral bond, right after that contract was pic.twitter.com/CiJhdW8pYD ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2024 In Asia, China is not Russias partner, but instead it is a strategic competitor and a long-term threat read more The two-way trade between China and Russia, the two giants, reached $240 billion in 2023, which is the highest ever. Image: REUTERS The meeting between Russias foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, and Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, counterposes an Eurasian challenge to the grand Indo-Pacific narrative that the simultaneous Japan-US summit put on the global agenda. The new world order is a very slippery set of stones, each trying to take up maximum space in a geopolitical version of the Japanese game of Go. Both China and Russia, with their partnership, have complementary objectives in the near term. China has an appetite for Russian natural resources, in particular gas and oil, as well as Russian armaments. Advertisement On its part, Russia has an import list that includes everything from consumer goods to machinery. Beijing, given the global slowdown, is prepared to provide these at bargain basement prices. Additionally, in a reversal of the usual trends, Russia is looking for specific military equipment for their war effort. This last is something that has rattled the US, and Janet Yellen, the former US treasury secretary went to the extent of threatening China with sanctions on a recent visit if Beijing helps with the Russian war effort. The China-Russia partnership is already drawing a panicked response in Washington. The two-way trade between the two giants reached $240 billion in 2023, which is the highest ever. It is not publicised enough that while global sanctions have crimped Russian hydrocarbon exports in 2023, China accounted for half of Russian exports, and that is a lot of export dependence on a single country. Russia, with the diversion of the war in Ukraine and the tough sanctions regime, is now trying to shift the narrative with a new and deeper partnership with China. Geopolitically, it is a continental approach where the two countries embrace the Black Sea and the Arctic all the way up to the Pacific Ocean through the largest landmass on earth. The countries also pose a value system challenge to the West with their authoritative polities poised to be growth-oriented and stable. An Unequal Partnership Russia, however, has a contradiction that sits at the heart of its relationship with China. It is an unequal partnership in almost all respects. Chinas nominal GDP of $17.5 billion towers over Russias, which is just $1.87 billion. The Chinese seem to have a neo-colonial kind of trade exchange with the Russians, where they import commodities like oil and gas and export finished goods. Advertisement Not only that, although prices are not made public, market estimates say that China drives a very hard bargain. It is estimated that China pays under $300, including delivery, per 1000 cubic metres of gas, which is about 40 per cent less than what Germany was paying. China is taking its time to negotiate the Power of Siberia 2 follow-up pipeline. This is because it knows that time is on its side and Russia will offer greater discounts. China is also apprehensive of putting too much dependence on just one source of energy and may opt to buy gas from Qatar. Russia has also made billions of dollars by supplying China with weapons, but China has tricked Russia here big time. As if by magic, the formidable Su-27 Flanker became the J-11. Later, the high-tech S-300 missile defence system morphed into the Chinese HQ-15. Advertisement China has been pretty brazen about this, and Russia has uncharacteristically stayed quiet. Russia has no answer for Chinas strategy of legal acquisition followed by industrial espionage, with teardown analyses of the hardware and Chinese innovation in systems engineering. As a result, Russia has lost out big time. For Russia, though, the China problem runs far deeper (China has 1.3 billion people). For generations, Russian strategic analysts have spoken of the threat from the East. The fear of being overrun and of losing territory due to demographic change and ethnic identity from a Chinese advance is very real in Russian culture. The Challenge for India Advertisement The growing closeness of Moscow and Beijing and Russias alarming dependence on China pose strategic challenges for India. India has been neutral and has refrained from censuring Russia in its war with Ukraine. However, it is interesting that Moscow has also been neutral so far in Indias standoff in the high Himalayas with China (which has forced India to order $3 billion in Russian arms in emergency purchases). Russia has not criticised China. This in itself is not a major problem for India. India has steered a deep relationship with Russia in the past, even when, in 1962, Russia mostly sided with the Chinese side and provided some tactical intelligence to it as well. Advertisement It was only after the Sino-Soviet confrontation in 1969 that India got the Mig-21s (at that point, the most advanced fighter jets in the world). Also, the India-Soviet Union friendship treaty happened in the background of worsening Moscow-Beijing ties. For the world order currently, the Russia-China partnership offers a formidable Eurasian front. Moscow, however, may come to regret this unequal embrace and discover that China has far too many pin pricks that it can apply almost simultaneously. In Asia, China is not Russias partner, but instead it is a strategic competitor and a long-term threat. This alliance could yet unravel. The writer is a senior journalist with expertise in defence. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Israel is quite stretched, and opening new fronts would further compromise its security, whatever the dictates of bravado and political expediency read more US President Joe Biden and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attend a video meeting with G7 leaders to discuss the Iranian attack on Israel at the White House in Washington, US, on April 14, 2024. Image: REUTERS Finally, after Eid El Fitr and the holy month of Ramadan, as expected, Iran reacted and retaliated against the Israeli strikes on its consulate in Damascus, which killed seven people, including the Generals of its elite forces, the IRGC. It was expected because of the historic mutually destructive syndrome between the two Is of the Middle East. Until now, it has been devious and destructive, but either through proxies or through clandestine operations, killing high-profile personnel, especially Iranian nuclear scientists, has been well documented. But an attack on the Iranian consulate was considered a violation of sovereignty and a violation of the Vienna Convention. Hence, the Iranians invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter to justify retaliation as self defence. Advertisement Despite economic difficulties and domestic discontent, the Iranian leadership had to respond to prove to the Iranians that the regime is capable of defending the Islamic Republic. Besides, it does not wish to be seen as a paper tiger in the region where it claims a leadership role. However, the limited response on Israeli military targets, which, as per reports, has not damaged the targets in a great deal or killed any civilians, was termed a warning for any further direct misadventure by the Israeli leadership. It was similar to the Iranian response against the US killing of General Qassem Soleimani. But if it is taken to another level, then the much-feared broader escalation will be difficult to contain. The US also acts as a deterrent and a defender of Israel, irrespective of the fact that they disagree with Netanyahu and his continued excesses and utter defiance in Gaza. They moved their naval assets quickly and claimed to have assisted in deflecting the Iranian counterattacks on Israel. Tehran had asked the Americans to stay out of it through Oman, which Washington obviously declined and warned against such response as it is not interested in the expansion of the conflict. Israel also understood and was prepared for the Iranian response, even as it saw the repercussions of the Iranian consulate attack. But a swarm of Iranian drones flying nearly 1,500 km were easily identifiable, and many may have been shot down, but the warning and message were conveyed. Advertisement Now, whether Netanyahu uses this controlled response to take it to the next level will determine the future course. Bibi spoke to Biden to discuss the situation and ask for more aid and urgent supplies, but whether Biden would prevail to contain the fallout is also an open question. As such, Israel is quite stretched, and opening new fronts would further compromise its security, whatever the dictates of bravado and political expediency. Bibi claimed that We will hurt those who hurt us might be a prelude to his intent. Iran has planned its strategy through powerful proxies and militias next door to Israel, including Hamas in Gaza, powerful Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, and determined Houthis in Yemen and the Red Sea, which have as such been engaged at different levels of intensity against Israel. Advertisement A coordinated response of these three Hs, Kataib Hezbollah, and other Shia militias in Iraq against Israel would be most dangerous for global security and supply lines. Meanwhile, several regional countries, including Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq, have closed their airspaces, in a way distancing themselves from the war between the two rabid rivals, who have different, vertically opposite interests. As of now, India, Russia, and China, which have good relations and heavy stakes in the region, have called for restraint by both sides so that the war does not escalate further, even as a vicious cycle of limited or broader and deeper retaliation is likely to continue. But this can spiral out of control in no time, which most countries want to diffuse. Advertisement West Asia is Indias extended neighbourhood and has high stakes in the regions stability and security. The biggest concern is the threat of disruption of energy and other supplies, trading routes, and most immediately, the welfare and safety of over 9.5 million Indians living and working mostly in the Gulf who may be caught in the crossfire of stupidity. Many of the economic and connectivity projects will come under stress. New Delhi has excellent relations with all countries in the region, including Tehran and Tel Aviv. Expressing its concern, it has urged both sides to exercise restraint, step back from violence, diffuse and de-escalate the situation, and return to diplomacy while working to secure the interests of the Indian community. Advertisement The situation is in flux and replete with dilemmas of destruction, but hopefully the international community, especially the US, will at least try to stop the spiral of violence and escalation. The writer is a former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is a Distinguished Fellow with leading think tank Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. In todays uncertain political climate, be it in the Middle East, southwest Asia, or eastern Asia, with rockets raining with frightening regularity, missile defence systems have become one of the most important tools in any countrys arsenal read more While 99 per cent of the rockets fired by Iran on April 13 were said to have been intercepted by the Dome, according to Israel Defence Forces data, the Domes capabilities are not infinite. Image: REUTERS In an agonising escalation of the current conflict situation in the Middle East, Iran did what they have been threatening for a while. On Saturday, Iran directly attacked Israel by launching more than 300 drones and ballistic missiles, which were intercepted by Israels multi-layered air defence system, which has already been under considerable duress, consistently working overtime to combat incoming rockets, drones, and missiles for the past six months in Israels ongoing conflict with Hamas. Advertisement Sirens wailed in Israel as people heard roaring thuds and bangs from what the local media described as aerial interceptions of explosive drones. Authorities say a seven-year-old girl was injured, and light damage was caused to an Israeli military facility. Israels ingenious air defence system, developed with assistance from the US and Britain, was credited with preventing any devastating damage or casualties. Israels complicated and manifold air defence system consists of The Arrow, Davids Sling, Patriot, Iron Beam, and the hero of the night, THE IRON DOME. The Iron Dome was initially developed by Israel independently after the 2006 Lebanon War. It was further enhanced later thanks to the US, which provided Israel with its defence expertise and billions of dollars in bipartisan financial support for the programme. The dome, which started operating in 2011, is known as Kippat Barzel in Hebrew and reacts within a matter of seconds. It is manned round the clock every day and is designed to intercept short-range rockets up to a distance of 70 km. Israels state-owned Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, which helped design this crucial anti-missile shield, says it has an interception rate of 90 per cent. The Iron Dome battery is made up of three sections: A radar detection system. A computer to calculate the incoming rockets trajectory. A launcher that fires interceptors if the rocket seems likely to hit any constructed area or any strategic facility. In Israel, the system consists of a series of truck-towed mobile units that are placed at strategic and deliberate points throughout the country. If their radars detect a threat, the data is immediately transmitted to a battle management center", where defence personnel analyse it and mobilise a missile launcher to neutralise the incoming threat. The Iron Dome has consistently been nullifying more than 90 per cent of rockets fired towards Israel, and it has also developed a naval version to protect ships and other assets since 2017. It is considered a major reason behind the relatively low death count of Israelis during their current war with Hamas, while the death toll in Gaza keeps increasing. Advertisement Each dome interceptor costs around 50,000 USD to manufacture, according to the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies. It is estimated that the entire system, consisting of the radar, computer, and three to four launchers (each containing around 20 interceptors), costs around 100 million USD each. Israel is thought to have about ten such systems in place currently, though the number may be higher. It is now the envy of many militaries around the world, with the US having purchased two Iron Dome batteries, while Ukraine has also requested the same. While 99 per cent of the rockets fired by Iran on April 13 were said to have been intercepted by the Dome, according to Israel Defence Forces data, the Domes capabilities are not infinite. It does have a saturation point, beyond which it is possible to overwhelm it, but currently it is unknown what exactly the point is. It has served its country tremendously well during the past few years of heavy military combat and has performed in an exemplary manner under constant onslaught. Advertisement Israeli military spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus showered high praise on it, saying, The number of Israelis killed or wounded would be far higher had it not been for the Iron Dome system, which has been a lifesaver as it always is. India also has its own equivalent of the Iron Dome, our own homegrown surface-to-air missile (SAM), the AKASH SAM, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL). Private sector companies such as Larsen& Toubro and Tata Advanced Systems were on board as technology partners. It is almost entirely indigenously manufactured, with 96 per cent of its components being domestically produced. Advertisement In fact, it is the first system capable of engaging four aerial targets simultaneously at 25 km range by command guidance using a single firing unit. It is garnering a lot of attention from various countries and their militaries, with India embarking on a new era in its defence export sector by preparing to deliver its indigenously developed AKASH SAM to Armenia, the first nation to purchase it from us, resulting in a historic Rs 6,000 crore deal. Multiple South American, African, and West Asian countries, including Brazil, the Philippines, and Egypt, are now showing interest in the acquisition of the same. It is currently in service with both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force and has built-in electronic counter counter measures (ECCM) features, which can help the missile force itself through enemy jamming and other modes of evasion. Its open-system building design ensures its adaptability to existing and future air defence conditions. Advertisement It is a highly cost-effective weapon platform, as India can produce it at a much lower cost than other countries trying to build the same kind of surface-to-air missile system, making it a major attraction for smaller countries, particularly those who want to acquire a short-range air defence system. In todays uncertain political climate, be it in the Middle East, southwest Asia, or eastern Asia, with rockets raining with frightening regularity, missile defence systems have become one of the most important tools in any countrys military and defence arsenal. Lets applaud their continuous upgradations and progress and their role in saving lives, while also hoping that someday in the future we stop needing them at all. The author is a freelance journalist and features writer based out of Delhi. Her main areas of focus are politics, social issues, climate change and lifestyle-related topics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Both the contesting candidates, Shashi Tharoor and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, represent particular metaphors, and it will be very interesting to see which one prevails read more In an earlier essay on the topic of the Lok Sabha tussle in Thiruvananthapuram, I talked about my personal dilemma in choosing between Shashi Tharoor and Rajeev Chandrasekhar. In thinking about this further, I have come to the conclusion that this is indeed a seat that could be a bellwether or indicator of things to come, more than the immediate matter of whether Congress retains its seat or the BJP manages to ring up a win here. Advertisement It seems there are two distinct metaphors in play here about the future of India. One is the Left-Congress Idea of India that Sunil Khilnani wrote about some years ago. The other is the more culturally-rooted yet forward-looking Idea of India: Bharat as a Civilization that Subhash Kak wrote last year. The question is twofold: which of these appeals to the voter? And which of these is actually better for India and its populace? Now that the manifestos of both the Congress and the BJP are available, it is possible to make some comparisons. The Congress-Left approach appears to be a close fit with its Thiruvananthapuram campaign: Internationalist Zero-sum game with caste/religious divides fueling vote bank politics Redistributive justice with the rich having their assets nationalized Freebies such as the promise of $1 lakh to every poor woman Nehru himself was the epitome of the internationalist view of how India should be governed. He cared deeply about what white people thought about him (as an example, he ran to the UN when the Indian Army was on the verge of defeating and pushing out Pakistani raiders from Jammu and Kashmir in 194748). To prove to whites that he was somebody, Nehru invented himself as the chief of the Non-Aligned Movement and proceeded to dispense largesse: Kachchatheevu to Sri Lanka, the UN Security Council to China, and the and the Coco Islands to Burma. The combination of what appears to have been an inferiority complex (imagine being a little brown boy in a school full of racist, and homosexual, white boys) and, therefore, almost naturally, a grandiose vision of himself as Emperor Ashoka returned, bringing world peace via Panchasila, was a terrible setback for India throughout the Nehruvian Stalinist era of 70 years. I am not saying this is what Shashi Tharoor stands for, but there is a tendency in the Congress to absurdly obsess on white peoples problems and solutions (e.g., why is student-loan forgiveness an issue in their manifesto when it is an American problem, not an Indian problem?): a pointless vanity about being internationalist, not nationalist. Advertisement Enough has been said about how Indias economy stagnated under the Nehruvians and how Indias per capita GDP kept declining as a percentage of US per capita GDP in that era (this kept happening until the 1991 liberalisation turned things around). The quixotic statements by Raghuram Rajan these days showcase how they disdained manufacturing, which is demonstrably the best way for a nation to bootstrap itself: see Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China. Since there was no economic growth, it became a zero-sum game, and every group, whether religious or caste, realised the best thing to do was to become, in effect, a trade union, using collective bargaining to gain a larger share of the (non-growing) pie than their fair share. This created and exacerbated social fissures and demands for special handouts, as well as the rush to get reservations, most-backward status, etc. Advertisement This works brilliantly if your political model is to create vote banks and perpetually play them off against each other, with occasional distribution of crumbs to them. The vote banks will remain loyal to you because they are dependent on you for the handouts because you have carefully avoided doing anything to grow the economy and create a rising tide to lift all boats. The third plank of this approach is redistribution. This has been a total success in Kerala. The agricultural wealth (black pepper and rice) that had made Kerala wealthy over millennia has now been decimated. There is zero industry. There is nothing to distribute now, other than poverty. There is no industry, no employment, and Kerala survives on exporting labourers to West Asia and nurses to rich countries. Advertisement This is the easily predictable result of Stalinist policies. We have seen this in action in, for instance, Venezuela, Cuba, Cambodia, China, the former Soviet Union, and other socialist paradises, which ruthlessly suppressed individual initiative. The net result is that they have grown steadily poorer (note: Maos China). Pol Pots Cambodia ended up with genocide, too. Kerala falls into the same category. The intrusion of the state into everything is most visible in agriculture, where wages were fixed at such a high level that it became unprofitable to do farming. In my own lifetime, I remember times when rice cultivation was reasonably lucrative. Then you had to subsidise paddy cultivation with other income. Naturally, farmers stopped farming, with disastrous results. Some of the best-watered and most fertile paddy lands in the world have been paved over and, irretrievably, turned into real estate. Ironically, the agricultural labourers, whose livelihoods were supposedly the point of the wage hike, totally lost their jobs. Advertisement All industry has been driven out of the state by agitating unions. It is literally impossible to run a small-scale industry without going bankrupt due to labour strife, strikes, nokku-kooli, and vandalism. Then, finally, there is the freebie plank. Granted, gullible voters love freebies, and thus it is a good electoral tactic. AAP memorably won in Delhi on the promise of free electricity. Congress won in Karnataka, promising free bus rides to women. But there is a second-order effect to all these handouts: you have to rob Peter to pay Paul, so to speak. For instance, Karnataka is now running a lot fewer buses because the transport corporations revenues have plummeted. The most absurd promise in the Congress manifesto is that they will give every poor woman 1 lakh rupees. If this were put into practice, it would cost an amount greater than the entire budget of the Government of India, and so clearly, it is a joke. But it sounds good, right? In Kerala, the standard question that the CPI (M) zealot asks is: But you got the kit, right?. This means a kit of groceries in a bag bearing the likeness of the CPI (M) Chief Minister. Yes, I got the kit, but wheres the low-income pension? Just today I was stopped on the street by a small businessman, a cobbler, whom I know. He wanted a loan of Rs 300 only because his low-income pension hadnt arrived. My maid complains about the same. So where is the pension? And wheres the salary? This month, the CPI (M) Kerala government, for the first time ever, did not release salaries on the first day of the month. The state is facing an acute financial crisis because it has very little tax revenue (there is no production in the state) apart from its dubious sources such as lotteries and alcohol sales. Plus, it has mismanaged masala bonds it floated. This is the situation the Congress has clearly indicated it intends to bring to the entire countrylive beyond your means and use the new opium of the massesfreebies. Someone should inform the Congress of that hoary American bit of wisdom: There aint no such thing as a free lunch. Oh yes, you will pay somehow. On the other hand, the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram is running on a single plankdevelopment. It is talking about infrastructure (logistics as an outflow from the strategic deep-water port at Vizhinjam), electronics, and technology (using the existing ISRO, Technopark, and the new IIST centre for semiconductor technology). That makes sense. It may be a bit of a broad comparison, but let us remember that Silicon Valley grew out of the presence of NASAs Ames Research Centre and Moffett Field airbase and the presence of two major universities, Stanford and Berkeley. Similarly, Bangalore grew from the base of its aerospace industry and IISc. The presence of ISROs large facilities at both Thumba and Valiyamala, the nearby presence of Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu, and the new launchpad for private sector efforts focusing on LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites suggest that Thiruvananthapuram can follow in the path of both Silicon Valley and Bangalore, especially if it can upgrade the very good College of Engineering Trivandrum, long a leader in the state. It is true that the BJP manifesto talks about some other things that seem overly populist: Free rations to the poor for the next five years (but this can be justified as having worked to prevent a COVID-era collapse in food intake, plus there are massive stocks in FDIC godowns from all that MSP) Free and quality health care (this cannot scale up without a lot of investment) Zero electricity bills for poor families (free is never a good idea; co-payment is). So on average, the BJP poll planks seem more believable, doable, and less likely to do harm than the INC poll posture. In some sense, it feels like the INC does not even believe it can win, and so it is just flying kites to see what might stick. Apart from the individual candidates, Shashi Tharoor and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, both stars, it would be very interesting to see which of these metaphors actually gains traction. This is why Thiruvananthapuram is a must-watch contest that has broad significance beyond just its own Parliament seat. The writer has been a conservative columnist for over 25 years. His academic interest is innovation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. After years of escalation, this was the first ever direct attack on Israel by Iran. Tehran announced that the punishment of Israel is complete, and they have no intention to continue. Israel should take the win of its successful interception of 99 per cent of the drones and missiles launched by Iran rather than retaliate read more Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones in its first direct attack on Israel on 13 April, 2024. Flying fires were seen above Jerusalem sky. Israel said that it intercepted the vast majority of 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran. The unprecedented attack came as a response to an Israeli raid on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, two weeks ago. Iran said that the attack had killed 13 people, which included four military advisers, two senior commanders, and Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in its Quds Force, the elite foreign espionage and paramilitary arm. Israel neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the consulate attack, which escalated tensions between the two rivals. Advertisement The overnight Iranian escalation came more than six months into Israels devastating war on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians and pushed the besieged territory into a humanitarian crisis. The war has driven up tensions in the region, spreading to fronts with Lebanon and Syria and drawing long-range fire at Israeli targets from as far away as Yemen and Iraq. Iran had been threatening, in what many called face-saving retaliation. The Israeli military confirmed that the Iranian salvo consisted of more than 300 killer drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles," but they claimed that 99 per cent were intercepted with help from forces from France, the UK, and the US. The Israeli authorities said that the missiles and rockets were launched simultaneously from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen, setting off air raid sirens across Israel. Explosions were heard as air defences intercepted the projectiles. Downplaying the strike, Israel said that only minor damage was caused to infrastructure, and no loss of life has been confirmed. On the other side, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the attack, saying it launched the drones and missiles under Operation True Promise as part of the punishment for the Zionist entitys crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Syria two weeks earlier. With these missiles and drone attacks, Irans mission to the United Nations said it now deemed the matter concluded and warned Israel of a considerably more severe response should the Israeli regime make another mistake. Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraqs airspace were temporarily closed due to Iranian strikes on Israel. They have since reopened. However, many flights from and to Europe are rerouting to avoid the possible extended conflict zone. The world has cautioned both sides to step back and deescalate the situation so as to prevent the region from getting engulfed in a larger conflict. Iran is known to be politically and militarily backing the Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemeni Houthis, all of which are attacking Israel. Israel is also very vocally concerned about Iran getting nuclear weapons. That could be an existential threat to Israel. With these dynamics, it is important to understand the complex Israel-Iran relations. Advertisement The Attack Dynamics Israel claimed that of the 331 missiles and drones launched by Iran, all 185 kamikaze drones, 36 cruise missiles, and 103 out of 110 ballistic missiles were shot down. Seven missiles hit Israeli territory; one hit an Israeli air base, but no significant damage was reported. Satellite views show that the runways inside the Nevatim base and residences or warehouses were hit. Targeting the runway was considered a symbolic move. If they meant to do something, they would have struck the aprons and hangers. They left plenty of runway for landings that can be patched up quickly. After years of escalation, this was the first ever direct attack on Israel by Iran. Tehran announced that the punishment of Israel is complete, and they have no intention to continue. Israel should take the win of its successful interception of 99 per cent of the drones and missiles launched by Iran rather than retaliate. Advertisement It is hoped that the status quo will return and there will be no escalation. The US lacks the political will to send its troops. Israel lacks the capability to fight wars against Iran or any other country without western powers fighting for them. Iran is smart enough to play its cards in such a manner that western powers are not drawn in. Contrary to reports, Iran has not used any of its hypersonic or advanced missiles against Israel. From our point of view, the operation is over, but the armed forces are on standby, and we will intervene if necessary. If the Zionist regime responds, our next operation will be much bigger, said Iranian officials. Advertisement Some sources are saying that Iran hardly spent $300,000 to launch those drones, but for Israel, it is very costly to defend. Of course, the ballistic and cruise missiles cost much more. Such attacks are akin to Pakistans low-cost hybrid war against India. Iron Dome Cost Effectiveness Iron Dome is an Israeli mobile all-weather air defence system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. The system is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometres and whose trajectory would take them to an Israeli-populated area. During the recent Iranian strikes against Israel, the Iron Dome was deployed and intercepted attacks from Iran. The system has had a high success rate, but the high cost of interception of a relatively cheap target has been in question. Advertisement The Iron Dome costs $50 million per battery and $100,000150,000 per interception. The Iron Dome can potentially be overcome by swarms of many drones and missiles that exceed its capability to intercept them due to sheer numbers. Israel is forced to use expensive AD weapons to destroy $2000 drones, but Israeli lives cannot be saved like this. During the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis, Israel said that Hamas had been developing an electronic system to jam the Iron Dome, and Israeli aircraft destroyed a building said to have been used for this purpose. After studying YouTube videos of the warhead interceptions as well as police reports and other data, a researcher argued that Iron Domes intercept rate, defined as destruction of the rockets warhead, was relatively low. Estimates suggest Iron Dome intercepted 59 to 75 percent of all threatening rockets during the protective edge. Israel-Iran Relations The relations between Iran and Israel were friendly during the era of the Pahlavi dynasty from 1953 to 1979. Iran was the second Muslim-majority country to recognise Israel as a sovereign state after Turkey. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran severed all diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel, and its theocratic government does not recognise the legitimacy of Israel as a state. Since the early 1990s, relations have turned from cold peace to open hostility. Irans quest for nuclear technology further escalated bilateral tensions. Irans funding of Islamist groups such as Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Houthis, and Hamas and, in turn, alleged covert Israeli operations in Iran, including multiple assassinations and bombings, complicated relations. Direct military confrontations between Iranian and Israeli organisations included the 2006 Lebanon War. Similarly, they support opposing factions in conflicts in Syria and Yemen. The conflict has also involved cyber-attacks and sabotage against each others infrastructure, including attacks on nuclear facilities and oil tankers. Overall, the Iran-Israel proxy conflict is a complex and ongoing conflict that has had a significant impact on the political and security dynamics of West Asia. Some Israeli media reports suggest that if Iran tries to cause substantial damage to Israel, Israel could use the EMP (electromagnetic pulse) bomb and send Iran back to stone age. Maybe it is just rhetoric. The other speculation has been that Israel would attack Iranian nuclear facilities. Strategic Import The Iranian attack on Israel has for now distracted global attention from Israels conduct of the war in Gaza. Furthermore, the Iranian attack is also likely to dispel murmurs in the US Congress about curbing weapons supplies to Israel because of Gaza. Despite long-drawn sanctions by the West, it appears that Iran has had no funding or affordability problems. Iran can possibly also afford a long drawn conflict. The Iran-backed Hamas terrorist attack on Israel last October was perhaps the biggest success story of Teherans foreign policyreviving the Palestine issue and preventing the normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia that was being brokered by the US. But now, its attack on Israel has nullified all these gains. Israel is now the bigger gainer. Iran previously had always used its proxies, but now it has been calculated that the US cannot open another front given their weaker leadership and economics of war. The rhetoric of 2002s Axis of Evil by Bush also seems dead now. Biden told Netanyahu that he should consider the event a win for Israel. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Sunday on the Iran attack. Its time to step back from the brink, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, adding that the member states have a shared responsibility to work for peace and prevent further escalation of hostilities. The US-Israel relations have returned to good-old ironclad support (even under Netanyahu). Shaken Israelis have reunited under their PM. The unprecedented Iranian attacks may have briefly shifted the worlds attention from the deaths of tens of thousands of women and children in the Gaza Strip, but they could translate into soft power gains for Iran in the Muslim world in the long run, when compared with other regional powers. Gulf powers increasingly independent foreign policy can also be considered a political setback for Washington, which for many decades was able to rely on Persian Gulf monarchies for its military operations in the oil-rich region. Persian Gulf countries (Saudi, UAE, Oman, and Kuwait) have reportedly told the US not to launch any attacks against Iran from their territory or airspace amid seething regional tensions. US President Biden reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in a telephone conversation that while the American commitment to defend Israel is ironclad, the US will not participate in offensive actions against Iran. Impact on India India has strategic interests and partnerships with both Israel and Iran. It is in Indias core interests that this escalation be stopped. As of 2022, India is Israels largest client for military equipment sales, and Israel is Indias second-largest supplier of military equipment after Russia. There are many defence joint ventures between the two. They are also part of the I2U2 (India, Israel, the US, and the UAE) strategic grouping. India and Iran have a civilisational connection. India was non-aligned during the Cold War, but Iran was with the West. India did not welcome the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and it was also concerned about Irans continued support for Pakistan. Iran was unhappy with Indias close relations with Iraq. But Iran is the second-largest supplier of crude oil to India, and consequently, India is one of the largest foreign investors in Irans oil and gas industry. American sanctions against Iran did affect the oil trade. Meanwhile, India has expressed strong opposition to Irans nuclear programme. India has infrastructural interests in Iran. The highway between Zaranj and Delaram is being built with financial support from India. The Chabahar port has also been jointly financed by Iran and India. The Chabahar Port will give India access to the oil and gas resources in Iran and the Central Asian states. By doing so, India hopes to compete with the Chinese, who are building Gwadar Port in Pakistans Balochistan. Iran plans to use Chabahar for trans-shipment to Afghanistan and Central Asia, while keeping the port of Bandar Abbas as a major hub mainly for trade with Russia and Europe. A strategic partnership between India, Iran, and Russia is intended to establish a multi-modal transport link connecting Mumbai with St Petersburg. The North-South Transport Corridor is the ship, rail, and road route for moving freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The proposed India-West Asia-Europe Economic Corridor adds another dimension, though. On the sidelines of the Iran-Israel strikes, the IRGC Navy seized a Portuguese-flagged, Israeli-linked commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, going from the UAE en route to India. There were 17 Indian nationals on board. Their release is being negotiated. Peace in West Asia is of very significant interest for India on many counts. India supports de-escalation by all means. The writer is Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Apple saw its smartphone shipments fall by almost 10 per cent at a time when globally smartphone shipments have seen a 7.8 per cent increase. This is largely because of Apples was pipped by Samsung and several other smartphone makers into integrating AI in to their devices read more Apple experienced a decline of approximately 10 per cent in smartphone shipments during the first quarter of 2024, according to data from research firm IDC, which was released on Sunday. The reason for this fall in its shipment can be attributed to a lot of things, but primarily, it is because of a historic rise in demand for Android smartphones, and the strong competition that they are posing now, thanks to several manufacturers integrating AI services with their devices. Advertisement Surprisingly, global smartphone shipments saw a 7.8 per cent increase to 289.4 million units during the period of January to March, in which Samsung emerged as the leading smartphone maker. The South Korean tech giant captured a market share of 20.8 per cent while surpassing Apple. Apple also faces some tough challenges in the Chinese market, where smartphone shipments decreased by 2.1 per cent in the final quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. This shift follows Apples strong performance in the previous December quarter when it briefly held the title of the worlds No.1 phone maker before slipping to the second spot with a 17.3 per cent market share. This was mainly because of Chinas response to Apples launch of the iPhone 15 series, which went up against devices from Chinese brands like Huawei. Following Samsung, we have Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi which secured the third position with a market share of 14.1 per cent in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Samsung, put in a strong position by the launch of its latest flagship device, the Galaxy S24 series, has managed to ship over 60 million phones during this period. The Galaxy S24 series saw an 8 per cent increase in global sales compared to the previous years Galaxy S23 series during the initial three weeks of availability, according to data provided by Counterpoint. In contrast, Apples iPhone shipments dipped to 50.1 million units in the first quarter, down from 55.4 million units in the same period last year. Advertisement This decline reflects restrictions imposed by some Chinese companies and government agencies on the use of Apple devices, echoing similar measures taken by the U.S. government against Chinese apps on security grounds. Despite their sliding shipments and some serious competition rival smartphone makers, Apple still holds a considerable chunk of the market. With the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apples annual developers conference scheduled for June, the tech giant will have ample opportunities to showcase their insights into software updates for iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices, and how they plan to integrate AI into their devices. This should buoy Investor morale as AI has been an area where Apple is yet to provide significant details. However, if leaks and rumours are anything to go by, Apple will have plenty of surprises for everyone. Advertisement (With inputs from agencies) China is apparently not pleased with Tesla setting up a factory in India and is seething at Elon Musk is expanding Teslas operations in China. A Chinese newspaper article, claimed that Indias immature an underprepared markets and lack of adequate infrastructure would fail Tesla read more In a classic case of sour grapes, China is seething that Tesla is opening up a plant in India as it seeks to diversify its Asian operation beyond China. Elon Musks plan to establish a Tesla electric vehicle plant in India has drawn some severe criticism the Chinese government as well as its Media, both of which seem to raise concerns about the viability of Teslas venture in the Indian market. Musks announcement of his intention to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fueled speculation about Teslas ambitious project, which could involve a multi-billion-dollar investment to manufacture entry-level electric cars, potentially named Model 2 and priced around Rs 25 lakh. Advertisement Officials in the Chinese government, as reported by The Global Times, are sceptical about Indias preparedness to accommodate Teslas operations. They have expressed concerns about the countrys underprepared and immature market while claiming that the country lacks the adequate infrastructure for EVs. The report by the Global Times went on to say that despite rapid growth, Indias EV adoption is still at its nascent stage as only 2.3 per cent of the total passenger vehicle sales in India account for EVs. Furthermore, the article pointed out Indias reliance on coal for power generation, which may hinder its ability to achieve climate goals. It also underscored the limited domestic production of core EV components like lithium-ion batteries, posing a significant obstacle to Teslas operations in India. One of the biggest issues is the limited domestic production of core components like lithium-ion batteries for EVs. India is starting relatively late in trying to create an indigenous EV supply chain, the article said. The Indian government has recently approved a new electric vehicle policy, partly in response to Musks persistent requests. The policy allows the import of completely built-up electric cars at reduced import duties for five years in exchange for a minimum investment of $500 million to commence local manufacturing. It should be noted that despite its criticisms about Indias underprepared and immature market Chinese EV giants BYD and Great Wall Motor wanted to set up major factories in India, but were rejected by the Narendra-Modi-led government. BYD was seeking permission to set up a $1 billion factory in India in partnership with Hyderabads Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd which the central government rejected back in 2023. Similarly, in 2022, Chinas Great Wall Motor wanted to purchase a manufacturing plant from General Motors in India. However, the Indian government blocked the sale. Advertisement Chinas reaction to Teslas potential entry into India reflects broader geopolitical tensions and competition in the global automotive industry. Recent actions by the Indian government, such as rejecting proposals from Chinese automakers like BYD and Great Wall Motor, highlight Indias efforts to promote domestic manufacturing and safeguard its strategic interests in the EV sector. As Tesla navigates these complexities, its decision to invest in India will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of the countrys automotive industry and its relations with major global players like China. (With inputs from agencies) Apple is currently exporting about 70% of all the iPhones it makes in India and hopes to increase it to 80%. Foxconn exported 60 per cent of its iPhone output, while Pegatron exported 74%. Wistrons India factory, now owned by Tata, exported about 97% of all the iPhones it made read more Apple CEO Tim Cook during his visit to India to launch Apple Stores at BKC Mumbai, and Saket. Image Credit: Reuters In yet another major milestone for Apple in India, the tech giants Indian arm exported iPhones worth $10 billion from India in the fiscal year 2024, doubling its export value compared to the previous year. Under the Production-Linked Incentive PLI scheme, Apple exported about 70 per cent of all iPhones made in India, making Apple and the iPhone the largest-ever exporter of a single branded product from India in terms of consumer goods. Advertisement Among the top three suppliers, Foxconn exported 60 per cent of its iPhone output, while Pegatron exported 74 per cent. Wistrons India factory, now owned by Tata exported about 97 per cent of all the iPhones it made. Industry estimates suggest that iPhone exports from India are set to nearly double to Rs 80,000 crore in the current fiscal year, up from Rs 40,000 crore in the last fiscal year. On the other hand, Samsung, which has traditionally been the largest exporter of smartphones by export value, is expected to remain flat at around Rs 32,000-35,000 crore. Surprisingly though, Apple has seen a decline of approximately 10 per cent in smartphone shipments during the first quarter of 2024, according to data from research firm IDC. During the same period, Samsung has seen a significant increase. As a result, Apple has lost its crown as the top smartphone maker to Samsung at the end of the January-March 2024 quarter. Coming back to Apples exports from India, the significant growth in Apples export value can be attributed to global trends favouring premium products and the higher average selling price of iPhones, which stands at around $1,000. Advertisement Additionally, the governments PLI scheme has facilitated increased domestic production of iPhones by Apples contract manufacturers, meeting both local and global demand. On the other hand, Samsungs export value growth remains steady due to its presence across various price points, with an average smartphone price of around $250. Factors contributing to this include tepid global demand for smartphones, especially non-premium models, and lower exports of flagship smartphones such as the S series from India. Apples production of iPhones in India exceeded $10 billion during the April-January period of the current fiscal year, with exports accounting for over 70 per cent of this production. Advertisement Meanwhile, Samsungs monthly exports are estimated at around $350 million. In terms of overall projected figures for smartphones exported from India in FY24, Apple is expected to contribute around 70 per cent, while Samsungs share is estimated at around 25 per cent. The remaining portion is anticipated to come from exports by other brands like Lava, Motorola, and Vivo. Overall, domestic smartphone production in FY24 is expected to grow by 17 per cent year-on-year to Rs 4.1 trillion, according to the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA). Although Samsung aims to increase its exports from India, Vietnam currently serves as its primary exporter due to its well-established ecosystem, which also manufactures some key components like displays. Advertisement Analysts highlight that Apple and Samsung are engaged in a volume versus value game, with Apples higher ASP or Average Selling Price giving it an edge. This suggests that Samsung needs to focus on manufacturing more flagship series smartphones in India to boost its export value. (With inputs from agencies) This isnt the first time Microsoft has explored adding ads into its operating system. Last year, the company experimented with ads within the File Explorer of Windows 11 before discontinuing the trial in beta versions read more Microsoft has announced that it will start testing a new feature that will let it show advertisements right within its Windows 11 operating system. To be specific, Microsoft will start showing ads on the Start menu on Windows 11, under the recommended section of the menu. Normally, this space is used for file recommendations and works in lieu of a quick search. However, after the update, the location will now show suggested apps from the Microsoft Store. Advertisement To be clear, these ads will only be visible to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel located in the United States initially and will not be rolled out for the general public or other commercial devices managed by organizations, as stated by Microsoft in a recent blog post. However, based on how the test goes, Microsoft may roll the feature out to Windows globally. Although users will have the option to disable these app promotions in the Settings section of Windows 11, Microsoft is expected to enable them by default. However, the company is actively seeking feedback on these changes, indicating that it may reconsider including ads in future builds of Windows 11 if feedback suggests they are unpopular. This isnt the first time Microsoft has explored incorporating ads into its operating system. Last year, the company experimented with ads within the File Explorer of Windows 11 before discontinuing the trial in beta versions. Microsoft has a history of experimenting with ads in Windows for over a decade, including promotional spots on the Windows 10 lock screen and within the Start menu. Now, its essential for Windows testers to provide feedback on these changes. Their input will influence whether Microsoft decides to proceed with including ads in the final release of Windows 11 or not. Advertisement (With inputs from agencies) Tesla may have signed a major partnership with Indias Tata Electronics, under which it will source some critical semiconductor chips from the company for its Global EV operations read more Tesla sources most of its critical components from China. However, it has been expanding its suppliers and looking for solutions outside the country. Image Credit: Reuters With Tesla set to enter India, speculations are rife about who the EV company selects as its suppliers in the country. In the midst of all this, reports have started to surface that Elon Musks EV company may have struck a deal with Indias Tata Group to procure semiconductor chips for its EVs, worldwide. According to a report by The Economic Times Tesla has reportedly entered into a strategic partnership with Tata Electronics to procure semiconductor chips for its global operations. This is a major indicator that the EV giant is seeing India playing a major role in its global operations. Advertisement The agreement was executed and signed quietly a few months ago as per ETs report. While neither Tesla nor Tata Electronics have officially commented on the deals value or specifics, industry insiders consider it a significant move. It aligns with Teslas strategy of diversifying its supply chain and indicates a push towards creating a local ecosystem of suppliers, reducing dependency on any single market. Teslas interest in India, the worlds fastest-growing major automotive market, is evident with Elon Musks reported visit to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, later this month. Although there has been no clear indication as to the agenda of this meeting, it would be safe to say that Musk will be a part of the team that finalises the location for Teslas Indian factory. During his visit, he is also expected to officially announce potential investments by Tesla in the EV manufacturing industry in India. Experts suggest that it will range from $2-3 billion. Recent policy changes, including reduced import duties for EVs priced above $35,000, have incentivised global automakers to establish manufacturing plants in India. While Tesla may initially focus on premium electric models for the Indian market, they have already started developing mid-range EVs, and are exploring options for the local production of entry-level EVs. Meanwhile, Tata Electronics has been strengthening its workforce by hiring top-level expatriates to bolster its semiconductor technology, strategic planning, and design capabilities. The company has set up semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Assam, with ambitious plans for further expansion, backed by a $14 billion investment. Teslas move to diversify its sourcing options beyond China for critical components aligns with its post-COVID strategy. While the company manufactures some electric components internally, it relies on global suppliers for sub-assemblies and other parts. Advertisement The partnership between Tesla and Tata Electronics not only underscores Indias growing importance in the global semiconductor supply chain but also positions Tata Electronics as a key player in Indias semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, with a team boasting over 1,000 years of global domain experience driving the project forward. (With inputs from agencies) Pakistan will see a total of 239 candidates contesting from 23 vacant seats in both national and provincial assemblies in upcoming by-elections on April 21 read more A total of 239 candidates will contest in Pakistan's by-elections, with 50 of them competing for vacant National Assembly seats | Source: AP In anticipation of the upcoming by-elections on April 21, Pakistan braces itself for a political showdown as candidates gear up to contest for 23 vacant seats across the national and provincial assemblies. A diverse array of candidates, totaling 239 in number, are set to compete in the forthcoming by-elections. Among them, 50 individuals are contending for vacant seats in the National Assembly. The by-elections span six National Assembly seats, twelve Punjab Assembly seats, two seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, one seat in the Sindh Assembly, and two seats in the Balochistan Assembly. Advertisement Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, daughter of incumbent Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, has already secured her position unopposed for NA 207, signaling early victories amidst the electoral fervor, Karachi-based ARY News reported. Additionally, Zubair Ahmed Junejo clinched his seat unchallenged on PS-80 in Sindh. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has diligently coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure a seamless electoral process. From the printing of ballot papers to the distribution of election materials, meticulous preparations have been underway to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the electoral proceedings, an official from the ECP told ARY News. PTI remains optimistic Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) remains optimistic about its prospects in the upcoming by-elections, with PTIs Punjab Information Secretary Shaukat Mehmood Basra expressing confidence in the partys ability to secure victories. PTI candidates will sweep all the seats, including Lahore, Lahore-based newspaper The Nation quoted Basra. Highlighting the resonance of PTI founder and jailed former Pakistan premier Imran Khans leadership, PTI-backed candidates are actively engaging with constituents, rallying support, and conveying the partys message door-to-door. With a focus on key constituencies, including Lahore, PTI aims to leverage public sentiment and capitalise on the electorates historic support for the party. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday said that he will relinquish his office on May 15 and hand the post to his deputy Lawrence Wong read more Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong (left) will hand his post to his deputy Lawrence Wong (right) on May 15 | Source: AP Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced his decision to step down from his position on May 15, passing the baton to his deputy, Lawrence Wong. This transition marks the end of Lees nearly two-decade-long tenure as the head of the city-states government. In a short statement on X, Lee said, I will relinquish my role as PM on 15 May 2024 & Lawrence Wong will be sworn in as the next PM on the same day." Advertisement I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence & his team your full support, & work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore, he added. I will relinquish my role as PM on 15 May 2024 & @LawrenceWongST will be sworn in as the next PM on the same day. I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence & his team your full support, & work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore. LHL https://t.co/3oi0Oxxv16 pic.twitter.com/gDrMiiUTN1 leehsienloong (@leehsienloong) April 15, 2024 Lawrence Wong, currently serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, is set to become Singapores fourth Prime Minister. With unanimous support from lawmakers within the ruling Peoples Action Party (PAP), Wong is poised to take on the responsibilities of leading the nation. Taking to X, Wong accepted the responsibility, writing, I am honoured to be asked to undertake this new responsibility as the Prime Minister of Singapore. Advertisement I am honoured to be asked to undertake this new responsibility as the Prime Minister of Singapore. I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to give you my all in this undertaking. https://t.co/Qh83pDhIBV Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) April 15, 2024 I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to give you my all in this undertaking. Advertisement Who is Lawrence Wong? Lawrence Wong, aged 51, entered politics in 2011 and quickly rose through the ranks within the PAP. His political journey began when he was elected as a Member of Parliament in West Coast GRC. From there, he assumed various ministerial roles, showcasing his leadership abilities and commitment to public service. Wong was given his first political office only two weeks after the election, taking over as Minister of State for education and defence. Wong rose through the ranks of various ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth where he was appointed acting minister in 2012 and made full minister two years later. Advertisement He moved to head the Ministry of National Development after elections in 2015, where he stayed on until July 2020. Wongs contributions to Singapores governance have been significant, reported Channel News Asia (CNA). Notably, he played a pivotal role in the nations response to the COVID-19 pandemic as co-chair of Singapores multi-ministry COVID-19 task force with then-Singapore Health Minister Gan Kim Yong Wongs ascent to the position of Prime Minister has been carefully orchestrated. His appointment as the leader of the PAPs fourth-generation team in 2022 solidified his standing as Lees successor culminating in his subsequent promotion to Deputy Prime Minister. Before embarking on his political career, Wong served as a civil servant for 14 years. His diverse professional background includes roles in various ministries, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, Wong has a passion for music, particularly playing the guitar, reported CNA. Advertisement Wong will be sworn in at 8.00 pm (local time) on May 15 at the Istana (Singapores presidential palace). On Monday, a judge ruled in favor of Network 10, affirming the truth of Higgins allegation and condemning Lehrmann for deliberate lies. The court found Lehrmann responsible for raping Higgins and dismissed his defamation case read more With the defamation case dismissed, Lehrmann faces substantial legal costs, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of the verdict. AP Three years after the shocking rape allegation within Australias Parliament House, a civil court has upheld its truth, shedding light on a case that has captivated the nation. Political staffer Bruce Lehrmann, who denied the allegation by Brittany Higgins, sued Network 10 for defamation over a 2021 TV interview where Higgins detailed the incident. Network 10 defended the interviews accuracy, leading to a courtroom battle. On Monday, a judge ruled in favor of Network 10, affirming the truth of Higgins allegation and condemning Lehrmann for deliberate lies. The court found Lehrmann responsible for raping Higgins and dismissed his defamation case. Advertisement During the trial, Higgins tearfully recounted waking up to find a colleague on top of her in a ministers office in 2019, while Lehrmann claimed they had consensual sex after a night out drinking. Federal Court Justice Michael Lee criticised Lehrmanns behavior, stating he was hellbent on sex and indifferent to Higgins consent. The ruling marked the first legal verdict on a case that sparked national outrage, protests, and prompted a review of parliaments culture. The trial revealed extensive evidence, including witness testimony and analysis from a lip reader. Despite some criticism of Network 10 and Higgins, Justice Lee affirmed the credibility of Higgins core rape allegation. In defamation trials, judges often allow reams of seemingly tangential evidence to help them make judgements on the credibility or character of witnesses. Over five weeks, this trial heard from more than a dozen witnesses who gave at times bizarre evidence. Outside the court, Network 10 presenter Lisa Wilkinson expressed relief for women in Australia, while the network hailed the judgment as vindication for Higgins. With the defamation case dismissed, Lehrmann faces substantial legal costs, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of the verdict. As Biden attempts to close the gap on Trump, multiple new polls suggest third-party candidates could present a risk to his potential winning bid in November read more With Robert F Kennedy Jr (centre) at 11%, analysts have calculated that his presence siphoned off five points of Bidens support to Trumps two | Source: AP Recent polls reveal a tightening race between incumbent US President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, with Biden making slight gains, cutting down Trumps lead to just one percentage point among registered voters, according to the latest New York Times/Siena College poll. In February, Trump held a four-point lead over Biden. However, the emergence of third-party candidates poses a significant threat to Bidens chances in the upcoming election, as indicated by multiple studies. Advertisement Independent candidates like Robert F Kennedy Jr, Cornel West, and Jill Stein are garnering attention, with Kennedys presence notably affecting the dynamics of the race, siphoning off support primarily from Biden. Voter sentiment and economic factors Despite Trumps divisive tenure, some voters perceive his presidency favourably, particularly regarding economic prosperity and national security, contributing to a perception shift in voter sentiment compared to earlier years, reported The Guardian. According to the New York Times, 42% now view Trumps term as better for the country than the Biden administration, compared with 25% who say the opposite and an additional 25% saying Biden has been mostly bad for the country. Approval of Trumps handling of the economy was also up 10% over the past four years. Impact of independent candidates Independent candidates like Robert F Kennedy Jr, Cornel West, and Jill Stein are garnering attention, with Kennedys presence notably affecting the dynamics of the race, siphoning off support primarily from Biden. In a two-candidate contest, adding Kennedy, West, and Stein to the mix reduced Bidens support to 38%, leveling with Trump at 38%. Kennedy garnered 11%, West 2%, and Stein 1%. The Guardian reported that Kennedys presence siphoned off five points of Bidens support to Trumps two. Kennedys campaign claims ballot access in six states: Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, North Carolina, and New Hampshire. However, concerns linger over the impact of his candidacy, especially as the race intensifies. Conflicting poll results Polls present conflicting narratives, with varying outcomes depending on the inclusion of third-party candidates. Advertisement A separate study of 1,265 registered voters released by I&I/Tipp showed Biden at 43% and Trump at 40% in a two-candidate contest. However, when third-party candidates were included, Bidens support dropped to 38%, leveling with Trump at 38%. Rasmussen survey findings indicate Trump maintaining a lead over Biden, with 49% of likely US voters choosing Trump and 41% opting for Biden in a two-way contest. On Saturday, the Iranian military seized the cargo ship with Israeli links near the Strait of Hormuz. The ship has 17 Indian crew members read more Jaishankar claimed that the Indian embassy and Iranian authorities have had some follow-up talks Image Courtesy ANI According to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, India has asked Iran to free 17 Indians who were detained by the Iranian military on a Portuguese cargo ship, and Tehran has complied. Jaishankar claimed that the Indian embassy and Iranian authorities have had some follow-up talks. Yesterday night, I spoke to my Iranian counterpart (Hossein Amir-Abdollahian). I pressed him. I told him there are 17 crew members from India. We are making the point with the Iranian government that these people should be released, that they should not be detained, he said. Advertisement On Saturday, the Iranian military seized the cargo ship with Israeli links near the Strait of Hormuz. The ship has 17 Indian crew members. Im getting some reports but I want our embassy people to actually go there and meet these people. That will be my first point of satisfaction, he said. Secondly, I would absolutely press for the people to come back to India as quickly as we can and my colleague in the Iranian counterpart was quite responsive. He said okay, I understand it. I will try and do something really good, Jaishankar added. (With agency inputs) The charge sheet claims that Mohammed Hamo assisted the Syrian army in their combat, which systematically involved indiscriminate attacks on several towns or places in the area in and around the towns of Hama and Homs, by providing advice and action read more The trial of the highest-ranking Syrian military commander to be charged in Europe for his alleged involvement in war crimes that took place in 2012 during the countrys civil strife will begin on Monday in a Stockholm court. Mohammed Hamo, a 65-year-old citizen of Sweden and a former commander in the Syrian army, faces a life sentence if found guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes during the civil war in his own country. Advertisement Syria saw an armed conflict between Bashar al-Assads regime and armed opposition groups, such as the Islamic State, after the government put down peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations in 2011. Nearly 500,000 people have perished, millions have been displaced, and the nations economy and infrastructure have suffered significant harm. The charge sheet claims that Hamo assisted the Syrian army in their combat, which systematically involved indiscriminate attacks on several towns or places in the area in and around the towns of Hama and Homs, by providing advice and action. The trial is scheduled to begin in late May and involves allegations pertaining to the period from January 1 to July 20, 2012. Warfare has included widespread air and ground attacks by unknown perpetrators within the Syrian army, according to the prosecution. The prosecution contends that there was no difference made between military and civilian targets during the strikes, as required by international law. In his role as a brigadier general and head of an armament division, he allegedly helped with the coordination and supply of arms to units, enabling the carrying out of orders on an operational level. Advertisement Hamos lawyer, Mari Kilman, told AFP that her client denied committing a crime but said she did not wish to comment further ahead of the trial. Several plaintiffs are due to testify at the trial, including Syrians from the cities in question and a British photographer who was injured during one of the strikes. Complete impunity The attacks in and around Homs and Hama in 2012 resulted in widespread civilian harm and an immense destruction of civilian properties, Aida Samani, senior legal advisor at rights group Civil Rights Defenders, told AFP. The same conduct has been repeated systematically by the Syrian army in other cities across Syria with complete impunity, she continued. Advertisement This trial will be the first in Europe to address these types of indiscriminate attacks by the Syrian army, according to Samani, who added that it will be the first opportunity for victims of the attacks to have their voices heard in an independent court. Hamo is the highest-ranking military official to actually go on trial in Europe, but other European countries have also tried to bring charges against even more senior members. In March, Swiss prosecutors charged Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of president Bashar al-Assad, with war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, it remains unlikely Rifaat al-Assad who recently returned to Syria after 37 years in exile will show up in person for the trial, for which a date has yet to be set. Advertisement Swiss law allows for trials in absentia under certain conditions. Last November, France issued an international arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad himself, who stands accused of complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes over chemical attacks in 2013. Three other international warrants were also issued for the arrests of Bashar al-Assads brother Maher, the de-facto chief of the Fourth Division an elite military unit of the Syrian army and two generals. In January of 2022, a German court sentenced former Syrian colonel Anwar Raslan to life in jail for crimes against humanity in the first global trial over state-sponsored torture in Syria, which was hailed by victims as a victory for justice. France is seeking donations from the international community, as well as attention to what authorities believe is a crisis that has been pushed to the margins of the global debate by ongoing crises in Ukraine and Gaza read more On Monday, precisely one year after fighting broke out in Sudan, causing a humanitarian and political catastrophe, France is holding an international conference on the subject of the country. France is seeking donations from the international community, as well as attention to what authorities believe is a crisis that has been pushed to the margins of the global debate by ongoing crises in Ukraine and Gaza. Speaking about the humanitarian situation in Sudan, hundreds of civil society leaders are expected to participate in the meetings that will take place alongside a ministerial conference on political issues. Advertisement The idea is to move this crisis up to the top of the agenda, said Christophe Lemoine, a spokesman for the French foreign ministry. We cannot let Sudan become a forgotten crisis, he added. Officials stated that there were political risks in addition to humanitarian ones, such as the potential for Sudan to split into several nations. The United Nations declared lately that Sudan is going through the largest internal displacement crisis in the world and one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory. Relief workers report that a year of conflict between opposing generals that began on April 15, 2023, has left the 48 million-person nation in ruins, but the international community has shunned it. The civilians here are enduring starvation, mass sexual violence, large-scale ethnic killing, and executions, said Will Carter, Sudan country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council. Millions more are displaced, and yet the world continues to look the other way. An estimated 1.8 million people have fled Sudan many to neighbouring Chad, now also suffering a humanitarian crisis and 6.7 million have been internally displaced. Only five percent of the 3.8-billion-euro ($4.1 billion) target in the UNs latest humanitarian appeal has been funded so far this year, according to the French foreign ministry. Advertisement We dont have the ambition to cover the whole sum, but we have hope that the international community wakes up, said one ministry official. The ministerial meeting, behind closed doors, notably brings together representatives from Sudans neighbours, as well as from Gulf nations and western powers, including the United States and Britain, along with regional organisations and the UN. Meanwhile, actors from Sudans civil society, including activists, unionists and journalists, will get together to discuss a possible peace process, and what happens after the war, an official said. Laetitia Bader, at NGO Human Rights Watch, said she hoped that the conference would deliver a very tough message to the belligerents, including threats of sanctions. Advertisement The warring parties had blocked access for humanitarian assistance, pillaged foreign financial aid and targeted humanitarian workers in attacks, she said. This conference is very important, but it should not become an excuse to turn the page and forget about Sudan, again, she added. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives, the statement said a day after Saturdays attack by Iran on Israel read more In a unified stance, the G-7 leaders denounced Irans direct and unprecedented attack on Israel, stating the potential for an uncontrollable regional escalation. The condemnation came as the UN Security Council called an emergency meeting to address the issue. Irans barrage of over 300 drones and missiles targeted Israel overnight, purportedly in retaliation for the April 1 strike on its consulate in Syria. However, Israeli, US, and allied forces intercepted and destroyed almost all of these projectiles before they could reach their intended targets. Advertisement The G-7 leaders expressed concern over Irans actions, stating that they further destabilise the region and increase the risk of uncontrollable escalation. They stressed the importance of avoiding further conflict and pledged to work towards stabilising the situation. US President Joe Biden initiated a conference call among the G-7 leaders, resulting in a joint statement condemning Irans aggression. I spoke to fellow @G7 leaders earlier as we united in condemning Irans unprecedented and destabilising attack on Israel. We stand with Israel and its people. Together we will continue to work to end the crisis in Gaza and avoid further regional escalation. pic.twitter.com/NmAAl47Wg2 Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 14, 2024 The United States provided assistance to Israel in intercepting dozens of drones and missiles launched by Iran, marking Irans first direct military assault on the Jewish state. Israeli authorities reported that 99 percent of the incoming weapons were successfully intercepted, preventing significant damage. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives, the statement said a day after Saturdays attack by Iran on Israel. Advertisement The G-7 group made up of the US, Italy, Japan, Germany, France, Britain and Canada also expresses full solidarity and support for Israel and its people and reaffirms its commitment towards its security. We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need, the G-7 leaders said. Biden also spoke by phone with Jordanian King Abdullah II to discuss Irans unprecedented attack against Israel. Biden this morning spoke with members of the 494th and 335th Fighter Squadrons to commend them for their exceptional airmanship and skill in defending Israel from an unprecedented aerial attack by Iran, the White House said. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Trump will be facing New York prosecutors after he was accused of covering up a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels read more After years of investigation, the first criminal trial of Former US President Donald Trump is all set to commence on Monday, i.e. April 15 in New York. With this, the business-mogul-turned politician will become the first ex-American president to face the court over a criminal case. Trump will be facing New York prosecutors after he was accused of covering up a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. According to the prosecutors, Trump allegedly had his former fixer Michael Cohen pay Daniels, while he reimbursed him by writing off the payment as legal fees. Advertisement In light of this, the Manhattan district attorneys office charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records. It is pertinent to note that this is the first of the four criminal cases the former reality television star is currently facing. Before the trial heads to court, heres a look at the timeline of the hush money case: Timeline June 16, 2015 - Trump announced that he would be running for the office, slowly becoming the top Republican contender against Democrats eventual pick, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. August 2015 - Trump met the then-chairman and CEO of American Media Inc., David Pecker at his famous Trump Tower in New York. Pecker who owns the National Enquirer agreed to help the former president in his election campaign by looking out for negative stories about him to catch and kill,. Former CEO of American Media Inc. David Pecker. Source: AP Prosecutors alleged that Pecker agreed to be the eyes and ears for Trumps campaign and was supposed to flag any negative stories to Cohen. Pecker learned that one of Trumps doorman was trying to sell a story that the former president has allegedly fathered a child out of wedlock. The prosecutors claimed that at the instruction of Pecker, AMI signed an agreement to pay the doorman $30,000 in exchange for acquiring exclusive rights to the story. June 2016 - The National Enquirers editor-in-chief and the chief content officer told Cohen that a woman who was believed to be Playboy model Karen McDougal alleged that she had a sexual relationship with Trump while he was married. The prosecutors found that AMI eventually paid her $150,000 in exchange for her not speaking out on the alleged sexual relationship. However, Trump had denied having any such affairs September 2016 - An audio recording allegedly captured a conversation between Trump and Cohen in which they discussed how to obtain the rights to the womans story from AMI and reimburse it for the payment the company made in June. A shell company called Resolution Consultants, LLC was allegedly set up on September 30 2016. Pecker signed an agreement to transfer the story rights to the company which was owned by Cohen on paper, for a whopping $125,000. However, before the reimbursement was made Pecker called off the deal. October 7, 2016 - The Washington Post released an Access Hollywood video from 2005, in which Trump was heard using vulgar language towards women with then-show host Billy Bush. Trump eventually released a statement after the recording stirred major headlines and apologies. He went on to describe his remarks as locker room banter, a private conversation that took place many years ago. October 27, 2016 - The prosecutor alleged that panicked by the bad press, Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 through a shell company in exchange for her silence about an affair she allegedly had with Trump back in 2006. Trump with Stephanie Clifford, whose stage name is Stormy Daniels, in a 2006 photo. Source: Stormy Daniels/MySpace The prosecutor claimed that Daniles took the story to AMI who then shared the story with Cohen, alerting him to make the payments. Trump allegedly asked Cohen to find a way to delay the payments. Ultimately Cohen made the payment. However, Trump denied either having an affair with Daniels or making such payments. November 8, 2016 - Trump gets elected as the President of the United States. Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump looks on during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. Source: AP January 2017 - Prosecutors alleged that between Election Day and Inauguration Day, Trump met Pecker in Trump Tower in Manhattan and thanked him for handling the stories. He eventually invited Pecker to the inauguration ceremony. February 2017 - Cohen allegedly met Trump in the Oval Office to confirm how he would be reimbursed for the hush money payment. A month before this, then-Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg mapped out a repayment plan in which the latter would send a series of false invoices requesting payment for legal services he performed and would receive monthly checks for the duration of one year. January 2018 - The Wall Street Journal broke the story about the hush-money payments made by Cohen to Daniels in 2016. April 9, 2018 - The FBI executes a search warrant on Cohens residences and office. Cohen allegedly spoke to Trump on the day of the FBI searches and the prosecutors alleged that Trump told him to stay strong. April 21, 2018 - Trump publicly encouraged Cohen not to flip in a series of tweets on X, then called Twitter. Most people will flip if the Government lets them out of trouble, even if it means lying or making up stories. Sorry, I dont see Michael doing that, he wrote. ....non-existent sources and a drunk/drugged up loser who hates Michael, a fine person with a wonderful family. Michael is a businessman for his own account/lawyer who I have always liked & respected. Most people will flip if the Government lets them out of trouble, even if.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2018 Advertisement May 2018 - In a separate social media rant, the former president explained why he was paying Cohen on a monthly basis. Cohen, an attorney, received a monthly retainer, not from the campaign and having nothing to do with the campaign, from which he entered into, through reimbursement, a private contract between two parties, known as a non-disclosure agreement, or NDA, he wrote on X. Mr. Cohen, an attorney, received a monthly retainer, not from the campaign and having nothing to do with the campaign, from which he entered into, through reimbursement, a private contract between two parties, known as a non-disclosure agreement, or NDA. These agreements are..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2018 Advertisement ...very common among celebrities and people of wealth. In this case it is in full force and effect and will be used in Arbitration for damages against Ms. Clifford (Daniels). The agreement was used to stop the false and extortionist accusations made by her about an affair,...... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2018 Advertisement The prosecutors will be submitting these tweets as evidence at the trial. July 2018 - In an interview with ABC News Good Morning America, Cohen expressed his willingness to cooperate with the FBI. My wife, my daughter and my son have my first loyalty and always will, Cohen averred. I put family and country first, he added. August 2018 - Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court. Cohen maintained that he paid both women at Trumps direction. If anyone is looking for a good lawyer, I would strongly suggest that you dont retain the services of Michael Cohen! Trump wrote just hours after Cohen pleaded guilty. Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves federal court after reaching a plea agreement in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. Source: AP August 2019 - Cyrus Vance, who was the Manhattan district attorney at the time, issued a subpoena to the Trump Organization for records of the hush-money payments. Cyrus Vance Jr., Former Manhattan District Attorney, is interviewed in his office. Source: AP / File Photo January 2023 - Alvin Bragg, who was elected as Manhattan district attorney in 2023 and other prosecutors involved in the case started presenting evidence to a grand jury. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg participates in a news conference in New York, on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. Source: AP March 30, 2023 - A Manhattan grand jury indicted Trump, making him the first current or former US President to be charged criminally in the nations history. April 4, 2023 - The former US President surrendered to a New York State criminal court in Manhattan and entered a plea of not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. The indictment document was released only after the historic arraignment hearing. Former US President Donald Trump sits at the defence table with his legal team at the Manhattan court. Source: AP The visit is especially noteworthy because it takes place in the middle of Pakistan and Irans continuous attempts to strengthen their collaboration, which had a brief setback earlier this year read more The 63-year-old leader's anticipated visit to Pakistan is scheduled a few days after Iran fired over 300 missiles and drones at Israel in response to an alleged Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Damascus, Syria, which claimed the lives of multiple individuals, including two senior commanders of Iran's renowned Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Image Courtesy Agencies Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is reportedly scheduled to visit Pakistan on April 22 and meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the military leadership amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East. The 63-year-old leaders anticipated visit to Pakistan is scheduled a few days after Iran fired over 300 missiles and drones at Israel in response to an alleged Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Damascus, Syria, which claimed the lives of multiple individuals, including two senior commanders of Irans renowned Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Geo News. Advertisement The visit is especially noteworthy because it takes place in the middle of Pakistan and Irans continuous attempts to strengthen their collaboration, which had a brief setback earlier this year. According to the report, Pakistan carried out precision operations in January to target terrorists within Iranian territory, utilizing killer drones and missiles as retaliation for Irans cross-border assaults. Drones and missiles were fired into two bases of the Sunni Baloch militia Jaish al-Adl in Pakistans restive province of Balochistan, Iranian official television said. Founded in 2012, Jaish al-Adl, often known as the Army of Justice, is a Baloch Sunni organization that primarily functions within Pakistan. In a show of defiance over Irans invasion of its sovereignty, Pakistan even withdrew its ambassador from Iran and declared that it would not permit the Iranian envoy, who was at the time visiting his home nation, to return, according to Geo News. But the ambassadors of the two nations quickly resumed their respective positions, restoring the diplomatic relations. According to the report, the sources stated that bilateral relations, security cooperation, a gas pipeline, and a possible free trade agreement (FTA) are on President Raisis itinerary for his visit. According to the article, the Iranian presidents visit is particularly significant because the two nations have significant economic interests in common, most notably the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline. Advertisement According to the source, Iran also declared on Monday that, because of the close relations between the two nations, they would free Pakistanis who were left behind aboard a ship that had been taken by Iranian forces, provided that their identities could be verified and the necessary legal procedures were fulfilled. Iraqi, Turkish and Jordanian officials each said Iran had provided early warning of the attack last week, including some details. The attack with drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles risked causing major casualties and escalating the conflict read more Turkish, Jordanian, and Iraqi officials stated on Sunday that Iran provided enough warning days before the drone and missile strike on Israel, while US sources said Tehran did not tell Washington and intended to do considerable damage. Following what seemed to be an Israeli hit on the compound housing its embassy in Syria, Iran sent hundreds of drones and missiles into retaliation on Saturday. Although a small girl suffered serious injuries and there were general worries of a further escalation, the majority of the drones and missiles were brought down before they entered Israeli land. Advertisement Hossein Amirabdollahian, the foreign minister of Iran, stated on Sunday that Iran had given the United States, an ally of Israel, and its neighbours 72 hours warning before initiating the strikes. The Foreign Ministry of Turkey stated that prior to the assault, it had communicated with both Washington and Tehran, acting as a middleman to ensure that the responses were appropriate. Iran said the reaction would be a response to Israels attack on its embassy in Damascus and that it would not go beyond this. We were aware of the possibilities. The developments were not a surprise, said a Turkish diplomatic source. One senior official in U.S. President Joe Bidens administration denied Amirabdollahians statement, saying Washington did have contact with Iran through Swiss intermediaries but did not get notice 72 hours in advance. That is absolutely not true, the official said. They did not give a notification, nor did they give any sense of these will be the targets, so evacuate them.' Tehran sent the United States a message only after the strikes began and the intent was to be highly destructive said the official, adding that Irans claim of a widespread warning may be an attempt to compensate for the lack of any major damage from the attack. Advertisement We received a message from the Iranians as this was ongoing, through the Swiss. This was basically suggesting that they were finished after this, but it was still an ongoing attack. So that was (their) message to us, the U.S. official said. Iraqi, Turkish and Jordanian officials each said Iran had provided early warning of the attack last week, including some details. The attack with drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles risked causing major casualties and escalating the conflict. U.S. officials said on Friday and Saturday they expected an imminent attack and urged Iran against one, with Biden tersely saying his only message to Tehran was: Dont. Advertisement ESCALATION Two Iraqi sources, including a government security adviser and a security official, said Iran had used diplomatic channels to inform Baghdad about the attack at least three days before it happened. The exact timing of the attack was not disclosed at that point, but was passed to Iraqi security and military authorities hours before the strikes, allowing Baghdad to close its airspace and avoid fatal accidents. The government clearly understood from the Iranian officials that the U.S. military in Iraq was also aware of the attack in advance, said the Iraqi security official. A senior Jordanian official said Iran had summoned Arab envoys in Tehran on Wednesday to inform them of their intention to carry out an attack, though it did not specify the timing. Advertisement Asked if Iran had also given details about the targets and kind of weapons to be used, the Jordanian source did not respond directly but indicated that that was the case. An Iranian source briefed on the matter said Iran had informed the U.S. through diplomatic channels that included Qatar, Turkey and Switzerland about the scheduled day of the attack, saying it would be conducted in a manner to avoid provoking a response. How far escalation can be avoided remains in question. Biden has told Israel the United States will not join any Israeli retaliation, the U.S. official said. However, Israel is still weighing its response and will exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us, Israeli minister Benny Gantz said on Sunday. Iran was keen to retaliate to the attack on its Syrian embassy, show what its military is capable of, and prove that it is still a regional powerhouse. Still, causing considerable damage to Israel would risk a war- something Tehran cant afford right now read more Iran's drones and missiles caused little damage to Israel. That could have been intentional. Source: Reuters Irans retaliatory attack on Israel comprised over 300 drones and missiles. Despite such a massive number of weapons being launched into Israeli territory, there was hardly any damage. This is being attributed to Tel Avivs mighty Iron Dome and Isael getting military support from allies like the United States and Jordan. However, there seems to be more to it than meets the eye. Iran likely choreographed the attack such that it would make for a thunderous spectacle, but not rain down any real damage or casualties. Advertisement Heres a look at three tactical decisions by Iran that suggest its intention was to avoid casualties and damage. 1- Giving Israel ample time to prepare, respond Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, in a televised address, revealed that Iran gave neighbouring countries, including major US allies, 72-hour notice about the attack on Israel. Turkish, Jordanian and Iraqi officials confirmed that they received advance notice about the missile and drone strike. The US has denied receiving any such inputs. However, Washington did have a relatively good amount of intelligence on the operation. That could have been due to Iran using back-channel assets. Iran also ensured Israel had enough time to respond to the attack after it had begun. The munitions were launched from Iran, a nation that does not share a border with Israel. This choice was made despite Iran having the option of involving proxy groups like Hezbollah, which operates from Lebanon, close to Israels north border. That meant that the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and projectiles that Iran used in the attack had to travel a long distance to make it into Israeli territory. According to CNN, the killer drones had to traverse nearly 1,000 miles over the course of four hours. That was more than enough time for Israels Iron Dome to respond. Advertisement 2- Iran didnt use powerful proxy groups An attack by Hezbollah, Houthis and other Iran-backed terrorist groups that operate in areas much closer to Israel would have not only been faster, but also deadlier. However, instead of the attack being mounted from their bases, their only contribution was dispatching some drones and firing some shells in Israels direction. Iran appears to have actively chosen to forego these benefits and mount an easy-to-thwart attack on Israel. 3- Announcing the conclusion of the attack quickly On the face of it, Irans aerial attack achieved very little apart from forcing Israelis to seek shelter in bunkers, and causing the shutdown of schools and offices. Advertisement No critical facilities were hit. There have been no official reports of casualties, either. Yet, Iran quickly announced the conclusion of its attack. It was a declaration that the attack had fulfilled its purpose. That would suggest that the purpose of the strike was to minimise deaths but maximise the show of power. Why did Iran intentionally mount a defeatable attack? First and foremost, the attack was to be a retaliation for Israel allegedly striking Irans embassy in Syria. This was to be a clear signal that an attack on Iran will not go unanswered. Iran also appeared to be keen to show what its forces are capable of doing- likely an attempt to reaffirm the countrys image as a regional powerhouse in West Asia. This symbolism is why it was important that Iran carry out the attack, not groups that it supports. Advertisement All of these are important goals. However, Irans economy is in no shape to bear the brunt of an all-out war to achieve such goals. The government, too, can not risk fuelling the discontent, which is already high due to repressive policies in the country. The answer, then, was to launch a flashy attack, but ensure that it did not have an impact big enough to spark war. With little damage caused in Israel, Iran can hope for a measured response. With inputs from agencies For supporters of Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the demonstration of defensive technology in response to an Iranian barrage of hundreds of drones and missiles demonstrates that Netanyahu has long been correct in warning about Irans threat. His opponents are unwilling to give him credit, instead praising the air force read more Even in a highly divided Israel, the spectacular spectacle above the countrys sky on April 13 is accessible to political interpretation. Iran unleashed a tremendous bombardment of over 300 drones and missiles at Israel over the weekend, thought to be the countrys first direct strike on a regional rival from Iranian land. Most of the weapons were intercepted by Israel and its allies, particularly the United States. According to Israeli sources, a few Iranian ballistic missiles penetrated the defences, seriously wounding a 7-year-old girl and mildly damaging a military installation in southern Israel. Advertisement For supporters of Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the demonstration of defensive technology in response to an Iranian barrage of hundreds of drones and missiles demonstrates that Netanyahu has long been correct in warning about Irans threat. His opponents are unwilling to give him credit, instead praising the air force. According to Mazal Mualem, an Israeli political commentator for Al-Monitor, a Middle East news site, and author of a recent biography of the Israeli leader, like everything in Israel in recent years, the story is split into two narratives. The division and polarisation in Israeli society prevents people from seeing the full picture, Mualem added. Irans bombardment of Syria on April 13 in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian Embassy facility in April that resulted in the deaths of many senior Iranian military leaders, occurred at a critical time for Netanyahu. He is an unpopular leader at home, and many blame him for intelligence lapses and government policies that resulted in the devastating attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, spearheaded by Hamas, which forced Israel to declare war on the Gaza Strip. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have died in Gaza as a result of Israels conduct of that conflict, which has drawn criticism from other countries. Advertisement What happens next might determine how he turns out in the end of this episode. Now it is up to Netanyahu to decide. Will he launch a robust counteroffensive against Iran and possibly draw Israel and other nations into a wider conflict? Or will he accept the attackwhich left one 7-year-old child seriously injured but caused little additional harmand submit to the alliance that supported Israels defence in the sake of maintaining calm in the region? Israels allies have been advising caution. The question is whether Israel is going to retaliate immediately, or surprise the Iranians in one way or another, said Efraim Halevy, who served as director of Mossad, Israels intelligence agency, during the latter part of Netanyahus first term in the 1990s. Advertisement No other Israeli leader in his entire tenure in office has issued warnings about Iran with the consistency that Netanyahu has. He has been prime minister of Israel for the longest, having held the position for around 17 years in total. Netanyahu has warned that a nuclear Iran would be disastrous and that time was running out since taking office in 1996. Since then, he has been raising the same warning for almost thirty years. Iran launches its first-ever direct strike on Israeli land, hitting Israel with missiles and drones. The Iranian government supports and armaments a network of proxy militias it maintains throughout the area, including Gaza. In the midst of the conflict with Hamas, the Israeli administration and military have been distracted by some of those militias that have fought with Israel in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. Advertisement Experts argue that the fact that Iran is getting closer than ever to attaining a nuclear bomb is maybe even more concerning. Supporters of Netanyahu continue to hold him accountable for bringing Irans nuclear programme to the attention of the international community at the time. They also commend him for funding the robust, multi-tiered air defence system that enabled Israel and its allies, including the United States, to intercept the majority of Iranian drones and missiles this past weekend before they could reach Israel. Netanyahu has historically made fighting Iran a central component of his international diplomacy, even if it means at times using gimmicks and stunts to attract attention to Irans nuclear progress. Advertisement Despite the fact that bipartisan US backing for Israel has traditionally been viewed as a strategic advantage, Netanyahus campaign against Iran has occasionally caused significant tension in Israels ties with US administrations. By putting intense pressure on US President Barack Obama to draw explicit red lines on Irans nuclear development that might lead to an American military strike, Netanyahu enraged the Obama administration in the middle of 2012. Prior to that, Netanyahu was preparing an Israeli strike on his own, despite strong resistance from Washington and public censure from a number of former Israeli security leaders. It was never clear if Netanyahu was bluffing, and the prospect of an imminent strike receded. He further challenged Obama in 2015 with an impassioned speech to a joint meeting of Congress denouncing what he called a bad deal being negotiated by the US and other world powers with Iran to curb its nuclear program. When US President Donald Trump came to power, Netanyahu encouraged him to withdraw from the agreement a move that many Israeli experts have called a dire mistake and a failure of Netanyahus Iran policy. But it was also under Netanyahus watch that Israel forged diplomatic relations with more Arab states that are considered part of the moderate, anti-Iranian axis, including the United Arab Emirates. This represents a significant change from previous years, when Israel and the Islamic Republic engaged in a secret war involving proxy conflicts and covert operations throughout the Middle East and occasionally beyond read more Iran said it acted in self-defence after the Damascus strike levelled the consular annexe of its embassy and killed seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including two generals Image Courtesy Reuters Tehran claims that Irans missile and drone assault on Israel was the first move in a severe new plan that will result in a direct and punishing response for any more attacks by its bitter enemy. This represents a significant change from previous years, when Israel and the Islamic Republic engaged in a secret war involving proxy conflicts and covert operations throughout the Middle East and occasionally beyond. In retaliation for a deadly attack on Irans consulate in Damascus on April 1, Iran unleashed hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel starting late Saturday, including ones fired from its own territory. Advertisement With assistance from the US and other allies, the Israeli military claimed to have intercepted 99% of the aerial threats and that the nocturnal strike had only slightly damaged property. Iran praised the operation as successful and claimed to have delivered heavy blows to Israel. Irans victorious operation means that the era of strategic patience is over, the Iranian presidents political deputy, Mohammad Jamshidi wrote on X. Now the equation has changed. Targeting Iranian personnel and assets by the regime will be met with a direct and punishing response. President Ebrahim Raisi said the operation had opened a new page and taught the Zionist enemy (Israel) a lesson. Iran said it acted in self-defence after the Damascus strike levelled the consular annexe of its embassy and killed seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including two generals. Western governments denounced Irans retaliation as destabilising the region. Iran, however, insisted the attack was limited and urged Western nations to appreciate (its) restraint towards Israel, especially since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7. Regional tensions have soared amid the Israel-Hamas war which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Advertisement Several IRGC members, including senior commanders, have been killed in recent months in strikes in Syria which Iran has also blamed on Israel. Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran has frequently called for Israels destruction and made support for the Palestinian cause a centrepiece of its foreign policy. But it had refrained from directly striking Israel until Saturday, an attack on a scale which appeared to catch many in the international community by surprise. For decades, Iran relied on a network of allied groups to exert its influence in the region and to deter Israel and the United States, according to experts. A 2020 report by the Washington Institute said that Tehran had adopted a policy of strategic patience, which had served it well since the inception of the Islamic republic in 1979. Advertisement Former moderate president Hassan Rouhani was a staunch defender of the strategy, especially following Washingtons 2018 withdrawal from a landmark nuclear deal, advocating for Tehran not to take immediate countermeasures and taking a longer view. Even after the 2020 US killing of Qasem Soleimani, an IRGC commander revered in Iran, Tehran gave prior warning to Washington, US sources said, before it launched missiles against two American bases in Iraq, and no soldiers were killed in the attack. After Saturdays attack on Israel, Guards chief Hossein Salami also said Iran was creating a new equation. Should the Zionist regime attack our interests, our assets, our personnel and citizens at any point, we will counterattack it from the Islamic Republic of Iran, he was quoted as saying by local media. Advertisement The attack was also hailed as a historic success by Iranian media, with the government-run newspaper Iran saying the offensive has created a new power equation in the region. The ultra-conservative daily Javan said the attack was an experience Iran needed, to know how to act in future battles and that it would make Israel think long before (committing) any crime against Tehran. The reformist Ham Mihan newspaper said the attack ended the status quo and broke the rules of the conflict that pitted the two sides against each other for 20 years and pushed the situation into another phase. This is no longer a shadow war, it said. Advertisement (With agency inputs) The Israeli military said it would not be distracted from its war against Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza, triggered by the Palestinian terrorist groups October 7 attack read more Israel Hayom, a publication, stated that tensions in Iran "weaken the regime and rather serve Israel," implying that Israeli leaders would not rush to strike Image Courtesy AFP While international leaders advocated de-escalation awaiting Israels response to Irans unprecedented strike that heightened concerns of wider warfare, Israel bombarded war-torn Gaza overnight, according to Hamas and witnesses on Monday. Following Irans firing of over 300 drones and missiles against Israelnearly all of which, according to the Israeli military, were interceptedworld powers have called for caution. In response to a deadly attack on its Damascus consulate on April 1, Tehran launched its first direct attack on Israel. This came after months of violence in the region involving Iranian supporters and proxies who claim to back Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement A second meeting is scheduled for later on Monday, according to local media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his war cabinet on Sunday, but no decisions have been taken over how or when Israel could respond to the threat from Iran. Israel Hayom, a publication, stated that tensions in Iran weaken the regime and rather serve Israel, implying that Israeli leaders would not rush to strike. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanani stated on Monday that Western countries should appreciate Irans restraint in recent months, while Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has cautioned that a reckless Israeli action would prompt a much stronger response. Tehran has insisted the attack on Israel was an act of self-defence after the Damascus strike that killed seven Revolutionary Guards including two generals. The Israeli military said it would not be distracted from its war against Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza, triggered by the Palestinian terrorist groups October 7 attack. Even while under attack from Iran, we have not lost sight of our critical mission in Gaza to rescue our hostages from the hands of Irans proxy Hamas, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said late Sunday. As mediators eye a deal to halt the fighting, fears persisted over Israeli plans to send ground troops into Rafah, a far-southern city where the majority of Gazas 2.4 million people have taken refuge. Advertisement Hamas is still holding our hostages in Gaza, Hagari said of the roughly 130 people, including 34 presumed dead, who Israel says remain in the hands of Palestinian militants since the Hamas attack. We also have hostages in Rafah, and we will do everything we can to bring them back home, the military spokesman told a briefing. The army said it was calling up two reserve brigades for operational activities, about a week after withdrawing most ground troops from Gaza. The Hamas government media office said Israeli aircraft and tanks launched dozens of strikes overnight on central Gaza, reporting several casualties. (With agency inputs) Earlier, public gatherings of more than 1,000 people were banned and educational institutions across the nation were shut down just a day before Iran launched its attack against Israel read more Demonstrators attend a protest after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in Berlin. Reuters A day after Irans unprecedented attack on Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday decided to lift restrictions put under the Home Front Command that shut down all educational institutions and banned public gatherings. Initially, the restrictions were put in place till Monday night but the military announced that they would be lifted earlier, indicating the possibility of de-escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. What will be allowed now? Earlier, public gatherings of more than 1,000 people were banned and educational institutions across the nation were shut down just a day before Iran launched its attack against Israel. Advertisement Now, schools, daycare centres and universities will be allowed to reopen, while school trips and camps, postponed earlier, can occur. Following a situational assessment, it was determined that as of 23:00 (IST) tonight, changes will be made to the Home Front Commands defensive guidelines. As part of the changes, it was decided to prohibit educational activities across Israel. In green areas, gatherings will pic.twitter.com/LhD8EDeMOt Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 13, 2024 Also, since the prohibition of public gatherings has also been lifted, sporting events and concerts can take place now as planned. However, restrictions announced right after the October 7 attack by Hamas in northern and southern parts of Israel will continue to stay in place, the IDF said. Israel prepares itself over possibility of chemical contamination Meanwhile, Israels Ministry of Environmental Protection has braced itself to declare a state of emergency in the event of chemical contamination caused by Irans strike. The ministry conducted situational assessments as part of the countrys preparations for another Iranian attack and the fear of damage to plants containing dangerous substances and to plants that have been declared essential by the ministry. Advertisement No significant damage Irans missile and drone barrage did not cause any significant damage within Israel, a senior US official has said. The assessment was echoed by Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari who said on Sunday that while thousands of rockets were launched by Iran, only a few were able to penetrate Israel. Hagari added that the Iranian attacks caused only minor damage to the Israeli infrastructure. With inputs from agencies While Iran and Israel have been lodged in a shadow war for a long time in which both countries have covertly struck at each-other frequently, the attack over the weekend was the first time that Iran had directly mounted an attack on Israeli soil read more Israel on Monday vowed to respond to Irans unprecedented attack over the weekend even as the international community urged the country for restraint. Since the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, the Middle East has on the brink after Irans all-out aerial assault on Israel. The attacks were launched not just from Iranian soil but also from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon where a host of armed groups are based that shared Irans opposition to the State of Israel, according to CNN. Advertisement Israel thwarted the aerial attack with the help of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Two days after the attacks, Israel Defense Force (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said that the attack will be met with a response. We are looking ahead, we are considering our steps, and this launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response, said Halevi, as per The Times of Israel. Iran on late Saturday night launched more than 500 projectiles at Israel. The CNN report said that the attack comprised around 170 drones, more than 120 ballistic missiles, and 350 rockets. The Israeli government reported that 99% of these projectiles were intercepted in the multinational defensive operation over the weekend, which has since been named Iron Shield. While Iran and Israel have been lodged in a shadow war for a long time in which both countries have covertly struck at each-other frequently, the attack over the weekend was the first time that Iran had directly mounted an attack on Israeli soil. This was the most serious escalation since the Israel-Hamas War began last October when Hamas, a Gaza-based terrorist group sponsored by Iran, mounted an all-out attack on Israel. The Iranian attack has raised fears of an Israeli retaliation that might the put the two countries in a war that could ignite the region at large. For days prior to Irans attack, the attack was considered imminent by Israel and the United States. Iran had vowed to punish Israel for the killing of a top general in an airstrike on its diplomatic mission compound in Syrian capital Damascus on April 1. Prior to Irans attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declared that an attack on Israel will be met with a response on the attackers soil. Following Irans attack, however, the world leaders have urged Israel to show restraint. US President Joe Biden, who has provided ironclad support to Israel so far against Irans attacks reportedly told Netanyahu that while the US will help Israel defend itself, it will not join an Israeli retaliation on Iran. Advertisement Inside Israel, however, the calls for retaliation are brewing. Israels War Cabinet has bene authorised to respond to the weekends attack but the nature and timing of the attack has not yet been determined. War Cabinet member Benny Gantz was quoted as saying that the event is not over and that there is a need to build a regional coalition and exact a price from Iran, in a way and at a time that suits us, according to CNN. Earlier, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israel had thwarted this attack in a way that is unparalleled but added that we must be prepared for every scenario, according to the report. Advertisement On its part, Iran has said that a new equation has set in its relationship with Israel and warned that a much bigger attack would be carried out if Israel mounted a retaliation on Iran. We have decided to create a new equation, which is that if from now on the Zionist regime attacks our interests, assets, personalities, and citizens, anywhere, and at any point we will retaliate against them, said Hossein Salami, the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iranian state media. Earlier, Sardar Bagheri, the Chief of Staff of Irans military had said: If the Zionist regime responds, our next operation will be much bigger. Advertisement The IRGC is the vastly influential Iranian armed force that functions separately from the countrys regular military. It reports directly to the Supreme Leader of Iran. The general killed in the airstrike in Damascus was the top commander of the IRGCs Quds Force, the military and intelligence wing that looks after the covert foreign operations, in Syria and Lebanon. Israel currently faces a dilemma over the response to Iran as while a direct strike is the clearest path back to deterrence, it also carries the risk of starting an overt war that Israel does not want at the moment, said Ryan Bohl, Senior Middle East and North Africa Analyst at risk intelligence platform Rane Network, to CNBC. Advertisement Bohl further said that the less risky tactic is a covert escalation where the Israelis will be looking for ways where they can get their shadow war back into the shadows with greater intensity. The strikes which Iran referred to as Operation Truthful Promise were said to have been conducted in retaliation to the Israeli strike at the Iranian embassy in Syria read more As the brewing tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, Israel urges the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to punish and deter Iran following the unprecedented Iranian military strike on the Jewish nation. The strikes which Iran referred to as Operation Truthful Promise were said to have been conducted in retaliation to the Israeli strike at the Iranian embassy in Syria earlier this month. Today, the council must take action, Israels Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan told the council at an emergency meeting held on Sunday. Advertisement Condemn Iran for their terror; trigger the snapback mechanism and reimpose crippling sanctions; designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terror organization. Action must be taken now not for Israels sake, not for the regions sake, but for the worlds sake," he added. It is important to note that it was Israel which called for the emergency meeting following a direct attack on its territory by Iran. Tel Aviv has maintained that Tehran unleashed 170 armed drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles in its territory. However, Israel also noted that its air defences along with those of the United States and other allies managed to deter 99 per cent of the strikes, averting a major tragedy. Erdan condemns UNSC for not paying heed to Israels plea During the emergency meeting, the Israeli envoy condemned the UNSC for not listening to Israels warning about Iran over the years. He emphasised that the International body has remained silent on the rise of a Shiite Islamist Reich," AFP reported. As Irans mask has fallen, the worlds complacency must also fall, the Israeli envoy said. The mask comes off and the gloves must come on. He insisted that Theran had crossed every red line and maintained that Israel has the legal right to retaliate. UN Chief calls for restraint Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the members of the international body not to further escalate tensions with reprisals against Iran. Advertisement At the emergency meeting, Guterres told the member nations that the UN charter bars the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state and went on to condemn Irans attack on Israel. The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting the real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate, Guterres told the meeting. After Guterres assertion, US deputy envoy to UN Robert Wood called on the 15-member body to unequivocally condemn Irans attack and insisted that the council has an obligation to not let Irans actions go unanswered. Advertisement In the coming days, and in consultation with other member states, the United States will explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable here at the United Nations, he said. Let me be clear: If Iran or its proxies take actions against the United States or further action against Israel, Iran will be held responsible, the US official furthered. Iran hits back Defending its action at the emergency meeting, Irans ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani maintained that Tehran had no choice but to exercise their right to self-defense following the April 1 attack. He also reflected on the councils failure to formally condemn the Israeli attack in Damascus. Advertisement This lawless regime has committed many atrocious crimes against our people, the Iranian Ambassador said about Israel. This regime blatantly and openly admitted its responsibility for the terrorist and destructive operations committed against Iranian officials, scientists and civilians, and sabotage against our peaceful nuclear infrastructure in recent years," he added. Iravani made it clear that Iran does not seek escalation or war in the region but would defend itself if necessary. He also emphasised that Iran does not want any sort of conflict with the United States. We demonstrated our commitment to peace by exercising our restraint about involving the US Army in intercepting Iranian drones and missiles bound for military targets in the occupied Palestinian territories, he said. Advertisement We demonstrated our commitment to peace by exercising our restraint about involving the U.S. Army in intercepting Iranian drones and missiles bound for military targets in the occupied Palestinian territories, he added. Despite calls for de-escalation, the Iranian envoy made it clear that if the United States military initiates any operations against Tehran or its citizens, Iran would respond proportionately. With inputs from agencies. As the country reels from the Iranian strikes, its war cabinet weighs its response to the unprecedented overnight attack read more While the world calls for de-escalation of the ongoing tensions in West Asia, Israel pledged that it will exact a price from Iran after a barrage of missiles and drones infiltrated its territory. As the country reels from the Iranian strikes, its war cabinet weighs its response to the unprecedented overnight attack. Amid the ongoing turmoil, Israels war cabinet which has been authorised to respond to such attack met on Sunday to discuss the future plans. Advertisement During the meeting one of the cabinet members Benny Gantz maintained that the event is not over, CNN reported. Gantz insisted on the need to build a regional coalition and exact a price from Iran, in a way and at a time that suits us. Just hours before Gantzs proclamation, Israels Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israel had thwarted this attack in a way that is unparalleled but added that we (Tel Aviv) must be prepared for every scenario. The war cabinet remains divided over the retaliation plan According to The Times of Israel, the Israeli war cabinet conducted deliberation for over three hours but did not reach a unanimous decision over how the country would respond to the Iranian attack. An official source from the Israeli prime ministers office said that while the cabinet is certain that there will be a response, they are waiting for the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) to present options. The source also told the Israeli news outlet that the cabinet unanimously favours a retaliation against Iran but continues to remain divided over the timing and scale of any such response. Israel faces international pressure The Israeli cabinet struggles to come up with a unanimous decision on the matter as Tel Aviv continues to face pressure from the Western allies to de-escalate an intensely fraught situation. Advertisement Amid the chaos, US President Joe Biden and senior members of his national security team sought to contain the risk of a wider regional war and told their Israeli counterpart that the United States would not participate in any offensive action against Iran. In a conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister on Saturday, Biden insisted that further Israeli response was unnecessary, CNN reported. The POTUS insisted that Israelis should consider the Saturday incident a win because Irans attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israels superior military capability. However, during phone calls with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz maintained that the Jewish nation will continue defending its citizens. Advertisement I emphasized: Israel, like any other country, is committed to defend its citizens, said Katz in a post on X. I told them its your time to weaken the Iranian regime, to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and to impose crippling sanctions on the Iranian missile project. Iran must pay a price, he added. I spoke today with British Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron and French Foreign Minister @steph_sejourne. I thanked them for their assistance in the thwarting Iranian attack on Israel last night, for their steadfast support, and true friendship in times of need . However, I Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) April 14, 2024 Advertisement Iran issues new warning After reports started to swirl that Israel was planning to retaliate, Iran maintained that a new equation in its adversarial relationship with Israel had been opened and warned of a much bigger assault on the country if Netanyahu decided to conduct a tit-for-tat attack. We have decided to create a new equation, which is that if from now on the Zionist regime (Israel) attacks our interests, assets, personalities, and citizens, anywhere, and at any point we will retaliate against them, the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami told Iranian state TV. Advertisement Meanwhile, Sardar Bagheri, the Chief of Staff of Irans Armed Forces, had stated if the Zionist regime responds, our next operation will be much bigger. Bagheri insisted that from Irans perspective, the military operation against Israel has concluded. However, he made it clear that Iran will continue to remain on high alert. Jaishankar held telephonic conversations with both Iranian and Israeli foreign ministers and called for the de-escalation of the conflict read more With the tensions between Iran and Israel reaching an all-time high, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts to discuss the ongoing situation in West Asia. Jaishankar held telephonic conversations with both Iranian and Israeli foreign ministers and called for the de-escalation of the conflict. During his calls with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the EAM also discussed the release of 17 Indian crew members who were present on the cargo ship which was eventually seized by Iran on Saturday. Advertisement Spoke to Iranian FM. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch, Jaishankar wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 14, 2024 In a separate post, the Indian diplomat stated that he held talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and agreed to stay in touch with Tel Aviv amid the ongoing crisis. Just concluded a conversation with Israel FM Israel Katz. Shared our concern about the developments yesterday. Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch, he wrote on X. Advertisement The diplomatic exchanges came after Iran unleashed over 300 drones and missiles at the Israeli territory in an unprecedented attack late Saturday. The Iranian authorities mentioned that the attacks were conducted in retaliation to the Israeli strikes on the Iranian embassy in Damascus. However, the Israeli military maintained that its air defence system along with the help of the United States and its Western allies, the Jewish nation has managed to intercept 99 per cent of the strikes. Iran says Indian officials will be allowed to meet Indian crew members During the call, Iran said that Indian representatives will soon be allowed to meet the 17 Indian crew members of MSC ARIES. Following the talks, the Iranian foreign ministry released a statement on the matter. Advertisement As per the press release, Abdollahian mentioned that they are following up on the details related to the detained ship and soon would allow the Indian representatives to meet the crew stranded in the region. Iran also urged India to continue supporting Tehran through international institutions like the UNSC. The Iranian FM reiterated Irans demand for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and described the ongoing Israel-Hamas war as the root of the current crisis in the region. Jaishankar reiterated that the most important issue for India is to witness a reduction in tensions in the region. Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos has denied the prospect of giving the US access to any more bases in the Philippines. This is likely an effort to maintain the delicate balance of power in the region read more Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos met his US counterpart Joe Biden recently as part of the Japan-US-Philippines joint meeting. Source: Reuters It has been less than a week since United States President Joe Biden restated Washingtons ironclad commitment to defend the Philippines against any attack in the South China Sea. When that statement was made, Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos was in the US, attending the Philippines first-ever trilateral with the US and Japan. Yet, Manila on Monday refused the prospect of giving the US access to any more of its military bases. This seemingly contradictory stand actually demonstrates the delicate balance that Marcos is trying to maintain in a geopolitically sensitive region. Advertisement Philippines close military ties with the US On Thursday, Biden brought the flaring maritime tensions between China and the Philippines under the spotlight. In a statement meant to serve as a warning to Beijing, he said, Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defence treaty. The treaty requires both nations to support each other if a third party attacks either of them. The trilateral summit, Washingtons assurance of military support to Manila, and the Philippines publicly standing up to Chinese actions in recent times are, at least in part, the result of President Marcos efforts. Marcos dramatically changed course when he took office, in the waterway and giving the United States access to more Philippine military bases. Since assuming office in July last year, Marcos has led a rapid improvement in the US-Philippines relationship. This move was a big shift from the pro-Beijing policy his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte pursued. In February, Marcos also allowed the US military access to four more military bases in the country under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This means that Washington now has access to nine military bases in the Southeast Asian nation. However, on Monday, Marcos said Manila would not give Washington access to any more military bases in the country. Philippines has no plan to open or establish more EDCA bases, he said during a forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines. Advertisement It is evident that Washingtons military support served the Philippines national interest. So why is there a stark refusal from Marcos, that too, days after a crucial summit? Why is Marcos against more bases in the Philippines There could be multiple reasons behind Marcos remarks. For starters, Washington already has access to nine bases in the Philippines. That could be a high enough number to maintain preparedness in case of an attack or conflict breaking out. Another reason is to avoid antagonising China too much. Beijing has reportedly warned Manila against US militarys presence on its territory. Bolstering US troops presence beyond a certain point can risk escalation and elicit a strong reaction from China. Marcos may be trying to steer clear of such an outcome. Advertisement Then there is the issue of domestic opposition to excessive US military presence in the Philippines. Many leaders in the country have expressed fears that Manila could become embroiled in a US-China conflict over Taiwan. Those fears have only been emboldened due to Marcos move in February. Of the four new bases that he allowed US troops to access, three face north, towards Taiwan. With inputs from agencies The Malaysian government urged all parties involved to de-escalate the situation and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In response to Irans attack on Israel, several countries in the region closed their airspace read more Malaysia has called on the global community to stay focused on ensuring the freedom of Palestine amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan recently stated the importance of working towards Palestinian freedom and their right to land ownership while accusing Israel of diverting the globes attention from Paletinians plight. He stated, Any diversion from this goal is what Israel desires, aiming to divert global attention from their harmful and unacceptable actions in Palestine. Advertisement Malaysia echoed the United Nations Secretary-Generals plea for an immediate cessation of hostilities, highlighting the potential consequences of further violence. The Malaysian government urged all parties involved to de-escalate the situation and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In response to Irans attack on Israel, several countries in the region closed their airspace, prompting temporary flight diversions by carriers including Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and others. The Foreign Minister highlighted Irans assertion that its actions against Israel were justifiable, but warned against further provocation, which could lead to a wider regional conflict. However, Iran asserts that should the Israeli regime or its allies were to make another mistake, Irans response will be considerably more severe, thus creating a never-ending cycle of violence, he said. Any further form of provocation or retaliation could ignite a devastating region-wide conflict that will not serve the region or the Palestinian cause. A travel advisory was issued for Malaysians in Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, advising them to prepare for potential disruptions and to contact the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate in case of emergency. Advertisement Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof advised against travel to high-risk regions and stated the need for the Foreign Ministry to monitor the safety of Malaysians abroad. Despite the tensions, business between Malaysian and Iranian counterparts continues, with businessmen highlighting the resilience of trade relations between the two countries. In 2019, Duterte pulled the Philippines out of the International Criminal Court after the tribunal in The Hague began looking into claims that he had violated human rights during his war on drugs read more On Monday, the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos, declared that he would not turn over his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, to the International Criminal Court, which is looking into his lethal drug campaign. We dont recognise the warrant that they will send to us. Thats a no, Marcos said during a conference hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines. The anti-drug campaign that was initiated by former president Duterte in 2016 and carried out by Marcos resulted in thousands of deaths. Advertisement In 2019, Duterte pulled the Philippines out of the International Criminal Court after the tribunal in The Hague began looking into claims that he had violated human rights during his war on drugs. Marcos has said that he will never return to the court. Two months after Manila said it was re-examining several hundred cases of drug operations that resulted in killings at the hands of police, hitmen, and vigilantes, the International Criminal Court (ICC) officially suspended its investigation into Dutertes campaign. The investigation had begun in September 2021. The then ICC chief prosecutor later asked to reopen the inquiry in June 2022, and pre-trial judges at the court gave the green light in late January 2023 a decision that Manila appealed shortly afterwards and lost. More than 6,000 people were killed in anti-drug operations under Duterte, according to official data released by the Philippines. ICC prosecutors estimate the death toll at between 12,000 and 30,000. The US officials noted that Iran has launched around 115 and 130 ballistic missiles that were intended to target Israel read more Top US officials said that most of the missiles launched by Iran failed to reach the targets. Source: Reuters As the world continues to navigate through the ongoing Iran-Israel tensions, reports are emerging that roughly 50 per cent of Iranian missiles either failed to launch or crashed before reaching Israel during the late Saturday attack. While giving an update on the attack, three US officials told The Wall Street Journal that Irans attack using its ballistic missiles can not be considered a success because most of them failed to reach Israeli territory. Advertisement The US officials noted that Iran has launched around 115 and 130 ballistic missiles that were intended to target Israel. The officials mentioned while half of those ballistic missiles were intercepted successfully, the other half failed in the flight and did not reach their targets. So much for the vaunted ballistic missile capability of Iran, one of the officials exclaimed. Israel incurs relatively low damage Shortly after the attack, the Israeli Defence Force Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that Iran fired 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles towards Israel. Hagari mentioned that out of the hundreds of launches only few crossed into Israel and caused minor damages at the Navatim Airbase. The airbase suffered minor damage to its infrastructure located near the runway. While no one died in the attack, a spokesperson for Israels Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service confirmed that a 7-year-old girl was injured by shrapnel from a missile inception. Israel remains divided over retaliation In light of the attack, the Israeli war cabinet on Sunday conducted deliberation for over three hours but did not reach a unanimous decision over how the country would respond to the Iranian attack. An official source from the Israeli prime ministers office said that while the cabinet is certain that there will be a response, they are waiting for the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) to present options. Advertisement The source also told the Israeli news outlet that the cabinet unanimously favours a retaliation against Iran but continues to remain divided over the timing and scale of any such response. World hopes for de-escalation Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus administration is also facing significant international pressure with world leaders urging the authorities to de-escalate the matter. US President Joe Biden and senior members of his national security team sought to contain the risk of a wider regional war and told their Israeli counterpart that the United States would not participate in any offensive action against Iran. In a conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister on Saturday, Biden insisted that further Israeli response was unnecessary, CNN reported. The POTUS insisted that Israelis should consider the Saturday incident a win because Irans attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israels superior military capability. Advertisement However, during phone calls with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz maintained that the Jewish nation will continue defending its citizens. I emphasized: Israel, like any other country, is committed to defend its citizens, said Katz in a post on X. I spoke today with British Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron and French Foreign Minister @steph_sejourne. I thanked them for their assistance in the thwarting Iranian attack on Israel last night, for their steadfast support, and true friendship in times of need . However, I Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) April 14, 2024 Advertisement I told them its your time to weaken the Iranian regime, to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and to impose crippling sanctions on the Iranian missile project. Iran must pay a price, he added. On Thursday, a group of anti-junta soldiers led by the KNU took over military rule of the border town of Myawaddy, which is close to Thailand read more Padoh Saw Taw Nee, the spokesman for the Karen National Union (KNU), speaks during an interview with Reuters, in Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand. Reuters Resistance fighters opposing Myanmars military regime said on Sunday that they had thwarted an effort by junta soldiers to move on the rebel-seized vital town of Myawaddy, which is near the Thai border. According to Karen National Union (KNU) spokeswoman Saw Taw Nee, junta reinforcements had been attempting to move on Myawaddy for days but were driven back in a fight some 40 km distant. It is not easy to come here. They face a lot of difficulty, he told Reuters, saying the KNUs forces had been blocking and intercepting the junta troops. Advertisement It was not possible to independently verify the KNU facts. When Reuters called, a representative for the military coup that overthrew an elected government in 2021 did not pick up. On Thursday, a group of anti-junta soldiers led by the KNU took over military rule of the border town of Myawaddy, which is close to Thailand. According to Saw Taw Nee, fighting broke out on Friday between the villages of Kawkareik and Kaw Nwet along the important Asian Highway 1, which heads west from the Thai border. According to reports from the front lines, the juntas official count of fighting-related deaths and injuries was about 100, according to the KNU spokeswoman. We know that they suffered a loss of one armed carrier and a military truck, he said. Myanmar has been in turmoil since 2021, when the powerful military deposed an elected civilian government, triggering widespread protests it sought to crush with force. Simmering anger against the junta turned into a nationwide armed resistance movement that is now increasingly operating in coordination with established ethnic rebel groups to challenge the military across large parts of Myanmar. Advertisement Saw Taw Nee said the resistance will take time. We need to have a kind of coordination with other groups to defeat the military, he said. The KNU spokesperson said there were also challenges working in a broad anti-junta coalition. We are still in the process of how to negotiate, how to come together and how to move forward among our Karen groups, he said, referring to members of the ethnic group residing primarily in Kayin State. Saw Taw Nee said the immediate concern for the KNU is the more than one million displaced people within its territories, and called on the international community, including neighbouring Thailand, to provide support. Advertisement We really need to work together in the future more and more on this issue, he said. He urged Myanmars junta to see their recent military setbacks as a sign that they should hand back power to the people. Please dont waste time any more, he said. This is the time, and a good opportunity, to listen to people first. Lawsuits filed in 2019 say civilians were killed by military bombardments conducted by Hifters army. Also, that Hifter and his family owned a significant amount of property in Virginia, which could have been used to pay off any judgment against him read more A US District Judge has dismissed a series of civil lawsuits against Khalifa Hifter, a Libyan military commander residing in Virginia, accused of involvement in civilian killings during Libyas civil war. Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that she lacked jurisdiction over cases alleging war crimes in Libya, despite Hifters U.S. citizenship and long-term residence in Virginia as an exile from Moammar Gadhafis regime. This ruling marks a significant turn for Hifter, who faced a default judgment in 2022 for refusing scheduled depositions regarding his role in Libyas conflict. However, with new legal representation, Hifter reopened the case and participated in depositions in 2022 and 2023, denying allegations of orchestrating attacks against civilians. Advertisement Formerly aligned with Gadhafi, Hifter defected to the U.S. in the 1980s and is believed to have collaborated with the CIA during his exile. He returned to Libya in 2011 to support anti-Gadhafi forces, ultimately leading the self-styled Libyan National Army during the civil war with backing from countries like Russia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Hifter remains influential in eastern Libya. In the lawsuits, first filed in 2019, the plaintiffs say family members were killed by military bombardments conducted by Hifters army in civilian areas. The lawsuits also alleged that Hifter and his family owned a significant amount of property in Virginia, which could have been used to pay off any judgment that would have been entered against him. While the lawsuits were tossed out on technical issues over jurisdiction, one of Hifters lawyers, Paul Kamenar, said Hifter denied any role in the deaths of civilians. Hes not this ruthless figure that everyone wants to portray him as, Kamenar said in a phone interview Sunday. Faisal Gill, a lawyer for plaintiffs in one of the three lawsuits that Brinkema tossed out Friday, said he plans to appeal the dismissal. Mark Zaid, lawyer for another set of plaintiffs, called Brinkemas ruling perplexing and said he believes that the courts jurisdiction to hear the case had already been established at an earlier phase of the case. Advertisement A U.S. citizen committed war crimes abroad and thus far has escaped civil accountability, Zaid said Sunday in an emailed statement. In court papers, Hifter tried to claim immunity from the suits as a head of state. At one point, the judge put the cases on pause because she worried that the lawsuits were being used to influence scheduled presidential elections in Libya, in which Hifter was a candidate. Those elections were later postponed. With inpuits from The Associated Press Six people, five women and one man, were killed by Queensland man Joel Cauchi in a Sydney shopping mall on Saturday while 12 others, including an infant, were injured read more Three women place flowers as a tribute near the crime scene at Bondi Junction in Sydney, Australia, April 14, 2024 | Source: AP In the wake of the devastating mass stabbing incident at the Westfield shopping center in Sydneys Bondi Junction in Australia, the identities of the six victims have been disclosed. The six people, five women and one man, were killed by Joel Cauchi from Queensland on Saturday while 12 others, including an infant, were injured. Eight of the injured were women, according to New South Wales (NSW) police. A look at the six victims who lost their lives Advertisement Faraz Tahir, 30: Faraz Tahir, a 30-year-old refugee from Pakistan, was tragically killed while working his first shift as a security guard at the shopping center. Tahir was part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Australia. The group described Tahir as a cherished member of our community. PRESS RELEASE Refugee Becomes Victim of Horrific Bondi Junction Stabbing Tragedy While Defending Others#BondiJunction #BondiJunctionAttack pic.twitter.com/sw2Kp8qwvV Ahmadiyya Muslim AUS (@AhmadiyyaAUS) April 14, 2024 [Tahir] was a dedicated security guard who tragically lost his life while serving the public during this attack, they said in a statement. He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness. Ashlee Good, 38: Ashlee Good, a 38-year-old mother, perished while attempting to protect her nine-month-old baby during the attack. It was reported that in her final moments, Good managed to pass the infant into the arms of a shopper. Dawn Singleton, 25: Dawn Singleton, the 25-year-old was the daughter of prominent figures John Singleton and Julie Martin, reported The Guardian. Advertisement Dawn, I should be writing your wedding speech [but] instead I sit here sobbing coming to terms with how life isnt fair that you are no longer here, Her cousin, Jade OConnor wrote on Facebook. This year you were meant to get married to the love of your life. Im so broken and [cant] believe this is reality. Over the weekend we lost not only an employee but someone special to us who felt like a family member, her company wrote. We are all truly devastated by this loss. Dawn was a sweet, kind hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. Advertisement She was really amazing [and] she will always be remembered as part of the White Fox family. Jade Young, 47: Jade Young, a 47-year-old architect and mother of two, was a member of the Bronte Surf Club community. This is and will be a difficult time for the community, the club said on Facebook. We are here to support the community, and our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone affected. Pikria Darchia, 55: Pikria Darchia, a 55-year-old artist and designer, was among the victims of the attack. According to her LinkedIn account, Darchia was an artist and a designer who worked for a decade in Tbilisi, Georgia. She also studied business administration at TAFE NSW. Advertisement Yixuan Cheng, 25: Yixuan Cheng, a 25-year-old student at the University of Sydney, was the sixth victim identified among those who lost their lives in the attack. Wang Chunsheng, Chinas acting consul general in Sydney, said he was very sorry to hear about the incident. He said the consulate would be in contact with Chengs relatives in China to make arrangements, reported The Guardian. The vice-chancellor of the University of Sydney, Prof Mark Scott, said in an email to staff and students on Monday: On behalf of the university, I extend my sincere condolences to the students family and friends. We are working closely with the Chinese consulate and the students family to assist in any way we can. Advertisement Current status of the hospitalised victims Furthermore, updates from NSW Health provide information on the current status of the hospitalised victims, with some discharged and eight still receiving treatment across various medical facilities in Sydney, reported The Guardian: New South Wales Police Commissioner acknowledged the significance of the videos as a line of inquiry. She highlighted the apparent focus of the attacker on women while avoiding men, indicating a noteworthy area of interest for investigators read more A woman offers flowers for the victims of Saturday's stabbings at Bondi Junction in Sydney, Australia, April 14, 2024. REUTERS Australian police said on Monday that they are probing the motive behind a horrific incident at a Sydney shopping mall, where a 40-year-old man with a history of mental illness appeared to target women, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuring a dozen more. Videos circulating on social media depict Joel Cauchi, described as an unshaven itinerant, pursuing predominantly female victims as he carried out the rampage within the crowded Westfield shopping complex in Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon. Advertisement Of the six fatalities, five were women, with the majority of the wounded also being female. New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb acknowledged the significance of the videos as a line of inquiry. She highlighted the apparent focus of the attacker on women while avoiding men, indicating a noteworthy area of interest for investigators. However, Webb stressed the challenge of discerning the assailants motives, underscoring the need for thorough interviews with individuals familiar with him. Joel Cauchis Facebook profile indicates he hails from Toowoomba, near Brisbane, and had attended local educational institutions. His distinctive grey, red, and yellow dragon tattoo on his right arm aided in his identification. Very traumatic The last of Cauchis six victims was identified Monday as Yixuan Cheng, a young Chinese woman who was a student. The other women killed were a designer, a volunteer surf lifesaver, the daughter of an entrepreneur, and a new mother whose wounded nine-month-old baby is in hospital. The mother, 38-year-old Ashlee Good, handed her injured baby girl to strangers in desperation before being rushed to hospital where she died of her wounds. The baby, named Harriet, remains in a stable condition in a Sydney hospital, police said. Goods family described her as a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human and so much more. Advertisement To the two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not words cannot express our gratitude, they said in a statement to Australian media. The only man killed was 30-year-old Pakistani man Faraz Tahir, who had been working as a security guard when he was stabbed. Cauchis assault, which lasted about half an hour, was brought to an end when solo police inspector Amy Scott shot him dead. Following the shooting, Scott who has been hailed as a hero was spending time with her family to deal with the very traumatic matter, the state police chief said. Advertisement In a statement, Cauchis parents offered thoughts for the victims and said their sons actions were truly horrific. We are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager. Doing her job The parents also sent a message to the officer who shot their son dead. She was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright, they said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken to the families of some of the victims. The gender break-down is of course concerning each and every victim here is mourned, he told ABC radio, promising a comprehensive police investigation. Advertisement Cauchi is believed to have travelled to Sydney about a month ago and hired a small storage unit in the city, according to police. It contained personal belongings, including a boogie board. He had been living in a vehicle and hostels, and was only in sporadic contact with his family via text messages, his parents said. Wwith inputs from AFP In the tweet, Trump threatened the then-president of Iran Hasan Rouhani and stated that the United States would not stand for Irans demented words of violence & death read more Former US President Donald Trump responded to Irans attack on Israel by reposting an all-caps tweet he wrote back in 2018. In the tweet, Trump threatened the then-president of Iran Hasan Rouhani and stated that the United States would not stand for Irans demented words of violence & death. Trump reshared his tweet just hours after Iran unleashed a barrage of drones and missiles in Israeli territory. Tehran claimed that the attack was conducted in response to the Israeli strike in its embassy in Syria and stated that it was part of Operation Truthful Promise. Advertisement To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS! read Trumps 2018 tweet. Trump shares his 2018 tweet on TruthSocial The former president also posted a screenshot of Florida Senator Rick Scott praising the 2018 tweet. What was Trumps intention behind the 2018 tweet? The former US President originally tweeted the message in 2018 amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The tweet came after the former Iranian president warned the US that a war with Iran would be the mother of all wars. Trump also addressed Irans attack on Israel during a Pennsylvania rally which was held on Saturday. Theyre under attack right now. Thats because we show great weakness, he said during a rally in Schnecksville, in Pennsylvanias Lehigh Valley. The weakness that weve shown is unbelievable, and it would not have happened if we were in office," the erstwhile American commander-in-chief furthered. Trumps former ally slams his assertion Meanwhile, Trumps former National Security Adviser John Bolton dismissed the business-mogul-turned politicians claim that the Iran-Israel conflict would have never happened if he was in the office. Advertisement I just think Trump is delusional on this point, John Bolton said during an interview on CNN. Its a point that nobody can refute or confirm one way or the other. He doesnt have any idea what to do in the Middle East in this situation," he added. Bolton also took time to slam the Biden administration over its response to the Iranian attack. Look at Bidens actions in the past 24 hours, trying to persuade Israel not to respond. This is a measure of two candidates, neither one of whom is qualified at a point of enormous threat, not just to Israels national security, he said. Advertisement Lets be clear, whats happening in the Middle East is a threat to American national security. And we should be standing with Israel to deal with the threat of Iran, the veteran diplomat furthered. Trump slams Bidens response to Iranian attacks Trump attempted to use Bidens response to the ongoing tussle in the Middle East as a campaign tool, painting himself a greater ally to Israel. However, the business-mogul-turned politician has previously accused Jewish people who vote for Democrats of being sacrilegious and even slammed Israel for losing the PR war. In response to Trumps proclamation, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said that he would not delve much into what Trump said during his campaign trail. Advertisement I wont get into comments from the campaign trail, he said but added that Biden had been the first president to visit Israel during a war. They discussed how to address law enforcement issues and improve international cooperation at the CBI headquarters. Director Sood of the CBI and Kavanagh discussed the necessity for more international collaboration in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, and technology-enabled crime, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence read more In addition, Christina Scott, the UK's Acting High Commissioner to India, Robert Holness from the UK National Crime Agency, and Sorrel Evans from the UK Home Office are among the delegations accompanying Stephen Kavanagh on their tour to India Image Courtesy ANI The Executive Director of Policing Services at INTERPOL, Stephen Kavanagh, is a British police officer who arrived in the nations capital on Monday for high-level talks and to talk with the government about the future of international crime-fighting. After visiting India Gate, Kavanagh had one-on-one talks with high-ranking officials from the Indian government, including Praveen Sood, the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). They discussed how to address law enforcement issues and improve international cooperation at the CBI headquarters. Director Sood of the CBI and Kavanagh discussed the necessity for more international collaboration in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, and technology-enabled crime, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Advertisement On his visit to India, Stephen Kavanagh said, India is a critical partner for INTERPOL, whose agencies have been at the forefront in tackling multi-dimensional criminal activities at the global level. The British police officer also emphasized that, should he be elected to the position of Secretary General of INTERPOL, he would collaborate with other members to promote a rise in data and analysis, leading to operational triumphs in the fight against drugs, cybercrimes, and crimes against the environment and wildlife. He additionally expressed his belief that INTERPOL has been underpinned by principles that I believe in strongly; impact through the delivery of tangible operational outcomes, innovation to outsmart criminality, working inclusively and openly for all our member countries, and serving always with integrity, humility, and professionalism. In addition, Christina Scott, the UKs Acting High Commissioner to India, Robert Holness from the UK National Crime Agency, and Sorrel Evans from the UK Home Office are among the delegations accompanying Stephen Kavanagh on their tour to India. The visit is a major step in the direction of deepening India-UK collaboration on the fight against transnational crime. Strengthening bilateral connections and cooperating closely to successfully address shared security challengessuch as the necessity of accelerating mutual legal assistance and giving extradition requests pertaining to fugitives top prioritywere underlined. According to the US Central Command, the intercepted threats included a ballistic missile positioned on its launcher vehicle, along with seven UAVs neutralised before launch in areas of Yemen under Houthi control read more In a statement released Sunday, the Pentagon revealed that the United States thwarted an onslaught from Iran, destroying over 80 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and at least six ballistic missiles aimed at Israel. According to the US Central Command, the intercepted threats included a ballistic missile positioned on its launcher vehicle, along with seven UAVs neutralised before launch in areas of Yemen under Houthi control. Iran had unleashed a barrage of more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, citing retaliation for an earlier strike on its consulate in Syria on April 1. Advertisement However, the majority of these Iranian projectiles were successfully intercepted and brought down by Israeli, US, and allied forces before reaching their intended targets. Over the course of Saturday and Sunday morning, US CENTCOM forces, with the backing of US European Command destroyers, effectively engaged and obliterated the incoming threat, comprising over 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAVs) and at least six ballistic missiles aimed at striking Israel from both Iran and Yemen, as outlined in the official media statement. Irans continued unprecedented, malign, and reckless behaviour endangers regional stability and the safety of U.S. and coalition forces. CENTCOM remains postured to support Israels defense against these dangerous actions by Iran. We will continue to work with all our regional partners to increase regional security, it said. Israel described the attack as a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law, and accused Iran of stoking regional instability, calling on the Security Council to unequivocally condemn Iran for these grave violations and immediately act to designate the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] as a terrorist organisation. Iran said it had launched the operation in exercise of its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. With inputs from agencies Johnson has also made it clear to fellow House Republicans that he will this week push to package together the aid for Israel, Ukraine and allies in Asia and pass it through the House, said GOP Rep. Mike Turner read more Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks as Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump listens during a news conference, Friday, April 12, 2024, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. AP US House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Sunday his intention to push for crucial wartime aid for Israel within the week, amid his challenging endeavor to secure House approval for a comprehensive national security package for Ukraine and key allies in Asia. Johnson, hailing from Louisiana, faces significant political pressure within his own Republican Party as he navigates the division over supporting Kyiv in its defense against Moscows invasion. Despite the mounting pressure, Johnson has delayed action for two months on a $95 billion supplemental package, which includes provisions for U.S. allies, humanitarian aid for civilians in Ukraine and Gaza, and funding to replenish U.S. weaponry supplied to Taiwan. Advertisement The recent attack by Iran on Israel only intensified the urgency for action, providing Johnson with an opportunity to highlight the critical need for approving the funding. Speaking on Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures, Johnson highlighted the importance of standing with Israel and pledged to push forward the aid package in the coming week. He stated, The details of that package are being put together right now. Were looking at the options and all these supplemental issues. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer disclosed during a news conference that President Joe Biden engaged in a phone call on Sunday with the top Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate, including Johnson. Schumer, a Democrat from New York, highlighted the shared consensus among leaders on the imperative to support Israel and Ukraine, expressing hope for swift resolution and action in the coming week. Its vital for the future of Ukraine, for Israel and the West, Schumer said. The White House said Biden discussed the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible. Johnson has also made it clear to fellow House Republicans that he will this week push to package together the aid for Israel, Ukraine and allies in Asia and pass it through the House, said GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, on NBCs Meet the Press. Advertisement The speaker has expressed support for legislation that would structure some of the funding for Kyiv as loans, pave the way for the U.S. to tap frozen Russian central bank assets and include other policy changes. Johnson has pushed for the Biden administration to lift a pause on approvals for Liquefied Natural Gas exports and at times has also demanded policy changes at the U.S. border with Mexico. But currently, the only package with wide bipartisan support in Congress is the Senate-passed bill that includes roughly $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel. White House national security spokesman John Kirby called on the speaker to put that package on the floor as soon as possible. Advertisement We didnt need any reminders in terms of whats going on in Ukraine, Kirby said on NBC. But last night certainly underscores significantly the threat that Israel faces in a very, very tough neighborhood. As Johnson searches for a way to advance the funding for Ukraine, he has been in conversations with both the White House and former president Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. With his job under threat, Johnson traveled to Florida on Friday for an event with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club. Trump expressed support for Johnson and said he had a very good relationship with him. He and I are 100% united on these big agenda items, Johnson said. When you talk about aid to Ukraine, hes introduced the loan-lease concept which is a really important one and I think has a lot of consensus. Advertisement But Trump, with his America First agenda, has inspired many Republicans to push for a more isolationist stance. Support for Ukraine has steadily eroded in the roughly two years since the war began, and a cause that once enjoyed wide support has become one of Johnsons toughest problems. When he returns to Washington on Monday, Johnson also will be facing a contingent of conservatives already angry with how he has led the House in maintaining much of the status quo both on government spending and more recently, a U.S. government surveillance tool. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a right-wing Republican from Georgia, has called for Johnsons ouster. She departed the Capitol on Friday telling reporters that support for her effort was growing. And as Johnson on Sunday readied to advance the aid, Greene said on X that it was antisemitic to make Israeli aid contingent on aid for Ukraine. Advertisement While no other Republicans have openly joined Greene in calling to oust Johnson, a growing number of hardline conservatives are openly disparaging Johnson and defying his leadership. Meanwhile, senior GOP lawmakers who support aid to Ukraine are growing frustrated with the months-long wait to bring it to the House floor. Kyivs troops have been running low on ammunition and Russia is becoming emboldened as it looks to gain ground in a spring and summer offensive. A massive missile and drone attack destroyed one of Ukraines largest power plants and damaged others last week. What happened in Israel last night happens in Ukraine every night, said Rep. Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on CBSs Face the Nation. The divided dynamic has forced Johnson to try to stitch together a package that has some policy wins for Republicans while also keeping Democrats on board. Democrats, however, have repeatedly called on the speaker to put the $95 billion package passed by the Senate in February on the floor. Although progressive Democrats have resisted supporting the aid to Israel over concerns it would support its campaign into Gaza that has killed thousands of civilians, most House Democrats have gotten behind supporting the Senate package. The reason why the Senate bill is the only bill is because of the urgency, Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said last week. We pass the Senate bill, it goes straight to the presidents desk and you start getting the aid to Ukraine immediately. Thats the only option. Many Democrats also have signaled they would likely be willing to help Johnson defeat an effort to remove him from the speakers office if he puts the Senate bill on the floor. Im one of those who would save him if we can do Israel, Taiwan, Ukraine and some reasonable border security, said Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat. With inputs from The Associated Press The conflict erupted in Sudan on April 15, 2023, pitting the Sudanese army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), causing widespread devastation to the nations infrastructure read more The war has pushed millions into extreme hunger, created the world's largest displacement crisis, and triggered waves of ethnically driven killings and sexual violence in the Darfur region of western Sudan. Representational Image. Reuters The United States is reportedly planning an additional $100 million in aid to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan, aiming to catalyze international action ahead of the wars anniversary Monday, according to Reuters. Reportedly, Samantha Power, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), revealed that the supplementary funding, initially disclosed by Reuters, will be allocated towards urgent needs such as emergency food assistance, nutrition support, and other critical life-saving aid. Advertisement In addition to the aid announcement, Power is poised to urge the conflicting parties to cease obstructing humanitarian access and engage in sincere negotiations to achieve a ceasefire. This initiative is crucial to avert famine and alleviate further suffering among the Sudanese population. A year ago tomorrow, the people of Sudan woke up to a nightmare, Power remarked. Bustling neighborhoods were transformed into battlegrounds, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, with bodies left strewn in the streets and civilians trapped in their homes without sufficient food, water, and medical supplies. The conflict erupted in Sudan on April 15, 2023, pitting the Sudanese army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), causing widespread devastation to the nations infrastructure. While the exact death toll remains uncertain, thousands of civilians have perished, with both sides facing accusations of perpetrating war crimes. The war has pushed millions into extreme hunger, created the worlds largest displacement crisis, and triggered waves of ethnically driven killings and sexual violence in the Darfur region of western Sudan. Washingtons announcement of further assistance comes ahead of a humanitarian conference in France on April 15. The U.S. has urged partners around the world to put greater priority on the conflict in Sudan and step up with further funding at the conference. We call on others to join us in increasing support to the people of Sudan and urgently mobilizing additional support for the Sudanese response, Power said. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters The Prime Minister was referring to Rahul Gandhis statement at a rally in Rajasthan on March 11, where the Congress leader claimed that he would eradicate poverty in a jiffy by transferring Rs 1 lakh into the account of a poor woman from a household read more The Prime Minister said that by saying 'Modi ki gaurantee' he was giving the people a guarantee that he would fulfill all his promises Image Courtesy ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken on the opposition for failing to keep its promises to the people. The Prime Minister said that politicians need to take ownership of the statements they make to the people. I feel that political leadership is becoming questionable. In such a situation, we should remember that we have a tradition of Pran Jaye par Vacchan na Jaye. (You can lose your life but not your word). I believe that politicians should take ownership, they should take responsibility. What I say is my responsibility and I have given the guarantee for that. I also commit and I take ownership. Take the case of Article 370, it has been our partys commitment. When it was my turn, I showed courage and did away with 370. And today, the fate of Jammu and Kashmir has changed, the PM was quoted as saying by ANI. Advertisement Triple Talaq. Many things happened the political leadership, then got scared. People said, why should we trust them? They say one thing and the other. But people started believing. Trust is a very big power. And in a country like India, I consider this trust as my responsibility. And that is why I say this again and again, the PM added. The Prime Minister said that by saying Modi ki gaurantee he was giving the people a guarantee that he would fulfill all his promises. As far as the question of guarantee is concerned, today in our country, I feel that politicians are not true to their word. In a way, it seems thatyou can say anything you want. You dont have any responsibility. Nowadays, you must have seen nowdays old videos of one politician are doing the rounds. And his one statement is so contradictory to the other. People watch them together and say this man used to fool us so much. Now I have heard a politicians speech in which he said I will remove poverty in a jiffy. Now those who got to rule five to six decades, when they say today that I will remove poverty in a jiffy, then people will raise questions, the PM said. The Prime Minister was referring to Rahul Gandhis statement at a rally in Rajasthan on March 11, where the Congress leader claimed that he would eradicate poverty in a jiffy by transferring Rs 1 lakh into the account of a poor woman from a household. The Prime Minister further said that he had big plans once his government was re-elected to power in the Lok Sabha election. When I say that I have a very big plans in my mind, and I have very big plans, most governments have the habit of saying, we have done everything. I dont believe that I have done everything. I have tried to do as much as possible. I have tried to go in the right direction, the PM said. Advertisement Still, there is a lot that I still have to do. Because I see how much my country needs. Every familys dream, how will that dream come true? This is what I have in my heart. And that is why I say what has happened is a trailer. You liked it. But I want to do a lot more, he said. The Prime Minister also urged voters to brave the heat and come out and vote. he called on first time voters to consider the future of the country for the next 25 years and then cast their vote. (With agency inputs) The Prime Minister also referred to the direct call from him to the Saudi King in the year 2015, which helped India evacuate on a mass scale Indians and foreginers were stranded in war-torn Yemen when bombing by Saudi Arabia and its allies on Yemen made it difficult to evacuate Indian nationals read more Replying to a query on the "classic handshake" between US President and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, he said PM Modi said he has friendship with both the leaders Image Courtesy ANI Recalling the handshake between US President Joe Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman at the G20 Summit in India, PM Narendra Modi asserted on Monday that the historic event proved critics including the Western media naysayers wrong and paved the way for a joint G20 declaration. I did not want to wait until the last session. I wanted to get it done early which would surprise people. We got the Declaration in the first session on the second day itself. Attempts were made to drag G20 on the basis of negative estimations - I wanted to surprise them by all means. That was my strategy. The strategy was successful and I am happy, PM Modi told ANI. Advertisement Along with discussing the agreement made on the declaration at the G20 summit, PM Modi addressed rumors circulating in certain circles that this outcome would be challenging because of divergent views on the situation between Russia and Ukraine. According to PM Modi, he advanced the consensus statement in order to surprise people. #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi recalls US President Joe Biden-Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman handshake and proving the Western media naysayers wrong for a joint G20 declaration. "...I did not want to wait until the last session. I wanted to get it done early which would surprise pic.twitter.com/HpmjN0dXkQ ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2024 The handshake between the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Joe Biden at the G20 had evoked headlines globally. When we work for the global good, there are no personal ifs and butsyou can take the world on board. And my attempt was, tell me how G8 and G20 were born. The issues for which these were formed we should never divert from those issues. And in that, everyone was convinced by me. With some people, I needed to talk personally. I did that too. Secondly, my intention was that I will not bring the resolution on the last day, in the last session. I will do it so early that people will be surprised. And so I completed the declaration work of the second day, on the first day itself.so that was my strategy and that strategy worked, PM Modi said. Advertisement Replying to a query on the classic handshake between US President and Saudi Arabias Crown Prince, he said PM Modi said he has friendship with both the leaders. We have worked on the IMEC, which is going to be a big game changer like the Silk Route was a game changer. There was a positive and proactive role of the Gulf countries. India got an opportunity to play a good role. The US and Europe were with us. And everyone thought that there would be a concrete, positive outcome. So we used to meet on that, he said. So there was an opportunity to get the Saudi King and President Biden together, and I have a good friendship with both, he added. Advertisement India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union had signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor during the New Delhi G20 Summit held in September last year. (With agency inputs) Since brewing tensions between its military and the infamous paramilitary Rapid Support Forces broke out in street fighting in the countrys capital, Khartoum, in mid-April 2023, Sudan has been ripped apart by conflict for a whole year read more A man walks while smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment, during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum North, Sudan. Reuters File A dozen highly armed fighters burst into Omaima Farouqs home in a posh neighbourhood of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, on a clear night a year ago. They terrorised her children and beat and slapped the woman at gunpoint. Then they drove them out of the two-story, gated home. Since then, our life has been ruined, said the 45-year-old schoolteacher. Everything has changed in this year. Currently, 136 kilometres (85 miles) southeast of Khartoum, in a little town outside the capital city of Wad Madani, reside Farouq, a widow, and her four children. Since foreign relief organisations are unable to access the community, they are dependent on donations from locals and benefactors. Advertisement Since brewing tensions between its military and the infamous paramilitary Rapid Support Forces broke out in street fighting in the countrys capital, Khartoum, in mid-April 2023, Sudan has been ripped apart by conflict for a whole year. The nation was quickly rocked by the war. The battle in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas, which has been going on since October and has put Palestinians in grave danger of starvation, has cast a shadow over the fight. But relief workers warn Sudan is hurtling towards an even larger-scale calamity of starvation, with potential mass death in coming months. Food production and distribution networks have broken down and aid agencies are unable to reach the worst-stricken regions. At the same time, the conflict has brought widespread reports of atrocities including killings, displacement and rape, particularly in the area of the capital and the western region of Darfur. Justin Brady, head of the U.N. humanitarian coordination office for Sudan, warned that potentially tens or even hundreds of thousands could die in coming months from malnutrition-related causes. This is going to get very ugly very quickly unless we can overcome both the resource challenges and the access challenges, Brady said. The world, he said, needs to take fast action to pressure the two sides for a stop in fighting and raise funds for the U.N. humanitarian effort. But the international community has paid little attention. The U.N. humanitarian campaign needs some $2.7 billion this year to get food, heath care and other supplies to 24 million people in Sudan nearly half its population of 51 million. So far, funders have given only $145 million, about 5%, according to the humanitarian office, known as OCHA. Advertisement The level of international neglect is shocking, Christos Christou, president of the medical charity Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, said in a recent statement. The situation in fighting on the ground has been deteriorating. The military, headed by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, have carved up Khartoum and trade indiscriminate fire at each other. RSF forces have overrun much of Darfur, while Burhan has moved the government and his headquarters to the Red Sea city of Port Sudan. The Sudanese Unit for Combating Violence Against Women, a government organization, documented at least 159 cases of rape and gang rape the past year, almost all in Khartoum and Darfur. The organizations head, Sulima Ishaq Sharif, said this figure represents the tip of the iceberg since many victims dont speak out for fear of reprisal or the stigma connected to rape. Advertisement In 2021, Burhan and Dagalo were uneasy allies who led a military coup. They toppled an internationally recognized civilian government that was supposed to steer Sudans democratic transition after the 2019 military overthrow of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir amid a popular uprising. Burhan and Dagalo subsequently fell out in a struggle for power. The situation has been horrific in Darfur, where the RSF and its allies are accused of rampant sexual violence and ethnic attacks on African tribes areas. The International Criminal Court said it was investigating fresh allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region, which was the scene of genocidal war in the 2000s. Advertisement A series of attacks by the RSF and allied militias on the ethnic African Masalit tribe killed between 10,000 and 15,000 people in Geneina, the capital of West Darfur near the Chad border, according to a report by United Nations experts to the Security Council earlier this year. It said Darfur is experiencing its worst violence since 2005. With aid groups unable to reach Darfurs camps for displaced people, eight out of every 10 families in the camps eat only one meal a day, said Adam Rijal, the spokesman for the Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur. In Kelma camp in South Darfur province, he said an average of nearly three children die every 12 hours, most due to diseases related to malnutrition. He said the medical center in the camp receives between 14 and 18 cases of malnutrition every day, mostly children and pregnant women. Advertisement Not including the Geneina killings, the war has killed at least 14,600 people across Sudan and created the worlds largest displacement crisis, according to the United Nations. More than 8 million people have been driven from their homes, fleeing either to safer areas inside Sudan or to neighboring countries. Many flee repeatedly as the war expands. When fighting reached his street in Khartoum, Taj el-Ser and his wife and four children headed west to his relatives in Darfur in the town of Ardamata. Then the RSF and its allies overran Ardamata in November, rampaging through the town for six days. El-Ser said they killed many Masalit and relatives of army soldiers. Some were shot dead or burned inside their homes, he said by phone from another town in Darfur. I and my family survived only because I am Arab. Both sides, the military and RSF, have committed serious violations of international law, killing civilians and destroying vital infrastructure, said Mohamed Osman, Sudan researcher at Human Rights Watch. Food production has crashed, imports stalled, movement of food around the country is hampered by fighting, and staple food prices have soared by 45% in less than a year, OCHA says. The war wrecked the countrys healthcare system, leaving only 20 to 30% of the health facilities functional across the country, according to MSF. At least 37% of the population at crisis level or above in hunger, according OCHA. Save the Children warned that about 230,000 children, pregnant women and newborn mothers could die of malnutrition in the coming months. We are seeing massive hunger, suffering and death. And yet the world looks away, said Arif Noor, Save the Childrens director in Sudan. About 3.5 million children aged under 5 years have acute malnutrition, including more than 710,000 with severe acute malnutrition, according to the World Health Organization. About 5 million people were one step away from famine, according to a December assessment by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, considered the global authority on determining the severity of hunger crises. Overall, 17.7 million people were facing acute food insecurity, it found. Aid workers say the world has to take action. Sudan is described as a forgotten crisis. Im starting to wonder how many people knew about it in the first place to forget about it, said Brady, from OCHA. There are others that have more attention than Sudan. I dont like to compare crises. Its like comparing two cancer patients. They both need to be treated. Responding to Tehrans strikes on Israeli soil, the Ukrainian leader insisted that Congress should make necessary decisions to strengthen Americas allies at this critical time read more In an effort to get more aid from the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Irans attack on Israel is a wake-up call for Washington to fortify Americas allies. Responding to Tehrans strikes on Israeli soil, the Ukrainian leader insisted that Congress should make necessary decisions to strengthen Americas allies at this critical time. Zelenskyys remarks made reference to the recent slowdown of Western military aid to conflict-stricken nations like Ukraine. Advertisement Ukraine condemns Irans attack on Israel using Shahed drones and missiles. We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same Shahed drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes, Zelenskyy wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. Ukraine condemns Irans attack on Israel using Shahed drones and missiles. We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same Shahed drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes. Every effort must be made to prevent Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) April 14, 2024 He drew parallels between Israels tactics and those employed by Moscow in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The sound of Shahid drones, a tool of terror, is the same in the skies over the Middle East and Europe. This sound must serve as a wake-up call to the free world, demonstrating that only our unity and resoluteness can save lives and prevent the spread of terror worldwide, he furthered. It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen Americas allies at this critical time, the Ukrainian leader concluded. Ukrainian politician attacks American Republicans Meanwhile, Ukraines former Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan referred to the Iranian attack to slam the US Republicans and in particular former US President Donald Trump. Advertisement I hope that Irans attack on Israel will send a powerful message to Republicans, namely to Trump you cannot wait aside any more and think that those are small separate regional conflicts happening somewhere in Europe, Middle East, Asia, Omelyan said in an interview with Politico. China, Russia, Iran and North Korea persistently attack the West, he said. You cannot negotiate with people who want to rob and kill you and the time to educate them is over. Therefore, I hope that next week Congress will finally approve US aid to Israel and Ukraine, Omelyan furthered. The Ukrainian politician was referring to a major American aid package that has been held up by the US Congress. Over the past month, Kyivs government has urged the United States and other Western allies to send more air defences to Ukraine. Advertisement However, many in Ukraine raised concerns that if the conflict in the Middle East escalates, it would adversely affect the Ukrainian war efforts. George FM is your home for the best dance and electronic music and events in New Zealand. George FM Frequencies In your car and can't find George FM? No worries, we got you. Download the rova app today from the App Store or Google Play to stream George FM from anywhere in the world. But if you're still rocking an old school radio then hit up one of the George frequencies below. Auckland 96.6 FM Hamilton 107.3 FM* Tauranga 107.4 FM* Palmerston North 107.1 FM* Wellington 106.7 FM* Nelson 95.2 FM Christchurch 95.3 FM Dunedin 96.6 FM Queenstown 96.8 FM Streaming 24/7 on our rova app! Freeview Channel 70 - Only available on Freeview Satellite *Low Power Frequency, your radio may not pick them up everywhere in this city Needles are increasingly in the household given the popularity of new self-injected prescriptions like Ozempic and Dupixent, but the ability to properly dispose of these used sharps is limited. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), patients should place used needles in a commercial sharps container or a durable, sealable container, label it used sharps, and place it in their trash the day it gets picked up. Yet, contained or not, putting sharps in the trash is entirely unacceptable according to Mesa County Hazardous Material Manager Daryl Hillyer. If the public were allowed to just put (sharps) in the landfill, then those at the face of the landfill dumping trash might step on someone elses trash (and) its possible theres a needle sticking out. That puts the public at risk of a needle stick, and who knows where that needle came from? Aside from the pain of a needle stick, used sharps have the potential to transmit infections such as HIV/AIDS, a chronic disease that severely weakens the immune system. The universal precaution is to assume a needle is contaminated because theres no way for the human eye to discern. Given this risk, the only proper methods are incineration and autoclaving, a process that essentially sanitizes the sharps via high temperature and pressure. These services can be quite costly, especially since the closest incinerator equipped to handle sharps is located in the front range of Colorado. Consequently, affordable and accessible options for Western Slope residents to properly dispose of their sharps are sparse, with four free, in-person facilities across the entire region. Some areas have access to private medical waste companies mostly geared toward serving hospitals and medical facilities. Still, there is typically a drop-off fee and cost for a new box. One example is the Medical Waste Pros sharps drop-off in Grand Junction, which charges between $15 to $45 for residential drop-off. Mail-in sharps programs are another alternative where customers receive a package and shipping label in addition to a sharps container so the customer can re-ship the container for disposal after use. These kits cost between $30 and $200 depending on their size and seller. WESTERN SLOPE AND STATE SOLUTIONS Because the cost of these mail-in kits can be a barrier to patients, certain pharmacies will provide these kits to patients for free or at a low cost, and CDPHE offers the kits to Coloradans for free. (These kits) allow consumers to dispose of their used needles and syringes from the convenience of their home and mail them in without traveling, incurring travel time or costs, CDPHE Media Relations Manager Gabi Johnston said. CDPHE started this program in 2020 and is now partnered with over 150 organizations across the state. However, only two of these organizations are in western Colorado, with one in Montrose County and another in Montezuma County. The free kits are available in Montrose through the Genoa Healthcare Pharmacy, located at 605 E Miami Rd, Ste. 100. Montezuma residents can obtain free mail-in sharps containers through the Southwest Health Pharmacy at 1311 N. Mildred Road, Cortez. Johnston added that individuals should check directly with the organization to confirm availability and the CDPHE is assessing opportunities to expand the program. Because these financial and geographical barriers can deter patients from properly disposing of their sharps, certain counties act as the middleman between residents and the medical waste incinerators: Eagle, Garfield and Mesa. The Garfield County Landfill partnered with Grand River Health in 2018 to set up self-serve sharps disposal bins at the entrances of Grand River Healths Rifle and Battlement Mesa campuses. More information is available at grandriverhealth.org/sharps-takeback-program. The Eagle County Household Hazardous Waste Facility will take used sharps for free when contained properly and offers new sharps disposal bins for $10. The facility only accepts sharps from residents of the county. Questions can be directed to 970-328-3463. The Mesa County Hazardous Waste Facility also disposes of sharps for its residents free of charge and provides new bins for a low cost, but they are the only facility in the region that will accept used sharps from people outside of the county. The facilitys decision to accept sharps from outside the county can be quite beneficial to the more than ten Western Slope counties without free, or any, disposal options; however, non-county residents are charged a flat $35 fee, plus another $5 per pound of trash. Hillyer said he and county commissioners would like the service to be free to everyone, but covering the costs of services that transport the sharps to an incinerator has become increasingly difficult. When (customers) drive across the scale and have to pay $10 or $50 for their trash, thats subsidizing the facility and the cost of disposal of sharps, Hillyer said. Its getting harder to pay for that since Republic opened the landfill in Fruita, and theyre in direct competition with us. Hillyer added that people who use self-injected medicine and arent near any of the disposal facilities or mail-in kit distributors can ask their prescribing doctor for resources or possibly the option to dispose of sharps through their office. Thursday Night Partly cloudy in the evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers after midnight. Low around 50F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Multidimensional competition: China's national security authorities disclose 'new areas' in theft of state secrets, espionage targeting China Global Times By Chen Qingqing and Xing Xiaojing Published: Apr 14, 2024 07:01 AM Editor's Note: April 15, 2024 marks the ninth National Security Education Day. Global Times reporters observed that the cases disclosed around this year's National Security Education Day involve a broader scope and are more targeted compared to previous years, with methods also becoming more covert. Beyond traditional areas, emerging fields related to national economy and people's livelihoods, future development, energy, food, and meteorology have also become key targets for foreign spy agencies. Some security experts told the Global Times that the competition among major powers has unfolded across multiple dimensions. Counter-espionage and the safeguarding of national security are not only the responsibilities of national security agencies but also the duty of the general public. Citizens need to continuously learn legal knowledge, enhance their awareness of security, and collectively build a safety net to protect national interests. From food to energy: targeting key areas "Grains are the lifeline of the people and a treasure of the nation." Food security is crucial to the national economy and people's livelihoods and is an important component of national security. However, in recent years, foreign spy agencies have continuously intensified their infiltration into our country's food sector, blatantly stealing core scientific research intelligence, and significantly harming our rice seed industry's core competitiveness and food security. The Global Times learned that in response to this prominent threat, national security agencies took the initiative to crack down on a series of espionage cases from 2022 to 2023. They legally investigated and reviewed nearly a hundred individuals involved, dealt with 11 key enterprises, and held related personnel criminally responsible. A man surnamed Zhu, born in 1964, and formerly the general manager of a national agricultural science and technology company, was found by national security agencies to have established a "cooperative" relationship with foreign spy agencies. To gain personal economic benefits, Zhu unconditionally accepted requests from these agencies. Under the guise of "cooperative breeding," he illegally sold five types of parent rice seeds to them, receiving payments well above the normal selling price. Zhu repeatedly told his associates that selling seeds abroad was illegal and could lead to imprisonment so it must be kept secret, indicating he was fully aware of the nature of his actions and had clear malicious intent. To further expand his "business," Zhu founded an agricultural technology company and began selling high-quality parent rice seeds abroad in large quantities. In January 2024, the Hefei Intermediate People's Court in East China's Anhui Province sentenced Zhu to one year and six months in prison for "providing intelligence to foreign entities illegally." Furthermore, national security agencies also administered administrative penalties to the other 17 individuals involved and conducted thorough investigations into the enterprises involved. They further clarified that some domestic seed industry companies had been illegally selling various high-quality seed sources abroad for a long time, effectively eliminating major security risks in China's food sector. With the global energy transition, key minerals have become a new field of strategic competition among major global powers. Rare-earth elements, known as "industrial vitamins," play an irreplaceable role in many key areas, and foreign forces have intensified efforts to pry into China's rare earth industry. In March 2023, national security agencies cracked a case where a foreign non-ferrous metal company illegally collected and stole national secrets from China's rare earth sector, taking compulsory measures against individuals surnamed Ye and surnamed Cheng in line with the law. A woman surnamed Ye, born in 1977 of Chinese nationality, was a member of the Shanghai subsidiary of a foreign non-ferrous metal company. A man surnamed Cheng, born in 1975, was formerly the deputy general manager of a domestic rare earth company. Investigations found that Ye met Cheng through business cooperation in 2017. Foreign employees of her company instructed Ye to offer money to Cheng in exchange for information such as rare earth storage details and directive plans. Knowing it was forbidden to disclose such information, Cheng still sent details of China's rare earth storage for seeking personal gain, including types, quantities, and prices, to Ye, receiving a large amount of compensation. The state secrets protection department identified seven items of confidential-level state secrets in the information Cheng provided abroad. The facts of the case were clear, and the evidence was solid, with the suspects admitting to their crimes. In November 2023, the Nanchang Intermediate People's Court in East China's Jiangxi Province sentenced Ye to 11 years in prison for the crime of being bought off by oversea forces and illegally providing state secrets, deprived her of political rights for two years, and confiscated personal property worth 500,000 yuan ($69,089). Cheng was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison for illegally providing state secrets and bribery. He was also sentenced to 11 years and six months, deprived of political rights for 2 years, fined 100,000 yuan and had his personal property worth 900,000 yuan confiscated. Li Wei, a researcher and security expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times that the competition in the international community is becoming increasingly fierce. The competition among major powers is no longer limited to traditional military and diplomatic fields but is unfolding across multiple dimensions. Food security is the foundation of national security, and rare earths and other key minerals are strategic resources for developing new quality productive forces. It is essential to thoroughly combat the theft by foreign intelligence agencies and resolutely defend national security interests, the expert said. Stealing meteorological data, or threatening military security Notably, foreign institutions have illegally intensified their collection of our meteorological data. Since 2023, national security agencies, in cooperation with meteorological and state secrets protection departments, have carried out nationwide special management of foreign-related meteorological detection, investigating more than ten foreign meteorological equipment agents, inspecting over 3,000 foreign-related meteorological stations, and identifying hundreds of illegal foreign-related meteorological detection sites transmitting meteorological data abroad in real time. These sites are widely distributed across more than 20 provinces in the country, posing risks to national security. Sources revealed that some of these illegal foreign-related meteorological detection sites receive direct funding from foreign governments. Some observation points are located near military units, military-industrial enterprises, and other sensitive areas, conducting altitude ratifying and GPS positioning. Others are situated in major grain-producing areas, analyzing the growth of crops and grain yield. Some even transmit data in real-time to foreign official meteorological organizations over long periods, at high frequencies, and from multiple locations, serving foreign homeland security and meteorological monitoring. The related equipment is small, easy to install and difficult to detect. It's is also capable of automatically collecting and transmitting data online in real time. These foreign-related meteorological detection activities have not applied for administrative permission for foreign-related meteorological detection with the meteorological authorities, nor have they submitted meteorological data to them. The transmission of meteorological data abroad without the approval of Chinese meteorological authorities violates regulations such as the management measures for foreign-related meteorological detection and data and the Data Security Law. National security agencies, in conjunction with meteorological and state secrets protection departments, have investigated and handled these illegal activities, promptly blocking the illegal transfer of meteorological data overseas. "Meteorological data is extremely important for every country," Li told the Global Times. "Using a country's meteorological data can predict the future development trends of the sectors such as agriculture in the country." An anonymous security expert told Global Times that the strategic value of meteorological data in military operations is evident from the historical anecdote of "borrowing arrows with thatched boats." And once a country's meteorological and hydrological characteristics are leaked, it poses a potential threat to its military security. Foreign forces long target Chinese individuals Beyond expanding espionage scope and intensifying theft efforts, the inherent tactics of foreign intelligence agencies continue. In recent years, foreign anti-China hostile forces have extensively used the internet and other channels to carry out ideological "mind attacks" on domestic individuals, distorting and hyping domestic hot issues, and attacking and slandering China's political system. A few inexperienced young students, swayed and misled, have fallen into traps. These victims have been coerced into participating in hostile activities, becoming "pawns" of foreign anti-China hostile forces. The Global Times learned that national security agencies have recently successfully cracked a typical case where a student from a domestic university was lured by a foreign anti-China party into participating in its activities. The security agencies effectively dealt with subversion activities of these foreign anti-China forces and timely eliminated security risks. National security agencies found that a student from a domestic university surnamed Song, driven by curiosity, signed up online to become a volunteer for a certain foreign anti-China party, receiving the party's manifesto and instructions from its core members on participating in anti-China activities and fundraising. Song also frequently visited foreign anti-China websites and provided these sites with negative imagery about China. In July 2023, based on meticulous investigation and evidence gathering, national security agencies lawfully conducted an administrative inquiry with Song. According to the relevant provisions of China's Counter-Espionage Law, Song was warned and received the administrative penalty. After Song was criticized and educated, he expressed sincere regret for his actions and promised not to engage in similar activities in the future. It is the legal duty of every citizen to consciously safeguard national security. Intentionally obstructing the lawful execution of tasks by national security agencies will result in legal liability. Recently, national security agencies administered administrative penalties to a Chinese employee of a foreign institution in China for intentionally obstructing the lawful execution of tasks by national security agencies. The Global Times learned that during the lawful interrogation by national security agencies, a Chinese employee of a foreign institution in China surnamed Fu refused to go to the designated location for questioning, spread information about being interviewed by national security agencies to unrelated individuals, and coordinated with foreign personnel to interfere with the enforcement of national security agencies, intentionally obstructing the lawful execution of their tasks. Law enforcement officers from the national security agencies recorded evidence of Fu's intentional obstruction of law enforcement with cameras and, according to the relevant provisions of the Counter-Espionage Law, lawfully administered an administrative detention of 15 days. "Foreign forces attempt to 'cast a long line to catch a big fish,' scouting for personnel within and outside the country that can be used by them, posing a serious threat to our national security," said Li, the expert. Counter-espionage and safeguarding national security are not only the responsibilities of national security agencies but also the duty of the general public to protect their own interests. Citizens need to continuously learn legal knowledge, enhance their security awareness, and collectively build a "safety net" to protect national interests. The expert also believes that relevant departments can strengthen regular education in primary and secondary schools, and universities to enhance the public's national security awareness. Meanwhile, the public should also actively cooperate with related work of national security agencies, solidifying the people's defense line for national security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China releases 10 typical anti-spy cases in past decade to welcome national security education day Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Apr 14, 2024 10:23 PM Including the case of the two Canadian Michaels, 10 typical spy cases were disclosed in a special documentary film published by China's Ministry of State Security on Sunday to mark the ninth National Security Education Day that falls on April 15, through which various despicable methods of infiltration, theft and incitement by foreign spy and intelligence agencies are exposed, and awareness of anti-espionage is expected to be firmly established among the people. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the proposal of the holistic view of national security, the national security has been strengthened. However, beyond traditional areas, emerging fields related to national economy and people's livelihoods, future development, energy, food and meteorology have also become key targets for foreign spy agencies. In response to the new situations and forms both internationally and domestically, comprehensive measures are needed in terms of raising awareness of safeguarding national security, implementing better legislation and the establishment of specialized institutions to address events that pose a threat to national security, according to analysts. They stressed the importance of lifelong education on national security among the public. As part of nationwide efforts to promote the national security education, China's Ministry of State Security released a special documentary film that is divided into two parts with the first part summarizing the 10 major anti-espionage cases uncovered by the state security organs in the past decade and the second part reviewing 10 typical citizen-whistleblowing cases during the same period. The first part of the film was released on Sunday and the second part is set to be published on Monday, according to the ministry. In the first part of the video that lasts about half an hour, the case of the two Canadians, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, engaging in spying activities in China, is revealed with some details. In December 2018, the state security organs detected two Canadians for overseas spying, illegally providing state secrets and reporting intelligence, which severely fought against the criminal acts of overseas spies endangering China's national security. In recent years, with the continuous improvement of China's comprehensive national strength, some overseas spy and intelligence agencies have infiltrated China, trying to gather intelligence and steal China's state secrets, the Ministry of State Security noted. In another case, in 2019, the state security organ uncovered the case of Lee Henley Huxiang's financing of criminal activities endangering national security. According to the video, Lee is willing to be a "traitor" - enjoying the national dividend, while sparing no effort to support anti-China activities, acting as the investor behind the anti-China activities, engaged in anti-China chaos and other activities, endangering national security. Separately, according to the film, in 2017, the state security authorities deployed a special campaign against defectors, including Wang Pihong and Zhao Ruqin. Defection is one of the crimes of endangering national security, and this was the first case of endangering national security with the conviction of "defection" since 2012. The Ministry of State Security also noted that core secret-related personnel in the Party, government and military organs, military enterprises, scientific research institutes as well as university teachers and students are the key targets for overseas spy and intelligence agencies to carry out intelligence collection and infiltration. Through various means such as emotional solicitation, seduction and corruption, financial purchase, and offering help, overseas spies have tried every means to recruit and instigate Chinese officials, researchers and Chinese personnel working overseas, posing a serious threat to China's national security, the film said. The state security organs have found that some personnel have a weak sense of national security and are used by people with ulterior motives, intentionally or inadvertently divulging state secrets and endangering national security. The video also revealed cases of individual military fans illegally obtaining state secrets. At present, there are some overseas institutions that have complex backgrounds. With the rapid development of information technology, in order to circumvent China's laws and regulations and the supervision of key sensitive industries, they disguise their overseas background through various methods. Then, they steal China's state secrets and intelligence in key fields with the help of domestic consulting companies and other industries, the film warned. The video has sparked heated online discussion with many expressing admiration and respect for the anti-espionage work. Some netizens "liked" the various forms of popularizing the national security concept including videos, comic posts and other activities both online and offline, believing those publicity works can promote the public awareness of protecting national security. Li Wei, an expert on national security at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Sunday that as China comprehensively promotes the rule of law, including in the field of counterespionage, relevant provisions of the Criminal Law and Counter-Espionage Law have been improved and enriched. For example, the Counter-Espionage Law that was revised last year is more precise, clear-cut and transparent, which embodies progress in China's legal system. However, relevant laws are not permanently perfected through one revision. If there are new trends and changes in espionage activities in the future, these laws will need further revisions and improvements, according to Li. Li put forward a concept of lifelong education on national security among the public, stressing the significance of adopting more forms and methods to enhance the relevant awareness and make safeguarding national security a necessity for every citizen. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army signs wide-ranging procurement agreement to cut costs By Jonathan Austin, Army News Service April 12, 2024 The Army and a Minnesota Service Cooperative have formalized a 10-year renewable partnership to sustain garrisons across the nation. In a Pentagon signing ceremony on Wednesday, April 10, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment Rachel Jacobson said she was excited to partner with Sourcewell, the Minnesota local unit of government that provides cooperative purchasing nationwide to help local, state, and federal agencies operate efficiently. The partnership with Sourcewell is the largest the Army has ever initiated, Jacobson said. "We're using Intergovernmental Support Agreements more and more," she said in a ceremony held in the Pentagon Auditorium. The Army estimates that the IGSA with Sourcewell will result in annual savings of between 15% and 50% on a wide range of services, supplies and equipment, while giving each garrison a flexible and efficient alternative to current contract options. Sourcewell CEO Chad Coauette said the organization's mission is to be a force qualifier for government, so the partnership with the Army fits perfectly in its programming. The organization and the Army worked for months nailing down the specifics of the wide-ranging contract, and Coauette said Sourcewell is scaling up its process to meet the needs of the Army to provide efficient and effective procurement. The self-sustaining service organization plows profits back into Minnesota communities, offering training programs for teachers, firefighters and the like, Coauette said. Effective and efficient contracting Jacobson said Army installations are small cities, so partnering with a procurement agency that already works with hundreds of government entities made sense. "We have a lot of municipal needs," she said. Sourcewell already works with a variety of government agencies of all sizes, from the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Reserve banks to the Kentucky State Fair Board and the city of Abbeville, Ala. Attending the signing ceremony representing the Army commands engaged with the new partnership were Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations Lt. Gen. Kevin Vereen and Army Installation Management Command deputy commanding general Maj. Gen. Joseph Ricciardi. The Sourcewell partnership allows commands to find effective ways to buy the most efficient products, not just for serving the Army but the nation at large. David Leinberger, the manager of Army Community Partnerships, welcomed the official party and participants to the signing ceremony, saying that Army Installation Management Command had done an amazing job negotiating with Sourcewell to institute the new procurement agreement. "We're expected to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars," Leinberger said after the ceremony. "This is an efficient use of taxpayer dollars," he said. Private partners in similar contracts focus on turning a profit, Leinberger said, and public partners do not. "Public partners work at cost, and public partners do not have an incentivized reason to be dishonest or cut corners in order to turn a profit at the expense of the government," he said. The exciting thing about the Sourcewell partnership is that all Army installations in the continental United States benefit because they now have Sourcewell as an option to purchase or procure the supplies or services needed, he said. Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army Installations, Energy and Environment Ms. Rachel Jacobson gives a thumbs-up during the Sourcewell Intergovernmental Support Agreement proclamation signing ceremony in the Pentagon auditorium, Arlington, Va., April 10, 2024. This first-of-its-kind sourcing agreement with the Sourcewell company allows for base supplies to multiple army installations while saving money, efficiently streamlining the supply process. (U.S. Army photo by Bernardo Fuller) The Army and a Minnesota Service Cooperative have formalized a 10-year renewable partnership to sustain garrisons across the nation. In a Pentagon signing ceremony on Wednesday, April 10, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment Rachel Jacobson said she was excited to partner with Sourcewell, the Minnesota local unit of government that provides cooperative purchasing nationwide to help local, state, and federal agencies operate efficiently. The partnership with Sourcewell is the largest the Army has ever initiated, Jacobson said. "We're using Intergovernmental Support Agreements more and more," she said in a ceremony held in the Pentagon Auditorium. The Army estimates that the IGSA with Sourcewell will result in annual savings of between 15% and 50% on a wide range of services, supplies and equipment, while giving each garrison a flexible and efficient alternative to current contract options. Sourcewell CEO Chad Coauette said the organization's mission is to be a force qualifier for government, so the partnership with the Army fits perfectly in its programming. The organization and the Army worked for months nailing down the specifics of the wide-ranging contract, and Coauette said Sourcewell is scaling up its process to meet the needs of the Army to provide efficient and effective procurement. The self-sustaining service organization plows profits back into Minnesota communities, offering training programs for teachers, firefighters and the like, Coauette said. Effective and efficient contracting Jacobson said Army installations are small cities, so partnering with a procurement agency that already works with hundreds of government entities made sense. "We have a lot of municipal needs," she said. Sourcewell already works with a variety of government agencies of all sizes, from the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Reserve banks to the Kentucky State Fair Board and the city of Abbeville, Ala. Attending the signing ceremony representing the Army commands engaged with the new partnership were Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations Lt. Gen. Kevin Vereen and Army Installation Management Command deputy commanding general Maj. Gen. Joseph Ricciardi. The Sourcewell partnership allows commands to find effective ways to buy the most efficient products, not just for serving the Army but the nation at large. David Leinberger, the manager of Army Community Partnerships, welcomed the official party and participants to the signing ceremony, saying that Army Installation Management Command had done an amazing job negotiating with Sourcewell to institute the new procurement agreement. "We're expected to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars," Leinberger said after the ceremony. "This is an efficient use of taxpayer dollars," he said. Private partners in similar contracts focus on turning a profit, Leinberger said, and public partners do not. "Public partners work at cost, and public partners do not have an incentivized reason to be dishonest or cut corners in order to turn a profit at the expense of the government," he said. The exciting thing about the Sourcewell partnership is that all Army installations in the continental United States benefit because they now have Sourcewell as an option to purchase or procure the supplies or services needed, he said. Dr. Chad Coauette, CEO of the Sourcewell company (seated left), and Ms. Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army Installations, Energy and Environment (seated right), hold up the Sourcewell Intergovernmental Support Agreement proclamation during a signing ceremony in the Pentagon auditorium, Arlington, Va., April 10, 2024. This first-of-its-kind sourcing agreement with the Sourcewell company allows for base supplies to multiple army installations while saving money, efficiently streamlining the supply process. (U.S. Army photo by Bernardo Fuller) "We look for ways to save money and find efficiencies," he said. The signing ceremony represented more than a year of effort by Army officials and Sourcewell to bring the partnership to fruition. "On behalf of the Army, I just want to say that we recognize the commitment Sourcewell is bringing, not just to the Army but after this we have a business meeting with our other service partners, and we're looking forward to working in a joint environment across all the services to make sure not just the Army gets the benefit of what we're doing here, but all services," Leinberger said. He said the benefit for the Army in the new procurement agreement is wide ranging. "The Army has a greater requirement that we actually have the money for," he said. Garrison planners can look forward to using Sourcewell in planning post maintenance and construction. "We need toilets, we need sinks, we need light fixtures, we need doors, we need drywall, we need construction material; the unglamorous of running things, and we need in bulk," he said. The process now allows the Army to deal directly with suppliers and to buy at a cheaper rate than is available today. Sourcewell takes the new partnership very seriously, Leinberger said, as evidenced by a large turnout of Sourcewell staff at the signing ceremony, including Coauette and Sourcewell Board of Directors Chairperson Greg Zylka. The mayor of Little Falls, Minn., Zylka said the primary motivation for Sourcewell across the board is service. "This ceremony is a celebration of service," he said. Saving through state partnerships Assistant Secretary Jacobson said she hopes the other military branches do join the Army in finding efficiencies through Sourcewell and noted that the Army is aggressively negotiating Intergovernmental Support Agreements with local and state agencies nationwide to reduce costs and secure efficient and timely services. The Army has signed an agreement with the State of Texas for the state Department of Transportation to provide all road maintenance on all Army installations in the state. "That's going to save us close to $4 million," she said. Likewise, a new agreement with the University of Georgia will help the Army identify regional climate hazards it can develop a climate management plan for southeastern garrisons. Leinberger said the Army will need to do garrison procurements through Sourcewell for up to a year before it can put a dollar amount on the savings, but he and others believe it will be substantial. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada provides funding to Sudan and neighbouring countries to respond to humanitarian needs Global Affairs Canada News release April 12, 2024 - Toronto, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, accompanied by members of Canada's Sudanese community, announced today in Toronto, Ontario, that Canada is providing $132.2 million in international assistance funding, including $100.7 million in humanitarian assistance funding and $31.5 million in development assistance funding, to address urgent needs in Sudan and its neighbouring countries: the Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Canada's humanitarian assistance funding will be delivered through experienced humanitarian partners in Sudan and its neighbouring countries. It will help provide emergency health services, food and nutrition assistance, protection services including for gender-based violence survivors, and other life-saving assistance, such as shelter, water and sanitation services, to crisis-affected people. Canada is deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, which was exacerbated by the outbreak of conflict in April 2023 and has displaced more than 6.5 million people within the country and has forced another 1.8 million to flee to neighbouring countries. The $31.5 million in development assistance funding announced today complements the international assistance funding and supports critical programming in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and education in emergencies. The development funding is allocated as follows: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will receive $15 million in funding for the Inclusive and Transformative Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in South Sudan project, which will focus on addressing the root causes of barriers to SRHR services, including low demand due to highly discriminatory social and cultural norms in South Sudan. Canada will also provide UNFPA with $10.5 million in funding for its Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Services in Sudan project, which aims to promote universal health coverage and improve access to life-saving sexual and reproductive health interventions for the people of Sudan. Canada has already provided UNFPA with $3 million in funding for Combatting and Responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Sudan, a project that focuses on improving the safety and dignity of women, girls and other vulnerable populations in Sudan through activities such as capacity building for health care providers, establishing safe spaces, distributing dignity kits and supporting women-led organizations in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence. Canada has also provided UNICEF with $3 million in funding for education in emergencies in Sudan, which will enable immediate access to safe learning spaces that provide learning and life skill opportunities for the most marginalized and vulnerable children, especially girls. This announcement comes as Canada prepares to participate in the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Its Neighbours, to be held in Paris, France, on April 15, 2024. The focus of the conference is on raising funds to address the critical needs of millions of people in Sudan and the region. Canada's participation in the conference underscores the importance the country places on continuing to respond to the current crisis in Sudan and its commitment to supporting those who are facing its devastating consequences, both in Sudan and in neighbouring countries. Canada has called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, which includes the obligation to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. Quotes "Since the onset of this conflict, Canada has remained steadfast in its commitment to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to Sudan. The funding announced today will allow Canada's partners to continue to provide critical support to those who need it most in Sudan and its neighboring regions. This will include education and sexual and reproductive health and rights services to women and girls. Canada continues to call for an end to the violence in the region and for safe and unrestricted humanitarian access to be allowed throughout Sudan." - Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development Quick facts In 2023, Canada allocated over $170 million in humanitarian assistance funding to United Nations, Red Cross and other NGO partners in Sudan and in neighbouring countries impacted by the conflict: the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan. In the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year, Canada's bilateral development assistance in Sudan totalled approximately $49.43 million in funding and was delivered through multilateral organizations active in Sudan and through Canadian civil society partners working with local NGOs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 12, 2024 By Jim Garamone, DOD News Transcom Commander Testifies on Top Readiness Concerns Sealift and aerial refueling capabilities are top readiness concerns for U.S. Transportation Command, Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost told the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday. Van Ovost leads Transcom, which is responsible for, arguably, the U.S. military's greatest asymmetric advantage the ability to get troops anywhere in the world and supply them. Transcom works with other combatant commands to ensure U.S. service members can accomplish their missions worldwide. "I'm extremely proud of our team of logistics professionals who lead the joint deployment and distribution enterprise [and] continually exceed expectations and ensure hope, deterrence and victory are assured as we underwrite our nation's defense," Van Ovost told the committee. The command is already facing the changing world posited in the National Defense Strategy. Transcom must plan and execute global operations in contested environments. This was generally not the case for operations in support of the war on terrorism. Transcom is already dealing with the Iranian-backed Houthis seeking to close the sea line of communication in the Red Sea. The command also deals with Chinese efforts to restrict peaceful passage in the South China Sea and East China Sea. It also must defend against cyberattacks. "The fiscal year 2025 budget request continues to make strides in closing gaps in our mobility areas as we prepare for global operations in a contested environment," Van Ovost said. "A contested environment is the reality of today, whether in the homeland or abroad, we cannot presume freedom of maneuver to execute our operations with full access to our lines of communication. Our organic fleets, coupled with the vital capacity provided by our commercial transportation partners, must continue to present credible capacity, meaning we must modernize our mobility capabilities to include cyber resiliency and digital modernization. "A connected, aware and survivable mobility fleet and network is needed to maintain our advantage against a capable and determined near-peer adversary," she continued. The general told the committee that her top readiness concerns are the same as last year: sealift and refueling. Von Ovost called sealift the "backbone" of the force. "However, the age of the [sealift] fleet is dragging readiness to alarming levels," she said. "Seventeen of the 47 organic, Ready Reserve Force ships are 50 years old or older." The command will need to address the readiness concerns that will come up due to the planned retirement of 27 ships in the next eight years. "We must add younger ships to the fleet," she said. "Transcom supports the Navy strategy to acquire used vessels from the commercial market and further requests to provide the secretary of defense [with] discretionary authority to purchase foreign built, used ships under favorable market conditions without restrictions." She also noted the Congress has the intention to build sealift ships domestically to recapitalize the Ready Reserve Force. Transcom is working with the Navy and Maritime Administration "to create an acquisition strategy for new construction that will complement the 'buy used' program," she said. She noted that maritime stakeholders "have been experiencing challenges with recruiting and retaining qualified mariners, and we support MARAD and industry efforts to identify strategies that address the mariner shortage and ensure their readiness." Air refueling is also a foundation to the command. It is a key capability to ensure U.S. service members can deploy anytime, anywhere, Van Ovost said. "It is our most stressed capability," she said. "We must ensure continuous modernization and recapitalization of the aging fleet to meet the operational requirements of the modern battlespace." The general doubled down on the Air Force plan for uninterrupted tanker recapitalization and accelerated fielding of the next generation air refueling system. "Over the past year, we've made great strides in ... synchronizing global fuel management and delivery in collaboration with our key partners in the joint petroleum enterprise," she said. This will assure end-to-end fuel distribution in a contested environment. Finally, the general asked the Senate to act on extending the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and passing a national defense supplemental act. "To effectively sense adversary threats and activities in our logistics networks, the nation must utilize all available resources," she said. "Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act provides me insights into adversary intent, capabilities and activities to contest our logistics flows. The loss of this authority adds risk to my mission." The national defense supplemental contains money vital for the health of the Transcom Working Capital Fund. This is needed to preserve readiness and ensure response options for the secretary of defense, she said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The United States Welcomes Establishment of Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson April 12, 2024 The United States welcomes today's establishment of a Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) in Haiti. The result of months of discussion among diverse Haitian stakeholders, this Council helps pave the way for free and fair elections and the expedited deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission. We applaud Haitians for their commitment to move forward in a spirit of reconciliation and national dialogue. We remain committed to working with CARICOM and international partners to support the TPC's mission to work for and improve the lives of all Haitians. The security situation in Haiti remains untenable due to the violence caused by gangs that claim to represent the Haitian people but thrive on violence and misery. Gangs have shut down key infrastructure and economic sites that are lifelines for fuel, humanitarian aid, and other vital supplies, and continue to strip Haitians of their rights to food, education, and healthcare. The United States is surging support for the Haitian security forces to bolster their capabilities as they fight to defend their country. We commend Haitian leaders for making tough compromises to move toward democratic governance via free and fair elections. Much work lies ahead, and the United States remains committed to supporting the people of Haiti. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson April 12, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed multilateral efforts for advancing regional stability. Secretary Blinken reiterated that an escalation by Iran would not benefit anyone in the region. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Shoukry also discussed ongoing efforts to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza, protect Palestinian civilians, and achieve an immediate ceasefire that secures the release of all hostages. Secretary Blinken agreed with Foreign Minister Shoukry on the need to continue to coordinate closely with Egypt on how to advance a path to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed efforts to resume negotiations under the Jeddah platform aimed at ending the conflict in Sudan and preventing further widespread civilian harm. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Designations of Former Surinamese President Desire Delano Bouterse and Six Former Surinamese Military Officials Due to Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson April 12, 2024 The United States is today announcing the designations of former Surinamese President Bouterse and six former Surinamese military officials: Benny Brondenstein, Stephanus Marinus Dendoe, Iwan Dijksteel, Ernst Gefferie, Kenneth Kempes, and Lucien Lewis pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, due to their involvement in extrajudicial killings of political opponents during the "December Murders" of 1982. These individuals and four family members are generally ineligible for entry into the United States. The United States commends Suriname for its commitment to the rule of law, including its effort to maintain judicial independence and combat official impunity. As Secretary Blinken has noted, ending impunity is one of the best ways to prevent future abuses. The strength of Suriname's judicial institutions demonstrates the value of the rule of law as a critical pillar in the preservation of democracy and protection of human rights. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - As UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday reiterated his appeal for maximum restraint in the Middle East following Irans drone and missile attack on Israel, independent human rights experts said that the alleged use of artificial intelligence on targets in Gaza by the Israeli military had taken an unprecedented toll on civilians, housing and services Rape, murder and hunger: The legacy of Sudan's year of war 12 April 2024 - Rape. Murder. Hunger. Corpses filling streets, making it impossible to walk. Sudan was plunged into an ongoing, devastating war one year ago on 15 April, leaving in its wake almost 15,000 dead, eight million civilians on the run, 25 million in dire need of assistance and warnings from humanitarians about famine, aid blockades and a growing list of atrocities on all sides. Suffering is growing too and is likely to get worse, Justin Brady, head of the UN humanitarian relief office, OCHA, in Sudan, warned UN News. "Without more resources, not only will we not be able to stop a famine, we're not going to be help able to help basically anybody," he said. "Most of the rations that people receive from the likes of the World Food Programme (WFP) are cut in half already, so we can't strip more off the bone to try and make this operation work." The grim conditions on the ground hit an emergency level soon after the rival Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces launched air and ground attacks in mid-April 2023, he said, as a tsunami of violence continues to surge across the country today, from the capital, Khartoum, and spiralling outwards. Not 'at the bottom' yet "Our biggest concerns are around the conflict areas in Khartoum itself and the Darfur states," he said from Port Sudan, where humanitarian efforts are continuing to get lifesaving aid to those most in need. The entire aid community was forced to relocate from the capital just a few weeks into the fighting due to the dire security situation. While a recent famine alert shows that almost 18 million Sudanese are facing acute hunger, the $2.7 billion response plan for 2024 is only six per cent funded, Mr. Brady said. "It's very bad, but I don't think we're at the bottom," he said. Conditions were bad even before the war, stemming back to the coup of 2021, with a drowning economy amid startling waves of ethnic-based violence, he explained. Except today, although humanitarian supplies are available in Port Sudan, the key challenge is securing safe access to affected populations, currently stymied by looted aid warehouses and crippling bureaucratic impediments, insecurity and total communications shutdowns. "Sudan is often referred to as a forgotten crisis," he said, "but I question how many knew about it to be able to forget about it." War and children As hunger washes over the country, news outlets have reported that one child is dying every two hours from malnutrition in the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur. Indeed, 24 million children have been exposed to conflict and a staggering 730,000 children are severely acutely malnourished, Jill Lawler, chief of field operations in Sudan for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), told UN News. "Children should not have to be experiencing this, hearing bombs go off or being displaced multiple times" in a "conflict that just needs to end", she said, describing the first UN aid mission to Omdurman, Sudan's second largest city. More than 19 million children have been out of school, and many young people can also be seen carrying arms, reflecting reports that children continued to face forced recruitment by armed groups. Too weak to breastfeed Meanwhile, women and girls who have been raped in the first months of the war are now delivering babies, the UNICEF operations chief said. Some are too weak to nurse their infants. "One mother in particular was treating her three-month-old little son, and she unfortunately did not have the resources to provide milk for her little son, so had resorted to goat milk, which led to a case of diarrhoea," Ms. Lawler said. The infant was one of the "lucky few" able to get treatment as millions of others lack access to care, she said. Death, destruction and targeted killings On the ground, Sudanese who had fled to other countries, those who are internally displaced and some who are recording the ongoing suffering shared their perspectives. "I have lost everything I ever owned," said Fatima*, a former UN staff member told UN News. "The militias looted our house and took everything, even the doors." For 57 days, she and her family were trapped inside their home in El Geneina in West Darfur while militias systematically targeted and killed people based on their ethnicity, she said. "There were so many bodies in the streets it was hard to walk," she said, describing their escape. 'No sign of a solution in sight' Photographer Ala Kheir has been covering the war since violent clashes erupted in Khartoum one year ago, saying the "scale of disaster" is must greater than the media portrays. "This war is very strange because both sides hate the public and they hate journalists," he told UN News in an exclusive interview, stressing that civilians are suffering the brunt of the ongoing deadly clashes. "A year later, the war in Sudan is still going very strong and the lives of millions of Sudanese have completely stalled and stopped," he said, "with no sign of a solution in sight." 'Get off the sidelines' While the UN Security Council called for a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, which ended last week, the fighting continues, OCHA's Mr. Brady said. "We need the international community to get off the sidelines and to engage the two parties and to bring them to the table because this conflict is a nightmare for the Sudanese people," he said, explaining that a famine prevention plan is in the works leading up to a pledging conference for sorely needed funds, to be held in Paris on Monday, the day the war will enter its second year. Echoing the call of many aid agencies, for the Sudanese people caught in the crossfire, the nightmare needs to end now. * Name changed to protect her identity NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 13, 2024 Release Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Iran's Strikes Against Israel At the direction of President Biden, U.S. forces in the Middle East on April 13 intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Our forces remain postured to protect U.S. troops and partners in the region, provide further support for Israel's defense, and enhance regional stability. We condemn these reckless and unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies, and we call on Iran to immediately halt any further attacks, including from its proxy forces, and to deescalate tensions. We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel. I am grateful for the professionalism and the skill of the brave U.S. troops who took part in today's actions and who continue to stand guard to prevent further conflict or escalation. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and to consult with our allies and partners. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3740656/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HMCS Montrealsets sail for the Indo-Pacific under Operation HORIZON National Defence News release April 14, 2024 - Halifax - National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces Today, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montreal'screw bid farewell to their loved ones at a departure ceremony held at HMCS Scotian in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The departure of HMCS Montreal later this week will represent the first of three Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) warships that are annually deploying under Operation HORIZON in support of the Government of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. This deployment demonstrates an enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and enhances Canada's role as an international security partner. Throughout the operation, HMCS Montreal will reinforce ties with international allies and strengthen relationships with like-minded nations by integrating with partner navies, participating in training exercises, and engaging in military and diplomatic cooperation. Operation HORIZON includes expanded opportunities to work side-by-side with allies and partners, empowering the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to play a more active role contributing to regional security. Increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific region demonstrates Canada's continuing defence commitment to be a persistent presence in support of peace and security. The work that RCN ships and personnel undertake overseas reinforces diplomatic efforts, promotes Canadian values and interests, and supports Canada's role as a trusted international security partner both regionally and on the world stage. Quotes "As a Pacific nation, the security and stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region is vital to Canada's future. It is the world's fastest growing region and home to six of Canada's top 13 trading partners. As outlined in our Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada recognizes the impact that Indo-Pacific security will have on our future prosperity and stability - and that is why we are increasing our military presence in the region by deploying three Halifax-class frigates per year. I thank our sailors and aviators for their dedication to Canada, and I wish them fair winds and following seas." The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence "Today's departure represents the significant work and dedication of the Atlantic Fleet in promoting security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. As the first ship to deploy on Operation HORIZON this year, the sailors and aviators on board HMCS Montreal will collaborate with our international partners, contribute towards regional security, and strengthen the strategic interests of Canada. I know Montreal'smission will reflect positively on the Royal Canadian Navy and wish the crew a safe and successful deployment. Fair winds!" Rear-Admiral Josee Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic "The ship's company of HMCS Montrealhas been diligently preparing for Operation HORIZON, and I have the utmost confidence in their ability to display excellence at sea and enhance interoperability with allied navies. I must also thank the families of our crew, who are the heart of our forces. Without their continued support, we would not be able to accomplish what is required of us. So, I thank you for all your efforts in preparation for this departure." Commander Travis Bain, Commanding Officer HMCS Montreal Quick facts On Friday April 12, 2024, the crew of His Majesty's Canadian Ship Montrealdiscovered a problem with a system that required rectification. It was determined that it would be efficient and expedient to complete this repair prior to departing Halifax. To conduct required repairs and preserve required readiness training the crew will remain onboard following the ceremony until departure. Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy represents a comprehensive and integrated framework for increased Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will continue to work alongside allies and partners in the region to promote a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Operation HORIZON is Canada's ongoing forward presence mission to promote peace and stability in support of the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. The new operation replaced the Indo-Pacific portion of Operation PROJECTION in summer 2023, in line with Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. All naval activities formerly conducted under Operation PROJECTION Indo-Pacific, along with new activities conducted by the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Special Forces Command, and other CAF elements, are now conducted under Operation HORIZON. HMCS Montreal is a Halifax Class Frigate. Halifax-class frigates have a crew of approximately 240 personnel comprising RCN sailors as well as RCAF aviators to fly and support the ship's embarked CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Time to stop the manmade disaster in Sudan European External Action Service (EEAS) 14.04.2024 Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission Several outlets - Op-ed by Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission and Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Crisis Management. "The world's worst, most complex and cruel crisis", is unfolding in Sudan without making it into onto our prime-time news, according to UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. With nearly 9 million displaced within the country - half of them children - and almost 2 million refugees abroad, Sudan is indeed currently the largest displacement crisis in the world. And the worst is still to come: combat disrupted planting season in Sudan's most fertile regions. Nearly 20 million people, almost one of two Sudanese, are facing acute food insecurity in a country that used to be a major food producer. On 15 April Sudan's war enters its second year. On this day, the EU with France and Germany will host a high-level conference in Paris to plead for additional humanitarian aid and call for an end to this conflict. It must be a wake-up call for Africa, Europe and the whole international community. We know who is responsible for this disaster. With their joint military coup in October 2021, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hijacked the aspirations of the democratic Sudanese revolution. Their coup alliance unravelled and descended into war between them on 15 April 2023. The two belligerents decided to wage war, not only against each other, but also against Sudan and its people. In Darfur, the genocidal atrocities against civilians based on their ethnicity that put Sudan in the headlines in 2003 have resumed. Throughout the country, aid is being deliberately withheld and humanitarian workers are being denied access. Hundreds of thousands Sudanese have fled to neighbouring countries, notably Chad and South Sudan, two countries already facing their own humanitarian and food security crises. The suffering is entirely manmade and could be stopped today. External sponsors, bringing in cash and weapons, fuel the fighting. Players like Iran are delivering arms, including drones, to the SAF. The United Arab Emirates have also direct leverage on the RSF that they should use to end the war. Russia plays both sides in the hopes to get access to strategic infrastructure and resources, including with mercenary PMCs, which are mainly after gold and minerals. The Red Sea is Europe's most important maritime connection to Asia and the Pacific and Sudan could become a revolving door for human trafficking, radical fighters, weapons and all kinds of illicit trade between the Sahel, North and Sub-Saharan Africa. Europe's security is at stake. Before the war, during the victorious popular uprising against a brutal dictatorship, the many young activists, women's rights defenders and community leaders have shown to the world their will and determination to build a democratic and peaceful Sudan. Ever since, the EU and its Member States have stood firm in their view: the only side we take in this conflict is the side of civilians and the hope they have for their country. We will continue to engage with the belligerents from a neutral position that puts peace and respect for civilian's lives and rights front and centre. 15 April in Paris must become a joint rallying cry for peace. It has to be the on-ramp for more comprehensive, concerted and consequential action of Europe, Africa and the international community on Sudan. Chief among the goals of today must of course be to avert the looming famine in Sudan and to support the countries and communities that have taken in people fleeing war. The available aid held up by the belligerents on political calculus must reach the people in need, wherever they are. Such war tactics violate international law and may amount to war crimes. We expect also the two leaders of the belligerent parties, Generals Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo Hemedti, to finally heed the calls to stop this carnage and come to the negotiating table. Failure to do so would have consequences. Our action on Sudan is not isolated: in Sudan as in Ukraine or elsewhere democratic aspirations should not be fought through the barrel of a gun. The Sudanese people have demanded no less since they took over the streets of Khartoum five years ago. This is why we are tirelessly calling for a ceasefire without delay, unfettered access of aid and the return to the path of a democratic transition in Sudan. We always favour African solutions to African problems. As Sudan enters the second year of its most fateful war, we look to the region to take responsibility. Alongside our regional and international partners, we stand ready to help Sudan in its darkest hour. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah launches missile strike in occupied Golan IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance of Lebanon has launched a missile attack on the Zionist regime's bases in the occupied Golan on Sunday morning. According to the Palestinian media, the Islamic Resistance of Lebanon targeted the Israeli bases in the occupied Golan. An IRGC statement said on Saturday that its Aerospace Force fired dozens of missiles at specific Israeli targets inside the occupied territories. The strikes are in response to numerous crimes committed by the Zionist regime, including an attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus and the martyrdom of a group of commanders and military advisors of our country in Syria, the statement added. An Israeli military spokesman has also confirmed that the missiles and drones were fired from Iran and said that the Zionist regime has put its anti-missile systems on alert. American and Israeli media have also confirmed that Iran has begun its attacks by firing missiles and drones A US official was cited by Russia's Sputnik news agency as saying that Washington was aware of the start of Iran's retaliatory attacks.The head of the American command center in the Middle East known as CENTCOM had also reportedly left the occupied Palestinian territories. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen launches drones at Israel simultaneously with Iran's operation IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Reports say that the Yemeni armed forces have launched several drones toward Israel simultaneously with the firing of a barrage of missiles and drones by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps against the Zionist regime. Three Yemeni drones arrived in the skies of the occupied Palestinian territories at the time Iran launched a massive missile and drone attack on Israeli positions in response to the regime's attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, English maritime security company "Ambri" was cited by the media. Ambri claimed that the "drones were launched with the coordination of Iran." However, the Yemeni army has conducted similar operation in the past in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The Yemeni army launched their operations against Israel over the regime's genocide in the Gaza Strip. The have repeatedly attacked Israeli or Israeli-bound ships in the Red Sea as part of anti-regime operations. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah targets Israeli positions ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sun / 14 April 2024 / 17:08 On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the Islamic Resistance continued to target Israeli enemy positions, resulting in direct casualties. Tehran -ISNA- Hezbollah targeted the Ruwaisat al-Alam site in the Lebanese Kfar Shuba hills and launched an air attack on a building in the Hanita colony, which the Israeli enemy had taken as a new headquarters for its forces. In other operations, the Islamic Resistance targeted a deployment of Israeli enemy soldiers in the Hanita forest, the Adathar forest, and the vicinity of the Branit barracks. They also targeted a building used by Israeli enemy soldiers in both Even Menachem and Shtula, as well as spy equipment at the Raheb site. The Islamic Resistance also launched an air attack with assault marches on the Iron Dome platforms at the new air defense site in Tel Naama. The attack came as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the onset of Operation Truthful Promise" against the Zionist occupation entity, emphasizing that "the operation utilized dozens of missiles and drones to precisely target specific locations within the occupied territories." Iranian drone and missile attack was carried out due to retaliation for Israeli numerous transgressions, notably the recent assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria's Damascus on April 1. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister's Office - Mossad Statement Israel - Prime Minister's Office Press Releases The 37th Government 14.04.2024 It has been over a week since the Cairo meeting - Hamas has rejected the outline that was tabled by the mediators. The rejection of the proposal by the three mediators, which included the most significant flexibility on Israel's part, proves that Sinwar does not want a humanitarian deal and the return of the hostages, is continuing to exploit the tension with Iran, and is striving to unite the sectors and achieve a general escalation in the region. Israel will continue to strive to realize the objectives of the war with Hamas with full force, and leave no stone unturned to return the 133 hostages from Gaza forthwith. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli army shells hundreds of displaced Palestinians in Gaza Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 4:14 PM The Israeli army has shelled hundreds of displaced Palestinians trying to return to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip, as the Tel Aviv regime presses ahead with its genocidal war in the besieged Palestinian territory. At least five Palestinians, including a woman, were killed and several others injured in Israeli artillery shelling on Sunday. "Five fatalities, including a woman, and a number of injured people arrived at Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip," media outlets quoted medical sources as saying. The casualties occurred among "the displaced Palestinians who tried to return to the northern Strip via al-Rashid Street," they added. Palestinians gathered at al-Rashid Street to cross to the north of Gaza after rumors spread that children and women under the age of 14 were allowed to cross the north in Gaza City. The Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said the regime had warned the Palestinians against approaching the Israeli forces invading the northern Gaza Strip. "The Israeli army does not allow the return of residents, neither through Salah al-Din Street nor through Al-Rashid Street," he said, "The northern Gaza Strip is still a war zone and we will not allow a return to it." Witnesses confirmed that the Israeli army asked them to return to the southern Gaza Strip and fired smoke bombs at them to prevent them from reaching the north. Israel waged the genocidal war on Gaza after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out a historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. The Israeli aggression has so far killed at least 33,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children. The Tel Aviv regime has imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there. The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN. In January, an interim ruling by the International Court of Justice ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 13: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 10:17 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 34,000 Palestinians so far, including nearly 16,000 children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers. The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Saturday, April 13, are as follows: Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on April 13: Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles with mortar shells east of the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Targeted the Huwara military checkpoint south of the city of Nablus, occupied West Bank, followed by intense clashes with occupation forces at the checkpoint, resulting in many casualties. Al-Quds Brigades' operations on April 13: Seized control of an Israeli military drone while it was carrying out spying missions in the Ma'an area southeast of Khan Younis city. Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles stationed in the vicinity of Al-Malik military site north of Nusseirat with a barrage of heavy-caliber mortar shells. Sniped an Israeli regime soldier during the occupation army's patrol in Khan Younis city. Bombed a gathering of Israeli forces north and east of the Gaza Strip with a barrage of rockets and mortar shells. Seized control of an Israeli military "Skylark" drone in Khan Younis city, southern Gaza Strip. In a joint operation with the Omar Al-Qasim Forces, bombed "Sderot" and other settlements in the Gaza envelope with a rocket barrage. Al-Nasser Salah Al-Din Brigades' operations on April 13: Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles north of the Nusseirat camp with heavy-caliber mortar shells. Hezbollah's operations on April 13: Eastern sector: At around 14:05 local time, the Ruwaisat Al-Alam site in Lebanon's Kafr Shuba was targeted with a volley of missiles. At around 18:50 local time, a drone attack was launched against an Iron Dome platform at the new Israeli military site in "Tel Naama." Western sector: At around 15:00 local time, a drone attack was carried out against an Israeli military building in the Horsh Hanita colony, resulting in casualties. At around 15:15 local time, Israeli soldiers in Horsh Hanita colony were targeted with rockets and artillery shells. At around 17:00 local time, Israeli soldiers in the Adadhar forest were targeted with missiles. At around 17:50 local time, Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Pranit Barracks were targeted with a barrage of missiles. At around 17:50 local time, a building used by Israeli soldiers in the "Even Menachem" settlement was targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 18:20 local time, the surveillance equipment of the occupation army at the Raheb site was targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 18:40 local time, a building used by Israeli soldiers in the "Shtola" settlement was targeted with appropriate weapons. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commentary: World benefits from greater China-Germany economic cooperation Xinhua) 11:27, April 15, 2024 The 5 millionth vehicle of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) is seen in Tiexi District of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, in February of 2023. (BBA/Handout via Xinhua) In an increasingly interconnected world, China and Germany's partnership stands out as a model of cooperation. By leveraging their respective strengths and fostering a spirit of openness and cooperation, these two nations can play a pivotal role in shaping a more prosperous and sustainable future for the global community. by Xinhua writer Li Chao BERLIN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will soon pay an official visit to China, his second since taking office. The upcoming visit is expected to inject new momentum into the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. During Scholz's inaugural visit to China as German chancellor in 2022, amidst a hullabaloo of "decoupling," significant strides were made in bolstering mutual understanding and trust between the two nations. That diplomatic endeavor not only fortified bilateral relations, but also fostered global peace and development during a period marked by uncertainty and flux. Back then, over 100 German companies applied to join the visit, with a dozen shortlisted. This time, enthusiasm also runs high, with prominent German companies vying to be included in the visiting delegation. The keen interest from the business sector underscores the cooperative nature of China-Germany ties. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership. Practical cooperation between the two countries has always been a "ballast stone" for bilateral relations and is bringing benefits to the people in both countries. With strong economic interdependence, China and Germany, as the world's second-largest economy and the EU's largest economy respectively, should continue to ride the irreversible tide of closer and mutually beneficial cooperation in the era of globalization, jointly injecting momentum into global economic recovery. According to the German Economic Institute, direct investment from Germany to China reached a record high of 11.9 billion euros (12.7 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, a 4.3 percent increase compared to the previous year. One prime example of successful collaboration between China and Germany is the automotive industry. German carmakers see cooperation with aspiring Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies more as an opportunity than as a threat. During an interview with Xinhua last year, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume said cooperation with China upholds Volkswagen's business all around the world and "makes the company even stronger." German carmakers recognize that market competition can yield positive outcomes for all involved. They view the achievements of Chinese EV companies, driven by technological innovation and a well-established production and supply chain infrastructure, as beneficial to the global new energy automotive ecosystem. The rise of the Chinese EV industry helps German carmakers to "become faster," Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Germany-based CAR Center Automotive Research Duisburg, told Xinhua during an earlier interview. It is encouraging to witness German carmakers eschew "overcapacity" rhetoric that distorts the new energy technology market. Instead, they prioritize innovation and progress, striving to provide consumers with high-quality and affordable products amidst the worldwide drive for energy transition. In an increasingly interconnected world, China and Germany's partnership stands out as a model of cooperation. By leveraging their respective strengths and fostering a spirit of openness and cooperation, these two nations can play a pivotal role in shaping a more prosperous and sustainable future for the global community. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid Al Dbaiba, has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of the Sultanate of Oman for victims of the torrents and rains that swept through the province of Al-Mudhaibi on Sunday, leaving many dead, injured and missing US Says Israel-Hamas Hostage Talks May Resume This Week After 'Delay' Caused by Iran Strikes Sputnik News 20240414 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Hostage talks between Israel and Hamas are expected to resume as early as this coming week despite a brief delay caused by Iran's retaliatory attack on the Jewish State, a senior US administration official said Sunday. "Obviously the situation delayed that a little bit, but we look forward to picking that back up as early as this coming week," the unnamed official told reporters during a conference call. Media reported Wednesday that the latest ceasefire proposal in the six-month old Gaza war, presented at recent talks in Cairo, Egypt, provided for the release of 40 Israeli hostages in exchange for 900 Palestinians as part of a three-stage plan adopted by international mediators. Each stage of the plan was expected to stretch across 42 days, with the first involving the return of displaced people to northern Gaza, who would then be supported by temporary housing efforts organized by the UN, and 500 aid trucks delivering supplies on a daily basis. The Wall Street Journal reported, citing mediators, that Hamas had rejected the plan for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip proposed by the US, and would propose its own plan for a permanent end to the conflict. The Gaza war marked its six month anniversary last week, with the crisis, exploding on October 7, 2023 with a Hamas-led surprise attack into southern Israel in response to decades of Israeli occupation, blockades, settler violence and police attacks targeting Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. In the opening days of the conflict, Hamas took over 250 Israelis hostage, with about 100 remaining in the Gaza-based Palestinian militia group's hands at the moment. The current Hamas-Israel conflict has been the deadliest escalation in Palestinian-Israeli and Arab-Israeli tensions in decades, with the IDF saying at least 604 Israeli troops and 822 civilians have been killed, and Gaza health authorities estimating that over 33,100 residents of the Strip have been killed, with over 8,000 missing and 75,900 wounded (for a total of over 5 percent of Gaza's pre-escalation population). The Gaza crisis threatens to expand into a regional war, with Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen-based militias targeting Israel with missile and drone attacks, the latter closing the Red Sea to Israeli and Western shipping, and Iran launching a massive drone and missile barrage against Israel Saturday night in retaliation to Tel Aviv's attack on the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus, Syria on April 1. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia to Insist That Talks on Transcaucasia Not Be Held in Switzerland Sputnik News 20240414 MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - Russia will insist that the Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia should be held in another country, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik. On April 5, the 60th round of the Geneva Discussions took place. The Russian delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. "The Russian side had to raise the issue of holding the Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia in another country whose authorities do refrain from taking any action that can harm the interests of any parties to this negotiation format," Zakharova said. There are several countries which could host the talks, the spokeswoman added. It is hard to guess the outcome of the ongoing talks on the issue, Zakharova said. Russia intends to continue the efforts on finding an agreement on the matter with the support of its allies from Abkhazia and South Ossetia, she added. The Geneva International Discussions is a multilateral forum that was launched to address security and humanitarian consequences of the 2008 conflict between Georgia, its breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and Russia. The two self-proclaimed republics are recognized by Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru and Syria, while Georgia and the vast majority of UN member states have not recognized them. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson April 14, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the unprecedented air attack on Israel by Iran. Secretary Blinken and the Foreign Minister underscored the importance of avoiding escalation and coordinating on a diplomatic response. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Shoukry also discussed the importance of ongoing efforts to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza, protect Palestinian civilians, and achieve an immediate ceasefire that secures the release of all hostages. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safad US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson April 14, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi today to discuss Iran's unprecedented air attack on Israel and the need to avoid further escalation in the region. They also reaffirmed the importance of diplomatic efforts to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Secretary Blinken thanked Jordan for its leadership in providing life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, including through joint U.S.-Jordan airdrops and overland deliveries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of President Biden's Call with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan April 14, 2024 President Biden spoke today with His Majesty King Abdullah II about the situation in the Middle East. President Biden strongly condemned the attack launched by Iran that also threatened Jordan and the Jordanian people. Both leaders noted that they continue to monitor the situation and will remain in close touch over the coming days. They also discussed the situation in Gaza, and reaffirmed their cooperation to increase critical humanitarian assistance to Gaza and to find a path to end the crisis as soon as possible. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Operation Iron Swords - Day 191 - 14 April 2024 At any point, Hamas could have ended this burgeoning tragedy to surrender and release every hostage. Hamas instigated and owns this humanitarian catastrophe. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) At dawn on Sunday, Iran launched its expected attack on Israel, in response to the bombing of its consulate in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in early April, by launching dozens of drones and missiles into Israel. Iran launched about 350 missiles and drones towards Israel, the latter intercepted 99% of them, according to Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari. This is the first attack launched by Iran from its territory on Israel, and not through allies. The attack came in response to the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, in early April, being subjected to a missile attack that Tehran said was Israeli, which resulted in the killing of 7 members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, including prominent General Mohammad Reza Zahedi. War Termination Hamas confirmed that it had responded to the truce proposal, and reaffirmed its demands based on a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation army from the entire Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced to their areas and places of residence, intensifying the entry of relief and aid, and the start of reconstruction. For months, Qatar, Egypt and the United States have been leading indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas with the aim of reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and an exchange of prisoners and detainees between the two parties. The latest proposal presented by the mediators stipulates the release of 42 Israeli detainees in exchange for the release of 800 to 900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, the entry of 400 to 500 trucks of humanitarian aid daily and the return of the displaced to northern Gaza. Sources revealed to Al Jazeera details of the response the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) submitted to the mediators regarding the proposed ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza. According to what the sources revealed to Al Jazeera, Hamas adhered to the proposed ceasefire framework in 3 phases, each lasting 42 days. Hamas also stipulated the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the dividing line in all areas in the first stage, and demanded the return of the displaced to the northern Gaza Strip and the guarantee of freedom of movement in all its areas. In its response to the mediators, Hamas stipulated that a permanent ceasefire be announced in the second phase before the prisoner exchange began, and also demanded the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip in the second phase. Regarding the prisoner exchange, Hamas offered, in exchange for the release of any civilian prisoner, the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners. It also called for the release of 50 Palestinian prisoners for every female soldier, including 30 life sentencers, and for the lifting of the sanctions that were imposed against all Palestinian prisoners after the seventh of last October. HAMAS stressed the need for the third phase to include a commitment to end the blockade and begin the process of rebuilding the Strip. Hamas announced - yesterday evening, Saturday - that it had submitted to the mediators in Egypt and Qatar its response to the proposal that it received last Monday, expressing its readiness to conclude a serious and real prisoner exchange deal between the two parties. Hamas confirmed - in a press statement published through its official account on the Telegram platform - its adherence to its demands and the demands of the Palestinian people, including a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation army from the entire Gaza Strip , the return of the displaced to their areas and places of residence, intensifying the entry of relief and aid, and the start of reconstruction. Sources close to the negotiations confirmed to Al Jazeera Net that although Hamas adhered to its response presented on March 14, it decided - after consultations that included the internal leadership - to respond again to the Israeli proposals, even though they did not bring anything new. The sources indicated a growing conviction among the Hamas leadership that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is deliberately disrupting the negotiations, and is continuing his media tricks to deceive the families of the prisoners and the Israeli public that he is working to release the prisoners, when in fact he does not want to reach an agreement. These sources attribute Netanyahu's position to the fact that reaching an agreement would launch an escalating campaign within the occupation entity to hold elections that would inevitably lead to his downfall and his exposure to trials over corruption and failure on October 7, the date of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance. The sources revealed that the latest occupation offer did not contain anything new regarding the return of the displaced to their places of residence in the northern Gaza Strip, and that it still requires a return that is controlled militarily and security-wise and within pre-determined numbers, which does not meet the demand for their unconditional return put forward by the movement. Earlier, the Israeli intelligence service ( Mossad ) confirmed the receipt of a negative response from the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) regarding the mediators proposal, the day after the movement confirmed yesterday evening, Saturday, that it had submitted its response. The Mossad added - in a statement distributed by Netanyahu's office - that "Hamas rejected the proposal, and the head of the movement in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, does not want a humanitarian agreement or the return of the detainees." The Mossad saw that Sinwar "continues to exploit the tension with Iran" and seeks "a comprehensive escalation in the region," and stressed that the Israeli army will continue with full force to achieve the goals of the war on Gaza, and will make efforts to return the detainees. Operational Update The military and strategic expert, Colonel Hatem Karim Al-Falahi, said that there are no military developments on the field scene in the Gaza Strip after all sectors of the Israeli army were awaiting the issue of the Iranian threat. During Al Jazeera's military analysis segment, Al-Falahi pointed out that the past days witnessed a lightening of the intensity of military operations after the occupation forces were stationed in the buffer zone, "with the exception of the limited operation north of the Nuseirat camp in the middle of the Gaza Strip." But things will change and develop militarily in the areas that Israel wants to go to - according to Al-Falahi - such as the return of concentrated bombing on the city of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, in addition to resolving the Rafah issue. He added that Israel wants to complete its military operation by going to the border city with Egypt according to the political and military levels to achieve the goals of the war on Gaza. Coinciding with Al-Falahis speech, the Iraeli army announced - today, Sunday - the summoning of two brigades of reserve forces to carry out further operations in the Gaza Strip, days after it withdrew a number of priority combat positions there. Al-Falahi confirmed that the American objection to the invasion of Rafah is related to finding safe shelter areas for civilians and displaced people, indicating that there is an agreement in principle to go to Rafah, but with a difference in the details of the operation and what will result from it. The strategic expert expected that civilians would begin leaving Rafah as soon as the focused Israeli bombing of the city began, adding that it was not the occupation armys concern for them to have a safe shelter, citing its firing on displaced persons wishing to return to the northern regions via Al-Rashid (Al-Bahr) Street. It should be noted that Israeli ground forces are stationed on the border strip separating the Strip and the Gaza envelope, at a distance ranging between 500 meters and one kilometre, in addition to the Netzarim axis and the northern Gaza Valley, according to the interactive map presented by Al Jazeera. Operational Update - Gaza The Israeli army said that within days two reserve brigades will be mobilized for operational tasks in the Gaza Strip based on an assessment of the situation, adding that this will allow the effort to continue and prepare for defense and maintain the security of the population, as he put it. This comes while a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister said that the Mossad confirms the receipt of a negative response from the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) regarding the approach presented by the mediators, considering that this confirms that Yahya Sinwar does not want to reach a prisoner exchange deal. The Israeli army announced "Recruiting two reserve brigades will allow the effort to continue, prepare for defense, and maintain the security of the population," A few days ago, the Israeli army announced that the 162nd Division had begun a surprise military operation in the center of the Gaza Strip, indicating that this operation was being carried out by the combat group of the 401st Brigade, the combat group of the Nahal Brigade, and other units under the command of the 162nd Division. A few days ago, the Israeli occupation army announced the withdrawal of all ground forces from the Gaza Strip, including the 98th Division with its three brigades, from the Khan Yunis area after 4 months of fighting, leaving only the Nahal Brigade operating in the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza to separate the north from the center and the south. Israeli media said at the time that the withdrawal of the 98th Division from Khan Yunis came within the framework of preparations for an operation in Rafah. Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper also reported, citing sources in the Israeli army, that one of the reasons for the withdrawal is to leave places for the displaced who will be asked to leave Rafah, stressing at the same time that there is no connection between the American pressures exerted on Israel and the withdrawal from Khan Yunis. The sources added - according to the newspaper - that the occupation army is preparing to continue operations against the " Hamas brigades " that they did not deal with in Deir al-Balah and Rafah, and that the army can return to Khan Yunis if necessary. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for invading Rafah and imposing control over the entire Gaza Strip , despite international warnings against carrying out a military operation in the city crowded with thousands of displaced people. After Israel announced that it had received a negative response from the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) regarding a proposal for a truce in Gaza, Smotrich said in a post on the X platform that abandoning Israeli red lines and pursuing Hamas in order to reach an agreement will only lead to eliminating the opportunity to return all "Detainees." Smotrich, who heads the Religious Zionism Party, added: It is time to learn lessons, change direction, and head to Rafah now, and restore full Israeli control over the entire Gaza Strip. Regional and international warnings are mounting regarding Israel's plans to carry out a ground invasion in Rafah, and the danger this poses to hundreds of thousands of displaced people who have taken refuge there as a last refuge in the far south of the Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced on Sunday that Hamas responded negatively to the ceasefire proposal presented by the mediators last Monday. He considered that the rejection of the truce proposal shows that the head of the movements political bureau in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, does not want a humanitarian agreement or the return of the hostages who have been detained in the Strip since the Al-Aqsa Flood operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance on October 7. Operational Update - Judea-Samaria Operational Update - Lebanon Operational Update - Syria / Iraq Operational Update - Yemen Maps All maps are lies. Not only is it easy to lie with maps, it is essential, wrote cartographer Mark Monmoneir in his book How to Lie with Maps. He showed that condensing complex, three-dimensional spaces onto a two-dimensional sheet of paper [in old days] is bound to be reductive. But it is impossible to comprehend the war in Gaza without reference to maps, otherwise the entire conflict is reduced to an endless series of meaningless acts of random violence and the suffering of civilians. The first characteristic of guerrilla warfare is the loss of a front line. Evidently, different mappers have different ideas of how to depict the war in Gaza, notably those that seek to depict Israeli progress in the ground campaign. Part of the problem is latency. The news that forms the basis of the maps takes time to filter out to mappers, and the cartographers take time in crafting their maps, and it takes time to curate them. These processes are uneven among mappers, so their maps may differ in detail. Probably there is some ideological bias, or at least thematic apperception, which is understandable in wartime. It may come as no surprise that al-Jazeera maps depict rather less Israeli territorial progress than other sources. Finally, there remains the epistemological question of just exactly what are the colored in areas depicting. Naively, this might be understood as areas of Israeli control, that are no longer contested by the HAMAS. Or possibly these are areas of Israeli presence, in many of which the possibility of an RPG-wielding HAMAS militant popping out of a tunnel unexpectedly remains a live possibility. With the "zero-range" combat characterized by small unit tactics on both sides, maps may be prey to a fallacy of misplaced concreteness. Bystanders Axis of Resistance The Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) described the military operation carried out by Iran against Israel as a deserved natural right that falls within the right of the countries and peoples of the region to defend themselves. Hamas explained in its statement that the Iranian operation represents a deserved response to the crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus and assassinating a number of Revolutionary Guard leaders there. The movement called on the Arab and Islamic nations and the free people of the world and the resistance forces in the region to continue their support for the Al-Aqsa flood , and stressed the right of the Palestinian people to freedom and independence and to establish their Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. The Palestinian national and Islamic forces and factions in Lebanon accompanied the Iranian attack with drones and missiles on Israel at dawn on Sunday, which lasted for about 5 hours, in response to the bombing of its consulate in the Syrian capital, Damascus, at the beginning of this April, which led to the martyrdom of a number of its military leaders and advisors. The Palestinian factions confirmed that the Iranian response is legitimate, natural and expected, to impose a new equation and rules of engagement that prevent Israel again from targeting any diplomatic representations or Iranian lands. Because she will receive the appropriate response. The factions unanimously agreed that the Iranian attack carried a message that went beyond considering it a response to the targeting of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, to a retroactive response to the assassination of its leaders, especially in Syria, on the one hand, and to all the massacres carried out by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. While the Palestinian factions in Lebanon ruled out that the escalation in the region would turn into an open war, after Israel read the decisive messages regarding Iran entering directly into the line of historical conflict with it and launching marches and missiles directly from its territory and not through the allies as was usual, it saw that the coming hours and perhaps days would be It will decide the future and fate of the region. Jihad Taha, spokesman for the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), described the Iranian response to the targeting of its consulate in Damascus as a natural and legitimate response in accordance with Iranian sovereign rights and international laws, noting that the Iranian consulate is considered an integral part of Iranian sovereignty. Taha stressed to Al Jazeera Net the need to confront the "destructive, colonial Zionist project" that seeks to commit more crimes and massacres against the Palestinian people, their land, and their sanctities, which are inconsistent with international laws. Taha called on the international community to assume its responsibilities in confronting Zionist persistence and defending the rights of the Palestinian people. He stressed the need to support the steadfastness and resistance of the Palestinians in the face of aggression, calling on the Arab and Islamic countries to translate their decisions recently issued at the Arab-Islamic Summit into supporting the Palestinians and confronting Israeli settlement in the West Bank. In turn, Secretary of Relations for the Islamic Jihad Movement in Lebanon, Haitham Abu Al-Ghazlan, considered that the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7, 2023, opened the door wide for the fall of the theory of Israeli superiority, and in the Iranian response within the Israeli entity, the theory of security superiority fell. The image of Israeli superiority and deterrence faded. The evidence for this is the American, British, French and neighbors assistance, as Gallant said, in confronting the Iranian attack. Abu Al-Ghazlan told Al-Jazeera Net, "Although the Iranian response was based on a message of not wanting to ignite a regional war, it showed a clear Iranian challenge to the United States, and its size was surprising to the Israeli entity, which crossed the red lines by targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus." He added, "The importance of the response decision lies in the decision-making first, and its effects on the regional security system second, and in revealing the state of "Israeli popular" panic and anxiety regarding the depth of the crisis of confidence in Benjamin Netanyahu's government and the ruling class, and the decline in national immunity and Israeli internal cohesion. Abu Al-Ghazlan pointed out that the war of extermination waged by the Israeli enemy against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip was a translation of the failure of the Israeli-American goals to eliminate the Palestinian resistance. The goal of the support fronts in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran is to stop the aggression against the Gaza Strip. Therefore, the Iranian response is part of these fronts to achieve the goal of stopping the aggression. For his part, Haitham Abdo, official of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Lebanon, considered that the strike directed by Iran against Israel was a deserved and natural response in the context of the Zionist attacks on Iranian territory by targeting the Iranian consulate in Syria. Abdo told Al Jazeera Net that this strike comes in response to the massacres and genocide committed by the occupation against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. It also comes "in the context of responding to all assassinations of leaders and attacks on Iranian territory, including the assassination of scholars in Iran." Abdo believes that this response is not just sending a message or a response to the attack that occurred on the consulate in Damascus, but rather a strategic change in the balance of power. He added, "From now on, there will be no attacks or assassinations of any Iranian leaders or any attacks on consulates or Iranian lands without a response." He continued: The enemy will now understand well that any action he takes will face an appropriate response. An example of this is the strong response that came to the Zionist attacks. Therefore, today represents a turning point in the Iranian strategy to confront the Zionist settlement, as deterrence and Irans deterrent power will be stronger in the future. Abdo also considered that this attack comes in the context of responding to all Zionist attacks on resistance axes in the region, and not just on the Iranian consulate. He pointed out the weakness of the Zionist entity in dealing with this response, and how it failed to overcome it, even with the participation of many countries. Western countries such as Britain, the United States, and even Arab countries helped repel these missiles over their territories before they reached the occupied interior. He pointed out that this Iranian response, whether in decision-making or implementation, is a precedent and will be built upon for the future, and that what comes after April 13 will not be the same as before. While a member of the political bureau of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine , Fathi Kulaib, told Al Jazeera Net: The Iranian response to the Israeli enemys targeting of the Iranian consulate in Damascus came as expected, and is clear in its intended goals. Kleib continued: The Iranian forces targeted military areas, and were not targeting civilian targets. He added, It was clear that the direct target was the military base in the Negev, which was successfully targeted. He pointed out that the message from the response confirms Iran's readiness to deal with any Israeli threat. Therefore, any targeting of its forces, whether inside Iran, Syria, or any other region, will be responded to in the same way as this response occurred, as he put it. According to Kleib, despite the support that Israel received from the United States, Britain, and France, Iran is capable of overcoming Israeli defenses and the Western alliance. But Iran is not interested in expanding the scope of the conflict at the moment. Kleib believes that the future of the conflict or escalation depends largely on the Israeli reaction, which tries to minimize losses and show victory. On the other hand, Iran succeeded in setting new rules in dealing with Israel, and its message was clearly conveyed. He added, "It is important to note what is happening in the Gaza Strip, as if the aggression there is stopped, there may be a change in Western dealings, including dealings between Israel and the United States." Allied for Democracy Israeli media said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the ministers in his government not to make statements or give press interviews regarding Iran. This coincided with the start of the Israeli War Council session to discuss options for responding to Iran. Hebrew media reported that the meeting would discuss the response to the retaliatory attack launched by Iran with missiles and drones on Israel last night. At dawn on Sunday, the expanded political and security ministerial council ( cabinet ) met, followed by a war council meeting in an underground bunker in the Ministry of Defense in the city of Tel Aviv (central), according to the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. The Cabinet authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Defense Council Minister Benny Gantz to determine how Israel would respond to the Iranian retaliatory attack. For his part, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told NBC that President Joe Biden does not believe that the Iranian attack requires escalation into a broader war. Reports broadcast by CNN and the Wall Street Journal on Sunday also stated that the United States will not participate in any Israeli attack in response to Irans attacks. An American official told the Axios news website that Biden and his senior advisors are deeply concerned that the Israeli response to the Iranian attack will lead to a regional war with disastrous consequences. Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir said, We must not follow a policy of containment in order to create deterrence in the Middle East. Rather, we must respond madly, as he put it. Israeli Army Radio also quoted Israeli War Council Minister Benny Gantz as saying that Israel will build a regional alliance to confront the Iranian threat. He added, "We will collect the price from Iran in the manner and time that suits us, and we must strengthen the strategic alliance and regional cooperation that we have established and which have proven successful when put to the real test." Operation Iron Swords - By the Numbers 1,900,000 IDPs in Gaza 76,371 Gazans injured, 28% adult male 70,000 tons of explosives dropped on Gaza 70,000 housing units completely destroyed 70,000 Israeli IDPs from Lebanon border 45,000 bombs dropped in Gaza 43,000 Gazans killed, including buried under rubble 33,000 Gaza targets attacked 33,729 Gazans martyred 20,528 Palestinians in Israeli prisons [Haaretz, 20 Mar 2024] 15,140 Israelis injured [i24 TV] 15,000 rockets launched from Gaza 14,520 Gazan children martyred 13,000 HAMAS combatants killed [N12] 13,000 HAMAS combatants killed [IDF] 11,000 arrested by Israelis in the West Bank in 2023 10,000 Gazans missing under the rubble 9,920 Gazan women martyred 9,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons 9,000 IDF needing psychological assistance 8,365 arrested by Israelis in the West Bank since Oct.7th 6,800 IDF officers and soldiers injured [Channel 12] 6,000 HAMAS combatants killed [HAMAS] 5,500 IDF wounded [reports] 4,750 West Bank Palestinians wounded 4,700 sites targetted in Lebanon 3,484 administrative detainees 3,700 wanted persons arrested throughout Judea and Samaria 3,188 IDF wounded [IDF] 2,100 Gazan women are missing 1,609 terrorists killed on the first day 1,600 wanted persons arrested throughout Judea and Samaria affiliated with Hamas 1,160 Israelis killed on the first day 604 Israeli officers and soldiers killed since the start of the war 456 West Bank Palestinians martyred 363 people [including fighters] killed in Lebanon 260 Israeli officers and soldiers killed in Gaza 240 Hezbollah fighters killed in Lebanon 126 people recovered, including 91 Israelis, 11 bodies, and 24 foreign workers 116 living hostages in Palestinian custody 70 civilians killed in Lebanon 29 IDF deaths were caused by "friendly fire" 15 Israelis killed in the West Bank and Israel Not every number is reported every day, so sudden jumps generally reflect reporting artifacts rather than actual upticks. Many of these numbers fluctate, up and down, with no apparent explanation. This list records the highest number reliably reported for each matter, under the theory that reality with catch up with reports, as is relentlessly the case. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 14 April 2024 - Day 781 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 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on during the day of April 14, there were 42x tactical engagements. Russian forces launched a total of 8x missile and 65x air strikes, 57x MLRS attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the russian areas bordering Ukraine. Russia conducts subversion, continues shelling of Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the concentration of mining operations along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinity of Khliborob (Sumy oblast), Lyptsi, Vovchans'k (Kharkiv oblast). More than 20x settlements, including Hrem'yach (Chernihiv oblast), Nova Huta, Volfyne, Loknya, Myropillya, Stepok (Sumy oblast) came under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Kup'yans'k and Lyman axes: Russian forces conducted no offensives. However, Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Kup'yans'k Petropavlivka, Podoly (Kharkiv oblast), Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast), Novosadove (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than10x settlements, including Nevs'ke (Luhansk oblast), Terny, Yampolivka, Tors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 6x attacks in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, Novyi, Chasiv Yar, New York, Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian adversary, using air strikes, attempted to improve its tactical position. More than 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Hryhorivka, Kalynivka, Novyi (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 6x attacks in the vicinities of Novobakhmutivka, Novokalynove, Pervomais'ke, Netailove (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces, using air attacks, made attempts to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Berdychi, Umans'ke, Semenivka, Yasnobrodivka (Donetsk oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Novokalynove, Novobakhmutivka, Netailove, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). Novopavlivka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to block Russian forces near Krasnohorivka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces made 11x attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. The Russian adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Vodyane and Oleksandropil' (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Heorhiivka, Kostyantynivka, Vuhledar (Donetsk oblast). Orikhiv axis: Russian forces, with air support, launched 4x attacks on positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinity of Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinity of Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 20x settlements, including Chervone, Huliaipilske, Novodanylivka, Mali Shcherbaky (Zaporizhzhia oblast), were under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Kherson axis: during the day of April 14, Russian forces launched 1x unsuccessful attack on positions of the Ukrainian troops in the vicinity of Krynky (Kherson oblast). The Russian occupiers fired artillery and mortars at more than 15 settlements, including Tyahynka, Ivanivka, Mykil's'ke, Bilozerka, Veletens'ke, Mykhailivka, Kizomys, Beryslav (Kherson oblast) and the city of Kherson. During the day of April 14, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 22x concentration of Russian troops, weapons and military equipment. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Belgorod direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery hit enemy manpower and hardware near Ternovaya, Gatishche (Kharkov region) and Radyanskoye (Sumy region). The enemy lost up to 60 Ukrainian troops, four motor vehicles, one 155-mm U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, and one Nota electronic warfare station. In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line, inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of AFU 57th motorised infantry, 144th infantry, 21st mechanised brigades near Sinkovka, Zagoruykovka (Kharkov region), Stelmakhovka (Lugansk People's Republic) and Terny (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 Ukrainian troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, four armoured personnel carriers, two Kozak armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, two 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces have taken more advantageous lines, and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of AFU 92nd assault, 28th, 93rd mechanised brigades close to Andreyevka, Kleshcheyevka, and Kurdyumovka (Donetsk People's Republic). One counterattack launched by assault groups of the AFU 100th Mountain Assault Brigade was repelled near Vesyoloye (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy lost up to 470 Ukrainian troops and 20 motor vehicles. In the course of the counterbattery warfare, one 155-mm U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one 155-mm Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system, two 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and three 122-mm D-30 howitzers were destroyed. In Avdeyevka direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation, and hit manpower and hardware of AFU 24th and 115th mechanised brigades near Novokalinovo (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, seven counterattacks of AFU 25th airborne, 68th, 71st jaeger, 59th motorised infantry, 23rd, 24th, 115th mechanised brigades were repelled close to Pervomayskoye, Vodyanoye, Novobakhmutovka, Umanskoye, and Berdychi (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 460 Ukrainian troops, six tanks, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line, and defeated units of the 1st National Guard Brigade and the 108th Territorial Defence Brigade near Charivnoye (Zaporozhye region) and Urozhaynoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 150 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one 155-mm Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system, one 155-mm U.S.-made M777 howitzer, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. In Kherson direction, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of AFU 65th mechanised, 121st and 126th territorial defence brigades near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region), Chkalovo (Dnepropetrovsk region), and Mikhailovka (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 55 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one Nota and one Anklav electronic warfare stations. Operational-Tactical Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Groups of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation destroyed one German-made IRS-T anti-aircraft missile launcher and one ammunition depot, as well as engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 129 areas. Air defence systems shot down 41 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, three French-made HAMMER and U.S.-made JDAM aerial bombs, as well as one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectile during the day. In total, 583 airplanes and 270 helicopters, 20,867 unmanned aerial vehicles, 502 air defence missile systems, 15,782 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,266 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,866 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 21,010 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 15 April 2024 - Day 782 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 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 Russia continues to advertise and seek to recruit foreign nationals to join the Russian Armed Forces to fight in Ukraine. The most recent leaflet, written in English, requests foreigners to join a 'special' unit in the Russian Army and highlights a monthly salary of $2,200, a signing on payment of $2,000, a Russian passport, free medical treatment and training. Online recruitment adverts were distributed during the middle of 2023 specifically appealing to citizens of neighbouring countries, such as Armenia and Kazakhstan, with monthly salary offers of $1,973 and signing on payments of $5,140. During 2023 Russia had also been approaching central Asian migrants within Russia. More recently there have been reports of migrants from India and Nepal recruited and sent to fight in Ukraine. It is likely that many of those that have been recruited are not professional soldiers but migrant workers and have been coerced to fight under false pretences or with the offer of financial incentives. The numbers of foreign nationals in the Russian Armed Forces are likely to be low and integrated in to established rather than 'special' units. Russia likely wishes to avoid further unpopular domestic mobilisation measures and with significant casualties - currently estimated at 913 per day Russia needs to continue to explore all recruitment avenues to maintain a high tempo of personnel in-flow. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of April 15, there were 87x tactical engagements. Russian forces launched a total of 15x missile and 18x air strikes, 29x MLRS attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Residential apartment blocks and private houses, as well as other infrastructure, got destroyed and damaged. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the russian areas bordering Ukraine. Russia conducts subversion, continues shelling of Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the concentration of mining operations along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Uhroidy, Vozdvyzhens'ke (Sumy oblast), Luk'yantsi, Volokhivka (Kharkiv oblast). More than 15x settlements, including Leonivka, Kostobobriv, Yanzhulivka (Chernihiv oblast), Svesa, Popivka (Sumy oblast), Udy, Kozacha Lopan', Strilecha (Kharkiv oblast) came under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Kup'yans'k and Lyman axes: Russian forces conducted no offensives. The invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 20x settlements, including Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Kyslivka, Pishchane (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 4x attacks in the vicinity of Terny (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Makiivka, (Luhansk oblast), Terny, Yampolivka, Tors'ke, Zarichne (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 27x attacks in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, Spirne, Novyi, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian adversary attempted to improve its tactical position. Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of New York (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Hryhorivka, Kalynivka, Chasiv Yar (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 12x attacks in the vicinities of Novobakhmutivka, Berdychi, Semenivka, Umans'ke Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces, using air attacks, made attempts to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Novobakhmutivka, Semenivka, Netailove (Donetsk oblast). Novopavlivka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to block Russian forces near Krasnohorivka, Novomykhailivka, Pobjeda, Vodyane and Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian invaders, using air attacks, made 26x attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Paraskoviivka, Kostyantynivka, Vuhledar (Donetsk oblast). Orikhiv axis: Russian forces launched 5x attacks on positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinity of Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast), north of Pryyutne and southwest of Bilohir'ya (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 20x settlements, including Poltavka, Malynivka, Chervone, Bilohir'ya, Shcherbaky (Zaporizhzhia oblast), were under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Kherson axis: Russia does not abandon its intention to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro River. In particular during the day of April 15, Russian forces launched 4x unsuccessful attacks on positions of the Ukrainian troops in the vicinity of Krynky (Kherson oblast). The Russian occupiers fired artillery and mortars at around 20 settlements, including L'vove, Tyahynka, Ivanivka, Novotyahynka (Kherson oblast). During the day of April 15, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 2x concentration of Russian troops, 1x command post. The Ukrainian Missile Forces hit 1x artillery system, 3x concentrations of troops, 4x UAVs control posts of the Russian invaders. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces have improved the situation along the front line and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the 14th Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade close to Zagoruykovka and Kotlyarovka (Kharkov region). The AFU losses were up to 30 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one 155-mm U.S.-made M198 howitzer, as well as Plastun and Anklav-N electronic warfare stations. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the 81st airmobile, 24th and 53rd mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Belogorovka (Lugansk People's Republic), Novoye and Krasnogorovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were up to 420 Ukrainian troops, one tank, 10 motor vehicles, two 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and one 105-mm UK-made L-119 howitzer. In Avdeyevka direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces have actively improved the tactical situation and defeated manpower and hardware of 24th, 47th, 54th, and 115th mechanised, 25th airborne and 68th jaeger brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Novgorodskoye, Umanskoye, Semyonovka, Novokalinovo, and Ocheretino (Donetsk People's Republic).. In addition, seven counterattacks of AFU 25th airborne, 71st jaeger, 59th motorised infantry, 23rd and 115th mechanised brigades have been repelled close to Pervomayskoye, Novobakhmutovka, Umanskoye, and Berdychi (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses were up to 295 soldiers, one tank, four armoured fighting vehicles, including one German-made Marder IFV, and four motor vehicles. In the course of counter-battery warfare, Russian troops have hit one 155-mm U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one 105-mm U.S.-made M102 howitzer, and one Khmara electronic warfare station. In South Donetsk direction, the Vostok Group of Forces' units have improved the situation along the front line and defeated the units of 72nd mechanised, 58th motorised infantry, and 128th territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Urozhaynoye, Vodyanoye, and Staromayorskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were up to 90 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. In Kherson direction, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces have inflicted fire damage to manpower and hardware of the 65th Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses were up to 60 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, and one 152-mm D-20 howitzer. Operational-Tactical Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have destroyed one command and observation post of the 13th Ukrainian National Guard Brigade's battalion, as well as AFU manpower and military hardware in 110 areas. Air defence facilities have shot down 270 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and six HIMARS MLRS projectiles. In total, 583 airplanes and 270 helicopters, 21,137 unmanned aerial vehicles, 502 air defence missile systems, 15,789 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,266 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,884 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 21,050 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pennsylvania Guard WMD Civil Support Team Completes Exercise By Wayne Hall, Pennsylvania National Guard April 12, 2024 BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania National Guard's 3rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team conducted a training exercise April 11 to validate its proficiency. In the exercise scenario, potentially contaminated items were discovered on the bleachers and in the press box before a collegiate track meet at Bloomsburg University's Rober B. Redman Stadium. "Unfortunately, in the world we live in, bad people want to try to do bad things," said Air Force Lt. Col. Jake Derivan, commander, 3rd WMD-CST. "We're here to try to keep that from happening, or at least mitigate the problem if it occurs. So, if you have a lot of people together, if there's a sporting event, a lot of times we're there. We're here for the commonwealth." This specialized 22-member unit responds to incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear high-yield explosives by identifying substances, toxic industrial chemicals and materials. To maintain its proficiency, the team must undergo an external evaluation every 18 months by a U.S. Army North team. The evaluation serves as the team's Department of Defense accreditation. Derivan said the evaluation is conducted as realistically as possible. Just as in a real situation, the team works through its checklist as it evaluates the scene and neutralizes any potential hazards. "We go in blind to the actual situation," said Sgt. 1st Class William Amerman, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist who has been with the 3rd WMD-CST for about seven years. When the team arrives, it conducts reconnaissance, establishes its operational footprint and coordinates with the incident commander, often a local fire chief or senior law enforcement officer. "We do not take over the situation; we support," said Derivan, who has been part of the team for over 15 years and its commander for nearly two years. The team responds methodically, working for several hours in an encapsulated suite to keep it safe from contaminants. "It can be draining mentally and physically," Amerman said. "But you just got to have the perseverance to push through it and get the mission done." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US sends senior diplomats to China after elevating defense ties with Japan, Philippines Global Times Move to gauge Beijing's reactions toward trilateral summit: experts By GT staff reporters Published: Apr 14, 2024 07:23 PM Updated: Apr 14, 2024 10:27 PM The US has dispatched its top diplomats for East Asia to China, which analysts see as a move to test China's reactions after it elevated defense relations with Japan and Philippines amid escalating tension in the South China Sea. According to US Department of State, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink will visit China from Sunday to Tuesday. He will be joined by National Security Council Senior Director for China and Taiwan Affairs Sarah Beran. The two will meet with Chinese officials as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and to responsibly manage competition, according to the US state department. Kritenbrink's trip comes days after the first-ever trilateral summit between the US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr in Washington on Thursday US local time. The three leaders vowed to enhance military ties, and their joint statement termed China's actions to safeguard its sovereignty as "a dangerous and aggressive behavior" in the South China Sea, and as "attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea," according to media reports. Reiterating the US' "ironclad" defense commitments to the two Asian countries, Biden said any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea will invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty against the backdrop of escalating China-Philippine row, CNN reported. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday that the US, after a series of provocative actions targeting China, aims to observe China's reactions and potential countermeasures. If China responds strongly, the US "may restrain itself" to some extent. LA Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the US is well aware of China's military capabilities in the Western Pacific, and it will not carry out any substantive acts, otherwise it will incur unbearable consequences. Observers underlined US hypocrisy in its communication with China, particularly on security issues. The US provokes first and when China responds, it makes a "crisis management" gesture as if it were China's fault to have not tolerated those provocations. The Taiwan question is also on Kritenbrink's agenda. As May 20 approaches when the new regional leader is about to be sworn in, the US does not want "troubles beyond US control" across the Taiwan Straits and seeks to communicate with China in this regard, Li said. The US is also dreaming of China's assistance and smooth coordination to relieve the US from the pressures of dealing with the lingering Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Middle East conflicts, Li said, but Washington's "ultimate motivation is to better compete with China." When the US is the actual culprit behind many of the conflicts and crises, its attempts to mediate and de-escalate the situations are very much deceptive gestures, experts said. Analysts warn that the US should not have any illusions that China could compromise on its core interests and sovereignty. "China is always open to dialogue with the US on issues of shared concern, but the dialogue should be based on an equal footing and mutual respect, and the promises made between the two sides should be fulfilled," Li said. US media earlier reported that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is about to visit China, without specifying the dates. It is believed that Kritenbrink's trip also aims to communicate with China on arrangements for Blinken's trip, and pave the way for more constructive talks. But before Blinken's visit happens, nothing can be ruled out, Li said, citing the postponement of Blinken's visit for months in 2023 due to the balloon incident. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New York, US (PANA) - The UN Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the escalation in tensions between armed actors in El Fasher, North Darfur, an area already on the brink of famine, his Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, has disclosed China rebukes US and Canada for travel warnings to HK over national security law smears Global Times By Fan Anqi Published: Apr 14, 2024 07:49 PM Updated: Apr 14, 2024 10:29 PM The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) has expressed firm opposition against smears toward the national security law in Hong Kong and its newly passed Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, after the US and Canada updated travel warnings to the city citing so-called "restrictions" on civil liberties. US Consulate General in Hong Kong asked US nationals to "exercise increased caution" when traveling to the SAR due to "the arbitrary enforcement of local laws," the consulate general said on Friday. It noted that since the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on March 23, 2024, the SAR government is expected to "further restrict civil liberties," while warning US nationals there that they may even face arrest and detention if they criticize the Chinese central government or the SAR local authorities. Canada also issued similar warnings, saying that the new legislation in Hong Kong has broadened the range of national security offenses, which could include activities outside the region, even social media posts. "If you are suspected of endangering national security, you could be detained without charge for up to 16 days and denied access to a legal representative for up to 48 hours," the advisory said. In a strong rebuttal against such slander, a spokesperson of the Commissioner's Office said Saturday the travel alerts, in complete disregard of the facts, have maliciously tarnished Hong Kong's international reputation in an attempt to obstruct normal business and personnel exchanges. The Office stressed that Hong Kong's law and ordinance on national security are in line with the rule of law and international practices. With a clear definition of crimes, they fully respect and protect human rights, and safeguard the normal activities of foreign institutions and personnel in the region. "The law only targets a tiny minority who endanger national security, and ordinary foreign individuals and institutions do not need to worry," the spokesperson said. "The purpose of the US and Canada is to further suppress Hong Kong's international status by throwing mud at the Article 23 legislation, which was established with full reference to the development of common law and national security laws in other countries, including those in the US and Canada," Tian Feilong, a Hong Kong-Macao-Taiwan affairs expert at Beihang University in Beijing, told the Global Times on Sunday. "This reflects a typical discriminatory double-standards of the West," he said. What's more, compared to the national security laws in the US and Canada, Hong Kong's legislation strives to be more concise in defining offenses and clear in sentencing. It has improved in terms of human rights protection and upholding the rule of law, setting a more predictable standard, Tian noted. Observers believe that while the travel alerts may have a short-term impact on people-to-people exchanges, the concerns will gradually fade away as the specific implementation of the legislation unfolds, when foreign businesses in Hong Kong will be able to witness the stronger legal protection of society and the optimized business environment there. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's top legislator meets DPRK leader in Pyongyang during official goodwill visit Global Times By Global Times Published: Apr 14, 2024 12:04 AM China's top legislator Zhao Leji, who led a Party and government delegation on an official goodwill visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), met with the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang on Saturday. Zhao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, first conveyed warm greetings and good wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK. Zhao stated that, entrusted by Xi and the CPC Central Committee, he led a Party and government delegation to the DPRK for an official goodwill visit and attended the opening ceremony of the China-DPRK Friendship Year, receiving a warm reception from the DPRK. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the DPRK. China and the DPRK have been good neighbors for 75 years, fighting side by side, sharing a common future and promoting common development. Under the new situation, China is ready to work with the DPRK to promote greater development of bilateral relations in accordance with the lofty will of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries and the common aspirations of the two peoples, Zhao said. Zhao pointed out that the friendship between China and the DPRK was built and nurtured by the older generations of revolutionaries of the two parties and two countries, enduring tests amid a volatile international situation, and is a precious treasure shared by both sides. The CPC and the Chinese government have always viewed China-DPRK relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, he said. "It is our unswerving policy to maintain, consolidate and develop the traditional friendly cooperative relations between China and the DPRK." China is willing to work with the DPRK to achieve new results in bilateral practical and mutually beneficial cooperation under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, continue to effectively support each other, and safeguard the common interests of both sides. China is willing to closely coordinate with the DPRK to jointly organize various activities of the China-DPRK Friendship Year, Zhao said. Zhao emphasized that China is striving to build the country into a strong nation and realize national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization in accordance with the strategic arrangements made at the 20th National Congress of the CPC. China is willing to strengthen development alignment and deepen bilateral cooperation with the DPRK, continuously enriching the depth of China-DPRK relations. Kim asked Zhao to convey sincere greetings and good wishes to Xi. It is the unswerving policy of the WPK and the DPRK government to consolidate and develop the traditional friendly cooperative relations between China and the DPRK, Kim said. The relations between the two countries are constantly developing to a higher stage in accordance with the requirements of the new era, he said. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and China and the China-DPRK Friendship Year. The DPRK is willing to strengthen cooperation in various fields and exchange experiences in governance with China, deepen traditional friendship, and write a new chapter in DPRK-China relations, Kim added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Chinese Party and Government Delegation Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, April 14 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on April 13 received the party and government delegation of the People's Republic of China (PRC) headed by Zhao Leji, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the PRC, on an official goodwill visit to the DPRK to commemorate the "year of DPRK-China friendship". The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un warmly greeted the members of the Chinese delegation at the office building of the Central Committee of the WPK, warmly welcomed their visit to the DPRK and had a photo taken with them. He had a friendly and constructive talk with the members of the delegation. At the meeting Zhao Leji courteously conveyed the warm greetings from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the CPC and president of the PRC, to Kim Jong Un . Kim Jong Un expressed thanks for this and asked Zhao Leji to convey his best wishes to the respected Comrade Xi Jinping. He said that the current visit to Pyongyang by the Chinese party and government delegation, which followed the proclamation of this significant year marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and China as a "year of DPRK-China friendship", is of very weighty significance in demonstrating the invincibility of the DPRK-China friendship and further developing the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries as required by the times. Highly appreciating that the event for making public the important beginning of the important year was conspicuous, successful and glorious with the participation of a high-ranking delegation and a large-scale art troupe of China, he extended sincere thanks to General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Chinese party and government for their great sincerity to make sure that a good occasion has been marked with splendor once again. Saying in an excited tone that he personally felt during his stay in Pyongyang the special care by Kim Jong Un , cordial hospitality by the Party and the government of the DPRK and its people's profound friendly feelings, Zhao Leji expressed his heartfelt deep thanks to Kim Jong Un for attaching utmost importance and paying deep attention to the delegation so that it could achieve the greatest success during the visit. Kim Jong Un candidly discussed with Zhao Leji the issue of boosting the multi-faceted exchange and cooperation for developing the friendly and cooperative relations dear to the two parties and two countries into more viable ties, occasioned by the "year of DPRK-China friendship," and other important issues of mutual concern. Kim Jong Un affirmed that it is his consistent stand and the invariable and steadfast policy of the WPK and the government of the DPRK to develop the long-standing DPRK-China friendship century after century, expressing expectation that the common will of the two parties and the two countries to dynamically promote the socialist cause and provide the peoples with substantial well-being by steadily carrying forward and developing this durable traditions of friendship would lead to responsible progress and successful fruition of the "year of DPRK-China friendship". Offering sincere congratulations to the Chinese party, government and people for registering remarkable successes in the struggle for implementing the tasks set forth at the 20th Congress of the CPC, he hoped that the fraternal Chinese people would make a more brilliant step forward in carrying out the historic task for building a modern and powerful socialist country this year marking the 75th founding anniversary of the PRC under the guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping. The talk proceeded in a kind, sincere and comradely atmosphere. On the same day Kim Jong Un hosted a luncheon for the party and government delegation of the PRC. Present there were Jo Yong Won, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau and secretary of the C.C., WPK, Ri Il Hwan, secretary of the C.C., WPK, Choe Son Hui, minister of Foreign Affairs, Kim Song Nam, department director of the C.C., WPK, and Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the C.C., WPK. At the luncheon, Kim Jong Un proposed a toast to the eternal development of socialism of the two countries, longevity and good health of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the successful DPRK visit of the party and government delegation of the PRC led by Zhao Leji. Kim Jong Un had pleasant chats with Zhao Leji and other members of the delegation in a harmonious and friendly atmosphere, further deepening friendship. The luncheon proceeded in a happy and warm atmosphere. At the end of the luncheon Kim Jong Un warmly saw off the members of the delegation. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian 13 April 2024 17:01 686-13-04-2024 On April 13, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian at the initiative of the Iranian side. The ministers focused on the situation in the Middle East. The Russian side reiterated its strong condemnation of the April 1 Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consular office in Damascus. It was emphasised that, just like political assassinations, any attacks on diplomatic or consular sites, the inviolability of which is guaranteed by the relevant Vienna conventions, are absolutely unacceptable. The sides confirmed mutual commitment to maintaining a high level of coordination on international and regional agenda priorities. They emphasised both sides' interest in steadily building up political and diplomatic cooperation, as well as trade and economic interaction in the transport and logistics sphere, among others, including transit traffic. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran top security body: Response to Israeli aggression based on Article 51 of UN Charter IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) says the Iranian armed forces' attack on the Israeli regime was carried out based on Article 51 of the UN Charter. The SNSC issued a statement on Sunday after the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps and other armed forces launched hundreds of missiles and drones at the Israeli-occupied territories late on Saturday in response to an April 1 attack by the regime on the Iranian diplomatic mission in Syria. The SNSC said in its statement that the Zionist regime had crossed the red lines, adding that Iran took the least necessary punitive measure against the "aggressor Zionist regime" in order to protect its national security and interests. Iran only targeted air, intelligence and military bases of the Israeli regime, and refrained from attacking economic and infrastructure facilities, the statement further said. It added that the Islamic Republic does not plan any further military action for now, but warned that the Israeli regime will receive a stronger response if it continues its evil acts at any level and by using any means. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address I.R. mission to UN: Iran reserves inherent right to self-defense IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 New York, IRNA -- Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has warned against further military provocations by the Israeli regime, saying that the Islamic Republic does not intend to engage in conflict with the US, but will reserve its inherent right to respond proportionately in case of military action against the country. The mission said on Sunday that Iran does not seek escalation or spillover of the conflict in the region as it elaborated on the country's position regarding its right to self-defense in response to the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1. In response to that attack, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles on Israeli-occupied territories late on Saturday. The following is the full text of the explanation offered by the Iranian UN mission: 1. In the late hours of 13 April 2024, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military objectives with dozens of missiles and drones. This action was in the exercise of Iran's inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in response to the Israeli recurring military aggressions, particularly its armed attack on 1st April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises, in the defiance of Article 2 (4) of the Charter of the United Nations. 2. This action was necessary and proportionate and was targeted military objectives. It was precise and carried out carefully to minimize the potential for escalation and prevent harm to civilians. 3. Following the Israeli regime's cowardly terrorist and armed attacks against the diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus the Syrian Arab Republic, in a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter, the Islamic Republic of Iran has notified the UNSC of Israeli international wrongful acts as well as of Iran's inherent right under international law to respond to such terrorist armed attacks (A/78/838-S/2024/281). 4. In addition, in a phone conversation with the UN Secretary-General on 2nd April, Iran's Foreign Minister discussed the situation and called for taking appropriate action and strong condemnation from the international community and the Security Council for this horrific crime. 5. In our letters addressed to UNSC and UNSG, ( S/2024/281- S/2024/305), we underscored that the Israeli regime's armed terrorist attack against Iran's diplomatic premises in Damascus was a flagrant violation of international law, of the United Nations Charter, in particular Article 2 (4) of the Charter, and the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. Furthermore, This unlawful action constitutes an egregious breach of the fundamental and universally recognized principle of inviolability of diplomatic and consular representatives and premises, which serves as a cornerstone of international relations. 6. The Islamic Republic of Iran called upon the Security Council to strongly denounce this unjustified criminal and terrorist act, taking decisive and appropriate measures to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly and prevent the recurrence of such horrible crimes against the diplomatic premises of any member state. 7. Despite Russia's request, backed by China, Algeria, and many members, from the Security Council to uphold its duty to preserve international peace and security and to denounce this atrocious act, regrettably, the Security Council has once again failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security, allowing Israeli regime to transgress red lines and violate the fundamental principle of international law. Such a failure was caused by obstruction from 3 permanent members namely, the US, the UK, and France who already blocked the Security Council for over six months to shield Israel from any responsibility for the Gaza massacre. 8. Faced with such circumstances, the Islamic Republic of Iran had no choice but to exercise its inherent right to self-defense under international law, as underscored in Yesterday's letter to the President of the Security Council and the Secretary-General. 9. As a responsible Member of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, reaffirms once more its commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security. 10. The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its consistent position that it does not seek escalation or spillover of the conflict in the region. While warning about any further military provocations by the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its unwavering determination to defend its people, national security and interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against any threat or acts of aggression and to respond to any such threat or aggressions vigorously and in accordance with international law. Further, Iran has no intention of engaging in conflict with the US in the region. Should the US initiate military operations against Iran, its citizens, or its interests, Iran will reserve its inherent right to respond proportionately. 11. It is clear to all that Israel's ongoing destabilized and irresponsible actions and atrocities against the nations in the region, in particular, its massacre against the people in Gaza are a real threat to regional and international peace and security. The Israeli Prime Minister's policy seeks to expand and escalate the conflict in the region to maintain power. The members of the Security Council must not allow such an august body to be held hostage to the ambitions of such a belligerent regime. It is time for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and address the real threat to international peace and security. The Security Council must promptly fulfill its duty under chapter seven of the UN Charter in response to Israel's reckless defiance and to compel this occupying regime to uphold its obligations. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commander says any aggression will meet firm response from Iranian air defense IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- A senior Iranian commander has warned that any aggression against Iran will receive a firm response from the air defense systems of the country. Brigadier General Qader Rahim Zadeh, who leads the Khatam ul-Anbia Joint Headquarters of Air Defense, said on Sunday that the Iranian airspace is insecure for aggressors and if the enemy makes any mistake in its calculations and carries out any aggression against the country's airspace, it will definitely face a deadly and fiery response from the air defense systems. His comments comes in the wake of Iran's harsh response to a last week attack by the Israeli regime on Iranian consulate in Damascus and reports that Tel Aviv might decide to retaliate. The commander noted that all the corridors are open now and the flights are being operated in full security. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran will not hesitate to protect its interests against any new aggression: FM IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran has said that at this point, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary, it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression. Hossein AmirAbdollahian wrote on his personal page in social media and in response to Iran's counter-operation against the Zionist regime that exercising the right of legitimate defense shows Iran's responsible approach to regional and international peace and security. He continued that at this point, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary, it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian mission to UN: The further Israeli mistakes, the more severe response ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sun / 14 April 2024 / 17:07 Iran's Mission to the United Nations said that in the ongoing confrontations between Iran and Israel, the United States "must stay away." Tehran -ISNA- In a post on X, the mission said that the wide-ranging attack launched by the country was in response to Israel's aggression against Iran's diplomatic premises in Damascus. It said that the matter "can be deemed concluded." Should the Israeli regime "make another mistake," Iran's response would be considerably more severe, the mission added. "Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran's military action was in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises." the mission stated. "The U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!" it added. Earlier on Thursday, Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations underlined the necessity of Tehran responding to the Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Damascus, which martyred seven Iranian military advisors, including Brigadier General martyr Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the leader of the IRGC's Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Attack on Iran will lead to more significant retaliation: IRGC commander ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sun / 14 April 2024 / 17:07 A high-ranking officer in the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has cautioned that if Israel carries out any more military attacks on the country's territory, then Iran would respond with a more significant retaliation. Tehran -ISNA- His comments came after the IRGC launched a massive operation late Saturday, targeting the occupation entity with dozens of missiles and drones in response to the attack on Iran's consulate in Damascus last week, which resulted in the martyrdom of seven senior IRGC advisors, including Brigadier General martyr Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the leader of the IRGC's Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon. In a statement, the IRGC said that the operation targeting Israel, dubbed "Truthful Promise," came following the "silence and neglect" of international organizations regarding the attack on the consulate and the assassination of its senior members. The statement pointed out that the United Nations Security Council also failed to condemn the Israeli aggression or punish the entity in accordance with Article 7 of the UN Charter. The senior IRGC commander warned that any attack on Iranian soil would see a response with "twice the force". End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Guardian, March 28, 2024 Ruchi Kumar and Rukhshana The Talibans announcement that it is resuming publicly stoning women to death has been enabled by the international communitys silence, human rights groups have said. Safia Arefi, a lawyer and head of the Afghan human rights organisation Womens Window of Hope, said the announcement had condemned Afghan women to return to the darkest days of Taliban rule in the 1990s. With this announcement by the Taliban leader, a new chapter of private punishments has begun and Afghan women are experiencing the depths of loneliness, Arefi said. Now, no one is standing beside them to save them from Taliban punishments. The international community has chosen to remain silent in the face of these violations of womens rights. The Talibans supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, announced at the weekend that the group would begin enforcing its interpretation of sharia law in Afghanistan, including reintroducing the public flogging and stoning of women for adultery. In an audio broadcast on the Taliban-controlled Radio Television Afghanistan last Saturday, Akhundzada said: We will flog the women we will stone them to death in public [for adultery]. You may call it a violation of womens rights when we publicly stone or flog them for committing adultery because they conflict with your democratic principles, he said, adding: [But] I represent Allah, and you represent Satan. He justified the move as a continuation of the Talibans struggle against western influences. The Talibans work did not end with the takeover of Kabul, it has only just begun, he said. The news was met by horror but not surprise by Afghan womens right groups, who say the dismantling of any remaining rights and protection for the countrys 14 million women and girls is now almost complete. Sahar Fetrat, an Afghan researcher at Human Rights Watch, said: Two years ago, they didnt have the courage they have today to vow stoning women to death in public; now they do. They tested their draconian policies one by one, and have reached this point because there is no one to hold them accountable for the abuses. Through the bodies of Afghan women, the Taliban demand and command moral and societal orders. We should all be warned that if not stopped, more and more will come. Since taking power, in August 2021, the Taliban has dissolved the western-backed constitution of Afghanistan and suspended existing criminal and penal codes, replacing them with their rigid and fundamentalist interpretation of sharia law. They also banned female lawyers and judges, targeting many of them for their work under the previous government. Samira Hamidi, an Afghan activist and campaigner at Amnesty International, said: In the past two and half years, the Taliban has dismantled institutions that were providing services to Afghan women. However, their leaders latest endorsement of womens public stoning to death is a flagrant violation of international human rights laws, including Cedaw [the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women]. Hamidi said Afghan women were now in effect powerless to defend themselves from persecution and injustice. In the past year alone, Taliban-appointed judges ordered 417 public floggings and executions, according to Afghan Witness, a research group monitoring human rights in Afghanistan. Of these, 57 were women. Most recently, in February, the Taliban executed people in public at stadiums in Jawzjan and Ghazni provinces. The militant group has urged people to attend executions and punishments as a lesson but banned filming or photography. Iran, Russian foreign ministers warn against further escalation in region Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 6:49 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov have warned that new provocative acts can lead to an escalation of tensions in the region, following Iran's retaliatory attack on the Israeli-occupied territories. The two diplomats made the remarks in a phone conversation on Sunday, as they discussed the latest developments in the region, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported. "It was noted that a further escalation of tensions in the region and new, dangerous provocative actions could lead to a boost in tensions" in the region, the ministry said. The warning comes as Israel's war cabinet met on Sunday afternoon to discuss possible responses to the overnight Iranian drone and missile strike. "Prevention of such scenarios and elimination of their causes must receive particularly prioritized attention within the UN Security Council," the Russian ministry added. The ministry further noted that "the Iranian Foreign Minister informed his Russian counterpart about the measures, undertaken by Tehran in response to the April 1 Israeli airstrike at the consular department of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, which led to the death of official Iranian representatives." It also said the two sides reaffirmed their position in favor of an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched extensive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories late on Saturday in response to Israel's missile attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus on April 1. The retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation True Promise, has inflicted damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied territories, but the extent of which is yet to be specified. The Israeli attack on Iran's diplomatic facilities in Syria resulted in the martyrdom of Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, his deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, and five of their accompanying officers. The terrorist attack drew categorical condemnation from senior Iranian political and military leaders, who vowed "definitive revenge." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Any military aggression will prompt more defensive measures: Iran Foreign Ministry Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 4:54 PM Iran's Foreign Ministry reaffirms its commitment to international law but says the country will take further defensive measures in case of any military aggression. "The Islamic Republic of Iran would not hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests against any act of military aggression or unlawful use of force," the ministry said in a statement on Sunday. It added that Iran carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military bases in exercise of the Islamic Republic's inherent right of self-defense as recognized under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. It added that the attacks were also a response to Israel's recurring military aggression, resulting in the killing of the Iranian military advisors in Syria upon a request from its government, in particular the regime's recent armed attack against Iran's diplomatic premises in the Syrian capital of Damascus. It reiterated Iran's adherence to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. Tehran, however, is resolute on forcefully defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests against any unlawful use of force and aggression, the ministry said. It added, "The Islamic Republic of Iran's resort to defensive measures in exercise of its right of self-defense demonstrates Iran's responsible approach toward regional and international peace and security." The ministry emphasized that Iran feels responsible towards regional and global peace and security at a time when the Israeli occupying apartheid regime's pattern of relentless genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people is accompanied with repeated military aggression against neighboring states and fanning the flames across the region and beyond. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched extensive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories late on Saturday in response to Israel's missile attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus on April 1. Iran hit a large intelligence base in the occupied lands and Israel's Nevatim Airbase, from where an F-35 jet took off to target Iran's consulate in Damascus. A senior commander of the IRGC Quds Force, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, and his deputy General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi were among the seven Iranian martyrs of Israel's deadly attack in Damascus. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran air defense to deliver 'deadly, fiery' response to any aggression: Commander Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 2:55 PM Iran's top air defense commander says any aggression against the country's airspace will be met with a "deadly and fiery" response. Brigadier General Qader Rahim Zadeh, who leads the Khatam ul-Anbia Joint Headquarters of Air Defense, made the comments on Sunday amid reports suggesting that Israel might decide to respond to a wave of overnight Iranian missile and drone attacks that targeted the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. "The Iranian airspace is insecure for aggressors and if the enemy makes any mistake in its calculations and carries out any aggression against the country's airspace, it will definitely face a deadly and fiery response from the air defense systems," said Rahim Zadeh. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force fired hundreds of drones and missiles toward targets deep inside the Israeli occupied territories in the early hours of Sunday in what the force said was a response to Israeli crimes against the Iranian nation, including an attack earlier this month on an Iranian consulate in Syria which killed senior military commanders. Despite earlier threats by Israel that it would respond to a direct attack launched from the Iranian territory, the regime has yet to announce any retaliatory measures amid warnings issued by its main ally the United States that it would not support such an attack. Rahim Zadeh said IRGC's Aerospace Force had closely coordinated the attacks on Israel with civil aviation and air defense authorities in Iran. He said that Iran's air corridors are currently open for domestic and international flights. "The corridors have been fully opened and flights through the (Iranian) airspace are being carried out in complete safety and in good conditions," said the general. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran says committed to UN Charter, seeks no escalation in region Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 11:01 AM Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations office in Geneva has underscored Iran's commitment to international law and the UN Charter, saying the Islamic Republic seeks no escalation in the region. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) targeted the Israeli-occupied territories late on Saturday with a barrage of drones and missiles in response to the regime's deadly assault on the consular section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus on April 1. The retaliatory strikes have inflicted a yet-to-be-specified extent of damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied territories. In a post on its X social media account on Sunday, Iran's permanent mission to the UN office in Geneva said the reprisal came after Israel's "recurring" anti-Iran acts of aggression and the UN Security Council's failure to hold the regime to account for its crimes. "In exercising its inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and in response to the Israeli regime recurring military aggressions, particularly its armed attack on 1st April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises, in defiance of Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter and in flagrant violation of Int'l Law, and subsequent to the failure of the UNSC in taking measures necessary to condemn and hold the aggressor accountable, Iran carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military objectives," the mission said. "As a responsible Member of the UN, Iran is committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and Int'l law, and reiterates its consistent position that it does not seek escalation or conflict in the region," it added. Iran's permanent mission in Geneva also warned against any provocations by the Israeli regime as it placed a premium on the Islamic Republic's resolve to defend itself against any attack. "While warning against any further military provocations, Iran reaffirms its unwavering determination to defend its people, national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against any threat or act of aggression," the mission underlined. "Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right of self-defense when required under Int'l Law." The Israeli attack on Iran's diplomatic facilities in Syria resulted in the martyrdom of Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, his deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, and five of their accompanying officers. The terrorist attack drew categorical condemnation from senior Iranian political and military leaders, who vowed "definitive revenge." During a speech in Tehran on Wednesday after leading the Eid al-Fitr prayers, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the Israeli regime "must be punished and will be punished" for the deadly strike on the Iranian diplomatic premises. The international community also condemned the Israeli aggression on the Iranian consulate in Damascus's Mezzeh district. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC chief: Much harsher response awaits Israel should it attack Iran Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 7:51 AM The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned the Israeli regime that Iran's reaction will be "certainly much harsher" if the regime responds to Iran's retaliatory operation. "The Zionist regime must stop its past behavior and learn from this [attack]. If the Zionist regime shows any response, our reaction will certainly be much harsher based on this new experience we have gained from their capabilities," Major General Hossein Salami said on Sunday. "From now on, if the Zionist regime attacks our interests, assets, figures, and citizens at any point, it will face counterattack from within the Islamic Republic of Iran," he added. On Saturday night, the IRGC launched extensive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories in response to Israel's deadly attack on the Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria early this month. On Saturday night, the IRGC launched extensive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories in response to Israel's deadly attack on the Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria early this month that killed seven members of its armed forces including two generals. Salami highlighted that Iran could carry out an operation in a larger scale but the attack "was limited" to the military bases of the Zionist regime, from the Golan Heights to the Negev desert, that were used in the terrorist attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. According to Salami, the operation was "more successful than expected." "So far, we have not collected all the data relating to the strikes [against Israeli targets], but detailed, documented reports from the scene show that the operation was more successful than we expected," he said. The IRGC general explained that the operation was "unknown" and "unclear", but had "opened a new chapter" for Iran in the fight against the Israeli regime. He noted that Israel has a multilayered air-defense system which includes the Arrow, designed to intercept long-range missiles, David's Sling, meant to intercept medium-range missiles, and Patriot, which is used to shoot down aircraft, such as drones. Israel's defense system was also coping with incoming rocket, drone and missile attacks from Iran with assistance from the US, he added. "The deep and multilayered air defense with the assistance from the US was stretching from Iraqi air space to Jordan and even parts of Syria and Palestine. "Israel was using its F-15, F-16, and state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets, Gulfstream jets as well as aerial refueling aircraft [...] they were all deployed to defend Israel's positions," he added. Penetrating these systems was "extremely difficult", according to Salami. Moreover, Israel and US electronic warfare could have represented a landmark in deciding the fate of the war crafts, so the operation took tactical ingenuity to render the enemy's defense systems ineffective, Salami added. "Dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles manage to break into deep layers of Israel's seemingly safe air defense system, impact the aerial coalition between the US, France and Israel and reach the designated targets," he said. Iran's retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Israel were launched after two weeks of strategic patience and meticulous planning and execution. The operation included at least four waves of drone attacks. It is estimated that a total of 400 to 500 drones were launched. The retaliatory military operation also included the launch of a series of cruise and ballistic missiles, which were reportedly accompanied by simultaneous drone and missile strikes by the Axis of Resistance groups from Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon. On Sunday morning, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, said Iran has concluded its retaliatory strikes on the occupied territories. Baqeri downplayed the extent of the operation compared to what Iran is capable of, saying that it was merely a punishment and the country's response to any further military action by the Israeli regime "will be much greater." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran says concluded retaliatory strikes on occupied territories, warns against Israeli response Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 6:58 AM The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, says Iran has concluded its retaliatory strikes on the occupied territories, warning of a "stronger" reaction if the Israeli regime responds. "The operation is over from our point of view, but the armed forces are ready and we will act if necessary," Baqeri said Sunday morning. His remarks came hours after the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched extensive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories in response to Israel's deadly attack on the Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria early this month. Baqeri downplayed the extent of the operation compared to what Iran is capable of, saying that it was merely a punishment and the country's response to any further military action by the Israeli regime "will be much greater." "The reason for this operation was the crossing of [Iran's] red line by the Zionist regime, which cannot be tolerated in any way for us," he asserted. Overnight on Saturday and early Sunday morning, Iran launched hundreds of retaliatory missiles and drones at targets in the occupied territories. The attack came less than two weeks after Israeli warplanes bombed the consular annex of Iran's embassy in the Syrian capital, killing seven IRGC members who were on an advisory mission to the Arab country. Iran hit a large intelligence base in the occupied lands and Israel's Nevatim Airbase, from where an F-35 jet took off to target Iran's consulate in Damascus, Baqeri said, adding that both sites were "significantly destroyed and disabled" in the retaliatory operation. He also noted that the attack "reached its goals" as the regime's so-called Iron Dome system failed to significantly deal with the Iranian missiles and drones. "We were capable of conducting an operation against the regime 10 times bigger than this one, but we tried to keep it at the level of a punishment and did not target populated and economic centers," the top general stated. He further expressed the full readiness of the Iranian Armed Forces to defend the country's soil and interests. The US gave Israel "green light" for its terrorist attack against Iran's consulate in Syria, Baqeri said. Tehran conveyed a message to Washington through the Swiss embassy that if it participated "in the Zionists' future aggressive moves, and that if this is proven to us, American bases and forces across in the region will have no security". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden tells Netanyahu US will not take part in Israel's counterattack on Iran Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 6:27 AM US President Joe Biden has told Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States will not engage in any counterattack against Iran, according to a senior US administration official. The comments were relayed during a phone call with Netanyahu on Saturday, in the wake of Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israel. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched "extensive" retaliatory missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories on Saturday night local time, in response to the Israeli regime's terrorist attack of April 1 against the Islamic Republic's diplomatic premises in the Syrian capital Damascus. During the conversation, Biden made it clear that the US will not be involved in any offensive actions against Iran and Netanyahu reportedly accepted this stance, according to the official. The White House official said that Biden and his senior advisors are highly concerned that an Israeli retaliation to Iran's strike on Israel could escalate into a widespread conflict with devastating outcomes. The US military deployed aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region in the past week, assisting Israel in thwarting incoming drones and missiles from Iran, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, Biden said in a statement after the call. Biden will hold a call with the G7 leaders on Sunday to discuss and "coordinate a united diplomatic response" to Iran's attack, according to a statement released by the White House. Moreover, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken in a statement said that the US does "not seek escalation" but will "continue to support" Israel's defense and defend US personnel. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin also said that US forces helped intercept dozens of Iranian drones and missiles launched against Israel from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. "We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel," Austin said in a statement. Iran warns Israel against second attack These comments come after Iranian officials have warned that any further military aggression by the Israeli regime will set off a bigger response from Iran. A senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) talking to PressTV on Sunday warned that if the Israeli regime resorts to any military aggression on Iranian soil, Iran "will respond with twice the force." 'Operation True Promise' was in response to the assassination of seven Iranian military advisors in Damascus on April 1, including a senior IRGC commander in Lebanon and Syria, General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, and his deputy General Hadi Haj Rahemi, the IRGC said in its first statement. The second statement said the IRGC retaliation came after 10 days of "silence and neglect" on the part of the international organizations, especially the United Nations Security Council, to condemn Israeli aggression or punish the regime in line with Article 7 of the UN Charter. The statement warned the United States -- the Israeli regime's biggest supporter -- that "any support or participation in harming Iran's interests will result in a decisive and regrettable response by the Iranian armed forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC commander to Press TV: If Israel attacks again, will receive bigger response Iran Press TV Press TV Website Staff Sunday, 14 April 2024 1:19 AM A senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned that any further military aggression by the Israeli regime will see a bigger response from Iran. Speaking to the Press TV, the senior IRGC commander said if the Israeli regime resorts to any military aggression on Iranian soil, Iran "will respond with twice the force." His remarks came after the IRGC launched a barrage of missiles and drones at the occupied territories in response to the Israeli regime's terrorist attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria. The swarm of missiles and drones, more than a hundred in number, according to some estimates, penetrated multiple defense layers of the regime and struck targets in the occupied land. 'Operation True Promise' was in response to the assassination of seven Iranian military advisors in Damascus on April 1, including a senior IRGC commander in Lebanon and Syria, General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, and his deputy General Hadi Haj Rahemi, the IRGC said in its first statement. In the second statement, the IRGC retaliation came after 10 days of "silence and neglect" on the part of the international organizations, especially the United Nations Security Council, to condemn Israeli aggression or punish the regime in line with Article 7 of the UN Charter. Iran then resorted to retaliatory strikes, "using its strategic intelligence capabilities, missiles, and drones" to attack "targets of the Zionist terrorist army in the occupied territories, successfully hitting and destroying them." The statement, meanwhile, warned the United States -- the Israeli regime's biggest supporter -- that "any support or participation in harming Iran's interests will result in a decisive and regrettable response by the Iranian armed forces. Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations, in a statement following Saturday night's attack retaliatory military action, said the retaliatory action was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter concerning legitimate defense in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against Iran's diplomatic facility. The mission warned that if the Israeli regime resorted to another mistake, Iran's subsequent response could be "remarkably more intense." Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in his Eid al-Fitr sermon, dubbed the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate a "mistake", which he asserted would see punishment. Meanwhile, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has warned that any country that opens its soil or airspace to the Israeli regime for a [potential] attack on Iran, will receive a "decisive response." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Unprecedented But Choreographed Attack On Israel Underlines Tehran's Limits By Kian Sharifi April 14, 2024 Iran fired over 300 missiles and drones at Israel, marking the first time Tehran directly launched an attack against its archfoe from its own territory. But the unprecedented assault late on April 13 also appeared highly choreographed and caused limited damage and casualties. The attack was in retaliation for the suspected Israeli air strike on the Iranian Embassy's compound in Damascus on April 1 that killed seven Iranian commanders, including two generals. Tehran's response appeared to be aimed at projecting strength. But observers suggest the incident also underlined Iran's limitations. Tehran felt compelled to respond, experts say, but it was also keen to avoid actions that could trigger a full-blown war with Israel, a scenario that could drag in the United States and jeopardize the clerical regime's own survival. "The Islamic republic probably believes it has escalated -- by directly and overtly targeting its adversary's territory -- to de-escalate," said Farzan Sabet, a senior research associate at the Geneva Graduate Institute. In the past, Iran has claimed responsibility only after attacks. This time, however, it announced the start of its operation -- Honest Promise -- shortly after the drones were launched and hours before they reached Israel. "The matter can be deemed concluded," Iran's mission to the United Nations wrote on X, formerly Twitter, even before the first wave of drones had reached Israel. Even so, the attack was considerably larger than what many observers had anticipated. "It was certainly not a symbolic attack and I think at the end of the day it served what they wanted to do: to rehabilitate deterrence vis-A -vis Israel," said Raz Zimmt, a senior researcher at the Israeli-based Institute for National Security Studies. Iran was keen to minimize damage and reduce the odds of an Israeli reprisal, experts say. But Tehran may have miscalculated, according to Zimmt, who says Israel will feel compelled to respond. "The question is what exactly Israel can do in order to respond without risking further escalation," he said. But more than anything, the scale of the attack appeared to be aimed at Iran's domestic audience. Iran's state-run IRINN television broadcast live footage of people gathering in various Iranian cities to celebrate the attack. The channel also aired unverified social-media footage purportedly showing the aftermath of the Iranian strikes in Israel. But at least one of the videos was actually old footage of wildfires in South America. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-attack- israel-limits-strength-retaliation/32904735.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Explainer: The 'Kamikaze' Drones Iran Used To Attack Israel By Frud Bezhan April 14, 2024 Iran fired scores of drones and cruise and ballistic missiles on Israel in an unprecedented attack against its archfoe. Among the drones used in the April 13 assault, according to Iranian state-run media, were the Iranian-made Shahed-136 and Shahed-131s. The primitive suicide drones have been used by pro-Iranian militant groups in the Middle East. Tehran has also been accused of sending them to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine. Are The Drones Effective? The Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 "kamikaze" drones are cheap but effective, according to experts. Built with off-the-shelf components, the drones have attracted derisive monikers such as "lawnmowers" and "mopeds" due to the sound of their engines in flight. But the low-flying drones, which are maneuvered to crash into their target, have proven themselves capable of hitting their mark both in terms of military effectiveness and cost. "It is capable of extracting or delivering attrition and damage when launched," said Samuel Bendett of the Virginia-based Center for Naval Analyses. John Krzyzaniak, a research associate at the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, said Iranian drones like the Shahed-136s can "wreak havoc" if fired in large numbers. What Is Their Range? The estimated operational range of the Shahed-136 varies, but Iran says it is capable of traveling up to 2,500 kilometers. That put Israel, which is located about 1,000 kilometers from Iran, within striking distance. The Israeli military said Iran had fired around 170 drones, all of which were intercepted. The slightly smaller and older Shahed-131 has been estimated to have a range of 900 kilometers. Launched in 2021, the Shahed-136 can fly a maximum speed of only around 185 kilometers per hour, making it susceptible to interception. Its payload capacity -- around 50 kilograms -- is also limited. Does Iran Have Other Drones? Iran has become a prolific drone producer in recent years. It also produces more advanced combat drones, including the Mohajer-6 as well the Shahed-129 and Shahed-191. Jeremy Binnie, a Middle East defense specialist at the global intelligence company Janes, described the Shahed-129 as a "long-endurance surveillance and attack" drone. The Mohajer-6 drone is capable of carrying out both reconnaissance missions and aerial strikes within a range of 200 kilometers. The stealth drone, Binnie said, is used "for penetrating well-defended airspace." In 2022, Iran inaugurated a drone factory for its Ababil-2 strike and reconnaissance drone in Tajikistan, Tehran's first production facility abroad. Who Else Is Using Iranian Drones? Iran is increasingly deploying its drones beyond its borders. Experts say Tehran has employed them during reconnaissance, sabotage, and attack missions in the region. Iran has also supplied drones to its proxies in the Middle East, including militant groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen claim to have launched drones at Israel in recent months. Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria, meanwhile, launched drone attacks on U.S. forces. Analysts say the drones have made these groups more unpredictable. Iran has been accused of sending thousands of Shahed-129 and Shahed-191s to Russia, boosting Moscow's deadly air campaign in Ukraine. Tehran and Moscow deny the allegations. U.S. officials have repeatedly accused Tehran of supplying Shahed-136 drones that Russia has used to destroy civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. There has been evidence of Iranian drones rebranded as Russian Geran-2s being used on the battlefield. The Islamic republic has also been accused of selling combat drones to the army in Sudan, which is embroiled in a devastating civil war. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-shahed-drones-israel- attack/32904882.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FCDO statement on the summoning of the Iranian ChargA d'Affaires Today the ChargA d'Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in London was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. 14 April 2024 Today, on instruction from the Foreign Secretary, the ChargA d'Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in London was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: The Foreign Secretary summoned the ChargA d'Affaires of the Iranian Embassy today. The UK condemns in the strongest terms Iran's direct and unprecedented attack against Israel, as well as their violation of Jordan and Iraq's airspace. At a time of great tension in the Middle East, this was a profoundly dangerous and unnecessary escalation by Iran. The UK calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the civilian ship "MSC Aries" and its crew, which was seized by Iranian armed forces yesterday in international waters. The Iranian authorities must take meaningful and immediate action to de-escalate and halt its reckless and unlawful behaviour. The UK will continue to stand up for Israel's security and the security of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. We will also continue to work with our international partners to protect and uphold stability in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US strongly condemns Iran's seizure of container ship By VOA Persian Service April 14, 2024 The U.S. State Department has strongly condemned Iran's seizure of a container ship, the MSC Aries, near the Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to immediately release the vessel and its crew. A State Department spokesperson told VOA's Persian Service that the vessel, flying the Portuguese flag and owned by Britain, was seized in "international waters," and its crew consists of nationals from India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Russia, and Estonia. Saturday's seizure of a non-military vessel, even without any provocation on its part, is deemed a "blatant violation of international laws" and "piracy" by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), classified as a "foreign terrorist organization," said the spokesperson. The official stressed that this action "must be unequivocally condemned, and we will work with our partners to ensure Iran is held accountable for its actions." The state news agency IRNA reported Saturday that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had seized an "Israel-linked ship" in the Strait of Hormuz. International shipping company Zodiac Maritime said in a statement that MSC is the manager and commercial operator of the vessel seized Saturday by Iranian authorities. Israel Katz, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, urged the "European Union and the free world" to "immediately declare the IRGC as a terrorist organization and sanction Iran now." He posted on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that "The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has seized a Portuguese civilian cargo ship, belonging to an EU member, claiming Israeli ownership." "The Ayatollah regime of Khamenei is a criminal regime that supports Hamas' crimes and is now conducting a pirate operation in violation of international law," he said. The ship seizure came before Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel, retaliating after blaming Israel for the bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Israel says it air defenses were successful in defending against the Iranian attack. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 13, 2024 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant for a second time today to reiterate ironclad U.S. support for Israel's defense in light of Iran's unprecedented attack from Iranian territory. Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant praised the extraordinary defensive measures and strong cooperation undertaken to defeat this Iranian attack against Israel. Secretary Austin again stated clearly that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against any future attacks by Iran and its regional proxies. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3740659/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's attacks on Israel Joint statement Sunday 14 April 2024 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Finance Minister for Women Minister for the Public Service Senator for the ACT Australia condemns Iran's attacks on Israel this morning. Iran has ignored our call, and those of many other countries, not to proceed with these reckless attacks. Anyone who cares for the protection of innocent life must stand against these attacks. This escalation is a grave threat to the security of Israel and the entire region. It risks greater instability and devastation across the Middle East. Australia continues to support regional security, including that of Israel. Iran's ongoing flouting of international law, its egregious human rights abuses and threat to international security is why this Government has imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans, including Magnitsky-style sanctions, on 85 individuals and 97 entities. Australia will continue to work with the international community to increase pressure on Iran to cease its destabilising actions and to prevent the conflict from spreading. Australians in the region should monitor local media for public safety updates and follow the advice of local authorities. Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 14, 2024 Release Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today for a third time this weekend to review the successful combined operation by the United States, Israel, and their partners to defend Israel from unprecedented attacks launched from Iranian territory and by Iran's proxies. The Secretary emphasized that while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to take all necessary action to defend Israel and U.S. personnel. Secretary Austin also briefed Minister Gallant on his consultations with partners and allies to reinforce international resolve in the face of Iranian aggression. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/1926383/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU European Council / Council of the European Union Council of the EU Press release 14 April 2024 14:50 The EU condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian drone and missile attacks against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a threat to regional security. The EU reiterates its commitment to the security of Israel. In this highly tense regional situation, further escalation can be no one's interest. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint. The EU remains fully committed to contribute to de-escalation and the security of the region and is in close contact with all sides to this end. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna's comment regarding Iran's attack on Israel Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14.04.2024 "I strongly condemn Iran's attack on Israel, which threatens the fragile security of the whole region. I am calling for avoiding escalation and working towards reducing tensions in the Middle East. I am in constant contact with the Estonian ambassador in Tel Aviv and I am following the developments in the region closely. I support Israel's right to defend itself within international humanitarian law." We ask all Estonian citizens currently in Israel to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if possible and register their short-term stay in the country on the Foreign Ministry website or by emailing konsul@mfa.ee. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against any non-essential travel to Israel. People currently in Israel should remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. Airports are open but there are disruptions to the schedule of outbound commercial flights in Israel. Round-the-clock consular assistance is available by calling +372 5301 9999. Additional information Communication Department press@mfa.ee NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint as Iran launched military strike against Israel Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Apr 14, 2024 10:05 PM China on Sunday expressed deep concerns over the current escalation and called on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations after Iran launched military strike against Israeli territory. Chinese experts believe Iran's retaliatory attack in response to Israel's bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria is "restrained." However, in order for tensions to de-escalate, it is imperative that Israel refrains from taking further provocative actions that could exacerbate the situation and lead to more damage for Iran. If Israel launches retaliation, it could escalate tensions and potentially draw the US into another Middle East crisis, a situation the US is trying to avoid, said Chinese experts, who believe that Israel's targeting of Iran may be a strategic move to involve the US in the conflict, in order to secure more support from Washington as its backing appears to be diminishing. Iran reportedly launched over 200 drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday night, after Teheran vowed earlier retaliation for an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1 that killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers including two senior commanders, Reuters reported. In remarks on Sunday morning, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri said the punitive mission "Operation True Promise" in retaliation for the Israeli airstrike on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus has ended, Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported. "A considerable number of drones and cruise and ballistic missiles have been used in this operation with well-thought-out tactics and proper planning, as neither the Iron Dome nor the Zionist regime's missile defense shield could take any significant action against this operation. The operation's purposes have been fulfilled," the top commander said. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said some Iranian missiles had hit inside Israel, causing minor damage to a military base. Hagari said "a girl was severely injured" from shrapnel, however, there have been no other casualties. But the Iranian commander Baqeri stated that Iran's military operation targeted "the major Israeli intelligence centers in the Jabal al-Sheikh heights at the border between Syria and the occupied Palestinian territories that provided the intelligence for the Israeli airstrike on Iran's diplomatic mission in Damascus on April 1" and also targeted Israel's Nevatim airbase from which the F-35 fighter jets had taken off to hit the Iranian diplomatic mission in Syria. "Their (Israeli) population and economic centers were not hit," Baqeri said. After the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said his country had been preparing for a direct attack by Iran for years and is ready to respond. "Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. We have demanded a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them." The UN Security Council is scheduled convene later on Sunday for an emergency meeting over Iran's attack on Israel, its current president Vanessa Frazier said. The ongoing situation is the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict, a spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, adding that there should be no more delays in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and the conflict must end now, China has also called on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region, said the spokesperson. A Chinese national living in Jerusalem told the Global Times that around 3 am local time on Sunday they heard the sound of air raid sirens and explosions, but it has now calmed down. "We were open for business as usual yesterday, and we have not received any notice today." The Chinese Embassy in Iran issued a special reminder to Chinese nationals in Iran on Sunday to closely monitor the local security situation, as tensions in the Middle East have further intensified. Potential escalation Iran's mission to the UN said that following the launch of the drones toward Israel, Tehran now considered that its retaliation for an attack on its diplomatic compound in Damascus to be ended, the Wall Street Journal reported. Wei Dongxu, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday that Iran's retaliation is primarily in response to the calls of its own people, while also demonstrating strength and determination in the current turbulent regional situation. However, Iran does not wish to be drawn into a large-scale conflict or war. Iran has acted with restraint as its attack has caused no death in Israel and the damage is limited, whether the situation will further escalate largely depends on response from Israel, the biggest uncertainty in the Middle East right now, Zhu Yongbiao, executive director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times on Sunday. Zhu believes that if military conflict between Iran and Israel escalates, the likelihood of US' intervention will increase despite Washington's reluctance of being dragged in. Another Chinese military expert who requested anonymity said Iran would assess the possibility of launching multiple waves of attack, with the most important factor being to observe the reactions of the US and Israel. If the US and Israel respond with counterattacks, Iran might launch a second and third round of attacks, potentially escalating the conflict further, the expert said. Biden on Saturday condemned the Iranian attacks, and pledged a coordinated G7 diplomatic response. The US president said he reiterated the ironclad US support for Israel's security in a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Reuters. Biden told Netanyahu during a call on Saturday that the US won't support any Israeli counterattack against Iran, a senior White House official told Axios. The current Biden administration's support for Israel has waned recently, and Israel is trying to tie the Biden administration down, hoping to regain its strong support. However, the US attitude is somewhat ambiguous. If Iran and Israel engage in large-scale warfare, the US will be drawn into it, which is "something the US does not wish to see," the expert added. US' reluctance The US would respond differently depending on the development of the battlefield situation, another expert on US affairs who preferred not to be named told the Global Times on Sunday. "Israel can strike opponents in the Middle East with impunity because it has the support of the US. Currently, the US policy toward Israel does not offer much flexibility, being led by the nose by Israel, with little room for compromise. Once Israel suffers a major military setback, the US will have no choice but to intensely intervene in the war," the expert said. However, the US is currently working hard to avoid this scenario, said Zhu, noting that the US does not want to see an escalation and loss of control in the military conflict between Iran and Israel. "From a global strategic perspective, the US does not want to commit too many resources to the Middle East, as this would affect US' aid to Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as its strategic planning in the Asia-Pacific region," the anonymous US expert said. Before Iran's attack, the US asked China and other countries, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, to urge Tehran not to launch a retaliatory attack on Israel, the Financial Times reported. The Financial Times report also claimed that the Biden administration has repeatedly asked China in recent months to use its leverage with Tehran, but US officials said they haven't seen evidence that China has done anything to apply pressure. "This is the US and other Western countries' low-cost trick trying to pressure China, as Washington is trying to gradually pull out of the Middle East crisis, and believes China has certain influence over Iran," said Zhu. If the US is sincere about pacifying the situation in the Middle East, it should meet China half way on the UN level so to generate more forceful resolution for countries involved in the crisis to reach cease-fire and calm down; instead of offering one-sided support for its ally Israel, Zhu noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Operational Update by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Regarding the Successful Defense of Israel's Airspace Overnight Israel Defense Forces April 14, 2024 14.04.24 IDF Good morning, Last night, Iran initiated an attack against Israel, launching over 300 threats of various types. The Iranian threat met the aerial and technological superiority of the IDF, along with a strong fighting coalition - which together intercepted the overwhelming majority of the threats. 99% of the threats launched towards Israeli territory were intercepted - a very significant strategic achievement. Of approximately 170 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that Iran launched, zero crossed into Israeli territory. Dozens of them were intercepted by Israeli Air Force fighter jets, our Aerial Defense Array, and the aerial defense systems and aircraft of our partners. From the more than 30 cruise missiles Iran launched, none crossed into Israeli territory. 25 of them were intercepted by IAF fighter jets outside the country's borders. Out of over 120 ballistic missiles, only a few crossed into Israeli territory, with the rest being intercepted. These fell at the Nevatim Air Force Base, causing only minor damage to infrastructure. As you can see, the base is operational and continues to carry out its missions. In the image, you can see the landing strip at the Nevatim base. Iran hoped to incapacitate the base and thus impair our aerial capabilities, but it failed. IAF aircraft continue to take off and land from the base and depart for offensive and defensive missions. This includes the 'Adir' fighter jets, which are now returning to the base from an aerial defense mission, and you will soon see them landing. In addition to the launches from Iran, several launches were made from the territories of Iraq and Yemen. None of them crossed into Israeli territory. In recent hours, dozens of rockets were fired from Lebanese territory toward the north; there were no casualties. Fighter jets struck Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including Radwan targets. All this while additional aircraft continue their defense missions. Over the past six months, we have been operating in close coordination with our partners, led by US CENTCOM, the UK, France, and other countries that operated last night. This partnership has always been robust, but last night it was exceptionally evident. Last night we conducted a complex defensive air battle, with excellent performance by the IAF and the Intelligence Directorate. The battle was directed under the command of the Chief of the General Staff from the Israeli Air Force Operations Center. The interception capabilities of the Aerial Defense Array and the defensive abilities of the IAF aircraft, demonstrated exceptional professionalism as well as the IDF's military and technological superiority. Thanks to all of this, the attack by Iran - was thwarted. Unfortunately, a ten-year-old girl was severely injured by shrapnel. We wish her a speedy recovery. Other than her, as far as we know, there are no additional casualties. However, it is important to say - the event is not over. We remain prepared and ready for further developments and threats. The guidelines of the Home Front Command remain and the restrictions are still in place, whereby educational activities including overnight stays and trips should not be conducted. Should there be any changes to the guidelines, we will update you immediately, transparently and responsibly, as we did last night - this is how we will continue. The exemplary conduct on the Home Front throughout the night is worthy of appreciation, and it is necessary to continue to act responsibly, calmly, and without panic. We will do everything we can to ensure that the public receives the most relevant information as quickly as possible. Throughout the night, the IDF conducted a situational assessment in response to developments. The Chief of the General Staff approved plans moving forward, which were presented to the political echelon. Iran committed a very serious act tonight, pushing the Middle East towards escalation. We are doing and will do everything necessary to protect the security of the civilians of the State of Israel. Alongside tonight's developments, we have not for a moment forgotten about the 133 hostages held in Gaza. We will continue to do everything possible to bring them home as soon as possible. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's attack on Israeli regime within framework of legitimate defense: FM Amirabdollahian IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that his country's military action against the Israeli regime was in response to its aggression on the Iranian consulate in Syria and was within the framework of legitimate defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. The top Iranian diplomat made the comments in a phone talk with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Saturday evening. Since the beginning of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been trying to prevent the spillover of the conflict in the region, while emphasizing the need for a halt to the regime's crimes against Palestinians, Amirabdollahian said. At the same time, he added, Iran has been stating his serious determination to deal with any act of aggression against its interests, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Turkish foreign minister said on his part that the perpetuation of the Gaza war coupled with the Israeli attack on Iran's Syria embassy, which he said was in violation of international laws, increased the risk of the expansion of the conflict and insecurity in the region. Fidan added that Turkiye will continue efforts to help prevent the expansion of insecurity and its threats for the entire region and the world. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran only targeted Israeli military sites in 'limited' strike: FM IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollhian says Iran's retaliatory strike against Israel was "limited" in scope, meaning "we did not define any non-military targets in our response". The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran targeted a military base where the Israeli army keeps F-35 aircraft, where the attack against Iran's embassy building in Damascus early this month originated, Amirabdollhian said at a press conference in Tehran on Sunday. In the early hours of Sunday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched about 300 missiles and drones towards the Israeli occupied territories in response to the attack on the consular section of Iran's embassy in the Syrian capital, which killed two senior military commanders and five other officers. "The operation targeted the intelligence center and the eye of the Zionist regime that had been used to direct all operations over the past six months, including the recent operation on the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus," Amirabdollhian said. "Our armed forces did not target any economic or population centers, even in the attack on the military base.... the necessary precision was taken into account for dealing with and responding to the Zionist regime," he added. The foreign minister said that Iran has told regional countries, where the United States has military bases, that the sole purpose of the "legitimate" operation was to "punish" the Israeli regime for its aggression against Iran's diplomatic premises. The Islamic Republic, he said, is not seeking to target American bases or military personnel in the region. However, the top diplomat added that Iran has already warned that if the United States uses its military bases in the region to launch any attack in support of Israel, then "the US military base in that country will inevitably be targeted". "We are grateful to our neighbors and brothers in the region who quickly received this message and stressed to the US and others to immediately keep any war away from their territory," Amirabdollhian said. He also maintained that Iran is committed to the security of "our brothers in neighboring countries and in the region". 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Islamic Jihad hails IRGC operation against Zionist regime IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement has lauded the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) missile and drone operations against the Zionist regime. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement issued a statement on Sunday and hailed Iran's military response and targeting of Israeli military sites inside the occupied territories, Al-Quds TV reported. The Islamic Jihad emphasized that Iran's military operation against the Zionist regime was a natural and necessary response to the occupying regime because the Israeli regime committed unabated crimes and clearly violated all human and legal regulations and values. The statement further noted, "We condemn any condemning positions against the operation because they aim to defend the occupying regime. These countries have become a protective wall to defend the regime and are pretending to be assaulted and they are trying to distort the realities." In response to the Israeli terrorist attack on Iran's consulate building in Syria on April 1, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps fired dozens of missiles and drones on Israeli targets on April 13. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia urges Iran, Israeli regime to practice self-restraint IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Moscow, IRNA -- The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement following Iran's retaliatory attack on the Israeli-occupied territories, calling on all sides to practice self-restraint in a bid to prevent further escalation in the region. According to the Sunday statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow condemns the UN Security Council's inaction in slamming the Zionist regime's airstrike on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria. It emphasized: We express our utmost concern about another dangerous escalation in the region. The unresolved nature of multiple crises in the Middle East, especially in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, often accompanied by irresponsible provocative actions, will lead to increased tension. The statement reads: We hope the regional states resolve the existing challenges through political and diplomatic means. We believe it is vital for constructive international players to get involved in this issue. 4208**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Seven key points on Iran's attack on Israeli regime IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency By IRNA staff writer Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran launched its retaliatory attack on Israeli targets late on Saturday in response to the regime's strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier in April. Now, there are seven points regarding the Iranian military action to punish the regime, which highlight different dimensions of the major operation. First and foremost, the Iranian attack was the first direct confrontation between the Islamic Republic and the fake Zionist regime. This is very significant in terms of historical issues. Effective attacks deep inside the occupied territories has been an unfulfilled dream of Islamic countries since 1967, which have now come true thanks to efforts by the cradle of resistance in the region. For the first time ever, Iranian aircraft attacked enemies of Al-Aqsa Mosque in the skies over this holy site. The second point is that the Iranian military action, which was in response to the Israeli aggression on the country's diplomatic premises in Damascus, displayed the Islamic Republic's fulfillment of its promise to punish the aggressor. The Iranian attack took place at a time when Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, through striking the Iranian diplomatic mission, was trying to escape the pressure caused by the regime's heavy defeat in Gaza and attract the attention of fragmented public Zionist opinion to sham victories. But the firm punishment of the Zionist regime left Netanyahu's far-right cabinet with empty hands to gain any achievement. The third point is that the Islamic Republic's attack on Israeli positions is the second strategic assault on the regime following the Palestinian Al-Aqsa Storm Operation on October 7. The Al-Aqsa Storm Operation increased the popularity of Palestinian resistance groups. The military action to show the Islamic Republic's fulfillment of its promise will also significantly help increase popular support for Iran in the region. That comes in addition to the fact that both the Al-Aqsa Storm Operation and the Iranian military action eliminated the fake grandeur and prestige of the Zionist regime. Fourth, the IRGC operation was carried out as world media outlets earlier reported the imminent occurrence of the attack. The maximum readiness by the Zionist regime and the political, diplomatic, intelligence, and military supports by the US and other allies of the regime had shaped the speculation that Iran's military operation would be defused by the defense systems of the regime and its allies. But, despite the Zionists' expectation to be able to counter Iran's weapons, numerous images prove that Iranian drones and missiles successfully hit predetermined military targets and that the defense systems of the US and the UK failed. The scale, precision, and strategic planning of the operation caught the Zionists off guard with shock and surprise. Fifth, the punitive operation from Iran to the occupied territories was carried out encompassing two vast geographical areas in both regions (the launching points and the destinations), clearly demonstrating Iran's full readiness for any circumstances. Sixth, the publication of the early announcement by the IRGC concerning the commencement of the hybrid operation against Israel, hours before the reaching of the missiles and drones to the occupied territories, indicates the level of Iran's preparedness, self-confidence, and assurance of the successful punishment of the regime as well as the Islamic country's internal consolidation. Seventh, the usage of hundreds of missiles and drones in the recent as well as the intensiveness of the punitive operation will likely make the authorities of the Zionist regime realize that any reaction or response to Tehran can pave the ground for even more devastating attacks by Iran against Israel. Initial evidence and reports from Western media outlets on the lack of support by US President Joe Biden for the Zionist regime in the event of its aggressive reaction against Iran, if true, indicate an understanding of this matter by the main supporter of the Zionist regime. Now, the authorities of the regime must decide whether they intend to face destruction before the set day or reconsider their irrational policies by accepting the consequences of the attack on the Iranian consulate. 4194**4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chief of staff says Iran plans no more actions against Israel IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri says Iran has no intention of continuing the operation against Israel, and the operation has been concluded. The operation was conducted because the Zionist regime had crossed Iran's red line and it was unacceptable, Bagheri said. "The Zionist regime's act to target Iran's consulate in Damascus and to martyr the Iranian legal advisors who were present in that country upon the invitation of the Syrian government was crossing red lines that all countries except two or three supporters of the Zionist regime condemned," he added. The senior general further said the Israeli offensive had to be responded to, and the Supreme Leader said this punishment must be done. Earlier on Sunday, the IRGC issued the stern warning in a second statement it released following drone and missile attacks on military sites in the Israeli-occupied territories in retaliation for the regime's strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1. It warned the US against supporting and participating in any action that harms Iranian interests, promising a reciprocal and proportional response to American and Israeli threats originating from any country. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas calls Iran's retaliatory attack against Zionist regime its 'natural right' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Iran's strikes against Israel were an "appropriate" response to the latter's attack on Tehran's embassy complex in Damascus. "We in the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) believe that the military operation of the Islamic Republic of Iran against the occupied Zionist entity is a natural right and an appropriate response to the crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus, as a result of which a number of commanders from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps were killed," Hamas said in a statement on Sunday. It called on all Arabs, Muslims, and the "free people of the world" to support the Palestinians' right to their own state, arguing that the people of the region have a "natural right" to "defend themselves in the face of Zionist attacks." Iran on Saturday night and early Sunday launched hundreds of missiles and drones at key military sites in the Israeli-occupied territories in retaliation for the regime's airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that left seven military advisors dead on April 1. 6125**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Iran's response to Israeli attack on diplomatic premises based on UN Charter' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the Islamic Republic's military action in response to the recent Israeli attack against the country's diplomatic premises in Damascus is based on the UN Charter. Iran's response will be stronger if the Zionist regime or its allies make another mistake, Ghalibaf said on Sunday in the open session at the Iranian parliament, aka Majlis. The official's remarks come as the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps fired dozens of missiles and drones on Israeli targets on April 13 in response to the Israeli terrorist attack on Iran's consulate building in Syria on April 1. The deterrent response of our territory supporters made the Iranians delighted, he added. Revenge on the usurping and child-killing regime has made Muslims around the world happy, he further noted. Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir-Saeid Iravani has said, "Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran's response will assuredly and decisively be stronger, and more resolute." 7129**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Report: 150 missiles fired at Israeli-occupied territories IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Sunday morning that some 150 missiles have been fired at the Israeli-occupied territories. The report came after Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched an extensive retaliatory missile and drone operation against the Zionist regime in response to its attack on the Iranian mission in Syria early this month. Meanwhile, the Israeli Army Radio also reported that sirens sounded 720 times in different parts of occupied Palestine in response to the first wave of Iranian attacks. The New York Times said that Iran has fired more than 300 drones and missiles toward the occupied territories. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran attacks on Israel inflict major damage on regime: Reports IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime suffered some $100 million worth of damage only in the early hours of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Sunday, according to reports from media outlets in the Israeli-occupied territories. The reports cited by the Lebanon-based al-Mayadeen TV channel on Sunday said that the damage on Israel had been inflicted mostly on the regime's missile defense systems as they were trying to intercept drones and missiles fired from Iran. Israel's Channel 14 said that several missiles had hit Arad, located 45 kilometers from Be'er Sheva, in the south of the occupied territories, injuring several people. Several missiles also hit the Umm al-Fahm city in the north of the occupied territories, causing rescue workers and medics to rush to the scene. Several other missiles hit the Negev desert in south of the Israeli-occupied lands. Iran's elite IRGC military forces said in a statement in the early hours of Sunday that it had fired dozens of missiles and drones at areas controlled by the Israeli regime. The attacks were carried out to respond to Israel's numerous crimes against the Iranian nation, including an airstrike earlier this month on an Iranian consulate in Syria which killed two senior IRGC commanders. 4261**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to react more resolutely if Israeli regime commits military aggression again: UN envoy IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 New York, IRNA -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir-Saeid Iravani has said, "Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran's response will assuredly and decisively be stronger, and more resolute." In response to the Israeli terrorist attack on Iran's consulate building in Syria on April 1, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps fired dozens of missiles and drones on Israeli targets on April 13. The full text of the letter is as follows: In the name of God, the most Compassionate, the most Merciful No. 2003556 13 April 2024 Excellency, Upon instructions from my Government and pursuant to our letter dated 1 April 2024 concerning the Israeli regime's armed attacks against the diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Republic, which led to the martyrdom of seven Iranian senior military advisories (A/78/838-S/2024/281), I would like to inform you that, in the late hours of 13 April 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military objectives. This action was in the exercise of Iran's inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in response to the Israeli recurring military aggressions, particularly its armed attack on 1st April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises, in the defiance of Article 2 (4) of the Charter of the United Nations. Regrettably, the United Nations Security Council has failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security, allowing the Israeli regime to transgress red lines and violate the fundamental principles of international law. Such violations have exacerbated tensions in the region and threatened regional and international peace and security. As a responsible Member of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and international law, and reiterates its consistent position that it does not seek escalation or conflict in the region. While warning about any further military provocations by the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its unwavering determination to defend its people, national security and interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against any threat or acts of aggression and to respond to any such threat or aggressions vigorously and in accordance with international law. The Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right of self-defense when required. Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran's response will assuredly and decisively be stronger, and more resolute. I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Amir Saeid Iravani Ambassador Permanent Representative H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres Secretary-General United Nations, New York H.E. Ms. Vanessa Frazier President of the Security Council United Nations. New York 7129**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Military action against Israel based on UN Charter' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 New York, IRNA -- Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations has said that the Islamic Republic's military action is based on Article 51 of the UN Charter in response to the recent deadly Israeli aggression against the country's diplomatic premises in Damascus. Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows for legitimate defense, Iran defended its actions as warranted in the face of perceived threats, the Iranian mission in New York said in a statement quoted by IRNA. "Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran's military action was in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US MUST STAY AWAY!", according to a post shared by the Iranian mission on X social media platform. Iran's response to Israel comes in the wake of the Zionist regime's airstrike on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria. Iran's UN mission also said that if the Security Council had condemned the Zionist regime's attack on embassy and subsequently prosecuted its perpetrators, perhaps it would be necessary for Iran to punish this arrogant regime. The statement was referring to the three countries of the United States, Britain and France, as well as their allies, South Korea and Japan, that not only did not condemn the Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy, but also prevented the issuance of a UN Security Council statement on the attack. 4399**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sirens sound as Iranian missiles, drones hit Israeli targets: media IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Chaos prevails across the occupied territories as the Zionist media report the arrival of Iranian drones in the early hours of Sunday, with some news sources reporting the sounding of alarm sirens in the north of occupied Palestine. IRNA has cited sources as saying that the sound of sirens was heard in the al-Jalil region in the occupied Palestinian territories. Reports indicate that some Iranian drones or missiles have already reached the skies in the occupied territories. They say that the flight of luminous objects likely Iranian drones or missiles can be clearly seen entering and possibly hitting various targets. The sound of successive explosions can be heard in different areas of the occupied territories, Al Jazeera news channel announced. CNN also claimed that the defense system of the Zionist regime possibly intercepted some Iranian drones in the sky. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps announced on Saturday night that it has fired dozens of drones and missiles toward the positions of the Zionist regime in response to numerous crimes, including a recent deadly attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus. The reports of the retaliatory Iranian strikes have caused chaos and fear psychosis among Zionists, with the media reporting attacks on stores. Thousands of Zionist settlers were seen rushing to nearby stores to stockpile food, drinking water and other essentials, According to IRNA's report from Al-Mayadeen. The military authorities of the Zionist regime have asked settlers in the occupied areas to take refuge in safe places. Iran's military response to the Zionist regime also prompted the mayor of occupied city of Haifa to declare a state of emergency there, another report said. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC fires missiles, drones at Israeli positions in retaliatory attacks IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has announced firing dozens of drones and missiles toward the positions of the Zionist regime in the occupied Palestinians territories. According to IRNA's Defense Correspondent. An IRGC statement said that its Aerospace Force fired dozens of missiles at specific Israeli targets inside the occupied territories. The strikes are in response to numerous crimes committed by the Zionist regime, including an attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus and the martyrdom of a group of commanders and military advisors of our country in Syria, the statement added. An Israeli military spokesman has also confirmed that the missiles and drones were fired from Iran and said that the Zionist regime has put its anti-missile systems on alert. American and Israeli media have also confirmed that Iran has begun its attacks by firing missiles and drones A US official was cited by Russia's Sputnik news agency as saying that Washington was aware of the start of Iran's retaliatory attacks.The head of the American command center in the Middle East known as CENTCOM had also reportedly left the occupied Palestinian territories. A Zionist media outlet, cited by the Palestinian Sama news agency, however reported on Saturday night that the regime's intelligence and military circles are confident that Iran's target will be military installations. Israelis have been quoted by media as saying that it may take several hours for Iranian drones to reach the occupied territories. Iran had already pledged to punish the Zionist regime for its deadly aggression against the country's diplomatic mission in Syria in violation of the international law and Vienna conventions. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli regime says dozens of drones launched from Iran IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- A spokesman for the Israeli occupation forces says Iran has launched dozens of drones from its territory towards Israel. Daniel Hagari said on Sunday night that it would take several hours for the unmanned aircraft to arrive, claiming that the military would intercept them, according to the Times of Israel. The Israeli regime has remained on high alert after Tehran pledged a response to the regime's airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1. Iran said the strike, which killed seven military advisors including a senior Islamic Revolution Guards Corps commander, was a violation of international law and the Vienna Convention. According to Israeli media, the regime on Saturday restricted gatherings and canceled educational activities amid fears of Iran's retaliation. Airport authorities also announced the closure of airspace, while dozens of planes patrolled skies. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Punishment of Israel completed, no intention to continue: Iranian top commander ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sun / 14 April 2024 / 17:06 Iran has no intention of continuing its military operation against Israel, which included massive drone and missile strikes over the weekend, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, has said. Tehran -ISNA- On Saturday night, Tehran launched an "extensive" barrage on the Jewish state, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimated to have included more than 300 missiles and kamikaze drones. The attack came in retaliation for what Iran claims to be an Israeli airstrike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus, Syria earlier this month, which killed several senior Iranian military officers. Speaking in the wake of the attack on Sunday, Bagheri explained that the reason for the attack was the "Zionist regime crossed the red line" in a way which cannot be tolerated. Israel's actions, the general continued, could not have gone unanswered. The Supreme Leader also said that "this punishment should be carried out and, thank God, this operation was carried out with the efforts of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and the help of other armed forces." "We see this operation as a complete result, and this operation has ended in our opinion, and we have no intention of continuing the operation," Bagheri said, warning Israel that if it takes any further action against Iran, "the next operation will be much more extensive." The chief of the General Staff added that Iran's military targeted a "large information center" that provided intel to Israel and Nevatim Airbase, which it said hosted US-designed F-35 fighters involved in the raid on the consulate in Damascus. While both of these bases were destroyed, Tehran did not attack population centers, the general claimed. Israel, however, previously said that 99% of the Iranian drones and missiles had been shot down, acknowledging only minor damage to one base. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Iran's Military Strike on Israeli Territory Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China 2024-04-14 11:11 Q: It's reported that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched military strike against Israeli territory on April 14 using ballistic missiles and drones. What's China's comment?a A: China expresses deep concern over the current escalation and calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations. The ongoing situation is the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict. There should be no more delays in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and the conflict must end now.aaChina calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad hail Iran's retaliatory strikes on occupied territories Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 6:47 PM The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has praised Iran's "brave" decision to carry out retaliatory strikes on the Israel-occupied Palestinian territories following the regime's recent deadly aggression on the Iranian diplomatic facilities in Syria. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) targeted Israel late on Saturday with a barrage of drones and missiles in response to the regime's deadly assault on the consular section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus on April 1. The retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation True Promise, has inflicted damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied territories, but the extent of which is yet to be specified. In a statement on Sunday, Hezbollah extended its congratulations to Iran's leadership and nation on the unique and unprecedented attack targeting the Zionist entity and commended the brave and wise decision to respond decisively to the Israeli aggression on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. "The Islamic Republic exercised its natural and legal right despite threats, intimidation, and pressures and fulfilled its truthful promise with unparalleled courage, great wisdom, and a high appreciation of the situation at the entire regional level, and even at the global level as well," the statement said. The Lebanese resistance movement underlined that the operation precisely achieved its specified military targets despite the participation of the United States, its international allies and regional tools in repelling the sudden attack. "The political and strategic objectives of this significant development will gradually become apparent over time and will lay the groundwork for a new phase regarding the entire Palestinian cause and the historical struggle with this enemy on the path to the inevitable victory for our Arab and Islamic nation and the resisting and oppressed Palestinian people," Hezbollah added. Iran hit a large intelligence base in the occupied lands and Israel's Nevatim Airbase, from where an F-35 jet took off to target Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital. The Israeli attack on Iran's diplomatic facilities resulted in the martyrdom of Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, his deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, and five of their accompanying officers. The terrorist attack drew categorical condemnation from senior Iranian political and military leaders, who vowed "definitive revenge." During a speech in Tehran on Wednesday after leading the Eid al-Fitr prayers, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the Israeli regime "must be punished and will be punished" for the deadly strike on the Iranian diplomatic premises. The international community also condemned the Israeli aggression on the Iranian consulate in Damascus's Mezzeh district. Islamic Jihad praises Iranian retaliation Also on Sunday, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement commended Iran's reprisal and the targeting of military sites inside the occupied territories. "We consider this response to be the natural reaction to the existence of the occupying entity, and it becomes increasingly necessary in light of the crimes, violations, and assassinations that the entity continues to commit in flagrant violation of all humanitarian and legal values and standards," the Islamic Jihad said. "We also condemn all the denying voices that have emerged in defense of the occupying entity, especially the countries that have made themselves a firewall to defend the entity, and portray it as the victim, in a blatant distortion of all facts and realities," the movement added. Earlier in the day, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas also hailed Iran's unprecedented retaliatory operation as a "natural right and a deserved response." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's retaliatory strikes only targeted Israeli military sites: Amir-Abdollahian Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 5:16 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the Islamic Republic's retaliatory strikes on the Israel-occupied territories were "limited" and that no non-military sites were targeted in the operation. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) targeted Israel late on Saturday with a barrage of drones and missiles in response to the regime's deadly assault on the consular section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus on April 1. The retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation True Promise, has inflicted damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied territories, but the extent of which is yet to be specified. "In this operation, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with accurate calculations and using drones and guided missiles, targeted the military base where the Zionist regime's F-35 aircraft carried out aggression on the building of Iran's Embassy in Damascus," Amir-Abdollahian said in a conference meeting with foreign ambassadors in the capital Tehran on Sunday. The top Iranian diplomat underlined that the US administration had been informed of the strikes on Israel and that the retaliation was aimed to punish the occupying entity. "We sent a message early this morning to the White House and stated that this was a limited operation with minimum force only to secure our rights on legitimate defense and to punish the Israeli regime," Amir-Abdollahian said. "Being limited in legitimate defense and punishing the Zionist regime means that we did not define any civilian targets in our response," he added. "Our armed forces did not target any economic or population location, even in the attack on the military base where the Zionist regime's operation center against the Islamic Republic of Iran embassy in Damascus was located, the necessary care was taken to deal with and respond to the Zionist regime." The Iranian foreign minister also stressed that the Islamic Republic has never been seeking tensions in the region and has shown restraint for the past six months in the face of Israeli crimes in the besieged Gaza Strip. 'Iran will not hesitate to protect its interests' In a post on his X social media account, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran favors regional and international peace but will not hesitate to safeguard its legitimate interests against any acts of aggression. "Exercising the right of legitimate defense shows Iran's responsible approach to regional and international peace and security," he wrote in a Persian-language tweet. "At this point, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary, it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression." The Israeli attack on Iran's diplomatic facilities in Syria resulted in the martyrdom of Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, his deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, and five of their accompanying officers. The terrorist attack drew categorical condemnation from senior Iranian political and military leaders, who vowed "definitive revenge." During a speech in Tehran on Wednesday after leading the Eid al-Fitr prayers, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the Israeli regime "must be punished and will be punished" for the deadly strike on the Iranian diplomatic premises. The international community also condemned the Israeli aggression on the Iranian consulate in Damascus's Mezzeh district. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran chides British, French, German envoys for 'irresponsible stance' on strikes against Israel Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 2:56 PM The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned the ambassadors of Britain, France, and Germany to question their "irresponsible stance" regarding the Islamic Republic's retaliatory strikes on the occupied territories. The British, French and German ambassadors, Simon Shercliff, Nicolas Roche and Hans-Udo Muzel, respectively, were summoned separately to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the director general of the Western Europe Department, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday It added that certain officials of the three countries had made irresponsible statements regarding Iran's reciprocal response to Israel's actions against the Iranian nationals and interests, the latest was the regime's "cowardly" attack on the Islamic Republic's diplomatic premises in the Syrian capital of Damascus earlier this month. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched extensive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories late on Saturday in response to Israel's deadly attack in Syria on April 1. Iran hit a large intelligence base in the occupied lands and Israel's Nevatim Airbase, from where an F-35 jet took off to target Iran's consulate in Damascus. A senior commander of the IRGC Quds Force, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, and his deputy General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi were among the seven Iranian martyrs of Israel's missile attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus. The Iranian Foreign Ministry official said Israel has carried out a series of anti-human measures in violation of international law and regulations. He added that Iran's strikes against Israel's military bases late Saturday night were "in line with the country's inalienable right of legitimate defense stipulated in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and in response to the series of crimes" committed by Israel, especially its recent attack in Damascus. "The Islamic Republic of Iran once again reaffirmed its adherence to the principles and goals of the United Nations Charter as well as international law and is determined to resolutely defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests in the face of any illegal use of force," the Iranian diplomat emphasized. He said Iran has always carried out constructive and effective measures and proved that it seeks to prevent any escalation of tensions. "However, in case of the continuation of the Zionist regime's adventurism, Iran will vigorously defend the sovereignty, security and peace of its people to protect its legitimate interests against any aggressive military actions," he pointed out. The ambassadors of the three European countries said they would convey Iran's protest to their respective countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas hails Iran's retaliation as 'natural right, deserved response' Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 10:10 AM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has hailed Iran's retaliatory strikes against the Israeli-occupied territories, praising the unprecedented reprisal operation as a "natural right and a deserved response". Hamas said in a statement on Sunday, "We in the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) consider the military operation carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the occupying Zionist entity as a natural right and a deserved response to the crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus and assassinating a number of Revolutionary Guard leaders there." Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) targeted Israel late on Saturday with a barrage of drones and missiles in response to the regime's deadly assault on the consular section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus on April 1. The retaliatory strikes have inflicted a yet-to-be-specified extent of damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied territories. Hamas also demanded the continuation of international and regional support for Palestinians and their fight against the Israeli regime after Operation al-Aqsa Storm, the largest anti-Israel operation in decades that took place on October 7. "While we affirm the natural right of states and peoples of the region to defend themselves in the face of Zionist attacks, we call on our Arab and Islamic nation, the free people of the world, and the resistance forces in the region to continue their support for the al-Aqsa Storm, and the right of our Palestinian people to freedom and independence and the establishment of a Palestinian State with Jerusalem [al-Quds] as its capital," the Gaza-based resistance movement underlined. The Israeli attack on Iran's diplomatic facilities in Syria resulted in the martyrdom of Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, his deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, and five of their accompanying officers. The terrorist attack drew categorical condemnation from senior Iranian political and military leaders, who vowed "definitive revenge." 'Israel only understands language of weapons' In a statement on Sunday, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement also hailed the Iranian retaliation as a "natural response" to Israel's crimes against Iranian military and diplomatic leaders. "We emphasize that the criminal Zionist enemy, supported by all the forces of evil in the world, understands only the language of weapons and force and is only deterred by striking it on the head," the statement said. Palestinian Mujahideen Movement also described the al-Aqsa Strom as a "turning point" in Palestinian history and an important opportunity for breaking free from the Israeli-American hegemony. "We affirm that the time of our peoples' confrontation with the criminal corrupt Zionist entity is coming, and we call on all the free people of the nation and its living forces to unite ranks and engage against their true enemy, confronting the Zionist cancer and eradicating it from the body of the nation," the statement added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nation delivered 'regret-inducing' slap across enemy's face: Iran parl. speaker Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 10:07 AM Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says Iran slapped Israel in the face with its retaliatory operation, hailing the attack as a "deterrence and regret-inducing" response to the usurping regime's acts of aggression. Qalibaf made the remarks during an open parliamentary session in Tehran on Sunday after Iranian Armed forces launched hundreds of missiles and drones at military bases in the occupied territories in retaliation for Israel's April 1 terrorist strike on the Islamic Republic's diplomatic mission in Syria. "The slap of the Iranian people in the face of the Zionist enemy, who had attacked the Iranian consulate that is considered the soil of our country, was strong and taught it lessons," he said. "The Iranian forces' deterrence and regret-inducing response delighted the hearts of every Iranian who cares about our honored country's security and glory." Qalibaf also said that Iran's retaliatory operation was based on the UN Charter and that it created a wave of happiness and pride among Muslims across the world. "Iran's planned response will be stronger if another mistake is made by the Zionist regime or its allies," he warned. The Parliament speaker further urged Muslim governments to take heed of their nations' call, which is a punishment of the Zionist aggressors. The Islamic Republic believes in the principle that any threat should bear "an appropriate and severe response to its origin," he added. "Creating stable security depends on making aggressors regret," Qalibaf said. "The Islamic Republic of Iran, which has acted zealously regarding the protection of the country's soil and security, powerfully fulfilled its national duty." 'New Israeli folly will end its life' Also on Sunday, A former commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that a new folly by the Tel Aviv regime will spell its end. In an X post, Mohsen Rezaei, said, "Tonight marks the eternal end of the hit-and-run and bullying era against the patient Iranian nation. They got the missiles back from where they launched them!" "The American and Western governments must come to their senses and chain up the region's rabid dog (Israel). A new act of foolishness by the criminal regime will end its miserable life." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Raeisi: Aggressor punished as Leader promised Iran Press TV Sunday, 14 April 2024 9:17 AM Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has hailed the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s retaliatory attack on the Israeli-occupied territories, saying the hybrid operation taught the occupying regime an unforgettable lesson. In a statement on Sunday, Raeisi said that the drone and missile strike turned a new chapter in the history of Iran's authority and materialized the sincere promise of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to punish the aggressor. "Last night, your zealous and courageous children in the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, with the cooperation and coordination of all the defense and political sectors of the country, turned a new page in the history of Iran's authority and taught a lesson to the Zionist enemy," he said, addressing the nation. Iranian President highlighted the powerful impact of last night's mission, conveying a resolute message of authority and deterrence to the Islamic community, while instilling fear and humiliation among the adversaries of humanity. He further noted that during the last six months and especially the last ten days, Iran emphasized the dangers of the United Nations Security Council's inaction regarding violations by the Zionist regime. But despite efforts, the Security Council's response has been impeded by the influence of the United States and other backers of the Zionist regime. "Iran's wise and authoritative move to protect its integrity, sovereignty, and national interests has served as a significant measure to hold the aggressor accountable and promote stability in the region," Raesi said, adding that the Islamic Republic has not spared any efforts to restore and maintain peace and stability. He added that Iran in the first step launched a series of drone and missile operations, specifically targeting Israeli military bases that posed a threat to security and stability. Iran's president emphasized the nation's strength in safeguarding regional security and protecting the interests of neighboring countries, highlighting their unwavering dedication to advancing their neighborhood policy. "Iran issues a strong caution against any actions that oppose its interests, warning of a more powerful and remorseful retaliation. The nation's armed forces closely monitor regional events and pledge a robust reaction to any provocative conduct from the Zionist regime or its allies," Raesi warned. The Iranian president called on supporters of the occupying regime to acknowledge the calculated action carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran and to abstain from endorsing the Israeli regime, which has played a role in intensifying its violations of regulations and disregard for global standards. His remarks came hours after the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched extensive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories in response to Israel's deadly attack on the Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria early this month. The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Baqeri on Sunday morning announced that Iran has concluded its retaliatory strikes on the occupied territories, warning of a "stronger" reaction if the Israeli regime responds. Baqeri expressed the full readiness of the Iranian Armed Forces to defend the country's soil and interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Vows Victory, Retaliation In 'Fashion And Timing' Of Its Choosing By RFE/RL April 14, 2024 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised victory after a massive overnight air attack by Iran that marked a sharp escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, while an influential member of his war cabinet said the country will retaliate in the "fashion and time" of its choosing. "We intercepted, we repelled, together we shall win," Netanyahu wrote in an April 14 post on X, formerly Twitter. Meanwhile, centrist politician and retired General Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet and former defense minister, said that "we will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us." Israel and its allies intercepted the "vast majority" of hundreds of drones and missiles launched by Iran overnight. Loud explosions and flashes of light could be seen in the sky above many parts of Israel in the early morning hours of April 14 as the country's air defenses tried to shoot down incoming drones and missiles that Iran launched just hours after it seized an Israeli-linked ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli authorities reported only light damage to one Israeli military installation and said a 7-year-old girl was critically injured as more than 200 drones and missiles -- including more than 10 cruise missiles -- were intercepted before impact. "The Iranian attack was foiled," Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said early on April 14, adding that "99 percent" of the attacking vehicles had been intercepted. Hagari said the result was "a very significant strategic success." U.S., British, and French officials confirmed their armed forces took part in shooting down the incoming projectiles, intercepting some over the Iraq-Syria border area as they made their way toward Israel. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel against "reckless behavior" following the strike, saying Tehran's response to retaliation would be "decisive and much stronger." Iran's military earlier said its strikes had "achieved all its objectives" and been "completed successfully." Iranian armed forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri, speaking on state television, warned Israel not to retaliate, saying Tehran's "response will be much larger than tonight's military action." He also said U.S. assets would be targeted if Washington assisted Israeli in any retaliation. "Our operations are over and we have no intention to continue them," Bagheri said. The United States had contact with Iran through Swiss intermediaries both before and after Tehran's mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight, a senior Biden administration official said on April 14. The official declined to provide details on the contact, saying only that Washington and Iran had "a series of direct communications through the Swiss channel." Asked about comments by Iran's foreign minister that Tehran had given regional countries 72 hours' notice of the attacks, the official said that was not true. "They did not give a notification," the official said. Iran informed Turkey in advance of its planned operation against Israel, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters on April 14, adding that Washington conveyed to Iran via Ankara that its operation must be "within certain limits." Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Tehran's regional allies were informed about its aerial attacks on Israel in advance. "We naturally informed our friends in regional countries 72 hours before the operation that Iran's response in the form of a legitimate defense is definite and certain," he said without specifying which regional allies. Israel called on the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency session in New York on April 14 to discuss the attack, which Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan described in a post on X as "a serious threat to global peace and security." U.S. President Joe Biden on April 14 convened G7 allies to discuss the situation in the Middle East and coordinate a response, with the group reiterating support for Israel. Biden also spoke by telephone with Netanyahu, after which he said he had reaffirmed "America's ironclad commitment" to Israeli security but said U.S. forces would not participate in any offensive actions by Tel Aviv. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told NBC TV on April 14 that "We don't want to see this escalate.... We're not looking for a wider war with Iran." Other Western countries also condemned the attack, with France warning that Iran "is risking a potential military escalation." Britain described the attack as "reckless," while Germany called on Iran to "stop it immediately." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X that the attack was "blatant and unjustifiable." "I call on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these attacks," she added. "All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region." EU foreign ministers will meet on April 16 to discuss the escalation in tensions in the Middle East following the strike, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. "Following the Iranian attacks against Israel, I have called an extraordinary...meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers[on April 16]," Borrell wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Our objective is to contribute to de-escalation and security of the region." Iran's Foreign Ministry on April 14 meanwhile summoned the ambassadors of Britain, France, and Germany to question what it referred to as their "irresponsible stance" regarding Tehran's strikes on Israel, the semiofficial Iranian Labour News Agency reported. Tehran accused the three countries of "double standards" as they opposed earlier this month a Russian-drafted UN Security Council statement that would have condemned Israel's attack on Iran's embassy compound. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling on all sides to show restraint. "We are counting on the regional states to solve existing problems with political and diplomatic means," it said. Turkey does not want further escalation of tension in the region after Iran's drone and missile attack against Israel, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his Iranian counterpart in a phone call on April 14. Pope Francis, speaking to pilgrims on St. Peter's Square in Rome, made a "heartfelt appeal for a halt to any action that could fuel a spiral of violence" that could lead to a wider conflict. Israel said early on April 14 that it had reopened its airspace for commercial traffic and that airports had resumed operations. The intelligence directorate of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on April 14 warned citizens against posting pro-Israeli sentiments on social media, Iranian state media reported. Israel and Iran have been bitter enemies for decades, but this was the first direct attack by one on the other's soil instead of through proxy forces or by targeting each other's assets in third countries. "So far, we've intercepted the vast majority of incoming missiles," Hagari said of the attack launched by the IRGC in what it said was retaliation for a deadly April 1 drone strike thought to be carried out by Israel on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria. The launch came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the West over the continuing war in the Gaza Strip and the strike in Syria. Iran called the attack, which Tehran named operation "Honest Response," on Israel a "response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus." However, Iran also appeared to be taking a cautious approach to keep the strikes from broadening conflict in the region, with its mission to the United Nations saying that "the matter can be deemed concluded." The Iranian attack was immediately condemned by many governments around the world, while United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation." Earlier on April 13, Iranian state media reported that IRGC forces seized a container ship near the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the vessel was "linked to Israel." Following that event, Israel said it was putting its military on high alert and canceling school activities on concerns of a possible attack. It accused Iran of piracy and said Tehran will "bear the consequences" of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The MSC Aries, a Portuguese-flagged vessel that is reportedly operated by a shipping company partially owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, was seized on April 13 and was being transferred to Iranian territorial waters, according to the IRNA state news agency. The ship's operator, the Italian-Swiss group MSC, said the ship had 25 crew members on board and that it was working closely with "the relevant authorities to ensure their well-being and safe return of the vessel." Israel's retaliatory war in Gaza was sparked by a raid on Israeli territory carried out by Hamas, which rules Gaza and is designated as a terrorist group by the United States and European Union, on October 7. The raid left 1,200 people dead and hundreds of people were taken hostage. The ensuing Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip aimed at destroying Hamas has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian territory's Hamas-run Health Ministry. Since the war began, Tehran has openly supported militant groups and proxies targeting Israel that are part of Iran's "axis of resistance" against Israel and the West, leading to concerns of a broader Middle East conflict involving archenemies Iran and Israel. The security firm Ambrey said late on April 13 that Yemen's Huthi rebels had also launched multiple drones at Israel in coordination with Iran. In addition to strikes launched against Israel by Iranian proxy Lebanese Hizballah, the Iranian-backed Huthis have attacked Israeli territory as well as international and Israeli shipping in the Red Sea. On April 14, Israeli forces hit a Hizballah site in Lebanon near the Syrian border, the Israeli military said. With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, AP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-ship- raid-hormuz/32903851.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry statement in connection with the attack on Israeli territory 14 April 2024 11:50 688-14-04-2024 In the early hours of April 14, a large number of missiles and drones were launched at the territory of Israel. According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, this attack was undertaken as part of the right to self-defence stipulated in Article 51 of the UN Charter in response to the attacks on Iranian targets in the region, including the strike on the consular section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus on April 1, which our country strongly denounced. Unfortunately, due to the position adopted by its Western members, the Security Council was unable to provide a proper response to the strike on the Iranian consular mission. We express our extreme concern at yet another dangerous escalation in the region. We have repeatedly warned that the numerous unresolved crises in the Middle East, primarily in the area of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which are often fueled by irresponsible provocative actions, will exacerbate tensions. We call on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint. We expect the regional states to resolve the existing problems through political and diplomatic means. We believe it is important for the constructively-minded international players to contribute to this effort. We encourage the Russian citizens residing in Israel and neighbouring countries, primarily Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, to follow media reports and practical recommendations posted on the Foreign Ministry's newsfeed, the official websites of Russian foreign missions in the above countries, the Consular Department and the Foreign Ministry's Crisis Management Centre (department), including in the relevant section of the updated Assistant Abroad mobile application. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli President Calls Iran's Missile and Drone Attack 'Declaration of War' Sputnik News 20240414 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday called Iran's drone and missile attack on the Jewish State a "declaration of war," but added that Israel would exercise restraint in its response. "This is like a real war. I mean, this is a declaration of war," Herzog said in an interview with Sky News. Asked how Israel planned to respond, Herzog said Israel would consider the repercussions when deliberating its options in coordinating with its partners. "Because we are restrained, and because we know there are repercussions, and because we have deliberations with our partners, we are considering all options, and I'm quite confident that we will take steps that are necessary to protect and defend our people," he said. Lior Haiat, a spokesperson of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, said in a statement on social media that Iran's attack proved the Islamic Republic to be "the greatest threat to regional stability and world order." "This is precisely why Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons," he wrote. Haiat demanded that Iran pay a heavy price for Saturday's attack. He suggested the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (which coordinated the missile and drone attack on Israel) should be declared a terrorist organization, while Iran should be slapped with sanctions, "including but not limited to the field of missiles." Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Sunday that the Islamic Republic had taught Israel a "lesson" in the wake of its April 1 airstrike targeting the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus, Syria, while Iran's senior commanders have warned Israel and its US allies of a massive retaliation should Tel Aviv proceed with an attempt to attack Iran. Iran's mission to the United Nations announced Sunday that its overnight retaliatory attack on Israel had "concluded," but warned that "should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe." "From now on, if the Zionist regime attacks our interests, assets, figures, and citizens at any point on Earth, it will face counterattack from within the Islamic Republic of Iran," IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami said Sunday morning. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Scoop: Iran May Have Used New Hypersonic Missiles to Pierce Israeli Air Defenses Sputnik News 20240414 Ilya Tsukanov IRGC chief Hossein Salami said Sunday that the 'Operation True Promise' missile and drone barrage against Israel was "more successful than expected," with projectiles managing to pierce Israel's powerful multilayered air defense system. The IDF says it intercepted "99 percent" of incoming Iranian projectiles. Iran may have fired its brand new Fattah 2 hypersonic missile at targets inside Israel during Saturday's overnight attack on Israeli military facilities, Dr. Ali Hamie, a Lebanese academic and national security expert, told Sputnik Arabic on Sunday. "Iran launched hundreds of Shahid series drones and Fattah 2 hypersonic cruise missiles into Israel, which the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system was incapable of intercepting," Hamie said. The Lebanese expert suggested that Israel's "foolish" decision to target the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus on April 1 - which triggered the Iranian retaliation Saturday night, could culminate in combined attacks against the Jewish State from Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, which Tel Aviv would have difficulty withstanding. "If the United States intervenes, the war may not be limited to the region, but will expand beyond it," Hamie warned, pointing to the presence of not only Iranian but Russian forces in Syria on a counterterrorism mission. Dr. Hamie did not elaborate on the source or nature of his information regarding the Fattah-2's possible use in Saturday night's attacks, with Iranian officials and military commanders staying mum when it comes to the weapons used. Footage posted to social media showed Iranian Shahed-series drones flying low to the ground to evade radar, but the missiles involved in the strikes have yet to be confirmed, with the Islamic Republic known to possess a broad array of domestically-developed long-range missiles capable of hitting Israel from Iranian soil. The Fattah-2 (lit. 'Conqueror-2' or 'Victory Giver-2') is virtually a brand new, liquid-fueled Iranian hypersonic missile which was unveiled in November 2023, and has a declared range of 1,500 km, a 450 kg warhead and the ability to accelerate to hypersonic speeds and maneuver in flight. The Fattah-2 is a successor to the Fattah-1, a two-stage, solid fuel missile with a 1,400 km range and a 350-450 kg payload. The Fattah-1 was unveiled in the summer of 2023, inaugurating Iran into the small handful of nations with hypersonic capabilities. Commenting on this information, Tehran University Professor Mohammad Marandi said there was no information to confirm that Iran used its fledgling hypersonic capabilities in Saturday night's strikes. "Iran has not fired its hypersonic missiles. In fact, most of the drones and missiles that were fired were older drones and missiles. They were very inexpensive and were used as decoys. So Iran spent a couple of million dollars to force the Israelis to spend $1.3 billion in anti-missile missiles, which was itself a big achievement by the Iranians. And then a number of other missiles that the Iranians fired...cut through and struck their targets," the academic and geopolitical affairs commentator told Sputnik. Iran's Primary Target Whether or not hypersonics were used, what is known for certain about Saturday's overnight strikes is that despite the Israeli military's assurance that "99 percent" of the 300+ Iranian drones and missiles launched were intercepted, at least some are known to have made it through, with the IRGC saying "designated targets," including the strategic Nevatim Air Base situated in the Negev Desert, had been hit. The IDF confirmed "light damage" to the facility, which is known to host F-35I jets. However, the Iran in Arabic news agency has reported that Nevatim is also a permanent Mossad base, and that at least 44 intelligence officers were killed in Iranian attack. Israeli media have not commented on this claim, but the Times of Israel did confirm that Nevatim was one of the primary targets of Saturday's attacks. Social media footage showed Iranian missiles touching down in the base's vicinity after bypassing Israel's air and missile defenses. Israeli media further indicated that Netanyahu's official plane, the 'Wing of Zion', had taken off from Nevatim several hours before the attack to prevent being targeted. The IDF assured that the base was in tip top shape in an X post Sunday morning, posting a video of an F-35I coming in for landing at Nevatim as confirmation that the facility was operational, but not providing footage of the base's structures. Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri told media Sunday that Iran's attack targeted to sites: "the Nevatim Airbase hosting the F-35 planes that were used for targeting our consulate in Damascus," and an Israeli intelligence-gathering facility in the Jabal al-Shaykh heights in Israeli-occupied Lebanese territory. "Both of these centers were destroyed to a considerable extent and became inactive. In this operation, a significant number of UAVs, ballistic and cruise missiles were used, along with well thought-out tactics which neither the Iron Dome nor [Israel's] missile defense shield could take significant action [against]," Bagheri said. Iranian media reported that "at least seven" missiles had also struck Israel's Ramon Airbase, also situated in the Negev Desert, and hosting Israeli F-16I jets. Israel has not confirmed this information. In an after-action report early Sunday, IRGC chief Hossein Salami confirmed that Iran's "limited" strikes had targeted Israeli military facilities in the Golan Heights and the Negev Desert. "So far, we have not collected all the data relating to the strikes, but detailed, documented reports from the scene show that the operation was more successful than we expected," the commander said. "The deep and multilayered air defenses, with assistance from the US, [stretched] from Iraqi airspace to Jordan and even parts of Syria and Palestine," Salami said. "Israel was using its F-15, F-16, and state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets, Gulfstream jets, as well as aerial refueling aircraft...to defend Israel's positions," making it "extremely difficult" to penetrate defenses. Nevertheless, Salami said, "dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles managed to break into deep layers of Israel's seemingly safe air defense system, impact the aerial coalition between the US, France and Israel and reach the designated targets." Sorting out Iran and Israel's contradictory accounts of the night's drone and missile barrage will take time, and require the publication of new footage, satellite photos, or the remains of Iranian missiles to corroborate statements made by either side. The actions taken by Israel in the days to come, which may or may not include direct attacks inside Iran, will offer additional clues about what happened Saturday night, with Armed Forces Chief Bagheri warning that such an attack would bring about an Iranian counterstrike "tens of times" more powerful than that which took place Saturday. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Response to Iran's Attack on Israel US Department of State Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State April 14, 2024 The United States condemns Iran's attack on Israel in the strongest terms. While we do not seek escalation, we will continue to support Israel's defense, and as the President made clear, we will defend U.S. personnel. I will be consulting with allies and partners in the region and around the world in the hours and days ahead. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden reaffirms Israel support after Iran attack By Steve Herman, Anita Powell April 14, 2024 U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday condemned Iran's massive aerial bombardment of Israel and said U.S. military assets in the region helped take down "nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles" aimed at the country, in an attack that threatens to further widen the six-month conflict that has engulfed the Middle East. Biden also said he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone Saturday evening to "reaffirm America's ironclad commitment to the security of Israel." The U.S. president also said he would convene leaders of the G7 to "coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack." "My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel's leaders," said Biden in a statement. "And while we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people." Biden had rushed back to Washington earlier Saturday for an all-hands-on-deck meeting after Iran lobbed some 200 missiles and drones at Israel. The attack drew condemnation from U.S. allies and humanitarian officials as the first objects were spotted overhead in the region and air raid sirens blared in Jerusalem and Northern Israel. Iranian officials had previously vowed to retaliate over an April 1 Israeli airstrike on Iran's Damascus consulate. Biden issued a photo of himself and Cabinet and intelligence officials early Saturday evening in the Situation Room. In the post, released on social-media site X, he said: "our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said U.S. forces in the Middle East "intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen." "Our forces remain postured to protect U.S. troops and partners in the region, provide further support for Israel's defense, and enhance regional stability," Austin said in a statement late Saturday. "We call on Iran to immediately halt any further attacks, including from its proxy forces, and to deescalate tensions," said the U.S. defense chief. "We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel." Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement that Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, for a second time Saturday and "praised the extraordinary defensive measures and strong cooperation undertaken to defeat this Iranian attack against Israel." U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Tehran's "reckless" attack in a statement. "The UK will continue to stand up for Israel's security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq," he said in a statement. "Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also issued a condemnation, and he called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. "I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation," he said in a statement. "I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East." Biden had told reporters Friday that he expected an Iranian attack on Israel "sooner rather than later." Asked by a journalist what was his message for Iran, the president replied: "Don't." The U.S. military began moving extra troops and equipment to sites in the Middle East, defense officials confirmed Friday. It has about 40,000 troops in the region. Earlier in the day, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, and "made clear that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against any attacks by Iran and its regional proxies." The U.S. Navy moved two guided-missile destroyers capable of intercepting drones and incoming missiles closer to Israel in anticipation of the Iranian attack, The Wall Street Journal reported. U.S. Navy Red Sea forces have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched toward Israel from Yemen by the Iranian-allied Houthi forces. The Biden's administration response to the Iranian attack will be closely watched by his political opponents, coming less than seven months before a general election rematch between the Democratic Party incumbent and his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. Trump, speaking Saturday at a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, claimed the attack "would not have happened if we were in office." He did not elaborate on how. "God bless the people of Israel," he said. "They are under attack right now. That's because we show great weakness." Even before the Iranian drones reached Israeli airspace, some Republican lawmakers began reacting. Representative Steve Scalise of the state of Louisiana wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that the United States "must stand strongly with our greatest Middle East ally as they defend themselves against Iran," adding that the Biden administration "cannot continue to capitulate to terrorists." Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of the state of Tennessee, in a message on X, called for Biden to "move quickly and launch aggressive retaliatory strikes on Iran." Meanwhile, Democrat Chris Coons, of Biden's home state of Delaware, issued a statement of condemnation but also urged American lawmakers to pass Biden's request for military aid to Israel. "The House should promptly pass this coming week the long delayed national security supplemental to ensure that our Israeli allies have everything they need to defend themselves from attacks by Iran and its proxies," he said. And some analysts pointed to Biden's own vacillation on the conflict as contributing to Tehran's decision to strike. "President Biden needs to provide unwavering political support to see Israel through this critical time," Foundation for Defense of Democracies CEO Mark Dubowitz said in a statement sent to VOA. "Biden's wavering support for Israel in recent months, and the threat from some Democrats to cut off military support, surely emboldened [Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei." Trita Parsi, co-founder and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, told VOA via email that "had Biden pressed for a cease-fire from the outset, all of this would have been avoided." "This is the direct result of Biden's bearhug of Israel - that is, constantly bending to Netanyahu's desires and preferences," he said. "If Biden had condemned the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate and allowed the UNSC [U.N. Security Council] to condemn it, Iran might have stopped short of attacking Israel." VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At UN, Israel demands Iran be punished for attack By Margaret Besheer April 14, 2024 Israel demanded Sunday that the U.N. Security Council act to punish and deter Iran following an unprecedented Iranian military strike on Israel that Tehran said was in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy in Syria earlier this month. "Today, the council must take action," Israel's U.N. envoy, Gilad Erdan, told the Security Council. "Condemn Iran for their terror; trigger the snap back mechanism and reimpose crippling sanctions; designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terror organization. Action must be taken now a not for Israel's sake, not for the region's sake, but for the world's sake." Israel requested the emergency meeting following a direct attack on its territory by Iran that it said included 170 armed drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles. Israel said its air defenses, along with those of the United States and other allies, shot down 99% of them. Erdan criticized the council for not listening to Israel's warnings over the years about Iran. He said the international community has been silent on the rise of "a Shiite Islamist Reich," but with Iran's direct attack on Israel, the regime has now been exposed. "As Iran's mask has fallen, the world's complacency must also fall," the Israeli envoy said. "The mask comes off and the gloves must come on." He said Iran had "crossed every red line" and that Israel reserves the legal right to retaliate. Iran's envoy said they had no choice but to exercise their right to self-defense following the April 1 attack on their embassy in Damascus and the Security Council's failure to formally condemn it. Some council diplomats said the United States, France and Britain blocked a condemnation because they had questions about whether the Iranian premises were being used for covert operations. "This lawless regime has committed many atrocious crimes against our people," Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said about Israel. "This regime blatantly and openly admitted its responsibility for the terrorist and destructive operations committed against Iranian officials, scientists and civilians, and sabotage against our peaceful nuclear infrastructure in recent years." Israel has allegedly carried out several strikes, assassinations and cyberattacks on Iran in recent years, most targeted at their nuclear program. Israel never publicly confirms such operations. Iravani said Iran "does not seek escalation or war in the region" but would defend itself if necessary. He also emphasized that Iran does not want a conflict with the United States. "We demonstrated our commitment to peace by exercising our restraint about involving the U.S. Army in intercepting Iranian drones and missiles bound for military targets in the occupied Palestinian territories," he said. "This underscores our dedication to deescalating tensions and avoiding the expansion of conflict." But he added that if the United States military initiates any operations against his country, its citizens or its security interests, Iran would "respond proportionately." U.S. envoy Robert Wood said Washington is not seeking an escalation with Tehran but issued a warning. "And let me be clear a if Iran or its proxies take actions against the United States or further action against Israel, Iran will be held responsible," he said. Wood said the United States would begin consulting with other countries to "explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable here at the United Nations." He did not go into details on what that might include. He also urged the Security Council to "unequivocally condemn" Iran's actions and call for its partners and proxies to cease their attacks. Iranian-backed groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, have fired rockets and missiles at Israel, and the Houthis have carried out attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. The U.N. secretary-general addressed the emergency meeting, appealing for a de-escalation and a lessening of tensions. "It is time to step back from the brink," Antonio Guterres said, adding that neither the Middle East nor the world could afford more war. Most Security Council members condemned the escalation and echoed the U.N. chief's calls for de-escalation and diplomacy, while expressing concern about the risk of widening regional turmoil. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US suggests Israel need not retaliate against Iran By Steve Herman, Anita Powell April 14, 2024 Top officials in Washington are attempting to avoid a widening war in the Middle East after Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel with explosive drones and missiles. "There need to be some consequences here," said a senior U.S. official briefing reporters Sunday afternoon on the condition of not being named. But U.S. President Joe Biden, in his latest conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "made very clear to the prime minister last night that we do have to think carefully and strategically about risks of escalation," especially in view of the attack causing only light damage and no significant casualties, the official said. Israeli officials insist there will be a response, but the country's war Cabinet appears divided on how and when. If Israel retaliates, it would be doing it alone. "We would not envision ourselves participating in such a thing," replied the senior administration official when asked whether the United States would participate in any military response to the Iranian attack. It was an "incredible military achievement" by Israel, the United States and other partners in repelling "more than 300 drones and missiles" launched by Iran, according to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby. US Central Command says its forces, supported by US European Command destroyers, on Saturday and on Sunday morning "successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen. This includes a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven UAVs destroyed on the ground in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen prior to their launch." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a statement late Saturday, said the explosive aircraft and missiles were launched from the territories of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. "We call on Iran to immediately halt any further attacks, including from its proxy forces, and to deescalate tensions," Austin said. "We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel." He spoke by phone Sunday for the third time during the weekend with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Biden convened a hastily arranged video conference Sunday of leaders of the Group of Seven nations to coordinate a united diplomatic response to the Iranian attack. "With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided," the G7 leaders said in a group statement issued after their meeting. "We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives." Biden spoke by phone with Netanyahu on Saturday evening to "reaffirm America's ironclad commitment to the security of Israel." Biden told Netanyahu, according to media reports, that since the Iranian attack caused only minimal casualties and damage, Israel should not retaliate against Iran. Both Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have been calling leaders in the region to make it clear that while Washington does not seek a direct military confrontation with Tehran, the United States will not hesitate to continue to defend Israel. Biden had rushed back to Washington from a visit to Delaware earlier Saturday and convened a meeting in the White House Situation Room with key officials of his Cabinet as Iran launched the unprecedented attack after vowing to retaliate over an April 1 suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran's consulate in Damascus. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the strike. The U.S. military began moving extra troops and equipment to sites in the Middle East, defense officials confirmed Friday. It has about 40,000 troops in the region. The U.S. Navy moved two guided-missile destroyers capable of intercepting drones and incoming missiles closer to Israel in anticipation of the Iranian attack, The Wall Street Journal reported. U.S. Navy Red Sea forces have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched toward Israel from Yemen by the Iranian-allied Houthi forces. The Biden administration's response to the Iranian attack will be closely watched by his political opponents, coming less than seven months before a general election rematch between the Democratic Party incumbent and his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. Trump, speaking Saturday at a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, claimed the attack "would not have happened if we were in office." He did not elaborate on how. "God bless the people of Israel," he said. "They are under attack right now. That's because we show great weakness." House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has failed to permit a floor vote on bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate providing security aid to Israel and Ukraine, is accusing Biden's administration of undermining Israel and appeasing Iran and that "contributed to these terrible developments." A Republican congressman, Mike Turner of the state of Ohio, is calling for a more robust response from Biden. "I think the administration needs to take seriously that this attack has happened. It's unprecedented and certainly it needs to be viewed as an escalation. This is an escalating conflict," Turner, who chairs the intelligence committee in the House, said on NBC's "Meet the Press" program Sunday. Democrat Chris Coons, of Biden's home state of Delaware, is urging lawmakers to pass Biden's request for military aid to Israel. "The House should promptly pass this coming week the long-delayed national security supplemental to ensure that our Israeli allies have everything they need to defend themselves from attacks by Iran and its proxies," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address G7 taking steps to stabilize Middle East after Iran attacks Israel By VOA News April 14, 2024 The Group of Seven leading industrial countries, or G7, met Sunday and "unequivocally" condemned Iran's overnight attack on Israel. "We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security," the leaders said after a video meeting in a statement published by the Italian G7 presidency. Israel said Sunday that Iran launched 320 warheads against it in "an unprecedented attack," but that its air defenses along with those of the United States and other supportive countries shot down 99% of them. "With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation," the G7 statement said. "This must be avoided." Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, told CNN, "They [Iran] failed in their attack." The Sunday G7 session was called by Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the group. Its members include Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United States. Lerner said Tehran targeted a military base that Iran said was used to launch the April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus that killed two Iranian generals. He said the overnight airstrike "didn't cause much damage." The IDF spokesperson said Iran launched 170 explosive drones against Israel, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles, with most of them coming directly from Iranian territory although some were fired by Iranian militant proxies based in Iraq and Yemen. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told CNN that the "vast majority" of the warheads were launched from Iran. "There was no way to do what they did without violating international air space," sending them over other countries in the region as it targeted Israel. A few of the projectiles landed in Israel but most were shot down before they reached Israeli airspace. Officials said one young Arab-Israeli girl was critically injured when hit by shrapnel, the only reported casualty. The United Nations Security Council was meeting Sunday afternoon, with Israel and Iran expected to address the council. Israel requested the meeting. Kirby called the defense of Israel from the Iranian attacks "an incredible military achievement." He said there was "not very much" damage in Israel. Iran warned Israel and the United States on Sunday of a much larger response if Israel attempts to retaliate for the attacks on its territory. Iran said it had ended its assault on Israel, but Lerner said, "We don't necessarily take their word," adding that "just this morning," Iran-backed Hezbollah militants had fired on Israel from Lebanon. Kirby said that while the U.S. helped knock down incoming Iranian warheads, it has told Israel it "will not participate in an attack on Iran." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war Cabinet to discuss a response to the Iranian attack. "We intercepted, we repelled, together we shall win," Netanyahu said on social media. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, despite thwarting the overnight attack, the military campaign was not over and "we must be prepared for every scenario." Centrist war Cabinet minister Benny Gantz said Israel will respond to the attack. "We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us," Gantz said. Iran's top military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, issued a predawn statement Sunday, saying that it launched missiles and drones from Iranian territory toward Israel in retaliation for the attack on its consulate in Damascus. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the April 1 strike, although the U.S. reportedly criticized Israel for not alerting it ahead of time. The Israel Airports Authority announced early Sunday that as of 7:30 a.m. local time, Israeli airspace had reopened. It said flight schedules at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport were subject to change. Iran urged Israel not to retaliate for the strikes. "The matter can be deemed concluded," Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a post on social media platform X. "However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe," the mission said. The aerial attack on Israel from Iranian territory marked a major escalation in the conflict between the rival regional powers and prompted action by U.S. forces in support of Israel. Video posted on social media late Saturday showed some of the projectiles being intercepted over central and southern Israel and others hitting the ground and exploding as sirens wailed. In a message sent to VOA, Israeli reserves Brig. Gen. Jacob Nagel, a former national security adviser to Netanyahu, said Israeli forces were assisted by their U.S., British, Jordanian and Saudi allies in intercepting the Iranian projectiles. A U.S. military official confirmed to VOA that U.S. forces shot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu late Saturday. The official said Biden's national security team "will continue to work with partners in the region to prevent further escalation." As the Iranian assault began, Netanyahu said in a televised message that Israel would defend itself "against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination." At around the same time, White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson issued a statement saying the United States will "stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran." "This attack is likely to unfold over a number of hours. President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel's security is ironclad," Watson said. Netanyahu acknowledged that support in his own statement, saying, "We appreciate the U.S. standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries." VOA's Michael Lipin, United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer and national security correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China 'deeply concerned' after Iran strikes, online commenters largely oppose Israel By Bo Gu April 14, 2024 China's foreign ministry Sunday said it is "deeply concerned" about escalating tensions in the Middle East. Hours after Iran launched more than 320 warheads towards Israel in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on Tehran's embassy in Damascus, China's foreign ministry published a statement calling for the immediate implementation of a U.N. ceasefire resolution. "China expresses deep concern over the current escalation and calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations. The ongoing situation is the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict." China has sought to play the role of mediator in the Middle East, last year helping to broker a deal that saw the restoration of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. However Chinese companies have also been linked as suppliers for Iran's military drone program, most recently in a U.S. Commerce department legal notice last week. Online criticism of Israel On China's biggest social network Weibo, the attack became the most discussed topics with over 140 million clicks and more than 23,000 comments in the hours after the news came out. It's difficult to gauge the real reaction of Chinese Internet users since comments are routinely censored, but the majority of uncensored comments expressed opposition to Israel and the United States, and support for the Iranian attack on Israel. China's official news agency "Central TV News" published a post on Iran's attack under its Weibo account and attracted over 3,700 comments within one day. Many of the comments expressed doubts over Israeli reports saying that only one person was injured in Iran's aerial barrage. A user with the handle "Pikachu and his AD calcium" said: "Israeli soldiers can only die with permission. No death or injuries, I don't believe the news;" another one named "Owen665996" said, "This is obviously Israel's propaganda." Israel said that its air defenses, aided by the United States and other countries, shot down 99% of the 320 warheads which were launched from places in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. The White House called collective defense efforts "an incredible military achievement." In contrast to the "mainstream" stance, some readers left supporting comments on the official account of the Israeli Embassy in Beijing. "Go Israel! Chinese with conscious support you to strike on terrorists," said one Weibo user "Master of Minions." Another one with the handle "Hello Hayek" said, "support Israel to strike back and rid the terrorist cult regime!" The Chinese Embassy in Iran posted on its website on the early morning of Apr 14 that it "once again reminds Chinese citizens and enterprises in Iran to closely follow the local security situation and the security reminders issued by the Embassy." It urged Chinese citizens to "effectively enhance security awareness, always tighten the string of security precautions, resolutely avoid going to sensitive areas and densely populated places." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address House Speaker to push for passage of stalled US aid bill By VOA News April 14, 2024 U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday he will try to push forward wartime aid for Israel this week as part of his effort to gain House approval for a national security package. It includes funding for Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia as well as funding to send U.S. weapons to Taiwan. The House speaker is under enormous pressure to satisfy opposing sides within the Republican Party regarding a $95 billion supplemental U.S. aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan as well as for civilians in Ukraine and Gaza. The bill has been stalled for two months in Congress. Senior Republican lawmakers who support aid to Ukraine are growing frustrated with the monthslong wait to bring the bill to the House floor. Kyiv's troops have been running low on ammunition and Russia is gaining ground. A massive missile and drone attack destroyed one of Ukraine's largest power plants and damaged others last week. Separately, a growing number of hard-line conservatives are openly defying Johnson for toeing the line of the Biden administration on government spending. The unprecedented attack by Iran on Israel early Sunday has piled on even more pressure on Johnson, but it also offered him a platform to impress on Congress the urgency of approving the funding. "The details of that package are being put together right now," he said. "We're looking at the options and all these supplemental issues," he told Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" show. So far, the only aid package with wide bipartisan support in Congress is the Senate-passed bill that includes roughly $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel, awaiting its fate in the House. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby called on the House speaker to put the package "on the floor as soon as possible." "We didn't need any reminders in terms of what's going on in Ukraine," Kirby said on NBC. "But last night certainly underscores significantly the threat that Israel faces in a very, very tough neighborhood." With his job hanging in the balance and some fellow Republican lawmakers calling for his ouster, Johnson is looking for ways to pass the bill, by structuring some of the aid for Kyiv as loans. He also supports tapping into frozen Russian central bank assets. Johnson has also demanded policy changes at the U.S. border with Mexico. He has been in conversations with both the White House and former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. Many Democrats also have signaled they would likely be willing to help Johnson defeat an effort to remove him from the speaker's office if he puts the Senate bill on the floor. "I'm one of those who would save him if we can do Israel, Taiwan, Ukraine and some reasonable border security," said Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taking Actions to Reduce Russia's Revenue from Metals Trade US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson April 12, 2024 The United States, in coordination with the United Kingdom, is today taking additional actions to disrupt Russian revenue from its metals trading by prohibiting the importation into the United States of aluminum, copper, and nickel of Russian origin. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has also issued a new determination that prohibits the exportation, re-exportation, sale, or supply of warranting services to any person located in the Russian Federation for aluminum, copper, or nickel of Russian origin on a global metal exchange and services to those metals of Russian Federation origin as part of the physical settlement of a derivative contract. These prohibitions have been narrowly tailored to limit market disruption by exempting Russian aluminum, nickel, and copper that was produced prior to April 13, 2024. As a result of today's actions, the London Metal Exchange and Chicago Mercantile Exchange will no longer accept new aluminum, copper, and nickel produced by Russia. Metal exchanges provide a central role in facilitating the trading of industrial metals around the globe. By taking joint action, the United States and UK are depriving Russia of revenue needed to fund its illegal war against Ukraine. The Department of the Treasury actions today were taken pursuant to Executive Orders 14071 and 14068. For more information on today's action, see Treasury's press release. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address United States and United Kingdom Take Action to Reduce Russian Revenue from Metals U.S. Department of the Treasury April 12, 2024 New Prohibitions Issued on Aluminum, Copper, and Nickel WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the United Kingdom, issued two new prohibitions to disrupt the revenue that Russia earns from its export of aluminum, copper, and nickel. This new action prohibits the import of Russian-origin aluminum, copper, and nickel into the United States, and limits the use of Russian-origin aluminum, copper, and nickel on global metal exchanges and in over-the-counter derivatives trading. This action solidifies Treasury's follow through on the G7 Leaders' Statement to reduce Russia's revenues from metals. "Our new prohibitions on key metals, in coordination with our partners in the United Kingdom, will continue to target the revenue Russia can earn to continue its brutal war against Ukraine," said Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. "By taking this action in a targeted and responsible manner, we will reduce Russia's earnings while protecting our partners and allies from unwanted spillover effects." "Disabling Putin's capacity to wage his illegal war in Ukraine is better achieved when we act alongside our allies," said Jeremy Hunt, United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer. "Thanks to Britain's leadership in this area, our decisive action with the U.S. to jointly ban Russian metals from the two largest exchanges will prevent the Kremlin funnelling more cash into its war machine." To implement this policy, Treasury has issued a new determination under E.O. 14068 prohibiting the importation into the United States of aluminum, copper, and nickel of Russian Federation origin produced on or after April 13, 2024 (the "metals"). Treasury also issued a complementary determination under Executive Order (E.O.) 14071 that prohibits the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply to any person located in the Russian Federation of (1) warranting services for the metals produced on or after April 13, 2024 on a global metal exchange and (2) services to acquire the metals produced on or after April 13, 2024 as part of the physical settlement of a derivative contract. As a result of today's collective actions, metal exchanges, like the London Metal Exchange (LME) and Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), will be prohibited from accepting new aluminum, copper, and nickel produced by Russia. Metal exchanges provide a central role in facilitating the trading of industrial metals around the globe. By taking joint action, the United States and UK are depriving Russia and its metals producers of an important source of revenue. For more information on the implementation of today's action, please see OFAC's Frequently Asked Questions 1168 through 1172. Click here to read the Determination under E.O. 14068: Prohibitions Related to Imports of Aluminum, Copper, and Nickel of Russian Federation Origin. Click here to read the Determination under E.O. 14071: Prohibitions on Certain Services for the Acquisition of Aluminum, Copper, or Nickel of Russian Federation Origin. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK and U.S. to clamp down harder on the trade of Russian metals Today's action brings the world's two largest metal exchanges into the scope of existing bans. 12 April 2024 Russian metal producers blocked from profits from the London Metal Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, reducing a crucial source of revenue for the Kremlin. Joint UK and U.S. action builds on ban of metal imports, targeting $40 billion of Russian exports of aluminium, copper and nickel. The UK and the U.S. have together announced joint action to clamp down harder on prohibited Russian metal exports, by today bringing the world's two largest metal exchanges into the scope of the existing bans. The London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) will no longer trade new aluminium, copper and nickel produced by Russia. Metals are Russia's largest export commodity after energy, though their value has been decreasing since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In 2022 they were $25 billion, dropping to $15 billion in 2023 due to the efforts of the G7 and allies to curtail the market. Today's action will go further to constrain Russia's ability to make money from its shrinking metals exports, dealing another blow to President Vladimir Putin's funding for his illegal war in Ukraine. Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: Disabling Putin's capacity to wage his illegal war in Ukraine is better achieved when we act alongside our allies. Thanks to Britain's leadership in this area, our decisive action with the U.S. to jointly ban Russian metals from the two largest exchanges will prevent the Kremlin funnelling more cash into its war machine. Janet L. Yellen, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, said: Our new prohibitions on key metals, in coordination with our partners in the United Kingdom, will continue to target the revenue Russia can earn to continue its brutal war against Ukraine. By taking this action in a targeted and responsible manner, we will reduce Russia's earnings while protecting our partners and allies from unwanted spillover effects. The Prime Minister first announced the intention to act on banning Russian metals in May 2023. UK legislation to directly ban imports of Russian metals, including aluminium, copper and nickel was introduced in December. Separately, the U.S. put in place tariffs on various Russian metal imports. Together, the UK and the U.S. have today gone one step further and brought both metal exchanges into the scope of these measures - reinforcing a shared commitment to constrain Russia and support Ukraine. This follows a dialogue between the two countries to maximise the impact of the policy, which is a technically complex measure requiring time to work through the details to ensure its effectiveness and minimise the risk of market disruption. Metal exchanges provide a central role in facilitating the trading of industrial metals around the globe. The London Metal Exchange and Chicago Mercantile Exchange both have warehouses all over the world. Together, they are the world's two largest metal exchanges and set global benchmark prices for the trade of base metals. Both the UK and U.S. measures will exempt the existing stock of Russian metal on these global exchanges so they can still be traded and withdrawn. This is to minimise the risk to market stability. Today's announcement to strengthen the UK's existing ban on Russian metals builds on ongoing work to support Ukraine. Since Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has introduced the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on any major economy. Over 2,000 individuals and entities have now been sanctioned, and it is estimated that without sanctions, Russia would have over $400 billion more to fund its war - which could be enough to do so for an additional four years. The UK has also provided almost A12 billion in military, humanitarian and economic support to Ukraine and has often been the first mover on vital lethal aid. Sanctions Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: Today's action ratches up economic pressure on Putin, further depriving him of the key resources and revenue streams he needs to fund his illegal war in Ukraine. We have now imposed extensive trade sanctions on Russian-origin oil, gas, gold, diamonds, iron, steel, and base metals, dealing a heavy blow to Putin's war economy. But we must continue to work with our allies to further tighten the screws on the Kremlin. Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands said: The UK has already imposed the most severe package of bans that we've ever seen on a major economy, including on Russian metals which is Russia's largest export commodity after oil and gas. Now, we're going even further. By strengthening our sanctions on Russian metals, alongside the U.S., we will reduce Russian revenue which it uses to fund Putin's war machine. Further information There are no restrictions on acquiring existing stockpiles of Russian metals already on exchange, in order to prevent disruption to markets. This action does not cover titanium or platinum group metals, such as platinum and palladium, which were not included in the UK's prohibition in December due to supply chain sensitivities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 14, 2024 Release Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Saudi Minister of Defense, His Royal Highness Khalid bin Salman Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with the Saudi Minister of Defense, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman, to discuss unprecedented attacks launched from Iranian territory and by Iran's proxies in the region into Israel. The Secretary emphasized that while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to defend Israel and U.S. personnel. The Secretary underscored the importance of the enduring U.S. defense partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reiterated the United States' commitment to working with the Kingdom and other partners to deescalate tensions in the region. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3740716/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson April 14, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Secretary Blinken and the Foreign Minister discussed last night's unprecedented air attack against Israel by Iran. The Secretary reiterated that while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to support Israel's defense. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister agreed on the importance of a coordinated diplomatic response. The two agreed to stay in close touch on those efforts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan's military to set up new combatant command in 2026: Source ROC Central News Agency 04/14/2024 04:18 PM Taipei, April 14 (CNA) Taiwan's military is scheduled to establish a new combatant command in 2026, tasked with defending Taiwan's territorial waters extending 24 nautical miles from the country's shoreline, a source familiar with the matter told CNA on Sunday. The unnamed source said the new command, listed under the Naval Command Headquarters, will be headed by a vice admiral and bring together existing fast attack boat and anti-ship missile groups, along with the Naval Maritime Surveillance & Reconnaissance Command. It could be officially launched as early as 2026, but more details are being discussed and no final timetable has been announced, the source added. According to international maritime rules, each coastal state may claim a territorial sea that extends seaward up to 12 nautical miles from its shorelines. A nation's contiguous zone, meanwhile, is an area that is adjacent to the territorial sea and extends to a maximum distance of 24 nautical miles from the coast. According to the Naval Command Headquarters, the littoral combatant command will be responsible for integrating maritime surveillance, strike, and communication capabilities and coastal mobile units. The plan is still under discussion and evaluation, the Navy said in a written response to CNA. Asked to comment on the proposed littoral combatant command, three defense scholars CNA interviewed agreed the proposal would be beneficial to the military's ongoing reform and overall defense. Su Tzu-yun (), a research fellow at Taiwan's state-run Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the newly proposed command, once approved, will be responsible for the defense of Taiwan within 24 nautical miles from its coastline. This means it will have a separate job from that of the Naval Fleet Command, which will likely be responsible for defending seas around Taiwan but farther away from its shoreline in the future. He applauded what he called the structural reform of the Navy. Echoing Su, defense scholar and retired Navy Captain Jiang Hsin-biao () said that once established, the new command will be responsible for coastal defense using smaller and lighter missile boats and corvettes, as well as coastal anti-ship missiles. The Navy's main larger combat vessels will be tasked with defending the seas around Taiwan, albeit farther away from its coastline, in the future, he said. This means that the new command will shoulder the responsibility of the main combat ships and Naval Fleet Command in jointly defending the country, he added. However, acknowledging the plan to set up a littoral combatant command, Chieh Chung (), a researcher at the Taipei-based Association of Strategic Foresight, cautioned that currently many other combat commands in other military branches, including the Air Force and Army, are also responsible for defending areas within 24 nautical miles of Taiwan's coastline. With another new command forming, it could further complicate the command structure in the nation's armed forces in the event of war, Chieh said. (By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/cs/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Apr. 14, 2024 ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/04/14 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1. Dateis 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Saturday to Sunday, Apr. 13-14 2.PLA activitiesis 6 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson April 14, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding yesterday's blatant and unprecedented attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel. Secretary Blinken thanked Foreign Minister Fidan for his ongoing engagement to prevent further escalation in the region. The Secretary reaffirmed America's ironclad commitment to the security of Israel and highlighted that we remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine's Zelenskiy Calls For Urgent Aid To Counter Russian Air Strikes By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 14, 2024 President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Ukraine's allies to provide additional support, adding that "every day of delay in the delivery of aid results in more destroyed homes and ruined lives," while his defense minister visited outmanned and outgunned troops on the "tense" front lines as conditions worsened near the embattled town of Chasiv Yar. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on April 14, Zelenskiy argued that "the world has everything necessary to stop any missiles, Shahed drones, or other forms of terror." "It only requires decisions that can restore true and lasting security," he added. Visiting the front lines on April 14, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that "the situation is tense," a day after Kyiv warned that the conditions on the eastern front had "deteriorated" to dangerous levels. Ukrainian officials have over the past two days warned about the perilous situation near the strategic town of Chasiv Yar, in the Donetsk region, amid a major Russian offensive. If Russia takes the town -- which had a prewar population of about 13,000 - it would "create conditions for a deeper advance" toward Kramatorsk, a major rail and logistics hub for Ukrainian forces some 30 kilometers away, commander in chief Oleksandr Syrskiy said. Syrskiy said Russia's top leadership had ordered the military to capture Chasiv Yar in time for the May 9 commemoration of the Soviet contribution to victory in World War II. According to Ukraine's military, Russia attacked Ukraine with 10 Iranian-made Shahed drones overnight on April 13-14, all of them launched from Russia's western Kursk region. "Defenders shot down all 10 drones over the Kharkiv region," air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk said. A civilian truck was struck by a Russian drone in the Sumy region, local prosecutors reported, killing the driver. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War wrote on April 13 that Russia was "taking advantage" of Ukraine's shortages of artillery shells and air-defense equipment by operating variously in three different areas with "alternating emphasis." "Russian forces likely lack the ability to conduct more than one simultaneous, effective, large-scale operational effort as they have throughout the war," it wrote. "Russian forces are now able to use multiple alternating offensive efforts to stretch Ukrainian defensive capabilities amid Ukrainian artillery and air-defense shortages." Responding to Iran's massive overnight drone and missile attack against Israel, Zelenskiy wrote on X on April 14 that Shahed drones were "an instrument of terror." "We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which used the same Shahed drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes," he wrote. "The obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskiy-plea- aid-drones-missiles/32904825.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy warns against Russia's and Iran's coordinated 'terror' attacks By VOA News April 14, 2024 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Sunday decried Iran's drone strikes on Israel, saying the "obvious collaboration" between Russia and Iran in "spreading terror" must be met with "a resolute and united response from the world." "Iran's actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia's actions threaten a larger conflict," Zelenskyy wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Zelenskyy linked Israel's situation to Ukraine by saying that like Israel, Ukraine has been attacked by Iranian-made Shahed drones and missiles. "We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same 'Shahed' drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes," he wrote. A coordinated Western response intercepted most of the 300 drones and missiles that Iran launched against Israel Saturday, prompting many Ukrainians to criticize Western allies for not displaying the same decisive and wide-reaching support for Ukraine they showed for Israel. Zelenskyy said that only "tangible assistance" can protect Ukraine from missiles and drones a and urged the release of U.S. war aid for Ukraine that has long been blocked by Congress. "It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen America's allies at this critical time," he said. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based research group, warned that further delays in U.S. military assistance would increasingly undermine Ukraine's capacity to repel Russian advances. Patriot air defense systems, military training As Kyiv awaits the desperately needed U.S. aid that is stuck in Congress, Germany announced Saturday it would deliver a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, its third so far, citing "massive and ongoing Russian airstrikes." Zelenskyy thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for "a real manifestation of support for Ukraine at a critical time for us." The German chancellor said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he had discussed the "massive" Russian air attacks on civilian energy infrastructure with Zelenskyy on Saturday, and that Berlin will "stand unbreakably by Ukraine's side." The Ukrainian military also is hampered by the lack of adequate training it requires to improve its capabilities of operating "military equipment and Western weapons," Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, noted. Ukraine's European allies are engaged in a training push for Kyiv's forces. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Friday that future Ukrainian fighter pilots likely to fly American F-16 aircraft were receiving their initial training in the south of France. Other countries including Denmark, the Netherlands and Romania are helping Ukraine to train its pilots. Some Ukrainians, after receiving initial training in Britain, are now undergoing "advanced training" in an undisclosed location to learn how to fly fighter jets, according to a military source. On the ground At least five people died across Ukraine Sunday from Russian and Ukrainian attacks. One man was killed by a Russian drone striking his truck in the Sumy region, the local prosecutor's office said. In Kharkiv, officials recovered the bodies of a 61-year-old woman and 68-year-old man killed by a Russian strike Saturday. In the Russian-occupied Kherson region, two civilians were killed Sunday, according to Moscow-installed leader Vladimir Saldo. Ukrainian drones were also reported in Russia's Krasnodar and Belgorod regions and over the Black Sea, the Russian defense ministry said. Russian troops are making significant gains in Ukraine's eastern region near the Russian-occupied industrial town of Avdiivka, Syrskyi said Saturday on his Telegram channel. "The situation on the eastern front has deteriorated significantly in recent days," he said, adding that the Russian army intensified its offensive along several stretches of the more 1,000-kilometer-long front line after the presidential elections in Russia last month. Warmer, drier weather also is playing a factor in Russia's surging offensive, allowing its heavy vehicles to move quickly across the drying terrain. Russia's defense ministry announced its troops had "liberated" the village of Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region, about 11 kilometers west of the largely destroyed town of Avdiivka, which Russia captured in mid-February. Ukraine has not confirmed the loss of Pervomaiske, and its army asserted Friday that it had repelled attacks on the village. In a Telegram update Saturday, the Russian military said Moscow's forces also had taken Bohdanivka, another eastern village close to the city of Bakhmut a known for its bloody siege and subsequent capture by Russian forces nine months ago. Shortly afterward, Ukraine's defense ministry denied that Bohdanivka had been captured and said "intense fighting" there is ongoing. Ukraine has also said the situation around the eastern front-line city of Chasiv Yar, west of Bakhmut, remains "difficult and tense" with the area under "constant fire." Syrskyi acknowledged that Russian forces have been "actively attacking" Ukrainian positions in three areas of the eastern Donetsk region, near the cities of Lyman, Bakhmut and Pokrovsk. He said Ukraine was planning to "strengthen the most problematic defense areas with electronic warfare and air defense." Russia has an advantage in firepower and personnel over Ukraine, which is running low on ammunition, to increase attacks across eastern Ukraine. Additionally, Russian forces are increasingly using satellite-guided gliding bombs that allow planes to drop them from a safe distance and overwhelm Ukrainian forces. Some information for this report was provided by Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW YORK, April 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) resulting from allegations that Morgan Stanley may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Morgan Stanley securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=24096 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On April 11, 2024, The Wall Street Journal published an article during market hours entitled, Morgan Stanleys Wealth Arm Probed by Multiple Federal Regulators. The article stated multiple federal regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and other Treasury Department offices are investigating how Morgan Stanley vets clients who are at risk of laundering money through the banks sprawling wealth-management division. In addition, the article stated the main issues boil down to whether Morgan Stanley has been sufficiently investigating the identities of prospective clients and where their wealth comes from, as well as how it monitors its clients financial activity. Some of the probes are focused on the banks international clients. On this news, Morgan Stanleys stock fell $4.81 per share, or 5.2%, to close at $86.84 per share on April 11, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com SAN DIEGO, April 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DiCello Levitt LLP announces that it is investigating whether Globe Life Inc. (Globe Life or the Company) (NYSE: GL) complied with federal securities laws. The firms investigation focuses on whether the Company violated the federal securities laws and issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information required to be disclosed to investors. Investors who purchased Globe Life securities and those with information about the allegations are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the firms investigation by contacting DiCello Levitt partner Brian OMara by calling (888) 287-9005 or at investors@dicellolevitt.com. No Case Has Been Filed and No Class Has Been Certified. Until a case is filed and a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. Investigation Details: Globe Life is a $10 billion insurance company that sells policies through multiple subsidiaries. The biggest subsidiary is American Income Life (AIL), which accounts for 39% of total premiums; and 50% of total underwriting profits. On April 11, 2024, Fuzzy Panda Research published a critical research report titled Globe Life (GL): Executives Disregarded Wide-Ranging Insurance Fraud While They Received Millions in Undisclosed Kick-Back Scheme, alleging, among other things, that it uncovered extensive allegations of insurance fraud ignored by management despite being obvious and reported hundreds of times. According to the report, Fuzzy Panda claims that the alleged fraud and bribery and kickback scheme is confirmed through interviews with dozens of former executives and agents, a whistleblower from the executive ranks, undercover investigations, and a former VP at AIL who told Fuzzy Panda that he sent over 200 emails detailing the fraud to Globe Life executives. In response to the Fuzzy Panda Research report, shares of Globe Life plunged to their lowest in over a decade on April 11, 2024, falling more than 53% (or more than $55) from its close on April 10, 2024, to end the trading session at $49.17. About DiCello Levitt: At DiCello Levitt, we are dedicated to achieving justice for our clients through class action, business-to-business, public client, whistleblower, personal injury, civil and human rights, and mass tort litigation. Our lawyers are highly respected for their ability to litigate and win cases whether by trial, settlement, or otherwise for people who have suffered harm, global corporations that have sustained significant economic losses, and public clients seeking to protect their citizens rights and interests. Every day, we put our reputations and our capital on the line for our clients. DiCello Levitt has achieved top recognition as Plaintiffs Firm of the Year and Trial Innovation Firm of the Year by the National Law Journal, in addition to its top-tier Chambers and Benchmark ratings. The New York Law Journal also recently recognized DiCello Levitt as a Distinguished Leader in trial innovation. For more information about the Firm, including recent trial victories and case resolutions, please visit www.dicellolevitt.com. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Media Contact Amy Coker 4747 Executive Drive, Suite 240 Second Floor San Diego, CA 92121 619-963-2426 investors@dicellolevitt.com Siauliu Bankas AB, company code 112025254, address of the head office Tilzes str. 149, Siauliai, Lithuania. Siauliu bankas AB has received the notifications of managers on transactions in securities issued by the bank (see attachment). Director of Securities Operations Department Jolanta Dobiliauskiene is authorized by the Issuer to provide additional information and is available on tel.: +370 41 595669. Attachments ANHUI, China, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EvoTec Power, a leading China generator manufacturer, is set to exhibit its alternator innovations at the Middle East Energy exhibition from April 16th to 18th, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. Visit EvoTec Power at Stand No. S2. F40 to explore their cutting-edge solutions for the energy sector. Middle East Energy is the region's largest energy exhibition and conference, attracting over 1,300 exhibitors from around the world. The event provides a platform for companies to showcase their products and solutions across various energy sectors, including critical and backup power, energy storage, transmission and distribution, renewable and clean energy, energy consumption and management, and smart solutions. EvoTec Power will be highlighting three of its groundbreaking alternator products: TH528 High-Voltage Series Generator: This high-efficiency, high-output alternator supports generators with a maximum voltage of up to 13800V and a top power output of 2750 kVA. Its unique design offers excellent energy conversion efficiency, optimal ventilation, and easy maintenance. TCM288 Series Marine Alternator: Designed specifically for marine applications, the TCM288 series offers power ranging from 188 to 281kVA. This waterproof alternator series features high operating efficiency and fast response speed. With additional marine varnish, it is moisture-proof, mold-proof, and anti-fogging, making it perfect for ships operating in oceanic environments. TCU188 Series Industrial Generator: The TCU188 series alternator provides reliable performance in industrial settings, with a power range of 25/54kVA. Its short structure, shockproof design, and additional marine varnish ensure durability and extended service life. EvoTec Power's alternators are equipped with advanced features such as high response speed, fast start-up, and superior overload capacity, making them the preferred choice for various industries, including energy, telecommunications, mining, and marine. About EvoTec Power: Established in 2011, EvoTec Power holds more than 45 national patents and aims to become the leading alternator manufacturer brand worldwide. With a strong focus on product quality and reliability, EvoTec Power ensures a 100% product qualification rate and strives for a 97% satisfaction rate for its products and services. To learn more about EvoTec Power's innovative alternator solutions, visit Stand No. S2. F40 at Middle East Energy 2024 or explore their website at https://en.evotecpower.com/. Media Contact Company Name: EvoTec Power Generation Co., Ltd. Website: https://en.evotecpower.com/ Telephone: 400-880-5328 Email: info@evotecpower.com HONG KONG, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OSL Digital Securities, a leading licensed digital asset platform and a core entity of OSL Group (863.HK), is privileged to be chosen as the first virtual asset trading and sub-custodian partner by China Asset Management (Hong Kong) ("ChinaAMC (HK)"), a leading asset management company in Hong Kong, facilitating the approval in principle and launch of its inaugural spot Bitcoin/Ethereum ETFs in Hong Kong. This collaboration marks a critical advancement in the financial landscape of the region, heralding a new chapter in digital asset investments. With few markets worldwide accommodating Spot BTC/ETH ETFs, Hong Kongs initiative places it alongside pioneering regions such as Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. Reflecting on the U.S. experience where Spot Bitcoin ETFs garnered over $12.53B (source: SosoValue , as of 12 Apr 2024), the potential for Hong Kongs market is substantial and commands market attention. In this partnership, OSL utilizes its well-established infrastructure to ensure a safe trading environment crucial for the ETF's operations, meticulously managing the underlying assets. As the sub-custodian, OSL provides exemplary security and meets regulatory standards, delivering premier custody services that maintain the integrity and safety of the assets managed. "We are thrilled to collaborate with the talented team at China AMC, marking this milestone in the ETF landscape," said Patrick Pan, Chairman of the Board & CEO of OSL. "Being chosen as the first virtual asset exchange and sub-custodian partner not only reflects the high regard in which OSL is held but also demonstrates our commitment to advancing digital asset investments in Hong Kong, mirroring the trend of reputable partnerships seen in the U.S. market." As Hong Kongs only publicly listed company fully dedicated to digital assets, OSL Group (863.HK)s strategic position in the market is strengthened by its comprehensive regulatory compliance, extensive operational experience, and strong market reputation, underscored by a successful SOC 2 Type 2 audit. These elements, combined with OSLs innovative B2B2C model and institutional-grade services, ensure that OSL is not just participating in the market but leading the way in shaping the future of digital asset investments in Hong Kong. To learn more about OSL, please visit osl.com Chris Caldwell United Renewables CEO - Trinity College Dublin DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chris Caldwell, CEO of United Renewables, a leading renewable energy development and clean tech investment company, joined Professor Jane Stout, an esteemed ecologist and Vice President for Biodiversity and Climate Action at Trinity College Dublin, for a thought-provoking panel discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in biodiversity preservation. Drawing from his extensive experience in climate and technology, Caldwell explored the potential of AI in understanding and predicting complex ecological systems, revolutionising environmental decision-making with real-time data analysis, and driving sustainable solutions. He emphasised the need for regulation to address AI's energy consumption and potential biases, stating, "Unless we regulate it, we risk entrenching historical anomalies and undermining progress towards gender equality and sustainability. Professor Jane Stout, an expert in pollinator interactions and ecosystem complexity, shared insights on how AI can help ecologists make sense of intricate natural systems. She affirmed, "I'm excited about some of the opportunities associated with AI, particularly being able to process data more quickly." Stout acknowledged the challenges associated with AI but emphasised the potential benefits of processing and interpreting data in real-time to inform environmental decisions. Caldwell and Stout both discussed the use of AI applications in biodiversity preservation and emphasised the need for collaboration between ecologists, data scientists, and policymakers to harness AI's potential responsibly and effectively. To learn more about AI and biodiversity visit both United Renewables and Trinity College Dublin's Biodiversity and Climate Action initiatives. Join the conversation on the role of AI in environmental decision-making by sharing your thoughts and ideas on YouTube. Conversations on Climate is a United Renewables production hosting the most important voices in environmental debate today. To listen to the conversation on the role of AI in environmental decision-making go to the United Renewables website. All previous episodes can be found here. About United Renewables: United Renewables is at the forefront of the renewable energy sector, dedicated to providing diverse green energy solutions, including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. The company is committed to fostering sustainable futures, reducing global carbon footprints, and empowering businesses and communities through innovation and environmental stewardship. About the Conversations on Climate Podcast: United Renewables' Conversations on Climate podcast, now in its third season, offers enlightening insights on climate change. The podcast combines academic knowledge with practical industry experience, covering topics from leadership to green innovations. Season 3 provides a roadmap for professionals navigating the climate conundrum. For the latest episodes and updates, subscribe to the Conversations on Climate Channel on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and Spotify. For all related articles. Conversations on Climate brings world-leading thinkers from business and academia together to share their expertise on the subject of climate change. Guests include Sir Andrew Likierman , Francois Ortalo-Magne , Costas Markides , Professor Brian Caulfield , CT Greenbank . Contact Information: Isabella Hawke Sales and Marketing Consultant United Renewables Phone: +447624457139 Email: IIhawke@unitedrenewables.co.uk Web: unitedrenewables.co.uk A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e17aec60-1ef4-4a6f-a9db-9d623453d0f4 Dublin, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Big Data in Healthcare Market, Trends and Forecasts, Till 2035: Distribution by Component, Type of Hardware, Type of Software, Type of Service, Deployment Option, Application Area, Healthcare Vertical, End User, Economic Status, Geography, and Leading Players" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global big data in healthcare market size is estimated to grow from USD 67 billion in 2023 to USD 540 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 19.06% during the forecast period 2023-2035 The research study consists of current big data in healthcare market trends, detailed competitor's analysis, key market insights, market impact analysis, and market forecast and opportunity analysis. The growth in the big data analytics in healthcare market size over the next decade is likely to be the result of anticipated increase in adoption of AI-enabled solutions and rise in the demand for personalized medicine. One of the key objectives of this market report was to estimate the current market size, opportunity and the future growth potential of the big data in healthcare market, over the forecast period. Based on multiple parameters, likely adoption trends and through primary validations, the analyst has provided an informed estimate on the market evolution during the forecast period 2023-2035. Big data in healthcare refers to the large amount of unstructured data obtained from various sources, such as medical research / journals, biometric data, electronic medical records, Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), social media, payer records, omics research and data banks. Integrating this diverse and complex unstructured data into traditional databases poses a significant challenge in terms of data structuring and standardization, which is essential to ensure compatibility and enable effective analysis. However, recent advancements in big data analytics tools, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have revolutionized the conversion of big data in healthcare into valuable and actionable information. These technological breakthroughs have revolutionized various aspects of healthcare, enabling data-driven decision-making, improving diagnostics, facilitating personalized treatment approaches and empowering patients with self-service options (including online portals, mobile applications, and wearable devices). Presently, close to 60% of the market opportunity is created by the demand for big data analytics solutions in North America. This can be attributed to strong government support for big data analytics, particularly in the US, which has accelerated the adoption rates across various sectors, including healthcare. Additionally, the All of Us Research program, a biobank initiative focused on precision medicine research is further driving the demand for big data analytics solutions in North America. These big data in healthcare market trends reinforce the expectation that North America will maintain its position as the leading market for big data analytics services during the forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 18.52%. Further, big data analytics tools play a crucial role in pharmaceutical R&D by expediting drug discovery and development processes. Driven by the growing demand for business intelligence solutions, surge in unstructured data, and the increasing focus on the development of personalized medicine, the global market for big data in healthcare is poised to experience sustained market growth during the forecast period. Advantages of Big Data Analytics in Healthcare Market The emerging applications of big data analytics in healthcare market are transforming the way healthcare is delivered, offering numerous benefits and opportunities. By harnessing the power of big data, healthcare professionals can gain valuable insights and improve various aspects of patient care. Big data analytics tools facilitate the development of personalized medicine by analyzing patient data to identify patterns and make precise diagnoses. It also allows disease prevention and early intervention through predictive analytics, helping to mitigate risks and improve population health. Additionally, big data analytics solutions play a crucial role in optimizing healthcare operations, resource allocation, and improving patient outcomes. Competitive Landscape of Big Data Analytics Services The current market landscape features the presence of over 405 companies offering a variety of big data analytics services, ranging from consulting, implementation, data management and storage to technical support and component maintenance services. Overall, the big data analytics in healthcare market seems to be well-fragmented, featuring the presence of very small, small, mid-sized, large, and very large companies having the required expertise to offer big data services across different healthcare verticals, including pharmaceutical, medical devices, healthcare services and other verticals. It is worth mentioning that around 65% of the players offering big data analytics services are based in North America. Key Drivers in the Big Data in Healthcare Market Several factors, such as the growing need to store, process, and analyze large volumes of healthcare data, have led to the adoption of big data analytics solutions in the healthcare industry. With the advent of digital solutions, including electronic medical records and wearable devices, healthcare organizations are generating large amounts of data on a daily basis. In fact, on an average, a hospital can generate around 50 petabytes of patient data and operational data per day. Furthermore, the amount of data generated by the healthcare industry is anticipated to grow at an exponential rate, with a CAGR of more than 35% until 2025. The ability to effectively analyze and derive insights from this vast amount of unstructured data is crucial for improving operational efficiency, and decision-making in the healthcare industry. The focus on population health management is another driver for the big data in healthcare market. As healthcare shifts from a fee-for-service model to a value-based care model, there is a greater emphasis on preventive care and public health. This shift highlights the importance of leveraging big data in healthcare to analyze demographic data, generate insights, and drive positive outcomes for patients. Additionally, big data analytics plays a crucial role in optimizing care management and addressing the complex issue of social determinants of health. All these factors, along with the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence enabled healthcare solutions are anticipated to fuel the big data in healthcare market growth during the forecast period. North America Holds the Largest Share of the Big Data in Healthcare Market Presently, close to 60% of the market opportunity is created by the demand for big data analytics solutions in North America. This can be attributed to strong government support for big data analytics, particularly in the US, which has accelerated the adoption rates across various sectors, including healthcare. Additionally, the All of Us Research program, a biobank initiative focused on precision medicine research is further driving the demand for big data analytics solutions in North America. These big data in healthcare market trends reinforce the expectation that North America will maintain its position as the leading market for big data analytics services during the forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 18.52%. Market Share Insights The big data in healthcare market research report presents an in-depth analysis of the various companies that are engaged in the global big data in healthcare industry, across different segments, as defined below: Historical Trend: 2018-2022 Base Year: 2022 Forecast Period: 2023-2035 Market Size 2023: $67 Billion CAGR: 19.06% PowerPoint Presentation (Complimentary) Customization Scope: 15% Free Customization Component Hardware (Storage Devices, Servers, and Networking Infrastructure) Software (Electronic Health Record, Practice Management Software, Revenue Cycle Management Software, and Workforce Management Software) Services (Descriptive Analytics, Diagnostic Analytics, Predictive Analytics, and Prescriptive Analytics) Deployment Option Cloud-based On-premises Application Area Clinical Data Management Financial Management Operational Management Population Health Management Healthcare Vertical Healthcare Services Medical Devices Pharmaceuticals Other Verticals Economic Status High Income Countries Upper-Middle Income Countries Lower-Middle Income Countries End User Clinics Health Insurance Agencies Hospitals Other End Users Geography North America Europe Asia Latin America Middle East and North Africa Rest of the World Excel Data Packs (Complimentary) Overall Market Landscape Key Insights Company Competitiveness Analysis Market Forecast and Opportunity Analysis Leading Companies in the Big Data in Healthcare Market: Full list of 405+ companies and organizations is available in the report Accenture Akka Technologies Altamira.ai Amazon Web Services. Athena Global Technologies atom Consultancy Services (ACS) Avenga Happiest Minds InData Labs Itransition Kellton Keyrus Lutech Microsoft Nagarro Nous Infosystems NTT data Oracle Orange Mantra Oxagile Scalefocus Softweb Solutions Solix Technologies Spindox Tata Elxsi Teradata Trianz (formerly CBIG Consulting) Trigyn Technologies XenonStack The report features detailed transcripts of interviews held with the following industry stakeholders: Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Mid-sized Company, India Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Mid-sized Company, India Chief People Officer and Co-Founder, Small company, US Vice President, Large Company, US Business Head, Mid-sized Company, India Senior IT Inside Sales Lead, Small Company, India Senior Manager, Mid-sized Company, US Delivery Manager, Mid-sized Company, US Strategy, Research and Analyst Relations Manager, Large Company, India Business Development Manager, Mid-sized Company, US Business Development Associate, Mid-sized Company, US Business Development Specialist Advisor, Large Company, US Business Development Executive, Small Company, Armenia Business Consultant, Mid-sized Company, India For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qvw9mm About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment TORONTO, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TRX Gold Corporation (TSX: TRX) (NYSE American: TRX) (the Company or TRX Gold) today reported its results for the second quarter of 2024 (Q2 2024) for the three months ended February 29, 2024. Financial results are available on the Companys website at www.TRXgold.com. Key highlights for Q2 2024 include: Organic Growth Plant Expansion to double throughput and increase production, nearing completion : The Company expects significant growth in throughput and production following completion of the plant expansion to 2,000 tonnes per day (tpd). The expansion is progressing on schedule with first gold expected in early Q4 2024 (June 2024). The total capital cost of the mill expansion is expected to be approximately $6.0 million, of which approximately $4.0 million has been incurred to date. The remaining capital cost is expected to be funded from a combination of existing cash resources and cash flow from operations. Following completion of this expansion, TRX Gold will be well positioned to transition to a more cash flow generative phase in the last quarter of the year and into fiscal 2025. This milestone will allow the Company to further deploy capital that is accretive to our business, beginning with a comprehensive exploration drilling campaign, as we continue to execute on the strategy of using positive operating cash flow to fund value enhancing activities. : The Company expects significant growth in throughput and production following completion of the plant expansion to 2,000 tonnes per day (tpd). The expansion is progressing on schedule with first gold expected in early Q4 2024 (June 2024). The total capital cost of the mill expansion is expected to be approximately $6.0 million, of which approximately $4.0 million has been incurred to date. The remaining capital cost is expected to be funded from a combination of existing cash resources and cash flow from operations. Following completion of this expansion, TRX Gold will be well positioned to transition to a more cash flow generative phase in the last quarter of the year and into fiscal 2025. This milestone will allow the Company to further deploy capital that is accretive to our business, beginning with a comprehensive exploration drilling campaign, as we continue to execute on the strategy of using positive operating cash flow to fund value enhancing activities. New crushing circuit is now operational: The Company substantially completed construction of the new crushing circuit as an initial phase of the plant expansion project to 2,000 tpd. This will be the Companys third successful mill expansion within the last 36 months. The expanded crushing system is now operational and is currently undergoing wet commissioning. During this commissioning phase, the crushing circuit has achieved 1,800 tpd and is ramping up towards final commissioning. The Company is finalizing some minor work on the tertiary cone crusher portion of the circuit which will improve fineness of the ore product size. Upon final commissioning, the new crushing circuit is expected to produce a finely crushed ore product suitable for the existing and future ball mills. It is expected that the new crushing circuit will help drive increased throughput and recovery percentages and will provide increased capacity (between 3,600 to 4,800 tpd) for production, in both the near-term and for potential future expansions. It is also expected to improve options for material handling, provide equipment redundancy to eliminate or reduce plant downtime, and improve grind size allowing for more efficient, cost-effective processing of sulphide ore. Following Q2 2024, the Company began to realize the benefits of the expanded crushing system, with gold production of 2,302 ounces thus far (March 1 April 9, 2024). The Company substantially completed construction of the new crushing circuit as an initial phase of the plant expansion project to 2,000 tpd. This will be the Companys third successful mill expansion within the last 36 months. The expanded crushing system is now operational and is currently undergoing wet commissioning. During this commissioning phase, the crushing circuit has achieved 1,800 tpd and is ramping up towards final commissioning. The Company is finalizing some minor work on the tertiary cone crusher portion of the circuit which will improve fineness of the ore product size. Upon final commissioning, the new crushing circuit is expected to produce a finely crushed ore product suitable for the existing and future ball mills. It is expected that the new crushing circuit will help drive increased throughput and recovery percentages and will provide increased capacity (between 3,600 to 4,800 tpd) for production, in both the near-term and for potential future expansions. It is also expected to improve options for material handling, provide equipment redundancy to eliminate or reduce plant downtime, and improve grind size allowing for more efficient, cost-effective processing of sulphide ore. Following Q2 2024, the Company began to realize the benefits of the expanded crushing system, with gold production of 2,302 ounces thus far (March 1 April 9, 2024). Exploration program expected to resume in Q4 2024: The Company expects to resume an exploration program that will include diamond drilling and reverse circulation drilling within a program which includes brownfields drilling at Buckreef Main Zone (NE and SW), Eastern Porphyry, and greenfield drilling at Anfield. Exploration drilling is expected to commence during the dry season, beginning in Q4 2024. Operational and Financial Highlights Strong operating cash flow year-to-date: During Q2 2024, the Company poured 4,067 ounces of gold and sold 3,951 ounces of gold at an average realized price 1 of $2,026 per ounce. For the six-month period, the Company poured and sold 8,994 and 8,846 ounces of gold respectively, at an average realized price 1 of $1,980 per ounce, resulting in positive operating cash flow of $6.2 million. During Q2 2024, the Company poured 4,067 ounces of gold and sold 3,951 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $2,026 per ounce. For the six-month period, the Company poured and sold 8,994 and 8,846 ounces of gold respectively, at an average realized price of $1,980 per ounce, resulting in positive operating cash flow of $6.2 million. Strong gross profit margins: During the quarter, the Company recognized revenue of $8.0 million, cost of sales of $4.7 million, gross profit of $3.3 million (41%), net income of $1.9 million and Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $2.5 million. For the six-month period, the Company recognized revenue of $17.4 million, cost of sales of $10.4 million, gross profit of $7.0 million (40%), and Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $5.2 million. During the quarter, the Company recognized revenue of $8.0 million, cost of sales of $4.7 million, gross profit of $3.3 million (41%), net income of $1.9 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $2.5 million. For the six-month period, the Company recognized revenue of $17.4 million, cost of sales of $10.4 million, gross profit of $7.0 million (40%), and Adjusted EBITDA of $5.2 million. Maintaining a strong liquidity profile: The Company continued to maintain a strong liquidity profile by managing expenditures during the quarter, while at the same time continuing to advance the plant expansion to 2,000 tpd. Q2 2024 cash was maintained at approximately $8.0 million, accounts payable of $12.8 million was slightly lower than Q1 2024 and adjusted working capital of $2.6 million was consistent with Q1 2024 levels. The Company continued to maintain a strong liquidity profile by managing expenditures during the quarter, while at the same time continuing to advance the plant expansion to 2,000 tpd. Q2 2024 cash was maintained at approximately $8.0 million, accounts payable of $12.8 million was slightly lower than Q1 2024 and adjusted working capital of $2.6 million was consistent with Q1 2024 levels. Health & Safety remains top of mind: During Q2 2024, the Company achieved zero lost time injuries (LTI) and achieved, for a second time, 1 million hours LTI free work. TRX Golds CEO, Stephen Mullowney commented: We knew Q2 2024 was going to be a challenging quarter, as our existing, smaller crushing system was at its limit for crushing sulphide material, and consequently, the crushed product entering the mill was inconsistent and much too large. This led to an increase in mill downtime and a longer period to mill the ore, thus lowering throughput rates. The new expanded crushing circuit directly addresses these issues. For example, in March 2024, we have already begun to see the benefits of the new crushing system with significantly higher mill utilization and throughput rates. We expect further improvements when the tertiary cone crushers come online later this month. The Buckreef Gold project continues to demonstrate robust economics through its high-margin gold production, in what seems to be an increasingly bullish gold market environment. We very much look forward to doubling plant throughput capacity to 2,000 tpd and ramping up a comprehensive exploration program later this year. Qualified Person Mr. Andrew Mark Cheatle, P.Geo., MBA, ARSM, is the Companys Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and has reviewed and assumes responsibility for the scientific and technical content in this press release. Q2 2024 Results Conference Call and Webcast Details When: Thursday, April 18 at 11:00 AM EDT Webcast URL: https://www.c-meeting.com/web3/joinTo/MP9MKT3Z8WQC2Z/0dAfe2vKx0Lso6Cz5IOz3w Conference call numbers: Canada/USA TF: 1-844-763-8274 International Toll: +1-647-484-8814 A replay will be made available for 30 days following the call on the Companys website. Figure 1: Buckreef Gold Drill Rig in Open Pit (Q2 2024) Figure 2: Buckreef Gold new and expanded crushing circuit (Q2 2024) Figure 3: Buckreef Gold crushed material from new crushing circuit (Q2 2024) Figure 4: Buckreef Gold 2,000 tpd plant expansion construction (Q2 2024) Figure 5: Buckreef Gold Tailings Storage Facility Expansion at TSF 2.2 (Q2 2024 first lift completed and TSF is now fully operational) About TRX Gold Corporation TRX Gold is rapidly advancing the Buckreef Gold Project. Anchored by a Mineral Resource published in May 20202, the project currently hosts an NI 43-101 Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 35.88 MT at 1.77 g/t gold containing 2,036,280 ounces of gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 17.8 MT at 1.11 g/t gold for 635,540 ounces of gold. The leadership team is focused on creating both near-term and long-term shareholder value by increasing gold production to generate positive cash flow. The positive cash flow will be utilized for exploratory drilling with the goal of increasing the current gold Resource base and advancing the Sulphide Ore Project which represents 90% of current gold Resources. TRX Golds actions are led by the highest ESG standards, evidenced by the relationships and programs that the Company has developed during its nearly two decades of presence in Geita Region, Tanzania. For investor or shareholder inquiries, please contact: Investors Christina Lalli Vice President, Investor Relations TRX Gold Corporation +1-438-399-8665 c.lalli@TRXgold.com www.TRXgold.com Non-IFRS Performance Measures The company has included certain non-IFRS measures in this news release. The following non-IFRS measures should be read in conjunction with the Companys unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, filed on SEDAR+ and with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as the Companys audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F and Annual Information Form for the year ended August 31, 2023. The financial statements and related notes of TRX Gold have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Additional information has been filed electronically on SEDAR+ and with the SEC and is available online under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca and the Companys filings with the SEC at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.TRXgold.com. Average realized price per ounce of gold sold Average realized price per ounce of gold sold is a non-IFRS measure and does not constitute a measure recognized by IFRS and does not have a standardized meaning defined by IFRS. Average realized price per ounce of gold sold is calculated by dividing revenue by ounces of gold sold. It may not be comparable to information in other gold producers reports and filings. Three Months Ended February 29, 2024 Three Months Ended February 28, 2023 Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 Six Months Ended February 28, 2023 Revenue per financial statements $ 7,984 $ 10,098 $ 17,388 $ 19,816 Revenue recognized from OCIM prepaid gold purchase agreement (494 ) (742 ) (1,416 ) (742 ) Revenue from gold spot sales 7,490 9,356 15,972 19,074 Ounces of gold sold 3,951 5,504 8,846 11,258 Ounces of gold sold from OCIM prepaid gold purchase agreement (254 ) (434 ) (780 ) (434 ) Ounces from gold spot sales 3,697 5,070 8,066 10,824 Average realized price (gross) $ 2,021 $ 1,835 $ 1,966 $ 1,760 Average realized price net OCIM prepaid gold purchase agreement $ 2,026 $ 1,845 $ 1,980 $ 1,762 Cash cost per ounce of gold sold Cash cost per ounce of gold sold is a non-IFRS performance measure and does not constitute a measure recognized by IFRS and does not have a standardized meaning defined by IFRS. Cash cost per ounce may not be comparable to information in other gold producers reports and filings. Upon declaration of commercial production of the 1,000+ tpd processing plant in Q1 2023, capitalization of mine development costs ceased, and depreciation of capitalized mine development costs commenced. As the Company uses this measure to monitor the performance of our gold mining operations and its ability to generate positive cash flow, beginning in Q1 2023, total cash cost per ounce of gold sold starts with cost of sales related to gold production and removes depreciation. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS performance measure and does not constitute a measure recognized by IFRS and does not have a standardized meaning defined by IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to information in other gold producers reports and filings. Adjusted EBITDA is presented as a supplemental measure of the Companys performance and ability to service its obligations. Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in the industry, many of which present Adjusted EBITDA when reporting their results. Issuers present Adjusted EBITDA because investors, analysts and rating agencies consider it useful in measuring the ability of those issuers to meet their obligations. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) before interest, income taxes, and depreciation and also eliminates the impact of a number of items that are not considered indicative of ongoing operating performance. Certain items of expense are added, and certain items of income are deducted from net income that are not likely to recur or are not indicative of the Companys underlying operating results for the reporting periods presented or for future operating performance and consist of: Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments; Accretion related to the provision for reclamation; Share-based compensation expense; and Tax adjustments related to a prior period tax assessment (2012-2020). The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA per the financial statements for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024. Three Months Ended February 29, 2024 Three Months Ended February 28, 2023 Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 Six Months Ended February 28, 2023 Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income per financial statements 1,921 (50 ) 1,882 5,110 Add: Depreciation 428 294 912 487 Interest and other non-recurring expenses 445 856 918 1,041 Income tax expense 881 1,178 2,072 2,664 Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments (1,600 ) 965 (1,799 ) (2,400 ) Share-based payment expense 403 645 1,213 1,398 Adjusted EBITDA 2,478 3,888 5,198 8,300 The Company has included cash cost per ounce of gold sold and Adjusted EBITDA as non-IFRS performance measures throughout this news release as TRX Gold believes that these generally accepted industry performance measures provide a useful indication of the Companys operational performance. The Company believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Companys performance and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, they are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined in the applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, intends, estimated, potential, possible and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results will, may, could or should occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect TRX Gold managements expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to continued operating cash flow, expansion of its process plant, estimation of mineral resources, ability to develop value creating activities, recoveries, subsequent project testing, success, scope and viability of mining operations, the timing and amount of estimated future production, and capital expenditure. Although TRX Gold believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. The actual achievements of TRX Gold or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks, uncertainties and factors include general business, legal, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties; actual results of exploration activities and economic evaluations; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes in costs; future prices of gold and other minerals; mining method, production profile and mine plan; delays in exploration, development and construction activities; changes in government legislation and regulation; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and in a timely manner or at all; contests over title to properties; employee relations and shortages of skilled personnel and contractors; the speculative nature of, and the risks involved in, the exploration, development and mining business. These risks are set forth in reports that TRX Gold files with the SEC and the various Canadian securities authorities. You can review and obtain copies of these filings from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml and the Companys profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca. The disclosure contained in this press release of a scientific or technical nature relating to the Companys Buckreef Project has been summarized or extracted from the technical report entitled The National Instrument 43-101 Independent Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Buckreef Gold Mine Project, Tanzania, East Africa for TRX Gold with an effective date (the Effective Date) of May 15, 2020 (the 2020 Technical Report). The 2020 Technical Report was prepared by or under the supervision Mr. Wenceslaus Kutekwatekwa (Mining Engineer, Mining and Project Management Consultant) BSc Hons (Mining Eng.), MBA, FSAIMM, of Virimai Projects, and, Dr Frank Crundwell, MBA, PhD, a Consulting Engineer, each of whom is an independent Qualified Person as such term is defined in NI 43-101. The information contained herein is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the 2020 Technical Report and reference should be made to the full details of the 2020 Technical Report which has been filed with the applicable regulatory authorities and is available on the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company did not complete any new work that would warrant reporting material changes in the previously reported Mineral Resource (MRE) and Mineral Reserve statements during the prior reporting period. The MRE and economic analysis was previously conducted under the 2003 CIM Code for the Valuation of Mineral Properties which may be different than the November 2019 guidelines. The information contained in this press release is as of the date of the press release and TRX Gold assumes no duty to update such information. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0c8a171b-aa12-4cc4-ab71-67eae867a506 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dfa7f9fe-02ad-45d1-82ed-8359b5519a82 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6232766-7393-4829-8b42-662d60a3e9af https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf3d84c4-7889-45c8-9043-61d5ca6bf915 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2eba8ef2-3b00-49b7-b975-3339dbe40b79 1 Refer to Non-IFRS Performance Measure section. 2 See Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marimaca Copper Corp. (Marimaca Copper or the Company) (TSX: MARI) is pleased to provide an update on development activities at the Marimaca Oxide Deposit (the MOD) led by Ausenco Chile (Ausenco), and exploration activities at the Sierra de Medina property block, located ~25km from the MOD. The Company has also commenced exploration trenches and surface sampling activities at the Mercedes satellite target (Mercedes), located approximately 1km north of the MOD. Highlights Permit engineering, led by Ausenco, informed by final baseline studies and updated project layout progressing to plan MOD project permitting submission remains on track for early Q3 2024 Project layout is frozen, confirmed by condemnation drilling completed and announced Jan. 16, 2024 (see Figure 1) The DFS development strategy optimization, led by Ausenco, is near completion Workstream intended to finalize optimal development strategy for the MOD, focusing on capital intensity and mine planning and targeting a scale-up from the 2020 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) DFS remains on track for completion in late Q4 2024 The Company is currently considering strategic options to progress immediately into detailed engineering of the MOD post-DFS in 2025 2024 work plan (permitting and DFS engineering) remains fully funded Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) geo-metallurgical model in final phases of development with confirmatory metallurgical test-work program Expands on acid consumption and operability optimizations identified in Geomet 6 (see release dated Nov. 6, 2023) To date, four 4m height x 1m diameter column tests each stacked with 1,400 kg of green oxide material completed to generate raffinate for final column test program: Four 4m height columns to finalize optimal crush size for green oxide mineral zones Four 4m height columns to finalize optimal irrigation rate for green oxide mineral zones Four 4m height columns confirming optimal parameters set in previous columns for green oxide mineral zones Fourteen 1m height columns confirming optimal leaching parameters for mixed and enriched mineral zones In the parallel regional exploration track, geophysics work is underway at the Sierra de Medina property block, located 25km from the MOD (see press release dated Feb. 27, 2024) (see Figure 2) Initial work includes, UAV topography, Resistivity CS-NSAMT and high-resolution mag-drone surveys at key conceptual targets Geophysics work will be considered and integrated into potential future discovery drilling campaigns. Additionally, initial exploration trenching and surface sampling at the Mercedes East satellite target, located ~1km north of the MOD, has been initiated (see Figure 3) Hayden Locke, President and CEO of Marimaca Copper, commented: The Marimaca Team, in collaboration with Ausenco and Mitsubishi, is moving rapidly toward our 2024 development milestones at the MOD. We continued to progress the MOD toward construction amidst a very constructive macro back-drop for copper. It is an exciting time to be de-risking what is shaping up to be a very high-quality copper development project in the MOD. The Company is currently strategizing to ensure progression of the MOD directly into FEED (front end engineering design) in 2025, immediately following the completion of the DFS, which would keep us on track for a targeted construction decision in late 2025. On the exploration front, as discussed in our February press release on Sierra de Medina, Sergio Rivera and his team have kicked off initial geophysics to vector on key targets. We are excited about the potential a Sierra de Medina and the implications for Marimacas exploration pipeline beyond the MOD and its core satellite targets like Mercedes. Figure 1: MOD Site Layout and Condemnation Drill Hole Locations Figure 2: Marimaca Land Position Sierra de Medina Property Block Figure 3. Mercedes & Mercedes East Targets Relative to the MOD and Previous Scout Drilling (white) Qualified Person The technical information in this news release, including the information that relates to geology, drilling and mineralization has been reviewed and approved by Sergio Rivera, VP of Exploration, Marimaca Copper Corp, a geologist with more than 35 years of experience and a registered member of the Comision Minera (Chilean Mining Commission), as well a member of the Colegio de Geologos de Chile, Instituto de Ingenieros de Minas de Chile and of the Society of Economic Geologist USA, and who is the Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Contact Information For further information please visit www.marimaca.com or contact: Tavistock +44 (0) 207 920 3150 Jos Simpson / Adam Baynes marimaca@tavistock.co.uk Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including, without limitation, statements regarding the development activities at the MOD, the anticipated timing of the DFS and the anticipated timing of the MOD project permitting submissions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Marimaca Copper, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: risks that the development activities at the MOD will not progress as anticipated, or at all, risks that the DFS may not be completed as anticipated, or at all, risks that the MOD project permitting submission may not be submitted as anticipated, or at all, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, uncertainties relating to regulatory procedure and timing for permitting submissions and reviews, the availability of and costs of financing needed in the future as well as those factors disclosed in the annual information form of the Company dated March 28, 2024 and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedar.com). Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Marimaca Copper undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Neither the TSX nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/64fd9c9c-763f-4f98-9e8e-daa8f42bde62 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b7ae2d8-2092-4bdf-9d30-f65e91544c25 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/29cf1225-4795-45dd-b9db-c332075a82a6 TORONTO, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Talisker Resources Ltd. (Talisker or the Company) (TSX:TSK | OTCQX:TSKFF) is pleased to announce results from its summer 2023 mapping and surface sampling campaign at the Ladner Gold Project. A total of 175 rock samples were collected between mid June and mid September 2023 by a small mapping team. The focus of the mapping was centered on the areas of known mineralization adjacent to the historic Carolin underground mine and the McMaster prospect. Mapping and sampling targeted major lithological contacts between the lower Ladner Group sediments, the Spider Peak volcanic succession, and the Coquihalla serpentine unit. Of the 175 rock samples collected, 137 samples (78.3%) were anomalous for gold, 88 samples (50.3%) yielded above 0.1 g/t Au, 40 samples (22.8%) yielded above 0.5 g/t Au and 24 samples (13.7%) yielded more than 1.50 g/t Au. The top 24 samples are displayed in Table 1 and include six samples (3.4%) that showed gold values above 6 g/t gold. The top result was a composite sample of sheeted quartz veins in aphanitic andesite which produced 97.70 g/t Au. The 2023 samples were collected from quartz vein structures, semi-massive to massive sulfide occurrences, or strong alteration zones. The veins on the Ladner Gold Project are observed to be coarse-crystalline mesothermal veins with a low percentage of sulfide minerals. The dominant alteration assemblage associated with gold is silica, albite, iron-carbonate, and sericite. The dominant sulfides associated with gold are pyrite>arsenopyrite>pyrrhotite, which combined average less than 2% in observed veins, and greater than 15% in massive sulfide zones. Structural observations and data collection show an architecture of isoclinal folding in the Ladner sediments and Spider Peak volcanics. Quartz veins infill a variety of low-pressure zones including bedding-parallel, bedding oblique due to progressive shearing, within the plunge of fold hinges, and axial planar to the isoclinal folds. Additionally, preliminary observations suggest a later fold event resulting in broad open folds of low amplitude in the bedding strike orientation. The above observations are key to expanding known mineralization and targeting new ore zones in the historic Ladner Gold Project. Terry Harbort, Taliskers President and CEO commented, "We are very pleased with these preliminary results from Ladner and the demonstrated consistency of gold grades across a broad area. Our sampling indicates there are additional mineralized zones in the same setting as the Caroline mine, along strike, yet to be fully explored. Once we have brought our flagship Bralorne Gold Project into production, we are looking forward to returning to the Ladner Gold Project to expand the known mineralization. Table 1: Ladner Gold Project 2023 Rock Samples >1.5 g/t Au Sample Number Gold (g/t) Analytical Method Sample Type C315037 97.70 Au-GRA21 Composite C315045 13.40 Au-GRA21 Select C315047 11.60 Au-GRA21 Chip-Channel C315026 9.85 Au-AA23 Select C315107 7.39 Au-AA23 Select C315038 6.46 Au-AA23 Select C315046 5.34 Au-AA23 Chip-Channel C315139 5.07 Au-AA23 Composite C315006 4.68 Au-AA23 Select C315114 4.30 Au-AA23 Select C315073 3.96 Au-AA23 Select C315027 3.88 Au-AA23 Select C315168 3.86 Au-AA23 Select C315111 3.33 Au-AA23 Select C315092 3.08 Au-AA23 Composite C315128 3.07 Au-AA23 Composite C315025 2.77 Au-AA23 Composite C315122 2.72 Au-AA23 Select C315048 2.39 Au-AA23 Chip-Channel C315169 2.36 Au-AA23 Select C315181 2.09 Au-AA23 Composite C315049 1.85 Au-AA23 Chip-Channel C315115 1.80 Au-AA23 Select C315053 1.66 Au-AA23 Chip-Channel Qualified Person The technical information contained in this news release relating to the sample results at the Ladner Gold Project has been approved by Leonardo de Souza (BSc, AusIMM (CP) Membership 224827), Talisker's Vice President, Exploration and Resource Development, who is a "qualified person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For further information, please contact: Terry Harbort President and CEO terry.harbort@taliskerresources.com +1 416 357 0227 Matt Filgate Vice President, Corporate Development matt.filgate@taliskerresources.com +1 778 679 3579 About Talisker Resources Ltd. Talisker (taliskerresources.com) is a junior resource company involved in the exploration and development of gold projects in British Columbia, Canada. Taliskers flagship asset is the high-grade, fully permitted Bralorne Gold Project where the Company is currently transitioning into underground production at the Mustang Mine. Talisker projects also include the Ladner Gold Project, an advanced stage project with significant exploration potential from an historical high-grade producing gold mine and the Spences Bridge Project where the Company holds ~85% of the emerging Spences Bridge Gold Belt, and several other early-stage Greenfields projects. Sample Preparation and QAQC Rock samples at the Ladner project are collected from zones identified by Company geologists as likely hydrothermally affected. Three types of samples were collected during the 2023 campaign: Grab, Select, Composite, and Channel. Grab samples are taken to be non-selective and roughly representative of the outcrop / rock exposure. Select samples are chosen to highlight certain structures, mineralization, or alteration and may not be representative of the character or distribution of the local rock exposure. Composite samples are equivalent to Select samples, except that multiple structures, mineralized zones, or alteration zones from the same rock exposure have been combined into one sample. All channel samples during the 2023 Ladner program were collected as chip-channels whereby a manual or mechanical chisel was used to collect a 1-metre long, horizontal chip sample of approximately 3cm width and roughly 1cm depth. All samples are focused on an interval of interest such as a vein, zone of mineralization, or zone of alteration. Samples are a minimum of 500 grams in weight and averaged 1,786 grams during the 2023 program. Unmarked certified reference materials (CRMs and blanks) are inserted into the sample sequence and make up 11% of the samples submitted to the lab for rock samples reported in this release. Sample preparation and analyses are carried out by ALS Global in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Rock sample preparation includes sample drying, fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing 2 mm, sample splitting to 250 grams using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing the split to at least 85% passing 75 microns (ALS code PREP-31). Gold in rock samples is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) of a 30g sample (ALS code Au-AA23), while multi-element chemistry is analyzed using lab code ME-MS61 which is 4- Acid digestion of a 0.25 g sample split with detection by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for 48 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hf, In, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Re, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, Y, Zn, Zr). Gold assay technique (ALS code Au-AA23) has an upper detection limit of 10 g/t. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the gold assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish (ALS method Au-GRA21) which has an upper detection limit of 10,000 g/t Au. Caution Regarding 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 Taliskers current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to Talisker. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of Taliskers management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts 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 risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined, risks relating to variations in grade or recovery rates, risks relating to changes in mineral prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of minerals, risks related to increased competition and current global financial conditions, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks, title and environmental risks and risks relating to the failure to receive all requisite shareholder and regulatory approvals. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and Talisker 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. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ace3ddea-5c0f-43c4-9150-9b7d5c2d0530 ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) ("the Company" or "Kraig Labs"), announces today that the spring production trials for the new BAM-1 hybrid have begun and are well on track to meet the Company's expectations and timeline. The Company successfully launched the production trials of BAM-1, its newest and most robust recombinant spider silk production silkworm hybrid, on time and in line with its production roadmap. The Company's CEO remains in Asia to directly oversee the production trial of the BAM-1 parental strains and monitor their performance. Following health screenings and daily monitoring of the colony, the Company can now report that this is currently the strongest and healthiest batch of silkworms it has ever produced in Southeast Asia. Specifically, disease screening by the Company and its consultants has shown zero instances of disease in the colony. This can be attributed in part to the improved genetics and robustness of the BAM-1 parental strains. Moreover, significant credit for this improved performance must also be attributed to the knowledge and rearing technology transfer that Dr. Nirmal Kumar, of India, has brought to the team. "Our team invested heavily in improving the robustness of our production recombinant spider silk strains based on hard lessons learned and the testing data collected in 2023. With the support and added insight Dr. Nirmal Kumar is providing, we are on track for the most productive and successful spider silk production year in the Company's history," said founder and CEO, Kim Thompson. "Dr. Nirmal Kumar will be on the ground working with our team through this entire trial of the parental strains in order to lay a solid foundation for all future production. I believe we are in the midst of a breakout year for the Company as we continue to hit our marks on the business plan and deliver on our vision for commercial scale spider silk." To view the most recent news from Kraig Labs and/or to sign up for Company alerts, please go to www.KraigLabs.com/news . About Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. ( www.KraigLabs.com ), a reporting biotechnology company is the leading developer of genetically engineered spider silk-based fiber technologies. The Company has achieved a series of scientific breakthroughs in the area of spider silk technology with implications for the global textile industry. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information Statements in this press release about the Company's future and expectations other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These statements are made on the basis of management's current views and assumptions. As a result, there can be no assurance that management's expectations will necessarily come to pass. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as "believes," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "estimated," "hopes," "if," "develops," "researching," "research," "pilot," "potential," "could" or other words or phrases of similar import. Forward looking statements include descriptions of the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions and goals. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. TORONTO, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goliath Resources Limited (TSX-V: GOT) (OTCQB: GOTRF) (FSE: B4IF) (the Company or Goliath) is pleased to report it has fast tracked its 49% ownership interest in the Golddigger Property (the Property), located in the Golden Triangle, British Columbia based on positive results to date. The Company has made all payments required to the vendor under its option agreement dated April 18, 2017 (the Option Agreement). It has exceeded the minimum exploration expenditures of $14,000,000 to ultimately earn a 100% interest in the Property. Goliath will earn the remaining 51% interest in the Property by issuing a National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) resource estimate showing a minimum of 2,000,000 AuEq ounces on or before June 1, 2027. Key points to the amendment provide for Goliaths immediate 49% ownership in the Property upon the issuance of 10,000,000 common shares issued prior to May 15, 2024 to the Property vendors. To earn the remaining 51% interest and therefore an outright 100% ownership in the Property, issue a NI 43-101 maiden resource report outlining a minimum of 2,000,000 AuEq ounces (M&I, Indicated and/or Inferred) on or before June 1, 2027. Roger Rosmus, Founder and CEO of Goliath Resources, states: We are very pleased to have fast tracked our initial 49% interest in the Golddigger Property and look forward to acquiring the remaining 51% interest. The property already is a remarkable gold discovery, showing multiple zones that transition from the sediments, into the contact of the sediments and volcanics then into the volcanics. We feel confident that with further drilling into the volcanics, we will continue to discover multiple zones that lead us to the heat engine that caused the widespread gold mineralization. New grassroots gold discoveries are very rare in the gold mining sector. The gold mineralization has excellent continuity and is very predictable as can be seen from the high percentage of gold mineralization in our drill holes, and equally as exciting is the high percentage of visible gold in the drill holes. It also has exceptional gold recoveries of 92.2% at a 327 micron crush with 48.8% being free gold from gravity alone; the cheapest cost of producing dore. Jackpot is yet another discovery of outcropping high-grade gold-silver-copper with multiple mineralized veins within a broader shear zone that can be traced for >500 meters with 400 meters of vertical relief which we believe has excellent upside potential for our shareholders. This clearly demonstrates the strong possibility for many more discoveries of material size mineralized shear zones/veins directly related to the Surebet system that remains open. The newly discovered Jackpot outcrop assayed one of the highest-grade samples collected on the Property to date returning 21.5 oz/t AuEq or 667.40 gpt AuEq. Of important note, it is hosted in a shear composed of strongly silicified porphyritic andesite within the Hazelton Volcanics that could quickly evolve into our next material grade and/or porphyry drill discovery on the Golddigger property in 2024. We also are looking forward to announcing results from our inaugural exploration program on Golddiggers Cambria Icefield new discoveries at Treasure Island and Full Contact as well the inaugural drill program at our untested porphyry target at our Luck Strike property this year. Golddigger Property The Golddigger Property is 100% controlled covering an area of 66,023 hectares (163,146 acres) and is located in the world class geological setting of the Eskay Rift within the Golden Triangle of British Columbia and within 3 kilometers of the Red Line that is host to multiple world class deposits. The Surebet discovery has exceptional metallurgy with gold recoveries of 92.2% inclusive of 48.8% free gold from gravity alone at a 327-micrometer crush (no deleterious elements and no cyanide required to recover the gold based on metallurgical work completed to date). It is in an excellent location in close proximity to the communities of Alice Arm and Kitsault where there is a permitted mill site on private property. It is situated on tide water with direct barge access to Prince Rupert (190 kilometers via the Observatory inlet/Portland inlet). The Town of Kitsault is accessible by road (190 kilometers from Terrace, 300 kilometers from Prince Rupert) and has a barge landing, dock, and infrastructure capable of housing at least 300 people, including high-tension power. Additional infrastructure in the area includes the Dolly Varden Silver Mine Road (only 7 kilometers to the east of the Surebet discovery) with direct road access to Alice Arm barge landing (18 kilometers to the south of the Surebet discovery) and high-tension power (25 kilometers to the east of Surebet discovery). The City of Terrace (population 16,000) provides access to railway, major highways, and airport with supplies (food, fuel, lumber, etc.), while the Town of Prince Rupert (population 12,000) is located on the west coast and houses an international container seaport also with direct access to railway and an airport with supplies. About Goliath Resources Limited Goliath Resources Limited is an explorer of precious metals projects in the prolific Golden Triangle area of northwestern British Columbia and Abitibi Greenstone Belt of Quebec. All of its projects are in world class geological settings and geopolitical safe jurisdictions amenable to mining in Canada. The Company currently has ample funds in its treasury to initiate a significant 2024 drill program. Goliath has key strategic cornerstone shareholders that include Crescat Capital, Mr. Rob McEwen and Mr. Eric Sprott. Other Oriented HQ-diameter or NQ-diameter diamond drill core from the drill campaign is placed in core boxes by the drill crew contracted by the Company. Core boxes are transported by helicopter to the staging area, and then transported by truck to the core shack. The core is then re-orientated, meterage blocks are checked, meter marks are labelled, recovery and RQD measurements taken, and primary bedding and secondary structural features including veins, dykes, cleavage, and shears are noted and measured. The core is then described and transcribed in MX DepositTM. Drill holes were and are planned using Leapfrog GeoTM and QGISTM software and data from the 2017-2022 exploration campaigns. Drill core containing quartz breccia, stockwork, veining and/or sulphide(s), or notable alterations are sampled in lengths of 0.5 to 1.5 meters. Core samples are cut lengthwise in half, one-half remains in the box and the other half is inserted in a clean plastic bag with a sample tag. Standards, blanks and duplicates were added in the sample stream at a rate of 10%. Grab, channels, chip, and talus samples are collected by foot with helicopter assistance. Prospective areas included, but are not limited to, proximity to MINFile locations, placer creek occurrences, regional soil anomalies, and potential gossans based on high-resolution satellite imagery. The rock grab and chip samples are extracted using a rock hammer, or hammer and chisel to expose fresh surfaces and to liberate a sample of anywhere between 0.5 to 5.0 kilograms. All sample sites are flagged with biodegradable flagging tape and marked with the sample number. All sample sites are recorded using hand-held GPS units (accuracy 3-10 meters) and sample ID, easting, northing, elevation, type of sample (outcrop, subcrop, float, talus, chip, grab, etc.) and a description of the rock are recorded on all-weather paper. Samples are then inserted in a clean plastic bag with a sample tag for transport and shipping to the geochemistry lab. QA/QC samples including blanks, standards, and duplicate samples are inserted regularly into the sample sequence at a rate of 10%. All samples are transported in rice bags sealed with numbered security tags. A transport company takes them from the core shack to the ALS labs facilities in North Vancouver. ALS is either certified to ISO 9001:2008 or accredited to ISO 17025:2005 in all of its locations. At ALS, samples are processed, dried, crushed, and pulverized before analysis using the ME-MS61 and Au-SCR21 methods. For the ME-MS61 method, a prepared sample is digested with perchloric, nitric, hydrofluoric, and hydrochloric acids. The residue is topped up with dilute hydrochloric acid and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Overlimits are re-analyzed using the ME-OG62 and Ag-GRA21 methods (gravimetric finish). For Au-SCR21 a large volume of sample is needed (typically 1-3kg). The sample is crushed and screened (usually to -106 micron) to separate coarse gold particles from fine material. After screening, two aliquots of the fine fraction are analysed using the traditional fire assay method. The fine fraction is expected to be reasonably homogenous and well represented by the duplicate analyses. The entire coarse fraction is assayed to determine the contribution of the coarse gold. The reader is cautioned that grab samples are spot samples which are typically, but not exclusively, constrained to mineralization. Grab samples are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and are not intended to be representative of the material sampled. Qualified Person Rein Turna P. Geo are the qualified persons as defined by NI 43-101, for Goliath Resource Limited projects, and supervised the preparation of, and has reviewed and approved, the technical information in this release. For more information please contact: Goliath Resources Limited Mr. Roger Rosmus Founder and CEO Tel: +1.416.488.2887 roger@goliathresources.com www.goliathresourcesltd.com Widths are reported in drill core lengths and the true widths are estimated to be 80-90% and AuEq metal values are calculated using: AuEq metal values are calculated using: Au 1924.79 USD/oz, Ag 22.76 USD/oz, Cu 3.75 USD/lbs, Pb 2128.75 USD/ton and Zn 2468.50 USD/ton on December 23, 2023. There is potential for economic recovery of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc from these occurrences based on other mining and exploration projects in the same Golden Triangle Mining Camp where Goliaths project is located such as the Homestake Ridge Gold Project (Auryn Resources Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Homestake Ridge Gold Project, prepared by Minefill Services Inc. Bothell, Washington, dated May 29, 2020). Here, AuEq values were calculated using 3-year running averages for metal price, and included provisions for metallurgical recoveries, treatment charges, refining costs, and transportation. Recoveries for Gold were 85.5%, Silver at 74.6%, Copper at 74.6% and Lead at 45.3%. It will be assumed that Zinc can be recovered with the Copper at the same recovery rate of 74.6%. The quoted reference of metallurgical recoveries is not from Goliaths Golddigger Project, Surebet Zone mineralization, and there is no guarantee that such recoveries will ever be achieved, unless detailed metallurgical work such as in a Feasibility Study can be eventually completed on the Golddigger Project. 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 OTCQB Venture Market accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 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 Goliaths current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the ability of the Company to complete financings and its ability to build value for its shareholders as it develops its mining properties. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to Goliath. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the proposed transactions will occur, or that if the proposed transactions do occur, will be completed on the terms described above. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and Goliath 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. This announcement does not constitute an offer, invitation, or recommendation to subscribe for or purchase any securities and neither this announcement nor anything contained in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment. In particular, this announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer would be illegal. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN. Dublin, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Mining Directory 2024" directory has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Looking for business opportunities worldwide? Access a wealth of information on thousands of companies instantly with the Global Mining Directory! This directory is your fast, efficient and cost-effective reference source for the global mining industry! This well-established, internationally recognized directory on the mining industry is used by mining people throughout the world. Completely revised and updated annually, the Global Mining Directory contains... 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Charleston, South Carolina, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The College of Charleston Board of Trustees has approved the creation of two new academic schools: the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics; and the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. The formation of these two schools, approved unanimously on April 12, 2024, is a significant step forward in ensuring the long-term viability of the College of Charlestons unique brand of education. The School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics will be comprised of the Departments of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, while the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences will be comprised of the Departments of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Physics and Astronomy. We are excited to organize our current STEM-related departments into these two new schools, which will enhance the student experience and create more opportunities for strategic partnerships, says College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu. Our 10-year strategic plan challenges our university to be more innovative, and this new organizational structure will help us achieve that kind of innovation. The creation of these new schools will enable the College to better address the needs of the greater Charleston community and support the regions growing high-tech, manufacturing and engineering industries. According to a report from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in science and engineering occupations is expected to grow by 18.7% over the next 10 years. The School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics is a strategic investment by the university into select discipline-related programs that will attract new cohorts of students, bolstering enrollments in our traditional liberal arts foundation, says Suzanne Austin, executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences will provide students with a rigorous scientific education and prepare them to tackle complex environmental challenges facing our world today. Provost Austin announced that the College will conduct a national search for the new dean of the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics. Seth Pritchard will serve as interim dean of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences as well as the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics until a national search for the SOECM dean is completed. Pritchard says, Formalizing these Schools as unique identities illustrates our traditional and growing strengths in basic and applied sciences and allows greater focus on developing solutions to diverse modern challenges, which is exciting progress. About the College of Charleston Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized, public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nations top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. Its beautiful and historic campus, combined with contemporary facilities, cutting-edge programs and accessible faculty, attracts students from across the U.S. and around the world. Attachment SEATTLE, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Slalom, the global business and technology consulting company, today announced Christopher Burger will serve as the companys first Chief Information Security Officer. In addition to overseeing Slaloms security team, Burger will engage the companys experts and elevate its global security & risk services to help customers improve their security posture and performance. As a next-generation professional services company, Slalom works with thousands of companies globally to create value at the intersection of business, technology, and humanity. Innovative tech solutions often require equally advanced security protocols. Burger is known as an expert in the cybersecurity industry for providing pragmatic approaches that strengthen leaders' confidence in their security systems. The thing I appreciate most about Chris is that he delivers confidence, competency, and pragmatism when promoting a culture of security for our company and customers, said Tony Rojas, Slalom President. "His depth of expertise in cybersecurity is impressive, and our customers love that he provides personalized solutions to their unique technical challenges. Slalom offers smart solutions and support to help companies improve their safety and performance by enhancing their security measures. Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and a collaborative process, Slalom experts can help customers identify cybersecurity threats, implement strong defense strategies, and adapt proactive security mindsets. Slaloms growth in our security & risk services demonstrates our commitment to security excellence and trust with our customers, said Burger. Every company is thinking about or currently planning what the future of AI and innovation means for its business. Protecting your IP and your employees is a critical piece of the puzzle, so we will leverage Slaloms expertise and original solutions to help companies build their security posture for the future. For 26 years, Burger has been at the forefront of technology and information security operations, reshaping security & risk management strategies across diverse business sectors. From highly regulated industries like financial services and telecommunications to expansive arenas such as partnerships and licensing, he has led teams and deployed secure solutions for companies including Washington Mutual, Corbis, Clearwire, and Russell Investments. For media inquiries, contact press@slalom.com . About Slalom Slalom is a next-generation professional services company creating value at the intersection of business, technology, and humanity. With our fiercely human approach, we deeply understand our customersand their customersto deliver practical, end-to-end solutions that drive meaningful impact. Backed by over 700 technology partners, our nearly 12,000 team members in eight countries and 49 offices help people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Were honored to be consistently recognized as a great place to work, including being one of Fortunes 100 Best Companies to Work For nine years running. Learn more at slalom.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9efe5a3f-ed76-42cb-a713-298cc08b353d San Antonio, TX, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 2024, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is investing $181.1 million to advance health equity, strengthen communities and impact systemic change across its 74-county service area. That amount includes direct services, community investments, the development of community partnerships and advocacy initiatives that create a more level playing field for individuals to thrive. The organizations 2024 commitment represents an increase of 21% from its 2023 investment. That $181.1 million propels a strategic focus on advancing health equity, the framework of thought and action guiding the organizations efforts to address systemic inequities and socio-economic barriers that keep people from living their healthiest lives. At Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we are realizing our bold mission of Serving Humanity to Honor God through the programs and services we offer, the diverse geography we cover and the incredible communities we serve, said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "This investment is a clear reflection of the various ways our board of directors and our 500+ team members are broadening the definition of health care every day for patients, clients, and communities we serve. MHMs mission also includes its one-half ownership of Methodist Healthcarethe largest healthcare system in South Texas. The ownership structure ensures Methodist Healthcare continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all, and earnings to MHM to care for the uninsured and economically disadvantaged throughout its 74-county service area. MHM allocates its $181.1M budget across various key areas of investment- Grants, Strategic Operating Initiatives, Direct Services, and administrative costs that support these areas. This allocation ensures the organization delivers on its mission, vision, and strategy effectively. To ensure its investment has the highest level of community impact, MHM has consistently kept its administrative expenses below 15% - which is required to receive the highest possible score from Charity Navigator for analysis. Grants: For 2024, MHM has apportioned $54.5 million in community grants to over 174 nonprofit organizations and municipalities. MHMs goal is to help create and sustain healthy communities by supporting organizations that address the community conditions in which we are born, grow, live, and work, otherwise known as the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). MHM aims to help create and sustain healthy communities by supporting grant recipients addressing one of the following priority areas: access to care, mental and behavioral health; digital equity; food security; housing; education and workforce development. MHMs grantmaking strives to deepen collaborative efforts, incentivize quality health outcomes, leverage and strengthen health care delivery systems and promote sustainable systems change. $7.7 million was awarded to organizations focused on addressing issues that are upstream, meaning MHM is intentionally addressing conditions and circumstances that affect the health and well-being of patients and clients before they might reach out to MHM, or its partners, for assistance. $6.1 million in grant funding was directed to rural communities, furthering efforts to support organizations outside of urban areas. An example of MHMs support for its funded partners in action is evidenced in the work of SA Digital Connects. In 2024, SA Digital Connects received a $110,000 grant to support staffing for programming and implementation of the San Antonio and Greater Bexar County Digital Equity Plan. The goal of the plan is centered around closing the digital divide and facilitating 1) increased access and affordable adoption of digital devices/services, 2) digital devices distribution, and 3) digital literacy programming to assure internet safety. The project is projected to serve 500,000 individuals throughout the life of the grant and special attention is to be devoted to assisting unserved and underserved areas to ensure every household is connected to high-speed, reliable and affordable internet. The impactful work by Methodist Healthcare Ministries across San Antonio and Bexar County, continues to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the many challenges of the digital divide, says Rhia Pape, Executive Director at SA Digital Connects. We are proud to be supported and funded by MHM and other private sector partners and are thankful SA Digital Connects gets to work with such amazing partners to implement the SA/Greater Bexar County Investment Plan. There are many layers to this work and its only with coordination and collaboration between organizations that we will see success in closing the digital divide in our community. Strategic Operating Initiatives: In addition to the annual grants to partners, MHM has allocated nearly $28 million toward strategic initiatives that amplify its overall strategic goals and disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty. MHM is investing in approaches that address the root causes of poverty and health inequities, such as cross-sector partnerships, investing in community infrastructure, policy/legislative action eliminating barriers and/or addressing the long-term needs of individuals, families and communities. Examples of the types of initiatives MHM is investing in include: economic mobility, access to clean water, and community-led collaboration initiatives. Direct Services Creating access to care through the provision of clinical services has always been key to the organization's mission. MHM operates two San Antonio-based primary health care clinics: Wesley Health & Wellness Center and Dixon Health & Wellness Center, and two school-based health centers: George Ricks School Based Health Center at Krueger Elementary and George Ricks School Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary. The clinics address the needs of low-income families and the uninsured by providing services at no cost or on a sliding fee scale. The health care services MHM provides are a cornerstone of its charitable purpose of creating access to care. Additionally, MHM offers health care services and programs throughout its 74-county service area including community counseling services, Community Health Worker program, Get FIT prevention program, parenting support groups and care coordination and referrals through its Wesley Nurse program. Since inception, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has provided more than $1.67 billion in health care services through its clinical programs, as well as through partnerships, and is one of the largest private funding sources for community health care to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. ### About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of health care by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect healthincluding economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of Serving Humanity to Honor God by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive. Attachment Toronto, Ont., April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global leaders in the plant-based food and ingredient sector are gathering at The Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto for the second edition of Plant Forward, from April 16 to 18. Plant Forward brings together global leaders in the agriculture and food space and features speakers, including Murad Al-Katib, President and CEO of AGT Foods; Erica Orange, a leading futurist; and Paco Underhill, the author of How We Eat: The Brave New World of Food and Drink. Also on the agenda are representatives from Danone Canada, Roquette, Sobeys, Plant Up, Three Farmers, Louis Dreyfus Company, Corteva and more. Also attending this years event are representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Japan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the USA. This years conference program places a spotlight on themes of innovation, sustainability, consumer trends, capital and R&D. Also new to the conference is increased networking opportunities, which include the morning of Apr. 16 dedicated to meetings using the new Plant Forward app exclusively for attendees and two networking receptions. Plant Forward is presented by Protein Industries Canada, Pulse Canada, Plant-Based Foods of Canada, and the Canadian Pulse and Special Crops Trade Association. View the conference agenda: https://plantforwardconference.com/#js-agenda When: Tuesday, Apr. 16, 1 5 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 17, 8:30 a.m. 5 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 18, 8:30 a.m. 12 p.m. all times in EDT Where: Harbour Ballroom, Convention Level at The Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ont. M5J 1A6 Media is invited to attend, or they may request individual interviews with organizers or attendees. To attend, media is requested to stop at the registration desk in the Harbour Ballroom Foyer, located on the second floor by the escalators. Attachments U.S. not seeking war with Iran: White House national security spokesman Xinhua) 13:11, April 15, 2024 WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The United States does not want to go to war with Iran, a White House national security spokesman said on Sunday. Appearing on CNN's State of the Union news program one day after Iran launched attacks against Israel, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby was asked by host Jake Tapper if the Biden administration supports an Israeli retaliatory operation directly aimed at targets inside Iran. Kirby stopped short of saying explicitly if the United States would support or oppose such a potential move by Israel. "As the president has said many times, we don't seek a wider war in the region. We don't seek a war with Iran. And I think I'll leave it at that," he said. Kirby seemed to be showing more restraint in his remarks. According to U.S. media reports citing White House officials, U.S. President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone Saturday night that the United States would neither participate in nor support any offensive operations by Israel against Iran. Iran and allied armed groups launched coordinated drone and missile strikes on Israel late Saturday night in retaliation for an Israeli deadly assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria two weeks ago. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Blog Archive: Oct 2024 (65) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (156) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) Fairfax, VA, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AFCEA International is pleased to announce the appointment of former Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Eutimio Tim Reyna III as chief information officer (CIO) and chief technology officer (CTO). In this capacity, Reyna will head up day-to-day AFCEA International IT operations and lead outreach efforts to the national security IT community. Reyna comes to AFCEA after serving for two years as senior manager and lead for Defense Portfolio Army Growth at Accenture Federal Services after having served in the U.S. Army. As an Army veteran, he possesses extensive knowledge of Army and Department of Defense (DoD) network infrastructure, Enterprise System Technology Integrations and cybersecurity program operations. As a retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 with combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, he brings invaluable real-world experience to this role. Reyna has a proven record as a proficient program manager and team builder, committed to fostering organizational success through technological innovation and excellence enhancement. Tim brings an impressive background as a proven leader with a broad range of skills that will further enhance AFCEAs mission, will ensure AFCEA stays technologically competitive and secure, and will make the most of emerging technology to improve services for our member-based association, said AFCEA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.). Originally from McAllen, Texas, Reyna enlisted in 1999 and served in various roles, including as a Signal System Support Specialist and S-6 noncommissioned officer in charge at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. He transitioned to warrant officer in 2007 and held assignments at Fort Liberty; Fort Cavazos, Texas; Camp Hovey, Korea; Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado; Fort Eisenhower, Georgia; and Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Reyna has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a Master of Arts in information technology system management from Webster University. His military education includes Warrant Officer Candidate School and Basic, Advanced and Intermediate Level Education Warrant Officer Courses. He also holds industry certifications in ITIL V3 Intermediate and CompTIA Security Plus. Reyna's awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and various other commendations, such as the Signal Corps Bronze Order of Mercury. He served two combat tours: Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan and support for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is professionally associated with AFCEA International, AUSA, USAWOA and SCRA. ### AFCEA International is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit international professional association that connects people, ideas and solutions globally. Established in 1946, the membership association serves the military, government, industry and academia by developing networking and educational opportunities and providing an ethical forum. This enables military, government, industry and academia to align technology and strategy to meet the needs of those who serve. AFCEA operates under the guidance of a board of directors, international staff and committees. A large network of chapters is managed by a group of regional vice presidents. Join online. Attachment BALTIMORE, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Royal Farms, a Mid-Atlantic convenience store and fried chicken destination, is thrilled to announce its upcoming expansion into Lumberton, North Carolina. This marks another significant milestone in the company's continued growth, bringing its signature offerings and exceptional customer service to North Carolinas communities. Royal Farms is scheduled to open its doors in Lumberton on May 20, 2024. Royal Farms of Lumberton will be located at 2744 N. Roberts Ave, Lumberton, NC, 28358, just 9 minutes away from Luther Britt Park. This location will feature a gas station with sixteen fueling positions and operate 24 hours and 365 days a year to service all convenience, food, and fuel needs. The new store promises to deliver the same high standards of quality and convenience that customers have come to expect; from freshly prepared fried chicken and made-to-order sandwiches to an array of breakfast options, Royal Farms offers something for everyone, any time of day. "We're excited to reveal our newest store in Lumberton, enriching the local dining scene with our hallmark freshness and unmatched convenience," shared Kim Kneipp, District Leader at Royal Farms. "At Royal Farms, we're dedicated to crafting experiences that delight customers and streamline daily routines. We're eager to bring our passion to the vibrant Lumberton community." To celebrate our arrival in Lumberton, Royal Farms will be hosting a ticketed soft opening event where customers can check out the new store and be served one free meal from the soft opening menu. The free tickets are available on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/royal-farms-lumberton-nc-soft-opening-tickets-865654685467?aff. Be sure to follow Royal Farms on our social media for all news on store openings and events. At Royal Farms, we cherish our role as more than just a convenience store; we serve as a central gathering place where neighbors come together. As we gear up to inaugurate our presence in Lumberton, we pledge to actively contribute to local endeavors. Royal Farms will be making a monetary donation to Robeson County Partnership for Children, Inc. to assist in providing quality activities and resources for children birth to five years of age, their families, and caregivers. To learn more, go here: https://www.robesonpartnership.org/. For North Carolinians interested in working for Royal Farms, please visit https://www.royalfarms.com/careers/. Royal Farms offers competitive pay, medical and dental insurance, a 401(K)-retirement plan, opportunities for advancement, flexible schedules, vacation time, and our employee store discount. Customers can sign up for RoFo Rewards on the Royal Farms mobile app or on RofoRewards.com. RoFo Rewards Members save money throughout the year, earn fuel discounts with RoFo Pay, receive rewards for everyday purchases, and redeem other surprise freebie offers. How to Register as a RoFo Rewards Member Download the Royal Farms app here: https://engagement.punchh.com/b/royalfarms and click "Sign Up" to create a RoFo Rewards account. You can also visit https://www.roforewards.com/register/ to create an account. About RoFo Rewards By registering a RoFo Rewards card or downloading our app you gain access to special member offers and can earn rewards points on purchases. Every time you visit Royal Farms and make a purchase, you will receive 2 points for every dollar you spend, and one point for every gallon of gas you purchase. If you upgrade your card to RoFo Pay, you will also receive a discount on gas when you use your RoFo Rewards card to pay at the pump except for New Jersey Stores. You can keep track of points and offers at www.roforewards.com or by downloading the RoFo Rewards app on your phone. About Royal Farms Royal Farms is a renowned operator of fast and friendly neighborhood convenience stores with nearly 300 locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Royal Farms opened its first store in Baltimore, MD in 1959. Today, the chain has locations in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Royal Farms has been satisfying customers hunger for Real Fresh food served Real Fast. The Royal Farms Kitchen is well known for its Always Fresh, Never Frozen World-Famous Royal Farms Chicken that is lightly hand-breaded and pressure-cooked in Trans Fat Free cooking oil to golden brown perfection. Royal Farms Western Fries are hand-cut from fresh Idaho potatoes, hand-breaded, and cooked right in store. Most locations are open 24 hours, 365 days a year. For more information about Royal Farms, visit: www.royalfarms.com Contact: Aliyah Atayee aatayee@royalfarms.com MONACO, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE: STNG ) ("Scorpio Tankers," or the "Company") announced today that on Thursday, May 9, 2024, the Company plans to issue its first quarter 2024 earnings press release in the morning (Eastern Daylight Time) and host a conference call at 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time and 3:00 PM Central European Summer Time. Conference Call Information Title: Scorpio Tankers Inc. First Quarter 2024 Conference Call Date: Thursday May 9, 2024 Time: 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time and 3:00 PM Central European Summer Time The conference call will be available over the internet, through the Scorpio Tankers Inc. website www.scorpiotankers.com and the webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/kd9z9abw Participants for the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast. The conference will also be available telephonically: US/CANADA Dial-In Number: 1-833-636-1321 International Dial-In Number: 1-412-902-4260 Please ask to join the Scorpio Tankers Inc. call. Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The information provided on the teleconference is only accurate at the time of the conference call, and the Company will take no responsibility for providing updated information. About Scorpio Tankers Inc. Scorpio Tankers Inc. is a provider of marine transportation of petroleum products worldwide. Scorpio Tankers Inc. currently owns or lease finances 110 product tankers (39 LR2 tankers, 57 MR tankers and 14 Handymax tankers) with an average age of 8.2 years. The Company has entered into agreements to sell two of its MR tankers within the first half of 2024. Additional information about the Company is available at the Companys website www.scorpiotankers.com, which is not a part of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forwardlooking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forwardlooking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forwardlooking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend, plan, target, project, likely, may, will, would, could and similar expressions identify forwardlooking statements. The forwardlooking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Companys records and other data available from third parties. Although management believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Companys control, there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. The Company undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Companys view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forwardlooking statements include unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies in response to epidemic and other public health concerns including any effect on demand for petroleum products and the transportation thereof, expansion and growth of the Companys operations, risks relating to the integration of assets or operations of entities that it has or may in the future acquire and the possibility that the anticipated synergies and other benefits of such acquisitions may not be realized within expected timeframes or at all, the failure of counterparties to fully perform their contracts with the Company, the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for tanker vessel capacity, changes in the Companys operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for the Companys vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, charter counterparty performance, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in such financing arrangements, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, including the impact of the conflict in Ukraine and the developments in the Middle East, including the armed conflict in Israel and Gaza, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessels breakdowns and instances of offhires, and other factors. Please see the Companys filings with the SEC for a more complete discussion of certain of these and other risks and uncertainties. Contact Information Scorpio Tankers Inc. James Doyle Head of Corporate Development & Investor Relations Tel: +1 646-432-1678 Email: investor.relations@scorpiotankers.com LONDON, April 15, 2024 - Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company") announces that, after a period of discussions to restructure the group's debt in conjunction with seeking a fully funded solution for its 100%-owned Araguaia Nickel Project ("Araguaia" or the "Project") and actively engaging existing and new potential investors, the Company has been unable to secure interest in the full financing needed to complete the Project or in a group acquiring the Project. In the absence of a financing solution, Horizonte must now consider alternative options for the Company's subsidiaries in the interest of its secured creditors, which may include raising financing at the subsidiary level, a sale of the Project whilst in care and maintenance, the liquidation of the assets of the Project, or other options available under Brazilian laws. The Company does not believe that any of these options are likely to recover any value for the Company's shareholders. Since the end of November 2023, the new management team has stabilized the business and undertook a comprehensive audit of the cost to complete and business plan to critically assess the current viability of the Project. The results of this audit demonstrated Araguaia's project fundamentals as a robust 1st quartile operating cost asset, but also highlighted a significant increase of the cost to complete compared to previous estimates. Following an extensive engagement and global roadshow where over 150 parties, including over 39 which entered into non-disclosure agreements ("NDA's") were approached across both debt and equity, the Company has been unable to secure the full financing needed to complete the project at this time. The majority of investors who conducted detailed due diligence on the Project, after signing NDA's, cited the unfavourable nickel market environment as the reason for declining to pursue the opportunity further. Despite nickel's long-term outlook being strong, investor sentiment has been dampened by low spot prices and near-term uncertainties which include the supply surplus from Indonesia, and the consequent downward shift in the cost curve, risks to global nickel demand and market dynamics of Class I and Class II nickel products. Discussions with secured creditors, and existing and new potential investors on alternative scenarios will continue to be held with a view to a potential restructuring solution to attempt to achieve some recovery value to our creditors. These include raising financing at the subsidiary level, or disposing of the Project whilst in care and maintenance, thereby maintaining the prospect of the Project as a going concern, liquidation of the assets of the Project, or the consideration of other options available under Brazilian laws to attempt to achieve the best possible recovery to the Company's creditors while minimising potential liabilities. As at 10 April 2024, the Company had a cash balance of US$16.2 million (excluding cash that is segregated for the development of the Vermelho Project). Furthermore, given the lack of more favourable scenarios to deal with the Company's liabilities, the Board is continuously reviewing the options alongside their professional advisers. Karim Nasr, Interim CEO of Horizonte, commented: "The Board and management are extremely disappointed by the results of our effort to attract financing into the Company. While we received commendation on the quality of the project and of the comprehensive work put together by the Company's team, and supportive attitude of the Company's creditors and Cornerstone Shareholders, the lack of prospects in a recovery of the Ferro-Nickel market considering Indonesian supply dynamics have impeded the confidence of investors in earlier stage projects with high capital intensity, including Horizonte. We regret the impact this outcome will have on our many stakeholders. I want to thank everyone involved, especially the Horizonte team, for their efforts through this very challenging period." For further information, visitwww.horizonteminerals.comor contact: Horizonte Minerals Plc Patrick Chambers (Head of IR) info@horizonteminerals.com +44 (0) 203 356 2901 Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Ross Allister David McKeown Bhavesh Patel +44 (0)20 7418 8900 BMO (Joint Broker) Thomas Rider Pascal Lussier Duquette Andrew Cameron +44 (0) 20 7236 1010 Barclays (Joint Broker) Philip Lindop Richard Bassingthwaighte +44 (0)20 7623 2323 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment, statements with respect to the potential of the Company's current or future property mineral projects; the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the second RKEF line at Araguaia on time, or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on time, or at all, the success of exploration and mining activities; cost and timing of future exploration, production and development; the costs and timing for delivery of the equipment to be purchased, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the ability of the Company to achieve its goals in respect of growing its mineral resources; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates and achieving production in accordance with the Company's potential production profile or at all. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks related to: the inability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment on time or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the implementation of a second RKEF line at Araguaia on the timeline contemplated or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on the timeline contemplated or at all, exploration and mining risks, competition from competitors with greater capital; the Company's lack of experience with respect to development-stage mining operations; fluctuations in metal prices; uninsured risks; environmental and other regulatory requirements; exploration, mining and other licences; the Company's future payment obligations; potential disputes with respect to the Company's title to, and the area of, its mining concessions; the Company's dependence on its ability to obtain sufficient financing in the future; the Company's dependence on its relationships with third parties; the Company's joint ventures; the potential of currency fluctuations and political or economic instability in countries in which the Company operates; currency exchange fluctuations; the Company's ability to manage its growth effectively; the trading market for the ordinary shares of the Company; uncertainty with respect to the Company's plans to continue to develop its operations and new projects; the Company's dependence on key personnel; possible conflicts of interest of directors and officers of the Company, and various risks associated with the legal and regulatory framework within which the Company operates, together with the risks identified and disclosed in the Company's disclosure record available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including without limitation, the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Araguaia and Vermelho Technical Reports available on the Company's website https://horizonteminerals.com/. Although management of the Company 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. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Horizonte Minerals Plc View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, April 15, 2024 - Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (FSE: D4E) (WKN: A1JQW5) ("Defiance" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the results from the ongoing mapping and surface sampling campaign at its Lucita property in Zacatecas, Mexico. Work to date includes surface geochemical sampling in both new and historically sampled zones and has led to a revised interpretation of the geology at Lucita. The surface work will be used to support further delineation of drill targets for future exploration. The results presented in this release demonstrate the district-scale potential of Defiance's Zacatecas district land package. Highlights Lucita North: Widespread, high-grade, polymetallic Ag-Zn-PbAuCu mineralization was encountered over a multi-kilometer strike length, suggesting the presence of a large mineral system with multiple mineralizing events. Lucita South: High-grade Ag-Au dominant mineralization has been encountered in drilling and surface sampling along multiple structures. The mineralization is characteristic of low-sulfidation epithermal vein systems. Individual surface sampling highlights include: Lucita North Gloria Zone Sample 430012: 331 g/t Ag, 0.15 Au, 6.94% Pb, 14.70% Zn, and 0.35% Cu Sample 430009: 552 g/t Ag, 1.34% Pb Aurora Zone Sample 430179: 298 g/t Ag, 3.15% Pb, 0.14% Zn Sample 430027: 795 g/t Ag Plomosa Zone Sample 430106: 652 g/t Ag, 0.32 g/t Au, 6.48% Pb, 2.26% Zn, and 0.60% Cu Lucero Vein Sample 110785: 460 g/t Ag, 4.76 g/t Au, 6.33% Pb, 31.50 % Zn, and 0.87% Cu Lucita South Paty Vein Sample 4208: 2350 g/t Ag and 0.27 Au Lucita Vein Sample 110895: 497 g/t Ag, 1.28 g/t Au Palenque Vein Sample 110834: 712 g/t Ag, 0.26 g/t Au Lucita Property Overview The Lucita property is the northernmost portion of the Company's Zacatecas district land package (Figure 1). The Lucita property was acquired under an option agreement with Pan American Silver Corp. (Pan American or PanAm) in 2020 and is now 100% owned by Defiance (see News Releases December 2, 2020, and January 10, 2024). Pan American completed several work programs at Lucita, including surface sampling and reconnaissance drilling in 1996, 2011, and 2012. These work programs identified numerous near-surface vein systems with high-grade Ag, Au, Zn, and Pb values. Defiance's Lucita North (previously called Panuco) and Lucita South projects are located in the Zacatecas mining district within the Central Mexican Silver Belt, a northwest-trending belt of world-class mining districts including Sombrerete, Fresnillo, Zacatecas, and Guanajuato. The mineralized systems at both Lucita and Defiance's San Acacio project have similar characteristics to other ore deposits in the belt, such as Juanicipio (Mag Silver/Fresnillo), Santo Nino (Fresnillo), Cozamin (Capstone), Francisco I. Madero (Penoles), and San Nicolas (Agnico Eagle/Teck). Figure 1. Plan map of Defiance Silver Corp.'s Lucita property, including Lucita North and Lucita South, with highlights of various vein systems mapped to date (in red) and historic and recent drilling locations. Coordinates are in UTM WGS84 Zone 13N. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2950/205501_90d73138e438eb75_001full.jpg Surface Work The Company has been actively exploring at the Lucita property since 2021. Recent work has been focused on property-wide systematic data collection using industry best practices. Surface work to date includes geological mapping at various detailed scales, surface geochemical rock sampling, and spectral mineral alteration mapping. As of this release approximately sixty percent of the first-pass surface geological work at the Lucita property has been completed. Surface work commenced at Lucita South and led to a first-pass drill program along the Palenque structure (see News Release April 13th, 2022 and August 9th, 2022). Recent surface work has focused on the Lucita North project. Surface geochemical results (Table 1) and the abundance of mapped veins demonstrate the potential for undiscovered and untested to poorly-tested, high-grade Ag-Au vein systems and Ag-Zn-PbAuCu polymetallic mineralized systems at Lucita South and Lucita North, respectively. Selected Surface Rock Geochemical Sampling Results Project Vein System Ag ppm Au ppm Pb % Zn % Cu % Sample Type Channel Width QAQC Sample ID Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 552 0.09 1.34 0.06 0.02 Previously Mined Material a 430009 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 416 0.11 1.07 0.16 0.03 Previously Mined Material b 111089 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 372 0.07 1.36 3.26 0.02 Previously Mined Material b 111080 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 331 0.15 6.94 14.70 0.35 Previously Mined Material a 430012 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 324 0.05 0.60 1.33 0.03 Previously Mined Material b 111091 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 322 0.59 0.46 0.21 0.01 Previously Mined Material b 111061 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 942 0.08 0.43 0.11 0.03 Previously Mined Material b 110967 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 795 0.12 0.44 0.16 0.01 In Situ a 430027 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 509 0.24 0.61 0.21 0.03 Previously Mined Material b 111019 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 342 0.16 0.38 0.19 0.02 In Situ 0.35 m b 110956 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 321 0.45 0.34 0.36 0.03 Previously Mined Material b 111014 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 298 0.06 3.15 0.14 0.06 Previously Mined Material a 430179 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 652 0.32 6.48 2.26 0.60 Previously Mined Material a 430106 Lucita North Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa 332 0.32 3.79 0.79 0.16 Previously Mined Material b 110617 Lucita North Lucero 460 4.76 6.33 31.50 0.87 Previously Mined Material b 110785 Lucita North Lucero 396 0.21 0.27 0.13 0.01 In Situ a 430262 Lucita North Lucero 366 0.32 0.16 0.19 0.01 Previously Mined Material b 110778 Lucita North Pilitas 430 0.21 0.01 0.04 0.01 In Situ a 430116 Lucita North Pilitas 397 0.10 0.01 0.01 0.00 Previously Mined Material b 111206 Lucita North Tules 346 0.63 0.21 0.05 0.02 In Situ a 430090 Lucita North Chucho Blanco 306 0.12 0.36 0.73 0.03 Previously Mined Material b 111042 Lucita South Paty 2350 0.27 0.04 0.08 0.01 Previously Mined Material a 4208 Lucita South Lucita 728 0.84 0.01 0.01 0.03 In Situ 0.45 m b 110890 Lucita South Lucita 497 1.28 0.01 0.03 0.02 Previously Mined Material b 110895 Lucita South Lucita 461 0.05 0.21 0.20 0.01 Previously Mined Material b 110931 Lucita South Lucita 458 0.11 0.17 0.10 0.02 In Situ 0.40 m b 110932 Lucita South Lucita 405 0.04 0.01 0.00 0.01 Previously Mined Material b 110939 Lucita South Lucita 361 0.27 0.07 0.18 0.00 Previously Mined Material a 4164 Lucita South Palenque 712 0.26 0.01 0.01 0.02 In Situ 0.35 m b 110834 Lucita South Palenque 324 0.32 0.06 0.38 0.01 Previously Mined Material b 110673 Lucita South Palenque 312 0.12 0.06 0.10 0.01 Previously Mined Material a 4152 Table 1. Selected surface rock geochemical sampling results from Defiance's Lucita property. Bolded names in the vein system column indicate the sampled zone. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) Defiance Silver sampling (2021-2024)- surface rock sampling QAQC procedures discussed at the end of this news release. In Situ: outcrop composite chip samples perpendicular to the strike of the exposed structure Previously Mined Material: selective grab samples from dumps of previously mined material Historic Pan American sampling (2011-2012)- surface rock sampling QAQC procedures discussed at the end of this news release. In Situ: outcrop channel samples Previously Mined Material: selective grab samples from dumps of previously mined material Lucita North The mineralized systems at Lucita North show a strongly polymetallic signature, both at surface and in shallow, historic drill holes. Multiple mapped structures have returned high-grade Ag and highly anomalous to high-grade Pb, Zn, Au Cu along the majority of their exposed strike length (e.g., Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa, Lucero, Pilitas, and Chucho Blanco; Table 1 and Figure 2). Various highlighted surface results from in situ and previously mined material are presented in Table 1. Vein system widths at surface in Lucita North range from 0.1 - 19 meters. In particular, the Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa system is a high-priority target for the Company. This system contains 3 distinct zones from northwest to southeast: Gloria, Aurora, and Plomosa. This system has one of the best polymetallic surface geochemical anomalies in the district and is prospective for both intermediate-sulfidation epithermal vein and potential carbonate-replacement-style mineralization at depth. Figure 2. Plan map of Lucita North showing new and historic surface silver geochemical results and anomalous lead, zinc, and gold zones. Historic Pan American drill hole collars and traces are shown. Coordinates are in UTM WGS84 Zone 13N. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2950/205501_90d73138e438eb75_002full.jpg Lucita South Mapping and sampling at Lucita South have highlighted east-west vein systems with a dominantly silver and gold signature at surface. Several mapped structures have returned high-grade samples (e.g., Paty, Palenque, and Lucita; Table 1 and Figure 3), including a sample from the Paty vein grading 2350 g/t Ag. Additionally, substantial historic workings and multiple mineralized surface samples were encountered along the Palenque structure. Widths of these structures at surface in Lucita South range from 0.1 - 4 meters. These encouraging surface results led to the Company's first-pass diamond drill program at Palenque (see News Release April 13th, 2022 and August 9th, 2022). Drilling along the Palenque structure confirms the continuation of silver and gold grades at depth and identified blind mineralization in low-angle faults and within specific stratigraphic units. Well-mineralized samples from both surface and drill core, as well as the potential for very high grades as demonstrated in the Palenque, Paty, and Lucita veins, present significant exploration upside in the Lucita South project. Figure 3. Plan map of Lucita South showing new and historic surface silver geochemical results and anomalous gold zones. Defiance drill hole collars and traces are shown, with several previously reported drill result highlights from the 2021-2022 program. Coordinates are in UTM WGS84 Zone 13N. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2950/205501_90d73138e438eb75_003full.jpg Chris Wright, Chairman & CEO, noted: "These surface results indicate that there is a robust polymetallic system present at Lucita North. When coupled with our excellent first-pass drilling results on the Palenque structure in Lucita South, the exploration prospectivity of the Lucita property remains high. We believe that the property contains several of the top targets in the Zacatecas district." Previous Drilling summary Lucita South In 2021 and 2022 the Company completed a first-pass, 3801.8m diamond drill program on the undrilled Palenque vein system (Figure 3). The widely spaced drill holes returned very encouraging results over a multi-kilometer strike length. Highlights include: DDLU-21-05: 3.48m of 513.57 g/t Ag from 152.52 to 156.00m, including 0.25m of 3260.00 g/t Ag (See News Release April 13 th , 2022) , 2022) DDLU-22-10: blind discovery of a wide 49.87m zone with 58.79 g/t Ag from 370.23m to 420.1m including 3.05m of 264.29 g/t Ag and 2.25m of 235.29 g/t Ag (See News Release August 9th, 2022) Lucita North Pan American previously conducted two diamond drill programs in 1996 and 2011-2012 for a total of 5103.35m (Figure 2). These programs shallowly tested several vein systems, including Plomosa near the historic Plomosa silver mine and Lucero. Drilling encountered positive results (see News Release December 2nd 2020). Ongoing relogging and sampling of the historic drill core continue to reveal high-level alteration zones and high-grade intercepts that warrant follow-up both down dip and along strike. Discussion of Results The most prominent structures at Defiance's Lucita property are northwest-southeast and east-west trending mineralized veins, breccias, and alteration zones. These structural orientations are characteristic of the most important mineralizing events of the world-class ore deposits in the Central Mexican Silver Belt. Intersections of these two mineralizing events often localize zones of significant mineralization. A remarkable feature of the Lucita property is the presence of both polymetallic Ag-Zn-PbAuCu style mineralization and Ag-Au dominant low-sulfidation epithermal-style mineralization. The most prospective targets in the Lucita North project are the Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa system, the Pilitas-Tules intersection zone, and the Lucero vein. In Lucita South the Palenque, Lucita, and Paty veins are high-priority follow-up drill targets. Lucita North The Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa vein system is a large, regional structure similar in orientation and length to Defiance's Veta Grande system. The Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa system contains a high-density of altered and mineralized structures with high grades at and near surface. The mineralization style is dominantly multiphase, intermediate-sulfidation epithermal style veins and breccias; this is best exhibited in the Aurora zone. The Gloria zone also contains an outstanding example of polymetallic, breccia-style mineralization with metal assemblages and textures reminiscent of carbonate-replacement style deposits. The eastern portion of the Plomosa remains to be mapped, but preliminary findings indicate the presence of multiple mineralization styles (Figure 4). Figure 4. Photos of various polymetallic mineralization along the Gloria-Aurora-Plomosa system, representing high-grade to highly anomalous Ag, Pb, Zn, Au and Cu in semi-massive sulfides and oxide material in Gloria (A & B), Aurora (C) and Plomosa (D). Samples are highlighted in Table 1. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2950/205501_90d73138e438eb75_004full.jpg The Pilitas-Tules intersection zone is of particular interest due to the presence of east-west Ag-rich structures that intersect earlier northwest-southeast structures. The northwest-southeast breccia-vein zones are understood to be exposed at a high-level of the epithermal system, and therefore present important drill targets at depth. This architecture and mineralization style is reminiscent of the structures that are known to host significant mineralization in the Fresnillo district. Lucita South The Palenque, Lucita, and Paty veins are east-west structures that display Ag-Au dominant mineralization characteristic of low-sulfidation epithermal vein systems. This style of mineralization was targeted by Mag Silver in the Fresnillo district and led the discovery of the Juanicipio mine. An important intersection of the east-west Paty vein, which contains the highest-grade surface sample from previously mined material (2350 g/t Ag), with a northwest-southeast trending structure represents an additional Fresnillo-style target. Discussion of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC) and Analytical Procedures QAQC for Defiance rock sampling (2021-2024): Samples were selected based on the lithology, alteration, and mineralization characteristics; sample size averaged 3.3 kg. At least one blank or one standard was included within every 20 samples. Standard materials are certified reference materials (CRMs) from OREAS; the suite of standards contains a range of Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, and Zn values. Blanks and standards have been used to confirm the validity of the analytical results. Samples were analyzed by ALS Limited. Sample preparation was performed at their Zacatecas, Mexico, prep facility, and analyses were performed at the Vancouver, Canada, analytical facility. All elements except Au and Hg were analyzed by a multi-element geochemistry method utilizing a four-acid digestion followed by ICP-MS detection [ME-MS61m]; mercury was analyzed after a separate aqua regia digest by ICP-MS. Overlimit assays for Ag, Pb, and Zn were conducted using the OG62 method (multi-acid digest with ICP-AES/AAS finish). Gold was measured by fire-assay with an ICP-AES finish [50g sample, Au-ICP22]. QAQC for historical Pan American sampling (2011-2012): Details of sample selection are understood to be in accordance with industry best practice; however, detailed procedures of historical sampling are not recorded. The Pan American Lucita property report states that standards and blanks were included in laboratory submissions of surface samples. This report also describes the QAQC protocol for the drilling conducted in 2011 and 2012; certified reference material from GEOSTAT was used as a standard, and sterile basalt drill core from the La Preciosa project in Durango was used as blank material. Both sample preparation and sample analysis were performed by SGS Labs in Durango, Mexico. All elements except Au were analyzed first by a multi-element geochemistry method utilizing a two-acid Aqua Regia digest with an ICP-AES finish [ICP14B]. Reported Ag values were assayed using AAS21E (3 acid digest with AAS finish), and overlimit Ag samples (>300 ppm) were analyzed by fire-assay with a gravimetric finish [30g sample, AAS21E]. Method ICP90Q (sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-OES finish) was used for overlimit samples of other elements (e.g. Pb, Zn, Cu). Gold was measured by fire assay with an AAS finish [30g sample, FAA313]. Corporate Announcement Defiance also announces that it has granted the following awards pursuant to the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"): Incentive Stock Options - an aggregate of 3,188,750 incentive stock options ("Options") have been granted to certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants to purchase an aggregate of 3,188,750 common shares of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at an exercise price $0.18, in accordance with the Plan. The Options are exercisable for five years from the date of grant and vest equally over a three-year period beginning on the date of grant. Deferred Share Units - an aggregate of 715,000 Deferred Share Units ("DSUs") have been granted to directors, in accordance with the Plan. Each DSU represents a right of the holder to receive one Common Share effective as at the date the holder ceases to serve as a director of the Company. The DSUs vest on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant. Performance Share Units - an aggregate of 45,000 Performance Share Units ("PSUs") have been granted to certain officers of the Company, in accordance with the Plan. Each PSU entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share on the vesting date. The PSUs vest on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant, subject to certain corporate and individual performance criteria. Restricted Share Units - an aggregate of 538,750 Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") have been granted, to certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants, in accordance with the Plan. Each RSU entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share on vesting. The RSUs vest equally over a three-year period beginning on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant. All of the forgoing Options, DSUs, PSUs and RSUs are subject to the terms of the Plan, the applicable grant agreement, and the requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Defiance Silver Corp. Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF ) (FSE: D4E) is an exploration company advancing the district-scale Zacatecas project, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District, and the 100% owned Tepal Gold/Copper Project in Michoacan state, Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring, advancing, and developing several operating mines and advanced resource projects. Defiance Silver's corporate mandate is to advance its projects through capital-efficient exploration focused on resource growth and new mineral discoveries. Mr. George Cavey, P. Geo, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information concerning the Company's material mineral properties contained in this press release. On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp. "Chris Wright" Chairman of the Board For more information, please contact: Investor Relations at +1 (604) 343-4677 or via email at info@defiancesilver.com. www.defiancesilver.com. Suite 2900-550 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3 Canada Tel: +1 (604) 343-4677 Email: info@defiancesilver.com Disclaimer 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. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information Information contained in this news release which are not statements of historical facts may be "forward-looking information" for the purposes of Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves 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 information. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "plan", "intends", "continue", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", "schedule", "understand" and similar expressions identify forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: the Company's expectations regarding the ability of the Mining Bureau of Mexico City to reinstate ownership of the concessions to the Company, cooperation with the Mining Bureau relating to such reinstatement and the potential for any successful solution resulting therefrom. Forward-Looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Defiance, are inherently subject to significant technical, political, business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Factors and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the inability of the Company to regain possession of its concessions; political risks associated with the Company's operations in Mexico; the failure of the Mining Bureau in Mexico City to take any coercive action to reinstate ownership of the concessions to the Company; and the inability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enforce their legal rights in certain circumstances. For additional risk factors, please see the Company's most recently filed Management Discussions & Analysis for its quarter ended February 29, 2024, available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. There can be no assurances that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as many factors and future events, both known and unknown could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to vary or differ materially from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained herein or incorporated by reference. Accordingly, all such factors should be considered carefully when making decisions with respect to Defiance, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-Looking information in this news release is made as at the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, changes in circumstances or any other events affecting 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/205501 VANCOUVER, April 15, 2024 - Condor Resources Inc. - ("Condor" or the "Company") (TSXV:CN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chris Buncic as the Company's new President and CEO, effective April 12, 2024. Mr. Buncic succeeds Mr. Lyle Davis, who will be retiring from his role as President and CEO effective April 12, 2024. Mr. Davis will continue as an active and engaged advisor during the transition of Mr. Buncic to the position of Condor's President and CEO. Mr. Buncic is an accomplished executive with over 24 years in a diverse career that spans senior roles in the mining industry and capital markets. He was most recently a co-founder and CEO of Alto Verde Copper Inc., a private exploration company focused on copper assets in Chile that was last year acquired by Interra Copper Corp. Prior to that he was President and CEO of Ascendant Resources Inc. where the team acquired and restored profitability to the operating El Mochito mine in Honduras and greatly advanced the exploration efforts of the Lagoa Salgada project in Portugal. In his career, he has raised substantial capital across the capital structure, and has served on several boards of TSX, TSXV and CSE-listed companies. Prior roles saw him in Institutional Equity Research at several leading Canadian independent full-service brokerage firms. Mr. Buncic is a CFA Charterholder, has an MBA from Schulich School of Business and B.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto. Graham H. Scott, Director of the Company, commented, "We are very pleased to have Chris join the management team of Condor as President and CEO, and look forward to his contributions as we continue to create value within the Company's project portfolio for the benefit of all shareholders." He continued, "The Board would like to extend its sincere thanks for the dedication that Lyle Davis has brought to the Company since he first became involved as a Director in 2005, and more recently for his leadership and prudent management as Condor's President and CEO. We wish him all the best in his new exploration project called retirement". Concurrent with the appointment of Mr. Buncic, the Company announces the grant of 1,000,000 stock options at a price of $0.15 which will vest over 36 months, all of which shall be exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant. Subject to the acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange, Mr. Buncic will also be granted 2,000,000 Performance Share Units, which will vest over a period of three years. Condor is an active explorer focused exclusively on Peru, supplemented by a project generator and royalty model designed to generate exploration capital whilst minimizing shareholder dilution. Our objective in advancing our portfolio of projects is the discovery of a major new precious metals or base metals deposit in Peru. Project acquisition and exploration activities are managed by the Company's Lima based exploration team. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Graham H. Scott Director For further information please contact the Company at 1-866-642-5707, or by email at info@condorresources.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in applicable forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in such statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. SOURCE: Condor Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com In a press release dated April 4, 2024, West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTC:WRLGF) announced that it has closed a second and final tranche of its private placement of gold linked notes, bringing the total value of notes issued to US$27,165,631, equivalent to about $37 million CAD. "Gold-linked Notes (GLNs) are a type of equity-based structured note," states DBS Treasures, "Similar to Equity Linked Notes (ELNs), except the underlying [asset] is gold, rather than stocks." Each Offering Unit contains notes worth USD $1,000 and 710 warrants. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of WRLG at C$0.95 until March 19, 2029. "The Notes represent unsecured obligations of the Company, bear a 12% per annum coupon, calculated and payable quarterly in arrears, and will mature on December 31, 2029," states WRLG. "The gold-linked notes are an unusual but innovative financing structure," WRLG CFO Harpreet Dhaliwal told Guy Bennett, CEO of Global Stocks News (GSN). "The key advantage of this structure is that in depressed equity markets it allows us to raise money with minimum share dilution." "We evaluated 4-5 different financing options," continued Dhaliwal. "And found the gold-linked notes to be the best option for our existing shareholders. Shane Williams, our CEO and I personally invested in the gold-linked notes." Dhaliwal explained to GSN that for the next two years, the gold-linked note holders will receive 12% interest per annum, about 280% higher than the yield on a Canada 2-year government bond. As the debt repayment begins on March 31, 2026, gold-linked note holders will continue to be paid 12% per annum on the remaining balance, until it is paid off on December 21, 2029. "With the gold-linked notes," Dhaliwal continued, "You have five years expiry on the warrants. Our share price has risen about 27% since we closed the first tranche of gold-linked notes of March 20, 2024, to 94 cents. If West Red Lake Gold share price rises, say another 40% in the next five years, to $1.31, the warrants will be an additional significant sweetener". "If the gold price drops to $1,600/ounce you will still get the $1,800 minimum," stated Dhaliwal. "So, there's protection there. But if the gold price stays at $2,300, where it is now. That's a delta of $500/ounce, which goes into the pocket of the investor. That's a 27% premium, in addition to the 12% interest, and the .95 warrants." Click Image To View Full Size WRLG Gold-linked Notes Transaction Highlights Gold placed in escrow into a gold trust account Beginning March 31, 2026, principal reduced on a quarterly basis. Final payment on December 31, 2029. Notes will amortize based on a gold floor price of US$1,800/ounce. Excess proceeds (spot price - floor price) paid to investors as a premium. The company's flagship asset - The Madsen Gold Mine - is fully permitted, with a brand-new 800+ tonne per day mill, a tailings and water treatment facility. [ 1 ] On April 9, 2024 WRLG announced the arrival of a second underground diamond drill at the Madsen Mine. "The addition of a second underground drill at Madsen will expedite our efforts in de-risking the resource and building a runway of high-confidence mineable inventory that will be critical during restart of mining operations," stated Shane Williams, WRLG President & CEO." Previously announced highlights on the North and South Austin drilling can be viewed at the following links: West Red Lake Gold Intersects 27.15 g/t Au over 10.28m and 22.31g/t Au over 8.5m at North Austin Zone - Madsen Mine (November 21, 2023) West Red Lake Gold Intersects 47.44 g/t Au over 3.2m, 21.64 g/t Au over 7m and 296.83 g/t Au over 1m at South Austin Zone - Madsen Mine (December 5, 2023) West Red Lake Gold Intersects 9.15 g/t Au over 3.3m and 10.66 g/t Au over 2.6m at North Austin Zone - Madsen Mine (February 7, 2024) West Red Lake Gold Intersects 25.12 g/t Au over 5.5m, 39.46 g/t Au over 2m and 18.60 g/t Au over 4m at South Austin Zone - Madsen Mine (March 4, 2024) Click Image To View Full Size "There were three good reasons to buy these gold-linked notes," stated Dhaliwal. "1. You want the 12% return on your capital investment. 2. You believe the stock price of WRLG will rise above .95 cents and 3. You believe the spot price of gold will rise." "I'm an employee of WRLG, so my opinion is biased," Dhaliwal concluded. "But, as an investor, it was not a difficult decision for me to participate in the gold-linked notes." References: SRK Consulting. (2021). Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada (West Red Lake Gold Mines, Ed.) [Review of Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada. Contact: guy.bennett@globalstocksnews.com Full Disclaimer ROUYN-NORANDA, April 15, 2024 - Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. (GMX - Toronto Stock Exchange, G1MN - Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Berlin, Munich, Tradegate, Lang & Schwarz, LS Exchange, TTMzero, Dusseldorf and Quotrix Dusseldorf Stock Exchanges and GLBXF - OTCQX International in the US) is pleased to inform shareholders that it has acquired and then sold another sodium sulphate Alkali Disposition in Saskatchewan to Edison Lithium Corp. (EDDY-TSXV, EDDYF-OTC, and VVO-FSE). Globex has received $200,000 in cash, and will receive $50,000 in Edison stock based on the five-day volume weighted average closing price on the TSX Venture Exchange and a 2% Gross Revenue Royalty from commercial production. The Whiteshore property is the fifth Alkali Disposition sold to Edison in Saskatchewan, the others being the Ceylon Lake, Freefight Lake and the North and South areas of Capri Lake. Sodium is an important ingredient in sodium-ion battery formulations. Shareholders wishing information on sodium-ion batteries are directed to the website, www.sodiumbatteryhub.com. This press release was written by Jack Stoch, Geo., President and CEO of Globex. We Seek Safe Harbour. Foreign Private Issuer 12g3 - 2(b) CUSIP Number 379900 50 9 LEI 529900XYUKGG3LF9PY95 For further information, contact: Jack Stoch, P.Geo., Acc.Dir. President & CEO Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. 86, 14th Street Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec Canada J9X 2J1 Tel.: 819.797.5242 Fax: 819.797.1470 info@globexmining.com www.globexmining.com Forward Looking Statements: Except for historical information, this news release may contain certain "forward looking statements". These statements may involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity and performance to be materially different from the expectations and projections of Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. ("Globex"). No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits Globex will derive therefrom. A more detailed discussion of the risks is available in the "Annual Information Form" filed by Globex on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 55,256,836 shares issued and outstanding Vancouver, April 15, 2024 - Element 29 Resources Inc. (TSXV: ECU) (OTCQB: EMTRF) (BVL: ECU) ("Element 29" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, subject to regulatory approval, it has retained the services of Stellium Service Ltd.("Stellium") to provide investor communications and outreach programs in the European and Australasian regions for 3,000 per month for an initial 12-month term effective immediately. Stellium is at arm's length to Element 29, has no relationship with the Company except under this contract and no current ownership interest in the Company. About Stellium Service Ltd. Stellium is a strategic communications and corporate development firm based in London, UK and its principal is Andrew Wilson. Further information on Stellium can be found on their website www.stelliumservices.com About Element 29 Resources Inc. Element 29 is an emerging copper exploration and development company focused on advancing its portfolio of Peruvian projects towards development in one of the world's more established mining jurisdictions. The Company's principal objective is to explore and develop its Elida Porphyry Copper Deposit in west-central Peru and its Flor de Cobre Porphyry Copper Project located in the Southern Peru Copper Belt, 26 km southeast from Freeport-McMoRan's Cerro Verde copper mine. Both projects are well located for potential mine development and will benefit from nearby infrastructure including roads, powerlines, ports, water, and a skilled workforce. More information is available at www.e29copper.com. For more information: Richard Osmond, CEO and Director 1-888-246-7881 info@e29copper.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V") nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205542 Seven months after his historic conviction for public corruption, former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds today to serve 28 years in federal prison."The government has asked for a sentence of 28 years," Edmunds said. "I believe that is in fact what his sentence should be."Kilpatrick ran what the government called a money-making racket out of city hall that steered millions to himself, his family and his friends while the impoverished city hobbled along.Edmunds said she will recommend Kilpatrick be sent to a prison in Texas, where his family lives. She told Kilpatrick he could appeal.As she issued his sentence, Kilpatrick stared at her, blinking slowly. Edmunds said restitution will be determined later and a hearing would be held within 90 days.Before issuing the sentence, Edmunds said it was important to her that Kilpatrick was not just convicted on extortion, but on other counts of fraud. She said text messages and witnesses bolstered allegations that his relationship with friend and co-defendant Bobby Ferguson was at the heart of the criminal activity.She said the seriousness of Kilpatrick's crimes are compounded by the involvement of city officials and others. Thirty four other people have been convicted in connection with the public corruption case."One thing is certain," Edmunds said. "It was the citizens of Detroit who suffered."After the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said the judge sent a powerful message to the people of Detroit "that this type of betrayal will not be tolerated."The government had asked for a minimum 28-year prison sentence, while the defense said Kilpatrick should be sentenced to no more than 15 years."Twenty eight years -- a very, very powerful sentence, equal to the highest sentence ever handed out in a public corruption case, but appropriate for the type of staggering corruption we saw in this case," McQuade said.The overarching issue in the case, she said, is that public officials are responsible to the citizenry.Edmunds said he made sure Ferguson, who was convicted on charges of running a racket out of the mayor's office, was included in lucrative city contracts.The judge said Kilpatrick took bribes, misused nonprofit funds and "used his power as mayor ... to steer an astounding amount of business to Ferguson."Edmunds listed witnesses who testified, including people from his own administration. The testimony, she said, showed "a pattern of threats and pressure" from Kilpatrick and Ferguson. Kilpatrick, the judge said, lived the high life, hosted lavish parties, accepted cash tributes and loaded the city payroll with friends and family.Despite his speech in court today -- in which Kilpatrick asked for a fair sentence and said he accepted responsibility -- Edmunds said the former mayor has largely shown little remorse.Kilpatrick's defense team wanted Edmunds to consider his accomplishments as mayor -- responsibilities Edmunds said he was elected to carry out."He chose to waste his talents on personal aggrandizement and enrichment," she said.Before being sentenced, Kilpatrick, addressed U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds in a soft voice, his eyes directed down at the podium much of the time. He said he respects the justice system and the jury's verdict, though he disagreed with it.He said he accepts responsibility and asked for a fair sentence.Kilpatrick said he lied about having an affair with his former chief of staff, Christine Beatty. People, he said, lost faith in his leadership.He said he believes "that I really, really, really messed up."Kilpatrick, whose wife and children are not in court, said he was sorry to those he let down, including his wife, children and parents."I want the city to heal," he said. "I want the city to prosper. I want the city to be great in the end. I want the city to have the same feeling it did in 2006. when the Super Bowl was here. ... Everybody felt like this was their town."Margaret Raben, one of Kilpatrick's attorneys, had objected earlier today to the calculation of the sentencing guidelines related to the $9.6 million the government estimates the conspiracy cost the city. She argued the sources for that figure are unsubstantiated.Raben argued Kilpatrick's guidelines exceed what someone else might get for a violent crime. She said the calculations lead to "absurd results. ... The guidelines pile on. And in this case, they pile on, pile on and pile on."After going through each of the contracts that were illegal, Edmunds said she would calculate the sentencing guidelines based on a figure of $4.6-million.Edmunds had discretion to go above or below what either side has requested and the discretion to go above or below the sentencing guidelines, which in this case, set the maximum sentence at life in prison.McQuade said she hopes the sentence sends a message to others about the future of Detroit."This case is not so much about punishing people from the past, but about shaping our future," she said. "With a message like this it is very clear that public officials will be held accountable in the city of Detroit. And we hope it would deter people from abusing their public office, and encourage good and honest people to seek public office."She said she felt Kilpatrick contradicted himself in his statement before sentencing. "I heard him apologize to the citizens of Detroit, but I also heard him deny stealing from the people of Detroit and deny stealing from the citizens of Detroit, which is in direct contradiction of what the jury found in this case," McQuade said.Before the sentencing, Harold Gurewitz, Kilpatrick's attorney, said the sentence advocated by the government -- 28 years in prison at a minimum -- "goes beyond what's necessary."He said he was hard to describe the amount of publicity in the case, adding that it has been a distraction and has made Kilpatrick a scapegoat for the city's sins for the past 50 years.Gurewitz said Kilpatrick improved the quality of life for people in Detroit and wanted to see the city become more vibrant and viable.Gurewitz said his client's accomplishments have been over looked, including development of the Riverfront walkway, economic development projects and refurbishment of sewer lines that led to sporting events like the Super Bowl and All-Star Game."There was no questions that all these things were accomplished," Gurewitz said. "But they are now overshadowed by the events that we are here for today."Kilpatrick has already been locked up three times. Gurewitz said he knows the impact and meaning of incarceration."It is the clang and the echo of the door on that cell for the first time, and the feeling of loneliness," that has an indelible effect on a person, Gurewitz said.He highlighted other cases, where public officials got lesser sentences, including former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was sentenced to serve 14 years in prison on corruption convictions in 2011.Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Chutkow said "this is one of the significant cases of public corruption" across the country and it occurred when Detroit was vulnerable."Mr. Kilpatrick systematically exploited his public office," Chutkow said. "There has been no acceptance of any responsibility. ... No contrition.. No remorse."In his statement, Kilpatrick said all he ever wanted to be was the mayor. Months into the job, he said, he hated it. He said managing a city "is the hardest thng you can imagine." He wrapped up his comments at about 12:30 p.m."I'm usually a good speaker, but this is not met," Kilpatrick said. I've never been here before. I don't want to be here again. ... I'm incredibly remorseful."McQuade said she hopes the sentence sends a message to others about the future of the city."This case is not so much about punishing people from the past, but about shaping our future," she said. "With a message like this it is very clear that public officials will be held accountable in the city of Detroit. And we hope it would deter people from abusing their public office, and encourage good and honest people to seek public office."She said she felt Kilpatrick contradicted himself in his statement before sentencing."I heard him apologize to the citizens of Detroit, but I also heard him deny stealing from the people of Detroit and deny stealing from the citizens of Detroit, which is in direct contradiction of what the jury found in this case," McQuade said.Talking about his father, Bernard Kilpatrick -- convicted on a single charge and facing prison time -- Kilpatrick, getting choked up at times, said his father is a good man."He's a real good man," Kilpatrick said. "Typical Detroit north end guy. Talk a lot of stuff. But he's not a criminal."Kilpatrick said his parents divorced when he was 10 years old. Bernard Kilpatrick, he said, told him he would be there for the rest of his life, and he was."I'm a great dad because of him," the former mayor said.Kilpatrick also talked about Ferguson, who he said had a lucrative business before he became mayor. He said he was proud of his friend. He said the pair didn't become close until after 1988.Kilpatrick said that if he could do things differently, he would not have had the conversations they were having, which he said blurred the lines of propriety.He said he would never put a contractor or friend before the people of Detroit.Ferguson, Kilpatrick's co-defendant and convicted partner in crime, received more than $127 million in contracts while his friend was mayor, according to the government. Of that, at least $76 million in contracts were illegally obtained through extortion, the government said. Ferguson will be sentenced on Friday.The government is seeking a maximum 28-year prison sentence for Ferguson, calling him the key player in the pair's extortion scheme, which involved elbowing competing contractors out of deals and shaking down others to cut Ferguson in on deals.The defense says Ferguson should get no more than 10 years, arguing the government is unfairly trying to hold Ferguson and Kilpatrick responsible for all of Detroit's financial woes, and punish them for crimes that were never proven at trial.Ferguson's attorney, Mike Rataj, was at the federal courthouse this afternoon."Bobby's doing fine," he said. "Bobby Ferguson just didn't drop out of the sky. He dug Comerica Park He dug Ford Field. He was responsible for a lot of the buildings in and around here downtown even before Mr. Kilpatrick became mayor. He employed people. They contributed to the economy. He took care of people. He fed poor people. And we hope that the judge takes all that into consideration tomorrow when it's time for sentencing."He declined to discuss what he'll say to the judge on Friday. He also declined to discuss whether he felt Ferguson got a fair trial."I think this trial in many respects was media driven," he said. "That's for the appellate courts to decide, and it's not for me to say. Those kinds of arguments will be made in the appellate briefs."A key bone of contention for the defense is a $9.6 million figure the government came up with. That's how much the government says Ferguson made in illegal profits stemming from crooked contracts that Kilpatrick helped steer his way.That figure was never introduced at trial, the defense argues. And there is no proof that Ferguson ever made that kind of money, or shared it with Kilpatrick.But the government convinced jurors that Kilpatrick benefited from these crimes, introducing evidence that showed he had more than $840,000 in his bank account that his mayoral salary could not cover. They also introduced text messages between the pair in which Kilpatrick discussed steering contracts to Ferguson and holding other deals up, saying things like, "Lets get you some." Ferguson corrected him, texting back, "Us." Peace or friction after Red Bull power struggle? "Peace" has broken out at Red Bull, according to former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Christian Horner, Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko, Australian GP 2024 Red Bull It's definitely true that, amid the high-profile off-track power struggle and the Christian Horner scandal, Melbourne and Japan were significantly quieter weekends for the dominant Red Bull team. But there's still plenty of action bubbling away in the background. For instance, an appeal process lodged by Horner's female accuser will take place this week. What is very impressive is that the drivers, mechanics, engineers, all managed to maintain this level of performance, former team driver Robert Doornbos told Ziggo Sport. There's still a lot of friction there. The process continues and there are different camps within the team now, the Dutchman added. "At a certain point that becomes disastrous. When trust is lost, people start to determine their own futures, he said. Indeed, it is obvious that contact was made between the Max Verstappen camp and Mercedes - amid a parallel concern that Red Bull's own engine program may not be up to the task of the sweeping new rules for 2026. As it looks now, even though they have Ford, they don't have enough power, said Doornbos. "As a smart driver, you want to catch the next wave that will be dominant. That will be Mercedes, in my view, he added. As a manufacturer, they have an advantage over a privateer. As a driver, you want to be with a factory team. As for the Horner scandal and Austria-versus-Thai power struggle, however, Ecclestone - who is known to be close to the Red Bull Racing team principal, declared: "It's peace in our time. And Christian informs me everything's fantastic with Geri. Max seems likely to stay, and it's like all wars in so much as people get over things and move on. After not too long everyone forgets, he told the Daily Mail. (GMM) Guam residents can help advance the understanding and treatment of gout. Researchers from the University of Guam will conduct the first Guam national health interview survey focusing on gout and hyperuricemia by mid-April or May. Yvette Paulino, dean of the School of Health at UOG and researcher at Guma' Tinemtom, told mayors and vice mayors recently that she and her team will focus on gout, a noncommunicable disease prevalent in the community but has received limited research attention. "It is pretty common in our community. We know anecdotally among our family members and our friends that this is a challenge. It's a huge burden for us, yet no research has been going on," Paulino said at a recent Mayors' Council of Guam meeting. The research team is also studying the prevalence of hyperuricemia, a condition associated with gout. "It is very painful to have. And it also can lead to disability, right? So definitely something that we want to continue to look at," Paulino said. Guma' Tinemtom, a group of UOG researchers, in partnership with the Institute for Social Research of the University of Michigan, was established to support population health research on Guam. It has secured a grant from the National Institute of Health in 2022 to establish a Micronesian Data Laboratory at the university and conduct NHIS to gauge the prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in the island. The group has already established a data laboratory at UOG's RFK library, including an IT team, with templates, manuals, and cybersecurity all set in place, and partnerships with various agencies and organizations in the first two years of receiving the grant. Paulino sought the cooperation and support of the Mayors' Council of Guam, one of Guma' Tinemtom's partners, in promoting the survey. Paulino said the Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, or NHPI, are one of the highest risk populations for noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in the U.S. She added that Guam's leading causes of death, which are mostly noncommunicable diseases-related, have increased from 2009 to 2019. Paulino said even though the NHIS, a major data collection program of the National Center for Health Statistics, has been ongoing for almost 70 years in the U.S., it has not been conducted in any of the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands, including Guam. The Guam NHIS findings will be translated into programs or policies and can be used as preliminary data for other projects or grant proposals, Paulino said. The survey, she said, will involve random selection of households and are in collaboration with the Guam Power Authority for household registration. "From that registry, we will randomly select households to be a part of this project, but we will do this for every village," she said. "Then, when we identify those households, we will be going into those households, and then randomly selecting one adult and one child per household." All respondents would receive remuneration of $50 per adult and $30 per child. Following the data collection, the findings will be analyzed and translated with the community. "At every stage, we want to continue to come back to you and involve your communities, and I can show you how you can get involved with the analysis and the translation phases," Paulino told the mayors and vice mayors. The survey would be electronic and interviewer-administered, which includes getting height and weight measurements. Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares said she's going to help expedite the identification of household members by delegating her staff. "But there was a program that we saw ... was it Title Guarantee? They have that actually helps us identify these individual homes and who's in it so that would help us actually expedite through," Savares added. Tech giant Google has plans to run more undersea telecommunication cables through the region, this time connecting Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands directly to Japan. Google Cloud late last week announced the new fiber-optic cable, named Proa, after the traditional CHamoru outrigger canoe. The cable landing project is a partnership with several companies, including KDDI, ARTERIA, Citadel Pacific, and Tokyo-based tech firm NEC, and will also encompass work to lay another Google cable, named Taihei, connecting Japan to Hawaii. An interlink cable connecting Hawaii, Guam, and the CNMI is also in the works. Altogether, the project will receive an investment of $1 billion from Google, the company announced in a press release. Proa and the interlink cable are the second set of Google plans announced for Guam this year, and will also mark the very first international cable connection for the CNMI. Besides Proa, two other cables announced in January will connect Guam with French Polynesia and Fiji, which will each be connected by other Google cables to the mainland U.S. and Australia. These cables are part of Googles broader Pacific Connect Initiative, which is building network infrastructure across the Pacific. Google executives in January boasted that the new cables will fundamentally transform internet speed for Guam. Our administration welcomes Googles latest investment in the Pacific, as they lay subsea cables that will greatly enhance connectivity for Guam and across Micronesia, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in a statement. This strategic move supports our initiatives to foster economic expansion, particularly in industries like additive manufacturing, while bolstering the economic security of the region. She said these investments not only promise improved reliability and resilience locally but also extend their benefits throughout isolated islands. CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios said the CNMI is deeply honored to have the privilege of naming the cable Proa, which he said signifies the collaborative journey this project embodies, reflecting resilience and progress as we collectively move towards a future brimming with opportunities and prosperity for our islands. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Google for their steadfast dedication to including the CNMI in the Pacific Connect Initiative, perfectly aligning with our vision for a more connected, resilient, and technologically advanced Pacific region, Palacios added. A recent discovery of 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine or ice in Guams prison prompted increased bag inspections, more phone call surveillance and use of informants, Department of Corrections officials told senators during Mondays roundtable hearing that also brought up continuing problems with prison overcrowding, shortage of corrections officers and limited internet-based surveillance system in all housing units. Its the most Ive ever seen in my career, Prison Warden Col. Alan P. Borja told Sen. Chris Barnett, public safety chairman, and other members of the committee. Barnett asked about contraband mitigation after the recent seizure of 100 grams of ice inside the prisons Post 16, which houses the general population of convicts. Borja told committee members that DOC has increased baggage checks, and established an intelligence management unit that will listen to Paytel conversations and engage confidential informants. The warden also said the housing domes that were supposed to be temporary facilities also pose a problem. There is a public easement behind them that they cant control, he said. When were understaffed its very easy to throw over the fence, Borja told senators. Senators asked DOC officials about the prison camera system. Administrative Services Chief Major Antone F. Aguon said they currently employ a very piecemeal system, with very limited ability to surveil. DOC has a $10,000 grant for current improvements, but under further questioning, Aguon said they need $1.8 million to connect a more effective internet-based surveillance system in all the housing units. The roundtable hearing narrowed down the list of discussion topics amid the many long-standing challenges faced by the local prison system. On the issue of prison overcrowding, Barnett asked about the deportation option that Del. James C. Moylan recently shared. Moylan confirmed that under federal law, aliens convicted of felonies such as murder and rape can be deported. Borja said under the previous Calvo administration, there were approximately 50 inmates deported, after then-Gov. Eddie Calvo chose to commute their sentences. When senators asked about updates under the Leon Guerrero administration, the warden said he estimates that in the last five years, there have been 10 deportations. Corrections Director Fred Bordallo said he believes the Leon Guerrero administration would not object to deportations, but he could not provide any recent data. Very frustrating DOC Operations Commander Mary Helen Lizama, however, said federal immigration authorities want the alien prisoners to complete their sentences, and will process their deportations upon their release. A lot of them that were deported have come back. They have 20 akas (also known as). Its very frustrating because they know how to play the system, Lizama said at the hearing. The Adult Correctional Facility in Mangilao was originally built for 300 inmates and has been expanded piece by piece over the years. DOC has regularly been housing over 800 prisoners this past year, most of them pre-trial detainees or those who have been temporarily held until they can be tried in a court. The government is planning the construction of a bigger and state-of-the-art prison. Senators also asked about air conditioning at the prison facilities. Corrections officials said they were able to salvage heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, or HVAC, parts from the old Department of Public Health and Social Services building in Mangilao. They said they have a corrections officer who is handy with HVAC, who is working on the repairs to the AC system. One woman was killed and 11 others injured in a shooting late Sunday night in New Orleans Warehouse district. The shooting took place minutes before midnight outside the nightclub Republic NOLA in the 800 block of South Peters Street. Officials say five adult males and six adult females were injured in the shooting and taken to nearby hospitals. Police have not yet released any information regarding a suspect or a possible motive. The attack took place on the final evening of French Quarter Fest, an annual free music festival that brings in over 850,000 visitors to the city. The Republic NOLA nightclub is located a few blocks from the festival grounds, in what was sure to be a bustling area at the time of the shooting. What appears to be bullet holes are visible in the front door of Republic NOLA nightclub, where a shooting occurred on Sunday, April 14, 2024.Emily Topping A garbage bin filled with caution tape and clothing is seen outside of Republic NOLA.Emily Topping Gov. Jeff Landry issued a statement following the shooting: Sharon and I are praying for the victims and their families in this tragedy. We appreciate the first responders for their hard work. This type of violence has no place in our State, said Landry. Landry recently signed into law a bill that allows the carrying of a concealed gun without a permit in the state of Louisiana. Following the Sunday night shooting that left one woman dead and 11 others injured in New Orleans Warehouse District, police have announced that no arrests have been made. 24-year-old Jezreel Aquilla Poleate was pronounced deceased at the scene. At a press conference on Monday afternoon, New Orleans Police Department superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said officials are still investigating the shooting. When I arrived last night on the scene and I saw this young woman lying on the ground, I did begin to immediately pray for the comfort of the family and friends, she said. Our victims are not just stats to us. Kirkpatrick encouraged anyone with information to contact NOPD homicide detectives at 504-658-5300. Information can be also reported anonymously by calling Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Family members have identified the 24-year-old woman fatally struck during a mass shooting outside of Republic nightclub in New Orleans as Jezreel Aquilla Poleate. https://t.co/v6ERC93uuy pic.twitter.com/kYmPoVhVmG FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) April 15, 2024 No one should be shooting up our streets, said Darlene Cusanza, CEO and president of Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans. You give us the weapon ... its $1,000 for every weapon that can be linked to this crime. The organization is also offering a $5,000 reward for any additional information leading to a shooters arrest. The attack comes just a week after a security guard was shot and killed outside Wits Inn bar in Mid-City. The killings have ignited conversations regarding gun control in Louisiana, where Gov. Jeff Landry recently signed a bill into law allowing permitless carry. @LAGovJeffLandry said he agrees this type of violence has no place in our state - so I invite him to help make that a reality, Sen. Royce Duplessis (D-LA) wrote on Twitter. That is why I have been fighting at the legislature to stop permitless concealed carry and establish a statewide office of violence prevention. At an intersection in the Winter Springs area of unincorporated Seminole County, Florida, cell phone video taken just before 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, appears to show a woman being carjacked by an armed gunman. Less than two hours and three counties away, police discovered a body inside a burning vehicle in Osceola County and while DNA and dental records are pending Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said hes confident its the same woman. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Katherine Altagracia Guerrero De Aguasvivas, 31, of Homestead, Florida, is a U.S. citizen who has been living in the country for the past five years. She and her husband own two businesses in Homestead, a barber shop, and a beauty salon. Aguasvivas was about 266 miles from home when the carjacking occurred. According to her husband, she was on her way to visit family in Central Florida however authorities said they found no family or friends in the area. On Friday, Lemma held a press conference, with the hope that by sharing the timeline of events that occurred on April 11 somebody might be able to offer more information and help solve the crime. Timeline of events on April 11, 2024 12 p.m. Aguasvivas leaves her home in South Florida in a white Dodge Durango 2 p.m. The white Dodge Durango Aguasvivas was driving is seen traveling northbound in Jupiter, headed into Seminole County through downtown Orlando on I-4. Anyone who saw this vehicle on April 11, 2024, is asked to notify authorities.Seminole County Sheriff's Office 3:30-4 p.m. Aguasvivas arrives in Seminole County and stops at a Shell gas station located just south of State Road 436 and U.S. 17-92, where she purchases gas and remains for about eight minutes. Before 6 p.m. Aguasvivas travels from the gas station and heads north on 17-92 into Seminole County, eventually arriving in Casselberry, where she turns down Button Road and weaves through the back streets on East Lake through Winter Springs. About a half mile prior to arriving at the intersection of East Lake and Tuskawilla, she noticed a green Acura appeared to be following her and it proceeded to ram into her back bumper several times. Anyone with information about this older model green Acura, is asked to notify authorities.Seminole County Sheriff's Office She called her husband to tell him what was happening, and he reportedly replied, Dont stop Dont stop anywhere. However, there are no reports that either called 911. Aguasvivas Dodge Durango stops at a red light in the first position of the intersection at Tuskawilla Road and East Lake Drive. A green Acura is stopped directly behind her, when an armed suspect, identified as a white or Hispanic male, in a black hoodie and mask, exits the Acura and approaches her drivers side window. Cell phone video captured by a nearby witness shows the suspect pointing a weapon at the driver and then getting in the back drivers side door. A second suspect, also believed to be a white or Hispanic male, remained in the Acura, and proceeded to drive immediately behind the Durango as it made a U-turn. Between 6 and 7 p.m. At this point, authorities believe the suspect ordered Aguasvivas to turn around and approach the intersection again to turn south on Tuskawilla Road, towards the Seminole/Orange County line heading to Aloma. When they get to a Aloma, they make a left traveling across all lanes of traffic to get on State Road 417 heading south, eventually exiting at Narcoossee Road, where they travel on backroads, ultimately turning off onto Boggy Creek Road into Osceola County, toward a new construction area. Around 7 p.m. Witnesses report hearing gunshots and ultimately the smoke of fire from a vehicle that was set ablaze. Lemma said that by the time authorities with the Osceola County Sheriffs Office arrived on the scene, there was so much damage to the vehicle, they could not positively identify it but they did discover one person deceased inside. We believe that to be the vehicle and the decedent to be Katherine, but we have to positively confirm that through the scientific method of DNA examinations and dental records, Lemma said. From all accounts of looking at the scene, it looks like the vehicle and is consistent to everything that we weve seen so far. He also noted that twelve shell casings of 10 mm rounds were found at the scene. Lemma said authorities believe the occupants of the green Acura knew exactly who they were following but they are still looking for a motive. Neither Katherine nor her husband have any criminal history. Theres no clear indicator of why somebody would do this, Lemma said. Why would they target them? Authorities are asking anyone who may have seem the green Acura or the white Dodge Durango, to contact the Seminole County Sheriffs Office or Crimeline, where you can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a financial reward. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a blistering attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, saying that the latter has told lies for the past three years in the Rs 300 crore Karuvannur Cooperative Bank scam, in which several CPI(M) leaders were involved. The Prime Minister was addressing a rally in Kerala's Trissur where the BJP has been raising the bank scam issue. Kerala CM has been lying about this scam for the past three years and has done nothing. Instead, it was, we, the Centre which acted and the Enforcement Directorate has now attached Rs 90 crore. Modi guarantees that all the people who have deposited the money will get it back. The Government of India in the past has returned Rs 17,000 crore to people who were cheated, said PM Modi. The Prime Minister then pointed out that the Left and the Congress governments in the state have taken the state backwards. All of you should beware of both these parties as they are the same and are engaged in corruption only. We know of a Congress leader who has left his family seat in Uttar Pradesh and has come here. Has he ever spoken one word about the Cooperative bank scam, he will only ask for your votes, but wont do anything else, said PM Modi. The INDIA Block was formed for just one reason as they know Modi will finish them off. They are fighting here, while in Delhi they are one. This time all of you should ensure that there are BJP Lok Sabha members from Kerala and I assure you every vote that you give us will be used to protect your hard-earned money, said the PM. Earlier, on his arrival in the district, PM Modi was given a rousing welcome. Dressed in typical Kerala attire, PM Modis visit to the district this year is his third, as he came twice in January. Incidentally, the Trissur Lok Sabha seat has a triangular fight. Film actor Suresh Gopi is the BJP candidate pitted against Congress MP K. Muraleedharan (son of Congress veteran Late K. Karunakaran). Muraleedharan is the sitting MP from Badagara, but this time he is fighting from Trissur. Popular CPI leader and former State Minister V.S. Sunil Kumar is the third prominent candidate for this seat. PM Modi reached Kochi, late on Sunday and Monday morning he flew on a helicopter to Sree Krishna College Guruvayoor. From there he took the road to the meeting venue at the Cheruvathoor ground which falls in the Alathur Lok Sabha constituency. From Guruvayoor to Cheruvathoor, around a 2 km stretch, people lined up on either side of the road. PM Modi with the lotus symbol in hand waved back at the excited crowd. The NDA candidates from five constituencies -- Trissur, Alathur, Ponnani, Malappuram and Chalakudy -- shared the dais with the Prime Minister. The daughter of Karunakaran, Padmaja Venugopal, who recently joined the BJP, was also on the stage along with popular film actor Devan. The actor joined the BJP last year after quitting the Congress party. Around 2,000 police officials were deployed in the security net for the PM. Haiti - FLASH : The representatives organizations of CPT disagree with the Government decree The organizations of the designated representatives of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) in a note, express their disagreement with the Government decree relating to the creation of the CPT published in the official newspaper "Le Moniteur" Friday April 12, 2024. In summary, they criticize the Henry Government, for the sake of transparency and to give "at least" constitutional credibility to the CPT, to require that the designated members comply with the requirements of the Constitution by filing the required documents, and to ensure in addition, that no of members is sanctioned by the UN and does not oppose Resolution 2699/2023 of the United Nations Security Council authorizing the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, while the organizations having designated their member want to publish a decree transforming the designation into appointment, without verification of the past and the situation of each member and this as an exceptional measure. It is noted that apart from Lesly Voltaire, designated representative of the Political Organization Fanmi Lavalas, none of the members of the CPT in their own name, directly signed this note which was initialed by representatives of the organizations involved in the agreement policy. Finally, let's specify that in this note it is a question of the resigned Government of Ariel Henry while the Government has not yet resigned, the penultimate of the decree of April 12, 2024 stipulates "the Prime Minister will present the resignation of his Government following the appointment of a new Prime Minister" Download the official decree (PDF in French) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Decret-portant-creation-du-Conseil-presidentiel-de-transition.pdf Full note of the position of the political agreement organizations: "The undersigned representatives of political, economic, religious and civil society organizations, stakeholders in the political process leading to the signing, on April 3, 2024, with the facilitation of CARICOM, of the Agreement for a Pacific Transition and Ordered, salute the courage of the Haitian people, victims, particularly over the past 34 months, of an unprecedented deterioration of the security, socio-economic situation and the living conditions of the vast majority of our fellow citizens. Download the full text of the signed political agreement : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/accord-politique-pour-une-transition-pacifique-et-ordonnee.pdf These organizations are deeply shocked upon learning of the decree published on April 12, 2024 by the government chaired by the impeached Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry, and denounce the introduction of major modifications which distort the consensual project of a two-headed executive carried by the Presidential Transitional Council, consensus patiently and laboriously built between Stakeholders from March 11, 2024. The undersigned organizations, stakeholders in the dialogue process whose results enabled the agreement of March 11, 2024, contest the validity of the decree of April 12, 2024 for the following reasons: 1. The impeded Prime Minister and his resigning government have deliberately chosen not to respect the commitments to which they subscribed, through their direct representatives grouped within the Agreement of December 21 (see correspondence of April 1, 2024 addressed to the Chiefs of State and Government of CARICOM by the signatories of the Agreement of December 21 to designate Dr. Louis Gerald Gilles as member of the Presidential Transitional Council). The stakeholders, including representatives of this Government, designated their representatives to the Presidential Transitional Council under the conditions defined jointly at the meeting of March 11, 2024. 2. The impeded Prime Minister and the resigning government chose not to publish, or even mention, the Political Agreement of April 3, 2024 in the decree of April 12 creating the Presidential Transitional Council and not to make public Le Moniteur Special No. 14-A relating to the Order appointing the Members of the Presidential Transitional Council. However, it should be remembered that Prime Minister Ariel Henry came to power in exceptional circumstances linked to the assassination on July 7, 2021 of President Jovenel Moise, thanks to three political agreements, two of which were published in Le Moniteur . 3. These exceptional circumstances were first translated into the Agreement of September 11, 2021, published in the Moniteur on September 17, 2021 to consolidate the power of Dr. Ariel Henry freshly invested on July 22, 2021 by his predecessor the Prime Acting Minister Claude Joseph; these exceptional circumstances were subsequently translated into the Agreement of December 21, 2022, published in the Moniteur on January 3, 2023, to extend the mandate of Prime Minister Ariel Henry until February 7, 2024. 4. After approximately 33 months of exercising power, these exceptional circumstances worsened with "lost territories", the floods of internally displaced persons, the interruption of the country's supply circuits, the dysfunction of the Administration public, etc. All this amply justifies the publication in the Moniteur of the Agreement of April 3, 2024, creating the Presidential Transitional Council and the establishment of a Government of rescue and national unity led by a new Prime Minister of consensus, in accordance with the commitments made, in the presence of CARICOM, by this de facto Government. 5. We must recall that in the absence of the Political Agreements of September 11, 2021 and December 21, 2022, no member of the current Cabinet would have been eligible to be Minister or Prime Minister based on the provisions of the constitution. 6. Stakeholders remain committed to the consensus built from March 11, 2024. Consensus which is codified in the Agreement for a Peaceful and Orderly Transition signed on April 3, 2024 between different actors, including the signatories of the Agreement of 21 December 2022. The undersigned stakeholders demand strict compliance with the commitments to which the resigning government made during the CARICOM-led political process. They ask that arrangements be made to: Publish in Le Moniteur the political agreement and the document relating to the organization and functioning of the Presidential Council; Connect the bipartisan transfer of powers commissions; Install as soon as possible the Presidential Transitional Council in the form and content defined in the Political Agreement for a Peaceful and Orderly Transition of April 3, 2024. Follow signatures: Sectors / Representatives Accord du 30 aout 2021 said "Accord de Montana" Andree Magali COMEAU DENIS Ernst MATHURIN Jacques Tezd ST DIC Accord du 21 Decembre 2022 Saurel JACINTHE Vikerson GARNIER Associations patronales et regroupements d'hommes et de femmes d'affaires haitiens Raina FORBIN Pierre Marie Boisson Collectif des Partis Politiques du 30 Janvier 2023 Clarens RENOIS Line BALTHAZAR Organisation Politique Fanmi Lavalas Lesly VOLTAIRE Parti Pitit Desalin Weesley PIERRE Plateforme Resistance Democratique (RED/EDE) et le regroupement politique Compromis Historique Sterline CIVIL A. Rodon Bien-Aime Groupe de la Societe civile Georges Wilbert FRANCK Pierre Jean Raymond ANDRE Rassemblement pour une Entente Nationale (REN)/lnter-Foi Rene JEAN-JUMEAU Jean Lucien LIGONDE" HL/ S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : The UN congratulates the publication of the decree creating the Presidential Transitional Council Antonio Guterres UN Secretary-General welcomes the publication on 12 April of the decree formally establishing the Transitional Presidential Council and urges all Haitian stakeholders to continue making progress in putting in place transitional governance arrangements, including the timely appointment of an interim Prime Minister and government, and the nomination of the members of the Provisional Electoral Council. Download the official decree (PDF in French) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Decret-portant-creation-du-Conseil-presidentiel-de-transition.pdf The Secretary-General takes note of the functions of the Transitional Presidential Council, including working with all members of the international community to accelerate the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission authorized by Security Council Resolution 2699 (2023). He reiterates his call on all Member States to contribute to the MSS. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : GRAHN position on the Haitian crisis The Reflection and Action Group for a New Haiti (GRAHN) condemns the recent escalation of violence in Haiti, particularly in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and the Artibonite department. "Faced with the imminent threat of the collapse of the Haitian state, GRAHN reiterates its call for a national reckoning and a shift away from an emphasis on personal interests on the part of all concerned. In this toxic climate, where the common good is too often disregarded, it is more crucial than ever that the interests of the Nation take precedence over those of individuals. Ensuring the safety of citizens and their property must be the top priority. Given the decay of the state and its limited resources, the crucial support of our international partners is essential in tackling the crisis. Simultaneously, the state needs to be reorganized into a more decentralized and equitable structure. This requires first a constitutional reform to improve the functioning and quality of our institutions, then by honest democratic elections at all levels of the State but not necessarily all at the same time. The Nation is in danger. Haitian society is collapsing. Acts of violence carried out with impunity are intensifying. The responsibility for this anarchic climate is shared between the perpetrators of these acts and those who sponsor them or who allowed this situation to take hold, whether they are inside or outside Haiti. It is also due to the inaction, carelessness, and negligence of these actors, especially by imposing their calamitous choices on us with ruthless orders. GRAHN promotes a state governed by the rule of law, where every public officeholder is held to account and where the legitimacy of power derives solely from democratic elections. He denounces the exploitation of precarious social categories in the country and the transformation of it into a theater of illicit trafficking of all kinds. To restore the Nation, it is essential to promote education in all its forms, including education for citizenship, civic-mindedness, worship of the common good and equal opportunities. For Haiti to recover, it is essential to establish good governance and to fight corruption relentlessly. The new Haiti will emerge when the general interest prevails over partisan interests, when the scientific spirit guides our actions, and when integrity supplants corruption. Only then will Haiti regain its dignity and its respectability in the concert of nations." Learn more about GRAHN : GRAHN is a worldwide citizen-watch organization that wants to contribute, through well thought out actions, to solving the problems of Haiti. It aims to be a nonpartisan civil society movement, focused on the construction of a new Haiti founded on the rule oflaw; on sharing, solidarity, education, respect for the environment, and a strong commitment for the common good. GRAHN was founded in Montreal on January 20,2010. HL/ HaitiLibre SC issues notice to ED on CM Kejriwal's plea against arrest The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice on a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest and subsequent remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case. Agreeing to examine the matter, a bench presided over by Justice Sanjiv Khanna asked the federal anti-money laundering agency to file its reply by April 24. The Bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, allowed the petitioner side to file a rejoinder affidavit, if any, by April 27 to the reply filed by ED. The matter will be taken up next on April 29 for further hearing. Last week, a Bench presided over by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud agreed to urgently list CM Kejriwals petition. Please send an email. Ill look into it, CJI Chandrachud told senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared on behalf of CM Kejriwal and mentioned the matter for urgent hearing. CM Kejriwal has approached the Supreme Court challenging the dismissal of his plea by the Delhi High Court. Earlier, a bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the High Court took note of the ED's submission that the federal anti-money laundering agency had enough material, including statements from approvers and allegations of involvement in the formulation of the excise policy, which had led them to arrest him. It said, "The files and material placed before us reveal that the mandate of law was followed by the ED. The trial court order is not a two-line order. The statements with ED are of hawala dealers as well as AAP candidates in Goa elections." Immediately after he was taken into custody by the ED on March 21, CM Kejriwal moved the apex court seeking an urgent late-night hearing on his petition. But the very next day, before a special Bench of the Supreme Court could commence hearing the matter, he withdrew his plea and decided to contest remand proceedings before the trial court. (CNBC) The cryptocurrency market suffered heavy selling overnight Saturday amid an unprecedented Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel. Bitcoin was down some 8% late on Saturday evening as U.S. officials confirmed the attack was taking place. Digital coins were some of the only risk assets trading over the weekend and the fall was seen as an initial reaction to the escalation of Middle East tensions. To read this article: THERE is a legal requirement on all county councils to produce a local nature recovery strategy to show how they intend to improve biodiversity in their counties. Oxfordshire County Council is running regular workshops explaining the state of the countys nature and gathering views from the participants about what we consider important in our localities. The council wants as many of Oxfordshires stakeholders to be part of the conversation residents, businesses, parish councillors, landowners, conservationists all of us. It has completed the first phase of this information gathering on important local habitats and is planning to use this to inform the next stage of the strategy. Keep a look out for more news on this if you want to have your say about the nature in our area. Anyone can send information to the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre at county hall about the biodiversity they come across. Recently three Greener Henley members attended a conference hosted by the centre about surveying and recording to help gain a better picture of the wildlife on our doorstep. There is also a nationwide pollinator monitoring scheme run by the Centre for Hydrology and Ecology in Wallingford which wants volunteers to do 10-minute flower-insect timed counts between now and September 30. For more information, visit www.ukpoms.org.uk Did you sow some wildflower seeds in the autumn as part of Henleys Nature2 campaign to feed our pollinators? If so, has anything shot up yet? Please send us any photographs of your flowers and any pollinators you notice feeding on them at https://greenerhenley.org.uk We are hoping to start doing some biodiversity surveying this year, so if you are interested in joining a group to count the particular species that gets you excited, please let us know. We will be running taster sessions at the Nature Discovery Day in Mill Meadows in Henley on Saturday, June 8 our first event of this years Great Big Green Week. We are very excited that conservationists attending will include a moth expert, a wildflower expert and butterfly, bird, bat, tree and invertebrate enthusiasts as well as a wildlife photographer who will show us how to catch those wonderful moments in nature. Make sure to put the date in your diary and tell your families and friends you could bring a picnic and make a day of it. SINCE our first Green Screen event during Great Big Green Week four years ago, we have built up a good collaboration with the Regal Picturehouse, which shows a green-themed film once a month followed by a small panel and audience question and answer session organised by Greener Henley. These screenings have become so successful that the idea has been rolled out to other Picturehouses around the country. In Henley these screenings are proving so popular that the last two were sold out and last months film, Six Inches of Soil, was shown twice on the same night. This excellent British-made film told the story of three young people setting out on their regenerative farming careers. I was pleased to see dung beetles in the film showing just how important they are in making the soil nutrient rich. The top six inches of soil is what feeds nearly eight billion people. Yet because of the continuous application of petrochemical fertilizers and the leaching of pesticides and insecticides into the soil, the nutrient composition which is vital to the health of all plant growth is being killed. This means that the diminished nutrient value in the crops is transferred into a variety of food products eaten by all eight billion of us and over a lifetime we are not consuming enough nutrients for healthy bodily functions. As the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation says: Healthy soils are the basis for healthy food production. If you would like to learn more about this, read The Age of Resilience by Jeremy Rifkin. THE other morning members of our wildlife working group were busy tidying up the area around the pond and stream next to the Mill Lane car park. Within a couple of hours they managed to coppice some hazel trees and use the coppicing to weave a new hedge/fence and collect several big bags of litter. The Meadows are still very waterlogged and only those with good wellies can venture across the field. Despite the flooding, the hedge we planted in October is coming into leaf, although the holly whips arent looking too happy. Protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza shut down southbound traffic on Interstate 880 in Oakland on Monday, April 15. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza shut down southbound traffic on Interstate 880 in Oakland on Monday morning. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Protesters march during the Coordinated Economic Blockade to Free Palestine protest in Fremont, Calif., on Monday, April 15, 2024. The economic blockade is in opposition to the genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza, and is coordinated in 56 cities around the world. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Protesters march during the Coordinated Economic Blockade to Free Palestine protest in Fremont, Calif., on Monday, April 15, 2024. The economic blockade is in opposition to the genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza, and is coordinated in 56 cities around the world. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Protesters march during the Coordinated Economic Blockade to Free Palestine protest in Fremont, Calif., on Monday, April 15, 2024. The economic blockade is in opposition to the genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza, and is coordinated in 56 cities around the world. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Protesters march during the Coordinated Economic Blockade to Free Palestine protest in Fremont, Calif., on Monday, April 15, 2024. The economic blockade is in opposition to the genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza, and is coordinated in 56 cities around the world. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Protesters march from the West Oakland BART station during a worldwide action in Oakland on Monday, April 15. Protesters blocked Interstate 880 during the morning commute, snarling traffic in the East Bay. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle Demonstrators protesting the ongoing war in Gaza block southbound traffic on Interstate 880 in Oakland on Monday, April 15. The delays and bringing traffic to a halt across the region is a part of a day of disruption around the country. The California Highway Patrol said it arrested at least 20 people from the Oakland demonstration. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle A Caltrans traffic camera showing northbound Interstate 880 traffic backed up due to protest activity in Oakland. Caltrans Pedestrians and bicyclists wait outside the pedestrian gate on the south side of the Golden Gate Bridge while the bridge is closed due to demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza and U.S. support for Israel on Monday, April 15. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle UPDATE: Suspected Golden Gate Bridge Gaza protesters surrender to police as dozens rally in support Demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza and U.S. support for Israel blocked the Golden Gate Bridge and a major Bay Area highway during the morning commute Monday, bringing traffic to a halt and causing significant delays for hours across the region as part of a planned day of disruption nationwide. A total of 38 protesters were arrested Monday in the Bay Area actions, according to the California Highway Patrol, which called the blockages dangerous and unlawful. Monday evening, protesters gathered outside the Tesla factory in Fremont for a demonstration. The protests broke out early in the morning, Interstate 880 was blocked in Oakland in both directions and some protesters chained themselves to concrete-filled barrels. On the Golden Gate Bridge, protesters chained themselves to parked cars to block vehicles from traveling across the famous span and held a banner that read: Stop the world for Gaza. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The demonstrations were the latest upswell of aggressive and emotional protests over the war in Gaza in the Bay Area. In previous demonstrations since the war started last fall, protesters blocked the Bay Bridge and shut down the busy Port of Oakland. The CHP condemned Monday's actions: "Attempting to block or shut down a freeway or state highway to protest is unlawful, dangerous, and prevents motorists from safely reaching their destinations. As necessary, the CHP will take enforcement action that includes, but is not limited to, issuing citations, impounding vehicles, arresting individuals who intentionally block traffic on the states transportation system or pose a threat to public safety." The 38 protesters were arrested on suspicion of unlawful assembly, remaining at an unlawful assembly, refusal to comply with lawful order, unlawful to stop on a bridge, resisting/delaying an officer, unlawful for a pedestrian to be on a freeway, and conspiracy to commit a crime and false imprisonment. The protests coincided with actions across the country as part of a day of economic protest and disruption planned for April 15, or A15 Tax Day. Organizers said the demonstrations were meant to call attention to the United States support of Israel and the ongoing war, through military support, financial aid and weapons production. More than 30,000 Gazans have been killed according to the latest figures, and hundreds of thousands of others displaced and at risk of famine according to major aid groups. In Chicago, protesters blocked a main access road to OHare International Airport for more than an hour before police cleared it. In Philadelphia, police towed more than a dozen vehicles and arrested more than 90 people for blocking roadways around the city. In many places, protesters targeted the locations of companies that produce weapons and military equipment, including Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, and Day & Zimmermann. Internationally, protests took place in London; Ottawa; and Melbourne, Australia, among other locations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the Bay Area, the first highway to be cleared was northbound 880, where seven people were arrested and the highway reopened just before 10 a.m. After that, CHP officers cleared protesters from the Golden Gate Bridge, arresting 26 of them before reopening the span just after noon. They also towed four vehicles from the bridge. The last highway to be cleared was southbound 880, where about 300 people blocked traffic, including seven who had attached themselves to six concrete-filled barrels. Police forced a group of those protesters off the highway into the city around Seventh Street. Five of those protesters were arrested. Traffic had been backed up for several miles around the Golden Gate Bridge and I-880. The Dumbarton Bridge as well as the San Mateo Bridge remained relatively unimpeded for commuters rerouting across the bay. These actions around the world served to target the global economy and the US economy specifically due to its complicity in the genocide of the Palestinian people, A15 Action, one of the groups that organized the protest, said in a statement. Without the billions of dollars in military aid provided to Israel by the United States government and produced by the economy, the massacre of over 30,000 people in Gaza would not have been possible. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Protesters march on southbound Interstate 880 in Oakland during a worldwide action demanding a cease-fire in Gaza on Monday. The California Highway Patrol said it towed vehicles arrested people from the protest site. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle Shortly before 7:30 a.m., hundreds of protesters walked down Seventh Street in West Oakland, some holding signs that read, Stop the world for Palestine, before entering the freeway via an onramp. Organizers told protesters to get comfortable and that they would start setting up food stations. The group sat down on the southbound lane of I-880, near the Broadway exit, around 8 a.m. This is the power of the people! an organizer said through a microphone. CHP officials declared the gathering to be an unlawful assembly and ordered the demonstrators to disperse shortly before 9:30 a.m. We felt that it was time to move past symbolic action into taking more calculated risk against the capitalist system, because we know that money is really what speaks to (elected leaders), an organizer, who gave her name as Hay Sha Wiya, said at the scene. Some drivers exited their vehicles to ask organizers questions, or take videos on their phones. Others asked the demonstrators for permission to drive through. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Atticus Elliot Wood, 12, attended the protest with his mother, Stacy Wood. He said he wanted to come to the protest, his first against the war, because whats going on out there is wrong, and I want to support Palestine. Wood said the protest is showing the United States that we dont want our tax dollars going to war. Protesters block cars on southbound Interstate 880 on Monday morning, one of the two Bay Area highways that were part of a worldwide action demanding a cease-fire in Gaza. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle Two stranded drivers stood outside of their cars, watching the crowd from afar. One man, Joseph Munoz, an iron worker, was on his way to work before protesters took over the highway. He called the protest an inconvenience, but said he understands that protesters were trying to call attention to the war in the Middle East. I dont support Israel bombing Palestinians, he said. I dont support this, either, he said of the highway blockage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On April 13, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy seized the MSC Aries, a Portuguese-flagged vessel owned by the Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group, as it crossed the Strait of Hormuz. The captured crew of the vessel, travelling from UAEs Khalifa Port to Mumbai, includes 17 Indians. Later that evening, Iran also launched a swarm of armed one-way drones towards Israel. All this was part of its retaliation strategy against Israels airstrike on its consulate in Syria on April 1, which left at least four IRGC generals dead. Even as India began a fervent diplomatic effort to secure the crews release, it joined Russia, France, Poland, and the United Kingdom in issuing an advisory to its citizens against travelling to Israel. The drone attack itself, which caused brief shutdowns of airspaces across the Middle East, was largely foiled due to effective interception by American, British, and Israeli fighter aircraft. In its response to this latest escalation of hostilities in West Asia, India expressed serious concern and called for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy. With the crisis now featuring direct Iran-Israel clashes, where does India stand? The Old: IRGC Ship Seizures The Strait of Hormuz is a 39- to 96 km-wide chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea. With UAE and Iran straddling either end, the Strait is vital for maritime trade (predominantly oil), in turn making it an ideal geopolitical pressure point for Tehran. The geographic advantage is pressed home by the asymmetric methods of operations that the IRGC Navy has mastered by using smaller gunboats rather than large ships. This allows Iran to look to the Strait as the preferred theatre of operations, whether to engage British or American naval vessels directly or to harass/capture maritime traffic linked to a hostile state. Just the threat alone of blockading the Strait has usually rang alarm bells globally, and Iran has made this threat multiple times between 2011 and 2012, in 2018, and more recently, on April 9. It is unsurprising then that capturing an Israel-linked vessel was part of Irans response options, notwithstanding the nationalities of the crew. Moreover, Indian crews have been similarly detained in vessel captures in the past as well. In 2019, Iran captured the Stena Impero with 18 Indian crew in response to the British capture of an Iranian oil supertanker (Grace I), with four Indians on board. Given that Indians constitute almost 10% of sailors globally with seafaring jobs having jumped over 40% between 2013 and 2017, such occurrences are not unusual. The crew of captured ships have traditionally been released, unharmed. The New: Iran-Israel escalation and maritime concerns While Indian ship crews being caught in the Middle Eastern crises is not unprecedented, the current political predicament reflects new frontiers for Indian foreign policy. On one hand, since Irans activity in the region presents a more direct and tangible threat to Indian economic interests, New Delhi has sought to leverage its historic ties with Tehran and communicate its concerns directly. This is especially concerning Houthi attacks on ships bound for Indian ports. During his visit to Iran in January, external affairs minister S Jaishankar noted a perceptible increase in threats to the safety of maritime commercial traffic in this important part of the Indian Ocean which had a direct bearing on India's energy and economic interests and was not to the benefit of either party. Indias cooperative tone was evident in the rest of the statement which highlighted Indias strategic ties with Iran, especially with regard to developing the Chabahar Port, crucial to the International North-South Transport Corridor (which will enable a trade to Central Asia and Russia by-passing Pakistan). On the other hand, Indias tone with Israel has been indirectly critical. It has shown an ability to distinguish its stand on terrorism (such as the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023) from its stand on the larger Israel-Palestine question (and thus Israels disproportionate attacks on Gaza). Over the last three months, Jaishankar has been particularly proactive in asserting that a two-state solution was the way out of the present crisis and that the Palestinians have a right to a sovereign homeland. While this was also reiterated in the EAMs statement after his Iran visit, he pressed the urgency of the two-state solution even more in February at the Munich Security Conference. Also read: What external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Palestine amid Israel-Hamas war More importantly, India had noted Israels April strike on Irans Consulate with concern, urging all parties to avoid actions that go against commonly accepted principles and norms of international law arguably a tacit criticism of Israels violation of the sanctity of diplomatic establishments. Eye on the Future The escalation loop between Iran and Israel remains open. Iran has declared a cessation of its direct operations against Israel, and the re-opening of Jordanian, Syrian, and Iraqi airspaces signals that regional allies believe in the declarations credibility. However, while Israels response has been to target Iranian proxies, the potential of more Israeli attacks on Iranian targets cannot be discounted. For India, both Iran and Israel are now disruptors. Israels egregious actions in Palestine and its adverse effects on the larger socio-political stability of the region risk the security of Indias grand strategic vision that birthed the India-Middle East-European Economic Corridor. A political solution that promises enduring regional stability is Indias ideal end-state. Iran on the other hand, while having remained an outlier in the Gulfs normalisation agreements with Israel, supplements the risk due to its need to preserve deterrence in the region by encouraging proxy attacks against Israel and maritime shipping, and now through direct strikes against Israel. Given the strategic value of both states to New Delhi, it can condemn neither. Hence, India has avoided any condemnation of Irans strikes. However, due to the intensity of Israeli operations in Gaza, the Indian foreign policy needle (at least through strong statements of support for Palestinian rights and the two-state solution) has been swinging subtly against Tel Aviv. The widening gap between Arab states and Israel due to the mounting casualties in Gaza bolsters this rationale. This calculus can change if the locus of the conflict shifts more to that between Iran and Israel. It provides more latitude for Gulf states to look away from the discomfort caused by Israels unpopular Gaza campaign, and back to the other single-point adversary against whom they have historically faced Iran. This is evidenced in the indirect assistance provided by some (not all) Arab states (such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan) to Israel, against Iranian drones. Should further escalation help reduce the newly created Arab-Israel gap, the space for India to push forth with engagement with all sides, increases. In any case, India has balanced its ties with Iran for decades, with its ties with Arab states or Israel. However, since Israels Gaza campaign continues unabated (with Hamas still holding Israeli hostages), New Delhis approach is to maintain its current stand and encourage a cessation of all hostilities. This is further evident in the two consecutive posts by EAM Jaishankar on X in which he stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation in his conversation with the Iranian foreign minister, and shared his concern at the developments with the Israeli foreign minister. Bashir Ali Abbas is a research associate at the Council for Strategic and Defense Research, New Delhi, and a South Asia Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Center, Washington DC. The views expressed are personal. Members of the Nepalese community gather in front of City Hall to participate in a Nepal Day Parade in San Francisco on Sunday. The gathering celebrated the growing Nepalese community in the Bay Area. Loren Elliott/Special to The Chronicle Members of the Nepalese community participate in a Nepal Day Parade in San Francisco on Sunday. Loren Elliott/Special to The Chronicle Members of the Nepalese community gather in front of City Hall in San Francisco to participate in a Nepal Day Parade on Sunday. Loren Elliott/Special to The Chronicle Members of the Nepalese community participate in the Nepal Day Parade in San Francisco on Sunday. Loren Elliott/Special to The Chronicle Shortly before the Nepal Day Parade got underway, Dikendra Maskey walked along the Civic Center Plaza, head down as he counted on his fingers the number of Nepalese who were living in the Bay Area when he arrived 30 years ago. There was one in Mountain View, one in Palo Alto (Maskey), five in San Francisco and two or three in Berkeley. Then he looked up and estimated two or three thousand people gathered on the plaza, dressed in triangular patterns of red and blue while carrying signs that read Mindfulness for Joyful Life, and Nepal is the country of Buddha. I feel so proud to be here, said Maskey, 70, who now lives in Novato. Every ethnic group in Nepal is unique so we decided we should come together and support each other. Thats the idea behind the parade. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nepal Day marks the New Year in the high-altitude Himalayan country, and on Sunday morning it was 68 degrees in Kathmandu, perfect parade weather. In San Francisco it was barely 50 with a cold wind, which made participants shiver in their silky festival robes. There was no crowd gathered on Market Street to witness the march but it did not matter to the Nepalese. The fact that they could muster enough people to march was the whole point of the parade. Members of the Nepalese community participate in a Nepal Day Parade in San Francisco on Sunday. Loren Elliott/Special to The Chronicle We Nepali are growing here, said Hari Ojha, 32, of Santa Clara, lead organizer of the parade, citing a statistic that the Nepalese are the fastest growing Asian American subgroup in California, more than tripling in population since 2010. We want to show the city our culture. That was on display at an afternoon festival on the Embarcadero, with a volleyball tournament. In order to get there, the Nepalese marched down Market Street after forming up at the Civic Center, a gathering that became its own festival. When the group got to the Embarcadero, the crowd swelled to nearly 4,000, organizers estimated. Just march and make friends, is how Asmita Pokhrel, 20, a criminal justice student at Cal State East Bay described it. Im glad to see the Nepali community coming together and supporting each other. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The parade, in its second year, is starting to take shape as a reunion of Sherpas, the ethnic group known for guiding people and carrying equipment on treks to attempt to summit on Everest. The California Sherpa Association had its own float on the back of a truck. Sherpas are an ethnic group, not an occupation. They share a last name and there are 300 of them living in the Bay Area. Its an opportunity to see each other, said Passang Sherpa, of Santa Rosa. Members of the Nepalese community gather in front of City Hall to participate in a Nepal Day Parade in San Francisco on Sunday. Loren Elliott/Special to The Chronicle The parade was also an opportunity to see past clients. Dr. Erin Lally of Palo Alto, who summited Everest in 2011, came to the event in hopes that she would recognize some Sherpa faces from her trek. You get really close, she said, after administering a lengthy hug to one Sherpa. Youre together for nine weeks. Lally came with their husband, Ross Johnson, and their two young daughters, Isabelle, 2, and Finley, 8 months. They were spectators. Lally was a participant, invited to ride on the truck reserved for summiters. Also on the truck was Phura Sherpa, who came down from Seattle and had a warm reunion with Lally, who practices under the name Summit Eye Surgeons in San Jose. She and Phura had not seen each other for 13 years. The parade, organized by the California chapter of the Non-Resident Nepali Association, was scheduled to start at 11 a.m., but there was still no movement in that direction at 11:30. Meandering, is how Lally described the Himalayan parade advance work. The route was not published in advance and Lally, for one, had no idea where it was going until she reached the Ferry Building after two hours riding on the back of that truck with Isabelle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But there was a lot of mindfulness. People walked around pressing their palms together over their chests and bowing, the traditional greeting called namaste. Eventually a dance troupe formed up to perform in the plaza, and at noon a heavily made-up Mili Maharjan of Santa Rosa, age 5, was lifted onto a throne in the back of a U Haul Truck, in order to serve as Kumari Devi, a living goddess, at the front of the parade. Nepal Day marks the New Year in the high-altitude Himalayan country. Loren Elliott/Special to The Chronicle At that exact moment the clouds gave way to sunshine. Civic Center Plaza emptied out as everybody stepped onto Polk Street to fall into the parade line, behind a banner that read Walking Together for a Better Nepal. There were a few traditional drum units but no brass bands, no floral floats and none of the military precision normally associated with parades. Among the marchers were Eduardo Martinez, mayor of Richmond, Carmen Montano, mayor of Milpitas, and Aaron Peskin, the president of San Franciscos Board of Supervisors and a mayoral candidate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With a total population of over 50 million, the eight states comprising Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Sikkim have collectively over 30 million voters eligible to vote in the upcoming general election. Excluding the 14 seats from Assam alone, the rest of the seven states together have a tally of 11 seats in the Lok Sabha. Out of these, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a total of 14 seats across the region in the previous polls held in 2019 that elected the 17th Lok Sabha. The Indian National Congress (INC) came out as the second largest party having secured 4 seats. However, one needs to keep in mind that many of the regional parties that shared the remaining seats between them, were part of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) formed by BJP in 2016. One predominant aspect that is expected to make an impact on the voting trends across Northeast India is the effect of the concerted push of the developmental agenda in the region by the Union government in the last few years through a variety of plans, projects and flagship schemes. They are mostly built around themes such as rapid infrastructure build-up, greater connectivity through road, rail and airways extensions, generation of rural livelihood, creation of a non-lapsable central pool of resources and so on. However, the regions tryst with an infrastructure-driven policy discourse is not new, the much talked about North Eastern Region Vision 2020 Document launched during UPA II mentions that infrastructure deficit is a major deficit in the region, and acceleration in economic growth and the regions emergence as a powerhouse depends on how fast this deficit is overcome. This discourse has been accelerated in form and expanded in principle by the NDA governments by executing it in a manner that touches all the states in the region, often fostering inter-state connectivity within the region as much as that of the region with the rest of India. Although in varying degrees and at different paces, there has been a steady infrastructural push in the region both at urban and rural levels, starting from the construction of mega bridges, and all-weather tunnels to assuring last-mile connectivity through paving of village roads. Whereas when the NDA has secured the previous mandates by largely contrasting their performance on these fronts with the alleged non-performance of the same by previous governments, this time the NDA will be expecting to be electorally rewarded for the continuing good performance on these developmental front. Moreover, placing issues such as transformations of border infrastructure in Northeast India as critical aspects of national security and territorial integrity also helps strengthen the narrative that the BJP seeks to buttress further, BJP as a party that is ready and capable of handling the issue of border dispute with hostile neighbours in a tough and decisive manner. Identities and electoral scripting Identity remains relevant in the politics of Northeast India in that ones priorities and perspectives to a large extent are circumscribed to ones social location. The eruption of violent ethnic conflict, as what we see ongoing in Manipur, poses a challenge to the development designs of the state. However, as past precedents show, conflicts and protests in the region dont necessarily have a causal connection with electoral outcomes. A stark and recent example of this is the fierce anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest, which turned out to be an electoral non-issue in the ensuing assembly elections across Northeast India. How will the many identity fragments in the region play out electorally, then? Beyond the issue of ethnic violence, there are other identity entanglements in the regions politics, such as the case of six ethnic groups in Assam protesting against the government for the non-fulfilment of promises towards recognition of Scheduled Tribe status. The BJP was able to form the state government in Assam with a decisive majority, right after rounds of anti-CAA protests in the state, as some of the prominent student and cultural organisations representing these communities gravitated towards the BJP. Some of the said ethnic organisations of Ahoms, Motok, Moran, Sutia, etc. threw their lot with the BJP, whom they considered a better ally in their primary battle to protect, preserve, and promote their ethnic identities. It will be interesting to see if the opposition INDIA bloc can galvanise on their sense of betrayal now. Here, a targeted nurturing of electoral clientele seems to be working effectively for the BJP in steamrolling over the oppositional issues. In different manners and degrees, a set of carefully crafted interventions has touched various communities, income groups, genders and professions. Like elsewhere in India, the creation of a sizeable class of beneficiaries (hitadhikaris in Assam) through a range of measures from free distribution and subsidy for essential items to direct cash transfer, may bring segments of society that traditionally lacked social capital but possessed ample electoral capital, into the fold. Additionally, by working on the adage that the national parties must have elements of regional outlook, the BJP also linked some of the schemes with issues of local sentiments, such as the issue of regularising land rights in Assam is being projected as a measure of protecting the indigenous from the immigrants. Thus the figure of the immigrant continues to loom over the political horizon of Assam, although perhaps its shadow changes position. Themes such as the threat of Bangladeshi influx, the rise of the Miya/Muslims, and the appeasement of Muslims, continue to mark their presence in the electoral discourse in Assam, polarising votes at some levels. However, their effectiveness seems to have diminished as a whole. From disturbed area to aspirational area The BJP and its allies are also hoping to gain from their track record of signing 11 peace accords and pacts, involving insurgent groups and indigenous parties from across the region in the last five years. These include the tripartite agreement with the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), the tripartite agreement involving the TIPRA Motha at Tripura, which was an active member of the oppositional camp and so on. Besides, the government also cites the example of measures such as the Assam-Meghalaya border agreement, and the Assam-Arunachal border agreement as having brought peace and stability to the region. The image of a peaceful region without active violence is expected to add to the ruling partys image of development performers. However, the failure to contain the large-scale violence in Manipur, a BJP-ruled state, provides an opportunity for the opposition to call them out on this claim. However, violence and insurgency, in an ethnically polarised and militarised zone such as Northeast India, have often existed in a complex relationship with the political class. By recognising the salience of the ethnic leadership and demands, the ruling regime can undermine the possibilities of effective electoral opposition and can even build up alliances. Besides, peacemaking at times gives rise to new dominant social coalitions which are pro-incumbency. NEDA, Sarma and aspirations The charismatic role and cross-regional appeal of the chief minister of Assam Himanta Biswa, who is often credited for taking the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) from strength to strength, will also be an important factor in this election. The successful bringing together of a bunch of regionalist parties with a nationalist BJP, under the principles of accommodative alliance is seen to be scripted largely at Sarmas initiative. Moreover, his carefully crafted image as a doer, at times as representative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, seems to appeal to a wide section across the region, especially the youth. Therefore, although youth-led opposition parties have come to offer electoral contests to BJP, notably Asom Jatiya Parishad in Assam, they will find it difficult to dismantle the charm and appeal of Mama, a title attached to Sarma, which itself signifies the affectionate projection of the leader as a well-wisher of the youth. Against the prevailing situation of joblessness and migration, the government is seen to be initiating programmes for skill development, incubation centres for start-ups, promoting local entrepreneurship and so on, thereby persistently trying to create benchmarks around aspiration. This greatly curtails the scope for the opposition parties to electorally capitalise on the sense of insecurity and frustration arising out of joblessness in the region. However, if clubbed with other social factors, historically the youth in the region have been instrumental agents of socio-political change. The BJP-led NEDA is hoping to continue with the successful experimentation of stitching together a winning electoral coalition in the region consisting of sub-groups of voters having divergent socio-economic realities. The opposition is trying to exploit the faultlines within such a disparate group while trying to highlight the failure of the ruling regime in delivering on their promises on the very developmental agenda itself. Ultimately the election in the Northeast will be fought on a triadic, inter-linked reality of perception of development, sense of insecurity and assertions of aspirations in the region. The ones who can better incentivise these will have the edge. Dr Kaustubh Kumar Deka is an assistant professor, department of Political Science at Dibrugarh University, Assam. The views expressed are personal. Bharti Hexacom share price has plunged as much as 4 percent today after quite a successful initial public offering (IPO) and listing. However, just after that, it was revealed that two of its senior executives have quit. As a result, Bharti Hexacom share price has dropped in a big way. Bharti Hexacom share price has taken a tumble after a stellar debut on stock markets last week. Notably, Bharti Hexacom stock had made its debut on markets in a strong way on April 12 at a premium of 32.49 per cent and listed at 755.20. The IPO price was 570. Notably, the grey market premium of the company, during the subscription period and ahead of listing had remained strong, making for a debut that would have pleased investors. Not just that, on Friday, Bharti Hexacom share price surged some 43% to close at Rs. 813.30. The telecom service provider's shares had even risen 54% to Rs. 880 during intra-day trading. However, bad news started filtering in immediately thereafter. It was revealed that both Sanjeev Kumar and Surajit Mandol had resigned from the company's board of directors on Friday, April 12 itself. That the two directors are no longer on the board of Bharti Hexacom was reported in an exchange filing. So far, Bharti Hexacom share price today had opened at Rs. 785.05and, dropped during intraday trading to a low of Rs. 783. At its highest, it has hit 791-mark. What to look out for now Now, investors need to look at some of the old concerns that were voiced about the company including of high valuation and financial performance. Shivani Nyati, Head of Wealth at Swastika Investmart Ltd was quoted by LiveMint as saying that the risks that were previously recognised are still significant. She also said that new or prospective investors should monitor the company's performance. However, investors who are already exposed to the stock can keep holding them. Union minister Piyush Goyal talked about Tesla CEO Elon Musk's plans for India as he said that the country has immense potential as a global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles. Talking to India Today, the minister said that Elon Musk recognises India's competitive manufacturing costs as well as talent pool as the billionaire sees the country as not only as a lucrative market but also a strategic base for serving global markets. Elon Musk India visit: Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, attends the Viva Technology conference.(Reuters) What Piyush Goyal said on Tesla in China? The minister reflected on Tesla's success in China and highlighted how the company played a major role in catalyzing the growth of the electric mobility ecosystem in the country. Tesla did so through partnerships and collaborations with local companies, he said, which increased the adoption of electric mobility in the country. What Piyush Goyal on PM Modi and Tesla's India entry? Piyush Goyal said that companies like Tesla are showing greater interest in India as they are confident about PM Narendra Modi's return to power with a resounding majority. India has also emerged as a leader in electric mobility, and the world is taking notice of the country, he said. Where will Tesla plant be set? Piyush Goyal answers On whether Tesla would set up its plant in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Piyush Goyal said, "Hum Bharat ke rehne wale hai Bharat ki baat karte hai." Elon Musk's visit to India: What we know so far? Elon Musk confirmed his visit to India on April 21 and 22 during which he is set to meet PM Modi and make major announcements including the launch of the Starlink service in the country and plans to invest between $2 billion to $3 billion, it was reported. Gold price has been rising inexorably and the reasons behind that are not hard to find - geopolitical tensions are mounting. In fact, they literally exploded when Iran launched an attack on Israel in the form of multiple missiles as well as drones. That is seen as a big negative and may become worse if Israel were to retaliate against Iran, as it has promised to do. However, if the retaliation does not happen, it may be back to business as usual. While that is the biggest worry driving up geopolitical tensions, it is not the only one. There is the war in Ukraine as well as a number of elections set to be held in many countries including India. The effect has been seen in the rising trend of oil as well as of gold prices. Notably, gold price is up by 18 percent since mid-February. This also indicates that gold price was increasing well before the Israel-Iran tensions mounted. Geopolitical tensions are ensuring gold price stays high and there are other factors acting as boosters too.(Photo: Pexels) Escalating geopolitical risks significantly bolster gold as hot and cold conflicts, and a record number of elections this year, keep the risk thermometer high. Trade risks associated with geopolitical risks are also gold positive, MoneyControl quoted international brokerage HSBC as saying. The thoughts behind gold price rise Gold is considered a safe haven, a place of refuge when the rest of the assets, including equity, are under pressure. The yellow metal retains its rate better than other assets despite the volatility and uncertainty in the wider world. And that is what leads investors to turn to gold - diversify their risk. while gold prices may fall from what we believe are inflated levels we believe geopolitical risks will sustain gold at higher levels than would otherwise be the case," HSBC added. Not just the common man or investors, central banks have been buying gold too and thereby helped boost rates. This has been increasingly seen after the emergence of higher geopolitical risks mentioned above. There are other reasons adding to this trend. In addition to geopolitical reasons, growing forex reserves tend to lead to greater diversification, with gold a prime candidate in this regard," explained HSBC. World Gold Council has estimated that central banks accumulated 39 tonnes of gold in January. The report also highlighted the equity-gold link. It avers that the current higher equity levels will likely make investors turn to the yellow metal due to higher liquidity as well as to hedge against risk. Meta AI chief Yann LeCun said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will never be smarter than humans as the technology does not perceive and understand reality in the same way that humans can. This comes as the Tesla CEO said that AI can be smarter than human beings by 2026. Elon Musk arrives at the tenth Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.(AP) What Yann LeCun said on AI? Yann LeCun said in an interview that AI systems are not as intelligent as humans. These models may not get any better in the future as well as it lacks reasoning, planning, persistent memory, and understanding the physical world are four essential characteristics of human intelligence. AI systems cannot project or understand and need to be trained, he said. Eventually, machines will surpass human intelligence its gonna take a while though, he said, adding, Its not just around the corner and its certainly not next year like our friend Elon has said. How smart are AI systems as per Yann LeCun? Read more: Elon Musk thinks an AI candidate could win US elections in 2032 Yann LeCun said that if AI systems were smarter than humans, they could learn self-driving in under a day. Although, we still dont have fully autonomous cars even with hours of training data available for it to advance and learn quickly, he said. He said, Were easily fooled into thinking they are intelligent because of their fluency with language, but really, their understanding of reality is very superficial. Theyre useful, theres no question about that. But on the path towards human-level intelligence, an LLM is basically an off-ramp, a distraction, a dead end. Most of human knowledge is actually not language so those systems can never reach human-level intelligence unless you change the architecture, he added. Indian IT firms are all getting ready to reveal their Q4 results and things are looking a little brighter after the biggest tech firm in India, the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reported a profit that actually beat street estimates last week. The good news there was that both artificial intelligence and cloud computing helped provide a great booster. Now the focus has shifted to Infosys and Wipro. TCS has revealed its Q4 result and beaten analysts expectations. Now, all eyes are on Infosys and Wipro.(REUTERS) The outlook is already brighter in the wake of TCS numbers, but what exactly should investors focus on? Will there be a rebound in client spending? Will earnings actually get a booster shot? Most eyes will be rivetted on Infosys and Wipro revenue forecasts and commentary related to client spending. This is especially so as TCS said that 2025 fiscal will be better than the 2024 fiscal based on deal wins trends. Infosys Q4 announcement on Thursday: Highlights to look out for As far as Infosys Q4 revenue is concerned, the countrys No. 2 IT services company, probably grew modestly, Bloomberg reports. There may be some relief coming from cost cuts even as discretionary projects from clients get delayed, according to Nomuras Abhishek Bhandari and Krish Beriwal. Bloomberg says, The annual revenue at Infosys likely grew at the slowest pace since the 2018 fiscal year, consensus shows. Fourth-quarter profit probably edged higher, with salary hikes denting margins. Notably, Infosys gets almost a third of revenue from financial services and insurance companies, but these are also some of the badly hit segments for client spending. Wipro Q4 announcement Friday: Highlights to look out for Wipro will probably see profit shrink for a second straight year, Bloomberg reported. For Wipro, there is another factor at work that is adding uncertainty. Its Chief Executive Officer Thierry Delaporte has resigned at a critical juncture. Now, with new CEO Srinivas Pallia coming in, investors would be looking forward to hear what he has to say about client spending trends. Pallia was earlier the CEO of a part of the Americas business and some analysts say that appointing an insider to the post meant Wipros execution issues may persist. However, others said his three decades at the firm will come in handy. Sensex crash today: Indian benchmark equity indices fell today (April 15) starting the week on a lower note tracking losses in Asian markets. This comes as investor sentiment remained weak after Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel sparked fears of a wider regional conflict in the Middle East. Sensex traded 800 points or 0.86% lower at 73,468.70 while Nifty50 was at 22,330, down 190 points or 0.84%. Stock market crash: People look at a screen displaying the Sensex results on the facade of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building in Mumbai.(Reuters) How is Sensex performing today? Which sectors are falling? Market capitalisation of all listed companies on BSE declined by 6 lakh crore to 394.68 lakh crore and Nifty PSU Bank, Realty, and Media opened with declines of over 2%. Nifty Auto, Financial, Metal, Pharma, and Oil & Gas opened with losses between 1-2%. Is Middle East conflict to be blamed for stock market crash? Iran launched a drone missile attack on Israel, less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria killed two Iranian generals in a consular building. This marks the first time Iran launched a direct military assault on Israel following which Tel Aviv said that it has intercepted 99% of drones and missiles launched by Tehran. Israel praised the success of its defenses and said that the Iranian launches numbered more than 300, but 99% of them were intercepted. How Asian Markets performed? Markets in Asia remained cautious as well as MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.7% while Japan's Nikkei slid more than 1%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index shed 0.6% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 0.8%. Tesla layoffs: Tesla will reduce global headcount by more than 10% amid a slowdown in electric vehicle demand, Electrek reported citing company's CEO Elon Musk who said in an email sent to staff that job cuts will take place due to duplication of roles and job functions in certain areas. Tesla layoffs: Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk gets in a Tesla car as he leaves a hotel in Beijing, China.(Reuters) What Elon Musk told employees regarding job cuts? Read more: Elon Musk thinks an AI candidate could win US elections in 2032 In an email to the staff, Elon Musk wrote, As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity. As part of this effort, we have done a thorough review of the organization and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than 10% globally. There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done. How many employees could be affected? Tesla ended last year with 140,473 employees- double its total three years earlier. The company has been ramping up output at two plants- Austin and outside Berlin. If the job cuts apply company-wide, the dismissal could affect at least 14,000 employees. What we know about company's vehicle deliveries The layoff reports comes after Tesla reported disastrous vehicle deliveries early this month as it missed expectations by a wide margin. The company posted its first quarterly decline in four years as experts believed that the EV maker's sales could potentially shrink for the year as it slowed output of its newest model the Cybertruck. What CFO said in recent earnings calls Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja said during Teslas recent earnings call in January, We just have to chase down every penny possible. We have a strong team which is hyper-focused on this. When were major job cuts announced at Tesla before? Tesla eliminated about 10% of salaried workers in mid-2022, Bloomberg reported. CEO Elon Musk infomed Tesla employees that several job cuts will be made soon, as per a leaked memo to the staff. In the letter reported by Quartz, Elon Musk didnt disclose the exact number of layoffs that would take place but it was reported that almost 10% of the companies workforce will lose jobs. The company employs more than 140,000 people around the world, with factories in China and Germany as well US. At least 14,000 workers are expected to have their roles slashed following the layoffs. Tesla layoffs: Elon Musk attends the Breakthrough Prize awards in Los Angeles, California, US.(Reuters) The memo comes after months of speculation over potential cuts at the electric vehicle maker. It was reported in February that Tesla has begun asking managers to identify which jobs on their teams were essential and which weren't. Here's the full memo Elon Musk sent Tesla employees as reported by Quartz: Elon Musk wrote, "Over the years, we have grown rapidly with multiple factories scaling around the globe. With this rapid growth there has been duplication of roles and job functions in certain areas. As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity. As part of this effort, we have done a thorough review of the organization and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than 10% globally. There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done. This will enable us to be lean, innovative and hungry for the next growth phase cycle. I would like to thank everyone who is departing Tesla for their hard work over the years. Im deeply grateful for your many contributions to our mission and we wish you well in your future opportunities. It is very difficult to say goodbye. For those remaining, I would like to thank you in advance for the difficult job that remains ahead. We are developing some of the most revolutionary technologies in auto, energy and artificial intelligence. As we prepare the company for the next phase of growth, your resolve will make a huge difference in getting us there. Thanks, Elon." As geopolitical tensions continue to flare between Israel and Iran, experts believe that the Indian stock markets could remain volatile on Monday, April 15. The market is expected to feel a potential impact as investors will continue to monitor the developments between the two countries this week. Iran-Israel conflict: This video grab shows explosions lighting up Jerusalem sky during Iranian attack on Israel.(AFP) Investors are expected to remain on their toes as they navigate the geopolitical tensions between the two countries after Iran launched an attack against Israel overnight on Sunday. Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit Financial Services told news agency ANI, The escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, alongside supply concerns, have propelled crude prices upward, impacting overall market sentiment. He said, Indian markets may consolidate amidst worries over delayed US rate cuts, escalating Middle East tensions driving oil prices up, and subdued Q4 earnings projections. Shrikant Chauhan, executive vice president, Kotak Securities told the news agency that the rising tensions between Iran and Israel is not something positive for the equity markets, but the rising volitility is still manageable if other countries don't get involved. It is something not positive for equity markets worldwide. As long it is between Iran and Israel it is still manageable but if other countries join them, then the escalation will be more serious. However, our markets are resilient and can arrest at psychological support level which is at 22000 on Nifty, Chauhan said. "This extensive onslaught marks another flashpoint in the Israeli- Hamas conflagration, a significant worsening of the geopolitical situation in general and the Middle East in particular. While World War III is not on the anvil- at least not yet, there is a clear possibility, nay likelihood, of horizontal escalation and retaliatory and even deterrent strikes by Israel" said Dr. Manoranjan Sharma, Chief Economist- Infomerics Ratings, told ANI. Iran's drone attack on Israel Iran launched an attack on Israel overnight on April 14 using hundreds of drones and missiles in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. It is the first time that Iran directly attacked Israel after decades of strained ties between the two countries. The Israeli military said that more than 300 drones were launched by Iran, making this the single biggest drone attack carried out by a country. The financial repercussions from the attack are deeply felt by Iran, with its national currency, the rail, falling to an all-time low 670,000 per US dollar on Sunday before a slow recovery. (With inputs from ANI) Downtown San Francisco is seen behind planes taxiing at Oakland International Airport in December 2022. Oakland and San Francisco are set for a legal battle over the East Bay airports proposed name change. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Oakland International Airport sits on the San Francisco Bay, which its backers say entitles it to add that geographic title to its name. But across the bay, officials contend the move will confuse travelers and infringe on San Francisco International Airports trademark. Who is right and more likely to prevail in a legal battle? Several trademark experts who spoke to the Chronicle said both arguments surrounding the proposed San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport name have merit. One said San Franciscos position is stronger, calling it a pretty straightforward trademark infringement case. Others said the dispute could ultimately be resolved through a compromise name, such as Oakland San Francisco Bay International Airport, similar to the result of several other intercity squabbles. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Oakland Port Commission voted unanimously to rename the airport last week, despite the threat of a lawsuit from San Francisco. Intellectual property specialist Lolita Darden said the two key questions raised in the dispute are whether or not the two businesses offer similar services under similar names that could confuse consumers, and whether San Francisco Bay should be seen as a geographic description in the new Oakland name. When it comes to confusion, San Francisco has a strong case the airports offer the same services and the two names are quite similar, said Darden, who is director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Clinic at George Washington University Law School and managing partner of Darden Betts Strategic Intellectual Property Counselors. At the same time, Oaklands argument that the San Francisco Bay should be fair game also has merit, Darden said. Trademark law generally prevents registering geographic descriptors because businesses ought to have the right to promote their location as part of their branding and marketing. So the suit would come down to a balancing test the efficacy of San Francisco Bay Oakland as a description of the airports location compared to the likelihood of confusion caused by the similarity between the two names, she said. Barton Beebe, a trademark expert at New York Universitys School of Law, said that he felt like San Francisco officials would have a strong legal case against Oaklands airport over the name change. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This actually ends up being a pretty straightforward trademark infringement case, he said, pointing to the trademark San Francisco city and county took out on the name San Francisco International Airport. The trademark application notes the name has been used at the airport since 1954. While city and other geographic names face a higher threshold for trademark rulings than more unique or made-up names, Beebe said the similarities were too close between Oaklands proposed name change and SFO. When a defendant in a case uses a mark that is so similar to SFs mark, we would say thats a pretty strong case of infringement, he said. Switching the name around to Oakland San Francisco Bay airport, might help Oaklands case Beebe said, but he wasnt sure. Tyler Ochoa, who teaches trademark law at Santa Clara University, thinks putting Oakland first would weaken San Franciscos dilution case by strengthening the descriptive quality of the proposed Oakland airport name. While San Francisco does have a strong case, its hampered by the fact that the San Francisco International Airport is not a particularly strong mark. It isnt very distinct, he said. Its extremely descriptive. In San Franciscos legal threat, City Attorney David Chiu wrote that the proposed name would lead to confusion. In trademark law, confusion means far more than a minor misunderstanding or inconvenience. If two businesses offer the same service with similar names, it devalues the better-known brand, Chiu argued. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For their part, East Bay proponents of the new name argue that the city does not have an exclusive right to San Francisco Bay, which describes both a geographic region and landmark. Other airports have faced similar disputes. In Florida, Orlando International Airport, the citys biggest, has battled with two nearby airports that also used Orlando in their names for years. The region is a major tourist destination due to its proximity to Walt Disney World and other attractions. Federal trademark officials have denied efforts by the city of Sanford to trademark the name of its facility as Orlando Sanford International Airport, and the city is appealing. Orlando officials have cited complaints from travelers who arrived at one airport, expecting to be at another. In 2021, a smaller airport in Melbourne, Fla., which is about 70 miles outside of the Orlando city center, agreed to change its name from the Orlando Melbourne International Airport to Melbourne Orlando International Airport, after years of litigation. It had added Orlando to its name about six years before in a bid to attract more people. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Officials in Orlando said the name was confusingly similar, false and misleading. It was really about search engine optimization, said Phil Brown, former CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, of the disputes. No one begrudged them for trying to generate additional traffic, but it was the manner and the way they approached it. Phil Roberts is a longtime airline consultant now based in the Bay Area who helped Baltimores airport market itself after renaming to Baltimore/Washington International in the 1970s. (It added Thurgood Marshall to its name in 2005.) The airport had previously been known as Baltimore Friendship International Airport. Roberts said he doesnt remember any controversy with other airports in the Washington area at the time. And he doesnt think officials in San Francisco should be making a fuss over Oaklands move. It makes no sense, he said. San Francisco airport is in San Mateo (County). Depending on the time of day, getting from downtown San Francisco to the Oakland airport takes about the same amount of time as getting to SFO. People are coming into Oakland to go to San Francisco. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An accident in Karnataka capital Bengaluru claimed a biker's life and injured two others on Sunday. The incident occurred when a trio, traveling on a bike, fell into a deep pit that was dug up for a water pipeline. While one of them died instantly, the remaining two were severely injured, according to NDTV. The two injured men are in a critical condition and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital. (Ravi Kumar/HT/Image for representation) ALSO READ | Bengaluru water management body bans use of drinking water for swimming pools; sets 5,000 fine The identities of the deceased and the injured are not yet clear. The two injured men are in a critical condition and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital. ALSO READ | New bore dwellers in Bengaluru must take permission from govt: BBMP amid water crisis A man died and two others were seriously injured after the bike they were riding went off the road and fell into a pit being dug up for a water pipeline in Bengaluru on Sunday. While one of the bikers died on the spot, the other two men are in a critical condition, a police official told the publication. ALSO READ | Bengaluru: Five Bescom officials arrested in mother-daughter electrocution incident The man driving the bike did not see the pit, and went off the road, diving into it, cops added. Onlookers immediately rushed the men to a nearby hospital. Some witnesses also blamed the Bengaluru water board authorities for not placing barricades near the pit. ALSO READ | Electrical accidents in Karnataka under Lokayukta lens However, this allegation was refuted by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), which maintained that it had barricaded the surroundings of the pit and that the men fell into it as they were in an inebriated state and did not see the signs. Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and BJP candidate for the Gadag-Haveri Lok Sabha constituency Basavaraj Bommai said Dr BR Ambedkar should be addressed as "Mahatma Ambedkar" and treading the path of the Constitution is the real way of showing respect to the nation. Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai. (ANI) Bommai garlanded the statue of Dr Ambedkar on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti in Karnataka's Hubbali. READ | PM Modi thanks people of Dakshina Kannada for turning out in record numbers for roadshow Speaking on the occassion, Bommai stressed the unity behind the Constitution and the figure of Ambedkar, stating that they symbolize a collective commitment to democracy and societal progress. "Ambedkar was the one who brought entire nation under the ambit of democracy. It was Ambedkar who formulated a policy and wrote the Constitution," he said. READ | PM Modi holds massive mega roadshow in Karnataka's Mangaluru Bommai praised Ambedkar's pivotal role in shaping India's democratic framework, noting that his principles continue to resonate. "The thinking of Dr Ambedkar was still relevant as he had given the world's best constitution. While the constitution of other nations have failed, but the Indian constitution had been strong and vibrant," Bommai said. "Ambedkar ensured that governmental stability persists despite changes in leadership. The Constitution includes provisions for amendments to adapt to evolving circumstances. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of both organization and education," he added. READ | Kannada film producer Soundarya Jagadish dies by suicide in Bengaluru: Report Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, on his birth anniversary, saying "he is an inspiration for various backward-class people." "Tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on his Jayanti. Jai Bhim!" the Prime Minister posted on X."Babasaheb Ambedkar is an inspiration for various people belonging to the backward classes. He made us realise that to achieve anything, it's not necessary to be born into a wealthy family. Instead, in India people born into poor families can also dream and work hard to fulfil their vision," PM Modi said in the video posted on X."There were times when people tried to stop him and strived that a poor man belonging to a backward class would not move forward. However, the image of the new India is completely different. This India belongs to Babasaheb Ambedkar, to the poor, to the backward class," he added. A 26-year-old man was murdered over an old enmity at Basti Sheikh in Jalandhar late on Sunday, police said. The victims wife told the police that the accused intercepted their motorcycle and attacked her husband with sharp-edged weapons on the chest and head in Jalandhar on Sunday. (Representational photo) Ankit Kumar, who owned a small-scale tool factory, was attacked with sharp-edged weapons when he was taking his pregnant wife to his in-laws house. Bhushan Kumar, the station house officer at division no. 5 police station, said that a case was registered on the statement of Ankit Kumars wife. She told the police that main accused, Karan Malhi and Sonu, along with eight others intercepted their motorcycle near Basti Sheikh and stabbed her husband on the chest and head. The accused even attacked Ankits wife when she rushed to her husbands rescue. She was injured on the arm. Ankit was rushed to a local hospital, where he died due to excessive blood loss. The accused have been booked under Sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 120b (criminal conspiracy), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC. Police said Ankit had an old enmity with Malhi. Ankit was jailed for a year in an attempt to murder case registered on the complaint of Malhi in 2021. The Supreme Court on Monday declined to grant anticipatory bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Amanatullah Khan in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the Waqf Board during his chairmanship. AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan. (Sonu Mehta/HT File Photo)(HT_PRINT) A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta said that Khan should not be arrested unless there is sufficient material against him. It cautioned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against unnecessarily exercising the right to arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). "You arrest him in case there is material. In case, there is no material, do not arrest him. You have to follow Section 19 of the PMLA. Right to arrest should not be taken for granted," said the bench to ED's counsel, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju. It ordered Khan to appear before ED on April 18, 2024, at 11 am and on his appearance, the application of the central agency before trial court for the issuance of the non-bailable warrant against him will be withdrawn. The bench, in its order, stated, "It is pointed out by the senior advocate appearing for the petitioner that ED has filed an application for the issuance of non-bailable warrants before the Special Court. He stated that the petitioner would appear before the officers of ED on April 18, 2024, at 11 am... In case the petitioner appears, the ED shall withdraw the application filed before the Special Court." It also expressed displeasure on Khan skipping summons issued by ED, saying, "You have messed up your whole matter by not responding to the summons. Repeatedly summons were issued, how can we condone that?" The apex court said it was not inclined to issue a notice in the appeal to the extent it denies anticipatory bail. The top court was hearing an appeal against March 11 order of the Delhi High Court declining anticipatory bail in a money laundering case filed against him in connection with irregularities in recruitment to the Delhi Waqf Board and the leasing of some properties Disapproving repeated evasion of summonses of investigating agencies by public persons, the High Court refused to grant pre-arrest bail to Okhla MLA. The High Court, while noting that Khan did not appear before the ED despite six summons had said legislators should know that disobeying the law will lead to legal consequences as all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law and an "MLA or a public figure is not above the law of the land". The money laundering case against Khan stems from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR and three Delhi Police complaints. The allegations against Khan concern his time as Chairman of the Waqf Board. He has been accused of illegally recruiting people in violation of the law and unfairly leasing Waqf Board properties during 2018-2022. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann is likely to meet Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday afternoon inside jail number 2 of the Tihar prison complex, officials aware of the matter said. Security personnel stand guard outside at the Tihar Jail in New Delhi. (PTI File Photo) On Friday, a security meeting was held between ADG Punjab police (security), Delhi police, Tihar administration and security forces posted within the prison. The meeting of the two CMs has been confirmed for today, a prison spokesperson said. Kejriwal is currently lodged in jail number 2 after being arrested for his alleged role in the money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy. Mann is likely to be accompanied by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. An advanced liaison meeting was held between senior officials of the Punjab police and the prison department on Friday to chart out details and protocol for the meeting between the two leaders, who have both been accorded Z+ security cover by the Centre. The prison department, however, did not share details of where the meeting would be held, though they believe the meeting could last for about half an hour. While the meeting is likely to be held in the common area, where other inmates also meet their family members, prison officials are likely to make some changes because of security reasons. Every prisoner in Delhi jails is entitled to submit the names of 10 family members who can visit them twice a week. At one time, only 3 visitors are allowed to meet a prisoner. The names must be submitted to the jail superintendent for verification. For prisoners whose family members are unable to come to jail, they are entitled to speak to their family twice a week over video conference. Additionally, prisoners are also allowed to make one five-minute phone call every day. Kejriwal has been in prison since April 1 after a special PMLA court sent him to judicial custody till April 15 in connection with the case. AAP has vehemently denied the allegations. Mist sprinklers as seen in some European and West Asian cities have been fitted at some traffic junctions at Kankaria Lakefront and its vicinity in Ahmedabad where the summer temperatures frequently go north of 40C. The city municipality will make these mist-spraying systems a permanent feature with a few tweaks in as the summer progresses if the pilot project is found to provide relief from the heat. Some cities will put up drinking water stations in high footfall areas. (Praful Gangurde/HT photo) To cope with this heat, especially in urban areas where is felt more due to the now well-understood heat island effect, as seen in Ahmedabad many cities are taking short-term adaptive measures. Madurai is holding medical camps in high-footfall areas, Bhubaneswar has prepared cool wards in hospitals, while traffic stoppages are reduced in Nagpur. When needed, school hours are staggered and putting a ban on construction pr other labour intensive activity between the peak heat hours between 12 pm to 3 pm . Measures such as these may prove helpful with the India Meteorological Department predicting above-normal temperatures this summer and heat wave days of up to 20 days on the back of Indias second warmest year on record in 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too held a meeting with senior government officials to review the preparedness to deal with heatwaves as India goes to polls from April 19 to June 2. Apart from these measures, cities are advocating the use of cost-effective measures such as cool roofs, and green roofs to reduce the heating of households. But in most large-scale adoption of such measures as seen in Ahmedabad and Jodhpur, have been led mostly by non-government sector. Telangana has a state-wide cool roof policy with a mandate for gradual increase of coverage. There are also various greening initiatives in many Indian cities to provide shade and reducing the heat island effect. Kerala as part of its Resilient Kerala initiative, is running a bare earth programme through which all abandoned buildings and grey infrastructure are being demolished. The mist dispensers, novel in the Indian context in the form of mist dispensers is an extension of the citys heat action plan (HAP) in place since 2013. Ahmedabad was the first in the country and south Asia to have such a plan put in place after a fatal heatwave in 2010. Since then, the plan has been updated regularly with active collaboration of non-government agencies since 2013 and put in action every summer involving multiple departments of the civic body and other government agencies. Following the footsteps of Ahmedabad, now more than 200 city/ districts have prepared their heat action plans as found by the NDMA during a review of preparedness held in February. For this year, the municipal body in Ahmedabad had budgeted 50 lakh to implement the HAP. Dr Tejas Shah, deputy health officer, said, Other than this there are other budgetary sources like that of promotion and publicity, that are tapped into to make necessary arrangements to put the heat action plan to work. The heat action plan prioritises on an early warning system which are issued based on the prediction made by the IMD which issues easy to understand colour-based warningsyellow, orange and red. We usually issue alerts on orange and red alerts days, Shah said. He said for the warnings to be effective, over the years the civic body has been running awareness campaigns about the risks and best practices with regards to heat exposure. Other than TV, radio and pamphlets, this year, the city has put 10x10 ft large hoardings in 240 places and large screens in more than 60 spots. Shah added, The most vulnerable groups as we know are construction workers, factory staff, traffic police, elderly people, children, pregnant women, homeless and slum dwellers. We have identified strategy for each and every vulnerable group. He said ASHA and anganwadi workers have been deployed since the start of summer to educate people about the necessary information. In addition, they carry ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) packets and supply them to the needy. The city administration has arranged for drinking water facilities, ORS at more than 250 bus stations in the city and deployed seven mobile drinking water stations to tackle the issue of dehydration. Shah said in addition to the governments efforts, the city administration is informed that there are 570 water stations that have been set up by non-government entities. For the benefit of the homeless, 260 gardens across the city are kept open for the afternoon hours and they also have drinking water facilities. Further additional water arrangements are made in the 50 homeless shelters. The estate department is also tasked with ensuring that all construction sites have adequate drinking water facilities for workers, Shah said. For red and orange alert days, there is a ban put in place between 12 pm and 4 pm. C Dinesh Kumar, the municipal commissioner of Madurai said heat advisories to the public using local media and have asked people to avoid venturing out between 12 pm and 3 pm based on IMD warnings. He said the city will put up 120 drinking water stations in high footfall areas and set up medical camps in view of the elections and multiple festivals scheduled in April. We are ensuring there is adequate ORS in all public health facilities, we are also studying if we need to create temporary shelters in busy bus stations, he said. He further said that all water availability and quality-related complaints are being addressed swiftly to ensure adequate supply of water. The way forward The Ahmedabad HAP was conceptualised after officials found that the deaths in May, when the heat is at its peak for the city, were more than the average monthly deaths throughout the year. In 2010 particularly, the data showed that the number of deaths was 40% more than the monthly average. But with the implementation of HAP, the trend is reversing. The number of deaths in May for 2019 and 2022 (barring the COVID years in between) were in fact lower than the monthly average deaths. And in 2023, the number of deaths in May was only 3% more than that of the monthly average, he said. Rajashree Kotharkar, professor at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology in Nagpur and a sectoral expert said these short-term activities are showing positive results not only in Ahmedabad but across the country. Since 2016, the number of heat-related mortality is going down in the country, which means the short-term measures of early warning systems and active coordination among different arms of the government especially when heat wave incidents are only increasing, she said. She added that while efforts have worked to save lives, more needs to be done to ensure a better quality of life. Kothakar who also presented a framework for model heat action plan for cities at in this years NDMA workshop said now HAPs in many parts of the country need to be updated recognising the most vulnerable areas of the city. She also advocated for conducting surveys and studies involving the population to determine health-based thresholds like bearable temperature for different cities and demographics. As mentioned by Kothakar, in Thanecivic officials are conducting a survey in Wagle ward which was identified as the most vulnerable with 40% of the population falling in the higher age bracket of 50-60 years and above. Through this, we are getting information about what cooling facilities they currently can afford. The residents were also surveyed about what they feel would help them navigate heat stress from tested-out solutions practiced in other cities in India, said Vishwas Chitale, senior programme lead for CEEW who collaborated in forming the HAP. Through this, it has been decided that there will be arrangements made to put up drinking water stations in the main squares of the ward. Chitale said that the Thane HAP has quantified the impact of humidity on temperature stating that humidity can add 5-6 degrees in addition to dry temperature during peak summer hours. Jodhpur being a tier-II city putting a lot of efforts with vulnerable communities, particularly slum dwellers, women -- they are doing a lot of awareness and putting in place early warning systems that reach the grassroots level, said Abhiyant Tiwari, lead for health and climate resilience in India for the non-government Natural Resources Defense Council. He said that while many studies and plans have been formulated, there are lots of gaps in action and the plans. Aditya Valiathan Pillai of the Sustainable Future Collective, who recently co-authored a Centre for Policy and Research report analysing 37 of Indias heat action plans in March 2023 said on a positive note more and more different arms of the government machinery are getting involved in these heat action plans. This year the NDMA workshop had representation from multiple sectors such as railways, armed forces among others which was previously only attended by disaster management and public health officials, he said. However, he said very few of these HAPs are localised or have either financial or legal backing to be implemented. A Delhi court on Monday extended the judicial custody of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 23 in the money laundering case related to the now-scrapped Excise Policy 2021-22. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal leaves the premises of a Delhi court in a car on March 28. (AP FIle Photo) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor was arrested on March 21 by ED, hours after the Delhi high court denied his request for interim protection from arrest that left the Capitals politics in turmoil and pushed to new heights the ongoing conflict between the Union government and the AAP. Special judge Kaveri Baweja extended Kejriwals judicial custody by eight days while noting that co-accused K Kavitha has also been sent to judicial custody till April 23. Kejriwal is the third AAP leader to be arrested in the case after Delhis former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and parliamentarian Sanjay Singh. Kejriwal has been in judicial custody since April 1. The court earlier on April 10 dismissed his plea seeking to increase his legal meetings from twice a week to five times a week noting that he has misused the time for legal meetings and passed orders through his counsels. Also Read | Delhi court sends BRS leader Kavitha to judicial custody till Apr 23 in CBI case The Delhi high court last week rejected Kejriwals petition challenging his arrest and seeking release from jail, noting that the ED has sufficient evidence at this stage which points out towards the guilt of the AAP convener for the commission of the offence of money laundering. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the ED seeking reply on Kejriwals plea challenging his arrest in the money laundering case. The Delhi governments 2021-22 excise policy aimed to revitalise the citys flagging liquor business. It aimed to replace a sales volume-based regime with a license fee one for traders, and promised swankier stores, free of the infamous metal grilles, ultimately giving customers a better buying experience. The policy also introduced discounts and offers on the purchase of liquor, a first for Delhi. The plan, however, ended abruptly, with Delhis lieutenant governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena recommending a probe into alleged irregularities in the regime. This ultimately resulted in the policy being scrapped prematurely and being replaced by the 2020-21 regime, with the AAP alleging that Saxenas predecessor sabotaged the move with a few last-minute changes that resulted in lower-than-expected revenues. KOLKATA: India will lose her independence and witness dictatorship if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins the coming Lok Sabha election, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee told voters on Monday at two back-to-back rallies in north Bengal. TMC chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at a public meeting in support of party candidate Jagadish Chandra Barma ahead of Lok Sabha elections, in Cooch Behar district on April 15 (PTI) Banerjee targeted the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at both rallies, describing the 2024 general elections as a war for independence. If you want to see the nation remain independent, then say BJP hatao, desh bachao (oust BJP, save the nation). This is the slogan of this election. Their one nation, one election means there will be no more elections, no federal structure, no state governments. If this government stays, they will form a dictatorial state. One leader, one nation is their goal. The nation has to think the way he (the leader) thinks, Banerjee said at Cooch Behar Lok Sabha constituency that went to the BJP in the 2019 general elections. Also Read | Mamata attacks BJP for propaganda over arrest of Bengaluru Cafe blast suspects Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts, each having one seat, are going to the polls in the first phase on April 19. In 2019, BJP set a record by winning 18 of Bengals 42 seats and posed a big challenge to TMC in north Bengal where it won seven of the eight seats. Banerjee repeatedly reminded voters of the projects her government has carried out in the region. This is not just another election. India has realised that. You have to understand as well. This is a war for independence. The nation is in a dangerous situation. As the election approaches, they (BJP) might create another mock war. They are ready to trigger riots as well. They will go to any extent, Banerjee said. If this party comes to power, they will sell the nation. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs or tribal people, all religious and ethnic groups will lose their identity and independence. They (BJP) will decide what you shall eat and when you should sleep. In the morning, they may tell you to have gomutra (cow urine) with some food. In the afternoon, you may be asked to take cow dung with food. At night they may dictate precisely when you are supposed to fall asleep, the TMC chief said in Cooch Behar. Also Read | No NRC, no CAA and no UCC, says WB CM Mamata Banerjee At Alipurduar, Banerjee focused on PM Modi who is scheduled to address two rallies in the region on Tuesday. I have seen many prime ministers but never seen one like this. I have worked with Atal Ji (Vajpayee). He was a great man. This Prime Minister is selling the country. He promised 20 million jobs. He said you will receive 15 lakh in bank accounts. This is all jumla. Have you received a penny? The number of educated unemployed youths in the country is the highest at the moment, said Banerjee. You want Modi to sell this nation? Modi hatao desh bachao (Oust Modi, save the nation). This is the only slogan, she said. Banerjee sought to counter the BJPs sharp pitch against TMC over corruption. The big thieves join BJP and become clean while opposition leaders are put in jail. You accuse our government of corruption. I dare you to publish a white paper on corruption in Bengal but at the same time publish one on Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat as well. Let us see, Banerjee said pointing a finger at the two BJP-ruled states. She also attacked the BJP candidate and union minister of state Nisith Pramanik, alleging that he could create trouble. Your candidate here is a ruffian. He will create trouble. If they start a riot on April 17, let them. Dont fall for any provocation. They will badmouth you but dont fall for it. All campaigning must end at 5 pm on April 17 according to rules, said Banerjee. The chief minister also took potshots at the Election Commission of India (EC), accusing the election watchdog of removing the deputy inspector general of police (DIG) Murshidabad range, Mukesh Kumar, on Monday under instructions from the BJP. Addressing the EC from the Alipurduar rally, Banerjee, who is also in charge of the home department, said: You are removing police officers selectively. You removed DIG Murshidabad range today under the BJPs instructions. EC will be responsible if there are riots. You (EC) are not listening to me now. You are running the police administration. If I could fast for the farmers of Singur for 26 days, I can go on a hunger strike for 55 days outside your office as well. I know how to fight. I will remove BJP. This is the TMCs resolution, Banerjee said. Kumar was removed on Monday a day after the Bengal BJPs social media unit put out a post on Sunday that people from a particular community were attacked in Murshidabad. BJPs Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the Bengal legislative assembly, rebutted Banerjee. This is an election to protect India, to see India leading other nations. The INDIA alliance has collapsed. Who is their prime ministerial candidate? The aunt? Or, is it the nephew? Adhikari said, mocking the chief minister and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. He said: The CM made provocative speeches a while ago. Do you want India to become another Ukraine or Afghanistan? If not, then vote for the (BJPs) lotus symbol. Modi Ji has said they (TMC) are using CAA to scare people. A month has passed since it was enforced but nobody has lost citizenship. The minority community has turned its back on TMC. A national-level wrestling tournament, Federation Cup (Senior), will be organised in Varanasi from April 24 to April 26 under the aegis of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), said the associations president, Sanjay Singh, here on Sunday. He also said Varanasi would host an election for the Athlete Commission on April 24 in which top seed players from 25 states will participate. WFI president Sanjay Singh in Varanasi on Sunday (HT) Around 350 men and 150 women wrestlers from 25 states will participate in the tournament to be organised in three categories. The WFI president said Shri Sarveshwari Group Sansthanam Devasthanam Avadhoot Bhagwan Ram Leprosy Seva Ashram Padav in Varanasi was the organiser of the Federation Cup (Senior), who venue is Maharaj Vibhuti Narayan Singh Indoor Stadium of the BHU. The Varanasi wrestling associations vice-president, Rajiv Singh Ranu said that the election for the Athlete Commission will be held in a hotel in Varanasi on April 24. Also, the WFI president is likely to visit Kyrgyzstan on April 16 in view of the Olympic qualifying events, which are scheduled to be held in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan. As many as 17 wrestlers from India will try to meet the Olympic quota in the qualifying events. The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) is revamping and sprucing up facilities at two of its hotels Hotel Rahi Ilavart and Rahi Triveni Darshanin Prayagraj. An artists view of how Hotel Rahi Triveni Darshan would look after revamp and new constructions. (Sourced) The aim is to provide quality accommodation to tourists coming to the city for the mega religious fair of Mahakumbh-2025. Work is being undertaken at a cost of 9.07crore, said officials of the state tourism department. The initiative is part of the state governments efforts to organise a grand Mahakumbh-2025 for the expected crowd of more than 40 crore devotees and tourists expected to visit the city for the once-in-12-year religious fair. For accommodating the visitors, world-class facilities are being developed including setting up a mega tent city on the banks of Sangam and the tourism department is also making additional arrangements in the hotels of the department, the officials added. The work of revamping Hotel Rahi Ilavart, located in the Civil Lines area of the city, is underway at full steam. Senior manager, UPSTDC, Prayagraj, DP Singh, said that the mission is being undertaken at a cost of 3.47 crore. This includes expansion and beautification of facilities. Under this, facade work is to be done in the hotel. Apart from the renovation of 20 rooms of the hotel and the banquet hall, work also includes upgrading the reception area, besides the kitchen and parking space. The work will be completed by September 2024, he added. Likewise, Hotel Rahi Triveni Darshan, located on the banks of the Yamuna, is an enticing place to stay for tourists and devotees coming to Mahakumbh-2025. The view of Yamuna from the hotel truly enhances its beauty. DP Singh said that construction work of a new building is going on here on behalf of UPSTDC. In all, 18 new rooms are being built here. Facade work is also going on. Apart from this, many other works are also to be done in it as part of the task being undertaken at a total cost of over 5.60 crore. An officer with the Richmond Police Department investigates tire tracks behind a barrier placed at an industrial park frequented by sideshow participants in October 2021. In Oakland, a number of sideshows were reported early Sunday. Philip Pacheco/The Chronicle Gunshots were reported at multiple sideshows across Oakland early Sunday, turning major intersections into unruly scenes, police said. The sideshows were reported around 2 a.m. at several locations, including the intersections of Claremont and College avenues, Alcatraz and Telegraph avenues, Derby Avenue and East 12th Street, and Mandela Parkway and 7th Street, police said. It was unclear whether the sideshows occurred at the same time or back to back. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The vehicles and spectators at the sideshows dispersed when officers arrived, police said. The department didnt specify how many vehicles and spectators were involved. KTVU reported that fireworks were set off and at least three cars were set ablaze. Video from the news station showed drivers doing donuts at intersections as spectators watched and recorded the action. At one intersection, a driver in a car struck a police vehicle, the footage shows, though police didnt provide further details to the Chronicle. Police didnt say if anyone was arrested or injured. Police ask anyone with information to contact traffic investigators at 510-777-8570. Advertisement Article continues below this ad University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign is offering one scholarship to students from either India, Malaysia or Thailand applying for postgraduate courses within the Faculty of Engineering. University of Strathclyde & British Council are offering students scholarship According to a press release by the University of Strathclyde, the GREAT Scholarships programme, launched by the British Council along with 49 UK universities, supports postgraduate students from Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam to access world-class UK higher education opportunities. The scholarship programme offers financial support of a minimum of 10,000 to a student pursuing a one-year postgraduate course within the Faculty of Engineering at Strathclyde. The applicants should be passport holders of India, Malaysia or Thailand, mentioned the press release. Number of scholarships: 1 scholarship available for students from either India, Malaysia or Thailand Value: 10,000 Deadline: May 3, 2024 Duration: One year MSc Subject eligibility Biomedical engineering, Chemical engineering, Civil & environmental engineering, Design manufacture & engineering management, Electronic & electrical engineering, Mechanical & aerospace engineering, Naval architecture ocean & marine engineering, Aeronautical engineering, Civil engineering, Environmental engineering, Mechanical engineering, Naval architecture, Ocean engineering, Renewable energy, Marine Engineering. Eligibility Criteria: There is 1 scholarship available to a student from either India, Malaysia, or Thailand. To be considered applicants should typically have a 2:1 (or equivalent) in their undergraduate degree and have an offer for a postgraduate course within the Faculty of Engineering for September 2024 intake. For more information, visit the official website. The West Bengal Board examination results for 10th (Madhyamik) and 12th are expected to be out by mid-May this year. This was informed by sources to HT Digital. Once the results are out, students will be able to check their scores on the official website wbresults.nic.in and wbchse.wb.gov.in. West Bengal Class 10 and 12 board exam results expected to be out by mid-May, as told by sources to HT Digital. (HT File Image) Students will be able to check their results using their roll number. Once declared, the following steps can be used to check the results: Visit the official website wbresults.nic.in or wbchse.wb.gov.in. On the homepage, click on the result link for Class 10 or 12th results as required. Log in with your credentials and click on submit. Check your results. Download and keep a printout for future reference. The original marksheets can be procured from the respective schools. Also read: WB NMMS Result 2023-24 out, direct links to check district-wise merit lists Details to look out for in mark sheet: Name of the student Roll number Subject-wise marks Total marks/Grades obtained Percentage Also read: Super 30 founder Anand Kumar to launch online educational platform for the poor Notably, the Class 10 matric exams were held from February 2 and 12, 2024, wherein over 8 lakh students appeared for the examination. Likewise, the class 12 board exams were held from February 16th to February 29th, 2024. In 2023, the Class 10 results were declared on May 19, 2023. The overall pass percentage was 86.15%. Out of the total 6,82,321 students who appeared in the exam, 5,65,428 candidates passed the WB Madhyamik examination last year. Similarly, the Class 12 Board exam results were announced on May 24, 2023. The overall pass percentage was 89.25 percent. Besides, a total of 8,24,891 candidates appeared for the Class 12 board exam last year, out of which 7,37,807 candidates passed the examination. Also read: University of Strathclyde & British Council together are offering a scholarship School Education Department, West Bengal, has announced results of the National Merit cum Means Scholarship (NMMS) examination, 2023. Students and parents can check the WB NMMS results on the official website, scholarships.wbsed.gov.in. The West Bengal government has uploaded the district-wise list of selected candidates along with their marks. WB NMMS Result 2023-24 declared(Getty Images/iStockphoto) WB NMMS result 2024: District-wise list of selected candidates Before announcing results, the West Bengal School Education Department had released provisional answer keys and invited objections from candidates till December 26. Candidates' feedback was taken into consideration for preparing the final answer key. NMMS is a centrally sponsored scholarship scheme for students whose parental income is below 3.5 lakh per annum. Students who study in government-recognised/government-aided schools/local bodies and government-sponsored schools, including Madrasahs without residential facility, can apply for the NMMS scholarship. Further, they need to score at least 55 per cent marks in the Class 7 final examination to be eligible to apply for the scholarship. Five per cent relaxation has been given to SC, ST and disabled candidates. Dibakar Banerjee is one director who never misses. His 2010 film Love Sex Aur Dhokha was a watershed moment in Hindi Cinema; for its courageous and thrilling use of handheld camera and CCTV footage to tell three stories of deceit and voyeurism. After a decade he is back with a sequel, and this time around, he aims to position the camera through the layers of social media and how it has overshadowed our perception of truth and reality. (Also read: Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2 trailer: Bold, in-your-face look at digital generation, where influencers reign supreme. Watch) Dibakar Banerjee reveals how both the LSD films are different from each other. In this exclusive chat with Hindustan Times, the director was joined with the actors of his new film- Bonita Rajpurohit who plays Kulu; Abhinav Singh who plays Gamepaapi and Paritosh who plays Noor, to talk in detail about the film, how it is entirely different from the first LSD and more. Dibakar, I was reading one of your old interviews during the release of the first LSD where you had said that the presence of camera can alter the truth. Now that LSD2 is here after 15 years, are we also moving towards the time when social media has also altered the version of truth? I think it is saying more. I think what we are saying is that we are living with two or three contradictory truths at the same time. Every moment of us. We are not living one truth, we are living the truth of our physical lives; we are living the absolute, indelible truth of our virtual avatars; we are living the truth of our Instagram feeds. All of them are truths! In fact there is a line in our film where a judge in a reality show says, What a truth! Maza aa gaya! So I think we are living with many truths. Truth is no longer binary. That's what LSD 2 is about There are many, many things possible and all those possible things are happening at the same time. Were the stories and characters for the segments always in place for LSD2? How much of it was improvised as you were shooting the film? Dibakar: Oh, no nothing was improvised! We had all the stories in mind but I did not have them. I had very rough ideas of what the three stories could be. But it was Prateek Vats and Shubham- my co-writers who came up with the stories and then we collaborated together. I don't think without them we would have had this film, so the screenplay is not completely my baby. They stood there and said, This is wrong, this is bad, this is good. Their presence is deeply there in the film- their thoughts and their ideas and their concerns. To Abhinav, tell me a little bit about your character- who is called Gamepaapi! The name is 10/10! By the promos he looks positively unhinged. What was the process like, in creating this person with Dibakar? Abhinav: Yes, I agree! The name is 10/10! I was totally in contrast with the character. I don't like playing indoor games- any indoor games for that matter. I don't even like chess! I am more of an outgoing person, but also an introvert. But for preparing for this character, we had 40-45 days of workshop which Dibakar sir and our trainer Ritesh sir; and they had a lot of reference for me to watch out for and to prepare. I had to reduce a lot of weight which helped me get into the mindset of the character. Dibakar: He was all jacked up like a Bollywood star! (laughs) Bonita, coming to you- from the character promo that we saw a few days ago, there was this beautiful line where you said that you discovered a lot about yourself by watching films- through Cinema. Tell me a little about that, and also how do you wish to see trans representation on screen moving forward. Bonita: This also relates to this conversation that is happening all the time. Because when I was growing up I would see trans characters on screen. In Indian mainstream films we would not see a lot of representation than in the foreign films. I would say that has impacted me to a great extent and has inspired me to be one on screen. I just had a dream but I had no idea how I would achieve this thing. The characters that really moved me were Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl, or Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club. These were films where the trans characters were played by a male actor. It did not matter for me by whom it was played by. It did speak to me and it did come out as honest, which is what really inspired me to a great extent. Paritosh, your character Noor is going through their own transition- physically and mentally. It is an aspect that we have rarely encountered in Hindi Cinema, so what was your reference point? Paritosh: Haha! My reference point was Bonita! She was there throughout. When I was there Bonita was also doing her workshops. She was right there, in front of me, a person whom I could talk to. I could understand her journey. The transition of what we see in the film- these are topics which I was not aware in the beginning. I am hoping that now whoever sees the film they also understand what the transition feels; what the process is. I re-watched the first LSD a few weeks ago and the film still has that sting even after all these years. Which left me wondering what were your reactions when you watched the film for the first time? Dibakar: I haven't watched it in the last 13 years. After Ektaa told me that Lets make LSD2,' I completely walked away from the film because two things happen. When you look at something that you have done in the past, it tries to weigh you down. I did not want that weight on my soldiers. Another thing is that there is no similarity between LSD and LSD2, except the fact that we are carrying on three stories which are interconnected very crazily in time. But there is no other similarity because LSD was about the camera slowly infiltrating into our lives and LSD2 is about us living for the camera. It is the direct opposite! So those stories would not have been possible in 2024. And the stories that we are telling today would not have been possible to imagine in 2010. So I have forgotten LSD. Only LSD2 remains for me. Of course I made the film so I have a vague idea of what LSD is about but beyond that really no! Abhinav: I was asked to not watch the film and when the film released I was just 8 years-old! That time I was not allowed to watch and now when we were preparing the character, Dibakar sir did not allow me! I just watched it 2 weeks ago and I found it really crazy! It was really amazing! Dibakar: Abhi aur kya hi bolega (What else can he say now)? (laughs) Kahi pe boring lagi LSD (Did you find it boring at any place)? Abhinav: Nahi Sir, kahi pe boring nahi lagi (No, not even once)! Bonita: Same as what Abhinav said! We were not told to see the film even when I asked. Dibakar Sir has said this before, it is like a new generation. A story that deals with the internet obsession and the Gen-Z so yeah that's why we never really watched it. Paritosh: For me it was the other way round! When I was first getting the call for Dibakar's film, I was asked whether I watched LSD. To which I said, No, I haven't. That day itself I went home and watched it and I found it to be very crazy! Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2 is set to release in theatres on April 19, 2024. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Parineeti Chopra has been receiving accolades for portraying Amarjot Kaur in Diljit Dosanjh's Amar Singh Chamkila. The musical biopic by Imtiaz Ali is Parineeti's first release of 2024. The actor recently expressed her emotions in a heartfelt note dedicated to her fans posted on her social media handles. (Also read: Priyanka Chopra gives a shoutout to Parineeti Chopra for Amar Singh Chamkila; check out her response) Parineeti Chopra pens emotional note for her fans. Parineeti Chopra gets emotional about Amar Singh Chamkila Parineeti took to Instagram and shared her pictures from Amar Singh Chamkila. She captioned her post as, Curled up in my blanket. Overwhelmed with your words, calls, and movie reviews. (tears are not stopping) PARINEETI IS BACK. These words are ringing loud. Hadnt thought of this. Yes I am back, and not going anywhere! A fan commented, "Parineeti Era is Back!!!!! (three hearts and three hands emojis). Another user wrote, Im glad you came back with such amazing performance, always loved you since the beginning, thank God. You shine like a star in this movie because you deserve it. A fan also wrote, Chamkila is incredibly compelling and brought so much depth to the story. Your ability to convey Amar Jot was truly captivating. Your dedication to your craft shines through in every scene, and it's clear that you poured your heart and soul into this role. Thank you for your outstanding talent and for bringing such authenticity to the screen. (blessings emoji) keep shining Love from Pakistan Earlier, Parineeti wrote a post recalling her shooting experience on Amar Singh Chamkila. She shared a reel with Diljit and wrote, Diljit and I had the privilege of playing the role of two legends who changed the music landscape in India recreating their famous images in the film and seeing them again today gives me goosebumps. Cannot wait to share the world of Chamkila with everyone (two hearts emojis) #Chamkila Wouldnt have been the same without my jodidaar @diljitdosanjh! Amar Singh Chamkila has music by AR Rahman and is currently streaming on Netflix. Arbaaz wrote the wrong statements about the family being unaffected by the incident, are being floated by the media. The actor said that the happening was disturbing and unnerving. Arbaaz's statement He wrote, "The recent incident of firing by two unidentified person on a motorcycle at Galaxy apartment the residence of the Salim Khan family is very disturbing and unnerving. Our family has been taken aback by this shocking incident that took place. Unfortunately some people claiming to be close to our family and pretending to be the spokesperson have been making loose statements to the media saying it's all a publicity stunt and the family remains unaffected which is not true and these views should not be taken seriously. No member of the Salim Khan family has made any statement regarding this incident to the media. At this time the family is helping and cooperating with the police in the investigation of this untoward incident. We have faith in the Mumbai police and we have been assured they will do everything in their capacity to protect and secure our family. Thank you everyone for your love and support, he wrote. What happened? The incident, which occurred on a Sunday morning, saw two unidentified individuals opening fire outside Khan's residence, prompting swift action from law enforcement. According to preliminary findings, the assailants arrived at the scene on a motorcycle, covering their faces under helmets, indicating a "meticulously planned attack. The transfer of the case to the Mumbai Crime Branch signifies a crucial step in the ongoing investigation, as multiple teams work diligently to unravel the details behind this brazen attack. The incident has sparked heightened tension and scrutiny, with both the public and authorities eagerly awaiting further updates on the investigation. After the news of the firing broke, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke to Salman over the phone regarding the incident. Shinde also discussed with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and suggested increasing Salman Khan's security. A few media portals reported that Salim Khan had called it a publicity stunt and that the family was calm and alright. Kannada film producer and businessman Soundarya Jagadish died following an alleged suicide attempt, police and sources close to him told PTI on Sunday. The producer allegedly attempted suicide on Sunday morning in his residence at Mahalakshmi Layout in Bengaluru, they said. Soundarya Jagadish died on Sunday following an alleged suicide attempt. Jagadish had no health issues, says friend Jagadish's friend Shreyas told reporters, according to PTI, Jagadish has died following a suicide attempt. We brought him to hospital, where he was declared dead. Further procedures are underway to know what was the reason. There were no health issues; we are unable to tell you the reason suddenly. To a question regarding Jagadish being served a bank notice recently and whether that could have been the cause, he said, No, it has no connection with this. That issue has been there for some time now. Business issues are different. Shreyas also rejected misleading reports that the death was due to cardiac arrest. He said, On getting to know, he was immediately rushed to the hospital this morning...he had attempted suicide by hanging. Jagadish's death to be investigated, says police Police said investigations are on and all due process will be followed. Indian Express reported DCP (North) Saidulu Adavath saying that Jagadishs wife had filed a complaint. We are investigating the case from all angles. Recently, his mother-in-law passed away and he was depressed because he was attached to her. He was also under medication for stress, he told the media. Jagadish, who also owned a pub in the city, was also a builder and businessman along with being a film producer. According to reports, the pub was recently involved in a controversy following late night partying by some film personalities and crew, resulting in a temporary cancellation of its licence. Jagadish has produced several films including Snehitaru, Appu and Pappu, Mast Maja Maadi and Ramleela. With inputs from PTI Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place It took two nurses from Kerala to end a devastatingly long spell of absence from Palme d'Or contention for Indian cinema. Prabha and Anu, the central characters of Mumbai-born director Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light, have helped India return to the prestigious competition section of the Cannes film festival, frequented for decades by masters like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen. (Also Read: Is Cannes Film Festival heavily tilted towards English-language fare this time?) All We Imagine As Light is the first Indian film to compete for the Palme d'Or in 30 years The last Indian film to vie for the top prize in Cannes was Swaham (My Own), directed by Malayalam filmmaker Shaji N Karun, in 1994. Both Shaji and Kapadia are alumni of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Two Malayalam actors Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha play the lead roles of the nurses in All We Imagine As Light, a Hindi and Malayalam language production. Mumbai-born Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light is the first Indian film to compete for the Palme d'Or, the top prize of the Cannes film festival, in three decades When Swaham was selected to the Cannes competition, sitting along with Karun on the high table of world cinema 30 years ago were cinema legends Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski (Three Colours: Red), Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami (Through the Olive Trees) and Chinese director Zhang Yimou (To Live). A newcomer from America called Quentin Tarantino walked away with the Palme d'Or that year for his debut film, Pulp Fiction. This year at the Cannes festival, to be held during May 14-25, Kapadia will be joined in the Palme d'Or race by cinematic heavy weights like American director Francis Ford Coppola, Canadian director David Cronenberg, Chinese director Jia Zhangke, French director Jacques Audiard, Italian director Paolo Sorrentino and another American legend, Paul Schrader. Coppola and Audiard are former winners of the Cannes top prize. The last Indian film in the prestigious Cannes competition section was Malayalam director Shaji N Karun's Swaham in 1994 The official selection to the competition section and other categories, including Un Certain Regard for new voices in world cinema that this year includes Indian-origin director Sandhya Suri's debut feature film, Santosh, was announced in Paris on April 11. No Indian film has won the Palme d'Or so far, including Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali in 1956, a miss still rued by the cinema world as a momentous error. Pather Panchali, part of the competition section, was instead bestowed the Best Human Document award in Cannes. Among the firsts in the Indian film industry to congratulate Kapadia on creating history was Karun, who walked the red carpet 30 years ago wearing a traditional dhoti and shirt to present Swaham. Shaji N Karun (middle) at the world premiere of Swaham in Cannes 30 years ago "Indian cinema should take Payal Kapadia's lead in the future," says Karun, who sees the young Mumbai-based director imbibing a higher standard of cinematic philosophy that gives her works a rare sense of aesthetics and visual language. "Payal has the rare ability to recognise the disappearing light and sound in front her to make cinema enlightening," says Karun who, as head of jury at the 2020 Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), awarded the Most Innovative and Experimental Film prize to her short film, And What Is The Summer Saying. "Payal's gender interpretations in her works allow them to stand out in Indian cinema," adds Karun, who won a Camera d'Or Mention in Cannes for his debut film, Piravi, in 1989. "There was a mistake in Payal's film submission to MIFF and we immediately ensured it was corrected and the award was presented because a work of art needs respect over an error on the paper," says Karun, who remembers lugging a heavy steel box containing the reels of Swaham with FTII batchmate Sukhwant Singh Dadha to the customs office in Santa Cruz, Mumbai in 1994. And What is the Summer Saying, which premiered at the Berlin festival in 2018, went on to win the Special Jury Prize at the International Documentary Film Festival, Amsterdam, the top global event in the documentary genre. Kapadia is no stranger to Cannes. In 2017, Kapadia's short film, Afternoon Clouds, became the first FTII student film to be selected by the Cannes festival for its film school competition, now called La Cinef. The point of departure for All We Imagine As Light, the story of two nurses from Kerala working at a Mumbai hospital, was the director's experience of living with her nonagenarian grandmother who required a nurse day and night for care, the subject of Afternoon Clouds. Payal Kapadia's short film, Afternoon Clouds, was the first Indian film to be selected for the Cannes festival's competition for film schools around the world in 2017 At the height of coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Kapadia, daughter of famous artist Nalini Malani whose 2017 painting is also titled All We Imagine as Light, became the first Indian to be selected to the Cannes festival's Cinefondation Residence programme for young directors from around the world working on their first or second feature films. Her virtual pitch was All We Imagine As Light. Previous participants of Cannes Cinefondation Residence programme included Lebanese actor-director Nadine Labaki, nominated for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2019 for Capernaum, Hungarian Laszlo Nemes who won the 2016 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for Son of Saul, and acclaimed Romanian director Corneliu Porumboiu. All We Imagine As Light portrays the sensitive gender and cultural politics in the country in the story of two nurses Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and Anu (Divya Prabha) from Kerala who work in a nursing home in Mumbai. When Prabha receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, it throws her life into disarray. Anu, her younger roommate, meanwhile searches for a spot to be intimate with her boyfriend. Forced to take a day trip to a beach town, the two nurses leave behind the rules that have governed their lives so far. In 2019, Kapadia's project received the Rotterdam International Film Festival's 9000-euro (approximately 800,000 rupees) Hubert Bals Bright Futures Fund for script and project development. Kapadia began writing All We Imagine As Light in 2017, but didn't develop it till late 2018 when she was invited to participate in the PJLF Three Rivers writing residency in Rome. In 2021, Kapadia's A Night of Knowing Nothing, a film set in the backdrop of student protests in the country and part of the Directors' Fortnight parallel selection in Cannes, won the Golden Eye Award for Best Documentary beating tough competition from such filmmakers as American director Oliver Stone (JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass), British director Andrea Arnold's Cow, and American director Todd Haynes (The Velvet Underground). Andrea Arnold's new film, Bird, is a contender for the Palme d'Or, an award Indian cinema would be spurring Kapadia to bring home for the first time ever. Payal Kapadia's A Night of Knowing Nothing, part of the Directors' Fortnight parallel selection, won the Golden Eye Award for Best Documentary in Cannes in 2021 Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place. A group of 21 retired judges have written to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud urging him to take action against the attempts to undermine the judiciary". This comes days after hundreds of prominent lawyers across the country wrote a similar letter to the CJI, sparking a political row. CJI Justice DY Chandrachud (PTI photo)(PTI) In their letter, the retired judges pressed on the escalating attempts by "certain factions to undermine the judiciary through calculated pressure, misinformation, and public disparagement". They also alleged that the critics of the judiciary are motivated by narrow political motives and personal interests. Though the retired judges, including four from the apex court, did not specify the incidents which prompted them to write to the CJI, their letter came amid a war of words between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition parties over the actions against some opposition leaders in corruption cases. The retired judges who signed the letter, including Deepak Verma, Krishna Murari, Dinesh Maheshwari and MR Shah, accused the critics of having insidious methods to sway the judiciary by casting aspersions on the integrity of courts and the judges. The letter titled, need to safeguard judiciary from unwarranted pressure, reads, Such actions not only disrespect the sanctity of our judiciary but also pose a direct challenge to the principles of fairness and impartiality that judges, as guardians of the law, have sworn to uphold. The retired judges further accused these groups of having propaganda of baseless theories which have the intent to malign the reputation of the judiciary, and influence the judicial outcomes in their favour. This behaviour, we observe, is particularly pronounced in the cases and causes of social, economic and political significance, including the cases involving certain individuals, wherein the lines between advocacy and manoeuvring are blurred to the detriment of judicial independence, the letter further states. "The practice of selectively praising judicial decisions that align with one's views while vehemently criticising those that do not, undermines the very essence of judicial review and the rule of law," they said. The letter concluded by urging the judiciary led by the Supreme Court to uphold the sanctity of the legal system by fortifying against these pressures. (With inputs from PTI) A six-year-old boy, who fell into a 70-foot-deep open borewell in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh on April 12, died on Sunday, ending a multi-agency rescue operation that lasted for over 40 hours, police said. Chief minister Mohan Yadav later suspended two senior officials from Janpad Teonthar for negligence. We faced many difficulties due to water and rocky ground, NDRF deputy commandant Prem Kumar Paswan said (ANI) According to the police, Mayank Kol fell into the open borewell while playing at Manika village, located close to the Uttar Pradesh border, at around 3 pm on Friday. He was stuck at a depth of around 40 feet, an official said. State Disaster Emergency Response Force, National Disaster Response Force and local administration were engaged in the rescue operation, but the boy was found unresponsive on Sunday. We faced many difficulties due to water and rocky ground, NDRF deputy commandant Prem Kumar Paswan said. A parallel pit was dug up using eight JCB machines. After digging more than 60 feet, water came out, and the rescue operation had to be stopped. After removing the water, we drilled to create a tunnel, but found hard soil and started digging manually. The rescue team was able to reach Mayank at around 1.45 pm on Sunday, but he was unresponsive, he added. Expressing grief over the death, the CM posted on X: Instructions have been given to suspend Chief Executive Officer of Janpad Teonthar and Sub Divisional Officer of Public Health Engineering, Teonthar. He further assured the childs family 4 lakh ex-gratia from the Red Cross fund. More overseas universities, educational institutions seeking cooperation with China 14:30, April 15, 2024 By Chen Xi ( Global Times Promotional material for the China Study Abroad Forum. Photo: Courtesy of CSCSE More overseas universities and educational institutions are seeking cooperation with China. At the China Study Abroad Forum in Beijing on Friday, officials and scholars from China and overseas pointed out that global education is facing challenges amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), and more cultural and educational exchanges are needed. With a theme of "embracing challenges, creating a shared future for a new landscape of studying abroad," the forum is intended as a platform for discussion of the crucial role of cultural and educational exchanges. Ren Youqun, a professor of Education at Shandong University, highlighted the widening gap in higher education due to the rapid proliferation of AI. He emphasized at the forum the imperative of redefining education through comprehensive digital transformation, as well as systemic reforms in teaching methodologies, institutional governance, and quality assurance mechanisms. During the event, universities and educational institutions from Australia and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on further deepening education cooperation with Chinese educational institutions. Wang Daquan, director of the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), a public institution affiliated to China's Ministry of Education, reiterated the institution's commitment to fostering international collaboration and facilitating the global talent development agenda of higher education institutions. He offered the example that the China-US youth innovation contest has attracted nearly 10,000 young people from China and the US, further solidifying the foundation of friendship between the peoples of the two countries. Rebecca Needham, a political counsellor with the New Zealand Embassy in China, shared her experience of studying in China in the 1980s, and spoke of transformation through cross-cultural interactions as well as the pivotal role of education exchanges in bridging cultural divides. In reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between China and New Zealand, she highlighted recent diplomatic engagements between the two nations, including visits by foreign ministers and trade officials. Many experts told the Global Times that with China's growing national strength, more international students are showing interest in studying in China. Cary Anderson, executive vice chancellor at Wenzhou-Kane University, outlined the university's efforts to attract students through diverse programs, emphasizing the value of experiential learning through interactions with Chinese businesses. "Just last month, we had students who are MBA students come, and they did a couple of courses at our university and visited Chinese businesses. After the tour, they showed a strong interest and they want to come back," he told the Global Times. Tim Hubbard, head of East Asia Recruitment and Partnerships at the University of East Anglia, expressed optimism about the renewed demand for studying in China, citing his own positive experiences. He emphasized the potential for students to leverage their skills gained in China to forge connections with their home countries, fostering greater global engagement. "I have some very good friends, one from Argentina, one from Macedonia, one from the Czech Republic. And they're all back in their home countries now, working for organizations connected with China," he told the Global Times. On Friday afternoon, an event themed "My Beautiful Encounter with China" was held, where outstanding international students shared their experiences through speeches, alongside the launch of an overseas social media competition promoting essays and short videos on the theme. Wang said the seventh edition of the My Beautiful Encounter with China book and short video contest for international students studying in China garnered over 800 stories about China from students from more than 80 countries who came to study in China. Rhett Miller, senior trade and investment commissioner for Greater China Trade and Investment, Queensland China Office, told the Global Times that as China continues to position itself as a hub for global education, partnerships forged through initiatives like the China Study Abroad Forum are poised to shape the future of education, fostering greater cross-cultural understanding and collaboration on a global scale. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Tomales Bay, where a group of boaters capsized Saturday. Loren Elliott/Special to the Chronicle A pleasure craft capsized in rough and stormy waters on Tomales Bay on Saturday afternoon, causing seven people to require rescue after being thrown into the icy cold. According to a Marin County Fire Department post on Facebook, the incident happened at around 3 p.m. when a call came in that six adults and one child were in the water clinging to a capsized boat. Five separate agencies, including the Marin and Sonoma County Fire Departments, the California Highway Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the call. The rescue involved two helicopters, three rescue watercraft, a lifeboat, a safe boat, two fire engines and two ambulances. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The boaters were found holding onto the overturned vessel, which was mostly submerged. Crew on the rescue craft plucked them from the water and took them to Miller Boat Launch, located in Miller Park, Marshall. All seven were found to be suffering from cold exposure. Four victims were released after rescue personnel applied warming measures. Three were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. A video posted to the fire department Facebook page showed cold-looking boaters being hustled across a parking lot to waiting rescue vehicles. The Marin County Fire Department would like to remind all boaters and coastal visitors that the waters in our area can be extremely hazardous, the post concluded. Please use caution and plan accordingly when visiting our unique and beautiful coastline. Separately, four people were rescued Sunday after their vessel capsized off the coast of San Franciscos Ocean Beach. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund will convene this week for their Spring Meetings in Washington DC, where discussions will hold major implications for the worlds ability to combat climate crisis as they delve into reforming multilateral development banks (MDBs) to provide more climate finance to poor and vulnerable countries. MDBs are the primary channels for climate finance to developing countries (AFP) The shape of MDB reforms will be key to the speed and availability of climate finance to developing countries, which in turn would form a crucial foundation for the COP29 UN Climate Conference in November, where countries will be faced with the prospect of scaling up commitment. UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell emphasised last week that the World Banks Spring Meetings, from April 17-19, will be crucial in addressing significant gaps in climate finance. Stiell warned that the world has only two more years to avert climate catastrophe and a climate finance deal will be crucial to be reached at this years climate talks, set to be held in Baku. This deal will inspire countries to upgrade their climate commitments in 2025 for COP30 in Brazil to keep global warming under 1.5C, Stiell said in a speech on April 11, as reported by HT. MDBs are the primary channels for climate finance to developing countries. Experts say that progress made by the World Bank and IMF on reforms to increase their lending capacity will improve the chances of achieving a new, ambitious, and deliverable climate finance goal. The main reforms expected are from the G20 recommendations on the Capital Adequacy Framework (CAF), which would allow banks to expand lending without losing their high credit ratings. Based on country submissions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), developing countries are unlikely to agree to upgrade their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to meet the 1.5-degree goal or make their mitigation plans economy-wide without a reliable finance deal on the New Collective Quantified Goal on Finance (NCQG). This goes will supersede the $100 billion funding target agreed upon in 2009. The next financial goal Indias submission to the UNFCCC in February stated that the NCQG should align with the needs of developing countries, and developed countries should provide at least $1 trillion per year, primarily in grants and concessional finance. The Southern Common Market bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) emphasized in their UNFCCC submission last month that the NCQG discussions are among the most consequential in the collective fight against climate change. The bloc stated that the NCQGs ambition level will determine the ambition in mitigation and adaptation commitments when parties are working on their next NDCs, to be submitted 9-12 months before COP30 in November 2025. The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) submitted that the NCQG must provide clarity and predictability for further ambition and action by developing countries, particularly on international financial support for current and future conditional NDCs. The Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) bloc, which includes India, has submitted that the NCQG must build upon the lessons learned from the unmet $100 billion target. According to the Independent High-Level Expert Group in Climate Finance (IHLEG), measures being implemented by MDBs could lead to a 40% increase in annual lending capacity (approximately $300-400 billion) over the next decade. Rachel Kyte, professor of Practice in Climate Policy at Oxford Universitys Blavatnik School of Government, urged the World Bank and IMF to step up with bolder approaches and for their shareholders to increase the systems capital. Irans recent attack on Israel and growing tensions have raised concerns about potential distractions for countries at the Spring Meetings and the possibility of derailing finance talks. Harjeet Singh, Loss and Damage expert and Global Engagements director at the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, warned that wars divert crucial political attention and financial resources away from climate action and sustainable development while increasing fossil fuel emissions through military operations. Wars increase fossil fuel emissions through military operations; every tank and jet in use pushes us further from our climate targets, exacerbating the environmental and climate injustices faced by the most vulnerable, Singh added, saying peace is the foundation upon which we must build our efforts for a safe future. Arvind Kejriwal News highlights: The Supreme Court heard a plea of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and his subsequent remand in connection with the Delhi excise policy case today. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued notice to the ED on Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging the Delhi high court order that had upheld his arrest in the case....Read More The bench asked the ED to file a reply to the plea by April 24, and said the matter would be heard in the week commencing April 29. Kejriwal was arrested in connection with the money laundering probe linked to the alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy on March 21 and is currently lodged in Tihar jail. His judicial custody was extended till April 15 in the last hearing. Earlier, the AAP leader had moved the top court challenging a Delhi high court judgment that dismissed his plea on April 9. According to the high court, the ED had sufficient materials to justify the arrest, adding that it was an inevitable consequence of his non-cooperation with the probe agency. The court also observed that the central agency could not be blamed for choosing the timing of the chief minister's arrest. Delhi excise policy case The Delhi excise policy case pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22. The policy was later scrapped after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena sought a CBI probe into the policy alleging irregularities. According to a chargesheet filed by the CBI and ED, some AAP leaders accepted 100 crore as kickbacks from a group of politicians and liquor businessmen to grant licenses to them under the excise policy. There was an involvement of certain South Group in the alleged irregularities, the central agencies said. The chargesheet also mentioned that all the accused in the case were allegedly in touch with Kejriwal to formulate the excise policy that resulted in undue benefits to them in return for which they paid kickbacks to the party. Rampur , The absence of Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from Rampur has left party loyalists conflicted. Should they vote for the alternative offered by the party or retain allegiance to the stalwart who dominated the local politics for five decades? HT Image Khan, is currently lodged in Sitapur jail, serving a seven-year sentence. His politician wife Tazeen Fatima and their younger son, former MLA Abdullah Azam, too are in jail. That leaves nobody from the family to contest the Lok Sabha polls from the constituency that was once seen as their stronghold. In Azam's absence, the SP has fielded Mohibullah Nadvi, a cleric at a mosque located on Delhi's Parliament Street. But Khans close aide Asim Raja too had filed his nomination papers from Rampur describing himself an SP candidate and there was confusion for several hours over who was the authorised party nominee. Raja, however, is now out of the race as his nomination papers were rejected during scrutiny. Thanks to Khan, Rampur had been an SP bastion for long. While Khan is a hero to many, the BJP has accused him of stalling progress in the area and bringing a rule of injustice. In the last bypoll, the BJPs Ghanshayam Lodhi won the parliamentary constituency, in which over 40 per cent voters are Muslim. The BJP has fielded Lodhi again, and he could gain if SP supporters turn out to be not too keen on Khan's replacement. Since Khan is in jail, the local SP unit had wanted party president Akhilesh Yadav himself to contest from Rampur. District SP president Ajay Sagar had even said party workers would boycott electioneering if Yadav didnt agree. "We are deeply saddened that this time neither mantri ji nor any member of his family is in the electoral fray. We are missing him a lot," he told PTI on the "confusion". "Every possible effort will be made to make the candidate sent by the party win," he added. Sagar earlier alleged that the district administration has been threatening Muslim voters in recent years and asking them not to cast their vote. So the SP needed a stalwart like Yadav to step in, he argued. Yadav met Khan in jail last month, triggering speculation that the Muslim leader had requested him to contest the election from Rampur. During his campaign, Nadvi has been calling Azam Khan his "bade bhai" , and asking people to vote for him so that the leader is freed from jail. The Khans were convicted over Abdullah Azam's fake birth certificate, allegedly obtained so that the upcoming leader could fight an election. Khans elder son Adeeb Azam has kept himself away from politics. Azam Khan has been the MLA from Rampur Sadar seat 10 times and was elected an MP from Rampur Lok Sabha constituency once in 2019. But he vacated the parliamentary seat in 2022 after being elected an MLA from Rampur Sadar. His "favourite" Asim Raja then contested the Lok Sabha seat, only to be defeated by Ghanshyam Lodhi. Khan suffered another blow when he was disqualified from the assembly after being sentenced in a case of hate speech. This time, the BJP's Akash Saxena defeated Raja. There are five assembly constituencies in the district. Bilaspur, Rampur Sadar and Milak are held by the BJP, and Swar Tanda by BJP ally Apna Dal . Only Chamraua seat is now with the SP. Rampur will vote in the first phase of polling on April 19. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Punjab chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior leader Bhagwant Mann on Monday met Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar jail. The meeting reportedly took place in the mulakat jangla (a room divided with a glass wall) in the jail and the two leaders spoke via intercom. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior leader and Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann (HT_PRINT) Following the meeting, Mann hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government over Kejriwal's arrest in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, saying that the chief minister is being treated like one of the biggest terrorists in the country. It was very sad to see that he is not getting the facilities that are available even to hardcore criminals. What's his fault? You're treating him as if you have caught one of the biggest terrorists in the country. What does PM Modi want? the Punjab CM questioned. Arvind Kejriwal who is 'kattar imaandaar' (honest man), who started the politics of transparency and ended the BJP's politics is being treated like this, he told the media. Mann further said when he asked about how he was doing, Kejriwal told him to forget it and instead inform him about how things are going in Punjab. Because we do the politics of work...AAP is a disciplined group, we all are together and standing firm with Arvind Kejriwal. When the results will be announced on June 4, AAP will rise as a big political power, he said. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in connection with the money laundering probe linked to the alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy and was sent to judicial custody till April 15 in the last hearing. He is the first sitting chief minister to be arrested in the case. On Monday, the Supreme Court sought a response from the ED on a plea filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta asked the probe agency to file a reply to the plea by April 24, adding that the matter would be heard in the week commencing April 29. (With inputs from ANI) Having fulfilled its long-pending promise of building a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its election manifesto now talks about holistic development of the city and developing other cultural and religious sites. Prime Minister Narendra Modi releases the BJP election manifesto in New Delhi on Sunday. (ANI Photo) In the manifesto released on Sunday, the BJP referred to the temples construction as peoples five-centuries-old dream that has become a reality. While there is a demand from certain sections, including offshoots of the BJPs ideological parent RSS, to push for the construction of temples in Mathura and the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, the manifesto restricts itself to a generic assurance to save culture and heritage. Under the subhead of Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi, the manifesto says the party will undertake significant new projects to develop religious and tourist sites inspired by the Kashi Vishwanath corridor model, across the length and breadth of our country. As millions of devotees from around the world visit Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, we are committed to the holistic development of the city, it said. To be sure, the government has already begun efforts to develop the city as a religious tourism destination for millions of devotees expected to arrive to offer prayers at the temple that was consecrated on January 22. The promise to build a temple at the disputed site was incorporated in the manifesto after the BJP passed a resolution to push for the construction of the temple during a meeting in Palampur in 1989. Preservation and study of manuscripts, digitisation of manuscripts and epigraphs in mission mode and a dedicated scholarship programme to research ancient Bharatiya manuscripts and epigraphs are also on the agenda. In line with the partys ideological commitment, the manifesto promises the establishment of Bharatiya Sanskriti Kosh to ensure the preservation and protection of ancient Bharatiya civilisation, classical languages, culture, and traditions through the extensive use of technology. The RSS and its offshoots have been pushing the government to revisit the curriculum, particularly the history that is taught in schools and colleges. They also want India system of education to be researched and developed. Keeping in with the demand, the manifesto proposes organising a triennial international conclave on Bharatiya Knowledge Traditions and expediting the construction of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, featuring millennia of Bharatiya history and work towards making it one of the most liked museums in the world. For the first time in decades, the manifesto mentions Article 370, but as a promise that was delivered. Referring to the August 2019 revocation of the provision that gave the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir special status, the manifesto claims that revoking Article 370 led to a significant reduction in violence in Jammu and Kashmir. In the 2019 manifesto, the party had underlined its commitment to remove the provision, dubbing it anti-women. We reiterate our position since the time of the Jan Sangh to the abrogation of Article 370. We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir. We believe that Article 35A is an obstacle in the development of the state, the previous manifesto said. The manifesto, which mentions Jammu and Kashmir only once, also makes no mention of ensuring the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, a promise that was included in the earlier manifesto. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has produced many political leaders. No alumnus of the prestigious university has perhaps had a meteoric rise lately as Kanhaiya Kumar even as his critics have associated him with tukde tukde gang, a term used for alleged supporters of secessionism. Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar. (PTI) In the usually regimented Communist Party of India, he became a national face and contested the 2019 national polls from Bihars Begusarai but lost to Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Giriraj Singh. Kumar joined the Congress in 2021. He quickly rose to become a Congress national spokesperson and the in-charge of the partys student wing, the National Students Union of India. On Sunday, the Congress named Kumar as its Lok Sabha candidate from North East Delhi, one of the three seats it is contesting in the Capital in alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Congress is believed to have been keen on fielding Kumar from Begusarai. Kumars candidature in Delhi became certain after state Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely told the party Central Election Committee on April 5 that he was not keen on contesting the Lok Sabha polls, a party leader said. Former member of Parliament (MP) Sandeep Dikshit was another contender. Kumar had the backing of at least two key leaders including communications chief Jairam Ramesh, said the Congress leader, requesting anonymity. JP Agarwal (Chandni Chowk) and Udit Raj (North West Delhi) are the two other Congress candidates in the Capital. Congress names six Punjab candidates In Punjab, the Congress on Sunday named six Lok Sabha candidates, including former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi. The Congress renominated Amritsar and Fatehgarh Sahib MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Amar Singh. Former four-term Akali Dal assembly member Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu is the partys candidate from Bhatinda. Punjab assembly member Sukhpal Singh Khaira has been fielded from Sangrur. Former AAP MP Dharamvir Gandhi has been named as the Congresss candidate from Patiala. He is contesting against MP Prineet Kaur, who defected to the BJP from Congress. The ruling AAP and the Congress are contesting separately in Punjab. SC to hear Kejriwals plea The Supreme Court will on Monday hear Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals plea against a Delhi high court order dismissing his petition against his arrest and subsequent remand in connection with the now-scrapped 2021-22 Delhi excise policy case. The high court said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had sufficient material to justify the arrest. It said the arrest was an inevitable consequence of his non-cooperation with the ED, which summoned Kejriwal nine times in the case, but he did not appear before it. Mayawatis appeal to Muslims Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday promised concrete steps to make western Uttar Pradesh a separate state if the party is voted to power. She appealed to Muslims against splitting their votes, saying if they split, and go to the Congress, then the BJP would get the benefit as she launched the BSPs poll campaign in Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur. Mayawati said if free and fair elections are held and voting machines are not tampered with, the BJP will not return to power. TMC versus IT department The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday claimed the income tax (IT) department raided party general secretary Abhishek Banerjees helicopter. IT department, however, maintained a team was sent in a routine manner to collect information of the arrival of the helicopter in Malda to fulfil the mandate of coordinating with law enforcement agencies to ensure free and fair elections. TMC claimed the helicopter was raided as part of a deliberate BJP ploy to harass and intimidate opposition candidates whom they cannot engage with politically. In a post on X, the party said the chopper was undergoing a trial run when a team of IT officials arrived and extensively searched it Division in anti-DMK vote? The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has been in power in Tamil Nadu for three years. Despite anti-incumbency in some regions of the state, it is expected to do well in the Lok Sabha elections. Political experts say a divided opposition means that the anti-DMK votes are expected to split between the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the BJP. A section of voters in southern Tamil Nadu said that their primary issues against the ruling state government were lack of government jobs and price rise. It may not affect the DMK in the national elections, but the party was expected to face a tough fight in the 2026 assembly elections. India is set to complete by October 2024 the construction of a 2.7-km runway at the Nyoma airbase in Ladakh, a milestone in one of the most important ongoing projects near the contested border with China that will give the countrys infrastructure push along its farthest frontiers a shot in the arm, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) chief Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan said on Sunday. Work on to upgrade the runway at Nyoma airbase. (HT Photo) Also Read: India to soon upgrade Nyoma airfield near LAC with China for fighter operation Latest photographs, obtained by HT, show that work on upgrading the Nyoma airstrip to a full-fledged base for fighter operations is in full swing. The work comes in the shadow of a military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China that began almost four years ago. We have been working in shifts to speed up the project. Despite the difficult processes involved and the terrain, BRO has been able to mobilise its resources in time to ensure that the strategic capability is available to the Indian Air Force at the earliest. It will give the air force a basket of options, Srinivasan said. The 218-crore project, the foundation stone for which was laid by defence minister Rajnath Singh last September, is spearheaded by a crew of BRO women officers. Singh said at the time that the Nyoma airbase will be a game-changer for the armed forces. Also Read: Nyoma airfield in eastern Ladakh to be a game changer for armed forces, says Rajnath Allied infrastructure at the Nyoma airbase, including hangars, the air traffic control building and hard standing (hard-surfaced areas for parking vehicles and aircraft) will be ready by the end of next year, said Srinivasan, who took over as BRO chief in September 2023. It is one of the most important projects being executed by BRO in the Ladakh sector, he said. Colonel Ponung Doming, a woman combat engineer, is heading the project being executed at a height of 13,700 feet and 23km from LAC. The Nyoma airstrip was out of use for decades after the 1962 India-China war before IAF reactivated it in September 2009 and landed an AN-32 transport aircraft there for the first time. IAF has operated its C-130J special operations aircraft, AN-32s and helicopters from Nyoma in support of the militarys forward deployments, including during the ongoing LAC row with China. Nyoma is in a better and flatter valley than Leh and closer to LAC, and thus will prove to be a crucial airbase for the Indian Air Force, for both fighter and transport operations, said Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), the former director general of Centre for Air Power Studies. It will allow quicker launch of interdiction strikes, and troop and equipment insertion in the forward areas if needed. The recent trend of timely completion of infrastructure projects in border areas, including the Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, reflects the governments sharpened focus on enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces, Chopra added. On March 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Sela tunnel project to the country, with the infrastructure upgrade putting in the fast lane military mobility and logistics support for deployed forces in the strategic Tawang sector, where Indian soldiers hold posts close to the contested border with China. Indias border infrastructure push has been propelled by speedy execution of strategic projects to support military operations, increased spending, and focussed adoption of technology and techniques. BRO, which is at the centre of the Indias border infrastructure push, has completed 330 infrastructure projects at a cost of 8,737 crore in the last three years, and significantly improved the strategic mobility of the Indian armed forces along the contested border with China. These projects have supported the militarys pursuit of robust deterrence against the neighbour. China itself is on an unrelenting infrastructure push in the last four years (after the LAC standoff began in May 2020), as confirmed by satellite images. These works include the construction of new airbases, missile sites, roads, bridges, reinforced bunkers, underground facilities to protect military assets from aerial strikes, accommodation for soldiers and ammunition depots. In the latest development across LAC, China may have activated a second runway at the Hotan airbase in the Xinjiang region, reveals recent satellite imagery posted by Damien Symon, a geospatial intelligence researcher at the Intel Lab, on X. Almost 4 years after it began construction, the second runway at Hotan Airbase now appears operational, pivotal in supporting #Chinas aerial operations near #Ladakh this site has undergone infrastructural improvements aimed at boosting operational capability & efficacy, he wrote on April 8. Delhi's Rouse Avenue court on Monday sent BRS leader K Kavitha to judicial custody till April 23 in connection with the excise policy case. Kavitha, the daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, was produced before the court by CBI on the expiry of her three-day police custody. Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLC K Kavitha During the hearing, the CBI told the court that the BRS leader was not required for further custodial interrogation, reported PTI. Kavitha was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 15. Following her arrest, she was sent to CBI's custody till March 23. The CBI then arrested her on April 11 and lodged her in Tihar jail. Earlier a Delhi court reserved its order on interim bail of the BRS leader for April 9 - which she had sought on the grounds that her son had an exam. Before her arrest, Kavitha was summoned multiple times for interrogation, however, she skipped at least two of those summons. Last year, Kavitha was questioned three times, with the central agency recording her statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). During her recent three-day CBI custody, the probe agency officials questioned Kavitha about the WhatsApp chats recovered from a co-accused Buchi Babu's phone and documents related to a land deal, following which an amount of 100 crore was allegedly paid to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in kickbacks to swing the excise policy in favour of a liquor lobby. The BRS leader was the third high-profile politician to be arrested in the case after AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh. On March 21, Kejriwal became the first sitting chief minister to be arrested in the case. What is the allegation against Kavitha in excise policy case? According to the Enforcement Directorate, Kavitha was a member of the so-called South Group' that paid kickbacks worth 100 crore to AAP leaders - in exchange for nine retail zones under the now-scrapped policy. The probe agency had also revealed names of other people involved in the group - Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSCRCP) MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, his son Raghav Magunta, Aurobindo Group promoter Sarath Reddy, and Delhi-based businessman Sameer Mahendru. The opposition on Monday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his everyone will regret remark on the electoral bonds issue. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Modi of orchestrating this purported extortion scheme. The important thing in electoral bond is- names and dates. If you see the names and dates you will know that when they (donors) gave the electoral bond, right after that contract was given to them or CBI inquiry was withdrawn against them, the Wayanad MP was quoted by ANI as saying. During the interview with ANI, PM Modi had said,"There were electoral bonds, so you are getting a trail which company gave, how it gave, where it gave. Whether what happened in the process was good or bad can be an issue of debate. But today we have completely pushed the country towards black money, hence I say everyone will regret it. When they will think honestly, everyone will regret it." Wayanad, Apr 15 (ANI): Congress leader and party candidate from Wayanad constituency, Rahul Gandhi addresses the party supporters during the roadshow ahead of Lok Sabha Polls, in Wayanad on Monday. (ANI Photo)(AICC) ALSO READ- 'What is Congress's compulsion': PM Modi on DMK leader's anti-Sanatan remark Electoral bonds an extortion scheme and PM Modi masterminded: Gandhi Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Modi of orchestrating this purported "extortion scheme," saying,"This is the biggest extortion scheme of the world and PM Modi is the mastermind of it...Ask the PM to explain that one day CBI inquiry starts and immediately after that they get the money and immediately after that CBI inquiry is scrapped." ALSO READ- 'India didn't get freedom to be colonised by RSS ideology': Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad He called for accountability, demanding an explanation for the sequence of events wherein inquiries preceded bond donations and subsequent contract awards. "Big contracts, infrastructure contracts- the company gives money and immediately after that they are given the contract. The truth is it is extortion and PM Modi has masterminded it," Gandhi added. ALSO READ- PM Modi counters Opposition's BJP to change constitution charge Opposition goal is to keep skirting around and run away: PM Modi PM Modi also refuted the allegations and said that out of 3,000 companies that contributed through the scheme, 26 faced scrutiny from investigative bodies like the ED. He said that 16 of these companies acquired bonds amidst ongoing investigations. "Of these (16 companies) 37 per cent of the amount went to BJP and 63 per cent to opposition parties opposed to BJP. "There is an ED raid... the work of donating to the opposition, will BJP do this? This means 63 per cent of this amount went to the opposition and you are making allegations against us. Their goal is to keep skirting around and run away," he said. Why took electoral bonds from Sarath Chandra Reddy, arrested in alleged liquor scam? asks AAP leader Delhi minister and AAP leader, Gopal Rai, called electoral bonds "perhaps the biggest scam ever." Rai pointed fingers at PM Modi's administration, alleging that funds were received from dubious sources, including companies running losses, through electoral bonds. ...On one hand, you say that you are fighting against corruption. On the other side...you collected 60 crores from Sarath Chandra Reddy - who you arrested in the so-called liquor scam - who will give an account for that? It is being found that electoral bonds were taken from companies that were running into losses. They gave thousands of Rupees. What else is that if not black money?...I think this is perhaps the biggest scam ever, just like the people are saying. I think the PM should clear his stand over it, Rai said, ANI reported. 'ED behind Opposition': TMC West Bengal minister and TMC leader Shashi Panja said that the Prime Minister's praise for the ED is expected, given the agency is chasing every opposition parties. Panja said, "Obviously he will praise the ED because on their directions and on their indications, the ED has been chasing every political party which is in opposition to the BJP. So obviously he will claim that they have done a wonderful job," ANI reported. Aabki Baar, 400 Paar : The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seen raising the slogan during their campaign for the two Lok Sabha seats of Tripura, West Tripura constituency and East Tripura constituency, alongside claims that the opposition candidates will not cross 100,000 votes in either constituency. Chief minister Dr Manik Saha, BJP president Rajib Bhattacharya, its alliance partners, TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma who are campaigning for their candidates, are highlighting 10 years achievements of the Modi government in all ways possible, from traditional door-to-door conversations to digital campaigns. In contrast, the opposition INDIA bloc where CPIM and Congress shared their candidates in both seats, claimed during its campaign that the BJP's policies are not for the welfare of the working class, farmers and unemployed and instead, communal polarization is the weapon of choice for the BJP. Despite having differences, we formed an alliance with Congress for the sake of the country, its Constitution and democracy. We appeal to the people to cast their mandate in favour of the INDIA bloc in both the seats to save the Constitution, and democracy, said CPIM state secretary and former Lok Sabha MP Jitendra Chaudhury. Congress Working Committee ( CWC) member Sudip Roy Barman termed the 2024 Lok Sabha polls a dharmayuddha and compared the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with Kauravas and the INDIA bloc with Pandavas, the opposing sides of the epic Mahabharat. "The country is facing dharmayuddha today. Though Kauravas had a huge army and Pandavas had few numbers in the battle of Mahabharata, dharma was with the Pandavas. Now in the national poll, many people are with the Kauravas, but nyaay and dharma are with us. The truth will win and the adharma will fall. We appeal to all our supporters and common people to join the roadshow and give their mandate in favour of INDIA bloc candidates, said Roy Barman. Both parties are on the last leg of campaigning before the first phase of polling on April 19. Star campaigners including Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi and others have visited Tripura. Of the total seven phases of parliamentary polls, Tripura will poll in the first and second phases on April 19 and 26. There are 3,350 polling stations across the state. An additional polling station at the Laugang area in the South district was also included for the Bru voters. A total of 18 candidates with nine in each constituency are in fray. Two of them are women candidates, both are contestants in the East Tripura constituency (reserved for Scheduled Tribe). Though many independent candidates filed their nominations in both seats, the electorates would witness a direct contest between the ruling BJP and INDIA alliance in both constituencies. In the West constituency, former chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb would be contesting from the BJP side against former legislator and Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha on the side of opposition INDIA Bloc. In the East constituency, Kriti Devi Debbarman, the princess of the erstwhile Manikya dynasty of Tripura and the older sister of Pradyot Kishore will contest on a BJP ticket against former CPIM legislator and veteran leader Rajendra Reang. Five government employees were suspended for breaching the model code of conduct (MCC) while another two security personnel were suspended for negligence towards their duties. Seventy companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed across the state to maintain law and order situation and to ensure peaceful Lok Sabha polls. According to political experts, Biplab Kumar Deb has successfully regained his fan base across all age groups even after he was not in state power for two years. His popularity tops many top BJP leaders today. Spending 16 years in Delhi, Biplab Deb returned to Tripura in 2015 as an in-charge of BJP's Maha Jansampark Abhiyan barely three years before the state's Assembly polls. A year later, he became BJP state president and in 2018, his party came to power in the state for the first time in alliance with a regional indigenous political party Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT). Later, in 2022, Deb resigned from his CM post and was elected as the lone Rajya Sabha MP from Tripura. Ashish Saha won assembly polls in 2013 on a Congress ticket and later switched over to the All India Trinamool Congress party in 2016 and a year later, he moved to the BJP and won assembly polls in 2018. However, he later resigned from his legislator post and then the party before the assembly polls in 2023 to join the Congress party again. He lost the last assembly polls from Bardowali seat against incumbent chief minister Dr Manik Saha. A year ago, Saha replaced Birajit Sinha from his party president post. For the East constituency, the contest will be between a seasoned politician (the CPIM candidate) and a political greenhorn (the BJP candidate) who contested and lost the Chhattisgarh assembly poll in 2018 as an independent candidate. Kriti's selection as candidate raised several questions from the opposition as they claimed she had no political experience till her arrival to the state barely two weeks after a tripartite agreement was signed between the Centre, Tripura government and TIPRA Motha in New Delhi to find a solution to all issues of the indigenous people of Tripura relating to history, land rights, political rights, economic development, identity, culture, and language. Rajendra Reang was a former legislator of the Kanchanpur Assembly constituency in 2018. Earlier, he served as an executive member of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). But the TIPRA Motha is ruling in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) areas and naturally has a stronghold in the tribal-dominated areas. In the tribal areas, the royal factor has also shown to be effective since the parents of Pradyot Kishore, Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma and Bibhu Kumari Devi became Congress parliamentarians. Kirit Bikram defeated Communist leader Dasharatha Dev in Lok Sabha polls. Dev later served as chief minister from 1993-98. In Tripura's parliamentary poll history, the seats are mostly won by the party in power, however, Communist leaders like Dasharatha Deb and Biren Dutta became parliamentarians during the Congress regime much before the Communist Party formed its government for the first time in 1978. In 2019, the BJP won both the Lok Sabha seats with Pratima Bhoumik emerging winner securing 51.77 percent vote share from the West Tripura constituency and Rebati Tripura getting 46.12 percent vote share from the East Tripura seat. Chef Bruno Chemel garnishes a dish at Baume in Palo Alto. His new restaurant, Le Parc Bistrobar, will open in San Francisco. Stephen Lam/Special to The Chronicle The chef behind a Bay Area French restaurant that once held two Michelin stars will open a new bistro in San Franciscos Union Square. Le Parc Bistrobar lands at 185 Sutter St. this summer, offering French fare from chef Bruno Chemel, best known for his Palo Alto restaurant Baume. The menu will lean traditional, with offerings that include grilled flank steak and coq au vin, making it the latest in a wave of French-style restaurants arriving in the Bay Area. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Looking back at his time as a Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, Chemel says he is done with such things and would like to focus on simpler fare. It was like 12 years of military time, he said. At Le Parc, despite the menus traditional focus, Chemel said he is looking to slightly refresh bistro fare with fresh seasonal ingredients, and in general he plans on cooking lighter dishes rather than whats served at old-school French restaurants. I dont like butter too much, he said. Chef Bruno Chemel outside Baume in Palo Alto in 2019. His new restaurant is coming to the Union Square area. Stephen Lam/Special to The Chronicle The restaurant will open for weekday lunch and dinner every night. Chemel said plates will be well-priced, noting that bistros in France are generally inexpensive. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The two-level, 130-seat restaurant space, previously Gaspar Brasserie, will remain largely unchanged from the previous tenant, showing off a style that evokes the feel of a 20th century Parisian brasserie. The top floor, advertised as more formal than downstairs, is decked out in a warm color palette that includes copper, brown and burgundy tones, with dark wood and brass accents. Tin ceilings are pressed above tables, which have a view of the open kitchen through a window. The wine program will focus on California and French wines with an emphasis on affordability Chemel predicts glasses in the $9 range and bottles for $40.An upper-level bar can seat 10 customers on stools, while a smaller downstairs bar seats four. Cocktails are available, too, with plans for a weekday happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. For Chemel, who expressed respect for San Franciscos discerning diners in a press release, the motivation to open in downtown San Francisco was simple. Why not? he said. Ive wanted to go to San Francisco for a while. Le Parc Bistrobar. Opening summer 2024. 185 Sutter St., San Francisco. www.leparcbistrobar.com Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the priority of the next government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be to restore peace in strife-torn Manipur by talking to all sides and keeping the state united. Union home minister Amit Shah speaks at a public rally ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in Manipurs Imphal on Monday. (PTI) Addressing an election meeting in Imphal, he also reiterated the Centres resolve to seal border with Myanmar to prevent illegal infiltration and scrapping of the free movement regime (FMR). I want to tell people residing in the (Imphal) valley and hills of Manipur that in the coming days Narendra Modis priority is to bring peace to the state by talking to all sides and keeping the state united, Shah said. Manipur has been roiled by ethnic clashes between the Meiteis, who are dominant in Imphal Valley, and Kukis, who are in majority in some hill districts, since May last year. The violence has claimed 221 lives (the latest incident was in April 13 in which two Kukis were killed) and displaced around 50,000. The violence has led to divisions on the ground with both sides setting up barricades at borders between districts and not allowing people from the other community to enter. Since the start of the violence, Kuki MLAs, including 7 from the ruling BJP, and other groups have been demanding creation of a separate administration in areas dominated by them. There was no development in Manipur during the past Congress rule. In the past six years, the BJP-led government in the state tried to change that, but one incident of ethnic clashes happened. I want to assure all that in the coming days, we will talk to all sides and establish peace without compromising on the states integrity. This is the resolve of the Narendra Modi government, said Shah. Shah spoke on the Centres decision announced in February this year to seal the India-Myanmar border and scrap the free movement regime (FMR) provision that allowed people living along the border on either side to travel up to 16 km in the other country without a visa and stay up to two weeks. Theres a conspiracy to change the demography of a small state like Manipur through infiltration of illegal immigrants (from Myanmar). The government under Narendra Modi has decided to seal the borders with Myanmar to secure Manipur. We have started work on sealing the boundary. FMR was misused for smuggling narcotics. We decided to abolish it, he said. Shah accused the previous Congress governments at Centre and in the state of ignoring Manipur and highlighted the steps taken in the past 10 years to usher development and bring peace. This election is not between the BJP and the Congress, but between those who want to divide Manipur and those who want to keep the state united. The Congress speaks of division wherever it goes. It was responsible for the country getting divided (into India and Pakistan), he said. Even now it speaks of dividing it into north and south India. They formed an agenda in Manipur of dividing the state. I want to reiterate that no one has the guts to divide Manipur and we wont let it happen, Shah added. Shah said that efforts by Prime Minister Modi were responsible for ushering in peace in northeast, a region troubled by insurgency since Independence. He said that more than 10 peace deals have been signed with terror outfits of the region in the past few years, which has resulted in over 9,000 cadres of these groups giving up arms. The Congress never respected Manipur. There were thousands of road blockades during their rule, three years of strife and hundreds of people killed in fake encounters when O. Ibobi Singh was chief minister, he said. Shah reminded how around 750 people were killed during the ethnic conflict between Nagas and Kukis in Manipur (in 1992), nearly 100 killed in clashes between Meiteis and Pangals (in 1993) and around 350 killed in conflict between Kukis and Paites in 1997. He reminded that it was the BJP government at Centre which decided to implement inner line permit (ILP) regime in Manipur to keep tab on entry of outsiders to the state. He said that during its 10-year rule from 2004 to 2014, the Congress-led government at Centre provided 39,000 crore for Manipurs development. In contrast, since 2014, the BJP-led government at Centre has given 120,000 crore to the state. Shah listed development projects undertaken in the state including construction of highways, rail tracks, air connectivity and hospitals. He promised that in the next 5 years everyone in Manipur will have houses with electricity, toilet and LPG connection and each person will get 5 lakh as health insurance. Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India will set up about 30 polling booths for the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in villages of nine gram panchayats in Odishas Swabhiman Anchal, considered a Maoist citadel till a few years ago, a top Odisha police officer said on Monday. Swabhiman Anchal, the 372 sq km area of Odishas Malkangiri district, became a theatre of Maoist violence between 2008 and 2021 (FILE PHOTO) Odisha director general of police (DGP) Arun Sarangi said the polling booths in the region were located near camps of the Border Security Force (BSF) camps to shield them from Maoist attacks in 2019. It kept the booths secure but dissuaded people from coming forward to exercise their franchise. In 2019, at least 12 booths in Swabhiman Anchal witnessed zero polling after Maoists threatened to chop off the hands of voters who defied their call to boycott the elections. No one had turned up in 2000, 2004 and 2009 either. 2014 the Maoists captured a polling booth, forcing the ECI to order a repoll. But no one turned up during the repoll. Sarangi, who travelled to Malkangiri district on Monday to review the security arrangements this year, said: Since last one and half years, there have been no reports of Maoist violence in Malkangiri and there is no movement of Maoists on the Andhra-Odisha border. So taking into account the Maoist situation, we have decided that the booths would be located in villages. The SP (superintendent of police, the district police chief) informed us about their preparations, preventive steps and enforcement activities. We had a detailed discussion on the requirement of forces and how it can be supplemented, Sarangi said. Swabhiman Anchal, a cluster of 151 villages of Malkangiri district that was almost hived off from the Odisha mainland after the construction of the Balimela hydroelectric project in 1972, had been a hotbed of Maoist violence for years. In 2008, 37 jawans of Greyhounds, an elite anti-Maoist force raised in 1989 by undivided Andhra Pradesh, and a driver of Odisha police were killed when the Maoists sunk their motorboat in Balimela reservoir. In 2012, Maoists triggered a landmine blast in Balimela killing a BSF commandant and three other jawans. In February 2011, the then Malkangiri district collector Ravella Vineel Krishna was taken hostage at Jantapai by Maoists while he was inspecting developmental works. Sarangi said there was a three-week gap between elections in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, so Maoists may try to enter Odisha during this period. Our operational forces and operational plan are ready. Our SPs are very competent and they can stall it. Since Maoist activity is a problem we need cooperation from all especially people, he said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying that India did not attain freedom from the British only to be colonised by the ideology of the Sangh Parivar, reported PTI. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during an election campaign road show for the Lok Sabha polls in Wayanad on April 15.(PTI) "We did not get freedom from the British to be colonised by the ideology of the RSS. We want India to be ruled by all her people," Gandhi said while addressing party workers and voters in Kerala's Wayanad. Gandhi claimed that the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi see only one nation, one language and one leader. "Why can not a young boy or a girl be a leader? Why can't our brother who rides an autorickshaw be a leader? Why can't our policemen be a leader? Why just one leader? Why can't we have more leaders," he said, according to PTI. The Wayanad MP said that Gandhi also claimed that this line of thought is the main difference between the Congress and the BJP. He added that the Congress wants to listen to the people of the country and love and respect their beliefs, language, religion, culture, while the BJP wants to impose something from the top. Gandhi also exuded confidence that the grand-old party would come back to power both in the state and at the Centre. Rahul Gandhi's roadshow in Wayanad Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi held a massive road show in Wayanad. He also spoke on several local issues being faced by the people of Wayanad. Rahul Gandhi said that the human-animal conflict and night travel ban are perplexing problems in Wayanad and that his party is committed to resolve them. "I have written multiple times about these issues to our chief minister (Pinarayi Vijayan) and the central government. And we will continue to put pressure on them. It is a complicated issue but we are going to resolve this issue with you," he said, according to PTI. The Congress leader had kicked off the poll campaign in Wayanad early this month by filing his nomination papers and holding a massive road show. Gandhi won from Wayanad with a record margin of 4,31,770 votes during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Polling in Kerala's 20 Lok Sabha seats will be held on April 26. The results will be out on June 4. (Inputs from PTI) Days after a 24-year-old Indian student Chirag Antil was shot dead in Canada's Vancouver, his brother Romit recalled their last conversation, saying that they spoke around 30 minutes before the incident took place. According to Romit, his brother was about to go out for a party with his friends. Chirag was shot dead in his car in Vancouver city on Friday around 11pm. Indian student Chirag Antil had arrived in Canada in 2022. He had pursued an MBA course at the private University of Canada West and after completing it was on a work permit Chirag had completed his days work and reached home. He had parked his car behind the place where he was staying with his friends. It might be around 10.30 pm when he spoke with meHe sounded very happy. A few hours later, we received the information that he was shot dead, Romit told The Indian Express. Romit, who is pursuing his Ph.D. in Sonipat, said that after he received an email about his brother being shot, he made frantic calls to his friends and everyone they know in Vancouver. Chirags flatmates told me that they heard some cracker-bursting sounds and thought that somebody might be bursting crackers. Later, when they started looking for Chirag, they found that he was not there. His other friend who visited them saw many police personnel around Chirags car and informed them about the incident. When they all rushed to the spot, they learned that Chirag was shot dead, he said, as quoted by The Indian Express. According to the victim's brother, no one from the state government or the central government has approached their family to help them bring Chirag's body back to India. He said while he has several phone calls to all the authorities that the Canadian police mentioned in the mail, no one has revealed any details so far. Our friends went to the neighbours to see if they could see CCTV camera footage, but nobody cooperated and they were shown the door, he said. The incident took place within a block of the route for Saturdays Vaisakhi parade and festival. According to the police, no arrests have been made so far and the investigation is underway. Meanwhile, Chirag's family and friends have set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe with a goal of Canadian dollars 40,000 to repatriate his body to India. Chirag Antil, an international student from Haryana, India, who arrived in Vancouver in 2022 for his studies, tragically lost his life due to a recent murder in the city. We urgently need assistance to raise funds for sending his body back to India, the appeal stated. In an ideal world, the BJP government at the centre would have long introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) at the national level. PM Narendra Modi asserted that the BJP will work towards implementing the one nation, one election initiative, and stressed that the Uniform Civil Code was in the national interest;(AFP) From the BJPs point of view, before general election 2024, two long-standing agendas of the party have been fulfilled: the Ram Mandir was inaugurated and Article 370 is abrogated. A third vital cog, the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, which goes back to the days of Jana Sangh, remains hanging in the air. As is evident now, the BJP can take momentous decisions without wasting any time. So, there is no apparent reason for not implementing this seemingly `popular legislation, never mind its sweeping powers that are bound to impact personal laws. In June last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modis speech in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh put discussions about the Uniform Civil Code back into the spotlight, triggering nationwide debates on its potential implementation. He was merely reflecting on the longstanding agenda of the BJP to implement the UCC and abolish personal laws concerning marriage, divorce, and succession. The BJP remains steadfast in its commitment to implement a Uniform Civil Code in the country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said at TV channel Aaj Taks gathering last year, adding, "UCC was the Constituent Assembly's mandate to the country's legislature and ParliamentSince 1950, all our election manifestos have mentioned that the BJP will try to bring in UCC. In December 2022, BJP Rajya Sabha member Kirodi Lal Meena introduced a private members Bill in the House. The Uniform Civil Code in India Bill, 2020, proposes to constitute a National Inspection and Investigation Committee to prepare a UCC. Its ostensible goal is to have a uniform set of laws governing aspects of marriage, divorce, guardianship, inheritance, adoption, succession, maintenance, and so on, cutting across all religious practices. Now comes the rub. Well-placed party sources say that the main opposition to the UGC does not come from the Congress, as claimed by the ruling party, but from the BJPs principal supporters, the propertied and the monied classes, mainly in North India, who are opposed tooth and nail to the UCC, given its impact on current inheritance laws. A member of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Indias apex trade body, told this reporter, with a request not to be quoted. ``One of the single biggest impacts of the UCC will be on the laws of inheritance. Experts believe that the implementation of the UCC will change the hierarchy of inheritance in several ways. According to him, for Hindus, it would mean the removal of the distinction between ancestral and self-acquired property. The UCC eliminates the differentiation between ancestral and self-acquired property under Hindu law. This means that coparcenary rights, with reference to joint Hindu families, are not specifically mentioned in the UCC. In other words, every legal heir will have the same rights to ancestral property as they have to the self-acquired property. Secondly, there would be changes in intestate succession. Both parents, the mother and father, are elevated as Class-I heirs in the case of intestate succession under the UCC. This is a departure from the Hindu Succession Act where the father is included among Class-II heirs in case the deceased is a Hindu male. The Class-I heirs of Hindu male, as per central succession laws, are children, widows (spouse), mother, grandchildren, widows of their children and widows of their grandchildren, among others. To add to the complexities, the Class I heirs of male and female are the same under the UCC whereas this is not the case for Class I heirs under Hindu Succession Act. According to the Hindu Succession Act, the Class I heirs of a married Hindu female do not include her own parents whereas Class I heirs of Hindu male include his mother, but not the father. The CAIT, representing and empowering ``eight crore traders and over 40,000 trade associations prides itself as the ``worlds largest MSME organisation for the non-corporate sector, and has strong links to the ruling BJP. One of its key office bearers, Praveen Khandelwal, is the 2024 BJP candidate from the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency, traditionally dominated by the Bania and trading communities. In February 2024, when Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to implement a UCC, which presents common law for marriage, divorce, inheritance of property, among others. While the BJP has signalled its resolve on UCC with this introduction in Uttarakhand and Goa, the reality of introducing such a legislation on a national scale is quite another matter. Crucially, certain provisions of Uttarakhand's UCC for example- are in contradiction of the Hindu Succession Act and the Indian Succession Act. An individual can challenge the applicability of the UCC on the division of the estate. Interestingly, Hindus and Christians can escape from the UCC applicability on account of Article 254 of the Constitution, which secures supremacy of the central laws in occupied fields. This is because the inheritance laws of Hindus and Christians are codified, hence, in the event of contradiction, the central laws will prevail over the state laws. In the case of Muslims, there is no central codified law. Thus, their intestate succession will happen based on UCC laws. Its a debate that has all the potential for a flashpoint: the Law Commission, which advises the government on legal reforms, has received close to 8 million responses from stakeholders, including religious organisations, after it solicited views of the public in the middle of 2023. Says lawyer Prashant Bhushan: ``Even the Hindu code is not uniform. Once the government says that all Hindu laws go by customs, you then must make the civil law uniform. It should be a liberal civil code. The BJP probably is not able to do that. You can steamroll the Muslim community, but you cannot steamroll all the Hindu communities. The Uniform Civil Court is not going to be quite as easy as abrogating Article 370 or even building the Ram Mandir because when it comes to peoples personal properties, the mood of the public can change quite rapidly and drastically. Indian authorities will be allowed to meet the 17 Indian crew members of an Israel-affiliated cargo vessel that was seized by Iranian commandoes in the Gulf of Hormuz over the weekend, Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said. The vessel was seized about 80 km off the coast of the UAE. (AP) Amir-Abdollahian gave the assurance while speaking on the phone with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Sunday evening, according to a readout on the conversation from Irans foreign ministry. Jaishankar had brought up the release of the Indian crew members of the cargo vessel MSC Aries during the phone call. Also Read: Kerala couple await return of son following cargo ship seizure by Iran We are following up on the details of the seized ship and soon it will be possible for the representatives of the Indian government to meet with the crew of the said ship, the readout quoted Amir-Abdollahian as saying. The readout said Jaishankar expressed his concern about the situation of the 17 Indian crew members in the ship seized by Iran and requested assistance from Iran in this regard. Indian authorities had said hours after the vessel was seized by a special forces unit of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) about 80 km off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that they were in touch with their Iranian counterparts to ensure the security and early release of 17 Indian nationals among the 25-member crew of the ship. Also Read: Jaishankar speaks to Iranian FM, discusses release of Indians on seized ship The 17 Indians on board the Portuguese-flagged and Israel-affiliated cargo vessel include the master. The crew also has four Filipinos, two Pakistanis, one Russian, and one Estonian. The Italian-Swiss shipping group MSC has said it is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the wellbeing of the crew. The ship is associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict, India has taken action several times to protect ships with Indian crew members that were targeted by Irans proxy forces such as the Houthi rebels of Yemen. On Friday, India issued an advisory urging its citizens not to travel to Iran or Israel following the rise in tensions between the two sides. It also asked all Indian nationals living in the two countries to observe utmost precautions. External affairs minister S Jaishankar, during separate phone conversations with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts on Sunday, conveyed Indias concerns over the situation in West Asia and emphasised the need to avoid escalation. External affairs minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Sunday. (Ajay Aggarwal/ HT Photo) Earlier in the day, India expressed serious concern about the increase in hostilities in West Asia and called for immediate de-escalation after Iran carried out its first ever direct attack on Israel by launching hundreds of drones and missiles on Saturday. Jaishankar first spoke to Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Sunday evening and discussed the current situation in the region, he said in a post on X. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy, Jaishankar said. He then spoke with Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz and shared Indias concern at the developments on Saturday. Jaishankar and Katz also discussed the larger regional situation. During his conversation with Amir-Abdollahian, Jaishankar also took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries, a cargo vessel seized by Iranian forces early on Saturday. The Indian side said it was in touch with Iranian authorities to ensure the security and early release of 17 Indian nationals among the 25-member crew of the cargo ship that was seized by a special forces unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Gulf of Hormuz, about 80 km off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Jaishankar and his Iranian and Israeli counterparts agreed to remain in touch. Concern has grown in New Delhi over the Israel-Hamas conflict and the recent spike in tensions between Iran and Israel. West Asia is home to some nine million Indian expatriates and India is worried about the possible impact of any expansion of the conflict in the region on them. West Asian countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the UAE are also among the primary energy suppliers of India. Iran launched the drones and missiles in retaliation to an Israeli air strike on an Iranian diplomatic complex in the Syrian capital of Damascus on April 1 that killed seven people, including a senior general of the IRGC. India, which has strategic ties with Iran and Israel, has pushed for de-escalation and a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy in the context of both the Israel-Hamas conflict and the tensions between Iran and Israel. New Delhi issued an advisory on Friday urging Indian citizens not to travel to Iran or Israel and calling on nationals living in the two countries to observe utmost precautions for their safety. External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Monday expressed concerns over the rising deaths of Indian students in the United States, saying that such cases are unconnected but a big concern for the government. Obviously, in every case, wherever anything unfortunate has happened to the students, it is of great tragedy for the family, and a big concern for us but...our embassy or consulate has looked at every case and they're actually unconnected, PTI quoted the minister as saying in Bengaluru. External affairs minister S Jaishankar.(PTI file) Jaishankar added that the embassies have been directed to keep in touch with the students and chat with them, and also warn them about dangerous areas of cities to avoid. While stating that there are 11 lakh to 12 lakh Indian students living in various countries, the minister said,Student welfare is very important. Like I said, every Indian going out, you have Modi's guarantee. Student welfare is particularly important for us." Jaishankar's remarks have come amid rising incidents of Indians losing their lives in the US. Earlier this month, an Indian student named Uma Satya Sai Gadde was found dead in Ohio. The local police said they are investigating the death. On April 9, a 25-year-old Indian student who had been missing since last month was found dead in Cleveland. Mohammad Abdul Arfath, hailing from Nacharam, Hyderabad, arrived in the US last year in May to pursue a Masters in IT from Cleveland University. Last month, a 34-year-old Bharatnatyam and Kuchupudi dancer from Kolkata named Amarnath Ghosh was shot dead in Missouri. Acccording to television actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Ghosh was shot dead in St Louis Academy neighbourhood. The Indian missions in the US have stepped up their student-outreach initiatives in view of incidents of deaths of Indian students in that country in recent months. "There have been some unfortunate incidents resulting in the death of Indian students in the US. These cases are under investigation," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. (With PTI inputs) SILCHAR: A forest officer out patrolling in Assams Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve died and another was injured in an attack by a herd of wild buffaloes on Monday, people familiar with the matter said. Kaziranga National Park (ANI FILE PHOTO) The incident took place on Monday morning when the team of forest officials were on routine patrolling in the forest area under the Elephant Camp. A group of aggressive wild buffalos suddenly attacked them. They managed to escape but two of them fell victim, officials said. The deceased official was identified as Apo Momin, who had recently joined the team. They were taken to a local sub-divisional civil hospital in Kaliabor. The injured forester was identified as Sonamani Rabha. It is an unfortunate incident and we are shocked by the death of Momin, a senior Kaziranga National Park official said. Police said Apu Momins body has been sent for postmortem. Lok Sabha Election 2024 live Highlights: This week marks the beginning of the Lok Sabha Election 2024, which will take place on April 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his poll rally for the day in Kerala's Palakkad, and later, he is also set to address rallies in Tamil Nadu on Monday as part of the BJP's election campaign....Read More Modi participated in a public meeting in Kerala at Kunnamangalam in the Alathur constituency, Thrissur District. He supported NDA candidates TN Sarasu and Suresh Gopi, who are contesting in Alathur and Thrissur, respectively. In Tamil Nadu, Modi canvassed for the party's candidates in Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, and Tenkasi at a gathering in Ambasamudram district. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Phase-wise schedule Phase 1- April 19 Phase 2- April 26 Phase 3- May 7 Phase 4 - May 13 Phase 5 - May 20 Phase 6 - May 25 Phase 7 - June 1 Latest election highlights - Election officials checked a helicopter carrying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris on Monday. The flying squad officials conducted the search after the helicopter landed, according to police. Gandhi was en route to his parliamentary constituency, Kerala's Wayanad, where he has various campaign activities planned, including a public meeting. - Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election 2024: YSRCP chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy resumed his bus tour for electioneering on Monday from Kesarapalle in NTR District, following a day's hiatus after a stone attack. - Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Tripura on Sunday night to participate in the BJP's ongoing campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. The elections for the Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency and the by-poll for the Ramnagar Assembly segment are scheduled for April 19, while voting for the Tripura East parliamentary constituency will take place on April 26. - The Congress unveiled a roster of observers for three Lok Sabha constituencies in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. The list comprises Sanjay Dutt, Anees Ahmed, and Dheeraj Gurjar. Scroll down for more election updates During the Portuguese rule in Goa, the rules of elections were initiated in 1821 and from 1821 to 1961 elections to the Parliament of Portugal were conducted in Goa for a major part of this period and only privileged Goans were eligible to vote. Rules governing the eligibility of contestants (eligiveis) and voters (eleitores) in parliamentary elections remained largely consistent during the first five decades of the 19th century, with a few amendments until Goa was liberated in December 1961. Eligible voters had to be educated, had to pay taxes and the voting age was reduced from 25 to 21 years for married men. (File Photo) Eligible voters had to be educated, had to pay taxes and the voting age was reduced from 25 to 21 years for married men. Heads of family had special voting privileges and women did not vote. In her book, The Encounter with the Ballot in Colonial Goa: A Historical and Analytical Study (1821-1961), Sharmila Pais e Martins has traced the rules and regulations governing eligibility of contestants and voters during the Portuguese rule in Goa. Educational Qualifications: Suffrage capability (sufragio capacitario) demanded literacy (saber ler e escrever). The general voting age was 25 but it was reduced to 21 years if a voter acquired a higher degree in education. After the historic legislation of September 30, 1852, a higher degree in education obtained from Escola Medico Cirurgica de Nova Goa (Medical School of Goa), Escola Matematica eMilitar de Goa (Military and Mathematical School of Goa) and Escola de Engenheria de Goa (School of Engineering of Goa) was also recognised for voting. Not only for voters, but a degree of higher learning was also one criterion to contest elections to parliament. The Law of September 30, 1852, and the Decree of January 12, 1853, decreed that a candidate contesting the seat of a deputado (member of parliament) could have acquired a degree from institutions of higher learning in Portuguese Goa, besides those in the metropolis. In 1911, the Hindus demanded recognition of vernacular languages as a prerequisite for participation in parliamentary elections on par with Portuguese. Despite the demand, the legislation enacted in 1913 laid stress on literacy in Portuguese (saibam ler e escrever portugues). This disappointed a substantial section of Hindus who, though, literate in vernacular languages, were denied the right to vote on account of language barriers. The rule of literacy (saber ler e escrever) was withdrawn in 1918 but it was retained when elections were reintroduced in Portuguese India after 1945. However, the stress was on general literacy. A voter had to prove his literacy through a handwritten application, the genuineness of which had to be attested by a notary. Taxation: Rules of suffrage privileged tax payers to vote and contest elections in Portuguese India. Taxes were calculated on income from property, business and other sources approved by the government. A taxpayer who fulfilled the minimum financial requirement for voting, besides other qualifications, was registered in the polling records. The administration of the poll tax varied according to the category of voters. For example, in 1851, an otherwise qualified voter in a parochial election paid 10$000 reis, whereas a voter in a parliamentary election paid 20$000 reis (reis was the currency of the Portuguese empire and the double-stroked dollar sign called cifrao was used to mark the thousand decimal). Taxes were paid in the local currency, either in reis provincial, xerafins (ashrafi; 1 rupia equalled 2 xerafins) or in tangas (16 tangas equalled 1 rupia; the rupia was equal in value to the Indian rupee) for imposts on tobacco. The average tax paid in certain 19th century registers is recorded at 334 xerafins. The wealthier electorate, of course, paid higher tax. It appears from registers that clergymen like parocho or sacerdote, or clerigo were exempt of poll tax, but participated in elections. Members of Parliament paid taxes three times higher than the voters - it stood at 40$000 reis. Who could vote?: From 1852 to 1895, apart from the elite section, commoners also participated in the electoral process of Goa, seen in the social composition of voters: proprietario (landlord), carpinteiro (carpenter), varzeiro (farmer), pescador (fisherman), louvrador (toddytapper), distilador (distiller), mainato (washerman), fiscal (supervisor), botiqueiro (shopkeeper), paneleiro (earthen ware-maker), juiz de paz (district judge), emfermeiro (male nurse), taberneiro (innkeeper), julgador (judge), boia (palanquin-bearer), cozinheiro (cook), trabalhador (worker), barbeiro (barber), azeiteiro (oil-miller), jornaleiro (farm worker), orivio (goldsmith), senador (senator), sacerdote (priest), parocho (parish priest), etc. The number of Goan electorates was really low - in 1860, there were only 6,311 voters that decreased to 3,708 in 1865. In 1878, there were 17,469 voters that soared to 74,621 in 1894 before dropping to 14,624 in 1917 and 11,000 in 1958. This year, 11,66,939 Goans will vote (565,628 male, 601,300 female & 11 third gender electors). Voting age for married men: In Portugal and her provinces, the voting age was relaxed to 21 years under certain exceptional cases to men who were married and completed a course in higher education such as the lyceum or acquired a degree in education.The election of 1892 shows that the youngest married voter was registered at 21 years of age. Same age rules applied to a candidate contesting elections. Voting rights for women: The Portuguese Constitution of 1933 and the Law of December 27, 1933, allowed women with a secondary course or a higher degree in education to vote in elections but women in Goa did not vote until 1961. Head of family: Heads of family had an esteemed position in Portuguese society. Voting rights were bestowed on them in the Instructions of October 31, 1820. A person was recognised as head of a family on having lived with the household for over a year, a fact attested by a notary in the presence of two witnesses. However, an 1853 decree stated that the head of the family would not be allowed to vote if he did not pay 6 tangas as atobacco consumption tax. After 1895, franchise to heads of family was restrictive. Thus, only heads of family who paid a tax of 5$00 reis and were literate voted in elections. Domicile: A candidate was required to be domiciled in the constituency/circle he sought to contest from, for a certain number of years. After 1826, domicile was applicable to a voter, but not to a contestant in a parliamentary election. A decade later, the constitution of 1838 partially restored the condition of domicile for a candidate.0 (Source: The Encounter with the Ballot in Colonial Goa: A Historical and Analytical Study (1821-1961) by Sharmila Pais e Martins. With permission from the author.) New Delhi, The Election Commission on Monday said authorities under its supervision have made seizure worth 4,650 crore, including drugs worth 2069 crore, in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections. HT Image The poll panel said the seizures made since March 1 exceed the over 3,475 crore recovered during the 2019 parliamentary polls. The seven phased Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 16. The first phase is on April 19 and the last one on June 1. The Commission said authorities have been making seizures worth 100 crore every day since March 1. Out of the total recoveries worth 4,658 crore, the cash component stands at over 395 crore, while liquor stands at more than 489 crore. Significantly, 45 per cent of the seizures are of drugs . Use of black money, over and above political financing, could disturb the level playing field in favour of more resourceful party or candidate, it noted, adding that the seizures are a critical part of its resolve to hold the Lok Sabha elections free of inducements and electoral malpractices and to ensure a level playing field. Drug seizures accounted for approximately 75 per cent of the total seizures in January and February this year with the poll panel focussing on the menace much before the poll schedule was announced. Over the past few years, significant seizures have been made during elections to state assemblies in Gujarat, Punjab, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram. CEC Rajiv Kumar, while announcing the polls last month, had underlined money power as one of the '4M' challenges, the poll authority recalled. The poll panel pointed out that it has been taking action to ensure level playing field such as checking vehicles of prominent leaders and even removing officials for laxity in carrying out their mandate. The Commission, it said, has also taken strict action against nearly 106 government servants who were found assisting politicians in campaigning, which is against various rules and ethics. EC sources also pointed out that there was "nothing new" in search of helicopters, as was done in case of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. In the run-up to the polls, all district magistrates and superintendents of police were told to keep a strict watch on airfields and helipads. Such searches are taking place in airfields, both public and private, across the country to ensure inducements are not ferried by air, the said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Amid the growing restlessness in his party, chief minister Eknath Shinde held a meeting with his ministers and a group of MLAs a week ago over the issue of the pending seat-sharing deal with the BJP and the NCP. The mood in the meeting was dismal. Some of the attendees did not mince their words as they expressed unhappiness over the way the party had to haggle with big brother BJP for seats and that the party had to drop its sitting MPs on the advice of the alliance partner. One of them even pointed out that Shinde himself had to wait to declare the candidature of his son who is a sitting MP from the Kalyan constituency in the Thane district. Shinde convinced them that things would be managed and that he wouldnt budge as being painted by the opposition parties. He also reportedly advised them to look at the larger picture: A thumping victory for PM Modi and NDA would make things easier for them in Maharashtra. Later, he tried to pacify three sitting MPs who were denied tickets on the basis of surveys as well as advice of the alliance partner BJP. Ramtek MP Krupal Tumane was dropped and Raju Parve, an import from Congress was given a Shiv Sena ticket. In the Yavatmal-Washim constituency, five-term MP Bhawna Gawli was denied a ticket as surveys showed her chances of winning were bleak. In the Hingoli constituency, sitting MP Hemant Patil was renominated but was later replaced by Baburao Kadan-Kohlikar following strong opposition by local BJP leaders. Shinde fielded Patils wife Rajashree as the party candidate in Yavatmal-Washim instead of Gawli. The whole exercise has left the party legislators worried. Also Read: How Eknath Shinde has navigated Maharashtra's tricky political waters In June 2022 when Shinde split the Sena, 13 out of 18 MPs sided with him. They were promised candidature in the Lok Sabha elections. Except for one (Mumbai northwest MP Gajanan Kirtikar) all 12 wanted to contest again. However, Shinde could not renominate them as the BJP's assessment showed that they may not win the elections. Shinde's negotiations with the BJP still continue. It is still not clear whether he will get 13 seats. His party may retain Nashik where it has sitting MP Hemant Godse, and Thane which is considered as the chief ministers stronghold. BJP wants Shinde to hand over Nashik to NCP and has suggested Ajit Pawar to field Chhagan Bhujbal there. It has also staked a claim on Thane's seat. Shinde also wants to contest two seats in Mumbai in addition to Mumbai South Central where he has renominated sitting MP Rahul Shewale but the two alliance partners have not been able to decide who will contest Mumbai South and Mumbai Northwest. The entire episode also shows BJP is not willing to take any chance, hence forcing its allies to toe its line when it comes to selecting seats and picking candidates who can win. It has however made Shindes MLAs jittery. "If we have to haggle so much for the Lok Sabha elections, we can imagine what would happen in assembly elections, said a senior MLA from Shinde camp. When Shinde along with his 39 MLAs formed the government, it was just two partners in power BJP and his faction. Last year, Ajit Pawar led the NCP faction and joined as the third partner. Last week, MNS chief Raj Thackeray announced support of his party to BJP for Lok Sabha elections which probably means he could be part of the BJP-led coalition in assembly elections to be held six months later. From two to four partners means the number of seats that each party would be contesting has shrunk. We were promised that we would be renominated in our constituencies. Looking at what happened with three of our MPs, we are now wary that all of us may not get tickets, said a young MLA from Thane district whose main rival is the BJP in his constituency. To make it worse, the Maratha quota agitation which gave Shinde an advantage over his two deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, after he worked out a pact with Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has lost its steam with the BJP taming Jarange- Patil. The BJP is convinced that it has a better chance of winning if Other Backward Classes (OBC) votes consolidate in its favour as a reaction to aggressive Maratha agitation. The government has already formed a special investigation team and probing who encouraged violence during the Maratha agitation. And then the sword of the Supreme Court judgement on the disqualification issue is hanging over his head. The Thackeray faction approached the apex court challenging Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekars verdict in favour of Shinde; the verdict on the case is expected in a month or two. Twenty-two months ago, when Shinde split the Shiv Sena, he helped the BJP damage the opposition coalition and prevented their return to power in Maharashtra. With Uddhav Thackeray a vocal critic of PM Modi, Shinde was the counter the BJP needed. Things, however, seem to be changing for him. Raj Thackerays entry into the BJP fold, even if as a friendly voice, also means the party doesnt believe that Shinde can transfer the traditional Shiv Sena voters to its candidates. With Ajit Pawar bringing 40 MLAs to the NDA camp, BJP need not rely on Shinde to keep its government in Maharashtra afloat. Complaints against Shindes alleged one-upmanship during the Maratha agitation have set alarm bells ringing in Delhi. So, is what is happening ahead of the Lok Sabha election just a phase for Shinde? Or is it the beginning of the trouble? June 4 may have an answer when the votes are counted. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati revived the issue of making western Uttar Pradesh a separate state in her election rally in Muzaffarnagar on Sunday. She said that her party will take concrete steps to make west UP a separate state if voted to power to serve at the Centre. While the opposition parties described it an election gimmick for stitching Muslim-Jat and Dalit votes together in this Lok Sabha election, this isnt an off-the-cuff promise by the former UP chief minister, the first Dalit woman to lead the state. The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) founder, the late Ajit Singh, had also supported making western UP a separate state and called it "Harit Pradesh". In fact, he spearheaded the movement for decades. The demand for Harit Pradesh began almost 40 years ago. Ajit Singh was in favour of a separate state for west UP for the purposes of better growth and development. RLD leaders organised marches, and conferences, staged dharnas, and attempted to motivate traders, students, doctors, lawyers and different sections of people to join the movement. The movement of Harit Pradesh diluted after the demise of Ajit Singh, said RLD leader Dr Mairajuddin Ahmed. Harit Pradesh Sangharsh Samiti was revived last month and Ahmed was appointed its president. The RLD is now an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which, however, is principally against the idea of Harit Pradesh. We will speak to the BJP because it has always been a core issue of ours, Ahmed said. The committee, consisting of 21 members in total, comprises politicians, traders, educationists, doctors, and retired govt officials, among others. Its objective is to build up a favourable atmosphere towards the formation of a separate state. Perhaps to seek the support of Jats, Union minister Sanjeev Balyan, the BJP candidate from Muzaffarnagar Lok Sabha seat, also reportedly raised the issue in Antarrashtriya Jat Sansad held in Meerut last October. But, his demand received sharp criticism from his own partymen. Jamshed Zaidi, a political analyst, said western UP is composed of around 35% Muslims, 20% Dalits along with Jat, Brahmin, Vaishya and other castes. Initially, the BJP supported the issue, but later it found that a bigger share of the Muslim population contradicts their policy, hence, they started opposing it, Zaidi claimed. He further said the issue of dividing Uttar Pradesh into small states started in 1955 when Dr BR Ambedkar advocated its division into three stateswestern, central and easternto prevent an excessively large state from dominating politics at the national level. Many movements have, over some time, demanded the division of the state. Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party government passed a resolution in the state assembly in 2011 to divide the state into Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Avadh Pradesh and Paschim Pradesh and sent it to the Union government for approval but nothing happened. Meanwhile, a movement of lawyers from 22 districts of the region, demanding a bench of the high court in western UP since the early 1980s, also bolstered the demand for a separate statehood. Senior advocate Ajay Tyagi said that though the lawyers' demand was confined to an HC bench, it will automatically get resolved with separate statehood to western UP. "It is a genuine demand because it's a very large state and needs division for better administration growth and development, he said. Maximum cases in the Allahabad high court are from western UP and people have to travel more than 700 km from here to seek justice, he added. Even though the demand of a high court bench in Agra still exists, it has been hampered due to a lack of political support over the years. The proposed Harit Pradesh or Paschim Pradesh consists of 23 districts of Meerut, Saharanpur, Moradabad and Aligarh divisions. Opinion makers and leaders of different sections of society concur that it is not possible to run such a large state from Lucknow. They also claim that western UP contributes to the state exchequer but gets less in return, affecting its growth and development. Meanwhile, reacting to Mayawati's statement, Balyan said, It is good but she will not get a chance. Congress state president Ajay Rai said, It is nothing but to consolidate voters through the issue. Samajwadi party MLA from Meerut Rafiq Ansari called it a calculated political move for stitching Jat and Muslim votes along with Dalit. He said forming a state is a policy matter which could be discussed inside the assembly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke on several issues in an interview to news agency ANI ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during an interview with Asian News International (ANI) in New Delhi on Monday.(ANI) Modi pointed out that he has big plans for the country and that his decisions are not made to scare anyone or to diminish anyone. He also accused the Opposition of misleading the country on the issue of electoral bonds. He also alleged that the Congress and its allies had used the Ram Mandir issue as a political weapon. Here are 10 things that PM Modi said in his interview:- "When I say that I have big plans, no one should be scared. I don't take decisions to scare or run over anyone, I take decisions for the wholesome development of the nation. Governments always say we have done everything, I don't believe I have done everything. I have tried to do everything in the right direction, yet there is so much I need to do, because I see that my country has so many needs. How do I fulfill the dreams of every family, that is why I say this is a trailer. Also Read | PM Modi dubs Congress as sultan of tukde-tukde gang I feel that political leadership is becoming questionable. In such a situation, we should remember that we have a tradition of 'Pran Jaye par Vacchan na Jaye'. (You can lose your life but not your word). I believe that politicians should take ownership, they should take responsibility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dismissed the Opposition's charge of lack of a level playing field and countered that in the previous governments, those "close to the family were made Election Commissioners." New Delhi, Apr 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during an interview with Asian News International (ANI) Editor-in-Chief Smita Prakash (Unseen), in New Delhi on Monday. (ANI Photo)(ANI) You may want to read- Narendra Modi interview: PM speaks on his big plans, Ram Mandir and more | Top 10 quotes In an interview with ANI broadcasted on Monday, PM Modi, when asked about the charge of lack of a 'level playing field' and the alleged influence over agencies like the ED, CBI, EC, etc., PM said: Out of these, not a single law ( ED, CBI filing cases) was brought by my government, on the contrary, Election Commission reforms were brought by my government. Also read- PM Modi slams opposition on Ram Mandir: Cong, allies used it as political weapon Modi accused that those "close to the 'family' were made Election Commissioners who later got Rajya Sabha seats and ministries...We (BJP) can't play at that level. In March of last year, the Supreme Court, in response to a writ petition, directed that the appointment of chief election commissioners and other ECs be made by the President, based on advice from a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha or leader of the largest opposition party, and the chief justice of India. ALSO READ- 'Musk being supporter of Modi is one thing, but': PM ahead of Tesla chief visit However, the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023, replaced the chief justice of India with a union minister. Today, if the Election Commission is formed, then the opposition is also in it. Earlier, the Prime Minister used to sign a file and form the Election Commission. And those who were close to their families, such people became election commissioners. Punjab sends 13 MPs to the Lok Sabha. It was the only north Indian state and the second state (after Kerala) where the Congress won a majority of seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Between 2019 and 2024, a lot has changed in the politics of Punjab. Here are three charts which explain this in detail. Punjab is set for a four-cornered contest in 2024. (HT Photo) Berhampur , Fishermen under the banner of Odisha Traditional Fish Workers Union demanded compensation of 15,000 per month during the two-month marine fishing ban, imposed from Monday. HT Image The fishing ban in the sea will be in force from April 15 to June 14 in the entire coastline of Odisha by the government for conservation and effective management of fishery resources. The fishing ban spans 61 days and fishing by mechanised boats, big vessels and trawlers will not be allowed in the sea during the period. The traditional fishing crafts will be allowed for fishing in the sea, officials said. Awareness was conducted by engaging 'Samudra Mitra' in the coastal fishermen-dominated villages in Ganjam district for effective implementation of the ban order, a marine fishery officer said. K Alleya, general secretary of OTFWU said around 1.50 lakh traditional fishermen in the state, who were depending on fishery activities for their livelihood, would be affected due to the prohibition on fishing activities in the sea. "We demand the government should provide at least 15,000 per family per month during the ban period", said Alleya. They also demanded to include the fisherwomen in the beneficiary list as they were involved in the fishing activities like selling and transporting of fish. Their livelihood was severely hit due to the prohibition on fishing in the sea, he said. The union leader further said the Andhra Pradesh government has announced to provide 10,000 to each eligible fishermen's family under the YSR Matsya Bharosa scheme during the fishing ban period. A fishery officer said the government would provide 4,500 per active family as livelihood support during the ban period under the "livelihood nutritional support for socio-economical background of active traditional fisheries families for conservation of fisheries resources during the ban period". As many as 3638 fishermen would benefit under the scheme in Ganjam district, he said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah challenged Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls against him, instead of "hiding behind a camera" and making statements targeting his party. Srinagar: J&K National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah during an interview with PTI, in Srinagar, Saturday, April 13, 2024. (PTI Photo/S Irfan)(PTI04_13_2024_000174B)(PTI) Abdullah, a former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, is contesting the election from north Kashmir's Baramulla parliamentary constituency. He is currently on a four-day tour of the Chenab valley region to garner support for INDIA bloc candidate Choudhary Lal Singh. The Chenab valley, comprising Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts, is an area where Azad has considerable influence. It also forms part of the Udhampur parliamentary constituency, which is going to polls on April 19. Azad, also a former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, was named as the DPAP candidate from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat but he subsequently said he is not sure about his candidature as he was not consulted by the party about it. "I challenge him (Azad) to contest (the polls) against me to test his strength. Hiding behind a camera and giving statements (against the NC) is very easy. If he is a man, let him fight against me. I will see how many votes he gets," Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of his roadshow in the Thathri area of Doda district. Braving inclement weather, the NC leader carried on with his roadshow in support of Lal Singh, who is contesting the polls on a Congress ticket against Union minister Jitendra Singh. Asked about Azad's onslaught against the NC in his election rallies, Abdullah claimed that he is doing so at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "We did not speak against Azad (after he left the Congress and floated his own party in 2022) until he started targeting NC president Farooq Abdullah. We considered him as our friend but he turned out to be a friend of the BJP," he said, adding, "It is Azad's compulsion to target the NC as he cannot target the BJP." Earlier, addressing a gathering from atop a vehicle despite rains, the NC leader said his tour of the Chenab valley is meant to caution people about the ground situation and the conspiracies to divide their votes and weaken their voice. "The party with a bucket symbol (DPAP) is not here to benefit you and resolve your issues. It has joined the (poll) contest to benefit the BJP, which revoked Article 370 of the Constitution, bifurcated the erstwhile state into Union territories (on August 5, 2019) and made hollow promises to us," he said. Abdullah said this was the first time in the history of the country that a state was downgraded to a Union Territory. "What has changed (after August 5, 2019)? They made big promises and accused us of being an obstacle in the development of the region." The NC leader said they are compelled to ask about the promised industrialisation, opening of new factories, employment for youngsters and massive development. He slammed the BJP for its "failure" to ensure employment for locals in under-construction power projects and said the administration has decided to lease out electricity from the Rattle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited, a joint venture between the NHPC and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation, to Rajasthan for 40 years even as "our villages face major power cuts". "This is the same power project that gave the BJP 600 crore in the form of electoral bonds," the NC leader said. Nitin Gadkaris stint as the Union road transport and highways minister over the last decade has coincided with improved road connectivity. Referred to as the Highway Man of India, Gadkari, 67, is seeking his third Lok Sabha term from Nagpur. He is confident of winning with a record margin against the Congress Vikas Thakre. Gadkari spoke to HT on issues such as road connectivity, the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) goal of returning to power by winning over 370 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha, etc. Edited excerpts: Union minister Nitin Gadkari said the Constitutions salient features and basic structure cannot be changed. (HT PHOTO) How do you see the BJPs poll prospects in Maharashtra and nationally? We will perform better in Maharashtra than in 2019...the [ruling] Mahayuti alliance is getting an overwhelming response. In 2019, we got 41 out of 48 seats along with the united Shiv Sena. [This time] the [ruling] alliance could get 45 seats ....Modis magic is visible in Maharashtra as it is all over the country. Before 2014, people were upset with the policy paralysis of the Congress-led UPA [United Progressive Alliance]. This gave us an edge. In 2019, development ensured another victory. ...we can say what the BJP achieved in a decade, the Congress failed to in 60-65 years. People have reposed faith in [Prime Minister Narendra]s Modi government, which will be re-elected with a record margin. There is positivity due to the development over the last decade and the BJP-led NDA [National Democratic Alliance] will cross the 400-plus seats. We are performing better in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala too. Also Read | Nitin Gadkari on eliminating petrol, diesel vehicles in India: 100% possible' What is your response to fears that the BJP could change the Constitution and form a dictatorial government if it returns to power? The opposition is trying to terrorise people by spreading lies about the threat to the Constitution. The Constitutions salient features and basic structure cannot be changed. In the Kesavananda Bharati case, the Supreme Court said no part of the Constitution, including fundamental rights, was beyond the Parliaments amending power but the basic structure cannot be changed...By pushing such a false narrative, the opposition is trying to mislead minorities, Dalits, etc to get votes. They would not succeed in such misleading campaigns. What are your views about Rahul Gandhis two yatras and Congresss poll prospects? I do not think Congress will benefit. The Congress is synonymous with corruption and scandals. The BJP epitomises development, administration, and good governance. The Congress will not be able to increase its seat tally. How do you appraise your stint as a Union minister over the last 10 years? I am satisfied with my performance. When I took charge of the ministry first in 2014, I sought to develop the road network at par with the US by 2024. Now, I can claim that our network would be equivalent to the US. Prime Minister Narendra Modis dream is to make India a $5 trillion economy, self-reliant, and a super economic power. ...roads are very important to achieve this target. Building infrastructure is very important. This is why the Prime Minister has since 2014 given the highest priority to infrastructure development. I am fortunate that I could fulfil the mission. Also Read | Will Nitin Gadkari's sons join politics? Here's what Union minister said You are considered among the BJPs top leaders and Union ministers. How do you rate yourself as a politician? I am not a career politician, but rather a social worker. I believe politics is the instrument of social and economic reform. Politics consists of 80% of social work and 20% of politics. I am doing social work, particularly in agriculture, water conservation, and biofuels. I am just a mediocre person, not a highly qualified one. I am not so intelligent...but have been conferred six D Lits from different universities. I have received respect and love from all sections of people who appreciate my work as a minister. It is beyond my imagination. I still feel that I do not in fact deserve what I have got. It is the sheer love of the people. I know my limitations. What would be your choice of portfolio if the BJP returns to power? My portfolio or responsibilities in the government are the prerogative of the Prime Minister and the party brass. I do not think of tomorrow. I am a [Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh] Swayamsevak [volunteer], a committed BJP and social worker. This is my identity. You may be an ex-chief minister, ex-minister, or ex-member of Parliament but a party worker will always remain one. I am content with whatever I am. I am a committed BJP worker with conviction, not a politician by calculation. I believe in Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas [equal development]. Under Modi, the NDA government is doing a commendable job. I am confident we will again form the government for the third time. I will be comfortable with whatever responsibility is entrusted to me. How do you rate Thakre, your Congress rival in Nagpur? Do you consider this election a tougher challenge than 2019? I am confident of securing a hat-trick of wins with a record margin of over 500,000 votes. My focus will be on highlighting my 10-year track record rather than being concerned too much with who is my opponent. I do not underestimate my rival. I am relying on the achievements in my constituency such as the establishment of AIIMS [All India Institute of Medical Sciences], IIT [Indian Institute of Technology], and IIM [Indian Institute of Management], metro rail in Nagpur, enhanced connectivity, and the creation of jobs for thousands of unemployed youths... The plan to attack Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence in Bandra was hatched in the United States, by the right-hand men of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, the Mumbai Police said in preliminary investigations. Both the men who fired outside Salman Khan's residence are associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, police sources told NDTV. Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Bollywood actor Salman Khan Two unidentified men fired four rounds of shots outside Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai's Bandra, where Salman Khan lives, at 5am on Sunday. The CCTV camera footage showed one of the two shooters fire towards the actor's home. Both suspects were carrying backpacks and wearing caps while on the bike. Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, contacted gangster Rohit Godara, based in the US, for the task. Godara was tasked with hiring professional shooters for the job from his vast network, extending throughout multiple Indian states, said the police. Anmol Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post hours after the incident, but the IP address of the social media account was traced back to Canada. The possibility of a VPN connection is also being explored by the Mumbai Crime Branch. It is suspected that one of the two unidentified shooters is from Gurugram, and is connected to Rohit Godara. The man is also suspected to be wanted in the murder case of Gurugram-based businessman Sachin Munjal in March. Godara had claimed responsibility for the murder of Sachin Munjal back in March. He is a close associate of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol and Goldy Brar. In March last year, an e-mail threatening Salman Khan was received at his office following which the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar and another person under IPC sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 506-II (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention). The FIR was based on a complaint lodged with the Bandra police by one Prashant Gunjalkar, who according to police frequently visited the Bandra-based residence of Khan and ran an artist management company. (With inputs from PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the opposition parties of "spreading lies" over the electoral bonds scheme, which has been struck down by the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during an interview with Asian News International (ANI) Editor-in-Chief Smita Prakash (Unseen) in New Delhi on Monday.(ANI) In an interview with ANI, the prime minister said that the country has been pushed towards "black money" in elections and everyone will regret it. "I never say that there is no shortcoming in decision-making. We learn after discussing and improve. There is a lot of scope of improvement in this also. But today we have completely pushed the country towards black money, hence I say everyone will regret it. When they will think honestly, everyone will regret it," Modi told the news agency. The electoral bonds scheme, which was notified by the government on January 2, 2018, was pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring transparency in political funding. On February 15, the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bond scheme, notified in 2018, as unconstitutional and asked the State Bank of India and Election Commission of India to disclose all details of bonds purchased and encashed from April 2019. The court said that under the electoral bonds scheme, ruling parties can coerce people and entities to contribute and rejected as "erroneous" the Centre's argument that it protects the confidentiality of the contributor which is akin to the system of secret ballot. The electoral bond verdict came ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and was immediately welcomed by opposition parties and civil society activists. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the biggest recipient of funds in all election cycles analysed by HT, except during the Bihar 2020 election cycle, when it was the fourth biggest recipient. The second biggest recipient was the Trinamool Congress which got 16.2 crore or about 9% of the money. The third biggest was the Bharat Rashtra Samithi with 5 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the opposition of using Ram temple as a political weapon. In an interview to news agency ANI, the prime minister hit out at the Congress, questioning its decision to not attend the pran pratishtha or the consecration ceremony of the temple in Ayodhya. ALSO READ: 'Those close to 'family' were made ECs,' PM counters lack of level playing field charge "When we were not even born, when our party was not even born. At that time, this matter could have been dealt with in the court. There could have been a solution to the problem. When India was divided, then during the time of partition, they could have decided to do so and so. That was not done. Why? Because this is like a weapon in their hands, a weapon for vote bank politics," Modi said. Accusing the Congress and opposition parties of trying to delay the judgement of court, the prime minister said,"Even, when the case was going on in the court, they tried to delay the judgement of the court. Why? Because for them, it was a political weapon. They kept saying Ram Mandir will be built, they will kill you." "It was a way to appease a vote bank. Now what happened? Ram Mandir was built, no untoward incidents happened and that issue has gone out of their hands," he said. ALSO READ: PM Modi accuses Opposition of spreading lies on electoral bonds scheme: 'Everyone will regret it In a veiled attack on India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Modi said,"Secondly, their nature. Look at the incidents from Somnath Mandir till now. What was the problem with Somnath Mandir? Dr. Rajendra Babu wanted to go. There was no Jan-Sangh, no BJP. But they refused to let him go." Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during an interview with ANI..(ANI) While criticising the Congress for turning down the invitation for the consecration ceremony, Modi said,"You should be proud that the people who have built the Ram Mandir, those who have also struggled for it, they forget all your sins. They come to your house and invite you. And they want to start anew. You also reject them." Then it seems that for you, the vote bank has made you helpless. And because of that vote bank, things like this keep happening. And this... showing someone down, insulting someone, this is their nature, he added. "Now if I go to the North East, if people there ask me to wear their clothes, I wear them. Making fun of that too. If I go to Tamil Nadu, wear a lungi, you feel, look, he is doing this, he is doing that. I am surprised, there is so much hatred" the PM added. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh claimed on Monday that following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's phone call to Russian and Ukrainian presidents, the war was briefly paused to facilitate the evacuation of stranded Indian students studying in Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh during the launch of BJP's Sankalp Patra for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 at BJP HQ, in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, April 14, 2024. (Photo by Ajay Aggarwal/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times) In 2022, India conducted Operation Ganga to rescue stranded students. Between the last week of February to early March, thousands of students returned from Ukraine through neighbouring countries such as Romania, Hungary, Poland, Moldova and Slovakia. ALSO READ- Era is not of war: Modi publicly asks Putin to end Ukraine war. Its a first Addressing an election rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, defence minister Singh said: ...There is a war going on between Russia and Ukraine. Many Indian students were studying there. Missiles were being fired from Russia as well as Ukraine and a large number of people were being killed... Our Prime Minister spoke to the Presidents of Russia, Ukraine and America. Singh said that this helped India rescue its citizens as the war was briefly halted to allow evacuation. "The war was stopped for 4.5 hours and 22,500 of our students came to India from Ukraine," the defence minister added. BJP's repeats claim to woo voters; Opposition terms it propaganda Bharatiya Janata Party BJP leaders have consistently highlighted this rescue mission in their poll campaigns to rally support, while the opposition dismisses it as mere propaganda. ALSO READ- Russia, Ukraine tanks kept silent for 3 days after Modis call: Amit Shah Responding to one such social media campaign, Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the claim that Prime Minister Modi "stopped war" as 'Papa of Propaganda'. ALSO READ- Rahul Gandhi's papa of propaganda dig at PM Modi over BJP's 'war rukwa di' ad What is the government's official stand? The ministry of external affairs has denied the claim at a regular press briefing. Arindam Bagchi, then MEA spokesperson, said, We got specific inputs that this is a route that is available... we conveyed that to our citizens, and I am happy that many could make it. "Extrapolating that to say that somebody is holding off bombing or this is something we were coordinating is absolutely inaccurate." Dingaleshwar seer, one of the most influential Lingayat pontiffs in the northern range of the state, is gearing up to challenge Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pralhad Joshi from the Dharwad-Hubballi Lok Sabha constituency in the upcoming elections scheduled for May 7. Supported by over 200 seers from his community, the head of Pakireshwar Mutt in Shirahatti, Dharwad district, expressed confidence in winning the polls, citing various reasons, including the substantial voting bloc within his community. In an interview with HT, Dingaleshwar seer shared insights into his decision to take on the union minister. Here are the excerpts: Dingaleshwar seer has challenged BJP leader Pralhad Joshi from the Dharwad-Hubballi Lok Sabha constituency in the LS elections. (File photo) I do not discriminate against people based on their caste, creed, or religion, including Joshi. My contest is not against him or his community but against the flawed system, he has perpetuated over the past two decades. I have a large following of devotees and subscribers on social media who recognise me as a non-religious progressive swami. My focus is on serving the people, and my candidacy aims to correct the injustices inflicted upon them. While mutts typically refrain from supporting political parties or individuals, the atrocities committed by Joshi against the common people, whom he once used as political pawns, compelled us to take action. His actions have created a climate of fear and unrest in Dharwad-Hubballi, prompting us to appeal for his replacement by his party. Joshi, with the assistance of BJP leader BL Santosh, has marginalised prominent Lingayat leaders within the BJP, including Yeddyurappa and others, to consolidate his power. His tactics extend beyond the BJP to other parties, as evidenced by his treatment of Congress legislator Vinay Kulkarni. Joshis actions demonstrate a pattern of undermining potential threats to his authority, regardless of their community or political affiliation. The chiefs of nearly 200 mutts under the Moorusavira Mutt in Hubballi unanimously selected me to contest based on my progressive religious ideals and widespread support among the community. Despite initial concerns about community response, the overwhelming support, especially from those affiliated with the BJP, demonstrates a desire for change. Lingayat mutts practice the quality of tolerance, but Joshis actions pushed us beyond our limits. My decision to contest independently reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who abuse their power. While there were suggestions from the Congress party, I opted to remain independent to represent all Lingayats across party lines. As a seer, my focus is on serving the people, not personal or social status. While Joshi may have political experience, his divisive tactics have alienated many voters. I believe my commitment to restoring peace and serving the people will resonate with voters, regardless of political affiliations. With over six lakh Lingayat voters in the constituency and an expected voter turnout of 60 to 65%, I am confident in my chances of victory. The overwhelming support from the community, combined with opposition to Joshis reign, will propel me to success. My candidacy is centered on restoring lost peace and protecting the interests of the people. I aim to address the grievances caused by Joshis tenure and ensure that every citizen can live free from fear and oppression. Like the tradition of Lingayat mutts providing sustenance to all, my service will be available round-the-clock to the people of the constituency. While I do not have a traditional electoral manifesto, my focus is on restoring the peace that existed before Joshis tenure and safeguarding the rights of every citizen. I aim to provide protection and support to those who have suffered under Joshis rule, ensuring a brighter future for all constituents. Your mathematics teacher at school will have told you that you can only solve a set of simultaneous equations if there are as many equations as there are variables, but that is because they dont teach you Diophantine equations at school. As puzzlers know, these are equations that are usually one fewer in number than the variables, and the most common kind involves one equation with two variables. You can still solve them because the questions involve certain restrictions, such as only integer solutions being acceptable. Representational image. I dont know if anyone has ever tried introducing Diophantine equations to the IPL. If they have, hats off to them. If not, here is the IPLs first Diophantine problem. #Puzzle 86.1 The batting side is struggling with three wickets having fallen for very little. The number five batsman then saves the day by scoring the bulk of the runs in the remainder of the innings. The wickets continue to fall, though. The fourth falls when No. 5 has scored only 1/7th of his eventual total. The fifth one falls after No. 5 has scored another 1/5th of his personal total. When the sixth wicket falls, No. 5 has added just five runs more. The real partnership begins now. Number five continues to score while number eight lends a supporting hand, giving his senior partner most of the strike. As it turns out, the number of runs scored by No. 5 during the partnership is exactly twice the runs scored by No. 8. Then No. 8 falls and disaster strikes again. The bowler goes on to complete a hat-trick with No.9 and No 10, then No. 11 survives a tense couple of deliveries, and No. 5 breathes a sigh of relief as he gets back on strike in the subsequent over. He refuses a single on each of the first four deliveries. The fifth ball goes for four. On the last delivery, he attempts a quick single and runs his partner out. None of the dismissed batters has reached 50. What is No. 5s score, and what is No. 8s? #Puzzle 86.2 A book of puzzles tells me with authority that only four English words end in the letters DOUS. How many can you find? MAILBOX: LAST WEEKS SOLVERS #Puzzle 85.1 Crossword solution Hi Kabir, The parties and their old and current members can be summarised as shown in the table. Anil Khanna, Ghaziabad #Puzzle 85.2 Hi, As 6 cigarette butts make one new cigarette, 216 cigarette butts can make 36 cigarettes. From the butts of these 36 cigarettes, six more cigarettes can be made, and out of these six butts, one more cigarette can be made. So the total number of cigarettes the miser can smoke is 36 + 6 + 1 = 43. Ajay Ashok, Mumbai *** Hi Kabir, Consider that instead of making the cigarettes in batches, he makes one cigarette and smokes it, then makes another one and smokes it and so on. He uses 6 butts to make the first cigarette. For making every subsequent cigarette he uses the butt left from the previous cigarette plus 5 additional butts. So, the total number of cigarettes is 1 + (216 - 6)/5 = 43. Of course, there will be one butt left at the end. Professor Anshul Kumar, Delhi Solved both puzzles: Anil Khanna (Ghaziabad), Ajay Ashok (Mumbai), Professor Anshul Kumar (Delhi), Yadvendra Somra (Sonipat), Shruti M Sethi (Ludhiana), Akshay Bakhai (Mumbai), Dr Sunita Gupta (Delhi), Kanwarjit Singh (Chief Commissioner of Income-Tax, retired), Shishir Gupta (Indore) Solved #Puzzle 85.1: Vishnuvardhan (University of Technology Sydney), Sanjay S (Coimbatore) Solved #Puzzle 85.2: Dr Vivek Jain (Baroda), Jaikumar Inder Bhatia & Disha Bhatia (Ulhasnagar, Thane) Problematics will be back next week. Please send in your answers by Friday noon to problematics@hindustantimes.com. Flying squad officials of the Election Commission conducted checks in a helicopter carrying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris on Monday, news agency PTI reported. The flying squad officials searched after the helicopter landed in Nilgiris, police said. The helicopter via which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, was checked by the Election Commission's flying squad officials in Nilgiris.(ANI) Rahul Gandhi was on his way to his parliamentary constituency, Kerala's Wayanad, where he has a slew of campaign activities, including public meetings. Rahul Gandhi is fighting the April 26 Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad, seeking a successive term. Later on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi held a large roadshow in Wayanad. Thousands of party workers and supporters turned up for the roadshow in Sultan Bathery, Wayanad. From an open vehicle, Rahul Gandhi waved to the crowd amid the slogan in support of him and the Congress party. The Congress MP arrived in the state for a two-day tour and he will also hold a United Democratic Front (UDF) rally in Kozhikode in the evening and take part in several programmes in his constituency. Kerala, whose all 20 constituencies go to the poll on April 26 in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election, is witnessing high-voltage political activities on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also holding campaign rallies in the state. PM Modi is attending two public meetings in Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur. Rahul Gandhi is pitted against CPI's Annie Raja and BJP's state president, K Surendran. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad with a huge margin of over 4.31 lakh votes; the highest margin in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Kerala. He secured 64.94 per cent vote share, defeating LDF candidate PP Suneer. The NDA had fielded BDJ (S) leader Tushar Vellapally, who secured just around 78,000 votes, which accounted for a mere 7.25 per cent. Rajput groups have threatened to intensify their agitation across all 26 Lok Sabha constituencies in Gujarat and other parts of the country if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not withdraw Union minister Parshottam Rupala as its candidate from Rajkot. Posters have come up against Rupalas candidature across Gujarat. (X) If the BJP does not withdraw Rupalas candidature by April 19, we will take our protest to other parts of India, said Rajput Sankalan Samiti chairman Karansinh Chavda. The Samiti organised a Rajput self-respect convention in Rajkot on Sunday as part of efforts to seek Rupalas removal even as the BJP has announced that he will file his nomination on April 16. April 19 is the last date for filing nominations, which can be withdrawn until April 22. Rupala, a Patidar, kicked up a storm on March 22 when he suggested erstwhile maharajas succumbed to the oppression of foreign rulers, including the British, and dined with and arranged marriages for their daughters with them. The comments triggered protests and prompted calls for withdrawing Rupalas candidature. Rupala apologised twice but the Rajput groups have refused to accept the apology. Posters have come up against Rupalas candidature across Gujarat, where voting for all 26 seats will be held on May 7. Rajput leaders have announced they will field hundreds of candidates to ensure the BJPs defeat. Trupti Ba, Rajput Sankalan Samitis Gujarat chief, said men should not remain silent over the disrespect Rupala showed to women. If there is a dispute in the BJP, the entire ministry and chief minister can change overnight. But if any party leader makes derogatory comments against Kshatriya [Rajput] women, then why the party is so keen to keep him? This is going to be a long fight. We must maintain the courage for struggle, she said. A BJP functionary, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some leaders with vested interest were fuelling the protests. He maintained the protests would have little impact on the partys prospects. The functionary said the BJP was poised to maintain its winning streak and bag all 26 seats. The BJP won all Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat in the 2014 and 2019 elections. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said Rupalas remarks against the Kshatriya community were hurtful and should not be used against anyone. We are confident that the Patidars, Kshatriyas, and all other communities will unite to defeat Rupala.... The Congress has fielded former Opposition leader Paresh Dhanani, a Patidar, against Rupala. One of the two suspects seen in a CCTV camera footage opening fire outside Bollywood superster Salman Khan's Bandra house in Mumbai has been identified as Vishal alias Kalu, who was first arrested in a case of motorbike theft in 2020 and subsequently sent to Tihar jail. Men who allegedly opened fire outside the residence of Bollywood actor Salman Khan. (PTI) Police said Vishal alias Kalu, who goes by his first name, a resident of Gurugrams Mahabirpura in Sector 5, has been associated with the Bishnoi gang since 2016. He has allegedly been involved in vehicle lifting, murder, extortion and assault cases, said police. Vishal alias Kalu, who is associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, was one of the two suspects on a motorcycle who fired four rounds outside Galaxy Apartments in Bandra where Salman Khan resides. Two men fired four rounds outside the Galaxy Apartments around 5am and fled. According to a Bandra police official, an FIR has been registered against "unidentified persons" under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) and the Arms Act. Who is Vishal alias Kalu? The Supreme Court on Monday extended its earlier order, suspending an advocate-commissioners survey of the Shahi Eidgah mosque near to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura, till the next hearing in August. Supreme Court of India. (File Photo) A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta ordered for the listing of the matter in the first fortnight of August for a detailed hearing after noting that the court was yet to formally issue notice in the plea a legal imperative for admitting a case for an extensive hearing. Issue notice in the matter. Re-list the matter in the week commencing August 5, 2024. In the meantime, pleadings will be completed by the parties. Interim order to continue, the bench stated in its brief order, extending the operation of its January 16 order. On the next date of hearing, the Supreme Court will also consider a number of petitions, contesting the Allahabad high courts decision to transfer approximately 18 suits pertaining to the land dispute between Krishna Janmasthan and Shahi Eidgah from several Mathura civil courts to itself for hearing. The bench had on January 16 stayed the Allahabad high court order of December 14 for the appointment of an advocate-commissioner to oversee the mosque survey, noting that the Hindu sides plea for the survey was very vague and that the matter also raised some significant legal issues that required the top courts scrutiny. On the day, the court referred to the questions over passing an interim order without rendering prima facie satisfaction regarding the maintainability of the suit also arose in the case. On December 14, the Allahabad high court ordered a survey of the mosque that Hindu plaintiffs say holds signs proving that it was a once a Hindu temple, opening a new chapter in the decades-old dispute that is part of a raft of cases where Hindu petitioners are pushing for legal change to gain rights over Islamic holy sites. t also gains enormous political significance at a time when a survey has already been conducted at the contested Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi. The Gyanvapi Idgah committees challenge to this order is presently pending in the Supreme Court. Since July 2023, the Supreme Court is seized of the challenge to a May 26 order of the Allahabad high court that transferred to itself all suits filed by Hindu parties claiming right over the mosque land in Mathura. The mosque committee has argued that it did not have the financial wherewithal to defend the suits in the Allahabad high court which is 600km away and would prefer having it in Delhi which only 150km away. The May 26 order by the high court came on a plea by Bhagwan Shrikrishna Virajman at Katra Keshav Dev Khewat Mathura (deity) through the next friend, Ranjana Agnihotri, who is also an advocate, and seven others. Next friend is a legal representative of someone incapable of maintaining a suit directly. The Hindu plaintiffs requested that the original trial be conducted by the high court as the matter involved is of national importance. Multiple suits regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah Mosque land dispute pending before various courts in Mathura have a common demand to reclaim the 13.37-acre land on which the mosque stands to be returned to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust. The mosque abuts the temple and the suits have sought to annual a compromise entered between the mosque committee and Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh in 1968 allowing the continue at the place where it currently stands. The mosque, in its petition before the top court, questioned the maintainability of the suits after prolonged delay. It further argued that the suit is barred by the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 which protects the character of all places of worship existing as on August 15, 1947 (barring the Ram Janmabhoomi land at Ayodhya) and prohibits filing of any lawsuits to alter the character of any place of worship. In July last year, the top court observed that it would be in the interest of all stakeholders if the matter is decided at the earliest because pendency in such sensitive cases create disquiet. Adding that it would lay down norms for hearing the clutch of suits related to the dispute, the court had directed the high court registrar to send details of all such pending cases. On the day, the court had also remarked that it would be more appropriate for a high court judge to apply his mind considering the complex nature of the case. The Gyanvapi case has been pending since May 2022 before the Supreme Court, which has so far refused to stay the proceedings before the Varanasi district judge. In that case, too, the civil court first appointed an advocate-commissioner and then July last year, a full scientific survey of the mosque premises by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was ordered to determine if the 17th century structure was built upon a pre-existing temple. The Supreme Court, at different points in time, refused to stay these orders when appealed against by the Gyanvapi mosque committee. The Varanasi district court in January further asked for the copies of the ASI report to be given to the parties in the case. The ASI report, which was soon made public, concluded that a large Hindu temple existed before the construction of the Gyanvapi Masjid, signifying a tipping point in the contentious community conflict that may have far-reaching effects even as the trial of the underlying civil suit filed in 2021 is yet to commence. A batch of petitions some seeking to scrap the 1991 Act and some others asking for tight enforcement of the same law are pending before the top court since March 2021. Last September, Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, while hearing the Gyanvapi case, observed that the religious character of a site also had to be led by evidence. Demonstrators protesting the ongoing war in Gaza lock arms as California Highway Patrol officers reopen lanes to southbound traffic on Interstate 880 in Oakland on Tuesday. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Demonstrators who shut down the Bay Bridge last November in protest of U.S. support for Israels attacks on Palestinians were able to avoid criminal prosecution, with a judges assistance. But that doesnt guarantee immunity to participants in Mondays second round of protests on Bay Area bridges and freeways. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who initially filed charges against protesters last November, hasnt decided yet what actions to take against demonstrators who tied up traffic Monday on the Golden Gate Bridge, said spokesperson Randolph Quezada. Decisions on whether and how to prosecute the demonstrators will be up to Jenkins and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. Prices office said only that protesters could be charged if they had broken the law, and did not specify what the charges might be. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza blocked traffic on the westbound lanes of the bridge near Treasure Island for four hours on Nov. 16, Jenkins charged 80 people with misdemeanors that included obstruction of a public roadway, unlawful public assembly and false imprisonment. But Superior Court Judge Simon Frankel then proposed, and Jenkins agreed, to halt criminal proceedings against the defendants if they agreed to perform public service and pay restitution to one obstructed motorist who was evacuated from the bridge and went to court. Frankel said the charges would be permanently dismissed against defendants who were not arrested again in the next two months. Quezada said 78 protesters agreed to those conditions, one disagreed and still faces prosecution, and charges were dropped against one for lack of evidence. The charges were more serious than other roadway protesters have faced in the past, defense attorney Jeff Wozniak said Monday. For example, he said, when another group of demonstrators blocked Bay Bridge traffic lanes in 2017 as part of a Black Lives Matter protest, then-District Attorney George Gascon sent their cases to traffic court, where the maximum charge was an infraction carrying a fine but no imprisonment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its clear Jenkins wanted to make a statement with these charges, said Wozniak, who was critical of the district attorneys November decision. Communities need to be disrupted to bring attention to international and national issues. The protests expanded geographically on Monday, blocking morning commuter traffic on Interstate 880 in Oakland and San Francisco and forcing closure of the Golden Gate Bridge. Roadway demonstrations were also reported in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and elsewhere in protest of Israels U.S.-funded attacks on Gaza after the Oct. 7 assault by Hamas on Israel. The California Highway Patrol said in a statement about 20 protesters on the bridge were arrested Monday morning, with more taken into custody later in the day. Wozniak, a member of the National Lawyers Guild, said he helped to coordinate a group of about 25 lawyers who defended the November bridge protesters. Were ready to represent these people whatever may happen, he said. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to report within a fortnight about the progress of the case involving a Muslim student who was slapped by classmates on the instruction of his teacher at a school in Muzaffarnagar. The Supreme Court of India. (File photo.) Posting the matter for hearing on April 26, a bench of justices AS Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan said, Place the matter on April 26. In the meantime, the additional advocate general, UP shall take instructions on steps taken to prosecute the offender. The order came in a petition filed by Tushar Gandhi, the great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who approached the court last year soon after the video of the incident was widely shared last August. The petition pointed out the lackadaisical probe by the UP Police which initially sought to prosecute the teacher for minor offence of causing hurt under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It also pointed out issues of counselling owing to the psychological impact of the incident on the victim and the students involved. The case also highlighted several aspects of non-implementation of duties cast on the state government under the Right to Education (RTE) Act of securing free, quality education to children. Also Read: Why werent students counselled: SC rebukes UP in Muzaffarnagar slapping case Monitoring a slew of orders passed in this regard since September last year, the top court on Monday expressed satisfaction with the compliance shown by the state government in providing counselling to the affected students and the victim. In this regard, the top court had commissioned a report from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and had ensured the counselling is provided by the state in association with reputed NGOs working in this field. There is sufficient as regards counselling, the bench observed as it sought a further affidavit from the state government on aspects related to implementation of RTE, etc. Advocate Shadan Farasat appearing for Gandhi, moved an application on behalf of the victims father seeking to be added as a party to the proceedings in the top court. The application stated that following the orders by the court, the state had shifted the victim to Sharden Public school in Muzaffarnagar and had been paying the tuition fees and transport allowance to the father who has to travel 28 kilometres to drop and pick the boy from school. The father informed the court that since February this year the allowance of 200 per month had stopped and that state had not paid the tuition fees for the new academic session, following which he was being harassed by the school. The court agreed to take up the matter on the next date. Also Read: SC raps UP over Muzaffarnagar slapping case In January this year, the top court had asked the state to ensure the amount payable to the victims father is released and had asked the state to enquire if some charitable organisations were willing to help the state in this regard. Even on the issue of implementing RTE, the court had observed last September last: What is the quality of education provided by the state under RTE Act if this is the way students are being treated. The bench reminded the state that every student has a fundamental right to receive free and compulsory education under Article 21A and remarked, There cannot be religious abuse in schools. If the incident is correct, this child belongs to a particular community and other students are following the mandate of the teacher to beat him. What kind of education is being imparted in the state. With the top court monitoring the case, the school teacher Tripta Tyagi was booked under stringent provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC). Tyagi was initially not arrested as the case against her was registered under bailable offences including section 323 (causing hurt) and section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) under IPC. The teacher was seen in the video telling children to hit their classmate hard and at one point was heard saying, Maine toh declare kar diya, jitne bhi Mohammedan bachche hain, inke wahan chale jao (I have declared all these Muslim children, go to anyones area) Later, when confronted , she doubled down on her remarks and justified her action by saying it was important to control students. The Supreme Court on Monday is set to hear a plea of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and his subsequent remand in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta will be hearing the matter. Delhi chief minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal (PTI file photo) Arvind Kejriwal had moved the top court challenging a Delhi high court judgment that dismissed his plea on April 9 and rejected his argument of political vendetta amid the upcoming Lok Sabha election. According to the Delhi high court, the probe agency had sufficient materials to justify the arrest, adding that it was an inevitable consequence of his non-cooperation with the ED. Notably, the probe agency had summoned Arvind Kejriwal nine times in the case, but he did not depose before it. The 103-page judgment by the single-judge bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma also observed that the central agency could not be blamed for choosing the timing of the chief minister's arrest. The AAP leader was arrested on March 21 in connection with the money laundering probe linked to the alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy and was sent to judicial custody till April 15 in the last hearing. He is the first sitting CM to be arrested in the case. The CM is currently lodged in Tihar jail. Apart from Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader Manish Sisodia has been in jail since February last year in the excise policy case. Sanjay Singh was also arrested in the case, however, he recently got out of jail on bail. What is the Delhi excise policy case? The case pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22. The Delhi government had come up with the policy to revitalise the city's flagging liquor business by replacing the sales-volume-based regime with a license fee for traders and promised swankier stores, free of the infamous metal grilles, ultimately giving customers a better buying experience. However, it was scrapped shortly after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena sought a CBI probe into the policy alleging irregularities. According to the CBI and ED, AAP leaders accepted 100 crore as kickbacks from a group of politicians and liquor businessmen to grant licenses to them under the excise policy. The central agencies in its chargesheet also said that there was an involvement of certain South Group in the alleged irregularities. Arvind Kejriwal's name was also mentioned in the chargesheet as it said that all the accused in the excise policy case were allegedly in touch with the Delhi CM to formulate the excise policy that resulted in undue benefits to them in return for which they paid kickbacks to the party. New Delhi, The Delhi government's Vigilance Directorate on Monday issued a show cause notice to the health minister's OSD RN Das in connection with alleged irregularities in procurement of various items like personal protective equipment kits, gloves, masks and RAT kits worth around 60 crore during COVID pandemic in 2021, officials said. HT Image Das was OSD to then health minister Satyendar Jain during COVID, said the show cause notice. He later held the post of OSD of health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, after Jain resigned in 2023, it said. The A led Delhi government in a statement said, "The laughable allegations borne out of desperation pertain to the time period when Das was neither OSD of Saurabh Bharadwaj nor Satyendra Jain. Neither was he recommended by the then minister." The A government also alleged in the statement that in past one year, the office of LG has made "all out efforts to render the offices of elected ministers as ineffective". No immediate reaction was available from the LG office over allegations of the A government. Official sources claimed that Das took charge of OSD to the health minister on March 14, 2023 and he did not hold the post during Jain's tenure. "Das was medical superintendent as well as incharge of Delhi Arogya Kosh at that time. His job was to look into technical specifications of the items being procured rather than deciding which firms were awarded the tenders," sources claimed. The vigilance notice alleged a "conspiracy" was hatched in the backdrop of COVID crisis and it was used as a reason and basis to "swindle crores of rupees" from public exchequer. "Health department officials have used the context of COVID for enriching these private companies and intentionally allowed cartelization among the companies," said the notice pointing Das chaired three committees for procurement of single use gloves, sterilised gloves and N-95 masks. "The Technical Evaluation Committee chaired by RN Das extended undue favour by qualifying a firm in absence of such certificates for net worth, experience and proving that it is a manufacturer of gloves," said the show cause notice. Citing procurement of rapid antigen test kits, the notice claimed the rate of kits was quoted as 459.20 per unit which was 9.20 higher than the initial unit price. "It is observed that the rate of RAT Kit progressively declined every month so much so that within a span of six months, the RAT Kit was available at a rate of 31.50 per unit," said the notice. Das was directed by the vigilance directorate to submit his explanation within seven days of receiving the show cause notice, failing which it will be presumed that he has nothing to say and the matter will be processed without any further notice as per extant rules. The A government statement alleged that a "consistent witch hunt" was launched against the officers working at the offices of the ministers. "Almost all the secretaries, OSDs of ministers are being attacked and threatened with multiple enquiries in to matters which are old and much before their tenures as secretaries and OSDs. Though, LG secretariat is overflowing with officers and staff, but staff is being removed from offices of ministers. This shows the desperation of the LG," it charged. The people of Delhi are watching how the BJP is "conspiring" against them through the LG office, it alleged. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Aurangabad/Nawada, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday urged people in Bihar to vote for the NDA to put an end to goonda raj and dynasty politics in the state. HT Image Addressing election rallies in Bihar's Aurangabad and Nawada districts, Adityanath, without mentioning the Samajwadi Party by name, alleged, "Like the RJD here, we had a family ruling the roost in UP, unleashing goonda raj in the state." "We put an end to this... Bihar was passing through an 'identity crisis' during RJD's goonda raj. People should ensure that they are finished in this electoral battle. "This election is about family first versus nation. The 'parivaarwadi' party pushed the country towards terrorism, separatism and corruption. Now, we have Narendra Modi's guarantee of a developed and self-reliant India. The countrys prestige has grown all over the world under Modi ji's leadership. Its borders are secure, the chief minister asserted. Adityanath said when the central government is focusing on digital India, RJD leaders are busy talking about the lantern . Their leaders are opposed to digital India initiatives of the Centre and Lalu Prasad can't think beyond his parivar ", he alleged. RJD is against development They indulge in rangdaari and believe in brandishing the tamancha . The party leaders are responsible for criminalising politics. I am sure the people of Bihar will give them a befitting reply this time, Adityanath said. "Today, there is no curfew and riot in UP and everything is fine there. The BJP government stands by its promises and actions. Now, the mafia and criminals either languish in jail or rot in hell. No one dares to threaten women or businessmen in UP. If you indulge in wrong doing, you will be finished , the CM said. The NDA government in Bihar will do the same and that is why people of the state must ensure a third term for Modi, asserted Adityanath. He also alleged that the Congress and its Bihar ally RJD used to question the existence of Lord Ram. But after the Ram Lalla idol was unveiled in Ayodhya, they changed track and started saying Ram belongs to all, he claimed. The BJP's manifesto is Modi's guarantee. It reaffirms the dedication to building a developed India, while also reinforcing the firm stance against corruption, Adityanath said. He charged the Congress and RJD leaders with doing nothing for former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur. It was the NDA government at the Centre that honoured him with the Bharat Ratna They are exposed now, the UP chief minister said. The Aurangabad Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls on April 19. BJPs Sushil Kumar Singh is seeking re-election from the seat as NDA nominee, while Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Thakur is contesting from Nawada. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an attack on the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam over their "anti-Sanatana stance" and questioned as to what was Congress's compulsion over making an alliance with the DMK which spewed "hatred" and "venom" against the Sanatana Dharma. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public meeting in Rishikesh.(PTI) In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Prime Minister on Monday said that there is immense anger against the DMK and people are now moving towards the BJP. "I would say that five generations of our party (BJP) have been working here in South India. So continuous work has been going on. When people were disappointed with the Congress, they moved towards the regional parties. Now people are disappointed with these parties. In this atmosphere of disappointment, they saw the model of the BJP government in Delhi. They saw the model of the BJP government in other states in India. The Tamils who live across the country went to their homes and said that this is happening in the state where we live. So people naturally started to compare. Like I did, the 'Tamil Kashi Sangam.' So in Tamil Nadu, the people of the DMK party used to make fun of us, calling us 'Panipuri wallahs.' But when the people of Tamil Nadu came to the Kashi Sangam and saw the Kashi, they said, this is not what we used to hear. This looks very developed. There is a lot of progress. And because of that, a lot of anger has increased against DMK. That anger has now encouraged people to move towards the BJP in a positive way," PM Modi said. Praising Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai, the Prime Minister said that Annamalai is a very good leader, adding that the BJP is not a "family-based party" and everyone gets an opportunity here. "Annamalai is a very good leader, articulate. He is young. He has left his job as an IPS cadre. Other people think that he left such a big career and joined the BJP. If he had gone to DMK, he would have become a big name. He didn't go there. He came to the BJP. People think that he has gone to the BJP because he has believe in the party. So it has become a source of attraction. And the specialty of my party is that we give an opportunity to every level, every small and big worker who has the capacity. We don't have any family-based parties. There are parties (Opposition) that have the mission: of the family, by the family and for the family. And that's why everyone gets an opportunity here," he said. Reacting to the statements given by DMK against the Sanatana Dharma and people who are turning towards the BJP in Tamil Nadu, PM Modi said that the birth of DMK must have been in this "hatred" and questioned Congress about their "helplessness" to join hands with the party. "I look at this question differently. The question should be asked to the Congress. The Congress with which Mahatma Gandhi's name was associated. The Congress where Indira Gandhi used to wear a garland (Rudraksha mala) around her neck. The question should be asked to the Congress. What is your helplessness? Why are you sitting with people who are so vicious against Sanatana? Will your politics remain incomplete? What is this Congress thinking? This is the topic of concern. The birth of DMK must have been born in this hatred. The question is not theirs, the question is of a party like Congress. That has it lost its original character?" PM Modi asked Congress. "When the people who were sitting in the Constitutional Assembly, most of them were Gandhian people, most of them were people associated with Congress. And the first Constitution was made. The painting on every page of it, they are connected to the tradition of Sanatana. In that constitution, Sanatana was a part of the government. And today, if someone has the courage to abuse Sanatana so much, and if you do the politics with them for the election and support that party then it is a matter of concern for the country," he attacked Congress. DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin made remarks comparing 'Sanatana Dharma' to diseases like 'malaria' and 'dengue' while advocating for its elimination on the grounds that it was rooted in the caste system and historical discrimination. When asked about the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and other ministers' remark that the South is a separate unit and the North is a separate unit, the Prime Minister asserted that India is a country of "full diversity" adding that "diversity is our strength." "The first thing is that India is very beautiful. India is a country full of diversity. The land consists of desert, sea, Himalayas, Sahyadri, Ganga and Cauvery. So seeing India in pieces is a misinterpretation. If it was the same feeling, if you see in India, where the villages associated with the name of Lord Ram, then it is Tamil Nadu. There are so many village names that have the name of ' Lord Ram' in it. Now how can you call it separate? But there is a diversity in India. Nagaland will not be like Punjab. Gujarat will not be the same as Kashmir. So diversity is our strength. We should celebrate diversity. We have such a quality of India that every flower in the bouquet of India blossoms. This should happen," he added. Responding to the Congress allegations that if BJP wins 400 then there will be only one language and one religion, PM Modi referred to his United Nations speech of 2019 and said that he was the one who went to the UN and praised the world's oldest spoken language 'Tamil.' "I don't understand that a person who goes to the UN and for the first time praises the oldest language of the world, Tamil, on what basis are you accusing that person? When I wear clothes from different states, they also have a problem with that. They want to put the country in a singular structure. We worship diversity, we celebrate diversity. And I want to tell everyone, like I said, when anyone wants to become a doctor or an engineer why can't they become one in their mother tongue? I celebrate the mother tongue and I am increasing its importance," he said. "Recently when I was sitting with all these children who are gamers. Someone asked me for a message. So I said, do one thing, whenever you sign a letter, sign it in your mother tongue. Be proud of it. Now I am trying to bring diversity. Now they have to make accusations. What will they do?" PM Modi referred to his free-wheeling interaction with some well-known gamers about a range of aspects, including the difference between gaming and gambling. Earlier Congress, accused that the BJP will change the Constitution if voted to power for the third term. All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 19 and the counting of votes will be held on June 4. Tamil Nadu ranks fifth in terms of Lok Sabha seats, with 39 seats, including 32 unreserved seats and seven reserved for SC candidates. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats in the country will be held in seven phases starting April 19. (ANI) Contrary to expectations and barely five years after making his electoral debut from Bihars Begusarai Lok Sabha seat referred to as the Leningrad of Bihar for being a traditional Communist stronghold Kanahiya Kumar, who contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls as CPI candidate, has shifted his base to North East Delhi seat as a Congress candidate. The former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president joined Congress in 2021 and is currently in charge of the National Students Union of India, the student wing of Congress. Born in Bihat village in Begusarai, he graduated in geography from the College of Commerce in Patna. He topped the entrance examination of JNU and pursued his PhD in African Studies. While at university, Kumar was a member of the All India Students Federation, the student wing of the Communist Party of India. 2016 was a red-letter year for Kumar. In February, he, along with students such as Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, was charged with sedition for allegedly participating in and shouting slogans deemed anti-national at a cultural event meant to question the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Videos that showed Kumar shouting slogans were shown on national television and later proved to be doctored. A Delhi government probe and a JNU high-level enquiry were instituted. One cleared him, the other penalized him. He was sent to jail, and released on bail. In October of that year, Kumar lost his father, Jai Shankar Singh, a daily wage labourer and farmer. His memoir, From Bihar To Tihar was published the same month. He received his doctorate from JNU in 2019. That year, Kumar stood for elections as a CPI candidate from Begusarai. In the 2019 general elections, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Giriraj Singh won the Begusarai seat for the first time with a margin of 422,217 votes. He polled 692,193 votes with a vote share of 56.44%. He defeated Kumar who got 269,976 votes (22.01%). RJD's Tanweer Hassan stood third with 198,233 votes (16.16%). This time around, when the Mahagathbandhan or Grand Alliance in Bihar started seat-sharing talks, the question on everyones mind was whether Kumar would once again cross swords with Giriraj Singh. The suspense ended last month itself when the seat went to CPI in the seat-sharing arrangement, and for a brief while, there was talk that Kumar might fight from Maharajganj. But Kumar has moved to the National Capital. Reasons for the shift Ever since the Congress announced Kumars candidature from the North East Delhi seat, the ruling alliance started attacking the Congress for bankruptcy, while the Janata Dal (United) once again, back with the BJP-National Democratic Alliance after a few years with the Mahagathbandhan blamed it on former ally Rashtriya Janata Dal. Kumar allegedly wanted to contest elections from Begusarai itself, but the Congress did not get the seat in the alliance, giving rise to rumours that the RJD does not like Kumar. Lalu Prasad has a clear understanding that no one will stand against his son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav in politics. Congress leadership has decided to field Kanhaiya Kumar in Delhi. Without Lalu Prasad's permission, the Congress cannot even smile in Bihar, said JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar. Retired professor Nawal Kishore Chowdhary, a social analyst concurred. Lalu was up against him in Bihar. He did not want any leader to stand parallel to his son. In the past also, they (Kanahiya and Tejashwi) have not shared a dais, said Chowdhary. BJP Begusarai candidate Giriraj Singh took a dig at the Congresss decision. Congress is a tired party. It is not able to find a candidate...so Kanhaiya Kumar has been given the ticket from Delhi, said Singh. The Congress leaders of Bihar however have defended the decision. Kanhaiya Kumar is a brand and a very analytical person. He talks with facts. He is a popular face in politics. Delhi is important for us and he has done his initial politics from JNU. He would be more effective there, Anand Madhab, Congress spokesperson, said. Congress has a long-term strategy behind giving him a ticket from the North East Delhi seat. It has fielded Kumar against BJP's Manoj Tiwari in a seat dominated by Purvanchalis, i.e., people belonging from east UP and Bihar. The strategy Congress leaders familiar with the matter said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wanted Kumar to contest the elections from Delhi, and the option of a North East Delhi seat was given to Kumar. If he succeeds then Congress will get a big Purvanchali face in Delhi. While setting the election tone, Kumar will bring the conversation around to the performance of the Modi government and thus, strengthen the Congress campaign. The North East Delhi seat has a majority population of Purvanchali who live in illegal colonies and are mostly migrants. Kumar was very active during Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Yatra and played a crucial role in getting the support of youth. In contrast, Manoj Tiwary of the BJP is the lone MP retained in Delhi. Tiwary, also a Purvanchali, is a two-time MP. New Delhi: The Congress party is set to field the least number of Lok Sabha candidates since Independence in the 2024 national elections, primarily as a result of its seat pacts with allies of the INDIA bloc the largest such pre-poll alliance for the grand old party at a time when its tally has diminished dramatically over the last two general elections. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge (ANI) The Congress has so far announced 278 candidates from 27 states and all eight Union territories, and is yet to announce candidates from Haryana. The party will announce a few more seats in Bihar, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and two seats in UP Rae Bareli and Amethi and a couple of seats from West Bengal. The sum total of these is expected to add roughly another 20 seats. The Congress is likely to contest its fewest Lok Sabha seats ever Its tally of seats contested will, therefore, be way short of the number of what it was in previous elections. According to the Election Commission data, the Congress contested 421 seats in 2019, 464 in 2014, 440 in 2009, and 417 in 2004, which is the lowest number of seats it has contested up to now of the 543 up for grabs in the general elections. To put these numbers (and the partys slide) in perspective,the Congress won 52 seats in 2019, 44 in 2014, 206 in 2009 and 145 in 2004. Between 1989 and 1999, when the coalition-era became an integral part of Indian elections, the Congress party still fielded candidates in over 450 seats. It had 453 candidates in 1999, 477 in 1998, 529 in 1996, 487 in 1991 (500 including Punjab elections for the state were held in 1992), and 510 in 1989. We would not be contesting in a large number of seats. But definitely we will contest in more than 272 seats, said a senior Congress strategist about its low numbers this time. 272 is the minimum number of candidates required to get a majority in the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress has already conceded a large number of seats to its allies in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Tamil Nadu the four states that account for 201 seats. In these four states, the Congress will have 17 candidates in UP including Amethi and Rae Bareli, nine in Bihar, nine in Tamil Nadu, and has announced 13 so far in Bengal. The party will also contest fewer seats in Maharashtra, the largest electoral state after Uttar Pradesh. Out of the 48 Lok Sabha constituencies, the Congress is fielding candidates in 17, leaving 21 and 10 for its allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and National Congress Party (SP), respectively. In the last two elections, the party fought 25 and 26 seats in the state. The Congress has also made a pact with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for Delhi, Gujarat and Haryana. In these three places, the Congress has conceded six seats to its alliance partner. You cant possibly compare the INDIA bloc with the United Progressive Alliance as the UPA was a post-poll arrangement (in 2004) while INDIA is a pre-poll alliance. We are not unhappy with the number of seats we got. In an alliance, bigger parties will have to give space to smaller outfits, said a second senior strategist of the party. In all the four meetings of the INDIA bloc starting from Patna to the last one in Delhi, the allies had asked the Congress party to be more flexible and generous in seat pacts. We have accommodated parties where we have fought alone earlier. In Gujarat and Haryana, we have shared seats with AAP for the first time. This is our first Lok Sabha alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Left parties. The pact with Samajwadi Party has extended to include Madhya Pradesh, naturally we have given up some seats, said the first Congress leader cited above. A third Congress leader argued that the size of the seat pact for the Congress is not that important as the party is fighting this election as part of the INDIA alliance. Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday alleged that attempts were made to alter Manipur's demography through infiltration, adding that the Lok Sabha election is between the forces trying to break Manipur and those keeping it united. Union home minister Amit Shah (Amit Shah X) The most important thing is that no matter how much one tries- hum Manipur ko tutne nahi denge (we won't allow Manipur to break), ANI quoted Shah as saying at a rally in Manipur's capital Imphal. ALSO READ- HT interview: Both sides working to find peaceful solution, says Manipur CM Establishment of peace in Manipur by taking all communities on board and without breaking the state is the priority of the Narendra Modi government," the minister said. I want to tell this today that our (CM) Biren Singh may not say this, but he kept a big demand before PM Modi - Manipur cannot remain united without inner-line permit. The BJP government has strengthened Manipur by giving inner-line permit, Shah added. At least 219 people were killed after ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3 last year, when a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Destiny of country will change when that of northeast and Manipur will change, Shah said during the rally. PM Modi says marked improvement in situation in Manipur Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview with an Assam-based newspaper had said that there is a marked improvement in the situation in Manipur. ALSO READ- Two killed in Manipur gunfight as hostilities flare afresh "I have already spoken about this in Parliament. We have dedicated our best resources and administrative machinery to resolving the conflict. Because of the timely intervention of the government of India and efforts by the Manipur government, there has been a marked improvement in the situation of the state," the prime minister had said. Last year, PM Modi while addressing Parliament had expressed his commitment to addressing the suffering of the people of Manipur. I want to assure the people of Manipur that India is with you. Parliament is with you. We will together find a solution to this challenge," he had said. Ranveer Singh and Kriti Sanon travelled to Kashi from Mumbai to walk for designer Manish Malhotra's heritage show in City of Lights. As the city is known for its world-famous Banarasi handicrafts, Manish Malhotra took inspiration from the handloom for his fashion show, held on the Banaras ghats. The designer's collection aims to "bring together modern Indian fashion and tradition, showcase the historic heritage of Kashi, and bring the handicraft of Kashi to every corner of the world. For the show, Manish dressed his showstoppers Kriti and Ranveer in Banarasi silk ensembles. Scroll through to see what they wore on the ramp. Ranveer Singh and Kriti Sanon turned showstoppers for Manish Malhotra's show in Kashi. (Instagram) Kriti Sanon and Ranveer Singh walk for Manish Malhotra's show in Kashi Several pictures and videos from Manish Malhotra's show in Kashi made it to social media. The snippets show the two actors walking the ramp near the Banaras ghats dressed in traditional outfits from the designer's collection. While Manish dressed Kriti in a sindoori red Banarasi silk lehenga, Ranveer wore a deep plum-coloured silk kurta, dhoti, and bandhgala jacket. Check out our detailed download on their ethnic looks below. Kriti's sindoori red silk lehenga comes with a blouse featuring half-length sleeves, gold brocade embroidery done in rose patterns, round neckline, waist-length hem, side slits, a fitted silhouette, and broad gold embroidered borders. She wore the choli with a matching red lehenga featuring an A-line silhouette, layered ghera, broad bronze-gold borders, and floor-grazing hem length. Lastly, a tissue silk see-through dupatta completed the ensemble. The actor draped it over her head and shoulders. Kriti accessorised the striking sindoori red ensemble with white gajra-adorned Kaleeras, gold metal bangles, an ornate mang tika, matching dangling earrings, and ear chains. She completed the ethnic look with a glossy nude lip shade, smudged kohl-lined eyes, smoky eye shadow, mascara on the lashes, darkened brows, rouge on the cheekbones, highlighter on the contours, and a red bindi. Lastly, a centre-parted sleek bun adorned with gajra rounded it off. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh's showstopper ensemble featured a deep plum-coloured kurta and dhoti pants. He layered the ethnic look with a Banarasi silk gold bandhgala jacket adorned with brocade embroidery and featuring side slits, front button closures, full-length sleeves, padded shoulders, and raised neckline. Rugged beard and his signature backswept hairdo completed the look. The electoral politics of Muslims in Kerala, who constitute about 28% of the population, has followed a distinct trajectory in the past three decades. What makes it interesting is the presence of a pan-Indian line of thinking that identifies certain seminal national issues and sets them as political equalisers fitting into every context cutting across regional lines. These political equalisers aid in shaping Muslim politics in the state, but the circulation of each of these national and international issues produces different meanings, motivations and aspirations in the local context. The rise of Hindu nationalism and the resultant insecurity and humiliation that the community feels at the national level have been perennial sources of mobilisation in Parliament elections, especially since the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. Internationally, acts of Islamophobia, instances of attack on the Muslim States of West Asia by western powers, the question of Palestine and issues of Malayali Muslim migrants in Gulf countries also influence Muslim choices in politics. Locally, issues like the under-representation of Muslims in governance, stereotyping of their images in the media, and violation of minorities rights serve as the raison detre for Muslim organisations to mobilise people politically. There are also occasions when the response of political parties to these issues matters more than the actual impact of these issues for Kerala Muslims. Let me give two examples to highlight the exceptional nature of the political response of Kerala Muslims. In 1991, the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) won a landslide victory in the district council elections thanks mainly to its symbolic ideological support to Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War I. More recently, in local body polls, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)s position favouring the conversion of the sixth-century church in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, into a mosque by the Erdogan administration in Turkey upset many Christian groups, which, in turn, affected the poll prospects of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF)s chances. The IUML is the second largest party in the UDF after the Congress, and the Christian groups predominantly back the UDF. The political tactics of Kerala Muslims have now become pragmatic as they switch support between the LDF and the UDF. The one notable trend visible in the political opinion of the Muslim voters in the 2021 assembly elections was a trust deficit in the Congress, which many among them increasingly believe cant tackle minority issues effectively. Interestingly, there was a major tilt towards the Congress two years earlier in the 2019 general elections out of hope that the party would regain office at the Centre. The anguish and anger felt by Muslims over the tactical silence of the Congress on many important issues such as the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), temple consecration at Ayodhya, and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) could spell trouble for the party in the state. Unlike the 2019 general elections, only the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), among various Muslim organisations, has announced support for the UDF this time. On the other hand, the stance of the Left Front on issues such as reservations for forward communities in higher studies and employment and the state polices conduct of cases involving Muslims have invited the displeasure of the community. The pragmatism of Kerala Muslims is in large measure a result of the confidence and the power of bargaining that the community has gained in state politics owing to their deep involvement in governance, chiefly through the IUML. The IUML, or League, holds 15 seats in the state assembly and is represented well in local self-governments and cooperative societies. The party enjoys a sought after status among both the UDF and LDF, in sharp contrast to the sense of alienation Muslim political parties generally feel in the rest of India. The Muslim migrants to the Gulf are the other force that contributes to the influence of the community in Kerala politics. At times of need, state units of major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), turn to them for support, including funds. The Muslim migrants play a key mediatory role in Kerala politics and their voices are now increasingly heard in the public discourse. Engrossed in global politics, the issues pertaining to the politics of West Asia create substantial reverberation in the migrant circles including their families in Kerala. The CPI (M), which employs the rhetoric of anti-imperialism (read anti-United States) for political mobilisation, has a distinct edge over others among the Gulf migrants. The subtle entry of the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama (known popularly as Samastha E K faction), an outfit of tradition-oriented Sunni Muslims who make up around 60% of the Muslim population in Kerala into mainstream politics is another major development. Traditionally backers of the League, the present move from Samastha points to disillusionment with that party for what it perceives as indifference towards the majority Sunnis and the newfound enchantment with Salafi ideology among its leaders. Meanwhile, the rising polarisation makes it tough for both the Left Front and the UDF to capitalise on each others frailty vis-a-vis Muslim issues. The latest contentious issue has been a row over the screening of the Hindutva propaganda flick, The Kerala Story, by a section of the Catholic clergy. The screening was justified as being aimed at educating women in the community about alleged love jihad. Though the Congress and CPI (M) agree on the movies potential to polarise, both parties engage in delicate balancing by presenting it as an attack on Keralas secular identity. Meanwhile, another set of priests from the Catholic community have started screening documentaries on the Manipur violence against the Kuki Christians in their parishes as a political counter. Clearly, the politics of minorities in Kerala is constantly evolving, with multiple issues forcing a reset at unexpected moments, and because of unexpected reasons. MH Ilias is professor, School of Gandhian Thought and Development Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. The views expressed are personal 2208 Fillmore St., right, and 2220 Fillmore St., doorway right of Starbucks, were sold this spring. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle There was a buzz on upper Fillmore Street Thursday as shoppers browsed bougie boutiques while restaurant patrons spilled into streetside parklets to soak up the sunshine. But a closer look at a three-block stretch of Fillmore, between Clay and Pine streets in San Francisco, revealed a curious and significant ownership shuffle in recent months on the ritzy Pacific Heights neighborhoods commercial corridor. Many of the small buildings in that pocket of the street have been owned by mom-and-pop landlords for decades. But, over the past four months, a total of seven buildings have sold suddenly, quietly and for steady prices, given the downturn in the commercial real estate market. In each case, they were sold to hard-to-trace limited liability companies leaving some wondering if the buyers behind them are actually the same individuals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It all started in January when the defunct Clay Theater a century-old movie house near the intersection of Clay and Fillmore streets and an adjacent retail building changed hands. The two buildings last sold in 2008 for $4.8 million, and while theres been a trend post-pandemic of commercial buildings with vacancies selling below their pre-pandemic values, the recent sale closed for $11 million. Individuals with knowledge of the deal have since identified the buildings buyer listed in public records only as Fillmore Reserve LLC as wealthy investor Neil Mehta. The century-old, defunct Clay Theater at 2261 Fillmore St. was sold in January, as was an adjacent retail building. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Mehta, who is the founder and managing partner of venture capital firm Greenoaks Capital which has stakes in startups such as Stripe, Databricks and Rippling did not respond to inquiries from the Chronicle seeking to confirm the acquisition. Real estate market participants who were directly involved in the Clay Theater deal also did not respond to the Chronicles inquiries or declined to comment, citing nondisclosure agreements. But others with insight into Mehtas investments said he appears to be betting on a cause that is more personal than his usual business: boosting his San Francisco neighborhood. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to one individual, Mehta has shared plans to elevate the quality of upper Fillmores retail offerings. The Information, a tech-industry-focused business publication, reported last month that Mehta planned to spend tens of millions of dollars on real estate near the Clay Theater through a nonprofit he owns, citing anonymous sources. The publication, which first reported that Mehta bought the theater, did not list other properties Mehta was considering, or how many, but reported his plan is allegedly to replace some of the chain retail stores on the corridor with locally owned restaurants and shops. The Chronicle found that since January, five other buildings have been scooped up by out-of-state companies that are similarly structured to Fillmore Reserve LLC, which acquired the theater at 2261 Fillmore and a building next door at 2259 Fillmore. The latter property is leased to retailer Alice & Olivia, a clothing brand with locations worldwide. In some cases, the LLCs used to buy the buildings, while all named differently, list Cody Allen as their agent. Allen could not be reached for comment. The sale of the building at 2207 Fillmore St. was recorded on April 3. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Mehta is a longtime San Francisco resident, and public records show that a trust tied to Greenoaks purchased a 115-year-old, nine-bedroom home blocks away from the Clay Theater in 2022 for $17.6 million. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On March 15, a two-story residential building at 2220 Fillmore that spans roughly 3,700 square feet and houses a Starbucks on its ground floor sold for just under $5 million. Its new owner is listed in public documents as North Room LLC. A few weeks later, on April 3, the 7,300-square-foot building that sits immediately next door at 2208-2216 Fillmore sold for $9.7 million. That building consists of three separate retail frontages, one of which houses La Mediterranee restaurant, and two residential units across two stories. Its buyer is listed in title documents as Pointed Blue LLC. News of the sale came as a surprise to the buildings commercial tenants, which also include a jewelry pop-up business and a clothing boutique. An employee at La Mediterranee wondered Thursday what the sale might mean for the operations of the legacy business, which has occupied its space at 2210 Fillmore for 40 years. The two-story building at 2222 Fillmore St., which houses Starbucks Coffee, sold on March 15 for just under $5 million. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Also on April 3, a sale was recorded for the two-story, 3,780-square-foot building across the street at 2207 Fillmore, where French luxury cosmetics brand LOccitane shuttered its ground-floor store in the wake of the pandemic. The storefront remains empty, but the building, which also features two residential units, sold for $4.3 million to Shaded Flame LLC, public records show. Acadia Realty Trust, which sold the 2207 and 2208 Fillmore buildings, did not respond to inquiries seeking comment on the deals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Next to the former LOccitane building, a three-story residential building at 2213 Fillmore that houses the Joe & the Juice shop on its ground floor sold for $5.6 million on April 8 to Temperate Lands LLC. Its previous owner, Prado Group which also sold the 2220 Fillmore building to North Room LLC in March did not respond to inquiries seeking details on the deals. Joe & the Juice at 2213 Fillmore St. sold for $5.6 million to Temperate Lands LLC. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle The four buildings are located on the same block as the Clay Theater. A real estate market participant said whoever made the recent purchases on Fillmore paid $2 million to $3 million above the buildings values. The current market, which has seen commercial building values drop, offers buyers a unique opportunity to acquire rows of properties at a discount, as many owners are looking to sell, said real estate brokers interviewed by the Chronicle. Three blocks over from the Clay Theater, at the corner of Fillmore and Pine streets, a company called White Birches LLC purchased a 6,900-square-foot building that houses Mediterranean restaurant Noosh on its ground floor. The April 9 sale totaled $5.5 million. All seven of the Fillmore properties were cash sales. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Several individuals with insight into Mehtas plans for the Clay Theater said they believe he is considering reviving it as a high-end theater and hospitality concept. The previous owner attempted to convert the theater into a more economically viable use but this plan drew complaints from cinephiles, preservationists and sentimental community members who mobilized in 2021 to preserve one of the citys last remaining single-screen theaters. The Mediterranean restaurant Noosh stands at the corner of Fillmore and Pine streets. On April 9, a company called White Birches LLC purchased the 6,900-square-foot building for $5.5 million. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Converting the Clay Theater into non-theater use would require a conditional use authorization from the city, and as of Friday, no such application had been filed. Supervisor Catherine Stefani, whose district includes Pacific Heights, said she has worked extensively in recent years to preserve the theater and led an effort to landmark it to ensure any future plans respect its historical significance and incorporate neighboring community feedback. I look forward to working with the new property owner to ensure that the Clay Theater remains a community space and contributes to a vibrant, thriving Fillmore corridor, she told the Chronicle. Chronicle Live: Whats next for Union Square? Join host Laura Waxmann for a live conversation at 6 p.m. on April 18. John Jensen, a veteran broker with real estate firm Colliers, who was not involved with any of the recent Fillmore Street sales, said the softening market in the wake of the pandemic presents wealthy investors with the opportunity to piece together and acquire entire blocks of prime real estate throughout the city. Now is an unprecedented time in the San Francisco commercial real estate market for buyers to assemble real estate assets, as most owners will sell, and many will sell at a significant discount to a 2019 price, Jensen said. A for-lease sign appeared at 2124 Fillmore St. in San Francisco on April 11. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Mehta wouldnt be the first wealthy San Francisco denizen to scoop up an entire block in a coveted San Francisco neighborhood post-pandemic. In February, a limited liability company tied to famed iPhone designer Jonny Ive paid nearly $60 million for the 35,000-square-foot Little Fox Theater at 535 Pacific Ave. in Jackson Square. The theater sits around the corner from two commercial buildings on Montgomery Street and an adjacent parking lot already owned by Ive, as well as two condo units that he purchased in 2022 and 2023. Another 10,000-square-foot office building on the same block of Montgomery Street that sold to an unidentified buyer last year is also said to be linked to Ive. On Fillmore, there appear to be plenty more opportunities for deal-making. For more than a year, the storefront that housed shoe store Aquatalia at 2047 Fillmore St. has been vacant, and clothing store Mio, which occupied an adjacent space in the same building, has also moved out but found a new home in an adjacent building. Meanwhile, the landlord of 2047 Fillmore told the Chronicle that he is preparing to sell the building, but declined to disclose whether he is in active conversations with a buyer. Macrotech Developers, which uses the Lodha brand, has sold two apartments in its luxury project Lodha Malabar on Walkeshwar Road, Malabar Hill, one of Mumbais posh areas, for 270 crore to the chairman and managing director of Wellknown Polyesters Ltd, Anil Gupta, documents accessed by IndexTap showed. Macrotech Developers has sold two apartments in its luxury project Lodha Malabar for 270 crore to the chairman and managing director of Wellknown Polyesters Ltd, Anil Gupta, registration documents showed. The buyer has paid an agreement value of 135.21 crore for the first apartment and 8.11 crore as stamp duty. The usable carpet area of the first flat is 9,548 sq. ft and comes with seven car parkings, the documents showed. The second flat, located in Lodha Malabar, Walkeshwar, Mumbai has been bought for 134.78 crore and a stamp duty of 8.08 crore has been paid. The usable carpet area of the apartment is 9548 sq ft and comes with eight car parkings. The two units were registered on April 12, 2024. There was no response from the developer. Gupta could not be reached. Last year, Macrotech Developers had sold two apartments worth 109 crore to the directors of Kandoi Fabrics Pvt Ltd, a company that is into manufacturing and exporting packaging fabrics and bags. The promoters of the same company had bought four sea-facing luxury properties in the same project for 217 crore in March 2023. The luxury housing project is called Lodha Malabar Palaces by the Sea and comprises 31 floors. Lodha Malabar, when completed, will offer an unhindered view of the Arabian Sea and the Queens Necklace from its Walkeshwar vantage. Its designed by architect Hafeez Contractor and Club Saint Amand, a private members club, will offer hospitality services. The building will have five floors of podium parking. In March 2023, Bajaj Auto chairman Niraj Bajaj had bought a sea-facing triplex apartment in Malabar Hill for 252.5 crore. Around the same time, family members of industrialist JP Taparia, founder of the contraceptive maker Famy Care, had bought six sea-facing properties for around 369 crore in Lodha Malabar. Madhav Goel, director of Tufropes, a leading manufacturer of synthetic fibre rope and netting solutions, had also around the same time bought a 9,546 sq ft apartment in Lodha Malabar for 121 crore. There was a flurry of luxury housing deals in March last year following a Budget announcement that a 10-crore cap had been imposed on the reinvestment of capital gains from the sale of long-term assets, including property. Also Read: Mumbai records over 14,400 property sale registrations in March 2024, up 10% YoY Mumbai city recorded registration of 14,411 properties, contributing to a revenue of 1,143 crore for the state government in the month of March 2024. Registrations increased by 10% year-on-year (YoY) while revenue from property registrations dipped by 7% on a YoY basis, Maharashtra government's department of Registrations and Stamps (IGR) data showed. (Bloomberg) -- Muji is bringing its minimalist aesthetic to habitation. Muji, a Japanese brand, is bringing its minimalist aesthetic to habitation. (Picture for representational purposes only)(Pixabay) Known for simple, monotone stationery, apparel and home goods, the Japanese retailer is betting that theres just as much demand for no-frills homes and hotels, with plans to ramp up the number of Muji-style accommodations, both domestically and abroad. The concept is to build a huge accommodation service, Hidetomo Nagata, executive officer and head of the social goods and space design divisions at Ryohin Keikaku Co., the brands parent company, said in an interview. Muji products are still strong, but we also want to expand to this new lifestyle area. Also Read: New supply of retail space expected to increase by 45% by 2028: Report Earlier this month, Ryohin Keikaku announced a new business called MUJI STAY, which brings under one umbrella the retailers existing hotels, homes and camps. More projects will also be added in the future, such as a MUJI room, a renovated space filled with amenities such as bed linens and pajamas, designed to be placed in existing inns and hotels that may be outdated or not have enough funds for a full remodel. Also Read: 8 mn sq ft of mall supply likely to hit the market this year: Cushman & Wakefield report Ryohin Keikaku, which reported annual results Friday, has seen strong growth in Japan, East Asia and the Asean region, and its second quarter operating income results beat the average analyst estimate. At the same time, sales in China still remain below expectations and less than levels two years ago. The brand also recently filed for administration of Muji Europe Holdings in the UK, citing underperformance. The European business The European business slumped because of the Covid pandemic and debt from loans and product fees to the parent company, Kenta Horiguchi, executive officer in charge of corporate planning, said during an earnings briefing. We will improve profitability and strengthen our financial base by implementing structural reforms, including closing unprofitable stores and reviewing our cost structure. To strengthen products such as clothing, skincare and other necessities in Japan In addition to its accommodation business, the company said it wants to strengthen products such as clothing, skincare and other necessities in Japan. Also Read: Thailand's Central buys German luxury retail property KaDeWe Globally, it aims for an annual net increase of about 50 stores in Southeast Asia and plans for bigger flagship stores in New York and Paris. In China, the company will continue to open new stores to expand its customer base, Horiguchi said. To tap into new sources of income By leveraging its minimalist-chic philosophy, Muji may also be looking to tap into new sources of income. Boutique hotels, or small-capacity accommodations with local flair, have been on the rise, with the market projected to grow to $155.7 billion in 2030 from $99.5 billion last year. We have a lot of different facilities, and we think this will become a source of revenue for the business, Nagata said. Muji currently has three hotels one in Ginza, Tokyos upscale shopping district, and in Chinas Beijing and Shenzhen. Rooms are often fully booked months in advance, pointing to the potential for new ones not just in Asia, but also in the US and Europe, according to Nagata. Affordable housing The minimalist brand has also helped breathe new life into danchi, public or semi-public housing that was built to support Japans postwar economic recovery. By updating kitchens and modernizing outdated features, Muji sought to attract residents seeking affordable housing. The project was likely the starting point in Mujis plan to focus on homes and hotels, according to Iwai Cosmo Securities Co.s Daisuke Aiba. The renewal of the danchi was pretty successful, Aiba said. Their thought process is that if they continue to expand on that model, they will be able to increase sales. A key part of the companys strategy centers around Airbnb rentals called MUJI BASE in culturally-rich regions of Japan. Operating in more remote areas than Mujis city-oriented hotels, the rentals showcase locales that visitors otherwise may not visit. One in Kamogawa, about 90 minutes by car from Tokyo, is a century-old renovated traditional wooden Japanese house near picturesque mountains and rice fields. Theyre aiming for far away places or old houses instead of famous locations, so they are trying to create a model where theres not much competition, said Aiba. Muji plans to open about five more rentals and rooms this year, including one in Teshima island later this month, and another this fall in Otaki, located in Tokyos neighboring prefecture. Muji said its received inquiries from local governments who want to bring such accommodation to their towns. The broader goal is to encourage people to stay longer and visit a destination multiple times, according to Nagata, who cited the companys 2030 vision of not only selling quality, affordable products, but also seeking to make a positive impact on regions and their residents. In the future, we hope that fans of Muji products will become fans of the regions as well, Nagata said. (Updates the story with earnings briefing in the sixth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Iran launched a missile and drone attack on Israel late on Saturday, April 13. Amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, tensions had been steadily building between Iran and Israel. Iran has been supporting Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, who have frequently launched attacks into Israel as a form of proxy warfare. As Iran launched the direct attack, Israel used its multilayered air defence network to counter it. Now, Anand Mahindra took to X to express his thoughts on Israel's air defence system. Anand Mahindra posted about Israel's air defence system. (Twitter/@anandmahindra) Anand Mahindra reshared a tweet which talked about the Iron Dome, and wrote, "They have more than the Iron Dome. They have a longer-distance interception system called David's Sling. And they also have Arrow 2 and 3 systems. In the works is also the Iron Beam, which will use lasers. Today, possessing ironclad defence interception systems is as important as a cache of offensive weaponry. We in India must step up our focus on & spending in that direction." (Also Read: Iron Dome to Arrow System: Know Israel's multilayered air-defence system that blocked Iran's unprecedented attack) Take a look at the tweet here: This tweet was shared on April 14. Since being posted on X, it has gained close to two million views. The share also has numerous likes and comments. (Also Read: US helps Israel thwart Iran's missiles, drones attack, India reacts to conflict: 10 points) How did X users react to it? An individual wrote, "The most important thing that Israel has is the support of USA, France, UK & other countries who send in their airforce to help in intercepting and bring down these missiles & drones of Iran. These countries are also supplying weapons to Israel and are standing with it even when they ask for a ceasefire." A second shared, "True, India should learn from all such happening around us. We should invest much more in defence R&D and prepare ourselves for future warfare. I believe the current government is moving in the right direction to make India immune from any external threats." "Perfect, India should work out on this. I always love to read your thoughts on current affairs all over India and the world," posted a third. The Lok Sabha polls in Himachal Pradesh are scheduled for June 1, marking the seventh phase of elections to elect four members of the 18th Lok Sabha. With the voting day still over a month away, candidates contesting in the four constituencies are actively participating in various campaign activities. Among them, the BJPs star candidate Kangana Ranaut, who is contesting from Mandi against Congresss Vikramaditya Singh, is leaving no stone unturned to secure votes from the people. Kangana Ranaut with spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala. (Instagram/@kanganaranaut) The actor met Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Himachal Pradeshs Dharamshala and termed it as one of the most memorable moments of her life. Aaj Dharmshaala mein His Holiness Dalai Lama ji se bhent hue [I met His Holiness Dalai Lama in Dharamshala]. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life, wrote Kangana Ranaut while sharing pictures on Instagram. She further shared what Dalai Lama told her during their meeting. She added, His Holiness ji said that he enjoys being in Himachal Pradesh and absolutely loves Bharat. Such a privilege, such an honour. Take a look at the pictures shared by Kangana Ranaut below: After meeting the spiritual leader, the actor told ANI, It was divine. It was an experience which Ill cherish all my life. I think it is exceptional to be in the presence of such a being who has sheer divinity around him. So it was very emotional for me and ex-CM (Jairam Thakur). It is something that I cherish all my life. Earlier, Kangana Ranaut slammed Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh for calling her the queen of controversies while addressing a poll rally in Mandi. She said, Yeh tumhare baap-dada ki riyasat nahin hai, ke tum mujhe dara, dhamka ke vapis bhej doge [This is not your forefather's estate where you can threaten and send me back]. She further added that India has changed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She said, "This is the new Bharat of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where a small, poor boy who used to sell tea is the biggest hero and pradhan sevak of the people. This comes after Singh called her the queen of controversies, stating that questions will be raised on statements she made from time to time. P V Subramanyam, a Chartered Accountant (CA) by profession, recently shared how buying houses has changed over the decades. He talked about the home loans taken by three generations - one in 1966, the other in 1981 and the third one in 2023. Alongside, he also shared the salaries of those who took these home loans. While a few agreed with his post, saying that they made similar purchases, others questioned why anyone would need to take out a loan to buy a house when they earn a good amount of money. CA P V Subramanyam took a home loan of 2.5 lakh in 1981 to buy a house. (X/@pvsubramanyam) My father took a huge loan of 28000 to buy a house in 1966. I took a huge loan of 2,50,000 in 1981 to buy a house, wrote Subramanyam on X. He added that his nephew took a home loan of 2.6 crores in 2023 to buy a house. In the next few lines, he also shared the salaries of his dad, himself and his nephew for reference. Salaries were 48000 for my dad, 200,000 for me and 1.24 crores for my nephew. Take a look at the post here: The post was shared two days ago on X. Since being shared, it has received over 6.3 lakh views and the numbers are still increasing. Additionally, the post has received numerous likes and comments from netizens. Check out how people reacted to the post here: Very well said. Our family went through similar purchases, posted an individual. Another added, Your father borrowed less than his annual salary, you a little more than and nephew twice his annual salary. Interesting to see if tier 2 & 3 towns follow this pattern or if it is unique to Bangalore/metros, expressed a third. A fourth wrote, With that kind of salary, why would one even need to take a loan? Your dad was the wisest to limit the loan amount to less than a years salary, shared a fifth. Ex-Google MD Parminder Singh shared an interesting story about how Malaysians refer to North Indians as Bengalis. Singh caught the attention of many people on the microblogging platform X after posting about this tale. His post has garnered numerous reactions, with many even telling their own accounts of different cultures. Parminder Singh is the former MD of Google.(Twitter/@parrysingh) Singh, in his tweet, wrote, "In Malaysia, Sikhs are often referred to as Bengalis! I recently learned this fact and the fascinating history behind it. British India had three sea ports - Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. British Malaya was served by ships from Calcutta and Madras. Most North Indians used the Calcutta port, the majority of whom were Sikhs recruited for army, police, and security jobs. To the Malay people, everyone who didn't come from Madras, essentially everyone from North India, was a Bengali!" (Also Read: Ex-Google MD shares inspiring tale from when he was a sales manager at Apple) He further added, "I learned this during a recent Vipassana meditation retreat in Malaysia from some fellow Malay Indians. In a lighter vein, some of them insisted on calling me Parry Dada (the Bengali term for elder brother). I suppose this is the opposite of how many of us North Indians tend to label everyone from the South as 'Madrasis'!" Take a look at his post here: This post was shared on April 14. Since being shared, it has gained more than one lakh views. The post also has over 1,000 likes and numerous comments. Many people flocked to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts. (Also Read: Ex-Google MD shares how stranger saved him from car accident, asks Twitter for tales of kindness. They deliver and how) Here's how people reacted to it: An individual wrote, "That is so amusing. Reminds me of what a salwar-kurta/kameez is called in Odisha. It is called, believe it or not, Punjabi! Imagine telling the shopkeeper there 'show me colourful Punjabis'". A second added, "Interesting. In East Africa, Sikhs are called Kala Singha. The earliest immigrant Sikh was one Kala Singh, and Indians with beards and similar turbans like Kala Singh got the same name tag." "I learnt this when I was talking to a local Dada in Penang, it was quite fascinating as the real Punjabis and Bengalis can't be more different and can't be more similar both, two extreme poles so different yet same," posted a third. A fourth commented, "Our tour guide told us this when we visited Penang. They have local bread too, which is called Paggali/Bengali." The IIT entrance exam is one of the most challenging tests in the country, and students typically begin preparing for it during their final year of high school. It is an exam that requires significant dedication and hard work to crack, and aspirants spend countless hours studying and practising to achieve their goals. If you are one of the many students who wish to gain admission to an IIT, it is essential to have a well-structured preparation strategy. To help you with that, an alumnus of the institution has shared six of his most effective tips to help you crack the exam. These tips will provide you with valuable insights and guidance to help you succeed in your IIT entrance exam. (Also Read: What is 'IIT's actual worth?' Reddit post sparks discussion among netizens) The tips were shared by IIT Kharagpur alum Umesh Jakhar. (LinkedIn/@Umesh Jakhar) These tips were shared by IIT Kharagpur alum Umesh Jakhar. In his post, he wrote, "Here are my top tips for students looking to get into the IIT: Short-term goals lead to long-term success; set daily goals and focus on fulfilling them. Divide your routine into focused sessions for efficient learning. Organize your ergonomics for a productive learning process Utilize textbooks over online materials to avoid distractions. Reach out to seniors for help whenever needed. Lastly, prioritize your studies but also indulge in recreational activities and take breaks." Take a look at his post here: This post was shared a while ago on LinkedIn. Since being shared, it has gained numerous likes and comments. (Also Read: IIT-Roorkee alum breaks down the 'real situation' of placements in 4 major points) How did LinkedIn users react to this post? An individual wrote, "These are some really amazing tips." A second shared, "This is wonderful, Umesh Jakhar." Many other LinkedIn users also thanked him for sharing the tips and said that they found them useful. A senior police officer in Delhi described what he termed as a "harrowing experience" on an IndiGo flight from Ayodhya to Delhi on Saturday, when bad weather forced it to be diverted to Chandigarh. The officer alleged that the pilot "wasted a lot of time" mid-air to decide the next course of action. The IndiGo flight was diverted to Chandigarh due to bad weather in Delhi. (File Photo) Satish Kumar, DCP Crime, was flying from Ayodhya to Delhi on Saturday on IndiGo flight 6E2702. The plane was scheduled to land in Delhi at 4:30 pm after it took off from the Uttar Pradesh city at 3:25 pm. Fifteen minutes before they were to land, the pilot announced that there was bad weather at the Delhi airport, Kumar said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "Around 4:15 p.m. the pilot announced that theres bad weather at @DelhiAirport and assured that the plane has 45 minutes of Holding Fuel," Kumar wrote. "The pilot attempted landing twice, but couldn't due to bad weather and still wasted a lot of time deciding the next course of action." According to the police officer, it was only after 75 minutes that the pilot informed the passengers that he would attempt to land in Chandigarh. "By that time a lot of passengers and one of the crew staff started puking out of panic," Kumar said. The plane finally landed in Chandigarh at 6:10 pm, 115 minutes after the IndiGo pilot said the plane had holding fuel for just 45 minutes, Kumar said. "Got to know after landing that weve landed in the nick of time with only 1 or 2 minutes of fuel left from the crew staff. What an ordeal it was for the passengers," he said. Check out what the Delhi police officer wrote on X: The officer urged the Civil Aviation Ministry and aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to check if all the standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed or if it was a "narrow escape". As many as 22 flights were diverted at the Delhi airport on Saturday evening due to bad weather, news agency PTI quoted an official as saying. Of them, nine flights were diverted to Jaipur, eight to Lucknow, two to Chandigarh, and one each to Varanasi, Amritsar and Ahmedabad. The official said nine flights of IndiGo, eight flights of Air India, and three flights of Vistara were among those that were diverted. The flights were diverted between 3 pm and 6:30 pm, the official added. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the national capital handles around 1,300 flight movements daily. A wealthy Jain couple from Gujarat has given away around 200 crore, and is all set to adopt monkhood. In February, Bhavesh Bhandari and his wife gave away all of their possessions in a formal ceremony. Later this month, they will formally declare their intention to live a renunciated life, as per reports. Snapshot of Bhavesh Bhandari and his wife. (X/@T_Investor_) Here's all about Bhavesh Bhandari and his family: 1. According to ABP, Bhavesh Bhandari is a resident of Gujarat who comes from a well-off family in Sabarkantha. 2. He worked in the construction industry and managed projects in both Sabarkantha and Ahmedabad. 3. Bhandari and his wife donated 200 crore and went on the path to take Diksha, reported News Nine. For the unversed, Diksha is a ceremony where a person formally commits to live an ascetic or spiritually disciplined life. 4. Bhandari has a son and a daughter, who took Diksha in 2022. (Also Read: UK university launches new Jainism programme, enrollments to start from January) 5. As their entire family has taken Diksha, they all will be living a simple life and gave up even things such as air conditioners, fans, beds, any sort of electronics and other things. 6. The initiation ceremony was marked with a procession. A sizable crowd attended the procession that took place in Himmatnagar. It is reported that on April 22, the Bhandari couple will receive a formal induction. Earlier, a nine-year-old Gujarat girl who is the daughter of a wealthy diamond dealer chose to become a monk instead of material comfort. Devanshi, the eldest daughter of Dhanesh and Ami Sanghvi, took Diksha in Surat's Vesu area in front of hundreds of people, including the Jain monk Acharya Vijay Kirtiyashsuri. Her father owns Sanghvi and Sons, a Surat-based diamond polishing and export company that has been in business for about thirty years, reported Zee News. Heavy rains continued to lash Oman on Monday, resulting in 13 fatalities. According to UAE-based Khaleej Times, the civil defence and ambulance authority in Oman recovered the body of an individual who had gone missing in North Al Sharqiyah governorate. Flooded streets seen in Oman.(REUTERS) As part of the efforts of the search teams of the civil defence and ambulance department in North Al Sharqiyah governorate, and with the support of other parties and citizens, a missing person was found dead. Search efforts are still ongoing for three other people, including a child, the CDAA was quoted by the website as saying. On Sunday, at least 12 people lost their lives owing to flash floods. This included nine students, two residents and an expatriate, the report said, citing the national committee for emergency management. Due to the torrential rain, several parts of Oman experienced severe flooding. Teams of the Royal Oman Police, the Royal Army of Oman, the civil defence authority, and the ambulance moved students from schools to safer places. Videos on social media showed vehicles being swept away as flood water gushed through the streets of Oman. People were trapped inside their homes. Khaleej Times reported that the Oman Police aviation team executed a mission to transfer 21 individuals from a rural farm to the Al Lasmo area within the Quriyat governorate. Schools and colleges in Oman were instructed to continue their education through distance learning. The directive came from the ministry of higher education, scientific research, and innovation on Sunday. Business owners were urged to stay informed by monitoring weather bulletins to safeguard the safety of their staff members. Oman's national committee for emergency management also alerted all governorates likely to be impacted by the rain, the report said. Apart from Oman, UAE is also likely to witness unstable weather conditions including the possibility of hailstorms, lightning, and thunder in certain areas, the report added. Revelers at Beauty Bars Drop Dead, Gorgeous! beauty contest in 2006. The kitsch dive bar has closed its doors after 25 years in San Francisco. Victor J Blue The interior decor of San Franciscos Beauty Bar. Victor J Blue Revelers dance at San Franciscos Beauty Bar. The Mission District destination has closed after 25 years. Liz Hafalia/SFC Beauty Bar, a kitschy Mission District destination where customers could enjoy martinis while getting manicures, has closed its doors after a 25-year run. First opened in 1998 on a rough stretch of Mission Street at the intersection of 19th, the San Francisco Beauty Bar was part of a national chain with outposts in cities like New York and Los Angeles. The owners transformed the space, previously a dive bar, into a vibrant retro-themed venue with glittering furnishings sourced and driven cross-country from a salon in Long Island. In its early years, Beauty Bar was known for its Martinis and Manicure nights every Friday and Saturday. These events featured DJs and occasionally live bands performing next to its compact dance floor. The bars decor included vintage 1960s salon equipment, such as a Naugahyde salon chair equipped with a hair dryer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Valerie Herbert receives a manicure at Beauty Bar. The kitsch dive bar has closed its doors after 25 years in San Francisco. Victor J Blue A beauty salon has always been a place where ladies could meet and gossip, so it essentially serves the same function as a bar, Beauty Bar owner Paul Devitt told the Chronicle in 1999. We hoped the idea of combining the two would appeal to women because there are very few bars designed with women in mind. We wanted it to be a safe, comfortable place. Over the years, it hosted karaoke nights, beauty pageants, and reggaeton and Latin jazz dance parties. But the bars history was not without its dark moments. In 2016, a mother leaving the bar was abducted by two men, who were later apprehended and pleaded guilty to charges of human trafficking and kidnapping. Three years later, a father who celebrated his birthday with his adult son at Beauty Bar was executed by fellow patrons who mistook him for a rival gang member. Revelers at Beauty Bars Drop Dead, Gorgeous! beauty contest in 2006. The kitsch dive bar has closed its doors after 25 years in San Francisco. Victor J Blue Matt Stout, who served as Beauty Bars general manager until January, confirmed the closure. He attributed it to unsustainable, increasingly slowing revenue for the venue, which had lost much of its initial allure over time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im not privy to everything going on in the last four months, but Ive seen the message that was sent by the managing owner to the remaining staff Saturday afternoon and have spoken with several of the staff members, who have all acknowledged that Beauty Bar has indeed closed, Stout told the Chronicle. In 2020, Stout initiated a crowdfunding campaign to support the bar staff during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. But the campaign fell short, raising less than $3,000 of a $10,000 target. Beauty Bars phone number and website are no longer operational. The last updates to its event listings on Facebook were in August, and its Twitter account has been inactive since 2018. A location in Brooklyns Park Slope neighborhood closed in 2015, and another in Dallas shuttered in 2019. Washington, : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday reached out over phone to the foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had calls with his Saudi and Israeli counterparts, amid signs of an escalating crisis in the Middle East following Iran's strikes on Israel. HT Image Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel, which Tehran said was in response to the April 1 strike on its consulate in Syria. Almost all Iranian drones and missiles were shot down by Israeli, US and allied forces before they reached their targets. The diplomatic overdrive to fight the crisis came soon after US President Joe Biden had a conference call with G-7 leaders and had separate telephonic conversations with King Abdullah of Jordan and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. In all the calls, the American leadership emphasised on the need to avoid further escalation in the region and reaffirmed Americas ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. They also reaffirmed the importance of diplomatic efforts to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike, the state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of the calls that Blinken had with Jordans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Blinken thanked Fidan for Turkishs ongoing engagement to prevent further escalation in the region, and discussed with Shoukry the importance of ongoing efforts to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza and protecting Palestinian civilians, as well as achieve an immediate ceasefire that secures the release of all hostages. Blinken thanked Jordan for its leadership in providing life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, including through joint US-Jordan airdrops and overland deliveries, Miller said. In his call with Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Blinken reiterated that while the US does not seek escalation, it will continue to help Israel defend itself. The secretary and the foreign minister agreed on the importance of a coordinated diplomatic response, Miller said. According to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Austin, in his call with Saudi Minister of Defense, Khalid bin Salman, emphasised that US does not seek escalation, and will continue to defend Israel and U.S. personnel. Austin underscored the importance of the enduring US defence partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reiterated the US commitment to working with the Kingdom and other partners to deescalate tensions in the region, Ryder said. Austin also briefed Gallant on his consultations with partners and allies to reinforce international resolve in the face of Iranian aggression, Ryder said. Meanwhile, Biden reached out to the Congressional leaders on the greatest foreign policy crisis of his presidency. Biden convened a call this afternoon with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss Irans unprecedented attack against Israel. On the call, the president discussed the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible, said the White House. At the UN headquarters in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told members of the Security Council, during an emergency meeting, that it is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. Regional and indeed global peace and security are being undermined by the hour. Neither the region nor the world can afford more war, he said. Schumer told reporters in New York that Iran is becoming more and more isolated due to its "evil" actions. The best way to help Israel rebuild its anti-missile and anti-drone capacity is by passing that supplemental immediately. As I said, Israel expended about over a billion dollars in defending itself and the security supplemental would replenish the kind of anti-missile and anti-drone defences that are in the Arrow, in the David's Sling, and in the Iron Dome, he said. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby joined several shows where he asserted that Biden and the US are making good on its ironclad commitment to defend Israel. He also made clear that the United States is not seeking a conflict with Iran. Several hundred drones and missiles launched in the course of several hours and all most every single one of them knocked out of the sky. Thats not by accident. Thats terrific testament to the superiority of the Israeli military and also to our own military superiority and the effort, the resources President Biden committed to helping defend Israel, Kirby told Fox News. It's an extraordinary example of military superiority that Israel demonstrated to the whole world and showed that Israel has friends and is not isolated on the world stage, Kirby told NBC News. Now, whether and how the Israelis will respond, that's going to be up to them. We understand that and respect that. But the president's been very clear. We don't seek a war with Iran and we're not looking for escalation here. We will continue to help Israel defend itself, he said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Summary Donald Trump hush money trial LIVE: The 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, has been involved in three civil lawsuits in New York after exiting the White House, but this is the first time he could face imprisonment. He is charged with 34 counts of first-degree falsification of business records. These charges come from payments he made to his former attorney Michael Cohen. The amount was handed over for hush money payments he made to former adult film star Stormy Daniels who claimed to have an affair with Trump prior to the 2016 election. However, Trump has denied having an extra-marital affair with Daniels and entered a not guilty plea. Every count denotes a distinct occurrence of the purported wrongdoing, identifying various business documents related to a sequence of payments made to Cohen that were purportedly fabricated to hide his criminal conduct. Unless Trump requests a waiver, he is required to appear in the court every day of the trial as a criminal defendant. Meanwhile, his attorneys and the prosecution try to reduce the number of possible jurors to just 12 and a few alternates. The Manhattan district attorney first indicted Trump in March 2023 on state charges pertaining to a 2016 hush money payment to Daniels. Islamabad, Amidst spiralling tensions in the Middle East, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is set to visit Pakistan on April 22 and hold meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and the military leadership, according to a media report on Monday. HT Image The 63-year-old leaders expected visit will take place days after Tehran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel in retaliation to an alleged Israeli airstrike on its Damascus consulate in Syria that killed several people, including two senior commanders of Irans elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Geo News reported. The visit also assumes significance as it comes amidst ongoing efforts by Pakistan and Iran to deepen their cooperation which received a temporary setback earlier this year. In January, Pakistan, in retaliation to Iran's cross-border strikes, carried out precision strikes using killer drones and rockets to target terrorists inside Iranian territory, the report said. Two bases of the Sunni Baloch militant group 'Jaish al-Adl' in Pakistan's unruly Balochistan province were targeted by missiles and drones, Iranian state media reported. Jaish al-Adl, or the "Army of Justice", is a Baloch Sunni militant group founded in 2012 that largely operates in Pakistan. Pakistan had even withdrawn its ambassador from Iran and announced that it would not allow the Iranian envoy, who was visiting his home country at that time, to return as a gesture of protest against the breach of its sovereignty by Iran, Geo News reported. However, the diplomatic ties were soon restored with the ambassadors of the two countries returning to their respective posts. The sources, as per the report, said the agenda of President Raisis visit includes bilateral ties, security cooperation, a gas pipeline and a potential Free Trade Agreement . The Iranian president's visit also holds significance as the two countries share key economic interests, most notably the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, the report said. In another development, Iran announced on Monday that they would release Pakistanis stranded on a ship seized by the Iranian forces, after confirmation of their nationalities and completing legal formalities due to brotherly ties between the two countries, the report said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Irans first direct attack from its soil on Israel over the weekend has complicated flights in one of the most densely traversed regions of the world, forcing airlines to choose lengthy detours from cities like London or Paris to destinations in the Persian Gulf or India. HT Image Several Middle Eastern countries including Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon temporarily closed their airspace over the weekend as Iran launched drones and missiles. Both Israel and Iran also imposed restrictions on airline traffic, requiring airlines to rerout, thereby extending flight times and adding to fuel costs. European airlines were taking a variety of approaches on Monday, with EasyJet Plc pausing operations to and from Israels Tel Aviv, while British Airways Plc is still operating flights to Israel and Jordan. The carrier faced disruption over the weekend when a flight en route to Jordan was forced to turn around because of the airspace closures. Other carriers that have circumnavigated the region or stopped service to places like Israel and Jordan include Qantas Airways Ltd., Singapore Airlines Ltd., Air France and Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Air France said that it plans to restart flights to Beirut Monday and to Tel Aviv Tuesday, following the reopening of Israeli and Lebanese airspace. However, it said journeys to destinations such as Dubai, India and Singapore would see flight times increase by as much as 45 minutes due to changes to the flight schedule. Dutch partner KLM said it had canceled flights to Tel Aviv Monday. Air France reiterates that the safety of its customers and crews is its top priority, the airline said. The company is constantly monitoring developments in the geopolitical situation of the territories served and overflown by its aircraft in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety and security. Qatar Airways and Emirates resumed some suspended Middle Eastern services on Sunday as airspaces reopened. Irans airspace is frequently utilized by airlines traveling between Europe and India or Southeast Asia. Airspace across the Middle East are littered with risks and complexities. Airlines are contending with a set of challenges after Russias invasion of Ukraine severed access for many carriers forcing lengthy diversions which exist to this day. Earlier in Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, airlines faced scores of disruptions primarily centered on Tel Aviv, cancelling flights into or out of the country. Israel shut down its airspace for both domestic and international routes on Saturday, before reopening them Sunday morning. Lebanon and Iraq too resumed flights over their territories. Read More: Flights Get Longer as Airlines Are Forced to Skirt War Zones The latest diversions come as Israel and its allies, led by the US, fended off Irans response to a suspected Israeli attack on Irans embassy in Syria on April 1, which killed a top military commander. Iran said on Saturday its forces seized an Israel-linked container ship near the Strait of Hormuz. Days earlier, Lufthansa Group suspended flights to several cities in the Middle East. The group whose airlines include Germanys flag carrier Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines said Sunday that it will resume flights to Tel Aviv, Erbil in Iraq and Amman on Tuesday, while those to Beirut and Tehran will continue to be halted until at least April 18. Qantas had temporarily adjusted its direct Perth-London flights to stop over in Singapore to account for the extra fuel needed to re-route around the volatile region. Singapore Air said that its flights were not overflying Iranian airspace. Cathay Pacific Ltd. is watching the situation in the Middle East closely, but its operations remain normal, a spokesman said in a text message Sunday. With assistance from Siddharth Philip, Leen Al-Rashdan and Kate Duffy. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following an unprecedented Iran attack on Israel on Sunday, as Israel vows to retaliate. The attack, involving more than 300 missiles and drones, marked the first direct assault on Israel by another country in over three decades. This was, however, followed by purported Israeli strikes earlier this month resulting in casualties among soldiers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards. US secretary of state Antony Blinken said his country would defend Israel. The situation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with concerns about its potential impact on oil traffic through the Middle East. Both sides are on high alert, with the international community closely monitoring developments as efforts to de-escalate tensions continue. ALSO READ- Why Iran attacked Israel with missiles and drones Iran-Israel conflict | 10 updates 1. Israel's war cabinet explores retaliation options following Iran's drone and missile strike but aims to avoid full-scale conflict, reported Israeli media. 2. The Iranian foreign minister warned of a stronger response if Israel retaliates, amidst escalating tensions in the region, according to Iranian state media. 3. The United States secretary of state Antony Blinken pledged to defend Israel while urging de-escalation with Iran after Tehran's attack. 4. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack injuring four Israeli soldiers in Lebanon. You may want to read- Will Israel retaliate to Iranian missile attack? 5. UK prime minister Rishi Sunak condemned Iran's actions in the Middle East during a parliamentary update on Monday, following Tehran's launch of 300 missiles and drones as he praised the bravery of the Royal Air Force pilots who, alongside US-led forces, intercepted Iranian drones. 6. US President Joe Biden is to host Iraqi prime minister to discuss US-Iraq relations amid concerns over Mideast tensions post-Iran's strike on Israel. the meeting was scheduled before Iran's attack. 7. Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi plans Pakistan visit, scheduled to meet prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and military leadership, disclosed a media report. 8. Kerala woman among 17 Indians on seized Israel-linked cargo ship in Iran's custody, family confirmed. Iran has assured Indian authorities access to the Indian crew members. ALSO READ- Iran to allow Indian authorities to meet crew members of seized ship 9. Geopolitical risks in the oil market surge after Iran's attack on Israel, prompting banks to revise price forecasts. 10. Iran's attack on Israel has disrupted flights in densely traversed regions, prompting airlines to take longer routes from cities like London and Paris to destinations in the Persian Gulf or India. Israel's successful interception of drones and missiles launched by Iran, has been officially named operation Iron Shield, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday. An Israeli army f-15 fighter jet flies over central Israel on April 15, 2024. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP) 'Iron Shield' the official name of the interception and thwarting operation of the Iranian attack on Saturday, the IDF posted on X (formerly Twitter). In an unprecedented move, Iran, in its first direct military assault on Israel, launched drones and missiles in retaliation for the April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria's capital, Damascus; Tehran holds Tel Aviv responsible for the attack. As many as 16 people were killed, including officers of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Of the 170 drones and 150 missiles (30 cruise, 120 ballistic) launched by Iran, 99%, IDF says, were intercepted by the latter's air defenses and fighter jets, and in coordination with its United States-led coalition of allies. While the West has backed Israel and condemned Iran, it has urged the former of the duo to not respond to the provocation, as a conflict is already on in the Middle East, between Israel and Hamas. Iran, on the other hand, has warned of a strong response to any potential military action by Israel. Israel's response on Monday? Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu-led War Cabinet wrapped up discussions on the Jewish state's retaliation, and added that there were reports that a retaliatory move could come as soon as Monday. The War Cabinet, it said quoting Channel 12, decided to hit back clearly and forcefully to send a message to Iran that Israel will not allow an attack of that magnitude to pass without a reaction. Separately, the Axios note site reported that Yoav Gallant, Israel's Minister of Defense, told Lloyd Austin, his US counterpart, that due to the use of ballistic missiles, Israel had no choice but to respond. According to The Wall Street Journal, the retaliatory options on the table include cyber attacks, targeted strikes on state-owned sites such as Iranian oil infrastructure, strikes on personnel and infrastructure related to Tehran's nuclear programme, and targeting one of its proxies in the region (Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis). Of these, hitting Iranian nuclear sites would be unlikely, particularly because such an operation would require both support and funding by the US, the WSJ said. A woman walks across a pedestrian crossing near a billboard depicting named Iranian ballistic missiles in service, with text in Arabic reading "the honest [person's] promise" and in Persian "Israel is weaker than a spider's web", in Valiasr Square in central Tehran on April 15, 2024. Israel-Iran News Highlights: Iran launched a massive attack against Israel on April 14 as a retaliation against the attack carried out by the Israeli military against the former's embassy, killing a senior official. The highly anticipated retaliation by Iran involved launching hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles into Israel, making it the biggest drone attack carried out by any country. This is the first time that Iran has directly attacked Israel, despite the decades-long strain on their bilateral ties....Read More The Israeli military said that they intecepted around 300 drones and missiles, and the attack caused minimal damage. The authorities told Israeli citizens to stay on alert as the military continues to secure the airspace even more. US President Joe Biden said in a statement that the United Stated helped Israel take down almost all the missiles, issuing a strong condemnation of the attack launched by Iran. Biden said, Iran and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the drone strike was aimed at destroying specific targets in Israel. Iran previously vowed to retaliate against the strike on its consulate in Syria on April 1 which ended up killing seven officials, including one high ranking officer. While Israel was accused of carrying out the attack, the country didn't confirm or deny the same. Israel has issued a stark warning, saying that the conflict with Iran is not over yet. It has also vowed to exact a price after 330 drones and missiles were fired overnight by Tehran. According to the Israeli military, over 99 per cent of the drones and missiles had been intercepted with help of the US, UK and France. Israel has said the conflict with Iran is not over yet' (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg, File)(AP) We will build a regional coalition against the threat of Iran, and we will exact a price from it in the way and at the time that suits us, Israel minister Benny Gantz said, according to The Independent. Tehran had earlier said the matter can be considered concluded. The US military has confirmed that it destroyed as many as 80 attack drones, and at least six ballistic missiles that had been fired from Iran and Yemen. CENTCOM remains postured to support Israels defense against these dangerous actions by Iran. We will continue to work with all our regional partners to increase regional security, the US military said. Meanwhile, president Joe Biden told Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US refuses to take part in a counter-offensive against Iran. Iraq, Jordan and Turkey officials have now also said that the nations had warned Israel days before Irans attack on the country. According to Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran had given neighbouring countries and the US a 72-hour notice before the drones and missiles were launched. Iran said the reaction would be Turkeys foreign ministry insisted that it spoke with Tehran and Washington before the attack, and tried to ensure that reactions were proportionate. Iran said the reaction would be a response to Israels attack on its embassy in Damascus and that it would not go beyond this. We were aware of the possibilities. The developments were not a surprise, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters. A government security adviser and a security official, both Iraqi sources, said that Iran used diplomatic channels to inform Baghdad about the attack three days before it was launched. The government clearly understood from the Iranian officials that the US military in Iraq was also aware of the attack in advance, said the Iraqi security official. The desert sun beat down on Tel Aviv's beaches, casting long shadows over a scene that defied recent headlines. A day after Iran launched a multifront attack on Israel with suicide drones, ballistic missiles, and rockets, Israelis were seen going about their normal lives on the beaches. Despite the global political debate and destabilizing conditions in the Middle East, the locals seemed to have gotten used to this kind of thing. Israelis sit in a coffee shop in the Israeli coastal city of Netanya, on April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory late on APril 13, marking a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes and sparking fears of a broader conflict breaking out. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)(AFP) Israelis embrace normalcy after drone attack Nearly all of Iran's drones and missiles launched in a recent attack were destroyed by Israel's air defences, with support from the US, Jordan, France, and the UK. The strike came as retaliation for the killing of Iranian military leaders in Syria on April 1st. Despite the attack, photos from Tel Aviv show residents seemingly unfazed, relaxing on beaches and enjoying cafes. This suggests a certain level of resilience among the Israeli people accustomed to such conflicts. Also read: World War 3: Irans attack on Israel brings back Nostradamus's eerie 2024 prediction of naval war My husband went for for walk at 8.30, the cafes were open, the beach was open. Everything was back to normal. Israelis are used to it. Theyre used to being attacked; its normal life for them.- Debbie Fenton told The Jewish Chronicle from Herzliya. Israelis are trusting IDF to handle Iran threats and enjoying the sunny weather this morning on Bat Yam beach. A social media user wrote on X (Twitter) after posting pictures of the crowd unfazed, dancing and enjoying the beach like a normal day for them. Israelis are sipping lattes on the beach. This isn't their first rodeo. Wrote another. A Jerusalem resident told Agence France-Presse, The situation is really frightening but, we are very, very happy with the alliance that helped us because most of the aircraft and missiles have not arrived to Israel. Also read: Iranians celebrate across streets after multi-front attack on Israel using suicide drones and missiles Schools in Israel closed for Monday after Irans attack Despite signs that things are getting back to normal in Israel, some security worries remain. The New York Post reports that many schools in the country were set to close on Monday as a result of the ongoing threat, but some ultra-orthodox schools stayed open. This is in stark contrast to the post-October 7th Hamas assault, which took much longer to get back to normal after more than 1,200 people lost their lives. US faces criticism after Iran attacks Israel On April 13, while Israel awoke to heart-wrenching news, world political leaders lambasted the Biden administration for certain policies that have had a direct impact on the Middle East crisis. On Sunday night, the administration came under fire for its alleged role in funnelling billions of dollars into Iran through a sanctions waiver, which critics say indirectly benefits Iran. The White House has defended the waiver as being strictly for humanitarian purposes, but Republican senators have called for an end to the waiver, arguing that it weakens deterrence of Iran. The Board of NZ Windfarms Limited (NZX Code: NWF) is delighted to announce the appointment of David Prentice to the role of CEO effective immediately. Most recently, David was the inaugural Chief Executive of Manawa Energy and prior to that was Chief Executive and Director of Trustpower and Opus International Consultants. David was also the Chair of the Interim Committee for Climate Change and is currently on the Board of Northpower and Martin Jenkins. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree and a PhD in Engineering. He is a member of the Institute of Directors, a Chartered Professional Engineer and a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand. NZ Windfarms Board Chair Mr Craig Stobo welcomed Mr Prentices broad energy sector expertise and engineering project development background to NZ Windfarms. Mr Stobo said The Board is very pleased to have David join us and help lead the next phase and build on what has been achieved so far in the reconsenting of the world class Te Rere Hau site, and partnering with Meridian Energy to redevelop and repower the site Mr Prentice said he was excited to be joining NZ Windfarms and working with a company that was committed to playing its part in the ongoing decarbonisation of New Zealands economy. Mr Prentice said Im particularly looking forward to working with the Board and executive to focus on additional growth and development opportunities with the support of investors and clients. For further information, contact Chairman Craig Stobo by email info@nzwindfarms.co.nz. Craig Stobo Chairman Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: TRU - WHO Agency UNITAID Features TRU in Tech Landscape Report PaySauce Quarterly Market Update - September 2024 October 2nd Morning Report Rua Releases Annual Report for Year Ended 30 June 2024 SCL - Settlement of orchard sales The Warehouse Group 2024 ASM and Director Nominations AIR - Update on Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer Comvita Limited - Annual Report 2024 September 27th Morning Report Spark announces departure of Finance Director Several people have been injured in a stabbing in Sydney church, Reuters quoted local police officials as saying. It is the second stab attack in the Australian city in three days. The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by paramedics(AP file) Officers arrested a male and he is assisting police with inquiries, a police statement said. The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by paramedics, police officials were quoted by Reuters as saying. Local media reported that a church leader and several worshippers were stabbed during a service at the church. Videos of the incident circulating online showed a man lunging and stabbing a speaker. According to an AFP report, the attack took place during a service at an Assyrian church in the west of the city. A man approached the altar, raised his right arm and slashed at the preacher with a knife, prompting panic and screams among the congregation. A police operation is underway in Wakeley, following reports of a stabbing...Officers arrested a male and he is assisting police with inquiries. The injured people suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics. More information will be provided once it becomes available, the New South Wales Police posted. The ambulance service told AFP that four men aged between 20 and 70 were being treated for injuries, including lacerations. Its the second stabbing incident in Sydney after six people were killed in a knife attack at a mall in Sydney's Bondi area on Saturday. (With agency inputs) Singapore, A senior operations technician at the Singapore Refining Company was sentenced to four months jail for directing foreign workers to work when toxic gas was released into the air from a plant which killed a 30-year-old Indian national. HT Image Leck Ching Hwa, 47, who was the senior operations technician at the time of the incident, was sentenced last Friday and admitted that he had been negligent at the oil refinery plant on Merlimau Road on Jurong Island. Palanivel Pandidurai, a 30-year-old Indian national, died five days later of multi-organ failure following chemical burns from some toxic gas in an incident on September 17, 2020. Palanivel, and Periyasamy Kolanginathan, who were then working for a firm called PEC, were exposed to hydrogen sulphide gas and collapsed. Their colleague, Narayanan Murasoli, also collapsed when he tried to rescue the pair. The trio were rushed to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital on that day. Periyasamy and Narayanan also suffered serious injuries but survived. Court documents did not disclose details about their nationalities and ages, according to a report by The Straits Times on Monday. Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless poisonous gas that has a foul odour similar to that of rotten eggs. It is commonly found in the production of crude oil and natural gas. Hydrogen sulphide is also flammable and volatile. Ministry of Manpower prosecuting officer Melvyn Low told the court that Palanivel was found to have sustained chemical burns on 40 per cent of his total body surface area. He also had extensive blistering and peeling of the skin over his upper abdomen and back. He later developed multiple organ failure during his stay in the intensive care unit and died on September 22, 2020. Meanwhile, Periyasamy sustained 9.5 per cent superficial partial thickness burns to his upper back, hip area and legs. He was discharged on September 21, 2020. Narayanan, who suffered a chemical injury to his eyes and abrasions to places including his back, was discharged three days later. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. London, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday accused Iran of sowing chaos in the Middle East as he updated the British Parliament on the UKs actions following Tehrans barrage of 300 missiles and drones targeted at Israel over the weekend. HT Image The British Indian leader praised the bravery of the countrys Royal Air Force pilots who joined US-led forces to shoot down a number of Iranian drones, as he confirmed that the UK provided important intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support in the operation alongside allies. He reiterated his previous statement to condemn Irans reckless and dangerous escalation in the region and called on all sides to show restraint. With this attack, Iran has once again shown its true colours. They are intent on sowing chaos in their own backyard, on further destablising the Middle East, Sunak told the Commons. We are working urgently with our allies to de-escalate the situation and prevent further bloodshed. We want to see calmer heads prevail, he said, adding that he would be speaking to his Israeli counterpart later on Monday. I will also shortly be speaking to Prime Minister Netanyahu to express our solidarity with Israel in the face of this attack, and to discuss how we can prevent further escalation. All sides must show restraint, he said. Sunak highlighted three priorities going ahead: upholding regional security, pursuing the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and increasing the supply of aid to people in Gaza. Our aim is to support stability and security because it is right for the region and because although the Middle East is thousands of miles away, it has a direct effect on our security and prosperity at home, he noted. I want to be clear, nothing that has happened over the last 48 hours changes our position on Gaza, he said. The Parliament statement came a day after the Charge dAffaires of the Iranian Embassy in London was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on the instruction of UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron. The UK condemns in the strongest terms Irans direct and unprecedented attack against Israel, as well as their violation of Jordan and Iraqs airspace. At a time of great tension in the Middle East, this was a profoundly dangerous and unnecessary escalation by Iran, an FCDO spokesperson said. The Iranian authorities must take meaningful and immediate action to de-escalate and halt its reckless and unlawful behaviour, the spokesperson said. Cameron later told the BBC the attack was a "double defeat" for Iran that could have resulted in thousands of casualties and led to greater escalation had it been successful. He urged Israel to be "smart" and "tough" as it considers its response. "Now is the time to be smart as well as tough, a time to think with head as well as heart, he said, stressing that the UK did not support a retaliatory strike, echoing US President Joe Biden's comment that Israel should "take the win". This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Indian-American Democrat Congressman Shri Thanedar on Monday highlighted his ground-breaking resolution, H.Res.1131, which condemns the rise of Hinduphobia and addresses the disturbing surge of anti-Hindu bigotry. In a press conference titled celebrating Hindu Americans and condemning Hinduphobia, Thanedar stressed on the threats being issued to Indian-Americans residing in the United States.(X) According to the resolution submitted on Wednesday, Hindu Americans have been the victims of discrimination, hate speech and assault in schools and on college campuses. the House of Representatives (1)celebrates the contributions of Hindus and Hinduism to the United States of America; (2)declares the United States as a place that welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans; (3)condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry and hate, and intolerance; and (4)makes appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press, the resolution states. Also Read: Hinduphobia on surge in US: Indian-American Congressman vows to fight targeted hate crimes and bigotry This is not a Hindu issue but an American issue: Thandear In a press conference titled celebrating Hindu Americans and condemning Hinduphobia, Thanedar stressed on the threats being issued to Indian-Americans residing in the United States. On being asked about who are behind these threats, he said: I will not want to speculate who may or may not be behind these attacks, stressing that this is job of the FBI, local authorities and Department of Justice to provide the answers. There's a position in the government that there's no action that can be taken. Why do you think the FBI and other governments And that's what we're trying to find out. And that's why we asked for a meeting. And why is this issue not as high a priority? he added. The Indian-American Democrat further emphasised on the need for the community to stand together and fight and express our opinions. Responding to another question whether he will receive the support from Democrats, Republicans, or even independents on the resolution, he said: Well, look, this is American values. Equality is an American value. Racial justice is an American value. This is not a Hindu issue. This is not an Indian-American issue. This is an issue about fairness and equality, and this is an American issue. And I expect every colleague of mine across the aisle to be a part of this. Also Read: US state of Georgia officially declares October as 'Hindu Heritage Month' Thanedar slams those who reject existence of Hinduphobia In a stern message to those who deny the existence of Hinduphobia, Thanedar cited plenty of instances and blasted those who still close their eyes and are not able to see. "You know, there is hate against Sikhs who wear turbans in schools. There is hate against children of Indian origin. There is, you know, there is, we have pictures and videos of graffiti and, you know, destroying of Hindu places of worship. There is, you know, we have an embassy, the Indian embassy being burnt. It was burnt in California, so what more proof do you need? he continued. H.Res.1131, the resolution which has been forwarded to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, comes at a time when hate crimes against Hindus are on the rise, along with an increase in Hinduphobia in American society. The historic hush-money trial of Donald Trump got underway Monday with the arduous process of selecting a jury to hear the case charging the former president with falsifying business records in order to stifle stories about his sex life. Donald Trump was in court Monday as the first US ex-president ever to be criminally prosecuted, a seismic moment for the United States as the presumptive Republican nominee campaigns to re-take the White House. (AFP) The day ended without any jurors being seated. The selection process was scheduled to resume Tuesday. However, Judge Juan M. Merchan warned Trump that he would go to jail if he meddles with the proceedings. He informed Trump trials proceedings would continue even in his absence. Merchan issued the similar warning to each defendant at the beginning of the trial. Key highlights of first day The first criminal trial of any former U.S. president began as Trump vies to reclaim the White House, creating a remarkable split-screen spectacle of the presumptive Republican nominee spending his days as a criminal defendant while simultaneously campaigning for office. He's blended those roles over the last year by presenting himself to supporters, on the campaign trail and on social media, as a target of politically motivated prosecutions designed to derail his candidacy. Also Read: Will Donald Trump miss out on son Barron's high school graduation ceremony due to hush money trial? After a norm-shattering presidency shadowed by years of investigations, the trial amounts to a courtroom reckoning for Trump, who faces four indictments charging him with crimes ranging from hoarding classified documents to plotting to overturn an election. Yet the political stakes are less clear because a conviction would not preclude him from becoming president and because the allegations in this case date back years and are seen as less grievous than the conduct behind the three other indictments. The day began with hours of pretrial arguments including over a potential fine for Trump before moving into the start of jury selection. The first members of the jury pool 96 in all were summoned into the courtroom, where the parties will decide who among them might be picked to decide the legal fate of the former, and potentially future, American president. Trump craned his neck to look back at the pool, whispering to his lawyer as they entered the jury box. You are about to participate in a trial by jury. The system of trial by jury is one of the cornerstones of our judicial system, Judge Juan Merchan told the jurors. The name of this case is the People of the State of New York vs. Donald Trump. A third of 96 people in first panel of potential jurors remained Trumps notoriety would make the process of picking 12 jurors and six alternates a near-herculean task in any year, but its likely to be especially challenging now, unfolding in a closely contested presidential election in the heavily Democratic city where Trump grew up and catapulted to celebrity status decades before winning the White House. Underscoring the difficulty, only about a third of the 96 people in the first panel of potential jurors remained after the judge excused some members of the jury pool. More than half of the group was excused after telling the judge they could not be fair and impartial. At least nine more prospective jurors were excused after raising their hands when Merchan asked if they could not serve for any other reason. A female juror was excused after saying she had strong opinions about Trump. Earlier in the questionnaire, the woman, a Harlem resident, indicated she could be neutral in deciding the case. But when asked whether she had strong opinions about the former president, the woman answered matter-of-factly: Yes. When Merchan asked her to repeat the response, she replied: Yeah, I said yes. She was dismissed. Merchan has written that the key is whether the prospective juror can assure us that they will set aside any personal feelings or biases and render a decision that is based on the evidence and the law. No matter the outcome, Trump is determined to benefit from the proceedings, casting the case, and his indictments elsewhere, as a broad weaponization of law enforcement by Democratic prosecutors and officials. He maintains they are orchestrating sham charges in hopes of impeding his presidential run. Hes lambasted judges and prosecutors for years, a pattern of attacks that continued up to the moment he entered court Monday when he called the case an assault on America and said: This is political persecution. This is a persecution like never before. Earlier Monday, the judge denied a defense request to recuse from the case after Trump's lawyers claimed he had a conflict of interest. He also said prosecutors could not play for the jury the 2005 Access Hollywood recording in which Trump was captured discussing grabbing women sexually without their permission. However, prosecutors will be allowed to question witnesses about the recording, which became public in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign. Prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorney's office also asked for Merchan to fine Trump $3,000 over social media posts they said violated the judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses. Last week, he used his Truth Social platform to call his former lawyer Michael Cohen and the adult film actor Stormy Daniels two sleaze bags who have, with their lies and misrepresentations, cost our Country dearly! Trump lawyer Todd Blanche maintained Trump was simply responding to the witnesses' statements. It's not as if President Trump is going out and targeting individuals. He is responding to salacious, repeated vehement attacks by these witnesses, Blanche said. Merchan did not rule on the request immediately, instead setting a hearing for next week. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors say the alleged fraud was part of an effort to keep salacious and, Trump says, bogus stories about his sex life from emerging during his 2016 campaign. The charges center on $130,000 in payments that Trumps company made to Cohen. He paid that sum on Trumps behalf to keep Daniels from going public, a month before the election, with her claims of a sexual encounter with the married mogul a decade earlier. Prosecutors say the payments to Cohen were falsely logged as legal fees in order to cloak their actual purpose. Trump's lawyers say the disbursements indeed were legal expenses, not a cover-up. After decades of fielding and initiating lawsuits, the businessman-turned-politician now faces a trial that could result in up to four years in prison if hes convicted, though a no-jail sentence also would be possible. Trump would also be expected to appeal any conviction. Trump's attorneys lost a bid to get the hush-money case dismissed and have since repeatedly sought to delay it, prompting a flurry of last-minute appeals court hearings last week. Among other things, Trump's lawyers maintain that the jury pool in overwhelmingly Democratic Manhattan has been tainted by negative publicity about Trump and that the case should be moved elsewhere. An appeals judge turned down an emergency request to delay the trial while the change-of-venue request goes to a group of appellate judges, who are set to consider it in the coming weeks. Manhattan prosecutors have countered that a lot of the publicity stems from Trumps own comments and that questioning will tease out whether prospective jurors can put aside any preconceptions they may have. Theres no reason, prosecutors said, to think that 12 fair and impartial people cant be found amid Manhattans roughly 1.4 million adult residents. The prospective jurors will be known only by number, as the judge has ordered that their names be kept secret from everyone except prosecutors, Trump and their legal teams. The 42 preapproved, sometimes multi-pronged queries include background basics but also reflect the uniqueness of the case. They're being asked, among other questions, about their hobbies and news habits, if they hold strong beliefs about Trump that would prevent them being impartial and about attendance at Trump or anti-Trump rallies. Based on the answers, the attorneys can ask a judge to eliminate people for cause if they meet certain criteria for being unable to serve or be unbiased. The lawyers also can use peremptory challenges to nix 10 potential jurors and two prospective alternates without giving a reason. If you're going to strike everybody who's either a Republican or a Democrat, the judge observed at a February hearing, you're going to run out of peremptory challenges very quickly. United States' former American president, Donald Trump is set to face a criminal trial for the first time in the nation's history on Monday, barring any last-minute developments. FILE - Former President Donald Trump leaves Manhattan criminal court, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in New York. (AP) Charges against Donald Trump Donald Trump is facing 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment of $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. He allegedly paid her to silence allegations of extramarital affairs. If convicted, Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, could face a sentence ranging from probation to up to four years in prison, according to legal experts. The case centers on a series of transactions made by Trump to repay Cohen that were recorded as legitimate legal services. Trump has pleaded not guilty and has denied an affair with Daniels. However, the prosecution alleges that Trump reimbursed his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for the hush money payment through falsified checks, violating federal election laws and exceeding campaign contribution limits. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has attempted to delay the trial without success. Stormy Daniels said she had a one-time sexual liaison with Trump years before his first White House run. Cohen paid Daniels to stay quiet about the alleged affair. Former Trump associate, Cohen, is expected to testify against his former boss about the origin of those payments, how they were accounted for, and who knew what. He had pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to these payments in 2018. Also Read: Donald Trump makes stunning claims ahead of hush money trial Why is the Hush Money Trial historic? As Donald Trump's case will be heard in Judge Juan Merchans courtroom in downtown Manhattan, for the first time in US history a former President will stand trial on felony charges. It becomes significant as the hearing will coincide with Trump's election campaign ahead of the Presidential elections in November. Despite his legal teams best efforts, Trump will now face the judgment of a New York jury. Political Relevance of the Hush Money Trial The case is expected to be divisive, with many Republican voters supporting Trump despite his legal challenges. Trump has accused both Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and trial Judge Juan Merchan of bias against him. "This trial will likely be seen by some as politically motivated, while others will view it as addressing illegal activities, such as paying off a porn star," said Hank Sheinkopf, a New York City-based political consultant told USA Today. As the trial approaches, public opinion appears divided, with a significant portion of registered voters viewing the charges as serious. The trial could serve as a platform for Trump to rally his base and demonstrate his political prowess, or it could further damage his reputation, depending on the outcome and public perception. What to expect in court during Hush Money Trial Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Monday, marking just over a year since Bragg announced the indictment against Trump. The trial is anticipated to last between six and eight weeks. The trial will begin with jury selection, followed by opening arguments and witness testimonies. Trump has indicated that he plans to testify in his defense. Both sides frame the case as being about election interference, though they refer to different elections. Bragg contends that Trump falsified records to unlawfully interfere with the 2016 election, while Trump claims the charges are part of an effort to undermine his 2024 election prospects. While the trial will not be televised, reporters will be present in the courtroom, and proceedings will be streamed in at least one overflow room. Potential witnesses include Stormy Daniels, Karen McDougal, and Michael Cohen. Trump is represented by Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles, experienced attorneys who have previously served as federal and state prosecutors, respectively. Throughout the trial, Trump may continue to use social media to express his views and criticize the judge, as he has done in previous cases. What happens if Trump is convicted in hush money trial? If convicted, Trump is likely to appeal the decision. The potential implications of incarceration for a former president with around-the-clock Secret Service protection remain unclear. Despite some commentators suggesting that other cases against Trump are more significant, the trial is seen by many as an important step in holding the former president accountable if he broke the law. While Donald Trump arrived in the New York criminal court for his hush money trial, former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss declared that it "has to be" the former president in the White House following the November presidential elections. Blasting incumbent Joe Biden, she said that he hasn't supported the United Kingdom during his tenure as the US President.(AP) Blasting incumbent Joe Biden, she said that he hasn't supported the United Kingdom during his tenure as the US President. The ex-UK PM stressed that she would prefer to see a new president in the White House. Speaking to British news radio station LBC, Truss said: I dont think Biden has been particularly supportive to the United Kingdom. I think hes often on the side of the [European Union]." On being asked if it should be Trump in the White House, Truss said: It has to be. Since departing 10 Downing Street in 2022, Truss, the shortest-serving PM in UK history, has been a strong supporter of American conservative politics. Introducing her new book Ten Years to Save the West, Truss hailed policies that Trump introduced during his tenure. Calling them very effective, the Tory said that the US witnessed higher economic growth than the UK because Trump liberated the US energy supply and reduced taxes and regulations. She went on to say that Trump was more effective at preventing aggressive regimes expanding, and I think wed be in a different position if he got reelected in 2020. Also Read: Donald Trump hush money trial LIVE: Trump arrives in NY courtroom, blasts historic trial as 'assault' on America Truss hopes to see a Republican in White House Notably, Truss had never before publicly endorsed Trump by name. Last year, she penned an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal and voiced her support for a Republican president. "I hope that a Republican will be returned to the White House in 2024," she wrote. She further called for conservative leadership in the United States, which is "bold enough to call out hostile regimes as evil and a threat. Also Read: Netizens cite Logan Act violation as Trump's anti-Iran threat resurfaces In a speech at the U.S. Conservative Political Action Conference, she asserted that Republicans running for office are more pro-Britain than the Democrats and demanded the election of candidates who arent going to cave into the establishment. During Truss' tenure as prime minister, Trump once declared in an interview with GB News that he thinks "very highly" of her. Later this week, Truss will travel to the United States to promote the American publication of her book. On April 22, she is set to give a speech at the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank as part of her trip. The FBI has opened a criminal probe into the cargo ship Dali that caused the deadly collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity, officials said in a statement issued Monday. The bureau is now investigating whether any of the crew members were aware of the serious problems with the ship's system before it left the port. FBI launches criminal probe into the ship Dali that collided into Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore(AP) FBI launches criminal investigation into Baltimore bridge collapse A spokesperson told Reuters, FBI agents had boarded the cargo ship Dali to conduct court-authorized law enforcement activity regarding the crash, adding, There is no other public information available, and the FBI will have no further comment. Prior to FBI's criminal probe, the US National Transportation Safety Board told Congress last week that it spoke with the Dali crew members, as part of its investigation. The deadly collapse occurred around 1:30 am on March 26, when the massive cargo vessel bound for Sri Lanka rammed into one of the support pylons. As the key bridge partly collapsed, six construction workers who were repairing potholes on the bridge were killed as they fell into the Patapsco River. Out of the six victims, the bodies of only three have been recovered so far. As replacing the bridge entirely will take years, authorities have opened two temporary channels to allow some shallow-draft vessels to move around the stricken container vessel, per Reuters. The outlet adds that the US Army Corps of Engineers said two weeks ago that it expected to open a new channel to the Port of Baltimore by the end of April. Erek L. Barron, the US attorney for Maryland, told USA Today, My office generally will not confirm the existence of or otherwise comment about investigations. However, the public should know, whether its gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or any other threat to public safety or property, we will seek accountability for anyone who may be responsible. The foreign minister of Iran has said in a press conference that Iran had informed the US before the attack was launched on Israel. Early Sunday in a message to the White House we announced that our operation would be limited and minimalistic and aimed at legitimate defense and punishing the Israeli regime, Hoeein Amirabdollahian said, according to The Mirror. Iran says it had informed the White House about punishing the Israeli regime before the attack (Photo by AFPTV / AFP)(AFP) In our response, we defined no response against civilian targets. Our armed forces targeted no economic or populated areas," he said, adding that the attack was meant to punish Israel, an act of defense by Iranian forces. Our goal in this legitimate act of defense is simply punishing the Israeli regime," he said. We are not after American individuals or bases in the region. Israel warns Iran Meanwhile, Israel has warned that the conflict with Iran not over yet and has vowed to exact a price after 330 drones and missiles were fired by Tehran overnight. The Israeli military has said that more than 99 per cent of the drones and missiles had been intercepted with help of the US, UK and France. We will build a regional coalition against the threat of Iran, and we will exact a price from it in the way and at the time that suits us, Israel minister Benny Gantz said, according to The Independent, even after Tehran had earlier said the matter can be considered concluded. Iran has also threatened to carry out a deadlier attack on Israel if it retaliates against the drones and missiles. Further, Tehran has warned the US against backing a counteroffensive. It has threatened that it would target US garrisons in Syria, Jordan and Iraq. If the Zionist regime [Israel] or its supporters demonstrate reckless behavior, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response, Irans President Ebrahim Raisi said in a statement. A police officer and a sheriff's deputy in upstate New York were gunned down on Saturday night, April 13, during a gunfire exchange with a suspect. The suspect was also killed in the shootout, it has been reported. The incident took place shortly after 8 pm in Liverpool, which is about six miles north of Syracuse. A police officer and a sheriff's deputy were gunned down in an upstate New York shootout, suspect dead too (Getty Images/iStockphoto - representational image) Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile said during a press conference that the Syracuse Police Department and Onondaga County Sheriffs Office were tracking a car before the shootout began. The incident Two Syracuse police officers initially failed to stop a suspicious vehicle but managed to notice the licence plate. They then tracked it to an address on Darien Drive in Liverpool. Cecile said that they asked the sheriffs office to assist them after finding out that the suspect was armed. The officers eventually found the car at the home and noticed there were objects that looked like guns inside the auto. They then heard what sounded like someone manipulating a firearm from inside the residence," Cecile said, according to San Diego Union-Tribune. At least one suspect then went on to exchange gunfire with the officers. The Syracuse officer, sheriffs deputy and the armed suspect were subsequently shot. They were all transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, and pronounced dead at the hospital. We lost two heroes tonight, Cecile said. According to Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley, police will be searching the house as part of the investigation into the incident, which is ongoing. This is a dark day for Syracuse," Mayor of Syracuse Ben Walsh said. This is our worst nightmare come true. Shelley said that a person at the home was also injured, according to WSYR. However, it is unclear if this person was involved in the shooting. Shelley added that there is no threat to the community at present. Mike Roan (CFO) and Owen Hackston (Investor Relations Manager) will host a quarterly operating result call via a Microsoft Teams Live event today, Tuesday 16 April at 11am NZST (9am AEST). Click on the link below at this time to join the call. Meridian Energy Quarterly Operating results - Microsoft Teams Live Event Please submit any questions using the Q&A panel on the right-hand side of the call window. If the Q&A panel doesnt automatically appear, please select the small 'Q&A' speech bubble'. Highlights this month include: In the month to 15 April 2024, national hydro storage increased from 93% to 102% of historical average South Island storage increased to 102% of average and North Island storage decreased to 109% of average by 15 April 2024 Meridians March 2024 monthly total inflows were 67% of historical average Waiau catchment inflows in March 2024 were 95% of historical average Meridians Waitaki catchment water storage at the end of March 2024 was 78% of historical average Following significant rainfall in the second week of April 2024, Waitaki storage is now approaching average Water storage in Meridians Waiau catchment was 113% of average at the end of March 2024 National electricity demand in March 2024 was +3.4% higher than the same month last year March 2024 was the coldest March in 12 years with temperatures below average for most of the country. Below normal rainfall occurred in most regions, with above average rainfall in Waikato, Fiordland and Southland New Zealand Aluminium Smelters average load during March 2024 was 568MW Meridians retail sales volumes in March 2024 were +6.7% higher than March 2023 Compared to March 2023, segment sales increased in residential +3.9%, large business +7.3% and agriculture +63.0% with decreases in small medium business -0.9% and corporate -4.9% Highlights for the third quarter include: Meridians Q3 total inflows were 95% of historical average, +22% higher than Q3 last year Meridians Waitaki catchment water storage at the end of Q3 was -33% lower than Q3 last year Compared to Q3 last year, Meridians generation was +10.9% higher at a +34.8% higher average price Electricity futures prices rose across the curve during Q3 New Zealand Aluminium Smelters sales volumes in Q3 were slightly higher than Q3 last year National electricity demand in Q3 was +4.3% higher than Q3 last year Summer 2024 was warm overall and dry for many parts of the country, with above normal rainfall in the central North Island and western and southern parts of the South Island NIWAs autumn 2024 outlook suggests easing El Nino conditions, with normal or above normal rainfall likely in the west of the South Island During the quarter, Meridian made calls on volume under the swaption agreement with Nova and the 2023-24 demand response agreement with NZAS At the end of Q3, Meridians customer numbers were +2.2% higher than the same time last year Compared to Q3 last year, Meridians retail sales volumes were +8.2% higher at a +6.1% higher average price Sales increased in all segments Compared to Q3 last year, total operating costs were 9.9% higher Compared to Q3 last year, total capital expenditure was +8.0% higher. Spend this quarter largely consisted of Harapaki and Ruakaka BESS construction Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: TRU - WHO Agency UNITAID Features TRU in Tech Landscape Report PaySauce Quarterly Market Update - September 2024 October 2nd Morning Report Rua Releases Annual Report for Year Ended 30 June 2024 SCL - Settlement of orchard sales The Warehouse Group 2024 ASM and Director Nominations AIR - Update on Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer Comvita Limited - Annual Report 2024 September 27th Morning Report Spark announces departure of Finance Director As many as four people have been arrested and charged in connection to the disappearance of two Kansas women. The two mothers were last seen driving through the Oklahoma panhandle last month. They had been accompanied by the grandmother of one of the womens children. Remains have been found after the disappearance of Kansas moms Jilian Kelley and Veronica Butler (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation) The vehicle Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, were last spotted in was later found in a rural part of Texas County, Oklahoma, abandoned by the highway. The remains of the two women have now also been found, but have yet to be identified, according to CBS News. In a Facebook post, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation wrote, On April 14, the OSBI, FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation, Texas County Sheriff's Department, and the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner recovered two deceased persons in rural Texas County. Both individuals will be transported to the Medical Examiners Office to determine identification, as well as cause and manner of death. This is still an ongoing investigation. Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, were arrested and charged with two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Authorities have yet to provide more information, including what the suspects motive could have been, their connections to the victims, or what evidence led to their arrest. They are suspected to have kidnapped and murdered Butler and Kelley, according to New York Post. The moms went missing on March 30. How were the suspects and the victims linked? NewsNation reported that the women were travelling to Oklahoma to pick up Butlers children, who were living with their paternal grandfather. While Adams is the grandmother of Butlers children, Cullum was her boyfriend. Cole and Cora Twombly, who have been in a relationship for eight years, are friends with Adams on Facebook. Separate puddles of blood were reportedly found outside the car. Splatters of blood were also discovered inside. It has also been reported that Butler was going through a bitter divorce with her husband and the father of her kids. She was seeking full custody of the children, as well as more visitation time. As Butler sought full custody, the situation between her and Adams began to get tense. At the time of Butlers disappearance, Adams had custody of the children, according to KFOR. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 72, will step down May 15 as part of a long-planned succession, ending a two-decade run and ushering in a new era led by his deputy Lawrence Wong. HT Image Deputy Prime Minister Wong, 51, whos also finance minister, will become the city-states fourth premier the same day. Wong has the unanimous support of the ruling party lawmakers, according to a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office on Monday. I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence and his team your full support, and work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore, Lee said in a post on Facebook. Under Lees helm, Singapores gross domestic product per capita more than trebled to nearly $92,000, becoming one of the worlds highest. The island has also sought to advance its appeal as a beacon for foreign investors in an increasingly competitive region. Every ounce of my energy shall be devoted to the service of our country and our people, Wong said in a video posted on Instagram. Together, we can build a future that shines brightly for all Singaporeans. Singapores leadership succession is a carefully telegraphed event thats been years in the making. Lees earlier wish to hand over the reins before he turned 70 was disrupted by Covid-19 and the shock decision in 2021 by then-designated successor Heng Swee Keat to step aside, citing his age. Lee was first elected in 1984. He became prime minister in 2004, making him one of the longest-serving current political leaders in the world. His father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, served as Singapores first prime minister from 1959 to 1990. The elder Lee and Lees predecessor Goh Chok Tong were made senior ministers after resigning as premiers. The ruling Peoples Action Party had its worst performance in the 2020 election despite winning 89% of parliamentary seats. The opposition pushed for measures to help low-income Singaporeans and a preference to hire locals over foreigners. Lee has said the leadership succession would coincide with the vote thats due by 2025 and he will be at the new PMs disposal. The once-in-a-generation shift is expected to maintain continuity even if Wong does not share the political pedigree of his predecessor. Before he joined politics in 2011, Wong was a civil servant including a stint as Lees principal private secretary. Wong faces challenges amid domestic anxieties over still-elevated costs of living and worker competitiveness. The handover also comes on the back of a series of scandals that have rattled the ruling partys reputation for clean governance, including a minister whos been charged with corruption and subsequently resigned. Mondays announcement comes at a time of rising uncertainty: from the intensifying geopolitical rivalry between the US and China to supply chain disruptions arising from wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Wong has been taking a bigger role on the international stage of late, including a trip to Europe last week where he had a working dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. With Lee expected to continue being involved in government, the earlier the formal handover to Wong takes place, the better, said Bilveer Singh, deputy head of the department of political science at the National University of Singapore. The world is becoming a very dangerous and difficult place for Singapore to live in. So get on with the business of government, Singh said. In terms of power structure, nothing fundamental will change. With assistance from Faris Mokhtar. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. As part of a worldwide economic blockade to express support to Palestinians amid the ongoing war, anti-Israel protestors hit the roads on Monday, causing traffic jams around the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. They blocked traffic in several key cities, including Chicago at O'Hare Airport. Several videos have surfaced online showing that pro-Palestine supporters are sitting in the center of Interstate 190 to block traffic from entering the main airport in Windy City.(X) Several videos have surfaced online showing that pro-Palestine supporters are sitting in the center of Interstate 190 to block traffic from entering the main airport in Windy City. Demonstrators were spotted holding placards that read "Stop Genocide", Free Palestine and "Stop the world for Gaza." They even chained themselves to barrels while cops tried to prevent them from doing so. Also Read: 'Super predator' Hillary Clinton heckled by Palestine supporters over Gaza deaths: I hope their screams haunt you Golden Gate Bridge closed in both directions The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management confirmed in a statement that a "civic demonstration" is underway. Golden Gate Bridge is closed in both directions for an undetermined amount of time, it said. According to organisers of the protests, they wanted to send a message to Boeing since the company supplies Israel with weapons that are being used amidst the ongoing war against Hamas, Fox News reported. Taking to Instagram, the Chicago Dissenters organization wrote: On this Tax Day, when millions are paying taxes which fund the ongoing US and Israeli bombardment of Gaza, protestors seek to take dramatic action. OHare International Airport is one of the largest in the country, and there will be NO business as usual while Palestinians suffer at the hands of American funded bombing by Israel. It was advised that passengers departing from O'Hare on Monday "allow for extra time if traveling to the airport." Meanwhile, tourists were advised to consider using the CTA Blue Line or other alternate forms of transit to get to the airport, O'Hare Airport stated on X. What are their demands? These demonstrations, according to their organisers, are a part of A15, a global economic embargo in support of Palestine that demands an arms embargo and an end to US government financial support to Israel. According to the Oakland Economic Blockade Against Palestinian Genocide, 56 cities worldwide are participating in the demonstrations. Passengers and drivers get annoyed with protest Annoyed passengers abandoned their cars and trekked for twenty minutes in order to reach the airport to catch their flights on time. Dramatic video captured the roadblock, with scores of people yelling, "Palestine will be free!" Agitated drivers were seen blasting their horns, while few of them chose to rest atop their cars as protesters caused traffic jam. Police vehicles were also present at the site. One person in West Oakland has been arrested so far, reported ABC7 News. On Monday, April 15, Donald Trump became the first former president in United States history to face a criminal trial. As the trial started in Manhattan court in New York with jury selection, judge Juan Merchan stated he had received a plea from Trump's lawyers for the GOP leader to miss the trial on May 17 in a bid to attend son Barron's graduation ceremony. Addressing the media, Trump mentioned that the judge might not allow him to attend his youngest son's high school graduation.(Getty Images) Trump's attorney even requested the judge to not hold a trial on June 3 due to his own sons graduation. Last year in March, Trump was accused of fabricating company documents in connection with hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels to stay mum on his affair during the presidential campaign in 2016. While Daniel has admitted having an affair with Trump in 2006, the GOP leader has refuted Daniels' allegations. He has entered a not guilty plea, claiming that the case against him is being brought for political reasons. Will Trump skip Barron's graduation due to hush money trial? Barron Trump, the only son of Melania with Donald Trump, turned 18 years old on March 20. Just like his mother, he was hardly spotted during his Trump's most recent presidential campaign. Barron moved to the Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida, after Trump concluded his presidential term in 2021. He is scheduled to graduate on 17 May, 2024. In a tweet on X, Inner City Press claims Merchan said he could not make a decision on either of the pleas right now since it would completely rely on how the trial proceeds further. "It really depends on if we are on time and where we are in the trial," he stated. The trial's jury selection process might last up to two weeks as 50 of the 90 jurors were excused on Monday after they admitted they can't be impartial. What did the Judge say about Trump attending ceremony? In reality, Merchan indicated that it might be possible for Trump to attend the graduation on May 17, depending on the trial's progress. He did not definitively deny Trump's request to delay the trial for the graduation. Merchan clarified his position in court, stating that the possibility of Trump attending the graduation depended on the trial's timeline. The Associated Press reported Merchan as saying he would consider adjourning for the day if the trial progresses as planned. However, Merchan also cautioned that Trump could face arrest if he misses court appearances or disrupts the trial. The trial focuses on allegations that Trump paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep their alleged affair secret before the 2016 election, a time when Melania Trump was caring for their infant son, Barron. Trump speaks to media after first day of trial Addressing media after Monday trial, Trump said: "Amazing things happened today." Trump mentioned that the judge might not allow him to attend his youngest son's high school graduation. Slamming the judge and the case, he reiterated his claim that it is "election interference". My son is graduating from high school. It looks like the judge will not let me go to the graduation of my son who's worked very, very hard and he is a great student. This is a SCAM trial. Prince Harrys legal woes grow as campaigners are now putting pressure on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make his visa application public. This comes after Jane Hartley, the US ambassador to the UK, shut down the possibility of the Duke of Sussexs deportation under Joe Bidens presidency. Prince Harry's visa application under scrutiny over drug use(REUTERS) Biden administration faces pressure to make Harrys documents public The Duke of Sussexs visa row erupted after he admitted to using recreational drugs, including cannabis and magic mushrooms, in his memoir, Spare. Considering US visa applicants must admit to any prior usage of drugs on the documents, The Heritage Foundation launched a lawsuit to ascertain whether Prince Harry lied on his application. Hartley told Sky News last month that Prince Harrys deportation is not going to happen in the Biden administration. Her declaration came after Donald Trump said if re-elected, he would treat the Duke as any other citizen if it was proven he broke the law. However, the DHS staunch denial didnt sit right with the think tank group as they said Hartleys statements dramatically enhance the already compelling public interest in disclosure, per Independent. Nile Gardiner, Director of the Heritage Foundations Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, said, The US Ambassador to Londons arrogant remarks on Prince Harry are an extraordinary intervention by a senior US diplomat on an ongoing federal court case. The Biden Administration has gone to great lengths to protect Prince Harry, and has even ruled out the possible deportation of the Duke of Sussex if he lied on his U.S. immigration application and violated US immigration law. The Biden Administration has acted without transparency and accountability to the American people regarding the Heritage Foundations Freedom of Information request relating to Prince Harrys US immigration application. They should release Harrys immigration records to the American people, Gardiner added, per the outlet. New Delhi: After Israel with US support successfully defended Iranian missile attack last Saturday through its super-efficient ballistic missile defence (BMD), the bloody war between the two eternal rivals will be played through non-state actors rather than a direct counter from Tel Aviv as there is no strategic objective for horizontal escalation for either side. Iranian ballistic missiles intercepted by Israel over Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem The Iranian attack, which was visible at least two days before the actual firing of ballistic missiles and drones, was a counter to the Israeli attack on its Damascus consulate annex in which 16 people including one senior Quds force commander were killed. The visible movement of Iranian missiles and drones gave enough notice to the US, Israel and Jordan to prepare the BMD against the oncoming strike. The question that needs to be asked is how many Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles or Shahed 136 drones reached Israel ? Fact is that at a speed of 165 kilometer per hour, it takes an Iranian drone or loitering ammunition at least nine hours to reach Israel. And by that time it can be blown out of the sky. How many ballistic missiles reached Israel? Fact is that a few of the ballistic missiles reached Israel but were taken care of by state of the art technology through Iron Dome, Patriot and Davids Sling BMDs. While Israel will choose its place and time to retaliate to Iranian provocation, Tehran has nothing more than ballistic missiles to fire at Tel Aviv. It does not have an Air Force or even a Navy to take on the military superiority of Israel with all the planes at least 30 years old and no spare parts available. So the best option for the Tehran regime after it has satisfied its domestic audiences through April 13 retaliation is to use proxies like Hezbollah, Houthis,. Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Kaitab Hezbollah to attack Israel. But can the Iranian proxies take on Israel from Lebanon now and subsequently get annihilated in the process by losing power in Beirut. Israel on the other hand has multiple platforms to deliver force to Tehran as the latter has no missile defence worth its name. It can deliver destruction to Tehran through missiles, drones and bomber jets without any credible counter in Iranian airspace. But this will lead to horizontal conflagration in the Middle-East, something which the US or its allies in the Middle-East will not allow. Simply put, both have scored points before their domestic audiences and the political objectives have been satisfied. While the Israel war on Gaza is about Hamas releasing hostages kidnapped by terrorists on October 7, a full-fledged Israel-Iran war will be an upheaval in West Asia which the world cannot afford. Hence, in the near future, Iran will continue to use proxies to keep the Middle-East region unstable with Israel countering them with force through top end military technology and firepower. But the first round of the Israel-Iran war seems over. Kate Middleton and Prince William have no plans to meet Prince Harry when he visits the UK, it has been reported. That couple now focus on positivity. Harry is expected to travel to the UK to attend the Invictus Games 10th Anniversary Service at St. Pauls Cathedral on May 8, but it is unclear if Meghan Markle and the couples two children will accompany him. William and Kate have no plans to meet Harry when he visits the UK (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi, Pool, File, Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP) Harry is due in London early next month, but there are no plans as of yet [for William and Kate] to meet with him while hes over. Hes reached out and sent best wishes, but meeting might be a little premature, a source said, according to GB News. It was recently reported that Meghan is unsure about taking a trip to London in May as she is concerned about her safety in the UK. This came after the date and time of the Invictus ceremony was announced to the public. I think this is pretty unlikely that Meghan will join him at the service given Harrys concerns about safety and the ongoing family tensions, royal commentator Jennie Bond said. I dont think her presence would make any reconciliation moves easier. I think she would, rightly, be nervous about the reception she might get from any public gathered outside the cathedral, Bond added. Prince Harry will make efforts to see Kate and William A royal source previously said that the Duke of Sussex "will make efforts to see Princess Kate and Prince William" when he visits the UK. "Given Kates cancer diagnosis, Harry will certainly make efforts to see his brother and Kate when he returns to the UK in May, royal author Tom Quinn said. "If it happens at all its to be a very brief carefully choreographed meeting and organised to last a short time so that the brothers can avoid any difficult conversations." "At the same time Harry knows how it will look if he comes back to the UK and doesnt see his brother and Kate. Its going to be a very awkward time, Quinn told The Mirror. National Floors Direct, a leading provider of tailored flooring solutions, has been recognized for its exceptional customer service by ConsumerAffairs, a trusted platform for consumer reviews. The company received a whopping four Buyer's Choice Awards, solidifying its commitment to customer satisfaction. Award-Winning Service ConsumerAffairs' Buyer's Choice Awards are based on rigorous analysis of real customer reviews. Using advanced "emotional decoding" techniques, they identify companies that excel in areas most important to consumers. National Floors Direct stood out in four key categories: Best Experience with Staff: Customers praised the National Floors Direct staff's friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness. Best for Installation: Reviews highlighted the installation crews' professionalism, efficiency, and skill. Best Speed of Service: From estimates to installation, customers appreciated National Floors Direct's promptness and responsiveness. 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A Commitment to Customer Satisfaction These awards are a testament to National Floors Direct's unwavering dedication to customer-centric service, timeliness, and quality. A company spokesperson stated their commitment to "delivering the best quality experience to every customer at every opportunity." They view the Buyer's Choice Awards as a reflection of their priorities and dedication to exceptional service. National Floors Direct: Your One-Stop Flooring Shop National Floors Direct offers a wide variety of high-quality flooring solutions to suit your specific needs. They combine the convenience of online shopping with the expertise of traditional stores. From leading brands and unbeatable deals to personalized service and professional installation, National Floors Direct is your one-stop shop for all your flooring needs. Ready to learn more? Visit National Floors Direct today at https://www.nationalfloorsdirect.com/. A clever orca calf, stranded in a remote lagoon in British Columbia, managed to outmaneuver a 50-member rescue team who used boats, divers, nets and advanced underwater detection equipment to try and save her life. Despite the unsuccessful attempt Friday, rescue officials are considering other methods for capturing and transporting the two-year-old female, including using a seine net and a larger vessel. "This is a very smart animal, and we're going to have to look at other options," Paul Cottrell, Fisheries Department marine mammal coordinator, told the Vancouver Sun. Rescuers said they were planning to net the orca calf in the lagoon's deep waters instead of using the net to guide the animal into a large sling in the shallows, as they did on Friday. However, Cottrell noted that this strategy poses risks to both the calf and the rescuers in the water but they are keeping all options open. The team tried to guide the calf to a shallow area of the three-kilometer (almost two-mile) lagoon so she could be placed in a sling, lifted onto a transport vehicle, and taken to the open ocean. An indigenous war canoe was also in the water, with paddlers singing and maintaining a steady drum beat. The Ehattesaht First Nation named the young orca "kwiisahi?is" (Brave Little Hunter) after she and her mother entered the tidal lagoon off northwest Vancouver Island through a shallow channel last month. Sadly, the pregnant mother got stranded on a rocky beach at low tide and died. Cottrell is hoping that the calf will be freed and might be able to reunite with its family of Bigg's killer whales. "There's a very high likelihood that in a short amount of time there will be some sort of interaction or reunion, and that's what we're hoping for," he said. A police officer in South Carolina has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a driver who was attempting to speed away after a confrontation with the off-duty cop outside a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Summerville. Summerville police officer Anthony DeLustro, 64, allegedly shot 39-year-old Michael O'Neal in a parking lot March 20 after the two men had a physical altercation, according to a statement from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Witnesses said DeLustro initiated the argument, according to a police affidavit. "Do you want to do this?" O'Neal repeated several times to DeLustro, recounted one witness. "Come on, you f------ f-----," DeLustro responded, using a gay slur, according to witnesses. Both men got out of their cars and exchanged kicks and punches as bystanders tried to intervene, the HuffPost reported. As O'Neal tried to leave, DeLustro told him he was under arrest and presented his police credentials, according to witnesses. DeLustro's wife then reportedly tried to block O'Neal from climbing into O'Neal's car. But the off-duty cop got into the passenger side of O'Neal's car, and allegedly shot him as O'Neal tried to drive away. Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell said the bullet entered O'Neal's right arm and traveled to his chest, killing him. Before his arrest Wednesday DeLustro reportedly investigators he acted in self-defense and shot O'Neal because he thought his legs were trapped under the moving car. In a video call from jail Wednesday evening, DeLustro asked a judge to show him mercy as he and his wife are the primary caretakers of their two granddaughters following their mother's death in 2021. DeLustro served as an officer for the New York Police Department from 1980 to 2003. He retired before a review board could investigate a complaint filed against him. He had previously been cleared of two separate accusations of misconduct. In a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his parents, O'Neal's cousin, Amy Nail, said that his father had been a police officer in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for over 30 years. "This is a family that has a great deal of respect for law enforcement in general, yet is fully aware that no profession is free of bad actors," she wrote. The opening act for former President Donald Trump's historic criminal trial in New York City is set to begin Monday with jury selection and the near certainty of a rowdy, circus-like atmosphere that has officials bracing for the worst. A horde of journalists is poised to provide blanket coverage as the high-stakes courtroom drama gets underway with Trump supporters and counter-protesters expected to face off outside the Lower Manhattan courthouse. "72 hours until all hell breaks loose!" Trump said in a Friday fundraising email, the New York Times reported Saturday. "If we fail to have a MASSIVE outpouring of peaceful patriotic support right here, right now all Hell will break loose," he wrote. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer told the Times she was planning to be there with a camera crew and Vish Burra, executive secretary of the New York Young Republican Club, said his group would rally at Collect Pond Park, directly across from the courthouse. The park was the scene of racuous demonstrations when Trump was arraigned last year, with protesters separated by barricades as they shouted, whistled and waved signs. "We're expecting something similar to that," Burra said. "And I know the NYPD is." Law enforcement and court officials haven't said what security measures will be in place but planning has been underway for months, a court lawyer said during a hearing last week, the Times reported. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee to challenge President Joe Biden in November, is the first former U.S. president ever to face criminal prosecution. He's charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records for allegedly trying to influence the 2016 election by directing the payment of $130,000 in hush money to adult film actor Stormy Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, who claims they had an affair in 2006. Trump has pleaded not guiity and has repeatedly referred to the case against him as a "witch hunt." His public statements have also included repeated attacks on presiding Judge Juan Merchan, District Attorney Alvin Bragg and others, including the judge's daughter and his principal law clerk. In response, Merchan issued gag orders that bar Trump from making "inflammatory" comments about potential witnesses, jurors, Bragg's prosecutors, court staff and their families, most recently on April 1. Little more than a week later, the ex-president tested the order's limits by calling Daniels and former Trump Organization lawyer Michael Cohen, who's expected to be a star witness against him, "two sleaze bags who have, with their lies and misrepresentations, cost our Country dearly!" During a Saturday campaign rally in battleground Pennsylvania, Trump called the case a "communist show trial" and said: "I will be forced to sit fully gagged. I'm not allowed to talk. They want to take away my constitutional right to talk," the Associated Press reported. A day earlier, he also pledged to testify in his own defense. "All I can do is tell the truth, and the truth is that there is no case," he told reporters during a news conference with House Speaker Mike Johnson at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. The process of picking 12 jurors and six alternates will be the "most important" and "hardest" part of the proceedings, according to high-profile Manhattan defense lawyer Arthur Aidala, whose clients have included former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani. "They lie," Aidala told the New York Times for a report last week. "People want to be on that jury because they think they're going to write a book or they're going to be on '20/20' or '48 Hours' or one of those things." A pool of more than 500 prospective jurors has been summoned for the trial, CBS News reported earlier this month, citing two unidentified sources. The selection process could take several days, according to the Associated Press, with potential panelists first being asked to fill out forms with 42 questions, some of which have multiple parts. Lawyers for each side will then use those answers to further question the prospective jurors during a legal proceeding known as voir dire, French for "to speak the truth." Based on their responses, each side can argue that some should be disqualified because they won't be fair and impartial. If the judge disagrees, each side can use so-called peremptory challenges to reject up to 10 each, half the number allowed in the most serious cases, such as murder, terrorism and kidnapping. Each side can also strike two potential jurors for each alternate juror to be selected. The jury pool will be filled with people whose names were drawn from official lists of registered voters, taxpayers, driver's license holders, public benefit recipients and other sources. Merchan has ordered that their names and addresses be kept secret from the public to prevent the possibility of "bribery, jury tampering, or of physical injury or harassment." The information will, however, be shared with lawyers on both sides so they can conduct research to try to uncover signs of bias. "It's always most important to know who your worst jurors are going to be," lawyer and jury consultant Renato Stabile told the New York Times. "It's jury deselection, not jury selection because you can only control who you are getting rid of." To serve on the jury, prospective jurors must be Manhattan residents who are U.S. citizens, 18 or older, speak English and don't have any felony convictions. Manhattan voters overwhelmingly rejected Trump during the 2020 election, when Biden won about 85% of the vote, which trial consultant Jeff Frederick told Reuters "seems to favor the government." "But it only takes one juror to prevent a conviction, so that's the challenge for prosecutors," Frederick added. Regardless of the trial's outcome, Trump faces three other indictments pending in Washington, D.C., Florida, and Georgia over allegations involving the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, his hoarding of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election he lost to Biden, respectively. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing in those cases, of which only the one in Florida has a tentative trial date set for May 20, according to USA Today. But it could be delayed by arguments over the admissibility of evidence, with Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith proposing a July 8 start and Trump's lawyers suggesting Aug. 12. House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to push for passage of military aid for Israel and Ukraine this week, following Saturday's unprecedented Iranian drone and missile attack against Israel. During an appearance on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," Johnson said he and fellow Republicans "understand the necessity of standing with Israel," according to the Associated Press. "The details of that package are being put together right now," said Johnson of Louisiana. "We're looking at the options and all these supplemental issues." House Intelligence Chair Mike Turner, R-Ohio, also told NBC's "Meet the Press" that Johnson had "made it clear" to the GOP conference that he would tie together aid for Israel, Ukraine, and U.S. allies in Asia and seek its approval in the House this week. In February, the Senate passed a $95 billion emergency spending package that includes $14.1 billion in military aid for Israel, $60 billion for Ukraine, and $8 billion for Taiwan and other U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region, but Johnson delayed putting it to a vote in the House. During a Sunday news conference, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said President Joe Biden held a conference call earlier in the day with the top Republicans and Democrats in Congress, including Johnson. Schumer said there was a consensus "among all the leaders that we had to help Israel and help Ukraine, and now hopefully we can work that out and get this done next week." White House national security spokesman John Kirby called on Johnson to put the Senate package "on the floor as soon as possible." "We didn't need any reminders in terms of what's going on in Ukraine," Kirby said on NBC. "But last night certainly underscores significantly the threat that Israel faces in a very, very tough neighborhood." Last month, GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia filed a motion to oust Johnson as speaker over the passage of $1.2 trillion in spending bills to prevent a partial government shutdown. On Sunday, Greene said on X, formerly Twitter, that it was "antisemitic to make Israeli aid contingent" on aid for Ukraine. No other Republicans have publicly called for Johnson's ouster, but some hardline conservatives have disparaged him, and Greene said Friday that support for her plan was growing. The former commander of U.S. Central Command warned Sunday that American forces were "vulnerable" to an attack by Iran or its proxies, one day after the unprecedented Iranian missile and drone barrage against Israel. "Our forces distributed across Iraq and Syria, supporting the Armed Forces of Iraq and anti-ISIS operations and supporting our SDF [Syrian Democratic Forces] partners in eastern Syriathose forces are vulnerable to an Iranian or an Iranian proxy attack," retired Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie said on CBS' "Face the Nation." "We recognize that. I think that's why the president's been very forceful in warning them." But McKenzie also called it "very instructive" that Iran "did not choose to attack us as they conducted a major strategic attack on Israel." "The Iranians know that we have the capability, if they choose to fight us, to hurt them very badly. And I think that the Iranians will think long and hard before undertaking attacks against us in the future," he said. Iran launched Saturday's attack on Israel in response to suspected Israeli airstrikes on the Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed two generals on April 1. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility. McKenzie led Central Command from March 2019 to April 2022, commanding U.S. military operations from northeast Africa across the Middle East to central and south Asia. Central Command's top priority is deterring Iran, followed by countering violent extremist organizations, according to its website. On Sunday, he said his only "strategic advice" to Israel regarding a potential response was that "you want be narrow" in terms of its targets, of which he said "the Israelis have a lot to choose from, both inside Iran and outside Iran." "You want to make sure that it has a definable beginning and a definable end, and the Iranians know when it's over. But the fact of the matter is, Israel can name its price right now. And that's a very heady position to be," he said. "But it's also a position that calls for exercise of strategic restraint, and a view to the long term. And Israel has an opportunity here, I think, to demonstrate that, and to seize the diplomatic initiative, really, in an arena where they struggled to do it over the past few months." Lawyers from three firms said on Sunday that more than 250 survivors of the suicide bombing that killed 22 people at a 2017 Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, are filing a lawsuit against Britain's domestic intelligence agency. An official investigation in March 2023 reported that the attack would have been prevented if Britain's MI5 security service had acted upon critical intelligence. Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old Manchester native of Libyan descent, carried out the suicide bombing as concertgoers were leaving the Manchester Arena in northern England. According to the inquiry's findings, two pieces of information about Abedi at the time had nothing to do with terrorism. MI5's director general, Ken McCallum, issued a rare public apology, acknowledging the shortcomings discovered and stating that improvements had been accomplished. McCallum said that after the findings, the chair of the inquiry had found a realistic possibility that actionable intelligence could have been obtained, which might have led to actions preventing the attack. He said he deeply regrets that such intelligence was not obtained. Furthermore, he claimed that gathering covert intelligence is difficult. However, he noted that if they had managed to seize the slim chance they had, those impacted might not have experienced such appalling loss and trauma. Former national security adviser Sir Mark Lyall Grant told Sky News that it was a concern that intelligence was not acted upon while MI5 received "hundreds if not thousands" of pieces daily. He added that mistakes can be made, and things can slip through the cracks. Relatives of those who lost their lives in the attack have been critical of MI5, with the father of the youngest victim, Saffie-Rose Roussos, believing she would still be alive if MI5 did their job. Andrew Roussos told Sky News that Abedi should have been stopped before he got to that arena and noted that it is MI5's job. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said UK fighter jets have shot down "several drones" launched by Iran in its unprecedented attack on Israel overnight. The prime minister warned that if Tehran's attack was successful, the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate and referred to it as a "dangerous and unnecessary escalation." According to Israel, Iran launched at least 120 ballistic missiles, more than 30 cruise missiles, and 170 drones on Saturday, triggering air raid sirens across the country. Sunak said, "Thanks to an international coordinated effort, which the UK participated in, almost all of these missiles were intercepted, saving lives not just in Israel but in neighboring countries like Jordan as well." He added that the UK has sent additional planes to the region as part of operations already in progress in Syria and Iraq. He has confirmed that their aircraft did shoot down several Iranian attack drones. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) previously announced that several RAF aircraft and air refueling tankers were dispatched to the area to bolster Operation Shader, the UK's existing counter-Islamic State operation in Iraq and Syria. Furthermore, Sunak is expected to speak with US President Joe Biden on a call with G7 leaders on Sunday amid concerns of additional escalation in the event of a possible Israeli counterstrike. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy told journalists in north London that he hoped the government would come forward with further sanctions and that Labour would support them if they chose to do that. Labour has also declared it would support the government in pursuing "further sanctions" against drones. The attack was in response to a strike widely blamed on Israel on an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month, which left two Iranian generals dead. The man who killed six people at a shopping mall in a Sydney suburb has been identified as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, who was then shot dead by a responding New South Wales (NSW) Police Inspector Amy Scott. Both the deceased suspect and the responding officer were identified by authorities shortly after the incident was put under control. According to the Daily Mail, Scott responded to the knife attack alone, sprinting through the top level of Bondi Junction Westfield's shopping center on Saturday afternoon, local time (Apr. 13). Another shopper inside the mall also attempted to stop Cauchi from his rampage. She eventually came face-to-face with Cauchi, who was brandishing what police said was a 30 cm knife. Witnesses said that Scott yelled at Cauchi to put the knife down, but the suspect lunged at her, forcing the officer to shoot him in the chest. She then performed CPR on the killer in an attempt to arrest him alive while waiting for backup, while another person, identified by local media as a lifeguard, helped her apply first aid to the victims. Eventually, Cauchi and the six fatalities were pronounced dead at the scene. The Australian state's Police Minister Yasmin Catley also spoke with Scott immediately after the knife attack, labeling her as a "humble" officer who also credited other bystanders who assisted her in responding to the bloodbath. "I thanked her on behalf of the government and the people of New South Wales for her courage," she told reporters. "She was so humble." NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb also commended Scott for "'doing well under the circumstances," praising her "enormous courage and bravery" while mentioning several of her past actions. However, the chief of the Police Association of New South Wales, Kevin Morton, told reporters on Monday (Apr. 15) that Scott was "content" with her actions and did not consider herself to be a hero despite public perception and an earlier mention by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. "Amy is content with what she had to do," Morton said. "I spoke to her last night and again this morning, and she said, 'It was a night with not a lot of sleep.'" "She knows she has been tagged a hero, but to her, she was doing her job," the police union boss added. After the shooting, Inspector Scott underwent a gun-residue test and was separated from other officers before a colleague drove her home. She would eventually be formally interviewed as part of the investigation into the knife attack. "I didn't ask her about the exact incident because she has yet to be formally interviewed," Morton added. "Everyone will be keeping an eye on her, obviously, and there will be a lot of support from everyone." Some social media users also showed concern for Scott's wellbeing. "While throwing words like 'hero' around, remember, the taking of a life will change hers as well," one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Heroes can be victims too. Let's hope she gets every bit of support needed." Webb further revealed that she also spoke with Scott following the stabbings. "She showed enormous courage and bravery, and she will obviously process that," she said. "She will need to be interviewed formally and so we just talked about that she's OK and that her family's OK." Investigators announced on Thursday that 50 years after a Florida milkman failed to return home after his rounds, his homicide has been solved, closing the oldest cold case in Indian River County Sheriff's Office history. Hiram "Ross" Grayam was delivering milk in April 1968 when he failed to come home from work. According to a news release from the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, deputies later discovered both his body with gunshot wounds and his milk truck in the Vero Beach area. The sheriff's office released a statement saying that with perseverance and the assistance of witnesses, new leads had emerged. It noted that Thomas J. Williams, now deceased, had confessed to Grayam's murder. According to WPEC-TV, a witness informed deputies she spotted Grayam talking with two men strolling along the roadside. Eric Flowers, the Indian River county sheriff, said that he was told that Grayam engaged them in conversation and announced that he would be back shortly. He claimed that the two unidentified men and Grayam were all left in the milk truck. Larry, Grayam's 16-year-old son, told the TV station that no one in his family knew anything had happened. He claimed that aside from his father arriving home a little later than expected, an investigator and a sheriff's deputy also arrived. An aircraft saw the milk truck and Graham's body during a ground and aerial search of the area. Flowers claimed that when they arrived at the initial scene, they found Grayam dead in an execution-style, lying next to the milk truck with bullet wounds. Rumors surfaced in 2006 suggesting Williams may have been involved. The sheriff added that he penned a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, saying that he had been accused of the murder, but he denied knowing it, that he was not involved in it. According to Android Authority, Google's upcoming Pixel 9 will include a feature similar to Apple's Emergency SOS and is expected to come with a new modem to support emergency satellite connectivity. A report by Android Authority, citing a Google insider, said that the Tensor G4, which will launch first in the Pixel 9 series, is anticipated to bring a new modem, the Samsung Modem 5400, for satellite connectivity compatibility on the Pixel 9, next-generation Pixel Fold, and an upcoming 5G tablet. Although the new modem's specifications are unclear, its speed and power efficiency are anticipated to exceed those of its predecessors. Kamila Wojciechowska, a writer for Android Authority, said that the company would collaborate with T-Mobile to offer the service, but it might eventually add more providers. Like Apple's system, Google's SOS function asks prospective Pixel owners questions to determine what is wrong instead of simply allowing users to thumb one out. A video in the Android Authority article featured the animation that Google will show customers to assist them in aligning their phones with a satellite. Over a year ago, T-Mobile and SpaceX revealed their partnership for a satellite messaging service, but they did not disclose a price then. As of January, the service was still being tested. A developer discovered some Google Messages code last year that seemed to indicate the feature that Garmin provided was soon to be released. With its InReach 2-way messaging devices, Garmin provides this service via the Iridium satellite network, which it claims can reach "anywhere on earth." However, the service would not necessarily be free, regardless of whether T-Mobile or Garmin offers it; for instance, Garmin has a $15 monthly startup fee. Then again, Apple has funded its service for now, so maybe Google will, too. The UK's Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, urged Israel to restrain itself and not retaliate after Iran's massive drone and missile attack, urging them to "think with head as well as heart," as the Iranian attack had been a near total failure. The statements were made in British media outlets on Monday (Apr. 15) after over 300 missiles and drones from Iran attempted to inflict significant damage over the weekend, only to be intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, as well as US, British, French, and Jordanian asset support, Reuters reported. Iran's attack was in retaliation to a suspected Israeli airstrike in an Iranian embassy compound in Syria earlier this month, which the country's theocratic regime has repeatedly vowed to avenge despite major powers like the US and even Russia urging them not to do so. "I think they're perfectly justified to think they should respond because they have been attacked, but we are urging them as friends to think with head as well as heart, to be smart as well as tough," Cameron told the BBC. At the same time, the former prime minister was also urging Israel not to escalate the already high tensions in the Middle East. "In many ways this has been a double defeat for Iran," he told Sky News. "The attack was an almost total failure, and they revealed to the world that they are the malign influence in the region prepared to do this. So our hope is that there won't be a retaliatory response." Lord Cameron added that the UK would also work with its allies to look at imposing more sanctions on Iran while urging Israel to return its focus on agreeing a ceasefire with Iran-backed Hamas in its war on Gaza. The Biden administration made a similar pushback to both Israel and Iran after White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby told NBC that they do not want to see an escalation of tensions. "We're not looking for a wider war with Iran," he told NBC's Kristen Welker. "I think the coming hours and days will tell us a lot." Dongyang wood carving shines with new vitality in E China's Zhejiang People's Daily Online) 10:53, April 15, 2024 Dongyang wood carving, which originated in Dongyang city of east China's Zhejiang Province, dates back more than 1,000 years. It was listed in the first batch of the country's national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. Huang Xiaoming, a national-level master of arts and crafts, instructs an apprentice on carving a floral vessel for the 19th Asian Games. (Photo courtesy of Huang Xiaoming) Local craftspeople have passed down the traditional wood carving art through innovation and blazed a development path for the intangible cultural heritage, injecting fresh vitality into the traditional craft. Dongyang wood carving is known for its unique craftsmanship and exquisite artistry. Dongyang is home to 11 national-level masters of arts and crafts and 60 provincial-level ones. Lu Guangzheng, in his late 70s, is a national-level inheritor of Dongyang wood carving. Lu was admitted to the wood carving technical school in Dongyang when he was 13 years old. Today, he still actively participates in the creation of wood carving works. "Wood carving is an art form that requires comprehensive knowledge, encompassing fields such as architecture, fine arts, and music. So, I always advise my apprentices to not only master the fundamental skills of wood carving, but also learn from various disciplines," Lu said. The artist added that the further development of the wood carving industry relies on not only experienced artisans, but, more importantly, the younger generation. The floral vessel for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang, was designed by Huang Xiaoming, a national-level master of arts and crafts, and made of wood exquisitely carved via the craftsmanship of Dongyang wood carving. Photo shows a wood carving work of Lu Guangzheng, a national-level inheritor of Dongyang wood carving. (Photo courtesy of Lu Guangzheng) The Grand Canal Red Sandalwood Museum in Hangzhou, which is open to the public free of charge, has become a site for visitors to closely experience and understand Dongyang wood carving and rosewood culture. "The aim of establishing the museum is to make the wood carving culture reach a wider audience," said Li Xiaodong, founder of the museum. Since its opening, the museum has received over 100,000 tourist visits. Dongyang wood carving is inseparable from rosewood. In the 1980s, rosewood furniture gained in popularity. Thanks to the rise of the Dongyang wood carving and rising levels of consumption in the Yangtze River Delta region, many wood carving artisans who worked outside Dongyang returned to their hometown to explore potential business opportunities, including Zhang Xiangrong, general manager of a rosewood furniture company in the city. In 1998, Zhang, who had worked in south China's Guangdong for 10 years, returned to Dongyang to set up a rosewood furniture factory. To produce rosewood furniture that is more in line with traditional Chinese aesthetics, Zhang and his carpenters have made no less than 10 trips to the Palace Museum, which houses many pieces of antique furniture. According to Zhang, this reflects the Dongyang wood carving artisans' inheritance of traditional culture. "It's not enough to just focus on wood carvings; we also need to carry on the culture behind it," Zhang said. Wang Haiyang, general manager of another rosewood furniture company in Dongyang, paid attention to the personalized needs of consumers according to changes in the consumption structure. To this end, his company has provided customized whole-home furnishing solutions. "This requires us to explore cultural elements, especially the cultural connotations of Dongyang wood carving, which lay the foundation for the development of the industry," Wang said. At its peak, Dongyang was home to over 3,000 rosewood enterprises. Nowadays, industries related to Dongyang wood carving operate on a more standardized approach. By the end of 2023, the total output value of the rosewood industry chain in Dongyang reached 77 billion yuan ($10.64 billion), with the sector providing employment opportunities for over 100,000 people. The Dongyang economic development zone has become an industrial park that integrates the creative design of wood carving art, production and sales, exhibition, leisure and tourism. The industrial park has gathered 37 masters of arts and crafts at the provincial level and above. Photo shows a scene of the Dongyang wood carving industrial park. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Dongyang city) Chen Guohua is a provincial-level master of arts and crafts who runs an art gallery in the industrial park. To him, the industrial park attracts wood carving artisans, providing more opportunities for exchanges. Every year, the industrial park holds 100 themed activities, including experiencing intangible cultural heritage and wood carving culture, which further expands the cultural influence of Dongyang wood carving. "We focus on entrepreneurship and talent training in the wood carving and rosewood industry," said Li Aizhong, director of the management committee of the Dongyang economic development zone. The industrial park has also signed an agreement with Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction to cultivate a professional talent team for the traditional wood carving industry. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) The office of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Monday (Apr. 15) that he would relinquish his post on May 15 and nominate Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. According to a statement released by Lee's office, Lee, 72, would formally advise the city-state's president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, to appoint Wong, the country's finance minister, to succeed him. Wong, who has the unanimous support of lawmakers in the long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), would also be sworn in on the same day. Who is Lee Hsien Loong? According to Mediacorp, Lee, the eldest son of Singapore's founding prime minister, Lee Kwan Yew, has long considered stepping down from his role before age 70 since 2012. Prior to politics, Lee aspired to become a mathematician in his student days but eventually entered military service. A highlight was his involvement in rescuing 13 cable car passengers in 1983 after the cableway to Sentosa Island snapped. He was then a colonel. Lee achieved the rank of brigadier general at the age of 32 and was eventually convinced by then-Defense Minister Goh Chok Tong to enter politics, which he did in 1984. As MP, Lee was quickly assigned junior cabinet roles in the trade and defense portfolios. When Goh became prime minister in 1990, Lee became his deputy, earmarking him for the top job. However, in 1992, Lee and another deputy prime minister, Ong Teng Cheong, were both diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system - putting the succession to Goh at risk. Lee recovered from his cancer in 1993. When Goh eventually stepped down in 2004, PAP MPs unanimously voted Lee its party leader and prime minister. In 1978, Lee married Dr. Wong Ming Yang but died at the age of 31 in 1982, leaving behind two young children. He later married Ho Ching in 1985, and they have two sons together. In a post announcing his resignation on X, formerly Twitter, Lee urged Singaporeans to support Wong as he steps down exactly a month from now. I will relinquish my role as PM on 15 May 2024 & @LawrenceWongST will be sworn in as the next PM on the same day. I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence & his team your full support, & work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore. LHL https://t.co/3oi0Oxxv16 pic.twitter.com/gDrMiiUTN1 leehsienloong (@leehsienloong) April 15, 2024 "I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence and his team your full support, and work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore," he said. Wong as SG's New PM Meanwhile, Wong, 51, entered politics in 2011. He was eventually named finance minister by Lee and as his successor in 2021 after Heng Swee Keat stood down as deputy prime minister, citing his age and the lack of a proper "runway" for the top job. In a video statement on YouTube, he admitted that he never thought of succeeding Lee. "I am honored to be asked to undertake this new responsibility as the Prime Minister of Singapore," he said. "I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to give you my all in this undertaking." American officials are urging Israel to "take a breath" and exercise caution before responding to Iran's airstrikes, sources familiar with Middle East policy said. "Given the amount of risk we are taking, we expect them to let us know before they do anything," one American official told Politico. Iran launched 300 drones at Israel over the weekend in retaliation for an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria. Iran blamed Israel for the attack and promised retribution for "the Zionist regime's crime." Iran and Israel have long been at odds, and tensions have been inflamed by the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip. Iran praised Hamas in the aftermath of last year's deadly October 7 attacks on Israel, which it claimed were "victories of the anti-Zionist resistance." Iran has also provided aid to the Houthis - a Yemeni rebel group that fired ballistic missiles at the Israeli coast. The nation is also allied with Syria - an important source of weapons for Hamas fighters. Israel claimed that the strike on Iran's Syrian embassy was necessary to take out an Iranian general who is crucial to the weapons supply chain. Iranian leaders announced, over the weekend, that having acted in response to the embassy attacks, they would take no further actions. "At this point, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression," Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated on social media. On Sunday, American President Joe Biden condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks "in the strongest possible terms." Biden reiterated the U.S.'s support of Israel and confirmed that he had spoken to Netanyahu by phone. Tensions between the two leaders have been exacerbated in recent weeks, in part due to the killings of seven aid workers - including one American citizen - who were distributing food inside Gaza. While American forces assisted in diverting the Iranian airstrikes, with minimal damage to Israel, many in the Biden administration are urging Israel to hold back and ensure that their response is "proportional and [brings] this cycle to an end," a U.S. official told Politico. Sources inside the Israeli government did not give specifics as to their plan going forward. One official, speaking anonymously, told Politico, "Israel reserves the right to defend itself following this unprecedented Iranian aggression." Many observers of the Middle East are concerned that large-scale retaliation from Israel could plunge the region into a new series of wars - one that would require American troops to join the fight in earnest. "The plan was always to help [Israel] defend themselves to the max to limit the damage so that they didn't feel compelled to come back with another overwhelming response and we can de-escalate and be done," a different American source told Politico. On Monday, federal agents boarded the Dali, the cargo ship that decimated Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, as part of a criminal probe into whether the ship's crew was aware that the vessel had technical issues before they set sail, according to a report. Several indivduals boarded the ship, in two groups, shortly after sunrise, the Washington Post reported. The Federal Bureau of Investigations confirmed that its agents were among the individuals seen in the harbor. "The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity," the agency told the Washington Post. The 985-foot ship lost power, while leaving the Port of Baltimore, on March 26. The ship rammed into a support pillar on the Key Bridge, while an eight-member construction crew was working to repair the structure. Six of the individuals on the bridge, at the time, fell into the water and died. Officials are now investigating whether the ship's crew was aware of the potential techical issues before they left the port, the Washington Post reported. In addition to the criminal investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board has also launched a probe, intended to assess what caused the crash. A Florida man is accused of shoplifting surf and turf from a Walmart store, even swiping a duffel bag off the rack to use in the his grocery list heist. The Nassau County Sheriff's Office says Careem Griffin, 46, of Jacksonville, went into a Walmart on State Road 200 earlier this month. They say Griffin stole nine succulent lobster tails and four premium ribeye steaks, two packages of snow crab legs and a rotisserie chicken. Authorities say Griffin "brazenly strolled out of the store" just after 6 p.m., with a duffel bag filled with the food. They claim that he also swiped the very duffel bag he used to conceal his food. He returned to the same store three days later and deputies busted him. "While the motives behind Griffin's shopping spree remain unclear, one thing is certain: the allure of fresh lobster tails and premium meats proved too tempting to resist, leading to a confrontation with the law that left him in hot water, both literally and figuratively," a humorous news release by the sheriff's office said. An elderly Ohio man was charged with murder after he allegedly shot and killed a woman in his driveway after both were allegedly victimized by the scam callers. William Brock, 86, told law enforcement that he had received a call from scammers demanding money and making threats. An Uber driver subsequently arrived at his home, on March 25, and attempted to pick up a package. Investigators discovered that the Uber driver, 61-year-old Lo Letha Hall, had received calls from scammers telling her to pick up a package at Brock's home. Hall was unaware that the same scammer had been in contact with Brock, WCMH reported. Brock allegedly held Hall at gunpoint and demanded that she reveal the identities of the men he had spoken with on the phone. He allegedly refused to let the woman leave his property and seized her cell phone. At no point in their encounter did Brock call 911 or ask anyone else for help dealing with the situation. Hall attempted to flee the scene but Brock chased after her and then allegedly discharged his weapon, striking Hall. The two then got into a physical altercation and Brock sustained minor injuries. Brock shot Hall twice more before calling 911 and reporting that he had shot a robber. Hall was transported to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her wounds, WSYX reported. Authorities charged Brock with murder, on the grounds that Hall never posed an active threat to him. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and posted a $200,000 bond. He expected to appear in court again on April 22. An earlier version of this article said that Brock was 81. Police later clarified that he was 86. The judge in Donald Trump's New York criminal trial will not allow prosecutors to play the infamous Access Hollywood tape that Trump described grabbing women sexually without their permission in the tape. But Judge Juan M. Merchan will allow parts of the transcript to be read as it related to an email chain in which his campaign staff reacts to to its release. Prosecutors will be allowed to read out the full Trump quote "grab them by the pussy" because of the decision, the Guardian reported. They will also be able to use an email chain where Hope Hicks forwarded the transcript to Kellyanne Conway asking if it was Trump's voice. Conway involved former Trump fixer Michael Cohen who was doing damage control at the time. Assistant District Attorney Steinglass called the transcript "powerful evidence of the campaign's reaction to the incendiary language contained in the Access Hollywood video," the Associated Press reported. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleges that Trump helped falsify business records to cover up payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who claims that she had sex with the former president. Prosecutors say that Trump concealed his reimbursement of the payments by Cohen and committed 34 felonies in the process while trying to keep Daniels out of the public eye ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The former president has pleaded not guilty and has repeatedly denied having an affair. The first step in the historic criminal trial - the first ever of a former president - is selecting a jury. The selection could take days. An investigation into a former Idaho police chief alleges he made officers feel "terrified" to go to work and abused them with "emotional terrorism," prompting the city's mayor to demand he step down. Ryan Lee spent two years as Boise's top cop. Up until his resignation in 2022, several officers filed complaints against him, alleging he created a hostile and frightening work environment. "It's the totality of it," an unidentified officer told Office of Police Accountability Director Jesus Jara during an internal investigation into Lee's conduct, according to newly released court documents, BoiseDev reported. "Like just the whole being terrified to go to work. I mean, I've been doing this for a (long time), seven different chiefs. I've never been afraid to go into the building," the officer said. "I've always known that I could talk to somebody, that they would communicate with me. They would help me grow, you know. But it's just, I'm going in there going, 'What'd I do wrong today?' It's just bad leadership. It's not a violation or anything. It's just - emotional terrorism at its worst." Lee is also accused of making inappropriate comments during his tenure as chief about a female Ada County employee. "I cannot believe she has a kid, if I was her kid I would kill myself," Lee allegedly said, according to the documents. "I bet you she is one of those wives who beats her husband." In another instance, Lee was accused of breaking Sergeant Kirk Rush's neck during a neck restraint demonstration to staff, according to the Idaho Statesman. Lee also allegedly protected Boise Police Officer Tyson Cooper from disciplinary action, despite four complaints against him accusing him of excessive use of force, including an instance involving throwing a 17-year-old Black teen to the ground. Cooper and Lee trained in judo together, outside of work, according to the documents. A total of nine complaints were filed against the former chief, and he subsequently stepped down from the position at the request of Boise Mayor Lauren McLean in October 2022. In October 2023, Lee filed a $1 million lawsuit against several Boise police officers, accusing them of sabotaging his career, KMVT-TV reported. An Alabama mother of four was reportedly trying to leave her boyfriend when he allegedly chased her down, shot her and stuffed her into the trunk of her own SUV before driving away from the scene of a two-vehicle crash, according to a report. The body of Nakita Chantryce Davidson, 40, was found in her burgundy 2008 Saturn Outlook in a wooded area of southwest Birmingham on Friday afternoon, according to the AL.com news website. The discovery came after Davidson was allegedly shot and kidnapped by Cedric Dewayne Robertson, 37, near the entrance to the city's Elmwood Cemetery around 2:10 a.m. Thursday. A 911 caller reported a two-car crash there but cops found only one vehicle and evidence of possible shooting, police said. Davidson had been dating Robertson for less than a year, her brother, Laderrius Swain, told AL.com. "Her plan was to get away from him," Swain said. "That's what she was trying to do that night." A witness at the crash scene claimed to have seen Robertson shoot a woman at the crash scene before putting her into the trunk of her SUV and driving away, the Associated Press reported, citing court records. He also allegedly left his cellphone behind. Robertson was reportedly arrested while moving from one abandoned house to another in a southwestern Birmingham neighborhood a short time after Davidson's body was found. Authorities said they'd been searching the area since Friday morning, according to AL.com. Robertson was charged with capital murder, kidnapping and failure to appear in court, and is being held without bail, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office's website. An inmate mug shot shows his head wrapped in a large white bandage. The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office didn't immediately respond to a Monday email from HNGN asking whether prosecutors would seek the death penalty. Alabama has 165 convicted killers on death row, according to the state's Corrections Department. The state recently began using nitrogen gas as an execution method, with a spiritual adviser who watched the first inmate put to death that way describing it as "torture." Authorities arrested a 12-year-old Iowa boy accused of fatally shooting his 13-year-old female friend over the weekend. Police responding to a report of a shooting at an Eldora, Iowa, home Sunday evening discovered the yoiung classmate of the alleged shooter dead and took the male juvenile suspect into custody, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The identities of the victim and alleged shooter have not been released due to their ages. A motive remains under investigation. South Hardin Schools Superintendent Dr. Adam Zellmer confirmed the victim was a student in the district. "Sadly, I'm writing to let you know that I have received information this evening regarding the death of one of our cherished South Hardin Middle School students. All of us at South Hardin Community Schools are shaken by this news and still gathering details as law enforcement completes its investigation," Zellmer said in a statement. "Please keep the families involved, our students and our staff in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead," he added. A married Nebraska substitute teacher was arrested after she was found pulling her clothes on in the back seat of an SUV following an alleged affair with a teenage student. Erin Ward, 45, was charged with was sexual abuse by a school employee following the early Saturday morning incident in Elkhorn, according to reports that cited information from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked on a dead end road around 3 a.m. and spotted two people in the rear of a Honda Pilot, according to TV station WOWT. The vehicle is owned by Ward and her husband, according to the Omaha Herald. As the deputies approached, an unidentified 17-year-old boy reportedly scrambled behind the steering wheel and sped off but crashed in a yard about two blocks away. The teen then jumped out of the vehicle and ran away without any clothes on. He was found in a nearby neighborhood about an hour later, wearing only boxers, a T-shirt and socks. Ward was reportedly getting dressed when deputies confronted her and she allegedly admitted having had sex with the teen, who she said was a student at Burke High School in Omaha. The deputies found an Omaha Public Schools employee in the SUV and Burke reportedly told them she worked as a substitute teacher at Burke and other area schools. The school district confirmed Ward's employment and is assisting with an ongoing investigation, according to the Omaha Herald. Both Ward and the boy were treated for minor injuries. As of Monday afternoon, Ward was being held in the Douglas County jail, according to online records. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. claims Donald Trump asked him to be his running mate in the upcoming presidential election. Kennedy, Jr.'s revelation comes the same day Pro-Trump super PAC, Make America Great Again, Inc., launched a disparaging website, accusing the 70-year-old anti-vaccine activist of being a "radical liberal," who supports high taxes and gun confiscation. "President Trump calls me an ultra-left radical. I'm soooo liberal that his emissaries asked me to be his VP. I respectfully declined the offer," Kennedy, Jr., wrote on X Monday. "I am against President Trump, and President Biden can't win," he stated. "Judging by his new website, it looks like President Trump knows who actually can beat him," said Kennedy, Jr. Kennedy, Jr., is running as an independent in the 2024 presidential election against President Joe Biden and former President Trump. He promises to end chronic diseases, bring troops home, and free the government from control of big corporations, according to his website. PRIMESTAR Group has opened its second hotel with an integrated offering in the hotel, long-stay, and workspace segments in Hannover at the beginning of IHIF. From now on, the June Six Hotel Hannover City featuring 115 rooms and suites in the heart of the regional capital Hannover extends a warm welcome to all guests. Starting from 74 with facilities including WorX Space, June Bistro & Bar, and gym, the hotel located on Kurt-Schumacher-Strae near the main train station and directly adjacent to the largest shopping center, Ernst-August-Galerie, will be an attraction for both business travelers and trade fair visitors as well as tourists. WorX Space, the modern coworking community, combined with the first-class service of a hotel, is ideal for workations. The coworking space offers modern workplaces, telephone booths, a lounge area and a meeting room. With a WorX Day Pass or Membership guests enjoy a workplace in an inspiring environment, high-speed WiFi, printer access and coffee/tea and soft drinks. The property has been extensively renovated to the latest construction standards and is on the verge of being ESG certified by BREEAM with "Very Good" rating. The property is owned by Crown S.C.A. SICAV-RAIF, an institutional fund based in Luxembourg. The new appearance of the property has consciously been kept under the motto "Green Urban Chic" with the well-known design of the first flagship hotel - the June Six Hotel Berlin City West. The hotel is equipped with a state-of-art technology implemented by its technology partners at-visions, Lokalee, and Socialwave/Beaconsmind. The hotel also has its own fitness center with a green outdoor area. With the Hannover Exhibition Center accessible by car from the June Six Hotel Hannover City in just over 20 minutes, Hannover is regarded as a significant trade fair destination in Germany. The June Six Hotel Hannover City can be booked online via the hotel website june-six-hotels.com. June Six is a vibrant, young boutique hotel brand for conscious and flexible accommodation in the heart of the city. The hotels will all be in urban and central areas throughout Europe and will be characterized by a unique location and a diverse range of offerings. The hotels are equipped and designed with contemporary interiors and open spaces. Selected locations will offer June Bars, the brand's own bar concept reflecting urban elegance. Hotel website Anthony Campaniaris, a seasoned hotel executive, has assumed the role of General Manager at 1 Hotel Toronto, a sustainable sanctuary in downtown ranked the #1 hotel in Toronto by U.S. News & World Report. Companiaris oversees daily operations property-wide, including at the hotel's four unique dining outlets: a sustainably driven, zero-waste restaurant, 1 Kitchen, a lobby bar with seasonal cocktails and lite-bites, Flora Lounge, TripAdvisor's #1 Mexican restaurant in Toronto, Casa Madera, and a luxurious rooftop space, Harriet's Rooftop. With a 20-year track record in the hospitality industry, Campaniaris brings a wealth of experience from key leadership roles in Toronto's top hotels. His previous positions include Director of Hotel Operations at the Hazelton Hotel and Director of Sales and Business Development for the Shangri-LA Hotel, and he played a key role in the opening of the Anndore House. Campaniaris has also worked internationally with Nobu Hospitality, contributing to the success of Nobu Hotels in Warsaw and Santorini, among others. Concord Hospitality, the award-winning hotel management and development company currently operating over 140 hotels across North America, welcomes Marsha Ray as its new Executive Vice President of Operations. In preparation for further expansion, Concord Hospitality is proactively enhancing its executive team to better address the unique requirements of its individual properties. As a collaborative and results-oriented leader, Ray brings over three decades of invaluable hospitality experience to her latest endeavor. Her extensive background spans various hospitality sectors, including branded and independent hotels, luxury resorts, lifestyle accommodations, convention centers, city hubs and airport facilities. With an extensive background serving both the Canadian and U.S. hospitality markets, Ray boasts comprehensive expertise in all operational aspects, from food and beverage management to front office pre-openings, transitions, conversions, and beyond. Ray will oversee the opening and expansion of Concord's newest full-service hotels and resorts across North America, while focusing on brand and owner relations, financial oversight, and talent management to ensure each asset aligns with its strategic objectives. Michael Yu, along with his partner Rahul Bijlani and their team, joined CBRE in the firms Houston offices in February 2016 to lead CBRE Hotels South Central United States. His team has transacted $3.7 Billion of hospitality real estate, and uniquely serves both private clients and institutional investors. Michaels team has executed all over the United States, with a specialization in Texas assets. Prior to joining CBRE Hotels, Michael and Rahul lead the #1 National Hospitality brokerage team at Marcus & Millichap nationwide where they completed over 70% of all hotel sales by Marcus & Millichap in the South Central United States. Since joining CBRE Hotels, Michael and Rahuls team has been one of the top producing hotel teams in the country. Michael has been the top hotel broker for CBRE Hotels last three years, in a row. Prior to being a broker, Michael began his career in the hospitality industry in the early 90s as a front office manager of a full-service hotel in Cleveland, Ohio. Quickly promoted to general manager then district manager, he was soon supervising eight properties owned by a private hotel investment group. In 1997, Mr. Yu became the Vice President of the company and was responsible for asset management and hotel development. In the following five years, Michael completed a number of transactions for the company; including acquisition, disposition, repositioning, and new construction. This wealth of hotel operations and transaction experience prepared Michael in 2003 to begin providing exceptional hotel investment brokerage services for his clients previously at Marcus & Millichap and now at CBRE Hotels from the perspective of a principal. He currently leads a 13-person team that transacts nationwide across the private and institutional client space for all types of hospitality investment products. Over the past three years, his team has successfully executed more than 210 transactions, making them the most prolific hotel brokerage team in the country. Key Takeaways For the first time, elBulli1846 is opening its doors for a once-in-a-lifetime stay that blends art, history and culinary innovation, hosted by revolutionary chef Ferran Adria. Two guests will receive an in person welcome by the trailblazing chef and sleep in the former restaurant on a plated bed, inspired by elBulliss famed spherical olive. The experience is designed to inspire, excite and celebrate the space that served as the creative launchpad for culinary innovation and the legend behind it all. Calling all bon vivants and connoisseurs! Ferran Adria, the father of modern occidental gastronomy and one of the most influential chefs in the world, is opening the doors of elBulli1846 for a once-in-a-lifetime stay on Airbnb. Guests will be able to sleep in the former restaurant, a mythical space with spectacular Mediterranean sea views, venerated by food lovers around the world. Now operating as a museum, elBulli1846 is set to welcome its first and unique overnight guests for a delectable stay dedicated to the culinary revolution sparked by Ferran. Guests will enjoy unprecedented access to exclusive parts of the building and sleep in a plated bed inspired by the distinctive cuisine and serving style of the elBullirestaurante. A master of gastronomic innovation, Ferran is excited to showcase the legacy of his haute cuisine restaurants groundbreaking approach to cooking. The mission of elBullirestaurante was about pushing limits. We had reached what we felt was the limits of what can be done in a gastronomic experience at the maximum level. Now Im excited to push new creative boundaries, to share this way of seeing the world with the guests who stay here and to introduce them to our latest chapter as elBulli1846. Ferran Adria About the stay Ferran Adria will host a one-night stay for up to two people in elBulli1846, free of charge*, once occupied by the former restaurant that witnessed the creation of 1846 iconic dishes. The stay is nestled in a cove on Spains northeastern coastline, near the small town of Roses, Catalonia. Highlights include: Meeting Ferran in person to learn about elBullis impressive 3-star Michelin legacy and impact on the world of gastronomy. Exclusive overnight access to the mythical space that sparked a culinary revolution, including private rooms such as the shrine to Saint Stomak in the Pantry Chapel. Dinner at one of Ferrans favorite restaurants in the neighbouring seaside town of Roses. A night in the former restaurant on a plated bed, inspired by elBullis famed spherical olive. Waking up to spectacular sea views from a terrace that overlooks a secluded Costa Brava beach. After check-out, guests will also be treated to dinner at Enigma in Barcelona from chef Albert Adria, brother to Ferran and the 2nd best chef in the world according to The Best Chef Awards. Source: Airbnb Source: Airbnb Source: Airbnb How to book The exclusive stay in elBulli1846 will be available for one night from October 16-17, 2024. Culinary buffs can request to book this stay beginning April 17 at 6:00 PM CEST at airbnb.com/elbulli1846. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Roses, just 20 minutes away from Cala Montjoi at Costa Brava, Spain. Guests will be driven from Roses to elBulli1846. The stay is suitable for up to two adults and includes offsite dinners. For those who are not able to book this exclusive stay, foodies are welcome to visit elBulli1846 museum from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00AM to 7:30PM starting May 1 until October 12, 2024 (Summer Season 2024). Source: Airbnb About elBulli1846 elBulli1846 is a museum that reflects on the knowledge, innovation and history of elBulli. It is located at Cala Montjoi in the municipality of Roses within the Cap de Creus Natural Park, a unique setting that offers the best ecosystem for study and reflection. About elBullifoundation elBullifoundation was founded on February 7th, 2013 in response to the need to transform elBullirestaurante and with a view to the future based on the desire to protect the legacy and spirit of elBulli. *This one-night stay is not a contest. About Airbnb Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 1.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way. About Airbnb.org Airbnb.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating temporary stays for people in times of crisis around the world. Airbnb.org operates independently and leverages Airbnb, Inc.'s technology, services, and other resources at no charge to carry out Airbnb.org's charitable purpose. The inspiration for Airbnb.org began in 2012 with a single host named Shell who opened up her home to people impacted by Hurricane Sandy. This sparked a movement and marked the beginning of a program that allows hosts on Airbnb to provide stays for people in times of need. Since then, the program has evolved to focus on emergency response and to help provide stays to evacuees, relief workers, refugees, asylum seekers, and frontline workers fighting the spread of COVID-19. Since then, hosts have offered to open up their homes and helped provide accommodations to 100,000 people in times of need. Airbnb.org is a separate and independent entity from Airbnb, Inc. Airbnb, Inc. does not charge service fees for Airbnb.org supported stays on its platform. Airbnb Press Airbnb Press Office Airbnb View source Croatia currently serves on UN Tourisms Committee on Tourism and Sustainability, having chaired it between 2019 and 2023. Alongside the Governments record of promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices, this clear leadership and support for UN Tourisms core values make it the ideal location to host a collaborative platform to drive innovation and catalyse positive change in the tourism sector. This landmark centre will engage stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society to will address some of the most critical challenges facing tourism, including: Reducing the Environmental Impact of Tourism: The centre will prioritize initiatives to minimize waste generation and plastic usage, thereby mitigating the environmental footprint of tourism activities. The centre will prioritize initiatives to minimize waste generation and plastic usage, thereby mitigating the environmental footprint of tourism activities. Increasing Usage of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: By promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient practices, the centre aims to reduce carbon emissions associated with tourism operations. By promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient practices, the centre aims to reduce carbon emissions associated with tourism operations. Accelerating Adaptation to Climate Change: Recognizing the urgent need to address climate-related risks, the centre will support adaptation strategies to enhance the resilience of tourism destinations and communities. Recognizing the urgent need to address climate-related risks, the centre will support adaptation strategies to enhance the resilience of tourism destinations and communities. Preserving Social Sustainability and Local Communities: The centre will work to safeguard the cultural heritage and livelihoods of local communities by promoting responsible tourism practices and equitable distribution of benefits. The centre will work to safeguard the cultural heritage and livelihoods of local communities by promoting responsible tourism practices and equitable distribution of benefits. Enhancing Evidence-Based Policy Making: Through rigorous research and data analysis, the centre will provide policymakers with the evidence needed to formulate effective policies that balance tourism development with environmental and social considerations. Through rigorous research and data analysis, the centre will provide policymakers with the evidence needed to formulate effective policies that balance tourism development with environmental and social considerations. Providing Relevant and Updated Research: The centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and knowledge exchange, delivering timely insights and best practices for the sustainable development of tourism. In Zagreb, the Minister of Tourism and Sport of Croatia Nikolina Brnjac and UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the cutting-edge research institution. Welcoming the collaboration, Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: Croatia leads by example in growing tourism in a sustainable manner. The new research centre in Zagreb will contribute to UN Tourisms commitment to data-driven policymaking at the regional, national and destination level, ensuring tourism grows responsibly and inclusively, for the benefit of communities everywhere. Minister of Tourism and Sport of Croatia Nikolina Brnjac adds: I am proud that UN Tourism, the most relevant tourism organization globally, has recognized our efforts in Croatian tourism management reform and our strong commitment to sustainable tourism and put forward the initiative to create the first UN Tourism Centre for sustainable tourism in Croatia together with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia. With the University of Zagreb as a partner in the establishment of this Centre, I am convinced that this Centre will be successful and provide very relevant research for future sustainable development of tourism. Related Links: About UN Tourism The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UN Tourism promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. Our Priorities Mainstreaming tourism in the global agenda: Advocating the value of tourism as a driver of socio-economic growth and development, its inclusion as a priority in national and international policies and the need to create a level playing field for the sector to develop and prosper. Promoting sustainable tourism development: Supporting sustainable tourism policies and practices: policies which make optimal use of environmental resources, respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities and provide socio-economic benefits for all. Fostering knowledge, education and capacity building: Supporting countries to assess and address their needs in education and training, as well as providing networks for knowledge creation and exchange. Improving tourism competitiveness: Improving UN Tourism Members' competitiveness through knowledge creation and exchange, human resources development and the promotion of excellence in areas such as policy planning, statistics and market trends, sustainable tourism development, marketing and promotion, product development and risk and crisis management. Advancing tourism's contribution to poverty reduction and development: Maximizing the contribution of tourism to poverty reduction and achieving the SDGs by making tourism work as a tool for development and promoting the inclusion of tourism in the development agenda. Building partnerships: Engaging with the private sector, regional and local tourism organizations, academia and research institutions, civil society and the UN system to build a more sustainable, responsible and competitive tourism sector. Our Structure Members: An intergovernmental organization, UN Tourism has 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers and over 500 Affiliate Members. Organs: The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the Organization. The Executive Council take all measures, in consultation with the Secretary-General, for the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly and reports to the Assembly. Secretariat: UN Tourism headquarters are based in Madrid, Spain. The Secretariat is led by the Secretary-General and organized into departments covering issues such as sustainability, education, tourism trends and marketing, sustainable development, statistics and the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), destination management, ethics and risk and crisis management. The Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department carries out development projects in over 100 countries worldwide, while the Regional Departments for Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East serve as the link between UN Tourism and its 160 Member States. The Affiliate Members Department represents UN Tourism's 500 plus Affiliate members. UN Tourism Communications Department +34 91 567 8100 UN Tourism A robust Central Reservation System (CRS) is not just a convenienceits a strategic necessity. To ensure you are future-ready, its important to choose a CRS platform with continuous enhancements that can adjust to new technology and travel trends. Hoteliers and casino resorts need powerful tools to manage reservations efficiently and enhance the guest experience, which will result in extended direct booking conversions and profitable revenue. Here are some of the key CRS features that can elevate your distribution strategy: Reservation delivery dashboard With detailed and robust reporting, hoteliers are empowered with comprehensive insights into their reservation status, such as: Holistic reporting : Hoteliers can view the overall health of their reservations, including success rates, failures, pending requests, work in progress, and the reservation source. Failure analysis : When a reservation fails, the dashboard provides detailed reasons. Hoteliers can quickly diagnose issues and take corrective actions. Resend functionality : If a reservation encounters hiccups, hoteliers can resend the request to the Property Management System (PMS) for seamless completion. With detailed and robust reporting, hoteliers are empowered with comprehensive insights into their reservation status, such as: Brand level controls Managing rate plans and policies across multiple properties can be daunting. The brand-level controls feature simplifies this process by enabling hoteliers to create rate plans and policy templates. These templates can then be associated with properties across the brand. This automation streamlines processes, reduces manual effort, and saves valuable time for the hoteliers. Additionally, hoteliers can swiftly create multiple offer codes on a brand rate plan across multiple properties. Managing rate plans and policies across multiple properties can be daunting. The brand-level controls feature simplifies this process by enabling hoteliers to create rate plans and policy templates. These templates can then be associated with properties across the brand. This automation streamlines processes, reduces manual effort, and saves valuable time for the hoteliers. Additionally, hoteliers can swiftly create multiple offer codes on a brand rate plan across multiple properties. Alternate properties and smart policies Hoteliers have the flexibility to create customized policies for guests, whether its related to cancelable or non-cancelable bookings. Additionally, they can set fees for specific refundable policies. With alternate properties, when a guests desired property isnt available for their selected dates, hoteliers can choose to suggest their other properties to the guests. This approach keeps guests engaged and minimizes booking abandonment. Hoteliers have the flexibility to create customized policies for guests, whether its related to cancelable or non-cancelable bookings. Additionally, they can set fees for specific refundable policies. With alternate properties, when a guests desired property isnt available for their selected dates, hoteliers can choose to suggest their other properties to the guests. This approach keeps guests engaged and minimizes booking abandonment. Multi-room with multi-rate Hoteliers can empower guests to book multiple rooms with varying rate plans in a single reservation process. This helps guests successfully execute complex travel plans while helping hoteliers increase loyalty bookings as guests book their stay with special member rates and additional benefits. This seamless experience on the hoteliers direct booking engine fosters loyalty and satisfaction. Hoteliers can empower guests to book multiple rooms with varying rate plans in a single reservation process. This helps guests successfully execute complex travel plans while helping hoteliers increase loyalty bookings as guests book their stay with special member rates and additional benefits. This seamless experience on the hoteliers direct booking engine fosters loyalty and satisfaction. Master confirmation code While each room booking has its confirmation number, the master confirmation code provides an overarching identifier for reservations involving multiple rooms booked in a single booking, simplifying tracking and management. While each room booking has its confirmation number, the master confirmation code provides an overarching identifier for reservations involving multiple rooms booked in a single booking, simplifying tracking and management. Built-in icon library Hoteliers can display icons specific to their propertys offerings on their booking engine as icons can quickly and simply convey services and amenities. Well-designed icons enhance the overall interface with visually appealing aesthetics while taking up a minimum amount of space. Additionally, the ability to change icon colors and keep the icon shape/style the same across the booking engine helps hoteliers maintain brand consistency and enhance guest engagement while encouraging more direct bookings. Hoteliers can display icons specific to their propertys offerings on their booking engine as icons can quickly and simply convey services and amenities. Well-designed icons enhance the overall interface with visually appealing aesthetics while taking up a minimum amount of space. Additionally, the ability to change icon colors and keep the icon shape/style the same across the booking engine helps hoteliers maintain brand consistency and enhance guest engagement while encouraging more direct bookings. Add to calendar When guests complete their reservation through the booking engine, they can conveniently add their bookings to calendars such as Outlook, Apple, Google, and Yahoo, ensuring easy access to booking details. When guests complete their reservation through the booking engine, they can conveniently add their bookings to calendars such as Outlook, Apple, Google, and Yahoo, ensuring easy access to booking details. Bot prevention When an automated bot and malicious scripts read through the booking engine, it might create fake reservations and fake form submissions. In this case, hoteliers can ensure the integrity of the reservation process by implementing reCAPTCHA on their booking engine via CRS, which verifies that the users are human and further reduces the risk of fraudulent bookings and reservations. A well-implemented reCAPTCHA on the booking engine also contributes to better search engine visibility and potentially attracts more organic traffic. When an automated bot and malicious scripts read through the booking engine, it might create fake reservations and fake form submissions. In this case, hoteliers can ensure the integrity of the reservation process by implementing reCAPTCHA on their booking engine via CRS, which verifies that the users are human and further reduces the risk of fraudulent bookings and reservations. A well-implemented reCAPTCHA on the booking engine also contributes to better search engine visibility and potentially attracts more organic traffic. Loyalty benefits Hoteliers and casino resorts can supercharge their direct booking strategy while fostering guest loyalty. Loyalty sign-up empowers guests to book repeat visits in return for exclusive privileges and benefits. Robust features such as loyalty tiers, loyalty upsells, comp-cash integrations, and player-based comp restrictions help casino resorts tailor a gaming experience for their top players. Read more about how loyalty features can elevate your casinos direct booking strategy. Hoteliers and casino resorts can supercharge their direct booking strategy while fostering guest loyalty. Loyalty sign-up empowers guests to book repeat visits in return for exclusive privileges and benefits. Robust features such as loyalty tiers, loyalty upsells, comp-cash integrations, and player-based comp restrictions help casino resorts tailor a gaming experience for their top players. Read more about how loyalty features can elevate your casinos direct booking strategy. ADA compliance The ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, is a federal law in the United States that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. According to the MMGY Global report, travelers with disabilities spend $58.2 billion per year on travel. Achieving ADA compliance is more than just a requirement, its a vital component of a successful customer acquisition strategy. By ensuring that your hotels booking engine is accessible to all users, you can expand your customer base, foster loyalty, enhance the user experience, and build a positive brand image. Read more about how an ADA compliant booking engine can boost your customer acquisition strategy. Cendyns innovative and industry-leading solution Cendyn CRS is a cloud-based reservation system that facilitates hoteliers with intelligent rate and inventory management tools. Named the #1 CRS by HotelTechAwards for seven years in a row, it empowers hoteliers to take control of their distribution strategy and optimize demand across all the global distribution channels. With dynamic pricing rules, superior merchandising, loyalty features, and conversion-impacting capabilities, Cendyn CRS executes a successful direct booking strategy for hoteliers to supercharge their profitable revenue and exceed financial goals. The Cendyn CRS also boosts hoteliers direct booking strategy with its intuitive Cendyn Booking Engine which is built to convert lookers into bookers with the help of its responsive nature and powerful features. About Cendyn Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to drive revenue, maximize profitability, and create deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions. Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn drives commercial success for hotels through its Find, Book, Grow promise: find the right guests; drive them to book direct, and grow loyalty and revenue across the spectrum of digital guest interactions. Cendyn has over 32,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries. 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. View source Total revenues up 17% and room nights pick up 20% v. Q1 2023 68% of revenue driven by international stays US and UK are top feeder markets generating 26% of international stays (US$89mn) GHA DISCOVERY enrolments jump 28% year-on-year DISCOVERY Dollar (D$) redemptions grow 109% Dubai, UAE - UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the worlds largest alliance of independent hotel brands, has started its 20th anniversary year on a high note, reporting robust Q1 results across all key performance indicators. Exceeding expectations, total hotel revenues for Q1 2024 jumped to US$649 million, up 17% compared to Q1 2023, while total room nights picked up 20% and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) across its portfolio of 800 hotels nudged up 2%. The GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme continued to grow in popularity, with new enrolments increasing 28% in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. At the same time, redemptions of the programmes rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), rocketed 109% year-on-year, led by members based in Spain, Singapore and China respectively. Further underlining the success, the total cross-brand revenue, driven by members staying in a different brand to where they enrolled, increased 32% to $86.2 million in Q1, with hotel brands benefiting the most including Anantara, Kempinski, Pan Pacific and PARKROYAL. Since launching just over two years ago, D$206 million have been issued to GHA DISCOVERY members, and with D$1 equal to US$1, which has created a stimulus for travel within the alliance, and has helped drive more direct bookings for hotels, which are up 40% on GHA channels over 2023. Nearly two-thirds of those direct bookings are now made on the GHA DISCOVERY app. Q1 2024 also demonstrated some key market and member trends: International stays made by the 26 million GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme members dominate: 68% of hotel room revenues were generated by international stays, led by properties in the Maldives (99% of revenue from international stays), Thailand (94%) and Hong Kong (86%). US and UK members highly influential: 72% of the room revenue from US GHA DISCOVERY members and 89% of the room revenue from UK members came from their international stays. The US is the most important feeder market for GHA hotel brands, generating $52 million in international room revenue in Q1 2024, followed by the UK with $37 million. This collective $89 million represents 26% of total international stays room revenue. Repeat stays room revenue from US members in Q1 2024 increased 33% compared to Q1 2023, while repeat stays from UK members rose 20% year on year. 2024 destination hotspots revealed: The most preferred international destinations for each major feeder market were: Saint Lucia for US members; the UAE for members in the UK and Germany; Thailand for members in Russia; Hong Kong for members in mainland China; and Singapore for members based in Australia. As we enter our 20th anniversary year, GHA is not only delivering impressive numbers, but tangible business growth to our hotel brands. Our Q1 results also underscore our commitment to providing our GHA DISCOVERY members with unparalleled choice and flexibility; the surge in new enrolments and record-breaking redemptions of D$ reflect their level of engagement with the programme. GHA CEO Chris Hartley Since GHA was launched in 2004, the alliance has grown exponentially to represent a collection of 40 brands with more than 800 hotels, resorts and palaces in 100 countries, and the 26 million members of its GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, first launched in 2010, now drive $2.3 billion in revenue and 10 million room nights (as of 2023). Recent milestones include the reimagination of GHA DISCOVERY, including the launch of DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), in December 2021; NH Hotel Group joining the alliance in 2022, enhancing the GHA offering with 350 properties in 30 countries across three brands; and the 2023 launch of Green Collection, empowering members to make conscious travel choices. GHA has diversified its loyalty offering with two new partnerships too, joining forces with ultra-luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2023 to reward cruisers with D$ and status, and vacation rental platform Plum Guide in March this year, rewarding members who stay at any of their 38,000 remarkable vacation homes. In a move that further broadened the choice for GHA DISCOVERY members, GHA welcomed the Lore Group in February, adding five design-led hotels housed in landmark buildings across Amsterdam, London and Washington DC, along with Cheval Collection which joined in April, offering luxury serviced apartments across Edinburgh, London, and Dubai. Looking ahead, building on two decades of success, we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional value and experiences, ensuring that GHA continues to be the preferred choice for independent hotel brands and their customers. concluded Hartley. For more information visit Global Hotel Alliance and GHA DISCOVERY. About Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) brings together a diverse collection of independent hospitality brands with GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme leveraging a shared technology platform. Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue, and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning. GHA represents a collection of 40 brands with more than 800 hotels in 100 countries. The award-winning GHA DISCOVERY programme serves 26 million members and generated $2.3 billion in revenue and 10 million room nights in 2023. GHA's brands currently include Anantara, Araiya, ASMALLWORLD, Avani, Bristoria, Capella, Corinthia, Divani, Doyle, Elewana, JA Resorts, Kempinski, Leela, Lore, Lungarno, Maqo, Marco Polo, Mysk, NH Collection, NH Hotels, nhow, Niccolo, Nikki Beach, NUO, Oaks, OUTRIGGER, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, PARKROYAL, Patina, The Residence by Cenizaro, The Set Collection, Shaza, Sukhothai, Sun International, Tivoli, Ultratravel Collection and Viceroy. For more information, visit www.globalhotelalliance.com. About GHA DISCOVERY Launched in 2010, GHA DISCOVERY is the world's largest loyalty program for independent hotel brands, featuring more than 800 hotels, resorts, and palaces across 40 brands. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. GHA DISCOVERY members earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy member-only Experiences curated by each hotel, plus they have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers. For more information, visit ghadiscovery.com. Andrea Krenn Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) Understanding the importance of the employees journey with an organization is key. Your employee experience impacts your acquisition and retention, which, of course, has a big impact on your bottom line. It also heavily impacts your guest experience, which is pretty much everything when it comes to your revenue. Unhappy workers dont make happy customers. These two things are intrinsically linked, forever enmeshed, cant be separated you get the point. What is employee experience? Not to be confused with employee wellbeing. Employee experience encompasses the entire employee journey with an organization, from recruitment to exit. It includes every interaction and experience an employee has in the workplace, whether with colleagues, work environment, workplace technology. Employee wellbeing, meanwhile, is one aspect of the full EX that focuses specifically on the physical, mental, and emotional health of employees. How much does employee experience matter? In a 2016 global survey of 281 senior executives, researchers at MIT found that companies that create a great EX outperform their competitors on innovation, customer satisfaction, and profitability. For the sake of the research, EX was made up of two essential factors: work complexity and behavioral norms; specifically collaboration, creativity, and empowerment. Companies with great EX were found to be more innovative and profitable and to have higher levels of customer satisfaction. The researchers concluded that companies that prioritize both digital technologies and leadership behaviors are better equipped to reduce work complexity and create norms around collaboration, creativity, and empowerment. The researchers wrote: This finding has significant implications for who should manage the employee experience, and suggests that the CIO must take a major role. However, technology is clearly not all that is required. Establishing a more facilitative style of leadership will require a broader level of senior management commitment across a range of functions, focusing on activities such as investment in technology solutions, the reevaluation of business rules, risk assessments, and the creation of company-wide processes. As work in the digital age becomes less predictable, leaders who continuously work with employees to identify and eliminate friction points will enhance employee experience and create the fertile ground to build more value. More recent research from Officevibe and The Starr Conspiracy backs up these findings. A study found that organizations making high investments in EX see significant returns across business outcomes, including customer satisfaction, employee outlook, recognition, and productivity. A survey of more than 1,160 business leaders in the U.S. and Canada found that organizations with higher EX investments are 1.5x more likely to have a positive employee outlook in areas like training managers on providing feedback, fostering open communication, and creating feelings of accomplishment and fulfillment in the workplace. Key takeaways include: 62% of high-investment leaders agree EX has a significant impact on business success, compared to 37% of low-investment leaders. 54% of high-investing organizations see improvements in customer satisfaction. Organizations with high investments are 45% more likely to see improvements in key metrics such as turnover, absenteeism and employee productivity. How to improve your employee experience Employee experience takes work and investment. Here are a few steps you can take to improve yours. Create a supportive and inclusive work environment: Foster a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hotels, resorts, and spas thrive on the rich experiences brought by employees from diverse backgrounds. Celebrate cultural differences, encourage teamwork, and ensure all staff feel respected and valued. Provide industry-specific training and advancement opportunities: Offer comprehensive onboarding programs, professional development, and clear career pathways. Employees in the hospitality industry often face unique customer service challenges. Equipping them with advanced conflict resolution, customer engagement, and service excellence skills can boost their confidence and performance. Promoting from within whenever possible motivates employees by showing them a clear path for advancement. Offer flexible scheduling and work-life balance: It can be difficult with the round-the-clock nature of hotels, resorts, and spas, but offering flexible work schedules, including rotating shifts and accommodating personal time off requests, can help employees balance work and personal lives. This approach can reduce burnout which we all know can be a big problem and improve job satisfaction. Enhance employee well-being programs: Implement wellness initiatives specifically designed for the physical and mental demands of hospitality work. This could include access to on-site fitness facilities, wellness workshops focusing on stress management and resilience, health screenings, and complimentary or discounted services within your spa or wellness center. Encourage feedback and foster open communication: Establish regular check-ins and feedback mechanisms where employees can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions without fear of repercussions. Use this feedback to make meaningful changes that improve the working environment. For instance, if employees suggest adjustments to the booking system to manage customer flow better in the spa, taking concrete steps to explore and implement these suggestions can significantly impact employee satisfaction and efficiency. Increase bookings, customer satisfaction, and revenue By focusing on these specific strategies, hotels, resorts, and spas can create a more positive and engaging work environment and a better EX, increasing bookings, customer satisfaction, and revenue. Book4Time can help make your employee experience better! Get in touch to learn how. Spa Executive is published by Book4Time, the leader in guest management, revenue and mobile solutions for the most exclusive spas, hotels, and resorts around the globe. Learn more at book4time.com. About Book4Time Book4Time is the leading cloud-based spa and ancillary revenue management software for the world's top hotels and resorts, used by more Forbes 5-Star resorts than any other vendor. Book4Time manages the end-to-end guest experience for hotels, resorts and clubs in over 100 countries worldwide and is the preferred solution for some of the world's largest and most prestigious hospitality brands including Marriott, Accor, Hilton, Hyatt and Four Seasons. View source At this years International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), Radisson Hotel Group announced its latest development update and continued growth strategy across the Groups diverse portfolio of 10 leading brands. The Groups current portfolio consists of more than 1,340 properties in 95+ countries, including Radisson Blu, the largest upper upscale brand in Europe for the 12th consecutive year, and Radisson, the fastest growing upscale brand in the industry in EMEA and South East Asia. Following a record-breaking 2023, Radisson Hotel Group further extended its portfolio in Q1 2024 with strategic signings and openings across EMEA and APAC. The United Kingdom, India and China continue to be leading growth countries, along with exciting debuts in new thriving markets and resort destinations, such as Montenegro, Indonesia and Laos, with the signings of respectively Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Kolasin; Radisson Resort Anyer, the Groups first resort offering a glamping concept, and Radisson RED Vientiane in the capital of Laos. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, comments: Over the last 5 years, we have grown the business by nearly 50% and continue to achieve incredible results thanks to the trust of our partners and relevance of our brands. In Q1, we unlocked further opportunities for our owners and guests with over 50 properties opened and signed. We find solutions in the current difficult lending climate and look forward to adding more hotels and resorts as we look ahead to the rest of this year. Radisson Hotel Groups success in EMEA continues to grow from strength-to-strength, with Radisson Blu leading the way as the largest upper upscale brand in Europe. More than 30% of the Groups growth in Q1 2024 in EMEA consisted of new Radisson Blu signings, including properties in Italy and Montenegro. The Radisson Individuals portfolio grew with key signings in the United Kingdom and France including the seaside The View Hotel Folkstone, a member of Radisson Individuals and the boutique La Villa dItalie Menton, a member of Radisson Individuals. Milestone openings included the Groups first safari hotel in South Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, the Groups sixth Radisson Collection property in Italy, Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica, and the vibrant Radisson RED brands debut in Southeast Europe, Radisson RED Belgrade, in partnership with PPHE Hotel Group (PPHE). Since the expansion of the Groups strategic partnership with PPHE, first announced in 2022, Radisson Hotel Group and PPHE have opened several award-winning properties, including Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, a Radisson Collection Hotel, artotel London Battersea Power Station, and artotel Zagreb as part of the integration of the lifestyle brand artotel into the Groups dynamic brand umbrella of 10 diverse brands. Hot on the heels of artotels existing properties in Amsterdam, Berlin and Cologne, new contemporary properties will open in key cosmopolitan cities and sought-after neighborhoods, including Rome (artotel Rome Piazza Sallustio) and the next London flagship property, artotel London Hoxton, both set to open in H1 2024. Also set to open in Q2 2024 will be Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm, the second Radisson RED property in partnership with PPHE and Germanys first Radisson RED property. In Q1 2024, more than half of the Groups signings and openings were achieved across APAC, in particular in India, China, and Cambodia, led by the Radisson RED and Radisson Blu brands. Key strategic signings included the Groups first property and market debut in New Zealand, Radisson RED Auckland, along with additional signings such as Radisson RED Phnom Penh and Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Radisson Blu Hotel, Ayodhya Uttar Pradesh and Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucknow Gomti Nagar, Uttar Pradesh in India. Looking ahead to the remainder of 2024, Radisson Hotel Group will continue to harness the power of its 10 global brands offering the right solution for each market, whilst at the same time continuing to build strategic partnerships and responding to the ever-changing environment, creating more opportunities for owners and guests. COLUMBUS, Ohio Red Roof, an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, is teaming up with No Kid Hungry to help eliminate childhood hunger, through its 'Room In Your HeartSM (RIYH) purpose-driven program, and its guests can help the cause. When travelers book a stay at Red Roof in April and May, a portion of the revenue will be donated to No Kid Hungry, and in turn, travelers will receive a discount on their stay. Travelers who book and stay at any Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof, or The Red Collection property from April 14, 2024, through May 23, 2024, save 10%-15% on their stay, and 5% of the purchase price from that stay will be donated to No Kid Hungry with a minimum donation of $5,000.* Guests may book directly using Promo Code 'SALE' at redroof.com or on the app, by calling 800.RED.ROOF, or any property. Summer can be the hungriest time of year for kids who rely on school meals, said Marina MacDonald, Red Roof Chief Marketing Officer. Red Roof's Room In Your Heart program is a perfect fit to team up with No Kid Hungry as they work to help schools, community organizations and state agencies implement programs to ensure each child gets three meals a day. Our support will not only raise funds for this important mission, but also amplify their resources to ensure that families and communities are aware, and kids are well-fed. Thanks to the work of No Kid Hungry and their partners, there are new federal programs in place to help families buy and access food during the summer. These programs could benefit more than 30 million children in the United States. With the support of brands like Red Roof, No Kid Hungry is making sure every child gets the food they need to thrive, said Allison Shuffield, Managing Director of Corporate Partnerships at Share Our Strength. Thanks to a new combination of summer meal programs and grocery benefits for families to buy food this summer, we now have the tools we need to end summer hunger for good. Support from brands like Red Roof makes all the difference. To find free meals served by organizations in your community, text 304-304. Data & message rates may apply. About Red Roof Red Roof is an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, recognized for creating the innovative Upscale Economy segment, serving millions of guests each year. Red Roof's portfolio of brands includes Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof, The Red Collection, and Red Roof's dual-branded properties. Red Roof has over 60,000 rooms in nearly 700 properties in the U.S. and internationally in Japan. For more information, visit redroof.com or download Red Roof's free app for iOS and Android devices. To learn about franchising opportunities, visit redrooffranchising.com. Red Roof's Vision: To provide the best experience and value in the lodging industry for our guests, owners, team members, partners, and communities. *Subject to availability. Third party bookings are not eligible. May not be combined with other discounts or offers. IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and NOVUM Hospitality announce a long-term agreement that will double IHG's presence in Germany to more than 200 hotels in almost 100 cities through an exciting Holiday Inn the niu brand collaboration and European debuts for IHG's Garner and Candlewood Suites brands. The agreement with NOVUM Hospitality, one of Germany's largest private hotel operators, owned by David Etmenan, will make IHG one of the leading players in midscale and upper midscale, and includes the following key elements: Up to 108 NOVUM Hospitality otpen hotels (15,334 rooms) and 11 hotels under development (2,369 rooms) are expected to join IHG's system between 2024 and 2028. Conversion of the hotels to IHG's system will happen in phases beginning in 2024, with the majority to take place over the next 24 months. This will increase IHG's global system size by up to 1.9% over the coming years. are expected to join IHG's system between 2024 and 2028. Conversion of the hotels to IHG's system will happen in phases beginning in 2024, with the majority to take place over the next 24 months. This will increase IHG's global system size by up to 1.9% over the coming years. A total of 52 open and pipeline hotels will join IHG through a distinctive collaboration between Holiday Inn and the niu , NOVUM Hospitality's stylish, flagship upper midscale brand. This will combine the domestic presence of the niu with Holiday Inn's trusted reputation and global brand recognition to build a leading position in a key target market. NOVUM Hospitality's other brands, Yggotel , Select and Novum with 56 open and pipeline hotels will convert to IHG's new midscale conversion brand, Garner , and the acora Living the City brand with 11 open and pipeline hotels will convert to IHG's midscale extended stay brand, Candlewood Suites . through a distinctive collaboration between and , NOVUM Hospitality's stylish, flagship upper midscale brand. This will combine the domestic presence of with trusted reputation and global brand recognition to build a leading position in a key target market. NOVUM Hospitality's other brands, , and with 56 open and pipeline hotels will convert to IHG's new midscale conversion brand, , and the brand with 11 open and pipeline hotels will convert to IHG's midscale extended stay brand, . Under the agreement, IHG will receive franchise fees after the phased conversion of existing properties and upon the opening of the hotels under development. Additionally, standard assessments will be received into IHG's System Fund, including those to cover the operation of IHG One Rewards, and marketing and reservation services. IHG will contribute key money capital expenditure that will reflect the phased conversion and timing of openings of this major portfolio of hotels. The agreement includes an exclusivity arrangement for future NOVUM Hospitality hotels to join IHG's leading brands and enterprise system, with an ambition to jointly develop further hotels over time. The agreement has a term of 30 years and the option to renew for additional terms. A total of 111 NOVUM Hospitality properties are in Germany, with the remaining eight in Austria, the Netherlands and the UK. Germany is one of Europe's largest hotel markets, with strong domestic consumption, inbound and outbound travel. In 2022, there were over 450 million overnight stays in Germany, the second highest in Europe, and the country generated the highest number of international outbound travellers globally, around 100 million. IHG's growth in Germany will be supported by continued investment in building localised commercial platforms, such as the recent introduction of loyalty partnerships and improved booking systems. IHG expects its increased scale to bring significant benefits to NOVUM Hospitality and other IHG owners, including higher brand awareness, direct bookings and loyalty engagement, to capture both domestic demand and German outbound business. It will also drive the development of IHG's brands across more locations. NOVUM Hospitality will adopt IHG brands and systems for this entire portfolio, becoming one of IHG's largest franchisees globally, with access to IHG's powerful commercial engine and technology platforms to drive hotel performance, efficient hotel operations and customer experience. We are delighted to collaborate with such a respected group as NOVUM Hospitality and double IHG's presence in Germany, one of Europe's largest hotel markets and a growth priority for our business. This agreement demonstrates the appeal to owners of our powerful enterprise and IHG's success in attracting excellent conversion opportunities to grow our system size. It also creates a strong domestic German platform to increase demand and brand awareness, as well as capture a larger share of the millions of outbound trips made each year across Europe and beyond. We're excited to bring a modern, bold and dynamic experience to market with our Holiday Inn the niu collaboration, which pairs our world-famous Holiday Inn brand with a high-quality local brand that has an excellent, largely newly-built estate. Equally, bringing Garner to Europe in such a critical market as Germany is a great moment, as is taking Candlewood Suites outside of the Americas for the first time. Both IHG and NOVUM Hospitality share a deep commitment to true hospitality, quality and growth, and we look forward to expanding together in the years to come. Elie Maalouf , Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts Partnering with IHG, one of the world's leading hotel companies, equips our family-run business with the firepower needed to fortify our market presence across Europe. This collaboration enables us to concentrate on delivering exceptional hotel experiences while leveraging the globally acclaimed brand recognition of IHG. Forging a co-brand between the niu and Holiday Inn sees two perfectly complementary brands come together, enhancing our appeal to guests on a global scale. Accessing IHG's state-of-the-art global distribution network provides us with enhanced sales and revenue capabilities, ensuring sustained commercial success while retaining full flexibility and independence for NOVUM Hospitality, as the company remains in our ownership entirely. Beyond the strategic advantages, the alignment of our values and principles throughout the negotiation process with IHG underscores the compatibility of our alliance. We deeply value the respect and consideration accorded to our the niu brand and eagerly anticipate the promising future that lies ahead in our joint endeavours. David Etmenan , Chief Executive Officer and Owner, NOVUM Hospitality Further brand details: First-quarter investment volumes surged to the highest levels since 2019, reaching approximately 1.7B in Q1 2024 Two large portfolio trades at the beginning of the year accounted for 60% of volume Hotel performance is buoyant with overnight stays in hotels projected to surpass 2019 levels in 2024 Approximately 1.7bn of UK real estate was transacted by hotel investors in the first quarter of 2024, according to new data from real estate advisory firm Cushman & Wakefield. This represented a surge in activity to the tune of 138% versus Q1 2023. The Q1 2024 volume covered 93 properties across the UK, representing c. 7,600 rooms. Two major portfolio deals, the Edwardian UK Radisson Hotel Portfolio and the LXi REIT Travelodge Portfolio comprised 60% of transaction volume. Investment Trends Q1 2024 - UK Source: Cushman & Wakefield In terms of capital deployed, private buyers were the dominant force in deals completed at 69%, followed by public investors (23%), and institutional-backed capital (8%) slowly reinvigorating interest in the sector. Across the quarter, London accounted for 60% of major deals by volume. This also included the sale of Atlas House to Integrity International Group and the iconic BT Tower to MCR Hotels underscoring sustained interest in development projects that focus on office-to-hotel conversions, which continue to contribute a significant proportion of deal flow. Notwithstanding buyer hopes, limited distress is evident in the market buoyed by sustained hotel performance and lender support for the sector. Looking forward, the market points towards a sustained positive sentiment for the sector bolstered by improved consumer confidence, alongside the projection that leisure demand for hotel nights in the UK will grow a further 6% this year. However, while hotel supply growth is anticipated to persist, it is expected to proceed at a decelerated rate relative to the past two years. UK-wide room supply grew 0.2% since the beginning of the year with c. 24,000 rooms still under construction (3.4% of inventory). A slowdown in new-build construction can be attributed to increased costs of materials, labour, and financing. As a result, conversion activity is expected to be a primary driver of hotel pipeline growth in the upcoming months, especially in key cities. Nature of Investments Q1 2024 - UK Source: Cushman & Wakefield The last 18 months have seen the UK sustain elevated levels of hotel performance, which now appears to be stabilising as the new standard. The bid:ask spread continues to slowly narrow. There is strong capital interest in the sector, yet deal flow remains constrained by a lack of product on the market whilst buyers are adopting a wait-and-see approach anticipating base rate cuts in H2 2024, against the backdrop of an impending UK election. From a yield perspective, we see that they remain stable against those established at the close of 2023. Toward the back end of the year, a slow and steady sharpening in line with the gradual reduction in base rates can be expected, although reversion to historic lows of the 2010s is unlikely. The enduring 'flight to quality' continues to dominate the UK hotel investment, with 69% of deal flow amongst luxury and upper upscale hotel classes. This serves to heighten competition for opportunities in prime locations and maintain a consistently stringent yield environment for premium assets. Ed Fitch, Head of Hospitality UK & Ireland at Cushman & Wakefield Selected Major Recent Transactions Q1 2024 - UK Source: Cushman & Wakefield Transaction Heat Map Q1 2024 - UK Source: Cushman & Wakefield View source Unlocking AI in Hospitality for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Q&A with Ian Millar Amidst the current discussions about AI's transformative potential, there's a common industry misconception that it primarily benefits large-scale hotels and enterprises, leaving smaller and medium-sized firms behind in the dark ages. To shed light on the nuanced reality, we sat down with EHL's Ian Millar, Senior Lecturer in Hospitality Technology, to discuss how AI is not just a tool for hospitality giants but can also be a game-changer for SME hotels and firms with an innovative mindset. How is the hospitality industry gearing up to AI? PwC are describing the advent of AI as the $15.7 trillion game changer, so although the hospitality sector has only been taking baby steps towards it for now, this is certainly the right time for us to be learning how to harness it effectively. Admittedly, its a vast and complex area, especially in terms of legalities and ethics, but lets look at the win-wins where AI is helping the hospitality taskforce work quicker and more efficiently. While the hospitality frontline is sacrosanct and will always need the human touch, many back office operations such as staffing timetables, P&L statements, inventory management and pricing strategies are already benefiting from AI assistance. For content creation, it can help operators write quick marketing slogans, social media posts, design posters and make recommendations for lets say a day out in Montreux in Chinese. In terms of speed, improving systems and removing language barriers, AI is undeniably a step up for hospitality performance. Chatbots and virtual assistants, as robotic as they might sound, are effectively being used for answering routine questions, (What time is breakfast?), booking enquiries and customer service requests. Sometimes they dont have all the nuanced answers, and yes, one might yearn for a human voice at the end of the line, but they do free up a lot of employee time that can then be dedicated to enhancing the customer experience in other ways. AI algorithms are helping to analyze demand patterns, competitor pricing and other factors in real-time (e.g., the impact of the weather or a big event) to optimize pricing strategies. By implementing dynamic pricing, hotels can adjust room rates, package deals and promotions to maximize revenue and occupancy rates. These algorithms also crunch guest data, preferences and habits to personalize their hospitality experience so that services and activities can be tailor-made. In terms of physical buildings, AI predictive maintenance systems analyzes equipment and facility data to identify potential issues before they occur, e.g., an unoccupied room whose temperature is registering very low may suggest a badly closed window or a faulty radiator. By spotting maintenance needs and scheduling repairs proactively, hotel managers are able to minimize breakdown time, reduce maintenance costs and ensure optimal performance of facilities. Overall, AI needs a lot of context and critical faculties in order to get the best from its high level of analysis. Small hospitality firms need to carefully consider their needs before investing in AI solutions, ensuring alignment with specific business goals, operational workflows and customer experience objectives. Admittedly, the cost of tech implementation is one of the main issues why SMEs are finding it hard to jump on the AI bandwagon today. Why are many SMEs struggling to get on board with AI? The problem here is essentially to do with culture, mindset and costs. Some SMEs believe that AI adoption is not for them because a) theyre not quite sure what AI would bring them or how to implement it, and b) they are skeptical of the costs involved, and c) they feel that things are working fine as they are now, so why change? Imagine the mindset of a traditional, family-run hotel in a remote setting - it tends to be quite conservative. During a recent Association Romande des Hoteliers conference at EHL, some SME hotel managers admitted that theyd be open to using more AI systems in their daily operations if only they could receive some training and insights on how to best implement them. (This has given rise to a short 2-day course I am currently building aimed at exactly this audience. Dates to be set later in the year!) I call it the Lost in Translation syndrome where the mindset and language of a small hotelier and a tech expert are worlds apart. Its a case of How much is this going to cost me? vs. What new possibilities is this going to bring me? In todays fast-evolving world, the hospitality sector needs leaders who can speak both languages to help build the tech side while bearing in mind a hoteliers sensibilities. The perception of AI as a luxury or big business solution needs to be replaced by a more innovation-drives-profitability mindset. Typically, larger enterprises with greater resources and volume capacity do not wince at investing in AI systems, but small-scale operations should also be looking at the long-term benefits that better pricing strategies, speedier operations and more effective staffing methods could bring them. Many of these tech advancements can be implemented in incremental stages and at reasonable prices. Lack of awareness and resistance to change are undermining SMEs opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and profitability. What top 5 AI systems should hospitality SMEs be considering? Heres my list of AI suggestions for a hospitality SME wishing to use tech for enhancing profitability for the business and all its stakeholders: 1. AI-powered chatbots To automate customer interaction on social media platforms and messaging apps. There are many affordable chatbot platforms available that offer pre-built templates and customization options without requiring extensive coding knowledge. 2. Predictive analytics To analyze historical data and forecast customer demand, optimize inventory levels, identify sales opportunities and improve marketing campaigns. 3. Automated marketing campaigns To segment audiences, personalize content, schedule campaigns and analyze performance metrics. 4. AI-enhanced CRM (customer relationship management) systems To help manage customer data, track interactions and automate follow-up tasks. These systems provide insights into customer preferences and engagement patterns, thereby helping to deliver more personalized experiences and improve customer retention. 5. Energy management systems (EMS) To monitor and control energy usage in real-time, identifying areas of inefficiency and helping reduce costs. When it comes to tech investment, I suggest small firms to consider the following questions: Does this expenditure help to a) reduce costs, b) increase customer satisfaction, c) increase staff satisfaction, d) increase revenue? If it can do one or multiples of these things, then its worth it. Can you give examples of hotel brands leading the way with AI? For me, citizienM are a bright light in terms of AI adoption and a positive digital mindset. The hotel brand is somewhere between an SME and a big chain, but what sets them apart is their unique attitude in using tech innovation for embellishing the guest experience. Their focus is totally driven by responding to the needs of todays modern, nomadic and tech savvy mobile citizen, hence their latest slogan A truly human hotel for the modern traveller. Real life ambassadors are at reception to greet the guests, but those who prefer to be contactless can check in via the phone. To quote Bojan Pavacic, citizenMs Director of Technology and Digital: AI cannot ever substitute the human touch. citizenM believes in human care supported by tech. Tech implementation is part of citizenMs innovation and development strategy. Despite having only 14m2 rooms, citizenM is the most valuable hotel company per room in the world right now. 5-star palace hotels barely have an IT manager and if they do, the role is purely operational (e.g., fixing printers), not strategic. The company now have a designated data scientist team working with their AI systems to help dissect the abundance of data and make sense of it. This results in optimal root cause analysis which takes us back to a problem in the room. Choose how you want your staff to be spending their time: fixing a broken TV or reacting proactively before it breaks down? For citizenM, AI is like having a great concierge. Via the chatbot function, it answer comments and reviews from the hotel staff perspective, it runs better ads, personalizes tourism info, chooses best places to go. AI will soon be better than a travel agency! Do you think AI can help with talent acquisition? Yes and no. Talent acquisition and retention is essentially a culture problem. Our industry still has to find a way of fixing the debatable rate of pay, long hours and split shifts. Sadly, AI cant fix these problems. But it can help streamline the recruitment process with tools such as applicant tracking systems (ATS) that automatically screen CVs and identify candidates based on predefined criteria such as skills, personality and cultural fit. Hospitality is full of seasonal work, here AI tools can help with seasonal contracts, onboarding processes and helping to source profiles who are suitable for this specific type of employment which is often quite intense and tiring! On a similar note, I dont think AI can help much with staff productivity much of this is down to training. AI might have tools for better managing food waste, but training your interns on how to use a knife correctly and not trash half the onion would eliminate much of the food waste in the first place. What do you say people who fear the dehumanization of the hospitality industry due to AI? Let me assure you that AI is NOT going to replace people! Robots are not coming to replace hotel workers especially not in SMEs, nor in luxury establishment where the human connection is irreplaceable. (However, you might find yourself being served by a robot at McDonalds in Fort Worth, Texas, where last year they launched their first staff-less restaurant). Hospitality is all about human connection and a welcoming exchange, but its also about choice, variety and efficient delivery. Here is where AI can play a role in personalization, speedier service delivery and more targeted offers. It is an enabler, not a solution per se. It has to be trained by a human and given a logic to follow. No top chef of a fine dining restaurant would use an AI-generated recipe, (maybe a lower level F&B manager might, but even then they would add a personal spin into the mix). While AI and technology enhance operational efficiency, data analytics and certain aspects of guest service, they complement rather than replace the memorable real-life connections that hospitality is built upon. Radisson RED Phnom Penh and Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Phnom Penh At this year's International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), Radisson Hotel Group announced its latest development update and continued growth strategy across the Group's portfolio of 10 brands. The Group's current portfolio consists of more than 1,340 properties in 95+ countries, including Radisson Blu, the largest upper upscale brand in Europe for the 12th consecutive year, and Radisson, the fastest growing upscale brand in the industry in EMEA and South East Asia. Following a record-breaking 2023, Radisson Hotel Group further extended its portfolio in Q1 2024 with strategic signings and openings across EMEA and APAC. The United Kingdom, India and China continue to be leading growth countries, along with exciting debuts in new thriving markets and resort destinations, such as Montenegro, Indonesia and Laos, with the signings of respectively Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Kolasin; Radisson Resort Anyer, the Group's first resort offering a glamping concept, and Radisson RED Vientiane in the capital of Laos. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, comments: "Over the last 5 years, we have grown the business by nearly 50% and continue to achieve incredible results thanks to the trust of our partners and relevance of our brands. In Q1, we unlocked further opportunities for our owners and guests with over 50 properties opened and signed. We find solutions in the current difficult lending climate and look forward to adding more hotels and resorts as we look ahead to the rest of this year." Radisson Hotel Group's success in EMEA continues to grow from strength-to-strength, with Radisson Blu leading the way as the largest upper upscale brand in Europe. More than 30% of the Group's growth in Q1 2024 in EMEA consisted of new Radisson Blu signings, including properties in Italy and Montenegro. The Radisson Individuals portfolio grew with key signings in the United Kingdom and France including the seaside The View Hotel Folkstone, a member of Radisson Individuals and the boutique La Villa d'Italie Menton, a member of Radisson Individuals. Milestone openings included the Group's first safari hotel in South Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, the Group's sixth Radisson Collection property in Italy, Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica, and the vibrant Radisson RED brand's debut in Southeast Europe, Radisson RED Belgrade, in partnership with PPHE Hotel Group (''PPHE''). Since the expansion of the Group's strategic partnership with PPHE, first announced in 2022, Radisson Hotel Group and PPHE have opened several award-winning properties, including Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, a Radisson Collection Hotel, art'otel London Battersea Power Station, and art'otel Zagreb as part of the integration of the lifestyle brand art'otel into the Group's dynamic brand umbrella of 10 diverse brands. Hot on the heels of art'otel's existing properties in Amsterdam, Berlin and Cologne, new contemporary properties will open in key cosmopolitan cities and sought-after neighborhoods, including Rome (art'otel Rome Piazza Sallustio) and the next London flagship property, art'otel London Hoxton, both set to open in H1 2024. Also set to open in Q2 2024 will be Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm, the second Radisson RED property in partnership with PPHE and Germany's first Radisson RED property. In Q1 2024, more than half of the Group's signings and openings were achieved across APAC, in particular in India, China, and Cambodia, led by the Radisson RED and Radisson Blu brands. Key strategic signings included the Group's first property and market debut in New Zealand, Radisson RED Auckland, along with additional signings such as Radisson RED Phnom Penh and Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Radisson Blu Hotel, Ayodhya Uttar Pradesh and Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucknow Gomti Nagar, Uttar Pradesh in India. Looking ahead to the remainder of 2024, Radisson Hotel Group will continue to harness the power of its 10 global brands offering the right solution for each market, whilst at the same time continuing to build strategic partnerships and responding to the ever-changing environment, creating more opportunities for owners and guests. Chicago, IL (60637) Today A mix of clouds and sun, with gusty winds developing this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 65F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph.. Tonight Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 47F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%. QUICK HITS: New IFPI CEO WCM + EA Believe + Kidding Aside King Street Sounds is back! IFPI, the recording industrys worldwide trade group, has named Victoria Oakley its new CEO. Oakley will join IFPI in June from Portland, the global strategic communications and advocacy consultancy, where she is currently CEO. Oakley spent three years at Portland before joining Google as its Global Public Policy Director, then returned to Portland in 2022 to take up the CEO role. Oakley will lead IFPIs global operations to promote the value of recorded music and the rights of its 8,000 record company members from 70 countries around the world. Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has entered into an exclusive publishing agreement with Electronic Arts (EA) to administer music across its gaming portfolio. WCM Co-Chair and COO, Carianne Marshall, Steve [Schnur] and I have known each other for over twenty years and collaborated on countless amazing projects. He and his team are best in class, and its great to be working together once again to administer their catalog and drive even more opportunities for their songs. Believe and Kidding Aside have announced a strategic partnership with the creation of All Night Long electronic music label. The label will provide artists with a comprehensive toolkit, specialized digital know-how, and dedicated promotional and marketing teams tailored to electronic musics specificities. The initial lineup of artists includes NTO, Folamour, TDJ, Urumi, The Acid Arab Collective, and Trym. Following BEAT Music Funds acquisition of King Street Sounds, Armada Music is honoring and preserving the Black and LGTBQ-led house movement that started 30 years ago at Paradise Garage with the relaunch of the label. The relaunch includes a remix package featuring talents like South African DJ Kasango, Demuja, and Demi Riquisimo and a documentary on the history of the label, created in partnership with Beatport. Bruce Houghton Share on: No Drought Conditions in Berkshire County BOSTON Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared that Berkshire County remains at a level 0 drought designation. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, Level 0-Normal Conditions?status warrants continued monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities if drought conditions return.? Tepper added that following several months of above normal rainfall, the Islands Region will be downgraded from Level 1-Mild Drought to Level 0-Normal Conditions. All other regions of the state remain in Level 0-Normal Conditions. "After several months of experiencing drought conditions, I am pleased to declare that the Islands region has returned to normal. However, we need to continue practicing water conservation methods to enable full recovery and minimize impacts of future droughts across the State,"?said Secretary Tepper.?"The Healey-Driscoll Administration thanks those who contributed to our drought resiliency efforts. We must take an all-of-government approach to address these challenges as we experience more extreme and frequent weather events due to climate change." The declaration is the result of recommendations made by the state's Drought Management Task Force, which is composed of state and federal officials, and other entities.? The Drought Management Task Force will not meet until drought conditions set in again. State agencies will, however, continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across Massachusetts, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal, and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. Veteran Spotlight: Army Sgt. Al DiMuzio BARNSTABLE, Mass. Al DiMuzio served his country in the Army as a sergeant from 1967 to 1970. Born in Newton, he grew up in Framingham, enlisted out of high school and was sent to Fort Jackson, S.C., for basic training. "I was an air-headed 18-year-old, I had no idea what I wanted to do," he said. "My motivation for volunteering for service came from my family. My grandparents were immigrants, my dad and uncle served in World War II. ... "It was their teachings that reinforced my desire to serve my country. I thought, my country needs something." From Fort Jackson, he was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. "It was the next level of training. I learned how to run heavy machinery, it was fun and interesting. I came from a family sand, gravel and concrete business so I was right at home, DiMuzio said." His first real assignment came at Fort Still, Okla., where he worked as a crane operator. In 1969, at 20 years old, he was deployed to Vietnam and landed in Long Binh in the city of Bien Hoa. "Was my first duty station. It was sort of like a global physical experience hot, humid and it stunk beyond belief with smells you don't recognize. I knew I wasn't home," he said. I asked him about the holidays and I received this response: "I experienced them but they were so non-consequential. It was connected to my stepping off that plane. This was not home, my family's not here," DiMuzio said. He did share something that was a bright spot for him care packages. "Had an instant connection to my family. They sent all the Italian delicacies cheese, salami, pepperoni all the things from home," he recalled. "It connects you to home. Those strings always connect you to family." I asked Sgt. DiMuzio if he had a mentor and he replied, "I didn't mentor but I always extended an invitation for friendship ... friendship can be a way of mentoring." He shared this and labeled it a positive experience. "It wasn't 100 percent consistent but I was afforded the opportunity to get to know other people with different religion, beliefs, backgrounds and culture and to be able to embrace that," he said. "The camaraderie and commitment was there all the time ... we'd get mortared and shelled. I had a good connection with my fellow soldiers." DiMuzio became emotional when he spoke about the dreaded chemical Agent Orange and shared this: "Every Monday morning we had formation. A C-130 would fly over and we'd get drenched and showered with the spray from Agent Orange. This happened once a week. We'd stand there my eyes would be burning, it was on my face, lips, I breathed it in. They provided no kind of safety equipment. ... "As a result, I have cardiac issues that persist today. It's my general belief that the 'higher authority' didn't/doesn't believe or trust us when we talked about it." How does he feel about the protestors during that time period? "My first exposure was watching them, I wasn't in yet. I understood when I got deployed, they became a conflict within themselves. My experience was that they had no respect for the military," he said. "When I returned home, I exited off the plane and was walking through the airport and some guy spit right at my feet. This person had no idea of my experience and coming home. My thought was [expletive] you pal. I was more than grateful to be home and confident that I fulfilled my duties. My overall thought was to basically ignore that [expletive]." Thoughts on being a Vietnam veteran? "I took pride in my military service, my duties and what I did. I feel successful at what I did but realize there is no way you could experience that without going through some form of trauma," he said. "It became a deeper reality to me." He currently resides in Barnstable. Sgt. Al DiMuzio, thank you for your service to our great country and welcome home. Massachusetts administrator for the Federal Highway Administration Joi Singh, museum Director Kristy Edmunds, District 1 Director Francesca Hemming, Mayor Jennifer Macksey, state Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. John Barrett III. Federal highway administrator Joi Singh says the Reconnecting Communities grants can help address historic infrastructure impacts. MoCA Director Kristy Edmunds says the museum is looking at its role as an economic engine. The team that worked on the application city Administrative Officer Mary Katherine Eade, left, Director of Community Events Lindsay Randall, museum Director of Strategic Communications and Advancement Jenny Wright and Special Projects & Procurement Officer Carrie Burnett. The event is held at the BIC's offices on the Mass MoCA campus. The 62-year-old overpass cuts off the museum from the downtown. PreviousNext North Adams to Begin Study of Veterans Memorial Bridge Alternatives Mayor Jennifer Macksey says the requests for qualifications for the planning grant should be available this month. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Connecting the city's massive museum and its struggling downtown has been a challenge for 25 years. A major impediment, all agree, is the decades old Central Artery project that sent a four-lane highway through the heart of the city. Backed by a $750,000 federal grant for a planning study , North Adams and Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art are looking to undo some of that damage. "As you know, the overpass was built in 1959 during a time when highways were being built, and it was expanded to accommodate more cars, which had little regard to the impacts of the people and the neighborhoods that it surrounded," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey on Friday. "It was named again and again over the last 30 years by Mass MoCA in their master plan and in the city in their vision 2030 plan ... as a barrier to connectivity." The Reconnecting Communities grant was awarded a year ago and Macksey said a request for qualifications for will be available April 24. She was joined in celebrating the grant at the Berkshire Innovation Center's office at Mass MoCA by museum Director Kristy Edmunds, state Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, District 1 Director Francesca Hemming and Joi Singh, Massachusetts administrator for the Federal Highway Administration. The speakers also thanked the efforts of the state's U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, U.S. Rep. Richie Neal, Gov. Maura Healey and state Sen Paul Mark and state Rep. John Barrett III, both of whom were in attendance. North Adams was one of only 46 communities out of 450 applications to receive a grant; the $1 billion pilot program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. "We both realized we were limited with our staffing levels and capacities but together we could navigate the process," the mayor said of the team effort with MoCA. "And thats what we did -- our teams joined forces and got the job done bringing this tremendous grant opportunity to the city." The deterioration of the 171-foot overpass it was deemed structurally deficient last year makes the study even more critical. "What we actually have is a unique convergence of infrastructure needs, housing needs, and the continuing economic challenges that face North Adams and communities across the country," said Edmunds. "And it's made me, it's made Mass MoCA and our trustees think very differently about our role as an economic engine." The museum's dual role has been to "show great art and catalyze economic development," she said. It's achieved the art side but the economic side has been slower because the tourism economy takes longer to build. Edmunds pointed out that it took more than 50 years to develop the manufacturing base and Mass MoCA's only 25. No one muncipality or organization or individual can solve "generationally compounding challenges alone," she said, but the collaborative moving this project forward "is proof that we can solve them together." Singh said the federal grant program was able to award $185 million in fiscal 2022 to help communities negatively affected by historic transportation decisions. "I believe that this grant program has the potential to make a huge difference in many people's lives and to have such a positive impact on communities like North Adams," she said. "Transportation has not always been kind to our communities across the country." Singh spoke of decisions in urban renewal, redlining and eminent domain takings, and routing highway construction through low-income communities and small towns that divided and devastated them. "We can't erase all the harm that's been done. But starting this day in North Adams, we can make a positive impact moving forward," Singh said. "We can start making decisions and funding decisions that will help the community to grow and flourish even greater than it has in the past." Hemming and Gulliver said the state would continue to be partners with city in developing the study. Hemming noted North Adams was the intersection point for Routes 8 and 2 that speaks to its rich history and momentum for the future. "This Route 2 overpass study has the potential to really transform the area and especially the surrounding areas," said Gulliver. "Studies like this are not just about traffic and multimodal access. The work is really about working with the community to get the kind of connectivity and that they need to make the community work and the best possible way." The study will analyze traffic flow and multimodal access and come up with alternative streetscape designs. "Ultimately, there's just going to be a big effort put into looking whether or not we can eliminate that overpass and return to a grade level," he said. That in itself shows the changing perceptions of transportation, Gulliver said, since 30 years ago a deck was put on the bridge and the thought is to eliminate it. "It really is speaks volumes about the transformative era that we are currently in transportation," he said. "It's a really exciting time to be in transportation or roll up at the table." In September 2023, two individuals entered a renowned jewelry store in the center of Caserta, using a common technique of distraction and deception of the victim, stole gold jewelry worth about 10,000 euros. Specifically, while the woman kept asking the shopkeeper about possible jewelry purchases, thus diverting the victim's attention, the man managed to take possession of numerous pieces of jewelry. The investigations, directed by the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Santa Maria Capua Vetere and conducted by the Mobile Squad of the police department, allowed the identification of the two suspects in a short time, thanks to the cross-examination of witness statements, surveillance video images, and telephone and electronic data. In light of the evidence acquired, upon request of the local Prosecutor's Office of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, a precautionary measure of house arrest and mandatory residence was issued against the suspects, executed by the Mobile Squad of Caserta. It is specified in a note that the proceeding is in the preliminary investigation phase, that the current suspects are to be considered innocent until a final judgment, and that the precautionary measure was adopted without the contradiction that will occur before the judge, who may also evaluate the absence of any form of responsibility on the part of the suspects. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy One of Britains foremost writers, Salman Rushdie has returned to the literary centre stage with the release of his hotly anticipated memoir, Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder. The novel will recount the turbulent period of his life beginning with his horrific attack while preparing to deliver a lecture on free speech. On 12 August 2022, Rushdie was about to give a talk at the Chautauqua Institution in New York state when an attacker rushed on stage and stabbed him in the neck, eye, stomach, thigh and chest. He underwent treatment in hospital for six weeks, and has been left blinded in one eye and with lost feeling in some fingertips. The author, who was the subject of global storm after his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses was deemed blasphemous in parts of the Islamic world, has since written about the experience in a bid to expel a creative blockage preventing other works. Early life The novelist and short story writer, 76, began his life in Bombay in what was then British India, before moving to Rugby, England, to study at the age of 14 eventually graduating from Cambridge University with a degree in history. Rushdies writing career, which has been heavily inspired by his Indian ancestry, had humble origins and his first book, Grimus, was released to minimal praise but acknowledged potential in 1975. While working as a London-based copywriter for brands including Aero (Rushdie is credited with the irresistibubble tagline), he wrote the book that would cement his place in literary history, Midnights Children. The 1981 novel not only won the Booker Prize that year but later won the Best of the Booker Prize in 2008. Then, in 1988, the book that ultimately forced the author into hiding was released, The Satanic Verses. open image in gallery Rushdie returns to the literary scene with a memoir recounting his violent attack Controversy and hiding The Satanic Verses is a magic realism novel that explores the age-old subjects of good and evil. It features religious figures including the Devil, the Archangel Gabriel, and, of course, the Prophet Muhammad. The latter proved controversial with Muslim readers, who dubbed the novel blasphemous for its derogatory depiction of the prophet. The book was eventually banned in various countries, including South Africa and Pakistan. After sparking a wave of violence that even saw bookshops firebombed, Rushdie was forced into hiding for the best part of a decade. The outrage was so great that anyone associated with the books production also became a target. The writer who translated the novel into Japanese, Hitoshi Igarashi, was stabbed to death 1991 and the culprit remains at large. Rushdie, meanwhile, continued to write in hiding and published various other novels, as well as short stories and even a 1990 novel for children, Haroun and the Sea of Stories. While he did apologise for the offence The Satanic Verses caused, when he eventually stepped into the public eye again, he did so as as a proponent of free speech. The book has been cited as the inspiration behind numerous acts of violence including a 1989 protest against the text at the American Cultural Center in Islamabad, Pakistan, where six people lost their lives and over 100 were injured. open image in gallery Controversy: Salman Rushdie published The Satanic Verses in 1988 ( PA ) Free speech Rushdie became a public figure again after Irans government withdrew its formal support of the fatwa against him in 1998. After the threat against his life lessened, he stepped into the world of film, appearing in the likes of Bridget Jones Diary (2001) and narrating the big screen adaptation of the novel that made him a household name, Midnights Children (2012) Then, in 2012, he published his first memoir, Joseph Anton. He wrote: The freedom to express oneself is a fundamental human right that should never be taken for granted. 2022 stabbing and ongoing trial But even after the fatwa against was lifted, threats against Rushdies life persisted and culminated in the near-fatal stabbing that his the subject of his new memoir, Knife. The 2022 attack was so severe that he was hospitalised for six weeks and ultimately lost the sight in his right eye. After a period of recovery, he once again spoke out in favour of free speech, making a surprise appearance at the Pen America gala in New York last year. He later said at the British Book Awards: Terrorism must not terrorise us. Violence must not deter us. A luta continua. The struggle goes on. The trial against the perpetruator of the attack, Hadi Matar, who has pleaded not guilty, is currently postponed as his lawyer believes the contents of Rushdies new memoir could be used as evidence. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rebecca Ferguson has responded to the viral reaction to her recent comments about being screamed and sworn at by a former co-star. In February, the Dune 2 actor, 40, opened up about a time she claims she was once verbally accosted by an absolute idiot of a co-star on set of a previous movie. She clarified it was not her The Greatest Showman or Mission: Impossible co-stars Hugh Jackman or Tom Cruise. Fergusons comments prompted an immediate flood of support from fans and former co-stars, including Dwayne Johnson, who wanted to find out the identity of her unnamed aggressor. Appearing on a new episode of SiriusXMs The Jess Cagle Show, the Swedish actor said she was not expecting such a strong reaction to her story. Number one, yes, I kind of enjoyed the grab, Ferguson admitted. But what I realised even at the age that I am now is it doesnt matter. I am me. I definitely think Im much more open. I also know where my boundaries are. But the point of the interview wasnt about finding the person of course, people will be interested. But I was excited about the question, which was a very good question by [Josh Smith]. Because the point was: Is there a point in your career where you were treated in a way where you changed your decision on this is how I formulated it in myself where you want change, or you will not accept it? And it was such a clear moment for me working with this person. Ferguson continued: But I got phone calls from amazing co-stars who Ive worked with going, You understand what youve done, right? open image in gallery Rebecca Ferguson ( Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images ) And I was like, Oh my God. No, I didnt think. I mean, its not my responsibility, to be honest. I dont really care. You know, Youre great, but my story is my story, and if youre a good person, then dont worry about it. In the original interview on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, Ferguson described the incident in detail. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free I remember there was a moment and this human being was being so insecure and angry because this person couldnt get the scenes out. And I think I was so vulnerable and uncomfortable that I got screamed at, she said. But because this person was number one on a call sheet, there was no safety net for me. So no one had my back. And I would cry walking off set. This person would literally look at me in front of the whole crew and say You call yourself an actor?, This is what I have to work with?, and What the f*** is this?, in front of the whole crew. I stood there just breaking, she added. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy This is America. You can tell by the American flag. You can also tell by the porch, the screen door, and the two hours of slightly annoying self-interested conversation five characters indulge in as they meet for pre-drinks before their 20th-anniversary high-school reunion. American playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins triply wowed audiences over here between 2017 and 2019 with his brilliantly postmodern race satire An Octoroon, office comedy Gloria (a Pulitzer finalist) and reframing of the great American play, Appropriate. His latest is a kind of post-Covid stock take of middle-ageing millennials. The porch is Ursulas (a wonderfully quiet, introspective Tamara Lawrance). First to arrive there is Anthony Welshs Emilio, who hasnt been back for 15 years, not with his successful career as an artist in Berlin. Then theres Caitlin (brilliant Yolanda Kettle), and her high-school ex Paco (Ferdinand Kingsley), an Iraq war veteran who treated her badly, and his cousin Kristina a standout Katie Leung an anaesthesiologist with five kids whos desperate to have a good time. Jungle juice flows, pot blazes, and we watch the characters slip in and out of adulthood as they (mis)remember old bits they used to do at school and play out their old grievances while complaining about where their lives have taken them. Its all fairly naturalistic, but every so often click! theres a blue light, and Death possesses one of the characters, monologuing directly to the audience about mortality. And Death is here on business, were told, so the play becomes a kind of anti-whodunnit more like a wholl-cop-it. open image in gallery Yolanda Kettle, Tamara Lawrance, Katie Leung and Anthony Welsh in The Comeuppance ( Marc Brenner ) When its backlit by Natasha Chiverss evening-tinged lighting, its amazing to see a whole house plonked into the Almeida, like its landed out of The Wizard of Oz. Designer Arnulfo Maldonado has created full, lived-in rooms just visible through the windows, but we dont see any of it properly. We stay on the porch, not quite being let in, while director Eric Ting who helmed the original New York production with a different cast deftly keeps the ensemble perched on the stoop, never with quite enough room to get comfortable. The American flag is a nice touch: not a mark of patriotism as much as of defeatism, that Ursula and the other characters are a product of American history and society Columbine, 9/11, Iraq and Afghanistan, recession, Trump, Covid, everything else whether they want to be or not. And yet whats most surprising about the play is that despite the uniqueness of the events the characters have lived through, we dont really hear anything new. Their problems are the same ones everyones always had. Its like Jacobs-Jenkins started out thinking hed find lots to say about the unique miseries of millennials, and everyone ends up even more miserable by discovering that those miseries arent unique at all. open image in gallery Welsh plays successful artist Emilio who hasnt returned home in 15 years ( Marc Brenner ) Whats more, watch it from this side of the Atlantic and its resonance is a bit quieter. This gang of people approaching 40 may be miserable, but theyre miserable with houses and decent jobs. Its a post-Covid play haunted by death, rich in ideas, beautifully staged, expertly performed. But it promises more than it delivers. Sometimes its profound. Sometimes its saying important things about the world we live in, how were a product of our age, how were all going to die etc. But its still two hours of listening to middle-aged millennials feeling sorry for themselves. Take it from a near-middle-aged millennial fond of feeling sorry for myself: a little goes a long way. Almeida Theatre, until 18 May For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Not since Line of Duty has a British police drama so deftly and absorbingly picked apart the ethics and realities of policing as Blue Lights. Last year, in a television landscape teeming with procedurals, more than 6 million viewers were reeled into the BBC shows depiction of frontline policing in Northern Ireland, with Belfasts complex past, present and future pulsing through the series. At the heart of the shows potent ensemble is Sian Brooke as Grace Ellis, an anomaly among her fellow rookies as a 41-year-old single mum and former social worker from the Midlands. Now Ive played her for a while, her gear doesnt feel as alien, says Brooke with a laugh. Walking around with stab vest, truncheon and pistol, I felt less like the uniform was wearing me. The first series was a masterclass of explosive action and discreet character work. Brooke was superb as Grace, a woman forced to reconcile her, sometimes careless, professional instinct to intervene with the harsh realities of policing communities that are still dealing with the sectarian legacy of the Troubles. And through the new season, the actor nimbly balances Graces generosity of spirit with a buried insecurity over her personal circumstances. Grace is no longer the wide-eyed idealist, Brooke tells me. Shes slightly hardened and understands the boundaries of the job. Personally, shes all at sea now her sons at uni in Manchester, which I find interesting as a parent, although my kids arent at that age yet [Brooke lives in London with director husband Bill Buckhurst and their two sons]. I dont think you see that story on screen very often, especially as shes doing a job where you need some certainty. In series one, when Grace asked her professional partner and very slow-burning love interest Stevie (Martin McCann) whether maybe theres a different way of doing the job?, it struck at the core of the show, although the answer remains elusive as it enters its second season. We rejoin the team a year on, still reeling from the shocking murder of gnarled veteran Gerry (Richard Dormer), and with loyalist factions jockeying for control of the Belfast drugs trade. While the first episode plays next door to us (Who wants to watch themselves in HD, from every angle, especially as they get older?), Brooke is perched next to me in a booth of the screening room bar, wearing a white blouse and fawn trouser suit. The 44-year-old leans in frequently, not just to be heard over the muzak but to make a point. Like Grace, she has a soft-spoken warmth you could mistake for diffidence, were it not for her excitable passion for her work. And boy, is she passionate about Blue Lights. I just fell in love with the writing, she says. It was so clever and accessible. You often assume people in uniform know exactly what theyre doing, that this couldnt possibly be their first day on the job, says Brooke. Because Blue Lights is centred around three rookies [Grace, Katherine Devlins Annie and Nathan Braniffs Tommy], audiences go on the journey with them rather than feel removed from it. open image in gallery On the beat: Brooke and Martin McCann in Blue Lights' ( BBC/Two Cities Television ) Brooke is thoughtful in conversation and careful not to stray into areas where she feels unqualified, but she is also focused and principled a combination surely underpinning her professional versatility. While this came as no surprise to theatregoers her Juliet for the RSC in 2004 was described as thrilling; a performance under Mike Leighs direction in 2011s Ecstasy like a dagger through the heart even dedicated TV viewers might only have vaguely recognised Brooke from a steady stream of under-the-radar screen walk-ons in Lewis, Foyles War et al. All that came to an abrupt end in 2017. I was so flipping lucky to do Sherlock, she marvels. I went in for so many parts that I thought: they just cant make up their minds. When they finally revealed it was Eurus [Sherlocks brilliant, chameleonic, psychotic sister], I was dumbstruck. You dont get to play all those parts in one show unless youre at drama school. It was so clandestine, I couldnt even tell half my family: why are you going to Wales every week? Oh, Im doing a police drama Nothing wrong with those, of course: Grace may be a far less ostentatious gig, but she is also Brookes first really long-term character study, given a third and fourth series have already been commissioned. It also allows an opportunity to burrow more deeply into social issues reflected explicitly in a second series amid rising addiction, homelessness and crime, although Brooke argues that Blue Lights is fundamentally hopeful. Its about the power of community, people with good intentions, a social conscience and a strong moral compass. Thats sometimes lacking in society, and this show is redemptive in lots of ways. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free open image in gallery Chameleonic: Brooke as Eurus Holmes in Sherlock' ( Hartswood Films/Shutterstock ) As the daughter of a policeman who worked his way up from neighbourhood bobby to CID, Brooke recognised aspects of the world (it was normal for me, seeing my dad going out with his uniform on then coming back for a cuppa and some banter with his colleagues), although she never worried about her dads safety. I was quite naive. He only told us the things that happened later: Oh, my God, you were dealing with that? But he had integrity, honesty and tried to make his small part of the world a bit better, like Grace. And he absolutely loves the show, thankfully. What does Brooke make of the current state of policing? Gosh Policing is in a very odd place at the moment. Its been saddening and shocking to hear whats been happening. Community policing is the biggest thing: more funding and more presence, getting to know your people and area. She grins. But they dont need me telling them what to do. Ill leave it to the experts. She is brisker in dismissing charges of copaganda in Blue Lights, preferring to champion the nuance of the writing: These are recognisable, rounded characters you come to care about, for all their flaws. We should be wary of doing trigger warnings for every single thing Gerrys demise has left Brooke nervously checking her scripts, perhaps wisely given her brief, brutal stint on House of the Dragon: halfway through the first episode of the Game of Thrones prequel, her queen consort Aemma Arryn died gruesomely in childbirth. When they told me, I was like, Oh she laughs. But it was a great experience. We had full rehearsals where everybody got it on its feet like a piece of theatre, with blood and everything. Loads of people found it stressful to watch, but it was fun to film. She roars with laughter. What does that say about me? The episode was preceded by a message regarding graphic scenes of childbirth that viewers may find upsetting. Trigger warnings in theatre have been rubbished by actors including Ralph Fiennes and Matt Smith, and when I ask Brooke if they are needed, she is cagey. With extreme circumstances, yes, she says. Although it depends how you portray them within the play itself. We should be wary of doing it for every single thing. I understand it, because who knows what somebodys been going through, but it is to be used cautiously and wisely. Six years since her last stage role, Brooke is feeling the itch once again, and recalls fondly her first collaboration with Benedict Cumberbatch in a 2015 production of Hamlet. open image in gallery Gruesome scenes: Brooke in House of the Dragon ( HBO ) Id always thought Ophelia a bit of a thankless character, she recalls of Hamlets doomed, dominated lover. I wasnt that keen on playing her, because she gets such a rough ride and I wasnt sure how interesting I found her. When they asked me to come in, I was seven months pregnant really not an Ophelia! But I waddled my way through it, and Im glad I did. By the time the performances started I had a three-month-old and felt like a shell, so that paper-thin tiredness played into it. And the buzz around Ben was totally bonkers Ive never known anything like it. Until her next screen role, that is. Her mesmerising, terrifying Eurus secured leading roles in high-profile shows ranging from the urgently topical (she was a suspicious neighbour in Shannon Matthews drama The Moorside, and played an NHS whistleblower in The Cure) to the lighter (Good Omens, Apple TV+s adoption comedy Trying), alongside a fiercely committed performance as a woman in recovery from an eating disorder in 2020s Body of Water. Quite the journey for a young girl from Lichfield whose horizons were exploded by an outdoor production of A Midsummer Nights Dream. It was magical, she says, recalling the childhood school trip. After that, I was taken under the wing of a woman called Ellie. She passed away at Christmas, but she was a drama school examiner and my mentor growing up and her head was an encyclopaedia of plays Id go to her house and shed go, This is Ibsen, this is Pinter, read this! It became my world, every night of the week. I did Aristophanes The Frogs at Lichfield Youth Theatre when I was 11! The morning we meet, Birmingham City Council announces swingeing cuts to the sort of arts funding that made such formative experiences possible. I think how privileged I was, she says, genuinely distraught. The situation is desperate. Arts funding is often seen as a non-essential, but youre going to lose grassroots writers, lighting designers, costume designers, not just actors it makes no economic sense given the investment opportunities. I wouldnt have gone into this without it. I told Ellie there was no way I could audition for Rada [Londons Royal Academy of Dramatic Art] and she went, Uh, yes, you can. And I got an Arts Council grant to do it. Next up are a fourth series of Trying and Netflixs south London superhero drama Supacell, while she nurtures an interest in writing, directing and the idea of being more in control. Above all, though, it is work like Blue Lights with a purpose and point that most excites Brooke. Look at Mr Bates vs the Post Office, she says. Whatever you can do to move the dial is worth it. Thats what makes my heart sing. Blue Lights begins on BBC One on Monday 15 April at 9pm For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rachel Riley has said she is sorry after posting a tweet appearing to link the Sydney attack to Islamic extremism. The Countdown star, who once called social media a cesspit of hate, is facing calls to be sacked by Channel 4 after falsely suggesting the fatal incident was linked to a rise in support for Palestine. Six people were killed in the attack, which police said was carried out by Joel Cauchi of Queensland. After news of the stabbing surfaced, Riley wrote: For six months now, people have been out on our streets proudly calling for the Intifada Revolution. If you want to know what Globalised Intifada looks like, see the Sydney Mall. She added: Five victims stabbed to death and eight transferred to hospital, including a baby, due to one man and a knife. In the second intifada over 1,000 Israelis were murdered in restaurants, on buses and in the streets by suicide bombings, stabbings, stoning, lynching, shooting rockets. The youngest victim was just nine hours old. Sydney mall, multiple times over is what theyve been proudly calling for. Rileys post has been heavily accused of perpetuating Islamophobia, and on Sunday (14 April), the TV star issued what she described as a clarification of her comments. Just to clarify, my intention with this tweet was not to say this attack was caused by any ideation or to link it to Islamic extremism, she said, adding: At the time we did not know who the attacker was, and as such I made no reference. Referencing the marches calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Riley said: My aim was to highlight the weekly calls for intifada being tolerated in London and around the world, which in actuality means violence on our streets. For six months now, I have avoided taking the tube, or going with my kids to anywhere near the marches each Saturday, and each week we see the extremist chants on proud display with little outcry. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free open image in gallery Rachel Riley posted about the Sydney attack on Twitter ( Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images ) Sadly, the type of attack seen in Sydney yesterday is exactly the kind of violence the previous intifada involved and I hope to avoid in future, but in my opinion ignoring the problem wont make it go away. She continued: Attacks on Jews have recently become repackaged as resistance in some circles, and we should in one voice condemn all acts of violence, whoever the perpetrators and whoever the victims. I am sorry if this message was misunderstood, that was not my intention. In a follow-up post, Riley, who deleted the original post, apologised to those I offended, writing: My post was ambiguous and although it was genuinely designed to call out calls for violence, it wasnt the right place or time which made it easier to misinterpret, and I apologise. I know nuance isnt popular online, and even though Im certain many of the people calling this out are the same people whove been trying to shut me up or have me fired for the last six years, who would happily join in the calls for violence against their enemies, Im also sure there are those who dont fall into that camp, and it is to them I write this now. She added: I too have been subject to assault in recent months and it was a Muslim woman and her husband who came to see if I was ok afterwards. Im grateful to them and wish to undo any offence caused to the community. open image in gallery Riley has said she is sorry if her post was misunderstood ( X/Twitter ) After Rileys initial tweet, many urged Channel 4 to take action against the TV personality. She should be sacked now for her hate inciting islamophobic tweets designed to inflame racial tensions, one person wrote, with anothert adding: In a previous, more civilised decade, Rachel Riley would be sacked by her employer for Islamophobia. Elsewhere, on social media user wrote: Rachel Riley needs to resign or be sacked. Her comments were & remain unacceptable A Channel 4 spokesperson said: We have reminded Rachel of her obligations as a contributor to Channel 4 programming. The Independent has contacted the channel for additional comment. NSW Police identified the Sydney mall attacker as Cauchi, and his family have described his actions as truly horrific. It has since emerged that he had attempted to join gun groups and had made a weird request to have his knives sharpened. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ryan Gosling and Kate McKinnon have once again performed one of their well-known Saturday Night Live sketches called Close Encounter, after Gosling returned to the show as host. In the sketch which first debuted eight years ago, then six years, and now again on Saturday 13 April for SNLs cold open, McKinnon and Gosling along with Sarah Sherman are recounting their experience after being abducted by aliens. As she has in the past, McKinnon played Colleen Rafferty, one of her most popular and memorable characters. As in past sketches, after Pentagon officials listen to abductees describe their experiences like spiritual awakenings, Rafferty relays bawdy and sexualized encounters with the alien beings. Gosling played Todd, another abductee. The focus of the sketch was the aliens interest in Todds private part, or as it is referred to, troll nose. Just in case you are wondering, I did not become aroused, Gosling, as Todd, said. Anytime I felt like I might, I just looked at Colleen here. During the sketch, Todd described the aliens excitement when he walked into the room. I wonder what was the cause of the excitement, one Pentagon official said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDtgChc7voY Can I throw out a theory? Todd responded. These things, theyre smooth down there. A broken doorbell. No dong. Gosling started to laugh as he began to describe his troll nose. Gosling, laughing, says, When they saw I was packing a troll nose [in my see-through robe], they went for it. McKinnon echoes this, emphasizing troll nose. Day interrupts, Ive never heard the term troll nose before. And Gosling says, You must be hanging out at a different bowling alley than we do. McKinnon in character gets between Goslings legs to reenact what exactly the aliens were supposedly doing to him. Throughout the sketch Gosling kept holding in his laughter and a few giggles even slipped out. Another part of the episode was when Emily Blunt told Gosling to let go of his Barbie character Ken in an SNL skit that saw the pair reflect on their performances in the hit summer films Oppenheimer and Barbie, respectively. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free During Goslings opening monologue on Saturday night, the actor swore he wasnt going to talk about Ken because he broke up with the character after going too deep. But then temptation overcame him and he performed a rendition of Taylor Swifts All Too Well, replacing the lyrics with his own love letter to playing Ken. I shredded Venice Beach is true / My clothes were tight / But something about that spandex felt so right / I left my rollerblades in that big pink house / But I still got that fur coat and Ill wear that right now, he sang, before putting on the floor-length white fur coat he wore in the Barbie film. Oppenheimer actor Emily Blunt then interrupted and cut off Goslings song and told him to move on from the character. Youre singing about Ken again, she said, in a nod to Goslings performance of Im Just Ken at the Oscars in March. Look here, youre Kenning right now, and I hate thats even a verb. I resent that. Take the fur coat off. Youre embarrassing yourself, Blunt told him jokingly. Guys, I dont mean to be harsh, but Ryan, you have to move on. Its time, the Devil Wears Prada actor told the SNL crowd. Kens dead. All right, Ken is dead. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Some people fancy they could provide emergency medical care, simply by dint of watching Casualty for many years. Others enthusiasts of The Bear, perhaps believe they could run a Michelin-starred kitchen. But theres no profession which has inspired quite as much armchair punditry as police work. And Blue Lights, the BBCs Belfast-set saga, knew that, taking viewers right back to the beginning and throwing them in the deep end with a bunch of know-nothing new recruits. A year or so on from the events of Blue Lightss first series, our three protagonists are no longer quite so fresh to the scene. Grace (Sian Brooke) and Annie (Katherine Devlin) are living together and both dealing with complicated workplace situationships. Tommy (Nathan Braniff) meanwhile, is dealing with his own intramural flirtation, meeting Aisling (Dearbhaile McKinney) for regular fry-up dates at a rest-stop between Belfast and Derry. Which makes the show sound all very romantic, except for the fact that drug offences are on the rise in the capital, along with a resurgence of violence between loyalist groups. With the police force already stretched to breaking point, will the fragile peace in Belfast start to fray? A turf war is initiated by Lee (Seamus OHara) the beleaguered owner of a bar, The Loyal Pub, which sends the sirens screeching and the local underworld into a cycle of attack and revenge. The intricacies of what proceeds from there are, at times, hard to follow one thug looks very much like another but time after time, armed police are called to deal with the escalating threat. Dont start something we cant finish, a senior officer tells the assembled troops; dont hold back though, another adds. Well, thats crystal clear, Stevie (Martin McCann) observes. Where Line of Duty was set in some consciously anonymous metropolis a sort of nightmare vision of life in Midlands suburbia Blue Lights is deeply invested in a sense of place. Belfast, and Northern Ireland, loom as characters in Declan Lawn and Adam Pattersons vision. It is a city still wrenched by division, where marching bands come out in funeral processions, and where the ghost of the late-20th century still lurks. The generational spectre of violence hangs over the area: the elderly remember losses of the past, adults struggle to deal with the present moment, and children get their first taste of future violence. A bleak vision, certainly, but altogether more distinctive than Jed Mecurios sprawling Incognitoville. All the same, its hard not to feel a bit tired by the sheer predominance of organised crime narratives on British television, not least when British streets feel so dominated by a conspicuously disorganised crime. Blue Lights features its protagonists breaking up protection rackets, foiling assassinations, and investigating gangland reprisals, rather than you know trying to get a group of teenagers to stop harassing the poor bloke who guards the vapes in Tesco. Theres gonna be war now, Mags (Seana Kerslake), co-owner of the pub at the centre of the tensions, growls. The stakes are high, you see, not least because thats what the conventions of the modern cop drama demand. At times, it feels like all these shows The Responder, Bloodlands, The Fall, The Tower exist in a multiverse. There are variations on style and setting but they cohabit a world, harnessing the moral binary of cops and robbers. Sure, sometimes the police do things that are a bit criminal, but the line is always drawn. Cop on one side, robber on the other. It is, perhaps, why the first series of Blue Lights almost entirely eschewed the far from black and white issue of sectarian violence. Thats the thing about this place, Happy (Paddy Jenkins) tells newly qualified solicitor Jen (Hannah McClean). Even after all these years, people think the truth is dangerous. Its hard not to feel, then, like Blue Lights would be a more distinctive and ambitious, show if it were slightly less preoccupied with regurgitating pre-existing tropes. open image in gallery On the beat: Katherine Devlin as copper Annie ( BBC/Two Cities Television ) But as generic fare goes, Blue Lights is of the highest order. The acting and writing is first rate, and Brooke, particularly, is a terrific leading lady. If the show lacks the narrative thrust to attract new viewers, it will undoubtedly satisfy those who were already invested in Grace, Annie, and Tommys progression through the ranks of the constabulary. But in a genre begging for fresh ideas, you have to try a little harder to stand out. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hong Kong should hold on "tightly" to national security to safeguard development, China's top man on the autonomous citys affairs said, just weeks after the financial hub enacted draconian domestic security laws. Hong Kong last month enacted Article 23, a new national security law that criminalises treason, sabotage, sedition, theft of state secrets and espionage with jail terms of up to life imprisonment. Critics of the law fear that city authorities could weaponise the legislation to stub out the remaining traces of dissent, which has been routinely targeted using a similar national security law imposed by China. "To move towards governance and prosperity, we need to tightly hold onto the bottom line of national security in order to safeguard the high-quality development of Hong Kong," Xia Baolong, the director of Beijing's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said. Mr Xia emphasised that the law posed no threat to investors amid severe Western criticism of a protracted crackdown on dissent. "For the general public of Hong Kong and foreign investors, this law is the protector of their rights, freedoms, property and investment," he said while addressing a programme marking the annual national security day. "Investors from all over the world can come to Hong Kong to invest in new businesses bravely and without concerns," he added. "Hong Kong remains the best place in the world to do business and make money and achieve your dreams." Foreign governments, including the US and the UK, have criticised the new law as a fresh tool for authorities to clamp down on dissent. The US consulate general in Hong Kong has asked visitors to "exercise increased caution" after the State Department updated its travel advisory to say the city administration was expected to "further restrict civil liberties". Canada, in a similar advisory, warned its citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution in Hong Kong due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws". The advisories were condemned by the Commissioner's Office of China which said the travel alerts were "maliciously" tarnishing Hong Kong's international reputation. "The law only targets a tiny minority who endanger national security, and ordinary foreign individuals and institutions do not need to worry," a spokesperson said, according to Global Times. The security laws have been used to jail scores of leading Hong Kong democrats, including Joshua Wong, and to shut down liberal media outlets and civil society groups. Radio Free Asia, which is funded by the US, shuttered its Hong Kong bureau last month amid escalating concerns over press freedom and safety. "Actions by Hong Kong authorities, including referring to RFA as a foreign force, raise serious questions about our ability to operate in safety with the enactment of Article 23, the outlets president Bay Fang said. Celebrated independent bookstore Mount Zero, considered a safe space for liberal thinkers, closed its doors citing multiple inspections by authorities following anonymous complaints. More than 290 people have been arrested under the national security law so far. Of these, 174 people have been charged, including prominent China critic and businessman Jimmy Lai. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Iran will allow Indian governments representatives to meet the Indian crew of the cargo vessel that Tehran seized on Saturday amid escalating hostilities with Israel. Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian made the announcement during a call with Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Sunday night following Irans retaliatory attack on Israel. Irans Revolutionary Guards airdropped on MSC Aries about 80km off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and seized the vessel along with its 25 crew members. The Portuguese-flagged ship is linked to Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer. The Iranian foreign ministry said that Mr Jaishankar expressed his concern about the situation of the 17 Indian crew members in the ship seized by Iran and requested assistance from the Islamic Republic in this regard. Mr Abdollahian said: "We are following up on the details of the seized ship and soon it will be possible for the representatives of the Indian government to meet with the crew of the said ship. open image in gallery Iranian troops raid MSC Aries at sea on 13 April 2024 ( via REUTERS ) Not long after seizing the vessel, Iran launched a massive missile and drone strike on Israel. The attack came in response to a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria on 1 April. The strike had killed 12 people, including a senior military general. Although Israel claimed that it shot down almost all the Iranian drones and missiles with help from the UK, the US and Jordan the attack raised the spectre of a conflict breaking out across the region. The Indian foreign ministry joined the UK and the US in expressing serious concern about the situation and called for restraint. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy, the foreign ministry said. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region. Mr Abdullahian has said the attack was an act of legitimate defence by Iran and that Israels war on Gaza was the root cause of the crisis. open image in gallery Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar had call on Sunday ( AP ) Meanwhile, US president Joe Biden has told Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will not support it in any Israeli counteroffensive against Iran, US officials said. We believe Israel has freedom of action to protect itself and defend itself, in Syria or elsewhere, a senior US official said. Thats a long-standing policy and that remains, but no we would not envision ourselves participating in such a thing. John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, told ABC on Sunday that the United States will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war with Iran. And as the president has said many times, we dont seek a wider war in the region. We dont seek a war with Iran. And I think I will leave it at that, Mr Kirby added. We dont seek escalated tensions in the region. We dont seek a wider conflict. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Pakistan has launched an investigation after the fatal shooting of a man who was accused of killing Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh inside a Lahore prison in 2013. Amir Tamba, who was acquitted of killing the convicted Indian spy, was shot by two masked men inside his home, police in Lahore said. Singh, an Indian national from Punjab, was arrested by Pakistani border guards in 1990 and tried on charges of espionage and terrorism. His family and the Indian government denied the charges while campaigners claimed his trial was unfair and that his confession had been extracted through torture. Despite appeals for clemency and calls for his release from India, Singh was sentenced to death in Pakistan in 1991. Singhs conviction and incarceration was a sore point between India and Pakistan, exacerbating already strained bilateral relations between the neighbours. He remained in prison until he was killed in an attack by fellow prisoners in Lahores Kot Lakhpat jail in 2013. Tamba was one of the two inmates who were accused of attacking Singh with bricks inside the jail. Both were acquitted by a Pakistan court in 2018 after witnesses retracted their statements. The deputy inspector general of police in Lahore, Ali Nasir Rizvi, said gunmen entered Tambas house and shot him multiple times before fleeing on a motorbike. Army and intelligence officials reached the site and removed Tambas body, taking it to the citys Combined Military Hospital. Mr Rizvi said a case had been lodged against unidentified assailants but gave no further information, including a possible motive for the attack. Tambas killing comes amid reports that Indian agents carried out extrajudicial killings of wanted men in Pakistan. A report by the Guardian, citing Indian and Pakistani intelligence officials, claimed that Indian operatives have been involved in attacks on at least 20 people in Pakistan since 2020. India has denied the allegations as false and malicious anti-India propaganda. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Victoria Beckham is demanding the return of her fashion label stock after the collapse of the luxury retail group Matches Fashion, it has been reported. The former Spice Girl, who launched her eponymous label in 2008, has asked the retailer to give back all the summer stock she sent to them in March after learning that the e-commerce retailer would be closing down. Luxury e-commerce retailer Matches was put into administration in March, just months after it had been acquired by Fraser Group, owned by retail entrepreneur Mike Ashley, for 52 million ($66.6 million), The Business of Fashion reported at the time. A source at Beckhams label toldThe Mail on Sunday that bosses have asked for the clothes back out of fear that Matches will not pay them before it shuts down its website. The source said: Matches is continuing to sell designer clothing online, and has promised to pay for it all. But some brands, like VB, have insisted on getting the stock back so they can sell it themselves. Not everyone is convinced Mike Ashleys outfit and the administrators will pay up. The Independent has contacted Matches fashion and Victoria Beckhams representatives for comment. Currently, there are 68 products from Beckhams label for sale on the website, which range from a plain long-sleeve black T-shirt starting at 190 to a forest-green gown made out of jersey for 1,450. When the Fraser Group announced Matches collapse in March, it said it had run out of ways to stabilise the business and it has become clear that too much change would be required to restructure it. open image in gallery Victoria Beckham launched her eponymous label in 2008 and has since expanded into selling makeup lines ( Getty Images ) The continued funding requirements would be far in excess of amounts that the Group considers to be viable, said the statement. In light of this, Frasers has been informed that the directors of Matches have taken the decision to put the Matches group into administration. Frasers remains committed to the luxury market and its brand partners. Beckham launched her label in New York in 2008 with the aim of creating wearable yet sophisticated ready-to-wear pieces for the modern womans wardrobe. The brand has since expanded, and today it offers footwear, eyewear, and leather goods. It also has an off-shoot brand Victoria Beckham Beauty, which specialises in makeup and skincare. open image in gallery Beckham wearing her My Dad Had A Rolls-Royce T-shirt, which she sells via her eponymous label ( Instagram via @victoriabeckham / Netflix ) In November, Beckham launched a 110 T-shirt printed with the slogan My dad had a Rolls-Royce, which is a reference to a comment she was widely mocked for saying in the Netflix documentary Beckham. In it, Victoria claimed to have come from a working class background, despite being driven to school in a Rolls-Royce by her father. Her husband David was quick to point out the hypocrisy of her statement, and the exchange, which was caught on camera, went viral on social media. One month later, Beckham released the T-shirt. The product description on her labels site reads: Made from soft, organic cotton, the My Dad Had A Rolls-Royce slogan T-shirt embodies the brands playful side. Designed with dropped shoulder seams and a classic crew neckline, it has a relaxed fit and refined feel. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Campaigners are demanding Prince Harrys US visa application be made public after Joe Bidens advisor asserted that the current president would under no circumstances deport the prince. The comments were made by ambassador Jane Hartley in response to former president, Donald Trump, who said that if reelected he would treat Harry like any other citizen should it emerge that he has broken the law. Prince Harrys visa application is currently being reviewed in private after the Duke of Sussex admitted to doing drugs in his 2023 memoir, Spare. This was picked up on by various readers, who noted that in order to apply for a US visa, a person must answer questions about their prior drug use. The think tank group The Heritage Foundation subsequently launched a lawsuit to ascertain whether or not Harry lied on his application. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to make the documents public when they were first requested last June, stating that there was no public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests. The Heritage Foundation, however, now believes that disclosure is now very much in the public interest. open image in gallery Prince Harrys visa application is currently being reviewed in private ( REUTERS ) Ambassador Hartleys statements dramatically enhance the already compelling public interest in disclosure, they said, describing the claim as extraordinary. The think tank group claims that the DHS said none of the information that we have can be released without acknowledging what Prince Harrys immigration status is or tipping our hand as to what it is. Nile Gardiner, Director of the Heritage Foundations Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, said: The US Ambassador to Londons arrogant remarks on Prince Harry are an extraordinary intervention by a senior US diplomat on an ongoing federal court case. The US Ambassadors remarks clearly spoke directly not only to the Duke of Sussexs current immigration status, but to Prince Harrys future immigration status as well. open image in gallery Prince Harry moved to the US with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020 ( REUTERS ) The Biden Administration has gone to great lengths to protect Prince Harry, and has even ruled out the possible deportation of the Duke of Sussex if he lied on his U.S. immigration application and violated US immigration law. The Biden Administration has acted without transparency and accountability to the American people regarding the Heritage Foundations Freedom of Information request relating to Prince Harrys US immigration application. They should release Harrys immigration records to the American people. open image in gallery Prince Harry admitted to using various drugs including cocaine and magic mushrooms ( Scott Olson/Getty Images ) The duke, 39, recounted using various substances during his tumultuous youth in the book - citing one example of drug use as recently as 2016. He wrote: Psychedelics did me some good as well. Id experimented with them over the years, for fun, but now Id begun to use them therapeutically, medicinally. They didnt simply allow me to escape reality for a while. They let me redefine reality. Under the influence of these substances, I was able to let go of rigid preconcepts, to see that there was another world beyond my heavily filtered senses, a world that was equally real and doubly beautiful - a world with no red mist. The Independent has approached reprsentatives for Prince Harry for comment. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy It sounds like something out of a Greek drama more specifically, out of Lysistrata by Aristophanes, when the women band together to end the Peloponnesian war by going on a sex strike. But the 4B movement is both real and happening in the 21st century. And its less to do with ending a war, and more to do with ending misogyny. Purportedly starting in South Korea in 2019, the movement is called 4B because it refers to four types of bi or no: bihon means no heterosexual marriage; bichulsan, no childbirth; biyeonae, no dating; and bisekseu, no heterosexual sexual relationships. Five years on, the premise has garnered viral attention on social media, with countless TikTok videos on the subject attracting millions of views. It might sound extreme, but in light of the fact that the countrys incidence of intimate-partner violence was found to be 41.5 per cent in a 2016 survey by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, compared to a global average of 30 per cent, it perhaps feels more of a proportionate response than at first glance. Added to that is South Koreas gender pay gap, the largest in the developed world women earn 31 per cent less than men, almost triple the average of 11.6 per cent across other rich countries. Despite the above, current president Yoon Suk Yeol claimed during his election campaign that structural sexism no longer exists in South Korea, and pledged to abolish the ministry for gender equality (something he hasnt managed to achieve after being blocked by the Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority). This is the same man who blamed feminism for the countrys low birth rate; it currently sits at 0.72 per woman, the lowest in the world, after falling a further 8 per cent in 2023. If the trend continues, Koreas population is estimated to halve by the year 2100. The 4B ideology seems partly a product, then, of a growing political divide between men and women, with antagonism towards feminism from the former camp provoking backlash from the latter, and vice versa. In the 2022 election, 59 per cent of males under 30 voted for Yoon, the conservative candidate, compared to just 34 per cent of women in the same age group. This week, South Koreas liberal opposition party won a landslide majority in the countrys general election to retain control of parliament; it remains to be seen whether the voting gender divide was even more pronounced this time around. For a long time, patriarchal norms governed South Korean society. But those social norms dissolved with democratisation, and I dont think we have established new norms that can fill the vacuum, polling expert Jeong Han-wool, who heads the firm Research Institute of Korean People, told WPR. Women are now more likely to be better educated than their male peers (nearly three-quarters go into higher education compared with less than two-thirds of men), but the income gap has yet to diminish. Meanwhile, nearly 70 per cent of Korean men in their twenties believe discrimination against men is serious, according to one survey from 2019, while a separate poll in 2021 found that more than 66 per cent of young men said they cannot accept feminists as neighbours, colleagues, friends or family. open image in gallery Proponents of the 4B movement are swearing off sex and dating ( Getty/iStock ) Amid this polarising hotbed of opposing ideologies, various movements have sprung up. Kimchee women started being used as an insult against educated women on social media and online forums, referring to the stereotype of Korean women as selfish, vain, and obsessed with themselves while exploiting their partners, according to Korean feminist academic Euisol Jeong in her doctoral thesis, Troll Feminism. Ilbe, a vehemently misogynistic online community, also gained momentum in 2015. These men believe women shouldnt be demanding further rights when they already benefit from, for example, avoiding the countrys compulsory military conscription men are forced to serve for 18 months. Countermovements ensued, including escape the corset, which saw women chop off their hair and eschew make-up in a rejection of modern beauty standards. It goes hand in hand with, and is sometimes a precursor to, women joining 4B, as Anna Louie Sussman highlighted in an illuminating piece for The Cut. She interviewed Han, a South Korean maths tutor and 4B proponent, who believes that until women have real economic power and influence, they will still be utilised their bodies will be utilised to reproduce. Its hard to argue with this, considering the Korean government released an online National Birth Map in 2016 detailing how many women of child-bearing age (which they classed as between 15 and 49 years of age) lived in each region. It was subsequently taken down after huge backlash from women, who accused the government of trying to shame them into having babies. Joanna Bourke, a professor of history at Birkbeck and the author of Disgrace: Global Reflections on Sexual Violence, says that the 4B movement makes sense in this context. It didnt surprise me that certain young women were saying, enough is enough. South Korea has some of the highest rates of misogyny and gender-based violence in the developed world. Thats quite striking when combined with a political pro-natalist message that womens role is to give birth, to create more Koreans. This rhetoric has become more pronounced since the pandemic. It legitimises male views about womens roles to marry men, take care of them sexually, domestically and in terms of reproduction, adds Professor Bourke. The government is reinforcing misogyny within society and, in doing so, sending out a message that its OK to discriminate against women who are independent. Its OK to be violent if your wife says no to sex or doing the cleaning or wont cook the food you like. It didnt surprise me that certain young women were saying, enough is enough The idea of women opting out of heterosexual relationships as a political act is nothing new. In the UK, the first-wave feminists of the 1870s to the early 1900s usually wealthy, middle-class women often rejected the idea of marrying men and having children in favour of living with other women. The same was true of certain radical groups of second-wave feminists in the 1960s and 1970s, such as Cell 16, who advocated for feminist heterosexual separatism, denying men access to womens bodies. They took a stance of political, not sexual, lesbianism it was a political statement, says Professor Bourke. So is there any evidence that 4B, or a voluntary female celibacy movement like it, is taking root in the West? The widespread #MeToo movement on social media certainly created a shift, allowing women across the world to share their experiences of male-perpetrated sexual harassment and violence, often for the first time, in an environment that felt safe and empowering. It made women aware that they were not alone; #MeToo showed the world that we share these problems and therefore we can do something about it thats a powerful thing for women to realise, says Professor Bourke. This could potentially have contributed to more women becoming voluntarily celibate in the US, Dr Justin Lehmiller, a Kinsey Institute research fellow and host of the Sex and Psychology podcast, told The Guardian: In this #MeToo and post-Roe era [with the rollback of reproductive rights] we find ourselves in, the perceived risks associated with sex are higher, particularly for women. And, when you factor in the orgasm gap and the fact that womens pleasure still isnt on a par with mens, some women are asking themselves whether sex is even worth it. Dr Karen Cuthbert, a lecturer in sociology at the University of Glasgow, interviewed a number of voluntarily celibate British women for her paper Neither incel nor volcel. While a huge amount of attention has been given to mens celibacy in recent years particularly the deeply misogynistic and sometimes violent incel (involuntary celibate) community little has been written on womens sexual abstinence. open image in gallery The #MeToo and Times Up movements gave women and girls the power to speak out ( Getty ) Male celibacy is much more of a spectacle than female celibacy, agrees Dr Cuthbert. Womens celibacy is less interesting to us as a society in many ways because there are lingering ideas that women dont really care about or want sex anyway, so being celibate isnt anything out of the ordinary. Unlike the first and second-wave feminists for whom swearing off marriage and men in general was a liberating, political act, the women Dr Cuthbert spoke to felt they had been left with no other option because of mens poor behaviour. They had had too many bad relationships or bad encounters with men to the extent that they had opted out of sex altogether, she recalls. In order for them to feel OK existing in the world, and to get some mental peace and in some cases, actual physical protection of their own bodies they felt that they had to give up on intimate and sexual relationships with men. She adds that, although it was technically their choice, for most women it was a decision that they had felt compelled to make. Their hands were forced because of a lack of acceptable alternatives. As for a deliberate turning away from men as a political act, theres little evidence that British women will follow in 4Bs footsteps. The idea could definitely see some traction, but I doubt any explosions in popularity will happen, says Dr Cuthbert. It may be because of the different societal contexts while South Korea actually scores very highly on lots of indicators of institutional gender equality, it is also a context that is very pro-natal, with the state encouraging women to have children, as well as a context that has very constrictive beauty ideals and standards, including high cosmetic surgery rates among young women. Male celibacy is much more of a spectacle than female celibacy Dr Karen Cuthbert, lecturer in sociology at the University of Glasgow She points out, depressingly, that the patriarchys degradation and suppression of women is nothing new and yet women have continued entering into relationships with men since time immemorial: Celibacy is still the least likely course of action, as most women including young women adopt a tired kind of inevitability as part of their heterosexuality. Still, even if not a conscious decision, the data shows a significant trend for women marrying and having children later, or simply not at all. Recently released Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates from 2022 revealed the percentage of over-16s in England and Wales who are married or in a civil partnership has fallen below 50 per cent for the first time on record. Figures also showed that the UKs birth rate fell to 1.49 children per woman in 2022, the lowest its been in two decades and well below the rate needed to maintain a steady population (2.1). As womens education levels, financial independence and sense of agency continues to increase, so does the likelihood that they wont settle for just playing a domestic role for a partner who doesnt meet their expectations. It may not be 4B but, unless something changes, the consequences might not be so different down the line. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A U.S. judge has tossed out a series of civil lawsuits against a Libyan military commander who used to live in Virginia and was accused of killing innocent civilians in that country's civil war. At a court hearing Friday, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema said she had no jurisdiction to preside over a case alleging war crimes committed in Libya, even though the defendant, Khailfa Hifter, has U.S. citizenship and lived for more than 20 years in the northern Virginia suburbs of the nation's capital as an exile from the regime of Moammar Gadhafi. The ruling was a significant reversal of fortune for Hifter. In 2022, Brinkema entered a default judgment against Hifter after he refused to sit for scheduled depositions about his role in the fighting that has plagued the country over the last decade. But Hifter retained new lawyers who persuaded the judge to reopen the case and made Hifter available to be deposed. He sat for two separate depositions in 2022 and 2023 and denied orchestrating attacks against civilians. Once a lieutenant to Gadhafi, Hifter defected to the U.S. during the 1980s. He is widely believed to have worked with the CIA during his time in exile. He returned to Libya in 2011 to support anti-Gadhafi forces that revolted against the dictator and killed him. During the country's civil war, he led the self-styled Libyan National Army, which controlled much of the eastern half of Libya, with support from countries including Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. He continues to hold sway in the eastern half of the country. In the lawsuits, first filed in 2019, the plaintiffs say family members were killed by military bombardments conducted by Hifters army in civilian areas. The lawsuits also alleged that Hifter and his family owned a significant amount of property in Virginia, which could have been used to pay off any judgment that would have been entered against him. While the lawsuits were tossed out on technical issues over jurisdiction, one of Hifter's lawyers, Paul Kamenar, said Hifter denied any role in the deaths of civilians. He's not this ruthless figure that everyone wants to portray him as, Kamenar said in a phone interview Sunday. Faisal Gill, a lawyer for plaintiffs in one of the three lawsuits that Brinkema tossed out Friday, said he plans to appeal the dismissal. Mark Zaid, lawyer for another set of plaintiffs, called Brinkema's ruling perplexing and said he believes that the court's jurisdiction to hear the case had already been established at an earlier phase of the case. A U.S. citizen committed war crimes abroad and thus far has escaped civil accountability, Zaid said Sunday in an emailed statement. In court papers, Hifter tried to claim immunity from the suits as a head of state. At one point, the judge put the cases on pause because she worried that the lawsuits were being used to influence scheduled presidential elections in Libya, in which Hifter was a candidate. Those elections were later postponed. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Faith Ringgold, an award-winning author and artist who broke down barriers for Black female artists and became famous for her richly colored and detailed quilts combining painting, textiles and storytelling, has died. She was 93. The artist's assistant, Grace Matthews, told The Associated Press that Ringgold died Friday night at her home in Englewood, New Jersey. Matthews said Ringgold had been in failing health. Ringgolds highly personal works of art can be found in private and public collections around the country and beyond, from the Smithsonians National Museum of American Art to New Yorks Museum of Modern Art and Atlantas High Museum of Fine Art. But her rise to prominence as a Black artist wasnt easy in an art world dominated by white males and in a political cultural where Black men were the leading voices for civil rights. A founder in 1971 of the Where We At artists collective for Black women, Ringgold became a social activist, frequently protesting the lack of representation of Black and female artists in American museums. I became a feminist out of disgust for the manner in which women were marginalized in the art world, she told The New York Times in 2019. I began to incorporate this perspective into my work, with a particular focus on Black women as slaves and their sexual exploitation. In her first illustrated childrens book, Tar Beach, the spirited heroine takes flight over the George Washington Bridge. The story symbolized womens self-realization and freedom to confront this huge masculine icon the bridge, she explained. The story is based on her narrative quilt of the same name now in the permanent collection of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. While her works often deal with issues of race and gender, their folk-like style is vibrant, optimistic and lighthearted and often reminiscent of her warm memories of her life in Harlem. Ringgold introduced quilting into her work in the 1970s after seeing brocaded Tibetan paintings called thangkas. They inspired her to create patchwork fabric borders, or frames, with handwritten narrative around her canvas acrylic paintings. For her 1982 story quilt, Whos Afraid of Aunt Jemina, Ringgold confronted the struggles of women by undermining the Black mammy stereotype and telling the story of a successful African American businesswoman called Jemima Blakey. Aunt Jemima conveys the same negative connotation as Uncle Tom, simply because of her looks,'' she told The New York Times in a 1990 interview. Soon after, Ringgold produced a series of 12 quilt paintings titled The French Collection, again weaving narrative, biographical and African American cultural references and Western art. One of the works in the series, Dancing at the Louvre, depicts Ringgolds daughters dancing in the Paris museum, seemingly oblivious to the Mona Lisa and other European masterpieces on the walls. In other works in the series Ringgold depicts giants of Black culture like poet Langston Hughes alongside Pablo Picasso and other European masters. Among her socially conscious works is a three-panel 9/11 Peace Story Quilt that Ringgold designed and constructed in collaboration with New York City students for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Each of the panels contains 12 squares with pictures and words that address the question what will you do for peace? It was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. In 2014, her Groovin High, a depiction of a crowded energetic dance hall evocative of Harlems famous Savoy Ballroom, was featured on a billboard along New York Citys High Line park. Ringgold also created a number of public works. People Portraits, comprised of 52 individual glass mosaics representing figures in sports, performance and music, adorns the Los Angeles Civic Center subway station. Flying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroines are two mosaic murals in a Harlem subway station that feature figures like Dinah Washington, Sugar Ray Robinson and Malcolm X. In one of her recent books, Harlem Renaissance Party, Ringgold introduces young readers to Hughes and other Black artists of the 1920s. Other childrens books have featured Rosa Parks, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Underground Railroad. Born in Harlem in 1930, Ringgold was the daughter of a seamstress and dress designer with whom she collaborated often. She attended City College of New York where she earned bachelor and masters degrees in art. She was a professor of art at the University of California in San Diego from 1987 until 2002. Ringgolds motto, posted on her website, states: If one can, anyone can, all you gotta do is try. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Independent Voices email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Diabetes tests used in the UK may be putting tens of thousands of South Asian people at risk of getting false results, new research suggests. The research identified a genetic variant among people of South Asian heritage that affects the results of a diabetes test. A test used for type 2 diabetes in the UK, which measures average blood sugar levels, may give falsely lower results in South Asian people who carry this genetic variant, leading to delayed diagnosis according to a new study. Data suggests that there are more than 420,000 people from a South Asian background living with diabetes in England, and more than 230,000 have a diagnosis of prediabetes and are therefore at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The news comes after an independent government review of medical devices used to test blood oxygen levels. The devices were found to have racial biases which overestimate oxygen levels in people with darker skin tones. This evidence showing that the accuracy of a common test to diagnose and monitor type 2 diabetes is linked to a person's ethnicity should be urgently investigated further Dr Elizabeth Robertson With around 7.6 per cent of South Asians carrying this variant, this suggests the HbA1c test is underestimating blood sugar levels in around 32,000 South Asian people with diabetes and 17,500 with prediabetes in England alone. The test is crucial for diagnosing type 2 diabetes, monitoring prediabetes, and guiding diabetes treatment. Dr Miriam Samuel at Queen Mary University London and colleagues in the Genes and Health Research Team identified the genetic variant that is found in 7.6 per cent of people of South Asian heritage but is rare in other ethnicities. Dr Samuel said: Many genetic variants linked to red blood cell conditions are ultra-rare amongst the Northern Europeans who have historically dominated genetic studies. We demonstrate one such variant that is carried by 7.6 per cent of South Asians which could affect the accuracy of HbA1c and cause delays in diabetes diagnosis. Every individual at risk or with diabetes, regardless of their background, deserves equal access to effective diabetes care to live a healthy life and mitigate long-term diabetes complications Dr Miriam Samuel Studies such as Genes and Health, focusing on populations who are underserved in genetic research, are vital to understand the different pathways that may contribute to diabetes inequalities in these communities. Dr Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, said: This evidence showing that the accuracy of a common test to diagnose and monitor type 2 diabetes is linked to a persons ethnicity should be urgently investigated further. Its incredibly important that healthcare professionals are armed with a precise way to evaluate average blood sugar levels over extended periods. Without this, they are navigating in the dark and potentially at risk of overlooking cases of type 2 diabetes. Every individual at risk or with diabetes, regardless of their background, deserves equal access to effective diabetes care to live a healthy life and mitigate long-term diabetes complications. The researchers looked at genetic and health data from the Genes and Health study which included more than 60,000 individuals of Bangladeshi or Pakistani ethnicity living in England and the UK Biobank. They found that people with this gene were found to have falsely lower HbA1c levels and differences in their full blood count. HbA1c tests estimate average blood sugar levels by measuring how much sugar is attached to haemoglobin in red blood cells. The research suggests that the genetic variant is linked to changes in red blood cells, and that this affects HbA1c test results. According to the findings, people who had one copy of the genetic variant were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on average one year later. While those with two copies were diagnosed on average two years later, than those without the genetic variant. Inaccurate results might also mean people do not receive timely and appropriate treatments needed to manage blood sugar levels and reduce risk of long-term complications, which could include heart attacks, strokes, amputations, and sight loss, the experts suggest. The findings indicate additional blood sugar testing, such as fasting glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests, and alternative monitoring methods might be needed in South Asian people who carry the variant. The findings will be presented at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2024. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Independent Voices email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Scientists are perplexed by the discovery of a marine worm with giant eyes that are 20 times heavier than its head and that give it vision as sharp as a mammal. The eyes of the Vanadis bristle worm, found around the Italian island of Ponza, also enable the species to have a secretive language that is only seen by their own kind in the dark depths of the sea, researchers suspect. The nocturnal worms eyes are so large that if humans had eyes proportionally as big, they would add an extra 100 kg to our heads. Its eyes provide the worm outstanding vision on a par with that of mice or rats, enabling the species to see small objects and track their movements in the sea at night, scientists say. Its really interesting because an ability like this is typically reserved for us vertebrates, along with arthropods (insects, spiders) and cephalopods (octopus, squid), Dr Anders Garm from the University of Copenhagen said. This is the first time that such an advanced and detailed view has been demonstrated beyond these groups, Dr Garm, who co-authored the study, said. Scientists are seeking to understand how the otherwise simple nervous systems of the worm performs very complex functions. The worm has a transparent body, except for its eyes, meaning the evolutionarily benefits of the eyes must outweigh the consequences of it making the Vanadis visible to its predators. Scientist camping on Australias Gold Coast accidently discovers incredible new species Researchers are also unsure of the exact functions of the large eyes, particularly since the creatures are nocturnal and tuck away during the day, when eyes usually work best for all animals. No one has ever seen the worm during the day, so we dont know where it hides. So, we cannot rule out that its eyes are used during the day as well, Dr Garm said. What we do know is that its most important activities, like finding food and mating, occur at night. So, it is likely that this is when its eyes are important, he added. Scientists also found that the worms eyes are tuned to see ultraviolet light, invisible to the humans, indicating that the Vanadis sees bioluminescent signals in the otherwise pitch-black nighttime sea. In the new study, scientists speculate that the worms themselves could be bioluminescent, communicating with each other via UV light for mating and hunting prey. If you use normal blue or green light as bioluminescence, you also risk attracting predators. But if instead, the worm uses UV light, it will remain invisible to animals other than those of its own species. Therefore, our hypothesis is that theyve developed sharp UV vision so as to have a secret language related to mating, Dr Garm explained. It makes things truly exciting as UV bioluminescence has yet to be witnessed in any other animal. So, we hope to be able to present this as the first example, he added. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A young girl has died in a horror car crash near a playground in Birmingham. Police and ambulance crews scrambled to the scene at around 9.45pm on Sunday following reports that a silver Vauxhall Corsa had careered into pedestrians. Upon arrival medics found four people - including the child - suffering injuries. The deceased was treated by medics but was confirmed dead at the scene in Upper Highgate Street. Two other women were treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries to their legs, while another child was assessed by paramedics but was not injured and allowed to go home. Two men, aged 21 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. They were taken into custody for questioning. Have you been affected by this? email matt.mathers@independent.co.uk Police said a grey Mercedes was in close proximity to the Corsa and that they were treating the incident as a collision between two cars. Sergeant Paul Hughes, West Midlands Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: A young girl has tragically lost her life and I can only imagine the pain her loved ones are going through at this awful time. This is deeply upsetting for everyone and well be doing everything we can to support them and get answers to exactly what happened last night. We really need to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time and can assist our enquiries. Were particularly keen to speak to anyone who has dashcam footage, Sgt Hughes added. These are early days in our investigation and Id urge people not to speculate around the circumstances. We need to deal with facts so we can complete a thorough investigation, and provide the answers the girls family and friends deserve. Andy Street, the West Midlands mayor, said the region had a problem with dangerous driving, adding it was clear he and other politicians had more to do to tackle the issue. As mayor I know I have a key role to play, he wrote on X. I convened partners last summer to push for change, and weve made some progress since then on police enforcement & use of speed cameras. But its not enough. We owe it to victims families to end this needless violence once & for all. Anyone who has information about the incident is urged to contact West Midlands Police quoting reference number 4120 of 14/4/24. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The baby daughter of Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon died after she was caught in the middle of their toxic and self-absorbed relationship, a court has heard. Jurors were told that Marten had told big fat lies to the court over the death of baby Victoria, whose body was found dumped in a rubbish-filled carrier bag after the couple spent 53 days on the run. Marten, 36, and Gordon, 49, both deny gross negligence manslaughter of the newborn, whom they took off-grid to stop her from being taken into care like their four other children. Constance Marten and Mark Gordon are on trial at the Old Bailey ( PA ) The mother previously told the court how she fell asleep with the infant zipped inside her jacket as they camped in wintry conditions in a flimsy tent on the South Downs last January, but awoke to find her dead. In his closing submissions to the jury, prosecutor Tom Little insisted Marten was an utterly unreliable witness. Lies fell from her mouth like confetti in the wind as she gave evidence, he told the Old Bailey on Monday. We suggest that the notion that she is a reliable, let alone honest, witness is risible. Her evidence comes with a monumental health warning. Marten, Gordon and baby Victoria seen on CCTV in a kebab shop in East Ham, London ( PA ) Mr Little told the packed courtroom that baby Victoria was neglected, and that she was taken to the Sussex coast wearing just a vest and a babygro. He added that she didnt stand a chance during her short life. This was, on the evidence, we say, a self-absorbed relationship between two selfish and arrogant individuals. And caught in the middle of that toxic relationship was a baby who was manifestly not cared for properly, he said. She was neglected and was exposed to dangerous conditions. A freezing-cold baby girl with just we say a single babygro and one vest. No hat. A hat is never seen, a hat has never been found. He accused Marten of grandstanding on a Premier League level and telling big fat lies in the witness box during six days of evidence, in which she insisted Victoria had been well cared for and their four other children had been wrongly taken into care. She also claimed the couple had been driven into hiding by her family, who she feared were using private investigators to track them down. Mr Little said she had thrown everyone under the bus apart from her wonderful husband, adding: Everyone is evil and bad apart from her and Mr Gordon in Constance Marten land. Marten was wearing a white blouse and a plum scarf in the dock on Monday alongside Gordon, who was wearing a blue shirt and navy tie, as Mr Little accused her of lying about the type of pram they had bought. The moment police discovered the remains of Marten and Gordons baby covered in leaves in a rubbish-filled shopping bag ( Metropolitan Police ) The couple also lied about using a car seat for baby Victoria, claimed Mr Little, who added: Why lie about the car seat unless the impression was meant to be that they were more caring parents than was the reality. He insisted Gordons silence during the trial was deafening after Gordon opted not to give evidence in his own defence. The prosecutor claimed Gordon didnt dare enter the witness box because he did not want to face cross-examination. Mr Little reminded the jury that during his police interview, Gordon had launched into a Trump-esque rant in which he vowed to tell a jury what had really happened. I lost count of the number of times that he told the police that he would leave his version of events for you and you alone, Mr Little said. And when his time came to tell you, his jury, what had happened, he said absolutely nothing. Nothing. Zip. Nada. Nothing about the death of his own daughter. Mr Little later added: He must have felt it was better and safer to leave the more articulate liar on her own. A court sketch of the couple at a previous hearing ( PA ) Mr Little also reminded the jury that Marten had admitted in evidence that she was willing to lie. Twice, in evidence, she suggested she was happy to lie to protect herself and her family, and thats precisely what shes doing in this trial, he told the court. The couple both deny gross negligence manslaughter of their daughter Victoria between 4 January and 27 February last year. They also deny charges of perverting the course of justice by concealing the body, along with concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. The Old Bailey trial continues. Close Moment Constance Marten arrested by police For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The judge is summing up the evidence as the trial of aristocrat Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon over the death of their baby enters its final stages. The couple is accused of gross negligence manslaughter of the newborn, whom they took off-grid to stop her from being taken into care like their four other children. The Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, began summing up the evidence to the jury at the Old Bailey on Thursday. Evidence recapped so far includes eyewitness Ken Hudson, who stopped to help the couple when their car caught fire on the M61 near Bolton on 5 January. Mr Hudson previously told the court he fears baby Victoria would still be alive if he had stayed at the roadside with the parents until police arrived. But the pair fled with baby Victoria after he pulled away, leaving their burning car at the roadside along with most of their possessions. Police later found 2000 in cash, Martens passport, 34 burner phones and a placenta wrapped in a towel in the burnt-out vehicle. Marten, 36, and Gordon, 49, both deny the charges of gross negligence manslaughter of Victoria between 4 January and 27 February last year. They also deny charges of perverting the course of justice by concealing the body, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. The trial continues. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Richmond Park visitors have been filmed approaching deer and trying to force their antlers off, according to police. Stags in the west London park, teeming with tourists and families over the weekend, were reportedly approached and set upon by people trying to remove their antlers. The Royal Parks police issued a warning on Twitter/X: We have received reports of concerning behaviour in Richmond Park over the weekend, where park users have been observed approaching the deer and attempting to remove their antlers. Video footage of these incidents has been obtained. They added: The deer cast their antlers each year and grow new ones. However instead of allowing their old antlers to fall off naturally, some people are taking hold of them and trying to force them off, which is distressing for the deer and also a criminal offence. Richmond Park is home to herds of wild red and fallow deer roaming freely since 1637. Richmond Park and Bushy Park are home to more than 1,000 free-roaming red and fallow deer ( Getty ) Stags and bucks have razor-sharp antlers, they can weigh upwards of 25st, and they also can reach speeds of 30mph. Being hit by a stag travelling at full speed is the equivalent of being mown down by a motorbike, according to a spokesperson from Royal Parks. Around 300 red deer and 300 fallow deer are believed to live in the scenic park, and authorities warn the 5 million visitors each year to keep their distance especially during the birthing season between May and July. All male deer have antlers which start growing in the spring and are shed each year, usually at the end of winter. Antlers are made of bone which can grow at a rate of up to 2.5cm a day. A soft covering known as velvet helps to protect newly forming antlers. Its then rubbed off by the male once growth is complete, in time for the rut in September. People are advised to stand 50m from the deer and 100m away from an active male deer. In 2021 Franck Hiribarne, 44, from Kingston, was fined 600 after his red setter dog killed a deer in a sustained attack in Richmond Park. Police urge anyone who witnesses such behaviour to contact the police by calling 101. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Three young men were killed and one is fighting for his life after their car smashed through a fence at a retail park in north London late on Sunday night, before plunging down an embankment and hitting a footbridge. The horror crash involved only the Mercedes CLK convertible carrying five men and happened in the car park at Staples Corner retail park in Brent Cross. The Metropolitan Police believes there were other motorists in the car park at the time, and have asked them to come forward as it investigates what happened. Police and the London Fire Brigade attended the scene off the North Circular Road shortly before 11.30pm along with the London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance. Three people could not be saved and were pronounced dead at the scene. Two others were taken to hospital, with one said to be in a critical condition while the other is being treated for injuries that are not thought to be life threatening. The Met Police has said the five people involved were all men in their early twenties. Inspector William McDonald, one of the officers responsible for policing in Barnet, said: Emergency services responded last night to what seems to have been a terrible accident. An urgent police investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances, led by detectives from the Mets Serious Collision Investigation Unit. Officers are in the process of informing the families of the five young people. The families will be supported by specialist officers. I send them my sincere condolences. Roads in the area have since reopened but the investigation continues. Police say there have been no arrests made, and that the car was not stolen. Police officers stand beside a vehicle in the undergrowth at the scene ( PA ) London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: This was a tragic incident attended by our specialist crews, who attended alongside our blue light partners to make the scene safe. Staples Corner retail park is a popular shopping destination with stores including Currys, Argos and Dunelm. It is also close to Brent Cross shopping centre. Nearby business owners have spoken of their shock following the news of the deaths. Tommy Bicak, owner of Work Mans Cafe, told The Independent that he was aware of numerous casualties on the North Circular with pedestrian railings installed at a nearby junction after a customers father died 30 years ago. Emergency services on the roundabout on the North Circular on Sunday night ( UKNIP ) He said: It took me a long time to get to work today and I did wonder. Then I put two and two together and realised something serious must have happened. Im very sorry to hear of the deaths and my thoughts are with the families. Its a busy road and Im not sure what further safety improvement can be made. Sundays crash follows several road deaths in London this year. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The extraordinary case of a former mayor left in limbo for more than three years to see if he will face criminal charges has been highlighted by Michael Heseltine after The Independent revealed that tens of thousands of people have been placed in similar circumstances. The former deputy prime minister raised the plight of former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson, who was arrested and released under investigation in December 2020 over bribery allegations. Three and a half years later, the inquiry is still ongoing and he has no idea if he will ever face court to answer the claims. Lord Heseltines intervention comes after The Independent reported that tens of thousands of other people had been left waiting more than a year to find out if they would face charges, with one woman forced to spend seven years in limbo before being able to clear her name. Mr Anderson was suspended by the Labour Party and later decided not to stand for re-election after being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation linked to building deals in Liverpool, meaning he lost his job and his income as a result of the arrest. Michael Heseltines question is the first he has asked in the Lords for over a year ( PA ) Asking a question in the Lords for the first time in more than a year, Lord Heseltine said: The mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, was arrested on various charges, including fraud and bribery. That was three years and four months ago. He lost his job, his reputation and his income. No charge has been placed since then. I would just like to ask the minister: does he think thats justice? Home office minister Andrew Sharpe said he could not comment on the specifics of the case, but that police were committed to concluding their investigation as expeditiously as possible. Labour peer Tony Woodley added that Mr Andersons life and reputation had been completely and totally destroyed by the arrest and subsequent investigation, which he called a disgrace. The tool of release under investigation, also known as RUI, was introduced by the government in 2017 to allow police to release suspects after their post-arrest interview in a similar process to bail. But under the controversial measure, no oversight or restrictions are in place to protect alleged victims, with police allowed to keep the investigation open indefinitely unlike with bail, where extensions beyond nine months must be approved by a magistrate. Recent figures analysed by The Independent show that, in the year to March 2023, more than 30,000 people were left waiting more than a year to discover whether they would be charged while only a fifth of all RUIs ended in a criminal charge. In some instances, suspects and victims have been left in this limbo for years on end. MPs and legal critics describe their uncertainty as misery, while those caught up in the system say they would rather be charged than not know what will happen to them. Krista Brown had allegations hanging over her for seven years ( Supplied ) Krista Brown was arrested in 2017 in relation to serious fraud allegations brought by HMRC. She was finally charged in 2020 but it took another three years for her case to get to court. Although she was acquitted in September last year, she only received documents confirming her innocence this week, finally bringing her seven-year ordeal during which she suffered a mini-stroke and became suicidal to a close. Its a big black hole, an abyss that they can just throw people into, she told The Independent. Theres no accountability, no audit, no reviews, no response on how long an investigation takes. Its changed me for ever. Ms Brown described the RUI process as the hardest part of the whole experience. My professional reputation was everything to me. Id worked so hard for it, and to lose that under a false accusation, it was immense, said Ms Brown, who founded recruitment company Persona in 2008. When youre on RUI theres absolutely nothing you can do; youre literally at the mercy of the investigating team. She added: Once my charges actually arrived in 2020, I found it weirdly easier to manage, because you had dates, everything was accountable. Branding RUI fundamentally unjust, the Tory chair of the justice committee, Sir Bob Neill, told The Independent: Its not fair on defendants, because these people are left hanging you can think of public figures, [as well as] ordinary individuals, who find their life on hold. Suppose its an allegation of dishonesty, or a sexual allegation... that can affect their work and all manner of things. Its also unjust to victims and complainants. Its just human misery, criminal defence lawyer Stephen Davies added. During this pre-charge arena, people were losing their jobs, university was on hold, mental health you name it, Ive seen every kind of suffering caused by RUI. Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson is still waiting to find out if he faces criminal charges after being arrested in December 2020 ( Getty ) The end date is the key bit, because [with bail] it focuses the minds of the police and they have to work towards that date. If you dont have an end date, as human behaviour would dictate, you just have this limbo. RUI was introduced in 2017 as part of the Policing and Crime Bill, when the pendulum was swinging too far towards draconian bail conditions, said Mr Davies, who believes the procedure acted as a pressure valve for austerity, allowing police to drip-feed new cases into the creaking courts system. Although the law was reformed in September 2022 to reduce the use of the procedure in favour of pre-charge bail, new Home Office figures show that RUI was still used tens of thousands of times last year. Figures show that more than 30,000 people involved in the 140,000 cases closed over that period were left waiting more than a year to discover whether or not they would be charged with a crime. Over a quarter of police forces failed to provide data, meaning the true number was likely far higher. No further action was taken against 93,226 people equating to two-thirds of all cases closed during those 12 months. Sir Bob added: Its very troubling that the police dont seem to be responding to what was the clear wish of parliament that this should be reined back. Following the introduction of RUI, the use of bail quickly plummeted. In 2020, MPs were told that the number of bail cases had dropped from 216,178 in 2017 to 43,923 in the space of a year, contrasting with 193,073 RUI releases. New reforms were introduced in November 2022 to revert the presumption towards bailing suspects rather than using RUI. But Home Office figures show no drop in the number of RUI cases concluded in the year to 31 March 2023, compared with the 12 months prior. A Home Office spokesperson said: It is a priority for this government to deliver justice for victims and to ensure a fast and effective criminal justice system. We recognise concerns around the use of Released Under Investigation (RUI) and have introduced reforms to the pre-charge bail system through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act to better protect victims. This includes the removal of the presumption against pre-charge bail, which should encourage a move away from RUI. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Tory MPs have again rejected a plan to stop Afghan heroes who supported British troops from being deported to Rwanda. Parliamentarians on Monday night overturned multiple amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, including one that would have exempted anyone who supported British armed forces in a meaningful way from being deported to Rwanda. MPs voted 312 to 253, majority 59, to reject Lords amendment 10B, which sought to exempt agents, allies and employees of the UK overseas from being removed to Rwanda. The exemption included people eligible for entry to the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). The Bill will return to the Lords on Tuesday for further scrutiny. The Lords and the Commons have been debating the Rwanda Bill, with the legislation going back and forth between the houses as peers try and force the government to make changes to the proposed legislation. Mr Sunaks government is using the Safety of Rwanda Bill to try and prevent any legal challenges by asylum seekers to their deportation. ( Getty ) The House of Lords had previously backed the amendment in support of Afghan heroes who helped the British. But Rishi Sunak instructed Tory MPs to vote against all amendments to the Bill, meaning that the Lords proposal will be stripped out. Two former chiefs of defence staff, a former defence secretary and a former British ambassador to the US are among the members of the Lords who have supported the clause. Thirteen senior military figures, including Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Craig of Radley and former secretary general of Nato Lord Robertson, spoke out in favour of the exemption for Afghan soldiers ahead of the vote on Monday. In a letter to the Sunday Telegraph, top military brass said that, if the exemption is not allowed, it will do grave damage to our ability to recruit local allies in future military operations. MPs overturn all 10 Lords amendments to Safety of Rwanda Bill They described the Ministry of Defences Afghan relocation scheme as being mired by mismanagement. They added: It is essential that those who have made it to British shores are not unduly punished by being removed to Rwanda when the governments scheme is up and running. The Independent has documented a number of cases of asylum seekers who supported the UK armed forces efforts in Afghanistan and who have since been threatened with removal to Rwanda after arriving in the UK via small boat. Following the votes in the Commons the Bill will head to the Lords on Tuesday. Mr Sunak has previously warned the Lords against frustrating the will of the people by hampering the passage of the bill. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} With parliament kicking back into action today following the Easter break, much of the focus will be on the Middle East as the world awaits Israels response to drone and missile attacks on its territory by Iran. Tobias Ellwood, the former defence minister, warned over the weekend that Britain is now involved in this too after it emerged that RAF warplanes helped shoot down Iranian drones targeted at Israel, an ally of the UK, amid fears of a wider conflict in the region, which has been destabilised by the war in Gaza. Prime minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that UK jets shot down a number of Iranian drones, which were taken out in Syrian and Iraqi airspace. The shooting down of the drones was carried out under Operation Shader, the name of the UKs existing counter-IS operation in Iraq and Syria, a global coalition led by the US which was launched after the UK parliament in 2014 voted for offensive military action in Iraq to counter the threat by IS. The government at the time, led by Lord David Cameron, said the action was legal because Iraqs government had requested international help to tackle the Sunni extremist group, which had overrun large parts of Iraq and Syria, murdering religious minorities and Shia Muslims. Lord Cameron, now the foreign secretary, speaking to broadcasters on Monday morning, described Irans attack on Israel as a double defeat for Tehran as he urged Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, to take the win and not retaliate. Iran has funded, trained and supported Hamas for decades and the countrys theocratic government has been designated by the US as a state sponsor of terrorism. Lebanon-based Hezbollah is viewed by analysts as Tehrans largest, oldest and best-trained proxy group in the Middle East. Hezbollah and Israel have also come into conflict since Hamass 7 October terror attack. Israeli Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, ( AP ) The British warplanes used to shoot down an unconfirmed number of Iranian drones were Typhoon FGR4s, twin-engine fighter jets with a 36ft (11m) wingspan armed with air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs and air-to-ground projectiles. Typhoons can reach maximum speeds of 1,381mph almost twice the speed of sound and a single jet costs some 120m. They have a maximum altitude of 55,000ft (17,000m). The RAFs Typhoon force consisted of 137 aircraft in seven squadrons as of February 2023. The fighter jets are supported by Voyager aircraft, 192ft (59m) long air-to-air refuelling tankers equipped with two underwing pods for restocking the Typhoons over long ranges. The tankers are just slower than the speed of sound, have a 198ft (60m) wingspan and can carry 111,000kg of fuel. The RAFs operational headquarters in the Middle East is at Al Udeid air base in Qatar, which it shares with the US Air Force (USAF) and Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF). The base is responsible for co-ordinating the RAFs contribution to Operation Shader, However, it is understood the RAF Typhoons used to intercept the Iranian drone attack were deployed from Cyprus , where the force operates a Permanent Joint Operating Base. Jets from RAF Akrotiri were deployed from the island nation to help protect Israel though its president Nikos Christodoulides said he had not been forewarned of the decision to mobilise aircraft from the base. The government has since confirmed that it will be deploying more jets and air refuelling tankers to bolster its presence in the Middle East. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A young girl has been hospitalised with serious injuries after being mauled by a suspected XL Bully dog in Cornwall. The victim, 10, was rushed to Treliske Hospital in Truro after the dog attacked her in Lowenek Close in Falmouth, at around 7.10pm on Saturday. Armed police attended the scene and seized the dog. The girl remained in hospital on Monday morning. Devon and Cornwall Police said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident. XL Bully dogs were banned by the government earlier this year following a surge in recent attacks by the animals, which are a close relation to the pit bull and have been cross-bred with other breeds such as English bulldogs, old English bulldogs and American bulldogs. From 1 February, it became a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without a certificate of exemption. Police were called to Lowenek Close in Falmouth, where they seized the dog ( Google ) It follows restrictions which came into force at the end of last year meaning the dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. Breeding, selling or abandoning the dogs also became illegal as of 31 December. Earlier this month a man became the first person to be sentenced for illegally owning one of the dogs. Patrick McKeown, 40, failed to apply for an exemption for his XL Bully, and also did not neuter the dog or obtain insurance. It is now illegal to breed XL Bully dogs or to own one without a certificate of exemption ( Getty ) It was reported that the dog was also seen loose in the back garden of a property in Worthing, West Sussex, police said. McKeown warned officers his dog would attack anyone who approached it. Officers executed a warrant at the address and the dog was seized. The former builder admitted one count of possessing or having a fighting dog, contrary to the Dangerous Dogs Act, at Worthing Magistrates Court on 12 March. The court imposed a one-year community order, requiring him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay 85 costs and a 114 surcharge. The court imposed an order for the destruction of the dog, pending an appeal. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The foreign secretary said Irans attack on Israel was a double defeat for Tehran as he urged Benjamin Netanyahu to take the win and not retaliate. Lord Cameron said the weekend attack which saw the country launch an unprecendeted assault against Israel using more than 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles was a failure and has revealed to the world their true nature as the malign influence in the region. The former prime minister also urged Israel to think with with head as well as heart as he said that the right thing to do is not to escalate. The weekends assault was launched in response to a strike widely blamed on Israel upon an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month, which killed two Iranian generals. It marks the first time a direct military assault has been launched by Tehran on Israel despite enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Lord Cameron told Times Radio on Monday: Israel has every right to respond as an independent sovereign country being attacked in this way. But I think were very anxious to avoid escalation and to say to our friends in Israel its a time to think with with head as well as heart. And in many ways this is a double defeat for Iran. Not only was their attack an almost total failure, but also the rest of the world can now see what a malign influence they are in the region and understand their true nature. Foreign secretary Lord Cameron said the attack had been a double defeat for Iran ( Sky News ) And so I think it is right for Israel not to escalate, but obviously theyre a sovereign, independent country and theyll make their own decisions. The attack has renewed fears about a widening regional conflict in the Middle East as Western leaders desperately try to de-escalate the situation. G7 leaders held a call last night with Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden amid fears of further retaliation in the event of a possible Israeli counter-strike. Tehran has threatened a heavier response if Washington co-operates with any further Israeli military action against it. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Lord Cameron said the UK wouldnt support retalitatory action and was pushing for de-escalation. When asked what he meant by de-escalation, Lord Cameron said it meant not having a another wave of attacks and focusing instead on putting the pressure on Hamas to release the hostages, pause of fighting in Gaza and then we can flood aid into Gaza. He added that it was important to get the hostages home after over six months in full captivity and try and deescalate the situation while getting the whole world to recognise what a malign influence Iran is in the region, and looking at sanctions and other pressures can be put on Iran. Cameron urges Israel to 'think with head as well as heart' after Iran attack Speaking on Times Radio, he added: The best thing to do in the case of Israel is to recognise this has been a failure for Iran. And so they should, as President Biden has said to them, as it were, take the win and then move on to focus on how to eradicate Hamas in Gaza and how to get those hostages free. When asked how much influence the foreign secretary believed the UK had over conflict in the Middle East, Lord Cameron responded: Right from the beginning, weve talked about the importance of getting aid into Gaza and I was attacked for being too aggressive about this. But weve now seen... Israel saying were going to allow more aid into Gaza," On Sunday, Mr Sunak confirmed that RAF jets shot down a number of Irans attack drones. Speaking to journalists in Downing Street, the prime minister confirmed the UKs military action and said if Irans attack on Israel had been successful the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate. Rishi Sunak said if the attack had been successful the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate ( PA Wire ) Lord Cameron said he "wouldnt overstate what we did on Saturday night but added: nonetheless, we did provide our plans to backfill for the Americans on the operation we jointly do to suppress ISIL and Daesh in Iraq and Syria. And that allowed America to do more to protect Israel from attack. He also praised the bravery of the pilots who intecepted the missiles, adding: But at the same time we said to our pilots that if they were drones or missiles coming in from where they were, they should shoot them down and they did and thats a testament to the skill to their brilliance to their bravery, and we should be very proud of them. The military action comes as Parliament returns from Easter recess today, where it is widely anticipated that the prime minister will address MPs regarding the military action taken over the weekend. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Watch as Rishi Sunak addressed parliament following Irans attack on Israel, after home secretary James Cleverly took questions from MPs. The House of Commons returned from Easter recess on Monday 15 April, one day after Tehran launched an unprecedented strike on Tel Aviv. Foreign secretary David Cameron has urged Israel to be smart as well as tough by not escalating the conflict with Iran in the hours following the attack. The governments Rwanda legislation, meanwhile, is also high on the agenda for MPs today. Mr Sunak is braced for a fresh round of parliamentary wrangling over his Bill to save the governments stalled deportation scheme. Sunday became the busiest day yet for Channel crossings this year after more than 500 migrants arrived in the UK in a single day. It means some 6,000 people have made the journey in 2024 to date, with more than 75,000 arrivals recorded two years on from the Rwanda deal being signed. MPs will consider amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, which inflicted a series of defeats against the controversial policy before rising for the spring break. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former prime minister Liz Truss has accused US president Joe Biden of utter hypocrisy and ignorance for his reaction to the disastrous mini-Budget which sparked the end of her premiership. In her new book, Ten Years to Save the West, she recalled the global reaction to the mini-Budget which promised 45bn of unfunded tax cuts. Ms Truss, Britains shortest-serving prime minister, has previously blamed the deep state for sabotaging her tax-cutting plans from Kwasi Kwartengs notoriously disastrous economic plan which sent the pound into a nose dive and sparked a crash in the markets. Ms Truss wrote, in an excerpt published in The Mail On Sunday: Today [Tuesday 11 October 2022], the Bank of England governor himself caused a market reaction by announcing that the support scheme for pension funds would wind up at the end of the week. This led to an immediate fall in the pound. On top of that, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has questioned whether the rich would benefit too much from the mini budget surely a domestic question for the UK Government! She quoted President Biden saying: I wasnt the only one that thought [the mini budget] was a mistake. I think that the idea of cutting taxes on the super-wealthy at a time when anyway, I just think I disagreed with the policy. The 49-day prime minister continued: This was utter hypocrisy and ignorance. The top rate of income tax in the U.S. was 37 per cent and only charged to people earning the equivalent of 483,094 and above. By contrast, the top rate in the UK was 45 per cent and paid by those on more than 150,000. Liz Truss resigned as prime minister on 20 October 2022 ( PA ) She said she was shocked and outstanded that a US president would comment on UK domestic policy. Elsewhere in the memoir, she defended her approach suggesting that the pro-Remain Treasury, Bank of England and Office for Budget Responsibility were barriers to our plans. Ms Truss has previously been criticised for her claims stating she had seen it for herself first-hand as unnamed figures and bodies sabotaged my efforts in Britain to cut taxes, reduce the size of government and restore democratic accountability. She has struggled to explain what she means by the deep state. The failed PM is now striving to place herself at the forefront of a new brand of right-wing politics, recently launching her so-called Popular Conservatism movement. The Popular Conservatism group claims it is not a direct challenge to Mr Sunaks leadership, but it wants to pile pressure on the prime minister to cut taxes, adopt hardline policies on immigration and leave the European Convention on Human Rights. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Peers have inflicted their first defeat against Rishi Sunaks proposed Rwanda asylum law putting the unelected Lords on a collision course with the Government. The upper chamber backed by 274 votes to 172, majority 102, a move to ensure the draft legislation, aimed at clearing the way to send asylum seekers who cross the Channel in small boats on a one-way flight to Kigali, is fully compliant with the law. The Prime Minister has previously warned the Lords against frustrating the will of the people by hampering the passage of his Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, which has already been approved by MPs. Ahead of the next election, Mr Sunak has made stopping the boats a key pledge of his leadership. The heavy Government defeat sets the stage for an extended tussle between the Commons and Lords during ping-pong, where legislation is batted between the two Houses until agreement is reached. The Government is challenging the right of international law to constrain our actions. And the point of international law is to stop governments going ahead with things that are wrong Archbishop of Canterbury The controversial draft legislation and a treaty with Rwanda are intended to prevent further legal challenges to the stalled deportation scheme after the Supreme Court ruled the plan was unlawful. As well as compelling judges to regard the east African country as safe, it would also give ministers the power to ignore emergency injunctions. Parliaments Joint Committee on Human Rights has said the proposed Rwanda legislation was fundamentally incompatible with the UKs human rights obligations and would flout international law. Separately, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned the Bill risks the UK breaching its obligations under international law. But Downing Street has said the Government remains committed to sending flights to Rwanda in the spring. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, pointed out international human rights law had grown out of the horrors committed by Nazi Germany, where in 1933 a government that had been legally and properly elected, passed horrific laws that did terrible things. He added: We are not in any situation remotely like that, lets be clear. The Government is not doing something on the scale of what we saw at that stage. But the Government is challenging the right of international law to constrain our actions. And the point of international law is to stop governments going ahead with things that are wrong. Tory peer Lord Tugendhat, whose nephew is security minister Tom Tugendhat, accused the Government of behaving like the ruling party in George Orwells dystopian novel 1984, in its move to legislate that Rwanda was safe. He said: If this Bill goes onto the statute book in its present form, Rwanda will be a safe country regardless of reality until the statute is repealed. But former Conservative Party leader Michael Howard said: In resolving to decide this issue for itself, the Supreme Court was trespassing on the province of the executive and, if there is any breach of the principle of separation of powers in this matter, it is not the Government that is guilty, it is the Supreme Court. The Bill and the treaty do not overturn or disregard the Supreme Courts decision, they act upon it Lord Stewart of Dirleton, senior government law officer Lord Howard of Lympne added: Accountability is at the heart of democracy. That is why the Government is fully entitled to bring forward this Bill and why much of the criticism which is directed at it for doing so is fundamentally misconceived. In contrast, Tory former cabinet minister Ken Clarke said he hoped there would be a legal challenge to the legislation if it was passed. Lord Clarke of Nottingham told peers: I cant recall a precedent in my time where a government of any complexion has produced a Bill which asserts facts, a matter of facts, facts to be fact. And then goes on to say that this should be regarded legally as a fact interminably until and unless the Bill is changed, and then goes on to say that no court should even consider any question of the facts being otherwise. Labour former shadow attorney general Baroness Chakrabarti said the call for the Bill to comply with the rule of law must be completely incontrovertible for those like the Prime Minister, who now claim to be liberal patriots. Former Lord speaker and independent crossbencher Baroness DSouza said: This Bill subverts the rule of law, the key elements of which are abiding by international law, equality before the law, respect for fundamental human rights and guaranteeing access to the courts. Responding, senior government law officer Lord Stewart of Dirleton said: The Bill and the treaty do not overturn or disregard the Supreme Courts decision, they act upon it. The treaty ensures that people relocated to Rwanda are not at risk of being returned to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} RAF jets were pulled away from protecting Nato from Vladimir Putins Russia to bolster efforts to defend Israel. The Typhoon aircraft were redeployed from Romania to take part in the operation to defend against Tehrans drone and missile barrage. Other Nato allies covered for the RAF in eastern Europe, but the decision has once again put the UKs defence budget under the spotlight with resources stretched around the worlds hotspots. Rishi Sunak has committed to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product a measure of the size of the economy when conditions allow. But he is under pressure from the military and senior Tories to go further and faster due to the current level of global insecurity. Former defence secretary Ben Wallace told the PA news agency: The absurd line, deployed by both political parties that we shall only invest in defence when economic conditions allow have been exposed as a political excuse. We need to invest as the threat determines. Without such investment our security will be at risk and our forces will be stretched. Six RAF Typhoons began air policing missions in the skies above Romania earlier this month, flying alongside their Romanian counterparts. But as it become clear that Iran intended to strike Israel, the Government redeployed jets for operations in the Middle East. We need to invest as the threat determines. Without such investment our security will be at risk and our forces will be stretched Ben Wallace, former defence secretary RAF planes were involved in shooting down kamikaze drones launched by Iran towards Israel. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said the RAF sent Typhoons and tanker aircraft to the region to bolster our existing operation to combat Daesh in Iraq and Syria under Operation Shader. Those jets shot down a number of one-way Iranian attack drones over Iraq and Syria, the spokesman said. The British jets were deployed to backfill in the counter-Daesh role, freeing up US planes to protect Israel. But the Government agreed their mission could also include shooting down drones targeting Israel that flew through the area of operations. On the reinforcements sent from Romania, the spokesman said: We already have a significant presence in the region. But as a prudent measure, we temporarily moved a number of aircraft from Romania to bolster our existing footprint. Allied air forces continue to patrol Nato airspace to ensure it is protected from all threats and we have coordinated with Nato and our allies to ensure there is no gap in Romania. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has argued that 2024 must be an inflexion point in how the UK responds to international threats. The era of the peace dividend is over, he has warned, highlighting Russia, China, Iran and North Korea as potential flashpoints over the next five years. Speaking in the Commons, Conservative former defence minister Mark Francois said: We only have 137 Typhoons and, because of budget pressures, next year the MoD (Ministry of Defence) plan to retire 30 of them and then sell them off, which would now be akin to selling Spitfires before the Battle of Britain. Will the Prime Minister, when he has a moment, go back to this office and place that ridiculous decision under immediate review and, at the very least, put those Typhoons in a war reserve in case one day we need them for ourselves? Mr Sunak replied: He will know that individual equipment and capability decisions will be made by service chiefs in conjunction with ministers. Im happy to look at the point he raised, but I do know were also increasing our purchases of F-35 aircraft and collaborating with Japan and Italy on building the next generation of fighter aircraft. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O'Hare International Airport terminals Monday morning, temporarily stopping vehicle traffic into one of the nation's busiest airports and causing headaches for travelers. Protesters linked arms and blocked lanes of Interstate 190 around 7 a.m., a demonstration they said was part of a global economic blockade to free Palestine, according to Rifqa Falaneh, one of the organizers. Traffic in the San Francisco Bay Area was also snarled for hours Monday morning as pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down both directions of the Golden Gate Bridge and stalled a 17-mile (27-kilometer) stretch of Interstate 880 in Oakland. O'Hare warned travelers on the social platform X to take alternative forms of transportation with car travel substantially delayed this morning due to protest activity. Some travelers stuck in standstill traffic left their cars and walked the final leg to the airport along the freeway, trailing their luggage behind them. Among them was Madeline Hannan from suburban Chicago. She was headed to O'Hare for a work trip to Florida when her and her husband's car ended up stalled for 20 minutes. She got out and both ran and speed walked more than 1 mile. She said she made it to the gate on time, but barely. This was an inconvenience, she said in a telephone interview from Florida. But in the grand scheme of things going on overseas, its a minor inconvenience. While individual travelers may have been affected, operations at the airport appeared near normal with delays of under 15 minutes, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. Inbound traffic toward OHare resumed around 9 a.m. On the Golden Gate Bridge in California, a small number of demonstrators stood by, as did police. Some protesters held a black banner that read Stop the world for Gaza. The iconic bridge was closed off to all auto traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians. In Chicago, dozens of protesters were arrested, according to Falaneh. Chicago police said Monday that multiple people were taken into custody after a protest where people obstructed traffic but did not have a detailed count. Protesters say they chose the location, in part, because OHare is one of the largest airports. Among other things, theyve called for an immediate ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas. Anti- war protesters have demonstrated in Chicago near daily since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people. Israeli warplanes and ground troops have conducted a scorched-earth campaign on the Gaza Strip. The Israeli offensive has killed more than 33,700 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count but says women and children make up two-thirds of the dead. ___ Associated Press writer Janie Har in San Francisco contributed to this report. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has opened a criminal investigation into the massive container ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing the 1.6-mile long structure to collapse. On Monday, FBI agents in Baltimore boarded the Dali container ship to conduct court-authorised law enforcement activity, a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement. The ship struck the bridge in the early hours of 26 March after suddenly losing power, causing eight people to fall into the Patapsco River. Six of those people died. The investigation will allegedly examine whether or not the crew knew the vessel had problems before leaving the port, officials familiar with the matter told The Washington Post. The FBIs criminal investigation is separate from the National Transportation Safety Boards (NTSB) investigation to determine the cause of the crash and safety measures. A spokesperson for the FBI in Baltimore said they had no other public information or comment available at this time. In an aerial view, salvage crews continue to remove wreckage from the cargo ship ( Getty Images ) In March, the nearly 1,000-foot-long cargo ship struck the bridge just moments after departing from a port in Baltimore. The vessel suddenly lost power, leading the crew to issue a mayday call. However, Dali was moving at a very, very rapid speed, according to Maryland Governor Wes Moore. It then crashed into the bridge, causing it to split and collapse. Construction workers managed to stop vehicles from passing across the Francis Scott Key Bridge as Dali approached. Six of those construction workers fell into the water and died. The NTSBs independent investigation is expected to release a preliminary report in a few weeks. The agency retrieved the cargo ships black box the voyage data recorder which could help provide specific location and time details and other insights regarding the ships loss of power. A final report could take up to two years to produce. In the meantime, local and state officials with support from federal funding are working swiftly to remove debris from the crash and begin reconstruction efforts on the bridge. President Joe Biden has directed the federal government to provide as much support as needed to help rebuild the bridge. Opened in 1977, the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a crucial part of US shipping transportation and spans one of the busiest shipping routes in the US. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The armourer on the movie Rust, who was convicted of manslaughter last month, trashed jurors in jailhouse calls following the verdict, prosecutors said. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed described the jury as idiots and a**holes, prosecutors said, after they reached a verdict in two hours. The 26-year-old is to be sentenced on Monday in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter over the 2021 accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed when a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin fired a live round of ammunition during filming. Hutchins was hit in the chest and Joel Souza, the director, was struck by a bullet in the stomach. Mr Souza survived his injuries but Hutchins did not. New Mexico prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty for Gutierrez-Reed, arguing that the jailhouse calls to her mother, boyfriend, and her attorneys paralegal make clear her complete and total failure to accept responsibility for her actions," according to court filings on Friday. Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed pictured in court on 5 March, 2024 ( AP ) Prosecutors have asked that she spend 18 months in jail, the longest possible sentence for the charges, according to CNN. Shes also expected to pay a $5,000 fine. Her attorneys are hoping to avoid the maximum sentence and to secure a conditional discharge for the 26-year-old. They have asked for probation, citing her lack of a criminal record. In calls from jail, Gutierrez-Reed blamed Hutchins death on the doctor and paramedics on set. She also claimed that the judge and special prosecutors office conspired against her, the outlet reported. Prosecutors said that Gutierrez-Reed complained during her phone conversations about how the shooting has affected her life while never expressing genuine remorse at any time. During her two-week trial, prosecutors said that Gutierrez-Reed repeatedly failed to maintain proper firearm safety, resulting in negligence that led to Hutchins death. Colleagues called the armourer sloppy and unprofessional. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed on the set of Rust moments after Halyna Hutchins was shot in 2021 Gutierrez-Reed's primary job was maintaining, controlling, and ensuring the safe handling of firearms and ammunition on set. Prosecutors argued that the live round that killed Hutchins was pulled from Gutierrez-Reed's work station on the day of the incident. She routinely left firearms and ammunition lying around the set, prosecutors said. The jury was shown videos of numerous instances in which firearms were not being handled properly by actors. One clip showed Gutierrez-Reed holding a shotgun with the barrel pointed up at her own head. Alec Baldwin will go on trial in July for involuntary manslaughter over Hutchins death. Baldwin pleaded not guilty in January. Prosecutors say his actions led to safety compromises. Gutierrez-Reed insisted she would not testify at Baldwins trial because he did not speak in her defence. Alec Baldwin on the Rust film set in costume ( Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office ) Her attorneys have called her a scapegoat for Baldwin. The jury previously acquitted Gutierrez-Reed of a tampering with evidence charge. Shes facing a separate charge of unlawful carrying of a firearm in a licensed liquor establishment, unrelated to the movie-set shooting. Gutierrez-Reed is being held at Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility, where shes been since 6 March. Shes the first person to be put on trial for the Rust movie shooting. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Four people have been arrested for murder after two women went missing in Oklahoma last month. Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, were on their way to pick up Butlers children but never made it to their final destination. Their car was found abandoned near Highway 95, just south of the Kansas and Oklahoma borders. Authorities quickly determined that foul play was a factor in their disappearance. Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Cole Earl Twombly, 50 and Cora Twombly were arrested and charged with murder in connection with the disappearance of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39. ( Texas County Sheriffs Department ) On Saturday, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation announced that Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Cole Earl Twombly, 50 and Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron counties. All of the suspects have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree. Authorities are still searching for the two victims. Information for the suspects was not immediately available on Oklahomas inmate database. Officials have not released any additional information about the crime. Close Chad Daybell trial: Former friend testifies The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Melanie Gibb, the former friend of Lori Vallow, was served with a subpoena during a break in Chad Daybells triple murder trial in Boise, Idaho on Thursday. Daybells defence attorney John Prior told her she had to accept to the papers. Ms Gibb was called by the prosecution to testify in the case a year after she testified at Vallows trial about the couples extreme religious beliefs. Daybell, 55, is on trial for the murders of Vallows children, Tylee Ryan, 16, and JJ, seven, as well as his then-wife Tammy Daybell, who died suddenly in her sleep in October 2019. Weeks later, Daybell married Vallow. Nine months after the children were last seen, they were found on Daybells property in Rexburg, Idaho. Prosecutors say his desire for sex, power, and money led to their murders. Mr Prior, however, said his client was manipulated by Vallow. Last year, Vallow was convicted in the three murders and sentenced to life in prison. Jurors heard how she, Mr Daybell and her late brother Alex Cox were fuelled, in part, by their bizarre cult beliefs. If convicted, Mr Daybell faces either the death penalty or life in prison. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The distraught parents of Christian Glass left the courtroom on Monday moments before prosecutors played graphic bodycam footage from the sheriffs deputy charged with murdering their son. Glass, 22, was killed in June 2022, less than two hours after calling 911 when his car became stuck off a rural dirt road late at night near the tiny mining town of Silver Plume, about 47 miles west of Denver, Colorado. Former Clear Creek County Sheriffs deputy Andrew Buen has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and first-degree official misconduct in connection with Glasss killing. Buen was the first officer to arrive on scene with his partner. Six officers from five different law enforcement agencies arrived later. On Monday morning, Sally and Simon Glass exited the courtroom before the 13 women and two men in the jury box were shown Buens bodycam footage from the night. One juror subtly shook her head and stared open-mouthed as the footage played. Christian Glass, 22, was killed on 10 June, 2022 after calling 911 for help when his car became stuck on a rural road ( The Glass Family ) Jurors were shown almost the entirety of the footage, with prosecutors ending the tape after Glasss body was pulled from the drivers seat of his car. Soon after Buen and shift partner Deputy Tim Collins arrived, Glass can be heard asking in the video whether they are going to shoot him. He also requests they tow his vehicle to the police station, telling officers he is scared to leave the car while visibly terrified. Instead, Buen demands repeatedly that Glass exit the vehicle. Officers spend more than an hour trying to convince Glass to get out, offering everything from food and drinks to cigarettes. He makes heart shapes with his hands and shows off rocks and crystals in the car that he has gathered as an amateur geologist. I see you doing the heart thing with your hands; we love you too, Idaho Springs Police Officer Brittany Morrow tells him. We just want you to be safe. Georgetown Marshal Randy Williams, who also spends significant time trying to coax Christian gently from the car, tells him: Were not going to give you a hard time later adding: Youre not scaring me ... were just worried about you. Its not long, however, before the situation esalates as officers try to break windows and remove Christian from the car, using tasers, bean bag rounds and shouted orders. Glass, during the effort, thrashes around, grabs a small knife and begins gesturing towards an officer from inside the vehicle. Shots can be heard on the bodycam footage. Glass was pronounced dead at the scene. The bodycam also included a muted private phone call between Buen and Sgt Kyle Gould, who was supervising remotely, and gave the order to breach the vehicle. Body camera footage worn by Colorado officers show law enforcements interaction with Christian Glass, 22, during which his family believes he was suffering a mental health episode ( Glass family lawyers/video screengrab ) Gould pleaded guilty last year to lesser charges and has been stripped of his peace officer certification. The six other officers on scene have been charged with duty to intervene - essentially failure to stop the escalation of events. Buen, who was terminated from the department following the charges, wore a collared shirt and dark suit to court on Monday. Clean shaven with thick-rimmed eye glasses, he alternately watched the bodycam footage, took notes and sipped water, The video was played during the second day of the trial. During opening arguments on Friday, prosecutors told jurors that Buen had seemed intent from the outset upon getting Christian out of the vehicle, acting in an aggressive, excessive and criminal manner despite verbally acknowledging there had been a car crash and there was likely an ongoing mental crisis. Buens defence lawyers questioned Glasss sobriety and argued that the responding officers had to consider public safety. Christian Glass smiles with his parents, Sally and Simon Glass, from England and New Zealand, respectively ( The Glass Family ) Fridays opening arguments were followed by testimony from 911 operator Paige Kincaid, and the call that Glass made. Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Derek Graham, who interviewed Buen in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, took the stand on Monday. That videotaped interview was also shown to jurors on Monday. In it, Buen tells Graham that Christian was initially compliant but describes the 22-year-olds mood as a rollercoaster. He says he saw Christian, in the driver seat, gesturing with the knife in his right hand back over his left shoulder towards a broken out back window, near Williams position. I was in fear that Williams was gonna get caught with that blade, Buen says in the interview, though he also admits he never saw Williams actually within Christians vehicle. Jurors on Monday were also shown body cam footage from Collins, who was on the hood of the car for portions of the events. Other witnesses expected to testify include Christian Glasss mother, and a use of force expert who testified in the George Floyd case. The trial took recess for the evening at 4.30pm. It is scheduled to continue Tuesday morning. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two bodies have been found in rural Oklahoma, a day after four people were arrested over the disappearance of two women. Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, were on their way to pick up Butlers children last month but never made it to their final destination. Their car was found abandoned near Highway 95, just south of the Kansas and Oklahoma borders. On Saturday, authorities announced that four people had been arrested in connection with the suspicious disappearance of the women, both of whom are thought to be mothers. In an update on Sunday, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Information (OSBI) said that two bodies had been recovered in rural Texas County on Sunday. Both of the bodies have been transported to the Medical Examiners Office to determine their identities, as well as the cause and manner of death. Cole Earl Twombly, Tad Bert Cullum, Tifany Machel Adams, and Cora Twombly were arrested and charged with murder in connection with the disappearance of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley ( Texas County Sheriffs Department ) The bodies were recovered just over two weeks after law enforcement officials in Oklahoma said they were beginning the search for Ms Kelley, a wife of a pastor in Hugoton, a small city in Kansas, and Ms Butler, who were driving to pick up Ms Butlers children to attend a birthday party. Yet, the two women never showed up. On Saturday, the OSBI announced that Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Cole Earl Twombly, 50 and Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron counties. All of the suspects have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree. Authorities quickly determined that foul play was a factor in their disappearance, and branded the case as suspicious from the start. The car that the women were believed to be travelling in at the time that they went missing was found abandoned on the side of a road in Texas County, Oklahoma, prompting a search that has continued since the end of March. After the OSBI assessed information obtained from the victims vehicle, investigators believed there was evidence to indicate foul play. Officials have not released any additional information about the crime, what led to the arrests, or where exactly the bodies were found. Before the two deceased people were recovered, authorities said they were searching the rural area where the abandoned vehicle was found in Texas County, approximately 11 miles south of Elkhart, Kansas. The area is about 260 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. The investigation into this case is still ongoing and anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} One of the four people arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering two women in Oklahoma is the paternal grandmother to one of the victims children. Tifany Machel Adams, 54, was arrested on Saturday after two bodies, believed to be Veronica Butler and her friend Jilian Kelley, were discovered. The women vanished two weeks ago on the way to pick up their children. Ms Adams is grandmother to Ms Butlers two children, aged six and eight, KVII reported. NewsNation also reported that the children may have recently stayed with their grandmother, and Ms Butler and Ms Adams had a difficult relationship. Veronica Butler, left, and Jilian Kelley, right. On Saturday, April 13, 2024, Oklahoma authorities said they arrested and charged four people with murder and kidnapping over the weekend in connection with the disappearances of the two Oklahoma women ( AP ) Ms Butler, 27, and Ms Kelley, 39, disappeared on 30 March in rural Texas County en route to Eva, Oklahoma. The women were reportedly going to pick up Ms Butlers children to attend a birthday party when they disappeared, Tim Singer, Ms Butlers pastor from Hugoton Assembly of God told ABC News. Their car was found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L. Law enforcement treated their disappearance as suspicious from the beginning. Texas County Sheriff Matt Boley told reporters on Monday that when his deputies first got to the scene things just werent adding up. According to NewsNation, Ms Butler was in a custody battle with her childrens father and filed a petition with the court for full custody ten days before she disappeared. The others arrested over the womens disappearance were Tad Bert Cullum, 43, who KVII claims is Ms Adams boyfriend, Cole Earl Twombly, 50 and Cora Twombly, 44. Clockwise from top left: Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Cora Twombly, 44, Tifany Machel Adams, 54, and Cole Earl Twombly, 50, were arrested and charged with murder ( AP ) The Twomblys are married, according to court records seen by The Independent. But their connection to the other two suspects is unclear at this time. The four have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree. Law enforcement have not confirmed the bodies to be those of Ms Butler and Ms Kelley. Following the arrests, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed that officers found there was evidence to indicate foul play shortly after the abandoned car was discovered. At a briefing on Monday morning, investigators were not able to give many more details on the case, saying that investigations were still underway. However, officials did say they did not believe the two women were still alive. This case did not end the way we had hoped. It has certainly been a tragedy for everyone involved, OSBI Director Aungela Spurlock told reporters. Our condolences go out to the family. District Attorney George H. Leach III said that arrest warrants were originally sealed to protect the children caught up in the case. We were successful. No shots were fired and the children were kept out of harms way, the DA said of the arrests. Those files have now been unsealed and The Independent has requested copies. There were people who thought law enforcement was asleep, that they werent doing anything Mr Leach said at Mondays briefing, explaining the multi-agency response. Were probably talking in the range of a hundred law enforcement officers, truly no exaggeration, working night and day for fifteen days. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The armourer from the film Rust sobbed as she was given the maximum 18 month-sentence on Monday. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 26, dressed in prison overalls, broke down at her sentencing hearing in Santa Fe, New Mexico when her term was read. In March, Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter last month over the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The 42-year-old was rehearsing a scene with the films producer and star Alec Baldwin when he drew a replica pistol and fired. But the gun contained a live round which hit Hutchins, mother of a young son, in the chest and killed her. Earling in Mondays hearing, Gutierrez-Reed listened to victim impact statements. Gutierrez-Reed maintained her composure throughout almost all of her trial, but was brought to tears numerous times as Hutchins loved ones explained in detail the pain they felt in the aftermath of the fatal shooting. The familys attorney, Gloria Allred, read a statement in court from Hutchins mother, Olga Solovey, who lives in Kyiv, Ukraine. Videos were also played of the family. Time does not heal, it simply prolongs my pain and suffering, Allred said, on behalf of Ms Solovey. I have hope that the guilty, those that are responsible for the death of my daughter, will be punished fairly and be sentenced justly. Justice must prevail. Olga Solovey, the mother of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, giving a victim impact statement from her home in Kiev, Ukraine, at the sentencing hearing of the films armourer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. ( screengrab/CourtTV ) Joel Souza, the director on Rust, also addressed the court. Mr Souza was wounded on set when the bullet that killed Hutchins exited her body and hit him in the shoulder. He said that he wished for Hutchins to still be alive and for all of the people affected by the shooting to be at peace. I want everyone damaged by Ms Reed's failures that day to find peace ... I want the pain to go away, I want to be the person I was before this happened, and above all I want Halyna to be back with her husband and son in the home she never got to live in, he told the court. Guttierez-Reed gave a statement to the court shortly before her sentencing, saying she hoped those affected by this god-awful tragedy found peace, and that she was thankful Mr Souza survived the incident. She also said Hutchins was and continues to be an inspiration to her. She also complained that the media coverage of the shooting unfairly characterised her as an unrepentant monster. Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, during her sentencing hearing in Santa Fe, New Mexico ( screengrab/CourtTV ) I am saddened by the way the media sensationalised our traumatic tragedy and portrayed me as a complete monster, which has actually been the total opposite of what's been in my heart, she said. The jury has found me in part at fault for this god-awful tragedy, but that doesn't make me a monster, that makes me human. Gutierrez-Reeds father and famed Hollywood armourer, Thell Reed, also gave a brief statement. He said the while the shooting was a horrible tragedy for that wonderful lady, that it would also be a tragedy to put my daughter Hannah in a penitentiary for that. He insisted that it was not Gutierrez-Reeds fault that the live rounds ended up in Baldwins gun. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer was not moved by Gutierrez-Reeds statement and noted jailhouse phone conversations she had after she was convicted as evidence that she had not taken accountability for her role in Hutchins death. "While you've heard [Gutierrez-Reeds] concerns that she'll never work again as an armourer ... have her concerns changed? No, the judge said. Here's what she says: this 'whole thing has been a character attack' on her. Just recently in her allocution, 'I'm not a monster.'" She also mentioned that Gutierrez-Reed was complaining in jailhouse calls that the trial was taking up too much of her life, and that it was "messing up her modeling career". The judge further pointed out that Gutierrez-Reed said on the phone that "people have accidents" and that it's an "unfortunate part of life", and that she should not be sent to prison over an accident. "A conditional discharge is not appropriate," the judge said, before sentencing her to the max of 18 months in a women's correctional facility. The films producer and lead start, Baldwin, will go to trial in July on involuntary manslaughter charges relating to Hutchins death. Alec Baldwin in costume on the set of Rust. He faces involuntary manslaughter charges in the shooting death of the films cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins ( Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office ) Prosecutors had asked that Gutierrez-Reed spend 18 months behind bars, the longest sentence possible. On set, Gutierrez-Reeds job was to make sure all firearms and ammunition were accounted for, controlled, and safely handled. The prosecutors' case centered on Gutierrez-Reed's lack of professionalism when compared to other Hollywood armourers. She routinely left firearms and ammunition lying around the set, prosecutors said, describing her work as sloppy. The jury was shown videos of numerous instances in which firearms were not being handled properly by actors. One clip showed Gutierrez-Reed holding a shotgun with the barrel pointed up at her own head. Witnesses who worked on the set testified that her work station was less organised than other armourers theyd worked with in the past. Ross Addiego, who worked as a dolly grip on Rust, told the court that he had worked with at least a dozen other armourers during his career and described them as uptight and anal retentive because they typically hold the lives of others in their hands. By contrast, he said Gutierez-Reed was less professional than those armourers, noting that he would see ammunition and gunbelts lying around the set unsecured. She wasnt necessarily as serious or professional as I am accustomed to with the other armourers that Im familiar with, Mr Addiego testified. I dont know that Ive ever seen an armourer pull loose ammo out of a fanny pack. Baldwin Set Shooting ( Santa Fe New Mexican ) Her defence had argued that Baldwin and the film's production team used Gutierrez-Reed as a scapegoat. They argued that it was Baldwin who pulled the trigger, and that his influence created a rushed, dangerous climate on set. They added that Gutierrez-Reed was doing her best to keep up but was thwarted by unrealistic expectations from the production team. Youre going hear again Mr Baldwin one of the lead producers, head actor in the movie, who really controlled the set youre going to hear that he violated some of the most basic gun-safety rules you can ever learn, Gutierrez-Reeds defence attorney, Jason Bowles said during his opening arguments. From a young age, we all learn you dont point a gun at somebody ever unless you want to shoot them. You treat all guns as loaded, and you keep your finger out of the trigger until youre ready to shoot. [Baldwin] violated all those. In calls from jail made to her mother, boyfriend and her attorneys paralegal, Gutierrez-Reed has blamed Hutchins death on the doctor and paramedics on set. She also claimed that the judge and special prosecutors office conspired against her and called the jurors who convicted her "idiots" and "a**holes," according to prosecutors filings on Friday. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armourer who worked on the set of Rust, has been sentenced to 18 months in a women's correctional facility in New Mexico after she was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. The sentence was handed down Monday after Gutierrez-Reed's defence attorneys tried, without success, to convince the judge to give her probation instead of prison time. Gutierrez-Reed won't be the only person to face trial over the cinematographer's death this year; the producer and lead actor on Rust, Alec Baldwin, has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter in Hutchinss death. He also faces a maximum of 18 months in prison and a potential $5,000 fine. His trial is scheduled to begin on 10 July. While Gutierrez-Reed was responsible for firearms maintenance and safety on set, it was Baldwin who was holding the gun when Hutchins was shot and killed. With Gutierrez-Reed headed for prison, what does this mean for Baldwin? The 65-year-old, known for his roles as Jack Ryan in The Hunt for Red October and as Jack Donaghy on NBC's 30 Rock sitcom, produced and starred in Rust. The Western used numerous props and replicas of era-appropriate firearms. Alec Baldwin, appearing here at the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala, will go to court to face involuntary manslaughter charges on 10 July ( AFP via Getty Images ) Baldwin, Hutchins, and director Joel Souza were rehearsing a scene on 21 October 2021 when he performed a cross-draw with his replica pistol. The pistol which had inadvertently been loaded with a live round by Gutierrez-Reed earlier that day fired, hitting Hutchins in the chest, passing through her, and then wounding Mr Souza. Hutchins, 42, died from the wound. Mr Souza survived. Baldwin was indicted by a grand jury in January. He entered a not-guilty plea later that month. The actor's indictment was the second time he was charged over Hutchins's death. He was previously charged in January 2023 and pleaded not guilty to that charge as well. Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies stepped away from the case in March 2024 after Baldwin's attorneys moved to have the special prosecutor leading the investigation, Andrea Reeb, disqualified from the proceedings. Baldwin's attorneys argued that Ms Reeb, who also serves in the state's House of Representatives, could not simultaneously exercise both legislative and judicial power under the law, ABC News reports. Ms Reeb ultimately agreed to step down. "It has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts, which clearly show a complete disregard for basic safety protocols led to the death of Halyna Hutchins," she said during a statement. Prosecutors formally dismissed Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter charges the following month, citing new evidence and a need for further investigation, but insisting that the case was still open and under investigation. By January 2024, prosecutors believed they had enough evidence to prove that Baldwin had "criminal culpability" in Hutchinss death and called a grand jury. A musician plays a violin behind a photograph of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a vigil in her honor in Albuquerque, N.M ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In addition to holding the gun that fired the shot that killed Hutchins, Baldwin has been accused by the defence attorneys representing Gutierrez-Reed of running a rushed, unsafe production. During Gutierrez-Reed's trial, witnesses described unplanned firearms discharges and a set unlike others they had worked on. Ross Addiego, who worked as a dolly grip on the film, said he was used to having safety meetings daily sometimes more than once a day on other sets, but recalled Rust only calling a single safety meeting. Witnesses also told the court that a crew of seven camera operators walked off the set on the morning that Hutchins died, citing safety concerns following the accidental firearm discharges and issues with their housing. There were no safety meetings. There was no assurance that [accidental discharges] wouldnt happen again, a crew member who walked off-set told the Los Angeles Times. All they wanted to do was rush, rush, rush. Last week, prosecutors issued a legal filing arguing that safety compromises on Rusts set were the result of Baldwin having absolutely no control of his own emotions. The filing claims that Baldwin frequently cursed and screamed at his crew and that he demanded Gutierrez-Reed work faster. Alec Baldwin in costume on the set of Rust ( Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office ) To watch Mr Baldwins conduct on the set of Rust is to witness a man who has absolutely no control of his own emotions and absolutely no concern for how his conduct affects those around him, prosecutor Kari Morrissey, who also led the states case against Gutierrez-Reed, wrote in the filing. Witnesses have testified that it was this exact conduct that contributed to safety compromises on set. In addition to his conduct on set, one of the key questions likely to come up during Baldwin's trial is whether or not he actually pulled the trigger on the replica gun that fired and killed Hutchins. Baldwin had maintained that he never pulled the trigger and that the replica malfunctioned and fired on its own. During Gutierrez-Reed's trial, Bryce Ziegler, an FBI firearms expert who tested the replica, said that it would have been impossible for the gun to fire without the trigger being pulled. Mr Ziegler said he had to break the pistol with a mallet before he could force it to fire without a trigger pull. In his opening statements, Gutierrez-Reed's defence attorney, Jason Bowles, pointed the blame directly at Baldwin and accused him and the other producers of using his client as an easy target in an effort to avoid blame for Hutchins death. Youre going hear again Mr Baldwin one of the lead producers, head actor in the movie, who really controlled the set youre going to hear that he violated some of the most basic gun-safety rules you can ever learn, he said. From a young age, we all learn you dont point a gun at somebody ever unless you want to shoot them. You treat all guns as loaded, and you keep your finger out of the trigger until youre ready to shoot. [Baldwin] violated all those. Following his indictment, Baldwins attorneys said We look forward to our day in court. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Famed author Salman Rushdie has given his first major televised interview after the stabbing that nearly killed him two years ago. Mr Rushdie was repeatedly stabbed in 2022 while preparing to deliver a lecture on free speech in New York. The vicious stabbing put the author in the hospital for six weeks and left him blind in one eye. The attack came after an assassination order was placed on Mr Rushdie called a fatwa in 1989 because of his novel, The Satanic Verses. His 1988 novel generated massive controversy and Irans former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, declared it blasphemous because of its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad. While the fatwa was later lifted, Mr Rushdie went into hiding for a period before rejoining public life. Mr Rushdie, in conversation with Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, said the US is facing a bad moment for free speech and criticised both sides of the political aisle. It used to be the case that very conservative voices were the places from which you would hear that such and such books should be banned or is obscene or disgusting or whatever, Mr Rushdie told Mr Cooper in the interview televised Sunday. The thing thats different now is that its also coming from progressive voices that there are progressive voices saying that certain kinds of speech should be not permitted, because it offends against this or that vulnerable group, Mr Rushdie continued. Mr Rushdie also told Mr Cooper about the day he was nearly killed. He gave a chilling account of how he dreamt of the attack just two days before it happened. I said to my wife, Eliza, I said, You know, I dont want to go, Mr Rushdie said. Because of the dream. And then I thought, Dont be silly. Its a dream. Salman Rushdie, pictured in October 2023, gave his first televised interview since he was attacked and nearly killed in 2022 over his 1988 novel ( AFP via Getty Images ) Mr Rushdie is releasing a new memoir that will hit shelves on Tuesday. Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder focuses on his experience of the 2022 attack. He read passages of the memoir on 60 Minutes, sharing one section about the moments leading up to the stabbing. In the corner of my right eye the last thing my right eye would ever see I saw the man in black running toward me down the right-hand side of the seating area, Mr Rushdie read. Black clothes, black face mask. He was coming in hard and low. A squat missile. I confess, I had sometimes imagined my assassin rising up in some public forum or other, and coming for me in just this way, he continued. So my first thought when I saw this murderous shape rushing towards me was, So its you. Here you are. Hadi Matar is accused of attacking Rushdie and has been held without bail since the August 2022 attack. I dont like the person. I dont think hes a very good person, Mr Matar previously told officials. Hes someone who attacked Islam, he attacked their beliefs, the belief systems. Mr Matars trial, initially scheduled to begin in January, is currently on hold after his attorneys argued they need time to review Mr Rushdies forthcoming memoir, which may be used as evidence. In a section of his memoir, Mr Rushdie addresses his assaillant with powerful words: Our lives touched each other for an instant and then separated. Mine has improved since that day, by yours has deteriorated. You made a bad gamble. I was the one with the luck. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The US Supreme Court has allowed Idaho to enforce a ban on minors receiving gender-affirming healthcare, overturning a district court judges previous decision. The law HB 71 sought to prohibit minors in the state from receiving puberty blockers, hormones and other treatments. It was due to go into effect on 1 January 2024. Under the law, clinicians would have faced up to 10 years in prison if they provided such treatment to those under 18. Idaho officials filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court last year, asking that they allow the ban to go into effect while further litigation continues. On Monday the Supreme Courts liberal majority objected to the decision. HB 71 also known as the Vulnerbale Child Protection Act was adopted by Idaho in 2023. However, before it could be put into effect, the families of two trangender teens sued the states attorney general and a local prosecutor in federal district court. The children and their parents alleged that, without access to puberty blockers and estrogen, the two minor plaintiffs aged 16 and 17 respectively would likely suffer serious mental health problems. Mondays ruling overturned a previous decision by a district court judge in Idaho ( Idaho Statesman ) Both attested to how the medical treatment improved their mental health and claimed that the ban violated protections laid out in the US Constitution. Shortly after filing the suit, the plaintiffs asked the district court to issue a preliminary injunction, which the district court agreed to. The court issued a universal injunction meaning state officials were prevented from enforcing the law completely and indefinitely until the litigation was concluded. In Mondays filing the Supreme Court liberal majorit granted the families permission to continue accessing their treatments, but allowed the state to press ahead largely with its enforcment of the law. The US Supreme Court currently holds a 6-3 conservative majority, and the decision ruled that the district courts injunction was too broad. Conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, in an opinion explaining his vote to allow the law to be enforced, said the lower court had gone much further than needed in putting the entire law on hold. The Supreme Court's intervention should be viewed as a "welcome development," he said. Early in the litigation below, the district court issued a preliminary injunction. Ordinarily, injunctions like these may go no further than necessary to provide interim relief tothe parties, he Justice Gorsuch wrote. HB 71 also known as the Vulnerbale Child Protection Act was adopted by Idaho in 2023 ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In this case, however, the district court went much further, prohibiting a State from enforcing any aspect of ts duly enacted law against anyone. Today, the Court stays the district courts injunction to the extent it applies to nonparties, which is to say to the extent it provides universal relief. That is a welcome development. Justices Brett Kavanugh, and Amy Coney Barrett also agreed with Justice Gorsuch in their own written opinions. In a dissenting opinion, liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said the case presents numerous reasons for exercising restraint but instead, the court had decided to step in and was guilty of micromanaging the lower courts. HB 71 was signed by Idahos governor Brad Little in April 2023, adding the state to a grouping of more than 20 others that have passed such bans including Kentucky and Tennessee. Many of these states face lawsuits challenging the harsh laws. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in 2023 alone, 510 bills anti-LGBTQ+ measures were introduced across the US; 137 of these bills attempted to limit healthcare for trans individuals. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former president Donald Trumps legal team has used various defences for and attempts to delay his hush money case in which he is accused of 34 counts of falsifying business records. None of them so far have worked. The first-ever criminal case against a sitting or former president began on Monday 15 April, with opening statements now expected on Monday 22 April. The case hinges on his efforts to conceal so-called hush money payments one of which totalled $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels. Ahead of the 2016 presidential election, Mr Trumps then-lawyer Michael Cohen gave the money to Ms Daniels to prevent her from discussing her alleged 2006 affair with Mr Trump which is said to have occurred one year after Mr Trump married Melania. Mr Trumps reaction to the hush money payment has gone through a rollercoaster of an evolution, landing him now in criminal court. Here is a list of all of Mr Trumps defences ahead of his hush money trial: Claiming he didnt know about the payment Mr Trump at first repeatedly denied that the payment existed as well as the affair. The Wall Street Journal first reported in January 2018 that Michael Cohen had given $130,000 in October 2016 to Ms Daniels in exchange for her silence about the Trump affair. These are old, recycled reports, which were published and strongly denied prior to the election, a White House official told the outlet dismissively. Cohen also told the publication: President Trump once again vehemently denies any such occurrence as has Ms. Daniels. In February, however, Cohen sang to a different tune, claiming that he personally had paid Ms Daniels ahead of the election. He added that he paid the adult film star with his own money and hadnt been ordered to pay her by Mr Trump or his campaign, further claiming that Mr Trump hadnt reimbursed him for the payment. By March, Ms Daniels claimed she and Mr Trump had had an affair in 2006, and even filed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement that she had signed. On 5 April, 2018, Mr Trump was asked on Air Force One about the $130,000 payment for Stormy Daniels. The then-president denied any knowledge of the payment made by his personal attorney Michael Cohen for porn star Stormy Daniels. He said, You have to ask Michael. When asked if he knew where the money came from, he said, No. I dont. Blaming Michael Cohen Weeks after his denial in April 2018, Mr Trump admitted on Fox and Friends that Cohen represented him in a tiny, tiny little fraction of his legal work, which included this crazy Stormy Daniels deal. The then-president added, he did absolutely nothing wrong. A month later, his previous stance began to unravel. Mr Trump confessed in a tweet that Cohen was reimbursed for the payment and that the non-disclosure agreement existed but again denied the affair ever occurred. Cohen also later testified that he had been reimbursed by Mr Trump for this payment, walking back his previous statement. The agreement was used to stop the false and extortionist accusations made by her about an affair, despite already having signed a detailed letter admitting that there was no affair, he wrote. In May of that year, the then-president signed a financial disclosure form, revealing that he had reimbursed Cohen in 2017 for an amount between $100,001 and $250,000. However, court documents from August of that year showed that Cohen was paid $420,000 in total, highlighting an apparent discrepancy. By June, Mr Trump said he was no longer represented by Cohen. Two months later, in August 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to charges of tax evasion, making false statements to a federally-insured bank, and campaign finance violations. He testified to prosecutors that he made the payments to Ms Daniels and Karen McDougal at the direction of a candidate for federal office. After Cohens guilty plea, Mr Trumps new personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, said, There is no allegation of any wrongdoing against the president in the governments charges against Mr. Cohen. Not a campaign contribution Mr Trump shifted his defence strategy again later that year, after his former fixer had pleaded guilty. Once again contradicting his past claims, Cohen testified that he made the payments for the principal purpose of influencing the [2016 presidential] election. By December, Mr Trump posted on Twitter, labelling the hush money payments a simple private transaction. He also said the transaction had been wrongly labelled as a campaign contribution. He echoed this to Reuters, saying the Daniels payment wasnt a campaign contribution and there was no violation based on what we did. Statute of limitations Years later, in January 2023, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg began presenting evidence about the payments to a grand jury, the New York Times reported. This is just the latest act by the Manhattan D.A. in their never-ending, politically motivated witch hunt, the Trump Organization told the outlet in a statement. In March, Mr Bragg then invited the former president to testify in the probe. On Truth Social, Mr Trump once again branded the investigation a political witch-hunt and added that the statute of limitations has long since ended. In September 2023, Mr Trumps lawyers ran with that statute-of-limitations claim among others in a filing requesting to dismiss the indictment. New York law says that most felonies must be prosecuted within five years of their commission. However, there are exceptions, like if a defendant is living out of state say, if he serves as President of the United States and is working out of Washington, DC. There was also an extension on the statute of limitations for prosecution of these offences during the Covid-19 pandemic. The DAs office cited these exceptions in its response; the judge rejected Mr Trumps claim in March 2024. Multiplicitous counts In this same September document, Mr Trumps lawyers contended that he was being charged multiple times for the same 11 reimbursement checks made to Cohen. If multiple charges are based on the same payment, the charges are multiplicitous and must be dismissed, Mr Trumps lawyers wrote. In November, Mr Braggs office, in turn, argued that the charges are not multiplicitous because each count is based on a separate allegedly false entry in the business records of the Trump Organization. The DAs office clearly enumerated the 34 counts: one count for each of eleven invoices, one count for each of twelve ledger entries, and one count for each of eleven checks held by the Trump Organization. Judge Juan Merchan rejected this argument from Mr Trumps legal team as well. Impermissibly targeted In line with his political witch hunt claims, Mr Trump, via his lawyers, also argued in September 2023 that he was impermissibly targeted for prosecution. His lawyers argued that the charges against Mr Trump arose from political pressure so they should be dismissed. The DAs office called Mr Trumps claim meritless, adding, this case is proceeding on the same prosecution theory as hundreds of others: defendant allegedly lied in corporate records to cover up other criminal activity. Defendant therefore cannot show selective enforcement. Judge Merchan also rejected this argument from Mr Trump. Misconduct allegations In March, Mr Trumps attorneys levelled allegations of misconduct against the DAs office over the production of thousands of pages of documents from federal prosecutors pertaining to Cohen not long before the trials start. Mr Bragg had already proposed a 30-day delay due to the massive document dump. The judge held a hearing the same day that the hush money trial was intitially set to begin to hear both sides. He determined the DAs office was not at fault for the late production of documents, adding that the office has been engaged in good faith efforts related to discovery. Judge Merchan granted a 30-day delay in the trial, pushing the start date to 15 April. He then scolded Mr Trumps lawyers for launching such serious claims without adequate legal support. The allegation that the defence makes in all of your papers about the Peoples misconduct is incredibly serious. Unbelievably serious, he told Trump lawyer Todd Blanche. You are literally accusing the Manhattan DAs office and the people prosecuting this case, and trying to make me complicit in it. And you dont have a single cite to support that position? Advice-of-counsel In a mid-March filing, Mr Trumps attorneys notified the court that he intends to rely on the defense of advice-of-counsel, arguing in part that he cannot be held responsible for the crimes he was charged with because he was acting on the advice of his lawyers. However, his current lawyers clarified that Mr Trump wont assert a formal advice-of-counsel defence. They said this means that while the former president plans to elicit evidence concerning the presence, involvement and advice of lawyers in relevant events, he would not be forced to give up his attorney-client privilege and require him to disclose confidential communications or other privileged materials. Immunity defence Mr Trumps defence attorneys asked New York Judge Juan Merchan to adjourn the trial as the Supreme Court reviews his presidential immunity claim scheduled for 25 April. His legal team wrote in a March 2024 filing that Mr Trumps Twitter account was an official communications channel during his Presidency, to communicate with the public regarding matters of public concern. The filing didnt mention the fact that the payment was made before he took office. On 3 April, Judge Merchan shot down Mr Trumps attempt to get the trial delayed on presidential immunity grounds, saying the former presidents filing was untimely. He added that the court would not consider presidential immunity precludes the introduction of evidence of purported official presidential acts in a criminal proceeding. Efforts against Judge Juan Merchan Then there were efforts to stall the case. Mr Trumps defence attorneys accused the judge of having ongoing financial interest tied to the former presidents criminal trial due to his daughters job at the digital consulting firm Authentic Campaigns. Under these circumstances, Your Honor has an interest in this case that warrants recusal, there is an unacceptable risk that the Courts family relationships will influence judicial conduct, and the Courts impartiality might reasonably be questioned, Mr Blanche wrote on 2 April. Judge Juan Merchan ( AP ) There is simply nothing new here that would alter this Courts prior conclusion that nothing about this proceeding will directly benefit Authentic or this Courts family member, let alone this Court, the DAs office responded in a filing. A week before his trial was set to begin, the former president made a string of extraordinary efforts to once again delay his trial. Mr Trump filed litigation against New York Justice Juan Merchan, who imposed a gag order preventing parties in the case from targeting members of the court, attorneys and their families, an appeals court docket showed. Those documents are under seal. Separately, Mr Trumps attorneys also requested a change of venue. They argued that New Yorkers are biased against the former president and he wouldnt be given a fair trial. An appeals court judge quickly rejected Mr Trumps request. One day after this rejection, an appeals court judge also nixed the former presidents request to delay the hush money trial while he challenges the gag order. Despite his best efforts, the hush money trial got under way on 15 April with opening statements now expected on Monday. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump, whose hush money trial began on Monday with discussion of whether he should be held in contempt for his social media posts, has over the course of the last year spent more and more of his time attacking judges, prosecutors, and anyone involved in the legal cases against him. The hush money trial, which comes after the former president was charged with 34 counts of business fraud last year, will begin with jury selection, a process which could take days or weeks and go through hundreds of prospective jurors. The charges relate to the hush money paid to adult actor Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 election, which was logged as legal expenses. On Thursday, Mr Trump referred to Attorney General Merrick and Special Counsel Jack Smith as being part of President Joe Bidens crew of Hacks and Thugs, calling Mr Smith deranged. He also slammed the judges overseeing his criminal and civil cases in New York as dishonest, politically biased, and conflicted. On Monday morning, just hours before the trial was set to begin, he called the case a witch hunt as he argued for the trial to be ended by the highly conflicted presiding Judge. Its become an increasingly common refrain from Mr Trump, who appears unable to stop his attacks even when they put him in increased legal, personal, and financial jeopardy. A litany of pundits have argued that if Mr Trump could just stop talking about himself and start talking about the issues voters care about, hed be much likelier to win re-election this fall. So why cant he stop his verbal attacks? Hes unable to tolerate evidence of his own fallibility, and [hes] not willing to take accountability publicly, he seems to have to insist on being right all the time, Dr Leonard Glass, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, tells The Independent. Tom Fitton, the president of the conservative organisation Judicial Watch, says Mr Trump is right to criticise the legal system, including judges, arguing that many of his complaints are well-founded. Its his absolute right as a citizen to raise these issues, and certainly as a criminal defendant and presidential candidate there are even heightened First Amendment protections for what he has said, he tells The Independent. Unfortunately, we have too many judges acting politically as opposed to following and applying the law in an unbiased manner. To criticize a judge is not to threaten him, he argues. Donald Trump arrives for hush money trial in New York Social psychologist Arie Kruglanski at the University of Maryland says Mr Trump is doing what his supporters expect him to do. Hes always arguing that the establishment, the Democrats, and others are carrying out a witch hunt against him. And by ambiguating the situation by creating a legal muddle, he [pushes] that kind of argument that really, things are not clear, that ... the lawsuits against him are all based on a political witch hunt, he tells The Independent. He notes that if Mr Trump didnt push back, people might get the impression that hes really in the wrong, but hes contesting that. People expect him to be a fighter ... Hes demonstrating his resilience, he adds. Dr John Hibbing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln tells The Independent, I just think Trump believes that anything that stands in his way needs to be taken down, and his supporters tend to agree with that. Whether it be the Electoral College or the courts or state governments, or whatever it is, they need to get out of the way. "For them, America is under threat. And its an existential issue. So youve got the core ... ethos of America white, Christian, straight under attack, and for them, the country is at stake here. And anything they need to do, whether it be taking down the courts or something else ... the ends justify the means, he adds. Mr Trumps refusal to accept any kind of responsibility spills naturally from his lips, Dr Glass says. That perspective makes it seem as though he is in fact entitled to plead his victimhood and to see the people who tried to hold him to account as bad people bent on depriving not only him but his followers, of their rights. He ascribes all kinds of terrible motives and characteristics to them, many of which are simply images of himself that he rejects and puts on other people, he adds. Hes a child, former Republican strategist Rick Wilson tells The Independent. He has no impulse control at all. He has no ability to constrain or conform his behaviour. While his people think thats charming, its really kind of sad to watch a grown man who is the nominee of his political party, being unable to, in any way, contain himself, even when it can cause him enormous legal and financial and personal jeopardy, he adds. Dr Glass says: Hes extraordinarily immature for a grown man. He just cant seem to contain his impulses. He argues that Mr Trump has revealed his lack of impulse control in his marriages, adding that he has treated contractors who have worked for him in the past as if they have no rights. Mr Trump is famously alleged to have had a number of affairs, including with adult actor Stormy Daniels in 2006 just a year after marrying Melania Trump, an affair Mr Trump denies but which led to the ongoing hush money case. That marriage was Mr Trumps third, following his unions with Ivana Trump and Marla Maples. In June 2016, just months before he was elected president, USA Today reported that hundreds of people, including carpenters, dishwashers, painters, as well as his own attorneys, alleged that Mr Trump avoided paying them for their work. Lets say that they do a job thats not good, or a job that they didnt finish, or a job that was way late. Ill deduct from their contract, absolutely, Mr Trump told USA Today at the time. Thats what the country should be doing. Trump has a deep contempt for any kind of rules Former Republican strategist Rick Wilson says Trump doesnt believe rules apply to him ( Getty Images ) It all comes from a position of being like a spoiled child, Dr Glass says. In his late 70s, he does the same sorts of behaviours that you would see in a child on a playground, who was a bully, and never recognize that when you play a game, sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. Trump has a deep contempt for any kind of rules, restrictions, laws, norms, traditions, that could constrain him in any way, Mr Wilson argues. And thats just a fundamental fact of being Donald Trump, he does not believe those things apply to him. And he does not believe that those things matter in any way. The second part of it is he has been successful over the years and intimidating people in business that has been a hallmark his ability to scare people out of collecting money that he owes them, he adds. Dr Hibbing, of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, argues that people are predisposed to feel one of two ways: Some people want to embrace outsiders and they welcome immigrants and new ideas and new faces and new things and other people react very strongly against that they want to preserve this ethos, whether it be Brexit in the UK or Donald Trump in the United States. They see this as a way of really keeping their country what it should be, which is what its always been, whether that be ethnicity or race or religion, language." He adds that youve got a significant minority in almost all countries around the world that has a kind of nativist tendency that really wants to preserve what they see as the inner essence of the country, and they see it under threat from the increased mobility of people around the world, and the woke movement and all these things they see as challenges to this core. And they feel this strongly in a way that I think those of us who are not in that community have difficulty understanding, Dr Hibbing says. To criticize a judge is not to threaten him The president of Judicial Watch, Tom Fitton, says Trump has an absolute right to criticise judges ( Getty Images ) The New York judge in charge of the hush money case against Mr Trump, New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, expanded a gag order against the former president to include the judges family and the family of District Attorney Alvin Bragg after Mr Trump attacked Judge Merchans daughter, calling her a rabid Trump hater and argued that the judge was compromised because of his daughters work for a digital marketing firm aligned with the Democrats. Mr Trump has been charged with dozens of counts of business fraud in the case, having allegedly falsely filed hush money payments as legal expenses. It is no longer just a mere possibility or a reasonable likelihood that there exists a threat to the integrity of the judicial proceedings, Judge Merchan wrote. The threat is very real. Admonitions are not enough, nor is reliance on self-restraint. I dont know what the judge is talking about, Mr Fitton says of Judge Merchan. It seems to me hes abusing his authority to protect himself and his daughter from criticism about their conduct, and about a matter of public importance, whether the judge has been compromised and needs to recuse himself because of his daughters business relationships with the politicians who are benefiting from the judges rulings. Mr Trump has also gone after the judge in the civil case brought against him by New York state for inflating the value of his assets to get better deals on loans and insurance. He called New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron corrupt and argued that his credibility had been shattered. The former president has slammed the gag order as unconstitutional. The original gag order banned Mr Trump from going after court staff, possible jurors, and witnesses. The judge might feel protective of his clerk, Dr Glass says. So Mr Trump attacks the clerk to show that the judge is vulnerable to being demeaned. He earns himself gag orders because his behaviour is tolerated in the schoolyard to a limited extent but a court under the guidance of a judge is quite a different situation, and he doesnt seem to be able to control his impulses sufficiently to accommodate the different social setting. Dr Bandy Lee, a forensic psychiatrist and editor of The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President, published in October 2017, told The Independent that The same dangerous case of Donald Trump has not changed. What has changed is his years of experience of being enabled, encouraged, and empowered in his dangerous behaviour and our society is suffering the effects of not having intervened properly in the earlier stages. This has led to him having become a threat to American democracy. Mr Wilson says Mr Trumps repeated attacks on judges, prosecutors, and their family members are less part of an overarching campaign strategy, and more the actions of a vengeful man, unable to restrain himself. He wants to frame it to his supporters in a way that says, This is a system against me, and theyre trying to make me obey the rules that are set up to hurt me. The deep state is out to get me all these lies that he tells his supporters are very convenient, the strategist says. But Mr Wilson also argues that Mr Trump needs the overall campaign to be about his legal problems so he can claim that that its all a conspiracy against him. The Independent has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment. Dr Kruglanski says Mr Trump basically owns the Republican Party. And the Republicans want to win, and therefore, whatever his tactics are that seem to be bringing the votes are appealing to them. Hes demonstrating that his appeal has not waned even though he has been the subject of all these lawsuits ... Hes like Teflon nothing sticks to him, he adds. Dr Kruglanski, of the University of Maryland, notes that some may find Mr Trumps attacks to be morally repugnant and that it might diminish some of his lustre. But I think that the likelihood of that is less than the likelihood of this being of great appeal to Republicans who want to be combative, who want to win elections, he says. Learning lessons Mr Wilson and Dr Kruglanski say Mr Trump learned a lot from Roy Cohn, a lawyer and prosecutor who served as the chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during his hunt for communists in the US government and the upper echelons of American culture. He later became a political fixer in New York in the 1970s and 1980s when he mentored Mr Trump. He also represented mafia boss Carmine Galante. Attorney Roy Cohn, left, talking to American senator Joseph McCarthy, circa 1954 ( Getty Images ) Mr Trump has unleashed a litany of attacks following the Cohn playbook, calling Special Counsel Jack Smith evil and sick, and attacking Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Whenever you go into a maximum security prison, you never see perpetrators, Dr Lee says. Theyre all victims In their view, they are always going to be defending themselves against outside imaginary or exaggerated attacks. [Mr Trump] will continue to attack and [create] reasons for further assault, not knowing that he is the origin of all his perceived persecution. The only way to contain him is to set limits so that his expectations become more realistic, she adds. Dr Kruglanski says Mr Cohns philosophy was that youve got to come out counterpunching Life is one big fight. And lawsuits are the way things are being fought. And so, [Mr Trump] is ready for combat. Incapable of acknowledging that hes less than perfect The mean and vengeful Mr Trump is incapable of acknowledging that hes less than perfect, which of course, none of us are, Dr Glass says. He so vigorously postures and repudiates any flaw and acts as though he really was pure in the way that we would ascribe to a godlike figure which I think most people would recognize he falls short [of]. Dr Lee, the forensic psychiatrist and editor of The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, says that Mr Trumps reaction to losing an election or facing a large number of charges is to form a reaction against the truth because the truth is just so intolerable to him that he cannot accept it. Mr Trumps followers are absolutely tied to his person because he has conditioned them this way, by preying on their emotional needs. He needs the adulation of these crowds, in order to buttress his sense of self and to deny his feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, which is a constant struggle in someone who has catastrophically low internal sources of self-love, she adds. I think you should compare and contrast, President Trumps criticism of the judges who are, in my view, improperly abusing him versus the left-wing criticism of [US District Court Judge Aileen] Cannon or [Supreme Court Justice Clarence] Thomas or Justice [Samuel] Alito, Mr Fitton, the president of Judicial Watch, says. Supreme Court justices have [had] individuals outside their homes protesting in violation of federal law And [Mr Trump] complains about judges applying and abusing the law in ways never seen before in American history. And hes not allowed to say anything. If Mr Trump loses in the fall, its because Americans made a choice between America and Trump, Mr Wilson, the former Republican strategist, says. Were deeply divided over the future of whether we have an American Republic that functions on constitutional grounds or whether we go to a sort of Trumpian autocracy. And there are plenty of Americans who would like that, he adds. If America decides that Donald Trump needs another four years in office, its a country thats going to be very different than anything weve seen in a long time, he says. Mr Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, argues that the court processes against the former president amount to election rigging attempts. If the election goes south for Trump one would have to look at the attempt to distract him from campaigning and divert his resources, he adds. Dr Kruglanski says Mr Trump is a very aggressive, combative individual. And thats the secret of his personality, the secret of his appeal. And it has worked for him he was incredibly the President of the United States. And theres better than chance likelihood that hes going to be that again. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Attendees of a Donald Trump campaign rally chanted Genocide Joe at the former president on Saturday evening, using a phrase associated with pro-Palestinian activists about President Joe Biden. Mr Trump was speaking at a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania on Saturday evening when the chanting began. Genocide Joe, the crowd shouted, and Mr Trump paused his speech. He turned around to survey the crowd. Theyre not wrong, Mr Trump said as he turned back to the microphone. Theyre not wrong. Hes done everything wrong. The nickname for Biden has been widely used by pro-Palestinian advocates to protest his support for Israels war effort in Gaza. Since 7 October, more than 33,000 people have been killed in Israels offensive, according to the Palestinian health ministry, many of them women and children. Meanwhile, famine has already settled over Gaza, a top Biden administration official confirmed earlier this week. The attacks come in response to 7 October, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 200 people hostage. Mr Trumps apparent approval of the phrase was surprising, given his prior enthusiastic backing for Israels offensive. However, a spokesperson for Mr Trumps 2024 presidential campaign clarified his official stance. As President Trump stated last night in his speech, he believes America must stand with Israel 100 per cent, Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for Mr Trumps campaign, wrote in a statement to The Independent on Sunday. Supporters of Donald Trump chanted Genocide Joe at his campaign rally, pictured above in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening ( EPA ) Yet, other recent comments from Mr Trump could be interpreted as a sign that his unyielding support for Israel is not guaranteed. Youve got to get it over with, and you have to get back to normalcy, Mr Trump said in an interview with The Hugh Hewitt Show that aired earlier this month. The former president added that he wanted Israel to get back to peace and stop killing people. Just before his rally, Mr Trump appeared to blame Mr Biden for the Iranian attack on Israel on Saturday evening. ISRAEL IS UNDER ATTACK, the former president wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. This should never have been allowed to happen - This would NEVER have happened if I were President! Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep, but what about the people who come out to protest at their criminal trial? Had Donald Trump glanced out of a window on his way to the Manhattan Supreme Court for the opening day of his historic trial, he would have seen that his supporters had dwindled since his arraignment a little over a year ago. Back then, there was palpable shock and outrage among the gathered protesters that a former president could be arrested and charged with a crime. Although that was no great mass either, that day in March last year seemed to attract not just hardcore followers, but a smattering of relatively middle-of-the-road folks concerned about the implications of such an event. Today, however, the crowd had thinned to a handful of true believers and true characters those who dont leave their house without a giant flag, a bullhorn, and an offensive T-shirt they made themselves. Its not only that the crowds are getting smaller, its that they are getting significantly weirder. Supporters and protesters rally outside Trump's criminal trial Of the people willing to step up to a microphone outside the courthouse and defend Mr Trump for allegedly paying off a porn star to hide his alleged affair from prospective voters, two offered something of a wild defence: that they opposed the charges because they too had paid for sex on more than one occasion, and assumed most men had done the same. It didnt matter to them that Mr Trump is not being accused of paying for sex, but rather accused of having embarked on several extra-marital affairs and falsifying business records over payments made to hide those affairs from the voting public in 2016. A protester holds a banner against Donald Trump outside the courthouse ( Reuters ) A man holds a protest sign outside of court as former president Donald Trumps trial begins ( Natalie Chinn/The Independent ) One of the supporters offered, unprompted, that he had spent a lot of time in the east Asia in the pursuit of such earthly pleasures. What do you think I do in Thailand, just sit in a chair? he asked, incredulously. Thats what we do as men, you know? It wasnt just men who were inexplicably linking Mr Trumps trial to prostitution, either. It was hard to move outside the court without bumping into people proudly declaring they had stormed the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, and at least one person baselessly blamed child-trafficking Democrats for a politically motivated prosecution a pet theory of the QAnon movement. Another supporter, who identified himself as Gary from Staten Island, delivered an animated and updated interpretation of Dwight D Eisenhowers speech on the military-industrial complex to a confused reporter from German television news, expertly connecting the dots between the war in Ukraine, the British establishment and Stormy Daniels. Former US president Donald Trump appears at a court hearing in New York ( Reuters ) Trump rallies, and his protests, have never been a cross-section of America, but these court spectacles have become a media event, rather than a participation sport. They are attended by people who crave a camera in their faces and know this is the one place it can be assured even if it is just German television. For a man who views his crowds as a sign of his strength, the former president might have been worried by his showing today. No senior Republican politicians turned up to show their support. Laura Loomer, a far-right and anti-Muslim agitator was perhaps the most famous face to show up outside. (Last year, Marjorie Taylor Greene and the as-of-then unindicted George Santos came out in person to defend Mr Trump). Mr Trump had warned of death and destruction if he was ever charged for the alleged payment to Ms Daniels, which he is accused of handling with campaign funds and falsifying the records to cover his tracks. As his trial begins, however, the case mustered barely a whimper. Trump at the first day of his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court ( AFP/Getty ) Interest had dwindled on the other side of the Manhattan park, too, where a year ago dozens of anti-Trump protesters gathered to cheer his arrest. Only a handful came this time. Joel Anderson, a cop from Washington state, held a sign that read Trumps lies got cops killed. Its disheartening and sad for me as a police officer to know Im the outlier whos standing up and saying, were police officers, were supposed to have people like this held accountable, he said. To make excuses for him just because hes their preferred candidate, its not what being a police officer is about. Granted, this is New York, a liberal city that holds no love for Mr Trump. And there could be an element of trial fatigue, with Mr Trump currently involved in several criminal proceedings most of them related to his efforts to steal or overturn the 2020 election. And not everyone can take every Monday off to shout at the judicial system. But this is also an election year a close election year and such elections are won by the ability of candidates to grab voters in the middle. Its unclear how sex tourists and Capitol rioters becoming the unofficial face of Donald Trumps legal defence will help him win those votes. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} One of the Democratic Partys rising stars was on Donald Trumps case over what she said were the lies the former president told the American people for years about his stance on reproductive rights. The presumed nominee of the Republican Party to take on President Joe Biden in 2024, Mr Trump released a video last Monday outlining his (current) stance on the issue of abortion rights. He declined to support a federal ban, while explaining that he believed it was up to states to set separate and varying standards for abortion rights. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined Sundays Meet The Press on NBC and responded to moderator Kristen Welkers assertion that Mr Trump was straddling the line on the issue. Whitmer speaking at Abortion Rights Michigan in 2023 ( Associated Press ) Well, I think your phraseology, "straddle the line is generous. He's lied. Hes lied over and over again to the people of this country, said the governor. [I]t's very clear abortion is not just on the ballot in places like Arizona and Florida; it is on the ballot in all 50 states, Ms Whitmer continued. [T]he former president has said many different times that he would sign a national abortion ban, and that's really a very real possibility that would undo all the progress we've made in states like Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, et cetera. Her accusation that Mr Trump lied to the American people is presumably a reference to his long and winding evolution on the issue. Orginally describing himself as supportive of a womans right to have an abortion before he entered politics, Mr Trump came out in opposition to abortion rights after he launched his campaign for president in 2015 and sought a political alliance with the evangelical Christian right. Trump with Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Since then, he has taken credit numerous times for the appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices who voted in favour of overturning Roe vs Wade, the Supreme Court case establishing abortion as a federally-protected right. But he also has appeared to at least flirt with the possibility of endorsing a national ban on numerous occasions. Ms Whitmers own re-election came after she beat a candidate backed by the former president in 2022; Tudor Dixon, her former opponent, was seen to be on the extremes of the anti-abortion right. Voters that same year approved a ballot measure enshrining reproductive rights into the states constitution. Abortion is set to be a major issue in 2024 as well. States including Florida and Arizona are set to have ballot questions similar to Michigans abortion rights measure before voters this year, while control of the White House and two chambers of Congress will decide whether Republicans have the opportunity or the political capital to pursue restrictions on abortion at the federal level. Democrats have rallied around messaging on the issue and are expected to make reproductive freedom a central theme of their 2024 campaigns. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump could soon become the first American president in history to serve time in prison after a New York jury found him guilty of all 34 felony counts in his hush money trial. The presumptive GOP presidential nominee was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in the run-up to the 2016 election. The jury deliberated for roughly nine and a half hours before reaching their decision on Thursday afternoon just minutes before Judge Juan Merchan was set to dismiss them. Trumps sentencing is scheduled for 11 July, just four days before the Republican National Convention (RNC), where delegates will almost certainly make him the official GOP presidential candidate. Both sides can file motions in the case until 13 June. Ms Daniels, her former lawyer Keith Davidson, Trumps former fixer turned arch nemesis Michael Cohen, ex-National Enquirer publisher David Pecker and former Trump White House aides Hope Hicks and Madeleine Westerhout all took the stand to testify in the trial. The 34 charges were stepped up from misdemeanors to class E felonies because prosecutors said the crimes were carried out in an effort to commit or conceal another crime these crimes being election conspiracy and campaign finance and tax law violations. Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to the media the day a New York jury convicted him of 34 felony counts ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) Trump could theoretically face more than a decade in prison, according to CNN chief legal analyst Laura Coates. Under New York state law, the maximum prison sentence for a Class E felony is four years in prison. New York imposes a 20-year sentencing cap for this type of offence, with a decision on whether the sentences run concurrently or consecutively left up to the judge. Given that Trump has no prior criminal record and the crimes are non-violent in nature, it is likely he will face no jail time. Instead, New York Justice Juan Merchan could impose other penalties such as fines, probation or conditional discharge in lieu of jail time. The bigger questions surrounding the hypothetical incarceration of Trump is what kind of Secret Service detail he might receive as the first former president-turned-inmate. As the former president campaigns in the wake of this conviction, he is also battling three other criminal indictments in Florida, Washington DC and Georgia. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} While the rest of the world cant peel their eyes away as Donald Trumps historic criminal trial gets under way in New York, the former president himself appears to be far less enthralled by the proceedings. Jury selection got under way on Monday in the first-ever criminal trial of a sitting or former president, as he faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a bid to cover up hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. But, according to some courtroom reporters, Mr Trump appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open and at one point may have even fallen asleep. Trump appears to be sleeping. His head keeps dropping down and his mouth goes slack, New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman reported. The observation quickly inspired a new nickname for the 77-year-old former president: Sleepy Don. Soon, the moniker spread like wildfire on social media. My theory: Trumps legal team sedated him, Mother Jones DC bureau chief David Corn wrote on X. Looks, hes old. The judge is keeping Sleepy Don from his nap time, Meidas Touch editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski posted. The Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump Super PAC, wrote that Mr Trump had worn himself out with his post-trial Truth Social rants. #SleepyDon was up late rage-posting on Truth Social, the account posted. The former presidents apparent courtroom nap eventually began trending on X, with users flocking to the hashtag #DonSnorleone, a reference to the mafia kingpin Don Corleone from the Godfather series. Others chose another pun for Mr Trump: The Nodfather. Several other social media users joined in the joke. I prefer Presidents who dont fall asleep before the lunch break in their hush money paid to a porn star election interference trial, one user mocked. If Sleepy Don is too low energy to stay awake during the first day of his criminal trial, does he even have the stamina to be President? another wrote. Sleepy Joe is [a] projection, like everything else, the account Republican Voters Against Trump posted. Donald Trump sits at the defence table on day one of his hush money trial ( AP ) Others made jokes about Trump ally Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow, with one person tweeting: Where is the My Pillow guy when you need him? A special consultant just showed up at the Trump trial, another posted, along with a picture of Mr Lindell. The nickname comes after Mr Trump has proudly branded his 2024 rival, 81-year-old Joe Biden, Sleepy Joe ahead of the 2024 election. Now, the former president has a weary lethargic label of his own. Mr Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records over so-called hush money payments made before the 2016 election to pay off adult film star Stormy Daniels in exchange for silence over an alleged affair. She claims the affair happened in 2006 just one year after Mr Trump married his now-wife Melania. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Speaking on CNN, Ms Haberman also remarked that dozing off in the middle of a trial is not necessarily out of character for Mr Trump. There have been other moments in other trials, like the E Jean Carroll trialwhere he appeared very still and appeared as if he might be sleeping, she said. His jaw kept falling on his chest and his mouth kept going slack, she continued. While people do sometimes fall asleep during court proceedings, its notable given the intensity of the trial, she said. The Biden-Harris campaign retweeted the clip of Haberman talking on CNN. The Trump campaign later vehemently denied rumours of the former presidents brief courtroom nap, saying in a statement: This is 100% Fake News coming from journalists who werent even in the court room. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} In the weeks after he descended his beloved golden escalator from Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue to announce his presidential campaign in 2015, Donald Trump would arrange a scheme to bury compromising stories of his affairs to clear his path to the White House. From that very same building, then candidate Trump allegedly orchestrated a plan to buy up damaging stories that threatened his candidacy, only to ensure they would never be published, and then reimbursed his attorney who paid off an adult film star whose story of an affair with the Republican nominee for the presidency threatened to derail his campaign. Those reimbursements were allegedly falsified as business expenses the crime at the centre of an alleged plot to influence the outcome of the 2016 election, one that will come into sharp relief during a weeks-long criminal trial in Manhattan that begins on 15 April. The People of the State of New York v Donald J Trump is the first-ever criminal trial against an American president, falling in the middle of another election year, in a case that describes an attempt to manipulate the outcome of the election that launched him into political domination. The case from Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg is the first among Mr Trumps four criminal cases to go to trial, and likely the former presidents only criminal trial before Novembers general election. According to prosecutors, its an election interference case, one that predates the criminal schemes alleged by federal prosecutors and state attorneys in Georgia in cases targeting then President Trumps attempts to overturn 2020s results. Donald Trump rides down a golden escalator in his New York skyscraper to a press event announcing his candidacy for the presidency on 16 June 2015 ( Getty ) Mr Trump, meanwhile, has accused prosecutors and judges of waging election interference against him, and baselessly portrayed his mountain of legal obstacles as a Democratic-led conspiracy to keep him out of the White House. While the sordid details of Mr Trumps affairs and inner workings of his business empire will be relentlessly scrutinised out of court, Mr Braggs office has stressed that the case is relatively routine. We regularly do cases involving false business statements, he told reporters when he announced a 34-count grand jury indictment against the former president last year. The basis for business integrity and a well-functioning business marketplace is true and accurate record-keeping, he said. Thats the charge thats brought here: falsifying New York state business records. Prosecutors have grounded the case in a straightforward narrative: Mr Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels to prevent her from speaking publicly about her affair with Mr Trump, who has denied ever having sex with her. Prosecutors allege that Mr Trumps reimbursements were disguised as legal fees across 34 business records 11 invoices, 11 cheques, and 12 ledger entries. Those allegedly false records are misdemeanour crimes on their own. But Mr Bragg argues that those crimes were committed in service of another, elevating them to the more serious level of felonies. In this case, that presumably includes violations of state and federal election laws allegations that will rely heavily on testimony from Cohen, who has already served prison time after pleading guilty to violating campaign finance laws, tax evasion and lying to Congress, in a separate federal case that includes many of the claims in the case against his former boss. The allegations largely revolve around the story of a candidate whose campaign was wrestling with the release of the so-called Access Hollywood tape desperate to keep his election chances afloat, and willing to cook his business books to do so. That tape, recorded in 2005 and released just weeks before election day in 2016, captured Mr Trump saying that he moved on a female TV personality like a b****. He can be heard saying on the tape: Im automatically attracted to beautiful I just start kissing them. Its like a magnet. Just kiss. I dont even wait. And when youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the p****. You can do anything. Mr Trumps own wife Melania Trump called the comments unacceptable and offensive. Republican officials condemned him, began distancing themselves from his campaign and urged him to withdraw his nomination. Manhattan prosecutors are hoping to explain to jurors that the tapes release sparked panic within his campaign, underscoring the urgency to bury any other compromising stories that would damage his election prospects. In a December radio interview, Mr Bragg emphasised that the case is not about money for sex. We would say its about conspiring to corrupt a presidential election, he said. And then lying in New York business records to cover it up. Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg ( Reuters ) In his description of the case to prospective jurors, New York justice Juan Merchan also makes clear that the case involves an unlawful attempt to affect the outcome of the 2016 election. He summarises that Mr Trump is accused of falsifying business records to conceal an agreement with others to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election and that specifically, it is alleged that Donald Trump made or caused false business records to hide the true nature of payments made to Michael Cohen, by characterising them as payment for legal services rendered pursuant to a retainer agreement, according to the judges summary. Those payments to Ms Daniels allegedly sought to prevent her from publicly revealing details about a past sexual encounter with Donald Trump, he wrote. The charge of falsifying business records in the first degree is the bread and butter of New Yorks white collar prosecutions, according to Karen Agnifilo, a former chief assistant district attorney in Manhattan. What makes [falsifying records] a felony is the purpose with which you were doing it, she said during a briefing with reporters last month. If the reason is to commit, conceal, or aid in a crime, then that bumps it up to a felony. You dont have to have actually committed the crime. You just have to have had the intention or purpose of doing it. The hush money scheme In August 2015, then candidate Trump met with David Pecker whose American Media Inc publishes the notorious American supermarket tabloid National Enquirer to outline a catch and kill scheme to buy up negative stories, according to prosecutors. American Media Inc agreed to pay a former Trump Tower doorman for exclusive rights to a story that Mr Trump allegedly fathered a child out of wedlock, then falsely characterised that payment in a ledger, according to prosecutors. After the story was determined to be bunk, Cohen pressed to keep it buried, prosecutors allege. The following year, the National Enquirer told Cohen that Playboy model Karen McDougal alleged an affair with Mr Trump a decade earlier. She was ultimately paid $150,000 for her silence, allegedly based on an arrangement that Mr Trump would reimburse the publisher. A subsequent recording of a conversation between Mr Trump and his then lawyer allegedly involves discussion of a plan to open a shell company with help from Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg to handle those transactions. In September 2016, Mr Pecker allegedly agreed to transfer $125,000 to the shell company for the rights to her story, according to court documents. On 7 October, 2016, one month before election day, The Washington Post published the Access Hollywood tape. Three days later, American Medias editor in chief Dylan Howard contacted Mr Pecker about another woman Stormy Daniels who also alleged an affair with Mr Trump, according to prosecutors. Cohen similarly negotiated a deal to pay her for the rights to the story. Mr Trump, who allegedly tried to delay paying her roughly $130,000 until after the 2016 election, ultimately agreed to the arrangement, as long as Cohen and Weisselberg could handle it for him, according to prosecutors. Cohen agreed, expecting Mr Trump to pay him back. Cohen transferred the money from his personal home equity line of credit into the shell companys account, according to court documents. On 8 November, 2016, Trump was declared the winner of the 2016 presidential election. Mr Pecker was invited to the inauguration, according to prosecutors. Donald Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen ( Reuters ) In January 2017, with his boss in the White House, Cohen met with Weisselberg to arrange his reimbursement along with his legal expenses and a year-end bonus, for a total of $420,000, prosecutors allege. The following month, Cohen met with the by now President Trump at the Oval Office to sign off on a monthly payment plan. Emails to the Trump Organization allegedly show Cohens first monthly invoice for two $35,000 payments on Valentines Day. Ten more invoices were submitted during the rest of the year all falsely recorded as legal expenses, according to prosecutors. On 9 April, 2018, FBI agents searched Cohens homes and office. Three months later, he pleaded guilty to federal charges that included facilitating payments to silence two women who otherwise planned to speak publicly about their alleged affairs with a presidential candidate, thereby intending to influence the 2016 presidential election. The investigation After launching a probe in 2018, former Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance Jr ultimately backed off from his investigation into the hush money scheme. In March 2021, he announced he would not be seeking re-election. On 2 November 2021, Mr Bragg was overwhelmingly elected as Manhattans district attorney. Before leaving office, Mr Vance convened a grand jury to hear evidence against Mr Trump, giving Mr Bragg a chance to pick up the investigation where Mr Vance had left off. Mr Bragg had previously investigated the Trump Foundation in 2017 while working under New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman, a case that led to a requirement for the organisation to be dissolved as well as making a $2m settlement in 2019. Shortly after Mr Bragg stepped into the Manhattan District Attorneys Office in 2022, two assistant district attorneys who were central to the Trump investigation Carey Dunne and Mark Pomerantz resigned in frustration with Mr Braggs initial reluctance to bring charges against the former president. In his resignation letter, Mr Pomerantz claimed there was evidence sufficient to establish Mr Trumps guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and that the public interest warrants the criminal prosecution of Mr Trump. He went on: I fear that your decision means that Mr Trump will not be held fully accountable for his crimes. I have worked too hard as a lawyer, and for too long, now to become a passive participant in what I believe to be a grave failure of justice. Trumps troubles increased when Stormy Daniels made her claims ( Reuters ) Later that year, Weisselberg pleaded guilty to several tax crimes in what prosecutors called a years-long systemic fraud scheme and a sweeping and audacious illegal payment arrangement, in which Trump companies paid him generous benefits including free rent, luxury car leases, and private school tuition for his grandchildren that were not reported for tax purposes. He was later sentenced to five months in Rikers Island. In December, a jury also convicted two Trump Organization subsidiaries on tax fraud charges, resulting in $1.6m in fines. Over the following months, with an investigation picking up steam, Mr Pecker and Cohen testified in front of a revived grand jury investigating Mr Trumps hush money scheme. On 30 March, the grand jury presented its indictment against the former president, his first-ever criminal charges in a year that would see more than 90 against him across four jurisdictions. Outside a Manhattan criminal court on 4 April 2023, a parade of Trump loyalists, conspiracy theorists and right-wing media personalities rallied in his defence as he entered the building for the first time as a criminal defendant. Trump at his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on 4 April 2023 ( Getty ) After his indictment, Mr Trump immediately travelled back to his Mar-a-Lago compound to rage against Mr Bragg and the case against him from the comfort of his Florida estate. We are a nation in decline, and now these radical left lunatics want to interfere in elections by using law enforcement, he said. We cant let that happen. Days later, Mr Braggs office received an envelope filled with white powder, among the first in an avalanche of threats from Mr Trumps supporters intercepted by prosecutors and judges overseeing the cases against him. The threats to the court In the months leading up to the trial, as Mr Trump faces an extraordinary number of criminal and civil cases and their Russian nesting dolls of appeals and hearings on his attempts to dismiss and delay his prosecution, he has routinely attacked prosecutors, judges, court staff and others enmeshed in his legal problems, which increasingly are tied to his campaign. He relies on courtrooms as political theatre to depict himself as a victim of selective prosecution, and his campaign uses his legal drama in countless fundraising messages. Political action committees tied to his campaign have spent millions of dollars of donor money to pay lawyers and legal fees. Since the New York indictment, there have been credible threats of violence, harassment, and intimidation directed at the district attorney, his staff, and the District Attorneys Office, with hundreds of threats in the wake of, and connected to, [Mr Trumps] public attacks, according to prosecutors in their request for a gag order that blocks Mr Trump from publicly lashing out. The New York City Police Department logged an extraordinary surge in threat activity that began on the very day Mr Trump began targeting Mr Bragg and other New York officials, according to an affidavit supporting a gag order request. That unit logged 89 threats against the district attorney, his family or employees of his office in 2023, the first of which occurred the same day that the former president called on his supporters to protest and take our nation back, the filing states. Police reviewed 600 threatening phone calls and emails in March of last year alone, as the office prepared to indict the former president. Defendant has also acknowledged and reports have confirmed that his public attacks have incited his supporters to engage in their own misconduct, yet defendant has refused to moderate his comments to prevent such harms, they wrote. Mr Trumps attorneys, some of whom are juggling other criminal cases against him, have filed multiple motions to force the judge to step aside citing a conflict of interest because of his daughters political work or toss the case altogether on immunity grounds, or to drop the discombobulated package of politically motivated charges against him, or to move it out of Manhattan or into federal court. Virtually all of those arguments have been rejected. New York justice Juan Merchan ( AP ) A limited gag order prohibits the former president from public statements made with the intent to materially interfere with any work in the case. The judge expanded the scope of the order to prohibit attacks against family members of court staff and attorneys involved in the case, citing Mr Trumps very real threat to the trials integrity, after Mr Trump lashed out at the judges daughter on his Truth Social media platform. The average observer must now, after hearing [Mr Trumps] recent attacks, draw the conclusion that if they become involved in these proceedings, even tangentially, they should worry not only for themselves but for their loved ones as well, Judge Merchan wrote. Such concerns will undoubtedly interfere with the fair administration of justice, and constitute a direct attack on the rule of law itself, he added. The gag order is the third against the former president, including an order that prevents him from disparaging court staff, witnesses and others involved in his civil fraud case targeting his real estate business, and another gag order in his federal election interference trial. The witnesses On an episode of her podcast in January, Stormy Daniels said she is set to testify in the case. She later told ABCs The View that she is absolutely ready to do so. Former Trump spokesperson Hope Hicks press secretary for Mr Trumps 2016 campaign and an early White House communications aide who allegedly knew about the hush money scheme is also expected to testify. In March, days before the trial was initially set to begin, Judge Merchan rejected attempts from Mr Trumps attorneys to block testimony from Ms Daniels, Ms McDougal and Cohen, who is expected to detail the alleged scheme, in order to corroborate the case from Manhattan prosecutors. Prosecutors also want jurors to hear the 2005 Access Hollywood tape, which caused a panic within the campaign when it was released in the days before the 2016 election, and served as the catalyst for securing a hush money scheme to bury stories that could further compromise his election chances. The judge said he will not allow jurors to watch or listen to the tape, but he suggested that prosecutors can discuss its contents to allege a motive. Instead, theyre going to corroborate every little thing Michael Cohen says big details, small details, anything they can corroborate, according to Ms Agnifilo, the former assistant district attorney in Manhattan. This is the same trial team that also successfully prosecuted the Trump Organization they know what theyre doing. If convicted, Mr Trump likely wont see the inside of a jail cell. He could face up to four years in prison, a penalty that will likely be deferred by his appeal, which is all but expected to follow immediately should a guilty verdict be delivered. But the case could further plunge Mr Trump into a deepening financial crisis, with additional fines levied against him as he struggles to come up with cash and surety bonds to fight off a mammoth civil fraud judgment and a defamation verdict in the middle of a multimillion-dollar campaign operation. Days before jury selection was set to begin, Mr Trumps legal team made three last-ditch pleas to a state appeals court for a trial delay. They were promptly rejected. He will not succeed in delaying the trial date, according to Norm Eisen, former special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee majority during Mr Trumps first impeachment. Trump will be forced to confront the thing he rightly fears: a jury of everyday Americans who will likely deliver a criminal conviction for his original 2016 election interference and voter deception attempts to grasp power. Accountability is coming. , - 4% 20... Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump lashed out on Truth Social on Monday morning as he prepared to make history by becoming the first current or former American president to ever face a criminal trial. In a series of rants on his social media platform, the former president called for the New York hush money case against him to be dropped and once more claimed without evidence that the indictments he faces are part of a plot by Radical Left Democrats to prevent him from campaigning for the presidency. As virtually every legal scholar has powerfully stated, the Biden Manhattan Witch Hunt Case is, among other things, BARRED by the Statute of Limitations. This trial should be ended by the highly conflicted presiding Judge, the candidate claimed in a post. In a follow-up post, he again blamed Democrats and mistakenly claimed he was going to court for bogus lawsuits rather than a criminal trial on 34 felony counts. The Radical Left Democrats are already cheating on the 2024 Presidential Election by bringing, or helping to bring, all of these bogus lawsuits against me, thereby forcing me to sit in courthouses, and spend money that could be used for campaigning, instead of being out in the field knocking Crooked Joe Biden, the WORST President in the History of the United States. Election Interference! he said. After a third, less characteristic post in which he pointed to the absurdity of Russia calling for restraint from Israel in response to the drone attack from Iran it suffered over the weekend, Mr Trump returned to his own plight, asking: Why didnt they bring this totally discredited lawsuit 7 years ago??? Election Interference! In a fifth post, he bemoaned the gag order imposed on him by Judge Juan Merchan, which came after several online attacks on the judge, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and even the justices own daughter. I want my VOICE back. This Crooked Judge has GAGGED me. Unconstitutional! The other side can talk about me, but I am not allowed to talk about them! Rigged Trial! he vented. The series of rants came just hours before the Republican presumptive presidential nominee headed to court for the start of his first criminal trial. DA Bragg charged the former president with 34 felony counts relating to the falsification of business records in order to conceal a hush money payment made to the porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election, to ensure her silence over an extramarital affair she alleges they had a decade earlier. Mr Trump denies the affair and any wrongdoing in the case. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His early morning Truth Social rants were actually picking up where he had left off on Sunday evening. Just four years ago I was a very popular and successful President of the United States, getting more votes than any sitting President in history, he lamented on the eve of the trial. Former US President Donald Trump attends the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) Tomorrow morning Ill be in Criminal Court, before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Bidens henchmen Rigging the System against his Political Opponent, ME! I will be fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country, he added, before baselessly accusing Mr Bragg of election interference. Lawyers for the prosecution in the hush money case are expected to allege that Mr Trump paid the money to Ms Daniels in order to stop her coming forward with her story in October 2016 a story that could have discredited him in the eyes of voters as he ran for the White House. Ms Daniels, former Playboy model Karen McDougal, Mr Trumps former personal attorney Michael Cohen, National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, ex-campaign aide Hope Hicks and perhaps even Mr Trump himself could all appear as witnesses in what promises to be a sensational multi-week trial in Manhattan. The proceedings got under way on Monday morning after Judge Merchan batted away numerous last-ditch attempts by the defendants lawyers to have the case thrown out or delayed. Jury selection, the first order of business in the case, could last one to two weeks. Should Mr Trump ultimately be found guilty, he could theoretically face more than a decade in prison. The maximum sentence for each felony count against him is four years in prison, which would add up to 136 years behind bars, but New York imposes a 20-year sentencing cap for this type of offence, with a decision on whether the sentences run concurrently or consecutively left up to the judge. Given that Mr Trump also has no prior criminal record and the crimes of which he stands accused are non-violent in nature, the judge could ultimately incline towards leniency and only sentence him to a fraction of the maximum jail time allowed or simply choose to place him on probation. Mr Trumps legal team have also attempted to argue that presidential immunity shields his official acts from prosecution but have so far failed to convince the judge, although the matter is set to be considered by the US Supreme Court later this month. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Co-hosts of Fox & Friends parroted Donald Trumps rhetoric about the hush money trial, throwing doubt on the criminal justice process and questioning the credibility of Michael Cohen, the prosecutions star witness, hours ahead of the historic criminal trial of the former president. As the first-ever criminal trial of a sitting or former president is set to begin on Monday morning in New York City, conservative anchors on Fox News jumped to Mr Trumps defence. The show tried to cut into Mr Trumps ex-lawyer Michael Cohens credibility, showing side-by-side clips of Trumps former fixer contradicting himself over the years. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to a number of violations, including making false statements, prompting the former president to turn on Cohen, branding him a liar. Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett played into Mr Trumps accusations. Cohen was never much of a lawyer, he said, adding that he believed Cohen was good at lying prodigiously. I cant imagine any objective juror believing anything he has to say, Jarrett added. He also took issue with the criminal trial as a whole, calling the hush money case an example of unequal justice and selective prosecution. He added, if your name is Trump, then the [criminal justice] process is completely different and turned on its head. This is all obviously political, another host chimed in. This is taking him off the campaign trail, Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt groaned. They could have done this seven years ago? Why do they wait till now? Questionable right before the election. A guest on the show, Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt, also commented on how she thought the New York criminal trial was politicised: This is the left continuing to meltdown over Donald Trump. They are obsessed. She added, People are sick of this two-tiered system of justice. The show also addressed alleged jury bias just ahead of Mondays jury selection. Guest Ken Belkin, a New York criminal defence attorney and registered Democrat, said that the defence attorneys should ask potential jurors if they live in New York City, saying most people in Mr Trumps hometown are anti-Trump. There is a common sentiment in New York City that he is already a criminal, despite the fact that he has never been convicted of anything, Mr Belkin said. The attorney also called the charges brought against Mr Trump bogus, before suggesting that the statute of limitations had passed, echoing the argument of Trumps legal team. Bright and early on the morning of the trial, Mr Trump made this point, writing: As virtually every legal scholar has powerfully stated, the Biden Manhattan Witch Hunt Case is, among other things, BARRED by the Statute of Limitations. Mr Belkin added that, any normal grandfather of 77 years old facing a felony would be given a plea deal. But he is facing the possibility of a maximum sentence of four years in prison. Despite the mention of his age, Earhardt later pointed out that Mr Trump and President Joe Biden, 81, were walking differently, pairing the statement with a poll showing how many Americans believed Mr Biden was too old to serve as president again. Mr Trump and his supporters have tried to emphasise the three-year age gap between the two leading 2024 candidates. By contrast, Jason Chaffetz, a Fox News contributor, described Mr Trump as being like the Energizer Bunny. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Special counsel Jack Smith has urged the federal judge overseeing Donald Trumps classified documents case to reject his latest attempt to delay the trial. It comes after Mr Trumps attorneys asked US District Judge Aileen Cannon on Saturday to push back a May deadline for reviewing classified evidence in the criminal case over his alleged mishandling of classified and sensitive government information stored at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The former presidents legal team argued that they cannot meet the May deadline because Mr Trump is currently on trial in Manhattan for a separate case in which he is accused of falsifying business records in order to conceal a hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election. Trump denies all charges against him. President Trump has a constitutional right to be present at the trial in New York and, as a result, cannot participate in this work relating to important parts of his defense, his legal team wrote in a filing. But Mr Smiths team countered in a Sunday evening court filing that, while Mr Trump has a constitutional right to counsel, that right is not boundless, and accused Mr Trumps team of reflexively asking to postpone a trial every time the court sets a new deadline. Each time the Court sets a new deadline in this case and attempts to keep it moving toward trial, the defendants reflexively ask for an adjournment. That must stop, Mr Smith wrote. Donald Trump gestures outside the courtroom on the day of a court hearing on charges of falsifying business records ( REUTERS ) He added that the former presidents attorneys have had enough time to prepare to meet the 9 May deadline for reviewing the classified materials in the federal documents case, and noted that Mr Trump has local lawyers in Florida who can continue to review the classified materials while the New York hush money trial is underway. The defendants have had ample notice that these deadlines would be scheduled and have already had months to complete the work, the filing said. Counsel should already be prepared to meet these deadlines, and in any event, other commitments are not grounds for postponement. Mr Smith went on to note that Mr Trump chose to hire the same attorneys to represent him in multiple cases, and the lawyers agreed to do so. Having made such decisions, they should not be allowed to use their overlapping engagements to perpetually delay trial in this case, he wrote. The Court should reject the defendants latest delay tactic. Special Counsel Jack Smith is prosecuting Donald Trump ( Getty Images ) Mr Trump was charged in June last year by special counsel Jack Smith with illegally retaining classified documents taken with him from the White House to Mar-a-Lago after he left office in January 2021, and then obstructing government demands to give them back. The trial has stalled in Florida federal court, with Judge Cannon, who is overseeing the case, still yet to set a date for the trial to begin. The slow pace of the case has frustrated Mr Smith, who has filed a series of fiery briefs with the court in recent weeks in hopes of seeing the case move forward. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} On 30 March 2023, the streets surrounding Manhattan Criminal Court in downtown New York were lined with media, protesters, bystanders and police officers in awe of a historic moment many thought would never happen: the criminal indictment of New Yorker and former president Donald Trump. Years after the Manhattan district attorneys office opened an investigation into Mr Trumps financial records, after allegations of wrongdoing by those in his inner circle, the controversial former president was facing criminal charges. In the days following, the world fixated its eyes on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg as he announced 34 counts of falsifying business records against Mr Trump related to a hush-money cover-up scheme ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The unsealing of the indictment sparked excitement among Mr Trumps opponents, fury among his allies and sheer awe for everyone in between. This is a turning point, hopefully, in the salvation of our democracy, protester Robert Hoatson told The Independent outside the courthouse on that historic day. The former president also recognised the days gravitas, though striking a different tone with an ominous warning that the witch hunt of an indictment could bring about death and destruction. But now, one year later, the New York criminal case appears only a speck in the galaxy of legal problems that have mounted against the former president. Outside of the courthouse, a protester advocates in favor of the Trump indictment ( Ariana Baio / The Independent ) And the start of the trial, once imagined as Mr Trumps demise, could seem to some like just another Monday in Trumpworld. In the months following the New York criminal indictment, Mr Trump was charged with a total of 52 other criminal charges spanning three jurisdictions on both state and federal levels. The accusations of which are, at times, overwhelming. First came in June when Mr Trump was charged by the Justice Department with violating the Espionage Act, among other charges, for harbouring classified documents containing national security information in his Mar-a-Lago residence. Witch hunt, totally corrupt, Mr Trump responded. Then, in August, the former president was hit with a second federal indictment for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results and failing to stop a mob from storming the US Capitol on January 6. Witch hunt, unprecedented political targeting, fake charges, Mr Trump branded this one. Trump sits in the courtroom with his attorneys during his arraignment at the Manhattan Criminal Court on 4 April 2023 ( Getty Images ) That very same month, Mr Trump and 17 co-defendants were then charged in a vast RICO case for engaging in a criminal enterprise to overturn election results in the state of Georgia. Once again, Mr Trump responded with claims of witch hunt, corrupt district attorney, politically-inspired indictment. Each criminal indictment and increasingly predictable response from the former president seemed more shocking than the one before it. By the end of the year, the shock, significance and quite frankly interest in the New York hush money case appeared to be falling away. After all, what was a case about false business records compared to a case about trying to overthrow democracy? But, legal experts argue that the world really should pay attention to the case. They argue that this case, and Mr Trumps actions in 2016, was actually the first time he allegedly engaged in election interference and that this was something of a precursor for his efforts to overturn the result of the 2020 election and the events of January 6. It doesnt have the big dramatic insurrection in the end, but I do think its kind of a big deal, Karen Friedman Agnifilio, the former chief assistant district attorney for the Manhattan DA, tells The Independent. The case relies on accusations that Mr Trump stifled negative stories about his alleged sexual affairs and falsified business records for these hush money payments in order to influence the 2016 presidential election. Trump raises a fist after his inauguration on 20 January 2017 ( Getty Images ) Ms Agnifilio says he may well have succeeded. Donald Trump only won by something like 80,000 votes in the swing states that caused him to win and you have to wonder if this information had come out on the heels of the Access Hollywood case, etc, whether he would have gotten the votes he did get and won, she says. The actual events of the case took place more than eight years ago when Mr Trump was considered by many to be a reality TV star-turned-far-fetched candidate for president. His name, synonymous with New York City, was his biggest asset. Prosecutors allege that, in order to help his campaign, Mr Trump and his former lawyer Michael Cohen colluded with David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc, to catch and kill negative stories. AMI paid two individuals who claimed to have stories about Mr Trumps alleged extramarital affairs and had them sign NDAs to prevent them from going public with the claims. When Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, threatened to air allegations of an affair with Mr Trump, Cohen also paid her to stay quiet and had her sign an NDA at what, he claims, was the direction of the former president. Mr Trump later reimbursed him but misrepresented those payments as part of a non-existent legal retainer, prosecutors allege. If hes convicted he will have been found guilty of fraud, fraud affecting an election or attempting to affect an election which sort of goes to the core of our election process, Kevin OBrien, a former assistant US attorney, explains to The Independent. Trump holds a copy of The Washington Post a day after the US Senate acquitted him on two articles of impeachment in February 2020 ( Getty Images ) Cohen has already faced federal prison time for his part in the scheme. Mr OBrien believes Mr Trump could face prison time too if convicted. But, its unclear if the public believes Mr Trump will face consequences for his alleged actions or if it will even matter. One poll found that one-fifth of Trump supporters believe the former president has committed a serious crime, yet he is still polling ahead of President Joe Biden in multiple matchups for the November race. Undoubtedly, the media will flock to Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday 15 April for jury selection. Police officers and Secret Service agents will stand guard. Bystanders may take a peak and protesters could set up outside the courthouse. And, irrespective of perception about the case, Mr Trump will make history as the first current or former US president to stare down the prospect of a future behind bars. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Australian magpie has been reunited with a couple after it was surrendered to authorities over allegations it was being kept unlawfully. Molly was returned to Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen of Queensland after more than 150,000 people signed a petition demanding its return. The bird was seized for six weeks in March after the Australian government ruled it was taken from the wild unlawfully with no permit, licence or authority following its rescue as a chick in 2020. Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen said they were overwhelmed with emotion over the birds return in an Instagram post that gained more than 100,000 likes. But it was returned with strict conditions barring the couple from profiting from the bird - in order for them to keep their wildlife carers licence. Those conditions require the couple to undertake training, provide evidence of Mollys well-being and make no ongoing commercial gain from the magpie. The couple amassed more than 800,000 followers on the Instagram page, which features whimsical pictures and videos of the magpie interacting with their Staffordshire terrier. Before Mollys return, Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen admitted to Australias ABC News that they had profited from Molly, though they suggested they had not made very much. My intention was not to make money, Ms Wells said. Its not about that. We cant make a living on the money thats been made - definitely not, Mr Mortensen added. A post promoting the book - Peggy & Molly: Be Kind, Be Humble, Be Happy - remains pinned at the top of the duos Instagram page. Previously, Queensland premier Steven Miles intervened and said it would be a victory for common sense if authorities returned Molly. Speaking on Mollys return, Mr Miles said: Molly has received excellent care during this time, and Im told has been in great spirits throughout. I know how strongly people have felt about this - thank you again to everyone who has been in touch about it. Australian magpies - which can live up to 30 years - are a protected native species and are considered vital to the nations ecosystem. They are named after their resemblance to the Eurasian magpie. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former Australian government adviser Bruce Lehrmann lost his defamation case on Monday after a judge ruled that he had raped his colleague Brittany Higgins in a Parliament House office. Mr Lehrmann, 28, a staff member in the Scott Morrison government, had sued Australian media company Network 10 for defamation after it aired an interview with Ms Higgins in 2021 without identifying him by name. The interview sparked nationwide outrage over discrimination and mistreatment of women in politics, especially after Ms Higgins called out Mr Morrison for victim blaming". Mr Lehrmann has denied any wrongdoing. Justice Michael Lee of Australia's federal court dismissed Mr Lehrmanns defamation suit after Network 10 defended the story as true. The judge said he found Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins on the lower "balance of probabilities" standard used in civil trials rather than that of "beyond all reasonable doubt" used in criminal trials. "My conclusion on rape. Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins," he told the court in comments that were livestreamed to tens of thousands of viewers. "I hasten to stress this is a finding on the balance of probabilities," he added. The judge found that Mr Lehrmann was indifferent to whether Ms Higgins had consented or not before he raped her in a senator's office at the Parliament House. Mr Lehrmann was "hellbent" on having sex with Ms Higgins, the judge found. Judge Lee had earlier slammed Mr Lehrmann for being an unreliable and dishonest witness, 9News reported. "Mr Lehrmann has no compunction from departing from the truth if he thought it was expedient," the judge said. "I am satisfied that in important respects, he told deliberate lies." Mr Lehrmann was first accused of raping Ms Higgins in a ministerial office in the capital, Canberra, in 2019. He faced a criminal trial in 2022, which collapsed after a juror was found conducting individual research into the case, and a proposed retrial was abandoned after prosecutors said it would severely harm Ms Higgins's mental health. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Four people, including a bishop, have been stabbed during a church service in Sydney the second major knife incident to hit the Australian city in a matter of days. Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy and more than 100 officers were brought in to deal with the unrest after a large crowd gathered outside and demanded the suspected attacker be brought outside. The incident happened at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley at around 7.15pm local time (9.15am GMT), and triggered clashes with angry residents, with rocks thrown towards officers. The attack was broadcast live on Christ The Good Shepherd Churchs YouTube channel this still was taken moments before the bishop was targeted ( Christ The Good Shepherd Church/Youtube ) Footage of the service broadcast live on the churchs YouTube page appeared to show the bishop, Mar Mari Emmanuel, stabbed repeatedly by a man who approached the altar, before worshippers rushed to come to his aid. There was so much anger because the bishop is loved by them, hes loved by myself as well, he preaches about the Lord and we love the Lord, said a local resident who gave her name as Canny. Three others were also hurt in the attack, according to the church in a Facebook post, including a priest called Father Isaac Royel. All four attacked suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital. It was the second mass stabbing in just three days in Sydney after six people were killed in a knife attack at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre on Saturday. The attacker 40-year-old Joel Cauchi was later shot dead by a police officer. A spokesperson for New South Wales Police confirmed the arrest of a teenager. They also said a public order incident outside saw one officer suffer a twisted knee and chipped tooth after being hit with a metal object. Another suffered a broken jaw after being hit with a brick and fence paling. Footage circulating online showed angry scenes outside the church as members of the public clashed with police. Some officers were forced to fire pepper spray in an attempt to control the situation, according to Reuters. Emergency services vehicles respond following the church stabbing ( Reuters ) According to Sky News, one person watching wrote: I was watching the live stream, a young male attacked him, potentially with a weapon was hard to tell but was fast and numerous blows. The church stepped in and then the live stream cut out and was removed. Emmanuel was ordained a priest in 2009 and then a bishop in 2011. The church said in a Facebook post: We ask for your prayers at this time. It is the bishops and fathers wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator. Large numbers of police were called out to the scene ( AP ) The Australian National Imams Council said the attacks were horrifying and have no place in Australia, particularly at places of worship and toward religious leaders. The premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, also described the scenes as disturbing on social media and urged the community to remain calm and stick together. The attack was around 20 miles from the shopping centre where lone knifeman Cauchi went on a stabbing spree on Saturday. Using a large knife, he killed six people five women and a man and injured 12 others, including a nine-month-old baby. The church, pictured here, is around 20 miles from the stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre ( Google street map ) He was eventually shot and killed by inspector Amy Scott, who confronted him alone on the fifth floor after a pursuit through the mall. On Monday, as the country took part in a day of mourning for the victims, the killers parents said they were extremely sorry. His father Andrew Cauchi said: Hes my son. And Im loving a monster to you, hes a monster. To me, he was a very sick boy. On Monday, it also emerged that Cauchi, who had a history of mental health problems and led an itinerant lifestyle, led a secret life as a male escort. His father also told reporters on Monday that he had confiscated five US army knives from his son last year. Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, Yixuan Cheng, 27, from China, Jade Young, 47, Faraz Tahir, 30, and Ashlee Good, 38, were killed in the attack at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre ( AP ) The fresh details emerged as New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb said the focus on female victims during the rampage is a line of inquiry. Yixuan Cheng, 27, from China, Jade Young, 47, Dawn Singleton, 25, Pikria Darchia, 55, and Ashlee Good, 38, all women, were victims of Cauchis attack. The only man killed during the attack was a 30-year-old security guard, Faraz Tahir. Thousands of flowers and wreaths lay in a makeshift memorial outside the mall on Monday as hundreds came from across the city to honour those killed. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Tributes are flooding in for the six people killed in the stabbing rampage at a shopping mall in Sydney, including for a mother who died trying to save her nine-month-old baby. Five women and one man were killed by knife attacker Joel Cauchi in the Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction on Saturday. The victims have been named as Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, who worked as an architect in Sydney, 55-year-old Pikria Darchia, security guard Faraz Tahir and Chinese student Yixuan Cheng. Ashlee Good, 38, died in hospital from her wounds and her nine-month-old daughter Harriet has undergone surgery. Police shot and killed the attacker, Mr Cauchi. Authorities have ruled out terrorism and said the 40-year-old had a history of mental illness. Here is what we know about the victims of the Bondi stabbing: Dawn Singleton Dawn Singleton ( Nine News ) Ms Singleton, 25, was the daughter of John Singleton, 82, a well-known entrepreneur in Australia who built his success through advertising. She was soon to be married and had only purchased her wedding dress a few days prior to the attack. Her fiance, a police officer, was reportedly one of many emergency responders called to the scene. According to her LinkedIn profile, she had studied for a degree in communications at the University of Technology Sydney and worked at clothes retailer White Fox Boutique. In a tribute released on Instagram, her employers said: Over the weekend we lost not only an employee of White Fox but someone special to us who felt like a family member. We are all truly devastated by this loss. Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was amazing. Ashlee Good Ashlee Good ( PA ) Ashlee Good, 38, who was attempting to save her nine-month-old baby when she was attacked by Joel Cauchi, later died in hospital. Ms Good reportedly passed her baby to two strangers nearby before she lost consciousness. Police said the baby had undergone surgery following the attack. A statement from Ms Goods family said: Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human, and so much more. We appreciate the well wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl. New South Wales health minister Ryan Park said on Monday her daughter Harriet had moved from a critical to serious but stable condition in Sydney Childrens Hospital. Faraz Tahir Security guard Faraz Tahir had been living in Sydney for less than a year when he was killed ( Australian Pakistani National Association ) The only male killed was Faraz Tahir, a 30-year-old Pakistani refugee who worked at the mall as a security guard. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said Faraz had been in Australia for less than a year and was a cherished member of our community. He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness, the organisation said. It also said Faraz contributed to charitable endeavours supporting Muslim youth in Sydney. Faraz was credited with trying to stop the attack. We are devastated by Farazs passing and recognise our team members bravery and role as a first responder, Elliott Rusanow, CEO of the mall owner Scentre Group, said in a statement to Nine News. Another member of our security team was injured and remains in hospital. Jade Young Jade Young ( AP ) Jade Young, 47, was a mother of two who had been an architect for more than 20 years. She lived in Bellevue Hill, an eastern Sydney suburb near the shopping mall, and was a volunteer member of the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club. I sadly have to report that a Bronte SLSC member, Jade Young, lost her life during the tragic events in Bondi Junction yesterday, the club said in a statement to Nine News. Some of you might have known Jade as she and her family have been active in youth education. Pikria Darchia Pikria Darchia ( Family handout/New South Wales Police/PA Wire ) Pikria Darchia, 55, was named as the fifth victim late on Sunday. According to Darchias profile on LinkedIn, she was an artist and had worked as a designer for 10 years in Tbilisi, Georgia. Prior to that she had finished a masters degree in performance art at the Tbilisi State Academy of Art. In Australia, she studied business administration. Darchias profile said she spoke English, Russian and Georgian. Yixuan Cheng Yixuan Cheng ( Nine News ) Yixuan Cheng, a Chinese graduate student, was the final victim to be identified Monday. Chinese news service Sydney Today reported the 27-year-old was studying for a masters degree in economics at the University of Sydney. The report said she had called her fiance in China, who has only been identified as Wang, just minutes before the attack. She happily talked to me on the phone at around 3 p.m. She even tried on clothes for me to see, Wang said. After the attack, Wang said he had tried to call Cheng day and night, but there was no contact at all. Wang said the pair had planned to marry after Cheng graduated. Additional reporting by agencies Iran has been good for Benjamin Netanyahu over his long and successful political career. Israels prime minister has never been backward in blaming the ayatollahs for a myriad of ills, and bemoaning that the West was not seeing the full danger from Tehran. Netanyahu had gained political capital from portraying himself as Mr Security, protecting his country from Palestinian militants and their Iranian patrons. Now, just as Israel was getting isolated internationally and facing unprecedented levels of censure from allies over its continuing Gaza onslaught, the mass air strike by Iran has handed him a great advantage. After warnings of drawing back support from a Joe Biden increasingly exasperated with Netanyahu, US support for Israel is now ironclad. Another hefty military package for Israel is likely to be passed by Congress with bipartisan support. Warplanes from Britain and France, both countries vocally critical of Israel over Gaza, shot down Iranian drones and missiles alongside the Americans. The Jordanians, too, were part of the military action to protect Israel. And while there have been attacks on Arab social media on King Abdullah as a supposed Western and Zionist stooge, there have been no large-scale protests. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have expressed deep concern over the armed escalation. Israel has been assiduously courting the Sunni countries through the Abraham Accords. But they have repeatedly condemned Israel over Gaza as the death toll has climbed above 33,000 (according to the Palestinian health authority) and starvation spreads in a ruined land. The Gulf states have also been forging links with Shia Iran after decades of antipathy, and there have been public joint declarations of support for the beleaguered Palestinians from Tehran and Riyadh. The question now is what Netanyahu will do with this geopolitical dividend? Nothing too hasty when it comes to Iran, it seems. An anti-missile system in action after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel ( Reuters ) The final decision on what form retaliation takes will be made by three members of the war cabinet the prime minister, defence minister Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz, the former head of the Israeli military and leader of an opposition party who joined the government after the 7 October Hamas atrocity. Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, an observer in the cabinet from the same party, pressed for an immediate attack in the wake of Iran's drone and missile salvo, but this was firmly opposed by Netanyahu and Gallant, according to Israeli officials and reports in the Israeli media. This is, perhaps, unsurprising. Despite his reputation as a war hawk, Netanyahu has shown himself to be a cautious pragmatist over the years, calling a halt, for example, to two previous Gaza wars against the wishes of the military. The fact that he has kept his hard-right coalition partners, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, out of the inner war cabinet since the war began is another example of this. An Israeli counterstrike, however, is inevitable. It could be on Irans allies Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shia militias in Syria and Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen. It could be inside Iran with Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and other military facilities being hit after all, Israel has carried out regular assassinations of scientists involved in the nuclear programme inside the country. There is little doubt that Israel would like to use this opportunity to fulfil its long-held ambition to try and destroy Irans nuclear installations. It has not done so yet, because it would not be possible to achieve without US military support, and the Biden administration has said it will not play any part in an attack on Iran. The Iranian air attack will have an impact on what happens next in Gaza. Displaced Palestinians trying to walk back from the central Gaza Strip to the northern Gaza Strip ( AP ) Claims that Iran instigated the Hamas attack on Israel something not proven are being re-aired in Israel for domestic and foreign consumption, with the warning that not destroying Hamas will mean an Iranian force, under another name, is on the borders of Israel. To destroy Hamas, Netanyahu has declared, the Gaza ground offensive must be carried into Rafah, where its fighters are now cornered. The US, Britain, other Western governments, the UN, and humanitarian organisations have asked Israel to desist, pointing to the potentially catastrophic consequences in an area where more than 1.5 million people have taken refuge from the carnage in the rest of the territory. The Iranian assault gives Netanyahu a strong bargaining chip, Yaakov Amidror, a former Israeli national security advisor pointed out. Bibi [Netanyahu] has been given two good options. He can either go after Iran, saying we are justified in doing so. Or he can go to the Americans and say look well compromise and not escalate by not going after Iran, but in return we want full American support to destroy Hamas in Gaza, and this includes Rafah, said Amridor. The scale of the Israeli response to Iran, and what it may spark on other fronts, from Hezbollah for example, may decide whether or not the Gaza mission is postponed. Shlomo Brom, a former general and head of the Israeli military's strategic planning, said: Its not comfortable for us to have simultaneous, high-intensity wars in multiple theatres; choices have to be made in such a scenario. Joe Biden reportedly told Netanyahu to take the win as he cautioned against striking back against Iran ( AP ) Biden pointed to the international effort in combating Iranian drones as a potent indicator by the West that they will guarantee Israels security. The White House said that the US president told the Israeli prime minister you got a win, take the win, after the joint defence against the Iranian attack, stressing that the US wouldnt participate in Israeli counterattacks against Iran. Giora Eiland, a former general and former head of Israels National Security Council, said that military action in Rafah would not be affected by a conflict at the Lebanese border, with Israel capable of overseeing two missions. But the international action in support of Israel may open a path to Israel seeking a path, with the help of the West and regional powers, to end the Gaza war and end hostilities with Hezbollah. Eiland did not think Netanyahu would pursue such a policy, saying: He says he wants to achieve total victory in Gaza and conquer Rafah, a process that could last two or three months. Its clear Netanyahu has a different mindset and priorities. Netanyahu is an exemplary political strategist who has seen off multiple rivals over the decades. But he is now facing challenges which may bring him down investigations into the security failures which led to the Hamas attack, and also separate criminal investigations which could see him end up in prison. He denies the charges. Netanyahus ruthlessness, say critics, dictates that he needs wars. A change of leadership at such a perilous time, he keeps pointing out, will be hugely damaging for Israel. The current crisis provides opportunity for the Israeli prime minister, but also potential pitfalls if wrong options are now taken and Israel loses control of the situation. In the longer term, there will inevitably be a day after the current confrontation with Iran and the Gaza war. And that is when the fate of Benjamin Netanyahu will be decided. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} When Israel brazenly bombed an Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month, killing several of the countrys top commanders, weeks of speculation ensued over how Iran would respond. By Wednesday, the US had warned a retaliatory Iranian attack was imminent. At around 11pm local time on Saturday night, word spread across Israel that hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles were on their way - and would enter Israeli air space in a matter of hours. An agonising, terrifying wait ensued - as the well-telegraphed attacking force made its 620 mile plus journey across Middle Eastern skies. Irans Shahed drones - the type believed to have been used - travel at around 110mph to 370mph, depending on the model. Many Israelis sought shelter, bringing bottled water and food supplies to their safe rooms or travelling to stay with relatives who had access to bomb shelters. Others tried to carry on as normal - all too accustomed to the sound of sirens during the past six months of war, resigned to placing faith in Israels sophisticated aerial defence setup. Almost one hour after the drones set off, a group of ballistic missiles capable of flying multiple times the speed of sound were launched from Iran, with the intention of both drones and missiles hitting Israel at the same time, Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said. The Iranian attack was further reinforced by missiles launched at Israel by its proxy groups, including Houthi militants in Yemen, and other groups in Syria and Iraq, according to US President Joe Biden. An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon ( Reuters ) As alarm spread across the country, Israels high-tech air defence system mobilised to intercept the attack, whilst Israels air force - working with allies including the UK and US - launched planes to shoot down some of the incoming weaponry before it reached the country. This multi-pronged defensive operation has been widely seen as a success. 99% of the Iranian missiles and drones were shot down, according to the Israeli military. In total, the attack comprised of 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles, all of which were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory, as well as 110 ballistic missiles, of which a small number reached Israeli territory, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement. The only reported casualties were two children from Bedouin communities who were injured, one seriously. The Nevatim Airbase in the Negev desert also suffered damage. What does Israels air defence system look like? A key component of Israels aerial defence is the Arrow system, comprising of Arrow-2 and Arrow-3. It specialises in downing long-range missiles - and is designed to intercept them outside the earths atmosphere. It has already been used during the current war to shoot down missiles fired by Houthi militants. On Saturday, it was mobilised to shoot down Irans ballistic missiles. Israels flagship air defence system is the infamous Iron Dome, which is designed to intercept short-range rockets of the type used by Hamas. Developed alongside the US, it has shot down thousands of rockets since it was rolled out in 2011 - and was seen in action across Israel during Saturdays attack. Davids Sling - operational since 2017 - is designed to intercept medium-range, heavy payload missiles, such as those stocked by Hezbollah in Lebanon. The oldest component of Israels air defences is Patriot, which was first used during the First Gulf War to intercept missiles fired by Saddam Husseins forces. Nowadays, Patriot is used to shoot down aircraft, including drones. These four branches of Israels air defence are backed up by Israeli Air Force jets - which on Saturday intercepted 25 cruise missiles outside the countrys borders, according to military spokesperson Daniel Hagari. An Israeli Air Force fighter after a mission to intercept incoming airborne threats ( Israeli Army/AFP via Getty Image ) Israels allies played a key role Israels allies also played a key role in stopping the attack. The US and UK had bolstered their military presence in the region in the days leading up to the attack, after receiving advanced intelligence of Irans intentions. On the night, US forces intercepted a number of Iranian drones over southern Syria, security forces told Reuters. US President Joe Biden said the US had helped to take down nearly all of the Iranian drones and missiles. Royal Air Force Typhoon jets shot down a number of Iranian drones over Syria and Iraq, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said. The RAF was already operating in the area as part of Operation Shader, the UKs mission to combat Islamic State. France helped to patrol the airspace around Israel but it is unclear if they had downed any drones or missiles, the Israeli military said. Additionally, Jordan shot down several Iranian missiles and drones which had entered its airspace. This was to secure the safety of its citizens, a statement from the Jordanian cabinet said. The Jordanian intervention is notable as it has been a heavy critic of Israels conduct during its war in Gaza, though it remains a close US ally. The Israeli Iron Dome air defenCe system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) A measured, telegraphed - but powerful attack Crucially for Israel, Irans attack was well-telegraphed. The countrys foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said Sunday it had given neighbouring nations 72 hours notice. Intelligence of Irans plans may have been leaked intentionally to allow Israel to prepare, thus enabling Iran to launch a large and symbolic attack whilst minimising mass casualties and damage that could spark a serious further escalation. Nonetheless, the size and awe of the attack seemed designed to demonstrate that Iran has the capability to overwhelm Israeli air defences should it truly wish to - though the effectiveness of Israels defence may have been beyond Tehrans expectations. In an eyewatering insight into the cost of the defensive operations, Brig Gen Reem Aminoach, a former economic adviser to the IDF chief of staff, told Israels Ynet News, that the cost of the air campaign - including the missiles used to shoot down Irans ballistic missiles - would add up to around 4 to 5 billion shekels (850m to 1.1bn). For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Iran fired more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel on Saturday night, of which 99 per cent were intercepted, according to Israeli officials. It was the first time a nation has launched a long-range attack of this scale against Israel since Saddam Husseins Iraq 33 years ago - and it risks causing a major war in the region between two of the Middle Easts most heavily armed countries. The attack was the anticipated response from Tehran to an airstrike at the start of the month on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, the Syrian capital. Seven senior Iranian military officials, including the head of the Syria and Lebanon wing of Irans Quds Forces, its powerful international army, were killed. Israel did not claim responsibility for the attack but Iran blamed them anyway. Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed three days before the Saturday attack that they would punish Israel. Below you can see exactly how the attack happened. Though it stemmed from a dispute between only Iran and Israel, it involved a range of neighbouring countries. While the shortest distance from Iran to Israel is about 620 miles, projectiles were additionally fired from Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon also fired missiles. Iran funds militia forces across that region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Irans five-pronged military, which includes the Quds Forces, said they fired ballistics missiles at Israel almost an hour after launching slower moving drones, so they would strike Israel at roughly the same time. Hezbollah also said it had fired two barrages of rockets at an Israeli military base in the occupied Golan Heights, a plateau which Israel has annexed from Syria in a move not recognised by most of the international community. Israel said the volley of projectiles launched by Iran included 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. The same model of drones (Shaheds) fired by Russia at civilian-populated areas in Ukraine were used by Iran against Israel. A view of a crater on a damaged road, after Iran's mass drone and missile attack, at a location given as Hermon area, Israel ( via REUTERS ) An image-grab from a video taken early on April 14, 2024, shows rocket trails in the sky above the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. ( AFP via Getty Images ) A fragment of a missile fell on an empty field during the Iranian airstrikes against Israel in Baghdad, Iraq ( Anadolu via Getty Images ) Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said 99 per cent of the incoming barrage was intercepted. The US, the UK, France and Jordan were involved in shooting down the missiles and drones, as well as, of course, Israel itself. The US defence department said their forces intercepted dozens of missiles and drones launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. US Central Command (Centcom) later issued an update saying its forces had destroyed more than 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles. That included a ballistic missile still attached to its launcher vehicle in Houthi-controlled Yemen, as well as seven drones nearby. UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said RAF fighter jets had shot down an unspecified number of Iranian attack drones over Syria and Iraq. The RAF was already operating in the region as part of Operation Shader against Islamic State. Mr Hagari said France, meanwhile, was contributing to patrolling airspace. Jordanian security sources told Reuters that they also shot down dozens of drones over their airspace on route to Israel. Jordan has been highly critical of Israels war in Gaza but has a peace treaty with its neighbour and is a close ally of the US. While air defences were active in Jerusalem, the only known direct hit was at the Nevatim air force base in the Negev desert in southern Israel. Mr Hagari said a few of the ballistic missiles, typically the hardest to shoot down, got through the defences and lightly hit the air force base. Two US officials told CBS News that five ballistic missiles evaded air defences. Four landed in the base, where the countrys F-35 fighter jets are based, which the officials said was Irans primary target. One missile hit a runway, another an empty aircraft hangar and one hit a hangar that was out of use. A fifth ballistic missile seemed to be aimed at a radar site in northern Israel but missed its target. Mr Hagari said 12 people were injured, including a seven-year-old girl who reportedly received head injuries from shrapnel. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rishi Sunak has doubled down on Britains backing for Israel after Irans unprecedented attack, but urged all sides to show restraint amid fears the Middle East crisis could spiral out of control. The prime minister said the reckless and dangerous escalation by Iran on Saturday night risked plunging the region into a deeper crisis, as he hit out at Tehran for trying to sow chaos in their own back yard. Addressing MPs for the first time since Iran launched more than 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles on the nation, Mr Sunak said G7 countries were united in condemning the assault and were working on a package of measures to pile pressure on Iran. He added that he would speak to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to express Britains solidarity and discuss how we can prevent further escalation warning that Israels security is non-negotiable as part of a fundamental condition for peace in the region. But in a sign that Britains support for Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza is unwavering, the PM repeated that Israel has the right to seek to defeat the militant organisation. Mr Netanyahu is considering how to respond to Tehran, with the UK, France, Germany and the European Union all echoing calls by the US for Israel to avoid an escalation that could spark a wider war. Rishi Sunak condemned the reckless and dangerous escalation by Iran ( PRU/AFP via Getty Images ) The PMs intervention came as: Foreign secretary David Cameron described the Iranian attack as reckless but urged Israel to respond with head as well as heart Europes top leaders also urged Israel to show restraint and move away from the edge of the cliff Mr Netanyahu convened his war cabinet where they discussed a number of options for a painful retaliatory measure against Iran Mr Sunak came under fresh pressure from backbenchers to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group Mr Sunak told the Commons on Monday afternoon: With this attack Iran has once again shown its true colours. They are intent on sowing chaos in their own back yard, on further destabilising the Middle East. Our aim is to support stability and security because it is right for the region and because although the Middle East is thousands of miles away, it has a direct effect on our security and prosperity at home. So, were working urgently with our allies to de-escalate the situation and prevent further bloodshed. We want to see calmer heads prevail and were directing all our diplomatic efforts to that end. He added: All sides must show restraint. RAF jets shot down a number of Irans attack drones directed at Israel over the weekend ( Israeli Army/AFP via Getty Image ) Adding that Israel has Britains full support, the PM set out three steps to put the region on a better path. Mr Sunak said: First we must uphold regional security against hostile actors including in the Red Sea, and we must ensure Israels security that is non-negotiable. It is a fundamental condition for peace in the region. In the face of threats like we saw this weekend, Israel has our full support. Second we must invest more deeply in the two-state solution that is what we have been doing over the past six months, including working closely with the Palestinian authority so that when the time comes they can provide more effective governance for Gaza and the West Bank. He went on: The conflict in Gaza must end. Hamas, which is backed by Iran, started this war. They wanted not just to kill and murder but to destabilise the whole region. He added: It is significant that other regional partners actually helped to prevent a much worse attack over the weekend, it reminds us how important the attempts to normalise relations between Israel and its neighbours really are, and it holds out precious hope for the region. Turning to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Mr Sunak said: It is Israels right, and indeed its duty, to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists and defend its security. The Royal Air Force joined allies in defending Israel, with British jets shooting down a number of Iranian attack drones. Sir Keir Starmer joined the PM in urging Israel to show restraint after the attack, backing the involvement of UK armed forces in efforts to thwart the strikes. Mr Sunak had previously confirmed that RAF jets shot down a number of Irans attack drones. The Labour leader added there was no doubt the attack has left the world a more dangerous place and said Iran must be wholly condemned by all. Labour leader Keir Starmer also urged Israel to show restraint in its response to the attack from Iran ( Getty Images ) Foreign secretary Lord Cameron had earlier urged Israel to be smart as well as tough by not escalating the conflict with Iran. He said Israel should recognise Tehrans attack as an almost total failure when they consider their next move. I think [Israel are] perfectly justified to think they should respond because they have been attacked, but we are urging them as friends to think with head as well as heart, to be smart as well as tough, he said. Meanwhile, the EUs foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, urged all parties to step on the brakes and reverse gear, or risk an all-out war in the region. French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Olaf Scholz also called for restraint, saying they were working to avoid escalation. We will do all we can to avoid things flaring up, escalating, Mr Macron said, urging Israel to aim to isolate Iran rather than escalate the situation. Countries including Belgium and Germany summoned the Iranian ambassadors. And Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7, raised the possibility of the group discussing new sanctions against Iran following the attack. Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said Israel had an opportunity to form a strategic alliance against this grave threat by Iran, while Benny Gantz, a former military chief who is part of the war cabinet, said they would build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us. Foreign secretary Lord David Cameron said Israel should view the Iranian attack as a total failure ( PA Wire ) The weekends assault was launched in response to a strike widely blamed on Israel upon an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month, which killed two Iranian generals. Israel has denied responsibility for that attack. It marks the first time a direct military assault has been launched by Tehran on Israel despite enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran has said it does not want tensions to increase, but promised an immediate and stronger response if Israel retaliates against its strike. Iran has been blamed for supporting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon which have targeted Israel, along with the Houthi group in Yemen which has mounted attacks on Red Sea shipping. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Somali pirates freed hijacked ship MV Abdullah and its crew on Sunday after receiving a $5mn ransom. Abdirashiid Yusuf, one of the pirates involved in the hijacking, confirmed the release of the Bangladeshi cargo vessel. The money was brought to us two nights ago as usual, he told Reuters. We checked whether the money was fake or not. Then we divided the money into groups and left, avoiding the government forces. The pirates also released all 23 of the ships crew members, he added. The Somali government has not made a statement. The vessel was hijacked about 600 miles east of Somalias capital Mogadishu on 12 March. It was sailing from Mozambique in the Indian Ocean to the United Arab Emirates, carrying 55,000 tonnes of coal. A group of 15-20 Somali pirates hijacked the ship, said Meherul Karim, chief executive officer of Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mills, the owner of the vessel. According to ships tracking data, MV Adbullah came to a halt in the Indian Ocean before reversing its course and heading to the Somali coast, Bloomberg reported. Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mills released an audio message from one of the crew members who said the pirates came in two speedboats and opened fire as they boarded the vessel. After five years of relative dormancy, piracy has picked up in the Indian Ocean since late last year. For a decade from 2008 to 2018, Somali pirates had made the seas off the countrys long coastline too dangerous for ships to sail in. The resurgence in piracy around Somalia compounds a security crisis in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which Yemens Houthis have made almost impassable for vessels from mostly Western nations, prompting retaliatory measures from the US and the UK. Maritime industry sources said pirates may be encouraged by a relaxation of security or may be taking advantage of the chaos caused by the Houthi attacks on Western shipping. The Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks until Israel stops its war on Gaza. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy California has hit a new renewables record after exceeding 100 per cent of grid demand with clean energy sources for 30 of the past 38 days. New data from California Independent System Operator (CAISO) shows that supply from geothermal, hydro, solar and wind exceeded demand for between 0.25-6 hours per day for more than three quarters of days since the start of March. It is the first time that the US state has succeeded in drawing all of its electricity needs from wind-water-solar (WWS) sources for such a sustained period of time. This is unprecedented in Californias history, Mark Z. Jacobson, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University who first shared the figures, told The Independent. In previous years, WWS supply exceeded demand occasionally on one weekend day, but never two days in a row and never during the week, and never to the magnitude that is now, up to 122 per cent of demand. Electricity production from renewables was so strong that not even a partial solar eclipse interrupted the run earlier this month. As the fifth largest economy in the world, California is the largest state to see such success, though it only ranked 12th in the US last year for producing WWS electricity relative to consumption. Professor Jacobson noted that the trend is not unique to California, with South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Mained, Montana, New Mexico, Okleahona, Oregon, Washington State and Wyoming all producing over 56 per cent of their electricity from renewable sources in 2023. This is getting so easy, its almost boring, Professor Jacobson said. Just need offshore wind and more solar and batteries to get to 100 per cent 24/7. California plans to add 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2035 in order to transition away from polluting energy sources over the next decade. The plan was approved by state energy regulators in February, who claimed it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 25 million metric tons. This is a critical component of Californias climate change strategy, said Alice Reynolds, president of California Public Utilities Commission. View more Recently published research from Professor Jacobson shows that five countries are already meeting all of their energy needs from renewable sources Albania, Bhutan, Nepal and Paraguay while a further nine produce more than 90 per cent of their energy from renewables. In the UK, it was reported in March that renewable energy overtook gas for the first time this winter, while a January report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) revealed that the world added 50 per cent more renewable energy in 2023 than 2022. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The world is watching with concern the increasing tension in the Middle East and the potential next steps. But already the effects of Irans attack on Israel on Saturday night, and wider worries about the unstable situation, has had a significant impact on aviation. Airline passengers flying to, from or via the Middle East are facing disruption. Flights to and from the UK have been cancelled or diverted, and detours around the region are jeopardising flight connections particularly at Gulf airports. What are the rights of disrupted passengers and for travellers who have safety concerns? These are the key questions and answers. What was the impact on aviation of the Iranian attack on Israel? Ahead of the attack most countries in the region closed their airspace to passenger aircraft, leading to many diversions and planes returning to their starting points. With Israel under attack, all airports in the country were closed as was airspace in other countries. For example, the Saturday evening British Airways flight from London Heathrow to the Jordanian capital, Amman, travelled as far as Basel in Switzerland before turning around and returning to its starting point. Virgin Atlantics Saturday evening flight from Heathrow to Mumbai flew to central Turkey before turning around and heading for Istanbul to refuel before continuing to India by a much more northerly route than normal. Passengers on the Israeli airline El Al from Luton to Tel Aviv were diverted to the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Lebanon is one of several countries in the region that the Foreign Office warns against visiting, but evidently the airlines decided it was the safer option. Apart from one Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Dubai, which flew straight over Iran, almost all airlines avoided the entire region, resulting in much longer flights. What are the consequences of longer flights? A good example is MH2, the Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to London Heathrow overnight on Saturday, due to arrive in the UK early on Sunday morning. The most direct route between the two airports is off-limits because it goes over Russia, from which many airlines are banned. Instead, the usual chosen track by Malaysia Airlines and many other airlines is to fly directly over Iran. Over the weekend that changed: the plane arrived over two hours late after making a detour over Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Unlike some other flights, the crew did not need to refuel. Some other planes had to stop along the way because they could not reach their destinations safely without taking on more fuel. But anyone connecting at Heathrow to other destinations in the UK, Europe or North America is likely to have missed connections. Whats the situation now? Most airlines are still giving the area a wide berth. The two main ways to do that between the UK and Asia are to detour to the south, over Saudi Arabia and Egypt, or to the north squeezing through a relatively narrow corridor of Azerbaijans airspace between the southern tip of Russia and the northern tip of Iran. With this flightpath, UK-bound aircraft are still unable to take the optimum route because that crosses Ukraine whose airspace has been closed to passenger planes since the Russian invasion. The concentration of Europe-Asia air traffic into so small an area leads to congestion on air-traffic lanes and possible delays on top of the extra flying time involved. For example the Sunday night Emirates flight from Glasgow to Dubai arrived at the Middle Eastern hub two hours late because of delays caused by the longer routing outbound and inbound leading to many missed connections. Passengers connecting to Sydney from Glasgow have a normal connecting time of 70 minutes, which was rendered impossible by the late arrival. If I miss a connection, what are my rights? For journeys from the UK, you are entitled a hotel, meals and onward travel as soon as possible including on a rival airline if necessary. Travelling to the UK, non-British or non-European airlines have no such obligation to provide care though many carriers will do so. They should find you a way to get you to your destination, but are not required to find space on other airlines. What do the aviation authorities say? The European Union Aviation Safety Agency says it remains vigilant with respect to the situation in the Middle East. The body insists: There was no overflight risk for civil aviation at any time. But it also says of Iranian airspace: There continues to be an increased potential for miscalculation and/or misidentification at present. Four years ago, the Iranian military shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane departing normally from Tehran to Kyiv after a chain of errors. All 176 passengers and crew aboard the Boeing 737 died. Tension in the region had risen sharply immediately before the crash, with Iran firing missiles at bases with US troops in Iraq. It appears from information on the tracking service Flightradar24 that Emirates, which has a huge network of flights from UK airports, has resumed overflying Iran. The Independent has asked for a statement about this. What if passengers are anxious about their journeys and want to cancel? Normal terms apply and you can expect zero or very little refund from the cost of your flight. Would you willingly fly to, from or via the region? Yes. An obsession with risk management has made aviation astonishingly safe. I entrust my safety to the men and women flying the plane and the smart, informed people who are watching the world on their behalf. Should I worry about taking my holiday in Turkey this summer? You should always be conscious of risks abroad. But for Turkey, as with most other countries, my focus is not on the danger of being caught up in a war. Tragically, conflicts have dragged on for decades in the Middle East, successively causing devastation in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria. But they have not affected holidaymakers in nearby countries. I sympathise with anyone who is concerned about war spilling over, but they should note that the Turkish resort of Bodrum, for example, is over 500 miles from Israel. Cyprus is much nearer to Israel; Larnaca is 200 miles from Tel Aviv. But, again, there is no official warning about threats posed by the Israel-Iran conflict on that island. I urge instead a focus on a statistically much more likely risk: being involved in a road accident in those places because driving standards are relatively poor. The Foreign Office warns: Accidents are common and mainly due to poor or reckless driving. I do all I can to reduce the amount of road travel, taking trains where possible or trusting in a professionally driven bus. For completeness, my same advice applies for holidays in Egypt and Jordan: there is no warning against travelling to all the normal tourist locations. Indeed, it may be that you could find bargains as well as an especially warm welcome in those countries if other travellers stay away. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A flight attendant has revealed the method she uses to help young families when airline passengers refuse to swap seats to accommodate children. Mitra Amirzadeh, a flight attendant based in Orlando, told The Wall Street Journal that when mediation efforts fail and a child is involved in the seat-swapping fiasco, she will speak to other passengers and ask for volunteers to help families. Sometimes Ms Amirzadeh will assign stubborn passengers the responsibility for entertaining children sat alone as punishment: I have said before, OK, so youre going to watch the toddler? Youll want their snacks and their colouring books then, because theyre going to need that, in effect making those who wont swap with parents the babysitters for the duration of the journey. However, the flight attendant said that she hardly intervenes when it is separated couples that want to sit together as she doesnt want paying passengers to be forced to swap seats. Ms Amirzadeh added: The next time you feel yourself getting angry or getting frustrated that youre not getting the seat you want, you need to remind yourself that you didnt pay to pick your seat. Otherwise, youd be in it. The member of cabin crew, also a union representative for an airline that charges for advanced seat selection, said she encounters the seat-swapping scenario on around 80 per cent of her monthly flights. Divisive seat-swapping etiquette on flights has become a common debate as pre-booked seat fees skyrocket. In February, a passenger was defended after refusing to give up a business-class plane seat for an economy. The Reddit user shared an incident where a woman sitting next to him in business class asked him to voluntarily downgrade his seat so that she could sit next to her husband, who was seated in economy. A woman was similarly praised last March for refusing to switch seats on a flight so a family could sit together. Audrey Peters posted a TikTok after the interaction captioned: No Im not switching for a middle seat, book your flights earlier babes. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government has been urged to reinstate hard shoulders on Britains smart motorways after being accused of wasting money on the now cancelled projects. Exactly a year after prime minister Rishi Sunak scrapped all future planned smart motorway developments across the UK, the RAC is calling for either a permanent return of the hard shoulder or dynamic lanes which will see them only open to traffic during busy periods. All-lane-running (ALR) smart motorways have no hard shoulder, with the existing safety lane converted into an extra running lane to add traffic capacity. The system was introduced as a cheaper alternative to building more lanes and widening existing motorways, with a section of the M25 in Hertfordshire opened as the countrys first smart motorway in 2014. However, there have been long-standing safety concerns after fatal incidents in which vehicles stopped in live lanes were hit from behind. One campaigner described the highways as death traps, while Claire Mercer, whose husband Jason died along with Alexandru Murgeanu when they were struck by a lorry after stopping on the M1 near Sheffield in June 2019, said any delays in reinstalling hard shoulders continue to put thousands of lives at risk. In 2022, charges of corporate manslaughter were considered by South Yorkshire Police when concerns were raised by a coroner after 62-year-old grandmother Naris Begum died on a section of the M1 without a hard shoulder. A National Highways report published in December revealed that smart motorways without a hard shoulder were three times more dangerous to break down on than those with an emergency lane. open image in gallery An emergency stopping area along a smart motorway section of the M3 ( PA ) When he cancelled any further rollout of the road schemes in 2023, Mr Sunak cited financial pressures and a lack of public confidence in the roads. Simon Williams, RACs head of policy, said: There is a real irony when it comes to talking about cost pressures in relation to these distinctly unpopular types of motorway. While heralded as a cost-effective way of increasing capacity on some of our busier roads, a colossal amount of public money has since gone into trying to make them safer for instance by installing radar-based technology to detect stricken vehicles more quickly, plus the creation of additional emergency refuge areas. This cash neednt have been spent. The government ploughed on with building all-lane-running motorways, regardless of concerns expressed by drivers, the RAC and even the Transport Committee. Mr Williams added that however the hard shoulders are converted, queue-busting technology such as variable speed limits could remain to help ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible. Sarah Champion, Rotherham MP and a long-time campaigner against smart motorways, is backing the RACs call. Government needs to do the right thing and reinstate the hard shoulder to all existing smart motorways and all the schemes under construction, she told The Daily Telegraph. The government knows smart motorways are death traps but rather than saving lives it is saving face and bowing to pressure from National Highways. How many deaths do there have to be before common sense prevails? Polling by the RAC in 2023 found that around seven out of 10 drivers (69 per cent) wanted the hard shoulder reinstated on ALR smart motorways. At the time, the government claimed it would be too disruptive and expensive to do so. The number of people killed or seriously injured after a stopped vehicle was hit by a moving vehicle was 0.21 per 100 million vehicle miles travelled on ALR smart motorways between 2017 and 2021. That compares with 0.07 on controlled smart motorways, which have variable speed limits but retain a hard shoulder and 0.10 on conventional motorways. National Highways said at the time that evidence shows all types of smart motorways are safer than conventional motorways in terms of deaths or serious injuries, and a series of safety improvements had been made since 2021. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: While smart motorways are statistically among the safest roads on our network, we recognise the need for the public to feel safe when driving, and have cancelled plans for all new smart motorway schemes. We are also investing 900m to make improvements on existing smart motorways, including building more emergency areas on these roads. What are smart motorways and where are they in the UK? There are three main types of smart motorway: Controlled , with permanent hard shoulders like traditional motorways but technology in place to assist with traffic flow, such as variable speed limits shown through digital signs. , with permanent hard shoulders like traditional motorways but technology in place to assist with traffic flow, such as variable speed limits shown through digital signs. Dynamic , where the hard shoulder can be used as a lane of traffic when the road is busy, although with a reduced speed limit. , where the hard shoulder can be used as a lane of traffic when the road is busy, although with a reduced speed limit. All-lane-running sees the hard shoulder used permanently as a traffic lane, with emergency refuge areas found at intervals for drivers to pull into if necessary, away from traffic. The majority of smart motorways are around London (including almost all of the M25), the North West and the West Midlands, with more than half of the approximately 400 miles of smart motorway without a hard shoulder. open image in gallery The network of UK smart motorways in January this year. Plans for more have been scrapped ( National Highways ) Additional reporting by PA Donald Trump arrived at a Manhattan court for the first day of a historic criminal trial stemming from a hush-money payment to a porn star. He will become the first American president to stand trial on criminal charges. Mr Trump has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in a bid to conceal a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, to silence her over an alleged affair in 2006. The trial, which begins with jury selection today in Judge Juan Merchans courtroom, could keep Mr Trump in court for weeks and complicate his bid to win back the White House. United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres has warned the Middle East is on the brink of a devastating all-out conflict as Israel vowed to exact a price against Iran following its missile attack. The unprecedented attack by Tehran, which it said was in retaliation against a strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria earlier this month, has raised fears over the Israel-Hamas war spiralling into a wider regional conflagration. The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict, Secretary-General Guterres told a UN Security Council meeting on Sunday 14 April. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Sunday 14 April to discuss Irans attack on Israel. Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel early in the day after Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushed the Middle East closer to a regionwide war. A military spokesman said the launches numbered more than 300 but 99 per cent of them were intercepted. Gilad Erdan, Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, told the security council that Irans mask has fallen after the attack. Amir Saeid Iravani, Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, reiterated that the nation has no intention of engaging in conflict with the US in the region. MBABANE Luyengweni residents are eager to meet Liqoqo concerning the verdict against Luyengweni Chief Lembelele Dlamini. Chief Lembelele was last week fined 10 cattle for allegedly defying an order stopping him from claiming jurisdiction over Mhlabubovu area. The residents of the area, mostly from the Motsa clan, shared that they wanted audience with the author of the verdict to get the reasons behind fining the chief. We were disappointed by Liqoqo Chairman Paul Dlaminis failure to comment when interviewed by the Times of Eswatini concerning the verdict last week. We were not expecting a no comment from a chairman of a higher authority. We believe that a chairman should state the analysis of evidence and the reasons leading to a verdict, said Stan Motsa, who forms part of the Motsa clan. He said the failure by the chairman to state the reasons publicly when asked, meant that the council owed them an explanation. We cannot pay allegiance to LaMgabhi Royal Kraal with the verdict without reasons. Such verdicts will set a bad precedent as it would mean the councils can to change the Kings verdict as they please, Motsa said. Mhlabubovu elders shared that they were not prepared to pay allegiance to a royal kraal they had never been to since birth. They said there had been many verdicts in many forums where King Sobhuzas letter was considered. We were once stopped from burying Gogo Buza at Mhlabubovu. However, the High Court ruled in our favour on the basis of the Kings letter, said an elderly relative of the deceased. ... late TV Mtetwa accused in death MBABANE The sad thing about death is that it silences people forever, making them unable to respond to accusations made against them. The late Acting Ludzidzini Governor Timothy Velabo Mtetwa has been accused by the residents of Mhlabubovu of being at the centre of controversy, which resulted in the unending dispute between LaMgabhi and Luyengweni Royal Kraal. The two chiefdoms have been embroiled in a land dispute since 1945, despite verdicts aimed at ending the land squabble. At the time, LaMgabhi was under the leadership of the then Chief Ndzimanye, while Luyengweni Royal Kraal was under the then Chief Mandanda Mtetwa and Indvuna Mbutfo Makhubu. The residents of Mhlabubovu believed strongly that the peace that prevailed after King Sobhuza II had declared the area to be outside the jurisdiction of LaMgabhi on November 11, 1947, would not have been disturbed, had it not been for TVs alleged controversial character. The residents mentioned that the letter was confirmed by King Sobhuza IIs Private Secretary Abednego Kuseni (AK) Hlophe. The letter purportedly written by the King, who was a paramount chief at the time, read: I learn that there had been a squabble over land boundary line between Chief Ndzimanyes followers and the late Hulumenis sons, resulting in the injuring of two persons. I am to state that the land in dispute is outside Chief Ndzimanyes area. In a documentary that had been shared to this publication, the Motsa clan, who were the first settlers at Mhlabubovu, said the late Mtetwa was well-versed with the history of the area as a successor of his father, but allegedly decided to sell them to LaMgabhi Royal Kraal. They stated that Timothy was heard accusing the Motsa clan of claiming jurisdiction over Mhlabubovu during a meeting held by the inner council at Zombodze Royal Kraal. However, the residents said Prince Mgosholi, who served King Sobhuza II with loyalty, set the record straight that the clan never claimed jurisdiction over the land as alleged by Timothy. The mentioned that Prince Mgosholi then handed over the copy of the letter that was written by King Sobhuza II in 1947. Uma abona lencwadzi umntfwanendvuna (TV) wekhuta umhlolo, asho nekusho kutsi ngeke kuphatanyiswe lokwajutjwa yinkhosi. Wabese ubeka lilanga lapho khona atewumikisa libandla laseLuyengweni kaLobamba, reads the documentary. Council The residents stated that Timothy led them to Lobamba, where they were attended to by a council led by Vusumuzi Bhembe. It was their claim that when Bhembe saw the letter from King Sobhuza II, he stated clearly that he would not say any word on issues where there was the Kings signature. They stated that Bhembe left, resulting in the meeting being dismissed. They stated that Prince Mgosholi then shared that the King sent him to warn Chief Ndzimanye against provoking the residents of Mhlabubovu. The documentary reflected that the prince told Chief Ndzimanye that the King stated that he would return to his place of origin if he continued to provoke the residents of Mhlabubovu. Labours shadow defence secretary has urged Rishi Sunak to set out the governments actions to pursue the path of peace in the Middle East. John Healey made the comments after Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, which it said was in retaliation against a strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria earlier this month. Israel said Iran launched 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and at least 120 ballistic missiles in an assault that set off air raid sirens across the country. This is the most serious and most dangerous moment since Hamas launched that unprecedented terror attack on Israel on October 7, Mr Healey told BBC Breakfast on Monday 15 April. Pro-Palestine protesters blocked the Interstate 190 access road into Terminal 1 at OHare Airport in Chicago on Monday morning (15 April). Dozens of travellers got out of their cars to walk with their luggage to reach one of the busiest airports in the US during rush hour. Footage showed protesters sitting with their arms interlocked as all lanes were blocked on the I-190 between the Kennedy Expressway and OHare. Some people carried signs reading Free Palestine and Stop Genocide. Traffic resumed by around 9:15am according to officials. A woman trapped in a flipped car following a tornado in Louisiana was rescued by police and firefighters, dramatic bodycam footage shows. Slidell Police Department released footage on Friday, 12 April, showing officer Rodney Wests efforts to save the driver after her SUV overturned in Wednesday's extreme weather. The officer asks the woman if she's scared, to which she nods. "Alright, me too, okay... youll be alright," West replies. The driver was able to walk away from the wreckage on her own before being assisted to a nearby McDonald's. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue sent a letter of support to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in advance of its meeting last month with the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA), the sectors largest lobby group which is seeking enhanced protections for Irish whiskey in America. While Irish whiskey is a geographical indication (GI) under European Union legislation ensuring anything labelled as such has to be produced on the island of Ireland this status is not currently recognised in the US, where the beverage is only considered a distinctive product of Ireland. The IWA has issued multiple cease-and-desist letters and trademark oppositions to deter companies from selling imitation Irish-style whiskey in America, according to Eoin O Cathain, the new director of the IWA. The lobby group lodged a petition last year with the TTB in search of similar protections afforded to Scotch whisky in the 1970s and an IWA delegation met with the bureau, as well as members of Congress, during a trip to Washington in the run-up to St Patricks Day. Congressman Richard Neal of Massachusetts, a ranking member of the influential Ways and Means Committee and co-chair of the Friends of Ireland caucus in the House of Representatives, also sent a letter of support for the petition to the TTB. Mr O Cathain said the petition is not related to the groups previous application to obtain a US certification mark. A row broke out over that application in 2021 with West Cork Distillers, which argued that the Government should own the certification mark and that it should reside with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The department then questioned the lobby group over its application. A spokesperson for the department told the Sunday Independent it is now supportive of any enhanced protections for geographical indications for Irish products and carries out regular monitoring on the use of the GI names in the marketplace at home and abroad. The department is aware of engagement by the IWA with the TTB to seek enhanced protection for certain Irish drinks products in the US. It is supportive of this request and the minister issued a letter of support on 8 March in advance of the meeting with TTB. The department did not attend this meeting. Dear Vicki Q My company was the subject of some bad press a few years ago, which is the first thing that pops up when you put our name into Google. Its not representative of who we are these days. Is there a way of over-riding this search result? The Communicator Mark Edwards or Mark Julian Edwards as he is officially known on LinkedIn because there were millions of Mark Edwards, but not many Mark Julian Edwards wants to help you play to your strengths. I met him in London at a conference where I was acting as Master of Ceremonies. We got chatting over the lunch break and I was enjoying his story so much, I was almost late returning to the stage to kick off the second half. Now that the conference is over, and went successfully I am happy to add, I am also happy to share his story and insights with you as your intrepid columnist. My background is in leadership development, Mark begins, as we caught up over Zoom, which Ive done for many, many years. During an assignment I had a few years ago on the sunny island of Mallorca, I was thinking about my career and I asked myself: Do I fundamentally enjoy some of the recent work Ive been doing? And the answer was no. Because the roles were not playing to my strengths. He decided to go on an exploration to determine if he could apply what he was uniquely talented in into other areas outside of what he had always done. The biggest instance of this was I created a photo portrait book called Faces of Mallorca. Personally, I have never visited, but Mark tells me one of the more common impressions about this Spanish Island in the Mediterranean is that its full of expats. A lot of Brits, Germans, Scandinavians and big boats, he laughs. Mark wanted to change that perception through a book that told the stories of local people living there in an authentic way. And although he did not have any formal training as a photographer, Mark saw this endeavour as his opportunity to lean into applying his naturally developed characteristics. My strengths are around connecting with people, creativity, humour and playfulness. So rather than being obsessed with things like the technical aspects of settings and shutter speed, which still confuse the hell out of me, I focused on how I could leverage my ability to make people feel comfortable and relaxed. The book was published and although it may not have sold a million copies yet Mark was pleased. And through the experience, he reached this conclusion: We are not our jobs. Were just not our jobs. Its the biggest lie weve ever been told. And its also the biggest lie we tell ourselves because were the first people sometimes to put ourselves in a box saying, Im marketing, Im production, Im sales, Im this, Im that. But we are real human beings with a variety of values and strengths that we can apply to different things. What are you good at? Today, Mark is the founder and CEO of the organisation unsurprisingly named The Strengths Explorer. Hes on a mission to help individuals and organisations enable their people to accelerate performance through understanding and leveraging each others strengths. He asks a lot of questions designed to zero in on identifying our innate, natural human selves. Do you like networking? Do you prefer execution? Do you excel at organisation? Are you consistent? Are you highly deliberative? Do you have impeccable communication? And much more. Once you identify your strengths, you can leverage them, and pull on them. Offer to do something not simply because its a part of your job, but because you enjoy it. Push through tendencies to be negative Mark points out that while this exploration of identifying natural strengths may seem easy, it is not. On balance, we generally have quite a good view of where we suck, but we have less of a good view of excelling. Especially if youre from certain countries which have a bit of a shyer disposition that defaults to, Oh, that would be seen as bragging and I dont want to show off. What will people think? He shares an example of a term used in the Nordics, lagom, which essentially means to blend in and conditions people to keep their heads down; to not stand out. Im from America, as you wonderful loyal readers already know, which is boisterously individualistic and competitive. But moving here to Ireland, I encountered plenty of the dont put yourself above your station mentality. Please remember: understanding and playing to your strengths is not the same as showing off. If you cant identify your strengths on your own, Mark recommends asking 10 people in your network personal and professional to send stories of when theyve seen you at your best. When you read through the stories, youll see patterns of your strengths emerge. For example, there was a team I worked with recently, Mark says, and one of the participants, in her own words, was not great at sales but she was very good at executing. So, she enlisted the talents of her team members around communication and brought them into the sales process which led her to close three deals which she wouldnt otherwise have done. She understood her strengths and recognised others strengths. More productive teams will commit to identifying and combining strengths for the greater win. You can write to Gina care of SundayBusiness@independent.ie While Ireland has become globally synonymous with film and animation success, the talented and innovative Irish commercial creative services sector encompasses much more. Contributing over 1.2bn to the Irish economy each year and creating thousands of high value jobs, this innovative and broad sector also includes Irish-owned brand and creative agencies, event production companies, game design and content creation businesses, along with digital specialists in immersive technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality. This exciting sector benefits from hugely positive international sentiment as the Irish creative sector is renowned and respected globally, and it now has the clear potential to deliver more jobs and economic growth for Ireland. To support the Governments Digital Creative Industries Roadmap 2024-2026, Enterprise Ireland is collaborating across Team Ireland (which includes other state agencies and government departments), by investing in initiatives to build skills and export capability in the sector. The focus of this work is to support Irish-owned companies to achieve their global ambition and to scale internationally. For example, one initiative Team Ireland is undertaking is being on show for the first time at Cannes Lions in June, the advertising industrys leading annual creative event. Enterprise Ireland also supported a Team Ireland led Ireland House in the US last month, which involved 19 Irish creative companies. Ireland House was visited by almost 1,000 people over two days and put an international focus on a number of Irish agencies and creative companies, including Thinkhouse, Workhuman, Catapult, Cogs & Marvel, The Tenth Man, Windmill Lane and TVadSync. Much of our work supporting the creative sector involves encouraging the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. While shifts in technology can often cause concerns about job losses, its the creative innovators who learn how to use AI tools to deliver value who will survive and thrive. To promote the development of these skills Enterprise Ireland is partnering with industry bodies such as the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland (IAPI), the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI), Screen Ireland, Culture Ireland and more. In February we collaborated with IAPI and Google on an AI Connect event, where 300 marketing and advertising practitioners gathered to learn more about the transformative potential of AI. Were also keen to ensure creative entrepreneurs and innovators around the country have access to the support and facilities they need. Our research showed the sector was looking for support on skills, leadership development, sustainability and collaboration opportunities. In recent weeks we saw the opening of the Crew Creative Enterprise and Innovation Hub in Galway. Funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) through Enterprise Irelands Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) initiative, Crew is a purpose-built facility dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurs. It offers private offices, co-working spaces, meeting rooms and event space. Crucially, it also offers extensive training and mentoring programmes. Conor ODonovan is head of marketing and commercial creative services sector, EI 'Im very excited by the potential of EGT,' said Cathal Friel. Photo: Gerry Mooney The Cathal Friel-backed European Green Transition venture has been granted approval to begin its work plan at the Olserum Rare Earth project, which is located in Sweden. The company plans to develop a portfolio of green economy assets in Europe. The Olserum Rare Earth project has the potential to become Europes first operating rare earth elements (REE) mine, European Green Transition (EGT) said. REEs are metallic elements used in technology including electric vehicles and wind turbines. The companys work plan for the Swedish project has now been approved following consultation with landowners and the local county board. It plans to begin drilling work at the site in the second half of this year. EGT has a work plan for an initial drilling program of up to 9,000 metres across a total of 42 drill holes, while the company can also change the program within the approved working areas. This work plan approval is valid for two years. The REE deposit at this site is one of a handful of known deposits in Europe, with EGT describing these deposits as critical in the green energy transition. The directors of EGT also pointed to the recently adopted European Critical Raw Materials Act which looks to secure these materials directly in Europe. Olserum was designated a project of National Interest by the Swedish Geological Survey and has the potential to become a significant European Rare Earth Element (REE) resource, chief executive Aiden Lavelle said. "In addition to the Djupedal prospect nearby, our activities in the area will create jobs in the community and investment in the region, as well as potentially providing Europes industry with indigenous critical rare earth elements, he added. EGT made its stock market debut on Londons Alternative Investment Market last month, raising 6.4m (7.5m) before expenses from institutional investors and family offices. It has offered an additional 500,000 in shares to retail investors. This is the fifth flotation on the AIM undertaken by Cathal Friel, managing director of Raglan Capital. Mr Friel, a former stock broker, is director and co-founder of EGT and is becoming well-known for raising equity via public markets for relatively early-stage businesses. Oil executive Michael Nolan who made a fortune when he sold stock market-listed exploration company Cove Energy to Shell in 2012 is also behind the plans for EGT. Eirs disgraceful staff instructions to hide complaints details from customers are another PR disaster Eirs apparent instructions to staff not to provide complaints details to customers were blasted by a District Court. However, the telecoms firm says that everyone has it wrong. Eir CEO Oliver Loomes told an RTE radio show that the telecoms firm only got 27 complaints per month Adrian Weckler Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 18:57 The apparent cynicism was eye-catching. There can be no 'pressing the pause button' on climate measures, says Eamon Ryan This summers European Parliament elections will be a make or break moment for climate action, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has warned. We face a choice in the elections coming up: do you keep going green or do you stop? he said. There are a large number of parties and individuals that want to press the pause button. Mr Ryan was responding to questions about the level of priority Taoiseach Simon Harris is giving climate issues. Mr Harris dropped a prepared section on climate action from his first speeches as newly appointed leader of Fine Gael and he made only passing reference to it in his first address to the Dail as Taoiseach. Today's News in 90 seconds - 15th April 2024 Mr Ryan did not comment specifically on Mr Harris but he said there could be no letting up on climate action policies. Going weaker on climate would be the last and worst thing for this country to do, he said. He said the environment, public wellbeing, the countrys economy and energy security all depended on switching to low-carbon practices. He said he was concerned about recent developments in Europe where there were attempts to water down policies on the twin climate and biodiversity crises. It's really significant that some countries have pulled back on their commitment to the Nature Restoration Law, he said of the landmark legislation that has been left in limbo after a U-turn by several states after it was passed by the European Parliament. He also expressed concern about a leaked draft of the strategic agenda, the five-year priority list currently being drawn up for the EU to work off after the June elections. It's really worrying that some of the latest draft strategies seem to have ignored the environmental imperative, he said. Heads of state are due to meet later this week to discuss the agenda. Mr Ryan said Europes people will not be better off if those attending the meeting continued along the lines of the draft document. The minister reiterated his support for two groups of climate activists who took their cases for greater climate action to the European Court of Human Rights, despite the Irish government submitting legal arguments against them. The KlimaSeniorinnen (Senior Women for Climate) group from Switzerland won a landmark victory last week when the court found the Swiss government was in reach of its human rights obligations by failing to make adequate emissions cuts. A second case, by six Portuguese youth activists, was deemed inadmissible but the court in its ruling backed the principle they sought to highlight. I fully support their right to stand up for their rights for a safe future, Mr Ryan said. He said the Irish governments view on the rulings was that it reinforced the need to meet the agreed climate targets. Legal questions around how the cases were made did not take away from the merit of the cases, he said. He said there were different legal opinions in the Attorney Generals office that I dont have full control of. MBABANE An office which deals in the sale of fraudulent bank statements has been uncovered in Manzini. Individuals seeking, among other things, bank statements reflecting substantial amounts as their balance, have been flocking to the Enterprise Building in Manzini, for this service. This is because some forgers have jumped in on the opportunity to make a quick buck, through producing fraudulent bank statements, which are part of the requirements for a person to secure an international passport in the wake of opportunities to be recruited for jobs abroad. A number of those who seek this service from the forgers are people who have been inactive in the labour market and/or were employed but were seeking greener pastures abroad. This is happening against the backdrop of an exodus of locals, both with qualifications and those without, who seek to be recruited abroad. It is worth noting that in recent years, emaSwati have been seeking employment overseas, either in nursing homes, cruise ships and or to even teach English in eastern countries. Balances For many, their bank balances were beneath amounts which could permit them to buy air tickets to and from the countries they seek to work in. As an alternative, seeking the easy way out through getting the forged bank statements is the only option for them. To establish how easy it is to get the bank statement, this publications reporters visited the Enterprise Building in Manzini, where the service is rendered. The Enterprise Building is situated between Ngwane Street and the Manzini Bus Rank. Upon arrival at the complex housing a variety of businesses, a number of people were sought for the assistance. On Wednesday, this publications reporters visited the complex and had a chit-chat with a number of people. It was gathered that the forged documents retailed between E200 and E700, depending on who was making it. Those who were sought to assist in this endeavour questioned what the reporters wanted the documents for. The reporters told the individual that they wanted the documents to apply for a loan at some financial institutions or to apply for international passports. As such, on the first day of seeking to buy the forged bank statement, some of the people this publications reporters engaged with relayed that their customers were mostly teachers and nurses seeking to leave the country. As such, they even quizzed the reporters if they were within this cadre and at various instances their queries were responded to the affirmative. This was because among all the parties there were concerns of security, with the forgers fearing that they were supposedly dealing with plain-clothes police officers, while the latter did not want to lose their cover. Unscrupulous During the chit-chat with the unscrupulous individuals, they shared that the best way to produce the bank statements was when an individual presented their original bank statement, which they would work on. They claimed that this brought an advantage in that they were able to inflate their monthly income and present them as individuals who had surplus resources. This was when this publication reporters realised that their plan would not be successful on the day and another individual had to return to seek the services as they had confirmed being employed within the civil service. On Friday, another reporter visited the building and the fear among those who act as a link to the forgers was visible. In this instance; they spent about 20 minutes moving within the building claiming that they were getting the individual. All along, some of them were monitoring the reporter on what he was doing to ensure that he was not a member of the law enforcement. After a while, the reporter returned with the forger, who asked the budget for the activity and was informed it was E200. Through negotiations, a compromise was reached. He was asked his source of income and responded to be a hustler, which meant that the bank statement presented would not have any source of monthly income. He was informed to get the cash to pay and requested to pay through Mobile Money, to which he was advised to fund the withdrawal charges as well. Thereafter, he was advised to return after 30 minutes and or share his contacts so that the bank statement could be forwarded to him. Having presented a statement with E816.82, he requested that he should come across as having over E50 000 in his account as he wanted to seek employment abroad. The bank statement presented to the forger did not have the banks stamp; however the one he received after it was modified depicted to have been printed at The Gables as it was stamped April 9, 2024. It had a balance of E82 011.87 and had bulk deposits of E40 421.41, E35 420.71 and E10 700 made into the account which inflated the balance. Within it, a number of minimal amounts were recorded and did not exceed E600. Also, there were minimal amounts sent to a few mobile telephone numbers depicted in the statement. Meanwhile, securing the inflated bank statement was the initial step towards securing an international passport, as when seeking it, one has to file an application letter, submit a three-months bank statement, which shall depict that the individual would be able to sustain him or herself abroad. They also have to submit invitation letters from their hosts abroad, which could either be a letter of offer from a tertiary institution or employer and certified copies of national identity document, birth certificate and marriage certificate if applicable. The suspect, who is aged in his 30s, is well known for involvement in burglaries and robberies, while he has also been the victim of a jailhouse attack in the past. One of the most respected producers in Irish television, Mr Masterson was best known for his work with RTE. He was an executive producer on shows including The Late Late Show and the Saturday Night Show. He died peacefully on Sunday surrounded by his family in Dublins Blackrock Hospice. Mr Masterson grew up in inner city Dublin in the area of Gardiner Street and Mountjoy Square. His father was a carpenter and his mother a cleaner. He attended school at St Declans in Cabra and would go on to study at UCD. During his time as a student in the 1970s, he was among the group who set up the Simon Community in Ireland. He later became director of social services in Drogheda, Co Louth. Time on-screen as a panellist on a number of RTE shows led Mr Masterson to move into a career in media. Initially an RTE employee, he left that job and went on to establish MD Productions alongside Seamus Deasy and Mike Murphy. He worked alongside Pat Kenny and Ryan Tubridy during their time as hosts of RTEs flagship show, had a hand in creating Brendan OConnors Saturday Night Show and also worked on shows hosted by Daniel ODonnell and Miriam OCallaghan. Away from RTE, his work appeared on the likes of TG4, Channel 4 and the Discovery Channel. Mr Masterson retired as executive producer of The Late Late Show in 2017. Beloved husband of Hazel and devoted father of Kerri and Tara, a death notice for Mr Masterson read. He will be sadly missed by his wife, daughters, sons-in-law Alin and Conor, grandsons Spencer, Ryan and Dylan, sisters Anne and Patricia, brother-in-law Roy, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He will repose from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday, April 17 in Carnegies Funeral Home in Monkstown. A funeral mass for Mr Masteron will be held on Thursday, April 18 at 10am in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome in Harolds Cross. HSE-run nursing homes will be among the areas facing cuts in health spending of 424m this year as a new report shows Waterford, Galway and Tullamore are among the hospitals that treated fewer day patients in the last six years. The Department of Health is trying to make savings even as as hospitals are being told to improve their output and work rate. The spending cuts will be rolled out amid promises to show the public how individual hospitals are performing in key areas such as outpatient clinics, day case procedures, theatre use and consultant productivity from June. An action plan has set savings of 424m this year rising to 554m in a full year aimed at minimising the level of financial risk the HSE is facing in 2024. "It will be accompanied by a range of productivity measures that aim to maximise access to health services for patients, said the report. Areas targeted for savings include medicines spending, non-pay costs, procurement costs, the cost of care in long-term residential care for older people and management consultancy costs. The Department of Health could not say if individual consultant waiting lists in each hospital will be published from June despite a promise of more detailed information in its action plan. Meanwhile, the variance in performance by hospitals is among the findings in a new Department of Health report covering 2016 to 2022, asking why there is not more to see for the additional billions pumped in to the health service. In total, 11 hospitals had a fall in the day-case procedures for patients over that time. At the same time, Beaumont Hospital, the Mater, University Hospital Limerick, Tallaght and St Jamess hospital were among those which carried out additional procedures. Waterford hospital is frequently held up for praise because of its low trolley figures, but it has high waiting lists. Between 2016 and 2022, the health service budget increased by more than 8bn. Ireland now ranks ninth in terms of spending per capita out of the EU14 adjusting for prices Staff numbers have grown by 30pc, or 16,000 to 2022. There are 2,500 more doctors, 5,600 more nurses and 3,700 more support and administrative staff. However, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said that the analysis showed activity across a number of areas in hospitals had increased by less than 10pc over the same period. In the area of outpatients Galway hospital saw the largest increase in activity, with an additional 51,000 appointments delivered versus 2016. This equates to an increase of 22pc in activity. On the other hand, numerous sites have experienced reductions in outpatient appointments including Limerick which had a reduction of 11,000 appointments versus 2016, a fall of 6pc. Increases in activity happened in only seven hospitals of which five are the largest. The report points to complex reasons that may be influencing the figures, including the increase in the population, and in some hospitals falling births. Covid disrupted care and led to longer lengths of stay for patients in hospital. Substantial savings of approximately 424 million in 2024 554 million full year saving are being targeted including medicines expenditure, non-pay costs, procurement costs, the cost of care in long-term residential care for older people, and management consultancy costs, said the Department of Health. The Productivity and Savings Taskforce, jointly chaired by the Secretary General of Mr Donnellys department and the CEO of the HSE, was established by the minister in January 2024. Mr Donnelly said: I want to deliver increased funding to help provide improved care and better access to patients. In 2023 we saw outpatient activity rise 6pc, day cases 7pc and inpatient activity rise 6pc. Taoiseach Simon Harris and Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys to announce expansion today Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys plans to extend the scheme to all primary schools. Photo: PA Nine hundred more schools are set to be approved for the Hot School Meals programme from today. Around 150,000 additional children will now benefit from the scheme, marking its most significant expansion to date. An announcement will be made on the expansion by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys today. Last December, Ms Humphreys announced her intention to extend the Hot School Meals programme to every primary school across the country. Her announcement will be made during a visit to St Thomas Junior National School in Lucan, Co Dublin one of the 900 additional schools being brought under the scheme. My ambition is that a child born in Ireland today will be guaranteed access to a hot meal by the time they start school, Ms Humphreys will say today. The major expansion I am announcing today means we are now well on course to achieve that objective. Schools were contacted and invited to make a submission expressing interest in the scheme. Those schools will now be provided funding for the scheme by the Department of Social Protection. Each school will choose a supplier of hot meals in an open, fair and transparent manner based on national and EU legislation. Schools not yet covered by the scheme are invited to express interest with a view towards every primary school across the country receiving funding for hot meals. Those yet to sign up to the scheme that apply now will receive free hot meals for pupils from September. The School Meals Programme was first introduced in 2003. However, hot meals first became a part of the scheme in 2019, starting with a small pilot scheme of 37 schools. From the initial pilot scheme, the number of schools grew to more than 500. Following todays announcement that number will stand at more than 1,400 schools. A plan was approved by the Government in March last year aimed at expanding free hot school meals to all schools at primary and post-primary level by 2030. It would mean 950,000 pupils across 4,000 schools would receive a free hot meal every day. Rate increases for the programme were introduced last year, bringing the rate up to 75c for breakfast, 1.70 for cold lunch, 2.50 for dinner and 3.20 for hot school meals. The contribution of the suppliers to the success of the School Meals Programme has been significant. Funding under the School Meals Programme is at a specific rate per meal, per child, per day, Ms Humphreys said. I am delighted to have this week secured government approval to increase the meal rates which importantly will be backdated to 1 January 2023. The School Meals Programme aims to provide regular, nutritious food to children who may be unable, due to lack of good quality food, to take full advantage of the education provided to them. The scheme received an additional 42.5m in funding in Budget 2024 after 94.4m was provided for the School Meals Programme the previous year. Irish haulier who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese immigrants has won an appeal against a confiscation order against his home in Co Monaghan An Irish haulier found guilty of the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese immigrants in a truck has won his appeal against a 175,000 asset confiscation order based on the value of a home he built in Co Monaghan. A confiscation order totalling 182,000 (213,000) was made against Ronan Hughes last year by the British Crown Court, with the money to be distributed to the families of the deceased immigrants. That amount included 150,000 (175,000) the court said represented his share of ownership in the Monaghan home. But Hughes and his mother Catherine Hughes have successfully appealed the confiscation order in respect of the home, with the Crown Court now directed by the Court of Appeal to conduct a fresh hearing into its ownership. Hughes was a criminal kingpin in the smuggling of illegal immigrants across the English Channel from France. He was paid 3,000 for each immigrant he smuggled. Haulier Ronan Hughes In October 2019, two of his employees took part in transporting the 39 Vietnamese nationals by truck in an airtight trailer from France to Essex in England. When the doors were opened nearly 12 hours later, all those inside including men, women and teenagers were dead. Their deaths were caused by asphyxiation, carbon dioxide poisoning and hyperthermia. Some of those inside the trailer had tried in vain to escape, leaving bloody handprints on the inside of the container before they died. Mr Hughes was extradited from Ireland to the UK in 2020 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison for manslaughter in 2021. The Crown Court subsequently determined that Mr Hughes benefited to the tune of 182,000 from his criminal conduct. Some assets, including cash and vehicles, amounted to just over 55,000. But there was an issue as to the value of any interest Mr Hughes had in a property at Leitrim Silverstream, Tyholland, Co Monaghan. Until his arrest, Mr Hughes had lived at the house with his wife Michelle and their three children. He had paid for the house to be built on land owned at the time by his father. In October 2020 six months after he was arrested in Ireland Catherine Hughes was added to the registered title as a co-owner of the land with her husband, Gerard. Gerard Hughes died in 2021, and the land on which the house was built is now registered as being solely owned by Mrs Hughes. In 2021, Ronan Hughes stated that he owned the home built on the land in Co Monaghan and owned it jointly with his wife. The house was valued in 2021 at 532,000 (624,000) by the courts financial investigator. Hughes disagreed with that valuation. Michelle Hughes produced a certificate to the court that showed the property was valued at 350,000. Catherine Hughes told the court that while her son and Michelle Hughes were given permission to build on a house on the land, she and her late husband did not intend to provide any assurance that her son and his family would obtain rights to the land or that they could sell the property. But the Crown Court judge ruled that Hughes did have an equitable interest in the house. The judge ruled that his share was worth 150,000. He then made the asset confiscation order totalling 182,000 against Hughes. Hughes and his mother appealed the order. Hughes lawyers argued that he does not have any present right to sell the house, because the land on which it sits is owned by his mother. The Court of Appeal has ruled that the Crown Courts ruling that Hughes had a proprietary interest in the Co Monaghan home must be set aside. We are satisfied that giving effect to the judge's determination would result in a serious risk of injustice to Mrs [Catherine] Hughes, the Court of Appeal noted. It instructed the Crown Court to engage in a fresh determination of Hughess interest in the house. Around 1,180 properties were available to rent at any price within the 16 areas surveyed in the Simon Locked Out of the Market report over three days in March The number of houses available to rent for people accessing the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) stood at just 38 nationwide, according to the latest report from the Simon Community. The groups Locked Out of the Market report for March shows this was an increase of five properties since December. The report found 1,180 properties were available to rent at any price within the 16 areas surveyed over the three dates assessed in March. This is a 76pc increase (up 508 properties) from the 672 properties available in the March 2023 Locked Out report. In 10 of the 16 areas, there were no HAP properties available to rent through the scheme in any household category within standard or discretionary limits. These were: Athlone, Cork city centre, Galway city suburbs, Galway city centre, Co Leitrim, Limerick city suburbs, Limerick city centre, Sligo town, Portlaoise and Waterford city centre. As seen in many of the previous market reports, the supply of properties within HAP limits are predominantly in Dublin with 32 (84pc) of the 38 HAP properties currently available in the capital. In Dublin, the discretionary rate allows up to an additional 50pc in rent payments above the standard rate set for the area this extra amount is limited to 35pc elsewhere in the country. Three areas outside of Dublin had properties available within discretionary HAP limits. These were Cork city suburbs (one property), Dundalk (three properties) and Kildare (two properties). Sligo had the lowest number of properties available to rent with just two properties available across the three days. Although the total number of properties available to rent increased since the March Locked Out report, eight of the 16 areas in the study recorded a reduction in the number of properties available to rent. The areas with the largest increases in the number of available properties were in Kildare, south Dublin city south and north Dublin city. Wayne Stanley, executive director at the Simon Communities of Ireland, said: The latest Locked Out of the Market report highlights what the broader figures and the experience of Simon frontline workers across the country are telling us. We need to see more progress on delivery of affordable housing in Ireland. The recognition of the need for greater ambition on housing by Taoiseach Simon Harris is very welcome but we now need his Government to outline how this new ambition will be delivered. A critical element of any successful plan, that will help to address homelessness, should include the delivery of at least 15,000 social housing homes for rent each year. In the short term, we need to see HAP rates increased, but this is not a long-term sustainable solution. The answer is more social and affordable housing. For couples or parents with one child, there were no properties available within standard HAP limits, but 15 properties were available within discretionary limits. Four properties were in Dublin city north, eight in Dublin city south, one property in Dublin city centre, and two in Dundalk. According to the report, there were no properties available for a couple or one-parent households with two children through a standard HAP rate. Figures show that in 2022, there were 528 signed deportation orders but just 118 actual removals The Department of Justice said deportations in Ireland were highly litigious, with one asylum-seeker having to be flown back to Dublin after injunction proceedings began while they were airborne. A briefing for Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that as a rule of thumb, only one out of every four cases selected for deportation was likely to be successful. It said charter flights which the State is planning to resume were financially burdensome with a high risk the aircraft would depart Ireland with a much lower passenger contingent than desired due to legal challenges. The briefing for Ms McEntee, ahead of a meeting of the EUs Justice and Home Affairs Council last autumn, said each charter flight was likely to cost around 350,000 for a long-haul trip. It said: Actual deportations are carried out as a measure of last resort when the persons concerned have not removed themselves from the State or engaged with the International Office for Migration (IOM) to avail of assisted voluntary return measures. The briefing said Ireland was not a member of Frontex, the EU agency for border management, and therefore its charter aircraft would not land in Dublin. It said Ireland could fly failed applicants for international protection to a city in Europe where a Frontex flight was leaving, but that realistically Ireland required its own means for larger-scale deportation operations. The information paper also spoke of how the deportation process was highly litigious and legal challenges could and were being made right up until the point the person departs the State. In one case this year, an individual secured injunction proceedings as his plane departed and the State was required to fly him back, said the briefing. It said there were also difficulties in getting cooperation from receiving states, that is the country to which a deportee was being returned. It cited a long list of nations where there were such problems, including Nigeria, Russia, Pakistan, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt. The briefing said: Reasons vary, including pandemic-related issues, dysfunctional administrative capacities, and outright unwillingness to cooperate. Ms McEntee was told this was forcing a rethink at EU level on whether the deportation process was an adequate solution to returning individuals to their country of origin. The main difficulty Ireland experiences is in securing travel documents so that individuals can be permitted on flights and removed. It is the case that some embassies can be slow to cooperate, said the document. It said so-called voluntary return seemed to be a more straightforward alternative and that assistance and resettlement grants were offered as an enticement to engage with the process. The briefing also provided figures on how deportation had been ramped up following Covid-19.With a moratorium in place due to the pandemic, the number of orders dropped significantly. But by 2022, there were 528 signed and 118 actual removals while in the first 10 months of last year, there were 713 orders signed off on and 57 deportations carried out. The briefing said in 2022, 20 deportations had been to Nigeria, 18 to Pakistan, 14 to Albania and 13 to Georgia. Of deportations that took place up to the end of October last year, eight were to South Africa, seven each to Brazil and Georgia and six to Pakistan. Asked about the records, a spokesman for the Department of Justice said: Working to ensure that an effective returns process is in place is a key focus in discussions on migration management at EU level. As the notes set out, deportations and assisted return programmes form an important part of the immigration system in Ireland, and their role is set to continue to grow in line with the expansion in processing of international protection applications. My generation more familiar with London and Berlin than Derry or Belfast Simon Harris Sinn Fein TDs have criticised the Taoiseachs comments Harris said people on the island need to get to know each other better Taoiseach Simon Harris Cate McCurry and Grainne Ni Aodha Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 12:30 Taoiseach Simon Harris has sparked controversy by suggesting his generation are more familiar with London and Berlin than with Belfast or Derry. Transport Minister says he doesnt know how 30-minute mandatory traffic policing per shift for gardai will work Motorists who ignore traffic lights will be caught and automatically fined when new red light cameras are introduced later this year. The cameras will be positioned at junctions where motorists routinely run red lights, starting in Dublin and then rolling out to the rest of the country. The idea has been talked about for a number of years, but Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said they would soon be introduced as part of a number of new automated traffic enforcement measures. Cameras would also monitor bus lanes to capture and penalise drivers of unauthorised vehicles that use them, he said. We are about to get them, Mr Ryan said. It is first and foremost for the everyday management of bus lanes, of parking, of traffic light adherence. When we do surveys, we find a large number of people are breaking lights and that's a huge safety concern. Read more Reduced waits for driving tests and NCTs among changes promised to curb road traffic deaths So yes, among the whole series of new camera technologies were going to introduce will be the introduction of cameras, starting in Dublin, where you have an automated system that captures any breaking of lights or entry into bus lanes inappropriately. Fines would issue automatically to reduce the time and cost associated with prosecuting offences, he added. Mr Ryan said he was due to get a briefing later today from transport and road safety officials on preparations for the cameras and the timing of their roll-out. It will be later this year into next year, he said. Mr Ryan, junior transport minister Jack Chambers and Taoiseach Simon Harris are meeting with officials amid growing alarm over the 31pc increase in road deaths so far this year. We have to turn those figures around and Im convinced we can and will, he said. Along with new cameras, he said there would have to be a focus on increasing enforcement through having more Gardai on the street and on the beat. He said preparations to reduce the default speed limits on national and non-national roads were being fast-tracked but the need to change every road sign on every road took time. Under the changes, roads where a 100kmph limit applies will reduce to 80kmph, and 80kmph roads will change to 60kmph. In urban areas, the 50kmph default limit will reduce to 30kmph except where local authorities deem it unnecessary. Councils will need time to make that assessment, Mr Ryan said. Mr Ryan has also said he doesn't know how the instruction for all uniformed gardai to do 30 minutes of traffic policing during every shift will work. Last week Garda Commissioner Drew Harris issued the instruction, amid the ongoing crisis in road deaths on Irish roads. So far this year, 63 people have died on our roads, representing a 31pc increase on the same period last year. Minister Ryan told RTE that while he believes more gardai are needed in road traffic policing, he will be asking how the mandatory 30 minutes of road policing will work. Ill be asking the Garda Commissioner that so he can explain how he wants to deploy his resources, the minister told Radio Ones Morning Ireland. On Saturday, the Irish Independent revealed that under the proposed new Garda roster there will be no dedicated Garda Roads Policing Unit cover between 2am and 7am most nights. The measure which is part of a deal struck after garda dissatisfaction with planned new rosters threatened to spill over into industrial action, has been approved by the commissioner and will now be voted on by some garda representative bodies. Mr Ryan told RTE an increased number of gardai on Irish roads is only one measure he believes is needed in terms of enforcement. I think we do need to increase numbers in An Garda Siochana working on traffic policing. We do need more enforcement and more resources directed to that, he said It isn't just about the number of Gardai as well as the speed cameras or national roads, I mentioned there particularly the average speed cameras. We will also be introducing speed cameras for the likes of the management of bus lanes and other parking and other infringements which are part of this road safety issue, Minister Ryan said. The transport minister also said the Road Safety Authority needs to improve, amid the increased number of people who have died on Irish roads. Taoiseach Simon Harris is to meet with road safety chiefs and ministers today to discuss the crisis, and a transport conference will take place in Dublin where road safety and sustainable transport will be discussed. Speaking ahead of the conference, Minister Eamon Ryan said the RSA needs to improve and that a full review of the authority is under way which will suggest recommendations for change when completed. I think [the RSA] needs to improve and I think we need to help it improve and make sure it has the resources and it has the necessary staff and has the remit. Simon Harris says road safety will be 'priority issue' for him in days ahead You can never be satisfied at a time when road deaths are increasing, he said. Mr Ryan said there were three priorities that had to be tackled this year, including the reduction of speed limits, increased enforcement with speed cameras and more specific spending on areas of the roads where there are safety issues. Recent reports have said that local authorities have been unable to get the necessary data on the location of road crashes because the RSA is citing GDPR data rules, making it difficult to identify which roads need more attention to improve safety. Minister Ryan this was something that needed to change. The collision data wasn't being shared in a way that we want with our local authority representatives and that has to happen, the minister said. There are complex legal arguments as to what you can or can't do under European law. But we will overcome that. We have set up a specific group to make sure that will not be the case into the future, that we do have to share all the data to the maximum of our ability, he added. Driving test waiting times will average 10 weeks by the middle of the year, road safety chiefs have told the Taoiseach. NCT invitation to test waiting times will also be cut down to 12 days by the summer. The two promises were made at a meeting with Simon Harris, Ministers Helen McEntee, Eamon Ryan, Jack Chambers and Road Safety Authority chiefs Liz ODonnell and Sam Waide An Garda Siochana will also be asked to provide ongoing enforcement activity plans as part of efforts to tackle spiralling deaths on Irish roads this year. The RSA will spend an extra 3m this year on road safety campaigns and education initiatives from their own reserves. The authority will also be tasked with looking at what extra funds they need this year and they will come from the Department of Transport. Collision data will also be shared and law changes will be made if necessary following proposals from the RSA-led Data Enabler Group to the Data Protection Commissioner. A total of 12 new camera enforcement sites in the coming months will be put in place, three of which are average speed cameras. These enforcement cameras will also be able to identify mobile phone use and whether or not seatbelts are worn. The driving test curriculum will be reviewed, something which has not been undertaken in over 30 years. Motorists who ignore traffic lights will be caught and automatically fined when new red light cameras are introduced later this year. The cameras will be positioned at junctions where motorists routinely run red lights, starting in Dublin and then rolling out to the rest of the country. Mr Harris said: After nearly two decades of positive progress, we have seen recently a sudden, and worrying, increase in road deaths. The rise in the number of deaths on our roads is unacceptable, and a renewed focus is needed on road safety and driver behaviour. The idea of cameras at traffic lights has been talked about for a number of years, but Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said they would soon be introduced as part of a number of new automated traffic enforcement measures. Cameras would also monitor bus lanes to capture and penalise drivers of unauthorised vehicles that use them, he said. We are about to get them, Mr Ryan said. It is first and foremost for the everyday management of bus lanes, of parking, of traffic light adherence. When we do surveys, we find a large number of people are breaking lights and that's a huge safety concern. So yes, among the whole series of new camera technologies were going to introduce will be the introduction of cameras, starting in Dublin, where you have an automated system that captures any breaking of lights or entry into bus lanes inappropriately. Fines would issue automatically to reduce the time and cost associated with prosecuting offences, he added. It will be later this year into next year, he said. Mr Ryan, junior transport minister Jack Chambers and Taoiseach Simon Harris met with officials amid growing alarm over the 31pc increase in road deaths so far this year. We have to turn those figures around and Im convinced we can and will, he said. Along with new cameras, he said there would have to be a focus on increasing enforcement through having more Gardai on the street and on the beat. He said preparations to reduce the default speed limits on national and non-national roads were being fast-tracked but the need to change every road sign on every road took time. Under the changes, roads where a 100kmph limit applies will reduce to 80kmph, and 80kmph roads will change to 60kmph. In urban areas, the 50kmph default limit will reduce to 30kmph except where local authorities deem it unnecessary. Councils will need time to make that assessment, Mr Ryan said. In recent days, the Irish Independent revealed that dedicated roads-policing officers will not be on duty between 2am and 7am most days, according to a plan agreed by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. I am concerned about the level of garda resources in road-traffic policing, Mr Harris said in Lucan, Dublin. I know the commissioner has to make difficult decisions with the resources available to him. I want to see those resources increased, so does he and I expect them to increase during the course of this year. Sixty-three people have died on Irish roads so far this year. Thats 15 more than for the same period last year. Of those deaths, 41pc involved drivers, passengers, pedestrians and motorcyclists aged 30 and under. Details of the new roster emerged just days after Commissioner Harris ordered that every officer on duty must undertake at least 30 minutes of road policing daily, in a bid to combat the alarming spiral in road deaths. MBABANE - Investigations by the police have uncovered an elaborate scheme implicating two Standard Bank employees and a former agent of STANLIB in the alleged theft of money from bank accounts operated by churches. STANLIB is one of the leading asset managers and is part of the Standard Bank Group Limited. According to police investigations, it was discovered that one of the fraudulent activities, where about E2 million belonging to a church was stolen, was allegedly orchestrated by a former broker of STANLIB, Ntombifuthi Portia Nkambule, in collusion with two others, who were not employed by STANLIB. Nkambule is the woman whose picture with a notice was recently placed in the newspapers, informing clients of STANLIB that she was no longer doing any business on behalf of the institution. Another fraud is where a sum of E464 000 belonging to the Lutheran Church, was allegedly stolen and two employees of Standard Bank Eswatini, acting with another man who is not employed by the bank, were implicated. Investigations In their investigations, police reportedly found that Nkambule allegedly first defrauded the Church of the Holy Ghost, which is a client of STANLIB, a sum of E940 000. She is alleged to have done this through disinvesting the church investment with STANLIB. Disinvestment is the withdrawal of invested funds or the cancellation of financial aid, subsidies, or investment plan. It alleged that Nkambule committed the offence with one Sibusiso Dlamini. The investigation alleged that the disinvestment was the first fraudulent act committed against the church and it was upon the successful disinvestment and enjoyment of the fruits therefrom that a plan was executed to take over the church account. The investigator of the matter, Detective Mhlonishwa Sibandze, deposed to an affidavit where he detailed how monies belonging to the churches were allegedly stolen. The allegations are contained in an application filed by the State, where it is seeking an order to preserve movable and immovable properties belonging to the duo, in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) of 2018. According to Sibandze, the monies were transferred to a bank account allegedly held by Mxolisi Dlamini and means to locate him proved futile as information received from his close relatives was that he had relocated to the United States of America. The investigator told the court that as soon as they spent the E940 000, they again defrauded the church about E57 000, using the same modus operandi. He submitted that as soon as they spent the money, it was suspected that Nkambule investigated the source of the funds before they were invested in STANLIB. She is said to have discovered that the money came from a Standard Bank account. The investigator brought it to the courts attention that, due to the fact that Mxolisi was no longer in the country, Nkambule allegedly roped in Sibusiso for the Standard Bank fraud. Ntombifuthi was working for Standard Bank day in and day out as an insurance broker, while Sibusiso defrauded the Lutheran Church prior to this offence together with two Standard Bank employees. They defrauded the Lutheran Church a sum of E464 000, submitted the investigator. Changing In the Church of Holy Ghost fraud, the investigator stated that Nkambule and Sibusiso allegedly took over the account of the church by changing signatories fraudulently. The duo of Nkambule and Sibusiso, according to the investigator, allegedly created cellphone Apps for easy transacting for both of them. He said in their investigations, they discovered that some of the monies were transferred from the churchs account to Nkambule, while some went to Agri S.N. Investment - a company belonging to Sibusiso as the sole shareholder. It was further found that the balance was allegedly used by the two to buy properties for themselves. Detective Sibandze said in the course of his investigations, he interviewed and obtained affidavits of Phesheya Mncina, Bathobile Dlamini and Sibusiso Mndzebele; all employed by Standard Bank. He said he also obtained the bank account statements of the Church of the Holy Ghost. I learnt that two of the signatories to the church bank account were in Eswatini in respect of the fraud perpetrated at STANLIB; namely Bhekukukhanya Ngcobo and Nkosinathi Sibisi. The church is headquartered in KwaZulu-Natal and all signatories are South Africans, submitted Detective Sibandze. He submitted that he then interviewed them and proceeded to obtain affidavits from them. I then analysed the bank statement of the Church of the Holy Ghost. I realised that the monies were stolen and transferred from the account in different amounts. Detective Sibandze highlighted that when the first stolen amount was received into Nkambules Standard Bank account, there was a mere balance of E105.30. He further pointed out that the stolen amounts were co-mingled with other funds but there were insignificant, ranging between E0 to E2 700 received occasionally. Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British embassy in Tehran yesterday. Photo: AP Taoiseach Simon Harris has condemned Irans drone and missile attack on Israel. The Iranian government launched the unprecedented assault on Saturday night in response to an Israeli attack on the countrys consulate in Syria earlier this month. The recent drone and missile attack by Iran on Israel is being seen as the next step on what many fear could be a very short route to an all-out regional war in the Middle East. The prospect of an all-out regional war in the Middle East is now all too terribly real. The shadow war between Israel and Iran is out in the open. Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones towards Israel late on Saturday night and into Sunday morning. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said 99pc of the more than 300 bombs fired by Iran were intercepted by Israel and its military allies. Iran said the attack was in retaliation to an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month, which killed Irans top military leader and other commanders. Israeli ministers say they will respond to Irans attack, but the tactics, targets and type of assault to be deployed have yet to be determined. Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant says the confrontation with Iran is not over yet. In a proxy war, Iran has been providing aid to groups across the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas in Palestine. Since the attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7, the exchange of fire between the IDF and Hezbollah has intensified on Lebanons southern border with Israel, where Irish soldiers on United Nations duty seek to keep the peace. Israel has ordered the evacuation of communities along that border as Hezbollah has fired greater numbers of missiles. But this attack by Iran is a direct nation-on-nation attack and the Middle East has been plunged deeper into uncharted waters. US president Joe Biden has told Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that America will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran. However, his opponent in the presidential election, Donald Trump, repeated a 2018 threat to the president of Iran and said the US would not stand for demented words of violence and death. Tehran has warned it will strike again with even greater force if Israel or the US retaliate for the Iranian strike. With the Damascus attack, Israel showed it was intent on directly eliminating the Iranian leadership in Syria. Tensions are high and there is a real danger of escalation across the region, potentially drawing in other allies into the conflict. The UN Security Council prepared to convene an emergency session and leaders in the Middle East and in the West have expressed concern over Irans attack and have called for de-escalation. The condemnation of Iran has been mixed with calls for a ceasefire by Israel in Gaza. The EUs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called for an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers to discuss Irans attacks against Israel. Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin will be present and will join with EU colleagues in calling for all sides to de-escalate and for an end to the war in Gaza. Mr Martin condemned Irans attack on Israel, saying the situation in the Middle East is now extremely dangerous. In a troubling time, politics, diplomacy and reason is called for not volatile rhetoric. Sir I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. This quotation, attributed to Voltaire, is relevant to the current debate regarding the proposed hate-speech bill. Voltaire, an outspoken advocate for civil liberties in the intolerant and authoritarian regime of 18th-century France, was imprisoned twice in the Bastille for his views. Based on the principle that people should have freedom to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation or censorship, the right to free speech has been recognised as a basic human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is one of the pillars of democracy and a bulwark against tyranny. I find it ironic that many universities, supposedly progressive bastions of intellectual discourse and enlightenment, are guilty of trying to suppress open debate and freedom of expression. Visiting speakers who dare to voice their opinions are cancelled. An example was the 2020 de-platforming of political scientist Richard Dawkins by Trinity College for his views on Islam. People must be allowed to express their opinions without fear of being cancelled or boycotted. There are certain ideologies about which people are not permitted to comment. There are certain subjects that people are afraid to broach, in fear of being hounded by an increasingly vocal minority. Certainly we should show sensitivity and respect while expressing our opinions. But do we want to return to the narrow and restrictive world of Voltaire, where to express an opinion was risking ones liberty? Simon Harris should make it a priority to scrap this bill and to foster a society that respects differing opinions and enshrines free speech as an inalienable right. Brid Ewing, Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal The toxicity of gender care has hurt children Sir In light of the UK gender identity services report by Dr Hilary Cass, Sunday Independent columnists Ciara Kelly and Eoin OMalley should be congratulated for putting children first in recent editions. Dr Cass has said puberty blockers were administered to children without good evidence. It is shocking and mind-blowing in equal measure. How did the medical profession allow itself to perpetuate this pseudoscience on children? Dr Cass provides the answer in part: toxicity. An environment so toxic that medical professionals were afraid to openly discuss their views. This is an ideology so insidious that you can physically see politicians go pale and weak at the knees when confronted by any question related to gender. Any comments not in line with the ideology are immediately dismissed as transphobia, hate, and lying. Even worse, you can be cancelled, vilified and lose your livelihood. Its a toxicity so powerful that it browbeat an entire profession. Lets not forget that the Sunday Independent reported back in 2022 that Irish doctors were concerned that the HSE was ideologically committed to hormone-based care for children. In this regard, does the Cass Review really comes as a surprise? The politicians are part of the problem because they did not put children first. They are probably cowering under a table, hoping no one asks them about this diabolical episode. Andy Hales, Kenmare, Co Kerry Aontu was not taken in by gender ideology Sir With the publication of the Cass Review, it seems timely to point out that every one of our political parties, with the exception of Aontu, supports the ideology that has led to this massive medical scandal. A few years ago, all our TDs were sent a copy of Dr Helen Joyces book Trans, as part of an action by womens rights advocacy groups The Countess and Womens Space Ireland. If they had bothered to read it, they would have seen this coming. Instead, they have spent the intervening years accusing anyone who tried to question this of transphobia. What do they have to say for themselves? E Bolger, Dublin 9 The fine line between fact and fiction Sir How refreshing to read an article on gender dysphoria treatment that treads the fine line between fact and fiction (Eoin OMalley, Letting trans lobby groups set laws and stifle debate is foolish, April 7). However, OMalley is not nearly pessimistic enough in his analysis. The Gender Recognition Act (GRA) allows a person to be whatever gender they choose. In combination with the Equality Act, it obligates us to use the correct pronouns or risk the offence of hate speech. The GRA has many unintended consequences for women in sports, in medicine, in prisons and also for women- only spaces. The practice of pausing puberty in gender dysphoric children is unscientific and harmful. When we are born there are developmental pre-programmed critical windows of opportunity. Once the window of opportunity closes, the body moves on. Hopefully the Cass Review and the forthcoming malpractice cases will put the brakes on. Joe Dutton, Greystones, Co Wicklow Be careful what you teach your children Sir Eoin OMalley worries that children in primary school may be taught about gender on the basis of an ideology that rejects or misrepresents scientific evidence. He neglects to mention that many of these primary schools spend hours each week teaching children religion. Wheres the scientific evidence for that? Bernie Linnane, Dromahair, Co Leitrim Can we not let trans people have a voice? Sir Can we stop constantly profiling people who are not members of the trans community worrying about trans people? I am a gender non-conforming person (GNC), and while I agree that trans medical care should only begin when the person is in their late teens (which is controversial amongst trans people), I think we need to stop constantly looking to people who claim to be experts but who arent trans. The reason that data on trans people is unreliable is because gender fluidity is, well... fluid. I identify as male, but I nonetheless am GNC. Eoin OMalley is peddling unverified stuff himself. Can we for once let trans people speak on the topic, rather than regurgitating the same outdated nonsense, day in, day out? Yes, there are flaws (I think self-identification is flawed), but can we at least for once celebrate trans people, and not constantly villainise them? George White, Bray, Co Wicklow Paddy Cosgrave isnt the story, but Gaza is Sir Niamh Horan says there was a swift backlash by tech giants following Paddy Cosgraves tweet last year, saying: War crimes are war crimes, even when committed by allies and should be called out for what they are. We know that tech companies made good on their threats and withdrew from Web Summits biggest event of the year. Perhaps, instead of focusing on Paddy Cosgrave, your paper might instead ask these tech giants what they are doing to bring an end to the indiscriminate killing of children and innocent civilians in Gaza? Tom McElligott, Tournageehy, Co Kerry Tim Pat Coogan and the old-school gardai Sir Tim Pat Coogan, that doyen of reporting, as opposed to opinion, once wrote that 1960s Ireland was a policemans paradise. Coogan an editor, historian and author had his thumb on the nations pulse. I thought of him the other night. Our resident burglar wanders around the estates trying car doors for loose change and valuables. Hes known to the gardai and the criminal justice system. The guards try, and the system fails. Why? Simple really, and Coogan knew it. A garda force once embedded strongly in the community is now Police Ireland, indistinguishable from its counterparts up north and the Met in London. A once-proud and sought-after cohort are becoming alien within the communities they are tasked to serve. Can we actually think for ourselves regarding policing, rather than following the broken British model? Then a semblance of a paradise might return to us. John Cuffe, Co Meath Ive speech ready for TV licence inspector Sir Do I pay my TV licence? I have dutifully done so for the last 17 years. But in the wake of the RTE disclosures over the last year, I have had to motivate myself to pay. Technology has moved on. I tend to watch more YouTube nowadays, and there are evenings when the TV is not turned on at all. I pay my tax through PAYE. I pay Eir 100 a month, which includes 23pc Vat. My service covers TV, internet and a landline. So, I need to have a licence for a subset of data. So, if the TV licence inspector calls to my door, I have my speech ready. I might even vote for the party that promises to abolish this outdated instrument. John Martin, Athenry, Co Galway RTE bans weather north of the Border Sir Each evening we, in the far north of this little island, await with bated breath the latest weather forecast from RTE, the national broadcaster. And every night we are disappointed that weather still does not exist here in the land that time forgot, namely: the six counties. Now, we appreciate that we are the proverbial black sheep of the Irish family, but to condemn us to a daily dose of no weather is a bit unfair. Perhaps, with a fair wind this summer, the national broadcaster might discover that rain and the occasional glimpse of sun does not stop at Monaghan or Lifford but meanders all the way to Donegal. Sean Sheridan, Omagh, Co Tyrone Politics is hard work, but it needs doing Sir One of the first political books I read was the diaries of Gemma Hussey, a Fine Gael minister in the 1980s. I recalled that book when reading the article by James McDermott (Why being elevated to high office isnt all its made out to be, April 7). Leo Varadkar left office as the only Fine Gael leader never to have been opposition leader. After 13 years in government, hed had enough. Hussey, in her memoirs, spoke about cabinet meetings that dragged on in to the early hours and fish and chips coming at a certain hour. One minister hit the bottle when they ended. That was his solace. Ive knocked on a lot of doors at election time and am well aware that politics can be a cruel trade. Politicians should not be exposed to vile and vicious abuse. I want to see more people encouraged to seek public office not put off by people who hide behind their ideologies. Thomas Garvey, Claremorris, Co Mayo TD Ring pointed way for tourism windfall Sir The Wild Atlantic Way is making a huge economic impact on the west of Ireland from Greencastle to Kinsale. Failte Ireland has revealed it is generating more than 3bn per annum in tourist revenue. While Failte Ireland may have launched it, the route has its origins in a spontaneous comment by TD Michael Ring when he was extolling the rugged beauty of the west of Ireland in one of his fiery speeches. Mr Ring, who Ive never met, was an outstanding minister for rural affairs with a passion for sustainable rural development. He deserves great credit for energising community groups and local rural entrepreneurs along the western seaboard. Billy Ryle, Spa, Tralee, Co Kerry Value of a united Ireland lost in study Sir Your editorial last Sunday (Paying the price or not for a united Ireland) and Mairia Cahills opinion piece (Imperfect union risks perfect storm) doesnt fill the green heart with much glow. I was tempted to throw the towel in on my romantic all-Ireland dream. There is nothing like the vulgarity of money to put one off. Who ever thought paying more in taxation was a good thing? No disrespect to the authors of the Institute of International and European Affairs report, but they might have considered these financial considerations would be misconstrued negatively, without consideration of what we would acquire in return six beautiful counties, rich in culture and a people with a strong work ethic. It seems we know the cost of everything but the value of nothing. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Brave start by Harris bodes well at home Sir Good health and the good luck to be in the right place at the right time are truly gifts of the gods. Being born in the right place may be another. Our new Taoiseach was born in Greystones, as I was 50 years before him. That is just coincidence, as is the fact Dev lived in Greystones for a while Bean Sinead de Valera taught Irish to my father and mother when Dev was away in the States. Simon Harris has made a brave start by declaring we will recognise Palestine as an independent state. Here at home, reunifications time has come. Its time to at least begin the negotiations. Faint heart never won fair lady. Seamus Hayden, Ardara, Co Donegal Public in the dark over refugee data Sir Following a near three-month struggle (including an FoI appeal) I recently obtained the 2023 International Protection Office (IPO) interview outcome figures. The breakdown is that the IPO granted refugee status to 2,472 persons (almost 50pc were either Afghani or Somali nationals), subsidiary protection to 237, leave to remain to 532 and 5,176 applicants were refused all three (1,877 Georgian cases included). At a time when there is much furore over opting in to the EU asylum and migration pact (which will take two years minimum to take effect), there seems to be minimal political interest to query what our current asylum process, which is eating up hundreds of staff and taxpayer money, is producing. Having worked in the area pre-retirement, I suspect the easier, safe countries are being fast-tracked at the expense of more complex cases. It should be noted that all of the 5,176 people refused can appeal the decision ahead of their file finally being considered for the issuing of a possible deportation order. As our energetic new Taoiseach has left Helen McEntee in situ, is it too much to ask that a monthly, or at the very least quarterly, detailed report be produced to demonstrate what progress the IPO is making on the circa 18,000 backlog of international protection applicants awaiting interview? Michael Flynn, Bayside, Dublin 13 Iona Institute fails Quinns own metric Sir Your columnist David Quinn complains about what he perceives to be the influence campaigning groups have on government policy (Main parties in thrall to NGOs instead of grassroots voters, April 7). He further argues that these groups are not representative of the Irish public at large, as evidenced by recent referendum results. Mr Quinn is the chief executive of the Iona Institute, a group that would also be deemed unrepresentative by his own stated standard, given that it has been on the losing side of referendum campaigns on the repeal of the Eighth Amendment and marriage equality. Mr Quinn says politicians have become deaf, dumb and blind to the concerns of voters. Would he make a similar complaint if a government took the Iona Institutes stance on social issues, which are demonstrably at odds with the will of the public? Joe Leogue, Cork No mean feet to get a pleasant rail trip Sir I have been an infrequent user of public transport since the pandemic. I did take an East Cork train today and sadly nothing has changed regarding what seems to be the obligatory planting of the feet, for a certain generation, immediately on the opposite seat. Michael Kenefick, Whitegate, Co Cork Kerry has received 260,000 for the conservation, maintenance, protection, and promotion of six local monuments from the Department of Nature, Heritage, and Electoral Reform. The grants have been allocated under the 2024 Community Monuments Fund, and almost 100,000 for mid-Kerrys Killagha Priory is the headline sum awarded in this county. This is Kerry Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Kerry newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Minister Malcolm Noonan made the announcement in recent days, and the fund supports essential repairs and capital works to conserve archaeological monuments, as well as the development of Conservation Management Plans. Cill Buaine in south Kerry received more than 45,000 in funding, with Ahamaore Abbey (Derrynane, south Kerry), the Hermitage (Lixnaw, north Kerry), and Kyrie Eleison Abbey (Abbeydorney, north Kerry) each receiving close to 30,000. More than 25,000 has been allocated to Killobarnaun oratory in South Kerry. Through this [funding], it is enabling valuable investment in the wider heritage sector, creating thousands of hours of employment for specialist craftspeople and traditional skills practitioners, as well as supporting the achievement of national commitments under Heritage Ireland 2030 and the Climate Adaptation Plan for Built and Archaeological Heritage, said Minister Noonan. Michelle Keane organised a protest outside the Dail on Tuesday over migration concerns. A North Kerry local election candidate has vowed to make Ireland great again by arranging a peaceful protest outside Dail Eireann over what she claims is the limited debate and scrutiny around the EU Migration Pact. The EU parliament finalised the new policy last Wednesday that now paves the way for closer cooperation between member states in facilitating quicker approval times on migrant applications as well as a host of other measures aimed at managing migration. But Independent candidate Michelle Keane from Knocknagoshel in North Kerry is unhappy with the Dails approach branding it a disgrace in a video she posted to social media. Ms Keane protested outside the Dail on Tuesday morning in response to this cobbled together government only giving a minute to discuss a motion on the pact. It is an insult of the highest order to the Irish people and a disgrace to try and sneakily pass this [pact] with a minute to debate it, she said. I want to make it very clear that this is not a motion that can be debated in 60 secondsThis EU migration pact will, in my opinion, destroy our beautiful country. So I made my decision to peacefully protest outside the Dail on Tuesday over this pact, Ms Keane added. She went on to criticise the Government for spending millions on rescuing the pets of Ukrainian refugees who have fled from war to Ireland since February 2022. A decision to knock the former home of Kerry-born patriot The ORahilly in Dublin in 2020 was also criticised. She said it should have been preserved as a symbol for educating children about Irish freedom. Lets make Ireland great again. I, Michelle Keane, am keen on my county, which is why I asked people to join me outside the Dail, she added. University Hospital Kerry (UHK) is inviting past and present staff members to celebrate the 40th anniversary of UHK at its site in Rathass. A series of special events are scheduled for April 25 where a symbolic tree planting ceremony will take place. Three trees will be planted by individuals close to the heart of UHK representing its past, present, and future. The trees will symbolise the growth and evolution of UHK over the years. This is Kerry Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Kerry newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details This will be followed by the raising of a specially commissioned UHK 40th anniversary flag by a member of UHK staff. Afterwards, guests are invited to attend a cake-cutting ceremony and enjoy the atmosphere of what promises to be a special occasion. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary refreshments and 40th-anniversary cupcakes Staff with 40 years service will be formally acknowledged and people are invited to capture an image with colleagues of old for a specially designed photo frame. They can sign a giant anniversary card which will be preserved for future posterity on a wall inside UHK. Later in the afternoon, a special Mass will be celebrated at the hospital chapel for all current and former UHK staff members. Following Mass, attendees are invited to take a walk down memory lane as a specially commissioned video featuring old images from decades past at the hospital will be shown. "We are incredibly grateful to all the staff members who have contributed to the success and legacy of University Hospital Kerry over the past 40 years. This celebration is a tribute to your dedication and commitment to our hospital, and we look forward to welcoming you back to share in this special occasion," said Mary Fitzgerald, General Manager at UHK. The events will take place between 12 and 1pm on Thursday, 25 April. Mary Tierney has already raised over 15,000 for two Limerick charities: It blows my mind what strangers will do for you when they believe in something A Limerick woman has opened up about her grief as she is about to walk the Camino del Norte to raise funds for two charities, following the passing of her husband and her father just a few days apart. 43-year-old Mary Tierney and her daughters, 14-year-old Isabel and 9-year-old Julia, lost her husband and their dad Tom in February 2023. Then, just nine days later, Marys dad Dermot also passed away. Follow Independent Tipperary on Facebook Follow Independent Limerick on Facebook Mary, who is originally from Limerick and now lives in Tipperary, told the Irish Independent that over this difficult year the Milford care centre and Children's Grief Centre have been extremely important for her and her family. So when she decided to walk the Camino del Norte this spring, Mary thought this could be the perfect opportunity to raise funds for these two Limerick charities. The Limerick native explained: The Camino came about purely out of my intention to just do something for myself, just to take a break away. And my best friend was doing it with her mom, they did it last year and they were taking off again this year so I said Id join them. And it was only after we booked that I realized that it could become a good idea to link it up and do a fundraiser. So initially it was just to do a few days away, have Tom and my dad in my thoughts, and I heard great things about it, its supposed to be a really beautiful experience just in your own thoughts. The Camino del Norte is a section of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. This coastal route is 109km long, going from Bilbao to Santander, and it will take Mary and her friend six days to complete it. Mary said she is very excited about it as this is her first ever Camino: You kind of take off yourself and go at your own pace, and stop and have a swim and take in the attractions, but you have a set distance to walk every day. And apparently you randomly meet people, and chat and then drift on by yourself, its just supposed to be really beautiful. I train a lot, Im very active, I do work-out every day, but Ive never done something like this. I think this will be great for the mind. Being active has also helped her with grief as, she explained, everyone reacts differently to death: Im the type of person who needs to be active, needs to keep going, and thats just how I am. So this has certainly given me a bit of a drive, a bit of encouragement and motivation. Something I always say is the greatest motivation to live is knowing it will all end. She added: It's a strange thing grief, you learn to live with it. As my counsellor said earlier on, nobody has written your book, as everyones reaction and the way they work through their grief is different. For me it's definitely to be active, keep my mind occupied, get up, get out. As the departure date approaches, Mary set up a GoFundMe page, but she did not expect such support from the public as her campaign raised over 15,000 in just a few days. She said: It literally took off in seconds of posting it. I think in 24 hours there was 10,000 raised and its still going. I think well just leave it run until Camino ends and then hand over the check which will be a great day. People have been brilliant, and the messages of support and encouragement, it blows my mind what strangers will do for you when they believe in something. To get up and get out every day for someone whos going through what Im going through is a difficult thing to do in itself, so to have something like this and to have the support and to know that people are behind you, it just gives you that lift that you cant really describe. Loreto Wexfords annual academic awards ceremony have taken place with students honoured for their excellence in school-based examinations and the state exams held in June 2023. Organised by Ms. Catriona Foley, awards were distributed to a large number of students. It was noted that many of the students were also involved in various different aspects of school life, demonstrating the wide range of opportunities open to all at Loreto Wexford. There was particular praise for the Leaving Certificate class of 2023 who Principal John McGinnity said achieved excellent results. A total of 31 students obtained more than 550 CAO points and these students are now furthering their studies in Ireland and abroad. The evening concluded with refreshments, kindly served by the Loreto Parents Council. Pastor Solomon Aroboto and his wife Patricia from the Arklow Christian Community Church make a presentation to Olga Burmak, Iryna Romanenko and Sandra Duffy of Arklow Tidy Towns. Photo: Michael Kelly The Arklow Christian Community Church supported Arklow Tidy Towns at their monthly Super Sunday event for March. Praising the volunteers for their dedicated service to their community, Pastor Solomon Aroboto was delighted to present a cheque in person to Olga Burmak, Iryna Romanenko and Sandra Duffy from Arklow Tidy Towns. Speaking after the presentation, the Tidy Towns volunteers said they were delighted with the churchs generous contribution and felt supremely honoured to be chosen as recipients. The Arklow Christian Community Church organises a Super Sunday fundraising event at their highly popular Sunday service every month. The Arklow Christian Community Church has made sizeable donations to a variety of worthy local causes over the years, including Mens Sheds, Arklow Cancer Support, local scout groups, local schools, Arklow RNLI, The East Wicklow Youth Service, the Vault Youth Cafe, The Arklow Community Action Resource Centre and Arklow First Responders to name but a few. The Arklow St Vincent de Paul shop team wishing May Byrne congratulations on seven years of service and a happy retirement. The dedicated team of volunteers from the Arklow St Vincent de Paul shop are buzzing after they were nominated finalists at this years prestigious Charity Retail Awards. Part of Charity Retail Week 2024, the illustrious awards honour the unsung heroes who run charity shops throughout the country, with awards including The Martin Kenny Volunteer of the Year award, Shop Window of the Year, Shop Manager of the Year and Online Presence of the Year. Known for their creativity and eye-catching festive displays, the tight-knit Arklow SVP team have been selected as finalists in the Shop Team of the Year category a nod to their camaraderie, cohesion and community spirit. Embracing volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, the current Arklow SVP team have developed the same close bonds that have seen the historic shop stand the test of time and become an integral part of the Arklow landscape. Speaking ahead of the awards night in Portlaoise on April 24, shop Manager Tammy Byrne said the team were blown away when they heard they had been shortlisted, before praising the Arklow community for their fantastic support. The team here in Arklow's SVP are absolutely delighted to be in the running for Charity Retail Ireland Team of the Year award, and we cant wait for the day out in Portlaoise, she said. The store has always had a strong and compassionate team contributing to the Arklow Community, and we are so lucky to continue that work now too. We have an amazing team that not only helps you find fabulous outfits and substantial alternatives, but they are always there for a chat and a familiar hello. Their compassion, empathy and genuine caring for others is infectious, and it's a pleasure to work with such an inspirational team. Our team is made up of many different age groups, and it just works so well, she added. In the last couple of months, we meet up for chats, some jiving and karaoke. Three members of our team have over 20 years each under their belt for SVP in Arklow, and they have built up fantastic relationships with our customers. The Arklow SVP team have shown an abundance of patience, kindness and compassion to all, and it is a pleasure to work with these amazing ladies. Some 392 knives were seized by gardai in County Wicklow in the past 10 years, it has emerged, as Taoiseach Simon Harris, in his first address to the Dail on Tuesday, April 9, promised to "increase the penalties for knife crime and antisocial behaviour. The number of knife seizures nationally over the last 10 years amounts to almost 20,000, with over half of those seizures taking place in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. The figures were released to Social Democrats Local Election candidate in Bray East, Aaron McAllorum, through his work with Social Democrats Justice spokesperson Catherine Murphy. Deputy Murphy asked the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee for figures relating to the number of knives seized by gardai in 2023 and to date in 2024. In her reply, the Justice Minister said: We are all very conscious of the effect that knife crime can have on the quality of life for local communities. I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to supporting An Garda Siochana to tackle this issue. There are many complex, interlinked and variable causes for the use of knives in the commission of offences. As a result, there are no quick-fix solutions to tackling knife crime. Long term, evidence-based strategies are needed that address knife crime as part of a wider strategic response to anti-social behaviour, street violence, youth offending and domestic violence. She added that an Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) was established in 2020 to examine a broad range of issues with a focus on developing measures which will counteract the negative impact of ASB on community morale and quality of life and said: I intend to bring proposals to Government in relation to knife crime in the near future. Commenting on the data for County Wicklow, Mr McAllorum said: The figure of 392 knife seizures in Wicklow does give me cause for concern. Current penalties on conviction for the possession of an offensive weapon such as a knife without a justifiable reason appears not to be deterrent enough. This week, the new Taoiseach, Simon Harris, in his first address to the Dail committed to bringing forward new measures to increase the penalties for knife crime and antisocial behaviour so I hope he delivers on his word. A man has been charged under the Sexual Offences Act following an incident which occurred in Greystones last month. Last Thursday, gardai in Bray arrested a man in his 30s in relation to suspicious approaches to children in the Greystones area. He appeared at Bray District Court on Thursday, April 11 and was charged with an offence under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 Sec 45 (1) He was granted bail, but with strict conditions which will be monitored closely by gardai. The arrest was in connection with an incident which occurred on Cherry Orchard Lane in Greystones at approximately 8.30am on Friday, March 8. On that date an incident in which a man is believed to have approached two pupils was reported by St Laurences NS to parents and gardai said patrols would be increased. Despite Thursdays arrest, parents in Greystones have again been warned to be vigilante. St Brigids NS emailed parents earlier this week encouraging them to talk to their children about staying safe. It comes as gardai in Bray said they were following a definite line of enquiry into reports of a similar nature which occurred on Friday, December 22, 2023 and on Friday, January 12, 2024 in Greystones, and the investigation which is making good progress involves a second suspect. Sergeant John Fitzpatrick said: We are following definite lines of enquiry and we have to let the legal process take its course. In the incident in December, a 13-year-old boy was allegedly approached by a man, who tried to drag him into bushes in the Mill Road area. In January, it was reported that a school girl was followed from Glen Herron estate by a man who allegedly exposed himself to her. A funding pot of more than 200,000 has been allocated to protect five archaeological monuments in County Wicklow. A total of 7.4 million will be awarded to 140 projects around Ireland through the 2024 Community Monuments Fund, which aims to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future. In welcoming the funding, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: Since its inception in 2020, this fund has become a lifeline for the protection of Irelands irreplaceable archaeological heritage by revitalising historic monuments. "Through this, it is enabling valuable investment in the wider heritage sector, creating thousands of hours of employment for specialist craftspeople and traditional skills practitioners, as well as supporting the achievement of national commitments under Heritage Ireland 2030 and the Climate Adaptation Plan for Built and Archaeological Heritage. "Id like to congratulate the successful applicants and wish them the very best of luck in with their projects this year. The most significant Wicklow project is that of Mullinacuff Church, which is near Tinahely and Shillelagh. It is only one of a few surviving church sites in this area of Wicklow, according to Wicklow Heritage, and the medieval churchs ruins have been in immediate danger of collapse. A conservation effort has been underway since 2021 and now the project will receive a further 90,678.50. Two more churches and two graveyards will also receive funding. Kilmacanogue Church and Graveyard has been awarded 30,000, while St Kevins Church in Hollywood will receive 29,932.05 and Kilranelagh Graveyard receives 9,588.47. Under Stream 1 Drumgoff Barracks in Glenmalure will get 12,159, while it will receive 29,889 under Stream 2. Graham, who teaches at East Glendalough School in Wicklow town, was successful in passing the motion at the Ard Fheis as part of his demands that the party adopt the policy as part of Government. Graham said: Disposable vapes are a scourge both from a public health point of view as well as an environmental point of view. Like many, Im sick of seeing our town littered with the stickers and wrappers from disposable vape packets as well as finding used vapes strewn everywhere. Vaping may be a good way for someone to ease themself off cigarettes, but the fact is theyve become very popular amongst young people who have never smoked. With their sweet flavours and the relative affordability of disposable vapes, that still contain nicotine, they clearly cause more harm than good. This is Wicklow Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wicklow newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details I welcome the decision to ban the sale of vapes to under 18s, but I think we have to go further, follow the lead of New Zealand and work to ban disposable vapes altogether. I am delighted to have my motion calling for the outright ban of disposable vapes overwhelmingly passed at our recent Fine Gael Ard Fheis. I look forward to working with our new Taoiseach, Wicklows own Simon Harris, in turning this motion into a legislative reality. The Institute of Public Health in Ireland have proposed a ban on the sale and disposal of such vapes considering the significant environmental damage associated with them. Estimates suggest that more than 10 million disposable vapes may be used here every year. Today programme presenter Nick Robinson has said he should have been clearer when describing Israeli attacks in Gaza as murders that it was not his view or that of the BBC (James Manning/PA) BBC presenter Nick Robinson has said he should have been clearer when describing Israeli attacks in Gaza as murders that it was not his view or that of the corporation. Robinson addressed the pushback he received on words he used when interviewing the Foreign Secretary on Mondays BBC Radio 4 Today programme. During the show, he questioned Lord David Cameron on Britains position after Irans attack on Israel over the weekend. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Following the interview, Robinson wrote on X: Theres been some controversy about words I used when I was interviewing the Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron on @bbcr4today about Israel this morning. My final question was about the perceived morality of the governments position in particular the risk that their position could appear to look like active support for Israel when it is under attack but nothing other than words when Israel attacks or murders tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians. I should have been clearer that I was not expressing my own view, let alone that of the BBC when I used the words murders. In this 15-minute long interview I asked the Foreign Secretary why ministers had supported Israel militarily; why they didnt go further & support Israel in confronting Iran; why they werent tougher in confronting Israel over Gaza and ended with that question about the perceived morality and the risk of how the governments position appears. It was a lengthy and detailed exploration of the policy choices made by the government. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Robinson said he wanted to end the interview with a question of morality, adding: You will know, I think youve talked about, the fact that the West has been perceived to lose the argument, with even many of its own people, ever since the war of terror began. Isnt the real risk of where we are now, that Western governments appear to back Israel the moment that Israel is under attack, but when Israel attacks and murders tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians, we say the words but we do almost nothing? The former prime minister replied: I dont think thats right at all. I think, actually, over this weekend and into this week, people can see that the truly malign actor in the region is Iran. A country that has launched a state-on-state attack for the first time since the Islamic revolution in 1979. After the interview aired, Conversative MP Theresa Villiers branded Robinsons words shocking bias in an interview with The Sun, and called for an immediate investigation. Downing Street said Rishi Sunak would not use murder to describe events in Gaza and that people should be careful with their words. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Impartiality, in reference to the BBC, is absolutely paramount. Complaints should be raised to the BBC, to Ofcom in the usual ways if people feel they have issue with the way in which the BBC reported that. More broadly, though, Israel is an ally of the UK, is the victim of a brutal terror attack and clearly has a right to defend itself. We should all be careful with our words at this time, particularly given heightened community tensions in the UK. The unprecedented attack by Iran, which it said was in retaliation against a strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria earlier this month, has raised fears over the Israel-Hamas war spiralling into a wider regional conflagration. The BBC has offered no further comment on Robinsons statement. Andrew Scott said Paul Mescal has continued to be a wonderful friend after the Irish actors starred together in a romantic fantasy film. The pair were cast together in the Bafta-nominated All of Us Strangers, released in January, about an adult dealing with the grief of losing both his parents when he was a child. I adore Paul, Scott (47) told the Sunday Times. Obviously its been a tough time recently (Scotts mother died last month) and he just continues to be a wonderful friend. Its everything. The more I work in the industry, I realise, you make some stuff that people love and you make some stuff that people dont like, and all really that you are left with is the relationships that you make. I love him dearly. The fantasy film was critically well received and a feature of awards season. Scott was not nominated in this years Baftas and the film also failed to win in categories including Outstanding British Film, Best Supporting Actor for Mescal (28) and Best Supporting Actress for Claire Foy. Andrew Haigh also failed to take home the Best Director Award. At the British Independent Film Awards (Bifa), All of Us Strangers was named Best Movie and Best Screenplay, with Haigh winning Best Director and Mescal Best Supporting Performance, although Fleabag star Scott was beaten to Best Lead Performance by Mia McKenna-Bruce in How to Have Sex. Scott said filming parts of All of Us Strangers was painful but also cathartic because of his own experiences as a young gay man. Speaking of how his character tells visions of his dead parents that he is gay during a return to his childhood home, Scott said of his experiences of coming out: In a sense, it was painful to a degree, but it was cathartic because you are doing it with people that you absolutely love and trust. I felt that it was going to be of use to people and I was right, it has been. The Dubliner is currently starring in the Netflix thriller Ripley as the title character. He attended the Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall last night, where he was nominated for Best Actor for one-man play Vanya. Man targeted women in Sydney shopping centre stabbing spree Schizophrenic Sydney knife attacker Joel Cauchi (40) was a teacher who turned to male escort work Dr Ashlee Good was pushing her nine-month-old daughter in a pram when both were attacked. Photo: PA Holly Evans and Andrea Hamblin UK Independent Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 11:20 The man who carried out a stabbing spree in a Sydney shopping centre seems to have singled out women as targets, Australian police said today as the nation mourned the victims. According to Queen Elizabeth's ex-assistant, if something went wrong 'it spiced her life up'. Queen Elizabeth loved it when things went wrong because it spiced her life up, one of her closest aides has claimed. Samantha Cohen, who served the late Queen for 17 years as her press secretary, and then as her assistant private secretary, spoke fondly of her relationship with the monarch in an interview with an Australian newspaper. An eight-year-old mountaineer from Cumbria has said he is over the moon to have reached Everest base camp after setting out with his mother to raise money for charity. Frankie McMillan has been regularly climbing mountains with mother Basia since he was a toddler, and last year took on his greatest challenge yet becoming the youngest Briton to climb Mount Olympus in Greece. Africans recruited to work in Russia say they were duped into building drones for use in Ukraine Europe Africans recruited to work in Russia say they were duped into building drones for use in Ukraine The new Heinz Barbiecue sauce was created in honour of Barbie (Heinz/PA) It follows last years Barbiecore craze around the blockbuster movie, and arrives in time to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the Barbie brand. TANAISTE Micheal Martin has said Ireland is carefully monitoring the security situation in southern Lebanon in light of the alarming escalation in clashes between Israel and Iran and the potential threat now posed to Defence Forces personnel with the UNIFIL mission. Luck to play huge role in final shape of jury chosen in Donald Trumps hush money trial Lawyers will be allowed to trawl social media for signs of bias in potential jurors Legal teams will be alert to so-called 'stealth jurors' who pretend to be neutral. Above, Donald Trump. Photo: Mary Altaffer/Reuters Jack Queen Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 03:30 When prospective New York City jurors gather for Donald Trumps hush money criminal trial today, it may be tough to find ones who dont have an opinion about the brash businessman-turned-politician who began building his real estate empire in Manhattan decades ago. India-Peru Trade Agreement: Bilateral Negotiations Ongoing India and Peru are negotiating a bilateral trade agreement that will lower customs duties, address technical barriers to trade, and introduce dispute settlement mechanisms. The two countries concluded their 7th round of bilateral talks on April 11, 2024, with the next round scheduled for June in Lima. The 8th round of trade negotiations between India and Peru is expected to take place in June this year in Perus capital city of Lima. Establishing a trade agreement is crucial for India to successfully tap into critical mineral reserves of lithium in the Latin American country. Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary, India, is now recommending that the negotiation process be guided by inputs from industry participants and stakeholders. The frequency of recent discussions between India and Peru indicate both nations desire for further economic cooperation and bolstering two-way trade. India and Peru enjoy long-standing diplomatic relations dating back to the 1960s. Advancing the trade alliance between India and Peru Recent advancements in trade negotiations between India and Peru demonstrate a common commitment to building a stronger and more advantageous bilateral trading framework. The discussions showcase the benefits of proactive moves on both sides to strengthen trade engagement and resolve trade-related disputes. This will become increasingly important amid the complexities of geopolitics and competition among countries pushing for the growth of their frontier industries, which will require access to critical minerals, among others. Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Perus ambassador to India, has expressed optimism about the progress made by the trade negotiations and the prospect of establishing a solid alliance. According to Velarde, Peru has 22 free trade agreements (FTAs) with 58 nations, which have immediately increased commerce, investment, and collaboration. Peru has become Indias third-largest commercial partner from Latin America and the Caribbean group of nations. The value of two-way trade between Peru and India has grown over the past 20 years, from US$66 million in 2003 to an estimated US$3.68 billion in 2023. The trade deal under negotiation will be crucial to future industrial collaboration, opening doors for greater commercial investments and mutual gains for business stakeholders and consumer markets. India-Peru bilateral trade The fifth round of negotiations for the free trade agreement between Peru and India had concluded in August 2019, marking significant progress. Initiated in 2017, these talks resumed the sixth round in Lima February 12-14, 2024 after a hiatus due to the pandemic. That was quickly followed by the seventh round in Delhi, held from April 8-11, with the eighth round planned for June in Lima. The Observatory of Economic Complexities, or OEC, estimates that trade relations between India and Peru are growing at a steady pace year-on-year. In 2022, Peru exported goods worth US$2.22 billion to India. The main products exported from Peru to India were gold (US$1.9 billion), copper ore (US$253 million), and calcium phosphates (US$12.7 million). As per trade estimates, the export basket of Peru to India has increased at an annualized rate of 25.5 percent, from US$4.84 million in 1995 to US$2.22 billion in 2022. Similarly, Indias exports to Peru were estimated to be worth around US$1.09 billion as of 2022. The main products exported from India to Peru were automobiles (US$178 million), non-retail pure cotton yarn (US$155 million), and packaged medicaments (US$83.8 million). In the last 27 years, the size of exports from India to Peru has increased at an annualized rate of 13.3 percent, from US$37.2 million in 1995 to US$1.09 billion in 2022. Peru is a significant producer of lead, zinc, gold, copper, and silver, in addition to lithium. It is widely believed that both countries are trying to lower or do away with customs tariffs on a number of items and loosen regulations to encourage trade in services. It may be worth noting that the two nations do not export any services to each other at the moment. Outlook The objective of the seventh round of trade negotiations was to comprehend the interests and concerns of each party and make sure that a prospective trade deal serves both countries equally. At present, India is prioritizing completing the trade agreement with Peru as part of its 100-day plan following a new government after the 2024 general elections. The emphasis on a trade deal with Peru is consistent with Indias efforts to broaden its export markets, in terms of both product types and geographic areas. India sees a great deal of room for growth in bilateral trade with the Latin American and Caribbean countries, as Indian exports currently make up less than 2 percent of all imports in these countries. India previously agreed to a limited trade agreement with Chile and the Mercosur countries of Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Along with the trade talks with Peru, India is also negotiating free trade deals with Oman, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The country recently signed a trade agreement with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland the four countries that make up the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Elon Musk-owned American brand Tesla has signed a strategic deal with Tata Electronics to procure semiconductor chips for its worldwide operations, media reports said. Tesla is understood to have signed a strategic deal with Tata Electronics to procure semiconductor chips for its worldwide operations, officials close to the development told The Economic Times, underscoring the electric carmakers increasing interest in India beyond local revenue generation. Executed discreetly a few months ago, this agreement is significant as it positions Tata Electronics as a reliable supplier for top-tier global clients, the newspaper reported. The fresh development occurred less than a week after Tesla chief Elon Musk confirmed his visit to India and said he is looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister @NarendraModi in India!" Musk posted on the microblogging platform, which is also owned by him. Musk and Modi previously met in New York in June. Over the following months, Tesla actively tried to pursue India for India to reduce import duties on electric vehicles as the country contemplated establishing a factory. India recently introduced a revised EV policy, slashing import tariffs from 100% to 15% for certain models, provided the manufacturer commits to investing a minimum of $500 million and sets up a manufacturing facility In image Binod Chaudhary/ courtesy: Wikimedia commons Nepalese billionaire Binod Chaudhary, who made it big selling instant noodles, is seeking to list his conglomerate Chaudhary Groups India food unit by 2026. The Gurgaon-based firm, known for its Wai Wai brand of noodles, a rival to market leader Maggi from Nestle Ltd. and ITC Ltd.s Yippee, would be ready to go for a sizable listing in the next two years. The firm is seeking to roll out new products and acquire smaller firms in the noodle-related industry, Manvendra Shukla, global chief executive officer at CG Foods India Pvt., said in an interview, as quoted by Business Standard. The listing plans for the firm, which has a 28% share in the local instant noodles market and an annual revenue of 8 billion rupees ($96.2 million), are still in the early stages of discussion, he added. It aims to grow its revenue by 15% this year. CG Foods Indias initial public offering plans follow a rush among food makers, including packaged food products maker Gopal Snacks Ltd. and animal protein maker Mukka Proteins Ltd., that have gone public in the past year. The sector has seen the second-highest number of IPOs in India in the past 12 months, data compiled by Bloomberg News show. La Paz,, Apr 15 (UNI) Bolivian President Luis Arce on Sunday called on the United Nations to de-escalate regional tensions and establish peace in the Middle East. "We join the call of other countries around the world to establish peace in the Middle East within the framework of international law," Arce said on social media. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps launched strikes against Israel on Saturday in retaliation for the Israeli assault on its consulate in Damascus on April 1, which left seven officers dead. "In wars, there are no winners. Everyone loses and the escalation of violence worldwide puts humanity at risk," Arce said. UNI/XINHUA ARN Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Tech major Apple slipped from the numero uno position of being the worlds biggest mobile phone seller after a steep sales drop, as per data released by the International Data Corporation. South Korean tech major Samsung regained the first position in the global market share. The South Korean tech giant had been the biggest seller of mobile phones for 12 years until the end of 2023 when Apple overtook it with its iPhone sets. IDC data showed Apple shipped 50.1m iPhones in the first quarter which is down from the 55.4m units it shipped in the same period last year. According to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker , global smartphone shipments increased 7.8% year over year to 289.4 million units in the first quarter of 2024 (1Q24). "As expected, smartphone recovery continues to move forward with market optimism slowly building among the top brands," said Ryan Reith, group vice president with IDC's Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers. "While Apple managed to capture the top spot at the end of 2023, Samsung successfully reasserted itself as the leading smartphone provider in the first quarter. While IDC expects these two companies to maintain their hold on the high end of the market, the resurgence of Huawei in China, as well as notable gains from Xiaomi, Transsion, OPPO/OnePlus, and vivo will likely have both OEMs looking for areas to expand and diversify. As the recovery progresses, we're likely to see the top companies gain share as the smaller brands struggle for positioning." Photo Courtesy: S Jaishankar Instagram page Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held telephonic conversations with Iran and Israeli counterparts amid a fresh escalation of tension in West Asia. Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, as its proxies and allies also carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions on Saturday, triggering tension of further escalation of the situation amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Iran insisted it acted in "self-defence" after the targeting of its diplomatic mission in Damascus. Speaking with Iran FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Jaishankar discussed the importance of avoiding escalation and exercising restraint to tackle the current situation. He asked Iran to return to the path of 'diplomacy'. In his conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Jaishankar discussed the larger regional situation and shared concern over the latest developments in West Asia. Hours after Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel, raising a major concern over the escalation of hostilities between the two countries, India on Sunday called for immediate de-escalation. "We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region," the ministry has said in its statement. Image: Wikimedia Commons New Delhi/IBNS: In what has been described as a "harrowing experience" by onboard passengers, a Delhi bound IndiGo flight from Ayodhya landed in Chandigarh after diversion with only two-minute fuel left, media reports said. The incident is dated to April 13. After it failed to land at the Indira Gandhi International International Airport in Delhi twice, the pilot announced the plane's diversion to Chandigarh at 4:15 pm, 15 minutes prior to the scheduled landing time. The pilot had announced the plane, which was unable to get landed in Delhi due to bad weather, had 45 minutes of Holding Fuel. However, the flight managed to land in Chandigarh at 6:25 pm. The passengers got to know from the crew that the flight had only 2-minute fuel left when it landed. One on-board passenger named Satish Kumar posted on X, "Had a harrowing experience yesterday with @IndiGo6E Flight No. 6E2702 from Ayodhya to Delhi. Scheduled departure time 3:25 p.m. and schedule arrival time 4:30 p.m. Around 4:15 p.m. the pilot announced that theres bad weather at @DelhiAirport. and assured that the plane has 45 minutes of Holding Fuel. "The pilot attempted landing twice, couldnt due to bad weather and still wasted lot of time deciding the next course of action. At 5:30 p.m. (after a lapse of 75 minutes since the Holding fuel announcement) the pilot announced that hell finally attempt landing at Chandigarh." Had a harrowing experience yesterday with @IndiGo6E Flight No. 6E2702 from Ayodhya to Delhi. Scheduled departure time 3:25 p.m. and schedule arrival time 4:30 p.m. Around 4:15 p.m. the pilot announced that theres bad weather at @DelhiAirport. and assured that the plane has 45 Satish Kumar (@CopSatish499) April 14, 2024 Delhi witnessed heavy rainfall on Sunday causing diversions of 22 flights at the IGI Airport. Photo Courtesy: Indian Army X page grab The Indian Army contingent departed on Monday (April 15, 2024) for the 5th edition of India- Uzbekistan joint military Exercise Dustlik. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 15th to 28th April 2024 at Termez, the Republic of Uzbekistan. Exercise DUSTLIK is a yearly event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan. Last edition was conducted at Pithoragarh (India) in February 2023. The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 60 personnel is being represented by 45 personnel from the Indian Army, majorly from a Battalion of the JAT Regiment, and 15 personnel from the Indian Air Force. The Uzbekistan contingent comprising approximately 100 personnel, from Uzbekistan Army and Air Force, will be represented by personnel from Southern Operational Command, part of South-West Military District. Aim of Exercise Dustlik is to foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in mountainous as well as semi urban terrain. It would focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills. Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise will include creation of a Joint Command Post, establishing an Intelligence & Surveillance Centre, securing of landing site, Small Team Insertion & Extraction, Special Heliborne Operations, Cordon and Search Operations, Room Intervention Drills and Demolition of illegal structures. The complexity of this edition of Exercise Dustlik has been enhanced with conduct of multi domain operations as the contingent comprises of personnel from combat support arms and services besides Infantry. Two Women Officers also form part of the IA contingent, including one from the Regiment of Artillery and the second from the Army Medical Corps. Exercise DUSTLIK will enable the two sides to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting joint operations. The Exercise will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of both the countries. This will also enhance the level of defence cooperation, further fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations. Photo courtesy:/Annamalai Facebook Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to go solo in this Lok Sabha election in Tamil Nadu, ditching its alliance with the AIADMK in the Dravidian-party-dominated southern state. Former IPS officer K Annamalai is leading the charge for the party in the state where its performance has been dismal so far. The 39-year-old IIM, Lucknow graduate feels that the people of Tamil Nadu should look beyond politics rooted in Dravidian pride and vote for development. Under Annamalais leadership, the party has decided to contest for 23 seats without any alliance support, marking a big shift from its past strategies which saw the party mainly in a supporting role for the Dravidian parties - DMK and AIADMK. BJP feels it is ready to disrupt the existing political equation in Tamil Nadu and attract voters on its own merit. K Annamalai has breathed confidence in the BJP as he surpassed senior leaders to become the state party chief. According to Indian Express, Tamil Nadu has been observing the confidence BJPs central leadership has shown in him, allowing him freehand in adopting strategies. There have been no signs of pulling the reins even as his unrestrained criticisms of AIADMK split the alliance. According to Annamalai, Tamil Nadu is going to be the face of the BJPs emergence in the South in the coming elections, the report said. What we are going to witness is a revolt against the conventional political classes. Its not just a consolidation (behind the BJP), but a revolt by certain communities and backward classes against traditional Dravidian parties and zero development, he told the Indian Express while campaigning in Coimbatore on Thursday. Coimbatore is predominantly an urban and semi-urban constituency characterised by a middle-class population. It boasts of a significant voter base aligned with the AIADMK and DMK parties, while also exhibiting a noticeable presence of the BJP. According to the Indian Express report, Annamalais popularity is palpable as people gather spontaneously to meet him, sometimes waiting over four hours. BJP has been working on building ground for its existence for quite some time but it was lacking a charismatic local face, who could stand out as a leader people would want to embrace. Its something special as these are not organised party crowds Theyre going to vote for us because the BJP has captured their imagination, he told Indian Express. Photo courtesy: twitter.com/annamalai_k / Annamalai Facebook As he campaigned in a white shirt inscribed with the slogan "En Mann, En Makkal" (My Land, My People) and a dhoti, people showered garlands on him, group of boys and girls sought his autograph, some people wanted selfies with him while some others brought their children to get his blessings. Annamalai captured the crowds attention from a vehicle befitting his status as a rising star. The motorised platform installed in the vehicle elevates him to the roof, allowing him to greet the throngs of people surrounding his convoy. Their enthusiasm slowed the procession to a crawl as he extended his greetings to those gathered around, the report said. Photo courtesy: twitter.com/annamalai_k / Annamalai Facebook Annamalai told Indian Express that AIADMK will eventually lose significance in the state as it does not have leaders who inspire people. the AIADMKs collapse is evident, and we are filling up the vacuum And I am attacking the AIADMK leadership, not the cadres When a party doesnt have leaders who inspire, they cant take their voters for granted. The AIADMK has a corrupt, self-serving leadership, which is community oriented Remember that I have never criticised MGR, he said. Photo courtesy: twitter.com/annamalai_k / Annamalai Facebook He said people are looking at the BJP due to the stark contrast between actual development and the empty rhetoric of Dravidian development models in these parts, according to the report. He predicted that the BJP will get seats in double digits and not just Coimbatore, while the Tirunelveli district will emerge as a stronghold for the party, including the region of Tenkasi. "On June 4 you will see increased numbers, increased vote share and conversion to seats," he claimed. As he sought peoples vote to make Coimbatore no.1 city in India, Annamalai said, There is a neo middle-class, and a lot of economic classes this election is going to be about their emergence. Their children are aspirational, they want better education, opportunities, and cities. While the BJP has worked on a social engineering plan since 2014 to consolidate the Hindu votes in the state, Annamalai said the minorities, including Muslims, should vote for him for the same reason the Hindus would vote. because I am the best candidate to create a fair city for their children in the next five years. So, I dont differentiate between religions. Neither should they, he told Indian Express. Previous Lok Sabha Elections In previous Lok Sabha elections in the state, the BJP struggled to make an impact. In 2014, the BJP and its ally, the PMK, secured only one seat each, while the AIADMK, led by J Jayalalithaa, claimed victory in 37 seats. In 2019, the BJP was unable to retain the seat it had won in Kanyakumari. The election also marked a downturn in the AIADMK's political fortunes, with the party managing to secure only the Theni seat under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam, who was later expelled from the party. The DMK performed strongly, winning 24 seats independently, while its allies collectively won 14 seats, resulting in a total of 38 out of 39 seats in the state. Photo Courtesy: UNI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday indicated Iran's willingness to resolve the matter of the detainment of Indian crew members on a cargo ship. "Yesterday night I spoke to my Iranian counterpart. I said that there were 17 crew members from India and we were making the point to the Iranian government that these people should be released," Jaishankar was quoted as saying by UNI. "They should not be detained. So after that, there have been follow-up conversatations between our embassies and Iranian authorities ... My Iranian counterpart was responsive. He said okay I understand it. I will try and do something to them," he said. The Minister said he is ensuring that the Indian embassy officials meet the detained crew members as soon as possible and facilitate their return to India. He also emphasised the commitment of the Indian government, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens both domestically and internationally. Jaishankar cited examples, such as the situations in Ukraine, Sudan, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the Indian government's track record of assisting its citizens in distress abroad. "You are aware that when we speak about "Modi ki guarantee," it is "Modi ki guarantee" inside the country and outside the country. Whenever any Indian travels abroad, This guarantee Modi gives. They can take travel insurance but they get a free guarantee from Modi. Okay. Whatever trouble you are in, we are there for you. And we have shown it. We have shown it in Ukraine. We have shown it in Sudan. And we have shown repeatedly during Covid," he said. On Sunday, the EAM had discussions with both the Israeli and Iranian foreign ministers to address the situation surrounding the detention of the MSC Aries cargo ship and its crew members by Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian assured regarding the Iranian authorities' follow-up on the details related to the detained ship and the possibility of allowing Indian government representatives to meet with the crew members. The detention of the MSC Aries cargo ship by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz is a significant development, especially considering the presence of 17 Indian crew members onboard. The ship, which was en route to Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port, was seized by commandos from Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in a high-profile operation. This incident comes amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, fueled further by Israel's alleged strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus. The raid on the MSC Aries and the subsequent detention of its crew members add complexity and sensitivity to an already tense situation in the region. (With UNI inputs) Videograb of PM Modi speaking to ANI/ courtesy: X New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the scrapping of the electoral bonds - in a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in February - is a decision "everyone will regret when there is honest reflection". In an interview with news agency ANI on Monday, the PM said the decision has "completely pushed the country towards black money." He said the electoral bonds scheme was launched by his government to fight the use of 'black money', referring to unaccounted cash or funds from criminal activities, in election campaigns, and that he had "never claimed this was an absolute way" to achieve that goal. PM Modi attacked the opposition for spreading "lies" about the bonds and said his government had introduced the scheme to cut down on 'black money' during elections. Countering criticism that his party- the Bharatiya Janata Party was the largest beneficiary, to the tune of thousands of crores. "There has been a discussion in our country for a long time... that black money allows for dangerous games to be played during elections. That money is spent in elections... no one denies. My party also spends... all parties and all candidates spend, and this money is taken from the people. I wanted to try something... how can our elections be free from this black money? "How can there be transparency for people giving donations? This was a pure thought in my mind," the PM said. "We were looking for a way. We found a small way... never claimed this was absolute," he said, reiterating his comments from earlier this month when he told a Tamil news channel "no system is perfect... shortcomings can be improved". PM Modi's comments on electoral bonds came in a wide-ranging interview aired this evening four days ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha election. The electoral bonds scheme launched to allow private individuals and corporate bodies to make completely anonymous donations to any political party was struck down by the Supreme Court in February. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud ruled the scheme unconstitutional on two grounds that it violated the people's right to information and the right to equality. The apex court directed the State Bank of India (the sole sales point for the bonds) to release data about buyers and beneficiaries. Modi, however, told ANI that the 16 companies that bought electoral bonds after facing money laundering cases, and that 63 percent of that amount went to parties other than the BJP. Taking a jibe at the opposition, he said, "The work of donating to the opposition... Will the BJP do this? 63 percent went to them... and you are making allegations against us?" "This is the success story of electoral bonds. There were electoral bonds... so you are getting a (money) trail of which company gave, how much, where. Whether what happened was good or bad can be an issue of debate..." Modi told ANI. The Prime Minister vehemently denied allegations by the opposition that the current political landscape favours the ruling party. The opposition has pointed to changes like the new law that allows the government to choose poll panel officials, who are supposed to ensure a free and fair election. "In fact, we have made improvements. Today, when the Election Commission is formed, the opposition is also in it," he said. Photo courtesy: X/@PrithviOfficial Filmmaker Blessy's Malayalam film 'Aadujeevitham' ('The Goat Life' in English) starring Prithviraj Sukuraman, a survival drama, is already a hit at the box office. The film has crossed the 100-crore mark worldwide in just seven days since its release. Now a question has been raised over a scene where the protagonist Najeeb engages in an intimacy with a goat. But, Sukuraman has claimed such an intimate scene was never shot. When he was asked, the actor said, as quoted by media, "Never shot it, Sir. It was the directors call that the character arc of his Najeeb wouldnt do that." On his approach to the role, Sukuraman said, "In 2008, when Blessy first told me about doing this movie, my first thought was, how do I approach this character? Do I come down and talk to you about who you really are, or do I try understanding the character Najeeb that Mr. Benyamin wrote, or the Najeeb that Mr. Blessy has in his mind, do I try to understand him? This was the confusion I had. "Finally, Mr. Blessy and I decided that, from the novel Aadujeevitham, and the Najeeb that Mr. Blessy visualised, the Najeeb that I visualise in my mind should be the one I play in the movie, so youll see that Najeeb in the movie." The film is based on a 2008 Malayalam novel of the same name written by Benyamin. In the survival drama, Prithviraj played a Malayali immigrant labourer who finds himself in a situation where he was forced into slavery on a secluded farm in Saudi Arabia. Photo Courtesy: Ambassador Gilad Erdan X page Amid further escalation of tension over missiles and drone attacks carried out on Israel, the country's official called for fresh sanctions on Iran during a meeting of the UN security council. According to media reports, Israels UN envoy Gilad Erdan has asked the council to impose all 'possible sanctions' on Iran. Gilad Erdan said Saturday nights attacks had been launched from Iranian soil, as well as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Last night the world witnessed an unprecedented escalation that is clear proof of what can happen when warnings are ignored ... [Israel] was not crying wolf; it was trying to wake the world up to the dangers posed by Iran and Its proxies, he said, adding: Israel has been sounding the alarm bells. Israels representative showed a video of what he called an attack on the Temple Mount, and asked the Security Council: What have you done to protect the world from Iran? He said that Irans actions had long been clear, to arm, fund and train its terror proxies across the globe. But the mask of deniability has been removed: Iran had attacked Israel from its own territory; and Israel was surrounded by Irans proxies and being attacked on all fronts. The mask has come off and so the worlds complacency must also fall. The only option is to condemn Iran...and ensure that it knows that the world will no longer stand idle. This attack crossed every red line and Israel reserves the right to retaliate, he stated. What did Iranian official say during the meeting? While emphasising that Israels false and unsubstantiated claims deserved no real response, Iranian Ambassador Amir Saed Iravani reiterated Irans consistent position that it does not seek escalation or war in the region. Iran's operation was entirely in the exercise of Irans inherent right to self-defence. This concluded action was necessary and proportionate. It was precise and only targeted military objectives and carried out carefully to minimise the potential for escalation and prevent civilian harm, the Ambassador explained. Yet, it was regrettable, he said, that today certain Council members, including the US, the UK, and France had chosen to turn a blind eye to reality and overlook the root causes contributing to the current situation. In hypocritical behaviour, these three countries falsely blamed and accused Iran without considering their own failures to uphold their international commitments to peace and security in the region, said Ambassador Iravani, calling out what he saw as lies and disinformation being used to discredit Irans right to self-defence. Moreover, the Councils inaction faced with Israeli war crimes against the Palestinian people has only emboldened this regime to continue its violations unchecked, he said, adding that the US and its allies blocked the Security Council on Gaza for over six months, protecting Israel from accountability. While warning about any further military provocations by the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its unwavering determination to defend its people, national security and interests... [we] will not hesitate to exercise this right when required, he explained. US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood condemns attack on Israel US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood strongly condemned the unprecedented attack on the State of Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its militant proxies and partners, and said, Irans intent was to cause significant damage and death in Israel. Irans reckless actions not only posed a threat to populations in Israel, but also to other UN Member States in the region, including Jordan and Iraq, he said and added: The Security Council has an obligation to not let Irans actions go unanswered. Indeed, for far too long Iran has flagrantly violated its international legal obligations, notably through the actions of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC, he continued and noted: Iran also was, in a broad sense, complicit in the October 7 attack on Israel because it has provided significant funding and training for the military wing of Hamas. In the coming days, and in consultation with other member states, the United States will explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable here at the United Nations, said Wood. States or further action against Israel, Iran will be held responsible, he said, and stressed: The United States is not seeking escalation. Our actions have been purely defensive in nature. US won't participate in any Israeli counteroffensive against Iran US President Joe Biden has told Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in any Israeli counteroffensive against Iran, a senior administration official told The Times of Israel. What did the war cabinet of Israel decide? Israel's five-person war cabinet could not reach a conclusion on how the country would respond to Irans massive missile and drone barrage. What happened on Saturday night? Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel as its proxies and allies also carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions, media reports said. Iran insisted it acted in self-defence after the targeting of its diplomatic mission in Damascus. How Israel intercepted aerial threats? IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari was quoted as saying by The Times of Israel that Iran launched more than 300 projectiles at Israel, comprising 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles, and that 99 percent of them had been intercepted by air defences. This is a very significant strategic achievement, he said in a morning press statement as quoted by the newspaper. The Iranian threat met the aerial and technological superiority of the IDF, combined with a strong fighting coalition, which together intercepted the vast majority of the threats, Hagari said. All 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles were downed outside of the countrys borders by the Israeli Air Force and its allies, he said. He said none of the missiles or drones could cross and enter Israeli airspace. Israeli defence minister, Yoav Gallant, earlier said the successful interception against the attack by the countrys air force and several allies was an opportunity for a new strategic alliance against Iran, reported The Guardian. Sydney mall attacker identified by police. Photo Courtesy: X/Nioh Berg Australian Police have said the man who stabbed to death six people in a shopping mall in Australia's Sydney city may have been targeting women. The police on Sunday identified the attacker as Joel Cauchi. "The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he could not be revived and died at the scene. He has since been identified as 40-year-old Queensland man, Joel Cauchi," read a statement issued by NSW Polie Force. The attacker's father broke his silence over the attack and tearfully apologised for the action of his "tormented" son. He said he too would have shot down his son if he was the police officer responding to the incident. Speaking outside his home in Toowoomba, Queensland, Andrew Cauchi told ABC News that he was "not really" coping with the aftermath of his 40-year-old son's actions. "He was a tormented soul, tormented, and frustrated, and I'm sorry that he's done this to your children and this nation," the father told the news channel. Cauchi's mother, Michele, told ABC News her son had been under the care of doctors for about 18 years while receiving treatment for mental illness. Police told The Guardian that Cauchi had mental health problems and that he had moved from Queensland to New South Wales only a month before he took a knife into the crowded Sydney mall on Saturday afternoon and killed six people in an unprovoked stabbing spree. The attacker stabbed to death six people at a mall in Sydney on Saturday, a mass stabbing incident which is rare in the nation. Several videos emerged on social media where the attacker was seen roaming around the mall with a knife in his hand. A woman cop shot him dead and several video going viral on the social media platforms showed her. " An officer attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended and was allegedly confronted by a man, armed with a knife," police said in a statement. Australian PM Anthony Albanese said his government has offered full support to the police to investigate the incident. "Its crucial that NSW Police be allowed to conduct their investigation without interference or speculation. Our government has offered its full support to the investigation," the PM posted on X. As we remember the victims of this terrible attack, we also pay tribute to the courage of those who prevented further harm. We can be so proud of their heroism and their compassion. Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 15, 2024 He said: "As we remember the victims of this terrible attack, we also pay tribute to the courage of those who prevented further harm.We can be so proud of their heroism and their compassion." Premalu OTT Release: One of the most loved movies in recent memory is Premalu, starring Mamitha Baiju and Naslen. SS Karthikeya, the son of renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli, released the romantic comedy in Telugu. The movie debuted on OTT and ended up being a huge hit. On X, fans cant stop raving about some fantastic scenes from the film. Internet Reviews Premalu Reacting to the film, one wrote, Finally watched #Premalu and loved the movie. Super duper cute & fun film. Everyone acted so well including the irritating Aadi.. Totally worth the hype. Reenu is sooooooooo cute with those bangs. Another added, So far Premalu is the best rom-com of this year for me ..! A third added, #Premalu delivered an engaging experience with good acting from the entire cast. Witty sequences and linear narrative. Yet, it relies on the well-worn trope of a lazy guy being charmed by a achieving woman. Also read: Rathnam OTT Release Date: When And Where To Watch Vishal And Hari's Action-Drama A fourth wrote, I don't know how many times I will rewatch this movie. Finally watched #Premalu and loved the movie. Super duper cute & fun film Everyone acted so well including the irritating Aadi Totally worth the hype. Reenu is sooooooooo cute with those bangs (@Buttabommma) April 15, 2024 This scene #Premalu pic.twitter.com/Yq7pwNukWZ (@itsRR999) April 13, 2024 What Is Premalu About? In the romantic comedy Premalu, two young individuals with different origins are shown. Despite Reenu's extreme superiority, Sachin harbors a crush on her. Nevertheless, he follows her in spite of everything, just to be devastated. The movie is a lighthearted comedy entertainer that will make you laugh a lot. SS Rajamouli Praises Premalu Its meant to be watched in theatres because its hilarious when the people next to you laugh, you enjoy it more. Rajamouli added that the Malayalam film industry has the best actors and said, It is with jealousy and pain that I admit the Malayalam film industry produces better actors. In this film too, they did a fantastic job. he said at an event as per Indianexpress. Also read: Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 OTT Rights Sold For Rs 100 Crore? Here's What We Know Mahesh Babu had written, Thank you @ssk1122 for bringing #Premalu to the Telugu audience Thoroughly enjoyed it. Cant remember the last time when I laughed so much while watching a film The entire family loved it Top class acting by all the youngsters Congratulations to the entire team!! For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Nora Fatehi's views on feminism have kicked up a storm online. The actress-dancer is getting massively trolled for her statement, so much that everyone is schooling her own what feminism truly means. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra's statement explaining what gender equality means has gone viral on the internet. Nora Fatehi's views on feminism In an interview with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia aka Beer Biceps, Nora Fatehi slammed the idea of feminism saying that it ruined our society completely. "This idea of I don't need anybody. Feminism. I don't believe in it. In fact, I think, feminism ruined our society completely. The idea of being inherently completely independent and not having to get married and have kids and not having the male and female dynamics at home where the man is the provider, a breadwinner and the woman is the nurturer. I don't believe in people who think that's not true. I think women are nurturers, yes, they should go to work and have their own life and be independent but to a certain extent". can someone actually tell her what feminism means?? pic.twitter.com/TM4sdql5WO Celina (@bollyvfx1) April 13, 2024 Now an old video of the actress saying she would put her bikini pictures if she wants to, dance anywhere if she wants to dance, and seemingly demanding equal rights for women has surfaced. In the same interview, Nora Fatehi said that women shouldn't run away from taking up the role of nurturer. "They should also be ready to take on the role of being a mother, a wife and a nurturer. Just like a man should be ready to take the role of being a provider, a breadwinner and a father and a husband. We call it an old-school, traditional way of thinking. I call it the normal way of thinking. Its just that feminism f***** it up a little bit. We are all equal in more sentimental things but in societal things, we are not equal. Feminism inherently, on the base level, is great. I also advocate for womens rights, I also want girls to go to school. However, when feminism becomes radical, it becomes dangerous for the society." Now, Nora Fatehi is getting trolled. X "Nora fatehis understanding of feminism is just about as relevant as any of her songs are to the plot of the movie," a user said. "Priyanka chopra is the only bollywood celebrity who understands what feminism is and holds an accurate viewpoint on it," said another one. " i don't support all women....some of you are stupid as f***", said another one. "Women like Nora Fatehi have never studied history & have never truly understood feminism, yet they enjoy all the basic rights thanks to the struggles of many feminists. Privileged people must step out of their bubble & engage more with people outside their privileged circles." Priyanka Chopra's Idea of Feminism Goes Viral except priyanka there has been none to define feminism as it is, love her. pic.twitter.com/zOdiDNhspC https://t.co/7Qg8CySvDC As (@aysha_thakurr) April 13, 2024 Meanwhile, people are sharing Priyanka Chopra's statement on feminism. In 2018, during her speech at the Global Education & Skills Forum (GESF) in Dubai, PC explained, "Physiologically men and women are different. There is no debate about it. When we talk about equality and opportunity, we talk about cerebral opportunity. We are not saying we want to be able to be like a 200 pound man and beat the shit out of somebody else. We are not saying that." She explained what women exactly mean when they say they want equality. "Were saying you give the ability to get the job, to be the CEO and nobody should question a woman's choices or her drive to be someone. So if she is 50, a CEO and a mother of three. do not question her." What do you think of Nora Fatehi and Priyanka Chopra's statement on feminism? Let us know in the comments section below. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Azerbaijan is an old-world charm with modern advancements and many historical destinations. In Azerbaijan, you'll see from lush forests and rolling hills to semi-desert areas and the iconic mud volcanoes of Gobustan National Park. Azerbaijan is a less-travelled gem, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a unique and captivating travel experience! So, let's take a look at all the places that you can visit during your trip to the place that is trending and is India's new favourite vacation spot. 7 Places to visit in Azerbaijan Pinterest 1. Flame Towers Pinterest These iconic skyscrapers dominate Baku's skyline, especially at night when illuminated to resemble flames. The tallest tower reaches 182 meters (almost 600 feet). The flame shape references Azerbaijan's nickname "Land of Fire" due to its natural gas reserves and ancient fire worship traditions. 2. Old City (Icheri Sheher) Pinterest A UNESCO World Heritage Site, wander through ancient streets, visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and explore the Maiden Tower. Icheri Sheher is surrounded by 12th-century defensive walls, creating a sense of separation from the modern bustle of Baku. 3. Seaside Promenade Pinterest Stretching for several kilometres along the Caspian Sea, Baku Boulevard offers uninterrupted waterfront views and a delightful walking path. Locals come here to unwind, chat with friends, and watch the sunset reflect over the Caspian Sea. 4. Gobustan National Park Pinterest The park is best known for its thousands of rock engravings dating back to 40,000 years. These carvings depict humans, animals, battle scenes, and dances, revealing glimpses into the lives of ancient civilizations. 5. Ateshgah Fire Temple Pinterest Built-in the 17th or 18th centuries, the temple served as a place of worship for followers of Zoroastrianism, a religion centred around the fire as a symbol of purity and the divine. The temple is built over a natural vent of flammable gas, giving rise to the eternal flame that once burned at its centre. 6. Yanar Dag Pinterest Witness the "burning mountain," a natural phenomenon where a hillside is continually ablaze due to natural gas. The fire has burned for centuries, possibly even millennia, as mentioned in the writings of historical figures like Marco Polo. The flames are especially striking at night, glowing against the darkness. 7. Shaki Pinterest Step into a Silk Road fairytale in this historic town known for its stunning caravanserai, the Palace of Sheki Khans, and sweet delicacies. Nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Sheki was a trading hub on the Silk Road, the ancient trade route connecting Europe and Asia. Escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, prompting airlines to adjust flight schedules and reroute paths to ensure passenger safety. Air India, for instance, has temporarily halted flights to and from Tel Aviv and modified the timing of certain ultra-long-haul flights in response to the conflict. REUTERS Pilots have reported an increase in GPS signal disruptions in the conflict area, leading route planners to scramble for alternative flight paths. Some airlines have opted to include refueling stops for nonstop flights between West and South Asia, like India, to accommodate the longer routes required to avoid Iranian airspace. For instance, Air India's San Francisco-Mumbai flight, AI 180, had to divert to Dubai for refueling due to its inability to take the usual polar route to circumvent Iran, resulting in a longer journey. Similarly, airspaces near Israel, including those of neighboring countries like Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, often close during potential attacks, necessitating real-time adjustments by air traffic control. Representational Image, REUTERS Although Air India's Tel Aviv flight has been suspended, Iranian airline Mahan Air continues to operate Delhi-Tehran flights. Meanwhile, Swiss Air's nonstop flights between Zurich and Delhi will now include a refueling stop in Vienna. However, US carriers, which have long avoided Iranian airspace, remain unaffected by the recent turmoil. India is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, thanks to its rich history and tradition, as well as its many natural features. The country is noted for its diverse landscape, which includes hills, mountains, deserts, and beaches. Who shared Kashmir's beauty on the internet? IIM alumnus dropped breathtaking photos of Kashmir | Image: X An X user, Sandipan, recently complimented the beauty of Kashmir, frequently nicknamed ''heaven on Earth,'' and uploaded jaw-dropping photographs of prominent tourist destinations such as Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The user, an IIM Ahmedabad and IIT Bombay alumnus, also compared the region to Switzerland, saying that ''Kashmir has so much more natural beauty to offer.'' What did the IIM-A alumnus have to say about Kashmir? An image of Kashmir | Image: X Sandipan wrote in his post while sharing breathtaking images, ''I've been to Switzerland, and I can say that Kashmir has so much more natural beauty to offer - the last week of travel has just made me feel so much more at peace,'' In a later post, he explained his travel plan and provided advice for where to go and what to see. ''We traveled as a family, and while you can choose the destinations separately, it is recommended that you go through a local agent, who will book your accommodations and provide you with a car to tour the area at your leisure. The total cost for a family of four for 6 days was approximately 1.3L (excluding flights)," he shared. "All in all, would love to do this again - truly a heaven on Earth this place," he added in his final post. How did people on the internet react? While some agreed with him, others said that it was an unfair comparison, emphasizing the need for infrastructure improvements in Kashmir. One user responded to his post by saying, ''Can agree with this. Last year, I traveled to Kashmir, and the entire experience was remarkable." Another said, ''Kashmir is wonderful. However, it lacks infrastructure, which can only be provided through increased government spending and the privatization of the tourism business." A third answered, ''I agree with this. Last year, I traveled to Kashmir, and the entire experience was remarkable. A fourth commented, ''Kashmir and Himachal are much far more gorgeous than Switzerland." Check the viral post here. Ive been to Switzerland, and I can say that Kashmir has so much more natural beauty to offer - the last week of travel has just made me feel so much more at peace. Jotting my itinerary down, as a memoir to self, but also to nudge folks to explore the pretty hills up there :) pic.twitter.com/NFDGXtpfyT Sandipan (@sandypuns_) April 13, 2024 What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Books can be written on working professionals and their leaves saga. While many times we find ourselves guilt-ridden, sometimes its absolutely necessary to take a step back and recoup. With the world that we are living in, mental health needs to be taken seriously and this is what a Chinese retail tycoon has prioritized. In a great initiative, a company in China has introduced the concept of unhappy leave quota of leaves for employees to help them find a better work-life balance. Pinterest The founder and chairman of Pang Dong Lai- Mr Yu Donglai recently announced that his employees can apply for an additional 10 days leave of absence because everyone has times when theyre not happy, so if youre not happy, do not come to work. The founder announced that employees will have the autonomy to decide when they take their rest time, and management cannot refuse this request, as doing so would be considered a violation. What Is Unhappy Leave? According to the company's employment policy, employees will work a maximum of seven hours per day, with weekends off, and they will receive 30 to 40 days of annual leave along with five days off during the Lunar New Year. The founder emphasized, "Our goal is not to expand the company's size, but rather to ensure our employees enjoy a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which ultimately benefits the company as well." stock image He emphasized the importance of freedom and love, noting that the company had previously implemented a job-level certification system. Yu Donglai stated, "Even a janitor can earn up to 500,000 yuan (Rs 58 lakh approx) annually as long as they reach a certain level of professional capability." Previously, Yu Donglai criticized the culture among Chinese bosses that promotes long working hours, stating, "Forcing employees to work overtime is unethical and deprives others of opportunities for personal growth." This Initiative Has Been Getting A Positive Response On Chinese Social Media Platform Weibo Unsplash/Representational Image Popular Chinese social media platform Weibo is buzzing with support from the users. Many are voicing their support for this initiative. People are applauding the companys culture and expressing their desire to work in such a company. As per a survey conducted in 2021 on workplace anxiety in China, more than 65 percent of employees are unhappy at work and feel tired. The government has told all online shops to stop listing drinks and beverages as "healthy drinks." This is bad news for brands like Bournvita. A report from Moneycontrol says the government's order came after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) found that there's no official definition of a "health drink" in the law. The government's notice mentioned an investigation by the NCPCR, which found that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Mondelez India did not define any drinks as "health drinks" under the law. As a result, the government has told online shops to stop listing drinks like Bournvita in the "health drinks" section. Why Bournvita Got Removed From 'Health Drinks' Categories On Ecommerce & Who Is The Influencer Behind This | Revant Himatsingka This decision follows the FSSAI's recent request to online shops not to categorise dairy, cereal, or malt-based drinks as "health drinks" or "energy drinks." According to the Food Safety Authority, these drinks are just flavored water-based drinks, not health drinks. The FSSAI also warned that using incorrect terms could mislead customers, so online shops were told to remove or fix any misleading advertisements. Himatsingka: Influencer Behind Its Removal Until April 2023, Revant Himatsingka held a prominent finance job in the United States. However, over the past eight months, he shifted his focus to spearheading a nutrition movement. He advocated for popular health drinks and instant noodles brands to reduce sugar in their products. As a result, he faced five lawsuits from four different brands. Throughout this journey, he used his Instagram platform, boasting a follower base of 1.4 million, to educate his audience on making healthier food choices, infused with humor. Following his MBA from The Wharton School, he continued working as a consultant to sustain himself financially. However, his passion lay in reforming the packaged food industry. In April 2023, he made the bold decision to leave his lucrative job in the US and return to Kolkata. Despite the financial sacrifice, he was driven by the belief that by raising awareness and adding value, he could also find success in India. His primary motivation was to effect positive change. On April 1 of the previous year, he uploaded a video discussing Bournvita's high sugar content and its potential impact on children. At the time, he had a mere 1,000 followers on Instagram. The video attracted significant attention, prompting a legal notice from the brand, leading him to remove the video. However, it had already spread through WhatsApp groups and garnered attention on major TV news channels. In just a week, his followers skyrocketed to over 100,000, all thanks to that one video. Is Cadbury Bournvita Good For You? What Is Bournvita Case? The Bournvita case involves controversy surrounding the branding of BournVita as a healthy drink for child growth. After facing criticism, Mondelez-owned Cadbury is in trouble again as the Ministry of Commerce advised e-commerce websites to remove beverages like Bournvita from the 'health drink' category. Cadbury Why did the govt issue a health drink advisory? The government issued the 'health drink' advisory due to concerns regarding the misuse of the term 'health drinks' on e-commerce platforms and in advertisements. This advisory was prompted by an inquiry conducted by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which found that there is no official definition of 'health drinks' under the FSS Act 2006. As a result, the government deemed it inappropriate to label beverages as 'health drinks' and instructed e-commerce companies to remove such products from the category. As there's no legal definition of 'health drinks', it's inappropriate to label beverages as such. Therefore, e-commerce companies were instructed to remove drinks like Bournvita from the health drink category. NCPCR's Actions Against Bournvita Regarding the NCPCR inquiry against Bournvita, the child rights body asked Cadbury to withdraw misleading ads and packaging within a month of the controversy. This followed a complaint alleging that Bournvita falsely marketed itself as a health drink despite its high sugar content. Bournvita's Response and Clarifications Bournvita later clarified, rejecting claims made by an Instagram influencer. The company emphasized that each serving contains 7.5 grams of added sugar, which is less than the daily recommended limit for children. Watch Video: What is this @DairyMilkIn ? Cadbury helping lobby of pharma companies for more n more diabetic patients !!! (WA received) pic.twitter.com/q6P4gQ85VV Mayur Sejpal (Modi ji ka parivar) (@mayursejpal) April 4, 2023 Reduction in Sugar Content: A Significant Change In December, Cadbury reduced Bournvita's sugar content by nearly 15%. The original formula had 37.4 grams of added sugar per 100 grams, which was reduced to 32.2 grams. This move was hailed as a victory by influencers. Also Read: Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath Launches 'WTFund', To Offer Rs 20 Lakh Grant To 40 Young Entrepreneurs For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here Irans unprecedented attack on Israel has been condemned by Greece with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also calling for restraint from all involved parties. The prime ministers warning sounded after a session of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), where the latest developments were discussed after more than 300 projectiles 170 drones and over 120 ballistic missiles were fired at Israel in an immense aerial attack. Said Mr. Mitsotakis in a comment posted across social media:. I strongly condemn the attacks launched by Iran against Israel. Any escalation poses a threat to regional stability and security. We stand with Israel and urge all sides to show restraint, he stated. The KYSEA meeting focused on potential implications of the attacks. Sources close to the council have suggested that despite the current atmosphere of heightened alert, there appears to be a tentative de-escalation of tensions. Nonetheless, sources said, Greece remained vigilant, maintaining open lines of communication with both Israel and the United States, acknowledging the unpredictability of the situation. Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and government spokesperson, Pavlos Marinakis, reinforced Greeces position in an official announcement. Greece unequivocally condemns the attack against Israel and the threats to regional stability and security, he affirmed. Marinakis further emphasized Greeces role as a pillar of stability and security in the region, highlighting the necessity for all sides to exercise restraint to prevent a broader regional conflict. iefimerida.gr The New Democracy's ballot paper was presented at a special event at the Athens Auditorium on Monday. Among the candidates is the imprisoned elected mayor of Himara Fredi Beleris, whose name has sparked a storm of applause. The candidates were presented by Prime Minister's adviser Aristotelia Peloni. The Prime Minister and President of ND Kyriakos Mitsotakis presenting the ballot said: "Today the applause is not for me, but for our 42 outstanding candidates". "In this ballot, people come together from different paths and every corner of Hellenism worldwide. People who can be united under the same roof. This is New Democracy in 2024, this European election ballot that will seek the support of the citizens," said Mitsotakis. iefimerida.gr This is Apl Detroit (built in 2014 with Singapore flag), 328.2 meters long and with a capacity of 9,326 TEUs, i.e. almost 40% more than what had been recorded to Thessaloniki Port welcomes largest containership in its history - by Tim Sommers The fella says, we must never forget that we are human. And as humans we must dream. And when we dream, we dream of money. David Mamet/The Spanish Prisoner (1998) Long after Jesus held up a coin with Caesars picture on it and wisely counseled giving back to Caesar what, very obviously, was Caesars (Didnt you see the picture?), Adam Smith tried to tell us that money was not invented by governments. Money, and economic life entire, come from a certain propensity in human nature, he says, the propensity to truck, barter, and exchange one thing for another. Smith gives a detailed account of how such barter might arise in a group of shepherds or hunters. He does not pretend that this is an actual group of which he has actual knowledge. But what genre of story is this then? Although many economists have told the money comes from barter story as nonfiction, contemporary economics textbooks tell it neither as fact nor fiction, but as a hypothetical. To see the benefits of money, one textbook advises, imagine a barter economy. In a complex society with many goods, says another, money replaces barter, since barter exchanges involve an intolerable amount of effort. More poetically, one textbook asks us to imagine that we have roosters, butwant roses. The trouble is, as anthropologist Caroline Humphrey points out, No example of a barter economy, pure and simple, has ever been described, let alone the emergence from it of money; all available ethnography suggests that there never has been such a thing. Never? Barter societies, where they exist at any scale, are what happens (initially, briefly) to societies that once used money after their central government collapses. So, while economists would have you believe that barter initially arises from a certain propensity in human nature, but that, given barters intolerable complexity, barter gives rise naturally to money, and that the use of money leads to credit and debt, David Graber argues that, basically, the opposite is true. Money is invented out of the need for, and in the service of, a central governments ability to collect taxes (mostly to fight wars). Formal, accurate debt is made possible by the existence of money, though actual money remains little used in many pre-modern societies except to quantify debt. Even now though its on servers and not cuneiform tablets or paper ledgers, 92% of the money in the world is virtual and created by the marking debts. The Federal Reserve in the US, for example, creates (and regulates) the money supply not by printing money (which it lacks the authority to do), but simply by taking on debt. Why is this story that money comes from barter, that money is the dream of barter ubiquitous if it is not true? The idea, I take it, is that if bartering is basic and natural, and money merely formalizes what already exists, then this is part of who we are not some later development or part of an optional social system. Oh, buying and selling, Frank, as Basie explains in Empire of the Sun. You know. Life. Every time I work through this reasoning, and am ready to dismiss this story with some leftist platitudes, it hits me, like a bucket of cold water to the face, that my much of my work revolves around social contract theory. Hypothetical social contract theory. Am I in any position to cast stones? There is a version of social contract theory that comes down to us from Socrates and Plato, Hobbes, Locke, and, in modern times, Nozick and Gauthier. This version says we are obligated to the state or to obey the law or to behave morally because we have agreed to enter into a social contract. The obvious problem is that we didnt agree to anything. Or anyway I didnt. Did you? Usually, it is said that we tacitly or implicitly entered into a contract with the state, for example, by not moving to another country. But imagine this scenario from Nozick. Once a week for a year somebody comes by your house and throws books through the window. Some of these you have no use for, but some you are glad to get. Then on week fifty-three, someone shows up at your door with a bill for all those books. Do you have a tacit contract, having benefited from these books, obligating you to pay for them now? I dont want to defend that kind of social contract. I am interested in a different kind of contract theory. Heres an example. John Rawls argues that justice is the principles that people would agree to from an original position behind a veil of ignorance that shields them from knowledge of (among other things) their social class, gender, race, religion, philosophical views, and their own ideas about the good and their own plan of life. All they know is that they are mutually disinterested parties hoping to grab as large a share of all-purpose social goods as possible. People would agree to prioritize basic liberties, Rawls argues, then fair equality of opportunity, and finally economic justice. Is such a hypothetical contract an improvement on a tacit contract? Ronald Dworkin didnt think so. A hypothetical contract is not simply a pale form of an actual contract; he wrote, it is no contract at all. As lawyers say of verbal contracts, they are not worth the paper they are written on. Not to mention, isnt this the same route economists take? Money could hypothetically arise from barter. Justice could hypothetically arise from a certain kind of contract. One last example. H.L.A. Hart, the preeminent legal theorist of the twentieth century, said that law is the union of primary and secondary rules. He aimed to show that law owed nothing to morality. Every society that persists for any length of time, he argued, has some rules primary rules that are generally followed, like dont kill each other, dont steal, etc. But primary rules do not a legal system make. Secondary rules are rules about how primary rules are made or changed. A legal system has to have both. Hart argues for this by imagining a society with no secondary rules and, then, imagining what sort of rules would be necessary to create a functioning legal system. He cites a couple of anthropological sources, but in a cursory way. This is clearly another hypothetical. One of Harts most influential critics, Lon Fuller, follows the same method to reach a different view that a kind of procedural morality is embedded in what we call law. He defends eight normative principles that he thinks define the rule of law and have some moral content things like generality, publicity, and prospectivity by imagining the failures of a king he calls simply Rex who tries to do without these rules. Again, the implicit question raised by all of these hypotheticals is, What are we like? What are people like? Hart and Fuller say we are both unruly and yet such rule-followers that we need rules about our rules. Adam Smith says that capitalism or some system centered on buying and selling is part of our very nature, inevitable. Rawls says we are rationalistic even about morality. A fair objection to all of these views is that none of them prove that this is what we are like. All of these views simply assume that this is what we are like. Unfortunately, that is not the end of the matter. The end is this. The hypothetical, rather than empirical, character of these views does not show that these views of what we are like are true. But it doesnt show that they are false either. We cant completely escape the question, the real question, What if this is what we are like? Postscript/Sources Its not just economists who have heard the barter story. Graber reports being given the opportunity, during his fieldwork in Madagascar, to interview a supernatural being (a Kalanoro) who spoke only through a medium hidden behind a screen in what Graber describes as an eerie, other-worldly quaver. He asked what was used for money in ancient times when the Kalanoro was still a person. He writes that The mysterious voice immediately repliedwe used to barter commodities directly This piece owes a huge debt to the late, great Graber. As Bob Mould said to David Grohl, after Grohl told Mould that he was his biggest influence as a songwriter, Obviously. Graber, David, Debt: The First 5,000 Years, Melville House, 2011. My, admittedly quite limited research suggests that all economics textbooks have the same name. Quoted in order in the text above. Case, Fair, Gartner, and Heather, Economics, Pearsons, 1996. Begg, Fischer, Dornbusch, Economics, McGraw-Hill, 2005. Parkin and King, Economics, Addison Wesley, 1995. For anthropologists on barter, see, Humphrey and Jones (eds), Barter, Exchange and Value: An Anthropological Approach, Cambridge, 1992. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered for a thorough investigation into the death of a hotel manager in Abia State, Achimugu Etubi. It was gathered that some officers of the Nigerian Army, allegedly tortured Etubi, which resulted to his death. However, INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the alleged tortured is coming, following a report of a Nigerian Air Force cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche, who reportedly drowned in the hotels swimming pool. Advertisement Reacting to the incident on Sunday, in a statement made available by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, expressed concern over the alleged unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel in the tragic death of the hotel manager. Onyema added that as a result, the Chief of Army Staff directed an investigation into the incident to unravel the circumstances surrounding Etubis death. The statement read: The Nigerian Army is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager in Umuahia, Abia State, as reported in some online media. READ MORE: Nigeria Army Arrests Fake Soldier In Nasarawa In response to this unfortunate incident, the Chief of Army Staff has promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book, anyone found culpable. The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased manager, Achimugu Etubi, and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Onyemereche and assure the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served. The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and, therefore, any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions. The Nigerian Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed about the investigation. The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), has insisted on withdrawing their services if the Nigerian Government fails to rescind the recently approved electricity tariff hike. With this development, a nationwide blackout looms for the citizens. Advertisement In a statement by its acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, NUEE told the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu that if nothing was done about the withdrawal of the tariff, its members will take decisive action. Recall that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission had on April 3 raised the electricity tariff for Band A customers getting 20 hours of power supply daily. However, NUEE insisted that it is not feasible to have 20 hours of electricity supply, hence, the government should rescind the tariff increase. The recent hike in electricity tariff from N68/kWh to N225/kWh is absurd in a country where most of the masses are grappling with basic survival and an electricity access rate of about 55 per cent. The hike in the electricity tariff is grossly detrimental to Nigerias economic diversification, growth, and well-being. As a critical stakeholder in the power sector concerned with Nigerians getting constant and affordable power supply, we state categorically that the hike in the electricity tariff is not beneficial to Nigerians and should be withdrawn. READ ALSO: Infrastructure: Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda Shouldnt End In Urban Areas Wike We just want the citizens to know that this thing is not possible, it is not feasible, you cannot give what you dont have. When we dont have the energy to give to the people, and you ask our people to go out and collect such money, you know it is dangerous. We often dont disclose what to do to the public because our sector is critical to the nation, he stated. Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, who spoke through his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, said the government was doing everything to improve supply in Nigeria, and everybody would be happy at the end of the day. We want to appeal to the labour union to understand what led to this. This is not about strike. It is about understanding so that we can all work together. It is not anybodys joy that there are blackouts all the time. These steps are being taken to solve the problems in the power sector. I beg the labour union to understand that this will galvanise the economy and create jobs. I want to appeal to the union to bear with us. It is for the good of the nation, he stated. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senate Caucus, on Sunday, rejected calls for the resignation of Umar Illiya Damagum, the Partys National Chairman. There have been calls for Damagums resignation ahead of this weeks National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Advertisement Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives led by the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency in Imo State, Ugochinyere Ikenga specifically made the calls. Party members are also requesting that Damagum paves way for a National Chairman from the North Central zone as originally planned by the party. The lawmakers accused Damagum of working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and failing to call the statutory quarterly NEC since he replaced Senator Iyorchia Ayu as the PDP acting National Chairman last year. In a statement issued by leader of the PDP Senate Caucus, Abba Moro, he described the calls for Damagums resignation as ill-timed and inappropriate. Moro said the call was a personal opinion of Ugochinyere as it does not reflect the opinion of PDP federal lawmakers, especially PDP senators. READ ALSO: EFCC Discovers Fraudulent COVID Funds, World Bank Loan In Poverty Ministry The former Minister of Interior said the call coming a few days before the long-awaited and most anticipated NEC meeting of the party was a needless ruffling of feathers. According to him, the scheduled NEC meeting would allow members of the NEC to vent their opinions on the Partys activities. He added that party leaders and members look forward to a robust discussion at the meeting on issues concerning the party and Nigeria. On the seat of the PDP national chairman, Senator Moro said there was no basis for anyone to suggest that the seat be thrown open or zoned to any other region apart from North Central. He said the PDPs constitution, the grand norm of its existence, provides for two deputy chairmen. Where theres a vacancy, the deputy chairman of the zone where the embattled national chairman comes from will act. He said he didnt subscribe to any call for the seat to be thrown open or zoned to any region aside North Central. On disciplinary measures against erring members of the party, he said NEC would not sit in Abuja and compile names of members who acted in ways and manners that undermined the party in the last elections. Relevant organs of the party have relevant responsibilities to discharge to the party. NEC cannot sit in Abuja and write names of party members A or B that acted to undermine the party in the last elections, thats the duty of the various ward EXCOs, he said. One Matthew Odah, 27, a dispatch rider, has been arrested for selling three iPhones worth N1.7 million entrusted to him for delivery. The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command disclosed this in a statement via X handle on Sunday. Advertisement Odah, on August 23, 2023, while working as a dispatch rider, collected one iPhone 14 ProMax (128 GB) and two iPhone 11 (128 and 68 GB) meant for delivery to a customer in Lekki, Lagos. Odah, on collecting the consignment, bolted and switched off his phone. READ ALSO: Police Arrest Gang Members For Allegedly Using Fake Job Vacancies To Rape Men In Lagos However, a sustained, discreet investigation into the matter led to his arrest at Lemon Bus Stop, Alpha Beach, Lagos, the statement read in part. It added, The suspect confessed to having sold the three iPhones in Obalende for N300,000. Also arrested with him were the two buyers, while one of the iPhones was recovered. Suspects are to be arraigned at the conclusion of investigations. The Ondo leaders under the aegis of Moment of Truth, at the weekend, cautioned against the candidacy of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the 2024 gubernatorial election. The leaders stated this at a press conference held in Oyingbo, Lagos. Advertisement According to them, it would shortchange the residents of Ondo South, where the governorship is zoned to. They noted that although Ayedatiwa was eligible to run because he was from that zone, he would only be allowed to serve one more term in office under the constitution if elected. Speaking on behalf of the leaders, Benson Enikuomehin, who was flanked by the leaders, including Barrister Eniola Ayenuberu, Kayode Mogbojuri, Laizer Ebiwanno and Primate Olowolade, said those supporting Aiyedatiwa were people who never meant well for the people of Ondo South. Enikuomehin argued that since other senatorial zones in the State enjoyed two terms of eight years, the people of Ondo South should not be deprived of their two terms as enjoyed by former Governors in the state. We appeal to our people, to do the needful as regards the primary election. We dont want a situation whereby a candidate not known in the state is thrown up. We should throw up a credible and reliable person. READ ALSO: Hardship: Organised Labour Presents N615,000 Minimum Wage To FG If APC get it wrong, the PDP must get it right. We have a man is Agaguism, who knew how Agagu performed in the state and where he stopped in terms of landmark projects across the state. Of all the aspirants, Olusola Oke shines forth. All the delegates should look at this direction and give it to Oke. He can lead, he can govern, he can direct and go to a committee of states to direct our affairs aright, he stated. Speaking further, Enikuomehin said as stakeholders in the Ondo election, there was imperative for them to voice out on who should take over affairs of the state, noting that with two major political parties in the governorship poll, any decision taken by the two parties would affect the state directly or indirectly. As stakeholders in Ondo election, we felt it is necessary to speak with you as leaders, on who takes over affairs of the state. There are two major political parties that will participate in the governorship poll. The decision taken by the two parties will affect us directly or indirectly. We owe it a duty to speak to the people of Ondo State, we owe it a duty to tell our people the direction they should go. We decided to speak up to prevent things going awry. The choice of governor of a state should be taken seriously, he said. NOTE: For the past six years, Joseph Shieber was a much-valued contributor here at 3QD. He wrote 73 essays for us which can be seen here. We are all saddened by his loss and wish to express our sympathy to his wife, Lesa, and his children, Samuel and Noa. This obituary is taken from here. Joseph H. Shieber, April 7, 2024 of Wallingford, PA. Beloved husband of Lesa Shieber; proud father of Samuel and Noa; loving son of Benjamin and Eileen Shieber; devoted brother of William (Rebecca) Shieber and Jonathan (Kathleen) Shieber. Joseph (Joe) Shieber was a loving husband and father, beloved son and brother, and respected Professor at Lafayette College. But that brief description does not encompass Joes remarkable impact on everyone he met. Joe grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, within walking distance of LSU, where his dad, Professor Ben Shieber taught and his mom, Eileen Shieber, received her graduate degree. From the start, Joe was blessed with great intelligence, an even temperament, and a profound gift for friendship and love. Joe went to Yale College where he received his B.A. in Literature, while participating in the singing groups Tangled Up In Blue and the Whiffenpoofs. He then studied at the Free University in Berlin, where he received two Masters Degrees, in Mathematics and Philosophy, and Brown University, where he received a Ph.D. in Philosophy. His Brown graduation was blessed with a driving rain, and the Ph.D. recipients were forced to sit outside while an appropriate worthy person droned on with thoughts on how to lead a good life. Perhaps it was this experience which led to Joes research on effective (or ineffective) communications. Joe then went off to teach Philosophy at Lafayette College. At the time of his death, Joe was the James Renwick Hogg Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy, which is quite the mouthful. Joe was a beloved teacher and colleague. He was, by his fellow facultys account, the smartest and best-read philosopher in a department made up of smart and well-read philosophers. Philosophers are conditioned to make the first statement, the fastest statement, and the best statement. Joe was not that way. Joe always waited, giving respect to those who were speaking. He was decent, and his intellectual generosity was really honest. Joe was an extraordinarily productive scholar. His book Testimony: A Philosophical Introduction was the first introductory analysis of this critically important topic. At the time of his death, Joe was working on another book, Knowledge for Zombies: A Naturalistic Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge. He also regularly published scholarly articles and taught a Great Courses class on Theories of Knowledge: How to Think about What you Know. Joe also wrote a column for the online journal, 3 Quarks Daily, which covered essentially everything (from Shakespeare to Indian Philosophical Traditions in Neuroscience). Most importantly, Joe was devoted to his students. After his death, at a gathering at Lafayette, student after student spoke about how Joe had treated them all as individuals, worthy of love and respect, reaching out to students during Covid who he felt needed extra support no matter where they were located. Joe would wake up at 4:30 a.m. to drive to Lafayette College to teach an 8:00 a.m. class on logic. According to one student, if Professor Shieber was willing to get up so early to make it to the class, he could make it to the class. Another student observed that watching Professor Shieber teach and respond to questions from other students by modeling professionalism and care made him a better person. But Lafayette College gave as much to Joe as he gave to the college. At Lafayette, Joe met the love of his life, Lesa Austin, now of course Lesa Shieber. He married Lesa in Colton Chapel at Lafayette College in May 2010. When Lesa got a job at Swarthmore, Joe and Lesa moved to the Philadelphia area, where Samuel (now thirteen years old) and Noa (now nine years old) were born. Joe was a devoted father. He was so proud of Sams ability to memorize anything, like the periodic table and Noas skills at learning German. Joe was also extremely proud of Lesa and her accomplishments at Lafayette, Swarthmore, and now Haverford College. Joe believed, with justification, that he could not have had a better wife. In Platonic Philosophy, there is a distinction made between the Nice and the Good. People can be nice but should strive to be good. Joe was both. That is the rarest of combinations and the finest one. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has urged the Federal Government to announce the new minimum wage on Workers Day, May 1, 2024. Tommy Etim, National Vice President of the TUC, stated this on Sunday in a chat with Punch. Advertisement Recall that organised labour had submitted N615,000 as the new proposed minimum wage for workers in the country. According to him, the announcement of the new minimum wage is one of labours expectations ahead of the 2024 Workers Day. He furthered that there were lots of expectations particularly since some of the newly initiated policies of government had continued to push more Nigerians into poverty. READ ALSO: Hardship: Organised Labour Presents N615,000 Minimum Wage To FG Workers in the country, he said, were expectant of the new minimum wage, stating that Workers Day is like Christmas Day for workers. The Workers Day is a type of Christmas Day to Nigerian workers and there are lots of expectations. The welfare of workers is paramount and should be taken into consideration. It is also expected that lots of incentives will be rolled out to cushion the effects of the policies initiated by the government which have continued to limit the purchasing power of workers and Nigerians as a whole. Presently, the purchasing power is weak in the country. It is also expected that a new minimum wage will be announced on that day. Workers are looking forward to that. Also, we expect that the government finally use the opportunity to launch the CNG buses which it promised over a year ago. These are our expectations, he said. The Nigerian Army has revealed that investigation is ongoing over the alleged killing of a lady, identified as Hauwakulu Tabra, by a soldier, Private Adamu Muhammad at one of the barracks in Enugu State. INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the horrible incident occurred on April 11, 2024 and the corpse of the lady was discovered within the barracks, in the following day. However, in a statement made available to the public on Sunday, by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu expressed regret that the young lady lost her life in the hands of a man with whom she was in an amorous relationship. Advertisement The statement reads: Much as it is highly regrettable that a young lady lost her life in the hands of a man with whom she was in an amorous relationship, the incident should not be latched on to insinuate a laughable claim that the dastardly act was committed by a repentant Boko Haram recruited into the Nigerian Army. The NA has at no point in time, either in the past or present, enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength. READ MORE: Police Inspector, Two Others Killed As Boko Haram Attack Borno Community However, considerations were given to the CJTF, who in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East distinguished themselves morally and patriotically. Such members of the CJTF must have also shown commitment, dedication, and loyalty to the service and the nation. The sad incident of the gruesome murder of Miss Hauwakulu Tabra by Private Adamu Muhammad occurred on the night of Thursday 11 April 2024 and her corpse was discovered within the barracks on Friday, April 12, 2024. Preliminary investigations revealed that the late Hauwakulu Tabra was murdered by the said soldier, who is presently in detention for further investigation to unravel the motive behind his actions. The general public should rest assured that justice will be served, as the NA will not condone any unprofessional conduct or indiscipline within its ranks. At least three persons have been reportedly killed while others sustained degrees of injuries after a military patrol vehicle allegedly crushed a Keke filled passengers in Yobe State. An eyewitness, Adamu Hassan, told Channels Television, that the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at the popular Garin Alkali market via Gashua, the headquarters of the Bade Local Government Area of the state. He said: After the incident happened, the association of the Keke Napep riders mobilised and staged protests in some locations blocking the main road leading to Gashua, the headquarters of Bade local government area. Advertisement READ MORE: Task Force Member Kills Sapele Keke Rider Over N400 Levy The Army personnel who became furious returned and started shooting sporadically, unfortunately some protesters were injured and later evacuated to Specialist Hospital, Gashua for medical attention. Also reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Bade Local Government Area, Ibrahim Babagana, said that three persons were confirmed dead while others sustained various injuries in the clash but they are doing all they could to calm the situation. Ibrahim said: You may be aware that the clash is between Keke Napep riders and the Army. As I am talking to you, three persons have been confirmed dead while others sustained injuries. I and the emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman are doing all we could to calm the situation for now. In this buyers guide Version control systems explained What to look for in version control systems Orienting version control around Git and devops Generative AI in version control Cloud-based version control Leading vendors for version control systems Essential reading As demand for more software increases, whether it be traditional software or emerging and growing areas of demand such as infrastructure as code, policy as code, and low-code generated code, there is a direct impact on the demand for version control, says Christopher Condo, a principal analyst at Forrester Research. Since all code needs to be version controlled, any increased demand for software will result in an increased demand for version control systems, he adds. A report by research firm Acumen Research and Consulting expects the version control systems market to grow as more organizations adopt agile development methodologies, and as collaboration and code management become more important. The market for these types of products will expand by an estimated 11.9% annual growth rate to reach $2.7 billion by 2030, according to the report. The increasing adoption of cloud-based version control systems is also driving market growth, it says. Depending on your politics, trickle-down economics never worked all that well in the United States under President Ronald Reagan. In open source software, however, it seems to be doing just fine. Im not really talking about economic policies, of course, but rather about elite software engineering teams releasing code that ends up powering the not-so-elite mainstream. Take Lyft, for example, which released the popular Envoy project. Or Google, which gave the world Kubernetes (though, as Ive argued, the goal wasnt charitable niceties, but rather corporate strategy to outflank the dominant AWS). Airbnb figured out a way to move beyond batch-oriented cron scheduling, gifting us Apache Airflow and data pipelines-as-code. Today a wide array of mainstream enterprises depend on Airflow, from Walmart to Adobe to Marriott. Though its community includes developers from Snowflake, Cloudera, and more, a majority of the heavy lifting is done by engineers at Astronomer, which employs 16 of the top 25 committers. Astronomer puts this stewardship and expertise to good use, operating a fully managed Airflow service called Astro, but its not the only one. Unsurprisingly, the clouds have been quick to create their own services, without commensurate code back, which raises the concern about sustainability. A woman was charged in the stabbing of a 1-year-old in Rittenhouse Square, and attacking a woman in Center City earlier in the day. Read more A New York woman who police say stabbed a 1-year-old boy as his parents pushed him and his twin in a stroller outside a synagogue near Rittenhouse Square on Saturday has been charged with attempted murder and related crimes, police said Monday. Takeira Hester, 28, was also charged with stabbing a 24-year-old woman who was walking on Chancellor Street earlier in the day, six blocks away from where the child was stabbed, said Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore. Advertisement Police described both incidents as completely random attacks. In both cases, they said, the weapon Hester used was a long knife. Hester is being held on $4 million bail, said Assistant District Attorney Amanda Hedrick. Hester was also being held on $500,000 bail in connection with a bench warrant for a charge of assault with a deadly weapon out of New York, Hedrick said. A spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office did not immediately provide details on the New York crime. At 7:57 a.m. Saturday, police said, a 24-year-old woman was walking east on the 1300 block of Chancellor Street when Hester stabbed her in the chest and hand and fled. Hours later, police said, Hester approached a couple outside Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel on South 18th Street around 12 p.m and stabbed the 1-year-old in both arms. The childrens father chased after Hester, police said, and she dropped a black bag containing a coat the attacker in the first stabbing appeared to be wearing in surveillance footage. After police put out an alert with a description of the assailant, Hester was arrested Sunday on the 400 block of North 63rd Street, authorities said. Police said the assault outside the synagogue was not antisemitic, and Lynne Balaban, the synagogues executive director reiterated that in a message to congregants Saturday. She said police told synagogue officials the attacker was known to authorities and had been experiencing a mental health crisis. The child was taken to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was listed in stable condition, police said. The woman was initially listed in stable condition at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and later released. Thadius McGrath, 37, is escorted out of a district court in Northampton Township after his preliminary hearing in 2022. Read more Thadius McGrath admitted Monday that he killed his girlfriend Samantha Rementer in the Northampton Township apartment they shared, strangling and beating her to death as her two young daughters sat nearby. Now it will fall to a Bucks County judge to decide whether those actions were premeditated and amounted to first-degree murder. Advertisement McGrath, 37, pleaded guilty to murder in connection with Rementers death in June 2022, along with charges of endangering the welfare of children, reckless endangerment and related crimes. But he and his attorney, Keith Williams, say the killing was not premeditated, a requirement for a finding of first-degree murder, and asked the judge to sentence him instead to third-degree murder and spare him a life sentence. Assistant District Attorney Thomas Gannon is hoping to prove that first-degree murder is the appropriate charge and set out to do that Monday at an evidentiary hearing that is expected to last two days. Rementer, 31, met McGrath in 2021 through mutual friends of her late husband, according to her family. The two grew close, began a romantic relationship, and moved in together. Police were called to the couples home in Northampton on June 8, 2022, by McGraths mother, who told them that he had called her sounding rough and edgy, according to audio of the 911 call played in court. He said he didnt think he would be returning to Massachusetts as he had planned, telling her This is goodbye. I love you. McGraths father, John, took the stand to say that he, too, received a phone call from his son, moments before the police knocked on his front door. In that call, he said, his son confessed to killing Rementer, and told his father he was going to jail. He then told his father to have a nice life as the call ended amid a gunshot. When the officers arrived, the front door was locked, and their calls for McGrath went unanswered. Suddenly, Rementers then-5-year-old daughter came bursting out of the door, covered in blood, according to police bodycam footage presented at trial. The sight was so jarring that Northampton Township Officer John Kenney paused in the recording, visibly taken aback. The girl later told police that her mommy was dead, beaten by McGrath with a lamp and stepladder because she was getting on his nerves, according to evidence presented in court. She also said she overheard McGrath shoot himself in the head, and that both the fatal beating and apparent suicide attempt were accidental. In a recorded interview played in court, the girl said she saw McGrath hit her mother with the stepladder as she was lying prone and overheard her say Please, Thad, I have two children. McGrath said he didnt care, according to the girl. Investigators previously have said McGrath attacked Rementer after she had reminded him he was not the father of her children. When Kenney, the Northampton officer, went into the home, he found Rementers then 2-year-old daughter still strapped into her high chair in the kitchen. The video played in court showed him pulling the toddler to safety, walking past blood stains on the walls of the apartment. Later, in the childrens bedroom, Kenney and other officers found Rementers body covered in blankets, clothes and other items, as seen in the video. A stepladder was found nearby. The cord to a floor lamp had been wrapped tightly around Rementers neck, and she had a large gash across her chin. Officers pronounced her dead at the scene. In another bedroom, the officers found McGrath lying on the floor, covered in blood, with a 9mm pistol beside him. He was taken to St. Mary Medical Center, where doctors discovered he had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his face. Nearly two years after surviving that injury, McGrath sat in silence Monday as the bodycam footage played in the Doylestown courtroom. He showed little emotion. Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Rementers family wept silently at hearing the 5-year-old recount the horrors she had seen. The hearing is expected to conclude Tuesday. The founder of the Pennsylvania School Directors Coalition, Christina Brussalis, previously said that probably 90% of the time I dont agree with what the Pennsylvania School Boards Association tells me. Read more A conservative school board director has launched a new statewide organization that aims to train fellow board leaders to better advocate on hot-button education issues such as curriculum development, collective bargaining, and superintendent selection. The Pennsylvania School Directors Coalition was started by Christina Brussalis, a school board member in suburban Pittsburgh. Advertisement Brussalis, whose role was first reported by Pittsburghs WESA, has previously said conservative school board members should have a collective voice in Harrisburg that rivals the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, a nonpartisan membership organization that has for the last 129 years trained board leaders of the states 500 school districts. We need to beat them to it, Brussalis told conservative activists at the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference last year, referring to PSBA efforts to establish parent groups. We need to plant parents groups that are conservative and fighting for conservative values in every school across the state. The new group is coming onto the scene just a few months after hotly contested school board races in which Democrats won back power in numerous Philadelphia-area districts and reversed controversial conservative policies. Here is how the coalition relates to other efforts by conservatives to shape public education in Pennsylvania: What is the Pennsylvania School Directors Coalition? On its website, which was launched in March, the coalition describes itself as a much-needed resource for elected school directors throughout Pennsylvania, helping board members promote commonsense education policies and improve student achievement. The language, while not describing any policies, is reminiscent of the conservative group Moms for Libertys calls for a back-to-basics approach to education. The groups website lists 10 upcoming boot camp trainings for members, on topics ranging from federal privacy law and collective bargaining to oversight of school curriculum. The latter has been a particularly hot topic for conservatives, who have accused public schools of seeking to indoctrinate students and sought to remove perceived liberal ideas from school curricula. We believe that all school directors, regardless of political viewpoint or ideology, will find PSDC a valuable partner, the website says. The website doesnt describe the coalition as conservative, and it doesnt include any information about who runs it. Who is Christina Brussalis? A Pine-Richland school board director, Brussalis was elected in 2021 as part of Pine-Richland Kids First, a slate of Republican candidates that received money from Bucks County venture capitalist Paul Martinos Back to School PA PAC. She previously worked in public relations. During Brussalis tenure, the Pine-Richland board has killed a proposed equity policy and been the site of debate on library books considered to have sexually explicit passages that have been targeted by conservatives nationally. Brussalis spoke at last years Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, an annual gathering of conservative activists. Participating in a panel moderated by Michael Geer, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Family Institute a religious freedom lobbying group with a legal arm that helped Central Bucks implement restrictions on library books and transgender athletes Brussalis said she and others had been working to try to connect the conservative school board directors so that we can have a collective voice in Harrisburg. Theres nothing thats going to help me talk about conservative issues, in a conservative way, thats coming out of PSBA, Brussalis said, adding that probably 90% of the time I dont agree with what the Pennsylvania School Boards Association tells me. In an interview Monday, Brussalis declined to talk about her disagreements with PSBA. I just believe theres no one organization or group that should have a monopoly on the ideas, or the solutions, she said. Mackenzie Christiana, a PSBA spokesperson, said the nonpartisan organization, which counts 499 of Pennsylvanias 500 districts as members, was focused on fostering an exceptional public education for every student and family in Pennsylvania. This work is too important to be distracted by any individual or group attempting to impose their own myopic personal ideology into our local community schools, she said. Who is part of the Pennsylvania School Directors Coalition? Brussalis declined to say who else was on the coalitions board, but said it included other school board members, as well as those who are not. She said she would not disclose names of the groups other leaders until its nonprofit tax forms became public. She also declined to say who was funding the group. We have individual donors who support the concept and idea that with good governance we can improve, she said. On its website, the coalition lists among its services model policy and policy review. Asked whether her group was working with the Independence Law Center, the Pennsylvania Family Institutes legal arm, Brussalis said that were an independent organization. While Democrats in November swept a number of contentious school board elections around Philadelphia, school boards elsewhere in the state have signed new agreements with the law center. Advocates on the left say they remain concerned about school board extremism, and have organized in opposition. Brussalis said her coalitions current focus is providing training to school board members, though we do hope to be able to provide model policy and other kinds of resources to school directors. In the meantime, the group is trying to grow a statewide presence. If school directors like what were providing, theyll keep coming back, she said. Gottahava Wawa, especially on Wawa Day. The beloved convenience store giant celebrates its 60th anniversary on April 16 with deals and promotions Advertisement Customers can score free hot coffee of any size at all locations, which will be decked out in 1960s decor. The company expects to hand out nearly 1.5 million free cups on that day. Wawa began as a dairy farm before transitioning into the convenience store industry. The first store opened in Folsom in 1964; the company has since expanded to over 1,000 stores in Southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding states plus Florida. As we celebrate this momentous 60th anniversary milestone, we want to thank our customers and associates for creating the unforgettable connections that have propelled us through the years and have allowed us to continue to go beyond filling orders, to fulfilling lives every day, said Chris Gheysens, Wawas CEO, in a statement. The anniversary menu will feature birthday cake smoothies and milkshakes, in addition to the usual offerings of hoagies, pizzas, and bowls. Customers can also look forward to special 60-cent deals, including a special birthday cake doughnut, teas, juices, and lemonades. There will also be Day Brightener recognitions for Wawas favorite customers (selected prior to the festivities), who will receive a special sash and a weeks worth of coffee orders. Be sure to stock up on vintage-style merch, including tumblers, T-shirts, GottaHaveA Wawa retro metal sign, logo cups, and more. Start the day at the store on Sixth and Chestnut Streets at 7 a.m. for a ceremonial coffee pour. After enjoying the free coffee, visitors are invited to the National Constitution Center, where admission will be free courtesy of Wawa. The center will host a range of festivities, including the unveiling of a limited-time exhibit detailing Wawas evolution from a dairy farm to a major convenience store chain. We invite our customers to celebrate our history and our future, and toast with us as we celebrate the countless day-brightening moments that we have had together through the years, Gheysens said. Tarik Zeid, a fourth year psychiatry resident at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, was arrested in December after police say he assaulted a woman and threatened violence. Read more A state medical board suspended the medical license of a Philadelphia-based physician last month, saying he posed an immediate danger to public health and safety, state records show. Tarik Zeid, 32, is accused of assaulting a woman in his apartment, telling her that he has killed people, and saying his preferred weapon was a sniper rifle. The woman later told police that Zeid demanded sex, and choked her when she refused him, law enforcement records show. Advertisement Zeid, a doctor completing his training in psychiatry, was arrested in December and charged with aggravated indecent assault, strangulation, terroristic threats, and related crimes. He is awaiting trial with his next court hearing scheduled for June. Zeids lawyer, John Rooney, declined to comment last week. The Inquirer attempted to reach Zeid directly but was unsuccessful. READ MORE: State board suspends license of Montco physician charged with attempted murder and arson Zeid was in the middle of his fourth and final year of a psychiatry residency at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital at the time of his arrest. He has not worked with Jefferson patients since, health system spokesperson Damien Woods said. He is no longer employed by or affiliated with Jefferson, Woods said in a statement. Talk of mass killings during an assault In December, a woman told police Zeid assaulted her in his Center City apartment. She said she and Zeid knew each other for about a month. On the night of Dec. 5, she said, they had sex and watched a movie in his apartment. Zeid said he hurt people in his previous job and that he once killed someone like her, the woman told detectives. He also told her he preferred to kill people with a sniper rifle, and that he would lose his medical license if anyone found out, she said. READ MORE: Pa. suspended a weight-loss doctor who performed intimate exams on women. He still sees patients in Brooklyn. When the woman attempted to leave, Zeid restrained her, grabbing her by the throat and pinning her to the bed, she told police. Zeid then said I killed seven people like this, according to the police report. The Inquirer found no record of murder charges against him. The woman told detectives she refused his repeated requests for sex. Zeid posted a $10,000 bond in February to secure bail and get out of jail, court records show. State license suspended The disciplinary process against physicians can take years. State law allows boards to issue temporary suspensions of licenses when a person is an immediate and clear danger to the public health and safety. Zeids suspension took effect on March 22. He is a doctor of osteopathic medicine, or a DO, a type of physician who is licensed to practice medicine. The Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine used the same expedited process earlier this year to suspended Amy Cohen, a Narberth- based physician who was charged with attempted murder last December after police said she attempted to set fire to her ex-boyfriends grandmothers house. Zeid was licensed as a graduate medical trainee. If convicted of indecent assault, a sexual offense, he would be ineligible to renew that license. by Steven Gimbel and Gwydion Suilebhan A new study has revealed a troubling development in the state of Maryland: while murder rates fluctuated between 2005 and 2017first trending downward, then increasing for a few yearsthe homicides recorded during that period have grown steadily more violent the entire time. According to Increasing Injury Intensity among 6,500 Violent Deaths in the State of Maryland, which is forthcoming in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, researchers examined the intensity of deadly incidents over a 13-year period. Intensity was measured by the number of gunshots, stab wounds, and fractures exhibited by victims. Across all three causes of death, while the rate of homicides varied during the period, the percentage of high-violence crimes consistently increased. Conducting the study was easier in Maryland than it might have been in other states. Maryland is unusual in that its Chief Medical Examiner is required to report on all murders, suicides, and unusual deaths, which means that researchers had access to a broad-based data set. State policy meant that researchers had access to information about victims who died under medical care and those who died at the scene of the crime. The states data set was geographically comprehensive, too, including cases from Baltimores urban center, the suburban areas around Baltimore and Washington, DC, and the rural areas in the eastern and western parts of the state. Other similar studies, by contrast, have only focused on data from individual medical centers. Those limited data sets only included cases from nearby areas and excluded cases in which victims died before receiving medical care. What the study team found in their examination of the data set is that the number of shootings in which victims received at least ten gunshot wounds nearly doubled between 2005 and 2017, increasing from 5.7% to 10%. Individual acts of gun violence, in other words, are becoming more violent. The increase in violence is particularly stunning when considered alongside the difficulty of hitting a person with a single bullet. According to statistics collected by the Dallas Police Department, only 54% of people who had been shot at were actually struck by a bullet. Two-thirds of all shots fired, in fact, missed their targets altogether and these particular shots were fired by law enforcement officers who get significant handgun training. Indeed, half of the officers who used their weapons, according to the study, missed with all of the shots they fired. In other words, hitting a victim with just one bullet is hard, even for highly-trained officers, which means that inflicting ten or more gunshot wounds is statistically very unlikely. Somehow, however, extreme gun violence is still becoming more prevalent. (Possible explanations include the increasing availability of weapons that fire multiple shots, the presence of multiple shooters, and shots being fired at a much closer range.) It doesnt actually take ten or more bullets to murder a victim, however. Ten gunshots is overkill. The median number of shots you need to kill someone is one, said Dr. David Efron, co-author of the study and the Medical Director of the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and the Thomas M. Scalea, MD Distinguished Professor of Trauma at the University of Maryland Medical School. Its highly lethal. Incidents in which a victim is shot multiple times, despite the fact that only one shot is typically necessary to cause death, seem to suggest other factors at work. If you pull a trigger once, said Dr. Efron, Thats a pretty intensive event, at least to most of us. But ten or more, youre over a hump somewhere. And it turns out that the proportion of people who died with ten or more shots went up ridiculously. Just in 2017, Dr. Efron noted, there were 60 people state-wide who were shot with more than ten bullets. Dr. Efron is quick to note that the phenomenon he and his fellow researchers studied isnt restricted to urban areas. Its very important to make sure that studies like this arent dismissed as a city problem, he said. Trauma is a disease of proximity, and cities happen to just have a lot more proximity. Undoubtedly, part of the explanation for the increase in incidents of extreme gun violence involves the nature of the guns being used. Automatic weapons with sizable magazines allow for more shots to be taken more quickly. However, the study in question noted an increasing intensity (though not frequency) of violence of all types. Between 2005 and 2017, the percentage of stabbing victims with at least five wounds rose from 48% to 60%. Among victims who died from blunt trauma, those with at least five bone fractures increased from 24% to 38%. Taken as a whole, the number of victims who suffered extreme violence of all types increased steadily during the study period, which suggests that addressing the issue will require more than just sensible new gun laws. Its important to note again that the study revealed an increase in the intensity of violence, not frequency. During the study period, the frequency of homicides in Maryland decreased for a long period, then increased for a few years (without quite reaching earlier levels) after the murder of Freddie Gray, which resulted in new policing strategies being adopted by the Baltimore Police Department. While the number of homicides decreased and increased, in other words, the intensity of violence only grew. The state saw fewer murders, but those murders were far more violent. What accounts for that transformation? The answer is surely multifaceted, with sociological, psychological, and economic factors all playing roles. The field of violence prevention, the researchers noted, has long studied factors associated with homicide including access to weapons, social isolation, structural socio-economic barriers, and the narcotic trade. Dr. Efron was more blunt: Is it an erosion of the social fabric, less community, less religion, less stable families? he asked. I dont know. The research team does note that other studies suggest those who perpetrate violent crimes were more likely to have experienced interpersonal trauma themselves, including merely witnessing violence, especially when young. Both the victims themselves and those who are present at the scene acquire an increased likelihood of acting violently themselves. Acts of violence cause a nuclear chain reaction, multiplying potential triggers for further violence, thereby giving rise to concerns about escalation. It doesnt matter what kind of violence you witness when youre young, said Dr. Efron. It could be a terrorist explosion. It could be domestic violence. It could be something you see on the street. You are at much greater risk of perpetrating a violent event as an adult. Unfortunately, outreach programs can locate and help victims of violenceand even perpetratorsbut providing aid for witnesses is much more challenging. Solutions for the rise in overkill, however, fall outside the purview of the study, which also doesnt attempt to identify any clear causes for the phenomenon. The researchers paper, however, does reveal, for the very first time, the extent of the problem, at least in one state, which might be the first step in addressing a troubling problem. Sami Aziz, a young photographer whose immigrant family's roots trace back to South Street, has set out to capture the heart and soul of the iconic Philly boulevard. He's been there every day since late September, photographing all sorts of folks. Read more A tall, young man carrying a camera stopped two ladies strolling down South Street one recent afternoon. Would you mind if I took a photograph of you together? the man politely asked the friends. Advertisement This being Philly, you can imagine what the response might have been. But instead there was a spark of recognition. South Street Sam! exclaimed Caroline Rybak, 19, of Germantown. Hell yeah! said her friend Olivia McKiernan, 19, from Southwest. Within seconds, the shooter was showing them their smiling images and telling them where they could access them later his Instagram page, @southstreetsam. Its part of a one-man, walking documentary ambitious and ever-evolving of life on this most Philly of streets. I think its cool, McKiernan said. Theres so many kinds of people on this street on any given day, and to be able to document that is really cool. Welcome to the South Street journey of Sami Aziz, a native son whose immigrant family roots are deep in this iconic Philly promenade. About six months ago, Aziz, 29, embarked on a photography project to capture the diversity and spirit of this ever-changing street. He hopes to continue for a full year. Every afternoon, rain or shine, hes out photographing anyone and everyone who will let him and they almost all do. He is always courteous, respectful. He figures hes created over 60,000 images families, merchants, little kids, lovers kissing, punk girls with green hair, you name it. His Instagram page has grown to nearly 100,000 followers. One video alone of a little boy acting as Spider-Man got 3.7 million views. Aziz knows the street has had its problems in recent years, and its fortunes have seen ebbs and flows over the decades. But the South Street that Aziz sees through his lens is a place of promise and potential. I see a platform for change right here, Aziz said. When you look at my page, you see families, you see couples, you see kids and their parents. Its beautiful. You can look out for the good wherever you are and choose to focus on the good. Family roots on South Street South Streets many stories include the story of Azizs family. His current photographic mission is one fueled by love and memory. This is a place thats dear to my heart and my family, Aziz said. His father, Aziz Kadoorie Aziz, an Iraqi, and his Moroccan mother, Amina Aziz, who was here with family members, attended college at Temple University. It was here they met. Its like a family love story, Aziz said. My mom was working at Reading Terminal Market at a cheese shop. My dad was just walking by. He thought she was Italian or something, and one thing led to another, and I was born. His mom also worked for a while at South Street Souvlaki, and his dad had an electronics store on South Street. He has fond childhood memories of going to Penns Landing with his father to watch the boats. His grandparents were a major part of his Philly upbringing, and his mother had brothers here. But her brother Saeed Bouayad has a starring role in this story. Nicknamed Sam, the uncle not only provided Azizs name, but the photographer now uses it as his alter ego South Street Sam as he creates his pictorial love poem to South Street. Its fitting; Uncle Saeed just loved South Street in the 90s. He loved the culture, Aziz said. It was bustling and booming. There was music. He came to the States pretty young. He was like 16. He liked the women and the scene. He was there to hang out and make friends. In fact, he spent so much time there, his family had their own name for the Philly boulevard: South Saeed. Azizs uncle and family are now back in Morocco, but his spirit is still there, lending his nephews project some of his old street cred. Its good for the street Its gotten to the point where people will recognize me in public, and theyll address me as South Street. Theyll be South Street Sam! Honestly, it gives me a lot of pride, Aziz said. Theyre seeing my work, and the positivity and the joy. Merchants and others who make up the South Street community are among those who applaud Azizs project. Hes a great person, and he is definitely capturing the diversity of the street, said Bridget Foy, co-owner of Bridget Foys and Cry Baby Pasta restaurants and whose family has been in business on South Street since 1978. I think his project is super, and were really supportive of it. Police Lt. Steve Ricci has let Aziz photograph him while on the beat on South Street. Were getting into the busy season now. Hes highlighting the good people who come down here, Ricci said. Its good for the street. Eleanor Ingersoll, executive director of the South Street Headhouse District, linked the photo project to the areas tradition of creativity. South Street has long been an inspiration for all kinds of artistic endeavors, and were proud that many artists have underscored the unique environment that South Street, our businesses and residents provide, Ingersoll said. Azizs subjects are some of his biggest fans. Its a creative expression showing whats really going on in the community, said Joacquin Franklin, 22, of Philadelphia, photographed with two friends and a white Nissan by Ritas Water Ice one recent afternoon. Its like were famous! said Adrian Hairston, age 8, of Delaware, who was visiting South Street with his family to have dinner when Aziz snapped their portrait. Aziz lets the people he photographs know that they can download their photos from his page if they wish, and he lets them know he accepts tips via Venmo. He said 2% to 3% of the people he shoots do pay, and that is fine with him. A portrait photographer, he also gets commissions for family photo sessions, head shots, and special events like an engagement video he was hired to do through the contacts hes made in his street work. Its enough to cover his living expenses while he pursues his passion project. Aziz isnt sure what his end goal for the work will be. He has done similar projects in Los Angeles and San Diego, but they were not this extensive. He says he would like to do a photographic book or a gallery show. But for now, his focus is the seemingly limitless faces of South Street he sees every day though his lens. Its beautiful, its amazing, the photographer said. I like to think this is what people need to see. Rep. Liz Cheney (R., Wyo.) arrives to speak in Jackson Hole, Wyo., after losing to her opponent in the Republican primary on Aug. 16. Read more I need a hero; Im holding out for a hero. Today, that would be Liz Cheney. In a Republican Party now mostly made up of haughty Trump sycophants, pragmatic self-preservationists, or outright cowards, Cheney sets an example of leadership the GOP sorely needs. Advertisement The day after Nikki Haley suspended her campaign, leaving Donald Trump as the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, Cheney announced the creation of the Great Task PAC, the sole purpose of which is to prevent Trump from being elected president in 2024. The GOP has chosen, Cheney wrote on X. They will nominate a man who attempted to overturn an election and seize power. We have eight months to save our republic & ensure Donald Trump is never anywhere near the Oval Office again. Since Jan. 6, 2021, Cheney has spoken out consistently and unwaveringly against Trump and the extreme danger he poses to this country. But she has been met largely with hostile pushback and retaliation from her own party, resulting in significant professional costs to herself. When she was third in rank in the U.S. House GOP, she was abruptly removed from that leadership position solely over her attempts to hold Trump accountable for Jan. 6. She was replaced by Trump loyalist Rep. Elise Stefanik. Cheney lost her House seat to another Trump loyalist in the Wyoming primary after being specifically targeted by Trump, who even had Rep. Matt Gaetz fly to Cheyenne to campaign for Cheneys opponent on the steps of the state Capitol. Cheney was also censured and kicked out of the Wyoming Republican Party again, solely for being opposed to Trump. None of that has silenced Cheney, because she fully realizes that the fate of the nations fragile democracy is far greater in importance than any party politics or even her own political career. Thankfully, shes not backing down now; in fact, shes doubling down on the Great Task of stopping Trump, and calling out fellow Republicans for enabling Trump, when they know hes lying. Meanwhile, Trump recently completed his takeover of the Republican National Committee when Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and cochair Drew McKissick formally stepped aside to be replaced by Trumps own handpicked successors: a fervent promoter of the Big Lie, North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley, and Trumps own daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had already been replaced by a zealously loyal, overtly Christian nationalist Mike Johnson. Even Republicans who held off from supporting Trump over their disdain for him and what he stands for are shamefully caving in one by one and falling in line behind Trump, now that he is the presumptive nominee. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who hadnt spoken to Trump in years, endorsed Trump the day after Haley suspended her campaign, and only a few days after announcing he was stepping down from Senate leadership. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, who had endorsed and vocally supported Haley, called Trump crazy for suggesting he should be immune from prosecution. Now, Sununu says he will support Trump for president, even if he is convicted of a felony. Americas two-party democracy is dangerously unsettled because the Republican Party has been irreparably poisoned and taken over by a narcissistic demagogue and his far-right MAGA movement, the ultimate goal of which is the installation of a Christian nationalist autocratic regime. Cheney warns: I know the nation can survive bad policy. We cant survive a president who is willing to torch the Constitution. And while many are only just beginning to recognize this danger, it may already be inevitable because, by all measures, the U.S. is already in the middle of a volatile and unstable transition period between democracy and autocracy, which political scientist Barbara F. Walter of the University of California, San Diego refers to as an anocracy. As a registered Republican for 44 years, I am horrified and disgusted each day by what the Republican Party has been transformed into by Trump. I dont want to completely give up on the party, but as Bonnie Tyler sang: I need a hero; Im holding out for a hero. Cheney is one of the Republican Partys last few heroes, still standing and still fighting the good fight. She is placing the protection of the nations democracy before her party and even her own career, against the looming dark clouds of the MAGA threat to our nation. Brava. Robert S. Nix is a lawyer in Philadelphia. He has taught political science as an adjunct professor, has been a political consultant on Republican Hispanic outreach, and is a past Republican candidate for the Pennsylvania Senate. rnix@myphillylawyer.com The Passover seder is a ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover as seen here in this 2022 photo of a seder at Bryn Mawr College. The April 23 Pennsylvania primary will fall on the first full day of Passover this year. Read more As members of the Beth David Reform Congregation Synagogue in Gladwyne prepare for Passover, temple leaders are encouraging them to think beyond the holiday. Some of our language around it, were saying prepping for Passover means more than making bubbes matzah ball soup, said Lauren Goodlev, the synagogues cantor. There are other ways to prepare for Passover: Sign up for your mail-in ballot by April 16. Advertisement Pennsylvanias April 23 primary election, which includes the presidential primary as well as key statewide and congressional races, will be held on the first full day of Passover, one of the most significant days in the Jewish calendar. Legislative efforts to change that date last year fell flat when lawmakers could not agree on a new date. As a result, public officials, synagogues, and advocacy groups have been working for months to inform voters and make sure that even those who may be unable to make it to the polls on election day can cast a ballot. Theyve also had to quickly make plans for new polling places and a loss of election workers. READ MORE: Pennsylvanias 2024 presidential primary date is unlikely to change to avoid conflict with Passover It is certainly regrettable that the legislature could not settle on a date, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt said. But it was clear that we had to do what we could. Passover may prevent some observant Jews from making it to the polls on election day due to restrictions imposed by the holiday. For many more, family obligations and travel to observe the holiday with loved ones could make it more difficult to vote in person. For observant Jews who like to go the polls, that was problematic, said Robin Schatz, director of government affairs for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Handling the primary date Rachel Beck, a state organizer for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, said the conflict highlights a need for broader access to early-in person voting in Pennsylvania. Currently, it is available only in specific counties. This year, its the Jewish community. Next year, what community is going to be impacted? she said. Beck said some in the reform community had to back out of their typical election day plans because of conflicts with other activities inside the synagogue. Temple Brith Achim in King of Prussia, for instance, opted against being a polling place because the same space in the reform synagogue that was used for voting in the past will be needed to host a seder that day. In Gladwyne, Beth David opted to remain a polling place despite the conflict. Were fortunate that we are able to stay open for the holiday, Goodlev said. Were able to still embody our values of doing what we need to do for the holiday and, you know, help encourage people to do their civic responsibility. For those unable to make it to their polling location in person, mail voting is available for all Pennsylvania voters. However, they must request that mail ballot by April 16, a week before the primary. Those ballots must be returned to the election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Schmidt said his office has spent the last several months working alongside the Jewish Federation of Pennsylvania to reach out to Jewish Community Centers and synagogues to ensure that congregants are aware of the conflict and have the tools they need to request a mail ballot. In addition, his office said, theyve used targeted advertising to highlight the issue and scheduled interviews with Jewish media. In Philadelphia, city commissioners have employed a similar tactic, visiting Jewish community centers, synagogues, and seniors homes. I think its definitely a concern that there will be people who pass the application deadline on the 16th and dont realize that Passover and the primary overlap and then they wont have the opportunity to apply for a ballot, Commissioner Seth Bluestein said. Election volunteering may be impacted Schatz said shes confident the level of outreach has helped ensure that Jewish communities across Philadelphia get out to vote. It certainly is not a slight against the Jewish community, it is what it is set by statute, she said, noting the work of public officials to reach out to Jewish voters. If we didnt have the option of voting by mail, then it would be really problematic. But everyone has that option. Across Pennsylvania, election offices have also had to recruit more poll workers as the holiday prevents many longtime Jewish volunteers from participating. Some synagogues and Jewish community centers have also backed out of being polling places, though Schmidt said polling place turnover is normal every cycle. In some places, like Center City Philadelphia, it might be everybody on an election board that cant work that day, Schmidt said. This is a predictable, and was an avoidable, conflict, but now were stuck with it. Our county partners are really doing their part to make sure election day will run smoothly. In Philadelphia, Bluestein said the city had been able to recruit enough poll workers to manage the primary day. That being said, we are always looking for more, he said. Correction: an original version of this story misstated the deadline for return of mail ballots. They must be submitted by 8 p.m. on election day. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small greets people leaving a news conference on April after search warrants were executed at his home the previous week. Read more Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife, schools superintendent LaQuetta Small, have been charged with assaulting their daughter, including an incident in which the mayor allegedly knocked the teenager unconscious with a broom, Atlantic County prosecutors announced Monday. Marty Small, 50, and LaQuetta Small, 47, are alleged to have physically and emotionally abused the 16-year-old on multiple occasions in December and January. Advertisement The allegations come two weeks after Small and his attorney held a news conference telling media and the public that prosecutors had been investigating Small for several months over a family issue. Small and his attorney said there was no corruption in the Atlantic City mayors office an issue that has plagued previous mayoral administrations. In one incident, prosecutors said in a statement Monday, the mayor allegedly struck his daughter in the head multiple times with a broom, leaving her unconscious. Prosecutors also alleged that on another occasion, Marty Small threatened to hurt his daughter by earth slamming her down the stairs before throwing the teen to the ground. Marty Small is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and terroristic threats. LaQuetta Small is charged with three counts of simple assault, according to the Atlantic County prosecutors office. The Atlantic City mayors office and Smalls defense attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Small posted a video of himself on Instagram Monday lifting weights in a gym, captioned Gettin it in. The mayor told reporters during the April 1 news conference that prosecutors were investigating him over an allegation that confirms Im human. Small described the early-morning raid on his home and vehicles, in which armed prosecutors office investigators executed search warrants, seizing laptops and cell phones. Flanked by his family and attorney Ed Jacobs, the mayor said it was an egregious rumor that he had beaten his daughter while she was pregnant with twins and would be charged double murder for ending the pregnancy. Atlantic County prosecutors have, however, accused the mayor of several instances of physical abuse. During the incident in which Small allegedly threatened to throw his daughter down the stairs, the mayor is accused of grabbing her head and throwing her to the ground, and smacking the weave out of her head. Another incident involved Marty Small Sr. punching his daughter repeatedly in her legs, causing bruising, prosecutors said. LaQuetta Small, meanwhile, punched her daughter multiple times on her chest leaving bruising, prosecutors said. In a second incident, LaQuetta Small dragged her daughter by her hair then struck her with a belt on her shoulders leaving marks, and in another, punched the teenager in the mouth. LaQuetta Small is the superintendent of Atlantic City Public Schools, where the principal of Atlantic City High School was arrested on March 28 on accusations of failing to make a report to a state child welfare agency about an allegation of child abuse. During the news conference, Jacobs did not respond to questions about whether the student who reported the abuse was the mayors daughter. The attorney told the Associated Press that the mayors daughter has not been removed from their home. This is an intact family, Jacobs said. She is right where she belongs. The principal, Constance Day-Chapman, has ties to the mayor. Day-Chapman served as Smalls campaign manager during his 2021 reelection campaign, and is chair of the Atlantic City Democratic Committee. Prosecutors alleged that Day-Chapman reported the abuse allegation to the students parents, instead of the New Jersey department that she was supposed to contact. Marty Small, a Democrat, took office in 2019 after former Mayor Frank Gilliam the fourth Atlantic City mayor since 1981 to face charges resigned and pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker walks along Kensington Avenue on Thursday after taking the El to Kensington to attend an event marking her 100th day in office. Read more Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration wants the city to cut nearly $1 million of funding to Prevention Point, a large social services organization in Kensington, as part of her promise to end the citys financial support of programs that provide sterile syringes to people who use drugs. Yet health experts in her own administration acknowledged that research shows syringe exchanges effectively prevent the spread of HIV and other bloodborne illnesses and that theyre preparing for a spike in disease. Advertisement There will be decreased syringe distribution and an increase in HIV cases as a result, Kathleen A. Brady, the citys director of HIV Health, said during a City Council hearing about the departments budget Monday. Interim Health Commissioner Frank Franklin added: We are clear and anticipate there may be some spikes, so we have plans for that. The news comes as Parkers administration has placed an intense focus on ending the open-air drug market in Kensington, where sprawling homelessness, addiction, and violence driven by the drug trade have been commonplace for years. The mayor has proposed a five-phase process to address the conditions in the neighborhood, including arresting people for drug possession and prostitution. Prevention Point last year received nearly $7.2 million in city funding for services that include operating a homeless shelter and providing health-care services to people in addiction. The citys Health Department paid about $900,000 of that for risk reduction services, including Prevention Points syringe exchange program, the oldest and largest in Philadelphia. READ MORE: Mayor Parkers administration boosts Kensington outreach, police presence ahead of encampment clearing Budget documents show that Parker is proposing the city cut that $900,000. Prevention Point declined to comment Monday. Public health researchers and physicians sharply criticized the move, pointing to research that shows syringe services reduce the transmission of infections and bloodborne diseases like HIV and hepatitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say syringe services can reduce new cases of HIV and hepatitis C by about 50%. A 2019 study using mathematical modeling estimated that Prevention Points opening in 1992 prevented more than 10,000 new cases of HIV in the city over 10 years. This is an incredibly shortsighted, antiscientific policy, said Ayden Sheim, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Drexel University who researches harm reduction and drug use. But Prevention Point has proved controversial in a neighborhood where residents have for years expressed frustration with open drug use and discarded syringes on sidewalks, in the street, and littered through public spaces. City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, who represents parts of Kensington, advocated for the city to cut funding to the organization, saying it has negatively affected the community. Parker has said that syringe exchanges are an important part of the harm reduction strategy, but that philanthropies or private business should fund them. While Im the mayor, I will fight tooth and nail to make sure that not one city dollar is invested in the distribution of clean needles, Parker said during her budget address last month. We cant afford here in the city of Philadelphia to appropriate our very scarce resources to do it. Sheim said in an interview that treating HIV and hepatitis costs far more than preventing it. He noted that city officials, in budget testimony, set goals to reduce new HIV infections and to eliminate new hepatitis B and C infections by January. It makes it very clear theyre not serious about those goals whatsoever, he said. Their actions are not demonstrating that they care about the health of people who use drugs. A looming funding challenge Syringe exchange services are illegal under state law but have operated in Philadelphia for more than three decades, since former Mayor Ed Rendell issued an executive order to allow their operations as a way to address high rates of HIV infections among people who injected drugs. Because of that legal ambiguity, Prevention Point cant receive state funding. And though federal funding can be used to operate syringe exchanges, it cant pay for syringes themselves. The groups interim lead executive officer Silvana Mazzella said in a statement last month that any loss of city funding would mean a lifesaving program would have to be funded privately, which would be extremely challenging to do every year. Brady, from the citys Health Department, said during the Council hearing Monday that the city does not expect philanthropic and private donations for syringe exchange would make up the deficit. Ronald Collman, the director of the University of Pennsylvanias Center for AIDS Research, said he understands Philadelphians concerns about the opioid epidemic and the quality of life issues it presents, and appreciates that Parker is addressing them. But cutting funding to syringe exchanges will cause more suffering that is not limited to people with active drug addictions, he said. People who inject drugs dont just associate with other people who inject drugs, he said. If we have an explosion of HIV in the injection drug-using population, even if you dont care about those people, that is then going to radiate outwards into the broader Philadelphia community. And Maggie Lowenstein, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and an addiction medicine physician, said she often encounters patients who use harm reduction services like syringe exchange to access drug treatment and other health care. We really run the risk of losing ground on some of these diseases, but also losing access to an important avenue for treatment, Lowenstein said. A shift from her predecessors Parkers position is a departure from her predecessor, former Mayor Jim Kenney, whose administration increased city funding to Prevention Point through his eight years in office. In 2016, Prevention Point received about $730,000 a year from the city, most of which was for syringe exchange services and other efforts to reduce HIV infection rates. Since then, funding to Prevention Point has steadily increased through its contracts with five city departments. Its largest contract is with the Office of Homeless Services, which has paid Prevention Point more than $1.5 million per year since the 2019 fiscal year to operate a shelter. Parker has proposed keeping funding for Prevention Points shelter flat compared to the current fiscal year, when its expected to spend $2.4 million supporting the shelter. The administration will negotiate its $6.29 billion budget with City Council through the coming weeks, and they must come to an agreement by the end of June, when the current budget expires. Parker is likely to see some resistance from Council on her proposed cut to Prevention Point, particularly from four progressive members who have advocated for the city to spend more on harm reduction-oriented approaches. West Philadelphia's Spruce Hill neighborhood is one of the most intact Victorian neighborhoods in America. Student housing companies are trying to block the area from being designated a historic district. Read more An effort to designate West Philadelphias Spruce Hill neighborhood as a historic district faces serious opposition from the student housing companies that operate in the neighborhood. David Adelmans Campus Apartments LLC and Michael Karps University City Housing, along with unnamed other property owners, have submitted a letter to the Historical Commission arguing that the historic district effort is illegitimate. Advertisement The historic preservationists plan to submit their application in four parts, and the property owners argue that such a fragmentary approval process would be illegal. This unprecedented decision to consider the nomination of a proposed historic district in a piecemeal fashion runs contrary to the Philadelphia Code, the commissions rules and regulations, and fundamental notions of fairness and due process, wrote Michael V. Phillips, a zoning and land use attorney with the law firm Klehr Harrison, who is representing the property owners. This corner of University City, just to the west of Penns campus, is home to one of the largest collections of Victorian architecture in the country. Preservationists want to create a historical district to make it difficult to demolish the buildings that anchor this unique heritage. Opposition from student housing providers, who own many of the areas architecturally notable townhouses, have scuttled two previous efforts. The Spruce Hill Community Association, which is behind the latest push for a historic district, has sought to divide the approval process for the would-be Spruce Hill Historic District into four sections. They argue that with almost 2,000 properties covered in the new district, the staff of the Historical Commission could be overwhelmed if the whole thing were considered at once. The full district would be the largest considered in over 20 years. In October 2023, the neighborhood group submitted the southeast quadrant of their would-be district. It includes many of the properties used as student housing. The two companies own 150 properties across the proposed district, and a third are within the southeast quadrant. Last year, representatives of Spruce Hill Community Association said they were concerned that the student housing companies might seek to demolish some of their older properties to accommodate changes in the market. Since the pandemic, group houses and shared apartments have become less popular, and studio apartments are in higher demand. New construction, the neighborhood group feared, could better accommodate that demand. Phillips, the lawyer for the property owners, argues that the real reason the preservationists started with the quadrant that affects his clients most was that they wanted to foil any plans to raze older homes. It appears that the nominators concern for the administration burden on the PHC staff is merely pretext and that SHCAs true motivation is to prematurely halt or slow the demolition, alteration or construction of any building or structure within the SE quadrant during the pendency of the commissions consideration of the nomination, Phillips wrote in his letter to the Historical Commission. The companies argue that Spruce Hill Community Association hasnt prepared the necessary materials to protect all of the properties throughout the proposed district, which means many property owners are still unaware of the larger plans. They also say their properties are being targeted first for optical reasons. I think they chose the southeast quadrant first because the owners are larger commercial landlords as opposed to the more sympathetic, single-family owners in say the northwest quadrant, said Adelman, CEO of Campus Apartments. A determination that the southeast quadrant meets the criteria could unfairly prejudge the whole of the district before owners in the other ... quadrants have an opportunity to weigh in. Representatives from Spruce Hill declined to comment on the letter. The citys Law Department also had no comment on Phillips legal argument. The application for the southeast quadrant will be considered by the Historical Commissions advisory Committee on Historic Designation on Wednesday. The full commission will then weigh the Historic Designation panels advice, possibly as early as the May meeting, and vote on whether to add the southwest quadrant to the citys Register of Historic Places. 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Comparing policies is a smart option when seeking savings. However, picking a policy purely based on price can be costlier in the long run. If you experience a medical emergency or cancellation on holiday, opting for a cheap policy may not adequately cover your expenses. Pay close attention to your policy details as coverage may not be sufficient for your needs. The evening promises to be a night of champagne and celebration as professionals from across the insurance industry gather to honor outstanding achievements and innovation. This year, the awards will feature 21 categories and will be hosted by renowned TV personality and radio host, Merrick Watts. As we emerge from a challenging year, the Insurance Business Australia Awards offers a chance to celebrate the resilience and adaptability of the insurance profession. So, get ready to raise a glass and toast to the future at this years awards ceremony. Tables are selling out quickly, so reserve your table now: https://ibawards.com.au/register/. New York law prohibits a company from making a bond to a single borrower that is more than 10% of its surplus. Knight has $138 million in surplus which is much less than its legally required to have and less than the total of Trumps bond, the Journal reported. In an early financial filing, Knight included financial information for its parent company, Knight Insurance, which has about $1 billion in surplus. Thats still under the 10% requirement for Trumps bond. Paul Lucas 07:16:44 Hello, everyone and welcome to another edition of insurance business TV as we introduce our final new power panel of 2024. Yes, you've already met our panels for property construction, environmental, cyber and professional risks. And now it's time for workers compensation to get its moments in the spotlight. We have a brand-new editorial panel who will be meeting quarterly to discuss the trends in the space and how the market is developing. So, let's meet them shall we? We have Jeff Sandy, Executive Vice President of workers compensation at Jencap. Deborah Fox, Vice President workers compensation at NFP property and casualty services. Jeff Eddinger, senior division executive of the National Council on compensation insurance, software, everyone and to get us started give us an overview of the worker's comp landscape as we stand now several months of course into 2024. How does it compare to last year any changes or trends developing? Jeff II? I'm going to start with you. Jeff Eddinger 07:18:36 Yes, thank you, and I think it's probably good just to remind everyone how we started off the year the last calendar year combined ratio that we saw for workers compensation was 84%, the second lowest combined ratio in recent history, marking the sixth consecutive year of under 90% for the workers compensation industry. So, we wrapped up the year we're NCCI files, mainly last cost decreases. We saw improvements in claim frequency workplace safety, and generally looked at at flat muted indemnity and severity trends. So that's kind of how the year wrapped up. Paul Lucas 07:19:18 All right, so nice. Overview to start off with from Jeff E. I'll switch it over to Jeff S because of course, you're in the whole space wholesale space. Excuse me. So how you see it seeing things, Jeff? Jeff Sandy 07:19:29 I think you know, 24 versus 23. thus far has been very similar status quo. You know, there's still some, some rate reductions that are impacting, you know, some of the renewals. Some of the combined ratios we think are creeping up a little bit here and there. We're hearing from some of our carrier partners, so they're not getting rate increases, but they're monitoring you know, accounts that deserve maybe a slight rate increase there. So overall status quo. We were in the audit space, we're seeing carriers focus on audits and making sure the division of payroll is accurate and making sure that those the payrolls are captured and they're collecting the appropriate amount of premium and is driven by the again, the rate reductions over the last several years. But yes, essentially status quo compared to 23. Paul Lucas 07:20:21 Okay, so it takes a status quo, perhaps with a, an odd rate increase here and there, Deborah, of course, you're predominantly on the declaim side. Is that how you're seeing things as well? Deborah Fox 07:20:31 From the plaintiff side, we're still dragging a couple issues into 2024 that we thought were behind us. The first one is the rise of AI use in dealing with the ongoing adjuster shortage. AI is being used for anything from predictive modelling, you know, anticipating closures litigation, and then also what's fascinating is also for the, like, summarizing documents for adjusters to try to take some of the tasks off their, their plate, which is quite fascinating. And then the other topic is one of the rating bureaus called the WC IRB, which is the rating Bureau for California. They are making some proposed amendments to clarify their COVID-19 protocol. So from December, one of 2019 through August 31 of 2020. For those COVID-19 claims are to be coded as a catastrophe code 12. And only claims in that same time period are to be excluded from the experience rating and addition. they're proposing six additional class codes for the food and beverage industry. And this is to align the employer costs with their exposure. Paul Lucas 07:22:07 Well, of course, that's a sort of a general overview of the workers costs base but if we can dive into some of the specific trends, one factor of course is marijuana legalization. Obviously, this will have different impacts state by state, but I'd love to find out how each of you are dealing with its complexities and what impact it is having on on your insurance or on your clients. Deborah, I'll stick with you. Deborah Fox 07:22:32 Sure, well insurance that already have a drug free workplace policy in place are better equipped to deal with this issue. They if they have their employee sign an acknowledgement of this policy then in some states but not all, because as we know workers comp it varies by state to state but in some states, you can use that drug free policy as a defence to mitigate your loss. Paul Lucas 07:23:05 All right, Jeff s I believe that you have some specialists in the space who are particularly looking to help with this issue. Am I right? Yeah, Jeff Sandy 07:23:14 We recognize that it's not every day work comp necessarily in the in the cannabis space. So, we've, we've sent some people for training different recognizing different exposures and finding those different specialty markets to do that, for all lines on even just the workers compensation, but, but yeah, it's created an opportunity for us, honestly, in the wholesale space that there's a specialist need there, because it is a little bit different. So we've been able to leverage some of that as opportunities. Paul Lucas 07:23:47 Right? So JFS is seeing opportunities and Jeffy is this something that you're tracking? Jeff Eddinger 07:23:52 Absolutely. NCCI tracks, marijuana issues across the states, both where it's been approved as for medical use, or even recreational use because of the issues that can cause with, as Deborah mentioned, compensable ality of claims, or even the coverage of can marijuana be a covered drug to treat workers compensation injuries? Will the existence of marijuana will it help replace opioids in some cases, as a treatment for pain? So this is something that we track and is available on our website with all these issues laid out for all to access? Paul Lucas 07:24:39 I mentioned there'll be a few people heading there now. But let's look at another trend if we can, which of course has been the spike in remote and hybrid work, but particularly on the back of the COVID 19 pandemic of course, although even though that seems to be largely behind us, a lot of us are sticking with that plan. So is there anything you think employers are typically overlooking by allowing the employees to work in this way, Jeff S What do you think? Jeff Sandy 07:25:05 I mean, I it's a different animal surely. The question of 24-hour coverage comes up in my mind is you know, when is the injured worker, hurt? You know, are they living their own child? Are they running to the store to get ink cartridges and is that is that a covered exposure now, if their job duties require them to have to do that to print those items, and so, there's some of that we haven't seen a big impact on it necessarily, but it is in the back of your mind is has an exposure. Paul Lucas 07:25:44 Okay, so it's in the back of your ex's mind, is it in the front of yours? Jeffie What do you think? Jeff Eddinger 07:25:51 Yeah, I would say, and I would echo that when the entire workforce went remote. There were a lot of concerns about what it would mean for workers compensation, a lot of scenarios about tripping over forwards or pets or things like that, but I would just say as a rating organization, which can collect all the data on an overall basis NCCI has not really seen a significant impact to the shift to more hybrid work. Now of course, there can be individual variations for certain jobs or job classes, but on an overall basis. We have not seen a significant impact of this shift. Paul Lucas 07:26:31 Sure, those words will be to the relief of many Deborah I'll bring you in as well because we were actually just chatting prior to this recording and you were mentioned as being there's been a study on this topic is that right? Deborah Fox 07:26:43 Yes, sir. Has the WC IRB rating Bureau has done a preliminary study comparing the class codes for in office clerical staff with the telecommuter class code for clerical and they found that there is a three times greater claim frequency with the clerical roles that are in office versus the clerical telecommuters, and it's too soon to know why, but um, you know, we can propose that it's possible that the employees are enjoying this flexible work. Schedule, and therefore, they're more reluctant to file a claim. It could be that the burden to prove that the incident was related to a work task is a little bit harder. And then it could just be the telecommuters, or hybrid workers just aren't reporting claims so I'll in the future can tell where we go with the trend on this. But um, you know, key thing to note is your ergonomics are just as important regardless of where your employees working. Paul Lucas 07:27:58 Yeah, count me among those enjoying those flexible work arrangements. I want to sort of wrap up the conversation if I can, just by asking you for some general tips for our retail broker audience out there who are navigating this space and its complexities this year. Perhaps you have some thoughts and guidance for them. Jeff s. Any thoughts from you? Yeah, Jeff Sandy 07:28:21 I mean, you know, I think the need to continue to monitor financial of your your carrier partners is key. We've seen a few blips here and there on some downgrades but some negative outlooks and I think you know, those need to be monitored closely. Especially as you grow the carrier partner and expand that premium volume with them. You want to keep an eye on, on what's going on there to make sure that they're the strongest that you need them to be. That along with just align yourself with a with an expert. You know that with cannabis and the capacity coming to the marketplace, it's hard to keep track of all of that. And if you align yourself with a workers compensation specialist, you're more apt to understand what's out there, what the new markets are, maybe again, what the financial issues are, and I think that's a good way to prepare for the future. Paul Lucas 07:29:17 I imagine if they are going to reach out to a specialist you might know who they should call Jeff, but I will. I will flip it across to Deborah now any tips from you Yeah, Deborah Fox 07:29:28 Cell phone carriers do offer free safety and loss prevention resources on their website. If these are utilized, it can help lower the experience mod for clients. Paul Lucas 07:29:43 There and Jeff, any final thoughts on the market from you as we as we look ahead? Jeff Eddinger 07:29:50 Well, I would say that the future of the workers compensation system looks strong, and I think is in a good place to serve both employers and injured workers. Inflation the impact on inflation work on workers compensation has not been a negative, as we've seen in other lines of insurance. And I say that because payroll is our exposure base. So, when costs go up, payrolls go up, premiums automatically respond, and we have not seen inflation necessarily adversely impact the medical or indemnity benefits that are paid out because they are by statute. So I think the market is in a good place results are good. Residual markets are small, which means that carriers are willing to write this business voluntarily. We're places continue to become safer, and the frequency of claims continues to drop. So, I am optimistic for the future of this workers compensation system. Paul Lucas 07:30:54 I'll be like a bit of positivity to wrap things up. And we're optimistic for the future because of course, this panel will be meeting again indeed every quarter. So if you want to find out about the latest trends in the Workers Compensation space, well, you know where to look. In the meantime, for the latest workers comp news, make sure you visit the dedicated specialty section of insurance business America and we'll see you next time right here on the show. Thank you for joining us on the episode of Insurance Business TV. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted final rules almost a year ago in July 2023 requiring public companies to disclose both material cybersecurity incidents and material information regarding their cybersecurity risk management. However, for directors and officers and their insurers, questions remain about how to actually define a material incident. What is material? asked Rita Perez, head of financial lines claims, North America, at AIG. We dont know what the answer to that is, and I think thats where the insurance industry is struggling too from a coverage standpoint. Perez was speaking on a panel about the regulatory landscape and D&O coverage at the Professional Liability Underwriting Societys 2024 D&O Symposium in New York City. I think in my experience since I joined private practice as a reform regulator, what Im observing is people really struggling with making materiality determinations because its not always a quantitative assessment, said Aliceson Kristina Littman, partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. Prior to joining private practice, Littman served as chief of the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit in the Division of Enforcement of the SEC, where she said companies were struggling to define the materiality of an incident even prior to the new disclosure rules. Certainly, when I was at the SEC and I was talking to defense counsel, we were investigating a company for a failed disclosure, and they would always argue, Oh, well this is a system thats only used by this one business line, and that business line is a very small part of our revenue,' she said. And I would say, I dont think that matters that much. Were talking about data relating to children. So if its a qualitatively material incident because of the nature of the information thats compromised, we may still need to make a disclosure. And I think thats where those assessments just get really tricky. Litigation Volatility The SEC rules, originally proposed in March 2022, not only require disclosure within four days of any cybersecurity incident a public company believes is material in nature, scope, timing and impact, but the rules also require public companies to describe their process for assessing, identifying and managing cyber risk, as well as the likely effects of a cyber incident on their company. This also means that companies will be required to describe their board of directors and managements role in overseeing cyber risks. Erik Gerding, director of the Division of Corporation at the SEC said in December remarks that the aim of the rules is to provide investors with timely, consistent, and comparable information about an important set of risks that can cause significant losses to public companies and their investors. But the insurance industry sees challenges on the horizon. Jim Rizzo, product leader for U.S. D&O and executive risks at Beazley, predicted last year on The Insuring Cyber Podcast that for D&O insurers, the rules may create potential volatility in the form of litigation. I foresee underwriters sounding a little bit more like cyber underwriters in their meetings with the types of questions that we have to ask to get a better foundation and understanding of how our insureds are prepared both pre- and post-event, he said, adding that companies could likely be scrutinized for their pre-event posture, their post-event disclosures, as well as the handling of the event itself. All of these critiques will come from the benefit of hindsight, which can result in material litigation expense for our insureds as well as the carriers. Littman echoed these thoughts, adding that the SEC is likely to pursue cases against individuals at an increasing rate to drive corporate accountability around these issues. I think theres a general view at the SEC right now among the leadership there that cyber incidents at public issuers all companies really are under-disclosed and that there are more incidents than investors know about and that investors are hearing about, she said. This isnt new, but its certainly true of the current administration. This kind of perennial view that individual accountability drives corporate accountability. She said more companies are likely to see multiple SEC actions with charges brought against individuals. The view is that if you start bringing charges against individuals, you really start to affect change because if individuals think that their own neck is on the line then they might be more inclined to do a better job, she said. I do think theyre always looking for individuals. I mean thats kind of the unfortunate reality, and I think youre going to hear a lot of CISOs making sure that their D&O policies are effective. Defense Costs Perez said, however, that liability itself ultimately shouldnt be the main question from a D&O carrier standpoint. Its the defense cost exposure, she said. You can easily eat through a primary policy with defense costs alone and probably go up the tower with defense costs alone. She said particularly in the regulatory space when an individuals ability to find future employment or the likelihood of criminal charges is being questioned, cases are typically more heavily defended. You have multiple law firms, with each individual represented by a different firm and ensuring that they are adequately represented by appropriate defense counsel. These conflicts often cost a lot, she said. You have sometimes, with large public companies, 10 or 12 different firms involved in defending these SEC investigations, which gets really, really expensive. That just increases the cost astronomically. This means determining adequate coverage is important, she said. Its really important that insureds and CISOs are working closely with their brokers and with their advisors on figuring out what exactly they have purchased, she said. Its less about what coverage they have and more making sure they understand what coverage they have in advance of the issue arising. Because I think what we find in the claims arena is that CISOs often think they have coverage for things that they dont, and that comes with surprise to them because theyre not thinking about it in advance of the issue. Whether coverage is available for a regulatory investigation depends on whether its a public or private company form, she said, adding that there is generally not coverage available in a public company form without the purchase of additional coverage or an endorsement. With respect to individuals, either type of policy will generally provide defense cost coverage for the regulatory investigation, she said. Pre-inquiry coverage is also available, meaning an individual can gain some defense cost coverage from the time they start becoming a target of an investigation, she added. Staying Prepared Indeed, Rizzo said on The Insuring Cyber Podcast that the best way to avoid these extra expenses is to be prepared, engage experts, and examine the companys suite of products to ensure there arent any coverage gaps. Hopefully, this will improve the overall cyber posture and risk management practices of our clients, he said. Panelists at PLUS D&O echoed these thoughts. Ill say, in practice, I kind of didnt expect [the rules] to change much, Littman said. But I have observed at least among my clients when they have an incident, or even when they dont have an incident but a vendor that they work with has an incident or someone that they provide services to has an incident Ive seen an uptick in the internal process around assessing materiality and making sure that, first of all, theyre approaching it from the right mindset because assessing materiality is difficult in these circumstances a lot of the time, but also that theyre documenting it internally (and) appropriately. While determining materiality is proving to be a challenge, she said a silver lining is that these questions are making insurers and insureds think more carefully about the cyber procedures and coverage they have in place to protect themselves. [The SEC does] want you to make that determination without unreasonable delay. I dont think anyone wants to be the poster child for what that means. So I recommend trying hard to figure out if something is material as quickly as you can and determining whether or not to make a disclosure, she said. It does make companies a little more introspective and make sure that they have adequate programs in place so that if theyre hit with a cyber incident, they have internal policies to assess the incident, determine the materiality, and assess whether or not they need to make a disclosure. Topics Carriers My articles regarding insurance agency accounting seem to elicit some of the most positive feedback of any subject I discuss. Trust accounting is the bedrock, the most essential aspect of insurance agency accounting bar none. Insurance agency/brokerage trust accounting means accounting for all the monies you hold in trust for both clients and carriers. Such monies can be credits to be returned to clients, monies paid by clients ahead of their due date, monies held on behalf of carriers, and even in certain market niches, contingencies. Good trust accounting consists of holding these monies in a trust account separate from all other monies. It also consists of having specific payable and receivable accounts, separate from operating payables and receivables. The payable account is typically known as premiums payable and sometimes binder bill, to use an old-fashioned term for billing clients ahead of their policy effective date. The receivables are typically known as premiums receivable. These are PREMIUM accounts, and this is an important distinction. Premiums are not owned by the agency. The agency has no title to premiums. Premiums are held in trust, which is why trust accounting exists. Trust accounting is why an agency using cash accounting can incur bad debt. Typically, a business using cash accounting cannot incur bad debt. But when related to trust accounting, you can have bad debt because you are making the other party whole on monies that were never your monies. This is why agencies accounting is a combination of cash and accrual, rather than one or the other. Trust accounting is problematic for many reasons including the fact that the trust ratio, the way an agencys trust position is measured, is not a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measure, so most accountants know nothing about it. This sometimes leads to bad advice, like spending the money that you are, by law, holding on a fiduciary basis. The trust ratio is (generically because the legal definition varies by state): cash + premiums receivable / premiums payable + credits + binder bill. This ratio must be greater than one or the agency is out of trust and likely operating illegally, and almost definitely in violation of their carrier contracts. All States Are Trust States All 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia have trust laws. Considerable misunderstanding exists in our industry complicating trust accounting further. That misunderstanding is that only a handful of states are trust states. All states are trust states. The difference is that most states allow commingling of operating money while a handful prohibit commingling. But just because commingling is permitted does not make it a good idea. Trust accounting is further complicated because many agency management systems are not built to do trust accounting at all, and others do it poorly. This might not matter to you unless the insurance commissioner investigates (which is unlikely) or until you sell your agency, which is guaranteed. When I value agencies using systems that cannot manage trust accounting, I must always explain that unless you can prove you are in trust, you are not readily sellable because if you are out of trust, your carrier contracts likely stipulate that they now have title to your book of business. Even if your agency is located in a state where you may legally commingle accounts, it is not a good idea. One important reason it is not is because by doing so, you are making it easier for plaintiffs to pierce your corporate veil, especially if you pay personal expenses, use corporate vehicles for personal use (without maybe doing all the correct paperwork), etc. This will be doubly true if you are out of trust. Relative to the corporate veil, the plaintiffs position is likely to be that by not protecting client assets per the firms fiduciary responsibility and by commingling client monies with operating monies and maybe personal expenses, the corporate veil does not exist. The argument has logic to it and plaintiffs seem to be winning more such cases in many industries. Historical reasons still exist for not commingling monies, such as, it is simply better management. A good practice is to create a trust account specifically named trust account in order to have more banking protection if a bank was to go insolvent. Another reason is due to what I am afraid is an increase in fraudulent insurance products. The market today is so hard and rates so high that it is easier for fraudsters, some of which have licenses and some do not, to sell their products. Desperation causes agents to make bad decisions relative to the markets they use. I have already seen agencies severely damaged because they failed to investigate their markets adequately. The worst thing to do with these markets is to commingle your clients monies with your operating funds because it makes it appear you are part of the fraud or at least way too sloppy to actually be caring for your clients. Different states have different laws as to when ownership and responsibility shifts between an agent and a market. For example, when a retail agent sends the money to the broker, is the responsibility now with the broker? The answer is that it varies. I have had clients successfully sued after they forwarded large checks to a broker who disappeared with the premium monies. Sometimes it is the brokers carrier who sues the retail agency and sometimes the client. But if the monies are all commingled, then it looks like you have sloppy accounting, and that you are being lazy in completing due diligence on your markets, as well. With a good agency management system, good trust accounting requires no more effort once your bookkeeper is educated on the subject. My clients with good bookkeeping also tend to be more successful because it makes them more aware of how much money is actually theirs that they show on their balance sheet. Good bookkeeping protects agents from being out of trust and helps make their corporate shield stronger. All states require you to be in trust 365 days a year. Your carrier contracts require it, too. Do your trust accounting correctly to gain all these protections and avoid the serious consequences of failure. Other than your agency, what else do you have to lose? New York City has agreed to pay $17.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by two Muslim women who were forced to remove their head coverings to be photographed after they were arrested. The class-action lawsuit was filed in 2018 by Jamilla Clark and Arwa Aziz, two Muslim women who said they felt shamed and exposed when they were forced to remove their hijabs after they were arrested. When they forced me to take off my hijab, I felt as if I were naked. Im not sure if words can capture how exposed and violated I felt, Clark said in a statement. Im so proud today to have played a part in getting justice for thousands of New Yorkers. Clark was arrested on Jan. 9, 2017 and Aziz was arrested on Aug. 30, 2017. The lawsuit said police officers threatened to prosecute Clark, who was sobbing after being arrested for violating a bogus protective order filed by her abusive former husband, if she did not remove her head covering, The lawsuit said Aziz, who also had been arrested because of a bogus protective order, felt broken when her picture was taken where a dozen male police officers and more than 30 male inmates could see her. City officials initially defended the practice of forcing people to remove head coverings for mug shots, saying the policy balanced respect for religious customs with the legitimate law enforcement need to take arrest photos. But the police department changed the policy in 2020 as part of an initial settlement of the lawsuit and said it would allow arrested people to keep their head coverings on for mug shots with limited exceptions such as if the head covering obscures the persons facial features. The financial settlement was filed last Friday and requires approval by Judge Analisa Torres of Manhattan federal court. City law department spokesperson Nick Paolucci said in a statement that the settlement resulted in a positive reform for the police department and was in the best interest of all parties. Andrew F. Wilson, a lawyer with Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP who is representing the women along with the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, said, Forcing someone to remove their religious clothing is like a strip search. This substantial settlement recognizes the profound harm to the dignity of those who wear religious head coverings that comes from forced removal. Paolucci said the proceeds from the settlement will be shared by approximately 4,100 eligible class members. Wilson said that once the settlement is approved, the funds will be divided equally among everyone who responds by a deadline set by the judge, with a guaranteed minimum payment of $7,824 for each eligible person. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York A Rutland, Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Worcester to conspiring to access a computer system of his former employer a non-profit substance use and mental health treatment provider that operates recovery centers throughout Massachusetts. Nathan Howe was sentenced to time served (one day in prison) and three years of supervised released, with the first year to be served in home detention. Howe was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $10,565. The government argued for a sentence of 21 months in prison and restitution in the amount of $136,233. In October 2023, Howe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to access a protected computer to obtain information and cause damage and one count of intentionally causing damage to a protected computer and impairing medical treatment. Howe and co-conspirator Patrick Edmonds-Morin were employed by the non-profit until April 2021 and October 2020, respectively. According to prosecutors, between September and December of 2021, Howe conspired with Edmonds-Morin to access records of the non-profits employees, listen to and view conversations between the employees, and create and deploy a computer program designed to impede the non-profits use of the network. In November 2021, court documents show Howe accessed the computer network and transmitted a command that shut down the network for the non-profits Westborough campus where individuals were receiving in-patient treatment. By shutting down the network, Howe made the non-profits electronic medical records system inaccessible at its sites across Massachusetts, impairing or potentially impairing the medical examination, diagnosis, treatment and care of patients. Additionally, between July 2018 and November 2020, Howe and Edmonds-Morin conspired to obtain cell phones from a cell phone provider which were intended for the non-profits staff. Prosecutors said they then sold the cell phones to third parties for personal profit, typically in the amounts of hundreds of dollars per phone. Edmonds-Morin pleaded guilty in June 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced May 15, 2024. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement of the sentencing. Topics Massachusetts BNP Paribas, the euro zones biggest bank, has agreed to buy a 9% stake in Ageas from Chinas Fosun Group for about 730 million euros ($780 million), making it the biggest shareholder in the Belgian insurer. The deal ends months of speculation about the future of Fosuns direct and indirect holdings in Ageas as the Chinese conglomerate speeds up asset sales to reduce its debt burden after an acquisition spree. The acquisition, to be made via the insurance division BNP Paribas Cardif, also fits BNPPs strategy of developing its insurance business. The French lenders $16.3 billion sale last year of its U.S. retail activities has left it with funds for acquisitions. We see the strategic rationale for a combination of banking and insurance, especially in the Belgian market where the savings market favors products in insurance wrappers, said Johann Scholtz, an analyst with Morningstar. We are however not convinced that a small portfolio investment in Aegeas is the best strategy to exploit Belgian bancassurance, he added. Ageas shares were up by more than 3% in morning trading while BNPPs were close to 1% higher at 1040 GMT. SCOR Stake BNP Paribas has repeatedly said it was open to bolt-on acquisitions. It bought 5% of French listed insurer SCOR last October for an undisclosed amount, according to a regulatory filing. Ageas and BNP Paribas are long-time partners via a joint shareholding in AG Insurance, Belgiums leading insurer, in which Ageas owns 75% and BNP the remainder. Last month, Ageas dropped plans to buy Direct Line after the British home and motor insurer turned down a revised 3.17 billion pound ($3.95 billion) takeover bid. BNPPs statement on the size of the stake and value of the deal differed slightly from a separate statement by Fosun. BNPP said it would acquire a first 4.8% tranche in coming days, with the rest of the 9% stake to be bought after receiving regulatory approvals. Fosun International said in a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that it agreed on April 12 to sell shares equivalent to a 8.19% stake in Ageas for up to 670 million euros. The Chinese company said it intended to use proceeds of the sale for general working capital. The disposal is part of the companys effort of streamlining its portfolio and implementing core business-focused strategy. It also demonstrates the groups continuous determination on improving its financial performance and creating maximum value for its shareholders, Fosun said. Fosun said it would still hold 1,952,524 shares in Ageas after the sale, equivalent to a stake of about 1%. ($1 = 0.9397 euros) ($1 = 0.8032 pounds) (Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain, Benoit Van Overstraeten in Paris and Kane Wu in Hong Kong; editing by David Goodman and Susan Fenton) Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Carriers This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Aon, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) and AXIS Capital Holdings. A summary of these new hires follows here. Aon Promotes Sapra as CEO of Reinsurance Solutions in India Insurance broker Aon plc announced that Shailendra Sapra had been named CEO of the firms Reinsurance Solutions in India and a member of the APAC regions Reinsurance Executive Committee, effective June 1, 2024. Based in Mumbai and reporting to George Attard, CEO of Reinsurance for Aons APAC region, Sapra previously served in a range of varied positions at the firm, having joined Aons Reinsurance Analytics team in 2010, before leading its Asia Pacific agriculture practice and client management function across several large regional and Singapore-based accounts. In his new role, Sapra will seek to identify and develop growth opportunities for insurers and reinsurers presented by Indias rapidly developing insurance market. This will involve aiming to close the countrys significant insurance protection gaps and supporting the development of new and existing lines, through delivering additional capacity, and innovation in solutions and services. India is predicted to have the fastest growing insurance sector of all G20 countries over the next five years; when coupled with the countrys fast-growing economy, a pro-active regulator, and an appetite for technology and innovation, its emerging insurance sector is clearly on an upwards trajectory, commented Attard. *** BHSI Names du Che as Country Manager, France Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has appointed Louis du Che to the additional role of country manager, France. He is currently country manager, Belgium. du Che has more than 15 years of insurance industry experience. He joined BHSI in 2019 as head of Property, France, and was named country manager, Belgium, in 2022. Previously, du Che was global property underwriting manager, for the Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) region at AIG. Prior to that, he was global property deputy underwriting manager in France for AIG and worked as property/casualty underwriter in AXA, according to his LinkedIn profile. He is based in France and can be reached at louis.duche@bhspecialty.com. Louis has been instrumental in establishing our stellar team and growing our presence in Belgium, said Alessandro Cerase, head of Europe, BHSI. I am pleased to have him also lead our team in France as we further expand our business and bring the industry-leading service and financial strength of BHSI to more customers and business partners in this key market. *** AXIS Canada Launches EIL Unit, Led by Liberty Mutuals Nagata AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. announced it is expanding its suite of specialty insurance solutions in North America by launching a Canadian Environmental Impairment Liability (EIL) insurance unit. This will be led by Ludwig Nagata, who has joined AXIS as assistant vice president, Environmental, Canada. From Q2 2024, AXIS Canada will provide EIL coverages, specifically targeting contractors pollution liability, pollution legal liability, and follow-form environmental business. Nagata brings 20 years of environmental underwriting and business leadership experience to AXIS. For the past 12 years, Nagata led an environmental underwriting team at Liberty Mutual. He will be based in Toronto with a national focus. Nagata reports to Andrew Johnson, chief underwriting officer for Casualty and Programs in Canada. Launching Environmental Impairment Liability insurance in Canada speaks to our commitment at AXIS to elevate our specialty product suite to our brokers and customers, said Johnson. Ludwig has exceptional knowledge of the EIL landscape and deep relationships in the Canadian insurance industry. The expansion into EIL in Canada is supported by the existing Environmental team that is established within AXIS in the US. Topics Liability Canada Aon The owner of the ship that destroyed Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge has started a formal process in which companies that own goods on the stricken Dali will have to share some of the financial losses, according to the worlds leading container carrier. A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S has indicated that the process, known as general average, was declared by Singapore-based Grace Ocean, according to a customer advisory Friday from Geneva, Switzerland-based MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. SA. This decision indicates that the owners expect the salvage operations to result in high extraordinary costs for which they expect contribution from all salvaged parties under general average, the advisory stated. MSC and Maersk, the worlds largest container lines, are relaying the information to their customers that own freight on the ship. The Dali was on charter to Copenhagen-based Maersk with Synergy Marine acting as its manager and operator when it destroyed the bridge and blocked the port of Baltimore on March 26. Ship Owner in Bridge Collapse Seeks to Limit Its Liability Richards Hogg Lindley, a maritime claims adviser in the UK, was appointed as general adjuster, MSC said. They notified us of their intention to keep all containers, including MSCs containers, under their control until security arrangements have been made with the average adjusters, both for general average and salvage, according to the advisory. Emails sent to RHL and Maersk for comment werent immediately returned early Saturday. Ancient Concept General average is a maritime legal concept usually written into bills of lading or other contracts signed among parties to shipping transactions. It revolves around the principle of shared sacrifice and dates back to ancient times, before insurance, when ships often ran aground and needed to jettison someones merchandise in order to save everyone elses. Nowadays, the costs that become part of a general average calculation would include a tally of the losses incurred to move the vessel to safety, including any damage to cargo, tug and salvage operations, any losses to the containers themselves, and other expenses, including crew and fuel. Hopefully shippers with cargo on the Dali all have proper insurance, as otherwise they will be liable for their share of what is likely going to be a very large salvage bill, shipping analyst Lars Jensen wrote in a LinkedIn post on Saturday. If a cargo owners contribution to the GA fund exceeds the value of their goods, they typically walk away from the cargo, according to Duncan Cox, maritime claims leader for North America with Marsh McLennan. He said such cases can be litigated for as long as five years, and weve even seen some go on for 10. Crews working on the wreckage site had removed 38 containers as of Thursday, according to a joint command thats orchestrating the salvage operation. Until Baltimore is able to reopen to large ships, shipments are being rerouted to ports including New York-New Jersey and the Port of Virginia. Photo: The Dali container vessel after striking the Francis Scott Key Bridge that collapsed into the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland, US, on Friday, April 5, 2024. The Port of Baltimore may reopen for normal operations by the end of May after a limited-access channel is cleared for some ship traffic late this month, the US Army Corps of Engineers said. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Profit Loss Trucking The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday paved the way for more truck drivers and other transportation workers to file employment-related lawsuits in court rather than private arbitration, ruling that an exemption from arbitration extends to workers outside of the transportation industry. The justices, in a 9-0 ruling, threw out a lower courts dismissal of proposed class action litigation by Neal Bissonnette, a delivery driver for LePage Bakeries Park Street, a unit of Wonder Bread maker Flowers Foods. Bissonnette has said Flowers Foods deprives drivers of wages by treating them as independent contractors rather than employees. The ruling faulted a 2022 decision by the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the exemption from arbitration for transportation workers involved in interstate commerce did not apply to LePages case because the companys customers were purchasing bread and not transportation services. A transportation worker need not work in the transportation industry to fall within the exemption, conservative Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court. The justices directed the lower court to decide whether drivers for LePage are otherwise eligible for the exemption. The ruling is a blow to companies like Amazon, Walmart and many other retailers and manufacturers that employ large numbers of drivers but do not sell transportation services. The decision could mean that companies will face more class action lawsuits on behalf of large of groups of workers in court, which can be far more costly than individual claims brought in arbitration. The Supreme Court is currently considering whether to take up Amazons appeal of a lower courts ruling that said the e-commerce giants drivers who make local deliveries are exempt from arbitration because they deliver packages that came from other states. In Fridays case, Amazon and several major U.S. business groups had told the Supreme Court in briefs that a ruling against LePage would lead to uncertainty over when the arbitration exemption applies and an increase in employment-related litigation. The justices on Friday rejected those concerns, saying that the Supreme Courts prior decisions on the scope of the exemption have made clear that it applies to a specific class of workers who are actively involved in moving goods across state lines. These requirements undermine any attempt to give the provision a sweeping, open-ended construction, Roberts wrote for the court. Many companies require workers to sign arbitration agreements and claim individual arbitration is quicker and more efficient than resolving disputes in court. Critics of the practice have said it prevents companies from being held accountable for legal violations that affect large numbers of workers. The Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), dating to 1925, requires arbitration agreements to be enforced according to their terms but exempts employment contracts of seamen, railroad employees, and any other class of workers engaged in foreign or interstate commerce. The Supreme Court in a 2001 ruling said the exemption applied only to transportation workers. Since then, appeals courts have split over whether that means any worker who transports goods or only those employed by companies that provide transportation services. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Additional reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham) Topics Lawsuits Commercial Lines Business Insurance The family of an elderly JPMorgan Chase & Co. client who lost tens of millions of dollars on investments as he slid into dementia faces a major setback in their years-long legal battle with the bank, after a magistrate judge recommended their case be thrown out. Peter Doelger, 86, and his wife, Yoon, sued JPMorgan in federal court in Boston over investments that they allege never should have been allowed and ended up wiping out much of a fortune once pegged at more than $50 million. They claim Peter started exhibiting signs of dementia by the time he signed a document in 2015 absolving the bank of any liability for complex, risky bets in his portfolio. The familys ensuing losses, chronicled by Bloomberg in December, are testing whether Wall Street firms can be held responsible for what happens if clients lose the ability to understand their investments. Read the Big Take: JPMorgan Is in a Fight Over Clients Lost $50 Million Fortune Magistrate Judge Jennifer Boal, in a report made public late Tuesday March 26, found the Doelgers failed to put forward legally sound claims that JPMorgan breached any duties by letting Peter keep most of his financial portfolio invested in securities tied to oil and gas. The recommendation set high bars for claiming the firm took advantage of his deteriorating cognitive state. Peter was diagnosed with rapidly progressive dementia as early as 2014 and had complained that people were using radio frequencies or radiation to attack him, the magistrate said. But by the time his fortune was gone in 2020, none of the doctors who evaluated Mr. Doelger from August 2015 through March 2020 recorded in his medical files any concerns about his ability to manage his own finances. Protections for vulnerable adults in Florida, where the Doelgers had a home, also dont apply to Peter, Boal found. The regulations cover people unable to perform activities of daily life not someone with mere cognitive decline, she said. The record shows that Mr. Doelger traveled between 2015 and 2020, Boal wrote. He swam and rowed. He engaged in lucid conversations about world politics. The only claim that the magistrate said could go to trial is one filed by JPMorgan saying the Doelgers accusations have no merit and pressing them to pay its burgeoning legal costs and other unspecified damages. US District Court Judge Angel Kelley will decide whether to accept Boals findings. Attorneys for the couple hope to head off such a ruling, arguing it would ignore the law as well as evidence of JPMorgans misdeeds and their impact. We strongly believe that dismissing this case without a trial would not only be improper but would deprive the Doelgers of their right to be heard and could have a chilling effect on other victimized investors, James Serritella, a lawyer at New Yorks Kim & Serritella who is also Peters son-in-law, wrote in an emailed statement. We are confident that Judge Kelley will be fair and fully consider the entire record. JPMorgan declined to comment on the magistrate judges recommendation. Last year, the bank said that its employees didnt observe any signs of cognitive decline from Doelger, and that the firm repeatedly suggested he diversify his investments. Watching for Dementia The case stems from a growing issue, as baby boomers retire with a record stockpile of wealth. Many have saved enough to be deemed accredited or sophisticated under US law permitting them to participate in complex and risky investments. The industry lacks a formal system for detecting when clients can no longer manage their own finances, leaving it up to individual firms to establish internal policies. At JPMorgan, employees are required to immediately report to their supervisor any situation where they have a reasonable basis to believe that diminished capacity and/or the potential financial abuse, exploitation or neglect of an elder or vulnerable client has occurred, according to documents filed in the Doelgers case. Signs of diminished capacity, according to JPMorgans policy, include memory loss, disorientation, difficulty performing simple tasks, poor judgment, unusual mood swings and difficulty with abstract thinking. The Doelgers main contact at JPMorgan told the court that he didnt know about Peters declining mental health until the family moved to sue JPMorgan. That conflicted with testimony from Yoon, who said there were multiple episodes of Peter becoming confused amid calls during the half-decade relationship. She said she told their contact at JPMorgan that Peter had memory problems. And an expert witness for the Doelgers wrote in a report to the court that by the latter half of 2019 Peters declining mental condition would have been apparent to people at the bank. Boal, however, pointed out that the family never disclosed to JPMorgan that Peter had dementia or depression, or that he had been diagnosed with a mental health condition or received treatment. The magistrate also noted that Yoon and the familys lawyers certified to the court that Peter reviewed and understood the lawsuit before filing it in 2021. A court-ordered exam later declared him unable to testify in the litigation, and both sides have agreed not to contest it. Disputing Numbers More broadly, Boal said, the Doelgers couldnt show that there were significant facts in dispute that would warrant a trial. One of those disputes involves the Doelgers wealth at the time JPMorgan sought to handle their portfolio. In 2015, JPMorgan documents listed the familys net worth at $100 million when it was actually closer to $50 million possibly less. The bulk of the Doelgers portfolio was made up of master limited partnerships securities tied to oil and gas contracts. Under JPMorgans suitability guidelines, such securities should be limited to just 5% of a clients assets. In 2015, Peter had more than $30 million invested in MLPs. That raised concerns inside JPMorgan, which required him to sign a Big Boy letter attesting to his understanding of such complex products and noting that he had been encouraged to diversify his portfolio. By signing, he agreed not to hold JPMorgan liable for any losses. The Doelgers allege that someone at JPMorgan knowingly overstated Peters wealth in order to get the bank to approve the concentration of MLPs and swapped out pages from an account application after Peter signed it. Boal, in her recommendation, said the Doelgers didnt present any evidence of that and that whether the family had $100 million or $50 million of assets was moot because, either way, the MLP investments exceeded the 5% limit. Photo: Yoon and Peter Doelger in Boston, Massachusetts, US, on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photographer: Simon Simard/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. BRENHAM, Texas (AP) A Texas semitrailer driver rammed a stolen 18-wheeler through the front of a public safety building where his renewal for a commercial drivers license had been rejected, killing one person and injuring 13 others, authorities said Friday. The intentional crash into the single-story brick building off a highway in Brenham, a rural town outside of Houston, littered debris in the parking lot and left a gaping hole in the entrance. The crash damaged the front of the red semitrailer, which was hauling materials on a flatbed. After crashing into the building the first time, the driver backed up the truck with the intention of smashing it again before being detained, Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura said. Its unfortunate that we are here gathered for a really senseless tragedy, Kenjura said. The driver identified as Clenard Parker, 42 was pulled out of the truck by authorities at the Texas Department of Public Safety office. Authorities say Parker did not resist when he was taken into custody and would face multiple felonies, but did not specify the charges. On Thursday, Parker was told by employees at the office that he would not be eligible to renew his commercial drivers license, Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Justin Ruiz said. He did not elaborate as to why Parkers renewal was rejected. One employee in the building was trapped for a period of time after the crash but no one who worked at the drivers license office suffered serious injuries, Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst said. It was unclear Friday afternoon where the person who was killed was located at the time of the crash. Following the crash, two people were flown to a hospital in Bryan and another to Houston. Three people were transported to local hospitals but later released, and eight others were treated on the scene. Parker, who lived in Chappell Hill about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of the crash site, was being held without bail Friday in the Washington County jail in Brenham on two initial charges suspicion of evading arrest causing serious bodily injury and unauthorized use of a vehicle. It wasnt immediately clear if Parker had a lawyer or would be appointed one at a future court appearance. The jails website didnt list an attorney or pending court date. Ruiz said he didnt know if Parker had a criminal record. He said they were still investigating whether he was armed at the time of the crash. He said they also were investigating whether his actions might be considered an act of terrorism. Were trying to figure that out, Ruiz said. He said the FBI was assisting in the investigation. A heavy presence of police surrounded the building and drivers were urged to steer clear of the area on Friday. Brenham, a city of about 19,000 residents, is about 80 miles (128 kilometers) miles west of Houston. Kolkhorst and Kenjura said the quick response by law enforcement helped avert a greater tragedy. Were blessed more werent injured in this act of violence, Kolkhorst said. Kenjura said a fire department official told him if Parker had veered to the left and succeeded in striking the building again, there would have been a collapse of the building resulting in more injuries and possibly death. The Texas Department of Public Safety is a sprawling agency and one of the largest state law enforcement operations in the country. It includes troopers who are a central part of a massive border security operation on the U.S.-Mexico border as well as the Texas Rangers, the states top criminal investigators. But the department also has offices across the state that issue drivers licenses. The Texas Rangers were leading the investigation into the crash, Ruiz said. ___ Associated Press writer Scott Sonner contributed to this report from Reno, Nevada. Coronado reported from Austin, Texas. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Texas HOUSTON (AP) Hip-hop artist Drake has been dismissed from a lawsuit over the deadly 2021 Astroworld festival in Houston in which 10 people were killed, a judge has ruled. Drake was a special guest of rap superstar Travis Scott, who had headlined the festival. He performed with Scott at the end of the concert on Nov. 5, 2021, as the crowd surged and attendees were packed so tightly that many could not breathe or move their arms or legs. Authorities and festival organizers were trying to shut down the show. The families of the 10 people who died during the concert, as well as hundreds who were injured, sued Drake, Scott and Live Nation the festivals promoter as well as dozens of other individuals and entities. Many of those who were sued, including Drake and Scott, have asked state District Judge Kristen Hawkins to dismiss the lawsuits against them. On Wednesday, Hawkins dismissed Drake from the case in a brief order. Lawyers for Drake, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, had argued during a court hearing April 1 in Houston that he was not involved in putting the concert together so was not liable for the deaths and injuries that had occurred. During a deposition he gave in November in Toronto, the Canadian rapper said in the moments before he took the stage, no one told him that people in the crowd were suffering cardiac arrests or other injuries. He said when he was on stage, the crowd looked like a blur and he couldnt make out any details. In the deposition, Drake was shown a video that the youngest victim, 9-year-old Ezra Blount, took as he sat on his fathers shoulders. Do you see the panic in those peoples eyes? an attorney asked Drake about the video. I do, sir, the rapper responded. Later, when asked by an attorney for Blounts family about whether it would be important for him to hear from those who put the concert together about why Blount died, Drake said, I think I would want answers for what happened, yes. On Monday, Hawkins dismissed seven companies and individual people who had been sued. But she denied motions to dismiss that were filed by 10 other companies and individuals, including Apple Inc., which produced a livestream of the concert, and two companies associated with Scott. Hawkins was set to hear other motions to dismiss, including one related to Scott as an individual, on Monday. Following an investigation by Houston Police, no charges were filed against Scott. A grand jury in June declined to indict him and five other people on any criminal counts related to the deadly concert. Police Chief Troy Finner declined to say what was the overall conclusion of his agencys investigation. In July, the police department made public its nearly 1,300-page investigative report in which festival workers highlighted problems and warned of possible deadly consequences. Those killed, who ranged in age from 9 to 27, died from compression asphyxia, which an expert likened to being crushed by a car. The first trial from the lawsuits is scheduled for May 6. Some of the lawsuits have since been settled, including those filed by the families of four of the people killed during the concert. The most recent settlement related to a person who was killed was announced in court filings on Feb. 5, with lawyers for the family of 23-year-old Rodolfo Rudy Pena saying they had settled their case. Photo: The Astroworld main stage where Travis Scott was performing Friday evening where a surging crowd killed eight people, sits full of debris from the concert, in a parking lot at NRG Center on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Houston. ( Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via AP) Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits A study by researchers from Harvard and Columbia universities and at the Federal Reserve has reopened the debate about the financial fortitude and the financial rating system for dozens of Florida property insurance companies. The president of Demotech, the firm that rates the vast majority of Florida-domiciled carriers, said the study was incomplete, out of date, and was a continuation of a hit job that began in 2022, after Demotech reportedly warned that it planned to downgrade multiple Florida insurers. One of the authors contacted us yet never responded when I offered to send whatever data she needed, Demotech President Joe Petrelli said in an email. Petrelli did not respond to Insurance Journal when asked for clarification on some of his other points. Demotechs A financial stability ratings have long been considered to be roughly equivalent to AM Bests B-level ratings, which are strong enough for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the quasi-governmental entities (GSEs) that buy mortgages and require homes to be insured. But the study found that Demotechs examinations and ratings are not as rigorous. In particular, our estimates imply that close to 67% of Demotech insurers would not meet Freddie Macs eligibility requirement and 21% would not meet Fannie Maes requirement (at a 90% confidence level), reads the paper. Overall, these results strongly suggest inconsistencies in the GSE eligibility requirements across rating agencies. These inconsistencies could encourage ratings shopping, in particular among poor quality insurers who would not otherwise meet GSE eligibility. The Florida Association of Insurance Agents president, who was one of several officials who sharply criticized Demotech in 2022, declined to comment about the study. But others in the insurance industry, including Florida regulators and some reinsurers, have questioned the soundness of Demotechs rating system, warning that the firm has been inconsistent and has not followed its own criteria at times. Despite Demotechs strong ratings of several Florida carriers, for example, Everest Re Group last year dropped some Florida insurers from its portfolio, noting that they did not meet underwriting standards. And in Arkansas last fall, United Home Insurance Co. was rated highly by Demotech just days before it was placed in receivership. The uproar over Demotechs ratings was so strong in 2022 that Florida officials and some insurers called for a new approach switching to KBRA, formerly known as Kroll Bond Rating Agency, or establishing a state-run rating agency. In the ensuing months, though, the state plan received little attention from Florida lawmakers. And only a handful of Florida carriers moved over to KBRA. Petrelli and others have been quick to remind Floridians that much of the Florida-grown insurance market may not exist without Demotechs ratings. After Hurricane Andrew slammed south Florida in 1992, a number of major national carriers pulled out of the state. As smaller, Florida-domiciled insurers cropped up to fill the gap, Demotech was often the only firm that would provide examinations and ratings, allowing the new carriers to write homes with Fannie- and Freddie-backed mortgages. The recent study, by Paranitha Sastry of Columbia, Ishita Sen of Harvard, and Ana-Maria Tenekedjieva of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, finds that these new insurers would not meet GSE eligibility thresholds if subjected to traditional rating agencies methodologies. That causes mortgage lenders to sell a large portion of their loans to Fannie and Freddie. And that, in turn, leads the GSEs to bear a large share of insurance counterparty risk, driven by their mis-calibrated insurer eligibility requirements and lax insurance regulation. The Demotech ratings have inconsistencies and are not as meaningful as one would hope, co-author Sen told the Tampa Bay Times last week. A statement from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae said the organizations review insurance company ratings, but do not try to influence the rating firms methodologies. The study, which has yet to be peer-reviewed, raises its own questions and examines issues that some would say are old news in Florida. It also appears to refer to Demotech as an emerging rating agency, despite the fact that Demotech has been in business for more than 40 years. And the review is based partly on data resulting from Hurricane Irma, which hit Florida in 2017. The analysis noted that fragile insurance carriers may have caused some homeowners to default on the loans, perhaps after suffering heavy losses in hurricanes and being unable to recoup full replacement value from their insurance policies. The authors recommend that insurers should be rated by at least two rating firms. The report came amid a growing sense of relief in the Florida market, after four years of insolvencies and soaring premiums. One carrier, Florida Peninsula, recently announced a slight reduction in average rates in the state. And in the last 18 months, Floridas Office of Insurance Regulation has approved eight new carriers. Five of those were recently granted A stability ratings by Demotech. The startup known as Manatee Insurance Exchange, part of Safepoint Holdings Inc., was rated A by Demotech but received a BBB rating from KBRA. Ditto for Orange Insurance Exchange. Orion180 Insurance Co. was rated as A by Demotech and BBB+ by KBRA. Two other startups have yet to be rated by any of the three rating firms. Mainsail, part of Spinnaker Insurance, is not rated by Demotech but won an A- or Excellent rating from AM Best. The Harvard/Columbia report can be seen here. Topics Florida Floridians with homes in the ritziest neighborhoods that include Coral Gables and Naples are experiencing the nations biggest increases in real estate wealth as markets in the Sunshine State supplant those in California and New York at the top. In February 2020, before the pandemic, California was home to six of the 10 priciest neighborhoods in the country, while Florida and New York City had two each. Today, seven are located in Florida, while three are in Californias Beverly Hills and Malibu, according to data from Zillow Group Inc. These are just some of the changes experienced by the US real estate market over the past four years. In the US overall, the typical home price has increased by the most for any comparable period since 1979, partly reflecting a lack of supply as homeowners grew reluctant to surrender lower-rate mortgages. Home values at the end of 2023 were up nearly 50% from 2019, based on quarterly Federal Housing Finance Administration data. But for homeowners in the countrys most affluent neighborhoods, price appreciation generated massive wealth gains for some, but much less for others. In February 2020, the typical home in the 1,000 most expensive US neighborhoods ranged from $1.1 million to about $10.6 million, according to figures from Zillow. Now, the entry point to move to a top neighborhood is $1.3 million. A home in the most expensive spot in the country, Gables Estates in Coral Gables near Miami, exceeds $21.1 million. The most expensive area four years ago was the Beverly Hills Gateway neighborhood where the typical home was valued at $10.6 million. Today, homes there cost just under $12 million. But that 12% increase was swamped by some of the expensive locales in Florida. The price of a typical home in the Naples neighborhood of Port Royal has soared nearly 80% from $9.7 million to $17.4 million earning homeowners there millions in added home equity. Four years ago the typical home in the Flats neighborhood of Beverly Hills, next door to Beverly Hills Gateway, was valued at just under $8.5 million and the fifth most-expensive neighborhood in the country. While the typical price has now risen to $9.6 million, the Flats neighborhood ranks eighth in the countrys priciest areas. New York City fell well outside the top 10 altogether. The typical $6.4 million price tag in 2020 put the West Village at sixth, while the Upper East Side ranked 10th at $5.6 million. But West Village home prices have dropped 8.2% to about $5.9 million, while home values in the Upper East Side tumbled 26% to $4.2 million, based on the Zillow data. In all of Manhattan, home prices are down 14.4% compared to four years ago. In February, the typical home sold for $1.04 million, down from a median price of $1.21 million in February 2020, according to Redfin. And around three in 10 people in Manhattan that searched for a home were looking to move away from the city, according to the Redfin post. Miami was the most popular destination, followed by Philadelphia and Washington. Based on home-price valuation data for the New York City metro area provided by CoreLogic, home prices in Manhattan from January 2020 to January 2024 were basically unchanged. Among the five boroughs that make up New York City, price growth was highest in the Bronx. Part of the reason for tepid home price growth in Manhattan is New York City residents continue to migrate elsewhere. It lost almost 78,000 residents last year, bringing the total decline to more than half a million since April 2020, according to US Census data. Top photo: The Miracle Mile Coral Gables shopping district in downtown Coral Gables. (Saul Martinez/Bloomberg) Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics California USA Florida New York Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued $255,000 in fines in March for violations of state insurance laws and regulations. The fines and violations listed by Kreidlers office included: Coordinated Care Corp.; fined $35,000 Due to a misconfiguration in the companys system in 2022, 1,872 telehealth claims were inadvertently billed for cost-shares of $177,344. The company corrected the issue and removed the cost shares from those claims. Hartford Underwriters Insurance Co.; fined $3,000 Hartford used incorrect rating factors on 29 homeowners insurance policies between October 2022 and March 2023, most of which were due to automated square footage estimates not being updated. Trinity Universal Insurance Co.; fined $3,000 Trinity Universal used incorrect rating factors on 13 homeowners insurance policies in 2022. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington; fined $10,000 Kaiser failed to file four group rate filings within 30 days of the rates going into effect. The oldest of the four filings went into effect on January 1, 2021, and was submitted in February 2022, which was late by 244 business days. Acme Fuel Company; fined $2,000 Acme failed to timely file its annual report with the OIC on two occasions without first obtaining an extension. Starr Indemnity & Liability Company; fined $1,000 The company used incorrect rating factors on 10 policies. Janke Insurance Agency; fined $1,000 The licensee and its employees failed to promptly process a customers request to cancel five policies and closely supervise its employees work. Since 2001, Kreidler has assessed more than $40 million in fines, which are directed to the states general fund to pay for state services. Spotify Technology S.A. (SPOT) is an audio-streaming subscription service legally domiciled in Luxembourg, with operational headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, where the company launched. Its streaming services are monetized through its Premium Services and Ad-Supported Services segments. As of Dec. 31, 2023, Spotify served 184 countries and territories with 602 million monthly active users (MAUs) and 236 million Premium Subscribers. Key Takeaways Spotify provides audio-streaming services. The biggest share of the company's revenues comes from its Premium Service. Spotify generates revenue through user retention, new customers, and conversion of users of the Ad-Supported Services to Premium Services. Spotify's Industry Spotify's competitors include Apple Inc. (AAPL), Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN), and Google, whose parent company is Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL). Unlike its rivals, Spotify doesn't have devices on which its music-streaming service is preloaded. Spotify monetizes its streaming services through two business segments: Premium Services and Ad-Supported Services. Premium Services: Audio-streaming services for paying members, known as Premium Subscribers, who enjoy unlimited online and offline access to Spotify's entire catalog of music and podcasts without commercials. Spotify generates revenue from its Premium Service segment through subscription fees. Audio-streaming services for paying members, known as Premium Subscribers, who enjoy unlimited online and offline access to Spotify's entire catalog of music and podcasts without commercials. Spotify generates revenue from its Premium Service segment through subscription fees. Ad-Supported Services: Provides limited on-demand online access to the company's music catalog and unlimited online access to its catalog of podcasts. Users' streaming experience is interspersed with advertisements. Spotify's revenue from its Ad-Supported Services segment is primarily generated through the sale of advertising across its music and podcast content. Spotify's Financials Spotify files financial statements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but as a foreign entity, the company is not required to file following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Instead, Spotify files per the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Financial results for fiscal year (FY), which ended Dec. 31. 2023, reported a net loss of 532 million, an increase from the net loss of 430 million in FY 2022. Annual revenue rose 13% to 13.25 billion. Nearly half of Spotify's revenue originated in the U.S. at 5.23 billion, the U.K. at 1.23 billion, and Luxembourg at 9 million, for a combined revenue share of about 49%. Nearly 51%, or 6.78 billion, originated in other regions. Spotify's Premium Services segment posted revenue of 11.57 billion in FY 2023, up 12.83% compared to the previous year. The segment accounted for about 87% of total revenue. Spotify's Ad-Supported Services segment posted revenue of 1.68 billion in FY 2023, up 13.89% compared to FY 2022. The segment accounted for more than 12% of companywide revenue. History and Leadership Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon founded Spotify in 2008. Ek is the company's CEO in 2024. The site hosts 100 million music tracks, 6 million podcast titles, and 350,000 audiobooks. Spotify's headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden. Recent Developments In 2024, Spotify funded $50,000 in scholarships to North Carolina A&T State University students interested in pursuing careers in audio media, including podcasting, storytelling, writing, sound engineering, and music. Through the company's Creator Equity Fund (CEF), NextGen supports other historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) including Spelman College, Howard University, and Hampton University. When Did Spotify Go Public? Spotify Technology S.A. went public on Apr. 3, 2018, by a direct listing of its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In a direct listing, outstanding shares are listed on a stock exchange without a primary or secondary underwritten offering. Where Are Spotify Offices Located? Employees work at offices located in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. How Much Does Spotify Premium Cost? In the U.S., Premium service costs $11.99 per month in 2024. The Bottom Line Founded by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon, Spotify went public in 2018. Headquartered in Sweden, the company provides an audio-streaming subscription service to 184 countries and territories. Theres a T-shirt online that says Its Weird Being The Same Age As Old People, with which I must agree. Its weird AF. Simon Harris would have been seven when Kurt Cobain died; hed have just turned three when an unknown Nirvana played to a few hundred Sub Pop fans in a student union bar in London, a fiver to get in and cut-price pints. It was 1989, a year before Dave Grohl joined them, two years before Nevermind, and Kurt left off a fire extinguisher on stage to liven things up. I learned that night how stage diving is a bad idea if you wear glasses. I realise telling my kids about this early Nirvana gig is the same as my partners 80-something parents recounting how they had seen the Kinks, the Beatles, Ziggy Stardust, back in the mists of time. Like, cool, but distant and unrelatable, on account of everyone being so old or dead. And offline. Was there even electricity back then? The year Simon Harris was born, 1986, I was in a mental hospital because being young in Old Ireland had quite literally driven me around the bend. Id become conscious of just how much Old Ireland hated girls and women, and wasnt sure what to do about it, other than temporarily lose the plot before buying a ticket out. Id have left when Simon was one. Simon wont remember Old Ireland. He would have been seven when they decriminalised gayness, 10 when they closed the last Magdalen laundry, and 11 when they allowed miserable couples to legally split; he would have grown up in a very different, rapidly changing Ireland, an Ireland that was psychologically decolonising at warp speed. Not a perfect Ireland, but no longer a place where they put girls in laundry jail for having sex, and where boys were routinely monstered by clerics. So, providing Simon is not hamstrung by inter-generational trauma, putting a 30-something in charge seems fresh and forward-thinking. Poll after poll now places Ireland as one of the best countries in the world to live; unlike the next-door neighbours, its up and coming. It brims with cultural confidence. Obviously, there is a whole new basement of monsters to deal with: the greed and insanity of the housing market; the rise of the far right; and the biggest monster of them all, climate collapse. And Ill be honest here: I know very little about Simon Harris apart from his date of birth and the fact that hes now Taoiseach. What I do know, as does anyone vaguely sentient, is that leaving old fellas in charge as the world bombs and blazes is a terrible idea. Theyre either power-crazed psychopaths (Trump, Putin, Netanyahu) or doddery ineffectuals (Biden) who further undermine our burning, warring world. Hope is with the younger ones. There are 30-somethings leading Chile, Finland, Montenegro, and now Ireland. The oldies, and I include Gen X, have trashed the place; time for make way for fresh energy. Ideally, it would be Greta and Malala, but we take what we get. Akihiko Okamura was the Troubles photographer most people had never heard of until these past few weeks, when Photo Museum Ireland announced the world premiere of The Memories of Others an exhibition of his images at their premises in Temple Bar, Dublin. Okamura was Japanese, and spent years covering the conflict in Vietnam for Life magazine and other publications before visiting Ireland for the first time in 1968. A year later, aged 40, he settled here permanently with his second wife, Kakuko. Okamuras curiosity about John F Kennedy was what prompted his first visit to Ireland, says art historian Pauline Vermare, who has co-curated the exhibition. She says: Very interestingly, Okamura was Catholic, which is very rare in Japan. He began taking photographs of the Vietnam War in 1963, when Kennedy was President of America, and as we know, the Kennedys were Catholic too, so he was curious about their roots in Ireland." Following in Kennedys footsteps became a very profound and spiritual experience for him. He fell in love with Ireland. In an interview on Japanese television in 1984, the year before he died, he explained that he wanted his children to be Irish. He and Kakuko reared their family of four in County Wicklow, and they all regard themselves as Irish. Akihiko Okamura in Ireland in 1970s It is not hard to understand Okamuras attraction to the quiet and peace of County Wicklow; his experiences in Vietnam included being held captive by the Viet Cong for 53 days, and it seems he had also been traumatised by the American air forces attacks on Japan during World War II. He was a teenager when Tokyo was bombed, says Vermare. His house was totally destroyed, and after that, he was always mistrustful of power. A piece by photographer Akihiko Okamura, exhibited at Photo Museum Ireland Okamuras interest in civil rights was what drew him to Northern Ireland. He photographed the Battle of the Bogside in Derry in August 1969, when thousands of Catholics clashed with the RUC and loyalists in an incident that is often regarded as having kickstarted the Troubles: And after that, throughout the 1970s, he was continually going back and forth from Wicklow. He didn't know how to drive, so his wife would take him to Connolly Station in Dublin. And then he'd take the train to Belfast or Derry. The conflict in Northern Ireland inevitably attracted other war photographers, people such as Don McCullin and Gilles Peress, whose black-and-white images captured the terror and tensions on the streets of Belfast and Derry. Vermare recalls how McCullin has described his work in Northern Ireland: He said, we were predators, you know, we were looking for the shot'. Sayaka Arai pictured at the opening of The Memories of Others exhibition in the Photo Museum Ireland in Temple Bar. Okamuras approach could not have been more different. He photographed British soldiers resting under a billboard advertising cigarettes; a lone soldier carrying a womans front door to safety after her home was destroyed in an arson attack; a derelict shop burning before a seemingly indifferent crowd of onlookers. Trish Lambe, here at the Photo Museum, says Okamura is the photographer of the aftermath'. He was really a thinker, more than anything, an intellectual. He liked to take photos after the fact. He stays, he lingers, he looks at what people are doing. In County Wicklow, Okamura loved to fish in the Avoca river, and Vermare sees his approach to photography as involving a similar degree of patience: He waited for a scene to emerge that would maybe evoke rather than show trauma, or death, or grief. His photographs are filled with incredible tenderness, you know. A piece by photographer Akihiko Okamura, exhibited at Photo Museum Ireland Unusually, Okamura shot in colour. He was not working to commission, says Vermare. He was not trying to publish the work, as others were, and that's really quite remarkable. He's taking these photographs for no other reason than that he's there, and he cares deeply about what's going on. And what's striking about his colours is that theyre so poetic, it's almost like he knew he was making art. The catalogue and publicity material for The Memories of Others features Okamuras image of six milk bottles on a doorstep, which Vermare regards as being one of the most powerful photographs of the Troubles. The milk bottles are loaded, quite literally loaded, with symbolic meaning". The image hangs in the same room in the Photo Museum as another photograph of empty milk bottles. These, it seems, were about to be filled with petrol and used as Molotov cocktails. There are rocks lined up beside them, so it looks like they were being prepared to be thrown at the police. Okamura must have known, when he was taking these photographs, that so many metaphors could be read into them. Akihiko Okamura photographed by Meiji Fujikura in 1965 Okamura was just 55 when he passed away in 1985. Kakuko told us he knew he was going to die in his mid-50s. Not that he was a mystic, but he had diabetes and I don't think he was treating his illness as he could or should have. It would surely have pleased Okamura that his images of the Troubles are finally being shown in Ireland, nearly 40 years after his death. The Memories of Others project has also ensured their preservation; Photo Museum Ireland has already acquired the exhibition prints for its permanent collection. The Memories of Others is curated by Pauline Vermare, along with Trish Lambe and Brendan Maher of Photo Museum Ireland, and arts writers Sean OHagan and Masako Toda. The exhibition is accompanied by a photobook and a short film. Akihiko Okamura, The Memories of Others runs at Photo Museum Ireland until July 6, 2024. Further information: photomuseumireland.ie US TV host and comedian Conan OBrien is set to make his Irish TV drama debut with a cameo in TG4s Ros na Run. The 60-year-old will play a feisty delivery man who goes head-to-head with Ros na Runs village rogue and publican, Tadhg O Direain. Viewers are promised a war with words between the pair in Tigh Thaidhg, but fans will have to wait and see if Tadhg throws the legendary TV personality out of his pub. The episode which airs on Tuesday, April 30 was filmed in early January while OBrien was visiting Ireland with HBO Max for a travel show. Conan O'Brien as a delivery man in TG4's Ros na Run OBrien, who has often spoken about his Irish roots, visited his ancestral home of Galbally, Co Limerick as part of the trip before heading to the set of Ros na Run in An Spideal in the Connemara Gaeltacht. While very proud of his Irish heritage, the famous comedian had his work cut out for him with a cameo as Gaeilge. Getting to work with the cast and crew of Ros Na Run was a delightful highlight of my trip to Ireland, and I apologise in advance for inadvertently butchering my Mother Tongue, he said. While HBOs Conan OBrien features alongside Tadhg ODireain in Ros na Run on Tuesday, April 30 at 8.30pm, the TG4 show will also feature on HBO Maxs Conan OBrien Must Go on April 18 bringing the Irish language and rural drama series to a new international audience. A scene from Ros na Run According to those on set, Conan OBrien fully immersed himself behind the scenes of the Irish language drama, which is now in its 28th season. He enjoyed the craic and banter in hair and make-up, as well as with the cast and crew. Conan OBrien is now added to Ros na Runs celebrity cameo hall of fame which already includes actor Stephen Fry, country music legends Daniel ODonnell and Nathan Carter and more. Ros na Run is broadcast twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30pm on TG4 with an omnibus on Sunday evening at 7.30pm and is also available on the TG4 and RTE players. 'Turlough OCarolan goes to the American Southwest' encapsulates the confluence of musical influences on David Murphys debut album. Though the pedal steel guitar is more closely associated with the sliding notes of American country music than Irish slow airs, Murphy marries the two with ethereal effect on Cuimhne Ghlinn. The steel guitar sound, developed from Hawaiian antecedents to pedal steel ventures into jazz and ambient music, can now be heard swelling and gliding over the notes of Bridget Cruise and Eleanor Plunkett, compositions of 17-18th century blind harper OCarolan, and tunes from Alan Lomax and Edward Buntings collections. The pedal steel lends itself very well to Irish music, with the melancholic feel of it and the keening voicing of the instrument, says Cork multi-instrumentalist and producer Murphy. Its glissando and vibrato echo not only the haunting swoop and lingering, atmospheric sounds of the uilleann pipes but the mournfulness of sean-nos song. I think it can almost mimic the human voice in some ways, and it can be harp-like, says Murphy. The pedal steel plays a number of different roles across the record. It can be a supporting, harmonic role, it can play the lead voice of the tune, and it can be an accompaniment. The instrument is hugely versatile and I think its underappreciated in that regard its capable of doing a lot more than country music. Usually found playing with The Delines, The Lost Brothers, John Blek, Arborist, or bluegrass with The Blackest Crows, Murphys North Cork upbringing exposed him to an eclectic mix of music, first at his parents dancehall at Liscarrolls Old Walls pub, then learning piano and playing horn and trumpet in Buttevant Brass Band. Summer Gaeltacht visits to Cuil Aodha gave Murphy an appreciation of sean-nos song, Sean O Riadas music and the opportunity to learn guitar. I played guitar in my teens and into my 20s. Growing up in the 80s there was a lot of country music in Ireland, he says. I fell into a love of American folk, blues, and country music and I was playing a lot of slide guitar. It eventually led me to the lap steel guitar, the dobro resonator, and the pedal steel guitar. I picked up a beginners model in my early 20s and threw myself in at the deep end there was no one to get lessons from at that time; no YouTube, so it was just a case of playing along to records. "I can remember being in a studio in Youghal with a rock band I was playing with and saying Ive just bought a pedal steel and I think Ive found my instrument. Theres not too many people around playing it and I would get a lot of calls for recording and session work. David Murphy's Cuimhne Ghlinn album. Murphy, who works in IT at UCC, has during 20 years played with rock, folk, electronic, and experimental groups, but reminiscing during pandemic lockdown, he returned to earlier influences: I was listening to a lot of Irish music Iarla O Lionaird, The Gloaming, Caoimhin O Raghallaigh, and I wanted to do something that was in my own voice, but with the pedal steel. Inspired by Davy Spillanes introduction of the dobro on Atlantic Bridge and Neil OConnors spectral recordings of O Riada compositions, Murphy chose O Riadas Aisling Gheal as his albums opening track. O Riadas approach was to expand and extend traditional Irish music with more modern composition methods and European flavours and I tried to have that in mind with this project; it's contemporary interpretation of the tunes, and brings in a lot of my influences as well, he says. He includes a re-imagining of Peadar O Riadas An Draighean, while Citi na gCumann is an air from the Lomax archive, recorded in 1951 by Maire Ni Shuilleabhain of Ballylickey. It was interesting to think that Lomax was here creating that seed for the renaissance of traditional Irish music at the same time that the pedal steel was developing and blossoming in America. It was the same sentiments, the same roots in a rural population," he says. The album, with self-composed title track, features among others Steve Wickham, fiddle; Laura McFadden, cello; Rory McCarthy, piano; Anthony Ruby, pipes; and Alannah Thornburgh, harp. Though Arty McGlynn was among Irelands leading pedal steel exponents, Murphys is likely the first recording of Irish laments on the instrument and he was wary about the reaction. O Lionaird, a big influence on the sound of it, was curious about the album, and his response on social media unequivocal: Traditional Irish music melody on pedal steel. Who would have thunk it? Well David Murphy did and its exceptionally beautiful. Cuimhne Ghlinn: Explorations in Irish Music for Pedal Steel Guitar launches in Cork at a sold-out Coughlans on April 18, with dates at Rollercoaster Records, Kilkenny (April 19), Plugd Records, Cork (April 20), and Galway, Doolin, and Kilkenny festivals Smashed glass, twisted metal, and savage injuries the literal impact of a road crash is very obvious. But theres a whole long-term impact that persists beyond when the wreckage is cleared and beyond the fading of physical scars. And after enduring a nightmarish road crash, Roisin Stakelum says it can all flare back up so quickly if she sees brash or heedless driving. Roisin, 37, survived a head-on collision on the Cork-Dublin motorway last summer. A stolen car on the wrong side of the road hit hers as she was travelling to the capitals airport to head to a new life in Australia. Those plans were wiped out in an instant and her post-crash life is totally different. From having her own car and driving at the age of 17 shes now someone who relies on her parents and friends for lifts to appointments. As her retired father, Gearoid, was driving her to a recent appointment she had a panic attack when a driver tried to force their way into changing lanes at the Jack Lynch tunnel. Emergency services at the scene of the collision on the M8 motorway near Mitchelstown, Co. Cork I am highly sensitive and nervous in cars now. I havent driven at all [since the crash on July 1, 2023]. Its terrifying even to be a passenger. I had a panic attack a couple of weeks ago. We were at the Jack Lynch tunnel and my dad was driving. Youre not supposed to change lanes in a tunnel but a driver was being very aggressive and flashing lights trying to force their way across. Afterwards I was wondering why is he so aggressive and where is he going. Hes not going to get much further down the road by doing this. "Maybe I'm just so extra conscious of it but it really does seem that there is a lot more careless or aggressive driving in the past few years and it is very scary. I would like these drivers to just realise that it doesn't benefit them and can be so dangerous or terrifying to other drivers." Roisin Stakelum: "I am highly sensitive and nervous in cars now." Roisin, an occupational therapist from Fermoy, says she was always a good driver. I had to have a car from a young age as I lived outside the city. I had my own car at 17 and was a very confident driver. I even drove a minibus for work when I previously worked as a social care worker and then in my last job I had a bigger wheelchair-accessible minibus to drive. She has bought a new car since the crash but hasnt been able to bring herself to drive it yet. Indeed, she is unable to even watch car accidents in movies since her own horrific incident. She is seeing a post-trauma counsellor and hopes to one day be able to get behind the wheel of a car again. Roisin is willing to talk about the awful trauma she endured to try make drivers aware of the real lives that could be impacted by a moments carelessness or distraction: There is a thing where people, often young people, in cars feel they are invincible. The circumstances of the crash that continues to affect Roisin were a little different. Teenagers had stolen a car and were trying to evade gardai at speeds of up to 170kph and on the wrong side of the motorway when they slammed head-on into her car as she was about to emigrate. I had said goodbye and had two parties one for colleagues and one for parents and friends and we had gone to Connemara for a break too before leaving. And I had everything packed up. It happened so quickly I couldn't comprehend what had happened it's like my brain wasn't working. It just didn't make sense that there would be a car coming against me. Roisin Stakelum approximately one week before the M8 crash which she said was a "miracle" that she survived. Roisin had been in Australia for one year previously in 2013 but this was different it wasn't party and fun this was a real job and real life. She had a four-year sponsorship and a job lined up. Her sister, Meadhbh, is living in Australia and they had been so looking forward to meeting up there. Now Meadhbh is travelling to Ireland in May to see Roisin. Roisin suffered huge physical pain and is still affected now. The front-seat passenger in the high-speed car was killed that night. The other young people in the car were also injured. Though Roisin has not had any apology or expression of regret from them in the past eight months she tries not to be angry or dwell on that: I feel like they are sorry. I haven't heard from them and that may be what they were advised to do. It doesn't really matter in one way. This positive attitude is also evident when Roisin talks about the irony of sorts in an occupational therapist needing their own occupational therapist as she tried to recover mobility and strength: I knew all the things to do but then I had an occupational therapist myself. I found I had no motivation to do anything. I felt frozen, like I had weights in my pockets... but it was good learning for my profession. Roisin Stakelum with Niamh Hanley, her friend who was waiting for her at the airport the night she was seriously injured in a collision. Roisin says she ended up relying on her parents, Margaret and Gearoid, her brother Eoghan and her friends, for literally everything. My parents and friends have been brilliant. So many people reached out. I cant even drive to the shop so people have been picking things up for me, and when I was in the hospital they were dropping off pjs and socks and skincare stuff. In a milestone of sorts now Roisin has moved out of her parents home and lives by the seaside now though with friends staying over all the time. It was very difficult. I found it hard to be on my own after the initial weeks in hospital and then I had to go back and stay a few more times. I have been renting this house since October but only moved in three weeks ago. Roisin gets told that she was really lucky and really unlucky in equal measure: And it's both really I guess. It was on a bend so neither driver could see the other coming there was no chance. I do sometimes think what if I hadn't stopped for a coffee or if I had left a few minutes earlier etc. Introductory offer 10 4 / month Plus, a free Irish Examiner tote bag Try now Terms and conditions apply. She says that she wasnt religious or superstitious beforehand but when you think I could have died it does do something alright. I had been given a Pandora bracelet as a going-away gift. It had a hamsa hand on it which is a symbol of protection. I was wearing that when the accident happened. It was mayhem in the A&E then of course and that bracelet was lost. She says: I had also had a Japanese waving cat good luck charm on the dashboard of my car I loved that car. I had been given the cat by a former client who brought it for me from Japan. And I know you can get them anywhere but I thought it was more special that it came from Japan. My sister actually went to Japan recently and bought one there and sent it to me so I have it back on the dash of my new car the car I don't drive. Thirty more people died on Irish roads in 2023 (the year of the collision which injured Roisin) compared to 2022 and with more than 60 people killed on Irish roads so far this year, Roisin Stakelum is hoping that her willingness to speak about her injuries and trauma will help get people to be more aware of the importance of safe driving. A former Red Cross volunteer, who claimed a managerial colleague had knifed him in a character reference for a job as a full-time ambulance driver, has lost a 75,000 defamation claim and an estimated 200,000 to 700,000 loss in potential lifetime earnings. Judge Christopher Callan said in the Circuit Civil Court that Robert Sexton, of Camas, Monega, Co Limerick, had failed to prove malice by either joint defendants Gerard Doody and the Irish Red Cross Society. The judge told barrister Shane English the case against Mr Doody, of Portland Drive, Newcastle West, Co Limerick, and the Red Cross, attracted the defence of qualified privilege and neither defendant was guilty of negligent mis-statement. The court heard Mr Sexton, 44, had asked Mr Doody, his volunteer area director, to give him a reference he could provide to the HSE in an application to join a training course which, if successful, would have led to his becoming a full-time ambulance driver. In January 2017, Mr Doody had answered a phone call list of checks relating to an evaluation report on Mr Sexton in which he allegedly had answered unsatisfactory under the heading of confidentiality, suggesting Mr Sexton talked out of turn about things that happened in his ambulance. Asked if he would re-employ Mr Sexton, Mr Doody allegedly had replied yes, adding the words under close supervision. Mr Sexton claimed the words in the reference suggested he was incompetent, untrustworthy, required high levels of supervision and was unprofessional and indiscreet. He said the words had been published to the Health Service Executive which, in a letter of reply, had deemed his application unsatisfactory for the training course. When cross-examined by Mr English, who appeared with Ronan OBrien of Gleeson McGrath Baldwin Solicitors for both defendants, Mr Sexton said: What I am saying to the court is that he decided to knife me. Mr Doody, also a former Red Cross unpaid volunteer in a position of area director, said he had less than four hours' notice from Mr Sexton to provide a reference to a recruiting agency working on behalf of the HSE. I gave a truthful and honest reference opinion over the phone and I still stand over it, Mr Doody said. Mr English told Mr Sexton he had not held down a full-time job since he had returned from Australia in 2012 and since 2017 was drawing disability allowance. A firm of consulting actuaries estimated that were Mr Sexton able to work as a (estimated) 25,000 a year truck driver, his losses would be 206,858. Assuming he would find no work in the future, his total losses would amount to 712,587. These figures were drawn up on a comparison basis with what he would achieve had he eventually succeeded in becoming an ambulance driver for the HSE. Dismissing the claims against both defendants, Judge Callan directed an order for costs against Mr Sexton be permanently stayed providing his decision was not appealed. A new organised crime charge has been brought against a man arrested in connection with the biggest drug seizure in the history of the State. Harold Estoesta, 30, a Filippino national, faced a new charge that he participated in or contributed to activity intending to facilitate a serious offence by a criminal organisation on September 4, 2023. This was contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 No bail application could be made on the new charge, Inspector Tony OSullivan told Mallow District Court. Mr Estoesta replied nothing, no comment after he was charged and cautioned on Monday morning, Detective Garda Redmond OLeary told Mallow District Court. Mr Estoesta was a crew member on the MV Matthew when elite army rangers tight-roped onto the moving vessel in stormy waters on September 26, 2023, and detained the vessel in a joint operation between gardai, customs officers and the Naval Service in which cocaine worth in excess of 157m was seized. Mr Estoesta is one of five men who were charged after some 2.25 tonnes of cocaine were seized from the MV Matthew in that operation. Gardai have taken 290 statements, gathered some 200 exhibits of which 50 are electronic devices, and are consulting both internal and external experts in what is the biggest drugs seizure in the history of the State, Det. Gda OLeary said. Book of evidence Mr Estoestas solicitor, Aiden Desmond, said that the States book of evidence in the case was due on Monday. His client has been in prison since he was first charged more than six months ago, he said. Mr Desmond noted that on March 5 he was informed that Mr Estoestas matters would be dealt with in the Circuit Court, but 42 days later the book of evidence had not been served and there had been no application to extend the period for it. The court had to be satisfied of good reasons to extend that period for the book of evidence, and Mr Desmond said that he did not believe the State had made that case. Inspector Tony OSullivan said that he had been informed by the State that the book of evidence should be available for all the accused on May 7. Judge Colm Roberts granted the State an extension for making that book of evidence available. Judge Roberts acknowledged that Mr Estoesta and his co-accused had now been in custody for some time and he said that he had expressed concern when the dates to serve the book of evidence were not reached. But he was not satisfied that the delays were caused by any malfeasance by the State. They were instead due to the investigation and the complexity of the case before the court. Judge Roberts said: This is the biggest drug trial in the country. Several jurisdictions are involved and to some extent, the investigation is still ongoing regarding the analysis of some devices, he said. Although one could force the State to have the book of evidence today it would be incomplete and a later application would have to made to add to it. I understand that your client needs a date for a hearing as soon as possible, Judge Roberts said, but that could only happen when the full case against him had been made so that the defence could have the full case to work on. Applications by defence legal teams to board the MV Matthew are expected but the ship cannot be boarded until all the evidence has been gathered and that is all taking time, Judge Roberts said. I am allowing an extension for the book of evidence, Judge Roberts said. The reality of the situation is that because of the nature of the offence, it is requiring a lot of An Garda Siochana and other experts to be involved, which regretfully takes an awful lot of time. Mr Desmond said that the defence would also require plenty of time to work on its case once the book of evidence has been delivered. That is out of my control, Judge Roberts said. But whats good for the goose is good for the gander. If the State took more time its likely the defence will be given more time. I appreciate the situation, I do share your clients frustration, it is important that things move forward as quickly as possible. But it is a complex case, Judge Roberts said. Some 2.25 tonnes of cocaine were seized from the MV Matthew in September 2023. Picture: Denis Minihane Mr Estoesta was remanded in custody to appear again on Tuesday, via videolink in Mallow District Court, on the new charge. On the older charges he consented to appearing on May 7 hopefully for the book of evidence to be served on him and on his co-accused, the court heard. Mr Estoesta carried the self-help book Mastery by Robert Greene which examines the lives of historic figures including Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein to draw lessons on how to become successful. He wore reading glasses, a dark green Puffa jacket and beige trousers. He was aided in court by a Filippino interpreter. Mr Estoesta previously told the district court that he was innocent, that he had been "tricked" and he deserved to be freed. The Filipino national was previously charged with possession of cocaine for sale or supply with a value in excess of 13,000 in Irish waters and for possession of cocaine for sale or supply with a value in excess of 13,000 outside of Irish territorial waters. He was also charged with conspiracy to have in his possession, on September 24, cocaine for sale or supply in excess of 13,000 in contravention of Sections 5 and 15a of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977. He is one of five men facing these charges after some 2.25 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated value of more than 157 million was seized from the large bulk carrier ship, the MV Matthew, off the Cork coast in September. Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, 48; Iranian Saeid Hassani, 37, and Ukrainians Mykhalo Gavryk, 30, and Vitaliy Vlasoi, 31, have also been charged in relation to this incident. A young man who lost his life as a result of the dangerous and drunken driving of another man in Fermoy was asked as a five-year-old boy what he wanted to be when he grew up and he replied: President of Ukraine. This poignant memory of the late Igor Skokivskyi was recalled by his sister in a victim impact statement at Cork Circuit Criminal Court as the man who caused his death was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison. Lulian Lotca pleaded guilty to drunken driving and dangerous driving causing the death of Igor Skokivskyi who was a back-seat passenger in the car that night. He also admitted having no insurance. Garda Ronan Casey testified at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the black BMW was driven at speed at MacCurtain Street, Fermoy, on July 1, 2023. Mr Skokivskyi was seriously injured and died the next day in hospital as a result of his injuries. Judge James McCourt said after hearing the victim impact statements from the deceased mans family members his sister, brother and mother It is unimaginable to figure out losing one member of a family in a road traffic accident that happened in 2008. It is even more unimaginable to contemplate losing another member of the family years later. But that is what happened with the loss of Igor. Oksana recalled her brother Igor: There are now three of us remaining. We lost our father in 2008 in a car accident. And we ask how this has come to happen to our little family once again. We were a peaceful and happy family yet here we are. When he graduated school the principal awarded him the Soul of the Class for his kindness and generosity with his time. He was a good listener, even from a young age. Now every day is a struggle for us. We now have to learn to start each day without Igor. Now life does not bring us joy. We live with this constant pain and open emotional wounds that will never heal. Leonid said he misses his brother every day: He will not know what it is to start a family, have children. I know he would have been the best dad, a good husband and provider. There is a war in my country and I was happy my brother went to Ireland before the war started but unfortunately this did not save him." Mina said her son was stolen way to soon from her: It is not natural for a mother to outlive her youngest child. Life without him has lost value. I visit his grave every day now. I place my trust in you and the Irish system that justice will be served. Sentencing Judge McCourt said of the accused: No doubt you acted negligently and recklessly. I have to consider whether there are aggravating factors It was a disastrous decision (to drive after drinking). Speed was dangerous and we now know and it resulted in a loss of life. I accept you did not set out on that fateful evening with that in mind but that was the outcome. I accept you have shown remorse and essentially been a model prisoner, accessing education and working in the kitchen. "You have been a positive contributor to society as an employed person. You missed out on the birth of your child (who was born two months after he went into custody in July 2023). You have offered an apology through your counsel. "You are currently in prison. Obviously, it is acknowledged to be even harder for a non-national. Extending his sympathies to the family of the deceased, Judge McCourt said: Of course he is forever in their hearts, in their lives. This mother saw her son go to Ireland. Then war broke out in her home country. Little could she contemplate he would lose his life far away from the war zone. Judge McCourt imposed a total sentence of three years' imprisonment with the last six months suspended and disqualified him from driving for five years. The sentence was backdated to July 3 when he went into custody. Defence senior counsel Elizabeth O'Connell said the defendant made a disastrous decision on the night and was totally remorseful ever since and he had no previous convictions in Ireland or in his native Moldova. Barrister Simeon Burke has had his conviction for a "volatile" breach of the peace following a "melee" at his brother Enoch's case in the Four Courts in Dublin last year struck out after a judge found there was insufficient evidence he had committed a criminal offence. At an appeal against his District Court conviction on Monday, Judge John Martin said he was not convinced that Simeon Burkes unbecoming behaviour met the threshold for a public order offence. Mr Burke (25), who was called to the Bar last October, had denied the charge before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court in July of last year but was convicted and fined 300 for a public order offence that occurred on March 7, 2023, on or about the Four Courts, Inns Quay, in Dublin. Burke was convicted under Section 6 of the Public Order Act which states it is an offence for any person in a public place to use or engage in any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace may be occasioned. At the District Court Appeals Court before Judge Martin on Monday, Simeon Burke, with an address at Cloonsunna, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, had his appeal allowed and conviction quashed. Judge Martin said that the threshold for Mr Burke, who was representing himself, to be convicted of the breach of the peace offence had to be beyond a reasonable doubt as it was a criminal matter. Judge Martin said he did not feel that the Garda witnesses in the case had proved the requisite standard for Mr Burkes behaviour to attract a criminal conviction. Judge Martin said: I have heard evidence that he strongly resisted [gardai] and was obstructing them and was crying terms concerning transgenderism and that gardai should deploy their resources to other parts of the city, said Judge Martin. Judge Martin added: Does it reach the criminal standard? I am afraid it doesnt and I am allowing the appeal. Mr Burke had been in attendance at the Four Courts where his brother Enoch was involved in a legal dispute before the Court of Appeal (CoA) with Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath. Simeon Burke's contested District Court hearing featured CCTV evidence from the Four Courts, but not from inside the courtroom where the incident started before it spilled out to the yard where Mr Burke was dragged by three gardai to the front of the building and onto Inns Quay before being arrested. A judge has described as "disgraceful" how telecom giant Eircom threatened staff with "disciplinary action" if they handled customer complaints according to its own code of conduct and in compliance with Irish law. At Dublin District Court, Judge Anthony Halpin convicted and fined the company 7,500 after it was prosecuted by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) over its former customer complaints procedures. Eircom, which said it had remedied the problem, also paid 10,000 in costs and pleaded guilty to 12 offences for breaching the Universal Service Regulations for two years commencing in mid-2021. The court heard that a mother who was unable to make 999 calls when her daughter needed "urgent" medical attention was wrongly told there was nothing wrong with her service. Her father also ended up in hospital after a missed delivery of his breathing machine. Shelley Horan, counsel for ComReg, said Eircom did not adhere to the legal requirements, and made "deliberate decisions" not to handle complaints in an acceptable manner. ComReg compliance analyst Michelle O'Donnell told the hearing that customer care staff were warned not to give out the right customer complaint numbers or website address unless callers used specific "trigger words". Ms O'Donnell said several Eircom customers informed ComReg that they could not make complaints. In some cases, they went unacknowledged and unresolved for weeks or months. 'Trigger words' The analyst outlined the offences, which included failing to comply with and implement a code of practice to settle unresolved disputes, provide a first point of contact for complaints, a means of recording complaints, acknowledge a complaint, give a unique identifier for reference, and respond to the problem within ten working days. After 10 days, the firm was required to provide a specific number, email address and link to the online published code of practice to assist the customer. However, Eircom agents were not permitted to give customers the complaints number or code of practice; otherwise, according to its training manual, they would face "disciplinary action." She explained that the manual stated that calls would be transferred to the complaint line only if the customer used "trigger words" such as "code of practice", or mentioned the industry regulator ComReg. In one of the cases, after four attempts, a customer got the correct number when ComReg assisted, and he could proceed with his complaint. Not using the trigger words typically meant they were promised "callbacks" from a team leader or supervisor, which never happened in several instances. The witness quoted the manual: "Under no circumstances are the complaints number or the complaints webpage address to be provided to the customer, and an agent found doing this would be subject to disciplinary action." Questioned further by counsel, Ms O'Donnell said that Eircom was not in line with the legislation because the customers should have been able to make "first point of contact" complaints. ComReg found that in the cases before the court, Eircom did not provide an acknowledgement within two working days, including a reference number, and did not comply with its requirement to resolve the problem within the maximum time frame of 10 working days or provide an email address to escalate the complaint. Customers had to contact Eircom numerous times, but "promised callbacks" were not received. All the complaints before the court were resolved after ComReg intervened. Woman unable to make a 999 call The witness outlined the impact on one customer. The court heard that in December 2022, her mobile service dropped, and she did not receive calls. A local engineer informed her it was a mast issue. Over six months, the woman called Eircom 13 times and sent five emails and eight messages via social media without sorting out the issue. On every occasion, she requested a reference number but was repeatedly told she did not need one and that there was nothing wrong with the mast, and "Eircom remained adamant there was nothing wrong". But the court heard on one occasion having no service meant she was unable to make a 999 call for her daughter and had to drive her to A&E for urgent medical attention. She also missed a delivery of her father's CPAP breathing machine, and he ended up in hospital. On June 26, after ComReg intervened, the phone company admitted there was a mast issue. She was advised to move to a different provider and was given a 80 voucher. Prior prosecutions The judge noted that Eircom had prior prosecutions in 2013 and 2015 in cases brought by the Data Protection Commission. One resulted in a 3,000 fine, and the other led to it getting the Probation of Offenders Act after donating 35,000 to charity. Judge Halpin noted the rest of the convictions and said the company was entitled to the benefit of the Spent Fines Act. He said he was not looking at convictions from more than five years ago. The offence carries a maximum 5,000 fine per offence. Eircom, offering a 20,000 payment to charity, pleaded for a chance to avoid a fresh conviction. 'Disgraceful to threaten employees' Hugh McDowell, for Eircom, said the firm has since rectified the problem, and he was instructed to apologise to customers. However, Judge Halpin demanded: "What about your apologies to Eircom employees?" "Because," he added, "from what I can see here, if an employee here, motivated to ensure his duties are carried out lawfully, breached a condition of his or her contract and faced disciplinary action, surely that cannot be just." He said he could not believe what he had seen, adding: "That is disgraceful to threaten employees with disciplinary action because they are carrying their duties out in compliance with Irish law." He said the staff deserved an apology. In mitigation, counsel said that since early 2023, Eircom changed its process as part of a multi-million euro transformation programme after being taken over by NJJ Telecom Europe. The court heard it has sped up customer complaints, was compliant with the legal requirements and complaints to ComReg had dropped to the lowest-ever level. Judge Halpin noted the changes made, said the guilty pleas avoided a three-day trial and noted the charity donation offer. However, he said he could only conclude that Eircom's legal department did not vet the training manual. He recorded convictions and imposed 7,500 in fines. After 12 months of harrowing updates on the civil war ravaging his native Sudan, Cork-based paediatric consultant Osama Ali is unsure if his family home is even still standing. For Dr Ali, who works in the Mercy University Hospital, daily images of Sudan on social media feeds show how the country is being torn apart, with so many locations he once frequented now utterly unrecognisable. Ive seen some pictures of areas where I used to enjoy sitting and having a coffee or nice places to go for walks in the middle of the city. However, most of the places that were once busy with shoppers I cant recognise. There are really no places left that arent beyond recognition. Sudanese Association of Cork general secretary Osama Ali. The paediatric consultant who works in Mercy University Hospital, speaks movingly of family members trapped amid the fighting in the land of his birth. Picture: David Keane Today, April 15, marks the first anniversary of the Sudanese conflict, which has sparked a humanitarian crisis, but which has gone largely unnoticed in the West because of the war in Ukraine and, most recently, the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Two rival factions of Sudans military government the Sudanese Armed Forces under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces under Hemedti, also known as General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo plunged the Khartoum and Darfur populations into a nightmare. Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan Abdelrahman Al-Burhan, president of the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan, addressing the UN General Assembly last September. Picture: Craig Ruttle/AP As of January this year, the war had caused the deaths of up to 15,000 people, and 33,000 others were injured. As of March 21, more than 6.5m Sudanese were internally displaced and more than two million others had fled the country as refugees. More than 100 sexual violence crimes are among the disturbing human rights violations observed by the UN to date. As the general secretary of the Sudanese Association of Cork, Dr Ali has been watching in horror the Sudanese peoples pain and is desperately hoping that some sort of peace can be restored. Rapid Support Forces troops who are led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Picture: Hussein Malla/AP The conflict has forced his mother and siblings to flee Khartoum for refuge in the north of the country. They have no way of finding out if their homes still exist. The area has been bombarded and all the homes are affected, Dr Ali said. It is now a deserted city. If you return to your home and it is in its place and standing, the infrastructure is still completely destroyed. This include the bridges, hospitals, and all the public places. Ineke De Kort, Gawahir Farah, and Rafa Dahab, at a Cork Sudanese community Iftar in Blackrock. Picture: David Keane The streets have also been destroyed, as have the water and power supply and sanitary system. You wouldnt be able to live in your home because the city itself is uninhabitable. Dr Ali describes how one of his sisters had a narrow escape from the conflict. The house where she lived was caught between the two sides who are fighting. She managed to leave during a small window of a three-day ceasefire. Since then, we have been following whats happening on the news every single day. Its us always thinking about it and checking on our loved ones, always urging the sides towards a peaceful resolution. Sudanese Association of Cork chairman Mutasim Mohamed and Lord Mayor of Cork Kieran McCarthy at the Sudanese community's Iftar at Blackrock Hurling Club. Picture: David Keane However, nothing in the near future seems very promising. The sad thing is that sometimes being displaced or being a refugee is a luxury. There are people who are left behind because they cant afford to leave. He acknowledged the knock-on effect for other parts of the country. Both sides are to blame. This is not the first war in Sudan. There is a long history of painful conflicts, but this has been on such a large scale and it has affected so many people. The humanitarian cost is huge and the war is showing no signs of slowing down. More than half the population need assistance. Reem Elzubair and her daughter Maria celebrating the Cork Sudanese community's Iftar in Blackrock during the recently-concluded season of Ramadan. Picture: David Keane "They have food insecurity and a lack of access to communication. More than 70% of the hospitals are out of service. The education system has totally collapsed. There has been total and utter destruction in the country. Even in areas that are relatively safe in the north of Sudan, they are having to face everyone who is displaced and the lack of services for them. Members of Corks Sudanese community have been coming together to raise funds to send to friends and family back home. They also try to comfort each other amid all the uncertainty. Ihab Ahmed and Dr Sami Ahmed celebrating Iftar at the Blackrock Hurling Club pavilion recently. Picture: David Keane The Sudanese community have always had that spirit of resilience, Dr Ali says. We come together and support each other, sharing news from back home and praying for peace. His message to the rival factions of Sudans military government is simple: Both sides need to listen to the voices of peace. They need to put down their weapons and agree on the terms of a peaceful resolution. There is no place for any of this in any part of the world. Axelle Cesarin and Junia Van Belle, both of Africa Day Cork, at the Sudanese Association of Cork Iftar in Blackrock. Picture: David Keane "The national army are sometimes refusing to take part in peaceful talks but its impossible to have a military end to this conflict. It has to be peaceful. There has to be negotiation. Nothing will end without negotiation. We are not a rich country. Its very hard for us to recover from these sorts of things. Even floods take a long time to recover from, never mind this level of conflict. They need to be realistic and look at the history in the world. All of these wars end with two sides sitting at a table reaching a peaceful resolution. Six people have been arrested following a public order incident in Cork city on Sunday evening. Videos of the incident have been circulating online. Gardai say they are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the shooting of a man in a Cork City suburb last week. The incident happened in Mahon during the early hours of last Thursday morning, April 11. Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said there is an argument for more ministers in a future government to ease the pressures on overloaded departments. The Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs was asked if there should be a separate Defence Forces Minister. He didnt appear to think there was, but he said he felt other departments could do with extra ministers, like his Green Party government colleague Eamon Ryans Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. He also described another Green Party government colleague, Catherine Martins Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as overloaded. However, he said increasing the number of ministers would be a constitutional matter, which could mean there would have to be a referendum. Speaking at the opening of a new 4.5m accommodation block in Collins Barracks in Cork city, he said: There's a challenge overall in terms of government formation, which is actually constitutional in the sense of the numbers of senior ministers you can have. I can think of two departments at the moment that, I would argue, are overloaded and that's not Foreign Affairs and Defence. It's areas like the whole communications, climate, all that, its a huge department, transport. You also have tourism, culture, and arts. So, its not for now but if one was forming a new government, thinking ahead, I think because there are new areas emerging there is an argument for additionality, in terms of the number of cabinet ports but that's not something that can be done anytime soon. Asked if it was a constitutional matter, he confirmed that it would be, but he laughed when the need for a referendum was suggested. He added: We need to do a more serious analysis of it. Of his own department and calls for a standalone Defence Minister, he replied: I think what's critical is that it's a senior minister, responsible for defence at the cabinet table, as we've had now for the last four years. Meanwhile, the Tanaiste was also asked about a video he was tagged to on social media showing brown water coming from the taps of a Cork city home. The resident who put it up pointed out that, for the past 18 months, they and other residents in Ballyvolane have had to buy their own bottled water because they cant rely on their own water supply. Mr Martin said: I've been engaged with (Irish Water). My understanding is it's not as simple as just sorting it out in a short timeframe. The quality of the water is not satisfactory at all. We need to get it sorted. Today in Sudan, five million people are facing catastrophic food insecurity and 220,000 children and more than 7,000 new mothers are likely to die in the coming months unless they receive immediate humanitarian assistance. That is the reality and the fact that this years appeal for $2.6 billion for Sudan is less than 5% funded is disgraceful. No one should die of hunger due to a lack of funding while waiting for peace. Sudan is facing one of the fastest unfolding humanitarian crises globally. More than half the population 25 million people need humanitarian aid and a staggering 3.7 million children are in need of urgent nutrition support. This crisis has not yet hit the worst levels of suffering, with the situation expected to deteriorate further in the coming months unless urgent action is taken. Food production has been devastated. The production of key staples, sorghum and millet, fell by 24% and 50% in 2023. In the markets of Kadugli, South Kordofan, where Concern is working, the price of wheat, a main staple in Sudan, is up 118% compared to this time last year. People can no longer afford to eat. Geneina in West Darfur Where communities have been left devastated by the conflict there with many buildings destroyed after attacks. Photo: Concern Worldwide The World Food Programme and the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation report that the food security situation has significantly deteriorated even faster than anticipated and that there is a risk of catastrophic conditions in many parts of the country. We can use words like famine-like conditions but to be brutally frank, this means that children are already dying. The situation in the Darfur and Kordofan States is particular worrying. Our teams there report a rapid deterioration in the condition of children presenting at health facilities. The conflict has especially affected Sudanese women, who are being robbed of their access to livelihoods and their right to safety. Scale of destruction Women such as Mariam who I met in West Darfur at the Ardamata health centre, supported by Concern, where rates of hunger and acute malnutrition are rising daily. Miriam had lost her husband, her home, her livelihood but not her determination to protect her only surviving daughter. She is one of more than eight million people who have fled their homes since the conflict erupted between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum a year ago. Sudan now has the highest number of displaced people globally. The drive to Ardamata, where Mariam was living, was itself a brutal reminder of the scale of destruction. Village after village had been abandoned, houses destroyed, fields lay empty. The town itself appeared to be deserted until you approached the health centre, around which thousands of displaced families were crammed into temporary shelters. The thin line The health centre itself was intact but had been stripped of equipment right down to doors, windows and even light fittings. Despite this, the 12 nurses who worked there managed to find enough boxes of therapeutic food, essential for treating severe acute malnutrition, that allowed them to treat 569 children in one month, with all but 13 surviving. And then the medicines ran out. There is nothing more dispiriting for professional health workers to be surrounded by empty shelves and nothing to treat the growing numbers of sick and starving children on their doorstep. A Concern distribution site in El Geneina where non-food items arrived from Chad, that travelled almost 1000 km to deliver the items to the conflict-displaced populations in Sudan. Items included soap, detergent, and buckets. Photo: Concern Worldwide The years of training and support were still intact. Conflict has disrupted, but not destroyed, local capacity and these women, along with the community volunteers and the mother-to-mother groups were demanding to be supported. Concern was there to re-supply the medicines but there are many more centres where supplies are still urgently needed. The thin line between starvation and survival, between hunger and hope, is often held through the courage and commitment of women such as these working on the frontlines of conflict. They are the centre of the humanitarian response, taking huge risks to save lives and support communities. They must be supported with supplies, equipment, and a fully funded response. Urgent action needed While insecurity, complex and costly logistics, as well as bureaucratic impediments continue to hinder the international humanitarian response, much more can be done if resources were available. Currently the international response is woefully underfunded. More than half of Sudans population needs assistance and protection; yet the appeal for $2.6 billion is less than 5% funded. With famine, looming this is unacceptable. The international community cannot simply watch yet another crisis unfold. Despite a recent UN Security Council call for a cessation of hostilities, the conflict is raging and the humanitarian situation is getting worse. Urgent action is needed on three fronts: Donors must urgently fund a massive mobilisation of supplies and resources to limit the impact of this humanitarian catastrophe. The upcoming pledging conference for Sudan in Paris on April 15 is a real opportunity for donors to step up and close the funding gap; UN member states, especially those on the Security Council and those with the greatest influence in the region, must use their power to press for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful and negotiated political solution to the conflict. Donors and UN member states must redouble efforts to ensure parties to the conflict facilitate safe access for humanitarian actors and for communities to receive humanitarian aid. Twenty years after the horrors of Darfur shocked the world, the next generation of Sudanese is reliving the same hell, except this time we are failing to pay attention. The preventable death of any one child should never be ignored and yet the very survival of 220,000 children who suffer from severe acute malnutrition is under threat, largely unnoticed. Read More Poorer nations seeing slow development after covid - UN report For two hours late Saturday night, early Sunday morning Israelis sat at home, glued to their televisions, watched, and waited. Just before midnight, Israels Home Front Command announced matter-of-factly to the nation that the much-anticipated threat of an Iranian attack was now a reality, and that Iranian cruise missiles and possibly hundreds of drones were now heading towards Israel. They would likely arrive, if not intercepted, Israelis were told, in approximately two hours. This was possibly the eeriest two hours in this countrys recent history. Family and friends Whatsapp messaging went into overdrive, but the overall mood remained remarkably calm. People in Ukraine, where this photo was taken, have become familiar with Iranian-manufactured Shahed combat drones and the damage they can wreak if they are not shot down. Israelis are of course lucky to have been given that two-hour warning of incoming rockets. Geography helps in this context its almost 1,000km from the nearest point of Iran to Israeli airspace. They are also fortunate to have access to safe shelters to sleep in, and of course feel somewhat secure, safe in the knowledge that they live in a country with arguably the worlds most sophisticated aerial defence system. Yet its not pleasant or easy to decide what to do, especially if one has children, when faced with an announcement that a barrage of cruise and ballistic missile are heading in your direction in less than two hours. Its actually quite surreal. This journalist decided to wake our two young daughters, bundle them into the car at 1am, leave our home in downtown Tel Aviv, and drive to the outer suburbs, in the uncertain belief it would be a safer place for them to be. Israel's Iron Dome air defence system was activated in the early hours of Sunday to intercept the drones and ballistic missiles fired from Iran. Picture: Tomer Neuberg/AP Its difficult, however, to escape the suffocation of geography here. Israel proper is just 13km wide at its narrowest point, just north of Tel Aviv. It might surprise some Irish readers that Tel Aviv is physically closer to both Damascus and Beirut than Dublin is to Cork City. As it turned out, 99% of those ballistic and cruise missiles and explosive drones were indeed intercepted. The wailing of rocket warning sirens, an almost daily occurrence back in October and November, actually remained silent in greater Tel Aviv through the night. Jerusalem, Islams third holiest city, bore the brunt of the onslaught the single victim a seven-year-old Arab child in a Bedouin village. Israeli media has long argued that Netanyahu has an incentive to sustain the conflict in Gaza. But the consensus is that the strike by Iran is unlikely to go unanswered. Picture: Maya Alleruzzo/AP The mood on the streets of Tel Aviv on Sunday morning (a work day in Israel) was stoic and resigned, with a noticeable sense of relief and undisguised pride that Israeli defences thwarted the first ever direct aerial missile attack from the Islamic Republic of Iran. But there is an eerie sense that Israel is in the eye of a storm and a defiant belief that Israelis will respond. Iran has already announced that its response to the Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus had now concluded. But, perhaps most tellingly, it is in Tehran that international media is reporting panic buying in shops. Life in Tel Aviv looks and feels relatively normal as of today. Public transport is running, cinemas are open, coffee shops are full. Schools have reopened, and children are playing in playgrounds. The all-too-volatile Israeli shekel hasnt much moved over the past 72 hours. War cabinet member Benny Gantz who many Israelis hope will replace Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister said Israel will 'exact the price from Iran, in the way and at the time that suits us'. Picture: Sebastian Scheiner/AP And, despite the 24-hour news coverage since Saturday night, with seemingly never-ending rotating interviews with the customary panel of experts from Washington to London, Beirut to Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and beyond nobody can predict for certain what comes next. Israel, and in particular the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, are unlikely to let the Iranian attack go unanswered. Mainstream Israeli media has for months argued that Netanyahu has a personal incentive to sustain the war in Gaza, and perhaps more cynically, failing that, to escalate tensions elsewhere, including with Hezbollah in Lebanon or with Iran directly in a desperate effort to stymie mounting calls for a general election. He faces multiple indictments and plunging poll numbers: Three quarters of Israelis want him to resign now. A member of Israels war cabinet, Benny Gantz, who joined an emergency government after the Hamas terror attack on October 7 and who many Israelis want to see replace Netanyahu as prime minister, was quoted on Sunday as saying Israel will exact the price from Iran, in the way and at the time that suits us. Dusk in Jerusalem on Sunday night. Israel got back to normality relatively swiftly, not least as air defences thwarted almost all of the 300-plus drones and missiles launched by Iran. Picture: Leo Correa/AP There is also some notable local criticism here, that Israel badly miscalculated in its attack on the Iranian compound in Damascus, believing Iran wouldnt dare attack Israel directly, the first nation-state attack on Israel in 33 years. Only time of course will reveal Israels intentions. Presumably the residents of Beirut, Damascus, and Tehran are all now watching nervously. Meanwhile, life in Israel has largely returned to some normalcy. Among the notable exceptions are 130 Israeli hostages who remain captive in Gaza, and 100,000 Israelis forced from their homes along the Lebanese border because of daily rocket attacks from Hezbollah, and who remain effectively homeless. And of course the human misery and risk of famine for two million Palestinians in Gaza continues. The devastating Turkiye-Syria earthquakes of February 2023 exacerbated the already immense suffering in northwest Syria, where communities have endured over 13 years of relentless armed conflict and prolonged displacement. With vital funding from the European Union (EU), Goal has been working to provide disaster-affected families with access to clean piped water, offering hope amidst extreme fragility. Are we not human? questions Hussein, a 48-year-old father of nine who has been living in Al-Wadah displacement camp in northern Aleppo, Syria, since the earthquakes destroyed his family's home in Jandires town in February 2023. Describing the challenges faced by displaced families like his, Hussein shares, There is no medicine, schools, roads and, most importantly, no water or hygiene. Perhaps we are not considered human after all. Every day, Goal teams working on the ground in northwest Syria meet hundreds of families experiencing the struggles Hussein expressed. The devastation brought on by the February 2023 earthquakes put a new strain on communities that were already reeling from 13 years of relentless armed conflict, economic downturn, and the COVID-19 pandemic, damaging homes and critical infrastructure and pushing hundreds of thousands more Syrians to the brink. The right to water under fragility Regular access to clean water is essential for survival in fragile contexts. However, in northwest Syria, more than half of the region's 5.1 million population relies on potentially unsafe water sources. According to the United Nations, among the 2 million displaced people in northwest Syria who are living in camps and informal settlements, only 27 per cent of households are connected to the water network, which has suffered immense damage from years of conflict and the February 2023 earthquakes. Husseins wife, Amina, understands the importance of avoiding water that may be unsafe to use but feels powerless and without any other options. Since relocating to the displacement camp, her family has depended on water supplied in trucks by private vendors. "The water we get isn't sterilised, and my children are constantly sick with diarrhoea and vomiting," she explains. Yet, at times, even trucked water can be challenging to reach as flooding can block the roads in the camp, which is settled on agricultural land. It often falls on the children to fetch water from the trucks. "In rainy weather," explains Amina and Husseins 12-year-old son Mudar, "it's especially tough as the camp's roads turn into mud. We have to trek over 500 meters in the mud to reach the water truck and fill the cans. Unfortunately, the water we bring back is often mixed with dirt, making it unsuitable for drinking." Hussein and his 12 year old son Mudar carry water to their family tent across muddy roads. Hussein and Amina have to resort to extreme measures when water trucks fail to visit their camp. "Once," shares Amina, "I had to gather water from a pool of rainwater in the camp for cleaning." "Sometimes," adds Hussein, "we're forced to use the rainwater collected from the tent's roof despite knowing it's polluted." Delivering water under conflict and disasters Goal has been supporting water systems across northwest Syria since 2014. This support has enabled the continued operation of piped water networks under conflict conditions by ensuring water pumping stations are powered, conducting repairs and maintenance, and facilitating water safety through chlorination and testing. Goal also provides capacity building and technical assistance to local water network administrators. With funding from the EU and other donors, Goal is currently helping supply clean tap water for approximately 800,000 individuals across northwest Syria. In recent years, Goal has broadened its humanitarian Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) delivery model to reach additional displaced communities living in camps and self-settled tented sites. Since the February 2023 earthquakes, Goal has intensified these efforts, providing or restoring access to clean water for over 130,000 individuals affected by the earthquakes by rehabilitating and extending water networks, constructing water towers, and installing solar power systems, thanks to additional support from the EU. GOALs EU-funded WASH activities in Al-Wadah and nearby tented settlements in northern Aleppo have aimed to ensure that piped potable water can be supplied to over 5,000 displaced people, many of whom lost their homes in the earthquakes. This work has included installing new pipelines connecting the camp to a water pumping station and constructing a new water tower to support a stable water system. Hussein expressed relief when he witnessed the installation of the new water pipelines in Al-Wadah: "When Goal tested the system, and we saw that the water was flowing from the tap, the whole camp felt like the site of a feast." Upon completion of the tower's construction, families in the settlement will have regular access to piped potable water from a reliable source, crucial for warding off water-borne diseases. A Goal WASH engineer is inspecting the works at the new water tower Goal is constructing at Al-Wadah camp in northern Aleppo, Syria, with the EU's support. Photograph: Goal Amidst a world fraught with crises, aid organisations confront increasingly complex humanitarian challenges affecting a growing number of people. There's a critical need for medium to long-term humanitarian programmes that go beyond short-term emergency responses. These programmes must address the evolving nature of displacement, providing essential services to families over extended periods. In fragile regions like Northwest Syria, where public capacity to address risks is limited, humanitarian efforts play a vital role in strengthening local service delivery. By ensuring the continuation of these services through conflict and disasters, aid organisations can offer hope for a better future for those affected. Goal teams have been working on the ground in Syria for over ten years, supporting vulnerable communities since the conflict began in 2012. Visit here to learn more. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however those of Goal only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EU Humanitarian Aid. Neither the European Union nor EU Humanitarian Aid can be held responsible for them. About EU Humanitarian Aid: The European Union and its Member States are among the world's leading donors of humanitarian aid. Through the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations of the European Commission, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. Learn more at civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu. Twelve news organisations have urged presumptive presidential nominees Joe Biden and Donald Trump to agree to debates, saying they were a rich tradition that have been part of every campaign since 1976. While Mr Trump, who did not participate in debates for the Republican nomination, has indicated a willingness to take on his 2020 rival, the Democratic president has not committed to debating him again. Although invitations have not been formally issued, the news organisations said it was not too early for each campaign to say publicly that it will participate in the three presidential and one vice presidential forums set by the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates. If there is one thing Americans can agree on during this polarised time, it is that the stakes of this election are exceptionally high, the organisations said in a joint statement. Joe Biden, right, answers a question as Donald Trump listens during the second and final presidential debate in 2020 (Morry Gash/AP) Amidst that backdrop, there is simply no substitute for the candidates debating with each other, and before the American people, their visions for the future of our nation. ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, PBS, NBC, NPR and The Associated Press all signed the letter. Mr Biden and Mr Trump debated twice in 2020. A third debate was cancelled after Mr Trump, then president, tested positive for Covid-19 and would not debate remotely. Asked on March 8 whether he would commit to a debate with Mr Trump, Mr Biden said, it depends on his behaviour. The president was visibly fed up with his opponent in the first 2020 debate, at one point saying: Will you shut up? Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in a letter last week that we have already indicated President Trump is willing to debate anytime, any place and anywhere and the time to start these debates is now. They cited the seven 1858 Illinois Senate debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, saying certainly todays America deserves as much. The Republican National Committee voted in 2022 to no longer participate in forums sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The Trump campaign has not indicated it would adhere to that but did have some conditions. The campaign managers said the commission selected a demonstrably anti-Trump moderator in then-Fox News host Chris Wallace in 2020 and wants assurances the commission debates are fair and impartial. The Trump campaign also wants the timetable moved up, saying that many Americans will have already voted by September 16, October 1 and October 9, the dates of the three debates set by the commission. The Biden campaign declined to comment on the news organisations letter, pointing to the presidents earlier statement. There was no immediate response from the Trump campaign. An eight-year-old mountaineer from Cumbria in the UK has said he is over the moon to have reached Everest base camp after setting out with his mother to raise money for charity. Frankie McMillan has been regularly climbing mountains with mother Basia since he was a toddler, and last year took on his greatest challenge yet becoming the youngest Briton to climb Mount Olympus in Greece. Frankie has climbed more than 500 mountains and hills, including summiting Scafell Pike when he was four years old and taking on all 214 Wainwrights in the Lake District. Frankie McMillan made it to Everest base camp with his mother Basia (Basia McMillan/PA) After reaching Everest base camp on April 9, Frankie told the PA news agency: I felt so proud of myself. I was over the moon. His mother, Ms McMillan, 40, said: It was just such a rewarding experience. It was a very proud moment. Frankie was very proud of himself but I was even more proud because I was proud not of myself but of him. I was watching him touching the base camp rock and seeing him making his dreams come true. It wasnt only for me, it was supporting my son fulfilling his dreams which there is no price for that, it was just priceless, she told PA. Frankie has climbed more than 500 mountains and hills (Basia McMillan/PA) Ms McMillan, a mountain guide, said Frankie was absolutely fine during the climb but she got frequent headaches closer to the end of the hike and it was hard in parts. He managed all the way all by himself if anything, I think he was stronger than me, she said. We kept encouraging each other and bouncing from each other, so every time I was struggling, Frankie would encourage me and when he was struggling, I would encourage him. Other mountaineers were so welcoming and so encouraging, she said, adding: Every time we mentioned where we were going, no-one could really believe it. All the other people passing by were stopping and taking photos and videos of Frankie and having chats, and when we got to the top they were cheering for him and clapping which was so rewarding, she said. Frankie was raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation charity (Basia McMillan/PA) Frankie previously told PA: I would like to beat the record to be the youngest person in the world to ever go to the top of Everest. Its always been my dream and we want to just at least get to base camp. I know its not the top, but one day well be there. Asked if reaching base camp had made Frankie more determined to summit the mountain, he said: It has a lot. I literally didnt think it was going to be that fun. It was amazing. Frankie already made a plan on how to get to the top of Everest, his mother added. We went to base camp, which proved that Frankie still wants to go higher and, and I really dont think theres anything stopping him now. Frankies mother Basia said she was proud of her son (Basia McMillan/PA) Speaking while staying in Kathmandu, Ms McMillan said: I dont know how well be able to go back home. Hell be going to school and imagine the conversations he will have at school What did you do on your half-term break? I just climbed to Everest base camp. The pair set up a JustGiving page and have raised over 1,800 for childrens charity Make-A-Wish UK. To donate to Frankies fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/page/frankie-everest-base-camp. The historic hush-money trial of Donald Trump got underway Monday with the arduous process of selecting a jury to hear the case charging the former president with falsifying business records in order to stifle stories about his sex life. The day ended without any jurors being seated. The selection process was scheduled to resume Tuesday. The first criminal trial of any former US president began as Trump vies to reclaim the White House, creating a remarkable split-screen spectacle of the presumptive Republican nominee spending his days as a criminal defendant while simultaneously campaigning for office. Hes blended those roles over the last year by presenting himself to supporters, on the campaign trail and on social media, as a target of politically motivated prosecutions designed to derail his candidacy. After a norm-shattering presidency shadowed by years of investigations, the trial amounts to a courtroom reckoning for Trump, who faces four indictments charging him with crimes ranging from hoarding classified documents to plotting to overturn an election. Yet the political stakes are less clear because a conviction would not preclude him from becoming president and because the allegations in this case date back years and are seen as less grievous than the conduct behind the three other indictments. The day began with hours of pretrial arguments including over a potential fine for Trump before moving into the start of jury selection. The first members of the jury pool 96 in all were summoned into the courtroom, where the parties will decide who among them might be picked to decide the legal fate of the former, and potentially future, American president. Former US president Donald Trump sits inside a Manhattan criminal court in New York (Jeenah Moon/Pool Photo via AP) Trump craned his neck to look back at the pool, whispering to his lawyer as they entered the jury box. You are about to participate in a trial by jury. The system of trial by jury is one of the cornerstones of our judicial system, Judge Juan Merchan told the jurors. The name of this case is the People of the State of New York vs. Donald Trump. Trumps notoriety would make the process of picking 12 jurors and six alternates a near-herculean task in any year, but its likely to be especially challenging now, unfolding in a closely contested presidential election in the heavily Democratic city where Trump grew up and catapulted to celebrity status decades before winning the White House. Underscoring the difficulty, only about a third of the 96 people in the first panel of potential jurors remained after the judge excused some members of the jury pool. More than half of the group was excused after telling the judge they could not be fair and impartial. At least nine more prospective jurors were excused after raising their hands when Merchan asked if they could not serve for any other reason. A female juror was excused after saying she had strong opinions about Trump. Earlier in the questionnaire, the woman, a Harlem resident, indicated she could be neutral in deciding the case. But when asked whether she had strong opinions about the former president, the woman answered matter-of-factly: Yes. When Merchan asked her to repeat the response, she replied: Yeah, I said yes. She was dismissed. Former President Donald Trump arrives at Manhattan criminal court with his legal team ahead of the start of jury selection in New York on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/Washington Post via AP, Pool) Merchan has written that the key is whether the prospective juror can assure us that they will set aside any personal feelings or biases and render a decision that is based on the evidence and the law. No matter the outcome, Trump is determined to benefit from the proceedings, casting the case, and his indictments elsewhere, as a broad weaponization of law enforcement by Democratic prosecutors and officials. He maintains they are orchestrating sham charges in hopes of impeding his presidential run. Hes lambasted judges and prosecutors for years, a pattern of attacks that continued up to the moment he entered court Monday when he called the case an assault on America and said: This is political persecution. This is a persecution like never before. Earlier Monday, the judge denied a defense request to recuse from the case after Trumps lawyers claimed he had a conflict of interest. He also said prosecutors could not play for the jury the 2005 Access Hollywood recording in which Trump was captured discussing grabbing women sexually without their permission. However, prosecutors will be allowed to question witnesses about the recording, which became public in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign. Prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorneys office also asked for Merchan to fine Trump $3,000 over social media posts they said violated the judges gag order barring him from attacking witnesses. Last week, he used his Truth Social platform to call his former lawyer Michael Cohen and the adult film actor Stormy Daniels two sleaze bags who have, with their lies and misrepresentations, cost our Country dearly! Trump lawyer Todd Blanche maintained Trump was simply responding to the witnesses statements. Its not as if President Trump is going out and targeting individuals. He is responding to salacious, repeated vehement attacks by these witnesses, Blanche said. Former President Donald Trump arrives at Manhattan criminal court with his legal team ahead of the start of jury selection in New York on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/Washington Post via AP, Pool) Merchan did not rule on the request immediately, instead setting a hearing for next week. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors say the alleged fraud was part of an effort to keep salacious and, Trump says, bogus stories about his sex life from emerging during his 2016 campaign. The charges center on $130,000 in payments that Trumps company made to Cohen. He paid that sum on Trumps behalf to keep Daniels from going public, a month before the election, with her claims of a sexual encounter with the married mogul a decade earlier. Prosecutors say the payments to Cohen were falsely logged as legal fees in order to cloak their actual purpose. Trumps lawyers say the disbursements indeed were legal expenses, not a cover-up. After decades of fielding and initiating lawsuits, the businessman-turned-politician now faces a trial that could result in up to four years in prison if hes convicted, though a no-jail sentence also would be possible. Trump would also be expected to appeal any conviction. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appears in State Supreme Court in New York on Monday morning, April 15, 2024, for the first day of his trial on charges of falsifying business records. (Jefferson Siegel/Pool Photo via AP) Trumps attorneys lost a bid to get the hush-money case dismissed and have since repeatedly sought to delay it, prompting a flurry of last-minute appeals court hearings last week. Among other things, Trumps lawyers maintain that the jury pool in overwhelmingly Democratic Manhattan has been tainted by negative publicity about Trump and that the case should be moved elsewhere. An appeals judge turned down an emergency request to delay the trial while the change-of-venue request goes to a group of appellate judges, who are set to consider it in the coming weeks. Manhattan prosecutors have countered that a lot of the publicity stems from Trumps own comments and that questioning will tease out whether prospective jurors can put aside any preconceptions they may have. Theres no reason, prosecutors said, to think that 12 fair and impartial people cant be found amid Manhattans roughly 1.4 million adult residents. The prospective jurors will be known only by number, as the judge has ordered that their names be kept secret from everyone except prosecutors, Trump and their legal teams. The 42 preapproved, sometimes multi-pronged queries include background basics but also reflect the uniqueness of the case. Former President Donald Trump arrives at Manhattan criminal court with his legal team ahead of the start of jury selection in New York, on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Jabin Botsford/Pool Photo via AP) Theyre being asked, among other questions, about their hobbies and news habits, if they hold strong beliefs about Trump that would prevent them being impartial and about attendance at Trump or anti-Trump rallies. Based on the answers, the attorneys can ask a judge to eliminate people for cause if they meet certain criteria for being unable to serve or be unbiased. The lawyers also can use peremptory challenges to nix 10 potential jurors and two prospective alternates without giving a reason. If youre going to strike everybody whos either a Republican or a Democrat, the judge observed at a February hearing, youre going to run out of peremptory challenges very quickly. (Photo : Unsplash/Jeff Siepman) AI technology is offering a solution to aid restaurants, grocery stores, and other food-centric businesses in the U.S. in monitoring food waste disposal. This problem accounts for almost 40% of the nation's food going to waste annually. Two companies, Winnow and Afresh, have developed AI technology that enables food-related businesses to assess the amount of waste occurring in their daily operations. This helps them better manage the products they sell or use. In the United States, Feeding America reports that 80 million tons of food is wasted annually, leading to an estimated 149 million meals discarded. Of this waste, 46% originates from the food industry, and 38% of all food in the U.S. remains unsold or uneaten. READ ALSO: Robotic Window-Washers Revolutionizing Skyscraper Maintenance, Take Over Manhattan with Robotic Arms and LiDAR Cameras Winnow's AI Technology According to the New York Times, Winnow sets up cameras above trash bins in restaurant kitchens. These cameras capture images that an AI algorithm analyzes to assess the quantity of wasted food and its associated costs. Based on company estimates, restaurants have reduced their money on food costs by 8% by becoming aware of their wastage. A spokesperson informed NewsNation that Winnow now collaborates with 2,000 enterprises across 77 countries, including notable brands such as IKEA, Hilton, and Marriott. Winnow's clients collectively save an estimated $54 million annually, preventing the disposal of the equivalent of 45 million meals. They estimate that, on average, kitchens discard about 20% of the food they buy, but through implementing Winnow's technology, companies typically reduce their food expenses by 2-8%. Afresh AI Technology Afresh utilizes artificial intelligence to track a grocery store's inventory and purchases, analyzing how many unsold products are discarded. Matt Schwartz, the CEO, expressed on the company's website that his goal in founding Afresh was to combat food waste and enhance accessibility to nutritious food. According to Business Insider, AI insights enable grocery stores to adjust their purchasing decisions based on the amount of food being wasted, optimizing their inventory management processes. The Environmental Impact on The Food Industry The companies developing this technology aim to have an environmental impact by assisting restaurants, grocery stores, and catering companies in reducing food waste. According to the United Nations Environmental Program, food waste contributes 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The agency highlighted that reducing food waste at retail, food service, and household levels can offer numerous benefits for both people and the planet. This technology arrives at a crucial moment, as the world's population is projected to surpass 9.5 billion by 2050, accompanied by a 60% increase in food demand, as stated by UNEP. While food waste persists, 12.9% of the global population grapples with hunger, and individuals in less affluent communities allocate between 50% and 80% of their income toward food expenses. Marc Zornes, the founder of Winnow, told the New York Times that food waste is a problem that often goes unnoticed and disregarded. RELATED ARTICLE: Robot Malfunction Attacking an Engineer in Tesla Mounts Up Revelations on Factory's Working Environment 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Unsplash/Pablo Varela ) Your employees rely on you for guidance and encouragement, and as a leader, you are responsible for guiding them through uncertain times and boosting their morale. Here are some strategies to enhance your abilities as a leader in 2024: Practice Human-Centric Leadership Conventional leadership paradigms promote hierarchical management methods characterized by linear and inflexible task delegation. However, contemporary employees require a different leadership style: one that is adaptable, empathetic, and genuine. Caitlin Duffy, Research Director at Gartner, pointed out that social and political unrest, the blending of work and personal life, and the rise of hybrid work setups are erasing the traditional boundaries that define the leader-employee relationship. Leaders now must navigate a more nuanced dynamic, transitioning from a conventional leader-to-employee interaction to a more empathetic and human-centered approach. Although this management style might appear straightforward, only 29% of employees report experiencing human leadership from their superiors. Create A Crisis Management Plan Various risks, such as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, economic uncertainties, and the impending presidential election, characterize the business environment in 2024. Leaders need to cultivate strong crisis management skills, emphasizing proactive strategies, effective communication, and recovery plans to avoid harming employees, damaging reputations, causing financial losses, and causing legal ramifications. Make Building a Cohesive Culture A Priority Office culture has significantly changed, impacting employee morale, employer branding, recruitment efforts, productivity, and innovation. According to Peter Aykens, Practice Vice President of Gartner's Human Resources practice, reduced in-person interactions, decreased time spent in the office, and smaller employee networks have disrupted the traditional cultural landscape. It is crucial to cultivate a culture that resonates with everyone, regardless of the working model you adopt for your employees. Ensure you make employees feel valued, emphasize your business's mission and values, and implement tools that facilitate seamless connectivity throughout the day. READ ALSO: Is Your Team Really Engaged? Here Are Key Strategies for Improving Workplace Morale and Productivity Delegate Many managers believe that closely managing employees is essential for steering the company successfully in times of uncertainty. Still, this instinct often leads to micromanagement, negatively impacting morale and productivity. In 2024, resist the urge to take on too much from your team and delegate responsibilities as much as possible. This rings particularly true for managers overseeing Generation Z workers, who are increasingly influential in the workforce. According to Michael Pankowski, Gen-Z Analyst at Deloitte Digital, bosses who entrust their Gen-Z employees with open-ended tasks, satisfying their desire for autonomy and ownership, will receive dedication and creativity from these young workers. In 2024, prioritize assigning tasks to your team members that they can accomplish independently with the needed resources. Empowering your employees with greater responsibility allows you to focus on overarching goals while fostering their professional growth. Ask for Feedback A feedback loop is essential for promptly identifying and resolving issues before they escalate. Ensuring open and honest communication facilitates the identification of workflow bottlenecks, communication hurdles, and cultural issues that may undermine your employees' loyalty. While seeking feedback on your work style might feel uncomfortable, it is still valuable to ask your team for input on improving your operations and innovative ideas for new products, marketing strategies, and customer retention initiatives, ultimately enhancing your business's performance. RELATED ARTICLE: The Counterintuitive Strategy to Set Yourself Up for Workplace Success According to A Harvard-Trained Neuroscientist 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Unsplash/Damir Kopezhanov) "These are my feelings, and feelings aren't wrong." That one sentence demonstrates that Samantha's 9-year-old son possesses a healthier attitude toward mental health than many adults, including herself. He comprehends the importance of expressing his emotions and acknowledging his feelings to maintain his emotional well-being. According to recent research from Bain & Company, cultures focusing solely on productivity tend to increase burnout. Despite the frequent coverage of this issue in the news, a crucial aspect is often overlooked: Productivity and well-being are inherently interconnected, and one cannot thrive without the other. It is widely recognized that corporations should provide comprehensive benefits programs encompassing various facets of employee well-being, such as behavioral health and employee assistance programs. However, regarding mental health, employees often hesitate to seek the support they require. These programs can only be effective if employees feel empowered and supported enough to utilize them. While mental health days can be beneficial, Samantha Hammock, an executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Verizon, believes it is more effective to cultivate a corporate culture that addresses underlying workplace issues contributing to the need for such days. As individuals with the privilege and responsibility of setting examples and emphasizing the significance of mental health, Hammock wishes to share some valuable tips she has learned: READ ALSO: Top 9 Workplace Incentives That Motivate Employees Without Money Involved What Gets Measured, Gets Done Hammock understands that what is measured gets done as a leader, and mental health is no different. Verizon uses quarterly Pulse surveys to gauge employee well-being and collect direct feedback. Hammock ensures that they gather data and swiftly translate insights into action plans, introducing new programs and benefits to support employees. By responding to their feedback, they improve the company culture and demonstrate that employee experiences are valued and lead to positive changes, fostering greater engagement and openness. Know The Tools By Heart Hammock acknowledges that many leaders overlook their company's benefits while readily recommending them to employees. She stresses the importance of fully utilizing available resources to understand better how these services can benefit team members. For instance, when Verizon introduces a new benefit, Hammock promptly signs up to explore its potential for herself and her team. She eagerly anticipates the impact of their latest offering, Virgin Pulse, which allows her to establish shared goals with her team and provide mutual support. This digital well-being platform is a convenient hub for implementing daily actions to achieve their well-being objectives. Awareness to Advocacy Hammock emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of well-being and actively advocating for it as a leader. She encourages open discussions about mental health with team members, collectively and one-on-one, and shares her approach to self-care. She fosters an environment where self-care is valued and celebrated by asking team members what support they need and demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt. Hammock believes there is still too much guilt associated with basic well-being practices and encourages authenticity in creating a safe space for team members to express their needs openly. Walk The Talk Hammock underscores the importance of leading by example regarding mental health. While discussing it with teams is crucial, demonstrating personal commitment to well-being is equally vital in building trust. She ensures that her dedication to well-being is evident by incorporating messages on well-being into all-hands meetings and town halls, sharing her struggles, such as moments of mom guilt, or efforts to improve as a leader and advocate. Additionally, she models behaviors she wants her team, particularly fellow HR leaders, to adopt, such as refraining from sending emails outside of work hours and prioritizing rest and relaxation by taking time off. Embrace Changes While many leaders acknowledge the importance of well-being and mental health, translating this awareness into behavioral change can be challenging. While empathetic leadership was once celebrated, there is a growing need for vulnerable leaders who engage in genuine conversations and take tangible steps to prioritize well-being within their teams. Hammock emphasizes the importance of reassessing expectations and workload to ensure that team members have the space to care for themselves effectively. Make Space for Changing Crisis to Care Hammock's final point underscores the necessity of allowing team members dedicated time for rest and utilizing available resources for their mental well-being. She emphasizes that when team members feel well, they perform well in both their personal and professional lives. Therefore, there is a need to transition from viewing mental health as only important during crises to adopting a proactive mental care strategy. Hammock warns that leaders risk stagnation without evolving their approach to well-being. Given the significant emotional burden many individuals carry, prioritizing mental health is more critical than ever. Hammock's final thought is a powerful reminder that if her 9-year-old son can prioritize his well-being, everyone else can. RELATED ARTICLE: Is Your Team Really Engaged? Here Are Key Strategies for Improving Workplace Morale and Productivity 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Unsplash/Solen Feyissa) OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with hundreds of Fortune 500 company executives in San Francisco, New York, and London this month to pitch AI services for corporate use, directly competing in some cases with Microsoft, their financial backer, according to attendees who spoke to Reuters. The OpenAI Roadshow The roadshow-style events demonstrate how the company, credited with catalyzing the growth of generative artificial intelligence through its consumer offering, seeks to expand revenue streams from corporations worldwide, potentially encroaching on the home territory of its largest partner. READ ALSO: NVIDIA's Blackwell: A Higher Performing Chip to Power Industrial Revolution Altman Pitching ChatGPT Enterprise Altman personally addressed over 100 executives in each city during the events, as reported by attendees who requested anonymity. At each event, Altman and Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap provided product demonstrations, showcasing offerings such as ChatGPT Enterprise, the enterprise-grade version of their renowned chatbot that generates text from basic prompts, software for connecting customer applications to their AI services via APIs, and their new text-to-video models. OpenAI has assured that data from ChatGPT Enterprise customers will not be utilized to train its models. Engaging potential customers from various sectors like finance, healthcare, and energy, OpenAI executives emphasized multiple applications, such as call center management and translation. They pointed out that over 92% of Fortune 500 companies already utilize the consumer version of their chatbot. Microsoft, OpenAI's largest investor, provides access to OpenAI's technology via its Azure cloud platform and offers Microsoft 365 Copilot, a productivity tool for enterprises powered by OpenAI's models. Microsoft Customers' Questions Attendees reported that Some executives at the events questioned why they should invest in ChatGPT Enterprise if they are already Microsoft customers. Altman and Lightcap countered that subscribing to the enterprise service enabled direct collaboration with the OpenAI team, access to the latest models, and more significant opportunities for customized AI products, as recounted by attendees. OpenAI and Microsoft declined to comment further. OpenAI Expanding AI Offerings OpenAI, valued at $86 billion in a recent secondary sale, has been striving to diversify its revenue streams since the rapid rise in popularity of its chatbot ChatGPT in late 2022. Sources indicate it is progressing towards its projected $1 billion revenue target for 2024. While expanding its offerings with new consumer products like the marketplace ChatGPT stores, OpenAI anticipates that selling to enterprises will become a more significant revenue stream. Lightcap informed Bloomberg last week that over 600,000 people have signed up to use ChatGPT Enterprise and Team, a notable increase from around 150,000 in January. Lightcap, the primary OpenAI executive dedicated to enterprise adoption, has additionally engaged with Hollywood studio executives to endorse the company's Sora video creation tool. This tool generates and refines videos based on a user's text description, sparking enthusiasm and concern within the creative industry. Two prominent Hollywood studios informed Reuters that they are pursuing early access to begin exploring Sora's applications, although they harbor concerns regarding the source of the video used to train Sora, the reliability of the output, and its capability to safeguard copyrighted works. Fox and News Corp hosted Altman at a leadership retreat last October, during which he participated in a question-and-answer session, as per a source familiar with the session. RELATED ARTICLE: OpenAI Deleted Ban on Military Use of GPT, Swamped with Protesters Opposing AI and Military Involvement 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. ( Tomdispatch.com ) Words cant express the horrors of Israels genocide in Gaza. To actually feel the nightmare, you would have to be there under the bombs, fleeing with Palestinians desperately seeking a safe place that doesnt exist; seeing building after building destroyed; treading through blood in one of the few, only partially standing hospitals; and witnessing children and other patients sprawled on hospital floors, limbs amputated without anesthesia (Israel having blocked all medical supplies). It has taken the Jewish states savagery to break decades of silence about its history of crimes against humanity. U.S. military historian Robert Pape has called the onslaught against Gaza one of the most intense civilian punishment campaigns in history. Former U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour has said that we are witnessing probably the highest kill rate of any military since the Rwandan genocide of 1994. An Unsent Letter Palestine is finally an international cause. Outrage surges via global demonstrations. Israel has become a pariah in the global South. In the United States, organizations including A Jewish Voice for Peace, Code Pink, and the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights have been marching against the horrors now underway. Within this charged atmosphere, the 66th reunion of my 1958 Philadelphia High School for Girls graduating class will take place in June 2024. Girls High was that citys leading academic public high school of my time, together with its brother school, Central High (attended by Noam Chomsky). It was stellar not only for its academic excellence but for its integration of Black and White students at a time of deep segregation elsewhere. My mother, who graduated from Girls High in 1924, sent me there because of its policy of racial inclusiveness. I recently began preparing an open letter to my classmates about the genocide in Gaza and the ongoing settler pogroms of ethnic cleansing on the West Bank houses burned, olive trees uprooted, Palestinians made to flee. Ours is the prototypical Zionist generation and I particularly wanted to address my former classmates, some of whom still cling stubbornly to their allegiance to Israel. I was told, however, that there wouldnt be time to read the letter at our reunion which lasts just a few afternoon hours. What follows, then, is based on the letter I was preparing to read then, had the time been available. Zionism and The Six Day War In the early 1950s, my best childhood friend collected money to plant trees in Israel. At one point, her synagogue, which sponsored that project, needed straight pins. Somehow, I heard shraypins instead, a mysterious Hebrew word my imagination concocted and that her friends would find funny indeed. Zionism, in other words, was simply foreign to me. The first time I recall a thrill from it came right after Israels triumph in the 1967 Six Day War. I was then actively involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement on my graduate school campus and, on a trip to Paris that year, didnt want to identify as American. I spoke French quite well and not being able to tell from my slight accent that I was an American, someone asked me where I was from. Searching for a nationality I wouldnt be ashamed of, I blurted out that I was an Israelite. Oh, your people! he exclaimed. Such a small people, but such a brave people! For the first time, I felt deeply proud of being Jewish, not the sort of Jew who had (to my mind) cowered in a ghettoized Europe, but a strong, triumphant Jew with a powerful army. Soon after, my husband told me about Israels history its 1948 expulsion of 750,000 Palestinian Arabs and its exploitation of the territories it illegally occupied after the 1967 war. Not long after that, I read Noam Chomskys first book about Israeli settler-colonialism, Peace in the Middle East?, and never looked back. Settler Violence in the 1970s My husband, Louis Kampf, taught in the humanities department of M.I.T. Chomsky was a colleague and became a good friend. It was under his influence that, in 1979, I first went to Israel and visited the occupied West Bank. I had an assignment to write about Israeli women I was then a feminist columnist for Cambridges The Real Paper and also agreed to do pieces for New Yorks The Village Voice and Liberation Magazine. For the Voice I wrote about Gush Emunim the Bloc of the Faithful, the ancestor of the Jewish settlers movement. For Liberation, I wrote about a Palestinian village, Halhul, two of whose teenagers were murdered by Israeli settlers from nearby Kiryat Arba. I stayed in Kiryat Arba, thanks to a distant cousin of my husbands who got me there in an undercover fashion. One of my interviewees assured me that she believed in a great chain of being, Jews on top, all other humans below, with Arabs at the very bottom, just before animals, vegetables, and minerals. Her husband referred to the Talmudic injunction to rise and kill first. Another settler assured me that the Arabs could stay on the West Bank only if they would bow their heads. Muhammad Milhem, Halhuls mayor, led me to the highest hill in his village and, pointing toward Kiryat Arba, said, This is a cancer in our midst. I wonder if he realized how tragically prophetic his words would prove to be. Genocide in the 2020s Since October 8th, Ive been riveted by the genocide in Gaza being perpetrated by the Israeli military, which had prepared for it in a retrospectively unsettling fashion by decades of dehumanizing Palestinians. Hamas clearly committed war crimes on October 7th, but international rules still govern war. A nations reprisal for acts against its population must still be proportional to the original crime, which Israels war on Gaza isnt not faintly! Instead, its been distinctly genocidal. On March 28th, Reuters reported that, according to Gazas health ministry, at least 32,552 Palestinians had been killed and 74,980 injured in Israels post-October 7th military offensive in the Gaza Strip, while more than 7,000 Gazans are missing, many likely buried under the rubble. Israel has cut off most food and water to the region. A March 18th Oxfam press release announced that Gaza hunger figures are the worst on record. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that famine, a rare and catastrophic circumstance, is imminent. Usually caused by extreme natural events, the famine in Gaza is wholly human-made. Famine leaves the body prone to all sorts of horrendous diseases. According to the WHO, [I]llness may ultimately kill more people than Israels offensive. Infectious diseases are soaring, particularly among children with 100,000 reported cases of diarrhea, 25 times higher than before Israels assaults. Were I able to show my classmates scenes from the hell that is now the Gaza Strip, where would I begin? Would it be the infant whose face was partially blown off by an Israeli strike? Would it be the 12 year old with burns over 70% of his body? Would it be the countless unarmed civilians, including children, shot in the head and upper body with murderous intent? Would it be a baby with both legs amputated, who will never learn to walk? Dr. Yasser Khan, an ophthalmologist specializing in eyelid and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, spent 10 days in Gaza and, in an interview with a reporter from the Intercept, described what he had seen in the European Gaza Hospital, now barely functioning, where 35,000 people were reportedly sheltering. People were cooking in the hallways of a building in which no sterile environment was possible because there was nothing with which to sterilize. The medical workers were still often performing 14 or 15 amputations on children daily. Khan saw patients like an eight-year-old girl, rescued from the rubble with a fractured leg, all of whose family mother, father, aunts, uncles was wiped out. And there are thousands more like her, suffering from trauma that coming generations will undoubtedly inherit. They have given rise to a new acronym: WCNSF, or Wounded Child No Surviving Family. Khan removed the eyes of patients whose faces had been damaged by shrapnel, leaving an appearance he dubbed shrapnel face. Aid Workers Targeted I would have wanted to remind my classmates that Israel has frequently targeted aid workers, killing seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) employees in early April. The Israelis claimed that it was an accident and fired the officers it held responsible. But chef Jose Andres, WCK founder, insisted the attack was purposeful, that Israel had targeted the aid convoy car by car. This was not just a bad luck situation where oops we dropped the bomb in the wrong place, Andres said. This was over 1.5, 1.8 kilometers, with a very defined humanitarian convoy that had signs in the top, in the roof, a very colorful logo that we are obviously very proud of. Its very clear who we are and what we do. WCK is not just any relief organization, wrote Jack Mirkinson in The Nation magazine. Andres is a global celebrity with ties to the international political establishment. WCK had been working closely with the Israeli government both in Gaza and in Israel proper. It would be difficult to think of a more mainstream, well-connected group. It was as if Israel were showing off, Mirkinson added, flaunting its ability to cross every known line of international humanitarian law and get away with it. International Court of Justice Ruling The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on January 26th that Israels slaughter in Gaza is a plausible case of genocide and additional testimony from Francesca Albanese, the U.N.s Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Anatomy of a Genocide, only emphasized that point, given how little is left but rubble in so much of Gaza. The majority of its homes no longer exist, nor do its schools, universities, libraries, or music conservatories. Violating the 49th Geneva Convention, Israel has fired on ambulances and killed more than 685 health workers, while wounding about 900 of them. It has destroyed all but a few of Gazas 36 formerly flourishing hospitals, claiming that Hamas fighters are hiding in tunnels under the buildings. Against the civilian population Israel has used weapons like white phosphorous, which burns to the bone and cannot be easily extinguished. In the past, the Israeli military has been known for using Gaza as a laboratory for weapons experiments and the same is true of the current round of fighting. Israels war against Gaza did not, of course, start on October 7th. In 2006, after Gazans elected Hamas to govern them, Israel imposed a siege on the Strip. As lawyer Dov Weisglass, then an aide to the prime minister, said at the time, he wanted to keep Gazans just below starvation level not enough to kill them, but not enough to fill them either. The present siege has turned Gaza into whats been called the largest open-air prison on earth, a virtual concentration camp. A U.N. commentator described this as possibly the most rigorous form of international sanctions imposed in modern times. Such conditions helped produce the October attack. Occupying the West Bank since 1967, Israel has distinctly contravened international law. Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention stipulates that the Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies. It also prohibits individual or mass forcible transfers, as well as deportations of protected persons from occupied territory. Israel, however, has settled about 700,000 Israeli Jews in the West Bank. Once upon a time, there was indeed room for a separate Palestinian state. No more. Arabs to the Gas Chambers When I visited the West Bank city of Hebron in the 1980s, I saw graffiti on walls that proclaimed: ARABS TO THE GAS CHAMBERS. Back then, the renowned Israeli public intellectual Yeshayahu Leibowitz warned that Israel was turning its soldiers into Judeonazis. Recent YouTube videos of soldiers mocking their victims bear out his prophecy. Fascism is now pervasive in Israel. There are courageous exceptions like journalists Amira Hass and Gideon Levy who write for the newspaper Haaretz and the group Combatants for Peace. But all too many Israelis have supported their countrys assault on Gaza, or even wanted something worse. I wish I could have told my classmates that, should they care about Israel, its their responsibility to speak out now. The genocide in Gaza has been enabled, of course, by President Biden, who continues to send billions of dollars worth of weaponry, including devastating 2,000-pound bombs, to Israel. Without those arms, the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu couldnt be acting as it is. While it purports to be searching for and killing Hamas perpetrators of the October 7th atrocities, its actually gone to war against the entire population of Gaza. Israeli historian Ilan Pappe sees it as a massive operation of killing, of ethnic cleansing of depopulation. When Jews were being slaughtered by the Nazis, the world turned away. Now, the world has awakened to Israels crimes. Many American Jews, like those in A Jewish Voice for Peace (whose demonstrations Ive attended) are indeed speaking out. Its often asked how a people who suffered so much could cause such suffering. In fact, almost all the survivors of the Holocaust are dead. Obviously, none of the perpetrators of the genocide in Gaza and the ethnic cleansing of the West Bank were in European concentration camps. In a 1979 interview, renowned Israeli dissident, Hebrew University chemistry professor Israel Shahak pointed out that no Holocaust survivor had ever been a member of the Israeli government. Israel frequently uses the Holocaust to justify its actions in the Palestinian territories. This is a sacrilege, while one of historys great crimes is being committed, and this member of the class of 1958 knows it. Copyright 2024 Ellen Cantarow Via Tomdispatch.com Waging Nonviolence is an independent, non-profit media platform dedicated to providing original reporting and expert analysis of social movements around the world. They believe that when ordinary people organize they have incredible power and are the drivers of social change not politicians, billionaires or corporations. Since their founding in 2009, they have published reporting from contributors in more than 80 countries with a special focus on overlooked movements in the Global South, as well as issues that traditional media tend to ignore. TORONTO, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Revival Gold Inc. (TSXV: RVG, OTCQX: RVLGF) (Revival Gold or the Company) is pleased to announce pricing of its previously announced $7,000,000 brokered private placement (the Offering). The Offering is proposed to be completed concurrently with the acquisition by the Company of all the issued and outstanding shares of Ensign Minerals Inc. (Ensign) pursuant to a three-cornered amalgamation (the Transaction) between the Company, Ensign, and Revival Gold Amalgamation Corp. (Revival Subco). Please see the Companys press release dated April 10, 2024, for further information on the Transaction. The Company has entered into an agreement with Paradigm Capital Inc. and BMO Capital Markets, to act as lead agents and joint bookrunners, on behalf of a syndicate of agents, which includes Beacon Securities Limited (collectively, the Agents) for the sale of up to 21,875,000 subscription receipts of Revival Subco (the Subscription Receipts) at a price of C$0.32 per Subscription Receipt (the Issue Price) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$7,000,000. subject to an increase pursuant to the Over-Allotment Option (as defined below). The Company has also granted the Agents an option, exercisable, in whole or in part, for a period of up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to sell up to an additional 15% of the Subscription Receipts offered under the Offering (the Over-Allotment Option). The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used by the Company, following completion of the Transaction, to complete a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on Ensigns Mercur Project, advance permitting preparations on the Companys Beartrack-Arnett Project (Beartrack-Arnett), continue exploration for high-grade material at Beartrack-Arnett, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Each Subscription Receipt shall represent the right of a holder to receive, upon satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), without payment of additional consideration, one common share of Revival Subco (a Revival Subco Share) and one-half of one Revival Subco common share purchase warrant (each whole such warrant, a Revival Subco Warrant), in accordance with the terms and conditions of a subscription receipt agreement to be entered into among the Company, Revival Subco and a subscription receipt and escrow agent (the Subscription Receipt Agent) upon closing of the Offering (the Subscription Receipt Agreement). Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction, the Offering and the Subscription Receipt Agreement, each Revival Subco Share issued under the Offering will be exchanged for one common share of the Company (a Revival Share), and each Revival Subco Warrant will be exchanged for one Revival Share purchase warrant (a "Revival Warrant"). Each Revival Warrant will be exercisable by the holder thereof for one Revival Share (each, a Revival Warrant Share) at an exercise price of C$0.45 per Revival Warrant Share for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the date of issuance, subject to adjustments in certain events. The net proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts (the Escrowed Funds), net of 50% of the Cash Commission and the Agents expenses will be deposited and held in escrow by the Subscription Receipt Agent pending the satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions. As consideration for their services, the Agents will receive a cash commission of 6% of the gross proceeds of the Offering (the Cash Commission) and compensation warrants (the Compensation Warrants) in an amount equal to 6% of the number of Subscription Receipts sold pursuant to the Offering. Each Compensation Warrant will be exercisable to purchase one Revival Subco Share at the Issue Price for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below). 50% of the Agents Cash Commission will be held in escrow by the Subscription Receipt Agent and such Cash Commission shall be released to the Agents upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. The Compensation Warrants are expected to be exchanged for common share purchase warrants of the Company upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. The escrow release conditions for the Offering (the Escrow Release Conditions) are expected to be as follows: Written confirmation from Revival Gold and Revival Subco of the completion or irrevocable waiver or satisfaction of all conditions precedent to the Transaction (except such conditions that can only be satisfied at the effective time of the Transaction); The receipt of all required regulatory, and shareholder approvals, as applicable, for the Transaction and the Offering, including the conditional approval of the listing of the Revival Shares to be issued in connection with the Offering on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV); Written confirmation to the Agents from each of the Company and Ensign that all conditions of the Transaction have been satisfied or waived, other than release of the Escrowed Funds, and that the Transaction shall be completed forthwith upon release of the Escrowed Funds; The distribution of the Revival Shares following the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions being exempt from applicable Canadian prospectus and registration requirements of applicable securities laws and not subject to any hold or restricted period; The Company and Ensign shall not be in breach or default of any of its covenants or obligations under the Subscription Receipt Agreement or the agency agreement to be entered into among Revival, Revival Subco and the Agents (the Agency Agreement), except (in the case of the Agency Agreement only) for those breaches or defaults that have been waived by the Agents and all conditions set out in the Agency Agreement shall have been fulfilled; Revival Gold, Revival Subco, Ensign, and the lead agent (on its own behalf and on behalf of the Agents) having delivered a joint notice to the Subscription Receipt Agent confirming that the conditions set forth have been satisfied or waived (to the extent such waiver is permitted); and Such other customary escrow release conditions as may be required by the Company or the Subscription Receipt Agent. In the event that: the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied on or before the date which is 75 days following the closing of the Offering, or if prior to such time, the Company advises the lead agent or announces to the public that it does not intend to or will be unable to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions or that the Transaction has been terminated or abandoned, the net escrowed proceeds under the Offering (plus any interest accrued thereon) will be returned to the holders of the Subscription Receipts on a pro-rata basis and the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled without any further action on the part of the holders. To the extent that the escrowed proceeds are not sufficient to refund the aggregate issue price paid to the holders of the Subscription Receipts, the Company will be responsible and liable to contribute such amounts as are necessary to satisfy any shortfall. The Offering is expected to close on or about May 2, 2024, and is subject to certain conditions including but not limited to the approval of the TSXV and other necessary regulatory approvals. The Subscription Receipts will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. The Revival Shares and Revival Warrants to be issued upon the conversion of Subscription Receipts and closing of the Transaction will not be subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Subscription Receipts will be offered by way of: (a) private placement in each of the provinces of Canada pursuant to applicable prospectus exemptions under applicable Canadian securities laws; (b) in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to the exemptions from registration provided for under Rule 506(b) and/or Section 4(a)(2) of the U.S. Securities Act; and (c) in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States as are agreed to by the Company and the Agents on a private placement or equivalent basis. The securities being offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. 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 state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. United States and U.S. person are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. About Revival Gold Inc. Revival Gold is a growth-focused gold exploration and development company. The Company is advancing the Beartrack-Arnett Gold Project located in Idaho, USA. Beartrack-Arnett is the largest past-producing gold mine in Idaho. The Project benefits from extensive existing infrastructure and is the subject of a recent Preliminary Feasibility Study for the potential restart of open pit heap leach gold production operations. Since reassembling the Beartrack-Arnett land position in 2017, Revival Gold has made one of the largest new discoveries of gold in the United States in the past decade. The mineralized trend at Beartrack extends for over five kilometers and is open on strike and at depth. Mineralization at Arnett is open in all directions. Additional disclosure including the Companys financial statements, technical reports, news releases and other information can be obtained at www.revival-gold.com or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. For further information, please contact: Hugh Agro, President or CEO or Lisa Ross, CFO Telephone: (416) 366-4100 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Ensign Minerals Inc. Ensign is a private company existing under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and focused on exploring for precious metals within the Mercur District, Utah, USA. Ensign controls approximately 6,255 hectares in the district where the known mineralization occurs on primarily privately held patented claims. Ensigns property holdings include Mercur, West Mercur, South Mercur and North Mercur. Cautionary Statement Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities legislation (collectively forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors involved with forward-looking statements could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Vancouver, British Columbia - TheNewswire April 15, 2024- Lithium Lion Metals Inc. (Lithium Lion or the Company) (CSE:LLM) (OTC:GLIOF) (FWB:2BC) is pleased to announce, that further to the Companys press release on February 12, 2024, the Company has, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Panther Minerals (AK) Inc., entered into an option to purchase agreement (the Option Agreement) with Tubutulik Mining Company LLC (the Vendor) to acquire 100% interest in the Boulder Creek uranium property located in northwestern Alaska (the Property). Under the terms of the Option Agreement, in order to exercise the option in full and thereby acquire undivided 100% ownership interest in the Property (the Option Closing), the Company shall make the following cash payments (the Option Payments) to the Vendor: US$5,000 upon signing of the letter of intent as between the Company and the Vendor (paid); US$25,000 upon signing the Option Agreement (the Effective Date) (paid); US$50,000 on the first anniversary of the Effective Date; and US$100,000 on the 2nd through to the10th anniversaries of the Effective Date. The Company may accelerate the Option Payments, in its sole discretion, at any time during the term of the Agreement. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, the Company has also agreed to grant, that at the Option Closing, grant the Vendor a 2% net smelter royalty (the NSR) on the Property, subject to a buy-down right (the Buy-Down Right) in its sole direction to repurchase 1% of the NSR from the Vendor for $1million, if the Buy-Down Right is exercised before the Option Closing or $2 million, if the Buy-Down Rights is exercised after the Option Closing and until the 10th anniversary of the Option Closing. Furthermore, commencing on the first anniversary of the Effective Date following the Option Closing, the Company will be required to pay to the Vendor $100,000 per year, for a period of 10 years, as an advance towards the royalty payments pursuant to the NSR (the Advanced Royalty Payments). About the Boulder Creek Uranium Property The Property is located on Alaskas Seward Peninsula in northwestern Alaska and hosts the Boulder Creek uranium deposit within Tertiary-aged sandstones peripheral to a Late Cretaceous alkalic quartz monzonite intrusion. Drilling between 1979 and 1981 by Houston Oil and Minerals (HOM) outlined a historical reserve estimate of 1,000,000 pounds of U3O8 at an average grade of 0.27% U3O8 and average thickness of 3 metres, with depths of mineralization from the surface to 120 metres (Source: Economic Geology, Volume 82, 1987 pp. 1558-1574). This estimate was based on data from 52 diamond drill holes totalling over 3,350 meters (about 20 of these holes encountered mineralization) and 21 surficial split-tube sample holes totalling about 60 meters by HOM. HOM also did extensive prospect-level geologic mapping and prospecting, soil and biogeochemical surveying, and ground geophysical surveying. They also conducted some baseline environmental work. The foregoing is a historical estimate made prior to the implementation of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and was not prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101, nor does it use the categories of mineral resources set forth in NI 43-101; however, with the limited information available to the Company at this time, it is not able to provide an explanation of the differences. While the Company considers the historic estimate to provide information as to the historical exploration on the Property, the Company has not completed the work necessary to verify the classification of the resource and is not treating the historical estimate as compliant with NI 43-101. The historical estimate should not be relied upon. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. More recent exploration on the Property was completed between 2005 and 2008 by Triex Mineral Corp. (Triex) which was comprised of soil and biogeochemical surveys, an airborne radiometric and magnetic survey, geological mapping, prospecting and ground scintillometer surveys, and limited diamond drilling comprising 22 holes and 2,217 metres, (Source: Triex Managements Discussion & Analysis for the 1st quarter of Fiscal 2008, reported on Stockwatch dated December 21, 2007). The Company is collecting and compiling the available information from these exploration activities available from public sources and as supplied by the Vendor. The Company expects to utilize such information in planning a summer 2024 exploration program. Some of the exploration information presented herein, includes historical data developed by previous operators of the Property. The Company is providing this historical data for informational purposes only and gives no assurance as to its reliability and relevance to the Companys proposed exploration program at the Property. A qualified person has not verified the historical data. The Company has not completed any quality assurance program or applied quality control measures to the historical data. Accordingly, the historical data should not be relied upon. The acquisition of the Property reflects the Companys ongoing intention of pursuing advanced, highly quality prospective uranium projects that can be readily worked and efficiently explored in a timely manner. David Beck, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company stated: We are very pleased to have finalized this Option Agreement with the Vendor. With a historic uranium resource and multiple targets, the Property constitutes an initial, high-value uranium asset for our Company. Past exploration by HOM in the 1980s and Triex in the mid-2000s, represents a significant database that will allow us to fast-track identification of drill targets. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved for disclosure by Mr. Gary Clark, P.Geo. Mr. Clark is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and is a consultant for the Company. About Lithium Lion Metals Inc. Lithium Lion Metals is a mineral exploration company actively involved in the exploration of its North American project portfolio. For more information please visit: https://www.lithuimlion.ca/. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Beck Interim Chief Executive Officer Head Office Suite 600-1090 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V7 Telephone: +1 (604) 416 0569 Website: www.LithiumLion.ca Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, 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. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to the exercise of the option to purchase a 100% interest in the Property, including the timing thereof, if at all; the payment of the NSR and the Advanced Royalty Payments, and the Buy-Down Right including the timing thereof, if at all; and the Company's expected benefits and opportunities which will arise from the acquisition of the Property and results of operations, and the expected financial performance of the Company. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Such risk factors may include, among others, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation and environmental regulation; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; geological, technical, processing and transportation problems; changes in tax laws and incentive programs; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions; and the other factors. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; and (ii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Companys filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available on the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca. April 15, 2024 / TheNewswire / London, Ontario Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE:AMQ) (OTCQB:AMQFF) (FSE:FW0) (Abitibi or the Company) is pleased to announce that due to continued positive visuals, the Company has expanded its maiden drill program at the B26 Polymetallic Deposit (B26, the Project or the Deposit) to approximately 13,500 metres. On November 16th, 2023, the Company entered into an option agreement on the B26 Polymetallic Deposit to earn 80% over 7 years from SOQUEM Inc. (SOQUEM), a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec (see news release dated November 16, 2023). The increase in the drill program follows the addition of a third rig and the Companys recent release of some of the highest-grade intercepts in the Projects history, including 11.4% CuEq over 10.6 metres beginning at 135 metres depth in Drillhole 1274-24-294 and 6.3% CuEq over 10.6 metres beginning at 120 metres depth in Drillhole 1274-24-293 (see news release dated March 20, 2024). The Company anticipates completing the drill program by late April and resuming in late May following the conclusion of winter break-up. Jonathon Deluce, CEO of Abitibi Metals, commented, We are excited to expand our maiden drill program to 13,500 metres at the B26 Polymetallic Deposit, where we continue to observe exceptional copper mineralization and the recent release of some of the highest-grade intercepts in the Projects history. Given our ongoing success in the field and the recent closing of oversubscribed $7.1 million financing bringing our total treasury to approximately 19 million, expanding the program further was an easy decision as we work to aggressively develop the deposit. With assays from over 40 holes at B26 to be released in the coming weeks, and a simultaneous on-going drill program at the high-grade Beschefer Gold Project, the Spring will continue to be a very exciting time for Abitibi. B26 Polymetallic Deposit Summary Located within the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt, B26 comprises 66 claims covering 3,328 hectares in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James territory and represents a substantial opportunity to develop a copper, zinc, gold, and silver Polymetallic Deposit in a region with a rich history of base and precious metal production, which includes the Detour and Casa Berardi Mines. There is year-round road access with a power line running through the Project. Abitibi is the first public company with the option to earn into the B26 Deposit. With a strike length of 1 km and depth extent of 0.8 km, both of which are open to expansion, Abitibi will focus on delivering shareholder value with an aggressive exploration approach which includes a fully financed approximate 50,000 metres of drilling in 2024 and 2025 that will focus on advancing the historical 2018 resource1 while testing its open-pit potential. Property highlights include: Historical 2018 resource prepared by SGS Canada Inc. for SOQUEM Inc. that includes 254 holes over 115,311 meters, advancing the asset to a significant resource that includes, across all categories, 400 million pounds of copper, 286,000 ounces of gold, and significant zinc silver exposure. B26 Historical Resource Summary1 (2018) Indicated: 6.97 Mt at 2.94% Cu Eq (1.32% Cu, 1.80% Zn, 0.60 g/t Au and 43 g/t Ag) Inferred: 4.41 Mt at 2.97% Cu Eq (2.03% Cu, 0.22% Zn, 1.07 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag) Historical drilling by SOQUEM has established the continuity down to a vertical depth of 800 meters and the deposit remains open at depth and laterally with strong historical intercepts* including: 2.32% CuEq over 89.5 metres (1274-13-117) 3.05% CuEq over 48.1 metres (1274-16-224) 8.95% CuEq over 11.5 metres (1274-14-152) Drilling by Abitibi has identified the following notable intercepts*: 2.6% CuEq over 37.0 metres, including 6.3% CuEq over 10.6 metres (1274-24-293) 2.5% CuEq over 61.3 metres, including 11.4% CuEq over 10.6 metres (1274-24-294) Within 7 km of the historical Selbaie Mine, a similar Polymetallic Copper Deposit with a variety of mineralization styles and element combination, that had a historical resource of 56.9 Mt @ 0.87% Cu, 1.85% Zn, 0.55 g/t Au, 39 g/t Ag (CONSOREM 2012). Reference to this nearby property is for information only, and there are no assurances that the Company will achieve the same results at the B26 Deposit. Investor Relations Agreements The Company also announces it has entered into a service agreement with LFG Equities Corp. (LFG), pursuant to which LFG will provide marketing consulting services to the company to communicate to the financial community information about the Company by way of newsletters. The marketing campaign is planned for approximately 30 days with a total campaign budget of up to $100,000 (CAD). The majority of the campaign budget will be disbursed by LFG in order to satisfy its obligations under the agreement. The company and LFG act at arm's length, and LFG has no present interest, directly or indirectly, in the company or its securities. Qualified Person Information contained in this press release was reviewed and approved by Martin Demers, P.Geo., OGQ No. 770, who is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, and responsible for the technical information provided in this news release. About Abitibi Metals Corp Abitibi Metals Corp. is a Quebec-focused mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality base and precious metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Abitibis portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and includes the option to earn 80% of the high-grade B26 Polymetallic Deposit, which hosts a historical resource estimate1 of 7.0MT @ 2.94% Cu Eq (Ind) & 4.4MT @ 2.97% Cu Eq (Inf), and the Beschefer Gold Project, where historical drilling has identified 4 historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres and 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 metres amongst four modelled zones. About SOQUEM SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec, is dedicated to promoting the exploration, discovery and development of mining properties in Quebec. SOQUEM also contributes to maintaining strong local economies. Proud partner and ambassador for the development of Quebecs mineral wealth, SOQUEM relies on innovation, research and strategic minerals to be well-positioned for the future. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Jonathon Deluce, Chief Executive Officer For more information, please call 226-271-5170, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit https://www.abitibimetals.com. The Company also maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to keep stakeholders and the general public informed and encourages shareholders and interested parties to follow and engage with the Company through the following channels to stay updated with the latest news, industry insights, and corporate announcements: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbitibiMetals Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notes/Sources: 1. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Rapport Technique NI 43-101 Estimation des Ressources Projet B26, Quebec, For SOQUEM Inc., By SGS Canada Inc., Yann Camus, ing., Olivier Vadnais-Leblanc, geo., SGS Canada Geostat., Effective Date: April 18, 2018, Date of Report : May 11, 2018 * The application of a copper equivalent is a comparison measure used to level variable metal ratios. Results are not related to the recoveries and by virtue of the value of a mining production. Copper Equivalent values were calculated using metal prices of $4.00/lb Cu, $1.50/lb Zn, $20.00/ounce Ag and $1,800/ounce Au. Metal recoveries of 100% are applied in the copper equivalent calculation. Forward-looking statement This news release contains certain statements, which may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information involves statements that are not based on historical information but rather relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments on the B26 Project or otherwise. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions, which are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Companys control and many of which, regarding future business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on the Companys behalf. Although Abitibi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. All factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on Abitibis forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as expects, estimates, anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases (including negative and grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, might or occur. Mineral exploration and development are highly speculative and are characterized by a number of significant inherent risks, which may result in the inability of the Company to successfully develop current or proposed projects for commercial, technical, political, regulatory or financial reasons, or if successfully developed, may not remain economically viable for their mine life owing to any of the foregoing reasons, among others. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving commercial mineral production and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of the stage of operations. Highlights: 347 sq km granted exploration license (EL) located 140 km along strike of World Class Ok Tedi Copper-Gold Mine with very similar geological setting. Tinga Valley Property highly prospective for large and high-grade porphyry style copper-gold mineralization and associated massive sulphide-magnetite skarn mineralization with elevated copper and gold-silver grades with several large high priority drill targets already identified over a 2.5km x 1.5km footprint. Historic surface exploration work identified extensive Copper and Gold grades across a 2km copper mineralized zone including grades above 1.97% Cu, 12.7g/t Au. Tinga Valley Property will complement extensive copper-gold portfolio in PNG with exploration planned to unlock major Copper, Gold Porphyry potential in 2024 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Great Pacific Gold Corp. ("Great Pacific Gold, GPAC, or the "Company") (TSXV: GPAC) (OTCQX: FSXLF) (Germany: V3H) is pleased to announce it has entered into an amalgamation agreement dated April 12, 2024 (the Amalgamation Agreement) with privately held Tinga Valley Copper & Gold Corp. (Tinga) to acquire a highly prospective Papua New Guinea copper-gold project called the Tinga Valley Property. The Tinga Valley Property is characterised by a drill ready, well-defined high-grade copper-gold porphyry and associated skarn exploration targets. Historical work has indicated the existence of an epithermal overprint as well as an excellent potential for project size with multiple porphyry bodies along a large alteration halo across a 2.5km x 1.5km footprint. The Ok Tedi Copper Gold Mine, which lies 140kms to the north west along the same geological belt, is a superb geological comparison to the Tinga Valley Property. Great Pacific Gold CEO Bryan Slusarchuk states, The Tinga Valley Property is known to host significant size and grade potential for copper and gold and has been subject of a substantial amount of preliminary exploration work that has resulted in excellent drill targets. This acquisition adds to an already large and commanding land position within a country that hosts some of the worlds most important copper and gold deposits. With a strong treasury, in-country expertise, and an excellent technical team, we are well positioned to advance on multiple projects within PNG. Tinga CEO Martin Pawlitschek notes, Through our work, visits to the region and via the compilation of a substantial amount of historic data, we have demonstrated the Tinga Valley Property has the potential to host both large size and high-grade deposits. The targets identified are modelled after Tier 1 geological analogues such as the OK Tedi Copper Gold Mine. Todays transaction will benefit local communities, Tinga shareholders and all stakeholders as we combine an excellent project with a well-financed entity consisting of team members having a track record of success advancing projects through large-scale exploration in PNG. Information on the Tinga Valley Property The 347 sq km Tinga Valley property is located in the Papua Mobile Belt, a world class copper and gold district which is host to several Tier 1 copper and gold mines (Figure 1), such as: Porgera, operated by Barrick Gold and located 70km to the northeast. The mine produced over 16 million ounces of gold between 1990 and 1999 and is currently being recommissioned by Barrick to resume production. Ok Tedi a high-grade copper-gold mine in operation since early 1984s and located 140 Km to the NW of Tinga Valley from the start of operations in 1984 to the end of 2022, Ok Tedi has produced 5.17Mt of copper, 15.9Moz of gold and 36.4Moz of silver. Frieda River, operated by Australian registered PanAust was one of the biggest copper and gold deposits in PNG with an estimated 19Moz Au and 26.5B lbs Cu. Figure 1: Location of Tinga Valley, Papua Mobile Belt and Tier 1 deposits. Mineralization on the above properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization at Tinga Valley. The Tinga Valley tenement is located within the Papua Mobile Belt, which hosts the Darai Limestone and sediments of the Iero Formation, which are intruded by diorite and andesite porphyry bodies (Figure 1). This represents a geologic setting and footprint like that of the Ok Tedi Mine, which between 1984 and 2022 produced over 5.17 million tonnes of copper and 15.9 million ounces of gold (Figure 1). Historic work carried out initially by Kennecott Explorations and several other explorers since the early 1990s, through to the mid 2000s, identified extensive zones of porphyry related alteration, epithermal and skarn style copper and gold mineralization outcropping at surface. The mineralization and alteration have been mapped over a 2.5km x 1.5km area of diorite and andesite plugs intruded into limestone (Darai Limestone) and sediments of the Ieru Formation. Several of the intrusive units at Tinga, show extensive mineralization and alteration with historic rock chip samples reporting grades of up to 1.97% copper and up to 12.7 g/t gold in areas of phyllic, argillic and potassic alteration. Sulphide mineralization reported includes galena-sphalerite-chalcopyrite and chalcocite. Calcsilicate skarn mineralization consisting of pyrite-chalcopyrite-magnetite have been mapped on the contact zones of the intrusive zones with the limestone. The alteration occurs in concentric fashion around centres of potassic alteration, which are associated with the highest copper surface value. The alteration is indicative of a deeper, fully preserved porphyry copper-gold system. Despite the highly encouraging results and being located in one of the most important copper-gold belts in the world, the main prospects at Tinga Valley have not been drill tested to date and present the Company with a compelling opportunity for a tier 1 discovery. Figure 2: Tenement and Geology Map for Tinga Valley. Figure 3: Tinga Valley - Alteration map and surface copper geochemistry from historic work. Figure 4: Geological setting of the Ok Tedi Mine. Mineralization at OK Tedi Mine is not necessarily indicative of mineralization at Tinga Valley. Terms of Transaction Under the terms of the Definitive Agreement, in consideration of Tinga: The shareholders of Tinga (the Tinga Shareholders) immediately prior to the closing of the Acquisition (the Closing) will receive 12,500,000 common shares of GPAC (the Common Shares), and each Tinga Shareholder will receive one (1) Common Share for every one (1) Tinga Share held. The Common Shares issued to the Tinga Shareholders will be subject to voluntary restrictions on resale, of which 33.3% of the Common Shares will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period of four (4) months following Closing, 33.3% of the Common Shares will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period of eight (8) months following Closing and 33.4% of the Common Shares will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period of twelve (12) months following Closing. Clarus Securities Inc. (Clarus) has been appointed as the Financial Advisor to GPAC in connection with the transaction. In consideration of Clarus services, GPAC has agreed to issue 600,000 common shares to Clarus (the Advisor Shares). The Acquisition is an arms length transaction between GPAC and Tinga. No new insiders will be appointed or created as a result of this Acquisition. The Acquisition and the Advisor Shares are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange acceptance and the satisfaction of other customary conditions. About GPAC Great Pacific Gold has a portfolio of high-grade gold projects in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia. In PNG, Great Pacific Gold recently acquired a significant 2,166 sq. km mineral exploration land package in PNG. The land package comprises of exploration licenses (EL) and exploration license applications (ELA). It includes both early-stage and advanced-stage exploration targets with high-grade epithermal vein and porphyry-style mineralization present. The Arau Project consists of two exploration licenses, located in the Kainantu region, and includes the Mt. Victor Prospect, where previous drilling found a multiple phase intrusion complex hosting copper and gold mineralization. The Wild Dog Project consists of one granted exploration license, EL 2761, and one exploration license application, ELA 2516, located on the island of New Britain and about 50 km southwest of Rabaul and Kokopo, PNG. The Kesar Creek Project consists of one exploration license, EL 2711, and is contiguous with the K92 Mining Inc. tenements. In Australia, Great Pacific Gold began with two, 100% owned, high-grade gold projects called the Lauriston and Golden Mountain Projects, and has since acquired a large area of granted and application tenements containing further epizonal (low-temperature) high-grade gold mineralization and associated intrusion-related gold mineralization all in the state of Victoria, Australia. The Great Pacific Gold land package, assembled over a multi-year period, notably includes the Lauriston Project which is a 535 sq. km property immediately to the south of and within the same geological framework that hosts Agnico Eagle Mines Ltds Fosterville Gold Mine and associated exploration tenements. The Golden Mountain Project is an intrusion-related gold project on the edge of the Strathbogie granite and occurs at the northern end of the Walhalla Gold Belt. The acquired projects include the epizonal gold Providence Project containing the Reedy Creek goldfield which adjoins the Southern Cross Golds Sunday Creek exploration project and a large group of recently consolidated granted tenements called the Walhalla Gold Belt Project, which contain a variety of epizonal and intrusion related style gold mineralization. Additionally, Great Pacific Gold has another gold-focused project called the Moormbool project which has epizonal style gold mineralization and associated potential intrusion-related gold mineralization, as well as the Beechworth Project occurs in the northeast of the state and contains intrusion related and mesozonal gold mineralization. All GPACs properties in Australia are 100% owned and have had historical gold production from hard rock sources despite limited modern exploration and drilling. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Rex Motton, AusIMM (CP), COO of GPAC, a Qualified Person under the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Motton is responsible for the technical content of this news release. On behalf of GPAC Rex Motton Chief Operating Officer and Director Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Great Pacific Gold cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Great Pacific Gold's limited operating history, its exploration and development activities on its mineral properties and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. 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, Great Pacific Gold does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. 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: Adam Ross, Investor Relations, Direct: (604) 229-9445, Toll Free: 1 (833) 923-3334, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2024) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces drill core assay results from its fully-funded 2024 drill program at the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname. The Company reports the results of four infill holes from the Froyo Gold Zone closing a substantial gap in drilling. All four holes intercepted the main Froyo shear where expected, further demonstrating the robust nature and excellent continuity of the gold system at Froyo. The top interval returned 13.0 metres (m) of 11.02 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) in drill hole 24FR054. Highlights Hole 24FR053 intercepts 5.0 m of 10.23 g/t Au from 155.0 m down hole from 155.0 m down hole Hole 24FR054 intercepts 13.0 m of 11.02 g/t Au from 150.0 m down hole from 150.0 m down hole Hole 24FR055 intercepts 8.0 m of 4.67 g/t Au from 186.0 m down hole from 186.0 m down hole Hole 24FR056 intercepts 13.0 m of 5.81 g/t Au from 155.0 m down hole, including 9.0 m of 8.30 g/t Au *Intervals are down hole length and reported at a cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au using 5 m minimum length and 5 m maximum internal dilution. Colin Padget, Founders CEO commented, "These infill results from Upper Antino's Froyo Gold Zone provide a clear indication of the continuity and strength of gold grades within the main Froyo shear, particularly as we drill to greater depths within the system. We have also completed several expansion drill holes along strike to the northwest and to the south at Froyo and we're eager to receive those results. Additionally, starting this week, we are adding oriented core to all of our drilling to further improve our understanding of the gold system and the structural controls on gold mineralization." Table 1: Drilling Results and Highlights. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Core Length* (m) Au (g/t) 24FR053 155.00 160.00 5.00 10.23 24FR054 131.00 137.00 6.00 0.95 24FR054 150.00 163.00 13.00 11.02 24FR055 136.00 138.00 2.00 7.00 24FR055 163.00 173.00 10.00 0.70 24FR055 186.00 194.00 8.00 4.67 23FR056 155.00 168.00 13.00 5.81 *Intervals are estimated to represent 85% or more of true width based on current drill data Figure 1: Upper Antino plan map centred on the Froyo Gold Zone showing grade x width shells. Modelling includes only FDR drilling. The dotted line represents current extent of gold mineralized footprint. lines A-A' and B-B' refer to corresponding long-section and cross-section in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. Figure 2: Updated grade x width long-section through the Froyo Gold Zone main shear. Gold mineralization outside of the main shear will be included in future modelling pending new data from upcoming expansion drilling results. The outer edge of the model represents an absence of data only and the system remains open along strike, to the east, and to depth. The previously reported 8.0 m of 8.43 g/t Au in hole 50 is the deepest main shear intercept to date but is conservatively not yet included in the model pending more drilling at depth. Figure 3: Cross section through latest Froyo Gold Zone drill results. Figure 4: Antino Gold Project property map. About Founders Metals Inc. Founders Metals is a Canadian exploration company with properties in North and South America. The Company focuses on acquiring and advancing gold projects in the Guiana Shield. Its flagship asset is the 20,000 ha Antino Gold Project in Suriname, where artisanal surface/alluvial mining has produced over 500,000 gold ounces to date1. Using its diamond drilling equipment, the Company drilled over 10,000 m in 2023 and is fully financed for up to 30,000 m in 2024. 1 2022 Technical Report - Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrancois, BSc, P.Geo. Quality Assurance and Control Results from samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 10.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project. Qualified Persons The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Per: "Colin Padget" Colin Padget President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director Founders Metals Contact Information Dave Burwell, Manager, Investor Relations Tel: 403 410 7907 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Nick Stajduhar, Director Tel: 780 701 3216 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect ", "is expected ", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca. New results include 29.6 g/t Au over 7.2 m, 18.7 g/t Au over 8.3 m & 37.2 g/t Au over 3.7 m RENO, Nev., April 15, 2024 /CNW/ - i-80 GOLD CORP. (TSX: IAU) (NYSE: IAUX) ("i-80", or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional results from 2023 drilling in the Helen Zone that continues to realize significant high-grade results from the underground drilling program at the Company's 100%-owned McCoy-Cove Property ("Cove" or "the Property") located in Lander County, Nevada. The new results are from the 2023 underground drilling program to define the Helen Zone, the first horizon expected to be accessed at the Cove Mine. The most recently received results from the Helen Zone compliment recently released intercepts that returned up to 22.6 g/t Au over 19.1 m in hole iCHU23-37, 32.9 g/t Au over 14.9 m in hole iCHU23-38 and 23.5 g/t Au over 12.8 m in hole iCHU23-39 (see Company Press Release dated March 5, 2024). Three of the new holes were drilled to only intersect the Upper Helen mineralized horizon that typically contains thinner mineralized zones when compared to the Lower Helen. A complete summary of new results is provided in Table 1. Highlight new results from drilling at McCoy-Cove include: iCHU23-40: 11.5 g/t Au over 3.7 m (Upper Helen Zone) iCHU23-41: 37.2 g/t Au over 3.7 m (Upper Helen Zone) iCHU23-42: 29.6 g/t Au over 7.2 m (Lower Helen Zone) iCHU23-43: 9.2 g/t Au over 5.3 m (Upper Helen Zone) and 12.3 g/t Au over 6.6 m (Lower Helen Zone) and 18.7 g/t Au over 8.3 m (Lower Helen Zone) The McCoy-Cove Property is strategically located in heart of the prolific Battle Mountain Trend immediately south of Nevada Gold Mines' Phoenix Mine and the Company's Lone Tree processing facility (see Figure 1). Cove is one of three deposits being advanced to realize the Company's goal of building one of the largest producers in the United States. "Results received to-date continue to confirm that Cove is one of the highest-grade, development-stage, gold deposits in North America", stated Tyler Hill, Chief Geologist of i-80 Gold. "New results continue to return significant high-grade gold mineralization, consistently in excess of ten grams per tonne gold." Carlin-style mineralization in the Helen and CSD Gap zones is hosted primarily in the Favret limestone rock unit with enhanced grades and thicknesses of mineralized zones occurring at structural intersections, along the margins of dikes and sills, and within the axis of the northwest striking Cove anticline. The Helen Zone has both "Upper" and "Lower" mineralized horizons with the Upper Zone comprising a smaller, narrower, zone of gold mineralization hosted in the Panther Canyon and Home Station formations and the Lower Zone comprising the main horizon hosted within the Favret limestone formation. Polymetallic mineralization also occurs on the Property, particularly in the 2201 Zone that occurs below and to the east of Carlin-style mineralization. This polymetallic mineralization remains a significant upside opportunity. Table 1 Highlight New Assay Results from Cove Underground Drilling New 2023 results from McCoy-Cove, estimated true thickness 75-95% Drillhole ID Zone Type From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) iCHU23-40 Upper Helen Core 166.8 170.5 3.7 11.5 11.6 iCHU23-41 Upper Helen Core 127.4 131.1 3.7 37.2 5.6 iCHU23-42 Lower Helen Core 217.5 220.7 3.2 7.9 0.3 and Lower Helen Core 261.6 264.6 3.0 9.9 4.2 and Lower Helen Core 291.6 298.8 7.2 29.6 8.8 iCHU23-43 Upper Helen Core 144.5 149.8 5.3 9.2 6.3 and Lower Helen Core 256.9 263.5 6.6 12.3 3.0 and Lower Helen Core 288.9 297.1 8.3 18.7 6.5 and Lower Helen Core 343.5 346.6 3.0 6.9 6.4 iCHU23-44 Upper Helen Core 136.9 140.8 3.9 4.8 5.4 UTM Drillhole ID East m North m Elevation m Azimuth Dip NAD83 Zone 11 iCHU23-40 481768 4465975 1427 182 -57 iCHU23-41 481766 4465976 1427 229 -62 iCHU23-42 481766 4465976 1427 248 -83 iCHU23-43 481767 4465977 1427 264 -87 iCHU23-44 481766 4465977 1428 260 -54 The McCoy-Cove Property comprises a large package of approximately 13,000 hectares covering an area roughly 15 km by 10 km that offers substantial exploration upside as the bulk of work completed to-date has been focused on the main deposit areas. Earlier exploration, mostly completed in 20214, resulted in several new discoveries that have received little to no follow-up including polymetallic mineralization in the 2201 and Davenport targets. One of the primary future targets at McCoy-Cove is the pediment area to the east of the Cove deposit where only two holes have drilled to a sufficient depth to intersect the favourable Favret limestone unit. Both holes intersected broad zones of Carlin-type alteration with assays of up to 1.7 g/t Au and 364 g/t Ag over 11.4 m proximal to an interpreted large untested structural trend that represents a major future exploration target. Please click here for further information on abbreviations and conversions referenced in this press release. Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 As previously disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed on March 12, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the audited financial statements contained an unqualified audit opinion from its independent registered public accounting firm that included an explanatory paragraph related to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. See further discussion in footnote 2 to the Company's financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F. This announcement is made pursuant to NYSE American LLC Company Guide Section 610(b), which requires public announcement of the receipt of an audit opinion containing a going concern paragraph. This announcement does not represent any change or amendment to the Company's financial statements or to its Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2023. QAQC Procedures All samples were submitted to ALS Minerals (ALS) of Sparks, NV, which is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratory, independent of the Company. Samples submitted through ALS are run through standard prep methods and analysed using Au-AA23 (ALS) (Au; 30g fire assay) and ME-MS61 (35 element suite; 0.4g 4 acid/ICP-AES). ALS also undertakes their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. i-80 Gold Corp's QA/QC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results. Qualified Person Tyler Hill, CPG-12146, Chief Geologist at i-80 is the Qualified Person for the information contained in this press release and is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. About i-80 Gold Corp. i-80 Gold Corp. is a Nevada-focused mining company with a goal of achieving mid-tier gold producer status through the development of multiple deposits within the Company's advanced-stage property portfolio with processing at i-80's centralized milling facilities. i-80 Gold's common shares are listed on the TSX and the NYSE American under the trading symbol IAU:TSX and IAUX:NYSE. Further information about i-80 Gold's portfolio of assets and long-term growth strategy is available at www.i80gold.com or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to, the expansion or mineral resources at McCoy-Cove and the potential of the Cove project. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "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 release. Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to: material adverse changes, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations. PERTH, Australia, April 15, 2024 /CNW/ - Hot Chili Limited (ASX: HCH) (TSXV: HCH) (OTCQX: HHLKF) ("Hot Chili" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the Company has submitted a second maritime concession application to support a potential multi-user, water network for the Huasco valley area of the Southern Atacama region of Chile. Importantly, Hot Chili's second maritime concession application also includes brine discharge for potential seawater desalination operations on the Huasco coastline so that both raw seawater and desalinated water could be provided by a potential water network. In addition, the Company is also preparing to transfer its water assets (maritime concession, costal land accesses and water pipeline easements etc) into a new stand-alone water company controlled by Hot Chili. These next steps follow positive initial engagement with several potential desalinated water customers in the Huasco valley area as well as several suitable water infrastructure partners. The Company is pleased to be positioning its water assets to potentially generate significant value for Hot Chili's shareholders. Hot Chili is the only Company in the region holding a current granted maritime water concession for extraction, a current maritime application for extraction and desalinated discharge, and most necessary permits to provide critical desalinated water supply to the Huasco valley, following over a decade of permitting advance for the Company's coastal range, Costa Fuego copper-gold project. While Costa Fuego's mine development plan considers the use of raw seawater for future processing, the Company's recently announced Water Supply Concept Study (see announcement dated 26th February 2024) confirmed the potential to also develop a large, multi-user, desalinated water supply business in the Huasco valley area. A Water Supply Business Case Study is underway, and the Company has been engaging with potential desalination water customers, potential infrastructure partners and Chilean government regulators since announcement of the outcomes of the Water Supply Concept Study. The second maritime concession application is a key next step to developing a potential desalinated water business to supply community, agricultural and new mining demand of up to 3,700 litres per second (l/s) over the long-term in the Huasco Valley. Leveraging Hot Chili's water assets to enable the development of multiple, nearby, large-scale mining projects, comes at a time where Chile's government is actively encouraging investment in multi-user desalination water networks in the Atacama. Hot Chili's Executive Vice President, Jose Ignacio Silva said: "Water scarcity is THE critical issue for new mine developments in the Atacama on both the Chilean and Argentinean side of the Andes. Hot Chili is the only Company holding most of the necessary permits required to provide desalinated water to the Huasco valley a prolific region for potential new global copper supply needed to support global electrification and decarbonation. Securing these assets has involved over a decade of commitment. Socially and environmentally, multiclient and multipurpose water infrastructure is the new reality". The Company looks forward to providing further updates on its Costa Fuego copper-gold project and its Water Business Case Study for the Huasco valley of Chile. This announcement is authorised by the Board of Directors for release to ASX and TSXV. Hot Chili's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Christian Easterday is responsible for this announcement and has provided sign-off for release to the ASX and TSXV. Qualifying Statements Disclaimer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Christian Easterday, MAIG, Hot Chili's Managing Director and a qualified person within the meaning of NI43-101. All amounts in this news release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements that are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and Australian securities legislation (each, a "forward-looking statement"). All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "believe", "could", "estimate", "may", "plan", "potential", "projections", "will", variants of these words, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements within this news release are based on information currently available and what management believes are reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the completion, timing, cost and results of a Water Supply Business Case Study; the execution of water off-take agreements including the approval of the TSXV (if required) and any other regulatory approvals; prospects, projections and success of the Company and its projects; the Company's ability to secure a suitable water infrastructure partner and required funding; the timing and outcomes of future planned economic studies; the timing and outcomes of regulatory processes required to obtain permits for the development and operation of a multi-user desalination water business as contemplated in the Water Supply Concept Study; whether or not the Company will make a finance and development decision and the timing thereof. Forward-looking statements involve 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 statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection contained in the forward-looking statements in this news release, including, but not limited to, the following material factors: the ability of the Company to complete the Water Supply Business Case Study, securing water off-take customers; obtaining all required regulatory approvals to develop a regional water network; operational risks; risks related to the cost estimates of exploration; sovereign risks associated with the Company's operations in Chile; changes in estimates of mineral resources of properties where the Company holds interests; recruiting qualified personnel and retaining key personnel; future financial needs and availability of adequate financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; market volatility; exchange rate fluctuations; ability to exploit successful discoveries; the production at or performance of properties where the Company holds interests; ability to retain title to mining concessions; environmental risks; financial failure or default of joint venture partners, contractors or service providers; competition risks; economic and market conditions; and other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this news release and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure record. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon assumptions which the Company believes to be reasonable, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this news release, the Company has made assumptions regarding: future commodity prices and demand; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future currency exchange and interest rates; the impact of increasing competition; general conditions in economic and financial markets; availability of drilling and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; future tax rates; future operating costs; availability of future sources of funding; ability to obtain financing; and assumptions underlying estimates related to adjusted funds from operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements made herein, please refer to the public disclosure record of the Company, including the Company's most recent Annual Report, which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all those factors or to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements and are made as of the date of this news release. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. VANCOUVER, BC, April 15, 2024 /CNW/ - Cascadia Minerals Ltd. ("Cascadia") (TSXV: CAM) is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (see news release dated March 19, 2024) consisting of an aggregate of 2,020,000 flow-through units ("FT Units") at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit and 2,720,000 non-flow-through units ("NFT Units") at a price of $0.18 per NFT Unit for total proceeds of C$893,600. Due to significant demand, and subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance, Cascadia proposes to increase the size of the private placement from the original C$1,000,000 amount to a maximum of C$2,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering will consist of the sale of: i. NFT Units to be sold at a price of $0.18 per NFT Unit; and ii. FT Units at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit. "We have been very pleased with the level of interest in Cascadia and the financing to-date," commented Graham Downs, Cascadia's President and CEO. "Closing the first tranche allows us to commence drilling at Catch on May 15th, following up on our brand-new copper-gold porphyry discovery. The additional funds from the upsized amount will allow us to expand our exploration activities this season, as the junior mining sector sees renewed market interest. With an early start to drilling, we will be well-positioned to have news to market by mid summer." Each NFT Unit will comprise one common share and one common share purchase warrant (a "NFT Warrant"). Each NFT Warrant shall be exercisable into one additional common share until April 12, 2026, at an exercise price of $0.28 per NFT Warrant. Each FT Unit will comprise one flow-through common share and one common share purchase warrant (a "FT Warrant") also to be issued on a non-flow-through basis. Each FT Warrant shall be exercisable into one additional common share until April 12, 2026, at an exercise price of $0.30 per FT Warrant. The exact number of NFT Units and FT Units sold will be determined at closing of the second tranche of the Offering. The proceeds from the sale of the FT Units will be used for "Canadian critical minerals exploration expenses" at Cascadia's Catch, Mack's Copper, Milner, Idaho Creek and Sands of Time Properties in Yukon, and the PIL Property in British Columbia. These expenditures will qualify as "critical mineral flow-through mining expenditures" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The proceeds from the sale of the NFT Units will be used for general working capital. Cascadia paid cash finders' fees for the first tranche totalling $35,980 and issued a total of 185,500 finder warrants ("Finder Warrants") to a number of finders, including PI Financial Corp., of Vancouver, B.C., Castlewood Capital Corporation, of Toronto, Ontario, Haywood Securities Inc., of Vancouver, B.C., Sightline Wealth Management, of Toronto, Ontario and Kreuzfeld AG, of Chur, Switzerland. Each Finder Warrant shall be exercisable into one common share of Cascadia until April 12, 2026, at an exercise price of $0.28 per Finder Warrant. All securities issued as part of the closing of the first tranche, including any shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of the NFT Warrants, the FT Warrants, and the Finder Warrants, are subject to a hold period in Canada until August 13, 2024. Cascadia intends to extend the closing of the remaining portion of the Offering to May 31, 2024, subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. An insider of Cascadia purchased a total of 100,000 NFT Units under the first tranche of the Offering, and Cascadia anticipates that other insiders may subscribe for additional portions of the Offering. The participation of insiders in the private placement constitutes a related party transaction, within the meaning of TSX-V Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Cascadia intends to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of insider participation in the Offering would not exceed 25 per cent of the Cascadia's market capitalization. About Cascadia Cascadia is a Canadian junior mining company focused on exploring for copper and gold in the Yukon and British Columbia. Cascadia's flagship Catch Property in the Yukon hosts a brand-new copper-gold porphyry discovery where inaugural drill results returned broad intervals of mineralization, including 116.60 m of 0.31% copper with 0.30 g/t gold. Catch exhibits extensive high-grade copper and gold mineralization across a 5 km long trend, with rock samples returning peak values of 3.88% copper and 30.00 g/t gold. In addition to Catch, Cascadia is conducting exploration work at its PIL Property in British Columbia and the Sands of Time and Rosy properties in the Yukon, as well as additional early-stage regional projects. Cascadia has approximately 42 million shares outstanding and its largest shareholders are Hecla Mining Company and Barrick Gold. The technical information in this news release has been approved by Andrew Carne, M.Eng., P.Eng., VP Corporate Development for Cascadia and a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. On behalf of Cascadia Minerals Ltd. Graham Downs, President and 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 NEWS RELEASE. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information, except as required by securities laws. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2024) - Sarah Armstrong-Montoya, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cordoba Minerals Corp. (TSXV: CDB) (OTCQB: CDBMF) (otherwise "Cordoba" or the "Company") is pleased to report on the diamond drilling activity at the Perseverance porphyry copper project, located in northwestern Arizona, USA. The Perseverance porphyry copper project is under a Joint Venture and Earn-in Agreement with Bell Copper Corporation (TSXV: BCU) ("Bell Copper"). Cordoba has already earned a 51% interest and has the right to increase its interest to 80% of Perseverance by spending $14.2 million in exploration expenditures before April 24, 2026. Prior drilling shows evidence of a nearby porphyry system In January 2024, hole K-23 was drilled approximately 1,000 meters southeast of hole K-22 and 1,000 meters east-northeast of hole K-20 (Figure One). Both holes returned evidence to support the existence of a nearby porphyry system. Hole K-22 tested a large low resistivity anomaly generated by a Magneto Telluric ("MT") survey that shares the characteristic features of the giant, high-grade Resolution porphyry copper deposit in Arizona owned by Rio Tinto. The hole encountered clay-filled breccia zones with minor occurrences of pyrite, chalcopyrite in quartz veins and stringers representing distal alteration and mineralization to a porphyry copper system. Hole K-20, intersected 321 meters of anomalous copper assaying 541 ppm copper, within a low MT resistivity anomaly that was interpreted as being on the outer margin of a porphyry copper deposit (refer to Cordoba news release dated October 19, 2021). K-23 potentially points in the right direction to a porphyry system Hole K-23 targeted an undrilled area that could potentially host the core of a porphyry system. The hole drilled through a thick series of gravel followed by a sequence of volcanic basalt that blankets the valley floor before being covered over by the recent gravel fill. Underlying the basalt, Laramide-age porphyry volcanic and tuffaceous units were intersected at 516 meters, which are intensely oxidized with hematite and limonite representing weathered pyrite and chalcopyrite that has formed as a gossan on the surface exposure of potential porphyry copper mineralization long before the basalt was extruded onto the land surface. Arizona copper deposits that produced approximately 10% of the world's copper were directly associated with Laramide intrusive rocks. Hole K-23 continued in hematite, limonite impregnated and fracture-filled Laramide porphyry and tuffaceous rocks that were strongly sericite altered and acid leached to a depth of 571 meters. This style of alteration and leaching is commonly referred to as a "leached cap" situated at the top of a porphyry copper deposit. At 571 meters, the hole crossed through a major fault and breccia zone, and into weakly altered Laramide porphyry intrusive rocks with minor quartz veins with sphalerite, galena and tennantite to 579 meters. The hole ended at 590 meters in Laramide porphyry rocks with minor disseminated pyrite. Core interval between 516 meters and 590 meters in hole K-23 will be submitted for assay. "We are glad to see hole K-23 returned with the appearance of true volcanic rocks in the Laramide porphyry system in a leached cap, which may indicate the top of a porphyry copper system at Perseverance," commented Ms. Sarah Armstrong-Montoya, President and CEO of Cordoba. "We intend to undertake a Typhoon IP-resistivity survey to better understand the system and target a follow-up drill campaign." Next steps: TyphoonTM System to direct future drilling A TyphoonTM IP-resistivity survey is intended to map out the east side of the project using one of Ivanhoe Electric's proprietary deep-penetration TyphoonTM high-power transmitter systems. Further exploration diamond drilling will be planned upon completion of this survey. Figure One: Map showing Hole K-23 and prior drill holes at Perseverance Project Technical Information & Qualified Person The technical information in this release has been reviewed and verified by Charles N. Forster, P.Geo., a Qualified Person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Forster is a consultant for Perseverance Project and is not considered independent under National Instrument 43-101. About Cordoba Cordoba Minerals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the exploration, development and acquisition of copper and gold projects. Cordoba is jointly developing the Alacran Project with JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd., located in the Department of Cordoba, Colombia. Cordoba also holds a 51% interest in the Perseverance Copper Project in Arizona, USA, which it is exploring through a Joint Venture and Earn-In Agreement. For further information, please visit www.cordobaminerals.com. ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY Sarah Armstrong-Montoya, President and Chief Executive Officer Information Contact Ran Li +1-604-689-8765 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, that ongoing exploration will lead to the discovery of a porphyry copper system; results of the current exploration; mineralization potential identified by the drilling program; the exercise of the Joint Venture and Earn-In Agreement the use of the proposed Typhoon IP-resistivity survey; and potential for a significant copper discovery. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which Cordoba operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. 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 further exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Tinka Resources Limited ("Tinka" or the "Company") (TSXV:TK)(BVL:TK)(OTCQB:TKRFF) announces that the Company has filed a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on a Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Ayawilca Polymetallic Project, Peru" ("Technical Report") in support of the Company's news release dated February 28, 2024 (the "News Release"). There are no material differences in the Technical Report from the information disclosed in the News Release. The effective date of the Technical Report is February 28, 2024. Dr. Graham Carman, Tinka's President and CEO stated: "We are pleased to release the Technical Report for the updated 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") which showcases Ayawilca as an attractive polymetallic project with a mix of critical metals and excellent economics using conservative metal prices. The updated PEA introduces significant improvements from the previous study, including a streamlined operation with a more efficient zinc-silver-lead plant and a dedicated tin plant. In addition, the Ayawilca Mineral Resource has a stronger level of confidence following drilling completed in 2023 while the updated conceptual mine footprint is more compact. Ayawilca has a mix of essential critical metals for the modern hi-tech economy, and we look forward to continuing to move the project towards development." Ayawilca Updated PEA Highlights: Robust economics: After-tax Net Present Value ("NPV") at 8% discount of US$434 million (pre-tax NPV8% of US$732 m) and after-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 25.9% (pre-tax IRR of 34.8%). Payback period after-tax of 2.9 years (pre-tax of 2.4 years). Initial Capital Expenditure ("Capex") of US$382 m. Long 21-year life of mine ("LOM") for a 2.0 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) zinc-silver-lead operation with 15years of tin production at 0.3 Mtpa. Average C1 cash cost of US$0.55/pound (lb) zinc and all in sustaining cost ("AISC") of US$0.68/lb zinc. Average annual metal production in concentrate of 200 Mlb zinc (90,000 tonnes Zn), 3.3 Mlb tin (1,500 tonnes Sn), 560,000 ounces silver and 5.7 Mlb lead (2,590 tonnes Pb). Large Mineral Resource base with approximately half of the resources in the PEA mine plan classified as Indicated. Location in a world-class mining jurisdiction, close to a zinc smelter and port. Use of filtered tailings technology provides the lowest risk and most water-efficient solution for tailings storage with 40% of tailings to be stored underground as backfill. Significant exploration potential remains for more discoveries. Metal prices assumptions for the PEA: US$1.30/lb zinc; US$11.00/lb tin; US$22/oz silver; US$1.00/lb lead. The NI 43-101 Technical Report was prepared by independent consulting firm SRK Consulting (UK), as principal consultants, with contributions from other independent Qualified Persons (as the term is defined in NI 43-101) with specific subject matter expertise including, SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. for mineral resource estimation, Transmin Metallurgical Consultants, UK, for processing, metallurgical and recovery inputs, MineFill Services, Seattle, for mine backfill inputs, and Envis Peru S.A.C. (Envis) for processing and costs for surface tailings storage. The Technical Report may be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.tinkaresources.com Readers are cautioned that the PEA is preliminary in nature and is intended to provide an initial assessment of the Ayawilca Project's economic potential and development options. The PEA mine schedule and economic assessment includes numerous assumptions and is based on inferred mineral resources. Inferred resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA results will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Additional exploration will be required to potentially upgrade the classification of the inferred mineral resources to be considered in future advanced studies. On behalf of the Board, "Graham Carman" On behalf of the Board, "Graham Carman" Dr. Graham Carman, President & CEO Further Information: www.tinkaresources.com Mariana Bermudez 1.604.685.9316 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts at Contact Tinka and by following Tinka on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. About Tinka Resources Limited Tinka is an exploration and development company with its flagship property being the 100%-owned Ayawilca zinc-silver-tin project in central Peru. The Zinc Zone has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 28.3 Mt grading 5.82% zinc, 16.4 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 91 g/t indium, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 31.2 Mt grading 4.21% zinc, 14.5 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 45 g/t indium. The Silver Zone has an estimated Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.0 Mt grading 111.4 g/t silver, 1.54% zinc, & 0.5% lead. The Tin Zone has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 1.4 million tonnes grading 0.72% tin and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 12.7 million tonnes grading 0.76% tin (dated at January 1, 2024). The Qualified Person, Dr. Graham Carman, Tinka's President and CEO, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed and verified the technical contents of this news release. Forward Looking Statements Certain information in this news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and expectations of Tinka as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Tinka's management. Such statements reflect the current risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to certain factors including, without limitations: the Company's expectations regarding the Ayawilca Project PEA; timing of planned work programs and results varying from expectations; delay in obtaining results; changes in equity markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions; imprecision in resource estimates or metal recoveries; success of future development initiatives; competition and operating performance; environmental and safety risks; capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates; the Company's ability to achieve goals; the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities; community agreements and relations; and, other development and operating risks. Should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. Although Tinka believes that assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Tinka disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. An Argentine court has blamed Iran for two deadly attacks on Israeli targets in Buenos Aires three decades ago, declaring it a "terrorist state" in a ruling welcomed Friday by Israeli and Jewish organizations. The ruling on Thursday, cited by press reports, said Iran had ordered a 1992 attack on the Israeli embassy and another in 1994 on the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish community center. The court also implicated the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and called the attack against the AMIA -- the deadliest in Argentina's history -- a "crime against humanity." "Hezbollah carried out an operation that responded to a political, ideological and revolutionary design under the mandate of a government, of a State," Carlos Mahiques, one of the three judges who wrote the decision, told Radio Con Vos. In 1992, a bomb attack on the Israeli embassy left 29 dead. Two years later, a truck loaded with explosives drove into the AMIA Jewish community center and detonated, leaving 85 dead and more than 300 injured. The 1994 assault has never been claimed or solved, but Argentina and Israel have long suspected Lebanon's Shiite Hezbollah group carried it out at Iran's request. Prosecutors have charged top Iranian officials with ordering the attack, though Tehran has denied any involvement. Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America, with some 300,000 members. It is also home to immigrant communities from the Middle East -- from Syria and Lebanon in particular. On Friday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on X he had spoken to his Argentine counterpart Diana Mondino after the ruling, asking that the South American country declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. "Iran is an enemy of Israel and Argentina and, together with Hezbollah, leads terrorist activity in South America and around the world. This decision against the Revolutionary Guard will be an important step in stopping Iranian aggression," he said. The judges examined the geopolitical context at the time of the attacks and found they corresponded with foreign policy positions towards Iran under Argentina's then-president Carlos Menem (1989-1999). The attacks' "origin lies mainly in the unilateral decision of the government -- motivated by a change in our country's foreign policy between late 1991 and mid-1992 -- to cancel three contracts for the supply of nuclear equipment and technology concluded with Iran," the court concluded. The judges ruled that the AMIA attack in 1994 was a crime against humanity, and put blame on Iran's then-president Ali Akbar Hashemi Bahramaie Rafsanjani, as well as other Iranian officials and Hezbollah members. - 'Impunity' - The decision was welcomed by the president of the Delegation of Israelite Associations of Argentina (DAIA), Jorge Knoblovits. He told Radio Mitre the ruling "is very important because it enables the victims to go to the International Criminal Court." The AMIA welcomed the ruling but lamented more than three decades of "impunity" as a "shameful mark in Argentine history." Argentina's former president Carlos Menem, who died in 2021, was tried for covering up the AMIA bombing but ultimately acquitted. His former intelligence chief Hugo Anzorreguy was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail for his role in obstructing an investigation into the bombing. He was among some dozen defendants who faced a slew of corruption and obstruction of justice charges in the case. They included the former judge who led the investigation into the attack, Juan Jose Galeano, who was jailed for six years for concealment and violation of evidence. Thursday's judgment came as President Javier Milei's close ties to Judaism and Israel -- and his plans to move the Argentine embassy to Jerusalem -- sparked fears the country's Jewish community could again be vulnerable to attack. "We are already on the radar," Milei said this week when asked about the risk. "The question is whether we are cowards or whether we stand on the side of good," he added. Two suspected members of an Ethiopian regional militia plotting an attack died on Friday along with a civilian during a shootout with police, the authorities said in the capital. The Fano self-defence militia took up arms against government forces they had formerly supported in the Ahmara region a year ago. In February, parliament extended a state of emergency imposed last August in Amhara -- the country's second most populous region with 23 million people -- in an attempt to quell a Fano insurgency which until today had not reached Addis Ababa. The Fanos and other Amharas felt betrayed by a peace agreement signed in November 2022 by the government and Tigrayan rebels -- long-time foes of Amhara nationalists who claim parts of Ethiopia's northernmost region as their ancestral lands. Three members of the "extremist Fano group ... who were operating in Addis Ababa with a mission to commit (a) terror attack have been uncovered through the monitoring done by security bodies," a police statement said. "During the operation ... to apprehend the terrorists ... the extremists were asked to surrender themselves... however they were unwilling and opened fire on police officers," from a car close to Bole international airport, it added. One of the three was shot dead, a second died of his wounds in hospital while the third was arrested, the statement said. Two policemen were wounded in the exchange. The suspects killed a civilian who "refused to collaborate/assist" when they took over his vehicle, police said. Human rights groups have denounced increased repression of divergent views in Ethiopia, a mosaic of more than 80 ethno-linguistic communities and 120 million people. On April 4, Human Rights Watch called for the United Nations to investigate "war crimes" allegedly committed by the Ethiopian army in Amhara. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, a public independent institution, has estimated that at least 45 people were killed on January 29 by government forces in Merawi city after clashes with the Fano militia. A Rwandan woman expelled to her homeland three years ago from the United States has been given a life sentence for her role in the country's 1994 genocide, The New Times newspaper reported Saturday. A court in the southern town of Huye found Beatrice Munyenyezi guilty of the charges murder as a genocide crime, complicity in genocide, incitement to commit genocide and complicity in rape. However she was acquitted on a charge of planning genocide, the Rwandan-based national paper said. The sentencing came days after Rwanda marked 30 years since the genocide carried out by the extremist Hutu regime between April and July 1994, which left more than 800,000 people dead, mostly Tutsi but also moderate Hutus, according to a UN tally. Munyenyezi, 54, denied all the charges against her. But the court concluded she was guilty of ordering and committing murders and attacks herself, including that of a nun who was raped on her orders. Nicknamed the "commander," the investigation and several witness accounts said that Munyenyezi was supervising a roadblock in Huye -- then called Butare -- where she identified Tutsis and had them killed, and also encouraged Hutu extremists to rape women. She was deported in April 2021 from the United States after serving a ten-year prison sentence there for lying about her involvement in the genocide as she set about obtaining American citizenship, saying she faced persecution in her own country. The case attracted US attention as her mother-in-law Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, a former minister in the genocidal regime, and her husband Arsene Shalom Ntahobali, a former local militia leader, were also on trial for genocide crimes at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania. They were also sentenced to life in prison, in 2011, before their terms were reduced to 47 years on appeal. Tehran on Monday called on Western nations to "appreciate Iran's restraint" towards Israel after it attacked its regional foe in response to a deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. "Instead of making accusations against Iran, (Western) countries should blame themselves and answer to public opinion for the measures they have taken against the... war crimes committed by Israel" in its war against Tehran-backed Hamas in Gaza, said Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani. The spokesman added that Western countries "should appreciate Iran's restraint in recent months". Western governments have condemned Iran over its unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel, which Tehran insists was an act of "self-defence". Iran's first direct attack on Israel, which began on Saturday, was in response to a April 1 strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus which has been widely attributed to Israel. The Damascus strike levelled the five-storey consular annexe of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals. Iran said it had informed the United States and gave a 72-hour warning to neighbouring countries ahead of what it called its "limited" attack on Israel. Kanani said Iran's action was meant to "create a deterrent in the aim to prevent the repetition of the actions of the Zionist regime and to defend (Iranian) interests." The latest developments took place against the backdrop of the Gaza war, which began with Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel which killed 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Tehran backs Hamas but has denied any direct involvement in the October 7 attack. Israel's retaliatory offensive against the Palestinian militant group has killed at least 33,729 people in the Gaza Strip, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The plaque stands adjacent to the slave cabins (kasnan di katibu, in Papiamentu, the local language on Bonaires island), shelters for enslaved individuals built from 1850 to 1863 as lip service to those criticising the living conditions of slaves. It depicts enslaved laborers toiling in the saltpans vast, pink-hued pools where seawater evaporated, leaving behind crystallized salt. And it bears the following inscription: Captains on the salt exporting ships would describe the beauty of the island, the colourful salt ponds, blazing sunsets with pink flying flamingos and the singing women who looked like mermaids carrying the salt for the ships anchored off shore. () These women indeed looked like mermaids from the sea. Their working-song, which later became a lullaby sung to children of the island, told their story. It starts with Man pa makutI Maria translated as Give a hand to the basket of Maria. The plaque presents a captain's dreamy perspective of the island's beauty, with a notable emphasis on mystical portrayals of women's labour. But in a time where the Netherlands likes to stress its commitment to human rights and has expressed the desire for reckonings with its colonial pasts, accentuated by the Dutch king's apology for the country's historical involvement in slavery in July 2023, the depiction of the slave cabins on Bonaire seems peculiar. While discussions about the treatment of colonial-era monuments, plaques, and statues are prevalent in the Netherlands, at first sight they seem notably absent in this special municipality within the Kingdom, some 7,796 kilometres away from Amsterdam. The plaque's portrayal of history near the slave cabins reads like a romanticized story rather than a historically responsible reflection. It does not acknowledge essential elements of the enslaved individuals history, such as their origins and the harsh conditions of their enslavement. It doesnt recognize the Dutch role in Atlantic slavery, and the wealth it brought to Dutch economy. Frans Booi, the Bonairian writer responsible for the plaques text, may have aimed for a creative touch, but the absence of such information contributes to obfuscating this crucial part of history. Salt, slavery and struggle Initially under Spanish rule in the early 16th century before the Dutch forcibly took control in 1636, the island has remained a Dutch colony until 1954 - except for a brief British occupation in the early 19th century. Since then, it has functioned as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and since 2010, it has held the status of a 'special municipality'. During the 17th to the 19th centuries, Bonaire's economy was largely centred on solar salt production, with saltworks dispersed along its coastline, especially in the southern regions. Enslaved Africans and their forced labour played a central role in Bonaire's salt industry. Most of the enslaved people on the island were owned by the islands Dutch government. They worked on the saltpans, all located at the southern end of the island: the Rode Pan (Red Pan) the Blauwe Pan (Blue Pan), the Witte Pan (White Pan), and the Oranje Pan (Orange Pan), corresponding with the colours of the Dutch flag and its pennant. Archaeologists Ruud Stelten and Konrad A. Antczak argue that in 1863, when slavery was abolished, 758 enslaved individuals gained their freedom, 607 of whom had been considered the governments property. Many of them remained working at these saltpans as paid laborers, sometimes under circumstances of coercion. The plaque near the White Salt Pan on Bonaire island: outdated terms that keep the slave-owning past whitewashed. Photo: Anne van Mourik Working in the saltpans was incredibly tough. As the seawater evaporated, it left behind a thick layer of sea salt that had to be broken up using pickaxes and other tools. Workers then carried the salt further onto the beach in heavy bags or containers, under the blazing Caribbean sun. Reports from 1854 show that many of the workers in the saltpans suffered from salt wounds and scurvy, which were caused by the harsh conditions they endured. The intense heat and blinding reflection of the sun's rays often led to salt blindness. Avoiding history The plaque near the slave cabins, which is situated near the Oranje Pan, exemplifies the broader lack of historical context provided at significant locations across the island. Another plaque next to similar slave cabins, situated near the White Salt Pan, offers scant information. It explains how the cabins were built during the slave time and served as camping facilities for the slaves. Slave time suggests that slavery was only natural at the time, as if people didnt question the inhumane living and labouring conditions even then. The description does not acknowledge the identity of the enslaved and agency of the enslaver, nor the harsh labour regimes. These outdated terms uphold the whitewashing of this past. A plaque at the Blauwe Pan states that although salt production on Bonaire has been happening for centuries, the methods used have changed. Salt harvesting used to be done with equipment including pickaxes, shovels, and wheelbarrows, it says, while neglecting to provide information about who was (forced to) use these instruments, when, and why. The information provided at significant historical sites is not only lacking and outdated. It often manipulates history by sanitizing it, without perpetrators, only faceless victims. This representation prevents a deeper understanding of historical events and hinders genuine reconciliation efforts. It suggests that Bonaires colonial past has faded into obscurity, as if it has been forgotten or worse, that it does not matter. The slave cabins may appear as mere relics of a distant era that no longer hold significance to anyone. However, the outdated official narrative on the plaques is being challenged by unofficial updates. Like this graffiti that declares: For the second time in history, you steal our island. Such messages are rare to find, but they show that the colonial past is an indelible imprint that, depending on where one looks, continues to shape the experiences of people living and visiting the island. Perpetuating inequalities In fact, Bonaires past and present collapse into one another. While addressing the past, the graffiti's message exposes the stark economic disparities that plague the island today, with almost half of the local residents living in poverty. Journalist Phaedra Haringsma sheds light on this crisis in slow motion, revealing the struggles of Bonaires residents, who receive significantly less social support than their European counterparts. As the cost of living on the island surpasses that of the Netherlands, Bonairians are left with far less disposable income. Dutch dominance in access to resources and opportunities is growing on the island, echoing historical injustices. This unequal access to resources is exemplified by the housing market on the island. Since 2010, when Bonaire became a municipality within the Netherlands, wealthy Dutch people have found it easier to relocate to the island, driving up housing prices significantly. The high prices of food are largely due to the islands heavy reliance on imported goods, predominantly from the Netherlands. While tourists and affluent immigrants can afford these prices, local residents face financial strain. They are priced out of these essential resources, perpetuating disparities and inequalities. A segregated society The consequences of the unequal access to resources are evident, with residents, news platforms and government organizations regularly reporting on. Bonairians, they show, are compelled to skip meals, resort to overcrowded living situations, and must juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. Haringsma speaks of a segregated society, where divisions persist not only along economic lines but also indirectly along racial lines. Differences in spending power is one of the reasons why Bonairians generally tend to visit different places hair salons, cafes, restaurants - than tourists or Dutch immigrants. While the latter enjoy exclusive beach clubs, indulging in traditional Dutch snacks like bitterballen and kaasstengels, Bonairians might gather in the local pub in the village Rincon. 1863 slavery abolished. Free from the Netherlands. Help now or (re-)colonize. Many fewer Makambas. A sign denounces the growing settlement of mainland Dutch on the island of Bonaire and the inequality of social benefits. Photo: Anne van Mourik Discontent about Dutch dominant presence extends beyond graffiti on rooftops. Over the years, activists have protested by placing wooden signs along the main roads. One sign reads, 1863 slavery abolished. Free from the Netherlands. Help now or (re-)colonize. Many fewer Makambas (person born in the Netherlands). Another sign was placed by James Finies, founder of the Nos Kier Boneiru Bek (We Want Bonaire Back) organisation. It suggests, among other things, that Settlers Dutch Makambas should go home, and that Bonarians live under Dutch Apartheid. It is important to mention, however, that a large majority of the population is not so expressly preoccupied with the question of whether the island should become independent. The interests of the island are too significant to cut ties with the Netherlands, as argued by political scientist Wouter Veenendaal and historian Gert Oostindie. Discontent primarily revolves around the poverty and inequality on the island, a sentiment that was also evident in street protests in May 2022 and 2023. Hope for the future Bonaires hidden colonial history is not so concealed when looking beneath the surface of the official texts provided at historical sites. The enduring weight of the colonial past can be found in the form of criticism expressed at these sites and along main roads. It can be found in the island residents disparities in resource access and in Dutch disinterest towards their concerns. Slowly but surely, there appears to be a growing recognition of the need for accountability regarding the erosion of Bonaire's economy and culture. In 2024 the Dutch government allocated an extra 30 million for poverty alleviation in the Caribbean Netherlands. Part of this funding aims to increase social welfare benefits, reflecting steps towards establishing a social minimum on the islands. Of particular interest is the collaboration between the Bonairian Terramar Museum, local heritage organizations, and Utrecht University in the Netherlands which aims to redefine the narrative surrounding the island's heritage. Instead of an exhibition for cruise tourists, the project is advocating for a permanent postcolonial exhibition by and for Bonairians. Even if the outcome of extra social funding and Terramars plans for an exhibition are still unclear, initiatives such as these give hope for a future with a more conscientious approach to history. Recommended reading Colonial racism catches up with Amsterdam Rijksmuseum Nick Koumjian has been the head of the UN's International Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) since 2018. He is the guest in this podcast by our partners at Asymmetrical Haircuts. The IIMM is not only collecting evidence of international crimes committed late 2016 and 2017 against the Rohingyas. Its open mandate starts in 2011. It has collected 28 million items so far, most of it in Burmese language, says Koumjian. This evidence could potentially be used by the International Criminal Court and in Argentinas universal jurisdiction case, two criminal proceedings that remain at the investigative stage, without any indictment issued to date. And in the genocide case filed by The Gambia against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Koumjian reveals that they studied Facebook posts at the time of Myanmars clearance operations in 2016-2017, over a period of 6 months. In 43 accounts taken down by Facebook, they found 10,000 instances of they considered hate speech. We were able to determine that all of these accounts were linked to the Myanmar military, working in a coordinated fashion. At the very time of the clearance operations, when villages were being burned, and people were being killed and raped, the Myanmar military was promoting hate speech against this group that was being victimized. If that is consistent with the obligation to prevent and punish genocide is something that the judges of the ICJ will decide, Koumjian says. Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon's new drama "Lovely Runner" garners explosive popularity after its pilot week. 'Lovely Runner' Steals Hearts During Pilot Week tvN's new weekday series "Lovely Runner" has immediately become the talk of the town after its release. The drama, starring Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon, has captivated the viewers with its surprising twists and the main protagonists' strong chemistry. On April 8, "Lovely Runner" finally hit the small screen giving viewers a refreshing show every Monday and Tuesday. According to a report, Episodes 1 and 2 became a real-time trend and the drama ranked second in the OTT data analysis by Kino Lights. The rom-com series also ranked first in Rankie Pie's domestic drama program trend index as of April 12, demonstrating the high interest of domestic and foreign fans toward "Lovely Runner." It has been said that the most popular factor is the heartbreaking yet sweet romance between Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok) and Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon). Byeon Woo Seok & Kim Hye Yoon's 'Lovely Runner' Immediately Generates Buzz At the beginning of the drama, Im Sol, a passionate fan, stimulated the viewers' interest when she traveled back in 2008 as a high school student to save his favorite idol, Ryu Sun Jae. In Episode 2, the twist that Ryu Sun Jae fell first to Im Sol was revealed, causing excitement to the audience. The romance, which was thought to be one-sided, where in fact Sun Jae already had feelings for Im Sol made the viewers more invested in the series. It has been said that the story's writer Lee Si Eun added new twists that were not in the original work, such as a swimmer Sun Jae, and Im Sol's old favorite idol, Kim Tae Sung (Song Geon Hee) to further increase immersion. Accordingly, various communities are immersed in the fun development of the story, such as rewatching the first episode after the reveal of Sun Jae's first love in episode 2, and the audience looking back on the romance narrative of the two. Byeon Woo Seok, Kim Hye Yoon's Acting & Chemistry Add to 'Lovely Runner's' Expanding Popularity The lead stars' excellent performances also added a major difference to the drama's popularity. Kim Hye Yoon goes from a 34-year-old fanatic who regains her will to live thanks to Ryu Sun Jae's words to a 19-year-old high school girl who goes against her fate to save her idol's life. She perfectly brought Im Sol's character to life. Byeon Woo Seok plays the role of a 19-year-old high school student who fell in love with Im Sol first, to a 34-year-old genius idol, making viewers anticipate more of their progress. "Lovely Runner" also made viewers feel nostalgic as the drama travels to the past. As such, attention is focused on how the two-way romance between Ryu Sun Jae and Im Sol will unfold and whether Im Sol can change Sun Jae's future. It is expected that the rom-com series will receive more popularity in the upcoming weeks. Catch Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 p.m. (KST) on tvN and Viu. What can you say about Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon's new drama? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai San Miguel wrote this. Parti Quebecois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon speaks at the opening of a Parti Quebecois national council meeting, Saturday, April 13, 2024 in Drummondville, Quebec. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is reiterating his pledge for a third referendum should his party take power in the next election. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot Monday, April 14, 2024 Pope Francis has said he made a vow 34 years ago to stop watching TV. He revealed he slapped a ban on himself from watching television after stumbling across a smutty show. The Supreme Pontiff said the vulgar viewing was so bad for his conscience that he hasnt watched the box for almost 34 years. He said: I was watching television in the lounge with my fellow priests. It was July 15, 1990, and some scenes of an adult nature, to put it delicately, were being shown something that was not good for the heart. Nothing risque, of course, but when I went back to my room, I said to myself, A priest cannot look at such things. And so, the following day, during the mass for the feast of the Madonna del Carmelo, I vowed never to watch television again. His Holinesss, 87, said that one of the last things he watched properly on TV was the fall of the Berlin Wall - in 1989. In his new book Life: My Story Through History, Pope Francis said there have been a couple of exceptions to his self-imposed sanction. He added: Only very occasionally do I allow myself to watch: for example, when a new president is sworn in, or I watched briefly once when there had been a plane crash. I switched it on, too, to follow Sunday mass while I was being treated at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. But I didnt watch the coronation of Charles III, the new British king, for example, or many other important world events. Not out of disdain, but because I made a vow. Monday, April 14, 2024 A doctor in Texas has been found guilty of injecting heart-stopping poison into IVs at his former medical clinic in North Dallas. FOX 4 in Dallas reported that a 12-person jury found Dr. Raynaldo Ortiz guilty on all 10 counts after nearly seven hours of deliberation. When the verdict was read, Ortiz showed no emotion for the crimes he had committed. As a result of Ortizs action, several patients suffered cardiac emergencies and Dr. Melanie Kaspar died after using one of the IV bags, prosecutors said. Federal prosecutors said the anesthesiologist committed the shocking crimes at Baylor Scott and White Surgicare North Dallas in retaliation for a medical misconduct probe. A criminal complaint accused Ortiz of injecting nerve-blocking and bronchodilation drugs into patient IV bags. Surveillance video showed the doctor placing an IV bag in a stainless steel warmer outside an operating room on Aug. 19, 2022. Minutes later, another staffer took the bag, and a patient soon after reportedly suffered a heart attack. Ortizs colleague, beloved anesthesiologist Melanie Kaspar, took a contaminated IV bag home on June 21 to rehydrate due to an illness. Almost immediately after inserting the IV into her vein, she suffered a serious cardiac event and died. An autopsy showed she was fatally poisoned by bupivacaine, a numbing agent that the Justice Department said is rarely abused but used to alleviate pain during surgery. Theres no closure. My best friend is gone, John Kaspar, Dr. Melanie Kaspars widower reportedly said shortly after the verdict. I dont think he ever looked me in the eye Its almost like you have so many emotions you cant sift them out. You get flooded. The station reported that the witnesses called to the stand during the trial included the anesthesiologist who discovered the bags were tainted, John Kaspar, and a teen who suffered cardiac arrest during nose surgery. The incidents first began two days after Oritz was notified of a disciplinary inquiry against him over his handling of a medical emergency. Other doctors noted he complained the center was trying to crucify him. FOX 4 reported that there were 13 patients between May and August 2022 who experienced similar cardiac emergencies, though prosecutors only charged the doctor with causing bodily injury to four of the patients in August. A judge had ordered Ortiz be held before trial after prosecutors argued that he was a danger to the community by citing, in part, a 2015 incident in which he shot his neighbors dog in retaliation for the woman helping his then-girlfriend obtain a restraining order against him after a domestic violence incident. Ortiz was convicted of four counts of tampering with consumer products resulting in serious bodily injury, one count of tampering with a consumer product, and five counts of intentional adulteration of a drug, prosecutors said. Ortiz is expected to be sentenced in two to three months in prison. Monday, April 14, 2024 Donald Trump will appear in a New York courthouse on Monday, April 15, and become the first former US president to stand trial in a criminal case. The Republican politician is accused of falsifying his business records to disguise a hush-money payment made to Stormy Daniels, a former adult film star, shortly before the 2016 election. Mr Trump, 77, faces a maximum of four years in jail if convicted, but could avoid jail time and be fined instead. He has pleaded not guilty. Mr Trump's historic trial will take place in the middle of his presidential campaign, and could see the Republican nominee become a convicted felon months before voters head to the polls in November. "It's unprecedented," said Alex Keyssar, a professor of history and public policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School. "There's been nothing remotely comparable to it." The trial, which will begin with jury selection on Monday, is expected to last six to eight weeks and will centre around a reimbursement Mr. Trump made to his former fixer Michael Cohen. Cohen, 57, claims he was directed to pay Ms Daniels $130,000 (104,000) in exchange for her silence about an alleged affair with Mr Trump, something prosecutors have described as an attempt to "unlawfully influence" the 2016 election. Hush money payments are not illegal. However, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office alleges that Mr Trump committed a crime by improperly recording the reimbursement to Cohen as legal expenses. In total, he is accused of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. To reach a verdict, all 12 jurors must agree on whether Mr Trump is guilty or not guilty of a specific charge. The trial in Manhattan is expected to feature testimony from a cast of colourful characters at the heart of the case, including Cohen, Ms. Daniels, and Mr. Trump's personal lawyer who went to prison in part over the scandal. Monday, April 15, 2024 - Former Muranga County Governor, Mwangi wa Iria, has said the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) is pursuing him for attacking the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government On Sunday, EACC in a statement stated that Mwangi and 8 others have a case to answer over embezzlement of Sh 140 million between the year 2016 and 2022. EACC said it intended to charge the former governor and eight others with conspiracy to commit an offense, abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of property, conflict of interest, dealing with suspect property, and money laundering. But the former county boss alleges that the charges have been trumped up in an attempt to silence him following his recent sentiments against the governments stand on doctors strike. They said I would be arrested because, in 2014, Muranga County government placed adverts on its programmes without following the right procedure. I was not the contractor or the procurement officer," Wa Iria said. This is just because I pushed against attempts to silence Mt Kenya region. "They want the region to sit back and be quiet while it is treated unfairly just because it voted for the government and I will not be intimidated." Wa Iria added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, April 15, 2024 - President William Ruto has announced the formal establishment of Haiti's nine-member Presidential Transitional Council which will pave the way for the deployment of the Kenyan police officers to the Caribbean nation. According to Ruto, the decision was evidence of the collective courage and singular sacrifice of the Haitian Council of Cabinet to ensure that Haiti was a violent-free state. "We look forward to the PTC moving with speed to appoint the Prime Minister and Cabinet," the head of state noted in his statement. Ruto further lauded the leadership of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for its steadfast stewardship of the intense consultations that led to the establishment of a transitional council. "Kenya expresses confidence that the new political leadership will lay a strong foundation for resolution of the crisis in Haiti, restoration of security, afford the Haitian people a political transition," Ruto stated. The head of state noted that Kenya was in strong solidarity with Haiti and that it was ready to make its contribution within the framework elaborated in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699 of 2023. Besides Ruto's acknowledgment, sources privy to the information noted the official notice did not name the new council members. Reports further suggest that there was no announcement on the specific time frame for installing the council and replacing Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, April 15, 2024 - Detectives have launched a manhunt for a househelp who stole Sh10 Million from her Chinese employer along Kindaruma Road on Friday, April 12. The Chinese woman identified as Yang Fang told the police that the theft incident happened at her apartment. She reportedly removed the cash from a safe and stuffed it in a black backpack, before placing it on a couch in the sitting room. She was intending to use the money to purchase fish food for selling. The househelp stole the money and vanished when her employer left for her bedroom to pick up some personal stuff she had forgotten. She claimed that the suspect was the only one in the sitting room. Police visited the scene and reviewed the security cameras and established the house girl left the apartment using a lift. She later walked out of the compound carrying the black bag. She is said to have crossed to Ngong Road and boarded a private car to an unknown destination. Police said they are investigating the claims. No arrest or recovery has been made so far. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Monday, April 14, 2024 A 37-year-old man, Ramith Aneerudh, is being sought for the attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery of his wife in South Africa. The 34-year-old victim contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) on Sunday afternoon, April 14, requesting assistance to locate her husband and two of his accomplices. The woman explained that on Wednesday, at approximately 13:30, her husband advised her that he needed to visit an attorney to fetch documents and wanted her to accompany him. The husband then drove them both in her white GWM with registration ND 538 455 to an isolated location in Amanzimtoti - KZN. While questioning his intentions regarding the unusual location, a man later identified as Kyle Clayton opened her door and dragged her out of the vehicle. Her husband thereafter deprived her of her two cellphones. Clayton and a second male began strangling her with a rope. Her husband watched and instructed the men to speed up the process while she was being strangled. The female thereafter lost consciousness & woke up in a sugar cane plantation in Ifafa - KZN approximately 45 kilometres from Amanzimtoti - KZN. She was in the front seat of a silver Opel Corsa (registration unknown) driven by Clayton. It is believed that her body was to be dumped in the sugar cane plantation. Her husband and the third suspect, an unknown coloured male were not present. She begged Clayton to spare her life but he ignored her pleas and made telephonic contact with someone informing them that the female was still alive. The victim believed that Clayton was in contact with her husband. During the conversation, he advised the person that he had no fuel and cigarettes. Clayton advised the female that her husband was returning. He became agitated after a lengthy waiting period and drove off with the victim. He advised her that he was proceeding to purchase cigarettes. While travelling at approximately 80 km/h, the woman opened the car door and jumped from the moving vehicle. She fled to three males who were waiting on the side of the road. Their female employer arrived shortly thereafter and the victim explained her situation. Clayton attempted to convince them that he was assisting her but drove off when they contacted Law Enforcement. The female employer then provided her with a cellphone to contact family and transported the victim to her residence in the area. Her family then waited for relatives to fetch the victim who was thereafter transported back to Durban - KZN and received medical attention. The woman later established that R34 000 in cash was transferred from her bank account. She scrutinized her bank statement and discovered that R300 was transferred via E-Wallet at the time she was held captive in Ifafa - KZN. The money may have been paid to Clayton to purchase fuel and cigarettes. She believed that her own money was used to pay the suspects to kill her. She saved the cellphone number and viewed the WhatsApp status. She confirmed from the display picture that the number belonged to Kyle Clayton. The woman has since received multiple voice notes and calls from unfamiliar numbers from individuals informing her that they were going to kill her if the matter was pursued. A criminal case (126/03/2024) was registered at the Amanzimtoti SAPS. The Investigating Officer informed a Reaction Officer during a telephonic conversation that the suspects have been evading police since the matter was reported. He requested that the information be circulated in an attempt to apprehend the trio. The victims car remains unrecovered. The suspects are considered dangerous and should not be approached. Monday, April 14, 2024 Five of the six people killed in a stabbing attack at a Sydney shopping centre on Saturday afternoon, April 13, have been identified. On Saturday, a man wielding a knife went on a stabbing spree at the Westfield Mall at Bondi junction in the east of the city. The attack came to an end when Cauchi was shot dead by a police officer. The first victim of the attack has been identified as Dr Ashlee Good, 38, who was pushing her nine-month-old baby Harriet through the centre when the attacker stabbed the infant in her pram. With her last breath, Dr Good thrust the bleeding child into the arms of a passing stranger and his brother and begged them to save her baby, before she fell victim to the knifemans crazed rampage and died from her wounds in hospital. Baby Harriet was subsequently taken to Sydneys St Vincents Hospital, where she is understood to now be doing well after undergoing hours of emergency surgery. One of a pair of brothers told 9News: "The mum came over with the baby and threw it at me, and I was just holding the baby. "I just helped out, just holding the baby and trying to compress the baby, and same with the mother, trying to compress the blood from stopping and calling the ambulance and police. There was a lot of blood on the floor. We just kept yelling out to get some clothes to help us compress and stop the baby bleeding. Journalist Laura Jayes told Sky News Dr Good was a beautiful person, a wonderful athlete. She said: "She is just such an incredible person, shes one of those all-rounders, and incredible athlete. She was so excited to be a new mother and its all just been ripped away this afternoon. Clothing retailer White Fox Boutique has named its employee Dawn Singleton, who is the daughter of a prominent Australian businessman, as the second victim. The outlet said in a post on Facebook: We are all truly devastated by this loss. Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing. Killcare Surf Live Saving Club, where Dawns father John Singleton is a member, also posted: "Our sincere condolences to Club Patron John Singleton and the whole family with his daughter Dawn this morning named among the victims of the senseless tragedy at Bondi Junction. Four generations of Singletons have been involved with the club and our hearts go out to the family and all affected by this desperately sad event. The full resources of the club are theirs for the asking. Faraz Tahir, a 30-year-old Pakistani national who worked at the Westfield Mall as a security guard, was identified among the victims by the Australian Pakistani National Association. He was the only man among the otherwise all-female list of victims from yesterdays attack. The organisation wrote in a statement: "It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Faraz Tahir, a cherished member of our community and a dedicated security guard who tragically lost his life while serving the public during this attack. "[He] sought refuge in Australia just a year ago, fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan. He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Farazs family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence. We extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the broader community as we come together to support one another in the face of tragedy. New South Wales Police also named Jade Young, a member of the Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club in Sydneys eastern suburbs, among the deceased. The club wrote on Facebook: "This is and will be a difficult time for the community, and we encourage you to seek support from family, friends, fellow club members or to speak to your GP to assist you in processing this tragedy. We are here to support the community, and our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone affected. The fifth victim was named today as Pikria Darchia, 55, a local artist thought to originally come from Tbilisi in Georgia. In total of six people were killed in Saturdays attack, with an additional twelve victims being hospitalised for the injuries they sustained. Authorities have since said it may be some time before all of the victims were named as it is understood some have no relatives in Australia and police remain in the process of attempting to contact their families abroad. Monday, April 15, 2024 - A source has revealed to blogger Cyprian Nyakundi that there is an illegal kidney harvesting syndicate in Eldoret, Busia, and Nairobi. Young men are selling their kidneys for less than Ksh 100,000 after undergoing medical tests. Besides being given the money, they are also given a motorbike. Read the expose below. Hi Nyakundi Have you seen the story about Kidney business in Kenya? The price of a kidney in Kenya is just under US$1,000 plus a motorbike. That's how 30-year-old Joseph Japiny, from Oyugis town in Homa Bay County, acquired his boda boda a motorbike taxi he uses to earn a living. Japiny explained that he was introduced to Jadhot, a broker recruiting young men into the kidney-harvesting underworld that operates between Eldoret, Busia, and Nairobi. Jadhot offered Japiny US$984 as a down payment and another US$984 in the form of a Boxer motorcycle, which he could use as a boda boda taxi. Agreeing to the deal, Japiny underwent tests at a private clinic in Eldoret. Two weeks later, he returned to Eldoret for further tests and was provided with food and accommodation. Over three weeks, he underwent regular blood, urine, and fecal tests, with a minder assigned to look after him. In the fourth week, Japiny was moved to a nearby clinic where his kidney was removed. He stayed there under observation for three days and then spent another three weeks in his hotel. During this time, he had regular check-ups by a doctor from India who did not speak Swahili. He was then given his motorbike and sent on his way. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Monday, April 14, 2024 The Islamic Republic of Iran warned the United States to "stay away" from its conflict with Israel after Tehran launched a blitz of drone and missile attack in retaliation for a strike on its Damascus consulate that killed some of its army generals. "Iran's military action was in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus," Iran's United Nations mission said on X. "Should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe," it warned. "It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US MUST STAY AWAY!" It said it hoped its action to punish the strike on its diplomatic mission would lead to no further escalation and "the matter can be deemed concluded." But any Iranian hopes that Israel would be left to defend itself alone were swiftly swept off, with a Pentagon official confirming that US forces were shooting down Israel-bound drones and Britain saying it stood ready to. The April 1 strike, which was widely blamed on Israel, levelled the five-storey consular annexe of the Iranian embassy in Damascus and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals. The Guards warned Israel and the United States that any action they took against Iran would be reciprocated. "We emphasise that any threat by the terrorist government of America and the Zionist regime from any country will result in a reciprocal and proportionate response," the Guards said in a statement. Iran said it had carried out its attack on Israel as an act of "self-defence" following the strike on its diplomatic mission. "Iran emphasises its determination to decisively defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests against any illegal use of force and aggression," the foreign ministry said. Monday, April 14, 2024 The Israeli security cabinet has authorized a three-man war cabinet to decide on Israels response, after Iran launched over 100 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles towards Israel on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Following a late-night meeting on Saturday, the war cabinet comprising of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz met to decide on a response. Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari said Iran had launched dozens of surface-to-surface missiles, scores of drone missiles from its territory toward Israel. The attacks lasted approximately five hours. The vast majority of the missiles were intercepted outside Israeli territory, by Israels aerial defense systems, Hagari said in an update early Sunday. He said a few projectiles landed within Israeli territory, and there had been a hit on an IDF base in southern Israel, which resulted in mild damage to infrastructure. The Israeli air force had intercepted more than 10 cruise missiles outside Israeli territory, and dozens of UAVs were intercepted outside Israeli territory. Our planes are still in the air intercepting targets and we are ready for any threat that will come to Israel," Hagari said. "We will do everything we need, everything to defend the state of Israel." Early Sunday morning in Israel, the countrys Home Front Command canceled its request for citizens to remain near shelters, an indication that the Israeli military believes the immediate threat of incoming attack has passed. US forces throughout the region were positioned to provide defensive support to Israel ahead of the attack, and the US intended to intercept as many of the launches as it could. US forces intercepted a number of drones intended for Israel as part of a coordinated defensive effort, and Washington remains vigilant for the potential of more activity. In a letter addressed to UN chief Antonio Guterres and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier, Tehran has emphasised that its attack on Israel is a legal and justified act of self-defence against Israeli aggressions. The Iranian mission to the UN decried the Security Councils failure to condemn the deadly Israeli air raid on the countrys consulate in Damascus on April 1. As a responsible member of the United Nations, Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law and reiterates its consistent position that it does not seek escalation or conflict in the region, the letter said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned Iran's large-scale attack launched on Israel. Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, expressing deep alarm over the potential for a devastating region-wide escalation. "I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation," Guterres said. "I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East." Monday, April 14, 2024 The Israeli military said on Sunday April 14, that 99% of the more than 300 projectiles fired at Israel by Iran last night were intercepted. Only a small number of ballistic missiles reached the country's territory, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. Around 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles were launched at Israel by Iran, he said, the vast majority intercepted by the Israeli Air Force and Israeli partners. The ballistic missiles that did reach Israel fell on the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, Hagari said, adding that they caused only light structural damage. The base was functioning and continuing its operations following the attack, with planes continuing to use the base, he added. Iraq and Yemen also carried out launches against Israel, but none made it into the country, the IDF spokesman said. He added that dozens of rockets were launched from Lebanon toward the north of Israel, though Israel suffered no injuries or deaths and hit back by striking different targets in Lebanon. A 10-year-old girl was severely injured by shrapnel, but there were no immediate reports of other Israeli injuries or deaths, Hagari said. Iran did something very serious, very severe this night, as it pushed the Middle East toward escalation. We will do whatever is necessary in order to defend the citizens of the state of Israel, he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued his first public comments since Iran's overnight attack, saying in a post on X, "We intercepted, we stopped. Together we will win." Monday, April 14, 2024 A man from Milwaukee, US, allegedly murdered a college student after a date and then dismembered her body with a saw and spread the remains across the city, according to court documents. Maxwell Anderson, 33, was charged with murder on Friday, April 12, for allegedly killing 19-year-old Sade Carleena Robinson, who vanished after excitedly heading out for a date allegedly with him on April 1. Robinson was studying criminal justice at Milwaukee Area Technical College. She reportedly chatted with an employee in her apartment building about how excited she was to be going on a date that night, according to a criminal complaint against Anderson. "Im feeling seafood," she texted the suspect before the pair met up to eat. When Robinson failed to show up at the pizza joint where she worked the next day, friends and coworkers began to raise alarms. Police made a welfare check at her home but failed to find Robinson. On April 3 Robinsons car, a 2020 Honda Civic, was discovered severely burnt on a North Milwaukee street corner. The remains of clothing that matched the outfit shed worn to the date were found scorched inside. Later that day, a human leg which had been sawn off was found miles away on Lake Michigan beach park, with DNA matching it to Robinson, according to the complaint. Days later, a foot and pieces of human flesh were discovered in several locations near where Robinsons car was found. Anderson was arrested on April 4 after surveillance footage and witness accounts linked him to the date night with Robinson, and an apparent effort to hide her remains. Workers at the Twisted Fisherman restaurant confirmed the pair dined there on April 1 before heading to a downtown bar. Robinsons phone indicated she went to Andersons home after 9 p.m., the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. After midnight her phone began to ping at several locations across Milwaukee, before finally dying around 4:30 a.m. near the beach park where her severed leg was discovered. Footage from the park showed a car matching Robinsons and a person walking back and forth from the car to the beach. Hours later the burnt Honda was found miles north, and Anderson was seen riding a bus away from the area towards his home. "The Defendant intentionally killed and then dismembered Robinson with the intent to conceal the homicide, and it occurred between the arrival at the Defendants residence and his departure from the Warnimont Park area," the complaint says, according to CNN. A search for the rest of Robinsons remains is ongoing. Her family is distraught over the painful way she died. Robinsons mother, Sheena Scarbrough, called Anderson a "sick son of a bitch" after he was charged. Sheena "Who the **** would do something like this to my beautiful baby? She hurt nobody. She harmed nobody," she said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The suspect has at least three convictions for domestic incidents dating back to 2014, including an incident where he beat a man who intervened while Anderson was arguing with a woman on a public street. He now faces charges of first-degree homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson. Monday, April 14, 2024 A US Marine has been arrested for selling hundreds of pieces of jewelry worth over $500,000 in two separate heists. Marcelo Majeed Hernandez, 18, was identified as a suspect in the two heists that occurred in Houston at David Yurman Jewelry on October 13, 2023, and at Helzberg Diamond on April 5, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 said. In the first burglary, deputies discovered that a masked suspect smashed through the front door with a sledgehammer, and stole over 200 pieces of jewelry valued at over $380,000. During the second burglary, over $170,000 dollars worth of jewelry was stolen. The constable said that Hernandez had been identified after a very thorough investigation. Deputies located him on Thursday, less than a week after the latest heist, and took him into custody. During his arrest, deputies found three handguns, $11,000 in cash, and $500,000 worth of jewelry, which included diamonds, in his car, a Mercedes-Benz GLA, FOX26 Houston reported. The car had stolen license plates and was captured on surveillance video during the burglaries, Constable Mark Herman told the station. Detectives traced the vehicle to Hernandez. Most of the stolen jewelry has been recovered, according to the constable, and deputies are working to locate the last few pieces. As investigators took Hernandez into custody, his dog tags fell out, and he told deputies that he was in the US military, Herman told FOX26 Houston. Actually, he just recently finished his boot camp in the Marine Corps about a week before one of our cases, Constable Mark Herman told the station. The US Marine Corps (USMC) told Fox News Digital in a statement that it was aware of the allegations against Hernandez and was in contact with local authorities. Hernandez, a private first class reserve Marine with 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment in Houston, was not in a drilling status at the time when the alleged crimes occurred, the USMC said. The Marine Corps does not condone the type of behavior alleged in the incident, the USMC said. Monday, April 15, 2024 - Former Gatanga Member of Parliament Peter Kenneth has crawled back to life after a two-year absence from the political scene. Speaking during a burial service in Gatanga Constituency, Kenneth called for the resignation of Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi and other government officials involved in fake fertiliser distribution. According to Kenneth, people in Mt Kenya were suffering because of Rutos bad choices of leaders. We all grew up in this area where Coffee factories were being given genuine fertilisers. "If a farmer is being given fake fertiliser and is being taxed when the fertiliser cannot be used for production, it is a disgrace, he regretted People who are concerned with this fake fertiliser should make a normal call and quit. It is an embarrassment. The politician noted that Rutos administration was deceiving subsistence and small-scale farmers with substandard fertiliser. He explained that it was unfair for Mt Kenya residents to be hurt by unfavorable policies from the government. This government was elected overwhelmingly in this area and the bulk of supporters are suffering and it is no longer politics, he stated. On the issue of striking medics, Peter Kenneth, who supported Raila Odingas Azimio in the last General Election, remarked that it was a matter of humanity, where services have to be provided to the people. He noted that it was unfortunate that Kenyans were dying as they could not go to public hospitals and could not afford private hospitals. He further warned the national government on the manner in which the doctors strike was being handled and called for the resignation of Health CS Susan Nakhumicha. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, April 15, 2024 - A man has exposed an unhygienic lady after he moved into a rental house that she was previously living in. He found the house in a sorry state. There were cockroaches all over the house from the bedroom, and kitchen to the living room, an indication that she was living in an unhygienic condition He noted that the lady appears beautiful when you meet her in the streets, but she doesnt observe personal hygiene behind the scenes. Watch the video. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Monday, April 15, 2024 - Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has said he supports the ongoing doctors' strike, but urged them to resume work as they engage with the government. Speaking on Sunday, Nyoro, who is also the Chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly, said even though it is their right to push for better pay, they should consider the interest of patients first. "I support our doctors in entirety because it is their right but also on the other side as a Kenyan I want to request them very humbly, we support you, even the president supports and respects you," Nyoro said. "With a lot of respect, I urge you to go back to work, the government is still willing to dialogue, we should continue with the negotiations as Kenyans receive services in our hospitals." This is even as the strike which started last month stretched into its second month. According to Nyoro, the country's recurrent expenditure is almost double the development expenditure. He said even as doctors continue to push for their demands, the country's economy is not able to afford what they might be asking for. He, however, reaffirmed that what will be agreed upon during the negotiations will be made available to them. "Our country is in a situation where we cannot afford too much, I didnt say we won't give them the money, it is their work to negotiate," he said. "I am asking humbly that they go back to work as we negotiate, if the money is approved we are ready to include the money in the budget for the country to move forward," he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, April 15, 2024 Former Muranga governor Mwangi wa Iria is reportedly on the run as the government of President William Ruto seeks to jail him over the multi-million tender scandal. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) announced that it had recommended six charges against Mwangi wa Iria. In a statement, ODPP revealed that the former governor and other former county officials should be charged with procurement irregularities and conflict of interest of the Ksh140 million. This was arrived at following an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on procurement irregularities and conflict of interest in the award of publicity tenders by the County Government of Murang'a to two media consultancy firms in the Financial Year 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. Should the former governor, who is a principal at Azimio la Umoja coalition be found guilty of the charges, he will face a jail term and possible hurdle in running for office in future. Mwangi Wa Iria, Patrick Kagumu Mukuria, Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, David Maina Kiama, David Maina Njeri, Jane Waigwe Kimani, Solomon Mutura Kimani, Peter Muturi Karanja, were found to have engaged in procurement irregularities in the award of publicity tenders, a statement from ODPP read in part. The former governor will now stand trial for conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption as well as abuse of office. The DPP recommends that the suspects be charged with unlawful acquisition of public property, it was further revealed. Other charges include conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property. Lastly, the former governor will also be charged with money laundering contrary to the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act. The ODPP remains committed to executing its Constitutional Mandate in accordance with the rule of law and further, with due regard to the Public Interest, the Administration of Justice, and avoidance of abuse of the legal process, ODPP stated while recommending the charges. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, April 15, 2024 - President William Ruto has slammed Mt Kenya leaders who are opposed to the ongoing fight against alcoholism and drug abuse in the region. Speaking in Nyeri County on Sunday during the retirement of ACK Archbishop, Joseph Kagunda, Ruto said he is ready to lose popularity in Mt Kenya, in fighting alcoholism and drug use. In leadership and service, we must always make the correct decisions, not the popular decisions. "We must make the right decisions every time. That is how we are going to take Kenya forward, he said. Fight against illicit brews, drug and substance abuse, and radical measures to reduce the cost of living are some of the 'painful' decisions he says he had to make. Some leaders threatened Ruto that he risks losing popularity in Mt Kenya over his stand on illicit brew. "Let me ask you. Do you want me to leave the country flooded with alcoholics because of popularity? No, he said. Those criticising the government for fighting drug and substance abuse and illicit brews are looking for popularity. The government's war against drug abuse and illicit brew has seen many businesses shut down. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, April 14, 2024 The man who killed six people in a knife attack at a shopping centre in Australia has been named as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi. He had moved to Sydney just a month before the attack at Westfield mall at Bondi Junction in the east of the city. His family contacted authorities when they saw footage of the attack on television. Cauchi, from Queensland, was known to authorities, but had not been arrested or charged before he committed the attack on Saturday, April 13, police said. He was identified by New South Wales police on Sunday, April 14, after he was killed by a police officer. The lone knifeman attacked shoppers on Saturday afternoon and police said they do not think the attack was motivated by terrorism. Four women and a man in his 30s, a security guard at the shopping centre, died at the scene. One of the victims was Dr Ashlee Good, a mother whose last act was reportedly to thrust her nine-month-old baby to a stranger begging them to save her, after she was stabbed in her pram. Queensland Police assistant commissioner Roger Lowe told reporters in Brisbane that Cauchi was itinerant, meaning he regularly travelled from place to place with no fixed address. Mr Lowe said his force was assisting police in New South Wales with investigations. He has been in contact with the police, primarily in the last four to five years would be the most contact we have had with him. During that contact we are aware that this individual has suffered from mental health, said Mr Lowe. New South Wales police are investigating the man, who moved to Sydney a month before the attack, hiring a very small storage container in Sydney which police have worked through. The attackers family have released a statement saying they have no issue with the actions of the police officer who shot him dead, saying: She was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coming alright. They added: Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time. Joels action were truly horrific and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager. The family were in contact with police and asked for privacy, the NZ Herald reported. Monday, April 15, 2024 - President William Ruto has reacted after Iran, through the Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRG) attacked Israel on Sunday morning. Iran attacked Israel using over 300 kamikaze drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. However, according to Israel Defence Forces (IDF), 99 percent of the missiles and drones were intercepted and only 6 missiles landed at Nevatim Airforce Base in Negev desert, slightly damaging the base. In a statement on Sunday, Ruto said Kenya is deeply concerned by the attack, saying it disturbs the already delicate situation in the Middle East. Ruto also mentioned that the Iranian attack is a serious threat to international peace and security, and is a clear violation of the United Nations Charter. Kenya is deeply concerned by Irans attack on the State of Israel. This disturbing development only serves to aggravate an already delicate situation in the Middle East. The attack represents a real and present threat to international peace and security, contravenes the Charter of the United Nations, and should be condemned by all peace-loving countries, said Ruto. The Head of State urged Israel to exercise extreme caution in responding to the act of aggression in order to avoid escalating the worrying situation. In responding to this act of aggression, Kenya urges Israel to show utmost restraint taking into account the urgent need for all parties to walk away from the brink beyond which recovery will be enormously difficult, Ruto added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, April 15, 2024 - Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematia has asked President William Ruto to fire Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome for failing to eradicate banditry in the region. Addressing a congregation over the weekend, the lawmaker accused Koome of sleeping on the job, instead of adopting a hands-on approach in trying to eradicate the menace. She argued that lives in the region have continued to be lost while the inspector general has continued to remain silent on the matter. "There is the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. People are killed every day yet he is in Nairobi," she lamented. "You can't be the police boss in Kenya and wait for a report when people are getting killed. Why should you wait for the report instead of going to investigate?" She stated. Jemaita, who is a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, as a result, wants the Head of State to relieve the IG of his duties and name his replacement immediately. She lamented that defending the state was increasingly becoming difficult on the backdrop of deaths in her county. "We are asking the President to act on it because the task has defeated Koome. We are also in Government and it is hard to defend the government when people are dying," she added. "You cannot defend the government when my work is to bury people every day. I am not happy to be a leader of people who are suffering. We are asking the President because the buck stops with you." Jemaita's voice adds to a growing number of leaders across the divide dissatisfied with Koome's performance over insecurity in the region. On April 1, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who is a member of the ruling party, asked him to resign for failing to end the conflict. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, April 14, 2024 The US has denied claims from Iran, Turkey, Jordan and Iraq that Iran warned the US says before its drone and missile attack on Israel, saying Iran was aiming to cause significant damage with its 350 missiles barrage. Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles on Saturday April 13 in a retaliatory strike after a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria. Most of the drones and missiles were downed before reaching Israeli territory, though a young girl was critically injured. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday that Iran gave neighbouring countries and Israel's ally the United States 72 hours' notice it would launch the strikes. Turkey's Foreign Ministry said it had spoken to both Washington and Tehran before the attack, adding it had conveyed messages as an intermediary to be sure reactions were proportionate. "Iran said the reaction would be a response to Israels attack on its embassy in Damascus and that it would not go beyond this. We were aware of the possibilities. The developments were not a surprise," said a Turkish diplomatic source. Two Iraqi sources, including a government security adviser and a security official, said Iran had used diplomatic channels to inform Baghdad about the attack at least three days before it happened. The exact timing of the attack was not disclosed at that point, but was passed to Iraqi security and military authorities hours before the strikes, allowing Baghdad to close its airspace and avoid fatal accidents. "The government clearly understood from the Iranian officials that the U.S. military in Iraq was also aware of the attack in advance," said the Iraqi security official. Also, a Jordanian official said Iran had summoned Arab envoys in Tehran on Wednesday to inform them of their intention to carry out an attack, though it did not specify the timing. Asked if Iran had also given details about the targets and kind of weapons to be used, the Jordanian source did not respond directly but indicated that that was the case. An Iranian source briefed on the matter said Iran had informed the U.S. through diplomatic channels that included Qatar, Turkey and Switzerland about the scheduled day of the attack, saying it would be conducted in a manner to avoid provoking a response. But a new Reuters report says that a senior official in U.S. President Joe Biden's administration denied Amirabdollahian's statement, saying Washington did have contact with Iran through Swiss intermediaries but did not get notice 72 hours in advance. "That is absolutely not true, the official said. They did not give a notification, nor did they give any sense of ... 'these will be the targets, so evacuate them.'" Tehran sent the United States a message only after the strikes began and the intent was to be "highly destructive" said the official, adding that Iran's claim of a widespread warning may be an attempt to reduce criticism at home due to the lack of any major damage from the attack. "We received a message from the Iranians as this was ongoing, through the Swiss. This was basically suggesting that they were finished after this, but it was still an ongoing attack. So that was (their) message to us," the U.S. official said. The attack with drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles risked causing major casualties and escalating the conflict. However, Israel is still weighing its response and will "exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us", Israeli minister Benny Gantz said on Sunday. Monday, April 14, 2024 A lady called Ogechi has expressed concern on social media as a friend of hers who relocated to Canada a year ago is yet to get a job. Many Africans have relocated to the country in search of greener pastures. Ogechi's post has elicited reactions with some pointing out possible reasons why her friend hasn't landed a job yet. They say her friend might be selective of the kind of jobs he/ she wants. Monday, April 15, 2024 President William Ruto now appears to have shifted the blame over the ongoing doctors' strike to counties. This is after he urged healthcare professionals to resume negotiations with their respective county administrations because they are responsible for paying their salaries. This comes even as tensions escalate with some counties threatening dismissal of non-compliant doctors. During a press briefing, Ruto, through the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, highlighted the readiness of county governments to engage in negotiations for Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and stressed the importance of prompt return to the negotiation table. "The counties are prepared to negotiate," he affirmed, emphasizing the significance of dialogue in resolving the crisis. The strike, which has seen varying levels of participation across the 47 counties, has resulted in a patchwork of responses from local governments. While Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Uasin Gishu report full operation in their healthcare facilities, Nyeri county has taken a harsher stance by dismissing 60 doctors who joined the strike. Other counties, including Kakamega, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Kilifi, and Kisumu, have set a stern deadline for striking doctors. These doctors have been given until Monday, April 15, to return to their duties or face termination of their contracts. Highlighting the national impact of the strike, it was revealed that more than 500 people have died due to the lack of medical services, a situation that has intensified public outcry and calls for urgent government action. The Kenyan DAILY POST Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Join Robert Murry, chief medical officer at NextGen Healthcare, to delve into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in rural medical practices. Robert, also known as a country doctor practicing in the picturesque horse country of New Jersey, shares his firsthand experience of integrating AI-driven ambient listening into his workflow. Discover how this innovative technology is revolutionizing patient care, streamlining documentation, and combating physician burnout in rural health ccare settings. Robert Murry is chief medical officer, NextGen Healthcare. He discusses the KevinMD article, How this country doctor embraced artificial intelligence. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://earnc.me/ev0lY1 Powered by CMEfy. A recent investigation in Quebec uncovered a concerning trend: benzodiazepines medications commonly used for sleep or anxiety are being overprescribed. This investigation has prompted the Quebec College of Physicians to closely examine the usage of these medications. But this issue extends beyond Quebecs borders; across Canada, these medications are being prescribed at alarming rates. Benzodiazepines and other sedatives are often prescribed to older adults aged 65 and up for sleep or anxiety problems. However, long-term use poses serious risks for this age group, including memory problems, falls, and even an increased risk of death. When benzodiazepines are taken with other sedating medications, there is also an increased risk of overdose and over-sedation. Despite these known risks, a 2022 report by the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) and Choosing Wisely Canada found that one in 12 Canadians over 65 are using these medications regularly. The report also revealed significant variations in prescription rates across Canadian provinces and territories. For instance, in Saskatchewan, five percent of older adults over 65 use these medications regularly compared to over 20 percent in New Brunswick. These differences likely stem from physicians differing prescribing habits. Initiatives such as providing feedback to doctors about their prescribing habits, as proposed by the Quebec College, can help address this issue. The report also identified differences between groups, with women being nearly twice as likely as men to be prescribed these medications. Older women, particularly those over 90, are the most likely to be prescribed these medications, even though they are most at risk of problems. Often, patients start these medications to address short-term sleep disturbances or anxiety. However, they may continue using them longer than recommended, leading to chronic use. Patients may also receive these medications in the hospital to help them sleep, but this can continue even after they are discharged. Simple and safe alternatives exist, such as creating a healthy sleep environment, which studies show can be as effective as medications. So, how can we ensure safer medication practices? Studies show that when patients understand the risks of prescription medications, they are less likely to take them. Patients should engage in conversations with their doctors about potential side effects and explore safer alternatives. Pharmacists can also play a crucial role in reviewing medications and identifying those that can be reduced or discontinued. Additionally, doctors can advocate for non-medication interventions, such as lifestyle modifications, to address sleep or anxiety issues. Simple lifestyle changes, like regular exercise or better bedtime habits, can help provide relief without the use of medications. These changes are often just as effective, and possibly more effective than medications. If prescriptions are started, they should be time-limited, and patients and doctors can consider whether they need to be continued. Overprescription of risky sedative medications is a challenging and widespread issue in Canada. Its important for health care providers, regulatory bodies that oversee clinician practice, and patients to collaborate in promoting safer, more effective care for Canadians. By raising awareness of the risks associated with these medications and encouraging open conversations between patients and health care providers to determine safer alternatives, we can reduce the risks and enhance the well-being of our aging, vulnerable population. Wendy Levinson and Christine Soong are internal medicine physicians. Ireland South MEP candidate, Cynthia Ni Mhurchu, an experienced family barrister of 27 years, has called for wide ranging actions to safeguard our children from harmful, violent and sexual content online. She said our children are only ever a few clicks away from sexual exploitation, violence, bullying, gambling and harmful content online. In a week where Meta has lowered the age at which children can join WhatsApp from 16 to 13, Ni Mhurchu said that the tech giants are prioritising profit over protection. She described how easy it is to open a Tik Tok account and that any 8 year old can set up a Tik Tok account in just 5 clicks, without any proper age verification. Ni Mhurchu has called for robust new age verification for children who use online social media accounts, criminal liability for the executives of social media companies found guilty of exposing our children to harmful content and new resources for Coimisiun na Mean to police and enforce the Digital Services Act. "It is essential that we approach this from a pan European perspective to avoid a series of fragmented national strategies," she said. "Ireland, and Irish MEPS, need to play a leading role on child protection because we are home to most of the worlds largest tech companies and it is our regulators who are responsible for policing the activities of the social media and tech giants like Google, Meta, Tik Tok and Instagram. "Self declaration age verification is just not working. This morning an 8 year family member of one of our team demonstrated how easy it is to create a Tik Tok account with just a few clicks. "The only age verification process the child had to get past was to enter a false date of birth. Within a few clicks, the 8 year old had created a new Tic Tok account. Naturally, we deleted it immediately." According to Ni Mhurchu, tech platforms have flaunted regulations designed to protect our children from harmful content. She claims that social media giants really wont start to implement the changes we need until we introduce the possibility of criminal sanction for executives who oversee the distribution of illegal, harmful, violent and pornographic content to children across Europe on their platforms. "Trying hard is not good enough," she said. "The social media giants have been dragging their heels for too long now and if it is the threat of criminal sanction that brings the top executives to the table, so be it." A recent British study, referenced by the BBC, found that sexism is on the rise in schools because of harmful content on children's phones. The study referenced young boys watching 'aggressive and violent pornography' and influencer content that 'completely distorts their view of women'. A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that the proportion of adolescents who reported being cyberbullied has increased since 2018, from 12% to 15% for boys and 13% to 16% for girls. The survey referenced young people spending up to 6 hours a day on their phones. Ni Mhurchu encourages anyone encountering inappropriate content online to report it to Hotline.ie, an Irish national reporting centre where members of the public can securely, anonymously, and confidentially report concerns in respect of illegal content online. The organisation received 31,068 reports of illegal or inappropriate content in 2022, the highest number of reports on record to date. A man has appeared in court charged with stealing over 1,700 from St Eunan's Cathedral in Letterkenny while a funeral was taking place on Sunday. Ireneusz Matras was brought before Monday's sitting of Letterkenny District Court. Matras, a 43-year-old of Fortwell, Letterkenny, was charged that on April 14, 2024, at St Eunan's Cathedral in Letterkenny, he did steal property to wit 1,754.55 and 6.13stg, the property of parish priest, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie. The incident occurred in the sacristy of the Cathedral after a collection had been taken from parishioners during a midday Funeral Mass. After the brazen theft, Matras was arrested a short time later by detectives and taken to Letterkenny Garda Station for questioning. Matras was held overnight and brought before court on Monday. The charge is contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Sergeant Maurice Doyle told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the matter be dealt with summarily in the District Court. Evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Matras was given by way of schedule. Matras was represented by solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher. Mr Gallagher said he has firm instructions to tender a guilty plea and suggested that it may be appropriate to have an interpretor present on the next occasion for Matras, a Polish national. Matras has no previous convictions and Mr Gallagher asked for a Probation and Welfare report on behalf of his client. A report would maybe give a better understanding in a plea of mitigation, Mr Gallagher said. Judge Eiteain Cunningham granted bail on condition that Matras sign on at Letterkenny Garda Station once a week and provide Gardai with an address at which he will reside. Judge Cunningham ordered a Probation and Welfare report and remanded Matras on bail to appear again before Letterkenny District Court on July 8. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A guest post by John Stringer: I teach WWI, WWII and the Cold War. As an historian and classicist, I follow war, both historic and contemporary, with interest. Motivations for the Iranian consulate attack in Syria by Israel this week, might include: 1. A preemptive strike to take out a big group of important Iranian military leaders and thus hobble Irans near-future war-making capability. (Ironically, no one talks about Syria these days, or despot Assad, where atrocities and genocide on a much bigger scale than in Gaza, has been ongoing). Remember the 2013 chemical weapon attacks (tests?) by Assad against his own people? 2. To actually provoke a wider war with Iran so this confrontation can be resolved once and for all, before Iran develops nukes. 3. To keep America in the fold with Israel (ie against Iran) because America is softening in support about the Israeli Gaza action. Any Iranian retaliation will almost certainly include an attack on American assets (Iranian proxies have done this recently, hitting US bases). They might even attack mainland America with cruise missiles, which would be foolish in the extreme (like Pearl Harbour). I think theyll take out a big American symbol (Statue of Liberty? An aircraft carrier?) and attack US bases in Syria or elsewhere with drones. 4. To provoke an Iranian attack and draw the Saudis in on Israels side (the Saudis hate revolutionary Iran). The enemy of my enemy is my friend. It would then be Israel/US/Saudi Arabia, a strong coalition to confront Iran. It might scare off the Arab States rising. Many fear Iran and might quietly support the confrontation. Many Arab States dont want the 1979 theocratic Iranian Revolution spreading. The Saudis spend almost 8% GDP on military. Huge. 5. Netanyahus unity government might need a bigger enemy than Hamas to maintain government. Remember, Israel has been politically unstable in elections recently, very divided, like America, with deadlocked elections before Nety managed to form a Govt of most parties. If it fell, Israel would be very weak indeed, and her enemies would take advantage. Corollary: If as is likely, the Middle East conflict expands, watch Putin. Will his gaze move to the Baltics? Perhaps Estonia, where there is a 1/4 Russian minority (vestiges of Hitlers 1930s re -amalgamations: Sudetenland, Rhineland, Danzig corridor, etc). The prime minister of Estonia is a middle aged woman whose parents were Kulaks, persecuted and murdered by Stalinist Russia -perhaps one of the worlds worst genocides. Expect her to fight hard, and evoke NATO. The Poles would certainly act against Russia. Poland is ready for war (5% + GDP on military spending, well trained infantry, and now modernised with American hardware, not old Soviet). France is also awakening. Their main focus is nuclear and deterent rather than convention war. But that ramps up the threat of tactical nuclear threats. If Trump is elected, as is most likely, in October, I suspect he will pull out of Ukraine war support, to force the Europeans to step up (especially Germany and France) and refocus US attention and treasure in the Pacific (China containment) and the Middle-East (the bigger threats to America). Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In an aerial view, salvage crews continue to remove wreckage from the cargo ship Dali after it stuck and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge, April 09, in Baltimore, Maryland. First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun will visit Kenya and Mauritius this week as a special presidential envoy for an upcoming summit with African nations set for later this year, the foreign ministry said Monday. Kim will make a four-day trip to the two African countries starting Monday through Thursday, before flying to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, the ministry said in a release. In Kenya and Mauritius, Kim will relay the government's expectations for the leaders of the two countries to attend the Korea-Africa summit in Seoul, set for June 4-5, and hold consultations with officials there about the summit. While in the UAE, Kim will meet with government officials and discuss bilateral relations, including implementing measures in the follow up to the leaders' summit that took place in January last year, Seoul's ministry said. (Yonhap) During his solo concert, EXO Baekhyun was "shocked" when international EXO-Ls/BBH-Ls "allowed" him to do THIS. Meanwhile, the story behind his reaction also saddened fans. EXO Baekhyun 'Shocked' When PHIXOs 'Allowed' His Skinship With Dancers On April 13, EXO Baekhyun met PHIXOs (Philippine EXO-Ls) once again through his first solo concert, "Lonsdaleite." Kicking off in March, Baekhyun embarked on his 2024 Asia Tour, visiting various cities in Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Thailand. During his sold-out solo concert in Manila held at the Araneta Coliseum, Baekhyun made the performance worthwhile with his high-quality stages and top-tier singing and dancing skills. The K-pop icon sent fans into a frenzy when he showcased live stages for his solo tracks like "UN Village," "Bambi," "Candy," "Amusement Park," and more. He also served fans with the live version of EXO's songs "Diamond" and "Playboy," as well as "Paranoia," the debut track of the virtual act HEARTSTEEL of League of Legends. 240413 lonsdaleite in manila | playboy you really have to see baekhyun perform live at least once. he's so so so good. i always love watching him dance he's truly the Genius Idol pic.twitter.com/ISZ3IZ9FJJ hourly baekhyun #lonsdaleite (@bbhperhour) April 14, 2024 ALSO READ: EXO Baekhyun, Xiumin Prepare New APP to Communicate With Eris After Termination of SM's Bubble But among his performances, what captured both Byun Baekhyun and EXO-Ls' attention was when he asked for the fans' permission to do skinship with his dancers. Initially, he was hesitant to do it during one of his songs that he had to ask for the audience's permission. As a context, ahead of his "Cry For Love" stage, the idol told fans that the song would involve him having a skinship with his backup dancers; thus, he told PHIXOs in advance to avoid them being "jealous." However, the reaction of Filipino fans brought confusion to Baekhyun. He was met with loud cheers of approval instead! baekhyun: *asks if its okay for him to do some skinship with the dancer during cry for love* no? fans: yes! baekhyun: its okay? its okay? fans: yes! baekhyun: *looks confused* really? fans: yes! baekhyun: *nods* i got that. LETS MOVE ON!pic.twitter.com/qcqJMPXkIA (@milkteus) April 13, 2024 Baffled at the reaction, he asked again to make sure that the fans and him were on the same page. But PHIXOs assured him it was totally fine he does skinship during the performance. Upon understanding that the fans' answer was a resounding "yes," Baekhyun was finally able to shake off his nervousness and proceeded with the performance. Undoubtedly, the stage was breathtaking, especially the part where Baekhyun was hitting the song's high notes while on top of the bed. His dreamy visuals and stable vocals were memorable! Story Behind EXO Baekhyun's Shocked Reaction he realized fans outside of sokor are normal https://t.co/78hvfRpeIZ chi (@koishiinee) April 13, 2024 baekhyun shock for finally meeting normal people https://t.co/1eosHPU3KZ (@dazaijd) April 13, 2024 With his "culture-shocked" expression, some PHIXOs shared the clip on various SNS, such as on X and TikTok, and it immediately garnered various reactions. There are numerous fans who laughed at the EXO's main vocalist's reaction, joking that he can't believe international fans are not bothered an inch if he does a skinship with his dancers. The topic of dating and marriage was also brought up, with fans stating that Baekhyun would be more shocked if he learned that a lot of his foreign fans would be over the moon if he dates or ties the knot. Just then, Eris couldn't help but feel bad and sad as to why Baekhyun had to ask permission from fans for a mere skinship during a performance and that was due to his "traumatic" experience from Korean EXO-Ls. Again, Korean fans can never. His face is all shocked when we said yes, and he even asked us thrice if we're sure about it hahahahaha such a tease, Baekhyun https://t.co/mL4pLMolnO lmd | exo always, in all ways. . (@LMdohkyungsoo) April 14, 2024 Awwww baekhyun ahhh the south korean fans are the only one who are weird. You can proceed with the original choreo if you perform outside sk This is so sad oh my goodness https://t.co/1htv16B8yB Tq (@Tq_aeriallin) April 13, 2024 dont worry baekhyun, ONLY your south korean fans are delusional, insane, and stupid. we are not like them. https://t.co/eSryEUapKS April 13, 2024 It's not a secret from the fandom that many Korean fans want a pseudo-relationship with EXO members. Unfortunately, the group seems to be aware of the reality and refuse to act like boyfriends to fans. While they often show their love and care for EXO-Ls in the best ways they can, fans are against the idea of the EXO members dating and interacting with the opposite sex. READ MORE: K-Netz Name Male Idols That Women Just Can't Hate: Baekhyun, Jungkook, Minho, More! For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dela Cruz This K-pop icon recalled how his "withdrawal" from the group was announced WITHOUT him knowing after his dating news was revealed. Here's how he was able to avoid being ultimately kicked out of the team. Joon Park Recalls Almost Getting Kicked Out of g.o.d Due To Dating News On April 14, g.o.d Park Joon Hyung, also known as Joon Park, appeared on the web show "Psick Show." The episode was uploaded on Psick Univ's official YouTube channel. On this day, the show brought back the legendary video of Park when he was 32 years old. During the early 2000s, Joon was suddenly embroiled in dating news and the video happened at the time he called for a press conference amid danger of being kicked out of g.o.d. for dating actress Han Go Eun. Since dating was a huge taboo in the K-pop idol world at the time, the Korean-American star expressed his resentment of knowing that he would be kicked out from the group only through the official announcement. At the time, even his co-members, who were also clueless, decided to take his side along with their strong fan base, Fan god. Fortunately, their label SidusHQ listened to the group and fandom's demand, avoiding the expulsion he almost faced. In the video, Park Joon Hyung expresses his resentment by saying: "Im 32 years old." Seeing the video, he recalled his feelings at the time and confessed: "If you look carefully at the video, at the time, I can't even cry because I'm so angry. Because to me, I was raised in the United States and there, even in Korea, it's natural to have a girlfriend and boyfriend, especially when you're in your 30s. But to be kicked out of the band, to me, was crazy because what the heck? Because I have a girlfriend? I didn't know if I wanted to cry or laugh, but I couldn't cry." Moving on, when asked about the suitable age for idols to date, Park Joon Hyung answered: "You can do it at any time. That's the most natural thing that a human being can do. First is eating, sleeping, and having a partner." At the time, he even considered not getting married. However, after meeting the flight attendant Kim Yoo Jin, Joon changed this view and got married in 2015. In 2017, they had their first daughter. Summary of Park Joon Hyung's Dating & Expulsion News in 2001 For more context, in 2001, the news broke that Park Joon Hyung was dating actress Han Go Eun. As this was a crucial time as the group was at the peak of their career, his then label SidusHQ announced his withdrawal without his knowledge due to the dating news. Accordingly, Park Joon Hyung held a tearful exclusive press conference and appealed for his position, and after the active efforts of fans and god members, he was able to prevent his expulsion. In 2014, Park then revealed how he met his ex-girlfriend saying: "We met by chance. We were friends at first, but we became close because we were both based in the United States. It was amazing because it was the first time I heard her call me oppa." For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dela Cruz Photos of Girl's Day member Hyeri from March are resurfacing, with people claiming she resembles her close friend, BLACKPINK member Rose. Hyeri has been one of the most mentioned names in media currently, despite the fact that she hasn't released new music or starred in a drama this year. With drama due to her ex-boyfriend Ryu Jun Yeol, as well as the popularity of her successful YouTube show, Hyeri has become a name Korean netizens can't help but keep uttering. Now, it is the idol-actress's visuals that are taking center stage. Keep on reading for all the details. Girl's Day Hyeri Stuns in Instagram Post Following Ryu Jun Yeol-Han Seo Hee 'Transit Love' Drama In March, the media was crazy following the "transit love" involving K-drama's biggest names, Han So Hee, Ryu Jun Yeol, and Hyeri. Surprisingly, it was Hyeri who emerged as the standout figure amidst the drama. With just the words "So interesting," the Girl's Day member unknowingly sparked a romantic drama that tarnished the images of A-list Korean actors Ryu Jun Yeol and Han So Hee. Meanwhile, Hyeri garnered even more love from the public, captivating social media every time she made an appearance. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Ryu Jun Yeol & Hyeri's Agencies Join Forces in Shocking Merger - What Does This Mean For the Ex-Couple? Towards the end of March, Hyeri took to social media to flaunt her fresh look, sporting short, wavy hair. Her youthful aura, captivating charm, and ever-evolving style stole the spotlight, earning her a shower of compliments from Korean netizens. The timing of her photo series, following the Han So Hee and Ryu Jun Yeol controversy, only heightened the attention. However, the photos became popular for a very different reason! Girl's Day Hyeri Goes Viral for Visual Similarities to BLACKPINK Rose Hyeri's recent photo series started gaining attention in April after BLACKPINK Rose shared photos of her as Dazed Korea's latest cover girl. Rose's chic, fluffy hairstyle immediately went viral among the public. What particularly stood out is the similarities between Rose and Hyeri's hairstyles," both flaunted luscious curls. While Hyeri exudes a cute, individualistic charm with brown hair, Rose gives off a radiant beauty with her blonde hair that is reminiscent of sunshine. YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: BLACKPINK Rose Draws Attention For 'Changed' Visuals Following Latest Appearance Most K-pop and K-drama fans are aware of how close Hyeri and Rose are. Because of that, the uncanny resemblance between their hairstyles has sent fans of both stars into a frenzy. Despite their different images, the two celebrities always give off a harmonious and friendly aura when photographed together. What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below! CHECK THIS OUT: BLACKPINK Rose & Rowoon's 'Fist Bump' Sends Fans Into Raptures: 'This Is So Cute' KpopStarz Owns This Written by Alexa Lopez Korean netizens discuss the center position of UNIS, with many wondering if Elisia is the holder of that role. Back in January 2024, Elisia made history as the first Filipina to take home first place on a Korean survival show. She secured her spot in the debut line-up before the finale of "Universe Ticket," after she claimed the "P" ranking and earned herself a Prism ticket, ensuring her spot in the group. Since then, the group has debuted as UNIS. But who is the center? Is Elisia The Center of UNIS? In April 2024, several posts were made on South Korean online community forums discussing Elisia's role in the group. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Here's how to join UNIS' Fansign in Cebu and Manila In these posts, Korean netizens are questioning why Elisia is not given center treatment despite ranking first on "Universe Ticket." It was noted that in group photos, Seowon or Kotoko are placed in the center. Meanwhile, Filipina members Elisia and Gehlee Dangca are often placed on opposite sides. There is not a single official photo of the group where Elisia is placed in the center. If it's not Seowon or Kotoko in the center, the spot is often given to Nana. Fans noted that Nana and Kotoko were the producer's picks during their time on "Universe Ticket." YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: F&F CEO Reacts on UNIS Elisia Ranking #1 in 'Universe Ticket': 'It Was Unexpected...' It was also noted that, despite being a confident vocalist, Seowon and Nana had more lines than Elisia on the "WE UNIS" album. Additionally, all the ad-libs were done by Seowon. Overall, Elisia ranked third among the eight members. Should Elisia Be The Center of UNIS? K-Netz React Those who saw the post gave mixed reactions, however. While some agreed that Elisia should be in the center position, they noted it's a hard title to hold and it should not automatically be given to the first-place winner. Instead, it should be given to the person who can handle being in the center the most. CHECK THIS OUT: THIS UNIS Member's Visuals Draws Comparison to aespa Winter Others wondered if being in first place automatically assured them more center time and lines. It was noted that Jeon Somi and Kang Daniel, who ranked first for their respective "Produce" seasons and were the centers of I.O.I and Wanna One, respectively, often received fewer parts than their groups. It was also noted that the ones who didn't rank first are having more successful careers now. People also commented that if it doesn't bother Elisia, then it should not bother the community. ALSO READ: From Kriesha Cha to UNIS: Introducing K-Pop's Girl Group Filipino Line Some comments read, "If I were Elisia, I would go crazy." "In those photos, she looks like Seowon's bridesmaid." "Does being in first place matter? Jeon Somi and Kang Daniel ranked first on 'Produce' but the successful ones are the ones that didn't rank at the top." "I don't think she would have debuted if she wasn't a professional, so there's no reason for us to be busy with their matters." "It's hard to be a center, regardless of rank." "No, but in 'Universe Ticket,' Elisia ranked first. So why are Seowon and Kotoko centers? Isn't this too much? Elisia, go to a better agency. F&F is too much." What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below! READ MORE: Introducing UNIS' Filipino Line: Elisia, Gehlee Dangca, Jin Hyeonju! KpopStarz Owns This Written by Alexa Lopez New Delhi [India], April 15 (ANI): India's overall exports, merchandise and services combined, in the just-concluded financial year 2023-24 are estimated to be USD 776.68 billion, largely steady on a yearly basis, commerce ministry data showed on Monday. In break up, exports of merchandise goods declined 3.1 per cent to USD 437.06 billion, and exports of services rose 4.4 per cent to USD 339.62 billion. Also Read | BJP Will Implement Uniform Civil Code After Returning To Power, Says Union Minister Piyush Goyal. Coming to exports in March 2024, merchandise exports declined 0.7 per cent to USD 41.68 billion, and services exports declined 6.3 per cent to USD 28.54 billion India's overall exports 2022-23 were worth USD 775.87 billion, a growth of over 14 per cent and almost USD 100 billion on a yearly basis. Also Read | Delhi Excise Policy Scam: Arvind Kejriwal's Judicial Custody Extended in Money Laundering Case Till April 23. Coming to imports, India's overall imports in 2023-24 declined 4.8 per cent to USD 854.80 billion. In March 2024, merchandise and services exports declined 5.41 per cent and 2.46 per cent, respectively. Among various steps the government took was to launch a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in varied sectors, including electronic goods, to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investments, enhance exports, integrate India into the global supply chain and reduce dependency on imports. These seemed to have reaped dividends. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Vidisha (MP), Apr 15 (PTI) Two farmers were killed and three others injured when a truck hit their tractor-trolley in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha district in the early hours of Monday, police said. The accident took place near a warehouse on Vidisha-Sagar road under Tyonda police station limits at around 3 am. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir Shocker: Man Kills Mother With Sharp Weapon in Sopore, Arrested. The farmers had gone to sell their crop produce at the warehouse, Tyonda police station in-charge ML Bhati said. A speeding truck hit the stationary tractor-trolley. Two farmers, both brothers, were killed, he said. Also Read | MP Board Result 2024: When Will MPBSE Release Class 10, 12 Results at mpresults.nic.in? Check Latest Update and How to Check Scorecard. Three other farmers received injuries and were undergoing treatment in a hospital, the official said. The truck driver and helper fled from the spot leaving the vehicle behind, he said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], April 15 (ANI): Former MP and BJP's candidate for the Araku Lok Sabha seat Kothapalli Geetha, on Monday demanded the Election Commission to remove Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary and Director General of Police from their duties following the attack on Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu. Notably, on Saturday evening, CM Jagan was left with a deep cut above his left eyebrow, narrowly missing his eyes, after an unidentified person hurled a stone at the chief minister during the 'Memantha Siddham' bus yatra in Vijayawada, said sources. Also Read | RPF Recruitment 2024: Railway Recruitment Board Opens Applications for Sub-Inspector and Constable Positions at rpf.Indianrailways.gov.in. "An attack on a person of the Chief minister rank. What will be the protection of the candidates like us in the state? We consider this as a security failure of the AP government. Police officials have already failed to maintain law and order. The Election Commission should take it as a serious issue and change the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary and DGP from their duties," he said in a statement. Geetha also expressed concern over the violent behaviour of YSRCP members during their campaign, including breaking LED vehicles. She also raised the issue of safety for candidates, citing an attack on the CM candidate and the potential danger for candidates like her. Also Read | Can Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Run Govt From Tihar Jail? Prison Manual Says Otherwise. "YSRCP Gundas are creating scaring situation, they are breaking our LED vehicles during the campaign. Attack reported on the CM candidate, what about the situation if they attack a candidate like us," she said. "Officials are creating obstacles for the election candidates at every step of their campaigns. We have the right to campaign democratically. We have the right to campaign in a democratic mode. We filed complaints to the election commission to take action against the officials who are supporting the ruling government and not giving permission to us," she said. Meanwhile, following the attack on Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, YSRCP has complained against TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan with the Election Commission (EC), asking the poll body to initiate action against the two opposition leaders for making provocative statements. YSRCP general secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said, "We've complained to the EC that there is a conspiracy behind the attack on CM Jagan. We urge the poll body to take necessary action against Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan and restrain them from making provocative statements and ensure that this kind of incident does not recur." The Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled for May 13, with vote counting set for June 4. Notably, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly consists of 175 seats and a party would need at least 88 seats to form a government. In the 2014 Assembly elections, the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP won with a majority of 102 seats. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP won 67 seats. The BJP could only win four seats by contesting against the two regional heavyweights. In the 2019 Assembly elections, the YSRCP won with a thumping majority of 151 seats, while the TDP was confined to 23 seats. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats in the country will be held in seven phases starting April 19. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha as well as the assemblies will take place on June 4. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kolkata, Apr 15 (PTI) Like they say that the proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains, the CPI(M) also feels that from zero at present, out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, it has the opportunity to rise again, beating the baggage of the past in the upcoming parliamentary polls. Having fielded a number of young and new candidates in West Bengal, the CPI(M) is expecting a revival of its fortunes in the state with a blend of youth and experience. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir Shocker: Man Kills Mother With Sharp Weapon in Sopore, Arrested. The CPI(M) has fielded three leaders of its students' wing SFI - Bhattacharyya, Pratikur Rahaman from Diamond Harbour and Dipsita Dhar from the Serampore Lok Sabha seat. "It's a perfect blend of agility of the youth and experience of the seniors," CPI(M)'s Jadavpur candidate Srijan Bhattacharyya told PTI, echoing the voice of the party's leaders. Also Read | Uttarakhand Lok Sabha Elections 2024: State to Cast Votes at over 11,000 Polling Booths on April 19. He claimed that the response of the people is good. The Left party has fielded three leaders of its students' wing SFI - Bhattacharyya, Pratikur Rahaman from Diamond Harbour and Dipsita Dhar from the Serampore Lok Sabha seat. The CPI(M) is contesting the elections as part of the Left Front and also in alliance with the Congress. Apart from three former MPs Sujan Chakraborty, Mohammed Salim and Alokesh Das, the CPI(M) has fielded all new candidates, of whom several are young, a party official said. CPI(M) central committee member and candidate from Dum Dum Lok Sabha seat Sujan Chakraborty said that culture of the communist movement is that of a mix of new and old, taking along experience and freshness of the youth together. Stating that the Leftists have "always gone with the policy of encouraging young blood" in the party hierarchy, he said that leaders like Subhas Chakraborty, Anil Biswas and Shyamal Chakraborty were brought to the forefront during the Jyoti Basu era. The CPI(M) has, however, faced criticism of having gone into a shell after the 2011 defeat in the West Bengal assembly polls and not being able to attract the youth. The party, with renewed vigour, has been espousing new leadership to revive the party for some time. Asked whether the CPI(M) is going by a long-term plan to bring the red flag back to reckoning in the state, he said, "It is obviously imperative to be far-sighted." But that the immediate goal of winning some seats in these elections to make the party's presence felt is also important was evident from fielding of old war horses like Mohammed Salim and Sujan Chakraborty. CPI(M) state secretary and politburo member Salim is fighting from Murshidabad seat. Asserting that the CPI(M)-led Left Front will emerge victorious in some seats in Bengal this election after having returned empty-handed in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he told PTI, "People are now able to understand that the binary of the TMC and BJP is destroying the state." He claimed that the vote share of the BJP and the TMC would decrease, leading to an increase in the percentage of votes for the Left and its ally Congress. The CPI(M)'s vote share in 2019 was around 6.34 per cent, while the TMC and the BJP bagged over 43 per cent and 40 per cent respectively. Rahaman, fielded by the CPI(M) to take on TMC's Abhishek Banerjee in Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, is no less upbeat than his SFI mate Srijan Bhattacharya. Rahaman said that he is thankful to the party leadership for giving him a bigger canvas. "Yes, it is a larger world. Till now I used to deal with student matters, now I am getting to be part of the people's issues," he told PTI. Claiming that industries have left Bengal under the TMC rule leading to a flight of jobs to other states, the young leader lamented, "The booming auto hub in Sanand could well have been in Singur had the Tata Nano factory not gone to Gujarat." The Tatas had moved its factory to Sanand from Singur in West Bengal's Hooghly district in 2008, following an anti-farmland acquisition movement led by the then opposition leader Mamata Banerjee. The parties opposed to the Left Front have held the hardline Leftist trade unionism as a reason for the flight of industries from Bengal, which boasted of being one of the richest among the states till the 1960s. Among the main issues of the Left party in this election is the creation of job opportunities in the state. Asked whether the young Turks of the CPI(M) were looking to set their goals in a long-term perspective, he (Rahaman) said, "It is true we do not have seats, but we are making planned progress." Along with Bhattacharya and Rahaman, CPI(M)'s Serampore nominee Dipsita Dhar is also a functionary of the SFI at the national level. Stating that the CPI(M) has been trying to regain mass support by bringing in new faces in the last few elections, political analyst Subhomay Maitra said that in some seats their candidates have been able to catch the attention of the people. "It is a welcome decision," he said, maintaining that their clean image is something that can be capitalised on by the party. Of the 30 constituencies being contested by the Left Front in Bengal, big brother CPI(M) is fighting in 23 seats. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, April 15: A cab driver was shot dead following an alleged road rage incident here, officials said on Monday. Police said that the incident took place around 12 am, when the cab driver crossed the traffic light signal of Anguri Bagh and his vehicle brush passed an e-rickshaw. Delhi Road Rage: Cab Driver Stabbed to Death by Scooty-Borne Assailants After Altercation, One of Three Accused Arrested "Initially, we got to know that a verbal spat ensued between the cab driver and an e-rickshaw rider. Meanwhile, two youths reached there on a scooter, and one of them shot the cab driver. He was rushed to the LNJP Hospital, where he was declared dead. Teams have been formed to investigate the matter and nab the accused," a senior police officer said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Shimla, April 15: Himachal Pradesh commemorated its 77th Himachal Day on Monday, celebrating the anniversary of the state's establishment. A state-level event was held at the iconic Ridge Ground in Shimla today, with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla presiding over the festivities as the chief guest. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Congress Party State President and MP Pratibha Singh were also in attendance. The day marks the state's creation as a province of India in 1948, when the districts of Mandi, Chamba, Mahasu, and Sirmour were merged with 30 princely states. The celebration showcased the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, featuring police squads marching and captivating performances of Himachali dance and folk culture. Himachal Pradesh Day 2024: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Extends Greetings to Residents of Hill State on Himachal Diwas (Watch Video). Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla extended his congratulations to the people of the state on the occasion, highlighting Himachal Pradesh's notable achievements despite its hilly terrain. "Despite Himachal Pradesh being a hilly state, it has big achievements. Himachal Pradesh, being a small state, is famous throughout the entire country." Addressing the gathering, Governor Shukla emphasised the importance of collective efforts to combat the drug epidemic plaguing the state. "The people of the state need to come together to fight against drugs," Shukla said. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu outlined the government's vision to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant, urging citizens to work together towards this goal. Himachal Pradesh Day 2024: Netizens Share Greetings, Wishes, Messages and Quotes to Mark the Formation Day of Hill State. "The aim of the Himachal government is to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and the most prosperous state of the country by 2027. The people of the state should work together for this purpose so that Himachal Pradesh can be made a prosperous state," Sukhu said. Congress Party State President Pratibha Singh echoed the sentiments of unity and progress. "Himachal Day is being celebrated today with joy and enthusiasm. The youth of the state should also celebrate this day with the same energy and work for the upliftment of the country and state. Everyone will have to work together to make Himachal Pradesh developed and prosperous," Singh said. Himachal Pradesh was established on April 15, 1948, following the merger of 30 small and large hill princely states. The state's rich culture, high traditions and immense natural beauty are the unique identity of Devbhoomi. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 15 (ANI): West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday condemned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly labelling Ram Navami as a "riot day" while saying that the Hindu community is poised to give TMC Supremo a resounding reply during the elections. The West Bengal Chief Minister allegedly stated at a public rally in West Bengal that "If you see them (BJP) sloganeering on (April) 17, it is their (BJP's) day of riot." Also Read | Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM Narendra Modi To Be the First Prime Minister To Address Poll Rally in West Bengal's Raiganj on April 16. The BJP has accused CM Banerjee of inciting violence through divisive tactics for personal gain. They also stated that the Hindu community in West Bengal will give Mamata Banerjee a resounding reply to her consistent attacks on Hindus and anti-Hindu rhetoric in the elections. Also Read | Ram Navami 2024: Timings Extended for Darshan of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. https://x.com/BJP4Bengal/status/1779827034874613802 "Banerjee's outrageous remark, labelling Ram Navami as a riot day, reeks of political opportunism at its worst. Her divisive tactics have hit a new low, stooping to the level of inciting violence for her own gain. Mamata Banerjee's consistent attacks on Hindus and her anti-Hindu rhetoric have not gone unnoticed. The Hindu community in West Bengal is poised to give her a resounding reply during the elections," the West Bengal BJP party said in a post on X. Polling in the 42 parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal will be held on April 19, April 26, May 4, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting of votes has been scheduled for June 4. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the TMC won 34 seats in the state, while the BJP had to settle for just 2 seats. The CPI (M) won 2 seats, while the Congress bagged 4. However, the BJP came up with a much-improved showing in the 2019 polls, winning 18 seats against the TMC's 22. The Congress's tally dropped to just 2 seats, while the Left scored a blank. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 15 (PTI) TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday alleged top YSRCP leader and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is playing a 'high drama' over the stone pelting on him. Unidentified miscreants hurled a stone at the Chief Minister on Saturday night near Vivekananda School Centre in Vijayawada's Singh Nagar, which injured his left temple when he was canvassing for the forthcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Also Read | Ram Navami 2024: Timings Extended for Darshan of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. "In the name of stone-pelting, Jagan is playing a high drama. This Chief Minister is a master in blaming others for the crime committed by him," alleged Naidu, addressing a public meeting at Rajam in Vizianagaram district as part of Prajagalam election canvassing tour. Further, he alleged Jagan Mohan Reddy totally debilitated irrigation projects in the North Andhra region and said the TDP government had spent Rs 1,600 crore on such projects while the present YSRCP regime has spent only Rs 594 crore in the past five years. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Road Accident: Two Bikers Killed After Being Hit by Car on Jhansi-Mirzapur Highway in Banda. Claiming that Jagan Mohan Reddy 'lies and commits crime', the opposition leader asked people as to why YSRCP leaders V Vijayasai Reddy and Y V Subba Reddy were allegedly ruling the roost in North Andhra. According to Naidu, the Bhogapuram international airport would have been completed by now had he been in power. The TDP supremo alleged a lot of money was being spent for Reddy's election meetings and claimed that hundreds of crores of rupees were being spent on CM's advisors. Naidu observed that had all the projects taken up during the TDP regime been completed, the North Andhra region would have developed 'much better' than Hyderabad. He alleged welfare schemes implemented during the TDP regime for BCs were withdrawn and claimed women are also suffering as the prices of commodities were skyrocketing. Assuring people that he will personally take the responsibility of promoting youths as leaders, Naidu said he will be the driver of the southern state and reminded the progressive path he had taken in the past. "Now my goal is to rescue the state from this predicament and take it much forward and thus entered into an alliance with the NDA," he said, and promised to complete the pending projects such as Palakonda Road, outer-ring road for Rajam and Thotapalli project canals. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, April 15: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will meet Aam Aadmi Party convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently in Tihar jail, on Monday inside the prison premises, according to Tihar jail officials. Earlier, on April 12, Punjab Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, AK Pandey held a review meeting and discussed security preparations for organizing a meeting between the two leaders in the Tihar jail premises. Arvind Kejriwal in Jail: AAP Leader Sanjay Singh Claims Delhi CM Not Being Allowed In-Person Meetings With Family in Tihar CM Arvind Kejriwal is presently lodged in Tihar jail after he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear a plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and his subsequent remand in connection with the Delhi excise policy case on April 15. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta will be hearing the matter. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kejriwal approached the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court judgement that dismissed his plea against arrest by the ED and his subsequent remand in the excise policy case. Sanjay Singh Recalls Tihar Days: AAP Leader Says Initial Days Were Quite Difficult Inside Small Cell, but I Was Strong On April 9, the High Court dismissed his plea for release from jail and rejected his argument of political vendetta amid the looming Lok Sabha elections. The trial court on April 1, sent Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15. The ED alleged that the Aam Adami Party (AAP) is the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the alleged liquor scam. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Apr 15 (PTI) The right to sleep is a basic human requirement, which cannot be violated, the Bombay High Court said on Monday deprecating the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning a senior citizen throughout the night in a money laundering case. A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Manjusha Deshpande said statements must be recorded during earthly hours and not at night when a person's cognitive skills may be impaired. Also Read | Kerala Shocker: Angry Over Spouses Drinking Habit, Woman Bludgeons Husband to Death With Wood While Consuming Alcohol in Pathanamthitta. The court gave the order in a plea filed by 64-year-old Ram Issrani challenging his arrest by the probe agency in a money laundering case. The ED arrested Issrani in August 2023. Also Read | Arjun Mohan Resigns: Byju's India CEO Quits, Founder Byju Raveendran To Take Over Edtech Firm's Daily Operations. In his plea, Issrani claimed that his arrest was illegal and unwarranted as he had been cooperating with the probe and had appeared before the agency whenever he was issued summons. On August 7, 2023, Issrani appeared before the agency as per the summons issued, and he was questioned throughout the night and arrested in the case the next day, the plea stated. The bench dismissed the petition but said it disapproved of the practice of questioning the petitioner through the night. The probe agency's counsel, Hiten Venegaonkar, submitted to the court that Issrani had consented to his statement being recorded through the night. As per the plea, Issrani was questioned till 3 am by ED officials. "Voluntary or otherwise, we deprecate the manner in which the petitioner's statement was recorded so late in the night, which went on post midnight till 3.30 am," the court said. "The 'right to sleep' / 'right to blink' is a basic human requirement, inasmuch as, non-providing of the same, violates a person's human rights," it observed. Lack of sleep affects a person's health and may impair his mental faculties, cognitive skills and so on, it said. "The said person, so summoned, cannot be deprived of his basic human right i.e. right to sleep, by the agency, beyond a reasonable time. Statements must necessarily be recorded during earthly hours and not in the night when the person's cognitive skills may be impaired," the bench said. The court noted that when a person is summoned for questioning, the investigating agency was yet to arrive at a "reason to believe" that the said person is guilty of an offence. The bench noted that the petitioner had appeared before the agency to record his statement in the past. The petitioner could have been summoned on some other day or even the next day instead of keeping him waiting after midnight, despite his alleged consent, it said. "Consent is immaterial. Recording of statement, at unearthly hours, definitely results in the deprivation of a person's sleep, a basic human right of an individual. We disapprove of this practice," the court said. The court said it deems it appropriate to direct the ED to issue a circular/directions about the timings to record statements when summons are issued. The bench posted the matter for compliance on September 9. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Muzaffarnagar, April 15 : As many as two labourers were killed, and 17 others were injured after the roof of an under-construction building collapsed in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar on Sunday, officials said. According to the officials, the rescuers, along with local police, pulled out 19 labourers buried under the debris of the market building. However, two people succumbed to their injuries, they added. Muzaffarnagar Building Collapse: 30 Labourers Feared Trapped As Building Crumbles Like Pack of Cards in Uttar Pradesh (Watch Video) The injured are undergoing treatment in the hospital. The incident took place in Talda village under the Jansath police station limits when several labourers were working inside the house, the police said. Two people, including the landlord and contractor, have been apprehended in connection with the incident. Gujarat Building Collapse: Under-Construction Building Collapses in Nadiad, Rescue Operation Underway (Watch Video) Uttar Pradesh Building Collapse #WATCH | Several feared trapped as two-storey building collapsed in UPs Muzaffarnagar. At present, 15 people have been rescued from the debris. NDRF team, fire service, local police and administration people are engaged in rescue work on the spot. pic.twitter.com/z2bck04ngt DD News (@DDNewslive) April 15, 2024 "Authorities have apprehended two suspects, including the landlord and contractor, in connection with the incident, which occurred as a result of the market building collapsing in the Jansath police station vicinity," the official said. Taking note of the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the administration to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and the safe rescue of the trapped persons. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Apr 15 (PTI) The RBI on Monday imposed several restrictions on Mumbai-based Sarvodaya Co-operative Bank, including capping withdrawals at Rs 15,000 for customers, in the wake of the bank's deteriorating financial situation. The eligible depositors will be entitled to receive a deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to Rs 5 lakh only from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Phase 1 Polling To Begin on April 19, Check State-Wise List of Constituencies Going to Polls. The restrictions in the form of Directions under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, on Sarvodaya Co-operative Bank come into force from the close of business on Monday (April 15, 2024). Now, the bank cannot, without prior approval of RBI, grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment, incur any liability, or disburse any payment whether in the discharge of its liabilities and obligations. Also Read | What Is Dry Promotion? Know All About the New Job Trend in Market That Employees Aren't Excited About. "In particular, a sum not exceeding Rs 15,000 of the total balance across all savings bank or current accounts or any other account of a depositor, may be allowed to be withdrawn," the central bank said. The RBI also said that the issue of Directions should not per se be construed as cancellation of a banking license by the RBI. The bank will continue to undertake banking business with restrictions till its financial position improves. The restrictions will remain in force for six months from the close of business on April 15, 2024, and are subject to review, the RBI said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Tel Aviv [Israel], April 15 (ANI/TPS): While Israel's war cabinet met in Jerusalem to consider possible responses to Iran's attack, Israelis told The Press Service of Israel that they support retaliation. "Yes, Israel more than needs to respond, it is obligated to do so, for the simple reason that these are the rules of the neighbourhood; those who do not respond are seen as weak and the treatment towards them will be accordingly," said Ofir Adiv, a PC technician at the Hadassah College in Jerusalem. Also Read | Prince Harry in Legal Setback About Security Protection in UK As Judge Rejects His Request To Appeal. Asked if he feared a possible Iranian escalation, Adiv said he was, adding "I was also afraid of the UAV attack on Saturday night. In my view, whoever says that he is not afraid of it is probably lying, because this is not a clown terror organization, but a regional terrorist power and its capabilities accordingly." Daria, a 23-year-old student from Maalot studying at the Ruppin College near Netanya, told TPS-IL, "We need to respond to Iran, of course we do, because it doesn't make sense to attack every country like that without a response." She was also concerned about a possible escalation, but said, "In any case war is a stressful thing and no one knows how things will turn out and where we will end up within the event." Also Read | Oman Rains: Sudden Heavy Rainfall Kill at Least 17 Including Schoolchildren Whose Bus Was Overtaken. But that support was not across the board. "I think that Israel should not respond to Iran because it is clear to me that there is a power play by the powers here, and we are in the middle," said Maya, a self-employed social media accounts manager for various clients. Maya, who is from Yahud, in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, said she was not afraid, "Because I feel that there is something here that we are not being told about and that there is an interest in not ending the war, not returning the abductees for six months." Aviya, a father of two from Rosh Ha'Ayin told TPS-IL, "I am not afraid when I know our army and see the support of the armies of the nations that support us against the Iranians." He added that he took the precaution of stocking his safe room with food and water. Other Israelis also stocked up on flashlights and batteries, filled their cars' gas tanks, and made sure to have extra cash on hand. "You should be prepared for anything, in terms of preparation in the protected area, basic equipment, food, things in a protected area for a long stay," Daria explained. "I am very aware of this now after what we went through on Saturday night and I think the whole country will know how to prepare." None of the Israelis TPS-IL expressed strong confidence in the government. "There is some doubt about the government's ability to manage such an event," Daria said. "There are a lot of retarded things in our government that are difficult to understand... for example, the way it deals with the terrorists, or for example the attempts to get workers from the Palestinian Authority into jobs after what we went through on October 7." She called for stronger measures to be taken against Palestinian terrorists, and objected to recent government attempts to bring Palestinian laborers back into Israel after they were banned as security risks in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks. On Saturday night, Iran launched more than 320 drones and missiles at Israel. Most of the drones and several cruise missiles were intercepted by the air forces of the US, Jordan, Britain and France without reaching Israel airspace. Israeli air defenses intercepted the remaining missiles. One Bedouin girl was injured by falling shrapnel near the Negev town of Arad, and Israel's Nevatim Air Force base sustained minor damage. The army released footage of planes taking off and landing on Sunday morning. (ANI/TPS) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Apr 16 (AP) Lightning and heavy rains have killed at least 49 people across Pakistan in the past three days, officials said Monday, as authorities in the country's southwest declared a state of emergency. Some deaths occurred when lightning struck farmers harvesting wheat. Rains caused dozens of houses to collapse in the northwest and in eastern Punjab province. Also Read | Prince Harry in Legal Setback About Security Protection in UK As Judge Rejects His Request To Appeal. Arfan Kathia, a spokesman for the provincial disaster management authority, said 21 people had died in Punjab, where more rains were expected this week. Khursheed Anwar, a spokesman for the disaster management authority in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, said 21 people died there. Rain also lashed the capital, Islamabad, and killed seven people in southwestern Baluchistan province. Streets flooded in the northwestern city of Peshawar and in Quetta, the Baluchistan capital. Also Read | Oman Rains: Sudden Heavy Rainfall Kill at Least 17 Including Schoolchildren Whose Bus Was Overtaken. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in televised remarks that he had ordered authorities to provide relief aid. Pakistan's water reservoirs would improve because of the rains, he said. Rafay Alam, a Pakistani environmental expert, said such heavy April rainfall is unusual. Two years ago, Pakistan witnessed a heat wave in March and April and now we are witnessing rains and it is all of because of climate change, which had caused heavy flooding in 2022, he said. In 2022, downpours swelled rivers and at one point inundated one-third of Pakistan, killing 1,739 people. The floods also caused $30 billion in damage. Meanwhile, heavy flooding from seasonal rains in Afghanistan killed 33 people and injured 27 others in three days, according to Abdullah Janan Saiq, the Taliban's spokesman for the State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management. More than 600 houses were damaged or destroyed while around 200 livestock died. The flooding also damaged large areas of agricultural land and more than 85 km (53 miles) of roads, he said. He said authorities in Afghanistan had provided aid to nearly 23,000 families, and that flash floods were reported in 20 of the country's 34 provinces. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Manila, Apr 15 (AP) The Philippine president said Monday his administration has no plan to give the US military access to more Philippine army camps and stressed that the American military presence was sparked by China's aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who took office in 2022, allowed American forces and weapons access to four additional Philippine military bases, bringing to nine the number of camps where US troops can rotate indefinitely under a 2014 agreement. Also Read | Afghanistan Floods: At Least 33 Killed, 27 Injured After Snow, Heavy Rains and Floods Wreak Havoc Across Country. The Biden administration has been strengthening an arc of security alliances in the region to better counter China, a move that dovetails with Philippine efforts to shore up its external defense, especially in the South China Sea. Marcos' decision last year alarmed China because two of the new sites were located just across from Taiwan and southern China. Beijing accused the Philippines of providing American forces with staging grounds, which could be used to undermine its security. Also Read | Iran to Allow Indian Authorities to Meet 17 Indian Crew Members of Seized Cargo Vessel After EAM S Jaishankars Call With Iranian Foreign Minister. "The Philippines has no plans to create any more bases or give access to any more bases, Marcos said, without elaborating in answer to a question during a forum with Manila-based foreign correspondents. Asked if he was concerned that allowing the US military access to Philippine bases had provoked Chinese actions in the South China Sea, Marcos said the presence of US troops was in response to China's moves. These are reactions to what has happened in the South China Sea, to the aggressive actions that we have had to deal with, he said, mentioning Chinese coast guard vessels using water cannons and lasers to deter Philippine ships from the area Beijing claims as its own. He also mentioned collisions, blocking of Filipino fishermen and sea barriers to block ships from Scarborough Shoal, which lies in the Philippine economic zone. Under Marcos, the Philippines has adopted a strategy of publicising the incidents by allowing journalists to board its patrol ships to witness China's assertive actions. "It is crucial that the media...continue to expose these actions that not only threaten the peace and stability of the region but also undermine the rules-based order that has underpinned global development and prosperity over the previous century, Marcos said. China has blamed the Philippines for sparking the confrontations by intruding into what it says were Chinese territorial waters and reneging on an alleged agreement to pull away an old Philippine navy ship, which now serves as Manila's territorial outpost in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. Marcos said he was not aware of any such deal, and added that he deemed it rescinded if it ever existed. Last week, President Joe Biden renewed Washington's ironclad commitment to defend Pacific allies in a summit with Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House. He reiterated that the US is obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces, aircraft or ships come under an armed attack. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Apr 15 (PTI) A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, is set to arrive in Pakistan on Monday for a two-day visit to discuss economic cooperation between the two nations. The delegation consists of Saudi Minister of Water and Agriculture Abdul Rahman Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim AlKhorayef, Deputy Minister of Investment Badr AlBadr, Head of Saudi Special Committee Mohammad Mazyed Al Towaijri and senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and Saudi Fund for General Investments, Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement. Also Read | Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Participates in Meru Yatra in Odisha: Live News Updates Today. During the visit from 15 to 16 April, the delegation was expected to hold meetings with the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and counterpart Ministers, COAS, Apex Committee of Special Investment Facilitation Center (SIFC). This visit is aimed at lending positive impetus to enhanced bilateral cooperation and mutually rewarding economic partnership, FO said. Also Read | Iran-Israel Conflict: Destroyed More Than 80 Iranian Ballistic Missiles Headed Towards Israel, Says US. The visit takes place essentially to expedite the follow up on the understanding reached between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman during their recent meeting in Makkah to enhance bilateral economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The two sides had agreed in the meeting to expedite work on investment of initial USD 5 billion by Saudi Arabia in Pakistan. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bhopal, April 15: According to news reports, it is anticipated that the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) will release the results for Classes 10 and 12 in the third week of this month, however an official confirmation is still awaited. In addition, the results for Classes 5 and 8 are also anxiously awaited, but they have not yet been officially announced. Exams for Class 10 and Class 12 of the MP Board were administered from February 5 to February 28, 2024, and from February 6 to March 5, 2024, respectively. Students will soon be able to examine their results online by entering their name and roll number when the link to the results is posted on the official website. Students may obtain the MP board results for Classes 5, 8, 10, and 12 by entering their roll and application numbers on the official websites mpresults.nic.in and mpbse.nic.in once released. UP Board Result 2024 Date: When Will UPMSP Release Class 10, 12 Results at upresults.nic.in? Check Latest Update and How to Check Scorecard. MP Board Result 2024: Steps to Check Scorecards Access mpresults.nic.in. Enter the necessary login information to log in. Following your login, three links will appear: MPBSE-HSC (Third Class) Exam Results MPBSE-HSSC 2024 (Class 12) Exam Results MPBSE HSSC 2024 (Class 12) Results of the Vocational Examination 2024 To check the desired outcome, click the provided link. Put in your password and application number. The outcome will appear on the screen. Downloading the result for future reference. On May 25 of the previous year, the results for Classes 10 and 12 were released. CUET PG Result 2024 Declared: NTA Announces CUET Results at pgcuet.samarth.ac.in, Know Steps to Check Score. For Class 10 and Class 12, the pass rates were 63% and 55%, respectively. This year, the Class 10 examinations took place from February 5 to February 28 and the Class 12 exams from February 6 to March 5. About sixteen lakh applicants took part in these exams. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 15, 2024 11:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Gurgaon, April 15: In an unfortunate incident in Haryana's Gurgaon, a 28-year-old bank staffer allegedly died after his bike collided with another vehicle on the service road of NH-8 in Sector 30. The alleged incident occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 14. The deceased banker was later identified as Abhay Karan Moudgil, a resident of Sector 17. According to a report in the Times of India, Abhay Karan Moudgil was working as a product manager with IndusInd Bank in Cyberhub-1. Police officials said the accident occurred when Moudgil was riding his bike from Signature Towers to Star Mall. Abhay's uncle, Shashi Bhushan Sharma, said his nephew lived in a rented house at Sukhrail in Sector 17. Gurgaon Shocker: Man Allegedly Bludgeons Wife to Death With Stone in Palam Vihar After Fight at Home, Absconds; Police Launch Probe. He further said that they learned about the accident after receiving a call from the police. In his complaint, Abhay's uncle said that his nephew was travelling on his bike towards Star Mall for some personal work when his bike was allegedly hit by an unknown vehicle. ASI Anil Kumar said the hit-and-run took place at around 12.15 am on Sunday. The alleged accident occurred on the service road of NH-8 between a liquor shop and a petrol pump after the Signature Towers. Cops said they received information about the accident from passersby. After the accident, Abhay was shifted to Fortis Hospital in Sector 44, where he was declared dead. Meanwhile, the police have launched a probe and are scanning CCTV footage of nearby areas. Gurugram Road Accident: Man Dies After Speeding Car Hits His Scooter in Old Railway Road (Watch Video). An official said that the front end of Abhay's bike was badly damaged. Cops suspect that the bike collided with a larger vehicle. The police have registered a case against the unidentified driver under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 15, 2024 08:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, April 15: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice on a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest and subsequent remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case. Agreeing to examine the matter, a bench presided over by Justice Sanjiv Khanna asked the federal anti-money laundering agency to file its reply by April 24. The Bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, allowed the petitioner side to file a rejoinder affidavit, if any, by April 27 to the reply filed by ED. The matter will be taken up next on April 29 for further hearing. Last week, a Bench presided over by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud agreed to urgently list CM Kejriwals petition. Please send an email. Ill look into it, CJI Chandrachud told senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared on behalf of CM Kejriwal and mentioned the matter for urgent hearing. Bhagwant Mann Meets Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar Jail, Alleges Delhi CM Being Treated Like Hardcore Criminal (Watch Video) CM Kejriwal has approached the Supreme Court challenging the dismissal of his plea by the Delhi High Court. Earlier, a bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the High Court took note of the ED's submission that the federal anti-money laundering agency had enough material, including statements from approvers and allegations of involvement in the formulation of the excise policy, which had led them to arrest him. Arvind Kejriwal in Jail: AAP Leader Sanjay Singh Claims Delhi CM Not Being Allowed In-Person Meetings With Family in Tihar It said, "The files and material placed before us reveal that the mandate of law was followed by the ED. The trial court order is not a two-line order. The statements with ED are of hawala dealers as well as AAP candidates in Goa elections." Immediately after he was taken into custody by the ED on March 21, CM Kejriwal moved the apex court seeking an urgent late-night hearing on his petition. But the very next day, before a special Bench of the Supreme Court could commence hearing the matter, he withdrew his plea and decided to contest remand proceedings before the trial court. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 15, 2024 02:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, April 15: Barring the 2009 parliamentary elections that took place in the aftermath of the economic meltdown, the Indian middle class has for long been the mainstay of the Bharatiya Janata Party's support base. The 2009 elections were an exception when the middle class broadly supported the Congress-led UPA and, much to its dismay, got shoddy treatment by the then Manmohan Singh government. At that time, Narendra Modi, then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, came out in strong defence of the middle class and encouraged their aspirations through various schemes, which were also for the lower economic rung that was working hard to move a notch up in the social ladder. He termed the latter as the 'neo-middle class'. Lok Sabha Election 2024: General Polls All About Making Narendra Modi Prime Minister for Third Time, Says Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya (See Pics). In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the middle class solidly supported Narendra Modi and the BJP-led coalition. It is perhaps only natural that the BJP's 'Modi Ki Guarantee 2024' manifesto places a special emphasis on the middle class and what the Modi government, if it returns to power for a third straight term, is going to do to meet the expectations and aspirations of this burgeoning class. PM Modi recognises the role this class, which is ever so desirous to move ahead, can potentially play in his resolve to make India an economic powerhouse. It was also no coincidence that the Prime Minister released BJP's manifesto on Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar's birth anniversary (April 14). Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM Narendra Modi To Campaign in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Today for General Polls. "The last 10 years have seen a large number of families join the ranks of the neo-middle class due to a steady increase in the incomes of all citizens. It is our responsibility to help them grow further while giving them enough support to stabilise their standard of living," states a special section in the BJP manifesto that is dedicated to 'Empowering the Neo-Middle Class'. It promises to provide them with "opportunities to fulfill their dreams and create conditions for a better quality of life". Urbanisation, rational tax structure, providing opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, rapid growth infrastructure, digitization, clear-cut policies, less paperwork, and encouraging government schemes are some of the things that the Modi government has stressed in the last 10 years to give a boost to young entrepreneurs. The manifesto details how a large number of families have joined the ranks of the neo-middle class due to a steady increase in the citizens' income. "The middle class is at the forefront of driving growth and innovation. Their hard work defines the spirit of a 'New India'. Our government has consistently worked towards greater 'Ease Of Living' for the benefit of the middle class," PM Modi said in the past. The BJP also said that it remains committed to establishing new satellite towns across the country, envisioning them as the focal points for national development. "We will strengthen the RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act), which made the real estate sector in Bharat more transparent and citizen-friendly than ever before. We will work with the state governments to facilitate home ownership for the middle class through comprehensive measures, including cost reduction in construction and registration, and regulatory reforms like enabling automatic approvals for standard housing designs, among others," the manifesto says. By expanding Bharat's top-tier startup ecosystem to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, the BJP promises to create more high-value jobs and turn the country into a global centre for high-quality services. Similarly, it speaks about ensuring quality healthcare facilities for the middle class by expanding the AIIMS and the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network, besides establishing as many as 315 new medical colleges across the country. Having emphasised that education is a significant factor that can change the destiny of the nation, the BJP promises to elevate the quality of education by expanding top educational institutions and upgrading universities to global standards. This includes introducing more IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, etc. Developing modern road networks, enhancing rail and metro connectivity with new-age trains and expanded networks, establishing comprehensive EV charging stations, constructing new airports, and advancing telecom infrastructure with affordable 5G and innovative 6G technologies are also on the list of promises made by the party to the middle class families. All these initiatives which are aimed at the betterment of the middle class were not on the priority list of the Congress-led UPA governments before 2014, the BJP insists. Since then, the BJP maintains, the middle class has benefited tremendously from the various reforms in tax, healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment, and several other sectors. On Sunday, PM Modi reiterated "Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai" (this is the right time) to shape India's destiny for the next millennium. With the government already working on the initial 100-day action plan, the BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' will be set in motion after June 4, the Prime Minister said. The Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will be taken up on June 4. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 15, 2024 05:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). The Delhi Police's Crime Branch has arrested two sharpshooters of the Naresh Sethi-Ajay Jaildar gang, who were involved in firing at a property dealer office for extortion, after a brief exchange of fire, an official said on Monday. New Delhi, April 15: When it comes to X social media platform, Japan is currently leading all other nations in terms of posts, views, searches and active user time spent, its CEO Linda Yaccarino said on Monday. X owner Elon Musk praised the people who made this feat possible, saying X Japan team is excellent. Yaccarino said that Japan is absolutely shining on the platform being number one in posts, views, searches, and active user minutes last quarter. X Traffic Update: Elon Musks Microblogging Platform Records '9 Billion' Visits in March 2024. It's definitely a major force in the global town square! So happy to be back with our teams, she posted on X. A follower commented: Fantastic to see Japan leading the way in engagement and creativity on the platform! Their vibrant presence truly enriches the global conversation. Japan and their people are absolutely awesome, another Musk follower wrote. Last week, Yaccarino asked key advertisers to reconsider collaborations with the social media platform. She made the appeal after the company DoubleVerify (DV) had shown a graphical error of X's Brand Safety Rate on their user interface dashboard. Elon Musks X Bans Over 2 Lakh Accounts in India Between February 26 and March 25 for Promoting Child Sexual Exploitation, Non-Consensual Nudity. Yaccarino said that since the error has now been fixed, I urge those advertisers who have made partnership decisions with X based on the erroneous data to reconsider. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 15, 2024 11:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). On 12 April Brazils Presidenttravelled to a meat processing plant owned by agribusiness giant JBS in the major agricultural state of Mato Grosso do Sul. End of preview - This article contains approximately 391 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 14 April Argentinas Presidentheld an emergency cabinet meeting in the presidential palace Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires to which he invited Israels ambassador,, to discuss the crisis in the Middle East. End of preview - This article contains approximately 346 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options When you travel to a new place like Ecuador, it's exciting to taste the local food and drinks. This helps you experience the culture and meet new friends. Luckily, Ecuador has a lot of different drinks to try, like herbal teas and fruity drinks. Some are special for holidays, while others are enjoyed all year round, per Happy Gringgo. These are some Traditional Ecuadorian beverages. Canelazo In Quito's chilly, rainy nights, indulge in a Canelazo, a beloved Ecuadorian beverages. Commonly found across the country, it varies in preparation but typically includes aguardiente liquor, cinnamon, naranjilla fruit, water, and sugar. Served hot, it offers a perfect blend of spice and warmth, popular during Fiestas de Quito festivities, often enjoyed alongside the traditional card game of Cuarenta. Colada Morada Colada Morada, a cherished Ecuadorian beverage, is a centerpiece of the Day of the Dead celebrations on November 2nd. Made with blue or black corn flour, Andean blackberries, pineapple rinds, and spices like sweet pepper and cloves, it simmers into a thick, sweet soup. Often served alongside guaguas de pan (bread babies), it symbolizes honoring departed loved ones. While restaurants offer it before the holiday, homemade Colada Morada shared with family holds special significance. READ NEXT: Trinidad and Tobago Beverages Mate de coca Mate de coca, an herbal tea brewed from coca leaves, offers a traditional remedy for altitude sickness and a mild energy lift, Bacon is Magic noted. Distinguished from Argentine mate, it's legal and popular in South America but restricted in some countries due to coca's association with cocaine. Chicha de pina Chicha de pina, a fizzy and refreshing beverage popular across Latin America, is crafted from pineapple. Prepared through fermentation or immediate simmering, it typically includes pineapple core and rind, sugar (preferably brown or unrefined cane like panela or piloncillo), water, and optional spices like cinnamon or anise. Fermentation enhances flavor over a few days. Morocho This yummy Ecuadorian beverage is made with cracked corn, cinnamon, sugar, raisins, and milk. It's like having a drink and dessert at the same time, depending on how it's made. Some people call it spiced corn pudding. Morocho has a thick texture, kind of like a milkshake. Sometimes it's so thick that you need a spoon to enjoy it. Horchata Tea Ecuadorians treasure horchata tea for its health benefits; originating from Loja province. Rich in 71 medicinal plants, it's renowned for its 32 uses in wellness. Brewed from 28 herbs and flowers like fuchsias, chamomile, and rose geraniums, sweetened with panela and lemon juice, it's enjoyed hot or cold for its pink hue, with many indulging in multiple cups daily. Colada de Avena Known by various names like Colada de Avena con naranjilla or simply "Quaker," this Ecuadorian beverage is a staple for breakfast or a post-school/work snack. Made with oats, panela, cinnamon, water, and naranjilla fruit, it's often enhanced with passion fruit, mountain papaya, or pineapple. Refreshing and nutritious, it's prized for its fruity and oat-infused goodness. READ MORE: Traditional Belizean Beverages: Enjoy Authentic Drinks in 'The Jewel' This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: 7 Traditional Ecuadorian Drinks in Cuenca Ecuador - From Ayngelina The Donald Trump porn star hush money trial will finally begin on Monday. It will have historic implications for the United States moving forward as this would be the first time that a former president, let alone a major party's presumptive nominee, will be criminally tried. Trump has recently tried three times to delay the trial, but each time, the judge threw out his lawyers' arguments. This means that on Monday, Donald Trump will have to attend in person as he is required to, as he faces charges of falsifying business records to pay porn star Stormy Daniels to stay quiet about their alleged affair. The Donald Trump porn star hush money trial will mainly be about then-candidate Donald Trump's attempts to cover up his $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about their 2006 sexual encounter, which happened while Trump's wife, Melania Trump, just gave birth to their son, Baron Trump. The indictment of Trump, the first to ever happen to a former president, alleged that Trump sent Cohen $420,000 in a dozen installments during his first months in office back in 2017. These payments were recorded in the Trump Organization's internal documents as legal expenses as part of Cohen's retainer agreement. However, prosecutors say that y there were no legal expenses or retainer agreements at the time of these payments. The $420,000 Trump sent Cohen also included the reimbursement for the payment he made to Stormy Daniels. As Yahoo! News noted, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg must now prove to jurors that it was Donald Trump who instructed Cohen to pay the former adult film actress. Previously, Trump had stated that he sought to keep the former porn star silent because he did not want Melania to know about the allegations. Donald Trump Hush Money Trial a Do-Or-Die Moment for Ex-POTUS Trump is known for employing his "Delay-Delay-Delay" strategy, which involves delaying cases so much that they become forgotten by many in the public. For this one, however, he employed the strategy so that the trials could happen after the 2024 elections. Should he win the presidency back, he is expected to have his justice department throw out many of the cases against him. READ MORE: Donald Trump Lawyers Screwed Up, Sent Subpoena To Wrong Person in Porn Star Hush Money Trial However, this strategy failed to happen in the porn star hush money case as his eleventh-hour delay tactics kept getting rejected one after another. Trump has even employed his infamous "blame the judge" tactic, directing the fury of his followers to the judge in an effort to dissuade him by attacking his daughter. This also did not work, as the case is still scheduled to begin on Monday. As he runs out of options to delay, the former president is expected to try and have the case tried in the court of public opinion as he is expected to whine constantly about not being treated fairly. While this is expected to get an eye-roll from critics, this will expectedly infuriate and energize his base, who believes he could do no wrong. How Much Jail Time Could Donald Trump Face in the New York Hush Money Case? All 34 felony charges against Trump in the New York porn star hush money case are classified as "Class E felonies" under New York law. These are the state's lowest felony levels, and each count could get a maximum penalty of up to four years of prison, according to USA Today. However, there is a sentencing cap for Class E felonies in New York, and that is only up to 20 years. With the number of charges he is facing combined, Trump could face up to 20 years imprisonment. With Trump's advanced age, this could very much be a life sentence. For Class E felonies, New York judges often impose sentencing ranges, with Trump getting the possibility of parole at one-and-a-third years per count on the low end and four years on the high end. Good behavior can also speed things up for him. READ MORE: Donald Trump Lawyers Outraged as Stormy Daniels Documentary Promises Major Bombshells This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Checkmate for Trump? Tabloid crimes are key to DA's case to convict Trump for jailable crime - MSNBC Donald Trump will finally stand trial on Monday. However, despite his gag order, the former president may have landed in more trouble for his latest rants targeting potential witnesses. He also attacked the judge and prosecutor in his hush money trial, though he is allowed to do that, per the gag order. Before the trial even started, Trump took to Truth Social to rant about two potential witnesses against him, Mike Pomerantz and his own former lawyer, Michael Cohen, testing the limits of his gag order that prevents him from making public statements about likely witnesses and jurors. "Has Mark POMERANTZ been prosecuted for his terrible acts in and out of the D.A.'s Office. Has disgraced attorney and felon Michael Cohen been prosecuted for LYING?" Trump posted on his social media platform. Michael Cohen was once Trump's top attorney but had a falling out with him after the former president threw Cohen under the bus and landed his former attorney in jail. Meanwhile, Pomerantz is a former prosecutor who once led an investigation into the former president's hush money payments before he resigned from the case in 2022, according to CNBC. It is still unclear if Trump will be punished for these attacks, but Judge Juan Merchan recently expanded the gag order to family members of court personnel, including the judge, as well as family members of prosecutors. He is still allowed to make comments against the judge and prosecutors. As for the trial, it will finally kick off on Monday, with Trump facing 34 criminal counts related to falsifying business records. This is in relation to his alleged attempts to hide his $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016. Donald Trump Attacks Judge and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Trump did not just attack two possible witnesses in his hush money trial but also the judge and the lead prosecutor in the case as he tried to win the case in the court of public opinion. READ MORE: Donald Trump Lawyer Evan Corcoran Leaves Legal Team and Could Be Witness Against Ex-POTUS in Classified Documents Case During a rally in Pennsylvania, the former president called his upcoming trial a "communist show trial" and claimed that his indictment was a "badge of honor" before casting himself as a martyr for his supporters, claiming, "I'm proud to do it for you." "On Monday in New York City, I will be forced to sit, fully gagged," added Donald Trump, once again complaining about the gag order imposed against him for his penchant for whipping supporters up to a violent frenzy, often leading them to attack specific people that have irked him or just leave them death threats. Donald Trump's Unsubstantiated Claims About Hush Money Case Fact-Checked Trump has gotten a reputation for spreading misinformation about his cases and his supporters believe him no matter what. CNN recently took a look at some of his claims and fact-checked them. For Trump's baseless claims that President Joe Biden, his possible opponent for the 2024 general election in November, is running the case, CNN noted that "There is no basis for Trump's claims. First, there is no evidence that Biden, his White House, or his Justice Department has had any role in launching or running Bragg's case, let alone that Biden operatives are issuing secret commands in the case - and Bragg is a locally elected official who does not report to the federal government." CNN then added, "Second, there is no evidence the White House or the Biden administration had anything to do with Colangelo's decision to leave the Justice Department and join the district attorney's office as senior counsel to Bragg; Colangelo and Bragg had been colleagues before Bragg was elected Manhattan district attorney in 2021." Finally, the cable news network pointed out that Bragg was Colangelo's boss, not the other way around. Trump also spreads "Whataboutism" arguments, claiming Manhattan has hit all-time highs for murder and violent crime in an effort to throw doubt against the case against him. It was noted that Manhattan "is nowhere near record highs for murder or violent crime more broadly." READ NEXT: Donald Trump Porn Star Hush Money Trial: What To Expect and Why Is It So Important? This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: What you need to know ahead of Trump's New York hush money trial - NBC News A powerful South American Catholic Church group based in Peru is trying to evict several Peruvian villagers from their homes. However, these Peruvian villagers are now being backed by none other than Pope Francis, with the pontiff publicly siding with them and showing his support for their battle. The pope showed solidarity in a video message to members of the San Juan Bautista de Catacaos farmers' community in northern Peru. These farmers are facing eviction and lawsuits from companies trying to steal their land, and these companies are associated with the powerful South American church group, Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. "I know what happened to you," the first pope from Latin America told the embattled farmers in Spanish. "Defend your land and don't let them steal it." Sodalitium Christianae Vitae has been battling the farmers since 2014. It is a Peru-based Catholic group that t runs schools and spiritual retirement centers all over South America. However, the Associated Press noted that they are also involved in real estate, agriculture, and construction companies. The group, known for its conservative leaning, started in Peru back in 1971 and has since gained thousands of members across the continent. The group has been embroiled in much controversy, from grabbing land from poor farmers to its main leaders being accused of committing sexual abuses against children. The group is currently under investigators not just from the Peruvian government but also from the Vatican, with Pope Francis recently sending Vatican investigators to meet with the members of the Catacaos farmers community. The investigators also spoke with journalists, Sodalitium leaders, and survivors of abuse. READ MORE: Pope Francis Reveals 'Political Maneuvers' Being Made During Past Papal Conclaves in New Book About Pope Benedict XVI Peru-Based Catholic Church Group's Founder Allegedly Molested Young Recruits Aside from land-grabbing property from Peruvian farmers, one of the group's biggest scandals includes accusations that the founder of the secretive Roman Catholic society sexually molested young recruits. Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta and Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith led the Vatican's investigation into the controversial lay group and invited alleged abuse victims and journalists who have written on the case to the Apostolic Nunciature in Lima, Peru. Scicluna and Bertomeu are the two most well-known sexual abuse investigators in the Vatican, and their record speaks for itself as their investigation into decades of sexual abuse by the Chilean Catholic Church, the resignation of all Chilean bishops, and the resignation of the Archbishop of Santiago, Ricardo Ezzati, in 2019, per the AP. Catholic Church Group's Scandal Led to Resignation of Peru Archbishop Earlier this month, Pope Francis Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Jose Antonio Eguren, the now-former Archbishop of Piura and Tumbes in Peru. The archbishop was reportedly involved with the Sodalitium case. According to the Catholic News Agency, Eguren was affiliated with the controversial group and was implicated by the local Peruvian press over trafficking in Piura and covering up the land-grabbing scandal. READ MORE: Argentina Rightwing President Javier Milei Hugs Man He Called a 'Filthy Leftist,' Pope Francis This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: PERU | Pope Francis sends Vatican official to Peru once again to investigate corruption case - ROME REPORTS in English Tech titan Elon Musk and Argentina President Javier Milei joined forces at a Tesla electric car factory in Texas, marking their first in-person encounter after months of mutual admiration on social media. Their convergence underscored a shared zeal for free-market principles and entrepreneurial freedoms, captivating their right-wing followers, AP News reports. Musk and Milei, both vocal proponents of free markets, emphasized the imperative of unshackling bureaucratic hurdles to foster business growth. Milei extended his solidarity to Musk in the legal fracas with Brazilian authorities stemming from Musk's defiance of a court order to block certain X accounts. This solidarity extends beyond rhetoric, with Milei pledging support to Musk in the ongoing legal battle. READ NEXT: Argentina's President Milei Set for Summit with Elon Musk Economic Significance: Argentina's Lithium Resources Argentina's significance on the world stage is magnified by its abundant lithium deposits, which are crucial for rechargeable batteries powering electric vehicles like those produced by Tesla. During their rendezvous, discussions pivoted to the strategic importance of Argentina's lithium resources. Argentina's soon-to-be ambassador to the United States, Gerardo Werthein, mentioned that Musk and Milei chatted about lithium. "We discussed the chances to invest in lithium in Argentina... We're really dedicated to not only selling raw materials but also enhancing their value," Werthein stated in remarks featured in the Argentine newspaper La Nacion. "He expressed his desire to support Argentina," he further stated. Elon Musk expressed interest in bolstering investment in Argentina's lithium sector, hinting at potential collaboration to enhance the value chain, from extraction to value addition, DW noted. Against a backdrop of market-oriented economic reforms stirring domestic discontent, Milei seeks to bolster Argentina's international alliances. With mounting debts to the International Monetary Fund, maintaining robust ties with the United States becomes paramount to restoring investor confidence. Argentina's president's engagement with Musk not only strengthens diplomatic bonds but also explores avenues for economic collaboration, potentially mitigating internal economic pressures. The rendezvous between Elon Musk and Javier Milei transcended conventional diplomatic exchanges, delving into the realms of technological innovation and individual liberties. Discussions encompassed diverse topics, from confronting declining birth rates to championing technological progress while safeguarding personal freedoms. Their synergy underscores a shared vision for advancing innovation within a framework of liberty and free enterprise. Paving the Way for Future Collaborations The encounter between Elon Musk and Argentina president Javier Milei heralds the dawn of potential collaborations, promising endeavors that extend beyond rhetoric to tangible actions, according to the New York Post. Milei's proactive stance in supporting Musk's endeavors in Brazil mirrors a commitment to fortifying partnerships on matters of mutual interest. As Milei navigates the complexities of domestic reforms, alliances with global influencers like Musk present opportunities to bolster Argentina's economic resilience and international standing. The convergence of Musk and Milei epitomizes a fusion of visionary entrepreneurship and political idealism, laying the groundwork for future collaborations in the pursuit of economic prosperity and individual freedoms. READ MORE: Haiti Forms Transitional Council to Select New Leadership This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: Argentina's president meets with Elon Musk amid growing crisis back home - From NBC News So far, Venezuela and its Nicolas Maduro regime have not made good on its deal with the US for free and fair elections. During a secret meeting of the two countries in Mexico, US officials expressed their concerns over the electoral process as the Venezuelan government continued its suppression of the opposition, making it hard for them to run a campaign. According to Reuters, the two sides held the meeting as the April 18 deadline for the US to decide whether or not it would reimpose sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry after the Maduro regime repeatedly broke its agreement to keep the elections free and fair. Among the infractions Venezuela did was not allowing all opposition leaders to run, including opposition coalition candidate Maria Corina Machado, who, even though she won over 90% of the vote during the opposition primary last year, was forced to drop out because the Maduro-aligned Supreme Court upheld her disqualification. US President Joe Biden has vowed that he would reinstate oil sanctions that it suspended in October unless the Maduro regime makes good on its promises, with the White House National Security Council (NSC) stating, "The purpose was to express our concerns about Venezuela's electoral process." Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government also issued its own statement, claiming that the US was not complying with its commitments in this area. It added that the US was interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs before denouncing the country's "violent actions planned and perpetrated by extreme sectors" in the country under the auspices of foreign agencies. So far, no decision has been made yet, but Venezuela has used unsubstantiated claims that the opposition is working with the US to assassinate Nicolas Maduro. The regime is also using this claim to crack down on members of the opposition and the media. READ MORE: Venezuela Elections: Three Times Nicolas Maduro Undermined Democracy During an Election Year Venezuelans Living Abroad Want to Vote But Cannot Under the Nicolas Maduro Regime, an estimated 7.7 million Venezuelans fled the country, many of whom risked it all to travel to the US-Mexico border to seek asylum and live a better life in the US. Many of them, still Venezuelan citizens, want to vote and expel Maduro from office. However, many of them cannot as they lack absentee requirements. Giovanny Tovar, who is now living in Lima, Peru as an empanada vendor, spoke with the Associated Press and expressed his desire to vote Maduro out, However, he and millions of others may not be able to as there are costly and time-consuming government prerequisites that they must fulfill to vote. "I really don't understand why they put so many obstacles in the way of us exercising our vote," he told the AP. "I really would like to vote but not to give the vote to Maduro." Exodus of Venezuelans to Flee Nicolas Maduro Favoring Dictator in the Election The election in Venezuela is scheduled for July 28, yet millions have already left the country to flee the crisis that began during Nicolas Maduro's time in power. However, these people fleeing could be a boost to the Venezuelan strongman. Analysts have pointed out that those who left Venezuela during the crisis would more likely vote against Maduro. Since they cannot vote because of Venezuela's strict absentee laws, this could prove to go in favor of the dictator. READ NEXT: Venezuela Elections: Maria Corina Machado Names College Professor Corina Yoris as Replacement Presidential Candidate This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Venezuela presidential election: Political opponents barred from contest - Al Jazeera English A coalition of twelve prominent US major news organizations, including ABC News, CBS News, CNN, and The Associated Press, collectively urged President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to publicly commit to participating in presidential debates leading up to the November election. The joint statement stressed the pivotal role debates have played in American democracy over the past five decades, emphasizing their significance in shaping public discourse and informing voters' decisions, CBS News reports. The news outlets called for the debates to be sponsored by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, consistent with the tradition upheld since 1988. While acknowledging that it is premature to extend invitations to candidates, the statement underscored the importance of candidates publicly endorsing and committing to participating in the commission's debates planned for the fall. The signatories comprised a diverse array of Major news organizations, including major network television outlets, wire services, radio, and print media. READ NEXT: Trump Calls for Earlier, Increased Debates with Biden Trump's Challenge and Biden's Response Former President Donald Trump, known for his reluctance to engage in debates during the previous election cycle, has recently challenged President Joe Biden to a one-on-one matchup, asserting his readiness to debate anytime and anywhere. Trump's campaign advisers have also advocated for an accelerated debate timetable, proposing more than the customary three events and an earlier start to the debates, Reuters noted. While Biden has not categorically ruled out debating Trump, he has expressed reservations, citing concerns about Trump's adherence to debate rules and his behavior on stage. Trump, 77, has questioned Biden's cognitive abilities, while Biden, 81, has reciprocated with similar allegations against Trump. The White House has expressed hesitance to commit to debates, citing apprehensions about the Commission on Presidential Debates' ability to ensure fairness. Biden's stance on participating in debates remains contingent upon Trump's behavior, reflecting concerns about maintaining decorum and avoiding a repeat of the contentious exchanges witnessed during the 2020 debates. Debate Format and Proposal for Additional Debates The televised debates are slated for September and October, but Trump's campaign has called for an earlier and expanded debate schedule, citing the escalating trend of early voting observed in recent elections, according to BBC. Campaign advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita emphasized the need for more debates to accommodate the evolving dynamics of the electoral process. The 2020 presidential debates between Biden and Trump were characterized by acrimony and interruptions, prompting widespread criticism and concerns about the efficacy of the debate format. The call for Joe Biden and Donald Trump to commit to debates underscores the significance of this time-honored tradition in fostering informed civic engagement and democratic deliberation. As the election season unfolds, the public awaits a definitive response from both candidates regarding their willingness to participate in debates amid ongoing discussions about the format, frequency, and conduct of these pivotal events. READ MORE: Biden's SAVE Plan Spurs Seven Additional States to Sue Education Department This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: 'Pretty rich': Journalist on Trump calling on Biden to debate - From CNN Mary Klein, 54, vividly recalls the harrowing night when she was ambushed while strolling along the canals of Venice. On April 6, around 10:30 PM, Mary was suddenly attacked from behind by a California homeless man, later identified as Anthony Jones, New York Post reports. She described the assault as akin to being struck by a truck, leaving her briefly unconscious and with severe injuries, including broken teeth, a fractured jaw wired shut, and a deep gash on the back of her head. Mary, a single mother and dedicated caregiver, faces a long road to recovery, requiring multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy. The assault on Mary was not an isolated incident. Just an hour later, another woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, fell victim to a similar attack along the Venice canals, leaving her in a coma. The assailant, Anthony Jones, allegedly targeted both California women with a viciousness that shocked the community. Surveillance footage captured Jones near the canals on the night of the attacks, prompting a swift and intensive manhunt by law enforcement. READ NEXT: Homeless Man Discovers Human Torso in Dumpster, Leading to Arrest of California Resident Suspect Apprehended, Community Reacts On April 12, police confirmed the arrest of a California homeless man in San Diego. The California homeless man, aged 29, described as a transient Black male with a height of 6 feet 1 inch and weighing around 200 pounds, has been apprehended and is currently in custody. Mary expressed relief upon hearing news of the arrest, expressing sympathy for the other victim and extend her appreciation to the Los Angeles Police Department for their dedicated work in apprehending the suspect., KTLA 5 noted. Mary's son, Robert Klein, echoed her sentiments, calling for accountability and justice for violent offenders. The outpouring of Support and Calls for Action As the community grapples with the aftermath of these brutal attacks, there has been an outpouring of support for the victims and calls for action to address broader public safety concerns. Councilwoman Traci Park emphasized the urgent need to prioritize public safety, declaring that residents should not feel unsafe in any neighborhood, especially in Venice, a prominent tourist destination, according to Fox11. Mary's injuries, documented on a GoFundMe page, underscore the devastating impact of such senseless violence, prompting renewed calls for addressing issues like mental health, drug abuse, and homelessness in Southern California. The assaults in Venice serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing public safety crisis facing communities across Los Angeles. With both California women enduring significant injuries, there is a collective sense of shock and outrage, fueling demands for tangible measures to enhance safety and prevent future incidents. As investigations progress and the legal proceedings proceed, the community stands together, unwavering in its commitment to combat violence and safeguard the safety and welfare of everyone living in and visiting the area. READ MORE: Stolen Semi-Truck Crashes into Texas DPS Building, Resulting in 1 Fatality and 13 Injuries This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: Woman recalls being nearly beaten to death by Venice canal attacker - From KTLA 5 The feud between former Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and embattled Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz continues as McCarthy reiterated Gaetz had a vendetta against him and ousted him from office to stop the investigation into his pedophilia and sex trafficking case. "I'll give you the truth as to why I'm not Speaker," the former California Republican representative told a crowd during a speech at Georgetown University. "Because one person, a member of Congress, wanted me to stop an ethics complaint because he slept with a 17-year-old, an ethics complaint that started before I ever became Speaker...Did he do it or not? I don't know." Matt Gaetz, a far-right MAGA Republican who is closely allied to Donald Trump, is accused of sex trafficking a minor across state lines. He is now under investigation from the House Ethics Committee over his activities involving pedophilia. McCarthy alleges that this very investigation was the reason why Gaetz filed the motion to oust him from the speakership. Previously, a report revealed that Gaetz once admitted to a friend that he specifically targeted McCarthy to stop the House Ethics Committee probe against him. The Florida man has now fired back at McCarthy after those Georgetown University remarks. "Kevin is a liar," he said in a statement. "Which, actually, is why he isn't Speaker. Just ask any of the 224 people who voted to remove him." The Florida man claimed in public that he did not oust McCarthy because he was angry at him for allowing the House Ethics probe to happen but because the California congressman violated the "fundamental commitments" he made to become Speaker. Kevin McCarthy Struggled Answering Questions Regarding Donald Trump Making Racist Remarks During that same Georgetown University talk by Kevin McCarthy, the former California congressman also touched on his relationship with Donald Trump, particularly his controversial visit to Mar-a-Lago weeks after the January 6 Capitol Insurrection happened. READ MORE: Matt Gaetz Sex Trafficking Scandal: Arch Nemesis Kevin McCarthy Rips Into Florida Republican at Surprise Press Conference He defended the visit, saying, "Whether I like you or dislike you, if something bad happens in your life, I want to be the first person to call you," adding, "I thought I was going to go by and no one was going to know about it." McCarthy infamously blasted Trump after the events of January 6 but came crawling back to him, visiting him at Mar-a-Lago soon after. He was also questioned about Trump's violent rhetoric about immigrants "poisoning the blood" of the country. McCarthy tried to evade saying, "I have never heard him say that. Nobody's perfect in life," People could have a difference of opinion, but I don't think that's what President Trump believes. [In] my time around him - never heard it." Current Chaos in House Started After Matt Gaetz Ousted Kevin McCarthy While Republicans are blaming Democrats for the current chaos happening inside the House right now, with Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene threatening to oust MAGA House Speaker Mike Johnson, Axios noted that all this started when Matt Gaetz ousted Kevin McCarthy from the speakership. Republicans are currently brushing off Greene's attempt with frustration or hostility, but should she get enough votes to oust him, Kevin McCarthy suggested that to prevent further chaos, Democrats may step in and save Johnson. READ MORE: Mike Johnson Could Be Saved by Democrats From Marjorie Taylor Greene's Ouster Attempt This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: GOP CIVIL WAR: Kevin McCarthy FLAMES Matt Gaetz As A P*do! | The Kyle Kulinski Show The Walt Disney Company has announced stringent measures to address fraudulent claims related to Disability Access Services (DAS) at its parks. This decision comes amid a surge in false statements by individuals seeking to exploit the service, the New York Post reports. Effective May 20 at Walt Disney World in Florida and June 18 at Disneyland in California, guests found to have misrepresented disabilities to obtain DAS will face permanent bans from the parks. Disney's Disability Access Service, which allows guests with disabilities to obtain return times for attractions instead of waiting in standard lines, has witnessed a significant increase in demand over the past five years. "If it is determined that any of the statements a Guest made in the process of obtaining DAS are not true, the Guest will be permanently barred from entering the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort," the Disney website currently cautions. In response to this surge and growing misuse, Disney has updated its policies to define eligibility criteria more precisely. The service is now intended specifically for guests with developmental disabilities, such as autism, who are unable to tolerate conventional queue environments for extended periods. READ NEXT: Top Alternatives to Disney World Response from Disney Fans and Experts The new policies have elicited mixed reactions from Disney enthusiasts. While some, like Dennis Speigel, founder of International Theme Park Services, view the changes as beneficial, others express concerns about potential challenges in navigating the parks, particularly for individuals with health conditions not covered under the revised criteria. "I have used it wonderfully, and I have seen the abuse that has occurred at different parks and at Disney through the years as the program has grown," Speigel stated. Additionally, the crackdown on fraudulent DAS claims aligns with Disney's broader efforts to maintain integrity and fairness within its parks, Business Insider noted. Under the revised policies, eligible guests can book one DAS return time at a time, with up to three accompanying individuals. However, any abuse of the DAS system will result in a lifetime ban for Disney parks. Disney emphasizes that individuals found to have provided false information during the DAS application process will forfeit previously purchased park products and services, with no refunds provided. Furthermore, there is no grandfathering policy for existing DAS guests, necessitating re-enrollment under the new guidelines. Impact on Disneyland Guests and Theme Park Practices The crackdown on fraudulent DAS claims is expected to alleviate concerns among Disneyland guests, particularly considering widespread abuses observed during the pandemic, according to SF Gate. Social media platforms have allowed deceptive practices to proliferate, leading Disney to enforce stricter measures. This initiative reflects Disney's ongoing commitment to upholding park policies and preserving the guest experience. Moreover, this initiative builds upon prior endeavors to tackle contentious guest behaviors like pin trading, demonstrating Disney's commitment to upholding a secure and pleasant environment for all visitors. READ MORE: Florida: Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Gov. Ron DeSantis in Disney Lawsuit This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: Changes are coming to Disneyland's Disability Access Service program - From KTLA 5 Two more eateries are vacating Downtown Allentown Market after the popular eating destination recently changed its operating hours to breakfast and lunch only. La Kang Thai Eatery, known for its Thai and French cuisine concept, closed for good Monday at the market, on the citys ArtsWalk at 27 N. 7th St. The new hours didnt fit with their business plan for the market location, Jeff Vaughan, spokesman for market owner City Center Allentown, told lehighvalleylive.com Monday morning. La Kang Thai was the third regional venture for owner Anthony Valdez, a Bronx native now living in Hanover Township, Northampton County, and business partners, Nakkarawoot Noah Krueawong of Nazareth and Ratchaphol Paul Rojratana of Bethlehem. The partners opened in July 2023 in space that previously occupied Loaded Plantain. They took to the business Facebook page Saturday to share the news with loyal patrons and teased about possible sites for a future relocation. Leaving Downtown Allentown Market. Thank you all for your business! the posting states. ... Stay tuned for more locations! Hope to see you soon! Randevoo Sushi Bar, which shuttered at the market earlier this month, cited the same reason for closing. The eatery featured modern dining with a twist on traditional Asian-inspired cuisine. It had just opened a few months prior in January. The markets new operating hours also didnt that business model, Vaughan said. The decisions of those two market vendors to close also follows the departure of two others Casa Criolla and Bar 1838 at the end of March. Those two eateries also cited the markets new hours as the reason. Both catered more to evening crowds, Vaughan had said. The market on April 1 changed its hours to a 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday schedule. Previously, vendors operated into the evening hours and offered dinner options on select days. The market additionally was previously open on Saturday and now is closed weekends, according to the new schedule. Vaughan said the move came as lunch traffic increased and the citys downtown area added a growing amount of new dinner options to the mix. Pictured is a "drunken noodle" dish with with Duck leg confit. La Kang Thai Eatery was listed as permanently closed Monday, April 15, 2024. Patrons, however, still can sample signature dishes by the eatery's partners. They continue to operate La Kang Thai-French Cuisine in Palmer Township; and La Kang Thai Noodles Bar in Hellertown. Other ventures Its not all bad news for the quartet of vacating businesses, however. All four continue to operate thriving existing ventures. At least one also is planning a new ice cream concept opening later this year. Randevoo has another location along Main Street in Downtown Bethlehem and continues to operate a food truck, according to its website. La Kang Thai Eatery continues to operate its two other ventures: La Kang Thai-French Cuisine, which opened just prior to the start of the pandemic in March 2020 along South Greenwood Avenue in Palmer Township; and La Kang Thai Noodles Bar, which opened about two years ago along Main Street in Hellertown. Casa Criolla owner Michael Collado and his wife, Mayra Collado, of the Bethlehem area, now continue to operate Latin American restaurant, Casa del Mofongo, along Main Street; and Casa del San-Gwich, along Broad Street, both in Downtown Bethlehem. Casa del Mofongos Bethlehem site initially was an expansion of their Allentown eatery of the same name in 2019. The Collados in 2007 opened the initial Casa del Mofongo site along Hamilton Street in Center City Allentown, where they ran it for more than a decade. The March 2020 shutdown at the start of the pandemic and demolition of the Hamilton Street building by City Center Investment Corp., were factors in the permanent demise of the Allentown site, Michael Collado had said. City Center Investment Corp. is the real estate development firm working to revitalize the citys downtown. One of the firms projects also was the Downtown Allentown Market, which opened in fall 2019. The couple went on to open Casa del San-Gwich in October 2022. Bar 1838 co-owners Manny Rodriguez of Upper Macungie Township; Rick Pongracz of Bethlehem; and Samantha Younes of Allentown opened at the Downtown Allentown Market in 2021. The pair took to the business Instagram page prior to their March closure to announce the news to patrons. Pongracz then told lehighvalleylive.com there were no plans to relocate Bar 1838. Rodriquez and Pongracz, however, did announce plans for a new ice cream venture. The pair are launching Batter Up by Batch Microcreamery, 307-311 E. Third St. on South Bethlehem, sometime in June, Pongracz said this week. The space is new construction on the main level of Peron Developments five-story mixed-use building, Third and Taylor Apartments. Batter Up will become Rodriguez and Pongraczs sixth business venture of its kind. The pair in 2019 initially launched Batch Microcreamery at the Downtown Allentown Market, before shuttering that space three years later in an expansion effort. They then opened their first brick-and-mortar store at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township. The pair additionally operate stands at the Trolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown; a seasonal scoop shop during the warmer months at Shepherd Hills Golf Club in Lower Macungie Township; and a mobile food truck for private events. Younes additionally owns Zahra, which continues to be a vendor at the downtown market; and Aladdin, serving up Middle Eastern cuisine in Allentown. Samantha Hristofas, owner of Zahra, serves up hummus at the Downtown Allentown Market on Sept. 17, 2019. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com More coming and goings The departures of Randevoo Sushi Bar; La Kang Thai Eatery; Casa Criolla and Bar 1838 follow another popular business that vacated the market earlier this year. Khanisas The Pudding Bar co-owners Khanisa and Sean Darby in late December decided not to renew their lease. The couple opened in October 2022. They instead moved to a sole e-commerce operation, Vaughan had said. The downtown market has space for nine vendors. However, Vaughan said only three bays currently remain available for leasing. This indicates at least two are being negotiated by the markets owner. City Center is talking to various operators who are interested, but are not ready to make an announcement at this time, Vaughan said. Aside from Zahra, theres Chezs Delicatessen; Pasta & Pies; and Johnnys ArtsWalk Diner. Zahra is the markets last remaining original tenant. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. The American Civil Liberties Union has asked Easton City Council to reconsider a proposed rental ordinance that the civil rights organization views as harmful and counterproductive to the community. At Eastons City Council meeting on Wednesday night, councilwoman Taiba Sultana read a statement from ACLU legal fellow Ariel Shapell regarding the ordinance. The proposal calls for a mandatory eviction of tenants due to serious crimes committed on a property such as possession of child pornography, possession of illegal weapons, drug dealing and human trafficking. The landlords of these properties would lose their rental licenses if they fail to evict tenants of properties where these crimes take place. The evicted tenants would be added to a database accessible to other landlords. Shapell argues the law would discourage residents from contacting the police for help out of fear of eviction. The letter says the ordinance, also known as Bill 10, would violate Easton residents constitutional and statutory rights. We urge you not to pass Bill 10, it reads. Ordinances like Bill 10 have been shown to harm municipalities most vulnerable residents. Norristown Borough Council passed a similar law in 2009, Shapell said. It authorized the municipality to suspend a landlords rental license when the police respond to three instances of disorderly behavior within a four month period. In 2012, Norristown renter Lakisha Briggs was assaulted several times by her boyfriend, resulting in several 911 calls, according to Shapell. The police threatened to evict her and her daughter, according to the statement. After another assault that led to a stab wound on her neck, a 911 call and a trip to the hospital, her landlord was forced to evict Briggs. Norristown repealed the ordinance after Briggs sued. The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation preventing municipalities from enacting ordinances that penalize a resident or landlord for contacting the police when they have a reasonable belief that police intervention is necessary to prevent abuse, crime, or an emergency, according to the statement. Eastons law may violate residents due process and equal protection rights against unreasonable property searches and seizures, Shapells statement reads. Councilman Frank Pintabone, who introduced the rental ordinance two weeks ago, said Briggs case has absolutely nothing to do with Eastons proposal. I wish [Sultana] would have focused more on the discussion two weeks ago, he said. He said Eastons proposal addressses human trafficking, dealing illegal weapons, drug dealing, and child pornography. Extensive, months-long investigations would take place before the search warrant is issued, including collecting multiple pieces of evidence through undercover work. He said an instance of someone being abused by their boyfriend or husband is not related to this legislation. Our goal is not to put innocent people on the street or cause any family hardship, Pintabone said. Our goal is to try to eliminate crime from the neighborhoods. He said he aims to gain the input of residents, nonprofits, council members from other cities and police chiefs. He said he invited the ACLU to discuss its concerns but did not hear back from them. When I do something, I do it publicly, he said. Pintabone presented the proposal to the South Side Civic Association and gave South Side residents the opportunity to ask questions and discuss. He said he received generally positive feedback. My goal as a council member is to pass legislation that is going to help the city of Easton and help the residents of the city of Easton, Pintabone said, When its ready, equitable for everyone and benefits the entire city, then I want to move it forward. Eastons Mayor Sal Panto Jr. believes the ordinance has good intentions but expressed the importance of making sure it will withstand any lawsuit. We certainly dont want to be subjected to civil rights claims, he said, But we also want to get the crime of criminals out of our neighborhoods and make our neighborhoods safer. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Chelsea Kun may be reached at ckun@lehighvalleylive.com. Here is a look at some government and other community news across the Lehigh Valley region for the week beginning Monday, April 15. Monday, April 15 EASTON | The Easton Zoning Hearing Board meets in-person only at 6 p.m. Monday, April 15, in City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall, 123 S. Third St. On the agenda is a variance for the building footprint of the six-story mixed-use apartment building known as The Confluence at 185 S. Third St. EASTON | Ballot-on-Demand voting for Northampton County residents ahead of the April 23 primary election is available 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, April 15 and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, which is the final day, in the county Elections Office on the Lower Level of the courthouse at 669 Washington St., Easton. Northampton County residents who are eligible to vote can fill out a ballot application to be processed immediately and will be handed a ballot over the counter. Voters may fill out the ballot in the office and return it the same day, or take it home and mail it back via USPS or utilize one of the secure drop-off boxes throughout the county. ID must be shown to receive a ballot, and residents who already applied for a mail-in ballot are not eligible for Ballot-on-Demand. All ballots must be returned to the Elections Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day; USPS postmarks do not count if received after this deadline. NEW JERSEY | The New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council is hosting an in-person meeting also being held virtually via Zoom at 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, at its Highlands Council Office, 100 North Road, Chester. The agenda includes standards for warehousing in the Highlands Region covering Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties. Visit nj.gov for more information and find the agenda at nj.gov. Join the Zoom Meeting or call 1-929-436-2866 with a Meeting ID: 850 4600 0661 and Passcode: 618057. Tuesday, April 16 U. MT. BETHEL TWP. | The Upper Mount Bethel Township Municipal Authority that the township board of supervisors had tried to dissolve is scheduled to hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 16, at the Upper Mount Bethel Volunteer Fire Co., 2341 N. Delaware Drive, Mount Bethel, according to a legal ad. Wednesday, April 17 ALLENTOWN | Allentown City Council is scheduled to conduct a public hearing at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 17. in council chambers at City Hall, 435 Hamilton St., on the request for an intermunicipal transfer of Liquor License Number E-1180 from Haaks School House LLC, 8418 Bake Oven Road, Germansville, to City Center Hospitality Ten LLC, 950 Hamilton St., Allentown. A vote is expected to follow. Visit allentownpa.legistar.com for more information and meeting video. EASTON | The Easton Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Easton are hosting a grand opening and ribbon cutting 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at Meli Taverna, 322 Northampton St. Meli is a European Taverna that brings the essence of Mediterranean service and cuisine to the heart of Easton, the chamber said in a news release. Owned by the team behind Yiannis Taverna in Bethlehem, Meli is a true embodiment of European hospitality and culinary excellence. This event is free for all to attend, but registration is encouraged via web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events. The Green Knight Energy Center at Grand Central Sanitary Landfill, off Route 512 in Plainfield Township, is seen May 24, 2018.Kurt Bresswein file photo | For lehighvalleylive.com PLAINFIELD TWP. | WMs Grand Central Landfill and the Slate Belt Chamber are host the third annual sustainability discussion and tour at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at the Green Knight Economic Development Corp.Energy Center, 910 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Interested visitors must register with Grand Central Landfill by calling 888-373-2917 or emailing Adrienne Fors at afors1@wm.com. Space is limited for the tour. Thursday, April 18 BETHLEHEM/L. NAZARETH TWPS. | The Northampton County Conservation District is holding its annual Envirothon competition 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at Louise W. Moore County Park, in Bethlehem and Lower Nazareth townships. Seven schools will compete with a total of 12 teams, representing Bangor Area High School, Freedom High School, Nazareth Area High School, Northampton Area High School, Pen Argyl Area High School, Moravian Academy Upper and Saucon Valley High School. The teams will rotate through five stations taking written tests with hands-on applications. The team with the highest cumulative score is the winner, and advances to the state competition scheduled May 22 at Camp Mt. Luther in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. EASTON | Northampton County Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 in the council meeting room on the third floor of the Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington St., Easton, on proposed Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, or LERTA, incentives for properties in Easton. LERTA maintains all base property taxes but reduces the new, higher property taxes that result from improvements to a property. In the first year, the taxes based on the new assessment are 100% forgiven, with 10% of the new tax revenue phased in annually until the newly developed sites are fully taxed at their new rate after a decade. County council meetings are live-streamed on YouTube. WASHINGTON TWP., WARREN CO. | Autism self-advocate, speaker, author and educator Tim Rohrer is scheduled to present Rise from Isolation at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 in the auditorium of Warren Hills Regional High School, 41 Jackson Valley Road in Washington Township, Warren County. Admission is free, and registration is available at arcwarren.org/register. The program is hosted by event sponsor Greenwich Autism Alliance Foundation, The Arc of Warren County, Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. and the high school. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. By Bud Hackett John Kachmar passed away on April 12. He will be remembered for service to our country and a life of service to our community. By the time a man or person reaches the final chapter, years have gone by when people have forgotten the many good things he had accomplished. You may enjoy learning about a man you knew but didnt really know his background. John was a kid who grew up on Hayes and Washington streets in Bethlehem. His dad worked for the city; he and his wife Irene raised the three kids -- John, Larry and Janice. They were members of at St. Annes Church in Bethlehem. John, an Eagle Scout, in Post 6 spent his childhood on many camping trips with friends that became lifelong friends. He especially enjoyed walks with the family to Mowrers Ice Cream, now the Bethlehem Dairy Store widely known as The Cup. After two years at Notre Dame, John decided to enter the Catholic seminary in Philadelphia. That lasted a year and he returned to Notre Dame, where he graduated. After high school, John joined the Marines. At 19, he served in Vietnam. The book, The Magnificent Bastards: The Joint Army-Marine Defense of Dong HA, 1968, describes some of the fighting Private First-Class Kachmar of Foxtrot Three was involved in. It was not pretty. John was decorated for his bravery in saving others. John rarely talked about it like so many other veterans who served in combat. Coming home, John enrolled at Moravian College. It was not an easy time as a lot of Americans were not sympathetic toward veterans who fought in the Vietnam war. After graduation John continued his service by leading the local job training organization, Manpower, which evolved over time to our Workforce Investment Board. It was during this time his two children, Betsy and Tim, were born. John next career move was that of County Administrator of Lehigh County working directly for the County Executive. He was the go-to guy for Lehigh County and was recognized as a public servant not a politician. However, that was to change when he was tapped to be the Chief of Staff for Don Ritter, congressman for the Lehigh Valleys then-15th Congressional District. John spent the next 10 years in Washington, D.C., with Congressman Ritter serving our district. After his stint in Washington, John continued his career as a county executive or county administrator for several counties across the U.S. He was recognized as an International Cities and Counties Association expert for 28 years leading/managing cities and counties around the country. His last position was as City Manager of the newly formed city of John Creek just outside of Atlanta. After his time in Georgia, John returned to his hometown of Bethlehem with his partner Tracie. Upon returning to Bethlehem, John continued to consult on governmental issues. He also continued to help people in the community, often by helping to get someone a job and more often by helping fellow veterans with healthcare issues and VA benefits. He was a regular, and had many friends, at some of the local cigar venues. Citizens in Bethlehem urged John to use his background and experience to run for mayor of Bethlehem in 2021. Kachmar lost that election and returned to his private life. Many of his friends and supporters believe Bethlehem would have been a better and more equitable city if John Kachmar was elected. John Kachmar led a life of service to people in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. He shared his experience and experiences with many and was an inspirational leader for many who knew him. Bud Hackett is a Bethlehem resident. He signed this letter as Bud Hackett and friends of John Kachmar. Three historic sites in Laois are set to receive over 250,000 in government funding announced to protect archaeological monuments. Clonkeen Church & Graveyard has been awarded 120,000, Clonreher Castle received 99,824 and Baunaghra Church & Graveyard received 38,000. They are among the 140 projects nationwide to benefit from the Community Monuments Fund. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, said announced that over 7.4 million will be awarded to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future. Im delighted that 140 projects across the country will be supported under this years 7.4m Community Monuments Fund. Since its inception in 2020, this fund has become a lifeline for the protection of Irelands irreplaceable archaeological heritage by revitalising hundreds of historic monuments in cities, towns, villages and rural communities across all 31 Local Authorities," said Minister Noonan. "Through this, it is enabling valuable investment in the wider heritage sector, creating thousands of hours of employment for specialist craftspeople and traditional skills practitioners, as well as supporting the achievement of national commitments under Heritage Ireland 2030 and the Climate Adaptation Plan for Built and Archaeological Heritage. Id like to congratulate the successful applicants and wish them the very best of luck in with their projects this year. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien TD, also welcomed the announcement: I am delighted that we can announce another significant number of awards under the 2024 Community Monuments Fund. This investment will help to ensure that heritage projects across the country will progress, ensuring the protection of our archaeological heritage as a community asset to be made more accessible to the public. Through this fund, we have been able to support Local Authorities and custodians in protecting our outstanding yet sensitive and vulnerable archaeological heritage. The youngest candidate to be selected by Fianna Fail in the local elections has entered the race to win one of six seats on offer in the sprawling Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. Joe Kennedy, who is aged just 19 and possible the youngest candidate to contest June's elections outside of his own party, was delighted to be nominated recently by the Portarlington Fianna Fail Cumann. Im thrilled to announce my candidacy for the upcoming local elections, he said. Mr Kennedy who runs Willow and Green Furniture in the town outlined why he wants to win a seat on Laois County Council. I want to be a voice for all and I am passionate about making a difference in our town and local area. I will work my hardest for Portarlington and the surrounding areas and I will ensure that no one is left behind. Lets work together to make a real and lasting difference. Portarlington is a beautiful town with so many hard working and fantastic people. So its time to take advantage of the real potential we have as a town. Im a proud Laois man, but more importantly, I am a proud Portarlington man and it would be a privilege to represent the people of Portarlington and surrounds in the chamber of Laois County Council. I look forward to meeting so many of you over the next couple of weeks as we take to the streets on our campaign, he said in his candidacy announcement. Mr Kennedy, son of Collette and Frank, said he is the youngest Fianna Fail candidate in Ireland by three years. But his age hasn't held him back in terms of being active in the party. A member if Fianna Fail since 2021, he is a member of Ogra Fianna Fail and is already the President of his party's Cumman in Port. He spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live about the motivation to go forward. I want to be a voice for reason and a voice for change and better representation for our town, he said. He outlined why he believes Port is not being represented. I don't think the people of our town are being listened to by local representatives. For such a big bustling town to have two representatives is simply not enough and I think a Fianna Fail candidate would better serve the community, he said. While he said more must be invested in Portarlington for young people he doesn't want to make promises on specific issues. I set out on this journey because I am sick and tired of people promising people, he said. He said he would pledge that if elected he would do his best to help people, listen to their concerns and be their voice. It would be very easy for me to say I am going to fix things but if I am not listening to the people I won't get very far, he said. He is aware that people have switched off politics. We have to encourage people to get out and vote because it is one of the most important things you can do, he said. Mr Kennedy is aware of the challenge facing him and Fianna Fail as the party has not had a councillor in the town for a decade when Ray Cribbin was not selected by the party to run again. Deirdre O'Connell was not returned in 2019. Despite this, he promised that he would give it his all. I have received great support and I became Cumann President to get more youth involved to make for a stronger party, he said. He said he is already out pounding the pavements and knocking on doors. Taoiseach Simon Harris has criticised the people behind an arson attack on a building that was earmarked for asylum seeker accommodation. The fire, at Trudder House in Newtownmountkennedy in Co Wicklow, broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning, April 13. Taoiseach Simon Harris said that Ireland is responding to a humanitarian crisis and that the arson attacks on buildings during a housing crisis is extraordinarily unhelpful. Fire services attended the scene and extinguished the fire. Gardai said a technical examination of the scene has been conducted and investigations into the incident were ongoing. Taoiseach Simon Harris was speaking this Monday afternoon at an announcement at St Thomas' Junior National School, Esker, Lucan, on the roll-out of the Hot School Meals Programme. He addressed the arson attack in Wicklow when asked to comment. I understand theres investigation ongoing in relation to that incident and I dont want to say anything in the position I hold that prejudices the outcome of that, Mr Harris said. But, of course, Im very concerned to see any fire happening in any buildings or indeed any location, particularly at a time when we live in a country that already has it constraints when it comes to housing supply. For anybody to take any action that will in any way further worsen that situation is extraordinarily unhelpful and in a very, very difficult and challenging time, when Ireland is responding to an humanitarian crisis. Ill let the Garda investigation run its course before I comment further on any motives. A number of buildings that have been earmarked for housing asylum seekers, as well as sites rumoured to be, have been targeted in recent times. There have been more than 20 fires at properties associated, sometimes incorrectly, with accommodating asylum seekers in 2023 and 2024. Gardai confirmed it is investigating the suspected criminal damage by fire incident. A number of protesters have been staging a demonstration near the building in recent weeks, with some remaining in the area this Monday. The Department of Integration had been assessing the site for suitability for providing accommodation after accepting a HSE offer to use the empty building. Andrew Scott said fellow Irish actor Paul Mescal has continued to be a wonderful friend after they starred together in a romantic fantasy film. They starred in Bafta-nominated All Of Us Strangers, released in January, about an adult dealing with the grief of losing both his parents when he was a child. I adore Paul, Scott told the Sunday Times. Obviously its been a tough time recently and he just continues to be a wonderful friend. Its everything. The more I work in the industry, I realise, you make some stuff that people love and you make some stuff that people dont like, and all really that you are left with is the relationships that you make. I love him dearly. The fantasy film was critically well received and a feature of awards season. While Scott was not nominated in this years Baftas, the film also failed to win in categories including outstanding British film, Normal People star Mescal as supporting actor, Claire Foy as supporting actress or Andrew Haigh as best director. At the British Independent Film Awards (Bifa), All Of Us Strangers was named best movie and best screenplay, with Haigh winning best director and the best supporting performance for Mescal, although Fleabag star Scott was beaten to best lead performance by Mia McKenna-Bruce in How to Have Sex. Scott said filming parts of All Of Us Strangers was painful but also cathartic because of his own experiences as a young gay man. Speaking of how his character tells visions of his dead parents that he is gay during a return to his childhood home, Scott said of his experiences of coming out: Of course, so in a sense it was painful, to a degree, but it was cathartic because you are doing it with people that you absolutely love and trust. I felt that it was going to be of use to people and I was right, it has been. The reaction to the movie has been genuinely extraordinary it makes people feel and see things, and that isnt an easy thing to achieve. The Dublin-born has previously given a menacing performance as the criminal mastermind James Moriarty in BBC series Sherlock and recently starred in Netflix thriller Ripley as the title character. Scott is set to attend the Olivier Awards on Sunday at the Royal Albert Hall, where he is nominated for best actor for one-man play Vanya. A new drive is underway to bolster State funding for services which heart and stroke patients in Co Kildare describe as their lifeline. Locals are being urged to lobby their TDs and Senators to sign a pledge to support Irish Heart Foundation patient support services - with funding vital to their continued operation. It is estimated that 28,000 people in Kildare are living with cardiovascular disease. For many, supports provided by the charity are the only help they receive after a life-changing heart event, heart failure, stroke or other cardiac conditions. The practical, social and emotional support services begin when patients leave hospital and continue for as long as they are needed. Now local people are being encouraged to ask their local representatives to sign an online pledge on irishheart.ie/advocacy to ensure 1.2million in crucial annual funding is made available. The Irish Heart Foundation currently receives just 8.6% of this to fund patient support services nationwide, which it says is inadequate to help the current volume of patients. The services reduce costs for the State every year by supporting patients to continue living in their homes rather than requiring nursing home care or being readmitted to hospital - but only a fraction of this work is State-funded, says the charitys Director of Advocacy and Patient Support, Chris Macey. Nationally, 80,000 heart and stroke patients are discharged from hospital every year, or one every seven minutes, in many cases to a bleak and uncertain future, he said. One in three of all stroke patients returning home are being referred in to our services, whilst we are also supporting thousands of heart patients. These people cannot simply return to the lives they led before and desperately need the unique pathway of support services that the Irish Heart Foundation provides. We are doing our utmost with our resources to ensure that people can make the most of life after a stroke or heart diagnosis, but we cannot guarantee continued delivery of these services. Mr Macey says stroke patients leaving hospital often feel abandoned and many heart failure patients end up in a revolving-door system where they need to be re-admitted. Our range of services, described by patients as a lifeline, reduce the need for admission to hospitals and nursing homes. A heart disease diagnosis or stroke often leads to post traumatic stress disorder. But the counselling we provide is the only psychological support available to many patients. People are denied basic services and it is appalling. In addition to counselling, the Irish Heart Foundation provides nurse-led needs assessments, weekly support calls, back-to-work programmes, fatigue management, peer-to-peer support services, social interaction and online exercise groups. Patients also have access to a Nurse Support Line to provide medical advice. Once they sign the pledge, elected representatives names will appear on irishheart.ie/advocacy/ and they are also asked to share the pledge on their websites and social media. The Mater Hospital Foundation (MHF) is calling on people across County Kildare to lace up, head out and take on its new '31 Miles in May' challenge. This challenge is a great opportunity for family members, friends, carers and anyone wanting to make a difference to get active for a good cause. Taking time out to walk just one mile a day is beneficial for physical and mental well-being, and in the case of the challenge, it can be of real benefit to carers of people with dementia. Commenting on the MHF's 31 Miles in May challenge, Mary Moorhead, the Chief Executive of the organisation, said: "Many of us are affected by dementia in our lifetime, whether that means facing dementia ourselves, or caring for a loved one with the condition. "That Is why it is so important to work together to provide the very best support to those facing this journey in their lives. "Here in the Mhf, we are committed to being there to support patients in the Hospital." She added: "We hope you'll join us for this very special challenge for dementia care." FURTHER DETAILS '31 Miles in May' is also a great way for companies to get their teams active and working together to raise vital funds in support of dementia care. Getting involved couldn't be easier: Simply visit www.materfoundation.ie to register for your free challenge t-shirt (while stocks last), miles tracker and set up your fundraising page on either Facebook, Instagram or JustGiving. In addition, you can join the exclusive '31 Miles in May' private Facebook group to connect with other challenge participants from across Ireland, to get inspired and stay motivated for your challenge. Everyone who completes the challenge will receive a special MHF certificate to celebrate their achievement. MHF supporters have already supported a number of initiatives to support dementia patients in the Mater Hospital, like refurbishing St Anne's Dementia Friendly Ward and funding the unique 'RITA' (Reminiscence / Rehabilitation and Interactive Therapy Activities) technology that helps patients remember and share events from their past. Funds raised by the '31 Miles in May' challenge will be put to work where they are needed most to continue to make a real difference in the hospital. To learn more and sign up for '31 Miles in May', simply visit the MHF website at www.materfoundation.ie, email contact@materfoundation.ie or call 01 830 3482. Cllr Des Guckian asked Council engineers that a suitable and comprehensive new traffic calming and traffic management plan be drawn up by them and that it will be put before the people of Dromod and councillors before any final decisions are made. A report by the roads office to the Carrick- on-Shannon Municipal District meeting on Monday said the district office has no current plans regarding construction of traffic management plans in Dromod and added that any such schemes will follow the statutory requirements regarding public consultation. Cllr Guckian said that he is looking for the engineers to draw up a suitable and comprehensive new traffic calming and traffic management plan and residents have voiced concerns about mad speeding of traffic through Dromod. He said that, among those plans would have to be the improved table top junctions and raised pedestrian crossings and continued that residents have suggested to me that a new cantilever pedestrian bridge should be erected on to the Eslin River Bridge, on the northern (Duignans) side, to cater for people using the train station, etc. and that the businesses of Dromod want more parking spaces. He said that HGVs are speeding down from Crowes Garage side on their way to cross the Shannon at Rooskey Bridge and should be encouraged to use the Dromod-Rooskey Bypass to get to Rooskey. He added that the problem of non-resident cars being parked inside the roads of two residential estates, near the station will also have to be tackled. Performance Brokerage Services Advises on the Sale of Jim Taylor Motors in Fort Benton, Montana from Mike Schneider to Wolfe Automotive Group Performance Brokerage Services, the leader in dealership buy-sell activity, announces the sale of Jim Taylor Motors in Fort Benton, Montana from Mike Schneider to Wolfe Automotive Group. IRVINE, Calif., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Performance Brokerage Services, North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Jim Taylor Motors in Fort Benton, Montana from Mike Schneider to Wolfe Automotive Group. "Working with Rob from Performance Brokerage Services was an exceptional experience from start to finish. We truly appreciate his professionalism and would highly recommend his services to anyone looking to navigate the complexities of dealership acquisitions." - Lachlan Griffiths , CFO Jim Taylor Motors is a dealership group located in central Montana that carries new Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC models. Dealer Principal, Mike Schneider, had a lifelong goal of becoming a dealer principal at a Ford dealership, and in 2019, his dream became a reality. Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 300 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. John Mecham, Senior Partner, and Jonny Mecham, Partner of the Rocky Mountain Office of Performance Brokerage Services represented the seller, and Rob Armstrong, Senior Partner of the Canadian Office of Performance Brokerage Services represented the buyer. After the sale, John Mecham commented, "It was a pleasure having the opportunity to work with all parties on this transaction. In our business, anytime we come across a buyer and seller that are simply good people, a solution for both can always be found. Mike Schneider of Jim Taylor Motors was an excellent seller to work with, showing patience throughout what can be a long process. We also had the opportunity to work closely alongside the buyer's advisor, Rob Armstrong, and the Wolfe Automotive Group, who proved to be diligent and fair buyers. We are eager to see where the Wolfe's go from here after completing their first expansion into the United States, and wish Mike all the very best in his future endeavors." Rob Armstrong added, "Having the opportunity to work closely with the Wolfe Automotive Group was a true pleasure. They are true professionals and worked very efficiently and persistently throughout the process. It is clear why they are so successful in Canada, and I look forward to supporting them in their success as they grow in the United States." Wolfe Automotive Group, founded by F.J. Wolfe in 1921, spans over a remarkable 100-year tenure. For four generations, the Wolfe family has carried on the deeply rooted business core values of trust and integrity. F.J. built the iconic Edmonton Motors, the oldest Chevrolet and Cadillac dealership in western Canada. The business has grown to operate five dealership locations across northern and southern Alberta, and two locations in the United States. Lachlan Griffiths, Chief Financial Officer of Wolfe Automotive Group shared, "Working with Rob from Performance Brokerage Services was an exceptional experience from start to finish. His expertise and dedication made the process of sourcing and purchasing Jim Taylor Motors smooth and efficient. His attention to our needs and commitment to our success were evident throughout every step of the transaction. We truly appreciate his professionalism and would highly recommend his services to anyone looking to navigate the complexities of dealership acquisitions. Thank you for helping us achieve our goals!" Jim Taylor Motors will remain at its current locations, 2520 & 2500 Saint Charles Street in Fort Benton, Montana, and will be renamed Wolfe Chevrolet GMC of Fort Benton and Wolfe Ford of Fort Benton accordingly. About Performance Brokerage Services Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, specializing in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, commercial truck, powersports, and equipment dealerships. With over 30 years of experience, 900 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the company's reputation is unmatched and governed by the utmost ethical conduct and integrity. The company offers a unique approach by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainer, no reimbursement of costs, and paid a success fee only after the transaction closes. Headquartered in Irvine, California, and supported by 9 regional offices in Utah, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, Alberta and Ontario, clients benefit from national exposure with local representation. As trusted and respected experts in the field, the company utilizes an extensive network of industry related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and longstanding relationships with various vehicle manufacturers. For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit https://performancebrokerageservices.com. Media Contact John Mecham, Performance Brokerage Services, 801.971.5337, [email protected], https://performancebrokerageservices.com/ Twitter SOURCE Performance Brokerage Services 15 april 2024 at 03:00 News published onand distributed by: FPT Unveils Strategic Directions, "All In" on AI, Automotive and Semiconductor FPT Corporation (FPT) announced its strategic directions for the 2024-2026 period at the 2024 Annual General Meeting, with five focused areas defined as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automotive, Semiconductor, Digital Transformation, and Green Transformation. According to FPT Chairman Dr. Truong Gia Binh, these five areas have shaped the course of modern history and will continue to be of critical importance in decades to come. In Vietnam's case, they have been instrumental in solidifying the country's position as a global hub for business and innovation. In this direction, AI remains at the heart of FPT's development strategy, aiming to serve at least 50% of Vietnamese citizens and 300 million global citizens. The Corporation is committed to expanding its AI ecosystem, continuing strategic partnerships with the world's leading names, and embedding AI into all of its solutions and services. FPT's Generative AI and Visual AI solutions will also be tailored to cater to specific industry needs. In the automotive sector, following the launch of FPT Automotive in 2023, FPT's investment lies in the development of intelligent solutions, offering comprehensive automotive services. FPT Automotive aims to transition from software outsourcing to technical design for software-defined vehicles, targeting a 50% annual growth rate and a revenue of 1 billion USD by 2030. With regard to the semiconductor industry, FPT has a dual target: supplying chips to more global customers and enhancing workforce development. FPT Chairman emphasized the Corporation's aspiration to turn Vietnam into a powerhouse in semiconductor, mirroring its past success with software export. According to Dr. Truong Gia Binh, FPT will "fully integrate Vietnam into the global semiconductor ecosystem". "We will establish joint ventures for IC design and testing and partner with local authorities to attract foreign investment in the semiconductor sector," he added. For the 2024-2026 period, FPT also aims to accelerate digital transformation, promote green transformation with smart transformation initiatives, further establishing its position as a leading partner for global businesses in these areas. To accelerate these goals, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) will continue to be FPT's strategic focus, especially in supporting the automotive sector. "FPT wants to acquire companies that manufacture and design cars," said Dr. Binh. Its M&A activities this year will center around the US and expand to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Europe. These are built upon successful investments and M&A deals in 2023, notably with NAC, Cardinal Peak, AOSIS, Landing AI, and Intertec International. In 2023, FPT exceeded its targets, recording an increase of 19.6% in revenue and 20.1% in pre-tax profit compared to the previous year. The year 2023 also witnessed a historic milestone for FPT, with the revenue from IT services for the global market exceeding $1 billion, generated by its subsidiary FPT Software. In 2024, FPT aims for a 17.5% revenue growth and an 18.2% increase in profit before tax. Pham Minh Tuan, FPT EVP and FPT Software CEO, said: "Starting from 2024, the Corporation remains committed to deep investment, focusing on the development of high-value technologies like AI and Data, and ventures in rapidly growing sectors such as Automotive, Healthcare, Banking, Insurance, and Energy. We are determined to elevate our standards and surpass expectations to become a world-class company." About FPT Corporation and FPT Software FPT Corporation is a global technology corporation and a leader in consulting, providing, and deploying technology and telecommunications services and solutions. It records a global workforce of 48,000+ and total revenue of $2.17 billion (2023). FPT Software, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation, is a global technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam, with $1 billion in revenue (2023) and over 30,000 employees in 30 countries. The company champions complex business opportunities and challenges with its world-class services in Advanced Analytics, AI, Digital Platforms, Cloud, Hyperautomation, IoT, Low-code, and so on. It has partnered with over 1,000+ clients worldwide, 91 of which are Fortune Global 500 companies in Aviation, Automotive, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Healthcare, Logistics, Manufacturing, Utilities, and more. For more information, please visit https://fptsoftware.com/ 15 april 2024 at 05:40 News published onand distributed by: Permian Resources Announces First Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call Permian Resources Corporation ("Permian Resources" or the "Company") (NYSE: PR) announced today that it will report first quarter 2024 financial and operating results after the market closes for trading on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Management will host an earnings conference call on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Central (10:00 a.m. Eastern). Interested parties are invited to participate on the call by dialing (800) 225-9448 (Conference ID: PRCQ124) at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call or via the internet at www.permianres.com. A replay of the call will be available on the Company's website or by phone at (800) 938-2488 (Passcode: 24995) for a 14-day period following the call. About Permian Resources Headquartered in Midland, Texas, Permian Resources is an independent oil and natural gas company focused on the responsible acquisition, optimization and development of high-return oil and natural gas properties. The Company's assets and operations are concentrated in the core of the Delaware Basin, making it the second largest Permian Basin pure-play E&P. For more information, please visit www.permianres.com. 15 april 2024 at 07:10 News published onand distributed by: Can-Fite: Scientific Article Published by KOL Presents Namodenoson as a Promising Drug Candidate to Treat Advanced Liver Cancer and MASH Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address oncological and inflammatory diseases, today announced that Biomedicines published an article titled "Namodenoson at the Crossroad of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)". Biomedicines is a highly reputable journal that publishes articles on clinical and basic science topics in medicine. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/4/848. The article's first author, Dr. Ohad Etzion, is a renowned key opinion leader (KOL) in the Hepatology field and is the engine for some of the novel drugs under development for the treatment of MASH and additional liver diseases. Dr. Etzion is the Head, Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, at Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel. The Biomedicines article presents the pre-clinical and clinical activity of Namodenoson and the mechanism of action through which the drug induces the anti-cancer activity and at the same time the liver protective effects. This dual activity enables the drug to have positive effects in both liver cancer and MASH. Currently, Namodenoson is being evaluated in LiverationTM, a pivotal Phase III study for advanced liver cancer that has been approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and also in a Phase IIb study in patients with MASH. "We are very much encouraged by the clinical data from the Phase II study in HCC and the Phase IIa study in MASH. The drug mechanism of action which is presented in the manuscript and entails inflammatory cytokine inhibition together with the stimulation of positive cytokines, position Namodenoson as a promising safe drug," stated Dr. Etzion. About Namodenoson Namodenoson is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). Namodenoson was evaluated in Phase II trials for two indications, as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, and as a treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential effect accounts for the excellent safety profile of the drug. About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF) is an advanced clinical stage drug development Company with a platform technology that is designed to address multi-billion dollar markets in the treatment of cancer, liver, and inflammatory disease. The Company's lead drug candidate, Piclidenoson recently reported topline results in a Phase III trial for psoriasis and is expected to commence a pivotal Phase III. Can-Fite's cancer and liver drug, Namodenoson, is being evaluated in a Phase IIb trial for the treatment metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a Phase III pivotal trial for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the Company is planning a Phase IIa study in pancreatic cancer. Namodenoson has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and Europe and Fast Track Designation as a second line treatment for HCC by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Namodenoson has also shown proof of concept to potentially treat other cancers including colon, prostate, and melanoma. CF602, the Company's third drug candidate, has shown efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These drugs have an excellent safety profile with experience in over 1,600 patients in clinical studies to date. For more information please visit: www.canfite.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements, about Can-Fite's expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding, among other things, its product development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects. All statements in this communication, other than those relating to historical facts, are "forward looking statements". Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "may," "should" or "anticipate" or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Can-Fite's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, among other things, our history of losses and needs for additional capital to fund our operations and our inability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; uncertainties of cash flows and inability to meet working capital needs; the initiation, timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies, clinical trials and other product candidate development efforts; our ability to advance our product candidates into clinical trials or to successfully complete our preclinical studies or clinical trials; our receipt of regulatory approvals for our product candidates, and the timing of other regulatory filings and approvals; the clinical development, commercialization and market acceptance of our product candidates; our ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships and other corporate collaborations; the implementation of our business model and strategic plans for our business and product candidates; the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering our product candidates and our ability to operate our business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; competitive companies, technologies and our industry; risks related to any resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Israel and Hamas; risks related to not satisfying the continued listing requirements of NYSE American; and statements as to the impact of the political and security situation in Israel on our business. More information on these risks, uncertainties and other factors is included from time to time in the "Risk Factors" section of Can-Fite's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024 and other public reports filed with the SEC and in its periodic filings with the TASE. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Can-Fite undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. 15 april 2024 at 07:10 News published onand distributed by: ADAMA Launches New Cereal Fungicide Maganic for Reliable Ear Disease Control and Higher Quality Grain TEL AVIV, Israel, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ADAMA Ltd. (SZSE: 000553), a leading crop protection company, announced the launch of Maganic, a new T3 fungicide for European cereal growers that protects wheat against all ear diseases resulting in healthy crops, higher yields, lower mycotoxin levels and high quality grain. Maganic is powered by ADAMA's unique Asorbital Formulation Technology, for improved uptake and excellent systemic activity. It ensures reliable efficacy against all major ear diseases including Fusarium spp, Septoria, and Rust. Mycotoxins are a serious threat to food safety and thus are heavily regulated. Grain that exceeds the maximum level set for contaminants in foodstuffs cannot be sold, and ear diseases could therefore have a significant impact on the livelihood of cereal farmers. Farmers who use Maganic as part of an integrated approach can be assured that their crops are safe and of high quality, with field trials demonstrating a significant drop in Deoxynivalenol (DON) and other mycotoxin levels as well as significantly higher yields compared with untreated fields. "Farmers in Europe are seeking an effective product that helps them meet the high EU standards for healthy grain. The launch of Maganic delivers value innovation and the peace of mind cereal farmers need for the vulnerable T3 period," said Alex Mills, Global Head of Fungicides at ADAMA. "We brought together our expertise in mycotoxins and our unique Asorbital Formulation Technology to develop Maganic, as part of our commitment to help farmers produce high quality crops. Maganic's reliable ability to combat Fusarium, Rust, Septoria, and other ear diseases results in high quality grain and a boost to farmers' revenue." Maganic is a multi-crop fungicide that is also suitable for use in crops such as barley, OSR and sugar beet. It is part of ADAMA's comprehensive cereal fungicide portfolio, which tackles the most serious diseases impacting farmer yields at each stage of the crop's reproductive phase. The new portfolio was first launched in Europe in 2023, and launches will continue across the continent throughout 2024. About ADAMA ADAMA Ltd. is a global leader in crop protection, providing practical solutions to farmers across the world to combat weeds, insects and disease. Our culture empowers ADAMA's people to actively listen to farmers and ideate from the field. ADAMA's diverse portfolio of existing active ingredients, coupled with its leading formulation capabilities and proprietary formulation technology platforms, uniquely position the company to develop high-quality, innovative and sustainable products, to address the many challenges farmers and customers face today. ADAMA serves customers in over 100 countries globally. For more information, visit us at www.ADAMA.com and follow us on Twitter at @ADAMAAgri. ADAMA Contact: Tal Moise Public Relations Email: [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/799829/Adama_Agricultural_Solutions_Logo.jpg SOURCE ADAMA Ltd. 15 april 2024 at 07:15 News published onand distributed by: ArcelorMittal's Irina Gorbounova Joins CHAR Tech Board of Directors TORONTO, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CHAR Tech nologies ("CHAR Tech" or the "Company") (TSXV:YES), a leader in sustainable energy solutions, proudly welcomes ArcelorMittal's Irina Gorbounova, Vice President of M&A and Head of the XCarb Innovation Fund, to its Board of Directors. Irina brings a wealth of experience in sustainable development within the steel industry, serving as the Vice President of M&A and Head of the XCarb Innovation Fund at ArcelorMittal in London. Throughout her 18-year tenure at ArcelorMittal, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to carbon-neutral steelmaking through strategic investments in decarbonization and innovation. In addition to her role at ArcelorMittal, Irina holds board and advisory positions at forefront companies like Boston Metal, LanzaTech, H2Pro, Breakthrough Energy, Form Energy Inc - all innovators in clean energy and decarbonization technology. Her educational background, including executive education from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, IMD Business School, London Business School, and London School of Treasury, alongside CPA certification, underscores her multidimensional expertise in finance, management, and sustainability. Irina's leadership has positioned her as a significant figure in promoting sustainability within the industrial sector, making her an invaluable addition to CHAR Tech's Board. "We are thrilled to welcome Irina to the Board. Her leadership in sustainable steelmaking aligns perfectly with CHAR Tech's mission to drive decarbonization in industrial sectors," says Andrew White, CEO of CHAR Technologies. "With her expertise, we anticipate significant strides in advancing our biocarbon solutions and solidifying our position as leaders in sustainable energy transition." Irina Gorbounova, who also spoke at CHAR Tech's Annual General Meeting on April 4, 2024, echoes the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving decarbonization efforts, stating, "There are various trends shaping the world today such as climate change and artificial intelligence that require low-carbon infrastructure and steel. At ArcelorMittal, we are dedicated to developing steel sustainably, and have identified 'smart carbon' solutions as a promising pathway. This involves finding ways to reduce the use of fossil coal in existing operations. We are excited to be working with CHAR Tech for their biocarbon solutions, and I am especially honored to join CHAR Tech's Board of Directors at this pivotal juncture." In July 2023, CHAR Tech secured a CAD$6.6M strategic investment from ArcelorMittal, through their XCarb Innovation Fund, underscoring their commitment to advancing sustainable solutions. The partnership also includes a Memorandum of Understanding with ArcelorMittal Dofasco for the purchase of biocarbon produced at CHAR Tech's state-of-the-art facility in Thorold, Ontario, further cementing their position as innovators in renewable energy. About CHAR Tech CHAR Tech (TSXV:YES) first-in-kind high temperature pyrolysis (HTP) technology processes unmerchantable wood and organic wastes to simultaneously generate two renewable energy revenue streams, renewable natural gas (RNG) or green hydrogen and a solid biocarbon that is a carbon neutral drop-in replacement for metallurgical steel making coal. CHAR's HTP is an ideal waste to energy solution that aligns with the global green energy transition by diverting waste from landfills and generating sustainable clean energy to decarbonize heavy industry. For further information, please contact: Andrew White Chief Executive Officer CHAR Technologies Ltd. E: [email protected] T: 866 521-3654 Galen Cranston Director of Stakeholder Relations CHAR Technologies Ltd. E: [email protected] T: 647-546-5633 Website: www.chartechnologies.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements") about CHAR and its business and operations. The words "may", "would", "will", "intend", "anticipate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to CHAR, are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Offering, the anticipated benefits of, and rationale for, the Offering, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, expectations regarding the offtake agreement, future plans, operations and activities, expectations regarding the scale up of production, the anticipated development of additional project sites on an expedited basis, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements reflect CHAR's current views and ?intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to CHAR, and are subject to ?certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, among others, the timing and ability of CHAR to obtain final approval of the Offering from the TSX Venture Exchange and those risk factors discussed or referred to in CHAR's disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada, including the Management Discussion & Analysis dated February 27th, 2024 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, and available under CHAR's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its ?entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, CHAR does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or ?completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release ?is made as of the date of this press release and CHAR undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise ?any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. 15 april 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Turning dreams into reality: 1970s-inspired Lachine Hospital Foundation Gala raises $182,830 net to support the modernization and expansion of the Lachine Hospital DORVAL, Quebec, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It was an evening filled with 70s disco flair, delicious canapes, and thrilling prizes to be won. The Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel was converted into Studio 514, a unique Montreal-spin on the famed disco nightclub Studio 54. It was a moving evening filled with celebration, and prominent members of the West Island business community came together to support the bright future of Lachine Hospital. Funds raised at the gala support the purchase of cutting-edge equipment and will bring quality care to the heart of the West Island. "It was truly inspiring to see everyone come together and rally for Lachine Hospital, which is really the heart of this community. As a local business leader, I believe that we have a responsibility towards our community?and it starts with Lachine Hospital. The success of this year's gala underscored the commitment of West Island CEOs to uplifting and supporting their local health care infrastructure. I am so proud to have been a part of that important moment for Lachine Hospital." ?Julie Emond, LHF Gala Co-chair and Vice-President and General Manager of BioMerieux Canada At more than halfway towards its $5 million goal in the Dream Big: Lachine Hospital campaign, this was a monumental moment in the history of Lachine Hospital and its inspiring community, and merited celebration. The playful, disco-themed gala highlighted the tight-knit culture at Lachine Hospital and united its community under a common goal: bringing excellence in patient care to the West Island. "I am awe-struck, and so inspired by what we've accomplished here tonight. To witness the entire West Island, Dorval, and Lachine communities collectively push for a brighter future for Lachine Hospital, and for increased access to care, it underscores the importance of what we're doing. Anyone who has ever benefited from the line of care at Lachine Hospital knows what a truly special place it is. It's been an absolute honour to serve as co-chair and see this incredibly meaningful event come to fruition." ?Jason Prevost, Gala Co-chair and President and COO of Leviton Canada The Dream Big: Lachine Hospital campaign is complementing the larger, $220 million modernization and expansion project of Lachine Hospital. The $5 million will support the purchase of the latest cutting-edge equipment needed to heal and care for patients. This will dramatically increase the quality of care and accessibility to services in the West Island. The revitalized hospital will include, cutting-edge surgical suites, a comfortable palliative care unit, and individual patient rooms that allow for privacy and rest. "I am so grateful for all the encouragement from our donors, sponsors and the West Island business community. Anchored in its community, the Lachine Hospital benefits from teams whose devotion to providing great care to the patient population is indisputable. By sharing our vision for the Lachine Hospital's future, we continue to get closer to our goal of modernizing and expanding the hospital." ?Dr. Lucie Opatrny, President and Executive Director, MUHC Thanks to the support of gala attendees, the MUHC Foundation and the Lachine Hospital Foundation are contributing to revolutionizing care in the West Island. The funds will support the latest technology in health care, bringing personalized and world-class health care to where it's needed. "When we partnered with the Lachine Hospital Foundation in 2021, our goal was to ensure that excellence patient care was available in the heart of the West Island. Today, we're so close to that goal, and we owe it to the inspiring commitment of our volunteers, the generosity of our donors, and the unwavering support of everyone who made this evening such a success. In many ways, it feels like just the start of what it is possible for Lachine Hospital." ?Marie-Helene Laramee, President and CEO, MUHC Foundation About the McGill University Health Centre Foundation The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation raises funds to support excellence in patient care, research and teaching at the McGill University Health Centre, one of the top university hospitals in Canada. Our Dream Big Campaign to change the course of lives and medicine is raising millions of dollars to solve humanity's deadliest puzzles: infectious diseases; end cancer as a life-threatening illness; fix broken hearts through innovative cardiac care; detect the silent killers?ovarian and endometrial cancers?early; create the best skilled health care teams in Canada; and much more. We are rallying our entire community to solve the world's most complex health care challenges. https://muhcfoundation.com The MUHC Foundation is accredited by Imagine Canada for excellence in non-profit accountability, transparency and governance. https://muhcfoundation.com About the Lachine Hospital Foundation Established in 1976, the Lachine Hospital Foundation raises funds to support excellence in health care at the Lachine Hospital. In 2022, the Lachine Hospital Foundation joined forces with the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation to have an even bigger impact on the health of the community. Our Dream Big: Lachine Hospital campaign is raising $5 million to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to complement the modernization and expansion of the Lachine Hospital, which is currently underway. With the support of our community, the revitalized Lachine Hospital will provide world-class care to the entire West Island. www.lachinehospitalfoundation.ca Tarah Schwartz Vice-President, Communications & Marketing McGill University Health Centre Foundation [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f95d975-8088-41d4-b9d4-76ca78b0ec7b 15 april 2024 at 08:05 News published onand distributed by: Chartwell Announces April 2024 Distribution and Provides Occupancy Update MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 15, 2024 /CNW/ - Chartwell Retirement Residences ("Chartwell") (TSX: CSH.UN) announced today a cash distribution of $0.051 per Trust Unit. The cash distribution will be payable on May 15, 2024 to unitholders of record on April 30, 2024. Unitholders can participate in Chartwell's Distribution Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP"). Eligible investors registered in the DRIP will have their monthly cash distributions used to purchase Trust Units and will also receive bonus units equal to 3% of their monthly cash distributions. DRIP offers unitholders the opportunity to steadily increase their ownership in Chartwell without incurring any commission or brokerage fees. Complete details of the DRIP are available on Chartwell's website at https://investors.chartwell.com or from a unitholder's investment advisor. Same Property Occupancy Update The chart included (Figure 1) summarizes Chartwell's same property monthly weighted average occupancy rates for the months ended December 31, 2022, through to March 31, 2024, and provides forecasts for same property weighted average occupancy for the months ending April 30, 2024 and May 31, 2024. To date in 2024, our same property permanent move-in activity has exceeded the same periods in 2023 and the three-year pre-pandemic average by 19% and 21%, respectively. We expect to achieve continued occupancy growth in 2024 and beyond, driven by the successful execution of our operating, marketing, and sales strategies, and supported by strong demand resulting from accelerating demographic growth, shortages of long term care beds, and fewer seniors housing construction starts. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information that reflects the current expectations, estimates and projections of management about the future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities for Chartwell and the seniors housing industry. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking information in this document include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our business strategies, including targets, and the expected results of such strategies, predictions and expectations with respect to industry trends regarding senior population growth, long term care bed shortages and the slowdown of new construction starts, and occupancy rate forecasts. 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 expected or estimated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. These factors are more fully described in the "Risks and Uncertainties and Forward-Looking Information" section in our Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "2023 MD&A"), and in materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada from time to time, including but not limited to our Annual Information Form (the "AIF"). A copy of the 2023 MD&A, the AIF and Chartwell's other publicly filed documents can be accessed under Chartwell's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. ABOUT CHARTWELL Chartwell is in the business of serving and caring for Canada's seniors, committed to its vision of Making People's Lives BETTER and to providing a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life experience for its residents. Chartwell is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate trust which indirectly owns and operates a complete range of seniors housing communities, from independent living through to assisted living and long term care. Chartwell is one of the largest operators in Canada, serving over 25,000 residents in four provinces across the country. For more information, visit www.chartwell.com. For more information, please contact: Chartwell Retirement Residences Jeffrey Brown Chief Financial Officer Tel: (905) 501-6777 email: [email protected] SOURCE Chartwell Retirement Residences (IR) 15 april 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Government of Canada announces the new Canadian Internal Trade Data Hub OTTAWA, ON, April 15, 2024 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced the launch of the Canadian Internal Trade Data and Information Hub. The announcement was made at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's annual Hill Day, where Minister LeBlanc addressed business and trade association leaders. The Hub provides open and accessible pan-Canadian data on key economic sectors including the agriculture, energy and transportation sectors, the movement of goods and services and interprovincial labour mobility. The interactive data platform includes user friendly tools, graphics and visualizations to provide valuable insights across the Canadian economy and better assess opportunities to strengthen internal trade. This information will help federal, provincial and territorial governments work together to target and eliminate barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility. It will also enable Canadian businesses and workers to make timely choices about where to invest and where to work. Developed by Statistics Canada, in partnership with the Privy Council Office, the Hub responds to calls from the business and academic community for free, reliable and timely data. The Hub will continue to evolve over time to include new data sources, including from provincial and territorial governments. Today's announcement delivers on a key commitment from the Federal Action Plan to Strengthen Internal Trade. The Government of Canada continues to make progress on all elements of the Action Plan to reduce barriers to trade that drive up costs for Canadian businesses and consumers. Quotes "Good data is key to decision-making for governments and businesses. The new Canadian Internal Trade Data and Information Hub provides critical information which will enable us to make it easier for businesses to trade within Canada. In partnership with provinces, territories, and businesses, our government will continue to identify and remove barriers to trade and labour mobility and make life more affordable for all Canadians." ?The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Quick Facts Tools embedded in the Hub ensure users can make full use of the wide variety of data available, including information from business across the country on how they trade goods, access services, and what barriers they face, gathered from the 2023 Canadian Survey on Business Conditions. These insights can be broken down by geography, industry/sector, and size. The Hub will also house the results of the forthcoming Canadian Survey on Interprovincial Trade, going into collection in Summer 2024. It will be an unprecedented first-of-its-kind survey that will explore businesses' views and experiences on internal trade more thoroughly. New data on the Hub illustrates the critical importance of internal trade to the Canadian economy. For example: More than $525 billion worth of goods and services moves across provincial and territorial borders annually ? equal to almost 19% of Canada's gross domestic product. Last year, one-third of all Canadian businesses participated in internal trade. In fact, the larger the company, the more likely it is to conduct internal trade ? with nearly half of all Canadian business with more than 100 employees selling goods to another province or territory. Since the announcement of the Federal Action Plan to Strengthen Internal Trade in 2022, the Government of Canada has significantly reduced barriers to trade within its jurisdiction. To find out more, visit the federal Internal Trade website. Associated Links Stay Connected https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs.html SOURCE Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs 15 april 2024 at 09:21 News published onand distributed by: Body Mist Market to Reach $12.6 billion, Globally, by 2032 at 5.2% CAGR: Allied Market Research PORTLAND, Ore., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Body Mist Market by Fragrance Type (Fruity, Floral, Fresh, Warm, Woody, and Others), Gender (Male, Female, Unisex), Price Point (Premium, Medium, and Economy), and Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets and Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the "body mist market" was valued at $7.6 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $12.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2032. Request The Sample PDF Of This Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A15222 Prime determinants of growth The burgeoning emphasis on wellness and self-care routines has become an important aspect of contemporary lifestyles, thus driving the demand for products that cater to holistic well-being. Body mists, with their refreshing fragrances and therapeutic benefits, have emerged as a favored choice among consumers seeking moments of relaxation and rejuvenation amid their busy schedules. On the other hand, diversifying the product range presents a significant opportunity for the body mist market to cater to a broader range of consumer preferences and needs. By introducing variations such as hydrating mists, shimmer mists, or SPF-infused mists, brands can address specific concerns or desires of their target audience. For instance, hydrating mists can appeal to consumers seeking added moisture and skin-nourishing benefits, particularly in dry climates or during colder seasons. Report Coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size In 2022 $7.6 Billion Market Size In 2032 $12.6 Billion CAGR 5.2 % No. Of Pages In Report 303 Segment Covered Type, Gender, Price Point, Distribution Channel, And Region Drivers Increase In Consumer Preference For Personalized Fragrances Rise In Awareness Of Personal Hygiene And Wellness Expansion Of Distribution Channels And E-Commerce Opportunities Natural And Organic Ingredients Customization And Personalization Restraints Competition From Alternative Fragrance Products Regulatory Restrictions And Ingredient Concerns Warm segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By fragrance type, the warm segment held the major share of the market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-fifth of the global body mist market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Warm scents such as vanilla, musk, and spices are known for their soothing properties, which appeal to consumers seeking moments of tranquility and self-care in their daily routines. woody is the fastest-growing segment of the market in 2022. Educating consumers about the benefits of woody fragrances, such as their grounding and calming properties, can increase demand. Procure Complete Report (305 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/d09dc1ef06bda7acf22498ec433baa03 The female segment to retain its dominance by 2032 By gender, the female segment held the major share of the market in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global body mist market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Female consumers, in particular, are seeking body mists that align with their desire for multifunctional products that enhance their overall beauty routine. The unisex segment was the fastest-growing segment of the market in 2022. Traditional gender roles and stereotypes are evolving, leading to increased acceptance and demand for unisex products. Medium segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By price point, the medium segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global body mist market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. As individuals seek to enhance their grooming routines, medium-priced body mists offer an attractive compromise between affordability and quality. The premium segment was the fastest-growing segment of the market in 2022. Consumers often associate premium body mists with superior quality ingredients, meticulous formulation, and exquisite packaging. Hypermarket and supermarkets segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. By distribution channel, the hypermarkets and supermarkets segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global body mist market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. With hypermarkets and supermarkets being popular destinations for everyday shopping needs, they provide a wide array of body mist products from various brands under one roof. This convenience factor simplifies the purchasing process for consumers, allowing them to explore different options and make informed choices based on their preferences and budget. The online retail segment was the fastest-growing segment of the market in 2022. With the expansion of e-commerce platforms, consumers increasingly value the ease and efficiency of shopping online for everyday products, including body mists. North America to maintain its dominance by 2032 By region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than one-fourth of the body mist market. With a growing awareness of the importance of self-care and grooming routines, consumers in North America are seeking products that not only provide a pleasant scent but also contribute to their overall sense of well-being. LAMEA was the fastest-growing region of the market in 2022. The LAMEA region encompasses diverse climates and cultures, where body mist products can serve various purposes. Inquiry Before Buying @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A15222 Leading Market Players L'Oreal S.A Amway Corporation. Burberry Group PLC Mary Kay Inc. Procter & Gamble PLC LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE Vuitton Henkel AG & Company Helen of Troy Limited Conair Corporation Coty, Inc. The report analyzes these key players in the global body mist market. These players have adopted various strategies such as expansion, new product launches, partnerships, and others to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. The report helps determine the business performance, operating segments, developments, and product portfolios of every market player. Related Reports: Skin Care Products Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/skin-care-products-market Professional Hair Care Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/professional-hair-care-market K-beauty Products Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/k-beauty-products-market Beard Grooming Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/beard-grooming-market Men Personal Care Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/men-personal-care-market Derma Rollers Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/derma-rollers-market-A13744 Hair Straightener Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/hair-straightener-market About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg 15 april 2024 at 10:01 News published onand distributed by: Dominion Energy Reaches Major Milestone in Construction of Charybdis, the First Jones Act-Compliant Offshore Wind Turbine Installation Vessel Charybdis successfully launched to water at Seatrium AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas consistent with project expectations No change to the vessel's timeline which supports the current Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) construction schedule CVOW receives final federal permit; expects to begin monopile installation in coming weeks RICHMOND, Va., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy announced today that Charybdis, the United States' first Jones Act-compliant offshore wind turbine installation vessel, was successfully launched from land to water, marking a major milestone in the vessel's construction. To achieve this milestone, welding of the ship's hull and commissioning of the vessel's four legs and related jacking system were successfully completed. "Charybdis is vital not only to CVOW, but also to the growth of the offshore wind industry along the U.S. East Coast and is key to the continued development of a domestic supply chain by providing a homegrown solution for the installation of offshore wind turbines," said Bob Blue, Dominion Energy's chair, president and chief executive officer. The 472-foot vessel is being constructed at the Brownsville, Texas shipyard of global marine and offshore engineering group Seatrium, using domestically-sourced steel. At peak construction, over 1,200 workers were employed on this project. Once complete, the home port for the vessel will be in Hampton Roads, one of the nation's premier offshore wind installation harbors, and utilize an American crew. "Seatrium's AmFELS shipyard has partnered with Dominion Energy in this ground-breaking project to supply the first U.S. Jones Act-compliant WTIV, Charybdis, playing a critical role in the country's energy transition. The U.S.-built vessel will not only contribute towards reliable, affordable and clean energy, but also benefit local communities in creating a significant local know-how and job opportunities, paving the way for future growth in the U.S. offshore wind industry," said Mr. Chris Ong, Seatrium's chief executive officer. The vessel's hull and infrastructure was fabricated with more than 14,000 tons of domestic steel, with nearly 10,000 tons sourced from Alabama, West Virginia and North Carolina suppliers. The vessel is designed to handle turbine sizes of 12 megawatts or larger. The vessel launch marked a historical achievement as the world's largest completed lift totaling 23,000 tons. Also announced today, the CVOW project received a final construction air permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. This is the 11th and final federal permit required to begin offshore construction. Offshore monopile installation begins in May. About Dominion Energy About 6 million customers in 15 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy every day and to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more. SOURCE Dominion Energy 15 april 2024 at 10:00 News published onand distributed by: H2O Innovation Gains Exclusive Distribution Rights for Advanced ROTEC Desalination Technology H 2 O Innovation Inc. ("H 2 O Innovation" or the "Corporation") is proud to announce the conclusion of a cooperation framework agreement granting the Corporation the exclusive right to sell ROTEC ("ROTEC") proprietary desalination Flow Reversal (FR) technology in the North American biofuels market. ROTEC is a business unit of the WFI Group, which was founded in 2009. Their FR technology is distinguished not only by its cost effectiveness but also by the various key advantages it provides. The FR technology, which can be implemented in new and existing reverse osmosis (RO) plants, allows the flow direction in RO pressure vessel arrays to be periodically switched, increasing product water capacity while maintaining the same amount of feed water that can also be reduced. Most importantly, ROTEC's patented approach reduces membrane fouling and scaling issues allowing the reduction of the frequency of required cleaning-in-place procedures, which is an amazing step toward time efficiency, environmental effectiveness, and sustainability. "This is an amazing opportunity for us to provide this technology to North America and to add it to our innovation portfolio. As the Flow Reversal provides enhanced efficiency and performance for a wide range of water treatment applications, it will be a game changer for one of the core markets, the biofuels industry," stated Frederic Dugre, President, Chief Executive Officer and co-Founder of H 2 O Innovation. "Each market has its own set of challenges and specifications. H 2 O Innovation has a great deal of experience in many different markets including a particularly strong reputation for quality solutions in the biofuels space. We are happy to be able to work with them to bring additional water resiliency and efficiency options to that space and beyond," stated Bruce Alderman, Chief Executive Officer of ROTEC USA. About H 2 O Innovation Innovation is in our name, and it is what drives the organization. H 2 O Innovation is a complete water solutions company focused on providing best-in-class technologies and services to its customers. The Corporation's activities rely on three pillars: (i) Water Technologies & Services (WTS) applies membrane technologies and engineering expertise to deliver equipment and services to municipal and industrial water, wastewater, and water reuse customers, (ii) Specialty Products (SP) is a set of businesses that manufacture and supply a complete line of specialty chemicals, consumables and engineered products for the global water treatment industry, and (iii) Operation & Maintenance (O&M) provides contract operations and associated services for water and wastewater treatment systems. Through innovation, we strive to simplify water. For more information, visit www.h2oinnovation.com. Source: H 2 O Innovation Inc. www.h2oinnovation.com 15 april 2024 at 10:10 News published onand distributed by: IHG Hotels & Resorts and NOVUM Hospitality sign agreement that doubles IHG's hotel presence in Germany, launches Holiday Inn - the niu collaboration, and debuts Garner and Candlewood Suites brands LONDON, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and NOVUM Hospitality announce a long-term agreement that will double IHG's presence in Germany to more than 200 hotels in almost 100 cities through an exciting Holiday Inn ? the niu brand collaboration and European debuts for IHG's Garner and Candlewood Suites brands. The agreement with NOVUM Hospitality, one of Germany's largest private hotel operators, owned by David Etmenan, will make IHG one of the leading players in midscale and upper midscale, and includes the following key elements: Up to 108 NOVUM Hospitality otpen hotels (15,334 rooms) and 11 hotels under development (2,369 rooms) are expected to join IHG's system between 2024 and 2028. Conversion of the hotels to IHG's system will happen in phases beginning in 2024, with the majority to take place over the next 24 months. This will increase IHG's global system size by up to 1.9% over the coming years. A total of 52 open and pipeline hotels will join IHG through a distinctive collaboration between Holiday Inn and the niu , NOVUM Hospitality's stylish, flagship upper midscale brand. This will combine the domestic presence of the niu with Holiday Inn's trusted reputation and global brand recognition to build a leading position in a key target market. NOVUM Hospitality's other brands, Yggotel , Select and Novum with 56 open and pipeline hotels will convert to IHG's new midscale conversion brand, Garner , and the acora Living the City brand with 11 open and pipeline hotels will convert to IHG's midscale extended stay brand, Candlewood Suites . and , NOVUM Hospitality's stylish, flagship upper midscale brand. This will combine the domestic presence of with trusted reputation and global brand recognition to build a leading position in a key target market. NOVUM Hospitality's other brands, , and with 56 open and pipeline hotels will convert to IHG's new midscale conversion brand, , and the brand with 11 open and pipeline hotels will convert to IHG's midscale extended stay brand, . Under the agreement, IHG will receive franchise fees after the phased conversion of existing properties and upon the opening of the hotels under development. Additionally, standard assessments will be received into IHG's System Fund, including those to cover the operation of IHG One Rewards, and marketing and reservation services. IHG will contribute key money capital expenditure that will reflect the phased conversion and timing of openings of this major portfolio of hotels. The agreement includes an exclusivity arrangement for future NOVUM Hospitality hotels to join IHG's leading brands and enterprise system, with an ambition to jointly develop further hotels over time. The agreement has a term of 30 years and the option to renew for additional terms. A total of 111 NOVUM Hospitality properties are in Germany, with the remaining eight in Austria, the Netherlands and the UK. Germany is one of Europe's largest hotel markets, with strong domestic consumption, inbound and outbound travel. In 2022, there were over 450 million overnight stays in Germany, the second highest in Europe, and the country generated the highest number of international outbound travellers globally, around 100 million. IHG's growth in Germany will be supported by continued investment in building localised commercial platforms, such as the recent introduction of loyalty partnerships and improved booking systems. IHG expects its increased scale to bring significant benefits to NOVUM Hospitality and other IHG owners, including higher brand awareness, direct bookings and loyalty engagement, to capture both domestic demand and German outbound business. It will also drive the development of IHG's brands across more locations. NOVUM Hospitality will adopt IHG brands and systems for this entire portfolio, becoming one of IHG's largest franchisees globally, with access to IHG's powerful commercial engine and technology platforms to drive hotel performance, efficient hotel operations and customer experience. Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with such a respected group as NOVUM Hospitality and double IHG's presence in Germany, one of Europe's largest hotel markets and a growth priority for our business. This agreement demonstrates the appeal to owners of our powerful enterprise and IHG's success in attracting excellent conversion opportunities to grow our system size. It also creates a strong domestic German platform to increase demand and brand awareness, as well as capture a larger share of the millions of outbound trips made each year across Europe and beyond. We're excited to bring a modern, bold and dynamic experience to market with our Holiday Inn ? the niu collaboration, which pairs our world-famous Holiday Inn brand with a high-quality local brand that has an excellent, largely newly-built estate. Equally, bringing Garner to Europe in such a critical market as Germany is a great moment, as is taking Candlewood Suites outside of the Americas for the first time. Both IHG and NOVUM Hospitality share a deep commitment to true hospitality, quality and growth, and we look forward to expanding together in the years to come." David Etmenan, Chief Executive Officer and Owner, NOVUM Hospitality, commented: "Partnering with IHG, one of the world's leading hotel companies, equips our family-run business with the firepower needed to fortify our market presence across Europe. This collaboration enables us to concentrate on delivering exceptional hotel experiences while leveraging the globally acclaimed brand recognition of IHG. Forging a co-brand between the niu and Holiday Inn sees two perfectly complementary brands come together, enhancing our appeal to guests on a global scale. Accessing IHG's state-of-the-art global distribution network provides us with enhanced sales and revenue capabilities, ensuring sustained commercial success while retaining full flexibility and independence for NOVUM Hospitality, as the company remains in our ownership entirely. Beyond the strategic advantages, the alignment of our values and principles throughout the negotiation process with IHG underscores the compatibility of our alliance. We deeply value the respect and consideration accorded to our the niu brand and eagerly anticipate the promising future that lies ahead in our joint endeavours." Further brand details: Holiday Inn is an award-winning icon, voted the most trusted hotel brand in US travel. Providing leisure guests, business travellers and families with great places to stay since 1952, Holiday Inn has over 1,200 hotels globally and a further 250 properties in its pipeline. is an award-winning icon, voted the most trusted hotel brand in US travel. Providing leisure guests, business travellers and families with great places to stay since 1952, has over 1,200 hotels globally and a further 250 properties in its pipeline. Holiday Inn ? the niu is a collaboration anchored in distinctive design and memorable hospitality. Already renowned for its commitment to neighbourly service and individually designed hotels inspired by their location, urban art and pop-culture, the niu is a fresh brand with a strong reputation. Combining it with Holiday Inn , alongside the award-winning IHG One Rewards loyalty programme and IHG's powerful enterprise platform, will further elevate the stay experience, grow market share by reaching new leisure and business guests, and accelerate expansion into new locations. is a collaboration anchored in distinctive design and memorable hospitality. Already renowned for its commitment to neighbourly service and individually designed hotels inspired by their location, urban art and pop-culture, is a fresh brand with a strong reputation. Combining it with , alongside the award-winning IHG One Rewards loyalty programme and IHG's powerful enterprise platform, will further elevate the stay experience, grow market share by reaching new leisure and business guests, and accelerate expansion into new locations. The first US Garner hotel opened in Seattle in late 2023 within three months of the brand being franchise-ready, and it has since launched in Japan , Mexico and Canada . With today's announcement, Garner is now franchise ready across IHG's Europe, Middle East , Asia and Africa (EMEAA) region. Garner is designed for travellers of all ages seeking a reliable, relaxed experience at an affordable price. It is becoming the leading choice for guests wanting great value stays at high?quality properties, and for owners seeking higher returns in the midscale space. IHG expects Garner to reach over 500 open hotels in the next 10 years and 1,000 hotels in the next 20 years in the US alone. hotel opened in in late 2023 within three months of the brand being franchise-ready, and it has since launched in , and . With today's announcement, is now franchise ready across IHG's Europe, , and (EMEAA) region. is designed for travellers of all ages seeking a reliable, relaxed experience at an affordable price. It is becoming the leading choice for guests wanting great value stays at high?quality properties, and for owners seeking higher returns in the midscale space. IHG expects to reach over 500 open hotels in the next 10 years and 1,000 hotels in the next 20 years in the US alone. Candlewood Suites is IHG's midscale extended stay brand, providing a casual and friendly environment with everything guests need to live, work and relax while away from home. For over 25 years, the brand has provided great value for guests, while also allowing owners to benefit from a highly efficient operating model. Candlewood Suites has a combined open and pipeline estate of over 520 hotels across the Americas. About IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,300 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a development pipeline of over 2,000 properties. - Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo - Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels - Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Garner hotels, avid hotels - Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites - Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 345,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn. About NOVUM Hospitality With a distinguished portfolio of over 150 hotels (incl. secured pipeline), encompassing more than 20,000 rooms across 60 premier locations throughout Europe, NOVUM Hospitality is ranked among the biggest family-run hotel groups in Germany. Founded in 1988 and geared for growth since 2004, NOVUM Hospitality has been successfully expanding under the visionary leadership of Chief Executive Officer & Owner, David Etmenan. The hotel portfolio comprises midscale and upper midscale hotels in central locations run under acclaimed brands such as the niu, Select Hotels, Novum Hotels, Yggotel and acora Living the City. Additionally, NOVUM Hospitality proudly serves as a franchisee for InterContinental Hotels Group, Accor, and Hilton. The renowned Treugast Investment Ranking, an annual assessment of the foremost hotel companies in Germany, awards NOVUM Hospitality with an 'A' rating, underscoring their commitment to excellence and industry leadership. www.novum-hospitality.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2387257/David_Etmenan_and_Elie_Maalouf.jpg 15 april 2024 at 11:34 News published onand distributed by: Anycubic Introduces the Kobra 3 Combo: Elevate Your True Multi-color 3D Printing Experience SHENZHEN, China, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 15, 2024, Anycubic officially unveils the Kobra 3 Combo, will disclose price and full specifications on April 22, 2024. It heralds a new gateway for your multi-color 3D printing experience. The Kobra 3 Combo begins with an enhanced iteration of the Kobra 3, alongside the debut of the Anycubic Color Engine Pro (ACE Pro). This release also includes a host of corresponding upgrades to the Anycubic App and Slicer, together with the earlier announced live Anycubic community Makeronline constitute the whole combo. With significant firmware upgrades and a collaboration with PANTONE, multi-color printing becomes even more dynamic and enjoyable for users. Anycubic Color Engine Pro: All for Multi-color Printing The Anycubic Color Engine Pro (ACE Pro), which brings a whole new level of convenience and reliability to the table. ACE Pro supports simultaneous printing with two linked boxes, accommodating up to eight colors at once. With the added feature of RFID recognition for Anycubic filaments, it ensures seamless printing quality. Recognizing the detrimental effects of moisture on print quality, ACE Pro integrates an active drying function, distinguishing itself as the only product on the market to combine active drying with multi-color printing capabilities. Its intelligent side-drying feature maintains filament dryness even during extended print sessions, lasting up to 24 hours, ensuring optimal printing conditions and impeccable results for every creation. With its anti-tangling protection design, bid farewell to printing mishaps caused by filament tangling. By employing a clever parallel connection of four discharge tubes, switching between colors has never been smoother. No more laboriously rolling back filament inside the tubes; just seamless, hassle-free color changes that keep your printing process flowing effortlessly. Plus, with its intelligent color change function, waste is minimized, and your prints are completed faster than ever before. Printing with Exclusive PANTONE Filmant Colors Thanks to Anycubic's collaboration with PANTONE, unique and true-to-life colors are now available for your next colorful prints. Introducing the first-ever 3D printing industry-certified consumable colors, including Peach Fuzz, Interstellar Violet, Tropical Turquoise, and Spring Leaf. Each color tells a unique story, adding depth and personality to your printed artworks. Get ready to unleash your creativity and experience a kaleidoscope of colors like never before. As hardware and collaboration draw you onto the vibrant path, a well-established software and connection platform will guide you further into the 3D printing amusement park. The Anycubic App and Slicer, along with the new community platform, Makeronline, and improved after-sales service offering a 30-day return or refund policy, serve as invaluable enhancements to your colorful journey. Anycubic Kobra 3: Speedy and Stable The introduction to the Anycubic Kobra 3 on its own serves as a racing powerhouse poised to boost your printing game. Building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, the Anycubic Kobra 2 series, this sleek machine boasts some serious upgrades. Picture this: blazing through single-color regular printing at a mind-blowing speed of 600mm per minute. But speed isn't its only forte. Equipped with standard features like accelerometers, vibration compensators, and flow control mechanisms, the Kobra 3 ensures that your prints maintain impeccable quality even at breakneck speeds. Plus, with a larger print volume measuring at 250*250*260mm, you're looking at a whopping 34% increase compared to its predecessor. Beneath its sleek exterior, the Kobra 3 runs on the fully optimized firmware Kobra OS. This firmware boasts enhanced computing power and lightning-fast motor response, allowing for precise movements and filament extrusions. Thanks to its built-in accelerometer module, it can detect resonance frequencies of the X/Y axis, making intelligent adjustments to motion control to diminish pesky artifacts like banding and ringing, ensuring that each print is as fine as the last. The Anycubic App and Slicer: Get Ready for Your Kaleidoscope The Anycubic App and Slicer are indispensable tools for navigating the realm of multi-color printing. These powerful software solutions offer comprehensive features tailored for coloring, modifying, and slicing multi-color models, significantly simplifying the intricacies of multi-color 3D printing. They facilitate seamless remote control and monitoring, enabling users to manage their 3D printers from various devices, including computers and smartphones. By configuring an external camera, you can monitor the printing progress in real-time and conduct live video surveillance, providing you with peace of mind for your off-site printing.. Additionally, the upcoming LAN mode support in the Anycubic Slicer promises even greater convenience and privacy for users, with more exciting features on the horizon. Makeronline: Where Creativities Burst Anycubic's innovative community platform, Makeronline, serves as a hub for over a thousand 3D model designers, fostering a vibrant creative environment replete with inspiration. Within this community, users can share their creative endeavors, connect with global fellow enthusiasts, and discover the vast potential of 3D printing. Makeronline also hosts dynamic competitions, offering participants the chance to win generous creation bonuses and exclusive community points, further enriching the collaborative experience. With Anycubic's introduction of multi-color printing, 3D printing finds application across diverse scenarios, meeting a variety of creative needs while overcoming previous limitations of single-color printing in showcasing creativity. Enhanced software applications afford users greater freedom in printer operation, while Makeronline serves as a catalyst for communication, sparking users' creative ingenuity and elevating the role of 3D printing. Multi-color printing injects vibrancy into 3D creativity, rendering works more vivid and captivating, from personalized fashion accessories to interactive educational toys and home decorations, realizing myriad creative visions with ease and bringing the 3D printing technology to every household. SOURCE ANYCUBIC 15 april 2024 at 11:40 News published onand distributed by: Greystone Farm at Salem Awarded Benchmark's Annual "Circle Award" for Outstanding Resident & Family Satisfaction Senior Assisted Living Community Recognized for Achieving Highest Satisfaction Out of All 65 Benchmark Communities SALEM, N.H., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Benchmark, the largest senior living provider in New England, today announced that Greystone Farm at Salem, a Benchmark assisted living and memory care community, has received the Benchmark 2023 Circle Award. The Circle Award is an annual award honoring the Benchmark community that consistently achieves the highest ratings from resident and family surveys. "The compassion and care our associates exhibit daily is truly inspiring. I couldn't be more proud of this year's winners and all they've accomplished." -Tom Grape, founder, chairman and CEO, Benchmark Senior Living At the company's 21st Annual Awards Gala held on March 7, 2024, Greystone Farm was recognized over 64 other Benchmark independent living, assisted living and Mind & Memory Care communities throughout the Northeast. Greystone Farm was hailed for consistently meeting the needs of residents and family members with family members often praising the community for the incredible care their loved ones received in a warm and inviting environment. One family member recently wrote, "The staff -- from reception, to housekeeping, to cooks, to aides, to nurses, to directors -- are amazingly caring to both the residents and the families. I feel blessed my mother had their knowledge, comfort, and companionship." Greystone Farm executive director, Lisa Collins, LPN, accepted the award on behalf of the community. "Staying true to our mission of transforming lives through human connection is something that's very important to our entire team. We really take it to heart and feel proud that our dedication has been recognized by those who matter most, our residents and their families." Company Founder and CEO Tom Grape added, "The compassion and care our associates exhibit daily is truly inspiring. Our annual awards gala is a time when we all can come together to celebrate the good work that the associates at our 65 communities do every day to transform lives through human connection. I couldn't be more proud of this year's winners and all they've accomplished." Greystone Farm's care and experiences spans independent assisted living to specialized memory care assisted living for those who would benefit from a safer, engaging environment, chef-prepared meals, supportive living services, transportation and assistance with daily activities, such as getting dressed and medication management. Residents enjoy connecting over programs and amenities offered in many common spaces including a bistro, demonstration kitchen, recreation room, sunroom, hair salon, private dining room and outdoor patios with seasonal dining and walking paths. Greystone Farm's award-winning Mind & Memory Care program offers carefully created living environments and unique opportunities for those with Alzheimer's and dementia to find joy in each new day. Residents are supported by 24/7 care providers who have been hired for heart and educated in memory loss, communication and empathy. Neighborhoods provide the comforts of home and have unique features that help those with memory impairment stay connected to who and what matters most to them. Thoughtful touches, visual cues and purposeful amenities further promote familiarity and wellness. About Benchmark Senior Living Benchmark is New England's largest senior living provider with 65 independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care communities and over 6,700 dedicated associates providing compassionate care and outstanding experiences throughout the Northeast. The Waltham, Mass.-based company was founded over 27 years ago by Tom Grape with the purpose of Transforming Lives Through Human Connection. Since then, Benchmark has continued to set the industry standard, having won over 300 hundred local, regional and national awards for its care, programs and as a top workplace. Benchmark has been named one of the Top Places to Work for 16 straight years in The Boston Globe's annual employee-based survey and received repeated recognition in FORTUNE's Best Workplaces for Aging Services list. In 2023, Benchmark communities received 53 U.S. News & World Report Best of Senior Living excellence awards based on resident and family feedback. For more information, visit BenchmarkSeniorLiving.com. Media Contact Carol Arnold, Benchmark Senior Living, 1 6035020469, [email protected], http://www.BenchmarkSeniorLiving.com SOURCE Benchmark Senior Living 15 april 2024 at 16:35 News published onand distributed by: TECHNOLOGICAL University of the Shannon (TUS) has become the first officially designated Irish ADHD-friendly university by ADHD Ireland. This recognition follows the roll-out of ADHD Irelands ADHD-Friendly University Programme across TUS campuses, aimed at promoting awareness, understanding, and practical strategies to support neurodiverse students in tertiary education. The ADHD Ireland programme, which addresses the stigma and misconceptions surrounding ADHD, equips TUS staff with the knowledge and tools to recognise and support students with ADHD effectively. It includes comprehensive training sessions for both staff and students. To celebrate this achievement, TUS held a flag-raising ceremony and certificate presentation for staff who have completed the training, attended by ADHD Ireland National Service Development Manager Nicola Coss. We are delighted to accredit TUS as Irelands first ADHD-Friendly University and to work with TUS to create an environment of acceptance and understanding of ADHD, said Nicola Coss. We were very impressed with the uptake across the teams and, having completed various levels of this training staff, are empowered with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support students in their care. Within their part of the programme training, TUS students will be equipped with coping strategies to deal with their daily challenges, both academically and socially, overall improving their mental health and positively impacting their life outcomes. ADHD, a neurological disorder affecting approximately 5% of the population in Ireland, presents challenges related to impulse control, focus, and organisation; statistically, for every class of 30 students, one will have ADHD. READ MORE: PICTURES: Community takes on mountain to raise money for Limerick woman However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with ADHD can reach their full potential and achieve great success. TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane expressed his pride in TUS achieving ADHD-friendly university status, underscoring the university's commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. The designation of TUS as Irelands first ADHD-friendly university signifies a significant step towards creating a more supportive and inclusive educational environment for neurodiverse students. "We are proud to raise the flag across our campuses as a symbol of our commitment to creating an equal, diverse, and inclusive institutiona place where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential, he said. TUS has seen significant increases in the number of students with ADHD registering with its disability support services over the last four years: a 59% increase in the Mid West campues and a 130% increase in the Athlone Campus. TUS Midwest Disability Officer Broze ODonovan highlighted the positive impact of the awareness training on both staff and students. Weve seen huge staff interest in the awareness training offered this year by ADHD Ireland, with high attendance and ongoing follow-up contact. Our collaborations with ADHD Ireland have been invaluable in increasing staff knowledge and confidence in supporting this cohort of neurodivergent students, she said. I am certain that future collaborations will be well-received. Students were also provided with opportunities to develop personal learning strategies that address both the challenges and strengths of a neurodivergent profile. Some students, after many years of struggling within formal education, have come forward for supports after seeing themselves in the profiles presented by the awareness training. INDEPENDENT councillor Frankie Daly has become the latest candidate to declare in the race to become Limerick's first directly elected mayor. Cllr Daly, a youth worker by profession, joins 12 other entries into the maiden election for the prestigious new post. In a video, posted to his social media accounts on Sunday night, the Corbally man pledged, if returned, he will be a "real voice in national government" for Limerick. "I've been asking people what are the attributes they would like to see in their mayor. For me, it's very clear. They want a mayor that delivers, one who makes a difference in their daily lives, decisive action, integrity, dedication and experience. I have those qualities," he said. Im proud to announce that Ill be running in the election to appoint Limericks next Mayor and Irelands first ever directly elected Mayor. #Limerick#Frankieformayor#directlyelectedmayor pic.twitter.com/ccLXZfW7Ch Cllr Frankie Daly (@Cllrfrankiedaly) April 14, 2024 First elected as a Labour member to Limerick City North at the 2014 local election, Cllr Daly left the party two years later and has sat as an Independent since. In 2019, he topped the poll in the City North with a huge 1,861 first preference votes, smashing through the quota with more than 350 votes to spare. The following year, he contested the general election in Limerick City, where he narrowly missed out on the final seat to the Green Party TD Brian Leddin - who himself is also running for the mayoralty. READ MORE: Limerick woman raises thousands for charity by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Cllr Daly is married to Kate and they have two children, Josh and Jada-Faye. He becomes the third Independent candidate in the election, joining businesswoman Helen O'Donnell and the former secretary general at the Department of Finance John Moran. In the last week, Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler and Labour's Conor Sheehan have declared. Also on the ticket are People Before Profit's Ruairi Fahy, former Chamber chief executive Dee Ryan for Fianna Fail, Social Democrats Cllr Elisa ODonovan, Dr Laura Keyes, Rabharta, Sarah Beasley of Aontu, Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan and Gerben Uunk of the Animal Welfare Party. Limerick will go to the polls to elect an executive mayor on June 7. FIVE projects in Limerick have been awarded 278,613 in funding to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, announced that over 7.4 million will be awarded to 140 projects around the country through the 2024 Community Monuments Fund First established in 2020, the Community Monuments Fund aims to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites. Funding is available to allow conservation works to be carried out on monuments that are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support. The aim is to encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation and also to build their resilience to help them withstand the effects of climate change. The CMF supports essential repairs and capital works for the conservation of archaeological monuments and also the development of Conservation Management Plans to identify measures that may be needed to conserve monuments. Grants are also available to enhance public access infrastructure and interpretation at archaeological monuments. Projects awarded funding this year include: Galbally Church, Ballynoe Tower House, Ballingarry Castle, Croom Castle and Mahoonagh Church. Speaking today, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan said: "Im delighted that 140 projects across the country will be supported under this years 7.4m Community Monuments Fund. "Since its inception in 2020, this fund has become a lifeline for the protection of Irelands irreplaceable archaeological heritage by revitalising hundreds of historic monuments in cities, towns, villages and rural communities across all 31 Local Authorities. "Through this, it is enabling valuable investment in the wider heritage sector, creating thousands of hours of employment for specialist craftspeople and traditional skills practitioners, as well as supporting the achievement of national commitments under Heritage Ireland 2030 and the Climate Adaptation Plan for Built and Archaeological Heritage. "Id like to congratulate the successful applicants and wish them the very best of luck in with their projects this year." HSE Mid-West is urging members of the public to avail of free walk-in MMR vaccine clinics in Limerick, following a further increase in measles cases. As part of the HSEs national MMR vaccine campaign, there will be free vaccine clinics in Limerick. This Monday, April 15 there is a walk-in clinic in Barrack View Primary Care Centre, Lord Edward Street from 9:00 13:00. St Brendans Health Centre, Rosbrien, will host a clinic on Tuesday, April 16 from 14:30 16:30. In Ballynanty Health Centre, there will be a clinic on Wednesday, April 17 from 9:00 11:00. On Thursday, April 18, a clinic will be hosted at Kings Island Health Centre, Island Road from 10:00 13:00. Croom Primary Care Centre, will host a free walk-in vaccine clinic on Friday, April 19 from 10:00 12:00. Measles is highly infectious and can be a serious infection. It causes a rash illness, with cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and high fever. Complications of measles include ear infections, pneumonia, febrile seizures and less commonly encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even death. MMR vaccines are available free of charge from GPs to all groups, but primarily to those under 18 years, and from the HSE community clinics for everyone eligible who is aged 5 years and over. Hundreds of demonstrators from around the country gathered at Shannon Airport on Sunday to protest its use by the US military. The protest was supported by Irish anti-war organisations, the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign and activist group Shannonwatch, who have called on the Irish government to "take action to end US military use of Shannon airport immediately". Protestors blockaded the airport on Sunday afternoon, April 14, carrying signs and Palestinian flags demonstrating their opposition to the US military use of the airport and their support for the people of Gaza in the ongoing Israel/Palestine conflict. We're grateful to everyone who came to join us, @ipsc48 & @PANAIreland at Shannon today to demand #USMilitaryOutOfShannon. Biggest demo in years at the airport; so many people responding to the urgent need to stop Ireland's support for military aggression and genocide. pic.twitter.com/0N68R5rQI4 Shannonwatch (@shannonwatch) April 14, 2024 People Before Profit representative Ruairi Fahy stated that by allowing the United States to use Shannon Airport for the transfer of weapons to Israel, refusing to do inspections of planes and just accepting Biden at his word, Ireland is complicit in the genocide of Palestinians." "It's time the government get military planes out of our civilian airport and end this stain on our neutrality," he continued. The protest blocked the N19 approach road to the airport for almost two hours on Sunday, with reports of passengers travelling through the airport forced to walk in to the terminal. PICTURE: Shannonwatch In a statement that was read to protestors, Shannonwatch called on the Irish government to "comply with international laws on neutrality". "These obligations are being seriously breached by US military use of Shannon Airport while the US has been waging wars of aggression in the Middle East and elsewhere," the statement read. "Until such time as the use of Shannon Airport by the US military is ended, the least that the Gardai and Irish authorities should do is to ensure weapons or other military support is not being provided via Shannon to the state of Israel in breach of international laws." The group also called on all workers at Shannon Airport to "refuse to facilitate the transit of all aircraft associated with the US military". With an aim to provide hassle-free medical loans, BharatPe cofounder Ashneer Grover is all set to launch a new fintech application called ZeroPe. Currently, the fintech app developed by Third Unicorn, is in tensting mode. After his exit from BharatPe, Ashneer Grover and his wife Madhuri Jain Grover started Third Unicorn in partnership with Chandigarh-based entrepreneur Aseem Ghavri. Third Unicorn's most recent launch was a fantasy gaming platform CrickPe in 2023. ZeroPe is the latest company joining an expanding list of companies that provide quick financing options for medical bills and other elective procedures. These companies include SaveIn, Qube Health, Arogya Finance, Neodocs, Fibe, Kenko, and Mykare Health. A joint report by Singapore-based venture capital firm B Capital and consulting firm Boston Consulting Group stated that India's digital healthcare market may generate $37 billion by 2030. All you need to know about ZeroPe app ZeroPe, in collaboration with Delhi-based Non-Banking Finance Company (NBC) Mukut Finvest, will offer instant pre-approved medical loans of upto 5 lakh to cover the medical expenses. The service can only be availed at partnered hospitals and medical centres, according to the company's website. The fintech company will also help customers to monitor their upcoming EMIs and payments. One can obtain a medical loan through its intuitive interface. At first, the customer need to complete the KYC process to get a pre - approved loan limit. The documents required for the KYC are: Phone number, Aadhaar card number, and PAN. After the KYC completion, one need to choose the healthcare facility where the ZeroPe's loan services are applicable. The customer can now enter the loan amount and plan EMIs as per his/her convenience. The company will then approve the loan amount on behalf of the user to the chosen hospital. Thierry is gone. What happens now to Thierry 18? The reference here is to the 18 members of the executive committee of Wipro, Indias fourth-largest IT services company, who joined the firm after Thierry Delaporte took over the CEOs role in July 2020. Now, with Delaporte gone, these 18 find themselves in a company without the person who got them in. The departure of Delaporte early this month, one year short of completing his full term, and the induction of Srinivas Pallia, a Wipro veteran, in the corner office has stoked apprehensions about a reorganization within the executive committee--one of Wipro's highest decision-making bodies--or another top-level exodus. Experts, incidentally, are divided over the possible impact. An analysis by Mint shows that at least three of the Thierry 18 came from Capgemini, akin to Delaporte. Anis Chenchah worked with Capgemini for 15 years until he joined Wipro in April 2022 as CEO of Wipros Asia-Pacific, Middle-East and Africa (APMEA) region. Amit Choudhary, who had also worked in the French IT firm for 15 years, joined six months later and was handed the COO baton. Lastly, Ajit Mahale, who worked in Capgemini until January 2021, joined Wipro as its chief delivery officer in February 2023. In their earlier roles in Capgemini, Chenchah, Choudhary and Mahale held positions of CEO for Capgemini Business Services, chief operating officer (COO) and executive vice-president (EVP) of Capgeminis global financial services strategic business unit, and vice-president (VP), respectively. Of these 18, six members are based in India, and 12 abroad. With the other 13 who were in the committee before Delaporte also being from overseas, this implies that 4/5th of the executive committee is based abroad. That is perhaps to be expected as Wipro gets nearly 90% of its revenues from the Americas and Europe. Mints queries to Wipro were unanswered until press time. Executive search firms have differing opinions on the future of not just the Thierry 18" but also of the executive committee itself. Some, like ABC Consultants Ritu Sethi, expect definite churn. Sethi, who is partner - technology, offshoring and outsourcing at the New Delhi-based senior executive search firm, said she expects 3-4 immediate exits, and a bigger churn over six months to a year, in an emailed response to Mints queries. We expect that as much as 40% of the current executive committee leaders brought in by Thierry Delaporte may depart in the next year," said Sethi. The people already there in the executive committee will take some time to settle under the new leadership and all eyes will be on Wipro." Others, like Navnit Singh of Korn Ferry, dont see any movement from Wipros executive committee just because Delaporte has departed from the company. If Thierry has hired someone, everyone was involved in that decision-making, and it was not a unilateral decision," said Singh, chairman and regional managing director of the executive search firm. All members of the executive committee are there on the basis of their performance and will be there on that basis." On Wipros latest CXO changes involving internal candidates being given the top job, Singh said internal candidates always have higher motivation. Additionally, internal candidates know the environment, the company culture, and loyalties to those individuals are also high," he added. An executive of a third search firm said chances of a mass departure of executive committee members leading to instability look bleak. I can expect some reorganization within Wipro, but the existing executive committee members will not be sacked," said the Delhi-based executive on condition of anonymity. We expect most of the 18 members who joined the Wipro executive committee after Thierry joined as CEO to stay. It is important they show their mettle now and perform without the person who bought them in being in the company," said the executive. The executive added that Wipro would want to avert another top-tier exodus and the resultant instability by talking to them. On 25 December 2023, less than six months before Delaportes departure. Mint had reported that at least 22 senior executives ranked senior vice-president (SVP) and above had left the company after Delaporte took over as CEO. That Wipro has to contain senior leadership attrition is a view echoed not just by executive search firms, but also by IT analysts. Senior leadership attrition has been high over the past two years and needs to be stemmed urgently, in our view," read a note by Abhishek Bhandari, executive director, and Krish Beriwal, equity research associate at Japanese brokerage Nomura Group. We think the two key C-level roles (CEO and CFO) both have been replaced with internal candidates to signal confidence in the depth of senior leadership talent available at Wipro and to address the significant churn seen over the past two years," read the Nomura note dated 7 April 2024. Another Mumbai-based analyst echoed a similar opinion. There is always a good correlation between stability of senior management teams and a sustainable level of growth. Companies doing well have had relatively stable senior management teams," said the analyst on condition of anonymity. Among Indian ITs big four, Wipros profitability shrank the most between 30 June 2020, when Delaporte took over as CEO, and 31 December 2023. Wipros operating margins dropped 300 basis points from 19% to 16% in this period. Comparatively, Indias biggest IT company Tata Consultancy Services Ltds (TCS) operating margin grew 140 basis points during this time to 25%. Cross-city rival Infosys Ltd and cross-country rival HCL Technologies Ltds operating margins shrank 220 basis points and 70 basis in this time to 20.5% and 19.8% respectively. Wipro is also the only company of the top four Indian IT to expect a full-year revenue decline, as per the company's December quarter commentary. Delaportes tenure as Wipros CEO was cut short after the board of directors noted his resignation on 6 April 2024. He was to serve as Wipros chief executive until July 2025. The 31-member executive committee, which meets every quarter to do a strategic review of the companys performance, is the only one of its kind among Indias top IT services companies. Also in the executive committee is the new CEO, Pallia, who has been with Wipro since 1992 and has mostly headed the Americas business. BENGALURU : Ofbusiness is not your typical e-commerce company. For one, its profitable. In fact, its been profitable for seven out of its eight years of existencea rare feat for Indian startups, many of which have been struggling to cope with a funding freeze and moderating growth the past few years. The online raw materials marketplace for businesses, on the other hand, expects its FY24 profit to jump by 50% from a year earlier, a period fraught with global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. For Ofbusiness, though, this has turned out to be a blessing, enough for it to relaunch its process for an initial public offering of its shares. The company had planned to go public last year, but deferred its IPO citing unstable market conditions. Later in the year, Ofbusiness approached sovereign wealth funds, private equity funds, and crossover funds to raise $150-200 million at a valuation of $6 billion, as Mint reported in November. Ofbusiness denied the development. While Ofbusiness has benefited from the China-plus-one strategy, a push for global businesses to diversify their supply chains and assembly lines, the company has in recent times found another factor playing in its favour: Uncertain global macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical tensions, which have encouraged businesses to prioritise India as a sourcing destination. "In the last 3-4 years, this is the largest significant tailwind that has come about," said Asish Mohapatra, co-founder and chief executive officer of Ofbusiness. The company now plans to tap the public markets in 12-15 months, after hitting 1,000 crore in after-tax profit, a target Mohapatra expects to reach in the ongoing financial year. Before listing, Ofbusiness also has to ensure that the companies it has acquired also comply with the same level of governance norms as the parent company, Mohapatra said. "We are very much in the process of it... we will appoint bankers in about 3-6 months," Mohapatra said, adding that the company will likely file its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) by the end of this year. He did not disclose more details on the IPO. Indian regulators require companies to build a suite of independent directors, ensure governance compliance, and consolidate financial control processes before filing for an IPO. Ofbusiness has met most of these parameters and should be in a position to begin work on its DRHP in 3 months, Mohapatra said. In FY23, Ofbusiness more than doubled its operating revenue to 15,342.57 crore, while increasing its profit by about the same measure to 462.76 crore. In FY24, profit has jumped to 700 crore on a 38% surge in revenue, Mohapatra said. Ofbusiness is yet to officially report its FY24 financials. Ofbusiness' benchmarks to list publicly are in sharp contrast to what many startups have been doing in recent years. While some startups with a clear path to profitability went public during the pandemic even as they were loss-making, others sought to become profitable and assess the sustainability of those profits for 4-6 quarters before going for an IPO. Other companies in the B2B segment, too, have seen steep growth rates in recent years. Zetwerk, Infra.Market and others have been profitable and are attracting investor interest. Ofbusiness has raised nearly $900 million across 11 funding rounds, according to the earlier Mint report. The company, which was valued at about $5 billion in 2021, counts Norwest Venture Partners, Matrix Partners, Alpha Wave Global, Tiger Global, and Softbank Vision Fund 2 among its investors. A string of strategic acquisitions Over the years, Ofbusiness has spent about 1,300 crore on 10 acquisitions in sectors such as steel, garments and agriculture. Some of its recent acquisitions include steel manufacturer SMW Ispat and Koeleman India Pvt. Ltd, which marked its entry into the food processing sector. The company plans three more acquisitions this year, Mohapatra said, adding that Ofbusiness will spend another 200-300 crore towards these purchases, which will largely be in the garments space. Steel is another important area for acquisition as the sector accounts for about 32% of Ofbusiness's revenue. While many of these acquisitions were executed at a conservative scale, "we want to acquire either buyers or suppliers for vertical integration and for market entry into a sector which is very adjacent to what we do today this gives more value for our customer base," Mohapatra said. Acquiring companies with specific specialisations or startups with a similar problem statement but which are yet to attain scale will allow Ofbusiness to go deeper into existing markets, according to Mohapatra. "The more specialised you are, the more value you will generate and the more relevant you will be for your customer," he said. "We started out as a much more broad-based player and hence to actually develop specific industry as well as product expertise in each of our verticals is a tough journey We have made some segway into it but very early and nascent into each of these journeys. So acquisitions of companies with a lot of speciality knowledge will help actually scale." Emerging challenges Founded in 2016 by Mohapatra, Vasant Sridhar, Bhuvan Gupta, Nitin Jain, Ruchi Karla and Srinath Ramakkrushnan, all graduates of the Indian Institute of Technology from different campuses, Ofbusiness provides manufacturing and infrastructure companies with purchases of metals, chemicals, agricultural commodities and building materials. Ofbusiness, which competes with players such as Infra.Market and Moglix, may see more heat from other established players such as the Tatas, Birlas and the Adanis, which are also slowly venturing into the B2B raw materials supply space. Additionally, many of the distributors that act as intermediaries between original equipment manufacturers and the end users are now looking "to become savvy enough to create platforms that will be similar to a business," Mohapatra said, explaining the rising competition in the industry. Ofbusiness has three business segmentslending platform Oxyzo Financial Services, a unicorn in itself, and software-as-a-soultion platform BidAssist. While Ofbusiness owns a majority stake in Oxyzo, the finance business functions as a separate entity. Oxyzo provides business loans and working capital to small and medium-sized enterprises in similar sectors that Ofbusiness operates in. Meanwhile, BidAssist is an engagement tool for the other two platforms and currently has about 900,000 active users. "It is still in very early stages of monetization," Mohapatra said, adding that the overlap between BidAssist and the other two businesses is likely in excess of 50-60%. "The way we are structured is that our SaaS arm, while it is a revenue-generating engine on its own, its primary responsibility is to make sure that it is a customer-acquisition tool for our commerce and financing businesses," he said. Ofbusiness typically serves customers in Tier-2 areas and some city peripheries, with less than 10% of its revenues coming from large metro cities. The company also has an international division that is split into two categoriesimport and export. The company imports about 2.5% of its supplies from Southeast Asia and West Asia in particularly two segmentsagri products and petroleum derivatives, as these are relatively newer businesses. This figure is expected to touch 4% this year, Mohapatra said. The companys exports in the agri and finished garments space currently stands at 2-2.5%, and is expected to reach 5% this year. Two of Tesla Incs top executives have left in the midst of the carmakers largest-ever round of job cuts, as slowing electric-vehicle demand leads the company to reduce its global headcount by more than 10%. Senior Vice President Drew Baglino resigned from the company, he said on X Monday, confirming an earlier Bloomberg report. Hes been one of just four named executive officers at Tesla, leading engineering and technology development for its batteries, motors and energy products. The 18-year company veteran who co-hosted earnings calls and shared the stage with Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk at multiple events, including Teslas investor day just over a year ago is leaving along with Rohan Patel, the carmakers vice president of public policy and business development. Patel also confirmed his departure on social media, and Musk responded by thanking both executives. The carmakers shares dropped more than 3% Monday. The stock has fallen 33% this year. The shake-up coincides with Musk announcing the decision to cut headcount by potentially more than 14,000 people globally amid the deteriorating outlook for EV sales. In an email to staff, the CEO cited duplication of roles and the need to reduce costs. As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity, Musk wrote in the memo, which was seen by Bloomberg News. There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done. The departure of Baglino is likely to reinforce concerns among some investors about succession planning at Tesla, where Musk has been CEO since 2008. The billionaire leads six companies and doesnt devote his full time or attention to the worlds most valuable automaker. Musk also said early this year that he preferred to build products elsewhere unless hes awarded around 25% voting control. The CEO lost another top deputy in August, when Zachary Kirkhorn stepped down as CFO after 13 years with Tesla. Its not clear whether the departure of the top Tesla executives was connected to broader struggles at the EV maker. Tesla reported vehicle deliveries early this month that missed expectations by a wide margin, posting its first quarterly decline in four years. Several analysts are bracing for the EV makers sales to potentially shrink for the year, citing slow output of its newest model the Cybertruck and a lull in new products until the company starts producing a next-generation vehicle late next year. Tesla ended last year with 140,473 employees, almost double its total three years earlier. Its been ramping up output at two plants one in Austin, and the other outside Berlin that started cranking out Model Y sport utility vehicles in early 2022. The company started slashing prices across its lineup as those facilities reached higher volumes. Over the years, we have grown rapidly with multiple factories scaling around the globe, Musk wrote in the email, which was reported earlier Monday by the blog Electrek. With this rapid growth there has been duplication of roles and job functions in certain areas. Also read: Tesla eyes Delhi and Mumbai for its first India showroom locations, suggests report Tense Meeting Musks biographer, Walter Isaacson, described Baglino as a personable engineer with an easy laugh. In his book on Musk published last year, Isaacson recounted a tense first meeting Baglino had with the CEO over how many battery cells Tesla would need to hit its range target. I never want to be in another meeting with Elon, Isaacson quoted Baglino saying to Tesla co-founder J.B. Straubel, who left the company in 2019 but joined its board of directors last year. Isaacson writes that Straubel reassured Baglino, whos quoted saying that Musks battery-cell calculation proved correct. Also read: 'Whoever wishes to invest can, but...': What PM Modi said on Tesla chief Elon Musk investing in India Baglino has netted about $96 million from periodic share sales since he was appointed a senior VP and had to start publicly disclosing his transactions, according to Bloomberg calculations. The sales have been executed under multiple pre-arranged trading plans, filings show. Dorf-Ketal Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd., a specialty chemicals maker, is planning to raise up to $300-350 million through an initial public offering and has invited investment bankers to make a pitch, three people with knowledge of the companys plans said. The company is yet to assign bankers. The idea is to raise 2,500 crore to 3,000 crore through the public issue, one of the persons cited above said. The Mumbai-based firm is likely to appoint banks such as Citi, Kotak, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley among others, the second person quoted above said. Dorf-Ketal Group, having grown through organic and inorganic route, has revenues of more than $1 billion for FY 24. The company is likely to be valued at around $1.5 billion to $2 billion, the second person added. Emailed query to the spokesperson of Dorf Ketal did not elicit any response. Queries to the spokespersons of Citi and Kotak remained unanswered, while JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley declined to comment. Dorf Ketal is one of the worlds largest suppliers of process chemicals that include cleaning agents, solvents, lubricants, refrigerants, hydraulic fluids, adhesives, inks and coatings, etc. and additives for refineries, petrochemicals, fuels, plastics, and oil stimulation industries. Its process chemicals business treats over one-third of the oil refined by the 20 largest refineries in the world. Its specialty catalyst business is the largest manufacturer and marketer of organometallic catalysts in the world. Founded in 1992, Dorf Ketal has presence across India, US, Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, UAE, Bahrain, Singapore and Malaysia. As per the companys sustainability report released earlier this year, its revenues for the financial year ending 31 March, 2023 stood at 3,987.9 crore. In the last 12-24 months, the company made several acquisitions. In January, it acquired a majority stake in Pune-based Elixir Soltek for an undisclosed amount. Last year, a subsidiary, Ketal FZE, acquired Canadas Fluid Energy Groups global modified and synthetic acid business, which had a turnover of 480 crore. In October 2022, Dorf-Ketal acquired Clariants North American land oil business an undisclosed amount. In April 2022, it acquired India-based Khyati Chemicals marking its entry into performance chemicals space. As per a June 2023 report by global consulting firm EY, India is emerging as a preferred manufacturing hub for specialty chemicals for domestic and export markets. Approximately 20% of the total chemicals market in India, the specialty chemicals sector has been playing a pivotal role in driving the chemicals industrys growth. As authorities checked the helicopter of Rahul Gandhi in Tamil Nadu, Election Commission (EC) officials on Monday said that the inspection of non-scheduled aircraft and helicopters by the agencies during the election season is a part of standing instructions. A few days ago, the helicopter of Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee was inspected by the authorities in West Bengal. EC sources were quoted by PTI as saying that Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar's had earlier stressed on strict compliance of BCAS instructions on surveillance and inspection of non-scheduled aircraft and helicopters by the Income Tax department, airport authorities and the SPs of concerned districts. "The Commission during reviews had always emphasised that there will be multi-pronged surveillance on all modes of transport -- check posts and nakas for road transport, Coast Guard for coastal routes and DMs and SPs alongside agencies for air routes including checking of helicopters and non-scheduled flights," the statement said. "The day before yesterday, my car was also checked, my shaving cream was taken out, my toothpaste was taken out, my entire suitcase was taken out. I remained silent, I said, whatever has to be done, do it. ...check the Prime Minister's chopper, check the Home Minister's chopper, check all the choppers, level the playing field (should be there)," he said. "You are an impartial institution, a constitutional institution, understand your rights and treat all parties equally. Don't give special category status to the Prime Minister, don't give special category status to the Home Minister. If you want to check the vehicles, do it, if you want to check the chopper, do it, we have no objection," he said. The election officials in the Nilgiris on Monday conducted checks in a helicopter carrying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while he was on his way to his parliamentary constituency Wayanad in Kerala. Chinese companies are feeling a cold shoulder in the U.S.except at universities, where they are welcomed as customers. American universities sign contracts around the world to sell their research and training expertise, and some of their most lucrative agreements have been with companies based in China. The decadeslong trade thrives despite a deepening U.S.-China rivalry and rising sensitivities about Beijings influence on American campuses. Nearly 200 U.S. colleges and universities held contracts with Chinese businesses, valued at $2.32 billion, between 2012 and 2024, according to a review by The Wall Street Journal of disclosures made to the Education Department. The Journal tallied roughly 2,900 contracts. The extensive trade in American expertise presents a quandary for universities and policymakers in Washington: Wheres the line between fostering academic research and empowering a U.S. rival? It seems clear that when the Chinese contract with U.S. universities they are getting a capability they cant get anywhere else," said Daniel Currell, a Trump administration Education Department official who has tracked foreign influence in higher education. The big question is, what [contracts] should be legal, what should be legal and disclosable, and what should be illegal?" he added. In some cases, an American university whose identity is tied to a bedrock local industrythink cars and the University of Michigan, or the University of Florida and citrusdoes research on behalf of a Chinese challenger in that same sector. All three of Chinas major government-owned oil companies have funded contracts for $100,000 or more at the University of Texas at Austin, which the school describes only as research activity." U.S. universities earn money from virtually every nation in the form of tuition, gifts and contracts. In the Journal analysis, Qatar provided more non-tuition money into U.S. universities than any other country, followed by the U.K., Germany and China. Gifts draw more publicity because they are often large-dollar amounts from individuals that confer, say, naming rights for new buildings. But overall, the contract world involves far more money. The Journal found that the aggregate value of university contracts attributed to China over roughly the past decade was 2.5 times reported Chinese donations, in line with the flows from other countries. China remains the largest source of foreign students on American campuses and their spending, including tuition, is a far bigger share of most university budgets than contracts and gifts. Universities are required to report any foreign gift or contract worth $250,000 or more to the Education Department, though the rule historically wasnt vigorously enforced and the agency has alleged billions have gone unreported. Journal reporting also found instances of double-counting and other data errors. Calls are growing on Capitol Hill to vet Chinese contracts with U.S. schools for national-security risks. Aiding U.S rivals The Journal made public-records requests to major public universities in all 50 states for details of their contracts with entities in China. The disclosures reveal how contracts cut across industries where Beijing has subsidized and otherwise supported Chinese enterprises, from medicine and agriculture to manufacturing and even the arts. Schools say the practice of matching Chinese funding with American expertise often serves the public good, like developing new cancer treatments. Yet, to critics, the Communist Partys control over Chinas business sector can taint even those pursuits. Thats the conundrum facing the U.S. universities that have entered contracts with Shanghai-based WuXi AppTec. Known in China as the Huawei Technologies of pharma, AppTec is a biotech conglomerate globally recognized for medical breakthroughs and manufacturing therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration. But like Huawei, Chinas now-blacklisted maker of advanced telecommunications gear, it is now dogged by concerns in Washington its innovations could be abused by Beijing. Both AppTec and Huawei have had contracts with U.S. universities, the Journal found. The companies say they are private enterprises and reject suggestions they take directions from Chinas government or pose national-security risks to the U.S. The University of Arizona valued three AppTec contracts it reported for 2022 collectively around $1.5 million. Among them is an agreement in which a services arm of AppTec, on behalf of another Chinese drugmaker, agreed to pay the universitys hospital $36,977 for each subject enrolled in trials of a drug designed to treat tumors. The medicine has FDA approval for treatment during the trial of certain rare cancers. Now, out of concern Beijing could harness commercial biological discoveries for military purposes, members of Congress want the government to classify AppTec an adversary biotech company of concern," which would make it virtually untouchable as a partner for U.S. organizations that get federal dollars, including many hospitals and universities. WuXi AppTec and [its sister company] WuXi Biologics are rapidly becoming a global pharmaceutical and research-services giant that threatens U.S. intellectual property and national security," read a February letter signed by four members of a House committee on China to U.S. government agencies requesting the new classification. AppTec said the legislative effort targeting it is misguided" and without a fair and transparent review of the facts." Arizona spokeswoman Pam Scott said by email, We have not been notified of any security concerns." Calling Cfius In early 2018, the University of Washington announced that it would create one of the worlds first academic centers dedicated to virtual and augmented reality. The university credited the centers $6 million funding equally to Facebook, Google and Huawei. After the Trump White House made it illegal for Americans to do many types of business with Huawei in May 2019, the university announced that federal regulations meant it could no longer enter into transactions with the Chinese company. The school reported over $5.5 million from Huawei across the years 2018, 2019 and 2021, and a spokesman said the latter entry represented a final payment in a contract that began before 2019. A Huawei logo appears in a welcome video on the homepage of the universitys Reality Lab, which the spokesman said is an accurate and transparent" acknowledgement of Huaweis founding participation in the lab. Huawei didnt respond to questions about its contracts at U.S. universities, including Washington. There has not until recently been much concern about whats going on at universities," said Aaron Friedberg, a U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission member. The commission, which advises Congress, now urges legislation to treat Chinese contracts with universities like foreign-funded acquisitions, subject to national-security screening through an interagency panel known as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or Cfius. The concern, Friedberg said, is that contracts represent just one of the many avenues of access into our R&D technology establishment." Pilot Program A number of contracts identified by the Journal provided China with specialized training it lacks. For instance, China has few small planes or public airstrips needed for pilot training, so for over a decade major Chinese airlines such as Air China paid the University of North Dakota millions annually to get their recruits licensed to fly. Between October 2018 and July 2022 alone, North Dakota records detail contracts worth over $37 million from four Chinese carriers. Student pilots at North Dakotas aerospace academy racked up their required 250 flight training hours from airstrips a few miles from Grand Forks Air Force Base, a control center for military drones and satellites. North Dakota declined to discuss its work with Chinas airlines, though university publications have said some 30% of Air China pilots trained there and that their presence was a financial shot in the arm for the capital-intensive aerospace school. The Chinese airlines didnt respond to questions. Among foreign funders of U.S. schools, China raises particular complications, says Ian Oxnevad, a senior fellow at the National Association of Scholars, who argues U.S. universities dont need Chinas money and should be alert that its military can make use of seemingly civilian commercial applications. Theres an ethical imperative to research," he said. For years, a prominent type of university contract involved Chinese-language training on U.S. campuses under the rubric Confucius Institutes, such as the around-$540,000 reported by the University of Oklahoma for 2019. After evidence piled up of the Beijing-funded institutes close ties to Chinas diplomatic missions, most closed, including Oklahomas. Some of the biggest-value China contracts feature franchise-type arrangements for overseas satellite campuses. New York University, which the Education Department database shows has been the largest single recipient of Chinese funding, reported two contracts totalling over $46.5 million for 2021 alone for its Shanghai branch. The Juilliard School has disclosed over $133 million in such funding over more than a decade for its Tianjin Juilliard School near Beijing, appointed with some 120 Steinway pianos. Motor City Successive American administrations have accused the Chinese Communist Party of treating U.S. campuses as beachheads to further its agenda. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies warn that Chinas state has encouraged theft of technological secrets at universities, spread pro-Beijing propaganda, stifled campus debate and harassed students. Beijing dismisses such characterizations. Its officials say ethnic Chinese students and professors have been unfairly targeted in the U.S., including on American campuses, and urged the U.S. to be mindful of its reputation for academic freedom. The Chinese Embassy in Washington didnt respond to detailed questions about the university contracts. In the shadow of Detroits auto industry, the University of Michigan said it has had around $1 million in contracts from DiDi Global, a Chinese ride-sharing company built on government money that forced Uber out of the market. The university said DiDi funding supported a range of engineering research, from evaluating devices for monitoring a drivers health and operational safety to using a vehicle fleet to track air pollution, including eight peer-reviewed scientific papers that made the findings public. One study, based on a years worth of data from DiDi, examined how empty cabs affect overall traffic. International engagement is a foundational element of successful research," university spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said in a statement. Among the arrangements disclosed by the University of Minnesota to the Journal, a pair of small Chinese equipment makers have paid $50,000 annually for membership in its Center for Filtration Research alongside industry titans such as 3M and Boeing. When one of the Chinese members, Guangxi Watyuan Filtration System, launched an initial public offering, it told investors the Minnesota connection allowed it to enjoy the latest achievements of world-class R&D institutions in the filter industry." Minnesota, like many schools, said any research generated from a Chinese contract is made public. Orange Pickle Florida oranges long ago got squeezed out of the Chinese market by aggressive Chinese growers and protectionist policies such as a 56% import tariff. Yet China does have a taste for Floridas orange know-how. Anxious about a tree infection called greening that makes fruit taste acidic, scientists in China turned to the University of Florida, which has researched citrus diseases for more than a century. A disclosure from the school showed that contracts worth about $1.8 million with Chinas Institute of Navel Orange at Gannan Normal University supported work by a Florida authority on tree genetics who has made advances against citrus diseases, Nian Wang. University spokeswoman Chris Vivian said the contracts reflect the universitys responsibilities to the agricultural community. The universitys work studies wild citrus germplasms in China that are resistant and tolerant of greening, and local collaboration is necessary because under Chinese law that material cant be shipped overseas, she said. Wang declined to comment. Emails to several people at Chinas orange institute went unanswered. Florida orange grower Dan Richey, president of Vero Beach, Fla.-based Riverfront Packing, stresses that the global citrus industry is desperate for a greening cure, but also says the universitys deal smacks of a potential Chinese intellectual-property grab." Almost 25 years ago, Richey toted a crate of Florida oranges to Beijing amid hopes its market would open up to U.S. growers, only to see the opportunity fizzle. He says he remains distrustful of Chinese intentions. Future Florida-China collaborations are now in doubt after Gov. Ron DeSantis last year signed a law that could bar state-funded universities from entering contracts with partners from China, Russia, Iran and four other nations. The governors office said he aimed to root out Chinese influence in Floridas education system." The university declined to comment on the law or address its impact on the orange research. Rosie Ettenheim and Zhao Yueling contributed to this article. Write to James T. Areddy at James.Areddy@wsj.com New Delhi: In the early 1960s, India was on the lookout for a national bird. Renowned ornithologist, the late Salim Ali, also known as the birdman of India, favoured the Great Indian Bustard, a four ft tall bird that resembles an ostrich. The large and heavy bird is found in the extreme west of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Eventually in 1963, the government of India settled for the peacock. Though there is no way to know for sure, the government, back then, feared the name bustard would be misspelt, the media had reported. Almost six decades later, the bustard is battling an existential crisis. Its biggest threat is Indias burgeoning renewable energy industry. The birds habitat in the desert is also the region that holds great potential for wind and solar energy generation. Already accounting for the bulk of the countrys renewable energy capacity, it is the spearhead in Indias battle against climate changea priority for the government. Hundreds of kilometres (km) of high and low tension overhead wires have sprung up in the desert over the last decade to transmit the energy generated from the wind turbines and solar panels. The bustard, among many other species of birds, finds itself at the mercy of these wires, colliding mid-flight and dying. Without solar and wind power from the two states, India would struggle to meet its ambitious targets of renewable energy generation500 gigawatts by 2030. Environmentalists took the issue to court. In April 2021, a three-member jury in the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice S.A. Bobde, ordered overhead wires in an 80,688 sq. km area to be pushed underground. Only this could save the birds. Environmentalists, expectedly, cheered the judgement but the industry, and the government, were dismayed. Undergrounding cables is expensive and would make business unviable, they argued. And without solar and wind power from the two states, India would struggle to meet its ambitious targets of renewable energy generation500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. India produced only 134 GW in 2023. Multiple review petitions were filed. Last month, another three-member jury, headed by sitting chief justice D.Y. Chandrachud, re-looked at the earlier judgement and relaxed the provisions. The jury also appointed a seven-member committee to suggest the way forward. The area mandated for undergrounding overhead wires has now been reduced to a priority area of 13,663 sq. km, a major relief for existing and under construction solar power projects in the region, totalling 60 GW in capacity and worth 1.5 trillion. View Full Image Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud. (PTI) The priority area is where the Great Indian Bustard is mostly found. The habitat also consists of a potential area or places the bird could potentially relocate or fly to. There is no dispute in regard to the fact that the Great Indian Bustard is seriously endangered as a species. At the same time, it has emerged in the course of the hearing that there is no adequate basis to impose a general prohibition in regard to the installation of transmission lines in an area as wide," the court said on 21 March. This time, the environmentalists were disappointed while the industry lauded the courts pragmatism. This order provides relief and clarity for wind energy project owners, and we believe it will go a long way in building a more sustainable renewable energy sector in the country," a spokesperson from Suzlon, a renewable energy company, told Mint. Against a multi-billion dollar industry restless to expand and grow and a government eager to further embellish its green stripes, can the birds find a way to fly? Life and death View Full Image The number of bustards may have dwindled to 100 from 1,500 from half a century ago. (Devesh Gadhavi, the Corbett Foundation) Half a century ago, there were over 1,500 bustards in the country. The number dwindled to just 250 by 2011 and according to the last census by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), there were less than 150 of these birds in 2018. The number may have gone down further to 100 now, renewable energy companies operating in the bustard habitat acknowledge. WII is a Dehradun-based autonomous body funded by the government of India. That the bird is endangered has been known for sometime. It was included in the critically endangered species list by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2013. Then, in February 2020, at the behest of India, the bird was among the seven species classified as endangered migratory species and added to Appendix I of CMS COP13 (Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals). Under this, signatory countries are expected to strictly protect the animals in the list. Bustard deaths by electrocution with overhead wires isnt unique to India. Nearly a third of the bustards in South Africas Denham die annually from power-line collisions, according to a paper published by the International Journal of Avian Science. In Spain, 8.5km stretch of power-line killed a minimum of 25 great bustards in one year alone, as per J.C. Alonso, a research professor at the National Museum of Natural Sciences, Spanish Council for Scientific Research. A review of nine studies covering six bustard species from different parts of the world estimated seven bustard mortalities per 10km power line per year. Unless power line mortality is mitigated urgently, extinction of the Great Indian Bustard is certain. Wildlife Institute of India WII conducted surveys in 2018 covering 80km of power lines in the Thar desert and found 289 carcasses of around 40 species, including the Great Indian Bustard. The study detected eight and six carcasses for every 10km of high and low-tension wires respectively. It extrapolated the findings to cover 4,200 sq. km of the Desert National Park in Rajasthan, coming up with a staggering figure of 84,000 bird hits per year. For Great Indian Bustards, WII put the mortality figure at 16 per annum in the 13,163 sq. km of priority bustard habitat. The area has 150km of high tension lines and it suggested undergrounding of at least 104km of those wires and diverters for the rest. Bird diverters are plastic flaps installed on power lines. They reflect light allowing birds to spot them from a distance of 50 metres. Birds can, therefore, change their flight paths in time to avoid a collision. Unless power line mortality is mitigated urgently, extinction of the Great Indian Bustard is certain," WII noted in its report. Expensive affair The state as well as the central government have a duty to preserve the endangered species and as such the expenses incurred will have to be provided by them either under the schemes available or by earmarking the same in such manner," the Supreme Court noted in April 2021, while directing undergrounding of cables. The court added that it would also be permissible to pass on a portion of such expenses to the ultimate consumer." Undergrounding, nonetheless, isnt easy to implement; nor is it inexpensive. It would cost over 50,000 crore and potentially lead to escalation of power tariff in both states, according to a petition from the industry. For future projects, underground wires would push the cost by upto 80% rendering them unviable. Considering Indias renewable energy targets, the country cannot afford to let these businesses slip. According to the industry, the region has a wind and solar energy potential of 263 GW. Underground wires are simply not feasible here. You can do it in urban centres for shorter distances but here, you need them for hundreds of kilometres," said Varun Gupta, chief investment officer at SAEL, a renewable company with more than 20 projects in various states in India. With abundant sunlight, scanty rainfall and vast expanse of barren land, this region has the highest potential for solar power generation. It will be unfortunate if it remains out of bounds for the industry," he added. In the three years since the Supreme Court order, not much undergrounding was achieved. The court had set up a three-member technical committee to grant exemptions from undergrounding on a case by case basis. In a status report, submitted to the court on 16 January 2023, the committee said that it had not received any application for exemptions of existing transmission lines in Rajasthan. Only a 10-km segment of a much longer 66 KV transmission line in Gujarat had been laid underground. Taking a toll The bustard habitat has some of the largest solar parks in the countrythe likes of the 2,200 Megawatt (MW) Bhadla Solar Park, the 1,500 MW Fategarh Solar Park and the 925 MW Nokh Solar Park among others. The Supreme Court judgement of April 2021 had an impact on fresh renewable energy investments in the region. As a result, the pace of growth in Indias overall solar energy capacity addition slowed, analysts underline. In 2023, India only added 7.5 GW of solar energy capacity, a 44% drop from the record 13.4 GW added in 2022. Barring the pandemic ravaged 2020, this was the lowest annual capacity addition since 2016. We have deliberately stayed away from projects not just in the primary bustard area but also in the potential area," said Gupta of SAEL. Rajasthan has the best radiation in the country and waste land is also available in plenty. This makes it perfect for solar energy production. But, we are backed by foreign investors and are compliant with IFC and WorldBank standards on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) norms. This means we cant even think of investing in areas populated by the Great Indian Bustards," he added. The U-turn View Full Image The bustard habitat has some of the largest solar parks in the country. (Devesh Gadhavi, the Corbett Foundation) Following the 2021 order, the raft of review petitions put the court in an unenviable positionof trying to strike a balance between saving a bird and the climate at large. The ministries of new and renewable energy, power, and environment forests and climate change filed an interlocutory application on 17 November 2021 seeking modification of the April 2021 judgement. They stated that the judgement has vast adverse implications for the power sector in India and energy transition away from fossil fuels" and that undergrounding high voltage power lines is technically not possible." On 19 January this year, multiple solar and wind energy producing companies also filed applications in the Supreme Court claiming that the April 2021 order was interfering with their ability to set up business in the Thar and Kutch regions. In the court, the central government appeared before the bench led by Justice Chandrachud and highlighted the practical, technical and financial difficulties involved in implementing the decision and pushed for a balance between conservation and renewable energy efforts. On 21 March, the court struck down the mandatory undergrounding of wires in the 80,688 sq. km area, restricting it to 13,663 sq. km of priority area. The entire area where the courts order is to operate has solar power generating units. There are high tension wires running overhead. Undergrounding of wires will require them to be joined at places which can be hazardous," said lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who, along with Mukul Rohatgi, Indias former attorney general, represented solar energy producers. Compared to 2021, the court struck a more conciliatory tone this time. We are conscious that we are dealing with an issue involving development where India has to achieve alternate energy goals. Our order has to balance both interests," said the bench on 19 January. Apart from Justice Chandrachud, the bench comprised justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. On 21 March, the court struck down the mandatory undergrounding of wires in the 80,688 sq. km area, restricting it to 13,663 sq. km of priority area. Like we mentioned earlier, a seven-member committee of experts was also formed to suggest conservation and protection measures for the Great Indian Bustard. It also has to identify areas in the priority area where power lines can be constructed. The committee will submit its report on 31 July. View Full Image The Thar region has a wind and solar energy potential of 263 GW. It does not have to be an either-or. In my six decades of advocacy for the environment, I have realized it is all about compromises," M.K. Ranjitsinh Jhala, a former bureaucrat and the main petitioner in the case, said. What do I want? For the bustards to be able to live, if undergrounding of the wires solves the problem, it is a small price to pay," Jhala, who is from the royal family of Wankaner in Saurashtra, said. But if it feels excessive for the entire region, at least commit to the core zone of 13,000 sq. km. That could be a middle path. But lets not haggle over it and lobby for exceptions," he added. Queries sent to prominent wind and solar energy companies in the region, like Adani Green Energy, Acme Solar Holdings and ReNew, went unanswered. The ministry of new and renewable energy did not respond either. With the tensions in the Middle East escalating, experts believe that crude oil prices can hit $100 per barrel in the near future if tensions increase. However, in early deals today (April 15), oil prices experienced a decline at the start of trading in Asia, as market players reduced risk premiums following Iran's attack in retaliation on Israel over the weekend. Brent futures for June delivery dropped by 24 cents to $90.21 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures for May delivery fell by 38 cents to $85.28. Read here: 5 biggest concerns around Iran-Israel tensions that could impact Indian market Iran's launch of over 300 drones and missiles against military targets in Israel has escalated tensions in the Middle East. The attack was reportedly in response to a suspected Israeli strike on Irans consulate in Syria on April 1. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the attack, stating it was aimed at specific targets. With Israel likely to retaliate against Iran, the situation remains highly volatile. However, US President Joe Biden cautioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US would not participate in a retaliatory action against Iran, as reported by Reuters. Overall, global markets including India sank in trade today on the back of the escalating tensions. While the volatility in the markets is likely to be short-lived, as per experts, the rising tensions can, however, lead to a surge in crude oil prices. Some experts predict it can hit even $100/barrel. Read here: Gold price in an unshakeable bull market, says Goldman Sachs; raises target "As Israel and Iran's geopolitical tensions continue to escalate Following Iran's strike on Israel, the Indian stock market might continue to be volatile. A confrontation between Iran and Israel might drive up the price of oil to more than $100 per barrel and cause panic selling and volatility in the stock market. Potential for full-blown Crude oil prices are almost at six-month highs as a result of the Israel-Iran confrontation. In order to preserve market stability, OPEC extended voluntary production curbs of 2.2 million barrels per day," said Pravesh Gour, Senior Technical Analyst at Swastika Investmart. Meanwhile, Manoranjan Sharma, Chief Economist - Informerics Ratings, also has a similar forecast. According to Sharma, with a crude oil output of almost 3 million barrels per day (mb/d) i.e., about 3 percent of the global production, Iran is a major oil producer and exporter and more importantly, 20 percent of the world's crude oil supply passes through the Hormuz Strait (60 percent of Indian crude supply is accounted for from the Hormuz Strait), the crude oil prices per barrel per day could rise from the present level of $91 (last month the Indian crude oil basket was under $85) to well over $100. Read here: Why is India stock market down today? Explained with 5 reasons Sharma further highlighted that Indias strategically time-tested relationship with both Iran and Israel is fraught with difficulties on the policy and operational front. Israel has long been a trusted defence and security partner. Iran is a major crude oil supplier and has shared concerns about terrorism, the Afghanistan landscape, and the geo-strategically significant Chabahar port. "In the case of the Indian economy, this surge in oil prices would negatively impact the triple deficits of the trade deficit, current account and fiscal deficit. Since apart from macroeconomic fundamentals and the growth prospects of the firm and the industry, the capital market is also sentiment-driven, this war could negatively impact the BSE and NIFTY levels. But contrary to popular perception, extensive pessimism is unwarranted. It would be inappropriate not to factor in the strength and resilience of the Indian economy for a comprehensive assessment and perspective," he explained. Swarnendu Bhushan, Co-Head of Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, also said, Iran produces 3.2mnbopd of crude oil and also has a significant control on Strait of Hormuz which accounts for 30 percent of oil transit and 70 percent of oil shipment to Asia. Any escalation that may impact the oil production of Iran or affect the oil transit through the Strait can result in a sharp spike in oil prices. This would affect oil marketing companies negatively as they may not be able to take commensurate price hikes. For upstream companies, realization is managed through windfall taxes which may rise commensurately, and hence have no impact on upstream companies. Shares of Anand Rathi Wealth, one of the leading non-bank wealth solutions firms in India, have jumped 4.5% to hit an all-time high of 4,189.85 apiece in today's intraday trade as investors reacted positively to the company's Q4FY24 earnings. Looking back, the shares have delivered phenomenal returns to their shareholders in a very short period of time, as they hit record highs with each passing month. The company's shares, which were trading at 933 apiece in July 2023, have skyrocketed to the current level of 4,127 apiece, delivering a whopping return of 342% in just 9 months. Impressively, the stock has shown remarkable performance, ending in the green for eight of the past nine months. November 2023 recorded the highest monthly gain at 36%, closely followed by February with a rally of 20%. Anand Rathi Wealth is engaged in the business of private wealth, catering to high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (HNIs and UHNIs). The company's shares were listed on the exchanges on December 14, 2021, for 583.15 apiece, 6.1% higher than the issue price of 550. Considering the current trading price, the stock is trading 650.36% higher than its IPO price. Despite the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, the resilience of the Indian equity capital markets has been noteworthy, contributing significantly to wealth generation and the robust growth of the wealth management sector. Amid this backdrop, the AUM of wealth management companies has grown sharply in recent years. Strong show The company on April 12 reported a 33% surge in its Q4FY24 consolidated net profit at 57 crore on strong revenue growth. The company reported a net profit of 42.7 crore in the year-ago quarter. Its total revenue from operations came in at 197 crore, representing an increase of 34% compared to 147.1 crore posted in Q4FY23. Its trail revenue during the quarter jumped to 80 crore, an improvement of 65% YoY. Its assets under management (AUM) at the end of the March quarter stood at 59,351 crore, an increase of 52% compared to 38,993 crore in the same period last year. Also Read: 5 biggest concerns around Iran-Israel tensions that could impact Indian stock market As of 31st March 2024, 60% of our clients have been associated for over 3 years, representing 79% of total PW AUM, which shows ARWLs strength in vintage of both clients and their AUM, the company said in its Q4FY24 earnings report. For the FY24, the company posted a 34% YoY growth in its consolidated net profit at 225.8 crore, while the revenues improved by 35% YoY, reaching 752 crore. Furthermore, the company's board has given the green light to a final dividend of 9 per equity share with a face value of 5 each. Additionally, they have approved a proposal for a buy-back of up to 3,70,000 equity shares at 4,450 per equity share, amounting to a total not exceeding 164.65 crore. This represents approximately 0.88% of the total paid-up equity share capital. Momentum is set to continue Looking ahead, the wealth management sector is poised for robust growth, buoyed by projections indicating a substantial increase in high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs). As per the Wealth Report 2024 by global consultancy Knight Frank, the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (with a net worth exceeding US$ 30 million) is forecast to rise from 13,263 in 2023 to 19,908 by 2028. In 2023, India saw a 6.1% annual uptick in the UHNI population compared to the previous year, reaching 13,263 individuals. Furthermore, significant expansion is anticipated in the counts of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and very-high-net-worth individuals (VHNWIs) over the next five years. Also Read: Wealth managers in the spotlight as markets zoom Conversely, individuals with incomes exceeding Rs. 1 crore witnessed a 15% increase from FY18 to FY23. Maintaining this growth trajectory, their numbers are projected to reach 3.40 lakhs over the next five years, contributing to the expansion of the Indian wealth solutions sector. The Indian market started off Monday's trade in negative territory as heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, sparked by an Iranian drone attack on Israel in retaliation over the weekend, impacted investor sentiment. According to media reports, more than 300 missiles and drones were fired by Iran at the weekend, the first time it has struck Israel from its soil, though many were intercepted with the help of Israels allies, including the US. The attack was in retaliation for a strike in Syria that killed top Iranian military officers. The recent escalation of tensions has increased market volatility across Asia, with major indices experiencing declines in morning trade. By 11:00 a.m., both the Nifty 50 and Sensex had decreased by approximately 0.5% and 0.6%, respectively. Stellar rebound Amidst an overall market downturn, the Nifty Metal index has emerged as a standout performer, representing the only sectoral index trading in positive territory today. At the start of the session, the Nifty Metal index experienced a decline of 2.3%, reaching an intraday low of 8,744 points. However, within the subsequent hours of trading, the index rebounded sharply, currently showing a gain of 0.95% at 9,041 points. From the day's low, the index has recovered by almost 3.40%. In recent weeks, metal stocks have been steadily climbing due to a robust rally in metal prices, including copper, zinc, lead, steel, and aluminum. This surge is attributed to the resurgence in global manufacturing activities. Further, the upward momentum in metal stocks is anticipated to persist in light of the recent imposition of sanctions on Russian metals by the US and UK. These measures are aimed at restricting the financial resources accessible to Russian President Vladimir Putin for military operations. Also Read: Why is India stock market down today? Explained with 5 reasons The sanctions prohibit the London Metal Exchange, where global benchmark prices are set, as well as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, from accepting fresh supplies coming from Russia. These restrictions, reported by Bloomberg, include copper, nickel, and aluminum produced on or after April 13. Additionally, the US has imposed a ban on Russian imports of these three metals. Notably, palladium and titanium, metals for which Russia is a major supplier, have been excluded from these restrictions. Following this development, aluminum futures surged nearly 10% to above $2,700 per tonne in today's morning trade, while the copper futures have also jumped as much as 3.2%. Russia is a major producer of the three metals, accounting for about 6% of global nickel production, 5% of aluminum, and 4% of copper. However, Russia is an even larger source of supplies on the LME. At the end of March, Russian metal accounted for 36% of the nickel in LME warehouses, 62% of the copper, and 91% of the aluminum, Bloomberg reported, citing the available data. The report pointed out that this move will be a blow to major miners MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC and United Co. Rusal International PJSC, which have so far avoided Western sanctions since the war started. Once a penny stock, Lloyds Metals and Energy (LME) has given multifold returns to its investors in the last 3 years. The stock has skyrocketed over 6,024 percent in this period, from 11 in March 2021 to currently trade at 673.70. Meanwhile, it rose over 136 percent in the last 1 year, rising from 284.70. However, in 2024 year-to-date (YTD), the stock has gained just 13 percent, giving positive returns in 3 of the 4 months so far. The stock has jumped 11 percent in April so far after a 0.7 percent rise in March and a 5.3 percent gain in February. Meanwhile, it shed 5.5 percent in January 2024. The stock hit its record high of 710.50 last week on April 12, 2024, skyrocketing over 156 percent from its 52-week low of 277.40, hit on April 25, 2023. Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited manufactures and sells sponge iron products in India. The company operates in three segments, Sponge Iron, Power, and Mining. It also offers direct sponge iron and by-products, such as char, fly ash, ESP dust, bed materials, and iron ore fines. The company is involved in the generation and distribution of power. Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited was incorporated in 1977 and is based in Mumbai, India. Last month, the board of Lloyds Metals and Energy considered and approved raising funds worth up to 5,000 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP). Lloyds Metals will raise these funds in one or more tranches. "The Board Members in their meeting have also discussed that fundraising should be done in an organic and the most efficient way taking into cognizance that the Promoter holding should not be diluted to a greater extent," the company statement said. As of the December quarter, promoters of Lloyds Metals held a 65.7 percent stake in the company. Earnings In the December quarter, LME posted a net profit of 331 crore, up 44 percent from 230 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2022. However, its revenue for the quarter ended December 2023 came in at 1,910 crore, surging over 91 percent versus 999 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. EBITDA stands at 460.75 crore in Q3FY24 up 79.46 percent from 256.74 crore in Q3FY23. Brokerage view According to ICICI Direct, LME demonstrates robust trailing twelve-month EPS (earnings per share) growth and has efficiently utilized its capital to generate profits, with Return on Capital Employed (RoCE) showing improvement over the past two years. Additionally, the stock has displayed strong momentum, consistently surpassing short-, medium-, and long-term moving averages. These indicators underscore the company's adeptness in profit generation, effective capital utilization, and dedication to enhancing shareholder value. Meanwhile, its weakness, as per the brokerage, is: - Negative Breakdown Second Support (LTP < S2) - Promoters increased pledged shares QoQ - Poor cash generated from core business - Declining Cash - Flow from Operations for last 2 years About penny stocks Investing in penny stocks may appear alluring due to their potential for high returns, but it's crucial to grasp the considerable risks they entail. These stocks might not be suitable for everyone, especially those averse to risk. Only individuals comfortable with high-risk investments and willing to allocate a small portion of their portfolio should consider them. Seeking advice from a financial advisor before making any decisions is highly recommended. Penny stocks pose numerous challenges. They often represent small, lesser-known companies with limited analyst coverage and minimal publicly available information. Additionally, the lack of transparency and access to management insights complicates investment decisions. Moreover, penny stocks are susceptible to various risks such as illiquidity, high-impact costs, and difficulties associated with low trading volumes. Without compelling reasons supported by thorough research, investing in penny stocks is generally not advisable for serious, long-term investors seeking stability and growth in their portfolios. Arvind Kejriwal arrest news: Delhi's Rouse Avenue court on Monday extended Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody until April 23 in a money-laundering case stemming from the alleged excise policy scam. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader joined the hearing through virtual conference. While passing the order, the court noted that the judicial custody of co-accused K Kavitha is also extended till April 23. The continuous extensions of the AAP supremo custody may prove to be a major damage to the party's Lok Sabha 2024 election campaigning. In a separate hearing of Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging the Enforcement Directorate arrest, the Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the ED in the case. The law enforcement agency has been asked to file a reply to AAP convener's plea by April 24. The matter will be heard on April 29. Arvind Kejriwal to call 2 ministers for meeting from next week: AAP MP As Arvind Kejriwal continue to serve as the chief minister of Delhi, AAP MP Sandeep Pathak on Monday said that he will call 2 ministers for a meeting and discuss issues from next week. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Tihar jail administration of treating the AAP chief as a hard-core criminals. After meeting the Delhi CM in jail on Monday, Mann alleged the AAP chief was not being given amenities that are provided even to hardcore criminals. Mann, who was accompanied by AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, said they met Kejriwal for half an hour but they were separated by a glass wall and interacted over a phone call. "I became emotional seeing him. He is being treated like a hardcore criminal. What is his fault? Is it his fault that he built mohalla clinics?" said Mann. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Chanpreet Singh, who allegedly "managed" the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) funds for the Goa assembly elections, in the money laundering case linked to now-repealed Delhi excise policy, news agency PTI reported on Monday citing official sources. The report said Chanpreet Singh was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested Singh in the same case. The money laundering case stems from the CBI FIR. The federal investigative agency had earlier informed the Delhi court that Singh "managed" cash payments made to survey workers, area managers, assembly managers and others who were undertaking campaigning for the party during the Goa assembly elections in 2022. The ED alleged that Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, businessman Sarath Chandra Reddy and others paid 100 crore bribe to the AAP to obtain a prime position in the Delhi liquor market. The ED further said that out of these alleged kickbacks, 45 crore was used by the party to fund its Goa election campaign. Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case The Enforcement Directorate has so far arrested 17 people in the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested last month and is currently lodged in Tihar jail under judicial custody. The agency arrested former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in March 2023, and Sanjay Singh in October 2023. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today rejected the opposition parties' allegations that political opponents are being sent to jail by the BJP government. The prime minister said the maximum number of cases registered by the ED are against those persons and entities who have no connection with politics. Election Commission (EC) officials on Monday conducted checks in a helicopter carrying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi when it landed at the Nilgiri College of Arts and Science in Tamil Nadu, reports said. As reported by PTI, the flying squad officials conducted the search after the helicopter landed here, police said. Gandhi was on his way to his parliamentary constituency, Kerala's Wayanad, where he is slated to attend a slew of road shows and public meetings. He later held a roadshow in Wayanad, where the former Congress chief arrived as part of his two-day tour of the state. Incidentally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also in Kerala today, April 15, for election campaigning. He attended an election rally in state capital Thiruvananthapuram, and is slated to take part in another rally in Thrissur. Gandhi is contesting the April 26 Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad, seeking a second successive term. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to take part in a United Democratic Front (UDF) rally in Kerala's northern district of Kozhikode in the evening, apart from attending several campaign programmes in his constituency. The former Congress president is up against senior CPI leader Annie Raja and K Surendran, the state unit chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala, in Wayanad constituency, considered a bastion of the Congress-led UDF in Kerala. Kerala, where all 20 constituencies are scheduled to vote on April 26 in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, is experiencing intense political activity on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also conducting campaign rallies in the state. The Lok Sabha polls in India are scheduled to take place from April 19, 2024, to June 1, 2024, to choose the 543 representatives for the 18th Lok Sabha. The elections will be conducted over seven phases, and the counting will take place on June 4. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi secured a massive victory in Wayanad by a margin of over 4.31 lakh votes. He obtained a vote share of 64.94%, defeating LDF candidate PP Suneer. The NDA, represented by BDJ (S) leader Tushar Vellapally, garnered approximately 78,000 votes, accounting for a mere 7.25% of the total. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) claimed victory in 19 out of 20 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Among these, the Congress secured 15 seats, while its allies the Indian Union Muslim League won two seats, the Revolutionary Socialist Party clinched one, and the Kerala Congress (M) secured one seat. The ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front won a single seat--Alappuzha-- in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, Anmol Bishnoi, has warned Bollywood superstar Salman Khan that Sunday's attack at his house in Mumbai's Bandra was first and final warning. Shortly after the shorts were fired at Salman Khan's house on Sunday, Bishnoi allegedly claimed responsibility for the incident in an online post. Bishnoi while describing the event as a trailer", said, We have only shown you a trailer so that you understand the magnitude of our strength and do not test it. This is the first and last warning. In a Facebook post in Hindi, We want peace. If the only decision against oppression is war, then so be it. Salman Khan, we have only shown you a trailer so that you understand the magnitude of our strength and do not test it. This is the first and last warning. After this, shots will not be fired outside the house only. And we have dogs named after Dawood Ibrahim and Chota Shakeel, whom you consider to be Gods. Now, I don't have the habit of talking much, read a Facebook post attributed to Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol Bishnoi's Facebook post. Meanwhile, PTI reported citing Delhi police sources that it is suspected that one of the two individuals observed in CCTV footage allegedly firing outside the residence of Salman Khan in Mumbai may be from Gurugram. Two men fired four rounds outside Bandra's Galaxy Apartments, where the actor resides, around 5 am and fled. According to a Bandra police official, an FIR has been registered against unidentified persons under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) and the Arms Act. PTI reported citing an official source in the Delhi Police, One of the two is suspected to be a criminal from Gurugram who was involved in multiple killings and robberies in Haryana and is wanted in the murder of Gurugram-based businessman Sachin Munjal in March. Gangster Rohit Godara, who resides overseas, purportedly claimed responsibility for Munjal's murder in a social media post. He is closely linked to gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol, and Goldy Brar. Earlier in March 2023, an email threatening Salman Khan was received at his office, prompting the Mumbai Police to register an FIR against Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, and another individual. Moreover, the FIR was filed under IPC sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 506-II (criminal intimidation), and 34 (common intention). The complaint leading to the FIR was lodged with the Bandra police by Prashant Gunjalkar, who was reported to frequently visit Salman Khan's residence in Bandra and operated an artist management company. The e-mail stated that Khan must have seen an interview given to a news channel by Lawrence Bishnoi, and if not, he should see it. Addressing Gunjalkar, it said if Khan wants to close the matter, he should talk face-to-face with "Goldy bhai", adding there is still time but agli bar, jhatka dekhne ko milega (you'll see something shocking next time), Mumbai police earlier said. The preliminary investigation into the attack outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's Bandra house has revealed that the plan was hatched by the "right-hand man" of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in the United States. On Sunday morning, two men fired four rounds outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartments near Bandstand in Bandra before fleeing. Both the unidentified shooters are believed to be associated with Bishnoi's gang, with one suspected to be from Gurugram. Mumbai Police has registered an FIR against unidentified persons" under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) and the Arms Act. Citing Mumbai Police sources, NDTV reported that Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, Anmol Bishnoi, contacted a gangster named Rohit Godara for the attack. Godara, who is based in the US, was tasked with hiring professional shooters for the job from his "vast network, extending throughout multiple states". News agency PTI, citing an official source in the Delhi Police, reported: One of the two is suspected to be a criminal from Gurugram who was involved in multiple killings and robberies in Haryana and is wanted in the murder of Gurugram-based businessman Sachin Munjal in March." Godara had claimed responsibility for the murder of the businessman earlier in March this year. He is a close associate of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol and Goldy Brar. The police has tracked the VPN of Anmol Bishnoi's post claiming responsibility for the attack to Canada. The possibility of a VPN connection is also being explored by the Mumbai Crime Branch. Since November 2022, Salman Khan's security level has been elevated to Y-Plus due to threats from gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar. Khan has also been authorized to carry a personal firearm and has acquired a new armoured vehicle for added protection. Salman Khan resumes work After the gun-firing incident, reports said, Salman Khan is ready to focus on his work as planned as he doesnt want to give attention to those behind this incident because he feels that is exactly what they want "Instead, he has asked friends and actors from the industry not to worry. Further, he also asked them not to make any visits to Galaxy Apartments as it is getting inconvenient for other members of the society as well, India Today reported citing a source. In a telephonic interaction with News 18, Salman's father Salim Khan said, There is nothing to tell. They just want publicity, there is no need to worry. Arbaaz Khan says family has been taken aback Following the firing incident at Salman Khan's Galaxy apartment, his brother Arbaaz Khan released a statement on behalf of the Khan family and said the family has been taken aback by the shocking incident. The recent incident of firing by two unidentified person in a motorcycle at Galaxy apartment the residence of the Salim Khan family is very disturbing and unnerving. Our family has been taken aback by this shocking incident that took place, Arbaaz posted on Instagram. He further slammed people claiming to be close to our family for making loose statements to the media and claiming the attack to be a publicity stunt which left the family unaffected. "Unfortunately, some people claiming to be close to our family and pretending to be the spokesperson have been making loose statements to the media saying it's all a publicity stunt and the family remains unaffected which is not true and these views should not be taken seriously," the statement read. He also shared that the family is fully cooperating with the Mumbai Police in investigating the matter. Dozens of people lost their lives due to flash floods, severe rainfall, and thunderstorms in Pakistan and Afghanistan in the past three days. The two nations are facing the brunt of extreme weather conditions, which are mainly seen as the result of climate change. Heavy flooding due to seasonal rains killed at least 33 people and injured 27 others in three days in Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said Sunday. Lightning and heavy downpours killed nearly 36 people, mostly farmers, across Pakistan in the past few days, reported AP citing officials on Monday. Afghanistan floods: Nearly 33 people killed, 27 injured in three days Due to severe flooding from seasonal rains in Afghanistan, nearly 33 people lost their lives and 27 people were injured in the past three days, confirmed a Taliban spokesman for the State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management. Nearly 20 out of the country's 34 provinces, faced the wrath of extreme seasonal rainfall. More than 600 houses were either damaged or destroyed while around 200 livestock died. The flooding also damaged large areas of agricultural land and more than 85 kilometres (53 miles) of roads, he said. Taliban has provided aid to nearly 23,000 families, he added. Heavy rains left 36 people dead in Pakistan in three days Afghanistan's neighbour, Pakistan is also facing the wrath of nature's fury through incessant rainfall, lightning, and floods. So far nearly 36 people have been killed mostly farmers across Pakistan, AP quoted Pakistan officials on Monday. Moreover, authorities in Baluchistan have declared a state of emergency. Most of the deaths occurred when lightning struck farmers harvesting wheat and rains caused houses to collapse in eastern Punjab province, said Arfan Kathia, a spokesman for the provincial disaster management authority. He said more rains were expected this week. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a begin relief work in the regions hit by heavy rainfall and floods. Environmental expert flags climate change As Pakistan continues to witness extreme weather, several environmentalists have raised the fear of severe damage because of climate change in the country. Iran had informed the United States and neighboring countries about the drones and missiles attack before 72 hours of its launch, said Turkish, Jordanian and Iraqi officials said on Sunday. Iran gave neighboring countries and Israel's ally the United States 72 hours' notice it would launch the strikes, said Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian as quoted by Reuters. However, a senior official in the Biden administration stated that Tehran did not warn about the attack and that it was aiming to cause a significant damage. That is absolutely not true. They did not give a notification, nor did they give any sense of ... these will be the targets, so evacuate them. We received a message from the Iranians as this was ongoing, through the Swiss. This was basically suggesting that they were finished after this, but it was still an ongoing attack. So that was (their) message to us, the US official said. The Iranian source stated that Iran had informed the US through diplomatic channels that included Turkey, Qatar, and Switzerland about the scheduled day of the attack. Also Read | Live updates on Israel-Iran tensions Turkey - an intermediary On the contrary, Turkey's foreign ministry had spoken to both Washington and Tehran before the attack, the country's diplomatic source said adding that it had conveyed messages as an intermediary to be sure reactions were proportionate. "Iran said the reaction would be a response to Israels attack on its embassy in Damascus and that it would not go beyond this. We were aware of the possibilities. The developments were not a surprise," the Turkish source said. Iran on Saturday launched over 300 drones along with ballistic and cruise missiles on Israel in a retaliatory strike over Israeli's attack on its embassy in Syria that killed Iranian officials including a senior commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force. A few hours later, Israel claimed that it had intercepted 99% of missiles and drones before reaching the Israeli territory. It also warned that Israel will exact a price from Iran when the time is right. Genocide Joe slogans were raised at a public meeting organized by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the main opponent of US President Joe Biden in the upcoming elections due later this year. The slogans grew louder at Schnecksville in Pennsylvania amid the escalation in West Asia conflict after Iranian drones and missiles were launched on Israel. Trump, while addressing the public, said, They are not wrong. He (Biden) has done everything wrong. It is pertinent to note that pro-Palestine demonstrators called Biden "genocide Joe" for his unwavering support to Israel's offensive action against Gaza, particularly in the wake of Hamas' October 7 attacks. More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed so far. In March this year, a protester yelled genocide Joe during a Biden campaign speech in the presidential election battleground state of Georgia. However, he was quickly drowned out by the crowd's chants of four more years and was removed by the security. Take a look at the video below, In another incident, demonstrators were heard shouting no vote for genocide Joe and urged him to go home when Joe Biden came to deliver his speech in January in Pennsylvania. The chants coincided with the US government's unconditional support to Israel in its war against Hamas. However, Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, has also unequivocally sided with Israel and said, You have to finish what you have started and get back to normalcy". What I meant was to get over the war with Hamas and stop killing people. Let's get back to peace, he later defended his statement in an interview with an Israeli newspaper, NDTV reported. Trump then responded to the Iran's drone attack at the Pennsylvania rally, saying God bless the Israelis. They are under attack right now. That's because we show great weakness". I think what hes doing is a mistake," US President Joe Biden said [last week] of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus mismanagement of the war in Gaza. I dont agree with his approach," he said [before Irans weekend strikes on Israel]. Mistakes were made. One of them was Bidens previously unqualified support of Netanyahu, whose pursuit of Hamas in Gaza now looks an awful lot like ethnic cleansing. Global outrage over Hamass barbaric 7 October attack in Israel has been supplanted by global outrage at indiscriminate Israeli bombing, civilian deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza. The destruction has spread to Bidens political chances. Cease-fire proponents are waging protest votes against Biden in primary states. Protestors are a recurring feature of Biden public events. Many young Americans in particular are appalled that the US has been providing munitions for the bombardment of Gaza. Biden seems likely to pay a political price in November. I think a lot of this damage is, frankly, irreparable," said Matt Duss, executive vice president of the Center for International Policy and a former foreign policy adviser to Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Sanders has called Gaza one of the worst humanitarian disasters that we have seen in a very, very long time" and argues that Israel should not be getting another nickel in military aid until these policies are fundamentally changed." Though Sanders holds the Democratic Partys left flank, his views are not fringe. In an online survey of US adults conducted by YouGov 27 February to 1 March, 52% agreed that the US should halt arms shipments to Israel until it ends its military offensive in Gaza. Support for that position among 2020 Biden supporters is more lopsided, at 62% to 14%. Gauging the intensity of those views is difficult, but some erstwhile Biden supporters are clearly livid. Plans for a White House iftar dinner during Ramadan ran into opposition from Muslim leaders furious, as one said , at Biden for enabling the Israeli military to starve and slaughter the Palestinian people in Gaza." For Muslims and others angry at Bidens support of Israel, the political cost-benefit analysis is stark. If they sit out the election and Biden loses in November, [a man known for trying to deny US visas to people from Muslim countries] will move back into the White House. That would be a bitter result. Yet if politics were the sum of hyper-rational cost-benefit analyses, the world would be a vastly different place. Complicating matters is that Netanyahu and Biden have diametrically opposed interests. While Biden wants peace, rebuilding and a plan for a shared Palestinian-Israeli future, Netanyahu appears to want none of that. He benefits from crisis, which keeps his shaky coalition together and Netanyahu out of the dock on corruption charges. Netanyahu also knows that Trump would not pester him about dead Palestinian children. And its Netanyahu, not Biden, who is steering the Gaza war. Biden has received political cover for a retreat from Israel from Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer of New York, which is home to about one-fifth of Americas Jewish population, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, another stalwart supporter of Israel. But a retreat from Bidens Netanyahu embrace might have its own political costs. So far, all the pressure on Biden has come from those seeking an end to the violence. If Biden attempts to stop the flow of weapons to Israel, however, he will face attacks from Republicans. On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson called Biden an anti-Israel president." If Hamas, Hezbollah, or another ally of Iran were to launch a deadly attack during a pause in weapons shipments, GOP hysteria would reach the stratosphere and Biden would have a new and different Gaza problem. Much is made of the substantial risk that Biden runs with Muslim voters in Michigan. That risk is real. But more than 100,000 Jews also live in Michigan. Pennsylvania, another swing state, which Biden carried in 2020 by 80,555 votes, is home to about 300,000 Jewish adults, according to a Brandeis University study. Support among Biden backers for halting arms shipments to Israel may be lopsided, but its not universal: Recall that 14% of Biden supporters in the YouGov poll supported continuing weapons shipments. How Gaza [and Iran-Israel hostilities] will sway votes is unknown. Biden does have an issue on his right and to his left," Duss said. But while the most politically beneficial path may be obscure, the commitment to human rights and international law that Biden has expressed in other contexts might provide a surer map. Its too late for Biden to escape political damage from Gaza. But not too late to admit that he, too, made a mistake. Bloomberg Francis Wilkinson is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering US politics and policy. President Bidens cardinal objective since the outset of the Gaza conflict in October has been to prevent a wider war in the Middle East. On Saturday, he got the escalation he sought to avoid. Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles, marking the first time that Tehran has directly attacked Israel. With that barrage, Iran has set aside the veneer of deniability it has long tried to exploit by supporting regional proxies. The direct attack forces Israel to confront the question of how to respond militarily and presents the Biden administration with the challenge of finding a way to avert the larger regional conflict it has long feared. For now, the Biden administration is hoping that international political pressure on Iran and quiet suasion with Israel, which has become increasingly dependent on U.S.-led air and missile defense protection for its security, will dial down tensions. Yet even if escalation can be avoided in the coming hours and days, the U.S. and its foremost Middle East ally will have to grapple with a volatile region that increasingly requires American political and military involvement despite the White Houses early hopes to shift its attention to Asia. The Middle East has changed. The red line that Israel and Iran would not directly attack the other country is now erased," said Norman Roule, who served as a top U.S. intelligence official on Iran. Each country will now claim they can use this option in response to security threats, although any future attacks may not be on this scale." For decades, Iran has primarily worked through a network of Middle East proxies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen as it sought to avoid a full-scale conventional conflict with the U.S. and Israel. Those militias were deadly. During the U.S. war in Iraq, hundreds of U.S. troops were killed and wounded by explosively formed penetratorsa type of roadside bombs that Iran provided to Shia militias. Iran also trained and equipped Hamas fighters, though the U.S. has concluded that Tehran didnt orchestrate Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel. At times, Iran turned to its missiles and drones to lash out at its foes. In September 2019, Iranian drones and cruise missiles were used to strike oil-processing facilities at Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia, U.S. and regional officials said, after tensions grew between Tehran and Riyadh. Iran also fired ballistic missiles at U.S. forces at the Al Asad air base in Iraq after then President Donald Trump ordered a drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, near the Baghdad airport in January 2020. Timely intelligence enabled the U.S. to shift personnel out of harms way before Irans missiles struck, though more than 100 Americans suffered concussions and brain injuries. View Full Image Graphic: WSJ Yet those missile barrages were generally the exception to Irans strategy of strengthening the military capabilities of regional allies such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which regularly carried out attacks against Israel, while avoiding strikes that had a clear Iranian return address. In a statement Saturday night, Iran made clear that its barrage wasnt intended as the opening phase of a new conventional war but was punishment for the April 1 Israeli airstrike against top Iranian paramilitary commanders in Damascus earlier this month. The matter can be deemed concluded," Irans Mission to the United Nations said in a statement. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Irans response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!" With that notice, Iran was offering to end the current round of open hostilities between Israel and Tehran on its terms and putting the ball in Israels court. Bidens counsel to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a Saturday night call was that this was a time for careful reflection. Israel, Biden argued, had come out ahead: Israel had killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard leaders in its Damascus strike while Irans missile and drone attacks had been largely neutralized. The president was very clear that were going to help defend Israel, and he made very clear to the prime minister last night that we do have to think carefully and strategically about, you know, risk of escalation," a senior Biden administration official told reporters Sunday. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week that a direct Iranian attack on Israel will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran," according to a statement from Gallants office. But while Israel didnt consult the U.S. on its Damascus strike, the American and European role in helping Israel fend off Irans drone and missile attacks may have given Washington additional leverage in influencing the Israelis calculations. Whatever military response Israel may opt for against Iran, Biden administration officials made clear the U.S. wouldnt be part of it. Frank McKenzie, the retired general who led the U.S. Central Command when it carried out the strike that killed Soleimani, said Iran has suffered a military setback by failing to damage Israel with its drone and missile attack and that Israel should take that into account in weighing a military response. The Iranians are weaker today than they were yesterday," McKenzie said. Whatever they say, everybody knows this attack failed. And thats good news for Israel." But if Israel does decide to respond, it should do so quickly, and with a focused strategy. And then walk away from a famous victory," he said. Write to Michael R. Gordon at michael.gordon@wsj.com WASHINGTONThe Supreme Court for years has been making it more challenging for prosecutors to bring corruption cases against public officials, guided by the belief that some of the dealmaking and fundraising in the political realm is unseemly but not illegal. A new batch of cases making their way through the courts shows that where to draw the line remains in flux. In New York, a U.S. appeals court recently revived the prosecution of a former lieutenant governor after a trial judge earlier tossed the charges. In Ohio, a group of top former Justice Department officials is criticizing the bribery prosecution of a former Cincinnati City Council member whose political-action committee took money from undercover FBI agents posing as businessmen working with a developer. And the Supreme Court jumps back into the fray on Monday in a case that examines the viability of prosecutions against officials who take gratuities after performing actions that helped their benefactors. City contracts, then a check The justices will hear arguments in an appeal by James Snyder, the former mayor of Portage, Ind., who was convicted of bribery in 2021. Portage needed new garbage trucks when Snyder took office, so he arranged a public bidding process. The city eventually awarded two contracts worth a combined $1.1 million to a local truck dealership whose owners Snyder was frequently calling and texting at the time. Not long after the second contract was awarded, the dealership gave Snyder a $13,000 check. The former mayor said the money was an upfront payment for future consulting services he was to provide. Prosecutors said the money was an illegal reward for Snyder directing city business to the dealership. Snyder, a Republican, was sentenced to 21 months in prison. The Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction last year, in a decision that highlighted a split in the lower courts on whether federal bribery law covers gratuities paid after a public official takes action, as opposed to payments agreed upon ahead of time. The Supreme Court is poised to resolve that disagreement. Snyders lawyers said the prosecutions theory would potentially criminalize all sorts of thank-you gifts that constituents give to public officials, as well as campaign contributions made in recognition of an officials past actions. The Justice Department in response said Snyders parade of horribles wasnt grounded in reality. Gratuities have long been viewed as a type of corrupt payment that can be addressed under the antibribery statute used against Snyder, the department said. A decision is expected by late June. Wins for the defense The latest case comes on the heels of Supreme Court rulings last year that threw out a pair of corruption convictions stemming from the tenure of former Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The court in one of those cases sided with longtime Cuomo aide Joseph Percoco, who had been prosecuted for taking payments to assist a developer during a period when he had left his state job to run Cuomos re-election campaign. The decision didnt accept all of Percocos arguments, but the court found that the jury instructions in the case had been flawed. In 2020, the Supreme Court unanimously tossed a pair of public-corruption convictions in the New Jersey scandal known as Bridgegate. And in a unanimous 2016 ruling, the court invalidated the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. Some lawyers have applauded these rulings as a safeguard against prosecutorial overreach, saying the court needed to restrain the Justice Department from using broadly worded fraud statutes in ways Congress never intended. I think its wrong to take away from these cases that the court doesnt want to do anything about public corruption," said Temple University law Prof. Lauren Ouziel. Im not that cynical." Others say the court has gone too far, effectively blessing a range of corrupt conduct. In the Snyder case, the court stands on the precipice of further hindering the ability of the federal government to guard against corruption," said Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Contribution cases to come More cases could land at the high court soon. The Cincinnati case, now on appeal, has drawn an unusual amount of interest from former Justice Department leaders. They argue federal prosecutors went too far in pursuing former city councilman Alexander P.G." Sittenfeld, who was convicted of soliciting $20,000 in bribes for his political-action committee. Prosecutors alleged that Sittenfeld, a Democrat, took the money in exchange for promising to vote for a development project. Sittenfeld, who is serving a 16-month prison sentence, said he was simply a pro-development politician who touted those views while raising funds from developers. The First Amendment protects political donations, he noted, and said he was constitutionally entitled to solicit them. Sittenfeld has drawn support from three former U.S. attorneys generalWilliam Barr, John Ashcroft and Michael Mukaseyas well as former Obama White House counsel Greg Craig. A group of business executives, including from Google and Procter & Gamble, also filed a brief in support of Sittenfeld, citing free-speech concerns. Without a clear line, the resultant political environment is a minefield," the executives said. In New York, the states former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin has pledged to petition the Supreme Court after an appeals court revived bribery charges against him dating from his time as a state senator. Benjamin, a Democrat, is fighting charges that he funneled a $50,000 state grant to a real-estate developers nonprofit in Harlem in exchange for illegal campaign contributions. A trial judge threw out most of the case in 2022, saying prosecutors hadnt alleged an explicit agreement between Benjamin and the developer. But the judge also noted that there was confusion among the courts" about how bribery laws apply to campaign contributions. The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last month said the prosecution was valid and could move forward. The court said it didnt matter that the alleged agreement between Benjamin and the developer wasnt spelled out, because both men understood the pact. Benjamins alleged deal would not become legal if he simply avoided memorializing it expressly in words or in writing," the appeals court said. Write to Jan Wolfe at jan.wolfe@wsj.com and C. Ryan Barber at ryan.barber@wsj.com TEL AVIVAs hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles winged across the Middle East Saturday night, a defensive line of radars, jet fighters, warships and air-defense batteries from Israel, the U.S. and a half dozen other countries was already activated against the long-feared attack from Iran. Almost nothing got through to Israel. The formidable display of collective defense was the culmination of a decades-old but elusive U.S. goal to forge closer military ties between Israel and its longtime Arab adversaries in an effort to counter a growing common threat from Iran. But the U.S.-led effort to protect Israel in the days and hours before the Iranian attack had to overcome numerous obstacles, including fears by Gulf countries at being seen as coming to Israels aid at a time when relations are badly strained by the war in Gaza. Much of the cooperation Saturday night that led to the shooting down of the Iranian-directed barrage needed to be forged on the fly, and many details about the role played by Saudi Arabia and other key Arab governments are being closely held. Israeli and the U.S. forces intercepted most of the Iranian drones and missiles. But they were able to do so in part because Arab countries quietly passed along intelligence about Tehrans attack plans, opened their airspace to warplanes, shared radar tracking information or, in some cases, supplied their own forces to help, officials said. The operation was the culmination of years of U.S. effort to break down political and technical barriers that thwarted military cooperation between Israel and the Sunni Arab governments, officials said. Instead of a Middle East version of the NATO alliance, the U.S. has focused on less formal regionwide air-defense cooperation to blunt Tehrans growing arsenal of drones and missilesthe very weapons that threatened Israel Saturday. Efforts to build an integrated air-defense system for the region date back decades. After years of false starts and minimal progress, the initiative gained momentum after the 2020 Abraham Accords brokered by the Trump administration, which established formal ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Two years later, the Pentagon shifted Israel from its European Command to Central Command, which includes the rest of the Middle East, a move that enabled greater military cooperation with Arab governments under U.S. auspices. Israels move into Centcom was a game changer," making it easier to share intelligence and provide early warning across countries, said Dana Stroul, who until December was the most senior civilian official at the Pentagon with responsibility for the Middle East. In March 2022, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, then the top U.S. commander in the region, convened a secret meeting of top military officials from Israel and Arab countries to explore how they could coordinate against Irans growing missile and drone capabilities. The talks, held at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, marked the first time that such a range of ranking Israeli and Arab officers met under U.S. military auspices to discuss countering Iran. The Abraham Accords made the Middle East look differentbecause we could do things not just under the surface but above it," a senior Israeli official said. Joining Central Command enabled even more technical cooperation with Arab governments. Thats what created this alliance," the official said. Despite the progress made, the U.S. goal of having Israel and the Arab states seamlessly share tracking data on Iranian threats in real time has never been fully realized because of political concerns, officials said. Bilal Saab, a former Pentagon official who worked on security cooperation in the Middle East, said it was premature to speak of security integration in the region. It was always going to be gradual, and [Saturday] was an important real-world first step," said Saab, now a fellow at the London-based Chatham House think tank. But cooperation between Israel and Arab government on air defense with the U.S. as an intermediary has become common, even with Saudi Arabia, which still hasnt established diplomatic relations with Israel, Israeli and U.S. officials say. This nascent air-defense alliance had never been battle tested when on April 1, a missile strike in Damascus, Syria, killed several Iranian officers, including Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who according to Iranian state media and U.S. officials, managed Iranian paramilitary operations in Syria and Lebanon. Israel hasnt claimed responsibility for the attack. Tehran quickly vowed to respond, and senior U.S. officials began pressing Arab government to share intelligence about Irans plans to strike Israel and to assist with intercepting drones and missiles launched from Iran and other countries toward Israel, according to Saudi and Egyptian officials. Israels multilayered aerial-defense system has shown itself capable of defending the country against individual or small volleys of incoming drones and missiles. But officials and analysts say it could potentially be overwhelmed by a sufficiently large swarm of drones or a massive missile barrage. The initial response from several Arab governments was wary, fearing that assistance to Israel could involve them directly in the conflict and risk reprisals from Tehran. After further talks with the U.S., the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia agreed privately to share intelligence, while Jordan said it would allow use of its airspace by U.S. and other countries warplanes and use its own aircraft to assist in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, the officials said. Two days before the attack, Iranian officials briefed counterparts from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries on the outlines and timing of their plan for the large-scale strikes on Israel so that those countries could safeguard airspace, the officials said. The information was passed along to the U.S., giving Washington and Israel crucial advance warning. With an Iranian attack all but certain, the White House ordered the Pentagon to reposition aircraft and missile-defense resources to the region and took the lead in coordinating defensive measures between Israel and Arab governments, according to the senior Israeli official. The challenge was to bring all those countries around Israel" at a time when Israel is isolated in the region, the official said. It was a diplomatic issue." Arab countries offered help in defending against the Iranian attacks because they saw the benefits of cooperating with the U.S. and Israel, as long as it remained low profile, said Yasmine Farouk, a nonresident fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington-based think tank. Gulf countries know they still dont have the same level of support that Israel gets from the United States and see what they did [Saturday] as a way of getting it in the future," she said. The Iranian missiles and drones were tracked from the moment they launched by early warning radars in Persian Gulf countries linked to the U.S. operations center in Qatar, which transmitted the information to fighters jets from several countries in the airspace over Jordan and other countries, as well as to warships at sea and missile-defense batteries in Israel, officials said. When the slow-moving Iranian drones came within range, they were shot down, mostly by fighters from Israel and the U.S. and in smaller numbers by British, French and Jordanian warplanes, officials said. At one point, more than 100 ballistic Iranian missiles were in the air at one time heading toward Israel. The overwhelming majority were shot down by Israeli air-defense systems in Israeli airspace and outside it, a U.S. official said. U.S. aircraft shot down more than 70 drones, and two U.S. guided-missile destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean intercepted as many as six missiles. A U.S. Patriot air-defense system near Erbil, Iraq, shot down an Iranian ballistic missile on its way to Israel, the official said. Of more than 300 drones and cruise and ballistic missiles fired by Iran toward Israel, only a small number of missiles landed in Israel, causing minor damage to a military base in the southern part of the country, Israels military said. An Israeli official involved in regional security cooperation efforts said that while there had been frequent sharing of intelligence on air-defense threats in the past, Irans attack Saturday was the first time that we saw the alliance work at full power." Michael R. Gordon and Gordon Lubold contributed to this article. TEL AVIVIsrael is inclined to punish Tehran for the drone and missile barrage that represented Irans first-ever direct attack on its territory, but it faces a difficult challenge of finding a way of doing so that avoids further escalation, preserves the partnership that helped fend off the assault and doesnt derail its war aims in Gaza. Israels war cabinet was meeting Monday to discuss how and when to respond to Irans attack, which Tehran said was in response to the killing by Israel of a senior Iranian general at an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus, Syria. Israel hasnt confirmed or denied involvement. The point is to respond smartly, in a way that wont undermine the opportunity for regional and international cooperation that we created," said Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Israel faces an increasingly delicate set of political calculations. It is already fighting on three fronts: in Gaza against Hamas, on its northern border with Hezbollah, as well as trying to quell unrest in the West Bank. Now, it is under pressure to restore deterrence with Iran. Decision makers must balance the need to project strength with their desire to hold together a tenuous strategic partnership against Iran that helped it block the attack in the first place. President Biden has urged Israel to use caution in any response to Irans unprecedented attack and pressed allies Sunday for a united diplomatic front in a bid to stop the hostilities from spiraling into open warfare that could engulf the Middle East and entangle the U.S. Operations in Gaza are also part of the Israeli calculus, including a planned offensive in the crowded southern city of Rafah, which Israel sees as crucial to eliminating Hamas but that is opposed by Israels close allies and Arab neighbors who came to its defense on Saturday. The issue of a ground operation in Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering, has been a key source of tension between Israel and the U.S. Israeli strikes on Rafah continued in recent days despite Saturdays attack, people living in the city said. Militarily, analysts said, Israels decisions regarding Iran and Gaza may not be linked, but they are connected politically. Netanyahus right-wing base is already disgruntled that the ground operation in Rafah hasnt taken place and doesnt seem imminent, since Israel has pulled most soldiers out of Gaza. Israel is calling up two reserve brigades in the coming days for reinforcement in Gaza but will need more forces for any major operation. Now, Netanyahus supporters want a strong retaliation against Iran as well. To create deterrence in the Middle East," Israel has to go crazy," Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels national security minister and a voice of Israels hard right said on Sunday. Failure to act against Iran or in Rafah could further harm Netanyahus already diminished political support, said Chuck Freilich, a former Israeli deputy national security adviser. Even if he wants to show restraint on both fronts, he has to balance that," said Freilich. Israeli security analysts said Israel had a range of options that it would consider as retaliation rather than major escalation, without overstretching its forces that are deployed in Gaza, on its northern border and in the West Bank. Options include cyberattacks and targeted attacks on key state-owned sites such as Iranian oil infrastructure. Israel has in the past targeted Iranian personnel and infrastructure related to Irans nuclear program without taking responsibility, and could do so again but more overtly, analysts said. In addition to direct strikes on Iran, analysts said Israel could respond indirectly by hitting one of Irans proxies in the region. Analysts said any Israeli strike on major Iranian nuclear sites would be unlikely, since they are deep underground and doing so would require the backing and aid of Washington. The U.S. has never greenlighted an Israeli counterattack, said Oren, the former Israeli ambassador, who is also a historian. Its when we move from defense to counter-offense, we hemorrhage American support," he added. Strikes on preselected military targets inside Iran, based on extensive Israeli intelligence, are more likely, said Sima Shine, head of the Iran program at the Institute for National Security Studies. But she was skeptical that such retaliation would take place in the near term, since it would require support from Washington. If Israel retaliates, it would likely avoid Iranian civilian and economic sites, Shine said. U.S. and Western officials anticipate that Israel will quickly respond to Irans attacks, as soon as Monday, officials said. But the officials said they hoped both countries could come away with a sense of victory, giving them an off ramp that would limit escalatory moves. Israel might also choose to defer action until a later point. One option is we will respond, but not immediately. Iran will give Israel reason to respond and retaliate in future," said Ehud Yaari, a fellow with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. I think its very clear at this point that Israel would have to do something about Iran at some point, but not now," he added. The U.S., U.K. and France sought to dial down tensions after participating in Saturdays formidable display of collective defense, urging Israel to demonstrate restraint to prevent escalation in the wider Middle East region. We must both be alongside Israel to ensure its security as much as possible, but call for a limit to avoid escalation," French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday. In a call Saturday evening with Netanyahu, Biden said the Israelis should proceed with caution after the successful joint operation to thwart Irans attack. The U.S., France and the U.K. intercepted drones headed for Israel on Saturday night, while the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which doesnt officially recognize Israel, agreed privately to share intelligence. Jordan, which has repeatedly called on Israel for a cease-fire in Gaza, said it would allow the use of its airspace by U.S. and other countries warplanes and use its own aircraft to assist in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, Saudi and Egyptian officials said. Fatima AbdulKarim contributed to this article. Write to Dov Lieber at dov.lieber@wsj.com View Full Image Israels Next Move After Iran Attack Involves Complex Calculations View Full Image Israels Next Move After Iran Attack Involves Complex Calculations View Full Image Israels Next Move After Iran Attack Involves Complex Calculations View Full Image Israels Next Move After Iran Attack Involves Complex Calculations Development economist Jean Dreze opined on Sunday that Indian democracy had been afflicted by a recent wave of authoritarianism and was currently navigating a major crisis. The Belgium-born social scientist also indicated that elections held under the present circumstances would be as good as rigged. The assertion came mere days ahead of the Lok Sabha elections with Dreze insisting that the Opposition INDIA bloc can make a big difference to the tally. Leaders of these parties have endured relentless scrutiny and harassment by central agencies for years. Former Jharkhand chief minister Soren finds himself behind the bars, Lalu Prasad has faced intermittent periods of incarceration, and Rahul Gandhi narrowly avoided a similar fate in addition to Congress accounts being frozen. Any politician who presents a danger to the BJP is at risk of harassment. In these circumstances, the elections are as good as rigged, the economist told PTI. India is slated to hold Lok Sabha elections in seven phases starting from April 19. Votes will be counted on June 4. Recent opinion polls give the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance a clear edge backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertions that the grouping will secure more than 400 seats in the lower house of Parliament. ALSO READ: Karnataka BJP leader's 'extra peg' remark for Lakshmi Hebbalkar triggers controversy, minister says 'Hidden agenda...' Dreze also touched upon the BJP's odds in Jharkhand, contending that many people in the state had good reasons to be unhappy with the saffron party. He recalled author Arundhati Roy previously describing the 2019 elections as a race between a Ferrari and a few bicycles to underscore his poi. The bicycles may not be in good shape, but this time they are working as a team. That can make a big difference. There have been big surprises in all the Lok Sabha polls since 2004, with the partial exception of 2019. Exit polls often get the results wrong. The BJP is likely to win a majority of seats in the state, but it may not get 11 out of the 14 as it did in 2019, he added. Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Bishnu Pada Ray, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Andaman and Nicobar Islands has claimed that India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, "gifted" the Coco Islands, a part of northern Andaman Islands to Myanmar. Ray, who is the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from the region also criticised the Congress for its allegedly "historical anti-India stance", in an interview with ANI on April 14. Nehru's Alleged Gift to Myanmar Ray claimed that Nehru had reportedly given the Coco Islands to Myanmar as a gift, the publication reported. "The Congress has always harboured anti-India sentiments. Nehru gifted the Coco Islands, which were part of the Northern Andaman Islands, to Myanmar, which is currently under China's direct control. They did not worry about the islands in the 70 years they were in power. Today, the central government is constructing a shipyard, and two defence airports to counter China in Campbell Bay, which is also known as Indira Point," the BJP candidate said. Comparing Defence Investments Ray also called out the Congress for its defence spending, claiming that the current government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has allocated substantial funds, unlike the previous Congress government. "No Congress leader ever bothered to visit this island cluster, but Modi-ji made regular visits here. I am hopeful that you will soon see a Congress-mukt Andaman. This time, their candidates will lose their deposits here. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the sitting MP, did not spend a penny for the development of the islands," he stated. Incumbent MP and Past Elections Currently, Kuldeep Rai Sharma of the Congress represents the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Lok Sabha. In the 2019 general elections, Sharma defeated Vishal Jolly of the BJP. Polling for the sole Lok Sabha seat in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is scheduled for April 19, marking the commencement of the electoral process. Katchatheevu Island Row with Sri Lanka Earlier this month, PM Modi slammed the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Congress over the Katchatheevu Island row, saying the ruling alliance parties of Tamil Nadu have done nothing to safeguard the states interests. Katchatheevu, a tiny island between India and Sri Lanka in the Palk Strait, has resurfaced as a political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu, where the BJP is trying to make inroads ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections. The island, a disputed area, was ceded to Sri Lanka by the Congress government headed by late PM Indira Gandhi, through an agreement in 1974. But, led by PM Modi, the BJP has launched a scathing attack on the Opposition Congress and the DMK for "callously" giving away the strategic island to Sri Lanka. The PM dug into a report that said the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi, had given consent to the agreement, despite the DMK's public posturing against the deal. KINMEN, TaiwanThose who live on this tiny island joke that the Chinese mainland, just 3 miles away, is close enough that roosters crow to chickens on the other side. The Kinmen archipelago has been the front line of friction between China and Taiwan for decades. Those tensions have been heating up again recently. In February, China reacted furiously to the death of two fishermen who were killed while being pursued by Taiwans coast guard. Taiwans defense minister acknowledged last month that American troops have been sent to the outlying islands to train Taiwanese forces. On Monday, the Taiwanese army repelled two Chinese drones flying close to two of Kinmens outlying islands, the military said. But many of those who live on Kinmen arent worried, saying that China has little incentive to use force against the Taiwanese territory with the strongest ties to the mainland. Such an assault would only harden the resolve of the rest of Taiwan while encouraging the U.S. to make a firmer commitment to its defense. Kinmens main island was the site of a ferocious clash shortly after the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949, when thousands of Mao Zedongs Communist troops were killed by the rival Nationalist forces, who were retreating to Taiwan. In the years after, two major artillery battles were fought on Kinmen, followed by decades of regular shelling. Kinmen remained under the control of the Nationalists, also known as the Kuomintang, and quiet has prevailed since the late 1970s. Yang Kuo-chin, 73, recalled the time he heard the thump of Chinese artillery when he was just 7 on his family farm. They are fighting again," he recalled his brother telling him. They raced to hide underneath piles of peanuts that were used to make peanut oil. The family dug a makeshift bomb shelter under their home, where they hid during shelling in 1958, as hundreds of thousands of bombs rained on the island in what is known as the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, or locally as the Aug. 23 Artillery War. Seeing it gobang bang bangwas very terrifying," he said. Nobody died, he added, but his house was littered with peanuts. As he cleaned oysters from stakes planted in a beach facing the mainland, Yang said he wasnt worried that the roar of artillery would return. Rows of metal posts were arrayed across the beach to help defend against a potential invasion. His calm in the face of a potential conflict with China isnt merely stoicism, but a recognition of Kinmens position that is sometimes lost from afar. The archipelago represents the Communist Partys slim hope of using soft power, rather than force, to win over a neighbor it covets but has never controlled. Kinmens proximity to China means many of its residents have much more direct kinship ties to people on the mainland. The archipelago tends to reliably support the Nationalist Party, which takes a warmer stance toward relations with China. But even as many Kinmen residents call for more travel and trade with China, they also say they cherish living in a democracy and cast doubts on Chinas authoritarian system. Kinmen was once defended by as many as 100,000 Taiwanese soldiers in the late 1950s. Chiang Kai-shek based a large portion of Taiwans military here as a Cold War tripwire to draw in American support if China overpowered their defenses. The island beaches are still festooned with old barriers and disused forts. Its roundabout intersections frequently feature a pillbox in the center, now overgrown with trees or topped with giant bottles of kaoliang liquor to advertise the fiery local specialty. Kinmen once served a key role in bottling up Chinas then-limited ability to carry out a maritime assault on Taiwan, said Chieh Chung, a defense analyst at the National Policy Foundation, a think tank in Taipei affiliated with the Nationalists, the former Chiang-led party that ruled Taiwan for decades after World War II and is now the main opposition party. But as Chinas military strength has grown, Kinmens military importance has diminished to little more than an early-warning post. The garrison there is now down to a few thousand Taiwanese soldiers. Chinas firepower, whether through its air force or naval weapons, can easily surpass Kinmen and directly hit Taiwans main island," Chieh said. Today, Kinmen is protected more by political and economic reality than military might. The use of force against Kinmen would signal that China can no longer hope to win the rest of Taiwan through anything but force, and would make such an invasion that much more difficult. I cannot imagine any scenario, except as a prelude to a full-scale invasion, in which seizing the islands makes sense," said Michael Szonyi, a professor of Chinese History at Harvard University and author of a book on Kinmen, Cold War Island: Quemoy on the Front Line." Chinas chief tool of persuasion toward Kinmen is now economic. The archipelago has been largely left out of Taiwans boom. Courtyard homes with gently swaybacked tile roofs fill its cramped villages, the sort of traditional architecture often torn down for development on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Just across the water, the glittering skyline of Xiamen shows the potential for growth. Construction work at Xiamens new airport is visible and audible from Kinmen. Hung Hsin-i, who owns a clothing and accessories shop in Kinmens central town of Jincheng, said local businesses have been struggling through a downturn in tourism, following prolonged restrictions on mainland Chinese tourists since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. She lost her previous job at a duty-free shop that lost 90% of its business when the travel ban was enacted. Last year, Chinese nationals who live abroad were allowed again to visit Taiwan, including Kinmen, with many in the tourism sector looking forward to a full reopening. Hung had hoped that the Nationalists would win the presidential election in January. She said she expects the party and its allies to promote travel and trade with the mainland. But the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which is more skeptical of Beijings intentions toward Taiwan, retained the presidency, with Lai Ching-te elected to replace Tsai Ing-wen, who has reached her two-term limit. Weve come a long way from the past," Hung said. Even if we are afraid of waror unificationits not within our control to worry about." Fishing has been the local industry most heavily affected by tensions between the two sides. There are simply too many boats from the mainland," said Chen Shui-i, the head of the Kinmen Fishermens Association, noting that the Taiwanese fishing grounds are richer compared with the more competitive conditions on the Chinese side. In response to the death of the two Chinese fishermen, Beijing said it would step up coast guard patrols in the area. Beijing also declared that it didnt recognize Taiwans boundary around the Kinmen islands, although Taiwanese authorities say the Chinese side traditionally adhered to those lines in law enforcement operations. Our space for fishing has been compressed, which isnt to say they wont let us fish but we can randomly be stopped and investigated," said Liu Mao-jung, 69, as he was preparing to leave a Kinmen port to fish. The opening of direct links more than 20 years ago during an earlier period of cross-strait rapprochement has allowed Kinmen locals to make regular trips to Xiamen by ferry. The connection to the mainland has allowed people to re-establish family ties cut by the Chinese civil war, as well as carry out more prosaic tasks such as picking up cheap goods. The ferry service, which was halted for nearly three years due to Covid controls, resumed in early 2023. The boats leave from a terminal on the southwest corner of Kinmens main island, just below a hill with memorials to two American soldiers killed by Chinese shelling in 1954. Yang, the oysterman, visits Xiamen regularly and said he was planning to visit the city in the afternoon to go shopping after he cleaned up his harvest. But there are limits to Chinas pull. Of course living in a democratic country is much better," he said. Write to Joyu Wang at joyu.wang@wsj.com and Austin Ramzy at austin.ramzy@wsj.com #crypto #digital #currencies #money #G7 G7 finance officials Wednesday endorsed 13 public policy principles for retail central bank digital currencies, saying they should be grounded in transparency, the rule of law and sound economic governance, the Treasury Department said. Innovation in digital money and payments has the potential to bring significant benefits but also raises considerable public policy and regulatory issues, Group of Seven finance ministers and central bankers said in a joint statement. Strong international coordination and cooperation on these issues helps to ensure that public and private sector innovation will deliver domestic and cross-border benefits while being safe for users and the wider financial system. In their joint statement, the G-7 officials said central bank money in the form of Central Bank Digital Currencies, or CBDCs, would complement cash and could act as a liquid, safe settlement asset and an anchor for the payments system. They said the principles were meant to support policy and design deliberations within and beyond the G-7, complementing recently published work by a group of central banks and the Bank for International Settlements. No G-7 authority has decided to issue a CBDC, and careful consideration of the potential policy implications will continue, the statement said. We reaffirm that any CBDC should be grounded in our long-standing public commitments to transparency, the rule of law and sound economic governance, the statement said. Any CBDC must support, and do no harm to, the ability of central banks to fulfill their mandates for monetary and financial stability. The G-7 officials stressed the importance of rigorous privacy standards, cybersecurity, the need to protect users data and transparency on how information will be secured and used. They said such currencies must be energy efficient and operate in an open, transparent and competitive environment, while underscoring the importance of interoperability on a cross-border basis and the need to minimize any harmful spillovers to the international monetary and financial system. They reiterated that global stablecoin project should begin operation until it addresses legal, regulatory and oversight requirements, echoing a similar statement made by the larger Group of 20 finance officials earlier Wednesday. Stablecoins are a type of digital coin pegged to traditional currencies. Have a prosperous day, Keep the Faith! A bill prohibiting marriage between first cousins is headed to the Tennessee governors desk after the state house voted overwhelmingly to pass the measure April 11. Women with crisis pregnancies are still forced to travel abroad to the UK and elsewhere for abortions, despite the legalisation of abortion six years ago, according to a coalition of womens, doctors and human rights groups. The groups are calling for urgent action by the Government to ensure the recommendations in a report, published in 2023 by barrister Marie OShea who reviewed the operation of the abortion services in Ireland after the referendum to legalise it are implemented. In an open letter to Taoiseach Simon Harris, the coalition says changes needed include decriminalisation, removal of the mandatory three-day wait between when a woman seeks abortion medication and when she can access it. The suggested implementations also include a review of the 12-week gestational limit on accessing medical abortion, and legislation to provide for safe access zones around surgeries and clinics providing abortion services. The review, conducted by barrister O'Shea, was mandated in the 2018 Act. Published in April of last year, the review made a number of significant findings, including the uneven spread of service provision around the country with some regions particularly in the west and southeast, having little to no abortion services. Green Acres Mall Gives Back to Community in Honor of Womens History Month Local News By Chris Boyle Published: April 15 2024 Women play an integral role in our local community, said Jill Bromberg, Marketing Manager of Green Acres Mall. In honor of Womens History Month last month, Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, New York teamed up with public officials to present donations to six local organizations. Each organization received a $500 donation. The organizations were selected because they are either women run or have a mission that is dedicated to helping women. Women play an integral role in our local community, said Jill Bromberg, Marketing Manager of Green Acres Mall. "Our shopping center's ongoing goal is to foster connections with neighboring towns and create a welcoming space that engages our local residents. In March, the mall aimed to give back to the women of the community by providing donations to six organizations that support the surrounding neighborhoods. With the assistance of local officials, Green Acres Mall is thrilled to recognize these women leaders and female-focused non-profit organizations." Sharing more information on the donations below. Please note that not all donations have been presented yet. Hewlett House o About the Organization: Offers many free services to people and families coping with cancer o Green Acres Malls Marketing Manager, Jill Bromberg, with Senator Patricia Conzoneri-Fitzpatrick presented a check to Geri Barish, Executive Director of Hewlett House. 3 Times As Many o About the Organization: Addresses black maternal health o Jill Bromberg and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages presented a check to Yvette Allen Campbell, the Executive Director of 3 Times as Many. Top Ladies of Distinction o About the Organization: Work to advance general welfare of communities through service o Jill Bromberg and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages presented a check to Alisha Cross, Deborah Cuevas Cherry, President, and Desiree Kirton, Top Teen Assistant Advisor - all members of Top Ladies of Distinction. The Manchester o About the Organization: Works towards bridging the gap of women of different ages and stages o Jill Bromberg and Dr. Tammy Roz, Village of Lawrence Trustee, will be presenting a check to Daniella Wolfson and Ava Mandelbaum of The Manchester 5 Towns later this month. JOWMA Jewish Orthodox Womens Medical Association o About the Organization: Provides free health education to the orthodox Jewish community and supports a network of Jewish female physician leaders. o Jill Bromberg presented a check to Mimi Knoll, MD, CEO and cofounder of JOWMA. Rosedale Civic Association o About the Organization: Works to preserve and enhance the quality of life of this Southeastern Queens suburban enclave west of Green Acres. o Jill Bromberg and Queens Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman will be presenting a check to Evi Boyd, Rosedale Civic Association President and other women from the association. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: April 15 2024 The Faith-based Affordable Housing Act would grant 1,100 properties instant eligibility to develop their property into high-density five-story apartment buildings. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with his colleagues in government, including North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena and Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin to demand that Governor Hochul and State lawmakers stop the Faith-based Affordable Housing Act that overrides local zoning laws. The Supervisors were joined by dozens of officials from all levels of government, including New York State, Nassau County, dozens of Villages and School Boards to denounce this most recent plan. For a third straight year, Albany lawmakers are pushing plans that override local zoning laws that were put into law decades ago to protect the health, safety and character of local communities. The Faith-based Affordable Housing Act would grant 1,100 properties instant eligibility to develop their property into high-density five-story apartment buildings. On Long Island, most houses of worship are located in residential neighborhoods next to, or across from, single-family homes. Its unfortunate that once again, Albany lawmakers think they know better than we do when it comes to our communities. As local officials, we know how to strike the right balance between the voices of residents, the needs of the economy and the population density our infrastructure and services can handle, said Supervisor Saladino. Thankfully, for the past two years, both Assembly members and Senators said no to the ill-advised plans that would override local zoning laws, and compromised with an incentive-based solution to development thats proven successful. The Supervisor noted that incentives are the reason the Town is revitalizing downtown Hicksville and growing the community with new housing opportunities. Incentives have also proven successful in other areas of Long Island, including Mineola, Westbury and Patchogue. Unfortunately, officials have learned that the misguided plans previously attempted are being repackaged, and may even once again appear in the State budget. While we dont oppose reasonable development, we do oppose a direct attempt to circumvent local zoning, Supervisor Saladino continued. The State Legislatures most recent plan copied from progressives in California would significantly override local zoning and grant special status to religious entities to simply convert their property into high-density housing. In Nassau alone, over 1,100 property could be instantly eligible for development into high-density housing. Officials noted that with costs of education at $36,000 per pupil on Long Island, an influx of students from apartments will cost local homeowners millions in higher taxes and stretch school infrastructure beyond its limits at a time when New York State is proposing school aid cuts across Long Island. This population increase will also impact government services such as sanitation, sewage, drinking water, roadways, and more. To suggest that State land should be used to skirt local zoning laws is another attack on our suburbs, said Supervisor Saladino. Taking away the rights of our residents to have a say over the future of their communities is a direct threat to Democracy, especially when you silence our voice when it comes to projects in our own background. We implore that our State officials stop repackaging this policy each year and hiding it in the budget instead, do the right thing and continue with your patch to growing housing appropriately through incentives and partnerships with local governments. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: April 15 2024 In addition to securing the top leadership role for the third consecutive year, William Floyd students were elected to six other state elected positions. The William Floyd High School Youth and Government program continued its tradition of success and dominance at the 88th annual New York State YMCA Youth and Government conference held March 22-24 in the states legislative chambers in Albany. This was the largest conference in the programs history with 643 students participating from across New York State. William Floyd students continued to outshine their peers by garnering election to seven of the nine elected state leadership positions including the governorship, as well as securing numerous awards. William Floyd High School senior Nikolas DelVecchio presided over this years conference as youth governor. Nikolas, who was elected governor at last years conference, passes the torch to Olivia Phillips, who will lead the 2025 conference as governor. In addition to securing the top leadership role for the third consecutive year, William Floyd students were elected to six other state elected positions. Those include: Mathew Reis, lieutenant governor; Aisha Barrie, Senate Pro-Tempore, Senate Liberty; Hiba Farooq, speaker, Assembly Freedom; Kaitlyn Corn, deputy speaker, Assembly Liberty; Alice Chen, attorney general; and Kayla Bundick, public defender. Throughout the weekend, students debated original legislation and argued appellate cases with their peers in the actual governmental chambers. In addition to having the top six ranked bills that were heard, William Floyd students Mackenzie Hackett and Hailey Hamilton garnered the Best Brief award, and, Berline Francois won the Best Attorney award in the judicial branch. In the legislative chambers, Nia Alicea, Hiba Farooq and Rachel Chen (Assembly Freedom), and Victoria Basharina, Giselle Canales and Joyce Chen (Senate Freedom) won Best Bill awards, respectively. Madison Lockwood (Senate Freedom) won the Best Debater award. Please note that due to the number of students involved, each legislative branch of government has two versions example: Assembly Liberty, Assembly Freedom, Senate Liberty and Senate Freedom. Additionally, students who were among the best at the state conference were selected to represent New York at the YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA), a 10-day, nationwide summer conference held in Black Mountain, North Carolina, which primarily focuses on gaining awareness of issues of national concerns, as well as increasing an understanding of the federal government and its relation to state, national and international affairs. Students will write and debate federal proposals with their peers from across the nation. Students selected for this prestigious honor include: Olivia Phillips, Mathew Reis, Alice Chen, Aisha Barrie, Joshua Schultzer and Renae-Marie Kelly. Alternates to the conference are: Antonio Cortes, Hiba Farooq, Jason Alexopoulos, Madison Lockwood, Mars Smothergill and Sarah Foley. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: April 15 2024 James Becker, 39, is charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Menacing, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Mischief, and Criminal Contempt. The Fourth Squad reports the arrest of a Long Beach man for a burglary that occurred in Island Park at 12:40 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024. According to detectives, a 45-year-old female victim called 911 to report that her boyfriend, a 50-year-old male victim was physically fighting with an unknown male inside of their apartment. During the altercation, the male victim sustained injuries from the defendant punching him in the face. The defendant, James Becker, 39, of 315 E Chester Street also threatened the male victim with a metal crucifix and caused damage to the apartment by tearing the refrigerator out of the wall. The defendant fled the scene, but was located by police a short time later and placed under arrest. When police searched the defendant, they located two plastic bags containing a white powdery substance believed to be a controlled substance. Subsequent to the arrest, defendant Becker was also charged for another burglary that occurred in Lido Beach on April 14, 2024. During the first two decades of this century, the restaurant world seemed well on its way to being a 24/7 place. Many of the major chains were experimenting with strategies that focused on what the industry then called the late-night daypart, and a fair number of independent eateries offered late-in-the-evening dining. The pandemic, with its social distancing and lockdowns, suddenly curtailed all that. Now, four years out from March 2020, some of those changes have yet to reverse themselves. Restaurants that are always open are now a rarity, and finding a place to enjoy a nice meal after 9 p.m. is a near impossibility, especially on weeknights. Data seems to indicate that this trend is real. According to information compiled by Yelp, the number of restaurants open all night has dropped by 18% since 2020. Even chains like Dennys, whose concept is based on catering to after-midnight patronage, still struggle to resume chainwide 24-hour operation. Its also becoming increasingly clear this change is not just about a lingering restaurant industry labor shortage. Instead, it looks increasing like a permanent reset in consumer behavior driven by a host of forces - more work at home, less interest in evening events away-from-home, and a no-alcohol trend that works against socializing in bars and restaurants. The population at large continues to reflect a demographic shift, with the proportion of individuals 65 and older now the fastest growing group. Thats not good news for restaurants interested in late night operations - older people are less inclined to be out and about after dark. Another factor driving the shorter hours trend is the functional restructuring the pandemic forced on many restaurants. Having adapted to curtailed operating schedules during the health emergency, many restaurant franchisees and owners arent eager to go back to a longer, more grueling workweek. ************ Side Dishes: An email from Mike Desmarais, who runs the Comfort Kitchen and Bar in Huntington, brought news of a weekly specials update. He is continuing his Monday Burger Night promotion, and on Wednesdays the Comfort Kitchen is still offering Parmesan two ways - chicken or eggplant. Thursdays featured entree is a Grilled Hanger Steak with Bacon-Blue Cheese Butter, and his Friday evening Seafood Fry offers either fish or shrimp with French fries. New to the lineup, however, is a Saturday Roast Prime Rib served with au jus and fresh popovers. On Sunday evenings appetizers are half-price. Desmarais says this specials lineup should remain unchanged throughout the summer. The Comfort Kitchen and Bar can be reached at 413-265-5742. ************ The Crestview Country Club in Agawam will be hosting a Comical Mystery Dinner on Friday, April 26, with doors opening at 5:45 p.m. The show for the evening is Un-Happy Days, a murderously funny tale of a cast reunion from a hit 1950s-themed TV series. The multi-act performance is preceded by a buffet dinner. Tickets are available online; they are priced at $55 per person with an additional convenience fee added. ************ The soda fountain special this month at Friendlys Restaurants is a Turtle Conehead Sundae. Made with a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream, the sundae is garnished turtle style with marshmallow and hot fudge. The turtles flippers are halved peanut butter cups; the eyes are M&M candies. A gummy worm gives the turtle a smile. The Turtle Conehead Sundae will be available at participating Friendlys locations through the end of April. ************ Too much is never enough. That phrase, often attributed to rock legend Mick Jagger, might very well apply to bacons role in the Whole Lotta Bacon Burger recently introduced to the Applebees Neighborhood Grill & Bar menu. Available for a limited time only, the Whole Lotta Bacon Burger has bacon seared into the hamburger patty before that burger is topped with three strips of bacon and drizzled with a sweet-sour bacon sauce. Served on a brioche bun, the sandwich is garnished with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion. Plated along with fries, the Whole Lotta Bacon Burger has a suggested menu price of $9.99. ************ Tuckers Restaurant in Southwick and E. Sliver Charcuterie are partnering to present a Charcuterie Workshop on April 26 at 6:15 p.m. The workshop will lead participants through the creation of a charcuterie board, with a plenty of food styling tips shared along the way. All ingredients and tools are provided; workshop participants will finish the session with a completely arranged platter ready to take home. Tickets, which are available at Eventbrite.com, are $60 plus a convenience fee. For more details on the event, email esilvercharcuterie@gmail.com. Workshop participants are invited to arrive early and enjoy dinner or an appetizer and drinks at Tuckers. For more information on the restaurants menu, visit the Tuckers Restaurant website. ************ Outback Steakhouses are offering a classic chop house special this month in the form of a Steak & Lobster entree. The meal deal include a sirloin steak, a steamed lobster tail, and a diners choice of two side dishes. The special will be available through May 7. Theres an Outback Steakhouse at 1537 Riverdale Street in West Springfield; they answer at 413-746-5700. An Outback location also operates in Auburn on Southbridge Street. ************ The Uno Pizzeria & Grill in Sturbridge is teaming up with Glen Pharmer Distillery of Franklin to do a four-course pairing dinner on Tuesday, April 30. The dinner, which will feature four of Glen Pharmers distilled spirits, will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a first course of Savory Oatmeal with Bacon, an introduction that will be followed by a Buffalo Chickpea Salad. Puller Pork Tacos are to be the main course, with a Banana Foster Bread Pudding for dessert. Tickets are $50 per person, with a no-alcohol designated driver ticket available for $40. Reservations can be made by calling 508-347-6420. ************ On Wednesday, April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., HCCs Culinary Arts Institute in Holyoke will be conducting an open house. Tours of the facility, tastes of what students are cooking, and a 4 p.m. ribbon-cutting to inaugurate the Institutes new food truck will all be part of the fun. The Culinary Arts Institute is located on Race Street in the heart of Holyokes Arts and Innovation District. The Institute picks up at 413-552-2823. ************ The Subway chain of sandwich shops is continuing its rapid pace of new menu item development, this month introducing a quartet of wrap sandwiches. Made with a lavash-style flatbread, the sandwiches include Homestyle Chicken Salad, made fresh in the restaurant, and a Honey Mustard Chicken wrap that features rotisserie-style chicken, Monterey cheese, and an assortment of standard sandwich garnishes enlivened with a sassy sweet honey mustard. Turkey, Bacon, and Cheese features the rolled-up items that sandwichs name suggests, with peppercorn ranch as a flavor-building supplement. A Cali Caprese pairs up fresh mozzarella with sliced avocado then enhances that combination with garnish favorites like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a parmesan vinaigrette. The four sandwiches will be on the Subway restaurants menu for an unspecified limited time. ************ Springtime cupcake decorating is on the agenda next week at the Uno Pizzeria & Grill on Boston Road in Springfield. On Tuesday, April 23 from 4 to 8 p.m., the restaurant will be hosting a springtime-themed cupcake decorating event which is being billed as a fun event for kids of all ages. For more information or to make reservations, contact the restaurant at 413-543-6600. ************ Two student organizations at the Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton, Future Farmers of America and the Junior Chefs, have teamed up to present a Spring Pig Roast. To be held on Friday, April 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Roast will feature pulled pork, barbecued chicken, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, dessert, and beverages. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $9 for children ages 3 to 9. The school answers at 413-587-1414. Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community Colleges hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com. There are plenty of cool music festivals here in Western Massachusetts, but one of the most interesting is the Arcadia Folk Festival produced by Signature Sounds Presents. What makes this annual event unique is its setting and the fact that its powered by the sun. Set in Easthamptons Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary and totally run on solar power, the festival is green both aesthetically and environmentally. Signature Sounds just announced the first round of artists that will play this years festival on Aug. 24, including Sarah Jarosz, The Felice Brothers, Mipso, Amythyst Kiah, Heather Maloney, and many more. Now in its sixth year, the outdoor festival will feature music on three stages (including the intimate In the Woods stage) running 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The festival celebrates the work of the sanctuary, which has long served as an environmental education model. The Arcadia staff has been protecting important habitats, connecting people to nature, and advocating for environmental policies since 1944. The Arcadia Folk Festival is the only one of its kind to be held on a Massachusetts Audubon site. This year the festival will include a Back Porch Songwriter Night featuring the songs of Paul Simon at the Academy of Music on Aug. 23. That event will also benefit the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Artists for the show are to be announced at a later date. Early bird tickets are now on sale for $59.99. Tickets and general information are available online or by calling 413-341-3317. Children 10 and under are admitted free. Glass containers, alcohol, and pets are not allowed in the sanctuary. The Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is at 127 Combs Road in Easthampton. Liner notes Three-time Grammy Award winners Maroon 5 will play an exclusive show at the MassMutual Center in Springfield on July 1. The show is part of a limited series of performances on the East Coast in between segments of the bands Las Vegas residency, along with their headlining shows at Milwaukees Summerfest and the Ottawa Bluesfest. Maroon 5, of course, is known for hits such as Memories, Sugar, and Moves Like Jagger. The Los Angeles-based band has sold more than 96 million albums and over 660 million singles worldwide. Maroon 5 currently has more than 22 billion combined streams on Spotify. Tickets are available at massmutualcenter.com. *** Toad the Wet Sprocket will play the Summer Stage at Tree House Brewing in South Deerfield on Aug. 12. The band is best known for a 1991 tandem of hits, including All I Want and Walk on the Ocean from their third album, Fear. The album went on to be certified as platinum by the record industry. Tickets are $45 and are available at tixr.com. After ending the last fiscal year with an estimated $18 million deficit, Brockton Public Schools announced Friday that it had identified about $10 million in spending cuts and approximately $15 million in additional funds that could help the school department address its ongoing money struggles. The cuts are one-time reductions that would freeze spending on line items with unspent funds for the rest of the fiscal year, according to a press release from Brockton Public Schools. Freezing these funds would allow the district to save money without impacting the core functions of the district, including student learning and school safety. The spending cuts include money the school district had planned to use to help improve security at Brockton High School, but school officials said in the release that they believe freezing the funds will not impact their plan to tackle the schools safety issues. Read more: Brockton schools audit finds even higher deficit than previously reported The additional funding sources were identified by Open Architects a third-party organizational support consultant that released a preliminary audit of the school departments finances last month. Currently, Open Architects expects Brockton Public Schools to have a budget deficit between $19 and $25 million by the end of the 2024 Fiscal Year, which ends June 30. We are working diligently both internally and with our state and local partners to mitigate the budget challenges we are facing and ensure were on a path toward a balanced budget both this year and in the years to come, Acting Superintendent James Cobbs said in the release. To achieve that goal, however, means making difficult choices while keeping students learning and safety at the forefront of every decision we make. What would be cut Some of the most significant spending cuts include $2 million in technology spending including the purchase of new student laptops, $1.6 million in tuition to Norfolk County Agricultural School, $1.39 million in contract services spending, $940,000 dedicated to purchasing instructional supplies and $495,000 that was dedicated to grounds maintenance, according to Brockton Public Schools. Much of the rest of the savings were derived from delaying or canceling hiring and reducing spending related to travel and professional development. These spending freezes include $125,000 that was meant to be used on security measures at Brockton High School and $275,000 that had been dedicated for use on school police overtime pay. Brockton High School has made headlines several times this spring as officials, teachers, students and parents expressed concerns about safety at the school. Last month, school and city officials detailed a plan to combat these issues. While some of the proposed spending reductions relate to security, the district believes it can achieve the goals related to its ongoing school safety work while not expending the full amount budgeted for specific security-related line items. These proposed spending reductions will not impact the plan to increase security staff at Brockton High School, Brockton Public Schools wrote in the release. These cuts were identified through collaborative work between school district staff, members of the superintendents cabinet, the Brockton School Committee, city officials, Open Architects and the state education department, according to Brockton Public Schools. You can find the full list of reductions online here. Other ways to save In regards to additional funding sources, Brockton Public Schools said it plans to acquire $7 million from the states Circuit Breaker special education reimbursement program, nearly $5.2 million from the federal school emergency relief program, $1.7 million through the McKinney-Vento homeless children education act and $1.2 million through the states school choice revolving fund. Read more: Why officials think violence at Brockton High School got so out of control Beyond balancing Brockton Public Schools 2024 budget, the district is also making strategic changes to the organizational structure at the central administration level, the school department said. These changes will impact nine of the districts departments, including transportation; IT; equity, diversity and inclusion; operations and data and accountability. Each of these critical functions will continue to operate and serve the district and its students but will do so with a more streamlined and efficient organizational structure, the school district wrote in the release. How the school district got to this point Brockton Public Schools budget deficit was discovered just before the beginning of the current school year. At the time, it was thought to be around $14 million, but last month, Open Architects report found that the school districts 2023 Fiscal Year deficit was closer to $18 million. The report contained notable findings, such as budget mismanagement in multiple areas and outsized spending on transportation, special education, unemployment and individualized employee contracts. It made no allegations of intentional wrongdoing, but cautioned the city to get control of the school departments spending or risk larger deficits in the future. Read more: Brockton superintendent placed on leave during fiery school meeting Since the discovery of the budget deficit, Superintendent Mike Thomas has insisted that the money was spent entirely on students. He went on medical leave shortly after the financial shortfall was revealed and was going to retire in March, but asked the school committee to reinstate him last month. Thomass request came after four school committee members asked Gov. Maura Healey to deploy the National Guard at the school to help get student disciplinary issues under control. Both Thomas and the school committee members requests were ultimately turned down, and Thomas was placed on paid leave. The school committee indicated previously that it will not consider reinstating Thomas until a full audit of Brockton Public Schools budget and an investigation into the deficit are complete. The audit and investigation are ongoing, and Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan has said he will make the findings from both public. The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into the deadly collapse of Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge that is focused on the circumstances leading up to it and whether all federal laws were followed, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. The FBI was present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity, the agency said in a statement Monday. The investigation was first reported by the Washington Post. The container ship Dali left Baltimores port in the early hours of March 26, laden with cargo and headed for Sri Lanka, when it struck one of the bridges supporting columns, causing the span to collapse into the Patapsco River and sending six members of a roadwork crew plunging to their deaths. Divers have recovered three bodies from the underwater wreckage, while the remaining three victims are still unaccounted for. Read more: Could a cargo ship collide with a bridge in Mass.? National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said last week that investigators are focusing on the electrical power system of the massive container ship that veered off course. The ship experienced power issues moments before the crash, as evidenced in videos showing its lights going out and coming back on. Homendy said information gleaned from the vessels voyage data recorder is relatively basic, so that information in the engine room will help us tremendously. A single-vehicle rollover car crash in Waltham resulted in the death of the driver Sunday night, according to police. Waltham police and firefighters responded to the crash on High Street near Moody Street just before 11:45 p.m., police said in a press release Monday morning. Firefighters freed two people who were trapped in the vehicle and took them to a hospital. The driver was declared dead at the hospital, while the passenger was determined to have serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Waltham police and the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office are investigating the crash. No further information including the identity of the driver and the cause of the crash has been released. The family of Nevaeh Goddard a Rhode Island 17-year-old who was found dead in her boyfriends home in Stow earlier this month has created a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for her funeral expenses, as well as a candlelight vigil to remember the teens life. Nevaeh had such a genuine, pure, loving, caring soul. She had a certain way about her that she touched the lives of everyone she ever met, her mothers fiancee, Heather Coyne, wrote on the campaign page. ... She had an unbreakable spirit; she was so free spirited, loving, caring with such a special unique spark. Police discovered Goddards body the evening of April 5 after entering the home of her boyfriend, Shane Curry, the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office said previously. Curry is charged with assault and battery on a household or family member and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury in his girlfriends death. Remembering Nevaeh Goddard Goddard was very spiritual and loved tarot cards, witchcraft books, crystals and potions, Coyne wrote on the campaign page. Her first job was working with her mother, Kristin Goddard, at NicoBellas restaurant in downtown Providence. How she lovedddd to go to work with mom on the weekends. She absolutely loved working with the public. She was so proud of herself as we were so proud of her too! Coyne wrote. The teen enjoyed playing video games such as Mortal Kombat especially when she beat her mother, according to Coyne. The family would often get comfy cosy and watch horror movies together. They also had fun baking, and the mother and daughter pair once made Coyne the best Fruity Pebbles cake shed ever had. Boy the stories they would come home and tell me and we would laugh and laugh, Coyne wrote. But the absolute best part and what would make my heart smile is the bond and closeness they had, just made my heart so happy how much they loved and adored each other. Now, Nevaeh Goddards family wants to give her the memorial services she deserves, Coyne wrote. So far, the campaign has raised over $1,500 of its $25,000 goal. There is a hole in our hearts that can never be filled, so together we need to remember her beautiful soul, share our stories together, keep her memory alive, and fight for justice, Coyne wrote. Goddards wake is scheduled for Saturday, April 20 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Nardolillo Funeral Home in Cranston, Rhode Island, and her funeral will take place after visiting hours, according to her obituary. She survived by her mother, her sister and many grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members. What happened to Neveah Goddard Nevaeh Goddard was raised by her grandfather in an abusive household, her mother and Coyne told Boston 25 News. The teens mother gave birth to her while serving time in prison in Pennsylvania. At 14, Nevaeh Goddard called Rhode Islands Department of Children, Youth and Families herself, Kristin Goddard told the news station. The teen had been in state custody since, but Coyne and her mother would come visit her. Nevaeh Goddard had been missing for two years when she died, having run away after the state of Rhode Island requested that she receive behavioral treatment at one of their facilities, her mother told Boston 25 News. Kristin Goddard had not met Curry before her daughters death and doesnt know how the two ended up living together in Stow. The medical examiner told Kristin Goddard that her daughter weighed just 75 pounds when she died, and court documents accuse Curry of stabbing Goddard with the sword as a form of punishment, according to the news station. Police began investigating Goddards death after they were called to the Great Road home for a well-being check, the district attorneys office said previously. Curry initially stopped police from coming into the home for nearly two hours, but was arrested soon after they discovered Goddards body. Curry has an open case from June 2023 in which he is charged with strangulation or suffocation and assault and battery, according to court documents. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during his arraignment last week, and he was held without bail. The district attorneys office previously indicated that Curry could face further charges in Goddards death, but so far, no additional charges have been announced. A Worcester teenager has a long recovery to overcome in the days after a shooting on Clarkson Street left him hospitalized and his sister injured, according to a GoFundMe set up by their father. Set up by Jose Rivera, the fundraiser is collecting money to help pay for his son Manuel Riveras medical expenses. On April 7 around 9 p.m., Miguel and his sister were shot, Jose Rivera wrote in the GoFundMes description. Miguel had one major surgery and has many more major surgeries to come. Miguel has a long recovery to overcome. Three teens were shot by a car parked near the intersection of Clarkson and Coral streets, according to a police statement of facts. Two armed men in the car fired in the direction of 9 Clarkson St., injuring one teen with a shot in the neck and the other two teens were shot in the leg. Worcester police were notified about gunshots in the area of Clarkson Street at around 9:11 p.m. police said in a statement released on Monday. Officers approached a 17-year-old boy and two 18-year-old women, all with gunshot wounds, and administered medical aid before the three individuals were taken to the hospital. The teenager shot in the neck remains in critical condition, court documents read. The fundraiser has a goal of raising $10,000. So far, the GoFundMe has raised $1,440 from 33 donations, including five $100 donations. Many may know Miguel is very strong and we are praying for a speedy, healthy recovery, Jose Rivera said in the description. Police have already arrested three men in connection with the shooting Levon Atupem, 23, Carter Webster, 18, and Jordany Alejo, 19. Atupem and Webster were arraigned in Worcester District Court on Thursday, where they pleaded not guilty. Alejo was arraigned earlier in the week and also entered a plea of not guilty. On Friday, police issued a warrant for the arrest of Joshua Pittman, who police said has a last known address at 14 Blanche St. in Worcester and should be considered armed and dangerous. Nevaeh Goddard a Rhode Island 17-year-old who was found dead in her 20-year-old boyfriends home in Stow earlier this month is being remembered for her amazing, outgoing personality. She was very creative and artistic, she loved to write her own music. Her cuddly nature was only matched by her quick wit, and goofiness, her obituary reads. Police discovered Goddards body the evening of April 5 after entering the home of her boyfriend, Shane Curry, the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office said previously. Curry is charged with assault and battery on a household or family member and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury in his girlfriends death. Burriville resident Nevaeh Rose Goddard was born in Pennsylvania, according to her obituary. She was the beloved daughter of Kristin Goddard and Heather Coyne, who was affectionately known as her bonus mom. Nevaeh Goddard is survived by her mothers, her sister and many grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members, according to her obituary. Her wake is scheduled for Saturday, April 20 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Nardolillo Funeral Home in Cranston, Rhode Island, and her funeral will take place after visiting hours. Police began investigating Goddards death after they were called to the Great Road home for a well-being check, the district attorneys office said previously. Goddard was living in the home with Curry when she died. Curry initially stopped police from coming into the home for nearly two hours, but was arrested soon after they discovered Goddards body, the district attorneys office said previously. He has an open case from June 2023 in which he is charged with strangulation or suffocation and assault and battery, according to court documents. The district attorneys office previously indicated that Curry could face further charges in Goddards death, but so far, no additional charges have been announced. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during his arraignment last week, and he was held without bail. Nevaeh Goddard was raised by her grandfather in an abusive household, Kristin Goddard and her fiancee, Heather Coyne, told Boston 25 News. The teens mother gave birth to her while serving time in prison in Pennsylvania. At 14, Nevaeh Goddard called Rhode Islands Department of Children, Youth and Families herself, and had been in state custody since, according to Kristin Goddard. Kristin Goddard was reintroduced to her daughter four years ago, and she and Coyne would come visit the teen. She was so full of life, Coyne told the news station. She was such an amazing spirit. She had such a genuine, pure soul. Nevaeh Goddard had been missing for two years when she died, her mother told Boston 25 News. The teen ran away from home after the state of Rhode Island requested that she receive behavioral treatment at one of their facilities. Kristin Goddard had not met Curry before her daughters death and doesnt know how the two ended up living together in Stow, she told Boston 25 News. Were trying to find out her story in stow for the last year and a half, Coyne told the news station. Goddard weighed just 75 pounds when she died, her mother and Coyne told Boston 25 News. Court documents accuse Curry of stabbing Nevaeh Goddard with the sword as a form of punishment, according to the news station. He will pay for what he did I will do everything I can do to make sure [Curry] suffers, Coyne told the news station. A person sustained traumatic injuries after falling off a horse in Plympton, the towns fire department wrote on Facebook. The fire department first reported it was operating an incident around 10:40 a.m. Monday morning, and said a medical helicopter had been called to the area. A Boston Med Flight helicopter went to the area and landed at the Ballfield Landing Zone behind the fire station in Plympton, the fire department said. The helicopter then took the person to Massachusetts General Hospital with traumatic injuries. Plympton is a small town in Plymouth County on the South Shore. It was not immediately clear Monday where exactly the person was injured. Editors note: The city for which Eileen Monaghans ex-husband was a city councilor has been corrected. Since Sunday, a man has been in Franklin County Jail in connection with the death of the former wife of a Chicopee city councilor over the weekend. Jason Chapdelaine, 52, of Springfield, was arrested Sunday and charged with murder, according to the Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gullunis office. Police responded to a 911 call at about 1:30 a.m. to the 200 block of South Water Street due to a report of suspicious activity, Gullunis office said. The woman was found with apparent stab wounds and Chapdelaine was unresponsive due to self-inflicted harm. She died and he was taken into custody. The woman was identified Monday as Eileen Monaghan, 48, of Chicopee, Gullunis office said. She was the chief of staff of the now-retired state Rep. Joseph Wagner, D-Hampden, and the former wife of Chicopee City Councilor Shane D. Brooks. Monaghans death is being investigated by the Holyoke Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorneys Office, and the Hampden District Attorneys Offices Murder Unit, the statement said. Who is the suspect? Chapdelaine is a firefighter with the Chicopee Fire Department. Following his arrest, he was placed on unpaid leave, Chicopee Mayor John L. Vieau said. How did Chapdelaine and Monaghan know each other? Monaghan had recently been working as an executive assistant to Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi. When he spoke to The Republican, Cocchi said she was brutally murdered ... allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend. Where is Chapdelaine being held? After his arrest, Chapdelaine was taken to the Franklin County Sheriffs Office, where he is being held without bail until his arraignment, Robert Rizzuto, a spokesman for Cocchis office, told The Republican. Chapdelaine was transferred to the Franklin County Sheriffs Office instead of Hampden County Sheriffs Office due to Monaghans association with Cocchi, Rizzuto said. When will Chapdelaines arraignment be? Chapdelaine is expected to be arranged in Holyoke District Court on Tuesday, according to Gullunis office. Big ideas often start in the smallest of places. Shortly before dawn on Monday morning, re-enactors, some dressed as British Redcoats, some as Colonial militiamen, massed on Lexingtons town green to pay tribute to those who fell in April 1775 as the first shots of what became the American war for independence shattered the early-morning stillness. The British soldiers who marched into Lexington 249 years ago couldnt have known they were firing the opening volleys in a fight that would change the course of history. And, as that same history has shown us, that eventual Colonial victory was by no means always assured. It would take luck, skill, and the timely assistance of foreign allies, to make it happen. Taking to X on Monday morning, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, who was among those who gathered on Lexingtons Battle Green, alluded to that history and to the year of historical observances to come, as the United States observes the 250th anniversary of its independence. What a glorious morning for America! The best way to kick off Patriots Day is in Lexington watching the reenactment on the Battle Green, Healey wrote. Even more excited to celebrate 250 years of revolutionary history in Massachusetts next year! Ive been lucky enough to live and work in three places Washington D.C, Pennsylvania, and now Massachusetts that have played a pivotal role in Americas foundation myth. All are special in their own way. Late on a chokingly humid night in August, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin, is a secular cathedral. The statue of Americas third president looms overhead. Its lit in the darkness of late summer, with all the young nations promises and still-to-be-resolved contradictions wrapped into one person. A mile or so away, the memorial to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King is both a testament to the progress since the Founding Generation, and the frustrating distance that remains to be closed. And as inspiring as Independence Hall in Philadelphia can be, the battlefield at Gettysburg, some 140 miles away, is as haunting. Just 80 years span the distance between the final Colonial victory at Yorktown and the turning point of a bloody civil war that tore the same country apart. And all are reminders that the stories we tell about ourselves, the myths we share about the nations foundation, and who had a seat at the table of power and who did not, matter as much now as they did back then. Nearly two-thirds of respondents to a GBH News/CommonWealth Beacon poll, conducted by the MassINC Polling Group, believe that violence is very or somewhat likely this election year, MassLive previously reported. The sign marking Battle Green in Lexington, Mass. (MassLive photo by John L. Micek).John L. Micek The thing that really sticks out to me is just the number of demographic groups where this is a majority, Steve Koczela, the president of the MassINC Polling Group, told WGBH. Theres really not anybody who thinks everything is going great right now. Worse, some of us think we may not survive each other. And a new hit movie, A24s Civil Wargrimly and unflinchingly imagines what that future might be like if it does happen. So what happened? And where do we go next? Whole books have been written about our national malaise and the forces that are driving the polarization of our politics and our relationships with each other. So here, then, is the last [50] years of American politics summarized: we became more consistent in the party we vote for not because we came to like our party moreindeed, weve come to like the parties we vote for lessbut because we came to dislike the opposing party more. Even as hope and change sputter, fear and loathing proceed, the journalist Ezra Klein wrote in his 2020 exploration Why Were Polarized. And with the most consequential presidential election in American history since, well, the last one, now months away, that disaffection is evident. Americans are split, 50-50, in their belief that both current President Joe Biden, the Democrat, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican, each have done more harm than good, according to a recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. So is there a way back? Is there a way to span the divide? Id argue that it starts with remembering that theres more that unites us than divides us. That person you disagree with on the Big Issue that matters to you most? They also take their kids to school. They also sweat the bills. They often look to a higher power for guidance. And they also worry whether things are going to get better. Writing about Jefferson in his 2013 biography Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, the historian Jon Meacham wrote that the chief author of American independence believed in the virtues of civility, understanding that they were the most required when they were the least convenient. In our superheated age, that kind of grace and understanding seems like a towering ask. But it is not an impossible one. Think about the people who gathered on Lexingtons Battle Green on Monday morning. They might have disagreed on our politics now. But it seems certain that all of them believed in the promise of an emerging nation. This Patriots Day gives us the opportunity to remember that, and to protect it. Because we might not notice its gone until its too late. BOSTON Red Sox manager Alex Cora brought in rookie reliever Justin Slaten with a one-run lead, runners at the corners and one out in the top of the sixth inning Sunday. It took Slaten, a Rule 5 Draft pick, just one pitch (90.7 mph cutter) to escape the jam. The 26-year-old righty got Brandon Drury to ground into an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play. First baseman Triston Casas pumped his fist in excitement after they turned it. That one-pitch double play saved the day, Cora said. Masataka Yoshida extended the lead to three runs with a two-run 384-foot homer to right field in the bottom of the sixth inning. Slaten, who replaced starter Brayan Bello, stayed in to pitch the seventh and eighth innings. The Red Sox won 5-4 over the Angels here at Fenway Park. Boston took the three-game series, 2-1. Coming out of the bullpen, that was the only thing on my mind throw my best pitch for a ground ball, Slaten said. Luckily I was able to throw one and get out of it. So it felt good to pick up the team and to pick up Bello. Fanatics Sportsbook 10X$100 BONUS BET BET MATCH BONUS CLAIM OFFER Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, KY ,MD, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV); (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelpline.org (MA), mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1800gambler.net (WV) Cora added, He doesnt get too emotional. He got the double play, we were all excited in the dugout and he was like, Ive gotta go back out and get three more outs. Hes a good one. Hes really good. And little by little, you see how were using him. Multiple innings and well take care of him physically because obviously this is a lot different than the minor leagues and the way he has been used. He was really good for us. This was a wild game. Closer Kenley Jansen gave up a run in the ninth after loading the bases. But with two runners in scoring position, Jansen struck out Luis Rengifo and Mike Trout both swinging to escape. Slaten allowed one run in 2 innings. Its the only run he has allowed in 10 innings this season. He has given up just three hits (two hits Sunday) and one walk while striking out eight in six relief appearances. Hes nasty, man. Hes nasty, Jansen said about Slaten. He mixed and matched today and used his offspeed more. Hes going to be great, man. Picking up the bullpen, especially right now. We have two big dogs down right now. And we need him. The Red Sox were without setup man Chris Martin whose left shoulder (non-pitching arm) is bothering him. Boston also placed right-handed reliever Isaiah Campbell on the 15-day injured list Friday. Im going to take the ball whenever they tell me to take it, for as long as they tell me to take it, Slaten said. So to be able to go out there and give them 2-plus innings and pick those guys up felt great because theres going to be days when Im going to be down and I need a day and they are going to do the same for me. Energy burden. Its an unfamiliar term to most of us. When we pay our monthly utility bills, though, many of us feel the weight of those costs. Across Massachusetts, electricity users have been complaining to the state Department of Public Utilities that what they pay for energy, given their income, is untenable and in some cases reason to consider leaving the state. In short, many low- and moderate-income families across Massachusetts are overwhelmed by their energy burden. Erica Swallow wants kids to develop skills that could make them businesspeople right away, and she has studied how some children started their very own successful businesses at young ages. The Springfield real estate agent and president of the Springfield Preservation Trust has authored a five-book series called Little Launchers on kid entrepreneurs. Three grocers in Western Massachusetts say they have already made moves to comply with local rules regarding the use of single-use plastic bags and they would support a statewide ban on the objects but the transition to more sustainable options has its challenges. A recent report co-written by research and policy center Environment America, U.S. PIRG, and Frontier Group said single-use plastic bag bans have proven effective at reducing plastic use across the country. SPRINGFIELD An initiative between the Hampden County District Attorneys Office and Baystate Health, Trinity Health and the Center for Human Development has provided more than 2,870 doses of an opioid overdose antidote to area police and fire departments so far. The medication, known as naloxone or the brand name Narcan, is administered with a special injector through the nose of an overdose victim and can quickly counteract the effects of opioid drugs. It is easy to administer and is effective if given quickly. SPRINGFIELD The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority late last week canceled its $185 million contract to buy passenger rail cars from CRRCs Springfield factory. SEPTA has terminated its contract with CRRC MA for cause, authority spokesman John Golden said in an email. The authority is assessing its options for recouping funds that have been spent on the project. HOLYOKE The former wife of a city councilor who was also the long-term chief of staff to now-retired state Rep. Joseph Wagner has been identified as the victim of a homicide early Sunday morning. Eileen Monaghan, 48, of Chicopee, was stabbed multiple times at about 1:30 a.m. on South Water Street. She died shortly afterward, despite police and emergency medical services personnel providing assistance, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said on Monday. The Greater Holyoke YMCA honored Vincent Olinski of Westfield with the Louis F. Oldershaw Community Service award as part of its Sneaker Peek event on April 6. The award is given to an individual who has made significant volunteer contributions to the greater Holyoke community and emulates a high standard of excellence in their family life, professional achievements, and community service. Olinski graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1976, and his career in YMCA service began as a freshman in 1972, working at Westfield YMCAs Camp Shepard. He worked 14 years at the Westfield YMCA before becoming the Executive Director of the Greater Holyoke YMCA in 1986. His 21 years at the Greater Holyoke YMCA saw the YMCA significantly expand programs and community services and featured the $2.5 million renovation and facility expansion in the late 1990s. Vincent retired from the YMCA in 2007 after a total of 35 years of service. The Internet Society Foundation today announced the opening of its 2024 application cycle for the Research Grant Program. This program offers grants up to US$500,000 to support researchers around the world who are examining the critical issues surrounding the future and sustainability of the Internet. The Internet Society Foundation encourages independent researchers, non profit organizations, and public research institutions worldwide to submit proposals that delve into the following thematic areas: A Trustworthy Internet Decolonizing the Internet Greening the Internet The Internet Economy Creating new knowledge through rigorous research is essential in ensuring the Internets long-term health, said Sarah Armstrong, Executive Director of the Internet Society Foundation. By supporting a diverse range of researchers, we gain a deeper understanding of the Internets impact on society and can use that evidence to shape a more equitable and sustainable future. Our research involved technical work, field visits, and collaborative workshops with rural users. The Global South, especially the rural areas, are very contextual. Building technologies the way big tech does may not work well because if its irrelevant to the users, they wouldnt use it. Without the Internet Society Foundation grant, it would have probably been impossible to do this research. Francis Saa-Dittoh, University for Development Studies, Ghana. (Learn more about Francis research that is using artificial intelligence to promote digital inclusion). Independent researchers may receive funding up to US$200,000, while organizations and institutions can receive up to US$500,000. The application window for the 2024 Research Grant Program opens on 3 April and closes on 14 May 2024, at 21:00 UTC. The Internet Society Foundation is committed to open access research. All funded projects must be published and made freely available to the public. The program also strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups in the research community. by Ray Schultz , April 14, 2024 Google has started blocking links to news sites for some California users in response to a state bill that would require media giants to pay publishers for linking to their content. The action in response to the California Journalism Protection Act (CJPA) now being considered has drawn quick condemnation from Danielle Coffey, CEO of the New/Media Alliance. Googles move to withhold access to critical content is antithetical to their advocacy around open access and their mission to help people find the information they are looking for, Coffey says. This is incredibly disappointing and undemocratic. However, Google is defending its stance. To prepare for possible CJPA implications, we are beginning a short-term test for a small percentage of California users, writes Jaffer Zaidi, vice president, global news partnerships for Google, in a post. The testing process involves removing links to California news websites, potentially covered by CJPA, to measure the impact of the legislation on our product experience. advertisement advertisement Zaidi adds, Until theres clarity on Californias regulatory environment, were also pausing further investments in the California news ecosystem, including new partnerships through Google News Showcase, our product and licensing program for news organizations, and planned expansions of the Google News Initiative. " The bills author, Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), argues that the legislation is designed to support our free press and the democracy sustained by it, to make sure publications get paid what they are owed, and to hold our nations largest and wealthiest tech companies accountable for repurposing content thats not theirs. And, Coffey argues that Googles action demonstrates the real problem, one company has too much power, which the California Journalism Preservation Act, solves in part so that journalists can get paid. It is not clear if Google is bluffing. Last year, the company agreed to pay Canadian publishers $100 million per year for use of its news content on the Google search platform. In contrast, Meta simply start blocking news content in Canada when Canada passed its own journalism bill. Meta also threatens to remove news links in Illinois if a similar bill is passed there. If faced with legislation that requires us to pay for news content that publishers voluntarily post on our platforms and is not the reason most people come to Facebook and Instagram, we will be forced to make the same business decision that we made in Canada to end the availability of news in Illinois, Meta spokesperson Jamie Radice said, according to mystateline.com. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, April 14, 2024 A California link tax created by a pending bill in the California state legislation, the California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA), would require Google to pay for connecting Californians to news articles. If it is passed, CJPA may result in changes to the services that Google can offer Californians and the traffic provided to California publishers. We have long said that this is the wrong approach to supporting journalism," Vice President of Global News Partnerships Jaffer Zaidi wrote in a post Friday. Zaidi said Google will begin experimenting with removing links to California news websites on its search platform, in response to the bill. The California Journalism Preservation Act would require search engine news sites, as well as social-media companies such as Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to pay a fee for every article that is shared on their platforms. The bill has passed the Assembly and sits in the Senate Judiciary Committee. advertisement advertisement Zaidi wrote in the post that CJPA undermines news in California. We don't take these decisions lightly and want to be transparent with California publishers, lawmakers, and our users, he wrote. To avoid an outcome where all parties lose and the California news industry is left worse off, we urge lawmakers to take a different approach. Zaidi went on to explain Google's history with publishers. The company has provided support to help news publishers navigate the changing digital landscape. The company rolled out Google News Showcase, which operates in 26 countries, including the U.S., and has more than 2,500 participating publications. Through the Google News Initiative it partnered with more than 7,000 news publishers worldwide, including 200 news organizations and 6,000 journalists in California alone. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 15, 2024 In the last two weeks, Google has been hit with privacy lawsuits by thousands of Chrome users who claim the company wrongly collected their data while they browsed in incognito mode. Notwithstanding consumers best efforts, to keep their activities on the internet private, Google has made itself an unaccountable trove of information so detailed and expansive that George Orwell could never have dreamed it, the plaintiffs allege in complaints brought in Santa Clara County Superior Court. The new cases were brought almost immediately after Google officially agreed to settle a class-action in federal court over similar allegations. That proposed settlement requires Google to shed some data and revise disclosures about the incognito setting. While the federal settlement agreement doesn't require Google to pay monetary damages, the deal specifically allows Chrome users to pursue individual lawsuits against the company. advertisement advertisement Class counsel in that matter said in court papers filed earlier this month that a "very large number" of individual Chrome users planned to pursue individual suits. As of last week, at least 90 lawsuits had been filed against Google, and each complaint was brought on behalf of 50 plaintiffs, according to the San Jose Mercury News. The new cases, like the one in federal court, claim Google collected data from Chrome users who launched a page in incognito mode, despite representing that incognito would allow people to browse privately. They allege that even in incognito mode, visiting a site that uses Google Analytics or Google Ad Manager results in Google's collection of a host of data -- including IP addresses, browser and device information, and data about the websites' content. Google unlawfully intercepted plaintiffs private browsing communications to collect their personal and sensitive information, without disclosure or consent, including when they in incognito mode visited non-Google websites without being signed into any Google account, the plaintiffs allege in the new lawsuits. Google had argued in the federal class-action that incognito users consented to data collection, and therefore couldn't claim their privacy was violated. When Chrome users command the browser to open an incognito window, they are greeted with a message stating Chrome won't save browsing history, cookies and site data, and information entered in forms. But the message also says that web activity may be visible to outside websites. Last August, U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected the company's bid for summary judgment in its favor. She said in a written ruling that Google never explicitly told users it collected data while they browsed in incognito mode. The court cannot find as a matter of law that users explicitly consented to the at-issue data collection, she wrote. A Google spokesperson said the new cases are "meritless" and that the company will defend itself vigorously. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 15, 2024 The online mental health company Cerebral has agreed to refrain from drawing on users' data for marketing or advertising purposes, in order to settle privacy charges brought by the Federal Trade Commission. The settlement agreement -- which will also resolve charges that Cerebral thwarted consumers' attempts to cancel subscription fees -- additionally requires the company to pay $7 million. Cerebral violated its customers privacy by revealing their most sensitive mental health conditions across the Internet and in the mail, FTC Chair Lina Khan stated Monday. The FTC charges and proposed settlement, both unveiled Monday, largely stem from allegations that Cerebral's websites and apps used third-party tracking tools to collect consumers' health data -- including data about their activity on Cerebrals' sites and apps, contact information, and persistent identifiers. advertisement advertisement That information was then used to "re-target current Cerebral users with additional advertisements for Cerebral services, and to target new consumers who were demographically similar to existing Cerebral users, according to the FTC. The complaint includes a claim that Cerebral deceived users by promising to keep their information confidential, but then sharing with third-party analytics companies. By permitting tracking tools on Cerebrals websites and apps, defendants caused a massive disclosure of consumers remarkably sensitive [personal health information] directly or indirectly to 20 or more third parties, including LinkedIn, Snapchat, and TikTok, the FTC alleges in a complaint brought in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. That information includes names; home addresses; email addresses; phone numbers; birthdates; other demographic information; IP addresses; medical and prescription histories; pharmacy and health insurance information; and other health information, including treatment plans and treatment appointment dates, the agency adds. In March 2023, Cerebral disclosed that its inappropriate use of tracking tools on its websites and apps amounted to a breach of health data protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the complaint alleges. Cerebral stated Monday it agreed to implement enhanced consumer protection, privacy, and compliance measures to further protect the personal information of our clients, increase transparency into our data practices, and implement enhanced data security protocols and tools to allow our clients control over their privacy settings. Meta Platforms is facing a separate privacy lawsuit by Cerebral users who claim their health data was sent to Meta through its Pixel tool -- analytics code that allegedly transmitted information about Cerebral visitors back to Meta. In February, U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick in the Northern District of California rejected Meta's request to throw out the complaint. Cerebral is not simply a healthcare provider; it is a mental health services provider, Orrick wrote, adding that even somewhat innocuous information like name and zip code could become sensitive given that plaintiffs were seeking mental health services. Did you Know? Delamanid approval ends painful injectables for pediatric TB treatment, enhancing care and comfort. #tb #delamanid #medindia Delamanid approval ends painful injectables for pediatric TB treatment, enhancing care and comfort. #tb #delamanid #medindia Delamanid Approved for Under-5s in India Pediatric delamanid treatment for children with rifampicin-resistant TB - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9524514/) In March, a significant development emerged in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in India, particularly targeting pediatric patients. The approval of Delamanid for children under the age of five has marked a pivotal moment in pediatric TB treatment. This milestone not only offers hope for alleviating the suffering of young patients but also signifies a major leap forward in combating TB, especially in its drug-resistant forms.The Central TB Division announced a crucial update to its treatment guidelines, expanding the use of Delamanid for younger pediatric patients. Previously restricted to children aged six and above, Delamanid is now endorsed for infants and children as part of the initial oral regimen for treating multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). This expansion brings relief to children who previously had to endure painful injectables, offering them an all-oral regimen.The approval of Delamanid for children under five signifies a significant shift in pediatric TB treatment. Before this permission, treatment regimens for younger babies with XDR-TB included injectables such as amikacin , known for its potential to cause severe side effects, including hearing loss. With Delamanid now available, doctors can provide young patients with a safer and more tolerable treatment option, eliminating the discomfort and potential harm associated with injectables.Dr. Sushant Mane, a national expert in the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) from JJ Hospital, hailed this development as "transformational." He emphasized that this approval would not only bring relief to children but also to their families. Dr. Vikas Oswal, a chest physician and TB specialist, highlighted the special implications of this news for Mumbai, where a significant portion of cases are pre-XDR and XDR. The approval of Delamanid holds promise for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the burden of TB in the city.The approval of Delamanid for children under five in India represents a significant milestone in pediatric TB treatment. By eliminating the need for painful injectables, this development offers hope for a more tolerable and effective treatment regimen for young patients battling drug-resistant TB. As the fight against TB continues, such advancements are crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by pediatric patients and advancing towards a TB-free future.Source-Medindia Highlights: Fairness creams containing mercury pose serious health risks, including kidney damage Study shows a strong association between fairness cream use and Membranous Nephropathy Public awareness and regulatory measures are critical to combat the dangers posed by these fairness products Trusted Source NELL-1 associated membranous nephropathy linked to skin fairness cream use- insights from an Indian case series Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? 68% of membranous nephropathy cases in a study were linked to fairness cream use. #skincare #healthrisk #fairnesscream #medindia 68% of membranous nephropathy cases in a study were linked to fairness cream use. #skincare #healthrisk #fairnesscream #medindia Advertisement The Popularity and Risks of Fairness Creams Advertisement Fairness creams, a popular category of cosmetic products, are designed to lighten or brighten the skin tone, often catering to societal preferences for fair or lighter skin . These creams promise quick results and are widely marketed across various demographics, particularly in regions where fair skin is culturally favored ().The formulation of fairness creams typically involves ingredients that inhibit melanin production, such as hydroquinone , kojic acid, arbutin, and sometimes, mercury compounds. These ingredients are believed to lighten skin tone by reducing pigmentation and dark spots.Despite their popularity, fairness creams have come under scrutiny due to health concerns associated with certain ingredients, especially mercury. High levels of mercury in these creams pose serious health risks, including kidney damage , as highlighted by recent studies published inlinking their use to, an autoimmune kidney disorder. JOURNALIST: We are meeting at a critical juncture. Upon entering, I visited the BBC website to see what is happening in the world. The lead story concerns Netanyahus consultations in Israel amid fears of a strike from Iran. If we didn't know this was real and saw it in a TV series, we'd think we were watching -I hate to say it but everything points that way when we speak of such conflict- the beginning of a global conflagration. I would like your initial comment on this, Minister. G. GERAPETRITIS: I believe that reality now surpasses the imagination as regards events. The density of political time, the density of diplomatic time and of events is such that I believe it has exceeded all predictability, all imagination. Ultimately, Ms Lymperaki, what is crucial is that, at the moment, it is very difficult for anyone to predict events. You know, in the past, foreign policy, any policy, had one fundamental component, which had to do with the predictability of events. Whoever had a better understanding of what was to come was better prepared and thus, in a more advantageous position. Today, in my view, precisely because there is an asymmetry in events, a lack of predictability, as well as a supranational nature to events, a small conflict, a minor natural event occurring on the other side of the world, can have a direct impact on us. I believe our strategic thinking is no longer based on predicting events, but simply on addressing all hypothetical scenarios. There are so many potential scenarios that it is extremely difficult to have a response for each and every one. I still remember, and it is always on my mind, that the scientists' prediction about the natural phenomenon in Thessaly, the Daniel disaster, is a case that technically occurs once every 400 years. We actually had two phenomena of almost similar scale in the same area, which condensed time. Likewise, an epidemic that historically emerges every thousand years we have witnessed several in just a decade. You realize that these events are beyond the ability to predict. Preparedness has now become our primary concern. JOURNALIST: I would like you to tell us more about the Middle East. Hopefully, we can revisit this topic towards the end of our meeting, as well as discuss Ukraine. I get the impression though that most people here share a heightened interest in our relationship with neighboring Turkiye. We are about a month away from the anticipated meeting of the Prime Minister with the Turkish President. One wonders, Minister, -quite reasonably in my view-, if, following a long period of calm in Greek-Turkish relations, the recent exchange of rather sharp statements by the two Foreign Ministries focusing on an environmental issue, the marine parks, could signify the onset of a return to tension. I am asking this because this exchange of statements comes after a poor electoral result for Erdogan. G. GERAPETRITIS: I want to be clear. We are neither naive nor utopian to believe that we can resolve the problems we have with Turkiye, which go back decades, overnight. On the other hand, I believe that an important point in the good relationship we are trying to develop with Turkiye, is the understanding that the fundamental positions of the two sides are not going to change. And this was, after all, one of the explicitly stated points in the Athens Declaration of December 7th. We realize, however, how important it is to be able to defuse these tensions. The first thing I said when I took over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was that I wanted the tensions that arise - you cannot avoid this in a relationship where geography has placed us so close yet so difficult - to not generate crises. And I would like to tell you that there have been many opportunities for tension over the last ten months. What is the difference compared to previous years? That these tensions were defused because there was swift management at the highest level. JOURNALIST: Would you like to share with us an example of a situation that could have generated tension but was avoided? G. GERAPETRITIS: The fact that there was a temporary suspension of the service in Panagia Soumela on the 15th of August, or issues related to the sea usage by fishermen. These are issues which, I want to reiterate, have occurred overtime and will most likely continue to arise in the future. What is the difference today? That instead of having a management approach that escalates tension, so that by the time we reach the top of the political pyramid, the tension generated is such that it does not deflate and could even lead to a possible rupture, management is done from the top down, that is, at the highest level, so that there is a quicker de-escalation. I believe at this level it is critical to have a direct line of communication to defuse tensions promptly. However, I want to say the following. I fully understand those who say that Turkiye will never change, that it remains an extremely unpredictable ally, a neighbor forever poised to create problems for us. Allow me to emphasize this. We must all realize, and I believe that should be a common understanding, that it is critical to maintain calm in our region. If we accept the fact that there are countervailing positions on both sides, we can then achieve this mutual understanding. So, I reiterate, in my understanding of things, and under the instructions of the Prime Minister, over the last ten months, we have ensured that there has been zero activity on the ground, although the rhetoric may indeed fluctuate in some cases. But in reality JOURNALIST: A kind of sweet rhetoric? G. GERAPETRITIS: This rhetoric is far from what we have seen in the past. I want to be clear. I want Greek citizens to feel confident about their country and feel a sense of calm and security. I want my children to live in a region where they will not have to keep their finger on the trigger. I will never engage in rhetoric that is disproportionate to the facts. It would be all too easy for me to use the position of Foreign Minister for personal gain. You know, in Greece, becoming popular on national issues may be the easiest thing to accomplish. I will not do that. What I want is to be primarily beneficial for my country, not popular, and that is what I will continue to do. JOURNALIST: Ahead of this meeting - because after the meeting will come the time for assessments - I want to ask you a priori what results would render this meeting between Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan, a successful one? What are the expectations we can reasonably have, and what result will make us speak of a successful meeting the day after? G. GERAPETRITIS: First, I should point out that the fact that a meeting is taking place between the leaders of two neighboring countries should not necessarily be expected to produce a very specific and tangible outcome. In other words, every time we meet with a neighbouring country's leader, should we set a success bar? No. The answer is that we should, in my opinion, try, to some extent, to de-dramatize the meetings that take place between the Greek and Turkish delegations. They are leaders of neighboring countries, they ought, in my view, to discuss issues that arise and should engage in open and honest dialogue. Certainly, conclusions will be drawn at the end of the day, because, as you are aware, we have a broad, open, positive agenda. We have mutually beneficial measures that relate to migration, civil protection, trade, the economy. We have a wide range of exchanges and agreements. On the other hand, I reiterate, it is very important to communicate. I am a proponent of deliberative democracy. I want us to sit at the same table and discuss. When we do not talk, it is inevitable that we will worsen our position. JOURNALIST: So, you're saying that the mere act of discussing is a success. G. GERAPETRITIS: No. What I am saying is that we should not necessarily evaluate that a discussion must produce a result. Dialogue should be open and sincere. Just as the Greek Prime Minister discussed today with the Polish Prime Minister, he should discuss with the Turkish President, all the more so with the Turkish President because they are in our neighborhood. We should finally de-dramatize the issues with Turkiye. We know we have significant chapters open, most notably the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf. These are unlikely to be discussed and resolved at present. However, we know that the more we maintain open channels of communication, the less likely we are to find ourselves in a state of excessive tension, and hopefully this will not occur during our tenure. JOURNALIST: You mentioned, Minister, that we have open issues, the most important of which are the EEZ and the continental shelf. Our longstanding position is that this is our sole difference, isn't it? G. GERAPETRITIS: Thats right. JOURNALIST: Nothing has changed regarding this, has it? G. GERAPETRITIS: Certainly not. This is the only difference that can be brought before international jurisdiction, and that marks the end of the path. Of course, there are several other issues that we can discuss. JOURNALIST: Are you optimistic that we will see an end to this in the coming years? I mean, in the immediate future. G. GERAPETRITIS: What I can assure you is that I would like to see it. I am clear. I want to leave a legacy of a peaceful neighborhood. As long as the underlying problem of the delimitation remains unresolved, there will always be tensions. At some point anyway, we need to face things with courage. I know that this is not a pleasant discussion. It is a difficult discussion, which will likely have negative consequences for the person conducting the talks, which will probably be me. JOURNALIST: What did you say? G. GERAPETRITIS: That it will probably be me who will lead the discussion regarding the delimitation of maritime zones. JOURNALIST: What does courage mean in this discussion, Minister? It is quite interesting that you mention it. What does it mean to face this matter courageously? G. GERAPETRITIS: I think it is very clear. We should sit down with Turkiye and see how we can have a balanced stance, which based solely on International Law, can lead us to a resolution of this only problem we have concerning its legal nature. We should move forward and possibly refer to The Hague or Hamburg, to an international jurisdiction that can resolve the issue of delimitation. You know, referring to jurisdiction itself has an element of courage, because the outcome of international jurisdiction is always uncertain. JOURNALIST: We could continue on this for much longer. However, in our brief discussion today, I do not want to leave out the rest of the issues with our neighbors. Let us turn to Albania, Minister, and the issue with Fredi Beleri, which caused significant tension. I will also put on the table all the speculation that has developed over the possibility of seeing Mr. Beleri on the New Democracy's European electoral list. Although I know I will not get an answer, we, journalists put issues on the table. However, I would like you to tell us if this has essentially impacted our relations with our neighbors, with Tirana. G. GERAPETRITIS: You understand that you will not receive an answer about the European electoral list because this issue is above my pay grade. What I want to tell you is that our relations with Albania should remain good neighborly relations. The Fredi Beleri case was not bilateral. I stated this from the very beginning. I have conveyed it to our neighbors, I have conveyed it to international organizations. I believe it has now become a common understanding that the way the case of Fredi Beleri was handled is inconsistent with an advanced rule of law. For this reason, the issue is not bilateral, but European. JOURNALIST: Is Greece satisfied with the way our partners handled it? G. GERAPETRITIS: Based on the architecture of decision-making in the European Union, I believe that we can have a substantial say. However, I want to assure you that our fundamental position has not been overturned, both in terms of Albania and the entire Western Balkans. Greece advocated for the integration of the Western Balkans into the European family, 21 years ago with the Thessaloniki agenda and it continues to do so. We want to see Albania, as we want to see the other states of the Western Balkans, integrated into the European Union. And we will do everything in our power to make this happen. However, respect for the fundamentals, namely the rule of law, democracy, and the rights of minorities, is a condition that cannot be conceded. JOURNALIST: You referred to the Balkans more broadly and I recalled a pending issue that remains and has to do with the Prespa Agreement and its accompanying protocols. Should we expect all this to move forward at some point? G. GERAPETRITIS: Of course, it will progress when the political conditions allow it. And when I say political, I do not mean internal politics. You are aware of our stance as a party, both as an opposition in the past and today as a government. The Prespa Agreement is an international treaty. You well know what an international treaty means. International treaties, when signed, supersede any other law. They cannot be unilaterally modified and bind every government. Therefore, what we are obliged to do is to monitor the full implementation of the Prespa Agreement. And that is what we do. When there is a common understanding, a mutual understanding, and a real state of full compliance, the Memoranda will be submitted for ratification to the Hellenic Parliament. JOURNALIST: So, you are saying that this delay so far has nothing to do with internal political reasons or intra-party balances. G. GERAPETRITIS: Ms. Lymperaki, the delay is primarily due to the relationships developing beyond the Prespa Agreement. JOURNALIST: Minister, we heard at the beginning of this year's Forum IX, Ukraines leader, Mr. Zelensky, emphasizing, I think quite dramatically, that this war cannot be won if support from the West ceases. We saw this in practice with the Prime Minister's very recent visit and his statements. Where does Greece stand? And do you ultimately believe, wherever we stand, that reluctance is gaining ground in the West? G. GERAPETRITIS: I would like to emphasize the importance of support for Ukraine, which I believe is apparent. At this moment, the perception that prevails in part of the world - that what is happening in Ukraine is purely a European matter - is absolutely mistaken. In the case of Ukraine, we have a clear violation of International Law. A violent, blunt, cynical act. An act of raw revisionism. It is in the absolute interest of the West and in the interest of the international security architecture that Russias stance is not rewarded. For this reason, both the European Union and the United Nations, but also bilaterally all member states, have supported Ukraine's effort. My view is that we are at a very critical juncture, and I say this in full knowledge of the facts, having discussed privately with my Ukrainian counterpart. What Ukraine currently requires is unified support from the West, from all the states that collectively constitute what we call the West. And I want to tell you this: I understand the fatigue that may exist due to the prolonged operation that is currently underway in Ukraine. However, we must understand how closely connected today's events in Ukraine are to global peace and security. Having this understanding, I believe everyone could agree that we must continue to support Ukraine. And this support should be perceived as necessary for universal solidarity vis-a-vis those who defend International Law. JOURNALIST: But is this happening lately? Or do you also perceive what I mentioned earlier, that indeed reluctance is gaining ground in the West, in Europe and the United States? G. GERAPETRITIS: We understand that conditions always shape realities. The fact that this period, in 2024, about half of the planet's population in approximately 65 countries is going to the polls, creates a political condition that often alters the good understanding of events. There are indeed some political considerations being made regarding Ukraine. There is fatigue. There is, of course, the issue of limited resources that can be granted. I insist and will continue to insist: the effort being made at the level of the European Union, at the level of NATO, at the level of the United Nations, must continue, because support for Ukraine is more than just support for an ally country. It represents support against violent revisionism. JOURNALIST: You mentioned the polls. Among these 65 countries, the elections that, I believe hold the most interest - and some might say even invoke fear in the free world - are those that will take place in the leading power of the free world. Let me ask you succinctly, and please frame your response within the context of Greek-Turkish relations, the situation in Ukraine, or wherever else you deem appropriate. And what if Trump returns, Minister? G. GERAPETRITIS: Democracy will speak, Ms. Lymperaki, if democracy... JOURNALIST: That's what I'm saying. If democracy speaks and says Trump. G. GERAPETRITIS: Then Trump it is. The reality is that democracy is a regime that is inherently imperfect, but it is the most perfect one that exists. JOURNALIST: That is exactly the same thing Mr. Pikrammenos told me earlier. G. GERAPETRITIS: Look, I want to be honest. I do not anticipate that there will be a significant difference from the outcome of the US elections. JOURNALIST: Not even in regards to Ukraine or Greek-Turkish relations? We recall that Erdogan enjoyed privileged access during Trumps presidency, didnt he? G. GERAPETRITIS: Allow me to tell you that our current relations with the United States are neither circumstantial, nor are they personalized. Our relations are profound and substantial, governed by rules and principles. And it is my firm belief that they will continue as such. I am confident that the level of international capital we have acquired in recent years will continue to exist both with the United States and with all the countries we converse with. And they are not few. JOURNALIST: Minister, one last thing. Let us conclude from where we began: the Middle East. Most people would agree that in recent months there has been a shift in international public opinion and the international community, both in terms of rhetoric and in terms of criticism. We have shifted from unconditional support for Israel following the October massacre by Hamas, to criticism exercised for the scope of the military operations and for alleged violations of international rules. Where does Greece stand on this? G. GERAPETRITIS: Greece, today, April 12, 2024, stands exactly where it stood on October 7, 2023. And for this reason, it can converse with terms of prudence, honesty, and consistency towards everyone. Because as we speak, there are not many countries that have managed to converse with both Israelis and Palestinians, while simultaneously being regarded as reliable partners by both. But at the same time, we converse with all major partners in the Middle East, in the world, in the United States. So, Greece stands where International Law stands. What is that? Yes, Israel has the right to self-defense within the limits set by International Law and especially Humanitarian Law. Yes, we must differentiate the Palestinian people from Hamas. Yes, the Palestinians should be given a vision. And this vision is none other than the implementation of the Security Council resolutions, based on which there must be a Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Allow me to emphasize that Greeces foreign policy will never become transactional. Its great asset is its consistency. Based on the international capital of consistency and self-confidence we possess, we will continue to play a pivotal role, both in terms of the cessation of hostilities we are actively involved in these discussions -, and in terms of humanitarian aid and the architecture of the next day for the Middle East. JOURNALIST: I confess that I would like to ask you a lot more questions. Time is relentless. Minister, thank you very much. Good day, It is with great pleasure and honor that I welcome today, at the Foreign Ministry, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana. Today our attention is firmly focused on the developments in the broader Middle East, which are particularly alarming. The Greek government unequivocally condemns Iran's mass attacks against Israel, which constitute a serious deterioration of the already critical situation in the region. To this end, due restraint should be demonstrated. The region and the entire world cannot withstand further spread of hostilities. Honorable Minister, I warmly thank you for your participation in the 9th International "Our Ocean Conference", which begins today in Athens. Ghana is a friend of Greece, a significant and reliable partner of the European Union. An established democracy in an extremely fragile region. Minister, We particularly appreciate your active presence in international organisations, with three terms on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member, at an extremely difficult period for the world, and as a member of the current composition of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Return of Cultural Property to the Countries of Origin. A position and an issue of particular sensitivity for Greece. On this occasion, I would like to extend Greece's appreciation for Ghana's commitment to support Greeces candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, and the Human Rights Council for the 2028-2030 term. Minister, The spread of terrorism and general destabilization in the Sahel and Sub-Saharan regions are of great concern. Indeed, we share the concern that any extension of instability may have repercussions on migration flows and the safety of maritime transport, as well as on the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. It is considered appropriate for the EU to be in coordination with regional organisations, such as the African Union and ECOWAS. We look forward to convening the next EU-African Union Ministerial Conference. Greece is always among the countries that encourage the cooperation of the European Union with African countries and particularly the Republic of Ghana. Regarding our bilateral relations, one of the six priorities of our candidacy for the UN Security Council is the management of the climate crisis, an area in which we can cooperate further, a common challenge for humanity and both our countries. Our collaboration holds considerable potential for expansion in the areas of culture, economy, energy, and trade. Especially concerning trade, in mid-May, a Greek business delegation will travel to Accra, where all sectors of our economy will be represented. Before I conclude, Minister, I would like to mention something that unites our cultures and countries. That is St. Nicholas Greek School, located in the major trading port of Tema. I send my warmest wishes to its 160 students who are learning the Greek language with enthusiasm that particularly moves us. Minister, I welcome you and wish you a beneficial and productive stay in Athens. More Tricare beneficiaries became eligible for fertility treatments in 2024, thanks to a new Defense Department policy that expanded the benefit to unmarried service members and those needing donated eggs or sperm. Prior to the new policy dated March 8, 2024, the DoD provided fertility treatments -- also referred to as assisted reproductive technology, or ART -- only to certain married service members, and the department prohibited eggs or sperm donated by a third party, effectively barring same-sex couples from the benefit. Here's who qualifies and what to expect: Who Qualifies Unlike in the civilian world, where many employers offer fertility benefits as a perk, in the military, a service member's infertility must stem from a service-connected injury or illness. Service members do not have to prove they tried to conceive but were unable to. Instead, the DOD determines medical need based on the service member's illness or injury that was received "while on active duty that led to the loss of their ability to procreate without the use of ART," according to the policy. "This includes, but is not limited to, those suffering neurological, physiological, or anatomical injuries." Furthermore, according to the policy, a service member's injury or illness must rate as "Category II" or "Category III," rendering the individual likely to medically separate. A spouse, a Tricare-enrolled unmarried partner or a Tricare-enrolled, "third-party gestational carrier" -- aka "a surrogate" -- may be covered for treatment when the service member's infertility prevents conception. Covered Services ART services under Tricare fall outside the basic offering, instead categorized as a Supplemental Health Care Program. Services include: Sperm retrieval Egg retrieval In-vitro fertilization (IVF) Intrauterine insemination (IUI) Blastocyst implantation Cryopreservation and storage of embryos Patients must receive prior authorization for every IUI, gamete (sperm or egg) retrieval, embryo transfer or IVF cycle. Donated gametes or embryos are allowed but must be acquired at the service member's expense, though "DoD will cost-share the cost of gamete cryopreservation and/or storage" up until the service member leaves the military. Surrogates who are enrolled in Tricare may participate, but the DOD prohibits their being paid for doing so, with the possible exception of a waiver for travel. The DoD limits the number of attempts it will cover of a given treatment, such as up to six egg retrieval attempts and three completed IVF cycles. Where to Receive Treatment The DoD prefers that service members receive covered fertility treatments at a military hospital, and "if possible," private-sector care with Tricare network providers is also covered. The military hospitals offering the services include: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Liberty, North Carolina Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas Naval Medical Center San Diego Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Ohio Managing Your Benefit Timing matters during fertility treatments, and while not required, some service members may receive help managing their fertility benefit efficiently. The benefit company WIN provides benefit management for the Navy's Aviatrix Project for female naval aviators and for members of the Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. Keep Up with Changes to Tricare and Your Other Benefits Want to know about changes in military benefits as they happen? Subscribe to Military.com to get the latest benefits news delivered directly straight to your inbox. Troops at Colorado Space Force Base Will Have to Bring Their Own To-Go Boxes for Dining Hall While the initiative is aimed at reducing waste on base, the spokesperson added that they hope it will give troops on base... The Marine Corps said that uniformed service members who attended an event at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida last week were there in support of a nonprofit focused on preventing veteran suicide, not for a political fundraiser. The service said that reserve members from the 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, or ANGLICO, color guard attended the April 11 event hosted by the Grey Team, a nonprofit veterans organization. The image of the Marines went viral on X, formerly Twitter, and was panned as a violation of apolitical military norms, which the Marine Corps has denied. Military.com reviewed a copy of the form requesting the Marines at the event, which said that the color guard was invited to the "America First Gala" at the request of the Grey Team's co-founder. An official familiar with the chain of command's thought process said that the request was not deemed political "solely by nature" of occurring at Mar-a-Lago during an election year. Read Next: Transgender Veterans Sue to Force VA to Cover Gender-Affirmation Surgeries Mar-a-Lago serves as the base for Trump's campaign, but also hosts weddings, private events and galas, according to its website. "The approvers of the request can accurately be described as younger Marines who in all likelihood were not aware of the implications of the term 'America First' -- or -- since the former president wasn't going to be there, decided it was nonpolitical and therefore supportable," the person familiar with the events told Military.com on Monday. "Either way, it'd be fair to say this request probably should've gotten a little more attention, given its location and that it's an election year," they said. Broadly, the political slogan "America First," which was most recently popularized by Trump, refers to a policy that promotes U.S. isolationism and nationalism, instead of focusing on foreign relationships and intervention. The phrase has been around for more than a century, but Trump included it as part of his official foreign policy while in the White House. Military.com reached out to the Grey Team, the veteran nonprofit. Cary Reichbach, a co-founder of the organization and Army veteran, described his organization as "100% nonpartisan." According to the America First Gala website, all of the funds raised for the event would go directly to the Grey Team. Military.com wrote about the Grey Team in 2021. "As a U.S. Army veteran and one of the co-founders of Grey Team, I was sickened by the number of suicides of our current service members and post-service veterans," Reichbach told Military.com via email. "So, I gathered members of the community, regardless of race, sexual orientation and political preferences, to combat this epidemic." The image of four Marines from the 4th ANGLICO went viral online over the weekend. It shows the Marines in uniform with what appear to be gala guests. "When the photo was taken, the Marines were not actively executing the color guard," Lt. Col. Craig Thomas, a spokesperson for Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, told Military.com via email. "They were preparing when approached by gala guests for a photo opportunity. The photo was impromptu, hence the more approachable posture." Immediately, commenters, including former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, questioned whether the inclusion of uniformed service members at a political candidate's estate broke Department of Defense policy. Pentagon policy strictly prohibits uniformed personnel from participating in political events, a touchy subject that often gets brought up during election years. The policy is meant to avoid the appearance that the military is supporting a particular candidate or political party. "The request was reviewed by Marine Forces Reserve Community Relations and deemed eligible for support," the Marine Corps said in a statement Sunday. "The event was open to the public and helped raise awareness about military and veteran suicides. "The event was neither a political fundraiser, nor was the 45th president of the United States in attendance," the service said. In 2022, President Joe Biden was scrutinized for including uniformed Marines in the background of a speech in Pennsylvania, which the White House later defended. Related: White House Says Marines at Biden Speech Meant to Show 'Respect' for Military April 15: Its a minor league deal for Teheran, tweets ESPNs Jesse Rogers. April 14: The Cubs have signed right-hander Julio Teheran, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post (Twitter link). After the Mets designated Teheran for assignment earlier on Tuesday, he opted for free agency after clearing waivers, and has now quickly landed with a new team to complete a whirlwind week. Teherans time in New York lasted all of one start, as he allowed four runs over 2 2/3 innings in an 8-7 win over the Braves on April 8. Since the Mets signed Teheran to a Major League (albeit non-guaranteed) contract, one imagines that the team wouldve given him a longer look if he had pitched well, but the Mets chose to move one once roster technicalities allowed them to recall Jose Butto. Since the Cubs are also trying to deal with some injuries within the rotation, Teheran looks like hell again be in line to cover a few starts until the team gets healthier. Jameson Taillon might be close to returning from the 15-day injured list but Justin Steele will still be out until sometime in May, leaving the Cubs with a current rotation mix of Kyle Hendricks, Shota Imanaga, Jordan Wicks, Javier Assad, and Ben Brown. There isnt much MLB experience within that group apart from Hendricks, so between Taillons return and Teherans signing, Brown seems like the odd man out, and the Cubs can then decide on whether Wicks or Assad will remain as the fifth starter. It is also possible that Teheran could pitch as a depth option at Triple-A, if Chicago wants a longer look at any of their younger arms. Teheran pitched for Milwaukee last season, meaning Cubs manager and ex-Brewers skipper Craig Counsell is very familiar with the veteran righty. Teherans 71 2/3 innings with the Brew Crew represented his highest Major League workload since the 2019 season, and he delivered a respectable 4.40 ERA while starting 11 of his 14 games for Milwaukee. A two-time All-Star during his heyday with the Braves, Teheran moved from front-of-the-rotation arm to durable mid-rotation starter to journeyman, as the Cubs are now his seventh different organization since the start of the 2020 campaign. The Marlins announced theyve selected catcher Jhonny Pereda onto the major league roster. He fills in for Christian Bethancourt, who is headed to the 10-day injured list, retroactive to April 14, as he battles a viral illness. Miami already has an opening on the 40-man roster after designating Matt Andriese for assignment over the weekend. Its an early birthday gift for Pereda, who turns 28 on Thursday. He reaches the big leagues for the first time after more than a decade in the minor leagues. The Venezuela native initially signed with the Cubs during the 2012-13 international amateur period. He got to Double-A in the Chicago system six years later before being traded to the Red Sox. Pereda didnt reach the majors in Boston and became a minor league free agent after the 2021 season. The right-handed hitter has bounced around via minor league free agency over the past few years. He spent 2022 in Triple-A with the Giants and joined the Reds last season. Pereda turned in an excellent .325/.405/.468 batting line in 68 games with Cincinnatis Triple-A team but never got an MLB call. He inked another minor league pact this time with the Fish in January. Miami assigned Pereda to Triple-A Jacksonville. He has played in eight games, collecting nine hits and five walks over his first 32 plate appearances. That brings his career slash at the top minor league level to a strong .294/.383/.404 in parts of four seasons. That was enough to make him the first one up in the event of an injury or illness to either of the catchers on Miamis active roster. Bethancourt and Nick Fortes had been the only backstops on the 40-man roster. With Bethancourt needing some time off, the Fish had to go to a non-roster player to back Fortes up. Pereda will fill that role for at least a week, likely getting a chance to make his MLB debut in the process. Neither Fortes nor Bethancourt has contributed much for the Marlins as theyve limped to a 3-13 start. Miami has gotten by far the worst production in the league out of their catchers thus far: an .063/.100/.083 line over 51 trips to the plate. Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extrabase first reported the Marlins were selecting Pereda and placing Bethancourt on the IL. The Padres have signed veteran infielder Donovan Solano to a minor league deal, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Solano will report to the clubs Arizona facilities for now but will presumably move to a higher affiliate after getting in a delayed Spring Training of sorts. Solano, 36, has somewhat quietly been a very effective utility guy over the past five seasons. After playing in the majors from 2012 to 2016, Solano was stuck in the minors for 2017 and 2018. He made it back to the show with the Giants in 2019 and spent three years with them. He got into 236 games in those three years, one of which was the shortened 2020 season, and hit .308/.354/.435. His 5.8% walk rate was below average but he was also tough to strike out, a rate of just 18.8%. He did that while providing the club with plenty of defensive versatility, bouncing between shortstop, second base and third base. The past two years have seen him sign one-year deals, first with the Reds and then with the Twins, largely producing in a similar manner. He has a combined slash line of .296/.355/.413 from 2019 through 2023, which translates to a wRC+ of 112, indicating hes been 12% better than the league average hitter. He didnt play shortstop at all in the past two years but added first base into his repertoire. Given the generally solid offense and his ability to bounce around the infield, its a bit surprising that he has lingered on the open market this long. There was a rumor in January that the Twins were interested in bringing him back to Minnesota but his winter was quiet apart from that. It would appear that Solano was another victim of an offseason that wasnt kind to many players. Stars like Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman and Jordan Montgomery had to settle for short-term deals well below expectations while even guys at the lower tiers struggled. Late in the winter, position players like Amed Rosario, Gio Urshela, Michael A. Taylor, Adam Duvall, Randal Grichuk and others signed deals for $4MM or less. That will work to the Padres benefit, as theyve now brought aboard a talented infielder without having to commit a roster spot. The financial components of the deal arent known but Solano probably wont be guaranteed much even if he is eventually added to the roster. The Friars have had a bit of a rotating infield picture over the past few months. It was reported at the start of Spring Training that Xander Bogaerts would be moving from shortstop to second base, with Ha-Seong Kim taking over at short. Manny Machado had elbow surgery in the offseason that had prevented him from taking his normal third base position, but he has been serving as the designated hitter. With Machado not able to take the field, the third base playing time has been split between Tyler Wade, Eguy Rosario and Graham Pauley. Pauley was making his major league debut but scuffled enough to get optioned after just seven games. Rosario has two home runs in his 13 games this year but his 39.1% strikeout rate is on the worrying side. Wade has spent many years as a speed-and-defense utility guy who doesnt hit much and hes currently batting .222/.317/.250 this year. Machado will eventually return to the third base spot, which will lead to reduced infield playing time, though that will also open up the designated hitter slot. Perhaps Solano would make sense on the club at that time, as he could provide depth at multiple infield spots while providing the club with a bit more offense than someone like Wade while striking out less than Rosario. CLARKSON, MI - Get ready for a night of Reggae in Michigan with the Marley Brothers. Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian will pay tribute to their father, Bob Marley, on tour this year. The 22-date, The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour, heads to Pine Knob in Clarkston on Thursday, September 19. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m. Marleys sons have 22 Grammy Awards between them with Julian winning the most recent one in 2024 for Best Reggae Album. Now reunited, the Marley Brothers will honor their father by performing both individual and classic Bob Marley songs on this tour. ALLEN PARK -- Lions safety Kerby Joseph made headlines late last season for a pair of big hits that blew out the knee of an opponent. Now one of those players is saying he doesnt think the hit was dirty, although he would like to see players do a better job of protecting other players. I know Kerby pretty well, former Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson told reporters today, according to ESPN. Ive played with him. I dont necessarily think it was (intended to injure). You go back on the tape and you see what happened. I know him. I dont think it was. I just want to make sure it wasnt and thats why Im using my voice here. Players protect players. Thats in any facet of the league. You dont want a defensive guy head-hunting or knee-hunting, and the same thing for an offensive guy. In Week 16 of last season, Hockenson opened the second half of a game against Detroit by catching a pass from fill-in quarterback Nick Mullens. Joseph hit him low, which defenders are now instructed to do because of the rules that have banned hits to the head. But this hit blew out Hockensons ACL and MCL, knocking him out for nearly a calendar year. Three weeks later, Joseph opened the playoffs with a similar play, blowing up Tyler Higbee after the Rams tight end made a catch over the middle in the wild-card round. Higbee tumbled head-first into the turf, then left the game with a torn ACL. Joseph received criticism for possible dirty play, but insisted both hits were clean. People are going to say what theyre going to say, Joseph told MLive. I dont really pay too much mind to them. Im here to ball, and win games. Thats my main focus right now. I dont have time to focus on (what) people are saying. To be honest, felt like I just went to make a tackle. Its unfortunate what happened to him, know what Im saying? Prayers out to him and his family. Yeah, I just went on it to make the tackle. I trust my body and I trust my instincts. Lions coach Dan Campbell also vouched for Joseph. Thats how we play football here, Campbell said. Just keep your head up, see what you hit. Thatll always be what I tell Kerby. Just keep your eyes up so you dont hit on the crown of your helmet, hit a spine, mess yourself up there. Just see what you hit. But no, hes going for the thigh board and staying away from the head. Thats how we play defense here. Its not dirty. You know, we hit. Months later, Hockenson says he doesnt hold the play against Joseph either, but stressed he wants to see players do a better job protecting other players. He also called on the NFL to address why defenders can hit pass-catchers low, but offensive players cant cut-block in similar areas, according to ESPN. He also said he would prefer to suffer a brain injury on a high hit, which would be a shorter return-to-play protocol than the nine-month timeline he is currently on for an ACL. Its tough, Hockenson said. It really is. Were big guys running through the middle of the field. This is a business, and I dont think anyone goes out on the field wanting to injure a player like that. So, Im looking at the light of that and hoping thats not what the intent was, to injure a player in that sense. But I think to have it happen a couple weeks later [with Higbee], I think thats something the league needs to look and see what it can do. LANSING, MI Canadian lynx brothers Ragnar and Rollo are new arrivals at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. The 4-year-old felines come to Michigan from Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. They are already captivating visitors with their grace and beauty, zoo officials said. Canadian lynx is a species native to the northern regions of North America. Typically found in boreal forests with dense undergrowth, these elusive cats are renowned for their striking appearance and unique hunting behaviors. Canadian lynx brothers Ragnar and Rollo are new residents at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich. The species is endangered in Michigan.Provided by Potter Park Zoo Facing numerous conservation challenges, the species is threatened in the United States and endangered in Michigan. Aggressive logging, roadbuilding and habitat fragmentation have negatively impacted their habitat. Disturbances to the natural fire cycle of lodgepole pines have led to declines in snowshoe hare populations, a prey species of the lynx, further impacting their population. Visitors are invited to come and witness these captivating creatures in person and learn more about the importance of protecting their species and habitat. See more photos below. Canadian lynx brothers Ragnar and Rollo are new residents at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich. The species is endangered in Michigan.Provided by Potter Park Zoo Canadian lynx brothers Ragnar and Rollo are new residents at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich. The species is endangered in Michigan.Provided by Potter Park Zoo Canadian lynx brothers Ragnar and Rollo are new residents at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich. The species is endangered in Michigan.Provided by Potter Park Zoo GLADWIN COUNTY, MI - The Flint man who pleaded guilty last month to the murder of a Beaverton man will spend at least 18 years in prison. Michael Durbin, 46, was sentenced on Monday, April 15 to spend 225 months to life in prison, according to the Gladwin County Prosecutors Office. Durbin pleaded no contest in March to second-degree murder in the June 2023 death of 56-year-old Scott W. Eckert. Eight other charges against Durbin, including open murder, were dismissed as part of the plea deal, court records show. While second-degree murder is a life offense, it allows for the possibility of parole. Gladwin County Prosecutor Mark Toaz said though Durbin did not plead guilty to avoid future civil liability, the plea was treated in the same fashion as a guilty plea or conviction. No plea, conviction or sentence can bring (Durbin) back or account for the collective sadness and despair from his untimely death, Toaz said in a statement. Read more: Flint man pleads guilty to murdering Beaverton man in home invasion The conviction stems from Eckert suffering a fatal gunshot wound to his abdomen the early morning of June 6 when Durbin broke into his home on Lot 50 within Lakefront Estates, a mobile home park at 385 W. Brown Road. Police were summoned to the scene at 4:32 a.m. By then, Eckerts killer had fled on a motorcycle, police said. Eckerts girlfriend Wendy Krohn was also injured during the intrusion, according to police. (She) was not only assaulted and placed in fear for her life that day, but also had to witness someone she cared about die in front of her, Toaz said. With the help of family and friends, she is recovering from the emotional wounds of this event, but the scars of that trauma will not fade easily. A few hours later, an Isabella County Sheriffs deputy arrested Durbin after he allegedly stole a running Chevrolet Silverado from a Rosebush gas station. Police found Durbins motorcycle abandoned nearby. Police found in Durbins pants pocket two Norco pills, a prescription painkiller that contains the opioid hydrocodone. They also found a vial of cocaine, 5.6 grams of psychedelic mushrooms, and a 4-inch blade from Durbins leather coat. Advised of his Miranda rights, Durbin declined to be interviewed. Beaverton police were assisted by the sheriffs offices of Gladwin, Arenac, and Isabella counties, the Michigan State Police, and the Gladwin County Prosecutors Office. Police have said Durbins selection of Eckerts home appeared to have been random. Eckert was a father of three daughters, an animal lover, a fixture of his local church, a rock and heavy metal aficionada and was passionate about Native American history and culture. He was a man of faith, and a part of the Beaverton community for many years, Toaz wrote. Scott deserved many more years to spend here, and his family and friends deserved many more years with him. JACKSON COUNTY, MI Napoleon Township residents will decide in May whether or not to continue funding the communitys police and fire departments. A milage renewal is on the May 7 election ballot in Napoleon Township, where voters will decide if they want a levy of 2.25 mills on their property tax bills for the next five years. The milage renewal is expected to collect $642,231 to pay for police and fire services in its first year. One mill is equal to $1 paid in property tax per every $1,000 of a propertys taxable value. If approved, 1 mill will be used exclusively to fund police operations and 1.25 mills will be used exclusively to fund fire operations. The milage was first passed by voters in August 2019 after Napoleon Township officials stated it could no longer fund its police and fire departments solely through the townships general fund. Related: Napoleon Township attempting first-ever police, fire millage After the milages passing, the police and fire departments were able to upgrade aging equipment and hire three full time officers and three fulltime firefighters, Napoleon Police Chief Duaine Pittman said. If the milage fails to pass, the six jobs will be in jeopardy, he said. Our school resource officer is one of the positions were able to fund through the millage, Pittman said. If the funding goes away, we will have to have a hard discussion with the school. We have a very supportive community here in Napoleon and we thank them for supporting us. Pittman noted with the additional staff and equipment, average response times have been reduced from 15 minutes to about six. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 7. To read the milage language as it will appear on the ballot, click here. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. MUSKEGON, MI - A New York Times No. 1 best-selling author is visiting Muskegon this week to engage with an audience of all ages. Angeline Boulley, celebrated for her captivating narrative Firekeepers Daughter, will speak at Orchard View High School on Wednesday, April 17, to offer an evening of reflection and celebration of Indigenous storytelling. The free event is made possible through the collaboration of Muskegon Area District Library (MADL), Hackley Public Library, Muskegon Community College (MCC), Baker College, Muskegon Area District Intermediate School District (MASD) and Lakeshore Museum Center. Jackie Endres, marketing manager at MADL, said Firekeepers Daughter was the 2023-24 winner of Great Michigan Read, where a local Michigan authors work is highlighted and promoted. We are standing partners for the Great Michigan Read, and it was such a great story with a unique voice that we thought we ought to do a little bit more, Endres said. We thought, Lets see if we can get the author herself, and we managed to swing it. It was a great partnership of everybody coming together to make that happen. Starting at 6 p.m., the special visit will also feature a book sale and signing session, offering attendees the chance to take home a piece of literary history, according to organizers. An Ojibwe from Sault Ste. Marie, Boulley was the former director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education and her tribes education director/assistant executive director. Her career and experience watching her father be a traditional firekeeper inspired her debut novel a thriller with a rich exploration of the modern Native experience, current and historical injustices, and a celebration of community. Weve had such great feedback from the community, Endres said. Normally, with the Great Michigan Read, some people like it and some dont. But this book has been overwhelmingly popular and supportive among teens and adults. Its spoken to almost everyone whos read it. Endres told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle that 400 people have already RSVPed for the free event. Ahead of the event, there will also be a roundtable with Boulley and a group of MASD and Grand Valley State University students. We hope it opens eyes and encourages people to read, maybe even outside their comfort zone a little more, she said. We want to make sure these voices are heard across all ethnicities, all age groups, so were excited to see our communities support that idea as well. Save a seat for the event today at MADL.org/MiRead. Want more Muskegon area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. Read more: Its dancing for our ancestors, community gathers for Pow Wow at GVSU Shop til you drop at vintage, pop-up market returning to downtown Grand Rapids Were still here. Indigenous communities dance for their ancestors at GVSU Pow Wow SAGINAW, MI In hopes of regaining property seized by the Saginaw County Sheriffs Office 15 years ago, a local law firm is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. Attorneys Philip L. Ellison and Matthew E. Gronda of Outside Legal Counsel in April filed their petition with the nations highest court on behalf of their client, 77-year-old Gerald S. Ostipow. Named as the respondent is Saginaw County Sheriff William L. Federspiel, whom Ellison and Gronda have previously sued on Ostipows behalf. This case hopes to make Gerald better restored, but he will never be made whole, Ellison said. The matter has its roots in sheriffs deputies in 2008 executing search warrants on Ostipows renovated farmhouse in Shiawassee County as part of a marijuana-growing investigation involving Ostipows adult son. Deputies found hidden immature marijuana plants and seized them, along with property belonging to Ostipow and wife. Deputies carted away Geralds possessions gathered over a lifetime of hard work including family heirlooms, a nearly restored 1965 Chevrolet Nova, tools, home improvement equipment, and even deer mounts from past hunts, Ellison said. Ostipow and his wife, since deceased, have denied knowledge of or involvement in their sons illegal activities. Their son was later arrested, charged, convicted, and sentenced and has since died, Ellison noted. Click here to read the 98-page petition. When the warrants were served, Federspiel was a Saginaw Township police officer in an election challenge against Sheriff Charles Brown. Federspiel defeated Brown in the August primary election that year and took over as sheriff in January 2009. The Saginaw County Prosecutors Office in 2008 initiated civil forfeiture proceedings against the Ostipows, and that case saw two appeals to the Michigan Court of Appeals and two appeals to the Michigan Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case. Civil forfeiture is a process allowing law enforcement to seize, and then keep or sell, any property they allege is involved in a crime. Ellison and Gronda assert loopholes in state laws are exploited by local governments to generate extra funds to buy more equipment or pay for salary increases. After a lengthy court battle, Saginaw County Circuit Judge James T. Borchard in August 2016 ordered the return of most of the Ostipows personal property, finding many of the seized items had no connection to criminal activities. By then, the sheriffs office already had sold all or most of it, including the Nova, and used the proceeds for department funding. At the heart of the disagreement is that civil forfeiture does not require the owner of the property to ever be convicted of a crime in order for assets to be transferred to the government, Ellison said. The law does not require the government to reimburse an innocent person for their losses or incurred lawyer fees. Civil forfeiture is seemingly a good idea when valuable ill-obtained property is taken from actual criminals, but what if property is accidentally (or intentionally by rogue police officers) seized from innocent owners? Ellison rhetorically asked. Attorney Gronda in March 2021 wrote to Federspiel requesting he reimburse the Ostipows $233,118.76. Federspiel did not respond, Gronda wrote. The Ostipows then filed suit in federal court demanding the return of their property. The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ultimately concluded that it sympathized with the Ostipows but federal relief was not available to them. At the same time, the appellate court expressed trust that satisfaction would occur expeditiously. In their petition, Ellison and Gronda note two other federal appeals courts who have rejected justifications for keeping the seized private property of innocent owners. Ellison and Gronda are asking the Supreme Court adopts these rulings and reject government-friendly outcomes of the Sixth Circuit. Our argument is simple, Ellison said. Once any criminal investigation is over, law enforcement cannot profit by simply keeping what they took from innocent owners. They must return all private property else pay for it. Federspiel did not respond to messages from MLive seeking comment. SAGINAW, MI To the family and friends who loved her, Nicole M. Cuevas was more than a victim of a brutal murder, said her brother, Paris Scroggins. She was a mother of two teenagers. She was unapologetically honest. She was a master of arcade games. She was a lover of Tonys Restaurant desserts. She loved their banana splits, Scroggins said of his late sisters sweet tooth. Now I get banana splits in memory of her. Cuevas was found dead in a shallow grave dug in basement of a row house in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where she was tortured for weeks and killed in April 2023 by people she once trusted as friends, investigators said. Prosecutors earlier this month announced five suspects were arrested and charged with six felonies related to the 38-year-old womans death: criminal homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, aggravated assault, and abuse of corpse. The grim details behind the criminal charges were outlined in an 18-page probable cause affidavit provided to the media by Luzerne County District Attorney Sam M. Sanguedolce earlier this month. Investigators said Cuevas moved in March 2023 from her hometown of Saginaw to the Pennsylvania city, where she told family members she was living with friends. Within days, the group imprisoned, starved, and tortured her for nearly a month before killing her, possibly as she made an escape attempt, prosecutors alleged. Law enforcers discovered her body this February. Cuevas was found wrapped in a tarp tied with rope and extension cord. An autopsy revealed she suffered broken bones as well as stab and slash wounds, the affidavit stated. A pathologist ruled Cuevas died of asphyxiation. She didnt deserve what happened to her, Scroggins said of his late sister. She didnt deserve the ending she got. But we want to remember who she was and who she was striving to be. Scroggins said he hopes in the coming weeks to organize a memorial service where loved ones can share their memories of Cuevas. He established a GoFundMe campaign to cover costs related to returning her remains to Michigan, scheduling her funeral here, and for potential travel expenses if prosecutors ask their mother to travel to Pennsylvania to testify during the trial of the accused killers. Scroggins said he was informed investigators likely would need to retain his sisters body for several weeks as the case continues. The family plans to cremate her remains and bury Cuevas beside her father at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Saginaw, Scroggins said. One of Cuevas six siblings, Scroggins said he grew up in the same household with his sister, known as Nikki to many of her loved ones. Anybody who knew her knew that Nikki was who she was; She was open with her thoughts, so, what you saw was what you got, Scroggins said of his sister, who was seven years older than him. You never had to question anything about her, and thats something I loved about my sister. She was always honest and wasnt about to hide what she thought about someone or about some situation. Scroggins said, growing up, his sister loved playing arcade games. She was a master of playing Pac-Man, a beloved pastime that carried over into her adult years. A Buena Vista High School graduate, Cuevas later became a mother of two children, her brother said. She was mother to a 17-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter. I got some time with them to talk a little bit about their relationship with their mom, said Scroggins, who now lives in Denver. (Her son) told me that the last words he got from his mom was that she was going to do better for them. She wasnt perfect, but she always wanted to be better for her kids. Scroggins said his sister loved spending time with people she cared about. As long as she could be next to people who wanted to be next to her, thats all that mattered to her, he said. My sister was a good person; a strong person. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. Follow us on: Money horoscope, weekly predictions: What to expect from April 15 - 21, as per your astrological sign You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Attack on Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy leads to escalation of political conflict Follow us on: BJP's manifesto a blueprint of a new, better India, says Yogi Adityanath OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Caste discontent looms over BJP's campaign in Muzaffarnagar OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Congress manifesto mere piece of paper, it fails to fulfil promises: Devendra Fadnavis Follow us on: Dynastic politics: DMK is worst offender, but others are not entirely innocent OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Elon Musk a supporter of India, says PM Modi ahead of Tesla CEO's India visit DP Satish is Group Editorial Advisor - South, Network 18. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Follow us on: Lok Sabha Election 2024: BJP is committed to One Nation, One Election, says PM Modi Follow us on: Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM Modi to rally in TN, Kerala today as BJP aims to solidify presence in the South April 15, 2024 / 19:10 IST On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview to ANI, Rahul Gandhi said, "The important thing in electoral bond is- names and dates. If you see the names and dates you will know that when they (donors) gave the electoral bond, right after that contract was given to them or CBI inquiry was withdrawn against them. Pradhan Mantri pakade gaye hain isiliye ANI ko interview de rahe hain. This is the biggest extortion scheme of the world and PM Modi is the mastermind of it.Ask the PM to explain that one day CBI inquiry starts and immediately after that they get the money and immediately after that CBI inquiry is scrapped. Big contracts, infrastructure contracts- the company gives money and immediately after that they are given the money. 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Follow us on: Iran to allow Indian authorities to meet 17 crew members of seized cargo vessel April 15, 2024 / 22:26 IST The massive container ship that caused the deadly collapse of a Baltimore bridge experienced apparent electrical issues before it left the port, someone with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday, hours after the FBI said it was investigating whether any federal laws might have been broken. The Dali left Baltimores port early on March 26 laden with cargo destined for Sri Lanka when it struck one of the Francis Scott Key Bridges supports, causing the span to collapse into the Patapsco River and sending six members of a roadwork crew plunging to their deaths. Three of their bodies have been recovered. Morning Scan: All the big stories to get you started for the day Follow us on: SC seeks replies from Centre, states & others on PIL for 4% quota for disabled in district judiciary Justin Fox is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering business. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Donald Trump seems well aware he's in legal peril Iran Attacks Israel: What are the implications for both nations and where does India stand? Are you a PRO subscriber? Sign In In today's edition of Pro Panorama: Life beyond TCS Q2, outlook for Indian stocks, what tied up RBI's hand and much more Israel-Iran conflict: India needs to reconsider risks to its natural gas supply in the near term *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Andreas Kluth is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering European politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Sanjay Kumar is a Professor at Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), and an Election Analyst. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. - The publishers and other content creators vs Big Tech battle is becoming more interesting by the day. 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Google has already started removing some California-based news OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Nyay Patra vs Sankalp Patra: Inside BJP and Congress' playbook for 2024 Lok Sabha Polls Follow us on: Opposition rakes up EVM tampering to distract from their electoral defeats, says PM Modi OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All SC refuses immediate relief to Arvind Kejriwal, issues notice to ED OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Honda commences work for new warehouse facility in Karnataka Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. 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IN an ironic twist of events, a suspected thief, who is employed by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, went on a stealing spree at the New Government Complex. He stole computer hardware equipment. Kwandokuhle Ndethi appeared in court over the weekend facing eight counts of unlawful entry. The court heard that on March 27, Ndethi broke into the office of the Attorney General and stole an HP Monitor and two HP printers. He stole an HP printer from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education offices on April 1. He struck again in the same department on April 3 and stole three HP computers. Ndethi then broke into the Finance Ministry procurement department on April 2 and stole an HP computer and printer. He stole from the same department in January and went away with six printers, a 55-inch television set and a power bank. He ran out of luck and was caught stealing last week. He led the police to the recovery of some of the equipment. HMetro. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News Man sentenced to 6 months in prison for possession of 1.51 kg of marijuana A 42-year-old man has been sentenced to 6 months in prison after being found guilty of unlawful possession of 1.51 kg of marijuana. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the police acted swiftly upon receiving a tip-off and proceeded to the accused, Victor Gumisai Kuretus, place of residence. A thorough search conducted at the premises led to the discovery of 1.51 kg of loose marijuana, which was found stored in black plastic. In light of the conviction, Kuretu has been sentenced to 12 months in prison, with 6 months suspended. This means that he will effectively serve 6 months behind bars. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of the confiscated marijuana to the State. The case serves as another example of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Zimbabwe to combat drug-related offences and maintain public safety. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News Yves here. Please welcome Kevin Kirk. The post below which came out of information provided by his diplomatic contacts, which he corroborated independently. Note that Haaretz has questioned the bona fides of the essential-to-the-plot red heifers. By Kevin Kirk, who has worked all over the world, first as an engineer, then a visiting university Professor and finally as a diplomatic trainer. He mourns the loss of what could have been in Israel if Jews and Arabs had lived in peace together While we are consumed with the horrors of Gaza, other events in Jerusalem are gathering momentum that could plunge the Middle East into a conflict that could inflame the region for a generation. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. It was from here that the Prophet Mohamed ascended into heaven and conversed with other prophets such as Abraham, Moses and Jesus. And now, American Evangelical Christians, together with Ultranationalist Israeli Zionists (many of whom are also American) intend to destroy it to make way for the building of the 3rd Jewish Temple and the coming of the Messiah. It may surprise you to learn that there are currently more Zionist Christians than there are Zionist Jews in the US most estimates put forward a ratio of 10 Zionist Christians to every Zionist Jew. Much of this can be put down to the popularity of the Scofield bible, first published in the early 1900s. The bible itself was the standard King James Bible, but what set the Scofield Bible apart were his copious notes or the explainer (Hasbara in Hebrew) as Scofield himself called it; wherein, he put his own explanations as to the meaning of the scriptural text. Scofield was described by his local newspaper, the Atchison Patriot as the late lawyer, politician and shyster generally, the article went on to recount a few of Scofields many malicious acts, including a whole series of forgeries in St. Louis, for which he got six months in jail. But then he saw the light and became a (non-ordained) Christian preacher and as such was taken under the wing of a prominent Jewish Wall Street lawyer, Samuel Untermeyer, who provided him with money, contacts and entry to New York society. In return, Untermeyer required that Scofield write a bible in such a way as to align Christians with Untermeyers pet project, Zionism. In Unjust War Theory: Christian Zionism and the Road to Jerusalem, Prof. David W. Lutz writes, Untermeyer used Scofield, a Kansas City lawyer with no formal training in theology, to inject Zionist ideas into American Protestantism. Untermeyer and other wealthy and influential Zionists whom he introduced to Scofield promoted and funded the latters career, including travel in Europe. It was during one such trip that he met Oxford University Press publisher Henry Frowde, who decided to publish the Scofield Bible and it has been in print, under that august imprint, ever since, providing it with endless gravitas. As an example of Scofields pro-Zionist explainer consider the following based on Genesis 12:3: I will bless them that bless thee. And curse him that curseth thee. To which Scofield explained as meaning: Wonderfully fulfilled in the history of the dispersion. It has invariably fared ill with the people who have persecuted the Jewwell with those who have protected him. Which, John Hagee, the founder of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), further interpreted as meaning The man or nation that lifts a voice or hand against Israel invites the wrath of God. In rebuttal, Stephen Sizer in his, Christian Zionism: Road-map to Armageddon? says: The promise, when referring to Abrahams descendants, speaks of God blessing them [Abrahams direct descendants], not of entire nations blessing the Hebrew nation, still less the contemporary and secular State of Israel. He went on to say: Sustained by a dubious exegesis of selective biblical texts, Christian Zionisms particular reading of history and contemporary eventssets Israel and the Jewish people apart from other peoples in the Middle Eastit justifies the endemic racism intrinsic to Zionism, exacerbates tensions between Jews and Palestinians and undermines attempts to find a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, all because the Bible tells them so. The particular link between Evangelical Christians and Ultranationalist Zionist Jews stems from their shared eschatological beliefs: primarily that they must strive towards the coming of the Messiah. To this end they believe that in order for the Messiah to return the 3rd Jewish Temple should be built on the site of King Herods 2nd Temple of which only the Western wall (or wailing wall as Christians often describe it) currently remains after it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. The problem is that the Al-Aqsa mosque is built almost on top of it. The solution, we are told by Melissa Jane Kronfeld, a New York Jewish activist who runs the High on the Har organization, which leads of tours of the site is: I believe its going to go, 100%. The whole thing is going to go to build a temple, However, she insisted that the shrine and its golden dome should be preserved, but relocated. Which is somewhat missing the point, it isnt the Al-Aqsa itself that is sacred, it is the location that makes it sacred. It was here that the Prophet stood, not in some sad, relocated Mosque in its new home in the Jordanian desert. All this begs a question: why not build the Temple on the large plot of land next to the Temple Mount, so the current West Wall becomes the East Wall, as a sign of equanimity? Just a thought. I digress, it was this fear, according to British diplomat Alistair Crooke, which led directly to the events on October 7th and is confirmed by the name of the Hamas operation: The Al-Aqsa flood. The timing of the event was not random either, as it occurred just a few days after dozens of ultranationalist settlers stormed Al-Aqsa, under the protection of the Israeli police, and performed Talmudic Rituals. These rituals included the sprinkling of blood to sanctify the site, as described in detail here. Under current Israeli law the entry of Jews into the site is forbidden but under Itmar Ben Gvir, the minister for security, that law will no longer be enforced. Indeed, Ben Gvir, himself, entered the Holy site, even after he was told that it may cause violence (like it did when Ariel Sharon, a previous Israeli Prime Minster, entered the site, which led to the 2nd Intafada), but he brushed it aside as the site is no longer under Islamic control but, instead, has belonged to the State of Israel since 1980. Furthermore, he intended to militarize it, which he has done. And he has assembled a private militia of over 10,000 settlers (many of them from New York) who he has armed and trained, courtesy of the state, to enforce his will. Benjamin Netanyahu, the embattled prime minister, has to stay in power because the moment he loses parliamentary privileges he faces prison on numerous charges and in this quest he assembled a coalition of ultra-far right parties including Ben Gvirs Otzma Yehudit Party (6 seats) and Bezalel Smotrichs (the current minister of finance) National Religious Party- Religious Zionism (7 seats). These parties are in favor of the building of the temple as their parties are dedicated to bringing together Zionists and Ultranationalist Jews and taking away any reason for Arabs to be there. And they are not the only politicians that are in favor, many of the religious Right in the Republican Party (aka Trumps base) are also in favor as, indeed, is the speaker of the US house, Mike Johnson. However, time is not on their side. As a prominent Israeli Columnist writes in Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper, Israel is facing defeat in its war in Gaza. And there have been numerous, increasingly violent, demonstrations in Israel demanding a new election, which is likely to lead to both Smotrich and Ben Gvir losing their seats. Coupled with that, the Haredi Jews (around 20% of the population) are threatening to emigrate due to the IDF needing extra troops to make up for the losses in the Gaza operation and who want to see them conscripted. And the economy is a disaster area. So the Temple Institute Organization, based in Jerusalem (and supported by Henry Swieca, a wealthy New York financier), who are committed to building the 3rd Temple and restoring animal sacrifice, have swung into action and submitted an application to the Israeli police to use knives to slaughter 5 perfect red heifers as part of a purification ritual elucidated in Numbers Chapter 19 of the Bible. This ceremony, which is taking place on a specially built altar situated on the Mount of Olives opposite the Temple Mount, is set to take place in April 22nd, which is during Passover. Once the purification ceremony has been undertaken then the stage is set for the building of the Temple, leading to the coming of the Messiah and the final battle between good and evil on a hill just outside Haifa called Tel Megiddo, or, as it is called in the Bible: Armageddon. As to the actual destruction of the Mosque, no-one knows how it will be done, but the impetus is there to see it happen. Some have suggested that there are explosives sited under it, hidden in the archeological tunnels that snake under it, others suggested arson or simply taking a bulldozer to it. What is universally accepted is that, as Tom Segevs book, 1967: Israel, the War, and the Year that Transformed the Middle East, said: the sites destruction could only be done under the cover of war: Tomorrow might be too late. To find out more about the heifers, the ritual and the link to the US religious right (and Mike Johnson) watch this video by CBS. Scientists Uncover Surprising Behavior of the Worlds Most Elusive Whales SciTech Daily Why do some people always get lost? Ars Technica The Space Force Is About to Play Space Wars in Earth Orbit Gizmodo Scientists Invented a Bizarre New Material That Gets Tougher When You Hit It Science Alert The tepid twenties Michael Roberts Blog Climate/Environment Record Surge in Global Coal Capacity Led by China OilPrice Very hot in China right now. The first 43C to be recorded among national stations in April. pic.twitter.com/pyIL9zhxbg Scott Duncan (@ScottDuncanWX) April 14, 2024 Water Pandemics India China? Syraqistan According to Israeli media, the cost to Israels genocidal regime of intercepting Irans projectiles amounted to $1.35 billion. Israels military budget in 2022 was $23.4 billion. Thus, Iran caused Israel to expend nearly 6% of its 2022 military budget in a few hours.#Iran pic.twitter.com/dgQMcvYgF6 Dimitri Lascaris (@dimitrilascaris) April 14, 2024 (2): NEW: The composition of the ongoing Iranian attack on Israel is similar to that of strikes that Russia has repeatedly conducted against Ukraine in efforts to determine the optimal package to penetrate Western-style air- and missile defenses. (1/8) pic.twitter.com/cYGYYY6SB4 Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 14, 2024 (3): [THREAD: THE IRANIAN RETALIATION]: The Iranian retaliation to the occupations flagrant, illegal aggression against the Iranian consulate in Damascus came last night, and it was resoundingly successful across multiple layers, not only militarily but also strategically. Ibn Riad (@IbnRiad) April 14, 2024 New Not-So-Cold War BRICS Naval And Military Rearmament To Face New Threats Could Cost $10 Trillion gCaptain O Canada Trump Realignment and Legitimacy New CBS News poll shows the intense partisan split on providing aid to Ukraine, as it fights war against Russia ====> pic.twitter.com/6x6Auuz6Qw Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 14, 2024 CROWD SCREAMS: GENOCIDE JOE GENOCIDE JOE GENOCIDE JOE TRUMP: Theyre not wrong pic.twitter.com/lriCPqyEtu Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) April 14, 2024 Woke Watch The Observer view on the Cass review: children were catastrophically failed by the medical profession The Guardian AI AI spam is winning the battle against search engine quality The Register California is Losing Tech Jobs Apricitas Economics Miracle in Solano: California Forever unites Democrats and Republicans Parallel Mirror Schools Were Just Supposed To Block Porn. Instead They Sabotaged Homework and Censored Suicide Prevention Sites The Markup Groves of Academe Supply Chain The Bezzle The Legal System Is Closing in on Crypto, and Things May Only Get Worse LA Times Class Warfare Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Conor here: The following post goes into the ins and outs of the case ahead of the April 23 beginning of the case, the outcome of which seems to be a foregone conclusion and will be a major blow to labor.>New York Times labor reporter Noam Scheiber noted back in January when the Supremes agreed to hear the case that the very fact that they did so meant they would likely rule so that its harder to unionize. The reasoning behind that belief isnt just the conservative majority on the court but also that the courtdeclined to hear a similar case in 2014 (back before the current conservative majority). By Michael Z. Green, professor of law and the director of the Workplace Law Program at Texas A&M University. Originally published at The Conversation. What factors must a court consider when the National Labor Relations Board requests an order requiring an employer to rehire terminated workers before the completion of unfair labor practice proceedings? Thats the central question that the Supreme Court will consider on April 23, 2024, during oral arguments in the Starbucks Corp. v. McKinney case. The global coffee shop chain is challenging the NLRB, the federal agency responsible for enforcing U.S. workers rights to organize, saying that the agency used the more labor-friendly of two available standards when it asked a federal court to order the company to reinstate workers at a Memphis, Tennessee, store who lost their jobs in 2022 amid a nationwide unionizing campaign. The Conversation U.S. asked Texas A&M law professor Michael Z. Green to explain whats behind this case and how the courts eventual decision, expected by the end of June, could affect the right to organize unions in the United States. What Is This Case About? Seven baristas who were attempting to organize a union at a Starbucks shop in Memphis, Tennessee, were fired in February 2022. Starbucks justified their dismissal by asserting that the employees, sometimes called the Memphis 7, had broken company rules by reopening their store after closing time and inviting people who werent employees, including a television crew, to go inside. In June of that year, the shop became one of more than 400 Starbucks locations since 2021 that have voted in favor of joining Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union. While a complaint over the mass dismissal was pending with the NLRB, Kathleen McKinney, the NLRB director for the region that includes Memphis, sought an injunction in a federal district court to force Starbucks to give the Memphis 7 their jobs back while the case proceeded. The company must cease its unlawful conduct immediately so that all Starbucks workers can fully and freely exercise their labor rights, she said. By August 2022, a judge had ordered Starbucks to do that, and in September the baristas were back on staff. Although the seven baristas got their jobs back and the union vote prevailed, the company has appealed the case all the way to the Supreme Court because it believes the court should not have ordered the company to reinstate the workers while NLRB proceedings were still pending. But the NLRB argues, and the lower courts agreed, that the terminations chilled further union activities at the store even after the election. Nevertheless, Starbucks argues that firing the seven workers had no effect because employees at that coffeehouse still voted in favor of unionization. Whats Being Challenged? The justices will have to decide which approach federal courts should use when they consider requests for injunctions like this one. Currently, five appeals courts, including the one where this case arose, base their decision on a two-part test. First, the courts determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe an unfair labor practice has occurred. Second, they determine whether granting an injunction would be just and proper. Four other appeals courts use a four-part test. First, the courts ask whether the unfair labor practice case is likely to succeed on the merits in establishing that labor violations occurred. Second, they look to see if the workers the NLRB is attempting to protect will face irreparable harm without an injunction. Third, after showing likelihood of success and irreparable harm, they ask whether those factors outweigh any hardships the employer is likely to face due to compliance with the courts order. Fourth, they ask whether issuing the injunction serves the public interest. Two other appeals courts use a hybrid test that appears to have components of both of the tests. They ask whether issuing an injunction would be just and proper by considering the elements of the four-part test. In its Supreme Court brief, Starbucks argues that having to give workers their jobs back in these circumstances can cause irreparable injury and that its an extraordinary remedy. The NLRB, in its Supreme Court brief, says that the injunction was proper in this case because Starbucks terminated 80% of the union organizing committee at the Memphis store and the evidence showed the chilling effect this action had on the lone remaining union activist. According to the NLRB, this chilling effect harmed the union campaign in ways that a subsequent Board ruling could not repair. A labor reporter discussing Starbucks unfair labor practice cases, including the one involving the Memphis 7, determined that NLRB administrative law judges had found labor violations in 48 out of 49 cases. Whats the Potential Impact of the Courts Eventual Ruling on This Case? While the case may sound like its only about seven people employed at a single coffee shop, the scope is wider than that. Although the NLRB issues hundreds of unfair labor practice complaints against employers every year, it usually doesnt turn to the courts to force the rehiring of employees. It only sought these types of injunctions 17 times in 2023, for example. And seven of those efforts involved Starbucks. Despite the small number of overall injunctions, the large number of unfair labor practice complaints and the eventual 48 out of 49 findings of violations might support the rare use of injunctions in this case. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Starbucks, the overall impact seems unclear. For one thing, the court will have picked one test over another without any proof that one is more likely to result in an injunction or not. In addition, the underlying unfair labor practice case has been resolved, since the workers have gotten their jobs back and their workplace has joined a union. Whats more, Starbucks has agreed to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the union which has continued to make inroads at the companys coffee shops. Because the NLRB rarely seeks injunctions, the fact that this issue has obtained enough importance for consideration by the Supreme Court seems odd considering its valuable time and the limited number of cases it can consider each year. But lets see what the courts majority decides. The House and the Senate have passed different versions (HB1893/SB2103) of Gov. Bill Lees franchise tax legislation that would cut state revenue by $400 million annually. This is one of the largest tax cuts to business that this state has ever seen or has ever been on this House floor, House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) said last week. The bill has been placed back on the House message calendar for Mondays 2 p.m. House floor session. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee also meets at noon for more budget discussions, while the legislation that may have one of the largest impacts to the budget continues to be debated. The two chambers have passed legislation that would effectively cut the tax going forward by repealing the portion of the law that would require a company to pay taxes on the amount of property it owns in the state. Currently, a company pays the franchise tax on either that property or its net worth, whichever is greater. The Senate version would create a fund for businesses seeking a rebate, meaning a business previously paid based on its property rather than net worth, for up to three years prior. The House adopted the Senate version but passed an amendment that would allow rebates for only one year and require transparency for those records. The Senate did not concur when the amendment was brought to the floor on Thursday. The talk around the legislation itself has evolved. The change to remove the property tax portion of the law was originally presented by the governor as a resolution to a potential legal issue. Lamberth said several times during discussion on the House floor last week that changing the franchise tax was not due to any legal issues but rather a matter of policy discussion. Sen. Jeff Yarbro and Rep. John Ray Clemmons, both Nashville Democrats, have tried to present amendments in their respective chambers that would solve the potential legal issue with little to no impact on state funds, according to the amendments fiscal note. But given both chambers' Republican supermajorities, the amendments were ultimately disregarded. Abortion Trafficking Passes Senate, Would Penalize Adults for Helping Minors Get Abortions As the bill makes its way through the legislature, Democrat Aftyn Behn calls it a harbinger of even worse things to come Abortion The abortion trafficking bill (HB1895/SB1971), which would make it illegal for an adult to help a minor who is not that adult's biological child obtain an abortion, passed the Senate on Wednesday. Adults could also be held liable for the wrongful death of an unborn child that was aborted. The Tennessee bill is similar to a 2023-passed Idaho law that has been blocked by a federal judge. +25 Advocates, Community Members Rally Against States Anti-Immigration Policies Recently passed legislation requires law enforcement agencies to report undocumented individuals to federal authorities Immigration On Thursday, Gov. Bill Lee signed SB2576/HB2124 into law. It aims to require that local police work with ICE whenever an undocumented person is detained. The law was the subject of a recent protest from the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. (Read more here. Coverage also available in Spanish) Childrens services The Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Parent Protection Act was signed into law on Thursday. The law prevents the Department of Childrens Services from requiring foster parents to support LGBTQ rights, meaning the parents in question wouldnt have to accept a childs sexual orientation or gender identity to become the caregiver. Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill (HB1726/SB2359) into law on Thursday that prohibits the Department of Childrens Services from requiring an immunization for foster parents. Before this change, families had to be vaccinated against the flu and whooping cough in an effort to protect medically fragile children and infants. Vaccines HB2861/SB2151 passed the House April 8 but is awaiting next action in the Senate. The bill is aimed at health care providers giving vaccines to infants and toddlers, with those providers potentially to face punishment for coercing people to vaccinate their children, misrepresenting state vaccine requirements or misrepresenting state requirements for a newborn screening test. The providers could lose their medical licenses under the bill. Spectators Ordered to Leave Senate Chamber During School Safety Debate A bill that would allow school staff to carry concealed firearms passed in the state Senate Tuesday Guns The Senate passed a bill (SB1325/HB1202) on Tuesday. The bill would allow teachers to carry a concealed handgun at school. Gun safety advocates, including some parents of Covenant School students who experienced a mass shooting last year, were in the gallery during the discussion of the bill. Protesters of the bill were vocal, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) ordered the gallery to be cleared after his warnings were not followed. Tensions remained high between Republicans and Democrats as discussion on the bill continued, but it ultimately passed along a party-line vote. The bill is set to be taken up by the House on Wednesday, April 17. This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post. Are you a citizen of a NATO country? Are you passionate about making a difference? Would you like to be part of the worlds foremost political and military alliance, which protects the freedom and security of one billion people? NATO is currently seeking talented professionals to join its Internship Programme in 2025. Apply now for an internship placement at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium starting in March or September 2025! Whether your interests lie in political affairs, defence and security, innovation, operations, communications, human resources, finance, science and technology, or infrastructure and facilities, NATO is the place for you to gain invaluable hands-on experience in your chosen field. An internship placement at NATO is an opportunity to acquire skills, become part of a community of international professionals, work alongside experts, share ideas and contribute to the goals of the Alliance. If you are ready to embark on a journey that will not only shape your career but also enable you to contribute to NATOs mission of safeguarding one billion people, apply to join the NATO Internship Programme. The deadline to apply to the NATO Internship Programme is 20 May 2024. For more information about the NATO Internship Programme, including eligibility criteria, compensation and benefits, and the full application process, please visit the NATO Internship Programme page. For any questions, please visit our frequently asked questions page. Following Swedens accession to NATO on 7 March 2024, we are pleased to welcome applications from Swedish candidates. Full tyranny: Biden administration plans to ban Americans from using antivirus software made by Russian company The Biden administration is currently working on an order barring American citizens and companies from using software made by the Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab due to national security concerns. Although this may sound like an extreme example of government overreach, it is actually supported by new authorities granted to the Commerce Department via executive orders signed by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump. In fact, the use of Kaspersky Lab software in government agencies is already outlawed in both the U.S. and Canada, but now authorities are seeking to expand that to private companies and individuals. An announcement is expected soon, perhaps as early as this month, although sources told CNN that it should not be considered final until an official announcement ifs made. However, the Commerce Department has already made the initial determination to move forward. Although the full scope of the order is not yet known, it is believed to focus on Kasperskys antivirus software. American officials have long claimed the Russian government could force the company to provide its data to them or use its software to help them surveil or hack Americans. Kaspersky Lab was founded in Moscow in 1997 and has become one of the biggest successes in the antivirus software industry. The companys software is used by 240,000 companies and 400 million people around the world. Although it is not known how many of them are in the U.S., officials believe the risk that using the software poses to American infrastructure justifies this order. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. The company's cofounder, Eugene Kaspersky, studied cryptography at a university sponsored by the KGB and worked for a Russian Ministry of Defense institute after graduation, but the company has denied having any unethical ties or affiliations with any government, including Russia. The move barring private businesses from using Kaspersky software would be unprecedented, and it's one of many recent efforts by the government to control the technology that Americans use. For example, the U.S. Senate is currently weighing a bill forcing the Chinese-owned video sharing platform TikTok to find a new owner or it could be banned in the U.S. While national security concerns have been cited as the reasons behind a potential TikTok ban and reservations about Chinese access to Americans' data are certainly warranted, some lawmakers recently indicated the real reason for banning TikTok would be related to gaining the power to censor people who share views that go against the government's favored narratives, such as censoring those who criticize Israel's actions in Gaza on the platform. What will they ban next? While many Americans do not have any desire to use Kaspersky products in the first place and might therefore feel they have no stake in this game, this type of action is something that should worry everyone who cherishes their freedom. Its a slippery slope, and if they get away with this, it wont be long before they start finding reasons to justify banning alternative media sites, artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. Pretty soon, we will all be spoon-fed everything the government wants us to believe without any access to alternative views, much like people in China or North Korea. A Commerce Department official told CNN: We will do what addresses the national security risk and no more. If that involves saying: X, Y, Z critical infrastructure operators in high-risk sectors, you cant use this software and that software provider cant transact with you, then well do that. And if it needs to be broader, well do that. Sources for this article include: InformationLiberation.com CNN.com Chinese Cultural Revolution survivor warns that similar youth indoctrination is happening in the U.S. right now Xi Van Fleet, a woman who survived Maos Cultural Revolution, recently spoke to journalist Jack Posobiec on Human Events Daily to warn that the future of the U.S. looks a lot like the horrors she lived through. Van Fleet lived in China until she was 26 under the Marxist rule of Mao and experienced the Cultural Revolution firsthand and as you might expect, it wasnt pleasant. Maos Cultural Revolution aimed to get rid of all manner of people whose views differed from his, from capitalists to traditionalists and anyone else who had any inkling of a doubt in his leadership. She couldnt go to college until after Mao died, when she pursued her graduate studies in the U.S., but it wasnt until 2020 that she shifted from being politically neutral to speaking out about the dangers of communism and related ideologies. Her impassioned speech against Critical Race Theory before the Loudon County school board that year in Virginia went viral, and now she is using her platform to speak out against the indoctrination that she sees taking place in the U.S. that is all too familiar to her from her childhood in communist China. Van Fleet told Posobiec that she is so moved by what she has witnessed in America that she feels compelled to speak out about it and warn everyone who will listen about the very dark path this could take. She explained how the Cultural Revolution essentially happened overnight, and many people there suddenly found themselves being forced to undergo struggle sessions. During these brutal events, people were forced into self-criticism and publicly humiliated for the crime of not being radical enough. This was often directed at people with some degree of authority, no matter how small, as well as those with Western connections. Numerous people were beaten to death and sent to gulags. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. She told Posobiec: "The teachers and the principals and every one of the principals in China without exception, had to go through the struggle session. Some were killed right on the spot, and I just talked to a friend of mine, she witnessed the Red Guards put human feces into a professor's mouth and forced him to eat it. And that's how barbaric that went." Indoctrination and hatred are setting the stage for a scary future How were so many young people convinced to take part in these brutal acts? She explained how Maos government schools indoctrinated them. "They knew nothing. They were never taught real history. The only thing they know is that they are the children of the party and Mao was our real parent. And so we were supposed to be revolutionaries. Just like today, the kids, they want to be activists." The type of indoctrination that took place was so all-encompassing that a group of young girls killed their principal just out of loyalty to Mao. It drives people to become so filled with hatred that they feel justified being violent because they are convinced its for the greater good. "And we see it's happening here. The hatred is calling someone 'orange man bad, evil,' and then that's enough for them to have that kind of hatred ... anything they can do is okay because this is the enemy of the state," she noted. Parallels to cancel culture A lot of what she witnessed may sound pretty familiar to anyone who is paying attention to what is going on in the U.S. these days. For example, some of the cancel culture were seeing today has a lot of parallels to struggle sessions. When a public figure like a celebrity says something that people think is politically incorrect or triggers some group of special snowflakes, think about how the mainstream media and social media pressure them relentlessly and destroy their reputation and livelihood until they finally give in and confess to their incorrect thinking and beg for forgiveness. From destroying statues and churches to canceling people who are deemed politically incorrect, many Americans worry about where things are headed in this country, but Van Fleet knows exactly how this story could end. Through interviews and her book, Maos America: A Survivors Warning, she is hoping well get the message before its too late. Sources for this article include: HumanEvents.com Cato.org COVID: The illusory LIE that allowed tyrants to take complete control of the world It went largely unnoticed when it first happened, but a speech given by Prof. Dr. Stefan Homburg last year about the fakeness of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic" has gone viral , alerting the world to the COVID lie that destroyed freedom. On X, Dr. David Cartland shared video footage of Homburg speaking, and that footage is quickly spreading you can watch it below: Penny is dropping everywhere! I wouldnt want to be a covid cultist/jabaholic doctor/nurse or one that knows deep down whats happened and the collateral harms/injuries/deaths but is remaining silent to calling out the biggest medical fraud/crime ever committed on humanity! pic.twitter.com/tIFNIU25Q7 Dr David Cartland (@CartlandDavid) April 1, 2024 Homburg spoke at the 2nd Coronavirus Symposium in the German Bundestag on Nov. 11, 2023, where he and numerous others, including Dr. Michael Yeadon, Prof. Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi, Prof. Dr. Stefan Hockerz, Prof. Dr. Andreas Sonnichsen, destroyed the official COVID narrative with science and facts. Homburg's words were powerful, warning everyone involved in the COVID scam that he would not want to be any of them right about now. "I wouldn't want to be a COVID cultist, jabaholic doctor, nurse, or one that knows deep down what's happened and the collateral harms, injuries, and deaths, but is remaining silent to calling out the biggest medical fraud and crime ever committed on humanity!" Homburg said. "The house of cards is collapsing!" (FACT CHECK: The so-called COVID "virus" has never been isolated or proven to exist the viral contagion narrative was a hoax!) We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. In order to prevent another COVID, those behind it must be dealt with There are many who would prefer that we all just forget COVID ever happened. Now that the whole thing has been exposed as the biggest hoax and scam ever perpetrated on the world, the perpetrators involved want us all to simply forgive and forget. That will not happen, though. As was referenced at the symposium, the past, in this case the COVID scam, will only be dealt with when the causes of what has happened have been removed, to quote philosopher Theodor W. Adorno. "It is only because these causes still exist that the ties of that past have not yet been severed," Adorno's philosophy further states. In short, Homburg's speech addressed most of the biggest lies that were perpetrated on the masses during COVID, i.e., hospitalizations and death numbers, disappearance of seasonal influenza entirely, and all of the medical fascism like forced masking, distancing, and later "vaccination." Homburg spoke specifically about Sweden, which was one of the only industrialized countries that did none of that, and yet saw better public health numbers than Germany, which saw some of the worst and strictest measures and mandates. "From a clinical point of view, in terms of actual illnesses and deaths, nothing special happened," Homburg stated about COVID. "Everything was normal. These are the facts, and that is the key point." "The idea of a pandemic was based solely on a new type of mass, uncaused test, the results of which fluctuated wildly and led people to believe that there were more sicknesses and deaths than normal. This is not true. PCR testing for rhinoviruses may have created similar illusions." Homburg concluded his speech by calling out every politician who refuses to participate in a proper discourse about all this. They have lost all credibility and the electorate no longer trusts them. "Because of the enormous scale on which the population has been affected, it would have been right to set up a committee of inquiry," he added. The latest news about how COVID changed the world for the worse can be found at Plague.info. Sources for this article include: Expose-News.com NaturalNews.com U.S. official claims Iran did not issue a warning before its attack on Israel but Tehran actually did, and the mainstream media reported it Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles targeting Israel on Saturday, April 13, in retaliation to a suspected Israeli strike on Iranian embassy compound in Syria. A young girl was critically injured during the attack, but most of the drones and missiles were downed before reaching Israeli territory. A senior official in President Joe Biden's administration said Tehran did not warn Washington before its attack on Israel, and that it was aiming to cause significant damage. "They did not give a notification, nor did they give any sense of ... 'these will be the targets, so evacuate them.'" Tehran sent the U.S. a message only after the strikes began and the intent was to be "highly destructive" said the official. But Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday, April 14, that Iran gave neighboring countries and the U.S. 72 hours' notice it would launch the strikes. Turkish, Jordanian and Iraqi officials have confirmed receiving such notice, and the mainstream media has actually reported as early as Wednesday, April 10, about the U.S. warning of imminent attack by Iran on Israeli assets. Iran has been threatening revenge strikes against Israel for the past few days ever since Israel conducted airstrikes against the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, which killed several Iranians, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi. (Related: Netanyahu convenes war cabinet as Israel prepares for "imminent" retaliation from Iran after airstrike against embassy in Syria.) We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. On the evening of Friday, April 12, Iranian state-owned news outlet Mehr News Agency announced that all air activity over Tehran's airspace would be temporarily suspended beginning at midnight due to "military maneuvers." Alongside this announcement, Mehr posted a video depicting missiles with the caption "Maybe tonight Stay tuned." However, the agency swiftly deleted both the announcement and the video. Right around the same time, U.S. National Security Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk reportedly conveyed a message to Iran through the foreign ministers of Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This message apparently emphasized America's commitment to Israel's defense and warned of a potential joint U.S.-Israeli response in the event of an Iranian strike. Israel, U.S. know Iran will retaliate Both Israel and the U.S. are working diligently on both military and diplomatic fronts, not necessarily to prevent retaliation but rather to mitigate its impact and minimize casualties. Despite Iran's desire to avoid a direct conflict with the U.S., it possesses significant strategic assets, including nuclear facilities, military industries, oil infrastructure and dams. Disruption of any of these could have severe economic consequences for Iran. Both American and Israeli forces have bolstered their surveillance and interception capabilities to detect and neutralize potential threats originating from Iran or its proxies. This includes advanced early detection systems deployed across the Gulf region. The U.S. has also announced restrictions on personal travel for its employees and their families in Israel, citing the heightened tensions with Iran. In a security alert posted on its website, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem limited the movement of embassy staff and family to Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv and Beersheba metropolitan areas until further notice. Transit between these designated areas for personal travel is allowed. These measures align with the U.S. government's policy of providing security updates and guidance to American citizens residing in or traveling to countries where security situations warrant caution. Asked about this security alert, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller pointed to Iranian threats against Israel as the main cause. "We conduct ongoing assessments all the time about the situation on the ground," said Miller during a press briefing. "I'm not going to speak to the specific assessment that led to us to restrict our employees' and family members' personal travel, but clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel." Watch this clip from Fox News discussing the possibility of Iranian retaliation against the airstrikes on the embassy in Damascus. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel to destroy Iran's NUCLEAR facilities if Tehran follows through on retaliation threats. We are just one step away from an apocalyptic war in the Middle East. Israel attacks Iranian embassy in Syria to provoke Iran, rope U.S. into WWIII. Sources include: Reuters.com WSJ.com YNetNews.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com Iran warns of retaliation against U.S. forces in the Middle East if Biden supports Israel militarily Iran has issued a warning that it will begin targeting American troops in the Middle East if the administration of President Joe Biden decides to intervene militarily to support Israel following potential Iranian retaliatory attacks. Tehran has been threatening retaliatory strikes against Israel for two weeks now following an Israeli airstrike against the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, which killed multiple members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, commander of the IRGC's special forces Quds Force units in Lebanon and Syria. (Related: Netanyahu convenes war cabinet as Israel prepares for "imminent" retaliation from Iran after airstrike against embassy in Syria.) At least three U.S. officials in recent days stated that Iran had sent warnings to the Biden administration through several intermediary Arab nations and it warns against the U.S. getting involved in expected fighting between Israel and Iran. The message to the Biden administration also makes it clear that Tehran views the U.S. responsible for the Israeli attack that killed Zahedi in Damascus. U.S. statements maintain that it had no involvement in the strike. But the Iranian message made it clear that it would see U.S. intervention in a possible conflict with Israel as confirmation of American involvement, and would then see U.S. bases in the Middle East as legitimate targets. "The Iranian message was 'We will attack the forces that attack us,' so, 'Don't f--- with us and we won't f--- with you," said one U.S. official. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. U.S. working to help bolster Israeli defenses Despite repeatedly claiming to be not involved in the airstrike in the Iranian embassy in Damascus, in the days since, Washington has been working overtime to help Israel prepare for the potential Iranian response including providing more arms, helping bolster existing defenses and sharing intelligence. Biden and other senior U.S. officials have publicly pledged to support Israel against Iranian retaliatory strikes. "We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel," said Biden. "We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed." U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies now believe that an Iranian attack whether that comes directly from Iranian forces or through Tehran's proxies in the Middle East would include the launch of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and attack drones targeting military sites all over Israel. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been busy communicating with his Israeli counterpart, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. In their latest call on Thursday, April 11, Austin reportedly told Gallant that Israel "could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, which Tehran has publicly threatened," said the Pentagon in a statement. Gallant reportedly responded to Austin by saying that "a direct Iranian attack will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran." In exchange for U.S. support for Israeli defenses, U.S. officials say the Biden administration has demanded that Israel notify Washington and for the White House to have a say before decisions are made about any revenge attacks by Israel. Watch this clip from Fox News about the Wall Street Journal's April 11 report on how the Iranian retaliatory attack against Israel is expected in the next two days. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Report: U.S. open to intervening if Iran directly attacks Israel. Israel to destroy Iran's NUCLEAR facilities if Tehran follows through on retaliation threats. It is time for the UN to end Israel's colonial occupation, revoke Israel's charter and return the land to Palestine. We are just one step away from an apocalyptic war in the Middle East. Actions speak louder than words: Biden sends fighter jets and thousands of bombs to Israel despite calling for ceasefire in Gaza. Sources include: YourNews.com Axios.com BBC.com Brighteon.com Israel using AI to commit mass genocide in Gaza with little, if any, human oversight The current commander of the Israeli military's elite "Unit 8200" wrote a book released in 2021 that talks about synergizing humans and artificial intelligence (AI). It turns out that this synergy is already a reality as Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rely on AI to bomb Gaza to smithereens. The way Israel has been able to bomb key Gaza targets at warp speed has everything to do with the AI robots that are selecting the targets with little or no oversight by actual human beings. Utilizing what Kyle Anzalone, the opinion editor at AntiWar.com, described to Judge Napolitano in a recent interview as "the worst kind of social credit score," Israel gives every Palestinian in Gaza a score between one and 100 with the lower scores becoming AI targets for elimination. "This is a high-tech genocide, basically, what is going on," Anzalone said to Napolitano watch the interview below. "They're cleansing their genocide. They're washing their genocide in AI tech." (Related: Yuval Noah Harari, a Jewish World Economic Forum [WEF] member and personal adviser to Klaus Schwab, says that one day he and the other globalists will control the world with their planned AI takeover "non-organic entities" and "emotionless algorithms" will enslave the masses.) Heartless Israel's mass genocide Israel has modified its social credit kill score scale several times to add increasingly more Gaza targets to the list. Israel also indiscriminately kills the targets' families as well in an intentional murder operation. "The Israeli military said that if the AI program Lavender recommends a name, they put it on the kill list within 20 seconds," Anzalone explained. "The only thing they check is that the intended person is male. They didn't even say they check the age, so it could be that some of these intended targets are very, very young which is absolutely horrifying." Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. "Maybe the worst part of all this is that the Israelis actually waited until the names on the kill list return to their houses and kill not just the person on the list but their entire family intentionally. The program is called 'Where's Daddy?' which is a reference to when kids are excited for their dad to come home after a day at work, they start asking 'mommy, where's daddy?' where when the Israelis answer 'where's daddy?' it means coming home with a very large bomb." Are you sick yet? Even sicker is the fact that many so-called Christians fully condone such heartless, soulless behavior by Israel and its military against the people of Gaza whom it hates. Many so-called Christians allege that we should all support this genocide because if we refuse to support it then God will "curse" us all, citing a mistranslation of Genesis 12:2 as evidence to back their heinous position. "The genocide is unreal and beyond sick," wrote a commenter on YouTube about what Anzalone and 972 Mag revealed about Israel's AI-driven concentration kill camp operations in Gaza. "In truth, America is already lost, and all we are experiencing at this point is the train wreck," wrote another about the dismally evil and failing "best friend" of Israel. "No country can survive these levels of insanity, ignorance, arrogance and greed. I think it is what happens to a people when they make money their god." "Money, lust and depravity all present as Rome collapsed," responded another about Israel and its "closest ally." "This is outright evil," another wrote about Israel and what it is doing to Gaza. "There are no words for the IDF's actions. Depressing and sickening." Israel's genocide in Gaza is waking up the world to the evils of Zionism. Find out more at Genocide.news. Sources for this article include: 972Mag.com YouTube.com NaturalNews.com Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling rebukes Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson over their support for TRANSGENDERISM J.K. Rowling author of the best-selling "Harry Potter" book series rebuked actors Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson over their support of transgenderism. The British writer issued her rebuke of the two celebrities who starred in the movie adaptations of her book series, during a social media exchange with an online user. The said user expressed hope that she will forgive the two if they apologize for their criticism of the author's remarks on transgenderism. Radcliffe played the eponymous protagonist in the eight-film series based on the seven books, while Watson played his close associate Hermione Granger. "Just waiting for [them] to give you a very public apology, safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them," the user said. But Rowling, who was criticized by the left cult for pointing out the absurdity of transgenderism, gave no quarter. "Not safe, I'm afraid," responded the 58-year-old author. "[Celebrities] who cozied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer up on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatized de-transitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single-sex spaces." Radcliffe affirmed his support for transgenders and his disapproval of Rowling's stance in 2020. "It's clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities," he said in a letter written in June of that year to the nonprofit Trevor Project. Watson also chimed in on the issue, posting on X (formerly Twitter) in June 2020: "Trans people are who they say they are. [They] deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they arent who they say they are." Since the end of the Harry Potter film series in 2011, she has been a staunch advocate for both LGBT and women's rights. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. Rowling receives support from "Harry Potter" villain Radcliffe and Watson weren't the only ones who turned on Rowling after she criticized the transgender movement. Even Rupert Grint (who played Ron Weasley) and Eddie Redmayne (who played Newt Scamander in the spin-off "Fantastic Beasts") backed the movement of men pretending as women. Rowling has been open about her views on the transgender community, even stating that she would "happily" go to jail for her beliefs. She even dared law enforcement in Scotland where she lives to arrest her for "misgendering" people. (Related: U.K. government supports J.K. Rowling amid her challenge to Scotlands new hate crime law.) Her challenge followed a new law in Scotland that bans hate speech based on age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity taking effect. "Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal," Rowling wrote on X. Fortunately, the author wasn't alone in pushing back against leftists who want her canceled for simply expressing the truth about biological sex. Ralph Fiennes, who played the antagonist Lord Voldemort in the "Harry Potter" films, threw his support behind Rowling. "The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting; it's appalling," he told the New York Times (NYT) in an October 2022 interview. "I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it's not some obscene, uber-right-wing fascist. It's just a woman saying 'I'm a woman and I feel I'm a woman and I want to be able to say that I'm a woman.'" Fiennes also took a swipe at cancel culture during his NYT interview. "Righteous anger is righteous, but often it becomes kind of dumb because it can't work its way through the gray areas," he told the outlet. "It has no nuance." Visit CelebrityReputation.com for similar stories. Watch Jefferey Jaxen and Del Bigtree discussing J.K. Rowling's resistance against Scotland's new hate speech law below. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: April Fool's? Calling a male person a "man" ILLEGAL in Scotland starting April 1. Scotland's new 'hate speech' law expresses the ruling elites contempt for ordinary people. Radical new hate crime law in Scotland means people could go to jail if their words offend someone. Sources include: NYPost.com TheGuardian.com Brighteon.com First Ben Shapiro, now Mark Levin goes all in supporting Israeli genocide and mass murder Mark Levin is furious at President Joe Biden for daring to call out Israel's murder of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) food aid volunteers in the embattled Palestinian enclave of Gaza. Levin, who is Jewish, actually called Biden "evil" for drawing attention to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attack, which involved raining three separate missiles striking the volunteer workers after they had already established their aid route with the IDF. According to Levin, the whole thing was an "accident," this being the same excuse that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders are using to justify their crimes against humanity. In the video below, Levin raged at not just Biden but also Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby for "trashing Israel for something that they didn't mean to happen, and they apologized for, and are independently investigating." (Related: The only reason Ben Shapiro is a known conservative icon is because he was placed there by a dark and powerful Israeli intelligence operation.) Israel never apologized for WCK murder spree It turns out that Levin, Netanyahu and the rest of them are lying about apologizing for the heinous murder spree. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer who, it cannot be stressed, enough speaks on behalf of the Israeli government actually refused to apologize for the incident, stating only that Israel has "expressed grief" over what he called "the operation." Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. In other words, Israel is not sorry for murdering seven food aid workers in cold blood, only to then say "Oopsie," as if it was all just an accident. Netanyahu similarly refused to apologize, instead calling the incident a "tragic case" and chalking it all up to things that "happen in wartime." "The only country in Gaza that is ensuring or trying to [ensure] the delivery of food and medicine to Gaza civilians is Israel! Not Egypt! Not the United States!" Levin further fumed in a maniacal, lying rage. Levin then took the opportunity to launch into a monologue about how anyone who votes for Biden is "evil," instead pointing everyone to vote for former President Donald Trump who is apparently a friend to Israel and its ongoing genocide. Keep in mind that this is the same Levin who, immediately after the Oct. 7 false flag attack, hysterically called for Israel to activate the Samson Option and unleash a global nuclear holocaust. "I didn't hear Biden or anyone in his administration trash Israel, just the opposite, always reassuring the Zionists that they will back them, even in their war crimes," one commenter noted about how both sides of the political aisle are beholden to Israel and its demands. "They did caution Israel to be more careful in who they slaughter, knowing Israel will do whatever they want and the U.S.A. will not stop them," said the same commenter. "Levin is squawking because he wants to see everyone clapping, cheering for the genocide to continue because he is a Zionist thug. Someone needs to tell Levin our Constitution comes first, America comes first, NOT Israel, and that Americans will NOT support genocide." Others warned that Israel has a thing coming to it, long overdue, in their view, that will finally put the murderous Zionist regime in its right place. "All these foreign Nazis are going to see real 'evil' when Iran hits them and Armageddon begins," one wrote, referencing the Time of Jacob's Trouble, also known as the Great Tribulation for Israel, that is imminent. There is no excuse for what Israel is doing to Gaza in violation of international law. Find out more at Genocide.news. Sources for this article include: InformationLiberation.com NaturalNews.com In orthodox Israel, the HATE indoctrination of children begins very early God's chosen people in Israel seem to have a beef with God'schosen people, the Church of Jesus Christ, as once again seen in a shocking video that has gone viral depicting Jewish children cursing, assaulting and spitting at Christian missionaries. In the following clip, very young Jewish boys wearing yarmulkas can be seen calling a handful of Christian women preaching on the streets of Jerusalem "daughter of a b**ch," among other unsavory comments. Mind you, these are orthodox Jewish children and their families wearing the garb of their religion. At least one of the boys appears to be holding a small weapon as he approaches the Christian women and threatens them while their parents and other adults do nothing about it. The boys can also be seen physically assaulting the women by shoving them and circling around them in a threatening way. "You daughter of a b*tch!" "You're going to get hurt!" Shocking video going viral on social media shows a large group of Jewish children cursing and assaulting two Christian female missionaries in Israel with their parents' full support. pic.twitter.com/3pVVn7EouX Chris Menahan ?? (@infolibnews) September 12, 2023 (Related: Last year, the far-right Israeli Knesset introduced legislation to outlaw the preaching of Jesus Christ in Israel violators like these women would face prison time.) The apple of God's eye As the video progresses, one boy is seen striking one of the women while another throws some kind of can or bottle at her while she is facing the other direction. The assaults continue with no intervention from any of the onlooking adults. The hatred is palpable and contagious as one of the youngest boys there, who looks about age three, mimics the older kids by throwing a projectile at one of the women as the others scream at them. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. One of the adults, a man dressed in full orthodox Jewish garb, can also be seen in the video verbally accosting one of the women while the children throw things and scream at her. One of the children got what was coming to him, though, when in trying to kick one of the women his foot got caught in her dress, causing him to fall backwards on his behind straight onto the ground. When the boy who fell got back up and proceeded to try to assault the woman a second time, she defends herself by holding her hand out, which causes the younger children to scream "don't touch him!" at her while striking her with whatever objects they are holding. It is at this point that an older Jewish man, a different one from the one prior, proceeds to start verbally accosting the woman as well as she tries to defend herself from the hateful mob. Whoever was filming the whole thing also started to get accosted once the hateful mob realized they were being filmed. As the women then start to walk away, the children continue to approach them, striking them with objects and screaming at them. These are America's "best friends" and "the apple of God's eye," according to many Western religious folks who believe that the Jewish people, simply by their ancestry, are the chosen people of God who must be "blessed" at all times, or else God will "curse" the entire United States. "Jesus Himself told them, 'you are of your father, the devil,'" one commenter noted about what the New Testament says. "Without the support of Christians, the modern nation of Israel wouldn't even exist," noted another about the irony of the hatred depicted in the above video. "So this is how they repay Christian kindness?" Israel's rejection of Jesus Christ makes it antichrist. Find out more at Antichrist.news. Sources for this article include: Twitter.com NaturalNews.com The REAL COST of Faucis failures Big Pharma is infamous for inflicting horrific, chronic damage on the masses with experimental medications and vaccinations, then waiting several years before assessing the carnage and health destruction they cause. Then, once in a while, if the lawsuits are heavy, Big Pharma will actually admit to their atrocities, recall certain "products," and even admit they were "wrong." Yet, the real cost isn't financial, it's health and this time around, the plandemic, led by the nefarious Anthony "Flu Shot" Fauci, has cost tens of millions of people their lives, including men, women, children, infants and fetuses. Vaccine violence now more than obvious in the post-pandemic health carnage visible all around us Did you know there is really no such thing as "Long Covid?" It was a farce, made up by Big Pharma, just like Big Government made up "Climate Change." Talk about conspiracy theories gone wild. The "extremists" and "domestic terrorists" are in charge of the country, the hospitals, the death-medicine-laboratories and all of mainstream fake news, including TV, newspapers and just about all of social media, YouTube and anything you look up in Google. Now it's all AI-created "Long Covid" and "Disease X." It's all long-term-vaccine-syndrome, and it's all thanks to the most insidious talking head disease "expert" to ever walk on earth, Anthony "Mengele" Fauci. Fauci has led the charge in disseminating misinformation and disinformation. If any natural health advocate had done what he has done, they would be serving life in a DC gulag with the January 6'ers. Take a close look at the carnage from over 270 million Americans believing the brainwash scamdemic and racing to the doctor, pharmacy and hospital to get jabbed with gene-mutating "technology" that tricks your cells into creating millions of toxic virus-mimicking prions that clog the blood, infect the organs, damage the heart, inflict mayhem on the CNS and strain the brain. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Anthony "Deep State" Fauci is the head of the pharma snake folks. The head. He is the (masked) Joseph Mengele of our time. He's the Angel of Death in America, walking in a human body, delivering messages for the CDC that tell a few hundred million people to commit medical suicide by succumbing to prion injection technology through their fear of a virus that hardly kills anyone. Follow the bouncing ball. Following Fauci's medical advice is like slow walking into the gas chambers of the Holocaust. The country's knee-jerk reaction to a scamdemic that supposedly began because a Chinaman ate some raw bat soup is pathetic, to say the least. But the whole 75 year "vaccine" mission to eliminate billions of people finally gained massive traction with Covid, and now the vaccine-induced carnage is right there in plain sight. The lockdowns ruined people's natural immune system function. The masks brewed and bred bacterial infections of the mouth, throat and lungs that the Covid Industrial Complex blamed on the 60 million unvaccinated, educated, healthy people. Millions of Americans are now suffering vaccine-induced heart problems, nervous system dysfunction, hysteria, chronic-inflammation, period irregularities, spontaneous abortions and miscarriages, and Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (mRNA extermination protocol). Thanks Fauci. It's highly possible that nary a human actually died from the "novel" virus that was created in the Wuhan lab, but the mass wave of unexplained deaths is a direct result of microscopic particles sticking to the walls of blood vessels, traveling to vital organs and then being attacked by the human immune system like U.S. missiles getting dropped on innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip right now. It's genocide via vaccine "technology," and Dr. "Gain-of-Function" Fauci should be tried for mass-murder and treason in a "tribunal" court of law. Tune your internet dial to NaturalMedicine.news for more tips on how to use natural remedies for preventative medicine and for healing, instead of succumbing to Big Pharma products that cause, spread and exacerbate disease and disorder. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com ZeroHedge.com Theyre not wrong: Trump voices support for pro-Palestine protesters chanting Genocide Joe Former President Donald Trump on Saturday night voiced support for pro-Palestine protesters at his rally in Pennsylvania chanting "Genocide Joe!" (Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com) "They're not wrong," Trump said. "They're not wrong." "He [Joe Biden] has done everything wrong," he aded. WATCH: Palestine supporters chant Genocide Joe during PA rally. Trump responds: They're not wrong. Follow: @AFpostpic.twitter.com/kXzyOVcuVI AF Post (@AFpost) April 14, 2024 Trump last week refused to say he was with Israel "100%" and said the Jewish state's decision to blow up buildings in Gaza "doesn't make them look tough." Trump also said last month that Israel needs to "finish up" the war and Israel's decision to bomb civilian buildings is the cause of rising anti-Semitism. Read more at: InformationLiberation.com Ukraine now buying CHINESE DRONES because the American-made versions are unreliable Ukrainian forces are now purchasing drones made in China as their American-made versions are unreliable. According to the National Pulse, Kyiv's drone supplier of choice is SZ DJI Technology which is based in the city of Shenzhen in China's Guangdong province. A separate report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also confirmed this detail, noting that the Ukrainian military is using off-the-shelf drones from the firm. In a statement, DJI said it tries to restrict the use of its drones in the Russia-Ukraine war. But it admitted that it cannot control how the drones are used, especially in war zones, after they are purchased. DJI nevertheless remarked that it "absolutely deplores and condemns the use of its products to cause harm anywhere in the world." (Related: Drone use is widening in Ukraine, bringing with it potential dawn of robotic killing machines.) The company has been been denounced by Washington as a Chinese military company and a surveillance tool for Beijing, a claim DJI denies. The U.S. Department of Defense has also banned the use of the company's drones in the military. A proposal in the U.S. Congress would also ban new DJI products from being imported in the country, the WSJ added. DJI denounced the proposed ban in the same statement it issued, calling it politically motivated. According to the drone manufacturer, it was the product of lobbying by American drone companies that are trying to eliminate competition. But the Pulse remarked that in spite of the ban, Ukrainian purchases funded at least in part by U.S. aid keeps the money flowing for DJI. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. Aside from drones, Ukraine also relies on Chinese-made components for its burgeoning domestic drone industry. Factories in the country are churning out "hundreds of thousands of small, cheap drones that can carry explosives." They can also produce " larger drones that can strike deep into enemy territory and reach Russian ships on the Black Sea." Ukraine conflict exposes shortcomings in the U.S. drone industry Meanwhile, the Pulse mentioned that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has exposed "significant deficiencies" in the American drone industry. These deficiencies, it added, has prompted Kyiv to turn to Chinese drones for its offensive against Moscow. Adding insult to injury, the WSJ also outlined examples of these unreliable U.S. drones. In one instance, hundreds of drones made by San Mateo, California-based Skydio "flew off course and were lost." Others fell victim to Russia's electronic warfare, being downed by jammers. Even Skydio CEO Adam Bry admitted that his company's drones are "not a very successful platform on the front lines. He continued: "The general reputation for every class of U.S. drone in Ukraine is that they don't work as well as other systems." "Made-in-America drones tend to be expensive, glitchy and hard to repair, said drone company executives, Ukrainians on the front lines, Ukrainian government officials and former U.S. defense officials. Ukrainian officials have found U.S.-made drones fragile and unable to overcome Russian jamming and GPS blackout technology," the WSJ elaborated. "At times, they couldn't take off, complete missions, or return home. American drones often fail to fly at the distances advertised or carry substantial payloads." According to the Pulse, Ukrainian forces are burning through about 10,000 drones a month. Had they chosen the glitchy yet more expensive American counterparts, that number would have been lower. "The problems with U.S. drones are not only a national security weakness but also a loss for the U.S. economy," it ultimately remarked. Visit DroneWatchNews.com for more stories about the use of drones in Ukraine. Watch this footage of a Russian bomb destroying a drone factory in Ukraine. This video is from the Tilt channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: REPORT: Ukraine abducts wounded Russian soldiers using giant drones with pincers. NATO wants to give Ukraine 1 MILLION DRONES in 2024 but who will make them? Chinese researchers develop autonomous drones that can track people through dense forests. China ramping up production of military drones to rival US drone fleet, leaked defense ministry document shows. Ukrainian KAMIKAZE DRONE sets off explosion, crashing into Russian airbase and damaging supersonic bomber. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com WSJ.com Brighteon.com The latest report raised concerns about the impacts of rising temperatures on Southeast Asia, causing potential drought and heat-related health concerns. Hotter weather can be unbearable for communities without cooling systems, causing potential health risks. In Thailand, a recent report noted that the country is expected to celebrate a water festival time amidst the record-high temperatures. However, the unusual heat can likely threaten communities, urging them to prepare and avoid prolonged exposure to heat. In a report published in Communications Earth and Environment, researchers warned of the possible risk of concurrent heatwaves and extreme sea levels on global coastal communities. The report urged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, warning of potential concurrent extremes each year from 2025 to 2024. Nature World News (NWN) report explained the potential health risks of heatwaves, particularly for people with medical conditions, older adults, children, outdoor workers, and pets. Heat stroke and heat fatigue are both serious health concerns due to hotter temperatures. Heatwaves and Climate Change Impacts on Southeast Asia Parts of Southeast Asia have experienced unprecedented temperatures. El Nino events and climate change have brought the challenging heat, causing heat-related health concerns and drought impacts. Climate change can influence precipitation patterns, causing prolonged heat, which can affect communities without cooling systems. The lack of rain can potentially affect the agricultural industries. In Vietnam, the country has experienced intense drought due to the heat. Malaysia has also suffered from rising temperatures, and cloud seedling technology is tapped as a way to bring more rain, mitigating the effects of heat-related health concerns. Recent reports highlight that Southeast Asia is known to be at risk of climate change, including the following: heatwaves droughts floods In a report, researchers raised concerns about the mild to severe heatwaves in Malaysia, warning of increasing threats of hotter temperatures in the region. With studies indicating climate change's influence on temperature-related extremes, frequent extreme weather events are likely. Similar to Southeast Asia, South America, Africa and the Middle East have experienced the same heatwaves. Severe to extreme heatwaves can cause alarming damage to ecosystems and wildlife, which are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. The situation can affect the animal's behavior. For coral reefs, the rise in temperatures can lead to a decline in coral health, causing coral bleaching. Also Read: Climate Change Could Impact Ecosystems Across Boreal Forests, Tundra Regions Up to the Year 2500 [Study] Improving Climate Resilience As heatwaves become more severe in some countries, improving climate resilience is crucial. Effective weather prediction and adaptation to climate change can significantly help mitigate its adverse effects, particularly for poorer populations. For communities, planting trees and deforestation mitigation help fight climate change. However, the global goal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is timely and significant. Related Article: Climate Burden on Farms: Study Reveals Rising Financial Costs of Climate Change for Agriculture For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News Europe's top human rights court ruled that the Swiss government violated its citizens' human rights by failing to do more to address climate change, setting a precedent for future climate claims. The European Court of Human Rights' decision in favor of the more than 2,000 Swiss women who brought the case is expected to have an impact on court decisions across Europe and beyond as well as encourage more groups to file climate-related lawsuits against governments. Human Rights Violation The Swiss ladies, known as KlimaSeniorinnen and over the age of 64, claimed that their government's inactivity on climate put them at risk of death during heatwaves. They maintained that their age and gender rendered them especially sensitive to the effects of climate change. According to the verdict, the court determined that Switzerland violated Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which ensures the "right to respect for private and family life." Court President Siofra O'Leary stated that the Swiss government did not implement appropriate domestic policies to address climate change. "It is clear that future generations are likely to bear an increasingly severe burden of the consequences of present failures and omissions to combat climate change," she added. According to the European Convention on Human Rights, all individuals are legally entitled to "effective protection by state authorities from the serious adverse effects of climate change on their lives, health, well-being, and quality of life." The court said Switzerland failed to ensure this protection since it did not act swiftly to prevent climate change. More specifically, the government did not complete its goal to lower its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels; instead, Switzerland reduced emissions by roughly 11 percent between 2013 and 2020. Furthermore, the European country has not established a national carbon budget, which limits how much carbon dioxide can be emitted by industry, households, and the economy. In their decision, the court left Switzerland to devise its own remedies under the supervision of a committee of government officials from member countries. Read Also: Lawsuit Warns Politicians That Climate Change Can Cost Them Climate Lawsuit The cases before the 17-judge panel in Strasbourg, France, are part of a growing number of climate lawsuits filed by citizens against governments based on human rights legislation. The Swiss ruling, which cannot be appealed, will have far-reaching international consequences, most notably by establishing a binding legal precedent for all 46 nations that have signed the European Convention on Human Rights. The result might also have an impact on future rulings by the Strasbourg court, which had put six other climate cases on hold pending Tuesday's decisions. These include a case against the Norwegian government, which claims it breached human rights by granting fresh licenses for oil and gas exploitation in the Barents Sea after 2035. "(It) sets a crucial legally binding precedent serving as a blueprint for how to successfully sue your own government over climate failures," Ruth Delbaere, legal campaigns director at global civic movement Avaaz, said of the Swiss case's outcome. The result might also have an impact on future rulings by the Strasbourg court, which had put six other climate cases on hold pending Tuesday's decisions. These include a case against the Norwegian government, which claims it breached human rights by granting fresh licenses for oil and gas exploitation in the Barents Sea after 2035. Courts in Australia, Brazil, Peru, and South Korea are also considering climate-related human rights cases. Last month, India's Supreme Court ruled that residents have the right to be free of the negative effects of climate change. Related Article: American Kids Win the Right to Sue the US Government Over Climate Change A post-mortem examination of a dead humpback whale that washed up on New Jersey's Long Beach Island revealed that the animal had suffered severe blunt force injuries, including a shattered skull and vertebrae. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center revealed findings from a necropsy performed Thursday evening on a nearly 25-foot (7.6-meter) adolescent male humpback whale discovered dead in Long Beach Township. Force Injuries According to the center's director, Sheila Dean, the whale had bruising around the head, many fractures of the skull and cervical vertebrae, numerous dislocated ribs, and a dislocated shoulder bone. She would not attribute the injuries to a specific cause, stating that comprehensive testing as part of the necropsy is still underway, with tissue samples being sent to laboratories across the country. The animal's cause of death is of great concern to many people, especially in light of an ongoing issue in which opponents of offshore wind power believe that site preparation work for the projects is injuring or killing whales along the United States East Coast. "We only report what we see," Dean said. Numerous scientific agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the Marine Mammal Commission; the U.S. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection claim there is no evidence tying offshore wind preparation to whale deaths. Leading Light Wind is one of three proposed wind farms off New Jersey's coast. It stated in a statement issued late Thursday that "our community should guard against misinformation campaigns in response to these incidents," stressing that many prior whale deaths have been ascribed by scientists to vessel hits or entanglement with fishing gear. "Blaming all of the cetacean deaths on entanglements and ship strikes is reminiscent of the phenomenon four years ago in which seemingly every death was a COVID death, no matter how old or how sick the patient was prior to contracting the virus," the group said in a statement. Read Also: Two Humpback Whales Caught in Shark Nets Off the Queensland Coast During a Whale Migration Death Of Whales According to the date of NOAA, 16 large whales died on the East Coast in 2024: 7 humpbacks between Massachusetts and North Carolina, 4 North Atlantic right whales (critically endangered) in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Georgia, two sperm whales in South Carolina and Florida, two minke whales in North Carolina and Virginia, and one fin whale in Rhode Island. The agency said that 82 big whales died along the East Coast in 2023. The stranding center's website stated that this was New Jersey's first whale death of the year, following 14 in 2023. The post-mortem study of the whale revealed evidence of previous entanglement with fishing gear, which was not present when the whale washed ashore. Scars from a prior entanglement unrelated to the stranding episode were discovered on the peduncle, the muscle area where the tail joins to the body; on the tail itself; and on the right front pectoral flipper. Humpback whales' population has been significantly reduced from historical levels because to commercial whaling. The United States categorized the species as endangered under the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1970, followed by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Related Article:Humpback Whales Are Primarily Bottom Feeders [VIDEO] Imagine a road snaking through a dense rainforest, invisible on any official map. This isn't a scene from a jungle adventure movie; it's the chilling reality unfolding across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. A recent study published in Nature by a team of scientists reveals a shocking network of illicit roads, aptly named "ghost roads," that are tearing through pristine rainforests at an alarming rate. How Ghost Roads Are Scarring Rainforests Across Southeast Asia The research, led by a prominent Eneas Salati known for his stark assessment of the Amazon's plight, sheds light on the devastating impact of these illegal pathways. The study compared ghost roads with established databases, uncovering a sobering truth: these hidden highways total a length 3 to 6.6 times greater than all the mapped roads in the region combined. The consequences are as swift as they are disastrous. The study identified a surge in deforestation wherever ghost roads appeared, highlighting a direct correlation between these clandestine routes and forest loss. The research suggests that road construction is the single most significant factor driving deforestation, even outweighing 38 other variables considered in the study. Also Read: Illegal Logging Threatens Ancient Old Growth Forests of Romania The Unseen Culprits: Who's Building These Ghost Roads? The shadowy nature of ghost roads raises a critical question: who is building them? While the study doesn't delve into the specific culprits, it sheds light on the potential actors. Illegal logging, mining, and land development are all major drivers of deforestation in Southeast Asia. These activities often thrive in secrecy, and the construction of ghost roads provides a clandestine way to access and exploit these valuable resources. The very impermanence of these roads can be a calculated strategy, making them difficult to track and dismantle by authorities. The fight against deforestation requires a multi-pronged approach. Satellite monitoring can be crucial in identifying new ghost roads, but on-the-ground efforts are equally important. Strengthening law enforcement and tackling the root causes of illegal resource extraction are essential steps to sever the link between ghost roads and forest loss. This groundbreaking study serves as a stark reminder of the silent threats lurking within our rainforests. By acknowledging the existence of ghost roads and understanding their devastating impact, we can start to develop effective strategies to protect these irreplaceable ecosystems. Beyond the environmental toll, ghost roads also pose a significant threat to the livelihoods and safety of indigenous communities. These roads fragment habitats, disrupt wildlife migration patterns, and can introduce invasive species. They also open up previously isolated areas to illegal hunting and poaching, putting endangered species at further risk. The economic impact of ghost roads is equally concerning. A study on Indonesia, for instance, found that timber theft alone costs the country around $1.5 billion each year. Ghost roads facilitate this illegal logging by providing a means to transport stolen timber out of protected areas. The environmental damage caused by deforestation also has a ripple effect, impacting everything from water quality to tourism. Combating ghost roads requires a global effort. Consumer awareness is crucial in curbing the demand for illegally logged timber and other resources. Technology can also play a role, with advancements in satellite imagery and drone surveillance aiding in the detection of new roads. Ultimately, the fight against ghost roads is a fight for the future of our planet's rainforests. These irreplaceable ecosystems are home to a staggering diversity of life and play a vital role in regulating the global climate. By taking decisive action against ghost roads, we can help safeguard these natural wonders for generations to come. Related article: Illegal Logging: Flooring Company Adds To Habitat Loss Of Siberian Tigers [VIDEO] The Guyana Defense Forces (GDF) and French manufacturer OCEA S.A. have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for the acquisition of an oceanic patrol vessel. Priced at $42 million, the agreement includes the purchase of a Model 190 offshore patrol vessel. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link The OPV 190 is a french patrol vessel. (Picture source: OCEA) The signing ceremony took place at the Guyana Ministry of Finance building, as reported by News Room. Local authorities were represented by Ashni Singh (Minister of Finance of Guyana), Brigadier Omar Khan (Chief of Defense Staff of the GDF), and Captain Vernon Burnett (GDF Colonel of Administration and Accommodation). The French side was represented by Nicolas de Bouillane de Lacoste (Ambassador of France to Suriname and Guyana) and Yorgo Hernandez (Director for the Americas at OCEA SA). With the purchase of the Model 190 offshore patrol vessel, Guyana aims to ensure its sovereignty and combat illegal fishing and trafficking activities, especially against the backdrop of tensions with Venezuela over the Essequibo region. The LOI not only specifies the purchase of the vessel but also includes the provision of technical equipment and training for five years. The OPV 190 is a patrol vessel designed to meet high performance and operational capacity requirements. This ship, 58 meters in length and displacing 500 tonnes, is operated by a crew of 24 sailors and can accommodate up to 30 additional passengers. With a 21-day endurance, the OPV 190 can undertake extended missions without frequent resupply, which is well suited to Guyana's needs. Its maximum speed of 30 knots allows it to rapidly move between different points of interest. In terms of armament, the OPV 190 is equipped for both defense and attack: it can carry a remotely operated 30 mm cannon, a water cannon for non-lethal interventions, and two 12.7 mm machine guns, thus offering significant response capabilities against various threats. From Guyana, Brigadier Omar Khan stated, "The purchase of an oceanic patrol vessel is pertinent and necessary, and it is best for us as a sovereign nation to do so. While our collective actions have converged in today's ceremony, I highlight and recognize the commitment of the Government of Guyana and the vision of our Commander in Chief to ensure that the GDF is equipped with the necessary resources for air, land, and sea to protect our territory, and also to create an environment conducive to national development." Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez responded by saying, "The victim-playing Guyana buys an oceanic patrol vessel from a French company. Guyana, the United States, its Western partners, and its former colonial master [United Kingdom], constitute a threat to peace in our region. Venezuela will continue to monitor Guyana's actions and persist on the path of international legality. The moment of historical truth has arrived!" Ambassador Bouillane expressed optimism about the progress in negotiations and the signing of the agreement, stating, "United, we are stronger in facing various challenges." The diplomat confirmed that with the signing of the LOI, France became the second main exporter of military equipment to Guyana. This milestone further strengthens the bilateral relations and trust between the two nations, accelerating the opening of the French Embassy in 2025. Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. EU, G7 leaders urge preventing escalation in Mideast E uropean Union (EU) and Group of Seven (G7) leaders have called for preventing a further escalation of the situation in the Middle East following Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel. "Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to follow the situation closely with our partners," said European Council President Charles Michel on social media on Sunday. "All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on social media. While calling on "all parties to exercise utmost restraint", Josep Borrell, EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on social media that "this is an unprecedented escalation." Borrell said that he has called an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers on April 16 "to contribute to de-escalation and security of the region". After gathering in a virtual meeting on Sunday, the G7 leaders called for de-escalation and restraint on all parties, Xinhua news agency reported. In a joint statement, the G7 leaders emphasized "the need to avoid further escalation, calling on the parties to refrain from actions aimed at exacerbating tension in the region." "To this end, the G7 called for an end to the crisis in Gaza through a cessation of hostilities and for the release of (Israeli) hostages by Hamas. The G7 leaders also pledged to continue providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population," said the statement. The G7 comprises Canada, the US, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and Japan, plus the top representatives of the European Union. Iran and allied armed groups launched coordinated drone and missile strikes on Israel late Saturday night. Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has said the country's military action against Israel was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter regarding the legitimate right to self-defence and "in response to the deadly Israeli attack against the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1". Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Sunday that Iran, at this moment, no longer sought to continue its retaliatory military operation against Israel. EU, G7 leaders urge preventing escalation in Mideast Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Tsitsipas beats Ruud for third Monte-Carlo title S tefanos Tsitsipas dispatched Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-4 to win his third Monte-Carlo title in four years. With his one-hour, 37-minute win, Tsitsipas became the fifth player to win three or more Monte-Carlo titles, joining Rafael Nadal (11), Bjorn Borg (3), Thomas Muster (3) and Ilie Nastase (3). "It has been very difficult, so to be back on the podiums, winning tournaments just feels amazing. The third time is even more special than the first or second time. This is an unbelievable win for me. Capturing that win today was nerve-wracking. I really wanted this trinity. I am extremely happy today," said Tsitsipas. After taking the first set on his second set point, the 12th seed, Tsitsipas saved one break point in his opening service game of the second set. Ruud struggled to find the court with consistency on his forehand in the first set, frequently overhitting. While he improved in the second set, he was unable to find the required level to hurt the Greek. In a tense 13-minute seventh game, Tsitipas fended off three break points before holding. He then gained a decisive break himself to seal victory, ATP reports. The Greek, who has won 11 tour-level trophies, including three Masters 1000 titles, will return to the Top 10 for the first time since February on Monday when he climbs to No. 7. Tsitsipas beats Ruud for third Monte-Carlo title Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Champaign, IL (61820) Today A mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds. High near 70F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 44F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. With global incidence rates rising, new, more effective treatments are necessary to alleviate the health burden of the disease. Important advances in recent years include doctors using genetic tests to look for specific mutations they can target for more personalised, effective treatment. Around 1 in 2 melanoma patients will have mutations in the BRAF gene. This gene normally makes a protein which helps control cell growth, but mutations can cause the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably instead, happening in many different types of cancer including melanoma. The discovery of BRAF mutations has led to development of targeted therapies to inhibit its function. One of the standard treatment options for melanoma over the last ten years has been to simultaneously target both BRAF mutations and MEK. These two genes are part of the MAPK signalling pathway, which, in cancer, is rewired for uncontrolled growth. Targeting two different critical points in the same domino chain helps slow or stop cancer growth. Despite great initial responses to the combined use of the first-generation inhibitors, around 50% of melanoma patients with BRAF mutations will relapse within one year. The cancer acquires resistance to the drugs, finding other ways to reactive the MAPK pathway through mechanisms which remain poorly understood. Melanoma drug resistance is a huge clinical problem because it occurs in almost all BRAF-mutated patients under BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy and there are few or no therapeutic alternatives. There is an urgent need to understand the many different underlying mechanisms and find new strategies to deal with this constantly evolving arms race." Dr. Francisco Aya Moreno, medically-trained oncologist and recent PhD graduate at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona A study published today in the journal Cell Reports has disentangled the mechanisms behind one of the ways cancer cells develop resistance to targeted therapy. The study found that, in response to treatment, melanomas can 'break' parts of their BRAF gene, also known as genomic deletions. This helps the tumour create alternative versions of the protein (altBRAFs) which lack regions targeted by BRAF inhibitors, reactivating the MAPK pathway and making the drugs less effective. The finding was consistent across various lab models and patient tumour samples. The findings are important because altBRAFs were thought to be made through alternative splicing, which is when cells use the same gene to synthesise different proteins. The discovery that genomic deletions, and not splicing, are the cause means a shift away from previous proposals for using drugs that target splicing as a therapeutic strategy. "For years, we've known that some patients produce altBRAFs and these help the cancer resist treatment, but we misunderstood the mechanism behind their creation. Knowing that genomic deletions are the cause opens new avenues for developing therapies that could more effectively help patients with BRAF mutations," explains ICREA Research Professor Juan Valcarcel, co-author of the study and researcher at the Centre for Genomic Regulation. Surprisingly, the researchers found evidence of the same genomic deletions in melanomas which hadn't been treated yet. In other words, melanomas can naturally develop mechanisms that mimic drug resistance, even without exposure to drugs. Identifying and targeting these early resistance mechanisms through profound genetic testing in a clinical setting before treatment begins could improve the efficacy of first-line therapies. Even more surprisingly, further analyses revealed that genomic deletions might be a more widespread mechanism of oncogenesis and resistance than previously thought. Though uncommon, researchers found evidence of altBRAFs in melanomas with a normal-functioning BRAF gene, as well as in other types of cancer including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer and prostate cancer. The findings could increase the patient population benefiting from targeted treatments which are currently under clinical development. "There is an emerging class of drugs known as second generation RAF inibitors. Unlike BRAF inhibitors, these drugs have a broad spectrum, and so could potentially inhibit the function of altBRAFs. Clinical trials which are assessing their effectiveness should also expand to include melanoma patients with a normal functioning BRAF gene as well, and possibly to other cancer types which express altBRAFs," explains Dr. Aya Moreno. Dr. Aya Moreno is part of the second cohort of the PhD4MD programme, a joint effort by Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS) and the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) designed to leverage the medical insight of a doctor to drive research that benefits patients. "Having the opportunity to approach this research with both a clinician's perspective and a scientist's curiosity has been invaluable. It allowed us to uncover not just how melanomas resist treatment but also how this knowledge could lead to more effective therapies for patients. This fusion of clinical insight and scientific investigation is crucial for making real progress in our fight against cancer," concludes Dr. Aya Moreno. The study was led by Dr. Aya Moreno and co-supervised by Professor Juan Valcarcel at the Centre for Genomic Regulation and Dr. Ana Arance at IDIBAPS. It was also carried out in collaboration with Nuria Lopez Bigas' research group at IRB Barcelona. Since completing his PhD at the CRG, Dr. Aya Moreno has returned to the Medical Oncology department in the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona. This year, New Jersey Health Foundation (NJHF) granted $135,000 in awards to three Kessler Foundation scientists to support pilot research projects that exhibit promising potential. Foundation researchers will conduct studies that expand research in web-based job interview training for youth on the autism spectrum, upper extremity robotics for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury, and adding three additional assessment items to the Kessler Foundation Neglect Assessment Process (KF-NAP). Ghaith J. Androwis, PhD, senior research scientist in the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research and director of the Center's Rehabilitation Robotics and Research Laboratory at Kessler Foundation, received a $50,000 one-year grant for his study "Wearable Robotic Orthosis Combined with Visual/Haptic Feedback to Improve Upper Extremity Function and ADL in Persons with Chronic SCI." Among an estimated 17,700 new traumatic SCI cases reported each year in the United States, about half of those injuries are accompanied by arm and hand movement disabilities. While numerous rehabilitation technologies, including wearable robotics, facilitate hand and arm movement for daily functioning, few undergo systematic evaluation to assess their effectiveness and therapeutic value in improving these capabilities. "Our study will examine the effect of the wearable upper extremity robotic MyoPro orthotic on improving and recovering arm and hand movement function and activity of daily living in persons with chronic SCI," said Dr. Androwis. "In addition, the study will evaluate whether providing visual/haptic feedback while the patients are assisted with the MyoPro orthotic could improve therapeutic effects of the intervention. "The findings from the study would support the use of integrated technologies robotic assistance + real-time feedback in promoting upper extremity movement function and positively impact health and welfare of people with SCI," he explained. Peii (Peggy) Chen, senior research scientist in the Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research and director of the Center's Spatial Attention, Awareness, and Ability Laboratory, received a one-year $50,000 grant for her study "Ecological Assessment for Chronic Spatial Neglect." Chronic spatial neglect is under-represented in research and under-treated clinically, often because chronic symptoms are often undetected by currently available standardized assessments carried out in inpatient settings. We developed three additional assessment items (reading, pill organization, and way finding) to add to the 10-item KF-NAP," said Dr. Chen. The widely used KF-NAP uniquely measures spatial neglect during activities of daily living by assessing functional difficulties that are not captured by Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Barthel Index. We'll use study results to secure federal grants for exploring the feasibility of using KF-NAP-13 in outpatient and home settings, and use it as the primary outcome measure in future clinical trials evaluating long-term functional outcomes among stroke survivors." Dr. Peii (Peggy) Chen, senior research scientist in the Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research and director of the Center's Spatial Attention, Awareness, and Ability Laboratory Helen Genova, PhD, associate director in the Center for Autism Research and director of the Center's Social Cognition and Neuroscience Laboratory received a one-year, $35,000 grant for her study named "Exploring the Implementation of a Job Interview Training Program for Autistic Youth in a Real-World Setting." "Because autistic youth face extremely high rates of unemployment, it is critical that interventions are developed to improve employment outcomes in this vulnerable population. One obstacle to employment is the job interview, which can be challenging for individuals on the spectrum," explained Dr. Genova. "Our study will evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative web-based job interview training tool, Kessler Foundation Strength Identification and Expression (KF-STRIDE)," said Dr. Genova. "This tool teaches autistic youth how to speak about their unique employable strengths," she added. KF-STRIDE has been used only in lab-based settings, which limits its potential usefulness to the greater community. "Our study will evaluate KF-STRIDE in a real-world setting: a community organization that offers employment training to autistic youth," she added. "We'll assess KF-STRIDE's impact on job interview skills and employment outcomes, pre- and post-intervention. Additionally, we'll gather qualitative feedback from teachers and students in the community to gauge its real-world usability and effectiveness," explained Dr. Genova. Breastfeeding is the ideal source of nutrition for almost all infants. However, only 44% of infants worldwide below six months of age are breastfed without supplementary feeds. One common reason is insufficient milk to satisfy the child's needs. A new study published online in the journal Advances in Nutrition reviews existing literature to identify and analyze associations between the mother's body size and lactation, including the time of onset, amount of milk produced, and infant consumption of the mother's own milk (MOM). It seeks to explore the hypothesis that obesity and overweight, as well as underweight, inhibit successful breastfeeding. Study: Is maternal body weight or composition associated with onset of lactogenesis II, human milk production or infant consumption of mothers own milk? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Image Credit: Nastyaofly / Shutterstock Malnutrition and lactation The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Beyond that, breastfeeding should be continued with complementary foods until the child is at least two years of age. This presupposes that the mother has adequate milk. Both ends of the nutrition spectrum are potential risk factors for poor lactation. Preterm birth, which is more common in both underweight and overweight pregnancies, is linked to delayed lactogenesis and early cessation of breastfeeding for multiple reasons. While underweight mothers may not have adequate energy stores to form enough milk, this is clinically observed only when the mother is severely undernourished. On the other hand, obesity may be associated with hormonal and metabolic aberrations that suppress lactation. Prolactin is vital to successful lactation but is reduced in overweight/obese mothers. In addition, infants often find it difficult to latch on to the breast in such cases. Insulin is essential to the synthesis of human milk. Insulin resistance, commonly found in obese or overweight individuals, may hinder milk production. About the study The current study included 122 articles, with a total of over 42,500 mothers. The mean maternal age was between 20 years and 35 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) ranged from 16.7 to 31.3 kg/m2. The percentage fat mass ranged from 15.5 to 45.4. What were the findings? The authors found that most studies focused on infant consumption of MOM. The overall evidence was of very low certainty. However, underweight or healthy-weight mothers were 35% less likely to experience a delay in producing abundant breast milk compared to obese or overweight mothers. There was no association between the time to the onset of copious breast milk and the maternal BMI as such. The lack of data on the percentage of fat mass precluded any investigation of its relationship to the onset of lactogenesis. Only one article included preterm babies with overweight or obese mothers. Interestingly, it captured an inverse association between milk production and the pre-pregnancy maternal BMI. "On day 7 postpartum, the mean expressed milk volume was significantly higher for mothers with a BMI<27 than mothers with BMI>27 (393mL vs. 195mL, respectively). However, infant consumption of MOM did not show any association with maternal BMI or maternal fat percentage. Possible reasons include the lack of variation in total energy intake or the small sample size for women with high percentage fat mass. The latter may have negated the odds of observing an inverse association with infant consumption of breast milk above a critical BMI or percentage fat mass threshold. The researchers found that a high risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecise data marred many studies. Moreover, obese or overweight mothers were consistently under-represented in lactation studies. Conclusions While obesity and overweight appear to pose a risk factor for delayed onset of copious breast milk production 72 hours or more from delivery compared to non-overweight mothers, the supporting data is scanty as this group is underrepresented in most studies. The amount of milk produced may drop only after a certain BMI threshold, accounting for the mixed results of these studies. Most studies also did not include mothers of premature infants. This could make it necessary to use other definitions for successful lactogenesis following preterm birth. For instance, a volume-based criterion, like >500 mL/day, might be preferred rather than the current traditional hours-based definition. The finding corroborates the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's identification of "maternal obesity as a condition that impairs lactation." However, "our results did not adequately capture mothers with preterm infants or those with a BMI >30kg/m2, who may be at greatest risk." Multiple research gaps were thus identified. If these findings are validated by future research, interventions must be designed to help overweight or obese mothers achieve successful breastfeeding. The physiological mechanisms underlying the effect of maternal body size and fat composition remain to be elucidated. Future studies should also focus on providing evidence for the success of strategies such as exercise, an anti-inflammatory diet, and stress management on lactation. New cancer cases have been increasing in the West. Those that top the list are breast, prostate, and lung cancer, with colorectal cancer (CRC). A new study in Scientific Reports attempts to estimate the reduction in prevalence that could be accomplished by rigorously applying all known preventive measures against cancer. Study: Non-preventable cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer in 2050 in an elimination scenario of modifiable risk factors. Image Credit: fizkes/Shutterstock.com Background The researchers used the Nordic cancer statistics database NORDCAN to arrive at their results. Previous predictions for Nordic countries showed an increase in new cases by over a quarter, with the highest spike being shown by CRC at ~30% above the 2021 levels. Cancers are long-term and exacting health issues that require intensive and prolonged healthcare. Thus, it is important to build in cancer capacity into existing healthcare systems if the cancer burden is expected to rise. The current study explored the ability of preventive actions to minimize or eliminate the increase in cancer risk. These included the Big Three, namely, quitting smoking, managing excessive body weight, and reducing alcohol consumption to acceptable levels. Earlier studies indicated that attention to just one risk factor at a time could help prevent about 15% of new cancers over the next three decades. A later study linked a third of all cancers in the USA to these three factors. Yet, the biggest risk for cancer remains age, particularly for epithelial cancers. As the aging population shoots up, especially in Nordic countries where the fertility rate is below the net replacement rate, there will be a 34% rise in the number of people aged 65 years or more. This age group contributes to two of every three cancers in Denmark. Statistics Denmark says that the number of those aged at least 80 is expected to double by 2050 from 2020 levels. Using three scenarios, the investigators modeled the effects of targeting these three risk factors. In each case, the first scenario was a no-change assumption. The second and third were reducing the exposure by half and eliminating it altogether, beginning in 2022. They then estimated the number of new cases of each of Denmark's four most common cancers. A macrosimulation model called Prevent developed different estimates for each prevention scenario. The researchers categorized exposures, such as light, moderate, and heavy drinking, for alcohol consumption (one or less drink per day, 1-4 per day, and > four drinks a day, respectively). What were the effects of prevention? The model projected an increase in prostate cancer by 25% in 2050 relative to 2020, with a ~20% rise in breast cancers. The highest increase was for CRC in women, at 33%, and CRC in men, by ~39%. CRC in men and women could fall by ~28% and 16%, respectively, in 2050 if all three risk factors were no longer in play from this moment onwards. Postmenopausal breast cancers would go down by 15%, while prostate cancer showed no change. The latter finding is predictable since these risk factors play no role in the etiology of prostate cancer. Without such preventive measures, there was an estimated 25% increase in expected new prostate cancer patients. Lung cancer incidence was predicted to fall by ~17% in both sexes. If smoking were instantly eliminated, the greatest possible reduction in new cases of lung cancer by 2050 would be by 70% in both sexes. At least 75% of new lung cancers in Denmark are caused by smoking. Conclusion Even if all known major risk factors identified to be at work in Denmark in 2022 were to be removed with the wave of a magic wand, there would be no decrease in the number of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer and CRC in 2050, while new prostate cancers would be up by 25% vs the figure in 2021. This effect is unavoidable and traceable to the increasing number of elderly people in the population that overwhelms the impact of cancer prevention. Increase in life expectancy and age will entail an increase in cancer incidence, despite maximum effect of preventive actions in the population. Survival rates are increasing among cancer patients, many of whom live to develop one or more other types of cancer. This is the conclusion of a recent study on cancers related to smoking or drinking, where secondary cancers are more likely in the same population. This will mean much rethinking of options to ensure that cancer patients are catered for in all future health plans, even as preventive strategies are also applied. Investment in early detection and targeted screening are called for in this situation to help manage the higher prevalence of cancers in the aging population. State and local governments are receiving billions of dollars in opioid settlements to address the drug crisis that has ravaged America for decades. But instead of spending the money on new addiction treatment and prevention services they couldn't afford before, some jurisdictions are using it to replace existing funding and stretch tight budgets. Scott County, Indiana, for example, has spent more than $250,000 of opioid settlement dollars on salaries for its health director and emergency medical services staff. The money usually budgeted for those salaries was freed to buy an ambulance and create a financial cushion for the health department. In Blair County, Pennsylvania, about $320,000 went to a drug court the county has been operating with other sources of money for more than two decades. And in New York, some lawmakers and treatment advocates say the governor's proposed budget substitutes millions of opioid settlement dollars for a portion of the state addiction agency's normal funding. The national opioid settlements don't prohibit the use of money for initiatives already supported by other means. But families affected by addiction, recovery advocates, and legal and public health experts say doing so squanders a rare opportunity to direct additional resources toward saving lives. "To think that replacing what you're already spending with settlement funds is going to make things better it's not," said Robert Kent, former general counsel for the Office of National Drug Control Policy. "Certainly, the spirit of the settlements wasn't to keep doing what youre doing. It was to do more." Settlement money is a new funding stream, separate from tax dollars. It comes from more than a dozen companies that were accused of aggressively marketing and distributing prescription painkillers. States are required to spend at least 85% of the funds on addressing the opioid crisis. Now, with illicit fentanyl flooding the drug market and killing tens of thousands of Americans annually, the need for treatment and social services is more urgent. Thirteen states and Washington, D.C., have restricted the practice of substituting opioid settlement funds for existing dollars, according to state guides created by OpioidSettlementTracker.com and the public health organization Vital Strategies. A national set of principles created by Johns Hopkins University also advises against the practice, known as supplantation. Paying staff salaries Scott County, Indiana a small, rural place known nationally as the site of an HIV outbreak in 2015 sparked by intravenous drug use received more than $570,000 in opioid settlement funds in 2022. From August 2022 to July 2023, the county reported using roughly $191,000 for the salaries of its EMS director, deputy director, and training officer/clinical coordinator, as well as about $60,000 for its health administrator. The county also awarded about $151,000 total to three community organizations that address addiction and related issues. In a public meeting discussing the settlement dollars, county attorney Zachary Stewart voiced concerns. "I don't know whether or not we're supposed to be using that money to add, rather than supplement, already existing resources," he said. But a couple of months later, the county council approved the allocations. Council President Lyndi Hughbanks did not respond to repeated requests to explain this decision. But council members and county commissioners said in public meetings that they hoped to compensate county departments for resources expended during the HIV outbreak. Their conversations echoed the struggles of many rural counties nationwide, which have tight budgets, in part because they poured money into addressing the opioid crisis for years. Now as they receive settlement funds, they want to recoup some of those expenses. The Scott County Health Department did not respond to questions about how the funds typically allocated for salary were used instead. But at the public meeting, it was suggested they could be used at the department's discretion. EMS Chief Nick Oleck told KFF Health News the money saved on salaries was put toward loan payments for a new ambulance, purchased in spring 2023. Unlike other departments, which are funded from local tax dollars and start each year with a full budget, the county EMS is mostly funded through insurance reimbursements for transporting patients, Oleck said. The opioid settlement funds provided enough cash flow to make payments on the new ambulance while his department waited for reimbursements. Oleck said this use of settlement dollars will save lives. His staff needs vehicles to respond to overdose calls, and his department regularly trains area emergency responders on overdose response. "It can be played that it was just money used to buy an ambulance, but there's a lot more behind the scenes," Oleck said. Still, Jonathan White the only council member to vote against using settlement funds for EMS salaries said he felt the expense did not fit the money's intended purpose. The settlement "was written to pay for certain things: helping people get off drugs," White told KFF Health News. "We got drug rehab facilities and stuff like that that I believe could have used that money more." Phil Stucky, executive director of a local nonprofit called Thrive, said his organization could have used the money too. Founded in the wake of the HIV outbreak, Thrive employs people in recovery to provide support to peers with mental health and substance use disorders. Stucky, who is in recovery himself, asked Scott County for $300,000 in opioid settlement funds to hire three peer specialists and purchase a vehicle to transport people to treatment. He ultimately received one-sixth of that amount enough to hire one person. In Blair County, Pennsylvania, Marianne Sinisi was frustrated to learn her county used about $322,000 of opioid settlement funds to pay for a drug court that has existed for decades. "This is an opioid epidemic, which is not being treated enough as it is now," said Sinisi, who lost her 26-year-old son to an overdose in 2018. The county received extra money to help people, but instead it pulled back its own money, she said. "How do you expect that to change? Isn't that the definition of insanity?" Blair County Commissioner Laura Burke told KFF Health News that salaries for drug court probation officers and aides were previously covered by a state grant and parole fees. But in recent years that funding has been inadequate, and the county general fund has picked up the slack. Using opioid settlement funds provides a small reprieve since the general fund is overburdened, she said. The county's most recent budget faces a $2 million deficit. Forfeited federal dollars Supplantation can take many forms, said Shelly Weizman, project director of the addiction and public policy initiative at Georgetown University's O'Neill Institute. Replacing general funds with opioid settlement dollars is an obvious one, but there are subtler approaches. The federal government pours billions of dollars into addiction-related initiatives annually. But some states forfeit federal grants or decline to expand Medicaid, which is the largest payer of mental health and addiction treatment. If those jurisdictions then use opioid settlement funds for activities that could have been covered with federal money, Weizman considers it supplantation. "It's really letting down the citizens of their state," she said. Officials in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, forfeited more than $1 million in federal funds from September 2022 to September 2023, the bulk of which was meant to support the construction of a behavioral health crisis stabilization center. "We were probably overly optimistic" about spending the money by the grant deadline, said Diane Rosati, executive director of the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission. Now the county plans to use $3.9 million in local and state opioid settlement funds to support the center. Susan Ousterman finds these developments difficult to stomach. Her 24-year-old son died of an overdose in 2020, and she later joined the Bucks County Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, which developed a plan to spend the funds. In a September 2022 email to other committee members, she expressed disappointment in the suggested uses: "Please keep in mind, the settlement funds are not meant to fund existing programs or programs that can be funded by other sources, such as federal grants." But Rosati said the county is maximizing its resources. Settlement funds will create a host of services, including grief groups for families and transportation to treatment facilities. "We're determined to utilize every bit of funding that's available to Bucks County, using every funding source, every stream, and frankly every grant opportunity that comes our way," Rosati said. The county's guiding principles for settlement funds demand as much. They say, "Whenever possible, use existing resources in order that Opioid Settlement funds can be directed to addressing gaps in services." Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA contributed to this report. Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin will visit Malta and Frankfurt, Germany from tomorrow. During her visit to Malta, Ms Choi will attend a meeting of the governing board of the Programme for International Student Assessment, speak at a related forum, and discuss issues relating to education with participating officials from other regions. She will also visit local schools and meet education experts. On April 20, the education chief will depart for Frankfurt, where she will learn about local developments in vocational and professional education and training, and exchange views with Hong Kong students studying there. Ms Choi will conclude her trip and return to Hong Kong on April 23. During her absence, Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai will be Acting Secretary. The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has once again extended the registration dates for the MH Nursing CET 2024. This is the third time that the dates have been extended for the applicants. All the eligible candidates who have still not applied for the exam can fill up the registration form by April 25 at the official website cetcell.mahacet.org. The board has stated that no other extensions will be provided after April 25. The registration first began on February 9 with the deadline of February 29. Then the commission announced the first extension of the dates on March 15 and the second on March 31. The CET Cell in an official notice shared, This office has received requests from candidates and parents regarding an extension for registration. Hence, considering the academic interest of the candidates, the State CET Cell has decided to give an extension for online Registration for MH-Nursing CET-2024. MAH Nursing CET Exam 2024: How to apply? Step 1: Visit the official website of Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test at cetcell.mahacet.org. Step 2: On the web page the candidates need to register themselves with the required information. Step 3: A new page will open, fill up the MAH CET Nursing Exam 2024 application form. Step 4: After the form is filled, pay the application fees and upload the necessary documents as instructed. Step 5: Check all the information carefully and submit the form. MAH Nursing CET Exam 2024: Application fees All the candidates belonging to the unreserved (US) and the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) are required to pay a registration fee of Rs 1000. However, candidates applying for the exam and belonging to the Scheduled Caste (ST), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories are required to pay a registration fee of Rs 800. MAH Nursing CET Exam 2024: Selection Process The MH Nursing CET Exam 2024 has been scheduled for May 7 and will have five sections including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and Nursing Aptitude. The exam will contain 100 questions in total. The exam will be conducted online in English language and with a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes. For every right answer, the candidates will be awarded with one mark each. There will be no negative marking for any wrong attempts. In a remarkable story from Andhra Pradesh, a young female student, once saved from a forced child marriage, has secured the top position in the first-year Intermediate exam of the state. She achieved an impressive score of 421 out of 440 in the exam. G. Nirmala, who defied all odds to pursue her educational dreams, is student from Kurnools Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), a boarding school for girls run by the Ministry of Education to support disadvantaged sections. Taking to social media platform X, the Ministry of Education shared a post congratulating Nirmala for clinching the top spot. Congratulations to Ms. G. Nirmala from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), Kurnool, a residential girls school run by the Ministry of Education for the disadvantaged sections in India, for securing the top spot in the 1st Year Intermediate exam of Andhra Pradesh Intermediate Board, the education ministry wrote in the post, shared on April 13. Congratulations to Ms. G. Nirmala from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), Kurnool, a residential girls school run by the Ministry of Education for the disadvantaged sections in India, for securing the top spot in the 1st Year Intermediate exam of Andhra Pradesh pic.twitter.com/OVqEX0frQL Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) April 13, 2024 The ministry further expressed support for Nirmalas ambition to become an IPS officer. Despite overcoming challenges like being rescued from a child marriage, she scored an impressive 421 out of 440. Her aspiration to become an IPS officer showcases her dedication to social justice. Lets celebrate her courage and wish her the best for her future pursuits!, it added. According to a report in The Times of India, Nirmala, originally from Pedda Harivanam in Kurnool districts Adoni mandal, excelled in her SSC exams last year, scoring 537 marks. However, her financially struggling parents, who had already married off their three other daughters, intended to arrange Nirmalas marriage. They attempted to persuade her by explaining their inability to afford her education any longer. Additionally, they pointed out the absence of a nearby junior college, making it even more challenging to support her educational pursuits. Determined to pursue her educational aspirations, Nirmala approached the local YSRCP legislator Y. Saiprasad Reddy during his Gadapa Gadapaku Mana Prabhutvam program last year, seeking assistance. Moved by her situation, the Adoni MLA informed the district collector G. Srujana, who intervened. As a result, Nirmala was rescued from the threat of a forced child marriage. Later, the district administration facilitated Nirmalas admission to Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Aspari. Highlighting Nirmalas success story, Adoni legislator said that her journey stands as a living testament to the commitment of Andhra Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddys government in empowering girl children through education. The first choice of NEET UG toppers is Delhi AIIMS. It is arguably the best and cheapest medical college in the country with a great NIRF Ranking. But there is another best government medical college in Delhi. It is Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), affiliated with Delhi University. It is ranked 32nd in the NIRF rankings for 2023. The hostel fee is around Rs 33,000 per year. It also includes a security deposit of Rs 5000. The fee for a single room is only Rs 50 and for a double room is Rs 30. The minimum cut-off required to study MBBS in Maulana Azad Medical College in 2023 was 710 marks for the general category, 706 for OBC, 695 for EWS, 670 for SC and 665 for ST. Here, 15 per cent of seats are admitted under the All India Quota and 85 per cent of seats under the State Quota. Maulana Azad Medical College provides two scholarships to meritorious students from economically weaker sections. Maulana Azad Student Scholarship Scheme and Smt. Santosh Sharma Memorial Scholarship Scheme. Under this scheme, an amount of around Rs 25000 is provided. For the Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme, the family income should be less than one lakh per annum. For Mrs. Santosh Sharma Memorial Scholarship Scheme, the annual income should be less than 2 lakhs. The annual tuition fee for MBBS at Maulana Azad Medical College is Rs 4,445. A security deposit of Rs 2000 is required to be paid. This will be refunded after completion of the course. There are four hospitals affiliated with MAMC; they have a combined capacity of 2800 beds and serve lakhs of people in Delhi alone and many more in the surrounding northern Indian states. The college is a referral centre for tertiary care and offers teaching programmes for graduate and postgraduate degrees as well as specialist training and sub-specialties/fellowships (known as super-specialties in India). The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has decided to launch the next phase of its Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se campaign, which was launched on April 8, with 200 sankalp sabhas in four assembly constituencies of Delhi, from where it is contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The AAP and Congress are contesting the elections in an alliance in Delhi, where the former is contesting from four constituencies and the latter three. Delhi votes on May 25 in one phase. ALSO READ | After SC Setback, Delhi Court Sends Kejriwal To Judicial Custody Till April 23 | Updates The AAP, which had tweaked its Lok Sabha campaign from Sansad Mein Bhi Kejriwal to Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals arrest, claimed that the feedback from its door-to-door campaign in the past six days has been good. AAP minister and Delhi in-charge Gopal Rai said, We will launch the sankalp sabha campaign from April 16 and will continue till May 23. This will go on in 40 Vidhan Sabha constituencies falling in the South, West, East and New Delhi Lok Sabha constituencies. AAPs leaders and ministers will go to different Vidhan Sabhas and wards. We are aiming to do 200 sankalp sabhas. From April 16, I will start the campaign from Vishwas Nagar, East Delhi. I will hold one sankalp sabha in every assembly constituency and complete on May 22. Similarly, RS MP Sanjay Singh will start sankalp yatra from Ambedkar Nagar, South Delhi constituency, from April 18. It will continue till May 23. He will also hold 40 sabhas. Our other leaders and ministers will also go to different Vidhan Sabhas and wards to hold sankalp sabhas. Around 90% of the nearly 3 lakh households the campaign touched in the past six days believed that it was wrong to arrest the chief minister. While both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the AAP have committed voters, 15% to 20% people who vote for the AAP in the assembly, vote for the BJP in the Lok Sabha. With the chief ministers arrest, it is a section of this chunk that may vote for the AAP in the Lok Sabha as well because people feel that arresting a chief minister they had elected is not just wrong, but an insult of their vote. The entire campaign is actually a fight for these 20% voters, he said, adding that the emotional response of the people to the AAPs campaign has seen a marked increase post Kejriwals arrest. However, the strains of the alliance with the Congress are also showing. The AAP had won 62 of the 70 assembly constituencies of Delhi and 54% of the overall vote share. Why is the AAP not taking the campaign to the three seats North East, North West and Chandini Chowk where the Congress is contesting and declared its candidates on Sunday? Will the AAP leave the 30 assembly constituencies that fall in these three Lok Sabha constituencies for the Congress to exploit? Will the Congress lend a shoulder to the AAPs campaign in the 4 LS seats that it is contesting on? So far, there are no clear answers. Rai said: The Congress declared its candidates just yesterday. It will design its campaign and wherever they need us, we will go. Asked whether there was support among the allies in the INDIA bloc for the chief ministers six guarantees that his wife and former Indian Revenue Officer Sunita Kejriwal declared in the Ramlila Maidan on March 31, Rai said that nearly all allies were present on stage when she read out the chief ministers message and Sanjay Singh is already in talks for a common minimum programme for the INDIA bloc, which may have common points from each partys manifesto. In Delhi, the focus of the AAPs campaign will be the chief ministers arrest and inhuman treatment in jail. Sunita Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann are also expected to participate in the campaign. ALSO READ | Kanhaiya & Khaira Get Congress Lok Sabha Poll Tickets: The Free Hand in Face of Ally AAP, Rival BJP The AAP minister also claimed that this election is not about candidates. Reacting specifically to former JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar being fielded by the Congress from North East, Rai said, The BJP doesnt have any other narrative. We saw in their manifesto. It was never such a dead manifesto. They are doing the same campaign for one year. In every place, supporters and voters are committed 20 % floating votes are to be targeted. The campaign is to target these 20% voters. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 under stringent sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for his alleged involvement in money laundering linked to the now-scrapped Delhi Excise policy. In another seven days, the chief minister, who has refused to resign, will complete one month in jail. This is the first time that the AAP is heading into a major election without its biggest face. Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah, who is in Manipurs Imphal to further step up the Bharatiya Janata Partys campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, said upcoming polls are not between BJP and Congress, but rather between the people who want to divide the people in violence-hit state and the BJP, which wants to protect it. Addressing a public rally in Imphal on Monday, the Union Home Minister said, The most important thing is that no matter how much one tries- hum Manipur ko tutne nahi denge (we wont let Manipur break). This is Shahs first visit to Manipur this year. He visited the state last year for a couple of days after the ethnic unrest broke out there. He said that the elections for Lok Sabha will soon begin and people must make Narendra Modi Indias Prime Minister again. This election is not between BJP and Congress. Rather, its between the people who want to divide Manipur and the BJP, which wants to protect Manipur Over the past 10 years, Modi ji has not only made India prosperous but also enhanced the safety and security of India. Modi ji has brought peace and harmony to the Northeast, which was struggling due to extremism and Naxalism for 75 years, PM Modi said. Further slamming Congress, the Union Minister said the grand old party has always given importance to the tukde tukde gang. BJP has ended corruption in ManipurIn the coming days, PM Modis priority is maintaining peace in Manipur, he said. Shah further said that attempts of infiltration are being made to change the demography of Manipur. Destiny of country will change when that of northeast and Manipur will changeI want to tell this today that our (CM) Biren Singh may not say this, but he kept a big demand before PM Modi Manipur cannot remain united without an inner-line permit. The BJP government has strengthened Manipur by giving inner-line permit, he said. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh was also present on the occasion. At least 219 people were killed after ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3 last year, when a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Listing the BJP governments achievements over the past 10 years, Shah said in the last decade, over 25 crore people have moved out of poverty, 80 crore poor have received free ration, 10 crore gas cylinders have been disbursed and 14 crore families have received tap water connections. Balaghat Lok Sabha constituency, located in Madhya Pradesh, is a General category parliamentary seat encompassing the entire Balaghat district and part of the Seoni district. Presently, it consists of eight Legislative Assembly segments, including Baihar (ST), Lanji, Paraswada, Balaghat, Waraseoni, Katangi in Balaghat district and Barghat (ST) and Seoni in Seoni district. Voting for Lok Sabha polls in Balaghat will take place in the first phase on April 19. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. Key Facts About the Balaghat Seat Even as Balaghat has been a BJP-dominated constituency since 1998, no BJP MP has served on this seat twice. Here are some interesting facts about this seat, witnessing a straight contest between the Congress and BJP: Balaghat has a total of 1,756,715 voters with a literacy rate of 66.25%. The rural population in Balaghat is 1,489,694 (84.8%) and urban population is 267,021 (15.2%). The constituency has a 92.88% Hindu population, 3.32% Buddhists, 0.3% Jains and 3.5% Muslims. In this largely rural seat, caste- based voting is a leading factor and more relevant than religious affiliations. While the ST and the SC vote is expected to split between the BJP and Congress over local issues, the Powars, a dominant OBC group in Balaghat, often termed the kingmakers in the seat, are expected to turnout in large numbers in favour of the BJP. Balaghat is known for a healthy sex ratio with 1021 women for every 1000 men. In the Assembly elections in 2023, more women turned up to vote than men. Balaghat has been a BJP bastion since 1998 but no MP has served twice. Bharti Pardhi, a relatively fresh face, has been introduced as the BJP candidate from this seat in 2024, replacing the incumbent Dhal Singh Bisen. The BJP follows a pattern of replacing the sitting MP with a new face after every term in Balaghat. Union government had in 2022 approved 28 roads in Balaghat adding 322 km of road length in the district. In 2018, four laning of Balaghat to Gondia Section of NH-543 was announced. In October, PM Modi had inaugurated it. Since 2014, there have been many railway projects undertaken by the Indian railways in Balaghat. These include gauge conversion on the Balaghat-Samnapur section, Gondia-Jabalpur route etc. The stations at Balaghat and Waraseoni have also seen upgradations. Several passenger trains have been extended to Katangi and Waraseoni stations thus helping passengers. 2019 Election Results and 2024 Candidates Dr Dhal Singh Bisen of the BJP had won the Lok Sabha election 2019 with a total of 696,102 votes, defeating Madhu Bhagat of the Congress. He is preceded by Bodhsingh Bhagat (2014) and KD Deshmukh (2009) of the BJP. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP has fielded Bharti Pardhi while the Congress has fielded Samrat Saraswat, both fresh faces. Who Stands Where? Heres a look at the current political situation in Balaghat and how the major parties in the fray are placed. Bharatiya Janata Party The BJP scored 4 out of 8 seats in Balaghats assembly segments in 2023. The Congress bagged the other four including the Balaghat assembly seat. Balaghat has been a BJP bastion since 1998 but no MP has served twice. Bharti Pardhi, a relatively fresh face, has been introduced as the BJP candidate from this seat in 2024, replacing the incumbent Dhal Singh Bisen. The BJP follows a pattern of replacing the sitting MP with a new face after every term in Balaghat. Pardhi is not particularly well-known in the constituency, but she has made significant headway as the BJPs campaign is far ahead of the Congress. The BJP faces growing concerns that anti-incumbency affect its fortunes in this Lok Sabha seat. The stature of MPs has never risen to a highly impactful career. Dhal Singh Bisen, the sitting MP, facing similar anti-incumbency which is why his faction has not been given a second run. The public often raises that no substantial development has taken place in the region which remains very poorly connected with the rest of the state in terms of highways, rail and air connectivity. The Modi Factor While elections here are not traditionally fought on any national issues in particular, the Ram Mandir construction has made an impact on the psyche of religious Hindus in this largely Hindu seat. Further, even as the pace of infrastructure development has disappointed the public, the face of the prime minister is very popular, especially in rural areas, owing to various welfare schemes like Awas Yojana and the The Kisan Samman Nidhi. Congress The Congress has also fielded a fresh face in the seat. Samrat Saraswat, the Congress candidate from Balaghat, is from the general category. He is the son of former MLA Ashok Saraswat. Samrat had previously expressed his desire for an MLA ticket in the assembly election. Despite making similar attempts in previous elections and presenting his case to the partys top leaders, he had consistently faced disappointment. Samrats dissatisfaction with the party has been evident on multiple occasions, especially when his ticket nominations were revoked. This time too former Congress MLA Hina Kavre had emerged as a strong contender for the LS ticket, causing internal competition. While it was anticipated that Congress may field a female candidate, ultimately Congress awarded the ticket to Samrat. Banking on Anti-incumbency: The Congress managed to win in four seats out of eight in this Lok Sabha constituency, which is largely owed to anti-incumbency against the BJP leadership in the state. As similar sentiments threaten the BJPs standing here, the Congress is expecting to cash in on the resentment which may trigger a split in Adivasi and Dalit votes. Key Factors and Election Issues Heres a look at the key issues on the Balaghat seat in Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Farmers issues With an 80% rural population, people in Balaghat are heavily dependent on agriculture. However, they have been unhappy with the Governments failure to buy the produce at MSP. Moreover, the major crop in Balaghat is paddy, which is dependent on extensive irrigation. Water supply along with electricity are another major issue, which impacts farmers yields every year. Farmers also face the issue of crop failure due to irrigation issues and crop destruction from wildlife. There are constant pleas for loan waivers as well as farmers are scared for their lands falling to the bank in case of failure to pay back due to the issues mentioned above. Naxalism The Naxal issue is prevalent in Balaghat, although the government has made efforts to lower its impact. According to onground reports, the Naxal ideology in the region does not hold any sway on the people and the area is used as hiding grounds by Naxalites. However, encounters between the police and Naxalites are common. The Hawk force Jawans, the unit that deals with Naxals, have not let the Naxal incidents increase. Moreover, despite such a terrible problem of Naxalites in the neighboring state (Chhattisgarh), the Naxals could not spread their wings in the state. In 2003, three major actions were taken by the Hawk Force, under the anti-Naxal campaigns being run by Madhya Pradesh Police, neutralizing 4 hardcore Naxalites including 2 female Naxalites. Electricity Electricity power supply, and load shedding are one of the most pressing concerns in Balaghat. Constant power cuts have been prevalent in the area for years. In summers, the temperature hovers around 35 on average, and constant cuts leave the people with no respite. The Chief Minister in 2022 had assured the people to fix the issue by bringing in more coal to address the issue, however, nothing much has happened yet. Irrigation is most impacted as without electricity pumps cannot function, leaving the small farmers at risk of crop failure. Another astonishing issue is the electricity bill that people in the village Khara Polbatur receive every month. All 150 households of the area depend on solar energy, but still receive an identical electricity bill every month, irrespective of load shedding and constant power cuts, this in turn has also miffed people as they are forced to pay bills for power supply that they neither get nor use. Drinking Water The region has a severe drinking water issue. The underground water is contaminated with high levels of fluoride which has already left much of the population with severe health conditions. Moreover, there are no government installed filtering mechanisms to provide clean, and toxin free water, nor is there a mechanism for regular water supply. People depend on private pumps and motors to fulfill their water needs. Lack of civic infrastructure There is a lack of basic civic infrastructure such as Schools, colleges, specialized hospitals in Balaghat. Even those present are understaffed. There is a lack of doctors, nurses and administrative staff at the hospital and a lack of teachers and professors at schools and colleges. The region lacks specialised doctors and people have to either travel to Indore, or Jabalpur to get treated for serious medical conditions, such as illnesses due to fluoride toxicity. Emigration and Employment A lack of development projects, skill development institutes means very less employment opportunities in the ground. According to government released data, Total registrations in MP Rojgar Yojana in 2022 was 4381 against 2 vacancies. The roof tile factories at the outskirts of Balaghat have also ceased to operate for over more than 5 years. In addition, despite the presence of manganese, and copper ore, the government has failed to set up industries for their extraction. This in turn, has led to mass emigration from Balaghat, especially the tribal youth who have left the region for capital Indore and to states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu in search of better employment opportunities. More than half of households in the region have been affected by migration. Poor Connectivity Balaghat is poorly connected with the rest of Madhya Pradesh, often touted to be cut off from the state. Highway connectivity is poor and there is an increasing demand for widening roads. While several goods trains have been introduced here, there is also a severe lack of passenger trains leading to Balaghat. In the city of Balaghat, there is a problem of traffic jams, yet little work has been done towards mitigating them, except the construction of overways which has been undertaken recently. The Election Commission of India on Monday ordered the removal of the deputy inspector general of police in West Bengals Murshidabad, following repeated incidents of violence. The action was taken over lack of supervision to prevent more incidents, sources said. According to the sources, two violent incidents were reported in which weapons and explosives were used. The commission has decided to remove DIG Murshidabad (in the rank of IG) in the context of two violent incidents reported there with use of weapons and explosives, and lack of supervision in immediately preventing follow-up incidents, the sources said. They said the poll panel had made it clear while visiting the state that there will be zero tolerance for violence, and responsibility will be fixed at the higher level. Murshidabad had reported five deaths and was among the worst-hit districts in the local body polls held in June-July last year. A total of 15 deaths were reported from the state. This is not the first time Murshidabad is in the limelight. Violence, with deaths involved, has been the common factor in almost every local body poll held in the region in the last two decades. Keeping in mind the history of the state and region, the EC had issued strict instructions to the state administration to contain violence and ensure a level-playing field during the Lok Sabha elections, beginning on April 19. On its visit to the state last month, the poll body had said its goal is to ensure free and fair elections without violence in the state. There is no place for fear or intimidation in elections, it had said. Any partisan approach to the bureaucracy will not be tolerated; we have made this clear. There is absolutely no tolerance for any form of violence in this celebration of democracy, chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar had said. He had also said a sufficient number of central forces will be deployed in West Bengal, and it will be done in an impartial manner. The CEC had stressed that law enforcement agencies and other related entities have been instructed to maintain surveillance on interstate as well as international borders to curb the flow of inducements, especially drugs, gold, and counterfeit Indian currency. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the BJP and the RSS want to get rid of the Constitution and the democratic processes so that they can crush all other ideas of the nation. Addressing an election campaign meeting in this high-range constituency, the Wayanad MP asked why Kerala should be ruled from Nagpur and said the southern state should be governed by its cities and villages. How does Delhi know how a school in Kerala should be and how does Delhi know what the people in the state want, he asked. The Congress leader said that that is what the people of Kerala have taught India. The closer the government is to the grassroots and the people, the more effective it will be, he added. They (the BJP and the RSS) want to get rid of the Constitution, they want to get rid of the democratic process so that they can crush all other ideas, Gandhi alleged. He was addressing party workers and voters during one of the roadshows he took out in Wayanad seeking a second consecutive term from the segment in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Stating that there is no need for the Indian people to disrespect each other, hate each other or fight each other, he said the country can be great only if it is united and working together. While addressing people sitting in an open vehicle, Gandhi also criticised the CPI (M)-led LDF government in the state over the absence of a medical college in the district, a long pending demand of people here. He said though he had written letters to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan demanding the same, the state government was delaying it giving one excuse after another. I have written letters to the CM and I dont understand why they dont do it. It is delayed One excuse after another I think the UDF will have to come to power in Kerala for this medical college to come, Gandhi said. The Congress leader said he does not understand why it is so difficult for the state government to deliver a medical college to Wayanad. This is not a political issue. This is not an issue that political parties fight over. This is an issue of the people, he said. Gandhi also mentioned other local issues being faced by the people of Wayanad like the human-animal conflict and the night travel ban. Though both these issues are complicated ones, Congress is committed to making sure that they are resolved, he added. I am not going to stop until these two issues are resolved, he said. Gandhi also said his relationship with the people of Kerala was a loving and affectionate one and the people of the constituency were like his family cutting across political differences. The leader further said if he meets a Left Democratic Front (LDF) worker, he might say he does not agree with their ideology. And I will discuss why our ideology is better than yours. But that does not mean that I will mistreat you or demean youand if I talk to you, I will always talk to you with respect. Because you all are my family members, he said. While addressing party workers in another roadshow in Sultan Bathery earlier in the day, the Congress leader said whenever he comes here, he feels like he is coming home. Now I am going to pressurise my mother to stay with you (people of Wayanad) for one week or ten days. I would tell her to come for one month but she has a slight problem with humidity. But I told her that you are missing the most beautiful place on earth, Gandhi added. The Congress leader came here today to launch the second phase of his election campaign. He had kicked off the poll campaign in Wayanad early this month by filing his nomination papers and holding a massive road show. Gandhi won from Wayanad with a record margin of 4,31,770 votes during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Polling in Keralas 20 Lok Sabha seats will be held on April 26. A day after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) that partys general secretary Abhishek Banerjees chopper was raided by income tax (I-T) department officials in Kolkatas Behala flying club, sources said it was a usual practice that everyone has to go through. Congress leader Rahul Gandhis helicopter was also searched by the ECI on Monday, while he was on his way to his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad, in Kerala. Theres nothing new in search of helicopters, as in case of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. In the run-up to the polls, all DMs/SPs were told to keep a strict watch on airfields/helipads by the ECI. Such searches are taking place in airfields, both public and private, across the country to ensure inducements are not ferried by air, they said. The ECI, during reviews, had emphasised that there will be multi-pronged surveillance on all modes of transport check posts and nakas for road transport, Coast Guard for coastal routes and DMs and SPs, alongside agencies, for air routes, including checking of helicopters and non-scheduled flights. TMCs COMPLAINT The TMC had alleged that the raid on Banerjee was part of a deliberate ploy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to harass and intimidate opposition candidates whom they cannot engage with politically. The party filed a complaint with the Election Commission alleging executive overreach and abuse of powers by the I-T department. In a post on social media platform X, the TMC said the chopper was undergoing a trial run at Behala Flying Club for Banerjees visit to Haldia in Purba Medinipur when a team of I-T officials arrived and extensively searched it. Instead of removing the @NIA_India DG and SP, @ECISVEEP and @BJP4India chose to deploy minions from IT to search and raid my chopper and security personnel today, resulting in no findings, Banerjee, the Diamond Harbour MP, said on X. The TMC also said that the I-T officials couldnt find anything. The party also alleged that when Banerjees security personnel asked the reason for not letting the helicopter fly, they (IT officials) engaged in a verbal spat and threatened to detain the chopper illegally. They opened each and every bag, searched every nook and corner of the chopper, the party said. Banerjee claimed when his security personnel videographed the raid, I-T officials forcefully had it deleted. RAHUL GANDHIs CHOPPER CHECKED IN TN The flying squad started the search in Gandhis chopper after it landed in Tamil Nadus Nilgiris. Last month, the Election Commission had suspended the head of the flying squad team and replaced the entire team in the district, after lapses were found in the performance of their election duties. The action was taken against Geetha, the head of the flying squad, for alleged laxity in duty, while checking the vehicles of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and MP A Raja, who is also a candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. On March 16, when the ECI announced the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls, CEC Rajiv Kumar had stressed on strict compliance of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security instructions on surveillance and inspection of non-scheduled aircrafts and helicopters by I-T, airport authorities and SPs of districts concerned. The Congress hasnt won a single seat in two consecutive Lok Sabha elections 2014 & 2019 in Rajasthan. But this time, Vaibhav Gehlot hopes for a double-digit win from the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the desert state. Gehlots trump card in his road meetings and rallies in Jeerava, Daulpura, Dattani, Bahadurpua, which he hopes will help him win from Jalore, is his father Ashok Gehlot. Last time, Gehlot lost to the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Gajendra Shekhawat from Jodhpur by a huge margin. This time, the Congress has fielded him from neighbouring Jalore, prompting Shekhawat to suggest the margin of Gehlot juniors 2019 loss made the Congress move him to another seat. Ask that and pat comes the reply: He has shifted from Shekhawati to Jodhpur I am in my home the Marwar. Congresss big leaders Priyanka Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot and Govind Dotasra campaigned for Vaibhav on Sunday. From allegations against his father of not using the Centres Rs 27,000-crore for Rajasthans piped water project during his tenure as the CM to a message for the BJP, Gehlot talks about a host of issues, but strategically refuses to talk about PM Modi. Edited excerpts: During your campaign, Ashok Gehlot seems to be omnipresent despite not being physically there. Because he is fondly remembered for the welfare schemes that he launched during his tenure. Every Rajasthani remembers him for that. Are you happy with the crowds? It is 3 pm in Rajasthan heat but people have been waiting here. Yes, you are right. Despite the heat, women and elderly have come out in large numbers to support us in this meeting. This is a good sign for the Congress party. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in an interview to News18, suggested that you shifted your constituency because of him. Ask him from where did he shift to Jodhpur. He has shifted from Shekhawati to Jodhpur. Why did he shift? He is not from Jodhpur, but I am in my home the Marwar region. This constituency was once represented by a tall Congressman like Boota Singh. Do you think you are the right pick given the historical importance for the Congress? For the past 20 years, the BJP is winning this seat. For 20 years, they have not done anything. The BJP MP hasnt got any big schemes here or facilitated any development in this region. So its the right decision by the party (to field me). People have made up their minds. They dont want the BJP anymore. Do you think that may have weighed on their mind when they changed the sitting MP from Jalore-Sirohi? But the party is the same and people believe that the BJP representative hasnt done anything so far. Whether the BJP changes its candidate or not doesnt make a difference. While you dismiss your opponent here, the common view in Jalore as well as the rest of India is that Narendra Modi is the candidate for each seat. I dont want to comment on this. You have been travelling widely and meeting people of Jalore. What are the issues here? The main issue is the backwardness due to no development for 20 years. The BJP MP, during his tenure in the past 15 years, couldnt get a new train or even connect the two districts of this Lok Sabha seat to the National Highway. But the BJP is saying they are winning 25 out of 25. How is it so confident if people are fed up with their candidates? You will see it on June 4. I will meet you again on that day and discuss it. Despite the BJPs confidence, many leaders concede that Ashok Gehlot commands great respect in Marwar region. Is it helping you? Definitely. Not just me, but Congress candidates of all 25 Lok Sabha seats of Rajasthan are having an edge because of the schemes launched by Mr Gehlot as the Chief Minister. Not just in Marwar, but we are reaping the benefit of his goodwill in entire Rajasthan. In many election speeches, you have been alleging the BJP stopped your fathers welfare schemes. Is that resonating with people? They didnt stop, but deliberately made the scheme weak in terms of financial aid and other things. Can you give an example? Take the pension scheme that was started in Ashok Gehlots second stint. Wherever we go, people complain they are yet to get a pension for the past two-three months. This is the injustice happening in three months of the BJP rule. How many seats do you think the Congress will win in Rajasthan? The Congress will perform well in Rajasthan this time. We should get into double digits. Shekhawat made a strong charge against your father that he kept the people of Rajasthan thirsty while Rs 27000 crore for piped water from the Centre remained unused. Can Mr Shekhawat name one central scheme that he got from Delhi as Jal Shakti Minister for Rajasthan, especially for the people of Marwar? Can he name one scheme? But he has got Jal Jeevan Mission for the entire India, which includes Rajasthan I dont think he has got anything specifically for Rajasthan. Any message for the BJP? Dont stop the welfare schemes for the poor and needy that were started by the Congress. The Cooch Behar seat is one of the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal and is located in the northern part of the state in close proximity to the famed Chicken Neck corridor. This is a SC category seat, which means its reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates. The constituency will vote in Lok Sabha elections in the first phase of polling on April 19 and the counting of votes will be held on June 4. The Assembly segments that fall under this Lok Sabha constituency are Mathabhanga (currently held by BJP), Cooch Behar Uttar (BJP), Cooch Behar Dakshin (BJP), Sitalkuchi (BJP), Sitai (TMC), Dinhata (TMC) and Natabari (BJP). Key Facts About the Cooch Behar (SC) Seat This is the most important constituency from West Bengal going to polls in the first phase. The seat has a population of around 20 lakh. The deciding factor in this constituency is the Rajbanshi vote. As per the Election Commission of Indias list, the Cooch Behar (SC) seat is listed at No.1. The constituency witnessed large-scale political violence before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2023 Panchayat elections. The CISF firing incident during the Assembly polls at Sitalkuchi in 2021, which killed four youths and, subsequently, created a massive political dust-up bears testimony to the vulnerability to poll-related violence in this Bangladesh-bordering district. Once considered a fortress of the Left Front partner Forward Bloc, which won the seat for an unbroken 32 years from 1977 to 2009, Cooch Behar constituency currently remains a BJP stronghold, with five of the seven Assembly segments in its kitty despite TMCs landslide victory in the 2021 state polls. There have been two major scuffles between TMC and BJP in Cooch Behar in a matter of two weeks. The TMC had called a 24-hour bandh after violence erupted in presence of state minister for North Bengal Development Udayan Guha and sitting MP and Union minister Nitish Pramanik. The Cooch Behar SDPO Dilip Mitra and two other TMC supporters sustained wounds. The rivalry between Guha and Pramanik has kept Cooch Behars Dinhata on edge since 2019. A faction of the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples Association (GCPA) headed by Bangshibadan Barman has decided to support TMC. Barman has called on his factions members and their supporters to stand with the TMC in Cooch Behar. Mamata Banerjee has made many moves to woo the Rajbanshi community, including the creation of a development and welfare board for Rajbanshis, two language academies, installation of the statue of Chila Roy a fierce fighter of Cooch Behar royal family who created the Narayani battalion and recognition of around 200 Rajbanshi-medium schools. The BJP continues to be the dominant player in North Bengal. However, the TMCs rising status is a threat and could cut vote share for the saffron party in the Lok Sabha elections. 2019 Election Results and 2024 Candidates The sitting Cooch Behar (SC) MP is BJPs Nisith Pramanik. Belonging to the Rajbanshi community, Pramanik had won this seat by a margin of more than 50,000 votes in the 2019 general elections. The Rajbanshis here account for more than 35% of the population. This time Pramanik is being challenged by fellow Rajbanshi, Trinamool Congresss Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia. Speaking to News18, Pramanik said there would be no division of the communitys vote this time. I am a Rajbanhsi and I can proudly say the BJP has taken Rajbanshis to Parliament. The BJP has also made Rajbanshi Raja Ananta Maharaj a Rajya Sabha MP. Therefore, all Rajbanshi vote will go to the saffron camp. There will be no division. TMC candidate Basuniya, meanwhile, said Pramanik would not get the Rajbanshi votes this time. People are not fools. They will not repeat their mistake, he said. Who Stands Where Heres a look at the current political situation in Cooch Behar and how the major parties in the fray are placed. Trinamool Congress The TMC appears determined to wrest this Lok Sabha seat from the BJP. The party has devised a new campaign strategy for the Lok Sabha elections in Cooch Behar. A 21-member core committee has been constituted to oversee all the partys election activities and strategies in the constituency. On March 31 and April 1, several parts of North Bengal were hit by a cyclonic storm that brought with it strong winds and thunderstorms. This resulted in several people suffering injuries even as material damage was seen in Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri districts. TMC candidate Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia along with TMC Cooch Behar president Abhijit Dey Bhowmik visited the disaster-affected areas. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee soon followed suit. TMC is making a point to focus on North Bengal this time round. In 2021, though the party came to power with a resounding victory in the state, it lagged behind BJP and secured only 23 of the 54 Assembly seats in the region. BJP, on the other hand, secured 30 seats. However, the TMCs fortunes took a turn for the better in the beginning of 2022, as the party won all the civic bodies in the region. Also, the party has performed well in the rural polls and had won the Dhupguri Assembly by-poll last year. BJP The BJP continues to be the dominant player in North Bengal. Cooch Behar BJP had withstood the TMC juggernaut in 2021 Assembly elections too. Despite the TMC claims of subsequently gaining ground here, the fact remains that voters are increasingly more conscious about either voting for or against Narendra Modi. The BJP has been able to get the Minority Morcha of Cooch Behar to take out a spirited rally in Dinhata in support of Nisith Pramanik. A sizable crowd of Muslims were seen holding BJP flags and chanting Allahu Akbar, videos of which subsequently went viral on social media. Left and the Congress The Left parties and Congress have each fielded their own candidates in Cooch Behar. The Congress has fielded Priya Roy Choudhury as its candidate, while the Forward Bloc has nominated Nitish Chandra Roy. The fall of the Left in the seat has been dramatic. The constituency was once considered a fortress of the Forward Bloc, which won the seat for an unbroken 32 years. But in 2019 Lok Sabha elections its vote share fell to just 3%. For context, in 2014, Forward Bloc was runner up in the constituency with 33% vote share. Both Congress and the Forward Bloc remain marginal players here. Its now a direct face-off between TMC and BJP. Key Factors and Election Issues Poll Violence The constituency is witnessing a high-octane campaign where violence is not particularly hard to come by. Both the TMC and BJP are accusing each other of perpetrating violence against not just party cadre, but senior leaders as well. There have been two major scuffles between TMC and BJP in Cooch Behar in a matter of two weeks. The Rajbanshi Vote The Cooch Behar constituency consists of 35% of the Rajbanshi population, and in 2019, a major chunk of their votes went to Nisith Pramanik. The BJP hopes to get the same response this time around, but the TMC is now focussing on ensuring that the Rajbanshi community backs it. A faction of the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples Association (GCPA) headed by Bangshibadan Barman has decided to support TMC. Importantly, this is the biggest faction which has a considerable support base in North Bengal, especially among the Rajbanshi community. The BJP, meanwhile, is hopeful that the other major faction of Rajbanshis could be swung in its favour by giving a Rajya Sabha seat to Ananta Maharaj. However, Maharaj has perceptively maintained distance from the BJP of late alleging lack of importance in the party. This has led to Pramanik approaching Ananta Maharaj and also ensuring he was present for the incumbent MPs nomination filing. Hindutva The joy here at the inauguration of the Ram Temple in UPs Ayodhya is palpable. Hindus say they can more strongly assert their identity here now. Coupled with BJPs promise of NRC and its campaign against TMCs culture of granting Aadhaar cards and voter IDs to illegal immigrants, the saffron party has been able to set an alternative narrative across the state, which is also visible in Cooch Behar. Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JDS leader, s controversial statement on women at a campaign rally in Tumakuru has triggered a row in the state. In his speech, Kumaraswamy criticised the guarantees made by the Congress in the state and claimed that women in rural India have lost their way because of the policies implemented by the grand old party. What guarantees have they given and to whose pockets have the government dug into to fund the guarantees? Today, because the government announced the five guarantee schemes during the last elections, our mothers in villages have gone a little astray. Women have to think about what happens in their lives. Women should think about what happens to their family. Congress does not have anything else but guarantees, said the JDS leader in his campaign. In a sharp reaction to the statement, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said it shows the mindset of the senior leader What does he mean by saying that they have lost their way? Being a two-time Chief Minister, if he speaks about women in such a way, will people tolerate it? Said the Chief Minister. Protests erupted in Mandya and Bengaluru over his statement with Congress party women workers hitting the streets and demanding an apology from Kumaraswamy. The State Womens Commission also registered a suo moto case against Kumaraswamy and will soon send a notice to the JDS leader. Amid the backlash, HD Kumaraswamy clarified that he intended to caution women about how guarantees are ruining their lives. Congress doesnt have any other issues why they are raising this. What unparliamentary have I said? I wanted to caution women about how guarantees are ruining the lives of rural women. Congress is asking for an answer from Modi for my statement. I would also like to ask Mr DK Shivakumar, what sort of statement he in charge gave against Hema Malini, will Sonia and Rahul Gandhi answer this? reiterated HD Kumaraswamy. Meanwhile, Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission against him on the controversial remark and demanded an unconditional apology. The Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha constituency, which lies in the Shekhawati region and is one of Rajasthans 25 parliamentary constituencies, falls under the General category. It encompasses the entire Jhunjhunu district and a portion of the Sikar district. The constituency comprises seven legislative assembly segments, which are Pilani (SC), Surajgarh, Jhunjhunu, Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Udaipurwati, Khetri, and Fatehpur. The current MP of Jhunjhunu is Narendra Kumar of the BJP. He was preceded by Santosh Ahlawat of BJP (2014) and Shish Ram Ola of Congress (2009). For the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the candidates in the fray are Brijendra Ola of the Congress and Shubhkharan Choudhary of BJP. Jhunjhunu will vote in phase 1 of the 2024 battle on April 19 and results will be declared on June 4. Voting Factors BJP Has It Tough: Its a head-to-head contest between BJP and Congress in Jhunjhunu. The Narendra Modi wave is not as pronounced here as it was in 2014 and 2019, owing to which a tough fight is expected in this seat. The emergence of Jat issues in recent years has brought caste back as a major divider and election equations appear to be reverting to caste-based voting. Poor Performance in 2023: In the 2023 assembly elections, the BJP performed poorly in this seat with the Congress winning six out of eight seats. The BJP holds Nawalgarh and Khetri seats while the Congress holds Pilani, Surajgarh, Jhunjhunu, Mandawa, Udaipurwati and Fatehpur. This is a concerning trend for the BJP. Its a head-to-head contest between BJP and Congress in Jhunjhunu. The Narendra Modi wave is not as pronounced here as it was in 2014 and 2019, owing to which a tough fight is expected in this seat. The emergence of Jat issues in recent years has brought caste back as a major divider and election equations appear to be reverting to caste-based voting. In the 2023 assembly elections, the BJP performed poorly in this seat with the Congress winning six out of eight seats. The BJP holds Nawalgarh and Khetri seats while the Congress holds Pilani, Surajgarh, Jhunjhunu, Mandawa, Udaipurwati and Fatehpur. This is a concerning trend for the BJP. Sitting MP Replaced: Narendra Kumar, the incumbent MP from Jhunjhunu, has been replaced with Shubhkaran Choudhary, a former MLA. According to some party officials, Choudhary received support from the central leadership due to the significant Jat vote base in the region. Despite being denied a ticket, Narendra Kumar has vowed to support the partys campaign in the constituency. In the 2023 assembly election, Kumar was fielded from the Mandawa seat where he had lost. In the 2019 election, Kumar had won with a margin of over 3 lakh votes and 61.57 per cent of the vote share. Narendra Kumar, the incumbent MP from Jhunjhunu, has been replaced with Shubhkaran Choudhary, a former MLA. According to some party officials, Choudhary received support from the central leadership due to the significant Jat vote base in the region. Despite being denied a ticket, Narendra Kumar has vowed to support the partys campaign in the constituency. In the 2023 assembly election, Kumar was fielded from the Mandawa seat where he had lost. In the 2019 election, Kumar had won with a margin of over 3 lakh votes and 61.57 per cent of the vote share. Fresh Face: Shubhkaran Choudhary is a one-time MLA from Udaipurwati. He served in the assembly between 2013-2018 and is a relatively fresh face. He follows an aggressive brand of Jat politics as against the sitting MPs soft Jat image. The BJP high command has handed him a ticket with the hopes that he will be able to fight hard for Jat votes as the party experiences a considerable degree of friction with the community. Shubhkaran Choudhary is not a well-tested figure though and has lost the last two assembly elections which he contested in Rajasthan. However, he is known to be close to Santosh Ahlawat, the former MP from Jhunjhunu. Ahlawat is campaigning aggressively for the BJP and Choudhary here. Shubhkaran Choudhary is a one-time MLA from Udaipurwati. He served in the assembly between 2013-2018 and is a relatively fresh face. He follows an aggressive brand of Jat politics as against the sitting MPs soft Jat image. The BJP high command has handed him a ticket with the hopes that he will be able to fight hard for Jat votes as the party experiences a considerable degree of friction with the community. Shubhkaran Choudhary is not a well-tested figure though and has lost the last two assembly elections which he contested in Rajasthan. However, he is known to be close to Santosh Ahlawat, the former MP from Jhunjhunu. Ahlawat is campaigning aggressively for the BJP and Choudhary here. Jat Challenge: Anger against the BJP among Jat voters has become a major headache in the Shekhawati region. Jhunjhunu is a Jat-dominated seat and several issues such as opposition to Agnipath scheme, wrestlers protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and farmers protests for MSP have damaged the BJPs standing. The dissatisfaction among Jat voters was visible in the assembly elections of 2023. The BJPs decision to snub Jat leader Rahul Kaswan in the bordering constituency of Churu has also had an effect. Kaswan has sway in the region too, and his failure to win a ticket and subsequent move to Congress has reignited Jat-Rajput rivalry. Anger against the BJP among Jat voters has become a major headache in the Shekhawati region. Jhunjhunu is a Jat-dominated seat and several issues such as opposition to Agnipath scheme, wrestlers protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and farmers protests for MSP have damaged the BJPs standing. The dissatisfaction among Jat voters was visible in the assembly elections of 2023. The BJPs decision to snub Jat leader Rahul Kaswan in the bordering constituency of Churu has also had an effect. Kaswan has sway in the region too, and his failure to win a ticket and subsequent move to Congress has reignited Jat-Rajput rivalry. Strongholds: Rajputs are a core vote bank for the BJP in Jhunjunu, and even though they may not be pleased with the selection of an aggressive Jat face as official candidate, their vote is expected to fall in the saffron partys kitty. Scheduled Caste votes are likely to split evenly between Congress and BJP. But upper caste votes, drawn by national issues and Hindutva are expected to be solidly with the Modi wave. Rajputs are a core vote bank for the BJP in Jhunjunu, and even though they may not be pleased with the selection of an aggressive Jat face as official candidate, their vote is expected to fall in the saffron partys kitty. Scheduled Caste votes are likely to split evenly between Congress and BJP. But upper caste votes, drawn by national issues and Hindutva are expected to be solidly with the Modi wave. Modi Wave vs Caste Equations: It is said that in 2014 and 2019, certain caste loyalties were overridden by overwhelming support for PM Modi. In 2019, apart from several other factors playing in their favour, the BJP performed comfortably well also because of the Balakot airstrikes in Pakistan. PM Modis first speech after the airstrikes was in nearby Churu. Since Jhunjhunu comprises a highly patriotic electorate with deep contribution to the Indian Army, this action was celebrated widely. This time around, there is no such buzz, and instead there has been a back-to-back emergence of Jat-associated protests. This has triggered the caste wars of the past, reverting the seat back to traditional caste equations. This, merged with a sizeable Muslim vote, is almost certainly falling in favour of the Congress. It is said that in 2014 and 2019, certain caste loyalties were overridden by overwhelming support for PM Modi. In 2019, apart from several other factors playing in their favour, the BJP performed comfortably well also because of the Balakot airstrikes in Pakistan. PM Modis first speech after the airstrikes was in nearby Churu. Since Jhunjhunu comprises a highly patriotic electorate with deep contribution to the Indian Army, this action was celebrated widely. This time around, there is no such buzz, and instead there has been a back-to-back emergence of Jat-associated protests. This has triggered the caste wars of the past, reverting the seat back to traditional caste equations. This, merged with a sizeable Muslim vote, is almost certainly falling in favour of the Congress. Congress Upbeat: The Congress finds itself in a relatively favourable place in comparison to 2019. In the 2023 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress bagged six out of eight seats in Churu, and performed similarly well in the larger Shekhawati region, despite ultimately losing the state to the BJP. The partys candidate Brijendra Ola comes from a powerful political family which also helps the INCs fortunes here. Ola is the sitting MLA from Jhunjhunu assembly segment and is the son of Shish Ram Ola, a tall Congress leader who passed away in 2013. Shish Ram Ola was a soldier who fought in the second world war and represented the Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha seat for 18 years from 1996 to 2019. Ola is credited with the emergence of Jhunjhunu as an education hub. He also vigorously promoted education for women and girls, which reverberates till this day. He is remembered for his frugal ways and hence, till this day, the Ola family is respected for their contribution to the constituency. Brijendra Ola seeks to ride on this nostalgia and register a victory in 2024. The Congress finds itself in a relatively favourable place in comparison to 2019. In the 2023 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress bagged six out of eight seats in Churu, and performed similarly well in the larger Shekhawati region, despite ultimately losing the state to the BJP. The partys candidate Brijendra Ola comes from a powerful political family which also helps the INCs fortunes here. Ola is the sitting MLA from Jhunjhunu assembly segment and is the son of Shish Ram Ola, a tall Congress leader who passed away in 2013. Shish Ram Ola was a soldier who fought in the second world war and represented the Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha seat for 18 years from 1996 to 2019. Ola is credited with the emergence of Jhunjhunu as an education hub. He also vigorously promoted education for women and girls, which reverberates till this day. He is remembered for his frugal ways and hence, till this day, the Ola family is respected for their contribution to the constituency. Brijendra Ola seeks to ride on this nostalgia and register a victory in 2024. Strongholds: Congress is expected to attract the entire Muslim vote bank, which forms about 13.9 per cent of the electorate. This is a strong point for the party. It is further bolstered by a section of Jats who feel discontented with the BJP and may split just enough to serve a victory to the INC. Congress is expected to attract the entire Muslim vote bank, which forms about 13.9 per cent of the electorate. This is a strong point for the party. It is further bolstered by a section of Jats who feel discontented with the BJP and may split just enough to serve a victory to the INC. No Fans of This RaGa: The lack of a tall national leader is where voter consolidation in favour of Congress is stifled to some degree. The disconnect of the public in Jhunjhunu with Rahul Gandhi stands in sharp contrast with their appreciation for PM Modi, whose power to draw voters by his name is miles ahead of the Gandhi scion. Voter Demographics (2011 Census): Total number of voters (2019): 19.2 lakh Urban: 24.8% Rural: 75.2% Literacy rate: 63.82% Voters by Caste (Approximate): SC: 16.8% ST: 1.8% Voters by Religion (2011 Census): Muslim: 13.9% Hindu: 84.5% Christian: 0.05% Sikh: 1.5% Key constituency issues Santosh Ahlawat Sparks Controversy: Former BJP MP from Rajasthans Jhunjhunu, Santosh Ahlawat, sparked controversy recently with her alleged statement to party workers, suggesting that government employees who do not vote for PM Modi should not be allowed to work in their offices after the elections. The remarks have drawn strong criticism, particularly from Congress MLA Sharwan Kumar from Surajgarh, who questioned why the Election Commission has not taken action. Ahlawats comments, delivered in the Bagri dialect amidst cheers from supporters, included an open invitation for government officials to learn to behave or pack their bags. Former BJP MP from Rajasthans Jhunjhunu, Santosh Ahlawat, sparked controversy recently with her alleged statement to party workers, suggesting that government employees who do not vote for PM Modi should not be allowed to work in their offices after the elections. The remarks have drawn strong criticism, particularly from Congress MLA Sharwan Kumar from Surajgarh, who questioned why the Election Commission has not taken action. Ahlawats comments, delivered in the Bagri dialect amidst cheers from supporters, included an open invitation for government officials to learn to behave or pack their bags. Lal Diary Leader Rajendra Singh Gudhas Allegation: This former Congress leader was earlier removed from the party after he stirred up a storm alleging that he had a red diary full of details implicating Congress leaders of corruption. Gudha has re-emerged and this time he has sprayed a volley of attacks on BJP candidate Shubhkaran Choudhary, accusing him of corruption and casteism. On his social media page, Gudha has alleged Chaudhary has links to toll mafia, and called him an anti-Dalit leader. However, Gudha has refrained from attacking PM Modi directly. This former Congress leader was earlier removed from the party after he stirred up a storm alleging that he had a red diary full of details implicating Congress leaders of corruption. Gudha has re-emerged and this time he has sprayed a volley of attacks on BJP candidate Shubhkaran Choudhary, accusing him of corruption and casteism. On his social media page, Gudha has alleged Chaudhary has links to toll mafia, and called him an anti-Dalit leader. However, Gudha has refrained from attacking PM Modi directly. Strong Opposition to Agnipath Scheme: The Agniveer scheme is another issue on the ballot as local youth view the scheme as a limitation on their aspirations to join the Army, which is one of the few popular avenues for employment. Jhunjhunu poses a particularly potent challenge to the BJP on this matter as this district is said to be the greater contributor of soldiers to the Indian Army. Here, serving in the army is seen as a dream career and not just some temporary service. The Agniveer scheme is another issue on the ballot as local youth view the scheme as a limitation on their aspirations to join the Army, which is one of the few popular avenues for employment. Jhunjhunu poses a particularly potent challenge to the BJP on this matter as this district is said to be the greater contributor of soldiers to the Indian Army. Here, serving in the army is seen as a dream career and not just some temporary service. Indian Wrestlers Protest: The protest by Indian wrestlers over sexual harassment allegations against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has stirred opposition leaders and resonated within the Jat community. This could go against the saffron party. The protest by Indian wrestlers over sexual harassment allegations against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has stirred opposition leaders and resonated within the Jat community. This could go against the saffron party. Farmers issues: Farmers in this predominantly rural constituency encounter numerous challenges, including water scarcity, lack of irrigation facilities, declining crop yields, and diminishing incomes. Additionally, they have expressed dissatisfaction with the governments MSP, and criticise the crop insurance scheme for insufficient coverage. Spearheaded by the Jat community, farmer protests have gained substantial traction in this area. Farmers in this predominantly rural constituency encounter numerous challenges, including water scarcity, lack of irrigation facilities, declining crop yields, and diminishing incomes. Additionally, they have expressed dissatisfaction with the governments MSP, and criticise the crop insurance scheme for insufficient coverage. Spearheaded by the Jat community, farmer protests have gained substantial traction in this area. Lack of Industries and Unemployment: Joblessness is a major issue in Jhunjhunu. Many mega industrialists and businessmen of India like Birlas, the Piramals and Rakesh Jhunjhunwala have their origins in Jhunjhunu. Despite this, there is an acute lack of industries in this region. There is also a lack of facilities and resources for industrial activity such as water and electricity. This is in sharp contract to neighbouring Ajmer, which is a bustling hub employing lakhs of people. While most youth enter into seasonal farming in Jhunjhunu, the income is limited. Others vie for government jobs and recruitment in the Army. Joblessness is a major issue in Jhunjhunu. Many mega industrialists and businessmen of India like Birlas, the Piramals and Rakesh Jhunjhunwala have their origins in Jhunjhunu. Despite this, there is an acute lack of industries in this region. There is also a lack of facilities and resources for industrial activity such as water and electricity. This is in sharp contract to neighbouring Ajmer, which is a bustling hub employing lakhs of people. While most youth enter into seasonal farming in Jhunjhunu, the income is limited. Others vie for government jobs and recruitment in the Army. Hindutva: Hindutva is a major factor that many voters are drawn towards. The Ram Mandir inauguration is seen as an impactful event here. Polarisation of Hindu votes is also evident in many Scheduled Caste and forward communities where caste affiliations have taken a back seat. Hindutva is a major factor that many voters are drawn towards. The Ram Mandir inauguration is seen as an impactful event here. Polarisation of Hindu votes is also evident in many Scheduled Caste and forward communities where caste affiliations have taken a back seat. Water Crisis: Water scarcity is prevalent in this area due to elevated levels of fluoride in the groundwater, resulting in a drinking water shortage. Groundwater depletion has receded the water table significantly in the last few decades. This lack of water not only starves the regions economic potential but also affects the availability of drinking water, a problem which shows up even in winters. Water scarcity is prevalent in this area due to elevated levels of fluoride in the groundwater, resulting in a drinking water shortage. Groundwater depletion has receded the water table significantly in the last few decades. This lack of water not only starves the regions economic potential but also affects the availability of drinking water, a problem which shows up even in winters. Electricity issues: People are also facing a significant shortage of electricity which has affected farmers the most. Blackouts are common and farmers allege that electricity remains cut off for hours on end and remains unreliable the rest of the time. The present government has resumed a project to upgrade the power system in Jhunjhunu which may address the issues of the locals here. Infrastructure Development There is an air of defiance in the Congress. And it is clear both in its electoral strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as well as its choice of candidates. Lets talk about the two most significant ones Kanhaiya Kumar who has been given ticket from Delhi North-East to take on the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) sitting MP Manoj Tiwari. Also, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, a known opponent of Punjab CM Bhagwat Singh Mann, will contest from Sangrur, the home turf of the CM, who was the MP from here, on the hand symbol. Khaira was arrested by the Punjab police in a drugs case. The Congress had accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the state of needlessly targeting him, which had led to a clash between the AAP and Congress in Punjab. However, the state government had defended his arrest, saying the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had found sufficient evidence against him. In Punjab, unlike Delhi, there is no alliance between the AAP and the Congress. But with Khaira being given the ticket, it is clear that the two parties will attack each other and this would give handle to the BJP to make the point that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc is divided. Just as the Communist Party of Indias fielding D Rajas wife Annie Raja opposite Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad has queered the pitch. The choice of Khaira also shows that the Congress is in no mood to be generous and will take on those they want to, despite being allies. A ticket for Kanhaiya Kumar is also significant. There were some reservations in the Congress. Many felt that the tukde tukde controversy surrounding him could give an edge to the BJP. But with the Gandhi siblings supporting him totally, it was no surprise that Kumar has been given ticket from an area where he will take on a fellow Bihari. Plus like Tiwari, Kumar has the gift of the gab and is banking on migrant votes. More than that, his candidature shows that the Congress wont buckle under the pressure of the BJP. The Congress has also decided that communication needs to be aggressive and take them on. And for this reason, the choice of these two candidates tells a story. The Kerala-connect by the saffron brigade has come a long way in the last year from The Kerala Story, a movie based on alleged religious conversions of women from the southern state, and Sneha Yatra to Prime Minister Modis repeated visits and his decision to host the Christian communitys leader at his residence. Apart from the RSS-BJP reaching out through political and social affiliates, Modi ki guarantee for the fishermen community is another addition to the revived outreach for the coastal parts of the southern states, primarily Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The BJPs Lok Sabha poll manifesto, or Sankalp Yatra, has an expanded and more elaborate version of the Matsya Sampada Yojana among other existing schemes. This initiative was also mentioned in the manifesto for the 2019 general elections. The BJP has strongly focused on Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the past year, even though the party has seen limited political gain in these two states. The prime ministers photo with the sengol titled good governance on the manifesto document, also reflects the Tamil connect, affiliation to the states culture and the BJPs aspiration for southern dominance. Even as the Tamil connect is taking place through the cultural space, in Kerala it is a different story. The BJPs political association with Kerala was never so prominent, while its alliance with the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu still had some currency. The current outreach in Kerala is taking place through the several denominations of the Keralite Christian community, primarily the Syro-Malabar Christians, which the BJP calls more culturally aligned with the Hindus. The Kerala Story a movie or a mover? Last week, Kerala saw a series of almost unprecedented events over a movie The Kerala Story. The movie was released last year and triggered a massive controversy as a host of people, politicians and analysts questioned its factual sanctity. The movie not only touched a political nerve and started a discussion over love jihad, religious conversion and trafficking in the name of love, it was also a big commercial success across states. It was criticised by the opposition as promoting propaganda. Almost a year later, Doordarshan nationally aired the movie on April 5. The controversy, which almost settled, got a fresh boost and a section of Christian community supported the screening of the movie while some dioceses even installed screens at their premises. The Left and Congress leaders of Kerala protested the move citing the violence in Manipur, as the Kuki communities in the state are predominantly Christians while the Meiteis are Hindus. Now, the most pertinent question remains. Is an anti-LDF or anti-UDF feeling on the rise or do the general masses agree to align towards the BJP? News18 spoke to several Malayali community leaders and local politicians. Christian community leaders, primarily the Syro-Malabar members, said they support the movie because it is close to reality. Local politicians cutting across party lines UDF and LDF said the BJP is trying to bring communal polarisation in Kerala, which primarily stayed away from such agendas or religion-based politics. While the Syro-Malabar Church has made official pronouncements regarding the existence of love jihad in Kerala, it is imperative to acknowledge that my personal insights do not necessarily reflect the official stance. Rather, they are informed by observations garnered through my above-said diverse roles within the church and the broader society, said Father Antony Thalachelloor, first secretary of the Syro-Malabar Media Commission. Despite assertions from certain quarters, including media outlets and political figures, questioning the veracity of love jihad, it remains undeniable that instances of individuals, particularly of Islamists, engaging in contrived interfaith romantic entanglements do exist. Paradoxically, those who say there is no love jihad are really trying to say that it does not exist as it has not yet been defined in the framework of the law, he said. However, it is crucial to discern the underlying political motivations behind the recent airing of The Kerala Story on Doordarshan amid the backdrop of electoral proceedings. Additionally, the decision of certain Catholic clergy to exhibit Manipur Story further raises questions about potential political agendas intertwining with religious narratives. The undeniable reality is that Christians from both tribes faced attacks in Manipur, he added. What does the BJP and Congress-Left say? Even though the BJP has claimed that the party has been able to build a momentum on the ground, the senior leaders of Congress and CPM said it is just a gimmick. There has been no shift in the political ideology here. Saffron is not the colour the Malayalis want to believe in. The BJP, RSS and their issues find no resonance on the ground in the state. The political-electoral fight here is a bipolar one and it is between Left and Congress parties, said a veteran Congress MP from Kerala. K Suresh, another MP and a UDF candidate, said his party is only concentrating on the poll campaign and they are not aware of the BJPs ways in Kerala. Senior BJP leaders, however, said the situation is different. On several occasions, state BJP president K Surendran said the party has a strong foothold and the central leaders are aware of this fact. Prime Minister Modis frequent visits to Kerala, government schemes, announcements and the mention of fishermen-centric issues in the manifesto reflect the BJPs commitment towards Kerala, said another senior BJP leader from the state. A senior RSS functionary, who has been working in the state for years now, said: A particular segment of society has turned against the Congress and the Left. Communist and Congress leaders are trying to rake up the Manipur issue to push the Christians away, but they do not feel repulsed anymore. It is to be seen whether or not this energy translates into seats or an increased vote share. But, we can see a societal change has been initiated. The Kerala Story has also played a role in bringing the reality to the fore. It is not a political issue, but a real issue. What does the Syro-Malabar Church say? Its inaccurate to conclude that the Indian Church is leaning towards the Sangh Parivar camp solely based on the incident where a few bishops met the prime minister at his invitation. The Christian Church maintains a stance of collaborating with all for the nations progress, without displaying any particular favouritism towards political parties, said Thalachelloor. Furthermore, its essential to acknowledge the prevailing political landscape marked by a growing number of individuals including Christians, affiliating with the BJP for reasons that cannot be disregarded, he added. He further explained that if the participation of the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archeparchy of Changanassery, Mar Joseph Perunthottam, in an event associated with the Nava Kerala Yatra at the invitation of the Kerala chief minister is subjected to political interpretation, it could add further complexity to the situation, Thalachelloor said. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Latest Updates On Upcoming Elections in India Our Live Coverage on Lok Sabha Election 2024 Has Moved Here. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Omar Abdullah Challenges Ghulam Nabi Azad to Contest Polls Against Him National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah challenged Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls against him, instead of hiding behind a camera and making statements targeting his party. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Akhilesh Yadav to Campaign for Cong Candidates in MP Leaders of the Madhya Pradesh units of the Congress and Samajwadi Party met on Monday to chart out the schedule of Akhilesh Yadavs campaign tour in the state for the Lok Sabha polls, functionaries of the two parties said. The SP and Congress are fighting the Lok Sabha polls in MP in alliance, and the Akhilesh Yadav-led party was given Khajuraho seat to contest, though its candidates nomination form was rejected. Lok Sabha Election 2024: JMM Has Already Accepted Defeat, Says BJP Leader The JMM has already accepted defeat in the Lok Sabha polls and its workers attacked BJPs Singhbhum candidate Geeta Kora out of frustration, Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi alleged on Monday. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Cong Releases Poll Campaign Song Focused on 'Nyay' The Congress on Monday released a campaign song for the Lok Sabha polls, focusing on the theme of Nyay for women, youngsters, farmers and labourers as well as on participatory justice. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh and spokesperson Supriya Shrinate released the song with the lyrics Hum Saath Hain To Haath Ye Halat Badal Dega at the AICC headquarters in Delhi. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Cash, Gold, Liquor, Freebies Worth Over Rs 126 Crore Seized in Telangana Law enforcement agencies have seized cash, gold, liquor, and articles meant for distribution as freebies totalling over Rs 126 crore, till April 14 as part of implementing the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, elections officials said on Monday. Lok Sabha Election 2024: VBA Chief Ambedkar Releases Manifesto Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar on Monday said if voted to power, his party will make a strategic decision not to retire contractual employees till 58 years, and it will bring a law for minimum selling price for farmers. Ambedkar released the VBAs manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Akali Dal's Harsimrat Kaur on Getting Ticket for Polls Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal Monday said it was the partys prerogative to give tickets to candidates it sees fit but if she contests this Lok Sabha election, it will be from the Bathinda parliamentary seat only. The Sukhbir Singh Badal-led SAD is yet to name a candidate from Bathinda Lok Sabha seat, which is currently represented by Harsimrat. Lok Sabha Election 2024: TMC to Release Manifesto in 5 Languages The Trinamool Congress is set to release its manifesto in five languages this time, including the Santal language Oi Chiki, and Nepalese, sources said. The TMC, which is in power in West Bengal and at present the fourth largest party in Lok Sabha after the ruling BJP, Congress, and DMK, is in a three-cornered fight in the state against the BJP, and the Left-Congress alliance. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Vote for NDA to Put End to Goonda Raj, Says Yogi Adityanath Urttar Padesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday urged people in Bihar to vote for the NDA to put an end to goonda raj and dynasty politics in the state. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Modi's Guarantees Are False, Says Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday said that the guarantees given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are false as none of them have been fulfilled, leaving the people in utter disarray. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Rahul Gandhi Says, 'Constitutional Institutions Not Personal Property of PM Modi' In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the Constitutional institutions of the country are not his personal property but belong to every single Indian citizen. Accusing the ruling BJP at the Centre of attempting to capture all the Constitutional institutions of the country, he said the upcoming Lok Sabha polls are a fight between those who want to protect the Constitution and those who want to destroy it. Lok Sabha Election 2024: INDIA Bloc Has Nothing to Do with General Public, Says BJP Chief Nadda Launching a vitriolic attack on the opposition INDIA bloc, BJP president JP Nadda on Monday said that it has nothing to do with the general public and all parties in it are concerned only about their families. PM Modi's 'Congress Ke Yuvraj' Dig At Rahul Gandhi in Kerala rime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the grand old partys Yuvraj (crown prince) and criticised him for seeking votes from the people of Kerala without addressing their issues and interests. PM Modi Questions Credibitity of LDF, Congress The PM also questioned the credibility and trustworthiness of the LDF and Congress in Kerala, saying they fight each other in Thiruvananthapuram, but in Tirunelveli (in Tamil Nadu) they are allies. He also said the law and order situation in Kerala was in the news for the political killings in the state and the offences against women due to the ineffective rule by the Congress and Left all these years. Roadmap in BJP Manifesto for Every Section of Society, Says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said there was a detailed roadmap in the BJP manifesto, released a day ago, for every section of society in India. Modi, speaking at a public meeting at Kattakada in the Attingal Lok Sabha constituency, reached out to the coastal community in Kerala by promising to safeguard the coastline, protect their livelihoods and ensure a dignified life for them. Roadmap in BJP Manifesto for Every Section of Society, Says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said there was a detailed roadmap in the BJP manifesto, released a day ago, for every section of society in India. Modi, speaking at a public meeting at Kattakada in the Attingal Lok Sabha constituency, reached out to the coastal community in Kerala by promising to safeguard the coastline, protect their livelihoods and ensure a dignified life for them. Roadmap in BJP Manifesto for Every Section of Society, Says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said there was a detailed roadmap in the BJP manifesto, released a day ago, for every section of society in India. Modi, speaking at a public meeting at Kattakada in the Attingal Lok Sabha constituency, reached out to the coastal community in Kerala by promising to safeguard the coastline, protect their livelihoods and ensure a dignified life for them. Roadmap in BJP Manifesto for Every Section of Society, Says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said there was a detailed roadmap in the BJP manifesto, released a day ago, for every section of society in India. Modi, speaking at a public meeting at Kattakada in the Attingal Lok Sabha constituency, reached out to the coastal community in Kerala by promising to safeguard the coastline, protect their livelihoods and ensure a dignified life for them. Modi Ki Guarantee of Middle-Class Parivar Jan, says a chapter in the BJP manifesto, or Sankalp Patra, released on Sunday as the saffron party made a big pitch to the middle class. The clear appeal to woo the middle class comes amid an effort to build upon a loyal voter base of the poor, many of whom have moved to the neo-middle class due to the steady increase in their incomes since 2014. The Lok Sabha election results on June 4 will show if the BJPs effort has been successful as the party is banking on these voters in a big way to propel it above 400 seats for the National Democratic Alliance. Party leaders said their manifesto is aimed at creating a sustained, inclusive, strong and future-ready platform for the growth of the Indian middle class. Here are the 10 ways the BJP has tried to woo the middle class voter: Perambalur is one of 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu. It is a General category seat and comprises parts of Karur, Perambalur, and Tiruchirappalli (Tiruchi or Trichy) districts. Since 2009, six Assembly segments fall under the Perambalur Lok Sabha constituency Kulithalai, Lalgudi, Manachanallur, Musiri, Thuraiyur (SC) and Perambalur (SC). Sitting MP TR Paarivendhar (Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi/DMK) Candidates KN Arun Nehru (DMK), ND Chandra Mohan (AIADMK), TR Paarivendhar (Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi under BJP symbol) Political Dynamics The DMK currently holds all six seats in the LS following its sweep of the state in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The predominantly rural constituency of Perambalur will witness a triangular contest between Dravidian giants DMK and AIADMK as well as the BJP-Indhiya Jananayaka Katchi alliance. So far, the DMK has won the Perambalur constituency six times, AIADMK has won it five times. The Congress emerged victorious twice and the CPI once. DMK: The ruling DMK has fielded KN Arun Nehru here. The 40-year-old is the son of Municipal Administration Minister and DMKs Tiruchy strongman KN Nehru. The ruling DMK has fielded KN Arun Nehru here. The 40-year-old is the son of Municipal Administration Minister and DMKs Tiruchy strongman KN Nehru. Arun Nehru is fighting his first-ever election this time. The scion of southern Indias Nehru family reportedly had a choice to contest from either Perambalur or Trichy but chose the former. The Perambalur constituency is considered to be the stronghold of the DMK. Former Union telecom minister A Raja won from here in 1996, 1999 and 2004. In 2009, actor-politician D Napoleon won the seat on a DMK ticket. The DMK was unseated here by the AIADMK in the 2014 elections. But in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, IJK founder TR Paarivendhar (the current NDA candidate) won this seat on the DMK symbol. This time, however, the sitting MP is contesting on the BJP symbol, making it a three-cornered fight in the constituency. Arun Nehru may be relatively new in electoral politics but among the factors that work in his favour is the fact that Lalgudi, which falls in Perambalur constituency, is the hometown of his father. Like most father-son duos this season, Arun Nehrus campaign is being steered by his father KN Nehru. Reports say KN Nehru himself prepared the campaigning schedule for his son. KN Nehru reportedly kicks off his campaign at 6:30am on the dot each morning and works till 10pm, taking short breaks only for meals. The young gun has in the past received praise from DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi and now from Chief Minister MK Stalin for extensive groundwork. When he filed his nomination papers to contest the upcoming elections, Arun Nehru put up a show of strength and was accompanies by the DMK MLAs of all six Assembly seats that fall under the Perambalur Lok Sabha constituency. Arun Nehru, who claims to be an industrialist, has announce employment generation schemes in Perambalur as his top priority if elected. DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had chosen to kick-off the partys Lok Sabha campaign from Trichy to target both Perambalur and Tiruchirappalli seats. AIADMK: The AIADMK is fielding ND Chandra Mohan in Perambalur. The 51-year-old is the nephew of former minister, the late N Selvaraj, who had significant influence in the region. Selvaraj had joined the AIADMK in the twilight of his political career. The AIADMK is fielding ND Chandra Mohan in Perambalur. The 51-year-old is the nephew of former minister, the late N Selvaraj, who had significant influence in the region. Selvaraj had joined the AIADMK in the twilight of his political career. The prime factor Chandra Mohan hopes would work in his favour is his caste since Mutharaiyars are the decisive factors here. The second advantage he claims to have been the association with the late Selvaraj. His aides and supporters have been reminding of their familial bond every chance they get. Chandra Mohan is a dark horse pick, a decision that highlights the gravity of the elections for AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami as he tries to cement his position in Dravidian politics two years before Assembly election. BJP: Contesting on the BJP symbol this time is sitting MP and IJK founder TR Paarivendhar. He is the founder-chairman of the SRM Group of Institutions. This is the 82-year-olds third election from the Perambalur constituency. Contesting on the BJP symbol this time is sitting MP and IJK founder TR Paarivendhar. He is the founder-chairman of the SRM Group of Institutions. This is the 82-year-olds third election from the Perambalur constituency. He had contested on the DMKs rising sun symbol in the 2019 elections and had won by a wide margin of around 4 lakh votes. Significantly older than his DMK and AIADMK challengers, Paarivendhar hasnt let his age slow down his campaign. Along with his campaign team, he covers several villages a day. Given his association with the SRM Group of Institutions, Paarivendhar has in his latest tenure provided 300 students from the constituency free higher education. The sitting MP has exhausted the Rs 17.5 crore allocated to Perambalur under the MPLAD scheme and claimed to have spent additionally out of his own pocket. The BJP has never been able to win the Perambalur seat but hopes to turn around its fortunes with Paarivendhar this time. With ground reports not indicating any major anti-incumbency against the sitting MP, it clearly has a shot at winning. Caste Calculations: Mutharaiyars are the dominant caste in the Perambalur constituency, giving an edge to AIADMK candidate Chandra Mohan who belongs to the community. Mutharaiyars are the dominant caste in the Perambalur constituency, giving an edge to AIADMK candidate Chandra Mohan who belongs to the community. DMK candidate Arun Nehru belongs to the Reddiar community and is banking on his familys native connect to offset the caste calculations. IJK-BJP candidate Paarivendhar would look for support from his Udayar caste members who also count for significant numbers in the Perambalur constituency. Tiruchy Influence: Lalgudi, Mannachanallur, Musiri and Thuraiyur fall under Tiruchy, giving the district considerable influence in the election outcome. Out of the total of 13.24 lakh voters, around 8.40 lakh (63.44%) are from Tiruchy. Candidates who have close association with Tiruchy, thus, are at an advantage. Lalgudi, Mannachanallur, Musiri and Thuraiyur fall under Tiruchy, giving the district considerable influence in the election outcome. Out of the total of 13.24 lakh voters, around 8.40 lakh (63.44%) are from Tiruchy. Candidates who have close association with Tiruchy, thus, are at an advantage. Vulnerable booths & cash seizures: Of the 1,665 polling stations in Perambalur, 55 have been declared vulnerable and one critical after assessments by revenue and police officials. Of the 1,665 polling stations in Perambalur, 55 have been declared vulnerable and one critical after assessments by revenue and police officials. In March, flying squads seized around Rs 76.67 lakh in cash from various locations in the constituency. All the cash was seized after people in possession of it failed to produce relevant papers. The cash seizure was the highest in Kulithalai Assembly segment at Rs 26 lakh. Key Constituency Issues Demand for Ariyalur-Namakkal Rail Line: The demand for a new Ariyalur-Namakkal railway line has been pending for decades. Successive MPs and candidates revive promises to get the line constructed in the next term, but each time the project fizzles out after the survey stage. The demand for a new Ariyalur-Namakkal railway line has been pending for decades. Successive MPs and candidates revive promises to get the line constructed in the next term, but each time the project fizzles out after the survey stage. Locals have been demanding a new broad-gauge line stretching 108-km to connect Ariyalur with Namakkal, through Perambalur, Thuraiyur and Thathaiyengarpet. At present, the Chennai-Namakkal section services Katpadi, Jolarpet and Salem stations. If constructed, the new line would connect Chennai Egmore and Namakkal via Villupuram and Ariyalur. Local reporters say sitting MPs visit the Union Railway Minister before each election to show they are pushing hard for the line following which a survey is initiated with some amounts set aside for it, but nothing comes of the exercise. In 2018, the construction wing of the Southern Railways had carried out land survey with the Railway Board communicating to the Southern Railway that Rs 16.5 lakh had been sanctioned for the survey. The project did not move beyond this stage. The main reason why the project has been a non-starter is concerns over whether the costs can be recovered once the route is operational. While there is massive demand for the Ariyalur-Namakkal line, the returns may not be able to cover the massive costs of laying down a new railway line. Its easier to start a new train on existing tracks rather than lay down a new line altogether. The railway line is also crucial for the rural economy, which is largely dependent on shallots, cotton and maize. Shallot Farmers Struggling: The Perambalur district is known for its small onion, or shallot, cultivation. After boom in shallot procurement prices in November last year, several farmers who had switched to the onion variety are devastated now. As supply outweighed demand, procurement prices plummeted from Rs 70 per kg in November 2023 to Rs 10 per kg in January this year. The Perambalur district is known for its small onion, or shallot, cultivation. After boom in shallot procurement prices in November last year, several farmers who had switched to the onion variety are devastated now. As supply outweighed demand, procurement prices plummeted from Rs 70 per kg in November 2023 to Rs 10 per kg in January this year. According to the horticulture department, before November, the total crop acreage of shallots stood at around 1,000 hectares. But following the rise in procurement prices in August, the acreage in November zoomed to 3,500 hectares. Hardest hit were farmers in Nattarmangalam, Irur, Chettikulam and Bommanapadi areas. The Cauvery Padugai Farmers Federation has demanded that the Centre should fix the MSP for shallots and procure it when demand/prices slump. Farmer groups say setting up shallot storage and processing units here will help regulate the price fluctuations and ensure steady sales throughout the year. Barrages on Cauvery: Farmers in Kulithalai and Lalgudi areas of the constituency have been demanding that barrages be built on Cauvery and Kollidam rivers to harness rainwater and pump up the water table. Farmers in Kulithalai and Lalgudi areas of the constituency have been demanding that barrages be built on Cauvery and Kollidam rivers to harness rainwater and pump up the water table. Medical College/Research Centre: The DMK government under M Karunanidhi had promised in 2010 that it would set up a medical college hospital in Perambalur. 14 years later, the promise remains only on paper. The DMK government under M Karunanidhi had promised in 2010 that it would set up a medical college hospital in Perambalur. 14 years later, the promise remains only on paper. Back then, the Andimuthu Chinnapillai Trust, dedicated to former Union minister A Rajas parents, had donated 30 acres land around 9km from Perambalur in Othiyam to set up the college. The state government had then even created the Deans post for the Perambalur Government Medical College and allotted space for it in the Collectorate premises. When the AIADMK wrested power from the DMK in 2011, the project was stalled. AIADMK leaders claimed the soil at the location selected by the DMK government was not ideal to construct and withstand a building. Since 2011, more than 15 medical colleges have been set up and made operational, but Perambalur residents continue to wait for one. After it returned to power in the state in 2021, the DMK government, this time under MK Stalin, said it tried to revive the project but didnt get permission from the Centre. A Raja now says that if the DMK candidate in Perambalur constituency is voted to power, the party would bring an AIIMS or JIPMER kind of hospital and medical research centre to Perambalur. Accidents on Chennai-Tiruchy NH45: The Chennai-Tiruchy national highway sees heavy early morning traffic (3am to 5am) of commuters coming from Kanyakumari as well as those driving from Tirupathi and northern districts of Tamil Nadu. The Chennai-Tiruchy national highway sees heavy early morning traffic (3am to 5am) of commuters coming from Kanyakumari as well as those driving from Tirupathi and northern districts of Tamil Nadu. The Padalur-Valikandapuram stretch of this highway is an accident-prone zone, accounting for close to 30% of the 428 deaths in the district over two-and-a-half years. The nearest government hospital is 20km away the government headquarters hospital in Perambalur and there are no trauma centres or hospitals along or near the highway where accident victims can be given life-saving care. 4-Lane National Highway: The Cauvery Padugai Farmers Federation has also demanded that the Manapparai-Perambalur road be upgraded to a four-lane national highway to push economic development in the region. The Cauvery Padugai Farmers Federation has also demanded that the Manapparai-Perambalur road be upgraded to a four-lane national highway to push economic development in the region. Water Scarcity: Locked by Cuddalore in the north, Ariyalur in the east, Namakkal in the west, and Tiruchy in the south, Perambalur is a water-starved region. The locals have been suffering frequent water shortages with numerous protests being held at various locations in the constituency demanding sufficient and regular water supply. Residents of Perali area in the Perambalur district have demanded that the central governments Jal Jeevan Mission be implemented in their village. Locked by Cuddalore in the north, Ariyalur in the east, Namakkal in the west, and Tiruchy in the south, Perambalur is a water-starved region. The locals have been suffering frequent water shortages with numerous protests being held at various locations in the constituency demanding sufficient and regular water supply. Residents of Perali area in the Perambalur district have demanded that the central governments Jal Jeevan Mission be implemented in their village. Tourism: Pachamalai in the Eastern Ghats and Puliyancholai on the foothills of Kolli Hills are popular among locals who say developing tourism facilities here for outstation visitors would boost local revenue. Some resident groups have also asked that the Forest Department hand over the road from Shobanapuram to Top Sengattupatti to the Highways Department which can maintain it from tourism perspective. Pachamalai in the Eastern Ghats and Puliyancholai on the foothills of Kolli Hills are popular among locals who say developing tourism facilities here for outstation visitors would boost local revenue. Some resident groups have also asked that the Forest Department hand over the road from Shobanapuram to Top Sengattupatti to the Highways Department which can maintain it from tourism perspective. Korai Mat Industry: Korai or straw mat makers from Musiri, which is home to several other cottage industries, have demanded that their products be exported. Korai or straw mat makers from Musiri, which is home to several other cottage industries, have demanded that their products be exported. Dwindling Pottery Trade: The Perambalur district is home to around 400 potter families. The Perambalur district is home to around 400 potter families. Many of them say their livelihood and vocation needs saving but complain that successive candidates have ignored their pleas. This time too they have made representations and submitted letters to candidates in the fray. Among their demands is easier availability of clay and financial assistance during the rainy season. Some potters say modern appliances as well as waning interest among the youth in learning the art of pottery has reduced the 60-year-old trade to around 500 potters in the district. Voter Demographics Social composition SC 20.04% ST 0.58% Religious composition Buddhist 0.01% Christian 6.59% Jain 0.02% Muslim 6.48% Sikh 0.01% Major Infra Projects in Perambalur The Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency comprises five assembly segments Baheri (SP), Pilibhit (BJP), Barkhera (BJP), Puranpur (BJP) and Bisalpur (BJP). The current MP is Varun Gandhi from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The candidates for the 2024 elections are Jitin Prasada (BJP), Bhagwat Saran Gangwar (Samajwadi Party) and Anis Ahmad (Bahujan Samaj Party). The constituency will poll on April 19. POLITICAL DYNAMICS Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh is witnessing among the most important political battles of 2024. Long known for being a Gandhi family bastion, albeit of Maneka and Varun Gandhi fame, Pilibhit has turned into a prestige battle for the BJP. BJP on a Sticky Wicket: Until recently, the BJP was assured of victory. This was before Varun Gandhi was dropped as the candidate and replaced with Prasada. It remains to be seen if PM Modis high-octane campaign for the first time in Pilibhit can help Prasada win. The BJP is hoping to effectuate a generational and a rather tectonic change in the politics of Pilibhit. Long held by the Maneka-Varun Gandhi duo, Pilibhit today has neither of the two in the poll fray. While Maneka Gandhi represented Pilibhit in the Lok Sabha six times, her son Varun won the seat twice first in 2009 and then in 2019. Prasada has been in Pilibhit for two weeks and is largely seen as an outsider. Varun Gandhi still enjoys considerable public support, with his and his mothers loyal votes totalling around 1.5 lakh. There is intense factionalism within the BJP in Pilibhit. Prasada is emerging as the biggest casualty of this internal tussle within the local party unit. Senior party leader Hemraj Verma has even threatened to contest against the BJP nominee as an independent candidate. There are two BJP MLAs in the area Swami Pravakta from Barkhera and Vivek Varma from Bisalpur, both of whom belong to the Lodh farmer community. The Lodh farmers have also been demanding a Lok Sabha ticket for their community. Varun Factor: In an emotional letter penned after being dropped as the BJP candidate, Varun Gandhi said his relationship with Pilibhit is beyond rajnitik guna bhag (political calculations) and promised to work for the people till his last breath. He also said he has always raised his voice for the welfare of the people of the constituency as their representative. This emotional pitch by Varun Gandhi could further complicate the electoral calculations of the BJP. Until the very end of the BJPs candidate announcement, Varun Gandhis aides had been claiming that he would be the nominee from Pilibhit. The representatives of Gandhi even purchased four sets of nomination papers for contesting the Lok Sabha polls. However, if ground reports are to be believed, Varun Gandhi and his mother never had a solid track record in helping local development, although this has not impacted their electoral successes. The train connecting Lakhimpur, Sitapur and Lucknow has been discontinued. There has been no major announcement from Varun Gandhis side for betterment of Pilibhit in recent years. Not All Doom And Gloom: People are by and large happy with the work of the BJP governments both at the Centre and in the state. The BJP is hopeful that its development and Hindutva planks, coupled with a campaign blitzkrieg by the Prime Minister, will help the party tide over the Varun Gandhi factor. Prasada faces an uphill task getting the caste arithmetic and electoral chemistry right. This is why PM Modi has been roped in to campaign for him in Pilibhit. With the Gandhis out of the picture, the BJP is relying on the Modi factor and the Prime Ministers personal appeal among voters to retain the seat. Samajwadi Party Eyes an Opening: With the BJP dropping Gandhi, the Samajwadi Party (SP) sees a window of opportunity. Although there was speculation that Varun Gandhi could jump over to their camp, the SP laid the rumours to rest by fielding Bhagwat Saran Gangwar. Like Prasada of the BJP, Gangwar, too, is not a known face in Pilibhit. Also, like Prasada, who hails from Shahjanpur, Gangwar is being viewed as an outsider who has been airdropped in Pilibhit from the neighbouring Bareilly district. The silver lining is that Gangwar belongs to the Kurmi community. In Pilibhit, the Kurmi community numbers around 2,50,000, and their vote remains one of the most important deciding factors in the constituency. According to ground inputs, the Kurmi community seems to be favouring the SP candidate, who is expected to get 70% of the votes from the community. While the Kurmis and Lodhs may gradually be leaning towards the BJP as part of a larger political shift across UP, it remains to be seen whether the saffron party can get their votes immediately. The SP appears to have put the BJP in a tough spot by playing the Kurmi caste card. The Lodhs, who wanted one of their candidates to be fielded by the BJP, could also vote for the SP candidate out of anger. While the Kurmis have sent seven MPs from Pilibhit for far, the farmers have not got even one of their candidates elected. When seen together, the caste equation in Pilibhit appears to have turned in the SPs favour. BSP Comes to BJPs Rescue: The Muslims, who number approximately 4,75,000, are largely believed to be in favour of the SP candidate. But the presence of a Muslim BSP candidate queers the pitch. This is Godsent for the BJP. Mayawatis party is targeting the 5 lakh Muslim votes in the constituency. In 2019, the SP had secured the second position with 4,48,922 votes, despite losing to BJPs Varun Gandhi. This significant support for SP was largely due to the unprecedented backing of Muslim voters. In 2019, the SP and BSP were in an alliance. However, this time, the SP is in alliance with the Congress, which has negligible support in Pilibhit. Now that the BSP has fielded Anis Ahmad to split the Muslim and Dalit vote, the SP may very well be in a for a rude shock on June 4. Apart from the three main candidates from the BJP, SP and BSP, there are seven other contenders vying for the high-value seat. KEY ISSUES Modi Factor: The deciding factor in the Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency could be PM Narendra Modi and the work his government has done over the past 10 years. There is widespread appreciation for the Modi governments efforts to provide people with basic amenities such as electricity and power connections, bank accounts, free ration, toilets, tap water connections and pucca houses. Additionally, Indias assertive foreign policy is also being cited by voters in Pilibhit as one of the reasons why they are leaning towards the saffron party. Ram Mandir: No constituency in Uttar Pradesh has remained unaffected by the Ram Mandir phenomenon. In Pilibhit as well, there is widespread appreciation for the role the Modi government played in the construction of the grand temple at Ayodhya. This is why the BJPs campaign in Pilibhit is laying great importance on the Modi factor (Modi Ki Guarantee) and Ram Mandir. Man-Animal Conflict: In Pilibhit, 21 people have lost their lives as a result of human-animal conflict over the past five years. Most of the victims included farmers and people from the labour class. Around one lakh people from the district are affected by this menace. On a tour of Pilibhit recently, chief minister Yogi Adityanath assured them of the efforts to minimise man-animal conflict by erecting electric fencing around farm land situated in the middle of the forests. Moreover, he also informed them about his governments compensation for farmers affected by wildlife conflicts by integrating the loss of lives in such cases with the disaster category. Interestingly, two leopards were seen very close to the helipad where the PM was expected to land, highlighting the extent of the problem. Caste: The biggest issue in Pilibhit is caste and communities. The SP is making a point to turn the election in Pilibhit into a big caste battle against the BJP. The BJP, despite its push to unite Hindus under one political umbrella, is hopeful that its development plank will cut through caste lines. Connectivity: For the past seven years, the train connecting Lakhimpur, Sitapur and Lucknow has been discontinued, hassling commuters. On ground, there is perceptible anger against the BJP for not resolving this issue. Ground inputs have also highlighted how despite being an MP, Varun Gandhi, too, could not get the train service started. Voter Demographics Total Voters: 17,59,223 SC Voters: 281,476 (16%) Muslims: 26.2% Hindus: 65% Sikhs: 4% Urban Voters: 311,382 (18%) Rural Voters: 1,447,841 (82%) DEVELOPMENT The Hassan Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka is witnessing a high-octane contest between NDA candidate Prajwal Revanna, who is from the JDS, and Congresss Shreyas Patel. It is battle royal where both Prajwal and Shreyas are grandsons of two fierce political opponents, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and former Karnataka minister late G Puttaswamy Gowda. Taking this political rivalry to the third generation, the two grandsons are battling it out on Hassans grounds to gain control over the seat. Prajwal Revanna is impressed not only by Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership qualities, but he also finds similarities between him and his grandfather HD Deve Gowda. As a young parliamentarian, what impresses me is what I see in the two biggest leaders in the NDA, PM Modi and Deve Gowda. I see a lot of Deve Gowda ji in the Prime Minister. Both have an immense amount of patience. Modi sir does not comment on anything. He is so sensible when he talks and does not offend anybody, and even the Opposition says he is the best. Modi has not only won Indian hearts, he has also won the hearts of the Opposition, and I am an example of it, said Prajwal in an exclusive interview with News18. As part of the understanding between the BJP and JDS alliance in Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the Hassan seat has been given to the JDS to contest. Prajwal is seeking re-election for the seat, having been the lone JDS MP from Karnataka. In 2019, the Hassan LS seat had been represented by Deve Gowda, but the senior leader, at the last minute, shifted his seat to Tumkur, making way for Prajwal to contest from this safe seat. Speaking about his performance as an MP, Prajwal feels he has been able to win the hearts and votes of the people for Hassan. Calling the Congress guarantees an utter failure, he also called the party one that has been taking the taxpayers money away. Supporting BJPs manifesto, which speaks of One Nation, One Election, Prajwal pointed fingers at the Congress for disregarding taxpayers money, even when it comes to doling out welfare schemes. He added that Modis vision has been that taxpayers money should not go invalid. Split elections started after UPA I, he said. Every election that we are facing today is a burden on the countrys revenue. Taxpayers money is being spent, and elected representatives are responsible for it. We need to spend it efficiently. Congress does not have an issue in spending taxpayers money, they have no regard for taxpayers money as well. The Congress doesnt think twice about how people are suffering. Be it the stupid guarantees that they are providing in Karnataka, Prajwal reacted. Shreyas Patel, who is Prajwals opponent, has been seeking peoples votes in a rather emotional campaign. Patel speaks of how his grandfather and mother faced defeat at the hands of the Gowdas but did not deserve so as they had worked hard on the ground and have been there with the people of Hassan. On a question about how this is not just a political battle, but one between families, Prajwal called it a non-issue, saying that the political rivalry between Puttaswamy Gowda and Deve Gowda was in different times. Those circumstances were different; people understand better now. They are more discerning and have the knowledge and understanding. They have seen the region grow under Deve Gowdawhat has been done in terms of infrastructure, education, women, in Hassan, he said. He also questioned Congress contribution to Hassan. There was absolutely zero contribution from the Puttegowda family side to Hassan. We are not talking about family politics this time. People say that the JDS and BJP have always been progressive parties, but Congress has only pointed fingers. What has been Congresss contributions to Hassan in the last 30 to 40 years? I want an answer to that first, Prajwal questioned. Prajwal adds that the Lok Sabha elections are a direct fight between Modi, who is for our countrys development, and those who are trying to taint the name of the PM and the BJP. The Congress has been attacking the JDS in Karnataka by calling it an opportunistic party that would align with any party that would bring them to power. They also call the JDS a classic example of dynastic politics. Tell me how many from NDA alliance come from a family in politics? Maybe one to two including me. But in the Congress, more than 18 of the 28 candidates they are fielding are dynasts, he said. In Hassan, let me tell you, the karyakartas have lost hope with the Congress, the Hassan MP added. Like in neighbouring Tumkur where there is rebellion within the BJP, in Hassan, too, BJP leader Preetham Gowda has refrained from campaigning in favour of the JDS. Prajwal has called it untrue. Preetham Gowda is already campaigning for me. The ultimate goal is that we all want Modi at the Centre. I wont say there is no rebellion here; we are united to make Modi PM. I will assure this seat will be a gift to Narendra Modi, the JDS MP said. From his big vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047 to his intervention in bringing Indian students back from Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about all the major events ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in an interview with news agency ANI. The Prime Minister also hailed the role of the Enforcement Directorate in tackling corruption and black money in the nation over the past decade. He also asserted the Bharatiya Janata Partys commitment towards One Nation, One Poll. Top Points From PM Modis Interview PM Modi On His Big Vision For Developed India By 2047 Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed on his big plans for making India developed by 2047 and said that no one should be scared. I dont take decisions to scare or run-over anyone, I take decisions for the wholesome development of the nation, PM Modi said. He said that work for the Viksit Bharat project has been underway for the last two years. The PM noted that he has already made a target plan for his first 100 days in office if he is elected in the upcoming general elections. The Prime Minister does not want to lose even a minute. He said that he is only serving Mother India like a son, adding that this was his mission. PM Modi On ED, Charges Of Misusing Central Agencies Against BJP Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Enforcement Directorates role in tackling black money and corruption in the nation over the past decade. He also refuted the charges of the BJP using the central agencies to clamp the voices of opposition leaders and maintained that 97 per cent of cases of the ED are against people not involved in politics. In the last ten years, we have recovered Rs 2,200 crore in cash, while before 2014, ED could only recover Rs 34 lakh cash which can be carried in a school bag It means that the ED is doing a good job, he said. He asserted that corruption has destroyed the country and it has to be tackled with full might. PM Modi On BJPs Commitment Towards ONOP Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced the BJPs commitment towards One Nation, One Poll (ONOP). In the interview with ANI, PM Modi said that the committee formed to prepare a report on ONOP received positive feedback and innovative suggestions. He said that many people have come on-board with the idea of One Nation, One Election in the country. The committee received very positive and innovative suggestions and the country will benefit a lot if we are able to implement this report, the Prime Minister said. PM Modi On Scrapping Of Electoral Bonds Defending electoral bonds, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it made the money trail clear and everyone would regret scrapping it. Money is spent in elections, nobody can deny this. My party also spends, all parties, candidates spend and money has to be taken from people. I wanted that we try something to free the elections of this black money? There was a pure thought in my mind. We were looking for a way. We found a small way, we never claimed that this was the absolute way, PM Modi said. He said electoral bonds showed which company gave it, how they give it and where they give it. And that is why I say when they (opposition) will think honestly, everyone will regret it [the Supreme Court decision to scrap electoral bonds], he told news agency ANI. He said there was debate in Parliament on the electoral bonds scheme when the relevant bill was passed and some of those who are now commenting on it had supported it. He also took a swipe at the opposition for spreading lies over electoral bonds and said of the 3,000 companies that gave donations through the scheme, 26 were being probed by agencies such as the ED. PM Modi Questions Congress Alliance With Anti-Sanatana DMK Prime Minister Narendra Modi questioned the Congress over its alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu over the latters anti-Sanatana stance. In the interview with ANI, he asked as to what was Congress compulsion over forming an alliance with the DMK which spewed hatred and venom against Sanatana Dharma. The Congress with which Mahatma Gandhis name was associated. The Congress where Indira Gandhi used to wear a garland (Rudraksha mala) around her neck. The question should be asked to the Congress. What is your helplessness? Why are you sitting with people who are so vicious against Sanatana? Will your politics remain incomplete? What is this Congress thinking? This is the topic of concern, the PM said. He said the painting on every page of the first Constitution was connected to Sanatana, it was part of the government. And today, if someone has the courage to abuse Sanatana so much, and if you do the politics with them for the election and support that party, then it is a matter of concern for the country, the PM said. Peoples anger against the DMK is getting diverted towards the BJP in a positive way, he added. PM Modi On His Intervention To Bring Indian Students Home From Ukraine Pressing on the increased credibility of India over the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was the Indian tricolours strength that became his guarantee when several Indians were stuck in Ukraine at the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. I have been very friendly with both the presidents (Russia and Ukraine). I can publicly tell President Putin that it is not the time for war. I can also say publicly to Ukraine that we should follow the path of dialogue, underscoring that this is because I have credibility, he said during an interview with news agency ANI. He said that the strength of the India flag was so great that even a foreigner used to hold the Indian flag in his hand. So there was a place for him. So my flag became my guarantee, PM Modi said. Highlighting Indias diplomatic prowess, he also recalled how in 2015, there used to be a period of no bombarding on Indias request, while Indians were being evacuated from a war-torn Yemen. PM Modi On Elon Musks Visit, Big-ticket Investment Plans Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the interview with ANI, said that Tesla CEO Elon Musk is a supporter of India. Musk is scheduled to visit the nation later this month. While the Tesla CEOs plans about the visit are yet to be confirmed, it is being believed that he might reveal big-ticket investment plans for the country. Elon Musk is supporter of Modi is one thing, basically, he is a supporter of IndiaI want investment in India. Paisa kisi ka bhi laga ho (Whoever wishes to invest can, but it must be built by Indians so that the youth of my country get employment), the PM said. PM Modis Strategy On US Prez Handshake With Saudi Crown Prince Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the handshake between US President Joe Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman and proving Western media criticizers wrong about joint G20 declaration. I did not want to wait until the last session. I wanted to get it done early which would surprise people. We got the Declaration in the first session on the second day itself, he said, adding that attempts were made to drag G20 on the basis of negative estimations I wanted to surprise them by all means. That was my strategy. The strategy was successful and I am happy Result Of Mindlessness: PM Modi on North-South Debate Commenting on the North-South debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that viewing the nation as separate units is a result of mindlessness regarding India. Which part of India has the most number of villages associated with Lord Rams name? Tamil NaduDiversity is our strength, we should celebrate itHow can you term it a separate (unit)? PM Modi said. He said that diversity is our strength and we should celebrate it. India is a bouquet where everyone can see their flower. That is the sentiment which should be harboured, PM Modi added. (With inputs from ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with ANI, defended electoral bonds scheme, saying it made the money trail clear and everyone would regret scrapping it. There has been a discussion in our country for a long time that the play of black money in the countrys elections should ends. Money is spent in elections, nobody can deny this. My party also spends, all parties, candidates spend and money has to be taken from people. I wanted that we try something to free the elections of this black money? There was a pure thought in my mind. We were looking for a way. We found a small way, we never claimed that this was the absolute way, he said. PM Modi defends #ElectoralBonds, says poll bonds used to leave money trail. Thats why I say everyone will regret it once they honestly think about itNews18s @AmanKayamHai_ @payalmehta100 and decodes PMs statement @JamwalNews18 | #PMModi #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/c7ZMVqQy7l News18 (@CNNnews18) April 15, 2024 Due to electoral bonds you were getting the trail of the money. Which company gave it or how did they give it? Where did they give it? And that is why I say when they (opposition) will think honestly, everyone will regret it [the Supreme Court decision to scrap electoral bonds], he told ANI. He said there was debate in Parliament on the electoral bonds scheme when the relevant bill was passed and some of those who are now commenting on it had supported it. He referred to the governments decision to disband Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes as part of its efforts to tackle black money. These notes were moved in large quantities during the elections. We took the step so that black money ends, PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said political parties were earlier allowed cash donations up to Rs 20,000 and he changed it to Rs 2,500 as he did not want this cash business to go on. ALSO READ | PM Modi: My Vision Aligns With First-Time Voters, Congress Manifesto Destroys Their Aspirations He said the BJP had earlier decided to take all political donation by cheques, but business people came and said they cannot pay through this mode as government would get to know how much they had contributed to a political party and would trouble them. I remember in the nineties, the BJP faced a lot of problems. There was no money as we had this rule. Those wanting to give did not have courage to do soI was aware of all this. now see, if there was no electoral bond, which system has the power to find out how the money came and where it went, he said. This is the success story of electoral bondsWhether what happened in the process was good or bad can be an issue of debate There was a lot of scope of improvement in this also. But today we have completely pushed the country towards black money, he said. Modi also attacked the opposition for spreading lies over electoral bonds and said of the 3,000 companies that gave donations through the scheme, 26 faced action by probe agencies such as ED. He said of these 26 companies, there were 16 who took electoral bonds Of these (16 companies) 37 per cent of the amount went to BJP and 63 per cent to opposition parties opposed to BJP. There is an ED raid the work of donating to the opposition, will BJP do this? This means 63 per cent of this amount went to the opposition and you are making allegations against us. Their goal is to keep skirting around and run away. ALSO READ | Money Spinner: What Are Electoral Bonds And How Much Did Parties Earn through Them? News18 Explains Introduced in 2018, electoral bonds allowed citizens to donate to political parties anonymously i.e., the identity of the donor was not disclosed to the public. Since then, parties across the spectrum have collected huge amounts through this mode, which also became one of the biggest contributors to their income. In a landmark verdict delivered on February 15, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court (SC) scrapped the Centres electoral bonds scheme that allowed anonymous political funding, calling it unconstitutional and ordered disclosure of data by the Election Commission of the donors, the amount donated by them, and the recipients. The top court also said: Infringement of the voters right to know is not proportionally justified by saying black money is being curbed. The SC also directed banks to stop issuing electoral bonds. It asked the State Bank of India (SBI) to submit a report on donations through electoral bonds to the Election Commission. For the scheme, Section 29C of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, was amended to remove the obligation of political parties to keep a record of the identity of donors who gave any sum of money through electoral bonds or report this to the poll body annually. The SC delivered the verdict on four petitions including those filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). With ANI Inputs In a hair-dressers shop in Deoband, a group of Muslims are divided between voting for the Samajwadi Party-Congress candidate and the BSP. One of them, however, surprises us by saying that he will vote for the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sab badhiya chal raha haishanti hai, kaam theek chal raha hai (All is well and peaceful in BJP rule), the man told News18, when pressed on why he would vote for Modi. Another Muslim man sitting next to him interjected, saying that a few of our brothers may vote for BJP as they have got benefits of schemes but the majority of Muslims would not. Both the Ganga and the Yamuna flow through Western Uttar Pradesh and people here say that the region is known for its Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (communal harmony). The region has a decisive number of Muslim voters in many Lok Sabha seats like Kairana, Muzzafarnagar, Saharanpur, Rampur and Moradabad, which all are polling in Phase 1 on April 19. News18 travelled through West UP last week to find that while most Muslims root for the SP-Congress alliance and some for the BSP, there is a section of Muslim voters slowly veering towards the BJP too. Some of the last lot cited the benefits of government schemes, and improved law and order situation, and a few even asked what is the point of being opposed to BJP which is in power both in Lucknow and Delhi. A group of people playing a game of cards in Saharanpur town told News18 that some Muslims may vote for BJP as they have seen development. Their mohallah (neighbourhood) now has a better road than mine. Why wont they vote for the BJP? this group, all Hindus, asked. A group of Muslims in a village of Saharanpur attended Congress candidate Imran Masoods rally but admitted that a few Muslims among them too could vote for the BJP. Some feel they have got benefits of schemes of Modi government one of them said. News18 drove to Rampur where Shafeek Ahmed Ansari is the MLA from Suar assembly seat the only Muslim MLA in the NDA camp in Uttar Pradesh. A group of Muslims are at his office to meet the BJPs Rampur MP and candidate Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi and take selfies with him. BJP has brought government schemes to everyone without any bias. I got Ujjwala and drinking water connections without much running around. Whoever gives benefits, people vote for them, two Muslim friends in Suar told News18. Another Muslim man here asks what is the point of voting for an opposition candidate in a seat like Rampur. Our Suar MLA is from BJP. Our MP from Rampur is from the BJP. The government in Lucknow and Delhi is of BJP. Then, who will bring development to Rampur or Suar? One cant turn a blind eye, another Muslim man in Rampur asked. In Moradabad, News18 spotted some Muslims at both the rallies of Home Minister Amit Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Some Muslim women are also leaning towards the BJPthey appreciate the Triple Talaq ban brought a few years ago, a Muslim man at Shahs rally told News18. He cited how the BJP was in power in two of the five assembly seats in Moradabad, a first in history. That is not possible without some Muslim support, the man at the rally said. News18, however, found that many Muslims were not willing to express their political preference before media cameras and pleaded to be excused, saying they didnt wish to speak on the polls. A young Muslim girl having a meal at KFC with her family in the main market of Moradabad said things were safer for women in the region now after the BJP came to power. I just hope they spend more on education and health facilities in Western UP. I am an MBBS student and have seen the condition of hospitals. But I have no complaint with the BJP on the issue of safetythere is a marked change, she told News18. In Muzzafarnagar, a sizable number of Muslims were present at BJP candidate Sanjeev Balyans nomination rally. Look, they were asking me if Muslims will support me, Balyan told a group of Muslim persons while pointing to the News18 team. These people in turn told us that they had voted for Balyan in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections too as there was now peace in the region for the last 10 years. The wounds of the 2013 communal riots have now healed for everyone, says Balyan. A few Muslims blame the BSP for their disillusionment and will probably move to the BJP. Muslims today are distressed because BSP has stopped performing its political role for us. Why has Mayawati put up so many Muslim candidates and broken her alliance with the SP? Some Muslims may well vote for the BJP as they feel it will anyway win due to the division of votes, an aged Muslim man in a Deoband market said. Such anecdotal narrations seem to be turning around the theory on its head that Muslims always vote for the stronger opposition party which can defeat the BJP. While most Muslims may still vote for one of the opposition parties in Western UP, some seem to be leaning towards the BJP too. This may consolidate gains for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday urged people in Bihar to vote for the NDA to put an end to goonda raj and dynasty politics in the state. Addressing election rallies in Bihars Aurangabad and Nawada districts, Adityanath, without mentioning the Samajwadi Party by name, alleged, Like the RJD here, we had a family ruling the roost in UP, unleashing goonda raj in the state. We put an end to this Bihar was passing through an identity crisis during RJDs goonda raj. People should ensure that they (RJD) are finished in this electoral battle. This election is about family first versus nation. The parivaarwadi (family-centric) party pushed the country towards terrorism, separatism and corruption. Now, we have Narendra Modis guarantee of a developed and self-reliant India. The countrys prestige has grown all over the world under Modi jis leadership. Its borders are secure, the chief minister asserted. Adityanath said when the central government is focusing on digital India, RJD leaders are busy talking about the lantern (the party symbol). Their leaders are opposed to digital India initiatives of the Centre and Lalu Prasad cant think beyond his parivar (family), he alleged. RJD is against development They indulge in rangdaari (extortion) and believe in brandishing the tamancha (revolver). The party leaders are responsible for criminalising politics. I am sure the people of Bihar will give them a befitting reply this time, Adityanath said. Today, there is no curfew and riot in UP and everything is fine there. The BJP government stands by its promises and actions. Now, the mafia and criminals either languish in jail or rot in hell. No one dares to threaten women or businessmen in UP. If you indulge in wrong doing, you will be finished (Ram Naam Satya Ho Jayega), the CM said. The NDA government in Bihar will do the same and that is why people of the state must ensure a third term for Modi, asserted Adityanath. He also alleged that the Congress and its Bihar ally RJD used to question the existence of Lord Ram. But after the Ram Lalla idol was unveiled in Ayodhya, they changed track and started saying Ram belongs to all, he claimed. The BJPs manifesto is Modis guarantee. It reaffirms the dedication to building a developed India, while also reinforcing the firm stance against corruption, Adityanath said. He charged the Congress and RJD leaders with doing nothing for former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur. It was the NDA government at the Centre that honoured him with the Bharat Ratna They (the opposition leaders) are exposed now, the UP chief minister said. The Aurangabad Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls on April 19. BJPs Sushil Kumar Singh is seeking re-election from the seat as NDA nominee, while Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Thakur is contesting from Nawada. The ballistic missiles and drones that Iran launched against Israel on Sunday were intercepted and failed to reach their launch points, according to American and Israeli officials. More than 300 munitions, most of them fired from Iran, were intercepted before they could reach Israel. In total, around 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles were launched at Israel by Iran overnight Saturday, the Israels military said. US officials said more than 70 drones and three ballistic missiles were intercepted by US Navy ships and military aircraft, without giving details of the exact defenses that were used to bring down the projectiles. But why did the Arab kingdom next door, Jordan, get involved and shoot down dozens of Iranian drones even after it criticised Benjamin Netanyahu over Israels war in Gaza? Jordan, in its official statement, said it stopped the Iranian drones in an act of self-defence and not to help Israel. The response by King Abdullah II, which has supported Palestine, is seen as a balancing act by the country, which does not want to get caught in the crossfire in Israels war against Hamas, an ally of Iran. Jordan neighbours Syria and Iraq both countries where Iranian proxy forces operate and also is next door to Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. A meme of King Abdullah II, wearing an Israeli military uniform, is doing the rounds on social media. Israel-Jordan Relations Jordan fought four wars with Israel between 1948 and 1973 before signing a peace treaty in 1994. Although Israel has welcomes Jordans involvement, Palestine has denounced Jordans role accusing the kingdom of supporting military offensive in Gaza that has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to their health officials. Jordans population mostly comprises Palestinians. Around 3 million Palestinians live in Jordan. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has registered 2.2 million Palestinians, though the total number is thought to be higher. Public sentiment in Jordan towards Israel is generally hostile after incidents such as the attempted Mossad killing of a senior Hamas official on Jordanian soil in 1997, and the tragic death of a Jordanian civilian shot by an Israeli embassy security guard. King Abdullah has done little to improve ties with Israel as he declined to renew the lease of two border zones in the Arava Valley, the Tzofar and Naharaim enclaves in 2018 for farming use by Israel after the 25-year-old lease provision in the 1994 peace treaty expired, according to The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune. Four Main Issues Between Israel and Jordan Palestine: For Hashemites (the royal family of Jordan), Palestine is an internal issue. The two-state paradigm as a possible solution to the Palestinian issue used to be seen as a possible solution to the Jordanians concerns. But Netanyahus ongoing policy to set aside two-state solution has raised Jordans suspicions. With respect to the Abraham Accords, Jordanians have been watching anxiously as Netanyahu appears to them to have leaped directly to the Gulf, skipping over the Palestinian issue. The Abraham Accords were signed between Israel and several Arab states including UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco to normalise diplomatic relations in 2020. Jerusalem: The peace treaty anchored Jordans special interest in the Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem and enshrined ashemite authority over the Waqf [Islamic foundation] on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount. This gives Jordan a strategic say in any future agreements regarding Jerusalem. The assassination of King Abdullah I in 1951 by a Palestinian on the steps of Al Aqsa Mosque at the end of his historic visit amidst his secret talks with the Israeli leadership is etched in the national and personal memory of the royal house. No doubt, this is also the main issue for the great-grandson, King Abdullah II. Economy: Jordans economic, demographic and infrastructure situation is another concern in its ties with Israel. Jordan has allowed 1.5 million refugees from Syria and Iraq, which has taken a hit on the economy and internal security. The country is already coping with the shortage of water and energy. Declining tourism in Jordan during Covid-19 pandemic also compounded the economic problems, which led to a meeting in July 2021, allowing a significant increase in Jordanian exports to the Palestinian Authority. Jordans chronic water problem found a solution in a key clause in the Israeli-Jordanian peace agreement, which stipulated the distribution of Yarmouk Rivers water between the two countries. But during the drought in April 2021 in Jordan, Netanyahu initially refused the Jordanian request of releasing additional water supply. Israel later complied after facing criticism, including from the US. Security Threats: Both Jordan and Israel face threats from radical Islamist elements from Iran and its regions. Jordan cannot act independently on Iran but it is an important part of the coalition of Sunni countries in the Middle East. Jordan actively resists Iranian efforts to establish a presence on its soil as an extension of the Iranian presence in Syria, as mentioned in the report by The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune. Given its borders with Iraq and Syria, Jordan is vulnerable to ISIS threat. Jordans official statement on its involvement in Iran-Israel conflict, and that its military will continue to defend Jordan against any future incursions by any party has not pacified its critics. Escalating tensions in Middle East with Irans unprecedented drone attack on Israel to retaliate the April 1 strike in Syrias Damascus that killed two generals of Revolutionary Guards Corps among others have kept the world on edge. India, which has called for immediate de-escalation of the conflict and maintain geopolitical peace, is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East. This has come in contrast to New Delhis expression of solidarity with Tel Aviv after the terror attack in Hamas. So, how is India trying to maintain balance as the stakes are huge in the bilateral relations with Tel Aviv and Tehran. After the Sunday strike, Iran has maintained that its retaliation against Israel is now complete. India is hoping Tel Aviv will avoid any military attack on Tehran, with the US already warning that it would not take part in the conflict. Indias position urging restraint is being viewed as balanced to maintain world and regional peace. Earlier, India used to frame its diplomatic policies keeping in mind the contradictions between the West and Middle East. Today, New Delhi pays attention to the complexity of inter-state and intra-state conflicts in the Middle East. The call for de-escalation in the current scenario will be a forever effort by India to balance engagement with regional states such as Egypt, Iran, Israel, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Indias stand in the Middle East crisis vis-a-vis Israel shows that religion cannot be a dominant factor. Earlier, the Congress government was accused of being driven by Muslim vote bank politics. Even, Lefts past position assumed Indias regional policy was anti-Israel. But the NDA government has signaled that its stand is based on merit and not any pre-determined ideology. Indias interests in the Middle East are not just limited to oil imports and labour exports. The non-ideological engagement is key to its expanding interests in the region, especially non-Gulf Arab states Saudi Arabia and UAE, which have become major economic and political partners for India. Indias Relations with Israel After Independence, it was only after the Oslo peace process in 1992 that India started formal diplomatic ties with Israel. After a decade, Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon visited New Delhi in 2003 for growing defence and technology partnership. By then, Israel was already Indias second-largest arms supplier after Russia. In July 2015, India for the first time abstained from a vote at the UNHRC that approved their Gaza Commission of Inquiry report in July 2015. Forty-one countries voted in favour of adopting the findings of the biased report, and India was one of only five others who abstained. In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a much-photographed trip to Israel the first for any Indian PM. In 2018, he welcomed Benjamin Netanyahu in New Delhi. Earlier, Indian External Affairs Ministers Jaswant Singh (2000), SM Krishna (2012), and Sushma Swaraj (2016) paid visits to Israel. India deepened its economic and diplomatic ties with the Arab Gulf states, especially the UAE, diversifying from a history of closer relationships with Iran and Egypt. These shifts coincided with the thawing of relations between the UAE and Israel, which ultimately culminated in the 2020 signing of the Abraham Accords. Gradually, the initiative such as minilateral I2U2 that first brought together the foreign ministers of India, Israel, UAE and the US in 2021, and the recent India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a transregional connectivity plan announced on the sidelines of the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi, have shaped up diplomatic ties with the Middle Eastern countries. From US$ 200 million in 1992, bilateral merchandise trade with Israel stood at US$ 4.66 billion in 2020-21 and US$ 4.82 billion during the period April-November 2021 with the balance of trade being in Indias favour. India is Israels third-largest trade partner in Asia and seventh largest globally. Bilateral trade has diversified into several sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, water, IT and telecom. Major exports and imports include precious stones and metals, chemical products and textiles. There are approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian-origin in Israel, who are Israeli passport holders. There are about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, mostly caregivers employed by Israeli elders to take care of them, diamond traders, IT professionals and students. In 2017, a record 70,000 tourists from India visited Israel, and the trend continued in 2018. Air India began running faster (approximately 7 hours) direct flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv four times per week in March 2018 to increase tourism. In his October 2021 visit to Israel, foreign minister S Jaishankar said India considers Israel in many ways as perhaps our most trusted and innovative partner. During the visit of President Joe Biden to Israel in July 2022, the first leaders summit among Israel, India, the US, and the UAE was held virtually. This I2U2 group agreed to deepen the economic ties between the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, to create new partnerships to tackle global challenges such as food insecurity and clean energy technology. Indias Ties with Iran India and Iran share deep historical and cultural ties, but US sanctions on Tehran have been the biggest factor in New Delhi maintaining reasonable caution. The Iranian Revolution in 1979 introduced a new phase of engagement between India and Iran marked by exchange of high-level visits of Indian Prime Minister Narasimha Rao in September 1993, Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in April 1995 and Indian Vice President KR Narayanan in October 1996. The trend continued in 2001 with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visiting Iran, and President Mohammad Khatami attending the Republic Day function in 2003 as the chief guest. Indias economic engagement with Iran spans diverse sectors, including trade, investment, and infrastructure development. The Chabahar port project, in particular, is the cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, promising to enhance connectivity and trade between India, Iran, and beyond. The Chabahar port, strategically located near the China-funded Gwadar port in Pakistan, symbolises Indias efforts to strengthen trade routes and connectivity in the region. Additionally, Indias trade relations with Iran encompass a wide range of commodities, from rice and pharmaceuticals to machinery and jewelry. India stopped procurement of crude oil from Iran after the US did not continue with sanction waivers to India and several other countries. India-Iran trade during 2014-15 was worth $13.13 billion, including Indian imports of $8.95 billion, mainly crude oil, and exports of $4.17 billion. It fell sharply in 2019-20 compared to the previous fiscal. Imports (mainly crude) dipped about 90% to $1.4 billion as compared to $13.53 billion in 2018-19. The year-on-year fall was not that sharp (less than 5%) for Indias exports to Iran, which were $3.37 billion in 2019-20 as compared to $3.51 billion in FY19. There are approximately 10,000 Indian nationals residing in Iran and another 18,000 in Israel. Indias foremost concern lies in ensuring the safety of its citizens amidst the intensifying tensions in Middle East. Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra has promised a job to a 13-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh, who foiled a monkey attack using Alexa. Nikita Pandey, who is from the remote Narayanpur village in Basti district, thanked the business tycoon and said his gesture has given her courage to fight for her education. Kya karogi padh likh ke, sambhalna ghar grihasti hi hai (what is the use of studying when all you have to do is take care of the household) this is the mindset of the older generation in my village. I am thankful to Anand sir, who has not only promised me a job but also given me enough strength to combat educational disparities in our village, said Nikita, who appeared for the Class 10 examination this year. Nikita made headlines for chasing away monkeys with the help of Alexa voice assistant, when she was playing with her 15-month-old niece at her brother-in-laws home where she was visiting on the weekend. I was visiting my sisters house. She lives in Awas Vikas Colony, which is infamous for monkey menace. Though we generally take precautions and keep the doors locked, that day we forgot to do so after some guests left the house, she said. Describing the incident, she said she was playing with her niece on the sofa inside the house when a troop of monkeys entered the room. Soon after, some headed towards the kitchen while some others came at us. We were both alone in that room, she added. She further said it was quite a scary moment and she was glued to the spot not knowing how to react. It was a peculiar situation as I couldnt even move, not even to pick up a stick as I didnt want to leave my niece alone. I thought of yelling and shouting but felt this might worsen the situation and provoke the monkeys to attack us, Nikita told News18. As she was thinking about ways to tackle the situation, she saw the Alexa device on top of the refrigerator. Without giving it a second thought, I immediately shot a command at it and asked it to make barking sounds. In no time, the device started making barking sounds, which scared off the monkeys and they escaped from the balcony, she said. Nikitas presence of mind impressed many on the internet while Mahindra hailed her quick thinking as extraordinary and promised her a job after she completed her education. The dominant question of our era is whether we will become slaves or masters of technology. The story of this young girl provides comfort that technology will always be an ENABLER of human ingenuity. Her quick thinking was extraordinary, Mahindra said in a post on X. What she demonstrated was the potential for leadership in an entirely unpredictable world. After she finishes her education, if she ever decides to work in the corporate world I hope we at @MahindraRise will be able to convince her to join us, he added. Nikita said she learnt about using the Alexa device at school almost two years ago. I am thankful that my teachers have made us familiar with this technology, she added. Though she has always wanted to be an engineer, she has often hesitated about sharing her dream goal with her parents, she said. The older generation here feel studies are not meant for girls, and they can only look after their home. But, Anand sirs promise has given me courage to face my parents and others, and to tell them that I want to pursue engineering, she added. Nikita has proved us all wrong. She is free to pursue her career in whichever field she wants. I am thankful to Anand ji for such a nice gesture. Indeed, there is nothing that girls cannot do, said her mother Vijay Lakshmi Pandey. Minutes after the Supreme Court refused an early hearing of Kejriwals plea challenging his arrest, the Delhi Rouse Avenue court on Monday sent the Delhi Chief Minister to judicial custody till April 23. The development came after the top court postponed the plea of Kejriwal on the week commencing from April 29. The top court further asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file its response on or before April 24. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Kejriwal told the Supreme Court that the arrest was made to disable him from campaigning. The apex courts decision came in response to the plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and his subsequent remand in connection with the alleged now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy case. The AAP supremo had moved the top court challenging a Delhi High Court judgment that dismissed his plea on April 9 and rejected his argument of political vendetta amid the upcoming Lok Sabha election. The Delhi Court on April 1 sent Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15 in the excise policy scam case. SC to Hear Arvind Kejriwals Plea Today | Top Updates The Indian ambassador to Cambodia, Devyani Khobrogade gained a lot of attention on social media after she shared her pictures dressed up as Khmer Apsara to wish Cambodians on the occasion of Khmer New Year. The Indian Embassy in Cambodia shared her pictures on the official X account and said that the diplomat has a deep understanding and admiration for Khmer culture and tradition. Ambassador Devyani Khobragade has a deep admiration for Khmer culture and tradition. Embracing the spirit of Khmer New Year, she elegantly dressed as a Khmer Apsara, embodying the rich bond of our civilizations. Wishing all our friends a joyous Khmer New Year celebration pic.twitter.com/5SfQ42g5ln India in Cambodia (@indembcam) April 13, 2024 The post on the social media platform read, Ambassador Devyani Khobragade has a deep admiration for Khmer culture and tradition. Embracing the spirit of Khmer New Year, she elegantly dressed as a Khmer Apsara, embodying the rich bond of our civilizations. Wishing all our Combodia friends a joyous Khmer New Year celebration. Khobrogade was earlier at the centre of a controversy that fueled tensions between India and the US. In 1999, she was inducted into the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) following which she went to serve the country in the capacity of a diplomat at Indian missions in Berlin, New York, Islamabad and Rome. However, it was her diplomatic tenure in New York that came into the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons, as she was arrested on charges of visa fraud and giving false statements in the matter. She was charged by the US attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) on December 12, 2013. In a separate controversy, she was also alleged to have paid her domestic help below the minimum wage limit in the US. However, she contested the charges, claiming them to be false and baseless. The charges were subsequently dismissed by a US court, citing diplomatic immunity. India turned down the USs request at the time to waive off her diplomatic immunity at the time. Thereafter, Khobragade flew back to her homeland. The row over Khobragade saw the diplomatic ties between India and the US hit a rocky phase, as New Delhi downgraded the privileges of certain categories of US diplomats in the country. To this, the US responded by pulling out one of its diplomats from the country. (with agency inputs) A court in Navi Mumbai on Monday convicted eight Bangladeshi women for illegal stay in India and sentenced them to 25 months of rigorous imprisonment (RI). Additional Sessions Judge KR Deshpande at Belapur also imposed a fine of Rs 11,000 each on them. The Bangladeshi women, who worked as labourers, were arrested in December 2022 from Turbhe in Navi Mumbai for staying without valid documents, according to police. Two separate FIRs (first information reports) were lodged against them. In two different sets of orders, Judge Deshpande found the accused guilty of an offence under section 14(A) of the Foreigners Act, 1946, and violating the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950, and sentenced them to 25 months of rigorous imprisonment. Section 14(A) of the Foreigners Act deals with penalties for entry into restricted areas in the country. The sessions court directed the prosecution to deport the accused persons, aged between 24 and 44 years, to their home country after they have undergone the sentence and if they are not required in any other case. Additional Public Prosecutor EB Dhamal said 14 prosecution witnesses were examined in the case to prove charges against the accused. Dhamal said the judge, in the orders, noted the prosecution had proved all charges against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt. At least five persons were killed and around 40 others were injured after a Kolkata-bound bus fell from a bridge in Odishas Jajpur district on Monday. The incident took place around 9 pm on Barabati bridge on National Highway-16, when the bus named Kalia Nana was on its way to Kolkata from Puri, officials said. VIDEO | Several injured as bus falls off flyover in Odishas Jajpur. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/gmg0EPXRs3 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 15, 2024 Reportedly, the bus fell off the flyover after the driver lost control of the vehicle. There was carrying around 50 passengers. The deceased included four men and a woman, police said, adding that around 40 people were injured. Inspector in-charge of Dharamshala Police Station, Tapan Kumar Naik, said that of those injured, 30 persons were being taken to the Cuttack SCB Medical College. A rescue operation is underway at the accident spot, he said. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased. Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) April 15, 2024 I am saddened to know about the passenger bus accident in Barbati Street area of Jajpur district. I pray for the immortal soul of the deceased and express my condolences to their families. Also, I wish all the injured a speedy recovery, he wrote in a post on X. Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singhs daughter Swapandeep Kaur has said that the murder of Amir Sarfaraz Tamba, one of the accused who killed her father, could be a conspiracy of the Pakistani government. Amir Sarfaraz Tamba, an accused in the murder of Indian death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh in Pakistan was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan Punjabs Lahore on Sunday. Tamba was also said to be a close associate of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed. Sarabjit Singhs daughter Swapandeep Kaur said, One of those who killed my father in jail has been killed It is the result of his own deeds. But I also think that this is a conspiracy of the Pakistani government. It is possible that the killed person knew some secrets that they wanted to conceal What else can be expected from a country which does not believe in human rights #WATCH | Jalandhar, Punjab: On Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singhs killer shot dead by unknown gunmen in Pakistan, Sarabjit Singhs daughter Swapandeep Kaur says, One of those who killed my father in jail has been killed It is the result of his own deeds. But I also think that pic.twitter.com/jqVXUfB4C1 ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2024 Swapandeep further told India Today TV that her family wanted a trial to ascertain why Sarabjit Singh was killed and who was behind it. She stressed the possibility of the Pakistan government ordering the hit on Amir Sarfaraz to conceal the conspiracy that took place at the time of Sarabjits death in 2013. According to reports, Tamba was attacked by assailants on motorcycles in the Islampura area. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but declared dead. While CNN-News18 cannot independently verify this news, even the police have not yet confirmed it. However, it was reported by other news agencies like PTI citing official sources. According to a PTI report, Tambas family members said two bike-borne men arrived at their house and shot him in the upper storey. His body bore four bullet wounds, two each in the chest and legs, the report said, adding while one of the gunmen was wearing a helmet, another had put up a mask on his face and both of them fled the scene after firing at him. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the deaths and violent attacks on Indian students in the United States of America, though unconnected, are a big concern for the government. Jaishankar said some were murdered over personal issues whereas others were victims to accidents. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Jaishankar said, Obviously, in every case, wherever anything unfortunate has happened to the students, it is of great tragedy for the family, and a big concern for us butour embassy or consulate has looked at every case and theyre actually unconnected. The External Affairs Minister noted that embassies have been instructed to remain in touch with students and talk to them, warn them, especially about the dangerous areas of the cities. He said that 11-12 lakh Indian students are living abroad in various countries. Student welfare is very important. Like I said, every Indian going out, you have Modis guarantee. Student welfare is particularly important for us, Jaishankar added. His statement comes amid the rise in the number of violent attacks that claim the lives of the Indian students in the US. Earlier this month, a 25-year-old student from Hyderabad was found dead in Ohios Cleveland. The Indian embassy in New York had announced that the student died after he was missing for nearly three weeks. Last month, unidentified assailants in the US had killed a 20-year-old student hailing from Andhra Pradeshs Guntur. The deceased, Paruchuri Abhijit, was studying engineering in Boston University. Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has stepped up its outreach to students in the US. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted the recent death of Indian students, saying the embassy and consulates have reached out and have extended all possible help. Since January there are some ten-odd students who have passed away, Jaiswal said during a press conference. Our consulates and mission in the US, they have strengthened our student outreach that they convey to the students how they can take care of themselves and what should be done, he had said in response to a question on safety of Indian students. There is now a fear of unknown" in Pakistan unknown" men who have been targeting terrorists wanted in India. The recent being the Lahore shooting that killed Amir Sarfaraz Tamba, who killed Indias Sarabjit Singh. Tamba, with links to the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) linked and close aide of Hafeez Saeed, had killed Singh in Jail. Singh was given death sentence in Pakistan in 1990 for allegedly spying and carrying out bomb attacks. ALSO READ | Pakistan: Indian Death Row Prisoner Sarabjit Singhs Killer Shot Dead by Gunmen in Lahore Of late, Pakistan has seen close to a dozen suspicious killings of terrorists involved in various terror activities in India. This includes terrorists from outfits such as LeT and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), involved in killing a passenger during the IC-814 plane hijack in 1999, killings in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and fuelling Khalistani terror in Punjab. The maximum number of killings happened in September last year, which Pakistan claimed were the work of the Indian intelligence agencies. However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has made it clear on multiple occasions that India doesnt conduct operations in other countries. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an exclusive interview with News18, said that India would enter Pakistan if terrorists flee there. Usually reticent in his public pronouncements, Singh was unequivocal while responding to a question by Network18s Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi about a report in The Guardian, which claimed that Indian agencies had a hand in the assassination of 20 terrorists in Pakistan. Whichever terrorist tries to disturb India from our neighbouring country or carries out terrorist attacks here, we will retaliate against them harshly," Singh said in the interview on Friday. If he flees to Pakistan, we will enter Pakistan and kill him." ALSO READ | Ghus Ke Maarenge: Rajnath Singhs Stern Message to Pakistan on Cross-Border Terrorism | News18 Interview Sources in Indian intelligence agencies told News18 that the top leadership of terror outfits is in fear and restricting their movements even in Pakistan. Sources said that very few people are aware about the leaderships day plan, which was earlier known to many. THE KILLINGS In September, Muhammad Riaz Abu Qasim Kashmiri, an active leader of Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD), which created LeT, was killed. Similarly, Maulana Ziaur Rehman, a close aide of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar, was killed by unknown persons in Karachi in the same month last year. He was among the chief recruiters for the terror organization. Mufti Qaiser Farooqui of LeT was killed in Sohrab Goth in Karachi by unknown persons. Reports claimed that he was among the core group of Saeed, who masterminded the 26/11 Mumbai terror ttacks. Another most wanted terrorist of the Khalistan Commando Force, involved in multiple cases, was killed in Johar Town of Lahore in May. Panjwar was raising funds and was also among the top drug mafia who coordinated with drug suppliers. He was recruiting young people to fuel terror in Punjab, government sources told News18. In March, Karachi also saw the killing of another terrorist, JeMs Mistry Zahoor Ibrahim, alias Zahid Akhund, who was infamous for his brutality, by unknown persons. He was the terrorist who killed an Indian, Rupin Katyal, and slit his throat during the hijack of IC-814 in 1999 to create fear among other passengers. He was a hardcore Jaish terrorist who lived with a fake identity. Bashir Ahmad Pir, Syed Noor and Syed Khalid Raza of different outfits were killed in areas of Rawalpindi and Karachi. They were involved in spreading terror in India. Raza was Al Badrs commander and was involved in terror activities in J&K. He served as the chief of Al Badr for eight years and was killed in Karachi last February. Do you find yourself unable to fall asleep without scrolling through Instagram reels or browsing your favourite apps? Wake up the next day feeling groggy and then you find yourself often complaining about being unable to sleep on time, experiencing poor sleep or developing insomnia? Its not just you, could be a majority of us. We all know that a good nights sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being, yet many of us find ourselves chronically sleep-deprived. Its not just the effects of ageing; its also affecting younger generations, including Gen Z (12-27 years old) and millennials (28 to 43 years old), who are facing problems in achieving a good nights sleep and continuing to sleep for adequate duration. ALSO READ | 61% Citizens Got Less than 6 Hours of Uninterrupted Sleep in Past 12 Months, Finds LocalCircles Survey The trend is not new, but now capturing more youngsters. Blame excessive screen time, whether on televisions, mobile devices, or computers, which further exacerbates the disruption of sleep cycles. Before the pandemic, in 2019, Indians were found to be the second-most sleep-deprived people in the world, with an average nightly sleep of seven hours and one minute. These stats have gotten even worse because the pandemic just made everything harder. And, the latest numbers are proof that Indians are not sleeping well. According to the latest study by Local Circles, 61% of Indians surveyed got less than six hours of uninterrupted sleep at night in the last year. It showed 23% of those surveyed got only up to four hours" of uninterrupted sleep. THE SCIENCE BEHIND SLEEP CYCLE Dr. Sudhir Kumar, head of the neurology department at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, said that ideally, we should fall asleep within 10 to 15 minutes after going to bed. However, many people take longer to fall asleep. And in fact, people are troubled by frequent awakenings or short sleep durations. Kumar explained that ideally, adults should aim for seven-eight hours of sleep per night, but many find themselves unable to sleep for more than four hours. Its important to note that the optimal time for work is during the day, while the night is meant for sleep. Why? Because this aligns with our natural Circadian rhythms, which govern the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone typically released between 9-11 pm. Circadian rhythms are regulated by a biological clock situated in the brain. A crucial role of this clock is to react to light signals, increasing the secretion of the hormone melatonin during night and ceasing it in response to light exposure. Therefore, its advisable to establish a consistent sleep schedule and go to bed at the right time. For example, if someone plans to sleep by 10:00 pm and wake up at 5:00 am, they should aim to be in bed by 9:30 pm." Failure to adhere to a regular sleep routine and constant fluctuations can have detrimental effects on health due to their impact on Circadian rhythm. John Hopkins Medicine compares sleep" with hunger". As the day progresses, the urge to sleep intensifies, and once it reaches a threshold, sleep becomes necessary. It explains that, unlike hunger, your body can compel you to sleep, even during tasks like meetings or driving. When fatigued, your body may experience microsleep episodes, lasting only a few seconds with eyes open. Napping for more than 30 minutes later in the day can throw off your nights sleep by decreasing your bodys sleep drive." SURGE IN SLEEP-RELATED OPD VISITS Doctors find the troubled sleep pattern" as a significant health concern and a possible reason behind sudden strokes and death. They blame professional stress, the internet and digital surfing at night as two main reasons. Dr Aratrika Das, consultant, pulmonology at Kolkata-based NH RN Tagore Hospital, told News18 that sleep deprivation has emerged as a significant health concern in recent years, particularly among the younger demographic encompassing both Gen-Z and millennials. Beyond the mere act of going to bed at a reasonable hour, these generations grapple with intricate sleep challenges that have profound implications for their overall health." In our outpatient departments, we routinely encounter four-five young individuals each month grappling with sleep deprivation, with one-two of them also suffering from related health complications such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular issues." Das explained that on a scale of 10, this level of prevalence rates a concerning 4-5, particularly alarming given the youthfulness of these individuals. Dr Navneet Sood, senior consultant, pulmonology and sleep medicine at Delhi-based Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, said that trends in sleep patterns among Gen-Z and millennials raise concerns about their sleep hygiene. With the prevalence of technology and demanding lifestyles, Gen-Z and millennials neglect the significance of a consistent sleep schedule. We are witnessing a surge in patients experiencing sleep-related issues and treating three-four patients every month who complain of uneasiness. After diagnosis, we find that they are suffering from hypertension or diabetes resulting from lack of proper sleep over a prolonged period." Sood further estimated that in his clinic, three to four out of 10 individuals have been detected with at least one lifestyle disease due to inadequate sleep. Estimating the scale of this problem, on a scale of 10, 3-4 suggests a substantial influx of individuals seeking assistance for sleep disturbances in our outpatient departments. This number calls for an urgent need for awareness and support regarding sleep health." WHY DO YOU NEED ADEQUATE SLEEP? Doctors warn that youngsters must grasp the critical importance of quality sleep for both their physical and mental health, lest these trends escalate into more widespread public health crises. Experts believe that one of the reasons for the increasing prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular problems among young population can be sleep deprivation. Sleep is not merely a passive state of rest, but is a vital process that allows our bodies to repair, rejuvenate and thrive. During sleep, our immune system strengthens, our cells regenerate and our minds consolidate memories and process information. ALSO READ | Women Who Sleep Less More Prone To Cardiovascular Diseases: Study Das explained that clinical evidence indicates that sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Moreover, the lack of 7-8 hours also disrupts hormonal balance, leading to alterations in appetite-regulating hormones. This disruption can contribute to weight gain, obesity and insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, studies prove that cognitive function suffers greatly as sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, learning, and decision-making. Chronic sleep loss leads to attention deficits, decreased concentration and impaired problem-solving skills, heightening the risk of accidents," Sood said, adding that sleep deprivation is closely tied to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, amplifying stress levels and emotional reactivity while diminishing resilience to stressors. As the old saying goes, Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. This timeless wisdom highlights the profound impact that our sleep habits can have on our overall health and success. As Navratri approaches, its time for a fun and delightful culinary exploration, especially for those seeking Sattvic food. Sattvic cuisine, with its emphasis on pure vegetarian ingredients, aligns perfectly with the ethos of Navratri. You can relish authentic Sattvic food this Navratri and keep things interesting while indulging in delectable food! Haldirams:Haldirams is synonymous with indulgence with its renowned legacy of delectable sweets and savoury snacks. During Navratri, they extend their culinary expertise to offer a wide range of Sattvic delicacies. Their Navratri Special Thalis featuring Kuttu Paratha, Arbi Masala, Paneer and Gulab Jamun, will fulfil every craving for all kinds of palates. The hygiene standards and quality assurance make Haldirams a trusted choice for Navratri celebrations, ensuring a memorable dining experience for customers. Foodies can indulge in timeless classics like Sabudana Tikki alongside exciting new additions such as the Paneer Combo, Papdi Chaat, Tandoori Sizzler, and the elaborate Navratra Thali including fasting and non-fasting foods, among others. Punjab Grill:Known for its well-crafted Punjabi cuisine, Punjab Grill offers a unique Navratri experience with a Sattvic touch. During Navratri, Punjab Grill crafts a special menu featuring delicacies like Chironji ki Dal, Samak ka Rice and Sabudana Bhel. And for people with a big sweet tooth, dont miss out on Kesari Petha and Makhana Kheer. Every dish is prepared with absolute precision, ensuring that the essence of Sattvic cooking is maintained while tantalising taste buds with rich flavours. The peaceful ambiance and impeccable service further enhance the dining experience at Punjab Grill, making it a top choice for Navratri festivities. Imly:Imly is a haven for food lovers seeking authentic and innovative dishes. Imly offers a plethora of Sattvic Thalis delights during Navratri, like Palak Paneer Kofta and Khatta Meetha Kaddu coupled with the Kuttu Atta Puri, catering to every palate. What sets Imly apart is its commitment to quality and creativity, ensuring that each dish is a harmonious blend of tradition and variation, making it a must-visit destination for Navratri feasting. Bikanervala:A name that resonates with authenticity and taste, Bikanervala is a beloved destination for desi sweets and savoury snacks. In the time of Navratri, Bikanervala showcases its culinary prowess with a special menu curated exclusively for pure vegetarians. Indulge in Navratri Thalis comprising dishes like Shahi Kofta, Aloo Sabzi, and Samak ki Khichdi, expertly crafted to satiate your hunger and soul. With its commitment to traditional recipes and premium ingredients, Bikanervala promises an extravagant meal like no other during Navratri. Sattvam:As the name suggests, Sattvam is the epitome of purity and harmony in every bite. Specialising in pure vegetarian cuisine, Sattvam offers a Navratri dining experience like never before. Their Navratri Special Buffets feature an assortment of dishes like Karari Kesariya Jalebi, Sabudana Vada, Dal, Baati and Churma, Tawa Badam Tiki and Malai Chuski! The tranquil ambiance and personalised service add to the charm of the experience, making Sattvam a preferred choice by many food lovers. Navratri is not just a festival but a celebration of spirituality, togetherness, and culinary delights. These five places offer an opportunity to truly enjoy delicious Sattvic cuisine, elevating the Navratri experience to new heights. Whether youre seeking traditional tastes or unique creations, these places ensure a memorable journey that honours the spirit of the festival. So, this Navratri, make sure you savour the magic of these Sattvic delights at these esteemed places. Every year, on April 15, people come together to celebrate World Art Day. It is a special occasion dedicated to honouring the contributions of artists and highlighting the importance of art in our lives. Art has always been a powerful medium for sharing knowledge, sparking conversation and promoting artistic freedom. Interestingly, the date coincides with the birthday of the legendary artist Leonardo da Vinci. From museum pieces to street murals, art is used for storytelling, documenting history and preserving the past. As we celebrate World Art Day, lets delve into the history, significance and inspiring quotes of renowned artists. World Art Day Quotes The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls. Pablo Picasso If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. Vincent Van Gogh A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art. Paul Cezanne A man paints with his brains and not with his hands. Michelangelo If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint. Edward Hopper World Art Day: History World Art Day was officially established on April 15, 2012, during a General Assembly meeting of the International Association of Art (IAA) in Guadalajara, Mexico. The opening celebration was a special tribute to the birthday of the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci, as he is considered the symbol of freedom of expression and peace. Artists from around the world joined this historic event, which was supported by the IAAs national committees. In ancient Greece, there were six official categories of art, Architecture, Painting, Sculpting, Music, Literature and Dance. However, in 1911, the concept of art expanded and Cinema as the seventh art was introduced by Ricciotto Canudo. World Art Day: Significance Art holds a special place in culture, as it is a powerful way of storytelling and immortalising the beauty of the past. World Art Day also honours the efforts of artists who fill colours to our lives and shape our cultural identity. Leonardo Da Vinci, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Raja Ravi Varma, Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Nandalal Bose, are some of the iconic artists, who have inspired the world with their creativity and talent. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar actress Ayesha Jhulka is moving to the Bombay High Court to seek justice for her murdered dog, Rocky. As per more reports, her dog was killed by her former caretaker in 2020. In 2020, Ayesha Jhulkas dog reportedly drowned, as told by her Lonavala bungalow caretaker. He claimed that the dog passed away after drowning in the water tank. The actress had her suspicions and sent the body for post-mortem. As per the reports, the results revealed that the pet had died due to suffocation/strangling. Furthermore, the evidence did not indicate that it had been drowning, as claimed earlier. On September 17, 2020, Ayesha filed an FIR for the investigation of this matter. After a few days, the caretaker, Ram Nathu Andre, confessed to the authorities that he had strangled the dog in an intoxicated condition. The police arrested him on September 25. He was jailed. However, he was granted bail after two days. On January 7, 2021, the Maval police filed a chargesheet in the case. Furthermore, the actress filed a complaint to the Directorate of Prosecution, Mumbai, complaining the public prosecutor is not taking the required steps to conduct a trial for the case. When the actress felt that nothing was being done, she went to the High Court. The plea, filed through advocate Harshad Garud, states that no trial has commenced for the case even after four years, as they are still waiting for the Magistrate Court to consider the chargesheet. Reports further state that the actress filed for an intervention in the proceedings of the court in February 2021, which is yet to be heard by the magistrate court. Moreover, a bloodied bedsheet was sent to a Pune forensic lab, but could not get a hold of the report. Reportedly, Ayesha Jhulkas legal team was told that no staff came to get the report. A prominent name from 90s Bollywood, Ayesha Jhulka is known for appearing in films like Kurbaan, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Khiladi and many more. She was last seen in the Amazon Prime web series Happy Family: Conditions Apply. She was seen with Ratna Pathak Shah, Atul Kulkarni and Raj Babbar. Amar Singh Chamkilas life and tragic death has everyone talking again after Imtiaz Ali released a film based on his life. In the Netflix film, Diljit Dosanjh played Amar Singh Chamkila while Parineeti Chopra played his wife, Amarjot. Before his wedding to Amarjot, Chamkila was married to Gurmail Kaur. Amar had children from both, daughters Amandeep Kaur and Kamaldeep Kaur from the first marriage, and son Jaiman Chamkila from the second. In an interview last year, Jaiman revealed he was still in touch with his fathers first wife. For more info: Amar Singh Chamkilas Son Says Hes In Touch with His Fathers First Wife: She Says If Dad Was Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was seen leaving Galaxy Apartment building for the first time since gunshots were fired outside his residence in Mumbais Bandra area early on Sunday. Salmans white-coloured Nissan Patrol Bulletproof SUV left the Galaxy building around the afternoon today. His vehicle was surrounded by multiple police vans. The actor had purchased the bullet-proof SUV last year for security reasons. He apparently bought the car for a whopping Rs 1 crore and got it imported from Dubai. For more info: Salman Khan Leaves Galaxy Apartment for 1st Time Since Firing Incident, Video Goes Viral | Watch Radhika Merchants bridal shower took place over the weekend and Janhvi Kapoor was spotted attending the bash. Radhika is engaged to Anant Ambani. The wedding will take place on July 12, this year. In photos shared by Radhika, which were reposted by Janhvi, Radhikas friends hosted a fun Princess Diaries Royal themed party for her. Janhvi was a part of the girl squad. Also present at the party were Anant Ambani and Janhvis boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya. For more info: Viral Pics: Anant Ambani Spotted at Radhikas Princess Diaries Royal Party; Janhvi, BF Shikhar Attend Malaika Arora was recently seen in a bold white jumpsuit and her look left her fans gasping for breath. Malaika Arora is the epitome of fashion and fitness. The stunning model and dancer is known to exude glamour with her immaculate sense of style. A recent video of the actress looking stunning in a white jumpsuit has gone viral. For more info: Sexy Video! Malaika Arora Flaunts Her Curves In Short, Backless Dress; Hot Video Goes Viral Mumtaz has voiced her criticism regarding Zeenat Amans suggestion that couples should consider live-in relationships before marriage. This remark was made during an interaction with Zoom, where Mumtaz expressed her disapproval of Zeenat, a fellow actress and co-star in the 1971 film Hare Rama Hare Krishna, providing relationship advice based on her own turbulent marital experiences. For more info: Mumtaz Trashes Zeenat Amans Live-In Relationship Advice, Says She Wants to Sound Like Cool Aunty Bipasha Basu has once again melted hearts with an endearing glimpse into her life as a doting mother. Her munchkin, Devi Basu Singh Grover, has become a darling of social media, thanks to Bipashas frequent sharing of their precious moments. The recent video shared by the actress showcases the beautiful bond between a mother and her daughter and will surely brighten your day. The adorable clip beautifully shows the special moments between Bipasha and Devi as they enjoy each others company. Bipasha is seen holding her daughter affectionately and watching as Devi plays with a bindi. Devi then delicately puts a bindi on Bipashas forehead and gives her a sweet kiss. In the video, both Bipasha and Devi complement each other in matching shades of pink, with Bipasha exuding elegance in a coord set while Devi looks adorable in a sharara set. Sharing the video, Bipasha wrote, Shubho poila boishakh (Happy Poila Baisakh). Shubho nobo borsho (Happy New Year). Fans and followers of the actress inundated the comment section with love and admiration. One user wrote, Wow Such a beautiful reel, while another commented, Cute Devi and gorgeous Mama. Two days before, Bipasha celebrated her daughter Devis 17-month milestone. The actress shared adorable pictures encapsulating their precious moments together. Bipasha adorned a white-green-blue shirt and blue denim, while little Devi shimmered in a blue flowy dress. Alongside the pictures, Bipasha wrote in the caption, Best 17 months of my life. Happy 17 months, baby girl. Durga Durga. Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grovers love story began on the set of Bhushan Patels film Alone in 2015, where their on-screen chemistry sparked a real-life connection. After a year of courtship, they exchanged vows in April, 2016. Their love story blossomed further with the arrival of Devi on November 12, 2022. On the professional front, Bipasha has been absent from the silver screen since her cameo appearance in 2018s Welcome to New York. However, she did a web series in 2020, titled Dangerous. Gunshots rang out at Galaxy Apartments, the Mumbai residence of Bollywood actor Salman Khan on Sunday morning. Thankfully, Salman and his family are safe, with heightened security measures in place around the iconic building located by the Arabian Sea in Bandra, where the actor has made his home for years. The police promptly responded to the incident, launching an investigation that has led to the identification of the original bike owner involved. Various celebrities visited Salman Khans home to show support following the alarming events. Director Sanjay Gupta also joined in, voicing his frustration on social media over the cowardly act. In a tweet, he condemned the early morning shooting, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance in the area. He wrote, Firing at a building at 5am displays cowardice you f**n a*******s. Firing at a building at 5am displays cowardice you fukn assholes. Sanjay Gupta (@_SanjayGupta) April 15, 2024 Pooja Bhatt, another prominent figure in Bollywood, echoed the sentiments of concern and shock surrounding the incident, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures in the region. She had written on her X handle, Horrific and condemnable. If this can happen with a police van parked outside the Khan residence for protection then it is fair to say that safety is an illusion. Need more stringent surveillance in Bandra for certain. Robberies were rife a while ago and now a shoot out? Scary. Meanwhile, news outlets reported that the Mumbai Police seized the bike used in the shooting, linking one of the suspects to previous criminal activities in Haryana. Amid the unfolding investigation, details are emerging about the possible connections of the suspects to known criminal elements, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and the importance of swift justice in ensuring the safety of all residents in the vicinity. Salman Khan has also decided to continue his work and fulfill his commitments, despite the gun firing incident outside his house on Sunday, April 14. According to the latest reports, the actor doesnt want to pay a lot of heed to those responsible for the attack and will continue working. A source told India Today, Salman is very much focused on going about his work as planned earlier. He doesnt want to give attention to those behind this firing incident because he feels that is exactly what they want. Instead, he has asked friends and actors from the industry not to worry. Further, he also asked them not to make any visits to Galaxy Apartments as it is getting inconvenient for other members of the society as well. Many horror movies in the movie industry leave people spooked and sleepless for nights. If you are someone who likes such content, there is one particular web series which was released in 2021 and stars one of the most talented pan-Indian actresses. The movies plot and the star casts performance were highly appreciated by the critics and won the hearts of the audience. Live Telecast, written and directed by Venkat Prabhu, is a Tamil-language horror thriller series. It features pan-Indian actress Kajal Aggarwal, Vaibhav, Anandhi, Ashwin Kumar Lakshmikanthan, Daniel Annie Pope and Priyanka Nair. The movie is currently streaming on Disney plus Hotstar. Live Telecast is set in the year 2005 and begins with the team attending the success party of the Dark Tales show, where the plot introduces all the characters of the movie. This horror web series marked the OTT directorial debut of Venkat Prabhu. It is about Jennifer Matthew, a selfish, TRP-hungry woman who is ready to exploit the superstitions of the people to drive her show and offer content to the audience. Jennifer and her production crew try to bring back their show on rank 1 by shooting in a house where demonic activity was sensed by a few. However, things take a turn for the worse when they come to know that the house is haunted and they experience paranormal activity, first-hand. The web series shows Kajal Aggarwal stepping into a different role and shows her as a grey character with almost no moral compass. Generally, the actress portrays the role of a bubbly or lively character, but in this series, the director brings out her strong personality on the screen, where she is seen heading a team. In an interview, the Singham actress once shared her excitement to be a part of the show. She said that as an actor, one should be very versatile. She believes that in films they cant do much, but in web series, there is a lot of opportunity to showcase the talent. She expressed her gratitude for getting to work with Venkat Prabhu as she marked her OTT debut with Live Telecast. Rajkummar Rao caught everyones attention when he stepped out to attend Diljit Dosanjhs concert over the weekend. The actor was spotted concert with his wife, Patralekhaa and posed for the cameras. The actor sported a leaner look throughout the spottings. While his new look took everyone by surprise, not everyone was impressed by it. A few also speculated hes gone under the knife. Some social media users also felt that he looks similar to Fighters villain, Rishabh Sawhney. Rajkumar has started to look like the villain from Fighter, a social media user wrote. He looked so hot in Badass Babuaa.. I cant even understand the need to change that and that too into whatever this new look is , a social media user wrote. He has started look like handsome squidward, added another. Acha khasa chehra bigad diya , another user wrote. Sorry but I just hate how he looks now, added another. I cannottttt he looks like a wax figure, a comment read. Earlier this year, Rajkummar addressed rumours of plastic surgery. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Rajkummar denied plastic surgery claims and said, Nahi bhaiyya, koi plastic surgery nahi hue (No, there was no plastic surgery). When asked how he tackles these rumours, he said, Kuch nahi smile aati hai chehre pe. Nice, log baat kar rahe hai (Nothing, I just smile. People are talking). Meanwhile, Rajkummar Rao reviewed the recently released film, Amar Singh Chamkila. He dropped a poster of the film with a lengthy note that read, Chamkila is such a brilliant film. Must watch. @diljitdosanjh paji sirf Chamkila dikha, Diljit kahin nahi that aapki performance mein. Rooh mein utar gaye aap. So inspiring. @parineetichopra impeccable performance. @imtiazaliofficial Sir, theres no one like you. Thank you for giving us Chamkila. @arrahman youre a legend. The open firing outside Salman Khans Galaxy Apartments in Mumbais Bandra area on April 14 has left many in shock. Hours after the firing, Anmol Bishnoi, brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, in a purported online post, took responsibility for the incident and issued a warning to the Bollywood actor, saying it was a trailer. Now, actress and former Bigg Boss contestant Rakhi Sawant has shared a video expressing her concern over how the Bishnois are posing a threat to the Bollywood superstar. In the video, she makes a personal request to Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol to have mercy. Whatever has happened isnt right. Youve called this a trailer. Yeh achchi baat nahi hai. Salman bhai is my brother. Hes the legend of Bollywood. Everyone is scared right now but I know no one will come at me. Rakhi Sawant ko udta teer lene ki aaadat hai. Im not scared of anyone else apart from god, she said. She was also seen folding her hands and requesting them to not kill Salman. Aap ko pata bhi hai kitne bade devta hai woh? she said. In April 2021, Rakhi revealed that Salman along with his brother Sohail Khan funded her mother Jaya Sawants cancer treatment and operation. Recalling the instance, she added, My mother was dying. Salman bhai spent so much money for her operation. I was in a financial crisis during the pandemic. Where will we ever get a man like Salman Khan? Talking about how Bollywood ki jaan Salman has been a Messiah of the poor, she remarked, Hes a legend. He has saved many people and provided them livelihood. He has helped so many poor people. What will you get by taking his life away? Its because of his NGO that so many homes run. He works in films so that he provide money to the poor. He did so much for poor people like me, my mother and my father. Rakhi continued, He got operations done for crores of people by helping them financially. He helps people throughout the year. Please let him be. What kind of animosity do you have with him? Hes a good son and brother. He also helps a lot of young girls and boys [who are starting out in the film industry]. Unhone apna ghar nahi basaaya par doosra ka ghar basaate hai. He leads a simple life. Please let him live. On a related note, security and police surveillance have been significantly amped up in and around Galaxy Apartments following the firing. Arbaaz Khan also reacted to the incident, saying the family has been taken aback by it. Sharing a lengthy statement on his official Instagram handle, he said, The recent incident of firing by two unidentified person on a motorcycle at Galaxy apartment the residence of the Salim Khan family is very disturbing and unnerving. Our family has been taken aback by this shocking incident that took place. Randeep Hooda reacted to Sarabjit Singhs killer Amir Sarfaraz Tambas death. Amir Sarfaraz was an underworld don was shot dead in Lahore. He was allegedly killed by unknown men on a bike. He was accused of Sarabjit Singhs murder in 2013. Randeep, who played the role of Sarabjit in his biopic, thanked the unknown men behind his death. He also remembered Sarabjits sister Dalbir Kaur. Taking to X, Randeep Hooda posted, Karma.. Thank you Unknown Men. Remembering my Sister Dalbir Kaur and sending love to Swapandeep and Poonam, today some justice to Martyr Sarabjit Singh has been served. KARMAThank you Unknown Men Remembering my Sister Dalbir Kaur and sending love to Swapandeep and Poonam , today some justice to Martyr Sarabjit Singh has been served https://t.co/CSn9WmevDv Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) April 14, 2024 About Amir Sarfaraz Tambas Death: According to reports, Tamba was attacked by assailants on motorcycles in the Islampura area. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, but declared brought dead. While CNN-News18 cannot independently verify this news, even the police have not yet confirmed it. But, it was reported by other news agencies like PTI citing official sources. A PTI report said Tambas family members said two men came on a motorcycle to their house and shot him in the upper storey. His body bore four bullet wounds, two each in the chest and legs, the report said, adding while one of the gunmen was wearing a helmet, another had put up a mask on his face and both of them fled the scene after firing at him. About Sarabjit Singhs Death: Sarabjit Singh died of cardiac arrest in Jinnah Hospital Lahore on May 2, 2013. He was in coma for almost a week after he was brutally assaulted by inmates inside the high-security Central Jail Lahore. It was reported that he was attacked with bricks and iron rods. Sarabjit was convicted of participating in several bombings in Pakistans Punjab province in 1990 and was sentenced to death. However, his siter Dalbir Kaur maintained that he was a victim of mistaken identity and had inadvertently strayed across the border. She fought for him for several years before she died in 2022. The film Sarabjit was released in 2016. Directed by Omung Kumar, Randeep played the titular role while Aishwarya Rai played his sister. Salman Khan has decided to continue his work and fulfill his commitments, despite the gun firing outside his house on Sunday, April 14. According to the latest reports, the actor doesnt want to pay a lot of heed to those responsible for the attack and will continue working. A source told India Today, Salman is very much focused on going about his work as planned earlier. He doesnt want to give attention to those behind this firing incident because he feels that is exactly what they want. Instead, he has asked friends and actors from the industry not to worry. Further, he also asked them not to make any visits to Galaxy Apartments as it is getting inconvenient for other members of the society as well. The source also denied reports of Salman wanting to change his residence from Galaxy Apartments in Bandra. Despite the firing incident, Salman Khan has no plans of relocating, as per the source. After the incident, the All Indian Cine Workers Association appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase Salman Khans security and ensure that those responsible for the shooting be eliminated. For the unversed, in the wee hours of Sunday, April 14, gunfire was reported outside Salmans house, Galaxy Apartments, in Mumbai. CNN News18 had reported that two people riding a bike fired gunshots outside his apartment on Sunday morning. It was reported that three shots were fired in the air. Following the incident, the security around Salmans house has tightened. The forensic team found bullets in Salmans balcony and an investigation is underway. A case has been registered against the unknown individuals in connection to the firing. Police sources said a 7.62 weapon was used in the firing. The bikers headed to the Western Express Highway, sources said, adding that there is a possibility that the men would have moved outside Mumbai. Police sources added that the shooters were from outside Maharashtra. Mumbai Police have initiated efforts to nab the culprits by examining CCTV footage. Mumbai Police have traced the IP address of the Facebook page that took responsibility for Sundays firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khans Mumbai residence in a bid to understand if the threat issued was legitimate or through a fake account. Probe has now revealed that the IP address of the profile was from Canada and a Facebook page named Anmol Bishnoi had claimed responsibility for the incident in which two accused opened fire outside Galaxy Apartments early morning. Cops suspect that VPN could have been used for the Facebook post. Hours after the firing outside Khans house, Anmol Bishnoi, in a purported online post, took responsibility for the incident and issued a warning to the Bollywood actor, saying it was a trailer, police sources said. In March last year, an e-mail threatening Khan was received at his office following which the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar and another person under IPC sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 506-II (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention). Top Mumbai Police sources have told News18 that gangster Lawrence Bishnois gang is behind the firing and the attack was carried out by Rohit Godara, who operates Bishnois gang in Rajasthan. One of the accused has been identified as Vishal aka Kalu, who works for Godara. Police have also been able to piece together the route taken by the two accused, said to be linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The men came in from Bandra Bandstand towards Galaxy apartments, fired five rounds and then moved towards Mehboob Studios. They took a U-turn from the circle near Mehboob Studios and went towards Mount Mary Church where they left their bike and took an auto to leave from Bandra. PROBE WIDENS Mumbai Police have reached out to police at Gurugram and Haryana after an official source in the Delhi Police said one of the two accused is suspected to be a criminal from Gurugram who was involved in multiple killings and robberies in Haryana and is wanted in the murder of Gurugram-based businessman Sachin Munjal in March. Mumbai Police have sought help to get background of the accused and help them trace the accused or their families. POLITICAL WAR OF WORDS The incident has triggered a war of words in Mumbai, with Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule blaming the ruling Mahayuti government in the state and calling it a complete failure of the Home Ministry. Its extraordinarily unfortunate as the area where Salman Khan lives is a popular area and his family is clearly under pressure. It is obvious that the entire area where senior citizens go for a walk, the milkman, vegetable vendors come and children go to school for their early morning classes- who will take responsibility? Its a complete failure of the Home Ministry, Sule said, speaking to news agency ANI. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said no one is safe in the financial city of Maharashtra. Whether it is Salman Khan or any common man, no one is feeling safe in Mumbai and Maharashtra, Dubey said, hitting out at the ruling Mahayuti government. Reacting to the attacks, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader Milind Deora said on X: Im shocked by the shootout outside @BeingSalmanKhans home. @MumbaiPolice is one of Indias most professional forces & I have full confidence in their thorough investigation. Parties unable to control internal gang wars should refrain from commenting on Mumbais law & order. Lets not forget, #Mumbai hasnt experienced a single terrorist attack in the last decade. After the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke to Khan and assured that the state government would not let anyone take the law into their hands. I spoke with the Mumbai police commissioner and actor Salman Khan and offered him our support. The firing incident is very unfortunate. I assure people that this government will not tolerate anybody trying to take the law into their hands, the chief minister said. The deployment of cops has been increased outside the residence of Bollywood actor Salman Khan, a day after two men allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang fired outside Galaxy Apartments early on Sunday morning. Earlier, Khan had two PSOs, two commandos, two escort vehicles and 11 cops under the Y+ category security accorded to him. Now, three cops and one PSO have been added to beef up security. The actor has also been asked to inform Mumbai Police before moving out of his house and be vigilant of movement around him. The Crime Branch suspects that both the shooters were in Mumbai a few days before the firing incident. THE US LINK Several reports indicated that the plot was hatched in the United States where Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence Bishnois brother, gave the task of selecting shooters to US-based gangster Rohit Godara. Police said Godara had a wide network of professional shooters across states in India. Police said the Bishnoi gang maintains a ready supply of weapons strategically stored in various locations across India and it is possible that Godaras associated helped move the weapons to shooters in India. WHATS THE LATEST? The Mumbai Police are currently questioning two people the owner of the motorbike used in the crime and the middleman who helped the accused purchase it. They are also trying to analyse why the accused would go to Panvel to purchase a bike when the target was Bandra. Some time ago, two people had tried to trespass at Salman Khans Panvel farmhouse, which is also in Raigad. The Crime Branch has dispatched its team to Delhi, Bihar and Jaipur. Earlier, Mumbai Police had reached out to police at Gurugram and Haryana after an official source in the Delhi Police said one of the two accused is suspected to be a criminal from Gurugram who was involved in multiple killings and robberies in Haryana and is wanted in the murder of Gurugram-based businessman Sachin Munjal in March. Top Mumbai Police sources have told News18 that gangster Lawrence Bishnois gang is behind the firing and the attack was carried out by Rohit Godara, who operates Bishnois gang in Rajasthan. One of the accused has been identified as Vishal aka Kalu, who works for Godara. The probe so far has revealed that the IP address of the profile named Anmol Bishnoi that took responsibility for Sundays firing had been traced to Canada. Hours after the firing, Anmol Bishnoi, in a purported online post, took responsibility for the incident and issued a warning to the Bollywood actor, saying it was a trailer, police sources said. In March last year, an e-mail threatening Khan was received at his office following which the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar and another person under IPC sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 506-II (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention). Two unidentified individuals on motorbikes opened fire outside actor Salman Khans residence in Mumbai on Sunday, prompting the police to heighten security in the area. However, no one was injured in the incident, but a bullet was found inside the actors home gallery. The two individuals fired four rounds outside the Galaxy Apartments in the Bandra area, where the actor resides, at around 5 am and fled the scene. Khan was present in his home at the time of the incident, the police said, adding that the bullets were fired into the air. Crime Branch Arrests Two Suspects From Navi Mumbai Two suspects, allegedly involved in the firing incident outside Salman Khans residence, have been arrested by the Crime Branch team from Navi Mumbai. The two have been taken into custody for interrogation, Navbharat Times reported. Cops To Record Statements From Bike Dealer, Auto Drivers Mumbai Police will record statements from the second-hand bike dealer, the middleman involved in the sale, and the first owner of the bike. Additionally, statements will be taken from the auto-rickshaw drivers who drove the accused in Bandra and Santacruz East. The police have accessed over 30 CCTV footages across Bandra for the investigation. Canada Connection: Police Trace IP Address Of FB post Mumbai Police have traced the IP address of the Facebook page claiming responsibility for the shooting outside Khans residence in an effort to ascertain the legitimacy of the threat. The investigation has revealed that the IP address of the profile was from Canada. Additionally, police suspect that a VPN may have been used for the post. On Sunday, Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the shooting in a Facebook post. Anmol who is wanted for the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022 and is believed to be in hiding in Canada said the attack was the first and last warning for the actor. ALSO READ: Salman Khan Firing Case: IP Address of Facebook Page That Threatened Actor Traced to Canada, Probe Widens to Haryana Accused Purchased Second-Hand Bike From Raigad According to sources, the two suspects had purchased the motorbike from a second-hand dealer in Raigad district prior to the incident. They reportedly travelled to Mumbai on the bike from Panvel. The police are currently questioning individuals regarding the entire process of selling and buying the motorcycle. One of Two Men Suspected To Be From Gurugram According to an official source in the Delhi Police, one of the two men observed in CCTV footage firing outside Khans house is believed to be from Gurugram. This individual is suspected to have been involved in multiple killings and robberies in Haryana and is wanted in connection with the murder of Gurugram-based businessman Sachin Munjal in March, as per news agency PTI. Sources told CNN-News18 that the Mumbai police have reached out to authorities in Gurugram and Haryana. They have requested assistance in obtaining background information on the accused and their families to aid in tracing the suspects. ALSO READ: One of Two Men Who Fired Shots Outside Salman Khans House Suspected To Be From Gurugram Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Behind Firing: Sources Gangster Lawrence Bishnois gang is behind the firing outside the actors Bandra residence, top Mumbai Police sources told CNN-News18 on Sunday. As per sources, the attack was carried out by Rohit Godara, who operates Bishnois gang in Rajasthan. One of the accused has been identified as Vishal aka Kalu, who works for Godara. Sources said that both the accused have fled from Mumbai. ALSO READ: Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Behind Firing At Salman Khans House, Say Sources; Suspects Caught On CCTV Mumbai Police Registers FIR, Bike Recovered Following the attack, a case has been registered against the unknown individuals in connection with the shootout incident. The FIR was filed under section 307 of the Indian Penal Code and section 3(25) of the Arms Act. The police have also recovered a two-wheeler, suspected to have been used by the duo, a little over a kilometre from the actors home. The case has been transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation. ALSO READ: Salman Khan Firing: Attackers Booked For Attempt To Murder, Case Transferred To Crime Branch Security Tightens Outside Khans Residence Security outside the Bollywood actors residence was heightened following the shooting. Local police, crime branch personnel, and a team of forensic experts promptly arrived at the scene to gather evidence, including footage from CCTV cameras installed near the actors house. Maharashtra CM Shinde Dials Khan After Firing After the firing, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke to Khan over a phone call. Shinde also held discussions with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and suggested increasing the actors security. Top police sources said that appropriate security review is being done in view of the firing incident. This is an unfortunate incident. Police are investigating it. The accused will be caught and stringent action will be taken against them, Shinde said. The Maharashtra CM also said that those who take the law into their own hands wont be spared. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra chief minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray slammed the state government and said, The way hooliganism is going on openly, this government has no right to run the government. They are not paying attention to the state, it is a matter of shame. Threats From Bishnoi Gang Last year, Khan received a threat e-mail from Canada-based fugitive gangster Goldy Brar, who openly declared Khan as a target on his gangs hit-list. In response to the threat, police registered an FIR against gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Brar, along with another individual, under IPC Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 506-II (criminal intimidation), and 34 (common intention). Subsequently, the Bollywood superstar was granted Y+ security after reportedly receiving a death threat from the Bishnoi Gang. ALSO READ: When Goldy Brar Issued Open Threat To Salman Khan After Sidhu Moose Walas Death: We Will Kill Him (With inputs from agencies) The two miscreants, who allegedly opened fire outside Salman Khans house in Bandra area of Maharashtras Mumbai, had rented a house for a month in Navi Mumbais Panvel area, where the Bollywood superstar has a farmhouse. A Crime Branch team from Navi Mumbai have also reportedly arrested two suspects, allegedly involved in the firing incident. The two have been taken into custody for interrogation, Navbharat Times reported. Two unidentified men fired four rounds outside Bandras Galaxy Apartments, where the actor resides, around 5 am on Sunday and fled the spot. What We Know So Far The action came after during the day, the police interrogated three persons from Navi Mumbai, including the owner of the house, the previous owner of the two-wheeler used in the crime, and the agent who facilitated the sale, an official said on Monday. The owner of the vehicle, which was abandoned near Mount Mary Church, a little over a kilometre from the 58-year-old actors house, had recently sold it to someone else, he said. Investigations revealed that the abandoned two-wheeler was registered in the name of a person residing in Panvel, and a team from the crime branch went there and brought three persons for questioning, the official said. The police interrogated the previous owner of the vehicle, the agent who facilitated the sale and the owner of the house, which the accused had rented in the Harigram area of Panvel in March, the official said. The police have formed more than a dozen teams to probe the incident, and some have been sent to Bihar, Rajasthan and Delhi, the official said. According to officials, the suspects abandoned the vehicle near Mount Mary Church, walked some distance and took an autorickshaw to Bandra railway station. They boarded a train going towards Borivali but alighted at Santacruz railway station and walked out, they said. The police are questioning several other persons and recording their statements, he said, adding that the CCTV footage from the area is also being examined. The police have registered a first information report (FIR) under section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act. (With PTI Inputs) Gunshots were fired at Salman Khans house, Galaxy Apartments, in Mumbai on Sunday morning. Fortunately, Salman and his family are safe and sound while the security around the house has been tightened. The iconic apartments situated along the shores of the Arabian Sea in Bandra has been Salmans residence for years now. Fans often gather outside his home to catch a glimpse of their favourite superstar. Although Salman could have moved out of the apartment and into a bigger space, he had once revealed he still lived in the family home because of his mother, Salma Khan. Appearing on Farah Khans chat show, Tere Mere Beech Mein, in 2009, Farah spilled the beans on his home and Salman confirmed that she was right. You are the worlds superstar and you earn like crores but you are living in the one-bedroom-hall just because it is situated below your moms house. Yes. Actually, it is a three-bedroom hall but I dont know how it became into a one-bedroom-hall, he confessed. Do you have security feeling that you are close to your mom, Farah asked, to which Salman admitted, When we go up, we go lay down next to mom and dad. During the same episode, Salma opened up about fans gathering outside the apartment and the familys reaction to it. She said that Police officers would often request her to ask Salman to greet fans, even if it was for a brief moment, to dismiss the crowd that was affecting the traffic situation. Salim Khan, on the other hand, discouraged the act because he believed if you often greet fans in such a way, they would keep coming back for more. About Firing Outside Salman Khans House: CNN News18 had reported that two people riding a bike fired gun shots outside his apartment on Sunday morning. It was reported that three shots were fired in the air. Following the incident, the security around Salmans house has tightened. A case has been registered against the unknown individuals in connection to the firing. Police sources said a 7.62 weapon was used in the firing. The bikers headed to the Western Express Highway, sources said, adding that there is a possibility that the men would have moved outside Mumbai. Police sources added that the shooters are from outside Maharashtra. Mumbai Police have initiated efforts to nab the culprits by examining CCTV footage. It has also been reported that a bullet was found in his balcony. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) always employs a distinctive approach in the election strategy. It adopts a bottom-up approach, actively seeking suggestions from the grassroots level and considering them at the highest level. These suggestions are then implemented, ensuring a two-way communication channel through their dedicated karyakartas spread across the entire nation. The party initiated its campaign for 2019 by inviting suggestions for its election manifesto, setting it apart from other political parties where manifestos were decided by a select few at the top. The BJP prioritised the voices of their karyakartas, enabling their input in the manifesto preparation process. This approach ensured that the manifesto truly represented the aspirations of the people. To facilitate this, over 7500 suggestion boxes were placed in 4000 assembly constituencies and later transported to Delhi using 300 buses and raths. This crowdsourcing of ideas guaranteed that the common man always had a say in governance. Under the leadership of Rajnath Singh, a manifesto committee was formed to compile the received suggestions and finalise the manifesto. Additionally, 15 sub-committees were established to categorise the ideas under different headings. The 2019 manifesto was spread over 45 pages and under 13 sub-headings. This extensive document, formulated after a detailed discussion with party workers, was faithfully implemented by the party. The emphasis on the Nation first approach, with a strong focus on national security, was evident right from the early versions of Bharatiya Jana Sanghs manifesto. National security and integration has been crucial for the BJP. Our ambition to become the worlds third-largest economy was hindered by the two years of the Covid wave that swept the globe. But against adversaries projections, we grew to become the worlds fifth-largest economy with one of the largest forex reserves in the world. While the world economy was reeling under the pandemic, our robust domestic consumption helped our economy to grow. Significant progress was made in infrastructure development. The countrys healthcare capabilities received global recognition for our response to the pandemic, and through vaccine diplomacy, we showcased our empathy for humanity, deeply rooted in our Hindutva ideology. Various policies were introduced to significantly enhance farmers income as promised in the manifesto of 2019. The Information Technology (IT) sector witnessed remarkable growth, enabling us to provide efficient governance. The past five years have fulfilled the aspirations of Indias youth, instilling confidence and leading to a surge in startups founded by them. The majority of Indias 1.25 lakh startups are now led and staffed by young individuals. Womens empowerment formed the cornerstone of the governments policy-making, with a record-high gender budget and legislative changes aimed at empowering women at all levels. Our governments commitment to women has resulted in the creation of numerous successful female entrepreneurs, and providing our women with a life of dignity and pride. The education sector experienced rapid growth with the establishment of colleges and universities. Extensive skilling programs were implemented at school and college levels to prepare our youth for future challenges. Our rich cultural heritage was revitalised through various projects and schemes, such as the development of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir and Kashi Vishwanath corridor, the preservation of Buddhist heritage, the strengthening of Sikh ties, and many others. Narendra Modi 2.0 successfully revived our lost heritage and culture. Our foreign policy enabled us to become champions of global diplomacy. Through the successful conduct of events such as the G20, India moved into the next layer of global diplomacy. Our cultural diplomacy was enhanced and gone were the days when we bent our knees towards any global power. Thus the 2019 manifesto, which was delivered in letter and spirit by our government, was readily a reckoner of what was about to come in 2024, a roadmap to Viksit Bharat. Fast forward to 2024 Fast forward to 2024, with nearly all promises fulfilled from its 2019 manifesto and with over 25 million Indians now lifted out of absolute poverty, the time was ripe to reclaim Indias rightful position in global affairs. Consequently, there arose a necessity to harness the potential of technology to gather inputs for the creation of the manifesto. A distinguished committee was established, under the leadership of Rajnath Singh as the Chairman, to oversee the development of this crucial document, which would serve as the partys vision for the upcoming five years. Nirmala Sitharaman assumed the role of the committees convenor, while Piyush Goyal served as the co-convenor. The committee consisted of 27 members, and it received approximately 400,000 suggestions through the NaMo app, along with around one million suggestions via video channels, resulting in a total of approximately 1.5 million suggestions from various sources. These suggestions were meticulously examined by the committee, originating from the general public, and compiled into the final document, which was unveiled on April 14, 2024. The 2024 manifesto encompasses 24 sections, including 10 sections dedicated to social issues. The overarching theme of the manifesto revolves around the Modi Ki Guarantee, symbolising the trust that the general public now places in our prime minister. Nowhere in the document is there any mention of unrealistic promises or promises that could hinder the economic growth of the state. The document also does not mention the concept of divide and rule which certain other parties put forth in their manifesto. The 2024 BJP manifesto directly acknowledges the fact that our nations remarkable growth in the past decade is a result of the significant socio-economic transformation experienced by various groups such as women, farmers, fishermen, street vendors, small entrepreneurs, SC, ST, and OBC communities, thanks to technology-driven governance solutions. The BJP manifesto reaffirms its belief in only four castes, namely the poor, youth, women, and farmers. To begin with, the manifesto reiterates its dedication to assisting the underprivileged by expanding the reach of existing programs such as PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and others. Additionally, it pledges to provide free electricity to those in need by expanding the use of solar power. Furthermore, the manifesto emphasises the empowerment of women through the concept of Viksit Bharat, where women take the lead in various sectors and Viksit Bharat becomes women-led. The socio-economic and political support for women aims to bring about significant changes in our society. For the youth, the manifesto promises increased transparency in public exams and endeavours to harness the energy of young individuals to propel our nation to global heights. It also pledges to provide funding and mentorship for startups, as well as creating more job opportunities for the youth. Lastly, the manifesto maintains its commitment to farmers by supporting Kisan families and enabling them to lead better lives. Existing schemes such as Fasal Bima Yojana and PM KISAN Yojana will be strengthened, and the minimum support price (MSP) will be gradually increased. Crop diversification and natural farming will be promoted, with a focus on promoting millet as a superfood nationwide. Efforts will be made to position India as a hub for nutritious food globally. Additionally, there will be a significant emphasis on the fisheries and dairying sectors, which will further enhance farmers income. The countrys economic output is greatly influenced by the aspirations of the neo-middle class, and therefore, it is crucial to support them through various schemes and programs. The manifesto thrusts on the need to create and nurture a silver economy, where it prioritises the well-being of our senior citizens by utilising the benefits of technology in their care. The manifesto promises to make efforts to facilitate pilgrimage for our elderly population. The manifesto is committed to providing the best opportunities and ensuring ease of working for all, including gig workers, truck drivers, porters, domestic workers, and street vendors. This time, more focus is being given to MSMEs, small traders, and Vishwakarmas, which will contribute to overall inclusive development. The manifesto also emphasises the importance of uplifting tribal communities and improving their socio-health indicators, as well as empowering them economically. In terms of foreign policy, the manifestos goal is to make India a global friend (Vishwa Bandhu). This they plan to achieve by actively engaging with the Global South, neighbouring countries, and other multilateral forums, and by being the first to respond in times of crisis. There is also an assurance that every effort shall be made to make India a permanent member of the United Nations. It is expected to expand our global presence through diplomatic engagements and leverage our proud cultural identity. Thiruvalluvar cultural centres are being planned to be established worldwide, promoting the teachings of Saint Tiruvallurs Thirukkural, which is widely read across the globe for its wisdom on virtue, wealth, and love. The manifesto talks about spreading the legacy of Lord Ram globally. Preserving and promoting the legacy of Lord Ram will be a unique way to connect with countries around the world and exemplify that modern Ram Rajya has finally arrived in India under PM Modi. National and internal security are non-negotiable priorities for the BJP. The Modi government has consistently upheld this policy since 2014. By modernising military commands and enhancing border infrastructure, the BJP aims to strengthen our countrys military preparedness. Additionally, there is a commitment to bolster forensic infrastructure and to combat drug-related crimes, which will contribute to a significant reduction in crime rates nationwide. The manifesto deeply values the contributions of honest taxpayers in pursuit of India becoming the third-largest economy and promises to duly recognise their efforts. India under Modi aspires to become a leading global manufacturing hub and a nation known for its innovative products. The manifesto commits to actively promote defence and railway manufacturing in line with our prime ministers vision, as well as expand the aviation and shipbuilding industries. Furthermore, the manifesto expects us to play a major role in the extraction and development of strategic minerals. To achieve this, it is expected to prioritise electric vehicle manufacturing, semiconductor production, and chip industries, as these minerals are essential for these sectors. The BJPs vision includes the creation of world-class infrastructure across all sectors in Bharat and the promotion of ease of living in cities by ensuring that our cities are sustainable for the future. Thematic tourism circuits are being planned, which will boost tourism. While good governance will be emphasised, civil reforms are also being planned to be initiated. The implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a pressing need felt by Indias minorities, and the BJPs commitment to establish the same has been made in this manifesto. Once voted to power, the party is committed to making One Nation, One Poll a reality, which will lead to fiscal consolidation while giving greater fiscal independence to local self-governments. Health and quality education are fundamental pillars of the BJP manifesto, and the party plans to continue to prioritise these areas. There is also an aim to make India one of the worlds top sporting nations and also bid for international sporting events such as the Olympics. The BJP has outlined its plan to advance technology and innovations, as well as to establish a sustainable Bharat by giving priority to the environment. Therefore, it is evident that the BJP manifesto for 2024 is not just an empty promise, nor is it a document that will financially burden our country with unrealistic giveaways. Instead, it is a practical and forward-thinking document which will make sure that a developed India is a reachable goal. Adarsh Kuniyillam is a Parliamentary, policy and political analyst from Kerala. He has supported various Members of Parliament in Parliamentary works. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. The recent decision by Swedish authorities to expel Chen Xuefei Axelson, a Chinese journalist, underscores the growing concerns over national security threats emanating from Chinas robust network of information warfare mechanisms. Chen, a 57-year-old editor for Greenpost, has been residing in Sweden for nearly two decades. The allegations against her involve collaboration with a Chinese intelligence officer and close associations with the Chinese embassy, activities deemed by Sweden as a severe threat to its national security and democracy. A spokesperson for the Swedish Security Service indirectly addressed the matter, stating, The Security Services mission is to protect Sweden and democracy, which includes preventing non-Swedish citizens deemed as threats to Swedens security from residing or establishing themselves in the country. Chen Xuefei Axelson relocated to Sweden 20 years ago following her graduation from Liaoning University. As the editor of Greenpost, she has extensively covered news concerning the Uyghur and Tibetan diasporas globally. This media outlet has been overtly utilised to advance Chinas state narratives, to the extent that it has described Uyghurs as terrorists and a threat to global peace. This portrayal raises significant concerns regarding the role of media as a vehicle for state propaganda and its impact on international perceptions of ethnic and political conflicts. The persistent dissemination of these biased narratives through Greenpost underscores the complex role of the media in shaping public perception and foreign policy discourse, particularly in contexts where journalistic objectivity is compromised by political affiliations or loyalties to state agendas. The operations of Greenpost in Sweden have been pivotal in fortifying Chinas cultural and diplomatic influence. Through active cooperation with Chinese embassies and governmental agencies, Greenpost has facilitated various seminars and cultural events aimed at promoting Chinese culture. This strategy aligns with the broader objectives set forth by the Communist Party of China, which seeks to enhance Chinas global presence through soft power cultural initiatives. This approach is not unique to Sweden but mirrors Chinas tactics in other regions, including Tibet, Myanmar, and Pakistan, where cultural engagement has been employed to strengthen Chinas influence and foothold. Such strategies are indicative of Chinas broader geopolitical ambitions to project its influence on the global stage through cultural diplomacy. Furthermore, China has expanded its strategy of disinformation to target and malign the Uyghur and Tibetan communities globally. Greenpost has been blatantly utilised to further these state-driven narratives, notably by portraying Uyghurs as terrorists and a threat to global peace, a stance that serves to justify Chinas repressive policies against these minorities. This portrayal is part of a broader disinformation campaign intended to shape international perspectives and diminish global response to the human rights abuses faced by these groups. Subsequent inquiries into Chens activities have unveiled her connections with the Chinese embassy in Sweden, alongside affiliations with various intelligence agencies. Experts in the field assert that the involvement of the United Front Work Department (UFWD) of China is apparent in this scenario. The UFWD is recognised for its comprehensive role in conducting overseas propaganda targeting the Chinese diaspora. Additionally, it is tasked with the strategic management of foreign media acquisitions and investments. This aligns with Chinas broader strategy of leveraging media and cultural outlets to extend its influence and propagate its narratives globally, underscoring the sophisticated approach China adopts in its international relations and influence operations. Chinas Disinformation Mechanism A study conducted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveals significant findings regarding Chinese espionage activities. Since the year 2000, US companies have initiated over 1,200 espionage cases against Chinese entities in both the US and China. The research highlights the illegal procurement of sensitive information and disinformation campaigns by Chinese intelligence personnel or their intermediaries, along with a rising trend in covert influence operations by China. The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) utilises deceptive and coercive tactics, including propaganda, disinformation, and censorship, to mould the global information arena. If unchecked, this could prompt countries to prioritise Beijings interests, compromising their own economic and security objectives. President Xi Jinping has significantly expanded the PRCs efforts to influence the global information environment. In 2013, he directed state media to tell Chinas story well, aiming to improve international perceptions of China. By 2021, he escalated these efforts, urging state media to enhance their propaganda and develop precise communication methods to effectively influence global audiences. This strategy reflects a deliberate attempt to extend Chinas soft power and strategic influence by tailoring narratives to resonate with diverse international demographics. The United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is a significant agency that focuses on policy implementation and influence over groups outside the Communist Party, both within China and internationally. Its primary role includes managing relationships with various non-Communist elites, including influential members of society such as business magnates, cultural leaders, and non-mainstream political parties. The UFWD operates under a broad and often opaque mandate to strengthen the partys influence and control by building alliances and reducing opposition. Over the past decade, China has strategically endeavoured to establish a new world media order under its dominion, explicitly aimed at mitigating criticism and promoting a favourable national image on the global stage. This effort is epitomised by the tactic known as borrowing a boat to reach the sea, whereby Chinese state media forge partnerships with foreign local media outlets to disseminate pro-Beijing narratives and incorporate pro-Beijing commentators into these platforms. This approach not only amplifies Chinas influence over international media discourse but also tactically sidesteps direct scrutiny of its motives by embedding its content within trusted local media structures, thereby reaching a broader and more diverse global audience. The UFWD has been central to Chinas propaganda machinery abroad. The extent of Beijings influence through its media operations in foreign nations is a subject of significant concern. Notably, regions including Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigeria have experienced pronounced penetration of Chinese media efforts. These countries represent the forefront of a strategic push by China to propagate pro-China narratives within their media ecosystems. By leveraging a combination of direct media presence, partnerships with local outlets, and content-sharing agreements, China aims to enhance its soft power and assert its influence on the international stage, thereby shaping public opinion and foreign policy in these key nations. Chinas approach to intelligence gathering extends beyond its formal intelligence agencies, adopting a holistic strategy that leverages the Chinese diaspora residing in foreign nations. This expansive strategy encompasses the utilisation of expatriates as both collectors and disseminators of intelligence. Central to this approach is the infiltration into critical infrastructures, including media outlets, governmental bodies, and research departments. This methodology not only diversifies Chinas sources of intelligence but also integrates these efforts into a broader geopolitical strategy, thereby amplifying their impact on international relations and policy influence. The expansive nature of Chinas intelligence strategy poses significant risks for foreign nations, complicating their efforts to identify and apprehend Chinese nationals engaged in espionage. As the lines between ordinary citizens and intelligence agents blur, countries face heightened challenges in distinguishing between benign and malicious activities. Guard Against Chinas Media Espionage: Indias Imperative Microsofts Threat Intelligence division has alerted about China deploying artificial intelligence to spread disinformation campaigns and manipulate upcoming elections in India. Chinas strategic influence operations in India reportedly involve the utilisation of Indian media and journalists. A notable case is that of Rajeev Sharma, a journalist who has been detained under accusations of espionage on behalf of China. Sharma is facing allegations that include advocating for controversial measures such as the extradition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to China, purportedly as a means to achieve regional peace. This example highlights the depth of likely Chinese engagement in manipulating media narratives in India. There have been instances in the past of Chinese companies investing in Indias leading news aggregators to enhance their media reach. In 2016, a Chinese company ByteDance had invested $25 million in Dailyhunt, a multilingual news aggregator, which attracts over 330 million monthly users. However, it later divested all its stakes in 2022. In fact, in 2020, the Indian Army even banned DailyHunt for its officers and ranks over concerns about data harvesting. Another example is of NewsDog, a news aggregator app owned by Hacker Interstellar of Hong Kong, which in 2018 was striving to dominate Indias news aggregation market. However, it was banned along with 89 other Chinese apps by the Indian government in 2020 post-Galwan clashes. Since 2016, the Chinese Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), established by Chinas Foreign Ministry in 2012 to promote its narrative, has been offering a journalism fellowship targeting journalists from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Southeast Asian countries. These fellows typically send back reports that favour Chinese perspectives to their home organisations, which are then published as dispatches from Beijing correspondents without disclosing the Chinese government sponsorship of their fellowship. In 2023, Delhi Police in an FIR filed under the anti-terror legislation UAPA, had implicated the NewsClick portal in a purported larger criminal conspiracy aimed at undermining Indias sovereignty and inciting disaffection within the nation. This allegation included the transfer of substantial funds from China, purportedly orchestrated by Neville Roy Singham, identified as an active member of the Communist Party of China. The police claim that these funds were illicitly channelled to fuel activities for disinformation campaigns detrimental to Indias national security. China has been strategically targeting influential segments within India, including the young, tech-savvy demographic, opinion leaders, and the intelligentsia, thereby attempting to shape the nations future prospects. This calculated engagement requires our urgent attention due to its profound economic and strategic implications. It is imperative that India recognises and confronts this manipulation to preserve the integrity of its democratic processes and maintain its sovereignty. By actively countering Chinese propaganda, India can ensure the efficacy and dynamism of its democratic system and uphold its commitment to the welfare of its citizens, securing its status as an independent and self-governing nation. In retrospect, the Indian government had aptly recognised the multifaceted threats posed by China, as evidenced by its proactive stance in banning hundreds of Chinese applications, signalling a strategic shift towards safeguarding national digital infrastructure. Nonetheless, the persistent and evolving nature of these threats necessitates sustained vigilance. Chinas ongoing disinformation campaigns represent a perpetual challenge that demands constant monitoring and decisive action from India. This approach is crucial to counteract the sophisticated strategies employed by China, ensuring the security of Indias information environment and supporting its sovereignty in the increasingly digital global landscape. 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 that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader and former Union Minister Milind Deora strongly criticised political parties for commenting on Mumbais law and order in light of the shootout incident outside actor Salman Khans residence. Targetting the opposition, the former Congress leader stated that parties that are unable to control internal gang wars should refrain from making such comments. Im shocked by the shootout outside @BeingSalmanKhans home. @MumbaiPolice is one of Indias most professional forces & I have full confidence in their thorough investigation. Parties unable to control internal gang wars should refrain from commenting on Mumbais law & order. Lets not forget, #Mumbai hasnt experienced a single terrorist attack in the last decade, the former Congress leader wrote in a post on X Sunday. Im shocked by the shootout outside @BeingSalmanKhans home. @MumbaiPolice is one of Indias most professional forces & I have full confidence in their thorough investigation.Parties unable to control internal gang wars should refrain from commenting on Mumbais law & order. Milind Deora | (@milinddeora) April 14, 2024 On Sunday, two assailants on bikes fired shots outside Salman Khans Bandra residence in the early hours. No one was injured, but a bullet was discovered inside the actors home gallery. Opposition leaders from the INDIA alliance bloc reacted strongly to the incident, expressing concerns about Maharashtras law and order situation and questioning the absence of the Home Ministry. Commenting on the firing incident, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule on Sunday said it reflects a complete failure of the Home Ministry. Its a complete failure of the Home Ministry. We live in Pune and look what is happening here, its a very educated place where people live in peace and harmony, but here also, the crime has gone up. Its not me making the allegations but the data given by the govt of India for Maharashtra, Sule stated. Noting that the law and order is in danger in the state, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut questioned the whereabouts of Home Minister Amit Shah. Where is the Home Minister? He is in election mode 24 hours, sometimes in Delhi, in an election campaign meeting, sometimes sitting in a conspiracy to eliminate his opponent. Who will look after law and order by the BJP?, Raut said. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with tears in his eyes inside jail number 2 of the Tihar prison complex, sources reported. Detailing the meet with the jailed Delhi CM, AAP leader and Rajya Sabha member Sandeep Pathak informed that Mann met Kejriwal through an uncleaned glass window. The glass was not clean. Kejriwals face was not clearly visible to us. We spoke to him over the phone, Pathak said revealing details regarding Bhagwant Manns visit to Kejriwal in Tihar. When Chidambaram was in jail, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi used to meet him in jail. Face-to-face meetings were allowed. Then why, Kejriwal is not allowed to talk to us, he added. Whats His fault? Asks Bhagwant Mann Talking to the reporters after meeting Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, It was very sad to see that he isnt getting the basic facilities which are available even to hardcore criminals. Whats his fault? Youre treating him as if you have caught one of the biggest terrorists in the country. Arvind Kejriwal who is Kattar Imaandaar (Honest), who started the politics of transparency and ended the BJPs politics is being treated like this. When I asked about how he has been doing, he said forget about me tell me how things are going in Punjab? Because we do the politics of work, Mann said, adding, AAP is a disciplined group, we all are together and standing firm with Arvind Kejriwal. Arvind Kejriwal is currently lodged in Tihar jail after being arrested for his alleged role in the money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy on March 21. No Relief to Kejriwal In a major setback for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Supreme Court on Monday postponed the plea of Kejriwal on the week commencing from April 29. The top court further asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file its response on or before April 24. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Kejriwal told the Supreme Court that the arrest was made to disable him from campaigning. The apex courts decision came in response to the plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and his subsequent remand in connection with the alleged now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy case. Giving up a fortune worth several crores and accepting monkhood may seem like the stuff of legends, but many people in India give up their material luxuries to live a monastic life. Recently, an affluent businessman and his wife from Gujarat adopted monkhood as they gave up their earnings and assets worth Rs 200 crore. Bhavesh Bhai Bhandari is a businessman who made a fortune in construction and ran businesses in Sabarkantha and Ahmedabad. Bhandari and his wife committed themselves to a life of austere spirituality earlier in February. The couple donated all their belongings such as jewellery, home appliances and even mobile phones in a Diksha ceremony. The Bhandari couple was joined by 35 others, as they took out a 4-kilometre-long procession during which they donated all their possessions. After this lavish donation affair, the couple will officially enter monkhood on April 22. After April 22, the couple will have to renounce all family ties and give up most material benefits. They will have to adopt celibacy, walk barefoot and survive on alms. VIDEO | Gujarat-based businessman Bhavesh Bhandari and his wife donated their lifetime earnings of over Rs 200 crore to adopt monkhood. The couple led a procession in Sabarkantha, Gujarat, yesterday as they donated all their belongings.(Full video available on PTI Videos - pic.twitter.com/eWu9IQEZo3 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 16, 2024 Reportedly, the couple will be joining monkhood in the footsteps of their kids. Their 19-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son adopted monkhood in 2022. The couple was inspired by their children to give up their material attachments and join the ascetic way of life. After adopting monkhood, the monks only get to have two pairs of white garments, a bowl for begging alms, and a white broom called rajoharan which they use to brush away insects from their way and clean the surface before lying down or sitting. The broom gently sweeps away the insects instead of harming them and helps monks maintain the oath of non-violence. Most Jain monks also go bald to prevent getting lice. However, instead of shaving the hair, monks pluck their hair one by one. The Bhandari family is not the only affluent Jain family that gave away their wealth to pursue the spiritual path. Back in 2015, millionaire businessman Bhawarlal Doshi, also known as the plastic king of India adopted monkhood in a massive Diksha ceremony in Ahmedabad. Doshi donated silver coins to thousands as he was initiated into monkhood. He became a monk under the guidance of Jain Acharya, Shri Gunratna Surishwarji Maharaj. Doshi was the 108th disciple of Surishwarji Maharaj and 354th person to become a monk under him. What would you do if you found that a residential home or some other building had a secret opening to catacombs and crypts from the old times and you have been unknowingly staying beneath them all the time? It can send a shiver down your spine for sure just thinking about it but two young men have had a similar experience where they have discovered a whole new world beneath their converted chapel renovation. There used to be a small hole on one of the floorboards and a chilling gust of air would often pass through this hole during the winter. At some point, curiosity got the better of these young men as stated by them in a social media post. They dug up the floor to finally discover the source of the breeze beneath it. They were not prepared for what was to come next. They found a flight of stairs leading down to an underground cavern of sorts. All this time, they had been living above a perfectly hidden underground chamber. Exploring more of the chamber and moving deep into the darkness using torches, as seen in the video, they soon stumbled upon the long-lost crypt of the chapel, which was full of coffins and alcoves. This discovery may have rattled the faint-hearted but they continued their adventurous endeavour further and kept walking on until they came to an opening. The shaft opened into the deep woodlands adjoining the area, with wild animals roaming about. The men joked about what they should do with the underground chamber and whether it should be converted into a wine cellar. The video got some hilarious replies with users commenting that they had discovered the resting place of vampires and others asking them to fill it with beans. It is to be noted here that no mention of the location of the old chapel has been provided in the video going viral and its authenticity is not verified by News18. An Australian bishop was rushed to the hospital after he was stabbed multiple times during a service, news.com.au said in a report. Bishop Mar Mari was attacked while delivering sermons in Wakeley, about 30 km (18 miles) west of the Sydney central business district. Several others were also injured in the stabbing. Officers arrested a male and he is assisting police with inquiries, a police statement said. The injured people suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are being treated by paramedics, police said. Footage posted on social media shows the bishop speaking when a man walks up to him and starts stabbing his face and neck. In the video footage, screams are heard from the crowd and many rushed forward to help the wounded man. A separate report by The Sydney Morning Herald said the attack occurred at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley. The New South Wales police said several victims have non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics. They said that an operation is now underway and have told people to avoid the area. Three people were injured and are being treated. A man in his 30s suffered multiple lacerations while another man suffered a cut to his hand and another man in his 60s suffered a wound to his arm. Its the second stabbing incident in Sydney after six people were killed in a knife attack at a mall in Sydneys Bondi area on Saturday. (With Reuters Inputs) A series of posts on X falsely claimed that Princess Salma bint Abdullah, the third child of Jordans King Abdullah and Queen Rania, shot down Iranian drones which flew through Jordanian airspace on their way to Israel. Iran launched a direct attack on its arch foe Israel for the first time, firing more than 300 missiles and drones. Nearly all were intercepted by Israel and others, including the United States, Jordan and Britain. As the internet went abuzz with fears of fresh tensions in West Asia and a possible war between Israel and Iran, a story with a photo of Princess Salma started making rounds, soon after news broke that Jordan on Sunday intercepted flying objects that breached its airspace overnight as Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel. Some flying objects that entered our airspace last night were dealt with and confronted, the government said in a statement, stressing that the military will confront anything that would expose the security and safety of the nation to any danger or transgression by any party. The West Asian nation along with the UK and US intercepted some of those aerial threats. The false news stories using a photo of Princess Salma from December last year, when she joined the kingdoms forces to airdrop aid into Gaza for war-ravaged Palestinians, claimed that Princess Salma intercepted an Iranian drone. It should, however, be noted that Princess Salma bint Abdullah, daughter of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, in 2020 became the first woman in her country to pass her theoretical and practical pilot training with the Jordanian Armed Forces. 1845ANALYSIS: Fake FACT: A digitally altered screenshot of a media outlet has been shared claiming that Princess Salma of Jordan shot down 6 Iranian drones last night. These claims are fake and fabricated. The article's original headline reads, (1/2) pic.twitter.com/QK13RnViWY D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) April 14, 2024 D-Intent Data, a news data research and fact-checking agency, took to X to clarify that the news was fabricated. A digitally altered screenshot of a media outlet has been shared claiming that Princess Salma of Jordan shot down 6 Iranian drones last night. These claims are fake and fabricated. The articles original headline reads Princess Salma of Jordan leads Air Force initiative to airdrop medical supplies in Gaza. It was published on 15 December 2023, the organisation said. INTENT: Propagandists are circulating digitally altered news articles to set their propaganda over the escalating conflict between Israel-Iran, it further added. Several blue-tick, verified X accounts like Mossad Commentary which often posts pro-Israel content also posted the news and independent media company and pollster Rasmussen Polls, both accounts which are followed by more than 300,000 people on Twitter appeared to back the claim with a quote repost. "The Princess graduated from the University of Southern California @USC with a BA degree in Archaeology in 2023." Where the motto is, Fight On!https://t.co/ToRCBNsOS3 https://t.co/uRcdbOB3iV Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) April 14, 2024 Meanwhile, the Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Sunday said escalating tensions would lead to dangerous paths and that there was a need to reduce escalation by all parties while addressing cabinet members on Sunday. "The Princess graduated from the University of Southern California @USC with a BA degree in Archaeology in 2023." Where the motto is, Fight On!https://t.co/ToRCBNsOS3 https://t.co/uRcdbOB3iV Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) April 14, 2024 He said Jordanian forces will thwart any attempt by any party which seeks to endanger the kingdoms security. There is a need for all parties to act responsibly and exercise utmost degree of self restraint and not be dragged towards any escalation that will no doubt have dangerous consequences, Khasawneh said. Donald Trumps New York criminal trial opened Monday in a historic first for a US ex-president and a seismic twist to an already explosive 2024 election where the Republican is seeking to defy multiple scandals and return to power. Trump has repeatedly described the hush money case as a sham. But reality set in for the 77-year-old, hard-right Republican as Judge Juan Merchan issued the routine warning for criminal defendants that he will have to attend proceedings in the gritty Manhattan courthouse daily. Merchan also warned Trump against repeating his frequent past attempts to disrupt court hearings with incendiary social media posts. The Republican presidential candidate is accused of falsifying business records in a scheme to cover up an alleged extramarital sexual encounter with adult film actress Stormy Daniels to shield his first election campaign, in 2016, from last-minute upheaval. He faces three other criminal cases centered on his hoarding of top-secret documents after leaving office and his alleged unprecedented attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss to President Joe Biden. Throughout the morning, lawyers for both sides in the case wrangled with Merchan over admissable evidence. Trump, shoulders hunched, stared sternly straight ahead or looked down at the computer alongside his legal team. According to The New York Times reporter sitting close to Trump, he at times appeared to fall asleep, head drooping. The judge ruled against allowing prosecutors to play the jury the infamous Access Hollywood recording that rocked Trumps 2016 campaign in which he can be heard boasting that famous men can grab women by their genitals because they let you do it. However, the contents of the recording which prosecutors see as key in motivating Trump to pay to bury news reports about Stormy Daniel can be introduced as evidence. Prosecutors also demanded that Trump be fined for violating a gag order imposed earlier by Merchan to try and get the ex-president to stop attacking potential witnesses and others in the courtroom on social media. Merchan indicated he would rule on this later. Jury selection was expected to begin next. Given the notoriety of the case it could take as much as two weeks for defense lawyers and prosecutors to agree on the panel of 12 jurors. Wearing his trademark red tie, white shirt and blue suit, Trump struck a defiant tone on arrival at the courthouse, telling a throng of journalists that his trial was an assault on America. Outside, at a small but noisy pro-Trump protest, the former commander in chiefs supporters shouted obscenities about Biden and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the lead prosecutor. One Trump backer flew a flag proclaiming Trump or death. If convicted in the hush money case, Trump would potentially face years in prison, but legal observers consider that fines would be more likely. Still, the prospect of Trump becoming a convicted felon throws an unprecedented wild card into an already unpredictable November 5 election, at which he will seek to defeat Biden and retake the White House. Adding more uncertainty to the situation, Trump said last week he wanted to take the stand and testify an unusual and often highly risky move for criminal defendants, who must face cross-examination. For jury selection, a pool of ordinary citizens convened by Merchan must answer a questionnaire including checks on whether they have been members of far-right groups. The actual charges revolve around highly technical finance laws. Trump is accused of illegally covering up remittances to his longtime attorney and fixer Michael Cohen, who was using the funds to pay Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about the alleged sexual encounter in the final weeks of the 2016 election campaign. A New York grand jury indicted Trump in March 2023 over the payments made to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, with the ex-president charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records. If found guilty, the maximum sentences would be four years in prison for each count, but there is no mandatory prison time and the judge could decide on probation. Trump denies the charges and says the encounter with Clifford and another with a Playboy nude model, whose story he also allegedly covered up, did not happen. Trumps other three criminal cases all face multiple delays. Australian police on Monday said that the attacker who stabbed six people to death at a busy shopping mall in Sydney may have been targeting women. Of the six fatalities, five were women. Authorities further revealed that the majority of the 12 victims who survived the injuries were also women. The assailant, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was shot dead by police during the rampage at the Westfield Bondi Junction mall on Saturday, located near the world-famous Bondi Beach. New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that detectives would question Cauchis family to ascertain his motive. CCTV footage from the mall showed that Cauchi targeted women, Associated Press reported. The videos speak for themselves, dont they? And thats certainly a line of inquiry for us, remarked Webb, adding, Its obvious to me, its obvious to detectives that that seems to be an area of interest: that the offender had focused on women and avoided the men. Ruling out terrorism, the police said the 40-year-old assailant had a history of mental illness. Meanwhile, the killers father, Andrew Cauchi, revealed that his son, who suffered from schizophrenia, targeted women due to frustration at not having a girlfriend. Because he wanted a girlfriend and hes got no social skills and he was frustrated out of his brain, the killers father noted. Hes my son, and Im loving a monster. To you, hes a monster. To me, he was a very sick boy. Believe me, he was a very sick boy, the father added. The only male victim killed was Faraz Tahir, a Pakistani national employed as a security guard at the mall. Tahir was unarmed at the time of the attack. Police informed the families of two victims based overseas of their deaths. These victims are Tahir, 30, from Pakistan, and Yixuan Cheng, 27, from China. The other fatalities were Jade Young, 47; Dawn Singleton, 25; Pikria Darchia, 55; and Ashlee Good, 38. Eight victims who sustained injuries remained hospitalised on Monday, including Goods 9-month-old daughter. Health authorities reported an improvement in the babys condition overnight Sunday, from critical to serious. The conditions of the other seven ranged from critical to stable. (With inputs from AP) Iran carried out strikes against Israel for the first time ever on Saturday night forcing Israel to sound air raid alerts and urging residents to seek shelter as explosions were heard. To the uninitiated, a photo of the Israeli air defence systems intercepting the Iranian missile barrage might look like a picture of fireworks going off as the interceptions lit up the night sky in several places across the country. It was not just Iran though, some of its allies had also joined the attack, according to a report by UK broadcaster BBC. Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen fired the projectiles while Israel, the US, the UK and France as well as Jordan intercepted them. This is what a 99% interception rate looks like. Operational footage from the Aerial Defense System protecting the Israeli airspace: pic.twitter.com/eAwcUPUDw2 Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 14, 2024 The IDF spokesman said the launches numbered more than 300 but 99% of them were intercepted. Calling the outcome a very significant strategic success, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Of those, several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base. A Sa'ar 6-class corvette successfully intercepted a UAV that approached Israeli territory from the southeast using the "C-Dome" Defense System earlier this evening. Watch the defense system's second operational interception within a week: pic.twitter.com/uTl7i5aAgg Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 14, 2024 Rescuers said a 7-year-old girl in a Bedouin Arab town was seriously wounded in southern Israel, apparently in a missile strike, though they said police were still investigating the circumstances of her injuries. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) then posted a video on social media site X captioned: This is what a 99% interception rate looks like. Operational footage from the Aerial Defense System protecting the Israeli airspace. Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile defence system is remarkable.Out of Of the 331 missiles & drones launched by Iran at Israel: -All 185 Kamikaze Drones were shot down 103 out of 110 Ballistic Missiles were shot down All 36 Cruise Missiles were shot down Only 7 pic.twitter.com/x25LSIGfLl David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) April 14, 2024 The IDF posted another video which showed the Israeli militarys defence system C-Dome being used for the second time in a week to take down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which flew in from the southeast. The IDF did not specify who launched the attack. David Atherton, a journalist with The European Conservative said Israel downed 185 Kamikaze drones, 103 out of 110 ballistic missiles, 36 out 36 cruise missiles. Only 7 ballistic missile impacts were recorded on Israeli territory, Atherton said in a post on X. Hagari said the vast majority of the intercepts came outside Israels borders, including 10 cruise missiles that were intercepted by warplanes. Israels military said its Arrow system, which shoots down ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, handled most interceptions and noted that strategic partners were involved. Cost of Interception Yehoshua Kalisky, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, a think tank in Tel Aviv told the Wall Street Journal that cost of Israels interception of Irans missile and drone barrage was more than $550 million. He calculated the cost of intercepting half of the Iranian missiles and drones, how much expenses were incurred while using the Davids Sling air-defence system and how much it cost to keep 100 Israeli warplanes in the air for six hours, including fuel and weapons. He said these were enormous costs but believes that it may not have a long-term impact on the Israeli economy. Lightning and heavy rains have killed at least 36 people, mostly farmers, across Pakistan in the past three days, officials said Monday, as authorities in the countrys southwest declared a state of emergency. Most of the deaths occurred when lightning struck farmers harvesting wheat and rains caused houses to collapse in eastern Punjab province, said Arfan Kathia, a spokesman for the provincial disaster management authority. He said more rains were expected this week. Rains, which also lashed the capital Islamabad, killed seven people in southwestern Baluchistan province over the weekend, and eight others died in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. Authorities in Baluchistan declared a state of emergency. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in televised remarks that he had ordered authorities to provide relief aid in regions hit by rains. Pakistans water reservoirs would improve because of the rains, he said, while expressing concern over the deaths and damage. Heavy flooding from seasonal rains in Afghanistan has killed 33 people and injured 27 others in the past three days, according to Abdullah Janan Saiq, the Talibans spokesman for the State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management. More than 600 houses were either damaged or destroyed while around 200 livestock died. The flooding also damaged large areas of agricultural land and more than 85 kilometers (53 miles) of roads, he said. He said authorities in Afghanistan had provided aid to nearly 23,000 families, and that flash floods were reported in 20 out of the countrys 34 provinces. Rafay Alam, a Pakistani environmental expert, said that such heavy April rainfall is unusual. Two years ago, Pakistan witnessed a heat wave in March and April and now we are witnessing rains and it is all because of climate change, which has caused heavy flooding in 2022, he said. In 2022, downpours had swelled rivers and at one point inundated one-third of Pakistan, killing 1,739 people. The floods also caused $30 billion in damage. Iran has said Indian representatives will soon be allowed to meet the Indian crew members of MSC ARIES. The assurance came during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankars talk with Iranian counterpart Amir Abdollahian when India raised the issue of 17 Indians on MSC ARIES detained by Iran. EAM Jaishankar on Sunday spoke to his Israeli and Iranian counterparts amid high tensions between the two countries. Jaishankar said that he had also spoken to his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, regarding the release of 17 Indian crew members on an Israeli-affiliated container ship seized by Irans Revolutionary Guards. Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch, Jaishankar wrote in an X post. Following the talks, Iranian FM Amir Abdollahian mentioned that they are following up on the details related to the detained ship and soon the possibility of representatives of the Indian government meeting with the crew of the mentioned ship will be provided. Iran also called for Indias continued role through international institutions, including the UN Security Council, to stop the war in Gaza, which is the root of current crises in the region, as well as to end the aggressions and crimes of the Zionist regime. On Saturday, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards seized the MSC Aries when it was sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Israeli-affiliated container ship had 17 Indian crew members and was en route to the port of Nhava Sheva in Mumbai and the expected arrival was on the night of April 15. Commandos from Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard raided the ship near the Strait of Hormuz by helicopter as tensions between Iran and Israel grew following the latters alleged strike on the formers consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus earlier this month. Israel bombed war-battered Gaza, Hamas said Monday, as world leaders awaited Israels reaction but urged de-escalation after Irans unprecedented attack that heightened fears of wider conflict. World powers have called for restraint after Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel late Saturday, though the Israeli military has said nearly all were intercepted. Tehrans first direct assault on Israel, in retaliation for a deadly April 1 strike on its Damascus embassy consular annexe, followed months of violence across the region involving Iranian proxies and allies who say they act in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. No decision has been made on how, when or if Israel could respond to the Iran attack, local media said, reporting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would meet with his war cabinet later Monday. Tensions in Iran weaken the regime and rather serve Israel, the newspaper Israel Hayom said, adding that this suggested Israeli leaders would not rush to retaliate. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has warned that a reckless Israeli move would spark a much stronger response. Tehran has insisted the attack on Israel was an act of self-defence after the Damascus strike that killed seven Revolutionary Guards including two generals. Attention has also turned to Israels top ally, the United States, which played a key role in shooting down the Iranian drones. While US President Joe Biden has been increasingly critical of the civilian death toll in Gaza, after the Iran attack he reaffirmed Washingtons ironclad support for Israel. But Biden has been pushing for caution from Israel, telling Netanyahu that the White House would not offer military support for any retaliation against Iran, according to a senior US official. The Israeli military said it would not be distracted from its war against Hamas in Gaza, triggered by the Palestinian armed groups October 7 attack on Israel. Even while under attack from Iran, we have not lost sight of our critical mission in Gaza to rescue our hostages from the hands of Irans proxy Hamas, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said late Sunday. Israel estimates that 129 hostages, including 34 presumed dead, remain in the hands of Palestinian militants since the attack six months ago. The Hamas government media office said Israeli aircraft and tanks launched dozens of strikes overnight on central Gaza, reporting several casualties. Witnesses told AFP that strikes hit the Nuseirat refugee camp, with clashes also reported in other areas of central and northern Gaza. Hamass attack that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,797 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The toll rose by at least 68 deaths over 24 hours. Israel released around 150 detainees on Monday who had been rounded up in Gaza, the territorys crossings authority told AFP. Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which has had near-daily cross-border clashes with Israel since the war broke out, claimed an overnight attack on Israeli soldiers who had crossed into Lebanese territory. The Israeli army confirmed that four of its troops were wounded in an explosion while inside Lebanon. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting Sunday following the Iranian attack, where Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the region was on the brink of war. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate, Guterres said. Britain and Germany were among those also calling for de-escalation on Monday, while French President Emmanuel Macron said his government would help do everything it could to avoid a conflagration in the Middle East. A United States official said the hope was that in the light of day Israel would see it had won a spectacular success against Irans attack, which resulted in no reported deaths. However, Middle East analyst James Ryan said he feared the status quo will be short-lived. I expect Biden to attempt to restrain Israeli responses, but Netanyahu has already shown a willingness to test any kind of limit Biden wishes to impose, he said. Netanyahu, who leads a coalition including religious and ultra-nationalist parties, has faced regular protests by anti-government demonstrators as well as supporters of the Gaza hostages demanding the government get them home. Experts, and the protesters, have said they expect Netanyahu to continue the war as a tactic to remain in power. Ahead of Irans attack, Israel closed schools and announced restrictions on public gatherings. But the army said Monday that those measures were being lifted for most of the country. In Iran, airports in the capital and elsewhere reopened on Monday, state media said. World oil prices sank as traders bet on a de-escalation of tensions. More than six months of war have led to dire humanitarian conditions in the besieged Gaza Strip, which the UN has warned faces imminent famine. Rumours of a reopened Israeli checkpoint on the coastal road from the territorys south to Gaza City sent thousands of Palestinians heading north on Sunday, despite Israel denying it was open. Attempting the journey back to northern Gaza, displaced resident Basma Salman said, Even if it (my house) was destroyed, I want to go there. I couldnt stay in the south. Its overcrowded. We couldnt even take a fresh breath of air there. It was completely terrible. In Khan Yunis, southern Gazas main city, civil defence teams said they had retrieved at least 18 bodies from under the rubble of destroyed buildings. Responding late Saturday to the latest truce plan presented by US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators, Hamas said it insists on a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel called this a rejection of the proposal, but the US said mediation efforts continue. Emphasising the increased credibility of India over the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was the strength of the Indian tricolour that became his guarantee when several Indians were trapped in Ukraine at the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He talked about the countrys diplomatic prowess and recalled how in 2015, there used to be a period of no bombarding on Indias request, while Indians were being evacuated from war-torn Yemen. I have been very friendly with both the presidents (Russia and Ukraine). I can publicly tell President Putin that it is not the time for war. I can also say publicly to Ukraine that we should follow the path of dialogue, underscoring that this is because I have credibility, he said during an interview with news agency ANI. When I said that so many people from India our youth is trapped. And I need your help. And what can I do for you? Then I said, I have arranged so much. You help me so much. They helped. The strength of the Indian flag was so great that even a foreigner used to hold the Indian flag in his hand. So there was a place for him. So my flag became my guarantee, the Prime Minister emphasised during the interview. PM Modi said that although there have been a lot of ongoing discussions about Ukraine, he has seen many such incidents since 2014. He recalled his direct call to the Saudi King in the year 2015, which helped India evacuate Indians and foreigners, stranded in war-torn Yemen, on a mass scale. At the time, the bombing by Saudi Arabia and its allies on Yemen made the evacuation process difficult. I spoke to the Saudi King and told him that I want to bring people from Yemen there. So your bombarding is going on, we are not able to do it, How will you help us? So he said, Please try to understand me. And Sushma ji has said all these things in her interview. There used to be a period at the request of India in which there was no bombarding. And at that time, we used to take our people out in aircrafts. We brought about 5000 people from Yemen. It was the same in Ukaraine, PM Modi said. Indias Diplomatic Relations With Russia And Ukraine Earlier this year in March, PM Modi had separate telephonic conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and called for the resolution of war through dialogue. In conversation with Putin, PM Modi congratulated the Russian President for his re-election to the top office. During the call, both leaders agreed to intensify efforts towards expanding the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi also reaffirmed Indias stand on dialogue and diplomacy as a way for the resolution of the conflict. Meanwhile, during the call with Zelenskyy, PM Modi reiterated Indias people-centric approach and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022. (With ANI Inputs) Indiscriminate attacks against civilians in Sudan could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday, one year since fighting erupted between rival generals. This is more than a conflict between two warring parties. It is a war being waged on the Sudanese people, Guterres told reporters, referring to the tens of thousands of people killed and 18 million facing acute hunger. Indiscriminate attacks that are killing, injuring and terrorizing civilians could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, he said, condemning the use of sexual violence against women and girls, and attacks on aid convoys. He also reiterated his concerns about reports of escalating unrest in El-Fasher, in Darfur a western region that is home to a quarter of Sudans 48 million people and the past scene of horrific violence, with reports of mass ethnic-based killings. El-Fasher, in North Darfur State, is the last state capital not under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are battling Sudans army. It is also a major regional hub for humanitarian aid. Fears have mounted that sexual and ethnic-based violence have resumed in Darfur with the outbreak of civil war. Over the weekend, RSF-affiliated militias attacked and burnt villages west of the city leading to widespread new displacement and fears that the citys only water source could be overtaken, Guterres said. Fighting continued today on the outskirts of El-Fasher, he added. Let me be clear: Any attack on El-Fasher would be devastating for civilians and could lead to full-blown intercommunal conflict across Darfur. He warned that such an attack would also upend aid operations in an area already on the brink of famine. A Nebraska substitute teacher was caught naked inside a car with a teen student who tried to flee the scene but crashed the car and then ran away from the spot in his underwear when police approached, authorities told The New York Post. Ward was detained by the police over the weekend after she was found with the teenager from Omaha high school where she taught, Douglas County Sheriffs department told the newspaper. Ward, who is married, was caught by the police after they received a call about a suspicious car parked down a dead end around 3am (local time). The police said they found two people in the backseat. Startled by the police, the teen scrambled to the front seat and started driving but he drove two blocks only and wrecked the car and then fled on foot. Ward remained at the scene, sat in the back of the car, dressing herself. She allegedly confessed to having sex with the boy. The police said Ward carried an ID from Omaha Public Schools and said she substituted at various schools including Burke High School. It was later found that the boy she was having sex with is from Burke High School. The boy was found later that night hiding in a yard dressed only in his underwear and t-shirt. The car they were having intercourse in belonged to Erin Wards spouse. She was charged with felony sexual abuse by a school employee. Another teacher was recently charged by police in the US for having sex with their student. Jessica Sawicki, 37, who taught English at Hamilton High School West, was held for having a sexual relationship with her student. She was charged with five counts of second-degree sexual assault and five counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and was caught having sex with the student at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area by New Jersey authorities. The teacher had unprotected sex at least five times in the 6,393-acre state-owned wildlife management area since December, The New York Post said in a separate report. The Israeli war cabinet led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Sunday after Iran fired more than 300 missiles and drones to retaliate against the Israeli strike earlier this month on the Iranian consulate in Syrian capital Damascus. The war cabinet has not yet decided when the retaliatory attack will be conducted but said there will be retaliation, according to an official cited by the Times of Israel. It is clear that Israel will respond. The IDF will need to present options, an official in the Israeli prime ministers office was quoted as saying by US broadcaster NBC. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday cautioned Israel against a reckless retaliation, warning this would spark a decisive and much stronger response. A separate report by news agency Reuters said that the Israeli war cabinet is in favour of a retaliation against Iran, but remains divided over the timing and scale of any such response. A senior US official told news agency AFP President Joe Biden had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington would not offer military support for any retaliation on Iran. We would not be a part of any response they do. We would not envision ourselves participating in such an act, an Israeli official was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. A separate report by Axios said that Biden told Netanyahu he should take the win, and that Washington would oppose an Israeli counterattack as he reaffirmed the United States ironclad support for Israel. As the US President appeared to guide Israel away from a military response against the two countries common adversary, Iran, former Israeli PM and member of war cabinet Naftali Bennett said Israel made a mistake by not tackling the terror-octopus whose head is Tehran, referring to Tehrans backing of the Lebanese Hezbollah, Yemeni Houthis and Palestinian Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups. Some points regarding the overnight Iranian missile attack on Israel:1. Contrary to what pundits are saying, this wasnt designed merely as bells and whistles with no damage. When you shoot 350 flying objects timed to hit Israel at the same moment, when you use three Naftali Bennett (@naftalibennett) April 14, 2024 Bennett also countered Bidens take the win comment and said Israel may have fended off the attack but it is not a victory. The US administration is telling us: This is a victory, youve already won by thwarting the missiles. No need for any further action. No, its NOT a victory. Yes, its a remarkable success of Israels air defence systems, but its not a victory, Bennett wrote in a lengthy social media post on X. Its incorrect to say nobody got hurt. Theres a 7 year-old Israeli-Arab girl called Amina Elhasuny fighting for her life. Thats who coward Khamenei hit, he further added. Amina Hassouna, a seven-year-old Israeli Bedouin, was the only badly injured person recorded in Israel in this unprecedented attack by Tehran. She is currently receiving treatment at an intensive care unit in the Soroka hospital in the city of Beersheba. In his post, he lamented that Israel for 30 years followed a wrong strategy where it did not strike the terror-octopus, referring to Irans support for its proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. A terror-octopus whose head is Tehran, and its tentacles are in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Gaza. Israels strategic mistake for the past 30 years was to play along this strategy. We always fought the Octopus arms, but hardly exacted a price from its Iranian head. This should change now: Hezbollah or Hamas shoots a rocket at Israel? Tehran pays a price, Bennett said. Iran fired more than 300 missiles and drones to retaliate against the Israeli strike earlier this month on the Iranian consulate in Syrian capital Damascus, killing seven Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), two high-ranking generals among them. US, G7 Slam Iran The US backed Israel whereas other global and western powers urged restraint as Iran carried out unprecedented missile and drone strikes on Israel on Saturday, fearing it could spark a wider war in the West Asian region. US President Joe Biden convened a meeting of G7 leaders which was attended by UK PM Rishi Sunak, Japan PM Fumio Kishida, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Today, I convened my fellow G7 leaders to discuss Irans unprecedented attack against Israel. We will continue to work together to stabilize the situation in the region and avoid further escalation. pic.twitter.com/a0r2TkAgMm President Biden (@POTUS) April 14, 2024 Today, I convened my fellow G7 leaders to discuss Irans unprecedented attack against Israel. We will continue to work together to stabilise the situation in the region and avoid further escalation, Biden said in a tweet. The G7 leaders also released a statement condemning the attacks and urged Iran to cease its attacks. We demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives. With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilisation of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided, they said, in the statement published by the Italian G7 presidency. His administration also reached out to regional powers to stop further escalation. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, thanking the latter for his efforts to prevent further escalation. .@SecBlinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister @HakanFidan about yesterdays blatant and unprecedented attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel. He thanked him for his efforts to prevent further escalation in the region. Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) April 15, 2024 The US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said he spoke to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on Sunday on three separate occasions and said necessary steps will be taken to defend Israeli and Iranian personnel. I spoke to Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today for a third time this weekend to review the successful combined operation by the United States, Israel, and their partners to defend Israel from unprecedented attacks launched from Iranian territory and by Irans proxies. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) April 14, 2024 I spoke to Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today for a third time this weekend to review the successful combined operation by the United States, Israel, and their partners to defend Israel from unprecedented attacks launched from Iranian territory and by Irans proxies. While the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to take all necessary action to defend Israel and US personnel, Austin said. Even though American assistance for both Israel and Ukraine has languished amid political bickering in Congress, US House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday he aims to advance war-time aid to Israel this week following Irans weekend attack. An unprecedented moment will take place Monday in Manhattan, when jury selection begins for Donald Trump's trial in what will be the first-ever criminal trial for a former US president. A roundup of some of the points being made in coverage leading up to the historic proceedings in his hush money case: Potential consequences: NPR points out that while Trump can still run for office if he's convicted in any of the criminal cases he faces, he may not be able to vote for himself in the presidential election if found guilty. Florida, where Trump has voted since 2020, does restrict voting for convicted felons. But there are a lot of factors involved here, with the bottom line being that this particular case is unlikely to impact his voting status; see the ins and outs here. "Finally, dogs can fly." That's the lofty proclamation on the website for Bark Air , a "100% totally real" new service that vows to "revolutionize flying" for our canine companions. In a statement, the airline launched by the BarkBox subscription service will offer "a more funand humaneoption for dogs traveling with their two-legged human companions," without having to be shoved in the cargo hold or a duffel bag, per Quartz . Bark Air flights on Gulfstream G5 (or similar) jets will start on May 23, though with a limited itinerary: The legs will originate from New York's Westchester County Airport and fly to either Los Angeles ($6,000 one way) or London ($8,000 one way), per USA Today. Each passenger pup gets a pass to bring one (adult) human companion along for the ride for "free," with additional human passes available for purchase. The airline also promises a quick boarding process, with expedited security "done in minutes," as long as the passengers arrive at the airport an hour or so before takeoff. Furry fliers will receive treats and the option of a dog anxiety jacket to help them stay calm, as well as noise-canceling ear coverings. The "Dogs Fly First" preparations include pheromones, music, and colors designed to soothe nervous pooches. Dog passengers will need to have current vaccination records, and kids aren't allowed on the flights, as a recent poll shows "that children are responsible for 100% of tail pulling," per Bark Air's FAQ. All sizes and breeds are permitted on board, and they can "sit on laps, seats, beds, or wherever" they're most comfortable. Leashes are required during taxiing, takeoff, and landing, as well as during turbulent flights, but otherwise, the dogs can fly leashfree. As for clapping when the pilot lands the plane, the FAQ suggests keeping it to a minimum, as it could be scary for the doggy passengers. (More dogs stories.) It's not too early to start planning your summer vacation, and Good Morning America is tapping into some Google insights to help you out. Using data gleaned from Google Flights on travel set for June 1 through Aug. 31, the search engine company has pulled out the top destinations, with London landing the No. 1 slot (displacing Mexico's Cancun, which falls to No. 6). The Points Guy notes one big surprise on the list: Tokyo, which made a big jump from No. 8 last year to its third-place spot in this year's rankings. Here, the top 10 destinations, including four US cities if you want to stay domestic: London Paris Tokyo Rome New York Cancun, Mexico Orlando, Florida Las Vegas Seattle Athens See what other cities made the top 20 here . ( These are the most expensive cities in the world.) The FBI and the Coast Guard have opened a criminal investigation into the deadly collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, report the Washington Post and CNN. On Monday morning, federal agents boarded the container ship that struck the bridge pillar last month. "The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity," the agency said in a statement. The Post reports the federal inquiry "will look at least in part at whether the crew left the port knowing the vessel had serious systems problems." The AP confirms the investigation and says it "is focused on the circumstances leading up to (the collapse) and whether all federal laws were followed." The Supreme Court has decided that Mike Lindell can't have his phone back. The device in question was seized in 2022 as part of a federal investigation of alleged identity theft and computer crimes linked to a Republican county clerk in Colorado's alleged scheme to tamper with voting machines , reports the Hill . The MyPillow founder said his phone was seized by federal agents who approached him in the drive-thru of a Hardee's restaurant in Minnesota. He sought to have the phone returnedand to block federal investigators from accessing the data on it. In a February court filing, Lindell claimed that the government had retaliated against him for "questioning the integrity of computerized voting systems, particularly those used in the 2020 election," Law & Crime reports. On Monday, the Supreme Court, without comment, denied his appeal of an earlier decision from the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. "Lindell's irritation as to where and how the government took possession of his cell phone does not give rise to a constitutional claim, let alone a showing of a callous disregard for his constitutional rights," US Circuit Judge Ralph Erickson wrote in September. (More Mike Lindell stories.) "You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon," a judge told Hannah Gutierrez-Reed in a New Mexico courtroom Monday, sentencing the Rust armorer to the maximum 18 months. In March, the 26-year-old was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Prosecutors said she broke safety protocols and brought live ammunition onto the movie set. "But for you, Ms. Hutchins would be alive, a husband would have his partner, and a little boy would have his mother," Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said. Gutierrez-Reed had asked the court to give her probation, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports. Failure to show remorse. The judge said Gutierrez-Reed had failed to show remorse, Variety reports. A filing from prosecutors stated that in phone calls from the jail where she has been held since last month, Gutierrez-Reed failed to accept responsibility for her actions and called jurors "idiots." A former police officer in Maine is facing multiple charges connected to the alleged falsification of information about his interactions with a missing man. Court records show that former Washburn officer Chandler Cole was arrested March 29 and charged with aggravated forgery, tampering with public records or information, falsifying physical evidence, and unsworn falsification, the Bangor Daily News reports. According to court records, Cole is believed to be the last person to have seen 39-year-old Erik Foote alive, WGAM reports. Foote was reported missing on Feb. 6. Cole is accused of altering records about his interactions with Foote on Jan. 30. According to court records, Cole's initial report said he picked up Foote on a road in Washburn after reports of a man who was "hysterical, distressed, and displaying signs of having mental health issues," WGAM reports. He said Foote seemed depressed but unlikely to harm himself or others. Investigators said Cole's report stated that he dropped off Foote at Freshies gas station in Presque Islebut he later used the dispatch system to change it to say he had taken him to the Presque Isle hospital. Investigators said the record was changed on Feb. 6, the day Foote's father contacted police to ask about his son. Hospital staff told Foote's parents that he had never been there. Washburn Police Chief Cyr Martin said an investigation was launched after discrepancies in Cole's report were noticed, the Daily News reports. He said police hired a private investigator, but Cole refused to meet with the man on Feb. 23 and resigned days later. Foote remains missing, and another search party was organized over the weekend, USA Today reports. Aroostook County Sheriff Peter Johnson says Cole's arrest hasn't provided any new leads in the case. (More Maine stories.) Two visa agents in Thailand have been charged for allegedly trying to help people illegally work in New Zealand. It comes after Immigration New Zealand found they were providing fake documents for visitor visa applicants. AEC Thai Development Co., Ltd, run by Jirasin Bunyasing, had been issuing false bank statements and employment letters for visitor visa applicants, mainly those looking to be rural workers. More than 100 cases where visitors were intending to come to New Zealand and potentially work illegally in the horticulture and viticulture sectors were identified. The agent was charging THB 25,000 (NZ$1140) for the fraudulent evidence, with no refund if they were declined. In a call Sunday, US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that constituted a win for Israel as nothing of "value" was hit, a senior US administration official told CNN. US officials said more than 70 drones and three ballistic missiles were intercepted by US Navy ships and military aircraft, without giving details of exactly what defenses were used to bring down the projectiles. The US Navy shot down at least three ballistic missiles using the Aegis missile defense system aboard two guided-missiles destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean, officials told CNN's Oren Liebermann at the Pentagon. US warplanes also shot down Iranian ordnance, Liebermann reported. While it was not revealed from where those US jets operated, there are US Navy aircraft carriers and land-based aircraft well within range of the region. Biden said in a statement the US was well-prepared to help defend Israel against the Iranian attack. "To support the defense of Israel, the US military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week," the US president said in a statement. "Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles," Biden said. Britain said it was also prepared to intervene using Royal Air Force aircraft it has in the region. "These UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required," a Defense Ministry statement said. An Israeli military spokesperson also said France was involved in blocking the Iranian attacks. "We are working closely with the US, UK and France who acted tonight. This partnership has always been close, but tonight it manifested itself in an unusual way," the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Israel operates a range of systems to block attacks from everything from ballistic missiles with trajectories that take them above the atmosphere to low-flying cruise missiles and rockets. Israel's Iron Dome system has been in the headlines often since the country began its military offensive in Gaza in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks inside Israel that sparked the current hostilities in the region. The Iron Dome is the bottom layer of Israel's missile defense, according to the country's Missile Defense Organization (IMDO). There are at least 10 Iron Dome batteries in Israel, each equipped with a radar that detects rockets and then uses a command-and-control system that quickly calculates whether an incoming projectile poses a threat or is likely to hit an unpopulated area. If the rocket does pose a threat, the Iron Dome fires missiles from the ground to destroy it in the air. The next rung up the missile defense ladder is David's Sling, which protects against short- and medium-range threats, according to the IMDO. David's Sling, a joint project of Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense System and US defense giant Raytheon, uses Stunner and SkyCeptor kinetic hit-to-kill interceptors to take out targets as far as 186 miles away, according to the Missile Threat project at the Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS). Above David's Sling are Israel's Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, jointly developed with the United States. The Arrow 2 uses fragmentation warheads to destroy incoming ballistic missiles in their terminal phase - as they dive toward their targets - in the upper atmosphere, according to the CSIS. The Arrow 2 has a range of 56 miles and a maximum altitude of 32 miles, according to the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, which called the Arrow 2 an upgrade of the US Patriot missile defenses Israel once used in this role. Meanwhile, the Arrow 3 uses hit-to-kill technology to intercept incoming ballistic missiles in space, before they reenter the atmosphere on their way to targets. Israel also has state-of-the-art fighter aircraft, including F-35I stealth jets that it has used to shoot down drones and cruise missiles before, according to news reports. The ballistic missiles that did reach Israel fell on the Netavim Air Base in southern Israel, Israel's military spokesman said, adding that they caused only light structural damage. The base was functioning and continuing its operations following the attack, with planes continuing to use the base, he added. Photos released by the Israeli Air Force early Sunday showed F-35 and F-15 fighter jets returning to their bases in Israel after what were called successful "interceptions" and "aerial defense missions." Some of the weapons launched at Israel were fired from Iraq and Yemen, the spokesman added. CNN By Captain Mahmood Al Mahmood All life forms and entities are shape-shifting organisms whether we consider ourselves or even our countries. Just like we have changed and grown in a decade, so has the Kingdom of Bahrain. Today we are a confident nation that is making strides and drawing up ambitious plans to make inclusivity a cornerstone of our national development. Against this background, what a wonderful celebration it was that His Majesty King Hamad heralded the festival of Eid-ulFitr by ordering the unconditional release of 1,500 prisoners, the single largest number of mercy releases in Bahrains history. It signals the moving on from the wounds of the past, the acknowledgement of the right of these people to re-join the community and put shoulder to the wheel of progress. Few people know that the Bahrain government has worked tirelessly to address the many issues that arose from the political turmoil of 2011. These efforts have always been leavened with compassion and understanding and all sides have been given a patient hearing. Even expats were given a place in the National Dialogue and their views and needs acknowledged. The government took recommendations of an international-level rights panel seriously and initiated many reforms. Children and youth, the main targets of extremist organisations, were given access to character-building concepts of patriotism and service to the nation and community through carefully designed education and edutainment modules. The next phase of re-integrating the released former prisoners into national life now begins. During their time in prison, priorities have changed, technology has sprinted forward and the world itself has changed. Bahrains interaction with the world too has been reshaped by new priorities and aspirations. These men and women have a lot to offer our nation and we must make their rehabilitation and re-joining of the mainstream our priority. By doing so, we shall be honouring the wisdom of King Hamad, celebrating his 25th year of accession meaningfully and providing a great service to our country. NOB| Riyadh The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com In a stirring display of unity and empathy, Keralites spanning the globe banded together to raise an impressive INR 340 million in a crowdfunding campaign to rescue Abdul Raheem from the brink of death in Saudi Arabia. Raheem, originally from Kozhikode, in the south Indian state of Kerala, faced a dire sentence in the Middle Eastern nation. However, the collective generosity and solidarity of the community have now ensured his liberation, as the required blood money demanded by a Riyadh-based family has been successfully amassed through this remarkable grassroots effort. Abdul Raheem's journey took an unexpected turn when he transitioned from his role as an autorickshaw driver in Kerala to seek opportunities in Saudi Arabia during the early 2000s. Employed by a Riyadh family to provide care for a differently-abled teenager alongside his driving duties, Raheem found himself entangled in a tragic incident during a routine journey. A disagreement ensued when the teenager reacted angrily to a traffic signal stop, leading to a struggle in which Raheem unintentionally dislodged the medical device supporting the boy's breathing. Tragically, this altercation resulted in the teenager's unconsciousness and subsequent passing. Raheem's fate seemed sealed in 2018 when he was sentenced to death after the deceased's family refused to grant him amnesty. Despite persistent appeals, including a Supreme Court verdict upholding the initial sentence, Raheem faced an uncertain future. However, a ray of hope emerged in 2023 when the boy's family reconsidered their stance and opted to accept diya, or blood money, instead. Their condition: a hefty sum of 15 million Saudi Riyals (SR), roughly equivalent to 340 million Indian rupees, to be paid within six months from the agreement's signing on October 16, 2023. With time ticking away and Raheem's freedom hanging in the balance, the people of Kerala, led by Bobby Chemmannur, a prominent gold trader and business magnate, mobilised across diverse spheres to raise the necessary funds through crowdfunding. Though initially slow to gather momentum, the campaign gained traction, fueled by an intensive social media drive that galvanised volunteers to action. Within a mere four days, the entire amount was secured, marking a testament to the unwavering determination and solidarity of the community. This triumphant outcome underscores the extraordinary power of collective action and compassion. Non-resident Indians, businessmen, and political leaders alike united in a common cause to ensure Abdul Raheem's long-awaited reprieve after enduring an arduous 18-year ordeal. As Raheem prepares to return home, this heartening display of solidarity serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reaffirming the enduring values of humanity and unity within the Kerala community. "How can we live together?" documents a fictional development model envisioning refugee housing funded by tourist timeshare condominiums, with essay by Kerry Gold and preface by Gregory Henriquez. VANCOUVER, BC, April 15, 2024 /CNW/ - Henriquez Partners Architects, known for inclusive, mixed-use developments, is announcing a new publication How Can We Live Together? The book documents the exhibition GHETTO, which was displayed at the Museum of Vancouver between August 23, 2023 and January 1, 2024. GHETTO originally exhibited at the European Cultural Centre (ECC) 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale and Art Gallery of Ontario (2022) before travelling to Vancouver. How Can We Live Together? (CNW Group/Henriquez Partners Architects) Henriquez Partners' exhibition, GHETTO, at the Museum of Vancouver was hosted in collaboration with the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, European Cultural Centre, and Museum of Vancouver. The exhibition's goal was to illustrate the leadership role that architects and all citizens can play in the creation of inclusive and engaged cities, as well as the power held by the development community in providing social benefits for those most in need. GHETTO proposed a theoretical rezoning project in Vancouver's False Creek and sought to encourage meaningful dialogue on our collective responsibility to care for one another through the creation of inclusive cities. How can we live together? highlights the public input in the form of a housing survey, which was gathered from over 15,000 visitors during the Vancouver exhibition. "The exhibit was meant to articulate to the world the potential of our CAC process and to transform it from condos into other things," says Henriquez. "But also, it was meant to generate talk about larger global issues of people in need around the world as well. And so that's what the survey was trying to measure to what extent are people self-interested, and to what extent are they altruistic in terms of their aspirations to help people who have less than them?" excerpt from essay by Kerry Gold Awards: GHETTO has been honoured with awards from the European Cultural Centre, Architecture MasterPrize, Architizer A+, AIA Canada, Azure Magazine, World Architecture News and Grands Prix du Design. About Kerry Gold : For 16 years, Kerry Gold has been the Globe and Mail's housing and real estate columnist for BC. She's written for numerous publications, including the Walrus, the Toronto Star, MSN, Moneywise, Yahoo UK, Reader's Digest and many others. In her previous life she was the music critic at the Vancouver Sun for a decade. Kerry is the author of six books, including co-author of Michael Buble's bestselling memoir Onstage, Offstage, and is currently working on her seventh. About Henriquez Partners: Henriquez Partners Architects is a Canadian architectural practice, with studios in both Vancouver and Toronto. Led by Gregory Henriquez, the studio seeks to re-examine the role of ethics, activism, and critical commentary in architectural practice, and to re-establish the leadership role of the architect in the creation of collective spaces that form the fabric of our daily lives and communities. Henriquez is now best known for ambitious, inclusive mixed-use projects that typically require rezoning. The Woodward's redevelopment, completed in 2011, in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, remains unprecedented in Canada due to its scale, humanitarian aspirations and complexity. Since then, the studio's socially, culturally and environmentally sustainable projects continue to have a major impact on shaping local communities. Current large-scale mixed-use projects include the 5 million ft Oakridge Park development in Vancouver; 1 million ft Mirvish Village in Toronto with 100% rental units; 580,000 ft 5207 Dundas Street an affordable housing project with Housing Now; and 1 million ft 2444 Eglinton Avenue East the City of Toronto's first large scale co-op housing development in a generation. About Museum of Vancouver : The Museum of Vancouver connects Vancouverites to each other and connects Vancouver to the world. The museum's programs, exhibitions, and collections bring people together and inspire conversation about the future. The museum, an enthusiastic civic advocate, is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring a socially connected, civically engaged city. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION henriquezpartners.com | LinkedIn | Instagram SOURCE Henriquez Partners Architects Media Contacts : Nicolette Williams | Henriquez Partners | [email protected] Oregon spotted frog and Fowler's toad are on Canada's list of endangered species PORT ROWAN, ON, April 15, 2024 /CNW/ - Canada Post has issued new stamps drawing attention to two of the country's endangered frog species. The two stamps feature the Oregon spotted frog and Fowler's toad. Both on Canada's endangered species list, the frogs have experienced habitat loss from human activity, invasive organisms and pollution. Endangered Frogs Stamps (CNW Group/Canada Post) Fowler's toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) In Canada, Fowler's toads are found only on the north shore of Lake Erie (in Ontario), often on its sandy beaches and dunes. The primarily nocturnal animals are also found in much of the eastern United States. Adults range in size from about 5 cm to over 8 cm in length and breed in shallow ponds, pools and marshes. They are grey to buff-coloured, with small dark spots and warts on the back, and have a white or cream-coloured belly. Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) In Canada, Oregon spotted frogs live exclusively in British Columbia's Fraser Valley. In the United States, their California population has disappeared; however, they are still found in Oregon and parts of Washington state. The webbing on their hind feet extends to the tip of their toes, making them efficient swimmers. Unlike most other frogs, their eyes are angled upward, allowing them to be almost entirely submerged while seeing above the water. Adult Oregon spotted frogs are brown or reddish-brown, with lightcentred black spots on their heads, backs, sides and legs. About the stamps Designed by Jocelyne Saulnier, Joce Creative, illustrated by Emily S. Damstra and printed by Lowe-Martin, the stamp issue includes 250,000 booklets of 10 Permanent domestic rate stamps, 6,000 Official First Day Covers and 40,000 souvenir sheets. The stamp cancel location is Port Rowan, Ontario, a town on the north shore of Lake Erie close to the habitat of Fowler's toads. The souvenir sheet background image shows an Oregon spotted frog peeking up from the water's surface. Stamps and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada. For the stamp images and other resources: External folder with high-resolution images (access). Social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. TM Trademark of Canada Post Corporation. SOURCE Canada Post Media Relations: 613-734-8888, [email protected] The direct Iranian missile attack did not do direct damage to Israel. However, it has opened the door to direct military action between Iran and Israel. Iran and Israel are 620 miles apart. Iran is almost 2.4 times the land area of Texas. It is slightly larger than the state of Alaska. Irans dimensions are roughly 800 miles by 800 miles. Th F-16 and F-35 jets that Israel has have a range of about 800-1000 miles. This is with extra fuel tanks on the F-16. Israel has limited in air refueling. A smaller amount of the air force could reach Iran mid-flight refueling but they would then be striking maybe 200 miles inside Iran with a small part of their force. A 900 mile strike would require refueling after about 500 miles, hitting something 300-400 miles further about 100-200 miles inside of Iran and then flying back out and refueling again before landing. This assumes using about 100 miles of fuel over the target. The missiles fired might reach another 10-40 miles. UPDATE: There are reports that Israel will strike Iran back. It will remain a tactical surprise but Iran now knows that likely within some number of days. Israel will launch an attack. Analysis of Long Strike Capabilities of Israel and Iran Israel would need to base out of Saudi Arabia or the UAE to get operational effectiveness. If the US is supporting only for Israels defense then the US would not be providing the large aerial refueling capability or access to US bases in other countries around Iran. Israel like Iran do have some longer range missiles and drones. Irans force also have the same range problem, which was part of the reason the attack over the weekend had no airplanes. The Iranian Migs and F-14s also do not have the range. Iran used 150 ballistic missiles. Iran used most of its stockpile of long range. Iran has about 3000 missiles but most of those have shorter ranges. The long range drones and missiles used by Iran was what they had that could reach Israel. Israel can use the Mossad spy agency for assassinations and sabotage. Israel can use cyberattacks. Israel can also increase direct actions against Irans Quds forces (Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran militias in Yemen, Syria and Iraq). The Iranian funded militias are the forces that can engage Israel and the militias are the ones that Israel can curb stomp if needed to send a message of resolve. Israel has already been exchanging attacks with Hezbollah for the past 6 months that his killed over 500 Hezbollah forces. The Iranian leadership and Israels leadership seem to have the political need to show its citizens that they will not stand by while they are being attacked. This seems to be a motivation for using more of the small direct attack and direct actions between the two countries. Multiple wildfires that were burning Monday evening over a 10-mile stretch of Winslow Township in Camden County were mostly contained, fire officials said. The fires, which totaled just over 20, were in the area of Berlin-Cross Keys Road and Ancora State Hospital, according to a statement from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. As of 6:30 p.m. the fires were mostly contained. They were sparked by a passing train, the service said. WILDFIRE ALERT: Winslow Twp, Camden County@njdepforestfire remains on the scene of 20+ individual wildfires over a 10 mile stretch in Winslow Twp from the area of Berlin - Cross Keys Rd to Ancora State Hospital. pic.twitter.com/x5O2H56PrU New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) April 15, 2024 No structures were threatened and there were no road closures in the area, authorities said. Crews were still on the scene battling the blazes. A Single Engine Air Tanker plane that can drop up to 600 gallons of water at a time was assisting them, officials said. No injuries were reported. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Voters in a Middlesex County school district will decide Tuesday whether approximately 1,600 students will remain eligible for free busing in September. The K-12 Monroe school district is asking voters via a special ballot question to approve nearly $2.77 million to add to the 2024-25 school budget. The ballot question is required by New Jersey law when school districts want to raise school taxes beyond the 2% property tax cap. Nearly 35% of the requested funding, totaling $963,610, would be used to continue courtesy busing for Monroe public school student, district officials said. In some New Jersey school districts, courtesy busing is offered to students who live too close to their schools to be eligible for state-mandated, free transportation. The remainder of the extra funding would be used for a wide range of services, including the hiring of four teachers and one school security officer. It would also pay for athletic supplies, including equipment and uniforms, and cover all costs related to after-school clubs. The money would also fund roof replacement work at the Mill Lake Elementary School and the second phase of a special services parking lot, according to an overview provided by Monroe school district officials. If Tuesdays ballot question is approved, the average home in Monroe assessed at $332,281 would pay an additional $24 a year in school taxes, the district said. New Jersey school districts are required to provide free bus transportation for high school students if they live 2.5 miles or more from their schools. For students in grades K through 8, free busing is guaranteed if they live 2 miles or more from school. Some districts offer free courtesy busing to students who live too close to school to qualify for regular busing. Other districts offer subscription busing in which families have the option of paying for busing. Monroe is the latest school district in New Jersey grappling with transportation issues. In Monmouth County, the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District citing rising enrollment when it announced it is eliminating paid subscription busing for students not eligible for free transportation for the 2024-25 school year and beyond. Monroe offers courtesy busing to 1,602 students, just over 22% of the districts enrollment of 6,986, the district said. Of the 2,679 students at Monroe Township High School, 548 are not eligible for free transportation and receive courtesy busing. Courtesy busing also is offered to 1,054 of 4,307 students at six elementary schools and one middle school, the district said. Monroe school board president Chrissy Skurke requested an additional $2.7 million in state aid, enough to offset the amount being sought in the ballot question, while testifying in Trenton at a state budget hearing. She told lawmakers the states school funding formula has been unfair to her district. Skurke said Monroe is among a small number of districts not offering full-day kindergarten. Monroe would need to spend $15 million to expand building space to offer full-day kindergarten, but the district has not qualified for state aid because it does not have the required number of students from lower-income families, she testified. Monroe voters have rejected three school construction bond referendums to expand and upgrade schools in the past five years, including a $104 million proposal in 2023, Skurbe said. Our community, for the last decade, has been asking for the state funding formula to be looked at and adjusted for the inherent flaws that affect districts like Monroe Township, Skurbe said. The third Tuesday in April is one of six days during the year, including Election Day in November, in which state law permits school districts to seek voter approval for construction projects and other special ballot questions. Three other school districts are seeking voter approval Tuesday to go beyond the 2% cap in their 2024-25 school budgets. They are New Brunswick, Byram and Westfield, the New Jersey School Boards Association said. Voters in the Toms River Regional and Seaside Heights school districts will decide on a school merger proposal. Seaside Heights, which currently sends students in grades 7-12 to the Central Regional school district, is asking to withdraw from that arrangement and send middle school and high school students to Toms River Regional. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. A fatal shooting in Irvington took the life of a Brooklyn, New York, man Sunday morning, authorities said. Irvington police responded to various reports of a man who was shot at a residence on Melville Place at about 2:30 a.m. and arrived to find a wounded Oliver A. Francis, 61. He died at a local hospital at about 3:15 a.m, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said. No other information about the crime was made public. The shooting is under investigation by the prosecutors Homicide Task Force. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutors tip line at 877- 847-7432. Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at sblancaflor@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley and Instagram. Authorities arrested a Warren County man on Sunday on charges he assaulted two police officers in Newark this past Friday, the Newark Police Department said. Kahlil Cuttino, 31, of Phillipsburg, faces two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, eluding police, obstruction and a rioting charge for the the 5 p.m. incident on the 300 block of Clinton Avenue. Officers were on the block for a report of a man with a handgun and when they detained a man who fit the description of the gunman, a large crowd gathered, police said. Cuttino was among the rowdy onlookers and punched two officers, then managed to flee the scene. Detectives investigating the incident identified him as a suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest on Saturday, police and records show. The officers suffered injuries that required hospital treatment, but were not life threatening, police said. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com A police officer was injured on Monday afternoon after being shot by a suspect during an encounter at a North Jersey home, authorities said. The shooting between the individual and officers from the Montclair Police Department happened at a residence on Forest Street in Montclair, according to a statement released by the Essex County Prosecutors Office. Officials did not say what time the incident occurred. The person fired a gun and struck one of the officers, officials said. Police then returned gunfire and struck the shooter, prosecutors said. The officer and shooter are both being treated at University Hospital in Newark for injuries not considered life-threatening, officials said. Their identities have not been released. Sean Ruff, 62, who lives across the street, was sitting on his porch at around 1:30 p.m. when police arrived at the home. He told NJ Advance Media he saw a police officer enter as other officers stood outside. Moments later, the officer ran back outside with blood dripping from his arm and the other officers went inside and dragged out a woman who was covered in blood, Ruff said. I heard three shots. Boom! Boom! Boom!, he said. Ruff said he believes the woman has lived at the residence for about four months. A resident of Forest Street, Carol Zakor, said she looked out her window on Monday afternoon and saw a bunch of cop cars in the aftermath of the shooting. Zakor said she saw a woman lying on a stretcher who was screaming incoherently and a young boy who was sitting in a patrol car. The home on Forest Street in Montclair where a police officer was shot on Monday afternoon.Richard Cowen | NJ Advance Media Another woman, Marilyn Sprague, said she was standing about 10 feet away from the house when she suddenly heard guns going off and voices yelling shots fired. Its crazy when something like this happens in your community, Sprague said. You think youre safe and all of a sudden, youre not safe anymore. Gov. Phil Murphy posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the shooting. Tammy and I are praying for the officer in Montclair who was shot earlier today, Murphy said. Our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. The location of the shooting is just blocks away from Montclair High School. Township police issued a statement saying that there was no potential threat to the school. The Renaissance Middle School, Montclair Cooperative School and Immaculate Conception High School are also nearby the scene. An investigation by the Essex County Prosecutors Office is ongoing. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached atnfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. Five detectives with the Hudson County Prosecutors Office and a Jersey City police detective are being hailed as heroes for saving a mans life at the HCPOs office in Jersey City last week. Just after 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, a man became unresponsive while visiting the lobby area on the sixth floor of the Hudson County Administration Building on Newark Avenue. HCPO Detectives Stephen King and Salvatore Benanti, and Jersey City Police Detective Scott Rogers discovered that the man did not have a pulse. HCPO Detectives Risheem Whitten, Kristen Mikulak, and Daniel Bellini quickly joined their colleagues to provide lifesaving medical assistance to the man. A South Brunswick woman has been charged with assaulting children she taught at a childcare school in Robbinsville last month. Ekta Dwarkesh, 45, slapped two children in the face, causing one to suffer a nosebleed, and grabbed the arm of a third, causing a visible injury, police said. She taught at The Malvern School on Route 33 at the time. Shes charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child by abuse or neglect, court documents show. As Donald Trump reported to the courtroom for the start of jury selection in his hush money trial Monday, new polling shows he could lose support among independents and some Republicans if hes convicted. This comes as hes set to go up against Joe Biden in November. According to the Ipsos/Reuters poll, 24% of Republicans said they would not vote for him if hes convicted of a felony by a jury and a majority of independents, 60%, also said they wouldnt support him. Overall, if the election were held today, Biden leads 37% to Trumps 36% with support among independents pretty evenly split: Biden 33% and Trump32%, according to the poll. It also shows 38% of independents said they are either somewhat or much less likely to vote for Trump because of the criminal cases against him, along with 15% of Republicans. On the flip side, 40% of Republicans or either somewhat or much more likely to head to the polls and support Trump because of the criminal cases. Would you vote for Donald Trump if he has been convicted of a felony crime by a jury? Would vote for Trump: 24% Would NOT vote for Trump: 60% Democrats: 3-91 Republicans: 49-24 Independents: 21-60 Ipsos/Reuters (#17) | 833 RV | 4/4-8https://t.co/irKLzbEks6 pic.twitter.com/ySkP5xigTF InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) April 15, 2024 Its the first criminal trial of any former U.S. commander-in-chief and the first of Trumps four indictments to go to trial. Because he is also the presumptive nominee for this years Republican ticket, the trial will produce the head-spinning split-screen of a presidential candidate spending his days in court and, he has said, campaigning during the night. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors say he was trying to conceal an alleged effort to keep salacious and, he says, bogus stories about his sex life from emerging during his 2016 campaign. The charges center on $130,000 in payments that Trumps company made to his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen. He had paid that sum on Trumps behalf to keep porn actor Stormy Daniels from going public, a month before the election, with her claims of a sexual encounter with the married mogul a decade earlier. Prosecutors say the payments to Cohen were falsely logged as legal fees in order to cloak their actual purpose. Trumps lawyers say the disbursements indeed were legal expenses, not a cover-up. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco. Donald Trump blamed Joe Biden for Irans weekend attack on Israel and told supporters at a rally it would not have happened if we were in office. Really? Republican former Congressman Adam Kinzinger has some thoughts. This is insane. It did happen! Iran struck and injured 100 Americans in Iraq and Trump responded with nothing but fear. Hes a small man, Kinzinger posted to X, formerly Twitter. This is insane. It did happen! Iran struck and injured 100 Americans in Iraq and Trump responded with nothing but fear. Hes a small man Trump blames Biden for Iran strike on Israel: It would not have happened if we were in office | The Hill https://t.co/rL7UXcsNy2 Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) (@AdamKinzinger) April 14, 2024 Kinzinger referred to the 2020 attack from Iran in retaliation for Trumps administration killing a top Revolutionary Guards commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iran fired a series of ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops. All is well! then-Presdient Trump tweeted shortly after the missile attacks, adding, So far, so good regarding casualties. Moments earlier, Irans foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense, adding that Tehran did not seek escalation but would defend itself against further aggression. Kinzinger called on people to quit rewriting history in another post on social media: Heres some quick reminders: We killed Soleimani, good job. I actually give Trump credit for that, that was a good hit. Iran responded by launching a whole bunch of missiles at a U.S. base in Iraq. One hundred soldiers were injured with dramatic brain injuries. Remember Donald Trump said, Oh, theyre just some headaches? Yeah, not to those people. Its serious. How did we respond to that misleading barrage against our base? We did nothing. Remember when they shot down a $100 million-something drone, which by the way is not some little drone, its about the size of an airliner, and we responded by, oh, thats right, Trump did nothing. Do you remember when they attacked a Saudi oil field with a massive barrage? Trump responded by, thats right, he didnt do anything. Emergency video: Donald Trump did NOT deter Iran. In fact he simply surrendered to our enemies. Quit rewriting history. pic.twitter.com/4YpXAvcaEm Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) (@AdamKinzinger) April 14, 2024 Over the weekend, Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushed the Middle East closer to a regionwide war. A military spokesman said the launches numbered more than 300 but 99% of them were intercepted. Calling the outcome a very significant strategic success, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Of those, several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base. The Iranian attack, less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building, marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco. South Korean defense minister Shin Won-sik said on the night of April 14 that there is a possibility that North Korea will launch a spy satellite as early as in a few days. North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite in November last year, and General Secretary Kim Jong-un has indicated that three-more satellites will be launched this year. Regarding these additional satellites, South Korean defense minister Shin Won-sik said that technical adjustments are being made, and that the launch is imminent. He also said that he believes it will be carried out by the end of this month at the latest. He analyzed that even if the launch is successful, Pyongyangs reconnaissance capabilities will not improve much. LAPORTE COUNTY Nine people were arrested Friday in Scipio Township after police discovered some of them had allegedly caused mayhem at the residence on multiple occasions since 2021, according to a news release Saturday from the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office. All nine individuals were charged with visiting a common nuisance, a class B misdemeanor. One man, Jason Stryjewski, 42, faced a felony charge for maintaining a common nuisance and misdemeanor criminal trespassing, the sheriff's office said. Deputies have responded to 2866 South CR 550 West for reports of sexual battery, drug overdoses, thefts, noise and fire complaints, among others over the last three years. The most recent was on Wednesday, where deputies responded to a fight involving several people. As they investigated further, they discovered the homeowner died in 2021 and Stryjewski had been living at the home since. When deputies contacted the owner's family, they were told Stryjewski was not welcome on the property, according to the news release. When deputies went back to the residence Thursday, they told the individuals they needed to leave the property. Stryjewski's response was "vulgar," the release said, so detectives issued a warrant for his arrest. The other individuals taken into custody were as follows: Austin Halderman, 23, Jonathon McCullough, 33, David Mrozinski Jr., 39, Christopher Michaels, 32, Gary Morton II, 41, Amber Stacy, 35, Brandi Dorsey, 27 and Dakota Charlson, 22. This investigation, operation, and arrests put an end to a nuisance property that has been creating an excessive response and workload for deputies," Capt. Derek Allen said in the release. "In addition, the quality of life for nearby residents of the property will begin to improve and return to normal. The only crime of these girls was to go to school. ALLEN MANASSEH, a youth leader from Chibok, Nigeria, who has spent years pushing for the release of the 276 girls boarding school students kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorist group 10 years ago. Up to 82 are still missing. Within moments of Israel and its allies shooting down a fusillade of Iranian missiles and drones this weekend, many began wondering what the latest exchange between Israel and Iran would mean for the war in the Gaza Strip. The Iranian attack was retaliation for what was widely believed to be an Israeli strike this month on an embassy building in Damascus that killed seven Iranian officials, including three top commanders in Irans armed forces. But it occurred against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, where Israel is battling Hamas, a militant group funded and armed by Iran. Israeli military analysts were divided on whether a more direct confrontation with Iran would alter the war in Gaza, now in its sixth month. The next fulcrum in that war could hinge on whether Israel decides to pursue Hamas in the southern city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians have fled amid a spiraling humanitarian crisis. Some analysts argued that the implications for Gaza would depend on whether Israel responded with a major counterattack against Iran. Others contended that Israels military campaign in the Gaza Strip would be unaffected. Shlomo Brom, a retired brigadier general and a former director of the Israeli militarys strategic planning division, said that if Israel responds with substantial force to the Iranian attack, it could incite a multifront war that would compel the Israeli leadership to move its attention away from Gaza. In the case of a significant regional conflagration, General Brom said, Israel might choose to delay its plans to invade Rafah, which Israeli officials describe as the last Hamas stronghold. As thousands of displaced Palestinians tried to return to their homes in northern Gaza on Sunday, Israeli troops shot into the crowd, forcing people to turn back in panic, according to an emergency worker and two people who tried to make the journey. Wafa, the Palestinian Authoritys official news agency, reported that five people were killed and 23 wounded by Israeli gunfire and artillery in the encounter, on Al-Rashid Street south of Gaza City, as a crowd of Gazans headed north to their homes. The circumstances of the deaths could not be confirmed independently, and the Israeli military did not immediately respond to questions about whether its forces opened fire on Palestinian civilians trying to cross to northern Gaza. For months, the Israeli military has barred Palestinians who have been displaced by the war in Gaza from returning to their homes in northern Gaza. It has become a sticking point in negotiations between Israel and Hamas. It was not clear why some Palestinians believed that Israel would not block them from returning on Sunday. But they were making the journey on a day when Iran had launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel. More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its assault there in October, according to Gazas Ministry of Health. The assault occurred in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed some 1,200 people, according to the Israeli authorities. Ushio Amagatsu, an acclaimed dancer and choreographer who brought worldwide visibility to Butoh, a hauntingly minimalist Japanese form of dance theater that arose in the wake of wartime devastation, died on March 25 in Odawara, Japan. He was 74. The cause of his death, in a hospital, was heart failure, said Semimaru, a founding member of Mr. Amagatsu's celebrated contemporary dance company, Sankai Juku. Butoh is an Anglicized version of buto, derived from ankoku buto, which translates to dance of darkness. It draws inspiration from surrealist European art movements like Dadaism. The trumpeter Jeremy Pelt was sitting on his couch, browsing YouTube, when he decided to become an author. It was 2018, and Pelt, by then a fixture on the New York jazz scene for two decades, came across a 1994 interview with the jazz drumming great Arthur Taylor, conducted by a fellow percussionist, Warren Smith. It could have been Batman, or something, Pelt recalled during a recent conversation in his Harlem apartment. It was like an hour and 45 minutes, I remember, and I just was transfixed the whole time. Pelt was especially taken with a section where Taylor discussed Notes and Tones, his landmark book of musician-to-musician interviews, first self-published in 1977 and later reissued more widely. In it, giants like Miles Davis, Nina Simone and Max Roach spoke with often bracing candor about race, the music business, their feelings about the term jazz and more. Pelt had first come across the book more than 20 years earlier at the Berklee College of Music library. This is way before internet and all that, he said, so listeners had no idea what their musical heroes comportment was, how they sounded, anything. So what you have is these words that gave you this peek into their personality. Robert Beerbohm, who in the 1970s helped start the first comic book chain stores and then, after a flood wiped out inventory in his warehouse, became a professed archaeologist of comics history, died on March 27 at his home in Fremont, Neb. He was 71. His daughter, Katy Beerbohm-Young, said the cause was colorectal cancer. A pugnacious character on the comic book scene for decades, Mr. Beerbohm once summed up his career as a hobby that got way out of hand. It started in his early teens, when he boarded a Greyhound bus in Nebraska for a 28-hour trip to sell comics at a convention in Houston. It ended as he was trying to finish writing Comic Book Wars, his eagerly awaited magnum opus about the industry. In between, Mr. Beerbohm waited on Jerry Garcia, Robin Williams and Bruce Lee at his stores in California; discovered what was believed to be the first comic book printed in the United States; and discussed comic book history with the gentleness of a heavyweight boxer. Kristina Mailliard, the mother at the center of Genevieve Kingstons wrenching memoir, DID I EVER TELL YOU? (Marysue Rucci Books, 288 pp., $28.99), had no choice but to jettison the fantasy early. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 40, when Genevieve was 3, she died eight years later, leaving 11-year-old Genevieve (Gwen) and her older brother, Jamie, knowing too much about her and not nearly enough. Kingston saw the fall that broke her spine when the cancer had colonized her bones and accompanied her parents to the town where Kristina attended a spiritual healing group. She was 6 when her mother learned that she wasnt expected to live out the year. Kristina defied the predictions, but new end-dates kept coming, exacerbating family tensions. It was exhausting, Kingston writes, spending every moment together, living every day to the fullest. Also hard: watching her mother spend hours assembling boxes of letters and keepsakes for her son and daughter to open on milestone days until each turned 30. I began to hate the boxes, writes Kingston, who ached for her mothers full attention instead. How could the boxes be more important to her than I was? She opens each package on schedule as the book progresses, cherishing the baubles and words of encouragement, yet theres a hollowness to the ritual. The person I needed to call upon for help in unsnarling the tangle of my life was not the smiling, gentle mother wrapping birthday gifts, she writes, adding, I needed all of my mother, not only the softest pieces. An uneasy calm Investors are breathing a sigh of relief on Monday. Global stocks are in the green and oil prices have retreated from last weeks gains after Irans unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel was mostly neutralized in the skies. But the calm could be short lived, as world leaders and markets focus on Israels response. Military clashes dont always sink the markets, as was the case when Hamas attacked Israel in October and Israel retaliated. But many on Wall Street fear the economic impact from hostilities in the Middle East and in Ukraine. We may be entering one of the most treacherous geopolitical eras since World War II, Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chases C.E.O., warned last week. Benjamin Netanyahu is facing intense international pressure not to retaliate. The United States, the Group of 7 nations and Arab states are urging restraint. Take the win, President Biden reportedly told Israels embattled prime minister after the attack was rebuffed with American help. Iran has signaled that the attack was a one-and-done, but Israels war cabinet hasnt indicated its next move. Meanwhile, the governments hawkish wing is calling for a quick and aggressive response. A meaningful Israeli retaliation in the next 48 hours does indeed remain on the table, Helima Croft, the head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets and a former C.I.A. analyst, wrote in an investor note last night. As sales of Teslas drop and demand for electric vehicles cools even as more models enter the market an increasing number of automakers are competing for a slice of a shrinking pie. Nearly 269,000 electric vehicles were sold in the United States in the first three months of this year, according to Kelley Blue Book. That was a 2.6 percent increase from the same period last year, but a 7.3 decrease from the final quarter of 2023. And amid the quarter-to-quarter slowdown in the industry, Teslas market share has fallen from 62 percent at the start of 2023 to 51 percent now. Elon Musk told employees on Monday that Tesla would cut 10 percent of its work force. Investors, in turn, have been spooked: Teslas stock price has dropped over 30 percent this year, erasing billions of dollars in market capitalization. Signs of turmoil at Tesla multiplied on Monday after the electric car company told employees it would lay off more than 10 percent of the work force to cut costs and two senior executives resigned. The job cuts, amounting to about 14,000 people, come as the company faces increasing competition and declining sales. The management changes and layoffs are a reminder of the unpredictability of Elon Musk, Teslas chief executive, at a critical time for the company. Mr. Musk has not outlined a plan to reverse a decline in car sales, and he appears focused on long-shot ventures such as a self-driving taxi, rather than new models that would help Tesla compete with cars being introduced by established carmakers and new rivals from China. As we prepare the company for the next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity, Mr. Musk told employees in a Monday morning email, a copy of which was reviewed by The New York Times. Shares of former President Donald J. Trumps social media company plunged on Monday after the company filed to register the potential sale of tens of millions of additional shares. Trump Media & Technologys stock fell 18.3 percent, erasing hundreds of millions of dollars from the companys market value and putting a dent in Mr. Trumps majority stake. Since a surge in its first days of trading as Trump Media, which lifted the value of the company to about $8 billion at one point last month, the companys shares have dropped by around 60 percent. Trump Media was expected to register the potential sale of new shares after the completion of its merger last month with Digital World Acquisition Corp., a cash-rich shell company known as a SPAC. Companies that merge with SPACs, or special purpose acquisition companies, typically file a registration statement a few weeks after the deal is completed for the sale of additional securities held by early investors. In the filing, Trump Media the parent company of Truth Social registered more than 146 million shares of stock that could be sold, along with 21 million shares that were converted after the exercise of warrants, which enable an investor to buy shares at a preset price. When a SPAC goes public, it issues warrants to investors that can later be converted into shares. The Manhattan district attorneys office, which brought the case that accuses Mr. Trump of falsifying records to conceal a sex scandal from voters, had argued that no conflict of interest existed. And judicial ethics experts cast doubt on Mr. Trumps request, noting that the judge was not responsible for his daughters career. It was just the latest attempt by Mr. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, to both delay the trial and oust Justice Merchan. Nor will it be the last: In a separate civil action filed last week, Mr. Trump asked an appeals court to pause the case while it considers whether to remove Justice Merchan. It is a long-shot bid that a single appeals court judge rejected and will be likely to fail before a full five-judge panel. When Mr. Trump tried last year to have Justice Merchan kicked off the case, Justice Merchan rejected it then as well, citing a state advisory committee on judicial ethics that determined that his impartiality could not reasonably be questioned based on his daughters interests. The repeated attempts reflect the former presidents long-running effort to delay all four of his criminal cases past Election Day. Stalling is one of Mr. Trumps favored legal tactics, and he uses it liberally in Manhattan, as well as in the three other cities where he faces criminal charges. If Mr. Trump reclaims the White House, the criminal cases against him would most likely grind to a halt. In the attempt in appeals court to compel the judges recusal, Emil Bove, a lawyer for the former president, argued that certain facts had changed since Justice Merchan first declined to step aside last year, including that Mr. Trump was now the presumptive Republican nominee for president. In court papers they are called the Scarcella Lists compilations of cases involving a retired New York City homicide detective whose problematic work on homicides in the 1980s and 1990s was cited in numerous wrongful convictions that have cost the city and state millions. For years, prosecutors did not disclose the broad scope of cases that the detective, Louis Scarcella, may have tainted, despite interest from lawyers and exoneration advocates. But thanks to a simple computer slip-up, the door recently cracked open to reveal details of dozens of homicide cases that were not scrutinized amid a decadelong re-evaluation of Mr. Scarcellas cases that led to convictions. In January, prosecutors mistakenly sent a large, unredacted computer file with the Scarcella lists to the lawyers who represent three men who had served long prison terms after being wrongfully convicted in one of the detectives cases. New York state leaders have reached a deal on the framework of a legislative plan to address one of the worst housing crises in the nation, Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Monday. The agreement was negotiated by Ms. Hochul and leaders in the Legislature, after a weekend of closed-door talks, and was presented to the full Senate and Assembly on Monday. Some lawmakers raised concerns about some of its critical elements leaving open the possibility that parts of the deal might still change. The agreement includes enticements for several major constituencies: tenants, labor unions and developers. For developers, the deal would include significant tax breaks that would make it more affordable to build. For tenants, it would include protections that would make it more difficult to evict renters in some apartments. Unions also ensured that the deal would include higher wages for construction workers. It would also let landlords of rent-stabilized apartments increase rents to cover the cost of some renovations. And it would lift some size limits on new apartment buildings a provision city officials have wanted for years. Trump faces 34 felony charges and up to four years in prison. With the country entering such uncharted territory, I spoke to Jonah Bromwich, a reporter for The New York Times covering criminal justice in New York, about what we should expect. Even before the trial begins, in your eyes how monumental of a moment is this in American history? This is massively, historically significant. This is going to be the first time that a presidential election and this is a consequential one has as a major subplot a trial of one of the candidates. We dont know what that means. We dont know what that looks like. We dont know what an acquitted candidate looks like, and we dont know what a convicted candidate looks like. It has profound implications for our politics, for our government, for our society. To the Editor: Re Trumps Manhattan Criminal Trial Begins With Jury Selection (live updates, nytimes.com, April 15): Monday is a historic day, as a former United States president goes on trial on charges of falsifying business documents to cover up hush money payments. This is the first time a former president has been tried in criminal court. But more than the historical significance of the trial, this is a test of our democracy and the rule of law. Whats at stake here is not just whether or not the disgraced former president is guilty, but whether he is above the law. There is clear and compelling evidence showing that Donald Trump committed the crimes he is charged with, but the question is will a jury of his peers agree to hold him accountable for those crimes. Should the jury reach the correct verdict, the Teflon Don could face prison time. An orange jumpsuit is just what this writer hopes to see. Until Irans barrage of missiles and drones against Israel, the two countries had avoided open military intrusions into each others territory. Tehran most often acted through proxies, and Jerusalem via bombing runs and unacknowledged assassinations in the region. Irans unprecedented attack this weekend, which failed to kill a single Israeli, has perhaps now opened the clerical regime to a major reprisal. The White House clearly does not want Jerusalem to undertake such a response, fearing escalation that could bring the United States into a regional war. But the chances are good that Israel will strike back to deter future direct attacks. And the best way for Washington to limit the expansion of this conflict is to signal clearly its intention to support an Israeli counterattack. Its the recurring military paradox: To contain a war, a belligerent sometimes needs to threaten its expansion. Irans internal situation, its memory about past U.S. military action and a conspiratorial worldview all support this strategy. An Iranian regime well aware of its weaknesses knows how convulsive a war with Israel and America would be and how unwelcome it would be received by a restive populace already protesting a dysfunctional economy and increasing oppression. Many within the elite are surely angry at having fallen from the inner circles of power and wealth as the 84-year-old supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, engineers his succession. But by 2020, the cafes success had begun to weigh on him. Bille Brahe, now 40, felt hed become more of a manager, overseeing invoices and catering events, rather than the creative person hes always strived to be. And then came the pandemic, which, he said, forced me to rethink things quite radically: to secure his businesses financially, he had to reorganize and scale up his popular all-day cafe Atelier September in the Gothersgade neighborhood there are now three in the city and in doing so he felt like he lost touch with the Apollo. His initial impulse was to leave it and do something completely new. But inspired partly by reading the 2016 book Staying With the Trouble by the American feminist theorist Donna J. Haraway which recommends examining ones past choices and rather than discarding everything, adjusting things bit by bit, explained Bille Brahe he changed his mind. He decided to recommit to the Apollo and to rediscover my gastronomic ambitions, he said. In addition to other, more subtle changes, that meant shifting his focus away from lunch and breakfast and toward dinner. On Sunday night, the Olivier Awards Britains equivalent to the Tonys took place in London. As expected, Sunset Boulevard took home the most trophies (and will have a Broadway run later this year), but there were also some surprise winners. Matt Wolf and Houman Barekat, The New York Timess London theater critics, joined the reporter Alex Marshall to discuss the winners, the snubs and the last year in British theater. Jamie Lloyds stripped-back Sunset Boulevard, starring Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, took home seven awards. Do you think it deserved to dominate? ALEX MARSHALL I saw Sunset Boulevard from the cheapest of cheap seats in the back row, but it was still my most memorable night in a theater last year. Im not surprised that Andrew Lloyd Webber responded to the shows wins by writing on X that it was a highlight of my career. A couple arrested last year after at least 190 bodies were found decomposing at their Colorado funeral home were arrested again on Sunday on federal charges that they fraudulently obtained more than $880,000 in pandemic relief money, which they spent on vacations and personal goods, according to the F.B.I. and court records. The couple, Jon and Carie Hallford, who owned Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado Springs and Penrose, Colo., face 15 federal fraud charges, according to an indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Colorado that was unsealed on Monday. The new federal charges add to state charges, including corpse abuse, that the Hallfords face in Colorado after at least 190 bodies were found decaying at their Penrose funeral home last October in a scene that the authorities described as horrific. Mr. Hallford and Ms. Hallford appeared before Magistrate Judge Scott T. Varholak in Denver on Monday afternoon. During a 13-minute hearing, Judge Varholak did not immediately decide if the Hallfords should be released until a trial, and he scheduled an arraignment hearing for them on Thursday, according to court documents. For years, the women housed at the low-security federal prison in Northern California said they were victims of sexual assault at the hands of staff. There were harrowing accounts of rape, sexual touching and voyeurism at the Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin. Some inmates said they were forced to strip naked, while others recounted being made to serve as lookouts while staff members brutalized their cellmates. The abuse was so persistent, one investigation found, that prison employees called the facility the rape club. Top leaders were ousted and a former warden was even convicted. But the efforts proved so futile that the Bureau of Prisons announced Monday that it had no other choice but to close the only federal womens prison west of the Rocky Mountains for good. When Iran agreed to a deal in 2015 that would require it to surrender 97 percent of the uranium it could use to make nuclear bombs, Russia and China worked alongside the United States and Europe to get the pact done. The Russians even took Irans nuclear fuel, for a hefty fee, prompting celebratory declarations that President Vladimir V. Putin could cooperate with the West on critical security issues and help constrain a disruptive regime in a volatile region. A lot has changed in the subsequent nine years. China and Russia are now more aligned with Irans Axis of Resistance to an American-led order, along with the likes of North Korea. When President Biden gathered the leaders of six nations for a video call from the White House on Sunday to plot a common strategy for de-escalating the crisis between Israel and Iran, there was no chance of getting anyone from Beijing or Moscow on the screen. The disappearance of that unified front is one of the many factors that make this moment seem particularly dangerous, said Vali Nasr, an Iranian-born professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, maybe the most dangerous in decades. The Biden administration will give up to $6.4 billion in grants to Samsung, one of the worlds largest chipmakers, the latest in a slew of awards intended to shore up domestic production of cutting-edge semiconductors. The money will help Samsung, the South Korean company, fund its new chip manufacturing hub in Taylor, Texas, and expand an existing site in nearby Austin. Samsung will now build an additional manufacturing plant and upgrade a facility under construction in Taylor. It will increase its investment in Texas to roughly $45 billion, up from the $17 billion it announced more than two years ago, administration officials said on Sunday. Federal officials said the grants would help create a U.S. hub for the development and production of leading-edge semiconductors. Aside from manufacturing chips, Samsung will now construct a research and development facility in Taylor as well as an advanced factory for packaging them, the final step before semiconductors can be used in electronic systems. The announcement follows other awards that federal officials have made to semiconductor manufacturers in recent weeks. The initiative is funded by the CHIPS Act, which a bipartisan group of lawmakers passed in 2022 to strengthen the domestic supply of semiconductors, the vital components that power everything from phones and computers to cars and weapons systems. The legislation gave the Commerce Department $39 billion to dole out as grants as incentives to chipmakers to construct and expand plants in the United States. The Supreme Court temporarily allowed Idaho on Monday to enforce a ban on gender-affirming treatment for minors, effectively suggesting that some justices appear comfortable with wading into another front in the culture wars. In siding with state officials who had asked the court to lift a block on the law as an appeal moves forward, the justices were sharply split, with a majority of the conservatives voting to allow the ban to take effect over the objections of the three liberals. The court said the ban would apply to everyone except for the plaintiffs who brought the challenge. Notably, the opinions focused not on transgender care, a hot-button political issue that has prompted several Republican-led legislatures to approve bills to restrict puberty-blocking drugs and hormone treatments, but on a broader legal question: universal injunctions. Universal injunctions are when a single judge issues a sweeping decision that applies beyond those directly involved in the dispute. Some justices have signaled an interest in looking at the tactic. Donald Trumps trial begins Jury selection began yesterday in New York City, where Donald Trump faces charges that he falsified business records to cover up a sex scandal while serving as president. It is the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president, and the first of four indictments that Trump faces in the coming months. The initial pool of prospective jurors dwindled rapidly. More than half of the first group of 96 were dismissed in short order after indicating that they did not believe they could be impartial. As Trumps lawyers and prosecutors hashed out pretrial motions, the former U.S. president seemed alternately irritated and exhausted. He smirked and scoffed, and also seemed to nod off a few times before jolting back awake. Last month, the judge imposed a gag order on Trump, barring him from attacking witnesses in the case. But over the weekend, Trump assailed a key witness his former fixer, Michael Cohen on social media. The judge said he would hold a hearing later this month to discuss potential violations of the gag order, which also bars Trump from attacking the judges family. Whats next: Jury selection could take two weeks or more, and the trial may spill into June. Background: In 2016, Cohen paid $130,000 to the porn star Stormy Daniels, to buy her silence about a story of having had sex with Trump a decade earlier. Trump has denied the encounter. When a young former government employee said on national television in 2021 that she had been sexually assaulted in Australias Parliament two years earlier, it shocked the nation and unleashed a wave of anger aimed at the countrys insular, male-dominated political establishment. The employee, Brittany Higgins, accused her colleague Bruce Lehrmann of raping her when she was inebriated, and said that she felt pressure from the government at the time not to report the assault. She became a figurehead for a reckoning on womens rights that ultimately contributed to the electoral ousting of Australias conservative national government. But for years, there was no legal conclusion to the case. On Monday, it was finally somewhat settled, in a roundabout way. Mr. Lehrmann lost a civil defamation suit that he had filed against the television station that first broadcast Ms. Higginss account, with the judge ruling that based on the available evidence, it was more likely than not that Mr. Lehrmann had raped her. The proceedings did not take place in a criminal court, and the offense did not have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead, the standard of proof was a balance of probabilities a legal term meaning whether something is more likely than not to have occurred. To enter a secret session of Germanys Parliament, lawmakers must lock their phones and leave them outside. Inside, they are not even allowed to take notes. Yet to many politicians, these precautions against espionage now feel like something of a farce. Because seated alongside them in those classified meetings are members of the Alternative for Germany, the far-right party known by its German abbreviation, AfD. In the past few months alone, a leading AfD politician was accused of taking money from pro-Kremlin strategists. One of the partys parliamentary aides was exposed as having links to a Russian intelligence operative. And some of its state lawmakers flew to Moscow to observe Russias stage-managed elections. To know with certainty that sitting there, while these sensitive issues are discussed, are lawmakers with proven connections to Moscow it doesnt just make me uncomfortable. It worries me, said Erhard Grundl, a Green party member of the Parliaments foreign affairs committee. Hundreds of survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing attack have filed a lawsuit against the British government intelligence agency MI5, their lawyers said. Three lead firms Hudgell Solicitors, Slater & Gordon and Broudie Jackson Canter said in a statement on Sunday that they were representing more than 250 victims of the bombing and family members of those killed, and have submitted a group claim to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, an independent judicial body that hears complaints against Britains intelligence services. As it is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable or provide any further details, or comment further, at this stage, the group statement said. The lawsuit comes a year after an independent public inquiry found that MI5, the domestic security service, failed to act on two pieces of critical intelligence about the bomber that could have prevented the atrocity. Israels allies on Monday were strongly urging it not to retaliate against Iran for the missile and drone attack over the weekend, calling instead for a de-escalation of the tensions that have gripped the Middle East. The Iranian aerial assault itself a retaliation for a strike that killed Iranian commanders in Syria was the first time that Tehran had launched open attacks against Israel from its own soil. As some far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government called for a strong response, the United States, the Group of 7 nations, the European Union and the U.N. secretary general were among those counseling restraint. Mr. Netanyahus government faces a delicate balancing act: how to respond to Iran in order not to look weak, while not alienating the Biden administration and other allies already impatient with Israels conduct of the war in Gaza. While the United States, Britain and France strongly condemned Irans actions and swiftly came to Israels defense to help intercept Tehrans strikes, their calls for restraint highlighted the intense pressure Israel was facing not to fuel a wider Middle East conflict. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken emphasized the need to prevent further escalation in a flurry of calls on Sunday with his counterparts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Britain and Germany, according to State Department statements. Britains foreign secretary, David Cameron, called the Iranian attack which involved hundreds of missiles and drones, nearly all of which were intercepted reckless and dangerous, but a total failure. We are urging that they shouldnt escalate, Mr. Cameron told Sky News, referring to Israel. This is a time to think with head as well as heart. To be smart as well as tough. His German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, went a bit further. Asked at a news conference on Monday whether Israel had the right to strike back, Ms. Baerbock said that the right to self-defense means fending off an attack; retaliation is not a category in international law, The Associated Press reported. As Israels leaders continued on Monday to mull a possible response to the massive Iranian aerial attack over the weekend, they faced several choices, all of which carry their own risks. In the past, Israel has hit back hard when its enemies attacked, hoping to discourage further hostilities. A cross-border raid in 2006 by Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese group, kicked off a devastating monthlong war, and rocket barrages fired by armed groups out of Gaza have escalated into days of heavy fighting and destruction. But this time Israel is juggling a host of conflicting interests, as well as some new factors. If it does respond to the unprecedented Iranian attack itself carried out in retaliation for a strike on an Iranian Embassy building in Syria that killed top commanders in Irans armed forces Israel must weigh whether to do so in proportion to the actual results of the Iranian assault, which was largely blocked by air defenses and caused little damage, or to consider what could have happened if more than 300 drones and missiles had actually hit Israel. Hard-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government are pushing for an immediate and forceful response, saying that the lack of one will further weaken Israel in its enemies eyes. Some Israelis see an opportunity to use military strikes to fulfill the longstanding Israeli goal of degrading Irans nuclear program. But other Israelis are urging restraint or so-called strategic patience, wary, among other things, of taking the nations focus away from its war with Hamas in Gaza, the efforts to release its scores of hostages there and its skirmishes with Hezbollah along its northern border, as well as the risk of setting off a broader regional conflict without international support. Analysts say the success of Israel and its allies, led by the United States, in blocking most of the Iranian attack has given Israel the leeway to choose how and when to respond, if at all. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain on Monday combined a strong condemnation of Irans weekend attack on Israel with a call for restraint from all sides, adding that he was working with allies to lower tensions in the region. Speaking to the British Parliament, Mr. Sunak described Irans assault as a reckless and dangerous escalation, confirmed that British planes had destroyed an undisclosed number of Iranian drones, and said that faced with such threats Israel has our full support. But in a finely calibrated set of comments to lawmakers, Mr. Sunak also said that all sides must show restraint. He said he plans to speak soon by phone with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, and added: We are working urgently with our allies to de-escalate the situation and prevent further bloodshed. We want to see calmer heads prevail. British condemnation of Iran was clear. Mr. Sunak said the government in Tehran was intent on sowing chaos in the region, and had shown its true colors. But in a two-hour question and answer session, Mr. Sunak urged restraint on Israel as it considers its next steps, noting that the government in Tehran was increasingly isolated on the international stage. Given that Iranian drones and missiles mainly failed to reach their targets, Mr. Sunak urged Israel to take the win and avoid further escalation. Earlier, in an interview with Sky News, Britains foreign secretary, David Cameron, also condemned Iran but appeared to concede that the Iranians had the right to respond to a missile strike on April 1 on its embassy compound in Syria, which killed top commanders in Irans armed forces and has been widely blamed on Israel. Asked what Britain would do if one of its consular buildings were attacked, Mr. Cameron said that it would take very strong action, adding that countries have the right to respond when they feel they have suffered an aggression. But Mr. Cameron also described Irans reaction as disproportionate. Look at the scale of that response, had those weapons not been shot down there would have been thousands of casualties, he said. In Parliament, Mr. Sunak faced relatively little direct criticism over Britains role in the defense of Israel, and several lawmakers pressed him to take further action and proscribe Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group. There was a continuing focus on the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, however. Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said that while he supported British military involvement, and that there was no justification for Irans actions, we cannot be naive to the fact that one of the drivers of tension in the region is the ongoing war in Gaza. I urge the government again to use every ounce of diplomatic leverage that we have, to make sure aid to Gaza is unimpeded and drastically scaled up, he added. Pro-Palestinian protesters shut down traffic Monday morning in cities across the country, part of a global effort to disrupt economies and pressure world leaders to push for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. In California, protesters chained themselves to barrels and blocked lanes on northbound I-880 in Oakland, while another group of demonstrators carrying banners disrupted southbound traffic. On the Golden Gate Bridge, protesters obstructed traffic in both directions, with some carrying a banner that read Stop the world for Gaza. The disruptions did not just affect drivers. In Chicago, protesters on I-190 blocked traffic coming into OHare International Airport, and passengers who had already arrived started walking on foot with their luggage to catch their flights. The airport announced on the social media platform X that there were substantial delays and encouraged passengers to use alternative transportation. By mid morning, traffic was moving into OHare again, according to the airport. In San Antonio, protesters carrying Palestinian flags blocked both sides of the Valero energy company headquarters, jamming traffic on the citys northwest side. In New York City on Monday afternoon, hundreds of protesters blocked traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge, and the police arrested some demonstrators. And in Philadelphia, pro-Palestinian protesters organized a teach-in that blocked rush-hour traffic. Others led a funeral-like procession of cars up Interstate 95, and a third group gathered outside City Hall, calling on local leadership to stop sending millions of dollars to Israel. They also made their way to Day & Zimmermann headquarters, which is a weapons manufacturer that organizers said supplies weapons to Israel, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The protests were part of A15 Action, a solidarity agreement to identify and blockade major choke points that would cause the most economic impact, according to its website. In Middletown, Conn., for example, pro-Palestinian protesters blocked employees entering and leaving a Pratt & Whitney factory that exports military engines for aircrafts. The police arrested multiple protesters, The Hartford Courant reported. The movement on Monday purposefully coincided with Tax Day in the United States. Protesters and activists across the country said they were calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and for the United States to stop providing military aid to the Israeli government. Protesters also gathered in major cities globally, including in Athens; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Sydney, Australia; and Barcelona, Spain. All echoed calls for a cease-fire. Arab countries, from the United Arab Emirates and Oman to Jordan and Egypt, have tried for months to tamp down the conflict between Israel and Hamas, especially after it widened to include armed groups backed by Iran and embedded deep within the Arab world. Some of them, like the Houthis, threaten Arab governments as well. But the Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel over the weekend, which put the entire region on alert, made the new reality unavoidable: Unlike past Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, and even those involving Israel and Lebanon or Syria, this one keeps expanding. Part of why these wars were contained was that they were not a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, said Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Middle East Institute. But now we are entering this era where a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran that could drag the region into the conflict and that could drag the U.S. in now that prospect of a regional war is going to be on the table all the time. For the moment, the only countervailing force is the desire of both the United States and its longtime foe Iran to avoid a widening of the conflict, said Joost Hiltermann, the International Crisis Group's program director for the Middle East and North Africa. Flying with a pet can be expensive and confusing, with fees, weight limits, carrier size rules and the need to make sure theres no loud barking (or meowing) on board. Recently, American Airlines relaxed its pet policy to allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag in addition to a pet in a carrier, and more private flight options have been emerging in recent years for pet owners who can afford them. Still, flying with large or medium-size dogs can be tricky, and many travelers are wary of leaving a pet in the planes cargo hold. For those traveling on the major carriers with their pets as carry-ons, heres what to know about each major domestic airlines policy. Who Were Key Players in the Trump Manhattan Criminal Trial? Donald J. Trump became the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime when a Manhattan jury found him guilty in May of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors charged him last year in relation to his involvement in the reimbursement of hush money paid to the porn star Stormy Daniels to cover up his sex scandal surrounding the 2016 presidential election. Mr. Trump's sentencing has been delayed to November. Take a closer look at the witnesses that testified at the Trump trial and other central figures. The Court Justice Juan M. Merchan Presiding Judge Before Justice Merchan presided over Mr. Trumps criminal trial, he also presided over the 2022 criminal trial and conviction of the Trump Organization, fining the company the maximum penalty of $1.6 million. A 17-year veteran of the court, Justice Merchan has been the subject of verbal attacks by Mr. Trump, who has also targeted the judge's family. Prosecution Witnesses David Pecker Former Publisher of The National Enquirer As the prosecution's first witness, Mr. Pecker testified about conspiring with Mr. Trump to protect his 2016 campaign. Mr. Pecker, who was The Enquirer's publisher at the time, told the jury how he had purchased and buried damaging stories about Mr. Trump, a practice prosecutors referred to as catch and kill. Prosecutors elicited testimony from Mr. Pecker about deals with Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump in 2006-7, and Dino Sajudin, a former doorman who in 2015 tried to sell a false tip that Mr. Trump had fathered a child out of wedlock. Rhona Graff Trumps Former Personal Assistant at the Trump Organization A veteran employee of the Trump Organization who once served as Mr. Trumps gatekeeper at Trump Tower, Ms. Graff testified about contacts kept in Mr. Trumps computer system for Ms. McDougal and Ms. Daniels. (Mr. Trump has denied the stories of sexual encounters with Ms. McDougal and Ms. Daniels.) Gary Farro Former Executive at First Republic Bank Mr. Farro testified that he had helped Michael D. Cohen, Mr. Trump's lawyer at the time, open an account in October 2016 for a limited liability company at First Republic Bank, which Mr. Cohen used to make a hush-money payment, totaling $130,000, to Ms. Daniels. Mr. Farro stated that Mr. Cohen had been eager to open the account and had funded it from his home-equity line of credit. Robert Browning Executive Director of C-SPAN Archive Prosecutors had Mr. Browning introduce a series of clips from C-SPAN, starting with a Trump campaign rally in October 2016 where Mr. Trump verbally attacked two women who had accused him of sexual assault. Phillip Thompson Regional Director of Field Operations for Esquire Deposition Solutions Mr. Thompson, a director at a court-reporting company, walked through the transcript of Mr. Trumps deposition in a civil defamation case brought by the writer E. Jean Carroll, where Mr. Trump verified that Truth Social is his social media site and established that he had married Melania Trump in 2005. Keith Davidson Stormy Daniels's Former Lawyer Mr. Davidson testified about negotiating the hush-money deals for Ms. McDougal and Ms. Daniels. He also testified about a conversation he had with Mr. Cohen, which was recorded, in which Mr. Cohen said that Mr. Trump hated the fact that we did it, referring to the hush-money payment to Ms. Daniels. Douglas Daus Analyst With Manhattan District Attorney's Office Mr. Daus, a senior forensic analyst, testified about the authenticity of phone records and recordings played during the trial, including one in which Mr. Trump and Mr. Cohen discussed a hush-money deal for Ms. McDougal. Georgia Longstreet Paralegal With Manhattan District Attorneys Office Prosecutors called Ms. Longstreet to the stand twice to introduce a series of Mr. Trumps Twitter posts into evidence, including a post denying the sexual encounter with Ms. Daniels as well as a tweet with a general threat: IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU. Ms. Longstreet also discussed texts between Ms. Danielss agent in 2016 and the editor of The National Enquirer, Dylan Howard, about Ms. Daniels. Hope Hicks Former Trump Spokeswoman Ms. Hicks, who worked on Mr. Trumps 2016 campaign and served in the White House until 2018, testified about the panic in the Trump campaign after the release of the Access Hollywood tape, in which Mr. Trump bragged about grabbing womens genitals. Ms. Hicks grew emotional on the stand shortly after describing a conversation with Mr. Trump in which he said it would have been bad for the story about the payoff to Ms. Daniels to come out before the election. Jeffrey McConney Former Trump Organization Controller Mr. McConney, a longtime employee of Mr. Trumps, described the reimbursement payments to Mr. Cohen and authenticated a handwritten note from the former Trump Organization chief financial officer, Allen H. Weisselberg, that reflected the details of the repayment plan to Mr. Cohen. Deborah Tarasoff Accounting Department Employee at Trump Organization Ms. Tarasoff testified about the internal process of paying back Mr. Cohen and identified business records invoices, ledgers and the checks to Mr. Cohen that prosecutors said had been falsified. Sally Franklin Executive at Penguin Random House Ms. Franklin read aloud passages from two books by Mr. Trump: Trump: How to Get Rich and Trump: Think Like a Billionaire. Some of the excerpts spoke to his frugality (every dollar counts in business, and for that matter, every dime), while others spoke to his penchant for revenge (when someone hurts you, just go after them as viciously and as violently as you can). Stormy Daniels Porn Director, Producer and Actress Ms. Daniels testified about receiving the $130,000 hush-money payment from Mr. Cohen in exchange for her silence about her story of a 2006 sexual encounter with Mr. Trump. She described the encounter in vivid detail and said that the sex had been consensual but that she felt there was a power imbalance between her and Mr. Trump. Rebecca Manochio Bookkeeper at Trump Organization Ms. Manochio, a current Trump Organization employee, described handling the checks that reimbursed Mr. Cohen for his $130,000 payment to Ms. Daniels. Tracy Menzies Executive at HarperCollins Prosecutors had Ms. Menzies read excerpts of Mr. Trumps 2006 book Think Big that painted him as a micromanager, including advice to get the best people and dont trust them. Madeleine Westerhout Former Director of Oval Office Operations Ms. Westerhout, Trumps former White House executive assistant, offered a look at Mr. Trumps work habits in the Oval Office, spoke of Mr. Trumps close relationship with Mr. Cohen and said she had sometimes seen Mr. Trump sign checks in his office by hand. Daniel Dixon Lead Compliance Analyst at AT&T Prosecutors used Mr. Dixon to authenticate and explain phone records produced by AT&T that the Manhattan district attorneys office had secured in its investigation. Jennie Tomalin Senior Analyst at Verizon Like Mr. Dixon, Ms. Tomalin put additional phone records into evidence that had been obtained by the Manhattan district attorneys office during its investigation. Jaden Jarmel-Schneider Paralegal With Manhattan District Attorneys Office Mr. Jarmel-Schneider testified that he had analyzed AT&T and Verizon phone records and also reviewed information contained in data extracted from Mr. Cohens phones. Michael Cohen Former Trump Lawyer and Fixer Mr. Cohen testified that the hush-money payment he made to Ms. Daniels had been paid at Mr. Trump's direction. A key witness for the prosecution, he testified about two crucial meetings. In the first, Mr. Cohen said, Mr. Trump approved the plan to falsify records to cover up the payment. In the second, Mr. Cohen said, Mr. Trump told Mr. Cohen that he would soon start receiving checks. Those checks would serve as his reimbursement. Mr. Cohen served time in prison after pleading guilty in 2018 to federal campaign finance charges related to the hush-money scheme. Mr. Trump has called Mr. Cohen a liar. Defense Witnesses Daniel Sitko Paralegal at Blanche Law Mr. Sitko, who works at the law firm for one of Mr. Trumps lawyers in this case, testified to reviewing phone records between Mr. Cohen and another witness, Robert J. Costello, showing that they had been in frequent communication. Robert Costello Lawyer Mr. Costello, who once served as Mr. Cohens informal legal adviser, said that Mr. Cohen had told him that Mr. Trump "knew nothing about those payments, that he did this on his own," referring to the payment to Ms. Daniels. On cross-examination, prosecutors portrayed Mr. Costello as an agent for Mr. Trump who wanted to prevent Mr. Cohen from cooperating with law enforcement officials in 2018. He was also scolded by Justice Merchan, who called him contemptuous on the witness stand. Central Figures Who Didnt Testify Dylan Howard Former Editor of The National Enquirer In the effort to bury negative stories about Mr. Trump before the 2016 election, Mr. Howard, who was the editor at the time, connected Mr. Cohen with a lawyer for Ms. Daniels, setting the hush-money deal in motion. Karen McDougal Former Playboy Model As part of the scheme to suppress negative stories about Mr. Trump before the 2016 election, American Media Inc., the parent company to the National Enquirer, paid Ms. McDougal $150,000 for the rights to her story of an affair with Mr. Trump in order to bury it. Allen Weisselberg Former Chief Financial Officer of the Trump Organization An employee of Mr. Trumps for nearly half a century, Mr. Weisselberg was present for a 2017 meeting in Trump Tower with Mr. Cohen where the three men settled on a plan to repay Mr. Cohen for the hush-money payment to Ms. Daniels. Mr. Weisselberg recently served time in the Rikers Island jail complex after pleading guilty to perjury in a civil case involving Mr. Trump. Prosecution Team at Manhattan District Attorneys Office Alvin Bragg District Attorney Out of various Trump investigations he inherited when he took office in 2022, Mr. Bragg zeroed in on the hush-money deal and resurrected the case. As the first criminal prosecutor to put Mr. Trump on trial, he became a frequent target of the former presidents attacks, which have continued since Mr. Trump's conviction. Joshua Steinglass Senior Trial Counsel After helping to lead the effort to convict the Trump Organization in 2022, Mr. Steinglass was added to the team prosecuting Mr. Trump's criminal case in Manhattan and delivered its closing argument. He typically prosecutes significant violent crime and secured a conviction in 2019 against two Proud Boy extremists for a violent brawl. Susan Hoffinger Investigations Division Chief One of the senior prosecutors on the trial team, Ms. Hoffinger also prosecuted the Trump Organization on tax charges, after her long career as a white-collar defense attorney. Matthew Colangelo Senior Counsel A former high-ranking official at the New York attorney generals office, Mr. Colangelo previously led a civil inquiry into Mr. Trump and oversaw an investigation into the Donald J. Trump Foundation, which led to its dissolution. He delivered the prosecution's opening statement at the start of Mr. Trumps criminal trial. Christopher Conroy Investigations Division Senior Adviser Mr. Conroy, who has been at the Manhattan district attorneys office since 1996 and previously led the major economic crimes unit, has worked on the investigations into Mr. Trump longer than any other member of the team. Becky Mangold Assistant District Attorney Before joining the offices major economic crimes unit in 2022, Ms. Mangold worked in private practice for over 10 years, where she focused on criminal and regulatory investigations related to financial misconduct. Katherine Ellis Assistant District Attorney Ms. Ellis joined the office in 2018 after working as an associate at a law firm. Before becoming a lawyer, Ms. Ellis worked as a legal analyst at Goldman Sachs. Defense Team Todd Blanche Trump Lawyer A former federal prosecutor, Mr. Blanche left a large law firm to defend Mr. Trump in this case and delivered both the opening statement and the closing argument. He is also representing Mr. Trump in the federal election interference case and the federal classified documents case. Susan Necheles Trump Lawyer A lawyer for Mr. Trump since 2021, Ms. Necheles also represented the Trump Organization in the criminal tax fraud trial in Manhattan, which resulted in a conviction and $1.6 million fine. She previously represented defendants in major organized-crime and public-corruption cases. Emil Bove Trump Lawyer Mr. Bove served as a federal prosecutor in New York before turning to private practice where he has represented defendants charged with white-collar crimes. Fraser Seitel Its 2024, and everything is cockeyed. Beyonce, of all people, is topping the country music charts. Hyper-annoying Stephen A. Smith is the highest-paid on-air talent at ESPN. And Donald Trump, Lord help us, is the odds-on favorite to be our next President. The world has gone bananas. Which brings us to the hottest question in public relations: Should employees be given a voice in running the organization? In the old daysbefore social media and the Internet and Silicon Valley work/life balance companiesthe answer was a resounding no. You got paid for doing your job, and management got paid for making decisions. Period. Today, its not that simple. In the aftermath of COVID remote work, companies have faced pushback from employees about returning full-time to the office. Amazon headquarters employees in Seattle walked out when CEO Andy Jassy had the temerity to ask them to return to the office three days a week. Eager to avoid similar internal dissension, firms from Google to JPMorgan Chase to Skadden have had to compromise on employee attendance. Adding to newfound employee muscle is the societal push for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) that encourages internal voices to be heard in organizational matters, large and small, from time-off policies to healthy food in breakrooms and vending machines to environmental/social/governance requisites of customers. While enlightenedi.e. timidmanagement might publicly proclaim the virtues of greater employee participation in corporate decision-making, the truth is that the democratic empowerment of staff signals potential danger for any organization. Here are three reasons why. First, NBC A month ago, NBCUniversals News Group Chairman Cesar Conde was pleased to announce that NBC had landed Ronna McDaniel, the former head of the Republican Party, as a special contributor. Ms. McDaniel, an early supporter of Donald Trumps complaint of an unfair election, would, according to Mr. Conde, add a unique, insiders perspective on the Republican Party. Or so she would have, had the prima donna, left-leaning employees at NBC not thrown a hissy fit at the new Republican in their midst. First, Chuck Todd, appearing as a guest on the Meet the Press show from which he was reportedly ushered out as host, registered his objection to the new hire. Former Republican Morning Joe Scarborough was next to protest the hiring of the anti-democratic McDaniel. From there, a parade of fellow NBC and MSNBC on-air personalities added their two cents to the anti-McDaniel chorus. And predictably, two days after he had triumphantly announced his signing coup, a chastened Conde, his proverbial tail tucked firmly between his proverbial legs, let it be known that Ms. McDaniel would not, after all, be joining NBC News. In terms of employee empowerment: Should Conde, whose future with NBC is now likely limited, have consulted his more cantankerous employees in advance about the plans to hire McDaniel? Sure. But should NBC have capitulated so immediately and completely to the demands of its employees, triggering a likely multi-million dollar lawsuit and expense, not to mention abject embarrassment to the network? No way. Second, NPR National Public Radio, meanwhile, was rattled as the result of a blog post by Uri Berliner, a 25-year NPR editor, who accused the network of having lost its credibility by overemphasizing DEI in its internal culture as well as race and identity politics in its external news coverage. The long-time editors denunciation of his employers non-journalistic bias triggered a strong rebuke from NPR management, which understandably claimed that its news coverage was fair and unbiased. NPRs editor-in-chief insisted that inclusion among our staff, with our sourcing and in our overall coverage is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world. Perhaps. But Mr. Berliners story did point out specific examples of how NPR was increasingly elevating the importance within the organization of certain issues and employee groups. Among them: NPR journalists were required to ask everyone they interviewed their race, gender and ethnicity and had to enter it into a centralized tracking system. A growing DEI staff offered regular meetings imploring staff members to start talking about race. Bolstered by a $1 million grant from the NPR Foundation, a burgeoning number of employee affinity groups began meeting and speaking up. These included MGIPOC (Marginalized Genders and Intersex People of Color); Mi Gente (Latinx employees); NPR Noir (Black employees); Ummah (Muslim-identifying employees); Women, Gender-Expansive, and Transgender People in Technology Throughout Public Media; Khevre (Jewish heritage and culture); and NPR Pride (LGBTQIA employees). In light of the hornets nest Berliner has exposed, its difficult to see how he continues his tenure at NPR. Even more difficult is how NPR wrestles back its control of journalistic standards now that employees have experienced such internal influence. Third, Google Of all the companies that have dealt with the complexities of increased employee empowerment, few offer the lessons that Google has to share. From its founding three decades ago, the search engine colossus has been a model of employee inclusion and concern. From offering on-site gyms, screening rooms, nap pods, free gourmet meals and dozens of other amenities, Google, in many ways, is an employee paradise. Yet as it has grown and prospered, Google has been wracked by recurring episodes of internal discord. Among them: In 2018, after the company awarded a lavish exit package to a manager charged with sexual misconduct, 20,000 Google employees staged a walkout to protest the payout and other workplace issues. In 2020, Google employees formed a union to push back against unethical decisions like signing a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense on artificial intelligence. No matter that the DOD contract meant billions of dollars of revenue for the company, the DOD was evil. Last year, when Google management asked workers to return to the office three days a week, employees took to internal message channels and external news sources to voice their disapproval. By 2024, the worlds most benevolent employer had had enough. Last month, Google summarily fired an engineer who interrupted a corporate presentation of the companys work with the Israeli military. This month, Google announced plans to tone down a 14-year-old internal message board that allowed employees to question sensitive client-related issues like the war in Gaza. When Google also recently announced hundreds of layoffs, its union protested the cuts were needless and vowed it wouldnt stop fighting until our jobs are safe! Google, it seemed, had learned the hard way that while employee inclusion and two-way communication remain important values for any organization, its never a good idea to let the inmates run the asylum. *** Fraser P. Seitel has been a communications consultant, author and teacher for 40 years. Hes the author of the Pearson text The Practice of Public Relations, now in its 14th edition, and co-author of Rethinking Reputation and Idea Wise. He may be reached directly at [email protected]. BCW and Hill & Knowlton, which will merge as of July 1 to form Burson, bring on financial communications and capital market advisory firm Buchanan Communications as part of the new unit, effective immediately. Buchanan Communications will be a brand within Burson together with Hill & Knowlton, GCI Health and AxiCom. Founded in 1984 and acquired by WPP in 1997, Buchanans services include strategic counsel on relations with all capital market stakeholders, on all types of transactions (including M&A), as well as crisis and change management and all other corporate situations. Buchanan also provides a comprehensive sustainability offering and such creative services as brand, website design, financial marketing collateral design, and digital content. Bringing the exceptional team at Buchanan to Burson gives us immediate strength in financial communications in key international markets and the firepower to expand this expertise at scale, said BCW global CEO Corey duBrowa, who will hold the same role with Burson upon completion of the merger. Stagwell enters into an agreement to acquire PROS Agency, a Brazil-based brand and marketing consultancy specializing in digital public relations, creative planning and production, influencer marketing, and brand development. The Sao Paulo-headquartered agency will serve the greater Latin America region as part of Allison, which is part of Stagwell. PROS founder and CEO Daniela Graicar, co-CEO Fernanda Tchernobilsky and Alan Strozenberg will continue to lead the agency. PROS creative strategy and digital innovation expertise helps brands create engaging and purposeful conversations with consumers, consistently pushing the boundaries of PR making them a true leader in the region, said Stagwell Chairman and CEO Mark Penn. With clients including Amazon, Mondelez and Kimberly Clark, the agency closed 2023 with 50 percent growth and expects to grow another 20 percent this year. The LAGRANT Foundation, which provides scholarships, career & professional development workshops, mentorships, and internships/entry-level positions to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students, launched an alumni advisory council comprised of 15 previous scholarship recipients. The council will be chaired by Procter & Gamble and co-chaired by Omnicom Public Relations Group. The mission of the council is to support and enhance the Foundation in its pursuit of increased racial diversity in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations. Building community and networking is essential in this industry, so it was important for us to support this initiative to better connect with TLFs diverse alumni network, said TLF Board Member Soon Mee Kim, EVP, chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer, OPRG. Impact Management Group, which is headed by Republican operative Terry Benham, works to build US support for Ukraine. He has advised the Republican National Committee, Republican Governors Assn. and was a southern regional director for Fred Thompsons presidential campaign. His Little Rock-based firm represents Kyiv Global Outreach, a nonprofit that carries out educational and advocacy activities to preserve Ukraines democratic values and promote industrial and economic development of the country. Its four-month contract, which began March 15, is worth $12,500 per month. Impact Managements pact is with DCI Group, which inked a $3.6M one-year agreement with Kyiv Global in February. A call for late evening train services from Heuston to Tullamore, Clara and Athlone has been made by the Green Party local election candidate for the Tullamore Municipal District, Liam Walsh. He said that in the course of his door to door canvassing in Tullamore one of the most prominent issues arising is the absence of a late evening train service from Heuston station to the town. The Green Party man stated that the issue has been raised with him consistently on the canvass with a number of people stating that they continue to use their car to travel daily to and from Dublin because the departure time of the last train leaving Heuston station is 7.35pm. He said that this gap in connectivity with the capital needs to be addressed as a matter of priority as aside from promoting more sustainable travel practices the provision of a later train service would greatly enhance the quality of life from so many households who have family members commuting regularly to Dublin for work, college or other reasons. He stated, that he is calling for the late evening service from Heuston to be improved significantly and he also stated that there is evidence that the early morning service from Tullamore to Heuston is now at or near full capacity which he says is something which also needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. Mr Walsh has begun a petition, encouraging as many people as possible to sign, so we can send a clear message to the National Transport Authority. The petition can be scanned or visit Petition Run Later Trains from Dublin to Tullamore, Clara and Athlone - Ireland Change.org This month's Offaly History lecture is entitled From hovels to homes: housing conditions and public housing in Tullamore, 1900-1945 and will be given by Dr Peter Connell. The lecture takes place at Offaly History Centre, Bury Quay, Tullamore, R35 Y5V0 at 8 pm on Monday, April 15 next. You can attend in person or via Zoom - for link email info@offalyhistory.com At the end of World War II in 1945, 35% or over one-third of private dwellings in Tullamore town had been built by the local urban council. Over the course of forty years, the towns housing stock had been transformed from one where hundreds of families lived in over-crowded, dark and insanitary lanes and streets to one where the great majority of the towns population had the benefit of running water, flush toilets and adequate living space. The lecture will outline housing conditions in Tullamore in the early years of the twentieth and compare them to conditions in other Irish and British towns. The focus then turns to the various Housing Acts, from the Housing of the Working Classes Act passed in Westminster in 1890 to the 1932 Act passed by the new Fianna Fail government. These acts provided the legislative framework through which Tullamore Urban Council could provide public housing. Their implementation, of course, was shaped by politics and economics, both national and local. The lecture will explore this context, describing how the Irish Parliamentary Party dominated local politics in the early years the century, how the state and the local council struggled to address the housing crisis in the 1920s and how the Fianna Fail building programme of the 1930s focused on a public health agenda and on what was called slum clearance. Over 200 condemned houses were demolished in these years with residents offered tenancies in new estates in Callary St, OMolloy St and Park Avenue. The lecture will conclude with an assessment of forty years of council housing in Tullamore, its achievements and failures and how Tullamore compared to other Irish provincial towns. Peter Connell is a native of Navan and has been living in Co Kildare for the past forty years. He is involved in local history in Meath, acting as convenor of the Meath History Workshop, co-editor of Navan Its People and Its Past, the journal of the Navan and District Historical Society and, since 2015, as editor of Riocht na Midhe, the journal of the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society. In 2004, his book, The land and people of County Meath, 1750-1850 was published by Fourt Courts Press and he has also contributed to various books and journals on topics ranging from the Great Famine to the history of the public library service. In 2017 he completed a PhD in the History Department in Trinity College Dublin on the provision of public housing in Ireland, 1890-1945. Oh, sorry. Perhaps I should not have belittled Donnie for having small hands. That would be mean-spirited. Maybe I should have titled him as Donnie Dipshit. Anyway, this past week, Donnie was his usual confused and deliberately manipulative self. He went off the deep end trying to decide whether he was in favor of, or definitely opposed to, the people and legislators in of each state deciding the right thing to do, with regard to something that used to be guaranteed by a half-century-old Supreme Court precedent. For the longest time now, Donnie has been crowing loudly about being singularly responsible for the over-turning of the Court's position established in Roe v. Wade, 1973. The premise adopted when Roe was overthrown, was that the decision about abortion rights should not be a federal government decision at all, and that it should be given back to individual states to decide this issue. But then, almost two years ago, the proponents of trashing Roe got what they have been hoping to achieve for 50 years, and Roe was thrown out like a used condom (sorry, since we are talking about reproductive rights, I couldn't resist). This past week Donnie said words to this effect. The half-century long battle over Roe, has now been taken out of the hands of federal authority, and "put into the hearts, minds, and votes" of the people, where it belongs. Now the people of every state can do the right thing. Yeah, he said that. Oops. Donnie has, not quite in the same breath, but pretty quickly, back-tracked on that point. Now, for the moment anyway, Donnie doesn't like what the state of Arizona has done on the issue. Arizona has decreed that since this issue is now up to them to decide, they have opted for returning to a statute from the 1860s, which mandates an absolute ban on abortion with only one exception, when the life of the mother is endangered. Incest, too? Nope. How about rape victims? Nope. Maybe when the fetus is unviable to survive and delivery "might be" problematic for the mom? Nope. Sorry, no abortion, not until it is definitely threatening the life of the mother. And any doctor or other health-care professional who performs or assists in such abortions is now liable for "murder", and subject to arrest and imprisonment. This old statute was written back when women couldn't even vote. Married women were the property of their husbands. This law was written back before Arizona was even a state. But all the way back to its authority, we go, says twenty-first-century Arizona. And what does Donnie have to say about this, now that the issue is in the hands of the people of Arizona to do the right thing? This past week he has stated that what Arizona did is the wrong thing, and that surely it will be "fixed" very soon. How will it be fixed? Donnie shied away from that question, but it definitely needs to be "fixed", he reported. At least for now, it seems, Republicans feel that such an extreme ban on abortion is not "the right thing". As some commentators have alleged, the current situation for Republicans is akin to the dog who caught the car it was chasing, and can't figure out what to do with the darned thing. If states get the ability to decide the right thing, and fail to decide the right thing, why not make it a federal issue, so that the UNITED States (you know, as in ALL of them), can maybe "do the right thing". If there is such a convenient thing as "THE right thing" to do (Donnie's words, not mine), why not make it so everybody can enjoy it? Hmmm? We could have that. Or we can have fifty different interpretations of what the right thing to do happens to be, with some states opting to just go back to the 1800s. Yeah, that sounds like a plan. You almost have to feel sorry for the dog, don't you? What the heck does a dog need with a car, anyway? All he ever did with a car is pee on it. He can just go back to peeing on trees. Dogs have been peeing on trees since way before the 1800s. Please pick a century in which to live. You know, so our country doesn't go to the dogs. Glendale School Board candidate Jordan Henry from his campaign website. (Image by Jordan Henry) Details DMCA A key component of the right-wing infecting our country today is the appropriation of patriotic symbols to represent these beliefs suggesting that it is unAmerican to disagree with them. This ultra-nationalism has been on display during violent protests held by Leave Our Kids Alone (LOKA), including the one in front of Saticoy Elementary School on June 2, 2023. This included not only the literal wrapping of themselves in the American flag but also speeches claiming that their hatred of the LGBTQ+ community was somehow an American value. Also made clear by the protestors in matching white shirts was their fidelity to Trump, an ex-president known for his praise of authoritarians and stated intention to be a dictator on "day one" should he be elected to a second term. Not only were Trump flags and "Let's Go Brandon" flags waved alongside the red, white, and blue during the Saticoy protest, but participants in the attempted insurrection on January 6, 2021, also participated in protests led by LOKA. Also identified at these protests were members of the Proud Boys, the group told by Trump to "stand back and stand by" during the presidential debate and whose leader was convicted on charges of Seditious Conspiracy for his part in the attempt to overturn the will of the voters in the 2020 election. While anti-Semitism has not been the focus of LOKA protests, it is an element that has been present. However, we must never forget that Jews were not the only victims of Hitler's brutality. While they suffered the largest number of deaths, members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay males, were viciously singled out during the Holocaust. The LOKA crowd shares this hatred. Their mission is to turn back recent historic gains in securing LGBTQ+ rights by framing discrimination against these groups as a religious right protected by the First Amendment. Despite sharing the three basic tenets of Nazism, ultra-nationalism, support of dictatorship, and anti-Semitism along with other forms of bigotry, Jordan Henry, classified the labeling of a group's supporters as Nazis as a form of "hate speech". During that same address to the Glendale Unified School District's (GUSD) School Board, Henry also violated one of the Ten Commandments and held up a sign attacking the District's Assistant Superintendent for standing up for the rights of trans students. As a candidate, he claimed to represent the parents and "promised to do everything in [his] power to remove [the Board Member] from these seats". The results from the March 5th primary election that were just validated showed that the public was not interested in backing Henry's fight. He never led during the counting process and secured only 34.92% of the votes in the final count. The results for the other race on the Glendale ballot was not as decisive. The initial count showed Aneta Krpekyan, an opponent of mask mandates and other public health measures, in the lead. However, mail-in ballots returned closer to the election broke in her opponent's favor and she lost by 190 votes. Unable to accept that the electorate was not buying what they were selling, right-wing extremists attributed the loss to cheating. The Glendale School Board was not the only place where hate and the support of violence were on the ballot: LOKA-supported LAUSD candidate Raquel Villalta was a distant third in Board District 3, securing 11.99% of the vote. Rudy Melendez not only lost the election for the Los Angeles City Council (sixth place with only 3.73% of the vote), but he also came in dead last in the race for a seat on the Republican's County Central Committee and was the only candidate who did not get seated. James Clarke only received 11.86% of the vote and will not become a member of the Glendale City Council. These victories do not mean that members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies can rest going into the General Election on November 5, 2024. In their quests for seats on the California State Assembly, Tony Rodriguez and Patrick Lee Gipson came in second place. They will face off against Nick Schultz and Pilar Schiavo in the General Election. Alex Balekian received almost half the votes of Laura Friedman in the race to replace Adam Schiff but still beat out LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin and 12 other candidates earning a place on the November ballot. Defeating all three must be a priority. 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. This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. When you watch the latest TV news on Israel's war in Gaza, it feels as if its military had invaded another country. So, it's important to remind ourselves that the tens of thousands of weapons the Biden administration has been sending to Israel since October 7th, including most recently, as the Washington Post reported, "more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs" -- and keep in mind that those 2,000 pounders are "capable of leveling city blocks and leaving craters in the earth 40 feet across and larger" -- are meant to be used to obliterate a 25-mile-long strip of land, smaller than some large American cities. It's hard to remember a moment when such a relatively tiny area got quite such a pounding, day after day, week after week, month after month. And keep in mind as well, that not many small areas of land are quite so densely populated (about 14,000 people per square mile), so the toll from those American weapons has been nothing short of devastating. In addition, a 2,000-pound bomb capable of destroying a city block won't make any distinction between a member of Hamas and families with children. Nor, it's now all too clear, has the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing compatriots had the faintest urge to make such a distinction. Otherwise, an estimated 10,000 Gazan children, or one of every 100 kids there, wouldn't be dead and, in all too many cases, buried in the rubble of the buildings in which they lived. In short, there can be little question that the present war not just in, but on, Gaza, is a crime against humanity (as, of course, was Hamas's October 7th attack on Israel). With that in mind -- and worse yet, no end yet in sight for such a nightmare -- let TomDispatch regular Ellen Cantarow, who long ago wrote about Israel for various American publications, offer a glimpse of hell on earth in the world of 2024. Tom Dead on Arrival Israel's Blowback Genocide By Ellen Cantarow Words can't express the horrors of Israel's genocide in Gaza. To actually feel the nightmare, you would have to be there under the bombs, fleeing with Palestinians desperately seeking a safe place that doesn't exist; seeing building after building destroyed; treading through blood in one of the few, only partially standing hospitals; and witnessing children and other patients sprawled on hospital floors, limbs amputated without anesthesia (Israel having blocked all medical supplies). It has taken the Jewish state's savagery to break decades of silence about its history of crimes against humanity. U.S. military historian Robert Pape has called the onslaught against Gaza "one of the most intense civilian punishment campaigns in history." Former U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour has said that we are witnessing "probably the highest kill rate of any military" since the Rwandan genocide of 1994." An Unsent Letter Palestine is finally an international cause. Outrage surges via global demonstrations. Israel has become a pariah in the global South. In the United States, organizations including A Jewish Voice for Peace, Code Pink, and the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights have been marching against the horrors now underway. Within this charged atmosphere, the 66th reunion of my 1958 Philadelphia High School for Girls graduating class will take place in June 2024. Girls' High was that city's leading academic public high school of my time, together with its brother school, Central High (attended by Noam Chomsky). It was stellar not only for its academic excellence but for its integration of Black and White students at a time of deep segregation elsewhere. My mother, who graduated from Girls' High in 1924, sent me there because of its policy of racial inclusiveness. I recently began preparing an open letter to my classmates about the genocide in Gaza and the ongoing settler pogroms of ethnic cleansing on the West Bank -- houses burned, olive trees uprooted, Palestinians made to flee. Ours is the prototypical Zionist generation and I particularly wanted to address my former classmates, some of whom still cling stubbornly to their allegiance to Israel. I was told, however, that there wouldn't be time to read the letter at our reunion which lasts just a few afternoon hours. What follows, then, is based on the letter I was preparing to read then, had the time been available. Zionism and The Six Day War In the early 1950s, my best childhood friend collected money to plant trees in Israel. At one point, her synagogue, which sponsored that project, needed "straight pins." Somehow, I heard "shraypins" instead, a mysterious Hebrew word my imagination concocted and that her friends would find funny indeed. Zionism, in other words, was simply foreign to me. The first time I recall a thrill from it came right after Israel's triumph in the 1967 Six Day War. I was then actively involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement on my graduate school campus and, on a trip to Paris that year, didn't want to identify as American. I spoke French quite well and not being able to tell from my slight accent that I was an American, someone asked me where I was from. Searching for a nationality I wouldn't be ashamed of, I blurted out that I was an "Israelite." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Tops and Bottoms USA is super excited to announce something truly awesome! We've gathered the coolest brands ever, like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Puma, Bally, Converse, UGG, Jordan Craig, Versace, Timberland, Lacoste, and G-Star Raw. We want to help you look super stylish and trendy! Tops and Bottoms USA knows what's hot in fashion. We have handpicked these brands just for you because they are the best of the best. Each brand Bangalore:- Eureka Windoor Systems Pvt Ltd, a leading name in the fenestration industry, proudly announces its unwavering commitment to crafting superior quality UPVC Profiles, windows & doors under its renowned brand, Eumax UPVC. With its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bangalore, the company has been setting benchmarks in delivering energy-efficient, soundproof, and architecturally elegant UPVC solutions. Eumax UPVC windows and doors have gained significant recognition among discerning homeowners and builders for their Muscat, Oman - 10/04/2024 - Go Oman, the leading tour operator known for showcasing the hidden gems of Oman, is thrilled to announce its latest adventure - the "Desert Experience: Wahiba Sands & Wadi Bani Khalid" tour package. This exhilarating full-day excursion promises a captivating journey through Oman's awe-inspiring landscapes, allowing travelers to experience the stark beauty of the desert alongside the refreshing embrace of a hidden oasis. "We're delighted to In March, the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art in Baku, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and art agency "artXchange Global", organized and hosted an exceptional cultural event, the Art Week of Lithuanian Artists, titled "Reimagining Memories". The week-long celebration offered a captivating exploration of Lithuania's rich artistic landscape and heritage. Curated by Ms. Ornela Ramasauskaite, an international art market expert and CEO of A group of demonstrators waving Palestinian flags blocked travel lanes on Interstate 5 Monday morning in Eugene, stopping all southbound traffic for 45 minutes. The demonstration began around 10 a.m. near the Harlow Bridge, the Oregon State Police said in a press release. Law enforcement officers arrested 52 of people on allegations of disorderly conduct, state police officials said, but they did not release the names of the people in custody or many additional details about their arrests. Law enforcement booked them into the Lane County Jail, and two of the protesters face additional charges of conspiracy and theft. At least one of the protesters was found with a gun, they said. Mondays protest came on the day of a planned coordinated economic blockade to free Palestine, according to a website from advocates of the action. Protests were planned in other cities, including Seattle, where demonstrators blocked access to the airport Monday afternoon. Monday 4/15 3:00 p.m. A demonstration has closed the airport expressway leading to SEA Airport. Travelers coming to the airport are urged to use alternate routes or take Light Rail and public transit. We will post updates as theyre available. pic.twitter.com/eyLT3SKD6B Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) April 15, 2024 The southbound lanes of I-5 are now open. Restoring traffic took the work of 121 officers, deputies and troopers from police agencies in Salem, Eugene, Springfield and Lane County. Oregon Department of Transportation workers also responded, as did firefighters with the Eugene and Springfield departments. Oregon State Police supports an individuals right to lawfully protest and express concerns over world events, an unnamed spokesperson for the agency wrote in the press release. However, todays actions put Oregons motorists in danger as well as the protestors who blocked the roadway. Tanner Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com, or 503-221-4313. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. Vancouver police and U.S. marshals arrested a 31-year-old man on Friday in the April 1 shooting in Portland that killed one and injured another. Damariea R. Harris, of Portland, was arrested in Vancouver on accusations of second-degree murder with a firearm, attempted murder and first-degree assault for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Morieo Camel-Harris, according to a press release from the Portland Police Bureau. The shooting happened in the Hazelwood neighborhood around 5:30 p.m, police officials said. The officers who responded found Camel-Harris dead at the scene, along with an unidentified second victim who was injured by gunfire and taken to a hospital, according to police. Portland police said they did not find any suspect at the scene when they arrived. In 2014, Harris was convicted of first-degree assault in Multnomah County, court records show. Harris was at the Clark County Jail as of Monday morning, but Oregon officials were requesting that Harris be transferred to Multnomah County custody. No court date has been announced. Camel-Harriss death marked the 23rd homicide in Portland in 2024, compared with 21 at the same point last year when Portland experienced a drop in killings after two straight years of record-breaking violence. Tanner Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com, or 503-221-4313. The latest police mission targeting street racing in Portland resulted in multiple arrests and cars seized over the weekend, the Portland Police Bureau said. Over three days, police said they arrested 12 people and towed 33 cars at three sites across the city. A Saturday event attracted an estimated 500 people, with drivers and spectators arriving in Portland from Idaho, Washington and California. This was a significant hazard to the community, said Lt. Chadd Stensgaard of North Precinct. He said the mission used officers from all three bureau precincts. Joining the cops were three Multnomah County deputy district attorneys. The crackdown is part of an aggressive approach launched earlier this year and that will continue, said Stensgaard. He said Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt is taking prosecutions seriously, all part of a plan to send what he called a message to street racers. In January, the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission approved a $100,000 award following a direct pitch for financial assistance from Schmidt and Portland Police Chief Bob Day. The money will allow Portland police to more than double the number of enforcement missions they undertake this year as compared to last year, police said. In recent years, street-racing enthusiasts from around the area and even out of state have routinely flocked to Portland and, usually late at night, shut down major roadways, intersections and sometimes bridges. The illegal street takeovers, which can last for hours, often involve drivers spinning their cars wildly in circles and racing each other, with large crowds cheering them on. Residents who live nearby have said theyve been threatened by participants. Crashes have killed both drivers, spectators and innocent bystanders; shootings also have happened at Portland street races. The Portland City Council issued an ordinance in 2021 to increase street-racing penalties, including towing cars. Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill into law last June that increased punishments for people caught street racing in Oregon. Stensgaard said police dont often know in advance where, or when, racing and street takeovers will happen. He said officers make a mad scramble when they hear often from complaining citizens about the event. In 2023, he said, police responded to 342 racing events. Every year we get three or four large events that can attract 1,000 people, he said. Its a trend in every major city. This weekends mission began Friday night at a street takeover on Swan Island, police reported. The next night, law enforcement focused on the largest event a street takeover at Northeast 102nd Avenue near Glisan Street. Twelve cars eight of them stolen were towed Saturday. One unlawfully possessed gun was also seized, police said. Stensgaard said a smaller event Sunday ended with one arrest and six cars towed. He said a majority of the drivers are young and drive with reckless abandon. He said spectators have been hit by cars doing cookies, spinning out in circles on the street. The reality, he said, was that its nearly impossible for police spread thin across the city to prevent a street race or takeover. The goal, he said, is to get them to end quickly. And to send a message that racing in the city can lead to an arrest and having the drivers car seized. -- Tom Hallman Jr. is a member of the public safety team. Reach him at 503 221-8224; thallman@oregonian.com Shane Dixon Kavanaugh contributed to this story. The city of Portland and the U.S. Department of Justice have selected Los Angeles Police Departments inspector general Mark P. Smith to serve as the independent monitor of mandated Portland police reforms under the citys federal settlement agreement over excessive force. The City Council will vote on the selection of Smiths MPS & Associates firm on May 2. City officials, Justice Department lawyers and community advocacy groups that have been parties to the longstanding settlement identified Smith and his firm as the most qualified, citing his understanding of Portland and its challenges, as well as his expertise in police oversight, constitutional policing and community engagement, according to a court filing. U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon in November approved changes to the city of Portlands settlement with the Justice Department that called for hiring an independent monitor to oversee pared-down requirements that will allow the city to concentrate on police accountability, officer use of force and the accurate reporting of police use of force. The settlement was drafted in 2012 to address federal findings that Portland police used excessive force against people with mental illness. It called for widespread changes to police use-of-force and Taser policies, training and oversight, a restructuring of police crisis intervention services and quicker investigations into alleged police misconduct. Simon approved the settlement in 2014. The monitor team will do semi-annual critiques of the citys compliance with the remaining requirements, provide recommendations and advice to police on how to meet and sustain the requirements, hold community outreach town hall meetings and provide updates to the judge overseeing the settlement. The city received applications for the monitor from 13 teams and invited representatives from the police union, the Albina Ministerial Alliances Coalition for Justice and Police Reform, the Mental Health Alliance and the Portland Committee on Community-Based Policing to review the applications and provide feedback. Seven candidates were invited for Zoom-based interviews in February. Three finalists were then identified on Feb. 21: Smith; Darryl Neier, a former prosecutor who works for a New Jersey public safety think tank; and Katie Zafft of the Crime and Justice Institute, a Boston-based consulting group that analyzes local law enforcement, according to court records. Finalists appeared at a public town hall in mid-March. Smith has spent nearly his entire 19-year legal career in civilian police oversight. He has served as the inspector general of the Los Angeles Police Department since 2018. He also previously served as a constitutional adviser to the the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, the first independent police auditor for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District known as BART and as a deputy chief administrator for Chicagos Independent Police Review Authority. If appointed to the new role in Portland, hell resign from his job in Los Angeles and the independent monitors role will be his primary focus, according to court records. Smiths proposal to the city estimated his teams cost of serving as independent monitor for the two-year period at $1.6 million: $837,500 the first year and $753,750 the second year. Antoinette Edwards, a longtime Portland community activist who was a former director of Portlands Office of Youth Violence Prevention, will serve on Smiths team as an associate monitor overseeing community engagement and training. Edwards said she was on vacation and got a call from Smith, who told her that others had recommended she be part of the process. I wanted to be sure there was a Portland connection and a Portland perspective, Edwards said. Smith said his team members already have experience overseeing police departments and have a first-hand understanding of the extensive work that goes into adopting changes. He pledged to be accessible and present in Portland during the monitoring, take a cost-conscious approach and ensure the peoples voices are heard and incorporated in the work. Smith said he recognizes Portland isnt dealing with a new settlement agreement but one that is more than a decade old, one that is ready to be wound down through sustained compliance. He said his team will be guided by the principle that everyone who makes up Portlands diverse communities deserves policing that is professional and constitutional. Also joining Smith would be Brian Buchner, who now works with him as the assistant inspector general of the Los Angeles Police Department; Jose Che Ramirez, now senior adviser of homelessness operations to the Los Angeles mayor; John Thomas, chief of the University of California, Los Angeles, police department who previously spent 20 years with Los Angeles police; and Russell Bloom, current independent police auditor for the Bay Area Rapid Transit District. The move to a monitor followed 10 months of mediation with the help of U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman. If the City Council approves the selection of Smith and his firm, city lawyers will appear in court on May 15 to ask Simon to appoint Smith & Associates as the independent monitor. -- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, or on LinkedIn. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. Broadway Across America, the company that brings Broadway productions like The Lion King and Wicked to Portland, said in a letter Friday that it did not currently endorse any of the three remaining plans to renovate or replace the Keller Auditorium. Keller Auditorium is owned by the city and operated by Portland5, which is managed by the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission and Metro Council. Completed in 1917, it is the largest theatrical auditorium in Oregon and the only Portland theater that can host touring Broadway productions. But it needs seismic updates and other upgrades to continue to work as a performance venue. While we are ready and willing to work with any council decision, wrote Broadway Across America CEO Rich Jaffe, in a letter sent to various groups working on plans to replace or remodel the building, we feel it necessary to once again voice our concerns about the significant impacts of the proposed nineteen month closure associated with the renovation proposal. This is not the first time concerns have been voiced over how the project will impact Broadway Across America. At a meeting last year, Portland5s executive director, Robyn Williams, noted that half of Portland5s annual revenue comes from big-name shows at Keller Auditorium. While some events could be moved to different venues, there is nowhere else in Portland that is capable of hosting touring Broadway shows. Our greatest concern right now about the renovation is the multi-year closure of Keller, Williams said at the time. It would significantly impact our regional culture and economy because there is nowhere in our region for these shows. The three remaining proposals include a renovation of the over-century-old Keller or a new performing arts space in the Lloyd Center or at Portland State Universitys University Place Hotel. In Fridays letter, Jaffe said Broadway Across America saw promise and opportunity in each of the three proposals but, he noted, Our primary focus is to maintain continuity for audiences to attend Broadway in Portland each year. Jaffe did not lay out individual problems with the Lloyd Center and PSU proposals. Instead, he focused on the issue of renovating the current building, noting that concerns out construction delays could mean many shows may choose to not book in Portland until construction is finished and the doors are open. Also, he wrote, the loyal subscriber audience may go elsewhere during the closure and it could take many years to rebuild that audience. Broadway Across America, Jaffe said, is also worried about job loss for those who staff theater shows at the Keller, and the downstream effect of losing those theater arts professionals in the city, as well as the financial loss to restaurants, hotels and other businesses in the area during a closure. If the city decides to replace the building, Broadway in Portland would be able to continue to use Keller Auditorium until the new venue is ready, Jaffe said. But, if the city decides to renovate, Broadway Across America is proposing that the Keller shutter for four to six months per year, for multiple years, and still allow for a shortened Broadway season each year. Their position is much like ours, said Robyn Williams, executive director of Portland5. We are not currently endorsing one option over another. However, she added, we have the same concerns over anything that would prompt the closure of the Keller. As far as the other plans, Williams said Portland5 has not seen those yet. It should be noted that Broadway in Portland has more than 30 years as a long-time Broadway partner with both Portland Opera and Portland5, Williams said. They have long been vested partners in the greater good of the Portland arts community. PSU President Ann Cudd responded to the letter from Broadway Across America in a statement, saying she believes the best answer to the problem is the PSU proposal. Portland State was asked to propose an alternative to rebuilding the Keller Auditorium in place and we have put forward a plan for a new arts and culture complex that would not only allow shows to go on during construction, but would result in a facility built for the next 100 years of performing arts in Portland, Cudd said. Beyond merely replacing the Keller, PSUs proposal brings multiple funding sources to the table and would include community spaces, a smaller performance venue, a hotel, conference facilities and educational space to support the arts and related programs, Cudd said. In addition to avoiding the financial impact of having no place to host Broadway Across America performances affecting more than 200,000 visitors in a single season we believe our plan is the best option for securing downtown Portlands brightest future. Carrie Belding, a spokesperson for the citys Office of Management and Finance, said Monday that all the current proposals are all still conceptual in nature. At the end of next month, the three concepts will be formally presented at a City Council meeting by each proposal team, Belding said. The proposal teams have had opportunities to meet with Broadway Across America and other user groups, stakeholders, and theater experts. We look forward to the presentations in May, ahead of a larger community engagement effort that begins in June. Neither Hennebery Eddy Architects who put forth the renovation plans, nor the Urban Renaissance Group which manages the Lloyd Center immediately responded to request for comment. Lizzy Acker covers life and culture and writes the advice column Why Tho? Reach her at 503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com or @lizzzyacker Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. Oregonians already know our state has provided a scenic location for several movies, ranging from much-loved classics like The Goonies to more obscure fare. Now, the HGTV website is taking note of two Oregon towns that served as locations for the ever-popular films Twilight, Stand By Me and the Disney Channel TV movie, Halloweentown. In a feature called Must-Visit Small-Town Movie Sets Across America, the HGTV website has rounded up small towns that have enjoyed moments of big-screen fame. According to the post, Filmmakers know small towns make great movie locations because they feel authentic. Fans who dont live in big cities like L.A. can identify with small town settings and often snap up tickets, turning movies about small-town life into blockbuster hits. The introduction to the list also says that Movies set in small towns also hold down production costs for filmmakers, although some spend money to revitalize flagging downtowns. Residents benefit even more when the movies debut, tourism picks up and the local economy gets a boost. The Oregon towns in the HGTV spotlight are St. Helens, about 29 miles from Portland, and Brownsville. Twihards are well aware that scenes from the first movie in the Twilight franchise were filmed in St. Helens. As the HGTV list says, With its small-town feel, natural beauty and quaint parks, boutiques and eateries, St. Helens, Oregon, was a perfect stand-in for Forks, Washington, where fictional characters Bella and Charlie Swan lived in Twilight, released in 2008. The post says fans can rent the Swan house as an Airbnb, see costumes and decor from the movie, eat at the same dining table the actors used and sleep in a bedroom furnished with a lifesize cut-out of Jacob, Bella or Edward. OK, that lifesize cut-out sounds a bit unnerving, but anyway. As the Oregon Office of Film & Video notes, the HGTV list also mentions the Oregon Film Trail, and directs attention to another St. Helens claim to fame, namely the annual Spirit of Halloweentown Festival, which celebrates the towns status as a location for the Disney Channel 1998 TV movie, Halloweentown. The entry for Brownsville, Oregons second must-visit movie filming location, notes that the 1986 movie, Stand By Me, filmed in the Brownsville area. As the site says, Brownsville, located north of Eugene, was transformed for the movie, set in 1959. You can still see a Coca-Cola sign painted for the film on the exterior of the 1903 Bank of Brownsville on Main Street. Stand By Me movie locations in Brownsville, the list says, included the Calapooia River Bridge on Main Street, two homes, a treehouse on School Avenue, a Baptist cemetery, The Brownsville Saloon (a pool hall called Irbys in the film) and Pioneer Park, where locals worked as extras in the big pie-eating scene. The HGTV list also mentions the annual Stand By Me Day in Brownsville, held on July 23. The event has, as the entry says, included guided walking tours of the movies locations, displays of vintage cars, and more. More of our coverage: Oregon film tourism trend brings visitors to communities where movies and TV shows filmed 19 Oregon-filmed movies that take you on a virtual tour around the state Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Nepotism caused so much upset in Oregon just a few short years ago. It cannot proceed without protest now, (Editorial: Oregonians need Kotek to cut through drama, not create it, March 31). Oregon Gov. Tina Koteks actions would bring her wife into the state capitol in a role similar to a state employee but without a civil service application and procedures, granting her power and privileges simply through marital status. This issue contributed to the ending a recent governors stay in office - and that governors ouster was mightily assisted by Kotek. The Oregonian/OregonLive is in the midst of its annual update of the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System beneficiary database. Last week, we published an update that showed nearly 6,000 retirees tapped into the pension benefit system in 2023. In a week or so, well have our database fully updated and available so readers can lookup all current retirees and their benefits. Reporter Ted Sickinger, who has examined the system for more than a decade, joined Editor Therese Bottomly for this weeks installment of Beat Check with The Oregonian to talk about the challenges facing PERS and Oregon public agencies. Sickinger talks about his analysis of the new retirees and their benefits and also the outliers in the system as a whole. The conversation covers: --How we got here and the real-life impact of the systems shortfall --What reforms have already been made to the system? --What can the Legislature and the PERS board do about the shortfall? --Whats behind some of the outsized benefits packages? Listen here: To learn more about PERS: How did we get here? A short video How a serial killer kept receiving PERS in prison The Oregonian wins Pulitzer Prize for PERS editorials Multnomah Countys head of homelessness policy, Chris Fick, resigned Monday at the request of Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, as Willamette Week reported Monday afternoon. Vega Pederson appointed Fick in January to the newly created role leading homelessness work in her office. Fick previously served as her longtime chief of staff. Ficks resignation came as Willamette Week was preparing to publish a story on allegations by six former and current county employees who said he repeatedly bullied female co-workers, the news outlet reported. In an email shared with The Oregonian/OregonLive, Vega Pederson indicated that an unspecified internal investigation had not found wrongdoing by Fick. But, she wrote, It has become clear to me that changes were needed. Vega Pederson said work to address the countys homelessness crisis will continue as planned. Prior to very recent conversations, I had heard about isolated examples of conflict in a highly stressful work environment, Vega Pederson wrote in her email. In each case that had been reported to me, I took action to ask questions, make adjustments to my team and be clear about my expectations and the need for action around mediation, training and coaching. The countys complaints investigation unit is investigating a complaint filed with human resources on March 13, according to county spokesperson Denis Theriault. Fick will receive a severance equal to eight weeks of salary, around $25,000, in addition to one month of health insurance, Theriault said. In his resignation letter, Fick said he was departing because Vega Pederson asked him to due to allegations regarding his conduct. My 10 years at the county reflect my efforts to work professionally, to be respectful of everyone, and to comply with all policies, Fick said in an email to staff. I have not been apprised of the specific allegations and there has been no finding of any wrong-doing. Ryan Diebert will serve as the interim homeless response system director, Vega Peterson wrote. Before Vega Pederson named Fick her chief of staff in November 2016, he served as the countys deputy director of government relations. Prior to that, he worked as a lobbyist for the League of Oregon Cities. Fick did not return calls requesting comment. This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. Nicole Hayden reports on homelessness for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at nhayden@oregonian.com. The family of 38-year-old Ashlee Good released a statement on Sunday after her deadly stabbing at Bondi Junction on Saturday. First-time Mom Ashlee Good, 9-Month-Old Baby Victims in Sydney Stabbing Attack "In the wake of this tragic loss, we mourn Ashlee's passing deeply. She was not just a beloved mother, daughter, sister, partner, and friend, but also an exceptional human being in every aspect," the statement read. "We are touched by the overwhelming support and compassion from the Australian community, who have extended their heartfelt condolences to Ashlee and our baby girl." Ashlee Good's nine-month-old daughter, who was also wounded in the onslaught, is presently hospitalized in a serious but stable situation. "We are immensely thankful for the dedicated care provided by the medical team at Sydney Children's Hospital," the family's statement continued. "Furthermore, we express our gratitude to the New South Wales Police for their compassion and thoroughness in handling this tragedy, as well as to the emergency services for their swift response in ensuring our baby received urgent medical attention. To the two individuals who comforted and tended to our baby in Ashlee's absence - no words can adequately convey our appreciation." The family of Ashlee Good, a young mother from Sydney, verified in a declaration on Sunday that she was one of the casualties of an incidental stabbing attack at a shopping mall, which claimed the lives of six people. Police confirmed on Sunday that five women and a male security guard were killed in the attack in the Sydney suburb of Bondi, with 12 others remaining hospitalized. Ashlee Good, aged 38, was among those who lost their lives. Police reported that her nine-month-old daughter, Harriet, was in a serious but stable condition in the hospital. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ashlee, who was not only a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, partner, and friend but also an exceptional individual," the family conveyed in their statement, as reported by local media. "We are relieved to share that after undergoing hours of surgery yesterday, our baby is currently in stable condition," the family added. Witnesses informed local media that Good had been holding her daughter and had sought assistance from bystanders following the attack. Good, an osteopath who described herself as an "articulate and driven" professional on LinkedIn, had posted last month about the privilege of parenthood alongside a photo of herself with her daughter, Harriet. Community Mourns Victims of Bondi Mall Stabbing Attack In Bondi, several individuals laid flowers at the entrance of the shopping mall where the tragic incident occurred. John Tognolini, 65, who traveled from Katoomba, a town approximately 90 km (56 miles) from Sydney, to place flowers, expressed his sorrow over the shocking event. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Sunday that he had received condolence messages from across the globe. In the Vatican, a high-ranking cardinal conveyed Pope Francis's deep sadness upon learning of the violent attack in Sydney. "He extends his spiritual support to all those affected by this senseless tragedy, particularly those grieving the loss of a loved one," the Vatican telegram read. A surgical team led by Dr. Christoph Haller, a pediatric heart surgeon at The Hospital for Sick Children, prepares to conduct an experiment containing an anesthetized pregnant pig and proposes growing an artificial womb to help premature infants. Artificial Womb May Help Save Human Premature Babies Their goal is to create a womb-like surrounding to support the fetus's natural physiology, probably lessening dangers for premature babies. Despite its promise, the method raises ethical concerns, highlighted by Dr. Mark Mercurio. The team transfers a fetal piglet into the artificial womb, monitoring vital signs closely, with hopes of improving outcomes for premature infants. Dr. Haller emphasizes the goal of saving lives while stressing the importance of regulation. The experiment represents a cautious step towards potentially revolutionizing care for premature babies. A medical team bustles around an anesthetized pregnant sow on an operating table, gearing up for an experiment aimed at potentially revolutionizing care for premature babies. "Our main objective today is to transfer a fetus into that artificial womb," Dr. Christoph Haller explains, pointing to a transparent rectangular plastic sack fitted with tubes. "We're moving it into an artificial environment that maintains the fetus's natural physiology." Although today's trial involves a pig fetus, Haller and his team envision a future where such technology could assist human infants born extremely prematurely, reducing the risk of severe complications. This innovation aims to address the challenge of preserving premature fetuses to enable them to develop more naturally compared to standard preterm care. NPR received exclusive access to observe Haller's team testing their artificial womb, sparking enthusiasm among doctors who manage premature births, a leading cause of infant mortality and disabilities. However, the concept of an artificial womb raises ethical queries. Dr. Mark Mercurio, a pediatric professor at Yale School of Medicine, acknowledges the promising nature of the technology but underscores the need to address ethical concerns. The procedure remains highly experimental. Artificial Womb Innovation a Hope for the Future The surgical setup includes a metal tray adorned with a drawn pig face and the words "Oink. Oink. Oink." surrounding it, symbolizing a light-hearted touch amidst the seriousness of the operation. The team prepares the "biobag" and examines the sow's ten fetuses with an ultrasound. Dr. Haller improvises adjustments to tubing, displaying resourcefulness in ensuring functionality. With precision, the team extracts a fetal piglet and swiftly evaluates its health before transferring it to the artificial womb. Carefully filling the biobag with a warm liquid to simulate amniotic fluid, they monitor vital signs closely, aiming for a smooth transition. Dr. Haller anticipates observing signs of fetal well-being during the process, which may span hours. If successful, sustained support in such a device could significantly alter outcomes for very premature infants. While the potential benefits are significant, questions arise regarding the ethical implications and practical considerations of implementing this technology for human use. Discussions surrounding terminology, safety protocols, and societal impact underscore the complexity of introducing artificial womb technology. Despite the challenges, proponents emphasize the technology's potential to save lives and improve outcomes for vulnerable infants. Regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines must accompany scientific advancements to ensure responsible innovation. As the fetal pig settles into its new environment, Dr. Haller expresses optimism about its comfort and well-being, underscoring the team's commitment to improving neonatal care. Chicago police speculate that gang-related violence was accountable for the deadly firing that resulted in the death of an 8-year-old girl and injuring ten others on Saturday night in the city's South Side. Chicago Mass Shooting Kills 8-Year-Old Girl The shooting happened near the intersection of 52nd St. and South Damen Ave. on Saturday. The 8-year-old girl died from a gunshot injury to the head, while two boys aged 1 and 7 sustained serious wounds from multiple gunshot injuries. Deputy Police Chief Don Jerome declared that police helped in giving immediate assistance to the other eight casualties, whose ages ranged from 19 to 40, by applying tourniquets and chest seals. According to a declaration from the Chicago Police Department, the victims were gathered outside for a family gathering when a witness observed a black sedan approaching and a shooting started. The Chicago Fire Department transported all victims to nearby hospitals. Jerome emphasized that the incident was not random and likely linked to gang activity. Despite the reasons behind the attack, he condemned the shooters' actions, specifically noting the injury inflicted on blameless children. Area One detectives are eagerly inspecting the shooting, and as of now, no arrests have been made. The circumstances happened around 9:20 p.m. near the crossroads of West 52nd Street and South Damen Avenue. The casualties were attending a family event when the shooting started. Upon getting a ShotSpotter alert implying 18 rounds were fired, officers arrived to find numerous people shot on the block. They urgently give life-saving aid, containing the application of tourniquets and chest seals, as particularized by Chicago Police Area One Deputy Chief Don Jerome. Children Among Victims of the Mass Shooting in Chicago Among the casualties, an 8-year-old girl identified as Ariana Molina was deadly shot in the head, according to both police and her family. A 1-year-old boy and an 8-year-old boy were seriously wounded from numerous shooting injuries, while a 9-year-old boy sustained a graze injury to his left pinky finger and was in a stable situation. The deadly situation happened during a family celebration for Jose Molina's sister's confirmation. Ariana was in the front yard when she was fatally shot, and her mother was also wounded in the attack. Ariana's mother remains uninformed of her daughter's death, adding to the family's grief. Jose Molina, Ariana's father, conveyed distrust and sorrow over the bloodshed that targeted innocent children and family members. He highlighted that his family had lived quietly in the community for three decades and had no engagement in gang activity. Despite continuing inspections, no arrests had been made by Sunday morning, with Area One detectives leading the investigation. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the firing as a "heinous and cowardly act of wanton violence" and guaranteed support for the distressed neighborhood. The Mayor's Office of Community Safety declared plans for urgent aid, including a mass canvassing gathering, financial support for the families of the casualties, and heightened police presence in affected locations. The Back of the Yards community received assurance of full support from the administration as they grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy. A conservative is someone who stands athwart history, yelling Stop, at a time when no one is inclined to do so, or to have much patience with those who so urge it. (William F. Buckley, Jr.) I was powerfully reminded of that famous early quotation from the late William F. Buckley while reading the following two articles: Apropos of the great Mr. Buckley, by the way, and in view of a vigorous recent exchange between me and one of the commenters here which, you may trust me on this, was (as it always is) a dispute between Truth (me) and Error (the Other) I call your attention to a 2017 article that I came across, a few days ago and by sheerest chance, on Politico: How William F. Buckley, Jr., Changed His Mind on Civil Rights: The man who boasted he purged the conservative movement of kooks and bigots was once a strong defender of racial discriminationeven violence. What changed? On the time-honored principle that I rush in where angels fear to tread, I will now post yet again see my previous efforts here and here on the question of Brigham Young, racism, Latter-day Saints, and slavery in early Utah Territory. As a result of my prior two posts on the subject, my attention has been called to an excellent article: Christopher B. Rich, Jr., The True Policy for Utah: Servitude; Slavery; and An Act in Relation to Service, Utah Historical Quarterly, 80/1 (Winter 2012): 54-74. I was pleased to see that Christopher Richs well-informed and balanced essay reaches conclusions that I had intuited already and, thus, provides support for my position. Here, I share four quotations from it: Over the years, many historians have asserted that after receiving this new authority, the Utah Legislature drafted An Act in Relation to Service in order to legalize slavery in the territory.2 However, the reality is far more complicated. In fact, if one carefully examines the text of the statute in its proper context, it becomes clear that this legislation did not legalize chattel slavery as it has been alleged. Rather, the act was an attempt to find a practical compromise between three contradictory goals. The first of these goals was to abolish the status of slave, meaning a human being who is legally reduced to a chattel, or a piece of personal property. However, the second goal was to honor the property rights of a small number of Southern slaveholders who brought their slaves into Utah while also ensuring that these bondsmen would be subject to the influence and authority of the community at large. Finally, the third goal was to uphold the appearance of neutrality towards slavery in order to strengthen a bid for statehood. In order to accommodate these goals, the law instituted a scheme of quasi-indentured servitude and gradual emancipation for African slaves who immigrated to the territory with their masters. In fashioning this system, the Utah legislature was hardly treading new ground. State legislatures in the northern United States had wrestled with the problem of abolishing chattel slavery while also defending property rights for more than sixty years, and had come up with similar solutions. Indeed, it is evident that the provisions of An Act in Relation to Service were largely based upon these northern statutes, particularly those of Indiana and Illinois. Like the practices that developed in these states, Utahs indenture system was almost certainly a form of involuntary servitude despite the legislatures requirement that African American servants give nominal consent to the arrangement and receive compensation.3 Nevertheless, it remained distinct from chattel slavery and a step forward in the gradual emancipation model. . . . [T]he very essence of chattel slavery [is] the premise that in most instances, an African slave was legally equivalent to livestock or a piece of furniture and therefore could not lay claim to any particular set of rights. One critic of the Church and of Brigham Young, commenting here, has suggested that, to the extent that the 1852 Act in Relation to Service appears not to have agreed with the critics view, which is that Brigham Young favored chattel slavery, it was passed against Brighams wishes. But this appears not to be the case: At the end of 1852, Governor Young declared himself perfectly satisfied with An Act in Relation to Service, and added that if similar measures were adopted around the country, it could alleviate the growing national divide over the question of slavery. He assured the territorial legislature that: not until the subject of servitude and the relation existing between Master and Servant shall be understood and acted upon, and carried out by all parties on a righteous principle, may we expect quiet in our Nations councils. When southern Statesmen shall learn that Africas sons and daughters are not goods and chattels, and will attach unto them, that humanity and moral accountability to which they are entitledand northern fanaticism learn to know that Canaan shall be servant of servants unto his brethren . . . If [abolitionists] wish to do [slaves] a kindness . . . let them purchase them into freedom, and place them in their own household, where they can partake of their kindness, wisdom, and intelligence. . . . Happily for Utah, this question has been wisely left open for the decision of her citizens, and the law of the last session, so far proves a very salutary measure, as it has nearly freed the Territory of the colored population; also enabling the people to control all who see proper to remain, and cast their lot among us. And, finally, here is a brief discussion of the one court case that arose out of the 1852 Act: On June 16, 1856, Edwin D. Woolley filed a complaint before Judge Elias Smith against another Mormon named Williams Camp. Woolley was a prominent local businessman, a confidant of both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, a Mormon bishop, and finally a member of the territorial legislature which had drafted An Act in Relation to Service. He had also been raised a Quaker in Pennsylvania before joining the LDS church, and presumably had grown up with a deep abhorrence of slavery. Woolley contended that Camp and several associates had kidnapped a negro named Dan . . . Several points of interest arise out of the trial. To begin with, it is evident that some members of the Mormon community (largely of Southern extraction) had begun to rely on An Act in Relation to Service in order to protect their interests in the labor of African American servants. Others, including Edwin Woolley and Brigham Young, used the law as a means to defend those same servants from abuse by their masters. And yesterday, by sheer chance (?) while looking for something completely unrelated, I ran across the following: May 1998, just days before the 20th anniversary of the 1978 revelation, I was in Ghana and then South Africa gathering stories with Dale LeBaron, who was mission president in South Africa in 1978. Since then, Dale had made it his lifes work to gather the stories of as many of the early African pioneers as possible before they died. I was with him on this last trip to record some important stories on video. My first day in Ghana happened to be the wedding of William Billy Johnsons son who is named Brigham Young Johnson. Billy Johnson is the man featured in the old seminary video showing him tuning into the BBC and hearing the announcement on the Priesthood revelation in 1978. When he learned that I was a descendant of Brigham Young, he could hardly contain his excitement that I was brought to Africa on the day of his sons wedding. Billy took us on a tour of the old Cocoa Shed church in Ghana where they held their first meetings long before the missionaries got there. At one point he stopped and said that it was here that Brigham Young appeared to him during a very hard period of trials and persecution and said to him something like . . . Buck up Johnson, help is coming. Buck up. Marian (Marcy) Brown 2nd great granddaughter of Brigham Young To which Mary Ellen Elggren, who was at the time the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Brigham Young Family Association, responded, May 2018, Brother Brigham undoubtedly is still on the job. I had already written here earlier about the incident involving Billy Johnson: Youngs descendants, including Elggren, believe their prophet was prophesying a temporary ban, and could foresee the future when it would be removed. Brigham said the day would come when black members would receive all the blessings they were denied, Elggren says, and more. So when LDS Church President Spencer W. Kimball reported receiving a revelation on June 1, 1978, ending the priesthood prohibition (it was announced a week later), Youngs descendants were not surprised. After all, June 1 was their ancestors birthday. At least one descendant believes Young was working for the change from, well, heaven. Some years ago, Marcy May Brown, who is a great-great-granddaughter of one of Youngs wives, went to Africa to film a documentary about the history of black Mormons. In Ghana, Brown met some LDS converts who joined the Utah-based faith even before 1978. One of them, Billy Johnson, told the filmmaker the pioneer leader came to him in a vision and said, Buck up, Billy. Help is coming. The African Latter-day Saint even named his first son Brigham Young Johnson. Picture this, youve settled down to enjoy your favorite adult content, but before you can click play, youre asked to provide multiple pictures of yourself and your official ID, all in good lighting with the documents clearly visible. Then you must upload all of this and pass it through an age verification system. This is the new reality for many in the U.S. after certain states passed age verification laws for adult websites. In March of this year, the adult site PornHub went dark in Texas to protest new laws imposed by the state requiring just such verifications. This July, Pornhub is set to block access to five more states, including Indiana, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, and Nebraskaall in response to new age verification laws. Fortunately, even if you live in one of these states, getting around site-specific geographical restrictions is easy enough with the right VPN. Below youll find more info about these new laws, how to use a VPN to access mature content, and why you should use a VPN no matter what websites you visit. What are age verification laws and why do they matter? AndrewFall/Shutterstock.com AndrewFall/Shutterstock.com AndrewFall/Shutterstock.com In recent years, age verification laws have emerged in response to a growing concern that minors can too easily access adult content online. Regulations have long struggled to keep up with the rapid pace of technology and this is seen as a belated response to the current widespread availability of online pornography. Porn and other adult content have been labeled by some as a public health crisis, with increasing rates of porn addiction and other negative psychological impacts seen as a concerning consequence, particularly to the younger generations. Its always been illegal for minors to visit a porn site, but previously this has usually been enforced with a simple self-verification check, asking users to confirm that they are over 18 years of age. Some officials see these as too simplistic and ineffective leading to a call for stricter age verification methods. The first state to enact such a law was Louisiana in 2022. Since then, more states have followed suit and many more are considering them in their respective state legislatures as we speak. The reason why this matters is that it has far-reaching effects not just for minors, but all of us. Beyond the possible First Amendment infringements, these laws can have serious consequences for a users personal data. Most of these age verification systems require users to submit pictures of themselves and personal identification, which are uploaded and stored on a third-party database. Anytime personal data such as this is collected, its at risk from data breaches and exploitation by cybercriminals (or sovereign governments). Furthermore, theres the issue that these restrictions will drive people away from well-regulated and legal adult content sites to less secure, shady sources potentially further endangering users. Its not dissimilar to previous attempts to regulate pirated content most people wont stop pirating content if you take down the site. Theyll just find an even dodgier site to access what they want. Which states have an age verification law for adult websites? PornHubs official statement to those trying to access its content in Texas. PornHubs official statement to those trying to access its content in Texas. Sam Singleton PornHubs official statement to those trying to access its content in Texas. Sam Singleton Sam Singleton Currently, nine states including Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia have already enacted laws requiring verification to access adult content sites. Six more states, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, and South Dakota, are all poised to join them. Age verification bills in these states have cleared their respective legislative houses and appear on their way to becoming law soon. Currently Pornhub is blocking traffic from residents in all nine of the states with active age verification laws. On June 12 the company announced further restrictions, which will take effect in July, for residents of Indiana, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, and Nebraska. How to use a VPN to access adult websites When sites like PornHub are no longer accessible in your state, the best option to turn to is a VPN. By connecting to a VPN server located in a location that isnt affected by the ban, youll once again have access to all of the sites content. When you connect to a VPN, all of your traffic is encrypted and routed through an independent server operated by the VPN provider. These servers can be located in different U.S. states, or different countries. While connected to one of these remote servers, your web traffic will exit through that server, appearing as if youre browsing from that remote physical location instead. If you find that youre unable to access the adult content you want in your location, you can boot up your VPN and connect to a remote server. For example, if youre located in Texas, where PornHub has a self-imposed ban, you can connect to a VPN server in another state and then go back to PornHub and, voila, the content should be available once again. As a side note, its also recommended to have a strong antivirus and ad-blocker installed and browse in incognito mode while accessing adult content. Adult websites are notorious for having annoying pop-ups and dubious links. Plus, incognito mode will save you the blushes of having these sites show up in your browser history nobody needs to see your kinks laid out in Googles autocomplete recommendations. If you dont already have a VPN or are in the market for a good option, check out our roundup of the best VPNs to help you decide. PCWorld's pick for best vpn ExpressVPN Read our review Best Prices Today: Is it legal to use a VPN to access adult content? Here is where the issue becomes tricky. Theres nothing inherently illegal about using a VPN in the U.S. The problem arises in what you do while connected to a VPN. Think of it like this, if its illegal to do without a VPN, then its still illegal to do with a VPN. For example, if youre underage, accessing adult content is illegal with or without a VPN. Since some laws vary state to state, its important to research and properly understand the laws and regulations surrounding adult content in your own legal jurisdiction before attempting to access any of this content via VPN or not. The content in this article should only be used as guidance to get around certain adult sites restrictions, such as PornHubs recent embargo. It should not be construed as advice nor advocacy to circumvent any state or federal laws. DuckDuckGo announced its new Privacy Pro bundled service in an effort to provide more comprehensive privacy tools for users. The Privacy Pro bundle will include a VPN, personal data removal service, and 24/7 identify theft restoration. The service will initially be available only in the U.S. for $9.99 per month or $99.99 for a full-year subscription. It will integrate into and complement the companys already excellent search engine and browser. The new VPN, built entirely in-house by DuckDuckGo, promises not to log any user data and will run right in the DuckDuckGo browser a standalone VPN app is not currently available. The VPN will allow for up to five simultaneous device connections, with 13 server locations in the U.S., Europe, and Canada. It will also exclusively use the open-source WireGuard protocol for all connections, which is a great choice as its still the fastest and most secure protocol. DuckDuckGo plans to expand its VPN in the future adding more servers and country locations as well. Subscribers to Privacy Pro can also take advantage of a personal data removal feature that will scan dozens of these sites for your info and, if found, request its removal, even handling back-and-forth confirmation emails for you automatically behind the scenes. It will even continue this process, re-scanning websites regularly to help minimize the risk of your data reappearing. Users will be able to view the personal data that the service has already removed at any time from their browser. To complete the trifecta of privacy features, Privacy Pro will include an additional identity theft restoration service. While its personal data removal feature can help reduce the chance of identity theft, it cant outright prevent it. In the event that your identity is stolen or compromised, you can use the restoration service to begin fixing the issue. For this service, DuckDuckGo partnered with Iris, a longstanding identify theft advising firm. Users can call the service 24/7 and Iris agents will take steps to minimize the damage such as freezing credit reports, replacing documents, fixing fraudulent medical claims, and covering some out-of-pocket costs, and more. Life is expensive. Everybody is finding it harder to save money these days, but if you shop at Costco, you can find unparalleled value in everyday items. The leading wholesale club makes it easier to save by buying in bulk, so you can load up at a discount. For a limited time, when you sign up for a one-year Costco Gold Star membership, you can get a $40 Digital Shop Card.* Rated 4.6/5 stars by purchasers, this Costco Gold Star membership will give you access to Costco clubs across the country. Youll find great deals on groceries, electronics, clothing, furniture, and much more. Costco has 500 warehouse locations across the country making it easy to visit for a wide range of Americans. Right now, you can sign up for a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card* for just $60. Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card $60 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. *To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to provide a valid email address, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Limit one per household. Nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. New members will receive their Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of sign-up. Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Gas Stations, Car Washes, or Food Court Kiosks. A Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary. Dr. Kweku Arthur-Annobil, Strategy Lead & Business Manager (BCB) at Stanbic Bank, has urged regulators and business leaders in the financial sector to support female entrepreneurs to grow and expand their businesses. He made this statement at the 2024 Women in Business Dialogue series, held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. Speaking at the event, Dr. Arthur-Annobil underscored the importance of financial institutions providing innovative solutions to empower women in business in both the formal and informal sector. Traditional banks need to extend their services into the informal sector and develop innovative lending solutions tailored to its needs. While there are existing initiatives in place, there remains untapped potential for further support. For instance, how can individuals without formal bookkeeping access funding? With the rise of digital technologies, tracking business transactions has become easier, presenting an opportunity for banks to leverage this data for lending purposes. It's imperative to explore creative approaches to push support for these sectors. When we talk about growth for female business owners and SMEs we are looking at how they can expand their operations and reach a wider market with their products. Recognizing an opportunity for growth is one thing, but being fully equipped to seize it is another. Many women remain stagnant in their businesses due to a lack of empowerment and resources. Empowering them to expand requires partnerships and financial assistance. That is where we as financial institutions must step in. Having a lending partner becomes crucial at this juncture to facilitate expansion efforts. We need to put the right structures in place and design relevant products and services to support their growth, he added. Dr. Arthur-Annobil also highlighted some initiatives Stanbic Bank has put together to support female-led businesses in Ghana. He said, At Stanbic Bank, we say Ghana is our home, we drive her growth. This is why we are deeply committed to supporting our female entrepreneurs, whose businesses play a significant role in driving the Ghanaian economy forward. Through initiatives like the SB Incubator, we have already empowered and supported over 3000 businesses. Our Trade Club provides a platform for networking, connecting entrepreneurs with valuable customers and suppliers, to expand their reach and opportunities. Additionally, we have forged a strategic partnership with ICBC, one of the world's largest banks. This partnership enables us to assist our clients in accessing markets, facilitating the buying and selling of their products on an international scale. The inaugural Women in Business dialogue series was organized by the Business and Financial Times to bolster support for female entrepreneurs and their businesses. Held under the theme, Investing in Women-Owned Businesses for Ghanas Transformation Agenda: A Call for Action, the event served as a platform to advocate for increased investment in women-led enterprises as a catalyst for Ghana's socio-economic transformation. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ministry of Finance has disclosed that government will do everything in its power not to overburden Ghanaians with the payment of numerous taxes. According to the Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, instead of the introduction of numerous taxes, the government would use the hard way to collect revenue from businesses and agencies who evade the payment of taxes and those who do not pay their appropriate taxes. During a press briefing on Saturday, April 13, after Ghana successfully reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the countrys Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, the minister of Finance indicated that the suspension of the 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumption by households and the petroleum levies introduced by the government had created a revenue gap of GHS 1.8 billion. According to him, there was an urgent need to increase revenue in line with the implementation of the US$3 billion loan-support programme from the IMF, but the government was also being careful not to overly burden the taxpayers who are relatively few in the country adding that the government would be resolute in ensuring the effective implementation of revenue mobilization mechanisms announced, both in the 2023 and 2024 budgets, but lacked effective implementation. He noted, Now, were determined to go out there and collect the taxes from those who have not been paying and those who have been evading taxesto generate the desired revenue to fill the gap created due to the suspension of the taxes. Speaking further, Dr. Amin Adam stated that the Akufo Addo led government was pursuing reforms within the tax administration to ensure that proper assessments were done, and people made to pay the appropriate taxes to the state in the easiest and fastest ways possible. The Minister added that the intended aggressive revenue mobilisation alone, would not be an ideal situation for the country, therefore, there would be a focus on expenditure rationalisation too. Dr. Amin Adam said the government felt the plight of Ghanaians, individuals and businesses alike, hence, had to ensure that their living conditions are made better, thus, the suspension of the proposed taxes. While lauding Ghanaians for the sacrifices made since the implementation of the programme in May 2023, he encouraged them to continue to remain patient and sacrificial. He said, Some of the reforms that were implementing are biting, but I know that well persevere and lead together, and ensure that the benefits of the fiscal consolidation will bring significant relief to the people of Ghana so that we can be counted once again as one of the fastest growing in the world. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Coronavirus vaccine maker Moderna is pausing plans to build a manufacturing facility in Kenya. It had planned to start filling doses of its Covid-19 vaccine on the continent as early as 2023, but Moderna says it has not received any vaccine orders for Africa since 2022. The firm says there has been a decline in demand for Covid-19 vaccines, and that it is resizing its manufacturing network to cut costs. Moderna is spending about $4.5bn (3.6bn) this year in research and development of other, new vaccines including for HIV, malaria and cancer. Profits are higher for cancer treatments, which require more doses per patient than coronavirus vaccines. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An aid agency working in Sudan has warned levels of hunger and malnutrition after a year of civil war are much worse than previously thought. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and other organisations say the breakdown of governance and infrastructure mean a famine is now almost inevitable. The United Nations, meanwhile, has said Sudan could become "the world's worst hunger crisis". Aid to the troubled Darfur region has been largely blocked by the war. In addition, the country is not in a position to begin planting crops for the new growing season in May. MSF said one child was dying every two hours at a camp in North Darfur where it screened tens of thousands of displaced people. It says conditions could be much worse in remoter areas. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) says they will not tolerate any form of attacks on their personnel again after some youth of Tema New Town clashed with naval personnel, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals on Saturday. The force has, however, issued a stern warning that they will retaliate appropriately should the attack continue. We wish, however, to caution the youth of Tema that any further attacks on our installations or personnel would be met with the appropriate response. a portion of their statement reads. Background The incident unfolded on the evening of Friday, April 12, 2024, during a street procession organized by the youth as part of the annual Kplejoo festival. Tensions escalated upon reaching the street in front of the Eastern Naval Command, leading to a confrontation between the youth and the naval ratings on duty. Read statement from GAF ATTACK ON NAVAL BASE TEMA A vehicle belonging to the Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy was attacked by a crowd partaking in an ongoing festival at Tema Newtown at about 7:53pm on Friday, 12 April 2024 leading to the damage of the vehicle. Three of the Naval personnel onboard the vehicle also sustained severe injuries and were sent to the Tema Naval Base Medical Centre for treatment. In the course of the confrontation three suspects were arrested by the naval personnel. They were subsequently handed over to the Tema Newtown District Police for further investigations. A mob, suspected to be part of the participants in the festivities, later attacked the Tema Naval Base with stones and other implements with the aim of releasing their colleagues. At a stage, the security of the Base was threatened, and in order to protect the sensitive installations in the Base, warning shots were fired to repel the attack. It was later reported by the Police that two civilians were brought to the Tema General Hospital dead. The cause of death is yet to be ascertained. Again, on Saturday 13 April 2024, the mob attacked the Tema Naval Base and the Naval Barracks at Tema New Town (Biekro Barracks), leading to the destruction of property. The Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces have commenced investigations into the incident. Findings of the investigations would be made available in due course. The Ghana Armed Forces commiserates with the bereaved families and urges calm to be maintained by all parties while the incident is being investigated. We wish, however, to caution the youth of Tema that any further attacks on our installations or personnel would be met with the appropriate response. Your browser does not support iframes. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will on Wednesday, 17th April, 2024 commission Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Plant to address the energy crisis. The commissioning of the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Project will improve power supply in Kumasi and the Northern parts of Ghana by boosting voltage system and thus improving overall system stability, according to Volta River Authority (VRA). The President will be supported by Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and CEO of the VRA, Ing. Emmanuel Antwi Darkwa at this event to be held at Anwomaso Kumasi, the project site. In a brief by the Authority, the move comes on the back of a grid impact study undertaken by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and recommending that a minimum of 250MW of power generation is required in the Ashanti Region to guarantee reliability and stability in the national grid. The VRA expounded that the siting of a power plant in Kumasi would ensure that electricity consumers in the middle and the northern parts of the country receive quality and reliable power. The project, according to the VRA, also aims at efficient use of the national asset. It will also ensure the utilization of gas resources in the Western part of the country and further create job opportunities in Kumasi and its environs. The Authority added that aside from the opportunities this creates especially for KNUST, Kumasi Technical University and other technical Universities to carry out practical training for their students on thermal power operations, the project is also expected to reduce system transmission losses by an estimated 30MW. Background The Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Project came into being after the expiration of the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) agreement between Ameri Energy Limited and the Government of Ghana. In 2022, the plant was handed over to the government and subsequently transferred to the VRA. Accordingly, the Ministry of Energy together with the VRA took a strategic decision to relocate the plant to Kumasi and since then, the project has been named the "Kumasi 1 Thermal Power" project and funded entirely from the VRAs IGF. The project is executed in two phases; the first phase which is being commissioned on Wednesday commenced in May 2023 and involved the relocation of the first six (6) TM2500 units with a total generation capacity of 150MW. The second phase will be completed in June 2024 to increase the plants capacity from the 150MW to 250MW. The project is executed by VRAs in-house team of engineers with support from some selected service providers. This is a testament of Ghanaian ingenuity and the belief of the NPP government in Ghanaian capacity. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Nigeria Police Force on Friday, April 12, said they have arrested 1,346 suspects for various offences, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, gun running, and rape across the country. The police also said they recovered and seized 143 firearms, 741 ammunition, 72 stolen vehicles and have rescued 461 kidnapped victims across the country, The Punch has reported. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this while parading the suspects at the Force Intelligence Response Teams station, Guzape, Abuja, noted that the arrests and recoveries were made under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, within the last five weeks. Now, turning to recent crime-fighting achievements, within the period under review, we have recorded the arrest of 385 armed robbery suspects, 238 kidnapping suspects, 341 murder/homicide suspects, 87 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 143 rape suspects, and 151 cultism suspects. We have also recovered 143 various firearms, 741 ammunition of various calibres, recovered 72 stolen vehicles and rescued 461 kidnapped victims across the country, Adejobi said. He noted that as part of the ongoing drive to safeguard the country from the activities of criminal elements, the police began the profiling of intending tenants and domestic employees in the Federal Capital Territory, and would extend the exercise to other states. Adejobi added, The Inspector General of Police also urged all landlords and employers of domestic workers in the Federal Capital Territory, and by extension other states of the federation, to ensure they visit police stations within their areas to request for, and fill forms for proper profiling of intended employees/tenants for employment and tenancy purposes to strengthen the capacity of the NPF to identify and deter potential threats within the FCT. Speaking further about the arrests made, the FPRO said, In the same vein, operatives of the FCT Command on February 25, 2024, acting upon credible intelligence stormed Sardauna, Toto forests, and arrested one Samaila Wakili Fafa AKA Habu Ibrahim, a kidnap kingpin on the commands wanted list with a bounty placed on him by the minister of the FCT. He confessed to several killings done by himself and his gang, including the abduction of one Chris Agidy, the legal aide to Senator Ned Nwoko, and Mr Sunday Zakwai, the village head of Ketti Village, who were both killed by him. He led operatives to where he buried the remains of the late Agidy whose corpse was exhumed and deposited at Gwagwalada General Hospital. Meanwhile, he noted that the Nigeria Police Force, recognising the essential role of officer welfare in enhancing service delivery, has taken strategic steps to ensure that officers and men of the Force are adequately catered to. He added, Some of the recent activities of the Force in this regard include the swift disbursement of insurance packages to families of fallen policemen within the past nine months, amounting to N7.2bn, the Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony scheduled for April 15, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the NPF Housing Summit scheduled for April 22 to 23, 2024, with focus on viable housing solutions and the launch of the Police Fund to support officers accommodation needs. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has concluded its investigations into alleged organised crime in the award of contracts at the Ministry of Roads and Highways. The probe stemmed from claims made by Professor Stephen Adei, a former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). In October 2023, Professor Adei publicly expressed concern about corruption in the awarding of road contracts. He alleged that individuals seeking contracts were told they must pay a bribe of one million cedis upfront. The Ministry of Roads and Highways denied these accusations, insisting their procedures for awarding contracts are transparent, competitive, and adhere to legal requirements. They subsequently requested EOCO to investigate the matter. According to a confidential report on the investigation obtained by Graphic Online, EOCO found Professor Adei's comments to be "unsubstantiated and highly presumptuous." The report suggests Professor Adei's claims were an oversimplification of the Ministry's tender process and potentially influenced by a broader perception of corruption in the country, as referenced in a 2022 UNODC report. The EOCO report further states that while Professor Adei cited a friend who mentioned the alleged bribery requirement, he could not provide a name or any specific evidence to support his claims. He also acknowledged that his use of the Ministry of Roads and Highways was for illustrative purposes only. Following this, EOCO closed the case, deeming the allegations unsubstantiated. In a press release issued on 12 April 2024, the Ministry of Roads and Highways welcomed the investigation's outcome. They stated that EOCO concluded Professor Adei's comments were "unfortunate and general" and that the matter is now "disposed of." The Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and due process in awarding contracts. Source: graphiconline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The flyover on the Motorway Interchange at Flowerpot will be opened to traffic by the end of October this year. When opened, it would improve traffic connectivity between the north and south of the Motorway. It would ease movement from areas, including Cantonments and Burma Camp to East Legon, Spintex and Tema and improve the general life of the people who ply these areas. Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, Minister of Roads and Highways, disclosed this on Friday during an inspection tour of the project. Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Roads and Highways and others from Urban Roads, Mr Asenso-Boakye went round to see the progress of the project. So far, I am very impressed about the schedule of work. Since I assumed office, I have had the opportunity to meet with the contractors and urged them that it is important that they complete as soon as possible, he said. He assured of governments readiness to fulfil its part of the contract, including payments as well as every other thing the contractors would need to complete the work in time. The Roads Minister also inspected roads in the Ledzokuku Municipality. He was accompanied by Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for Ledzokuku Constituency. The road network within the municipality had deteriorated rapidly in recent years because of the reconstruction of the Beach Road, which led to use of the inner roads to divert the traffic. These roads include Tsui Bleoo, Fertilizer, King Kotey, A Street, 3rd Avenue, Ford, and Nuumo Maashie Roads. The works, comprising drainage repairs and asphalt concrete overlay works, were estimated to be 45 percent complete and would be fully completed by the end of 2024. Touching on the state of the construction of the Beach Road stretching from Osu to Nungua, which was 80 percent complete, Mr Asenso-Boakye noted that the project stalled for some time due to Governments negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. He assured, however, that government had advanced in the negotiations and that work would resume soon to complete the remaining 20 percent. He acknowledged Dr Okoe Boye for constantly bringing the road challenges of the people to the attention of government. In the Krowor Municipality, the Roads Minister inspected the rehabilitation of the Okpoi Gonno Highway, connecting Ledzokuku to Krowor. It also connects the Beach Road to the Spintex Road and to the Motorway, making it a very important link to very strategic communities. It forms part of Governments agenda to deal with the transportation issues in heavily populated communities such as Krowor and Ledzokuku, Mr Asenso-Boakye said, concerning the rehabilitation of the highway. He was impressed with the work so far and assured of Governments commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the project. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In a distressing turn of events, the Dormaa Ahenkro community is reeling from the tragic loss of 19-year-old Abigail Kyeremaa, a student of Dormaa Senior High School, who passed away under harrowing circumstances related to an alleged abortion. Per information gathered by DGN Online, on the evening of April 9, 2024, Kyeremaa Matilda, 40, residing at Jericho, a suburb of Dormaa Ahenkro, accompanied by Nana Atuoni Gyabaah, reported to the Dormaa District Police station with a troubling account. Matilda conveyed that her daughter, Abigail Kyeremaa, had complained of severe abdominal pains earlier in the day. After questioning, Abigail revealed her pregnancy and disclosed that a certain Philip Addae had provided her with medication in an attempt to terminate the pregnancy. Despite being rushed to Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital for urgent medical care, Abigail Kyeremaa tragically succumbed to her condition shortly after her arrival. The suspect, Philip Addae, was apprehended, cautioned, and detained pending further legal proceedings. An active investigation into the circumstances surrounding Abigail Kyeremaas untimely demise is currently underway. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting heightened scrutiny over matters of reproductive health, abortion practices, and the broader implications for the welfare and safety of young individuals. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel after vowing retaliation for a deadly strike on its consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus. Israel has not said it carried out the consulate strike, but is widely believed to have been behind it. It is the first time that Iran has attacked Israel directly. Previously Israel and Iran had been engaged in a years-long shadow war - attacking each other's assets without admitting responsibility. Those attacks have ratcheted up considerably during the current war in Gaza sparked by the Palestinian group Hamas's assault on nearby Israeli communities last October. Why are Israel and Iran enemies? The two countries were allies until the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, which brought in a regime that has used opposing Israel as a key part of its ideology. Iran does not recognise Israel's right to exist and seeks its eradication. The country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has previously called Israel a "cancerous tumour" that "will undoubtedly be uprooted and destroyed". Israel believes that Iran poses an existential threat as evidenced by Tehran's rhetoric, its build-up of proxy forces sworn to Israel's destruction, its funding and arming of Palestinian groups including Hamas and of the Lebanese Shia militant group Hamas, and what it believes is Iran's secret pursuit of nuclear weapons, though Iran denies seeking to build a nuclear bomb. Iran wanted to hit back after attack on consulate Iran says Saturday night's bombardment of Israel is a response to the 1 April air strike on an Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus, which killed senior Iranian commanders. Iran blames Israel for the air strike, which it saw as a violation of its sovereignty. Israel has not said it carried it out but is widely assumed to have done so. Thirteen people were killed, including Brig Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi - an senior commander in the Quds force, the overseas branch of Iran's elite Republican Guards (IRGC). He had been a key figure in the Iranian operation to arm the Lebanese Shia armed group Hezbollah. The consulate attack follows a pattern of air strikes against Iranian targets widely attributed to Israel. Several senior IRGC commanders have been killed in air strikes in Syria in recent months. The IRGC channels arms and equipment, including high precision missiles, through Syria to Hezbollah. Israel is trying to stop these deliveries, as well as seeking to prevent Iran from strengthening its military presence in Syria. Who are Iran's allies? Iran has built up a network of allies and proxy forces in the Middle East that it says form part of an "axis of resistance" challenging US and Israeli interests in the region. It supports them to varying degrees. Syria is Iran's most important ally. Iran, along with Russia, helped the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad survive the country's decade-long civil war. Hezbollah in Lebanon is the most powerful of the armed groups Iran backs. It has been trading cross-border fire with Israel on an almost daily basis since war erupted between Israel and Hamas. Tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border have been forced to leave their homes. Iran backs several Shia militia in Iraq which have attacked US bases in Iraq, Syria and Jordan with rocket fire. The US retaliated after three of its soldiers were killed at a military outpost in Jordan. In Yemen, Iran provides support to the Houthi movement, which controls the most populated areas of the country. To show support for Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis have fired missiles and drones at Israel and have also been attacking commercial shipping near its shores, sinking at least one vessel. The US and UK have struck Houthi targets in response. Iran also provides weapons and training to Palestinian armed groups including Hamas, which attacked Israel on 7 October last year, sparking the current war in Gaza and the confrontations drawing in Iran, its proxies and Israel's allies in the wider Middle East. However, Iran denies any role in the 7 October attack itself. How do Iran and Israel's military capabilities compare? Iran is much bigger than Israel geographically and has a population of nearly 90 million, nearly ten times as big as Israel's - but this does not translate into greater military power. Iran has invested heavily in missiles and drones. It has a vast arsenal of its own, but has also been supplying significant amounts to its proxies - the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. What it lacks is modern air defence systems and fighter jets. Russia is believed to be co-operating with Iran to improve those in return for the military support Tehran has given Moscow in its war with Ukraine - Iran has provided Shahed attack drones and Russia is reportedly now seeking to manufacture the weapons itself. By contrast, Israel has one of the most advanced air forces in the world. According to the IISS military balance report, Israel has at least 14 squadrons of jets - including F-15s, F-16s and the latest F-35 stealth jet. Israel also has experience of conducting strikes deep inside hostile territory. Do Iran and Israel have nuclear weapons? Israel is assumed to have its own nuclear weapons but maintains an official policy of deliberate ambiguity. Iran does not have nuclear weapons and also denies it is attempting to use its civilian nuclear programme to become a nuclear armed state. Last year the global nuclear watchdog found uranium particles enriched to 83.7% purity - very close to weapons grade - at Iran's underground Fordo site. Iran said "unintended fluctuations" in enrichment levels may have occurred. Iran has been openly enriching uranium to 60% purity for more than two years in breach of a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. However that deal has been close to collapse since US President Donald Trump pulled out unilaterally and reinstated crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018. Israel had opposed the nuclear deal in the first place. What message is Iran sending through its attack? "We blocked. We intercepted. Together we will win," was how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assessed things. But Tom Fletcher, a foreign policy advisor to several UK prime ministers and a former UK ambassador to Lebanon, said the Iranian salvo was a "chilling signal of Iran's capability and reach". Leaderships in both Iran and Israel were both "under pressure at home, facing international criticism and are clearly ready to play with fire", he warned. But he told the BBC that Iran's unprecedented attack appeared to have been carefully calibrated. "Iran did telegraph these attacks in advance which made them easier to deter," he said, comparing it to exchanges of fire he had seen while ambassador to Lebanon where "the intent is to show the capability but not necessarily to escalate". He also said it was "positive" that Iran chose to respond directly rather than through Hezbollah. Some Israelis have called for the military to expand its confrontation with the Lebanese armed group to push it back from the border. Sanam Vakil from the Chatham House think tank said the attack had been a success from Iran's point of view and Tehran was "calling Israel's bluff". "This is the first time that Iran has directly breached and violated Israel's sovereignty," she told the BBC. "The strikes were certainly calibrated, directed to military installations with the aim of not inflicting too much damage or hurting anyone." Source: bbc Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama, has vehemently refuted claims suggesting she received a scholarship from the Government of Ghana during her academic pursuits. These claims, purportedly spread by some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on social media and other platforms, aim to tarnish her reputation and that of her family. In response to the allegations, Madam Mogtari categorically denied ever benefiting from a government scholarship, emphasising that the assertions are baseless and intended to incite public disdain towards her. She asserted that the dissemination of such false information is a deliberate attempt to undermine her credibility and integrity. Taking to social media on Saturday, April 13, Madam Mogtari urged the public to disregard the unfounded claims, reaffirming her stance that she has never been a recipient of a scholarship from the Government of Ghana. Additionally, she clarified that she has never been enrolled as a student at Portsmouth University, refuting another aspect of the misinformation campaign targeting her. Disregard the propaganda and falsehood being peddled by the dishonest NPP apparatchiki that I benefited from a Government of Ghana Scholarship. Let me state without any fear of equivocation or contradiction that I have never applied for or received a grant or scholarship from either the GNPC or Ghanas Scholarship Secretariat. And for the avoidance of doubt I have never been a student of the Portsmouth University. source: Theannouncergh.com Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The founder and leader of Movement for Change, Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has announced plans to introduce a policy intervention aimed at supporting the private sector by establishing a Traders Bank in Ghana. This move is intended to address the specific needs of traders and enhance their access to credit and loan facilities. Mr. Kyerematen emphasized the importance of traders in the country's development and pledged that their welfare would be a priority for any government under his leadership. He made these remarks during a visit to the Madina market after fire ravaged parts of the market to express sympathy and support to those affected by a recent fire outbreak. Traders, he noted, serve as the crucial link between producers and consumers, but sustaining themselves in trading requires access to finance at affordable rates. To address this challenge, Mr. Kyerematen committed to establishing a Traders Bank, owned by traders themselves, which would understand the dynamics of trading and provide accessible credit and loan facilities. As part of his campaign tour, Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen visited various market centers across the country, recognizing that a majority of Ghanaians are involved in trading in some form. He stressed the need for the welfare of traders to be a top priority for the government. In addition to establishing the Traders Bank, Mr. Kyerematen outlined plans to revolutionize retail market infrastructure by building new market centers throughout the country. While acknowledging that government resources alone might not suffice for this endeavour, he pledged to support the private sector in constructing these facilities through incentives. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of these modern market centers providing essential facilities such as clinics, childcare centers, and accompanying lorry stations, ensuring a conducive environment for commerce and trading to flourish safely. Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen's commitment to addressing the needs of traders through policy interventions and infrastructure development underscores his dedication to supporting the private sector and fostering economic growth in Ghana. Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghanaian style influencer and media personality Edem Farrie has captured the attention of the fashion world with her new photos. The breathtakimg look styled by Shadraq Stone, sew by awards winning fashion designer Style Magbrien: a distinguished Ghanaian fashion brand, Edem Farrie shined in her outfit. The olive green dress - a meticulously crafted dress adorned with a web-like net of beads, gracefully draping over a brazing olive color bustier pencil dress. Known as a staunch advocate for promoting African fashion, Edem Farrie has consistently showcased her flair for presenting breathtaking styles online, establishing herself as a leading journalist in the fashion scene. She has been made the cover girl Fashion Ghanas AFROYALTY - the April edition of the online Magazine. Check out Edem Farrie in these new shots. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Edm Farrie (@edemfarrie) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fashion GHANA.com | Official (@fashionghana_com) Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Four industrial laundry facilities in Pennsylvania will close and more than 100 people will be laid off. Paris Uniform Services filed a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry informing the state it will close the four facilities in Pennsylvania and 138 people will be laid off. Paris Uniform Services is closing the following facilities on June 30: 2103 N. Seventh St., Harrisburg 49 Susquehanna Road, Bradford Township, McKean County near Bradford 333 Rose Street, Williamsport, Lycoming County 67 Hoover Avenue, DuBois, Clearfield County The facility closures are in conjunction with the sale of the business, according to the WARN notice. Last month, the Cincinnati-based Cintas Corporation announced it had acquired Dubois-based Paris Uniform Services. Cintas provided the following statement: Paris Uniforms sold its business to Cintas in early 2024. Paris issued the WARN notice to provide maximum transparency to its employees as Cintas continues to integrate the business into its operations. Cintas encourages all interested Paris employees to apply for positions that are available within the company. Paris Uniform Services was founded in 1978 and services customers in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and West Virginia. The company sells uniforms and work apparel and provides facility services. The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff. The WARN notice was dated April 11. The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board filed new charges and is moving to revoke the probation of a magisterial district judge after she failed to report her arrest in connection with the shooting of her estranged boyfriend in his sleep. Sonya McKnight has been suspended from her job since September based on prior charges and has been on probation from charges filed in 2021, related to a traffic stop involving her son. She had been gearing up for trial before the Conduct Board on her September charges when she was charged in the shooting of her ex-boyfriend. LEWISBURG A Union County man has been sentenced to 5 to 20 years in state prison for causing an accident that killed one person and injured another. Benjamin Martin, 36, of Mifflinburg, said he was so sorry before Union County Judge Michael Piecuch sentenced him Monday. Martin had pleaded guilty in February to charges of homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault by vehicle both while under the influence. Amphetamine was found in his blood. A man driving the wrong way down I-95 in Philadelphia killed a 21-year-old woman by crashing into her vehicle on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at around 2:41 a.m., when a car traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-95, between the exits for the Walt Whitman Bridge and Columbus Boulevard, struck another vehicle head-on, according to NBC10. State police did not release the identity of either the victim or the man driving the wrong way, but did say that the man was 44 years old and was intoxicated. The man was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries resulting from the crash. Officials said they are planning to bring charges against him, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. As a result of the crash, the exits on I-95 northbound between the Walt Whitman Bridge and Columbus Boulevard were closed for several hours. Rico Wade, an architect of Southern-hiphop who produced albums for Outkast, Goodie Mob and Future, and was a member of the renowned Atlanta-based production and songwriting trio Organized Noize, died on April 13 at the age of 52. Wades death was announced on social media on Saturday by artist and activist Killer Mike, who was a longtime collaborator of the Atlanta producer. I dont have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am praying for your wife and children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all, Killer Mike wrote. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without yall, he added. We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade, Wades family confirmed in a shared statement. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many. We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time. Also releasing a statement on social media addressing Wades death was Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family. We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend, the statement said. Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Ricos presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world. Rapper Future, Wades cousin, paid tribute to the iconic producer on Sunday with multiple posts on his Instagram Stories. This life wouldnt be possible if it wasnt for my cousin, he captioned with a photo of Wade. Love u forever. Together with Ray Murray and Patrick Brown, known as Sleepy Brown, Wade formed Organized Noize in the early 1990s when East Coast and West Coast music dominated radio and major label releases. Taking to their craft immediately, their sound can be found in multiple tunes, including En Vogues Dont Let Go (Love), Ludacris Saturday (Oooh! Ooooh!) and TLCs Waterfalls, a song that earned Wade his first Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. OutKast and Organized Noizes work on the album Speakerboxxx/TheLoveBelow, with Wade at the helm as producer and songwriter, went on to become the only rap album ever to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, according to Pitchfork. His impact was bringing fresh ideas, said Neal H. Pogue, an engineer who worked extensively with Organized Noize, said of Wade, to The New York Times. And he was not afraid to be soulful. A lot of people were moving away from the old soul music of Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes. He wasnt afraid to infuse soulful groves into the music. We were doing things that nobody else would touch. Emmy Russell just keeps wowing them on American Idol. Take Sundays show for instance. The granddaughter of late country music star Loretta Lynn took the stage as her name was called to advance to the top 20, and she performed an original song, Want You. Its just about me wanting someone that didnt want me back, she said prior to the performance. I really wished this person loved me like I loved them. Russell then broke into her performance, and when she was through, host Ryan Seacrest admitted that he was emotional. That prompted the question of whether Seacrest needed a hug, which brought judge Luke Bryan onto the stage to lift Seacrest up in his arms for an embrace. Bryan joked afterward that Seacrest was the most expensive thing he ever held. Aside from the scene that played out, the judges were, once again, impressed with Russell. Miss Emmy, that was one of my favorite original songs that youve sang, Katy Perry said. I know that you were just a little nervous. I just want more breath, more long notes. Girl, like go swimming, learn how to hold your breath more. We need longer notes from Emmy, and I know that you have them. We need power. Cmon, lets go. The time is now! That was so you, Bryan told Russell. I loved it because it was so real, and I think you could really feel the emotion in that. That is what your artistry is about and dont lose that. But listen, that thing that you did with that song really is your signature. It was very emotional and probably my favorite performance youve done. Lionel Richie told her that Want You, is a hit. First of all, before we go any further, thats a hit record, Lionel Richie said. I dont care. We can talk about the future, but that is a hit record, and my dear you are an incredible song writer. Incredible performance. People have been looking for the Loch Ness Monster known affectionately as Nessie in Scotland since sightings of the legendary cryptid caught media attention in the 1930s. And after decades of dead-ends, researchers seeking proof of Nessie are asking help from an organization that can bring out the big guns, technologically speaking. Sky News reports how the Loch Ness Centre a local tour group thats passionate about Loch Ness and its legendary monster is looking to NASA to help in Loch Ness search efforts. This, explains the same Sky News report, is due to both NASAs expertise and their advanced imaging technology that would be able to thoroughly scan the loch (a.k.a., lake) in which Nessie supposedly resides. We are hoping that Nessie hunters around the world will help us reach the people at NASA, tells group marketing manager, Aimee Todd, to The Independent. We are hoping to reach them through social media. The New York Post continues to report how the center is hoping that NASA will answer their call in time for the 90th anniversary of the first-ever Loch Ness excursion, as headed by Sir Edward Mountain. According to Scottish Field, 20 other people joined Sir Mountain in looking for the beast about 90 years ago. Theres been over 1,150 sightings of Nessie ever since, and a massive search laster year managed to capture strange underwater noises. With unexplained noises heard, alongside possible sightings, this year we are determined to find out more about the elusive Loch Ness Monster, said general manager at the center, Paul Nixon. As well as asking for help of budding monster hunters to help us on our quest, we are asking for the help of experts. Were excited to make this search the biggest ever, as we look for new equipment to help us uncover the lochs biggest mysteries. Stephen Dawson, the former bassist and co-founder of the British heavy metal band Saxon, has been jailed for sexually abusing a six-year-old girl 30 years ago. Dawson, 72, of Rotherham, U.K., was sentenced to six years in prison on Thursday, according to BBC News. He had been found guilty at an earlier hearing of four counts of indecent assault of a child under 14 back in the early 1990s. [The victim] has shown extraordinary strength through coming forward and throughout the course of the investigation, resulting in Dawson spending a number of years in prison, Detective Constable Robert Heath, the officer in charge of the case, said to the Daily Record. It is clear that his evil acts have remained with her throughout her life, and I hope this sentence goes some way to allowing her to move on from these traumatic events, he added. The result of this case demonstrates just how seriously we take these offenses. We hope this provides some encouragement that if you have been subjected to any offense, no matter how long ago it happened, to come forward and report it to us. The band Saxon formed in 1975 in South Yorkshire and went on to sell more than 23 million records, the BBC said. Their best-known songs include Wheels of Steel, Princess of the Night, and 747 (Strangers in the Night). Dawson was fired from the band in 1985 due to arguments with the rest of the group. The character Derek Smalls from This Is Spinal Tap is reportedly based partly on him. By Jonathan D. Salant, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) WASHINGTON More people died on Pennsylvania highways in crashes involving large trucks in 2022 than in 42 other states, according to new federal statistics. The most recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration figures show truck-related deaths in Pennsylvania rose 14.2%, from 162 in 2021 to 185 in 2022, providing new urgency as the federal transportation officials finally moved ahead with long-delayed safety rules. Nationally, deaths in crashes involving large trucks rose by 1.9%, from 5,821 in 2021 to 5,936 in 2022, even as overall traffic fatalities dropped by 1.7% from 43,230 to 42,514. I dont know how its not a wakeup call, said Harry Adler, principal at the Institute for Safer Trucking. The increase in fatalities comes in the midst of efforts by NHTSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to draft long-sought rules requiring new trucks to have automatic emergency braking and to have devices that limit how fast they can go. Both regulations initially were recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board in 1995. That was almost 30 years ago. Meanwhile, other countries have adopted the technologies. We see a very familiar pattern a heavy truck coming upon stopped traffic and the truck not being able to stop in time, said Peter Kurdock, general counsel for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. The thing thats so frustrating is that its no mystery why these crashes occur and the solutions are not a mystery either. In Pennsylvania, the one-year increase of 23 fatalities was higher than any state other than Illinois, New York and Arizona. Shaun Kildare, research director for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, called it a markedly higher increase in fatalities for a state which had a number of incidents to begin with. The state Department of Transportation said earlier that there were 145 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks in 2022 those weighing more than 26,000 pounds. That was the most in five years, the department said. A top factor in these crashes was aggressive driving, including driving too fast for conditions, careless passing or lane changes, improper or careless turning, tailgating, and proceeding without clearance after a stop, PennDOT spokeswoman Jennifer Kuntch said. Not buckling up for safety Another reason for the increased number of fatalities: Truck drivers and passengers not wearing their seatbelts, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The agencys analysis of data found there were 86 more truck occupant fatalities in 2022 than a year earlier, or 75% of the 115 additional deaths in truck crashes. Overall, 1,095 of the 5,936 casualties were truck drivers or passengers, the FMCSA said. George OConnor, a spokesman for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, cited high turnover in the trucking industry, resulting in more inexperienced drivers. He said the federal government did not require a certain number of hours behind the wheel to obtain a commercial drivers license. Experienced, well-trained drivers have been proven time and time again to be the safest drivers, Mr. OConnor said. The roadway is a truckers workplace and they want to make it home safely just like every other road user and should be equipped with the proper training to keep our roads safe for all road users. There also is the ongoing problem with driver fatigue, and violations for drug and alcohol abuse, Mr. Kurdock said. Safety advocates say that the automatic emergency braking and speed limiters would prevent some crashes and reduce the severity of others, even if no matter what actions the drivers take. Both of those are data-driven research based rulemaking efforts that we know will make a difference, said Zach Cahalan, executive director of the Truck Safety Coalition. Industry opposition Proposals to limit a trucks speed have run into opposition by some in the industry. Mr. OConnor said that having cars and trucks moving at different speeds could lead to more crashes, not fewer. The physics are the physics, Mr. OConnor said. If you have speed differentials on the highways, youre inviting more interactions between vehicles. Mr. Kildare, though, said that the difference in speed wont be that significant and reducing how fast trucks are going will reduce the severity of crashes then they occur. Were trying to keep speed down, he said. You can drop the speed, you would have a very drastic impact on the energy going into the collision. ... Were not talking about restricting these vehicles to speeds that are so far outside prevailing speed limits. WILLIAMSPORT A federal jury has awarded a New Jersey woman $20.5 million in damages finding she was intentionally discriminated against while working in State College for a firm that provides home medical care services. Patricia Holmes, who is Black, is entitled to $500,000 in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages, jurors in U.S. Middle District Court decided Wednesday. The former Pennsylvania resident who now lives in New Brunswick had filed the civil rights suit against American HomePatient, a subsidiary of Lincare, in 2021. Jurors found Holmes was subjected to a hostile work environment because of her race in violation of federal law. They stated on the verdict form that their conclusion was based on the conduct of center manager Timothy McCoy and co-worker Beverly Hibbert. Jurors also found: American HomePatient did not exercise reasonable care to prevent or correct the racial harassment in the workplace. American HomePatients actions toward Holmes were malicious or showed reckless indifference to her federal protected rights. The company had not made a good-faith attempt to comply with the federal law prohibiting race discrimination. Holmes worked as a customer service representative at the firms center in State College from October 2019 until she resigned on July 14, 2020, which she called a constructive discharge. Evidence at trial showed Holmes, the only Black employee at the center, was subjected to behavior that included the use of the N word, references to the Ku Klux Klan and use of the term coonie. From the time that Ms. Holmes first described this conduct to me, my immediate reaction was that it was outrageous, said Thomas B. Anderson, the Pittsburgh attorney who represented her. It is not conduct that is acceptable anywhere, including, and perhaps especially, in the workplace. The response by American HomePatient (AHOM), to the verdict was: AHOM strongly disagrees with the verdict and especially disagrees with both the award and amount of punitive damages, which reflects a multiple of 40 times the compensatory damages. This type of award violates the 14th Amendment. Federal courts have held in the typical case the multiple for punitive damages should be no more than in the single digits. Prior to trial, Judge Matthew W. Brann granted the summary judgment to AHOM on Holmes retaliation and constructive discharge claims. Trial testimony detailed a number of instances in which McCoy and Hilbert made racial slurs or derogatory statements to Holmes. One of them was McCoy stating it was ironic seeing a Black person with a white hood over their head. That comment was made during a fit test administered by a respiratory therapist when an airtight white hood was placed on Holmes and scented aerosol sprayed into it to ensure she was properly wearing a N95 mask. The coonie remark was made by McCoy around Thanksgiving in 2019 when in a conversation with Holmes he noted his uncle had a dark complexion and due to that he had been nicknamed Coonie. Holmes claimed she was shocked by the comment and walked away. According to court documents in response to an investigation into Holmes complaints, McCoy was issued a written warning for allowing Hibbert to behave in an unprofessional manner. Hibbert, after being given a final warning about the use of a racial slur during a conversation that made others uncomfortable, was fired in 2020 for placing tape over her mouth. She explained the tape was the only way she would not say something that would get her in further trouble. Once their research comes out, who will be quoted in the news coverage? gorodenkoff/iStock via Getty Images Plus When one Chinese national recently petitioned the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to become a permanent resident, he thought his chances were pretty good. As an accomplished biologist, he figured that news articles in top media outlets, including The New York Times, covering his research would demonstrate his extraordinary ability in the sciences, as called for by the EB-1A visa. But when the immigration officers rejected his petition, they noted that his name did not appear anywhere in the news article. News coverage of a paper he co-authored did not directly demonstrate his major contribution to the work. As this biologists close friend, I felt bad for him because I knew how much he had dedicated to the project. He even started the idea as one of his Ph.D. dissertation chapters. But as a scientist who studies topics related to scientific innovation, I understand the immigration officers perspective: Research is increasingly done through teamwork, so its hard to know individual contributions if a news article reports only the study findings. This anecdote made me and my colleagues Misha Teplitskiy and David Jurgens curious about what affects journalists decisions about which researchers to feature in their news stories. Theres a lot at stake for a scientist whose name is or isnt mentioned in journalistic coverage of their work. News media plays a key role in disseminating new scientific findings to the public. The coverage of a particular study brings prestige to its research team and their institutions. The depth and quality of coverage then shapes public perception of who is doing good science and in some cases, as my friends story suggests, can affect individual careers. Do scientists social identities, such as ethnicity or race, play a role in this process? This question is not straightforward to answer. On the one hand, racial bias may exist, given the profound underrepresentation of minorities in U.S. mainstream media. On the other, science journalism is known for its high standard of objective reporting. We decided to investigate this question in a systematic fashion using large-scale observational data. Chinese or African names received least coverage My colleagues and I analyzed 223,587 news stories from 2011-2019 from 288 U.S. media outlets reporting on 100,486 scientific papers sourced from Altmetric.com, a website that monitors online posts about research papers. For each paper, we focused on authors with the highest chance of being mentioned: the first author, last author and other designated corresponding authors. We calculated how often the authors were mentioned in the news articles reporting their research. We used an algorithm with 78% reported accuracy to infer perceived ethnicity from authors names. We figured that journalists may rely on such cues in the absence of scientists self-reported information. We considered authors with Anglo names like John Brown or Emily Taylor as the majority group and then compared the average mention rates across nine broad ethnic groups. Our methodology does not distinguish Black from white names because many African Americans have Anglo names, such as Michael Jackson. This design is still meaningful because we intended to focus on perceived identity. We found that the overall chance of a scientist being credited by name in a news story was 40%. Authors with minority ethnicity names, however, were significantly less likely to be mentioned compared with authors with Anglo names. The disparity was most pronounced for authors with East Asian and African names; they were on average mentioned or quoted about 15% less in U.S. science media relative to those with Anglo names. This association is consistent even after accounting for factors such as geographical location, corresponding author status, authorship position, affiliation rank, author prestige, research topics, journal impact and story length. And it held across different types of outlets, including publishers of press releases, general interest news and those with content focused on science and technology. Pragmatic factors and rhetorical choices Our results dont directly imply media bias. So whats going on? First and foremost, the underrepresentation of scientists with East Asian and African names may be due to pragmatic challenges faced by U.S.-based journalists in interviewing them. Factors like time zone differences for researchers based overseas and actual or perceived English fluency could be at play as a journalist works under deadline to produce the story. We isolated these factors by focusing on researchers affiliated with American institutions. Among U.S.-based researchers, pragmatic difficulties should be minimized because theyre in the same geographic region as the journalists and theyre likely to be proficient in English, at least in writing. In addition, these scientists would presumably be equally likely to respond to journalists interview requests, given that media attention is increasingly valued by U.S. institutions. Even when we looked just at U.S. institutions, we found significant disparities in mentions and quotations for non-Anglo-named authors, albeit slightly reduced. In particular, East Asian- and African-named authors again experience a 4 to 5 percentage-point drop in mention rates compared with their Anglo-named counterparts. This result suggests that while pragmatic considerations can explain some disparities, they dont account for all of them. We found that journalists were also more likely to substitute institutional affiliations for scientists with African and East Asian names for instance, writing about researchers from the University of Michigan. This institution substitution effect underscores a potential bias in media representation, where scholars with minority ethnicity names may be perceived as less authoritative or deserving of formal recognition. Reflecting a globalized enterprise Part of the depth of science news coverage depends on how thoroughly and accurately researchers are portrayed in stories, including whether scientists are mentioned by name and the extent to which their contributions are highlighted via quotes. As science becomes increasingly globalized, with English as its primary language, our study highlights the importance of equitable representation in shaping public discourse and fostering diversity in the scientific community. While our focus was on the depth of coverage with respect to name credits, we suspect that disparities are even larger at an earlier point in science dissemination, when journalists are selecting which research papers to report. Understanding these disparities is complicated because of decades or even centuries of bias ingrained in the whole science production pipeline, including whose research gets funded, who gets to publish in top journals and who is represented in the scientific workforce itself. Journalists are picking from a later stage of a process that has a number of inequities built in. Thus, addressing disparities in scientists media representation is only one way to foster inclusivity and equality in science. But its a step toward sharing innovative scientific knowledge with the public in a more equitable way. Hao Peng, Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Social Science, Northwestern University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Former President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick of Pennsylvania on Saturday, urging his supporters in the state to go out and vote for him in one of the years most hotly contested Senate races. Trumps endorsement came two years after he successfully helped sink McCormick in Pennsylvanias Senate GOP primary, creating an awkward dynamic between the two men who will share the ticket in a state that is critical to control of the White House and Senate. Hes a good man. He wants to run a good ship, Trump said during a rally in the eastern Pennsylvania town of Schnecksville. Hes a smart guy. He was a very successful guy. Hes given up a lot to do this. McCormick who splits his time in Connecticut, where he has a home did not attend the rally. He was at a parents weekend with his daughter, a campaign spokesperson said. McCormick responded on social media, writing on the X platform: Thank you, President Trump! Together we will deliver a big win for Pennsylvania and America in November. McCormick, ex-CEO of hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, is trying to unseat Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, who is seeking his fourth term and is perhaps Pennsylvanias best-known politician. Many would-be Republican nominees in Senate battlegrounds had endorsed Trump early in the GOP presidential primary, campaigned for him or otherwise sought his approval. McCormick didnt, and he only endorsed Trump after Nikki Haley suspended her presidential campaign following her Super Tuesday defeats, leaving Trump as the last remaining major candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination. Former President Donald Trump addresses supporters Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Schnecksville Fire Hall in North Whitehall Township during a visit to Pennsylvania.Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com In 2022, McCormick like others in the seven-way GOP primary to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey had sought Trumps endorsement. According to McCormicks telling of it, Trump told McCormick during their meeting at Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida that to win the primary McCormick would need to say the 2020 election was stolen. McCormick said he refused. Three days later, Trump endorsed Dr. Mehmet Oz and then savaged McCormick repeatedly on the campaign trail. In one setting, a rally in western Pennsylvania days before the 2022 primary, Trump told the crowd that McCormick is not MAGA, using the acronym for his Make America Great Again campaign slogan. Then he derided McCormick as having been with a company the hedge fund that managed money for communist China, describing him in the next breath as the candidate of special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment. Costco may just be one of Americas favorite places to shop. Being able to go to one store and get just about anything, from luxury wine to appliances to outdoor playgrounds to books to clothing...the big box store has everything you could need. Even their tech and digital photo shop is amazing. Need new glasses? Stop by their Vision Center. And you get all this at a marked down price. And right now, Costco is offering an unbelievable deal: a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Household Membership (that is a $60 value) PLUS $40 Digital Costco Shop Card for just $60 total. What does this deal include? A Gold Star Membership includes a FREE Household Card and allows you to purchase products for your home and family. Its also valid for one year at any Costco location worldwide and at Costco.com. With the Gold Star membership program, you unlock perks like online and in-store shopping, gas savings and the warehouse retailers 100% satisfaction guarantee. Plus you score the $40 Digital Costco shop card that gets you additional savings. Ashley Dill covers the online shopping industry, writing about commerce. She can be reached at adill@pennlive.com. Community Snitches on Illegal Poker Game in South Carolina; Three Arrested in Raid Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link Three individuals were arrested at a poker game raid inside a South Carolina office building after community members tipped off police of the alleged illegal activity. The incident took place on April 10 in Irmo, a suburban town of about 12,000 residents in the Columbia Metropolitan area. South Carolina has strict anti-gambling laws, and no legal brick-and-mortar poker rooms in operation. Poker Game Raid According to Columbia's CBS affiliate, WLTX (News 19), police received tips from members of the community about an illegal gambling operation at an office suite in Irmo. Police claim they discovered the suite hosted frequent poker events where six to 20 players would attend. The host of the poker games is alleged to have collected a portion of the winnings. Three individuals Gary Watts (67), Adam Watts (28), and Daniel Schaffer (53) were arrested during the raid and charged with keeping unlawful gaming tables. Seven others on site were charged with playing at a gaming house. Officers seized $15,000 from the room during the raid. This type of activity is against state law, and will not be tolerated in Irmo, said Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale in a statement. We have seen in past gambling operations that lives have been lost because of the financial greed of some involved. We will not allow this activity to be a part of our community. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Richland County Sheriff's Department assisted the Irmo Police Department in conducting the sting operation to put a stop to an alleged illegal poker game. Gary Watts is a former Richland County coroner. After being released from police custody, he told WIS News 10 that the whole thing was "blown out of proportion." "This is simply not the kind of operation that is being described by police," Watts claims. Its a card game, its not a casino, its not machines, its not drugs, its not anything. Its just a bunch of guys getting together to play cards, have a meal, have a few drinks, watch TV, share some laughs. Watts continued to explain that he hosted casual games among friends. But Irmo police dispute that claim. There may be friendly games of gambling, poker that go on in other neighborhoods, other communities, however, our investigation was very thorough and it was very long, police Chief Dale told WIS News 10. It basically determined that this is a business thats being run. Its not just a friendly game of poker. This is organized business, this was gambling. According to police, the investigation has been ongoing for months, and the search warrant was obtained April 10. A June court date has been set for those charged in connection to the illegal gambling operation. Penalties for violating South Carolina's gambling laws can be severe and can include fines, imprisonment, and the forfeiture of property used in the commission of the crime. Owner Agrees to Plea Bargain in 2022 Texas Poker Room Raid Case Share this article Paul McAulay's Maiden Live Victory Comes With 34,810 at GUKPT Edinburgh Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link Paul McAulay is the 2024 Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) Edinburgh Main Event champion. According to The Hendon Mob Database, the Scotsman's victory, the first of his career, came with 34,810 in prize money, the second-largest haul of his career. Thirteen is considered an unlucky number, but the opposite is true in McAulay's case. McAulay had previously reached 12 final tables in the live poker realm, and come up short each time. This latest foray to a final table saw McAulay lock horns with Matthew Davenport, not the easiest heads-up opponent on the circuit, but he got the job done and walked away with 34,810, a prize only eclipsed by the 55,000 he collected for a fourth-place finish in the 2019 WSOPC UK Main Event. 2024 GUKPT Edinburgh Main Event Final Table Results Rank Player Prize 1 Paul McAulay 34,810 2 Matt Davenport 26,180 3 Andrew Hawksby 18,480 4 David Johnson 12,320 5 Kevin Frame 8,770 6 Greg Thomson 6,620 7 Edward Spencer-Small 5,390 8 Thomas Clack 4,620 9 Callum Gordon 4,010 The total attendance over three starting flights was 184, which meant the top 22 finishers won a slice of the 153,980 prize pool. GUKPT crusher Calogero Morreale was one of the first Main Event players to cash. The likes of Robbie Bull, Sinead Priestley, Colin Gillon, and reigning champion Ludovic Geilich joined the sun-running Italian at the cashier's desk during Day 2. The elimination of Yasong Tang in tenth brought the curtain down on the second day's play and set the official nine-handed final table. Callum Gordon was the shortest stack at the start of the final table action, and was the first finalist to be relieved of their chips. Gordon got the last of his 11 big blinds into the middle with pocket fours only to run into the pocket kings of David Johnson. No help arrived from the board, and Gordon bowed out in ninth, his fifth score of the GUKPT Edinburgh festival. Will the GUKPT Goliath Continue Breaking Records in 2024? Full Schedule Released Learn more Thomas Clack's run ended at the hands of McAulay and in cruel circumstances. McAulay shoved from the small blind with ten-five, and Clack called off his ten big blinds with the dominating ace-five. Clack paired his ace on the river, but that ace put four diamonds in view, and McAulay held the five of diamonds for a flush. Seventh place went to Edward Spencer-Small, who almost became the second double-barrelled surname player to triumph in this event after Garry Stevens-Smith in 2018. Spencer-Small eight big blind shove with ace-eight was called by Johnson and his ace-four, with the latter turning a straight. The final six became five when Greg Thomson came unstuck. The winner of the Grosvenor 25/50 Edinburgh event in September 2023 got his last ten big blinds in good with ace-jack against McAulay's seven-six. A double-up looked the most likely result for Thomson until a six peeled off on the river to bust him from the Main Event. Popular grinder Kevin Frame became the latest victim of McAulay's run good and fell in fifth. Frame was all-in for ten big blinds holding ace-seven, and McAulay looked him up with king-jack. McAulay flopped a jack, and Frame failed to find an ace. That hand further improved McAuly's chip lead; he was now on 108 big blinds with the next largest stack worth 34 big blinds. The first five-figure score went to Johnson in what was turning out to be a common scenario. Johnson committed his last 13 big blinds with ace-queen, and McAulay called with jack-nine. Being behind preflop wasn't an issue for McAulay because he flopped a jack to reduce the player count to only three. McAulay took a short break from eliminating foes to allow Davenport to send Andrew Hawksby to the sidelines. Hawksby's last 17 big blinds found their way into the middle of the felt with king-seven of spades, a respectable hand but one nowhere near the strength of the pocket aces in Davenport's hand. The aces held, Hawksby busted, and the GUKPT Edinburgh Main Event progressed to the heads-up stage. The chip stacks of the heads-up players were almost even, so it was anyone's tournament to win. McAulay came out on top in the early encounters and began forging a lead, although Davenport refused to lay down. The final hand took place during the 25/000/50,000 level and saw McAulay raise, Davenport three-bet all-in for 1.4 million, and McAulay called. Davenport showed pocket three which McAulay's pocket nines had crushed. The nines remined true, Davenport fell in second place, and McAulay captured his first live title. 2024 GUKPT Edinburgh Results Sinead Priestley A shout-out to everyone else who became a poker champion at the GUKPT Edinburgh festival. PokerNews previously reported on Ankit Ahuja's victory in the 1,650 High Roller, but the likes of Craig Smith, Sinead Priestley, Michael Gielty, Matthew Cartwright, Paulo Santos, and Anthony Gray also returned home with a trophy on their person. For Priestley, fiancee of the aforementioned Davenport, it was a second live victory in as many months. Priestly triumphed in the 888poker Opening Voyage at the UKPL Luton stop, and won 17,865. This time around, Priestly stopped Calogero Morreale heads-up in the 550 GUKPT Cup, banking another 10,280. Event Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize 1,650 High Roller 50 72,000 Ankit Ahuja 25,200 250 Mini Main 344 67,650 Craig Smith 14,620 550 GUKPT Cup 86 41,280 Sinead Priestley 10,280 200 Opener 308 51,740 Michael Gielty 9,735 250 PLO 80 17,270 Matthew Cartright 3,330 200 Turbo 65 11,240 Paulo Santos 2,930 150 Seniors 87 11,080 Anthony Gray 2,760 Luton is the next stop on the 2024 GUKPT, with GUKPT Luton running from April 25 through May 5. Stuart Rutter is the reigning GUKPT Luton Main Event champion, and he should be in the mix looking to not only defend his title but become a three-time GUKPT Main Event winner. Share this article After nearly 14 hours of play the final day of the 2024 World Series of Poker Circuit $300 Colossus has reached a conclusion here at Playground. After the dust had settled, Keven Desgagne was the last player standing, last defeating Alexandre Clusiau in heads up play to take home the top prize of $89,735. Final Table Results Place Player Hometown Prize (CAD) 1 Keven Desgagne Laval $89,725* 2 Alexandre Clusiau Mascouche $67,125* 3 Remy Tetart Longueuil $54,310* 4 Jeffrey Cormier Moncton $32,000 5 Wali Nezam Ajax $24,000 6 Andrew Fahey Sudbury $20,000 7 Jikai Zhang Nepean $15,000 8 Nicholas Haddad Burlington $12,000 9 Joseph Movsessian Scarborough $10,000 10 Joseph Jarvis Montreal $8,000 * Denotes a 3-way deal Final Day Recap The Colossus, the first of 15 WSOP-C ring events during this series, was a massive success for Playground, attracting a total of 3,964 entrants to create a massive $931,540 prize pool, nearly double the $500,000 guarantee. That field tops the last WSOP-C Colossus held at Playground which featured 3,538 entrants back in August 2019 and is the largest tournament field in Playground's history. Wali Nezam began the day with the shortest stack in the room at only 52,000 chips, worth just under nine big blinds to start the day. Despite facing an uphill battle Nezam would make an admirable comeback, scoring many double ups throughout the day. Nezam would ride that momentum all the way to the final table where his tournament finally came to an end in fifth place, after which he received a round of applause from his tablemates. Wali Nezam (Left) and Keven Desgagne Desgagne began the day in the middle of the pack before making an excellent hero call midway through the day to climb up the counts. Clusiau had a similar trajectory, beginning the day with just above an average stack before finding himself at the very top of the counts midway through the day after an unlikely double knockout gave him a commanding chip lead over the rest of the field at that time. Alexandre Clusiau Jeffrey Cormier began the final table with the chip lead and employed an aggressive style of play that earned him many pots without showdown. His stack would later be decimated after running into Clusiau's pocket aces with pocket kings and although he would double up a few times from there he would ultimately bow out in fourth place. Jeffrey Cormier With Cormier's elimination the remaining three players agreed on an ICM-chop that left an additional $24,720 for the eventual winner. Remy Tetart would make his exit in third place shortly afterwards to set up heads-up play between Desgagne and Clusiau. Both players begun heads-up play nearly even in chips. Clusiau extended his slight lead over Desgagne early on but Desgagne would win a big preflop flip soon after to take the lead. Desgagne would seal the win a few hands later after turning a full house to eliminate Clusiau to claim the last pot of the night, the top prize of $89,725 and his first World Series of Poker Circuit Ring. Heads Up This concludes our coverage for this event but stay tuned as the PokerNews team continues to bring you all the action from the 2024 World Series of Poker Circuit Playground. Ex-president Donald Trump faces a lot of legal issues, some of which are about overt attempts to interfere in the 2020 election that he lost by a wide margin. But it turns out that the so-called hush money trial is also about alleged election interference by the then candidate for president. So, two different elections, two different election interference cases, which speaks to Donald Trumps character in a way that is hardly an endorsement of him to be president of any democratic institution, let alone an entire country. Legal expert Norm Eisen, who is in the court room this Monday morning, pointed out that hush money isnt a crime, but allegedly deceiving voters to grasp power is. Watch as he explains here: Hush money isnt a crimebut allegedly deceiving voters to grasp power is Thats why Braggs case is an election interference one as I unpacked in my new book #TryingTrump https://t.co/K2Ph50eiMd & I explained @CNN w/ @jimsciutto TN pic.twitter.com/ytlGO8BZ6t Norm Eisen (#TryingTrump out now!) (@NormEisen) April 15, 2024 Lest you think Eisen is just one of many lawyers opining about this case, he has actually written a book about this trial, Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial. He was also the counsel in the first impeachment of Donald Trump. In this discussion, we learn that the fundamental legal issue is the allegation of killing a story that deprived voters of a right to know something that might have impacted their vote. Eisen clarifies that hush money is not a crime. But Alvin Bragg says there is a pattern with Trump using a payment of $130,000 to deprive voters of essential information, which Eisen points out is $127,000 over the limit of a campaign contribution. This payment was made to deprive voters of essential information, which in turn was covered up with the intent to effect an election, the CNN legal expert explained. Eisen points out that this is an identical pattern to the allegations Jack Smith is making of deceiving voters in an effort to effect an election with the ultimate purpose of grasping power. In Jack Smiths case, he was appointed to oversee the investigation into Trump and his allies efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Speaking of themes, there is also the Georgia case against Trump, in which prosecutors allege Trump attempted to remain in power using criminal tactics that are normally used by mobsters, to keep him in power. Thus, the ex-president was indicted for racketeering under the states RICO law. Alvin Bragg might not prove it, but thats why this is an alleged election interference case, Eisen finishes. So while the more salacious aspects of this case are what grabs attention, Donald Trump is credibly being accused in three different cases of some form of election interference over multiple elections. While each of these cases need to be proven and are as of now allegations, the fact that they are being made by three different cases in different jurisdictions using methods more aligned with a mobster than a political candidate suggests that Donald Trump will take any power he can seize. This is not a good trait in a person trusted with the nuclear codes and national security secrets that they might, hypothetically, use to influence hostile foreign powers to help them seize power. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. [wpedon id=344887 align=center] Although a couple million Trump supporters live within an hour of his trial on Monday, only an estimated 50 showed up. Lawrence ODonnell shared: The revolution will not be televised. Because they didnt show up. Couple million Trump voters live within an hour of courthouse. Maybe 50 showed up. pic.twitter.com/V0bEdjvbTV Lawrence O'Donnell (@Lawrence) April 15, 2024 This tepid show of support isnt new for Trump during his legal battles, it started last year. Some of this might be attributed to the fact that as of January of 2024, approximately 749 federal defendants have had their cases adjudicated and received sentences for their criminal activity on Jan. 6. Approximately 467 have been sentenced to periods of incarceration, according to the District of Columbia. So it could be that Trumps supporters fear legal ramifications for any potential mob type activity they might get ensnared in, which would be an ironic result of Trump enablers conflating peaceful protests with what Trump and his supporters actually did on January 6th, which was described by Dir. Wray as a terrorist attack. The other part of this is it could be more of what we witness on the ground in Trump country, which is a large drop in visible support even from his most ardent supporters. This could be due to Trump fatigue, which isnt the same thing as people who arent going to vote for their candidate again. But no political candidate would hope to go into an election sans enthusiasm from their biggest supporters. Someone replied that while Trump supporters didnt show up in huge numbers, Trump critics certainly made an appearance: We were there though! pic.twitter.com/Fkou4sdaGd Paul Rabin (@LuapNibar) April 15, 2024 Donald Trump is being upheld as a viable political candidate by the party hes taken over and by a craven media looking for the Trump bucks courtesy of his 2016 campaign and his four chaotic years. Neither the Republican Party nor the media seem to realize that even Trump supporters are tired. Everyone is tired of Donald Trump. Including himself, it seems, as he has reportedly been caught sleeping at his own trial. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. [wpedon id=344887 align=center] Reality has finally arrived for Trump and the Republican Party as a majority of voters think the ex-president committed serious crimes. Politico reported: A majority of voters believe former President Donald Trump has committed serious federal crimes, according to the latest New York Times/Siena College poll. Fifty-three percent of likely voters said they believe this, while 39 percent of those surveyed said they did not believe that Trump committed serious crimes. Nine percent said they didnt know or didnt answer the question. The numbers broken down by party affiliation show that 90 percent of Democrats believe he has committed serious crimes, while 17 percent of Republicans fall in this category. Forty-nine percent of independents shared this sentiment. Trump can rant and rave outside the courthouse and on his social media platform every day about how the trial is a political conspiracy to get him, but a majority of voters arent buying it. The big number to watch is how Independents feel about the criminal cases against Donald Trump. Independents are already at 49% who believe that Trump committed serious federal crimes. That number could skyrocket if Trump is convicted in Manhattan. If the ex-president loses a majority of Independents, along with 17% of Republicans, he cant win the election. The idea that the criminal charges were helping Trump was always political spin. The reality is that most Americans already think that Trump committed serious federal crimes. A conviction in Manhattan will make Trump unelectable. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. [wpedon id=344887 align=center] Around 30 students, faculty and staff gathered at the Cistern Yard, a green space at the heart of the College of Charleston. The day was sunny and windy. Catkins fell from towering live oaks. The crowd was not there to enjoy the spring weather. The students, holding handmade signs with phrases in support for equity and diversity in education, were on a mission. They were protesting an anti-diversity and inclusion bill making its way through South Carolinas Legislature. The bill, which passed the House and is headed to a Senate vote, would prevent public South Carolina colleges and universities from using diversity, equity or inclusion (DEI) principles in hiring and admissions. It would also require higher education institutions to submit an internal audit to the Legislature each year about all of their DEI policies. Critics warn that the bills nebulous language could harm certain student organizations. They said this bill is the first wave of anti-DEI bills they expect to flood the Legislature in coming years. In an interview, state Rep. Tim McGinnis, a Carolina Forest Republican and one of the bills authors, said what legislators uncover in the audits will give them the opportunity to more narrowly focus the bill. The legislation is part of a national movement led by big-name conservative politicians and online influencer groups to pressure state legislators to pass laws limiting DEI initiatives on college campuses. These groups allege DEI policies in academia and the corporate world have not resulted in a more diverse pool of qualified candidates, but an environment where ones skin color or social status trumps their merit. As the bill moves through the Legislature, South Carolinas most well-known colleges and universities have stayed largely silent on how it will impact them. Some have quietly removed DEI language from their websites and certain initiatives. Others have issued short statements saying they plan on complying with state law. One reason C of Cs Black Student Union held the April 4 protest was because they wanted President Andrew Hsu to speak about the bill and show support for minority students on campus. Garrison Keillor said the answer to all of lifes questions are on the internet and thats why he doesnt get out and walk. But who cares about that? Better to get out and walk, he mused, and figure out what the questions are that matter. Keillors crack about the internet reminds us that were always looking for quick answers and quick solutions. But questions like Has a book you read ever changed your life? must percolate. A good question, one that matters, is one that you want to think about for a while. And with a really good question, you hold it, you walk with it, and you let it ripen. You work with it by asking it in new ways, and hear it invite you to become something you havent been before. Readers might recognize that in the words of poet Reiner Maria Rilke. In his fourth letter to a young poet friend, he wrote, I ask you to have patience with all that is unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Dont try to find the answers now. They cannot be given anyway, because you would not be able to live them. For everything is to be lived. Live the questions now. Rilke himself was young when he wrote that, but those are the words of an elder. As we get older, many find that the questions that captivate us now are the kind Rilke speaks of, concerning the things unresolved in our heart. Those are the big questions, ones that are only answered by living them out. Questions that humble us enough to let them nudge us into something we havent been before. David Brooks tells of a dinner party he attended where one guest, a retired political scientist, put down his fork and said Im 80. What should I do with the rest of my life? The question was honest, humble and big and thanks to that blunt question, Brooks said, the rest of the table conversation was fantastic. Why? Because it touched on what was unresolved in everybodys heart: What is the best way to grow old? You know how Charlestonians get when they see snow falling? That was Pickens Rep. Neal Collins the morning Tropical Storm Helene arrived at his Easley home. He stood in his garage and shot video of the rain. I woke up before my 5am alarm with unexpected excitement, he posted on social medi Read moreScoppe: 'We are being manipulated by people who don't have our best interests at heart' Lindsey Graham has gone all Molly Hatchet and is flirtin with disaster in another states presidential elections. Read moreHicks Palmetto Politics: Graham trying to help change rules of presidential election again PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 15:05:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 432 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Allied Universal , the world's leading security and facility services provider, today announced that Deanna Steele has joined the company as chief information officer for North America.Steele will provide visionary leadership and hands-on management of IT initiatives, creating substantial business value. In the role she will focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, supporting growth, integrating acquisitions and optimizing artificial intelligence across the company's operations in North America."We are very excited to have Deanna join our team. Her background and experience in leading technology teams to drive transformation across large enterprises make her a perfect fit for our organization," said Mark Mullison, Allied Universal chief technology officer. "Deanna is a great addition to our dynamic, hard charging team and demanding culture and will add tremendous value to the organization now and into the future." Steele is a seasoned executive with more than two decades of leadership experience in global and domestic consumer and digital business, retail, B2B, product and professional services. She served as chief information officer for Advantage Solutions, J. Jill and Ingram Content Group, leading technology teams through growth, transformation and product innovation. Most recently, she served corporate clients at consulting firm AlixPartners, focusing on technology operating models, process efficiency and cost optimization. Steele also has led technology initiatives in organizations with highly distributed workforces emphasizing automation and scalability via technology enablement. She received a bachelor of science degree in business management from Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif."I'm thrilled to be joining Allied Universal and am honored to be a part of the company's journey forward," Steele said. "I am committed to building teams and culture, and positively leading and developing people. I consistently drive to understand and improve the client/customer experience focusing on scalability, ease of use and efficiency through leveraging data, predictive and prescriptive analytics, and insights-based services." About Allied UniversalThe world's leading security and facility services provider and trusted partner to more than 400 of the FORTUNE 500, Allied Universal delivers unparalleled customer relationships, innovative solutions, cutting-edge smart technologies and tailored services that enable clients to focus on their core businesses. With operations in over 100 countries, Allied Universal is the third-largest private employer in North America and seventh in the world. Annual revenue is more than $20 billion. There is no greater purpose and responsibility than serving and safeguarding customers, communities and people. For more information, visit www.aus.com # # #Media Contacts:Kari GarciaDirector of Public Relations - North AmericaPhone: 949-826-3560Email: Kari.Garcia@aus.com Newsroom: ausnewsroom.aus.com SOURCE: Allied Universal PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 12:00:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 980 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Senior Mining Engineer with oversight expertise in mine planning, design, construction and project management for Matsa, Aljustrel and Neves Corvo's VMS projects on the Iberian Pyrite Belt; Strengthens Ascendant's Technical capability during transition for project development TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Ascendant Resources Inc. (TSX:ASND)(OTCQX:ASDRF)(FRA:2D9) ("Ascendant" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Mr. Guy Lauzier, P.Eng., who has been appointed as Technical Adviser for its Lagoa Salgada project. Mr. Lauzier will work with the management team to enhance the design, construction and delivery of the Lagoa Salgada VMS Project, located on the Iberian Pyrite Belt, in Portugal.Mr. Lauzier is a mining engineer with over 45 years' experience in both underground and open pit mining. Previous employment experience includes a tenure at projects located on the Iberian Pyrite Belt including MATSA - Trafigura, as Project Manager specializing in project design, control and construction of a 2.2 Mtpa processing plant. He was Project Manager at Lundin Mining's previously owned Aljustrel Project in Portugal, where he was responsible for the engineering and upgrade of Lead/Zinc/Copper circuit, fine crushing and fine grinding system. He organized the reopening of the Moinho mine and the development of the the Feitais mine for 3000 tpd. Prior to Lundin, Mr. Lauzier was a Technical Advisor at Eurozinc Neves Corvo's Mine (IBP) where his responsibilities included Mine Planning, Design, Construction and Project Management as well as the refurbishment of the Lead Zinc plant.Mr. Lauzier has also managed the construction of several mines and mineral processing plants, located in Europe, North and South America and Africa. These skills have permitted him to successfully develop his knowledge in the areas of mine operations, engineering, supervision, project management, safety, and operational improvements.Mark Brennan, Chairman of Ascendant stated, "We are extremely pleased to welcome Guy to the Ascendant team. Guy brings a wealth of engineering experience in mine design, mine planning, construction and mine optimization, particularly on similar VMS projects and projects located within the Iberian Pyrite Belt that will add to the technical capabilities of the Ascendant team in advancing our Lagoa Salgada project final Feasibility stage and into development." About Ascendant Resources Inc.Ascendant Resources is a Toronto-based mining company focused on the exploration and development of the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project located on the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. The Lagoa Salgada project is a high-grade polymetallic project, demonstrating a typical mineralization endowment of zinc, copper, lead, tin, silver, and gold. Extensive exploration upside potential lies both near deposit and at prospective step-out targets across the large 7,209-hectare property concession.Located just 80km from Lisbon and surrounded by exceptional infrastructure, Lagoa Salgada offers a low-cost entry to a significant exploration and development opportunity, already showing its mineable scale and cashflow generation potential.Ascendant currently holds an 80% interest in the Lagoa Salgada project through its position in Redcorp - Empreendimentos Mineiros, Lda, ("Redcorp"). The Company's common shares are principally listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ASND". For more information on Ascendant, please visit our website at http://www.ascendantresources.com/ Additional information relating to the Company is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com For further information, contact:Mark BrennanExecutive Chairman, FounderMike McAllisterVice President, Investor RelationsTel: +1-647-805-5662 mmcallister@ ascendantresources.com Forward Looking InformationThis press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding Ascendant's business and the Lagoa Salgada project. In making the forward- looking statements contained in this press release, Ascendant has made certain assumptions. Although Ascendant believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Ascendant disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the risks described under the heading "Risks Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated April 3, 2024 and under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 18:31:55 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 490 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Bacardi LimitedOriginally published in the Bacardi Cocktail Trends ReportThis Earth Month and throughout the year, bartenders and brands are reframing sustainability as a creative challenge - utilizing novel processes and harnessing innovative flavors that don't just limit harm, but actively conserve the natural environment.Sustainability in the drinks industry is here to stay. According to research from IWSR, 48% of U.S. alcohol drinkers say they consider a company's sustainability or environmental initiatives before purchasing, while research from the Bacardi Global Consumer Survey shows that a large proportion of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably made drinks or cocktails. In Mexico and South Africa, it's listed as the number one reason to pay more by 79% of respondents, outranking lower calories, celebrity branding and even quality.On premises, innovative processes are helping spirits and cocktails to deliver on sustainability too. The Bacardi Global Brand Ambassador Survey reveals growing bartender interest in zero-waste ingredients (46%) and ferments (36%), with techniques including distillation, clarification, infusion, carbonation, fermentation and freezing transforming discarded ingredients into creative offerings.Taking inspiration from minimal-interference winemaking, Jigger & Pony in Singapore works with unfiltered spirits and typically discarded by-products to let cocktails - their ingredients, natural flavors and oils - speak for themselves. Goat kefir and mango skins are among the choices, while the venue's pioneering Cloudy Kangaroo is a wet vodka Martini that combines the luscious texture and fruity notes of sake lees and strained soy milk with sherry and peach.In 2024, innovation will move one step further, as mixologists look to Invasivorism - utilizing ingredients that disrupt the natural environment - to create new flavor pairings centered on conservation. Already, London-based zero-waste restaurant Silo uses Japanese knotweed in over 20 dishes and drinks to save on resources. Its Japanese Knotweed Sour combines bright flavors like fresh rhubarb with the earthy and floral notes of the invasive species.Consumers are increasingly interested in how their favorite drinks are packaged too. Spirits companies are taking huge steps in this space - closed-loop packaging and innovative new designs aim to reduce packaging waste, while new production processes for glass target a reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.Meanwhile, the responsible sourcing of raw ingredients, harnessing renewable energy and cleaner energy to reduce the GHG emissions at production sites, and water replenishment programs are all top of the priority list for spirits manufacturers like Bacardi, a family-owned company which is committed to doing the right thing by people and planet."Acting responsibly is not about acting alone. From farmer to blender to bartender, it's only by working together that we can bring about real change." Magaly Feliciano Lozada Global sustainability director, BacardiRead more about Bacardi's commitment to sustainability in the 2024 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bacardi Limited on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Bacardi LimitedWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bacardi-limited Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Bacardi Limited PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 21:15:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 616 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The company, exhibiting at NAB 2024 in Las Vegas, will focus on contributing to work done in ATSC 3.0 technical groups.BERKELEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Blockcast , a fast-growing startup creating a new decentralized multicast network for offnet delivery of internet content over-the-air, is proud to announce that they have joined the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) to help further the development of technologies, like ATSC 3.0, which can provide a way to mitigate the growing terrestrial network congestion and inefficiencies resulting from unicast delivery of internet content.The Blockcast Network, when fully deployed, will provide network operators, CDNs, and over-the-air broadcasters (ATSC 3, cellular, and satellite), a means to reduce network congestion and efficiency (by incorporating the Blockcast Multicast Adaptive HTTP Proxy into their network) as well as a way to generate incremental revenue through participation in the Blockcast Capacity Marketplace. Through this marketplace, content providers, such as streaming platform operators, will be able to quickly and easily incorporate the Blockcast Network into their delivery architecture by purchasing capacity. By doing so, they can significantly reduce delivery costs by collecting duplicative unicast streams into a single, multicast stream."We are excited to join ATSC to help further the development of core over-the-air digital delivery technologies like ATSC 3.0," says Omar Ramadan, CEO/CTO and co-founder of Blockcast. "The growth of internet content delivery, like streaming, is putting increased pressures on ISP networks especially as it relies on unicast delivery. ATSC 3.0, cellular, and satellite broadcasters represent unused capacity that could be leveraged to deliver this content more efficiently. We hope our work in ATSC can help make this a reality through the Blockcast Network." "The ATSC welcomes innovative companies like Blockcast," says Madeleine Noland, President of ATSC. "Their approach to leveraging over-the-air broadcast for multicast delivery of internet content is groundbreaking and could help lead to new approaches and revenue streams for our members." In addition to the Blockcast Network and Capacity Marketplace, Blockcast is working to bring a truly distributed approach to content delivery by democratizing who and from where content can be delivered. Often, content is delivered from closed, commercially operated networks. But, through the Blockcast's soon-to-be open-sourced cache nodes, individual users can host, and deliver, internet content. By hosting content in their homes, people can have a better content experience as streams or downloads are accessed locally. This can lend to content pre-positioning allowing content providers to push content into those at-home cache nodes based on the viewing history of people in the home while also allowing higher quality content, like 4K. Users will be incentivized to host a cache node in their home through the web3 token rewards. The availability of the Blockcast cache nodes will be announced at a later date.Blockcast will have a table in the NAB 2024 PropelME Area in the West Hall (W3921E). If you are interested in speaking with one of the Bockcast representatives at NAB to discuss how your company might participate in the Blockcast Network, you canschedule a meeting through Calendly . You can also catch Omar Ramadan in the Tuesday, April 16th session, "The Next Business Model for Hollywood" from 1:30 to 2:30 PT in W225.About BlockcastBlockcast is a next-generation CDN with an open architecture that leverages multicast for one-to-many distribution to significantly lower content delivery costs while maintaining a high quality-of-experience. Content providers can add the Blockcast Network to their delivery architecture using standard CDN interconnection and purchasing capacity through the Blockcast Capacity Marketplace from ISPs, over-the-air broadcasters (ATSC, 5G, DVB, and satellite), and end users who are incentivized with Web3 tokens to host a Blockbox. For more information visitBlockcast.net Press ContactJason Thibeaultjt@ blockcast.net SOURCE: Blockcast PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 18:49:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 667 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONG ISLAND, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 /Clearview Roofing & Constructionhas announced their open services for the winter months. For Long Island and Queens residents, December and January bring freezing weather and snow. Clearview is offering their services throughout the winter months, including melting snow off roofs and roof repairs.Clearview, which operates as both a roofing and full construction company, specializes in shingle roofing, TPO and EPDM Rubber Flat roofing, slate roofing, leak repairs and all the interior restoration involved after a water-related event.Chris Feniello, Managing Partner of Clearview, explains how to prepare homes and buildings for the colder months. "We certainly have to deal with colder temperatures in December and January," says Feniello, "and it is true you have to take precaution and proper preparations in colder months, but it can be done for sure." "It is important that shingles are not frozen and are pliable, so we leave them in the sun until we are ready to nail," says Feniello. "It is also important for a homeowner to know that in the colder temperatures, as it will take longer for the singles to lay down and cure. If after a week of sun, a homeowner notices a shingle or two has not laid down, we can manually seal it with flashing cement, which is a manufacturer recommendation." For the coming winter months, New York residents are encouraged to utilize Clearview's roofing services for melting snow off their roof to prevent ice dams, which can seep under shingles and cause damage to ceilings, walls and other structures inside the home. Despite the cold weather, Clearview is experienced in taking precautions when it comes to fulfilling roofing services during the winter."We install heater cables that are turned on by a switch within the home if homeowners have homes that are prone to Ice Dams. Ice Dams, which occur when snow buildup melts and then refreezes, can be avoided with our heater cables placed in a zig-zag formation on the roof." Long Island and Queens residents may still turn to Clearview for any of their construction or roofing necessities, and as the company continues to grow, their volume of insurance restoration jobs has also expanded. "We have all the mitigation equipment necessary to handle these insurance-related claims, like air movers, air scrubbers and power vacuums to remove water out of basements from flooding or pipe burst events," says Chris Feniello. "We have serviced many homeowners with their insurance claims and we feel that the south shore is in need of these services as well." Clearview is big on safety and accountability. There is such a thing as too cold to lay a roof, though for emergency situations, the company offers their services so long as it's above-freezing temperatures. "If there is an emergency, we can utilize warmers to warm the shingles if necessary. Generally, as soon as it's below 30 degrees, which traditionally ends up being the month of February in Long island, we don't roof homes. However, if it's 30 in the morning but warms up to 40 degrees during the day, that is considered very acceptable working conditions.To take precautions for the winter months and the freezing temperatures, Clearview encourages Long Island residents to seek their services sooner rather than later. They hope to continue fulfilling orders throughout the winter to those that require a roof replacement as soon as possible.About the Company:Clearview Roofing & Constructionis a family-owned Long-Island roofing company that first started in 1961. For the past few decades, they have provided Long Island and Queens communities with a myriad of efficient services for an affordable price. Their current locations include offices in Port Washington, Huntington and Rockville Centre, all of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens counties.To get a free on-site estimate or request a quote, contact Clearview Roofing & Construction through their website at https://longislandroofs.com/or contact:Chris Feniello, Clearview Roofing & Construction clearviewnorthport@ gmail.com SOURCE: Clearview Roofing and Construction PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 16:10:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1028 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / CMC Metals Ltd. (TSX-V:CMB)(Frankfurt:ZM5P)(OTCQB:CMCXF) ("CMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has prepared a new conceptual mineralization model (see Figure 1) for its Silverknife Property. The model is based on an interpretation of recent and historical exploration data and publicly available regional data. The model will serve as a guideline to future exploration efforts on the property and conceptually depicts the potential of the four zones on the property previously announced on March 20, 2024.In addition, selected results from the 2023 drilling at the Silverknife Prospect Area not previously announced, were as follows:Hole SKP 23-02 from a depth of 34.0 meters to 202.27 was consistently mineralized with elevated levels of zinc and lead. Of particular note is (i) a 16.19 meter interval from 41.33-57.52 meters with an average of 11,399.3 g/t zinc with a range of values from 1,245-38,500 g/t zinc and lead values ranging from 624-11,250 g/t; (ii) a 13.65 meter interval from 83.85-97.50 meters with an average of 13,580 g/t zinc with a range of values from 2,380-34,700 g/t zinc and lead values ranging from 288-6,020 g/t (iii) a 2.70 meter interval from 125.80-128.50 m with 0.31 g/t Gold, and 59. 7 g/t Silver; and (iv) a 4.00 meter interval from 139-143.00 m with 0.20 g/t Gold, and 56.10 g/t Silver Hole SKP 23-03 with a 1.2 meter interval from 190.30-191.50 meters with 53 g/t silver, 34,600 g/t lead, and 7,440 g/t zinc. Hole SKP 23-04 with a 1.98 meter interval from 123.40-125.38 meters with 25.02 g/t silver, 6,154.2 g/t lead, and 46,921 g/t zinc. Hole SKP 23-06: 881 g/t silver, 5,060 g/t lead, 1,500 g/t zinc and 1,335 g/t copper at a depth interval of 67.7-68.20 meters Hole SKP 2P 23-07 with (i) a 3.91 meter interval from 72.00-75.91 m with 0.73 g/t Gold, and 17.63 g/t Silver; and (ii) a 1.6 meter interval from 172.05-173.65 meters with 9,079.7 g/t zinc Hole SKP 23-08 with (i) a 26.52 meter interval from70.48-97.00 meters with 2,078 g/t zinc with values ranging from 1,415-14,350 g/t and lead values ranging from 209-4,040 g/t; and, (ii) a 5.88 meter interval from 100.12-106.0 meters grading 4,224.49 g/t zinc with elevated level s of lead and zinc from 63.0-107.87 meters. Hole SKP 23-09 with (i) a 1.0 meter interval from 55.0-56.0 meters grading 189 g/t silver, 2,680 g/t lead and 651 g/t zinc; (ii) a 1.0 meter interval from 61.0-62.0 meters grading 46 g/t silver, 1,700 g/t lead and 5,790 g/t zinc; and (iii) a 1.52 meter interval from 129.96-131.48 meters grading 67 g/t silver, 15,100 g/t lead and 4,030 g/t zinc in mineralized intervals from 55.0-72.01 meters, 93.30-96.27 meters and 123.97-134.0 meters.Fugitive calcite veining was noted in Holes SKP 23-04, SKP 23-05,SKP 23-06, SKP 23-07, SKP 23-08 and SKP 23-09. This is significant as fugitive calcite with cross-cutting "epithermal textures" suggest the presence of a large, longer life mineralizing system which is a critical factor in the formation of carbonate replacement deposits.Mr. Kevin Brewer, P.Geo. and President and CEO of the Company noted that "We initially did not understand the significance of this data. We hit mineralization in seven of the nine holes we drilled in this area. Furthermore, the alteration associated with the mineralization, suggests we are proximal to a large system. We encountered faulting in the drilling program that forced us to abandon two of the holes, and faulting is evidence that the plumbing system exists in this area for fluid migration, and the heat source exists as we intercepted the Cassiar granodiorite at depth. This verifies to us the significant potential of the Silverknife Prospect Zone which is yet to be fully evaluated and also the immense potential of examining western extensions of this system in the South-Central Silverknife Zone where we have large conductivity anomalies associated with significant geochemical soil anomalies. The development of the conceptual mineralization model by our project geologist Cesar Symonds is also a great addition to our knowledge of the property." Qualified PersonQualified Person Kevin Brewer, a registered professional geoscientist, is the Company's President and CEO, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). He has given his approval of the technical information pertaining reported herein. The Company is committed to meeting the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological reporting, geophysical investigations, environmental and baseline studies, engineering studies, metallurgical testing, assaying and all other technical data.About CMC Metals Ltd.CMC Metals Ltd. is a growth stage exploration company focused on opportunities for high grade polymetallic deposits in British Columbia, Yukon and Newfoundland. Our flagship project is the Silverknife Property in the emerging Rancheria Silver District. Other projects in this District include the Amy project (British Columbia) and the Silver Hart Deposit/Blue Heaven claims (Yukon). Our polymetallic projects with potential for copper-silver-gold and other metals include Bridal Veil (Newfoundland) and Logjam (Yukon), both of which are available for option.On behalf of the Board:"John Bossio" John Bossio, ChairmanCMC METALS LTD.For Further Information and Investor Inquiries:Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B. Sc.(Hons) , Dip. Mine Eng.President , CEO and DirectorTel: (+52) 669 198 8503kbrewer80@ hotmail.comSuite 1000-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2To be added to CMC's news distribution list, please send an email toinfo@ cmcmetals.caor contact Mr. Kevin Brewer directly.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."This news release may contain certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles and exploitation activities and developments. In this release disclosure regarding the potential to undertake future exploration work comprise forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to si PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 16:15:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 658 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 EastmanKINGSPORT, TN / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Eastman, a global leader in specialty materials and producer of sustainable Naia cellulosic fiber, worked with sustainable fashion brand Reformation for the launch of its January bridal collection. As part of the collection, Reformation created three dresses featuring Naia Renew ES, Eastman's enhanced sustainability yarn made from 60% certified recycled content,* which the brand describes as "like silk but better." Naia Renew ES helps combat waste pollution, reduces reliance on virgin materials and enables a lower carbon footprint. Reformation chose this sustainable yarn as a silk alternative due to its inherent properties - elegant drape, silky soft hand and luxurious luster - with all the benefits of sustainability."We're proud to offer a 60% recycled content fiber at scale to the fashion market," said Carolina Sister Cohn, global marketing leader for Eastman's textiles division. "With Naia Renew ES, we offer a sustainable solution that meets the demands of both fashion and environmental responsibility. Together with brands like Reformation, we're making significant strides in transforming the fashion industry and inspiring others to embrace sustainability as a design decision." Unlike other cellulose-based yarns and fibers, Naia Renew ES requires fewer virgin materials to make an environmentally friendly product. It is made from 40% certified recycled waste material, 20% certified recycled cellulose and 40% sustainably sourced wood pulp.Through their work, Eastman and Reformation are showing the fashion industry what's possible by delivering beautiful apparel and prioritizing environmental sustainability."Reducing our reliance on virgin silk is an important part of achieving our ambitious commitments to become climate positive by 2025," said Carrie Freiman Parry, senior director of sustainability at Reformation. "Innovative materials like Naia Renew ES help us drive sustainable fashion forward while continuing to deliver the high-quality, on-trend product customers love and expect from Reformation." Bridal gowns featuring Naia Renew ES will be available for purchase on TheReformation.com and in select Reformation stores beginning January 22.*Naia Renew ES recycled content is achieved by allocation of recycled waste material using a GRS-certified mass balance process.About EastmanFounded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2022 revenue of approximately $10.6 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.About ReformationFounded in 2009, Reformation is a revolutionary lifestyle brand that proves fashion and sustainability can coexist. The brand combines stylish, vintage-inspired designs with sustainable practices, releasing limited-edition collections for individuals who want to look beautiful and live sustainably. Reformation infuses green measures into every aspect of the business. Setting an example for the industry, Reformation remains at the forefront of innovation in sustainable fashion-running the first sustainable factory in Los Angeles, using deadstock and eco fabrics, tracking and sharing the environmental impact of every product, and investing in the people who make this revolution possible.Reformation is Climate Neutral certified and its products have been carbon neutral since 2015, with a commitment to become Climate Positive by 2025 and Circular by 2030. The brand has also established itself as a pioneer in retail innovation, developing an in-store tech concept that brings the best of its online experience to its physical doors.Media ContactElyse BatistaEastman Chemical CompanyMarketing Communications, U.S. elysem.batista@eastman.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Eastman on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: EastmanWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/eastman Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Eastman PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 15:04:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 706 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 /IM Engineering South , the six-in-one advanced design and manufacturing expo dedicated to exploring insights and solutions spanning medtech, packaging, automation, plastics, design and processing, announces today its opening day keynote dedicated to medical device design. Slated for June 4-6 at the Charlotte Convention Center, IME South offers attendees a comprehensive view of the product lifecycle-from prototype to production to market.The opening keynote, presented by Bethany Corbin, Co-Founder and CEO of FemInnovation, will delve into the world of health information technology (IT) for medical devices, uncovering how emerging laws can affect business models and how companies can develop effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies. The presentation will explore potential bias within the device design process and the increasing benefits of artificial intelligence - particularly for underserved populations - with case studies around the use of femtech, defined as thetech-enabled consumer-centric solutions addressing women's health .Bethany Corbin is a recognized thought leader at the intersection of women's health, law and technology. Through FemInnovation, Corbin works to support tech founders in their quest to revolutionize the global women's health sector through startup guidance, foundational partnerships with clinicians and healthcare organizations, educational programming and consulting services.Omar Ford, Editor, Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry (MDDI) , states: "Bethany Corbin stands as a pioneer in the realm of female health technology (Femtech), spearheading innovation in one of the medical device industry's most rapidly expanding sectors. The narrative surrounding her enterprise, FemInnovation, not only evokes inspiration but also serves as a testament to the boundless potential of startups in driving innovation forward. IME South, as the foremost advanced design and manufacturing expo, provides an unparalleled platform to spotlight and share this remarkable journey." "Addressing inequities in medicine is one of the most pressing challenges that technology can solve," states Melissa Magestro, Vice President at Informa Markets Engineering. "It is our hope that by bringing together the decision makers and companies that are directly involved in the design and manufacturing process, we can ignite real progress in the industry." IME South, alternating biennially with IME East, comprises six co-located shows, including Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M), Automation Technology Expo (ATX), Design & Manufacturing (D&M), Pack, Plastec, and Powder & Bulk Solids. IME South is expected to bring together over 3,000 attendees and more than 300 exhibitors for three days of new connections, product demonstrations and expert-led educational sessions.Tickets for IME South's Welcome Reception on June 4 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame are now live and available for purchase during registration. More than 50 interactive experiences, including an iRacing simulator will be present for attendees to participate in.Registration for IME South is live. To learn more about the event or to register to attend, visit www.imengineeringsouth.com About Informa Markets EngineeringInforma Markets' Engineering portfolio, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), 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, 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 Informa MarketsInforma 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 Engineering EngineeringPR@ informa.com SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - ENGINEERING PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 08:00:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1023 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 /Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company") announces that, after a period of discussions to restructure the group's debt in conjunction with seeking a fully funded solution for its 100%-owned Araguaia Nickel Project ("Araguaia" or the "Project") and actively engaging existing and new potential investors, the Company has been unable to secure interest in the full financing needed to complete the Project or in a group acquiring the Project. In the absence of a financing solution, Horizonte must now consider alternative options for the Company's subsidiaries in the interest of its secured creditors, which may include raising financing at the subsidiary level, a sale of the Project whilst in care and maintenance, the liquidation of the assets of the Project, or other options available under Brazilian laws. The Company does not believe that any of these options are likely to recover any value for the Company's shareholders.Since the end of November 2023, the new management team has stabilized the business and undertook a comprehensive audit of the cost to complete and business plan to critically assess the current viability of the Project. The results of this audit demonstrated Araguaia's project fundamentals as a robust 1st quartile operating cost asset, but also highlighted a significant increase of the cost to complete compared to previous estimates. Following an extensive engagement and global roadshow where over 150 parties, including over 39 which entered into non-disclosure agreements ("NDA's") were approached across both debt and equity, the Company has been unable to secure the full financing needed to complete the project at this time. The majority of investors who conducted detailed due diligence on the Project, after signing NDA's, cited the unfavourable nickel market environment as the reason for declining to pursue the opportunity further. Despite nickel's long-term outlook being strong, investor sentiment has been dampened by low spot prices and near-term uncertainties which include the supply surplus from Indonesia, and the consequent downward shift in the cost curve, risks to global nickel demand and market dynamics of Class I and Class II nickel products.Discussions with secured creditors, and existing and new potential investors on alternative scenarios will continue to be held with a view to a potential restructuring solution to attempt to achieve some recovery value to our creditors. These include raising financing at the subsidiary level, or disposing of the Project whilst in care and maintenance, thereby maintaining the prospect of the Project as a going concern, liquidation of the assets of the Project, or the consideration of other options available under Brazilian laws to attempt to achieve the best possible recovery to the Company's creditors while minimising potential liabilities. As at 10 April 2024, the Company had a cash balance of US$16.2 million (excluding cash that is segregated for the development of the Vermelho Project).Furthermore, given the lack of more favourable scenarios to deal with the Company's liabilities, the Board is continuously reviewing the options alongside their professional advisers.Karim Nasr, Interim CEO of Horizonte, commented:"The Board and management are extremely disappointed by the results of our effort to attract financing into the Company. While we received commendation on the quality of the project and of the comprehensive work put together by the Company's team, and supportive attitude of the Company's creditors and Cornerstone Shareholders, the lack of prospects in a recovery of the Ferro-Nickel market considering Indonesian supply dynamics have impeded the confidence of investors in earlier stage projects with high capital intensity, including Horizonte.We regret the impact this outcome will have on our many stakeholders. I want to thank everyone involved, especially the Horizonte team, for their efforts through this very challenging period." For further information, visit www.horizonteminerals.comor contact:Horizonte Minerals plc Patrick Chambers (Head of IR) info@ horizonteminerals.com +44 (0) 203 356 2901Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Ross AllisterDavid McKeownBhavesh Patel+44 (0)20 7418 8900BMO (Joint Broker) Thomas RiderPascal Lussier DuquetteAndrew Cameron+44 (0) 20 7236 1010Barclays (Joint Broker) Philip LindopRichard Bassingthwaighte+44 (0)20 7623 2323CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATIONExcept for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment, statements with respect to the potential of the Company's current or future property mineral projects; the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the second RKEF line at Araguaia on time, or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on time, or at all, the success of exploration and mining activities; cost and timing of future exploration, production and development; the costs and timing for delivery of the equipment to be purchased, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the ability of the Company to achieve its goals in respect of growing its mineral resources; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates and achieving production in accordance with the Company's potential production profile or at all. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual resul PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 19:32:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 688 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 JJC leads the way for community colleges, embracing Advising App to empower staff with advanced AI capabilities. This technology promises enhanced productivity, reduced managerial intervention, and improved employee satisfaction.SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Canyon GBS marks a significant milestone as Joliet Junior College (JJC) signs up for Advising App ( https://advising.app) to launch a higher education-specific, enterprise AI assistant at scale for staff. This groundbreaking collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in the advancement of AI-driven support systems within the education sector. As one of the first community colleges in North America to deploy a compliant, secure, scaled enterprise AI assistant for staff, JJC sets a new benchmark for strategy and operational excellence.Joliet Junior College Campus Center This photo of the Dr. Gena Proulx Campus Center at Joliet Junior College was taken on April 12, 2024 by Canyon GBS while participating in a campus tour.This landmark collaboration underscores JJC's forward-thinking leadership in applying AI to their daily operations, while Canyon GBS reaffirms its standing as a leading provider of purpose-built solutions for colleges and universities."At Canyon GBS, we're dedicated to empowering educational institutions with cutting-edge AI technology that drives positive outcomes for students and staff alike," says Joe Licata, Founder and CEO of Canyon GBS. "Our collaboration with Joliet Junior College highlights our commitment to democratizing access to AI solutions in higher education, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional enterprise offerings while delivering the highest standards of quality, security, or functionality." Following in the footsteps of Arizona State University (ASU), which announced in January a pioneering collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT Enterprise into their university, Canyon GBS continues to lead the charge in shaping the future of enterprise AI in academia. With a commitment to fostering innovation and student success, Advising App offers a powerful, yet affordable solution designed to revolutionize administrative processes and enhance staff productivity across college campuses."JJC is proud to be the first community college in the nation to partner with Canyon GBS, a company built by higher education professionals for higher education professionals, working to ensure the responsible use of AI tools across institutions," said Dr. Clyne Namuo, President of Joliet Junior College. "This partnership places JJC at the forefront, providing a tool for our faculty and staff to enhance and streamline what they do to support our students." "As one of the first colleges in North America to deploy a scaled AI solution for staff, Joliet Junior College exemplifies a commitment to innovation and student success," says Dr. Mark Koan, SVP of Tech Strategy and Partnerships at Canyon GBS. "We are proud to partner with JJC in this transformative endeavor and look forward to driving continued advancements in AI-driven support systems for higher education institutions worldwide." About Canyon GBSBased in the vibrant Phoenix Metro Area and supported by a global team, Canyon GBS ( https://canyongbs.com) is a pioneering tech company crafting impactful solutions powered by AI. With a diverse range of offerings tailored for sectors such as higher education, public sector government agencies, non-profits, and small businesses, Canyon GBS is dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency. Our mission is to equip organizations with powerful yet accessible AI-powered technology to better serve their constituents. Through our relentless pursuit of innovation and customer-centric approach, Canyon GBS strives to be a trusted partner in navigating today's digital landscape.About Joliet Junior CollegeLocated in the south Chicago suburbs, JJC is the nation's first public community college, with six campuses and education centers that serve approximately 27,000 students annually. JJC's nine academic pathways offer customized, affordable certificate and associate degree options for immediate career placement, as well as seamless transfer capabilities through its partners across Illinois and throughout the US. JJC students also benefit from a collective $13 million in state and federal grants, and scholarship assistance in excess of $750,000 each year. Learn more at www.jjc.edu For more information about Advising App, and its AI capabilities, visit https://advising.app/enterprise-ai-assistant Contact InformationMedia Teammedia@ canyongbs.com 1-520-357-1351SOURCE: Canyon GBSView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 18:31:56 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 570 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BetterEDU Launches Groundbreaking Peer-to-Peer Support App, Prioritizing College Students' Mental WellnessThe new free app BetterEDU works toward connecting students for improved mental health supportPHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / College life can be one of the most exciting times of a student's life, and for others, it can be demanding in unexpected ways, impacting a student's mental health. A big question is if technology can help facilitate solutions to these problems.In that spirit, Heather Anne Cochran, the visionary founder behind BetterEDU, proudly announces the official launch of an innovative peer-to-peer group app designed exclusively for college students.BetterEDU aims to revolutionize mental health care for college students by providing free and accessible support, strengthing connections, and prioritizing the well-being of its growing college student team.Heather Anne Cochran emphasizes the importance of creating strong connections among college students, sharing, "Our mission is to bring peers together, forming robust support networks within our groups and with each other. We want to elevate the college experience by helping ensure students' mental health is looked after and providing a platform where they can meet and cultivate lasting friendships." BetterEDU addresses the unique mental health challenges faced by students in innovative ways. The app offers a fair range of small group sessions, allowing students to create connections through mental health groups, unwind sessions, and friendly chats. From stress management to tackling academic pressure, BetterEDU is committed to providing a supportive community that understands and caters to the needs of college students.Joining a group on the app is a one-step process. With a simple tap, students can enter ongoing sessions led by dedicated group leaders who are ready to support and guide them. The app's flexibility allows users to customize their group support schedule, ensuring it aligns with their preferences and fits into what is often a challenging college routine. Currently, BetterEDU has over 20 active groups, and we are looking for more college interns and volunteers to lead groups on the app!The app and the student support it helps facilitate are both free. The goal is to provide accessible mental health care that provides an outlet for stress and pressure without adding any financial burden.In addition to peer support groups, BetterEDU also provides connections to warmlines. These local support lines, run by professional hotlines with similar experiences, offer a free and confidential alternative to crisis lines. They serve as valuable resources for those seeking local mental health help.College students are invited to join the journey towards improved mental health and lasting friendships by exploring BetterEDU. With fresh updates and new groups added often, the app aims to be a reliable companion for students navigating the challenges of college life.For more information, visit https://www.betteredu.app . Download the app for free at the IOS store at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/betteredu/id6452803578 About BetterEDU:BetterEDU is an upcoming mental health and wellness platform for college students. The app offers peer-to-peer support through various small group sessions, promoting connections, well-being, and a sense of community among college students.About Heather Cochran:Heather is a social worker, entrepreneur, and rising female CEO. She works in mental health and has played a key role in preventing human trafficking of American school children.Media Contact:BetterEDUHeather Anne Cochran Heather@ betteredu.apphttps://www.betteredu.app 415-755-8169Follow Along:Youtube:SOURCE: BetterEDU PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 14:00:53 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 990 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New York State can now benefit from additional return on its planned $1B investment in clean transportation by working directly with a nationally recognized leader in EV charging infrastructure development with headquarters, software development and manufacturing operations based in New YorkSCHENECTADY, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 /Livingston Energy Group, a Lynkwell company, has been awarded a New York State Office of General Services (OGS) statewide procurement contract for public, private and fleet electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The company, one of four contractors awarded and the only one based in New York State, can now offer its Buy America-compliant electric vehicle charging equipment, software, and monitoring and maintenance services to state public purchasing entities through a streamlined procurement process.As government entities increasingly look to spearhead the adoption of electric vehicles across public spaces, employee facilities and fleet operations, the need to efficiently navigate the dynamic EV charging landscape is crucial. Selecting a vendor with vertical integration expedites deployment and ensures optimal functionality for scalable success. Access to diverse hardware options, experience in large-scale infrastructure design and deployment, grant and incentive acquisition, reliable maintenance, and advanced software implementation for performance monitoring and optimization are critical factors in project success.Evidenced by New York State's nation-leading climate plan, which includes a goal of converting all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the state to be zero emission by 2035 and a more than $1 billion investment in clean transportation, purchasing agents in the state will increasingly need partners with a track record of reliability.With the second-largest network of EV chargers in New York State and a top-10 ranking nationwide, Livingston Energy Group attributes its industry-leading reliability and uptime as foundational to its success. The company's full vertical integration ensures effective deployment and ongoing support beyond infrastructure deployment, prioritizing customer satisfaction.Livingston Energy Group has a demonstrated track record in providing e-mobility solutions for municipal agencies such as the City of Schenectady by leveraging cooperative purchasing contracts alongside state and federal procurement agreements since 2016. The streamlined solicitation process offered through the OGS contract award will save staff time and related expenses throughout the procurement process, save state funds through volume-driven cost reductions, and ensure quality and compliance through pre-vetting conducted by the state.Livingston Energy Group is poised to meet the needs of New York State's diverse agencies and purchasing entities, equipped with a comprehensive hardware catalog spanning more than 500 options and successful deployments across North America. Livingston Energy Group's software solution, which is developed, managed, and maintained by a team of U.S.-based engineers, offers infrastructure management capabilities to monitor vehicles, receive real-time alerts and control energy costs, thus reducing fuel costs and optimizing fleet efficiency."We appreciate New York recognizing us as an industry leader and awarding us the opportunity to collaborate to build the necessary infrastructure to transition to zero-emission vehicles. While we deploy our products across the country, our investments into workforce development and R&D into green technology innovations and infrastructure are influenced by New York's climate leadership," said Jason Zarillo, president and co-founder of Livingston Energy Group and Lynkwell."As New York State continues to deliver transformational funding for advancements in clean transportation, it's critical to ensure that New York-based businesses reap the benefits of these investments. With that in mind, I'm thrilled to see Schenectady's own Livingston Energy Group awarded this OGS contract to develop EV charging infrastructure across New York State," said Representative Paul Tonko of New York's 20th congressional district. "This award underscores the importance of investing in local companies like Livingston that operate at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure development. I'm proud of my efforts at the federal level to bolster EV infrastructure here in New York and across the nation, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our local partners to ensure a greener future for all." "The announcement of Schenectady-based Livingston Energy Group as the sole NY-based provider of EV charging station hardware and software is great news for the economy of the 44th Senate District and for the state's efforts to expand our alternative fuel options," Senator Jim Tedisco commented."As a member of the New York State Assembly's Energy Committee, I'm pleased to see Livingston Energy Group, based in Schenectady, awarded a state contract for electric vehicle charging infrastructure," said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. "Known for their extensive charger network and successful track record, this partnership not only brings much-needed high-tech jobs to our community but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable future. Livingston Energy Group's leadership in this effort is commendable, and I'm proud to support their work." "I extend my congratulations to Livingston Energy Group on being awarded this important contract with the New York State Office of General Services. Livingston has not only been one of the fastest-growing companies in Schenectady but has also been a great partner to the City of Schenectady in providing innovative EV charging solutions that have solidified our city as a leader in green technology," stated City of Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. "I expect Livingston Energy Group to continue to deliver a great product that will now be a true asset to our state government in delivering on their clean energy goals. I look forward to Livingston's continued success and rapid growth as an employer within the City of Schenectady." "We applaud the state for awarding Livingston Energy Group a statewide procurement contract for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This streamlined approach not only accelerates our transition to clean transportation but also drives economic efficiency and competitiveness," added Mark Eagan, president and CEO of the Capital Region Center for Economic Growth. "By enabling agencies to purchase directly from state contracts, we're ensuring that taxpayer dollars are maximized, fostering innovation, and supporting our local economies. This is a clear example of how strategic procurement can catalyze economic growth while advan PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 18:03:55 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 817 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / As college campuses grapple with a growing mental health crisis, characterized by alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among students, a groundbreaking study offers hope. New research has unveiled significant increases in hope among college students who completed a 10-week hope curriculum, underscoring the pivotal role of hope in promoting mental well-being on the college campus.According to theHealthy Minds Study , a staggering 44% of college students in the United States reported symptoms of depression, with 37% grappling with anxiety disorders. Shockingly, suicide ranks as thesecond leading cause of deathamong college students, claiming approximately 1,100 lives each year, and 40% of college students reported knowing someone who attempted suicide. The underlying theme across these conditions is hopelessness."Persistent hopelessness, both a feeling of despair and sense of helplessness, is a pervasive challenge affecting individuals across all walks of life," remarks Kathryn Goetzke, Founder of iFred and CEO & Chief Hope Officer of The Shine Hope Company. "Yet, we are not taught what hopelessness is, and how to get to hope. This is particularly alarming given the predictive nature of hopelessness for a myriad of detrimental outcomes, from addiction to violence to early death." In response to this pressing need, the Shine Hope Company has developedHopeful Mindsets for the College Campus , an evidence-based curriculum designed to equip students and educators with the skills to cultivate hope proactively. Rooted in the Five Keys to Shine Hope TM framework, the ten-lesson course empowers participants to developS tress Skills, cultivate Happiness Habits, takeI nspired Actions, cultivateN ourishing Networks, and Eliminate Challenges (those negative thinking patterns that get in the way of hope).New research published in theJournal of American College Healthfound that students who participated in the Hopeful Mindsets for the College Campus curriculum experienced significant improvements in their hope scores by the end of the semester. Dr. Crystal I. Bryce, Associate Dean of Student Affairs at The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine, shares how the research sheds light on the transformative impact of hope-building interventions."Our previous research has shown the importance of hope for college students' retention," said Dr. Bryce. "Our research published in Learning and Individual Differences found that first-year, first-semester students who enter college with high hope are more likely to enroll in their second year of college. This newly published research confirms that hope is teachable, so we can equip all college students with these skills to help prevent worsening mental health on campus." Hope emerges as a strategy to promote mental health and well-being amongst college campuses as researchers have found students with higher levels of hope are related to (1)increases in positive emotions and life satisfaction throughout a semester , (2)increased college retention , (3)increased academic achievement , (4)improved adjustment to the college environment during the first semester , (5)increased healthy behavior engagement , (6) decreasedanxiety ,depression , andsuicide ." Hopeful Mindsetsintroduces a holistic approach to well-being, integrating insights from world-renowned experts with real-life strategies and stories from resilient college graduates," explains Dr. Bryce. "From enhancing academic achievement to reducing anxiety and depression, the benefits of hope cultivation extend far beyond the individual, fostering a culture of resilience and empowerment within college communities." Hopeful Mindsets on the College Campusis a 10-module video course from The Shine Hope Company that equips students with crucial hope skills through expert insights and real-life stories. The course features experts from Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia, with insights from recent college graduates that offer real-life practical strategies and stories from their experiences with homelessness, mental health diagnoses, death, violence, and everyday challenges at school. The video course is available for individual purchase atwww.hopecourses.com . Colleges can also bulk license the course for their entire campus, or companies and philanthropists can sponsor entire college activations to ensure all students at university know the how' to hope."We must be innovative about how we activate campuses", remarks Goetzke. "I see and hear about so many kids struggling, and so much of it is preventable. Through our research, we learned these kids are learning the materials we teach in our course for the first time. This is unacceptable, as the skills we teach are ones every child needs to live a healthy, engaged life. So if you care about the mental health of students, please get in touch and get involved." About The Shine Hope Company:The Shine Hope Company empowers individuals by teaching scientifically informed and evidence-based methods to cultivate hope through workplace activations, public health campaigns, educational resources, courses, training, keynotes, and consulting. The Shine Hope Company manages all programming for Shine Hope, Hopeful Minds, Hopeful Cities, and Hopeful Mindsets, and supports the work of iFred to deliver activations to vulnerable populations. Visitwww.theshinehopecompany.comto find out more.Media Contact: For media inquiries, please contact:Anna Termulo Montances anna@ theshinehopecompany.com 734-355-6716SOURCE: The Shine Hope Company PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 18:31:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1017 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 GOTEBORG, SWEDEN / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Smart Eye (STO:SEYE)(OTC PINK:SMTEF)(FRA:SE9) Aktiebolag (publ), reg. no. 556575-8371 (the "Company" or "Smart Eye"), with its registered office in Gothenburg, gives notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held on Friday 17 May 2024 at 16.30 at the address, Masthamnsgatan 3, floor 1, SE-413 27 Gothenburg. Registration starts at 16.00.NOTIFICATION, ETC.NotificationShareholders who wish to participate at the Annual General Meeting shall:firstly, be entered in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB no later than on Wednesday 8 May 2024 (for nominee-registered shares, also see "Nominee-registered shares" below),secondly, notify the Company of their intention to participate at the Annual General Meeting no later than on Monday 13 May 2024, by mail to Smart Eye Aktiebolag (publ), AGM 2024, Att. Mats Benjaminsson, Masthamnsgatan 3, floor 3, SE-413 27, Gothenburg, Sweden or by e-mail to arsstamma@ smarteye.se.The shareholders shall in their notice to attend state name, personal identification number or company registration number, shareholding, address, phone number and, as applicable, information about any advisors (maximum two), proxies or representatives. Information delivered upon notice to attend will be processed and used only for the Annual General Meeting. See below for further information on processing of personal data.Nominee-registered sharesTo be entitled to participate in the Annual General Meeting, a shareholder whose shares are held in the name of a nominee must, in addition to providing notification of participation, register its shares in its own name so that the shareholder is recorded in the share register relating to the circumstances on Wednesday 8 May 2024. Such registration may be temporary (so-called voting right registration) and is requested from the nominee in accordance with the nominee's procedures and in such time in advance as the nominee determines. Voting right registrations completed by the nominee not later than Monday 13 May 2024 are taken into account when preparing the share register.Proxy, etc.Shareholders who intend to be represented by proxy shall issue a dated power of attorney for the proxy. If the power of attorney is executed by a legal person a certified copy of the certificate of registration or equivalent should be attached. The power of attorney may not be older than one year, however, it may be older provided that the power of attorney according to its wording is valid for a longer period, although, not more than five years from its issuance. The certificate of registration must not have been issued earlier than one year before. The power of attorney in original and, where applicable, the certificate of registration should be submitted to the Company to the address set forth above well in advance of the Annual General Meeting. A proxy form is available on the Company's website, www.smarteye.se PROPOSED AGENDAOpening of the Annual General Meeting. Election of Chairman at the Annual General Meeting. Preparation and approval of the voting list. Approval of the agenda. Election of one or two persons to approve the minutes. Determination as to whether the Annual General Meeting has been duly convened. Submission of the annual report and the auditors' report and the consolidated financial statements and the auditors' report for the group. In connection thereto, a presentation by the CEO. Resolution regarding adoption of the income statement and the balance sheet and the consolidated income statement and the consolidated balance sheet, allocation of the Company's profits or losses in accordance with the adopted balance sheet, discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability. Determination of the number of members of the Board of Directors, deputies, auditors and deputy auditors. Election of members of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board of Directors and auditor. The Nomination Committee's proposal:Anders Jofelt (re-election) Lars Olofsson (re-election) Mats Krantz (re-election) Cecilia Wachtmeister (re-election) Magnus Jonsson (re-election) Eva Elmstedt (re-election) Tobias Sjogren (re-election)Election of the Chairman of the Board of Directors.The Nomination Committee's proposal: a) Anders Jofelt (re-election)Election of the auditor.The Nomination Committee's proposal: b) Deloitte AB (re-election)Determination of fees for members of the Board of Directors and auditor. Principles for the appointment of the members of the nomination committee. Resolution to adopt a long-term incentive programme in the form of performance-based share options for employees within the Smart Eye group and resolution on a directed issue of warrants. Resolution to authorise the Board of Directors to resolve on new share issues. Closing of the Annual General Meeting. THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE'S PROPOSALS UNDER ITEMS 2, 9, 10, 11 AND 12The Nomination Committee, consisting of Anna Magnusson (appointed by Forsta AP-fonden), chairman, Malin Bjorkmo (appointed by Handelsbanken Fonder), Mary Irwin (appointed by the family Krantz) and Linda Jofelt (appointed by the family Jofelt) has submitted the following proposals.Item 2 - Election of Chairman at the Annual General MeetingThe Nomination Committee proposes that Anders Strid, attorney at Advokatfirman Vinge, or in his absence, the person designated by the Nomination Committee, is elected Chairman of the Annual General Meeting.Item 9 -Determination of the number of members of the Board of Directors, deputies, auditors and deputy auditorsThe Nomination Committee proposes that the Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7) ordinary members without deputies.The Nomination Committee proposes that a registered accounting firm is to be appointed as auditor.Item 10 -Election of members of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board of Directors and auditorThe Nomination Committee proposes that Anders Jofelt, Lars Olofsson, Mats Krantz, Cecilia Wachtmeister, Magnus Jonsson, Eva Elmstedt and Tobias Sjogren are re-elected as members of the Board of Directors. All elections for the period until the end of the next Annual General Meeting. Further, the Nomination Committee proposes that Anders Jofelt is re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors.Further information about the Board members proposed for re-election can be found on the Company's website, www.smarteye.se Further, the Nomination Committee proposes that, for the period until the end of the next Annual General Meeting, the registered accounting firm Deloitte AB be re-elected as auditor. In the event that Deloitte AB is re-elected, the Nom PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 17:15:42 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 520 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NYSE:NOVA) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Feb. 25, 2020 - Dec. 7, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Apr. 16, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/NOVA Contact An Attorney Now: NOVA@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NOVA) Securities Fraud Class Action:The litigation focuses on Sunnova's disclosures about its business practices and the recent award by the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) of a $3 billion partial loan guarantee pursuant to a new solar loan channel named Project Hestia.The complaint alleges that Sunnova made misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (1) it routinely engaged in predatory business practices against disadvantaged homeowners and communities, the same groups that Project Hestia was purportedly intended to benefit; and (2) the foregoing conduct subjected it to a heightened risk of regulatory and government scrutiny, as well as significant reputational and/or financial harm.That loan guarantee and associated benefits to Sunnova were all placed at risk of not coming to fruition on Dec. 7, 2023, after the Chair of the US House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ranking Member of the US Senate Energy and Resources Committee sent a letter to the LPO Director (Jigar Shah) regarding "disturbing reports" about Sunnova and demanding additional information and documents by no later than Dec. 21, 2023.The Chair and Ranking Member wrote that they were alarmed about: (1) "recent, credible reports that Sunnova has racked up numerous consumer complaints, including those alleging troubling sales practices, such as Sunnova pressing elderly homeowners in poor health to sign long-term contracts costing tens of thousands of dollars[;]" (2) "predatory sales strategies[;]" and (3) "[a]dditional reports suggest these troubling reports are not isolated incidents".This news sent the price of Sunnova shares down $2, or about 16%, on Dec. 8, 2023.If you invested in Sunnova and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Sunnova case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Sunnova should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email NOVA@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 14:20:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 439 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp. ("Q Metals" or the "Company) (CSE:QMET) is pleased to announce that the company has contracted First Class Drilling based in Senneterre, Quebec, to undertake diamond drilling on the company's 100% owned McKenzie East Gold and the La Corne South VMS project located immediately north of Val d'Or, Quebec.QMET geological team have determined a number of high priority drill targets on the McKenzie East Gold Property that will be the focus of initial drilling, including following up gold intercepts from the 2021 drill program.On the La Corne South property, historic diamond drilling and recent exploration work including rock sampling, magnetometer surveying, magnetometer surveying, has outlined a number of high priority volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) targets with multi-element potential (see news releases dated February 6 and October 3, 2022)The contract is for an initial 1,000 metres of diamond drilling, scheduled to commence in mid-June, 2024.Q Precious & Battery Metals exploration programs undertaken in Quebec are supervised by Dr. Mathieu Piche, PhD, OGQ, with office located north of Val d'Or. He is also a Q Battery Metals company director. The company has 100% interest in mineral claims within Quebec, targeting critical and precious metals. Projects include the McKenzie East Gold property and the La Corne South precious and strategic metals property, both located near Val d'Or, Quebec.Perry Grunenberg, P.Geo, a "Qualified Person" as that term is defined under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.Cautionary StatementThis press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions as of that date. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company 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 Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development; the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing; the Company's limited operating history; 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 the Company's Prospectus dated September 8, 2017 available on www.sedar.com . 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, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsRichard PennCEO(778) 384-8923SOURCE: Q Battery Metals Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 15:16:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 468 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) was recently honored by the Y in Central Maryland for its grant funding of health equity coalition efforts at the Y in Druid Hill.Bob Kocher, Laboratory Manager at Quest's Baltimore rapid response lab, accepted the Healthy Living award at the organization's MLK Memorial Breakfast on behalf of Q4HE. The award is given in appreciation each year to a collaborator who is focused on reducing the degree of health disparities experienced by underserved populations in Baltimore City."We are thrilled to announce this collaboration and deeply appreciative of Quest for Health Equity's leadership. This joint effort goes right to the heart of our mission and strategy focusing on building healthy, inclusive, and connected communities for all, not just for a fortunate few," said John Hoey, President & CEO of the Y in Central Maryland. "Given this incredible commitment and investment, the Y was pleased to present Quest for Health Equity with the Healthy Living Award at our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast at the Y in Druid Hill." Through a grant from the Quest Diagnostics Foundation as part of the Q4HE initiative, the Y in Druid Hill will strengthen its healthy equity coalition by expanding capacity building for community agencies, and providing no-cost services and programs that address social determinants of health to help improve outcomes for community residents. The coalition will focus its efforts on 4 key areas: care coordination, mental and behavioral health, chronic disease prevention and management, and regranting to community-based partners with missions aligned to addressing these areas."We made a commitment to help address the systemic inequity fueling health disparities, and we value the contributions and expertise of our grantees, who have deep roots in their communities and can help us make a difference through the power of collective impact," said Michael Floyd, Executive Director of Q4HE. "By collaborating with the team at the Y in Druid Hill, we are confident we can work together to improve health outcomes in the Central Maryland area, one life at a time." As part of the joint effort, Quest Diagnostics will also provide no-cost Blueprint for Wellness testing at select community health events identified by Y in Druid Hill throughout the year. Through Blueprint for Wellness, local community members can gain access to a comprehensive health screening designed to empower people with the knowledge they need to take more control of their health. Blueprint for Wellness provides a set of clinical laboratory tests and measurements that highlight personal health strengths and risks.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Quest Diagnostics on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Quest Diagnostics Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/quest-diagnostics Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 19:00:58 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 629 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 POMPANO BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / In a significant stride towards reshaping the landscape of financial technologies, RANAEX, heralded as a premier cryptocurrency exchange in the USA, has proudly announced its official registration with the United States Money Service Business (MSB). This pivotal achievement not only highlightsRANAEXstaunch commitment to regulatory compliance and transparency but also sets a new benchmark in the ever-evolving domain of digital assets.Upholding Regulatory Compliance and TransparencyThe attainment of MSB registration is a testament toRANAEXdedication to operating within the frameworks set by regulatory authorities, thereby offering a fortified and transparent platform for cryptocurrency trading and investment. This compliance ensures that RANAEX aligns with the highest standards of security and reliability, fostering trust among users and stakeholders in the dynamic cryptocurrency market.Reinforcing the Digital Asset EcosystemRANAEX's successful MSB registration is not merely a compliance milestone; it is a transformative step forward in enhancing the cryptocurrency landscape. By navigating the intricacies of regulatory requirements, RANAEX positions itself as an influential force in advancing the digital asset ecosystem. This strategic move not only reinforces its stature as a leading cryptocurrency exchange but also contributes to the broader acceptance and integration of digital currencies in the mainstream financial system.RANAEX: A Platform of Excellence and InnovationAt the core of RANAEX's philosophy is the unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. The exchange prides itself on creating a robust and secure trading environment, underscored by an ethos of regulatory compliance and user-centricity. As a beacon of trust and reliability, RANAEX is poised to drive forward the agenda of safe, transparent, and efficient cryptocurrency trading across the United States.Inviting the Future of Cryptocurrency TechnologyRANAEX extends an open invitation to enthusiasts and the public at large to partake in the next wave of cryptocurrency technology. By achieving MSB registration, RANAEX not only ensures compliance with US financial regulations but also beckons a future where digital assets are embraced as a legitimate and integral part of the financial ecosystem. The platform's dedication to fostering a safe and decentralized trading space is a clarion call to those who wish to join in the forefront of financial innovation.About RANAEXRANAEX stands at the forefront of the cryptocurrency trading landscape, prioritizing regulatory compliance and security to provide a safe and dynamic trading environment. With the MSB license marking a significant milestone, RANAEX distinguishes itself as a market leader, offering reliable financial services and pioneering tools in the digital asset exchange sector. The platform's commitment to security and innovation paves the way for a new era of cryptocurrency trading.ConclusionRANAEX's official registration with the US Money Service Business (MSB) underscores its commitment to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and transparency in the cryptocurrency trading sphere. By setting a new precedent in the industry, RANAEX reaffirms its position as a trusted and forward-thinking exchange, dedicated to enhancing the security and integrity of digital asset transactions. As RANAEX continues to navigate the complexities of the cryptocurrency market, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide a safe, compliant, and innovative trading platform for its users.Media InformationFor additional information and media inquiries, please contact:Name: Ethan CarterOrganization: RANAEXWebsite: https://ranaex.com Website: https://h5.ranaex.com/ Email: support@ ranaex.com Address: 817 West Sample Road, Pompano Beach, FLORIDA 33064IG https://www.instagram.com/ranaex_official/ Twitter https://twitter.com/RANAEX_Official DisclaimerAs a committed entity in the cryptocurrency trading space, RANAEX underscores the importance of a secure and decentralized trading environment. Nonetheless, it's crucial for investors to recognize that digital currency trading is not devoid of risks, including potential market volatility and losses. RANAEX encourages all users to undertake comprehensive research and possibly seek financial advice before engaging in investment decisions, acknowledging and understanding the inherent risks involved.SOURCE: RANAEX PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 18:49:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 936 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BISHOPSGATE, LONDON / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / SolGold plc ("SolGold" or the "Company") (LSE:SOLG)(TSX:SOLG) has received notification on 14 April 2024 from Scott Caldwell, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, that on 12 April 2024 he had acquired 55,000 Ordinary Shares of 0.01 each in the Company at a price of CAD0.18 per Ordinary Share of 0.01 each in the Company for the total consideration of CAD9,900. Following this acquisition, Scott Caldwell holds 19,462,244 Ordinary Shares of 0.01 each in the Company representing 0.65% of the issued share capital of the Company.The Company advises that on 12 April 2024, Christopher Stackhouse, Chief Financial Officer of the Company was granted 3,000,000 options over Ordinary Shares of 0.01 each in the Company at an exercise price of 0.10285 per option. The options vest in equal 1/3rd tranches on 1 January 2025, 2026 and 2027. Following this grant, Christopher Stackhouse holds options over 9,000,000 Ordinary Shares of 0.01 each in the Company.CONTACTSScott Caldwell Chief Executive OfficerSolGold plcTel: +44 (0) 20 3807 6996Tavistock (Media)Jos Simson/Gareth TredwayTel: +44 (0) 20 7920 3150NOTIFICATION AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF TRANSACTIONS BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERSONS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THEM.1.Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a)Name: Scott Caldwell2.Reason for the notification a)Position/status: CEOb)Initial notification/Amendment: Initial notification3.Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a)Name: SolGold plcb)LEI: 213800HGFADQBMIEVI764.Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a)Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument:Identification code:Ordinary Shares of 0.01GB00B0WD0R35b)Nature of the transaction: Acquisition of Ordinary Sharesc)Price(s) and volume(s):Price(s)Volume(s)55,000d)Aggregated information:Aggregated volume:Price:Total:55,000CAD9,900e)Date of the transaction:12 April 2024f)Place of the transaction:Toronto Stock ExchangeNOTIFICATION AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF TRANSACTIONS BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERSONS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THEM.1.Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a)Name: Christopher Stackhouse2.Reason for the notification a)Position/status: CFOb)Initial notification/Amendment: Initial notification3.Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a)Name: SolGold plcb)LEI: 213800HGFADQBMIEVI764.Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a)Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument:Identification code:Ordinary Shares of 0.01GB00B0WD0R35b)Nature of the transaction: Grant of options over Ordinary Sharesc)Price(s) and volume(s):Price(s)Volume(s)3,000,000d)Aggregated information:Aggregated volume:Price:Total:3,000,000GBP308,550e)Date of the transaction:12 April 2024f)Place of the transaction:outside a trading venueABOUT SOLGOLDSolGold is a leading resources company focused on the discovery, definition, and development of world-class copper and gold deposits and continues to strive to deliver objectives efficiently and in the interests of shareholders.The Company operates with transparency and in accordance with international best practices. SolGold is committed to delivering value to its shareholders while simultaneously providing economic and social benefits to impacted communities, fostering a healthy and safe workplace, and minimizing environmental impact.SolGold is listed on the London Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange (LSE:SOLG)(TSX:SOLG). Seewww.solgold.com.aufor more information. Follow us on "X" @SolGold_plcCAUTIONARY NOTICENews releases, presentations and public commentary made by SolGold plc (the "Company") and its Officers may contain certain statements and expressions of belief, expectation or opinion which are forward looking statements, and which relate, inter alia, to interpretations of exploration results to date and the Company's proposed strategy, plans and objectives or to the expectations or intentions of the Company's Directors, including the plan for developing the Project currently being studied as well as the expectations of the Company as to the forward price of copper. Such forward-looking and interpretative statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors beyond the control of the Company that could cause the actual performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from such interpretations and forward-looking statements.Accordingly, the reader should not rely on any interpretations or forward-looking statements; and save as required by the exchange rules of the TSX and LSE or by applicable laws, the Company does not accept any obligation to disseminate any updates or revisions to such interpretations or forward-looking statements. The Company may reinterpret results to date as the status of its assets and projects changes with time expenditure, metals prices and other affecting circumstances.This release may contain "forwardlooking information". Forwardlooking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans for developing its properties. Generally, forwardlooking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved".Forwardlooking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 17:16:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 692 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ROCK HILL, SC / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Today marks the deadline for taxpayers across the nation to file their business and/or personal tax returns. For those who require additional time, ExpressExtension offers a seamless solution forE-filing Form 4868and Form 7004, allowing individuals and businesses to extend their deadline for up to 6 additional months of filing time.The ExpressExtension team is ready and excited to assist their clients in filing their extensions seamlessly today and obtaining their extensions.Which Forms Are Due Today?Personal Tax Returns: Today is the deadline for individuals in the U.S. to submit their individual tax returns, for the majority of taxpayers, this is Form 1040.Business Tax Returns: Several business tax forms are also due today. The most common being Form 1120, filed by C-corporations, and 1041, filed by Trusts and Estates.How to Request an ExtensionByfiling Form 4868 , titled Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,' individuals can gain an extra six months to organize their finances and complete their tax returns accurately.On the other hand, C-corporations and other businesses that need to extend their deadlines canfile Form 7004 , titled Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns,' and get up to six months of additional time to file their tax returns.However, it is important to note that these extensions do not apply to tax payments, any tax due should be estimated and paid by today's deadline.Simple Extension Solutions from ExpressExtensionExpressExtension , renowned as the premier e-file provider, simplifies the extension process with its user-friendly platform. Through intuitive features and advanced technology, filing for an extension becomes a straightforward task, empowering taxpayers to meet their obligations with ease. They offer the following benefits and features that improve the accuracy and overall filing ease of the application.An Express Guarantee: The filing fee of extensions that are rejected as duplicates will be automatically refunded.Retransmit rejected returns for free: Extensions rejected by the IRS for other reasons can be corrected and retransmitted to the IRS at no additional cost.Bulk Uploads: Tax professionals planning to file multiple extensions for their clients can upload form information and file in bulk.Volume-based Pricing and Package Pricing: Tax professionals handling a high volume of forms or taxpayers needing to file multiple extensions, such as Form 4868 and 7004, can benefit from our rolling pricing and package options, saving them money.State Business Tax Extensions: ExpressExtension offers an easy and affordable option for filling out and downloading printable state extensions for business and personal tax deadlines.When asked about today's deadline, Agie Sundaram, the CEO and Co-founder (Parent Company of ExpressExtension), responded by stating "Tax Day can be a stressful time for many individuals, but it doesn't have to be. WithForm 4868and/or Form 7004, taxpayers can alleviate the pressure and gain the time they need to ensure their tax returns are completed accurately. ExpressExtension is proud to offer a reliable solution to help taxpayers navigate this process smoothly." In addition to providing extensions for personal tax returns, ExpressExtension offers a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of taxpayers and tax professionals. With dedicated customer support and time-saving features, ExpressExtension continues to lead the way in simplifying the tax filing process.For individuals seeking to extend their business and/orpersonal tax return deadline , ExpressExtension offers a reliable and efficient solution through Form 4868 and 7004. Visitwww.expressextension.comto learn more to file today.About ExpressExtensionExpressExtension is the one-stop solution for IRS Tax Extensions. As an IRS-authorized, SOC 2 Certified e-file provider, ExpressExtension has been helping businesses, individuals, and non-profit organizations obtain IRS extensions for over a decade. Supported forms includeForm 7004 ,4868 ,8868 , and8809 .With ExpressExtension, businesses and individuals can also complete and download their tax extension forms for certain states.About SPAN EnterprisesBased in Rock Hill, South Carolina, SPAN Enterprises has been developing industry-leading software solutions for IRS e-filing and business management tools for over a decade.The SPAN Enterprises portfolio of products includes ACAwise, TaxBandits, Tax990, ExpressExtension, 123PayStubs, and TruckLogics.For any media inquiries, please reach out to Stephanie Glanville, Content Writer atstephanie@ spanenterprises.com SOURCE: ExpressExtension PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-15 17:31:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 477 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 From the popular Grizzl-E design made in Canada, United Chargers announces the new, powerful, affordable, and smart Grizzl-E Ultimate EVSE, now on sale for $699 USD. UL-certified, smart open OCPP-connected EV charger with 19.2 KW maximum output ideal for Cybertruck, Ford Lightning, Porsche, Tesla and all other EVs on the market.RICHMOND HILL, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / Today, United Chargers, a leading EV Charger manufacturer known for the Grizzl-E line of products, announces the Grizzl-E Ultimate. This first-of-its-kind made in North America Level 2 EV Charger provides up to 80A 19.2kW with either J1772 or NACS connector and open OCPP software for an affordable price of US $699.Grizzl-E Ultimate Grizzl-E Ultimate 80 Amps 19.2 KW EVSEGrizzl-E became one of North America's most popular EVSE brands for its industry-leading durability, performance, and affordability. Now, United Chargers is introducing the next generation of Grizzl-E with the 80A Grizzl-E Ultimate. The 80A maximum output current is twice as powerful as a standard Level 2 EV Charger for the fastest affordable home charging. Grizzl-E Ultimate also features a choice of J1772 connector or NACS connector for Tesla vehicles. Made in Canada and built to withstand any outdoor condition, the rugged design and indestructible aluminum cast enclosure that made Grizzl-E Classic a best-seller carries forward with the Grizzl-E Ultimate.Grizzl-E Ultimate uses the open and interoperable Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) for its smart charging software. It is the only affordable home charger to use OCPP. Grizzl-E Ultimate connects to the free Grizzl-E Connect app, available on iOS or Android, for smart charging, including scheduling, usage tracking, and charger monitoring.Compared with other Level 2 EV Charging Stations on the market, the new Grizzl-E Ultimate is a clear winner in power, affordability, durability, and the features that matter most to EV drivers."I believe the Grizzl-E Ultimate is the most significant EV Charger to date. The 80A, OCCP, affordable Level 2 charger is something that has not been seen up to now. It is an important step in the electric vehicle adaption that will allow faster and more affordable charging with open software," said Gleb Nikiforov, CEO of United Chargers.Grizzl-E Ultimate charger is UL/cUL Safety Certified and comes with a standard three-year warranty.The Grizzl-E Ultimate is now available in the United States and Canada.It can be ordered from the Grizzl-E website: https://grizzl-e.com/products/grizzl-e-ultimate About United ChargersUnited Chargers is a Canadian EVSE manufacturer and a leader in Level 2 EVSEs. United Chargers launched the popular Grizzl-E line of EV chargers at the beginning of 2020 and has followed with more successful products, including the Grizzl-E Smart and Grizzl-E Duo. United Chargers' goal is to speed up the adoption of electric vehicles with durable, affordable, and practical products for home and commercial use.Contact InformationKeith NewmanPRkeith@ unitedchargers.com 1-833-971-8118 ext 122SOURCE: United Chargers IncView the original press release on newswire.com The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has described as untrue claims by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) that it was responsible for its inability to provide the estimated supply hours to customer feeders. General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, Ndidi Mbah, said this in a rejoinder titled, IBEDCs Publication On Estimated Hours Of Power Supply. It noted that the publication by IBEDC on 9 April, which stated that TCN was responsible for failing to deliver estimated supply hours to its feeders due to system outages and tripping on TCN s feeders, was incorrect. The TCN stressed that the causes of the outages on IBEDCs 11kV and 33kV lines were due to DisCos issues, unrelated to TCNs frequency control operations. It stated that the statement issued by IBEDC was scrutinised by TCNs regional managers in Osogbo alongside IBEDC officials and was found to be inaccurate, thus requiring corrections. While TCN sees this misinformation of IBEDC as a ploy to undermine and mislead the public against regular power supply, we remain focused on supporting the governments move towards a more robust and efficient power supply Consequently, TCN assures the public of its commitment to continue to work hard to effectively transport the entire bulk electricity received from the generating companies to distribution load centres nationwide, the statement added. 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 Recall that on Tuesday, 9 April, Ibadan DisCo blamed TCN for not supplying power to customers on feeders. It stressed that the inability to provide the expected service hours was due to outages in the TCN system and tripping incidents on the IBEDC feeders. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On Sunday, a celebratory moment turned controversial at the Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja when Pastor Paul Enenche questioned a womans academic achievement as she shared her testimony. The woman, identified as Anyim Vera, stepped up to the pulpit with a story of personal triumph, announcing she had broken her familys cycle of educational limitations by earning a law degree from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). During her heartfelt testimony, Ms Vera shared the struggles and setbacks she faced on her journey to graduation, overcoming financial difficulties and health challenges to become the first university graduate in her family. Testimony Her viral testimony video went, I want to appreciate God for my life and my family, and I want to thank God for using mummy and daddy for our sake. It all happened when I was trying to attend the National Open University of Nigeria. Before I came to Dunamis, many things were happening in my life and my family; from my fathers side and my mothers side, nobody was a graduate. They only ended up in primary or secondary school. But when God remembered me, I got a job, and I was working, and I decided to further my education; I started school, and I wanted to do a law programme. I started in 2014, and I never lacked the money to pay my school fees; I kept going to the extent that I got to my 500 level and challenges everywhere: problems, sickness, they afflict me with leg pain, and I was not able to finish my mate had finished, the law programme is six years, but since I was unable to meet up, I keep on like that. But yesterday, I graduated. Disgrace However, the testimony took an unexpected turn when Pastor Enenche noticed discrepancies in her language and understanding of her supposed law degree. His suspicions rose when Ms Vera referred to her degree as a BSc in law, which led to further probing by the pastor. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The situation escalated quickly, resulting in her being asked to leave the pulpit as the pastor, Mr Enenche, expressed his concerns about the authenticity of her claims, cautioning the congregation against false testimonies. He asked, What kind of degree did you get? Medicine is MBBS, the woman boldly replied that she had a BSc in law. In response, the pastors fury ignited, and he promptly ejected her from the pulpit. Mr Enenche took over the pulpit and further probed the testimony; he said, The moment she talked about a law degree, I knew there is nothing like law in what she was saying. No matter how bad it is, it hasnt reached that level. Is there any lawyer here with a BSc in Law? Lie testimony, come to stand on the altar to tell lies in the name of testimony. Anyone who dares that should do it at your detriment, the Lord killeth and maketh alive. Come to make it look like the word of God is fake. Or that what God is doing is not real? You do it to the detriment of yourself. The story, however, does not end there. Law degree A check on Veras Facebook page reveals a post from 13 April, the eve of the testimony, where she joyfully celebrated her graduation day. She expressed her gratitude towards God and invited friends to join in her happiness. The post included photographs in a graduation gown, reinforcing her claims. Further investigation confirmed Ms Veras achievement. According to the National Open Universitys comprehensive graduation list, Anyim Vera indeed graduated with an LLB in Law, appearing as number 2262 on the list under the matric number NOU133971176. The incident has sparked discussions online, with many suggesting that Ms Veras initial inaccurate description of her degree could have been due to nervousness or pressure on stage rather than an intent to deceive. There have been calls from netizens asking Mr Enenche to apologise to the woman, but as of press time, he has yet to respond to the outcry. Check out some reactions below https://www.facebook.com/share/sdfJyWGEAGBhAgnN/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/PEMQTQqpcoZ9muTL/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/VqvUcEyQaCfb9c41/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/EFDDsRiPQvC96eFg/?mibextid=WC7FNe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced a 24-year-old baker, Adesina Farouk, to life imprisonment for raping his neighbours 15-year-old daughter. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge, Rahman Oshodi, on Monday, held that the prosecution proved the sole charge of defilement against Farouk. Mr Oshodi said there was consistent evidence that the convict forcefully had sexual intercourse with the survivor (prosecutrix) which was not consensual as the convict ripped off her pants and there was blood everywhere. According to him, the convict is a pathological liar who tried to lie his way through the case as he said that the survivor was 18 years and that they were in a relationship, but evidence showed that she was born on 19 May 2005. This implies that she was 15 as of November 2020 when the rape took place. The judge said that the medical report, the convicts confessional statement that he and the survivor were lovers, and as a result he had sex with her, and the testimony of the victim showed that the convict committed the offence. He said that the medical report showed blunt forceful penetration of the vagina. The judge added that the medical doctor said the victim looked very unhappy when she came for the medical examination. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The judge said the victim testified that the defendant forcefully had sex with her when she went to deliver pure water for him in his house. He said further in his judgement, She said when she got to the front of the house and knocked, he did not reply which made her enter the house to drop the water only for the defendant to grab her neck from back, ripped off her pants and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her. She said she started bleeding due to the force and the defendant threatened to kill her if she told anyone about it. During cross-examination when the defence counsel put it to the survivor that the sex was consensual, she replied f he did not force me, how did my pants got torn.' Grave offence with indelible scars The court rejected the defendants evidence that the survivor was his girlfriend and that the sex was consensual. The judge held that the charge of defilement was a grave offence and he thereby sentenced Mr Farouk to life imprisonment and his name be registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register. Mr Oshodi said: Mr Adesina Farouk, you have been found guilty of defilement under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State and the offence is a grave crime that involves taking advantage of a childs vulnerability and innocence for selfish sexual gratification. It is an offence that leaves its scars on its victims, both physically and emotionally and can have long lasting effect on their mental health and overall well-being. In this case, the evidence presented before the court has established that on 29 November 2020 that you had forceful sexual intercourse with the 15-year-old victim, who was your neighbour. The medical evidence corroborate the violence nature of the act with medical doctor noting the hymenial laceration and your action has not only violated the prosecutrix bodily integrity, but also breaks the trust that exists between neighbours living in the same compound. Survivor, family, society bear the trauma He said the convict took advantage of the survivors vulnerability to satisfy his sexual desires with a complete disregard for her well-being. The impact of your crime on the victim and her family cannot be overstated. The victim who should be focusing on her education and development had her life irrevocably altered by your action. She had to endure the trauma of the outcome of your action as well as the subsequent medical examination, police interviews and court proceedings. Her mother had to bear the pain of seeing her daughter suffer and the frustration of seeking justice for her, he said. Mr Oshodi held that crime of that nature affected victims and their families entirely and the community at large. Strong signal He said the court must send a strong message that such animalistic and barbaric behaviour must not be tolerated in the society. Those who engage in such act will face full force of the law. In determining your sentence, I have considered plea for mercy against the gravity of your offence, the impact on the victim and her family, the breach of trust and the need to protect vulnerable members of the society. I have also considered that you continued to maintain that the sexual intercourse was consensual in spite of the clear evidence and the legal position that a child cannot consent to any sexual activities. Section 137 Supra prescribes a life imprisonment for the crime you have committed and accordingly, I sentence you to life imprisonment, he said. Mr Oshodi reiterated that the sentence implied the seriousness of the crime and the need for deterrence to other sexual perpetrators. The defence counsel, in his allocutus, had prayed for mercy and urged the court that the convict could still be useful to the society. The state counsel, Inumidun Solarin, however, prayed the court to sentence the convict accordingly. Ms Solarin also urged the court that the full weight of law be applied on Mr Farouk to serve as deterrent to others. She added that his name be registered in the Sexual Offences Register as maintained by the Lagos State Government. Prosecution NAN reports that the prosecution called four witnesses during trial through whom various exhibits were tendered, while the convict testified as a sole witness. The prosecutor submitted that the convict committed the offence on 29 December 2020, on Sultan Bello Street, Owutu, Ikorodu. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Coordinator, National Counter-terrorism Centre, Adamu Laka, has narrated how 22 students and staff of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, were abducted by terrorists last year and rescued by security agents 207 days after. Mr Laka, a major general, said the terrorists abducted 15 students and seven workers of the university in September from three off-campus hostels at Sabon Gida, one of the universitys hosting communities on the outskirts of Gusau, the state capital. Last year bandits armed with various weapons attacked 3 off-campus students hostels at Sabon Gida in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State and kidnapped several persons including female students of the Federal University Gusau alongside some male artisans. Others were a private security guard and a protocol officer of the University (both male). The bandits ransacked the hostel, and carted away foodstuff, mobile phones, laptops, ATM cards, cash and other valuables, Mr Laka said. The terrorists subsequently took the captives to an unknown location on motorbikes and on foot through a town in Tsafe LGA in Zamfara State. Search and rescue operation Mr Laka said a search and rescue operation was conducted by a combined team of law enforcement agencies and the abductees were subsequently released in three batches. He said the first batch was rescued on 15 March, while the second batch was rescued on 12 April. The last batch was rescued two days later on Sunday 14 April. 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 All the abductees were profiled at the National Counter-terrorism Centre (NCTC) while the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Medical Team examined them and administered minor treatments on the bruises sustained by three of the abductees. Four of them were diagnosed with malaria and are being treated. None of the females was molested and all the females tested negative for pregnancy test. Given the foregoing, the NCTC is hereby handing over the 22 abductees to ONSA for further necessary action, Mr Laka said. Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES exclusively reported how the terrorists moved the abducted students to the Kwiambana Game Reserve a dreaded forest that links many states in Nigerias North-west and North-central regions. The larger part of the forest is located in Dansadau emirate of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The reserve is believed to be controlled by terrorists loyal to Ali Kachallah and Dogo Gide who are believed to be the masterminds of mass abductions in Nigerian schools. The Dansadau Emirate covers 492 square kilometres of the 1180 square kilometres of Zamfara State. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Security agents on Sunday announced the rescue of 23 students and workers kidnapped in September at the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State, North-west Nigeria. Security sources said they were rescued by security agents near Kuncin Dutse, a village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara. The Coordinator of the National Counter-terrorism Centre, Adamu Laka, a major general, reportedly coordinated the operation. PREMIUM TIMES they were further gathered that the rescued persons had been handed over to the security authorities in Abuja. Mr Laka is expected to present them to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday. The victims were evacuated to Abuja for debriefing and medical check-ups before being reunited with their families, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. Earlier last month, nine of the female students were released after 178 days in captivity. The 23 persons released in the latest development include 15 students and eight workers of the university. A woman abducted in Funtua in Katsina State was also rescued, a source told PREMIUM TIMES, asking for confidentiality because he was not invited to address the press. One of the parents of the abducted students also confirmed the release of her daughter to DW Hausa Service late Sunday. She said her daughter called her and informed her that she was being moved to Gusau, the state capital. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The released students spent over 200 days in the terrorists camp following their abduction in September at their off-campus hostel in Sabon Gida, a community adjacent to the university campus in the state capital. Some of the victims were rescued by security officials a few hours after their abduction. It was not immediately clear whether more or how many of the students were still being held by the terrorists. The Zamfara State government is yet to speak on the latest release of the students. The spokesperson for the Federal University, Gusau, Umar Usman, said he was yet to be briefed about the development when our reporter asked for his comments. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least, 19 people died in a Road Traffic Crash (RTC) along Oyo-Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State on Sunday, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said. Jonas Agwu, Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), who is an Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), confirmed this in a statement in Abuja. Mr Agwu said that the crash involved two vehicles, a Toyota Hiace bus registered as NTT52ZY, loaded from Ibadan en route to Sokoto, and a Toyota Corolla saloon car. He said that the crash, which occurred at about 07:45 a.m. was due to route violation, referred to in local parlance as One Way. He also said that the act was a traffic violation that resulted in a head-on collision and fire outbreak. According to him, the report revealed that the crash, which was caused by route violation, involved 20 people, all male adults. Of this number, 19 persons were killed , while the only surviving victim was rescued by FRSC operatives with injuries. FRSC rescue team that conducted the rescue operations have taken the injured victim to Opabode hospital in Oyo, for emergency medical attention. The dead bodies have been deposited at Oyo General Hospital morgue, he said. Mr Agwu quoted the Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu, as calling on the motoring public to avoid all incidents that could lead to road traffic crashes. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He also directed sector commanders to step up patrol operations, to address the menace of route violation on the nations highways.(NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias electricity grid on Monday collapsed yet again, throwing several cities into darkness. The grid collapsed around 2:42 a.m. on Monday, with generation dropping to 64.70 megawatts. Confirming the collapse, the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (Jos DisCo), in a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Friday Elijah, said the loss of power supply from the national grid occurred in the early hours of Monday. The current outage being experienced within our franchise States is a result of loss of power supply from the national grid. The loss of power supply from the national grid occurred in the early hours at about 0242 hours today, Monday, 15 April 2024, hence the loss of power supply on all our feeders, the statement said. We hope to restore normal power supply to our esteemed customers as soon as the grid supply is restored to normalcy. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we strive to serve you better. The latest collapse occurred less than a month after the national grid system collapsed in March. In recent years, the power sector has experienced many challenges related to electricity policy enforcement, regulatory uncertainty, gas supply, transmission system constraints, and significant power sector planning shortfalls. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In November 2013, the federal government privatised all generation and 11 distribution companies, with the FG retaining the ownership of the transmission company. This was to improve efficiency in the sector. However, since privatisation, the grid has collapsed more than 140 times. The General Manager, Public Affairs at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Ndidi Mbah, told PREMIUM TIMES Monday morning that the public would soon be updated about the development. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has announced that it had experienced a total system collapse, causing blackout in the entire south-east Nigeria. EEDC is the electricity distribution company serving the five states that make up the South-east, comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states. The sspokesperson for the EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, who disclosed this in a statement, said the system collapse occurred at about 2:41 a.m. on Monday. This resulted in the loss of supply to our interface TCN stations. Consequently, we were unable to provide service to our customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, Mr Ezeh said. The EEDC spokesperson, however, said the situation was gradually being resolved as the company received supply at Awada TCN station at about 7:30 a.m on Monday. Awada is an urban community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. We are in constant communication with relevant authorities awaiting full restoration of supply by the National Control Centre (NCC) Oshogbo, he assured. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Not the first time This is not the first time the South-east would experience total blackout as a result of the EEDCs system collapse. In May 2023, for instance, the EEDC announced a system collapse. Some parts of the region also witnessed another blackout on 14 September of the same year. Another blackout was recorded in the region last December when the distribution company announced the collapse of its system. The EEDC, in their separate responses, blamed recurrent rainstorms in the region for the blackouts. In February this year, the EEDC attributed poor power supply in the region to low energy generation, which it said, resulted in a drop in power supply availability generally. The company did not give reason for the latest system collapse. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Army has said it would investigate the alleged involvement of some of its personnel in the death of a hotel manager, Achimugu Etubi, in Umuahia, Abia State. Army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, a major-general, said this in a statement on Sunday. On April 13, Mr Etubi of Hotel Royal Damgrete, Umuahia, was reportedly tortured to death by yet to be identified personnel of the Nigerian Army. He was tortured following the drowning of an Air Force cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche, in the hotels swimming pool. Mr Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered an extensive investigation to authenticate the validity of the incident and bring to book anyone found culpable. He said the army is concerned about the purported unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel which was reported by online media. The Nigerian Army (NA) is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager in Umuahia, Abia State, as reported in some online media, he said Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He also said the army sympathised with the families of both the hotel manager and the cadet. The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assure the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served. The army statement further assured the public of its unwavering effort to ensure justice and ensure all perpetrators are brought to book. The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions, Mr Nwachukwu said. Read full statement below NIGERIAN ARMY TO INVESTIGATE PERSONNEL ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN DEATH OF HOTEL MANAGER IN UMUAHIA The Nigerian Army (NA) is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager in Umuahia, Abia State, as reported in some online media. In response to this unfortunate incident, the Chief of Army Staff has promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book, anyone found culpable. The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assure the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served. The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions. Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria. The Nigerian Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public infafterion of the investigation. ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Major General Director Army Public Relations 14 April 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print UNited Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has condemned the large-scale attack launched on Israel by Iran. Mr Guterres, in a statement, urged maximum restraint by all parties and warned that neither the region nor the world could afford another war. According to the latest reports, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory toward Israel, with most intercepted on Saturday. Several missiles reportedly struck within Israeli territory, one of which damaged an Israeli military facility in the south of the country. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities, he urged. The UN chief said that he was deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war, he said. Tensions have been ratcheting up in the region since Hamas deadly 7 October 2023 terror attack and mass hostage taking and Israels subsequent full-scale assault on the Gaza Strip, which has left thousands dead and pushed the population to the brink of starvation. For his part, the President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, also expressed deep concern about the unfolding situation in the Middle East, involving the launch by Iran of drones and missiles against Israel. In a separate statement, Mr Francis noted that Iran had explained its action in the context of article 51 of the UN Charter, following the recent Israeli attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus. The Iranian response compounds the already tense and delicate peace and security situation in the Middle East, the Assembly President said. He strongly called upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation of tension in the region. This is a moment that calls for wise and prudent judgement, in which the risks and extended risks are very carefully considered. I expect that the Iranian authorities will honour their word that by their action today, the matter can be deemed concluded. Mr Francis stressed that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to resolve differences. A vicious cycle of attack and counterattack will lead to nowhere, but inevitably, to more death, suffering and misery, he warned. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Turkish, Jordanian, and Iraqi officials said on Sunday that Iran gave wide notice days before its drone and missile attack on Israel, but U.S. officials said Tehran did not warn Washington and that it was aiming to cause significant damage. Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles on Saturday in a retaliatory strike after a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria. Most of the drones and missiles were downed before reaching Israeli territory, though a young girl was critically injured and there were widespread concerns of further escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday that Iran gave neighbouring countries and Israels ally, the United States, 72 hours notice it would launch the strikes. Turkeys Foreign Ministry said it had spoken to both Washington and Tehran before the attack, adding that it had conveyed messages as an intermediary to be sure reactions were proportionate. Iran said the reaction would be a response to Israels attack on its embassy in Damascus and that it would not go beyond this. We were aware of the possibilities. The developments were not a surprise, said a Turkish diplomatic source. One senior official in U.S. President Joe Bidens administration denied Amirabdollahians statement, saying Washington did have contact with Iran through Swiss intermediaries but did not get notice 72 hours in advance. 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 That is absolutely not true, the official said. They did not give a notification, nor did they give any sense of these will be the targets, so evacuate them. Tehran sent the United States a message only after the strikes began and the intent was to be highly destructive, said the official, adding that Irans claim of a widespread warning may be an attempt to compensate for the lack of any major damage from the attack. We received a message from the Iranians as this was ongoing, through the Swiss. This was basically suggesting that they were finished after this, but it was still an ongoing attack. So that was (their) message to us, the U.S. official said. Iraqi, Turkish, and Jordanian officials each said Iran had provided early warning of the attack last week, including some details. The attack with drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles risked causing major casualties and escalating the conflict. U.S. officials said on Friday and Saturday they expected an imminent attack and urged Iran against one, with Mr Biden tersely saying his only message to Tehran was: Dont. Two Iraqi sources, including a government security adviser and a security official, said Iran had used diplomatic channels to inform Baghdad about the attack at least three days before it happened. The exact timing of the attack was not disclosed at that point, but was passed to Iraqi security and military authorities hours before the strikes, allowing Baghdad to close its airspace and avoid fatal accidents. The government clearly understood from the Iranian officials that the U.S. military in Iraq was also aware of the attack in advance, said the Iraqi security official. A senior Jordanian official said Iran had summoned Arab envoys in Tehran on Wednesday to inform them of their intention to carry out an attack, though it did not specify the timing. Asked if Iran had also given details about the targets and kind of weapons to be used, the Jordanian source did not respond directly but indicated that that was the case. An Iranian source briefed on the matter said Iran had informed the U.S. through diplomatic channels that included Qatar, Turkey, and Switzerland about the scheduled day of the attack, saying it would be conducted in a manner to avoid provoking a response. How far escalation can be avoided remains in question. Biden has told Israel the United States will not join any Israeli retaliation, the U.S. official said. However, Israel is still weighing its response and will exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us, Israeli minister Benny Gantz said on Sunday. (Reuters/NAN). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian militarys Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) has dismissed an allegation that its soldiers shot innocent civilians in the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. OPHS is a special military task force maintaining peace in Plateau and its environs. The Media Officer of the operation, Samson Zhakom, an army major, denied the allegation in a statement on Monday in Jos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Coalition of Bokkos Ethnic Youth Nationalities alleged that soldiers shot civilians and compounded the vulnerability of residents of the locality. The group, which called for the removal of the Commander of OPSH Step-Up Headquarters 2 in Bokkos, said the security agencies failed to quell the recent killings in some communities of the council. However, the media officer described the allegation as unfounded and aimed at tarnishing the good image of the military and other security agencies in the state. He also noted that the claim by the group that security agencies deployed to Bokkos had a confrontation with vigilantes was mischievous, insisting that the personnel were professional while repelling the attack. 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 Security agencies were rather preoccupied with restoring normalcy during the confrontations between different ethnic groups on April 13, 2024. Kudos should be given to these troops who remained deployed without a break for over 72 hours, ensuring that the high grounds and other vulnerable communities were dominated in a bid to protect law-abiding citizens. Also, the use of sophisticated weapons by the acclaimed vigilante was further buttressed by the discovery of eleven rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition in possession of the dead militia contrary to claims that he was a vigilante who was using dane gun to protect his community. Moreover, the acclaimed vigilante was already dead before the troops arrived in the area; therefore, the allegation of killing of the vigilante is a calculated effort to feign weakness and exonerate the dead vigilante from his participation in the attacks and counter-reprisals, he said. Mr Zhakom further said that the call by the group for the removal of its set-up commander in Bokkos was malicious and aimed at dampening the morale of troops in carrying out their lawful duties. The call is not unconnected with the increased tempo of operations carried out by troops under the command of the senior officer, which has denied criminal elements on both sides of the divide the freedom of action. The desperation of the petitioners may have been aggravated by the impartial stance of the commander during the attack, which is already given a religious connotation to stir sentiment and instigate spillover to other parts of Plateau. It is of utmost importance to stress the risks associated with desperate attempts to galvanise negative public opinion against security agencies, taking into account the risks it poses. Notwithstanding the deliberate efforts to cast aspersion on our personnel, security agencies will continue to take proactive steps to prevent the breakdown of law and order in our joint operations area. The media officer, however, called on residents of the state to support the military and other security agencies in their bid to ensureg a peaceful Plateau. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Ministry of Education (FME), in collaboration with International Institute for Educational Planning, UNESCO (UNESCO-IIEP), organised a capacity building workshop to reduce gender disparity in education in states. The Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, at the opening of the five-day workshop for selected state gender desk officers and other stakeholders in Niger State, said the move would improve inclusive education and gender equality. Mr Sununu said that the move was a step toward reducing the over 20 million out of school children in the country, with girls constituting over 60 per cent of the figure. He said education is an effective vehicle for enhancing human capabilities and for promoting social and economic development. Evidence abound that countries with highly developed education system are those with successful economies and high standards of living. It is on this backdrop that the ministry, in its bid to reposition the countrys education sector and boost gender equality and childrens enrolment into formal school system, organised this workshop. He said that the collaboration with development partners was to support states to increase gender equality in basic education. 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 While calling for increased awareness on the benefits of girl-child education, the minister urged stakeholders, especially in the states, to fully implement the Reviewed National Policy on Gender Education and its guidelines. He said the implementation would promote effective coordination and implementation of strategies to bridge the gender gaps in education. Abdourahamane Diallo, the Head of UNESCO Office in Abuja, said the workshop is aimed at building capacity of critical stakeholders to advance gender-responsive education planning and management in states of the federation. He said the facilitators, comprising experts from the IIEP, Abuja Office of UNESCO and the FME have designed the training contents to lead to increased understanding of key issues and challenges of gender equality in and through education. The contents will also increase understanding of school-based and non-school factors that cause gender disparities in education and how gender equality can be integrated into policy design, planning processes and implementation. Ms Sally Rosscornes, the Senior Gender and Education Specialist, IIEP-UNESCO, said we are here to accompany states as they seek to understand the different gender inequalities and disparities and dimensions within their own context. And then for them to develop their own solutions to solving those challenges. Dr Folake Olatunji-David, the Director, Basic Education, FME, noted the effects of gender disparities, stressing the need for gender balancing in learning, planning, policymaking, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities. She said when we talk about gender, it is not just about girls, but about both boys and girls. So, ensure that we leave no child behind in all our policymaking and implementation, because each gender has his or her own peculiarities and a role to play. Also, Obianuju Anigboju, the Director, Educational Planning, Research and Development Department, stressed the need for the adoption of innovative strategies that would advance and promote gender equality. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has ordered divisional officers and tactical teams to be on red alert and ward off any incursion into the state by Oodua nation agitators. NSCDC Commandant in the state, Oluyemi Ibiloye, who stated this at the weekly muster parade where the corps operations during the last Eid-el Fitr celebration were reviewed, also ordered the teams to be on standby for other miscreants. Mr Ibiloye, in a statement made available to journalists by the commands spokesperson, Aidamenbor Daniel, on Monday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, admonished officers to take positive posture toward their job. He reminded the officers and men of the corps of the ongoing political activities within the state and the need to be professional and apolitical in their operations. The intelligence department, armed squad, counter terrorism unit, rapid response squad and operations are to be on red alert to ensure that the security breach that took place in Oyo State does not happen in Ondo State, he said. According to him, this has become imperative especially now that various political parties are having their rallies in the state, with mixed crowds in attendance. The command wishes to reiterate its commitment to safeguarding lives and properties, and ensuring the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure. We would do all within the ambits of the law to ensure the safety of all good and law-abiding citizens of Ondo State. For quick intervention and actionable intelligence sharing, the commands quick response lines 08034027234, 08037871044 and 08032797388 are open for public use, Ibiloye said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said many celebrities are facing investigations and will soon be prosecuted for naira abuse. The commission said this in a statement on Sunday, days after securing the conviction of popular crossdresser, Bobrisky, jailed for the same crime on Friday. Vowing that no one found culpable will be spared, the comission said it will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations, and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime. Since the arrest of Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okunneye, earler this month, many Nigerians on social media platforms have tagged the EFCC in various posts of video clips capturing apparently worse cases of naira abuse by other celebrities. The EFCC acknowledged a surge in the sharing of old and new video clips of such naira abuse in the statement by its Head of Media and Punlicity, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday. It said some celebrities, whose identitles it did not disclose, had been invited for investigations and made useful statements. Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life, the statement said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It added, These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo. To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted. At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter. Bobrisky, actress Omoseyin examples The Federal High Court in Lagos, on Friday, sentenced Bobrisky to six months in jail without an option of fine for naira abuse. The judge, Abimbola Awogboro, imposed the sentence after the controversial crossdresser pleaded guilty to the alleged offences. This followed his earlier arrest by the EFCC. The 31-year-old had caught the attention of EFCC after a viral video clip showed her spraying and flaunting wads of new naira notes at the premiere of a movie, Ajakaju, on 24 March. The movie was produced by Eniola Ajao, a Nollywood actress and producer, at Film One Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos. The commission, on 4 April, announced that it detained Bobrisky for abuse of naira during the movie premiere and previous social events. The commission said it held the controversial social media celebrity at its zonal office in Lagos after he honoured an invitation for interrogation. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the EFCC subsequently arraigned him on 5 April at the Federal High Court in Lagos where he pleaded guilty to four charges preferred against him. After Bobrisky pled to the charges, the judge convicted him and adjourned for sentencing. The judge, Mr Awogboro, subsequently sentenced Bobrisky on Friday. He said Bobriskys sentence would serve as a lesson for others intending to continue abusing the Naira. The act of mutilating the Naira notes has become a menace, which has continued to damage the countrys image. Enough of people mutilating and tampering with our currencies. It has to stop. His will serve as a deterrent to others, the judge said. Before the judge sentenced Bobrisky, he inquired about the crossdressers gender, to which he responded that he was identified as a man. Earlier in February this year, the Federal High Court in Lagos had similarly convicted an actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, of spraying and stepping on new naira notes at a wedding in Lagos. Ms Omoseyin was apprehended on 1 February, following the viral circulation of a video clip showing her spraying new Naira notes at a wedding in Lekki, Lagos State, on 28 January. On 2 February, the trial judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, sentenced Ms Omoseyin to six months imprisonment, but with the option of a N300,000 fine. Public awakening EFCC said on Sunday that there has been a public awakening about abuse of naira, apparently referring to the surge in the attention Nigerians have paid to it after the arrest of Bobrisky. On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far, the commissions statement said on Sunday. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has not absolved any of the suspects facing investigations over allegations of corruption perpetrated at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. The anti-corruption agency clarified in a statement on Sunday that it has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary, the statement by EFCCs Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, read in part. The suspended minister of the ministry, Betta Edu, and her predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, are among key serving and former officials that EFCC has interrogated with respect to the allegations. Both of them are being investigated by the over alleged misappropriation of multi-billion naira social welfare funds meant for vulnerable Nigerians. Ms Farouq served in former President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. EFCC in January quizzed her over allegations of corruption in the handling of N37.1 billion social intervention funds during her tenure. In January, President Bola Tinubu suspended Ms Edu from office after a leaked memo triggered controversies about suspicious financial transactions she authorised in her ministry. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later After months of investigations into the malfeasance by the anti-graft agency without no information officially disclosed to the public about its outcome, speculations became rife that Ms Edu and Ms Farouq might have been cleared or the matter swept under the carpet. Both have also separately claimed through their lawyers that the commission has found nothing against them. The latest of such endeavours was a letter by Ms Edus lawyer to the BBC, insisting on her innocence and warning against defaming her. Ongoing discreet investigations But EFCC said it has extended its ongoing discreet investigations to other fraudulent dealings involving the humanitarian ministry and its past and former officials. It said it had linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged fraud. Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance, the statement said. It added that beyond individuals, banks and their managing directors are also being investigated for the alleged crimes. The statement said, It is instructive to stress that the Commissions investigations are not about individuals. The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices. Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions. Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly. Background In January, President Tinubu suspended Ms Edu from office after a leaked memo triggered controversies about financial transactions she authorised in her ministry. PREMIUM TIMES reported the scandal including the approval of payment of hundreds of millions of naira into private accounts of civil servants. Mrs Edu has come under criticism from Nigerians for ordering the transfer of N585.2 million into the private bank account of a civil servant, who is the accountant in charge of grants for Vulnerable Nigerians. The minister had issued a memo to the Accountant General of the Federation in December 2023 ordering the said amount to be paid into the civil servants private bank account. The transfer violates statutory provisions of Nigerias Financial Regulations 2009, which are meant to prevent fraud and other forms of corruption. In addition, the EFCC is probing the suspended National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, regarding alleged N37.1billion fraud in the ministry. Mr Tinubu equally suspended the social welfare programme following issues of financial misappropriation. Read EFCCs full statement below: EFCC PRESS STATEMENT Setting the Records Straight on Investigations of Humanitarian Ministry The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has noticed the rising tide of commentaries, opinions, assumptions and insinuations concerning its progressive investigations into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far. Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance. It is instructive to stress that the Commissions investigations are not about individuals. The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices. Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions. Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly. Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary. On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far. Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life. These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo. To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted. At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter. The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime. Dele Oyewale Head, Media & Publicity April 14, 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The price of garri, a popular Nigerian staple, has witnessed a leap for the third time since the beginning of the year in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, despite the state governments intervention. A PREMIUM TIMES survey of markets and retail shops in Uyo, in the last week of March, on Easter Sunday, showed that the price of garri, which was N100 per cup last December had jumped to N150 per cup with four cups selling at N500 as against five cups last December. This newspaper had also reported that a five-litre container of garri had increased from N1,000 last December to N2, 200 by Easter, while a bag of garri (100kg) increased from N40, 000 to N75, 000 within the same period. The price of garri has further ballooned by almost 100 per cent, a fresh PREMIUM TIMES survey in the state capital in the second week of April shows. According to the survey, garri now sells for two and half cups for N500 and five cups for N1, 000 as against four cups it was in the last week of March. A five-litre container of garri now sells for N3, 500 as against N2,200 it sold in the last week of March, while a bag (100kg) of garri now sells for N140, 000 as against N75, 000 in Easter. Probable causes of increasing price A garri vendor and member of Foodstuffs Association in Akpan Andem market, Nseobong Edet, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES from Atam in Cross River State where she had gone to buy garri, said farmers are complaining that cassava is increasingly becoming watery, producing poor yield. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later They (farmers) said cassava is watery and that they would harvest a large quantity of it but get a small yield after processing it, she said, adding that the farmers are blaming it on climatic conditions. Another garri vendor, Imaobong Effiong, who owns a shop in Itam market in the state capital, told this newspaper that the price of the staple food will increase further. Justifying her position, Mrs Effiong said anybody that sells garri will buy rice and other items, whose prices are high. She also blamed the skyrocketing price on the high cost of transportation. Greed But Joy Akpan, a mother of four, said the increase has to do with greed among garri vendors and farmers. No matter what you preach to them, once theyve made up their minds to sell at a higher price there is nothing you can do, she said, but also acknowledged that petrol subsidy removal has contributed to it due to increased cost of transportation. Mrs Akpan, who was at Itam market to buy foodstuffs, told PREMIUM TIMES she was surprised at the exceptional increase in the price of garri. On her part, Nkese Umanah said, nothing surprises her in Nigeria. Even if it is sold at N500 for a cup I will still buy, she retorted, when asked how the cost of garri has affected her family. Stable prices of other food items Unlike the price of garri which has increased, prices of other items have remained relatively stable as reported last week of March, according to the survey. For instance, the price of one cup of beans has remained stable at N350, while the price of five-litre container of crayfish has also remained stable at N4,500 and a crate of eggs at N3,600. Prices of palm oil and seasonings have also remained as reported in the last week of March. Garri vendors are acting like small-gods Otobong KenJoshua, who owns a foodstuffs retail shop Otyys Complete Kitchen in Uyo, in an interview with this newspaper on Sunday, advised Akwa Ibom State Government on how to force down the price of garri. Mrs KenJoshua said garri vendors and Point of Sales (POS) operators are acting like small-gods because there is hunger in the land. She warned that if the increasing price of garri is not addressed, prices of other items will also go up. This is the best time to introduce the bulk purchase that Governor Umo Eno promised, she said, and likened her perceived outcome to the crash of air fares of Nigeria to London trip, following the entrance of Air Peace airline. Air Peace, a domestic airline, began direct flights from Lagos to London on 30 March, pegging its price for a round-trip economy ticket at N1.2 million on a route that foreign airlines had charged as much as N3 million. The air fares have further crashed to N738, 000, Daily Trust reported. Mrs KenJoshua believes the rice of garri will experience the same thing if the government works on her advice. She identified rice, beans and garri as the major food items that are mostly needed and advised Mr Eno to liaise with his colleague governors of other states, and buy rice and beans in bulk and transport them to Akwa Ibom and sell at reduced prices. He can also liaise with the Cross River State Governor and buy garri in bulk from women in the state (Cross River) and bring it back to Akwa Ibom and sell at reduced price. The price of garri will crash, she said and also advised the governor to empower farmers in the state. AKSG reacts Garri is one of the staple foods in Nigeria, besides rice and beans, that Akwa Ibom State has on the menu of foodstuffs it provides for the vulnerable people enlisted in its social register. The state government, through Bulk Purchase Agency, buys staple foods in bulk and gives them to the vulnerable people, with each getting 5kg of garri, beans and rice, a measure introduced by the government to cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal which has brought untold hardship on Nigerians. One of the objectives of the new agency launched about a month ago was to force down the skyrocketing price of staple foods by buying them in bulk and selling them to the people at a reduced rates. But despite this intervention, prices of staple foods, particularly, garri, have further ballooned, suggesting that the aims of establishing the agency may not have been achieved. But the General Manager of the agency, Unyime Etim, told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday that it was too early for the agency to achieve its mandate, being barely a month old. Asked about the agencys strategy to achieve its goals of crashing the prices of commodities, particularly, staple foods, Mr Etim, who is the immediate-past chairperson of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, said, We are encouraging farmers to go back to the farm. By the time you harvest the products, we off-take them, process them (garri) and push them back to the market. That is when we will be able to control the price. The law of demand and supply will take care of that, so all we need to do is encourage people to go back to the farm. The Ministry of Agriculture is giving out improved seedlings and interest free loans to farmers. We are expecting increased farm produce in Akwa Ibom. That is where the government will come in to off-take the produce and push it back to the market. By the time we flood the market with the produce, the prices will be forced down and the dream of Governor Umo Eno would have been realized, Mr Etim said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has advised a newly appointed Justice of the Supreme Court, Obande Ogbuinya, to be mindful of corrupt politicians in discharging his duty. Mr Nwifuru gave the advice on Sunday at Umuogudu-Akpu Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state, during a thanksgiving mass organised by Mr Ogbuinya to mark his elevation to the Supreme Court bench. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Mr Ogbuinya was inaugurated alongside 10 other justices to the Supreme Court bench in February. I charge you, the newly elevated Justice Ogbuinya, to steer clear of corrupt politicians. Let us allow the judges to do their work. Let us strive to make our judges comfortable and truly independent. Dont allow the politicians to destroy you, the governor said. Mr Nwifuru, however, commended the nations judiciary for living up to its calling as the last hope of the common man. He called for adequate funding of the judiciary for an improved justice delivery system. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later According to him, unless there is an adequate and increased funding of the judiciary, dispensation of justice will be adversely affected . There is a need for increased remuneration of the judges for effective justice delivery, he said. In his response, Mr Ogbuinya thanked the governor for celebrating with him and promised to be more dedicated in promoting the nations judicial system. The event was attended by the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, while the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah was represented by his deputy Ifeanyi Ossai. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has alerted the public to an illicit mixture of hard drugs called combine discovered uring a routine raid in Cross River State. The mixture, a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS), which contains multiple strains of Cannabis Colorado, Loud and Opioids soaked in raw gin, is produced by a 40-year-old widow and mother of two, Theodora Ita, in Bassey Edom, Calabar, according to the agency. NDLEA, in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, described combine as a careless mash-up of deadly substances. He advised Nigerians against its consumption, saying it is likely to cause irreparable damage to the body. About Combine Combine is a mixture of strains of Cana: Colos, Loud and opioids soaked in raw gin, the NDLEA said, warning, Theres no shorter route to death than this because its a direct hit on your organs. The look alone tells of danger. Beware. The agency said 18 litres of combine stored in old paint drums and ready for distribution was recovered from Ms Theodora during the operation. The suspected culprit was said to have told NDLEA that she began the illicit drug production in October 2023. 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 Theodora Ita was arrested at Bassey Edom, Calabar, by NDLEA operatives for producing and selling a lethal new psychoactive substance, NPS, locally called Combine. As at the time of her arrest, 18 litres of the dangerous substance in used paint drums were recovered from her, the statement reads in part. Local production of hard drugs New, unconventional drugs created to mimic the effects of traditional substances such as cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy have gained popularity in Nigeria, driving up the population of drug users in the country. Most are locally sourced and can be obtained at a meagre cost. They impact the brain, causing mood, feeling, and behaviour changes. These drugs are labelled NPS because they are not recognised under international conventions such as the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and, unlike traditional hard drugs, are emerging and uneasy to detect because they are not controlled. Drug abuse to rise Often, an increase in the local production of drugs correlates with high substance abuse, and as such, Nigerias population of drug users is expected to rise. It is predicted that by 2030, 40 per cent of the countrys population will be drug users, far exceeding the global target of 11 per cent. According to joint research by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA), about 14.3 million Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 years engaged in drug use. At the geopolitical zonal level, the South-west has the highest number, with about 4.382 million users. This is 22.4 per cent of Nigerias total 14.3 million users. The North-west follows closely with 3 million drug users, and the South-south, where Combine is said to have been discovered, ranks third with 2.124 million users. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Kibaku (Chibok) Area Development Association (KADA) has said 82 Chibok girls remain unaccounted for after a decade in captivity, attributing their continued ordeal to the governments inaction. The President of KADA, Dauda Iliya, stated this during the 10th-year commemoration of the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) campaign on Sunday in Abuja. The figure released by the association, however, conflicts with another one put at 91. Mr Iliya urged authorities to confront the lingering trauma and offer solace to the affected families and communities. He recounted the tragic events of 14 April 2014 when hundreds of girls were abducted, leaving an enduring scar on the nations conscience. He said despite the return of 194 girls, the fate of 82 others remains unknown, leaving their families and communities in anguish. Mr Iliya highlighted what he perceived as a lack of progress by successive governments in addressing the ongoing insecurity in the North-east, particularly in Chibok. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He emphasised the urgent need for decisive action to secure the release of the remaining girls and provide closure to this traumatic chapter. He said, We, the Kibaku, are deeply disappointed with the pervasive failure by successive governments since 2014 to rescue all our daughters for a decade and the apparent lack of interest by consecutive governments in bringing the matter of insecurity and banditry in the North-east, especially Chibok land, to an end. The saddest part for us as a people in this saga is that the official narrative from the Borno state government seems always to take precedence, the centre stage and most believed and many times even amplified by some sections of the media without fact-checking; rather than the objective and verifiable truth as expressed by the parents as well as the community and other interested parties involved. Even our daughters that escaped within the last three years, until very recently, have been secretly kept in a so-called transit camp in Maiduguri along with the Boko Haram terrorists. Following the persistence and insistence by some of the parents to see their returnee daughters, the government of Borno State under the leadership of Prof Zulum, the Kibaku community now seeks answers to the following questions from the BOSG as a matter of urgency. Questions for the Borno government Mr Iliya posed some questions to the Borno State Government (BOSG) on the rehabilitation and reintegration of rescued girls. He asked What legal basis does the BOSG cite for the controversial marriages between returnee girls and alleged repentant terrorists? How are the voices of the girls and their families being considered in decisions regarding their future? What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the girls, both in Maiduguri and upon their return to Chibok? He said the community is determined to hold authorities accountable for their actions and secure justice for their daughters. In addition to the pressing questions, Mr Iliya said KADA had issued a series of demands to both the BOSG and the federal government, including the immediate release of rescued Chibok girls to their families. Other demands are a formal apology from the BOSG for the unlawful cohabitation of rescued girls with alleged terrorists, enhanced support for girls education and well-being, including access to counselling and vocational training, and upgrading of Chibok Senior Secondary School to provide better facilities and support for students. Mr Iliya thanked the security agencies, especially those in the field, and the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement for keeping the issue in the media spotlight. 48 Chibok girls parents are dead Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Strategy Committee for BringBackOurGirls (BBOG), Florence Ozor, stated that 48 parents of the girls have died without setting eyes on their daughters. She said many of the parents died as a result of the heart-wrenching news of their missing children amidst government negligence. Today, as we communicate the reality that 48 parents of our abducted girls have passed on with the throbbing pain of not knowing the whereabouts of their daughters, we reiterate our call that the government must live up to its responsibility of returning the #ChibokGirls and all abducted citizens to their rightful homes, she said. Ms Ozor reiterated the associations plea for accountability and decisive action from the authorities. BBOG demands She said BBOG demands that the federal government include the recognition of the Parents of Missing #ChibokGirls Association and a commitment to transparency in rescue operations. Furthermore, the movement urged collaboration with affected families to formulate strategies for closure, alongside redesigning the Government Secondary School in Chibok. Announce Recognition of the Organisation, Parents of Missing #ChibokGirls Association and Inaugurate Quarterly Accountability Meetings with Federal Government Inter-Agency High-Level Team under the Chairmanship of the President. Publish the Status Report on Rescue of the 91 Still in Boko Haram Captivity: The Federal Government led by the Presidency should immediately publish a detailed update on the rescue of our remaining missing girls in print, electronic and social media for wide dissemination. Publish Detailed Status Report on the Debrief, Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Education of Rescued Girls: The Federal and Borno State Governments publish a status report on the debrief, rehabilitation, reintegration, and education of the rescued girls in the custody of the Borno State government. Publish and Disclose all Investigation Panel Reports on #ChibokGirls: The Federal Government should be consistent with FGN membership of the global Open Government Partnership- OGP immediately publish and disclose the facts and findings of all investigation Panel reports into the abduction of the Chibok girls. Announce Plans for the Arrest and Successful Prosecution of all Persons Indicted in the *Sabo Report* for Negligence Leading to the Abduction and Failure to Launch Swift Search and Rescue Operation within 48 Hours of Abduction, respectively. Account for Budgeted Sums and Expenditures for Welfare of ChibokGirls: The Federal and Borno State Governments should publish an account of all funds appropriated and disbursed for the welfare of the abducted #ChibokGirls and their parents over the last ten years, she said. In a remark, a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the remaining girls are reunited with their parents. She said many patriots committed to this cause have died without completing their mission. She added that the government should expedite actions to reunite Leah Sharibu of the Dapchi girls, who are still missing, with her family. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Anambra State, South-east Nigeria, have spoken on the reported burial of deceased Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, by a riverside. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how Mr Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope and four other actors drowned after their boat capsized in Anam River in Anambra State last Wednesday while returning from a movie shoot. There had been speculations that Mr Odonwodo was buried by the riverside and later exhumed after pressure on authorities. Police speak But reacting in a statement on Sunday, the police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, refuted the speculations. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said contrary to the speculations, the late actor was neither buried nor exhumed, but that his body was still at a mortuary in the state. The police spokesperson, however, said families of three other deceased Nollywood stars accepted that the victims should be buried beside the river. But later, the family of one of the victims decided to exhume the body to be given a proper burial in her state while the other two were still buried there, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Also, Junior Pope and one other are still in the morgue and awaiting the deceased familys funeral arrangements. Film producer under probe Mr Ikenga added that the police in the state have since obtained statements from the producer of the ill-fated movie, Adanma Luke, and two drivers of the boat as part of investigation into the incident as ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aderemi Adeoye. This is to determine the criminal liability of any person, if any, in the mishap, he said of the investigation. The police spokesperson assured Nigerians that the police will not compromise in the investigation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print From the removal of the erstwhile Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu from office to a federal lawmaker facing backlash over his comment on a students financial aid request, the second week of April was eventful in South-south Nigeria. These are the major stories from the South-south region last week. Edo assembly removes Shaibu as deputy governor The political feud between Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his former deputy, Philip Shaibu, came to its peak on Monday with the removal of Mr Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of State. Edo State lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to sack Mr Shaibu after the seven-member panel set up by the states Chief Judge, found him culpable for leaking government secrets. The former deputy governor, who denied the allegations, said his removal from office was a plot hatched because of his governorship ambition, and vowed to challenge it in court. Governor Obaseki, who hailed the state assembly over Mr Shaibus removal, appointed and swore in Omobayo Godwins, a 38-year-old engineer, after receiving the state House of Assemblys clearance, as his new deputy. Military board of enquiry commences sitting over Okuama killings A military board of enquiry constituted to investigate the killing of 17 soldiers in Delta State community commenced sittings last week. 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 Seventeen soldiers, consisting of a commanding officer, two majors, a captain and 13 others were ambushed and murdered on 14 March by suspected residents of Okuama, a coastal community in the oil-rich Delta State. The chairperson of the board, David Ajayi, an air vice marshal, said the panel was on a fact-finding mission, gathering facts from security agencies, community leaders and residents and not to apportion blame. Similarly, the Nigerian army, on Friday, uncovered a secret armoury housing a cache of arms and ammunition at the residence of a suspected gun runner in Delta State. The army arrested three suspects during a raid of the amoury and other locations in neighbouring communities. The army also said it acted on a tip-off and raided the residence of the suspected gun runner whom it identified simply as Mr Kenneth. Items recovered comprised one G3 rifle, 853 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Akwa Ibom Christian worship centre The multi-billion Christian worship centre in Akwa Ibom State will be productive if converted to an event centre, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong advised Governor Umo Eno. The worship centre, said to have cost N32 billion, has drawn criticisms to the state governmenr, with many of the critics saying the money should have been used to build cottage factories capable of taking unemployed youths off the streets. Mr Effiong said with countless worship centres in the state, the state government has no business maintaining a worship centre with public funds. The State Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong acknowledged the several criticisms trailing the worship centre but said the state government will put all the advice into consideration before taking an action. On a sad note, Governor Eno on Saturday paid a condolence visit to the family of late make-up artist, Abigail Frederick, who died in a boat mishap that also claimed the life of a popular Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope. The 24-year-old Theatre Art graduate was one of the crew members of a movie production, who were drowned after the boat ferrying them back from a movie set capsized in Anam River, Anambra State, on Wednesday. The governor, who was at the family compound in Eket, commiserated with the family and offered automatic employment to the elder sister of the deceased. Federal lawmaker faces backlash over reaction to students request For the second time in less than a year in office, Clement Jimbo, who represents Abak/Ika/Etim Ekpo Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State in the House of Representatives, has come under fire for comments he made over financial aid requests from his constituents. Facebook users in the state criticised Mr Jumbo for asking a student, who begged him for financial aid to offset his tuition fees, to take a menial job, which the lawmaker claimed could earn him N5,000 a day. Angry users reminded the lawmaker of how he begged for financial support on Facebook when he was campaigning for the office. Odili declares Fubara as Rivers political leader In what may be described as a major political realignment in Rivers State, former Governor Peter Odili, on Thursday, declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the political leader of the oil-rich state amidst feud between Mr Fubara and his immediate-past predecessor, Nyesom Wike. In his remark at his home town Ndoni, where he handed over a Primary Healthcare facility built by his foundation to Rivers State Government, Mr Odili declared that having secured victories through the ballots and the courts, Mr Fubara was the political leader of the state. Mr Fubara, at the occasion, threw several jabs at Mr Wike (now FCT Minister) over comments Mr Wike. The declaration came about a week after Mr Wike said his relationship with Mr Odili had soured. Also in Rivers State, gunmen on Friday released the kidnapped Channels Television reporter, who was kidnapped from his residence in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Joshua Rogers was reportedly seized by gunmen on Thursday as he returned from an official assignment at the Government House. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has advised President Bola Tinubu to drop any of his appointees who failed to deliver on his mandate. Mr El-Rufai said this when he spoke with journaliats in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday, urging the president to also explore the possibility of amending some of his policies that were not yielding the desired results. You appointed a person into a position and he is not working according to the expectation, you should have the humility to tell him that I need a better person, go and do something else, he said. Mr El-Rufai himself was nominated to server as a minister in President Tinubus months-old cabinet last year, but could not sail through Senate screening. The Senate, in rejecting his nomination, cited security reports against him and two other nominees, who similarly failed to make the final list. Mr El-Rufai, on Monday, called for prayers and support from the citizens for the leaders in their quest to turn around things. What we must to do as citizens is to pray for our leaders for God to guide them to see or do what is right. 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 For God to give them the humility to reverse themselves when necessary and do the right thing; thats how society progresses, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Akwa Ibom State, South-south Nigeria, have arrested two suspects for allegedly killing their biological mother and son. The police spokesperson in the state, Odiko Macdon, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo, the state capital, on Monday. Inyangake Peter, 40, was arrested on 4 April for allegedly killing his 70-year-old mother, Mma-Offiong Peter, at Ikpe Annang village in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state. The suspect, police spokesperson said, has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department at the state police headquarters in Uyo after allegedly confessing to the crime. The suspect on interrogation alleged that he heard a voice saying kill her, kill her and he decided to oblige. The second suspect, Solomon Isaac of Ikot Obok in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, murdered his 18-year-old son, Iboro Isaac, over a family misunderstanding, said Mr Macdon, a chief superintendent of police said. The police in the state said it was deeply concerned over the increasing cases of killing among family members by their biological relatives in the state. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The incident occurred about six months after a 55-year-old woman identified as Mrs Sunday Isaac, was allegedly murdered by her biological son, Akaninyene Isaac. Leadership newspaper reported that Mr Isaac allegedly hacked his mother to death after a heated argument over money that his mother could not raise for him immediately. The police had in November 2022 arrested Sunday Etukudo for allegedly killing his 20-year-old daughter, Ofonmbuk Sunday, at Omum Unyiam in Etim Ekpo LGA. READ ALSO: Police arrest six suspects after deadly clash in Minna Mr Etukudo had accused the deceased of holding his manhood during a fight which made him hit her head with a stick causing her to collapse. The suspect, Channels Television reported, allegedly buried her daughter at the family compound. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print a country is best served when services and goods providers operate in competitive markets. Rather than mount the bully pulpit, Chief Adelabu would serve the domestic power sector best by reducing monopoly behaviour therein. A competitive market would require free exit and entry of both consumers and suppliers of electricity. And where natural monopolies exist, a regulatory environment with a clear remit for sustaining consumers welfare is a non-negotiable requirement. One unintended consequence of the Minister of Powers recent intervention in the domestic policy conversation was to move the phrase turn off the deep freezer into the same high-octane league (of social media tropes) as off your mic. The problem with the power ministers suggestion (that in response to the rising cost of power, previously profligate consumers could do no worse than turn off their electrical devices when these are not in use) was to move the idea of demand management into paternal territory. This problem is at once ethical, as it is functional. Our politicians cannot solicit for votes from voters and take the moral high ground against them at the same time and in the same space. On the other hand, when sections of the electorate vote for a change agenda, it is nearly always in the expectation that some other sections will bear the cost of the expected transition. On this reading, it was, then, easy to ask, which of the many countries Chief Adebayo Adelabu has visited do the folks there turn off their freezers? Certainly not the United Kingdom. There, folks apparently turn off their heaters to keep costs down, instead. Admittedly, a key goal of reforms to an underperforming economy such as ours is to discipline consumption. Especially when this involves full cost recovery in the pricing of publicly provided goods and services, the goal is to allocate resources more efficiently by ensuring that consumption is not wasteful. In the temperate United Kingdom, this logic has heating costs far more expensive than refrigeration costs. And the market responds accordingly. On this reading, Bayo has a persuasive argument. He just did not make it properly. On a related note, the search for energy efficiency in our homes is a necessary condition, both for adapting to and mitigating the effects of an increasingly hotter world. The Economist newspaper estimates that both heating and cooling costs for houses comprise 18 per cent of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, when a good or service is priced below cost, or the market clearing rate, the tendency is for markets to allocate these inefficiently. Indeed, if the management of our domestic water resources teach any lessons, the tendency is to waste such resources. That was what we did with our foreign reserves over the nine years until early 2023, when the official exchange rate of the naira lagged the parallel market rate. Unfortunately, even when higher costs of procuring goods and services force their more efficient consumption, a country is best served when services and goods providers operate in competitive markets. Rather than mount the bully pulpit, Chief Adelabu would serve the domestic power sector best by reducing monopoly behaviour therein. A competitive market would require free exit and entry of both consumers and suppliers of electricity. And where natural monopolies exist, a regulatory environment with a clear remit for sustaining consumers welfare is a non-negotiable requirement. These will guarantee that the price at which consumers (both industrial and residential) source their electricity needs is as close as possible to the providers marginal costs of supplying each unit of electricity without hurting the incentive to seek innovative solutions. integration is as much about better rule making, and risk-based supervisory frameworks. While, at a more abecedarian level it is simply a matter of improving infrastructure. Roads and rail to get goods to the market faster. Broadband networks to speed services. A better criminal justice system that guarantees a fair enforcement of contracts, and thus strengthening trust within the economy. The list is long. And Chief Adelabu only needs to briefly look away from his deep freezers power switch to get it. The goal of improving the efficiency of markets goes beyond the needs of our decrepit power sector. Accordingly, a further challenge before a reform-minded government would be to integrate the domestic market for goods and services. At first blush, this requirement sounds counter-intuitive. But within states, barriers to entry into markets (especially in the informal sector) are as potent and as inhibitive of commerce and trade, as are those between states. Informal guilds and trade bodies sap as much animal spirit off the economy as the bureaucratic hurdles to setting up businesses do. At one level, integration is as much about better rule making, and risk-based supervisory frameworks. While, at a more abecedarian level it is simply a matter of improving infrastructure. Roads and rail to get goods to the market faster. Broadband networks to speed services. A better criminal justice system that guarantees a fair enforcement of contracts, and thus strengthening trust within the economy. The list is long. And Chief Adelabu only needs to briefly look away from his deep freezers power switch to get it. Uddin Ifeanyi, journalist manque and retired civil servant, can be reached @IfeanyiUddin. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The kidnapping of 276 female students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State on 14 April 2014 thrust Nigeria into a trajectory of global notoriety. The mass kidnapping also entrenched Boko Haram, previously viewed as a largely ragtag group of militant religious zealots, into worldwide prominence. The fight against Boko Haram subsequently attained a new urgency after the initial lethargic response of the federal government. Stocktaking is essential after 10 years since the Chibok kidnapping. Fifty-seven of the girls were believed to have escaped from their abductors on the night of their capture. Through a combination of negotiations by third parties, plus ransom payment, direct military action, individual initiatives and sheer luck, many of the victims have returned home. Nonetheless, over 90 of the young women remain missing. The millions of hard currencies used in negotiations, evidence shows, have enabled Boko Haram to purchase new and more sophisticated weapons. Its commanders released in exchange for the victims have also largely returned to the trenches. The cost has been quite steep in other heart-wrenching ways: Nearly 50 of the parents of the victims have died while waiting for the return of their children. Although the military has, so far, done a poor job of providing timely and up-to-date casualty figures, several men and women of the Nigerian armed forces have paid the supreme sacrifice in the theatre of war in the North-east. There have been other mass kidnappings at school sites since Chibok. For example, 110 students were kidnapped in Dapchi, Yobe State in February 2018. Bandits formally entered the mass school kidnapping fray in December 2020, with the abduction of 303 students at Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State. On 17 February 2021, bandits also kidnapped 41 students in Kagara, Niger State. Zamfara State was next on 26 February 2021, as 317 female students were abducted. Kaduna State was the site of the mass kidnapping thereafter, with 398 students taken on 11 March 2021 at the College of Forestry, Afaka. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In April 2021, about 20 students were snatched at Greenfield University, Kaduna State. Mass kidnapping operations returned to Niger State on 30 May 2021, when over 100 students were taken at the Niger Muslim school. The list is not exhaustive. The failure to deal effectively with the fallout of Chibok has arguably opened the floodgates. Schools have become targets of miscellaneous non-state collectives with varying agendas. From Boko Harams ideological motivation against the education of young girls and contestation over the place of women in society, to the bandits commercialisation of schoolchildrens abduction, this phenomenon does not have to be accepted as the natural order of things in Nigeria. How did we get here? Much has been made of missing security personnel in Chibok and other schools that have been targeted. Indeed, Nigerias police-to-civilian ratio is abysmal. However, it is worth emphasising that no society deploys police personnel to all its schools at any given time. Therefore, while we are correct to examine the security architecture of schools, this issue is not a mere policing problem. Concerns in Nigerias political process are spilling over to generate insecurity in our schools and across Nigeria. For example, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah, who served as Chief of Army Staff, gave a frank assessment in Daily Trust in August 2015. Minimah stated that the war against Boko Haram would have yielded a different outcome, if we had all stood against the terrorists at the onset through public condemnation of their activities and active collaboration with the military to confront them(r)ather than use it as a tool to advance sectional, tribal, religious and political interests. In other words, mass kidnappings of children persist because we have made it a political, ethnic and religious issue, rather than a societal problem that must be eradicated. In the Chibok case, President Goodluck Jonathan was initially convinced that no kidnapping had occurred. When the evidence suggested otherwise, the narrative of his government was that the kidnapping was to embarrass the administration and ensure its loss in the 2015 presidential election. President Jonathans spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, indicated that the #BringBackOurGirls Movement was intended to sustain and internationalise the embarrassment of the Jonathan government. Presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari contributed to the toxic political atmosphere by openly criticising military operations in the North-east, asking that the government engages with Boko Haram, as President Umaru YarAdua had negotiated with Niger Delta militants. This was political opportunism at its ugliest. He knew better as a retired general. The cancer of corruption has also plagued the response of our security system. General Minimah, who provided a succinct analysis before the democratisation of mass kidnapping of schoolchildren in Nigeria, exemplifies the situation: He was indicted on corruption charges and allegedly returned N1.7 billion to government coffers. The execution of the war on insecurity linked rhetorically with the imperative of rescuing all the Chibok girls by President Buhari during his inaugural address in May 2015 for personal gain at the detriment of rank-and-file troops, has led soldiers to describe the operations as a rubbish mission. One soldier noted that (t)he integrity of the system is no longer there the more we die, the more money they make. It is hard to win the war against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and mass kidnapping when frontline troops do not believe in the mission and feel that they are being sent to die for a country that does not care about them and their families. The abduction of the Chibok girls attained global resonance due to the activities of the #BringBackOurGirls movement. Elite women, led by the likes of Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili and Hadiza Bala Usman, among others, and their middle-class allies, began a series of protests in April 2014 in Abuja to pressure the federal government to rescue the Chibok girls. We now know that despite the global social and traditional media coverage, heads of state who held #BBOG placards did little or nothing to actually help rescue the girls. There is evidence demonstrating that the global agitation for the Chibok girls by the #BBOG likely prolonged their captivity, as they became highly valuable assets in the hands of Boko Haram. The #BBOG activists performed their civic duty to give the girls a fighting chance of survival. The country might have simply moved on as it did after the massacre of 59 high school boys in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, approximately two months before the Chibok kidnapping. The federal government did not acknowledge the incident until its first anniversary. It is also instructive that some of the girls rescued from Boko Haram returned to their terrorist husbands as a result of inhospitable conditions in the conventional society. Overall, Chibok provides incontrovertible evidence of the country we have built. The kidnapping of schoolchildren has ended up in political power games and avenues for corrupt enrichment within governmental and non-governmental circles. As Nigeria marks the 10th anniversary of the Chibok kidnapping, it is important to remember the victims who remain in captivity, the parents who have died of heartbreak and the Kibaku people ravaged by the episodic attacks of boys and men we failed to educate or provide any form of skill for meaningful employment to. Let us also remember that this ought not to be the natural order of things: A country ought to be able to protect its children. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal attended the annual Sallah durbar at the Kauran Namoda local government on Sunday. During the colourful durbar ceremony, Mr Lawal was turbaned as Wakilin Kaura, which means the representative of the founder of the emirate. The Kauran Namoda emirate celebrates Eid with a special event known as Hawan Durbar every year. A statement by the spokesperson of the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the Sallah durbar brings together people to celebrate the occasion with traditional music, dance, and cultural displays. It explained further: Governor Dauda Lawal attended the Kauran Namoda Emirates annual Sallah durbar today. The Hawan Durbar is a colourful and vibrant event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Kauran Namoda emirate. Hawan Durbar in Kauran Namoda local government allows the people to come together, share joy, and celebrate the years blessings. This years durbar was significant for the emirate because it was the first time a serving governor of the state attended the event. Governor Lawal, wearing traditional attire, took part in the durbar while riding a magnificently decorated horse. 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 During the durbar, the Emir of Kauran Namoda, also known as Sarkin Kiyawan Kauran Namoda, Dr Sanusi Muhammad Ahmad Asha bestowed upon Governor Dauda Lawal the traditional title of Wakilin Kaura, meaning the representative of the emirates founder. This gesture was a show of gratitude for the governors attendance at the event. Furthermore, Governor Lawal commissioned the refurbished Modomawa city gate, an ancient gate of Kauran Namoda dating back to 1807-1810. He also inspected the facility of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in the local government, where he pledged to provide all the necessary support to revive the substation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Army troops and local vigilantes have arrested a suspected gun runner in Taraba. The suspect, Mansir Muhammed, was arrested at Jalingo Motor Park for allegedly supplying weapons to terrorists. This is contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, on Monday in Abuja. Mr Nwachukwu, an army major-general, said the troops also foiled a kidnap attempt and eliminated a terrorist during the operation. He said the arrest of Mr Mohammed led to the nabbing of suspected members of his syndicate and the recovery of one Semi-Automatic Pump-action gun He said other items recovered were one locally fabricated gun, a Peugeot car, five mobile phones, and N45,000. Mr Nwachukwu said the troops had, in a separate operation at Miyande, a village in the Takum Local Government Area of the state, intercepted two suspected terrorists who concealed an automatic rifle underneath the seat of a motorbike. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He added that one AK- 47 Rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a motorcycle were recovered from them. In another development, troops responded to a distress call and successfully foiled a kidnap attempt within Zaki-Biam Town in Zaki-Biam Local Government Area of Benue. During the intervention, troops neutralised one kidnapper in a shootout with the criminals and recovered a Beretta Pistol with four rounds of nine ammunition. These successful operations underscore the Nigerian Armys unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and insurgency in its strive to ensure security in the country. We urge members of the public to continue to support our troops as they conduct their operations, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Government has secured the release of over 1,000 people kidnapped recently in the northern part of the country, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has said. Mr Ribadu stated this on Monday while receiving 23 persons rescued on Sunday after they were kidnapped last September at the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State, North-west Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how security sources said the kidnapped students and staff of the university were rescued by security agents near Kuncin Dutse, a village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara. The Coordinator of the National Counter-terrorism Centre, Adamu Laka, a major general, reportedly coordinated the operation. Receiving the rescued persons, Mr Ribadu said: This is yet again a success story in our effort to free all those being unlawfully held in captivity. We have so far released over a thousand such victims without noise and with complete respect to their privacy and safety. The 23 persons released include 15 students and eight workers of the university. A woman abducted in Funtua in Katsina State was also rescued, a source earlier told PREMIUM TIMES. Earlier last month, nine of the female students were released after 178 days in captivity. While addressing the released victims, Mr Ribadu congratulated them and their families on their safe return home. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said the released students were the last batch of victims of a recent mass abduction the government had successfully rescued. He urged the release victims to consider their experience as a trial that will make them stronger, not weaken their efforts in the future. Consider this experience a trial that should not break you but make you stronger. I also wish to specifically thank the parents of the rescued victims for your patience and understanding during this period. On behalf of the President, I thank all those involved in the successful rescue of the victims without losing any of them or paying any ransom. This occasion marks a final juncture in a series of rescues we have undertaken in the last few months to free victims of recent cases of mass abductions. Going forward, we are strengthening law enforcement and security measures to prevent these abductions and strengthen physical security across vulnerable communities. I am grateful to all our security and enforcement agencies for their tireless work and sacrifices. Finally, I want to put on record and appreciate the leadership and encouragement of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who made all these possible, Mr Ribadu said while reuniting the victims with their loved ones in Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday, received 22 abducted students and staff members of the Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara, who were rescued on Sunday. The 22 people, comprising 15 students and seven workers of the university, were abducted from the university in September 2023. According to the NSA, the rescue operation was coordinated by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) on Sunday. PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier that security sources said they were rescued by security agents near Kuncin Dutse, a village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara. The Coordinator of the NCTC, Adamu Laka, a major general, reportedly coordinated the operation. This newspaper also reported that the rescued persons had been handed over to the security authorities in Abuja. Mr Laka is expected to present them to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday. Mr Ribadu who received the rescued victims on Monday in Abuja, urged them not to allow their experience to break them, but should rather make them stronger. The NSA also thanked the parents of the rescued victims for their patience and understanding during the period, and commended security agencies for their tireless work and sacrifices. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later On behalf of the President, I thank all those involved in the successful rescue of the victims without losing anyone of them or paying any ransom. This is yet again a success story in our efforts to free all those being unlawfully held in captivity. We have so far released over a thousand of such victims without noise and in complete respect to their privacy and safety. This occasion marks a final juncture in a series of rescues we have undertaken in the last few months, to free victims of recent cases of mass abductions. Going forward, we are strengthening law enforcement and security measures to prevent these abductions, and strengthen physical security across vulnerable communities, he said. The abduction Earlier, Mr Laka recalled that those rescued were abducted from the school on 22 September 2023 at about 2.30 a.m. He said the bandits, armed with various weapons, attacked three off-campus students hostels at Sabon Gida in Gusau, and kidnapped a number of female students alongside some male artisans. Others, he said, were a private security guard and a protocol officer of the university. He added that the bandits ransacked the hostels, carted away foodstuffs, mobile phones, laptops, ATM cards, cash and other valuables. According to him, the abductees were subsequently herded on motorcycles and foot to a location through a town in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara. Search and rescue was conducted by a combined team of law enforcement agencies and the abductees were subsequently released in three batches, after 207 days in captivity. The first batch was rescued on 15 March while the second batch was rescued on April 12 and the last batch rescued on April 14. All the abductees were profiled at NCTC while the ONSA Medical Team examined them and administered minor treatments on the bruises sustained by 3 of the abductees. Four of them were diagnosed of malaria and are being treated. None of the females was molested and all the females tested negative to pregnancy test, he said. Rescued victim speaks One of the rescued victims, Hafsat Ibrahim, thanked God and the government for ensuring their safe return after 207 days in captivity. A representative of the Zamfara government, Ibrahim Anka, commended the efforts of the NSA in coordinating the military and security operations that ensuring the safe rescue of the victims. Mr Anka also commended the federal government for the efforts and recent positive improvement in security in the state. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias anti-narcotics agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested 50,901 drug offenders, including 46 barons, in the last three years. The chairperson/chief executive officer of the agency, Buba Marwa, a retired brigadier general, said this on Monday at the commissioning and handing over ceremony of an operational facility built and donated to the agency by the British government. In a statement by NDLEAs spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Mr Marwa was quoted to have said that of the 50,901 alleged drug offenders, 9,034 have been successfully prosecuted and convicted. He noted that the conviction of over 9000 drug offenders, as well as the seizure of over 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances in the past 38 months, has sent the right message to drug cartels and their kingpins that Nigeria wont tolerate their criminal activities. Mr Marwa added that their search-and-destroy campaign against cannabis plantations has also led to the destruction of 1,057.33348 hectares of cannabis farms in the past three years. He commended the British government for the generous support that will further boost the capability of the anti-narcotic agency in tackling the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. We gather here not just to commission a new building complex but to celebrate a significant milestone in our ongoing fight against the scourge of licit and illicit drug trafficking. 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 Today, we commission the newly acquired building, a project made possible through the generous support of the British government. I must express our gratitude to the British government for their unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to our cause, Mr Marwa said. He added that from the outset of the collaboration, the UK had been a steadfast ally in the agencys relentless pursuit to neutralise transnational organised criminal activities, particularly in the realm of illicit drug production and trafficking. Mr Marwa affirmed that with the state-of-the-art facilities and technology at the agencys disposal, it was better equipped to tackle the complex and ever-evolving drug challenge head-on. Speaking at the ceremony, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, assured continued support to the NDLEA and Nigeria. We, the UK government, are delighted to have this long-standing relationship with the NDLEA, and Im in particular delighted to have been personally involved in a number of activities, especially your maritime, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Following the invasion of the Oyo State secretariat by suspected Yoruba nation agitators on Saturday, one of the agitators, Ismaila Malomo, has named one Modupe Abiola Onitiri as one of their sponsors. The suspected agitators had on Saturday invaded the Oyo State secretariat dressed in military camouflage and attempted to take over the State House of Assembly. Mr Malomo disclosed this speaking with journalists on Monday while being paraded alongside 20 others by the Oyo State Police Command at its Eleyele Headquarters in Ibadan. He stated that he volunteered to drive the agitators down to the secretariat in Ibadan from Idi-Iroko in Ogun State. The suspect also revealed that other sponsors of the group reside in diaspora and that they have been meeting with them virtually. I drove the bus; its my bus. I received a message from my friend here that one of our sponsors, named Modupe Abiola Onitiri, gave us an order to go and take over Oyo State government Secretariat and wait there till she comes around and pronounces the Republic Nation of Oodua. We have several people as our sponsors, but theyre in the diaspora. The ones that I can recollect for now are Modupe Abiola Onitiri, one Micky, and there are some others too. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We do have virtual meetings frequently with these people, and at the last meeting, they told us that theyve secured sovereignty from the United Nations and theyve sent letters to all the concerned bodies that very soon they will come to Ibadan to formally declare the Yoruba Nation. Thats why I followed them down here, Im so sorry for my actions, he said. Another suspected agitator, Alabi Ogundeji, a teacher at the Federal Government College, Oyo, stated that their leaders had taken the necessary steps before they invaded the secretariat, adding that their intent was not to kill or injure anyone but to declare a Yoruba Nation, which according to him, is their right. Mr Ogundeji also described their action as legal. Our leaders have taken all the steps they ought to have taken on this issue. Theyve embarked on a referendum. Theyve issued almost 500 petitions; it was signed and served to all the Yoruba speaking states Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Lagos, Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states. All these states were served with official letters and we have our own copies too. So, our action at the Oyo State government secretariat is legal. We were only there to express happiness and joy over the proclamation of Yoruba Nation; we were not there to kill anybody. The duo were paraded alongside Adeyemo Joseph Oluwaseun, aged 29; Adeyemo Peter, aged 75; Amos Oluwatuyi Ogundeji, 45; Ayanwale Rofiayat (female), aged 25; Olaleye Mathew, 54; Fatoki Anthony, 34; Muritala Abere, 40; Adepoju Ismaila,45; Fatunmbi Wasiu, aged 30; Isaac Friday, 27; Ayanwale Saburi, 28; Elegbede Adebola, 27; Adedamola Deniyi, 29; Ojo Olufemi, 52; Ajani Ezekiel, aged 42; Adejumo Lateef, 60; Ayoola David, 40; Adesokan Hammed, 38; and Salawudeen Wahab, aged 56. Parading the suspects, the state Police Commissioner, Adebola Hamzat, described the action of the suspects as criminal and unpatriotic. On Saturday at about 0855hrs, information was received that some men dressed in military-like camouflage, armed with pump action semi-automatic rifles, riding on motorcycles, were sighted moving into the main city from Olomi axis of Ibadan. At about 0915hrs, the hoodlums, later known as Yoruba nation agitation group were trailed to the state secretariat, spreading from the flyover to within the premises of the Governors Office, and hoisted their flag at the House of Assembly, proclaiming the creation of a democratic republic of the Yoruba. While declaring this act as criminal, unpatriotic and a clear case of treasonable felony and terrorism to be meted with adequate sanctions through purposeful prosecutions, the Command re-assures the good people of Oyo State that it remains solidly unwavering in the protection of lives and property as constitutionally required by the laws of the land. As a parent, I enjoin other parents, guardians and leaders in every sphere of political, religious and socio-economic influence to prevail on their children, ward, proteges and followers against being used by unpatriotic individuals to promote anarchy in the state and by extension, the nation, Mr Hamzat said. He revealed that as a result of the incident, the security architecture of the command had been reviewed to enable it tackle the present-day realities. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Two years after the commencement of a coroner inquest into the death of a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, Sylvester Junior Oromoni, the magistrate has attributed his death to natural occurrence. He also blamed the death on the parents and doctors negligence. Mikhail Kadri, a magistrate, sitting in Ogba, while reading his report, which lasted for several hours on Monday, said that Mr Oromoni died as a result of failed treatment for his enlarged liver. The inquest magistrate, who was emotional while reading his findings, noted that Mr Oromonis death was caused by Septicaemia, a life-threatening health condition, caused by a patients bodys response to an infection, following infections of the lungs and kidneys arising from the ankle wound. He held that, No evidence of blunt force trauma in this body. The findings in the oesophagus and stomach are not compatible with chemical intoxication. Death, in this case, is natural. Recall that the 12-year-old student of Dowen College reportedly died on 30 November 2021. Initially, his death was attributed to bullying and an alleged substance he was forced to drink in the school. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He reportedly said he was beaten up by five senior students of the College whose names were Favour Benjamin (16), Edward Begue (16), Ansel Temile (14), Kenneth Inyang and Micheal Kashamu (16), son of late Senator Buruji Kashamu. But on 5 January 2022, the Lagos State Government exonerated the five students and five employees of Dowen College, who were accused of contributing to the death of Mr Oromoni. In his judgement, Mr Kadiri said, Based on the foregoing, it is clear that the deceased health deteriorated in doctors (PW 3) care. The coroner magistrate held that PW 3 did not take proper care of the deceased, and completely abandoned the deceased for a period of more than 32 hours. The deceaseds death was an avoidable one but for the negligence of the parents and PW 3. They did not take him to the hospital until the day he died on 30 November 2021. The deceased went through an avoidable and excruciating pain and was made to suffer needlessly, he noted. During the coroner inquest, 32 witnesses testified. Among the evidence the coroner relied on included the findings of two autopsies conducted on the deceased at the Central Hospital, Warri, Delta State, with only the family present, and at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) where about 10 pathologists representing various parties including the family, Lagos State Government and Dowen College, took part. Sunday Soyemi, a medical doctor, who led the Lagos procedure, disclosed in the autopsy report that sepsis, which led to the death of the boy, could have been treated with massive doses of intravenous antibiotic, intravenous fluid and blood transfusion, but which was never done. According to him, from the evidence, Mr Oromoni was said to have sustained an injury on his ankle between 20 and 21 November. Following first aid treatment, the school contacted his parents to come and pick him up for further treatment. A guardian was sent to the school who took him for an X-ray, but no fracture was detected. But he wasnt taken to a hospital for care in Lagos until days later when he was moved to his base in Warri, Delta State and treated at home by the family doctor, Henry Aghogho, Mr Soyemi said. The family doctor, Henry Aghogho was also blamed for not providing the required care for the patient whose home care treatment was trivialised. Despite early diagnosis, the doctor was found to have abandoned the deceased for more than 32 hours and didnt carry out an X-ray and scan early enough, which would have revealed his deteriorating condition. The coroner, who broke down in tears several times while reading his findings and even rose at a point to comport himself, said the case was touching but needed objectivity. He exonerated the school of negligence and the five senior students who were accused of bullying the deceased and administering a poisonous substance on him. The alleged suspects played no part in Sylvesters death, but were victims of their past misdeeds. They were falsely accused; no staff of Dowen College played any role in the death. The school has improved on their facilities since the incident. The claims of chemical intoxication were never proven, and the faces of those allegedly bullying the deceased werent seen. The alleged confession of Sylvester was denied by several witnesses. Even if he was beaten, it didnt lead to his death, the coroner said. The coroner recommended that parents should not take their childrens health with levity, as well as better synergy between police and the medical team in such matters. He also called for proper psychological evaluation of the five students suspected to have bullied the deceased. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Social media spirit day encourages participation in Walks coming to 21 cities this year ROCKVILLE, Md., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)the leading voice of the growing number of Americans with hearing lossbegins its 2024 Walk4Hearing season with community support events in 21 U.S. cities from May through November. Hearing loss affects one in seven Americans, and worldwide one billion young people are now at risk from noise exposure, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The HLAA Walk4Hearing events raise awareness and funds for this growing problem and bring hope to people with hearing loss. Walk4Hearing brings hope to thousands of people with hearing loss in their hometowns across the country. Post this Participants at the starting point of the HLAA Long Beach Walk4Hearing on June 8, 2023. "Walk4Hearing brings hope to thousands of people with hearing loss in their hometowns across the country. These events connect people with peers, local programs and experts that empower people to live well with hearing loss," says HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley. She adds, "Everyone should pay attention to their hearing healthan often overlooked, but critical part of overall wellness." Read one inspiring story about a mother and daughter whose lives were changed from a Walk4Hearing event they attended last year. The first Walk is on May 18 in Michigan, and 20 others follow across the country through November. HLAA is encouraging participants to share their spirit on Walk4Hearing Day, April 16, by posting photos and inspiring stories on social media with the hashtag #WhyIWalk4Hearing. People can sign up to participate in or donate to a Walk at walk4hearing.org. Untreated hearing loss is linked to other serious conditions like increased risk of falls, isolation and depression. HLAA educates the public about hearing health and advocates for accessible care, treatment and communication, while providing a community of support for people with hearing loss throughout the country. Many Walk4Hearing events offer free hearing screenings, access to hearing care and assistive technology experts and community assistance from local HLAA Chapters and State Organizations. Since 2006, Walk4Hearing has raised more than $18 million for essential programs and resources. National honorary co-chairs of the 2024 Walk4Hearing are Robert Engelke, president and founder of CapTel, Inc.a company that provides captioned telephones for people with hearing loss and low visionand Brandon Sawalich, president and CEO of Starkeyone of the world's leading hearing technology companies. Starkey and CapTel are important partners providing vital support to HLAA programs that lead to broader access to care and better lives with hearing loss. The WHO estimates that the number of people with hearing loss worldwide will double by 2050, which makes the awareness and prevention messages of Walk4Hearing critical. To find a Walk near you, visit walk4hearing.org. ABOUT HLAA The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the leading voice of the growing number of people withand at risk ofhearing loss in the U.S. We advocate to increase access to care and treatment, break down stigmas through education and awareness, and empower people with hearing loss through a nationwide community of support. Our work impacts millions, improving the lives of people with hearing loss, and elevating the importance of hearing health and accessible communication, through national legislation and public policy, and a network of chapters, state organizations, and grassroots efforts. Our Walk4Hearing events raise awareness and funds in cities across the country and bring hope to families dealing with hearing loss. Visit hearingloss.org for more information. Meredith Resnick [email protected] 202.549.0807 SOURCE Hearing Loss Association of America HUIZHOU, China, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Creality, a leading global 3D printer manufacturer, celebrated its 10th anniversary on April 9 in Huizhou, China, with exciting events and product launches. Themed as "A Decade and Beyond," the milestone event not only commemorates years of achievements but also reaffirms Creality's commitment to innovation and fostering a vibrant 3DP community worldwide. The grand event attracted nearly 300 attendees. New Brand Language Rendered through Engaging User Activities The grand event attracted nearly 300 attendees (PRNewsfoto/CREALITY 3D) The anniversary event marked a significant moment for Creality, showcasing a new logo - a creative green "A" symbolizing sustainability, proficiency, and community. The brand's essence, encapsulated in "USAVE" - Usable, Smart, Affordable, Versatile, Enjoyable, emphasizes a commitment to innovation. Creality encourages creativity with its new slogan 'Imagine It, Make It'. Engaging anniversary activities like the Video Challenge and Museum Invasion showcased global user journeys, celebrating Creality's impact. Over the past decade, Creality has led the 3D printing industry evolution, democratizing access with Creality Devices, Creality Cloud, and Creality Ecosystem. Reflecting on its journey, Creality transitions into "Creality Life," dedicating itself to technology-driven creativity and empowerment. Presenting the Groundbreaking Printers Creality seized the occasion to unveil several cutting-edge products, including multi-color 3D printers and ecosystem enhancements, designed to revolutionize the printing experience for users of all skill levels. Creality K2 Plus + Creality Filament System (CFS) The groundbreaking K2 Plus, the latest addition to Creality's esteemed K Series, boasts a substantial 350mm cubed build volume. Leveraging the comprehensive Creality Filament System (CFS), it pioneers multi-color 3D printing, revolutionizing filament management with RFID-enabled automatic identification and selection. The CFS supports effortless creation of stunning 16-color prints, with smart cartridge management and integration with Creality OS ensuring optimal filament pairing. With a sealed design and anti-escape feature, the CFS accommodates up to four 1kg filament rolls per box. Beyond its multi-filament capabilities, the K2 Plus offers unmatched print quality and efficiency, featuring precision engineering, active chamber heating, and next-generation extrusion. Empowered by Creality OS and Edge AI technology, it provides seamless connectivity and intelligent monitoring. Creality plans to introduce the entire K2 series with CFS multi-color kit as standard on every model, available globally from July 31st. Ender-3 V3 Plus One step up from the new Ender-3 V3 launched earlier this year, the Ender-3 V3 Plus is a powerhouse designed to boost creativity. With a generous build volume of 300x300x330mm, CoreXZ technology enabling speeds of up to 600mm/s, and a robust all-metal frame bolstered with support rods for added stability, this printer revolutionizes large-scale printing. Equipped with two powerful Y-axis motors, a direct extrusion system, and an integrated tri-metal nozzle, it ensures clog-free extrusion and precise filament melting for flawless prints. Enhanced with dual part cooling fans, auto calibration, and compatibility with Creality OS, this printer offers unparalleled convenience and quality in 3D printing. HALOT-Mage S Featuring a 10.1" 14K mono LCD, the HALOT-Mage S 14K delivers stunning precision at 150mm/h with "Dynax+" mode. The uniform integral light source ensures sharp prints with 0.02-0.09mm accuracy. With Speed-intended "Pictor" film and Smart HALOT OS for remote printing, it offers unparalleled control. Plus, its built-in air purifier guarantees an odor-free experience. Ecosystem Expansion Sweeping the Board In line with Creality's commitment to a comprehensive 3D printing ecosystem, significant expansions in accessories were announced, enhancing productivity, creativity, and user experience. Creality Falcon2 Pro 60W - The World's First Enclosed Laser Engraver & Cutter With 60W cutting power, and three lasers in one, the Creality Falcon2 Pro 60W ensures efficient cutting and precise engraving. Its fully enclosed design ensures safety, while the built-in camera allows for auto-positioning, enhancing convenience. Additionally, a bonus 1.6W laser module enables ultra-fine engraving. CR-Scan Otter - Small to Large, Scan It, Make It Able to scan objects ranging between 10-2000mm with up to 0.02mm accuracy and innovative four-lens stereo vision, the CR-Scan Otter offers 24-bit full-color scanning for detailed and accurate results. Its anti-shaking feature guarantees smooth scanning, expanding versatility by scanning black/metal objects without spraying. CR-Scan Raptor - Ultra High Accuracy, Choice for Metrology-grade With high accuracy up to 0.02mm, speeds up to 60fps, and seven laser lines scanning, the CR-Scan Raptor is the ultimate choice for precise scanning. Featuring infrared structured light scanning, it covers sizes from 5-2000mm, offering versatility across applications. Lightweight and portable at 370g, it suits various scanning needs. Materials Innovation Creality introduces more various, colorful, environmentally friendly printing materials. Offering over 50 vibrant filament colors across the Ender, CR, and Hyper series, Creality introduces the innovative RFID series filament for color and material recognition via Creality Cloud. New CF, PA, PETG, and resin materials cater to various printing needs. 3D-printed Shoes Tagged as "Dragon Flame" and "Dragon Horn", Creality's 3D-printed shoes combine cutting-edge design with advanced additive manufacturing technology. Offering superior comfort, durability, and flexibility, they represent the future of footwear design, focusing on innovation and sustainability. A Monumental Moment The Anniversary event, centered around Creality's decade-long journey and its vision for the future, concluded with an appreciation dinner. Adam AO, CEO of Creality, expressed his profound emotions regarding the milestone, stating, "I am deeply moved by the sense of pride and gratitude evoked by the past ten years and this remarkable anniversary. This celebration embodies not just a milestone but a testament to our enduring commitment to 3D printing innovation, industry, and community. Most importantly, we're committed to bringing what all these add up to into the next decade and beyond. I'd like to thank everyone here - together, we will continue to innovate, grow, and leave our mark on 3DP history." Unprecedented Promotions on Creality Store and Amazon To engage and reward the users and 3DP community, Creality also launched anniversary promotions on Creality Store and Creality's Amazon shop. For more information about Creality and its products, visit https://creality.com/. Creality Store US: https://store.creality.com/pages/crealitys-10th-anniversary-sale EU: https://store.creality.com/eu/pages/crealitys-10th-anniversary-sale DE: https://store.creality.com/de/pages/creality-10-jahriges-jubilaum-mega-sale UK: https://store.creality.com/uk/pages/crealitys-10th-anniversary-sale AU: https://store.creality.com/au/pages/crealitys-10th-anniversary-sale CA: https://store.creality.com/ca/pages/crealitys-10th-anniversary-sale JP: https://store.creality.com/jp/pages/crealitys-10th-anniversary-sale Creality on Amazon: https://gtly.to/wROFBtEnq Media Contact: [email protected] TERRE HAUTE, Ind., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Anabranch Recovery Center (Anabranch), an 81-bed substance use disorder and mental health treatment facility serving adult men and women in Terre Haute and surrounding communities since 2021, is proud to announce the opening of its new outpatient facility. Located at 4001 Wabash Ave, Suite 4, within a short 8-mile distance from the main campus, the new facility will provide high-quality, comprehensive, and evidence-based outpatient services, including in-person and virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and individual outpatient counseling in a supportive and nurturing environment. The expansion comes in response to the growing demand for accessible, non-residential treatment options for substance use and mental health disorders in the greater Terre Haute area. The new facility aims to bridge the gap in care continuity; offering continued support and evidence-based clinical programs designed to foster recovery and resilience. "The opening of our new outpatient center marks a significant milestone in our team's mission to address the unmet needs for substance use and mental health disorder treatment, and to improve all the lives we touch," said John Sannuto, CEO at Anabranch. "Our dedicated team's commitment to providing the highest level of empathetic, evidence-based continuing care now extends beyond our main campus, ensuring that individuals in recovery and their loved ones have the ongoing support they need to thrive." Anabranch Recovery Center invites the community to join us for an Open House event on May 7th, 2024, at 11:00 AM, where attendees can tour the facility, meet our staff, and learn more about our programs. About Anabranch Recovery Center: Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, Anabranch Recovery Center is a leading provider of substance use disorder treatment services. Focusing on evidence-based practices, the Center offers a range of inpatient and outpatient programs designed to empower individuals in their journey toward recovery. We strive to improve the lives of those affected by behavioral health issues through compassionate care, clinical expertise, and a commitment to the highest standards of treatment and innovation. To learn more, visit www.anabranchrecovery.com. SOURCE Anabranch Recovery MEXICO CITY, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: ASR; BMV: ASUR) (ASUR), a leading international airport group with operations in Mexico, the U.S. and Colombia, announces that its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. ASUR has also published its Sustainability Report 2023, which discusses the company's environmental, social, governance performance. You can access PDF versions of Form 20-F 2023 and the Sustainability Report 2023 at ASURs Investor Relations website www.asur.com.mx. Investors can receive a printed copy of the report free of charge by calling The Bank of New York Mellon at 1-212-815-2838. About ASUR Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (ASUR) is a leading international airport operator with a portfolio of concessions to operate, maintain, and develop 16 airports in the Americas. These comprise nine airports in southeast Mexico, including Cancun Airport, the most important tourist destination in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America, and six airports in northern Colombia, including Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (Rionegro), the second busiest airport in Colombia. ASUR is also a 60% JV partner in Aerostar Airport Holdings, LLC, operator of the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport serving the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. San Juan's Airport is the island's primary gateway for international and mainland-US destinations and was the first and currently the only major airport in the US to have successfully completed a publicprivate partnership under the FAA Pilot Program. Headquartered in Mexico, ASUR is listed both on the Mexican Bolsa, where it trades under the symbol ASUR, and on the NYSE in the U.S., where it trades under the symbol ASR. One ADS represents ten (10) series B shares. For more information, visit www.asur.com.mx. SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. Highlights: MT results provide support that Descendent deposit continues at depth; A second very strong resistivity low anomaly starting 350m below surface interpreted to reveal large target areas along VMS horizons that host the Rainbow and Pine Bay VMS deposits ; Conductive borehole pulse electromagnetic anomalies further strengthens target areas identified by MT survey; and MT survey data from the Pine Bay and Odin survey lines are being processed and will be released in the very near future. VANCOUVER, BC, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Callinex Mines Inc. (the "Company" or "Callinex") (TSXV: CNX) (OTCQX: CLLXF) is pleased to announce results from the recently completed magnetotelluric ("MT") geophysical survey on the Company's 100% owned Pine Bay Project (the "Project") located in the Flin Flon Mining District of Manitoba ( See news release dated January 29, 2024 ). The 3km MT survey line over the Descendent discovery and near surface historic Cabin deposit has been collected and processed ( Pine Bay Project Plan View with Proposed MT Survey Lines ). MT is a deep penetrating geophysical tool that is used in mineral exploration to identify systems that produce conductive minerals such as copper, gold and silver and mapping of geologic features. Pine Bay Project 2024 MT Survey Results: Descendent Low Resistivity Cross Section (CNW Group/Callinex Mines Inc.) Pine Bay Project 2024 MT Survey Results: Descendent Low Resistivity Cross Section with BPEM Anomalies (CNW Group/Callinex Mines Inc.) Max Porterfield, President and CEO, stated, "The MT survey results over the Descendent deposit provide additional support for and strengthen our conviction of the potential of the Company's newest discovery. Additionally, the emergence of a second stronger anomaly that correlates to existing base metals rich VMS horizons indicate the potential for multiple parallel deposits to exist in proximity to Descendent. We are excited to follow up at Descendent and this significant anomaly in the future." The MT survey completed over the Descendent discovery, the first of three MT lines completed at the Project to be announced, has been very successful on multiple fronts. Resistivity low survey results strongly correlate with the halo of stringer mineralization (alteration package) enveloping the Descendent discovery which consists of copper-gold-zinc-silver bearing Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide ("VMS") mineralization ( MT Survey Descendent Line Cross Section ). It is also important to note that the resistivity low anomaly associated with the Descendent VMS system remains open at depth, as supported by other geological, geophysical and geochemical data. Of additional exploration relevance, a second stronger and even more widespread, resistivity low anomaly starting 350m below surface and extending to the full depth capability of the MT survey is located to the west of the Descendent MT anomaly and is interpreted to represent a deeply buried, 'blind', very large alteration system, equivalent to the 1,100m by 700m Descendent alteration system mapped on surface. This second resistivity low of importance is interpreted to occupy the axial region of a tight isoclinal fold separating the east-facing Pine Bay VMS horizon from the stratigraphically equivalent, west-facing Rainbow VMS horizon. Drill hole PBM-024, the only drill hole to test near this large resistivity low feature at depth and tracking parallel roughly 185m south of the MT survey line, intersected both the Pine Bay and Rainbow VMS horizons as well as a very thick package of intensely altered felsic volcanic rocks occupying almost the entire distance between the two. As shown in the survey data and as would be expected, the Rainbow and Pine Bay VMS horizons occur along the western and eastern edges of the strong MT, alteration zone-related anomaly. This large low resistivity anomaly represents a compelling exploration target that is further supported by favorable geology in nearby shallow historic drilling and a number of borehole pulse electromagnetic ("BPEM") anomalies that also sit along the edges of the low resistivity anomaly ( MT Survey Descendent Line Cross Section with BPEM Anomalies ). Previously, low resistivity has been a physical rock property that the Company has successfully employed in its search for high-grade VMS deposits at the Project. For example, the Company has targeted resistivity low anomalies identified as part of the 2019 and 2021 Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysical surveys, then followed up BPEM survey results from the drill holes originally designed to test the IP targets, all leading to the discovery of the Rainbow VMS deposit. The VMS deposits discovered to date within the Pine Bay area are all located within the Baker Patton Felsic Complex, one of the largest and most highly altered accumulations of felsic rocks within the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt. As mentioned, the new Descendent VMS discovery is directly associated with an underlying major alteration zone that has been previously identified at surface and spans 1,100m by 700m. Since the huge alteration zone seen at surface is structurally overturned, the exploration thesis is that the massive sulphides associated with this mineralizing event would be preserved at depth, which we are now intersecting with the Descendent discovery ( See news release dated January 22, 2024 ). Typically, there is a correlation between the size of an alteration zone and the size of the VMS deposit it is associated with. The Company will soon announce the remaining two MT survey lines, Pine Bay and Odin, in the very near future. This will be followed by an exciting 2024 exploration campaign that will include a focus on expanding the current resource base through additional step-out drilling and testing a number of compelling exploration targets. Callinex is building upon an indicated mineral resource on the Rainbow deposit of 3.44 Mt grading 3.59% CuEq for 272.4 Mlb CuEq (238.3 Mlb Cu, 56.9 Mlb Zn, 37.6 koz Au, 692.8 koz Ag, 2.3 Mlb Pb), an inferred mineral resource on the Rainbow deposit of 1.28 Mt grading 2.95% CuEq containing 83.4 Mlb CuEq (72.1 Mlb Cu, 19.5 Mlb Zn, 11.1 koz Au, 222.2 Koz Ag, 0.8 Mlb Pb) and an inferred mineral resource at the Pine Bay deposit of 1.0 Mt grading 2.62% Cu containing 58.1 Mlb Cu ( See news release dated July 10, 2023 ). J.J. O'Donnell, P.Geo, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. About Callinex Mines Inc. Callinex Mines Inc. (TSXV: CNX) (OTCQX: CLLXF) is advancing its portfolio of base and precious metals rich deposits located in established Canadian mining jurisdictions. The focus of the portfolio is highlighted by the rapidly expanding Rainbow deposit at its rich VMS Pine Bay Project located near existing infrastructure in the Flin Flon Mining District. Callinex prepared an indicated mineral resource on the Rainbow deposit of 3.44 Mt grading 3.59% CuEq for 272.4 Mlb CuEq (238.3 Mlb Cu, 56.9 Mlb Zn, 37.6 koz Au, 692.8 koz Ag, 2.3 Mlb Pb), an inferred mineral resource on the Rainbow deposit of 1.28 Mt grading 2.95% CuEq containing 83.4 Mlb CuEq (72.1 Mlb Cu, 19.5 Mlb Zn, 11.1 koz Au, 222.2 Koz Ag, 0.8 Mlb Pb) and an inferred mineral resource at the Pine Bay deposit of 1.0 Mt grading 2.62% Cu containing 58.1 Mlb Cu (see news release dated July 10, 2023). The second asset in the portfolio is the Nash Creek Project located in the VMS rich Bathurst Mining District of New Brunswick. A 2018 PEA generates a strong economic return with a pre-tax IRR of 34.1% (25.2% post-tax) and NPV8% of $230 million ($128 million post-tax) at $1.25 Zinc (see news release dated May 14, 2018). The third asset, 100% owned Point Leamington Deposit in Newfoundland, is located in one of the richest VMS and Gold Districts in Canada. Callinex prepared a pit constrained Indicated Mineral Resource of 5.0 Mt grading 2.5 g/t AuEq for 402 koz AuEq (145.7 koz gold, 60.0 Mlb copper, 153.5 Mlb zinc, 2.0 Moz silver, 1.5 Mlb lead), a pit constrained Inferred Mineral Resource of 13.7 Mt grading 2.24 g/t AuEq for 986.5 koz AuEq (354.8 koz gold, 110.2 Mlb copper, 527.3 Mlb zinc, 6.2 Moz silver, 7.0 Mlb lead) and an out-of-pit Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.7 Mt grading 3.06 g/t AuEq for 168.5 koz AuEq (65.4 koz gold, 13.3 Mlb copper, 102.9 Mlb zinc, 1.4 Moz Ag, 2.6 Mlb lead) (see news release dated October 25, 2021). 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. Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future expenditures. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve 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 statements. Such factors include, among others, the ability to complete the proposed drill program, raise additional capital for exploration activities, obtaining satisfactory results from its drill program and the timing and amount of expenditures. Except as required under applicable securities laws, Callinex does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. SOURCE Callinex Mines Inc. In a continued effort to combat the Black Maternal Health Crisis, the Black-founded, Black-led beauty brand releases a new cohort of doula grants in partnership with CVS and the Mama Glow Foundation NEW YORK , April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carol's Daughter proudly celebrates the fourth year of its groundbreaking Black Maternal Health Initiative, Love Delivered . Love Delivered has been dedicated to improving maternal health for Black birthing people, and will continue to empower, support, and equip Black birthing people and the greater community through impactful programs and partnerships. Carol's Daughter As part of its ongoing efforts, Carol's Daughter's Love Delivered is continuing to empower Black maternal health by expanding access to doula care with a new round of doula grants. In partnership with CVS, Carol's Daughter will support the Mama Glow Foundation in their mission to improve the experience of maternal health for birthing people everywhere with an additional financial contribution of $32,000 in 2024 to fund doula support for Black families in need. Families living in major cities including NYC, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New Orleans and Washington DC who are pregnant or recently postpartum can apply to receive doula services through the grant program HERE. According to the CDC , The United States has the worst maternal mortality rate in high-income countries globally and the numbers have only grown. When compared to white women, Black women are more than 2 times likely to experience severe pregnancy-related complications and nearly 3 times as likely to die. "Love Delivered is a testament to our unwavering belief that every Black birthing person deserves access to compassionate, equitable support before, during and after birth," stated Carol's Daughter founder Lisa Price. "I'm humbled by the impact we've made and the lives we've touched over the years. As we enter year four, we'll continue to advocate for Black birthing people, ensuring they feel seen, heard and valued." Additionally, Love Delivered continues to engage with advocates who share its commitment to maternal health equity. This year, supermodel Chanel Iman will be instrumental in amplifying the initiative on social media. Through sharing her own personal journey with maternal health, Chanel will not only raise awareness but also encourage her followers to share their own stories. By fostering a community of shared experiences, she aims to inspire others to take action, advocate for Black birthing people when they need it most, and drive meaningful change in maternal healthcare. Furthermore, Carol's Daughter has forged a meaningful collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation's most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems, to address the needs of Black maternal and pediatric patients. Following a successful pilot program offering hair care kits for patients with curly, coily, and tightly textured hair at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in late 2021, the initiative expanded to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in 2022. The NewYork-Presbyterian Dalio Center for Health Justice has built a relationship with Carol's Daughter, helping NewYork-Presbyterian offer specialized hair kits to maternal and pediatric patients. These kits include Carol's Daughter shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and other essential accessories. To date, Carol's Daughter has donated over 30,000 products to NewYork-Presbyterian patients and community members. Since its inception, Love Delivered in partnership with the Mama Glow Foundation, has engaged with nearly half a million people through events, doula support grants, educational programs, and webinars. To date, the initiative has funded more than 120 births through the Mama Glow Foundation and reached over 5.1 billion people through digital advocacy. "Our partnership with Carol's Daughter has been deeply impactful and one that is innovative and rooted in service of community. Through our culture-shifting awareness campaigns, content and national doula service delivery program through the Mama Glow Foundation, we have been able to influence how care is delivered and how other organizations are modeling their programs. The Love Delivered partnership provides hope for a brighter future," said Mama Glow founder Latham Thomas. In celebration of Black Maternal Health Week, Mama Glow is hosting a webinar, sponsored by Carol's Daughter on April 15 at 6:30PM ET. This year's theme is 'Advocating for Black Maternal Health: Leveraging Your Story & Engaging Stakeholders.' Featured panelists include Latham Thomas (Mama Glow Founder), Mia Keeys (Director of Federal Affairs at Hologic), Dr. Tia Jackson-Bey, MD, MPH (REI Specialist), and Natalia Louis, MPH (Program Manager, CONNECT Mental Health Program). To register, please visit mamaglow.com. Join Carol's Daughter in the fight for Black Maternal Health. Head to www.carolsdaughter.com/lovedelivered for more information on how to become an advocate and learn more. Also, follow @CarolsDaughter and @MamaGlow on Instagram for program announcements and information. About Carol's Daughter In 1993, encouraged by my mother, Carol, I began creating high-quality products made with love in my Brooklyn kitchen. As family and friends experienced how these products transformed their hair and skin, I knew that I was onto something good. I needed a name for my company, so I made a list of everything I was and everything I wanted to be, and I realized that the most special thing that I am is Lisa, Carol's Daughter. - Lisa Price, Carol's Daughter Founder About The Mama Glow Foundation Mama Glow Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to advancing reproductive justice through Education, Advocacy and The Arts. The Mama Glow Foundation was founded by the dynamic world-renowned doula and Oprah Super Soul 100 member, Latham Thomas. www.mamaglowfoundation.org About Mama Glow Mama Glow is a global maternal health company that is transforming the landscape of birth. Through their game-changing professional doula training programs, Mama Glow is home to a community of doulas from every corner of the USA and 6 continents. www.mamaglow.com Media Contact: Dominique McDonald, [email protected] SOURCE Carol's Daughter NEW YORK, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightstone and Converge RE II are pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Buck as CEO of Converge US. Mr. Buck will assume these responsibilities beginning May 1, 2024. Mr. Buck will leverage his three decades of experience as an insurance industry executive to ensure that Converge achieves its strategic growth objectives while simultaneously overseeing the day-to-day operations. "We believe that Craig's vast industry experience will be instrumental in guiding the continued growth of Converge," said Mitchell Hochberg, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Converge RE. "We welcome Craig to the team, and look forward to his leadership and continued success." "I am thrilled to join the Converge team," said Buck. "This is an exciting opportunity to continue to expand the company's growth and fully realize its potential in the life and annuity reinsurance space. I look forward to getting to work." Mr. Buck previously served as the Managing Principal of the Insurance and Actuarial Advisory Services practice of Ernst & Young LLP's Financial Services Organization. Before joining Ernst & Young LLP, he held a number of leadership roles at a major international insurance and retirement company and was the Americas Life Insurance Practice Leader and the North American Actuarial Practice Leader of Towers Watson, Inc. and Watson Wyatt Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. respectively. Mr. Buck is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. Converge RE II is a Puerto Rico domiciled Class 5 reinsurer in good standing through the International Insurance Center (IIC), that provides reinsurance solutions to life and annuity insurers seeking improved financial efficiency with the reallocation of capital through a well-capitalized A- financial strength rated reinsurance company. Converge Re II currently has in excess of $1.5 billion of AUM. Lightstone, founded by David Lichtenstein, is one of the most diversified privately held real estate companies in the United States. Headquartered in New York City, Lightstone is active in 26 states across the country, developing, managing and investing in all sectors of the real estate market, including residential, hospitality, commercial, and retail. With 209 existing properties, Lightstone's over $9 billion portfolio currently includes over 13 million square feet of industrial, life sciences, and commercial properties, over 25,000 residential units, and over 5,100 hotel keys. Lightstone's development portfolio includes over $3.5 billion currently under development in the residential and hospitality sectors spread across New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami. SOURCE Lightstone NORWALK, Conn., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GameChange Solar (GCS), a leading global supplier of single-axis solar tracking solutions for ground-mounted PV plants, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Jiangsu Zhenjiang New Energy Equipment Co. Ltd. (JZNEE), a China-based listed company. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing local manufacturing capabilities for solar tracker components in the Middle East. Under this partnership, JZNEE will establish a state-of-the-art local manufacturing facility in Dammam, KSA, to produce up to 3 GW, expandable to 5 GW, of solar tracker components for GCS's Genius Tracker. The goal is to have the facility operational by June 2024. This initiative aligns with the growing local content requirements in the region and emphasizes both companies' commitment to supporting renewable energy growth in the region. As the exclusive local partner, GCS will ensure the timely delivery of high-quality Genius Tracker components for upcoming projects in the Middle East. GCS will provide non-steel components, such as actuators, node controllers, and drive systems, ensuring the utmost quality and reliability of its solar tracker systems. Additionally, GCS will offer comprehensive after-sales support, commissioning, software, and service, demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction and project success across the Middle East. The Genius Tracker product from GCS has already gained recognition in the region, with deployments in significant solar projects like the Abydos Kom Ombo 560 MW project in Egypt. Owned by AMEA Power, this project will supply power generated from the solar facility to the Egyptian Electricity Transmission under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Jiangsu Zhenjiang New Energy Equipment Co. Ltd. brings a wealth of experience and expertise in manufacturing for the renewable energy industry. With a proven track record in manufacturing, logistics, and installation of PV mounting and tracker systems, JZNEE is poised to contribute to the success of this partnership and the advancement of renewable energy in the Middle East. Commenting on the partnership, Vikas Bansal, President, International at GameChange Solar, stated, "Our partnership with JZNEE and expansion into the Middle East underscores our commitment to growing our global renewable energy presence. We are excited to provide our Middle East customers and EPC partners with locally manufactured, built, and serviced solar tracker solutions." About JZNEE Jiangsu Zhenjiang New Energy Equipment Co., Ltd.(JZNEE) was established in March 2004. After more than 20 years of innovative development, JZNEE has become a public group engaged in renewable energy equipment (wind turbines, solar tracker system steel structures, and solar thermal systems), fastener products, offshore wind turbine installation platforms, marine engineering equipment, metallurgical equipment, construction machinery, port machinery products, with design, manufacturing, processing, sales, logistics, as one of the integrated enterprises. JZNEE passed the certification of high-tech enterprises and five high-tech products and obtained 108 authorized patents, including five invention patents. JZNEE has been certified by ISO9001 quality management system, ISO14001 environmental management system, OHSAS 18001 occupational health and safety management system certification, and has the certification of EN1090-2 and EN3834 of the German Welding Association for steel structure production. About GameChange Solar GameChange is a leading global provider of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 30 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun's movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while also protecting the array from damaging weather conditions. For more information about GameChange Solar please visit www.gamechangesolar.com. Contact: Lisa Andrews Director of Marketing GameChange Solar [email protected] SOURCE GameChange Solar Round backed by Maverix Private Equity, TELUS Ventures and I Squared Capital DETROIT, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KODE Labs, a pioneering Detroit-based autonomous smart building startup, proudly announced the closure of a robust $30 million Series B round. Spearheaded by Maverix Private Equity, this milestone round also saw enthusiastic participation from esteemed partners TELUS Ventures and existing investor I Squared Capital. The infusion of strategic capital marks a pivotal moment for KODE, empowering the company to help buildings worldwide achieve net-zero emissions. Since 2017, KODE Labs has been at the forefront of transforming the smart building landscape. Post this KODE Labs, a pioneering Detroit-based autonomous smart building startup, proudly announced the closure of a robust $30 million Series B round. Spearheaded by Maverix Private Equity, this milestone round also saw enthusiastic participation from esteemed partners TELUS Ventures and existing investor I Squared Capital. The infusion of strategic capital marks a pivotal moment for KODE, empowering the company to help buildings worldwide achieve net-zero emissions. Founded by brothers Edi and Etrit Demaj, along with Gentrit Gojani in October 2017, KODE's mission is to enhance the intelligence, health and efficiency of buildings, ultimately enriching the experiences of those who inhabit, work in, visit and enjoy them. Etrit Demaj, co-founder of KODE Labs, stated that buildings account for a staggering 39% of global carbon emissions, making the transformation of building operations critical for the environment. "Maverix's leadership precisely aligned with our vision. With the follow on from TELUS Ventures and continued support of I Squared Capital, we are in the best possible position to propel our mission forward and combat climate change by making all buildings more energy efficient while creating amazing experiences," said Demaj. KODE Labs has redefined the landscape of smart buildings with its groundbreaking approach. At the core of this revolution lies KODE's enterprise platform, a sophisticated solution that seamlessly integrates data from a multitude of building management systems, IoT devices and operational systems into a unified, cloud-based infrastructure. KODE's unparalleled capacity to standardize and organize data at scale across diverse systems and numerous buildings worldwide positions the company as a trailblazer in AI technology tailored for buildings. Co-Founder Edi Demaj emphasized that KODE's technology consistently achieves operational excellence, yielding significant outcomes like reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions by up to 30%. With a proven track record, KODE's platform is relied upon by Fortune 500 corporations, retailers, financial institutions and global REITs, catering to a wide array of sectors including commercial, mixed-use, high-rise residential, life sciences and industrial domains. "Users prioritize a seamless experience over managing multiple screens and platforms," explained KODE Labs co-founder Edi Demaj. "Our platform serves as the definitive operating system, offering complete command and orchestration capabilities. Leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence across billions of standardized data points, we enhance user experiences while delivering measurable return on investment in under 12 months." "KODE is the leading company helping real estate portfolios become more sustainable, improve user experience and become truly smart," said Peter Hass, partner at Maverix Private Equity. "They have an exceptional management team, and we couldn't be more excited to partner with them on their next stage of growth." Over the past three years, KODE's annual recurring revenue has more than doubled, showing growth of over 200% each year. With this substantial investment, KODE Labs will also enhance its AI development to innovate building operations and experiences. By analyzing vast amounts of data from various systems, KODE aims to create buildings that prioritize human experience and environmental impact, envisioning a future where efficiency meets human-centric design. Since its inception in 2017, KODE Labs has been at the forefront of transforming the smart building landscape across North America, Europe and Australia. With partnerships established with renowned companies such as QuadReal, Bedrock Detroit, Stream Realty, Hines, Ford and other global corporations and REITs across different verticals, this investment will continue to accelerate KODE's expansion and market share. The Series B funding serves as a testament to the company's steadfast dedication to forging a sustainable future, one smart portfolio at a time. About KODE Labs: Founded in October 2017 by Edi Demaj, Etrit Demaj, and Gentrit Gojani, KODE Labs specializes in transforming real estate management and experience through its innovative, data-centric operating system, KODE OS. This smart building platform leverages a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model to optimize building performance, integrating data from building management systems, IoT, and operational systems into a unified, cloud-based solution. KODE's platform has proven to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions by up to 30%, while streamlining costs associated with multiple tracking and reporting platforms. CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE KODE Labs 'Korbel Kitchen' showcases culinary content creator Alexa Santos' heritage-inspired fusion recipes and offers a chance to win an exclusive brunch experience GUERNEVILLE, Calif., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Korbel California Champagne, The Official Sponsor of Brunch, is kicking off National Brunch Month with the launch of Korbel Kitchen a new social video series featuring up-and-coming chefs who are reimagining the foods and flavors of America's favorite culinary pastime. From exotic ingredients to inventive twists on traditional favorites, Korbel Kitchen offers brunch enthusiasts creative recipes that will expand their palates and invite them to explore new gastronomic adventures, all from the comfort of home. Leading the inaugural lineup of chefs is Alexa Santos , a former TV news reporter turned viral food content creator. Paying homage to her Hispanic and English heritage, Alexa shows viewers how to prepare a Full English Breakfast mixed with Spanish Tapas, and pair it with Korbel California Sweet Rose and fruit-infused ice cubes. Click here to view Alexa's brunch and cocktail recipes. Korbel California Champagne launches Korbel Kitchena series featuring chefs who are reimagining the flavors of brunch. Post this As part of the campaign launch, Korbel is hosting an exclusive sweepstakes that offers brunch fans the chance to win a cash prize to host their very own personalized late morning meal experience. "As a fan of both brunch and champagne, I'm honored to partner with Korbel to kick off this new campaign," said Alexa Santos. "My recipes merge and celebrate my family's Spanish and British food traditions, which I hope will inspire experimentation among brunchers. It doesn't just have to be eggs and waffles!" "As the Official Sponsor of Brunch, we're delighted to team up with Alexa Santos to kick off Korbel Kitchen during National Brunch Month," said Gary Heck, Korbel President and Owner. "The creativity and innovation we've seen around brunch in recent years is astounding and inspiring. Our partnership with Alexa is a celebration of how brunch has become a culinary and cultural experience." For downloadable press assets, click here . About Alexa Santos Alexa Santos of Alexa What's For Dinner has an innate ability for creating unique and share-worthy food content. Her creativity knows no bounds, evident in the trail of viral food videos that have left an indelible mark on both her personal platforms and major media outlets like BuzzFeed Tasty. Beyond the kitchen, Alexa loves to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, proving that her love for delicious indulgences can coexist harmoniously with a commitment to wellness. About Korbel California Champagne Established in 1882 in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States' most popular methode champenoise champagne. But the true measure of Korbel's success during its 142 years can be seen in the impact it's had on American consumers and its presence at various celebrations throughout the years. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel currently makes eleven California champagnes and a limited amount of still wine. In a separate facility, Korbel also produces one of the country's most respected brandies. Please Drink Responsibly. F. Korbel & Bros., Guerneville, Sonoma County, CA. Producers of fine California methode champenoise champagnes for 142 years. Korbel is a registered trademark. 2024 F. Korbel & Bros. All rights reserved. SOURCE Korbel California Champagne Since the launch of its ultra-premium Signature Kitchen Suite built-in appliances, LG has continuously and strategically expanded its presence around the globe. Last year's IFA exhibition in Germany marked the introduction of the built-in lineups from LG brand, which complement the company's well-established ultra-premium offerings. At Milan Design Week 2024, the company seeks to demonstrate its commitment to providing premier culinary lifestyles, with a diverse range of products designed to meet the needs of different customer segments. LG's exhibition booth at Salone del Mobile showcases the ultra-premium Signature Kitchen Suite built-in lineup, plus an array of advanced, aesthetically-pleasing products from the company's wider kitchen appliance portfolio. Through its 'True To Food' philosophy, the Signature Kitchen Suite brand communicates the importance of preserving the original value of food. Also on show is a selection of LG cooking solutions that combine with the ThinQ app for a smarter 'Life's Good' kitchen experience. During Milan Design Week, the Signature Kitchen Suite showroom will introduce visitors to the sophisticated styling and advanced technologies of the latest Signature Kitchen Suite built-in products. Meanwhile, at the 'A Life Extraordinary' exhibit (April 16-21) at Moooi's exhibition space, LG will showcase its PuriCare AeroFurniture air purifier featuring distinctive, new designs by Moooi, as well as other new products such as the InstaView bottom freezer with MoodUP. An Inspired Culinary Lifestyle with LG's Kitchen Appliances at Salone del Mobile The LG exhibition at Salone del Mobile clearly conveys the value and joy of sharing and savoring quality food. The company's impressive booth, which covers 483 square meters, is designed by GamFratesi, the acclaimed architecture and design studio founded by Italian Enrico Fratesi and Denmark's Stine Gam. Presented inside are the Signature Kitchen Suite built-in portfolio and LG-branded built-in kitchen and home appliance lineups. Among the products on display is the newly unveiled Signature Kitchen Suite 60-centimeter (24-inch) built-in oven with Gourmet AI technology. LG's AI innovation can identify what the user is cooking and automatically suggest the optimal cooking mode from a database of 130 recipes. The stunning new oven also boasts enhanced ProBake, which leverages the company's inverter technology to ensure uniform heat distribution for fast and efficient cooking. Offering convenience and cooking flexibility, the Signature Kitchen Suite free zone induction hob allows users to place any size or type of cookware anywhere on its cooking surface.* This is made possible through the AI-equipped hob's ability to detect and track the position of cookware. Launching in Italy this month, the LG InstaView bottom-freezer refrigerator with MoodUP can be found alongside the French-door InstaView fridge with MoodUP at the company's Salone del Mobile booth. In addition to exploring new LG products, visitors to the company's booth will have the opportunity to enjoy a lively cooking demonstration hosted by Signature Kitchen Suite. The event features renowned chef Fabrizio Ferrari, who will prepare delectable cuisine using some of the latest built-in appliances from the Signature Kitchen Suite lineup. Other special activities include 'Zero Wasting Oven Cooking' with LG's built-in appliances, wine tasting sessions hosted by sommelier Emanuele Trono, and a unique musical and culinary experience with DJ and cook Daniele de Michele (a.k.a. Donpasta). The newly-revealed Signature Kitchen Suite 48-inch French-door refrigerator and the sleek appliances of the Transitional lineup, which include built-in combi refrigerators, induction hobs and microwave ovens, form part of LG's expanded portfolio targeting the European built-in market. Precision and Elegance with Signature Kitchen Suite's New Capsule Collections At the Signature Kitchen Suite showroom, located at the intersection of Milan's famous Via Manzoni and Piazza Cavour, LG is hosting an open-to-the-public week-long event, displaying its high-end built-in appliances together with its new Design Capsule Collections, under the theme of 'The Art of Precision'. An exciting development for Signature Kitchen Suite is the collaboration with internationally acclaimed designer Patricia Urquiola, who has designed a sculptural cabinet for the brand's under-counter drawer fridge. Ideal for modern places, where the boundary between living room and kitchen is frequently blurred or erased, Urquiola's cabinet transforms the ultra-premium brand's home appliance into a gorgeous piece of furniture. The amalgamation of Signature Kitchen Suite's superior technology with Urquiola's design artistry has resulted in an elevated lifestyle solution with a luxurious, handcrafted touch. The cabinet is available in three modularities and two finishes wood or Cimento tiles. Visitors to the showroom can also see SKINS Club; an ultra-elegant cabinet for the Signature Kitchen Suite under-counter wine cellar designed in collaboration with local Milanese architectural and design firm m2Atelier. A must-have for the connoisseur, the stunning SKINS Club features separate compartments for storing wine and cigars and offers customizable finishes for personalized look. An Exclusive Collaboration of Technology and Artistry At the Salone dei Tessuti, LG has collaborated with Moooi to create an extraordinary experience where technology and design seamlessly merge. The gallery-concept exhibition space shows off the evolved design and thoughtful features of LG's groundbreaking home appliances, such as the LG InstaView bottom-freezer with MoodUP, Styler clothing management system, Styler ShoeCase and a PuriCare AeroFurniture table-type air purifier decorated with a new pattern from Moooi. "We are excited to present our expanded, diverse portfolio of built-in appliances at this year's Milan Design Week," said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. "LG will continue to strengthen its presence in the European built-in market with its ultra-premium Signature Kitchen Suite and LG-branded built-in appliances designed to fulfill diverse customer needs." Visitors to the Milan Design Week 2024 can explore LG's advanced built-in kitchen and home appliances at the LG exhibition booth at Milan Fairgrounds, the Signature Kitchen Suite showroom (corner of Via Manzoni and Piazza Cavour) and the Moooi showroom at Salone dei Tessuti (Piazza Cavour). * Cookware recognition may vary depending on the size or number of items placed on the surface. About LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company is a global leader in home appliances, air solutions as well as smart home solutions featuring LG ThinQ. The company is creating various solutions with its industry leading core technologies and is committed to making life better and sustainable for consumers and the planet by developing thoughtfully designed kitchen appliances, living appliances, HVAC and air purification solutions. Together, these products deliver enhanced convenience, superb performance, efficient operation and sustainable lifestyle solutions. For more news on LG, visit www.LGnewsroom.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386885/LG_Electronics_at_EuroCucina_07_resize.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386886/LG_Electronics_at_EuroCucina_03_resize.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386887/Signature_Kitchen_Suite_Showroom_01_resize.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386888/Signature_Kitchen_Suite_s_Capsule_Collection_SKINS_Club_by__m2Atelier_resize.jpg WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED WASHINGTON, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- World Food Program USA and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) are pleased to announce a $4 million partnership in support of the United Nations World Food Programme's homegrown school meals program in four countries. With each organization contributing $2 million to this joint effort, the grant will be a global collaboration, bringing together an international coalition of individuals committed to solving global hunger. Grade 5 students in Colombo, Sri Lanka holding their morning meal, provided through the UN World Food Programme. WFP/Carol Taylor "This is an important investment in our collective future," said Barron Segar, President and CEO of World Food Program USA. "Today, we are facing a global food crisis of unprecedented proportions and kids are paying the price. Outside of the U.S., 153 million children under 18 are facing extreme levels of malnutrition. Through this partnership with the Lions Clubs International Foundation, we will work to ensure that more children get the nutrition needed for both them and their communities to thrive." Homegrown school meal programs are a multisectoral game changer that has proven over decades to improve children's education, health and nutrition. When integrated into the local community, school meals have been shown to benefit the entire community by providing an important safety net and by strengthening food systems and economies. By further integrating with local small-scale farmers, local economies benefit, and a better-designed food system is created that also leads to impacts across gender, climate, and sustainability. "Lions worldwide have a long history of working to improve food security and access to nutritious food, and there are no limits to what we can achieve when we unite for good. We are proud to partner with World Food Program USA to expand our collective reach," said LCIF Chairperson Brian E. Sheehan. "Together, through this important partnership, we can work towards a future where no child will ever have to live without knowing when their next meal will come." The U.N. World Food Programme is the world's largest provider of school meals, working with communities, governments and private sector partners to jointly ensure that all primary schoolchildren have access to good quality meals in schools. It is one of the most essential and efficient safety nets for communities, increasing enrolment, improving health, bettering gender equality and creating more robust markets for local food producers. LCIF has a global presence, connecting the Lions' humanitarian mission of service to partners and allowing them to scale their impact across the world. The grant announced today will support school meal programs in four countries: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Ecuador. In taking on this initiative, the Foundation will support a large-scale humanitarian program across three continents that addresses the most urgent unmet need of school-age children, positively impacting quality of life for entire communities. About World Food Program USA World Food Program USA, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, D.C., proudly supports the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. Our leadership and support help to bolster an enduring American legacy of feeding families in need around the world. To learn more about World Food Program USA's mission, please visit wfpusa.org/mission-history. About Lions Clubs International Foundation Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the global foundation supporting the 1.4 million members of Lions Clubs International through grant funds that expand their compassionate works and empower their service at home and around the world. Since its founding in 1968, LCIF has awarded more than 20,000 grants totalling more than $1.2 billion. We improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities and support those in need, locally and globally. Learn more about who we are and what we do at lionsclubs.org/lcif. SOURCE World Food Program USA CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Myeloid Therapeutics, Inc. ("Myeloid"), a clinical stage biotechnology company advancing RNA immunotherapies to conquer cancer, today announced its participation at Chardan's 8th Annual Genetic Medicines and Cell Therapy Manufacturing Summit, taking place virtually April 29-30. Daniel Getts, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Myeloid, will participate in a fireside chat on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 11:30 am ET. Company management will also participate in one-on-one meetings with investors during the event. About Myeloid Therapeutics Myeloid Therapeutics is a clinical stage immunology company, engineering cutting-edge RNA technology to program immune cells to combat cancer and other deadly diseases. Myeloid is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For additional information, please visit, https://www.myeloidtx.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn and X/Twitter. Investor Contact Amy Conrad Juniper Point [email protected] SOURCE Myeloid Therapeutics COLUMBIA, S.C., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ND3 is proud to announce it has been awarded a non-personal services contract valued at $34.4 million for the U.S. Army Reserve Command's (USARC) 81st Readiness Divisions (RDs). We are honored to be a part of helping the US Military by providing exceptional service and equipment. Awarded on February 28, 2024, with a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, the contract tasks ND3 with providing a comprehensive range of maintenance and repair support services within the Continental United States (CONUS) to ensure the 81st MRSC's equipment and facilities are operational and mission-ready. This project encompasses not only equipment maintenance and repair but also administrative, logistical, and training support through the Logistic Sustainment Training Program (LSTP) at various US Army Reserve locations, including Equipment Concentration Sites (ECS) and HQ 81st Fort Jackson. "We are honored to receive this important contract and support the critical mission of the 81st MRSC," said Nathaniel Durant, CEO of ND3 Inc. "ND3's commitment to excellence and our dedication to serving those who serve our country perfectly align with the values of the U.S. Army Reserve. We look forward to building a strong partnership with the 81st MRSC and contributing to their success." This contract win marks a significant step forward for ND3 as it expands its capabilities to serve the U.S. Military in a new capacity. ND3's team of experienced professionals, many of whom are veterans themselves, will leverage their expertise to ensure the 81st MRSC has the resources and support it needs to maintain operational readiness. About ND3: ND3 Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, specializes in interoperability solutions and technical support services for the U.S. Military and its allies. Composed primarily of U.S. Military Veterans with expertise in Modeling and Simulations (Functional Area 57s), ND3 is committed to providing innovative solutions that improve training effectiveness and operational readiness. Additionally, ND3 is a HubZone and SBA 8(a) certified company specializing in interoperability between U.S. C4I and Partner Nations systems. 201 Columbia Mall Blvd Suite 201 Columbia, SC 29223 [email protected] https://www.nd3inc.com/ SOURCE ND3 Inc. NEW YORK, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new program launching today in East Africa marks a significant opportunity for advocates championing the bodily autonomy of adolescent girls. Women Deliver - a global leader in advancing gender equality and the bodily autonomy of girls and women - is launching the inaugural cohort of its new Emerging Leaders for Change program in the region. The program is a two-year initiative providing young advocates with funding, resources, trainings, and access to decision-makers, aimed at amplifying their youth-centered advocacy efforts in national, regional, and global spaces to advance adolescent girls' bodily autonomy. Women Deliver will launch the program in other regions annually on a rolling basis, adopting a focused, regionally- and thematically-bound structure. "Women Deliver recognizes that adolescence is a pivotal stage, one where girls often begin to face shrinking opportunities that continue into adulthood. Through our Emerging Leaders for Change Program, we are committed to changing the life trajectories of adolescent girls by supporting advocates who can provide youth-centric solutions in sexual and reproductive health and rights," says Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Chair of Women Deliver's Board and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. "East Africa was selected as the inaugural region for this initiative due to its significant youth population and urgent needs. Leveraging a supportive environment for gender equality advocates and established regional partnerships, our mission is to ensure every self-identifying girl and women has full control over her body and life." Applications for the 2024 East Africa Emerging Leaders Cohort open on 15 April, 2024 and close on 30 May, 2024. The program welcomes individuals aged 15-29 from Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, of all genders, with a strong emphasis on those identifying as women/girls or LGBTQIA+. Applicants' advocacy should focus on SRHR in local communities, particularly around Women Deliver's three priority areas: universal health coverage, the climate crisis, countering anti-rights movements. For more information, visit the application webpage. Media inquiries: Kim Lufkin, Director of Communications, [email protected] About Women Deliver: Women Deliver is a leading global advocate that champions gender equality and the health and rights of girls and women. Through advocacy, convening, and partnerships, Women Deliver drives investment and action to achieve a world where every girl and woman can live a healthy, equal, and fulfilling life. Learn more: www.womendeliver.org. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384993/Women_Deliver_Logo.jpg TORONTO, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL), a leading tech-focused mortgage firm with an integrated network of partner brokerages and agents across Canada, today announced that, for its second 2024 fiscal quarter ended February 29, 2024, the company achieved revenue of $784,869, a 59.04 percent increase as compared to revenue of $493,491 for its fiscal 2023 second quarter ended February 28, 2023. Pineapple generated $314.963 million in residential mortgage loans in Q2 fiscal 2024, compared to $267.901 million in Q2 fiscal 2023, representing an increase of $47.062 million, or 17.6 percent. Selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended February 29, 2024, were $592,202, a 33.3 percent increase compared to SG&A expenses of $444,226 during the corresponding period in 2023. This increase was due primarily to added expansion and traveling costs. The company had a net loss of $657,456, or $(.10) per share, in fiscal Q2 2024, a 4 percent decrease on the net loss of $685,093, or $(.10) per share, in the corresponding quarter in fiscal 2023. For the first six months of fiscal 2024, which ended February 29, 2024, the company had revenue of $1,352,858, a 1 percent improvement on revenue of $1,334,692 achieved in the first six months of fiscal 2023. The company generated $697.411 million in residential mortgage loans in the first half of fiscal 2024 compared to $650.664 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2023, representing an increase of $46.747 million, or 7.2 percent. SG&A expenses in the first half of fiscal 2024 were $1,104,082, a 6.5 decrease compared to SG&A expenses of $1,031,947 during the first six months of fiscal 2023. Pineapple had a net loss of $1,530,696, or $(.24) per share, in the first half of FY 2024, compared to a net loss of $1,403,748, or $(.24) per share, during the same period in FY2023. The company's cash position on February 29, 2024, was $1,339,618, an increase of $159,642 compared to a cash position on February 28, 2023, of $1,179,976. Including its trade and other receivables and prepaid expenses and deposits, the company had total liquidity on February 29, 2024, of $2,417,239. Weighted average common shares outstanding were 6,475,300 on February 29, 2024, and 6,306,979 on February 28, 2023. "We are very gratified by our 2024 second fiscal results," said co-founder and chief executive officer Shubha Dasgupta. "Though the Canadian mortgage industry faced challenging conditions during this period, Pineapple achieved major improvements in both its loan generation volume and total revenue." During the quarter, the company added the CEO, opened offices in metro Vancouver, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Alberta, deployed an improved online mortgage application for brokers, launched custom advertising banner management software designed to enhance lead conversion, and presented at several leading Small-cap conferences. "We're seeing terrific results from our internal tech improvements and marketing and expansion activities initiated during fiscal Q2. I believe that, as our industry outlook continues to improve, Pineapple will continue to demonstrate improved top and bottom line performance for the remainder of the fiscal year and beyond." Pineapple Financial Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) For the three months and six months ended February 29, 2024 (Expressed in US Dollars) Three months ended Six months ended February 29, 2024 February 28, 2023 February 29, 2024 February 28, 2023 For the period ended (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Revenue $ 784,869 493,491 $ 1,352,858 1,334,692 Expenses Selling, general and administrative 592,202 444,226 1,031,947 1,104,082 Advertising and Marketing 150,597 354,680 404,017 469,321 Salaries, wages and benefits 541,062 654,683 1,186,316 1,274,549 Interest expense and bank charges 28,450 19,164 49,881 39,391 Depreciation 160,999 127,642 315,184 210,975 Share-based compensation - (28,892) - 33,041 Government Incentive (29,109) (392,919) (80,334) (392,919) Total expenses $ 1,444,201 1,178,584 $ 2,907,011 2,738,440 Loss from operations (659,332) (685,093) (1,554,153) (1,403,748) Foreign exchange gain (loss) - 10,772 - Gain (loss) on change in fair value of warrant liability 1,876 - 12,685 - Loss before income taxes $ (657,456) (685,093) $ (1,530,696) (1,403,748) Income taxes (recovery) expense - Net loss $ (657,456) (685,093) $ (1,530,696) (1,403,748) Foreign currency translation adjustment 1,727 61,846 (10,451) (135,078) Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (655,729) (623,247) $ (1,541,147) (1,538,826) Loss per share - basic and diluted ($) (0.10) (0.10) (0.24) (0.24) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 6,475,300 6,306,979 6,475,300 6,306,979 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements About Pineapple Financial Inc. Pineapple Financial Inc. is an award-winning fintech and leading Canadian mortgage brokerage network, focusing on both the long-term success of agents and brokerages, as well as the overall experience of homeowners. With approximately 700 brokers within the network, Pineapple creates cutting-edge cloud-based tools and AI-driven systems to enable its brokers to help Canadians realize their dream of owning a home. Pineapple is active within the community and is proud to sponsor charities across Canada to improve the lives of fellow Canadians. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company's proposed Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov . Follow us on social media: Instagram: @pineapplemortgage @empoweredbypineapple Facebook: Pineapple Mortgage LinkedIn: Pineapple Mortgage Related Links: https://gopineapple.com http://empoweredbypineapple.com SOURCE Pineapple Financial Inc. HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter "Ping An", the "Company" or the "Group", HKEX: 2318 / 82318; SSE: 601318) has published the "Ping An Sustainability Report 2023: Together With Hope" (hereafter "the Report"). The Report highlights the Group's innovation and practices in sustainable development in 2023 in five areas, including sustainable development and strategy management, sustainable business, sustainable operations and community, sustainable governance and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report. This is the 15th consecutive year Ping An has released a sustainability report. Sustainable development is one of Ping An's development strategies and the basis for maximizing the Group's long-term value. Ping An continues to focus on addressing customer needs, developing the "integrated finance + healthcare and elderlycare" strategy, improving corporate governance and risk management and control mechanisms, pursuing green and low-carbon development, and contributing to China's "dual-carbon" goals to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. The Group is committed to creating robust and sustainable long-term value for customers, employees, shareholders and society. 10 highlights of Ping An's sustainable development in 2023 Marking 12 consecutive years of cash dividend increases and introducing performance metrics that link sustainability performance to senior management pay. Ping An continuously adopts the world's best corporate governance practices, aiming to set an example in corporate governance and provide stable returns to shareholders. In 2023, the Group distributed full-year cash dividend RMB2.43 per share, up 0.4% year-on-year, with the total dividend increasing for 12 consecutive years. Since 2012, the cumulative total dividend surpassed RMB300 billion . To drive comprehensive internal ESG management, Ping An includes compliant operation indicators, risk management indicators, economic efficiency indicators, and social responsibility indicators in its performance appraisal mechanism. Among all, the key performance indicators of sustainable development issues such as rural revitalization and green finance have been incorporated into the Group's senior management pay linked to sustainability. Facilitated green development and increased green insurance premium income by 49% year-on-year. Ping An is committed to supporting economic development, social progress and environmental improvement with comprehensive and professional risk protection. As of the end of December 2023 , Ping An's total sustainable insurance premium income reached RMB 557.725 billion , up 2% compared to the end of 2022. In particular, green insurance premium income amounted to RMB37,296 million , up 49% year-on-year. The scale of Ping An's responsible banking business was approximately RMB1.21 trillion and the compound annual growth rate in the last three years reached 35%. In particular, the green loan balance reached RMB146,345 million , representing a year-on-year growth of nearly 26%. Continued to serve society, improving accessibility and inclusivity of financial services. Ping An leverages its integrated finance advantages, proactively expanding its rural network channels and is dedicated to delivering financial services to residents in rural and county regions. As of the end of December 2023 , Ping An Group operated 59,303 financial service reach of points across the country. Ping An Property & Casualty (P&C) provided over 2.29 million small and micro enterprises with comprehensive risk protection totaling more than RMB 200 trillion and processed more than 1.68 million claims worth more than RMB 3.2 billion . The scale of Ping An's inclusive banking business reached RMB718.7 billion , offering loan services to more than 1.03 million small and micro-businesses. Delivered on responsible investment strategy and fully incorporated ESG factors into investment decisions. The Group has fully integrated ESG factors into the entire investment decision-making process for its insurance funds. As of December 31, 2023 , the total amount of responsible investment of insurance funds reached RMB725.3 billion . More than 83% of the assets in the Group's insurance fund investment portfolio were managed by asset managers that are UN PRI signatories. Among them, green investment reached RMB128.6 billion , a 19% increase compared to the same period last year. Maintained commitment to green operations, with 14% year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions. In 2023, Ping An launched China's first carbon account system in the insurance industry, which covers all employees. The system tracks and records each employee's low-carbon behaviors at work and in daily life, and individual carbon emissions. This system allows for the comprehensive assessment and management of carbon emissions. As of the end of December 2023 , Ping An's employee carbon account system included a total of 494,500 carbon reduction actions and achieved a reduction in carbon emissions of close to 18,000 tons. In 2023, Ping An's total greenhouse gas emissions in its operation was more than 420,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (tCO 2 e), a decrease of nearly 14% year-on-year; per capita emissions were 1.35 tCO 2 e, a 5.6% decrease year-on-year. Implemented its healthcare and elderlycare ecosystem strategy, providing customers with "worry-free, time-saving, and money-saving" health and elderlycare services. With the ongoing trend of population aging in China , Ping An continues to deepen its "integrated finance + healthcare and elderlycare" strategy. While providing traditional insurance protection, it integrates the responsibility of integrating healthcare and elderlycare service resources and managing customer health, to provide customers with the best cost-effective healthcare and elderlycare services. As of the end of December 2023 , nearly 64% of Ping An's 232 million retail customers also used services provided by the healthcare and elderlycare ecosystem, with customers entitled to service benefits from the ecosystem accounted for more than 73% of Ping An Life's new business value (NBV). Invested in development and welfare of employees and agents and achieved an employee satisfaction score of 87/100. Ping An offered 375 training courses for employees at all levels. In 2023, the average training duration per person in the Group reached 45.1 hours. Ping An has put in place long-term incentive and restraint mechanisms and implemented the Key Employee Share Purchase Plan and the Long-term Service Plan. As of the end of December 2023 , a total of 103,232 employees participated in the Core Personnel Stock Ownership Plan and Long-Term Service Plan, a coverage rate of 36%. The Group has established a diversified workforce, with women comprising 42% of senior management and 51% of its employees. Ping An received an overall satisfaction score of 87/100 in its 2023 employee satisfaction survey, an increase from 2022. Enhanced consumer protection and experience, and improved the Group's net promoter score (NPS) for the third consecutive year: In terms of customer service, Ping An maintains a specialized service hotline 95511, with an average daily consultation of about 2.12 million people in 2023. The Group upgraded the customer experience through a smart claims process, with the fastest process taking only 20 seconds to complete the report and the average claim application only taking 10 minutes; The Group also conducted an annual audit in 2023 on consumer protection, focusing on the review of system construction, mechanism and operation, operation and service, education and publicity, dispute settlements and other aspects. Ping An has achieved a NPS of 59 in 2023, representing three consecutive years of growth. Improved information security and AI governance, certificated by ISO/IEC 27001/27701 with a 100% approval rate of annual certifications. Ping An constantly improves its information security management system to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. In 2023, Ping An completed 59 security emergency drills with its member companies, covering nine emergency drill scenarios such as dealing with ransomware, anti-DDOS attacks and phishing emails. Ping An also carried-out database backup and recovery drills and the cross-regional joint disaster recovery drills, effectively consolidating the Group's emergency response capability for information security. In 2023, Ping An provided more than 50 information security training and education sessions for all employees and related third party personnel, covering terminal security, data security and office security. Actively fulfilled social responsibilities and strengthened community impact: Ping An launched its "Rural Communities Support Program" in 2018 to support rural revitalization. In 2023, it offered RMB40.729 billion in industrial revitalization assistance funds. As of the end of 2023, the cumulative funding for industrial revitalization was RMB117.9 billion . The Group has also assisted the construction of 119 Ping An Hope primary schools across the country, and the number of volunteers from Ping An employees and agents has surpassed 500,000. In 2023, the Ping An Volunteer Teaching Action program recruited 1,167 volunteers, trained more than 100 seeded instructors and rural teachers, and awarded scholarships amounting to RMB 602,000 awarded to 396 students. Technology-driven sustainable development Ping An widely utilizes the leading technological capabilities to empower its main financial businesses, achieving cost reduction, efficiency improvement and promotes sustainable development. In 2023, Ping An achieved a total gross premium of RMB300.3 billion through customers' self-service insurance renewals with AI guidance, an increase of 13% year-on-year; AI service representatives provided customer service about 2.22 billion times. Ping An P&C's Disaster Risk System (DRS 2.0) and catastrophe emergency service platform developed by provides strong technological support for disaster mitigation. The system covers eight kinds of disaster risk maps, including typhoons and rainstorms, and 15 disaster early warnings. In 2023, Ping An issued 572,000 warnings about the potential impact of typhoons, rainstorms, floods and other disasters and sent 8.57 billion early warning messages, covering 87.04 million individuals and enterprises, and provided on-site hazard investigation and other services for more than 52,000 customers. Sustainable supply chain Ping An integrated ESG requirements into its closed supply chain management, from selection and verification, management and integrity to tracking and feedback, and focuses on suppliers' ESG performance in aspects of information security, employee rights and interests, and environmental protection. Ping An has added ESG requirements to existing supplier contracts, including information security and privacy protection, low-carbon and green technology transformation and development, labor rights protection and employee development, 100% of supplier contracts have included sustainability requirements. In 2023, Ping An provided targeted education on ESG management requirements and ESG risk practice for suppliers, with annual training coverage of 100%. The Group eliminated 393 suppliers due to failure to meet sustainable development and other requirements. Industry leadership Ping An continues to leverage its influence in sustainable development in the industry as well as strengthen internal management. In 2023, Ping An Group participated in the formulation of two industry-wide ESG standards: 1) the self-regulatory Green Insurance Classification Guidelines (2023 Edition) covering green insurance products, green investment of insurance funds and green operation of insurance companies and 2) the Guidance for Disclosure of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Information for Insurance Institutions. The latter is the first domestic self-regulatory document for enhancing ESG disclosure frameworks and content in the insurance industry. Furthermore, Ping An became the first asset owner signatory from Chinese to the UN Principles For Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and the first company in Chinese mainland to sign the United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) and Climate Action 100+. In 2023, Ping An maintained "A" in MSCI ESG Ratings and remained No. 1 in the multiline insurance and brokerage industry in the Asia Pacific region. The Group was also awarded Top 1% of Chinese Companies in the S&P Global ESG Score by S&P's Sustainability Yearbook (China) 2023. Ping An has also received a "Low Risk" ESG Risk Rating from Sustainalytics, ranked #1 in Mainland China's insurance sector. The sustainability report was compiled in accordance with the Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Guide of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and with reference to the Guidelines on Environmental Information Disclosure for Financial Institutions in Shenzhen, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Standards, Guidelines on Environmental Information Disclosure for Financial Institutions issued by Insurance Association of China, as well as the Sustainability Accounting Standards on Commercial Banks, Insurance and Asset Management & Custody Activities published by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants (LLP) has carried out an independent third-party assurance on the Report. To access the full report, please click here. About Ping An Group Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEx:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) strives to become a world-leading integrated finance and healthcare services provider. With 232 million retail customers, Ping An is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. Under the technology-driven "integrated finance + healthcare" strategy, Ping An provides professional "financial advisory, family doctor, and elderlycare concierge" services. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of its financial businesses and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of 2023, Ping An had RMB11,583,417 million in total assets. The Group ranked 16th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2023 and ranked 33rd in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2023. For more information, please visit www.group.pingan.com and follow us on LinkedIn - PING AN. SOURCE Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. The increasing popularity of bakery products and the versatility of salted butter in culinary applications are the factors projected to drive the global salted butter market's growth during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region is predicted to witness prominent growth by 2032. WILMINGTON, Del., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research has recently published a report, titled, "Salted Butter Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report by Product, by Application, by Distribution Channel: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032." According to the report, the global salted butter market generated $36.9 billion in 2022, and is anticipated to generate $56 billion by 2032, rising at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2032. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A323160 Prime Determinants of Growth The growing popularity of bakery products and the shifting preference of consumers towards convenient cooking options are the factors expected to drive the growth of the global salted butter market in the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. However, the increasing health awareness among people and the growing usage of plant-based alternatives may hamper the market growth in the coming future. On the contrary, the versatility and ability of salted butter to enhance flavors and the expansion of distribution channels beyond retail outlets are expected to offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the salted butter market during the forecast period. Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $36.9 billion Market Size in 2032 $56 billion CAGR 4.3 % No. of Pages in Report 295 Segments Covered Product, Application, Distribution Channel, and Region Drivers Rising popularity of bakery products Shifting consumer preferences towards convenient cooking options Opportunities Expansion of distribution channels beyond traditional retail outlets Versatility in culinary applications Restraints Growing health awareness and rise of plant-based alternatives Product: Blocks Sub-segment to be the Most Dominant During the Forecast Period The blocks sub-segment accounted for the largest global salted butter market share of 48.2% in 2022 and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. The dominance of the blocks sub-segment in the global salted butter market is driven by several factors. Block salted butter offers convenience in storage, handling, and portioning, meeting diverse consumer needs for cooking and baking. Its rich flavor profile and natural preservative properties make it a versatile choice favored by both home cooks and professionals, contributing to its widespread popularity and market dominance. Procure Complete Report (295 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/salted-butter-market Application: Commercial Sub-segment to Flourish Immensely During the Forecast Period The commercial sub-segment accounted for the largest market share of 54.6% in 2022 and is expected to dominate in terms of market share by 2032. This is mainly because salted butter's versatile applications across various industries, including bakeries, restaurants, and food processing units, highlights its widespread popularity. Its pivotal role in enhancing flavor profiles and textures in diverse culinary creations solidifies its position as a fundamental ingredient, driving its pervasive presence and demand in the commercial sector. Distribution Channel: Offline Sub-segment to Witness Significant Growth by 2032 The offline sub-segment accounted for the largest share of 57.4% in the salted butter market in 2022 and is predicted to continue to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Traditional distribution channels, such as supermarkets, retail outlets, and confectionary stores play a crucial role in ensuring widespread accessibility and consumer trust. Supermarkets offer convenience and variety, while retail outlets cater to local preferences, ensuring availability even in remote areas. Despite the rise of online platforms, the offline market's stronghold highlights the importance of personal interaction and product visibility in influencing consumer choices, contributing to the global market growth. For Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A323160 Region: Asia-Pacific Market to Hold Major Share by 2032 The salted butter market in the Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest share of 51.6% in 2022 and is predicted to continue to maintain its dominance in terms of market share during the forecast period. This growth is mainly owing to the region's diverse culinary traditions, ranging from rich curries to delicate pastries, which showcases the versatile use of salted butter in local cuisines. As the consumers in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly adopting Western cooking styles, the demand for salted butter is expected to increase. This reflects the region's growing influence on global food trends and solidifying its position as a key player in the global salted butter market. Leading Players in the Salted Butter Market: Granarolo Crystal Farms Mainland Land O'Lakes Anchor Agral Butter Kerrygold Devondale Arla Foods Finlandia Cheese The report provides a detailed analysis of the key players of the global salted butter market. These players have adopted different strategies, such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain their dominance in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Trending Reports in Food & Beverages Industry: High Fat Powder Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Butter Powder Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis, 2023-2032 Coconut Butter Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend, 2021-2031 Almond Butter Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis, 2021-2030 Shea Butter Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis, 2021-2030 Mango Butter Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 About us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact us: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/food-and-beverages Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research Smart polymers are special materials that can change their shape, size, or properties in response to different conditions like temperature, pH, or light. They're like magic materials that can adapt and do different things depending on what's happening around them. BOSTON, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "According to the latest research study, the demand for Smart Polymers expected to grow from $23.8 billion in 2023 to reach $54.5 billion by the end of 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.0% from 2023 through 2028" Smart polymers are like special materials that can change when something happens to them, like when the temperature changes or when they're exposed to light. Because of these cool abilities, lots of industries are using them more and more. This report talks about how these smart polymers are used in different industries like healthcare, construction, and electronics. It also looks at how new technologies are helping make these smart polymers even better and how companies are trying to be more environmentally friendly when they use them. The report also gives some numbers about how big the market for smart polymers is and how it's expected to grow in the coming years. Self-healing concrete is like magic concrete that can fix itself when it gets cracks. It has tiny capsules filled with special stuff that can mend the cracks automatically. These capsules only break open and release the healing stuff when there's a crack and the conditions are right, like when there's moisture or a change in pH. This helps the concrete stay strong and last longer because it can fix itself without needing humans to do anything. Learn About Amazing Smart Polymers! Click Here to Explore Them and Smart Strategies Key Market Drivers of Smart Polymers: Upsurge in Advancements in the Electronics and Automotive Sectors: means there's been a big jump forward in making things better in electronics and cars. This could mean new gadgets, better ways of making things, or making stuff work faster and smarter in these areas. Growing Development and Advancement in the Biomedical and Biotechnological Industry: means that medicine and science are getting better and better. they're finding new ways to make medicines, treat sickness, and use fancy technology to help people stay healthy. Rising Development and Utilization of Smart Polymers for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Materials: The use of smart polymers is growing because they help make eco-friendly stuff. These special materials are good for the environment, reducing waste and pollution. They're used in lots of different things we use every day. Rising Dominance of Global Leaders: means that some big companies are getting really powerful all around the world. They're having a big impact on different industries, markets, and even rules that affect everyone, because they're so big, smart, and important. Request a Sample Copy of the Smart Polymers: Report Synopsis Report Metrics Details Base year considered 2022 Forecast Period considered 2023-2028 Base year market size $20.4 billion Market Size Forecast $54.5 billion Growth Rate CAGR of 18.0% for the forecast period of 2023-2028 Segment Covered By Stimuli, By Product Type, By End Use Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World (RoW) Countries covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Rest of Europe, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Latin America Key Market Drivers Upsurge in Advancements in the Electronics and Automotive Sectors Growing Development and Advancement in the Biomedical and Biotechnological Industry Rising Development and Utilization of Smart Polymers for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Materials Rising Dominance of Global Leaders Segmentation Analysis of Smart Polymers: In terms of stimuli, the market is segmented into- Physical Stimuli Responsive : Smart polymers react to surroundings. Some change with temperature, others remember shapes, and some react to light or other triggers. They're like materials with superpowers, adjusting cleverly. : Smart polymers react to surroundings. Some change with temperature, others remember shapes, and some react to light or other triggers. They're like materials with superpowers, adjusting cleverly. Biological Stimuli Responsive : Smart polymers react to living things. They respond to tiny molecules and enzymes, behaving as if they have their own senses. : Smart polymers react to living things. They respond to tiny molecules and enzymes, behaving as if they have their own senses. Chemical Stimuli Responsive: These smart polymers react to chemicals they touch, changing how they behave. It's like they have a built-in alarm for specific chemicals, making them react differently. In terms of product type, the market is segmented into- various product types: gels, coatings, additives, films, paints, solvents, and others. In terms of end-user, the market is segmented into- Biomedical and Biotechnology: In biomedical and biotechnology fields, smart polymers are used for drug delivery, biosensors, tissue engineering, artificial muscles, gene therapy, bio-catalysis, and other applications. In biomedical and biotechnology fields, smart polymers are used for drug delivery, biosensors, tissue engineering, artificial muscles, gene therapy, bio-catalysis, and other applications. The market is divided by end-users: packaging, textile, automotive, electrical and electronics, personal care & cosmetics, building and construction, aerospace, and others. In terms of region type, the market is segmented into- North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. This report on smart polymers provides comprehensive insights and analysis, addressing the following key questions: 1. What is the projected market size and growth rate of the market? The estimated market size of the smart polymer market will be $54,524.4 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 18.0%. 2. What are the key factors driving the growth of the market? Upsurging advancements in electronics and automotive sectors Growing development and advancement in the Biomedical and Biotechnological industry Rising development and utilization of smart polymer for sustainability and eco-friendly materials Increasing investments in research and developments for smart polymers Rising dominance of global leaders 3. What segments are covered in the market? The market is segmented based on stimuli, product type, end-user, and region. Segmentation based on stimuli, the market is segmented within fused physical stimuli responsive (thermo-responsive polymers, shape memory polymers, photo-responsive polymers, and others), biological stimuli responsive (biomolecules and enzymes), chemical stimuli responsive, and other. Based on product type, the market is segmented into gels, coating, additives, films, paints, solvents, and others. Based on end-users, the study entails segmentation within biomedical and biotechnology (drug delivery, biosensors, tissue engineering, artificial muscle, gene therapy, bio-catalysis, and others), packaging, textile, automotive, electrical and electronics, personal care & cosmetics, building and construction, aerospace, and others. Regional estimates and forecasts comprise North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW). 4. By end-user, which segment will dominate the market by the end of 2028? The biomedical and biotechnology segment will continue to dominate the market by the end of 2028. 5. Which region has the highest market share in the market? Europe holds the largest market share due to the extensive adoption of biodegradable polymers and the presence of key players in this region. Additionally, the U.S. and China have been among the largest adopters of the technology. The U.S. and Germany has the largest installed base of smart polymers globally and remains at the forefront of innovation and development in the overall polymers sector. Some of the Key Market Players are: EXXON MOBIL CORP. HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC MERCK KGAA NOURYON SMP TECHNOLOGIES INC. SOLVAY THE LUBRIZOL CORP. BASF SE COVESTRO AG EVONIK INDUSTRIES AG Directly Purchase a copy of the report with BCC Research. For further information or to make a purchase, please get in touch with [email protected]. About BCC Research BCC Research provides objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities with detailed market research reports. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions, free of noise and hype. Contact Us Corporate HQ: 50 Milk St. Ste 16, Boston, MA 02109, USA Email: [email protected], Phone: +1 781-489-7301 For media inquiries, email [email protected] or visit our media page for access to our market research library. Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE BCC Research LLC CHICAGO, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Sodium-Ion Battery Market by Battery Type (Sodium-Sulfur, and Sodium-Salt), Technology Type (Aqueous and Non-Aqueous), End-Use (Energy Storage, Automotive, and Industrial), and Region (Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America) - Global Forecast to 2028", is projected to grow from USD 0.5 billion in 2023 to USD 1.2 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 21.5% during the forecast period. The market is expected to grow, fueled by their affordability compared to lithium-ion batteries. This makes them perfect for large-scale energy storage, especially with renewables like wind and solar needing solutions for fluctuating power. Their reliance on common sodium positions them as a more sustainable option, pushing the market forward due to the global focus on reducing our environmental impact. Browse in-depth TOC on "Sodium-Ion Battery Market" 100 Tables 41 Figures 143 Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=207269067 The automotive sodium-ion battery market, by end-use, is expected to be the fastest market from during the forecast period. Despite the energy storage sector driving the overall sodium-ion battery market, the automotive industry currently takes the lead in using these batteries. This dominance is due to their significant cost advantage compared to lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, and their sufficient energy density for many everyday EV applications. This affordability opens doors to more budget friendly EVs, potentially expanding the market and boosting overall battery demand. There is high demand for the sodium-ion battery for automotive market during the forecast period. The non-aqueous technology segment is projected to lead the global Sodium-Ion Battery market during the forecast period. The non-aqueous technology is expected to be one of the major segments for sodium-ion battery market. Factors driving the technology are organic solvents in these electrolytes which allow for higher voltages and thus greater energy density, perfect for electric vehicles needing extended range. They eliminate safety risks associated with water-based electrolytes and sodium metal and they offer superior performance stability across varying temperatures, making them more reliable for demanding applications. While aqueous options are being explored for their environmental benefits, these factors currently secure non-aqueous electrolytes which supports the growth of the sodium-ion battery market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=207269067 Asia Pacific in the sodium-ion battery market is projected to grow at the largest region. Asia Pacific is the largest consumer of Sodium-Ion Battery, in terms of value. Driven by a combination of factors such as economic powerhouses like China and India are experiencing rapid growth, boosting electricity demand. Renewable energy adoption is also on the rise, requiring efficient storage solutions that sodium-ion batteries can provide. Government backing for research and production further fuels the region's leadership, while a growing population with disposable income fuels the electric vehicle market, another key application for these batteries and these factors will boost the market. Some of the leading players in this market include Ningbo Shanshan Co., Ltd. (China), Jiangxi Zhengtuo New Energy Technology (China), Resonac Holdings Corporation (Japan), POSCO FUTURE M (South Korea), Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (Japan), and SGL Carbon (Germany) among others. Browse Adjacent Market: Equipment Machine and Tooling Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Battery Coating Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Battery Materials Market - Global Forecast to 2027 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/sodium-ion-battery-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/sodium-ion-battery.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Super-Premium Fast Food Concept Brings Bold Flavors to South San Francisco on April 26, with More Locations in the Pipeline SAN FRANCISCO, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Starbird, one of the nation's first super-premium fast food concepts, announced today the opening of its newest restaurant in South San Francisco. This location officially marks the brand's first to open in the Bay Area since Corte Madera in Q1 2022 and the 11th location in the region. This announcement comes on the heels of Starbird's latest grand opening in Southern California, which opened in Marina Del Rey last month. To celebrate the grand opening, the brand will be offering a free Starbird meal to its first 500 customers during the event on Friday, April 26 when doors open at 10:30 a.m. Two lucky guests will also have the opportunity to win a Starbird Golden Ticket, which will be valid for free Starbird for a year*. Recently, Starbird also announced its partnership with GiftAMeal, providing a way for customers to give back to their community while indulging in Starbird's delectable crispy chicken. When dining at any Starbird restaurant in San Francisco, customers can scan the GiftAMeal menu QR code and upload a photo of their meal to donate a full meal to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. For every additional photo shared on social media through GiftAMeal, an extra meal will be donated. To date, Starbird has donated over 1,000 meals. Known for its hand-crafted, feel good crispy chicken, bold flavors, and chef-driven innovation, Starbird's chicken is raised without antibiotics and is always fresh and never frozen. Individually hand-breaded in a secret blend of gluten free flours and spices, Starbird's chicken pairs perfectly with any one of its nine tasty, homemade dipping sauces. Starbird's new South San Francisco restaurant will offer its full menu, including: Tender Boxes Served with house seasoned fries, super slaw, and house made sauces Sandwiches Locally raised, sustainably farmed poultry on freshly toasted brioche Chicken Nuggets All white meat nuggets, never treated with antibiotics, fresh never frozen Wings No antibiotics ever, twice-cooked crispy wings with choice of house made flavors Salads Hand chopped greens and local vegetables with house made dressing Starbird fans can also order from the limited-time Bahn Mi menu, featuring the delicious Bahn Mi Sandwich, Bahn Mi Salad, Loaded Bahn Mi Fries, Loaded Bahn Mi Tender Box, and Vietnamese Sticky Wings, available until supplies last. "Today marks a homecoming for Starbird as we proudly unveil our newest location in South San Francisco, returning to our roots where the Starbird journey began in the vibrant Bay Area," said Aaron Noveshen, Founder and CEO of Starbird. "We believe in delivering a straightforward promise exceptional food that served with convenience and value, and we can't wait to share our innovative, crave-worthy menu with the community that inspired it all." Starbird is also slated to enter multiple markets throughout the Bay Area and Los Angeles within the next 18 months including, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, Cupertino, and Torrance. As part of its growth strategy, the brand is actively looking for qualified franchisees to grow the brand on a national level in states such as Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Illinois and Florida. Visit www.starbirdfranchising.com for more information about franchising opportunities. Starbird South San Francisco will offer dine-in, carry-out via pick-up, and contactless delivery through its website, mobile app, and various third-party delivery partners. The new restaurant will be located at 988 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Hours are Monday Saturday from 10:30 a.m. 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.starbirdchicken.com. Follow Starbird on Facebook , TikTok , and Instagram for the latest news and trends. *Starbird Golden Ticket winners will be eligible to enjoy a year of free Starbird meals. This includes 52 meals, valued at a maximum of $15, redeemable digitally once per week. About Starbird: Starbird is fundamentally changing the future of fast food by delivering feel-good crispy chicken and a positive, tech-driven customer experience. Founded in 2016 by restaurant innovators at The Culinary Edge (TCE), the restaurant consultancy recognized that chicken consumption was on the rise and set out to reimagine fast food to meet the needs of a new America and their tastebuds. Built upon pillars of culinary innovation, a frictionless service model, and operational excellence, Starbird has successfully established a forward-thinking concept, leading the super-premium fast food marketplace and national brand recognition within the $34 Billion U.S. chicken marketplace. In 2023, Starbird was named the winner of Nation's Restaurant News' Chicken Showdown, as well as #40 and a Top Executive in Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers, further cementing the brand's position as a leader in the industry. See www.starbirdchicken.com for more information. Contact: Hayden Koone Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 [email protected] SOURCE Starbird NEW YORK, April 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The veterinary artificial insemination (AI) Market is estimated for remarkable growth, with experts predicting a staggering increase of USD 1.03 billion by 2027. This surge, driven by factors like enhanced livestock multiplication and disease control measures, promises a transformative impact on global agriculture. Download a Sample Report! Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Veterinary Artificial Insemination Market 2023-2027 Market Dynamics: Livestock multiplication emerges as a pivotal driver, empowering farmers to amplify yields while mitigating disease risks through AI techniques. The adoption of AI facilitates safer reproduction processes, extending livestock lifespans and curbing investment in disease management. Moreover, by harnessing advanced genetics and efficient crossbreeding, AI ensures superior livestock quality and increased productivity, addressing the mounting demand for animal proteins worldwide. Trending Initiatives: Government initiatives worldwide are fueling market growth, aiming to fortify animal protein supply chains, enhance livestock genetics, and combat disease transmission risks. These strategic interventions underscore a global commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security. Innovative Advancements: Advances in bovine genetics spearhead market expansion, leveraging genomic selection to optimize livestock productivity and quality. By identifying desirable traits through DNA analysis, farmers can enhance herd genetics, fostering a new era of agricultural efficiency. For more insights on the market - Download a Sample Report! Challenges: Despite its potential, the market grapples with challenges such as the hefty investment required for AI processes and equipment. Additionally, the scarcity of skilled veterinary professionals poses a significant hurdle. Moreover, infectious diseases remain a concern, underscoring the importance of rigorous screening and preventive measures. Key Players: Leading companies like Agtech, Bovine Elite LLC, and Zoetis are driving innovation through strategic alliances and product launches, consolidating their market presence. These players epitomize the industry's dynamism, continually pushing the boundaries of AI technology. Segment Analysis: The animal husbandry segment emerges as a frontrunner, witnessing exponential growth fueled by meticulous disease control and reproduction management practices. This segment's sustained expansion underscores its pivotal role in meeting rising livestock demands. To learn more about this report- Download a Sample Report! Regional Insights: North America emerges as a key contributor, with the US spearheading market growth. Sustainable livestock management practices in the region fuel demand for AI solutions, signaling a paradigm shift in agricultural practices. Conclusion: The veterinary AI market stands at the cusp of a transformative journey, poised to revolutionize livestock reproduction and elevate global agricultural standards. With innovation driving progress and strategic initiatives shaping the landscape, the stage is set for unprecedented growth and development in the coming years. Analyst Review The Veterinary Artificial Insemination (AI) Market is a critical segment within the broader livestock and poultry value chains, catering to the reproductive needs of various animal species. With a global focus on sustainable food production and animal well-being, the demand for advanced reproductive technologies like AI has surged in recent years. Telephonic assistance, offered by expert veterinarians, supports farmers and livestock owners in navigating the complexities of AI procedures and ensuring optimal breeding outcomes. In the realm of AI, employees of veterinary hospitals and specialized AI service providers play pivotal roles. They are proficient in employing superior breeding techniques, genetic selection, and artificial insemination procedures to enhance the genetic base of animal populations. However, challenges persist, including the prevalence of transmitted diseases such as vibriosis, bovine trichomoniasis, and African swine fever, particularly in regions like the Asia-Pacific. To mitigate disease risks and improve reproductive efficiency, stringent hygiene protocols are employed, especially in veterinary hospitals like ABC Veterinary Hospital. Veterinarians conduct thorough reproductive health assessments, fertility testing, and ultrasound examinations to gauge animals' suitability for AI procedures. Estrus synchronization and ovarian stimulation protocols further optimize insemination timing and frequency. Market participants in the veterinary AI sector encompass a diverse range of entities, including public sector organizations, private companies like Cogent and AB Europe, academic institutions, and international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. They offer a spectrum of services, from distributing AI equipment and consumables to providing AI products and genetic testing services. Key considerations in the AI market revolve around genetic enhancements, resistance to illness, and breeding outcomes tailored to consumer preferences. Genetic data, including Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs), facilitates informed breeding decisions aimed at improving meat quality, milk yield, and temperament of animals. However, challenges such as semen shortages and travel restrictions have prompted innovative solutions like sexed sperm technology and the adoption of e-commerce platforms for AI services. Moreover, advancements in cryopreservation techniques ensure the long-term viability of genetic material, enabling the global exchange of superior genetic traits. Overall, the Veterinary Artificial Insemination Market continues to evolve, driven by the quest for sustainable food production and the optimization of animal efficiency. Through collaborative efforts among market participants and supportive initiatives, the industry endeavors to address emerging challenges while fulfilling the growing demand for animal-sourced food products. To learn more about this report- Download a Sample Report! Market Overview The Veterinary Artificial Insemination (AI) Market plays a pivotal role in enhancing livestock and poultry value chains by offering telephonic assistance to employees engaged in animal husbandry. Employing superior breeds of animals through genetic selection ensures quality offspring, while AI procedures further amplify breeding efficacy. Employing advanced techniques, such as artificial insemination, mitigates transmitted diseases like vibriosis and bovine trichomoniasis, safeguarding animal health. Crossbreeding strategies are optimized through AI, fostering the development of robust genetic pools. The market's growth is propelled by the demand for enhanced breeding techniques and the assurance of healthy animal-sourced food. With continual advancements in AI technology, the veterinary sector anticipates significant expansion, catering to the evolving needs of livestock management worldwide. To learn more about this report- Download a Sample Report! Related Reports The pain management devices market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.92% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 2,705.68 million. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by application (neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal disorder, cancer, facial and migraine, and others), product (neurostimulation devices, infusion pumps, and ablation devices), and geography (North America, Asia, Europe, and Rest of World (ROW)). The growing demand for drug-free therapy is a key factor driving the market growth during the forecast period. The artificial bone market size is estimated to grow by USD 170.77 million at a CAGR of 8.5% between 2022 and 2027. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by material segment (ceramics, hydroxyapatite, composite, polymer, and others), end-user (hospitals, specialty clinics, and research organizations), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)). The increasing awareness and accessibility to advanced medical treatments are key factors driving the market growth during the forecast period. About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus 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. Contact 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, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The second conference on veteran policy in Ukraine convened, marking a significant milestone in collaboration between experts from Ukraine and the United States. Building upon the success of its predecessor, which drew participation from 55 speakers representing 8 countries and delegates from 3 ministries, including Ukrainian, American, British, and European experts in veteran affairs, government officials, politicians, military personnel, and war veterans, this event aimed to forge a comprehensive action plan to support veterans and their families in Ukraine. NGO Free and Faithful - Vitalii Hersak Vitalii Hersak, head of the NGO "Vilni ta Virni," spearheaded the presentation of a comprehensive action plan aimed at overhauling Ukraine's veteran policies. The plan draws heavily on successful American strategies to create robust support systems for veterans. It covers several crucial areas including policies focused on female veterans, veteran benefits, and the medical, psychological, and socio-economic integration of veterans back into civilian life. "The reform plan we've developed proposes enhanced bilateral cooperation between the United States and Ukraine, addressing 11 key areas essential for the support of our veterans," Vitalii Hersak explained. "Immediate and coordinated efforts are essential to transform these insights into actionable and effective programs." Vitalii Hersak highlighted that the analysis of U.S. veteran policies where over 50 laws safeguard veterans' rights starkly contrasts with Ukraine's singular, outdated legislation. He stressed the urgency for Ukraine to adopt a more comprehensive legislative framework to effectively support its veterans. Among the specific reforms proposed, Vitalii Hersak emphasized the need for legislative initiatives that would improve veterans' access to medical rehabilitation, housing, employment opportunities, and support the development of veteran-owned businesses. Vitalii Hersak also emphasized the crucial role of community-based organizations in this reform, aiming to ensure local support and resources are accessible to veterans nationwide. The conference received endorsements from numerous participants including notable figures such as Peter Huessy, John Kilmer, Colleen Denny, Daniel White, John Wagner, and Douglas Jordan. These supporters expressed their commitment to aiding in the implementation of the proposed reforms. The event not only highlighted the pressing needs within Ukraine's veteran support systems but also set the stage for an ongoing international partnership. The approved action plan based on American experiences paves the way for substantial improvements in how Ukraine supports its veterans. SOURCE Free and Faithful (Vilni ta Virni) Over 30 international students from 16 countries visited Beijing's high-tech hub Zhongguancun Software Park, gaining a better understanding of the thriving development of innovative and entrepreneurial enterprises in China. The study tour, initiated by the China International Youth Exchange Center (CIYEC), was arranged to help these students get a better grasp of the latest technological trends and business models in China and spark their innovative spirit and practical skills, thereby establishing a firm foundation for their future career endeavors. On March 29, the students began their visit at the park's digital exhibition hall. There, they delved into its nearly 20-year developmental journey, witnessing its consistent expansion fueled by its ability to attract and foster new enterprises. Today, it proudly stands as the home of over 3,800 companies. The students also toured the China International College Students' "Internet+" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition Exhibition Hall, which displays innovative projects in securing investment to realize their commercial potential. Drawing from entrepreneurial endeavors made by Tsinghua University students, this has blossomed into DeepLang AI by 2022. In the burgeoning era of AI, the company is devoted to building an industrial-level Chinese information processing engine using a self-developed large-scale model. Its valuation has swiftly grown to $100 million. The third stop on the tour, Tencent Beijing headquarters, provides international students with a comprehensive insight into the tech giant's diverse business operations. From smart manufacturing to autonomous driving, students from around the world witnessed the multifaceted aspects of the company's expansive business development. David Osei Opoku, a computer science major at Tsinghua, said, "It's intriguing to learn that Tencent's business extends beyond WeChat, covering domains such as gaming and cloud storage." He added, "I am inspired to incorporate these insights into my own research." Dechen Tshomo, an AI major at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, said the activity has strongly inspired her to pursue career opportunities in China. She said, "I now feel more attuned to the demands and trends in the AI field. As someone deeply passionate about AI, it's a tremendous privilege for me to participate in this type of event." Guo Jianfei, vice-president of Kr Star, a subsidiary of 36 Kr Holdings Inc, a Chinese platform dedicated to serving startup ecosystems, also attended the event. He advised international students interested in working in China to stay abreast of industry dynamics and actively engage in internships. The study tour is the second phase of the International Youth Salon organized by CIYEC. It provides a platform for communication and mutual learning for young people from China and abroad by hosting themed activities regularly. The salon aims to promote cultural exchanges between Chinese and foreign youths, and cultivate the cross-cultural communication abilities and global competence of young talents. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here WASHINGTON D.C., Feb. 5, 2016 (Xinhua) -- U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby speaks during a briefing on U.S. foreign policy at the Foreign Press Center in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 4, 2016. (Xinhua/Jiao Min/IANS). Image Source: IANS News Washington, April 15 : The US does not want to go to war with Iran, a White House national security spokesman has said. Appearing on CNN's State of the Union news program one day after Iran launched attacks against Israel, US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby on Sunday was asked by host Jake Tapper if the Biden administration supports an Israeli retaliatory operation directly aimed at targets inside Iran. "As the President has said many times, we don't seek a wider war in the region. We don't seek a war with Iran. And I think I'll leave it at that," he said. Kirby seemed to be showing more restraint in his remarks, Xinhua news agency reported. According to US media reports citing White House officials, President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone on Saturday night that the US would neither participate in nor support any offensive operations by Israel against Iran. Iran and allied armed groups launched coordinated drone and missile strikes on Israel late Saturday night in retaliation for a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria two weeks ago. Belagavi : , April 15 (IANS) Former Karnataka BJP MLA Sanjay Patil has claimed that his "take an extra peg" comment was not intended towards state Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, whose son Mrinal Hebbalkar is Congress' Lok Sabha poll candidate from Belagavi. Speaking to the media late on Sunday, Patil said that he had never taken the Minister's name while making the comment and challenged the Congress leaders to prove if he had done so. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Women's Commission has registered a suo motu case against the BJP leader for his alleged remarks against the WCD Minister. A notice has also been issued, seeking Patil's response on why the action should not be initiated against him for his comments. The remarks made by the former MLA at a public meeting in Belagavi on Saturday stirred a controversy. Patil had said: "A large number of women are coming out in support of the BJP in Belagavi. This is why I would want my elder sister to have a sleeping pill or an extra peg to get a good night's sleep. It will also be difficult for her to see Ramesh Jarkiholi campaigning in the Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency." The BJP leader on Sunday said: "Let them (Congress leaders) show if I had taken her (Lakshmi Hebbalkar's) name in my statement. When I mentioned Akka bai (elder sister), why do you think it is her? Extra peg means energy drink." "If I had done wrong, let them file a complaint with the Election Commission and police. If I am guilty, let them punish me. Is it tenable to stage a protest at night? I am a heart patient and underwent bypass surgery," he added. Patil further said that the Congress leaders must take his remarks sportively. "This is an election, you also speak and I also make comments, there is a way to oppose it. How is it correct to come to the doorstep to protest?". The BJP leader also hit out at Congress for protests outside his residence. "My mother is 90-year-old and she is bedridden. Who will take responsibility if anything happens to her? In the run-up to the election, comments must be taken sportively. I will lodge a criminal case for staging a protest at my residence on Saturday night," he said. Meanwhile, WCD Minister Hebbalkar slammed Patil for his remarks. She said that the remarks show that the BJP leaders have no respect for women. "Patil has not insulted me, he has insulted all women. Former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy, who joined hands with the BJP, also insulted women," she added. Rajkot, April 15 : More than 1,50,000 people reportedly belonging to the Kshatriya community from across Gujarat and neighbouring states gathered in Rajkot on Sunday evening, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Union Minister Parshottam Rupala's candidature as the BJP candidate from Rajkot Lok Sabha seat. Union Minister Rupala is facing backlash from the community after he claimed in March that erstwhile 'maharajas' succumbed to the persecution by foreign rulers and Britishers and even married off their daughters to them. The Union Minister has issued two apologies since the row erupted and even engaged with Kshatriya leaders to quell the unrest. The 'Kshatriya Maha Semmelan' in Rajkot was the largest such gathering following previous meetings in Dhandhuka, Patan, and Himmatnagar, signalling a significant escalation in the community's protest. A second phase of the agitation will begin on April 19, coinciding with the last day to withdraw candidature. A leader threatened to block highways if detained post-meeting, while others suggested confrontational "treatment" if the Union Minister comes to campaign in their village. Despite these statements, the majority of speeches emphasized maintaining peace and discipline. Ambedkar Nagar, April 15 : Three constables deployed at the Jahangiraganj police station in Uttar Pradesh's Ambedkar Nagar have been suspended following accusations of assaulting four people in separate incidents and extorting money from them. According to two complaints, in the first case, three youths filed a report with the Ambedkar Nagar SP, claiming that the constables beat them, confined them in a house, and extorted Rs 80,000. In the second incident, another person alleged that he was detained at a police outpost, beaten, and forced to pay Rs 30,000. Ambedkar Nagar Superintendent of Police (SP) Kaustubh has suspended the three constables -- Saurabh Jatav, Navneet Rana, and Pervez. He has also initiated an investigation by forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an ASP-rank officer. "Preliminary investigation suggests that even after the disputes between the accused parties were amicably resolved, the constables demanded money in both cases," the officer said. The SP has also issued notices to the three constables, demanding an explanation for their actions. To ensure impartiality, two police circle-rank officers have been included in the SIT. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is an essential and dependable partner for Kazakhstan in the South Caucasus region. This statement was made by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan following his meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of the Republic of Armenia in Yerevan. "We hold profound reverence for Armenia's ancient history, rich culture, and traditions. Armenia is an essential and dependable partner for Kazakhstan in the South Caucasus region. Our relations are founded on an enduring friendship and mutual support. Our shared objective is to enhance bilateral relations. Our aims and interests align in promoting regional and international peace and security. We are keen on advancing our comprehensive partnership with Armenia, and hence, today's visit holds special significance for me," stated the President of Kazakhstan. He emphasized that the discussions with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of the Republic of Armenia underscored a mutual commitment to maintaining the partnership at the highest level. Tokayev noted that they discussed various current agenda issues with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and reached concrete agreements. "We paid special attention to expanding cooperation in trade-economic, and investment spheres. Over the last 5 years, bilateral trade volume has steadily increased, but the full potential has not been fully used. Therefore, we believe it is necessary to accelerate exchanges and explore new directions to boost trade turnover. Concrete measures must be taken to expand the list of export and import goods, making the most efficient use of existing opportunities. Kazakhstan is prepared to increase exports to Armenia to $350 million," he stated. He emphasized the need to activate relations in industry, finance, innovation, tourism, agriculture, and other sectors. "I proposed to Armenia to undertake several joint investment projects, especially pertinent in today's challenging geopolitical environment. The focus of the intergovernmental commission is directed towards advancing efforts in this direction," added the President of Kazakhstan. Tokayev also emphasized that it is necessary to activate contacts between the business circles of the two countries, which will allow improving investment relations. Tel Aviv, April 15 : After thwarting a major Iranian attack on its soil, the Israeli government wants the world to recognise Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror outfit. Tel Aviv, April 15 (IANS) After thwarting a major Iranian attack on its soil, the Israeli government wants the world to recognise Iranas Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror outfit. The IRGC is directly under the supervision of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Israel seeks a severe diplomatic attack against Iran. Israel Foreign Minister Israel Katz has, according to sources in the foreign ministry, spoken to British and French counterparts about this. The Israel side has raised several charges against IRGC, including that it was involved in all the proxy attacks by Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis. According to sources in the Israel Prime Ministeras Office, a meeting of the war cabinet has finalised a counterattack against Iran and all the five members were for a retaliation. However, the timing of the attack has not been finalised and Israel is trying to build up an international diplomatic offensive against Iran. The Israel foreign ministryas move to push countries to recognise IRGC as a terror outfit is aimed at such a diplomatic initiative. A former Major General of Israelas external agency Mossad, who was involved in several operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, while speaking to IANS said that Iran wonat attack Israel with full might and that the attacks on Sunday were just to convince its proxies that it could stage an attack. He said that Israel was adeep inside Irana which means that Israel knows the real capabilities of Iran and that there could be serious repercussions if it tries to attack Israel in a more serious tone. He added that Iran knows this. Hebrew and Arabic media have reported that Israel was preparing for a retaliation and the timing and the manner is not yet clear. The current spate of attacks was the result of an Israel airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria on April 1 leading to the killing of seven top officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including Brigade General Mohammed Reza Zahedi who was with the Quds Force, the foreign arm of IRGC and a top-ranked military officer of Iran. The Israeli side has alleged that Reza Zahedi was involved in supplying arms and ammunition to Hezbollah, which has been designated as a terror outfit by Israel. United Nations, April 15 : After hearing a warning at the polarised Security Council's emergency meeting from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that the "Middle East was on the brink", the only consensus was that there should be no further escalation of tensions there. United Nations, April 15 (IANS) After hearing a warning at the polarised Security Council's emergency meeting from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that the "Middle East was on the brink", the only consensus was that there should be no further escalation of tensions there. "The message around the Council table was very, very clear that there should be no further escalation. Everybody was of the same opinion on this," Council President Vanessa Frazier told reporters after the meeting on Iran's thwarted massive attack on Israel. At the meeting convened hastily at Israel's request within 24 hours of Saturday's attack using barrages of missiles and fleets of drones, Israel and Iran traded charges, the US and Britain strongly condemned Iran, and Russia mounted a defence of Tehran. The Council immobilised by its divisions did not take any action and the meeting was only an occasion for venting. The opinions, however, coalesced around Guterres' call "to step back from the brink". "It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East," he said briefing the Council on Iran's attack. "The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint," he said. The capture of the Israeli-owned ship, Aries, by Iran, came up during the meeting with several countries calling for the release of the crew, including Indians. Israel's Permanent Representative Gilad Erdan asked the Council to not only condemn the attack but also to impose the strongest sanctions on Iran for going ahead with its nuclear programme. He said that almost all of the missiles and drones were destroyed by Israel and its allies before they could hit their targets, but the failure of the attack should not mean that Tehran is not punished for the attack. Holding up a video on his tablet, Erdan said it showed Israel neutralising missiles and drones over Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest Muslim shrines and said that Tehran was targeting Islam's holy places in its quest for Shia domination. Iran's Permanent Representative Amir Saed Iravani said that Tehran was using its right to self-defence under the UN Charter to attack Israel after it had struck its diplomatic mission in Syria and killed its personnel. His country decided to attack Israel only because the Council did not act against it. US Deputy Representative Robert Wood said his country "is not seeking escalation", but it "also supports Israel's exercise of its inherent right to defend itself in the face of this attack". He said that a strong condemnation by the Council of Iran and its proxies is the surest way to prevent an escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Wood countered Iran's claims of self-defence listing several actions by it across the region and said, "These and other reckless Iranian actions, are not inherently defensive actions". Russia's Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia accused the US and its allies of following a double standard when it came to Iran because they would consider an attack on a diplomatic mission a justification for war under international law. "For you everything that concerns Western missions and Western citizens is sacred and must be protected. But when it comes to other states, their citizens and their rights, including the right to self-defence, then it's different," he said. The West had blocked action on Israel's attack on the Iranian diplomatic mission in Syria, he said. "What happened on the night of April 14 did not happen in a vacuum. Iran's steps were a response to the UN Security Council's shameful inaction on Israel's blatant attack on Damascus," he asserted. "The situation in the Middle East has become as heated as it may get and the conflict risks escalating to a region-wide confrontation, so we call on all parties who were involved in the incident to exercise restraint," Nebenzia said. The Council has scheduled an open debate on the Palestine situation in which all member nations can participate on Thursday with the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip that has seen more than 23,000 people killed crossing the half-year mark. Israel's attack was in retaliation for Hamas's terrorist strike on October 7 in which more than 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) New Delhi, April 15 : When it comes to X social media platform, Japan is currently leading all other nations in terms of posts, views, searches and active user time spent, its CEO Linda Yaccarino said on Monday. X owner Elon Musk praised the people who made this feat possible, saying "X Japan team is excellent". Yaccarino said that Japan is absolutely shining on the platform "being number one in posts, views, searches, and active user minutes last quarter". "It's definitely a major force in the global town square! So happy to be back with our teams," she posted on X. A follower commented: "Fantastic to see Japan leading the way in engagement and creativity on the platform! Their vibrant presence truly enriches the global conversation". "Japan and their people are absolutely awesome," another Musk follower wrote. Last week, Yaccarino asked key advertisers to reconsider collaborations with the social media platform. She made the appeal after the company DoubleVerify (DV) had shown a graphical error of X's 'Brand Safety Rate' on their user interface dashboard. Yaccarino said that since the error has now been fixed, "I urge those advertisers who have made partnership decisions with X based on the erroneous data to reconsider". Mumbai, April 15 : Actress Shriya Pilgaonkar said that the week is going to be an exciting one for her because she has a "wrap, a release, and an announcement" lined up. Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Actress Shriya Pilgaonkar said that the week is going to be an exciting one for her because she has a "wrap, a release, and an announcement" lined up. The actress, who is the daughter of veteran stars Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar, took to her Instagram stories on Monday, where she talked about her work life. Shriya shared a picture from her vanity while she was getting her hair done. The focus of the image was her coffee mug, bearing the initial "S". For the caption, she wrote: "A wrap, a release, and an announcement. It's going to be an exciting week." The 34-year-old actress, who was last seen in the web-show 'Taaza Khabar' starring Bhuvan Bam, did not divulge any other details about the projects she was talking about in her Instagram stories. Talking about her career, Shriya made her acting debut with the Marathi film 'Ekulti Ek' in 2013. She made her Hindi debut with the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Fan' in 2015. She then went on to establish herself with webseries such as 'Mirzapur', 'Guilty Minds', and 'The Broken News'. Monte-carlo, April 15 : Stefanos Tsitsipas dispatched Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-4 to win his third Monte-Carlo title in four years. With his one-hour, 37-minute win, Tsitsipas became the fifth player to win three or more Monte-Carlo titles, joining Rafael Nadal (11), Bjorn Borg (3), Thomas Muster (3) and Ilie Nastase (3). "It has been very difficult, so to be back on the podiums, winning tournaments just feels amazing. The third time is even more special than the first or second time. This is an unbelievable win for me. Capturing that win today was nerve-wracking. I really wanted this trinity. I am extremely happy today," said Tsitsipas. After taking the first set on his second set point, the 12th seed, Tsitsipas saved one break point in his opening service game of the second set. Ruud struggled to find the court with consistency on his forehand in the first set, frequently overhitting. While he improved in the second set, he was unable to find the required level to hurt the Greek. In a tense 13-minute seventh game, Tsitipas fended off three break points before holding. He then gained a decisive break himself to seal victory, ATP reports. The Greek, who has won 11 tour-level trophies, including three Masters 1000 titles, will return to the Top 10 for the first time since February on Monday when he climbs to No. 7. Prayagraj : , April 15 (IANS) Exactly a year ago on this day, former MP and mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf were shot dead by three assailants while they were being taken for medical examination. A year later, the mystery regarding the motive behind the killing remains unsolved. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to investigate the murders of Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf, has filed a charge sheet against the three assailants, arrested from the site of the killings. Police claim that the assailants, currently lodged at Chitrakoot jail, committed the murders to establish a name and reputation for themselves in the underworld. However, many questions regarding the murders remain unanswered. The assailants, disguised as media persons, fired at the mafia brothers from close range using sophisticated firearms at the Motilal Nehru hospital. The video of the shootings quickly went viral on social media platforms. The three assailants, identified as Lavlesh Tiwari (22) from Banda, Sunny Purane (23) from Hamirpur, and Arun Kumar Maurya (18) from Kasganj, were arrested from the spot. They claim to have never met each other before the day of the murder. Based on a complaint filed by SHO Dhumanganj Rajesh Kumar Maurya, an FIR was lodged against the three assailants at Shahganj police station on April 17 under various sections, including 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 120 B (conspiracy), 419 (cheating by impersonation), 420 (fraud), 467 (forgery), 468 (forgery for cheating), along with sections of the Arms Act (3/25/27) and the Criminal Law Amendment Act (7 CLA). Prayagraj police commissioner Ramit Sharma formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), with ADCP, crime, Satish Chandra leading the team, to investigate the case. The SIT claimed that the three assailants planned the murders themselves and did not receive help from anyone else. In June last year, the SIT filed a charge sheet against the three assailants. The charge sheet comprised 2,056 pages of documents, including 2,000 pages of case diary, 56 pages of the charge sheet, scientific evidence, and statements. According to the charge sheet, Lavlesh Tiwari is from Banda, Arun Maurya from Kasganj, and Sunny Singh from Hamirpur. They had past criminal records and planned to murder Atiq and Ashraf to gain fame and money. They used sophisticated firearms, provided to Sunny Singh by Delhi-based gangster Jitendra Man Gogi, for killing his rival, Tillu Tajpuria. The SIT included over 200 witnesses in the case diary and charge sheet. The eyewitnesses and witnesses were mentioned separately. The eyewitnesses included 21 policemen engaged in the security of Atiq and Ashraf, 11 media personnel and more than 16 hospital personnel. The team submitted 70 CCTV footage and 15 video recordings from CCTV cameras as court evidence. Even as the heat continues against Atiqas remaining family members and gang members, they are still on the run. They include his wife Shaista Parveen, sister Ayesha Noori, Ashrafas wife Zainab Fatima, and henchmen Guddu Muslim, Mohd Arman, and Mohd Sabir. According to a senior police official in Prayagraj, properties worth several 100 crores belonging to Atiq, his kin, and associates have been attached. Moreover, several victims of Atiqas atrocities have come forward since his death, and new cases are being registered against his sons Ali and Umar, who are currently in Naini and Lucknow jail in separate cases. So far, 11 persons have been arrested and are in jail in the Umesh Pal murder case. They are Khan Saulat Hanif, Dr Ikhlaq, lawyer Vijay Mishra, Arshad Katra, Sadaqat Khan, Rakesh Nana, Qais Ahmad, Shahrukh, Mohd Sajar, Niyaz Ahmad, and Mohd Nafees (deceased). Atiq ruled the roost unopposed for over four decades, creating a reign of terror not only in Prayagraj but also in adjoining districts. Leading his IS-227 gang, Atiq amassed wealth and properties worth several hundred crores in many cities across Uttar Pradesh and other states. Police investigations revealed that Atiq made investments through his associates in diamond mining, dairy, and the hotel industry in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Mumbai. Police officials said that Atiq and his gang members would threaten farmers and landowners to transfer their properties into their names at a much lower rate than the actual cost. Usually, the properties were purchased under the names of unknown individuals who worked as labourers or domestic help. Two such individuals identified as Hublal and Shyam Saroj have come forward and surrendered the documents of properties purchased in their names by Atiq and his associates in recent years. Shyam Saroj has filed an FIR against three of Atiqas associates whose names recently emerged during police investigations. Some of Atiqas former associates and friends have turned against his family, lodging cases against them. One such case involves a builder named Mohd Muslim, once a trusted associate of Atiq, who filed an FIR against Atiqas eldest son, Umar, shortly after Atiqas murder. Several cases of extortion have also been registered against Atiqas second son, Ali, by his own former associates and gang members. ACP Varun said that the police had obtained remand for Ali and Umar in connection with the murder case of lawyer Umesh Pal and his two police guards. The two would soon be questioned in jail, after which charge sheets would be filed against them in court. Meanwhile, the police have announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the arrest of Ashrafas wife, Zainab. Atiqas wife, Shaista, already carries a reward of Rs 50,000. However, the police have yet to find any leads regarding their whereabouts. Arman, Sabir, and Guddu Muslim, along with Atiqas sister, Ayesha Noori, are still at large. Seoul, April 15 : More than 1,300 trainee doctors in South Korea are set to file a complaint against Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo for alleged abuse of power, one of the junior doctors said on Monday, as their mass walkout has disrupted public health services for nearly eight weeks. A total of 1,360 trainee doctors will ask the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials to investigate Park, accusing him of abusing power and interfering with the exercise of their rights, Jung Geun-young, a former representative of junior doctors at Cha University Bundang Medical Center, told mediapersons, Yonhap news agency reported. The health ministry has ordered trainee doctors, who left their worksites on February 20 after submitting resignations en masse in protest of the government's plan to hike the number of medical students, to return to work. Hospitals have not accepted their resignations. "The government has abused its power to ban hospitals from processing junior doctors' resignations, and issued return-to-work orders to make young doctors work against their will," Jung said. Jung pointed out that the government has obstructed the exercise of rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including their freedom to choose jobs and not engage in forced labour. "We demand a prompt dismissal of Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo," Jung said. "Park has led the misguided policies, neglected the rights of the people, and disrupted the constitutional order during the process." Jung also said trainee doctors won't return to work unless the government sacks Park. The complaint will be filed later in the day, the report said. Meanwhile, Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong once again called on doctors on Monday to come forward for dialogue to end the prolonged walkout by junior doctors and present a unified proposal regarding the quota for medical school admissions, stressing its firm will to push for medical reform plans, Yonhap reported. "The government's will for medical reform remains strong. The medical school quota hike and other reform measures are preconditions for reviving essential medical fields and medical systems in rural areas," Cho said during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. "Time is running out given the schedule for the government's announcement of detailed plans and requirements for college entrance next year. The medical circle should come up with a unified proposal swiftly based on scientific grounds," he added. Mumbai, April 15 : As the Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial '1942: A Love Story' clocked 30 years on Monday, veteran actor Jackie Shroff celebrated the occasion by sharing a video montage on his social media. Jackie took to Instagram stories to share a video montage featuring memorable moments from the film, which also stars Anil Kapoor, Manisha Koirala, Anupam Kher, Danny Denzongpa, Pran, and Brian Glover. The video shared by the actor was captioned: "Celebrating 30 years of '1942: A Love Story'." The film talks about lovers, who come from different family backgrounds, and showcases how their relationship is threatened due to the outbreak of the Indian revolutionary movement. Meanwhile, Jackie, who was last seen in 'Mast Mein Rehne Ka'. He will next be seen in 'Two Zero One Four', 'Baby John' starring Varun Dhawan, and Rohit Shetty's 'Singham Again'. Islamabad, April 15 : As Pakistan moves ahead towards privatisation of its assets including the Islamabad International Airport and the National Flag carrier airline the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) along with other major projects; a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia will land in Islamabad on Monday to materialise the agreements done between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. Pakistanas Foreign Office confirmed the visit stating that the high-level Saudi delegation would be led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, who will be accompanied by a team of important and esteemed figures from the business community. Saudi delegation comprises important government dignitaries including Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Minister of Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdul Rahman Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadley, Deputy Minister of Investment Badr AlBadr, Head of Saudi Special Committee Mohammad Mazyed Al Towaijri and other senior officials from Saudi Fund for General Investments and the Ministery of Energy. The delegation will be in Islamabad on 15 and 16 April with an objective to take the agreements done between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman during the recent meeting in Makkah. Sources said that the Saudi delegation is scheduled to have important meetings with key figures from various ministries of Pakistan. Meetings are also scheduled with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and the APEC Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The Saudi visit is part of the important commitment made by PM Shehbad and Muhammad Bin Salman, in which, both sides assured a commitment to expediting the first phase of Saudi investment of $5 billion in Pakistan. The visit also holds great importance for Islamabad as it looks towards the privatisation of its assets and invites investments from Saudi Arabia. Other than PIA and Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad is also looking towards a major investment by Saudi Arabia in the Gwadar project and also the Reko Diq. The investment opportunities will be put forward to the Saudi delegation in other sectors also and will be done as part of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a special platform spearheaded by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and being formally authenticated by the political government. The Saudi delegation would also explore business opportunities in the agriculture, energy, privatisation and other sectors and is expected to inject a much-needed investment pivotal to Islamabadas crippling economy and growth. Navsari, April 15 : In Navsari Lok Sabha constituency of Gujarat, the stage is set for another electoral contest. Representing the BJP, Chandrakant Raghunath Patil, widely known as CR Patil, will seek re-election from this seat. CR Patil is a three-time MP and the President of the BJP's Gujarat unit. He is noted for being the first non-Gujarati to hold this influential position. Giving CR Patil a fight is the Congress candidate Naishadh Desai, a seasoned politician known for his congenial persona and active role in the grand old party's television debate team. Naishadh Desai holds a B.A., LL.B degree from Daxin Gujarat University, equipping him with a strong foundation in both legal and liberal arts education. He has diverse professional engagements, primarily focusing on his career as an advocate, alongside involvement in social work and farming. On the other hand, CR Patil's political journey began in local politics as the BJP Treasurer for Surat City, followed by a stint as the Vice President. His leadership skills were recognised early when he was appointed Chairman of Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL) in 1998 by Chief Minister Keshu Patel. CR Patil's poll track record is impressive, with some of the most significant victory margins in Indian electoral history. In 2014, he was elected with a margin of 558,116 votes, the third highest nationwide. He surpassed this record in 2019, winning by a margin of 689,668 votes a" the second-highest ever recorded. Under his leadership, the BJP secured a victory in the recent state elections, winning 156 out of 182 seats. This victory was significant, although it fell short of CR Patil's assertion that he would resign if the BJP won even a single seat less than the total. His influence is not limited to electoral politics; it also resonates on the ground. About 20,000 women from the Limbayat Assembly constituency in Surat are planning to support him at a rally on April 18, when he files his nomination papers. These women, adorned in saffron saris, caps, and khes, symbolise their staunch support for CR Patil and the BJP's agenda. The enthusiasm is palpable in the words of Limbayat's BJP MLA, Sangeeta Patil, who notes the eagerness of local women to participate in the political process and support their leader. She said, "BJP workers across all Navsari Lok Sabha constituency Assembly segments are enthusiastic as CR Patil prepares to file his nomination papers. On April 18, the air will be charged with the rallying cry of 'Aab Ki Baar, 400 Par.'" Navsari's demographic and socio-economic backdrop provides further context to this electoral battle. The constituency has a population of 171,109, with a higher literacy rate than the national average a" 88 per cent compared to 74 per cent. This educated electorate plays a crucial role in shaping the political discourse and outcomes in the region. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Kazakhstan welcomes the Crossroads of Peace project presented by the Armenian Government, announced President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev after meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan. "The transport logistics sector is also of great importance for strengthening bilateral beneficial cooperation. We highly appreciate Armenia's aspiration to restore transport links in the South Caucasus. In that sense, we welcome the initiative of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which is called 'Crossroads of Peace,'" Tokayev said. The President of Kazakhstan added that they support initiatives to start direct air connections between the capitals of Armenia and Kazakhstan, as well as other cities. New Delhi, April 15 : Gold price rose on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Monday tracking the global market for the precious metal which firmed up amid the worsening geopolitical crisis in the Middle East region following Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel. New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) Gold price rose on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Monday tracking the global market for the precious metal which firmed up amid the worsening geopolitical crisis in the Middle East region following Iranas drone and missile attack on Israel. Gold futures, maturing on June 5, 2024, stood at Rs 72,302 per 10 grams on the MCX at 11:30 a.m., an increase of Rs 541 over Fridayas close of Rs 71,843. In the international market, spot gold price is trading around $2,360 per troy ounce, which is around 0.70 per cent higher from its Friday close. Gold prices have been driven up by the safe haven demand by investors in the wake of uncertainty caused by rising geopolitical tensions. Central banks of various countries have also been buying the precious metal in large quantities. Gold prices have now risen by around 17 per cent in India over the last two months from around Rs 62,000 per 10 grams range to levels around Rs 72,700. The price of 24-carat gold in Delhi on Monday was around Rs 72,690 per 10 grams while in Mumbai it was hovering around Rs 72,540. The gold price was the highest in Chennai at Rs 74,790 per 10 grams while in Kolkata and Bengaluru it was hovering around Rs 72,540. Chennai, April 15 : The political arm of the powerful Vanniyar community, PMK, which is an alliance partner of the BJP, is gaining ground in a three-cornered fight in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri Lok Sabha seat. While the PMK had announced the name of the Dharmapuri East district secretary, Arasangam as its candidate, it later fielded the wife of the party's chief Anbumani Ramadoss, Sowmiya Anbumani. Sowmiya's entry abruptly shifted the mood in the constituency, which was previously headed for a showdown between the two Dravidian giants, DMK and AIADMK. With only a few days remaining for the voting day, Sowmiya has made significant strides on the ground, with the well-oiled machinery of the BJP and PMK working overtime to ensure a win for her. The DMK-led INDIA bloc has fielded A. Mani, a lawyer, replacing sitting MP S. Senthilkumar, who was quite popular in the Dharmapuri constituency. The incumbent MP has implemented multiple schemes in the constituency, leading to expectations of his re-election. Senthilkumar made controversial remarks that the "BJP came to power in Gaumutra (North Indian) states". However, he had to apologise after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reprimanded him. The AIADMK has fielded its Dharmapuri district leader's son, R. Ashokan, who is a doctor. Even though all three fronts have fielded Vanniyar community candidates, Sowmiya has an edge. The founder leader of the PMK, S. Ramadoss is highly influential in the community and has extensively campaigned in the constituency for his daughter-in-law, Sowmiya. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, DMK candidate Senthilkumar won the seat by 70,753 votes, defeating Anbumani Ramadoss of the PMK, who had contested as an NDA candidate. The Dharmapuri Lok Sabha seat comprises six Assembly seats, namely Palacode, Pennagaram, Dharmapuri, Pappireddipatti, Harur and Mettur. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the AIADMK won in Palacode, Pappireddippati and Harur, while the PMK was able to secure Pennagaram, Dharampuri and Mettur. This means that even though the DMK is representing the Dharmapuri Lok Sabha seat, in the 2021 Assembly elections the party drew a blank while both the PMK and AIADMK shared the six seats with three each. The BJP and PMK are leaving no stone unturned and the NDA has already announced that if Sowmiya is elected she would get a cabinet berth in the new government to be formed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre. P.S. Surulinathan, a retired government employee of Pappireddipatti while speaking to IANS said: "PM Narendra Modi is very popular here and the NDA is campaigning with the tagline of 'Modi ki Guarantee' which has struck a chord with the voters." He said that the NDA campaign of Sowmiya to be given a Cabinet Minister post if the BJP is elected to power at the Centre has also given a huge impetus to the alliance and specifically the PMK candidate. Lucknow, April 15 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that the country's poor, youth, food providers and women power form the four pillars of the Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto, and the 80 Assembly seats of the state will propel the NDA to 400. He said that the resolution letter is the guarantee of PM Modi, which has reiterated the party's commitment to make a developed India and decisive war against corruption. Giving a new slogan for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 in UP, he said, "80 banega adhaar, NDA 400 paar, Modi Sarkaar phir ek baar." The BJP held simultaneous press conferences in all 75 districts on Monday to explain the manifesto. The Chief Minister said that the first four copies of the manifesto were presented to four social pillars of the country. These are the poor, youth, food providers and women (GYAN). He said that the BJP is not just a political party, but has become the aspiration of 140 crore people to effectively implement the vision of India by considering it as a mission. "Whatever ambition the country has today has become the vision of PM Modi and that is the mission for us. This country has faith in Modi's guarantee," he said. The Chief Minister said the commitment is to expand the scope of all the poor welfare schemes, including free ration, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Housing Scheme. "The manifesto has the resolve of a developed and self-reliant India with the spirit of Nation First. This is the first election of the 'Amrit kaal' of independence, in which elections are being fought on the concept of self-reliant and developed India. PM Modi's guarantee regarding the country's identity, security, faith and economy has become the basis of this," he added. Yogi Adityanath said, "Our manifesto is the blueprint of a new India, a better India, a self-reliant India and a developed India. Along with declaring a decisive war against corruption, it also reiterates the resolve to transform India from Antyodaya to Sarvodaya and a global leader." The Chief Minister said that the manifesto includes the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, the implementation of a National Litigation Policy, changes in commercial and civil judicial systems, One Nation One Election, PM Surya Har Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, reducing the cost of house registration. The party's resolve to create three crore Lakhpati Didis, double the limit of PM Mudra Yojana, increase in MSP and expansion of PM Matsya Yojana has been reiterated. Along with this, implementing the mission of irrigation, cold storage and agricultural infrastructure in the country, connecting senior citizens and transgenders with Ayushman Bharat under the resolution of Healthy India, training of paramedics, strengthening health infrastructure, affordable insurance products for MSMEs are also listed. Apart from this, the chief minister said that the manifesto also reiterates our resolve to organise Ramayana Mahotsav in the world. Mumbai, April 15 : Yami Gautam, who is basking in the success of her latest release 'Article 370', extended greetings to fans on the occasion of Himachal Day on Monday. Himachal Day is celebrated on April 15 every year, marking the day when the region was established as a province of India. Hailing from Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, Yami also owns a farm in the Kohar Khas village, Kangra, where she practices organic farming. She frequently shares glimpses of the farm produce, such as lemons, plums, etc., on Instagram. Yami took to Instagram Stories to share a postcard featuring a captivating view of the snow-covered landscape of the state, accompanied by the caption: "Happy Himachal Day". Meanwhile, in the political action thriller 'Article 370', Yami plays the spirited intelligence officer Zooni Haksar. The movie is set against the backdrop of the abrogation by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government of the constitutional provision that assured a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Set against the backdrop of true events, the film offers the audience a gripping narrative with political intrigue, national security threats, and pulse-pounding action sequences woven in. Directed by Aaditya Suhas Jambhale, 'Article 370' has a stellar ensemble cast that also includes Priyamani, Arun Govil, and Vaibhav Tatwawadi. Mumbai, April 15 : Actress Huma Qureshi's next film, where she will be seen playing an auto-rickshaw driver, has been christened 'Gulabi' and she is currently shooting for the movie in Ahmedabad. Huma took to Instagram to share a sneak peek from the set, holding the clapboard, with the caption: "Gulabi is here!! Shooting begins." Directed by Vipul Mehta, the film was announced on International Women's Day. It revolves around the true story of a brave auto-rickshaw driver who became the beacon of change, inspiring women to reclaim their destinies. Producer Vishal Rana said: "We are thrilled to start shooting for 'Gulabi' in Ahmedabad today. Through this film, our aim is to deliver a content-driven film that resonates with the audience." "Huma, who has delivered some great performances in her career, once again is all set to create some magic on screen," Rana added. Presented by Jio Studios and Echelon Productions, 'Gulabi' is directed by Vipul Mehta and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Vishal Rana. New Delhi, April 15 : The BCCI has informed all commentators, players, IPL owners, and social media and content teams associated with the squads not to post any pictures or videos from the stadium on match days on social media, says a report. A recent incident when a former India batter got a picture clicked of him commentating during an IPL game and posted it on social media irked broadcast-rights holders. Soon after, he was asked to delete it by a BCCI staff member, according to an Indian Express report. The BCCI has taken strict action and notified all commentators, players, IPL owners, and social media and content teams associated with the squads that there will be consequences for violating the rules, aiming to prevent individuals or teams from accruing social media followers by sharing images or videos on match days, the report said. "The broadcasters have paid big money for IPL rights. So commentators cannot post videos or photographs on match day on social media. There have been instances where commentators have done an 'Instagram Live' or posted a photo from the ground. One video got one million views. Even IPL teams can't post videos of live games. They can post a limited number of photographs and can give live match updates on their social media platforms. If found guilty, a franchise will be fined," BCCI official was quoted as saying by Indian Express. The officials also mentioned that some players had recently shared pictures on match days and were instructed to remove them. "Even players have been told to be mindful of social media posts on match days. All posts by players are being monitored. They had been informed of the rules but we found that some of them have not followed it," the official added. The report further indicated that an IPL team incurred a fine of Rs 9 lakh for sharing a video clip of a live game in which they were participating. The two holders of broadcast rights, Star India for television and Viacom 18 for digital maintain exclusive control over content pertaining to "live matches" and the "field of play." To enforce adherence to the rules, designated staff members from a BCCI team overseeing IPL production closely monitor posts made by commentators, IPL teams, players, and individuals present at the ground in an official capacity. Trissur : , April 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a blistering attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, saying that the latter has told lies for the past three years in the Rs 300 crore Karuvannur Cooperative Bank scam, in which several CPI(M) leaders were involved. The Prime Minister was addressing a rally in Kerala's Trissur where the BJP has been raising the bank scam issue. "Kerala CM has been lying about this scam for the past three years and has done nothing. Instead, it was, we, the Centre which acted and the Enforcement Directorate has now attached Rs 90 crore. Modi guarantees that all the people who have deposited the money will get it back. The Government of India in the past has returned Rs 17,000 crore to people who were cheated," said PM Modi. The Prime Minister then pointed out that the Left and the Congress governments in the state have taken the state backwards. "All of you should beware of both these parties as they are the same and are engaged in corruption only. We know of a Congress leader who has left his family seat in Uttar Pradesh and has come here. Has he ever spoken one word about the Cooperative bank scam, he will only ask for your votes, but won't do anything else," said PM Modi. "The INDIA Block was formed for just one reason as they know Modi will finish them off. They are fighting here, while in Delhi they are one. This time all of you should ensure that there are BJP Lok Sabha members from Kerala and I assure you every vote that you give us will be used to protect your hard-earned money," said the PM. Earlier, on his arrival in the district, PM Modi was given a rousing welcome. Dressed in typical Kerala attire, PM Modi's visit to the district this year is his third, as he came twice in January. Incidentally, the Trissur Lok Sabha seat has a triangular fight. Film actor Suresh Gopi is the BJP candidate pitted against Congress MP K. Muraleedharan (son of Congress veteran Late K. Karunakaran). Muraleedharan is the sitting MP from Badagara, but this time he is fighting from Trissur. Popular CPI leader and former State Minister V.S. Sunil Kumar is the third prominent candidate for this seat. PM Modi reached Kochi, late on Sunday and Monday morning he flew on a helicopter to Sree Krishna College Guruvayoor. From there he took the road to the meeting venue at the Cheruvathoor ground which falls in the Alathur Lok Sabha constituency. From Guruvayoor to Cheruvathoor, around a 2 km stretch, people lined up on either side of the road. PM Modi with the lotus symbol in hand waved back at the excited crowd. The NDA candidates from five constituencies -- Trissur, Alathur, Ponnani, Malappuram and Chalakudy -- shared the dais with the Prime Minister. The daughter of Karunakaran, Padmaja Venugopal, who recently joined the BJP, was also on the stage along with popular film actor Devan. The actor joined the BJP last year after quitting the Congress party. Around 2,000 police officials were deployed in the security net for the PM. New Delhi, April 15 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who visited Delhi Chief Minister in Delhi's Tihar Jail on Monday, said that he is being given terrorists-like treatment by the jail authorities. "Kejriwal is given terrorists-like treatment by the jail authorities. He is not being provided basic facilities. There was a glass wall between me and him when we met," the Punjab Chief Minister said. Sources said that the meeting between the two took place within the confines of the prison's 'Jangla Mulakat' room, a space partitioned by a glass wall with intercom facilities on both sides. Adhering to the protocols outlined in the jail manual, the Punjab Chief Minister entered Tihar Jail as a common visitor to meet Arvind Kejriwal. After coming out of the Tihar prison premises, Mann spoke to reporters, saying that Kejriwal asked the people not to worry about him. Kejriwal, who was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged excise scam, is lodged in Tihar's Jail No-2. The jailed Delhi CM, Kejriwal, has provided a list of six individuals, including the Chief Minister of Punjab. A Delhi court had sent Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15. He will be produced in court at 2:30 p.m. on the expiry of his judicial custody. The ED has termed CM Kejriwal the "kingpin and the key conspirator" of the alleged excise scam in collusion with other ministers of the Delhi government, AAP leaders, and other persons. Kolkata, April 15 : West Bengal Chief Secretary, BP Gopalika on Monday informed the Calcutta High Court that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had handed over all documents related to the probe in the murder of Tapas Burman and Rajesh Sarkar, to the NIA. Both were former students of Darivit High School and were killed in September 2018. Chief Secretary Gopalika, along with state Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty and Additional Director General of CID, Dr R Rajasekaran, appeared virtually in front of the single-judge Bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha on Monday afternoon. There the Chief Secretary informed the court of the handover of the probe-related documents to the NIA. To recall, on April 12, Justice Mantha first directed the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and the ADG (CID) to be physically present in front of his Bench. Justice Mantha also warned of issuing arrest warrants against them if they failed to appear. However, following the plea from state Advocate General Kishore Datta, Justice Mantha partially amended his order and allowed the two bureaucrats and the police officer to be present virtually. On Monday Justice Mantha said that despite being the top administrative officials of the state, it is their duty to honour a court order asking them to be present. He also observed that it was a question of the "dignity of the chair of judiciary." Earlier this month, the Calcutta High Court's Division Bench of Chief Justice, TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya had upheld an earlier order by Justice Mantha for an NIA probe in the Darivit killings. Justice Mantha issued a "contempt of court" rule against the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and ADG (CID) for non-compliance with the order by his Bench in May 2023 for the handover of the investigation to the NIA and paying compensation to the families of the victims. Hyderabad, April 15 : Union Minister for Tourism and Culture and BJP's Telangana unit president G. Kishan Reddy on Monday sat on a protest at the party office here over the Congress government's "failure" to fulfil the promises made to farmers. Hyderabad, April 15 (IANS) Union Minister for Tourism and Culture and BJP's Telangana unit president G. Kishan Reddy on Monday sat on a protest at the party office here over the Congress government's "failure" to fulfil the promises made to farmers. Demanding the government to pay Rs 25,000 per acre compensation to farmers whose crops were withered due to lack of irrigation water supply, Kishan Reddy sat on 'Rythu deeksha' at state BJP headquarters. The protest will continue till 3 p.m. The BJP leader alleged that the Congress government has not implemented even a single guarantee given to farmers. He recalled that during the election campaign, the Congress leaders had promised to waive farm loans up to Rs 2 lakh but even four months after coming to power, it has failed to deliver on the promise. He recalled that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had promised that new farm loans would be waived on December 9. "Believing his word, farmers had taken loans. He should explain why farm loans have not been waived off," he said, adding that banks are not sanctioning loans to farmers. Kishan Reddy also demanded that the government immediately provide Rs.15,000 per acre investment support to farmers as promised during the elections. He also demanded the implementation of the guarantee to provide Rs.12,000 every year to agriculture labourers and Rs 500 bonus per quintal of paddy. "People are asking why this government is not implementing the guarantees," he said and asked the government if it had a concrete plan to implement the guarantees given to farmers. The BJP leader alleged that the BRS had backstabbed the people of Telangana but the people were once again betrayed by the Congress party. "People wanted a change but no change has come. KCR family was removed but Sonia's family came to power," he said. Kishan Reddy stated that farmers have no money in their hands at the time of harvest. He also claimed that the government is not sincere in procuring agricultural produce from farmers. He remarked that Congress leaders have time to collect money in Telangana and give it to the party leadership in Delhi but no time to implement the guarantees. "They had promised to implement the guarantees in 100 days but failed to do so," he said. He said if the government is sincere in implementing the guarantees, it should come out with a plan and also explain to people how it wants to mobilise funds for implementing them. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has invited the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, to Kazakhstan on an official visit. Following the meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Tokayev said: I would like to take this opportunity to invite the Honorable Prime Minister for an official visit to Kazakhstan. I am confident that such positive steps will bring our peoples closer together and deepen our cooperation." Kazakh President added that the negotiations in Yerevan were conducted in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust, which will provide a new impetus to the relations between Armenia and Kazakhstan. Wayanad : , April 15 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit out at its INDIA bloc Left partner and said that Congress will come to power in Kerala and Delhi. Seeking re-election from Wayanad, the Congress leader blamed the state and Centre for issues in his constituency. While addressing a huge gathering at Sultan Bathery, he said, "I know there are a few problems that Wayanad is facing and it includes the man-animal conflict, the night traffic issue and the issues connected to medical facilities, lack of a Medical College and the Nilambur railway line." "I have written on numerous occasions to both the Centre and the state, but both these governments are having a stepmotherly attitude towards Wayanad. The problem is we are not in power in Delhi or here. I assure you that the problems of Wayanad will soon be addressed as the Congress is going to come to power in Delhi and Kerala also," said Rahul Gandhi. He said that whenever he reaches Wayanad, he feels he is coming home. "I have told my mother (Sonia Gandhi) that she should come to stay in Wayanad for 10 days and she will be coming," said the Congress leader. The crowd cheered at this and urged for a month's stay. To this Rahul Gandhi replied, "She cannot be staying for a month as she has problems with humidity. I have told her she is missing the most beautiful place in the world. She will be coming." Earlier, he arrived at his constituency and did a roadshow which was attended by thousands of people. After a brief travel, he stopped the vehicle and addressed the gathering. Gandhi won the 2019 Wayanad seat with a margin of over 4.30 lakh votes, the highest in the state. This time he is pitted against CPI leader Annie Raja and BJP's state president K. Surendran. Chennai, April 15 : The Flying Squad of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday seized Rs 8.4 lakh from the residence of A.C. Shanmugam, President of the New Justice Party (NJP), an ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), who is contesting the Vellore Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket. ECI officials said they are checking the source of the money to ascertain if it was meant for distribution among the voters. During the Lok Sabha elections in 2019, polling in Vellore was suspended after around Rs 100 crore was seized from the residence of a close relative of the DMK candidate, D.M. Kathir Anand, who's the son of senior DMK leader and present state minister, S. Duraimurugan. Polling was held later in August that year following the directive of the Supreme Court, in which Kathir Anand emerged victorious by a slender margin of 8,141 votes. On April 7, the ECI's Flying Squad seized Rs 7.5 lakh from the residence of a person named Natarajan, a close relative of Kathir Anand. Kathir Anand has been renominated from Vellore by the DMK. Kolkata, April 15 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday cautioned about possible attempts to trigger tension and violence in the state on the occasion of Ram Navami. "The BJP candidate is a leader of the goons. There might be a repetition of the event of the Central forces firing witnessed at Sitalkuchi during the 2021 state assembly polls. April 17 is the day when they might try to trigger tension and violence. I am warning everybody not to get trapped by provocation. They do not want peaceful polls. They want only violence," the Chief Minister said while addressing a rally at Cooch Behar district on Monday. She also referred to the reported event of Income Tax raids at the chopper of the party General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. "IT sleuths checked his chopper thinking there was gold and cash. We do not move around with such things. BJP leaders do that. If we need anything we will beg from our mothers," the Chief Minister said. She also attacked the BJP for including the Uniform Civil Code issue in the party manifesto. "The manifesto reflects exactly what I had predicted earlier. The Uniform Civil Code will mean that the tribal population will not have a separate identity," the Chief Minister said. She also challenged the BJP to come out with a white paper on the alleged corruption in West Bengal as well as in the BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. "If you have the courage, come out with a white paper on the issue of corruption. At the same time, if you have the courage also come out with similar white papers in states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra," the Chief Minister said. Jammu, April 15 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that India has the power to strike at the enemy from its soil. Addressing an election rally at Kathua district of Jammu division, Rajnath Singh said, "India has the power to strike into the enemy's territory from our soil as we have the World's best military might." "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as the World's strongest country on all fronts. We proved our strength on September 28 through surgical strikes," he said, He said regional parties in J&K like the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party and also the Congress misused Article 370 for their political benefits. "I saw pictures of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi playing with snow in Kashmir. How could have they played with snow had Article 370 been still there? Mehbooba Mufti once stated that 'Khoon Ki Nadyaan Bahangi Jammu and Kashmir Mein Agar Article 370 jayega'. Let me assure you, not khoon ki Nadyaan, but streams of milk and water along with development and prosperity will flow in J&K. She also said that nobody would pick up the 'Tiranga' in J&K if Article 370 would go, but today in every house and government building, the Tiranga is flying high," the senior BJP leader said. "In Sankalp Patra of BJP, Prime Minister Modi has assured the inclusion of free treatment to people above 70 years of age no matter to which income group they belong. Who else can do this other than PM Modi," he asked. He appealed to people to vote in large numbers in favour of Dr Jitendera Singh and said that the BJP is committed to safeguarding the rights of women. "Irrespective of the cast and colour, we have ensured women are protected by all means. We abolished triple talaq to ensure women's safety. It was a great injustice that if a man would marry a woman, he had the right to divorce her only by saying talaq three times," he said. Dr Jitendra Singh of the BJP is seeking re-election from Kathua-Udhampur constituency for the third time. He is mainly opposed by Chaudhary Lal Singh of Congress and G.M. Saroori of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party. The constituency goes to vote on April 19. Kolkata, April 15 : The Election Commission of India on Monday ordered the immediate removal of IPS officer Mukesh as the DIG of Murshidabad Range in West Bengal. The ECI has also barred Mukesh from performing election-related duties. Sources in the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that recently, West Bengal Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who has been renominated by the party from Baharampur in Murshidabad district, lodged a complaint against Mukesh accusing him of operating at the behest of the ruling Trinamool Congress. "I am directed to refer to the subject cited that the Election Commission has decided to transfer the following officer to a non-election related post in the police headquarters with immediate effect. You are requested to send a panel of three eligible officers in respect of the above-mentioned post to the Commission by 5 p.m. today (Monday)," read a letter sent by ECI Secretary Rakesh Kumar to Chief Secretary B.P. Gopalika. Reacting strongly to the ECI's decision, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "If there is violence in Murshidabad, the Commission will have to take responsibility." New Delhi, April 15 : National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has held the joint auditor of Reliance Capital guilty of professional misconduct for deliberately overlooking the Price Waterhouse (PW) report of suspected fraud regarding loans and investments amounting to approximately Rs 12,571 crore to some group companies in the financial year 2018-2019 by the then Anil Ambani Group company. NFRA has found multiple lapses by the joint auditor M/s Pathak H.D. & Associates (PHD) and its two auditors Parimal Kumar Jha and Vishal D Shah. The two chartered accountants have been debarred for 10 years and 5 years respectively from being appointed as an auditor or undertaking any audit work or activities of any company or body corporate. A Rs 3 crore penalty has been imposed on PHD while Jha has been fined Rs 1 crore and Shah has to pay a penalty of Rs 50 lakh. The report states: "PHD concluded without any regard to the merits of the transactions that there were no matters attracting section 143(12) of the Companies Act. Despite the evidence of documented irregularities in Reliance Capital the auditor did not question the management. In the absence of tests and evidence, the recoverability of the loans of Rs 6557 crore (net of impairment) disclosed in the financial statements was doubtful and hence the management's assertions of the value and rights of these loans were materially misstated in the financial statements, which PHD failed to report." Under section 143(12) of Companies Act, 2013 auditor is required to report any fraud identified in the company, the report points out while highlighting the lapse. The report states that as per the Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2018-19, Reliance Capital Ltd. (RCL) had loans from Banks of around 12,000 crore and other external borrowings of around Rs 32,000 crores, consisting of debentures, commercial papers and pass-through certificates. RCL was a Core Investment Company (CIC) investing primarily in its group companies. RCL used the above loans and borrowing to extend loans and investments to other group companies. PW reported suspected fraud regarding loans and investments amounting to approximately Rs 12,571 crore to some group companies. The report further states that despite the reporting of suspected fraud and the resignation by the other joint auditor (PW), the Auditors did not perform adequate procedures as required by the SAs (standards of auditing). The material misstatements in the financial statements due to inadequate provision, unjustified valuation of loans and irrational business practices were concurred by the Auditors in disregard of their responsibilities under the Act and SAs. The Auditors also demonstrated a lack of professionalism by rationalising the actions of the Company and ignoring the fundamentals of accounting and auditing. NRFA has concluded that the Auditor was grossly negligent and failed to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support their opinion, failed to maintain professional skepticism and due diligence, failed to sufficiently and adequately challenge the management assertions and thus failed to identify and report material misstatements in the financial statements of RCL. Kolkata, April 15 : At Ranaghat Lok Sabha constituency in Nadia District of West Bengal, the BJP seems to be at an advantageous position this time. This is apparent from the records of the last two elections as well as the issues dominating the constituency where a substantial percentage of the voters belong to the Matua community. The BJP has re-nominated its sitting Lok Sabha MP from Ranaghat, a post-delimitation constituency created before the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, Jagannath Sarkar. In 2019, Sarkar got elected after defeating Trinamool Congress' Rupali Das by a margin of 2,33,699 votes. Ranaghat is going for polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 13. Again, even in the midst of a landslide victory of the Trinamool Congress in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, BJP candidates managed victories from five out of seven Assembly constituencies in Ranaghat. The Trinamool Congress has fielded Mukut Mani Adhikari, who is officially still the elected BJP legislator from the Ranaghat-Dakshin Assembly constituency, one of the seven under Ranaghat Lok Sabha, as per the records of the state Assembly. The BJP is also raking up the issue by questioning the "political morality" of Adhikari for keeping his BJP legislator status intact. Adhikari's nomination has also irked a section of the ruling party leadership at Ranaghat and they are reportedly refraining from active campaigning in favour of the party candidate. The CPI(M) has fielded party veteran Alakesh Das, who is a two-time party Lok Sabha member from the erstwhile and pre-delimitation Nabadwip Lok Sabha constituency in the district. For Ranaghat, the recent notification from the Centre on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has given the BJP an extra-edge, considering that Matuas, a Backward Class community came to West Bengal as refugees from neighbouring Bangladesh. The recently-notified Citizenship (Amendment) Rules 2024, pave the way for enforcing the CAA, which seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians who came to India from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014. Like Bangaon in North 24 Parganas District, which too has a substantial percentage of Matua voters, the notification also triggered celebration among the community at Ranaghat. Sensing danger, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee started issuing notes of caution that enrolling at the CAA portal would mean automatic cancellation of citizenship. However, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari accused the Chief Minister of misleading the people since the CAA aims to "grant citizenship", and not "take it away". Since its inception, Ranaghat had been a stronghold of the Trinamool Congress. In the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, the Trinamool Congress candidate Dr Sucharu Ranjan Haldar got elected by a margin of a little over one lakh votes. In 2014, TMC's Tapas Mondal further increased the winning margin to little over two lakh votes. However, the pattern changed in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls when riding over the Matua sentiment, BJP's Jagannath Sarkar won by a margin of 2,33,699 votes. The major tourist attraction of Ranaghat is the iconic ISKCON temple at Mayapur. The constituency is also famous nationally for handloom sarees produced at Phulia in Santipur, one of the seven Assembly constituencies under Ranaghat. The weavers mostly came as refugees from neighbouring Bangladesh and started residing there and making the place a handloom hub. Shanghai, April 15 : German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he will warn Chinese President Xi Jinping against providing military support for Russia. He will point out that Russia is waging a war of conquest against Ukraine, "and insist that no one must help this to succeed," Scholz said in Shanghai on Monday. "That is why we are also calling on everyone not to circumvent sanctions ... and that is why we are also calling for no arms deliveries." This also applies to goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, emphasized Scholz. China is considered Russia's most important ally and is suspected of supplying such goods. Scholz is meeting Xi and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Tuesday. The Russian war against Ukraine is not just a European issue, Scholz said. "If this sets a precedent, it is a threat to peace and security everywhere on the planet," he said. --IANS/DPA dan/ Kiev, April 15 : At least four people have been killed in the eastern Ukrainian city of Siversk as a result of Russian shelling, the regional governor said on Monday. The dead were men aged between 36 and 86, the military governor of the Donetsk region, Vadym Filashkin, said on Telegram. He called on Siversk's remaining residents to flee the city, which is located about 10 kilometres west of the front line. Siversk had a population of over 10,000 before the war. Russia has declared the entire Donetsk region to be part of its territory but only has partial control there. --IANS/DPA dan/ Paris, April 15 : The Iranian Foreign Ministry has justified the detention of the MSC Aries container ship on the grounds that it had infringed shipping regulations and failed to provide an "appropriate reaction" to the Iranian authorities. The ship, which was sailing from the United Arab Emirates to India, had ignored international regulations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said, according to a report by the IRNA state news agency. The Aries was detained by the navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday, hours before the IRGC launched a missile and drone attack on Israel. The IRGC sees the vessel as linked to Israel. The container ship is currently in Iranian waters between the islands of Qeshm and Hormuz and is being detained not far from three tankers confiscated by Iran last year, Tankertrackers, an online service tracking crude oil shipments, reported on X. --IANS/DPA dan/ New Delhi, April 15 : Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)-capable smartphone shipments will reach 11 per cent by 2024 and 43 per cent by 2027 to pass 550 million units in 2027 with 4x growth, a new report said on Monday. According to Counterpoint Research, the GenAI smartphone installed base to cross 1 billion by 2027. "We expect Samsung to lead GenAI smartphone OEM (original equipment manufacturer) rankings in 2024. This is the second trend in the past couple of years where Samsung enjoyed an early-mover advantage; the first one being the success of its foldables," said Research Director Tarun Pathak. Pathak also pointed out that apart from Samsung, Apple's anticipated entry in the space will contribute to the segment's growth. According to him, once Apple enters, AI will immediately become a must-have feature in all mid-to-premium smartphone launches starting in 2025. The analysts expect GenAI devices to have multimodal capabilities, which will allow them to process text, image, voice and other inputs to develop a variety of output and enable a user experience that is fluid and seamless. "Smartphones of the future will be more personalised to cater to individual needs and preferences, and AI will play a central role in driving these personalized experiences," said Associate Director Mohit Agrawal. In addition, analysts expect GenAI smartphones to reach a turning point in 2025 as these devices enter broader price segments, particularly the $400-$599 price level. Hyderabad, April 15 : In a jolt to the BJP in Telangana, former MLA Rathod Bapu Rao left the party to join the ruling Congress on Monday. Bapu Rao, a two-time MLA from Boath constituency, joined the Congress in the presence of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and state minister Seethakka. Bapu Rao, who was elected on the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) ticket in 2014 and 2018, quit the party after he was denied re-nomination by the party in the November 2023 Assembly elections. He had joined the BJP but was unhappy over not getting the ticket. With the Congress wresting power from the BRS, Bapu Rao decided to join the ruling party. His joining is likely to strengthen the party in Boath, one of the seven Assembly segments under the Adilabad Lok Sabha constituency. In the recent Assembly elections, the BRS had retained the Boath seat with its candidate Anil Jadhav defeating his nearest rival and Adilabad MP Soyam Bapu Rao of the BJP by over 22,000 votes. The Congress had finished a poor third. Adilabad was one of the four Lok Sabha seats won by the BJP in Telangana in the 2019 elections. The BJP has denied a ticket to the sitting MP and fielded former minister and former MP Godam Ganesh. The party won four out of seven Assembly seats in the parliamentary constituency. The BRS secured two seats while Congress could win just one seat. Imphal, April 15 : Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's priority is to establish peace, and ensure unity among all communities in Manipur. Addressing an election rally at the Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace compound in Imphal, HM Shah said that the upcoming election was to unite Manipur, and resist against the division of the state. "We would not allow dividing Manipur at any cost," the Home Minister told the gathering amid cheers and claps by thousands who gathered at the rally. Since the ethnic riots began in Manipur on May 3 last year, 10 tribal MLAs belonging to Kuki-Zomi communities and several leading tribal organisations including Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) have been demanding separate administrations or a separate state for the tribals living in the state. Claiming that attempts of infiltration were being made in the northeastern state to change its demography, HM Shah said that the upcoming Parliamentary election is a fight between forces trying to divide Manipur and those making efforts to keep the state united. "PM Modi always said that the destiny of the country would change when that of the northeast and Manipur would transform," HM Shah said. "PM Modi is not only developing the region and the country but also protecting Manipur and India as well. Your votes in the two Lok Sabha seats to BJP and its ally would make it clear to the entire world on whom the people of the state are with," HM Shah said. Alleging that nothing seriously was done during the Congress-led governments both at the Centre and the state for the development of Manipur, the Home Minister said that PM Modi-led government has been providing thousands of crores of money for the state's overall development and Rs 1,300 crore has been sanctioned for Imphal-Moreh railway line, Rs 2,000 crore for developing the National Highways and Rs 10,000 crore for the under-construction railway lines to connect Imphal. HM Shah said that the previous Congress government also did nothing to preserve the honour and memories of the erstwhile Kings who fought against the British for the interests of Manipur. The Home Minister said while Manipur got Rs 39,000 crore during the Congress regime, PM Modi-led government increased it by four times and sanctioned Rs 1.20 lakh crore to implement numerous projects and schemes. He said that the Centre has also promulgated the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to protect the indigenous people of Manipur. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, state BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, Education Minister and BJP candidate for Inner Manipur seat Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh among others also addressed the people in the rally. After violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, the Union Home Minister visited the state for four days from May 29 to June 1 last year and held a series of meetings with top officials, politicians, NGOs, before announcing a slew of measures to deal with the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities. Elections in Manipur's two Lok Sabha seats will be held in two phases. Six candidates are contesting in Inner Manipur seat, while four candidates are in the fray in the Outer Manipur seat, reserved for the tribals. The Inner Manipur seat will go to the polls in the first phase on April 19 along with some parts of the Outer Manipur constituency. The remaining parts of Outer Manipur will vote in the second phase on April 26. The BJP has fielded Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh in Inner Manipur and extended support to the NPF nominee K. Timothy Zimik in the Outer Manipur seat, reserved for the tribals. The opposition Congress-led INDIA bloc has put up Angomcha Bimol Akoijam for the Inner Manipur seat, while Alfred Kanngam S. Arthur has been fielded in Outer Manipur (ST). London, April 15 : British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is braced for a fresh round of parliamentary wrangling over his bill to save his government's stalled Rwanda deportation scheme, as lawmakers head back to Westminster this week. The House of Commons returns from Easter recess on Monday with the legislation high on the agenda after a minister insisted flights carrying asylum seekers to Kigali should be taking off "within weeks." It comes as Sunday became the busiest day yet for Channel crossings so far this year after more than 500 migrants arrived in the UK in a single day. It means some 6,000 people have made the journey in 2024 to date, with more than 75,000 arrivals recorded two years on from the Rwanda deal being signed. Members of parliament will consider amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, which inflicted a series of defeats against the controversial policy before leaving for the spring break. The government will seek to strip out changes made by peers who want extra legal safeguards, including a provision to ensure "due regard" for domestic and international law. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins suggested on Sunday the Home Office is "ready to go" in implementing the plan when the Bill gets on to the statute books. The legislation seeks to revive the government's plan to send some asylum seekers on a one-way flight to Kigali, which has faced a series of setbacks since it was announced two years ago by then-prime minister Boris Johnson. It declares the east African country is safe after the policy was grounded by the Supreme Court ruling the scheme was unlawful. --IANS/DPA dan/ Sayantani Ghosh on playing Rajasthani role: 'Being Bengali it's not easy to pick up different dialects'. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, April 15 : Actress Sayantani Ghosh, who is playing Rajasthani character -- Vindhya Devi in the show 'Dahej Daasi', said it's not easy for someone like her, who is a Bengali to pick up different dialects and regional aspects. This is the first time in 20 years that Sayantani is playing a Rajasthani character, and she says it feels special. "It's not easy for someone like me, who is Bengali, to pick up different dialects and regional aspects, but I'm proud of the hard work I've put in. The feedback from viewers, saying that I look the most authentic as a Rajasthani character on the show, makes it all worth it. Overall, it's been a fun and challenging process, and I'm grateful for the trust the industry has placed in me," she said, who is known for her work in 'Kumkum', 'Ghar Ek Sapnaa', 'Meri Maa' and others. Sayantani had earlier played a Sardarni in the show 'Tera Yaar Hoon Main', and she says she is lucky to have played such diverse roles in her career. "Professionally, it's been a challenging but rewarding experience, especially as I've had the opportunity to play diverse roles in recent years. From portraying a Sardarni in 'Tera Yaar Hoon Main' to now being a Rajasthani character, it's been a journey of learning and growth," she added. The show is produced by Do Dooni 4 Films production. Two workers killed in TN after building wall collapses. Image Source: IANS News Hanoi, April 15 : Two workers died and two others were injured due to broken glass at a high-rise building here on Monday morning, Vietnam News Agency reported. While the workers were climbing on the glass skylight roof of the building in the central district of Hoan Kiem for repair work, the glass suddenly broke into pieces, leaving them to fall down, Xinhua news agency reported. The two deceased were reportedly aged 23 and 32, and the two injured workers are hospitalized for treatment, according to local authorities. Local authorities are investigating the case further. Berlin, April 15 : The German Foreign Office has summoned Iran's ambassador following Tehran's attack on Israel, a spokesman said on Monday afternoon. The conversation is currently taking place at the ministry, he said. Iran had summoned the German ambassador to Tehran on Sunday, the spokesman in Berlin noted. Iran had justified its summons with the "irresponsible positions" of Germany, as well as France and Britain, whose ambassadors had also been called in. For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, Iran directly launched an attack on its arch-enemy Israel on Saturday. Around 300 drones and missiles were fired, but almost all of them were intercepted by Israel and its allies. Iran said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of high-ranking military officers at the Iranian embassy in Syria. --IANS/DPA dan/ New Delhi, April 15 : India's merchandise trade deficit narrowed to an 11-month low of $15.6 billion in March compared to $18.71 billion in February as there was a significant decline in imports during the month, figures released by the Commerce Ministry on Monday showed. The merchandise trade deficit, which shows the amount by which earnings from export goods of a country fall short of its imported commodities, had touched $18.96 billion in March last year. However, there was a marginal decline of 0.3 percent in exports to $41.68 billion during the month amid the global economic slowdown and the disruption in shipping due to geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea region. As many as 17 of the 30 key sectors such as electronic items, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods posted a positive growth in exports in March as compared to the same period last year. The imports during the month fell by 5.98 percent to $57.28 billion which helped to reduce the trade deficit. The major commodities which recorded a decline in imports include gold, fertilisers, leather products, iron and steel and petroleum items. For the full financial year ended on March 31, India's merchandise trade deficit declined by 9.33 percent to $240.17 billion. Exports during 2023-24 worked out to $437.06 billion, declining 3.11 percent while imports fell by 5.41 percent at $677.24 billion. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said: "The financial year 2023-24 was difficult from a trade point of view since not only did the Ukraine-Russia conflict continue, but other conflicts came up. There were huge issues with the Red Sea as well as recessionary trends globally. But India has beaten all the odds." New Delhi, April 15 : Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Monday announced a new delivery centre in Brazil that will create more than 1,600 new job opportunities over the next five years. The centre in Londrina, in the state of Parana, would contribute to the local economy and strengthen the TCSa presence in the region. "We are looking to double the number of associates in key areas such as cyber-security, cloud, cognitive business operations (CBO), ITIS, AI and automation, reflecting our dedication to innovation and excellence in technology services," said Bruno Rocha, Country Head, TCS Brazil. Present in Londrina since 2018, the company employs around 1,700 people in the city. The new delivery centre will specialise in key areas such as business transformation, artificial intelligence and CBO, offering a comprehensive suite of IT services to clients in Brazil and around the world. "I have come to India to learn more about the capabilities that the country has built in many areas, especially in digital technologies, where India is a global leader, and leveraging experiences from here, we can deepen digitisation of various services and products for the Brazilian economy," said Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior, Governor of the State of Parana. TCS said it has been operating in Brazil for over two decades, with operations in Londrina, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. New Delhi, April 15 : A 35-year-old man was found dead in west Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area on Monday, a police official said, adding that efforts are being made to establish the circumstances leading to the incident and identify the culprits behind the murder. The deceased was identified as Dinesh Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur district. Police said that a police control room (PCR) call was received at the Punjabi Bagh police station at 7.45 am, regarding an unidentified dead body lying in the Jheel Park area. "A police team rushed to the spot while the FSL and Crime teams were also summoned. The dead body has been sent to SGM Hospital and preserved," Deputy Commissioner of Police, West, Vichitra Veer said. The DCP said that the local police reached out to the Pradhan of a village in Sitapur on the basis of a tattoo on the deceased's right hand. "With their efforts, the deceased was identified as Dinesh Kumar. Based on the preliminary observations and circumstances, it appears to be a case of murder," he said. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Singapores Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down on May 15 and hand over the power to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the Prime Ministers Office said on Monday. Lee Hsien Loong will formally advise the President to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to succeed him. DPM Wong has the unanimous support of the PAP MPs. The new Prime Minister will be sworn in on 15 May 2024 at the Istana. New Delhi, April 15 : In a major setback to AAP legislator Amanatullah Khan, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain his plea seeking anticipatory bail in connection with the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case. A bench, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, remarked that it was not inclined to issue notice to the federal anti-money laundering agency in the matter. The bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, observed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may arrest him if there exists any material in terms of Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Further, it said that the special court will not issue non-bailable warrants against Khan if he appears before the probe agency on April 18. The ED had moved the Rouse Avenue Court against Khan for non-compliance with its summons alleging that Khan, previously a witness, later became an accused in the case and is evading investigation. Earlier, Delhi High Court's Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed Khan's anticipatory plea, citing his failure to cooperate with the probe conducted by the ED. Repeatedly ignoring summons issued by the agency amounts to obstruction of justice and erodes public trust in the criminal justice system, the High Court said, stressing the obligation of public figures, like Khan, to assist investigative agencies in uncovering the truth behind allegations levelled against them. The allegation relates to Khan's alleged wrongful appointment as Chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board. The ED had filed the charge sheet against Zeeshan Haider, his partnership firm Skypower, Javed Imam Siddiqui, Dawood Nasir, and Qausar Imam Siddiqui in the case. The case pertains to a property worth Rs 36 crore in Okhla being allegedly acquired with illicit funds, purportedly influenced by Khan, who reportedly handed over Rs 8 crore in cash. During the investigation, the ED considered FIRs filed earlier by the CBI, ACB, and the Delhi Police. The ED said that the property was bought at Khan's behest, and presented with evidence of Rs 27 crore cash transaction. Islamabad, April 15 : Amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel after Tehran's major and unprecedented missile and drone attack, bringing the region on the edge, Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi is set to land in Pakistan on April 22. Islamabad, April 15 (IANS) Amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel after Tehranas major and unprecedented missile and drone attack, bringing the region on the edge, Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi is set to land in Pakistan on April 22. Sources said that Islamabad and Tehran have agreed upon the matters pertaining to President Raisias visit who will be accompanied by a high-level delegation and would hold meeting with top officials in the Pakistan government including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military leadership. Iran Presidentas visit to Pakistan comes after Tehran launched over 300 drones and missiles on Israel in what it calls a retaliation to Israelas airstrike in the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria claiming lives of senior commander of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Mohammad Reza Zahedi and senior commander Hadi Haj Rahimi. The visit also holds great importance to Pakistan as it comes after Tehran carried out cross-border strikes inside Pakistani territory, claiming to have targeted anti-Iran insurgent groups. Islamabad responded within 24 hours carrying out a tit-for-tat approach to Iranas aggression and conducing cross-border airstrikes on the Iranian side killing members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Iran later announced that those killed in Pakistani airstrikes are non-Iranians. It would be the first time that Iranian President would be landing in Islamabad post January airstrikes, which had put relationship between both countries in a fix temporarily. During the time, Pakistan even withdrew its ambassador from Iran and stated that it would not allow the Iranian envoy to return to Pakistan. And even though both sides soon restored diplomatic ties allowing respective diplomats to return to their respective posts; relations remained under question. Iranian President visit becomes even more crucial for Pakistan as the agenda of the visit is focused on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and the Free-Trade Agreement (FTA). In a show of goodwill gesture, Iranas President has also approved the release of Pakistanis stranded on a ship seized by the Iranian forces. Official sources say the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline will remain as the top agenda of the delegation level meetings as both sides are actively looking to complete the important project. It is also believed that Iranas airstrikes on Israel would also come under discussion and Pakistan would put forward its call for restraint. Kolhapur : , April 15 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader, Eknath Shinde on Monday claimed that the Opposition, which was routed in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, will once again be defeated in the forthcoming General Elections. CM Shinde, who was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar and ministers Hasan Mushrif, Chandrakant Patil and Shambhuraj Desai, addressed the rally at Kolhapur ahead of filing of nominations by Shiv Sena nominees Sanjay Mandlik from Kolhapur and Dhairyasheel Mane from Hatkanangale constituencies. "This election is not for one person and not for one constituency but this election is going to take the country towards becoming a superpower. "This election will make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister for the third time. PM Modi has not only strengthened the Indian economy but also brought it from the 11th position to the 5th position. "Now we want to strengthen the hands of PM Modi so that India attains the third position,'' said Shinde. ''Due to the tireless efforts of PM Modi, India's respect has increased worldwide. The grand alliance government in the state is also working tirelessly for overall development,"' said Shinde. He taunted his former boss and ex-Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray that the Mahayuti government did not sit at home and work through Facebook. Shinde appealed to the Mahayuti workers to fight the General Elections unitedly, considering it a fight for patriotism and development. New Delhi, April 15 : A large number of diseases are inflicting havoc on our citizens and a bigger worry is that many of them eschew preventive solutions. Hypertension and diabetes have emerged as the two biggest health concerns in the past decade as a nonchalant attitude towards food consumption, erratic lifestyle and lack of information, leading to the belief, that these ailments strike only after the age of 45 or 50 have made people susceptible to the complications arising from them. Owing to this, many of the times, these diseases reach a rather ominous stage and cause serious complications resulting in the increase in the overall health burden, both for the individual as well as the state. To sensitise the people about the critical need for preemptive testing, Illness to Wellness and Yolohealth organised a two-day camp at Birla Mandir on April 13 and April 14, 2024. After receiving a positive and encouraging response for its recently held camps at Janpath and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Illness to Wellness and Yolohealth decided to use the auspicious premises of Birla Mandir to disseminate information about the need to get checked for potential health risks. A large number of people were tested at the camp in which some important statistics came to light. Over 20 percent of the people were found to be hypertensive, obese and pre-diabetic, a reflection of the impact of sedentary behaviour patterns and unhealthy eating habits on citizens. It needs to be underscored that these people were unaware of this and would not have tested till some symptoms would have started to show, and by that time some damage to their system would have already occurred. Speaking on the initiative, Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, said: "Hypertension and diabetes have emerged as serious health risks in today's age. The good news is that timely diagnosis can help in prevention and better management of such diseases. The camp at Birla Mandir informs citizens about the urgent need to get their health check-ups done regularly and to be aware of the potential risks of ignorance. "Illness to Wellness and Yolohealth have been regularly conducting health camps for the benefit of the citizens, and I am confident that going forward, they will continue to organize many more to re-emphasize the pressing importance of testing, and that this initiative will make a meaningful contribution towards our Hon'ble Prime Minister's dream of a 'Swasth Bharat'." In the camp, Yolohealth used its trademark product HealthATM to show how technology has evolved in delivering accurate health assessment reports. These HealthATM machines are designed to offer primary and preventive healthcare services with the goal of ensuring easy public access. It is an aggregation of US FDA/EU certified IoT-enabled medical devices combined with yolohealth's proprietary HIPPA compliant software backend, and cloud-centric platform supporting tele-medicine facility. This pioneering endeavour enabled individuals to take stock of their health and take well-informed health decisions. The 'Illness to Wellness' campaign was introduced in 2014 and remains committed to promoting health and well-being through empowering, educating, collaborating, and adoption of sustainable health practices. Over the years, it has aimed to maximise outreach and impact, from organising camps and awareness campaigns, to holding regular webinars on key health topics and developments- with the clear purpose of raising awareness and providing motivation and remedies. Mumbai, April 15 : A day after the brazen firing at Bollywood megastar Salman Khan's home, the motorcycle used by the two shooters is reported to have origins in adjoining Raigad district, investigations revealed on Monday. The motorcycle, with a Raigad registration number plate as seen in the CCTV footage, is being tracked to ascertain whether it was sold by someone, missing or stolen. The police have also been attempting to trace out the attackers, at least one of whom is identified as Vishal from Gurugram and the other from Rajasthan, both reported to be members of the Rohit Godaraas gang. While Vishal a.k.a. Kalu is a history-sheeter who spent time in Delhi's Tihar Jail for thefts in 2020, the police have also identified the other shooter but have not revealed much details. It may be recalled that at around 5 a.m. on Sunday morning, Mumbai woke up to a rude shock with at least four bullets fired at the home of Salman Khan in Galaxy Apartments in Bandra west. Hours later, Anmol Bishnoi -- the brother of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi -- claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media post. He termed the firing incident as the 'first and last warning' for Salman Khan, and ominously decreed that the next time "the bullets won't be fired at walls or an empty home", indicating the actor would be directly targetted for a hit. The social media post (Facebook) by Anmol Bishnoi, was purportedly on behalf of other 'Bishnoi group' baddies like Goldy Brar, Rohit Godara, and Kala Jathedi. "Salman Khan, this is just to show you a trailer, to make you understand our power and not to test our patience furthera this is the first and final warning to you," the post read. "Next time, the bullets won't be fired at walls or empty homes. You consider Dawood Ibrahim (Kaskar) and Chhota Shakeel as your gods, but we have two dogs named after thema this hint is enough and I don't want to say anything more," according to Anmol Bishnoi's post, signed off with 'Jai Shri Ram'. For the past several years, Salman Khan and his family have been facing death threats from certain Punjab-based mafia groups like the Bishnoi gang. During the past two years, he and his father Salim Khan have been issued death threats in different ways, including dropping a letter to the family. Salman Khan, 58, lives with almost his entire joint family comprising parents, brothers and their kin at the landmark Galaxy Apartments in the picturesque Bandra sea-face area. For several years, Salim Khan and Salman Khan have been getting death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang after the 1998 blackbuck poaching incident in Rajasthan. Following the multiple threats to the Mumbai-based actor, the city police have upgraded the security cover of Salman Khan, plus issued him a permit for a gun license and last year, the actor acquired a new bullet-proof SUV as additional protection to safely move around. Berlin, April 15 : When a relative or friend is suffering from burnout, they need your help. Burnout is the result of a long period of stress which negatively affects your wellbeing. While seeking professional help and being diagnosed is a first, important step, relatives and friends can also do their part to make things easier for the person affected. The most important thing when someone close to you suffers from burnout is to be understanding, says Professor Petra Beschoner, a specialist in psychiatry, psychotherapy and psychosomatic medicine. "Ideally, relatives should educate themselves about the illness and organise professional help - also for themselves," Beschoner, who heads a clinic in southern Germany, recommends. "People who suffer from burnout often react cynically and irritably, which can be very stressful for their social environment. Those affected also withdraw. However, this should not be seen as a personal offence, but as a symptom of burnout." People tend to think that they need to handle those affected by burnout with kid gloves, Beschoner says. But this can be counterproductive, according to the expert. "Relatives often tend to keep everything away from the person affected. But burnout patients in particular often define themselves by their responsibilities, so restricting their autonomy is not very effective," she explains. Some symptoms of burnout, like signs of exhaustion, overlap with those of depression. According to the doctor, it is therefore important that the diagnosis is always made by specialists or psychotherapists who have the necessary differential diagnostic experience. According to Britain's National Health Service, other symptoms of burnout include muscle pains, headaches, sleeping problems, weight gain or loss and memory problems. Bhopal, April 15 : Madhya Pradesh Police has registered a case against former Chief Minister Kamal Nath's right-hand man RK Miglani and a journalist associated with a national news channel for allegedly conspiring to circulate a fake obscene video of BJP candidate, Vivek Banti Shahu. Bhopal, April 15 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Police has registered a case against former Chief Minister Kamal Nathas right-hand man RK Miglani and a journalist associated with a national news channel for allegedly conspiring to circulate a fake obscene video of BJP candidate, Vivek Banti Shahu. The case has been registered on the basis of a written complaint submitted by a journalist Sudesh Nagvanshi, who claimed that he was asked to circulate an obscene video of Vivek Banti Shahu with a woman, in Chhindwara. Vivek Banti Shahu will take on sitting Congress MP from Chhindwara and ex-CM Kamal Nathas son Nakul Nath. The complainant told the police that he received a call from another journalist Sachin Gupta telling him to reach Kamal Nathas bungalow in Chhindwara. "Upon reaching the bungalow, Sachin Gupta took me inside (to an office) where Kamal Nath's PA, RK Miglani was already present. They showed me an obscene video of BJP candidate, Vivek Banti Shahu and asked me to share the video two days before voting in Chhindwara," a copy of the complaint available with IANS stated. Nagvanshi added that after leaving Kamal Nath's bungalow, he contacted Vivek Banti Shahu and told him about his obscene video with a woman. Subsequently, a police team knocked on the doors of Kamal Nath's residence in Chhindwara on Monday afternoon and interrogated Miglani. However, the police did not respond to the mediapersons standing outside the former CMas bungalow. Speaking to the media after the police team left the house, Miglani said, "I was not questioned by the police. I was served a notice. I told them I will respond to it after the elections." This incident has taken place just three days before the first phase of General Elections on April 19 have heated up Madhya Pradesh's political scenario. Importantly, this entire drama has unfolded a day before Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, is set to visit Chhindwara where he will participate in a mega roadshow and address a public rally for the party candidate. Piyush Babele, media adviser to Kamal Nath, confirmed that a police team reached the senior Congress leader's residence to conduct a search. New Delhi, April 15 : An Indian armed forces contingent, comprising army and air force personnel, left for Uzbekistan on Monday to participate in the joint military exercise 'Dustlik', scheduled from April 15 to 28, a Defence Ministry statement said. The exercise, to be held in Termez in the Central Asian nation, is being organised to foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in mountainous as well as semi-urban terrain, it said. It would focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills. The Defence Ministry said the complexity of this edition of the exercise has been enhanced with the conduct of multi-domain operations as the 60-member Indian contingent comprises 45 army personnel, majorly from a Jat Regiment battalion, as well as combat support arms and services, and 15 personnel from the Indian Air Force. The army component also comprises two women - one from the Artillery and the other from the Army Medical Corps. The Uzbek contingent, comprising approximately 100 personnel from the army and air force, will be represented by personnel from its Southern Operational Command, part of the South-West Military District. Tactical drills to be practised during the exercise will include the creation of a joint command post, establishing an intelligence and surveillance centre, securing of a landing site, small team insertion and extraction, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, and demolition of illegal structures. As per the ministry, Exercise 'Dustlik' will enable the two sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations, and facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of both countries. This will also enhance the level of defence cooperation, further fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations, it said. The exercise is a yearly event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan, with the previous edition conducted at India's Pithoragarh in February 2023. Chennai, April 15 : Ever since the Katchatheevu island issue was raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, Tamil Nadu has been witnessing heightened political activity with leaders raising allegations and counter allegations on the issue cutting across party lines. Expectedly, the issue has become a talking point in the Nagapattinam Lok Sabha constituency, where the INDIA bloc has fielded CPI leader V. Selvaraj against AIADMK's Surjeet Sankar and S.G.M. Ramesh of the BJP, who's the son of late Communist leader S.G. Murugaiyan. Fishermen's issues are also dominating the political discourse in Nagapattinam, which has a stretch of 187 km of coastal area. Since January 1, around 124 fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, which also impounded more than 20 mechanised boats costing large sums of money. The Nagapattinam fishing hamlet has 1,064 mechanised boats, the largest in the state. Prime Minister Modi recently raised the Katchatheevu issue and accused the erstwhile Congress government of handing over the island to Sri Lanka in 1974 with the connivance of then DMK Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, triggering a major political debate, especially in Nagapattinam. Farming is another major vocation for the people of this constituency that falls in the tail end of the Cauvery Delta region, where paddy cultivation is done on around 1.37 hectares of land. This makes water supply from the Cauvery River a major issue in this region. While Karnataka has been accused of denying Cauvery water to the state, the announcement of the construction of the Mekedatu dam has caused apprehensions among the farming community of the region. This issue seems to have put the INDIA bloc candidate and senior CPI leader V. Selvaraj on the back foot, as the Congress, a key constituent of the opposition alliance, is in power in Karnataka. The Congress government in Karnataka has allocated around Rs 8,500 crore for the construction of the Mekedatu dam, which could lead to reduced water flow from Cauvery into Tamil Nadu, thus affecting the farmers in Nagapattinam. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, CPI candidate M. Selvarasu defeated M. Saravanan of the AIADMK by a margin of 2,11,353 votes. The constituency comprises six Assembly segments -- Nagapattinam, Kilvelur, Vedaranyam, Thiruthuraipoondi, Thiruvarur, and Nannilam. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Nagapattinam Assembly seat was won by VCK leader Aloor Shanavas who defeated AIADMK's Thanka Kathiravan by a margin of 7,238 votes. Kilvelur assembly seat was won by Nagaimaali of the CPI-M in the 2021 assembly elections defeating PMK leader ,Vadivel Ravanan by a margin of 16,985 votes. In the ,Vedaranyam seat OS Manian of the AIADMK defeating SK Vedarathinam of the DMK by a margin of 12,329 votes. The Thiruthuraipoondi Assembly seat was won by K. Marimuthu of the CPI, who defeated C. Suresh Kumar of the AIADMK by 30,068 votes. DMK's K. Poondi Kalaivanan won the Thiruvarur Assembly seat by defeating A.N.R. Panneerselvam of the AIADML by a huge margin of 51,174 votes. The Nannilam seat was won by R. Kamaraj of the AIADMK who beat DMK's S. Jothiraman by a slender margin of 4,424 votes. Thus, the candidates of VCK, DMK, CPI, and CPI-M -- which are all part of the INDIA bloc now -- won four of the six Assembly seats in 2021, while the remaining two seats were won by the AIADMK, which was in an alliance with the PMK, and the BJP. However, elections for the Lok Sabha are quite different and the past results in Assembly polls cannot be taken as the benchmark for predicting the outcomes. Commenting on the contest, BJP candidate S.G.M. Ramesh told IANS, "Our party is contesting to win the elections. We have reached out to almost all the voters in the constituency. We are showcasing the exceptional governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The developmental initiatives taken up by the Modi government have given us the opportunity to connect with the people of Tamil Nadu. I strongly believe that there would be a shift in the psyche of the voters in Tamil Nadu, and we will win many seats, including Nagapattinam, this time." While the BJP leader sounded confident of winning the polls, some locals predict a tough contest in Nagapattinam. They say by fielding the son of a respected Communist leader, the BJP will cut into opposition votes. K.R. Palainiappan, a local fisherman, told IANS, "Fishermen from the region are regularly attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy. Many community members are languishing in prison, while our costly mechanised boats are also being impounded, causing misery to us. Both the Central and state governments have been found wanting on this issue, though of late the Centre has shown some interest in this matter." He also said that Prime Minister Modi raising the Katchatheevu issue has brought the matter to the centre stage, as to how and why the island was given away to Sri Lanka on a platter. R.Shakthivel, a political analyst-cum-psephologist based out of Tirunelveli, told IANS, "Nagapattinam has been a traditional stronghold for the Communists, which gives the CPI candidate an edge. But after the Prime Minister raised the Katchatheevu issue, the BJP has gained some ground. Also, its candidate S.G.M. Ramesh hails from a Communist family and could cut into some Left votes. While the AIADMK also has its traditional support base in the constituency, I feel CPI's Selvaraj has an edge right now." Jaipur, April 15 : Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Monday held her first roadshow in Alwar which travelled a total of 2.7 kms in around 50 minutes. The roadshow was organised in support of the Congressa Lok Sabha candidate Lalit Yadav who is the MLA from Alwar and has been fielded against Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav. Priyanka Gandhi waved at the people standing by the side of the road in huge numbers and also shook hands with a few of them. Interestingly, many people wrote about the challenges they were facing, on a piece of paper and gave her their slips as she passed them by in the campaign vehicle. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, party incharge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully and former minister Jitendra Bhanwar Singh were present on the vehicle with Priyanka Gandhi. Congress workers from eight Assembly constituencies were walking along with the veteran leaders in the roadshow. On this occasion, many MLAs, former MLAs and youth leaders came to her vehicle and met Priyanka Gandhi. The roadshow started from the Shaheed Samarak and passed through Church Road, Kalakand Market, Ghantaghar, Kashiram Chauraha and culminated at road number 2 in Alwar. The roadshow was supposed to culminate at Bhagat Singh Circle however, it was stopped 300 metres from the venue. From there Priyanka Gandhi headed for Bandikui (Dausa) in a car for another public meeting. ABU DHABI, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS: In a landscape marked by economic flux and environmental concerns, the AIM Congress 2024 stands as a beacon of collaboration and insight, poised to drive global investment prospects under the theme, "Adapting to a Shifting Investment Landscape: Harnessing New Potential for Global Economic Development." Scheduled from May 7-9 in Abu Dhabi, this three-day conference will host a dynamic investment track aimed at exploring and charting the course for economic resilience and growth through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI). Themed "Resilient, Sustainable Economic Growth Creating a Healthy and Prospective Investment through FDI and FPI," the investment track will serve as a nexus for global leaders, experts, and industry professionals. The program will commence with a landmark leaders panel discussing "Geopolitical Tensions 2024: New Challenges and New FDI Destinations," followed by eleven panel sessions covering sustainable investment trends, inclusive FDIs in LDCs, FPI forecasts, renewable energy, climate financing, public-private partnerships, and more. Additionally, fireside chats will delve into topics such as evaluating COP28's legacy and exploring FDIs in UAE. Moreover, attendees can participate in a master class on Blended Finance Dissected, an AIM Talk on Implications of Tax Reforms for IPAs and SEZs, and a presentation on FDI in the Healthcare Industry: Opportunities and Challenges, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the latest trends and opportunities in the global investment landscape. Together with the AIM Congress, the AIM Investment Awards 2024 will take place on May 7, celebrating the top FDI projects globally. This prestigious event recognizes Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) for their role in attracting valuable investments and contributing positively to their economies. Categories for the awards include Innovation and Research Collaboration, Global Competitiveness Enhancement, Investment Size, Ease of Doing Business, Community and Social Impact, Trade Balance Effects, Sustainability and Local Linkages, and Diversification of Industries. Furthermore, AIM Congress 2024 will host the AIM Perception Study for IPAs 2024 in collaboration with UNIDO, WAIPA, and KPMG. This collaborative survey aims to extract valuable insights from IPA experiences, fostering a collaborative approach in the IPA landscape and driving global economic development. The study will be announced during AIM Congress 2024, with plans for future editions to continue this legacy of delivering genuine, accessible content, and the survey is available digitally throughout the year. Organized under the umbrella of AIM Global Foundation, supported by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development as lead partner, AIM Congress 2024 invites all stakeholders to join this unique convergence of global leaders, visionaries, and change-makers in Abu Dhabi from May 7-9, 2024. Join us at AIM Congress 2024: Register now: https://aimcongress.com/delegate-register#delegate-registration Chennai, April 15 : Residents of Vengaivayal Dalit colony in Muttukadu panchayat in Tamil Nadu's Pudukottai district on Monday announced that they would boycott the ensuing Lok Sabha elections over lack of action in the human excreta in the water tank case. The Dalit residents, comprising around 30 families, of Vengaivayal put up banners announcing their decision to boycott the poll at two places in the village. Pudukottai comes under Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha constituency where Durai Vaiko, son of MDMK leader Vaiko, is contesting the polls as INDIA bloc candidate, while the AIADMK has fielded Karuppiah and the NDA candidate is Senthilnathan of the AMMK. The residents threatened to boycott the elections after the state police's CB-CID failed to arrest those involved in mixing human faeces in an overhead drinking water tank in the village. The incident that happened on December 26, 2022, led to a major uproar in the state and there were allegations that either upper caste or intermediary caste people were behind the crime. The CB-CID has been investigating the case but has found no leads, saying that as there was no direct evidence in the case, they were trying to find scientific evidence and have conducted DNA tests and voice analysis of some of the suspects. However, the local Dalits are not convinced. Talking to IANS. Vengaivayal Dalit colony resident K. Shailaja said: "It is going to be two years since the incident took place, but we havenat got justice yet. We have been traumatised and there was serious investigation when the issue hit the headlines and now nothing is happening. Politicians come to us only during elections and we have decided to boycott the ensuing Lok Sabha polls." "People of the village were not even able to travel by bus to another village to attend even a family function as police suspect that we may be going for protest," she added. Another resident M.K. Velu said: "To hold a function, we have to get permission from the Deputy Superintendent of Police and Superintendent of Police. We are boycotting this Lok Sabha election as we donat have any other option left." He said that with constant police presence, the village felt like an open prison and that they wanted an end to this kind of torture. Velu said that as they were few in numbers, no politician was taking up the issue but their protest by boycotting the polls would make the matter again known to the outside world. Thiruvananthapuram: Women voters wait in a queue to cast their votes for the third phase of 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on April 23, 2019. (Photo: IANS/PIB). Image Source: IANS News Thiruvananthapuram, April 15 : Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul on Monday released the latest voters list, which shows that the state's electorate comprises 2,77,49,159 voters, with women (1,43,33,499) outnumbering the men (1,34,15,293). Kerala has 20 Lok Sabha seats and polling will be held on April 26 in the second phase of the polls. There are 2,46,959 voters above 85 years of age and 2,891 aged 100 or above. There are 5,34,394 first-time voters besides 88,384 Non-Resident Keralite and 367 transgender voters. There will be 25,177 polling booths and 181 auxiliary booths and out of these 2,776 will be model polling booths. As many as 555 polling booths will be manned by all-women teams, while youths will manage 100 and 10 booths will be managed by physically-challenged poll officials. New Delhi, April 15 : India and France on Monday jointly assessed the counter-terrorism challenges, including the use of new and emerging technologies by terrorists, misuse of the internet for terror purposes, radicalisation, and terror financing. The discussions were held during the 16th meeting of the India-France Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in Delhi with the Indian side led by MEA Joint Secretary (CT) K.D. Dewal and the French delegation headed by Ambassador Olivier Caron, the Special Envoy for Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime. "Anti-India separatist activities, and countering terror financing, organised crime and narco-terror networks also featured in the discussions. The Indian side presented its viewpoints on NMFT and FATF, which led to an exchange of respective positions by the two sides," said a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. "Both sides exchanged views on the terrorist threats in their respective regions, including state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, besides the terror activities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region," it added. India and France, it said, also emphasised the importance of strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation through the exchange of information, capacity building, training programmes and exercises, and cooperation at the multilateral fora, such as the UN, FATF, and NMFT. Wayanad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during an election campaign for the Lok Sabha polls. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, April 15 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday submitted a complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Congress leader of levelling 'malafide, patently false and utterly sinister' allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the complaint, the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of grossly violating the Model Code of Conduct at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. "We refer to your earlier show cause notice issued against Rahul Gandhi dated November 23, 2023, regarding his derisive and obnoxious utterances against Prime Minister Narendra Modi without any basis or substance. "Throwing the earlier word of caution to the wind, Rahul Gandhi, as a serial offender, has again levelled grossly malafide, patently false, and utterly sinister allegations against the Prime Minister during his public rally at Coimbatore on April 12." The transcript of Rahul Gandhi's speech has also been attached with the complaint for reference. The complaint read, "Rahul Gandhi has tried to create a linguistic and cultural divide between the Tamil-speaking people and others by levelling a baseless allegation that the Prime Minister wants only one language in India, implying thereby that the PM is against the Tamil language. "By making this false, unsubstantiated, unverified, and baseless allegation, he *Rahul Gandhi) has hit at the credibility of the Prime Minister, besides creating a bias against him in the minds of the people of Tamil Nadu. "Rahul Gandhi has made a nefarious attempt to create a linguistic and cultural divide for electoral gains. The falsehood in the public utterances of Rahul Gandhi gets completely exposed on the perusal of the following links (attached with the complaint), wherein the Prime Minister has very clearly exhibited his utmost respect for Tamil language and culture, "The Prime Minister has expressed his desire to develop Tamil into an international language, which makes all Tamil-speaking people extremely proud of our heritage, culture, and linguistic richness." Jammu, April 15 : Democratic Progressive Azad Party President and former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday termed National Conference Vice President and former CM Omar Abdullah a "tourist" in J&K. Addressing a public meeting in Doda town, Azad said that Omar Abdullah spends summer in London and winters in some other country and that he is not familiar with the politics of J&K. His statement came in the wake of Omar Abdullah's remarks that Azadas party had been reduced to a party of only the Kathua-Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency. "Omar Sahib, had you been in India, you would have come to know. You visit your maternal grandfatheras house during summers in London and some hot country during the winters and you come here as a tourist. As the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah used to visit Chenab Valley for five minutes and didnat visit the area even once during the last few years," Azad said. "Have you seen his face in Doda, Bhaderwah, and Kishtwar during his tenure as the CM? Has he been here for the last 10 years?" Azad asked, terming Omar Abdullah's present visits to villages and rural areas as ruses to deceive the people once again. The DPAP has fielded former minister G.M.Saroori as its candidate in the Kathua-Udhampur seat, which comprises Doda, Kishtwar, and Bhaderwah too. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh of the BJP is seeking re-election from this constituency for the third time, while Chaudhary Lal Singh of the Congress is also in the fray. The constituency goes to vote on April 19 in the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls. Thiruvananthapuram, April 15 : For the second time on the same day at different venues in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) for "robbing the poor", saying "action would be taken against the corrupt". After slamming Vijayan at his first election rally in Trissur district earlier on Monday, PM Modi arrived here at Kattakada and addressed a massive gathering during which he again criticised the Kerala Chief Minister. "The CPI-M in Kerala has robbed the poor. In around 80 CPI-M controlled Cooperative banks, there were problems. The Trissur district CPI-M secretary has amassed assets worth Rs 100 crore," PM Modi said while adding that Vijayan was telling lies by saying that "the money will be returned". "... but it is the Centre which will give the money back to the people who have deposited in these Cooperative banks, and their monies were looted by the CPI-M. By now, everyone knows about the involvement of Vijayan and his daughter in the matter of CMRL company (a Kochi-based mining firm currently under the scanner of the ED). Had Narendra Modi government been not there, this scam would have gone unnoticed," PM Modi said. He further said: "All the corrupt will be taken into task. Due to the way the Kerala government is being run, the Treasury is empty and there is no money to even pay salaries. The funds from the Centre are used to repay the debts. The state government also went to the Supreme Court and they got a sound beating. It was said that the financial situation was appalling because of the poor governance and corruption." Before ending his speech, PM Modi also urged those present in the rally to support the BJP and NDA candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "The Left and the Congress have joined against us but I am not worried about that. I request all of you to vote for the BJP for a corruption-free government," PM Modi said. Also present on the stage with PM Modi included BJP nominees in Kerala for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls -- Union Ministers Rajeev Chandrasekhar (Thiruvananthapuram LS seat) and V. Muraleedharan (Attingal LS seat); S. Krishnakumar (Kollam LS seat) and Kerala unit BJP president K. Surendran (Wayanad LS seat). Kolkata, April 15 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday sought a report from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, on the reported search operation carried out by the Income Tax Department in the chopper being used by Trinamool Congress national General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday. Confirming the development, Additional CEO Arindam Niyogi told mediapersons that the district election officer concerned will send a detailed report to the ECI on this count. Earlier on Monday, Banerjee accused the I-T officials of not allowing his chopper to go on a trial run even after the completion of the reported search operation. He even threatened to take legal action against the alleged obstruction of the trial run. Later in the day, three officials nominated by the ECI reached the flying club where the chopper is stationed, though they refused to reveal the purpose of their visit to the waiting mediapersons. On Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also sounded critical of the reported search operation at her nephew's chopper. "I-T officers checked his chopper thinking there was gold and cash in it. We do not move around with such things like the BJP leaders," the Chief Minister said. New Delhi, April 15 : Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande embarked on a four-day visit to Uzbekistan on Monday to bolster defence cooperation between New Delhi and Tashkent. Apart from holding talks with the top military officers, the Army chief will also visit Termez on April 18 to witness the joint exercise Dustlik between the armed forces of India and Uzbekistan. During interactions with the top military brass, he will be exploring "new areas" on which the two countries can work in a "more comprehensive and coordinated manner". While engaging in dialogue with the top defence leadership of Uzbekistan, General Pande is expected to take stock of the various strategic and security challenges resulting from growing "global hostilities" and "spectre of war", sources in diplomatic and strategic establishments told IANS. The two sides will explore ways to take the military and defence cooperation to a new height to deal with such challenges more effectively. Significantly, the Army chiefas visit to Central Asiaas second-biggest economy is taking place a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about "the time of global conflicts and uncertainties". The PM said that there is a cloud of uncertainty and tension looming over the world as there are conflicts everywhere. He had stressed the need for a strong and stable government in India amidst such global unrest. PM Modi was referring to the rising tension in the Middle East, a sensitive region where no less than one crore Indians live. He was concerned about the safety of Indians in such conflict-ridden zones, indicating that only a strong government can secure the lives of our people abroad. With the global unrest in the backdrop, all eyes will be on the Army chiefas upcoming talks with Uzbek Defence Minister, Lt General Bakhodir Kurbanov. Ramping up military and defence cooperation between the two countries will be one of the top agendas. Apart from the Ukraine conflict, the issue of terrorism will also figure prominently during the talks, say sources. Intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies of India and Uzbekistan are already working together in a coordinated manner to combat the threat of terrorism from various regions. The two countries have already broad-based cooperation to destroy terrorist safe havens, networks and funding channels. The Army Chief in talks with his Uzbek counterpart is expected to review the existing cooperation to deal with the challenge of terrorism emanating from the territory under control of Afghanistan and Pakistan. What is worth mentioning here is that India and Uzbekistan share common perspectives on a number of security issues, including terrorism, transnational organised crime, illegal trafficking and smuggling, etc. The two nations have been working closely in these areas. Now, India is keen to expand existing ties to a much higher level to work more closely on security and strategic issues. In what highlights robust ties between the two countries is the fact that India was one of the first nations to recognise the state sovereignty of Uzbekistan after the latteras independence. PM Narendra Modi has always put primacy on ties with Uzbekistan. He attended a meeting of the Head of States of the SCO in Samarkand in September 2022. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also attended a virtual meeting of Heads of State of SCO in July 2023. New Delhi, April 15 : Can Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is presently in judicial custody in Tihar Jail in connection with the excise policy case, run the government from prison? As per the prison manual, an under-trial prisoner is only allowed to write letters to his/her family members, relatives, close friends, and counsels from inside the jail. A senior prison official said that Kejriwal, or any other inmate under judicial custody, is permitted to sign only two categories of documents, which cannot have any political implications and are restricted to legal documents related to property matters. The official's statement followed assertions by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, claiming that the Chief Minister will continue in his role in government affairs while incarcerated. The AAP has also indicated that starting next week, the Chief Minister plans to conduct weekly reviews with two ministers in the prison to assess the progress being made in their respective departments. However, the jail manual says that an MLA can communicate only with the Speaker of the House from the prison. "All communications addressed by a prisoner, who is a member of the state Assembly or the Parliament, to the Speaker or Chairman of the House of which he is a member, or to the Chairman of the Committee (including the Committee on Privileges) of such a House, or of a Joint Committee of both Houses of the state legislature or the Parliament, shall be immediately forwarded by the Superintendent of Prison to the government to deal with it in accordance with the rights and privileges of the prisoner as a Member of the House to which he belongs," read Rule No. 628 of the 2018 prison manual. It added that prisoners may be allowed to write letters only to their family members, relatives, and close friends, or legal counsels. "Prisoners should also be allowed to correspond with the counsels handling their cases. In case it is found that the prisoner is corresponding with undesirable persons or receiving letters from them or if any correspondence is found detrimental to the prisoner's rehabilitation, such letters, both incoming and outgoing, shall be withheld. "Prisoners should be informed of such action without divulging the contents of the letters received. If necessary, they may also be warned in this regard," read the prison rule. Till now, Kejriwal has sent messages to AAP MLAs, leaders, and workers through his wife Sunita Kejriwal since he was sent to judicial custody in the excise policy case on April 1. During his Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, Kejriwal, who was arrested on March 21, had issued two directions to his council of ministers. Kejriwal is lodged at Jail No. 2 in Tihar. He had earlier provided a list of six names, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, his family members, and friends, who he wanted to communicate with from the prison. Chennai, April 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the DMK in Tamil Nadu connived with the Congress and handed over the Katchatheevu island to a foreign nation, adding both parties kept the people of the state in the dark for several decades over the issue. Speaking at a massive election rally in Tirunelveli's Ambasamudram grounds, PM Modi said the matter on Katchatheevu island has now been brought into the open by the BJP while noting that the development of the past had gone on to cause major difficulties for the fisherfolks of Tamil Nadu. Speaking on the drugs menace in the state, PM Modi also said that the people of Tamil Nadu know very well who was protecting the drugs mafia. PM Modi said that the people of Tamil Nadu through ballots must give a fitting response to those who were protecting the drugs mafia. He also said that the BJP manifesto which was released on Tamil New Year day focused on promoting Tamil -- one of the oldest languages in the world. He said that Thiruvalluvar culture centres would be set up across the globe to promote Tamil culture and make the world familiar with the rich culture and, legacy of Tamil Nadu. PM Modi also said that the DMK and Congress were opposed to Tamil symbols and culture and pointed out the reservations raised by the parties against 'Sengol'. He called upon the people of Tamil Nadu not to forget those who do not pay respects to the culture and tradition of Tamil Nadu. PM Modi also said that the Central government has sanctioned Vande Bharat Express from Tirunelveli to Chennai, and this has eased the travel. The Prime Minister also said that Bullet Train project will also be sanctioned for south India by the new government. PM Modi also said that the political analysts based in Delhi were surprised at the "blessings and love showered by mothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu". PM Modi said that Tamil heroes like Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Maruthu brothers, and Muthuramalinga Thevar were national heroes. He also said that freedom fighter, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai is an inspiration for him. PM Modi also said that K. Kamaraj, who was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, was an upright leader. He said that the DMK and Congress were even insulting the legacy of the great leader. PM Modi said that the BJP was taking forward the legacy of former Tamil Nadu chief minister, M.G. Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR. He said that the DMK was constantly attacking the legacy of MGR and J. Jayalalithaa. PM Modi further said that he was working for a 'Viksit Tamil Nadu' along with a 'Viksit Bharat'. He said that the DMK and Congress were opposing all development-related work in the state. PM Modi said: "You have voted for the DMK and the Congress in several elections but do vote for the BJP this time, and see the difference. I am thinking 24x7 about a developed Bharat by 2047. I want that development to happen, and Tamil Nadu should not be left behind in this development." Acknowledging the crowd and the reception of the people of his rallies, PM Modi said: "I feel that this is a victory meet and not an election meet." BJP candidates for Lok Sabha polls, Nainar Nagendran (Tirunelveli LS seat), Raadhika Sarathkumar (Virudhunagar), John Pandian (Tenkasi), Pon Radhakrishnan (Kanniyakumari), and Vijayaseelan (Thoothukudi) were also present on the stage along with PM Modi during the programme. PM Modi, urging the people to support the BJP candidates, said that he wants these leaders to be elected and work with him in Delhi in the next government. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Representatives of Armenia's Ministry of High-Tech Industry met with all companies operating in the military industry sector to discuss existing issues. Internal tests were conducted on several weapons intended for use by the Armenian Armed Forces in the near future, the Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, said during a press conference Monday. The minister also informed that internal tests were conducted on several weapons and management systems, which will potentially be integrated into the Armenian Armed Forces in the near future. He added that they met with all the companies operating in the field of military industry, raised all the issues, and expect that a number of issues will be resolved in the near future. "In the summary list of the Armenian military-industrial complex, in the registry, several new companies engaged in the activities of the military-industrial complex were registered. The Ministry of High-Tech Industry has initiated a number of legislative changes, one of the main changes will be the expansion of the scope of functions of the Ministry, represented by the Military Industry Committee, which will make it possible to implement the funding of the creation of test samples, the acquisition, storage and production of components and their parts, as well as the technical production of domestically demanded products for the purpose of the functions of export promotion of certification of conformity of the specification," said Mkhitar Hayrapetyan. According to Hayrapetyan, the project for the new structure of the Ministry and the Military-Industrial Committee has been initiated. This initiative aims to enhance the committee's functionality, aligning it more effectively with the vision for the development of the military-industrial complex, legislation, and the charter. Kolkata, April 15 : The Calcutta High Court on Monday granted permission to the Visva Hindu Parishad (VHP) to take out a procession in Howrah district on the occasion of Ram Navami on April 17. The VHP had approached the high court seeking permission for the procession after the same was denied by the police. After giving its nod for the Ram Navami procession, the single-judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta also observed that in case the state police cannot take responsibility for a peaceful procession, the same can be taken out under the watch of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). "The administration cannot interfere in someone's liberty to perform religious rituals. If the police cannot take responsibility for a procession of just 200 people, the CAPF can take that responsibility," Justice Sengupta observed. The state government's counsel argued that last year, around 12,000 people took part in a similar procession on Ram Navami which led to a serious law and order problem. "Even the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting a probe into the incident. That is why the police denied permission for the procession," the state government counsel said. However, Justice Sengupta refused to entertain the argument, citing that the organisers have clearly stated in the application that this year, the procession will consist of 200 individuals. Sangli : , April 15 (IANS) On expected lines, Congress leader Vishal Prakashbapu Patil on Monday filed his nomination papers as an Independent candidate for the Sangli Lok Sabha seat -- challenging the official INDIA bloc-Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Chandrahar Patil. Vishal Patil, the grandson of the late chief minister Vasantdada Patil and son of the veteran 5-time MP Prakashbapu Patil, will lock horns with the BJP's sitting two-term MP Sanjaykaka Patil attempting a hat-trick in Sangli. Supporters of Vishal Patil claimed that they were still hopeful of a Congress ticket, and he is likely to file a second set of nomination papers on Tuesday, though party officials declined to comment on the developments. Congress MLA Dr. Vishwajeet Kadam from Palus-Kadegaon in Sangli along with Vishal Patil and other district senior party leaders had called on the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other top brass in Delhi several times insisting that the Congress should contest Sangli. Kadam-Patil duo last week also made a fervent request to the Shiv Sena (UBT) President and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to 'give up' the Sangli seat to Congress but the latter has spurned their pleas. Since the past few days, there were political murmurs in Sangli that the aggrieved party workers would not campaign for the SS (UBT) nominee Chandrahar Patil, a wrestling champion. Earlier, the state Congress leaders including President Nana F. Patole and others had raised objections to the SS (UBT) unilaterally 'grabbing' the Sangli seat even when the seat-sharing negotiations were in progress last month. Meanwhile, the Congress has kept mum on the latest development though Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) circles believe that Vishal Patil's decision to contest as an Independent could lead to a triangular contest and upset the prospects of Chandrahar Patil, proving beneficial to the BJP. New Delhi, April 15 : Meta on Monday said that it will temporarily shut down the Instagram Threads app in Turkey from April 29, in order to comply with an interim order of the Turkish Competition Authority (TCA). The company said that there will be no impact on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or any other Meta services in the country, or Threads in other countries. "We are taking steps to minimise disruption for people using Threads in Turkey," Meta said in a statement. People using Threads will be notified of this decision within the app before the April 29 deadline. "People using Threads in Turkey can choose whether to deactivate but not delete their Threads profile, or to delete their profile," the company said. People with deactivated profiles can download their posts and preserve their existing content through our Download Your Information tool at any time, said Meta in a blog post. The regulator recently issued an interim order prohibiting the sharing of data between Threads and Instagram. "We disagree with the interim order, we believe we are in compliance with all Turkish legal requirements, and we will appeal," said Meta. New Delhi, April 15 : Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the spiritual guru and the Founder of Art of Living Foundation joined the Viksit Bharat Ambassador programme over the weekend and showered praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for steering the nation on a growth path while restoring and reviving the country's spiritual legacy. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, sharing his views on the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' mission praised PM Modi-led government for the mushrooming of start-ups, India's clear foreign policy during Russia-Ukraine war and also credited it for the complete overhaul of Kashi Vishwanath temple, which remained neglected for 70 years under the previous regimes. Addressing the gathering at two Viksit Bharat events, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said "today, I can proudly say that country is witnessing a marked change in its belief system". "Earlier, people were afraid to wear tilak on their heads, hesitant to assert their identity though corruption remained a norm of the day. Before heading to the office, they would erase their tilak but now, this is not the case. And, there is nothing wrong in sticking to one's own religious beliefs and also accepting it before everybody," he said. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar further said that PM Modi's leadership has brought a decisive change in the country's image abroad and it has taken the country to greater heights. "A leader should be able to gauge the mood of people, understand the country's legacy, and also understand the world. After all, Ram Rajya envisages that basic amenities for all are fulfilled including food, shelter, and clothes," he said. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also lauded PM Modi's exemplary leadership at a time when Russia and Ukraine got engaged into an armed conflict. "When Ukraine and Russia got engaged in war, each of them sought to rally India's support behind them but it was PM Modi-led government's unwavering stance that helped position the country uniquely and strongly on the world map. India's firm 'no' in taking sides showed the country's vision and resolve for peaceful co-existence of all," he said. "Had India not adeptly handled the situation arising out of Ukraine-Russia war, its consequences could have taken a toll on the country's economy too," he added. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said that PM Modi-led government created an enabling environment for the emergence of umpteen entrepreneurs and start-ups. "Today, it's startling to see the growth of so many start-ups, the world is looking up to India with great hope and excitement and saying, Wow, India!" He also lauded the government for many path-breaking schemes and said that today money is being transferred into people's accounts directly. He, however, said that his views remain non-partisan and added that there was a need to accept and acknowledge, if the country was seeing positive and progressive changes. "Such things could have been possible earlier also but did happen. It's the resolve of this government that has turned into reality." Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also said that lakhs of entrepreneurs would not have realised their dreams had the government of the day not provided adequate support. He also recalled former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's strong devotion towards Lord Shiva, saying that she used to do Rudrabhishek but rued over the lack of basic infrastructure and facilities at Kashi Vishwanath for many decades. He also said that Mahatma Gandhi had also expressed concern over the situation in Kashi. He said that today's sprawling temple complex is a right tribute to our beliefs. "The construction of grand Vishwanath Dham is a step towards the vision and ambition of Viskit Bharat," said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He also lauded PM Modi's efforts and endeavour for restoring and reviving the Tamil culture. He said that Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage is being recognised across the world today and it was time 'not to hide but assert our identity'. He also said that 70 per cent of Japanese language comprises Tamil. New Delhi, April 15 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the country into the digital age, the Rashtriya Jatanta Dal (RJD) and its supporters seem determined to pull Bihar back into the 'lantern era'. New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the country into the digital age, the Rashtriya Jatanta Dal (RJD) and its supporters seem determined to pull Bihar back into the alantern eraa. Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Bihar' Nawada to seek support for BJP candidate Vivek Thakur, the UP Chief Minister took a dig at RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, saying: "Ishwar, Lalu ji ko swasth karein, aap aabadi badhayein aur BJP aawas banane ka karya karegi" (May God bless Laluji with good health and he contributes to increase the population while the BJP will handle housing construction)." Encouraging the voters to back the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for its developmental achievements, Yogi Adityanath termed RJD's past governance as a 'dark era', as he emphasised the BJP's commitment to honour the esteemed personalities. Taking a swipe at the RJD, Yogi Adityanath stressed that funds from Delhi now directly reach the beneficiaries' accounts. Highlighting the NDA's developmental achievements, CM Adityanath noted that under the Modi government, four crore impoverished individuals have received homes over the past decade, adding that three crore more houses will be constructed in the coming five years. He also highlighted that Nawada is the revered 'karmbhumi' of the late Jayaprakash Narayan, who played a pivotal role in safeguarding democracy, besides being the land of former Chief Minister late Karpuri Thakur. He also underscored Bihar's immense contributions to the nation, mentioning notable figures like the President of the Constituent Assembly late Rajendra Prasad, and former Chief Minister Krishna Sinha, who hailed from the region. "The Congress and its allies consistently failed to honour Jayaprakash Narayan and Karpoori Thakur. However, PM Modi and the BJP demonstrated their respect for Bihar's people by bestowing 'Bharat Ratna' upon Karpoori Thakur. Bihar is revered as the cradle of democracy, shaping the nation's history and imparting invaluable lessons in democracy." Yogi Adityanath also pointed out that the gravest challenges to democracy include the acriminalisation of politicsa and the apoliticisation of criminals', adding that politics based on caste and family is a major impediment to the democratic process. "With Ram Lalla being established in Ayodhya, there has been a surge in enthusiasm in Bihar. The first gift for the Ram Temple came from Bihar," he said. The BJP leader also mentioned that previously, the youth could avail interest-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh. However, as outlined in the BJP's Sankalp Patra, this amount has now been doubled to Rs 20 lakh. The UP Chief Minister also criticised the RJD for engaging in extortion activities, asserting that such activities are not tolerated under the BJP-NDA government. He pointed out that many associated with the RJD are known for brandishing weapons, as he questioned their commitment to progress. While the BJP and its allies aim to realise the vision of a self-reliant and digitally-advanced India through initiatives like Digital India, the RJD and its allies oppose these efforts. "We haven't just established Ram Lalla in Ayodhya; we've also sent the mafia and criminals on a journey to 'Ram Nam Satya Hai'. Some ended up in jail, and some are in hell. Only the BJP can achieve this. If you want Bihar to mirror UP's progress, don't let the heat deter you on April 19. Vote for the lotus symbol and stand against those who tarnish politics." Bengaluru, April 15 : Expressing his concern over incidents of killings of Indian students in the US, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday stated that though the incidents are unconnected, he does share the worry of the kin. Answering a question on murders of Indian students in the US in the last three and half months, he said: "If anything happens to the students, it is a great tragedy to the family, a big concern for us. Our embassy and consulates have looked at every case. They are actually unconnected. Some had personal issues, some had an accident and somebody was unfortunately murdered. So each case has been different." The External Affairs Minister said that people today are more aware and the number of Indian students is also strong enough. "I do share the worry. Even if they are unconnected, we have told embassies to keep in close touch with them. Whenever new students come, they should talk to them. In new cities, there are some pockets where you have to tell people that they should not go and also to convey not to take foolish risks. We have presently 11 to 12 lakh students studying abroad in different countries," he said. "Every Indian going out you have Modias guarantee. The student welfare is particularly important for us and we are working on it." Answering a question on handling the changing scenarios of the world, the Minister said: "We are very cognizant. There are going to be difficult years. Actually. India is an oasis of stability. If you look at any part of the world, few can say that they are better off today compared to the last five or 10 years. We have progressed, secured ourselves and built capacities." "But, it should not blind us. We have big challenges. For this, you need an experienced, courageous Prime Minister as well as a team in which he has confidence," he added. Asked about whether India will ever get Katchatheevu Island from Sri Lanka like how Ram Mandir was built and Article 370 abolished, Minister Jaishankar maintained that they are different issues and canat be compared. "We take our manifesto seriously. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh headed the committee and Prime Minister Modi sat through the process of preparing the manifesto. Our promises are real. What you see in the manifesto, you will get it," he said. Kolkata, April 15 : The excitement is palpable at Raiganj in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district over the election rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled on Tuesday, considering that it will be the first-ever public meeting by a sitting Prime Minister in the area. District BJP President Basudeb Sarkar said, "We expect a massive gathering of around 1 lakh people for the Prime Minister's rally on Tuesday. It will be the first time that a Prime Minister will address a public meeting in Raiganj. So the excitement among the people is huge. Even the supporters of the rival political parties are excited." PM Modi has already addressed several election rallies in West Bengal, which started even before the Election Commission announced the dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. At every rally, the Prime Minister launched scathing attacks against the ruling Trinamool Congress, especially on the events of sexual harassment of women at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. State BJP sources said the party leaders are also expecting the Prime Minister to refer to the attack on a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team at Bhupatinagar in East Midnapore district on April 6 during his speech on Tuesday. New Delhi, April 15 : AFS Intercultural Programs (or AFS, originally the American Field Service), the international youth exchange organisation sponsored by the US Department of State, will provide scholarships to two students from the Jamia Senior Secondary School (JSSS). Irsha Parveen and Afifa, both studying in Class X, have been selected for the prestigious AFS scholarship, which offers the selected students a comprehensive cultural exchange experience with a unique opportunity to study in the US for one year on a student exchange programme, where they stay with the host families. Jamia authorities told IANS that AFS is a global non-profit organisation that has been a leader in intercultural learning for over 100 years. The scholarship aims to foster cultural exchange, allowing the students to share the diversity of Indian culture while learning about new cultures, traditions, and life skills in the US. The two students were selected after comprehensive selection rounds where they had to compete with students from schools across India. While attending classes at a local high school in the US, they will participate in community service projects besides engaging in cultural activities. By fostering meaningful connections with their American counterparts, the students will promote cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. They will also serve as cultural ambassadors, bridging the gap between India and the US through open-mindedness and empathy. The two students will depart for the US in July 2024, an official added. New Delhi, April 15 : The Delhi Police's Crime Branch has arrested two sharpshooters of the Naresh Sethi-Ajay Jaildar gang, who were involved in firing at a property dealer office for extortion, after a brief exchange of fire, an official said on Monday. The duo was identified as Gaurav, 28, a resident of Haryana's Rohtak, and Lakshay, 21, a resident of Haryana's Pataudi. A firing incident occurred on Sunday in the Jafarpur Kalan area, where two individuals arrived on a motorcycle and discharged two rounds at the office of Pawan Properties. Two spent cartridges were discovered near the office's main gate. Additionally, they left behind a note demanding Rs 1 crore in the name of gang leaders Sethi and Jaildar. "Information was received regarding the presence of two armed individuals associated with the Naresh Sethi-Ajay Jaildar gang in the Chhawla area. Consequently, law enforcement set up a trap near Ghumanhera village and intercepted a motorcycle," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Amit Goel said. Despite being identified and ordered to surrender, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, firing two rounds at the police. In self-defence, the police returned fire with two rounds, promptly subduing the suspects. During the subsequent interrogation, both Gaurav and Lakshay confessed to their involvement in the extortion-related firing incident reported at the Jafarpur Kalan police station. "It's worth noting that the gang employs extensive measures to evade police detection, operating through multiple layers of intermediaries to arrange logistics," said the DCP. Remarkably, the two sharpshooters were previously unknown to each other just one week prior to the incident. "Furthermore, during interrogation, the accused provided information leading to the recovery of the motorcycle used in the crime and two loaded pistols," said the DCP. Gaurav revealed that he had previously been incarcerated for an Excise-related offence, where he became acquainted with members of the Naresh Sethi gang and subsequently joined the gang after being released on bail. "Recently, he received instructions from Ajay Jaildar via social media. Following these instructions, he contacted fellow accused Lakshay and acquired a motorcycle for the execution of their plan," said the DCP. "Interrogations revealed that Naresh Sethi orchestrated the operation to instil fear within the business community, leveraging his network of gang members across India," he added. Panaji, April 15 : Expressing its readiness to support the INDIA bloc in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) has put three conditions to the Congress, including the scrapping of the Kalasa-Banduri project. Manoj Parab, the President of the RGP, whom the Congress calls the 'B' Team of the BJP, said during a presser on Monday that the leaders of the INDIA bloc didn't talk to them on the seat-sharing arrangements. "But now wherever they hold meetings, we are blamed saying the RGP will divide votes and make the BJP win. They never contacted us in the past. We are ready for seat-sharing only if they fulfill our conditions," Parab said. He said the issue of Mhadei river diversion is important for Goa and hence the Congress should clear its views on it. "We want to give them an offer, which is very simple. We have three conditions, and if they are fulfilled, we are ready to discuss the seat-sharing formula as there is still time left. First, the Congress should mention in its 'Nyay Patra' that it will save Mhadei by scrapping the Kalsa-Bandura project with the help of the Karnataka government. Later, their national leaders should address a press conference in this regard," said Parab, adding that the RGP doesn't trust the Congress on this issue as after it formed the government in Karnataka, it went slow on the Mhadei issue. "Secondly, the Congress should mention in its state manifesto that it will demolish all slums encroached upon by migrants on government lands. Migrants are coming to Goa and grabbing our land. They are taking our jobs. They have even entered politics and will become ministers in the future. Around 80 per cent of the migrants avail of free medical services at the hospitals," Parab said. "Thirdly, the Congress should support us on the 'Person of Goan Origin' Bill. They should define who belongs to Goa. We give them time till April 20 to decide on our demands," Parab added. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a phone call with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock has termed the purpose of the Islamic Republic of Iran in conducting the attack against Israel as a warning to the Israeli regime to understand the consequences of crossing Iran's red lines, IRNA reports. The news agency reportedthat during the telephone conversation with Baerbock on Monday, Amirabdollahian described the powerful operation carried out bythe Iranian armed forces against the Israeli regime on Saturday night as a "precise" and "least" attack on military centers, noting thatthe operation was a retaliation for the Israeli attack on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria. It is noted that the top Iranian diplomat warned that "if the Israeli regime wants to continue its adventurous moves, the retaliatory action will be swift and large-scale." Mumbai, April 15 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde drove down to meet Bollywood actor Salman Khan and his family members late on Monday, sources said. The CM was accompanied by officials and police officers who went to the Galaxy Apartments in Bandra West, a day after two men fired four rounds outside the actor's residence. What transpired at the meeting and who all were present from the Khan family was not immediately known. The chilling deed was carried out by two motorcycle-borne individuals, who didn't harm anybody but sought to convey 'the message' loud and clear. Soon after the incident, the Chief Minister had called up Salman Khan and assured security and a thorough probe into the matter. Later, leaders of the Congress, BJP, Shiv Sena, and other celebs rushed to meet the Khans to expressed solidarity with them. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police have set up around 15 probe teams to investigate the case from all angles. The police have identified the two shooters and the antecedents of the motorcycle with a Raigad number registration. A private TV channel claimed late on Monday that the shooter duo reportedly lived in a building in Navi Mumbai, but the police have not yet commented it. Sydney, April 15 : A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after a bishop and several worshippers were stabbed in a Sydney church on Monday, reports said. At least four people were stabbed in the attack at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney's Wakeley suburb, but police said none of their injuries were life-threatening, the BBC reported. The stabbing comes days after six people were killed at a Sydney shopping mall in a stabbing spree by a lone knife-wielding assailant. He was shot dead by a police officer later. Monday's incident triggered violence as hundreds gathered outside the church, clashing with police, leaving at least two cops injured. As Vehicles were damaged as people threw stones, bricks and bottles, demanding, as per witnesses, that the attacker be brought outside. Police said they had deployed in the area in strength and asked the public to stay away from the spot. New South Wales' acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said the 15-year-old suspect was being treated for wounds to his hand and had been taken to a secure location. Mumbai, April 15 : Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will decide the fate of India, especially when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his resolve to make the country free of corruption and drugs. The Union Minister, who is the BJP's nominee from Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency, appealed to the voters to elect the BJP-led NDA government with a full majority at the Centre for the third time to speed up the development. Piyush Goyal said that the party's Sankalp Patra (poll manifesto) has been prepared with an emphasis on development, heritage and welfare of the poor. "BJP's Sankalp Patra gives a guarantee of a prosperous and developed India. 'Phir Ek Baar, Modi Sarkar' will be established after the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the country,'' the Union Minister said. He said that in the last 10 years of PM Modi-led government at the Centre, nearly 25 crore people have been brought off the poverty line due to a slew of initiatives taken by the government. "In the last 10 years, India's economy has grown to become the fifth-largest economy and the country has emerged as a manufacturing hub in the world. PM Modi-led government has fulfilled most of the promises made in 2014 and 2019, including construction of Ram Mandir, repeal of Article 370, Citizenship Amendment Act, etc.," Piyush Goyal said. Kohima, April 15 : Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) President R. Tsapikiu Sangtam on Monday clarified that the people of eastern Nagaland, comprising six districts, would not "boycott" the coming Lok Sabha elections but "abstain" from the electoral process. He said that there would be no obstruction to polling and election-related official and other activities in the six districts, despite the decision of eastern Nagaland's people to abstain from casting their ballots in the April 19 election to the state's sole Lok Sabha seat. Sangtam, while talking to the media, said that though the normal polling process would continue in all the ENPO areas, the public would abstain from the electoral process. He reiterated the ENPOas call to the people of the eastern region to stand in solidarity with the decision taken earlier. Acknowledging the citizensa right to vote, the Naga leader also highlighted their equal right to refrain from voting. "People of eastern Nagaland are unhappy with the indifferent attitude of the governments and treatment meted out to them by both the Central and state governments. People of the region had chosen to express their dissatisfaction at the highest level," he said. The ENPO, which has been demanding a separate administration or state comprising six backward Nagaland districts since 2010, earlier urged the people to boycott the April 19 elections to the lone Lok Sabha seat in the state unless their demand is met, despite the appeals from the state government and various other parties. The agitating ENPO in support of its demand since March 8, has imposed a "public emergency" affecting normal activities. Meanwhile, the Election Commission is getting ready to hold the polls for the Nagaland seat in the state on Friday. Election officials said that they are making all-out efforts to conduct the voting in the eastern Nagaland areas, comprising 20 of the 60 assembly seats, in six eastern districts -- Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang. Urging the ENPO to participate in the voting, Deputy Chief Minister and BJP Legislature Party leader Yanthungo Patton had earlier said that polling stations would be set up across the state, including eastern Nagaland. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio earlier held a meeting with officials of the eastern Nagaland region and requested them to persuade the ENPO to withdraw the boycott call. Rio, who is sympathetic to the demand of the ENPO, recently said that the state government has already recommended, to the Centre, that an autonomous region be set up for the people of the eastern region. Of Nagalandas 16 districts, seven backward tribes -- Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung -- live in the six eastern districts. The ENPO, the apex Naga body, and its associated organisations, in support of its separate state demand, gave a call to boycott last yearas Assembly polls (February 27) but later withdrew it following an assurance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Union Home Ministry, responding to the ENPOas demand, last year formed a three-member committee, headed by Adviser, Northeast, A.K. Mishra to study their demand, and the panel visited Nagaland several times and spoke with all stakeholders. The BJP, which is a partner of the United Democratic Alliance government in Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland Legislative Union (ENLU), a body of 20 MLAs representing the six backward districts, earlier separately urged the ENPO to participate in the voting. Mumbai, April 15 : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday criticised the Congress for "confusing and misleading the voters" by running a misinformation campaign that BJP will amend the Constitution if it wins the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "The Congress has amended the Constitution in the past but is now misleading the Dalit community and creating fear in the minds of minorities by running a misinformation campaign that BJP will change the Constitution," Nitin Gadkari said while addressing a poll rally for Shiv Sena nominee Raju Parwe in Ramtek constituency. He further said that the BJP functions for all sections of society. The Union Minister appealed to the voters to elect the MahaYuti nominee Raju Parwe for the overall development of Ramtek and also for the welfare of the poor, workers and the farmers. He also urged the voters to elect the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre with a full majority to speed up the development process. New Delhi, April 15 : Rohan Gupta, a former Congress leader from Gujarat and a known face on TV debates who recently jumped ship to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is miffed over the grand old party's disregard for Sanatan Dharma, as well as for his constant 'humiliation' and 'character assassination' at the hands of the top Congress leadership. Gupta withdrew his candidature from the Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha constituency, for which the Congress had given him the ticket, and then joined the BJP days later. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Gupta revealed the reasons behind snapping ties with the Congress, his new political innings, and how leaders of the grand old party feel 'suffocated' over the Congress' penchant for 'belittling and insulting' Sanatan Dharma. He said that Congress has adopted a 'hostile' approach towards nationalism and sees every national issue with the prism of negativity and pessimism. He told IANS that the Congress' ideology has turned 'directionless' as it is aligning with 'anti-India' forces and then coining the name of its alliance as INDIA bloc. When asked about the reasons for switching allegiance after a 15-year stint with Congress, he said it was a difficult decision, but eventually he took the plunge to fulfill his desire of making 'valuable' contributions to the society. "I didn't enter politics for personal benefits. I had a strong will and desire to serve the society, and to contribute to the welfare of people. In all these years, whatever responsibilities were entrusted upon me by the party, I strived hard to achieve them. However, after years of working for the party, its directionless vision and inner contradictions made me disillusioned," Gupta said. Accusing the Congress' top leadership of hatching a conspiracy, he said that despite being a committed party soldier, he was unfairly targeted at a time when he faced a big personal crisis. "As my father's health worsened, I decided to withdraw my nomination and not contest the Lok Sabha elections. But the party doubted my intentions, which hurt me deeply. To save my self-respect, I was forced to take this step with a heavy heart," he said. He also claimed that the Congress leaders were told to stay mum on Sanatan Dharma when distasteful and derogatory remarks were made against it. On the Congress declining the invitation for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, Gupta said the grand temple was built after a go-ahead from the Supreme Court and the party's stand was 'beyond comprehension' for many top-rung leaders of the Congress. When questioned about the reason behind Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi opting out of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Gupta slammed the party's Communications Department for 'misguiding' the top leadership. "Many Congress leaders were against the stand to boycott the event in Ayodhya as they feared a big backlash over the move, but they had to toe the party line in the end," Gupta told IANS. He also said that the Ram Temple became an election issue because the Congress denied the religious beliefs of crores of citizens. "Had the Congress leaders attended the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, the controversy wouldn't have risen. But, the party leaders betrayed the majority by boycotting the event. Lord Ram represents the belief of India, which can't be denied," he said. Gupta also slammed the Congress for its contradictory stand on industrialists and businessmen. "They hurl abuses at businessmen in press conferences and then the states ruled by the party sign memorandum with these businessmen. This exposes the party's double standards," he said. Listing the Congress' 'contradictions', Gupta said the party calls itself the voice of India but chooses to align with parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has been accused by the Congress of having links with the separatist forces. Speaking on Congress' opposition to the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Gupta said the party cries foul when it loses elections, but forgets when it wins. He also took on the Congress on the old pension scheme (OPS) issue, saying the party gave it a miss in its manifesto despite making it a big issue in state elections. Gupta also accused the Congress of being dominated by parties with an anti-India mindset. "The Congress has stitched alliances with Mehbooba Mufti and the Left parties, whom they had accused of working with an anti-India mindset. How can it expect people to cast votes in its favour," asked Gupta. Asked about the 'exodus' of leaders from the Congress, he told IANS that the party doesn't even bother to address the grievances of such leaders. Sharing a personal experience, Gupta said when his father was suffering from acute illness, the party leadership hatched a conspiracy to remove him as the party spokesperson. Sharing his views on the 10 years of Modi government, Gupta said the Prime Minister's vision and slew of ground-breaking initiatives are laying the foundation for brisk and robust growth. "PM Modi works round the clock. His vision for development is diverse, ranging from road infrastructure to waterways to Gaganyaan. Thrust on increasing defence exports, developing artificial intelligence-based operations, and setting up huge semiconductor units show the government's resolve to take India to the next level of growth. "India has already moved from the 'Fragile Five' to 'Top Five' and is now headed towards the top three economies in the world. There couldn't have been a better time for me to join this mission," he said. "I am here to contribute to politics and not draw personal gains from it," he added. Gupta also said that the Congress will sooner or later fall flat because of its 'directionless and leaderless' approach. New Delhi, April 16 : Stephen Kavanagh, the current Executive Director of Policing Services at Interpol, arrived in Delhi on Monday for high-level meetings with the Indian government to discuss the future of international crime-fighting. Kavanagh began his trip with a visit to the India Gate before holding bilateral meetings with senior government representatives, including the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Praveen Sood. At the CBI headquarters, they exchanged views on tackling law enforcement challenges and increasing cooperation between the countries. They spoke about the need for deeper international cooperation for counter-terrorism operations, as well as to combat drug smugglers and technology-enabled crime, including the safe use of artificial intelligence. aIndia is a critical partner for the Interpol, whose agencies have been at the forefront in tackling multi-dimensional criminal activities at the global level. Should I be elected as the Secretary General of Interpol, I would work with the members to drive an increase in data analysis, delivering operational success against drugs, cyber crimes, and crimes against wildlife and the environment," Kavanagh said. Shivamogga : , April 16 (IANS) Karnataka's rebel BJP leader K.S. Eshwarappa on Monday accused the party's Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat candidate B.Y. Raghavendra, the son of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, of carrying out an "internal adjustment" with the ruling Congress. Eshwarappa, who has filed his nomination as an independent candidate and vowed to defeat the BJP in the high-profile seat, claimed that the Congress and BJP candidate Raghavendra are colluding due to fear that he will win. "Both candidates have come to an understanding. The fact that there is no campaigning in the constituency by the Congress proves this fact. I have not seen the distribution of pamphlets for their candidate. They both (BJP and Congress candidates) are not criticising each other, but, targeting me," he claimed. "In the fear that I will emerge as a winner, they are spreading false and baseless news against me. However, I am getting support from youth and everyone in the constituency," he said. Geetha Shivarajkumar, daughter of former CM S. Bangarappa, is the Congress candidate from Shivamogga. Kolkata, April 16 : Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee threatened to take legal action against the Income Tax Department for obstructing the trial run of his helicopter. "They could not recover a single penny from the chopper. I have no objections to the search operations. The Election Commission is within its authority to do that. But my objection is that even after nothing was recovered from the chopper, they were not allowing its trial run until further clearance from their higher authorities. Obstructing trial runs is beyond the authority of the Income Tax department. I will take legal action in the matter," Banerjee told media persons at the industrial township of Haldia in East Midnapore district on Monday. Meanwhile, on Monday, three ECI-nominated officers reached the flying club where Banerjeeas chopper was stationed, stayed there for some time and then left. However, the officials refused to utter a single word to the media persons about the reasons behind their visit. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also critical of the event of search operations by Income Tax sleuths on the chopper. "IT sleuths checked his chopper thinking there was gold and cash. We do not move around with such things. BJP leaders do that. If we need anything, we will beg from our mothers," she said on Monday. Jaipur, April 16 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday held a roadshow in Jaipur for Manju Sharma, the BJP's Lok Sabha poll candidate from the Jaipur parliamentary seat. Manju Sharma will be contesting against Congress' Pratap Singh Khachariyawas. The 1.8 km roadshow started from Sanganeri Gate and ended at Chhoti Chaupad. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Deputy CM Diya Kumari, and Manju Sharma were present with the Union Home Minister during the roadshow. The entire walled city was decked with saffron flags and posters. The roadshow received a rousing welcome at different places. While seeking support for the BJP candidate, Home Minister Shah urged voters to exercise their franchise in the morning hours before the temperature soars. He said that the votes given to Manju Sharma and Lotus will ensure Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister again. The Home Minister also said that Lord Ram "will celebrate his birthday in a grand temple in Ayodhya after 500 years". A huge crowd was seen on either side of the cavalcade during the roadshow. People, wearing saffron safa on their heads, were seen playing drums and other musical instruments. The voting for the Jaipur Lok Sabha constituency election is slated for April 19. Migrating Tundra Swans arrive at Ulungur Lake, China Pub Date:24-04-15 09:44 Source:Xinhua Witnessing the graceful arrival of hundreds of Tundra Swans at Ulungur Lake in the Altay region of Xinjiang is a truly inspiring sight. Let's take a closer look! Editor:Zheng Chen Related News China-Europe freight train services see ro... Feature: Chinese-invested expressway in Ca... China eyes increased investment in rural N... Antique book archive inaugurated in Beijing YEREVAN, 15 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 15 April, USD exchange rate up by 1.92 drams to 395.76 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 2.44 drams to 421.76 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 4.23 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 3.26 drams to 494.38 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 855.43 drams to 30556.63 drams. Silver price up by 14.58 drams to 369.31 drams. Bhubaneswar, April 16 : The Odisha Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested two "fraudsters" for duping several investors in Odisha and Maharashtra on the pretext of high returns through investments in cryptocurrency, an official said on Monday. According to police, EOW sleuths arrested the prime accused, Ved Prakash, from Anupgarh in Rajasthan on April 10 while the Odisha head of the racket, Sudhir Patel, was held from Sundargarh in Odisha on April 14. "Accused Ved Prakash was formerly working as a Constable in Rajasthan Police and was terminated after five years of service for his misconduct and dereliction of duty," added the official. The duo was apprehended in connection with a fraud case registered based on a complaint lodged by Prem Sagar Khamari, one of the victims who lost more than Rs 48 lakhs to the fraud. Khamari reportedly received a meagre Rs 20,000 against his investment in the fraud crypto scheme. Khamari alleged in his complaint that the accused persons duped several investors, especially in western Odisha, of more than Rs 14 crore by inducing them to invest in different crypto schemes through agencies like ENG Crypto, Entice Capital, USDT Club, ADS Exchange, and CRIT 11, among others. The accused neither invested in cryptocurrency nor returned the money of the victims. "The accused persons along with their associates held many promotional programmes in different parts of Odisha in 2022. They lured the victims -- most of them are computer illiterates, through fake brochures, and leaflets to invest in the cryptocurrency to get high returns and even double the invested amount within a very short period. They also asked the targets to include more investors in lieu of some additional benefits," EOW sources said. The fraudsters used to pay the up-line members the promised returns from the amount collected from the downline members. The EOW ascertained during the due course of the investigation that the duo had duped around 500 investors from different parts of Puri, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh and Bargarh of Odisha of more than Rs 15 crore. The accused also dumped several gullible persons in Maharashtra. EOW sources claimed that the Maharashtra Police will also be alerted about the scam and the fraudsters. The duo was on Monday produced before the designated court under the OPID Act, Cuttack. Rizzoli International Publications, the New York Citybased subsidiary of Italian publisher the Mondadori Group, has reached an agreement to acquire Chelsea Green Publishing, the well-known, White River Junction, Vt.based independent book publisher of titles on politics and sustainability. The acquisition, for a proposed purchase price of $5 million, follows Rizzoli International's announcement, last month, of a new U.K.based publishing arm, Rizzoli UK. The deal, which was brokered by the Fisher Company, is expected to close in the first half of 2024, and includes Chelsea Green's subsidiary, Chelsea Green Publishing UK Ltd, which is based in London. When the deal is completed, Chelsea Green will join Rizzoli New York, Rizzoli Universe, and Rizzoli Electa as imprints of Rizzoli International. "This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of promoting meaningful content that resonates with global audiences while addressing crucial issues related to sustainability and eco-friendly living," said Stefano Peccatori, CEO and president of Rizzoli International, in a statement. "The acquisition opens doors to new opportunities for collaborative projects, innovative titles, and expanded market reach in the English language and global publishing landscape." Chelsea Green president and publisher Margo Baldwin will assume the role of publisher emeritus and join the Rizzoli International executive team. All current Chelsea Green employees, including 17 in the U.S. and four in the U.K., will continue to work for the publisher under Rizzoli International. Chelsea Green has been fully employee-owned since 2019; all participants in the publisher's employee stock ownership plan will receive the net proceeds from the sale, a representative of Rizzoli International said, with the amount dependent upon compensation level and the number of years of service at the company. "Im thrilled to have Chelsea Green secure its future and join Rizzoli and the entire esteemed Mondadori family of book publishing and bookstore companies for the next phase of development," Baldwin said in a statement. "This alliance will enable new growth and international expansion for our titles as well as significant new opportunities for our authors and employees." Chelsea Green was founded in 1984 by Ian and Margo Baldwin, and has appeared on PW's fast-growing independent publisher list several times, including in 2021. It had sales of $8.1 million in 2022, and an operating income of $1.1 million. The publisher has been a pioneering promoter of sustainable practices in the publishing business and a prominent publisher of literature on sustainability, and has also published political books of note by such authors as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Naomi Wolf. This article has been updated with further information. Harold Brown, 92, and Darlene Brown, 87, have received their COVID vaccines at home. DocGo's Amanda McMann packs supplies for an in-home COVID vaccination visit. Property details: Ebay Land Ad 1 Acre Vacant Land for Sale in Hernando County, Florida Starting Bid $1 No Fees! No Closing Costs!! *** No Reserve Auction! *** NO MINIMUM / NO RESERVE Please note: If you have less than 10 feedback, or negative feedback, contact me BEFORE you bid or your bid will be automatically cancelled. Description: This auction features a 1-acre vacant land located in the charming area of Spring Hill, Florida, within Hernando County. The property is being offered for sale in its current condit... Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Florida Property Address: 0 Neville Dr, Spring Hill, FL Type: Land Zip/Postal Code: 34609 City: Spring Hill State/Province: Florida Location: 603**, Oak Park, Illinois You will be redirected to eBay When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Nearby Florida Property details: F U L L P R I C E A U C T I O N !FINAL BID WINS, REGARDLESS OF AMOUNTGREEN PROPERTY WITH TREESON BUSY STREET NEAR INTERSTATE ********************************************************************************************** This prime city building site boasts a desirable location close to excellent schools, abundant job opportunities, and easy interstate access. The spacious lot measures 50'X150' and is zoned for residential use. Utilities are readily available for your convenience. The property is... Price: $ 6 Seller State of Residence: Illinois Type: Homesite, Lot Property Address: BurrStreet Zip/Postal Code: 46406 Zoning: Residential City: Suburban Chicago State/Province: Indiana Location: 464**, Gary, Indiana You will be redirected to eBay When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Nearby Indiana It's not unusual to see several vehicles bogged at once on the access road to the Bribie Island beach, and there's a reason why. Famous for its beautiful coastal scenery and lush camping spots, Bribie Island has tourists and locals flock there in droves. But according to local man Rick Williams, there's a common mistake most visitors make. Williams, who owns a towing service at the popular Queensland hotspot, says he's rushed to the aid of numerous travellers attempting to drive onto the famous 4WD beach in his 14 years of service because so often their vehicles get bogged before they even get there. It's a problem many particularly overseas tourists don't expect to encounter based on picturesque imagery on social media showing a flat, sandy beach. But one woman who travelled there recently exposed the "reality" of visiting Bribie Island showing where and how tourists go wrong. An Aussie woman highlighted the 'reality' of visiting Bribie Island in Queensland. Source: TikTok Warning over common mistake on soft sand "Every time at Bribie," wrote the woman named Sophie alongside a video shared on TikTok. The footage shows the pristine flat beach with the word "expectations" written across it, before flicking to the "reality". In the video, the 2km access road leading to the beach was at a standstill, with almost every vehicle bogged in the soft white sand. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Williams said it's a pretty accurate depiction of what goes on, especially on weekends, and identified the key mistake most people make. "You've got people who are novices who don't know about four-wheel-driving, they try and drive up the beach and go through there with 40 PSI in their tyres," he explained. "They should be dropping it right down to about 18psi." "When you drop the tyre pressure down, it flattens the bottom of the tyre so you can roll across of the sand rather than ploughing your way through it," he added. He also said many attempt the track without a 4WD vehicle. 'Common scenario' at bust 4WD beach A common scenario often leads to the scenes shown in the video. "A person gets bogged and then someone else will come along and say, 'I can get you out'. Then bang, they'll get bogged," WIlliams explained. "Then someone will come along and say, 'Oh, I'm not waiting on these guys' and then they try to go around and they get bogged. So unless you really know what you're doing, you're not getting through." Rick Williams, who owns a towing company, said cars are often getting bogged driving along the access road to the beach at Bribie Island. Source: Rick Williams Vistors warned against attempting sandy track Signs along the access road state only 4WD vehicles are accepted, and while some ignore them entirely there's another reason they fall short. Williams said many visitors to Bribie are international tourists visiting Australia who hire vehicles on arrival including two British girls who got bogged when Google Maps took them off course earlier this year. So often they have "no idea what they're driving" or whether it's a suitable 4WD, Williams said. "They don't know, so they think they can and they just go," he said. Posting on the TikTok video shared by visitor Sophie, many agreed with Williams' remark about the tyres, blaming it for people finding trouble. "Good ole Bribie and the 40 PSI club," one mocked in the comments. "Deflate yo tires and you could do it in 2WD," another suggested. Meanwhile another agreed, "nearly every day is like this". Rick rescued two British girls who got bogged when Google Maps took them off course earlier this year. Source: Rick Williams Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Property details: Normal 0 21 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Natural Peacefulness Southern California Mountain Resort Destination. Nestled in the magnificent San Bernardino National Forest, surrounded by pine, cedar, and dogwood, an area described as the "Alps of Southern California", and known as "the best kept secret on the West Coast, is a stunningly beautiful, cozy and quaint mountain resort paradise called Lake Arrowhead. Our community features countless outdoor recreational activities such as hiking,... Price: $ 1,000 Seller State of Residence: California Type: Homesite, Lot Zoning: Residential State/Province: California Location: 928**, Anaheim, California You will be redirected to eBay When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Nearby California Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! Kelsey Anderson / Instagram By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/15/2024 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. winner Kelsey Anderson has admitted she's "nervous" to live with Joey Graziadei for one reason.Kelsey and Joey got engaged on 's Season 28 finale, which aired on March 25, and they're planning to move to New York City together this summer, in July or August, once Kelsey's apartment lease in New Orleans is up.Although Kelsey and Joey enjoyed happy-couple weekends and have been spending a lot of time together since going public with their relationship, it will be a whole new experience for the couple to live under the same roof."I think I'm nervous about him leaving the toilet seat up," Kelsey, 25, told Us Weekly.And Joey, 28, was quick to agree with his fiancee.Joey -- who has been sleeping in his sister's guest room in Philadelphia -- confessed, "I need to work on that one. We'll take it one step at a time."The lovebirds, however, are really looking forward to taking their relationship to the next level."I think what I'm most excited about is the ability to be around each other so much," Joey shared with the magazine. "We finally will be able to just do small things together."It was apparently Kelsey's idea to take their love to the Big Apple for a fresh start."I don't know if it's all the early 2000s rom-coms that I've watched, but something about [New York] is so intriguing to me," Kelsey explained."I don't care if I hate it or love it; I just need to go experience it, and Joey's fully supporting that."Joey and Kelsey said they realize all of America is going to be watching them and keeping a close eye on their romance, but they're apparently not worried about that at all."I think that we know where we are at and we don't need reassurance from people that don't actually know us," Kelsey said.And Joey added, "We'll figure out how to navigate that day by day. It's something that we're trying not to focus on too much because we got so many other things that we're excited about that we do want to focus on."Joey and Kelsey have said in other post-show press that they want to have a long engagement , potentially three years, before tying the knot.The pair is therefore in no rush to start a family, even though they "definitely want kids" down the road."I think it would be wrong to jump into a marriage too quickly because we are learning and dating again, and we have so much to look forward to," Joey said on a late March episode of "The Viall Files" podcast.star acknowledged, "We definitely want to have the ability to enjoy our marriage."In terms of having children, Joey shared, "I don't know if it ever made it on the show, but Kelsey always wanted to adopt. That was something that she was really big on.""And she wants to probably have, like, 20 kids," he elaborated. "I would rather stay more in, like, the three range."Joey went on to reveal how he and Kelsey "already have the name of our first kid picked out" for the future."It's easy because it would be taking [Kelsey's] last name. Anderson is her last name, and so it will obviously be her maiden name," Joey said."We kind of love it most for a girl, calling her Andi. So Anderson Graziadei is the idea of the first kid."Joey concluded that he and Kelsey are certainly "talking about this stuff."Joey chose Kelsey over his runner-up, Daisy Kent , on 's 28th season.Daisy had predicted that Joey was going to dump her, and so she essentially beat Joey to the punch and bowed out gracefully at the Final Rose Ceremony.Daisy told Joey that he wasn't going to choose her and so she should leave, and Joey confirmed that her gut instinct was correct.Joey proceeded to propose marriage to Kelsey in Tulum, Mexico.During the live After the Final Rose special, Kelsey and Joey were gifted a trip back to Jasper, Canada, and Joey gushed of his fiancee, "I now have my 'forever,' and I'm the luckiest guy there could be... I don't know how I'm going to have a boring day of life with her by my side."Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led central government will use the unorganised workers database e-Shram portal to provide the benefits of various government programmes to the nearly 300 million workers over the next five years, if it is voted to power for the third consecutive term in the upcoming general elections. "We have registered unorganised workers on the e-Shram platform. "We will reach out to the e-Shram registered shramik bandhu and help them avail the benefits of various government programmes that they are eligible for, the manifesto of the party read. The manifesto mentions that the government will reach out to migrant workers registered on the e-Shram portal and empower them to avail benefits of various programmes. Registrations of gig workers onto the portal with the help of gig platforms will also be done. The National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) or e-Shram portal was launched by the labour ministry in August 2021 to create a database of an estimated 380 million unorganised workers, which included agricultural workers, domestic workers, construction workers, gig and platform workers etc. Till March 2024, close to 295 million workers were registered. Further, the government will bring in a new scheme for truck drivers under which modern facilities will be developed along the national highways. Drivers of autorickshaws, taxis, trucks, and other vehicles will be registered on the e-Shram portal, thereby securing their inclusion in insurance and other welfare programmes. Meanwhile, the manifesto also talks about the review of National Floor Wages from time to time. On the job creation front, the BJP manifesto speaks of expanding the startup ecosystem to Tier-II and Tier-III cities and transforming India into a global centre for high-quality services including tourism to generate high-value and diverse employment opportunities nationwide. Further, it speaks of continuing the investment in infrastructure and working on policies like Make in India and production linked incentive for the manufacturing sector to boost job creation. We will make our youth future-ready by adopting a dynamic learning curriculum at school level as mandated by NEP and by incorporating industry-aligned curriculum and skill development in emerging technologies in higher education, the manifesto reads. On transparency in recruitment for government posts, the manifesto speaks of filling the government vacancies in a time-bound and transparent manner, as well as extending the capacity of the central government to assist states that request support in conducting recruitment examinations. We have already enacted a law to stop misconduct in recruitment exams across the country. "We will strictly implement this law to ensure strict punishment to those playing with the future of our youth, the manifesto reads. To increase the participation of women in the workforce, the BJP manifesto speaks of developing infrastructure such as working womens hostels, creches etc, with a specific focus on locations near industrial and commercial centres to facilitate increased participation of women in the workforce. Koalas are facing extinction in both NSW and Queensland due to ongoing habitat loss. Australias government is continuing to "carefully consider" whether to allow a mining company to destroy 770 hectares of endangered koala habitat. If fully approved, resources company Vitrinite would be permitted to construct its Vulcan South mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin and extract 13.5 million tonnes of coal over a nine-year period. Around 70 hectares of greater glider habitat would also be cleared. That species was declared endangered in 2020 after their numbers plummeted 80 per cent in just two decades after the ancient trees they nest in were destroyed. Behind the application is privately owned resources company Vitrinite which claims to be a young, progressive company with an open and collaborative attitude, inward and outward. It has not responded to repeated requests for comment from Yahoo News. Construction of the new Vulcan South mine could result in the removal of koala habitat. Source: Getty (File)/Vitrinite Government 'carefully considering' new mine application's impact on koalas Opponents of the project, including Lock the Gate, had hoped Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek would immediately reject the application, but in March she instead referred the matter for assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EBPC) so the impact of the project on threatened species could be further assessed. "Together, were not just mining coal; were building a brighter future for all"Vitrinite A question to Plibersek's office from Yahoo about the project was referred to her department which issued a statement. The department is in the early stages of assessing the Vulcan South coal mine under national environment law, a spokesperson said last week. Once this assessment is complete, it will go to the minister for consideration. The minister will carefully consider the final assessment, departmental advice and any public comments received before deciding whether this project can go ahead. Australia's government has been criticised for using captive koalas at media events. Source: AAP Why koalas are facing extinction in Queensland and NSW Koalas were listed as endangered in NSW, Queensland and the ACT after around 60,000 were impacted by the Black Summer bushfires. Populations in Victoria and South Australia are reportedly stable. In NSW its expected the species will be extinct by 2050, primarily due to the destruction of their forests. In Queensland, the state government has approved several high-profile projects that will remove significant amounts of remaining habitat, including for a new hospital and a freeway on the Gold Coast. In Australia, politicians have been regularly criticised for posing with the animals for photo shoots, while also allowing the destruction of their homes. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday pledged to make 30 million Lakhpati Didis, up from the 10 million rural women who have already achieved the feat. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday released the BJPs manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The manifesto says the ruling party will continue the quarterly financial disbursements under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN) yojana. It also promised to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) from time to time but stopped short of providing any legal backing to it as is being demanded by a section of farmers. All major opposition parties, including the Congress, in their manifestos, have promised to provide a legal guarantee of MSP. According to data collated till a few months ago, the Central government has disbursed almost Rs 282,000 crore through PM KISAN to farmers since 2018-19. The manifesto claimed that the Central government has improved the livelihood of almost 40 million poor people through the PM-Awas Yojana. The manifesto also talks of launching a Krishi Infrastructure Mission for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of agri-infrastructure projects like storage facilities, irrigation, grading and sorting units, cold storage facilities, and food processing, among others. A special Krishi Satellite will also be launched for farm-related activities like crop forecasting, pesticide application, irrigation, soil health, and weather forecasting, it said. The ruling party said it would support the farmers to make India self-sufficient in pulses like tur, urad, masoor, moong and chana, and edible oils such as mustard, soybean, til and groundnut. Strengthening the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana through more technological interventions to ensure speedy and more accurate assessment, faster payouts and quicker grievance resolution were other commitments made by the party. For the allied sectors, the BJP said the network of dairy cooperatives would be expanded over the next five years through fodder banks, milk testing laboratories, bulk milk coolers, and milk processing units. It also promised to bring a new national policy to make the cooperative movement strong, efficient, transparent, technically rich and vibrant at the grassroots level. The party vowed to double the custom hiring centres for mechanisation from the existing 25,000 with a specific objective of making agricultural machinery and equipment at stable prices. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Kisan Samriddhi Kendras will be further expanded. For the fisheries sector, the BJP promised to extend the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana by expanding the insurance coverage through additional technological interventions to ensure speedy and more accurate assessment, faster payouts and quicker grievance resolution. The insurance coverage for fishermen under the group accidental insurance scheme has been raised to Rs 500,000 from the earlier Rs 200,000 and the Central government subsidises much of the farmers share of the premium. The manifesto also promised to promote seaweed and pearl farming and use satellite imagery to protect fishermen. For the first time in 19 years, Tata Consultancy Services reported a fall in the net headcount for a financial year, witnessing its total employee base shrinking to 601,546 at the end of FY24. Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Reuters On a year-on-year basis, the companys headcount fell by over 13,249 for the financial year. On a sequential basis, the headcount was down by 1,759. Compared to FY23, the firms addition to the number of employees has also been dismal. The total headcount was 614,795 in FY23 and the company had a net addition of 22,600 employees for the whole year. In the October-December 2023 quarter, TCS witnessed a reduction of 5,680 employees, bringing the total number of employees to 603,305. The employee addition during FY24 was starkly different from FY22, when the company added one of the highest number of 103,546 employees. The company had added a total of 40,185 employees in FY21. However, despite the plummeting headcount, the company is among the earlier ones that have hit the campus route to hire freshers. We are still calibrating the total freshers we want to hire for FY25. "Our plan is to get to the 40,000 number, but we will see how it goes, said Milind Lakkad, chief HR officer, TCS. Lakkad also added that TCS National Qualifier Test will also begin shortly from where the firm also hires students directly. Meanwhile, the firm said that it has announced a salary hike in the range of 4.5 per cent to 7 per cent, whereas high performers will get increment in double digit. TCS attrition for Q4 FY24 was at 12.5 per cent. The company said that it expects it to further come down by 30 to 50 basis point more in future. TCS attrition for Q3 FY24 was at 13.3 per cent. TCS has employees with 152 nationalities. Of the total staffers, 35.6 per cent are women. When it comes to talent development, its employees have clocked 51 million learning hours and acquired 5 million competencies. The company also said that the number of contextual masters is at 73,000. TCS won't appoint COO after NGs steps down Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced that following the retirement of N Ganapathy Subramaniam, the chief operating officer and executive director in May this year, the company will not be looking for a replacement. K Krithivasan, managing director and chief executive officer, TCS, said the company will not plan to appoint anyone and will distribute his duties. Hes (Subramaniam) been doing many things and no single individual can replace him. "Within our leadership team, we are re-distributing the work hes been doing and we dont intend to appoint a new COO, said Krithivasan, during the media briefing post results. Subramaniam was appointed as COO in 2017. The only other time TCS had a COO was when N Chandrasekaran was appointed to the post in 2007. Ahead of its Rs 18,000 crore further public offer (FPO), Vodafone Idea on Monday said it expects to roll out 5G services in select pockets within 6-9 months of raising fresh capital. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters Its chief executive Akshaya Moondra said rollout of the modern 5G telecom services is one of the objectives of raising the capital from the public and once the funding comes, it will start work on the rollout. "With this round of funding, we believe we will be able to (come) back to participate in the industry growth which has not been possible," he said. The third largest telco in the country has been ceding subscribers to Reliance Jio and Airtel for the last few months. Both rivals offer 5G services to its clients. The company has not been able to roll out 5G services till now because of lack of funds, Moondra said, pressing for a tariff hike. The 5G rollout will cover 40 per cent of the company's overall revenue base in the next 24-30 months, Moondra said, without sharing a specific target on when the rollout will happen. A sum of Rs 5,720 crore from the FPO will be utilised for 5G rollout, he said, adding that testing and vendor conversations have already begun. However, he did not specify the locations where the rollout will happen. Moondra also spelled out the company's priorities for the future, which will include customer retention, increasing the average revenue per user (ARPU) and network investments. Of the Rs 18,000 crore FPO, which is likely to be followed by a Rs 2,075-crore preferential share issue to the promoters, Moondra said Rs 15,000 crore has been earmarked for specific purposes, including the 5G rollout and other investments. The 5G rollout will also involve loans from banks, he said, adding that it has been in touch with lenders towards the same. He, however, did not share a quantum of the borrowing to be done. Asked about the tariff hike, he did not spell out any expectations of whether the telcos will move in after the elections, but stressed that an increase is essential. Over the last few years, data consumption in India has shot up 82 times, voice calls are up 6 times but the ARPU has risen only by 1.2 times, he said. He said the company's ARPU is lower than the industry because of the high proportion of 2G subscribers it services, and added that the headroom available to grow the ARPU exists because 42 per cent of its over 215 million subscribers use the services only for 2G, and can upgrade to 4G services for a better experience. The company, which was struggling with high debt in the recent past, has repaid Rs 17,000 crore to banks and financial institutions, and the overall debt stood at Rs 4,500 crore as of February-end, he said. The government's holding will fall to 24 per cent from the present 32 per cent, and even if one considers that the government's equity proportion goes up due to one more round of conversion of dues to equity in the near future, it will not go far beyond the current level, he said. There is no need for buying any new spectrum right now and the portfolio is sufficient to meet the requirements, Moondra said, speaking on the upcoming round of auctions. The company has set a price band of Rs 10-11 per equity share for the issue -- billed as the largest FPO by a private company -- that opens on Thursday and closes on next Monday. Vi shares closed 1.54 per cent up at Rs 13.16 apiece on the BSE on Monday, as against a 1.14 per cent correction on the benchmark. 'Gujarat is the frontrunner at present.' 'However, Tamil Nadu's robust automobile ecosystem and Telangana's aggressive incentives make them strong contenders.' Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters As Tesla prepares to make its entry into India, state governments are leaving no stone unturned to woo the electric vehicle titan. Government sources revealed that Gujarat is currently leading the race to secure the project, with Tamil Nadu and Telangana hot on its heels. Not to be left behind, Maharashtra is also making a strong pitch for the industrial belt in Pune. This development comes in the wake of a Financial Times report suggesting that a Tesla team from the US will soon be in India to scout for potential sites for the company's planned $2 billion to $3 billion electric vehicle plant. Gujarat has emerged as a major automobile hub in the past 15 years through the presence of companies like Tata Motors, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India, Hero MotoCorp, MG Motor and JCB India among others. "Gujarat is the frontrunner at present. However, Tamil Nadu's robust automobile ecosystem and Telangana's aggressive incentives make them strong contenders. Maharashtra is also in the fray, pitching for Pune (the city is known for the presence of major auto companies like Bajaj Auto, Force Motors, Mahindra Auto, Mercedes, Volkswagen, General Motors/Hyundai Motor India and Fiat)," shared a government official, requesting anonymity. Photograph: Kind courtesy Blomst/Pixabay The news about Tesla's plan to set up a plant in India comes on the heels of the Central government's decision to slash import taxes on some EVs for companies that pledge at least $500 million (Rs 4,150 crore/Rs 41.50 billion) in investment and a manufacturing plant within three years. IMAGE: Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk. Photograph: Stephen Lam/Reuters Tesla's India plans coincide with a decline in its global sales. In the first quarter of 2024, Elon Musk's auto behemoth reported 386,810 global deliveries, a drop of 8.5 per cent year-on-year, largely due to stiff competition from local EV manufacturers in China. In Telangana, its Industries and IT Minister D Sridhar Babu has already announced the state's intent to attract Tesla and confirmed ongoing discussions. The state has been following Tesla's investment plans since December 2023. "The state is ready to go to any extent in terms of bringing new investments like Tesla," said a source. Earlier, Babu said: 'Telangana with its industry-friendly policy is working with a progressive and futuristic vision by creating a world-class infrastructure and hassle-free approvals system to enable best-in-class companies like Tesla to do business in the state.' Tamil Nadu's trump card is its thriving automobile ecosystem. "Tamil Nadu is the first port of call for any company looking to invest," said a source. The state has attracted two major automobile investments in the past three months. IMAGE: Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast India, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin at the ground breaking ceremony of VinFast's India manufacturing plant, February 25, 2024. Photograph: Kind courtesy Vinfast Vietnam-based EV player VinFast, a Tesla rival in the global market, has begun work on its Rs 16,000 crore (Rs 160 billion) manufacturing facility at Thoothukudi. This was followed by Tata Motors and the Tamil Nadu government signing a memorandum of understanding to set up a manufacturing unit in Ranipet near Vellore, with an investment of Rs 9,000 crore (Rs 90 billion). The new EV policy proposes to cut import duties for interested electric vehicle makers to 15 per cent from the current 70 per cent or 100 per cent on vehicles with a CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) value of $35,000 and above for a period of five years. In terms of attracting FDI in India, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu are leading the pack. What they offer Gujarat: It is already hosting leading automobile companies like Tata Motors and MG Motors. Maruti Suzuki India is investing Rs 35,000 crore (Rs 350 billion) on setting up a new car manufacturing plant in the state Tamil Nadu: Has a thriving automobile ecosystem; recently secured investments from VinFast and Tata Motors Telangana: It is willing to line up aggressive incentives Maharashtra: Pune is a hotspot among auto players with the presence of the likes of Mahindra Auto, Mercedes, and Volkswagen Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com 'What should surprise BJP supporters is Modi's call for 'stability' at the manifesto launch, a theme that he and his team members had not touched ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019.' 'The last time the party called for 'stability at the Centre' was in 1998 and 1999,' recalls N Sathiya Moorthy. IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Narendra D Modi, Amit A Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman and J P Nadda release the BJP election manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections, April 14, 2024. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo If someone thought that the Bharatiya Janata Party poll manifesto would go one up on the Congress's on social welfare, the party has stuck to ideological issues like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and centralisation aspects like the party's one-nation-one-poll. It looks deliberate as the Congress manifesto, published a fortnight earlier, promises everything to everyone without a one-liner branding like Sonia Gandhi's 'Aam Aadmi' from the victorious 2004 poll. In a way, thus, the BJP manifesto has moved away from Narendra Modi's 'Achche Din' call from the very successful elections in 2014. From the BJP's perspective, what needs doing on social welfare has already been done, and more has to be only in the form of the now promised extension of free rations for 800 million Indians for another five years. It is a reflection on the buffer stocks that the nation has accumulated since the Green Revolution but utilising it in a way that much of it does not rot or go waste as rat-feed, and not even animal-feed, over time. The Modi government has already implemented, and fairly successfully so, free housing scheme (originally launched for the Dalits since the Jawarhalal Nehru era) and also free LPG scheme, extending across rural and urban India, to help the womenfolk tied down to the hearth-smoke for generations and centuries. The Congress begs to differ and has identified sector-specific areas where more need to be done to help people come out of the rut. The party manifesto has thus promised Rs 100,000 per annum for the nation's poor families, whose numbers the party has put at a higher 230 million than the Modi government is ready to concede, Rs 100,000 a year apprenticeship for unemployed youth (on the lines of Indira Gandhi's '20-Point Programme' during the Emergency, 1975-1977), half of new government jobs for women, freedom for state governments to opt out of NEET and removing the 50 per cent upper-limit for all reservations in education and employment, as imposed by the Supreme Court in the Mandal case (Indra Sawhney vs Union of India, 1992). On the face of it and even otherwise, all that the Congress has promised now is a replication of what rival Dravidian parties have done while in power in Tamil Nadu. What the BJP has now promised, in the form of free electricity for the poor, is also what was in force in the state for a long time. In the past, however, laissez-faire economists from the commencement of the reforms era in the early nineties, used to run down such schemes. A decade later, they began citing Modi's 'Gujarat model' as chief minister, where the state government laid separate powerlines all across to separate free electricity for farmers from household supply, which got metered. Two decades down the line, the 'Modi model' has now promised free power for all poor people -- a welcome step under what then Congress prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh described as 'reforms with a human face'. But no one wants to acknowledge the achievements of UPA I and II on the social welfare front, starting with MNREGA that guaranteed a minimum of 100 days of work for rural poor at Rs 100 per day -- since increased but not as systematically implemented as earlier. IMAGE: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Congress leaders at the launch of the Congress manifesto in Jaipur, April 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo When you talk of social welfare schemes, you cannot escape the opprobrium that was sought to be imposed by the use of terms such as revdi and freebies with particular reference to Tamil Nadu. A stand-alone example of free television sets, offered by the fourth government of DMK chief minister M Karunanidhi (1996-2001), came under the lens. Yes, the quality of television sets that were distributed free was questionable but there was enough justification, considering that the reforms era had imposed higher costs on families, requiring more hands to earn -- as used to be said about unorganised sectors like agriculture in the socialist past. With dual and multiple incomes becoming the norm for families in a developed and fast urbanising state like Tamil Nadu, funding free-time activities of families acquired a new meaning and purpose, which was not wholly understood by the 'other class'. It was thus that economists and public policy analysts ran down Tamil Nadu's freebies culture and moved the Election Commission and the Supreme Court for them to ban or regulate the practice. Institutional discourses and debate concluded that restrictions should be placed on political parties to identify the source of funding for the freebies promised in their poll manifestos, to substantiate their legitimacy. As the Election Commission and the Supreme Court should have found out, no restriction or even codification of good freebies and bad freebies was possible, not when in Tamil Nadu, competing Dravidian governments had moved far ahead of the original free school education and noon-meal of the mid-1950s Congress rule under K Kamaraj, revived as tje 'Nutritious Noon Meal Scheme' with annual budgetary support under M G Ramachandran in the early 1980s, to include under-graduate education, free bicycles and laptops for college students, and much more. Today, under three years of DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin, the state's women have got the promised Rs 1,000 per month (though there are hiccups that needed sorting out, still), free bus-ride all across, apart from supplemental free breakfast for primary school children. The last one in particular has proved to be as purposeful as it is innovative -- as it has helped curb post-Covid drop-out rates, as children had got used to lazing around or families had begun relying on them as one more useful farm hand, to make that extra money that their families needed in a high-cost economy. All of it has been over and above the existing and at times expanded scheme of pre- and post-natal medical care for expectant mothers and also the new-born, and the systematic way it is being implemented since introduction by then chief minister J Jayalalithaa and continued to this day by her AIADMK and DMK successors. Included in this long list is also the prompt distribution of Covid-related cash assistance, distributed systematically at ration shops. Incidentally, Tamil Nadu, then Madras, was among the few states where a subsidised ration system came into vogue early on, and its inept handling led to the defeat of the Congress rulers in 1967 and the DMK under Karunanidhi in 1991. Of course, the Rajiv Gandhi assassination pushed all other electoral issues to the background, but even without it, the DMK would have found it difficult to regain power owing to similar follies and foibles, when in power for a short span (1989-1991). The Congress's DMK ally Stalin lost no time in hailing the national party's manifesto as the 'Hero of Elections-2024'. It was a repeat of his late father Karunanidhi's description of their DMK manifesto in 2006 assembly polls that the party-led alliance won. But he too seems to have given up on propagating the idea after Congress leaders at the national level kept harping near-exclusively on an ideological battle between 'democracy and dictatorship' and spoke less about their promises and commitments on social welfare. Against the Congress's commitments that could be implemented from day one if and if at all the INDIA combine, of which the party is a part, came to power, the BJP's set of 'minimal promises' (!) on the welfare front is limited to poor housing, free electricity and healthcare for senior citizens. Launching the manifesto, Modi focussed, as has become his norm, on targeting the Congress rival more than talking about his 'achievements'. Of course, the BJP is not tired of talking about Modi's 'achievements' of the past decade as PM and his 'guarantees' now -- to make the nation a developed one by 2047 -- a long time from now -- will help. Incidentally, 'guarantees' in English is only a take-off from Modi's call for 'Vishwas', or trust, which formed a part of his poll-time one-liner in 2019. Along with it all is the BJP's manifesto's reiteration of the party's known position and commitment to what critics describe still is a 'Hindutva agenda', but BJP ideologues claim are 'nationalist goals and commitments'. The 'One Nation, One Vote' promise is one of them. This may have pushed other political pointers in the party's poll-time promises. IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and DMK President M K Stalin at an election meeting in Coimbatore, April 12, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The BJP manifesto's reference to a 2047 deadline for achieving Viksit Bharat, or a 'developed India', is interesting and/or intriguing. It is the next stage in Modi's call for vikas, or future development -- one more in his catchy one-liners that kept propping up one after another, and also keep drowning the earlier one the same way. Does it imply that the party wants as much time, and expects to be elected to power until at least then, for taking the nation all the way forward to greatness that it has outlined, and not detailed? In his first and only news conference after the BJP-National Democratic Alliance swept the 2014 election, Modi talked about children who would be crossing 18 years -- an indirect indication of his intention to be around for long.... What should surprise BJP supporters is Modi's call for 'stability' at the manifesto launch, a theme that he and his team members had not touched ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019. The last time the party called for 'stability at the Centre' accompanied by an appeal to 'give us a chance' was in 1998 and 1999, after the post-poll, anti-BJP, non-Congress governments (1996-1998) under then prime ministers H D Deve Gowda and I K Gujral had failed the nation on the 'stability issue'. Both in 1998 and 1999, the BJP-NDA won, despite changing regional alliances, for instance, between the AIADMK and the DMK, in Tamil Nadu -- all of it in just one year. The effect of Vajpayee's emotion-charged yet well-argued case in the Lok Sabha before losing the trust-vote just after 13 days in power 1996 hung on in the air and in the voter's mind for two-plus years and made the reference. It was also the shortest term a government has been in power in free India. When it comes to ideology, the BJP has always scored. When it comes to the economy, the Congress has out-smarted the other. In the early nineties, the BJP thought it had scored with L K Advani's Ayodhya Rath Yatra and the consequent Mandal-Mandir row. The Rajiv Gandhi assassination meant that the BJP did not win the 1991 polls. Subsequently, the Congress government of then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao took the wind out of the BJP's sails, by taking the nation away from politics and towards economics -- in the form of the inevitable reforms that were waiting to happen. A year later, the BJP's Ayodhya demolition did not help the party. Instead, it only caused the immediate defeat of the party in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections in November 1993. The religious-divide that the BJP had hoped for had already transformed further into a caste divide. The Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance swept the assembly polls, but then did not stay for long. The rest is all history. So was the fate of the Ayodhya Rath Yatra and Ayodhya demolition. It had to wait for the advent of Narendra Modi as prime minister, and the Ayodhya consecration earlier this year -- and its post facto electoral advantage is still being measured. N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com IMAGE: An electoral officer demonstrates the functioning of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) during a training programme for women polling officials ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Guwahati, April 8, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo In the first such initiative, the Bharatiya Janata Party has invited the ruling and Opposition parties from around the world to witness the Lok Sabha elections in India first-hand. The Communist party of China is not on the list of foreign political parties invited by the BJP. "We are trying this out for the first time in this election," said Vijay Chauthaiwale, a member of the BJP national executive, and in charge of the party's foreign affairs cell (Videsh Vibhag). Britain's Conservative and Labour parties have been sent an invitation, as have the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats in Germany, and the Democrats as well as the Republicans in the US. In India's neighbourhood, all the five coalition partners in the ruling party alliance in Nepal -- thought to have a broadly China tilt -- have also been invited. In all, more than two dozen political parties have been sent invitations and more are expected to be added to the list. The invitations were sent during the Easter week, so the BJP leadership is still waiting to hear how many will respond from Europe. But confirmations have already come in from 15. They will be invited to witness the third and fourth phase of elections. In the past, the BJP has taken small groups of India-based diplomats to various places around the country to witness elections. The Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections were an example. Its leaders say this will be repeated. The idea behind the current initiative is to show the world how India holds elections and throw open its democratic credentials to scrutiny by practising political actors. Describing the general elections in the country as the 'biggest exercise of democracy, British MP and Padma Shri recipient Bob Blackman was quoted as saying last week: 'Obviously, the Indian election is massive. It is the biggest exercise of democracy anywhere in the world. 'And I have a little prediction for you, a majority with 400-plus. Now the friendship between India and the United Kingdom has grown stronger ever since we have been involved in government and the BJP has gained power in India.' The BJP is not limiting itself to political actors. It has taken steps to systematically corral the Indian diaspora -- chapters of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) in nearly a dozen countries -- to hold group conversations, car rallies and meetings both in their own countries and back home in India. "Our work has two dimensions: OFBJP works both inside the country and in India. The idea is to mobilise this opinion and create a tempo (for the elections) both inside the country and outside," says Chauthaiwale. Members of OFBJP in various countries are already holding meetings, work-shops, and strategising on how to take the message of the BJP across to voters. Over 1,000 will likely land in India over the next week. This number is a conservative figure. "There many who have decided to come on their own to work for the party and have not registered with us," Chauthaiwale says. They have been asked to report to BJP units in areas they are familiar with so that they can be put to most use. They have also been told that they should come to India only if they can put aside two weeks or more for outreach activity -- anything less than that would be suboptimal. Chauthaiwale says the outreach exercise will pick up pace once the nomination process has ended. IMAGE: Electoral officers at a training programme on commissioning of the EVM and VVPATs. Photograph: ANI Photo However, the exercise to monitor elections is not limited to those who are sympathetic to the BJP. Groups of academics, many of whom are of Indian origin, are also getting together to oversee elections. The Panel for Monitoring Indian Elections (IPMIE) - 2024 is led by Professr Rahul Mukherjee, professor and chair, Modern Politics of South Asia, South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University in Germany. This group has already written to the Election Commission of India announcing its intention: 'Our goal is to observe elections as they unfold, publish reports, and raise concerns. 'In observing elections, we are guided by national and international norms and standards, and international best practices. We are non-partisan and independent," the letter says. How does the diaspora relate to elections back home? Seminal research on social and political attitudes of the American Indian diaspora in 2020 by the Carnegie Endowment's South Asia Centre is revealing. It found that the BJP was the most popular political party among Indian Americans, as 32 per cent favoured it (compared to 12 per cent identifying with the Congress). However, two in five Indian Americans did not identify with any Indian political party -- suggesting an arms-length relationship with everyday politics in India. Two-thirds of Indian Americans either didn't care or were opposed to the BJP. IMAGE: Boxes containing EVMs being arranged after they arrive in the Katargam assembly constituency strong room in Surat. Photograph: ANI Photo Says Dr Devesh Kapur, one of the academics who designed the survey: "As in India there is greater support for Modi compared to the BJP. But even on this the percentage of Indian-Americans holding broadly favourable views of Modi was 48 per cent (in response to a question if they approved of Modi's performance as prime minister) -- substantially less than in India". The South Asia Centre is planning a similar survey in August. Meanwhile, as planeloads of Indians living and working abroad return to work for the BJP, there is little evidence that other parties, including the Congress, have equally motivated supporters. A Congress sympathiser in Australia who wanted to remain anonymous said he sought to arrange meetings to host Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Australia but "finding funding was a problem". Congress supporters like Sam Pitroda have been hosting outreach functions for Rahul Gandhi with the help of local groups. The space for hosting such engagements is shrinking, due to funds crunch. The BJP and the Congress have in the past invited foreign leaders to attend their oath-taking ceremonies. But rarely has the level of engagement been so high before a general election. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Chanpreet Singh, who allegedly "managed" cash funds for Aam Aadmi Party's campaign in 2022 Goa assembly polls, in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case, official sources said Monday. IMAGE: BRS leader K Kavitha leaves Rouse Avenue Court after the hearing in connection with Delhi excise policy case, in New Delhi, April 15, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Singh was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on April 12 and was produced before a special court in New Delhi the next day, the sources said. He has been sent to the ED custody till April 18 by the court, they said. This is the 17th arrest in the case by the ED. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his party colleague and former Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha and a number of liquor businessmen and others have been arrested earlier by the federal agency. Singh was earlier arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation too in the same case. The money laundering case stems from the CBI FIR. The ED has informed the court through its official documents that Chanpreet Singh "managed" cash payments for the campaign of the Aam Aadmi Party during the 2022 Goa elections and had a "relationship" with the political outfit that rules Delhi currently. It has been alleged by the agency that the 'South Group'-- comprising Kavitha, Telugu Desam Party candidate from Ongole Lok Sabha seat Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, his son Raghav Magunta, businessman Sarath Chandra Reddy and others -- paid Rs 100 crore bribe to the AAP for obtaining a prime position in the Delhi liquor market as part of the now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22. Out of these alleged kickbacks, the ED has claimed, Rs 45 crore was used by the AAP to fund its Goa election campaign. The ED has claimed that cash payments were made to survey workers, area managers, assembly managers and others in Goa who were engaged in election campaign activities of the AAP and these people told the agency that this was "managed" by a person named Chanpreet Singh. It also said that an employee of an 'Angadia' firm, which allegedly moved cash funds illegally, had "admitted" to disbursing huge amounts of cash in Goa to some people including Singh, who used to work for Chariot Productions Media Pvt Ltd. Chariot Productions was the company engaged by the AAP for its Goa poll campaign. The company's director, Rajesh Joshi, was arrested in the case by the ED last year. The ED had alleged that Singh collected more than Rs 17 crore (Rs 17,38,14,500 in total) in over 18 instances from the 'Angadia' company employee between August 2021-January 2022, and this was "also corroborated" by CDR (call data records of mobile phone) analysis. It said Singh "received salary from the Aam Aadmi Party" in February 2022 and also received salary from a company called Wizspk Communications and PR Ltd, which was engaged by the Delhi government. Moreover, the ED claimed that he had also received funds from OML (Only Much Louder) events management company of arrested AAP communications in-charge Vijay Nair, and "these facts are prima facie reflective of his relationship with the Aam Aadmi Party". In a related development, Kejriwal on Monday did not get any interim relief from the Supreme Court which sought a response from the ED by April 24 on his plea challenging his arrest in the money laundering case. The excise case pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the liquor policy. Subsequently, the ED registered a case under the PMLA. The Indian Air Force recalled its contribution in Operation Meghdoot 40 years ago when its tactical and strategic airlifters and key helicopters ferried men and material to 'dizzying heights' in Siachen, the world's highest battlefield. The Indian Army also marked four decades of its presence on the strategically-significant Siachen Glacier. Operation Meghdoot was launched on April 13, 1984, when the Indian Army and IAF advanced to the Siachen Glacier to secure the heights dominating the northern Ladakh region, officials said. IMAGE: An IAF helicopter ready to fly on April 13, 2024 as Operation Meghdoot marks 40 years of India's presence at the Siachen Glacier since April 13, 1984. Although the operation began in 1984, IAF helicopters were already operating at the Siachen Glacier since 1978, flying Chetak helicopters which was the first IAF helicopter to land in the glacier in October 1978. All photographs: ANI Photo IMAGE: The Indian Army commemorates the 40th anniversary of Operation Meghdoot. Playing an "irreplaceable role" in this effort, IAF's tactical and strategic airlifters, the AN-12s, AN-32s and IL-76s transported stores and troops and air-dropped supplies to high altitude airfields, from where Mi-17, Mi-8, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters "ferried men and material to dizzying heights on the glacier, far above the limits set by the helicopter manufacturers," a senior IAF officer told PTI. While the initial operations involved only the use of transport and helicopter aircraft transporting men and material, the IAF gradually expanded its role and presence in the region with the deployment of fighter aircraft as well. The officer acknowledging the role of the IAF in Siachen in the past few decades, said, "flying in such ruthless terrain, records of human endurance, flying and technical proficiency" are being set by it nearly every day. Operation Meghdoot involved the airlifting of Indian Army soldiers by the IAF and dropping them on the glacial peaks. "Although the operation began in 1984, IAF helicopters were already operating in the Siachen glacier since 1978, flying the Chetak helicopters which was the first IAF helicopter to land in the glacier in October 1978," the senior IAF officer told PTI. By 1984, Pakistan's "cartographic aggression in the uncharted territory of Ladakh", allowing foreign mountaineering expeditions in Siachen, was becoming a "cause of concern", IAF officers said. Having received intelligence inputs about an impending Pakistani military action in the area, India decided to "thwart Pakistan's efforts to legitimise its claim on Siachen," they said. The Indian Army launched Operation Meghdoot to secure strategic heights in Siachen with the deployment of troops. Soon, about 300-odd troops were positioned on the strategically important peaks and passes of the glacier. By the time the Pakistan army reacted by advancing its own troops, the Indian Army was occupying strategically crucial mountain peaks and passes, thereby gaining a tactical advantage, the officials said. In extending valuable support to the army's fight for maintaining military dominance on this desolate glacier since April 1984, "the IAF's incredible performance at the extremes of temperature and altitude remains a continuing saga of fortitude and skill," the senior official added. In the highest battlefield in the world, known for its extreme climatic conditions, IAF helicopters form the lifeline and the sole link of Indian troops with the outside world, playing a critical role in continuing the four-decade-old military operation, responding to emergencies, supplying essential logistics and evacuating the sick and wounded from the 78 km-long glacier, the officials said. The IAF's Hunter aircraft kick-started fighter operations from the high-altitude airfield at Leh when a detachment of Hunters from the No. 27 Squadron commenced operations in September 1984, according to the IAF. In the next couple of years, the Hunters flew "an impressive total of more than 700 sorties from Leh". "As an increasingly large number of fighter sweeps and simulated strikes began to be carried out over the glacier itself, it served as the ultimate morale booster for Indian troops deployed on the glacier, and sent a stern message to the adversary to avoid any misadventures in the area," the IAF officer said. Later, live armament sorties were carried out at the high-altitude firing range at Kar Tso, south of Leh. With the ground infrastructure becoming more conducive for fighter flying, MiG-23s and MiG-29s also started operating from Leh and Thoise. The IAF also inducted the Cheetal helicopters for operating in the glacier in 2009. The Cheetal is a Cheetah helicopter that is re-engineered with a TM 333 2M2 engine having better reliability and load-carrying capability at high altitudes, it said. On August 20, 2013, in a significant show of capability, the IAF landed one of its key acquisitions, the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules four-engine transport aircraft at Daulat Beg Oldie, the world's highest airstrip, near the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, the IAF added. Today, nearly all the aircraft of the IAF including the Rafale, the Su-30MKI, the Chinook, the Apache, Advanced Light Helicopter Mk III & Mk IV, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, the MiG-29, the Mirage-2000, C-17 , C-130 J, IL-76 and An-32 operate in the area. Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Mahipal Soni/Rediff.com Mumbai witnessed severe hot weather on Monday amid the India meteorological department's warning of a heatwave in Maharashtra's capital and neighbouring Thane and Raigad districts for two days till Tuesday. IMAGE: An aerial view of the devotees offering prayers on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr, at Haji Ali Dargah, in Mumbai, April 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo IMD officials said the maximum temperature in the three districts could go up to 38 degrees Celsius. A heatwave warning has issued for the country's financial capital as well as Raigad and Thane districts for Monday and Tuesday, an IMD Mumbai official said. "Maximum temperature is likely to be in the range of 36 to 38 degrees Celsius," the official said. The civic administration in Mumbai has already issued guidelines for people to tackle the heatwave this summer season. The Sittwe deal is more significant than Chabahar in Iran, where India has rights to operate only two terminals and not the port itself. IMAGE: A view of Sittwe port in Myanmar. Photograph: Press Information Bureau After Chabahar in Iran, India has gained the rights to operate a second overseas port, Sittwe, in Myanmar. The ministry of external affairs has approved a proposal for India Ports Global (IPGL) to take over the operations of the entire port located on the Kaladan river. IPGL is a company 100 per cent owned by the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways. In the Indian Ocean, China and India are engaged in a struggle to expand their economic influence. Ports have become highly significant in this rivalry. China, in particular, has been aggressively seeking to acquire operating rights for numerous ports in different countries in the region, such as Hambantota in Sri Lanka and Djibouti in Africa. It has also approached Maldives and Bangladesh to invest in their ports, all of which raise serious concerns for India. Sittwe began receiving cargo from India in May last year. The first consignment of cargo sailed from Syama Prasad Mookerjee port in Kolkata to the port in Myanmar's sensitive Rakhine state and was received by Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and his Myanmar counterpart Admiral Tin Aung San. The port offers a significant connectivity advantage for cargo to reach from Vizag and Kolkata to the North Eastern states, bypassing Bangladesh. The MEA approval means the port will now become an India-operated entity. On the financial front, it is expected that IPGL will encourage transactions in the Indian rupee among traders using the port. IPGL will operate the port with full rights, similar to any other Indian domestic port. The Sittwe deal is more significant than Chabahar, where IPGL has rights to operate only two terminals and not the port itself. The Sittwe deal is a long-term one, to be renewed every three years. Under the agreement, IPGL will raise finance to develop the port, which was initially built with a $500 million grant-in-aid from India. Situated on the Kaladan river delta, the port has the potential to accommodate deepwater sea vessels. Current trade volumes between India and Myanmar are limited to construction materials such as cement, steel, and bricks from India, while imports from Myanmar include rice, timber, fish, and seafood. These could now shift to higher value-added products as the port expands. The Indian states poised to benefit immediately are Mizoram and Tripura. Presently, Indian cargo travelling to these destinations have to pass through Bangladesh, mainly Chittagong port. This scenario could change soon. The development of Sittwe port required a dedicated user agency, which has not been possible so far. IPGL will fill that vacuum with long-term planning, said a senior official of the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways. This port is part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project. Once operationalised, Sittwe port will enable multimodal transit connectivity with Southeast Asia. Sittwe port has been developed under a framework agreement between India and Myanmar for the construction and operation of a multimodal transit transport facility on the Kaladan River, connecting Sittwe Port in Myanmar with Mizoram in India. The approval is also significant for IPGL in other respects, the official said. It clarifies that this company will now spearhead India s overseas port development initiatives. Tanzania, for instance, has requested India's support to develop the potential of its ports. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Dawn Singleton, 25, was among six people killed in Saturday's horrific massacre at Westfield Bondi Junction. As tragic details continue to surface about Saturday's horrific Bondi Junction massacre, it's emerged that a responding NSW Police officer arrived on the scene to find out his fiancee, Dawn Singleton, was among those killed during the stabbing frenzy unleashed by killer Joel Cauchi. The daughter of well-known Australian businessman and entrepreneur John Singleton, Dawn, was one of six people killed at the Westfield shopping centre in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Saturday afternoon. According to several reports, her fiance Ashley Wildey was on-call at the time and arrived at the centre where he was given the unimaginable news by his fellow officers. The 25-year-old Singleton was shopping for makeup for her wedding when Cauchi began attacking shoppers with a large knife. Dawn Singleton was one of six killed during a frenzied stabbing spree on Saturday at Bondi Junction. Dawn is pictured here with her fiance, Ashley Widley, who was among the first responders. Source: Facebook Dawn Singleton's partner Ashley 'devastated' after arriving on scene A friend of Dawn's spoke to The Daily Telegraph and revealed that Wildey was among the first responders. "He was on duty or on call, so she had gone shopping. She was outside Chanel," the unnamed friend said. "He is devastated. He is getting a lot of help from NSW Police. They are looking after him. The whole wedding was booked. They used the same wedding planners as Kyle Sandilands." Wildey had finished his shift before the attack, but was redeployed as officers scrambled to manage the situation. Dawn Singleton, daughter of Aussie businessman John, was among the victims killed by Queensland man Joel Cauchi at Bondi. Source: Facebook "He had arrived at Westfield when officers realised his fiancee was one of the victims," another source reportedly told The Daily Telegraph. Officers followed procedure, removing him from the scene to be with loved ones. John Singleton calls Ray Hadley to confirm daughter's death Ray Hadley of radio station 2GB also confirmed the tragic update. "The other officers intervened when he arrived there, apparently," Hadley said on air. "Tragically it was revealed to me that she had picked out a wedding dress and booked the reception place in Arcadia in Sydneys northwest," he said. "It is just incomprehensible." Hadley said Dawn's father John rang him personally to see if he could verify his daughter was among those killed. "I said, 'I don't want to tell you what I know, but I've got to tell you. And he was stoic and then gathered his family," Hadley said. "Obviously John is inconsolable as is [his wife] Julie." Faraz Ahmed Tahir, Ashlee Good, Jade Young and Dawn Singleton have been identified as four of the six victims killed in the Bondi Junction Westfield attack by Joel Cauchi. Source: NCA NewsWire A total of six people were stabbed to death on Saturday by Cauchi in a gruesome and bloodied attack that sent shockwaves around the country and the world. Eight other victims, including a baby, remain in hospital including. One woman is fighting for life. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. With the Aam Aadmi Party maintaining that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is running his government from Tihar jail, director general (prisons) Sanjay Baniwal on Monday said an inmate can sign legal papers and personal complaints during his judicial custody but underlined that documents signed should not be political in nature. IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal being brought to appear before Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the alleged money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy case, in New Delhi, April 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo In an interaction with PTI editors at its headquarters in New Delhi, Baniwal also said no distinction is made in the treatment meted out to the inmates and it is ensured they get the same basic right. Earlier in the day, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Kejriwal in jail and alleged that he was not getting the amenities even a hardcore criminal is allowed in Tihar. Responding to this, Baniwal said, "There is no distinction between a hardcore or a normal criminal. In the jail manual, there is no distinction between the inmates. Every inmate has basic rights and it is my duty to ensure that. These are being ensured to everyone." Nobody is accorded special treatment and there is no such provision, he said. "I have 20,000 inmates and there are thousands of people coming to meet them every day. There is never a single complaint. So, I don't see any reason to be different with A and B," the DG (prisons) said. During a press conference, AAP general secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak said that Chief Minister Kejriwal, arrested in the Delhi excise policy scam case, will call two ministers to jail each week and review the progress of the work in their departments. In his response to a question on this, Baniwal said, "Only two things a person is allowed to sign. One is his legal papers or a complaint but those should be non-political in nature and the other is about his situation, or letters to family members or property papers." Elaborating on whether Kejriwal can add the names of his cabinet ministers to the list of visitors, he said, "I can not stop (him). Who am I to decide, who is your friend or who is your family?" "He can give 10 names. Out of these 10 names, two family meetings are allowed and each time two people can come. So, in a week, four people can meet him and in a month, 16 people can meet him," he said and added, "You can meet him in person or through video conferencing." Asked about the AAP's claims that the chief minister has been losing weight since his arrest on March 21, he replied, "Don't ask me the number as these are the personal details, but he looks healthier." Baniwal also said the chief minister's health parameters are becoming better, adding that it is getting stable. "I believe whatever exercise he is doing, it is working for him," he said. On April 3, Delhi minister Atishi alleged that Kejriwal has been rapidly losing weight since his arrest on March 21 and accused the BJP of putting his health at risk by keeping him in jail. Tihar Jail has a capacity for around 10,000 inmates, but there are currently 20,000 prisoners lodged there. "I have 20,000 people and of them, five to six per cent will always remain affected with some ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, heart issues, asthma and drug issues. We have fantastic drug de-addiction centres, dispensaries, and psychologists. "So, we do take care of everyone... I have to work for them and I have to set up a system which is accessible in the same manner to everyone," Baniwal added. A Delhi court on Monday extended till April 23 the judicial custody of Chief Minster Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise scam. IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal leaves the Rouse Avenue Court after being produced in the Delhi Excise Policy case, in New Delhi. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo Special Judge for the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Kaveri Baweja, extended Kejriwal's custody after he was produced before the court through video-conferencing on the expiry of his period of custody granted earlier. The ED sought extension of Kejriwal's custody by 14 days, saying the investigation was at a crucial stage. The judge extended Kejriwal's judicial custody till April 23, noting that the judicial custody of some of the co-accused persons in the case, including BRS leader K Kavitha, is ending on that date. The court had on April 1 sent Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15 in the case. The ED has accused the AAP leader of being involved in the "entire conspiracy of Delhi liquor scam, in drafting and implementation of the policy, for favouring and benefiting from the quid pro, receiving kickbacks and eventually using part of proceeds of crime generated out of the scheduled offence in the campaign for Goa Assembly elections". Kejriwal on Monday did not get any interim relief from the Supreme Court which sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate by April 24 on his plea challenging his arrest in a money-laundering case stemming from the alleged excise policy scam. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued notice to the ED on Kejriwal's plea challenging the Delhi high court's April 9 order that had upheld his arrest in the case. The bench said the matter would be heard in the week commencing April 29. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Kejriwal, questioned the timing of his arrest after the model code of conduct for the general elections had come into force and said it was done to disable him from campaigning. Terming it a "very unusual matter", not just because Kejriwal was a chief minister, Singhvi told the bench that he wanted to show some facts which would "shock" the conscience of the court. He said a lot of "selective leaks all over the place" was giving everybody a wrong impression. "I am not aware of selective leaks," Justice Khanna said, adding, "Let a notice be issued." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who represented the ED, said the probe agency will file its reply to the petition. "I am now asking for an extremely short date of Friday for a reason," Singhvi said, underlining the need for the matter to be heard early. "We will give a reasonable date, a very short date, but not what you are saying. That is not possible," Justice Khanna told Singhvi. During the hearing, the senior advocate said the CBI and the ED have filed eight chargesheets in the excise case and Kejriwal had not been named in any of them. "The story starts from September 2022 and he (Kejriwal) is arrested in March 2024," he said. Singhvi said during this period, 15 statements, including nine by one person and six by others, were recorded and none of them named Kejriwal. "Reserve your arguments for the next date," Justice Khanna told the veteran advocate, who continued to question the timing of the AAP national convenor's arrest. Now, Singhvi said, the first round of polling is going to be held on April 19. Mehta insisted electioneering cannot be a ground for seeking relief in such matters. "After we have said issue notice, you should not have even argued," the bench told Singhvi, adding, "We know the facts. We have gone through the paper book. We spent so much time". The bench, while issuing notice to the ED, asked the central agency to file its reply on or before April 24 and rejoinder, if any, can be submitted by April 27. The high court had on April 9 upheld Kejriwal's arrest in the money laundering case, saying there was no illegality about it and that the ED was left with "little option" after he skipped repeated summonses and refused to join the investigation. The matter pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 which was later scrapped. The ED had arrested Kejriwal on March 21, hours after the high court refused to grant him protection from coercive action by the federal anti-money laundering agency. He is in currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody. Kejriwal has described his arrest ahead of the general elections as an "unprecedented assault on the tenets of democracy" and urged the apex court to release him by declaring the case against him as "illegal". In his appeal, the Delhi chief minister said his arrest was "obviously motivated by extraneous considerations". "The intervention of this court is urgently warranted, as over and above the issue of illegal curtailment of liberty, the petitioner's arrest also constitutes an unprecedented assault on the tenets of democracy, free-and-fair elections and federalism, both of which form significant constituents of the basic structure of the Constitution," he has said. The arrest was made solely relying on "subsequent, contradictory and highly-belated statements" of the co-accused who have now turned approvers, he has said in the appeal. "The petitioner's arrest bears serious, irreversible ramifications for the future of electoral democracy in India and if he is not released forthwith to participate in the upcoming elections, it will establish a precedence in law for ruling parties to arrest heads of political opposition on flimsy and vexatious charges before elections, thereby eroding the core principles of our Constitution," the plea said. The high court, it said, failed to appreciate that statements made before a probe agency are not held to be the gospel truth and can always be doubted by the courts. "The ED has allowed its process to be used and misused by vested interests as an instrument of oppression to not only invade the liberty of the political opponents in the midst of general elections 2024 of such vested interests but also to tarnish their reputation and self-esteem. Such lawlessness cannot be allowed to be perpetrated under any circumstances," Kejriwal has said in his appeal before the top court. Even as political leaders are talking of development, modernisation and progress in election rallies, people about 300 villages in the Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency are still facing one of the most primitive struggles of mankind -- the man-animal conflict. IMAGE: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav addresses an election rally organized in support of party candidate from Pilibhit constituency Bhagwat Sharan Gangwar (unseen) ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, in Pilibhit, Uttarakhand, April 12, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo People in these villages routinely encounter big cats that stray into their farms from the adjoining Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, a bustling habitat for the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris). Sometimes these encounters even prove fatal. As per official records, more than 22 people from these villages have been mauled to death by tigers since November 2019. On April 9, hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a political rally in the Puranpur area in support of Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Jitin Prasada, 55-year-old farmer Bhole Ram was mauled to death by a tiger. While PM Modi, in his address, announced to "take the grandeur of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve to the world", the family members of Bhole Ram and some other villagers were not pleased. "Our lives are at the mercy of gods. We don't know when a tiger will leap out of the field and make us or our children its prey," said Paras Rai, a relative of Bhole Ram and resident of the Jamunia village located on the boundary of the PTR. The village saw deaths of four persons, including Bhole Ram, in the last six months due to tiger attacks. The deaths have made the man-animal conflict a poll issue in Pilibhit. The villagers, who face a constant threat to existence because of tigers, have been demanding measures to prevent tigers from venturing out of the forest. Political parties have also started to realise the issue. Samajwadi Party candidate and former minister Bhagwat Saran Gangwar visited Bhole Ram's family members on April 11 and assured them of his support. Gangwar raised the issue during the political rally held by party president Akhilesh Yadav in the district on April 12. "People are being killed by wild animals. We will solve the problem once we come to power," he said. Former Uttar Pradesh CM Yadav also raised the issue and attacked the BJP. "Animals from the wild are killing people. I also saw a video of a tiger sitting on a wall being chased by people. This government has not done anything about the problem." Umashankar Pal, a farmer who lost his brother to a tiger attack in 2022, said, "We want the authorities to put up a fence on the boundaries of the forest to stop the tigers. But nothing has been done yet. We continue to see tigers in our farms on a regular basis which poses a threat to our lives." The villagers, predominantly farmers with small land holdings, cannot make do without their farms where the big cats are the biggest threat to their life. Almost all the people killed by tigers met their fate in the fields. Experts suggest that the population of tigers in the PTR, formed in 2014, has doubled over the years forcing them to venture out in search of new territories, thereby leading to man-animal conflict. As per a survey conducted in 2018, the PTR has 65 tigers, more than double the number of tigers in 2014. "Another reason that results in the animals coming out of forest areas is a very narrow and almost non-existent buffer zone around the PTR. Villages in Pilibhit or the fields are located just at the boundary of the forest," explained Durgesh Prajapati, a wildlife expert and social activist based in Pilibhit. The villagers, who have lived in cohesion with the forest for ages, believe that the problem of tigers is a result of the government's decision to declare the area a tiger reserve. The villagers said this time they will vote for the party which promises to resolve the issue for them. Pilibhit, with over 18 lakh voters, will go to polls in the first phase of elections on April 19. One of the two men seen in a CCTV footage opening fire outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's house in Mumbai is suspected to be from Gurugram, sources in the Delhi Police said on Sunday. IMAGE: Police and forensic team collect evidence after two unidentified people opened fire outside the house of Bollywood actor Salman Khan, at Bandra in Mumbai on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Two men fired four rounds outside Bandra's Galaxy Apartments, where the actor resides, around 5 am and fled. According to a Bandra police official, an FIR has been registered against "unidentified persons" under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) and the Arms Act. An official source in the Delhi Police said one of the two is suspected to be a criminal from Gurugram who was involved in multiple killings and robberies in Haryana and is wanted in the murder of Gurugram-based businessman Sachin Munjal in March. Gangster Rohit Godara, who is based abroad, had in a purported social media post claimed responsibility for Munjal's murder. He is a close associate of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol and Goldy Brar. Hours after the firing outside Salman Khan's house on Sunday, Anmol Bishnoi, in a purported online post, took responsibility for the incident and issued a warning to the Bollywood actor, saying it was a "trailer", police sources said. In March last year, an e-mail threatening Khan was received at his office following which the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar and another person under IPC sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 506-II (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention). The FIR was based on a complaint lodged with the Bandra police by one Prashant Gunjalkar, who according to police frequently visited the Bandra-based residence of Khan and ran an artist management company. The e-mail stated that Khan must have seen an interview given to a news channel by Lawrence Bishnoi, and if not, he should see it. Addressing Gunjalkar, it said if Khan wants to close the matter, he should talk face-to-face with "Goldy bhai", adding "there is still time but agli bar, jhatka dekhne ko milega" (you'll see something shocking next time), Mumbai police earlier said. In June 2022, an unidentified person threatened Khan via a handwritten note, they said. More civil society organisations and bodies from the Kuki-zo community have announced that they will boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, saying "no justice, no vote" following fresh incidents of violence in the conflict-hit state. IMAGE: Army and Manipur police conduct a joint operation in the general area of Sadar Joute and T. Mongbung villages, in Kangpokpi, Manipur, March 5, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo While two people were killed in a gunfight that broke out between two armed groups in Imphal East district on Saturday, three people were injured in a gunbattle between armed village volunteers and unidentified people in Tengnoupal district on Friday. The Kukis have already declared that they are not fielding any candidate in the parliamentary polls as an act of boycott. The Global Kuki-Zomi-Hmar Women community, a group of Kuki-Zo women, including journalists, social workers, former Outer Manipur MP Kim Gangte and leaders of the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar women's forums in Delhi, had earlier written to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, informing him of its decision to boycott the polls. Following suit, two more bodies -- Kuki National Assembly and Kuki Inpi -- have joined the chorus against the parliamentary election. "We express our dissatisfaction with our leaders. It is disheartening that Indian forces, which are capable of preventing and countering threats from China and Pakistan, have failed to protect innocent citizens from terrorists. This has led to a loss of faith in the Indian Constitution and the country's claim that it is the world's largest democracy," said Mangboi Haokip, a spokesperson of the Kuki National Assembly. "We feel compelled to abstain from voting in the Lok Sabha election to express our anguish towards the Indian leadership. If suffering is deemed our right in India, then we choose not to participate in the election. This boycott serves as a means to convey our pain and suffering to India and the world," Haokip added. The Kuki Inpi also passed a resolution on Sunday to abstain from voting in the election. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum, which emerged as a conglomerate of tribal bodies in Churachandpur after ethnic violence broke out in the state in May last year, said, "Central security forces are deployed to maintain peace and remain neutral, but their actions today have raised many questions ahead of the Lok Sabha election." The state has witnessed sporadic, sometimes intense, ethnic clashes since May 3 last year between the majority Meitei community and the Kukis, resulting in the loss of more than 200 lives. While the Meiteis are now concentrated in Imphal city, the Kukis have moved to the hills. Poling for the two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur will be held in two phases. While Inner Manipur and some segments of Outer Manipur will vote in the first phase on April 19, the remaining segments of Outer Manipur will vote in the second phase on April 26. While the poll campaign in the state has been muted so far with posters, banners and mega rallies missing from the scene, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address a rally in Imphal on Monday. The state has traditionally seen a high voter turnout, with more than 82 percent polling recorded in the 2019 general election. However, the ethnic violence has cast a shadow on the election this time, with several civil society groups and affected people questioning its relevance under the current circumstances. A radical Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol, which recently compelled legislators to take an oath at Kangla Fort, had also issued directives against campaign activities like the use of banners and flags. The Outer Manipur constituency, reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, has been represented in the Lok Sabha by six Naga and five Kuki leaders so far. This time, all the candidates in the fray are Nagas, with no Kuki throwing their hat in the ring following the call of influential pressure groups to abstain from contesting the polls. Of Outer Manipur's eight-lakh-strong electorate, Nagas are the largest cohort with 4.61 lakh voters, followed by Kuki-Zomi (3.21 lakh). The Election Commission has announced that the displaced population will have the opportunity to cast their votes from relief camps. According to EC officials, more than 24,000 people living in the relief camps have been found eligible to vote and 94 special polling stations are being set up for them. No voting arrangements have been made for those who left the northeastern state following the clashes to take shelter outside. Two motorcycle-borne persons, who allegedly opened fire outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's house in Bandra, Mumbai, had rented a house for a month in Navi Panvel in Raigad district, some 40 km from Mumbai, where he has a farmhouse, an official said on Monday. IMAGE: Police forensic team collects evidence after two unidentified persons opened fire at actor Salman Khans home, Mumbai, April 14, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo During the day, the police interrogated three persons from Navi Mumbai, including the house owner, the previous owner of the two-wheeler used in the crime, the agent who facilitated the sale, and several others as part of the probe into the firing that occurred on Sunday, the official said. The owner of the vehicle, which was abandoned near Mount Mary Church, not very far from the 58-year-old actor's house, had recently sold it to someone else, he said. Two unidentified men fired four rounds outside Bandra's Galaxy Apartments, where the actor resides, around 5 am and fled the spot. Investigations revealed that the abandoned two-wheeler was registered in the name of a person residing in Panvel, and a team from the crime branch went there and brought three persons for questioning, the official said. The police interrogated the previous owner of the vehicle, the agent who facilitated the sale and the owner of the house, which the accused had rented in the Harigram area of Panvel in March, the official said. The police have formed more than a dozen teams to probe the incident, and some have been sent to Bihar, Rajasthan and Delhi, the official said. "So far, we have not arrested or detained anybody in the case, but our inquiry is going on with several people," he said. According to officials, the suspects abandoned the vehicle near Mount Mary Church, walked some distance and took an autorickshaw to Bandra railway station. They boarded a train going towards Borivali but alighted at Santacruz railway station and walked out, they said. The police are questioning several other persons and recording their statements, he said, adding that the CCTV footage from the area is also being examined. The police have registered a first information report (FIR) under section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act. Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Monday said the people of Amethi want him to represent them and the decision to become a candidate in the Lok Sabha polls will be taken at the right time. IMAGE: Businessman and husband of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Robert Vadra, after offering prayers at Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan, in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, April 15, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Vadra visited holy city Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh and had a 'darshan' of Lord Banke Bihari. He saw Thakurji's 'Shringar Aarti' and said be it Ayodhya or Mathura, he looks at every place in the same way. The Congress is yet to declare its candidates either from Amethi or Raebareli, the two pocket boroughs of the Nehru-Gandhi family. There are speculations about Priyanka Gandhi's brother Rahul Gandhi contesting again from Amethi. Rahul Gandhi had lost the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to Union minister Smriti Irani, who has again been fielded by the BJP from the constituency. Speaking to reporters, Robert Vadra indicated that he will also join politics and said there is an atmosphere of change in the country. His entire family is working diligently on this, he added. He said whether he remains actively involved in politics or not, he will continue to work hard for the country and its people. "We will continue to make efforts to form a secular government in the country," Vadra said. On the question of becoming a candidate from Amethi, Vadra said discussions are going on in every corner of the country. This is a call of the people. He understands their hard work, he said. "They want me to represent them, go to their area and listen to their problems so that they can progress. I am also interested in joining politics but the decision will be taken at the right time. There is no hurry right now," he said. Pradeep Mathur, former leader of the UP Congress Legislature Party accompanied Vadra. After 'darshan' in the temple, Vadra enjoyed the 'kachori' given in Thakurji's 'prasad' and himself distributed the 'prasad' to the devotees. He said whenever a person faces any problem, he remembers his God. He does not remember any leader or party, he added. "When a person in trouble remembers God, his courage increases. Therefore, there should be no politics of discrimination in the name of religion," Vadra said. Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of being a party doing "politics of discrimination", he said calling the Congress anti-Sanatan is the BJP's own way of publicity. His (Robert Vadra) entire family is secular and away from discrimination, he added. Assuring the victory of the INDIA bloc, he said, "In the coming time, we will form a secular government in the country. Will keep the country secular. "The new alliance that has been formed will be kept strong. Because our thinking is to strengthen the country," he said. Referring to the BJP, he said a secular government should be established in the country and the (INDIA) bloc is working strongly in this direction. Asked about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi working to make the Congress and the alliance victorious, he said both of them are also working very hard. They are ready to help the people and want to find solutions to their problems. "It is a prayer to Banke Bihari that there should be happiness and peace in the country. I also wish for Rahul and Priyanka that they definitely succeed," he said. The Internet Protocol address of the Facebook post claiming responsibility for firing at Bollywood actor Salman Khan's Mumbai residence has been traced to Portugal, a senior police officer said on Monday. IMAGE: A Forensic team official collects evidence after two unidentified people opened fire outside the house of Bollywood actor Salman Khan, at Bandra in Mumbai, April 14, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Prima facie, the shooters had conducted recce around Galaxy Apartment in Bandra rpt Bandra, where Khan lives, a few days ago, he said. The police suspect a virtual private network was used for uploading the Facebook post, allegedly by Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on Sunday, he said. A VPN establishes a digital connection between a computer and a remote server owned by a VPN provider, creating a point-to-point tunnel that encrypts personal data, masks IP addresses, and allows the user to sidestep website blocks and firewalls on the Internet. The FB post claiming responsibility surfaced on Sunday at around 11 am, hours after shots were fired by two unidentified bike-borne men at Khan's residence around 5 AM. "The IP address of the FB post was traced to Portugal. We are verifying," the officer added. Notably, the post written in Hindi termed the firing as an 'event" and a 'trailer'. "We have only shown you a trailer so that you understand the magnitude of our strength and do not test it. This is the first and last warning," the post reads. According to the officer, the shooters had conducted recce outside Khan's Bandra residence a few days ago. The police are also examining CCTV footage of the area near Galaxy Apartment to verify whether the shooters were part of the crowd that gathered there on Eid on April 11 to catch a glimpse of Khan. Meanwhile, considering the threat perception, security has been enhanced at the Galaxy Apartment. "The actor has Y+ category security cover, but after the firing, the number of police personnel guarding him has been increased," the officer said. Additionally, the police are taking precautions during the movement of the actor, he said. "Whenever Salman Khan will be out for film shooting, precautions will be taken accordingly," the officer said, adding a vehicle of the special protection unit remains stationed outside the Galaxy Apartment. As a precautionary measure, local police are also deployed outside the apartment and patrolling has been intensified, he said. India is very concerned over escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel and New Delhi has told the countries to "calm down," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday, amid spiralling tension in the Middle East. IMAGE: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar (right) and Leader of Opposition in Karnataka legislative assembly R Ashok address a press conference in Bengaluru, Karnataka, April 15, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Iran carried out its first direct attack on Israel on Saturday in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1 that killed seven Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards including a senior general. "We have been telling them not to allow this (the situation) to escalate and that this is a very crucial region for the global economy," he told reporters in Bengaluru Jaishankar emphasised that the stability of the Middle East region was essential because about one crore Indian citizens live there and said, "a large part of our shipping passes through this region and also, oil comes from there." "This is an enormously sensitive region. So we are very concerned when there is this kind of escalation and hostilities. So our effort has been to tell both of them to calm down. So yesterday, I made a phone call to both, not only Iran (foreign minister) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian but also I called up my Israeli counterpart (Israel Katz)," Jaishankar said. "We also understand that they have concerns. I'm only saying that for the rest of the world and definitely for India, we would like to find ways of de-escalating the situation," he added. To a question on the adverse impact of the Iran-Israel conflict, Jaishankar said in a globalised world, no country can remain unaffected. However, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the "guts to take the right decision." IMAGE: Congress MP and the party's candidate from Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi, files his nomination for the the Lok Sabha elections, April 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Stocks of smallcap and midcap companies, which had caught the fancy of retail investors, also feature in the portfolio of leading politicians in addition to bluechip stocks. Rahul Gandhi disclosed investments in several smaller companies in addition to mutual funds that invest in the space. Similarly, Rajeev Chandrasekhar shows investments into a scheme that puts money in the midcap space. Nitin Gadkari, who has also filed an election affidavit for the upcoming general elections, shows minimal exposure to equities. Since the nomination process for the 2024 general elections is still ongoing, not all candidates have filed their affidavits that include the candidate's criminal record; ongoing/pending criminal trials; total assets of the candidate, spouse and dependants; total investments; dues pending to the government; and other details. The major holdings of Rahul Gandhi, who is fighting from Kerala's Wayanad constituency, include Pidilite Industries, Bajaj Finance, Nestle India and Asian Paints. The investments range from Rs 30 lakhs to Rs 45 lakhs (Rs 3 million to Rs 4.5 million). The Congress leader has investments in 24 companies and the total value of his stock portfolio is Rs 4.3 crore (Rs 43 million). In addition, he has invested in multiple mutual funds with a total value of Rs 3.8 crore (Rs 38 million). He also has exposure to gold through sovereign gold bonds worth over Rs 15 lakh (Rs 1.5 million). The total value of all these holdings is over Rs 8.3 crore (Rs 83 million). IMAGE: BJP candidate for Thiruvananthapuram, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, files his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, April 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Rajeev Chandrasekhar's election affidavit shows that he had a multibagger in the form of TISCO. The Union minister of state for electronics and information technology invested Rs 18,322 in the company and the investment is now worth over Rs 2 lakh. This is a ten-bagger in market parlance, which means a stock that has gone up 10 times since it was bought. The bulk of his investments are in mutual funds or debt securities. The Bharatiya Janata Party candidate for 2024 polls from Thiruvananthapuram also owns a midcap fund worth nearly Rs 5 crore (Rs 50 million). He also invested crores in tax-free bonds including HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation) and IRFC (Indian Railway Finance Corporation). The total value of these and similar investments is over Rs 45 crore (Rs 450 millipn). IMAGE: BJP candidate Nitin Gadkari, accompanied by Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel and BJP state President Chandrashekhar Bawankule, files his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections in Nagpur, March 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has also filed his election affidavit but shows limited exposure to the share market. He has investments in Purti Power and Sugar. Shares in cooperative societies are worth Rs 2 lakh (Rs 200,000) and a similar amount is allocated under miscellaneous investments. He has not declared any mutual fund holdings. According to the declarations in their respective affidavits, the total value of the assets (movable including cash in hand at the time of filing the nomination and immovable assets) owned by Rahul Gandhi was Rs 20.3 crores (Rs 203 million), by Rajeev Chandrasekhar was Rs 23.6 crores (Rs 236 million) and by Nitin Gadkari was Rs 6.3 crores (Rs 63 million). Of the key Congress and BJP MPs that contested the previous general elections, as many as eight had declared zero investments. These include the current Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, and Kiren Rijiju, the incumbent minister of earth sciences and food processing industries. Other prominent names include first-term BJP MP from Bangalore South Tejaswi Surya, BJP MP from Odisha's Puri Sambit Patra, BJP MP from North-East Delhi Manoj Tiwari, Begusarai BJP MP Giriraj Singh,] and TMC MP from Krishnanagar, West Bengal, Mahua Moitra. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com Newton Santos and his wife Nubia paid an Auckland-based company to process their 2021 Residence Visa application, but it was never submitted. An expat couple who have called New Zealand their dream home for the past eight years are now being forced to leave after their immigration adviser made a devastating visa application error. Three years ago, Newton Santos and his wife Nubia paid more than NZ$4,000 (A$3,668) to Auckland-based company Sunrise Immigration Services to process their 2021 Residence Visa (RV2021) application, according to RNZ. Migrants with work visas were offered the one-off pathway to help boost the economy following Covid-19. Brazilian couple Newton Santos and Nubia are set to leave New Zealand after their immigration adviser made a 'devastating' $3,600 residency visa mistake. Source: RNZ/Newton Santos Newton and Nubia, who are originally from Brazil, decided to hire the immigration company, which they had previously used, to help prevent anything from going wrong during the complicated process. In the months leading up to the submissions cut-off on July 31, 2022, the pair say they called and emailed their adviser for updates and were reassured the application had been put through. As far as we knew, everything was all good, he told the local publication. Assistant forgets to submit couple's visa However, after watching his friends gleefully receive their approvals, Newton probed the anonymous adviser once again for some good news. She said her assistant forgot to apply for our visa, he said. My wife was in tears, I didnt know what to do we had the qualifications to be eligible for a type of residency visa that doesnt come out very often and just like that, we had nothing. It was devastating. In a letter sent to the Minister for Immigration and seen by RNZ the advisor blamed the error on a drastic increase in workload, staff shortages and medical issues. Drafting agreements, gathering information of more than 500 RV2021 applicants, conducting meetings ... my body succumbed to pressures, and was hospitalised. While I thought we were running smoothly ...[Santos's] application was oversighted and we discovered 3 days after the [RV2021] was closed for submissions, the letter read. Brazilian couple takes advisor to court Last year, the couple filed a complaint against the adviser to the Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal, who ruled they had lost the chance of what may have been a unique and seriously advantageous opportunity. The unique visa the Brazilian couple had intended to apply for has now been closed. Source: Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Afterwards, the NZ Immigration Advisers Authority censured the advisor and ordered her to pay the registrar $2,500 (A$2,292) and $8,000 (A$7,336) to Newton and Nubia, Registrar of Immigration Advisers Duncan Connor told RNZ. In a last-ditch attempt, the Brazilian couple pleaded with the Minister for Immigration to review their visa status, but Immigration New Zealand responded it cannot accept a residence application under a category that has been closed. Newton described the ordeal as so unfair and revealed he and his wife did not meet the requirements for other pathways to residency. New Zealand tightens visa laws While Aussies dont need a visa to holiday in New Zealand, anyone thinking of heading over for a few years needs to apply for a work or resident visa. Last week the New Zealand government said it was going to make changes to its low-skilled worker visa program after an unsustainable near-record 173,000 people migrated in 2023. Applicants must now fulfil English requirements and can stay for just three years compared to the previous five. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain likely. High 47F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low 43F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. State Rep. Laura H. Sibilia, I, represents the Windham-Bennington District in the Vermont House of Representatives. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. A hiker trekking through a southeast Queensland national park was awestruck last week when she stumbled across a beautiful find hanging off foliage. Christine said she was walking on a trail in Binna Burra, which is surrounded by Lamington National Park, when she discovered the unusual sight. In an attempt to identify the fabulous strands of what look like beads of water linked together, she posted photos on a Facebook page dedicated to identifying fungi. I believe its not a fungi, but I would like to know what it is or what is the cause of it, she inquired. Christine was walking on a trail in Binna Burra, which is surrounded by Lamington National Park, Queensland, last week when she discovered lines of glow worms. Source: Facebook Growth confirmed to be glow worms Much to her surprise, several experts said her discovery appeared to be glow worms, which Dr Chris Burwell, Senior Scientist and Curator Entomology at Queensland Museum, confirmed to Yahoo News is true. Yes they are definitely the fishing lines of glow worms. Glow worms are actually the immature stages (the larvae) of flies in the genus Arachnocampa, he said. Dr Burwell told Yahoo 'it's not uncommon to find small colonies of glow worms in that general area'. Source: Facebook The particular glow worm species that would be at Lamington National Park (and the same one at Natural Bridge in the Numinbah Valley) is Arachnocampa flava. There are seven other glow-worm species in eastern Australia. Despite some claims from social media users that such an encounter is rare, Dr Burwell told Yahoo its not uncommon to find small colonies of glow worms in that general area, especially at night. Several people did encourage Christine to return to the area after the sun set, however she said its a 7km hike before you get there. Then you have mud and stones and tree roots everywhere on the trail, she explained. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. The deportations follow raids in Sihanoukville last month that included the seizure of computers and mobile phones. Chinese gambling and scam suspects are escorted by the police at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport on April 13, 2024, in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Cambodia has deported 130 Chinese nationals suspected of fraud-related activities and illegal online gambling at several sites in Sihanoukville, a seaside resort that has become a hotbed of criminal activity. The deportations on Saturday followed a raid in early March that resulted in 300 suspects being detained, the China Daily reported. Law enforcement authorities in Cambodia and China have increased their cooperation in recent years to address the increase in online scams being run out of Sihanoukville, which over the last decade has become a city of Chinese casinos under the influence of Chinese tycoons. Chinese gambling and scam suspects are escorted by the police at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport on April 13, 2024, in Wuhan, Hubei province of China. (Zhao Wenyu/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images) Sihanoukville authorities and Chinese police worked together on last months arrests, which included the seizure of servers, computers and mobile phones, according to Xinhua. Most of the 300 suspects were Chinese nationals. The first batch of suspects arrived in Chinas Hubei province aboard two chartered flights, the China Daily reported, citing Chinas Ministry of Public Security. More deportation flights to China are expected. The Interior Ministry announced a campaign to confront online scams in August 2022. Radio Free Asia was unable to contact Interior Ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak and Sihanoukville Provincial Police Commissioner Sar Ratha for comment on Monday. The United Nations estimated in a report last year that some 100,000 people in Cambodia have been trafficked and imprisoned by crime rings who force them through torture and threats to carry out online scams. Most of them involve convincing people to invest in bogus investments. Chinese gambling and scam suspects are escorted by the police at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport on April 13, 2024, in Wuhan, Hubei province of China. (Zhao Wenyu/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images) Most of the victims, both on the enslaved scammer side and on the scammed side, are Chinese nationals. The stories surrounding such trafficking have grown so widespread that they have scared off Chinese tourists a key contributor to Cambodias economy. The Cambodian government has responded by blaming the media for negative reports. China, a close ally of Cambodias government, also has an interest in pursuing criminals who have fled from China to Cambodia. Translated by Sum Sok Ry. Edited by Matt Reed. In the face of the unbelievable tragedy, a psychologist has advised parents how they can talk about it with their kids. As Australians across the country attempt to grapple with the sheer tragedy of the horrific stabbing attack at Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday, a psychologist is urging parents to talk with their kids about what happened. Following the attack on more than a dozen people by Queensland man Joel Cauchi, which many young shoppers would have witnessed, heartbreaking images have emerged of a father desperate to shield his children from the scene guiding two children wearing eye masks outside the building. While in the wake of the attack, mourners including many young kids have been pictured laying flowers outside the centre in memory of the six people who lost their lives. A father covered his children's eyes as he led them away from the scene at Bondi Junction on Saturday. Source: Nine News Its a stark reminder that while adults can barely comprehend the incident, the impact can be even greater for children, whether they were near the violence on the weekend or not. Professor Caroline Hunt from the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney told Yahoo News Australia that in the days and weeks after hearing about the attacks children may suffer from anxiety. They may have nightmares, they might not be able to sleep that well, they may want to talk about the event, and it might even come out in their play if they're young, Hunt said. So, how do we speak to the younger generation about what happened in a way that wont traumatise or further impact their mental health? Emotional mothers were seen leaving the shopping centre with their distraught children after the attack. Source: Getty Images Listen to what children have to say According to Hunt, one of the most important things that we can do as adults is not to presume what children might be thinking, and also not to project our own thoughts onto children. I think the first step for parents would be to really listen and understand what the children know about the event, what they think about it and what their own fears are, because they may have fears that are very unrealistic about the situation but we won't know that until we actually find out from them exactly what they're worried about, she explained. For example, they might be scared that an attack like the one in Bondi might happen again. Are they fearful that it is going to happen to them? Is it going to happen to their parents? Or are their parents going to be taken away? So, I think the first step is to not assume anything and just really try to understand and ask children what their understanding is, and whether they have any worries themselves about it. Its about really listening carefully and very calmly about what they might be thinking. Many parents and their children were at Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon when the attack broke out. Source: Getty Images What to do when children have questions Most importantly, you want to stay away from any of the really frightening and traumatic details of the event, Professor Hunt advised. Just give a calm understanding that something happened and people got hurt and it was all very sad and people are finding it difficult, she said. And if there are questions that you cant answer, be absolutely clear about that and say, Look, I really don't know why the person did that, nobody knows at this stage why that has happened, and I can't answer that question. Whatever you do, dont try to make things up. Be honest and say, I don't know why these things happen'. But the important thing, of course, is to balance that about how these things are very rare, that it's very unusual, and also to make sure that children feel safe and that nothing's going to happen to them. Children and their parents have been laying floral tributes outside the shopping centre following the mass killings. Source: Getty Images How to deal with fear of returning to the scene While children will process anxiety in their own way, Hunt explained that there may be some fear about returning to Bondi Junction shopping centre for Sydney children. If there is some fearfulness, talk to the child about that, saying, You might feel a bit nervous, thats ok, were all feeling a little bit nervous about going to the shopping centre but shopping centres are actually safe, and this thing was something that is not going to be in our normal experience, she said. The other thing is to try to make things as routine and as normal as possible, without pushing children. If there's a really high amount of fear and you're really not able to reassure your child enough to be able to go to the shopping centre, then I wouldn't be pushing them to do that, Hunt said. And if it goes on for longer than a couple of weeks, parents might think about talking to a professional about whether they need to get some professional help in talking to their child, she said. Professor Caroline Hunt from the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney said it is important to talk to children about what happened. Source: Getty Images Beyond letting children know that its ok and normal to be concerned and worried about what happened, the Kids Helpline urged adults to try to limit their exposure to media around the tragedy in order to not re-traumatise them and build anxiety. They also recommended finding something positive to do, such as writing a card or contributing to a fundraising campaign, sticking to your normal daily routine, and providing lots of hugs and love. The Kids Helpline is Australias only national 24/7 counselling and support service specially for those aged five to 25, and can be called for free on 1800 55 1800. If you're struggling, know that help is available 24/7. Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online. Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online. 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online. 13 Yarn: Call 13 92 76. MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Government talent programs have yet to bear fruit, as brain drain from once-prestigious jobs persists. A child with members of the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department poses for a photo at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Academy Open Day during the National Security Education Day in Hong Kong, April 15, 2023. Hong Kong's civil service has hemorrhaged more than 10,000 employees in recent years, in the wake of a city-wide crackdown on public dissent that has forced them to censor what they say on social media and take an oath of loyalty to Beijing. More than 10,000 civil servants resigned in the year 2022-2023, according to figures from the city's Civil Service Bureau, compared with just over 8,500 people in the year 2018-2019, from jobs that were once known for being generously rewarded in terms of pay, additional benefits and long-term stability. The news of the brain drain emerged as several government departments marked "National Security Education Day" with lavish flag-raising ceremonies complete with goose-stepping uniformed officers and a marching band. The figures emerge amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent under two national security laws that ban public criticism of the government, as well as official insistence on political loyalty to the ruling Chinese Communist Party for anyone in public office in the wake of the 2019 pro-democracy movement, which many civil servants supported. For Hong Kong's 48,000 civil servants, that means not just swearing loyalty to the Hong Kong and Chinese governments, but also refraining from public criticism of the government, even on social media. In 2021, the government terminated the contracts of 129 civil servants who refused to sign a written oath of allegiance. Some used the form to complain that the requirement infringed their right to free speech. Students attend a moot court to mark the National Security Education Day at the former North Kowloon Magistrates' Courts in Hong Kong, China April 15, 2024. (Lam Yik/Reuters) In December 2023, a whistleblower accused the government of trying to "brainwash" civil servants with a secret training video based on Beijing's claim that the 2019 protests were an attempt by foreign countries to undermine the Hong Kong government. Nearly 1,000 of those who resigned were under 30, while nearly 3,000 had less than 10 years of service, according to figures provided in a written reply from the Civil Service Bureau to the Legislative Council on April 11. However, the reply didn't mention emigration as a key factor behind the high vacancy rates. Difficulty recruiting The government also alluded to difficulties in recruiting staff in an April 9 press release saying it wouldn't proceed with its review of civil service pay and conditions, "in view of the severe and unprecedented turbulence in the current labor market." "The effect of the talent and labor-trawling measures introduced by the government in recent years on restoring the stability of the labor market is yet to be observed," the statement said, alluding to a slew of measures aimed at attracting regional talent to Hong Kong in recent years. "I really wanted to leave Hong Kong and emigrate," a former Hong Kong civil servant who gave only the surname Chan for fear of reprisals told RFA Cantonese. "Kids need a free environment in which to develop." Civil servants attend a rally to support the anti-extradition bill protest in Hong Kong, China August 2, 2019. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters) Chan, who has now moved to live overseas, said many of her colleagues have also resigned in the wake of the crackdown on the 2019 protest movement, citing a "deteriorating social environment." She said Hong Kong's civil service was once considered a stable career for life. "Usually turnover shouldn't be very high [for civil service positions]," Chan said. "A lot of people I knew actually had good jobs, but they all chose to leave." "Most of them left regardless of whether they had kids or not," she said. "Most of those who quit were emigrating, and gave no explanation -- it wasn't simply a matter of getting a new job." Police hit hard Vacancy rates are running at around 19% in the city's police force, which has struggled to boost its numbers despite a huge injection of funding in the wake of a much-criticized crackdown on the 2019 protest movement. Meanwhile, some 24% of vacancies at government broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong, which was placed under direct editorial supervision by a government committee in February 2021, remain unfilled. International press advocacy groups have criticized the authorities for eviscerating press freedom in the city, sparking an exodus of journalists. Another issue is that younger Hong Kongers, many of whom spearheaded recent waves of pro-democracy movements and who have wound up in large numbers in prisons and the court system, are highly unlikely to want to work for the government in the current political climate, where they are accused of being "rioters," or the tools of "hostile foreign forces" seeking to destabilize the city. "They can't recruit people, because very few young people are choosing to join the government," Leung Chau-ting, who chairs the Federation of Civil Service Union, which he helped found in 1984, told RFA Cantonese. "There's a huge shortage of experienced middle managers, and a lot of non-government employers are headhunting talent from government departments," Leung said. Anti-government office workers attend a lunchtime protest in Hong Kong, China, November 27, 2019. (Marko Djurica/Reuters) National Security Education Day also brought a warning from Xia Baolong, the ruling Chinese Communist Party official in charge of the city, that "hostile foreign forces" would continue to attack, and likening the democracy movement to a "virus." "Even with the protection of the national security laws, activities that endanger national security will continue to attack us like viruses, so we can't just let our wounds heal and forget about the pain," Xia said in a video address for the event. Meanwhile, Beijing's envoy to Hong Kong, Zheng Yanxiong, blamed former British colonial governor Chris Patten for "laying political landmines in Hong Kong" with his electoral reforms widening the voting franchise ahead of the handover. China reversed Patten's changes soon after the 1997 handover, and has since further rewritten the electoral rules to allow only staunch supporters of Beijing to stand in "elections" to the legislature and for district council seats. Incumbent Chief Executive John Lee took office in 2022 after winning an "election" in which he was the only candidate. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. The Server Killers said it targeted Air Koryos website last week just for fun and to test the carriers mediocre security. Screenshot of an April 9, 2024, Telegram post by the hacking group Server Killers announcing the successful website hacking of North Korean airline Air Koryo. A pro-Russian hacking group said it attacked and paralyzed the website of North Koreas state-owned Air Koryo and later posted a mocking message on the Telegram messaging app about the airlines inadequate cybersecurity standards. The Server Killers targeted the flag carriers website on April 9 using a denial-of-service attack, or DDoS. They then posted a screenshot of Air Koryos website that showed the standard HTTP Error 500 message that users see when a website isnt accessible. The group also posted a message that said North Korea, where is security, along with a smiling face emoticon on Telegram. Check-Host.net an online tool for checking the availability of websites, servers, hosts and IP addresses showed that Air Koryos website couldnt be accessed for a period of time on April 9. The website was accessible on Monday. In a response to a message sent on Telegram privately by Radio Free Asia, the Server Killers account said that North Korean websites tend to have mediocre security. Screenshot of the website of North Korean airline Air Koryo as it normally looks. (RFA) The reason for hacking the Air Koryo website was for technical reasons, not political or social purposes, a messenger who asked for anonymity said. Server Killers doesnt understand why North Korea wont pay much attention to security on its government sites, the messenger said. We attacked it just for fun The group has posted on its Telegram channel photos and screenshots from what they claim are dozens of successful hacking attacks on government agencies and private companies in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. The messenger confirmed to RFA that the group used a DDoS attack on the Air Koryo website. Such an attack paralyzes a server, service or network by providing excessive internet access to a target. The airlines website not only didnt have a DDoS attack prevention function, but also didnt have a SSL certificate, which enables an encrypted connection, the messenger said. We attacked it just for fun and to test how resistant the site is to a DDoS attack, the messenger said. We attacked the site for only 300 seconds, and the site was offline for more than eight hours. We noticed the site was very old and written in PHP programming language. Not only that, but many sites in North Korea were like that, the messenger said, adding that this will be the first and last attack targeting North Korea. Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Matt Reed. Missiles aimed at two military universities injured eight more after exploding in residential areas, residents said. Pyinoolwin Hospitals orthopedics department was destroyed by shock missiles on the night of April 14, 2024. Missile attacks on two universities in a holiday town in Myanmar killed three and injured eight, residents told Radio Free Asia on Monday. During coup leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaings Thingyan or water festival visit to Mandalay divisions Pyin Oo Lwin city on Sunday, an unknown group fired more than 15 missiles at two military universities. The blasts, which hit the Defense Services Academy and Defense Services Technology Academy, also damaged a department of a nearby hospital and Aung Myay Zaya monastery. The missiles injured five civilians when they landed on Pyin Oo Lwin Hospitals orthopedics department, said one Pyin Oo Lwin resident, declining to be named for security reasons. "The two monks who died were people who wore robes during the Thingyan period. They died when the explosion happened near them, he said, describing civilians who temporarily become monks to observe Myanmars new year water festival. The last man who died on the spot was in Ward No. 8. Another three people were injured in this neighborhood alone. Following the attack, tourists who came for the holiday and some permanent residents fled the city, he added. From 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday evening, about 40 shots and explosions could be heard, said one Pyin Oo Lwin resident who was near the site of the attack. After the sound of the missiles, Defense Services Academy and Defense Services Technology Academy troops cut the power. The military and social aid vehicles were busy, he said, declining to be named for fear of reprisals. I knew they fell in the area of the Defense Services Academy. Staff at Pyin Oo Lwin Hospital are preparing to move patients to Mandalay Hospital, while junta soldiers are conducting security checks around the city, residents said. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks yet, but residents told RFA that they were likely carried out from a hill behind the university campuses. The junta has not issued any statements about the attacks. RFA called Mandalay divisions junta spokesperson Thein Htay for more information on the attacks, but he did not respond. Residents told RFA they believe the attack was carried out because of Min Aung Hlaings visit. On Sunday, a bomb exploded near a pavilion in Mandalay city, injuring 12 people. Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Mike Firn. Fighting between the Arakan Army and the Arakan Resistance Solidarity Army has caused 3,000 to flee. At least 25 ethnic Rohingya civilians were killed and thousands forced to flee their homes amid junta airstrikes and heavy artillery over the weekend in western Myanmars Rakhine state, according to residents. Fighting between the ethnic Rakhine Arakan Army, or AA, and the Arakan Resistance Solidarity Army, or ARSA, of junta-supported Rohingya fighters began April 12 in Rakhines Buthidaung township, residents told RFA Burmese on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. The ARSA is an insurgent group that has claimed to support the Muslim Rohingya cause against Myanmars military and ethnic Buddhist Rakhines the main minority group in Rakhine state. The military has reportedly provided training to the ARSA in recent weeks and enlisted it to help repel the ethnic Rakhine army, which now controls eight of 16 townships in the state. The 25 Rohingya civilians killed were among nearly 3,000 who fled from Buthidaungs U Hla Hpay, Ywet Nyo Taung and Kun Taing villages after the clashes began. Arakan Army forces display weapons seized after they captured a junta military camp in Pe Yan Tuang village, Maungdaw township, Rakhine state, on Feb. 19, 2024. (AA Info Desk) A Rohingya resident of Buthidaung said that ARSA units based in the three villages had been coordinating with junta troops to fight back against the advancing AA, which ended a ceasefire agreement with the military regime in November and has driven the military out of most of the northern part of the state. Two members of the AA were injured, while six ARSA troops were reportedly killed, said the resident. The military carried out an artillery attack on a boat of fleeing Rohingya, killing 25 as the vessel sank." There have been a number of reports that the military is reaching out to the ARSA, whose raids on border posts and police stations in 2017 were the casus belli for a military ethnic cleansing campaign that drove 1 million Rohingya into Bangladesh, and kept many others in concentration camps. Since being driven into Bangladesh, ARSAs primary activities have been to secure control over the refugee camps and eliminate rivals within the Rohingya community. They had not participated in the conflict involving the military, which seized power in Myanmar in a February 2021 coup. Rohingya citizens protest in Rakhine state March 19, 2024. (Han Nyein Oo) The ARSA has been designated as a terrorist group by Myanmar and Malaysia. RFA was not immediately able to confirm the number of victims, whose identities remained unknown amid ongoing clashes and severed communications lines in Buthidaung on Monday. Attacked while fleeing But a Rohingya resident of nearby Maungdaw township told RFA that Rohingya civilians were attacked [by the military] while they were fleeing the fighting. It is difficult to get and verify news due to communication problems, he added. Another resident of Buthidaung confirmed that the military carried out airstrikes in the area. A jet fighter dropped two bombs on U Hla Hpay village yesterday [Sunday], where fighting occurred between the AA and the ARSA, the resident said. There has been little time to enter the villages [to get personal belongings]. The military bombarded the area for about two-and-a-half hours. Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun and Khaing Thu Kha, the AAs information officer, went unanswered Monday. Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) members in mid-April 2022. (Arakan Rohingya New Generation Organization via Facebook) However, the junta reported Sunday that religious buildings, houses and shops in U Hla Hpay and Ywet Nyo Taung villages were destroyed by Arakan Army heavy weapon attacks and gunfire on April 12. The AAs Khaing Thu Kha also said in a message posted to his Telegram social network channel that Rohingya armed groups and the military carried out coordinated attacks on the AA in Buthidaung. About 2,000 Rohingya residents of Buthidaung took to the streets on Sunday accusing the AA of unprovoked raids and killings in Rohingya villages. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. The Philippine president says the insistence of the Chinese government convinces him his predecessor made an agreement. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. answers questions from members of the media during a forum hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines in Manila on April 15, 2024. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday he was convinced that his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had entered into a questionable secret agreement with Beijing on the South China Sea, while maintaining there was no record of its existence. Dutertes former spokesman, Harry Roque, has said that the previous Philippine administration struck a deal with China to keep the status quo in the disputed waterway. It allegedly included a pledge by Manila not to repair the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship that was run aground to serve as the Philippines military outpost at Second Thomas Shoal. I think by now you can see that in fact there was a secret agreement and what verifies that and what at least convinces me was the insistence of the Chinese government, Marcos said in a forum organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Monday. I dont think Beijing will make it up out of nowhere when there is no such thing. I think in my mind, that is sufficient to prove to me that there was such an agreement. Last week, Marcos said he had seen no documentation or record of the so-called gentlemens agreement, adding he was horrified by the possibility that Philippines sovereignty might have been compromised. Why is there not one single document that contains that agreement? he said on Monday. Why, when we took the transition period between the previous administration and this administration, did no one mention a secret agreement? In an interview on the sidelines of a historic trilateral summit with U.S. and Japanese leaders last week, Marcos told reporters that officials must be held accountable for the agreements they make. You have any agreement with another sovereign state should really be known by the people so that way youre accountable. If its a bad decision, youre accountable, he said in Washington, according to transcripts released by the president's office. Marcos said he had reached out to different Duterte administration officials to seek clarification on the issue, but had received conflicting answers. Duterte last week criticized Marcos for taking a pro-America stance, calling his successor a cry baby after the latter had questioned his alleged deal with Beijing. Days before Marcos appeared for the first time as president in front of members of FOCAP, former President Duterte denied that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had ever made such a verbal agreement on the contested waterway. Duterte said no one not even the Philippine President can concede anything of our territories to a foreign power. Let me be very clear on this: We have not conceded anything to China. There might have been [an] exchange of control over the China Sea to those who are really territorial in nature, not involving the encroachment of China in our exclusive economic zone. Thats different, he said in an interview with SMNI, a broadcast network owned by a friend. Duterte said he remembered speaking with Xi, and that they had agreed to maintain the status quo over the disputed sea to avoid an escalation of tensions. Thats what I remember. If it were a gentleman's agreement, it would always have been an agreement to keep the peace in the South China Sea, Duterte told SMNI and reporters in his hometown of Davao. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses members of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, in Manila, April 15, 2024. (Chantal Eco/FOCAP) Marcos latest criticism of the ex-president highlights a growing feud between the countrys top two political families, which allied in the last election. Dutertes daughter, Sara, is the vice-president under Marcos. Marcos told journalists on Monday that his relationship with Sara was complicated. No additional bases for US Meanwhile, Marcos said that the Philippines would not grant the U.S. military access to any more bases in the Southeast Asian archipelago, despite heightened tensions in the region. In 2023, Marcos granted the U.S. access to an additional five bases, many of which are located near Taiwan and the South China Sea, bringing the total number available for American forces to nine. The Philippines has no plans to open or to establish more EDCA bases, Marcos said, referring to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed between Washington and Manila in 2014 allowing the rotation. Asked if he was concerned about a possible change of leadership in the White House after this years U.S. election, Marcos said changes in foreign policy were inevitable but he believed Manilas agreements with Washington to be on good ground. If [Joe] Biden is reelected, we have a fairly solid ground to base on our position because we have already spoken. But I believe what we have agreed with the U.S. is beyond all that. They almost rise to duty agreements, Marcos said. Aside from the U.S., Marcos is stepping up ties with Japan, which is also a maritime nation facing similar challenges with China in the East China Sea. Marcos said Manila and Tokyo would soon sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement, which would grant rotational access to both countrys military forces for training and joint exercises. Its just a question of getting the language down and defining precisely how it's going to work, the logistical system and how its going to work, he said. Marcos said it would be different from the Visiting Forces Agreement with the U.S., but did not disclose further details. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization. The move follows Beijings announcement of a new baseline in waters shared with Vietnam. Hanoi authorities are considering a baseline marking Vietnams territory in the Gulf of Tonkin, Radio Free Asia has learned. In March, Beijing announced a new baseline demarcating Chinas territorial sea deemed by experts as excessive in the northern part of the gulf. Chinese officials said the baseline was made in accordance with domestic and international laws. Two Vietnamese government sources familiar with the matter told RFA that relevant offices in Hanoi are working on a new baseline for the Gulf of Tonkin, called Vinh Bac Bo in Vietnamese. They did not provide further details. Before Chinas announcement on March 1, 2024, neither country registered any baselines used to measure the extent of the territorial sea and other maritime zones - in the gulf called Beibu in Chinese. However, Hanoi and Beijing in 2000 signed a Delimitation Agreement to demarcate their shares of the gulf from the mainland of Vietnam and China in the North to the mouth of the gulf in the South. Chinas new baseline (red line) in the Gulf of Tonkin. (Google Maps/RFA) Chinas newly announced baseline is not thought to immediately affect Vietnams sovereignty in already clearly delineated waters but Hanoi is definitely concerned by Chinas unilateral action, said Carlyle Thayer, emeritus professor at the Australian Defence Force Academy. It could result in Chinese pressure to amend the 2000 Delimitation Agreement on Tonkin to expand Chinas maritime zone, the security expert said. Vietnams reaction Vietnamese foreign ministry on March 14 released a statement calling on Beijing to respect and abide by the agreement on the delimitation of the territorial seas, exclusive economic zones and continental shelves of the two countries in the Gulf of Tonkin signed in 2000, as well as the 1982 UNCLOS (U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea). Beijing responded saying it was China's legitimate and lawful right to determine the territorial sea baseline in the Gulf of Tonkin. Experts say the new Chinese baseline on average encroaches 20 to 30 nautical miles (37 to 55.5 kilometers) upon international waters. It seriously impedes freedom of navigation through the Qiongzhou Strait, also known as the Hainan Strait. While the actual maritime delimitation line between the two countries is unchanged by this unilateral action, China's new declared baselines bump out its internal waters well beyond what UNCLOS permits and do not bode well for future negotiations, said Isaac Kardon, senior fellow at the Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Vietnam and China are negotiating a new agreement on fishery cooperation in the Gulf of Tonkin after the previous one expired in 2019 and China's redesignation of the adjacent maritime areas will certainly complicate such an effort, according to Kardon. Vietnamese legal experts have called on Hanoi to define maritime zones for easier management of resources including fisheries. I am confident that the Vietnamese government will announce a new baseline for the Gulf of Tonkin and they will do it soon, said Hoang Viet, a maritime legal analyst. The United States which promotes freedom of navigation across the world has yet to say anything about the Chinese baseline. Edited by Mike Firn. Chinese police argue with Tibetans protesting Chinese the seizure of pasture land in Markham county in western China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 10, 2024. Police have arrested and detained four Tibetans, who protested Chinese authorities seizure of pasture land they said they owned, in the Tibet Autonomous Region, three sources inside Tibet told Radio Free Asia. On April 10, residents of Taktsa village in Luonixiang rural township in Markham county of Chamdo, or Changdu in Chinese, clashed with authorities after they appealed against the land grab and demanded compensation, said the sources, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. The Tibetans say the land grab was illegal. In 2023, a Chinese county official sold the pasture land to businessmen without the knowledge of locals and without providing them any compensation, the sources said. The Tibetans had no knowledge that the land had been sold until this April when the businessmen sent people to clear it. The Tibetans then confronted authorities, demanding payment. Police arrested and detained four of the Tibetans, and slapped and beat many others at the scene, said one of the sources. There were no immediate details about the status of the four or the charges against them, and it is not clear for what purpose the sold land will be used. Despite repeated attempts, RFA did not receive any immediate response to calls to Markham county authorities and the local police station. Chinese police argue with Tibetans protesting the seizure of pasture land in Markham county in western China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 10, 2024. (Citizen journalist/video screenshot) Chinese authorities in the Tibet Autonomous Region and in Tibetan-populated areas of nearby Chinese provinces often ignore residents concerns about land grabs by local officials, who routinely rely on force to subdue those who complain or protest, according to human rights groups. Over the past few years, there have been several reports of similar land grabs that have taken place in Chamdo, a resource-rich area in eastern Tibet. Most of the land grabs have been related to the mining of copper, gold and lithium, and to development projects that China has undertaken in the areas. In some cases, Tibetans have been forced from their homes. Thumbs up Videos obtained by RFA show over a dozen Tibetans pleading before Chinese police with both their thumbs up a Tibetan gesture of a request to show mercy. The gesture was also seen being made by Buddhist monks and Tibetans residents during February protests in Dege county, southwestern Chinas Sichuan province, in an appeal to Chinese officials to stop a planned dam project on the Drichu River. Chinese police argue with Tibetans protesting the seizure of pasture land in Markham county in western China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 10, 2024. (Citizen journalist/video screenshot) In the videos from Markham county, young and elderly Tibetans kneel before police clad in black, and wail, while others pull and tug at the authorities to heed their pleas. The land in question is used by about 25 Tibetan families to graze their animals and for recreation purposes, the sources said. Chinese authorities have arrested the official who colluded with the businessmen to seize the land without compensating the Tibetans, charging him with corruption, said one of the sources. Now, the residents are demanding compensation for the land that had been occupied, he added. Chinese police have forbidden the Tibetans from sharing information about the incident with people outside China, the sources said. Translated by Dolma Lhamo and edited by Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster. Russian President Vladimir Putin used a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Masud Pezeshkian, to cement their growing bilateral ties that have raised concern in the West as war rages in Ukraine and the Middle East. The two leaders met in Ashgabat on the sidelines of a conference in the capital of the tightly controlled Central Asian country of Turkmenistan on October 11. It was the first of two meetings between the men, with another scheduled at the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan that runs on October 22-24. It was the first of two meetings between the two, with another scheduled at the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan that runs on October 22-24. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters ahead of the meeting that while the talks will focus on bilateral relations, "the situation in the Middle East definitely will not be ignored and will also be on the agenda." The meeting was the first between the two since Pezeshkian assumed office on July 30 after winning an election to succeed his hard-line predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May. Relations between Moscow and Tehran have strengthened since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. "Pezeshkian is trying to gauge to what extent Iran can rely on Russia for help," Touraj Atabaki, professor emeritus of Middle East and Central Asia social history at Leiden University in the Netherlands, told Radio Farda. "Russia wants to stand with Iran due to Iran's support in its war on Ukraine but Moscow doesn't want to darken its relationship with Israel further and cut all ties," he added. Since the early months of the Ukraine war, Russia has been accused of using Iranian-made Shahed and Mohajer-6 drones, many of which have been found after being shot down over Ukrainian cities and battlefields. Iran initially denied arming Russia before relenting and admitting that it had supplied a "limited number of drones" to Moscow before the war. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Tehran continues to deny that its drones are being used by Russia against Ukraine. That has not stopped the United States and the European Union from imposing sanctions on Iran for helping Moscow. Last month, the EU said it had "credible" information provided by allies suggesting that Iran has supplied short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to help Moscow wage war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East have been heightened since Tehran launched some 200 missiles at Israel on October 1, saying the attack was in response to the killing of Tehran-backed militant leaders and a general from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Israel has vowed to launch a "deadly, precise, and surprising" attack on Iran in retaliation, while it continues to pound targets in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip that it says are aimed at Iran-backed proxies. At least 30 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded on October 11 by Israeli strikes in Jabalia in northern Gaza, according to the territory's civil-defense agency. The recent spiral of violence was sparked by the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas that killed around 1,200 people and saw some 250 taken hostage. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. The fighting in Gaza prompted another Iran-backed group, Hezbollah, to fire missiles into Israel in support of Hamas. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the EU blacklists its armed wing but not its political party. The Israeli military has launched massive air strikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon in response, as well as a ground incursion into southern Lebanon intended to destroy the Iran-allied militant group, whose political party has seats in the Lebanese parliament. Israel faced condemnation on October 11 after its forces fired at what it said was a threat near a UN peacekeeping position in Lebanon. Israeli soldiers had responded to "an immediate threat" around 50 meters from the UNIFIL post, the military said. "An initial examination indicates that during the incident, a hit was identified on a UNIFIL post...resulting in the injury of two UNIFIL personnel," the statement added. The army pledged to carry out a "thorough review." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the firing as "intolerable" and "a violation of international humanitarian law," while the British government said it was "appalled" by reports of the injuries. U.S. President Joe Biden said he was "absolutely" asking Israel to stop firing at UN peacekeepers, while the French, Spanish, and Italian leaders issued a joint statement expressing "outrage." French President Emmanuel Macron renewed his call for an end to exports of weapons used by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, while saying the UN peacekeepers had been "deliberately targeted." In Iran, more than three dozen hard-line lawmakers on October 10 demanded the government revise its nuclear doctrine to pursue atomic weapons. In a letter to the Supreme National Security Council, they said Western powers could not control Israel, thus making nuclear weapons "Iran's option to create deterrence." Iran has been hit with waves of crippling economic sanctions for its nuclear program, which has seen a sharp increase in its uranium enrichment capacity after the United States under former President Donald Trump withdrew from a 2015 landmark deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that restricted Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purposes, but government officials caused alarm recently by saying it could change its "nuclear doctrine" if it is attacked or its existence is threatened by Israel. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Severe floods that have left many areas of Kazakhstan under water continue to force people from their homes with more than 110,000 people now evacuated. In the northern Kazakh city of Petropavl, several districts were submerged with locals complaining that not enough was done to shore up the city's defenses. The Insta-famous magpie was returned six weeks after a Gold Coast couple surrendered it to Queensland authorities. Molly the magpie was returned to a Gold Coast couple on Monday morning, six weeks after they surrendered the bird to Queensland authorities. The wild bird, which has more than two million followers across YouTube, Instagram and Facebook is expected to be reunited with two domestic dogs Peggy and her pup Ruby. The Department of Environment (DESI) said the bird was sent back after Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen agreed to several licensing demands including they cease making commercial gain from the bird or its image. The couple must also undertake wildlife carer training and ensure it receives adequate care and enrichment. In a statement DESI said independent veterinary advice concluded the magpie could not be released to the wild because it is highly habituated and may have developmental issues. It said the bird was returned to Wells and Mortensen in line with the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Molly the magpie has been returned to a Gold Coast couple, more than six weeks after they surrendered it. Source: Peggyandmolly Controversy after Molly the magpie surrender The decision to return the bird follows an extraordinary intervention by Premier Steven Miles, who urged the department to find a common sense approach to its future. This act by Miles, who is a former environment minister, is understood to have angered many within DESI. After Yahoo News Australia exclusively revealed Molly had been surrendered, Wells and Mortensen received widespread support across Australia and internationally, and more than 150,000 people signed a petition calling for the birds return. Wildlife carers who had advocated for the bird to be surrendered because it was being exposed to domestic pets, subsequently were inundated with thousands of messages of abuse including death and rape threats. The Peggy and Molly account then urged its followers to be kind and not show aggression. Wells and Mortensen took Molly home from a park in 2020 without a licene and shared photos of it interacting with their dogs to Instagram. They then built a loyal following across several social media platforms, opened an online store selling calendars, shirts and prints, and secured a book deal with Penguin Random House. Yahoo understands that under the licensing agreement with DESI, there is no provision for income to be generated in connection with the keeping of the magpie. When it comes to existing commercial arrangements that may already be in place, the couple would be required to forego any future profits. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Thousands of Georgians protested in Tbilisi on April 15 after lawmakers reintroduced a bill requiring foreign-funded organizations to register with the government. The ruling party previously backed the controversial "foreign agents" bill in 2023 then withdrew it in reaction to an earlier round of mass protests. As lawmakers proposed the legislation, opposing factions threw punches in parliament. One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history. In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group. Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war. RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack? Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences. There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings. Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good. RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis? Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months. RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices? Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term." So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire. Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home? One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective. RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families? Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular. At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families. Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen. RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas? Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk. It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important. Why? For a couple of reasons. First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005. RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future? Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent. I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term. After several hours of silence following Irans unprecedented missile-and-drone attack on Israel, Russia issued its first formal reaction: The Foreign Ministry voiced what it said was Moscows extreme concern over the latest dangerous escalation in the region. There may be some truth to that statement, as analysts say that a full-scale war in the Middle East would not be in the interests of President Vladimir Putins government. For now, though, it seems more likely that the Kremlin is enthusiastic about a development that could play into Putins hands in several ways, most of them directly connected to Russias war on Ukraine. The Middle East entering uncharted territory (short of full-blown war) is the best that can happen to Putin now, Hanna Notte, a senior associate with the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Heres why. For one thing, it draws attention away from the war in Ukraine at a crucial time when Kyiv is facing major challenges on the front line, which could get worse in the coming weeks and months, and Russia is pounding the countrys energy infrastructure with renewed intensity and bombarding cities including Kharkiv and Odesa. The outbreak in October of Israels war against Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union, had already complicated global perceptions of the war in Ukraine and confounded Western efforts to support its defense against the Russian invasion. The new flare-up in the Middle East -- the first time Iran has openly and directly attacked arch-enemy Israel, or vice versa -- may exacerbate that problem for Kyiv. 'A Chance To Challenge' For the Kremlin, the potential benefits to be reaped from Irans attack on Israel are both broad and quite specific. In over two years since he launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he has increasingly portrayed the war there as part of a wider confrontation in which, he asserts, Russia is defending itself and the rest of the world from the West and, in particular, the United States. Against that zero-sum backdrop, Irans attack on Israel may play into the Kremlins propaganda, handing Russia new material it can use to press its public narratives about the war in Ukraine and its showdown with the West. There is a certain perception among the axis states -- Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China -- that the West has weakened. And [that] American attitudes and policies can no longer guarantee the security of its allies, Ihor Semyvolos, director of the Center for Middle East Studies in Kyiv, told Current Time, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. As a result, the Iranian attack provides Russia and like-minded states with a chance to challenge this unipolar world that Putin, [Chinese President] Xi Jinping, and [Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah] Ali Khamenei have talked a lot about, he said. Instability in the Middle East diverts Western attention and resources away from Ukraine and NATO's Eastern flank, it generates insecurity among U.S. regional allies, and it further fuels a broader, global perception that the West cannot pacify the region, thus amplifying perceptions of the Gaza war, Notte told RFE/RL in a written exchange on April 15. In sum, such instability fuels a global perception that the war in Ukraine is another war among many, one problem amid a proliferation of problems -- a perception which the Kremlin can only value, she said. In practice, the array of problems and the attack itself could dilute the case for aid to Ukraine, undermining arguments by champions of such support that the fate of the West and the world hangs in the balance. Clouds In Congress? Specifically, the Iranian attack on Israel adds a new element to the uncertainty over the prospects for long-delayed U.S. aid for Ukraine -- even as the prospect of passage of legislation on the matter is finally looming larger. Nearly six months after U.S. President Joe Biden first proposed a package including more than $60 billion in mostly military aid for Ukraine as well as aid for Israel and other purposes, the current speaker of the House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, had indicated at the end of March that he would seek to secure support for Ukraine in the coming days or weeks. However, it was unclear exactly what he would propose, how much it would differ from a bill that was passed with bipartisan support in the Senate in February, and whether the effort to renew U.S. supplies of desperately needed weapons to Ukraine could overcome opposition from staunch opponents of aid for Kyiv in his own party. On April 15, Johnson provided more clarity, saying he plans to press for separate bills on three of the elements in the Senate legislation -- aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan and other allies -- and to placate recalcitrant Republicans by introducing a fourth measure including policies that many lawmakers in his party favor. The fate of the package is uncertain. Seeking Disbalance Regardless of the outcome of wrangling over aid in the United States, Putin may see the Iranian attack on Israel as a chance to increase Moscows influence in the Middle East, where rebuilding the clout that dried up drastically after the Soviet collapse seems to have been deeply important to Putin since he came to power a quarter century ago. Russias war on Ukraine has tightened its ties with Iran, which has supported the onslaught by providing attack drones and the technology to produce them, but Putin has for years been courting regional foes of Iran, including Israel and Persian Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, as part of his efforts to increase Moscows sway in the Middle East and bite into U.S. clout. The Kremlin may hope that despite the way its sharper turn toward Tehran and its response to the Israel-Hamas war have harmed its relations with Israel, Moscows multitentacled Middle East ties could give it a substantial regional role to play in the coming months or years. Since Russia is an increasingly close partner to Iran, the Kremlin mightcalculate that with Iran stepping up the escalation ladder, Russia's own value to [and] leverage over the Gulf states will increase -- since the Gulf states might look to Moscow (and Beijing) as the only players with some leverage in Tehran, and hence as interlocutors who could help rein in the Iranians, Notte told RFE/RL. Its a classic approach for Putins Russia: help create problems, to one degree or another, and then offer help to resolve them -- in a way that benefits the Kremlin. As they have amid the Hamas attack on Israel and the resulting war in Gaza, however, analysts of Russia and the region say that Moscow does not want an all-out war between Israel and Iran. That scenario would bring significant risks for Russia, Notte said. It would complicate Russias military presence in Syria, and a heavy hit to Iran could sap some of Moscows strength against Ukraine. Furthermore, a full-blown war would almost certainly end Russia's balancing act in the region (however tenuous it has become already). It would force Russia to choose sides. While Moscow has come ever closer to Iran and its proxies since it launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she said, it doesnt want to go all in with Iran, for sure. Current Time contributed to this report. Rose Gottemoeller is a former U.S. diplomat who served as deputy secretary-general of NATO from October 2016 to October 2019. Before that, Gottemoeller served nearly five years as the undersecretary for arms control and international security at the U.S. State Department. During that time, Gottemoeller, a specialist in Russian defense and nuclear issues, was the chief U.S. negotiator of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with Russia. In an interview with RFE/RL's Georgian Service, Gottemoeller said NATO is in a "remarkably good place" as it gets set to mark the 75th anniversary of its founding. NATO has met the challenge posed by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she said, delivering weapons and other defensive supplies to Kyiv. She also said that, as a "net security provider," Ukraine will ultimately be admitted to the alliance. RFE/RL: What situation does NATO find itself in on its 75th birthday? Rose Gottemoeller: I would say that NATO is in a remarkably good place on its 75th anniversary because of the great cohesion inside the alliance. This cohesion has resulted from [Russian President] Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It has meant not only that the allies have been pulling together to provide assistance to Ukraine, but they have also been building up their own defenses in a remarkable way. And two new allies, important allies, Finland and Sweden have been added. So, I would say that the alliance is at a remarkable place on its 75th birthday with some important accomplishments under its belt. Of course, it has to remain strong and coherent. It has to stay the course [with] its assistance to Ukraine. And that's where the questions are emerging now RFE/RL: When I talk to people about it, there are basically two camps. One thinks that NATO is facing its toughest challenge since the Cold War ended and another thinks that Russia's war in Ukraine has revitalized NATO. I don't know whether the two are mutually exclusive. What's your take on that? Gottemoeller: Well, it's no question that there is a huge challenge out there with Russia invading a European country. And that is why NATO was created, to ensure that the defense [of Europe] remained strong in the context of the Cold War and the Iron Curtain down across Europe, with the U.S.S.R. posing those kinds of threats after World War II. So, it's a great shame that the threats remain the same to European countries from the east. And so NATO has to continue to strengthen its defense and deterrence, helping Ukraine, a country that is a partner of NATO, but not actually a member state. So, it is an extraordinarily difficult moment for the alliance. I don't want to sugarcoat that, but at the same time, my view is that the alliance is responding with strength and coherence to this challenge. RFE/RL: I want to ask you about the upcoming Washington summit [in July]. What can Ukraine expect from it? And what would be your personal take on Ukraine's NATO membership bid? There are some areas that I continue to hope we can work on with Moscow, but...it's difficult to recognize the Russia that I see today. Gottemoeller: My take on NATO membership for Ukraine is that Ukraine has been a candidate since the Bucharest summit in 2008. And, of course, that's a long time ago now, and many things have happened since then. But that fact remains on the table and has not changed at all. The question is what can happen now as Ukraine is fighting for its life against the Russian aggression that began in February 2014 and then was renewed in the second invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Many NATO members believe that Ukraine should not be entering into NATO while it is fighting this war. So that is one point of view. From my perspective, Ukraine has proven itself to be a net security provider, in that its armed forces are performing extremely well. They have shown their capability to fight and to sustain their own defense. And so that is an important aspect for NATO that a country is a net security provider. So, I do feel that Ukraine will become a member of NATO. The question is exactly when that will happen. And that will be a question for the July summit of NATO in Washington, D.C. RFE/RL: I would like to hear your counterargument to the skeptics who think it's unwise to offer Ukraine a path toward NATO membership. And one of them would be a person who many perceive to be one of the most influential people on the planet: [tech billionaire] Elon Musk. What would you say to him? Gottemoeller: Well, he's certainly influential. I'm not sure he exactly counts as a major strategic thinker, but he's certainly influential. I do think that it's very important to bear in mind that decisions at NATO are taken by consensus. So, if the views around the tableare not [in] consensus on this matter, then it won't happen. But I will say that there are opportunities to move Ukraine toward NATO membership. And we have an example in the fact that the European Union is beginning accession talks with Ukraine. That's a long process, accession to the European Union. And so I think there are a number of phases in the processon Ukraine's path to accession to NATO. And so what exactly the [NATO] allies will be willing to agree in July to convey that Ukraine is on the path to accession, that's up for grabs, and I cannot predict where they'll come out on that. But I do think there will be an effort to convey that message and it will be a priority topic for the July summit. RFE/RL: You have had to deal with Russia and the Soviet Union at various levels throughout your career. If you were to impart any advice to the West as it tries to contain Russia, what would [that be] There is a very vocal minority now speaking out about isolationism. But as far as the U.S. public is concerned, the United States of America should continue to be leading in NATO. Gottemoeller: Well, first of all, I don't recognize the Russia that I see today and particularly the policies, the points of view that are emanating from the Kremlin leadership. The notion that NATO is an aggressive alliance ready to pounce on Russia and dismember it to me is entirely foreign to the way that the alliance is structured as a deterrence and defense institution. So, that makes it really difficult for me to offer up advice in the context of the current thinking in Moscow. But I will say that over many, many years, I have found my Russian counterparts to be extraordinary diplomats, extraordinarily experienced in terms of ensuring that their interests were served at the negotiating table. I, for one, hope we can get back to a point where we are trying to develop mutual interests at the negotiating table, particularly in terms of constraining and limiting nuclear weapons, because these are an existential threat not only to Russia and the United States but to humankind as a whole. So, there are some areas that I continue to hope we can work on with Moscow, but, as I said, it's difficult to recognize the Russia that I see today. RFE/RL: What do you think it will take to get back to that phase, when common sense prevails in Moscow? Gottemoeller: I think all we can do is to continue to message our willingness to resume nuclear talks, for example, without preconditions. I've been somewhat heartened in recent days to see that there are some hints coming out of Moscow that strategic security talks might be possible, focusing on space matters. OK, that's a good start. And so we will see how that is developed. I'm, of course, not an official anymore. I'm looking far away from California at what is happening between Moscow and Washington, but I hope there are some new opportunities in the strategic security realm. RFE/RL: Over the years, when you look at the many talks with the Soviet Union and then the Russian Federation, just how much trust can one have in the Russian leadership, when it says it's ready to talk about things and ready to come to some arrangements in any areas, including nuclear? Gottemoeller: Well, I always say follow the implementation, follow the results. If we are getting results in implementing our agreements with Russia, then I think that we can say we are accomplishing something. It's important to remember [that] if you can't trust your counterparts, if you can't trust the other guy at the negotiating table, you trust the process. So, if the process is producing results, then you can continue to go with it. But you have to be cautious at every moment and bear in mind that lack of trust in the individuals could lead to essentially the process not performing. And that's when you pull the plug on it. The Tavberidze Interviews Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Vazha Tavberidze of RFE/RL's Georgian Service has been interviewing diplomats, military experts, and academics who hold a wide spectrum of opinions about the war's course, causes, and effects. To read all of his interviews, click here. RFE/RL: There are fears that the United States might stand aside when it comes to confrontation with Russia. And if indeed the United States stands aside, or even if the presidential election takes American attention off Ukraine completely, do you think Europe will be able to carry the day and keep Ukraine in the fight? Gottemoeller: Well, that's a series of complex questions. I will say, obviously, there is a strain of isolationism, historical isolationism that is coming to the fore again in this election campaign. There's some interesting survey information from the World Affairs Council of Chicago saying that historically about 30 percent of Americans throughout the contemporary period have been isolationist. Seventy percent remain keen to engage in the world and to see American leadership in the world. And that is the same today. Those numbers haven't changed. But they have certainly been having more attention in the media lately. So, I urge listeners to consider this fact that historically 30 percent of Americans want to be home and be minding our own business. But that is not the way most Americans think. As far as what NATO should do about it, I've been very glad to see that NATO is stepping forward and taking some independent steps to try to recompense for the lack of U.S. assistance to Ukraine at the moment. (Editor's Note: Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States has provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in security assistance. The U.S. Senate has approved a bill that would allocate some $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine, but the House of Representatives has yet to schedule a vote on the bill.) For example, the president of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, stepped forward and said that 800,000 rounds of ammunition in the proper caliber had been found. And now he and others across the alliance are working to raise the money to purchase that ammunition to provide Ukraine. So, they are taking the initiative in Europe, and I think, as I see it from the foreign ministerial meeting this week, they will continue to take the initiative in Europe no matter what happens in the United States. RFE/RL: And what about if that trend continues, if the [isolationist] 30 percent that you spoke about keeps being as vocal as they are, keeps having leverage to stop the other 70 percent from getting more involved? The second part of the question is what Europe will do? Will they be able to carry the day, do you think? Is it enough to keep Ukraine in the fight? Gottemoeller: Well, my point is that the majority in the United States continues to support U.S. leadership in the world. Seventy percent of the American public supports U.S. leadership in the world. There is a very vocal minority now speaking out about isolationism. But as far as the U.S. public is concerned, the United States of America should continue to be leading in NATO and working, by the way, with our allies in Asia as well. And not folding our tents and going home. I think that that is the most important point. But, in the meantime[the Europeans] are showing every sign that they will take more initiative. And, by the way, I think that should be welcome to everyone, not only to [presumptive Republican Party presidential nominee Donald] Trumpbut also to [President Joe] Biden as he moves forward with his candidacy, seeing the Europeans put more resources in and be ready to take initiative and supporting Ukraine. That's to everybody's benefit. The Wells College Press has announced that K. Avvirin Berlin is the winner of its 2024 Chapbook Contest for her manuscript "Obsidian." Berlin will receive 10 copies of a custom-designed chapbook, a digital version, and $1,000, including room and board, to come to the Aurora college to read from her new chapbook in the fall. Since 2014, winning chapbooks have included type and ornaments cast in metal at the Bixler Press & Letterfoundry in Skaneateles, commissioned engravings and tactile cover materials. "In the Wells College Press tradition, Berlins chapbook will be crafted individually and obsessively with a design that responds directly to the poems," the press said in a news release. The press will also print and sell 50 special edition, signed and numbered copies of the chapbook. Berlin is an assistant professor of English at Washington and Lee University, and has had her poetry published in The Iowa Review, Women's Studies Quarterly and more. Her manuscript was one of more than 300 submitted for the annual contest this year, and the press praised the "beautiful range and ambition of submissions." Ultimately, Berlins Obsidian won us over with its impressive field of allusions and references, deep historical and personal engagement, and commitment to the potential of language to wake us, Wells English department Chair Dan Rosenberg said. One reader responded by praising its roving engagement with feminism, race, icons and touchpoints in history, art, and myth, and another celebrated the attention to rich, musical sound that shaped the poems.'" For more information, visit wells.edu. Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods. I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm drilling down on two big issues: Kosovo's chances of joining the Council of Europe and the weakening of the EU's sanctions on Russia. Brief #1: Is Pristina On The Cusp Of Council Of Europe Membership? What You Need To Know: Kosovo is taking one step closer to joining the Council of Europe, a body promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in its member states. On April 16, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will consider and vote on a report recommending the country's membership. If a two-thirds majority of the assembly's delegates from 46 member countries vote in favor, that could set the stage for a final decision at a meeting of Council of Europe foreign ministers on May 16. Membership in the council, which has been a goal for Pristina ever since its declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008, would mean, among other things, that Kosovars could have their cases tried at the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Not to mention that Kosovo would join the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), allowing it to take part in the much-celebrated, much-derided annual Eurovision Song Contest. Belgrade has never recognized Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence and has worked actively to prevent the country from joining any international organizations. Deep Background: It is likely that the two-thirds majority will be reached. A report on the issue was approved on March 27 by PACE's Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy, which stated that "Kosovo's aspirations to join the Council of Europe should be met with a positive response." The plenary tends to follow committee decisions. Currently, 12 out of the 46 Council of Europe member states do not consider Kosovo to be an independent state -- just short of a blocking minority. That includes Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina; the five nonrecognizers in the EU, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain; as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Moldova. Ukraine also doesn't recognize Kosovo's independence, largely because of the fear that Russia would use this as a pretext to push for wider international recognition of the Ukrainian territories it currently occupies. Country representatives might not, however, vote according to their capitals' stated political views on Kosovo. For example, the Ukrainian representatives will have "a free vote," and it could be that other countries will follow suit. PACE deputies from Hungary's ruling Fidesz party are likely to vote against the motion, despite Hungary's recognition of Kosovo's statehood, a reflection of Budapest's growing ties with Serbia. There will also probably be quite a few representatives opting to abstain, which would play well in Pristina's favor. It is significant that the author of the report, Dora Bakoyannis, is a former Greek foreign minister and sister of the current Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. It is not inconceivable that, despite Athens' formal stance of nonrecognition, the Greek delegation will back Pristina's membership. Drilling Down There are a number of reasons why there is a reasonable chance of Kosovo getting in now. Firstly, Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe shortly after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. With Moscow out, Serbia has lost one of its biggest allies in the fight. Then there is the fact that Kosovo has already successfully joined some Council of Europe-related bodies, such as the Venice Commission, an advisory board, and the Council of Europe Development Bank. Linked to that, the dialogue aimed at normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina, which is facilitated by the European Union, has been taking place since 2011 with varying degrees of diplomatic engagement. This dialogue is at an all-time low right now after a number of incidents in the last year, including Pristina's decision to enforce the use of Kosovar car license plates, local elections without the participation of ethnic Serbs, and the Belgrade-linked attack at the Banjska monastery that resulted in the death of a Kosovar police officer. Before all that took place, there appeared to be a major breakthrough, with both Serbia and Kosovo verbally consenting to the Ohrid Agreement, which aims to normalize diplomatic relations between the two. One of the key points of that agreement is that "Serbia will not object to Kosovo's membership in any international organization." There are two other important provisions: that Kosovo will "commit to ensure an appropriate level of self-management for the ethnic Serbian community in Kosovo" and will "ensure the security of the properties of the Serbian Orthodox Church within its borders." There are, however, two caveats related to Ohrid. Firstly, it wasn't actually signed by either party, even though Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti did express his willingness to do so. So, its legality is questionable at best. Secondly, and more importantly, there is no agreed sequence on what the first next step should be. Essentially, Kosovo has jumped first. This happened in March when its government decided to hand over ownership of 24 hectares of land to the Serbian Orthodox Church monastery in Decani, western Kosovo. Kosovo's constitutional court had ruled in favor of the monastery being given the land in 2016, but successive Kosovo governments refused to heed the court's ruling. It was this U-turn that prompted Bakoyannis to recommend Council of Europe membership. There are other issues that Kosovo needs to address: the establishment of an association of Serbian-majority municipalities; and the issue of land expropriation in those municipalities. According to Bakoyannis's report, both of these issues should be a "postaccession commitment" for Pristina. The question is if the wider international community agrees. While the PACE vote next week is advisory and not binding, the real politicking will start in the run-up to the foreign ministers' meeting next month. As in the parliamentary assembly, a decision can be taken by a two-thirds majority, but that would be unprecedented. So far, ministers have always reached consensus on accepting new members. Serbia has already hinted that it will do its utmost to prevent Kosovo's membership, and, ultimately, Belgrade could win that fight. One scenario could be that no final decision is taken at all in May. The so-called Quint, consisting of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, wants to see a proper draft law presented by Kosovo on the association of Serbian-majority municipalities before the countries can agree on the item even being on the agenda at the ministerial meeting. Those five countries see this as the last chance to pressure Kurti to agree on this contentious issue. With EU membership still only a pipe dream, Council of Europe membership is the last Western carrot on offer for Pristina. But even Council of Europe membership could be a step too far for Kosovo -- and not only for political reasons. While the establishment of the municipalities' association was agreed by Belgrade and Pristina back in 2013, Kosovo's Constitutional Court has questioned its legality. The judicial decision pertains to the scope of authority and ethnic structure within the organization, with indications that employment may be exclusively reserved for ethnic Serbs -- a practice Kosovo's court deems to be in violation of the constitution. So, while Kosovo might get boosted by a vote in the parliamentary assembly this week, a final decision by the 46 foreign ministers could be postponed by at least a year, if not more. Unless, that is, there is more progress in the weeks to come. Brief #2: Are EU Sanctions On Russia Falling Apart? What You Need To Know: It is fair to say that the European Union's sanctions regime against Russia has had a bit of a wobble in recent weeks, particularly with regard to the list of entities and people that the bloc has imposed asset freezes and visa bans on since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As the European Union considers expanding the sanctions list, which currently includes 2,177 individuals and entities, three people were removed from the list in March during its routine biannual review, which requires the unanimous agreement of all 27 EU member states. While that is a relatively small number, the delisted individuals were notable -- Arkady Volozh, the co-founder of the Russian Internet giant Yandex; businessman Sergei Mndoiants; and Jozef Hambalek, a Slovak national and head of the Russian nationalist Night Wolves motorcycle club in Europe. Hambalek was the first EU national to be blacklisted in 2022. (Some of the other blacklisted individuals had EU passports in addition to their Russian citizenship.) When the entire list is up for renewal again in September, it's likely that more names will be removed, largely due to three recent rulings in the EU's Luxembourg-based General Court, a constituent part of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Deep Background: On March 20, the General Court ruled that Nikita Mazepin, a former Formula One driver and son of the Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, should be removed from the list. The EU has maintained that Mazepin senior is a member of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle and has supported actions undermining the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Last fall, an EU court backed Brussels' reasoning on this in a landmark verdict. When it comes to Mazepin junior, however, the General Court noted that the EU had failed to prove any link between father and son -- beyond the obvious family ties, that is -- and had insufficient evidence to apply restrictive measures on him. And then, on April 10, the Luxembourg court delivered another legal blow for Brussels when it ruled that Petr Aven and Mikhail Fridman, both major shareholders in one of Russia's biggest financial institutions, Alfa Bank, should also be delisted. The judges noted that there may very well be "a degree of proximity" between Aven and Fridman on one side and Putin or his entourage on the other, but that the EU had failed to demonstrate that the pair either supported actions and policies undermining Ukraine's independence or provided material or financial support to destabilize the country. Drilling Down It's important to remember that Mazepin junior, Aven, and Fridman do still remain under EU sanctions. How come? First of all, the EU can appeal the verdict within a period of two months and 10 days. Second, Brussels is also using something of a legal quirk in the sanctions regime to keep them blacklisted. The EU has argued that the three men's judgments only cover the period from their initial listings in February 2022 to March 2023. Since then, the EU has renewed the sanctions list, with the three men's names included, both in September 2023 and, most recently, last month. According to EU officials, these renewals are more than just a technicality; in fact, they produce new lists every six months as some names are added and some are removed. In this way, the EU is forcing the still-sanctioned individuals to file a new case at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to challenge the most recent sanctions update. Legal proceedings are time-consuming, and when the time for renewal comes around every March and September, the wheels of justice are still turning, enabling the EU to stay ahead. This was how the EU managed to keep former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on a sanctions list until 2022, even though he won his first case in an EU court back in 2019 and then, over the next two years, won another two legal battles. The extra time that Brussels is buying itself could allow it to present additional evidence for the court to consider. This is what happened to Violetta Prigozhina, the mother of the now-deceased Russian oligarch and mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. In March 2023, she became the first person challenging the EU's Russia sanctions to win at the ECJ. But according to sources familiar with the file who don't have the authority to speak on the record, the EU then managed to present additional details. Prigozhina has remained sanctioned ever since. To date, 115 cases have been filed at the EU court requesting the delisting of people or companies. Many are filed by rich, sanctioned Russian businessmen who are able to spend vast sums on European lawyers to fight their cases. So far, the EU has won 33 cases and only lost eight -- a pretty decent scorecard for Brussels. The recent trio of losses could set a precedent, though, and mean more legal blows for the EU in the months ahead. Ultimately, it remains a political decision whether those three Russians and others remain listed come September. For pretty much every renewal so far, Hungary has attempted to leverage its veto by asking for some names to be dropped. Previously, the EU managed to secure another six-month rollover by offering to remove people that the EU's own legal service marked as "weak" due to insufficient evidence. For example, last fall, two lesser-known Russian businessmen, Aleksandr Shulgin and Farkhad Akhmedov, were removed from the list. But considering that Budapest had previously asked for Aven, Fridman, and Mazepin junior to be removed, they are likely to make a similar request soon enough, especially since they are now backed by the EU's own court on the matter. Looking Ahead EU leaders are gathering in Brussels for another summit on April 17-18. The meeting will mainly focus on economic issues and relations with Turkey, but attendees will also talk about Ukraine and how the EU can boost its defense industry in order to send more arms to Kyiv. A few days before the EU leaders meet, on April 16-17, the National Conservatism Conference (often referred to as "NatCon") will take place in the EU capital. The annual event, bringing together right-wing politicians and think tankers, will be headlined by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the pro-Brexit British politician Nigel Farage. Expect a lot of Brussels-bashing and talk of how Euroskeptic parties must win the upcoming European Parliament elections. That's all for this week. Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on Twitter @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org. Until next time, Rikard Jozwiak If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here. Roscommon County Council has been urged to put together an adequate budget for tourist information and marketing for towns and villages which will be bypassed when the new N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramogue road is completed. Tabling a motion at a recent council meeting, Independent councillor Tom Crosby called for the council to put in place an adequate budget for tourist information and marketing from Tarmonbarry to Ballaghaderreen to include marketing, digital information and road signage to highlight the many historical and tourist attractions on this section of the N5 national primary road. Cllr Crosby highlighted attractions such as the River Shannon, the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park House, Rathcroghan, Percy Frenchs birthplace and the Douglas Hyde Centre. He believed this promotion was urgent and essential for towns and villages that will be by-passed in order to reduce the severe economic impact of the new N5 road. Cllr Crosby said that as members were aware, the bypass was now underway and would bypass Strokestown, Tulsk, Ballingare, and Frenchpark. He noted Ballaghaderreen was already bypassed. This bypass will have a huge negative impact on those towns and villages. I know that my belief is shared throughout the villages and towns along the route that something needs to be done to address the economic downturn that will happen in these towns and villages, he said. He said everything necessary needed to be done to divert people who would be going to and from the West of Ireland onto the old N5, and to do our very best to support the town and villages and local businesses on the route. It is critical because in three or four years time, the bypass will be complete and as result, it is important to put this in place and not leave it until the eleventh hour. Acting Director of Services Greg ODonnell said the first set of signs, the directional signs, would be there to direct people to any of the towns that are bypassed. Mr ODonnell explained that the number of tourism signs depended on the number of visitors to respective places. It is usually based on the numbers that use those amenities over a year - it qualifies them for a brown sign on a national route, he said. Mr ODonnell pointed out that there was already a package of approximately forty signs as part of the N5 project, which includes many of the attractions referred to by Cllr Crosby. He said the signage required, directional and tourism signs, were well covered in the road project. Council Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr John Cummins said that the other issues raised by Cllr Crosby could be considered as the new road progressed. A formal written reply from council explained that the provision of signs including tourist signs on national roads was governed by TII policy. In respect of the Ballaghaderreen-Scramogue road project, the approved signs package includes the provision of brown tourist signs, 34 of which are proposed as part of the project. China is scheduled to release a batch of data on Tuesday, headlining the day's economic activity. On tap are Q1 figures for gross domestic product, as well as March numbers for industrial production, retail sales, fixed asset investment, unemployment and house prices. GDP is expected to rise 0.8 percent on quarter and 4.8 percent on year, slowing from 1.0 percent on quarter and 5.2 percent on year in the previous three months. The jobless rate is expected to ease to 5.2 percent from 5.3 percent in February. House prices are seen lower by 1.2 percent on year after falling 1.4 percent a month earlier. Industrial production is tipped to gain 5.4 percent on year, easing from 7.0 percent in February, while retail sales are expected to gain an annual 5.1 percent - down from 5.5 percent a month earlier. Fixed asset investment is seen higher by 4.3 percent on year, up from 4.2 percent in the previous month. Indonesia will release March figures for imports, exports and trade balance. In February, imports were up 15.84 percent on year and exports slumped an annual 9.45 percent for a trade surplus of $0.87 billion. Finally, the in Thailand remain closed for the Songkran Festival and will re-open on Wednesday. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News 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. Automotive distributor Inchcape Plc (INCH.L) announced Monday its agreement to sell its UK Retail operations to Group 1 Automotive UK Limited, a subsidiary of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (GPI), for cash consideration of around 346 million pounds. The company said the deal is consistent with its strategic focus on higher margin, capital-light, cash generative, diversified, scalable and global Distribution . The deal is expected to complete during the third quarter. Following the disposal, Inchcape will substantially be a Distribution-focussed business. Following the deal closure, it is intended that 100 million pounds of the proceeds will be returned to Inchcape shareholders by means of a share buyback programme, which is expected to be completed within 12 months. In fiscal 2023, Inchcape's UK Retail operations generated revenue of 2.07 billion pounds, 18% of Group revenue, and adjusted operating profit of 49 million pounds, 7% of Group operating profit. Inchcape's UK Retail operations employ around 3,600 people in over 80 sites in the UK, with 12 OEM partners. After deducting liabilities, the transaction is expected to result in a gain on disposal. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the Middle East is facing a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict, and called on the parties involved to keep "maximum restraint" to avert it. "It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East...Now is the time for maximum restraint," the UN chief told delegates at the opening of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that was convened in the wake of Iran's missile attacks against Israel. Guterres explained that the emergency session was called by Israel following what it described in a letter as "a direct attack launched by Iran... of more than 200 UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles towards Israel in clear violation of international law." Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan said attacks were launched from Iranian soil, as well as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq. The attack on Israel from multiple fronts comes at a time it is waging a war against Hamas in Gaza. "Last night the world witnessed an unprecedented escalation that is clear proof of what can happen when warnings are ignored ... [Israel] was not crying wolf; it was trying to wake the world up to the dangers posed by Iran and Its proxies," the Israeli representative said, adding: "Israel has been sounding the alarm bells." He showed a video of what he called an attack on the Temple Mount, and he asked the Security Council: "What have you done to protect the world from Iran?" Iran's Ambassador to the UN Amir Saed Iravani said, "Iran's operation was entirely in the exercise of Iran's inherent right to self-defense. This concluded action was necessary and proportionate. It was precise and only targeted military objectives and carried out carefully to minimize the potential for escalation and prevent civilian harm". US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood strongly condemned the attack, and said, "Iran's intent was to cause significant damage and death in Israel." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Iran's massive missile strikes on Israel have evoked widespread international condemnation and call for restraint. The UK Foreign Secretary summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in London on Sunday. The UK strongly condemned Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel, as well as their violation of Jordan and Iraq's airspace. "At a time of great tension in the Middle East, this was a profoundly dangerous and unnecessary escalation by Iran", according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It urged Iran to immediately release of the civilian ship 'MSC Aries' and its crew, which was seized by Iranian armed forces in international waters Saturday. US Secretary Of State Antony Blinken made phone calls to allies and partners in the Middle East region and around the world to consult with them about the crisis triggered by Iran's attack. Blinken spoke with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock regarding the attack. "The Secretary reaffirmed America's unequivocal ironclad commitment to the security of Israel, highlighting that we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin spoke with the Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman. "The Secretary underscored the importance of the enduring U.S. defense partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reiterated the United States' commitment to working with the Kingdom and other partners to deescalate tensions in the region," the Pentagon said. Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, and briefed him on his consultations with partners and allies to reinforce international resolve in the face of Iranian aggression. The Leaders of the G7 said they will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. At President Joe Biden's direction, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region to support the defense of Israel. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News SpartanNash Co. (SPTN) announced the acquisition of Metcalfe's Market, a three-store grocery chain in Wisconsin on Monday. Following the sale, Metcalfe's Market's Madison and Wauwatosa, Wisconsin locations will retain all current employees and its storefront, branding, and core shopper experience will remain unchanged. The addition of Metcalfe's Market is expected to increase SpartanNash's presence in Wisconsin to seven stores. The company stated that it would introduce an improved loyalty and rewards program with digital coupons and weekly grocery savings. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized in spring 2024, pending customary closing conditions. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News A recent study published in Nature Microbiology has revealed that children are less likely to experience severe COVID-19 than adults. The study, titled "Age-specific nasal epithelial responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection," explored the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on human nasal epithelial cells (NECs), which are the primary targets of the virus. The study involved healthy individuals from various hospitals, including Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London Hospital, and the Royal Free Hospital, who donated their NECs. Researchers analyzed NECs from three age groups: children under 12, adults aged 30-50, and individuals over 70. After culturing the cells using specialized techniques and infecting them with SARS-CoV-2, the researchers observed that children's nasal cells responded more quickly to the virus than adults' cells. Specifically, the nasal cells of children increased their interferon levels, which hinder viral replication. In contrast, middle-aged adults showed a less pronounced protective effect, while the nasal cells from older individuals exhibited higher levels of the virus, shedding, and damage. Dr. Claire Smith, the study's leader and an associate professor at University College London, emphasized the importance of understanding how age-related changes in nasal cells impact the body's ability to combat SARS-CoV-2. Such insight could be crucial in developing targeted antiviral therapies for different age demographics, particularly the elderly, who are at a heightened risk of severe COVID-19. Despite vaccination efforts and advancements in treatment, the risk of mortality remains elevated among individuals over 85 who contract the virus. The study highlights the importance of considering age as a critical factor in infectious disease research and treatment. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Health News Crude oil prices fell on Monday amid slightly easing concerns about supply disruptions after Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel did not cause any big damage. Concerns about the outlook for oil demand in China, and a strong U.S. dollar weighed on oil prices. West Texas Intermediate Crude futures for May ended lower by $0.25 at $85.41 a barrel. Brent crude futures were down $0.16 or 0.19% at $85.50 a barrel a little while ago. Iran on Saturday night unleashed a retaliatory strike against Israel, sending a volley of more than 300 uncrewed drones and missiles toward targets. Tehran's attack, which the Israeli government reported caused limited damage, prompted the traders to reduce risk premiums. Israel successfully navigated the attack due to advanced warning combined with strong missile defense in and outside its borders. According to reports, Israel has reviewed military plans for a potential response against Iran. The war cabinet reportedly remains determined to act, but it is not clear if a decision has been made. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Sleep is essential for a person's mental and physical well-being, yet a CDC report found that one in three adults in the U.S. doesn't get enough sleep. Another report by the American Medical Association revealed that approximately 30 million Americans live with insomnia. A recent study to be presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society in Toronto on April 14, sheds light on the connection between sleep quality and dreams. To understand the link, researchers from the University of Montreal conducted a study on 20 "good sleepers", by waking them 12 times during the night and asking them whether they had been awake or asleep, how deeply they had been sleeping, what was last on their minds and how immersed they had felt in their dreams. Simultaneously, the researchers measured the participant's brain activity to determine whether they were actually asleep and where they were in their sleep cycle. "Dreams are not studied a lot in the context of sleep quality," Claudia Picard-Deland, who led the study, said in a statement. "The focus is more often on objective measures like brain activity or sleep stage, but I think we need to look closer at dream activity and its impact on how we perceive sleep." Many participants reported that they were awake even when they were in fact sleeping, which is a common occurrence during the early dreamless phase of sleep. Dr. Remington Mallett, who is chairing a session at the meeting, said, "Understanding how dreams are generated and what their function might be if any is one of science's biggest open questions right now". He added, "Because we don't know much about dreams, it is hard to estimate their full impact on our waking lives. But current results suggest that indeed dreams influence our waking experiences". Sleep deprivation for a short-period could seriously affect a person's attention span, judgment, emotions and cognitive function. But over time, it might lead to heart disease, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders and depression. The research team plans to work towards sleep rehabilitation and dream training to support better perceived sleep quality without nightmares. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Book launch at Rhodes University By: The Division of Communications & Advancement The Rhodes African Studies Centre (RASC) recently launched two key books, namely, Covid-19 in Africa: Social and Economic Implications and Covid-19 in Africa: Governance and Containment, both published by Palgrave. Edited by our Dean of Humanities and Director of the African Studies Centre (RASC), Professor Enocent Msindo and his co-editors, namely Professors Susan Arndt (University of Bayreuth, Germany), Yacouba Banhoro (University of Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Burkina Faso), and Peter Simatei (Moi University, Kenya), presented insights into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa. Chaired by a renowned journalism lecturer, Thandeka-Gqubule Mbeki, Professors Msindo and Simatei (currently a Visiting Fellow at RASC) and Dr Dominique Santos were subjected to very interesting questions from Gqubule-Mbeki, members of faculty and students present at this packed event. An interesting highlight was the presence of Professor Rudiger Seesemann, the Dean of Africa Multiple, a collaborative venture that includes the RASC. Professor Seesemann made some opening remarks, affirming the contributions of scholars from the Cluster of Excellence, Africa Multiple, towards realising the research work. A recurring theme was Africa's historical struggle with colonialism and socio-economic disparities, which Covid-19 has both reflected and exacerbated. Nonetheless, a key point was the emphasis in the two volumes on what Professor Msindo referred to as the ingenuity of agency in the face of a myriad uncertainties. Dr Santos emphasised the need for adaptability, pointing out how the pandemic has spurred innovative responses to the disruptions in daily life. Her chapter looks at the ways in which subsistence fishing communities on sea adapted to efforts to immobilise them. They organised fishing ventures in the deep of the night. Some negotiated with the army and police that enforced lockdowns, and some resorted to religious ways of dealing with the situation they found themselves in. The event also shed light on various African nations' governance and containment strategies, revealing a tapestry of community initiatives in response to the governments emergency regulations. This scholarly gathering not only facilitated robust intellectual debates but also underscored Africas global interconnectedness in addressing emergency challenges. There was not enough time to respond to many issues that emerged from the launch. However, the key takeaway was that there was a need for even more research on the various other dimensions of Covid-19 in Africa. The launched books are resources for policymakers, researchers, and activists addressing the pandemic's effects. The event called for action to address the challenges facing Africa and the world. Travelling with pets has become a lot more fun and convenient with a range of pet accessories unveiled for Honda Elevate (WR-V in Japan) While pets are loved across most parts of the world, people in Japan appear to have a much deeper connection. It is linked to their culture, tradition and folklore, wherein theres special respect and appreciation for animals. Pets are a pampered lot in Japan, with access to premium grooming services, top quality pet food, pet-friendly accommodations and stylish accessories. Honda Elevate Pet Edition At the 13th Interpet Exhibition in Tokyo, a wide variety of exciting pet-related products have been displayed. This event is one of the largest pet lifestyle events in Japan. Started in 2011, the Interpet event provides the perfect platform to people and their pets to interact with each other. This year, one of the key highlights is a new range of travel accessories for pets manufactured by Honda Access. This entity is a leading producer and seller of genuine Honda accessories in Japan. All the new pet accessories have been showcased inside a Honda WR-V, which is sold as Elevate in India. Honda Access is hosting the Enjoy Dog Life Festa booth, where one can see the Honda Dog range of pet accessories. The fit and finish of these accessories is top notch, something that has received tremendous appreciation and support from dog lovers. Honda Elevate pet accessories One of the key pet accessories showcased is the Pet Seat Plus Dog 2. It is a foldable and comfortable pet seat that can accommodate two small dogs. Users can conveniently place and attach it to the front passenger seat. It costs 21,450 yen, approximately Rs 12,000. Users can also buy the gray pet door lining cover that costs 6,600 yen (approx. Rs 3,600). For small and medium sized dogs, a special seat carriage is available at 25,300 yen (Rs 13,800). The seat carriage can be attached to the rear seat. Other accessories include a pet buggy that can be placed inside the boot. Pet-specific badging is also there on the WR-V model. It gets a pet emblem costing 4,400 yen (Rs 2,400). On the inside, users can choose a pet interior sticker costing 3,850 yen (Rs 2,100). Among other offerings are pet centre caps priced between 7,700 yen and 8,800 yen (Rs 4,200 to Rs 4,800). These transform aluminium wheel centre caps into adorable paw designs. Additionally, pet key covers featuring attached paw motifs are available for 4,400 yen (Rs 2,400). Also showcased is a pet select knob adorned with charming paw prints, priced at 11,000 yen (Rs 6,000). According to the manufacturer, Honda Access, the pet seat accessories should be used with a leash. This will ensure that the pets do not jump out of the car for any reason. These pet accessories for Honda Elevate will be hugely beneficial for folks who frequently travel with their pets. Pricing seems reasonable in the context of the Japanese market. Source For the third consecutive year, Tata Nexon has been positioned as the No 1 SUV in India The mainstream SUV segment is currently overcrowded with a bunch of sub 4m and compact offerings. Even though Tata Motors doesnt currently have a compact SUV offering, it has aced the mainstream SUV segment with Nexon and Punch at 1st and 2nd position respectively in FY 2023 2024 SUV sales. Tata Nexon And Punch Secure 1st And 2nd Position This is quite a feat for Tata Motors and the company is expecting to amplify this effect with the launch of Curvv compact SUV and continue dominating this mainstream SUV segment. Currently, the champions for Tata Motors are Nexon and Punch, securing 1st and 2nd positions in FY 2023 2024. Celebration is more profound in the case of Tata Nexon which has secured 1st position in SUV segment for the third consecutive year in a row. In this sense, Nexon was the best-selling SUV in India in FY 2021 2022, FY 2022 2023 and FY 2023 2024. With this, Tata Motors has securely positioned itself as Indias #1 SUV maker. Punch proved to be a great addition to Tatas lineup and has all the ingredients to be the companys next superstar. We wouldnt be surprised if Punch surpassed Nexon in sales one day and gain 1st position. We say this because the pace at which Punch is racking sales numbers is very commendable and is getting closer to Nexon with every month passing by. The two rockstars from Tata Motors have been appealing propositions in their respective segments for many reasons. For starters, they promise among the best crash safety propositions with a full fat 5 Star rating from Global NCAP. After looks, design, technology and features, both Punch and Nexon offer three fuel options including electric. With upcoming i-CNG variant, Nexon will be Indias only mainstream car with 4 fuel options. Breaking down the numbers Where sales are concerned, numbers speak for themselves. Analysing sales performance of FY 2023 2024, Nexon sold an average of 14,308 units per month, while it was 14,128 units per month average for Punch. In H1 FY 2023 2024, Tata Motors sold 78,975 units of Nexon and 72,086 units of Punch. However, as the FY progressed, Tata Motors sold 92,722 units of Nexon in H2 FY 2023 2024 and 97,450 units of Punch in the same period. At the beginning of FY 2023 2024, Nexon had around 5K units per month advantage over Punch, but at the end of this FY, Punch registered a lead over Nexon with around 3K to 4K units per month. In Q1 of FY 2023 2024, Tata sold 43,252 Nexons and 32,508 units of Punch. In Q2, Nexon sales stood at 35,723 units and Punch sales stood at 39,578 units. H1 of FY 2023 2024 established Nexon ahead of Punch with 78,975 units over 72,086 units. In Q3, Nexon continued to pull ahead of Punch with 47,087 units over 43,487 units. It was in Q4 that the narrative shifted in the favour of Punch. Launch of Punch EV was a big boost for sales numbers. Punch pulled ahead of Nexon in Q4 with 53,963 units over 45,635 units. While H1 analysis favoured Nexon, H2 favoured Punch. In total, Tata Motors sold 1,71,697 units of Nexon and 1,69,536 units of Punch. BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- China-Europe freight train services recorded solid expansion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, data from China's railway operator showed Sunday. A total of 4,541 China-Europe freight train trips took place in the first three months of 2024, up 9 percent year on year, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway). About 493,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of goods were transported via these freight train services during this period, up 10 percent from a year earlier, the railway operator said. By the end of March, some 87,000 China-Europe freight train trips had been made in total, providing services for 222 cities across 25 European countries, according to China Railway. Hillery Ross. How YOU Birth Doula Services team members meet with members of their executive committee. A How YOU Birth Doula Services doula training class. Shares in Inchcape raced ahead on Monday after the automotive distributor announced the disposal of its UK Retail operations to Group 1 Automotive UK for 346m. The deal, which does not need approval from Inchcap's shareholders, is part of the company's strategy to focus on being a "higher margin, capital-light, cash generative, diversified, scalable and global distribution business", the company said in a statement. UK Retail generated just over 2bn in sales for Inchcape in 2023, equal to 18% of group revenues, but the strategic importance of the operations "has become limited", according to chief executive Duncan Tait. After the completion of the disposal, expected to happen in the third quarter, Inchcape will then hand 100m back to shareholders by way of a share repurchase over the following 12 months. The rest of the money will be used to fund future growth. "As we continue to deliver on our strategic ambition of becoming the leading global distribution partner to our OEM partners worldwide, this transaction represents a significant step along that journey," said Tait. "Our UK Retail business is a high-quality business, with an experienced and high-performing management team, and has been an important part of the group's growth." Shares were up nearly 4% at 725.5p by 0834 BST. A 20-year-old childrens charity that shut down after an error by Barclays led to its account being closed was offered only 250 in compensation by the bank. JusB, which worked with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, initially was offered the sum along with an apology for a mistake that resulted in the charity being cut off from its finances for nearly a month last year. This offer was increased later to 525, which Sir Robert Neill, the charitys constituency MP, called trivial and said bears no relation to the harm done. - The Times Motorists are braced for a rise in fuel costs as the escalating crisis in the Middle East threatens to send oil prices close to $100 a barrel. The RAC warned that petrol prices could hit 1.50 a litre for the first time in five months if Irans attack on Israel drives up the price of crude. Oil prices are already trading at six month highs but analysts said they are expected to rise on Monday after Iran sent a swarm of missiles and drones to Israel on Saturday night. - Telegraph Oil and gas companies will have to pay more to drill on public lands and satisfy stronger requirements to clean up old or abandoned wells, according to a final rule issued on Friday by the Biden administration. The interior departments rule raises royalty rates for oil drilling by one-third, to 16.67%, in accordance with the sweeping 2002 climate law approved by Congress. - Guardian Tax havens are making glacially slow progress in implementing transparency measures designed to tackle economic crime, according to a new report. UK overseas territories and crown dependencies had been expected to create public registers of beneficial owners of companies by 2023, but Gibraltar is the only jurisdiction to have one that is fully operational and open to the public. Research by the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition and Tax Justice UK campaign groups found that the majority remained some way off implementing a public register. - The Times More than 40 Planet Fitness locations across the country have received bomb threats after a conservative movement against the gyms trans-inclusive locker room policy went viral online. In the weeks since the backlash against the gym chain started in March, at least 43 locations in Connecticut, Florida, Alabama and other states have received bomb threats, according to progressive media watchdog group Media Matters. - Guardian French automaker Citroen has become the first multinational carmaker in India to export electric vehicles from the country to international markets, reported PTI. The car manufacturer shipped its first batch of 500 made-in-India e-C3 electric cars to Indonesia from the Kamarajar Port near Chennai on Thursday. Not only that, Citroen's parent firm Stellantis has revealed that now, it aims to export the made-in-India e-C3 electric cars to other international markets like Nepal and Bhutan. The report has quoted Stellantis saying that the company has become the first multinational OEM in India to achieve this feat of exporting electric vehicles to global markets. It also revealed the plan to export the EV to other international markets. The report also revealed that Citroen is mulling the idea of expanding its export markets for made-in-India e-C3 cars further. Interestingly, this feat comes after Citroen exported the made-in-India C3 to ASEAN and African markets in 2023. Also check these Cars Find more Cars Citroen eC3 29.2 kWh 29.2 kWh 320 km 320 km 11.50 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING BYD Seagull 38 kWh 38 kWh 405 km 405 km 10 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Citroen Basalt 1998 cc 1998 cc Petrol Petrol 12 - 15 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Citroen C3X 1998 cc 1998 cc Petrol Petrol 7 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Citroen C3 1199 cc 1199 cc Petrol Petrol 6.16 Lakhs Compare View Offers Tata Nexon 1497 cc 1497 cc Multiple Multiple 8.10 Lakhs Compare View Offers Watch: Citroen eC3 review: Worthy challenger to Tata Tiago EV? Speaking on the export of made-in-India e-C3 electric cars to Indonesia, Stellantis India CEO & MD Aditya Jairaj reportedly said that it is a key strategy to be competitive. "It is also important for us as a player in the Indian automotive space to be competitive. We want to leverage India as a 'best cost country', which is what we call India for the world," he reportedly said. Stellantis was formed after the merger of Italian-American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France's PSA Group and it currently sells its Jeep and Citroen branded cars in India, while the Fiat has called quit from the country. The Citroen e-C3 is a pure electric hatchback that promises 320 km range on a single charge. The EV offers 100 per cent DC fast charge and 15 amp home charging options to the customers. Available in 13 different exterior colours and 47 customisation options, the Citroen e-C3 is priced from 12.90 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, while the top variant is priced at 13.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India. First Published Date: ace Turtle, India's leading technology-native retail company, has been honored with the prestigious Images Award of Excellence at the India Fashion Forum 2024, organized by Images Group, India's foremost retail industry publication. This accolade underscores ace Turtle's pioneering role in establishing itself as India's premier fully digitally integrated retailer. The Images Award of Excellence recognizes trailblazing companies that have redefined the retail landscape. ace Turtle's steadfast dedication to seamless omnichannel integration across all facets of its operations, from online shopping experiences to in-store customer engagement, struck a chord with the jury. In response to the win, Nitin Chhabra, CEO of ace Turtle, expressed his delight, stating, "We are thrilled to be acknowledged as India's first fully digitally integrated retailer. This award validates our unique tech-driven operational model, cutting-edge omnichannel technology expertise, and our innate technology-native mindset that has propelled us forward over the past decade. We are actively pursuing various retail technology innovations leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and IoT. Our aim is to continue innovating and developing proprietary technology platforms and solutions to elevate global brands and offer seamless accessibility to millions of Indian customers across online and offline channels". As part of its commitment to spearhead the next phase of evolution in the Indian retail industry through its Retail Nxt approach, ace Turtle has been at the forefront with its tech-driven business model and proprietary tech platforms, Rubicon & Connect. The latest iteration of the omnichannel technology platform, Rubicon 3.0, empowers ace Turtle to maintain a unified view and efficiently manage commerce operations across channels for its licensed global brands like Lee, Wrangler, Toys'R'Us, Babies'R'Us, and Dockers. This entails a single view of catalogue, inventory, and pricing across various channels such as online marketplaces, websites, endless aisles, social commerce, and conversational commerce, as well as streamlined customer order management, optimized fulfillment, deliveries, returns, and customer support. Currently deployed in over 110 stores of Lee, Wrangler, Toys'R'Us, and Dockers in India, the Connect 2.0 app digitizes retail store operations , significantly reducing manual tasks. The app empowers retail store teams through enhanced communication, training, helpdesk support, and workflow management. It enables store teams to execute essential activities such as omnichannel order fulfillment and visual merchandising using their smartphones. Additionally, the Connect 2.0 app features new modules such as Settlement Reports, Retail Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Leaderboard, Store Weekly Performance, Training, and Attendance. ace Turtle's relentless pursuit of technological innovation and commitment to providing unparalleled retail experiences exemplifies its leadership in the industry, setting new benchmarks for excellence and driving the future of retail in India. India has made significant strides in renewable energy, with a record capacity addition of 18.48 GW in the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a 21% increase from the previous year. This data, sourced from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, underscores the country's commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources. However, industry experts caution that meeting the ambitious target of 500 GW of renewables by 2030 requires a substantial acceleration in capacity addition. As of March 31, 2024, India's installed renewable energy capacity stands at 143.64 GW, excluding large hydropower projects exceeding 25 GW each, which amounts to an additional 47 GW. Nevertheless, experts argue that the total renewable energy capacity, including large hydro projects, is around 190 GW. To reach the 500 GW target, India needs to add 310 GW over the next six years, averaging at least 50 GW annually. Union Power and Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh remains optimistic, citing ongoing projects and bids. With 103 GW under construction and 72 GW under bids, he believes India is on track to surpass the target well before 2030. renewable energy projects annually. Solar energy leads the pack, with 12.78 GW added in 2023-24, followed by 2.27 GW of wind energy. Solar installations dominate the renewable energy landscape, comprising 81.81 GW of the total installed capacity, followed by wind energy at approximately 46 GW, biomass cogeneration at 9.43 GW, and small hydro at 5 GW. To accelerate progress, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy aims to bid out around 50 GW ofannually. Solar energy leads the pack, with 12.78 GW added in 2023-24, followed by 2.27 GW of wind energy. Solar installations dominate the renewable energy landscape, comprising 81.81 GW of the total installed capacity, followed by wind energy at approximately 46 GW, biomass cogeneration at 9.43 GW, and small hydro at 5 GW. Regionally, Gujarat and Rajasthan lead in renewable energy capacity, boasting around 27 GW each, followed by Tamil Nadu with approximately 22 GW, Karnataka with about 21 GW, and Maharashtra with around 17 GW. Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh each have an installed capacity of around 11 GW. India's renewable energy sector continues to show promise, but concerted efforts are needed to ramp up capacity additions to meet ambitious targets and address the growing demand for clean energy. From a jail cell to the Oval Office? Its not impossible. Former President Donald Trump is set to go on trial in Manhattan on Monday, charged with falsifying bank records during the 2016 presidential election in a bid to keep porn actress Stormy Daniels quiet about their alleged affair. The hush-money trial is the first of the criminal cases pending against Trump to go to trial. And Trump, the first president to ever be charged in a criminal case, could face prison time if found guilty. Which raises the question: could Trump still run for president if hes in jail? The answer is yes. Not only is there no provision in the U.S. Constitution that would bar Trump from seeking the nations highest office from a jail cell, but Trump wouldnt be the first candidate to do so. That distinction belongs to Eugene V. Debs. Debs was a firebrand labor leader in the early 20th century, and helped found the Industrial Workers of the World, the American Railroad Union and the Socialist Party of America. Debs was the Socialist Party candidate for president five times between 1900 and 1920, garnering more than 2.7 million votes across those campaigns. But its Debs last White House bid, in 1920, that stands out in history. Thats when Debs ran for president while serving time in federal prison. On June 16, 1917, Debs, at the time the leading labor leader and Socialist in the country, made a speech in Canton, Ohio, against the U.S. entry into World War I under Democratic President Woodrow Wilson, according to an account of the case on the National Archives website. Labor leader Eugene V. Debs gives anti-war speech in Ohio in 1917 that led to his imprisonment under the Espionage Act. Debs ran for president from federal prison in 1920, garnering almost a million votes. (National Archives photo)National Archives photo Justice Department agents were in attendance at the speech and Debs was charged with attempting to incite insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny and refusal of duty, in the military and naval forces of the United States. Debs, who claimed his speech was protected under the First Amendment, was convicted under the Espionage Act of 1917 for obstructing military enlistment and recruitment. Debs appealed but his conviction was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Debs in 1919 was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Debs launched his fifth and final bid for the White House in 1920 as Convict No. 9653 in the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, Ga., campaigning from behind prison walls as his supporters campaigned on the streets. Among his campaign issues, Debs pledged to pardon himself if elected president. Eugene V. Debs as Convict No. 9653, when he ran for president in 1920 while in federal prison. (National Archives photo)National Archives photo With socialist ideals still popular, Debs garnered 913,664 votes that year, according to Congressional Quarterly, the most votes hed ever tallied in an election. Republican Warren Harding was elected president and commuted the sentences of Debs and other prisoners convicted under the Espionage Act to time served. Eugene V. Debs waves to supporters following his release from federal prison on Christmas Day, December 25, 1921. (Photo by PhotoQuest/Getty Images)Getty Images Debs was released from jail on Christmas Day, 1921. He never ran for president again, and died in 1926 at the age of 70. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. High school seniors eagerly awaiting letters from colleges bearing their enrollment decisions will be getting an unusual correspondence this time of year: A letter from Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul is reaching out to all of New Yorks high school seniors this May, hoping to spur them into filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The letter will detail how seniors can get help filling out the FAFSA, in addition to some tips, according to a written statement. Far too often, New York students dont realize the full scope of financial aid that is available to them to help cover the cost of higher education, Hochul said. As part of Financial Aid Awareness Month, my administration is conducting outreach to high school seniors and principals to ensure students complete the FAFSA and have the resources needed to access financial support to continue their education. The written statement detailed that the submission frequency for the FAFSA has been in a 24% downward spiral in New York in recent years. In 2023 alone, a whopping $200 million worth of federal financial aid was left on the table by New York high schoolers. In her 2024 State of the State speech, Hochul unveiled a plan to mandate graduating high schoolers fill out the FAFSA in an attempt to raise those FAFSA return rates. Studies show that students who complete the FAFSA are more likely to go to college. Specifically, 90% of high school seniors who complete the form go to college directly after graduation, compared to just 55% of seniors who dont fill out the aid application, the written statement said. I am immensely grateful to Governor Hochul for highlighting the crucial role that completing FAFSA plays in unlocking the doors to higher education for our students. Her efforts to ensure students complete the FAFSA or Dream Act application aligns with HESCs (Higher Education Services Corporation) mission to empower and support young scholars in realizing their academic aspirations. Too much financial aid remains unclaimed each year, and our collective efforts can significantly change the futures of thousands of students across New York State, HESC President Dr. Guillermo Linares said. Seniors have until the clock strikes 11:59 p.m. CT on June 30, 2024, to get their completed FAFSA in, according to the Federal Student Aid website. So, for us New Yorkers, that technically means students have until 12:59 a.m. EST on July 1, 2024, thanks to the one hour time difference, to get that application in. MORE ABOUT THE 2024-2025 FAFSA Every year, more than 13 million students who file the FAFSA receive aid in the form of grants, work-study programs and low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education, as reported previously by the Advance/SILive.com. If you dont file, you wont qualify for most financial aid. Traditionally, students who complete the FAFSA form which colleges use to calculate financial aid packages receive decisions about aid in March. However, the form was newly revised for the 2024-2025 year, resulting in a delay in its opening. The FAFSA opened under a soft launch online on Dec. 31 two months after it is typically available to students. Release of the financial aid data has also now been delayed due to the change in the form. The new form was created to improve, streamline and redesign how students and their families use the system. More students will be able to access federal aid, and it will help 610,000 students receive Federal Pell Grants for the first time, according to the federal government. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York adulterers may soon no longer be criminally liable as state legislators move to strike a 117-year-old law from the books. Members of the State Senate and State Assembly both overwhelmingly moved to strike the old but rarely enforced portion of the penal law making adultery a class-b misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail and a $500 fine. Only 10 members of the 150-member Assembly voted against a version of the legislation in March, and only four members of the 63-member Senate voted against their own version on April 4. All Staten Island legislators voted in favor of the bills. Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-Long Island), the Assembly sponsor of the bill, applauded the Senates passing to the legislation sponsored by State Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan). I am extremely pleased that the Senate overwhelmingly agrees that this archaic statute needs to be wiped off the books, he said. While there are plenty of laws whose purpose is directly to protect the community, some laws embody nothing more than someones idea of moral outrage. The targeted statute belongs in the latter category. If a law is not enforced, then there is no reason that it should be maintained. New Yorkers can be found guilty of adultery if they have sexual intercourse while they or their partner have a living spouse, but even in eras of greater moral outrage, the law was rarely enforced given the challenges of securing a conviction. The new law removing adultery from the penal code now awaits Gov. Kathy Hochuls signature. It would take effect immediately if it becomes law. Beijing (Gasgoo)- BAIC Groups premium new energy vehicle brand ARCFOX on April 11 launched its DARWIN 2.0 technology brand. The DARWIN 2.0 technology brand is built upon the ARCFOX IMC Architecture and encompasses seven major technologies. Photo credit: ARCFOX In terms of performance, ARCFOX introduced the Jiguang battery, Jifeng powertrain, and Lingyun chassis (names are all in Chinese pinyin). ARCFOX stated that the Jiguang battery boasts exceptional safety standards. This is attributed to ARCFOX's comprehensive safety protection provided in extreme scenarios such as battery crushing, heavy rain and flooding, and high temperature. Photo credit: ARCFOX The bottom of the Jiguang battery is equipped with the innovative "Xuanwu Armor," which is made of aerospace-grade materials and processes. This armor consists of seven layers of protection, with a strength of up to 1,500MPa. It also incorporates insulation, heat preservation, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance, fully considering environmental complexity. Photo credit: ARCFOX In the field of intelligence, ARCFOX said its second-generation intelligent cockpit is equipped with the new Lingzhi OS. In terms of hardware configuration, ARCFOX adopts 34 high-performance perception hardware, enabling all-weather, all-around environmental perception to ensure the safety and reliability of the intelligent driving system. In terms of software algorithms, ARCFOX has improved obstacle recognition rates through the BEV+Transformer+OCC solution and introduced interactive game algorithms to optimize driving path planning. Photo credit: ARCFOX During the launch event, BAIC Group unveiled a new platform included in the DARWIN 2.0 system, the Beijixing Platform (name translates to Polar Star). As a self-developed pure electric high-end flagship platform by BAIC Group, the Beijixing Platform deeply integrates the engineering design and module development of the Mercedes-Benz MRA luxury rear-wheel-drive platform, as well as the new framework of the DARWIN 2.0 technology system. In the future, it will mainly support the development of mid-to-high-end vehicles in the C-segment and above. Syracuse, N.Y. -- The Onondaga County District Attorney has confirmed the shooter in Sunday nights killing of two law enforcement officers. The shooter is Christopher R. Murphy, 33, of Salina, William Fitzpatrick confirmed to syracuse.com. The trouble started with a traffic stop at 7 p.m. in the citys Tipp Hill neighborhood, Syracuse police Chief Joe Cecile said Sunday. Syracuse police tried to pull over a car, but the driver refused and sped off. Police took the plate number, which led them to a home at 4945 Darien Drive in Salina. Thats where the shooting happened. Gunfire filled the little neighborhood as the officers and the suspect exchanged shots. The two officers and the suspect were all hit. The suspect also was killed, Cecile said. That house was secured Sunday night and there is no threat to the neighborhood, Sheriff Toby Shelley said Sunday. Murphy, of 4945 Darien Drive, Salina, was charged March 2, 2014, with driving while intoxicated by the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, according to syracuse.com archives. Murphy was also charged with resisting arrest and failure to keep right. Joseph and Lucille Murphy are listed as owners at 4945 Darien Drive, according to county records. They bought the house in 2002 for $134,500. Christopher Murphy also lives at that home, according to county voting records. This is a breaking story. It will be updated. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- A 48-year-old male has been arrested in connection with an armed car robbery in Elm Park Sunday morning, according to authorities. A spokesperson for the NYPD stated that two 20-year-olds reported they were at a red light around 12:35 a.m. on Sunday when a 2005 BMW X3 pulled in front of their car, preventing them from continuing forward, at the intersection of Morningstar Road and Richmond Terrace. The victims told police that after being stopped, a man exited the BMW while visibly armed. The two fled their 2021 Ford Mustang and contacted the police. The male then allegedly entered the Ford vehicle and attempted to flee in the victims vehicle, according to police. While an investigation is ongoing, Mariners Harbor resident Roger Cummins has been charged with several crimes, including robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, grand larceny auto, criminal possession of stolen property and reckless endangerment, police stated. The 121st Precinct touted the arrest on X: Last night, Sgt. Dagostino and PO Diaz responded to a robbery in progess. The perpetrator was carrying this loaded firearm with an extended magazine. Your 121 officers work tirelessly, night after night, to rid our community of illegal firearms. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is looking for new recruits interested in becoming police officers. Interested in becoming a New York City Police Officer? Registration for the next Police Officer Exam is NOW OPEN until June 28, 2024. For more information or to chat with a recruiter from @nypdrecruit, please visit https://t.co/kADjFaUL4Y, or call 212-RECRUIT ((212) 732-7848). pic.twitter.com/rkVFkp6jfM NYPD 121st Precinct (@NYPD121Pct) April 13, 2024 Recruits must pass the New York City police officer exam which is free of charge. The registration period is already open and will continue until June 28. NYPD officers patrol city streets and perform a wide variety of public safety, law enforcement, traffic management, counterterror, and emergency response roles. Officers earn $58,580 to start, with their salaries increasing to $121,589 after five and a half years of service. The NYPD provides a competitive benefits package, pensions and the opportunity to earn overtime pay. Individuals can register at http://nypdrecruit.com. NEW YORK, N.Y. New York District Attorney Alvin Braggs office asked a judge Monday to find former president Donald Trump in violation of a gag order over his social media posts. Prosecutors asked Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan to find Trump in contempt of court for violating the judges gag order in his hush money criminal case following a trio of posts on the former presidents online platform, Truth Social. Braggs office asked for a $1,000 fine for each of the three posts, the removal of those posts, and explicit instruction against continued violation of the gag order from Merchan to Trump. The judge permitted Trumps team to respond to that request in writing and set a hearing date over the contempt concerns for April 23 at 9:30 a.m. Merchan issued the gag order in March and more recently expanded it. Merchan has repeatedly admonished Trump for his public comments on the case, particularly those directed at his former fixer and personal attorney Michael Cohen and pornstar Stormy Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, with whom the former president had an alleged affair with in 2006. Trump has also made repeated attacks on Truth Social against Merchan and the judges daughter calling her a Rabid Trump Hater due to her work at a consulting firm with Democratic clients. The Manhattan case, one of several Trump is facing, stems from the former presidents alleged falsification of business records in a hush money scheme with Cohen, who has said he paid off Daniels to keep quiet about the alleged affair in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. The Manhattan district attorney charged the former president last year with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, which carries a maximum sentence of four years in jail, according to the state court system. Cohen, who is a convicted felon and key witness in Braggs case, has said that he made the $130,000 payment to Daniels on Trumps behalf, and was subsequently repaid by the former presidents family business, the Trump Organization. In an effort to conceal the payments, the Trump Organization allegedly falsified business records, a scheme Cohen has said the former president knew about. Merchans wasnt the first gag order against the former president in his ongoing legal proceedings. Judge Arthur Engoron, who oversaw Trumps civil fraud trial in New York, imposed a separate gag order on Trump, who was ultimately fined $10,000 for violating that order. Trump has denied all wrongdoing, and his lawyers have argued gag orders against him violate his right to free speech. Beijing (Gasgoo)- Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. ("Chery Automobile") officially joined the UN Global Compact on March 31, 2024, following a review by the United Nations Global Compact organization, the company announced on April 15 via its WeChat account. Photo credit: Chery Automobile Chery Automobile has pledged to support the ten principles of the UN Global Compact regarding human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, and will report relevant progress annually. The UN Global Compact, initiated by the UN Secretary-General in 2000, is the world's largest and most influential international organization promoting corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. It was also the earliest proponent of the ESG concept (Environmental, Social, Governance), advocating for companies to focus on long-term sustainable development beyond profit alone. As of today, the UN Global Compact has over 24,000 participating companies and stakeholders from more than 160 countries. Chery, with over 13.6 million global users, has been China's leading brand for passenger car exports for 21 consecutive years. Throughout its over 20 years of globalization, it has integrated sustainability into its strategy and operations, practicing corporate citizenship and contributing to the economies, employment, taxation, and public welfare in every market it operates in. Photo credit: Chery Automobile In 2023, Chery donated over 32 million yuan to disaster relief and reconstruction in disaster-stricken areas such as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Gansu-Qinghai. It also contributed $6 million to UNICEF for international children's education projects and signed a memorandum of cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature to promote global environmental protection projects. Joining the UN Global Compact is one of Chery Automobile's important measures in implementing its long-termism and sustainable development strategy. Chery hopes to work with a wide range of stakeholders to collectively advance the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and collaborate with global enterprises to build a more sustainable world. The company has released results from 43 holes from the campaign, including the latest assays from 13 holes in the central part of the Kobada deposit. The closer-spaced drill data in this area of the deposit is expected to increase the confidence in future resource estimations, potentially leading to a lift in inventories to feed into mining studies. Management highlighted the presence of higher-grade zones recognised through the drilling, including the 10m interval at 4.37g/t gold and another 4m hit at 6.34g/t. It added that such zones had frequently been intersected in historical drilling at Kobada, with increased drilling density in the current campaign potentially paving the way for a boost in the upcoming resource estimate. Toubani Resources chief executive officer Phil Russo said: Kobadas potential is clearly evident in our drilling to date as momentum in the resource definition program continues to build. Our confidence is growing in demonstrating Kobada as one of the few remaining, if not the sole, advanced-stage, large-scale, oxide gold projects in the hands of a single-asset developer, with the delivery of an updated feasibility study later this year. The companys tenure in Mali covers a 136-square-kilometre mining permit that is valid through to 2045, in addition to two adjacent exploration concessions. It also incorporates an environmental permit granted in 2021, which relates to production of oxide ores at the project. Management is now looking to amend its terms to also integrate the development and mining of the sulphides portion of its Kobada deposit. Notably, gold mineralisation at Kobada is hosted in Birimiam greenstones renowned for holding several multi-million-ounce gold deposits in Mali and its bordering nations. The main deposit at Kobada extends for more than 5km in length, with the existing resource estimate defined within a planned 4.5km-long open pit. It totals 87 million tonnes at 0.84g/t for the 2.4 million ounces of gold. Kobada is predominantly an oxide system and remains open along strike in two directions. Mineralisation has been defined to 250m below the surface and remains open at depth. All up, some 77 per cent of the current mineral resource lies within the first 150m beneath the ground. Oxide mineralisation at the deposit averages 65m depth and extends beyond 120m in some areas of the proposed pit, comparing favourably with other oxide gold deposits found in West Africa. Management believes the soft oxide ore makes the project suitable for a straightforward mining and processing operation, with more appealing economics than hard rock gold deposits. According to Toubani, a bulk-tonnage oxide mining and processing venture represents a lower technical risk profile since mining methods applicable at the project do not need to be highly selective. It also requires minimal drilling and blasting, with crushing and grinding circuits being simplified to make them less power intensive. Such traits could result in lower operating costs. About 85 per cent of the first 100m depth in the resource estimate is characterised as oxide material, resulting in a low stripping ratio. However, additional upside also exists below the oxides, with nearly one million ounces of gold found in the deeper fresh rock. Management notes that other significant gold mines in West Africa, such as AngloGold Ashantis nearby Siguri project just across the border in neighbouring Guinea, started their production journeys with a successful oxide operation. More than 9 million ounces of gold have been defined at Siguri. The upcoming DFS for Kobada is designed to assess the merits of an oxide-dominant operation, characterised by reduced operating costs and a moderate capital outlay. Works related to the update kicked off in July last year, with the company looking to build on the outcomes from its 2021 DFS that envisaged an operation with a substantially bigger quantity of mined ore than processed ore in the first 10 years of production. In turn, substantial stockpiles were anticipated to be amassed, impacting cashflows and requiring double handling later in the project life. A 16-year mine life was estimated for Kobada, with the project anticipated to churn out at least 100,000 ounces of gold per annum in the first decade of production. An additional five years was then committed to stockpiles built up during the first 10 years. The upcoming DFS is focused on a range of higher processing plant throughputs, coupled with optimised mining schedules and stockpile balances. It incorporates a bigger bulk mining equipment fleet than was envisaged in the 2021 study and seeks to increase annual production rates, reduce unit costs, bring cash flows forward and remove rehandling costs. Separately, Toubanis landholding in Mali also boasts the potential for major exploration upside despite a significant gold system already being defined at the tenure. More specifically, exploration drilling from last year identified new areas of gold mineralisation across five targets sitting outside the existing resource base. New areas of significant oxide mineralisation were intercepted at all five prospects, with the strike length of the main deposit growing from 5km to 11km. Some notable hits from the exploration drilling include 9m at 1.72g/t gold at the Kobada West prospect, interpreted to lie on a parallel structure less than 1km from the projects main deposit. The intercept also contains a richer 2m zone grading 6.26g/t gold. Drilling at the Kobada North 1 and North 2 targets also delivered some serious intercepts including 9m at 1.32g/t and 14m at 1.02g/t gold in one hole. Those results appear to bode well for Toubanis future exploration works, suggesting a much bigger gold system could be lurking beneath the ground. Curiously, about 40km of the 50km of regional-scale shear zones at the tenure are yet to be tested with the rig. If other Malian gold mining operations are anything to go by then it would not be a big surprise to see the resource base at Kobada continue to grow. Major international mining companies have been digging up gold in Mali for decades, including the worlds second-biggest producer of the precious yellow metal, Barrick Gold. Barrick runs two gold mines in the nation at its 11-million-ounce Loulo project and the 5.1-million-ounce Gounkoto operation. Its Canadian counterpart Allied Gold churns out nearly 200,000 ounces of gold each year from its Sadiola project where a whopping 13 million ounces of gold have been defined. Renowned ASX-listed miner Resolute Mining also calls Mali home at its 10.5-million-ounce Syama project. Notably, the plethora of multi-million-ounce gold deposits in Mali are all contained within the same Birimian greenstones that host the mineralisation at Kobada. Toubani has unveiled a major gold system at Kobada and could be on its way to a compelling resource update due for release in the coming weeks. So, the next few months could be transformational for the West Perth outfit, with results from a DFS set to follow just as the price of the precious yellow metal threatens to fly into orbit. Just last week, the gold price hit a record high after exceeding US$2400 (AU$3702) per ounce. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Four days before the Federal Court found that Bruce Lehrmann had raped his then-colleague Brittany Higgins in a ministerial office, the former Liberal staffer was being evicted from a multimillion-dollar North Sydney home, much to the relief of neighbours fed up with frequent outbursts of karaoke. Loading But Lehrmann, whose previous waterfront apartment came courtesy of Seven West Media, had other, better options. After his north-of-the-harbour exodus, he was spotted coming and going from a harbourside mansion in Point Piper owned by Lady Penelope Street, the widowed second wife of former NSW chief justice and lieutenant governor Sir Laurence Street, of the storied Sydney judicial dynasty. The exclusive residence, designed by Walter Burley Griffin, architect of Canberra, is just across the beach from the home of Malcolm Turnbull, coincidentally a mentee of Sir Laurence. By the time Federal Court justice Michael Lee rejected Lehrmanns defamation claim against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson on Thursday afternoon, he had left. But what on earth was he doing there in the first place? Lady Penelope denied Lehrmann had stayed with her in Point Piper. When we asked her why eyewitnesses had seen him on the premises, and why his car was parked on the street, she didnt respond. Youll be familiar with the polka dots. Scattered over outsized pumpkins, crowding the walls of hallucinatory mirrored rooms, or splashed across Louis Vuitton bags, this playful motif is as synonymous to Yayoi Kusama as the soup can is to Andy Warhol. At a new exhibition opening in summer at the NGV, these dots will take over the entire ground floor of the gallery, in the most comprehensive survey of Kusamas work ever to be brought to Australia. Everyone is familiar with Kusama shes become part of a global visual vernacular, says Wayne Crothers, the NGVs senior curator of Asian art. But what this exhibition offers is the opportunity to discover the astonishing breadth and hypnotic consistency of the 95-year-old artists practice. Yayoi Kusama with her recent works in Tokyo, 2016. Credit: Yayoi Kusama Rather than bringing a ready-made exhibition to Australian shores, the curators have pulled work from an array of smaller museums and private collections including the artists own archives to build a one-of-a-kind show from the ground up. The travelling shows often borrow from institutions in the US or in Europe, but weve focused on borrowing from a lot of Japanese institutions that dont often lend work, explains Crothers. This approach has allowed the curators to bring together rarities like gestural, brush and ink paintings from Kusamas early career in Japan, a series of avant-garde portraits of famous women like Marilyn Monroe and Mata Hari from the 1970s, and a collection of wearable art from her little known clothing line, seen in its entirety. Rooftop solar is now supplying more than 10 per cent of Australias electricity, and last year a record 57,000 households installed a storage battery to beat soaring electricity bills. Solar industry analyst SunWiz reports more than a quarter of a million households nationally have batteries, after the number of installations rose 21 per cent in 2023. SunWiz managing director Warwick Johnston said the payback period for batteries had shortened significantly because of electricity price rises, despite the devices themselves remaining expensive. Peter Horsley from Wahroonga has invested a fortune in solar panels, batteries and electric cars. Credit: Oscar Colman Theres been considerable growth in the market and thats reflective of both growing appetite for savings on electricity bills, as well as people seeing all the blackouts that are happening around the place as violent weather becomes more commonplace, and deciding that they want to ensure their electricity supply, Johnston said. Advertisement Eating outJust open Bistra brings back the old-school Aussie bistro complete with 90s menu classics Theres beer on tap, trifle in glass bowls, and battered prawns. And a near-extinct hospitality tradition replete with white tablecloths is being revived. Emma Breheny April 15, 2024 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 This venue appears in the May hit list Melbourne 2024. See all stories . Inspired by Australian hospitality, local ingredients and bistro-style cooking, the young owners of a new Carlton restaurant want to revive a forgotten genre: the Aussie bistro. Bistra combines British, Italian and French food influences with a casual yet refined atmosphere that its owners say draws on inner-Sydney pubs like The Four in Hand, The Bellevue and The Grand National in their 1990s heyday. Bistra is modelled on the great restaurants attached to Australian pubs in the 1990s. Becca Crawford Australian bistro is our opportunity to look inwards at all those cuisines and how theyve informed bistro-style offerings in Australia, says co-owner Joseph Ho. Ho has partnered with fellow wine and service professionals Henry Crawford and Alexei Taheny-Macfarlane on the 60-seater, which occupies a Carlton terrace and has dining rooms upstairs and downstairs, with timber and terracotta details and white linen tablecloths. Advertisement The trio hopes Bistra with its wide-ranging a la carte menu (including a cheeseburger) and beers on tap will attract everyone from solo diners to families celebrating birthdays. A cheeseburger and beer on tap is part of the relaxed offering. Becca Crawford Californian-born chef Alex Nishizawa (ex-Attica, Bar Liberty, Falco) has created a menu that blends the classics with comfort. Entrees include onion soup with comte croutons, tempura-battered king prawns with pickled ginger and macadamia, and baked scallops with parsley butter. A main of Sommerlad chicken (sourced from Cherry Tree Organics) takes the unglamorous breast and teams it with charred baby leek, chicken jus and bagna cauda. We were talking about chicken breasts on the opening menu, says Crawford. Is it a little bit too old-school, is a little bit naff? Advertisement But old-school comfort is the goal, right through dessert, which could be rhubarb and gooseberry trifle, or cream-filled profiteroles with chocolate and raspberry sauce. The most radical thing on the menu is the bread: crusty sourdough loaves baked in-house and served with cultured Schulz butter, free of charge a rarity in restaurants these days. Entrees such as chicken liver parfait (right) will also make the most of the house-baked bread. Becca Crawford We felt like it was crucial to the pitch of Bistra: great bread made in-house and everyone gets it at the start of the meal, without asking for it, says Taheny-Macfarlane. The three owners have been connected to the wine industry for about 15 years, either selling, making, buying or serving wine. Their list contains 450 bottles, many from their personal collections, with a strong showing of Australian and Victorian labels (such as Mount Mary) alongside Italian reds, German riesling, and wines from Greece, Spain and Portugal. Advertisement The room features classic styling, such as mirrors and white tablecloths. Becca Crawford Hos partner Pip McCully (Studio Wonder) has designed the venue, prioritising natural light, a palette of soft greens and greys, and mid-century touches like zinc bartops. Floating above the ground-floor dining room is a mirror on the underside of the stairs, reflecting the hubbub below. Two- and three-course prix-fixe lunch menus will be available Friday to Sunday. Open Wed-Thu 5.30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-10pm, Sun noon-5pm. 157 Elgin Street, Carlton, 03 9000 5607, bistracarlton.com.au Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Eating outComing soon Hummus prince Tom Sarafian reveals plans for two exciting new food venues The nomadic chef famous for his luxe versions of Lebanese favourites will finally be serving his hit dishes on a more permanent basis. Emma Breheny April 16, 2024 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 One of Melbournes young guns of Middle Eastern cooking is on the cusp of opening not just his first solo restaurant, but also a deli. By winter, Tom Sarafian, whose last permanent chef gig was in 2021 at Bar Saracen, will be leading the kitchen at Zareh, a CBD restaurant thats part of The Mulberry Group (Hazel, Lilac Wine, et al). Chef Tom Sarafian is opening his first restaurant in central Melbourne this year. Supplied Named for Sarafians grandfather (who was also a chef), Zareh will drill down into the young chefs Armenian heritage, with grilled meats known as khorovats featuring on the menu. In the kitchen, a custom-made barbecue will be joined by a wood-fired oven that will scorch breads from across the Levant, Caucasus and North Africa. Sarafian recently visited Los Angeles, home to one of the largest Armenian populations outside the country. Khorovats, Armenian barbecue, was a real highlight of the trip, says the chef. The flavours of marinated, grilled meats seasoned with garlic, chilli and onions, served with pickled vegetables, lots of fresh herbs and fruit-based sauces, wrapped with fresh lavash. Advertisement Tom Sarafians signature hummus topped with prawn and spanner crab. Kristoffer Paulsen Grilled meat is so central to Armenian social life that journalist Irina Petrosian has described khorovats as an Armenian word for life lived to the fullest and the celebration of good weather, a statement Sarafian wholeheartedly agrees with. Although Id say in Melbourne, no need to wait for good weather to celebrate khorovats, he adds. When Sarafian was head chef at Bar Saracen (part owned by Rumis Joseph Abboud), he built a following for dishes including hummus topped with prawn and spanner crab, trout fatteh, and cheese-filled ma-amoul (sweet biscuits). Since that restaurant closed, the chef has kept busy with his eponymous retail line that includes handmade hummus, as well as running frequent events and pop-ups. Like most of the city, I have long been a huge fan of Tom and his food, said Nathan Toleman of The Mulberry Group. Weve spent months working out the concept, finding something wholly unique that only Tom could offer. Advertisement Nathan Toleman of The Mulberry Group will back Sarafian in his first venture. Simon Schluter The deli and eatery, named Sarafian, will serve salads, Arabic breakfast and coffee, as well as sandwiches and wraps including traditional Lebanese fresh pita sandwiches, shawarma, and toasted kaak (bag-shaped rolls covered with sesame seeds), which may be filled with cheese or sujuk (spicy sausage). A trip to Lebanon in 2022, where Sarafian fell in love with the bright, abundant breakfasts, inspired his brunch menu at the Australian Open in January and will feed into the ideas for the daytime eatery. Toms grandfather, Zareh Sarafian, cooking at Cafe Edouard in South Yarra in the 1970s. Supplied The deli will sell imported spices and pickles from Lebanon, and Sarafian will make cheese and cured meat, expanding his product range beyond the dips that bear his name. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Exclusive Eating outJust open Wallys brings relaxed dining and hard-to-find wines to a corner spot in Albert Park The bijou new wine bar hopes to become a magnet for the neighbourhood with its 300-bottle wine list and lovable Euro dishes like steak in bordelaise sauce. Daniela Frangos April 15, 2024 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 This venue appears in Melbournes cosy new wine bars collection. See all stories . At Albert Parks new neighbourhood bar Wallys, you wont find a wine list but a wine book, as owner Baxter Pickard describes it. With 300 bottles and counting, ranging in price from $50 to $2000, its the work of a self-described wine nerd whos also behind online bottle shop Grapeful. Wallys sits in a light-filled corner building in Albert Park. Pete Dillon But where Grapeful focuses on affordable, organic and biodynamic drops, Wallys embraces classic French and Australian wines, with an emphasis on rare and back-vintage bottles Pickard has acquired at auctions. Among them are Macedon Ranges producer Bindi, Tasmanias Tolpuddle, Yarra Valleys Mount Mary, Heathcotes Jasper Hill, and famous French producers Romanee Conti and Vincent Dauvissat. Owner and wine buff Baxter Pickard has assembled a 300-bottle wine list. Pete Dillon Theyll partner snacky, broadly European dishes by head chef Damon McIvor (ex-Vex Dining, Waxflower) that will evolve regularly, even weekly. There might be flatbread smeared with smoked celeriac and pepita butter; heirloom carrots with black garlic and whey; lamb pastrami with kohlrabi and celery; and cured bonito ferried on a bite-sized hash brown. Advertisement McIvor weaves in other influences in the salt and vinegar dadinho de tapioca, his take on the crisp yet chewy Brazilian cheese cubes that might be familiar to early Waxflower patrons. He wanted to stick to the snacky, smaller plates, Pickard says. I think Albert Park really lacks that. Sirloin in bordelaise sauce with a side of potatoes in butter sauce with herbs. Pete Dillon Those after a heartier meal will always have a pasta and a protein to choose from, starting with spaghetti alla chitarra with mussels, and sliced sirloin in Bordelaise sauce. The Euro influence is even more pronounced in the fit-out. Brass tabletops and velvet banquettes, French-imported brass shield mirrors, vintage champagne buckets, and a marble-topped bar and waiters station are all reflected in the antique mirrored ceiling. Advertisement The chic Studio Ami-designed space has 25 seats inside and 24 outside, where dogs are welcome (Wallys is named after Pickards 11-month-old groodle). Pickard is a previous Albert Park resident and lived in the area through lockdowns, so hes had plenty of time to get acquainted with the neighbourhood. The fit-out has plenty of nods to Paris wine bars and a mirrored ceiling. Pete Dillon I think relaxed dining, elegantly done, you just cant find it here, he says. I dont want it to be too over-the-top, well just [have a] really good offering in a comfortable environment. Open Tue-Thu 3pm-late, Fri-Sat noon-late, Sun noon-6pm. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Review Eating outDarlinghurst Its not fancy, but Joes Table is one of the nicest restaurants in the eastern suburbs Why? Because its Joes, and nobody elses. Not the banks. Not the silent partners. Not a private equity firm. Terry Durack April 16, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 1 / 7 The bigger, brighter home for cult restaurant and one-man show Joes Table. James Brickwood 2 / 7 Red curry of barbecue duck with snake bean and sweet basil. James Brickwood 3 / 7 Steamed fish fillet with coconut milk, fresh herbs and makrut lime leaf. James Brickwood 4 / 7 Joes Table and its homely white curtains. James Brickwood 5 / 7 Go-to dish: Hanoi spring rolls. James Brickwood 6 / 7 Stir-fried Asian greens with ginger and mushrooms. James Brickwood 7 / 7 Patsavouropita with walnut, orange and cinnamon in filo pastry. James Brickwood Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score Thai$$$$ Joes Table is not the fanciest, fastest and flashest restaurant in the eastern suburbs. But then, they have more than enough fancy, fast and flash restaurants. They could do with one thats just nice, sincere and modest. And Joes Table is one of the nicest, sincerest and most modest restaurants in the eastern suburbs. Why? Because its Joes, and nobody elses. Not the banks. Not the silent partners. Not a private equity firm. Not even Merivales. Its Joes. Joe Kitsana is the original one-man band. Having worked over the years for Longrain, Sailors Thai and Phamish, he has been the sole chef, waiter, and sommelier of the tiny 20-seater Joes Table on Kings Lane in Darlos Republic precinct for the past eight years. Advertisement Joe Kitsana at his new larger venue. Edwina Pickles Hed get up early to go to Cabramatta to buy the produce, and stay up late to do the dishes and clean up for the next day. I love the process from beginning to end, he tells me. There is satisfaction in having to prepare, cook and wash personally for my customers. In late 2023, he moved 500 metres away to a larger but still modest site on the corner of Bourke and William streets. The front door, coming in off hectic William Street, is a bit of an issue (mind the step, its a doozy). The loo is basic, and can be found through a back door, behind a stack of folded tables. Windows are lined with homely white curtains and the place is filled with regulars who greet Joe like an old friend. And Joe has plenty of old friends, from renowned chef Janni Kyritsis, who contributed the recipe for his Greek orange pudding, to media personality Deborah Hutton and gallerist Judith Neilson of White Rabbit. In the kitchen a surprise. Joe has a kitchen assistant, Gig Wutthipong, enabling him to emerge long enough to bring menus, take orders, clear tables, fetch water and settle bills, then go back in to cook. Advertisement Red curry of barbecue duck with snake bean and sweet basil. James Brickwood On the menu no real surprises. This is the Thai food Joe does best simple curries, a couple of snacks and stir-fries. Thai fish cakes, caramelised beef ribs with pickled mustard greens, silken tofu with garlic and chilli. Its simple, bright home cooking, carpeted with herbs; instantly familiar to so many Sydneysiders. A couple of off-duty hospo folk recommend the Hanoi spring rolls. Thanks, good call. Rolled in banh trang rice paper rather than spring roll pastry, theyre chunky, chewy, and filled with chicken, black fungus and veg ($19.50), with a bowl of nuoc cham for dipping. Western Australian snapper fillets ($31.50) are steamed and bathed in a pool of herby coconut broth tangled with herbs and makrut lime leaf. Yes, youll be needing jasmine rice with that ($4.50 per person). Red curry with barbecue duck ($31.50) takes me back to the 90s when it challenged green chicken curry for ubiquity. Its pure comfort food; the thick chunks of Chinatown duck contrasting with the crunch of snake bean and apple eggplant. Advertisement Go-to dish: Hanoi spring rolls. James Brickwood Dishes arrive as they are cooked, which means a side dish of Asian greens glossy, beautifully cooked snake beans, gai laan and snow peas tossed with ginger and mushrooms ($19.50) might come after your curry and rice. Or before. Its hard to say. The warm Greek cake ($18.50), chockers with fruit and walnuts and scented with orange, has the nostalgic vibe of a sticky date pudding. And if you dont BYO, Joe offers half a dozen wines, from the tropical qualities of Little Angel sauvignon blanc ($14.50/$49.50) from Marlborough, New Zealand, to the plum-and-berry nature of Scotchmans Hill Pinot noir ($14.50/$55.50). There are plenty of Thai restaurants in the neighbourhood, from the top-value, chef-training Marko (also BYO) and sweet little Moon in Liverpool Street, right up to the hatted Viand in Crown Street. But theres something special about Joes Table. It might be the modest, neighbourhood atmosphere, or the nostalgia, or the fact that the food is so fresh and light. Or maybe its just Joe. The low-down Vibe: The quintessential Thai local from a one-man-band chef Go-to dish: Hanoi spring rolls, $19.50 Drinks: BYO is welcome ($4.50pp corkage) and theres a short list of wines pegged at under $60 Cost: $120 for two, plus drinks Tiny one-man show Joes Table finds bigger, brighter home for cult restaurant Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up For everyone who found her account of the events of that March 2019 evening more plausible than Lehrmanns, it will be enough. None of this would have happened without Lehrmann bringing the defamation case himself. Once he did, he opened himself up to precisely the kinds of character assessments and credibility judgments that have been heaped on sexual assault complainants for centuries. Lee found holes in the evidence of Higgins, too he said he had considerable doubts about the authenticity of a photograph she produced of a bruise on her leg that she said she had sustained during the sexual assault. He found that Higgins, ex post facto, massaged her account of the sexual assault to craft a narrative of political cover-up that was long on speculation and internal inconsistencies and was so vague it was like trying to grab a column of smoke. But, in remarks that will comfort sexual assault complainants everywhere, Lee found Higgins inconsistencies and even possible falsehoods did not affect the persuasive truth of her central account. Higgins gave evidence in court that she was drunk, passed out on the couch of the ministerial office of Liberal senator Linda Reynolds and woke up to find Mr Lehrmann on top of her, at which time he was performing the sexual act. That account, Lee said, struck me forcefully as being credible and as having the ring of truth. The judgment was a masterpiece of common sense and cut-through. Contemporaneous accounts and objective evidence such as CCTV footage of the drunken evening were given more weight than vague or self-serving witness accounts. Loading Lee found that Lehrmann and Higgins were very drunk that night, and had kissed each other consensually. They agreed to go back to Parliament House together, probably on the pretext of drinking whisky Lehrmann said he had back in his office. But Lehrmanns version of what happened next, in the ministerial suite in the early hours, didnt pass what a non-legal mind would call the pub test. Put bluntly, he was a 23-year-old male cheating on his girlfriend, having just hooked up with a woman he found sexually attractive, Lee said. Human experience suggests what he then wanted to happen is not exactly shrouded in mystery. As well as the trauma at the centre of this judgment, there were some lighter moments in the ruling. Lee knocked cleanly through myths and misconceptions about the way a sexual assault victim should behave, or would behave, if she had really been assaulted. Lee poked light fun at the expense of the Bumble date Higgins abandoned in favour of hanging out with Lehrmann and colleagues on the night. He mocked the notion Lehrmann was such a workaholic he returned to Parliament House to revise question-time briefs at 1am on a Saturday after a drunken evening out. But silence fell in court when Lee came to the desolation of the end scene, the wretched reason why we were all there: Higgins being found by a security guard after the assault, in a state of undress on the couch in the ministerial office, her private parts exposed. She was, Lee said, sufficiently discombobulated that, when seen by a uniformed stranger, did not interact verbally and did not move immediately to recover her modesty by putting on her dress or covering herself. Loading Lee knocked cleanly through myths and misconceptions about the way a sexual assault victim should behave, or would behave, if she had really been assaulted. He said it was not unusual that Higgins had maintained civility and friendliness with Lehrmann in the days after the incident, even accepting a cup of coffee from him. He said these things could be readily characterised as the actions of a woman who had not yet come to terms with what had happened to her, but needed to confront the reality that she had to work out a way of being in the same professional office as a male colleague who had assaulted her. Higgins struggle over how to respond would no doubt resonate with many women working in any type of workplace who have had to find some way of coping with such a predicament. Lee gave a perspicacious insight into the mind of a sexual assault victim when he described Higgins conflicting emotions after the event, of self-doubt, concern that she would be humiliated by word leaking out to her colleagues, and questioning the prudence of her own behaviour. He said Higgins communications after the incident show a woman working through a traumatic event and providing further information notwithstanding she did not, at that time, feel able to say that she had been raped. He also found that Higgins probably didnt protest no during the assault, which was the evidence she gave during the criminal trial. Lee said Higgins was probably more passive throughout, but that passivity did not amount to consent. These are findings that will comfort sexual assault victims, and which are particularly meaningful coming from a senior member of the bench. Lehrmann was found to have been recklessly indifferent as to Higgins consent. In other words, he didnt care what she wanted because he was hell-bent on having sex with her anyway. He was hell-bent on bringing this defamation suit, too the latest chapter in a saga so drawn-out and ghastly that Lee labelled it in his opening remarks as an omnishambles. There are less polite ways to put it phrases that will never make it into a 324-page Federal Court judgment but will be deployed by the hordes of onlookers who have watched the case and projected onto it their own ideas, beliefs and traumas. Security guards at shopping centres, hospitals and crowded places could be authorised to carry handcuffs, pepper spray or batons, but will not be allowed handguns or Tasers, as the state government reviews restrictions following the Bondi Junction stabbing. Scentre Group, which owns and operates 37 Westfield shopping centres in Australia, is also reviewing the security implications of Saturdays tragedy, which claimed the life of one security guard and left another seriously injured. Premier Chris Minns said a review would determine whether security guards should have access to more equipment, such as handcuffs or pepper spray. Credit: Edwina Pickles Premier Chris Minns confirmed on Monday the government was examining restrictions on the equipment that can be used by security guards employed at major public centres particularly shopping centres and hospitals most of whom are currently unarmed. Minns said firearms or stun guns (Tasers) would not be permitted. If other equipment were permitted, such as a can of pepper spray or an extendable baton, the government will also consider what additional training should be required. Beijing (Gasgoo)- Shanghai-based ADAS solution provider Voyager Technology recently announced the completion of its Series B+ financing round, which raised over 100 million yuan. Photo credit: Voyager Technology The financing was led by BOCOM Capital and Royalsea Capital, with participation from Huitongda and Suzhou High-speed Rail Xincheng Private Equity Fund. The funds raised will primarily be used for Voyager Technologys technology R&D, as well as business expansion to overseas markets, aiming to continuously optimize product performance, enhance market competitiveness, and meet the growing global demand for intelligent driving and intelligent cockpit solutions. Established in November 2013, Voyager Technology is a global high-tech intelligent driving company, focusing on areas such as environmental perception, intelligent decision-making, and control execution. It is committed to the R&D and mass production of intelligent driving technology, with over 70% of its workforce dedicated to R&D. Photo credit: Voyager Technology Since 2023, the company has been leveraging its sensing technology advantages, gradually expanding its core business from intelligent driving to intelligent cockpits. It has introduced in-vehicle intelligent display products such as Smart Lighting and Head-Up Display, which, combined with ADAS systems, provide drivers with a safer human-machine interaction experience. Currently, Voyager Technology has established three core business segments, including VT-CAM intelligent perception series, VT-Pilot intelligent driving series, and VT-Cockpit intelligent cabin series, offering customized solutions and technical support for automakers such as FAW Group, Geely, Changan, Great Wall Motor, Chery, and HOZON Auto. Notably, Voyager Technology has been strategically expanding into overseas markets for over a decade. Its overseas layout is mainly divided into three regions, namely, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe and the Americas. The company has collaborated with well-known automakers such as Toyota, Volkswagen, and KG Mobility. Do you know what a carved broken flower on a gravestone signifies? Or the word relictus in an epitaph? Kerima-Gae Topp does. Shes an authority on headstone symbolism and the meaning of inscriptions from past eras, many of which have slipped out of our collective knowledge. The churchyard whisperer explains some of those mysteries in Talking Tombstones, a tour of the Mays Hill cemetery in Parramatta as part of the Australian Heritage Festival, which starts next week. Parramattas Mays Hill Cemetery in 1979. Credit: Fairfax Coincidentally, Topp spoke to The Herald after attending the funeral of a colleague from community radio station Alive 90.5 FM, where she has played rock and roll requests for 30 years. In a certain way, the pedestrian strip opposite Westfield Bondi Junction was its usual busy plaza on Monday. Buses sped past, locals in activewear gathered at the Cosmopolitan Coffee Lounge and shop doors swung open at 9am. But two things reminded passers-by of just how radically Joel Cauchis Saturday afternoon attack which left six people dead has changed this suburb. The first: the silence. Floral tributes at Bondi Junction continue to arrive. Credit: Steven Siewert The chatter of locals and the sound of street performers gave way to a respectful quietness. As mourners leaned on fences around the makeshift shrine, some gave the sign of the cross, some blew kisses, others bowed but no-one spoke. Parents and children walked up the flower-laden plaza in trepidation before making contributions. There were shop staff and government workers. There were groups of young people sobbing. Traffic controller Airservices Australia has been accused of misleading the federal government on the impact of a controversial Brisbane runway. Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance chair Professor Marcus Foth has told a Senate inquiry Airservices Australia cut corners before Brisbane Airports second runway was built. Brisbanes new runway was completed in 2020. Since then, there has been an increase in noise complaints. Credit: Brisbane Airport Corporation The 24-hour airport has become the centre of a local furore, with residents complaining en masse about noise since its $1.1 billion second runway opened in 2020. A Senate inquiry into the impact and mitigation of aircraft noise is examining potential solutions to the issue. Loading The case has shifted attention to the mental health sector more broadly and the challenges facing those delivering support, as well as those needing help. On ABC Radio on Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked whether he thought there was enough funding for mental health. We could always do more, but we have had substantial investment in mental health including in our last budget into mental health and suicide prevention systems, Albanese said. Some in the psychiatry sector have been calling on the government to increase support, saying staff shortages have led to burnout and poor patient care. A nationwide survey by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists released in February revealed 91 per cent of Queenslands psychiatrists felt workforce shortages were negatively impacting patient care and almost eight out of 10 practitioners surveyed reported that shortages were contributing to burnout. Thirty per cent of Queensland respondents said they were considering leaving the profession in the next five years. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns lay flowers with others at Bondi Junction Westfield yesterday. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos Queensland RANZCP chair Professor Brett Emmerson said the findings underscored the severity of the workforce shortage in Queenslands mental health system. A lot has changed, particularly throughout [and after] COVID, Emmerson said. Weve seen an increase in case complexity ... [and] weve seen an exodus of psychiatrists from the public sector. Loading Most psychiatrists are feeling overworked, under-resourced and are reporting burnout symptoms. Psychiatrists and psychologists treat mental illness but only psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are also better placed to treat and diagnose people with complex mental health conditions and mood disorders, including severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD and PTSD, and monitor progression or resistance to medication. Were not in competition with psychology, theres not enough of us in both groups, Emmerson said. But there is some diagnosing and specialty treatments that only psychiatrists can do ... [especially] conditions that require medication. I just think we have to be really careful not to increase the stigma thats already associated with having a mental illness. Professor Brett Emmerson, RANZCP Even with a mental health treatment plan or Medicare subsidies, psychiatric support is prohibitively expensive for many people, especially rough sleepers. Initial consultation and assessment can cost upwards of $600, with an out-of-pocket gap of about $200-$300. Even after a Medicare rebate, standard consultations can cost more than $200. Individuals also need to be well enough to reach out for support and attend appointments, and many find themselves facing excessively long wait times. [In Queensland] for a general outpatient appointment in either public or private, unless you are suicidal, youd be looking at six to 12 months, sometimes even longer, Emmerson said. Loading Brisbane Times contacted 28 psychiatrists in the Brisbane area. Of those reached, six were not seeing new patients, five were seeing new patients from about June onwards and two were now accepting referrals. RANZCPs Queensland branch estimated that community mental health teams required about 3000 additional staff throughout the state to manage vulnerable people living with mental illness. Arts companies are scrambling for venues to host productions in Melbourne after the State Theatre shut its doors at the Arts Centre for a three-year renovation. Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet will both stage some performances at the Regent Theatre, which is being reconfigured to accommodate the required orchestra space, but there are concerns the city could miss out on some productions. The State Theatre at the Arts Centre has closed for a three-year renovation. Credit: Mark Gambino Producer John Frost, who has both Wicked and Chicago running in Melbourne, said the flow-on effect meant Melbourne would miss out hosting shows during the renovation. It will mean that certain shows wont be able to open in Melbourne, or come to Melbourne permanently, or just wont happen, Frost said. You take out the State Theatre and that tightens the screws a lot. About one-third of the employees at Andrew and Nicola Forrests Minderoo charity will lose their jobs as chief executive John Hartman looks to spend less of its $10-billion-plus bounty on administration. The about 300 staff, many located at the refurbished riverside Swan Brewery Andrew Forrest bought in 2019, heard the news on Monday. Andrew and Nicola Forrest with Minderoo boss John Hartman on the banks of the Swan River in Perth near the charitys office. In a statement, Hartman said he was transforming Minderoo Foundation to ensure more of its wealth made a lasting impact. I am committed to increasing Minderoo Foundations emphasis on working with our partners getting more resources out to organisations so they can accelerate the positive difference they make in peoples lives, he said. A primary school-aged boy believed to be younger than 10 has been airlifted to Perth Childrens Hospital after a fall at Lesmurdie Falls in Forrestfield. The RAC Rescue helicopter, fire and rescue personnel and SES crews, and three St John Ambulance crews were sent to the incident on Monday afternoon. A young boy is rescued from Lesmurdie Falls on Monday. Credit: 9News Perth He was lifted out from the bottom of the falls in a vertical rescue to waiting emergency services. Footage of the rescue from the 9News Perth helicopter showed crews lifting the boy onto a stretcher and carrying him down perilous rocks before he is winched to safety to the RAC Rescue chopper. Prosecutors allege that at first, Cohen and Trump tried to delay the payment until after the election, but ultimately Cohen made the payment by taking out a line of credit on his personal home and wiring the money to Daniels lawyer. After Trump became president, he reimbursed Cohen through his company, but allegedly disguised the payment as a legal retainer. Its this payment intended to hide details from voters that breached campaign finance laws, according to prosecutors, who have framed this case as election interference. Stormy Daniels in 2022. Credit: Getty Could Trump end up in jail? The charges Trump faces come with a maximum sentence of four years each so, theoretically, the former president could be sentenced to a hefty jail term if he is convicted (sentencing for this particular felony would be capped at 20 years). However, the charges involve non-violent offences and, given that Trump does not have a criminal record, the judge could also consider a lenient sentence or even place him on probation, with the prospect of jail hanging over his head if he fails to abide by certain conditions. That said, the case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is far from a slam dunk. Thats because, on its own, the falsification of business records in New York is usually regarded as a misdemeanour. It only gets elevated to a felony if the falsification of those records took place to conceal another crime. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Credit: AP To that end, Bragg must convince a jury that Trumps crime was to cover up a campaign contribution the contribution effectively being Daniels silence. Its a novel and somewhat convoluted approach that has left Bragg, a Democrat, exposed to criticism that he is performing legal gymnastics in order to secure a conviction against Trump, who has repeatedly argued that he is the victim of a political witch hunt. Bragg argues that no one is above the law. The core of the case is not money for sex, he told WNYC radio recently. We would say its about conspiring to corrupt a presidential election and then lying in New York business records to cover it up. What is Trumps defence strategy? Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and even rejects claims he slept with Daniels, who has publicly spoken about their encounters in intimate and salacious detail. In a social media post in 2018, the then president admitted reimbursing Cohen with a monthly retainer but insisted it had nothing to do with the campaign. His legal team is widely expected to attack Cohen, who has admitted to previously lying in court and to Congress. Since being indicted last year, Trump has also repeatedly sought to delay the case, pushing to remove presiding judge Juan Merchan or have the trial relocated out of Manhattan a Democrat stronghold that voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden at the last election. The former president has also made his legal woes a central part of his pitch for re-election, depicting himself as the victim of political persecution. A court sketch of Judge Juan Merchan (right) addressing Donald Trump (left) on April 4. Credit: AP They think they can lock me up for life when their rigged trials start tomorrow, he wrote in a fundraising email seeking donations ahead of tomorrows trial, which he described as the darkest day in American history. But with you by my side, I WILL NEVER SURRENDER! Who will testify? Michael Cohen, the former presidents fixer-turned-foe, will obviously be a star witness for prosecutors. Cohen pleaded guilty in August 2018 to two campaign finance violations, claiming that he made hush money payments at Trumps direction for the principal purpose of influencing the election. Former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Credit: YouTube/CNN One of those payments relates to Stormy Daniels, while the other involves a $US150,000 payment made to former Playboy playmate Karen McDougal, who also says she had an affair with Trump before he became president. The National Enquirer bought the rights to McDougals story in order to silence it a practice known as catch and kill. Both women are also expected to testify, along with David Pecker the former chief executive of American Media Inc, which published the National Enquirer and its tabloid editor, Dylan Howard. David Pecker is a close friend of Donald Trump. Credit: AP Other potential witnesses include former Trump aide Hope Hicks, former personal secretary Madeline Westerhout, who worked with Trump in the White House, and Daniels former lawyer, Keith Davidson. Trump is not required to testify but claimed on Friday he was absolutely willing to do so something even his supporters say could be risky. What about Trumps other trials? Loading All up, Trump faces four criminal trials and a combined 88 charges (he originally had 91 charges but three have since been quashed). Theres a trial in Washington over his attempt to stop Joe Bidens victory from being certified, another in Georgia over election subversion in that state, and another in Florida over his handling of classified documents. However, those cases are not yet firmly scheduled as Trump has gone to great lengths to delay them. New York: Dozens of jurors were instantly dismissed on the opening day of Donald Trumps historic hush money trial after admitting they could not be impartial, fuelling the former US presidents claim that he may not get a fair hearing in the Democratic stronghold of Manhattan. In a heavily fortified courtroom on Monday (Tuesday AEST), Trumps defence team and prosecutors began the exhaustive task of selecting a 12-person jury from a pool of about 500 people to take part in the case, but ended the day without a single person being picked. Former president Donald Trump attends jury selection at Manhattan criminal court in New York. Credit: AP I just couldnt do it, one prospective juror was heard saying as they left the court after being dismissed by Judge Juan Merchan. The sluggish start capped off an unprecedented day in which Trump became the first current or former US president to face a criminal trial. PHILIPSBURG:--- KPSM is issuing this press release to provide further details regarding a shooting incident in the vicinity of a well-known nightclub in Simpson Bay in the early hours of Sunday, April 14th, 2024. At approximately 04:00 AM, central police dispatch of KPSM received multiple urgent calls reporting several persons shot near the nightclub above. In response, several police patrols were immediately dispatched to the location. Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered a young male victim lying on the opposite side of the club, showing no signs of life. Additionally, it was reported that two other male victims and one female victim sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. One of these victims was found behind the supermarket located next to the nightclub. This individual was promptly treated at the scene and transported to Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) in a serious but stable condition. Subsequently, this victim was transferred to the medical center on the French side of Sint Maarten for further medical attention. The other two victims had already been transported to the hospital on the French side before the arrival of police and detectives. Detectives are conducting a thorough investigation into this incident. It is pertinent to note an increase in the number of persons arrested with firearms recently. KPSM reminds individuals that firearm possession is a serious offense and will be dealt with accordingly. Considering the imminent commencement of the main part of Carnival in the coming days, the police will implement strict measures against individuals found in possession of weapons or drugs. These measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the upcoming Carnival festivities. Detectives urge anyone with information about this shooting to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten KPSM via +1 721- 542 2222 ext. 204 / 205, the anonymous tip line 9300, visit www.policesx.sx, or leave a direct private message via Facebook page: St. Maarten Police Force - St. Maarten Police Force. KPSM Press Release. SOPA Images - Getty Images General Motors is temporarily moving its global headquarters out of the Renaissance Center in Detroit as the company works to redevelop the space. GM will move into the newly named Hudson's Detroit development downtown in the interim. An official announcement is expected today at a 4:30 p.m. press conference at the former J.L. Hudsons department store site. General Motors will temporarily move its global headquarters out of the Renaissance Center in Detroit, while the automaker works to redevelop the space, according to a report by the Detroit News. An official announcement is expected to be made today at a 4:30 p.m. Eastern time press conference at the former J.L. Hudson's department store site. In the interim, GM will move its headquarters into the newly named Hudson's Detroit development located at the former J.L. Hudson's department store site. The automaker will work with billionaire mortgage mogul Dan Gilbert's real-estate firm to redevelop the Renaissance Center. SOPA Images - Getty Images Bedrock LLC, Gilbert's real-estate firm, recently placed the final steel construction beam on the development's 685.4-foot-tall tower. The firm broke ground on the project in 2017. The Hudson's Detroit development is made up of two buildings and will include 1.5 million square feet of office, retail, food, residential, hotel, and event space, according to the Detroit News. ADVERTISEMENT According to a source with Automotive News, Bedrock and GM will spend the next year working out a plan for the 50-year-old 5.5 million-square-foot RenCen. Another source told the Associated Press that there are no plans to sell the massive RenCen complex. You Might Also Like PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on April 15, 2024. The Central Committee meeting, which was adjourned on March 18, 2024, will be reconvened on Monday at 14.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be in attendance. The agenda point is: Detailed outline of the ongoing ENNIA situation, the proposed ENNIA loan mentioned in the media by State Secretary Van Huffelen, the impact on the national budget, and the Governments intentions towards the situation in light of the September 30, 2023, deadline (IS/025/2023-2024 dated September 20, 2023) This meeting was requested by MP M.D. Gumbs, MP. R.A. Peterson and MP L.N.L. de Weever Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All visitors must adhere to the House rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament NASA seeks faster, cheaper way to bring Mars rocks to Earth Washington, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 NASA said Monday it was looking for ways to bring Martian rocks collected by the Perseverance rover back to Earth earlier and at a lower cost than planned after facing criticism for going massively over budget. The effort comes as China is making progress towards a simpler "grab-and-go" sample return mission to the red planet "around 2030," according to state media, which would make it the first nation to achieve the feat. "The bottom line is that $11 billion is too expensive, and not returning samples until 2040 is unacceptably too long," the US space agency's chief Bill Nelson told reporters on a call. NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) had planned to land a vessel around the Jezero Crater, where the Perseverance rover has spent years searching for signs of ancient microbial life that may have existed billions of years ago when Mars was warmer and wetter than today. Thirty sample tubes collected by the rover would be loaded onto a small rocket and launched into orbit, where another spacecraft would capture them and bring them home. But a recent audit of NASA's plans by an independent review board said the Mars Sample Return mission was established "with unrealistic budget and schedule expectations from the beginning" and that it had a "near zero" chance of keeping to planned launch dates. The outside experts also found the overall costs could potentially balloon to $11 billion, nearly double what NASA had stated. As a result, NASA plans to solicit new proposals from the space industry that would pare back some of the mission's ambitions. "In order to do things faster, we may have to lower the scope of the number of samples," NASA's Nicky Fox told reporters, without specifying what the new number would be. Nelson said the agency's hand was also forced by budgetary constraints imposed by Congress which led NASA to request over $2 billion less than it had hoped for 2025 as a result of a debt ceiling agreement reached last year. China's Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission is working toward a launch around 2030, state media said last month. Though China's mission is simpler and would only take samples from the immediate vicinity of its landing site, being the first to return rocks from another world would still be a huge geopolitical win. China could also be the next nation to place crew on the Moon if its 2030 mission there happens before the NASA-led Artemis 3 landing. "If they are able to return samples from Mars before the US does, even if it's a grab sample, which is nearly scientifically worthless, that is much more like a Sputnik moment," G. Scott Hubbard, a former top NASA official and professor at Stanford, told AFP recently, indicating it would be a wake-up call for Western nations. Former Syrian general faces war crimes charges in Swedish court Stockholm, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 The highest-ranking Syrian military official to be tried in Europe will appear in a Stockholm court on Monday for his alleged role in war crimes committed in 2012 during Syria's civil war. Sixty-five-year-old former Syrian brigadier general Mohammed Hamo, who lives in Sweden, stands accused of "aiding and abetting" war crimes during Syria's civil war, which can carry a sentence of life in jail. The war in Syria between Bashar al-Assad's regime and armed opposition groups, including the Islamic State, erupted after the government repressed peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011. It has killed more than half a million people, displaced millions, and ravaged the country's economy and infrastructure. According to the charge sheet, Hamo contributed -- through "advice and action" -- to the Syrian army's warfare, "which systematically involved indiscriminate attacks on several towns or places in the area in and around the towns of Hama and Homs". The charges concern the period of January 1 to July 20, 2012 and the trial is expected to last until late May. Prosecutors say that the Syrian army's "warfare has included widespread air and ground attacks by unknown perpetrators within the Syrian army". The prosecution argues that strikes were carried out without distinction -- as required by international law -- between civilian and military targets. In his role as a brigadier general and head of an armament division, he allegedly helped with the coordination and supply of arms to units, enabling the carrying out of orders on an "operational level". Hamo's lawyer, Mari Kilman, told AFP that her client denied committing a crime but said she did not wish to comment further ahead of the trial. Several plaintiffs are due to testify at the trial, including Syrians from the cities in question and a British photographer who was injured during one of the strikes. - 'Complete impunity' - "The attacks in and around Homs and Hama in 2012 resulted in widespread civilian harm and an immense destruction of civilian properties," Aida Samani, senior legal advisor at rights group Civil Rights Defenders, told AFP. "The same conduct has been repeated systematically by the Syrian army in other cities across Syria with complete impunity," she continued. This trial will be the first in Europe "to address these types of indiscriminate attacks by the Syrian army", according to Samani, who added that it "will be the first opportunity for victims of the attacks to have their voices heard in an independent court". Hamo is the highest-ranking military official to actually go on trial in Europe, but other European countries have also tried to bring charges against even more senior members. In March, Swiss prosecutors charged Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of president Bashar al-Assad, with war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, it remains unlikely Rifaat al-Assad -- who recently returned to Syria after 37 years in exile -- will show up in person for the trial, for which a date has yet to be set. Swiss law allows for trials in absentia under certain conditions. Last November, France issued an international arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad himself, who stands accused of complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes over chemical attacks in 2013. Three other international warrants were also issued for the arrests of Bashar al-Assad's brother Maher, the de-facto chief of the Fourth Division -- an elite military unit of the Syrian army -- and two generals. In January of 2022, a German court sentenced former Syrian colonel Anwar Raslan to life in jail for crimes against humanity in the first global trial over state-sponsored torture in Syria, which was hailed by victims as a victory for justice. Israel vows to press on in Gaza after Iran attack Palestinian Territories, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 Israel launched dozens of air strikes on Gaza overnight, Hamas said Monday, as the army said it will not be distracted from the war after Iran's unprecedented attack heightened fears of wider conflict. World powers have urged restraint after Iran late Saturday launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel, though the Israeli military has said the vast majority were intercepted. Tehran's first direct assault on Israel, in retaliation for a deadly strike in Damascus earlier this month, followed months of violence across the region involving Iranian proxies who say they act in support of Palestinians in the war-battered Gaza Strip. "Even while under attack from Iran, we have not lost sight, not for one moment, of our critical mission in Gaza to rescue our hostages from the hands of Iran's proxy Hamas," Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said late Sunday. As mediators eye a deal to halt the fighting, triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack, fears grew over Israeli plans to send troops into Rafah, a far-southern city where the majority of Gaza's 2.4 million people have taken refuge. "Hamas is still holding our hostages in Gaza," Hagari said of the roughly 130 people, including 34 presumed dead, who Israel says remain in the hands of Palestinian militants since the Hamas attack. "We also have hostages in Rafah, and we will do everything we can to bring them back home," the military spokesman told a briefing. The army said it was "calling up approximately two reserve brigades for operational activities on the Gazan front", about a week after withdrawing most ground troops from the territory. The Hamas government media office said Israeli aircraft launched "dozens" of strikes overnight on central Gaza. Rumours of a reopened Israeli checkpoint on the coastal road from the besieged territory's south to Gaza City send thousands of Palestinians heading north on Sunday, despite Israel denying it was open. An AFP journalist saw mothers holding their children's hands and families piling onto donkey carts with their luggage as they made the journey. Hoping to reunite with his wife who has been in the southern city of Khan Yunis, Palestinian man Mahmoud Awdeh said, "she told me over the phone that people are leaving... she's waiting at the checkpoint until the army agrees to let her head to the north". The Israeli army however told AFP that reports the route was open were "not true". - Retaliation fears - The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting Sunday following the Iranian attack, where Israel pressed for new sanctions against Tehran and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the region was "on the brink" of war. "Neither the region nor the world can afford more war," the UN chief said. "Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate." Iran's UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, insisted the Islamic republic was exercising its "inherent right to self-defence" to respond to the April 1 strike on Terhan's consular building in Damascus which has been widely attributed to Israel. He insisted Iran did "not seek escalation or war". In his briefing, Hagari said Israel was "still on high alert and assessing the situation". G7 leaders also condemned Iran's attack and called for "restraint" on all sides, European Council President Charles Michel wrote on X after a video conference on Sunday. "Ending the crisis in Gaza as soon as possible, notably through an immediate ceasefire, will make a difference," he said. Israel's top ally the United States also urged caution and calm. "We don't want to see this escalate," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told NBC. After the attack, Joe Biden reaffirmed the United States' "ironclad" support for Israel, but a senior US official said the president had also told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington would not offer military support for any retaliation on Iran. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday cautioned Israel against a "reckless" retaliation, warning it would spark "a decisive and much stronger response". Word of the impending attack prompted Israel to close schools and announce restrictions on public gatherings, with the army saying early Monday that those measures were being lifted for most of the country. - Truce deal 'on the table' - Hostilities between Israel and Iran's regional allies have flared since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. Hamas's October 7 attack that sparked the fighting resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,729 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Attempting the journey back to northern Gaza, displaced resident Basma Salman said, "even if it (my house) was destroyed, I want to go there. I couldn't stay in the south." "It's overcrowded. We couldn't even take a fresh breath of air there. It was completely terrible." Late Saturday, Hamas said it had submitted its response to a truce plan presented by US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators at talks that started in Cairo on April 7. Hamas said it was sticking to its previous demands, insisting on "a permanent ceasefire" and the withdrawal of the Israeli army. Israel's Mossad spy agency called this a rejection of the proposal, accusing Hamas of "continuing to exploit the tension with Iran" and aiming for "a general escalation in the region". But the United States said mediation efforts continue. "We're not considering diplomacy dead there," said the National Security Council's Kirby. "There's a new deal on the table... It is a good deal" that would see some hostages released, fighting halted and more humanitarian relief into Gaza, Kirby said. burs-smw/ami ADMIRAL GROUP At least six dead in Sudan's once refuge El-Fasher Port Sudan, Sudan, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 Six people were killed and several injured amid fighting between Sudan's army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El-Fasher, in Darfur, one year to the day since the war in Sudan began. The Sudan doctors' union said late on Sunday that El-Fasher hospital had reported "six deaths and 61 injuries ... following clashes" between the army and the RSF. Separately, the local resistance committee, part of a nationwide pro-democracy organisation marshalling aid across Sudan, said earlier that the number of deaths had reached nine. The clashes came as France was preparing an international humanitarian conference for war-battered Sudan and its neighbours on Monday. Fighting broke out on April 15 last year between Sudan's regular army, headed by the country's de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF paramilitaries of his former deputy and ally Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The western region of Darfur, about the size of France and home to a quarter of the country's 48 million people, has been the site of horrific violence, with reports of mass ethnic-based killings. El-Fasher in North Darfur State, the last state capital not under RSF control in the vast region, had been a site of comparative stability and a key humanitarian refuge before violence broke out there too on Sunday. The city's relative peace, which the UN described as the "fragile status quo", was abruptly broken when "clashes took place in the countryside west" of the city, a human rights activist told AFP last week on condition of anonymity. Unrest has soared since the two most powerful armed groups in the area -- led by Darfur governor Mini Minawi and Sudan's finance minister Gibril Ibrahim -- pledged to fight alongside the army. The local resistance committee said an RSF-affiliated armed group had set six villages in the area on fire Sunday night. Earlier this month, military jets conducted strikes that "failed to avoid civilian locations and killed dozens of civilians", the US envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello said. Across the country, the year-old war has killed many thousands, including 10,000 to 15,000 people in a single West Darfur town, UN experts found. It has also pushed Sudan to the brink of famine, devastated already fragile infrastructure and driven more than 8.5 million people from their homes. SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, April 14 (Xinhua) -- A large number of vehicles traveled on the Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway on Sunday as people flocked to the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk in southwest Cambodia during traditional New Year holiday. Tang Sochetkresna, director of Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Tourism, said the 187-km expressway has prompted a surge in tourist arrivals to Preah Sihanouk for its safe, comfortable and fast travel mode. Sochetkresna said the expressway, which connects Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh with the Southeast Asian nation's most popular coastal province Preah Sihanouk, facilitates tourists' travel for leisure. Cambodia kicked off its four-day traditional New Year on Saturday. Phang Veyhong, a 30-year-old user of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, said traveling on the expressway took him only two hours from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk. "In comparison to ordinary roads, traveling on the expressway is time-efficient and safe, as well as lowers fuel expenses," he told Xinhua on Sunday while driving his five family members to visit Preah Sihanouk province. Veyhong said he also likes traveling on the expressway for the beautiful scenery along the route. Kong Sengkim, a 52-year-old user of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, said the expressway is broad and comfortable for driving. "This is the first time I drive my car on the expressway and I feel pretty safe," he told Xinhua. "The road and its surrounding scenery are very beautiful." Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway was officially opened to traffic in November 2022. With two lanes for traffic in each direction plus an emergency lane on each side, vehicles will be able to reach their destinations within two hours through the expressway instead of five hours. "The expressway has played a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of travel and logistic system in Cambodia," Heang Sotheayuth, a spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Public Works and Transport, told Xinhua. The expressway was the fruit of close cooperation between Cambodia and China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Sotheayuth said. CREDIT: ESPN Longtime professional wrestler Ric Flair has been in plenty of feuds over his long and celebrated career. But his newest feud has put ESPNs Alan Hahn in the 16-time World Champions crosshairs. Hahn called LeBron James an old man at some point over the past year. And Flair has yet to forget. That led to the following tweet on Sunday. Im Sorry To Report To You @alanhahn That LeBron Recorded Another Triple Double A Year After You Called Him An Old Man. You Stupid SOB. Its So Embarrassing To Have You Report About Sports. When I See You On @GetUpESPN Or @FirstTake, I Turn The TV Off. @KingJames, Triple Double. pic.twitter.com/kbi2I9pys5 Ric Flair (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 14, 2024 Im sorry to report to you Alan Hahn that LeBron recorded another triple-double a year after you called him an old man. You stupid SOB. Its so embarrassing to have you report about sports. When I see you on [ESPN] I turn the TV off Those are very strong words coming from Flair. And on Monday morning on Get Up, the ESPN host responded. Absolutely! Give Me A Number To Call In On! And FYI- Mr. @alanhahn, I Have Had Drinks With Wilt Chamberlain In Honolulu. I Talk To Jerry West On A Regular Basis. Every Time I See Michael Jordan, He Says Whats Up Old Man! Ive Known Him Since He Was 19. I Talk To Shaq And pic.twitter.com/MBTZGhSiII Ric Flair (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 15, 2024 As the panel was discussing the Lakers, host Mike Greenberg segued to Hahn and Flairs feud, setting the stage for Hahn to defend himself. Its funny. First of all, I was embarrassed for him when I saw this. I dont know wrestling that well, so I called my friend Peter Rosenberg. And he said This guy was so famous and so popular, they always said you could put him in a match with a broom and people would watch it. Well, if this is where hes at in his career, Im putting my money on the broom. Hahn wasnt done. By the way, LeBron James talks about being old. No one talks about being old more than LeBron James. So give me a break with this stuff, Hahn then invited Flair to come on his ESPN New York radio show, Bart & Hahn, to discuss. As seen above, Flairs response included accepting the invitation, asking for a phone number, and describing his relationship with Lakers greats of the past and present. The 75-year-old has appeared on multiple different ESPN shows in the past, so perhaps Hahn will get his wish. [Ric Flair] Biden to meet Iraqi PM as Middle East tensions soar Washington, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 US President Joe Biden will meet Iraq's Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani at the White House Monday, after Iran's attack on Israel sent tensions soaring across the Middle East. Sudani's trip to Washington, his first since taking office in October 2022, was originally expected to focus on the presence of US troops in Iraq as part of an anti-jihadist coalition. But the meeting will now be dominated by the fractious situation in the region after Iraq's neighbor Iran launched a massive missile and drone assault on Israel on Saturday. US forces based near the northern Iraq city of Erbil were involved in the operation to counter Iran's attack on Israel, using a Patriot missile battery to shoot down an Iranian ballistic missile. "This official visit occurs at a delicate and sensitive time in the relations with the United States, as well as in the context of regional conditions," a statement from Sudani's office said ahead of his departure on Saturday. The White House said in March that Biden and Sudani would discuss "our shared commitment to the lasting defeat of ISIS and evolution of the military mission." Iraq has been trying to stay out of regional tensions amid the six-month war waged by Israel against Iran-backed Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza, following Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. Armed groups linked to Iran, including some based in Iraq, have since carried out a series of attacks on facilities belonging to the United States, which is Israel's main ally. Iraq, hoping not to be consumed by US-Iran hostility, strongly protested a US drone strike in February that killed an Iraqi militia leader, carried out in retaliation for an attack that killed three US service members in Jordan. But tensions have since subsided between Washington and Baghdad, and they resumed talks on the future of the US-led coalition. Iraqi authorities have voiced hope for drawing up a timeline to reduce the presence of US forces. A US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, but Washington withdrew most of its troops by 2011. But US forces were redeployed in 2014 as part of a campaign to defeat the Islamic State extremist group, better known as ISIS, which had seized vast swathes of Iraq and Syria. The United States currently has some 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in neighboring Syria as part of the coalition. US doesn't want 'escalation' with Iran but will defend Israel: Blinken Washington, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 The United States does not want to see any escalation in hostilities with Iran, but will continue to defend Israel after it was attacked by Tehran, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday. "We don't seek escalation, but we'll continue to support the defense of Israel and to protect our personnel in the region," Blinken said at the start of a meeting with Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim. "What this weekend demonstrated is that Israel did not have to and does not have to defend itself alone when it is the victim of an aggression, the victim of an attack," he added, calling Iran's actions "unprecedented." Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel late Saturday, in retaliation for a deadly April 1 strike on Iran's consulate in Syria that Tehran blames on Israel. Most of those projectiles were intercepted before they reached Israel, with the help of the United States, Jordan and other allies. Blinken said he was involved in a flurry of talks over the last 36 hours, seeking to coordinate a diplomatic response that would prevent any escalation of the crisis in the region. The US secretary of state has notably spoken with his counterparts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Britain and Germany, according to the State Department. The Iraqi deputy prime minister said his government was concerned that the region could be "dragged into a wider war that will threaten international security and safety," calling on all parties to exercise "self-restraint." Blinken's meeting came ahead of US President Joe Biden's talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani at the White House. Top Syrian officer faces war crimes charges in Swedish court Stockholm, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 The highest-ranking Syrian military official to be tried in Europe on Monday appeared before a Stockholm court accused of war crimes during Syria's civil war. Former brigadier general Mohammed Hamo, 65 who lives in Sweden, is accused of "aiding and abetting" war crimes and could get a life jail sentence. The war between President Bashar al-Assad's regime and armed opposition groups, including Islamic State, erupted after the government repressed peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011. It has killed more than half a million people, displaced millions, and ravaged Syria's economy and infrastructure. Wearing a dark blue shirt, jeans and sneakers, Hamo listened carefully and took notes as prosecutor Karolina Wieslander read out the charges. Wieslander said Hamo had contributed -- through "advice and action" -- to the Syrian army's warfare, which "systematically included attacks carried out in violation of the principles of distinction, caution and proportionality." "The warfare was thus indiscriminate," Wieslander told the court. The charges concern the period of January 1 to July 20, 2012. The trial is expected to last until late May. - 'Disproportionate' - The prosecutor said the Syrian army's "widespread air and ground attacks" caused damage "at a scale that was disproportionate in view of the concrete and immediate general military advantages that could be expected to be achieved." In his role as brigadier general and head of an armament division, Hamo allegedly helped coordinate the supply of arms and ammunition to units. Hamo's lawyer, Mari Kilman, told the court her client denied criminal responsibility and had not shown "intent" to contribute to "indiscriminate warfare" by others, Kilman said. Kilman said the officer could not be held liable for the actions "as he had acted in a military context and had to follow orders." Hamo also denied all individual charges and argued that Syrian law should be applied. Several plaintiffs are to testify at the trial, including Syrians from cities that were attacked and a British photographer who was injured during one strike. - 'Impunity' - "This trial is the first in a European Court to concern the conduct of hostilities and more specifically, indiscriminate attacks by the Syrian army," Aida Samani, senior legal advisor at rights group Civil Rights Defenders, told AFP on the morning of the trial. Samani added that "thousands of civilians were killed, harmed and had their houses destroyed" in these attacks. "Yet those attacks all happened with impunity. There's never been a trial where these, the victims of these attacks, have had the chance to address what happened and have what happened recognised by an independent court of law," Samani said. The prosecution went on to spend much of the first day outlining the background of the conflict and showing reports to indicate that the civil war had begun at the time in question, a prerequisite for the actions to be tried as war crimes. Hamo is the highest-ranking military official to go on trial in Europe, though other countries have tried to bring charges against more senior members. In March, Swiss prosecutors charged Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of President Bashar al-Assad, with war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, it remains unlikely Rifaat al-Assad -- who recently returned to Syria after 37 years in exile -- will show up for the trial, for which a date has yet to be set. Swiss law allows for trials in absentia under certain conditions. In November, France issued an international arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad, accusing him of complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes over chemical attacks in 2013. Three other international warrants were also issued for the arrests of Bashar al-Assad's brother Maher, the de-facto chief of the army's elite Fourth Division and two generals. In January 2022, a German court sentenced former colonel Anwar Raslan to life in jail for crimes against humanity. That was the first international trial over state-sponsored torture in Syria and was hailed by victims as a victory for justice. Biden says wants to prevent Middle East conflict spreading Washington, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 US President Joe Biden said Monday he wants to prevent the conflict in the Middle East, where Israel is waging war in Gaza and fending off Iranian attacks, from spreading more widely. "Iran launched an unprecedented aerial attack against Israel, and we launched an unprecedented military effort to defend it. Together with our partners, we defended that attack," Biden said as he met Iraq's visiting prime minister. "The United States is committed to Israel's security. We're committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict from spreading beyond what it already has," Biden added in the Oval Office. Biden was referring to those kidnapped by Hamas militants in their deadly October 7 attack on Israel. Israel is weighing its response to Iran's massive drone and missile attack on Saturday, which Tehran said was in retaliation for a presumed Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate building in Syria that killed a top general. Biden has promised "ironclad" support for Israel but also urged it to "think carefully and strategically" before launching a response against Iran that could trigger a wider war. The US president said he was "also committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region, including Iraq." Iraq's Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani was visiting the White House for talks on the presence of US troops in Iraq as part of an anti-jihadist coalition. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said Washington did not want any escalation, but would continue to defend key ally Israel. "We don't seek escalation, but we'll continue to support the defense of Israel and to protect our personnel in the region," Blinken said at the start of a meeting with Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim. "What this weekend demonstrated is that Israel did not have to and does not have to defend itself alone when it is the victim of an aggression, the victim of an attack," he added, also calling Iran's actions "unprecedented." Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles in the attack. Most of those projectiles were intercepted before they reached Israel, with the help of the United States, Jordan and other allies. Blinken said he was involved in a flurry of talks over the last 36 hours, seeking to coordinate a diplomatic response that would prevent any escalation of the crisis in the region. The US secretary of state has notably spoken with his counterparts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Britain and Germany, according to the State Department. The Iraqi deputy prime minister said his government was concerned that the region could be "dragged into a wider war that will threaten international security and safety," calling on all parties to exercise "self-restraint." Israel army chief tells soldiers Iran attack 'will be met with response' Jerusalem, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 Israel's army chief General Herzi Halevi, addressing troops on Monday at a military base hit in Iran's unprecedented strike, said Israel will respond. "This launch of so many (Iranian) missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response," Halevi said when he visited Nevatim base in the country's south, according to a statement issued by the army. In a separate statement Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said "we will do whatever is necessary to protect the State of Israel, and we will do it at the opportunity and the time we will choose." Iran from late Saturday launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, Israel's military said, in retaliation for a deadly April 1 strike on Iran's embassy consular annex in Damascus, which Iran blamed on Israel. Israel's military said it intercepted 99 percent of the aerial threats with the help of the United States and other allies, and that the attack caused only minor damage. The Nevatim based was "lightly hit" in the strike, it said. On Monday the army released footage of a crater caused, it said, when a construction site at the base was hit in the strike. Israel army says those killed in Syria strike engaged in 'terrorism against Israel' Jerusalem, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 Israel's army said Monday that those killed in a strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus had engaged in "terrorism against Israel", in the first official comment on the April 1 attack. "To the best of my knowledge those who were killed in Damascus were members of the Quds Force. These were people who engaged in terrorism against the State of Israel," military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said when asked at a briefing about the strike. "Among these terrorist operatives there were Hezbollah members and Iranian helpers. There was not a single diplomat there as far as I know. I don't know of any civilian who was killed in this attack," he said. Iran had vowed to avenge the strike on the consular section of its embassy that killed seven Revolutionary Guards including two generals from the Quds Force, the Guards' foreign operations arm. From late Saturday Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, the first ever direct attack by Iran on Israeli soil. Israel's military said it intercepted 99 percent of the aerial threats with the help of the United States and other allies, and that the attack caused only minor damage, including to a military base in the country's south. Earlier on Monday, Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi said Israel would respond to the Iranian attack. "This launch of so many (Iranian) missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response," Halevi said when he visited the Nevatim base, which the army said was lightly damaged in the Iranian strike. Ukraine nuclear plant 'dangerously close' to accident: IAEA chief United Nations, United States, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is "dangerously close" to suffering an accident because of recent attacks on it, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency warned Monday. The largest nuclear power facility in Europe, Zaporizhzhia has been occupied by Russian forces since shortly after their invasion started in February 2022. It has been shut down since that year amid frequent shelling attacks. The plant has come under a series of drone attacks since April 7, with Ukraine and Russia each placing the blame on the other side. They are the first direct attacks on the plant since November 2022. "These reckless attacks must cease immediately," Rafael Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told a meeting of the UN Security Council. "Though, fortunately, they have not led to a radiological incident this time, they significantly increase the risk at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, where nuclear safety is already compromised," said Rossi, whose agency has staff deployed at the facility. He said the attack "sets a very dangerous precedent" because the reactor confinement structure was hit. Rossi added: "Two years of war are weighing heavily on nuclear safety at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Every one of the IAEA's seven pillars of nuclear safety and security have been compromised. We cannot sit by and watch as the final weight tips the finely balanced scale." "We are getting dangerously close to a nuclear accident. We must not allow complacency to let a role of the dice decide what happens tomorrow," he said. The risk of a major accident is real even though the reactors are turned off, he said. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports After Masataka Yoshida hit a home run to give the Boston Red Sox a 5-2 lead over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, a conversation about choreographed home run celebrations broke out in the NESN broadcast booth. And somehow that led to a subtle shot being taken at the Seattle Mariners home run celebrations, despite Seattle being tied for 25th in the league with only 13 home runs so far this season. Come up with it sort of on the fly, said Dave OBrien. As opposed to what some teams are doing like, Hey, hand the guy a trident that we had an engineer 3,000 miles away create in a lab somewhere and mail to you.' "Come up with it sort of on the fly. As opposed to what some teams are doing. 'Hey, hand the guy a trident that we had an engineer 3,000 miles away create in a lab somewhere.'" Dave O'Brien on HR celebrations, with a not-so-subtle shot at the Mariners. (H/T @SuperSweetCards) pic.twitter.com/ql14AMaUq9 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 14, 2024 Apparently, home run celebrations need to be pre-approved by play-by-play announcers. If youre unfamiliar with Seattles tradition, the Mariners bring out a replica Aquaman tridentpurchased from Amazon, mind youand bestow it on whoever has just hit one out of the ballpark. As the Mariners have embraced it as their home run prop, it was something that was come up with on the fly, according to shortstop J.P Crawford. Crawford said that last season, inspired by other teams creative celebrations, the Mariners felt they needed something, too. And in bypassing complex solutions, they found a great idea online. Setting itself apart from the usual plastic props, the Mariners trident celebration uses a hefty metal replica, prioritizing authenticity over ease. A lot of teams are doing hats and stuff like that, and we wanted to be a little bit different, Mariners infielder Sam Haggerty said via MLB.com. And then we wanted to tie in like, the Mariners, the city, and the trident just came out organically. While that doesnt exactly sound like something came up on the fly, its not like they had to do some extensive research to come up with a trident. For the first 10 seasons of the franchises existence, their main logo was an upside-down trident representing an M, so theres some history there. Sure, the hefty metal trident might be a splurge, but Seattle didnt need a fancy engineer from Boston to dream it up. OBrien was clearly having some fun there. At the same time, its not like this is somehow inauthentic or unoriginal; theyre just keeping tradition. And while you can want a home run celebration to be different every season, the Mariners found something thats uniquely authentic to their team and their city. OBrien seems to have a point, but it doesnt seem to necessarily apply to the Mariners. [Awful Announcing on X, MLB.com] * FIRST NAME * LAST NAME * EMAIL Your email address * PASSWORD Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Show * YEAR OF BIRTH You must be at least 18 years old to create an account 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906 * Required fields I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice CREATE ACCOUNT I'LL TRY LATER Already have an account? SIGN IN By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. And now its not just Londoners who are saying this, its the French themselves. Last week, Benedicte Epinay, head of the luxury industry group Comite Colbert (which exists solely to promote French luxury brands), said that the Olympics would be a terrible period for business and culture. Theres a big question mark around the event, but one that is tinged with concern. This is a fear shared by many in the luxury sector, worried that a) potential customers are going to be too preoccupied with the event to actually go out and shop, and b) that the vast numbers of Olympic tourists will make the Parisian shopping experience even worse than it is already. One French industry expert told me last week: Shopping in Paris is going to be a nightmare. No one is going to want to have a big cardboard shopping bag banging against their legs when the centre of the city is full of hordes of people in backpacks and shorts. Its just not a very French experience. Bradshaw visited Saudi Arabia for the first time in 2022. While I was there, I [decided] to immerse myself in as much Arabic music as I possibly could. The region, he says, has more than 300 tribes, each with their own unique musical dialect. I didnt want to be [too] academic about it, he continues, so simply incorporated the melodic and harmonic characteristics that he liked in local folk music and allowed them to find their way into the score. The court has been told McPherson has been convicted of 32 criminal offences of dishonesty or fraud in New Zealand, where he was born, the UK and Germany, where he was jailed for involvement in an 11.8 million bank fraud. Open access operators set their own fares, take on all revenue risk and receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies (David Parry/PA) I think they could push up fares for everybody at the cost of providing a few new services. If theyre adding a few new destinations, can they afford to do that without abstracting revenue from a lot of existing operators and therefore pushing up fares? He said: Its only good news if the railways dont end up costing a lot more because these new operators have made it more difficult for the main operators to run services. Railway historian Christian Wolmar also expressed concerns about open access operations. He added: The number of people who benefit from Lumos cheap tickets is very, very small compared to the overall picture on the rail network. It's only good news if the railways don't end up costing a lot more because these new operators have made it more difficult for the main operators to run services They dont have to pay to train their staff because they can just recruit staff trained by the other operators. He went on: They dont have to pay for depot space because they get to use depots that exist for other companies. Mr Dennis said open access operators often charged lower fares because they dont have any of the overheads that the rest of the railway has. What you need is a simple, repetitive timetable that moves huge numbers of people. He said: The argument on the Continent for open access operators is that they provide competition, but theres no meaningful competition on a rail network thats as saturated as ours. But rail engineer Gareth Dennis believes open access services should not be permitted in Britain because it is incredibly complicated to fit them in among trains run by operators with Government contracts, and can actually reduce overall capacity. New open access operators competing on the same routes as incumbents typically offer fare reductions of 20-60% in the long-term, according to a report published in summer 2023 by Rail Partners, a body representing private sector train companies. Lumo extending its London Kings Cross-Edinburgh route to and from Glasgow. Go-Op running services between Taunton and both Weston-super-Mare and Swindon. Services between London Euston and Wrexham by Alstom. Services between London Kings Cross and Sheffield by FirstGroup. Other current proposals for new open access routes are: Mr Yeowart added that open access provided services to destinations long forgotten. Like every other business, if people dont like it and dont come, it wont survive. Its not only good for passengers as whether (the operators) survive depends on how good they are and what their customers think but there are no handouts from the Government. Mr Yeowart, who founded Grand Central in 1999, said: Theres sufficient evidence now, particularly on the East Coast Main Line, to say whats not to like? (about open access). Services on the line are run by Government-owned LNER and open access operators Grand Central , Hull Trains and Lumo. Managing director Ian Yeowart said the growth in passenger numbers on the East Coast Main Line between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh demonstrated the significant benefits of open access. It has also been given the go-ahead to run trains between London Paddington and Carmarthen, in south-west Wales, and is consulting on starting services between Edinburgh and Cardiff. York-based prospective open access company Grand Union Trains (GUT) plans to launch services between London Euston and the city of Stirling in central Scotland from June next year. (Open access) is not only good for passengers - as whether (the operators) survive depends on how good they are and what their customers think - but there are no handouts from the Government Britains railways have been repeatedly hit by industrial action in recent years, with a dispute involving members of train drivers union Aslef ongoing. Theres no industrial action on open access operators, perhaps because its a fresher way of working with the workforce rather than on an old rule book basis. It also breaths new life in terms of working practices. Open access is such a positive. Theres an opportunity for rail to take passengers that may otherwise fly or indeed drive. He went on: Its not just a question of us having rail operators compete with each other. He told PA that open access services give more choice to customers, and that crucially increases the number of passengers that we get. Rail minister Huw Merriman said the UK Government was working to provide more certainty over the duration of the application assessments, reconsidering the required balance of costs between taxpayers and operators, and ensuring all unused track access slots were made available. In deciding whether to approve new open access applications, regulator the Office of Rail and Road assesses factors such as the benefit to passengers, whether sufficient new revenue will be generated, and the impact on the punctuality of existing services. In contrast, open access operators set their own fares, take on all revenue risk and receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies. The vast majority of trains in Britain are run by operators either owned or paid management fees by the UK, Scottish or Welsh governments. And the UK Government is planning measures to encourage further proposals, despite concerns that open access services create additional strain on the network and take too much revenue away from conventional operators. Open access services on seven routes are being developed in a bid to boost connectivity, increase competition and reduce fares, analysis by the PA news agency found. Millions of people across Britain will have access to new train services under rail industry plans. I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice . Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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Thank you for registering Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in It is very clear that if there is a legal question on arms from the UK going to Israel being involved in breaches of international humanitarian law, then there should not be the sale of those arms to Israel Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour The Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania (FCER) condemns Iran's attacks and is fully in solidarity with the State of Israel, the president of the Federation, MP Silviu Vexler, said on Monday in the plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies. "Yesterday the Islamic Republic of Iran directly attacked the State of Israel, using over 300 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles. More than the explosive charge, they carried hatred. Together with the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania, we condemn in the harshest possible way this unprecedented action and we express our full solidarity with the State of Israel and its citizens. Like any other state, the State of Israel has a sovereign right to take all necessary measures to protect the civilian population. However, more than a sovereign right, these elements are an obligation he has towards the whole world," the deputy pointed out in a message addressed to the Parliament. According to him, "again, Iran's actions threaten both the Middle East and the whole world." "At this moment, we can clearly see that Iran is the destabilizing force in the Middle East and is directly responsible for the violent escalation in the entire region and beyond. Let's not forget the support that the Islamic Republic of Iran gives to the Russian Federation in the unprovoked war against Ukraine, let's not forget that the same Iranian drones that attacked the State of Israel are used by the Russian Federation to attack the civilian population of Ukraine. But above all, let's not forget that Iran has used its financial resources to export terrorism worldwide," he said. The President of FCER emphasised that "the first entity that welcomed the actions initiated by Iran is the criminal terrorist organization Hamas, and this fact comes to confirm, if it were necessary, who really supported the attacks directed against the civilian population of the State of Israel on October 7 of the year last." "We cannot remain indifferent! The words must be accompanied by sanctions that will completely paralyze and isolate this criminal regime. The time has come for the entire international community to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hamas and Hezbollah for what they are - terrorist organizations. More than that, the world must unite to ensure that Iran never has access to nuclear weapons," the FCER deputy argued. Minister of Family, Youth and Equal Opportunities Natalia Intotero said on Monday in Brasov that she has not yet received an actual reply to the lack of state-run centres for the treatment of young addicts and told the relevant authorities that the five-year deadline, which they have advanced, is too long. "I hope this problem will be solved as soon as possible. I know that the National Antidrug Agency is working, together with the National Centre for Mental Health, to build these centres and is trying to get European funding. I would like that to be as fast as possible, not just - as some have said - in the next five years, because five years is far too late. There are a few NGOs that carry out this activity, but their services are not free, and there are families who do not have such possibility, there are also children and young people from the social protection system, for whom it is very difficult to find a source of funding to pay for such a recovery, which takes one year. Therefore, what we can do, from the Ministry of Family, Youth and Equal Opportunities, is to carry out this prevention. We have voiced our intention that if we can be used, we help and expect an echo to this proposal in the Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT) working group," Intotero told AGERPRES, adding that there are several buildings in the country designed for this purpose 20 years ago, where no activity was carried out. At the same time, she added that she wants to collaborate with NGOs that carry out such recovery activities for young addicts and that she is open to dialogue if they have proposals for improving legislation. Intotero participated on Monday in Brasov in the closing event of the Campaign "No Barriers - The Whole Truth About Illicit Drugs," supported by the Ministry of Family, Youth and Equal Opportunities and financed by the European Commission, attended by hundreds of pupils and students from Brasov at the Sica Alexandrescu Theatre House. "It is a different campaign because, this time, the officials listen and that is why I am congratulating all the young people who accepted to be ambassadors of this campaign and who were selected from university campuses and then were prepared to send a heart-felt message to reach the soul of young people, children, parents, grandparents in Romania. Because it is a family problem, and our involvement leads further to the health of our society. I also want to thank Teen Challenge who will expose their lives trying to stop from temptation all those who want to try a new experience, one that can lead to death," the minister said. At a plenary sitting on Monday, the Senate passed a bill tabled by the government regulating legal expenses in the case of fugitives evading criminal prosecution or trial, as well as recovering the expenses incurred by returning them to Romania. "When computing the expenses incurred by the Romanian government, if the requested person - an extradited person or extraditable person, as the case may be - has evaded criminal prosecution or trial, the enforcing court shall follow the Code of Criminal Procedure. In order to recover the expenses incurred by returning to the country the requested person, the extradited or extraditable person, as the case may be, who has evaded the execution of the sentence, the Romanian authorities have the right of regress before the competent civil court. Such cases shall be judged expeditiously and shall be exempt from stamp duty," reads the explanatory memorandum of the bill supplementing Article 16 of Law 302/2004 on international judicial co-operation in criminal matters. According to the bill, all these expenses are additional burdens on the national budget of Romania. In 2023 alone, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or of the Ministry of Justice spent over RON 10 million on returning fugitives to Romania by air or land. The Senate is the first legislative chamber in this case. The deployment of US troops in Romania is proof of US solidarity and commitment towards the Black Sea region, said on Monday Romania's Defence Minister Angel Tilvar at a meeting with US ambassador Kathleen Kavalec. According to the Defence Ministry (MApN), the meeting of the two officials offered an opportunity to address important defence subjects, including the current security situation in the Black Sea and Middle East regions, the modernisation plans for the 57th Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base and prospects for bilateral defence co-operation. Tilvar thanked the American official for constant dialogue and close coordination, essential aspects in a constantly changing security environment, which further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations. He also reiterated the importance of the presence of US troops in Romania that rounds up NATO's deterrence and defence capabilities, appreciating the professionalism of the US forces. "This deployment is yet another proof of US solidarity and commitment to the Black Sea region, and persistent contribution is fundamental in deterring Russian actions in the region," he said. Both officials also concluded that providing continued multidimensional international assistance is essential to support Ukraine in its defensive effort and restore regional and international order and stability. At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue dialogue in order to develop common priorities in the run-up to the NATO Summit in Washington in July. CHESTERFIELD A 70-year-old mapping company here has sold to a Virginia-based engineering firm for $44 million. The mapping company, Surdex Corporation, dates back to 1954. It was established by founder Earl Hoffmann Sr., originally as a small aerial photography firm. Today the company operates a fleet of drones, plus 10 single and twin-engine aircraft. It serves private-sector companies and government customers like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The buyer, Reston, Virginia-based Bowman Consulting, said the deal was aimed at growing the firm's geospatial business. Surdex President Ron Hoffmann said the transaction will give his company access to more engineering services. "We have been a family business for almost 70 years and because of that, we were very selective about who we would entrust with this transition," Hoffmann said in a statement. "Over the past several months, we have become extremely confident in our conclusion that partnering with Bowman is the right decision for our business, our employees and our customers." The $44 million purchase price includes cash, shares of Bowman common stock and seller notes, according to a press release. The Clayton-based wealth management firm Benjamin F. Edwards advised Surdex in the transaction. ST. LOUIS Nearly eight months after Mayor Tishaura O. Jones announced plans to ban military-grade weapons on city streets, aldermen wrapped their legislative session without considering the proposal, citing concerns about its legality and backlash from state lawmakers. The plan, which the mayor said would take aim at AR-15 and AK-47 rifles, was billed as a response to residents concerns about violent crime and a way to push back against Republicans in state government who have dismantled many restrictions in recent years. Were ready to fight like hell at the local level to prevent gun violence, protect our babies and to keep our communities safe, Jones told reporters at a news conference in August. The plan was to be accompanied by other bills stopping minors from getting guns, cracking down on the proliferation of gun-making kits used to skirt federal possession bans and reining in random gunfire on New Years Eve and the Fourth of July. The next day, however, the Post-Dispatch obtained a draft of the proposal on military-grade weapons, and it did not go as far as some expected. The bill mostly focused on writing into city code existing state and federal law on machine guns and other heavily regulated firearms. And experts said it would not actually prohibit AR-15 and AK-47 rifles as Jones suggested. Aides to the mayor said the bill still represented progress. By copying state and federal laws into city code, the city could design its own penalties for violations: Juveniles caught with automatic weapons could be given a second chance with fines and community service rather than jail time. Fine revenue could be put toward city programs providing residents with counseling and job training. But in January, after months without action, Aldermanic President Megan Green said the administration had asked the board to hold all but one of the bills during the GOP-dominated state Legislatures January-to-mid-May session. The city was already playing defense on Republican proposals to put city police back under a state-controlled board and do away with the citys earnings tax, which pays for a big portion of the city budget. The administration didn't want to risk having state lawmakers block them on new gun laws too, Green said. On Monday, Alderman Tom Oldenburg, who sponsored the bill on military-grade weapons, said there were also concerns about whether it was truly legal. I think many realized when it came to prioritizing real impacts, we needed to be elsewhere, he said. And by midday, as the board adjourned its final meeting of the legislative session, only the bill going after celebratory gunfire a move Republicans generally support had passed the board. Conner Kerrigan, a spokesman for the mayors office, declined to comment on Monday. The board had previously passed a bill from Alderwoman Cara Spencer requiring anyone openly carrying a firearm to have a government permit. That legislation, which takes advantage of a loophole in normally gun-friendly Missouri law, was intended to cut down on some of the more brazen gun-toting that occasionally makes headlines in local media and disarm minors because the age requirement for a concealed-carry permit is 19. Police Sgt. Charles Wall, a department spokesman, said Monday that officers began enforcing the new law in late March. It was not immediately clear how many citations have been issued. April 15, 2024: Iran has announced introduction of a lot of new weapons this year, though all such claims must be viewed suspiciously. These announcements include the Arman anti-ballistic and Azarakhsh low-altitude air defense systems. The Arman anti-ballistic system can identify targets up to a range of 180 kilometers and can fire at 12 targets at the same time. The Arman radar and missiles are carried on the same TELAR (Transporter Erector Launcher and Radar) vehicle along with two mobile launchers with six vertically launching missiles. The Azarakhsh short-range defense system can hit targets up to 50 kilometers km range and is equipped with four missiles. This system can be mounted on most vehicles and can operate day or night under all weather conditions using a three-dimensional radar system, optical search, and advanced seekers. Neither of these systems has been tested in combat so actual performance is not yet known. Iran also announced a new cruise missile system with a 700 kilometer range and able to be fired while the launcher vehicle is moving. Iran also revealed new eight-meter long boat speed boats than can each carry a missile with a range of 30 kilometers. Over the last few years Iran significantly expanded its naval force of armed speed boats that can swarm hostile warships and damage or destroy them. This is all theoretical because Iran has never actually carried out these kinds of attacks against enemy warships successfully. Iran has also developed armed and unarmed USVs (Unmanned Surface Vessels) to use against larger ships. Ukraine has already used this type of weapon to destroy Russian warships in the Black Sea. Western navies are working on countermeasures but wont discuss details of their progress. Iran has also supplied Russian forces fighting in Ukraine with four hundred surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, including Fateh-110 models with ranges of 300 kilometers. These are 3.5 ton solid-fuel missiles carrying a warhead with half a ton of explosives. These missiles are carried and launched from several different truck mounted launchers. One of these can carry two missiles while the others carry only one missile. Shipments to Russian forces in Ukraine began in January 2024 and continue to the present. The missiles were transported to Russia by ship via the Caspian Sea or, for smaller missiles, via air transports Russian hopes the Iranian missiles perform better than the ones obtained from North Korea. Those missiles proved unreliable and inaccurate. At one point Russian launched 24 North Korean ballistic missiles at Ukrainian targets but only two of the missiles hit the targets they were aimed at. The other missiles were wildly inaccurate and most landed in unoccupied areas or damaged structures having no military significance. The Iranian missiles are believed to be more accurate and could inflict substantial damage if many of them were launched at a single target, which could be an industrial area or military base. The guidance systems of Fatah missiles can hit within 100 hundred meters to 600 meters of their aim points, depending on the model. These are not precision weapons but are effective when a barrage of them are fired at a target that covers a large area. These missiles have been used by Iran-backed forces in Syria over the last decade and generally performed well. Russia is still obtaining the propeller driven Shahed UAVs and has used nearly 4,000 of these so far. These low, slow cruise missiles can travel hundreds of kilometers to a specific target and detonate. Ukraine has developed defensive tactics based on a network of spotters and a mobile force of truck mounted heavy machine-guns to back up stationary machine-guns based around important targets. Ukraine manages to shoot down up to 90 percent of attacking Shahed UAVs, but some still get through and cause some damage. April 15, 2024: Indian navy MARCOS commandos disrupted a plan by 35 Somalis to hold a cargo ship, the Ruen, and its crew of 17 for ransom. The ship had been captured in December 2023 by Somali pirates using a captured Iranian fishing boat, the Ashkaan, and its crew of 24 Pakistanis. After the pirates boarded the Ruen, the Ashkaan and its crew were set free, and the pirates took the Ruen to an anchorage in Somalia. The pirates demanded a $60 million ransom for the Ruen and its 17 man crew. The Indian MARCOS commandos captured the Ruen when it went to sea again with armed pirates on board, to seek other ships to hijack. The Ruen was intercepted by the Indian destroyer Kolkata and after a 40 hour pursuit the Indians persuaded the 35 pirates on the Ruen to surrender and free the 17 crew members of the Ruen. As part of this operation some of the Indian commandos and small combat boats were dropped into the sea by an Indian C-17 military transport. The 35 Somali pirates were brought to India for prosecution and imprisonment if convicted. Back in Somalia, the government was able to conduct national elections to approve a new constitution. All adult Somalis could vote to elect members of parliament to represent their interests. This came after a year of discussions on how to move from informal voting by clan leaders to elections where everyone had a vote. The universal suffrage system, in which ever registered adult voter can participate, was new for Somalia and for the most part it worked. Before this voting was carried out using a system that involved clan elders meeting and working out agreements. Somalia has long been a failed state and despite over a decade of peacekeeping, massive foreign aid and little visible progress, corruption and tribalism continued to block economic progress. Al Shabaab, a local Islamic radical group, was defeated and driven from cities and towns in 2011 but is still around. So was the traditional clan or tribal violence as well as organized crime, and banditry. All these are ancient Somali traditions and al Shabaab survived by reverting to that and becoming the major criminal organization in some parts of the country. Extortion, smuggling, ransoms and so on have sustained the Islamic terror group. One of the most lucrative sources of plunder is the elected Somali government that showed up after 2012. This government was sustained by foreign aid, most of which was stolen rather than used to operate an effective government. Somalia is still a failed state that defies every attempt at nation building. The situation is worse than it appears because Somalia was never a country, but a collection of clans and tribes that fight each other constantly over economic issues usually involving land and water rights. The country remains an economic and political mess, a black hole on the map. By the end of 2023 the UN had lifted the Somalia arms embargo. This was at the request of the Somali government, which needs weapons to upgrade its forces and to arm new soldiers and pro-government militias. Some UN peacekeepers remained, but only after the UN was persuaded to cancel a planned withdrawal. Local terror group Al Shabab was on the defensive so it was, perhaps briefly, no longer as dangerous to be a peacekeeper. Withdrawing peacekeepers was an issue because until recently it was very dangerous to be a peacekeeper in Somalia, much more dangerous than peacekeeping anywhere else. Over the past 16 years at least 3,500 peacekeepers have been killed in Somalia. The EU (European Union) and United States pay for the peacekeeping force and nearly $200 million has been disbursed for death and disability benefits during that period. Thats in addition to the $200 million a year cost of operating the peacekeeper force. That is provided by the UN via contributions from the U.S. and EU (European Union). The UN approves the size and duration of the peacekeeper force annually. The peacekeepers have been in Somalia since 2007 at a cost of over three billion dollars. In addition to peacekeepers killed, at least as many were permanently disabled from their wounds. The African Union (AU) pays for medical care, including long term care for some of the wounded. For years the AU played down the high casualty rates in Somalia, reporting less than a third of the actual deaths. The usual growing number of corruption scandals involving missing death benefits and other compensation led to the actual loss statistics being revealed. The peacekeeper casualties were suffered in order to cripple Al Shabab, which is now on the defensive and unable to withstand growing army efforts to drive al Shabaab forces out of towns and villages. Al Shabaab depends on those towns and villages for food and other supplies. The army and peacekeepers take advantage of that by keeping al Shabaab away from these supply sources. This causes al Shabaab to lose men to desertion. Without supplies al Shabaab cannot feed their men and many of those men simply desert and go home. Defeating an enemy force by depriving them of supplies is an ancient tactic that still works. Somali government and peacekeeper forces face a complex situation because there are more villages in the countryside than the troops can protect with garrisons. What the Somali forces can do is keep al Shabaab forces on the move, which is something al Shabaab is not used to and cannot sustain without vehicles and fuel. The army destroys these vehicles whenever they can go after local merchants who supply al Shabaab with fuel and other supplies. Al Shabaab can afford to pay because the looting also involves gathering any money they can find. The violence in Somalia is not decreasing rapidly. There are violent incidents every week, most of them involving al Shabaab losing. This is rapidly depleting al Shabaab manpower through casualties and desertions. For most of 2023 and into early 2024 al Shabaab was losing many men each month because of combat injuries and even more losses through desertion. It is becoming more difficult to recruit new members because the government has been working with local forces, usually long-standing clan militias, to prevent al Shabaab recruiters from getting near prospects. At one time al Shabaab offered attractive and low risk employment for young men with few job opportunities. This strategic approach to reducing al Shabaab strength and capabilities worked. There are also sometimes problems with soldiers not being paid during peacetime in their home countries. Too much of this sometimes sparks a rebellion or insurrection over missing pay and other grievances. Despite this there was never a problem obtaining peacekeepers for duty in Somalia, paid for by the AU and a long list of African and Western donors. Somalia is the most dangerous peacekeeping duty in the world. About 300,000 men served as peacekeepers in Somalia, receiving an average annual compensation of $9,100 each. Officers, NCOs, and privates all receive different amounts and peacekeeping duty pays better than their regular pay when back home. In most countries, peacekeeping duty is relatively safe. This was not the case in Somalia, where about three percent of peacekeepers were killed or badly wounded and disabled. While the peacekeepers were leaving, American forces belonging to AFRICOM (U.S. Africa Command) were still available to provide some assistance in the form of aerial surveillance, airstrikes, and training for Somali forces. There are only 7,500 American troops in Africa and their theater (AFRICOM) headquarters in Germany. Since early 2017, when AFRICOM increased its use of armed UAVs over Somalia, there have been about 172 UAV airstrikes that have killed nearly a thousand al Shabaab and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) members. In 2020 there were fifty of these UAV airstrikes and 280 in Somalia in the last decade. In 2021 there were seven UAV airstrikes and fifteen in 2022 and even more in 2023 and 2024. American forces, and airstrikes, returned t0 Somali in 2022. This was prompted by the formation of a new Somali government. All American airstrikes are at the request of the Somali government. Somalia sent thousands of its soldiers to Eritrea, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Egypt for training. This is all part of the effort to have 24,000 Somali soldiers trained and ready for operations once all the peacekeepers are gone. Remote support from AFRICOM will continue using UAVs based in nearby African countries. That al Shabaab controls any territory is mainly because of another problem; corruption. The government forces suffer from it while al Shabaab does not, or at least has much less of it. The inability of the government to ensure that their security forces are supplied and paid regularly, even though foreign aid provides the needed cash, means the Somali army remains unreliable and unable to control areas that al Shabaab has been driven out of. This is the case even when peacekeepers or pro-government militias did the work. Its another case of greed overwhelming common sense and common interests. This is not unusual for Somalia, which has been rated the most corrupt nation in the world for a decade. One of the side effects of that degree of corruption is the inability to maintain reliable security forces. Yet al Shabaab also lacks access to foreign aid and provides far fewer amenities for recruits than Somali soldiers or foreign peacekeepers enjoy. Al Shabaab continues to operate despite heavy attrition from combat, disease, and desertion. At one point Al Shabaab maintained its strength in rural areas by stealing children in addition to food and other supplies. Families that can afford to are sending children, mainly boys aged 8-16, away to areas with less al Shabaab presence to protect the kids from a popular form of recruiting in Africa. This began with al Shabaab demanding that rural schools stop teaching anything that might be interpreted as hostile to al Shabaab. Then al Shabaab imposed a tax on some schools that had to be paid in the form of students. In the last year several hundred children have been taken and several thousand have been sent away by their parents to keep the kids safe from al Shabaab. This recruiting tactic has been used elsewhere in Somalia for years. This tactic was not unexpected because the Islamic terrorist group has suffered heavy losses in the last few years but maintained its strength by improvising. This is mainly about using children and, at one point, at least half the al Shabaab gunmen were armed boys under age 18 with a growing number under 14 years old. This is why, despite losing control of 90 percent of the area it controlled at its peak in 2012, al Shabaab still exists with less than half the personnel it had in 2012. The growing use of child soldiers was noted as early as 2010 when the fighting in Mogadishu was not going well for al Shabaab and many of their fighters had been killed or discouraged enough to desert. Unable to entice enough men to join, they convinced (or coerced) some clan elders to allow children large enough to handle an AK-47 to join the fight. Like most Somali children they were eager for the opportunity to have an AK-47 of their very own and people to shoot at. This is a big deal for Somali teenagers. By 2012 it was noted that 10-20 percent of most al Shabaab fighters appeared to be children. Teenagers are not the best fighters. Most are impulsive and inexperienced, so they do not last long if there is a lot of combat, and even then, they require more supervision than adult fighters. But given the choice between disappearing because of heavy casualties and recruiting more and more kids, many African irregular groups like bandits, rebels and Islamic terrorists will resort to the use of children. This is not a new phenomenon, but it did not become as affordable and widespread until the 1990s. Thats because several million cheap Cold War surplus AK-47s began showing up in Africa in the 1990s and child soldiers became a more practical solution to heavy personnel losses. The world market for AK-47s was inundated by the late 1990s. The only market left was Africa, but only if you were willing to sell cheaply. The gunrunners were, and still are, very active in lawless places like Somalia, Sudan, and eastern Congo. The cheap AK-47 made it possible to use young teenage children as soldiers. This was a new development because the old weapons like spears, swords and archery required muscle. Children had to be older, and stronger to be warriors. But now, if you could lift a 4.5 kg AK-47 and pull the trigger, you could be a killer. Child soldiers changed everything because warlords could just kidnap or entice kids and quickly brainwash them. These armies of child killers made insurrection and anarchy more common. Tens of millions of Africans fled their homes to avoid these tiny terrors, and many of those refugees died of starvation or disease. These victims were just as dead, even if the bullets didn't get them. In fact, few AK-47 victims died from bullets. It was the massive fear, and breakdown of society and the economy, that killed most people confronted by all these cheap AK-47s. The children weren't very good shots, but if they got close enough to you, they were capable of unimaginable horrors. Al Shabaab is continuing this vile tradition, although in the name of God. Another pragmatic tactic al Shabaab has adopted is to negotiate and keep economic agreements in rural areas where they live. This includes all traffic passing through the area having to pay a tax to pass al Shabaab road checkpoints, and particularly trucks carrying foreign aid supplies like food and medicine. This is not much different than in government-controlled areas except that al Shabaab will fight any other groups like clan militias, security forces or bandits, seeking additional and unexpected taxes to pass. Al Shabaab will hand out written receipts so drivers will not be taxed more than once while in al Shabaab territory. An Israeli anti-missile system intercepts drones and missiles launched by Iran, as seen on Sunday from Ashkelon, Israel. Amir Cohen / REUTERS After nearly 300 Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted before reaching Israel, President Biden said the US will not take part in any Israeli military counterattack against Iran. How Will Israel respond to Iran attack? The US doesn't want to see rising tension between Iran and Israel, but Israel is now kind of hijacking the US, trying to bend the US onto Israel's bandwagon. Can US avoid being further dragged into Israel-Iran tensions? Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a news conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on November 2, 2023. Photo: VCG (Global Times) Japan once again stands at a crossroads. As Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has stated, the world is at history's turning point. The issue is not the turning point itself, but rather the path Japan will choose in response. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden held the first trilateral summit with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines. Prior to the summit, US media reported that the central topic of discussion was a "collective show of maritime force against China," and it turned out to be true. Previously, on April 8, the defense ministers of the US, UK and Australia announced in a joint statement that they were considering cooperating with Japan on advanced capabilities projects under the Pillar II of the AUKUS security framework in which Tokyo has long shown an interest. Nikkei Asia reported that this framework is essentially aimed at countering China's rise. As the geopolitical chess game in the Asia-Pacific region continues to evolve, Japan's recent strategic maneuvers, especially its possible alignment with the US within the AUKUS framework and the trilateral summit with the US and the Philippines, have drawn criticism. Ironically, Japan's choices, ostensibly made to "strengthen regional security against the backdrop of China's rise," are likely to push Northeast Asia closer to a new cold war of division and military confrontation. Japan, once a passive participant in the US' China strategy, now appears to be an active pawn in Washington's grand geopolitical game. This calls to mind former prime minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, who, with regret, described Japan as having no strategy. Nakasone's comment reflected his concerns about Japan's foreign policy, particularly its over-reliance on the Japan-US alliance and its lack of independence and strategic autonomy in international affairs. Today, under Prime Minister Kishida's leadership, Japan is not only leveraging but actively expanding the impact of US strategy in the region, thereby risking the stability of the entire region. Recent actions by Washington to form exclusive circles show a unified front or enhanced interoperability among allied forces. This year marks the second year of Japan's new national security strategy, which involves significant annual increases in defense spending to develop hypersonic missiles and purchase F-35 fighter jets from the US, thereby enhancing Japan's strike capabilities. By these measures, Japan seeks to transform its past reliance on unilateral US protection into an alliance where Japan can also take offensive actions. This is a gamble as Japan will likely lose the trust of its neighbors. Japan's possible involvement in AUKUS and its bolstered military capabilities are perceived by China as provocative rather than defensive measures. This enhancement in military strength, including the capacity for overseas power projection, may come at the expense of Japan's strategic autonomy and regional trust. According to Chinese scholars, while Japan has the right to assert its military stance, it must also be prepared to face the consequences. Kishida seems to believe that strengthening military relations with the US, UK and Australia will enhance Japan's security and raise its international status, while also benefiting from closer cooperation with the US in high-end technology development and seeking US relaxation on Japanese arms exports. However, by tying itself to the US chariot, Japan has compromised its ability to balance security alliances and regional stability. Japan is effectively exacerbating divisions in Northeast and Southeast Asia, regions concerned about being caught in a geopolitical showdown and unwilling to take sides between China and the US. Japan must tread carefully: Standing with allies is one thing, but only standing where one is told to stand is another. This not only increases the likelihood of conflict but also positions Japan as the first "shield" in future conflicts. Tourists visit a tulip exhibition at a park in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 7, 2024. Xi'an, one of the ancient capitals in Chinese history, is a popular tourist destination specially in this spring. It indulges visitors with the beauty of blossom flowers and immersive cultural experiences at the landmark cultural sites such as ancient city walls, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Qinglong Temple, Daming Palace National Heritage Park, etc. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi) A tourist poses for a photo at the Qinglong Temple scenic area in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, March 31, 2024. Xi'an, one of the ancient capitals in Chinese history, is a popular tourist destination specially in this spring. It indulges visitors with the beauty of blossom flowers and immersive cultural experiences at the landmark cultural sites such as ancient city walls, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Qinglong Temple, Daming Palace National Heritage Park, etc. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi) Tourists pose for photos at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda scenic area in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 8, 2024. Xi'an, one of the ancient capitals in Chinese history, is a popular tourist destination specially in this spring. It indulges visitors with the beauty of blossom flowers and immersive cultural experiences at the landmark cultural sites such as ancient city walls, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Qinglong Temple, Daming Palace National Heritage Park, etc. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi) Dancers donning traditional Hanfu attire perform during a parade at the Datang Everbright City scenic area in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 11, 2024. Xi'an, one of the ancient capitals in Chinese history, is a popular tourist destination specially in this spring. It indulges visitors with the beauty of blossom flowers and immersive cultural experiences at the landmark cultural sites such as ancient city walls, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Qinglong Temple, Daming Palace National Heritage Park, etc. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi) This photo shows the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 10, 2024. Xi'an, one of the ancient capitals in Chinese history, is a popular tourist destination specially in this spring. It indulges visitors with the beauty of blossom flowers and immersive cultural experiences at the landmark cultural sites such as ancient city walls, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Qinglong Temple, Daming Palace National Heritage Park, etc. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi) (Tribune News Service) An 18-year-old U.S. Marine is accused of stealing more than $500,000 of jewelry between October and April, Texas deputies said. More than $380,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from David Yurman Jewelry in Houston in October, according to the Precinct 4 Constables Office in Harris County. Deputies said an unknown masked suspect smashed through the front door using a sledge hammer. Approximately five months later, on April 5, Helzberg Diamond in Houston was burglarized. More than $170,000 of jewelry was stolen, deputies said. Following an investigation, deputies identified Marcelo Hernandez as a suspect. He was taken into custody April 11 and charged with felony theft, according to jail records. His bond was set at $500,000, according to jail records. According to court records, Hernandez stole 315 pieces of jewelry 111 rings, 52 pairs of earrings, 70 necklaces, 30 pendants and 52 bracelets between the two stores. Hernandezs attorney did not immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment April 15. Hernandez is a U.S. Marine, the constables office told KHOU. He completed boot camp in 2023, Precinct 4 Capt. Jonathan Zitzmann told KHOU. With that job, theres an expectation that you are held to a higher standard and certainly not in the business of conducting really egregious crimes. Hernandez did not disclose his military affiliation when he was arrested, according to KRIV. He was being taken into custody and his dog tags fell out. He did tell us he was in the U.S. military, Constable Mark Herman told KRIV. Most of the stolen jewelry was recovered, according to deputies, but the last few pieces still need to be located. Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court May 28. 2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer returns to San Diego after sea trials on Aug. 22, 2023. (Mark Faram/U.S. Navy) Maintenance problems forced an amphibious assault ship to return to California last week, just days into its first deployment in five years. The USS Boxer left San Diego, its homeport, on April 1 for the Indo-Pacific, but turned back toward home Thursday for additional maintenance in support of its deployment, according to a statement 3rd Fleet made to several news outlets. USS Boxer will resume its deployment in the near future, the statement said. Third Fleet didnt elaborate on the maintenance problem, but USNI News reported Thursday it was related to the ships rudder. Repairs could take up to three weeks, according to the report, which cited an unnamed defense official. A spokesperson for 3rd Fleet did not respond to an email and phone call requesting comment Sunday afternoon. The 843-foot Boxer is the flagship of an amphibious ready group that includes the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Pendleton, Calif., and two other ships, the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset and landing ship dock USS Harpers Ferry. The group also includes new amphibious combat vehicles designed to replace the amphibious assault vehicles in which eight Marines and a sailor drowned off Southern California in July 2020. The Boxer was already under scrutiny following significant mechanical issues that delayed its deployment multiple times. A Navy review of three separate engineering failures found that bad leaders, a complacent crew and maintenance cost-cutting by the Navy prevented the ship from deploying for more than a year, KPBS, the Public Broadcasting Service station in San Diego, reported March 4, citing Navy investigations obtained via the Freedom of Information Act. The Boxer last deployed in 2019 to the Persian Gulf amid flaring tensions with Iran. In 2020, BAE Systems received a $200.3 million contract to perform approximately 18 months of maintenance and modernization, with work scheduled to begin in June 2020 and conclude by December 2021, BAE Systems announced in April 2020. That maintenance ultimately lasted more than two years, with the ship going to sea again in June 2022, according to a photo the Boxer posted that month to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. However, overhauled engine components called forced draft blowers failed in August 2022, prompting additional repairs, which also failed, KPBS reported. Issues with the ships boiler and its engines main reduction gear arose in the following months, KPBS reported. The Navys chief of naval operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, said shed ordered a deep dive investigation into the issues, Military.com reported April 8. The Navy is facing an estimated $1.8 billion backlog in maintenance for surface warships, according to a 2023 report from the Government Accountability Office. The GAO also found that ship casualty reports descriptions of events that impair a ships ability to conduct its primary mission were also on the rise, primarily with littoral combat ships and Wasp-class amphibious assault ships like the Boxer. Wasp-class ships in fiscal year 2011 experienced 18 level-three and level-four casualty reports, the highest categories. In fiscal year 2021, that rose to 61 casualty reports. Freedom-class and Independent-class littoral combat ships saw the second-highest increase, rising from 18 and 11 reports in 2011 to 44 and 37 reports, respectively, according to the GAO. In 2020, the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Detroit was forced to cut a counternarcotic operation short after a critical component in its propulsion system failed. Annotations written by Gen. William T. Sherman can be seen in the margins of a copy of Ulysses S. Grants memoir. The book is among the Sherman-related artifacts that will be auctioned in Columbus on May 14, 2024. (Andrew Tobias, cleveland.com/TNS) COLUMBUS, Ohio (Tribune News Service) Adam Fleischer, a Columbus auctioneer, was searching through artifacts from Civil War Union Gen. William T. Shermans descendants home, cataloguing them for potential sale, when an assistant called him into the other room. The assistant, rare book specialist Danielle Linn, had discovered a handwritten inscription in the margins of another famous Ohioans biography, where former President Ulysses S. Grant had described his decision to not pick Sherman for a particular command job because of Shermans recent failure in another assignment. It was no failure at all, Sherman had written, underlining the words for emphasis. Fleischer had boxed up the memoir and other items, including Shermans personal sword and military trunk, his family Bible and other mementos, driving them from a Sherman descendants home in western Pennsylvania to to his office in Columbus. And next month, thats where he will auction them off, along with dozens of other Sherman-related artifacts. Theyve venerably preserved everything over the last 150 years, Fleischer said. It was literally sitting in their attic and in the family estates library. It was just time for it to go. Sherman is one of Ohios most famous historical figures, coming from a politically prominent family. His father, Charles, was a former Ohio Supreme Court justice. His older brother, Charles Taylor Sherman, became a federal judge, while his younger brother, John Sherman, helped found the Republican Party and was Ohios longest-serving U.S. senator. After being born in and growing up in Lancaster, east of Columbus, William T. Sherman joined the U.S. Army, graduating from West Point in 1840. He accepted posts around the country and later entered business, including in San Francisco, California and St. Louis, Mo. After the Civil War broke out, Sherman was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. He eventually gained the trust of then-President Abraham Lincoln and Grant, who had risen to be the commanding general of the Union Army. Sherman eventually was promoted to major general. Sherman is best known historically for his March to the Sea, an 1864 military campaign in which forces under his control burned Atlanta and other southern cities as part of an effort to end the war by breaking the Souths public morale. He ended up replacing Grant as the General of the Army, a rank only held by three people, after Grant was elected president in 1869. In an interview in his Columbus office, Fleischer said that Sherman continues to draw public interest today, gaining respect from people who abhor modern displays of sympathy toward the confederacy and notoriety from southerners who resent his harsh military campaigns. Gen. William Sherman, head-and-shoulders portrait, engraving by J.C. Buttre. () He said while his March to the Sea is controversial today, it also helped ensure the North won the Civil War since its success helped Lincoln win reelection in the 1864 presidential election over George McClellan, a former top Union general whose Democratic Party officially supported negotiating an end to the war. Hes an important figure in so many different ways, he said. Fleischer estimated the entire collection could fetch at least several hundred thousand dollars in total. It will be auctioned publicly on Tuesday, May 14. The proceeds will go to Shermans family, which found Fleischer through a reference provided by the Gettysburg Museum in Pennsylvania. Fleischer, who started his auction house four years ago, has past experience auctioning Civil War artifacts through his larger specialty, which he said focuses on 19th-century Americana items. As of the writing of this article, some of the items in the Sherman collection with the highest preliminary bids include Shermans sword and trunk ($16,500), his generals rank insignia ($5,250), the annotated copies of Grants two-volume memoir ($3,600) and Shermans personal map depicting his March to the Sea that was compiled after the Civil War was over ($3,200.) The fact that the items are going up for public auction has attracted controversy because it carries the possibility that private collectors could end up obtaining them and keeping them out of public view. The Sherman House Museum, a museum in Lancaster inside the house where Sherman was born in 1820, referenced the possibility in a Facebook post in which it solicited pledged donations to help the museum buy some of the artifacts so it could display them. We know that if these items end up in the hands of private collectors we may never see them again. The thought of these amazing pieces of history being stored away in a collectors basement is disheartening, the museum wrote in the March 21 post. The museums director, Michael Johnson, ended up apologizing after some said the message unfairly painted all private collectors with a broad brush. But in an interview, he stood by the sentiment of his message. Johnson said the collection is of great national significance, singling out Shermans sword and military trunk and the Sherman family bible, which includes Shermans personal inscriptions recording his sons and wifes deaths, and eventually, Shermans sons inscription recording the generals death. When you have items like these, and theres a public place for them to go, its a museum that people can visit, thats the best spot for them, Johnson said. Fleischer said bidders are confidential. But he said his auction house has sold items in the past to the Smithsonian Museum, the Library of Congress and the National Gallery of Art, as well as to high-end individual collectors. That being said, Shermans descendants own the items and decided they wanted to sell them in a public auction, he said. As the auction company, my ultimate obligation is to the family and getting the best price we can, Fleischer said. That being said, I think we also have to be responsible custodians of the material. And weve done our job in contextualizing it as fully as we can so that museums and institutions can be in a position to acquire them. 2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit cleveland.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Miguel Corzo, 25, and Katie Richards, 25, shown last fall in Chicago, got engaged during the April 8 eclipse after participating in the Marriage Pact at Boston College in early 2021. The pact is a popular staple on nearly 90 campuses around the U.S. (Katie Richards/AP) Its the stuff of movies: Two friends vow to marry each other if theyre not hitched by a specified future date or age. Well, the Marriage Pact, an annual matching ritual that has become popular on nearly 90 college campuses around the U.S., has turned that dusty cliche into fun. And a few couples have found lasting love. Nearly half a million students have participated since the pact first rolled out at Stanford University in 2017. Born of an economics project by two students there, the pact involves an algorithm that rates matches based on such statements as I prefer politically incorrect humor and I pride myself on telling hard truths. Unlike dating apps and services, each student gets just one name, a percentage on the quality of the match and an email address to reach out. The idea is, if you think about everybody who goes to your college, surely theres someone who is a good backup plan for you, said Liam McGregor, one of the students who came up with the pact. Not a Prince Charming, you know, not your perfect person necessarily, but maybe somebody whose number you should have. The questions, he said, are selected based on, hey, what do we need to know to have a 50-year relationship with someone? Can we make it a great one? Who signs up for the Marriage Pact? Many students do it with friends just for fun and dont follow up. Others are ghosted after trying to make contact. A tiny fraction land in long-term relationships, even marriage. Count Max Walker and Melia Summers in that last group. The two were New York University students when they did the pact in fall 2020. It was just a lark for both. He was in New York and she was at NYUs Abu Dhabi campus. They chatted online for months, then Summers took a semester to study in New York. Their first physical date, for pizza, was nearly a year after their match. Wedding bells will ring June 29. The quality of the match, according to the algorithm, was 99.65% Take that, Tinder. We liked the same music. We did the same sports. Were both from rural places, Summers said. It was kind of funny, right? Its someone saying that they can find your, like, ultimate match. I didnt really know if I was ready for my ultimate match at the time but I thought that was kind of a funny promise. And also, my friends were doing it, and we thought itd be kind of interesting to do it together. The two plan to move to Knoxville, Tenn., after the wedding so Walker can attend law school there. How the marriage pact began McGregor, who runs the pact, said it spread quickly after word got out. Students from 15 other schools tried in the beginning to get in on the Stanford pact because it wasnt available on their campuses. Thats not allowed. A campus-specific email address is required. Rather than dwell on physical beauty and personal stats like height and hair color, he said, the Marriage Pact focuses its 50-question survey on core values. Communication styles and conflict resolution. Smoking and drug habits. And things like: If you do nothing for an entire day, how do you feel? On a 1 to 7 scale, like a lard is 1 and like royalty is 7. The University of Michigan Marriage Pact poses this puzzler: There is a place for revenge when someone has wronged me. On the 1-7 scale, 1 is turn the other cheek and 7 is plotting rn. The Boston College pact wants to know: I would end a friendship over differing political views, and the Notre Dame questionnaire queries: I would send older relatives to a nursing home. Questions are tailored for each campus since values may vary among students. At Georgetown, questions about politics and ambition are included, for example, whereas the Stanford pact may ask about things like careerism and spontaneity. Pandemic restrictions kicked in as the pact spread wide to new campuses. It was just harder to date, said Katie Richards, who did the pact at Boston College in February 2021. Richards, now 25, was matched with Miguel Corzo, also 25. Both were seniors. After some time dating long distance after graduation, they now live together in Philadelphia and just marked their third anniversary. He got down on one knee and proposed during the recent eclipses totality in Erie, Pa., offering a diamond ring just as the moon left a glowing ring around the sun. We just did the Marriage Pact because our friends did it. We were just like, oh, you know, why not? Its something to do while everyones locked away, Corzo said. Not every match leads to love About 30% of matches meet up in person, and 1 in 9 of those end up dating for a year or longer, McGregor said. He knows of several other engaged couples. Some couples who were already dating have participated for fun and wound up matched with each other, he said. McGregor was stunned at the interest in his little project after receiving the go-ahead from an economics professor. We sort of said, hey, could we get 100 people to sign up, because the matches wont be any good if fewer than 100 people sign up. In the first day, more than 1,000 people signed up, and the next day another 1,000 people signed up. By the end of the week, 60% of everyone at Stanford had signed up to get their optimal marital backup plan, he said. Some students do the pact over and over again. It took Paul Armstrong and Shelby Merrill just one try in 2022 at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Neither took it that seriously at the beginning. Shelby Merrill and Paul Armstrong, shown at the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Feb. 2, met in 2022 at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, through the Marriage Pact. The two, who live in separate Massachusetts towns, are planning their first overseas trip together, to Scandinavia. At 24 (Paul) and 23 (Shelby), theyre planning to move in together at some point but are in no rush to do so. (Shelby Merrill/AP) All my buddies filled it out, Armstrong said. I got a lot luckier than they did. Their match hit 99.9%. Armstrong mailed off a personal resume to Merrill with some of his stats, likes and skills, listing among the latter: Making playlists on Spotify (please dont have Apple Music). When they sent me his email I was like, Im not going to email him. This is dumb. But then he sent me that and I was like, OK, he put some effort into it. This is cute, Merrill said. The two, who live in separate Massachusetts towns, are planning their first overseas trip together, to Scandinavia. At 24 (Paul) and 23 (Shelby), theyre planning to move in together at some point. Were not in any rush, Armstrong said. Base worker Hiroyuki Shigeyama boards a bus to donate blood to the Japanese Red Cross at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 11, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes) MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan The Japanese Red Cross recently parked its blood-collection bus on this base south of Hiroshima for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Marine spouse Catherine Matchem-Watkins was among the Americans donating their vital fluid Thursday during the blood drive by the organizations Yamaguchi Prefecture Blood Center. She has an American Red Cross blood donor card and was excited to receive Japans version. Ive always wanted to donate blood to Japan because Ive donated blood in the States, the Marine Corps Community Services employee told Stars and Stripes at the drive. Its always been a thing for me to just make sure Im giving back because you never know when blood can save a life and it actually helped save my sons life. The Japanese Red Cross began collecting blood at MCAS Iwakuni in 2004; however, only Japanese employees could donate until 2017, when the American Red Cross began providing translators, said Takuya Nakagawa, Japanese Red Cross spokesman. The entire donation process was simple and easy with the translators help, Matchem-Watkins said. Nine Americans donated blood on Thursday, Nakagawa said. We are thankful that they cooperated in donating blood, which is also a contribution to the community, he said. The last blood drive at MCAS Iwakuni was held on Aug. 21, 2019, 4 years ago, Nakagawa said. The blood center hosts about 700 blood drives annually, which means two blood drive buses are active somewhere in Yamaguchi Prefecture every day, Nakagawa said. Before the pandemic, the Japanese Red Cross visited the air station twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. They expect to return to that schedule with the next blood drive on base in December, Nakagawa said. Security officers stand guard outside Orthodox Assyrian church in Sydney on April 15, 2024. (Mark Baker/AP) SYDNEY Australian police say a knife attack in Sydney that wounded a bishop and a priest during a church service as horrified worshippers watched online and in person, and sparked a riot was an act of terrorism. Police arrested a 16-year-old boy Tuesday after the stabbing at Christ the Good Shepherd Church that injured Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and a priest. Both are expected to survive. New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the suspects comments pointed to a religious motive for the attack. Well allege theres a degree of premeditation on the basis that this person has travelled to that location, which is not near his residential address, he has travelled with a knife and subsequently the bishop and the priest have been stabbed, Webb said. Theyre lucky to be alive. The teenager was known to police but was not on a terror watch list, Webb said. The Australian Security Intelligence Organization, the nations main domestic spy agency, and Australian Federal Police had joined state police in a counter-terrorism task force to investgate who else was potentially involved. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said the investigation had yet to uncover any associated threats. It does appear to be religiously motivated, but we continue our lines of investigation, Burgess said. Our job is to look at individuals connected with the attacker to assure ourselves that there is no-one else in the community with similar intent. At this stage, we have no indications of that, Burgess added. On ASIOs advice, the risk of a terrorist attack in Australia is rated at possible. That is the second lowest level after not expected on the five-tier National Terrorism Threat Advisory System. The boy had been convicted in January of a range of offenses including possession of a switch blade knife, being armed with a weapon with an intention to commit an indictable offence, stalking, intimidation and damaging property, Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported. A Sydney court released him on a good behavior bond, the ABC reported. The boy had also used a switch blade, which is an illegal weapon in Australia, in Mondays attack, the ABC reported. Juvenile offenders cannot be publicly identified in New South Wales state. In response to the attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there is no place for violence in our community. Theres no place for violent extremism. The Christ the Good Shepherd in suburban Wakeley streams sermons online and worshippers watched as a person in black clothes approached the altar and stabbed the bishop and priest Isaac Royel during a church service Monday evening before the congregation overpowered him, police said. A crowd of hundreds seeking revenge gathered outside the Orthodox Assyrian church, hurling bricks and bottles, injuring police officers and preventing police from taking the teen outside, officials said. The teen suspect and at least two police officers were also hospitalized, Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Andrew Holland told journalists. Paramedics treated 30 patients, with seven taken to hospitals, NSW Ambulance commissioner Dominic Morgan said. This was a rapidly evolving situation where the crowds went from 50 to a number of hundreds of people in a very rapid period of time, Morgan said. Our paramedics became directly under threat ... and had to retreat into the church, Morgan added. The church in a message on social media said the bishop and priest were in stable condition and asked for peoples prayers. It is the bishops and fathers wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator, the statement said. Holland commended the congregation for subduing the teen before calling police. When asked if the teens fingers had been severed, he said the hand injuries were severe. More than 100 police reinforcements arrived before the teen was taken from the church in the hours-long incident. Several police vehicles were damaged, Holland said. A number of houses have been damaged. Theyve broken into a number of houses to gain weapons to throw at the police. Theyve thrown weapons and items at the church itself. There were obviously people who wanted to get access to the young person who caused the injuries to the clergy people, he said. Australians were still in shock after a lone assailant stabbed six people to death in a Sydney shopping mall on Saturday and injured more than a dozen others. Holland suggested the weekend attack heightened the communitys response to the church stabbing. Given that there has been incidents in Sydney the last few days with knives involved, obviously theres concerns, he said. Weve asked for everyone to think rationally at this stage. The church said in a statement on Tuesday the 53-year-old Iraq-born bishops condition was improving. Emmanuel has a strong social media following and is outspoken on a range of issues. He proselytizes to both Jews and Muslims and is critical of liberal Christian denominations. He also speaks out on global political issues and laments the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. The bishop, described in local media as a figure sometimes seen as divisive on issues such as COVID-19 restrictions, was in national news last year with comments about gender. A video posted in May 2023 by the ABC about a campaign targeting the LGBTQ+ community showed the bishop in a sermon saying that when a man calls himself a woman, he is neither a man nor a woman, you are not a human, then you are an it. Now, since you are an it, I will not address you as a human anymore because it is not my choosing, it your choosing. McGuirk reported from Melbourne, Australia. A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor arrives at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, on March 28, 2024. (Sebastian Romawac/U.S. Air Force) A $350 million stealth fighter was damaged last week when its landing gear collapsed while being towed from an Okinawa runway, an Air Force spokesman said Monday. The F-22 Raptor recently assigned to Kadena Air Base landed around 10:30 a.m. Thursday without incident after a training flight, Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton, spokesman for the 18th Wing, told Stars and Stripes by email Monday. At approximately 11:50 a.m. the aircraft experienced a mishap with its landing gear while being towed, he said. There are no injuries as a result of this mishap, and a thorough investigation will be conducted. Raptors from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam arrived at Kadena on March 28 to join other fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, including F-35A Lightning IIs, already deployed there, the Air Force announced April 5. The Defense Department in December 2022 unveiled a two-year plan to rotate fighter squadrons through Kadena a key fighter and air transport hub in the Western Pacific and retire or reassign two squadrons of aging F-15C/Ds stationed there for decades. The Air Force has yet to announce a permanent replacement for the F-15s. A similar incident occurred Dec. 1, 2022, at Kadena when the nose of a Marine F-35B Lightning II while being towed on the flight line dropped after the forward landing gear malfunctioned. We are committed to conducting safe flight operations as we uphold our regional defense commitments, Hilton said. A Ukrainian soldier who goes by the call sign Ulysses stands by as his fellow soldier, Denys, prepares to launch a reconnaissance drone in February in the Donetsk region in Ukraine. (Alice Martins/The Washington Post) DONETSK REGION, Ukraine So many drones patrol the skies over Ukraines front lines - hunting for any signs of movement - that Ukrainian and Russian troops have little ability to move on the battlefield without being spotted, and blown up. Instead, on missions, they rush from one foxhole to another, hoping the pilots manning the enemy drones overhead are not skilled enough to find them inside. Expert drone operators, their abilities honed on the front, can stalk just a single foot soldier to their death, diving after them into hideouts and trenches. The surge in small drones in Ukraine has turned the area beyond either side of the zero line - normally known as the gray zone - into the death zone, said Oleksandr Nastenko, commander of Code 9.2, a drone unit in Ukraines 92nd brigade. Those who dare to move day or night under the prying eyes of enemy drones are dead immediately, he said. Cheap drones deployed in Ukraine have transformed modern warfare - and initially gave Ukrainian troops an advantage on a battlefield where they are perpetually outnumbered and outgunned. This is the evolution of our survival, Nastenko said. But the Russians quickly caught on and began mass producing their own drones. What followed was an overabundance of disposable, deadly drones and electronic warfare devices known as jammers that disrupt their flights. Most common are first-person-view, or FPV drones, typically controlled by a pilot wearing a headset and holding a remote controller. What were witnessing right now is blitzkrieg drone warfare, said Andrew Cote, chief of staff at BRINC Drones, a Seattle-based drone company sending equipment to Ukraine. Cote said that drones in Ukraine are as game changing as tanks were in World War I. It is pretty stalemate, he said, because if you are out in the open, you will be hunted. The technological advances probably have saved lives because drone pilots can work slightly farther from the zero - or contact - line than traditional infantry. But the saturation of drones, many with thermal cameras that work at night, has also shrunk the space where troops can move safely without being spotted - leading to high casualties and, in recent months, largely preventing either side from making major breakthroughs. These conditions - combined with widespread minefields and shortages of ammunition and soldiers - now make it virtually impossible for Ukraine to retake swaths of territory as it did in 2022. Russia, which has ample missile stocks and superior aviation power, capitalized on Ukraines ammunition shortages to seize the strategic eastern town of Avdiivka, and is now pushing to take more land. On Saturday, Ukraines commander in chief Oleksandr Syrsky warned that the situation on the eastern front had significantly deteriorated. Ukraine will rely largely on drones to make it difficult for the Russians to press forward without putting expensive Russian fighting vehicles at risk whenever they move. With large-scale drone production underway in Russia, Ukraine is racing to manufacture more than a million drones this year in hopes that it will prevent further Russian gains. That task is turning even more urgent as Kyiv rapidly runs out of artillery and air defense ammunition from its Western partners, including the United States. For months, Republicans in Congress have blocked a $60 billion aid package proposed by President Biden. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraines minister of digital transformation who is overseeing much of the countrys drone development, said Ukrainian drones have proved more accurate than artillery on some enemy targets. Still, artillery is a top need. Earlier in Russias invasion, Ukrainian troops relied on artillery to destroy high-value targets such as Russian tanks and halt the Russian advance. Now, a severe shortage of 155-mm shells means that even if surveillance drones identify dozens of targets, few will be attacked. If we dont get enough ammunition we will lose this war, said Denys, 31, a drone commander in Ukraines 45th brigade who conducts surveillance deep inside Russian-controlled territory, and who is being identified only by his first name for security reasons. In the meantime, we are holding off their advance with FPV drones, said Nepal, 32, a drone operator in the same brigade who, like others in this article, spoke on the condition he be identified only by his call sign, in keeping with military rules. A member of Ukraine's 92nd brigade's drone unit repairs a Vampire attack drone. (Alice Martins/The Washington Post) Ukraine has trained tens of thousands of soldiers like Nepal as drone pilots - a role that effectively did not exist when Russia invaded Crimea in 2014. In February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky formalized the role of drone operators, establishing a new military branch called the Unmanned Systems Forces. Repelling ground assaults is primarily the task of drones, Zelensky said, acknowledging that the role of infantry soldiers has changed dramatically. Ukrainian factories are producing a wide range of drone models, including ones that strike inside of Russia, and civilian volunteers are building FPVs themselves, following directions on YouTube. Demand for drones is outpacing supply, Fedorov said. Even if we meet all the needs that are formally there now tomorrow there will be 10 more attack drone companies that also need drones, he said. The sheer number of drones means the battlefield is almost transparent on both sides, Nepal said, speaking from a makeshift base near the front line filled with parts for FPVs. The devices, while fairly cheap to construct, are so strategically valuable that Nepal spends hours at his desk working to repair those seized from the Russians or fixing their own in hopes they can be used again. Jamming systems, which disrupt drone frequencies and turn pilots screens to static, have made missions even more difficult. Sometimes, Nepal said, he must hit his targets being almost blind. There is little besides jamming the signal that troops can do to protect themselves from a drone. Nepal often watches as Russian troops, holding assault rifles, try to save their lives by shooting down his explosive-laden drones before they crash into them. Nepals commander, Fox, 32, said nonstop flights of Russian drones mean everything is in danger. Last fall, his troops could fly their drones freely, taking out Russian targets. Now, due to jamming, they often cannot move them much more than one mile before their screens go gray. Stanislav, 35, who runs a drone unit in eastern Ukraine said that within a 10-kilometer radius controlled by his brigade and two others, there might be 100 reconnaissance and attack drones flying back-and-forth. The most challenging thing to figure out is if its Ukrainian or Russian drones, Stanislav said. When you see 10 drones in the sky theres no way to understand if its our drone coming back after reconnaissance in Russian-controlled territory or if its their drone which is coming for reconnaissance or attacking Ukrainian-controlled territory. Although the jamming systems he uses, developed by Ukrainian company Kvertus, help disrupt Russian flights, they also hamper his own. He said he wishes there was a magic button to disrupt all signals, but with drones using an increasingly wide range of frequencies such technology is not available. Russia knows how valuable drone pilots are to Ukraine and are targeting our drone operators with aerial guided bombs and grad systems, Fox said. Nastenko compared the precision of an advanced pilot to that of a jeweler; Fox likened the skill set to that of a Formula 1 racecar driver. Ulysses and another soldier monitor footage from a reconnaissance drone from devices set up in a foxhole. (Alice Martins/The Washington Post) On a recent mission, Nastenkos team - working from a foxhole near the zero line - launched a Vampire drone toward Russian positions. The thermal camera combed over dead trees until it found Russian troops hiding on their side of the line. Then, the drone dropped its payload, igniting a massive explosion. A recording showed Russian troops bodies as they went flying. The drone returned back to its base, where the Ukrainian troops loaded it up again and sent it back to kill any survivors. Meanwhile, another drone called a Mavic lingered overhead, monitoring Russian movements. Its camera picked up two disoriented soldiers running side by side in circles, their camouflage uniforms turned an eerie white under the thermal lens. Then they separated, looking for anywhere to hide. The Vampire drone homed in and fired again. Intercepted communications showed that the attack, which took roughly an hour, killed eight Russian troops, Nastenko said. Days later, troops in his unit embarked on another mission. While in the field, they came under an artillery attack, losing two of their own. David L. Stern in Kyiv contributed to this report. Protesters calling for an end to U.S. military use of Shannon Airport blocked the access road to the airport on April 14, 2024. (Shannon Airport/X) Passengers attempting to catch flights Sunday at an airport in western Ireland were forced to abandon their vehicles and walk to the terminal because of a sit-in by opponents of U.S. support for Israel, according to local media outlets. About two dozen activists demonstrated on the main N19 route in and out of Shannon Airport for more than an hour starting at about 3 p.m., the Clare Champion reported Sunday. The airport, in southwestern Irelands County Clare, has been used for stopovers and refueling of U.S. military aircraft for decades, the Irish Examiner wrote in August 2021. In 2020 alone, around 75,000 U.S. troops passed through its gates. About 500 protesters, led by local human rights group Shannonwatch, arrived at the airports main entrance around 2 p.m., the Champion said. The Irish government must now take action to end U.S. military use of Shannon airport immediately and this must be on a permanent basis, the group said in a statement. Police eventually began shuttling passengers and airport staff until protesters dispersed, Clare FM reported Sunday. No arrests were made, national police spokesman Sean Mac Seoin said in a statement Monday. After the initial protest broke up around 3 p.m., about two dozen people sat in the road and blocked traffic, the Champion reported. They continued to block access until just before 4:30 p.m., when police removed them. American usage of the airport came under intense scrutiny in the previous decade after rights groups identified it as a stopover for a CIA rendition program between 2001 and 2006, according to a 2014 report in the Irish Times. The planes moved al-Qaida suspects between countries with so-called black sites, where torture and human rights abuses took place, according to the U.K.-based Rendition Project. An Israeli Iron Dome Missile Defense system is tested during a live-fire exercise at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico in August 2021. (David Huskey/U.S. Army) KYIV When Iran unleashed hundreds of deadly missiles and drones at Israel this weekend, Israelis relied on a crucial tool that Ukraine still does not have: instant, direct assistance from the United States and other partners with military assets in the region. For more than two years, Ukraine has faced Russian missile and drone attacks, often including Iranian-made Shahed drones like the ones Tehran used on Saturday. As a shield, Ukraine relies on a hodgepodge of air defense systems provided by Western partners, including three U.S.-designed Patriot batteries manned by Ukrainian troops. This month, the biggest power station serving Kyiv was destroyed. Civilian casualties are common. By contrast, as the weapons launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen advanced toward their targets in Israel this weekend, U.S. forces prepared to react with fighter jets, a Patriot battery in Iraq and U.S. destroyer ships. Britain, France and Jordan also stepped up to assist. Together with Israels Iron Dome air defense system, they knocked down 99 percent of the some 300 missiles and drones averting major damage. The discrepancy in response was not lost on observers in Ukraine. Last week alone, Russia launched nearly 130 Shahed drones, 80 missiles and 700 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address on Sunday. Ukraine relied on its own troops and its dwindling supplies of ammunition. But the immediate international response to Irans attack on Israel proved that modern air defense can save lives and that such defense is possible, Zelenskyy said. The whole world saw that Israel was not alone in this defense the threat in the sky was also being eliminated by its allies, Zelenskyy said. And when Ukraine says that its allies should not turn a blind eye to Russian missiles and drones, it means action is needed a bold one. It is not rhetoric that protects the sky, it is not opinions that curb the production of missiles and drones for terror, he added. But with a $60 billion aid package stalled in Congress, Ukraine is urgently running out of ammunition and other supplies needed to keep up its own defense against airstrikes. Like Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba referred to the direct help that partners provided to Israel. Even if you cannot act the way you act in Israel, give us what we need and we will do the rest of the job, Kuleba said. Fearful that direct conflict with Russia could escalate into nuclear war, the United States and other NATO countries repeatedly have dismissed the idea of direct troop involvement in Ukraine. When French President Emmanuel Macron recently said that sending soldiers should not be ruled out, other Western leaders quickly denounced the suggestion as dangerous. Ukrainian officials say they need 26 Patriot systems, which each cost more than $1 billion, to cover the entire country. Kuleba has recently ramped up his pressure on Ukraines supporters to try to secure them. So far, only Germany has agreed, announcing on Saturday that it will send one Patriot to Ukraine. Some Ukrainians expressed hope that the largely thwarted attack on Israel would spur action on Capitol Hill, where the aid for Ukraine could be tied to further support for Israel. And Ukrainian officials were not the only ones drawing comparisons to the Middle East. Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, posting on X, formerly Twitter, commended Israel for repelling the attack. Now it would be useful to strengthen Israels antimissile defense and equip Ukraine with similar systems, Sikorski wrote. The easiest way is to unlock the aid package for Ukraine and Israel. In a new report on Monday, the Institute for the Study of War noted that Israels successful defense against Irans attack underscores the vulnerabilities that Ukrainian geography and the continued degradation of Ukraines air defense umbrella pose for Ukrainian efforts to defend against regular Russian missile and drone strikes. Ukraines geographic proximity to Russia also poses a challenge, with missiles and drones often traveling only short distances to reach their targets, giving Ukraine just minutes to react. By comparison, Israel and its partners had several hours to prepare for the weekend strikes, the ISW report said. In Ukraine, others described the disadvantage more bluntly. Celebrated Ukrainian novelist Oksana Zabuzhko wrote on Facebook that Israel faced an opponent before whom the West does not fall on its back in a position of canine humility. In Jordan, she noted, Israel also had a neighbor who assisted in stopping the strikes. We dont have any of that, she wrote. (In February 2022, Belarus, Ukraines neighbor, allowed Russian troops to cross its territory.) Ukrainian lawmaker Andrii Osadchuk wrote on Facebook that if suddenly the air force of NATO countries want to shoot down Iranian drones in the sky of Israel more effectively, they can train for free in Ukraine. Others said the multinational defense of Israel showed Ukraine to be isolated. What conclusion should Ukraine draw? We can only count on ourselves, Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko wrote on Telegram. Iran said the attack on Israel was in self-defense, he wrote. Have we heard this before? he wrote, referencing Russias excuses for invading Ukraine. Russia also responded to Irans strikes, by calling for restraint. The situation in the Middle East has become as heated as it may get and the conflict risks escalating to a regionwide confrontation, Russias ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, said a Security Council meeting on Monday. The spiral of confrontation and bloodshed must stop. Speaking of the Iranian strikes on Sunday morning, Nebenzya reminded the audience about the strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which preceded Irans attack on Israel. Nebenzya criticized certain members of the Security Council for their reluctance to clearly condemn the Israeli airstrike in the Syrian capital. The parade of hypocrisy and double standards that is unfolding in the Security Council today is so gross, he said, referring to the Wests readiness to criticize Iran but not Israel. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, said that the successful defense of Israel showed the need for a mandatory hard power response to such attacks. Answer or die! should be the unequivocal rule against those who seek to destroy global stability, Podolyak posted on X. Natalia Abbakumova in Riga, Latvia, contributed to this report. A judge recently sentenced two veterans for being part of a conspiracy to bilk Tricare, the militarys health care program, out of more than $65 million. Joshua Morgan and Kyle Adams were sentenced to 21 months and 15 months in prison, respectively. (Aspen Reid/U.S. Air Force) Two veterans convicted for their roles in bilking more than $65 million from U.S. military health insurer Tricare have been sentenced and ordered to pay back millions of dollars, the Justice Department said Friday. U.S. Marine veteran Joshua Morgan, 31, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $4.4 million in restitution, a federal judge in the Southern District of California said in an order filed in early April. Former U.S. Navy sailor Kyle Adams, 36, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay $11.5 million, another court order filed in late March said. Prosecutors say the pair recruited fellow service members to receive expensive medications they did not need or expect to receive in exchange for kickbacks. Meanwhile, other members of the conspiracy wrote bogus prescriptions and faked paperwork to obtain millions in insurance reimbursements. The fraud was one of many so-called compound medication schemes that put the survival of the health insurer Tricare at risk, prosecutors said. Todays sentencing closes the last chapter on this outrageous fraud scheme that almost put Tricare into bankruptcy, U.S. attorney Tara McGrath said in a statement Friday. Morgan and Adams worked as recruiters for Jimmy and Ashley Collins, a husband-and-wife team based in Tennessee. Service members were paid $300 a month to receive creams and erectile dysfunction pills as part of a medical evaluation. The fraud ring would then receive millions in insurance reimbursements, a criminal complaint said. Morgan, a sergeant in Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, based at Miramar Air Station in California, received $2.6 million for his work as a recruiter for the fraud, a sentencing document said. Adams received $1 million for his work recruiting 88 people. It took very little work to sign people up to receive free money, said Morgan, according to a sentencing document. He said service members knew the scheme was dubious. Many of his recruits signed up because they desperately needed the extra $300 a month, Morgan said. As to why Morgan took part in the scheme, he said it was due to his status as a Marine at the bottom of the pay scale, with a large car payment, and that he badly needed the extra money, the document said. The Marine used his cut of the proceeds on nightclubs and top-shelf alcohol. He bought two luxury cars, which were seized by the government, the sentencing document said. Adams, another recruiter, conceded he just went with it and turned a blind eye to the illegality of the scheme due to how much money was coming in, his sentencing document said. Two doctors, Carl Lindblad and Susan Vergot, and a nurse practitioner, Candace Craven, also took part in the scheme by writing fraudulent prescriptions, the Justice Department said. A pharmacy that filled the fraudulent prescriptions, CFK, Inc., pleaded guilty in 2019 to a conspiracy to submit false claims. Jimmy and Ashley Collins, the ringleaders of the scheme, were sentenced in January to a 10-year prison term and 18 months in home confinement, respectively. The couple was also ordered to pay $65 million. The couple targeted a Tricare billing change that led to inflated costs for compound medications, a practice in which a pharmacist creates a personalized blend of drugs. These bespoke medications cannot be evaluated like mass-produced drugs, are more expensive and reimbursed at a far higher rate by insurance companies, a statement by the Justice Department said in October. Mother-of-four Marta Hopkins (39) used a chair to attack another inmate on a landing Marta Hopkins was jailed for another three months over assault A prisoner grabbed a prison officer by the neck when the victim intervened as she used a chair to attack another inmate on a landing. Mother-of-four Marta Hopkins (39) let go of the chair and put her hands around the prison guards throat, leaving her with scratch marks and bruising, a court heard. Jailing her for another three months, Judge John Hughes said it was not part of prison staffs duties to endure assaults. Hopkins, of Kinvara Heights, Cavan, pleaded guilty to assaulting the officer at Mountjoy Prisons Dochas Centre on March 12 last year. Garda Sergeant Mary Maycock told Dublin District Court an officer was on duty that morning when she heard screaming and saw Hopkins hitting another prisoner with a chair. The officer went to take the chair from the accused and Hopkins let go of it but put both her hands around the officers neck. Other prison staff arrived and removed Hopkins from the victim, who suffered scratches to her neck and bruising to her right cheek. The accused had previous convictions for offences including several assaults. Hopkins, a Polish national, had a diagnosis of post-traumatic epilepsy following a traffic collision, her barrister Barry Lysaght said. She experienced seizures where she lost control and her behaviour had been erratic, he said. In this case, Hopkins account was that she was using the phone when the other prisoner approached her and prodded her with a mop. She reacted in a way that was not acceptable, Mr Lysaght said. She partially recalled lifting up the chair but suffered memory loss. Although there was something else going on beforehand that was not before the court, she acknowledged she was the aggressor in the assault on the prison officer. Judge Hughes made the three months consecutive to Hopkins current sentence, due to end next year. The alleged victim, who is in her 70s, was left "absolutely terrified" by the incident An elderly woman returning home from a prayer group was allegedly forced out of her vehicle by a carjacker, who riffled through her belongings and spilled holy water on the car floor. John Hanley (32) replied: "I did it, man, for me kids", after he was charged by gardai. The alleged victim, who is in her 70s, was left "absolutely terrified" by the incident, a court heard, and told gardai she feared what would have happened if she had removed the keys from the car. Judge David McHugh refused bail and remanded Mr Hanley in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on Thursday. The accused, with an address at Drom Na Coille Avenue in Lucan, appeared before Blanchardstown District Court this morning charged with unlawfully seizing a vehicle in Clondalkin and three counts of dangerous driving at Katharine Tynan Road in Tallaght on April 13. Garda Alan Dunne said that Mr Hanley was arrested at 9.25pm on Saturday and was taken to Clondalkin garda station, where he was later charged. Gda Dunne said Mr Hanley was handed a true copy of the charge sheets, and in reply after caution he said "I did it, man, for me kids". Gda Dunne objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charges. In relation to the allegation, Gda Dunne said the victim was driving home after attending the House of Prayer in Co Mayo. She had prayer cards and holy water in the vehicle, which she was giving to friends. Gda Dunne alleged Mr Hanley walked in front of the woman's car, while she was stopped at the junction of Nangor Road and Grange Castle Road in Clondalkin. Mr Hanley jumped on the bonnet and then entered the vehicle, and started shouting incoherently at the woman, the court heard. Gda Dunne alleged that Mr Hanley riffled through the woman's belongings, spilling holy water and the prayer cards onto the car floor. Mr Hanley allegedly forced his way into the driver's seat of the car, and the injured party got out, before the car drove away towards the N7. Mr Hanley allegedly drove dangerously on a number of occasions before he was arrested by gardai. Gda Dunne said the alleged victim was "absolutely terrified" by the ordeal. Defence solicitor Terence Hanahoe said Mr Hanley's wife was in court, and he asked the judge to grant bail, subject to strict conditions. Judge McHugh said this was a serious allegation, and he refused bail. Mr Hanahoe said his client had an injury and needed medical treatment. Judge McHugh directed that Mr Hanley should receive medical care in custody. We say that somebody shouldnt be subjected to a prosecution for something which is not an offence A man charged in connection with a money laundering investigation into the activities of rogue ex-solicitor and property developer Michael Lynn is taking a legal challenge against his prosecution. Bulgarian national Yavor Poptoshev (48) was given leave by the High Court today to bring judicial review proceedings against the DPP and the Garda Commissioner. He is challenging his prosecution for refusing to disclose the passwords to three electronic devices seized by gardai during a raid on his home. The High Court heard that lawyers for Mr Poptoshev will argue that the power to compel someone to disclose passwords during a search is a disproportion interference with the privilege against self-incrimination. Gardai seized a Google Pixel 4 mobile phone, a Google Pixel 6 mobile phone and an Asus laptop during a search of Mr Poptoshevs apartment at St Raphaelas Road, Stillorgan, Dublin on January 9. He was subsequently charged with obstructing a garda by refusing to disclose the passwords for the devices, contrary to Section 49 (1) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Mr Poptoshev appeared before Dun Laoghaire District Court on February 6. The summary offence is punishable by a fine and up to six months in prison. An application for leave to bring judicial review proceedings, challenging the constitutionality of the offence and the power to compel the disclosure of device passwords, was granted on an ex parte, or one side only, basis by Ms Justice Niamh Hyland. Mark Lynam SC, for Mr Poptoshev, told the court his client was a friend of Michael Lynn and had assisted in sifting through a vast volume of disclosure in the recent criminal case against the struck off ex-solicitor. Lynn was jailed for five and a half years in February for stealing 17.9m from six financial institutions by taking out multiple mortgages on the same property. Mr Lynam, who appeared instructed by Mulholland Law, said gardai had burst into the home of his client, who he said had no previous convictions. Mr Poptoshev declined to provide passwords at his home and asked to speak to a solicitor. Mr Lynam said Mr Poptoshev was arrested and eventually spoke to his solicitor in the garda station. The court heard the solicitor spoke to gardai and asked that the parameters of what was being searched for be outlined before the provision of the passwords. However, gardai declined to do so and charged Mr Poptoshev with non-disclosure. In my submission, the power to compel someone to do that during a search is a disproportion interference with the privilege against self-incrimination, said Mr Lynam. Mr Poptoshev is a suspect for offences being investigated by An Garda Siochana, which are set out in affidavit. It relates to a money laundering investigation. Mr Lynam said his client had legitimate reasons not to hand over his passwords straight away. He said there was a lot of legally privileged documentation on the devices. The barrister said his clients position was that the purported criminal offence was unconstitutional and disproportionate and that caselaw from the European Court of Human Rights would support this. What those cases indicate is where a person is compelled to hand over documents which would tend to incriminate them, that is a breach of Article 6 of the Convention, he said. We say the ECHR case law is crystal clear. That is a breach of the Convention. If it is a breach of the Convention, it is almost certainly a breach of the Constitution, which provides a higher standard of protection that the minimum standards of the Convention. Mr Lynam added: We say the actual power itself was unconstitutional, the power of arrest is unconstitutional and the criminal charge arising was unconstitutional. We say that somebody shouldnt be subjected to a prosecution for something which is not an offence. Mr Lynam said a further ground being advanced was that the legislation dated from 2001, before the advent of smartphones. The Oireachtas wouldnt really have had the chance to consider the impact of interference with smartphones, which contain a lot of information, he said. We say that if it is the case this law applies to smartphones, then it is invalid by being too vague because a person seeking legal advice couldnt be sure what it was he had to hand over. As part of the proceedings, Mr Poptoshev is seeking a stay on his prosecution until his challenge is decided. Ms Justice Hyland granted leave and made the case returnable to a date next month. No stay was placed on the prosecution. In the civil action, Mr Poptoshev says has lived in Ireland for 18 months but had known Lynn for 14 or 15 years and had worked with him on building projects in several countries, including Portugal, Hungary and Slovakia. The court heard that while there had been academic commentary on the issue, there had been no previous constitutional challenge dealing specifically with the provision of a password. Father-of-two Mehmet Umit Pala bizarrely claimed hell track the undercover cops who exposed him when he gets out of jail Mehmet Pala pleaded guilty to the charges and will be sentenced on May 3 A restaurateur convicted of attempting to sexually exploit a child and possession of child abuse images has bizarrely claimed hell track the undercover cops who exposed him when he gets out of jail. Father-of-two Mehmet Umit Pala (62) of Maiville Terrace, Turners Cross, Cork, claimed he wasnt a paedophile when the Sunday World confronted him this week, but then went on to disturbingly say that when girls wear tight clothing in public, you can see the p***y in the street. Pala posed as a 19-year-old male as he chatted with dozens of children online, leading to police in Canada being alerted to his nefarious activities. An undercover Canadian officer then posed as a 13-year-old girl and spoke to Pala on Snapchat. The girl repeated three times that she was 13 but Pala replied: I dont mind age and offered to send a picture of his penis before asking to see picture of her. Mehmet Pala tells our reporter that he closed his restaurants ahead of his court sentencing When gardai later seized his phone, they found child sex abuse imagery on it. He has been told he will be receiving a custodial sentence when he is sentenced at Cork Circuit Court next month. When the Sunday World confronted vile Pala at his home this week, he bizarrely told us: He is going to travel to Canada after he is released from prison to confront the undercover cop who exposed him; He has warned a 13-year-old relative of the dangers of predatory men posing as younger people on Snapchat; He doesnt have a sexual interest in children but was inundated with requests from them to see his penis, and, Gardai should go after drug dealers instead of people like him. Astonishingly, twisted Pala also made a vulgar reference to being able to see the genitals of girls who wear tight clothing in public, before claiming he doesnt stare at them because he has too many things on his mind. In the street, you see the tight trousers on the girls. When its touching, you can see the p***y in the street. I dont even look. I am thinking too many things. Im thinking of my restaurant; Im thinking of my staff and the bills. He also told the Sunday World that he would chat to children on Snapchat and claimed they were always asking him to see his penis but admitted he deleted the messages before gardai seized his phone. I tell you something, I have too many messages [saying] can I see your d**k? What can I say, how old are you? I said listen I am so busy because I have two restaurants but they say I want to see your d**k. I said Jesus Christ. Some I deleted to be honest. I did. A sexualised conversation Pala had on social media with a young school kid alerted Canadian police to his activities before they set up a sting operation with the undercover officer posing as a child. Gardai then raided Palas home and seized his phone where they discovered child abuse imagery. Pala admitted to gardai under questioning that he had been speaking to about 50 to 60 children through social media. He denied to the Sunday World that he was a danger to children and brazenly said he has warned a 13-year-old relative of the dangers of predators online. Mehmet Umit Pala speaking to reporter Alan Sherry at his home in Cork I look to her on her mobile and I explain the danger. I said, look if you have those things [social media], sometimes I check the mobile who is talking to her. I search, Im checking. Im not stupid, you know what I mean? Asked if he was worried about predatory adults contacting his relative, he said: It can happen, it does happen. He then said if he found a man doing that to one of his relatives, he would kill them. If they do that and the guy came, I would shoot him here. You get crazy. When we put it to him that he was a predatory adult contacting children, he tried to deny that was the case and gave bizarre explanation for why he was offering to send pictures of his penis to what he thought was a 13-year-old. I said I dont mind the age but I want to see to her exactly what [age] she is. I didnt see. I didnt send any pictures. If she was 13 years old, Id get her to stop. If they are in Canada, why didnt they tell me theyre Canadian police? I wanted to know exactly from her if she is 13 or 23 or maybe she is a man, maybe gay. Im not looking for young girls. I didnt know if she was young or old. She sent me a text saying hi, I said hi how are you, very friendly, those things. OK, I said I am 19 years old, I wanted to see exactly. She said can I see you. If I see she is 13 years old, I say OK. Im sorry, stop. I wanted to see her and after that, Id stop. I didnt see her picture. She didnt send it to me. He admitted his conversations with the person, who said they were 13 three times, were sexual. OK, I was talking sexual things. I said maybe she can open the camera. He claimed if he saw she was 13, he would stop the conversation but when our reporter asked him why he would be having a sexual conversation in the first place with someone who said they were that age, he had no explanation. Despite pleading guilty to possession of child abuse imagery, delusional Pala also claimed he wasnt looking at it. Mehmet Pala speaking to reporter Alan Sherry at his home in Cork I didnt look at pictures like that or videos. I didnt know nothing about downloading child pornography. He then said he knows he will go to jail but blamed the police for ruining his life and said he wants to track down the undercover cop who exposed him in Canada. I go to jail now, what can I do. They destroyed my life. If I go to jail now what can I do? When I come out Ill go to Canada. I go myself, I go to Canada and I can find the police [undercover] and say what is going on? Asked what he planned to do if he found the undercover officer, he bizarrely said: I can report him in Canada. I can find a good solicitor in Turkey and I want to sue him of course. Pala owned two restaurants in Cork an Italian and a Turkish restaurant on North Main Street but said he closed them down three weeks ago ahead of his impending jail sentence. He has put his kitchen equipment in storage and said he plans to open a new restaurant in Cork when he is released from prison. He claims his customers stood by him after his arrest and he doesnt feel his convictions will put people off visiting his restaurant when he gets out. The people came, they dont believe I am guilty. They talk to me. Customers came to me in my restaurant and they kept coming [after he appeared in court]. When our reporter put it to him again that pleaded guilty, Pala said: I said: what can you do, OK I am guilty. Say I am guilty, go to jail come back out and be free. My solicitor said if you dont accept and say not guilty you can get longer for the jail, so better to accept. Asked what his family thought when gardai arrested him, he said: They were in shock. I said to my wife I didnt send anything. She believed me. We have lived for 15 years together. She came with me the last time in court. Pala says gardai should be concentrating on catching drug dealers rather than people like him. I go to Dublin and I saw 14 or 15 year-old child using heroin. Where is the concern for those? He also bizarrely claimed he doesnt pick up girls in his car. Sometimes I go to Waterford because I want to buy gas cooker. There is a place. Sometimes I see in the street a girl and they [try and get me to] stop. I never stop because I dont want trouble. I dont take any women or girl into my car. It can be happen [that they say] oh he attacked me and how can I prove after that I didnt attack her? Pala will be sentenced at Cork Circuit Court on May 3. The American Red Cross and the Bismarck Fire Department will install free smoke alarms for Bismarck residents during a "Sound the Alarm" home fire safety event on Saturday, April 27. The donation-supported effort is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which aims to reduce the number of deaths from home fires. Working smoke alarms are critical for giving people time to escape a home fire, Bismarck Fire Marshal Owen Fitzsimmons said. People who need a smoke alarm can go to bit.ly/mndakssmokealarm to schedule an appointment. Volunteers are needed, and can register at bit.ly/Bismarck_STA. Training will be provided. A working smoke alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy -- and as a community, we can help our neighbors stay safe by ensuring they have these lifesaving devices, said Zoe Wergeland Manstrom, executive director of Red Cross in western North Dakota. Several witnesses were intimidated by associates of Brady in the lead up to the trial with one man told he would be killed, court hears A witness whose videoed statement was recorded and shared by garda killer Aaron Brady was warned he'd be "dealt with" and his family would "get it" if he testified against him. The Special Criminal Court today also heard how several witnesses were intimidated by associates of Brady in the lead up to the capital murder case with one man told he would "be killed" if he gave evidence. The 33-year-old is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 40 years for the murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe during a credit union robbery in Louth in 2013. Last week, Brady, originally from south Armagh, pleaded guilty to recording a videoed witness statement given by Ronan Flynn during the 2020 trial which was intended to pervert the course of justice. In his statement, he told gardai that Brady had admitted to the murder of Det Gda Donohoe on several occasions while they were living together in New York. Excerpts of the videoed statement were filmed by the garda killer from his prison cell and later circulated on social media describing Mr Flynn as a 'tout'. His co-accused, Dublin man Dean Byrne (30), remains on trial before the non-jury court accused of conspiring with Brady to persuade another witness, Daniel Cahill, from testifying in order to pervert the course of justice. Det Insp Mark Phillips gave evidence today about the investigation into the murder and concerns raised by witnesses prior to the trial commencing. He agreed with Lorcan Staines SC, prosecuting, that he compiled a confidential report in the months before the trial began dealing with 14 witnesses, several of whom had complained about being either directly or indirectly threatened by associates of Mr Brady. The court heard that Ronan Flynn contacted gardai in January 2019 and said he was "very concerned for his own safety and that of his family". The court heard Mr Flynn's sister was also informed that if "he ever stepped foot back in Ireland again, he would be dealt with", and that if he gave evidence his family "would get it". He also met with Det Insp Phillips in July 2019 and relayed that his family members were "getting hassle in Ireland from associates of Aaron Brady". Ultimately only two of the 14 witnesses mentioned in the report gave evidence in the trial, the court heard. The confidential report stated that Daniel Cahill said he was approached by one of Brady's friends in New York and asked if he had spoken to authorities. He also considered moving out of the Bronx to be away from Brady's associates. The court heard that one witness feared for his family's safety if he testified. Another man told gardai he would not be giving evidence after being approached by individuals prior to the trial, warning he would "be killed if he gives evidence". In cross-examination, Det Insp Phillips agreed with Padraig Dwyer SC, defending, that by the time the report was compiled in October 2019, Daniel Cahill had not expressed concerns about being intimidated by anyone. The defence counsel said that they were not objecting to the hearsay evidence but wanted to outline that there was no suggestion of intimidation in the charge against his client. The trial continues before three judges at the Special Criminal Court this afternoon. Liudmyla Budash (46) was remanded in custody after a bail application was deferred at Dublin District Court A WOMAN has appeared in court charged with money laundering after nearly 500,000 in alleged crime proceeds was seized in a raid by organised crime detectives. Liudmyla Budash (46) was remanded in custody after a bail application was deferred at Dublin District Court. Ms Budash, a Ukrainian national of no fixed address is charged with possession of 491,855, the proceeds of criminal conduct, at Crampton Quay on April 12. Detective Garda Declan O'Reilly of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau told Judge Paula Murphy he arrested the accused for the purpose of charge at Pearse Street station on April 13. She made no reply after caution and was handed a copy of the charge sheet. Det Gda O'Reilly said he would be objecting to bail, but defence solicitor Wayne Kenny said he was not making a bail application on behalf of his client today. He said he may be in a position to apply on Friday and the judge remanded the accused in custody until then. She granted free legal aid at Mr Kenny's request after he submitted a statement of Ms Budash's financial means to the court. The judge certified for a Russian interpreter to be present. The accused has not yet indicated how she intends to plead to the charge, which is under the Criminal Justice Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act. Jason (Jay) OConnor is accused of the attempted murder of Charlie Cooper at Parslickstown Green, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 Gardai at the scene of the shooting A MAN facing trial before the Special Criminal Court for attempted murder is alleged to have been found in possession of a mobile phone in his prison cell. Jason (Jay) OConnor appeared before Cloverhill District Court via video-link from Mountjoy Prison on Tuesday, where details of the new charge against him were heard. Judge John OLeary heard it was alleged OConnor was discovered in possession of a mobile phone in Mountjoy Prison on January 11 this year. The court heard the matter could be adjourned for a period of two weeks or for a lengthier period with consent from the defendant. OConnor gave his consent and the matter was put back to May 7. In January, the State successfully applied to have OConnors trial for the attempted murder of a man in Dublin seven years ago heard before the non-jury Special Criminal Court. OConnor is before the Special Criminal Court OConnor (45) of Whitestown Road in Blanchardstown, Dublin, is accused of the attempted murder of Charlie Cooper at Parslickstown Green, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, on December 5, 2016. Mr OConnor is also charged with the possession of a 9mm firearm and 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition with intent to endanger life at the same location and on the same date. At a hearing of the non-jury court in January, State solicitor Michael ODonovan made a successful ex-parte application where only one side is represented to try Mr OConnor at the three-judge court. The State can apply for a certificate to transfer a trial to the Special Criminal Court if it is believed the ordinary courts are inadequate to secure the effective administration of justice. Mr OConnor was not required and did not attend the brief hearing before presiding judge Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, who granted the application and adjourned the matter. Gardai at the scene of the shooting Charles Cooper was seriously injured when he was shot multiple times at his home at Parslickstown Green. He was treated in hospital and made a recovery. The accused was originally charged last August. At that court sitting, Detective Inspector Liam Donoghue said Mr OConnor was charged in his presence and made no reply to either count after caution. He was handed copies of the charge sheets. Defence solicitor Richard Young made no bail application given that one of the charges was for attempted murder. Judge Cephas Power granted free legal aid after Mr Young filed a statement of Mr OConnors financial means to the court. There was no garda objection to legal aid. The suspect, who is aged in his 30s, is well known for involvement in burglaries and robberies A serial criminal has been arrested by armed gardai after carjacking a female pensioner in Dublin. The suspect, who is aged in his 30s, is well known for involvement in burglaries and robberies, while he has also been the victim of a jailhouse attack in the past. On Saturday night, gardai were alerted to reports of two hijackings on the R136 at Grange Castle in Clondalkin, shortly after 9pm. Witnesses reported that a man tried to force his way into one car but was unsuccessful, before targeting another vehicle. It is understood the suspect jumped out in front of the passing car, causing it to come to a sudden stop. The man then grabbed the motorist, aged in her late 70s, and forced the pensioner from her car before speeding away from the scene. The victim did not suffer any serious physical injuries during the incident. Gardai said that a managed containment operation was put in place by local officers and members of the Armed Support Unit. The stolen car was intercepted a short time later on the Kathleen Tynan Road in Tallaght and the suspect was arrested before being taken to a west Dublin garda station for questioning. The Sunday World understands the arrested man has more than 60 previous convictions, for crimes including burglary and robbery. The suspect, who is from west Dublin, has also previously been the victim of an assault behind bars after being attacked by a number of inmates. He is known to gardai in Dublin and is mainly linked to break-ins, shop thefts and robberies, and he has been on the garda radar since he was a teenager, a source said. The man, who was detained under section four of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, has been charged and is expected to appear before Blanchardstown District Court this morning. A garda spokesperson confirmed the man has since been charged in relation to the investigation and will appear before Blanchardstown District Court. Gardai are appealing to anyone who was in the Grange Castle Road area of Clondalkin at around 9pm last night and who may have witnessed these incidents to come forward, the spokesperson said. Any persons with camera footage, including dashcam, is asked to make this available to investigating gardai at Clondalkin garda station on 01-6667600, the garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. Tara OKelly says her aunt and wider Liberties community helped instil good values I cant dwell on the past, says young Dublin woman who lost both parents to addiction as a child A young Dubliner, who lost both her parents to addiction as a child, credits her aunt and the local community for keeping her on the right path. Tara OKelly (22) was born and raised in the Liberties, and lives on Meath Street with her aunt, Ado. Tara was just two-and-a-half years old when her parents died. Ado fostered Tara and her three sisters, alongside caring for her own two children, and Tara considers her the mother she never had. Working in the same Meath Street deli since she was 14, Tara credits her aunt and the wider Liberties community for helping her to thrive. Her story will be highlighted as part of this years Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival, which is taking place from May 8 to 12. Tara O'Kelly, who lives on Meath Street in Dublin, shared her story with Humans of Dublin as part of the Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival. Photo: Frank McGrath Humans of Dublin were commissioned to create a series of stories shining a light on the people of the Liberties, with the final images and interviews forming part of an exhibition in The Bank on James Street during the festival. Tara says she was one of the lucky ones to be given a second chance in life and be raised by someone like her aunt. I call my aunt my ma because thats what she is to me, Tara said. She never had a partner, and she did everything on her own; shes the best in the world. She devoted her whole life to us, providing a good life and instilling good values in us. Tara added that she he has the utmost respect for her aunt, describing her as strict, but only being that way to protect them. She said she never went down the wrong path, largely due to the protection of her aunt. Her no meant no, and I wouldnt ever question that, she said. Children are being corralled into the hands of drug lords. Its like society wants to turn a blind eye Parts of the south-west inner city, which stretches as far as the Grand Canal to the south and Inchicore and Kilmainham to the west, includes areas of significant disadvantage. The social issues include a lack of green space, recreational facilities or pitches for children in Dublin 8 to play on, often exposing them to less healthy temptations. Local campaigners have been lobbying for decades for a playing field for the area, saying kids are being corralled into the hands of drug lords. It seems like society wants to turn a blind eye to this and see them as a different socio-economic class, campaign group Sporting Liberties has said. In recent weeks, some residents in the area said they didnt feel safe due to concerns around open drug dealing, aggressive behaviour by gangs of youths and a lack of street lighting in certain areas. She also said that working at Noels Deli has helped her overcome social anxiety. Photo: Frank McGrath However, the community spirit in the area remains strong and residents continue to call for more investment in Dublin 8, as well as an increased garda presence to tackle anti-social behaviour. Tara has worked at Noels Deli on Meath Street since the age of 14, working weekends during school and now full-time as a shop assistant. I wouldnt be the person I am today without working here, she said. I know everyone who comes through the door, and half of my family are regular customers. She also said that working at Noels Deli has helped her overcome social anxiety, which used to cause her skin to break out into rashes. Ive learned small talk, and everywhere I go, I get told Im so chatty, but its just because of the job, she said. I left the job two years ago for roughly three months and came straight back because youd never get another place like here. She described the community in the Liberties as a lovely place to grow up in, where people will always look out for each other. If you go down the road of dwelling on the past thats when the problems start to happen Word travels fast within the community, with her regularly receiving calls from friends or family members about her younger nieces whereabouts. Since her story was highlighted on @humansofdub, Tara said the support has been amazing and shes even received free coffees from customers at work. Having not known her own parents, she said she tries to focus on the positives and the support she has received from Ado. Ive always had her to guide me and my siblings, she said. You just have to keep fighting; I cant dwell on the past and go down that road because thats when the problems start to happen. The Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival is taking place from Wednesday, May 8, to Sunday, May 12. See www.culturedatewithdublin8.ie The fire, at Trudder House in Newtownmountkennedy, broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning The Taoiseach hits out at arson attack on building earmarked to house asylum seekers The Taoiseach has criticised the people behind an arson attack on a building that was earmarked for asylum seeker accommodation in Co Wicklow. The fire, at Trudder House in Newtownmountkennedy, broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning. Fire services attended the scene and extinguished the fire. Gardai said a technical examination of the scene has been conducted and investigations into the incident were ongoing. Simon Harris said the arson attack was unhelpful during a housing crisis (Niall Carson/PA) A number of buildings that have been earmarked for housing asylum seekers, as well as sites rumoured to be, have been targeted in recent times. There have been more than 20 fires at properties associated, sometimes incorrectly, with accommodating asylum seekers in 2023 and 2024. Taoiseach Simon Harris said that Ireland is responding to a humanitarian crisis and that the arson attacks on buildings during a housing crisis is extraordinarily unhelpful. I understand theres investigation ongoing in relation to that incident and I dont want to say anything in the position I hold that prejudices the outcome of that, Mr Harris said on Monday. Trudder House was the scene of protests over plans to house asylum seekers (Niall Carson/PA) But, of course, Im very concerned to see any fire happening in any buildings or indeed any location, particularly at a time when we live in a country that already has it constraints when it comes to housing supply. For anybody to take any action that will in any way further worsen that situation is extraordinarily unhelpful and in a very, very difficult and challenging time, when Ireland is responding to an humanitarian crisis. Ill let the Garda investigation run its course before I comment further on any motives. Gardai confirmed it is investigating the suspected criminal damage by fire incident. A number of protesters have been staging a demonstration near the building in recent weeks, with some remaining in the area on Monday. The Department of Integration had been assessing the site for suitability for providing accommodation after accepting a HSE offer to use the empty building. We are heading for a united Ireland and theres no doubt about that A founding father of the DUP has said he believes the party is finished. The Reverend Ivan Foster spoke out after Sir Jeffrey Donaldson stepped down as DUP leader when it emerged he was facing historic sex charges. The Rev Foster a retired Free Presbyterian minister says the public image of a patched-up and united party is a mirage. He insisted: Its downright impossible for DUP politicians to square the circle currently surrounding it. And he claimed: From a human point of view, these people are so bloated in their pride, they believe they can pull off anything. These people were just full of their own importance. The thing about the DUP today, they think they can turn things around. But I dont think they can. They will reap what they sow. The partys finished. The 81-year-old is convinced that rather than helping save the Union, the DUP is failing to stop Northern Ireland move closer to a united Ireland. We are heading for a united Ireland and theres no doubt about that, he said. The Rev Foster was previously an editor with Ulster Television before taking up the cloth. He added: The other night I was watching the news on TV and first item on the agenda was the appointment of a new Taoiseach in the Republic. Thats just one example of whats happening. We are being subtly prepared for unity. We are drifting there, of that there is no doubt. And he believes the British establishment are conditioning the public of Northern Ireland for a change of status regarding their position as UK citizens. Read more Confusion reigns over rape accused Jeffrey Donaldsons planned day in court He says the British Secret Service exercises much more control over Northern Ireland than is perceived by the general public. I have often said to anyone willing to listen to me, that the British government machinery is the most subtle, the most deceitful, that ever has been. It has been in operation longer than the Roman Empire, the Grecian Empire, the Babylonian Empire and the Persian Empire. The Americans are second league in comparison to the treachery of the British government in this regard. Those smiling Englishmen with their double-barrelled names and their sirs and their lords, they could teach the devil how to be deceitful. He added: There is an unfolding story here and when it emerges, people will find it hard to believe. But the fate of the DUP is sealed. The Rev Ivan Foster with former DUP leader Ian Paisley And he said he didnt believe the new show of unity between interim party leader Gavin Robinson and party rivals who voted against the Donaldson Deal, including Ian Paisley. Until last week, it appeared both DUP factions were poles apart. Many activists opposed to the deal accused Sir Jeffrey of rushing it through. The retired clergyman who served in a previous administration at Stormont is on record as saying he converted to Free Presbyterianism after hearing the late Rev Ian Paisley preach in a corrugated tin church on Belfasts Ravenhill Road in the early 1960s. Together they were arrested and fined for public order offences following a public protest against what they claimed was an ecumenist trend in other churches. And when they refused to pay their fines, a magistrate sent them both to prison for six months. Following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement in November 1985, Ivan Foster was one of three founding members of Ulster Resistance, a paramilitary group which paraded in uniform. In an interview with the Sunday World, Rev Foster revealed he later lined up the men under his command and told them: Go back to your wives and families this man (Ian Paisley) isnt serious. In Mr Brysons last electoral foray, he secured 167 votes in the 2011 council elections in North Down Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has revealed he is considering standing against the DUPs interim leader in the general election. Mr Bryson said he has had serious discussions with TUV leader Jim Allister about going forward as a candidate and could take on Gavin Robinson in East Belfast. While Mr Bryson said he would not stand for any political party, he could as an independent, potentially endorsed by the TUV and Reform UK, who last month announced a formal partnership ahead of the Westminster poll. In Mr Brysons last electoral foray, he secured 167 votes in the 2011 council elections in North Down. It comes as Mr Allister said he intends anti-protocol candidates to stand in all 18 Northern Ireland seats in the election, but refused to say if he himself will be on the ballot paper. Mr Bryson said no firm decision has been made yet, and he will make a decision closer to the time. I can confirm Ive had serious discussions with Jim [Allister] and Ben [Habib deputy leader of Reform UK] about standing in the election, but no decision has been made yet, he said. Theres no prospect of me joining any particular party, but I would be open to challenging Gavin Robinson in East Belfast as an independent, perhaps with the endorsement of the TUV and Reform. Yesterday, Mr Allister would neither confirm nor deny he had held discussions with Mr Bryson. He said "it is beyond premature to comment on the matter", adding: "The TUV and Reform UK haven't yet settled the formula in terms of seats. Speaking on the BBCs Sunday Politics earlier, Mr Allister said he is happy to talk to Mr Robinson ahead of the election, as long as it is about returning to the joint unionist declaration in opposition to the protocol. He said unionists had the right to leave the Donaldson deal, which saw the DUP return to power-sharing in February, dead in the water by having anti-protocol candidates in each constituency. In 2021, the leaders of the unionist parties issued a joint statement setting out their opposition to the post-Brexit trading arrangements. They detailed their unalterable position that the protocol must be rejected and replaced by arrangements which fully respect Northern Irelands position as a constituent and integral part of the United Kingdom. When the TUV and Richard Tices Reform UK party announced their partnership last month, they said their respective parties would stand agreed candidates in Northern Ireland. But that has led to fears that it could split the unionist vote in marginal constituencies, such as East Belfast, where Mr Robinsons 1,819 majority could be threatened by Alliance. Gavin Robinson Earlier the TUV leader had been asked whether it is his intention for TUV or Reform anti-protocol candidates to run in all 18 constituencies. That certainly is the aspiration and intention, he replied. We havent named our 18 candidates, but I said it was our intention to seek to do that. If the greater number of unionists reject the Donaldson deal, then its dead in the water and thats the opportunity theyll be given, and why shouldnt they be? Mr Allister was pressed on whether he will stand in the election and, if so, in which constituency. Youll just have to wait and see, he said. Meanwhile, Baroness Kate Hoey, who has backed the unionist anti-Protocol cause strongly, has confirmed she wouldnt be standing in the general election. The Northern Ireland-born peer who would have to give up her seat in the Lords to take one in the Commons said she had made clear she would not run, and that she is not aligned to any political party. Baroness Kate Hoey Last week it emerged the TUV had proposed a pact to maximise the number of unionist MPs returned in the election, but this was shot down by the DUP. The offer was made last summer, but was allegedly rejected by Gavin Robinson. Asked if he is prepared to speak to Mr Robinson ahead of the election, after the interim DUP leader said he would be willing to have a conversation with the TUV leader, Mr Allister responded: Let me remind you, Gavin Robinson was the man who shot down a TUV proposition that we have a single [unionist] party for this election. Hes the man who shot it down, so Im rather intrigued that he now wants to talk. But its talking about returning to the path of the united unionist declaration, which was when unionism was most united before the DUP and the Ulster Unionists divided it by departing from that declaration, that Im happy to talk about it. But responding to Mr Allisters comments, DUP MP Gregory Campbell said unionist infighting helped no-one. He pointed to the failure to get Mervyn Storey returned in North Antrim at the 2022 Assembly election costing the DUP another ministerial seat. Unionists need only look at the Ministerial portfolios in Stormont to see the consequences of divided unionism, he said. A handful of votes in North Antrim was the difference between having an Alliance minister and another unionist minister. The TUV know that their intervention can only aid those who, ironically, were the cheerleaders for the rigorous implementation of the protocol. Fractured unionism costs seats, and influence. The former US president attended a court in New York on Monday for the start of jury selection in his hush money trial. The charges centre on 130,000 US dollars (about 104,000) in payments that Trumps company made to his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen. He paid that sum on Trumps behalf to keep porn actor Stormy Daniels from going public, a month before the election, with her claims of a sexual encounter with the married mogul a decade earlier. Prosecutors say the payments to Mr Cohen were falsely logged as legal fees in order to cloak their actual purpose. WAR CABINET The Israeli governments war cabinet has threatened to retaliate against Iran for its huge drone and missile attack even as allies warned against an escalation of the conflict and the US said it would not help prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attack Tehran. Mr Netanyahus team is divided over the timing and scale of their response to the Iranian barrage on Saturday. The five-member cabinet, in which Mr Netanyahu, defence minister Yoav Gallant and cabinet minister Benny Gantz have decision-making powers, met yesterday and is expected to convene again for further discussions. Israel hailed its successful air defences in the face of an unprecedented attack by Iran, saying it and its allies thwarted 99pc of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched towards its territory. But regional tensions remain high, amid fears of further escalation in the event of a possible Israeli counter-strike. US president Joe Biden convened a meeting of leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) advanced democracies to co- ordinate a united diplomatic response. The participants unanimously condemned the Iranian attack and said they stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives. But the US made clear it would not participate in any offensive action against Iran. We dont seek a war with Iran. Were not looking for escalation here, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. Iran launched the attack in response to a strike, widely blamed on Israel, on an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month that killed two Iranian generals. Israel said Iran launched 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles late on Saturday evening. By yesterday morning, Iran said the attack was over and Israel reopened its airspace. The two enemies have for years been engaged in a shadow war marked by incidents such as the Damascus strike. But Saturdays assault, which set off air-raid sirens across Israel, marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military attack on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israel has, over the years, established often with the help of the US a multilayered air-defence network that includes systems capable of intercepting a variety of threats, including long-range missiles, cruise missiles, drones and short-range rockets. That system, along with collaboration with US and other forces, helped thwart what could have been a far more devastating assault at a time when Israel is already bogged down in its war against Hamas in Gaza and engaged in low-level fighting on its northern border with Lebanons Hezbollah militia. Israel has hailed its successful air defences in the face of an unprecedented attack by Iran, saying it and its allies thwarted 99% of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched towards its territory. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are backed by Iran. Israeli and US officials praised the response to the aerial assault. Iran launched more than 300 threats and 99pc were intercepted, said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman. That is a success. Asked whether Israel would respond, Mr Hagari said the country would do what was needed to protect its citizens. He added that none of the drones reached Israel, 25 cruise missiles were shot down by the Israeli air force and none entered Israels airspace. He said most of the ballistic missiles were also intercepted. Mr Netanyahu posted a short message on X, saying: We intercepted. We blocked. Together, we will win. Mr Gallant also celebrated the results, thanking the US and other countries for their assistance, but warned that the incident was ongoing. This campaign is not over yet. We need to remain vigilant and to prepare for any scenario, he said in a video statement. At the same time, we blocked the first wave [of attacks], and we did it with great success. Mr Hagari said minor damage was caused to an Israeli air base, but noted it was still functioning. However, rescuers said a seven-year-old girl was seriously wounded in southern Israel, apparently in a missile strike, though they said police were still investigating the circumstances of her injuries. Israel announced it has reopened its airspace, loosening one restriction it had imposed ahead of the strike, although schools remained closed around the country. Neighbouring Jordan also reopened its airspace. General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, said the operation was over. We have no intention of continuing the operation against Israel, he was quoted as saying by a state-run news agency. Irans president Ebrahim Raisi claimed Iran had taught Israel a lesson and warned that any new adventures against the interests of the Iranian nation would be met with a heavier and regretful response from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Irans foreign ministry summoned the ambassadors of the UK, Germany and France yesterday after the three European nations condemned the Iranian attack on Israel. The ministry said on its website that the ambassadors were called in over their governments irresponsible stances on the Iranian operation against Israel, which was in retaliation for a strike widely blamed on Israel on an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month. Israel may be particularly proud of the success of its defence because it stands in sharp contrast to the failures it endured during Hamass attack on October 7. Facing a far less powerful enemy in Hamas, Israels border defences collapsed and the military took days to repel the marauding militants an embarrassing defeat for the Middle Easts strongest and best-equipped army. While thwarting the Iranian onslaught could help restore Israels image, what it does next will be closely watched both in the region and in Western capitals. In Washington, Mr Biden said US forces helped Israel down nearly all the drones and missiles and pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response. Mr Biden, who had cut short a weekend stay at his Delaware beach house to meet his national security team at the White House, spoke to Mr Netanyahu yesterday. I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel, Mr Biden said. During the call, Mr Biden encouraged Israel to proclaim the interceptions a success against Iran and made clear the US would not participate in any offensive action against Iran, according to a senior administration official. In a statement yesterday, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said the US would not seek escalation, and would hold talks with its allies in the coming days. The US, along with its allies, has sent direct messages to Tehran to warn against further escalating the conflict. Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard issued a new threat against the US. The terrorist US government is warned any support or participation in harming Irans interests will be followed by decisive and regretting response by Irans armed forces, the group said in a statement. Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israels six-month war against Hamas militants in Gaza, triggered by the October 7 attack on Israel. On that day, militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, also backed by Iran, killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. An Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed more than 33,000 people, according to local health officials. Negotiations under way meant to bring about a ceasefire in exchange for the release of the hostages appeared to hit a setback yesterday. Mr Netanyahus office said Hamas had rejected the latest proposal for a deal, which had been presented to Hamas a week ago by mediators Qatar, Egypt and the US. A Hamas official said the group wanted a clear written commitment that Israel would withdraw from the Gaza Strip during the second of a three-phase ceasefire deal. The deal presented to the sides calls for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, during which Hamas would release 40 of the more than 100 hostages the group is holding in the enclave in exchange for 900 Palestinian prisoners from Israels jails, including 100 serving long sentences for serious crimes. Hamas welcomed Irans attack, saying it was a natural right and a deserved response to the strike in Syria and urged the Iran-backed groups in the region to continue to support Hamas in the war against Israel. Almost immediately after the war erupted, Hezbollah began attacking Israels northern border. The two sides have been involved in daily exchanges of fire, while Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, Syria and Yemen have launched rockets and missiles towards Israel. The comedian turned telly presenter gets in touch with his wild side as he hangs out with survivalists for show Martin gets a taste of camp life with the survivalists Martin and one of his new acquaintances Comedian turned telly presenter Martin Beanz Ward admits he was stunned to find out there are thousands of Irish survivalists training for an apocalypse. The Galwegian hung out with survivalists at a makeshift camp in Co Wexford, where they cooked a slaughtered deer in an underground fire pit. Theres just over 3,000 members of the Irish Survivalist Group on Facebook and I met about 10 of them at a camp outside New Ross, says Martin. For these lads, its not like theyre batsh*t crazy. Theres an awful lot of camaraderie with the Irish lads, they will all meet up. Some would be in tents, some in campervans. Martin and one of his new acquaintances They do survivalist stuff and theyre building fires and cooking. They all have day jobs. They come from all over Ireland. One of the men he meets on his TV series The End Of The World With Beanz wants to build his own underground bunker. Martin points out that the series was filmed two years ago. A lot has happened since then, with the stuff going on in the Ukraine and Israel, he says. I imagine if I was to revisit those lads now I reckon that kind of stuff, for anyone who wants to prepare for the worst, that would be the worst. I imagine that would be something theyd be thinking about, that there could be some sort of apocalypse coming down the tracks. Martin did not eat the deer though at the camp. I didnt chance it, he smiles. I dont think it was killed near the camp or wherever; I think was brought on side. I think somebody had land and were culling deer. They wouldnt be out trapping rabbits, or shooting pheasant willy nilly. They would have sourced it ethically. Martin at the fire pit Im an animal lover myself, so I wouldnt be able (to kill). I eat meat, like the average person. But in so far removed from the slaughter of the animal. I dont know if Id be able to survive too long if I had to kill my own meat. The Tuam-born comic also opens up on how he got his nickname. You dont leave Tuam without a nickname, he giggles. I was fat, red faced and slightly ginger. They used to call me the human bean. He started doing comedy in 2006 and when he lost all his shows in 2020 due to Covid he started writing, both a play and some newspaper columns. He also managed to get funding to the TV series, which is primarily based around climate change and sustainability. Among stars he roped in to take part in the series was comedian Bernard OShea, who teamed up with him to visit the Amish community, and model and influencer Roz Purcell, who went to a remote Scottish island with him. Martin with Roz Purcell But he drew the line at going swimming with her in the sea. It would look like a dolphin swimming beside a blue whale, so I saved myself the embarrassment. She had no problem getting into a cold ocean, she took to it like a duck to water. She is an amazing person. Breasts. Once theyre on your mind, you begin to see them everywhere or at least throughout New Zealand, thanks to a visual Breast Cancer Foundation NZ - BCFNZ - mammogram reminder campaign, developed by Ogilvy NZ. Live now, the Maybe its a sign campaign aims to create an always on mammogram reminder, deploying images of breast-like objects on a hero social film and throughout the country with a simple call to action; maybe its time to book a mammogram. Mammograms can seem scary and uncomfortable, which makes them easy to avoid thinking about," says Ogilvy NZ ECD Kristal Knight. "This campaign helps make an uncomfortable topic more comfortable with a light-hearted way to get breasts on everyones minds. "And once youve seen it, you cant unsee it. "Which effectively extends our media reach to every breast-like object you come across, turning the world into an always on reminder campaign. Next time you look at your fruit bowl, you might just wonder if the limes are dropping a hint to book your mammogram. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ - Signs Are Everywhere from Ogilvy NZ on Vimeo. BCFNZ chief executive, Ah-Leen Rayner says since the arrival of Covid, the number of women having their mammograms had dramatically declined and participation numbers still have not fully recovered. A lot of women couldn't get their mammograms when the screening programme was paused during lockdowns, and we know mammograms also became less of a priority when there were more pressing health concerns," says Ah-Leen. "But with nine New Zealand women being told they have breast cancer each day on average, its critical that females get their mammograms so they have they best chance of an early diagnosis - because it could well save their life. "Having an easily shared, easily recognisable and always on campaign that continues the behaviour change message year-round is vital, and were hopeful this approach will see appointments rise. The social element of the campaign went live today, with some OOH elements seen from December. The social film can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/915344068 Coromandel MP Scott Simpson has taken a swing at the Department of Conservation over the ongoing closure of Cathedral Cove. In Parliament last week, Simpson said DoC had been so slow to get that track open. Simpson told the house DoC had a very slow timetable. DoC says it will not be responding to Simpsons parliamentary speech. Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki regional director Tinaka Mearns says DoC is continuing to work towards a June deadline set by Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka. We also have some information on our Cathedral Cove work programme to share with the public and media early next week. Last month, DoC announced the first steps to restore walking access to Coromandels Cathedral Cove Te Whanganui-a-Hei, while Potaka said he hoped to have the walking tracks reinstated before next summer. DoC is now looking at rerouting the walking tracks, as the existing tracks were still unsafe. The track to the famous beach - renowned for its natural rock arch feature was severely damaged by extreme weather events last year. Since then, walking tracks to the cove have been closed. I think its beholden upon the Department of Conservation to actually get their act together, to pull finger, and to actually get ahead of the Ministers timetable and see if we can get the track open sooner, Simpson said on Tuesday. There was some cyclone damage to the pathway that takes people down to the beach from the lookout, down quite a long and windy walk, and some damage has occurred, but, by engineering standards and by any other measure, its not that big a job to get it fixed. Labours MP for Christchurch Central, Duncan Webb, told the house Simpson should talk to his minister Tama Potaka. The Cathedral Cove Walkway is still closed but the popular site can be admired from afar during a kayak or boat tour. Photo / Department of Conservation. Simpson said Potaka visited on January 2. We went and had a look and then about a week or so later ... we had the Minister for Tourism, the Hon Matt Doocey, come to visit and have a look for himself. Those ministers understand how important that track is, not only to locals in the Coromandel, in Hahei, but how important it is to our international tourist reputation and our total international tourist package. There are literally tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people who want to come and walk that track and experience the beautiful Cathedral Cove experience, who currently cannot do it. It wasnt going to be until September of this year that they were even going to make a decision about what might eventually happen at the cove. Well, thanks to the good work of Tama Potaka, the new Minister of Conservation, I was delighted, on behalf of local businesses, tourist operators, and also the hundreds of thousands of visitors who want to come and see Cathedral Cove, that he has now committed to ensuring that his Department of Conservation officials have on his desk, in June, their plan for getting the track reopened for the coming summer season. He said it's important because many local businesses did most of their annual turnover during the summer months. When we dont have a good summer period, there isnt an opportunity for those businesses to make that revenue up any other way. So having the track closed is a real problem. -NZ Herald. Speed limits around Western Bay of Plenty schools will be lowered to 30km/hduring peak times, following the adoption of Western Bay of Plenty District Councils Speed Management Plan. Outside of school drop-off and pick-up times, the speed limit around rural schools in the District will drop to 80km/h, while around urban schools it will remain at 50km/h unless the speed limit is already lower, in which case it will remain unchanged. Further changes under the plan include lowering the speed limit in Omokoroa and Te Puke town centres to 40 kph, in line with Waihi Beach town centre, which became 40km/h in 2021 through a previous bylaw process. Katikatis main road is a state highway, and a 40km/h limit is intended by the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) Waka Kotahi, which Council fully supports. Speed limits will also be lowered in areas where Council received significant feedback from the community to do so, including Fairview Estate (all roads within the estate 30km/h), Matakana Island (all roads 60 kph unless currently lower), Te Puna from State Highway 2 to Tauranga Harbour (all roads 60km/h unless currently lower), Pahoia Road from the railway to the existing 50km/h area (60km/h) and Wilson Road North in Maketu (extension of the 50km/h and 70km/h zones). It is likely the new speed limits will come into effect within the next two years. The timing and cost of implementing the changes will be shared between Council and NZTA, subject to resource and funding availability. All other rural roads which currently have a speed limit of 100 kph will retain this limit. No speed limits will increase. Council is also working with marae, on a case-by-case basis, to provide safer connections for their communities. We want people to be safe on all our roads, but special care needs to be taken in areas where there are more pedestrians, like schools, marae and town centres. We hope the new speed limits will raise driver awareness and reduce the risk in these locations, says Mayor James Denyer. No-one knows local roads more than the people who drive them, which is why there was a strong focus on local knowledge when setting the new speed limits. During the consultation process, we received close to 200 submissions which helped us shape this plan. And, as our District continues to grow and develop, we will keep having conversations with the community around this important topic. You can view the Council korero/talk in the video above, at 27 minutes. Councils Draft Speed Management Plan went out for consultation in October last year. At that time, a 50km/h speed limit was proposed for all urban roads and 80 kph limit for rural roads, with the exceptions of schools, marae, town centres and priority areas identified by Council. Of the 197 submissions received, there was the most support for reducing speed limits around schools during peak times, and not much support for the blanket 80km/h limit for rural roads. The legislation that the draft plan was prepared under has changed under the new government, and a speed management plan is no longer mandatory, explains Mayor James. However, we are still going to use the plan and peoples feedback to guide speed limit changes, as we think its a good way to have a korero with the community on road safety and speed limits. A national speed limit register is now the legal tool used to set speed limits, and Councils Speed Management Plan, which will be reviewed every three years, will guide whats included in the register. Visit our Have Your Say page for more information. The government has announced a two-week pet bond and obligations for tenants to pay for damage their animals cause in a bid to make renting with an animal easier. It intends changing the Residential Tenancies Act next month in a bid to give pet owners more choice when trying to find a rental. Housing Minister Chris Bishop and his dog, Ladyhawke, made the announcement alongside ACT leader and Regulations Minister David Seymour. The changes: Introducing a pet bond (a maximum of two weeks' rent) that can be charged in addition to the existing bond Making tenants liable for all pet damage to properties beyond fair wear and tear, whether accidental or deliberate Requiring tenants can only have a pet or pets with the landlord's consent. The landlord can withhold consent on reasonable grounds. "Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It's estimated that around 64 per cent of New Zealand households own at least one pet, and 59 per cent of people who don't have a pet would like to get one," Chris says. "Anyone who has ever tried to find a pet-friendly rental property will know how hard it is, so we're going to make it easier." David says the policy would fix the problem of tenants being locked out of rental markets due to landlords not being willing to take a risk on tenants with pets. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone. He was confident tenants wouldn't mind paying extra (set at a maximum of two weeks' rent) if it meant their pet could move in too. "More landlords would be willing to allow pets if they could protect themselves from some of the risks." He says the move would also be important for helping domestic abuse victims who were often trapped in violent relationships in part to protect animals. "Helping these people find rentals that are accepting of pets will allow them to move on safely and have a brighter future." The government intends introducing a bill amendmening current laws in May. Media were invited to the announcement with a note "Ladyhawke Chris, Minister of Snuggles" would be attending with "some colleagues". Ladyhawke, a Samoyed, also interjected several times during the press conference as Chris was speaking. ACT proposed the policy during the election campaign alongside other tenancy changes, saying it would allow "genuine negotiation" between landlords and tenants and increase the number of rentals allowing pets. The party secured it in the coalition agreement with National. - RNZ More awareness about the drought and anger at neighbours stealing water has triggered calls, as did the case of little Julen who tragically lost his life after falling into a borehole in Malaga province in 2019 Two Pacprona agents point to an area where they discovered an illegal well, which has now been sealed. Laura Velasco Monday, 15 April 2024, 18:23 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads When they were caught red-handed digging a well in Granada province, the perpetrator answered honestly: "I have planted some olive trees and I wanted to have a well, like everyone else does." The problem is that the well was one of the many illegal examples that have been reported to Seprona, the nature protection unit of Spain's Guardia Civil, who have detected more than 300 such cases in Granada province since 2019. This was the year that the tragic story of little Julen caught the attention of the international press. His body was eventually located several days after he fell into a borehole of this type in Malaga province. The events shook the nation and made people more aware of the problem of illegal wells. This tragedy, together with the intensification of the drought currently crippling southern Spain has led to an increase in the number of calls from citizens reporting illegal boreholes. One of Seprona's functions is to check water resources and possible illegal water abstractions. They receive "daily" reports that they then go to investigate. Sometimes everything is fine and the owner has the required documentation, but that isn't always the case. Most of the infringements are due to a lack of documentation needed from various bodies to dig a well, or signpost and seal one, to prevent people or animals from falling into them. Seprona has carried out 201 inspections in the last five years, resulting in 338 infractions in the province. They carry out biannual operations and the periods with the most irregularities detected were 2020 and 2021, with 130. One person was also investigated for constructing a large pool without authorisation. In the 2022-2023 period there were two offences of water fraud: water that was supposed to be for domestic use was being used to irrigate crops. From 2023 and to date in 2024 the Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation has carried out investigations in Granada province with an assessment of damage to the public water domain for an approximate amount of 800,000 euros. More reports from citizens "One of the consequences of the drought has been that there have been many more reports from citizens who are either aware or affected, since the drilling of a well affects the aquifer basin and the rest of the neighbours may notice that less water is reaching their crops," says the head of Seprona. In fact, they cannot be within 100 metres of the nearest well or water point, such as a river or stream. In terms of water distribution, approximately 80 per cent is for crops, 15 per cent for domestic use and the rest for industrial use. The time when water is most scarce, in spring and summer, is when more holes are created. Criminal offence The wells are located in any area of the province with mainly irrigated crops and a demand for water. When they are discovered and their owners are reported, it can be a serious offence if the natural environment is affected, but most of the time the penalties are not very high. For example, if a well is not properly signposted, in principle it would be an administrative, not a criminal offence. If a person falls in, the owner could face civil and criminal liability. In other words, the punishment is very light as long as nothing serious happens. "When Julen fell into the well, that marked a turning point. The population became very aware," said the head of Seprona. The agents who discovered the person mentioned at the beginning of this article told IDEAL that he had been drilling for about fifty metres. He had no documentation. Four months later, it was sealed. "These explorations are where you least expect them," Seprona added. Supply at risk Environmental campaign group Greenpeace has been warning for some years that the theft of water through illegal wells "could jeopardise the future supply for the population". This situation, they warn, affects not only quantity but also quality: "The continuous reduction of water levels and the increasing depth of wells can increase the concentration of salts and reduce the quality of the water, and even contaminate it," Greenpeace warned. "Illegal and indiscriminate overexploitation of water for irrigation and urban development - especially groundwater - has led to a proliferation of illegal wells and boreholes in recent years," added the organisation. As well as damaging the population's water supply, these illegal extractions can cause other environmental damage as water is withdrawn without control from an aquifer. "Drying up the land causes cracks and earth movements, such as subsidence," says Antonio Amarillo, coordinator of water with the Andalusian environmental group Ecologistas en Accion. Plans in problem areas The Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation has various inspection plans under way in problematic areas such as the Baza area of Granada province, where it is investigating the proliferation of irrigated almond and pistachio crops. It has detected some 1,088 hectares of illegally irrigated groves, fifteen wells and twenty illegal pools, which has led to thirty-two fines. Another of the confederation's plans focuses on the repercussions of illegal abstractions of water in the Sierra Arana, which has led to the identification of 223 hectares of illegally irrigated land, nine wells and five illegal pools. Twelve proceedings to fine perpetrators have been initiated there. Eugenio Cabezas Monday, 15 April 2024, 16:24 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads The Junta de Andalucia's regional Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Arturo Bernal, denied this Monday (15 April) while visiting Torre del Mar that the uncertainty that still hangs over the use of private and communal swimming pools in the Andalusian region is affecting the volume of holiday bookings for tourist accommodation in Andalucia for this coming summer season. In response to a question from Diario SUR, the head of the regional ministry said that we are not noticing this type of effect. "At Easter we started with a much more complicated situation and there was no negative effect. There were not fewer advance bookings, but what happened was that last-minute bookings fell and there were some cancellations, because from Holy Thursday onwards it rained intensely", Bernal assured, who called for "the responsibility of all users "regarding the efficient and responsible use of water. "We must appeal to common sense, to the responsibility of everyone, administrations and the public, to use water responsibly," he said. "Despite the rainfall at Easter, it has not been enough for us to exceed even 30% of our reservoir water capacity in Andalucia, and this is 60% less than the resources we had a year ago," said the Minister of Tourism on a visit to the Eduardo Hernandez indoor swimming pool in Torre del Mar, where he said he regretted that people "still think that because it has rained heavily for two or three days the issue has been overcome". Bernal pointed out that the water consumption in Andalucia is estimated at between 30 and 35 cubic hectometres per week "in normal times, without much use"."This is equivalent to 8,500 Olympic-size swimming pools per week and, when the hot months arrive, that figure climbs to 55-60 cubic hectometres," said the minister, who insisted on "being aware that we have to reduce usage". "Some town halls have cut off water supplies at night, and some people have said what nonsense. If the water is not cut at night a lot can be lost through the supply networks, the average is approximately 20% of the network's capacity," Bernal said. The minister for Tourism said, "we are facing a great challenge, the rational use of water". "Despite the fact that it has rained, we still have the challenge," he added. Alluding to the statements of the Andalusian president, Juanma Moreno, Bernal reiterated that for the summer in addition to guaranteed "drinking water for human consumption, we will also have water for irrigators, but we must work to build new facilities for water supply and lower the indicator we have, because we consume, on average 200 litres a day, it is huge amount". "We have to start being more coherent and responsible with this resource, which is very scarce and which is now the fundamental challenge facing this regional government, along with many others," he added. Juan Soto Marbella Monday, 15 April 2024, 17:50 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Five Guys is about to increase its presence on the Costa del Sol. The burger chain, which former US president Barack Obama highly rates, will open its first restaurant in Marbella this April, specifically in Puerto Banus. The American company, which already has another outlet in Malaga city, will be located at Avenida Julio Iglesias 22. The chain has chosen a 330-square-metre site with a 125-square-metre terrace overlooking the promenade. Its opening will allow for the initial hiring of 45 people, although the company expects to add a further 20. The business will have capacity for more than 100 diners at a time. Director of Five Guys in Spain and Portugal, Daniel Agromayor, said the new restaurant will open its doors on Monday 22 April and is confident it will not be its last opening in Malaga province. They are currently looking for a location in the centre of Malaga city, and are open to opportunities that arise in other nearby locations. "We are looking in Malaga, in the whole province, because there is very important development both in terms of tourism and business," Agromayor pointed out. Five Guys has hired 45 people for the opening of the new location in Marbella Five Guys currently has another restaurant in Malaga city. In August 2021 the company opened its first outlet inside the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet shopping centre, next to Plaza Mayor. The great reception they received from the Malaga public has encouraged them to make this second opening in Marbella. "I'm sure it will be the second in a long line of many more," Agromayor said. Although the doors of the new restaurant have not yet opened, Agromayor pointed out there is great expectation in the area, mainly from people who already know the brand from other locations. He said one of the greatest challenges will be to make the chain known to people who are not yet familiar with it, as Marbella is a new area in the chain's business venture. Zoom The new premises are located on Avenida Julio Iglesias. Josele Five Guys will be open every day from 11am to midnight (except on weekends, when it will be open until 2am). It is different from other burger restaurants in that it offers the possibility of customising burgers and has an open kitchen where you can see how the dishes are prepared. The Five Guys manager pointed out they only use fresh, top-quality, unfrozen products. Up to 15 toppings can be chosen for the burgers (or hot dogs, which they also offer), so "you can choose up to 250,000 different combinations". Expanding throughout Spain Five Guys was founded in Arlington, Virginia, in 1986 by the Murrell family and is currently in the process of expanding throughout Spain. Since it opened its first restaurant on Madrid's Gran Via in October 2016, it has already opened around burger restaurants and has another ten in the pipeline. The company currently employs more than 1,200 people. Matias Stuber Ronda Monday, 15 April 2024 | Updated 19/04/2024 13:23h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads A huge cypress tree takes pride of place in Ronda's central Plaza Maria Auxiliadora. There are three restaurants here, and their terraces are all filled with tourists. It is Saturday (13 April) and one can understand Lorca's love for this town. The sun brightens the sky and there is not a cloud in sight. The air is pleasant and smells of blossom. The new Caminito del Desfiladero del Tajo experience begins after being led into what looks like a long chain of rocks. The pathway, 250 metres long and embedded in the rock, allows you to reach the bottom of the gorge and the foot of the town's famous 'New Bridge'. After its official opening by the authorities last Thursday, this is the first day it is open to the public. Three years have passed since Ronda town hall came up with the idea until the relevant permits could be obtained, funding secured and, finally, the work materialised. In the first 24 hours that the tourist attraction's new website was open some 600 tickets had been sold. The entrance price is five euros per person. Those registered in Ronda can access it for free. By the end of the first day, almost 1,000 people had taken the tour. There is no doubt that the Desfiladero del Tajo pathway has all the ingredients to be a magnet for tourism in the town. It doesn't take long for the once cool air to warm up. The thermometers start to climb and people start to descend to the entrance area. It is a short walk of about ten minutes to the official starting point and requires a certain amount of strength in the knees. Letting inertia run wild would lead to disaster. A renovated house serves as a sentry box and entry point. There are long queues in front of the ticket office. Uli, who speaks Spanish with a Germanic accent, is one of the workers who greets visitors when they arrive. "A lot more people are coming than we thought," she said. If you listen, you start to hear a multitude of languages: German, English, Russian, Polish and a few unfamiliar ones. Each visitor is registered and receives a safety helmet. Putting on the helmet and the hygienic netting underneath gives rise to a few laughs. Most are international tourists, but not all of them. There are, for example, Sebastian Millan and Pepi Garcia. This couple from Guaro had visited Ronda to have their car serviced. "But we had read about it in the press and we were curious," Sebastian pointed out. New, breathtaking views What was once a difficult path is now a stepped walkway that eats away at the stone. A metal mesh safety net above protects the walkers because there is the possibility some rocks might fall. After the first bend, which turns to the right, an imposing image is revealed. It is all a question of perspective. Accustomed to seeing the famous gorge from the top down, feeling the roles have been reversed opens up new and unfamiliar sensations. Images are always associated with a memory and have a greater impact when they are not yet registered in the brain. The 'New Bridge', the setting of so many things, is now perceived as the great masterpiece of engineering. It rises majestically a hundred metres above the ravine and divides the rocky massif in two. It seems to have been made by the axe of a giant that has gone in very deep. The views are breathtaking and invite you to contemplate them. As the pathway makes its way down to the bottom of the gorge, the overhanging wall gets closer. The walk is now also a spectacle of light and shadow. For a moment, the sun casts a ray of light on a piece of rock that seems softened by the constant brush with water. There is hardly any wind and the waterfall falls like a horse's tail. Up above there is a group of eagles crossing the blue sky that fills the gap between the two rock walls. Everything that is and can be now seems superfluous. Ana Sepulveda, who has travelled from San Fernando, said: "The views are breathtaking". The return journey is along the same path. Zoom Two visitors point out the Tajo de Ronda from the platform of the new route. Migue Fernandez Maria de la Paz Fernandez is the mayor of Ronda and was at the starting point of the trail. When asked by SUR, she said the initial response was very encouraging. "We see that everyone is delighted. It totally changes your perspective of the gorge" she pointed out. For now, the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo is only 250 metres long. Some visitors complained and said they expected more. There is a second phase planned to link the current walkway with the Arab baths that goes out to tender next week. Ronda town hall is confident it can be opened by 2026. It would make the full route 750 metres long and allow visitors to walk along the actual foot of the gorge. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Salina, N.Y. Leaders and others across New York and the nation are offering condolences after a Syracuse police officer and an Onondaga County sheriffs deputy were shot and killed Sunday night in Salina. Salina Town Supervisor Nick Paro thanked police and others who responded to the incident. He said the community is grieving with the families of the officers who were killed. We are all thankful for your sacrifice and commitment to the line of duty, he said in a news release. Most of us will never truly know the pain you are going through and your families will remain in our prayers. State Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli said the loss of the officers is devastating to Central New York. We mourn these law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty and hope to honor their heroism and service, he said in a news release. My prayers are with their families and their colleagues. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh called the officers heroes and said the incident is our worst nightmare come true. U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he and his team are ready to assist. He also said their thoughts are with the families of the slain officers. Cortland County Legislature Chairman Kevin Fitch said the officers bravery and dedication epitomize the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines our law enforcement community. Liverpool Central School District Superintendent Daniel Henner said in a message to the community that its more important than ever to come together to support one another. Tragedies of this magnitude remind us of the strength found in unity and the comfort in collect compassion, he wrote. Let us lean on each other for support, offer a shoulder to those who need it the most and work hand in hand to foster an environment of healing and resilience. The two officers died when they went to follow up on a traffic stop that began in the city of Syracuse after the driver sped away. Police tracked the driver to a home on Darien Drive in the town of Salina. Officers and the suspect exchanged gunfire there. The two officers and the suspect were all hit. The suspect also was killed. READ MORE: Syracuse police officer and a deputy killed in shooting in Salina The last time a police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty in Onondaga County was more than 30 years ago. Comments on the officers deaths have been pouring in Monday morning from around New York and even other parts of the U.S. The Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society wrote on X that the group was saddened by the killings. Our thoughts are with both agencies and the loved ones of the fallen, the group wrote. Rick Snyder, president of Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, called the incident terribly tragic. You can see more of what people are saying on social media below. I am devastated by the loss of the brave Syracuse City Police Officer and Onondaga County Sheriffs Deputy killed in the line of duty last night. My heart aches for their families and the entire law enforcement community at this extremely difficult time for Central New York. Senator John W. Mannion (@SenJohnMannion) April 15, 2024 We are deeply saddened by the tragic event in Salina. Our hearts go out to the families and colleagues of those affected. In these challenging times, we stand with the community and offer our support and condolences.https://t.co/eM20SlHFvS Sen. Stewart-Cousins (@AndreaSCousins) April 15, 2024 This is the second time we have worn mourning bands this year. They should NEVER need to be worn. Todd Baxter (@Sheriff_Baxter) April 15, 2024 NY woke to the tragic news that two law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty in Central New York. My heart is with Syracuse and Onondaga County as they mourn these brave heroes. We must keep working to help end gun violence. May God bless them and their families. Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 15, 2024 I am horrified by the senseless killing of a Syracuse Police Officer and an Onondaga County Sheriffs Deputy last night. My prayers are with their families, loved ones, and their colleagues. New York will never forget their heroism and service. Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) April 15, 2024 Absolutely gut wrenching news from Central NY where an officer and deputy were killed in the line of duty. I am praying for the @SyracusePolice and Onondaga Sheriffs Office as well as the families of the fallen heroes. They selflessly gave all in protection of their community. https://t.co/8rYppV7U0P Rob Ortt (@SenatorOrtt) April 15, 2024 This morning our prayers are with the families of two heroes killed in the line of duty. We stand with Syracuse Police & the Onondaga Co. Sheriffs Department as they mourn the tragic loss of their fallen colleagues. https://t.co/CVQWEJlgtb Will Barclay (@WillABarclay) April 15, 2024 A terrible tragedy to say the least. Prayers for the families of the fallen officers. Syracuse police officer and a deputy killed in shooting in Salina https://t.co/XiPj00ZOBc John D. Peck (@JohnDPeck) April 15, 2024 A terrible tragedy to say the least. Prayers for the families of the fallen officers. Syracuse police officer and a deputy killed in shooting in Salina https://t.co/XiPj00ZOBc John D. Peck (@JohnDPeck) April 15, 2024 My heart goes out to the families of the @SyracusePolice Officer and @OnondagaSheriff Deputy killed in the line of duty as a result of senseless gun violence last evening.https://t.co/6RRbvesGak Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan (@MayorSheehan) April 15, 2024 This needs to stop, REST EASY HEROES, prayers for the family. Syracuse police officer and a deputy killed in shooting in Salina https://t.co/z9y1Ruun31 James LoFranco (@mayor_jlo) April 15, 2024 It was another horrific night for American law enforcement. Syracuse police officer and a deputy killed in shooting in Salina https://t.co/H8kSVaw9dd New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) April 15, 2024 Its been decades since either department experienced an officer killed in line of duty. Thoughts are with Syracuse and Onondaga County. https://t.co/PaefLI31Mq Rachel Barnhart (@rachbarnhart) April 15, 2024 Our prayers are with the law enforcement community in Syracuse after a tragic night took two of their own. These officers lost their lives in the line of duty and New York mourns with their families. https://t.co/9swHC8ztJm Tom DiNapoli (@NYSComptroller) April 15, 2024 Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 Update: The two officers who died have been identified. Syracuse, N.Y. Two police officers were killed Sunday night in a shootout on a suburban street in Salina. A Syracuse police officer and an Onondaga County sheriffs deputy were both killed when they went to follow up on a traffic stop where the driver sped away, said Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile. The officers were not identified. The trouble started with a traffic stop at 7 p.m. in the citys Tipp Hill neighborhood, Cecile said. Thats when Syracuse police tried to pull over a car, but the driver refused and sped off. Police took the plate number, which led them to a home on Darien Drive, a short street with tidy lawns and basketball hoops in the driveways. There, police saw guns in the back of the car, Cecile said. And then, from inside the home, they heard the sound of a gun being readied to fire, he said. Gunfire filled the little neighborhood as the officers and the suspect exchanged shots. The two officers and the suspect were all hit. The suspect also was killed, Cecile said. He did not identify the man. This is our worst nightmare come true, said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. Our thoughts right now are with the families of those two officers, those heroes. READ MORE: Shooter IDd in killing of Syracuse police officer and Onondaga County deputy Police gave some details about the two officers who were killed. The Syracuse officer had three years on the force. He was ambitious and hard-working, Cecile said. The deputy had been with the department for a considerable time. He was just a great guy, said Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley. Shelley said the house, at 4945 Darien Dr., had been secured and there is no threat to the neighborhood, but that police were still going through the scene just after midnight. Its just a very sad day for law enforcement, Shelley said. He and the others spoke at midnight down the hill from the emergency room in front of the Wallie Howard Forensic Center. Thats where the officers bodies had been brought for autopsies. Howard, the officer for whom the center is named, was the last officer shot and killed in the line of duty in Onondaga County. That was more than 30 years ago. That streak was broken with what seemed to be such a routine call: Were chasing cars every day, Shelley said. Every day ... One of the officers who responded to the scene reported seeing AR-style magazines in the back of a car, and sounds of racking coming from a house, according to 911 center dispatches. An officer down call went out at 8:51 p.m. After the shootings, police from multiple agencies swarmed the area on Darien Drive. Shortly after 9 p.m. a vehicle was rushing a person to Upstate University Hospital, according to 911 center dispatches. Police were rushing to shut down an Interstate 81 ramp to clear the way for the vehicle. One dispatch from the 911 center described the call as a mass casualty incident. That would indicate three or more victims. Multiple ambulances were dispatched to the area. A sheriffs deputy responded to a home at 4945 Darien Drive around 8:20 p.m. to assist Syracuse police, according to 911 center dispatches. Witness: At least 20 shots fired Mousa Alzokari, who lives directly across the street from the house where the shooting occurred, said he heard a flurry of shots at about 8:45 p.m. He called 911. Not long after, two officers with long guns entered the back door of Alzokaris house without knocking and went up to the second floor, where they took positions facing the shooting scene. They were still there as of 11:20 p.m., while Alzokari and five children waited on the ground floor. Altogether, Alzokari estimated he heard at least 20 shots fired. The two officers in his house did not fire shots, he said. At one point, Alzokari said, he saw an officer being carried to a sheriffs vehicle and driven away. He also saw at least one person placed in handcuffs. But police continued to surround the house, leading Alzokari to believe a suspect remained inside. Alzokari, who has lived on Darien Drive for about four years, said its normally a quiet street. The kids are scared and shaken now, he said. Brian Fagan, 49, heard a car ripping around the corner of Larkin Street and North Woodland Drive around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. The vehicle flew past his home with five deputy police cruisers following behind, he said. Fagan heard tires screech as the vehicles came to a stop at the intersection of North Woodland Drive and Oakland Terrace. Then four to five gunshots went off, he said. Ambulances, the Liverpool Fire Department and city, state and county officers rushed to the scene, Fagan said. Air 1, the sheriffs helicopter, hovered overhead for two hours, he said. It all happened within a matter of 20 minutes. Im looking out my window now and theres probably 30 to 40 state troopers and sheriffs up my street, he said. Just after 9 p.m., the county 911 system alerted those in the neighborhood to shelter in place, according to Fagan. He doesnt normally pick up his home phone, but with all the traffic and everything going on, he needed to answer it. A silent procession At about 10:45 p.m., a dozen police cars were parked on both sides of East Adams Street near Upstate hospital. There were about two dozen city police and sheriffs deputies near the door to the emergency room. By midnight, 100 men and women stood shoulder to shoulder from the emergency room door all the way down East Adams Street. Some were in uniform; others were wearing whatever they had on when they heard the news and rushed over. No one spoke. The only sound was Air 1 flying overhead. The line snapped wordlessly to attention as the officers bodies were loaded into the white vans that would carry them from the hospital to the crime lab. A silent procession of police cars followed behind the vans. The streets around the hospital were blocked off. So many firetrucks and police cars came that all the side streets were full of flashing lights, too. From far away, the hill glowed red and blue. Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7. Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. Staff writer Tim Knauss can be reached at: email | Twitter | 315-470-3023. Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people and public affairs in Central New York. Contact her anytime email | Twitter| Facebook | 315-470-2246. 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. -- The Onondaga County District Attorney has confirmed the shooter in Sunday nights killing of two law enforcement officers. The shooter is Christopher R. Murphy, 33, of Salina, William Fitzpatrick confirmed to syracuse.com. The trouble started with a traffic stop at 7 p.m. in the citys Tipp Hill neighborhood, Syracuse police Chief Joe Cecile said Sunday. Syracuse police tried to pull over a car, but the driver refused and sped off. Police took the plate number, which led them to a home at 4945 Darien Drive in Salina. Thats where the shooting happened. Gunfire filled the little neighborhood as the officers and the suspect exchanged shots. The two officers and the suspect were all hit. The suspect also was killed, Cecile said. The shooter was standing on a deck in the backyard when he opened fire on Lt. Michael Hoosock, who tried to take shelter behind a maple tree, Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said today. Syracuse police officer Michael Jensen was killed after the gunman moved from the backyard into the front yard and confronted Syracuse police officers stationed there, Syracuse police Chief Joe Cecile said. Thats when Jensen was shot to death. Theres something in his past that may be some indicator, Cecile said about the shooter, but declined to say more. The house was secured Sunday night and there is no threat to the neighborhood, Sheriff Toby Shelley said Sunday. Murphy, of 4945 Darien Drive, Salina, was charged March 2, 2014, with driving while intoxicated by the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, according to syracuse.com archives. Murphy was also charged with resisting arrest and failure to keep right. Joseph and Lucille Murphy are listed as owners at 4945 Darien Drive, according to county records. They bought the house in 2002 for $134,500. Christopher Murphy also lived at that home, according to county voting records. David Stott, a neighbor, said he knows the Murphy family, who have been neighbors for about 20 years. He said the parents are out of town. Stott described the parents as truly amazing, kind and generous people. Stott said that Christopher Murphy had four siblings. Syracuse, N.Y. Authorities released the names of a Syracuse police officer and Onondaga County sheriffs deputy killed in a shootout in Salina Sunday night. Syracuse police officer Michael E. Jensen and sheriffs Lt. Michael Hoosock were killed in a hail of gunfire in a suburban neighborhood, officials said at a news conference Monday afternoon. The two officers and the suspect were all hit in the shooting around 8:51 p.m. on Darien Drive in Salina. The suspect also was killed. Hoosock was in the backyard of a neighboring house when he was shot to death, Sheriff Toby Shelley said at the news conference. Hoosock had arrived at the scene on his own to assist the investigation, the sheriff said. The shooter was standing on a deck in the backyard when he opened fire on Hoosock, who tried to take shelter behind a maple tree, Shelley said. Jensen was killed after the gunman moved from the backyard into the front part of the house and confronted Syracuse police officers stationed there, Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile said. The shooter, Christopher R. Murphy, 33, of Salina, was killed in the ensuing gunfight, authorities have said. Hoosock had been with the sheriffs office for 16 years, starting in September 2007. Hoosock was promoted to deputy sheriff sergeant in 2015 and was later transferred in 2021 to the criminal investigations division as a detective sergeant. A year later he became the bomb squad commander for the sheriffs office. Hoosock also had experience as a firefighter and paramedic. He volunteered with the Lyncourt Fire Department from 2002 to 2007 and the Moyers Corners Fire Department since 2007. Hoosock was married with three young children, ages 3, 5 and 7. Jensen graduated from the Syracuse Regional Police Academy in August 2022. Jensen had 2 years on the force and was described as ambitious and hard-working, according to Cecile. He came to work yesterday with his typical bright smile, ear to ear, and his charming personality, that infectious, charming personality, that resonated so well with our members, Syracuse police union president Joe Moran said at the news conference. An evil demon took him away from us, and Lt. Hoosock from his family and his children, Moran continued. There is not a dry eye at the Public Safety Building today, nor the sheriffs headquarters. The trouble started with a traffic stop at 7 p.m. in the citys Tipp Hill neighborhood, Cecile said. Thats when Syracuse police tried to pull over a car, but the driver refused and sped off. The driver went at speeds over 100 mph while fleeing, Cecile said. Police took the plate number, which led them to a home on Darien Drive. There, police saw guns in the back of the car, Cecile said. And then, from inside the home, they heard the sound of a gun being readied to fire, he said. It wasnt long after that gunfire filled the little neighborhood as the officers and the suspect exchanged shots. Authorities did not know Monday how many total shots were fired, Shelley said. Murphy was shooting a Springfield AR-15 gun, Shelley said. It was unclear Monday whether Murphy legally possessed the weapon, the sheriff added. After the shooting, a man believed to have been with Murphy, named Shawn Kinsella, was caught trying to jump over a fence, Shelley said. That man has not been charged with any crime at this point, he said. Kinsella lived on Trivet Drive South, one street over from Murphy, according to voter registration records. Its unclear why Murphy decided to ambush the officers, Shelley said. Cecile said there was something in Murphys past which may be some indicator as to why Murphy shot two officers. He declined to provide specifics. The shooters only prior interaction with police was a 2014 drunken driving arrest, which also included a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest. Shelley said officers have processed the area outside out of the Darien Drive home so far, and plan to examine the house Tuesday. Staff writer Jon Moss contributed reporting. Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or (315) 470-6070. 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. Before Sunday night, it had been almost 34 years since the last time a police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty in Onondaga County. October 30, 1990 was one of the saddest days in Syracuse history. Wallie Howard Jr., 31 years old, was a former track star at Henninger High School, before studying sociology at Syracuse University. He was killed during an undercover drug bust gone wrong. Howard joined the Syracuse police in 1981, and started out by doing patrol work. But what he really wanted to do was work undercover. Howard joined the Special Investigations Division in May 1987 and, five months later, was assigned to the newly formed Central New York Drug Enforcement Task Force. Syracuse Police Officer Wallie Howard Jr. Jumping at high jump at Sunnycrest Track in 1978. He later became a Syracuse Police officer killed in line of duty in 1990. Syracuse Post-StandardSyracuse Post-Standard In the middle of the afternoon on Oct. 30, 1990, Howard was sitting in a car in the parking lot of Marios Market at 2735 South Salina Street. He was waiting to buy four pounds of cocaine with the $40,000 he had with him. Howard had arranged for a meeting in the parking lot and members of the Central New York Drug Enforcement Task Force were waiting nearby to grab the sellers when the purchase was made. Three men approached the car, including 16-year-old Robert Bam Bam Lawrence, and attempted to rob Howard. The attempted robbery went wrong. Howard reached for his service weapon and shots were fired. Howard managed to shoot and wound one assailant, Anthony Stewart. But Lawrence fired his gun into Howards head. Task force members charged in to grab Lawrence, Stewart and their driver, Juan Morales, while others rushed to the unconscious Howard. Syracuse Police Investigators at the scene of a shooting of Syracuse Police Investigator Wallie Howard, Jr. on Oct. 30, 1990 The shooting was in front of Mario's Market on South Salina Street. Syracuse Post-StandardSyracuse Post-Standard Howard died about six hours later He was survived by his two children, his fiancee, his mother, and many loved ones, friends, and comrades. Howard was the first Syracuse officer slain in the line of duty since 1929. The last Onondaga County deputy shot and killed on duty before last night was David Clark in 1987, by Billy Blake. Another sheriffs deputy, Glenn Searles, was killed while assisting a motorist in 2003. Members of the 450-person Syracuse police force draped black tape across their badges as word of Howards death spread. The tape remained there for 30 days. This kind of thing doesnt happen around her very often, so it makes it even harder, an officer said. There is no way to explain it, there is no way to make the pain go away, there is no way to compensate for an immense loss, Gov. Mario Cuomo said. Except to say to his family, He was indeed a brave man, doing a brave thing. He was offering himself for the good of all people of Syracuse. Howard was praised by all who knew him. Flags fly low in front of the Civic Center along State Street across from the Public Safety Building. This photo taken this morning. This in memory of officer Willie Howard who was shot to death. Wallie Howard, Jr. Syracuse Post-StandardSyracuse Post-Standard Hes the kind of kid youd hope your daughter would bring home, said Henninger High School Principal Peter Kavanagh. On April 17, 1991, in rapid succession, three juries found Lawrence, Stewart and Morales guilty of murdering Howard. Each were given the maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. I do not have hatred for the men who killed him, Delores Howard, Wallies mother, later told reporters. I feel sorry for them as they could have chosen a better life for themselves. I feel great sorrow for their mothers. They are suffering also because of what their sons did, she added. Wallie left us many beautiful memories. What do those mothers have? In 1993, the three men were also convicted on federal charges and received life sentences without the possibility of parole. I hope they never get out, Delores Howard said. They shouldnt. Its not fair. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that lifetime imprisonment for anyone under the age of 18 was unconstitutional, Lawrence appealed for a new sentence. And in 2014, a federal judge reduced his sentence from life to 31 years. Lawrence was later released on parole in 2020 after serving 29 years in prison. Wallie Howards name now adorns the Syracuse Polices Forensic Science Center building and a city playground. The Wallie Howard Jr. Center for Forensic Sciences at 100 Elizabeth Blackwell St. in Syracuse in 2007.John Berry In 2015, to mark the 25th anniversary of Howards death, he was remembered at Syracuses Forman Park. Today marks the anniversary of a hero that made the ultimate sacrifice for this entire community, Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler said. I say that we can all make some sacrifice for him on behalf of his memory. Assistant U. S. Attorney John Duncan, who prosecuted the federal case, added that Oct. 30, 1990, is a day forever etched in our memories and in our hearts. Syracuse, N.Y. -- Michael Hoosocks career in public service began when he was just a teenager. It ended Sunday night, 22 years later, when he was gunned down on duty at a shootout in Salina. Hoosock, 37, of Clay, was a decorated 16-year veteran of the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office and a volunteer firefighter who served as a battalion chief at the Moyers Corners Fire Department. He was married with three young children. Hoosock was one of two police officers killed Sunday night while responding to a call on Darien Drive in Salina. Hoosock, who was among the first to arrive at the scene, grew suspicious after hearing the sound of a gun being prepared to fire, Sheriff Toby Shelley said today at a news conference. Hoosock took cover behind a maple tree in the back yard of the neighboring house. The suspected killer, Christopher Murphy, fired at Hoosock from the back deck of his house with a Springfield AR-15, a military-style assault weapon, killing him there, Shelley said. Murphy then ran to the front of the house and fired at Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen, killing him. Murphy died after being fired upon by police officers at the scene. Friends of Hoosock on Monday said they were still reeling from the loss. They knew him as Hootch. And they thought the world of him. The guy was amazing, said Michael Brown, chief of the Moyers Corners Fire Department, where Hoosock volunteered for the past 17 years. He basically dedicated his life to public service. Hoosock was also known as a dedicated family man, a jokester who would tell the best story at the bar, and a fan of the rock band Def Leppard, friends said. He was just always great to be around, said Nicholas Eldred, a battalion chief at Moyers Corners. He was one of those unique human beings, that nothing ever bothered him. He was always happy. Hoosocks public service began when he volunteered with the Lyncourt Fire Department as a teenager. He later joined the Moyers Corners Fire Department, where he was a battalion chief. 17-year-old firefighter Mike Hoosock, of the Lyncourt Fire Department (center), points out different parts of a firetruck to Robby Hackney, 7 (left) and Jacob Nobile, 8, during National Fire Safety Week in 2004.Pamela Chen | The Post-Standard In 2007, Hoosock went to work at the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant. He was working most recently as the bomb squad commander. Before that, he served in a variety of roles: detective in the Criminal Investigations Division, tactical flight officer for the Air 1 helicopter, bomb technician, police instructor and field training officer. He also worked part-time as a certified paramedic with the Manlius Fire Department. Previously, he had worked as a paramedic for Rural Metro and for WAVES Ambulance. Mike Nesci, a friend who met Hoosock in a firefighter training class more than 20 years ago, said Hoosock was a thoughtful person who put others needs first. He was probably one of the best people you have ever known, said Nesci, who now works in labor relations and serves as a Manlius town councilor. Hoosock received several commendations during his career at the sheriffs office, Sheriff Shelley said today. In 2020, Hoosock was awarded a medal of valor for his actions during a confrontation with an armed man at the Regional Transportation Center in Syracuse, Shelley said. Hoosock fired his weapon at a man who had opened fire inside the transportation center. The suspect, Andrew Booker, was not wounded but quickly surrendered after being fired upon. Booker had started shooting, wounding a security guard and another man, because he was upset that his trip from Massachusetts to Ohio got delayed by mechanical issues, authorities said. In January 2012, Hoosock was one of two deputies named Deputy of the Year by the New York State Sheriffs Association. Hoosock and Deputy Adam Quku were awarded for their May 2011 response to a mentally unstable man who pulled out what appeared to be a .357 Magnum handgun. Again, the incident happened at the Regional Transportation Center, this time in the parking lot. The mans gun later turned out to be a pellet gun. Hoosock, Quku and a Syracuse police officer drew their weapons and fatally shot the man, 55-year-old Benjamin J. Campione, police said. This is very well deserved, then-Sheriff Kevin Walsh said of the award. The display of exceptional judgment in dealing with such an unpredictable and potentially deadly situation defines their commitment to our community. Hoosock also received a certificate of merit from the sheriffs office in 2008. Details of that award were not immediately available. This is just an incredible human being,' County Executive Ryan McMahon said. He leaves a wife and three children, ages 3, 5 and 7, Shelley said. The sheriff said he was on his way to meet with Hoosocks family after todays press conference. Words are hard to find,' he added. In a 2015 post on his Facebook page, Hoosock expressed his views on being a firefighter: Whether you work on the busiest engine in FDNY, or volunteer at the slowest department in the U.S., remember the reason we do what we do. We must train harder, work together, and be smarter than we were yesterday. Should we fail, and Lord knows we will, we must be there for each other today, and then work to be better tomorrow. Did you know Lt. Michael Hoosock? If you would like to share memories or information about him, staff writer Tim Knauss can be reached at: email | Twitter | 315-470-3023. Syracuse, N.Y. A Syracuse University students father and aunt are pledging $2.15 million to build a new student center at the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Denver-based engineering firm owner Marco Campos and his sister, Deanna Campos-Miller, are making the gift through their Campos Foundation, which they established to help encourage students pursuing science, technology, engineering and math careers, the school announced last week. Campos was inspired to make the gift following a recent visit to the SU campus, where his son is a junior in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Campos was inspired to pursue engineering after taking part in a bridge program in high school, which lead him to the University of Colorado. After establishing his own engineering firm and growing it into an international business, he made a similar gift to his alma mater. SU said the student center at the engineering and computer science school will includes programs to attract underrepresented students to the college and support enrolled students. SU has a goal to grow enrollment and faculty at the school by 50% by 2028. The Campos Student Center will provide dedicated space for our students with a home for collaboration, community and access to resources that maximize their success, ECS Dean J. Cole Smith said in a news release. This space will facilitate club activities that enhance the experience of our diverse student body. More than that, it will be a home on campus that is inviting and welcoming to all. Campos career started at Texaco, where he had interned during college. In 2005 at age 30, he started his own company called Campos EPC. The company provides engineering, procurement and construction consulting services in the energy industry. We all have a sphere of influence and its incumbent on each of us to affect our sphere of influence in the most positive ways we can, Campos said in the news release. Putting good out there in the universe brings back good, even more than we put out. City reporter Jeremy Boyer can be reached at jboyer@syracuse.com, (315) 657-5673, Twitter or Facebook. Washington Rep. Brandon Williams plans to resume holding a series of public town hall meetings across Central New York, nearly a year since his last open forum event. Williams will hold his next town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 25 at VVS High School in Verona, Oneida County, a spokesman said. The school is at 5275 State Route 31. The first-term Republican plans to hold additional town hall meetings this spring and summer across the 22nd Congressional District, including in Onondaga County, the spokesman said. The dates and locations of the additional public meetings have not been determined. Williams, R-Sennett, previously held open forum town hall meetings in Camillus, Chittenango, Rome, Morrisville and New Hartford. He canceled two planned town hall meetings in Onondaga County (Fayetteville and Clay) in May 2023 when House members were called back to Washington to vote on a bill that raised the nations debt limit. Williams hosted a telephone conference call with Central New Yorkers in place of the public meetings. All told, he has participated in three telephone town halls since taking office in January 2023. He also participated in an in-person veterans town hall meeting in Cicero. The new 22nd District established by state lawmakers earlier this year spans all of Onondaga and Madison counties, and parts of Cayuga, Cortland and Oneida counties. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Dont miss the 2024 Tax Day time deadline, or you could end up paying a penalty. The deadline for filing 2023 tax returns for most Americans is Monday, April 15, at 11:59 p.m. April 15 is typically Tax Day, but this is the first time in five years that the deadline actually falls on the 15th; it was previously delayed in 2020 and 2021 by the Covid pandemic and again by the calendar in 2022 and 2023. Taxpayers in Massachusetts, Maine and Washington, D.C., have an extra two days to file and pay taxes due to the Patriots Day (Monday, April 15) and Emancipation Day (Tuesday, April 16) holidays. The IRS is also allowing extensions for areas affected by extreme weather, individuals and businesses affected by the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and for certain active-duty military members and other U.S. citizens living abroad. The IRS said Friday it had already received 100 million tax returns and expected millions more to file taxes at the last-minute. Millions of taxpayers across the nation will be working on their tax returns during the final hours, and people should remember they have many ways to get last-minute help, said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. We have a variety of free tools on IRS.gov that can help with basic tax law questions, provide free filing options, update refund status and even provide ways to request an extension for more time to file. Taxpayers are encouraged to file online to save time as processing paper returns will take longer, the IRS said. Those mailing tax returns must be postmarked by April 15; check the IRS website to see where to send them. If you dont file your taxes by the end of the day April 15, CNN notes taxpayers will face penalties depending on how late your return is and the amount of your unpaid tax. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of your unpaid taxes for each month, or part of a month, that a return is late. The failure-to-pay penalty is 0.5% of your outstanding balance every month or part of a month that its unpaid. Both penalties will not exceed 5% total in a single month or 25% total altogether. To avoid penalties, you can request an automatic extension through Oct. 15 at irs.gov. The extension allows extra time to file, but not any money owed must still be paid by April 15. Full or partial payments can be made through the IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or with a credit card, debit card or digital wallet. The IRS estimated 19 million taxpayers will file for an automatic extension this year. The IRS said the average federal refund is $3,011 this year, nearly 5% higher than last years average return of $2,878. To check the status of your refund, visit irs.gov/refunds. NEW YORK (AP) Donald Trump arrived Monday at a New York court for the start of jury selection in his hush money trial, marking a singular moment in American history as the former president and current White House hopeful answers to criminal charges. Its the first criminal trial of any former U.S. commander-in-chief and the first of Trumps four indictments to reach trial. Because he is also the presumptive nominee for this years Republican ticket, the trial will produce the head-spinning split-screen of a presidential candidate spending his days in court and, he has said, campaigning during the night. At the outset of Mondays court proceedings, Judge Juan M. Merchan denied a defense request to recuse himself from the case. Additional legal arguments and housekeeping matters were expected before the formal start of jury selection. When it finally does begin, scores of people are due to be called into the courtroom to start the process of finding 12 jurors, plus six alternates. Trumps notoriety would make the process of picking a jury a near-herculean task in any year, but its likely to be especially challenging now, unfolding in a closely contested presidential election in the city where Trump grew up and catapulted to celebrity status before winning the White House. Judge Juan M. Merchan has written that the key is whether the prospective juror can assure us that they will set aside any personal feelings or biases and render a decision that is based on the evidence and the law. Former President Donald Trump attends the first day of his criminal trial, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024. (Angela Weiss/AFP via AP Pool)AP The trial amounts to a historic courtroom reckoning for Trump, whose norm-shattering presidency was shadowed from start to finish by investigations and who now faces four separate indictments charging him with crimes ranging from hoarding classified documents to plotting to overturn an election. Yet the political stakes are less clear given that a conviction would not preclude him from becoming president and because the allegations in this case have been known to the public for years and are seen as less grievous than the conduct behind the three other cases against him. No matter the outcome, Trump is looking to benefit from the proceedings, presenting himself as the victim of politically motivated prosecutions designed to derail his candidacy. Hes lambasted judges and prosecutors for years, a pattern of attacks that continued up to the moment he entered court on Monday, when he said: This is political persecution. This is a persecution like never before. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors say he was trying to conceal an alleged effort to keep salacious and, he says, bogus stories about his sex life from emerging during his 2016 campaign. The charges center on $130,000 in payments that Trumps company made to his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen. He had paid that sum on Trumps behalf to keep porn actor Stormy Daniels from going public, a month before the election, with her claims of a sexual encounter with the married mogul a decade earlier. Prosecutors say the payments to Cohen were falsely logged as legal fees in order to cloak their actual purpose. Trumps lawyers say the disbursements indeed were legal expenses, not a cover-up. Trump himself casts the case, and his indictments elsewhere, as a broad weaponization of law enforcement by Democratic prosecutors and officials. He maintains they are orchestrating sham charges in hopes of impeding his presidential run. After decades of fielding and initiating lawsuits, the businessman-turned-politician now faces a trial that could result in up to four years in prison if hes convicted, though a no-jail sentence also would be possible. The trial of an ex-president and current candidate is a moment of extraordinary gravity for the American political system, as well as for Trump himself. Such a scenario would have once seemed unthinkable to many Americans, even for a president whose tenure left a trail of shattered norms, including twice being impeached and acquitted by the Senate. The scene inside the courtroom may be greeted with a spectacle outside. When Trump was arraigned last year, police broke up small skirmishes between his supporters and protesters near the courthouse in a tiny park, where a local Republican group has planned a pro-Trump rally Monday. Trumps attorneys lost a bid to get the hush-money case dismissed and have since repeatedly sought to delay it, prompting a flurry of last-minute appeals court hearings last week. Among other things, Trumps lawyers maintain that the jury pool in overwhelmingly Democratic Manhattan has been tainted by negative publicity about Trump and that the case should be moved elsewhere. An appeals judge turned down an emergency request to delay the trial while the change-of-venue request goes to a group of appellate judges, who are set to consider it in the coming weeks. Manhattan prosecutors have countered that a lot of the publicity stems from Trumps own comments and that questioning will tease out whether prospective jurors can put aside any preconceptions they may have. Theres no reason, prosecutors said, to think that 12 fair and impartial people cant be found amid Manhattans roughly 1.4 million adult residents. The process of choosing those 12, plus six alternates, will begin with scores of people filing into Merchans courtroom. They will be known only by number, as he has ordered their names to be kept secret from everyone except prosecutors, Trump and their legal teams. After hearing some basics about the case and jury service, the prospective jurors will be asked to raise hands if they believe they cannot serve or be fair and impartial. Those who do so will be excused, according to Merchans filing last week. The rest will be eligible for questioning. The 42 preapproved, sometimes multi-pronged queries include background basics but also reflect the uniqueness of the case. Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about former President Donald Trump, or the fact that he is a current candidate for president, that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror? asks one question. Others ask about attendance at Trump or anti-Trump rallies, opinions on how hes being treated in the case, news sources and more including any political, moral, intellectual, or religious beliefs or opinions that might slant a prospective jurors approach to the case. Based on the answers, the attorneys can ask a judge to eliminate people for cause if they meet certain criteria for being unable to serve or be unbiased. The lawyers also can use peremptory challenges to nix 10 potential jurors and two prospective alternates without giving a reason. If youre going to strike everybody whos either a Republican or a Democrat, the judge observed at a February hearing, youre going to run out of peremptory challenges very quickly. A hot potato: Few companies are as well-known for being sanctioned as Huawei. The Chinese giant was placed on a trade restrictions list in 2019, limiting its ability to buy US hardware and software, which is why Republican lawmakers are angry at Joe Biden's administration over the recent launch of the MateBook X Pro - a laptop powered by Intel's Meteor Lake Core Ultra CPUs. It was the Donald Trump administration that placed Huawei on the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Entity List almost five years ago, ensuring that US companies cannot do business with the tech firm without first securing a license. These export licenses are rarely given out, but the Trump administration granted one to Intel allowing it to ship processors to Huawei for use in laptops since 2020. This has enabled the firm to use the Meteor Lake chips, all the way up to the Core Ultra 9, in the newly unveiled MateBook X Pro. The license is expected to expire later this year and not be renewed. Allowing Huawei to use Intel's chips has led to criticism against the Biden administration by some Republican lawmakers, reports Reuters. They say the MateBook X Pro specs suggest the Commerce Department had approved shipments of the recent Intel chips to Huawei. Republican Congressman Michael Gallagher, who chairs the House of Representatives select committee on China, told Reuters, "One of the greatest mysteries in Washington, DC is why the Department of Commerce continues to allow US technology to be shipped to Huawei" "These approvals must stop," Republican congressman Michael McCaul said in a statement. "Two years ago, I was told licenses to Huawei would stop. Today, it doesn't seem as though the policy has changed." Questions regarding the efficacy of the US government's restrictions on Huawei and China's access to advanced manufacturing processes arrived late last year following the release of the Mate 60 and its Kirin 9000s chip. The SoC is produced by SMIC on its 7nm process node, which is about 10% behind what TSMC labels as 7nm in terms of transistor density. The US has implemented tight restrictions on the export of advanced chips designed for AI use to China, leading to Nvidia creating less-powerful versions specifically for the country something the US government isn't happy about. While Intel makes a lot of noise regrading the Core Ultra chips' AI capabilities, they aren't covered by the these export restrictions, which mostly affect accelerators and the RTX 4090. In context: Apple and Samsung have long been the two biggest smartphone vendors in the world, but they've regularly swapped the pole position over the past decade. While the iPhone-maker took top spot in the December 2023 quarter, the South Korean tech giant has now reportedly replaced it to become the largest smartphone vendor globally. According to data from IDC, Apple shipped 50.1 million iPhones in the first quarter of 2024, giving it a 17.3 percent market share. During the same three months, Samsung shipped 60.1 million handsets, grabbing a 20.8 percent market share. However, both companies saw a marked decline in overall shipments as Chinese vendors like Xiaomi, Transsion and others grabbed a larger slice of the global smartphone pie. Samsung's Q1 2024 shipments dropped 0.7 percent YoY, while Apple's shipments dropped a much more substantive 9.6 percent. Apple took the 'largest smartphone vendor' crown from Samsung in the final quarter of last year when it shipped 80.5 million iPhones, grabbing a 24.7 percent market share. Samsung only shipped 53 million devices during the quarter, garnering a 16.3 percent market share. Q4 2023 was the first full quarter after the launch of the iPhone 15 series, and when most Android buyers were eagerly awaiting the launch of the Galaxy S24 lineup. Globally, the smartphone market grew 7.8 percent year-on-year in Q1 2024, with total shipments hitting 289.4 million units. The most gains were made by Transsion Holdings (with brands like Itel, Techno, and Infinix), which shipped 28.5 million units, an 84.9 percent jump over Q1, 2023. Xiaomi also did exceedingly well, grabbing the third spot with 40.8 million units to register a 33.8 percent growth YoY. While Apple may be hoping that the launch of iPhone 16 will reverse the downtrend, analysts across the spectrum believe that the company may find it tough to convince people to upgrade from older iPhones. According to JP Morgan, the upcoming series may not be as successful as some of its predecessors due to the lack of AI features. Renowned TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had also expressed similar sentiments earlier, saying that the lack of new features in the iPhone 16 may prevent it from becoming a runaway hit. On the other hand, Samsung is riding high on the success of its Galaxy S24 series, thanks in part to the plethora of AI features. The company will be hoping that innovative AI tools like Circle to Search, Generative Photo Editing and Chat Assist will help it not only retain existing users, but gain new customers in the coming quarters. Bluesky has recently unveiled a notable shift in its policy: it will now allow heads of state to become members. Following a year-long prohibition, Bluesky's official account revealed that this restriction had been lifted. Opening Platform to World Leaders In a significant shift, the emerging social media platform Bluesky, championed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has announced that it will now allow heads of state to join its ranks. After a year-long ban, the official Bluesky account revealed the lifting of this restriction, signaling a new era for the platform. This decision comes as Bluesky has recently made its services available to the public and introduced a range of new moderation options, reflecting its commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. The team behind Bluesky has carefully considered the implications of this policy change and has concluded that it is finally time to welcome world leaders on board. In a recent post addressing its users, the official Bluesky account made the announcement, stating, "By the way... we lifted our 'no heads of state' policy." This adjustment follows a period of growth and development for Bluesky. With this new policy in place, Bluesky aims to provide a platform where individuals from all walks of life, including political leaders, can engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange ideas. Announcing Previous Ban In May 2022, Fortune reported that Bluesky garnered attention when it politely declined interest from high-profile individuals such as government officials. This decision coincided with the platform's beta testing phase, during which the team likely prioritized refining its infrastructure and implementing robust moderation tools to ensure a safe user experience. Fast forward to the present, and Bluesky's decision to transition to a public platform indicates a newfound confidence in its stability and readiness. The fact that notable figures, including politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, were already active users of Bluesky before its public launch adds credibility to this assertion. The influx of well-known personalities using Bluesky suggests that the platform attracts a diverse audience spanning various backgrounds and interests. However, with this increased visibility and user base comes the challenge of maintaining a seamless experience and addressing potential issues that may arise. Nonetheless, the shift from an exclusive, invite-only platform to a more inclusive and publicly accessible space signifies Bluesky's ambition to emerge as a prominent player in the realm of online discourse. Bluesky is making big changes by letting users control what they see and catching up to platforms like Twitter. They're introducing user-controlled content filters based on open-source technology called Ozone. Unlike typical social media algorithms, this system lets users customize their feeds to match their preferences. But Bluesky isn't stopping there. They're working on features to make the platform more like Twitter. Soon, users will be able to add hashtags to their bios, share links more easily, and enjoy other features they're used to. This focus on giving users control and matching Twitter's features shows that Bluesky is serious about standing out in the world of social media. In this edition of CryptoWatch, let us look back on the top news in the world of cryptocurrency from last week, centering on the recent comment from Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse about the industry's future, which is to see twice as much growth. There is also the fight to prove his innocence, with Sam Bankman-Fried sending forth his appeal to the court regarding his conviction and prison sentence. On the other hand, another reported incident involved a $12 million crypto heist tied to a security engineer who was recently sentenced to three years in prison. Ripple's Brad Garlinghouse Believes in Crypto's Growth Come 2025 After revealing Ripple's new entry into the stablecoin market with a US dollar-tied new crypto, the company's CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, said he believes the industry will experience massive growth by 2025. More particularly, he claimed that it would double in size by the end of this year, with 2025 enjoying this significant growth in the market. Garlinghouse attributed several factors to help in this future growth, including macro factors, the arrival of the first US spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and the Bitcoin halving. Moreover, he regarded that there is massive demand now and a decreasing supply in the market. This year alone, Garlinghouse regarded that crypto will reach as much as $5 trillion, with more coming by 2025. Sam Bankman-Fried Appeals His Conviction, Sentence Sam Bankman-Fried is not yet done fighting for his case, and the former CEO and co-founder of FTX recently submitted his notice of appeal to the 2nd Circuit US Court of Appeals in Manhattan. This looks to dispute the massive charges to which he was convicted, centering on fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud, alongside his 25-year prison sentence. The fight to prove that he is "innocent" is still what the appeal centers on, with Bankman-Fried portraying himself as a 'good' person, compassionate, and more. Despite this, Judge Lewis Kaplan is known for believing that SBF returning to the public would lead him to do bad things and more, claiming that the former executive had no remorse for his actions. Security Engineer Faces Prison for $12M Crypto Heist The US Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced that it already sentenced a cybersecurity engineer, Shakeeb Ahmed, to as much as three years in prison for his participation in stealing as much as $12 million in cryptocurrency. Ahmed was given three years imprisonment for his involvement, which centered on hacking into two crypto exchange platforms and orchestrating the stealing of digital assets. It was revealed that he affected cyberattacks against Crema Finance and Nirvana Finance, stealing $9 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Ahmed was also revealed to be a former senior security engineer from Amazon but was no longer an employee at the time of his arrest. Illinois is set to have 643 new EV charging ports after the state announced it plans to spend $25.1 million on its Driving a Cleaner Illinois program. The plans were announced by the state's Environmental Protection Agency director, John J. Kim. The subsidies will reportedly finance the installation of 643 additional Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at 141 locations around the state as part of the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program. Requests were made in 2023 by applicants. The awards, authorized by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), are funded by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan. According to an Illinois EPA award in 2023, $12.6 million in Volkswagen Settlement funds will fund more than 300 new EV fast charging stations. (Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) An electric vehicle is charged in Rosemead, California, on April 12, 2023. - US President Joe Biden's administration unveiled new proposed auto emissions rules, aiming to accelerate the electric vehicle transition with a target of two-thirds of the new US car market by 2032. These grants support DCFC charging stations in state-wide locations that are open to the public. Projects located in Equity Investment Eligible Communities get extra funds. $920,000 was given to Rivian Automotive for charging at Springfield retail and shopping locations. The Road Ranger at petrol stations received additional capital city prizes. Universal EV will receive money for hotel and retail properties, including those in Decatur and Lincoln. Pilot Travel Centers was granted funds for Decatur and surrounding communities. Adams Electric Cooperative will use the grants to install charging stations at a motel and community college. This latest action demonstrates that the nation is still moving slowly toward full EV adoption. The Environmental Protection Agency recently unveiled new legislation that, while still adhering to the same tight rules set by the agency, relaxes the tailpipe limitations that were recommended last year. Read Also: EV Charging May Stop Working Due to Mobile Signal Strength, Claims Study EV Adoption Legislation In response to objections from the car industry and auto workers in Michigan, a political battleground state, the amended regulations lowered the target for the country's adoption of electric vehicles from 67% by 2032 to as low as 35%. Rather, the EPA established a "technology neutral" regulatory framework that allows automakers much greater flexibility in using gas-electric hybrids to comply with pollution standards. Environmentalists have criticized this strategy as a band-aid solution that will delay the switch to electric automobiles. The organization also implemented "advanced gasoline" technology to save fuel, such as turbocharging, lighter vehicles, and stop-start ignition systems. The rules are in place because sales of electric vehicles, which are subject to them, have begun to decrease. The automobile industry, citing slower sales growth, objected to the EPA's proposed standards, which were announced in April last year as part of an ambitious plan to reduce planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles. United Kingdom's EV Charging Plans On a related note, in February of last year, the United Kingdom revealed its most recent plans to speed up the installation of thousands of electric vehicle charging stations. The new plans' main feature is grants covering up to 75% of the expenses for state-funded schools, nurseries, and academies. Additionally, several local government entities expect to receive over 14.2 million in financing for EV charging stations. State-sponsored schools, universities, nurseries, and academies can apply for money sponsored by the Department of Transportation to enhance the charge station amenities for staff and visitors. This is part of the scheme for workplace charging. Schools may be able to make money if they let the public use their charging stations. Related Article: Luxury Carmaker Aston Martin Will Continue Creating Petrol Cars Despite Growing EV Shift (Photo: Tech Times) In the Netherlands, McDonald's has launched an unconventional marketing campaign. They've erected a billboard that emits the aroma of their food, making it the first advertisement of its kind to utilize scent as a promotional tool. Weve all been there: you go on an elevator, the subway, or a conference room, and you get a whiff of it. You cant see it, but you know it: McDonalds. A scent as recognizable as their logo or jingle. Thats why McDonalds Netherlands put their iconic smell to the test, using nothing else in their latest campaign. (Photo: McDonald's Nederland) Launching the World's First Ad to Use Scent McDonald's recently launched a unique marketing campaign in The Netherlands, inviting locals to experience their brand unconventionally. Rather than relying solely on visuals, the fast-food giant introduced a creative approach by infusing their signature scent into a billboard. This innovative strategy aims to engage passersby through a creative experience, adding a new dimension to traditional advertising methods. In this marketing approach, McDonald's strives to extend its brand experience beyond visual cues to incorporate the sense of smell. McDonald's employees adeptly insert trays of their renowned fries into the billboard. By infusing the billboard with the scent of their iconic fries, they aim to evoke nostalgia and cravings among passersby, ultimately driving foot traffic to their restaurants. This strategy showcases McDonald's commitment to creativity and underscores their understanding of the power of multisensory marketing in captivating consumers' attention and enhancing brand recall. A Smell of Nostalgia Stijn Mentrop-Huliselan, McDonald's Netherlands' chief marketing officer, highlighted studies indicating that smell has a more potent impact on memory recall and emotional response than visual presentation. McDonald's decision to integrate scent into its advertising strategy is driven by a desire to tap into these powerful associations, aiming to evoke fond memories and positive emotions associated with the brand. As a result, the company strategically places these scent-emitting billboards near McDonald's outlets, creating a revolutionary trail that guides customers directly to the source of these nostalgic experiences. Some people suspect that the scent placement is a clever marketing trick by McDonald's. Social media has been buzzing with people talking about the smell, with many figuring out it's McDonald's behind it or even a Happy Meal. People on the internet loved the idea, with some commenting that it perfectly hits the spot when you're tired and hungry, like "rolling off the night train at 7 am on a Sunday." Others even expressed a desire for Dutch McDonald's in their own countries, praising the love that goes into the Netherlands McDonald's experience. It's definitely getting people's attention. Whether you recognize the scent or not, McDonald's aims to leave a lasting impression and maybe even sell more fries. Artificial intelligence is now reportedly affecting fashion models, for better or for worse, as some AI-generated fashion models are acting as stand-ins for real-life models in photoshoots. The first example can be found in a picture shoot where the AI-generated virtual twin of London-based model Alexsandrah stood in for the actual Alexsandrah. As with human models, the real model is credited and paid each time the AI version of herself is used. According to Alexsandrah, she and her alter persona are "even down to the baby hairs" alike. This is just one more illustration of how AI is changing the creative industry and how much or little individuals are paid. Advocates claim that the increasing application of AI to fashion modeling highlights diversity in all forms and sizes, enabling customers to make more individualized purchasing selections and minimizing fashion waste from returned goods. Additionally, digital modeling helps businesses save money and opens doors for those who wish to work in the technology industry. However, some express worry that the use of computer models could drive out real models as well as other industry workers like makeup artists and photographers. It is also possible to deceive consumers into believing that AI models are real, and for businesses to take credit for meeting diversity targets without using real workers. AI has the potential to reverse some of the progress made by women of color, who have historically faced greater entry obstacles in the modeling industry. According to data, women are more likely than males to work in professions where technology may be used, and they also face a higher chance of being replaced. AI-Generated Fashion Models have long been a reality. In 2019, "Lalaland" was introduced as a way to create customizable AI fashion models for different garments. As per Lalaland's founder, Michael Musandu, the application aimed to increase diversity in beauty standards. According to Musandu, his product should be used in addition to conventional photo shoots, not instead of them. Using various size filters, consumers might view nine to twelve models in place of only one, improving the buying experience and lowering the amount of fashion waste and product returns. According to Musandu, because Lalaland.ai pays people to train its algorithms, the technology is creating new jobs. Read Also: MIT Unveils 4D Knit Dress That Uses Heat, Robotic Tech to Achieve Perfect Fit and Style in an Instant AI-Generated Diversity AI fashion models are thought to curb costs and speed up image production while being more inclusive. The owner of the London-based Grey Modeling Agency, Rebecca Valentine, thinks it is ineffective to use AI to promote diversity. Valentine contends that celebrating authenticity, culture, individuality, and way of life is the fundamental goal of diversity representation. She goes on to say that AI merely "parodies" diversity rather than celebrating it. The coming years will demonstrate if AI can significantly contribute to the fashion industry's promotion of diversity and whether businesses understand when and where to draw the line when deploying this cutting-edge technology. AI Fashion Models in the Industry Notable denim brand Levi Strauss & Co. announced in March 2023 that, in an attempt to feature a wider range of body shapes and underrepresented demographics on its website, it will be experimenting with AI-generated models created by Amsterdam-based Lalaland.ai. Levi, however, made it clear that it was not abandoning its intentions for live photo shoots, the use of live models, or its dedication to working with a broad pool of models after facing intense criticism. The business declared last month that it has no intentions to expand the AI initiative. Representatives for Nieman Marcus, H&M, Walmart, and Macy's, on the other hand, stated that their respective businesses do not employ AI models. Walmart added, however, that while suppliers may take a different approach to the photographs they offer for their products, we are unaware of this. Related Article: AI Pin: Humane Expands to South Korea Through Partnership with SK Telecom A Cambridge-based startup has developed an AI telemonitor that detects heart failure by analyzing foot volume. The technology, created by Heartfelt Technologies, tracks changes in foot volume to identify potential signs of heart failure in discharged patients. Detecting Heart Failure with AI Telemonitoring Technology Heartfelt Technologies, a startup based in Cambridge, introduces an innovative AI telemonitoring system to detect heart failure. Unlike traditional methods, this system utilizes foot volume measurements to track discharged heart patients' health status remotely. The telemonitor employs an infrared time-of-flight 3D camera to automatically scan patients' bare feet for signs of peripheral edema, a potential indicator of heart failure. This proactive approach allows for early detection of symptoms, potentially reducing the risk of hospital readmissions. After experiencing heart failure, patients are often discharged with instructions to monitor symptoms, particularly weight, regularly at home. However, adherence to this regimen can be challenging for many patients, leading to preventable readmissions. Heartfelt Technologies' telemonitoring solution aims to address this issue by providing consistent and convenient monitoring for discharged patients. As stated by The Engineer, this method aims to diminish hospitalizations by facilitating timely medication administration, potentially averting up to 75 percent of readmissions. Once installed in a patient's home, the device effortlessly monitors foot volume as the patient walks by. This is crucial as foot swelling is a primary symptom associated with the onset of heart failure, serving as a vital indicator of heart health. Subsequently, the device transmits data to the cloud for analysis, detecting significant foot volume changes and alerting caregivers and medical professionals to take necessary action. In many instances, this involves ensuring proper prescription and adherence to medications. Also read : The Science of Scare Project Ranks 10 Scariest Horror Films Based on Heart Rate The device, now in its third generation, has undergone significant evolution, starting from earlier versions of Raspberry Pi cameras mounted on an aluminum bar. CEO Dr. Shamus Husheer discussed the technical challenges encountered, particularly regarding wide baselines necessary for accurate depth measurement. He emphasized the benefits of time-of-flight cameras, citing those found in the Microsoft Kinect for Xbox One as examples. Husheer elaborated on the intricacies, highlighting the necessity of narrow baselines for close-range foot data capture and contrasting the noise characteristics of time-of-flight cameras with other technologies. Advancements, Challenges in Implementing Initially met with skepticism due to concerns about sensitivity, the team behind the Microsoft Kinect device improved its 3D data capabilities through software enhancements, hardware adjustments, and innovative mathematical methods, as described by Husheer. He further explained that while the Raspberry Pi had demonstrated the ability to detect clinically relevant foot changes related to heart failure, it was impractical for widespread use in patients' homes. Thus, they developed a more suitable device for deployment in hundreds of households. In addition to addressing technical challenges, Husheer emphasized the importance of privacy in implementing the technology, ensuring patient data confidentiality while delivering valuable clinical insights. Furthermore, beyond heart failure monitoring, the technology holds potential for broader applications, including managing high-risk pregnancies. Medium's paid Partner program will soon be centered on human-written content after the online publishing platform announced its plans to ban AI-generated content behind paywalls. The blogging platform turned publisher, which allows anybody to start their blog while charging subscription access for some exclusive content, is one of the many companies cracking down on AI. The decision reportedly comes as Medium looks to emphasize its platform's dedication to human storytelling rather than AI-written content, as per Bleeping Computer. The new policy will take effect on May 1, 2024. Paywalls will no longer restrict completely AI-generated stories, and users may potentially be removed from the monetization scheme as a consequence. (Photo: LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images) This picture, taken on January 23, 2023, in Toulouse, southwestern France, shows screens displaying the logos of OpenAI and ChatGPT. - ChatGPT is a conversational artificial intelligence software application developed by OpenAI. Medium emphasizes that it is a platform for human storytelling and does not wish to host entirely AI-generated content. Medium made it clear that while it acknowledges that AI can aid writers who are writing in a second language or make some writings more comprehensible, it is no longer permitted to create material only through AI. The guidelines state that Medium permits the responsible use of AI-assisted technologies, subject to stringent transparency standards. Any story that uses AI assistance needs to make this very obvious in the opening two paragraphs. Read Also: Deepfakes are Getting Harder to Identify But Scientists Suggest Using AI to Detect Real Signs of Life - Why? Medium's AI Crackdown AI-generated photos are also subject to this restriction and must be appropriately sourced and tagged. Although Medium users can still publish tales created by AI on their blogs, these posts are not circulated extensively throughout the network. Medium has tightened its restrictions on disseminating AI-generated content by prohibiting it from the Paid Partner program. In January 2023, Medium began enforcing stricter guidelines regarding AI content, mandating authors to explicitly identify any posts created by AI. At the time, the firm stated that posts it discovered to be AI-generated but had not been reported would not be deleted; instead, they would not be shared through Medium's different recommendation tools. AI Policies on Other Platforms Medium's policy change follows YouTube's announcement of new AI policies last March. Content creators will be given a checklist upon submitting a video to the platform. It asks them whether their work portrays a realistic-looking scene that did not occur, modifies footage of a real place or event, or has a real person say or do something they did not do. YouTubers must disclose any instances in which their films incorporate AI or other realistically altered data. They might have to cope with the repercussions if they fail to include the notice regularly. However, the company made it clear that they will not compel creators to disclose whether they used generative AI for productivity-for example, to generate screenplays, ideas for new material, or automatically generated captions-because they recognize that creators utilize it in a multitude of ways during the creative process. Related Article: Georgia Could Soon Ban Political AI Deepfakes (Photo: Tech Times) A new alternative to Dolby Atmos is here. It is the DTS:X, known for offering spatial audio, which will soon arrive on Disney+ to bring the sound to upcoming movies and series on the platform. This is the first time that DTS:X is getting streaming platform support, with the company's technology centering on improving IMAX Enhanced content and more for an immersive experience. The company long promised this integration to Disney+, but despite earlier claims, it was not able to add it last year and is only coming this year. DTS:X Spatial Audio Coming to Disney+ Titles DTS:X is coming to streaming, and the first platform to offer its support is Disney+. The first title to bring this new audio experience will be Queen Rock Montreal, Digital Trends reported. The DTS:X support on Disney+ will roll out starting April 15, and the Queen Rock Montreal film will drop on the platform come May 15. Alongside the new DTS:X spatial audio experience, this film is also an IMAX Enhanced title, which means that there are scenes that can be viewed with a 1:90:1 ratio that may eliminate the black bars seen on displays that use a 16:9 ratio. Other content streamed on Disney+ and offered on IMAX Enhanced are available for this, including Avengers: Endgame, Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther, and more. IMAX Enhanced Content to Get DTS:X IMAX Enhanced is known for using DTS:X's audio component to deliver spatial audio, best described as 3D, immersive sound to certain media. Both are owned by Xperi, and IMAX Enhanced content uses this new spatial audio technology, which offers various improvements compared to Dolby Atmos. However, there are still challenges with this, as while many soundbars or home theater systems already support DTS:X, other considerations also need a TV that can decode or pass through it. Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, and MORE The massive integration of spatial audio into many experiences worldwide centers on improving the sound output of certain content, focusing on three-dimensional audio on various platforms. Apple and Apple Music are known for their massive fondness of Spatial Audio, best known for using Dolby Atmos' technology to bring this newfound immersive tech to sounds. That being said, the most popular and frankly, solo spatial audio brand known to the world is Dolby Atmos, with massive partnerships with LG, Apple, Mercedes Benz, and more. The tech enhances the audio more than the regular, stereo-based outputs, giving the sound more depth and offering an immersive experience that takes users right to the action or feel of the music. However, a new player in town has been trying to give the world a more expanded experience with spatial audio, and that is DTS: X. IMAX Enhanced is known for using DTS:X's audio component to deliver the experience, fully utilizing it with the tech's integration among platforms, one of which Disney+ is the first to offer support over Dolby Atmos. As the day turned into night in the beautiful Turkish resort town of Antalya, a terrible accident happened: support for cable cars broke, causing one person to die and injuring seven others. Cable Car Tragedy in Turkey An incident unfolded near a Turkish resort when a cable car pylon collapsed, resulting in one fatality and leaving nearly 200 individuals stranded midair. The deceased of a 54-year-old Turkish man was identified. Following the collapse, seven others sustained injuries. The accident occurred on Friday afternoon as a cabin from the Antalya Cable Car, also known as the Tunektepe Teleferik, collided with a damaged pole outside Antalya. Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that the cabin plummeted down the mountainside into a rocky area after the pylon collapsed. Interesting Engineering reported that the deceased, identified as a 54-year-old Turkish man, was confirmed, while reports indicate that among the injured were six Turkish citizens and one Kyrgyz national, including two children, all rescued by helicopters operated by the Coast Guard. Minister Yerlikaya mentioned in an X post that ten helicopters and over 600 search-and-rescue personnel were deployed to the scene. The entire cable car system stopped as emergency workers worked tirelessly to evacuate stranded passengers. The rescue operation saw collaboration from various organizations across Turkey, including the search and rescue agency AFAD, the Coast Guard, and the fire brigade. Mountaineering teams from different regions of the country also played a crucial role in the operation. Also read : Geely Unveils Groundbreaking AI-Powered Driverless Drifting Car on Snow Despite the challenging circumstances, the swift response from emergency teams was instrumental in ensuring the safety of those stranded. The coordinated efforts of search-and-rescue personnel, including the Coast Guard and mountaineering teams from various regions, underscored the commitment to effectively managing the crisis. Emotions ran high as families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones. Hatice Polat's account of the ordeal sheds light on the intense fear and uncertainty experienced by those trapped in the cable car for several hours. Such firsthand testimonies serve as reminders of the human toll of such accidents. Calling for Investigation In the aftermath of the incident, attention turned to accountability and preventive measures. The Turkish justice ministry's initiation of an investigation reflects the imperative to identify the root causes of the accident and take necessary actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As the nation mourns the loss of life and supports those affected by the tragedy, there is a collective call for transparency, accountability, and enhanced safety measures to ensure the well-being of all individuals using cable car systems and other forms of transportation. Among the suspects were employees of both the cable car operating companies and the company tasked with maintaining and servicing the line. The cable car line, inaugurated in 2017, is subject to rigorous annual inspections and regular maintenance checks. Managed by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, the cable car facilitates tourist transportation from Konyaalti Beach to a restaurant and picturesque observation point situated atop the 618-meter-high Tunektepe peak. Facebook's recent blocking of news content in certain countries is now reportedly proven to be negatively affecting political discussions on the platform, as found by new studies. Some studies suggest that memes are now overtaking political discussions on the platform. One of these nations is Canada, which has emerged as the focal point of Facebook's conflict with governments that have passed or are debating legislation compelling internet behemoths, mainly Google and Meta, the owners of the social media platform, to compensate media outlets for links to stories that appear on their platforms. Facebook claims that news has little commercial value to its company, so it has restricted news sharing in Canada rather than charging for it. Two unpublished studies cited by Reuters indicate that the barring of news links has caused significant and unsettling changes in the way Canadian Facebook users interact with political material. Memes are taking the place of news in political organizations, according to Taylor Owen, one of the researchers on the undisclosed studies. According to the study's analysts, the platform's death of news and users' growing involvement with opinion and unverified content could stifle political conversation, especially during election years. If Canberra tries to implement the 2021 content licensing law after Facebook said that it would not renew its agreements with Australian news publishers, it is expected to take a similar action. Before the law was passed, Facebook had banned news in Australia. As a result of Meta's ruling, Canadians will now see a box that reads, "In response to Canadian government legislation, news content can't be shared," whenever someone posts a link to a news story. Read Also: Facebook's Project Ghostbusters Exposes Covert Surveillance of Snapchat Users Unreliable Facebook News Surges According to the Media Ecosystem Observatory, a McGill University and University of Toronto project, news items on Facebook that had received between 5 million and 8 million views from Canadians each day have vanished. Reactions to image-based messages in Canadian political Facebook groups increased to match the prior engagement with news items, despite engagement with political influencer accounts like partisan commentators, academics, and media professionals staying constant. According to a second NewsGuard analysis done for Reuters, in the ninety days following the ban, likes, comments, and shares of sources deemed "unreliable" increased to 6.9% in Canada from 2.2% in the ninety days prior. This is particularly concerning, according to Gordon Crovitz, co-chief executive of New York-based NewsGuard, a fact-checking organization that rates websites for accuracy. According to Crovitz, the shift coincided with a dramatic rise in the amount of AI-generated news websites disseminating misleading information and an increasing amount of phony photographs, videos, and audio, some of which were created by adversarial nations to influence elections. Meta vs. the Online News Act After Canada's Senate enacted the Online News Act in 2023, which requires digital companies to compensate media outlets for the items they post, Meta initially deleted all news content from Facebook and Instagram in that country. Meta has made no secret of the fact that it is against the Online News Act. This measure was created by Canada in response to the decline in advertising revenue that news organizations have been facing over the last few years. Publishers must reform, according to a May 2023 statement from Nick Clegg, head of global affairs at Meta. Related Article: Meta Fails to Enforce Anti-Trans Hate on Social Media, Advocates Raise Complaint (Photo: Tech Times) Apple is reportedly no longer the top phonemaker as Samsung clinches the spot with a 20.8% market share on global smartphone shipments. The news comes as Apple's smartphone shipments drop by 10% for 2024's first quarter. The sharp drop in sales for the iPhone manufacturer follows a stellar quarter in which it surpassed Samsung to become the world's top phone manufacturer. With a 17.3% market share, it has returned to second place as Chinese companies like Huawei increase their market share. Xiaomi, one of the top Chinese smartphone manufacturers, came in third with a 14.1% market share in the first quarter. During that time, the South Korean manufacturer shipped over 60 million smartphones from Samsung's current flagship line, the Galaxy S24 series, which was unveiled at the start of the year. As per the Korea Times, although Samsung lost its top spot to Apple in September of last year, the Galaxy 24, which has several AI features, has done well in the market since its January release. (Photo: Joe Maher/Getty Images for Samsung) Samsung is introducing the new One UI 6.1 update to broaden the reach of its Galaxy AI features. Based on data from industry researcher Counterpoint Research, Samsung sold 19.69 million smartphones in February, taking a 20 percent market share, ahead of Apple, which sold 17.41 million phones for an 18 percent share. Analysts credited strong sales in the US and European markets for Samsung's ascent back to the top of the rankings. With a 34 percent market share, the maker of the Galaxy smartphone series continued to hold the top spot in the European market. Furthermore, it saw a significant increase in its market share in the United States, which is customarily controlled by Apple devices, going from 20 percent in January to 36 percent. During the same time frame, Apple's market share in the United States decreased from 64% to 48%. For the first time in 13 years, Samsung lost its position as the leader in the worldwide smartphone market share in terms of shipments to Apple last year. Apple surpassed Samsung, whose share fell to 19.4 percent from 21.7 percent in 2022, with a 20.1 percent share in 2023, according to market research firm IDC. Read Also: Apple Mac M4 2024: When to Expect the Faster, More Powerful Computers Apple's Decline The decline highlights the American company's difficulties in its third-largest market, where several Chinese businesses and government organizations ban staff access to Apple devices. This practice is similar to the American government's prohibitions on Chinese software due to security concerns. The Cupertino, California-based corporation will showcase upgrades to the software that powers iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Apple's Mac Plans Apple has revealed intentions to integrate its M4 processors into nearly every Mac model that the iPhone manufacturer releases. According to insiders who asked not to be named, Apple wants to replace every Mac model with the new CPU, which will come in at least three main types. The company intends to ship the updated computers in late 2024 or early 2025. New iMacs, Mac minis, top-tier 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros, and a budget-friendly 14-inch MacBook Pro, will all be part of the lineup. Apple is developing the new Macs at a critical juncture. After reaching a record in 2022, Mac sales fell 27% in the most current fiscal year, which ended in September. Related Article: Apple Boasts New AI, Claims It Outpaces GPT-4: "Large Improvements Over an Existing System" Latest data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHSP) and the University of Utah Drug Information Service shows that Americans are experiencing record-high shortages of vital medicines. In the first quarter of 2024, ASHSP and the University of Utah's newest drug shortage report show a record-high of 323 drugs in limited supply. The number of shortages surpassed the peak of 320 in 2014, according to HealthDay. US Drug Shortages Must Be Addressed ASAP ASHSP CEO Paul Abramowitz said, "It's long past time to put an end to drug shortages," warning of shortages of generic sterile injectable pharmaceuticals, including cancer chemotherapy and emergency treatments, across all pharmacological classes. The database also indicates shortages in several medicine classes, including intravenous fluids, hormone agents, antimicrobials, and central nervous system stimulants. The information was gathered by verifying data from practitioners, patients, and other sources with drugmakers. ASHSP also noted that ADHD drug shortages continue to worry doctors and patients. ADHD medication Adderall has an impact, as per a report from ABC News. According to the FDA, the scarcity started in late 2022 due to a production delay and is now demand-driven. According to U.S. government data, the average medicine shortage lasts 18 months; however, IQVIA found that over half of current shortages have lasted over two years. Supply chain disruptions or rising customer demand can cause shortages. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently suggested medication shortage prevention policies. Hospitals and drugmakers should collaborate more to improve market transparency and fund supply chains. Abramowitz questions hospitals' ability to adopt these suggestions due to budgetary and personnel restrictions. He stated, "Much work remains to be done at the federal level to fix the root causes of drug shortages." Read Also : Cambridge's Heartfelt Technologies Introduces AI Telemonitor for Heart Failure Detection Through Foot Volume (Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images) A Publix Supermarket pharmacy manager retrieves a bottle of antibiotics from the shelf August 7, 2007 in Miami, Florida. An FDA official said the agency can expedite supplement reviews to add active ingredients or capacity amid shortages. However, specific actions are considered exclusive trade knowledge. In March 2023, the Senate Homeland Security Committee reported that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened years of drug shortages in the U.S. The study noted that shortages delay, substitute, or deny patients treatment. At a House Ways and Means Committee hearing earlier this year, practitioners, researchers, and pharmaceutical industry executives stressed the cost burden of medicine shortages on patients. Patients often use more expensive alternatives, adding to their financial burden. Websites Selling Fake Drugs Shut Down In a separate development, cybersecurity firm BrandShield shut down over 250 websites peddling fraudulent weight-loss and diabetic treatments. This endeavor addresses the rising issue of online counterfeit drugs. BrandShield CEO Yoav Keren said that most of the targeted websites sold counterfeit GLP-1 medications, which treat metabolic problems. Counterfeiting occurred for Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound, as well as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications were originally intended to treat type 2 diabetes but have now become popular for weight management. The high demand for these pharmaceuticals has made counterfeiters rich. BrandShield's activities follow reports of GLP-1 drug-related damage in Belgium, Britain, Switzerland, and the US. The problem is widespread, with 95% of internet pharmacies operating illegally, according to studies. BrandShield has closed 90% of GLP-1 counterfeit pharmaceutical websites. Last year, BrandShield discovered 1,655 websites selling counterfeit hormone-related, central nervous system, and cancer pharmaceuticals. This takedown represents a large fraction of them. The European Union's antitrust regulators have initiated an investigation into US chipmaker Broadcom over alleged changes to the licensing conditions of VMware, a cloud computing company recently acquired by Broadcom. This move comes in response to complaints lodged by several EU business users and trade groups regarding abrupt alterations in policy and practices, which they claim have led to significant price hikes and other unfavorable adjustments. EU Is Looking Into VMware's Software Licensing According to Reuters, the EU competition watchdog has dispatched requests for information to Broadcom to delve into the matter. A spokesperson for the European Commission stated, "The Commission has received information suggesting that Broadcom is changing the conditions of VMware's software licensing and support." Among the complainants are prominent organizations such as Beltug, representing Belgian business users, along with counterparts from France's Cigref, CIO platform Nederland, and VOICE Germany. These groups collectively penned a letter to EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, EU industry chief Thierry Breton, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing concerns over Broadcom's purported actions. In addition, the Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe (CISPE), comprising major players like Amazon and 26 small EU cloud providers, have raised objections against Broadcom's alleged unilateral cancellation of license terms for essential virtualization software. SAN JOSE, CA - JUNE 07: Signage is displayed outside the Broadcom offices on June 7, 2018 in San Jose, California. Broadcom is expected to report second-quarter earnings today after the closing bell. Broadcom Responds to Allegations SAN JOSE, CA - JUNE 07: Signage is displayed outside the Broadcom offices on June 7, 2018 in San Jose, California. Broadcom is expected to report second-quarter earnings today after the closing bell. Broadcom's response to the accusations includes announcing changes aimed at addressing criticism. CEO Hock Tan emphasized the company's commitment to promoting customer adoption by significantly reducing the price of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). Tan stated in a blog post, "VCF includes all compute, storage, networking, management, and support capabilities that deliver consistent infrastructure and operations across clouds, and comes at half the list price compared to past pricing." Moreover, Broadcom plans to standardize the pricing metric for its offerings across cloud providers to per-core licensing. This move is intended to facilitate customers' transition between on-premise and cloud environments by removing technical barriers and ensuring consistency in licensing costs. Tan outlined Broadcom's strategic vision, which focuses on developing a seamless private cloud experience competitive with public cloud services. He highlighted the importance of customer freedom in moving workloads between data centers and various cloud providers, aiming to intensify competition in the market and deliver greater value to end-users. Furthermore, VMware is in the process of completing its transition to a subscription-based model, initiated in 2018. This model provides customers with access to the latest software versions and support for a fixed term, aligning with industry standards and fostering continuous innovation. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Amid ongoing US government scrutiny of the well-known social media platform, former TikTok employees voice their views in opposition to the company's autonomy claims. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew faced severe scrutiny from US legislators in January about the app's Beijing ties and national security dangers. The US House's March mandate for ByteDance to divest its TikTok share challenged Chew's claims of independence. In a recent Fortune report, 11 former TikTok employees contradicted their ex-employer's autonomy assertions. TikTok-China Connection Remain Despite US Restrictions These former TikTok employees, some of whom worked for TikTok until last year, claimed that the company's operations remained linked to ByteDance, thereby weakening its independence from China. Former employees, speaking anonymously for fear of retribution, revealed a covert line of command despite TikTok's claims. Former senior data scientist Evan Turner disclosed TikTok's cover-up of ByteDance's participation. Turner acknowledged frequent communication of sensitive information with ByteDance workers in China, including US users' names, email addresses, and IP addresses, despite efforts to keep user data in the US. Regulators are now questioning TikTok's strategy code named Project Texas, which covers data-sharing prevention measures as cybersecurity experts are concerned about TikTok's purported data transfer to China and its hazards. The former TikTok workers also disclosed that ByteDance staff in China frequently used internal software systems like Lark, a messaging system operated by ByteDance. The platform's lack of data storage transparency frustrated former business development staffer Nnete Matima, who struggled to reassure clients about data security. Read Also : Samsung Beats Out Apple for Top Phonemaker Spot (Photo : Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. Increasing Pressure on TikTok TikTok's connection with ByteDance raises data privacy and national security hazards, prompting US government investigations. Despite TikTok's promises, worries remain regarding its relationship with its Chinese parent firm and data security. Despite investing $1.5 billion in a dedicated operation, TikTok has struggled to satisfy US legislators about its safety. Given ByteDance's Chinese parent company, executives committed to voluntarily segregating US user data and hiring outside specialists to keep the app's algorithm free of Chinese interference. The firm's Project Texas team manages US data and content suggestions but its implementation has been difficult, according to current and former TikTok employees, per The Wall Street Journal. Managers have ordered employees to disclose data internally and with ByteDance colleagues outside formal channels, raising concerns about privacy breaches. ByteDance personnel in China update TikTok's algorithm often, making it hard for Project Texas employees to approve each modification, potentially causing issues. Project Texas personnel have expressed concerns about delays in acquiring laptops and software held by a separate entity, leaving them apprehensive about the security of their ByteDance-owned devices and tools. TechTimes previously reported that TikTok, already under congressional scrutiny, faced another privacy and security lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding children's data and safety. The FTC launched an investigation into TikTok's COPPA breaches and Chinese access to US user data, adding pressure on TikTok to detach from ByteDance to maintain its US presence. The US House's RESTRICT Act might outlaw TikTok in the country. If passed into law, the measure might designate TikTok as a foreign business, requiring it to divest from ByteDance and break links within 180 days, complicating the video-sharing platform's US operations. BP, the oil and gas giant headquartered in London, England, is undergoing significant changes within its electric vehicle (EV) charging business, BP Pulse. CEO Murray Auchincloss is spearheading a restructuring effort to address investor concerns regarding the company's transition towards green energy. What is the company planning after its recent job cuts? Market Withdrawal and Job Cuts In response to the shifting trend in the industry, BP Pulse has withdrawn from eight of the 12 countries it previously operated in, narrowing its focus to the US, Britain, Germany, and China. In an interview with Reuters, Auchinloss said that its expectation of commercial EV fleets "didn't pay off" in the market. The move that the British company made aligns with projections indicating rapid EV market growth in these regions. However, the restructuring hasn't been without its casualties, with over 100 jobs, representing around 11% of its global workforce, being eliminated. Despite this, BP says that the majority of affected employees are being reassigned to other divisions within the company. Related Article : Europe EV Adoption Lags Behind as Market Shares Fall BP's EV Charging Expansion Plans Despite the workforce reductions, BP remains committed to its EV charging ambitions. The company aims to expand its charging infrastructure, with a target of 100,000 charging points by 2030. Notably, BP Pulse had over 29,000 charging points globally by the end of last year, indicating significant progress towards its long-term goals. Financial Projections and Investment Initiatives BP anticipates substantial revenue from its EV charging and convenience store operations, targeting $1.5 billion by 2025. To support its growth objectives, the company has announced big investments in EV charging infrastructure, including up to 1 billion in the UK and up to 100 million in Germany by 2030, Electrek writes in its recent report. BP's Support Service Review and IT Job Reductions In addition to the restructuring within its EV charging business, BP is also streamlining its support services. The company plans to reduce IT jobs by approximately 30% in its international upstream division as part of this initiative. While BP aims to minimize the impact on affected employees by offering alternative roles within the company, these changes reflect its broader efforts to optimize operations and adapt to evolving market movements. In other news, Tesla implemented the newest layoff affecting over 10% of its global workforce. For the automaker, job cuts are needed to carefully evaluate the weakness of the organization. This way, they can recognize the best efforts to maximize efficiency and minimize redundant roles for its general growth. What's more, Elon Musk said that layoffs should be done even though it's a difficult decision to make. Alongside the recent wave of layoffs, Tesla needs to deal with disappointed customers who were expecting Cybertrucks to be delivered soon. However, the shipment was plagued by delays which made their waiting time worse. Nigeria urged to halt Shell deal over community rights Lagos, April 15 (AFP) Apr 15, 2024 Amnesty International and other rights groups on Monday called on Nigeria's government to halt a deal for Shell to sell some of its assets as a way to guarantee rights of local communities. Farming and fishing communities in the Niger Delta, the heartland of Nigeria's crude production, have fought years of legal battles over damage from oil spills in the area. Shell has agreed to sell its onshore assets in the country to a Nigeria-based group for up to $2.4 billion as it shifts to offshore operations. In an open letter released on Monday, Amnesty and dozens of other Nigerian and international rights groups called on a Nigeria regulatory commission to refuse approval of the sale of Shell assets to Renaissance African Energy. "Shell should not be permitted to use legal gymnastics to escape its responsibilities for cleaning up its widespread legacy of pollution," the letter said. It added that the sale of Shell assets should not be permitted unless local communities have been fully consulted, the environmental pollution caused to date fully assessed and funds made available to cover clean-up costs. Shell did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Oil companies generally say they operate according to the sector's environmental best practices and blame most spills on sabotage and oil thieves tapping into pipelines. Britain's Supreme Court ruled recently it was too late for a group of Nigerians to sue Shell over a 2011 offshore oil spill. But the company faces other legal challenges over spills. Nigeria, Africa's top economy and major oil producer, wants to attract more foreign investment since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came to office in 2023 with a raft of reforms. OPEC member Nigeria has seen its petroleum output decline in recent years due to widespread theft from pipelines, attacks and high operating costs that deter onshore investors. pma/bp Paramount, you got some splainin to do! 'I Love Lucy: The Complete Series' Blu-ray Box Set Coming November 5th! 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 Salman Rushdie is talking about a dream he had on August 9, 2022. It involved a gladiator with a spear, in a Roman amphitheatre. The audience was roaring for more blood. Rushdie was screaming and rolling around on the floor trying to avoid the gladiators downward thrusts. It really spooked me, the 76-year-old author recalls from his home in New York. In retrospect, maybe I should have listened to the dream. Three nights later, on August 12, Rushdie was at the Chautauqua educational institute, in south-western New York state. He was due to give a talk about creating safe spaces for writers. It never happened. Instead, a 24-year-old Lebanese American man from New Jersey who entered the building using a false identity concocted from the names of two Shia Muslim extremists attacked Rushdie on stage with a knife and nearly killed him. Author Salman Rushdie is cared for following the attack on August 12, 2022. Credit: AP He was just stabbing wildly, Rushdie writes in Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder. It is Rushdies 22nd book and third memoir and begins with the novelist recalling his near-death experience. The attack lasted approximately 27 seconds. Fortunately, the events moderator, Henry Reese (who was also injured), intervened and dragged the would-be killer to the floor. Members of the audience also helped. Rushdie says these acts of pure heroism saved his life. My main thought lying on the stage, surrounded by a lake of blood, was: this is probably the end. Rushdie was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, where his surgery lasted eight hours. He had multiple wounds on the neck, right eye, left hand, liver, abdomen, forehead, cheeks and mouth. One of the surgeons who operated on me later told me, When we initially brought you in, we didnt think we could save you, Rushdie says. During the attack the optic nerve in his right eye was severely damaged. Today, when I walk the streets of New York, I get recognised because I look like this, says Rushdie pointing to the blackened right lens of his glasses. He is now blind in that eye. Rushdie speaks of the post-traumatic stress he suffered. It manifested itself in many ways. There was a lot negative thinking, and he could barely get out of bed some days. He thought he might never write again. I was physically weak, and I believed the 21 books I had written up until that point might be the sum total of the work, he says. Advertisement There are regular nightmares too. Rushdie has used various coping mechanisms to combat the stress and suffering. Embracing gratitude is one of them. Im going to be 77 in June, he says. These are days I wasnt supposed to have, so I feel lucky to have them. Rushdie also takes solace in the fact that while his attack began with hateful venom, its very much a story that ended with love. There were the men and women who saved his life, for starters. His memoir is dedicated to them. Then there is the support of his family. Rushdies sister, Sameen. His two sons, Zafar and Milan, and his granddaughter, Rose. They all played their part, rallying around him following the attack. Im going to be 77 in June. These are days I wasnt supposed to have, so I feel lucky to have them. Rushdies wife, the writer, photographer and poet Rachel Eliza Griffiths, went into what he calls in the book super-hero mode. She showed neither grief nor fear, neither exhaustion nor stress, but only love and strength, he writes. In the time of my greatness weakness, she became my our unbreakable rock. The couple met at a literary event in Manhattan in May 2017. Rushdie had already been married four times. In September 2021, in a very private ceremony, he walked down the aisle for a fifth time. Salman Rushdie with his wife, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, in London last year. Credit: Getty Images When the attack happened, it momentarily felt like the happy, loving life they had built over the previous five years had come to an end, says Rushdie. He borrows a line from If This Is a Man by Holocaust survivor Primo Levi, who wrote that perfect happiness is not attainable but neither is perfect unhappiness. Rushdie suggests that after the attack, Griffiths would have said that Levi was wrong and that perfect unhappiness was the name of the country in which she now lived. Advertisement Trauma experts often say that sometimes a person within the family of the person who was attacked is more traumatised than the person themselves, Rushdie says. That might be true in this case. Hosting friends at home in New York was one way the couple began to feel like normal life could resume. Griffiths began filming and interviewing Rushdie at home. She also took numerous photos of his injuries. Watching them together on a projector was, says Rushdie, a necessary step in taking the leap from trauma to healing. The attack has been very traumatising for both of us, but fortunately, we have good therapists who helped us through it, we have a very strong relationship, and we are now in a good place, he says. Another chapter of Knife is devoted to his attacker. Rushdie initially wanted to meet him, but Griffiths was strongly opposed. I wanted to sit in a room with him and say, Tell me about it, Rushdie writes. I wanted him to look me in my (one remaining) eye and tell me the truth. Throughout the memoir Rushdie refers to his assailant as the a. The novelist even has a lengthy imagined conversation with him. Loading This fictional scene happens in Chautauqua County Jail. Rushdie begins by asking his attacker if he has ever thought of murdering anyone else. The a replies that he has not. He then tells Rushdie that he has not bothered to read his work. Rushdie responds by telling him that if he had, he would know that one of his novels is a story about an East London Muslim family running a cafe, portrayed with real love. The conversation concludes with Rushdie telling him that he made a bad gamble and lost. He is going to be tried and will no doubt be sent away to jail for quite a long time, Rushdie says. So to me he has become something very close to an irrelevance. Rushdie doesnt normally think of writing as catharsis or therapy but writing about the attack felt like being in charge of my life again and not just being a victim of a knife attack, he says. It also made him think about novels where knives crop up in significant moments of drama. Franz Kafkas The Trial concludes with Joseph K being brutally murdered with a knife. Rushdie also examined moments from his own work where knives are prominent. Shalimar the Clown (2005) tells the story of the former US ambassador to India, Maximilian Ophuls, who is nearly beheaded by his driver outside his Los Angeles home. Advertisement The genesis of the book evolved from a single image: a dead man lying on the ground, while a second man stands over him, holding a bloodied knife. The imagination can work in ways that you are not even consciously aware of and foreshadow things in your life, says Rushdie. If I believed in prophecy, well, that would certainly be one, but Im more inclined to think it was just a weird coincidence. Perhaps. But what about the date Rushdie learned he was going to survive? In his memoir he points out that it was August 15, three days after he was stabbed. This is also the date when Midnights Children (1981) begins. That novel is narrated by Saleem Sinai, who was born on the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, when Jawaharlal Nehru was sworn in as the first prime minister of newly independent India. The novel earned Rushdie the Booker prize and a reputation as a cosmopolitan urban writer who refuses to be pigeonholed into one place or one culture. We are all multiple selves, says Rushdie. Like many of my characters, I contain contradictions, complexity, and have many sides. Rushdie writes about his country of birth from the vantage point of geographical, cultural and spiritual exile. He will no doubt be sent away to jail for quite a long time ... so to me he has become something very close to an irrelevance. During the [mid-1970s] while living in London I was drifting away from India, so I decided to go back there and travel around, he says. I did that for almost five months, then I came back and started writing a book that was forming in my head that eventually became Midnights Children. Rushdie grew up in a secular Muslim family in Mumbai (which he still calls by its old imperial name, Bombay). An avid reader from an early age, he remembers an atmosphere at home where free speech and ideas were discussed without fear. Advertisement In 1961, aged 13, he was sent to a boarding school in Rugby, England. His father, Anis Ahmed, accompanied him initially. Before the school term started, they shared a room at the Cumberland Hotel in London. Rushdie recalls how Anis, an angry alcoholic, would get plastered most nights on Johnnie Walker whisky. Then the verbal abuse would start. Rushdie survived the ordeal, and boarding school, and eventually graduated from Cambridge University in 1968 with an MA in history. The problematic relationship I had with my father was probably the reason I decided to live in England, Rushdie says. I wanted to quite literally put oceans between him and me. Anis died of cancer in 1987. I got back [home] one week before he died. It was an important week of reconciliation and love and Im very glad I had it. The following year Rushdie published his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses. Most of the narrative focuses on the life of Saladin Chamcha, an Indian ex-pat voice actor who has a troubled relationship with his country of birth, and his father. The Satanic Verses is mostly about London in the 1980s, says Rushdie. But people tend to think of it as some kind of Islamic text, because of two chapters that are dream sequences. Salman Rushdie in 1988, the year The Satanic Verses was published. Credit: Getty Images It was these dreams that sparked the claims of blasphemy that led Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, to issue a fatwa against Rushdie on February 14, 1989, ordering Rushdies execution and offering a bounty on his head. Several London bookshops were bombed in London. In August 1989, a Lebanese national, Mustafa Mahmoud Mazeh, died when a bomb intended for Rushdie prematurely exploded in a London hotel. Rushdie spent the next decade under police protection; Britains intelligence agencies are believed to have foiled another five serious assassination plots. Iranian exiles living in Europe at the time contacted Rushdie and asked if they could translate the book into Farsi and have it smuggled into Iran. I said, yes, please go ahead, he says. I gave them the rights for nothing, but Im glad it happened because it gave people in Iran the chance to read the book. Advertisement Advertisement FoodBeer and cider How a cobbled-together Franken-brewery became a craft-beer juggernaut This local brewer does venues with childlike imagination, and beers and seltzers that are now quintessentially Melbourne. We find out where it started, how it garnered success and whats to come. Tomas Telegramma April 16, 2024 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 UPDATE: The launch of Moon Dog Wild West has been delayed, with a revised opening date to be confirmed. Brothers Josh and Jake Uljans and their school mate Karl van Buuren were hardly shooting for the moon when they launched what Josh tells Good Food was one of Australias smallest and shittiest breweries in an Abbotsford warehouse in 2010. They were nothing more than avid home-brewers. We had absolutely no money, no transferrable expertise, no industry experience, Uljans says. We learned how to weld, we bought old dairy equipment off eBay, and we pieced it together into this ... Franken-brewery. For Josh and Karl, it was literally home, too; they lived out back for some 18 months. There was plenty they didnt have. But what did they have? Youthful enthusiasm! says Josh Uljans, through a cheeky grin. Its what got them started but also whats kept them going. Moon Dog co-founders Josh Uljans (left) and Karl van Buuren on the rooftop of their new Footscray venue, Moon Dog Wild West. Jason South Advertisement Against the odds, Moon Dog has become one of the countrys most popular and prosperous indie craft breweries. Its beers and seltzers continue to proliferate through Melbourne pubs and beyond with pace: its products are stocked at around 550 venues across Victoria. In an industry currently grappling with closures country-wide, perhaps Moon Dogs longevity is rooted in its ability to carve out a niche with wild and wacky venues. Van Buuren in front of the Franco Cozzo building, pre-renovation. Justin McManus You can see this strategy perfectly in action at their third venue, Moon Dog Wild West, opening this week. It has transformed a quintessentially Melbourne site: the old Franco Cozzo HQ in Footscray. For half a century, the three-storey building was a showroom for the Italian-Australian Cozzo Melbournes most beloved furniture salesman who ascended to cult-figure status with his 80s TV ads, his pronunciation of Footiscray, and, of course, his baroque wares. Advertisement The iconic nature of the location was a lure for Moon Dog. And it lives on, at least in part, as an ode to Cozzo, who passed away last year, at age 88. A mural of the ever-charismatic man remains untouched on the outside, as does the original signage. Moon Dog Wild West in Footscray, featuring the mechanical bull ridden by Uljans (left) and van Buuren. Jason South Inside, however, its been flipped into a beer-fuelled fun park complete with a mechanical bull, themed food and drinks, and an old western township of faux facades. Exclusive Footscrays legendary Franco Cozzo site has undergone a wild transformation The 2024 pipeline is full to the brim. Come winter, Moon Dog will make its mark on Docklands, opening the cleverly christened Doglands with room for 1500-odd punters on the concourse outside Marvel Stadium. Advertisement At the base of Home Docklands, a new residential development made up of two skyscrapers, Doglands will join a burgeoning food and drinks precinct in and around the stadium. To have the opportunity to build something of this scale, in such a central location, is pretty extraordinary, says Uljans. As well as a 100-seat all-day diner and bar, expect a cavernous space that will light up on game days, decked out with winding timber walkways, a plethora of palm trees and a big mezzanine. Melbournes hottest new food precinct is Marvel Stadium? Beyond that, Moon Dog has plans for a sea change, bringing its frothies to Frankston with a 2100-square-metre, 800-person foreshore venue right on the Nepean Highway. Advertisement The suburb is developing at a rate of knots, says Uljans. We dont have much of a presence in the south-east ... And there are a lot of people [there] that we think would probably love what we do. The guys can barely believe where theyve ended up. Its complete lunacy ... I love it! says Uljans. Nothing was ever this clearly defined business plan [so] its very entertaining to be on this journey. Im having a grouse time. Moon Dog brewery in Abbotsford, pictured in 2014. Wayne Taylor The early, experimental days Australias craft-beer boom was beginning but hadnt fully blasted off when Moon Dog got started 14 years ago. The driving force behind it was a desire to brew exciting, experimental beers the guys werent seeing much of in Oz at the time. Advertisement The breweries that were out there were Little Creatures, Mountain Goat, Bridge Road all making fantastic beers but we wanted to bring a different approach, says Uljans. We made so many beers! he says of the early days. Lots of barrel-aged or wild-fermented, or really big, high-ABV stouts and barley wines, using fruits and spices, and hybridised styles, which are kind of commonplace these days. They werent back then. We probably make somewhere around 100 times more beer and seltzer per year now than we did back in 2010. Karl van Buuren Trial and error led the guys to release a new beer every few weeks, bottling it and selling it through Melbournes specialty craft-beer shops. Gradually, their playfully named, branded and made brews (like a super smoky, super boozy barrel-aged stout called Black Lung) begun to develop a reputation in the local beer sphere. In 2014, four years in, opening a brewpub at the Abbotsford warehouse which remains the Moon Dog OG was a real turning point, Uljans says. It gave us the opportunity to talk to our customers face-to-face and get to understand what they like. Advertisement Things snowballed from there, with the guys taking over one factory after another on Duke Street in Abbotsford; they kicked off at number 17, then added 19, then 21, which gave them twice as much space. After the first summer brewing with unconstrained capacity, we realised we were going to top that out reasonably quickly, says Uljans. Moon Dog World, massive brewery and beer hall in Preston. Justin McManus Venues zanier than you could imagine Upping production capacity was what led the guys to open their second venue, Moon Dog World, in 2019, at a 12,000-square-metre site on Chifley Road in Preston. But it ended up unlocking a whole new (ahem) world for the hospitality side of the business. We didnt have any plans for it to be on the scale we ended up with, Uljans says. Advertisement Its as if the team sat around spitballing harebrained ideas lagoon, waterfall, tiki bar! but then actually built them. Josh says that isnt too far from the truth. Review Did Melbourne's crazy craft brewers pull-off their Preston 'theme park'? Theres nothing cookie-cutter about Moon Dogs brewpubs, which are powered by that youthful enthusiasm and defined by ambition, adventure and a healthy dose of kitsch. One of the things we realised was so unique about [Moon Dog World] ... is that you could come there multiple times and experience the venue completely differently, says Karl van Buuren. Its what theyve tried to emulate in Footscray: nailing the novelty that will draw the cowboy-curious from all over Melbourne, while making sure it serves the local community in a meaningful way that keeps them coming back for more. Advertisement A selection of Moon Dog beers and seltzers. Party at the front, business at the back Fun and free-formity undeniably run rampant at Moon Dogs venues. [But] theres a really rock-solid business and team thats sitting behind it all, says Uljans. Van Buuren adds: There are different arms to it that are mutually reinforcing and supporting each other. For one, wholesale is a lot bigger than our hospitality side, says van Buuren the former bringing in the cash to make the latter a reality, sometimes on a stupendous scale. Advertisement Longstanding core beers like the easy-drinking Old Mate pale ale or crisp German-style lager seem to be at every second pub. And the 2020 launch of fruity, boozy Fizzer seltzers (both in canned and post-mix form) further diversified the Moon Dog offering. We probably make somewhere around 100 times more beer and seltzer per year now than we did back in 2010, says van Buuren. Its a heartening success story at such a tough time for Australias craft-beer industry, with dozens of independent brewers across the country forced to close in the past 12 months, and countless others struggling with increasing financial pressures. Trouble brews in Australias craft beer industry, with alarming rate of closures Four days before the Federal Court found that Bruce Lehrmann had raped his then colleague Brittany Higgins in a ministerial office, the former Liberal staffer was being evicted from a multimillion-dollar North Sydney home, much to the relief of neighbours fed up with frequent outbursts of karaoke. But Lehrmann, whose previous waterfront apartment came courtesy of Seven West Media, had other, better options. After his northern exit, he was spotted coming and going from a harbourside mansion in Point Piper owned by Lady (Penelope) Street, the widowed second wife of former NSW chief justice and lieutenant-governor Sir Laurence Street, of the storied Sydney judicial dynasty. The exclusive residence, designed by Walter Burley Griffin, architect of Canberra, is just across the beach from the home of Malcolm Turnbull, coincidentally a mentee of Sir Laurence. By the time Federal Court judge Michael Lee rejected Lehrmanns defamation claim against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson, he had left. But what on earth was Lehrmann doing there in the first place? Lady Penelope denied that he stayed with her in Point Piper. When we asked her why witnesses had seen him on the premises, and why his car was parked on the street, she didnt respond. Premier Chris Minns has warned it will be a challenging few days for NSW and has appealed to the community for cohesion and calm after last nights terror attack in Wakeley. Minns attended a briefing at Fairfield Police Station on Tuesday afternoon with Police Minister Yasmin Catley, Police Commissioner Karen Webb, Attorney-General Michael Daley as well as local MPs Chris Bowen and David Saliba and Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone. Im confident we can get through the next few days, Minns said. It will be challenging, emotions are heightened, and I can understand anxiety in the community but theres a lot of good will in our community as well. NSW Premier Chris Minns (third from right) with other MPs and community leaders at Fairfield police station on Tuesday. Credit: Oscar Colman Minns said he had met with religious leaders over conference call in the hours after the Wakeley stabbing and throughout the day on Tuesday. The message was resolute and consistent from that group across all religions and that was a belief in our multicultural community, a plea for cohesion and calmness amongst that community and a resolute statement against violence of any kind under any circumstances, Minns said. So if theres any attempt at all at violence or attempts at violence or breaking the law it will be happening at the direct and unambiguous opposition to the united religious and civic leaders of NSW. Minns said it had been a difficult 24 hours in Fairfield. Were keen to hear representatives of the local community as well as NSW Police about how to keep the community safe, as well as foster community cohesion in Sydney. 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 Federal Court Justice Michael Lees 324-page decision in Bruce Lehrmanns high-stakes defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson led with a pithy three-word pronouncement. The Lehrmann imbroglio read the catchwords, a short phrase used by judges to summarise a piece of litigation and aid readers in searching for judgments in databases. An imbroglio it was. One might also, as Lee had it, consider the case an omnishambles, in light of the unexpected detours and the collateral damage it has occasioned. Lees lengthy judgment, delivered just days after he heard fresh evidence from a surprise interloper in the form of former Seven Network producer Taylor Auerbach, was replete with sharp observations. Having escaped the lions den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat, he remarked, in a reference to the former Liberal staffers willingness to expose himself to more scrutiny after his ACT Supreme Court criminal trial collapsed in 2022. Justice Michael Lee delivering his judgment in court one of the Federal Court in Sydney on Monday. Advertisement It was Lehrmann who opted in February last year to bring a costly and risky defamation case against Ten and Wilkinson after his criminal trial was aborted owing to juror misconduct. He did not face a second trial. Loading It was Lehrmann who had, in effect, forced the media parties to engage in a de facto criminal trial with a lower standard of proof. They did not blink: they came to court to prove, on the balance of probabilities, that Lehrmann raped Higgins in the Parliament House office of their then-boss Linda Reynolds in March 2019. And they did. Tenuous attachment to truth Lee found Lehrmann had been identified by Network Tens interview with Higgins, aired on The Project in February 2021, even though he wasnt named. It followed that Ten and Wilkinson, then co-host of the flagship current affairs program, had defamed Lehrmann by suggesting he was guilty of raping Higgins. It is an accusation he has consistently denied. Wilkinson and Ten opted to rely chiefly on a defence of truth, under which they were required to prove to the civil standard meaning the balance of probabilities that Lehrmann had raped Higgins. This is lower than the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt. Lisa Wilkinson leaves the Federal Court in Sydney with her barrister Sue Chrysanthou, SC. Credit: Wolter Peeters Advertisement Lees findings about Lehrmann were singularly unflattering, though he also regarded parts of Higgins evidence as unsatisfactory and said that since 2021 Higgins had sometimes told untruths when it suited her. To remark that Mr Lehrmann was a poor witness is an exercise in understatement, Lee said, adding that the now 28-year-olds attachment to the truth was a tenuous one. Higgins made some allegations that made her a heroine to one group of partisans, but when examined forensically, have undermined her general credibility to a disinterested fact-finder, he said. Ultimately, however, he found her evidence about the sexual assault had the ring of truth. Walter Mitty-like imaginings Lee referred in passing to evidence by former Defence Department media adviser Lauren Gain that Lehrmann had told her in March 2019 that he was waiting for security clearance for a role at the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS). Lauren Gain outside the Federal Court in Sydney last year. Credit: Janie Barrett I didnt think he was telling me the truth, Gain told the court, adding that people applying for those roles would know they shouldnt discuss their applications. Gain gave evidence that she told a colleague she thought Lehrmann was an idiot for making the comment. Advertisement Lehrmann has denied the conversation occurred. Lee said Lehrmann gave false evidence about a litany of ... matters, including about why he went back to Parliament House on the night of the sexual assault. Lehrmann had claimed it was to collect the keys to his apartment and to do some work on briefs for question time. Loading All these falsehoods, together with his Walter Mitty-like imaginings in skiting to Ms Gain about [ASIS] demonstrate that Mr Lehrmann had no compunction about departing from the truth if he thought it expedient, Lee said in a reference to the fictional fabulist Mitty. Convenient evidence The judge also noted Lehrmanns evidence that he gained entry with Higgins to Parliament House in the early hours of Saturday, March 23, 2019, and made a beeline to his desk was very neat. Advertisement Lee said it was not lost on me that doing manual marking up on paper with a pen, moving documents around or sticking tabs on paper is perhaps the only work that would not require Mr Lehrmann to log into a computer and leave some form of retrievable electronic record. Lehrmann captured on CCTV leaving Parliament House alone in the early hours of March 23, 2019. Credit: Federal Court of Australia I do not believe I am being unduly cynical to remark that this strikes me as being convenient, he said. No mystery Loading Lee accepted evidence by Gain that Lehrmann and Higgins had shared a passionate kiss at Canberra nightclub 88mph in the hours before Higgins alleged she was raped. Lehrmann denied that account in court, while Higgins recalled Lehrmann being handsy with me at the club. Put bluntly, he was a 23-year-old male cheating on his girlfriend, having just hooked up with a woman he found sexually attractive, Lee said briskly. Advertisement About 200 protesters gathered on the steps of Parliament House from 8am and marched through the city to protest against the state governments partnership with Israel-based military technology company and defence contractor Elbit Systems. Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam spoke at the rally and said the Labor government should stop doing deals with weapons manufacturers. A woman is arrested in Fishermans Bend after being disconnected from a fellow protester by police. Credit: Chris Hopkins This will be one of the most defining moments, all of our lifetimes, potentially generations to come, she said. Like the protests against the Vietnam War, like the hundreds of thousands who marched through the streets in Australia and around the world against the Iraqi war and occupation. History will study how the world responds now. Ratnam asked protesters to sign a petition calling on the Allan government to end deals with weapons manufacturers. She said that if the petition received more than 2000 signatures, a debate could be forced in parliament. We have warmongers at the helms of our governments right across this world who are itching to escalate this conflict, she said. The disruption that comes with protest activity pales in comparison to the devastation that people are experiencing right now in Gaza. A pro-Palestine protester waves a flag outside Parliament House in the CBD. Credit: Eddie Jim Organiser Nathalie Farah told the crowd at Parliament House the protesters aimed to cause disruption. Were taking an effective action to disrupt the war machine, and we will continue to do so until Australia cuts its ties with the genocidal entity of Israel and the US imperialist state. The rally ended with a sit-in blocking trams and traffic on Collins Street outside the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade offices. On Monday night, dozens of protesters also gathered outside the Broadmeadows Town Hall, demanding liberation for Palestinians and a boycott of any alleged manufacturing of weapons in the Hume council area. Police outside the Broadmeadows Town Hall on Monday evening. Credit: Penny Stephens The car park outside was full of families and demonstrators clutching Palestinian flags, wearing keffiyeh scarves and holding signs that said Stop killing children. As a drum beat in the background, they chanted: The ethnic cleansing, shut it down, the bombing of hospitals, shut it down and liberation, liberation, Palestine is a nation. One of the rallys organisers, Mohamed Helmy, said the area was home to one of the highest Muslim and migrant populations in the state. The event followed a spate of protests outside a Campbellfield factory in recent months. Residents want the Hume council to ensure no businesses or factories in the area are assisting with any kind of weapon manufacturing being used in Israels war efforts. Rally organiser Mohammed Helmy outside Broadmeadows Town Hall on Monday evening. Credit: Penny Stephens. The protesters called for the Hume council to pass a motion calling for an end to any deals with companies that supply weapons to the Israeli military. Earlier in the day, up to 50 protesters gathered outside BPs Bourke Street office, chanting Free, free Palestine and unfurling a BP fuels genocide banner. Police formed a line in front of the door to prevent protesters getting too close. Local protest group A15 Action had vowed to identify and blockade major choke points in the economy by focusing on points of production and circulation as part of a global protest over Israels continued military assaults in Gaza. The global economy is complicit in genocide, a statement on the A15 Action website says. Join participating cities in blocking the arteries of capitalism and jamming the wheels of production ... there is a need to shift from symbolic actions to those that cause pain to the economy. Pro Palestine protesters march through the streets on Monday. Credit: Eddie Jim The blockade plans in Melbourne were part of a global movement involving at least 30 international cities. Israels seventh-month bombardment of Gaza was sparked by Hamas October 7 terror attacks on Israel in which 1200 people were killed. The Jewish states response to the attacks has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians. A man and a woman have been charged with murder after a 38-year-old woman was found dead in Busselton, south-west of Perth, on Thursday evening. WA police charged the pair following an investigation into the womans death in the suburb of Broadwater. Just after 8pm on Friday, 12 April 2024 police attended a residence on Bell Drive to conduct a welfare check. During a check of the home, they located the deceased woman, police said in a statement. The charged man and the deceased were known to each other but the exact nature of the relationship at this time is unclear. Homicide detectives would like to speak to anyone who saw, or has dash-cam vision, of a man and a woman holding a toddler, riding an E-scooter from Busselton to Margaret River between 6pm Thursday and 8pm Friday, 12 April 2024. Israel is seeking urgent action from Australia and other democracies to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organisation in a bid to prevent it amassing weapons and launching more strikes after it bombarded Israeli targets on Saturday. The formal request is likely to be put to Canberra within days to gain a practical outcome by limiting the supply of materials and weapons to the Iranian military force, as well as securing a symbolic show of unity with Israel as it comes under attack. In this September 21, 2016, file photo, Irans Revolutionary Guard troops march in a military parade in Tehran, Iran. Credit: AP Israels deputy ambassador to Australia, Chris Cantor, said the issue had been raised with the government in the past but needed swift action because of the unprecedented Iranian decision to launch 300 drones and missiles against Israeli soil on Saturday. The aim here is to minimise the Iranian threat, the Iranian capability, he said in Canberra on Monday. Home Affairs says people smugglers could take advantage of Labors bid to black-ban entire nationalities under its deportation bill by telling vulnerable people there is no legal way for them to travel to Australia. With the government facing another High Court test on Wednesday over whether it can legally detain people who refuse to co-operate with moves to deport them, a Senate inquiry into the governments latest detention crackdown laws has heard the bill that the government tried to rush through the last sitting of parliament was seriously flawed. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles says the governments deportation laws and its safeguards are entirely appropriate. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Immigration Minister Andrew Giles controversial bill has three main parts: threatening jail time for people who dont co-operate with their own deportation; revisiting protection findings against people who have fled perilous countries; and blocking people from countries who dont accept the involuntary return of their own citizens. Some people smugglers may seek to use some of the measures in the proposed legislation to market their services to vulnerable potential irregular immigrants, suggesting there is no legal way for them to travel to Australia, Home Affairs submission said in reference to the third measure. Go to this issue's Table of Contents. S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 0 (The online version of this article appears in three parts. Click here to go to part one or part three.) The Taliban HEN the explosions and gunfire awakened me in Quetta, I was staying at the home of a friend, Hamed Karzai, who from 1992 to 1994 had been Afghanistan's first deputy foreign minister. At that time Afghanistan was governed by the mujahideen, the "holy warriors" who had defeated the Soviets. That was before the emergence of the radical Taliban ("Knowledge Seekers"), of whom Karzai is now an outspoken opponent. Not only was the iron gate outside his home bolted at night, with an armed Afghan on duty, but Karzai insisted that a former mujahideen commander guard the door of my room. I forgave Karzai his anxiety on my behalf. In July of last year his father was assassinated while walking home from evening prayers at a nearby mosque; the gunman escaped on a waiting motorbike. The murder, together with many others in Pakistan's borderland, was attributed to the Taliban. Karzai, forty-two, is Afghan royalty. He is tall and olive-complexioned, with a clipped salt-and-pepper beard and a starched shalwar kameez. The slope of his bald head and nose gives him the look of an eagle. After the murder of his father Karzai inherited the title khan ("head") of the 500,000-strong Popolzai -- the Pashtoon clan of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the Persian army commander who conquered the southern Afghan city of Kandahar and in 1747 became the first king of Afghanistan. Because tribal position is of great importance in Afghan society, the mujahideen always trusted the Westernized and moderate Karzai. The same went for the Taliban, who sought him out long before they seized power and later offered him the post of United Nations ambassador. "The Taliban were good, honest people," Karzai told me over green Afghan tea and almonds. "They were connected to the madrassas [Islamic academies] in Quetta and Peshawar, and were my friends from the jihad [holy war] against the Soviets. They came to me in May, 1994, saying, 'Hamed, we must do something about the situation in Kandahar. It is unbearable.' I had no reservations about helping them. I had a lot of money and weapons left over from the jihad. I also helped them with political legitimacy. It was only in September of 1994 that others began to appear at the meetings -- silent ones I did not recognize, people who took over the Taliban movement. That was the hidden hand of Pakistani intelligence." I heard versions of this story from several former commanders of the jihad, who told me how they had supported the Taliban only to be deceived by the Pakistani intelligence agents who were behind the movement. These incomplete and somewhat self-serving accounts encapsulated much complicated history. By early 1994 Afghanistan was in disarray. The mujahideen who warred against the Soviets had been a motley collection of seven Pakistan-based resistance groups, divided by region, clan, politics, and religious ideology. Worse, the resistance commanders inside Afghanistan had only the loosest of links to the seven groups. For them, party affiliation was merely a matter of access to weaponry -- the groups were awash in guns and money, provided by the CIA through Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. Thus when the Soviet-backed Afghan regime collapsed in Kabul, the capital, in 1992, Afghanistan became a writhing nest of petty warlords who fought and negotiated with one another for small chunks of territory. Girls and young boys were raped and traded between commanders. The situation was especially bad in Kandahar. The road leading to it from Quetta was shared by at least twenty factions, each of which put a chain across the road and demanded tolls. But there were also honest commanders, backwoodsmen who lived by a primitive creed called Pashtoonwali -- "the way of the Pashtoons," a code more severe even than Koranic law. While emphasizing hospitality and chivalry, Pashtoonwali demands blood vengeance on fellow Muslims for killing and punishes adultery based on hearsay alone. In addition to these commanders there were hordes of young boys who had grown up in crowded refugee camps in Quetta and Peshawar, where they were educated in madrassas supported by Saudi Arabia. The schools taught a more ideological and austere brand of Islam than the ones practiced in the mountains of Afghanistan, where before the Soviet occupation religion had been a natural outgrowth of rural life. (In the mountains women need not always wear veils, for example, because in the course of a day the only males they encounter are their relatives.) In the urban anonymity of Pakistani cities and adjacent refugee camps religion was reinvented in harsher form, to preserve values suddenly under attack. The communist ideology brought to Afghanistan by the Soviet occupation had required an equally harsh response, and throughout the 1980s and early 1990s the madrassas for Afghan refugees in Pakistan provided it. The fierce brand of Islam they taught was not just a reaction to urban conditions but also a result of evolving and intertwining Saudi and Pakistani philosophies. In the Afghan refugee academies Saudi Wahabism merged (as it did nowhere else) with the Deobandism of the Subcontinent. Wahabism arose in the Arabian peninsula in the eighteenth century with the teachings of Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab, who led a puritanical reaction against what he considered lax observance. Deobandism takes its name from the village of Deoband, outside New Delhi, where in the nineteenth century an Islamic academy developed an orthodox pan-Islam in reaction against British rule. When the Muslim state of Pakistan was created, Deobandism was further radicalized by an Islamic theorist named Abdul A'la Maududi, who propagated a form of Islam with striking resemblances to totalitarianism. Maududi believed that the Koran had to be accepted in full and that many Muslims had corrupted Islam by letting themselves be influenced by the liberal West. Islam is perfect, Maududi asserted, and requires no judgment on the part of the believer. It should override all other laws of the state. There is no contradiction between the radical Islamists' hatred for the Russians in Chechnya and their hatred for the Americans everywhere else: both are reactions to a challenge from an impure West that is more proximate than ever before, because of technology. As Afghanistan fell apart in an orgy of banditry, madrassa students in Pakistan came into contact with uncorrupted backwoodsmen inside Afghanistan; together they filled the vacuum in authority. One of the backwoodsmen was Mullah Mohammed Omar, a mujahideen commander who is said to have ignited the Taliban revolt, in early 1994, by leading a small force in Kandahar that captured and hanged from the barrel of a tank a fellow commander guilty of raping two girls. The Taliban rose and swept across late-twentieth-century Afghanistan much as Islam itself had swept across seventh-century Arabia and North Africa, filling the void left by the anarchy and decadence of waning Byzantine rule. In the process of overrunning 80 percent of the country, the Taliban captured Kabul, in 1996. There they carried out amputations and stonings and seized the Soviet puppet ruler of Afghanistan, Najibullah, from a United Nations compound, castrating and jeep-dragging him before hanging him from a traffic post. The atrocities demonstrated the Taliban obsession with the notion that the city, with its foreign influences, is the root of all evil. In the recently published Taliban the journalist Ahmed Rashid writes that because many of the Taliban are orphans of war, who have never known the company of women, they have retreated into a male brotherhood reminiscent of the Crusaders. Indeed, the most dangerous movements are often composed of war orphans, who, being unsocialized, are exceptionally brutal (the Khmer Rouge, in Cambodia, and the Revolutionary United Front, in Sierra Leone, are two examples). Of course, the longer wars go on, the more orphans are created. The Taliban embody a lethal combination: a primitive tribal creed, a fierce religious ideology, and the sheer incompetence, naivete, and cruelty that are begot by isolation from the outside world and growing up amid war without parents. They are also an example of globalization, influenced by imported pan-Islamic ideologies and supported economically by both Osama bin Laden's worldwide terrorist network (for whom they provide a base) and a multibillion-dollar smuggling industry in which ships and trucks bring consumer goods from the wealthy Arabian Gulf emirate of Dubai (less a state than the world's largest shopping mall) through Iran and Afghanistan and on to Quetta and Karachi. The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan also relied on crucial help from Pakistan. By 1994 Pakistan was tiring of its Afghan mujahideen puppet, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s its Inter-Services Intelligence had channeled more arms and money from the CIA to Hekmatyar's radical-fundamentalist faction than to any of the more moderate mujahideen groups. Hekmatyar was young, charismatic, highly educated, and power-hungry. Yet his attraction for the ISI lay in the fact that he had little grassroots support inside Afghanistan itself and was thus beholden to the Pakistanis. The continuing anarchy in Afghanistan after the departure of the Soviets showed the fundamental flaw in the ISI's policy. Hekmatyar could never consolidate power to the extent Pakistan required in order to safeguard its land routes to the new oil states of Central Asia -- routes that would create a bulwark of Muslim states that could confront India. It was a democratically elected Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, along with her Interior Minister, the retired general Naseerullah Babar, who conceived of the Taliban as a solution to Pakistan's problem. Through the ISI the Bhutto government began to provide the Taliban with money, fuel, subsidized wheat, vehicles, weapons, and volunteers from Pakistan's madrassas. It also linked Afghanistan to Pakistan's telephone grid. But the Taliban won't play the role of puppet. And Afghanistan's religious extremism is accelerating Pakistan's, through the network of madrassas. Furthermore, the future of the Taliban themselves is uncertain. They have restored security in Afghanistan by disarming much of the countryside, but they have built no institutions to sustain their rule -- and 70 percent of working-age Afghans are jobless. Just as the Taliban rose and spread like Islam itself, they could also descend into disorderly power struggles, much like the medieval Muslim rulers who followed the prophet Mohammed. Ultimately, the Taliban are tribal Pashtoons from the southern and eastern Afghan borderlands -- an anarchic mountain people who have ground up one foreign invader after another, defying attempts by the Moguls, the Sikhs, the British, the Soviets, and the Pakistanis to control them. As Mahauddin, a white-robed Pashtoon cleric from southwestern Afghanistan, told me in Karzai's home, "We are thirsty for a pure Afghan government, a loya jirga [grand council of tribal chiefs] without Russia or the ISI to influence us." In fact, with mujahideen field commanders no longer getting CIA money and weapons through the ISI, power in Afghanistan is inexorably gravitating back to the tribal heads. For example, commanders of Popolzai descent who were loyal to Hekmatyar and the other mujahideen party leaders have returned to Karzai's fold, which is why he is so troublesome to the Taliban and their Pakistani backers -- and why Quetta is dangerous for Karzai. The North-West Frontier EVERAL hundred miles north of Quetta lies Peshawar, at the eastern end of the Khyber Pass -- the fabled gateway connecting Central Asia to the Subcontinent, which in our day means connecting Afghanistan to Pakistan. Here the religious disputes that run parallel to tribal divides come more clearly into focus. In the late 1970s Peshawar went from being a quaint backwater whose bazaars were interspersed with stately lawns and red-brick mansions in Anglo-Indian Gothic style to becoming a geopolitical fault line. Afghan refugees poured through the Khyber Pass by the millions, escaping the Soviet invasion. At the same time, the Iranian revolution closed off an important route for drug smugglers, who began transporting locally produced heroin eastward through the Khyber Pass and down to the port of Karachi. Peshawar's population doubled to a million. Throughout the 1980s war, crime, and urbanization generated an intolerant religiosity. Returning to Peshawar for the first time in more than a decade, I found an even more crowded, poor, and polluted city than the one I remembered. It was also more Afghan. In the 1980s Peshawar's Afghan population consisted of refugees from the rural hinterlands. But from 1992 to 1994, when a civil war among the mujahideen destroyed Kabul with mortar fire and rocket-propelled grenades, the sophisticated urbanites of the Afghan capital migrated to Peshawar. Unlike the rural refugees, these people had an exportable cosmopolitan culture, and this added another layer of change to Peshawar. Now there are many more Afghan restaurants and carpet shops and nightclubs for Afghan music -- especially owing to the Taliban ban on music in Kabul. There are also many Afghan prostitutes, fairer-skinned and reputed to be more compliant than their Pakistani counterparts. The presence of educated Afghans made me realize that the very element of the population most averse to Taliban rule was now absent from Afghanistan, reducing the likelihood of an uprising. In the 1980s traveling outside Peshawar into the tribal agencies of the North-West Frontier Province was easy for journalists, because the Pakistani regime encouraged news coverage of the mujahideen struggle against the Soviets in Afghanistan. This time it took me several days to get a permit to travel from Peshawar into the Orakzai and Kurram tribal agencies, which in recent years have been plagued by communal violence between members of the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam. The permit was valid only provided that I was accompanied by an armed escort of local tribal militia. The road south and west of Peshawar runs past squalid mud-brick and wattle stalls crowded with bearded and turbaned Pashtoon men; the women, concealed under burkas, resemble moving tents. The sky is polluted by a greasy haze of black smoke from tire-fed fires, used to bake mud bricks. The odor in each town is a rich mixture of dung, hashish, grilled meat, and diesel oil -- and also cordite in Darra Adam Khel, where Pashtoons work at foot-powered lathes producing local copies of Kalashnikovs and other assault rifles. In one shop, whose glass cases were filled with rifles, pistols, and bullet magazines, I met Haji Mohammed Zaman Khan, a local tribal leader. Haji Zaman wore a bulbous red cloth hat with an ostentatious bow around it -- the signature of the Afridi, a branch of the Pashtoons thought to be descended from Greek soldiers of Alexander the Great's army, which came down the Khyber Pass. Here, as in Quetta, all the stores had been closed in protest against the military government's plan to tax the smuggling trade. Haji Zaman explained, "The government tries to stop production of opium poppies, our only cash crop. It wants to ban the transport of guns, which will make thousands jobless. Smuggling is the only means of survival we have left. Why doesn't the government raise money from the corrupt? When we see that the corrupt are being punished, then maybe we will trust the government." By "the corrupt," Zaman meant officials of previous democratic governments who are under investigation for taking billions of dollars in bribes and depositing them in foreign bank accounts. Throughout Baluchistan and the North-West Frontier, I heard calls for revenge against those officials. No one with whom I spoke voiced any interest in national elections, which are very tentatively scheduled to take place in three years; political analysts in Islamabad call them a dead issue among the masses, though only for now. Beyond Darra Adam Khel the landscape consisted of naked rock, heat, and haze. High temperatures had come a month early, with 110 common by early May, and there had been no seasonal rains to cool the ground. I saw women in burkas searching for water trickling through otherwise dry gravel beds. Low-walled fortresses of red brick were scarred with graffiti that read, in English and Urdu, LONG LIVE OSAMA BIN LADEN and WE WANT ISLAMIC LAW . Throughout the tribal lands of Pakistan people are naming their newborns Osama. To these people, Bin Laden represents an Islamic David against a global American Goliath. It is the American government's promotion of Bin Laden as a formidable enemy that helps to give him credibility here. To the poor, he embodies the idea that only strict Islam has the power to vanquish the advancing materialism of the West. In the nearby tribal agency of Waziristan, Pakistani members of the Taliban have been destroying television sets, videos, and other reminders of the West. Bin Laden's terrorist organization, with operatives on several continents, is both a symptom of and a reaction against globalization. Parachinar, the largest town in the Kurram tribal agency, was a small market center twelve years ago. Now it is a crowded city of 300,000, characterized by brutal concrete, electricity outages, water shortages, battles over property rights, and terrorism powered by guns that are filtering back into Pakistan from Afghanistan. When I asked the assistant political agent for Kurram, Massoud Urrahma, if military rule had made a difference, he replied dismissively, "Whether the government in Islamabad is military or democratic doesn't matter. We have no civil law here -- only Pashtoon tribal law." The Pashtoon population of Kurram is split between Sunnis and Shias. In September of 1996 a gun battle among teenage members of the two rival Muslim sects escalated into a communal war in which more than 200 people were killed and women and children were kidnapped. A paramilitary official said that the atrocities were out of "the Stone Age"; militants even executed out-of-towners who were staying at a local hotel. Now the situation in Parachinar is peaceful but extremely tense. Paramilitaries guard the streets around the Sunni and Shia mosques, which stand nearly side by side, their minarets scarred by bullet holes. Only a few weeks before my visit seventeen people had been killed in violence between Sunnis and Shias in another tribal region of the North-West Frontier. "The Shias are eighty percent of the Kurram agency,"the Shia leader in Parachinar, Mohammed Anwar, told me. "The problems have all been caused by Afghan refugees who support the Sunnis."Yet the Sunni leader, Haji Asghar Din, claims that 75 percent of the local population is Sunni. He told me that Sunnis cannot buy land from Shias -- "so how can we consider them our brothers?" The only certainty is that Parachinar, hemmed in by the Safed Koh Mountains on the Afghan border, has little more room to expand. A high birth rate and a flood of Afghan refugees have intensified the property conflicts. Population growth has also weakened the power of tribal elders and created extremist youth factions. The lack of water and electricity has increased anger. Meanwhile, the government schools are abysmal -- often without teachers, books, and roofs. The poor, who form the overwhelming majority, cannot afford the private academies, so they send their children to Sunni and Shia madrassas, where students are well cared for and indoctrinated with sectarian beliefs. Every person I interviewed was sullen and reticent. One day a crowd of men surrounded me and led me to the back of a pharmacy, where they took turns denouncing America and telling me that the Taliban were good because they had restored security to Afghanistan, ending mujahideen lawlessness. The "external hand of India" was to blame for the local troubles between Sunnis and Shias here, I was told. Conspiracy theories, I have noticed, are inflamed by illiteracy: people who can't read rely on hearsay. In Pakistan the adult literacy rate is below 33 percent. In the tribal areas it is below that. As for the percentage of women in Parachinar who can read, I heard figures as low as two percent; nobody really knows. Continued... (The online version of this article appears in three parts. Click here to go to part one or part three.) Robert D. Kaplan is a correspondent for The Atlantic, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation, and the author of Eastward to Tartary: Travels in the Balkans, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, which will be published in November. Illustrated map by Kirk Caldwell. Copyright 2000 by The Atlantic Monthly Company. All rights reserved. The Atlantic Monthly; September 2000; The Lawless Frontier - 00.09 (Part Two); Volume 286, No. 3; page 66-80. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... One of the most unique walkthrough experiences ever just went up in Auckland's Aotea Square. Arboralis Luminarium is a massive, inflatable "labyrinth of light and colour" which the kids can run around in and you can wander wide-eyed while trying not to get lost. Patterns in the plastic walls and ceilings are lit up by the sun outside, making for rooms of colourful and gorgeous light. Unbelievably, it's all hand-crafted. UK-based designers Architects Of Air cut the pieces and put them all together in their London workshop before sending them to Aotearoa. There is also a fitting soundscape to the otherwordly maze you walk through. Architects Of Air say it's "inspired by the beauty of natural geometry and by sacred architecture" with the creators aiming for an "arboreal world of tree-like forms and and abundant leaf motifs." Having been in there already, I can tell you that it is really easy to lose your bearings as to where in the maze you are. But that's okay because every room is a spectacle and there are no dull areas to it. They say it takes around 20 minutes to see the whole thing but it can easily be shorter or longer than that, depending on how much you want to soak in. Children's tickets are $17 and adults are $20. It will be up until April 28th, so that's enough time to check it out at least once during the school holidays (and tire the kids out from all the wandering they'll do)! It's worth a visit if you're looking to try something new and unique. I mean, who wouldn't love to walk through a massive blow-up kaleidoscope? BJP will never curb, or allow to curb reservation Gondia Correspondent Dr Babasahab Ambedkar is respected by all. He is responsible for making an all-inclusive Constitution, giving equal rights to all citizens. With no agenda against the Modi-led Government, the Opposition parties are trying to mislead people by spreading misinformation about the Constitution and reservation, that if Modi came to power again, he will change the Constitution and curb reservations. I would like to ask the Congress party that during the six-decade-rule, why didnt they confer the Bharat Ratna on Dr Babasahab, in fact it was Congress who worked to defeat Dr Babasahab in the 1952 and 1954 elections. Congress has always disrespected Dr Ambedkar. I would like to assure the people that BJP will never curb or allow to curb the reservation till we are in politics. We were in Government with majority for two terms and we used the majority not to remove the reservation but to abrogate Article 370 and to curb the Triple Talaq Act, lamented Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader. Shah, who was in Sakoli on Sunday, was addressing a grand public rally to campaign in favour of NDA and Mahayuti candidate Sunil Mendhe. Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, NCP (Ajit Pawar) National President Praful Patel, MP Sunil Mendhe, former Deputy CM of Uttar Pradesh Dr Dinesh Sharma, MLAs Vijay Rahangdale (Tirora), Manohar Chandrikapure (Arjuni Morgaon), Vinod Agrawal (Gondia), Narendra Bhondekar (Bhandara), former Minister Dr Deepak Sawant, Rajkumar Badole, Dr Parinay Fuke, Gondia ZP President Pankaj Rahangdale, ex-MLA Gopaldas Agrawal, Rajendra Jain, Dhananjay Dalal, NCP District President Premkumar Rahangdale were among the prominent to remain present on the dais. Speaking further Shah said that Kashmir is an integral part of our country, but Congress Kharge questions the relevance of youth from Rajasthan and Maharashtra speaking in regards to Kashmir. He doesnt know that the youth from Bhandara and Gondia can sacrifice their lives for Kashmir if needed. With majority it was Modijis government that had abrogated the Article 370 on August 5, 2019. On April 17 Ram Navami will be celebrated and for the first time in last 500 years, Lord Ram will celebrate his birthday in a grand temple. PM Modi not only solved the Ayodhya issue but also performed the foundation laying of the temple and inaugurated the temple. His government has developed Baba Vishwanath corridor, the renovation works of Badrinath, Kedarnath and Somnath Temples are being done with gold. PM Modi is redeveloping religious centres. We have destroyed terrorist launch pads through Surgical Strike by entering into the borders of Pakistan and this is Modi ki Guarantee. The PM has also ended naxalism in many states and in his third term, we assure to curb the naxalism from Chhatisgarh in next three years, Shah asserted. On the Congress manifesto, Shah said that he wants to remind Rahul Gandhi that it was his grandmother Indira Gandhi who used to promise to remove poverty from the country, but she came and went; afterwards Rajiv Gandhi came and went back; then Sonia Gandhi came and went and now Rahul Gandhi is here making same promises, but his party has not removed poverty. On the other hand, Modi government has helped around 25 crore people in overcoming the poverty. Today the government is giving free ration to around 80 crore people, toilets have been constructed in more than 12 crore homes, pure drinking water has been provided to around 14 crore homes through taps and in the next five years people will get gas through pipeline. During the Congress rule only 76 lakh farmers were getting benefit of government purchases, the number under Modi Governments period has gone up to 1.22 crore, Shah claimed. He also questioned Sharad Pawar about the development he has done during the Congress Government for Maharashtra. BJP is not responsible for the division of either Shiv Sena or NCP. In the next 5 years we will work towards making Bharat Mahaan. In our next regime we will implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC), will amend to hold Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections together, among other works, Shah assured. He asked the people to vote for Mendhe and support Modi in becoming PM for the third time. Earlier Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, MP Praful Patel and MP Sunil Mendhe also addressed the gathering. He urged people to vote for Mahayuti candidate. Former MLA Rajesh (Bala) Kashiwar conducted the proceedings and Bhandara District BJP President Prakash Barbudhe proposed a vote of thanks. More than 20,000 people from Gondia and Bhandara districts were present. Second batch of Indian military personnel leaves Maldives MALE, THE second batch of Indian military personnel manning a helicopter gifted by India to the Maldives has left the island nation as demanded by him, President Mohamed Muizzu has said. Muizzu, a pro-China leader, also reaffirmed that foreign ambassadors in Male will not wield authority over him emphasising that ultimate power rests with the citizens. Last month, he had alleged that his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih operated on the orders from a foreign ambassador without naming any country. He announced the withdrawal of the second Indian military contingent from the Maldives while speaking during a campaign event for the ruling Peoples National Congress party candidates ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 21. The first team has already gone. Now, on April 9, the soldiers on the second platform have also been withdrawn, Muizzu, who has been demanding the withdrawal of foreign soldiers from the Maldives during his election campaign last year, was quoted as saying by the local media on Saturday. Muizzu had set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his country. Under an agreement between Maldives and India in February, New Delhi agreed to replace the Indian military personnel stationed in Maldives to oversee the operations of the military aircraft the country has gifted with trained civilians also from India. Muizzu also said the Indian soldiers on the last aviation platform would also leave the Maldives before May 10 deadline set by him and that would mark the fulfillment of his pledge to remove Indian soldiers from the island nation. There is only one platform left. As the two countries have already signed, they [the remaining Indian military personnel] will also be recalled ahead of May 10. They will leave, Muizzu was quoted as saying by Edition.Mv news portal on Saturday. He did not provide details of the number of the second batch of Indian military personnel who have left the Maldives. He also did not clarify whether the soldiers had been replaced by trained Indian civilians. Neither the Maldives Defence Ministry nor India have commented on the latest withdrawal of Indian military personnel from this country. 6-year-old Mayank succumbs Staff Reporter Six-year-old Mayank Kol lost the battle of life under 42-feet depth of 160-feet bore-well as rescue teams pulled him out on Sunday morning. The 45-hours long restless rescue operation failed in saving the life of kid at Manika village in Teonthar Tehsil, 85-kms from Rewa district headquarters. NDRF and SDERF teams managed to dig long trenches to reach the boy stranded in thick soil into the bore-well but the boy was found unresponsive. In the primary check-up, doctors declared the boy dead 20-25 hours before the rescue. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Mohan Yadav has expressed his sorrow on untimely death of a little boy. Even after restless efforts of NDRF and SDERF, the boy could not be saved but the government and administration are with the bereaved family members. Bereaved family has been given relief amount of Rs 4 lakh from the Red Cross Society while the government will provide all necessary assistance to the family. CM, Dr Yadav has direction the concerned officers for immediate suspension of Chief Executive Officer of Teonthar Janpad and Sub-Divisional Officer of Public Health Engineering Department, Teonthar for irregularity in shouldering their responsibility. Chief Minister has also appealed the residents to ensure covering of used or unused bore-wells for avoiding repetition of such kind of tragic incident in the state. BJPs commitment to UCC in manifesto elicits positive vibes NEW DELHI, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its election manifesto on Sunday and promised to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country to ensure gender equality and protecting the rights of women, after returning to power in 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Sankalp Patra was the partys pledge to empower four strong pillars of developed India youth, women, poor and farmers. BJPs poll promise of Uniform Civil Code roll-out, pan-India, has elicited many political reactions. Manu Gaur, one of the members of the drafting committee for Uttarakhand UCC, has hailed the partys pitch for UCC and said that the state model can serve as the basis for the law at the Central level. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Manu Gaur said that the Uttarakhand UCC draft was prepared after a mammoth public outreach for about 20 months and widespread consultations with various stakeholders. It incorporated almost all aspects of uniformity in law and addressed the concerns of all sections and hence, could serve as the ideal blueprint for the Centre. Explaining the reason behind getting the Presidents nod for Uttarakhand UCC, he said that there were some specific provisions in the law which exceeded the states mandate and hence needed the assent of the President. Earlier this year, the BJP Government in Uttarakhand enacted the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), replacing religious personal laws that governed marriages, divorces, inheritance and other civil issues. Manu Gaur, also the Taxpayers Association of Bharat (TAXAB) President lauded the inclusion of UCC in the BJP 2024 manifesto. He wrote on X, Uniform Civil Code will soon be implemented in whole Bharat like Uttarakhand. Congress is Sultan of tukde, tukde gang: PM Modi at Karnataka poll rally MYSURU (Karnataka), PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called the Congress the sultan of tukde tukde gang, as he accused the Opposition party of having the dangerous intention to divide, break and weaken the country. He was addressing a mega public meeting at Maharajas college ground here aimed at drumming up support for BJP and JD(S) candidates from Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha constituencies. This is a land where mothers dream about sending their children to armed forces in the service of the nation. On the other hand, there is a Congress party which is going around becoming the Sultan of tukde tukde gang. The dangerous intention of Congress to divide, break and weaken the country is still the same, Modi claimed. JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was among those who shared the dais with Modi in a show of strength by the NDA. The JD(S) joined the NDA in September last year. Of the total 28 seats in Karnataka, BJP is contesting in 25 and the JD(S) in three, including neighbouring Mandya. In Karnataka, NDA has the guidance of senior leaders like H D Deve Gowda and (BJP leader B S) Yediyurappa and cooperation of (JD(S) leader) H D Kumaraswamy, Modi said. Modi claimed that the Congress has crossed all the limits of hating the country. People of Karnataka are witness that those who speak against India, Congress as a reward gives them an election ticket. Recently you might have seen at a Congress election rally a person made people shout Bharat Mata ki Jai slogan, but before doing it, he had to seek the permission of leaders sitting on the stage, the Prime Minister said. Questioning whether one requires permission to say Bharat Mata ki Jai, he asked, Will the country, Karnataka, Mysuru forgive such a Congress? First opposed Vande Mataram and now hesitated to say Bharat Mata ki Jai. This is the height of Congresss downfall. Scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar is the BJP candidate in the coming Lok Sabha elections here. Deve Gowdas son, former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy is contesting from Mandya. Karnataka is very important for the BJP as its the only state in South India where the party has had held power. In the 2019 general elections, BJP bagged 25 seats, while an independent backed by the party also emerged victorious. The Congress and JD(S) which fought the polls in an alliance back then secured just one seat each. Accusing the Congress of playing with fire for the sake of power, the PM said that at the time when Indias stature is increasing globally, Congress leaders going abroad are not leaving any opportunity to project India in poor light. The country gives a befitting reply to its enemies, but Congress seeks evidence for surgical strikes from the army. Congress is working with a political wing of a banned organisation which is involved in terror activities, he alleged. Claiming that an open game of appeasement is on in the country, Modi alleged that efforts are on to put a stop to fairs and festivals. Will you give the countrys administration into the hands of those playing this game of vote bank politics? he asked, as he hit out at the Congress and I.N.D.I.A. bloc for boycotting the Ram Mandir consecration at Ayodhya by rejecting the invitation, which insulted our faith. ECI sets up polling stations within housing societies in UP to increase voter turnout By Arunav Sinha LUCKNOW, The Election Commission of India has set up more than 200 polling stations within housing societies in the urban areas of Uttar Pradesh to increase the voter turnout in the politically crucial state. In an interview with PTI, states Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said the poll body is targeting urban areas that have registered a low voter turnout in the past and expressed that Uttar Pradesh will secure the first position as far as voting percentage is concerned. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the voting percentage in Uttar Pradesh was a tepid 59.11 per cent. We have taken a number of important steps to ensure that all kinds of barriers that prevent voters from casting votes are removed. We have ensured that the polling station is located within a two-kilometre radius of every voter. Also in urban areas, we have undertaken a new initiative of setting up polling stations within gated communities and multi-storeyed housing societies where there has been a low voter turnout in the past, Rinwa told PTI. The senior official said 200-plus polling booths have been set up across the state, with Noida taking the lead. Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of such polling stations and Noida has taken the lead in this regard. Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Bareilly and even Mathura will have such polling stations, Rinwa said. Asked if the polling percentage in Uttar Pradesh will exceed 60 per cent this time, the CEO said, I am confident that UP voters will score the first division and pass with flying colours. Rinwa highlighted that SVEEP (Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation) activities are also ongoing in the state. SVEEP is a flagship programme of the Election Commission for voter education, spreading voter awareness and promoting voter literacy. On the tepid voter turnout in 2019, Rinwa said, To find out the reasons, we have taken a bottoms-up approach for each Assembly constituency. We have asked the EROs (electoral registration officers) and DMs (district magistrates) to prepare a Turnout Implementation Plan (TIP) -- an initiative of the ECI -- to identify the reasons for the low turnout in each Assembly constituency and polling station. This is happening for the first time in the country. Rinwa said, this time, more than 15.30 crore people across Uttar Pradesh would be exercising their franchise. Guna: Scindias transformation from Maharaja to Bhai Sahab Bhavana Aparajita Shukla It is neither Congress nor BJPs bastion but the Scindia factor works. As chronology of election results highlights; Vijay Raje revered as RajMata won elections on BJP tickets while late Madhavrao Scindia (her son) also registered victory on behalf of Congress from this seat. It remained intact with national, social or States political wave. This seat is also known for intrigue and complex political nature. During 2018 Assembly elections, when anti-incumbency was prevailing against BJP ruled state and Congress formed a government however with a narrow margin, Scindia scion Jyotiradiya Scindia, one of the most prominent Congress leaders from the State. Whose understanding with Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi was well known, lost Lok Sabha elections held after six months of Assembly elections. Moreover, Scindia was projected as Chief Ministers face in Assembly elections although senior Congress leader Kamal Nath was chosen for CMs post. Jyotiradiyas defeat was seen as a surprise in political corridors. Remarkably, he lost the election to BJPs K P Yadav who was referred as Scindias loyalist. Behind this electoral rout two factors were attributed by experts. In this social media era, people rejected dynastys important Maharajas image of the royal family. Another suspicion was on Congress internal tussle more about sabotage politics that cast shadow on Gwalior-Chambal region and brought stunning results. Now, major shifts from Scindias social engineering to partys strategies have been made. This time, Scindia becomes Bhai Sahab from Maharajas image and visiting small houses of party workers, voters where he doesnt hesitate to dine with them. In addition to this, BJPs local and state leadership that used to see defector Scindia camp as parachute candidate has mend its way after being rebuked from Central leadership and now organisation is working to ensure partys victory here moreover candidates win likewise other parts of the state. Another hurdle of Narendra Singh Tomar section has been pacified after his elevation for the post of Assembly speaker. Overall, the picture is more rosy for Scindia this time. But not easy like rest of the seats of the state where at most of the seats opposition is giving walkover to the BJP. Iran fires drones, missiles on Israel ISRAEL, US INTERCEPTED OF ATTACK US not to go to war with Iran The US made clear it would not participate in any offensive action against Iran. We dont seek a war with Iran. Were not looking for escalation here, White House said. TEL AVIV : ISRAEL on Sunday hailed its air defences in the face of an unprecedented attack by Iran, saying the systems thwarted 99 per cent of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched toward its territory. Regional tensions were high amid fears of an Israeli counter-strike that could fuel further escalation. US President Joe Biden said he would convene a meeting Sunday of the Group of Seven advanced democracies to co-ordinate a united diplomatic response to Irans brazen attack. The US made clear it would not participate in any offensive action against Iran. We dont seek a war with Iran. Were not looking for escalation here, White House national security spokesman John Kirby told NBC. Iran launched the attack in response to a strike widely blamed on Israel that hit an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month and killed two Iranian Generals. Israel said Iran launched 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. By Sunday morning, Iran said the attack was over, and Israel reopened its airspace. We will build a regional coalition and collect the price from Iran, in the way and at the time that suits us, said a key member of Israels War Cabinet, Benny Gantz. The two foes have for years been engaged in a shadow war marked by attacks such as the Damascus strike. But Sundays assault, which set off air-raid sirens across Israel, was the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israel has over the years established often with the help of the United States a multi-layered air-defence network that includes systems capable of intercepting a variety of threats, including long-range missiles, cruise missiles, drones and short-range rockets. That system, along with collaboration with the US and others, helped thwart what could have been a far more devastating assault at a time when Israel is already bogged down in its war against Hamas in Gaza and engaged in low-level fighting on its northern border with Lebanons Hezbollah militia. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are backed by Iran. NNTR tigress disappears post release in wild By Kaushik Bhattacharya and Apoorva Methi RADIO telemetry studies of wild animals using radio collars for tracking and learning about animal movements and behavior to mitigating human-animal conflicts has become a common practice in Forest Department. Maharashtra Forest Department is also using this technology to track wild animals, especially tigers, in dense forest. The collar can provide details about the wild animal for years if it is tied properly. Even National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has a protocol to collar a wild animal and the entire Forest Department works according to it. However, on Saturday a sub adult tigress NT-3 that was brought from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) and was released on April 11 in the wild of Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) as a part of Tiger Conservation Translocation (TCT) programme by the Forest Department, went missing. The tigress somehow managed to get rid of the GPS collar that was tied to her neck. The Forest Department found the radio collar abaondoned in Compartment No 95 in the core area of NNTR. It was second such incident of a tiger missing and abandoned radio collar in Vidarbha. Earlier, in 2016, Seven-year-old Jai, the beloved monarch who had ruled Nagpurs Umred Karhandla wildlife sanctuary ever since he arrived there in 2013, was also missing after removing his radio collar. Rescuers, wildlife experts and volunteers conducted extensive search operation for months but he never tracked by the department. The rescuers have expanded their search for Jai to include about 350 villages, from Bor in Wardha district to Chandrapurs Brahmapuri to the Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR), from where Jai had come to Umred in 2013. Now, NNTR once again came in limelight after this incident as the NT-3 tigress is missing within hours of her release in the wild of NNTR. Missing of a radio collared tigress without its collar is a matter of concern for the forest department. The question is that how the tigress removed the collar which was fixed on her neck? said a senior wildlife researcher on condition of anonymity. If the collar was fixed loosely over the neck then it raises questions over the department about their expertise of collaring a wild animal. The GPS tracker itself is a state-of-the-art gadget and it is very expensive too, said the researcher. As per the information, now the forest officials joined by VHF monitoring team were trying to trace the location of the tigress, though its assumed that the tigress might have freed itself of the GPS collar as it was found functioning and there were marks of tiger nails on it. It may be noted that to check man-animal conflict incidents in area where tiger population had increased, under the TCT programme Forest Department is identifying the wild cats, capturing them to release in other reserves having big potential and where their population is less. On May 20, 2023, two tigresses NT-1 and NT-2 brought from Bramhapuri range were released in NNTR and out of them NT-1 had ventured outside and migrated to the neighboring Madhya Pradesh, whereas NT-2 had settled in the reserve. The department has failed to get the whereabouts of NT-3 tigress. Speaking to The Hitavada, Pramodkumar Panchbhai, Deputy Conservator of Forest and Field Director of NNTR told that there is more possibility that the tigress was able to take the collar out. Looking at the growing age of the big cat we had kept the collar loose and that may have helped the animal in dropping the collar. We are making search and will reinstalled the satellite GPS collar once the big cat is recaptured, he added. Honorary Wildlife Warden Sawan Bahekar said that in such translocation there are some risk factors and that department had to consider. The NT-3 tigress was less than two years of age and was growing in size. Her smaller head structure may have helped the big cat to drop the collar. Now with a possibility that the big cat may venture anywhere in and out of the reserve, in buffer or core areas, departments team had been deployed to search the location of the tigress. The department would also take the help of NGO`s and other stakeholders, that will help in monitoring the things more properly and ensure safety of the animal as well as humans, Bahekar opined. PM dubs Rahul as royal magician Narmadapuram (MP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, terming him a royal magician over his remark to eradicate poverty with a single stroke and said the country does not take him seriously. Addressing a rally at Pipariya town in Madhya Pradeshs Narmadapuram Lok Sabha constituency, Modi also targeted the Opposition INDIA bloc over one of its constituents being in favour of nuclear disarmament and said they cannot protect the country. He also said the Congress always insulted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, but the BJP Government has honoured him. The Congress shehzada announced to eradicate poverty with a single stroke. It is laughable. Where was this royal magician missing for so many years? His grandmother (former PM Indira Gandhi) had given the slogan of Garibi Hatao 50 years ago, Modi said without naming Rahul Gandhi. The country does not take him seriously, the PM said. They ran the Government by remote control for 10 years before 2014. Now they have found a mantra instantly. They made such statements and have become a laughing stock. It is a joke on the poor, he said. Without naming any party, Modi said a constituent of the INDIA bloc has called for nuclear disarmament -- referring to CPI(M) manifesto. The party that cannot strengthen itself, can it strengthen the country? he asked. In the manifestoes of INDI alliance partners, a number of dangerous promises were made. One of its partner's manifesto has promised nuclear disarmament of the country, he said. We should have nuclear weapons to protect our country; those saying otherwise cannot protect India, he said. Modi further hit out at the Congress saying no sooner the son of a poor family became Prime Minister, the grand old party spread rumours that the Constitution and democracy were in danger. Modi has reached here due to the Constitution scripted by Babasaheb, he said on the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar. The Congress always insulted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, we have honoured him, the PM said. He also said the Congress never recognised the contribution of adivasis (tribals), but the BJP Government has honoured them. Because of the Constitution given by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, a tribal woman became the President of India, the PM said, referring to Droupadi Murmus election to the countrys top constitutional post. Today is a big day in history as today is the birth anniversary of Ambedkarji. It was because of Babasahebs Constitution that a tribal familys daughter has become the country's president and a poor womans son is seeking votes from you for serving you for the third time, Modi said. He said the BJP Government has got an opportunity to develop Panch Teerth associated with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, who was born in Mhow town of Madhya Pradesh. Modi said the Congress, during its rule, had imposed Emergency and dissolved state governments at its will. Now the royal family is threatening that if Modi becomes prime minister for the third time, the country would be up in flames, he said. PMs third term will be golden era of devpt: Ashish Dubey Staff Reporter Bharatiya Janata Party Lok Sabha candidate Ashish Dubey along with senior party leaders and workers conducted extensive campaigning in many areas of West Assembly. He met with voters and sought their support and blessings in the election. During campaigning Dubey said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central government has worked tirelessly for development of all sections of society. The overwhelming support received from public during the campaigning indicates that PM Modi's third term will be a golden era of development. Dubey met with people of wards under Maharana Pratap Mandal and Rani Durgavati Mandal in the Assembly. He said that for the first time since independence, in 2014, a non-Congress government gained a clear majority and worked wholeheartedly for public welfare. Based on the achievements, people of the country are eager to see Narendra Modi as the PM for the third time. During campaigning, State PWD Minister, Rakesh Singh said all development works carried out in Jabalpur over the past 20 years have been made possible through the blessings of people. The people of Jabalpur have shown immense support to the BJP in every Lok Sabha election. It is with this affection that Dubey hopes to receive people's blessings. With the trust and to seek people's blessings, BJP leaders and workers are visiting door to door. Satisfactory Explanation Must By Adv. R. S. Agrawal IN THE decision of the case K B Lal Krishna Bahadur Lal v Gyanedra Pratap and Others, delivered on April 8, 2024, Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Prasanna B Varale, at the Supreme Court, have observed that it is clear that the appellant has been grossly negligent in pursuing the matter before the trial court. Thus, the trial court, the revisional court as well as the High Court, were correct in dismissing the belated claim of the appellant. According to the SC, in this case, the main question is of delay. Should an inordinate delay, which has no reasonable explanation be condoned? Whether an application filed by the appellant, under Order IX, Rule 7 of the CPC can be allowed, after a delay of almost 14 years, is the only question before the Court. Was there a sufficient cause for filing such a belated application? Although the term sufficient cause has not been defined in the Limitation Act, it is now well-settled through a catena of decisions that the term has to be construed liberally and in order to meet the ends of justice. The reason for giving the term a wide and comprehensive meaning is quite simple. It is to ensure that deserving and meritorious cases are not dismissed solely on the ground of delay. There is no gainsaying the fact that the discretionary power of a court to condone delay must be exercised judiciously and it is not to be exercised in cases where there is gross negligence and/or want of due diligence on part of the litigant (Majji Sannemma alias Sanyasirao v. Reddy Sridevi & Others(2021) 18 SCC 384). The discretion is also not supposed to be exercised in the absence of any reasonable, satisfactory or appropriate explanation for delay - P K Ramchandran v. State of Kerala and Another - (1997)7 SCC 556. Thus, it is apparent that the words sufficient cause can only be given in section 5 of the Limitation Act a liberal construction, when no negligence, nor inaction, nor want of bona fide is imputable to the litigant (Basawaraj and Another v. Special Land Acquisition Officer (2013) 14SCC 81). The principles, which are to be kept in mind for condonation of delay were succinctly summarised by the Apex-Court in the judgement Esha Bhattacharjee v. Managing Committee of Raghunathpur Nafar Academy and Others (2013)12 SCC 649 and have been reproduced as under: 21.1. (i) there should be a liberal, pragmatic, justice- oriented, non-pedantic approach while dealing with an application for condoning delay, for the courts are not supposed to legalise injustice but are obliged to remove injustice. 21.2. ( ii) The terms, sufficient cause should be understood in their proper spirit, philosophy and purpose regard being had to the fact that these terms are basically elastic and are to be applied in proper perspective to the obtaining fact-situation. 21.3 (iii) Substantial justice being paramount and pivotal the technical considerations should not be given undue and uncalled for emphasis. 21.4. (iv) No presumption can be attached to deliberate causation delay but, gross negligence on the part of the counsel or litigant is to be taken note of. 21.5. (v) Lack of bona fides imputable to a party seeking condonation of delay is a significant and relevant fact. 21.6. (vi) It is to be kept in mind that adherence to strict proof should not affect public justice and cause public mischief because the courts are required to be vigilant so that in the ultimate eventuate there is no real failure of justice. 21,7. (vii) Concept of legal approach has to encapsulate the conception of reasonableness and it cannot be allowed a totally unfettered free play. 21.8. (viii) There is a distinction between inordinate delay and a delay of short duration or few days, for to the former, doctrine of prejudice is attracted whereas to the latter it may not be attracted. That apart, the first one warrants strict approach whereas the second calls for a liberal delineation. 21.9. (ix) The conduct, behaviour and attitude of a party relating to its inaction or negligence are relevant factors to be taken into consideration. It is so as the fundamental principle is that the courts are required to weigh the scale of balance of justice in respect of both parties and the said principle cannot be given a total go by in the name of liberal approach. 21.10. (x) If the explanation offered is concocted, or the grounds urged in the application are fanciful, the courts should be vigilant not to expose the other side unnecessarily to face such a litigation. The appellant before the Supreme Court had challenged the order passed on May 19, 2022 by the Allahabad HC by which the petition filed by the appellant under Article 227 of the Constitution of India was dismissed. The appellant had invoked the supervisory jurisdiction of the High Court against the order of March 28, 2022 of the Additional District Judge, Barabanki, who had upheld the order of the Civil Judge, Junior Division, Barabanki, passed on October 7, 2021. The dispute between the parties to this appeal relates to a piece of land situated in village Gharsaniya, Pargana Dewa in Tehsil Nawabganj of Barabanki District, which was sold by one Kalawati to one Mansaram vide Sale-deed of March 30, 2006. Thereafter, the property was sold by Respondent-5-Mansaram to the appellant herein through the sale-deed of April 13, 2006. On April 22, 2006, civil suit for permanent injunction and cancellation of the sale-deed of March 30, 2006 was filed by the respondents 1 to 3 herein, before the Civil Judge, Junior Division, Barabanki, wherein the appellant herein was the Defendant-3 in the suit. It was contended by the respondents 1 to 3 before the trial court that the respondent-4 had no transferrable right or title over the property when the sale-deed of March 30, 2006 was executed in favour of the respondent-5 and thus, the property could not have been sold to the respondent-5. The respondents claimed that they were the joint owners of the suit property and were also in possession of the same because the predecessor in-interest of the property was their uncle and he had executed a will deed on May 20, 1997 in their favour. In conclusion, the Supreme Court has stated that it finds no reason to interfere with the impugned order passed by the Allahabad High Court on May 19, 2022 and the HC had dismissed the appeal. Guillermo Morales of Buffalo is facing a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced July 2 for his involvement as a wrong-way driver in a fatal collision on the Thruway while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine last summer. The 52-year-old Morales pleaded guilty Thursday before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, along with one count each of second-degree manslaughter, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office. Shortly after 3 a.m. on Aug. 12, 2023, Morales, while driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, caused a crash on the I-190 near the Scajaquada Expressway in Buffalo that killed 38-year-old Matthew J. Czop of the City of Tonawanda. Morales was driving his pickup north on the southbound side of the highway when it collided with Czop's vehicle. Morales was transported by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and was arraigned. During the investigation, State Police found Morales to be in possession of cocaine. He remains held without bail. The case was prosecuted by Vehicular Crime Bureau Chief Paul J. Glascott, Assistant District Attorney Bethany A. Solek and Assistant District Attorney William E. Szczepanski. Harold McNeil You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close An advocate for climate resilience and sustainable development in Nigeria, Climate Action Africa, has seeked for a more collaboration and inclusive approach to tackling the countrys pressing climate challenges. This was disclosed by the Executive Director at Climate Action Africa, Grace Mbah, at a climate change media briefing held recently in Lagos. She explained that with Nigeria facing significant vulnerability to rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and environmental degradation, there was a need for a united front. According to her, All stakeholder groups. Developing countries like Nigeria, and many others across Africa, face unique sets of challenges when it comes to climate change. Nigerias unique position and vast resources necessitate a comprehensive strategy that leverages the expertise and commitment of every sector. From government and industry leaders to scientists, community organisations, and individual citizens, we all have a role to play in building a more resilient and sustainable future. Also, Mbah explained the significance of fostering collaboration in areas like policy development and implementation, innovation and technology, community mobilisation, education, and investment and financing was highlighted during the media briefing. These are the challenges that the Climate Action Africa Forum 2024 is set to address. The upcoming Climate Action Africa Forum, scheduled for June 19-20 in Lagos, serves as a testament to CAAs commitment to fostering collaboration. The forum will bring together key stakeholders from across Africa to discuss innovative solutions and develop concrete action plans for tackling climate change. The forum will introduce the Deal Room, a dynamic marketplace connecting Africas brightest innovators with forward-thinking investors to accelerate impactful deals for climate action and sustainable development. Following the conference, CAA will partner with the Silicon Valley-based Founder Institute, the worlds largest startup accelerator, to provide ongoing support to African innovators in a post-accelerator programme," she said. The CAA boss pointed out that CAA24 provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, collaborative problem-solving, and forging strategic partnerships. "By working together, we can ensure that Nigeria, and Africa as a whole, emerges as a leader in building a sustainable and climate-resilient future. Climate Action Africa urges all stakeholders to take a proactive stance in addressing the climate crisis. Through collaborative efforts, innovation, and a shared commitment to a sustainable future, Nigeria can mitigate the impact of climate change and pave the way for a more prosperous and resilient tomorrow," she added. NIPCO Gas Limited has disclosed partnership with the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited to expand the AutoCNG infrastructure nationwide by providing an alternative fuel option for motorists. This was disclosed by the Managing Director, NIPCO Gas, Nagendra Verma, on Sunday while giving an update on the companys efforts in growing use of gas as vehicular fuel across the nation and its pipelines expansion projects in Lagos. He said the company has been at the forefront of AutoCNG development since its inception in 2009. Verma expressed readiness that with the partnership, the AutoCNG network was set to expand to reach key locations such as Abuja FCT, Ibadan in Oyo State, and Oron in Akwa Ibom State. He said, The partnership has facilitated the ambition of AutoCNG stations and other ancillary facilities like kits conversion workshops across the country. Beyond AutoCNG, NIPCO Gas is expanding its gas transportation pipeline towards Ibadan and its gas distribution network in the Lekki Free Zone, further enhancing indigenous gas utilization and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. With AutoCNG priced competitively against traditional fuels, NIPCO Gas is optimistic that sustained government support will propel it to become the preferred choice for motorists nationwide, alleviating import pressures and Forex burdens in the process." The NIPCO boss who also commended stakeholders including PCNGI, NMDPRA, SON, NNPCL, and others, further explained that the capital-intensive nature of gas distribution and AutoCNG projects demand significant investment and perseverance. How to select the right MP to represent Manipur | Sagolsem Jasobanta Singh (Advocate) In Manipur, choosing the right candidate to govern you is a major issue every citizen faces during MP elections unless voters have mild concerns about a particular candidate/party. Main thing to understand is what kind of election you will be participating in. Various and common elections in Manipur are general elections, Parliamentary elections, local Government elections (including corporate, municipal, sectoral, etc.). Voters have the right to choose the candidates they believe are best suited to them. During the MP elections in Manipur, voters are presented with a strong choice of leaders. To choose the right candidate, there are a few things you should look for: >> Find out how transparent, accountable & accessible the leader is: It is very important for you to measure the leader. There is no reason why the leader should not be selected and available. A good political leader is a leader of the people, that is, a leader who can get close to the people and is always in communication. It is important for people to know what the leader is doing and to share what the leader is doing. >>See how the party/individual emerges: You can understand the ideology of a party or individual by looking at the manifesto. If this manifesto describes what you are looking for, you can choose to vote for that leader. Parties generally create their manifestos based on the interests of the people in the region they belong to. For example, while a party participating in the Parliamentary elections writes a manifesto that concerns the whole country, an Independent candidate writes about development activities specific to the region in which he participates. >> Trace the general developmental history of the leader: Review all development work the leader has done and how much interest he has in development. It is important not only to check its past progress but also to understand its future development plans. >> Check the leaders general criminal history: Check whether the leader is involved in criminal activity or at least is against it. Before looking at the characteristics of a leader, it is important to understand the type and qualities you are looking for in a leader. Most of this information is easy to find and available near you. Newspapers, social media, and guides on ones website are good sources of information. >> Find out what people think about leaders: You can get an idea of what others think of the leader by talking to your friends, neighbours, and family. >> What is the leaders role in decision making? This shows the will and role of the leader. It is important to understand how other leaders in the party view his words. It is important to know whether the leader has the capacity and can be supported so that the government can take the punishment. >> Assessment based on common questions faced by candidates : Prepare a report focusing on the problems faced by candidates. See if these questions help you or your country move forward. This way you can decide about the candidate. Disconnect between the electorate and the election process There has been a disconnect between the electorate and the very purpose of the election in Manipur. It has been discovered that many citizens do not acknowledge the obligation that comes with the right to vote. This is especially correct in the case of the city populace in which vote casting day is typically taken into consideration as simply some a sort of an off day because it isnt made obligatory for each citizen to vote. There were many instances in which electorate do not even check in to vote or enrol themselves in the voter list wondering their unmarried vote will now no longer be counted however are brief responsible the authorities and deliver pointers to enhance the conditions. Voting and partaking in the electoral manner is much more than a right. Its an obligation that every citizen holds to pick their leaders. Hence, there must be an essential shift in the notion of the electorate to comprehend the significance of the vote casting manner in addition to the significance of every vote in figuring out the destiny of the nation. VOTER RIGHTS IN OUR INDIA Voters have been given certain rights by the Election Commission of India (ECI). This right is guaranteed by the countrys constitution and is granted to all citizens of the country. Voter rights include: >Right to know: Voters have the right to know which candidates are running. Voters consider a candidates background (possibly a criminal record), the candidates financial situation, election results, etc. Voters have the right to access details about the candidates. >Tendered Voting Rights: A voter can exercise this right if he notices that someone else has voted incorrectly. According to the election commission, such a person will need to provide evidence to prove his right to vote and be included on the ballot paper. >Voting rights of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): NRIs are citizens of the country who are absent from their place of residence for work or other reasons but are allowed to vote in national elections. Initially, NRIs were not allowed to vote in national elections. But later amendments allowed NRIs to vote in India even if they have not lived in the country for six months. >Right of disabled persons to vote: This right aims to ensure that the voices of people with disabilities and disabled people are heard in democracy by protecting their voting rights. Where a person with a disability cannot vote at the ballot box or by mail, the Electoral Commission will assist such voters in voting with the assistance of an election official. >Prisoners right to vote: Constitution of India and the Election Commission of India regulations do not allow a prisoner to vote in the scheduled national elections. >NOTA (None of the Above): This is another voting right in which the voter participates in the electoral process but does not vote or choose any of the competing candidates. This privilege is used when voters feel that neither candidate has the right to vote. In such cases, the voter will choose or vote NOTA (None Of The Above), indicating that he does not want to vote for any of the candidates running in the election. Parliament and its Members | Thoudam Chitaranjan Meitei (TC MEITEI) VOX POPULI, VOX DEI ie VOICE OF PEOPLE IS VOICE OF GOD According to French philosopher JJ Rousseau popular sovereignty rests with the people, people is the ultimate exerciser of political sovereignty. In the Preamble of Indian Constitution, it is written that sovereignty is with the people. But in practice in India, sovereignty is exercised by the people through its elected representatives in the Parliament. So Parliament is the supreme legislative political institution of the Nation reflecting the political aspiration of the people. Since independence it has been taking the pivotal role in legislation at the National level. So, understanding the functions of Parliament remains a very pertinent and crucial matter since Manipur became a political constituent of India through merger agreement signed on 15th October 1949. As long as Manipur remains as a political constituent of larger Indian Union the indispensability of understanding the function of Indian Parliament will remain. BROADLY MAIN FUNCTIONS OF PARLIAMENT CAN BE CATEGORISED AS BELOW 1. LEGISLATION : The primary mandate of Parliament is to undergo the process for legislation and make relevant and valuable laws. Even though Constitution prescribes the federal spirit by dividing Union list, State list and Concurrent lists, the Constitution prescribes the overriding power to Parliament over the legislation made by the State legislatures under different circumstances. .This can be corroborated from the article 256, 352, 355, 356, 360 etc. Thus, ultimate sovereign power is with the Parliament not with the State legislature. 2. POLITICAL CONTROL : Besides legislation, the Government at the Union level is accountable to the Lok Sabha i.e the Council of Ministers headed by Prime Minister can remain as a permanent political executive till it enjoys majo- rity in the Lok Sabha. In short, through Parliament controls the political executive. 3. SURVEILLANCE OF ADMINISTRATION : The Members of Parliament control the permanent executives through various procedural devices ie, Parliamentary committees, questions, calling attention motion, etc. through the above cited devices, Parliament can control both the permanent executives and political executives. 4. FINANCIAL CONTROL : The essence of famous quote NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION is applied to Indian Parlia- mentary democracy. Thus our Members of Parliament are the sole authority to levy tax and to make legislation related to expenditure. Beside they are having a supervisory function for the spent money whether it has been spent in accordance with the right sprit or laid down norms. 5. CONFLICT RESOLUTION FUNCTION : The political conflict of internal matter and political conflict of external character has to be decided by the Parliament. Notably, handling of foreign affairs is under the domain of the Union list, thus Parliament is the ultimate and sole authority to handle and legislate on foreign affairs. WHAT ARE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSI- BILITIES OF AN MP ? The responsibilities of Member of Parliament is to discharge the function of Parliament. Through normal debate and discussion and through Parliamentary committee, they discharge the function of the Parliament ie, legislation, surveillance of administration, financial function, etc. In short, it is the MPs who exercise the sovereignty on behalf of the people. IS MP ELECTION A CRUCIAL ONE IN THIS HOUR OF TURMOIL? In the book problems of political philosophy, authored by Scottish philosopher DD Raphael, after examining the famous definition of democracy ie Government of the People, Government by the People and Government for the People, he emphasised on the phrase Government by the People. His views points to the very essence of democracy and that is to have participation in the politics. On the same note Plato also observed that the penalty of not participating in politics is that you end up being governed by inferiors. This inferred the concept that if we dont participate in politics, somebody will parti- cipate on behalf of us. Besides, on the backdrop of this ethnic conflict and turmoil in Manipur, the impor- tance of MP increases substantially. The aggravation of situation in Manipur is accentuated by the inactive political participation and deliberation in Parliament. It has been witnessed that on our behalf MP from Assam Tarun Gogoi, MP D Raja spoke on our behalf on serious note. On another note, political development in our neighbouring country Myanmar directly or indirectly affects the peace, development and stability in Manipur. But dealing with foreign country ie foreign affairs is put under the Union list which debar State legislative Assembly to make legislation on issues such as border issues, NRC etc.. This further amplifies the indispensability of MP from the State to take part actively in the legislative process regarding foreign affairs. So, through States MPs, State interest related to foreign affairs will be secured. BASIS OR CRITERIA ON WHICH MPs ARE TO BE ELECTED Even though Parliament prescribes qualification for member of Parliament to be a citizen of India, 25 years of age etc, people are often confused and could not become objective in choosing right candidate for Parliamentarian election. On this line, choosing right MP can be done through the asses-ment at two levels viz. assessment at party level and assessment at individual level. PARTY LEVEL Political party ideology is the easiest means for assessment of a political party for consideration for election. Ideology is the set of beliefs upon which the activities of a political party will be based. So on this line, political party may have inclination towards, secularism, pluralism, unity in diversity, ethos of federalism, inclusive-ness, socialistic out- look etc. Others may be inclined towards majorita- rianism, cultural assimila-tion, religious fundamen- talism. In fact the ideology of the political party should be assessed to see it fits our State or not. Besides, track record and its previous history and performance should also be considered. Last but not the least, manifesto of each political party may be examined minutely to find out which party manifesto is more fit to current Manipur situation. ASSESSMENT AT THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL Educational aspect : Plato in his Republic, emphasised rule of philosophers king which gave out the necessity of education to be a public representative. Although Indian Constitution does not prescribe the educational quali- fication for an elected representative, it is desirable to acquaint with certain basic awareness about polity, basic law and Constitution, economy of the Nation, dynamics of politics, dynamics of international politics since logical, explanatory, illustrative and convincing arguments must be based on the said fields. (To be contd) It's Record Store Day this Saturday which means vinyl lovers are in for an absolute treat. Since it started in 2007, the day has been used to celebrate independent record stores around the world. In 2024, bands and labels return the love by releasing exclusive editions of classic projects as well as brand-new legendary albums, all, of course, on vinyl. Here are eight of the releases we're looking forward to most this year. You can check out the full list of vinyls dropping this weekend here. The Best Vinyls Coming Out This World Record Day Marc Bolan & T. Rex - 'Zinc Alloy (50th Anniversary)' In 1974, fans were not impressed with the album Marc Bolan and his English rock band T Rex released. Now though, half a century later, 'Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow' (as it was originally called) is beloved, especially due to tracks like 'Teenage Dream', 'The Avengers (Superbad)' and 'Interstellar Soul'. The Doors - 'Live at Konserthuset, Stockholm, September 20, 1968' L/P box set Bootleg recordings of The Doors' famous 1968 Stockholm show have been floating around for decades. Finally, we'll get an official release and a newly mixed version of the performance. Grateful Dead - 'Nightfall of Diamonds' 4 x LP For the first time, the Grateful Dead's legendary performance at New Jersey's Meadowland will be available in full on vinyl. The special Record Store Day edition presses the newly mastered mixes from the analogue tapes onto 4 LPs. Elton John - 'Caribou (50th Anniversary Edition)' On two sky blue coloured vinyls, the Record Store Day edition of Elton John's 'Caribou' celebrates its 50th anniversary by not only including the original songs but also a newly compiled LP of bonus tracks. Pearl Jam - 'Dark Matter' Pearl Jam's 12th studio album 'Dark Matter' is set to come out on the 19th. With Record Store Day happening the day after, the band is releasing an exclusive yellow and black vinyl colourway of the album to celebrate. The Rolling Stones - 'Live at Racket, NYC' On the 19th of October 2023, The Rolling Stones played a launch event for their album 'Hackney Diamonds'. 'Live at Racket' is a new seven-track vinyl from a recording of that night including performances of some of the band's classic and new tracks. Siouxsie And The Banshees - 'Nocturne' Siouxsie and the Banshees' 1984 live album 'Nocturne' from their Royal Albert Hall concert is getting re-released with new artwork and a remastered recording cut at half speed which Siouxsie herself oversaw. Thin Lizzy - 'Live at Hammersmith 16/11/1976' One of Irish rock band Thin Lizzy's most famous concerts went down in London's Hammersmith district in 1976. The performance was part of the band's 'Live and Dangerous' box set, but is now coming out as its own two-vinyl LP for Record Store Day. The Who - 'The Story of The Who' The Who's 26-track best-of 1976 record 'The Story Of The Who' hasn't been released on vinyl since 1989. That changes this World Record Day, with a remastered and recut version being released on pink and green vinyl. Happy vinyl hunting! BJP candidate for the Bardhaman Durgapur Lok Sabha seat Dilip Ghosh today slammed the Bengal governments initiatives to celebrate Paschimbanga Divas on Bengali New Years Day today. While campaigning in Burdwan town with his party cadres, Ghosh took up a Trishul (trident) in hand and said: I worship Mahadev as a diehard devotee. I have taken his trident in hand today and have kicked off my cleaner political campaign against misrule and corruption. He ridiculed the Trinamul Congress-led Bengal governments initiatives to celebrate Paschimbanga Divas. He said: After the end of the TMC regime, people will forget this. The TMC doesnt even know when and how celebration of Poila Boishakh began. They are out to even remove the name of Paschimbanga. In August 2023, a resolution to officially designate West Bengal Day was tabled in the Assembly in August 2023. Earlier in August 2022, the state had decided to adopt the first day of Boishakh, the first month of the Bengali calendar as the official West Bengal Day. Advertisement The Election Commission has shifted all the four companies of central para millitary forces (CAPF) engaged in patrolling in Purulia to Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri for Lok Sabha electn duty for the first phase of elections on 19 April this month. Ten companies of central para millitary forces were posted in the various camps of Junglemahal in Purulia distruct to combat any Maoist activities in the region. But as there has been no such major activity in recent times and the present situation is peaceful, th Election Comission (EC) had already transferred seven companies of central forces from Purulia district to other states for election duty. However, one more company had been brought to Purulia from Assam, thus taking the total CAPF strength in the district to four companies till yesterday. These four companies have been guarding the camps in the Maoist-affected belts and also doing route marchs in sensitive areas. However, with the withdrwal of all the four conmpanies of central forces for election duty in North Bengal by the Election Commission, the state police has been entrusted with security activities in the Junglemahal areas. Since yesterday the central para millitary forces have started moving to North Bengal in buses and other vehicles by road. Advertisement These four companies of paramilitary forces had been deployed in Bandawan, Balarampur, Baghmundi and in Raghunathpur areas of Purulia district till yesterday. An officer of Purulia district police confirmed that the central forces have left for North Bengal for taking part in the first phase of polls in three districts on 19 April. It is still not clear whether they will return immediately after the first phase elections, he added. Since 29 February, these central para millitary personnel have been taking part in route marches in all the twenty-three police stations areas of Purulia district. The SUCI(C) have fielded its candidates for Serampore, Hooghly and Arambagh Lok Sabha seats in the district. The SUCI (C) Hooghly district secretary Mr Santosh Bhattacharya, making the announcement, said Narendra Modis and Amit Shahs claim of fast development and progress through double engine government is baseless since this double engine train carries bogies in which are seated Ambani, Adani,Tata,Mittal, Jindal and other capitalists and multinational corporations. He said the current election system does not reflect the common peoples mandate since the election results are influenced by money power, administrative power, media power and muscle power, he said. Attacking the main Left parties, he said that in the hope of gaining some Lok Sabha seats the CPI and CPI-M, having defined the Congress party as secular and democratic, have joined into the INDIA alliance. Over its 34 years of rule, the Left Front government completely deviate from its ideology of mass awareness and mass revolution to pave way for the TMC and the BJP in Bengal, he said. Mr Bhattacharya said Prodyut Choudhury is contesting from Serampore LS constituency, Paban Mazumdar from Hooghly LS seat and Sukanta Porel from Arambagh (SC) seat. Listing the SUCI (C)s agenda for the Lok Sabha elections, he said the party wants the development of bus network connecting the district sub divisions with Kolkata, extension of the railway connectivity between Mayapur and Khanakul and starting railway services between Baruipara and Jangipara. He added that the party further wants the plans to close down nearly 450 schools to be cancelled. It also proposes to stop the privatisation of central government electricity department and promote the introduction of smart electricity meter scheme. The party also seeks to upgrade hospitals with advanced medical services including ICUs in all the hospitals. Mr Bhattacharya said the government should purchase potatoes directly from potato growers ensuring a reasonable profit to them. The JCI should purchase jute from jute growers at a rate of Rs 1 Advertisement Indias merchandise exports in March declined marginally to $41.68 billion, while for the entire 2023-24 it dipped 3.11 per cent to $ 437.06 billion, the government data said on Monday. A much larger decline in imports pushed the trade deficit to an 11-month low of $15.6 billion. The overall exports (Merchandise and Services combined) in FY 2023-24 are estimated to be USD 776.68 Billion, exhibiting a positive growth of 0.04 per cent over FY 2022-23. Advertisement Further, the overall imports in FY 2023-24 are estimated to be USD 854.80 billion, exhibiting a negative growth of (-) 4.81 per cent over FY 2022-23, the data from the Commerce Ministry said. While speaking to the media, on a query on escalation of the crisis in the Middle east, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, who was briefing about the trade data, said the ministry was monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action. This year was very difficult from a trade point of view, owing to geopolitical conflicts. But we have beaten all odds, and in total exports, we have crossed last years number, said Barthwal, noting that the combined trade deficit, including services, will likely be down 35.8 per cent from last year. Merchandise exports in FY24 were USD 437.06 billion as against USD 451.07 billion during FY23. While the merchandise imports in FY24 were USD 677.24 billion as against USD 715.97 billion during FY23. The merchandise trade deficit for FY 2023-24 was estimated at USD 240.17 billion as against USD 264.90 billion during FY 2022-23. Non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in FY 2023-24 was USD 320.21 billion as compared to USD 315.64 billion in FY 2022-23 while the imports were USD 422.80 billion in FY24 as compared to USD 435.54 billion in FY23. For the services exports, the ministry said the estimated value for FY 2023-24 is USD 339.62 billion as compared to USD 325.33 billion in FY 2022-23. The estimated value of services imports for FY 2023-24 is USD 177.56 Billion as compared to USD 182.05 Billion in FY 2022-23. The services trade surplus for FY 2023-24 is estimated at USD 162.05 billion as against USD 143.28 billion in FY 2022-23, it said. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi P Krishnamurthy has announced the implementation of Election Commission of Indias order which grants paid holiday to employees on the day of polling in Delhi under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act 1951. The decision was taken with an aim towards enhancing voter turnout and participation in the electoral process. Voting in seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi is scheduled to be held on 25th May. Advertisement All eligible employees, be it public or private, who are voters in the NCT of Delhi are entitled to a paid holiday to exercise their democratic right to vote on the polling day, as per the communique issued by the Office of the CEO of Delhi. Besides this, the voters of neighbouring cities Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan working in Delhi are also given a paid holiday on the day of voting and vice versa for voters of Delhi working in neighbouring cities as per their polling dates. This initiative underscores the importance of voter turnout and the fundamental role of every citizen in bolstering the electoral process, it said. By granting a paid holiday, the CEO of Delhi under the guidance of ECI aims to facilitate unhindered participation and spreading voter awareness among the residents of Delhi, it added. Employers of concerned public, private or any other establishments are urged to comply with this order and ensure that their employees have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process without any hindrance, the statement said. Non-compliance to this order amounts to fine as well as punishment under the provisions specified, it said. The CEO of Delhi also appealed to the youth/young voters in Delhi to utilise this opportunity and cast their vote on polling day. A 35-year-old mans body was found lying at Jheel Park in Punjabi Bagh area of West Delhi, the police said on Monday. According to police, a PCR call was received at Punjabi Bagh Police Station on Monday morning at around 7:45 am regarding an unidentified body lying in Jheel Park. The local police reached the spot. The Forensic Science Laboratory and the Crime Investigation teams were also called to the spot. Advertisement As per police, based on the preliminary observations and circumstances, it is suspected to be a case of murder, an official said. The body was later sent to the SGM Hospital and has been preserved. During the ongoing probe, the investigating team reached out to the head of the village based on the name tattooed on the right hand of the deceased. The deceased was identified as Dinesh Kumar, a resident of village Badhmara, Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh. Accordingly, an FIR under Sections 302 of Indian Penal Code is being registered in this matter, police said. Further efforts are being made to establish the circumstances leading to the incident and nab the culprits. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday said that the arrogant opposition alliance has no vision. The BJPs manifesto is going to empower four strong pillars of India youth, women, poor and farmers, the CM said while addressing a press conference here at a five-star hotel. Rajasthan is with the guarantee of PM Narendra Modi. We will bloom lotus on all 25 seats of the state to further strengthen the resolve of Developed India by 2047 with the cooperation and blessings of the people of the state, he said. Advertisement Our Sankalp Patra is a sacred vision document prepared by the people for the people. The BJP has presented the development manifesto before the country on the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Therefore, I want to say that this resolution letter is a guarantee of fulfillment of the guarantee, he added. We have the leadership of the worlds most popular leader Narendra Modi. The arrogant opposition alliance has neither a vision, nor a leader, nor a policy. In the last 10 years, the Modi Government has been working with service, good governance and poor welfare as its goals, he said. India, which was the worlds 11th largest economy in 2014, has today become the worlds fifth largest economy. India will become the worlds third largest economy in the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said. The Congress on Monday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on electoral bonds and said this a bold-faced lie. Reacting to Prime Ministers remarks on electoral bonds in his interview with a news agency, Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh said, Every day the Prime Minister scales new heights of hypocrisy and plumbs new depths of dishonesty. Two weeks ago, while speaking to Thanti TV, he claimed that where funds have come from, how they are being used is only known due to the BJPs electoral bond scheme. Today, in his latest interview to ANI, he claimed that When electoral bonds were in use, the public had access to the money trail which company donated, to whom they donated, and how they donated. This is a bold-faced lie. Claiming that the electoral bond scheme was designed to be fully anonymous, Ramesh said, In other words, Modi wanted to hide the details of where funds have come from (to political parties), and how they are being used. Advertisement For six years, between 2018 and 2024, not a single detail was revealed to the public about who donated funds and to which political party. This continued until February 15, when the Supreme Court (SC) rejected electoral bonds as unconstitutional. Up until the last day in court, the Modi government defended the anonymity of the scheme, he said. Ramesh, who is also the Congress MP in Rajya Sabha further said, It was the SC that demanded the SBI publish all details of who donated to which party. First, the SBI controlled by the Finance Ministry lied to the court, saying that it did not collect this information. Then, it requested three months time to collate the data, conveniently seeking an extension until after the election. It was only the SCs strong intervention that forced the SBI to publish the data within days. He alleged that the anonymity of electoral bonds allowed the Prime Minister to cover up four patterns of corruption he has engaged in, with the total sums amounting to Rs. 4 lakh crore. By creating this anonymous electoral bonds scheme, the PM reduced the Government of India to a supermarket where he can facilitate business in return for donations to the BJP, the parliamentarian said. He also posed a volley of questions to the Prime Minister over the matter. Did your government not coerce companies into donating to your party through electoral bonds after deploying agencies like the ED, CBI, and IT after them? Were not government policies changed to favour specific companies in certain sectors after they purchased electoral bonds?, Ramesh questioned. Putting an end to the speculation of resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, AAPs National General Secretary (Organization) and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak on Monday made it clear that the city government will continue to run from jail as from next week onwards. Dr. Pathak said the Delhi Chief Minister will call two ministers each in jail every week and review the progress of work in their departments. Kejriwal is currently in Tihar Jail under judicial custody. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. Advertisement After meeting Kejriwal in jail along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today, Dr. Pathak told media persons that the Delhi Chief Minister will see if the work in various departments is going on and issue work related guidelines to the ministers. Dr. Pathak said whatever legal process there is regarding meeting with ministers, the work will be done only as per that. Even in jail, Delhis son Arvind Kejriwal is not worried about himself but is worried about the public. When we asked about his condition, he said, dont worry about me, I am ready for struggle, Dr. Pathak said. Dr. Pathak along with the Punjab Chief Minister had a 30-minutes long meeting with the AAP national convenor in jail. Dr. Pathak said the Delhi Chief Minister was just worried about the public and wanted to ensure that all the benefits and developments that he has done should still be available to the public. Kejriwal directed the MLAs and ministers to double up their efforts in serving the public now that he is in jail. The public should not suffer, no matter how many atrocities we have to face, the senior AAP leader said. Conveying the Delhi Chief Ministers plan of action for reviewing the functioning of various departments in the coming days, Dr. Pathak said, From next week onwards, the CM will call two ministers to jail every week, there he will review their departments, and give them guidelines and directions. Simultaneously, he asked me to convey this message to all the MLAs to go door to door in their areas and meet the public to understand their concerns. The MLAs should try and solve any issues that the people are facing. Kejriwal said the MLAs will have to cover up his absence by working twice as hard as before, he said. He (Kejriwal) said one more thing. The scheme of giving Rs 1000 to women every month, which was a major announcement in the budget, has been passed. Arvind Kejriwal said nobody needs to worry about it. He will implement the scheme as soon as he comes out of jail, Dr. Pathak stated. The Rajya Sabha member stated how the Chief Minister just had one question on his mind throughout the meeting. He said, Throughout the meeting, Arvind Kejriwal was not worried, there was only one question that was bothering him. That the development he has done in all these years, including free electricity and water supply, top-notch schools, hospitals, and Mohalla clinics, does not go in vain. These facilities should not be stopped in any case. That was his only concern throughout the meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address public rallies in Kerala on Monday as part of the BJPs electoral campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi will take part in the public meeting at Kunnamangalam in the Alathur constituency in Thrissur District. He will attend the election campaign for NDA candidates TN Sarasu and Suresh Gopi, contesting in Alathur and Thrissur, respectively. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had fielded actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi from Thrissur and recorded a 28.2 percent vote share, as against its 2014 candidate K. P. Sreesans 11.15 percent. After that, the PM will reach Kattakkada in Thiruvananthapuram District, where he will campaign for V Muraleedharan and Rajeev Chandrashekar, the two union ministers contesting under the NDA banner from Attingal and Thiruvananthapuram constituencies, respectively. All 20 Lok Sabha seats in the state go to the polls in the second phase on April 16. In the Assembly polls, the party won only once from Nemam in Thiruvananthapuram district, where O Rajagopal had won in 2016. This seat has been the only one among the 20 Lok Sabha seats where the party had managed to come in second in 2014. Advertisement In the 2019 polls, the BJPs Kummanam Rajasekharan had won 31.3 per cent votes, the highest among what the BJP got in the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. However, Chandrasekhars plunge into the capital fray has turned it into a triangular affair, which will be one of the most watched battles in the general elections. The BJP has never been able to win a Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, while the BJPs tally of MLAs in Kerala dwindled to nil in 2021 from the lone seat it won in 2016. Contesting 115 of 140 seats in the 2021 Kerala assembly elections, it secured 11.3 percent of the total votes polled, but failed to win even a single seat. The BJPs vote share in Kerala was highest in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when it managed to secure around 13 percent of the total votes polled. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) went on to win 19 of Keralas 20 seats that year. This is Modis sixth visit to the state this year. He will later proceed to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, where he will address a public meeting in the evening. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will also arrive in Kerala for a two-day tour and hold a UDF rally in northern Kozhikode in the evening, and take part in several programmes in his constituency over the next couple of days. The former Congress president will be up against senior CPI leader Annie Raja and K Surendran, the Kerala BJP chief from Wayanad. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday voiced concern over external forces attempting to destabilize Manipur as he underscored the pivotal role of the Northeast, particularly Manipur, in shaping the destiny of the nation. Speaking at an election rally in the capital, Shah highlighted the presence of vested interests seeking to sow seeds of division in Manipur. However, he reassured the audience of the central governments unwavering commitment to safeguarding Manipurs unity and inclusivity. Commending Chief Minister N Biren Singhs proactive efforts, Shah praised the implementation of the Inner Line Permit system as a crucial step towards preserving Manipurs integrity. Advertisement He emphasized that such initiatives are instrumental in upholding the legacy of the erstwhile princely state and fostering solidarity among its diverse communities. Reflecting on the tragic ethnic clashes that engulfed Manipur last year, claiming the lives of 219 individuals, Shah reiterated the urgency of addressing underlying tensions and conflicts. He emphasized the interconnectedness of Manipurs stability with the overall transformation of the Northeast region, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts at both the central and state levels to resolve lingering issues. Shah reaffirmed the governments dedication to finding sustainable solutions to Manipurs challenges, echoing Prime Minister Modis assurances to the people of Manipur. He emphasized Indias solidarity with the state and its inhabitants, pledging continued support in overcoming obstacles and fostering progress. Campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in both inner and outer Manipur, Shah urged voters to empower the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to lead the nation forward. His appeal resonated with the electorate, emphasizing the importance of a stable and visionary leadership to navigate the challenges ahead and usher in a brighter future for Manipur and the entire country. Expressing confidence in bringing back the 17 Indian crew members on board the cargo ship seized by Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modis guarantee works outside India also. Talking to mediapersons in Bengaluru, Dr Jaishankar said, It is Prime Minister Narendra Modis free guarantee that whenever you are in trouble outside, the Indian government is there to take care of you. We have shown it in Ukraine, Sudan and also repeatedly during the Covid pandemic, he added. Advertisement Taking up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries, the EAM spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Sunday. We are making the point to the government of Iran that they should be released and not detained, he said. Dr Jaishankar further stated that there was a follow-up done by the Indian embassy and authorities of Iran. I am getting some reports but I want my embassy people to go there and meet the Indian crew. That is my first point of satisfaction, he mentioned. I am quite prepared. My counterpart in Iran was responsive and assured he would understand the situation and help, he said. The EAM admitted tough times ahead due to the current geopolitical scenario. When I look at the international situation as a Foreign Minister, today, we have one conflict in Ukraine, one conflict in Israel and Gaza. We are looking for tension in the Red Sea area in the Arabian Sea area. We are having challenges in the Indo-Pacific, a lot of challenges on the boundaries of different countries in Asia. For such a period we need an experienced leader, we need a leader with global understanding, who has global respect and that is Prime Minister Modi, he explained. Dr Jaishankar said he has come to Bengaluru to assert the significance behind electing Prime Minister Modi again. How firmly we have countered the challenge of cross terrorism It is not like it used to be in the UPA government when we just expected it and were helpless. Today if there is cross-border terrorism, there is a strong reply to it, he said. Our global standing and prestige has changed, you can see how we chaired the G20, how we helped several countries during the Covid pandemic by sending them the vaccines, how we looked after the Indians and rescued them through operations. Today we are seen as a Vishwa Bandhu. Our global prestige is very high. We executed the G20 very well. We want to emerge as a civilisational power. Whether it is countering terrorism or safeguarding the border, we are taking strong positions. The posture of the Modi government has been very clear from 2014 onwards, Dr Jaishankar said. He said the BJPs Sankalp Patra is also a pathway for the next 25 years to create a Viksit Bharat. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled the BJPs promises of abrogation of Article 370, construction of Ram temple and the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Singh was addressing an election rally in favour of the BJP candidate and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh at Basohli in the Kathua district which is part of the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency that will go to polls in the first phase on 19 April. Expressing confidence about Jitendra Singh winning from the constituency for the third term with a huge margin, the Defence Minister appealed to the people to pick up the partys past manifestoes, since its origin from the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, and see to it that we have fulfilled all our promises. Advertisement We finished Article 370, which provided special status to J&K, to bring it at par with other parts of the country. Opposition parties were talking about construction of the Ram temple since 1984 but it was done by us and our Prime Minister performed its Pran Pratishtha on 22 January, Singh said. We implemented the CAA but there are people who are trying to create misgivings but I want to clarify that no Indian citizen is going to lose his citizenship, he added. He also referred to the banning of triple talaq and said whether we form the government or not, attack on the dignity and honour of the women is not acceptable to us. I want to make it clear to them that any woman irrespective of her faith is our mother, sister and daughter. The attack on the dignity and honour of women will not be tolerated. Whether we form a government or not, how can we accept such a thing which will throw her out of her home, he said. He said Ram Rajya has started taking roots in the country and nobody can stop it from becoming a reality. He said the BJP is doing what it says and it was not the case with Congress which ruled the country for so many decades but failed to make the country a powerful nation which it should have done. Taking a dig at PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti over her remarks that there would be no one to carry the tricolour in Jammu and Kashmir in case Article 370 was scrapped. I want to tell you, Mehbooba Mufti, today the tricolour is flying in all parts of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. Addressing the rally, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Section 254 C pertaining to Land viz-a-viz displaced persons from Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) is already under government review and Congress party and its allies, with nothing to claim to their credit, are desperately trying to make an issue out of non-issue and confuse the masses on the eve of election. There should be absolutely no apprehension or misgiving in this regard, particularly when the government has been reiterating in the past also that this Section is under review. he added. Congress National General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadras husband, said on Monday that his decision to enter electoral politics will be taken soon. Vadra visited Thakur Banke Bihari on Monday morning and paid obeisance at the temple. He stayed at the temple for about 20 minutes. The son-in-law of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Vadra has been in the news recently after he expressed his desire to contest elections from Amethi. Talking to reporters after joining the Shringaar Aarti, Vadra said that he has prayed to Thakur Banke Bihari for peace and happiness in the country. He said that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were working hard to bring about changes in the elections. Certainly the people of the country and God will understand their hard work, he added. On the question of contesting elections from Amethi, he said that people from many parts of the country want him to contest elections. I am also interested in joining politics. I will make a decision when the right time comes, he said. Accusing the BJP of doing politics of discrimination, Vadra said a secular government should be established in the country and the INDI alliance was working towards this with full strength. In a post on X, he wrote, As part of my Birthday, a spiritual and charity week, my visit to Banke Bihari Temple in Biharipura in Vrindavan Dham in Mathura was really enlightening. My prayers for peace, harmony and staying secular for the people of our great nation. To keep Priyanka, Rahul and all who are campaigning around India, safe and are able to hear each persons issues, and to help create the change they need, to be part of a prosperous, a secular Nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said electoral bonds were an honest effort by his government to eliminate the role of black money in elections, but the Opposition made baseless allegations about it, and the country has been driven towards black money again, which all parties will regret once they reflect on it. The Prime Minister was answering questions during an interview with ANI on several important issues including the electoral bonds scheme which has been scrapped by the Supreme Court. Asked whether the government had bungled on the issue, the Prime Minister said the country had debated for long the role of black money in elections, and that there was a need to do something about it. He said money is spent during elections; all parties do it, and it is collected from people. Advertisement I wanted to make an effort to save elections from black money, and we looked for ways to do it. Those criticizing it today had supported it in Parliament debates, Mr Modi said. He said he wanted transparency, and knew always there can be shortcoming in any effort. The government ended the currency of Rs 1000 and Rs 2000 notes, as they are the most used during elections. Then, the Supreme Court had allowed cash collections of Rs 20,000 each, but he reduced it to Rs 2,500 through rules, because he did not want cash transactions. In the past, the BJP had proposed contributions by cheques, but these were not acceptable to businessmen. The Prime Minister said if there were no electoral bonds, the money trail could never be found. The election bond success story is that at least we can see the money trail, I dont say there cannot be shortcomings; but we have driven the country towards black money again, all will regret it, when they reflect on it. He said only 3000 companies are in electoral bonds, only 26 companies were such proceeded against by agencies and just 16 companies of them had bought bonds against whom raids had taken place. Out of these 16 companies contribution, 37 per cent came to the BJP and 63 per cent went to the Opposition, he said. This gives the picture, he said, will companies give money to the Opposition after ED raids. But the Opposition has to make allegations and run away after that. Answering a question on ED and CBI action against the Opposition, he said the Opposition is talking of no level playing ground but no law was made by his government, we reformed the Election Commission, earlier PM could make anybody election Commissioners and they became Rajya Sabha members, and candidates in elections. Making a significant entry into the election fray in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to the voters of the state to take a cue from Uttar Pradesh to reject family-centric and caste-based politics. Leading the inaugural Vijay Sankalp rally in the Aurangabad Lok Sabha constituency, Yogi remarked, This dynastic pattern extends from Bihar to UP. The people of UP have voiced their stance; now its Bihars turn. Lets reject divisive caste politics. Despite the sweltering heat, a sizable crowd had gathered to listen to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. Yogi sought votes for BJP candidate Sushil Kumar Singh. During his address, CM Yogi emphasized the NDA alliances developmental initiatives while also launching a tirade against the Congress and RJD. Advertisement Continuing his Nation First versus Family First diatribe against the opposition parties, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the Lok Sabha seats in Bihar were not enough to accommodate the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadavs own family. Urging people not to anticipate anything from the RJD, Yogi asserted, Its a party centered around the family, where development, seats and benefits of schemes are all geared towards serving interests of a family, with no consideration for broader societal concerns. He added: Weve succeeded in fortifying the NDA in Bihar, where previously, seats seemed reserved solely for Lalujis family, encapsulating their dominance. Underscoring the end of 500-year long wait with the consecration of Lord Rams idol in the majestic temple in Ayodhya, CM Yogi Adityanath said that the event evoked excitement and enthusiasm both in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, expressing his appreciation for the gifts sent by the people of Bihar for the temple. He stated: A symbiotic relationship exists between UP and Bihar, which will remain unchanged. We say, Sitaram, prioritizing Mother Sitas name before Shri Rams, thereby fostering the Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat campaign by strengthening the bond between the two states. The CM reiterated the BJPs unwavering commitment to faith and development. Look at the remarkable progress of Kashi Vishwanath, Ayodhya Dham, and Maa Vindhyavasini Darbar. Modis assurance paves the way for a prosperous new Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. He added: The residents of Aurangabad are witnessing a rejuvenated Vindhyavasini Dham. Today, on the seventh day of Basantik Navratri, dedicated to the worship of Mahakali, countless devotees have gathered at Vindhyavasini Dham. The corridors have been expanded to an extent that it can accommodate 10 lakh people. In Kashi, where previously only 10 people could have darshan together, today, five to six lakh devotees can collectively witness Lord Vishwanath, informed the UP CM, describing it as a testament to the governments commitment to faith and development. CM Yogi emphasized that the BJPs Sankalp Patra prioritizes a developed India, which inherently includes a developed Bihar. The imposition of Section 370 by the Congress barred citizens from the rest of India from accessing Kashmir. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh and BJP consistently advocated for the integration of Kashmir with India, a dream realized by PM Modi through the abolition of Article 370, he pointed out. This move facilitated Kashmirs integration into the mainstream of India. While Naxalism has significantly diminished, any remaining pockets will also be eradicated within the next five years, he asserted. CM Yogi highlighted the opening of Jan Dhan accounts for 50 crore individuals, ensuring that government funds from Delhi are directly deposited into accounts to prevent middlemen from siphoning them off. Four crore people have already received permanent housing under the PM Awas Yojana. We urge Lalu ji to take notes and increase his efforts. Modi jis initiative offers free housing, with plans to provide an additional three crore homes over the next five years. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are poised to reap substantial benefits from this endeavor, he remarked. CM Yogi emphasized that during the height of the pandemic, as people from Bihar were returning from other states, it was asserted that they, being from Mother Sitas maternal lineage, would not face any discrimination. It was advocated that the same facilities available to the people of Uttar Pradesh should also be extended to those from Bihar, with the services provided in UP being lauded by all. CM Yogi highlighted that during the RJDs tenure, Bihar grappled with an identity crisis. Efforts to reintroduce lawlessness were thwarted, whereas in UP, criminals face strict action. They are punished and made to publicly acknowledge their wrongdoings, serving as a deterrent, he said. While a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Ram was constructed in Ayodhya, symbolizing devotion, notorious criminals were also brought to justice, epitomizing the concept of justice, he pointed out. Colloquially, Ram-Ram and Jai Shree Ram are expressions of greetings and reverence, but those who conspire against the nation also face Ram Naam Satya as the ultimate truth, he remarked. CM Yogi emphasized that Uttar Pradesh, with its population of 25 crore, stands devoid of riots, curfews, or significant issues, a testament to the effective governance spearheaded by BJP and NDA. The focus thus far has been on navigating the obstacles presented by Congress and RJD and cleansing the system of its inefficiencies, but now the efforts will be accelerated to position India as a global leader, he remarked. While RJD and Congress perpetuated numerous challenges, from corruption to terrorism, the NDA provided solutions under Modi jis leadership. Theres no justification for tolerating hindrances to development, he remarked. CM Yogi cautioned people against trusting Congress and RJD, noting their past denial of Lord Rams existence and now conveniently claiming the lords universal relevance. Their track record suggests deception. Let those responsible for creating an identity crisis crave each vote, he said. Aurangabad MP and Lok Sabha candidate Sushil Kumar Singh, Legislative Council members Vineet Singh and Dilip Singh, BJP leader Pramod Chandravanshi, former minister Rajyavardhan Singh, and Rajmata of Basti, Uttar Pradesh, Ashima Singh, among others, attended the event. Meanwhile, The Chief Minister extended his greetings in the local dialect during his visit to Aurangabad, Bihar. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed reverence for the sacred sites of the Sun Temple, Ambeshwari Mata, and Devkund, offering his regards to everyone present. He concluded with a wish for the blessings of Lord Bhaskar upon all. India must focus on getting Israel-like ironclad defence systems, said Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra on Sunday. His comments come amid recent attacks on Israel by Iran, reportedly in retaliation to the attack on their embassy in Damascus. While Iran attacked Israel with suicide drones and missiles, the countrys famed Iron Dome and other defence systems have been intercepting and thwarting the attacks. Advertisement Israel has more than the Iron Dome, said Anand Mahindra in a post on X, quoting a post about the countrys defence systems. They have a longer distance interception system called Davids Sling. And they also have Arrow 2 and 3 systems, he said, adding that an Iron Beam, which will use lasers, is also in the pipeline. Today, possessing ironclad defence interception systems is as important as a cache of offensive weaponry, he said. We in India must step up our focus on and spending in that direction, he added. Meanwhile, the Israeli military on Sunday said that it intercepted about 99 per cent of more than 300 missiles and drones Iran launched in its first direct attack against Israel. Together with our partners, the Americans and others, we managed to block the attack with very little damage caused, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said. Hours after a massive Iranian missile and drone attack, Israels five-member war Cabinet has favoured strong retaliation but failed to reach consensus on the timing and scale of the response even as world leaders expressed concern and called on both countries to exercise restraint. According to the Times of Israel, US President Joe Biden has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to think carefully and strategically before deciding on their response to the Iranian aggression. The war cabinet, meanwhile, has suspended its discussion but is expected to reconvene soon. According to sources, Israel, who is currently fighting a war against Hamas, an Iran-backed militant outfit in the Gaza stripe, is carefully weighing options to avoid a three front war as Hezbollah in Lebanon has also stepped up its attacks on Israeli territory. It is also under pressure from the US after the latter announced not to be part of Israels retaliation against the Iranian attack. The US had warned Israel hours before Iran launched its attack and even helped in intercepting the missiles and drones. Earlier on Saturday night, Iran launched an unprecedented attack against Israel and fired some 350 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. Israel claimed to have successfully intercepted 99 per cent of the incoming projectiles outside its airspace with the help of ally US. However, slight damage was reported at a military base and one small girl reportedly sustained injuries after being hit by the shrapnel of an intercepted missile. Meanwhile, Iran has warned Israel and its allies of a decisive and much stronger response if they launched retaliatory attacks. If the Zionist regime [Israel] or its supporters demonstrate reckless behaviour, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response, Irans President Ebrahim Raisi had said in a statement on Sunday. The US does not want to go to war with Iran, a White House national security spokesman has said. Appearing on CNNs State of the Union news program one day after Iran launched attacks against Israel, US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby on Sunday was asked by host Jake Tapper if the Biden administration supports an Israeli retaliatory operation directly aimed at targets inside Iran. As the President has said many times, we dont seek a wider war in the region. We dont seek a war with Iran. And I think Ill leave it at that, he said. Advertisement Kirby seemed to be showing more restraint in his remarks, Xinhua news agency reported. According to US media reports citing White House officials, President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone on Saturday night that the US would neither participate in nor support any offensive operations by Israel against Iran. Iran and allied armed groups launched coordinated drone and missile strikes on Israel late Saturday night in retaliation for a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria two weeks ago. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. With the advent of crypto trading, the horizons of financial investments and assets have expanded, and now and then new possibilities and prospects have opened up. Its decentralized nature makes every investment and transaction free of any government rules or orders of financial institutions. Another major aspect of crypto trading is the promise of huge returns. Any trader's only concern about investing in crypto is the highly volatile market. It can twist and turn at any moment and sometimes be highly unpredictable. So, how does one invest wisely by identifying potential risks? What could help traders to conduct smooth trading by avoiding risks and major failures? Visit Immediate MaxAir To enhance the trading experience, new technologies and platforms are introduced. Many trading systems are available today, however, people need more advanced, affordable, and result-oriented systems that fulfill all their trading needs. One such is the Immediate Maxair trading system. Many claims are surfacing about this system; it is said that it is developed using the latest technologies that give precise trading data and generate data signals. As a trader, there might be a lot of concerns and questions about this platform and doubts about how effective this platform is. This Immediate Maxair review will answer all your questions and verify whether the claims made are valid. So, lets get started. Immediate Maxair - Facts Overview Platform Name Immediate Maxair Platform Type Web-based platform Registration Required Yes Registration Fee None Interface User-friendly interface Minimum Deposit $250 Assets Supported Cryptocurrencies, stocks, forex, and other assets. Payout Time 24 hours Deposit Methods The platform supports different deposit and withdrawal options Customer Support 24/7 Official Website Click Here What Is Immediate Maxair? Immediate Maxair is an automated trading system developed to cater to the needs of a crypto trader. When it comes to any system, the first and foremost thing that a person looks for is its usability and ease of use. This platform gives traders a seamless trading experience with its user-friendly interface and personalized experience. The creators of this platform have collaborated with the top-most brokers, who provide trusted services. Cutting-edge technologies, such as algorithms, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and other tools have been used to develop Immediate Maxair. This platform not only supports cryptocurrencies, but also enables trading in stocks, forex, CDCs, and other assets. A demo mode is available to give you a free chance to get a full insight into how the system works. Check Out Immediate Maxair Official Website Immediate Maxair Key Features The Immediate Maxair trading platform is developed using the latest technologies and comes with many advanced features that give you an easy yet informative trading experience. So, lets look at the features of this trading system. Intuitive User Interface One of the major features of Immediate Maxair is its intuitive user interface. This gives traders a seamless experience in trading. Even beginners, who do not have any sort of trading experience can jumpstart investing and trading using this system. Many features are automated and hence, it works based on the customized setting. Maximum Asset Opportunities Immediate Maxair provides traders an opportunity to invest in multiple cryptocurrencies, assets, stocks, and other commodities from a single platform. This feature enables them to maximize their profits and grow their trading portfolio. Web-based Platform There is no need to download Immediate Maxair on your mobile device, or desktop. This is a web-based platform and you can access it through both your mobile phone and desktop or even laptop. There is no need for updation, installation, or maintenance is required. Real-time Data The inclusion of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, algorithms, and advanced analytics can help access real-time market insights. This platform generates precise trading signals and a comprehensive market analysis. This enables traders to make an informed decision. Easy Investment And Withdrawals The Immediate Maxair system is partnered with the top-most brokerage services, which provides traders with a wide range of payment options. They can use debit or credit cards, e-wallets, and bank wire transfers as payment or withdrawal options. This also provides the utmost safety and security while transacting money. Demo Trading Option The Immediate Maxair demo feature allows traders to familiarize themselves with the platform. This is a free mode and mainly targets novice traders who want to get started with trading. They can get accustomed to different assets, learn about setting parameters, and learn about trading in general. Trade With Immediate MaxAir For Free Why has Immediate Maxair become a reliable trading partner? The Immediate Maxair trading system becomes a reliable trading partner because of a set of things. The platform allows traders to customize their settings according to their needs. There are automated and manual trading options. Traders can switch between the two according to their trading activities. They can either take trading into their own hands or leave it to the system to take care of all the tasks. The system works according to the set parameters, such as entry and exit time, risk management, and stake amount. The use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and algorithms gives traders a wide variety of options for investment strategies. With the help of advanced analytics, traders can jumpstart with investing as the system generates accurate trade signals. It can help monitor market price fluctuations, and help traders make informed and profitable decisions. The automated trading platform offers traders ample opportunities and makes sure they never miss out on any profitable opportunities as it enables them to stay connected with the platform. How To Register On Immediate Maxair? To register on the Immediate Maxair trading platform you need to only follow three simple steps. Step 1 - Register The first step is to register on the Immediate Maxair platform. For this, you need to visit their official site, click on the Register button, and fill out a form. Only basic details, such as name, email address, date of birth, and contact number should be filled out. After you complete the form, click on Submit. The Immediate Maxair verification team will verify all your details. After verification, a confirmation email will be sent. You can click on the confirmation link and get started. There is no need to pay any registration fee to start an account on this platform. Step 2 - Invest As you can see, there are no registration fees required for registering on Immediate Maxair. After you complete the registration, the system will guide you through a payment portal where you can deposit the minimum capital required. The minimum investment amount is $250 and no deposit fee or transaction charges are levied. You can even increase the amount as per your trading goals or experience. Step 2 - Start Trading After completing the registration process and investing the minimum capital required, you can now start trading. You can set up the parameters and the system will generate comprehensive market analysis and accurate trading signals. The AI assistance will guide you through the journey and help identify the right trading opportunities. Register On Immediate Maxair For Free Immediate Maxair - Pros And Cons So far, we have discussed the important aspects of the Immediate Maxair system. It gives a clear picture of how the platform works and how traders get to experience seamless trading. In this part, we will be looking at the pros and cons of Immediate Maxair. Simple and intuitive user interface. Free trading system. Easy registration. The minimum deposit required is $250. Safe and secure transactions. Accurate trade signals are generated. Use of advanced technologies. 24/7 customer support. Some countries have strict trading laws and as a result, the Immediate Maxair trading system is not available in countries such as the United States, Cyprus, France, and Iran. Immediate Maxair: Minimum cost and Other Deposits Immediate Maxair is a free trading platform, which means that there is no need to pay any registration fees or maintenance fees while using this system. Traders have to only make an initial deposit of $250 as a capital investment. The capital investment can be increased according to a traders trading goals, experience, and other factors. The Immediate Maxair team ensures safe and secure transactions through this platform as top-most brokerages are used to conduct all the transactions. They not only provide a seamless and secure transaction but also support different modes of transaction, such as credit/debit cards, net baking, and others. Start Trading With Immediate Maxair For Free Immediate Maxair - Cryptocurrencies The Immediate Maxair platform supports trading in different cryptocurrencies and other assets such as forex, CDCs, and other stocks. It allows traders to diversify their portfolios and get high investment returns. Apart from the popular cryptocurrencies, the platform also supports a variety of cryptocurrencies. Lets take a look at them. Bitcoin (BTC) Litecoin (LTC) Ethereum (ETH) Binance Coin (BNC) Dash (DASH) Polkadot (DOT) Ethereum Classic (ETC) Cardano (ADA) Ripple (XRP) Montero (XMR) Immediate Maxair: Customer Support The Immediate Maxair customer support team makes no compromise when it comes to resolving any issues or complaints raised by any user. The team is led by experts in the field who are capable of solving any technical problem or other issues. The customer support team is available 24/7. You can contact them through email, or their toll-free number at any point of the day. They are also available to clear any of your doubts and solve any technical errors or payment issues. You can visit the official website to get more information about customer support. Countries where Immediate Maxair is accessible The Immediate Maxair trading platform is accessible in the majority of countries apart from the United States, Cyprus, Iran, Israel, and France. Lets look at in which countries the platform is accessible. Canada Australia Germany Belgium Malaysia South Africa Hong Kong Japan Vietnam United Kingdom Norway Sweden Netherlands Finland Mexico Brazil Spain Singapore Switzerland Slovenia Slovakia Taiwan Thailand Poland Is Immediate Maxair a legit Trading Platform? To verify whether Immediate Maxair is a legit platform, lets go through some of the important factors. One of the crucial aspects is the use of advanced technologies. As we have seen before, artificial intelligence, algorithms, and advanced analytics are used to predict and generate accurate trade signals. The creators of this platform are committed to developing this platform and new strategies to create and generate accurate signals. It also enables traders to identify the right and profitable trading opportunities and execute trading by identifying the potential risks. Traders do not have to pay any extra charges such as maintenance fees, or other upgradation fees. After registering, they can access the whole platform and enjoy full benefits without having to spend another penny apart from the initial capital investment of $250. Traders also get a safe and secure trading experience and all the safety technologies are employed to prevent fraud or foul play. If we look at the Immediate Maxair customer reviews, this trading system has received many positive feedback and a huge success rate. Evaluating all the information, this trading platform does seem to be a legit one. Immediate Maxair: Final verdict The Immediate Maxair system aims to offer a seamless trading experience to people. It not only helps them to grasp the right trading opportunities. This system has been developed using the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence, algorithms, and analytics. The combination of technologies helps predict and present market signals with utmost accuracy. This is a free trading platform, which means there are no registration fees and other maintenance costs. Traders only have to deposit an initial capital amount of $250. It also offers a safe and secure transaction as the platform has an in-built encryption system that protects all the transactions and trader information. Traders also have the opportunity to diversify their portfolios through this platform and invest in various cryptocurrencies or stocks from a single point. Evaluating all the aspects of the Immediate Maxair platform, it does seem to be a legit and give you a worthwhile trading experience. Trade With Immediate Maxair For Free Immediate Maxair - FAQs Can I use the Immediate Maxair platform even though I have zero trading experience? The Immediate Maxair platform has a simple, intuitive, and user-friendly interface which makes it easy to navigate. There is no need for any skills or previous experience to get started. If you are a beginner, you can start by using the free demo mode. How long does the profile verification take? While registering on the Immediate Maxair platform, your information will be verified by the verification team. It would take around a couple of hours to get the information verified. Who can use the Immediate Maxair platform? Anyone interested in trading can use the Immediate Maxair trading system. The only thing is that people who are above 18 years of age can use this platform. Can I use the Immediate Maxair on my mobile phone? Yes. The Immediate Maxair trading system is compatible with any device such as a desktop, laptop, or mobile phone- Android or iOS. What if I do not make any profits using this platform? If you do not make any profits using this platform, you can immediately withdraw your money and close the account. Actor Huma Qureshi, on Monday, announced that she has started shooting for her next film, Gulabi. The actor, who is set to come back in season two of Maharani, posted a picture and wrote, Gulabi is here !!! Filming Now in the movie directed by Vipul Mehta, she plays an auto driver. She was last seen in Tarla, a biopic of Tarla Dalal, a known author of cook-books and host of cooking shows. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios and Vishal Rana of Echelon Productions. Rana said "Gulabi" went on floors in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, today. "We are thrilled to start shooting for Gulabi in Ahmedabad today. Through this film, our aim is to deliver a great content-driven film for the audience they can resonate with. Huma, who has delivered some great performances in her career, once again is all set to create some magic on screen!" the producer said in a statement, PTI reported. The movie is based on a true story. Vipul Mehta's last project was the Nana Patekar starrer Marathi film, Ole Aale. Mehta wrote and directed the film. Actor Dakota Fanning says she got her first mobile phone as a gift from her "War of the Worlds" co-star Tom Cruise when she turned 11. In a recent interview for Harper's Bazaar, Fanning and Andrew Scott, her co-star on Netflix's series "Ripley", played a quiz and one of the questions was Who gave Dakota her first cell phone? In his response, Scott said, Okay, well it's going to be some Hollywood icon Tom Cruise. Fanning confirmed Cruise gifted her a Motorola Razr for her 11th birthday while they were filming 2005's "War of the Worlds". Oh, my God, I was so excited. I didn't have anybody to call or text at that time. You know, I was 11. But I loved having it. I loved it. I felt so cool, she recalled. Fanning added the "Mission: Impossible" star has sent her a gift every year since 2005. Tom sends me a birthday gift every year, and has since that birthday, said "The Equalizer 3" actor, adding the latest one arrived on her 30th birthday earlier in April. Earlier this month, during Elle magazine's Ask Me Anything video series, Fanning said Kurt Russell, her "Dreamer" co-star, once gifted her a horse. Actor Tom Hiddleston says though he is unsure about the future of his acclaimed Disney+ series "Loki", he believes the makers reached a "narrative conclusion" with the second season which premiered last year. The British star, who has played the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for 14 years, was asked on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" talk show whether he was done playing the Asgardian god of mischief and Thor's adopted brother. Hiddleston, in his reply, said: I don't know. I really don't know. I know that we've reached some sort of narrative conclusion with season 2, which feels very satisfying to me, he added. While the character was projected as an antagonist, the actor said he never viewed Loki as one. He once upon a time was making some misguided choices and then made slightly more generous, loving and heroic choices, Hiddleston added. The Golden Globe winner said playing Loki changed the course of his life completely. Every time someone says that, it kind of blows my mind, he said. Hiddleston is returning for two brand-new seasons of his popular series The Night Manager, with the actor reprising his role as Jonathan Pine. According to Variety, filming is expected to begin later this year on the revival of the hit drama series, which is inspired by the characters in John le Carre's bestselling novel of the same name. A study conducted at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyvaskyla has revealed that a genetic predisposition for higher muscle strength not only predicts a longer lifespan but also lowers the risk for developing common diseases. The study, which is the most comprehensive international research on hereditary muscle strength and its relationship to morbidity, utilized the genome and health data of over 340,000 Finns, making it a significant milestone in the field of genetic research and health sciences. Dr. Paivi Herranen, a doctoral researcher from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, emphasized the importance of muscle strength, particularly hand grip strength, as an indicator of an individual's physiological resources to protect against age-related diseases and disabilities, as well as their ability to cope with them. The study found that age-related loss of muscle strength is influenced not only by lifestyle but also by genetics, shedding light on the intricate interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors in determining health outcomes. The research unveiled that individuals with a genetic predisposition for higher muscle strength have a slightly lower risk for common noncommunicable diseases and premature mortality. However, it did not predict better survival after acute adverse health events compared to the time before illness onset. Dr. Herranen noted, "It seems that a genetic predisposition for higher muscle strength reflects more on an individual's intrinsic ability to resist and protect oneself against pathological changes that occur during aging than the ability to recover or completely bounce back after severe adversity." The genetic predisposition for muscle strength was defined by constructing a polygenic score for muscle strength, which summarizes the effects of hundreds of thousands of genetic variants into a single score. This approach enabled researchers to compare participants with exceptionally high or low genetic predispositions for muscle strength and investigate associations with inherited muscle strength and other phenotypes, particularly common diseases. Dr. Herranen emphasized the uniqueness of the study population, stating, "In this study, we were able to utilize both genetic information and health outcomes from over 340,000 Finnish men and women. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the association between a genetic predisposition for muscle strength and various diseases on this scale." The study highlighted the potential use of information about genetic predisposition for muscle strength alongside traditional risk assessment in identifying individuals at particularly high risk of common diseases and health adversities. However, Dr. Herranen stressed the need for further research on the topic to understand how lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, modify an individual's intrinsic ability to resist diseases and whether their impact on health differs among individuals due to genetics. The internationally unique FinnGen dataset, compiled through the collaboration of Finnish biobanks, provided the foundation for this groundbreaking research. The dataset consisted of 342,443 Finns who had given their consent and provided a biobank sample, representing a wide age range and gender distribution. The diagnoses selected for the study were based on the leading causes of death and the most significant noncommunicable diseases in Finland, including cardiometabolic, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, connective tissue diseases, falls, fractures, mental health, cognitive disorders, cancers, as well as overall mortality and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. This study, which is the second publication of Dr. Paivi Herranen's doctoral thesis, is part of the GenActive project, funded by the Research Council of Finland and the Juho Vainio and Paivikki and Sakari Sohlberg foundations. Led by Assistant Professor and Academy Research Fellow Elina Sillanpaa, the research was conducted in collaboration with the Gerontology Research Center (GEREC), the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), and the FinnGen research project, marking a significant step forward in understanding the complex interplay between genetics and health outcomes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the opposition parties of spreading lies on electoral bond scheme which has been struck down by the Supreme Court. Everyone will regret it when there is an honest reflection, Modi said in an interview with news agency ANI. In landmark verdict on February 15, a five-judge Constitution bench scrapped the electoral bonds scheme that allowed anonymous political funding, calling it "unconstitutional". The top court also directed the State Bank of India to handover all details of the donors to the Election Commission and publish it on the poll bodys website. Modi said the scheme was aimed at curbing black money in elections and it allowed the trail to show who had made contributions to political parties through the scheme. He, however, admitted that there was a lot of scope for improvement in the scheme. How can our elections be free from this black money? How can there be transparency? There was a pure thought in my mind. We were looking for a way. We found a small way, we never claimed that this was the absolute way," he said in the interview. Modi claimed that of the 16 companies that gave donations to politics parties after facing actions by central agencies, only 37 per cent of the amount went to the BJP while 63 per cent went to the opposition parties. There is a lot of scope of improvement in this (electoral bond scheme) also. But today we have completely pushed the country towards black money, hence I say everyone will regret it. When they will think honestly, everyone will regret it," he said. The prime minister also noted that political parties were earlier allowed cash donations up to Rs 20,000 and he changed it to Rs 2500 as he did not want "this cash business" to go on. The Congress alleged that the BJP has made bribes legal via electoral bonds and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the scheme. News / Local by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says his government will ensure that there is enough grain in the country to avert starvation due to the drought.Up to five million Zimbabweans are said to be food insecure, according to food monitoring agencies.Addressing delegates during the 122nd ordinary session of the central committee meeting at Zanu-PF headquarters in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa ordered ruling party officials to take part in identifying hungry citizens."As I stated in my recent declaration of a nationwide state of disaster due to the drought last week, our Zanu-PF government will not let anyone starve," Mnangagwa said."Our government is capable of handling this situation."Mnangagwa said the government had put in place measures to ensure food is available ."Together in unity, our nation mitigated the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will surely manage a drought year," he said."This is the confidence and hope that the party leadership should instil among the membership and people of our great nation at large."We have put in place measures to ensure that enough food is available."The party should play its part in the timely identification of those in need of assistance."Mnangagwa early this month declared the drought a national disaster and revealed that the country needed about US$2 billion to avert starvation.In recent years, opposition supporters have been denied food aid as punishment for not supporting the ruling Zanu-PF party.There are already reports that several people in rural areas are sleeping on empty stomachs.Mnangagwa said petty squabbles, jealous and misplaced sense of entitlement will never be tolerated within the party.Mnangagwa urged provincial leaders to convene meetings to discuss economic policies."Going forward, all provincial chairpersons are directed to convene special meetings of our structures, beginning with provincial coordinating committees down to the cells," he said."I once again challenge us to shift our focus from politics of positions to that of production, productivity and prosperity."Mnangagwa said Kenyan President William Ruto will officially open this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. A Delhi Court on Monday extended Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals remand in a money laundering case till April 23. Special Judge for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), Kaveri Baweja, extended his custody on expiry of his remand period. Though the Aam Aadmi party leader challenged his arrest in the Supreme Court earlier on Monday, the Court did not grant him any relief. The AAP leader was arrested by ED on March 21 in a money laundering case registered in connection with the alleged scam in the scrapped Delhi liquor policy. Challenging his arrest, Kejriwal argued in Supreme Court on Monday that he has been arrested to stop him from campaigning for Lok Sabha polls. However, the top court did not grant him any relief and sought a response from ED on his plea by the last week of April. The Delhi High Court recently upheld his arrest and observed that the central agency has evidence to show Kejriwal's involvement in the alleged scam and that the money received as kickbacks was used for political campaigning in the 2022 Goa legislative assembly elections. Bharat Rasthra Samithi leader K. Kavitha has also been arrested by the ED and the CBI in connection with the case. The Delhi Rouse Avenue Court extended Kavithas custody in the liquor policy case registered by CBI till April 23 on Monday. A Gujarati couple has reportedly decided to renounce their properties worth Rs 200 crore to attain monkhood. Bhavesh Bhandari and his wife will leave the rest of their lives seeking alms from the public, the report added. After the decision was finalised, the Bhandaris led a procession of scores of people, donating their possessions. During the 4-kilometre-long tour, they gave away valuables including their mobile phones and air conditioners to people, NDTV said. Hailing from Himmatnagar, Bhavesh Bhandari was in the construction industry. On April 22, the couple decided to let go of all their materialistic assets and sever all family ties, NDTV said in a report. According to the report, they are not the first in the family to embrace monkhood in the family. In 2022, the two teenage children of the couple did the same. People close to the Bhandari household said that the businessman and his wife were inspired by the lifestyle chosen by their 19-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son -- ultimately deciding to follow suit by "renouncing their material attachments and join the ascetic path". Having taken the pledge of monkhood, a lifestyle that may seem arduous awaits the couple. The duo has decided to set out on a journey barefoot across the country -- depending exclusively on alms offered by kind souls for survival. The only possessions they will be taking with them will be a couple of white garments each, a bowl to collect alms and their 'rajoharans'- -- a small broom made of wool threads attached to a wooden stick that is given to new monks as a symbol of welcome. As Kerala immerses itself in the fervent atmosphere of election season, top leaders from various political parties have begun descending upon the southern state. On Monday (April 15), both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered public speeches in two different parts of the state. Modi addressed a massive gathering in Kunnamkulam in Thrissur, accompanied by BJP candidates from five constituencies on stage. Meanwhile, Gandhi conducted a roadshow in the town of Sulthan Bathery in his constituency Wayanad, followed by a speech delivered under the scorching sun. Here, THE WEEK delves into the essence of these two speeches, dissecting their content and nuances. Gandhis speech in Wayanad had two major parts. In the first part, he spoke about the larger fight with RSS ideology and in the second part he spoke about the local issues of Wayanad. Notably, CPI candidate in Wayanad, Annie Raja, as well as the BJP have been pointing out that Gandhi had not been available to solve the life-threatening issues faced by the people of Wayanad in the last five years. So, it was only logical that the Congress leader touched Wayanad-specific issues also in his speech. In the first part of his speech, Gandhi was clearly trying to present the idea that only Congress can deliver an inclusive India. He started his speech by thanking everyone from Wayanad, regardless of their political thinking, for showing love and affection. When I say people of Wayanad are like my family, I mean every single person of Wayanad. Sometimes in one family, brother and sister have different political ideas. That does not mean brother and sister do not love and care for each other. The opening statement indicated his clear intention to speak about inclusiveness. He then moved on to point out that the main fight is between the ideology of RSS and the ideology of the Indian National Congress. Gandhi launched an attack on Modi, saying, Prime minister speaks about 'One Nation, One People, One Language and One Leader'. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of our country. He cited the example of language to talk about how imposing something on people is disrespecting the diversity of this country. Language is not something that is imposed from the top. Because language is something that comes out of a persons heart. To tell a person from Kerala that your language is inferior to Hindi, for example, is an insult to the people of Kerala. It is like saying what is coming out of your heart is inferior to what is coming out of a person UP, he said. Gandhi then proceeded to explain the difference in accepting the diversity of the country as the main difference between the Congress and the RSS. We want to listen to what is in the heart of the people. We want to love and respect your language, culture, and belief. Whereas they want to impose something from the top, he said and then concluded this part with a statement saying: We did not get the freedom from the British to be colonised by the ideology of the RSS. The Congress leader then proceeded to speak about the local issues: He spoke about his awareness of the human-animal conflict and night travel ban (to the border state of Karnataka from Wayanad)both hot topics that are affecting Wayanads peaceful life, livelihood and economic opportunities. I have already told you that I am committed to resolving these problems. I have written multiple times on these issues to the chief minister and the Central government. And we will continue to put pressure on them. It is a complicated issue, but we are going to resolve this issue together, he promised. Notably, Gandhi did not present solutions for these complex issues. From this point, he attempted to bring his emotional connection with Wayanad once again. I was telling (K.C.) Venugopal when I landed, whenever I go to Wayanad, I feel I am going home. I am going to pressurise my mother to come here and stay with you for 10 days. I would have told her to come for one month. But she has a slight problem with humidity. But I told her you are missing the most beautiful places on earth. Though the intention was to talk about his connection, it appears that Gandhi was trivialising the issues faced by the people of Wayanad by talking about bringing his mother to Wayanad for a short leisure stay to enjoy its scenic beauty. Gandhi then moved on to the totally unrelated issue of Nilambur railway (or the rail connectivity to Wayanad). He cited it as a very easy issue to resolve. When we come to (power) in Delhi that is very easy to resolve. The reality is we are not in the government in Delhi or Kerala. Both these governments are giving step-motherly treatment to Wayanad. This is the fact. We are going to come to power in Delhi and in Kerala and we are going to resolve this issue, he said. Interestingly, this project had been hanging fire for more than a decade. In fact, it was a UDF government that appointed Metro Man E. Sreedharan, to prepare the final survey for the Wayanad Rail project back in 2013. The Oommen Chandy government allocated Rs5 crore in its 2014-15 state budget for this project and even agreed to bear the pro rata share of 50 per cent of cost of construction. He ended his speech talking about the ill-equipped Government medical college in Mananthavady. I understand that the night ban is a complex issue, man-animal conflict is a complex issue. But the issue with medical college is a simple issue. It is an easy issue to resolve. I have written so many times to the chief minister. Please resolve the issues. This is not a complicated issue. But for some reason it just keeps postponed and this is really not fair. It is an issue that can be resolved within two minutes. Gandhi said. The question is why the MP did not put enough pressure as he promised to solve this issue that can be solved in just two minutes. Modis speech had three main parts: one discussing the national scene and his achievements, the second addressing Kerala-specific issues, and finally concluding with an attack on Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA alliance. Modi started on an optimistic note, saying the positive atmosphere prevailing in the country today is infusing new energy into the resolve for building a developed India. He mentioned Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple as the Ayodhya of South India. Interestingly, he had visited this Ram temple in Thrissur in January, days before the consecration at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. Modi then proceeded to talk about the BJP manifesto that had been released on Sunday, as well as some of the benefits his government has provided to the poorer sections in Kerala. From there, Modi proceeded to discuss some of BJPs promises for Kerala. There are many temples, churches, and places of faith in Kerala. In the next five years, the BJP government will work to make Kerala's heritage known globally. Kerala will be connected to highways, expressways, and the Vande Bharat trains network. Modi then discussed his promises for Keralas tourism sector and also spoke about BJPs promise for bullet trains running in all four directions (north, east, west, and south) of the country. Then, Modi began the first round of Congress bashing, saying the grand old party had weakened India's image, whereas the BJP government has made India a strong country. Today, when an Indian goes abroad, he is respected, he claimed. Today's India has the strength to bring back its citizens stranded in wars. Today's India, instead of depending on other countries in disasters like Corona, also helps other countries by making itself self-reliant. Modi then made another claim, stating that the NDA government works on the thoughts of Narayana Guru. Narayana Guru, born into an Ezhava family, was one of the most visionary spiritual leaders and social reformers from Kerala. He led the reform movement against the brutal caste practices prevalent in Kerala society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating against divisions based on caste or religion. This is not the first time Modi has invoked Gurus name in his speeches, and this should be seen in the context of BJPs grand plans to expand its vote base to the Ezhava communitythe largest Hindu community in Kerala. For many decades, Ezhavas have been seen as a vote base for the CPI(M), and the BJP is attempting to change this dynamic. To exemplify that his government is following Gurus thought, Modi proceeded to discuss how Lok Kalyan and Garib Kalyan have become BJP's priorities, citing examples of the work his government has done in Kerala. He then launched a scathing criticism of the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF in the state. The country is moving forward rapidly. However, the LDF and UDF are working to pull Kerala backwards. The state government is obstructing the development projects undertaken for Kerala by the NDA government. This state government also wants to halt the National Highway projects. The character of the Left is such that where there is Left rule, nothing else remains, and nothing is right. The Left has ruined Bengal, brought misery to Tripura, and is now doing the same in Kerala. In a peaceful state like Kerala, violence and lawlessness have become common. Political killings are openly carried out in Kerala. Havens for antisocial elements have been established, and those disrupting social harmony are protected. The public's money is being plundered in the state. The state government introduces new models of corruption, intending to loot every penny of the people, he said. The PM then cited the co-operative bank scam in Karuvannur as an example of the Left's looting. The bank where the hard-earned money of poor and middle-class families was deposited has been bankrupted by the leaders of the CPI(M). Such blatant betrayal against the poor is rarely seen, and because of this scam, the future of thousands of families is at stake, he said. The multi-crore loan scam that happened at Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank in Thrissur districtwhich had been controlled by the CPI(M) for decadesis clearly an Achilles heel for the CPI(M), which claimed a moral and legal victory in issues like the electoral bond, and Modi was clearly kicking at it. Modi said the people of the state are lamenting today, saying their hard-earned income has been lost. The chief minister of the CPI(M) has been lying for three years about returning the money of the victims of the co-operative scam and taking action against the culprits, he said, directing his attack towards Pinarayi Vijayan. He also announced that the Enforcement Directorate has seized illegal assets worth nearly Rs 90 crore, and that the legal process is underway to return the money to the victims. The BJP government has already ensured the return of Rs 17,000 crore to the victims of scams in the country. Therefore, the BJP government will leave no stone unturned to return the money to the victims of the co-operative scam, he declared. Incidentally, in a surprise move, the ED on Monday informed the court that the amount seized from the accused in the Karuvannur Bank Fraud Case can be handed over to the depositors. Perfect timing, indeed! Modi then proceeded to attack the state government on issues of financial mismanagement, placing the blame entirely on the state government for the states economic woes. He reserved the final portion of his speech to mock Rahul Gandhi as well as the INDIA alliance. For one of the big leaders of Congress, it has become difficult to retain his family-held constituency in Uttar Pradesh, so he has established a new base in Kerala. Congress has made backdoor deals with organisations involved in terrorist activities to win elections. Congress leaders remain silent against the cooperative bank scam. While the Congress prince is seeking votes from the people of Kerala, he is not uttering a word in the interest of the public, he said. Modi ended with a warning that the people of Kerala need to be cautious of both LDF and UDF. Congress calls Left leaders terrorists in Kerala, but in Delhi, Congress and Left leaders sit together and form electoral alliances. In Tamil Nadu, which is the neighbouring state of Kerala, Congress, which accuses the Left of terrorism, is contesting elections in alliance with the Left. Left leaders, who accuse Congress of nepotism, are now taking tips on dynastic politics from Congress leaders, he said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that India possesses the capability to launch strikes against its enemies, both from its territory and across the Line of Control (LoC), as the country has the worlds best military. Addressing an election rally in Kathua in Jammu, he said that India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, has ascended to become the world's foremost nation in all aspects. "We have the ability to conduct operations against our adversaries beyond the LoC and even within their territories across it. We demonstrated our might during the surgical strike on September 28," he said. Seeking support for the Bharatiya Janata Party's candidate for the Udhampur parliamentary constituency, Dr Jitendera Singh, the defence minister emphasised that India, under PM Modi's stewardship, is scaling unprecedented heights. "Our military strength is widely acknowledged as the best in the world." He criticised the regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference, the Peoples Democratic Party, and Congress for "misusing Article 370" for their political gain. "I have seen images of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi playing in the snow in Kashmir. How could they have done so if Article 370 were still in place?" Singh questioned. Taking a swipe at PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti for having warned that nobody would hoist the tricolour if Article 370 was revoked. Today, the tricolor (flag) is flying high in every household and government building," he said. He highlighted that in the BJP's manifesto, PM Modi had ensured the provision of free healthcare for individuals above 70 years of age, regardless of their income level. "Who else but Modi could achieve this?" Singh said. He urged people to cast their votes overwhelmingly in favour of the candidate. Highlighting the steps taken by the BJP to empower women, he said regardless of caste or creed, they have ensured the protection of women by all means. We abolished Triple Talaq to ensure women's safety. It was a great injustice that a man could divorce a woman by uttering 'Talaq' three times within ten days of marriage," he said, adding that the BJP is dedicated to empowering three crore Lakhpati Behanjis (women millionaires) to uplift women. The Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency is going to poll in the first phase, on April 19. The BJP is up against the Congress and has fielded Chaudhary Lal Singh, a former MP. India has urged Iran to release 17 Indians onboard a Portuguese cargo vessel seized by the Iranian military, and Tehran was quite responsive, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday. He said there have been some follow-up conversations between the Indian embassy and Iranian authorities. "Yesterday night, I spoke to my Iranian counterpart (Hossein Amir-Abdollahian). I pressed him. I told him there are 17 crew members from India. We are making the point with the Iranian government that these people should be released, that they should not be detained," he told reporters here. On Saturday, the Iranian military seized the cargo ship with Israeli links near the Strait of Hormuz. The ship has 17 Indian crew members. "I'm getting some reports but I want our embassy people to actually go there and meet these people. That will be my first point of satisfaction," he said. "Secondly, I would absolutely press for the people to come back to India as quickly as we can and my colleague in the Iranian counterpart was quite responsive. He said okay, I understand it. I will try and do something really good," Jaishankar added. The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals plea challenging his arrest. The apex court however did not grant any relief for the Aam Aadmi Party leader. A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta heard Kejriwals petition challenging his arrest in a money laundering case registered in connection with alleged liquor policy scam. The bench sought EDs response to Kejriwals plea challenging the Delhi High Courts order which upheld his arrest. Kejriwal argued that he was arrested by the ED to stop him from campaigning for Lok Sabha polls. Kejriwals counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi said there are only statements against the Delhi chief minister and he has not been named in ECIR or chargesheet. The bench directed the central agency to respond to the notice by the last week of April. The High Court had upheld Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money-laundering case stemming from the alleged excise policy scam. The court observed that the ED had "little option" after he skipped repeated summonses and refused to join the investigation. The order was passed by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who said that there was evidence to show Kejriwal's involvement in the alleged scam and that the money received as kickbacks was used for political campaigning in the 2022 Goa legislative assembly elections. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, hours after the high court refused to grant him protection from coercive action by the federal anti-money laundering agency. He is in judicial custody till April 15 and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. The petition filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against the Delhi High Court verdict upholding his arrest will be heard by the Supreme Court on Monday. According to the cause list uploaded on the apex court's website, a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta will hear on April 15 Kejriwal's petition challenging the Delhi High Court's April 9 order. The High Court had upheld Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money-laundering case stemming from the alleged excise policy scam. The court observed that the ED had "little option" after he skipped repeated summonses and refused to join the investigation. The order was passed by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who said that there was evidence to show Kejriwal's involvement in the alleged scam and that the money received as kickbacks was used for political campaigning in the 2022 Goa legislative assembly elections. In his plea before the High Court, Kejriwal argued that the Central government was misusing the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) under which he was arrested to create a non-level playing field in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, hours after the high court refused to grant him protection from coercive action by the federal anti-money laundering agency. He is in judicial custody till April 15 and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party has said that Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will meet Kejriwal in Tihar Jail today at around 12 noon. The party had alleged that Kejriwal was not being allowed in-person meetings with his family in Tihar jail. "There is an attempt to break the morale of CM Kejriwal," senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told media on Saturday. "His family has not been allowed in-person meetings with him. They are only allowed to meet him through the jangla. This is inhuman. Even hardcore criminals are allowed in-person meetings," the AAP leader said. The 'mulakat jangla' is an iron mesh which separates the inmate from the visitor in a room inside the jail. A visitor and an inmate can talk to each other by sitting on different sides of the mesh. "In the same Tihar jail, many meetings take place but Arvind Kejriwal, a three-time elected chief minister, is being humiliated and made to meet his family through the jangla. This is happening at the behest of the BJP-led Central government," Singh said. "His rights as an inmate are being snatched," said the AAP leader. (With PTI inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Kerala and said the crown prince of Congress is finding it difficult to protect the honour of family seat in Uttar Pradesh. Incidentally, Rahul Gandhi is also campaigning in Kerala on Monday. Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Partys poll rally in Palakkad, Modi said, A big leader of Congress has found it difficult to save the respect of his family seat in Uttar Pradesh and has made his new base in Kerala. The crown prince of Congress will ask for votes from the people of Kerala but will not say even a single word on your issues. Highlighting SDPIs support for Congress this election, Modi said, To win the elections, Congress has entered into a backdoor agreement with the political wing of an organization which has been banned in the country for its anti-national tendencies. The prime minister also attacked the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government in Kerala and charged the state government is hindering the Centres development programmes in the State. The state government is also hindering the efforts that the NDA government is making for the development of Kerala and the region, he said. The prime minister said the BJP-led union government has enhanced Indias credibility across the world. The Congress government had created the image of India as a weak country. The BJP government has made India a strong country. Today when an Indian goes abroad, he is treated with respect. Today, India has the power to rescue its citizens trapped in war. Today, India does not look towards other countries in an epidemic like COVID; we make indigenous vaccines. Along with our country, we also help other countries of the world. -with inputs from agencies. The helicopter used by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, as part of his Tamil Nadu election campaign, was checked by election officials on Monday. According to Tamil Nadu police, the checks were conducted by the flying squad officials. Gandhi was en route to his parliamentary constituency in Kerala's Wayanad when his chopper was checked. On arrival at Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi took out a massive roadshow at Sulthan Bathery as part of his election campaign. He also interacted with students at the Arts and Science College in Wayanad before holding the rally. Rahul is also expected to take out road shows in Mananthavady, Vellamunda and Padinjarathara and address party workers there, Congress sources said. #WATCH | The Helicopter through which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu was checked by the Election Commission's Flying Squad officials in Nilgiris. (Video source: Election Commission Flying Squad) pic.twitter.com/aSOoNxyUJB ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2024 The Congress leader will also meet the bishop of Mananthavady diocese in view of the screening of the controversial movie 'The Kerala Story'. Addressing an election rally, Rahul said the idea that India should have only one leader was an insult to people. "We did not get freedom from the British only to be colonised by RSS's ideology," the Congress leader said in Wayanad. Salman Khans father and noted screenwriter Salim Khan has broken his silence after the firing outside his residence, Galaxy Apartments, at Bandra in Mumbai on Sunday, saying there was "nothing to worry about." "There is nothing to tell. They just want publicity, there is no need to worry," Salim Khan told CNN News 18, hours after multiple shots were fired outside Khans residence. However, there is no official word from the police or Khan's family on whether the actor was present in the house at the time of the incident. Khan's response comes as Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the shooting, calling it the "first and last warning". He has also threatened that the next time "the bullets won't be fired at walls or an empty home." The Mumbai police had also identified one of the suspects captured on CCTV as Vishal alias Kalu, a shooter in the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Meanwhile, the investigation into the firing has officially been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, the city police have confirmed. As many as 15 teams of the Crime Branch were deployed to investigate the incident. Police said the preliminary investigation suggested that the firing was calculated and the accused had covered their faces. A total of four rounds were fired by the accused and a live cartridge was recovered from the spot. Salman Khan with his father and screenwriter Salim Khan | PTI Previous threats In March last year, an e-mail threatening Khan was received at his office following which the Mumbai police registered an FIR against gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar and another person under IPC sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 506-II (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention). The FIR was based on a complaint lodged with the Bandra police by one Prashant Gunjalkar, who according to cops frequently visited the Bandra-based residence of Khan and ran an artist management company. The e-mail stated that Khan must have seen an interview given to a news channel by Lawrence Bishnoi, and if not, he should see it. Addressing Gunjalkar, it said if Khan wants to close the matter, he should talk face-to-face with "Goldy bhai", adding there is still time but agli bar, jhatka dekhne ko milega (you'll see something shocking next time), police earlier said. In June 2022, an unidentified person threatened Khan via a handwritten note, they said. Opinion / Columnist Talking in terms of segregation, oppression and savagery towards those considered as foreigners or political undesirables, no present or past government in Southern Africa matches the black Shona supremacist government of Zimbabwe. Not even the Rhodesian colonialists, not even the apartheid regime of South Africa.Faced with 1981-87 Matabele genocide that killed more Matabele civilians than the Anglo-Matabele War of 1893, Matabele Rebellion War of 1896 and the War of Zimbabwe Independence of 1965 to 1979 all combined, most Matabeles chose to take refuge in the apartheid South Africa. Matabeles found it far much better than the Shona supremacist government of Zimbabwe which had turned against black innocent Matabele civilians, slaughtering them in the most horrendous manner which made the Smith and apartheid regimes look like angels. These acts of genocide happened in the so called independent Zimbabwe.Is there anybody who is surprised that Zimbabwe, at 44 years of independence, looks like an AIDs patient who refuses to take life saving ARVs?Zimbabwe has fallen from the top of the economic graph as a bread basket of Africa to be a failed state without its own currency, ravaged by uncontrolled corruption and deserted by its citizens. The Shona supremacists turned it into a huge killing field for slaughtering and oppressing Matabeles. Elections are recognised only if they are won by ZANU PF. The desperate party which reached its sell by date long back has invited the army into the political arena.This makes politics in Zimbabwe more dangerous. Soldiers come out of the barracks with their guns, with their guns they solve political problems. Hence we have seen the military coup of 2017. As long as the gun men in Zimbabwe have discovered how easy it is to stage a successful coup and have tasted the sweetness of power, they will always hang around in the political arena. The second coup is loading, maybe the third as well as the fourth. Lightning strikes twice but a military coup can strike many times.Slowly but surely, Zimbabwe is disintegrating into two states. To this effect Matabeleland Liberation Organisation (MLO) has served the government of Zimbabwe with Notice of Demand for the Restoration of Matabeleland State through its President Cde Paul Siwela.The genocidist President of Zimbabwe Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa who holds a strong belief that Matabeles are cockroaches that need to be annihilated using pesticide, pretends as if he has not seen the Notice of Demand. But on more than two occasions he has come out guns blazing, threatening to cut- short the lives of Matabeles that are peacefully advocating for the restoration of Matabeleland statehood. To him, innocent Matabeles peacefully demanding the restoration of their state must not be given an ear, they must be killed just like that. That is the kind of life Matabeles are living in the supposedly independent Zimbabwe.Is the Shona supremacist government of Zimbabwe and its President aware that it is the Notice Of Demand For The Restoration Of Matabeleland State not a letter to seek their opinion or input? We mean every word in it, we are not apologising and our good cause has no reverse gear. Mr Mnangagwa is kicking the cane down the road and he knows it. Matabeleland independence can be delayed but it cannot be stopped. No one will stop an idea who's time has come.He is not even ashamed to stand up in the ZANU PF rallies and threaten to kill Matabeles who have not killed even a fly in their Matabeleland independence campaign but maintain a deafening silence on violent para military Shona youths by the Shona name (mashurugwi) who have taken it upon themselves to raid Matabeleland and kill innocent Matabeles any time they wish.There is no doubt that Amashurugwi are Motivated by the unresolved Matabele genocide of 1981- 87 and the hate speeches against Matabeles by Shona supremacist government of Zimbabwe during and after the genocide. The Shona people and their children have taken a leaf from an evil Zimbabwe government document known as The 1979 Grand Plan which says Matabeles must be decimated.Whenever they feel like, they form groups of 40 to 60 people, arm themselves with machetes and axes, tools that have been declared dangerous weapons of genocide in the Great Lakes. They are then driven in open trucks to Matabeleland where they conduct day light raids, killing innocent Matabeles, hacking some with machetes and axes and severely injuring them. They then proceed to take mining claims, gold, money and in some cases slaughter cattle and goats which they take by force from Matabele poor villagers. Yes this happens in the so called independant Zimbabwe.The repeated falsehoods that Zimbabwe is happily independent, Matabeles and Shonas are united and Zimbabwe is peaceful and politically stable must be dismissed with the contempt they deserve.The fact of the matter is Zimbabwe War of Independence brought freedom only to one side of the country ie Mashonaland. Shonas enjoy the national cake as they are the only beneficiaries occupying all highest positions in the government, public and private sector while Matabeles are tribally segregated and marginalised in politics, economy, education, job market and all spheres of life. Can we say Zimbabweans are united?Matabeles in the government of Zimbabwe are given goat skinning roles. For instance, Kembo Mohadi cannot tell us that he is the Vice President of Zimbabwe. No! He is a political dummy. His actual position is at the braai stands, to prepare roasted meet for his masters. Matabeles know better that such roles are relegated to boys (abafana) and adults who are not intellectually gifted to contribute meaningfully in crucial meetings and gatherings.Every time when Shonas talk about Emmerson Mnangagwa's successor they mansion, Contantine Chiwenga, Nelson Chamisa and Saviour Kasukuwere who is not even in Zimbabwe. Kembo Mohadi is in Zimbabwe but no Shona, not even a drunk one will ever recommend him for the position in a so called independent Zimbabwe, simply because he is not Shona but Matabele. We laughed our lungs out last month when Emmerson Mnangagwa totally forgot Kembo Mohadi's name at an event. How possible is that? That happens only in Zimbabwe. The position of the 2nd Vice President is of no value. A Matabele in Zimbabwe is regarded as inferior to Shona. That is why Mr Mnangagwa forgot his name.He is not the only Matabele to be given the humiliating goat skinning role in the Zimbabwe government. We had Joshua Nkomo who was mockingly referred to as Father Zimbabwe. His actual position was at the braai stands too. With all his war credentials as ZAPU President and Commander in Chief of Zipra Forces and political legacy which was even greater than that of Mugabe, Shonas would name Simon Muzenda and the likes of Solomon Mujuru who were by far his juniors, as Mugabe's successors. We feel sorry for "Father Zimbabwe" who was not allowed to be the President of the same Zimbabwe until he died. We feel more sorry for those who fall for this stupid Father Zimbabwe political hoax. The same goes for John Nkomo.It was the same embarrassing storey about Phekelezela Mphoko. The man mistakenly thought his 2nd Vice President position was equal to Emmerson Mnangagwa 1st Vice President position by then. He denied that Mnangagwa was his superior and caused a situation in the ZANU PF rallies. But his own faction, the G40 disappointed him. They played a tribal card against him. Thus, Grace Mugabe and Saviour Kasukuwere who were not in the presidium were named as Mugabe's successors.Follow Uncle Thom and you will end up at the braai stands in Harare like him. Thank God. Matabele masses are not as gullible as "House Negros" who are in the minority.When MLO says lets break- away from Zimbabwe and restore the statehood of Matabeleland, Matabele masses that are in the majority respond by saying we want it as soon as yesterday, we will do whatever it takes to achieve Matabeleland independence and sovereignty even if it means paying with our own lives.There is no independence in Zimbabwe when Matabeleland is under tribal oppression and in danger of being wiped out of the face of earth. There is no unity in Zimbabwe when Matabeles are treated like foreigners in the land of their ancestors, Matabele land. There is no peace in Zimbabwe when Matabeles have to be submissive to their oppressors. Stand up and fight tribal oppression, tribal segregation and Matabele genocide.There is no peace in Zimbabwe but calm before a great political storm, a great revolution that will change the geography and size of Zimbabwe. A great revolution that will forever change the lives of the people of Matabeleland and bring a smile to their faces, bring freedom, self determination, dignity and pride.Izenzo kungemazwi!Israel DubeMLO Secretary for Information and Public Affairs External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he spoke to his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Sunday evening, wherein he raised the release of 17 Indian crew members onboard the Israel-linked cargo ship that was seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday. A post on X by Jaishankar said he spoke to his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. "Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy," he said, adding that India and Iran have agreed to "remain in touch". Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) April 14, 2024 The MEA said India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia. "We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community," it said in a statement. Amir-Abdollahian too confirmed on X his conversation with Jaishankar. A post on the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs's website said Jaishankar expressed his concern about the situation of the 17 Indian crew members on the ship and requested assistance from the Islamic Republic in this regard. "Dr. Amir Abdollahian said in this regard that we are following up on the details of the seized ship and soon it will be possible for the representatives of the Indian government to meet with the crew of the said ship," the post added. Meanwhile, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar has confirmed that the cargo vessel, MSC Aries, was heading to an Indian port when it was seized by the IRGC commandos. The ship had cleared the Strait of Hormuz when troops came in helicopters and boarded it. Speaking to reporters at INS Hansa at Vasco in Goa, Admiral Kumar said it was a foreign-flagged ship. "The vessel (MSC Aries) was coming out of the Strait of Hormuz and heading for one of the Indian ports. It is a vessel with a foreign flag with 17 Indians on board," the Naval chief said when queried on any update on the seized ship. "They had cleared the Strait of Hormuz and coming south when those helicopters came with troops and boarded it. What we understood is that it is a foreign flag company. We don't have any more information," Admiral Kumar said. He added that the Indian Navy is keeping surveillance of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, considering the fragility of the situation. "Indian Navy is operating between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden where more than 90 attacks have taken place in that region. We have been trying to help out mariners who are in that region. We are watching the situation, we have units deployed," the Naval chief said. He added that the stand of the Bharatiya Nausena is very clear. "The Indian Ocean is our area and we will take whatever action is required to keep it safe and secured. The job of any Navy is to ensure that (passage of) merchant vessels (is safe) and trade unhindered. We are committed to doing our job," he said. After the United States, European nations urged Israel to show restraint over Iran's latest air strike. European allies called on Israeli leaders to step away from "the edge of the cliff" amid the deepening Middle East crisis. Israel's war cabinet is to convene on Monday afternoon to deliberate on how to respond to Iran's missile and drone attack on its grounds. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, and Benny Gantz, former defence minister are part of the war cabinet. The statements from Gantz and Gallant, after the war cabinet meeting on Sunday, hinted that Israel's counter-strike on Iran was not immediately on the cards. However, Netanyahu is yet to announce the formal decision. US President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu over the phone on Sunday and urged Israel not to escalate the tensions with Iran. Biden also said that the US will not take part in Israel's counter-strike on Iran. White House spokesperson highlighted that the US was not looking for war. Reportedly, Biden told Netanyahu that given the fact the attack caused minimum damage, Israel should consider the incident as a "win" and not respond with another attack. Several world leaders also urged Israel to show restraint, rather than escalating the tensions. The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said that the Middle East stood "on the edge of the cliff" and "we have to stop on the brakes and reverse gear". France also joined Western allies including Germany and UK in calling Israel to avoid escalation. "We will do everything to avoid a conflagration - that is to say an escalation. We need to be by Israels side to ensure its protection to the maximum, but also to call for a limit to avoid an escalation," President Emmanuel Macron told BFMTV news channel. He also added that the focus should be on "isolating Iran, convincing countries in the region that Iran is a danger, increasing sanctions, reinforcing pressure over nuclear activities in Iran. After the incident at Bondi Junction, another stabbing attack was reported at the Christ Good Shepherd Church at Wakeley on Monday. A bishop, along with several churchgoers were stabbed by an unidentified man. Live stream footage of the mass, which went viral on social media, showed a man in a black jacket slowly approaching the church bishop, Mar Mari Emmanuel, while he was delivering a sermon in the church. He was stabbed multiple times by the attacker when others rushed to intervene and stop the attacker. Content warning This is an anti Zionist preacher who states stop killing little Muslim girls, they are little angels was stabbed in Sydney Ive not seen this on MSM at all and they wont because they are scum!! pic.twitter.com/btOpvkd1j4 JonnyUtd (@JonnyFX1) April 15, 2024 Reportedly, around four people were injured in the incident. According to the New South Wales police force, all suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The church bishop was rushed to the hospital. Bishop Emmanuel was famously known for his preaching during the pandemic. A tweet on X by the NSW police force said that the officers have arrested a male and is currently under interrogation. The motive behind the attack is unknown. The site is under strict probe as the forces are working closely with Fairfield city police area command for any further answers on the incident. The police have advised a strict restriction on crowds from visiting the site. However, hundreds of people reportedly clashed with police in south-west Sydney after the incident happened. Riot police were called in to move the crowd gathered outside the church. Police cars were smashed by the violent mob. Officials said that they were still trying to restore order in the area. A large police response is underway. Multiple police resources from a number of commands and specialist units attended said NSW Police. State premier Chris Minns also urged the community to remain calm. Taking to X, he said, "Disturbing scenes tonight in Wakeley...My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe." "Its important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of Police and Emergency Services," he added. Joel Cauchi, 40, the man who went on a stabbing spree in the Westfield Bondi Junction complex, killed six people on Saturday. The stabbing incident had sent shock waves across the country. Joel Cauchi, 40, the man who went on a stabbing spree in the Westfield Bondi Junction complex, seems to have targeted women. According to Sydney police, it was "obvious" that Cauchi focused on women. Five of the six people killed were women. During the incident, several others including a nine-month-old baby girl were injured. The only man killed in the attack was a security guard, who tried to intervene. The New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb told ABC News that, "The video speaks for themselves...It's obvious to me, it's obvious to detectives...that the offender focused on women and avoided the men." Though the motive is unknown, Webb said that it is important that detectives spend so much time interviewing those who know him to know what was going on in his mind. While talking to the media, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his concern over the gender breakdown. Meanwhile, Joel's father Andrew Cauchi had told reporters that his son had battled with mental illness and was off his medication recently. "To you, he is a monster. To me, he was a very sick boy," he said in a video. Among the 12 people, who got injured, nine were women. Four have been discharged from the hospital, while eight continue to be in critical care. Victims of the attack Ashlee Good, 38, an osteopath, reportedly passed her baby to two strangers nearby before getting unconscious. Her family had issued a statement thanking the two men who held and cared for her baby. The baby is in a stable condition, said hospital authorities. Dawn Singleton, 25, was the daughter of well-known businessman John Singleton. She worked as an e-commerce assistant for a women's fashion outlet in Sydney. Her LinkedIn profile said that she was a communications graduate from the University of Technology, Sydney. Faraz Tahir, 30, the only man killed in the attack, was a Pakistani refugee who worked at the mall as a security guard. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said Faraz had been in Australia for less than a year. Jade Young, 47, was a mother of two who had been an architect for more than two decades. Young lived in Bellevue Hill. Pikria Darchia, 55, was an artist and had worked as a designer for 10 years in Tbilisi, Georgia. In Australia, she studied business administration. Yixuan Cheng, in her 20s, a Chinese graduate student, was the final victim to be identified on Monday. The 27-year-old was studying for a master's degree in economics at the University of Sydney. According to Sydney Today, Cheng talked to her fiance, Wang, in China just minutes before the attack. Wang said the pair had planned to marry after Cheng graduated. According to police, a special strike force has been created to investigate the incident. Though Cauchi was known to the police, he was not arrested or charged in his home state of Queensland. (With agencies inputs) Among the survivors of Saturday's stabbing spree at Sydney's Westfield Bondi Junction complex was a couple from Kolkata. Sairindhri Ghoshal and Debashis Chakrabarty took cover behind cartons at a store in the mall as Joel Cauchi claimed six lives before being gunned down by a police officer. ALSO READ | 'Brave' Inspector Amy asked mall stabber to drop his weapon, gave him CPR Sairindhri Ghoshal recollected that Joel Cauchi attacked some of his victims right outside the store they were in. She was thankful to the employees of the store who rised to the occasion and helped them both hide. Speaking to Times Of India (TOI), Sairindhri said she remained behind the cartons for about 20 minutes along with Debashis Chakrabarty and many others. When the news of Joel Cauchi being neutralised by police firing reached the store, the employees unlocked the doors and asked the couple to hurry out through the emergency exit onto the street. Sairindhri, who relocated to Australia in 2020, told the daily that their first instinct was to follow the scared crowd that rushed into the store they were at. Amidst the confusion, they decided to head for the back room anyway. Before the couple could decide what to do next, the news of stabbing outside the store spread among the crowd, she told the newspaper. "Our main goal was to stay locked in until the police came. We are physically okay now but quite exhausted from the event, as well as from talking to our family and friends. We are still in shock and its been difficult for us to repeat the same thing again and again, the IT professional told TOI. Victims of the attack Ashlee Good, 38, an osteopath, reportedly passed her baby to two strangers nearby before getting unconscious. Her family had issued a statement thanking the two men who held and cared for her baby. The baby is in a stable condition, said hospital authorities. Dawn Singleton, 25, was the daughter of well-known businessman John Singleton. She worked as an e-commerce assistant for a women's fashion outlet in Sydney. Her LinkedIn profile said that she was a communications graduate from the University of Technology, Sydney. ALSO READ | Killer Joel Cauchi appears to have targeted women, says police Faraz Tahir, 30, the only man killed in the attack, was a Pakistani refugee who worked at the mall as a security guard. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said Faraz had been in Australia for less than a year. Jade Young, 47, was a mother of two who had been an architect for more than two decades. Young lived in Bellevue Hill. Pikria Darchia, 55, was an artist and had worked as a designer for 10 years in Tbilisi, Georgia. In Australia, she studied business administration. Yixuan Cheng, in her 20s, a Chinese graduate student, was the final victim to be identified on Monday. The 27-year-old was studying for a master's degree in economics at the University of Sydney. According to Sydney Today, Cheng talked to her fiance, Wang, in China just minutes before the attack. Wang said the pair had planned to marry after Cheng graduated. According to police, a special strike force has been created to investigate the incident. Though Cauchi was known to the police, he was not arrested or charged in his home state of Queensland. Mumbai, Apr 15 (PTI) Mumbai international airport's two runways will be closed for six hours on May 9 to carry out pre-monsoon maintenance work. The two runways will be closed for six hours from 1100 to 1700 hours on May 9, airport operator MIAL (Mumbai International Airport Ltd) said in a release on Monday. "As part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport's (CSMIA) monsoon contingency plan, the primary runway 09/27 and the secondary runway 14/32 will remain temporarily non-operational on 9th May 2024, for pre-monsoon maintenance and repair work," the release said. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has already been issued to airlines and other stakeholders in December to plan rescheduling of flights ahead of time. "Hence, maintenance and repair work of the runway will not impact any flight movement or cause inconvenience to its passengers," the release said. The airport has a network of runways, taxiways and aprons encompassing nearly 1,033 acres. The annual runway maintenance work involves inspection of the runway surface for micro texture and macro texture wear and tear that may have occurred due to day-to-day operations and help strengthen the airside strip, as per the release. The airport handles around 950 flight movements per day. The runway 09/27 spans 3,448 m x 60 m, and runway 14/32 spans 2,871 m x 45 m. Shri Somanath S, Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission, and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation was the Chief Guest for SBM's Convocation 2024 MUMBAI, India , April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SVKM's NMIMS School of Business Management (SBM) Mumbai hosted its 21st Convocation ceremony on 12th April 2024. This year's Convocation felicitated a total of 770 students as they graduated from four programmes, namely the Ph.D., MBA, MBA (Human Resources) and MBA (Pharmaceutical Management) programmes. Shri Somanath S, Secretary of the Department of Space, Chairman of the Space Commission and the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation graced the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Jagrut Kotecha, CEO of PepsiCo Inc. was SBM's special guest and was conferred the Distinguished Alumnus Award 2024. The Chief Guest was joined on the dais by Dr. Jayant Gandhi, Secretary of the SVKM Trust and Nominee of the Honourable Chancellor, SVKM's NMIMS, who presided over the ceremony as also Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ashish Daptardar, Additional Registrar, and Dr. Chandrima Sikdar, Associate Dean of Programmes and Student Learning Experience at SBM. Addressing students at the event, Shri Somanath S. emphasized, "We must realise the potential of our nation and organise ourselves towards that. With the success of Chandrayaan 3, we have made a significant mark. It has made a huge impact not only in India but globally. This accomplishment at frugal costs talks of our engineering capabilities. We owe the ability of our space sector to 60 years of hard work and the guidance of visionaries. As India moves towards becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world, I strongly believe our mastery of technology will drive our nation to the top." Reminiscing his student days at NMIMS, Mr. Jagrut Kotecha shared, "Life has come a full circle today. Thirty years ago, I was part of a similar ceremony. NMIMS laid the foundation for my business and management acumen, moral compass, entrepreneurial spirit and hunger for learning. It is good to see that even today, these are still embedded in the programs. I urge each one of you to never stop learning, networking, and thirdly always do things the right way." In his inspiring address to the graduates, Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor stated, "This day marks the beginning of an exciting chapter filled with infinite possibilities and opportunities. As you look forward to your future, it is important to remember the lessons you have learnt and the experiences that have shaped you. Always remember that wherever you go and whatever you do, your actions will be like your fingerprints proof of where you have been and what you have touched. You are going out in the world with excellent NMIMS credentials. Let's take the first step forward towards a future with courage, determination and a commitment to excellence." Dr. Chandrima Sikdar presented the review of the Full-Time MBA programs of the SBM. Dr Jayant Gandhi, Dr. Ramesh Bhatt conferred the degrees on the graduating students and Shri Somanath S. gave away awards to the meritorious students. The event also witnessed the release of the Roster of Events, Convocation Brochure, and NMIMS Management Review. The academic year 2023-2024 was one of notable achievements for SBM. It became the first B-School in Western India to be reaccredited by the AACSB. It was ranked 83rd among the 100 Global B-Schools in the FT - Masters in Management 2023 Rankings and 21st as per the National Institute Ranking Framework 2023 (NIRF 2023). 2023 saw 166 companies visit SBM's campus for the MBA program, 46 for MBA HR and 32 for MBA Pharmaceutical Management programs. Research and collaboration were at the forefront in the academic year 2023-2024. Nearly 40 research publications were published in journals of national and international repute, with 9 papers published in ABDC A category journals. Special mention was made of goes to Dr. Sachin Mathur, Associate Professor and Dr. Mayank Joshipura, who published the highest impact factor paper for the year in a 12.5 Impact Factor journal. The memorable convocation ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Meena Chintamaneni. Quoting the late President of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, she recalled, "He had said at one of our convocations, 'If you imbibe four things - great aim, seeking knowledge, hard work and perseverance - success can't elude you.' Every graduate should remember this as they embark on their careers." The Convocation ceremony concluded in the midst of cheer, excitement and optimism for the graduating students, as they transitioned to becoming SBM's alumni. About NMIMS SBM Mumbai Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal, a leading public charitable education trust, established the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in Mumbai in 1981 with the intent to offer management programs. It began humbly by offering a two-year full-time Master's Program in Management Studies with four full-time faculty, 3162 books and an intake of 40 students at Vile Parle (West), Mumbai. The consistent academic quality, research focus, faculty from top national and global institutes and strong industry linkages have placed the School of Business Management amongst the top private B-Schools in India and Globally. The School of Business Management believes in equipping students with the knowledge and skills in their chosen specialities, inculcating values, identifying hidden talents, and providing opportunities for them to realize their full potential. SBM believes in nurturing a scientific spirit of inquiry among students, and by providing value-based education, mould them into leaders and responsible citizens, who will go on to play the role of change makers in society. For more information, please visit : https:bm.nmims.edu/ (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi, Apr 15 (PTI) Mining conglomerate Vedanta Ltd has secured an 11-year term loan of Rs 3,918 crore from Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC), sources said. The financial closure will enable Vedanta to expedite completion of its power projects. The group plans to increase the operating capacity of its power business in India to 4.8 GW by FY27, sources with knowledge of the matter said. The latest financing follows Vedanta group's takeover of Meenakshi Energy Ltd on December 28 in an NCLT-driven insolvency process. Meenakshi Energy has a coal-based power plant at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, which Vedanta will use to supply power to merchants. Vedanta has acquired two plants -- Meenakshi Energy Ltd in Andhra Pradesh with a capacity of 1 GW, and Athena Power in Chhattisgarh with a capacity of 1.2 GW. It will primarily use the funds for these two of its key power plants, they said. The funding is part of the group's renewed focus on growing its energy portfolio in India and the financial closure will enable the company to expedite the completion of the power projects. PFC is India's largest power-sector lender and typically extends financing to corporations that own promising power projects and manufacture power-sector equipment. In August 2022, the London-headquartered mining giant acquired Athena Chhattisgarh Power Ltd for Rs 565 crore to meet its captive power requirements. Athena Chhattisgarh has a 1.2 GW coal-based power plant at Janjgir Champa district. Vedanta's power strategy is in focus amid the group's ongoing demerger. Marquee investors, including BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, as well as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and domestic mutual funds like ICICI Mutual Fund, Nippon India Mutual Fund and Mirae Mutual Fund have all increased their holdings in company which is proof to its strong and stable financial position. Vedanta has sharply increased focus on the energy generation business over the past two years. Last month, Serentica Renewables, a renewable power company promoted by Sterlite Power, said it would invest Rs 25,000 crore to expand its projects portfolio to about 4 GW by June 2025. Sterlite will first commission 600 MW of renewable energy projects and add 500 MW of capacity in each subsequent quarter. In September, Serentica received Rs 2,600 crore from PFC for its hybrid renewable energy projects in Karnataka that is being built to meet captive energy needs of Vedanta group companies. Athena's plant, built close to Mahanadi river, is about 80 km from BALCO and about 180 km from Jharsuguda, and is connected by national highways and railway stations. The company recently announced the commissioning of a new 1.5 metric tonnes per annum expansion at its alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Odisha. This additional capacity will take the overall nameplate capacity at the Lanjigarh refinery from 2 mtpa to 5 mtpa. Vedanta Sesa Goa also commenced mining operations at the Bicholim mineral block, adding to its growth plans. In September, Vedanta announced the demerger of its metals, power, aluminium, and oil and gas businesses to unlock value. The exercise will create six independent verticals -- Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil & Gas, Vedanta Power, Vedanta Steel and Ferrous Materials, Vedanta Base Metals and Vedanta Ltd. Mumbai, Apr 15 (PTI) The IP (Internet Protocol) address of the Facebook post claiming responsibility for firing at Bollywood actor Salman Khan's Mumbai residence has been traced to Portugal, a senior police officer said on Monday. Prima facie, the shooters had conducted recce around Galaxy Apartment in Banda, where Khan lives, a few days ago, he said. Police suspect a VPN (virtual private network) was used for uploading the Facebook post, allegedly by Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on Sunday, he said. A VPN establishes a digital connection between a computer and a remote server owned by a VPN provider, creating a point-to-point tunnel that encrypts personal data, masks IP addresses, and allows the user to sidestep website blocks and firewalls on the Internet. The FB post claiming responsibility surfaced on Sunday at around 11 am, hours after shots were fired by two unidentified bike-borne men at Khan's residence around 5 AM. "The IP address of the FB post was traced to Portugal. We are verifying," the officer added. Notably, the post written in Hindi termed the firing as an event" and a trailer". We have only shown you a trailer so that you understand the magnitude of our strength and do not test it. This is the first and last warning," the post reads. According to the officer, the shooters had conducted recce outside Khan's Bandra residence a few days ago. Police are also examining CCTV footage of the area near Galaxy Apartment to verify whether the shooters were part of the crowd that gathered there on Eid on April 11 to catch a glimpse of Khan. Meanwhile, considering the threat perception, security has been enhanced at the Galaxy Apartment. "The actor has Y+ category security cover, but after the firing, the number of police personnel guarding him has been increased," the officer said. Additionally, police are taking precautions during the movement of the actor, he said. "Whenever Salman Khan will be out for film shooting, precautions will be taken accordingly," the officer said, adding a vehicle of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) remains stationed outside the Galaxy Apartment. As a precautionary measure, local police are also deployed outside the apartment and patrolling has been intensified, he said. Singapore, Apr 15 (PTI) A senior operations technician at the Singapore Refining Company was sentenced to four months jail for directing foreign workers to work when toxic gas was released into the air from a plant which killed a 30-year-old Indian national. Leck Ching Hwa, 47, who was the senior operations technician at the time of the incident, was sentenced last Friday and admitted that he had been negligent at the oil refinery plant on Merlimau Road on Jurong Island. Palanivel Pandidurai, a 30-year-old Indian national, died five days later of multi-organ failure following chemical burns from some toxic gas in an incident on September 17, 2020. Palanivel, and Periyasamy Kolanginathan, who were then working for a firm called PEC, were exposed to hydrogen sulphide gas and collapsed. Their colleague, Narayanan Murasoli, also collapsed when he tried to rescue the pair. The trio were rushed to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital on that day. Periyasamy and Narayanan also suffered serious injuries but survived. Court documents did not disclose details about their nationalities and ages, according to a report by The Straits Times on Monday. Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless poisonous gas that has a foul odour similar to that of rotten eggs. It is commonly found in the production of crude oil and natural gas. Hydrogen sulphide is also flammable and volatile. Ministry of Manpower prosecuting officer Melvyn Low told the court that Palanivel was found to have sustained chemical burns on 40 per cent of his total body surface area. He also had extensive blistering and peeling of the skin over his upper abdomen and back. He later developed multiple organ failure during his stay in the intensive care unit and died on September 22, 2020. Meanwhile, Periyasamy sustained 9.5 per cent superficial partial thickness burns to his upper back, hip area and legs. He was discharged on September 21, 2020. Narayanan, who suffered a chemical injury to his eyes and abrasions to places including his back, was discharged three days later. Who is Etel Adnan? Google Doodle celebrates Lebanese poet and artist Google is celebrating the career of poet and artist Etel Adnan by giving her the Doodle honour on Monday. The cartoon of the American-Lebanese creator at work is displayed on the homepage of the search engine for users in selected countries on April 15. Google presents its Doodle several times a year to honour the great and the good, often focusing on unsung heroes and heroines. Past people to feature include Lola Beltran and Casimir Funk. This Doodle celebrates Lebanese American poet and artist Etel Adnan, who is considered one of the most accomplished Arab American authors of her era, a statement reads. April 15 has significance as it is the date she hosted her first solo exhibition in San Rafael, California, in 1955. The Doodle was drawn by contributor Olivia Huynh. Celebrating Etel Adnan Todays Doodle celebrates Lebanese American poet and artist Etel Adnan, who is considered one of the most accomplished Arab American authors of her era.#doodle #arab #america #poet pic.twitter.com/UEDJZodHmI Farhan Aslam (@looniesavvy_) April 15, 2024 Who was Etel Adnan? Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1925, Adnan had a diverse upbringing and moved to France aged 23 to study philosophy and the arts, before moving on to the University of California Berkeley, and Harvard. She eventually returned to Lebanon to serve as a journalist and editor for the newspapers Al Safa and LOrient le Jour, where she helped develop a section dedicated to culture in Lebanon and the Middle East, Google states. Her art was inspired by her native country and also that of California, where she lived and worked from the 1980s before moving to Paris towards the end of her life. As well as her renowned visual art, she won acclaim for her novels and poems which explored identity, memory, feminism, and the human experience. Her written works include Moonshots (1966), Sitt Marie Rose (1978), Paris, When Its Naked (1993), and Master of the Eclipse (2009). She died, aged 96, in 2021 in Paris. Her partner was fellow Lebanese-American artist Simone Fattal, who is still living and working in Paris aged 82. The Doodle appears in countries including the US, Lebanon, and Morocco as well as the UK. She leaves behind a rich legacy of artistic and literary achievements that continue to capture and inspire audiences today, Google added. Jerusalem, Apr 15 (AP) World leaders are urging Israel not to retaliate after Iran launched an attack involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told the BBC on Monday the UK does not support a retaliatory strike, while French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris will try to convince Israel that we must not respond by escalating. The Iranian attack on Saturday, less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building, marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. An Israeli military spokesman said that 99 per cent of the drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted. Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel's six-month war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. An Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed over 33,700 people, according to local health officials. Here is the latest: GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY REPORTS 68 DEAD IN LAST 24 HOURS CAIRO The Health Ministry in Gaza on Monday said the bodies of 68 people killed in Israel's bombardment have been brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours. Another 94 were wounded, it said. The fresh fatalities brought the death toll in the strip to 33,797 since the war began on October 7, it said. The ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants, but said two thirds of the dead are children and women. Another 76,456 were wounded in the war, the ministry said. The ministry said many casualties remain under the rubble and first responders have been unable to retrieve them amid the relentless bombing. Israel launched its war on Hamas after the militant group's complex attack on southern Israel on October 7. Israeli authorities say 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and roughly 250 people taken hostage in the attack. Israel says it has killed 12,000 militants in its offensive, without providing evidence. ISRAELI MILITARY WARNS PALESTINIANS NOT TO RETURN TO NORTHERN GAZA DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip The Israeli military renewed warnings on Monday for Palestinians in Gaza not to return to the embattled territory's north, a day after five people were killed trying to reach their homes in the war-torn area. The military said Palestinians should stay in southern Gaza where they have been told to shelter because the north is a dangerous combat zone, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee wrote on social platform X. On Sunday, hundreds of Palestinians sheltering in central Gaza headed north in an attempt to return to their homes. Throngs of people were seen crowding a seaside road. Hospital authorities in Gaza said five people were shot by Israeli forces while trying to head north. The Israeli military had no immediate comment and the precise circumstances behind the deaths were not immediately clear. The returnees said they were prompted to make the journey north because they were fed up with the difficult conditions they are forced to live under while displaced. Northern Gaza was an early target in Israel's war against Hamas, which it launched in response to the militant group's deadly October 7 attack. The military is still operating in the north in a bid to stamp out militants that have regrouped. Vast parts of northern Gaza have been flattened by Israel's offensive and much of its population displaced. BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY URGES ISRAEL TO AVOID STRIKING BACK AT IRAN LONDON British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has urged Israel to be smart as well as tough and avoid striking back at Iran in response to its drone and missile barrage. Cameron told the BBC that the UK does not support a retaliatory strike. The UK's top diplomat said the attack had been a defeat for Iran and echoed President Joe Biden, who urged Israel to take the win. Cameron said Britain's message to Israel is: Now is the time to be smart as well as tough, to think with head as well as heart. He said British fighter jets had played an important part in shooting down some of the more than 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones fired at Israel from Iran, but did not provide details. MACRON SAYS IRAN'S ATTACK ON ISRAEL WAS A 'DISPROPORTIONATE RESPONSE' PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron said Iran's attack on Israel was a disproportionate response to the bombing of its consulate in the Syrian capital, Damascus. Firing a barrage of missiles and drones on Israel was an unprecedented, very dangerous act in the volatile Middle East, Macron said of Saturday's attacks. Speaking to French media BFMTV and RMC on Monday, Macron said that France had carried out interceptions of missiles that Iran aimed at Israel at the request of Jordan. We have condemned, we have intervened, we will do everything to avoid an escalation, an inferno, Macron said. He said France will try to convince Israel that we must not respond by escalating. Instead of retaliating by attacking Tehran, France will work to isolate Iran, increase sanctions and find a path to peace in the region, Macron said. GERMAN FM TELLS IRANIAN COUNTERPART NOT TO FURTHER ESCALATE TENSIONS PARIS Germany's foreign minister says she has made unmistakably clear to her Iranian counterpart that Tehran must not further escalate tensions in the Middle East. Annalena Baerbock spoke by phone Sunday with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, following a previous conversation last week before Iran's attack on Israel. She said she warned him unmistakably against a further escalation. She said at a news conference in Paris on Monday that Iran is isolated. She added that Israel won in a defensive way thanks to its strong air defense and the intervention of the US, Britain and Arab countries. Baerbock said that it is now important to secure this defensive victory diplomatically and prevent a regional confrontation. Asked whether Israel has the right to strike back against Iran, Baerbock said that the right to self-defence means fending off an attack; retaliation is not a category in international law. She said she had made that point to Amirabdollahian last week. SECURITY COUNCIL HOLDS EMERGENCY MEETING ON IRAN ATTACK. NO ACTION TAKEN UNITED NATIONS The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss Iran's attack on Israel. The meeting ended without any action by the council. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. Now is the time for maximum restraint. Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan told the council: Last night, the world witnessed an unprecedented escalation that serves as the clearest proof for what happens when warnings aren't heeded. Israel is not the boy who cried wolf. Iranian Ambassador Saeid Iravani said: Iran's operation was entirely in the exercise of Iran's inherent right to self-defense. This concluded action was necessary and proportionate. US deputy ambassador Robert Wood said after the meeting ended, There has to be a Security Council response to what happened last night. ISRAELI MILITARY LIFTS RESTRICTIONS, SAYS SCHOOLS CAN REOPEN The Israeli military says children can return to school after lifting a series of restrictions on public activities that were imposed ahead of Sunday's Iranian missile strike. The military's Home Front command late Saturday cancelled school and limited the size of public gatherings as a safety precaution ahead of the missile attack. Monday's announcement reflected the determination that the threat of further attacks has passed. The Home Front Command says the changes went into effect at midnight. BIDEN SPEAKS WITH JORDAN'S KING ABDULLAH II The White House says President Joe Biden spoke by phone Sunday with Jordan's King Abdullah II about the situation in the Middle East. Biden strongly condemned the attack launched by Iran, which the White House says also threatened Jordan and the Jordanian people. Both leaders said they continue to monitor the situation and will remain in close touch over the coming days. They also discussed the situation in Gaza, and reaffirmed their cooperation to increase critical humanitarian assistance to Gaza and to find a path to end the crisis as soon as possible. ISRAEL'S PRESIDENT SAYS RESPONSE TO IRAN ATTACK SHOWED 'IRONCLAD' ALLIANCE BETWEEN ISRAEL, US Israel's President Isaac Herzog said on CNN Sunday afternoon that the last 24 hours had shown the ironclad alliance between the US and Israel. Herzog was referring to the Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building. Israel and its coalition of partners, including the US, were able to defeat 99 per cent of the munitions. We can argue on many things and it's legitimate, Herzog said. We have our objectives and we are a small nation. The United States is a world superpower, has its interests. But at the end we must have a dialogue. Herzog, referring to the Hamas attack on Israel in October and Israel's response, said everyone who watches and analyzes Israel must understand that we have been met by an empire of evil. It's true. It's absolutely true. Our citizens were raped and butchered and burned and tortured and abducted in an unbelievably unprecedented massacre. Herzog then called it a Hamas-acre. He said Israel is working closely with the US and other allies on the situation in Gaza. US SAYS IRAN'S ATTACK ON ISRAEL CLEARLY INTENDED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT' DAMAGE, DEATH WASHINGTON Senior Biden administration officials said Sunday it was clear Iran's attack on Israel was intended to cause significant damage and death, and US officials had been in regular contact with their Israeli counterparts. Israel and its coalition of partners were able to defeat 99 per cent of the munitions, a senior administration official. If the assault had been successful, this attack could have cause an uncontrollable escalation of broader regional conflict. The heads of the G7 leading industrialised nations on their call Sunday were totally united in the condemnation of Iran and need to hold Iran to account for the assault, the official said. Biden in his call with Netanyahu reaffirmed his unwavering support for Israel's defense, the official said, but then told the prime minister that Israel really came out far ahead in this exchange. ISRAEL ACTIVATING TWO RESERVE BRIGADES FOR OPERATIONS IN GAZA JERUSALEM The Israeli military says it is activating two reserve brigades for operational activities in Gaza. Sunday's announcement comes as Israel prepares for a ground invasion of Rafah the southern Gaza city that Israel says is Hamas' last major stronghold. Israel last week withdrew most of its remaining ground forces from Gaza after six months of war, leaving its troop levels in the territory at the lowest level in months. The Rafah invasion faces stiff international opposition, in large part because over 1 million people, roughly half of Gaza's population, are now crowded into the city after fleeing fighting elsewhere in the territory. They say they have nowhere else to go. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is determined to complete the Gaza operation. He says Israel has even set a date for the operation and claimed that Israel has a plan to evacuate civilians from Rafah. G7 COUNTRIES CONDEMN IRAN'S ATTACK ON ISRAEL ROME Leaders of the G7 the informal gathering of industrialized countries that includes the United States, United Kingdom and France issued a statement Sunday unequivocally condemning in the strongest terms Iran's direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. The statement came after the leaders met in a video conference hosted by the Italian presidency. Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack, the statement reads. We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security. The group also stressed that Iran with its actions, has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. The G7 leaders said that scenario must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives, they said. (AP) GRS GRS Islamabad, Apr 15 (PTI) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has proposed that all politicians should unite around a "Charter of Reconciliation" as he accused them of playing with the cash-strapped country's fate because of their egos, media reports said on Monday. Bilawal, a former foreign minister, was speaking at a public gathering on Sunday in the Larkana district of the Sindh province of Pakistan to mark the 45th death anniversary of PPP founder and his grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Former Pakistan prime minister Bhutto, 51, was executed by the military regime in 1979. Bilawal emphasised the necessity for political figures to unite around a Charter of Reconciliation, as he urged them to engage in constructive political dialogue at the table, The Business Recorder newspaper reported. He urged politicians to have a political dialogue to improve the country's system, democracy, and institutions through amendments. Asserting that political stability can only be achieved through the Charter of Democracy and Charter of Reconciliation, he said that the PPP will be at its forefront, the Dawn newspaper reported. Rather than playing dharna-dharna, we should sit on the table and have a political dialogue to bring improvement in our system, democracy, and institutions through amendments, he said. Bilawal also said certain politicians are driven by personal ego and are willing to jeopardise the nation for their own gain, in an apparent reference to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, who has been accusing the current government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of stealing the mandate of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in the February 8 general elections. Warning of the looming threat of military intervention if politicians failed to prioritise national reconciliation and persisted in trading insults, he cautioned against the detrimental consequences, according to The Express Tribune newspaper. It wont foster Pakistans development or strengthen its economy; rather, it will only undermine democracy and harm the people, Bilawal was quoted as saying. Underscoring the necessity for judicial reforms, he noted that 90 per cent of the Charter of Democracy points had been accomplished, with only the remaining 10 per cent about the judiciary. Bilawal also addressed the historic low in people's trust in the institution, stating, "We must work to restore this trust. Also speaking on the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari, also Bhutto's son-in-law, urged politicians to find common ground. The PPP Co-Chairman asserted that persistent infighting among politicians leads to public suffering, jeopardises future generations, and dims the prospects of progress. Lets come together and find common ground, he said. And if consensus proves elusive then let's step back and reconsider. Persistent infighting among politicians only leads to public suffering, jeopardises future generations, and dims the prospects of progress, the President said. He said that politicians often engage in battles even over matters of public welfare and underscored that holding power should solely be about serving the masses. Zardari also said that it wasnt Pakistans destiny, or that of its people, to perennially endure poverty, asserting that the cash-strapped nation is abundantly endowed with resources. The notion of poverty only exists in the narrow minds of Islamabads bureaucracy, which has perpetuated our impoverishment, he said. Last month, the Supreme Court observed that PPP founder Bhutto, 51, who was executed by the military regime in 1979, did not receive a fair trial. His execution was carried out after a seven-member Supreme Court upheld the conviction, which many believe was done under coercion exercised by the then-military dictator Gen Ziaul Haq, who had toppled Bhuttos government in 1977. Bhuttos supporters, who later termed his hanging as a judicial murder, accused the military ruler and the apex court of colluding to hang an elected prime minister on trumped-up charges. London, Apr 15 (AP) A key plank in the British government's plan to send some asylum-seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda is expected to become law this week, but opponents plan new legal challenges that could keep deportation flights grounded. A bill aimed at overcoming a UK Supreme Court block on sending migrants to Rwanda is expected to pass Parliament this week after the government overcomes efforts to water it down in the House of Lords. The Rwanda plan is key to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to stop the boats bringing unauthorised migrants to the UK, and Sunak has repeatedly said the long-delayed first flights will take off by June. It has been two years since Britain and Rwanda signed a deal that would see migrants who cross the English Channel in small boats sent to the East African country, where they would remain permanently. The plan has been challenged in the courts, and no one has yet been sent to Rwanda under an agreement that has cost the UK at least 370 million pounds (USD 470 million). In November, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the Rwanda plan was illegal because the nation wasn't a safe destination for asylum-seekers. For decades, human rights groups and governments have documented alleged repression of dissent by Rwanda's government both inside the country and abroad, as well as serious restrictions on internet freedom, assembly and expression. In response to the ruling, Britain and Rwanda signed a treaty pledging to strengthen protections for migrants. Sunak's government argues the treaty allows it to pass a law declaring Rwanda a safe destination. The Safety of Rwanda Bill pronounces the country safe, making it harder for migrants to challenge deportation and allows the British government to ignore injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights that forbid removals. Human rights groups, refugee charities, senior Church of England clerics and many legal experts have criticised the legislation. In February a parliamentary rights watchdog said the Rwanda plan is fundamentally incompatible with the UK's human rights obligations. The Safety of Rwanda Bill has been approved by the House of Commons, where Sunak's Conservatives have a majority, only for members of Parliament's unelected upper chamber, the House of Lords, to insert a series of amendments designed to water down the legislation and ensure it complies with international law. The Commons rejected the changes last month, but the Lords refused to back down. The Commons is expected to send the unmodified bill back to the Lords this week, essentially overruling the upper house's effort in a process known as parliamentary ping pong. When a government devises and wants to implement a policy which is clear and precise in terms of its objectives, the Lords shouldn't stand in its way, Conservative lawmaker John Hayes told the BBC. And I think in the end the Lords will give way on this because they recognise that balance. Once the bill becomes law, it could be weeks before any flights to Rwanda take off, as people chosen for deportation are likely to lodge legal appeals. Just under 30,000 people arrived in Britain in small boats in 2023, and Sunak has made reducing that number a key issue ahead of an election due later this year. The opposition Labour Party, which leads in opinion polls, opposes the Rwanda plan, arguing it won't work, and says it would work with other European countries to tackle people-smuggling gangs. The Times of London reported Monday that the UK government had approached other countries, including Costa Rica, Armenia, Ivory Coast and Botswana, about making similar deals if the Rwanda plan proves successful. The government said only that Britain is continuing to work with a range of international partners to tackle global illegal migration challenges. (AP) GSP Beijing, Apr 15 (AP) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for fair competition in trade relations with China while warning about dumping and overproduction as he spoke to students in Shanghai on Monday. Scholz is visiting China against the background of looming EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other trade-related tensions. The two countries are also split over how to handle Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The one thing that must always be clear is that competition must be fair, Scholz told students at Tongji University in Shanghai, according to German news agency dpa. Of course we would like our companies to have no restrictions, but conversely we behave exactly how we are demanding here, he said, adding there must be no dumping or overproduction. The European Union is mulling tariffs to protect its producers against cheaper Chinese electrical vehicle imports, which some fear will flood the European market. The head of Germany's auto industry association, the VDA, expressed opposition to such tariffs ahead of Scholz's visit. Hildegard Muller told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper in comments published Saturday the tariffs would not help the European and German auto industries and instead could quickly have a negative effect in a trade conflict. Current business with China secures a large number of jobs here in Germany, Muller said. Scholz made comparisons to reservations years ago when Japanese and Korean automakers entered the German market. There was great agitation in the newspapers: Now the Japanese cars will come and clean up' nonsense, he told the Tongji University students. He said there are German cars in China that were made with Chinese manufacturers, and at some point there would also be Chinese cars in Germany and Europe. Scholz began his three-day China trip on Sunday in the industrial hub of Chongqing, where he and his delegation of ministers and business executives visited a partially German-funded company and other sites in the vast city, which is a production base for China's auto and other industries. He is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday in Beijing before returning to Berlin later in the day. Scholz is expected to question Xi about China's support for Russia's economy two years into Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Prior to his arrival, the German leader posted on social platform X that he had discussed the massive Russian air attacks on civilian energy infrastructure with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, and declared that Berlin would stand unbreakably by Ukraine's side. China has refused to criticise Russia's aggression. Beijing maintains trade relations with Moscow, and the two nations carry out joint military drills. A US intelligence report last week found China has increased equipment sales to Russia to help in its war effort against Ukraine. Berlin is also worried about a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, a self-ruled island 130 kilometres (80 miles) off of China's coast that Beijing claims as its own. Scholz told students in Shanghai that borders must not be moved by force. We should not be afraid of our neighbours, he said, emphasising the importance of international institutions such as the World Trade Organisation. Despite the political and trade frictions, China was Germany's top trading partner for the eighth straight year in 2023, with 254.1 billion euros (USD 271 billion) in goods and services exchanged between the sides, slightly more than what Germany traded with the US but a 15.5 per cent contraction from the year before. This is Scholz's second trip to China since he became chancellor in late 2021. His previous visit was in November 2022 and essentially was a one-day trip because of the strict COVID restrictions still in place at the time. It is his first visit since the German government last year presented its China strategy, which met with criticism from Beijing. Premier Li and a delegation of senior officials visited Berlin in June. (AP) GSP London, April 15 (PTI) British Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks flagship legislation aimed at flying illegal migrants out to Rwanda, which has been plagued with delays and parliamentary hurdles, returns to the House of Commons on Monday on its journey towards becoming law. The Safety of Rwanda Bill returns to the Lower House after the House of Lords made amendments and sent it back to the Commons, triggering a democratic process referred to as parliamentary ping-pong between the two chambers. The peers want to water down the hardline legislation that seeks to deem the East African country safe in law to block legal challenges to migrants being flown out to Rwanda while their asylum claims are assessed. It returns its voting journey as Parliament resumes after an Easter recess and the fresh wrangles over the bill unfold against the backdrop of small boat crossings by asylum seekers across the English Channel hitting a new daily high for 2024 at 534 on Sunday. It will be seen as a fresh blow to Sunak, who has made stopping the boats a central plank of his leadership as the UK prepares for a general election later this year. We remain committed to building on the successes that saw arrivals drop by more than a third last year, including tougher legislation and agreements with international partners, in order to save lives and stop the boats, said a UK Home Office spokesperson. Flying out these migrants to Rwanda while their asylum claims are assessed is a key aspect of the Sunak-led governments immigration strategy and expected to act as a significant deterrent for migrants making treacherous journeys to arrive at UK shores. However, two years after the plan was first announced, there is no clarity on the first flights taking off for the Rwandan capital of Kigali. Meanwhile, a report in The Times on Monday references leaked government documents to claim that the UK plans to replicate the Rwanda migrant deportation scheme with other countries, with an initial list including Armenia, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and Botswana. Several South American countries including Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Brazil and Colombia have also been approached but are viewed as less likely to be interested in what the British government describes as a third-country asylum processing deal, the newspaper claims. A list of African countries including Cape Verde, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Angola and Sierra Leone were put on a reserve list that would be approached if other targets failed. Some other African countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Namibia and the Gambia are said to have explicitly declined to enter technical discussions. A UK government spokesperson said Britain is "continuing to work with a range of international partners to tackle global illegal migration challenges". "Our focus right now is passing the Safety of Rwanda Bill, which builds on the Illegal Migration Act, and putting plans in place to get flights off the ground as soon as possible," the spokesperson said. Washington, Apr 15 (PTI): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday reached out over phone to the foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had calls with his Saudi and Israeli counterparts, amid signs of an escalating crisis in the Middle East following Iran's strikes on Israel. Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel, which Tehran said was in response to the April 1 strike on its consulate in Syria. Almost all Iranian drones and missiles were shot down by Israeli, US and allied forces before they reached their targets. The diplomatic overdrive to fight the crisis came soon after US President Joe Biden had a conference call with G-7 leaders and had separate telephonic conversations with King Abdullah of Jordan and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. In all the calls, the American leadership emphasised on the need to avoid further escalation in the region and reaffirmed Americas ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. They also reaffirmed the importance of diplomatic efforts to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike, the state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of the calls that Blinken had with Jordans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Blinken thanked Fidan for Turkishs ongoing engagement to prevent further escalation in the region, and discussed with Shoukry the importance of ongoing efforts to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza and protecting Palestinian civilians, as well as achieve an immediate ceasefire that secures the release of all hostages. Blinken thanked Jordan for its leadership in providing life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, including through joint US-Jordan airdrops and overland deliveries, Miller said. In his call with Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Blinken reiterated that while the US does not seek escalation, it will continue to help Israel defend itself. The secretary and the foreign minister agreed on the importance of a coordinated diplomatic response, Miller said. According to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Austin, in his call with Saudi Minister of Defense, Khalid bin Salman, emphasised that US does not seek escalation, and will continue to defend Israel and U.S. personnel. Austin underscored the importance of the enduring US defence partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reiterated the US commitment to working with the Kingdom and other partners to deescalate tensions in the region, Ryder said. Austin also briefed Gallant on his consultations with partners and allies to reinforce international resolve in the face of Iranian aggression, Ryder said. Meanwhile, Biden reached out to the Congressional leaders on the greatest foreign policy crisis of his presidency. Biden convened a call this afternoon with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss Irans unprecedented attack against Israel. On the call, the president discussed the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible, said the White House. At the UN headquarters in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told members of the Security Council, during an emergency meeting, that it is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. Regional and indeed global peace and security are being undermined by the hour. Neither the region nor the world can afford more war, he said. Schumer told reporters in New York that Iran is becoming more and more isolated due to its "evil" actions. The best way to help Israel rebuild its anti-missile and anti-drone capacity is by passing that supplemental immediately. As I said, Israel expended about over a billion dollars in defending itself and the security supplemental would replenish the kind of anti-missile and anti-drone defences that are in the Arrow, in the David's Sling, and in the Iron Dome, he said. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby joined several shows where he asserted that Biden and the US are making good on its ironclad commitment to defend Israel. He also made clear that the United States is not seeking a conflict with Iran. Several hundred drones and missiles launched in the course of several hours and all most every single one of them knocked out of the sky. Thats not by accident. Thats terrific testament to the superiority of the Israeli military and also to our own military superiority and the effort, the resources President Biden committed to helping defend Israel, Kirby told Fox News. It's an extraordinary example of military superiority that Israel demonstrated to the whole world and showed that Israel has friends and is not isolated on the world stage, Kirby told NBC News. Now, whether and how the Israelis will respond, that's going to be up to them. We understand that and respect that. But the president's been very clear. We don't seek a war with Iran and we're not looking for escalation here. We will continue to help Israel defend itself, he said. Sofia, Apr 15 (AP) The US secretary of state assured allies bordering the Black Sea on Monday that they could depend on his country's support to make the region more secure, prosperous and integrated. Addressing the attendes of the Second Black Sea Security Conference in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, via a video feed, Anthony Blinken underscored the importance of investing in the region's security to ensure peace and freedom across Europe. Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula on the northern coast of the Black Sea in 2014. It has served as a key hub supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine which President Vladimir Putin ordered in February 2022. Putin believed that Ukraine's neighbours in the region would be divided, but he was wrong, Blinken said, adding that "the United States will continue to support Ukraine both so it can defend itself today and stand on its feet. His Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, said his country needed essential military support, including artillery, ammunition, and air defense systems to bolster its capacity in the face of the Kremlin's full-scale invasion. Kuleba, also speaking via video, said increasing the capabilities of the Ukrainian air defence will also strengthen regional and global stability, as it in turn protects the security of Ukraine's neighbours and the entire Black Sea region from Russian aerial terror. Today, there's no other language Moscow understands better than the language of force. This is what they respect, anything else is seen as a weakness, the Ukrainian foreign minister said. Kubela also said the Black Sea must become the sea of NATO, of peace and stability," calling on the alliance to implement a comprehensive and ambitious Black Sea strategy aimed at reducing Russia's malign influence. NATO marked its 75th anniversary earlier this month while weighing a plan to provide more predictable longer-term military support to Ukraine. The Kremlin wants Kyiv to acknowledge Russia's sovereignty over Crimea and recognise the annexation of the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine has adamantly refused. The conference is co-organised by the Bulgarian and Ukrainian foreign and defence ministries in partnership with Ukraine's Centre for Defence Strategies and aims at strengthening security in the Black Sea region. Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkiye, and Ukraine border the Black Sea. (AP) GRS GRS Paris, Apr 15 (AP) Top diplomats and aid groups met in the French capital on Monday to drum up humanitarian support for Sudan after a yearlong war has devastated the northeastern African country and pushed its people to the brink of famine. Sudan descended into conflict in April last year when simmering tensions between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere across the country. Members of Sudan's civil society and local nongovernmental groups were taking part in the Paris meeting, but neither the Sudanese army nor its rival paramilitary were represented. The United Nations' humanitarian campaign needs some $2.7 billion this year to get food, health care and other supplies to 24 million people in Sudan nearly half its population of 51 million. So far, funders have given only $145 million, about 5%, according to the UN's humanitarian office, known as OCHA. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to donate generously and support the UN life-saving efforts to help Sudanese people, trapped in the nightmare of bloodshed. More than 14,000 people have been killed and at least 33,000 have been wounded in a yearlong war. Nearly 9 million people have been forced to flee their homes either to safer areas inside Sudan or to neighbouring countries, according to the UN Hunger, sexual violence against women and girls and continued displacement are rampant and much of the country's infrastructure homes, hospitals and schools has been reduced to rubble. We cannot let this nightmare slide from view, Guterres said in a video message to the Paris conference. It's time to support the Sudanese people. It's time to silence the guns," he added. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said the aim of Monday's conference is to mobilize humanitarian funding to help Sudanese people, who have been victims of both a terrible war and international indifference. It's a colossal task, Sejourne said. "It's a war the Sudanese people did not want, a war that only produces chaos and suffering. The European Union's crisis management commissioner, Janez Lenarcic, said the 27-member bloc seeks to ensure that Sudan is not forgotten as wars in Gaza and Ukraine dominate the international news. People of Sudan, caught up in this emergency, are almost completely invisible, Lenarcic said. Sudan has turned into one of the worst humanitarian disasters ever on the African continent, he said, and added: It is our duty not to look away. President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoljaric warned that humanitarian action is increasingly politicized in Sudan and humanitarian workers are risking their lives to get vital aid to people. She urged all sides in the war to facilitate a "safe, rapid, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian personnel and goods, into and within Sudan, through all available routes. Securing a military advantage cannot be pursued regardless of the human cost, Spoljaric said. The United States and Saudi Arabia initially led efforts to find a negotiated way out of the conflict. But the efforts did not succeed, and since October the fighting has been overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which is threatening to expand into a broader regional conflict. Relief workers, meanwhile, warn that Sudan is hurtling towards an even larger-scale calamity of starvation, with potential mass death in the coming months. Food production and distribution networks have broken down and aid agencies are unable to reach the worst-stricken regions. The conflict has also been marked by widespread reports of atrocities including killings, displacement and rape, particularly in the area of the capital and the western region of Darfur. At least 37% of the population at crisis level or above suffer from hunger, according to OCHA. Save the Children warned that about 230,000 children, pregnant women and newborn mothers could die of malnutrition in the coming months. Famine is a reality in Sudan, said Abdallah al-Dardari, a regional director of the UN Development Programme. He appealed to diplomats gathered in Paris to help facilitate access for humanitarian aid workers and funding for vital aid for millions of people trapped in conflict that is "rapidly deteriorating due to no respect for human rights and international law. The military, headed by Gen Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Gen Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, have carved up Khartoum and trade indiscriminate fire at each other. In 2021, Burhan and Dagalo were uneasy allies who led a military coup. They toppled an internationally recognised civilian government that was supposed to steer Sudan's democratic transition. (AP) SCY SCY (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI) Jerusalem, Apr 14 (AP) Israel praised the success of its defences in the face of an unprecedented attack by Iran involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles while tensions ran high over a possible Israeli counter-strike. An Israeli military spokesman said Sunday the launches numbered more than 300, but 99 per cent of them were intercepted. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base. The Iranian attack on Saturday, less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building, marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel's six-month war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. An Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed over 33,000 people, according to local health officials. Currently: Iran's attack on Israel raised fears of a wider war, but all sides in the conflict also scored gains. US helps Israel shoot down nearly all' Iran-launched attack drones as Biden vows support. President Joe Biden cut short a weekend stay at his Delaware beach house to meet with his national security team and monitor the situation in the Middle East as Iran launched an attack against Israel. Here is the latest: ISRAEL ACTIVATING TWO RESERVE BRIGADES FOR OPERATIONS IN GAZA JERUSALEM The Israeli military says it is activating two reserve brigades for operational activities in Gaza. Sunday's announcement comes as Israel prepares for a ground invasion of Rafah the southern Gaza city that Israel says is Hamas' last major stronghold. Israel last week withdrew most of its remaining ground forces from Gaza after six months of war, leaving its troop levels in the territory at the lowest level in months. The Rafah invasion faces stiff international opposition, in large part because over 1 million people, roughly half of Gaza's population, are now crowded into the city after fleeing fighting elsewhere in the territory. They say they have nowhere else to go. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is determined to complete the Gaza operation. He says Israel has even set a date for the operation and claimed that Israel has a plan to evacuate civilians from Rafah. G7 COUNTRIES CONDEMN IRAN'S ATTACK ON ISRAEL ROME Leaders of the G7 the informal gathering of industrialized countries that includes the United States, United Kingdom and France issued a statement on Sunday unequivocally condemning in the strongest terms Iran's direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. The statement came after the leaders met in a video conference hosted by the Italian presidency. Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack, the statement reads. We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security. The group also stressed that Iran with its actions, has further stepped toward the destabilisation of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. The G7 leaders said that scenario must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives, they said. HEZBOLLAH PRAISES IRAN ATTACK ON ISRAEL, CALLS IT A NEW PHASE' IN CONFLICT WITH ISRAEL BEIRUT The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on Sunday hailed Iran for its early attack on southern Israel, saying it's the beginning of a new phase of the conflict with Israel and the Palestinian cause. The Iranian attack came less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building. It marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The operation precisely achieved its limited military objectives, despite the involvement of the United States, its allies, and its regional tools in responding to the stunning attack, the Lebanese group said in a statement. The long-term political and strategic objectives for this major development will be successfully apparent over time. ISRAELI WAR CABINET MEMBER GANTZ PRAISES INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO THWART IRAN ATTACK JERUSALEM Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, praised regional and international efforts that helped thwart the Iranian missile and drone attack on Sunday. The US and Britain have confirmed that they helped intercept some of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched toward Israel early Sunday. This event is not over the strategic alliance and regional cooperation system that we built and stood its significant test needs to be strengthened right now, Gantz said. Jordan, which sits between Israel and Iran, also indicated its military may have come to Israel's defence, despite being at odds with its neighbour over its war against Hamas in Gaza. Jordan briefly closed its airspace and announced that some of the flying objects that entered our airspace last night were dealt with and confronted. AFGHAN TALIBAN SAYS IRANIAN ATTACK WAS LEGITIMATE SELF-DEFENCE KABUL The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is part of the Taliban government, issued a statement in support of Iran Saturday, saying Israel acted in continuation of its crimes and in contravention of all diplomatic norms and international laws by the attack on April 2 on the Iranian consulate in Syria, in which 12 people were killed. In response to which the Islamic Republic of Iran exercised its legitimate right to self-defense last night, the statement said. It accused Israel of trying to divert world attention away from the genocide of over 33,000 civilians in Gaza by violating the airspace of sovereign states and provocations aimed at broadening regional insecurity. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan calls on all influential world and regional states to expedite their efforts of halting the crimes of the Zionist regime in order to prevent further escalation of the crisis, the statement concluded. IRAN SAYS IT NOTIFIED THE US BEFORE ATTACKING ISRAEL TEHRAN Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, in a press conference said his country notified the United States before launching the strike against Israel. Early Sunday in a message to the White House we announced that our operation would be limited and minimalistic and aimed at legitimate defence and punishing the Israeli regime," Amirabdollahian said. Tehran's top diplomat also said the limited Iranian attacks would not target civilians or economic areas: In our response, we defined no response against civilian targets. Our armed forces targeted no economic or populated areas. Amirabdollahian said the strike's goal was to punish the Israeli regime and it was a legitimate act of defence by Iranian forces: Our goal in this legitimate act of defence is simply punishing the Israeli regime. We are not after American individuals or bases in the region, Amirabdollahian said. YEMEN'S HOUTHI REBELS SAY THE IRANIAN ATTACK WAS LEGITIMATE CAIRO The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Sunday said Iran's unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel was a legitimate act that came in response to an airstrike on Iran's consulate in Syria that was widely blamed on Israel. Writing on the messaging app Telegram, Mohamed Abdel Salam, spokesman for the Houthis, said Israel won't be able to escape its crimes without punishment. The Houthis, who control the Yemeni capital and much of the country's north, have repeatedly launched attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over the Israel-Hamas war. They also fired missiles and explosives-laden drones towards Israel. CYPRUS PRESIDENT SAYS HIS NATION WASN'T INVOLVED IN ANY MILITARY ACTION NICOSIA Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides says the east Mediterranean island nation wasn't in anyway involved in any military action to thwart Iran's unprecedented drone and missile attack against Israel. Christodoulides told reporters Sunday that aircraft had arrived in Cyprus from neighbouring countries late Saturday. He said they would depart Sunday. Asked if the UK had informed the Cypriot government ahead of time that any of its warplanes from a British air base on the island would be involved in intercepting the Iranian attack, Christodoulides said there was no forewarning. The UK's two military bases on Cyprus including the larger air base RAF Akrotiri - are British sovereign territory and don't require the Cypriot government's permission to launch any military action. But normally, the UK does brief the Cypriot government of any impending action as a courtesy. The Cypriot president said his foreign minister spoke with his British counterpart only after the fact. He added that he's hoping there's no further escalation because his government doesn't believe that any problems are solved through such aggressive acts. LUFTHANSA SUSPENDS SOME MIDEAST FLIGHTS THROUGH MONDAY German airline Lufthansa said on Sunday that it had suspended regular flights to and from Tel Aviv, Amman and Erbil through Monday. It said it plans to serve those destinations again starting Tuesday, but that flights to Beirut and Tehran will remain suspended until at least Thursday. Lufthansa said it was monitoring and assessing the security situation in the Middle East and was in close contact with authorities. The safety of our passengers and crews always has top priority, it said in an emailed statement. Lufthansa, Europe's biggest airline group, announced on Friday that its planes were avoiding Iranian airspace. UK MOVES ADDITIONAL WARPLANES TO THE MIDEAST NICOSIA The British government says it has moved several additional fighter jets and refuelling tankers to the region, following Iran's unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel. In a statement on Sunday, the British government said the air assets will bolster the UK's existing operation against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq as well as intercepting any airborne attacks within the range of our existing missions, as required. Asked by The Associated Press whether the additional jets have been transferred to the UK's air base in Cyprus, a spokesperson said a number of aircraft have been temporarily moved from Romania to bolster our existing footprint in the region. The official didn't disclose the exact location for reasons of operational security. Israel said Sunday that 99 per cent of more than 300 drones and ballistic and cruise missiles Iran had launched were intercepted. ZELENSKYY CONDEMNS IRAN'S ATTACK KYIV Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Iran's attack on Israel, drawing parallels to the war ravaging his own country where Russia has also used Iran-made drones. We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same Shahed drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes," he said. Every effort must be made to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East. Iran's actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia's actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world, he said in a post on X. It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen America's allies at this critical time, Zelenskyy said. SUNAK SAYS UK SHOT DOWN A NUMBER OF IRANIAN DRONES LONDON British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed that UK military jets shot down a number of Iranian attack drones" during an attack on Israel. Sunak says the Royal Air Force sent additional planes to the Middle East to help intercept airborne strikes after Tehran announced it had launched an assault on Saturday. It's clear that Iran is determined to sow discontent and destabilize the region, its own backyard, Sunak told the BBC on Sunday. If this attack had been successful, the fallout for regional security would be hard to overstate. Sunak is expected to hold an urgent call with US President Joe Biden and other Group of Seven leaders later Sunday. UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps also posted on X that British warplanes intercepted and destroyed multiple one-way attack drones and that all aircraft involved "returned safely to base. GERMANY SAYS IRANIAN ATTACK BRINGS THE REGION TO THE BRINK BERLIN German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says the Iranian attack on Israel had brought the region to the edge of the abyss. With its aggressive behaviour, with which it wants to destabilize a whole region, Iran is isolated. And Israel's capabilities have shown that Israel is strong, Israel can defend itself, Baerbock said in Berlin. I call on all actors in the region to act prudently. The escalatory spiral must be broken. We must together find a way to end the violence, Baerbock said. She said Germany and its allies were discussing consequences following the Iranian attack, without elaborating. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking to reporters during a trip to China, said he would take part in a meeting of G7 leaders later Sunday. We will do everything to prevent a further escalation, Scholz said. We can only warn everyone, especially Iran, against continuing in this way. Scholz is due to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday. IRAN'S FOREIGN MINISTER REITERATES OPERATION IS OVER TEHRAN Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said his country has no intention of continuing the military operation against Israel. At this juncture, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, he posted on X, and added: "But if necessary, it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression. Amirabdollahian called the attack exercising the right of legitimate defence and said it shows Iran's responsible approach to regional and international peace and security. POPE FRANCIS APPEALS TO IRAN AND ISRAEL TO AVOID A SPIRAL OF VIOLENCE VATICAN CITY Pope Francis urged Iran and Israel in his Sunday's prayer to avoid new actions that could spark a spiral of violence and drag the Middle East deeper into conflict. I follow in prayer and with concern, even pain, the news that came in the last few hours about the aggravation of the situation in Israel, due to the intervention by Iran, Francis said, addressing pilgrims from the window overlooking St. Peter's Square. The pontiff made another heartfelt appeal to immediately stop any action that could further intensify the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. No one should threaten the existence of others. Instead, all nations should side with peace and help Israelis and Palestinians to live in two States side by side, in safety, he added. Enough war, enough attacks, enough violence. Yes to dialogue, yes to peace." The pope has often called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking conflicting parties to follow the path of negotiations. IRAN SUMMONS 3 EUROPEAN AMBASSADORS OVER CONDEMNATION OF ATTACK ON ISRAEL TEHRAN Iran's Foreign Ministry on Sunday summoned the ambassadors of the UK, Germany and France after the three European nations condemned an Iranian attack on Israel. The ministry said on its website that the ambassadors were called in over their governments' irresponsible stances on the Iranian operation against Israel, which was in retaliation for a strike widely blamed on Israel on an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month that killed two Iranian generals. RUSSIA EXPRESSES CONCERN FOLLOWING IRAN'S ATTACK ON ISRAEL Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its utmost concern on Sunday following Iranian strikes on Israel. It said it hoped that Middle Eastern governments would resolve their problems through political and diplomatic means. It also said that Western states had stopped the UN Security Council from adequately responding to the April 1 strike on Iran's consulate building in Syria. We have repeatedly warned that unresolved crises throughout the Middle East primarily in the area of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are often being fuelled by irresponsible and provocative actions and will lead to increased tensions in the area, the ministry said in a statement. IRAN WARNS US AGAINST COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL IN ANY NEW ATTACK TEHRAN Iran has sent a message to the US warning Washington against cooperation with Israel in any military operation again Tehran following its unprecedented attack on Israel. The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, as saying that Tehran had communicated its message to the US through the Swiss Embassy, which handles US interests in Iran in the absence of diplomatic relations. President Ebrahim Raisi sent a message praising Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard for launching the attack, saying it had taught a lesson to the Zionist regime. He also warned that any new adventure against the interests of the Iranian nation would be met with a heavier and regretful response from the Islamic Republic of Iran. State TV meanwhile broadcast interviews with people on the street who praised the Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel and thanked the Iranian military. HAMAS DEMANDS WRITTEN COMMITMENT THAT ISRAEL WILL WITHDRAW FROM GAZA CAIRO Hamas has demanded a clear written commitment that Israel will withdraw from the Gaza Strip during the second of a three-phase cease-fire deal, a senior Egyptian official and a Hamas official said on Sunday. The Palestinian militant group said on Saturday it submitted its response to a six-week cease-fire proposal to Egyptian and Qatari mediators. It said it's still committed to its demands for a permanent cease-fire, Israeli army withdrawal from all parts of Gaza, the return of displaced people to their homes, intensifying the flow of aid and the start of reconstruction. Israel said earlier Sunday that Hamas had rejected the latest proposal for a deal submitted last week. We confirm our readiness to reach a deal regarding a serious exchange of prisoners between the two sides, Hamas said. The proposal presented to both sides calls for a six-week cease-fire in Gaza, during which Hamas would release 40 of the more than 100 hostages the group is holding in the enclave in exchange for 900 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, including 100 serving long sentences for serious crimes. The Egyptian official said Hamas wants a comprehensive, phased deal that included ending the war, Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and an agreement of all hostages in return for a large number of Palestinian prisoners. Israel says it wants to destroy Hamas' military and governing capabilities. The officials said the response also included an increase in the number of Palestinian prisoners Hamas wants released from Israel. The officials from Egypt and Hamas spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to disclose details from the sensitive negotiations. They said that Hamas' response included the unrestricted return of displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza through the two main south-north thoroughfares. The Egyptian official said mediators will carefully review the response before calling for another round of talks. (AP) PY PY The Supreme Court on Monday dealt a stunning blow to protest rights in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi on Monday when it declined to hear Mckesson v. Doe, leaving in place a fifth circuit appeals courts ruling that allows protest organizers to be held liable for violence caused by any single person who shows up to a mass protest. Mckesson arose when a Baton Rouge police officer, identified only as John Doe, sued Black Lives Matter organizer DeRay Mckesson in 2016. Mckesson had organized a local protest after the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling by police, which turned violent when one protester threw a rock at the officer. Doe was struck in the face and suffered injuries to his teeth, jaw, brain, and head, according to the complaint. Mckesson did not throw the rockthat detail is uncontested. But Doe sued him anyway because he was in charge of the protest and was seen and heard giving orders to protesters throughout the day and night, according to the court filings. Doe sued Mckesson for allegedly inciting violence through his words and actions. In a previous decision, NAACP v. Claiborne, the Supreme Court found that protest organizers cant be held liable for the actions of a protester who attends their event, unless they specifically authorized, directed, or ratified the violent actionwhich Mckesson didnt do in the case of the rock-throwing. Nevertheless, the fifth circuit appeals court sided with Doe, making it much more risky for protest organizers to hold large events because they could be held financially and legally liable if the gathering spirals out of control. No one will ever organize a political protest if they know that they could face financially devastating liability if a reckless or violent individual happens to show up, Ian Milhiser, Voxs Supreme Court expert, wrote after the fifth circuits appeals decision. At that time, one dissenting judge pointed out that under the ruling, protest organizers could even be punished if counter-protesters or agitators went undercover to incite violence. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Mumbai, Apr 15 (PTI) Two persons died after their motorcycle rammed into a stationary bus in Mahim, a police official said on Monday. The incident took place near Saraswati High School late Sunday night, he added. "There were three persons on the motorcycle. The deceased have been identified as Nilesh Ishwar Patil (24) and Bhavesh Ashok Dhorane (28), while Vikas Nandaraj Sonwane (23) sustained serious injuries and is hospitalised," the Mahim police station official said. "They were on their way from Mahim to Dadar. The rider lost control of the two-wheeler and hit the parked bus. The rider has been booked under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicles Act for causing death by negligence, rash driving and other offences," he said. Aizawl, Apr 15 (PTI) Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Monday accused the BJP-led NDA government of misusing central agencies and suppressing people's rights. Speaking to reporters, MPCC president Lal Thanzara alleged that the NDA government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suppressed people's right to freedom. He also accused the NDA government of using central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate and Income-Tax department to harass and intimidate the public and opposition leaders. The state Congress chief asserted that the BJP-led NDA government must be removed from power to save democracy. Congress candidate Lalbiakzama, who accompanied Lal Thanzara, alleged that Modi will become a dictator if the BJP is elected to power in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. New Delhi, Apr 15 (PTI) A cab driver was shot dead following an alleged road rage incident here, officials said on Monday. Police said that the incident took place around 12 am, when the cab driver crossed the traffic light signal of Anguri Bagh and his vehicle brush passed an e-rickshaw. "Initially, we got to know that a verbal spat ensued between the cab driver and an e-rickshaw rider. Meanwhile, two youths reached there on a scooter, and one of them shot the cab driver. He was rushed to the LNJP Hospital, where he was declared dead. Teams have been formed to investigate the matter and nab the accused," a senior police officer said. New Delhi, Apr 15 (PTI) Against the backdrop of the Iran-Israel conflict, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann on Monday said there is a "clear fear of escalation" in the Middle East as he cautioned that the need of the hour was to de-escalate and that "every path" and "every possibility" would have to be explored to get the tension down in the region. He was addressing a gathering at an event hosted by a leading private university here, two days after Iran's first direct attack on Israel. "We condemn very strongly what happened last weekend when Iran attacked Israel. But, now I think is not to reflect on how to increase the tension, but decrease the tension," Ackermann told PTI on the sidelines of the event. Asked if a de-escalation was possible in the West Asia region given the current situation, the envoy said, "I think it is possible." "And, we have seen Dr S Jaishankar calling Israeli foreign minister and Iranian foreign minister. My foreign minister has talked to both foreign ministers, and I think we will do our utmost to bring reason into the process," he said. The German envoy's comments comes a day after the G7 leaders unequivocally condemned in the strongest terms Iran's direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. "With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilisation of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilise the situation and avoid further escalation," the G7 leaders said in a joint statement after a conference call among them initiated by US President Joe Biden. The US assisted Israel in shooting down dozens of drones and missiles fired by Iran in its first direct military assault on the Jewish state. The G7 group -- made up of the US, Italy, Japan, Germany, France, Britain and Canada -- also has expressed full solidarity and support for Israel and its people and reaffirmed its commitment towards its security. The event was hosted by the OP Jindal Global University and the envoy delivered his address on - 'India-Europe Partnership in a Multipolar World'. Ackermann began his speech by referring to the current situation in West Asia. "There is a clear fear of escalation, there is growing insecurity because of the tense situation in the Middle East," he said. Referring to the Iranian military seizing a cargo ship MCS Aires with Israeli links near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the envoy said the world is seeing "growing attacks" on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Houthis are attacking and a growing piracy is being seen in the region. "There were 17 Indian nationals onboard and I think, negotiations are underway to free them, I hope it will be done soon," he added. In his phone conversation with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had also called for the release of 17 Indians onboard the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries. "So, we are in a period where the international diplomacy tries to de-escalate tension as much as they can. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and my foreign minister, they have the same idea in phoning both Israeli and Iranian foreign ministers, urged them not to escalate further. And, I hope, they will be heard, this message will be heard," Ackermann said, adding the "jury is still out" on this but the efforts quite remarkable to calm down everything. Later, interacting with PTI, the German envoy on the G7 joint statement said, "You are exactly right in referring to the G7 statement, that is our political opinion. We feel that now is the need of the hour to de-escalate as we will have to explore every path, every possibility to get the tension down in the region. And, that what my government wants to do." Asked if there is an escalation, would it have an impact on the European side, he said, "Escalation is a dangerous, dangerous idea, and we should do our utmost to decrease it, and not escalate it." India on Sunday said that it was seriously concerned over the escalating hostilities between the two sides and called for immediate halt to violence and return to the path of diplomacy. As Iran's firing of hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel further escalated tensions in the region, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar held separate telephonic conversations with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts and underlined the importance of avoiding escalation and exercising restraint. The Ministry of External Affairs had also said India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia. Ambassador Ackermann in his address also said, "we have to look at elsewhere too". "The war in Ukraine is nowhere near an end or any solution (to it). I think there won't be a solution very soon. We will have to face the fact that the relation between Europe and Russia will be very tense for a long time," he said. He also spoke about the EU-India FTA (Free Trade Agreement) negotiations and said Germany will push for its conclusion. Ferozepur, Apr 15 (PTI) A man having links with Pakistani smugglers has been nabbed here with 7 kg of heroin, Rs 36 lakh in cash along with arms and ammunition, Punjab Police officials said on Monday. Senior Superintendent of Police Saumya Mishra said the police had received information that Ferozepur residents Manjit Singh, Rohit Sethi and Bhuvnesh Chopra were allegedly involved in heroin smuggling and had links with smugglers based in Pakistan. "A trap was laid and Manjit Singh was nabbed," she said. The consignment of heroin along with the cash and arms and ammunition, including a pistol with magazine and five bullets were seized from him, the police officer said. "Based on information provided by Manjit, a raid was conducted at the residences of other accused during which two pistols of .30 bore along with 10 bullets, a .315 bore rifle with magazine and five live rounds were recovered," said the SSP. Efforts are on to nab the other accused, she added. New Delhi, Apr 15 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday met his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar jail here, an official said. The meeting took place in the 'mulakat jangla,' a room divided with a glass wall, a Tihar jail official said. He added that Mann and Kejriwal, who is lodged in Tihar's jail number 2 in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy, spoke to each other via intercom. According to the official, the Punjab CM met Kejriwal as a common visitor, as per the rules of the jail manual. On Saturday, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh had alleged that the Tihar administration was not allowing Kejriwal to meet his family and Mann in person. The officials, however, said that Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, and other visitors have been meeting the Delhi chief minister in the same way, twice a week. Security was already heightened with local police being deployed outside Tihar jail, given Mann's Z+ security status. The Delhi chief minister and AAP national convenor was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21. He is in judicial custody till April 15. The ED has accused Kejriwal of being involved in the "entire conspiracy of Delhi liquor scam, in drafting and implementation of the policy, for favouring and benefiting the quid pro receiving kickbacks and eventually using part of proceeds of crime generated out of the scheduled offence in the election campaign for Goa Assembly elections". Patna, April 15 (PTI) RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday charged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with using his position to clear his name in criminal cases. The former Bihar deputy CM also took a dig at Adityanath for failure to curb question paper leaks in his state from where young men and women used to turn up in droves to try their luck when we were creating jobs on a mass scale. Returning from a day of hectic poll campaign, Yadav briefly interacted with journalists at the airport here. His reply was sought to remarks by Adityanath at back-to-back rallies addressed by the BJP leader in Nawada and Aurangabad. "Upon coming here, he had to blurt something. So he blurted, Yadav said when he was asked about Adityanath's charge that RJD's rule in Bihar was marked by goons brandishing their pistols. "Our 17 months in power were known for no such thing. On the other hand, recruitments in government departments, on a large scale, had attracted many applicants from his (Yogi's) state, the RJD leader, whose party got stripped of power following Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's abrupt return to the BJP-led NDA, pointed out. Yadav also questioned Adityanath's claim of good governance, alleging that "the one thing he has accomplished is to get his own name cleared in cases in which he was named". The allusion was to an order passed in 2017, months after the UP CM's ascent to power, by which a two-decade-old case relating to violation of prohibitory orders was scrapped. Yadav also advised Adityanath to set his own house in order, saying, "As of now he is unable to hold exams unblemished by leaks of question paper. Perhaps a reason why so many people from his state came to Bihar searching for jobs". The RJD leader also lashed out at BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy for belittling the former's sister Rohini Acharya, who is making her electoral debut from Saran, a seat where Rudy is aiming at a hat-trick. "My sister made an enormous sacrifice by donating a kidney to our father, said Yadav, son and heir apparent of RJD president Lalu Prasad. "Saran has been laid waste. My sister will transform the constituency once she gets the people's blessings, he asserted. Saran, earlier known as Chhapra, is the Lok Sabha seat where Prasad made his debut in 1977. He went on to win the seat many more times till 2013 when conviction in a fodder scam case led to his disqualification. Thrissur (Kerala), Apr 15 (PTI) There is a woman hailing from Kerala among the 17 Indians who are onboard an Israel-linked cargo ship seized by Iran in the gulf region, her family said on Monday. The family of the woman, Antessa Joseph, said in a video shown on TV channels that she was also among the crew of the ship, but there was no mention of her in the Kerala CM's letter to the External Affairs Ministry. Subsequently, an official in the Chief Minister's Office said that initially there was no information about the presence of the woman. When they came to know about it, the matter was taken up with the Central government, the official said. The Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) has also been directed to take necessary steps, the official added. The woman's father, in the video, says the absence of his daughter's name from the letter caused anguish and affected him both mentally and emotionally. "All news flashes were also saying three Malayalees," he said. The woman's family hails from Thrissur. The father said that he has not received any updates from the state or the Central governments regarding his daughter's current status. "It is the company, which owns the ship, that has informed me that my daughter is safe," he said. He further said that he last spoke to his daughter on Friday. "She calls every morning regularly. When that did not happen on the next day, we tried to call her, but could not reach her. Then in the afternoon, the company which owns the ship called and told us what happened," he said. Meanwhile, Iran has said that Tehran will "soon" allow Indian authorities to meet the 17 Indian crew members onboard the cargo vessel. Vijayan had on Sunday sought the intervention of the External Affairs Ministry for the safe return of the Indian nationals including three from the state who are onboard the vessel. The ship -- MSC Aries -- was seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 13. As per initial reports, three among the crew-Sumesh, P V Dhanesh and Syamnath were confirmed to be from Kerala. The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) said it is working closely with relevant authorities for the well-being of 25 crew members and the return of the vessel. The IET Announces the 8th Edition of the IET India Scholarship Award to Recognise Future Engineering Leaders Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India] Published : April 11, 2024 The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has opened applications for the eighth edition of its prestigious IET India Scholarship Award, with a combined prize money of Rs 10 Lakhs. Open to students of all AICTEUGC-approved institutes, the IET India Scholarship Award programme aims to reward and celebrate individual excellence and innovation among undergraduate engineering students in India. Previous winners have gone on to join industry leaders like Google, Apple, Boeing, Deloitte, and MIT, and some have even become entrepreneurs themselves. The Award evaluates participants across parameters that include academic performance, extracurricular activities, range of outreach activities and their ability to come up with creative engineering solutions to solve societal challenges. In the first round, students are shortlisted based on their academic performance as well as extracurricular activities. They then progress to an online test on STEM subjects and technical expertise. Students who clear the cut-off score are then invited to present their technological solution to a pertinent societal challenge in the regional rounds. Regional winners finally battle it out in the national finals to win the title. Shekhar Sanyal, Director and Country Head, IET India said, "As technology continues to revolutionise our world, nurturing and recognising the next generation of engineering leaders becomes ever more critical. The IET India Scholarship Award is our way of celebrating and supporting engineering talent. Last year's applications boasted exceptional talent, and I am confident this year will be no different. I wish all the participants the best of luck, and eagerly anticipate seeing their innovative ideas come to life." The IET India Scholarship Award 2024 is guided by an esteemed Advisory Board consisting of prominent academicians and nationally recognised corporate leaders. The committee is chaired by Prof Abhijit Chakrabarti, Former Vice Chancellor, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. "I am delighted to announce the inauguration of the IET India Scholarship Award 2024. We are eager to engage with the most promising young minds in the Indian engineering community for the eighth edition. Our past winners have made significant strides, and we take immense pride in their accomplishments. I look forward to witnessing the innovative approaches that undergraduate engineering students will bring forth this year, further solidifying the legacy of excellence associated with the IET India Scholarship Award," said Prof. Abhijit Chakrabarti, Chairman, IET India Scholarship Award Advisory Committee. The past seven editions of the IET India Scholarship Award have witnessed tremendous participation from across India with the last edition having received over 43,000 applications. Instituted in 2013, the annual IET India Scholarship Award underlines the IET's commitment to India's engineering community. The programme aims to reward innovative thinking from the next crop of engineers entering the workforce and is part of a wide number of the IET's initiatives focused on improving the quality of engineering in India. Applications are now open for the 2024 edition. For more information, please visit - bit.ly/3TSwZYf The IET is one of the world's largest engineering institutions with over 154,000 members in 148 countries. It is also the most multidisciplinary - to reflect the increasingly diverse nature of engineering in the 21st century. The IET is working to engineer a better world by inspiring, informing and influencing its members, engineers, technicians and all those who are touched by or touch the work of engineers. The India chapter of the IET started operations in India in 2006, from Bangalore. Given the increasing global importance of India as an engineering hub, its aim is to make an impact that has relevance both locally and internationally. Its strategy is to bring a telling difference to the overall competency and skill levels within the Indian engineering community and play an influencing role in the industry in relation to technology innovation and solving problems of public importance. The organisation plans to do this by working in partnership with the industry, academia and the Government, focusing on the application of practical skills within both learning and career life cycles, and driving innovation and thought leadership through high-impact sectors. Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online Comments and Discussions Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Twelve news organizations on Sunday urged presumptive presidential nominees Joe Biden and Donald Trump to agree to debates, saying they were a rich tradition that have been part of every general election campaign since 1976. While Trump, who did not participate in debates for the Republican nomination, has indicated a willingness to take on his 2020 rival, the Democratic president has not committed to debating him again. Although invitations have not been formally issued, the news organizations said it was not too early for each campaign to say publicly that it will participate in the three presidential and one vice presidential forums set by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. If there is one thing Americans can agree on during this polarized time, it is that the stakes of this election are exceptionally high, the organizations said in a joint statement. Amidst that backdrop, there is simply no substitute for the candidates debating with each other, and before the American people, their visions for the future of our nation. ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, PBS, NBC, NPR and The Associated Press all signed on to the letter. Biden and Trump debated twice in 2020. A third debate was canceled after Trump, then president, tested positive for COVID-19 and would not debate remotely. Asked on March 8 whether he would commit to a debate with Trump, Biden said, it depends on his behavior. The president was visibly miffed by his opponent in the freewheeling first 2020 debate, at one point saying, will you shut up. Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in a letter this past week that we have already indicated President Trump is willing to debate anytime, any place and anywhere and the time to start these debates is now. They cited the seven 1858 Illinois Senate debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, saying certainly todays America deserves as much. The Republican National Committee voted in 2022 to no longer participate in forums sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The Trump campaign has not indicated it would adhere to that, but did have some conditions. The campaign managers said the commission selected a demonstrably anti-Trump moderator in then-Fox News host Chris Wallace in 2020 and wants assurances the commission debates are fair and impartial. The Trump campaign also wants the timetable moved up, saying that many Americans will have already voted by Sept. 16, Oct. 1 and Oct. 9, the dates of the three debates set by the commission. The Biden campaign declined comment on the news organizations letter, pointing to the presidents earlier statement. There was no immediate response from the Trump campaign. But on Saturday, Trump held a rally in northeast Pennsylvania with two lecterns set up on the stage: one for him to give a speech, the other to symbolize what he said was Bidens refusal to debate him. The second lectern had a placard that read, Anytime. Anywhere. Anyplace. Midway through his campaign speech, Trump turned to his right and pointed to the second lectern. We have a little, look at this, its for him, he said. See the podium? Im calling on Crooked Joe Biden to debate anytime, anywhere, any place. Right there. And we have to debate because our country is going in the wrong direction so badly and while its a little bit typically early we have to debate. We have to explain to the American people what the hell is going on, Trump said. C-SPAN, NewsNation and Univision also joined the letter calling for debates. Only one newspaper, USA Today, added its voice. Certainly the broadcasters could use the juice that debates may bring. Television news ratings are down significantly compared with the 2020 campaign, although there are other factors involved, such as cord-cutting and the pandemic, that increased interest in news four years ago. There were no Democratic debates this presidential cycle, and Trumps refusal to participate in the GOP forums depressed interest in them. (AP) An election this month in Pittsburgh and some of its suburbs is emerging as an early test of whether Israels war with Hamas poses political threats to progressive Democrats in Congress who have criticized how the conflict has been handled. U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, a first-term lawmaker who has aligned herself with the Squad, is facing a primary challenge from Bhavini Patel and the war has become a flashpoint in the race. Patel frames Lees criticism of Israel as part of a broader pattern of left-wing politics that are extreme for the district and potentially damaging to Democratic President Joe Biden in a state is crucial to his reelection bid against Republican Donald Trump. Lee counters that she has helped move calls for a ceasefire in Gaza more into the mainstream of the Democratic Party. The war has scrambled Democratic politics across the United States. Its dividing traditionally progressive groups, including Pittsburghs sizable Jewish community, in ways that dont always fall neatly along ethnic or cultural lines. But its an especially potent issue in Lees district, which is home to the synagogue where a gunman in 2018 killed 11 congregants in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. The April 23 primary could shed light on whether the war alone is enough to turn a critical mass of Democrats against Lee. It clearly is big enough with a certain group in this district, said Sam Hens-Greco, the party chair in Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh. Whether it is big enough for the entire populace, were going to find out. If Lee is defeated, she would be the first Democratic incumbent in Congress to lose a primary this year. Other progressive Democrats, including Reps. Cori Bush of Missouri, Jamaal Bowman of New York and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, face primary challengers this summer. Lee has raised far more money than Patel and has backing from Pennsylvanias Democratic establishment, including Sen. Bob Casey, and a constellation of progressive groups that include both liberal Jewish and Muslim organizations. The first Black woman elected to Congress from Pennsylvania, the 36-year-old Lee is a Howard University law school graduate and community activist who began her political career in 2018 with a successful challenge from the left to an entrenched Pittsburgh-area state lawmaker. In this years campaign, Lee has promoted herself as a hardworking representative who delivers for constituents and speaks in Congress for marginalized communities on issues from fighting inequality to climate change and bigotry, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. On the Israel-Hamas war, Lee has condemned Hamas attack, but has also accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, demanded an end to U.S. military aid to Israel and called for a ceasefire within days of the war starting as the best way to end the cycle of violence and work toward peace. That set her apart from Bidens stance and that of most House Democrats, although now dozens more have joined her in calling for a cease-fire. At Bidens State of the Union speech, Lee donned a kaffiyeh, a checkered scarf that has come to symbolize solidarity with Palestinians. Patel, 30, a small-town municipal councilwoman who worked in former Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgeralds administration, declared her candidacy a few days before Hamas Oct. 7 attack. Patel, who is Hindu and of Indian heritage, has cultivated the Jewish community, opening a campaign office in the Jewish enclave in Squirrel Hill, attended post-Oct. 7 vigils and bussed with community members to a pro-Israel rally in Washington in November. Most recently, Patel has hammered Lee for being aligned with backers of the uncommitted campaign that is encouraging Democrats to protest Bidens handling of the war voting uncommitted in primaries. That, Patel suggested, is dangerous. I would say that every Democrat in Pennsylvanias 12th Congressional District should take notice that my opponent is equivocating on her support for President Biden and failed to denounce the uncommitted movement, Patel said in an interview. I think that is the issue that is a big concern for Democrats in this district. Lee defended the uncommitted movement, saying its wrong to discourage people from voting and potentially lose a crucial part of the electorate that Democrats want to persuade to support Biden in Novembers presidential contest. Biden recognizes that, as well, Lee said. Lee said she has met with people on all sides of the war, including families of hostages and families of Palestinian civilians killed in Gaza, and that her calls for a cease-fire reflect the districts majority. Lee also accused Patel of aligning herself more with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu than with Biden. Joe Biden is now coming more into alignment with us, which means that, no, we were not wrong to come out early and to come out strong, because as were seeing now this was always where we needed to get, Lee said in an interview. This was always the only pathway to peace. For now, the sharpest questions about the war have largely been limited to debate exchanges between Lee and Patel. The issue has barely registered on the airwaves, and pro-Israel groups that spent heavily to try to defeat Lee in the 2022 primary Democratic Majority for Israel and the American Israel Public Affairs committee, better known as AIPAC havent waded into the race. In Pennsylvania, one potential boost for Lee could come from college students who, unlike in 2022s primary, will be on campus this time. At the University of Pittsburgh, the war has had a commanding presence on campus, with most students for a cease-fire, said Will Allison, president of Pitts College Democrats. The group endorsed Lee unanimously, despite the war causing some division among members, and the College Democrats are campaigning for Lee. In one possible sign of shifting politics around the war, the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, a nonparty organization based around Squirrel Hill, voted to endorse Patel after backing Lee in 2022. Sue Berman Kress, a Patel supporter who is Jewish, said she knows some Jewish Democrats who wont vote for Lee again. They feel shes abandoned the Jewish community and that her politics could open the door to a Trump victory and a surge in antisemitism. Those things feel very divisive in a way thats very scary, Kress said. (AP) Former President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick of Pennsylvania on Saturday, urging his supporters in the state to go out and vote for him in one of the years most hotly contested Senate races. Trumps endorsement came two years after he successfully helped sink McCormick in Pennsylvanias Senate GOP primary, creating an awkward dynamic between the two men who will share the ticket in a state that is critical to control of the White House and Senate. Hes a good man. He wants to run a good ship, Trump said during a rally in the eastern Pennsylvania town of Schnecksville. Hes a smart guy. He was a very successful guy. Hes given up a lot to do this. McCormick who splits his time in Connecticut, where he has a home did not attend the rally. He was at a parents weekend with his daughter, a campaign spokesperson said. McCormick responded on social media, writing on the X platform: Thank you, President Trump! Together we will deliver a big win for Pennsylvania and America in November. McCormick, ex-CEO of hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, is trying to unseat Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, who is seeking his fourth term and is perhaps Pennsylvanias best-known politician. Many would-be Republican nominees in Senate battlegrounds had endorsed Trump early in the GOP presidential primary, campaigned for him or otherwise sought his approval. McCormick didnt, and he only endorsed Trump after Nikki Haley suspended her presidential campaign following her Super Tuesday defeats, leaving Trump as the last remaining major candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination. In 2022, McCormick like others in the seven-way GOP primary to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey had sought Trumps endorsement. According to McCormicks telling of it, Trump told McCormick during their meeting at Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida that to win the primary McCormick would need to say the 2020 election was stolen. McCormick said he refused. Three days later, Trump endorsed Dr. Mehmet Oz and then savaged McCormick repeatedly on the campaign trail. In one setting, a rally in western Pennsylvania days before the 2022 primary, Trump told the crowd that McCormick is not MAGA, using the acronym for his Make America Great Again campaign slogan. Then he derided McCormick as having been with a company the hedge fund that managed money for communist China, describing him in the next breath as the candidate of special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment. (AP) Ukraines military chief on Saturday warned that the battlefield situation in the industrial east has significantly worsened in recent days, as warming weather allowed Russian forces to launch a fresh push along several stretches of the more 1,000 km-long (620-mile) front line. In an update on the Telegram messaging app, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyy said that Moscow had significantly ramped up its assaults since President Vladimir Putin extended his nearly quarter-century rule in a preordained election last month that saw anti-war candidates barred from the ballot and independent voices silenced in a Kremlin-backed media blockade. According to Syrskyy, Russian forces have been actively attacking Ukrainian positions in three areas of the eastern Donetsk region, near the cities of Lyman, Bakhmut and Pokrovsk, and beginning to launch tank assaults as drier, warmer spring weather has made it easier for heavy vehicles to move across previously muddy terrain. Despite significant losses, the enemy is intensifying its efforts by using new units (equipped with) armored vehicles, thanks to which it periodically achieves tactical success, Syrskyy said. A Russian Defense Ministry spokesman on Saturday confirmed the capture of a village that had been the site of fierce fighting for close to eighteen months. Analysts from Ukraines non-governmental Deep State group, which tracks frontline developments, had reported on Russias takeover of Pervomaiske, some 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Pokrovsk, in the early hours of Thursday. On Saturday, the group said in a Telegram update that Moscows forces had also taken Bohdanivka, another eastern village close to the city of Bakhmut, where the wars bloodiest battle raged for nine months until it fell to Russia last May. Ukraines Defense Ministry shortly afterwards denied that Bohdanivka had been captured, and said intense fighting continued there. With the war in Ukraine entering its third year and a vital U.S. aid package for Kyiv stuck in Congress, Russian troops are ramping up pressure on exhausted Ukrainian forces on the front line to prepare to grab more land this spring and summer. Russia has relied on its edge in firepower and personnel to step up attacks across eastern Ukraine. It has increasingly used satellite-guided gliding bombs which allow planes to drop them from a safe distance to pummel Ukrainian forces beset by a shortage of troops and ammunition. Also on Saturday, Germany announced that it will deliver an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, days after Russian missiles and drones on Thursday struck infrastructure and power facilities across several regions, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes without power, in what private energy operator DTEK described as one of the most powerful attacks this year. The German Defense Ministry said it would begin the handover of the Patriot system immediately, without providing a precise timeline. In an update on X, formerly known as Twitter, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he had discussed the massive Russian air attacks on civilian energy infrastructure with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, and declared that Berlin will stand unbreakably by Ukraines side. Putin described the strikes as retribution for Ukrainian attacks on Russias energy infrastructure, after a slew of Ukrainian drone strikes over the past few months hit oil refineries deep inside Russia. Starting last month, Moscow renewed its assault on Ukrainian energy facilities. On Thursday it completely knocked out a plant that was the biggest energy supplier for the region around Kyiv, as well as the nearby Cherkasy and Zhytomyr provinces. At least 10 of the strikes damaged energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said more than 200,000 people in the region were without power and Russia is trying to destroy Kharkivs infrastructure and leave the city in darkness. Energy facilities were also hit in the Zaporizhzhia and Lviv regions. The volume and accuracy of recent attacks have alarmed the countrys defenders, who say Kremlin forces now have better intelligence and fresh tactics in their campaign to annihilate Ukraines electrical grid and bring its economy to a halt. In the winter of 2022-2023, Russia took aim at Ukraines power grid in an effort to deny civilians light and heating and chip away at the countrys appetite for war. In Ukraines Russian-occupied south, a local Kremlin-installed official blamed Kyiv for a shelling attack that killed 10 people, including children, in a town in the southern Zaporizhzhia region the previous day. The Tokmak municipal administration reported on Telegram that the shelling struck three apartment blocks Friday evening. Five people were pulled alive from the rubble and 13 people were hospitalized, according to the Kremlin-installed regional head Yevhen Balitsky. It was not immediately possible to verify his claims. Ukrainian officials did not immediately acknowledge or comment on the attack. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, a Russian drone on Saturday dropped explosives on an ambulance that had been called out to a village near the frontline city of Kupiansk, wounding its 58-year-old driver, local Gov. Oleh Syniehubov reported. His claim could not be independently verified. (AP) President Joe Bidens reelection campaign is wrangling with Republican-dominated state governments in Ohio and Alabama to assure he is listed on their fall ballots, as once-mundane procedural negotiations get caught up in the nations fractious politics. Both states, which carry a combined 26 electoral votes, have deadlines for appearing on the ballot that precede the Democratic National Convention from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22 in Chicago. Lawyers for Bidens campaign have asked their secretaries of state to accept provisional certifications before the cutoff, which would then be updated once Biden is formally nominated. Thats where things have gotten sticky. Election chiefs in both states have identified solutions that are putting Democrats in the tenuous position of asking Republicans for help. Though former President Donald Trump is favored to win both states, any absence of a sitting president from the ballot could sway faith in the electoral outcome. It also raises the question: Will the divided parties be able to cooperate for the sake of voters? Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen told The Associated Press that he will not accept a provisional certification because he does not have legal authority to do so. Allen said he sent a letter to the Alabama Democratic Party notifying them of the date problem as a heads up so they could address the issue. Im not denying anybody. Im just telling them what the law is, Allen said. I took an oath to uphold Alabama law and thats what Im going to do. The states Democratic Party chair, Randy Kelley, accused Allen of partisan gamesmanship, pointing out that Alabama has made adjustments to accommodate late Republican conventions in the past. Ohios Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose sent a similar letter to the Ohio Democratic Party last week. The letter suggested the party needed either to reschedule its convention or obtain a legislative fix by May 9 to get Biden on the Nov. 5 ballot. The notion of striking a presidential candidate from a ballot began with a legal campaign last year to remove former Trump from various state ballots by citing a rarely used clause of the U.S. Constitutions 14th Amendment prohibiting those who engaged in insurrection from holding office. After Democratic-dominated states including Colorado and Maine did so, Republicans warned they could counter by barring Biden from ballots in red states if the Supreme Court didnt reverse the actions. The high court did just that last month, ruling that individual states cant bar a candidate running for national office under the constitutional provision. But Alabama and Ohio have proceeded anyway, citing the technical conflicts between Bidens official nomination and their own ballot deadlines. Bidens campaign argues there is precedent in Alabama for accepting provisional certification, including when Republicans faced the same issue in 2020. In that year, the state both accepted a provisional certification for Trump and passed legislation containing a one-time deadline change. Democratic lawyers argue it was the provisional certification, and not the legislation, that allowed Trump onto the ballot. Regardless, Allens Republican predecessor as secretary of state, John Merrill, said Alabama worked it out for Trump and absolutely the state should do the same for Biden. Everybody deserves the chance to vote for the major party nominees. Thats why its important for the state to do whatever is necessary to make sure that everybody in the state is properly represented, he said. Republicans also submitted provisional certifications for Trump in Montana, Oklahoma and Washington in 2020, as did Democrats for Biden in those three states. On Thursday, the state of Washington agreed to accept a provisional certification for Biden to meet its pre-convention deadline. Oklahomas deadline also falls before the convention this year, but a spokesperson said its law already anticipates such occasions by allowing for provisional certifications. Since Ohio changed its certification deadline from 60 to 90 days ahead of the general election, state lawmakers have had to adjust it twice, in 2012 and 2020, to accommodate candidates of both parties. Each change was only temporary. Two Democratic lawmakers in Alabamas Republican-controlled Legislature introduced legislation Thursday to push back the states certification deadline, and it looks like the party also will have to take the lead at Ohios GOP-led Statehouse. Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman, a Republican, told reporters this week he does not plan to initiate a legislative solution in his state. He said its up to minority Democrats, who control only seven of the chambers 33 seats. I think its a Democratic problem. There will have to be a Democratic solution, Huffman said. That hasnt been proposed to me. That could leave Bidens fate in Ohio to LaRose, whom Democrats sharply criticized all spring as he competed in a bitter U.S. Senate primary. Democrats are weighing all their options. If pleas for provisional certification or legislation both fail, they could consider litigation or call a portion of their convention early to formalize Bidens certification. A Biden campaign lawyer said that the president already is the presumptive nominee and that keeping him off ballots will strip voters of their constitutionally protected rights. President Biden and Vice President (Kamala) Harris will be the Democratic Partys candidates for the 2024 presidential election, Barry Ragsdale, an attorney for the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Convention, wrote in his Alabama letter. They have already secured the requisite number of pledged delegates through the state primary process. There is no ambiguity on this point. Some Republicans in both states support working with the Biden campaign to assure he is on the ballot. Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, the chambers Republican leader, said, My attitude would be trying to be accommodating, if we can, in regards to a topic thats important for everyone across the board. Republican U.S. Sen. JD Vance, of Ohio, said that he doesnt believe anything malicious is going on in his state and that he expects an accommodation to be made for Biden. Vance told The Boston Globe he hopes Ohioans will support Trump, and expects they will, as they did in 2016 and 2020. But the people of Ohio get to make that choice, he said, not some weird ballot quirk. (AP) Twelve hundred people came out to Chai Lifeline Canadas 18th anniversary Harmony & Hope celebration in Toronto on April 9 in support of kids with serious illnesses. Chaired by Israel Yummy Schachter, the event honored philanthropist Shelly Avital and included a special presentation of appreciation to real estate developers Silvio De Gasperis and Jack Eisenberger. Legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli and his wife, Veronica, were presented with the Humanitarian Award, followed by an intimate performance by Bocelli including a duet with renowned Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot that captivated guests. More than $2 million was raised to support Chai Lifeline Canadas dozens of free programs for families in affected by illness, including counseling, meal provisions, family retreats, sibling programs, peer and professional support, summer camps, and much more. When I step onto the stage, my primary goal is to infuse the lives of my audience with happiness and hope through the transformative power of music, Bocelli said. Similarly, with their genuine love and concern for all, Chai Lifeline Canada brings happiness and hope to sick children and their families through their selfless and transformative work. According to Mordechai Rothman, Executive Director of Chai Lifeline Canada: We see firsthand every single day what a difference a little bit of compassion and support can make in lives of families living with pediatric illness. Being sick changes everything in a childs life and taking care of an ill child depletes a familys energy and fortitude, he explained. Chai Lifeline is focused on providing concrete services and emotional support that enable the children and their siblings and parents to keep from feeling alone and devastated, and find hope and joy in their lives. About 50% of Irans ballistic missiles failed to launch or crashed during flight before getting intercepted or reaching Israel, US officials told the Wall Street Journal. Nine ballistic missiles out of 130 breached Israels air defense system and hit two of Israels air bases, but no significant damage was reported, a senior US official told ABC News. Five ballistic missiles hit Nevatim Airbase, causing only minor damage to a C-130 transport plane, an unused runway and empty storage facilities. All of the drones and cruise missiles launched by Iran were shot down on the way, with none even reaching Israeli airspace. The scope of the Iranian attack was among the largest in modern warfare and the damage could have been catastrophic, with Iran launching over 60 tons of explosives carried on 170 drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles. Hodu LHashem Ki Tov! (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) In light of the Iranian attack on Israel, Israels airspace was closed from 12 AM on Sunday morning as a precautionary measure. Ben Gurion Airport has now reopened to air traffic. However, countless flights have been delayed or canceled. El Al and Arkia intend to resume operations, albeit with significant delays and possible schedule changes. On the other hand, airlines such as United, Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines have canceled flights until at least Tuesday, April 16. Passengers are urged to stay in touch with their airlines or travel agents. Chaim VChessed has been inundated with inquiries from passengers with upcoming travel plans to or from Israel for Pesach. Unfortunately, given the unpredictability of the situation, we are unable to provide specific guidance at this time. Many are exploring the possibility of charter flights departing from Israel. However, as of now, there is no information available regarding such options. Passengers are encouraged to monitor www.chaimvchessed.com for any updates on this matter. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who likes to publicly call himself the Shomer Yisroel (but has now been added to the list of self-hating Jews), released the following statement on Irans attack on Israel, I just spoke with top administration officials and they confirmed reports that U.S. and Israeli forces acted together to help protect Israel from Iran launched missiles and drones. As details continue to emerge, it appears thankfully that few drones made it through and there have been few casualties. I commend the professionalism and bravery of U.S. service members and Israeli service members who acted in concert to blunt Irans attack on Israel and prevent the loss of life. I strongly condemn the attack by the Iranian government and remain concerned about the risk of further escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. The United States has made clear to the world that our commitment to Israels security is ironclad and that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel. Irans regime must take immediate steps to ratchet down their recklessly aggressive behavior. Given the events of tonight, it is even clearer that the best way to help Israel is for the House to quickly pass the Senates bipartisan national security supplemental next week. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In a press conference, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari revealed that Iran launched an 350 missiles and drones carrying 60 tons of explosives at Israel in last nights attack. Despite the large-scale attack, the IDF successfully thwarted Irans plan, with only a few missiles entering Israeli territory and causing minor damage to infrastructure at the Nevatim airforce base. We are still in the midst of a significant operational day, after thwarting the Iranian attack, Hagari said. In the last few hours, we held assessments and approved plans for defense and attack. Hagari assured the public that the Home Front Command guidelines will remain in effect, but the army will ease restrictions wherever possible. Irans plan failed, he declared. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) After a full day of intense discussion, Israels war cabinet has yet to reach a decision on how and when to respond to Irans missile and drone attack. Ministers suspended their discussions Sunday evening without a conclusion, but are expected to reconvene soon. According to Hebrew media reports, War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz and his colleague Gadi Eisenkot proposed a swift retaliation against Iran during the attack last night, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and IDF Chief Herzi Halevi opposed the idea, citing the strain on resources while intercepting incoming missiles and drones. The Prime Ministers Office denies this account, but Channel 12 news stands by its story, which it says was confirmed by four sources. As Israels air defense systems successfully intercepted most of the Iranian projectiles, causing minimal damage, and after a phone call between Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden, the idea of an immediate response was put on hold. The US has reportedly not vetoed an Israeli response but seeks advance coordination. Publicly, the US has said it will not participate in any Israeli response. Channel 12 also reported that Israel is exploring the possibility of a strategic pact with the US against Iran, without committing to specific concessions on issues like the overall Israel-Palestinian conflict. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) What did thousands of Israelis type into Googles search engine during the tense hours of the Iranian attack overnight Motzei Shabbos? Ynet reviewed the data and found that they were searching for Tehillim and Tikkun HaKlali. Already on Motzei Shabbos, in the hours ahead of the impending attack, there was an increase in the search for the words Tehillim and Tikkun HaKlali on Google. As the hours ticked by, the frequency of the searches increased until they reached a peak at 1:47 a.m. when red alert sirens sounded in cities and towns across Israel. According to Google Trends, Tehillim was the fifth result that Israelis searched for during the attack, with the words Mizmor LTodah the fourth result. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A senior unnamed official from the Saudi royal family has made a statement to the Kan public broadcaster, saying that any suspicious object fired over Saudi Arabia is shot down hinting that the kingdom played a role in knocking down Irans missiles and suicide drones fired at Israel last night. The official also criticized Iran for its role in the Gaza conflict, stating that Tehran has engineered a war in Gaza to undermine the progress being made in normalizing relations between Israel and Arab states. Iran is a country that sponsors terrorism, and it should have been stopped a long time ago, Kan further quoted the Saudi official as saying. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Republican lawmakers on Sunday urged the US to launch a retaliatory strike against Iran after the country launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel the night before. President Joe Biden had previously vowed to protect Israel, but aid to the country has been delayed; in fairness to Biden, primarily due to divisions within the Republican party. However, following the attack, Rep. Steve Scalise announced that the House will move forward with a bill to provide Israel with an aid package next week. In light of Irans unjustified attack on Israel, the House will move from its previously announced legislative schedule next week to instead consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable, Scalise said. Sen. Lindsey Graham also praised the decision, stating that Iran must face consequences for attacking a US ally. Prayers for our ally, Israel, who is under attack by the Ayatollah and his henchmen. It is long past time for Iran to pay a heavy price for the terrorism they sow throughout the world, Graham wrote on X. Sen. Marsha Blackburn also took to X, demanding that President Biden launch aggressive retaliatory strikes on Iran immediately. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has urged Israel to take decisive action against Iran, following a barrage of drone and missile attacks on Saturday night. Bolton criticized President Joe Biden for encouraging Israeli restraint, calling him an embarrassment to the United States. Last night, the Iranians launched 320-plus cruise and ballistic missiles and drones, Bolton told CNNs Jake Tapper. Its a blessing that the Israelis find only 1% got through, but not every night is going to be that good. And unless Iran sees a powerful response, that risk will continue. And the way to re-establish deterrence is not proportional. Thats academic talk. The way you establish deterrence is by telling your adversary, If you ever try that again, the price you will pay will be so much higher in any gain you think you can get. You shouldnt even think about it. So, I think Israel has a wide range of potential targets. Start by flattening Irans air defense capabilities. Next, you might go after headquarters of the regular military and the Revolutionary Guards. You could consider going after their oil infrastructure, the oil fields, the distribution pipelines, the export port facilities. And most importantly, I think Israel should be looking at this as an opportunity to destroy Irans nuclear weapons program, which is the existential threat that Israel faces. I dont know what theyll do. I cant predict it, but I will tell you this: If Joe Biden, as some press reports have it, is urging the Israelis not to retaliate at all, he is an embarrassment to the United States. This is an American interest to make sure that Iran, which is the principal threat to international peace and security in the region, is at a minimum put in its place to spare Israel, to spare the Gulf Arabs, and to spare us from the threat that they pose. Asked about Trumps comments last night claiming that the Iran attack was due to the United States perceived weakness, Bolton said: I just think Trump is delusional on this point. Its a point that nobody can refute or confirm one way or the other. He doesnt have any idea what to do in the Middle East in this situation. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett wrote the following on his X account on Sunday afternoon: Some points regarding the overnight Iranian missile attack on Israel: 1. Contrary to what pundits are saying, this wasnt designed merely as bells and whistles with no damage. When you shoot 350 flying objects timed to hit Israel at the same moment, when you use three fundamentally different weapon typescruise missiles, ballistic missiles and UAVs, youre looking to penetrate Israels defenses and kill Israelis. 2. The US administration is telling us: This is a victory, youve already won by thwarting the missiles. No need for any further action. No, its NOT a victory. Yes, its a remarkable success of Israels air defense systems, but its not a victory. When a bully tries to hit you 350 times and only succeeds seven time, youve NOT won. You dont win wars just by intercepting your enemys hits, nor do you deter it. Your enemy will just try harder with more and better weapons and methods next time. How DO you deter? By exacting a deeply painful price. 3. Its incorrect to say nobody got hurt. Theres a 7 year-old Israeli-Arab girl called Amina Elhasuny fighting for her life. Thats who coward Khamenei hit. 4. The Islamic Republic of Iran made a big mistake. For the past 30 years its been wreaking havoc on the regionthrough its proxies. A terror-octopus whose head is Tehran, and its tentacles are in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Gaza. How convenient. The Mullahs send others to conduct horrendous terror attacks, and die for them. Other peoples blood. Israels strategic mistake for the past 30 years was to play along this strategy. We always fought the Octopus arms, but hardly exacted a price from its Iranian head. This should change now: Hezbollah or Hamas shoots a rocket at Israel? Tehran pays a price. 5. The enemy is the Iranian REGIME, not the wonderful Iranian people. The Iranian regime reminds me of the Soviet regime in 1985: corrupt to the core, old, incompetent, despised by its own people, and destined to collapse. The sooner the better. The West can accelerate the regimes inevitable collapse with a set of soft and clever actions, short of military force. Remember, USSR collapsed without any need for a direct American attack. Lets do this. 6. Israel is fighting everybodys war. In Gaza, Lebanon and Tehran. Were considered the small Satan by radical Islam. America is the big one. Ill be clear: if these crazy fanatic Islamic terrorists get away with murder by hiding among civilians, this method will be adopted by terrorists worldwide. Were not asking anyone to fight for us. Well do the job. But we do expect our allies to have our back, especially when its tough nd now its tough. Be on the right side and help us defeat these horrible and savage regimes. Senator Marco Rubio on Sunday accused the Biden administration of leaking details of the presidents call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to appease so-called peace activists who are actually anti-Semites, anti-Israel and pro-terrorist. Rubios comments came after President Bidens congratulatory call to Netanyahu following Israels successful defense against Irans drone and missile strikes. Biden urged Israel not to escalate further. Rubio told CNNs Jake Tapper that he supports protecting U.S. troops in the region, but noted that Israel has never asked the U.S. to attack Iran on their behalf. He questioned the White Houses decision to leak details of the call, suggesting that it was an attempt to appease anti-Israel activists. Theyre not asking for it. But I think we go from that to the other extreme, which is Joe Biden telling Netanyahu, Take the win, dont do anything, and then his people leaking it to the media, leaking it to the press! Rubio said. And what it sets up is, they know that Israels going to respond. They know this for a fact. So, why would the White House leak it? Theres only one reason they leaked that. And that is that so when Israel does respond, the White House can say, We told them not to do it, and at least somehow in some way, appease these so-called peace activists, Rubio continued. By the way, these ceasefire now people who were out yesterday cheering the launch of hundreds of rockets and drones and missiles against Israel. People that are out there cheering military attacks of this scale and scope are not peace activists. These are anti-semites, anti-Israel, pro terrorist elements out there. And we need to stop calling them peace activist. They are not peace activists. You dont peace activists do not cheer massive attacks against other countries, which is what they were doing yesterday. So, I guess this is part of the White Houses effort to appease them by putting this out that proactively. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In the aftermath of Irans unprecedented assault on Israel, White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby was queried as to why the United States is funneling billions of dollars to the genocidal Iranian regime. Questioned on Fox News, Kirby was asked about the United States under President Joe Biden giving Iran an opening to conduct its airstrikes against Israel. Its hard to take a look at what President Biden has done and say that weve somehow gone soft on Iran! Kirby incredulously asserted. He also insisted that the funds made available to Iran are not fungible, and blamed Trump for the funds being available to Iran. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) At a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, Donald Trump appeared to endorse some of his supporters who were chanting genocide Joe, in reference to President Joe Bidens handling of the Middle East conflict. Theyre not wrong, Trump said, Hes done everything wrong. Genocide Joe is a phrase used by pro-Palestine protesters to slam Biden for unconditionally backing Israel for its offensive against Gaza, in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre by Hamas. Trumps apparent approval of the phrase was surprising, given his prior enthusiastic backing for Israels offensive. However, at the rally, Trump also expressed his support for the Jewish state. God bless the people of Israel. They are under attack right now, he said. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Opposition Leader Yair Lapid is urging National Unity ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot to join forces with him to bring down the current government, promising them greater influence in a new coalition. The way to influence is helping us overthrow this government, Lapid said. And we will form a government and in this government, they will have much more influence. Benny Gantz may be the prime minister. There is no citizen who would not welcome Eisenkot as Israels defense minister. Lapid argued that Gantz and Eisenkots positions are being ignored by the current leadership, and that by helping to tank the government, they can really affect the destiny of this country in a positive, substantial, and profound way. However, even if the National Unity party were to leave the government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition would still have enough seats to remain in power. Earlier this month, Gantz called on Netanyahu to agree on a date for elections in September, an appeal that was rejected by the prime minister. Recent polls have shown that nearly three-quarters of the Israeli public want Netanyahu to resign amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, with half the country also preferring early elections for the Knesset. It remains to be seen whether Gantz and Eisenkot will heed Lapids call and join forces to bring down the government, and what the implications would be for the countrys political landscape. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The IDF has announced that it is continuing a pinpoint operation against Hamas and other terror groups in the central Gaza Strip, with a focus on the outskirts of the Nuseirat camp. According to the IDF, troops from the Nachal Infantry Brigade, 401st Armored Brigade, and other forces under the 162nd Division have made significant progress in the operation, killing numerous gunmen, destroying buildings used by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, seizing weapons, and locating rocket launchers. In addition, Nachal troops are also operating in the Netzarim corridor, a strategic strip of land that runs from the border with Israel near Beerri to the coast. The corridor, which was built around a road south of Gaza City and north of Nuseirat, allows the IDF to carry out raids in northern and central Gaza while controlling access to the north for Palestinians seeking to return after fleeing south. The IDF reports that over the past day, troops have killed at least 15 gunmen in the Netzarim corridor alone. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In a move that was obviously coerced, Irans Jewish community has publicly praised the countrys recent attack on Israel. The message expressed gratitude towards Irans armed forces for their role in the aerial bombardment of Israel, but experts say this support comes under duress. Alireza Nader, an expert on Iran, told the Jerusalem Post that the regime exploits the Jewish minority for propaganda purposes, noting that such expressions of support often come under pressure. Whenever Iran seeks retribution against Israel, it tends to turn to its Jewish citizens, effectively holding them hostage to its political agenda, Nader explained. The statement referenced Irans retaliation against Israel following the reported strike that killed Iranian General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and six other regime officials in Damascus on April 1. It commended the Iranian armed forces for their efforts in punishing the Zionist enemy. Despite the outward expressions of support, Irans Jewish population faces significant challenges. With only around 9,000 Jews remaining in the country, they are a stark minority in a population of nearly 90 million. Experts classify Irans Jews as second-class citizens, subjected to various forms of discrimination. In 2023, the Iranian government pressured the Jewish community not to celebrate the end of Pesach but instead participate in the annual anti-Israel demonstration known as al-Quds Day. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, several major airlines have suspended or rerouted flights to and from the region. Lufthansa has cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv, Erbil, and Amman until Monday, while flights to Beirut and Tehran will remain suspended until at least Thursday. KLM has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until Tuesday, while easyJet has paused operations to and from Tel Aviv until April 21. Wizz Air has cancelled most flights to and from Tel Aviv between Saturday and Monday. Finnair has suspended operations in Iranian airspace, which may cause longer flight times on flights from Doha. SAS has also rerouted flights between Copenhagen and Bangkok due to the conflict. Iberia Express has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday, while United Airlines has cancelled flights from Newark to Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday. Air Canada has warned of long delays and cancellations on its Israel flights, cancelling flights to Tel Aviv on Monday and Tuesday. The airline suspensions come in response to Irans missile and drone attack on Israel, which has led to increased tensions in the region. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight schedules and cancellations. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) El Al CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia on Monday released the following statement, addressing recent flight cancellations and other troubles encountered by flyers amid ongoing security concerns: Dear Customers, As the State of Israel navigates through a challenging and unprecedented period, I want to reassure you that EL AL is closely following developments and adhering to the guidance of the security forces and authorities with whom we maintain direct contact. Our dedicated team, both on the ground and in the air, in Israel and around the globe, is working tirelessly to ensure the continuation of our flight schedule amidst the imposed restrictions and necessary adjustments. Given the recent security situation and the directives from the security authorities leading to the closure of Israels airspace on the night of April 14, we had to adjust our schedule. However, I commend our EL AL personnel for assisting passengers affected by these changes and ensuring the smooth and safe departure of flights from Tel Aviv before the airspace closure. While other carriers canceled their flights to and from Israel, EL AL maintained its mission to be Israels gateway to the world and kept flying while adjusting its operations to the circumstances. Though many flights were delayed and some were canceled, we did not cancel any of our flights to or from North America. While efforts are underway to completely stabilize our schedule we strongly advise all passengers to verify their updated departure time before heading to the airport. Our flexible changes and cancellations policy, allowing passengers with flights scheduled until Saturday, April 20 (inclusive) to make adjustments without incurring change fees and price differences within the same service class, remains in effect. Customers can easily manage their bookings, including changing flight dates, cancellations, or requesting a flight voucher for future use online through our website, app, or travel agents. To receive a flight voucher for future use. It is important to note that rescheduling flights is subject to operational feasibility. Furthermore, EL AL is offering one-way fares for return flights to Israel to assist those stranded abroad whose flights were canceled by other airlines. You can stay updated on seat availability on flights in the coming days here. During these challenging times since October 7th, EL AL continues to be committed to maintain the bridge to and from Israel, ensuring connectivity and support for all passengers wherever they may be. EL AL is here to bring you home, during emergency times and during the routine. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience, and we share the hope for peaceful days. Yours, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia CEO of EL AL As Pesach approaches, many people look for ways to educate and learn about the Pesach holiday ahead of the Seder. In this list, well take a look at the top 10 videos from YidFlicks for Pesach, each with its own unique twist. Click here to watch the top 10 Pesach videos: 1: Shazak! Out of Egypt: The Pesach Story Come along on a spectacular journey from slavery to freedom! The beautiful illustrations and cartoon style of Out of Egypt brings the Exodus narrative to life in a way that is fun and educational for the entire family. Laugh, thrill and cheer as the adventure of Pesach unfolds in this incredible video. Brought to you by Shazak, creators of Queen of Persia and Miracle Lights. 2: The Animated Hagadah The Animated Haggadah, presented in charming claymation, follows the protagonist Danny on a journey through the Passover story. Experience the trials and triumphs of the Israelites, from slavery to freedom, in this delightful and engaging retelling of the Haggadah. Perfect for all ages, this claymation adventure brings a fresh perspective to the Passover seder, making it a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone. 3: Meir Kids The Pesach Story Come along for this three part Pesach special. First, as Sammy is practicing Ma Nishtana, he falls asleep and goes back in time to the days of Mitzraim. Sammy and his fiends reenact the Pesach story. See what life was like back in the days when the Jews were slaves. Click here to watch the top 10 Pesach videos: 4: Pesach with Morah Malkie Join Morah Malkie in an exciting Pesach adventure. This thirty minute video includes puppets, singing, story time and lots of learning! This video is geared towards children ages 2-4. 5: Rabbi Paysach Krohn | Living Lessons Pesach Edition Join the world famous Rabbi Paysach Krohn, for stories which expand upon the value of Mesorah and of taking guidance from parents and Torah leaders; the greatness of Gedolim, Hachnasas Orchim, especially during the seder; and the importance of thinking about others. 6: Morah Esters Pesach Special Come along and learn with Morah Ester all about Pesach. Find out why the Jews were slaves in the land of Egypt, why we eat matzah on Pesach, learn the Mah Nishtana and hear all about what different items on the Seder plate! Click here to watch the top 10 Pesach videos: 7: Pesach Music Videos Enjoy incredible Pesach themed music videos from a number of the top Jewish artists. Watch music videos including The Maccabeatss Dayenu, Ma Nishtana, Nirtza, along with The Seder Song from the inspiring Zusha, The Greatest Pesach from the Y Studs, and so many more! 8: Incredible Science EPIC Chol Hamoed Show With millions of views of his outrageous science and physics videos, Yochanan Ghoori has now created a special Chol Hamoed YidFlicks show! Watch as things pop, wizz, bang, and whir as you learn about how the world works and get thoroughly entertained in the process. 9: Pesach Cooking Like a Pro! Learn how to cook delicious food for Pesach with the top kosher chefs worldwide! Whether youre looking for traditional basics from your Bubbys kitchen, or new wholesome recipes with fresh ingredients and a modern twist, this video has got you covered. 10: Pesach In Dubai Follow Shoime Zionce on his amazing Dubai Pesach trip! Hong Kong's securities regulator has approved the first spot bitcoin and ethereum exchange traded funds (ETFs). The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has given regulatory approval to the Hong Kong units of both China Asset Management and Bosera Asset Management to launch the ETFs, the firms said on Monday. The news means that Hong Kong is on its way to becoming Asia's first city to accept cryptocurrency as a mainstream investment tool It follows the launch of similar products earlier this year in the US, which has helped to supercharge the price of bitcoin in recent months. A spot bitcoin ETF tracks the price of bitcoin and is available through brokers to buy and sell. This gives investors the opportunity to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies without buying crypto itself. What is a Bitcoin 'spot' ETF Unlike a futures-based ETF, which tracks futures contracts, a spot-bitcoin ETF is an investment vehicle that directly owns some bitcoins through which investors have exposure without actually having to hold them. Bitcoin holders think approval could lead to the market being opened to millions more investors, clearing the way for billions of dollars in fresh investment. The US Securities and Exchange Commission has been reluctant to sanction such funds under the chairmanship of Gary Gensler, partly due to bitcoin's volatility and its widespread use by fraudsters. The news in Hong Kong comes just a few months after the US securities regulator finally gave the green light for the launch of spot bitcoin ETFs. In January, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) gave approval to several asset management firms for the launch of 11 of the products. The US launch set an example for other regions as it has already drawn roughly $12billion in net inflows. The world's biggest cryptocurrency has regained significant ground since falling to to a low of $16,000 in the wake of the collapse of FTX in 2022. In 2023, bitcoin languished between $20,000 and $30,000 for much of the year before reaching $43,000 by December in anticipation of the US regulator's approval of bitcoin spot ETFs. In recent months, the approval has led to a meteoric rise in the price of bitcoin supercharging gains to fresh record highs above $70,000. Bitcoin was trading at $66,274 in midmorning UK trading on Monday, while ethereum was at $3,258.49. The change will take place following the company's AGM on 20 June Kingfisher chairman Andrew Cosslett will step down in June after seven years leading the B&Q owner's board. Cosslett will be succeeded by Claudia Arney, who has served as an independent non-executive director of Kingfisher since 2018. The London-based DIY retailer, which also owns Screwfix, told shareholders on Monday the handover will come into effect after the company's annual general meeting on 20 June. Cosslett will be succeeded by Claudia Arney, who has served as an independent non-executive director of Kingfisher since 2018 Arney has previously held non-executive roles at the Premier League, Telecity Group, Halfords, Ocado and Aviva. Catherine Bradley CBE, senior independent director of Kingfisher, said: 'After careful consideration and a thorough process, the board is confident that Claudia is an excellent choice. 'During her time as a non-executive director, Claudia has demonstrated that she has a breadth of knowledge and experience which, together with her leadership and judgment, will be crucial as we drive our strategy forwards.' Andrew Cosslett described the last seven years as chair as a 'privilege'. He added that he is leaving the company with 'great confidence in its future'. Last month, the FTSE 100-listed firm warned profit would fall again this year after a 25 per cent slump in 2023 that reflected a particularly weak French market. Claudia Arney said: 'I look forward to continuing to support our great management team in our mission of making home improvement accessible to everyone'. Kingfisher shares were up 0.52 per cent to 250.80p in Monday morning trading. Mitie Group revealed fresh share buyback plans on Monday as the outsourcing giant said it expects to post record revenues for last year. . The group told investors ahead of its full-year results that it expects to post year-on-year revenue growth of 11 per cent to 'at least' 4.5billion for the 12 months to 31 March. The contractor and facilities manager also said that will introduce a further 50million share buyback programme. The outsourcing giant revealed that revenues increased by 11 per cent to 4.5billion for the year to 31 March The London-listed firm's operating profit is expected to come in 23 per cent higher to 'at least' 200million. The group said it witnessed 'strong' growth in the final quarter and 'sustained demand from our clients for transformational projects across their estates'. In September, Mitie revealed that it had acquired engineering services and construction firm, JCA Engineering, in a deal worth up to 31.5million. The deal will be comprised of an initial payment of 21million and deferred payments of up to 10.5million over three years, linked to performance. Phil Bentley, chief executive officer of Mitie, said: 'We are pleased with the performance of the business in full-year 2024, having delivered record revenue and operating profit, and an operating margin of 4.5 per cent. 'Free cash flow generation has been strong, supporting our ongoing commitment to the return of surplus funds to shareholders via share buybacks.' Mitie shares were up 6.6 per cent to 119p by midafternoon on Monday. The abandoned site of a once-planned 3.8billion gigafactory has been sold delivering a blow to the UKs electric car industry. US private equity giant Blackstone has agreed to buy the 235-acre location in Northumberland, whch it plans to turn it into one of Europes largest data centres. It was described as a lost opportunity for UK battery making by Professor David Bailey, a car industry expert at Birmingham Universitys business school. The deal extinguishes any hope that the site would become a key part of the transition of car making from petrol and diesel to electric. Sold: Plans for a giant electric car battery factory on a disused site in Blyth, Northumberland, (pictured), were abandoned when Britishvolt, the company behind the project, collapsed Gigafactories make electric car batteries and Britain needs more of them if it is to compete in an era when the assembly lines that today churn out internal combustion engines become obsolete. Council officials say the plans for a data centre at the Northumberland site could create more than 1,600 jobs. Car industry experts had seen the location formerly home to Blyth Power Station as ideal for a gigafactory. Plans were under way to build one until Britishvolt, the company behind the project, collapsed last year. Australian firm Recharge Industries later took control of the business but it was faced with a winding up petition last month. Official receivers from business recovery specialist Begbies Traynor yesterday announced the sale of the site to Blackstone for an undisclosed sum. Bob Maxwell, of Begbies Traynor, said: From a difficult situation, the future sale will ensure a very bright future for the site. But Bailey said: The site is ideal for building a gigafactory on the site of the old Blyth Power Station. This has plenty of infrastructure for an energy hungry battery plant and a rail link to the port terminal ideal for importing components and exporting batteries. Losing it to other uses really is a lost opportunity for UK battery making as we will need more gigafactories to support UK auto production. Industry figures suggest Britain will need gigafactory capacity of 60-90GWh by 2030 to meet a target of producing a million electric vehicles a year. Capacity now amounts to 2GWh from the Envision plant in Sunderland. Britishvolts gigafactory could have added 38GWh to that total. However, plans for Envisions expansion to 12GWh, and a new 40GWh site to be built by Jaguar Land Rover owner Tata, should still take UK capacity to 52GWh by 2026. CVC has revived plans to list in Amsterdam in a deal worth up to 13billion in a fresh setback for London. The private equity giant abandoned an initial public offering (IPO) in 2022 and again in 2023 due to market uncertainty. But despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East, sources say the buyout firm is confident that the listing will go ahead. The move makes CVC the latest big company to overlook London's stock market. It follows a major blow when Cambridge-based chipmaker Arm floated in New York last year. Going Dutch: Private equity giant CVC Capital Partners has revived plans to float on the Amsterdam stock exchange (pictured) And in a further setback yesterday, British commodities broker Marex was valued at 1.2billion as it launched its stock market listing in New York. Luxembourg-based CVC owns stakes in watch brand Breitling, fashion firm Forever 21-owner Authentic Brands, Six Nations Rugby and breakdown and insurance group RAC. CVC announced yesterday it will sell new and existing shares to investors as it seeks to raise around 220million. The move looks set to value it at as much as 13billion. Three long-standing shareholders Danube, which is owned by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, Kuwait Investment Authority and Hong Kong's Stratosphere are planning to sell some of their shares. Meanwhile, New York's Blue Owl Capital one of CVC's biggest investors with an 8 per cent stake has indicated it will increase its holding. CVC chief executive Rob Lucas said: 'We believe an IPO of CVC provides an enduring long-term institutional structure to support further growth, we remain completely focused on the continued success of CVC and neither I nor any of my active partners are selling shares as part of this transaction.' Recent European listings include Dusseldorf-based perfume brand Douglas, which was owned by CVC, Swiss skincare firm Galderma and German defence contractor Renk in the first quarter of this year. In the City, the IPO market has started to recover after crashing to a record low last year. Tax fight: A group of UK firms are calling for the Government to scrap stamp duty Fintech firms including Revolut and Monzo are calling for the Government to scrap stamp duty on share trading to help revive stock markets. They are among a group of companies who have signed up to a list of policy demands aimed at ensuring Britain maintains its leading global position in the sector. Investors pay 0.5 per cent stamp duty on the price of UK-listed shares that they buy. But the tax does not apply to the purchase of shares in foreign companies deterring investment in British firms. City brokers Peel Hunt and Panmure Gordon as well as investment giants including AJ Bell and Hargreaves Lansdown have already called for it to be scrapped. New recommendations issued by the Unicorn Council for UK Fintech, launched by trade body Innovate Finance, have added to those calls. Payments business Revolut is among those unicorns a term referring to start-ups valued at $1billion or more. UK chief executive Francesca Carlesi said the firms were trying to make sure that the UK keeps attracting and growing the next generation of innovators. Others signed up include Monzo boss TS Anil and ex-Barclays chief executive Antony Jenkins, who leads banking technology firm 10X. The UK stock market has struggled to attract new listings losing the Cambridge-based chip giant Arm to New York and seen established members such as travel giant Tui and gambling group Flutter head overseas. Report: Growth Slowed 6% YoY Among Top 50 EMS Firms in 2023 Published: 15 April 2024 by Mike Buetow by Mike Buetow NEVADA CITY, CA Manufacturing Market Insider (MMI) today announced revenues among the EMS companies the research firm ranks as the 50 largest worldwide declined 5.7% year-over-year in 2023. The venerable newsletter's annual MMI Top 50 EMS list found that sales fell $26 billion, to $423 billion for the year. The data are based on an annual survey of over 100 of the largest EMS companies worldwide and traditionally not corrected for the calendar year. Among the top tier firms, Foxconn and Pegatron were the only EMS companies showing declines, however, while Tiers 2 and 3 did well, in many cases exhibiting excellent growth, with more positive results than negative ones. The growth rates of the Top 50 are a proxy for the rest of the industry, MMI said, as a minority of companies suffered a downturn in revenue. The top 50 companies typically account for approximately 85 to 90% of total industry revenue, MMI said. While Foxconn has at times singlehandedly grown the industry, its revenue decline in 2023 slowed the total industry growth. Foxconn's sales fell 11.6% and Pegatron dropped 13.6%. Industry participants cannot expect these industry giants to continue to expand at double-digit rates, as these large numbers are difficult to sustain compared to those of Tier 24 suppliers, which have grown rapidly over the past few years due to acquisitions, MMI said. For example, GPV reached the highest growth rate of any EMS company om the list, jumping 81.2% in 2023 and 65.1% percent in 2022. Overall, the APAC region accounted for around 74.7% of the Top 50 EMS revenue, and the Americas represented 22.8% of revenue, an increase of 2.4%, while the EMEA region constituted 2.5%, an increase of 0.3%, mainly due to extensive activity in acquisitions. It took a minimum of $434 million in sales to make the MMI Top 50, down from $448 million in 2023. For 2023, the top 10 accounted for 88.7% of Top 50 sales, down from 89.1% in 2022, illustrating that the EMS industry remains top-heavy. The aggregate growth of the bottom 40 companies on the list was 12.6%, increasing from $44.5 billion in 2022 to a reported $50.1 billion in 2023. An upcoming job fair will highlight employment options and opportunities for reentrants and others who are or have been involved with the criminal justice system. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at New Life Community Church at 64 E. North St. in Carlisle. Participants can include people involved with adult probation, juvenile probation and domestic relations, and the event will feature food-service, warehouse, office and retail employers. The fair could also offer on-site resume assistance, applications and interviews. Attendees are asked to bring a resume if possible, as well as a form of identification. License restoration and record review clinics will also be offered, with online registration required in advance. Representatives from the Cumberland County Pardon Project will be in attendance. Event sponsors include Cumberland County Adult Probation, Pennsylvania Career Link and the Cumberland County Bar Association. Questions can be directed to Cumberland Re-Entry Coordinator Ashley Rohm Ferguson at 717-240-6522 or arferguson@cumberlandcountypa.gov. Gardai are appealing for witnesses after three people were injured during a serious incident in Clarecastle, Co Clare on Sunday afternoon. It's understood that, shortly before 1pm, two men entered a retail premises in the village and assaulted two males before fleeing the scene in a car. According to gardai, a male aged in his 20s, sustained serious injuries and is currently being treated in hospital. "The other injured male, a youth in his late teens, received treatment in hospital for non-life threatening injuries and has since been released. A female in her 50s was also injured during the course of this incident and is receiving hospital treatment for non-life threatening injuries," said a garda spokesperson. The scene of the incident has been preserved and a technical examination is being conducted. An Incident Room has been established at Ennis garda station and an investigation is continuing. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to come forward and any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and who were travelling in the Clarecastle area between 12.45pm and 1.15pm on Sunday are asked to make this footage available to gardai. "Any persons who were in Clarecastle at these times and who observed any activity which drew their attention are also asked to come forward," said the garda spokesperson. Ennis garda station can be contacted at 065 6848100 or the Garda Confidential Line can be contacted at 1800 666 111. Dickinson College will once again host the Northside Ride, community bike event Saturday, with a rain date scheduled for next Saturday. The annual event invites residents of all ages and abilities to take a 3.4-mile bike ride through Carlisle, meeting at New Life Community Church at 64 E. North St., and departing at 10:15 a.m. Waypoints along the easy ride include Dickinson College, YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County, Carlisle Tool Library, Heberlig Palmer Park, Project SHARE Farmstand and Memorial Park/Hope Station, where it will end. Dickinson faculty, staff and students love working on the Northside Ride together as it puts us in direct partnership with some of the communitys greatest leaders, said Lindsey Lyons, director of sustainability learning at Dickinsons Center for Sustainability Education, which partners with community organizations to host the ride. The ride shares a purpose of not just biking safely and providing an accessible option to local residents, but also visiting local nonprofit organizations, parks and landmarks along the way. The ride and its associated events, which includes minor bike repairs, are free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required, though participants can RSVP on Facebook. The event will provide free helmets, bike lights and bike locks to participants. All participants are required to sign a waiver, and those younger than 14 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult on the ride. The Taoiseach has criticised the people behind an arson attack on a building that was earmarked for asylum seeker accommodation in Co Wicklow. The fire, at Trudder House in Newtownmountkennedy, broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning. Fire services attended the scene and extinguished the fire. Gardai said a technical examination of the scene has been conducted and investigations into the incident were ongoing. A number of buildings that have been earmarked for housing asylum seekers, as well as sites rumoured to be, have been targeted in recent times. There have been more than 20 fires at properties associated, sometimes incorrectly, with accommodating asylum seekers in 2023 and 2024. Taoiseach Simon Harris said that Ireland is responding to a humanitarian crisis and that the arson attacks on buildings during a housing crisis is extraordinarily unhelpful. I understand theres investigation ongoing in relation to that incident and I dont want to say anything in the position I hold that prejudices the outcome of that, Mr Harris said on Monday. But, of course, Im very concerned to see any fire happening in any buildings or indeed any location, particularly at a time when we live in a country that already has it constraints when it comes to housing supply. For anybody to take any action that will in any way further worsen that situation is extraordinarily unhelpful and in a very, very difficult and challenging time, when Ireland is responding to an humanitarian crisis. Ill let the Garda investigation run its course before I comment further on any motives. Gardai confirmed it is investigating the suspected criminal damage by fire incident. A number of protesters have been staging a demonstration near the building in recent weeks, with some remaining in the area on Monday. The Department of Integration had been assessing the site for suitability for providing accommodation after accepting a HSE offer to use the empty building. A man who admits killing but denies murdering a construction worker and made reference to a "Conor McGregor knockout" told gardai that he was defending himself when he struck the deceased. "I'm sorry I didn't go home," Maurice Boland told detectives. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster also told defence counsel for the defendant, who denies murdering 26-year-old Cian Gallagher, that the deceased's blood alcohol level was quite high eight days after the killing but it would have been significantly higher at the time of the incident when he went into a deep coma. The expert witness today agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that someone with such a blood alcohol level would be more vulnerable to a fall as their reaction time would be slower and they would be unable to break their fall. Mr Boland (36), of Bridgeview Close, Tallow, Co Waterford has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Cian Gallagher (26) at Barrack Street in Tallow on November 10, 2022. The jury has heard that the deceased man was from the Malahide Road in Dublin 17 and worked in a managerial type role mainly on civil construction projects up to the time of his death. The 12 jurors were told by the State in the opening address that Mr Gallagher, who was working on a construction project in Co Waterford, died from a brain bleed eight days after he was punched and knocked to the ground by the accused man in the early hours of November 2. At the opening of the trial, prosecution counsel told the jury that CCTV footage shows the accused punching Mr Gallagher when the deceased had his hands up and was backing away. Giving evidence today, Monday, Dr Bolster told Roisin Lacey SC, prosecuting, that she carried out a postmortem on Mr Gallagher on the date of his death on November 10 at Cork University Hospital. She said Mr Gallagher had been moved to Cork University Hospital after the incident on November 2 and that he was in a deep coma with a significant downward displacement of the brain, which was an indication of very significant brain damage. The expert witness testified that she had viewed CCTV footage of the incident and saw Mr Gallagher falling backwards and hitting the back of his head on the ground after which he was deeply comatose. In her evidence, she said the deceased was 180cm in height and weighed 70 kg's, which she described as a slim build. She said he had a very superficial abrasion or graze under the lower jaw bone. Dr Bolster testified that there was also bruising to the right anterior temporal region and a large area of bruising at the back of the scalp under which there was a fracture to the skull. She said haemorrhage was present in the temporal bone at the base of the skull. A toxicology report detected 164 mgs of alcohol in Mr Gallagher's system, which she said was the equivalent of between five and six pints. "As he was in a comatose state the alcohol would have been metabolised," she added. She said the deceased had a bad chest infection at the time of death. In conclusion, Dr Bolster said there were small areas of bruising to the right area of the scalp and the abrasions were in keeping with a fall onto the back of the head. No facial injuries were identified apart from a very small superficial area to the chin. The witness said there was no other evidence of significant trauma to the body. She said there was quite significant trauma to the head or brain in keeping with why Mr Gallagher had gone into a deep coma straight away after the incident. She said the deceased was not getting enough blood supply to the brain. She pointed out that there was bruising to the right temporal area, which could be due to a blow to the side of the head or from the fall. Dr Bolster said the cause of death was a traumatic brain injury due to a fall onto the back of the head. Under cross-examination, the witness agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that she had watched the incident on CCTV footage and had seen Mr Gallagher falling onto the ground. She also agreed that the deceased's blood alcohol level was quite high on November 10 but would have been significantly higher at the time of the incident eight days earlier. Previously in cross-examination barman David O'Brien had told the accused's counsel that Mr Gallagher was a 'small bit merry' when he left the pub that night and may have had up to eight pints. When asked by Mr Bowman today whether someone with such a blood alcohol level would have been more vulnerable to a fall of this nature, Dr Bolster said they would as their reaction time would be slower and they would not be able to break their fall. She further agreed that an injury of this type is consistent with being intoxicated and falling onto the back of the head. "Someone of their own volition can fall over as a result of being intoxicated without being pushed?" asked counsel. The witness agreed that this was the case. She also agreed that the loss of consciousness is as a result of a fall onto the tarmac. She added: "The fall is what led to the traumatic brain injury which led to his death and why he went into a deep coma was the cause of the fall onto the back of the head. He went into a deep coma straight away". Asked about the injuries identified on the face, Dr Bolster agreed there was superficial bruising on the right side of the chin and deep bruising on the temporal muscle. She said the blunt force trauma was from being struck or falling. Mr Bowman put it to Dr Bolster that there was an "unfortunate reference" by his client "to a Conor McGregor type punch" and asked whether there would be more significant injuries from a punch of this type. Dr Bolster said there wasn't enough force to cause any fractures to the underlying bone and no facial injuries to the front of the face. Shown a photograph of an injury to the defendant's right ring finger, Dr Bolster said the two grazes were consistent with a hand coming into contact with a hard surface. She said it could have been caused by a punch or a graze. In his garda interviews on November 2, Mr Boland said he had got off the bus when "a lad" he didn't know was asking him to go with him. "Words were exchanged, he went to attack me and I hit him once back. After I hit him he was knocked out." "Only thing I remember is when he went to hit me I hit him............He went to hit me and I hit him, he was knocked out, it was something that happened, it was a pure accident," he continued. Mr Boland told officers he had defended himself and then "struck" the deceased. "He asked me to follow him, I'm sorry I didn't go home," he said. He added: "It happened so fast, it just when he went to hit me, I struck him, he dropped. I didn't realise how bad it was". The accused said he hit Mr Gallagher only once and that his punch landed on the side of the deceased's face. Mr Boland continued: "He dropped and was knocked out. I don't know if he banged his head when he fell. I hope he's ok, I'll find it very hard to live if anything happens to him". "After I hit him he went straight out, he was out straight away. Whether he hit his head when he fell I just didn't know. When he fell I didn't see what he hit. I was just more shocked as he wasn't getting up," said the defendant. The accused was shown CCTV footage of the altercation and Mr Boland accepted he had approached Mr Gallagher on Barrack Street as he was looking for "a light". "We having words and I hit him once". He later told gardai that he had roughly hit Mr Gallagher twice. "He was saying something about Ireland and the war, he on about Ireland and going into politics, he said Russians doing right thing or something". Asked what he meant about his reference to the "Conor McGregor knockout", the accused said he couldn't remember. "I do remember him mouthing about Russians and the economy, he went to hit me and I hit him," he said. "When he went for me I hit him," he said. Gardai asked the accused whether he accepted that the CCTV footage had not shown Mr Gallagher trying to assault him but instead putting his hands up in defence. Mr Boland said he accepted this but said that Mr Gallagher had tried to assault him beforehand. The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of eight men and four women. The teacher shortage has been an ongoing crisis facing schools across the country. Pennsylvania is no different, with a study by the Learning Policy Institute saying that in 2021-22 alone, more than 13,000 teachers were not fully certified for their teaching assignments. As more school districts look to find ways to fill those gaps, greater attention is being paid to the teachers in training at colleges and universities. Shippensburg University is the only university in Pennsylvania with an on-campus public elementary lab school, giving students hands-on experience working in the classrooms. Despite the resources provided, the university is seeing a shortage just as much as other schools. A lot of schools are taking people simply because they need bodies to fill the positions. I am grateful for those people; they are fulfilling a role that we need to provide for the youth, said Katie Huston, a junior secondary English education major at Shippensburg University. However, I do get nervous when I think of all the problems that cause educators to leave the field to begin with. Shippensburg University secured a $100,000 Prep2Practice grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to support retention among underrepresented middle and high school students looking to pursue math education careers in 2023. Huston is very much aware of the shortages facing her profession. I think that there are a lot of different factors for the teaching shortage, but everyones situation as to why they leave teaching is different, she said. Some teachers decided enough was enough in regards to the way that some state governments are restricting their educators. Other educators that I have seen online left the profession because of how their administration handled different things. Huston has completed an estimated 100 hours of observation experience and has taught a few lessons in those placements. However, while Huston mentioned several experiences that may have resulted in her peers leaving the field, she said pinning down the exact reason behind the shortage is not as black and white as it may appear. A lot of individuals believe that there are enough teachers, but that is far from the case. The teacher shortage is truly appalling to think about, said Isabelle Schannauer, a sophomore at Shippensburg University and pre- K-4 elementary education major. Seeing the planning side of what teachers endure before, during and after schools to create lessons, activities, testing resources and more goes to show how much work goes into a school day. With the lack of teachers, it is difficult on teachers because they are forced to spend longer hours on uncompensated work. I think that it is a symptom of this country continuing to neglect and disrespect its educators and not provide the support that they need to do their best, said Mark McKenzie, a secondary science education major. People who are considering becoming teachers now realize just how scrutinized and difficult the job really is, and consider the lack of compensation in return for all this. While each of these future teachers has concerns for the state of the profession, they remain optimistic that things will get better. Its hard not to see the current state of education in this country and not feel some sort of pessimism when it comes to the future, but I think that this is a problem that can be solved if we take a step back and really examine what issues exist and why they have existed for so long, McKenzie said. It is definitely nerve-wracking to believe that teachers are not getting the resources and compensation we deserve, Schannauer said. She remains hopeful for the future of the countrys educators. At the end of the day, the most important focus is the students and children who you are teaching. These young minds are at school to learn, and it is our job as educators to guide them through everyday life. I hope to find a school that fits, where I can be supported and support my students, because at the end of the day, its about them getting a quality education, Huston said. The owners of Keswick-based construction company Dobson Homes have been charged with embezzling more than $1.4 million from customers. And Albemarle County police say they suspect the couple may have misappropriated even more funds. Authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have been targeted by the company to come forward. Tommy and Anne Dobson were arrested last week and charged with six counts each of felony embezzlement for defrauding half a dozen customers in Albemarle County. Police said the victims reported the Dobsons embezzled money from construction loans and collected payment from them before abandoning job sites for weeks or never providing services at all. All of the victims in Albemarle County are over the age of 62 and believed to have been targeted for their vulnerability, the police said in a statement issued Friday after the couples arrest. The total amount Tommy and Anne Dobson are accused of embezzling from Albemarle County residents between October 2020 and December 2022 currently exceeds $1.4 million. The Dobsons were booked at Central Virginia Regional Jail in the town of Orange and later released on bond. The Albemarle County Police Department believes there may be more victims of Dobson Homes in Albemarle County and encourages those who may have been targeted by the Dobsons to immediately contact the investigating detective at (434) 296-5807. Dobson Homes advertises itself as a longtime family-owned and -operated business with personalized service that is unsurpassed. Tommy Dobson, his wife and children have enjoyed the rewards of living in this beautiful area for more than 20 years, according to Dobson Homes own About Us page. Days before the University of Virginia announced its controversial decision to withhold an independent review of the deadly 2022 mass shooting on Grounds, UVas police chief sent an urgent email to the Albemarle County commonwealths attorney. I apologize for the last minute and fairly urgent request, Police Chief Tim Longo wrote to Commonwealths Attorney Jim Hingeley. It was the second time Longo had messaged Hingeley in less than 30 minutes. Can JJ Davis and I have about 15-20 minutes of your time today between 2 and 3? Longo wrote in an earlier text message, referring to J.J. Davis, the schools chief operating officer. Fairly urgent and at President Ryans respectful request, he wrote, referring to the schools President Jim Ryan. The messages sent on Nov. 14 of last year were obtained by The Daily Progress via a Freedom of Information Act request. Hingeley responded via text message two hours later, agreeing to the conference. The parties decided to meet at ONeil Hall, which houses multiple administrative offices for the university, at 2:30 p.m., and Longo provided the commonwealths attorney with specific directions and parking instructions. It is not clear what the three parties discussed or why Longo wanted the meeting. But three days later, UVa released a statement saying it would further delay the long-awaited release of the report and that it was doing so with Hingeleys blessing. Hingeley is prosecuting the criminal case against Christopher Jones Jr., the former UVa student accused of opening fire on a busload of sleeping classmates coming back from a field trip in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 13, 2022, killing three and wounding two. Hingeley was referenced and quoted multiple times in UVas statement. After conferring with counselors and Albemarle County Commonwealths Attorney Jim Hingeley, we have decided that we need to wait until after the criminal proceedings to release further information, Ryan said in the Nov. 17 statement. Prior to that announcement, UVa had said it had every intention of releasing the report, first to university officials, then victims families, then the public. But at some point between receiving the report last October and making the announcement in November, university leaders had a change of heart. They determined that releasing the report before Jones was tried in court would somehow affect his right to a fair trial. I am grateful to President Ryan, Rector [Robert] Hardie, and their teams for their consideration as we continue to prosecute this important case, Hingeley is quoted in the official university statement. Hingeleys quoted statement made clear he had not actually seen the report himself. With that being said, I appreciate the Universitys efforts to avoid taking any action that could complicate the prosecution of the accused, Christopher Jones, or impair his right to a fair and impartial trial, Hingeley is quoted. The statement raised questions about how UVa had reached the decision to keep the report out of the public eye. Was it Hingeley who first approached UVa? Or had the university approached Hingeley? Im really not going to be able to comment on this, because it is in relation to an ongoing matter that is obviously one thats attracted a lot of media attention, Hingeley told The Daily Progress when asked last November. Im not going to be making any out-of-court statements at this time. But the correspondence between Long and Hingeley sheds some light at the very least on when and who made the decision, as well as how the official statement was crafted. One day after Hingeley appears to have met with Longo and Davis, he received another text message. Would you have time for me to read you the draft release? Longo asked him. Two days later, UVa published its release. For legal analyst Scott Goodman, that chronology indicates it was UVa who initiated a conversation about withholding the report. It does confirm the suspicion that many people had, that the University of Virginia was the driver behind keeping the report secret, rather than Mr. Hingeley, Goodman told The Daily Progress. I think from the from the emails and the text messages and the sequence of events, its very clear that the university wanted to keep it secret. And they reached out to Mr. Hingeley to see if they could use him to accomplish what it is that they really wanted to do. The Daily Progress reached out to Longo regarding the back-and-forth with Hingeley, but he declined to answer any questions. UVa spokeswoman Bethanie Glover offered a statement: The University has no comment about this ongoing criminal investigation. We defer to the Commonwealths Attorney on specific questions regarding this criminal proceeding. Hingeley also declined to comment. UVas decision to withhold the report is disappointing, according to John Fishwick, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. He said he believes its the responsibility of the lawyers and judge in the courtroom to ensure Jones gets a fair trial, not UVa. It appears there was an effort not to release the report, and the most important people shouldve been consulted first, Fishwick told The Daily Progress. He said it should be the universitys top priority to inform the victims families and the public what happened before, during and after the gunfire that took the lives of three students, injured two others and placed the university and surrounding city of Charlottesville on lockdown while a manhunt ensued. Is there something in the report theyre concerned about the public knowing about? he said. I dont know if thats the case or not, but why wouldnt the university want it released? Megan Rhyne, executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, was not surprised to learn that Hingeley and UVa had been in communication before the announcement. I just always assumed these conversations were taking place, Rhyne told The Daily Progress. Whoever made the decision and however the decision was made, I still think it was the wrong decision. Goodman spoke highly of Hingeley, saying he believes the commonwealths attorney was acting in good faith. He also pointed out that its unclear how much university officials revealed to Hingeley about what is in the report. Im sure Mr. Hingeley doesnt want the university to keep secret any more than is necessary to protect the defendants right to a fair trial, Goodman said. Hingeley has always been about open government and transparency. He takes issue with UVas decision to withhold the report in its entirety, arguing that there are likely many things in the report that would have no effect on the trial, which isnt slated to start until January of next year. Thats particularly true of any examination of UVas operational procedures, such as how it handles reports of firearms on Grounds or threats reported by classmates. Theres no justification for keeping matters like that secret, even with the pending trial, Goodman said. He believes university officials must have read the report and determined releasing it would give UVa a black eye. It sounds like they discussed many ways that they could justify keeping the report secret, Goodman said. One of the things that must have come up in their meeting amongst themselves is, Hey, lets call the commonwealths attorney of Albemarle County, because we know they have this trial coming up. And perhaps we could suggest that one of the reasons to keep it secret is because of the upcoming trial. Advocates for the reports release argue that it could contain important information that could help prevent a similar tragedy from occurring at Uva or another school. Its not clear why Ryan did not reach out to Hingeley directly in November. The two had been in communication the month prior, when Hingeley alerted the UVa president via email that the docket call to set Jones trial date had been moved from Dec. 4 to Feb. 5. Regardless, Longos fairly urgent message at Ryans respectful request got the commonwealths attorneys attention. The University of Virginia is a power player in Charlottesville and the whole commonwealth, so Im sure when they want to have a meeting, they can have it, Fishwick said. At the outset of Spring/Summer our local homicide count stands significantly behind last year's record-breaking pace BUT right around the same level of the past four years which have been some of the most violent in local recorded history. Here's the aftermath report after the latest killing . . . Homicide 1800 block of Hardesty - Late Death On April 12, 2024 just after 10:30 pm officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Hardesty on a shooting call. On arrival officers located an adult male shooting victim inside a vehicle there, unresponsive. EMS responded as well and transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene for evidence and canvassed for witnesses that night. Preliminary investigation indicates that the shooting took place at that location when the victim had an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated into shots being fired, and the victim being struck. Yesterday, detectives were notified the victim died from his injuries. The Homicide Unit will take over the investigation which remains ongoing. If anyone has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents. ############ Update . . . Another addition to this post and a report that just came through: Homicide 23rd and Topping - LATE DEATH Early this morning, just after midnight officers were dispatched to the area of 23rd and Topping on a traffic accident. While officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting, with a person shot inside the vehicle. On arrival officers located an adult male shooting victim, unresponsive inside a vehicle. EMS transported the victim to the hospital for life threatening injuries. Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded this morning and processed the scene for evidence and canvassed for witnesses. Investigation indicates the shooting took place nearby in the area of Blue Valley Park. There is no known suspect information at this time. This morning just before 5am detectives were notified the victim died from his injuries. The Homicide Unit will take over the investigation which remains ongoing. If anyone has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents. ############## Developing . . . Tonight angel Candice inspires another peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines as the world remains at war. Check TKC news gathering . . . Save Salvy!!! KC Royals lose game, and maybe Salvador Perez, against Mets Sunday The KC Royals lost a game and series to the Mets Sunday. And they may have lost Salvador Perez in the process. More Tribute After Tragedy 'The rest of our lives were stolen': Mindy Corporon reflects 10 years after murders at Jewish Community Campus Mindy Corporon decided early on to turn her pain into purpose. This year is also the 10th anniversary of Seven Days, the non-profit she founded, to spread kindness, to bring something good out of the awfulness. Daddy Delivery KCMO father became a trained birth doula after his wife experienced pregnancy complications When you think of a Doula, it's traditionally a role held by women. They are trained to support a woman during pregnancy. Good Life Without Expense The Humble Sheet Cake Is Making a Comeback The traditional birthday cake is seeing a resurgance and Kelsey Earl's Little Butter Bakery is at the forefront of bringing the trend to KC. Cowtown Flightless Bird Winning KC Zoo penguin nominated for World's Favorite Penguin Kansas City Zoo Littlefoot in top 3 for 2024 Penguin International's March of the Penguin Madness for World's Favorite Penguin. Angel Shares Another Look Candice Swanepoel's tennis spectator outfit is a lesson in cool-girl courtside dressing Candice Swanepoel stunned in a double denim look at the Monte Carlo Masters series, and it;s giving us major summer '24 Wimbledon inspo - read more White House Wants War Money Biden calls Congressional leaders, urges them to pass aid to allies President Biden held a phone call with the top four congressional leaders on Sunday and stressed the "urgent need" for the House to pass the national security supplemental, as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces mounting pressure to bring the Senate-passed foreign aid package to the floor for a vote. MAGA Against Iran Trump reposts 2018 all-caps anti-Iran threat in response to Israel strike Ex- president known for chaotic foreign policy posts Republican senator's praise of old Trump tweet telling Iran to 'be cautious' Republican Divide Cont'd Congressional leaders at odds over Israel aid next steps as conservatives warn Johnson against including Ukraine funding | CNN Politics Congressional leaders from both parties were quick to condemn Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel this Saturday but still remain at odds on how to pass additional Israel funding in wake of the attacks. World War Already Underway Israel Conflict Spreads to 16 Nations as Biden Admin Says There's No War Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel highlight an America-led regional war spanning Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and others. Leader Offers Direction House Speaker Mike Johnson says he will push for aid to Israel and Ukraine this week House Speaker Mike Johnson says he will try to advance wartime aid for Israel this week. Johnson is attempting the difficult task of winning House approval for a national security package that also includes funding for Ukraine and allies in Asia. American Violence Intensifies Chicago mass shooting leaves 8-year-old girl dead, 10 others injured Chicago police believe gang-related violence led to the fatal shooting of an 8-year-old girl which left 10 others injured Saturday night in the city's South Side. Learn About Your Abode Curious about your home's history? Kansas City Public Library has a boot camp for that "I've helped so many people that when I drive through any neighborhood, I have a sense of knowledge of how things used to be." Grigs Gives Us Storm Warning Monday will be a warm 84 with thunderstorms moving in by evening Strong to severe storms possible late Monday night into Tuesday morning And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. And so an unsustainable plan hatched by Mayor Quinton Lucas & Council Dude Eric Bunch is now confronting horrific financial implications along with protest outcry. Beyond the echo-chamber . . . Here's is what voters should understand about free Kansas City bus rides enacted by Mayor & Council during the pandemic . . . SO-CALLED "ZERO-FAIR" FAILED AS RIDERS & DRIVERS DEMAND BETTER SAFETY AND DEFICIT SPENDING FOR FREE RIDES HITS EPIC PROPORTIONS!!! Sadly . . . Local environmentalist protesters will quickly dismiss concerns from the public about public safety and driver complaints about working conditions. Discussions hit critical mass when drivers wanted to get their point across and started talking about the homeless "stench" that has inundated many buses. That'll probably be unbearable during the hottest Summer months. Nevertheless . . . Pay-for-play protesters continue their advocacy and recently sent out this frustrated blast which only serves to highlight the bad economics of the effort . . . Here's the quote, highlight and more info . . . "This budget leaves KCMOs bus system underfunded by $22 million(!!), which leaves bus riders poised to experience deep cuts to bus service beginning in January 2025 according to KCATA officials. "In adopting this budget, KCMO City Council chose to ignore the voices of bus riders, who provided 50+ in-person testimonies, hundreds of emails, and over 1000 signatures on a petition calling for better buses. With this budget, KCMO City Council shows complete apathy for the role that young people and bus riders have in shaping our Citys priorities in this budgeting process." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Click THIS LINK or the image: Developing . . . Or . . . They're standing up for controversial medical treatment. Either way . . . Whilst we appreciate thoughts and prayers . . . Clerics playing doctor MIGHT NOT be helpful for this debate that sparks intense emotions and arguments over "the science" of equity on the operating table. Still, in fairness, here's their argument: Kansas Interfaith Action, submitted a letter to Kansas legislators. Signed by more than 100 clergy from a wide variety of religions and denominations, the letter called on legislative leadership to reject any further discriminatory legislation targeting LGBTQ+ people in Kansas. We wrote, While we may hold differing teachings on LGBTQ+ issues in religious life, we join in common cause against any policy which might cause hurt or harm to people, no matter who they are. Unfortunately, the Legislature did not take our advice, and during this session it passed SB 233, a comprehensive ban on gender-affirming care for minors in Kansas. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Developing . . . Initiative petition progress confronts GOP rule-changing opposition along with a campaign 2024 November climax . . . Here are some of the deets and links to more info: Missouri voters will likely soon be asked by the lawmakers they elected to strip themselves of some power to put initiative petitions on the ballot to take action when politicians wont. Voters could be asked to place further restrictions on the already difficult, and costly, job of passing an initiative petition. One proposal would raise the number of signatures to put something on the ballot. On top of that, it raises the margin a petition would need to pass. Thats a House proposal. A similar proposal in the Senate would raise the threshold for a measure to pass, but not the signatures needed to put a question to voters. Conservative lawmakers see the measures as the most surefire way to block Missouri voters from enshrining the right to an abortion in the states constitution in November. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Lawmakers want your permission to weaken voters' ability to change the Missouri constitution Politicians pushing for the change say that outside groups have too much influence over ballot measures in Missouri. But their proposals could make that influence more powerful. Missouri voters likely won't see abortion legalization ballot question until November An abortion rights group has raised millions of dollars and recruited a large number of volunteers for an amendment to legalize abortion up to fetal viability. But unless Missouri's Secretary of State uses an unusual procedure to speed up counting petition signatures, it won't make it on the August primary ballot. Developing . . . Prominent Virginia politicians expressed solidarity with Israel following reports of drone strikes by Iran. Some lawmakers issued statements on Saturday night, others on Sunday: "Yesterday, the U.S. stood with our ally Israel to help it defend against Iranian attacks. We should continue to do so, just as we have played a key role in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russias illegal invasion. As part of those efforts, the House should finally act to pass the Senate-passed security bill to bolster the defenses of Israel and Ukraine. We must also continue to work with all nations to protect innocent civilians and deescalate violence throughout the region, by continuing to press for a deal between Israel and Hamas to release hostages and establish a significant ceasefire in Gaza. The safety of Americans and our servicemembers will always remain my top priority. I am grateful for the U.S. servicemembers including many from Virginia who are working with our allies in the region, and I will do all I can to resist any effort to push the United States into another unnecessary war in the Middle East. - Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees "Tonights response to Irans reckless attacks demonstrates the continued commitment by the U.S. to Israels security. We stand with the Israeli people and support Israels right to defend itself while seeking to avoid further escalation in an already volatile region." - Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence "During this time of great peril, our prayers are with Israel and all our Jewish community. We must stand strong with our allies and strong against Iran." - Gov. Glenn Youngkin "Iran attacked Israel launching missiles, rockets, and drones. @SpeakerJohnson must bring the U.S. Senate-passed bipartisan national security supplemental for an immediate vote in the U.S. House. As instability increases throughout the world, we must send this bill to the presidents desk to support our allies and civilians." - Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia's 7th Congressional District Iran attacked Israel launching missiles, rockets, and drones. @SpeakerJohnson must bring the U.S. Senate-passed bipartisan national security supplemental for an immediate vote in the U.S. House. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (@RepSpanberger) April 14, 2024 Iran has launched a direct attack against Israel. We must stand by our ally. My prayers are with the people of Israel. Am yisrael chai! Eileen Filler-Corn (@EFillerCorn) April 13, 2024 Iran's attack on Israel underscores the importance of urgent Congressional action. My cousin, who waited anxiously in a bomb shelter in Israel yesterday, shared with me that they 'just lived through a miracle.' The House must pass the Bipartisan National Security bill, which already passed the Senate, to provide Israel and our allies with the capabilities they need to defend democracy. "Our commitment to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan must remain ironclad and unwavering. Bring the Senate bill to a vote tomorrow and pass it without delay." - former Democratic Del. Eileen Filler-Corn of Fairfax, the first Jewish person to serve as speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Grateful for our service members on the frontlines tonight who interdicted the Iranian threats and protected our ally in Israel. Dan Helmer (@HelmerVA) April 14, 2024 Grateful for our service members on the front lines tonight who interdicted the Iranian threats and protected our ally in Israel. Tonights attack by Iran reinforces the need for American leadership and for us to stand with our allies. The House must approve the bill to send aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan immediately. - Del. Dan Helmer, a Fairfax Democrat "Israel is and always will be our strongest ally in the Middle East. Please join me in praying for the Israeli people." - Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia's 2nd Congressional District A smallish cash donation is worth a peek because if only because it shows shifting political alliances. UNIONS TURN CONSERVATIVE AMID CAMPAIGN 2024?!?! It's an argument worth having as workers want to leverage their collective bargaining power and not just enjoy social media alliances with professional protesters looking for handouts. Check-it: The Teamsters union's political action committee is jumping into the Missouri Senate race, contributing $5,000 to Sen. Josh Hawley's re-election campaign, Axios has learned. Why it matters: It's the latest indication that one of the country's biggest and most powerful labor unions which has yet to endorse in the presidential election is willing to back Republicans who share its priorities. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . UK tourists in Spain are facing backlash as locals demand they go home due to overtourism issues. The Spanish government is considering stepping in to regulate holiday apartments as frustrations rise. These events are unfolding in popular vacation spots like Tenerife and Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands. UK Tourists Told to Leave Spain Amid Growing Tensions The conflict has been sparked by concerns that only 2.4% of Spanish homes are public, compared to a European average of 9%. This shortage has led to increased dissatisfaction with the housing market, exacerbated by the influx of tourists. In a recent interview, Housing Minister Isabel Rodriguez emphasized the possibility of government intervention to manage the number of holiday rentals, addressing the 1.5 million shortfall in public housing. Jorge Marichal, president of the regional hotel association ASHOTEL, expressed on COPE radio that the local community's frustration is not anti-tourist but a call for adequate infrastructure to support the current tourism model. As per Manchester Evening News, Marichal pointed out that changes in technology and platforms like Airbnb have transformed many properties into business ventures without sufficient regulatory oversight, leading to a mismatch between tourist accommodations and infrastructure investments. As Spain grapples with these challenges, the planned protests on April 20 aim to draw attention to the need for balanced tourism that respects local residents' needs. The situation highlights the broader impacts of global travel trends on local communities and the pressing need for sustainable tourism practices. The ongoing debate continues as UK tourists are urged to consider the strain their presence can put on local resources. Related Article : Etiquette Expert Calls Out British Tourists for Plane Misconduct UK Tourists Upset Over New Travel Rule in Spain UK tourists are expressing frustration over a new rule in Spain that requires them to prove they have enough money for their stay. This regulation mandates that visitors have 113.40 (approximately 97) for each day they spend in Spain, including visits to the mainland, Canary Islands, and Balearics. Birmingham Live reported that the change has sparked a strong reaction among British holidaymakers. One tourist suggested that if everyone chose not to visit Spain and instead vacationed in other Mediterranean countries, Spain would soon feel the economic impact. This sentiment was echoed by others who feel the rule is a sign of Spain's desperation for tourist money. Some tourists are defending their position by pointing out Spain's economic ranking, noting that Spain is not a "poor country" as some suggest, being 15th in global GDP rankings, just behind South Korea and Australia. In response to the new financial requirements, many are advocating for a boycott or choosing alternative destinations where their presence and money are more appreciated. This rule comes as part of Spain's efforts to manage tourism and ensure visitors can financially support themselves during their stay. The situation has left many questioning their future travel plans to Spain, with some considering permanent changes to their vacation destinations. Riyadh is planning to open one of the largest airports in the world by 2030. Named King Salman International Airport, it will be designed to handle up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030, and 185 million by 2050. Linda Schucroft, Vice President of Innovation and Customer Experience at the airport, discussed these plans ahead of the FTE EMEA and FTE Ancillary & Retailing events in Dublin, scheduled for June 11-13. Riyadh's New Gateway Redefines Air Travel for the Future The new airport in Riyadh will cover 57 square kilometers and include six parallel runways. Its design focuses on the customer, offering personalized experiences in both physical and digital forms. Future Travel Experience shared that the aim is to provide journeys customized to the needs of each traveler, breaking away from the typical business and economy class experiences. This innovative approach includes using first-to-market AI-powered platforms to enhance how passengers interact with airport services. In addition to the airport itself, a large area surrounding the facility will be developed into an "airport city." This will include residential areas, hotels, retail spaces, and offices, creating a vibrant community for both travelers and local residents. Schucroft also shared a unique partnership with Riyadh Air, which will allow the airport to share data with the new airline to improve service. This collaboration aims to streamline the passenger experience by reducing wait times and stress at the airport. As the airport prepares for its grand opening, it is also focusing on adopting new technologies like AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies are expected to revolutionize the way travelers move through the airport, providing a seamless and efficient experience. King Salman International Airport is setting the stage to transform Riyadh into a key player in global aviation, aiming to deliver an unparalleled travel experience. Riyadh to Build New King Salman International Airport Saudi Arabia is set to construct the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, part of its efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil and enhance the city's transport facilities. This new project, led by Riyadh Airports Company and designed by the British firm Foster + Partners, will replace the current King Khalid International Airport. The airport will cover an area of 57 square kilometers and feature six parallel runways. According to the International Airport Review, it is designed to handle up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030 and has the potential to expand to accommodate 185 million passengers by 2050. Additionally, the airport will have the capacity to process 3.5 million tonnes of cargo annually. A significant aspect of the airport's design is its commitment to sustainability, aiming for LEED Platinum certification. It will incorporate green initiatives and rely on renewable energy sources. Funding for the airport's construction comes from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which forecasts that the airport will contribute SAR27 billion annually to the economy and create over 100,000 jobs. Alongside the airport, the newly established Riyadh Air plans to operate its fleet of 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, contributing an additional $20 billion to the country's non-oil GDP through tourism. Planning a trip to France? If you're a Disney lover or just into charming old towns, you've got to check out Riquewihr and Ribeauville. These aren't your everyday French towns; they actually inspired the "little town" from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Wander down Riquewihr's cute cobblestone streets, check out the colorful houses, and maybe even pop into a wine cellar for a quick taste. Just a short drive away is Ribeauville, where you can get lost in its medieval vibes and explore ancient ruins. Both spots are perfect for snagging cool pics and soaking up some fairy tale magic on your French getaway! But why should you visit these famous French towns? How can we visit these two villages? Let's find out! Why Visit Riquewihr? Riquewihr is a gem among the French towns, often touted as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This town offers a vivid snapshot of medieval Alsatian architecture, making it feel like you have entered a Disney movie. Its brightly painted houses and decorated shop fronts provide a picturesque setting perfect for leisurely walks or photo ops. Beyond aesthetics, Riquewihr is renowned for its wine, so visiting local cellars for tastings is a must-do activity. The town also hosts charming seasonal markets that offer a variety of local crafts and fresh produce. If you love history, culture, and wine, Riquewihr will not disappoint. Explore Ribeauville A short drive from Riquewihr, Ribeauville presents a different yet equally enchanting character. This town is known for its medieval heritage, which is evident in its ancient architecture and the ruins of the Three Castles of Ribeaupierre that loom nearby. Ribeauville is vibrant and active, famous for its festivals like the Medieval Festival, which bring history to life through music and performances. As one of the famous French towns, it is also a center for wine production, where visitors can enjoy local varietals. Its scenic vineyards offer stunning views and are perfect spots for afternoon picnics. Shops and cafes line the streets, making Ribeauville a full-day outing. The Magic of Walking Through History When you walk the streets of these French towns, you are walking through history. Both Riquewihr and Ribeauville have meticulously preserved their heritage, allowing you to see and feel the layers of the past in the present. In Riquewihr, the cobblestone paths and fortified walls tell tales of centuries gone by. Ribeauville, with its proximity to historical ruins, connects you directly to the Middle Ages. Exploring these towns gives you a deeper appreciation of French history and architecture. It is an immersive experience that history buffs and romantic souls will cherish. How to Visit Riquewihr and Ribeauville Planning your visit to these French towns is easier than you might think. Both Riquewihr and Ribeauville are accessible by car and public transport from major cities like Strasbourg or Colmar. If you are driving, the scenic routes offer breathtaking views of the countryside, adding to the overall experience of your trip. For those relying on public transportation, regular bus services connect these towns to nearby cities. Once there, both towns are best explored on foot. Spend at least a day in each to fully experience what they have to offer. Police said Connor was traveling in a 1994 GMC 1500 in the 5100 block of Coal Road, a two-lane gravel road, when the vehicle went off the right side of the road, overcorrected, went off the left side, overcorrected and went airborne. The GMC struck a tree, and Connor was ejected. The father of the man killed by police on Friday says his son needed help for a mental illne Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). The UK Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Cameron, said the Royal Air Force could not shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine, as was the case in Israel. According to him, this would trigger the risk of escalation and a large-scale war in Europe. Cameron said this on the air of LBC, Ukrinform saw. Cameron said the use of Royal Air Force jets to shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine would lead to a "dangerous escalation" of the conflict. At the same time, the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, confirmed that the Royal Air Force fighter jets shot down several Iranian drones that had been launched at targets in Israel over the weekend. Cameron, commenting on the UK aid to Ukraine, said: "We've done more than any other country individually to help the Ukrainians. We've trained over 60,000 Ukrainian troops, we were the first to give them anti-tank weapons, long-range artillery and tanks." But, he warned of the risks of using British military assets in direct confrontation with Russia, telling Nick: "I think the difficulty with what you suggest is if you want to avoid an escalation in terms of a wider European war, I think the one thing you do need to avoid is NATO troops directly engaging Russian troops. That would be a danger of escalation." As Ukrinform reported earlier, the spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, Daniel Hagari, said that on the night of April 14, Iran launched at Israel more than 300 missiles and drones, 99% of which were intercepted by air defense forces. U.S. President Joe Biden condemned Iran and its proxy forces operating on the territory of other countries. The Defense Forces of Ukraine repelled 73 enemy attacks in five sectors of the front over the last day, most of them in the Bakhmut and Novopavlivka sectors. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in its update on the operational situation, according to Ukrinform. In the past 24 hours, there were 60 combat engagements on the battlefield in Ukraine. Over the past day, the Ukrainian Air Forces struck one Russian manpower cluster and one command post. The missile troops struck one enemy manpower cluster, two air defense systems, and one EW system. For their part, units of the Ukrainian missile forces hit eight enemy targets: one artillery unit, three areas of personnel concentration, and four drone ground control stations. The enemy launched 15 missile attacks, 18 air strikes, and 29 MLRS attacks on the positions of Ukrainian forces and Ukrainian cities and villages. As a result of Russian terrorist attacks, unfortunately, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population. Multi-storey buildings, private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. The situation in the Volyn and Polissia sectors remains unchanged. In the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna sectors, Russia maintains a military presence in the border areas, continues to conduct sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shells populated areas from its territory, and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy did not conduct offensive (assault) operations but instead shelled populated areas - about 20 towns and villages came under artillery and mortar fire. In particular, Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Kyslivka, and Pishchane in the Kharkiv region were under fire. In the Lyman sector, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled four enemy attacks near Terny in the Donetsk region. In the Bakhmut sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 27 enemy attacks in the areas of Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region, Verkhniokamianske, Spirne, Nove, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka in the Donetsk region. The Russian forces were trying to improve their tactical position there. In the Avdiivka sector, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 12 enemy attacks in the areas of Novobakhmutivka, Berdychi, Semenivka, Umanske, and Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region. Russian troops, with the support of aircraft, attempted to displace the Ukrainian defense units from their positions. In the Novopavlivka sector, Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back the enemy in the areas of Krasnohorivka, Novomykhailivka, Pobeda, Vodiane, and Urozhaine in Donetsk region. The Russian army, with the support of aircraft, attempted to break through the defense there 26 times. In the Orikhiv sector, the Russian army attacked Ukrainian positions five times near Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region, north of Pryiutne and southwest of Bilohirya in the Zaporizhzhia region. In the Kherson sector, the enemy continued attempts to dislodge the Ukrainian Armed Forces from their footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro River. During the day, the Russians launched four attacks on the Ukrainian positions near the village of Krynky, Kherson region, but all of them were unsuccessful. As reported by Ukrinform, on April 14, in the Sumy region, border guards repelled an attack by a sabotage and reconnaissance group that tried to enter from Russia. Photo: AFU General Staff Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently took action on a flurry of Virginia legislators measures related to reproductive health, mostly blocking bills designed to preserve the publics access to abortions and birth control as these same issues roil national debates and as other states pass laws that restrict womens bodily autonomy and roll back decades of abortion protections. First, a surprising signoff: Youngkin, a Republican, signed a bill from Democratic Del. Vivian Watts of Fairfax that prevents electronic menstrual data often collected in period-tracking digital apps from being subject to search warrants, subpoenas or court orders. Watts said in a phone interview Wednesday that her bill is a preventative measure that, considering the social climate of the nation, is warranted. The Arizona Supreme Court just allowed a law that goes back to the 1800s to override a law passed within the last decade, Watts said, referencing the states recent decision to uphold a 160-year-old statute that bans virtually all abortions and rejects a 2022 law that allowed abortions up to the 15th week of pregnancy. When the newly reenacted antebellum law was first created, Arizona wasnt a state, women couldnt vote and slavery was an ongoing American tradition. Arizonas near-total abortion ban is the latest example of how access to abortions has been increasingly limited since the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, removing constitutional protections for the procedure that is often necessary to save womens lives or health. My surprise at Youngkin greenlighting Watts bill isnt based on the commonsense merit of the measure. Protecting individuals private health information should be the standard of any state that respects its citizens. And its just downright creepy to imagine a Virginia judge or law enforcement officer scrutinizing the date and duration of peoples periods. That Youngkin advanced that bill while vetoing several other reproductive health measures is what seemed like an unexpected mixed message to me, Virginia abortion advocates and Watts. I am amazed that theres the recognition of the importance of privacy as a basic human right, Watts said of Youngkin signing her bill, thats not being recognized in the other abortion-related legislation, where the right of a private decision is not being respected. Which pieces of related legislation did the governor reject or alter? He shot down a bill carried by Sen. Barbara Favola, an Arlington Democrat, to prevent the extradition of people who come to Virginia for an abortion from other states where the procedure is illegal, should that person face related criminal charges in their home state. The bills extradition protection would have extended to doctors and medical workers who performed or assisted with out-of-state patients Virginia abortions, too. By vetoing this bill, the governor has refused to provide a layer of protection that Virginia healthcare professionals believe is necessary to ensure that they can provide abortion care without the fear of prosecution, Favola posted on social media platform X. Doctors and women seeking abortions in the state deserve the peace of mind this bill wouldve provided, she added. Bills from Democrats Del. Candi Mundon King of Dumfries and Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy of Prince William that would have protected medical professionals who provide abortion care from disciplinary actions by the Board of Medicine also met Youngkins ax. He said no to a bill by Del. Sam Rasoul, a Roanoke Democrat, mandating companies with 50 or more employees provide workers up to 10 days of unpaid bereavement leave after a family members death, but also, importantly, after a miscarriage, an unsuccessful reproductive technology procedure like in vitro fertilization, a stillbirth or following a medical diagnosis that negatively impacts pregnancy or fertility. A bill by Del. Marcia Price, a Newport News Democrat, to establish a right to access and use birth control regardless of the American Constitutions requirements was, like Watts bill, an effort to protect reproductive health care from future federal restrictions that may be on the horizon. Youngkin amended, and weakened, the bill by predicating Virginians right to contraceptives on landmark constitutional contraceptive protections, ones that could be overturned just like Roe. v. Wade. By doing so, he took the teeth right out of it. Youngkin didnt fully reject a measure from Democratic Sen. Ghazala F. Hashmi of Richmond and King to mandate insurance companies cover birth control; he amended it by adding a loophole allowing insurers to be exempt based on their religious or ethical beliefs. Religious beliefs about the God-given sanctity of life are the bedrock of Americas anti-abortion movement. Some use their religious beliefs to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people. Slave owners used their religious beliefs to condone owning human beings, even reading Bible passages about servants obeying their masters to enslaved Black people. The problem with the governor tacking on a religious beliefs exemption to Hashmis bill is that, historically and presently, religious beliefs have been a convenient way for some people to excuse their bad behavior, spread prejudices and enforce their agendas at the expense of others lives, liberty and wellbeing. Virginia is the last Southern state to preserve access to abortion with no new restrictions after Roes overturning. Our commonwealth is now a sanctuary of last resort for people who cant get abortion care that they desperately need where they live. As the reproductive health culture wars rage on, its imperative that Virginias laws reflect what citizens need and want: laws that support their health and ensure the best quality of life possible. Immediately after torching most abortion bills and diluting one to cement birth control as a human right, Youngkin started touting his revised budget as a way for state lawmakers and their constituents to reach common ground. But by rejecting the legislatures reproductive health measures, our governor also rejects the rights and will of many Virginians and contributes to the deepening political and cultural divides fracturing our country. This column was originally published in the Virginia Mercury. Russian propaganda does exist in Romania, and its strategy is to keep rejecting everything. Thats according to a local war correspondent, Remus Cernea, a Ukraine war reporter for Newsweek (Romania), who spoke at the Second Black Sea Security Conference of the International Crimea Platform, which is being held in the capital of Bulgaria, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The strategy pursued by propagandists is to reject everything, the journalist explained, recalling how swarms of trolls keep claiming that the war reports from Ukraine are allegedly shot in a film studio somewhere in Bucharest. Those trolls, he added, generate loads of comments, but in reality it is just several people who engage in communicating on behalf of dozens of accounts. These comments are part of Russia's big information war, the journalist said. According to Cernea, he must literally prove to his audience what he saw at the front with his own eyes. There are still many in Romania who do not act directly in favor of Russia, but try to put Ukraine in the shade, trying to confuse people. We need to understand this and resist," said Chernea. The Romanian journalist also noted that Ukrainian military administrations should communicate more closely with the press. "It is important that foreigners have the opportunity to see the truth about Ukraine and be deeply aware of the developments at the front, because this also affects the situation around weapon supplies. Truth and power are on the side of Ukraine. And we must directly show who is to blame for this war, so that no one has any doubts about this," the Romanian journalist emphasized. As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Second Black Sea Security Conference, hosted by Sofia, was jointly organized by Ukraine and Bulgaria. The conference is the flagship event of the Crimea Platform and the main stage for exploring solutions to security problems in the Black Sea region. Partners of the conference are Media Center Ukraine and the Crimean Human Rights Group. The event is attended by international experts, representatives of the governments of the International Crimea Platform member states and international institutions. The participants discussed strategies for responding to regional security threats, as well as actions Ukraine should take in order to successfully repel Russian aggression in the Black Sea region. Photo: Kyrylo Yevseyev The term in office of Ukraines Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Marko Shevchenko, is coming to an end as President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced the diplomat would be replaced by former Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov. Ukrinform took the opportunity to speak with the head of the Embassy in Moldova during the International Mayors Summit in Chisinau on April 11. The Ambassador touched on the topics of the perception of Russia's war against Ukraine in Moldovan society, assistance to Ukrainian refugees, the Transnistrian settlement and consular services to Ukrainian citizens living in the Transnistrian region of Moldova, as well as European integration, bilateral infrastructure projects, and prospects for the development of European markets. MOLDOVA HELPED DISPLACED UKRAINIANS - Ambassador, how do Moldovans see Russia's war against Ukraine? Has their perception changed in the last two years? Do people feel an immediate military threat coming from Russia? - If we are talking about the Moldovan society, they saw the beginning of the war as an emotional earthquake, the usual picture of the world that they had was disrupted. In practice, this manifested itself in extraordinary emotional empathy and willingness to help displaced Ukrainians. I know almost noone in Moldova whose home at the outset of the war didnt become a shelter for Ukrainians fleeing the war. This also applies to Moldovan officials. In private conversations, many of them recall how they sheltered families from Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson, and other regions of Ukraine. In fact, the society here was not ready for war in terms of economy, infrastructure, or readiness to accommodate a significant number of people at the same time, etc. But they managed to accept a huge wave of refugees, since Moldova is geographically very close to the southern and central regions of Ukraine. They were able to absorb this wave, while not having enough money or infrastructure simply due to the empathy and emotional push of ordinary people who simply accepted Ukrainian refugees in their homes. Of course, it was not about the best living conditions, but people shared what they had. It is important that they provided this assistance at the most difficult moment. Help that comes on time is much more valuable than that coming late. Later, the international community got engaged, flows of humanitarian aid began funds, food, medicines - but all came later. Now, two years into the outset of full-scale aggression, some part of Moldovan society is weary of the topic of war and does not follow the developments on a daily basis. switched to their daily problems, eased up psychologically, realizing that Russian troops currently have no chance of invading Moldova, although it was previously assumed that they could. I remember frequent conversations with locals at the beginning of the war, when the most common question was "How is Mykolaiv doing?" What about Odesa?". They felt the breath of war very strongly at that time. But then they saw how the situation stabilized, learned about our counteroffensive, and now they perfectly understand that as long as Ukraine holds the front firmly, Russia cannot threaten them militarily. MEDIATION BY RUSSIA UNACCEPTABLE IN TRANSNISTRIA SETTLEMENT - Regarding the issue of Transnistria: our Foreign Ministry has clearly expressed the position that we consider the 5+2 settlement format, in which Russia serves as a mediator, to be ineffective, because it is an aggressor state. Does Moldova support this position? - The Moldovan authorities agree that the 5+2 format is really dysfunctional. By launching a full-scale war against us, Russia compromised its status as a mediator and guarantor of a peaceful Transnistrian settlement. Ukraine cannot sit at the same table and cooperate, in particular on the Transnistrian issue, with those who are waging a war of aggression against us. Therefore, the Moldovan authorities understand that under the current circumstances, this format of negotiations has no future. They are trying to develop a dialogue directly with Tiraspol on a number of issues of socio-economic interaction. Previously, before the war, Moscow would often repeat that Chisinau should "hear Tiraspol." And now, as Chisinau is developing these communications, but without the participation of Russia, the Kremlin isnt too excited about it. Moldova became an associate member of the European Union, the Moldovan (including Transnistrian) economy is now much more dependent on the European market than on the Russian one, many Transnistrian enterprises supply most of their products to European countries, not to Russia. And these are radical changes that have taken place in recent years in the matter of Transnistria's role and place within the Republic of Moldova. Against this background, Moldova employs the tactics of small steps, trying to build an independent dialogue with Tiraspol. Early this year, Transnistrian enterprises de facto returned to the single customs space of Moldova. Until recently, Transnistrian entrepreneurs had certain preferential conditions regarding customs payments and fees to the budget of Moldova. But since January 2024, all enterprises, regardless of the residence be it Chisinau or Tiraspol operate under uniform customs conditions. No preferences. Of course, Transnistrian entrepreneurs don't like this too much, but this is about equal conditions and opportunities, as well as fair competition. It seems to me that this step will benefit Transnistrian entrepreneurs because they received an additional incentive to improve their performance in order to be able not only to maintain, but also to increase their presence on the markets of Moldova and Europe. - The other day, the EU Ambassador to Moldova suggested that the country could theoretically gain EU membership even without Transnistria, although he admits that this would not be a preferable option for Brussels. What does Chisinau think of such prospects? - Russia has long used the Transnistrian problem to stop or at least slow down Moldovas movement toward the West. However, European integration is a priority for the Moldovan authorities and society as a whole. The current government of Moldova believes that the process of reintegration of the country can become an integral part of European integration. They believe that as the European market is opening, access to European funds will open, too, which will prepare the country to work in the conditions of the European market. The more opportunities appear in the candidate country, the more Transnistrian entrepreneurs, local authorities, and ordinary people will be interested in working under these conditions. For example, more than 300,000 citizens of Moldova currently live in Transnistria. This happened because at some point holders of Moldovan passports became eligible to unhindered entry into EU countries and a number of other countries, so the Moldovan passport became attractive to the residents of Transnistria, who "voted" to get it. By the way, Russian officials like to claim that about 200,000 citizens of the Russian Federation live in the Transnistrian region and that they are not indifferent to their fate. But they don't add that more than 300,000 holders of Moldovan passports live in the same region and very often these are the same people... Therefore, I believe that the gradual entry of the Transnistrian region into the informational, economic, tax and all other spaces of Moldova as European integration deepens can be successful. UKRAINIANS IN TRANSNISTRIA WILL NOT BE LEFT WITHOUT PROTECTION - During his visit to Tiraspol at the end of February, the ambassador on special assignments, Paun Rohovei, informed the authorities of the Transnistrian region of Moldova of the readiness to consider the issue of resuming consular services to citizens on the condition that security guarantees are in place. Is the reaction of Tiraspol to this Ukrainian proposal already known? - Actually, that statement was made after a meeting with the leadership of the Transnistrian region. We are really looking at that possibility, we are really thinking about our consuls resuming field consular service. We have set some conditions in this regard, and one of them lies on the surface, namely, we must be sure that our consuls are not in any danger during their stay in the territory not controlled by Chisinau. We need security guarantees for our staff. Regardless of whether they are holders of a diplomatic passport, or whether they are our employees from among the citizens of Moldova. We are preparing to resume this process. Before the war, our consuls regularly came to the Transnistrian region, providing services to our citizens, of whom there are many. Now authorities in that region declared a heightened terrorism threat, accusations were made against Ukraine in this regard. But I hope that our consuls will still be able to resume field consular service. At the initial stage, we plan to focus on socially vulnerable categories of citizens the elderly, the disabled, children, the sick, and others. BILATERAL PROJECTS CONTINUE - In June 2023, Ukraine and Moldova signed an agreement on the construction of a bridge across the Dniester near the settlements of Yampil and Koseut. At that time, it was reported that thanks to the project, Ukrainian exporters would get the shortest route from the center of Ukraine to the countries of Central and South-Eastern Europe. At what stage is this project now, given the situation around the blockade of the Polish border and new transport corridors becoming very relevant for Ukraine? - Of course, the war confused our plans. Both Ukraine and Moldova were forced to repeatedly revise their budgets and funding priorities in favor of more urgent expenses. But despite this, the bridge construction project remains relevant for both countries. An intergovernmental agreement on the construction of this significant infrastructural project was signed and ratified, and a corresponding joint commission was created, which will directly settle the issues of this project. After all, in projects of this kind, there are always a huge number of technical issues that need to be dealt with. - Ukraine currently faces various restrictions on its agricultural exports to EU countries. They are predicted to intensify during the accession negotiations. Does Moldova face similar restrictions? Are our countries competitors on the European market? - Regarding specific restrictions for Moldovan products, no significant information has been received so far. And when it comes to potential competition, I usually say that the European market is too big for our enterprises to compete with Moldovan ones. I believe that there will be enough space for both countries. We can occupy different niches in this market, not be competitors, but provide mutual assistance, including having joint projects. We already have a successful partnership experience, particularly in the agricultural sector. For example, in 2022, when part of the regions of Ukraine traditional suppliers of agricultural products was temporarily occupied, the shortage of certain products was partially compensated by the efforts of Moldovan producers. I remember a report where visitors to a Chisinau street market complained that prices remain high even in fall, because, they say, part of the Moldovan harvest is sent to Ukraine. But on the other hand, I am sure that Moldovan producers were very pleased that there is such a large market that can absorb a significant part of their products. Ievgen Matiushenko, Chisinau Title photo: ava.md Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba has called on NATO to strengthen its focus on the Black Sea region in order to counter Russian aggression and restore security. The head of Ukrainian diplomacy stated this in a video address to the participants of the II Black Sea Security Conference of the International Crimea Platform, Ukrinform reports with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "NATO must actively implement separate, comprehensive, and ambitious Black Sea strategy aimed at reducing Russia's malign influence and increasing regional stability," the minister said. He emphasized that NATO's Baltic-Black Sea flank will serve as a solid wall of protection against Russian aggression and terror. According to the minister, this will bring stability and peace to the region, which will allow everyone in Bulgaria, Ukraine, and other countries of the Black Sea region, Central Europe, and the Baltic to benefit from economic and trade growth. "What is required is a vision, strategy, and persistence in common actions to achieve our shared goals. The Black Sea must become the Sea of NATO, peace and stability. This has already happened in the Baltic Sea with Finland and Sweden joining the Alliance. The security of the entire region has been strengthened. When Ukraine and Georgia join NATO, the Black Sea will follow suit. This is a strategic goal that the Alliance and the entire Euro-Atlantic community must pursue," the minister said. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasized that strengthening Ukrainian air defense capabilities as soon as possible will also strengthen regional and global stability, as it protects the security of Ukraine's neighbors and the entire Black Sea region from Russian air terror. According to the minister, Russia's war of aggression proved how indivisible the security of the Black Sea region is. "Only Russias defeat and the complete restoration of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity will bring stability, security, and the prospect of strong economic development to the Black Sea region. Ukraine can achieve such an outcome with sufficient support," he said. As Ukrinform reported earlier, Ukraine and Bulgaria are holding the II Black Sea Security Conference of the International Crimea Platform in Sofia on April 15. The conference is co-organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Ukraine and Bulgaria in partnership with the Center for Defense Strategies (Ukraine). Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and discussed with him the situation with the air and missile defense of Ukraine. That's according to the press service of the head of state, Ukrinform reports. "The head of state informed [the minister] about the current security situation in the country, in particular about the intensification of massive missile attacks on critical infrastructure by the aggressor state, the Russian Federation. The president thanked Norway for its significant contribution to strengthening the defense capabilities of the Ukrainian Defense Forces," the statement reads. Video: Office of the President of Ukraine Both parties noted the successful completion of bilateral negotiations on the signing of an agreement on security guarantees. In particular, it was agreed that the two countries' leaders would sign the strategic document at the nearest opportunity. Separately, the parties discussed the situation in the field of the air and missile defense of Ukraine and exchanged opinions on possible ways of expanding assistance from Norway in this matter. Zelensky thanked Norway for about $7.1 billion in military and humanitarian aid, which Ukraine receives as part of the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine for 20232027. "We count on the support of the government of Norway and the Storting in making a decision to significantly expand the amount of aid to Ukraine as part of this program," he said. As reported, the Norwegian foreign minister said that his country wants to help Ukraine in the war against Russian aggression and is doing everything possible to improve air defense and support the energy system. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, has met with Queen Mary in Denmark and thanked her for cooperation in all endeavors. Zelenska announced this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports. "The Danish royal family has supported Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. During the visit to Denmark last year, the President of Ukraine and I had the honor of meeting with Queen Margrethe II," the first lady said. "And today I am glad to meet Queen Mary of Denmark," Zelenska added. According to her, "like all of her family, the Queen of Denmark is active in social activities, in particular, she patronizes more than 30 organizations, including those that provide humanitarian aid, take care of health care, and protect women's rights." "I am grateful to the royal family for the fact that Denmark is one of our biggest and most reliable partners in all endeavors," Zelenska said. Photo credit: Olena Zelenska / Facebook In the building that once housed the Oregon Electric Railroad station, memories of Albanys past linger everywhere. At the entrance, there is a room where ladies once waited to board the train. At the far end, near a wall of bricks, was where the luggage was kept. And down in the dark, cramped basement, workers once climbed a ladder down to shovel sawdust into a fire to keep the building warm. A Place to Sleep, episode 7: Grants Pass It's a community that openly heckles and worse its homeless neighbors, many who have deep roots. And it may have a date with the Supreme Court. It makes old Albany come to life, Matt Bennett said, walking past the wall of green interior tiles of the 112-year-old building. For the past two years, Bennett and wife Janel have worked on restoring the building at 133 Fifth Ave. SE in hopes that his restaurant, Sybaris Bistro, would relocate there. But the project has been more expensive than he originally anticipated, and now it's in jeopardy. Going to City Hall On April 8, accompanied by a group of supporters, Bennett came to City Council to request a forgivable loan of $545,000. Bennett said he had been in conversation with the city and had been trying for two years to get a time slot on the agenda. Originally the group expected to have 10 minutes, but not being on the official agenda, the group instead had the standard three minutes made available to anyone wanting to address the council during the public comments portion of the meeting. "The cost to borrow the money and the cost of construction have substantially increased in two years since their initial contact with the city to a state that is not economically viable without the city's support," reads a report sent to councilors. The letter, penned by Bennett and former Albany economic development manager Kate Porsche, argues that although the grants and loans program ended in 2018, there were several ad hoc projects that continued into 2021. The packet argued that the project met the project criteria and that the city had the available funds. The packet included letters of support from several prominent community members, including Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janet Steele, Albany Visitors Association Executive Director Rebecca Bond and CEO of Samaritan Health Services Marty Cahill. Im just going to hit the highlights. We thought we were going to have 10 minutes, so Im a little disappointed to hear there are only three, Porsche said. The project is a highly visible building and will drive economic development through tourism, she said. Now is the time to support his project. Its at a critical juncture, Porsche said. When the three minutes were up, Porsche asked if the council had questions. Mayor Alex Johnson II replied council members don't engage in a back-and-forth during business from the public. At the end of the work session, though, councilors expressed their frustration in cutting the presentation short. It sounded like earlier there was an agreement," Councilor Jackie Montague said. "Im really disappointed in the city for not holding up that agreement, and I ask that they come back to speak with us at the time that was agreed upon. With the Albany Revitalization Agency due to shut down its redevelopment efforts soon, Montague expressed the need for a program and plan in place to continue to support downtown Albany's growth. Councilor Matilda Novak said she supported Bennett's proposal. I am loathe at the thought of the city not doing what we can to help this business, which for every reason I support with everything in me, she said. Once a downtown restauranteur herself, Novak said the railroad building, with its rodent infestations, has fallen into terrible disrepair, and that money has already been expended for its rehabilitation. Even the state had granted $200,000, she said. She would hate to see the building backslide if the project was abandoned, Novak said, adding that the building was a point of pride for the town not to mention the Bennetts helped put Albany on the map with their upscale restaurant. We have to find a way, Novak said. City Manager Peter Troedsson said that he probably misled the Bennetts about the change in allotted time. He added that before he moved to Albany he had heard about Sybaris, and it indeed is a source of pride for the town. City staff had previously helped the project apply for grants, he added. On Wednesday, April 10, the topic was revisited. Without a program in place, the City Council can't simply gift public funds, City Attorney Sean Kidd said. That would open councilors to legal liability if someone were to challenge the decision in court. While the council doesn't have the discretion to give away money, developing a program, a revolving loan or grant program is certainly possible, Troedsson said. However, creating a program would require staff to evaluate priorities against other existing programs, he said. There are programs that exist to ensure the the welfare of historic downtown such as the Landmarks Commission, he said. Montague asked that the Economic Development Advisory Committee evaluate the historical preservation program and the work that the economic development team does to identify any gaps. The Old Railroad Station With the sunsetting of ARA's Centralized Albany Revitalization Area, the district into which redevelopment money was poured, Bennett feels like he missed the train in his ability to get funding from the city. There were several projects that seemed to come after the sunsetting, what the memo he sent refers to as ad hoc funding. They dont want to do any more projects, he said. He didnt want to say anything other than he was surprised by the reaction at City Hall after the first meeting last week. Inside the building, enormous arched windows let in light from parallel sides of the building. Green tiles grace the walls, and ornate details line the ceiling like frosting on a cake. The floor still has remnants of tar, and if you stand still for too long you might start sticking to the ground, Bennett said with a laugh. Everything about the old railroad station indicates that it was made with the intention to impress, Bennett said. Back in 1912, it was posh to get your materials shipped in. So the bricks are from Philadelphia and many of the other pieces were not made locally. Going through such lengths to get things shipped in was a status symbol of the time, he said. A bit of a history buff, Bennetts favorite findings were the holes in the wall that led to the basement. Back when the place first opened, workers would climb down to feed sawdust in the fire, he said. Could you imagine after a long day of work, having to haul yourself up a ship ladder? he marveled. The trains stopped in the 1930s, and the building most recently was the site of the pizza restaurant, Ciddicis. The tiles were red, but during the renovation process, Bennett washed away layers of paint to discover that they were in fact a jade green, the same color as the ceramic roof tiles. Plans for the renovations detail a lounge, dining room, bar, fireplace and bar inside, as well as outdoor seating on the patio. Restoration and renovation have been a slow process, Bennett wants to do it the right way, he said. I want to put the time into it that this place deserves, he said. But the future is uncertain, he acknowledged. Bennett said he looking into loans through several banks and still evaluating whether the effort is feasible. Related stories: Pregnancy discrimination in educational settings continues to be a pressing issue, as highlighted by a recent case at Hinds Community College in Mississippi. A pregnant student whose identity has not been disclosed faced numerous challenges and violations of her rights under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The student's experience sheds light on the importance of supporting pregnant students and ensuring they are not unfairly disadvantaged in their pursuit of education. Denial of Supports and Accommodations The student's ordeal began when she requested flexibility to leave a class early for a doctor's appointment related to her pregnancy. Instead of accommodating her request, college officials told her to withdraw from the semester. This lack of flexibility and support is a clear violation of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy, in educational programs and activities. Furthermore, the student faced additional challenges due to her pregnancy, including difficulties finding time and a suitable place to pump breast milk. Despite requesting breaks for this purpose, she often had to resort to pumping in a restroom, which is not only unsanitary but also reflects a lack of consideration for her needs as a new mother. READ ALSO : How To Maximize The Community College Experience Harassment and Hostile Environment The student also endured harassment from her instructor, who made derogatory comments about her unborn child and questioned her parenting decisions. This behavior created a hostile environment that made it difficult for the student to focus on her studies and complete her program. The instructor's actions were inappropriate and contributed to the student's feelings of discouragement and humiliation. Despite the student's complaints, college officials did not address the harassment until the instructor was fired. However, even after the student filed a Title IX complaint, the college failed to provide any remedy for the effects of the harassment, further exacerbating the student's distress. OCR Investigation and Resolution The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) investigated the student's complaint and found several violations of Title IX. As a result, Hinds Community College has agreed to reimburse the student for the total cost of tuition and any related mandatory expenses for the final semester. The college has also committed to revising its policies and training its employees to support pregnant students. OCR's findings also revealed systemic issues at the college, including a lack of processes to respond to pregnant students' requests and a failure to consider pregnancy or related conditions as Title IX matters. Additionally, the college did not seem to consider whether the student's pregnancy had caused a temporary disability, which would have qualified her for academic adjustments under federal law. The Importance of Addressing Pregnancy Discrimination This case underscores the importance of addressing pregnancy discrimination in educational settings and ensuring that pregnant students receive the support and accommodations they need to succeed. Academic institutions must have policies and procedures in place to protect the rights of pregnant students and ensure they are not unfairly disadvantaged due to their pregnancy. Furthermore, colleges and universities must train their employees on how to support pregnant students and respond to their requests appropriately. By upholding Title IX rights and supporting pregnant students, educational institutions can create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. President Biden's plan to forgive some or all student loans for 26 million Americans has garnered significant attention and debate. According to Penn Wharton Budget Model economists, the plan would cost about $84 billion over ten years. When combined with the administration's income-driven repayment plan, known as Saving On a Valuable Education (SAVE), the total cost would be $559 billion. This report examines the details of the plan, its potential impact, and the broader implications for student loan debt relief. The Cost and Scope of the Plan The estimated cost of the student loan forgiveness plan, $84 billion over ten years, is substantial. Still, it is significantly lower than the cost of the SAVE program, which is projected to cost about $475 billion over the same period. The total cost of $559 billion, when including both plans, reflects the administration's commitment to providing relief to borrowers burdened by student loan debt. The plan targets borrowers who fall into five discrete categories, although the specific details of these categories have not been fully disclosed. Individuals who owe more than they initially borrowed could have all their accrued interest eliminated if they earn less than $120,000 and are enrolled in the SAVE program. According to the analysis, this aspect of the plan is expected to cost about $58 billion. READ ALSO : Biden Administration Introduces Sweeping Relief Plan For Over 26 Million Student Loan Borrowers, Prioritizing Economic Equity And Opportunity Potential Impact and Criticisms While the plan aims to provide much-needed relief to borrowers, critics argue that it may not address the root causes of the student loan debt crisis. Some argue that more comprehensive reforms are needed to address rising tuition costs and the broader impact of student loan debt on the economy. Additionally, there are concerns about the plan's fairness, with some questioning why specific borrowers are eligible for loan forgiveness while others are not. The plan's focus on particular categories of borrowers has also been criticized for potentially excluding individuals who may also be struggling with student loan debt. Comparisons to Previous Proposals The estimated cost of President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan is lower than that of his initial proposal, which was struck down by the Supreme Court last summer. The original plan was estimated to cost about $519 billion over ten years, highlighting the administration's efforts to find a more cost-effective solution to the student loan debt crisis. The SAVE program, which offers more generous repayment terms and quicker paths to forgiveness than other federal repayment plans, is a critical component of the administration's strategy to address student loan debt. However, its high cost has raised concerns about its long-term sustainability and the potential impact on the federal budget. President Biden's plan to forgive some or all student loans for 26 million Americans represents a significant step towards addressing the student loan debt crisis. While the plan has a substantial cost, it is viewed as a necessary investment in the future of millions of Americans burdened by student loan debt. As details of the plan are finalized and implemented, its impact on borrowers and the broader economy will become more apparent. The traditional four-year bachelor's degree has long been the standard in higher education, but recent efforts to introduce three-year degree programs challenge this norm. The College-in-3 Exchange and advocates like Bob Zemsky and Lori J. Carrell are leading the charge to create faster, more affordable, and higher-quality degree pathways for students. This report explores the progress, challenges, and potential impact of the push for three-year bachelor's degrees. The Need for Change The call for innovation in higher education stems from concerns about affordability, the value of college credentials, and the sustainability of institutions in an evolving landscape. With demographic shifts and declining college enrollment, institutions seek new ways to attract and retain students while addressing the growing student debt crisis. The College-in-3 Exchange encourages institutions to develop three-year degree programs to respond to these challenges. By reducing the academic credits required for graduation from the traditional 120 to as low as 90, colleges and universities hope to provide students with a faster and more cost-effective path to a degree. READ MORE : What Are Other Options Aside From Attending College? Here Are the Top 9 Alternative Paths Progress and Challenges Despite the enthusiasm and efforts of advocates like Zemsky and Carrell, progress in implementing three-year degree programs has been slow. As of last spring, no pilot programs developed by participating institutions had been approved by accreditors and states to begin operating. Institutions face numerous roadblocks, including state laws and accreditation processes that hinder their ability to launch three-year degree programs. Accreditors like the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities have expressed caution and reluctance to approve such programs without evidence of successful outcomes. However, recent developments have sparked optimism among proponents of three-year degrees. Indiana's legislature passed a measure requiring public colleges to develop three-year degree options. Senator Amy Klobuchar secured funding for colleges to experiment with shorter degree pathways through federal financial aid programs. A New Era of Innovation The College-in-3 Exchange unveiled an ambitious strategy to create regional networks of institutions that will pilot three-year degree experiments. These networks, led by "host" institutions, aim to build momentum and support for innovative degree pathways. A significant breakthrough came during a recent gathering at Merrimack College, where officials from accrediting agencies signaled a willingness to consider approving reduced-credit bachelor's degree programs. The Higher Learning Commission announced that it would evaluate institutions seeking to offer three-year degrees without requiring pilot projects or additional requirements. This shift in accreditation policy has energized colleges and universities nationwide, paving the way for more widespread adoption of three-year degree programs. Institutions like Merrimack College are already recruiting participants for their regional networks, signaling a growing momentum for change in higher education. The push for three-year bachelor's degrees represents a fundamental shift in higher education towards greater accessibility, affordability, and flexibility. While challenges remain, recent developments indicate a growing acceptance and support for innovative degree pathways. As colleges and universities continue experimenting with and implementing three-year degree programs, the impact on students, institutions, and higher education will become increasingly apparent. With the support of advocates, policymakers, and accrediting agencies, the vision of a more streamlined and effective higher education system may soon become a reality. In a recent development that has stirred heated debates across Ohio, the state's House Higher Education Committee voted in favor of House Bill 183 (HB 183), a piece of legislation that would restrict transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms aligning with their gender identities. Sponsored by State Reps. Beth Lear and Adam Bird, both Republicans, the bill aims to mandate schools to enforce the use of facilities based on the student's sex assigned at birth. What House Bill 183 Entails House Bill 183 proposes stringent restroom and locker room regulations in Ohio K-12 schools and colleges. Under the bill's provisions, students would be required to utilize facilities corresponding to the sex assigned to them at birth, effectively denying transgender students access to spaces that align with their gender identities. Additionally, the bill prohibits schools from permitting students to share overnight accommodations with individuals of a different sex. Notably, the American Medical Association has formally opposed policies that impede transgender individuals from accessing essential services and public facilities consistent with their gender identities. However, HB 183 stands in contradiction to this stance, raising concerns about its potential impact on the well-being and rights of transgender students. Political Division and Legislative Outlook The passage of HB 183 through the Ohio House Higher Education Committee reflects a stark partisan divide, with the bill receiving approval via a 10-5 party-line vote. While proponents of the bill, including its sponsors, assert that it addresses concerns raised by parents, grandparents, and school superintendents, critics argue that it undermines the autonomy of educational institutions and jeopardizes the safety and inclusivity of transgender students. Discussions surrounding potential amendments to exempt colleges and universities from the bill's provisions have surfaced. State Rep. Gayle Manning considered such an amendment but refrained from pursuing it, expressing hope for ongoing dialogues to refine the legislation. However, dissenting voices, like State Rep. Joe Miller, have vehemently opposed the bill, cautioning against its potential ramifications on student safety and equitable access to facilities. Community Response and Advocacy Efforts Following the committee's decision, transgender advocates and allies have mobilized to voice their opposition to HB 183. Highlighting the detrimental impact of the bill, advocates emphasize its potential to exacerbate the marginalization and discrimination faced by transgender students. Carson Hartlage, a board member of Trans Ohio, underscores the harmful implications of denying transgender students access to facilities aligned with their gender identities, citing statistics indicating the prevalence of such discriminatory practices in educational settings. Moreover, individuals directly affected by the bill, such as Dion Manley, Ohio's first openly transgender public official, have shared personal experiences and concerns regarding its implementation. Mallory Golski of the Kaleidoscope Youth Center has underscored the urgency of safeguarding the rights and well-being of transgender youth, framing the legislation as a regressive step that undermines efforts towards inclusivity and equality. The passage of HB 183 marks a contentious juncture in Ohio's legislative landscape, prompting critical reflections on the rights and dignity of transgender students. As the bill awaits further consideration in the House, the ensuing debates and advocacy efforts will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of policies affecting transgender individuals in educational settings. Advocates emphasize the importance of fostering environments that prioritize inclusion, safety, and respect for all students, regardless of gender identity. April 15 2024 Clark Contracts and CRGP Architects have unveiled a newly built office pavilion at Annickbank Innovation Campus, Irvine. Commissioned by North Ayrshire Council the 350sq/m building will attract small businesses specialising in the life sciences sector to the strategic development area. Adhering to the red/brown brick and zinc cladding template laid down by earlier development in the vicinity the latest addition to the campus will lead to further phases of growth. In a planning statement outlining the intent behind the build, CRGP wrote: "The materiality and architecture of the building seeks to be in keeping with the overall character of the site by adopting complementary materials that echo those of the existing pavilions. However, the design ultimately endeavours to provide a sense of uniqueness and identity, serving as a precedent for future development on the site. "We believe this will then lead to a varied, architecturally interesting series of pavilions that will enhance the Innovation Campuss appeal to future tenants and businesses." The building reduced its embodied carbon cost by making use of recycled material for its foundations and has been accredited with an EPC A+ rating. (@Abdulla99267510) Pakistan, however, lacks a coherent strategy in utilizing cigarette taxation and pricing as a public health tool. ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 15th, 2024) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended Pakistan to overhaul tax machinery and to tax non-essential items including cigarettes to boost revenue and improve public health. The global lender has given a set of recommendation and taxing non-essential items including cigarettes has received appreciation by health advocates and experts. This is a crucial time for the government to fix economic problems and implement the IMF recommendation, said Professor Muhammad Zaman, head of Zaman Research Center at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU). He said the IMF report has referred to a phenomenal study on this subject conducted by Capital Calling, an Islamabad-based think tank, which says the cigarette consumption has decaresed due to increase in prices. He said there is a need to bring into account the cost of morbidity and mortality that smoking inflicts on the society. Smoking is injurious to health regardless of the cigarette brand, he said. He pointed to critical flaws within Pakistan's tax system particularly the cigarette industry, which have facilitated a loss of Rs567 billion during last seven years, as revealed by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). The study further exposed the influence of multinational cigarette companies on policymakers, particularly evident in the introduction of a three-tier excise duty structure in 2017, which prioritized revenue collection over public health considerations. However, subsequent analysis proved this approach to be ineffective and misleading in revenue generation. The SDIP research highlighting global best practices and how high and middle-income countries have successfully used high cigarette taxes to reduce consumption and boost government revenues. Dr. Hassan Shehzad from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) echoed sentiments from the World Health Organization (WHO), stressing the need to shield tobacco tax policies from vested interests of cigarette companies to ensure effective development, implementation, and enforcement of public health initiatives. Pakistan, however, lacks a coherent strategy in utilizing cigarette taxation and pricing as a public health tool. Gaza Strip, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Apr, 2024) Gaza's Crossings Authority said Israel released dozens of Palestinian detainees into the territory on Monday, alleging mistreatment which the Israeli military denied. Israeli soldiers have rounded up hundreds of Gazans during their more than six-month war against Hamas in the territory, holding them without charge before releasing some in groups. "Since the early hours of the morning, 150 prisoners from various parts of the Gaza Strip who were detained by the Israeli occupation have been released," via the Kerem Shalom border crossing, according to Crossings Authority spokesman Hisham Adwan. "It is very noticeable that there is severe mistreatment of these prisoners, as a number of them were sent to Abu Yousef al-Najjar Hospital for treatment" in Rafah, a city in Gaza's far south, he added. One of those released on Monday told AFP he and a friend were beaten and tortured in Israeli detention. AFP is not publishing his name for his safety. "I remained on my knees for (almost two months), from five in the morning until 10 at night, blindfolded and with tied hands," he said. "The army... released dogs on us to attack us," he added. "They beat and tortured us." The Israeli military did not comment on the release of these detainees but said the mistreatment of those in detention was "absolutely prohibited". "Those who are not involved in terrorist activity are released back to the Gaza Strip," it told AFP in a statement. Last month, the Gaza Crossings Authority said 56 Palestinian detainees released from Israeli prisons "showed signs of torture" committed during their detention. Israel's military said at the time that detainees "are treated in accordance with international law". Also last month, the head of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, Philippe Lazzarini, said Gazans held by Israeli forces have come back "completely traumatised" upon release and reported abuses while in captivity. He said Gazans detained by Israel reported "a broad range of ill treatment" including threats of electrocution, being photographed naked, sleep deprivation and having dogs used to intimidate them. In January, the United Nations' human rights representative in the Palestinian territories said thousands of Gazan men may have been detained by Israeli forces since war erupted on October 7, often facing conditions that could amount to torture. Los Angeles, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Apr, 2024) The armorer who loaded the gun that killed a cinematographer on the set of the Alec Baldwin movie "Rust" was sentenced to 18 months in prison by a US court on Monday. Hannah Gutierrez stood impassive as a judge in New Mexico told her she was not remorseful for the October 2021 death of Halyna Hutchins during filming of the budget Western. "You were the armorer, the one that stood between a safe weapon and a weapon that could kill someone. You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon," Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said. "But for you, Miss Hutchins would be alive. A husband would have his partner and a little boy would have his mother." Gutierrez's 10-day trial for involuntary manslaughter had heard how despite being the person charged with handling on-set firearms, the 26-year-old had repeatedly failed to follow basic safety rules, leaving guns unattended and allowing actors -- including Baldwin -- to wave weapons around. It also heard how she was responsible for the presence of six live rounds -- a movie industry red line -- and how she had loaded one of them into the Colt .45 that Baldwin was using. The weapon discharged as the actor was preparing a scene inside a wooden church, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. "Halyna Hutchins died due to a cascade of safety violations that began with Miss Gutierrez introducing live rounds to the movie set, loading one into a prop gun telling the members of the crew that it was a cold gun," prosecutor Kari Morrissey told the sentencing hearing in Santa Fe. "That conduct absent responsibility or remorse is deserving of a sentence of 18 months." Corrine Knapp Corrine Knapp, an associate professor in the University of Wyomings Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, has been selected as the inaugural Haub Fellow at Ucross. Presented once a year to a Haub School faculty member, the fellowship offers a two-week residency at Ucross, which includes private studio space; living accommodations; meals by a professional chef; and the experience of interdisciplinary, cross-cultural conversation with international artists-in-residence, all on Ucross 20,000-acre ranch in northern Wyoming. Our landscape, our land stewardship initiatives and the deep connection between creativity and place are embedded in the Ucross mission, as well as the unique perspective on the American West that we provide, says Ucross President and Executive Director William Belcher. This partnership with the Haub School is a natural extension of our program, and we look forward to welcoming Corrie Knapp to Ucross this fall. The idea of the partnership began in 2023, after Ucross and the Haub School collaborated on a pilot fellowship project during which Jacob Hochard, the Knobloch Associate Professor of Conservation Economics in the Haub School, received time and space at the prestigious residency program. Hochard described his two-week residency at Ucross, and the bond formed with the interdisciplinary artists in his cohort, as life-changing. We are excited about this partnership that brings a member of the Haub School to the Ucross community of residents to seek inspiration from the wild and working lands that are so vital to Wyoming, says Haub School Dean John Koprowski, also a Wyoming Excellence Chair. Corrie Knapp is the ideal inaugural Haub Fellow at Ucross, for she epitomizes our interdisciplinary approach and commitment to creative scholarly activities. Knapp plans to use her uninterrupted time and space to draft an article exploring how socioecological feedbacks can amplify or dampen perceptions of climate change, illustrated with case studies. Before coming to UW in 2019, Knapp directed the Integrated Land Management Program in the School of Environment and Sustainability at Western Colorado University in Gunnison. She received her B.A. in literature and writing from the University of Colorado-Denver; her M.S. in rangeland ecology from Colorado State University; and her Ph.D. in human ecology from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Knapps research interests are at the intersection of land-based livelihoods and conservation in the context of climate change. She has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from local/Indigenous knowledge to climate change adaptation and endangered species management to rangeland ecology. Learn more about the Ucross artist residency program and art gallery at www.ucross.org. Indian telco Vodafone Idea reportedly plans to raise as much as Rs180 billion (just over US$2.1 billion) this week in what is expected to be Indias biggest follow-on public offering (FPO) as it seeks to pay off debts and get back in the 5G game. According to a statement from Vodafone Idea on Friday, its board has approved the launch of the FPO, with shares priced at Rs10-11 each. That represents a discount of around 15% compared to last closing price of Rs12.95, the statement said. The FPO is scheduled to kick off this Thursday April 18, and run until April 22. According to ETTelecom, if the FPO goes as planned, it will be the largest in India since July 2020, when Yes Banks FPO raised Rs150 billion. Vodafone Idea plans to follow the FPO by raising another Rs25 billion via debt financing. Earlier this month, shareholders approved a plan revealed in late February to raise Rs20 billion through equity and equity-linked instruments. Vodafone Idea frequently described as cash strapped needs the funding to pay off debts, update its 4G infrastructure and make good on plans to launch 5G services in the second half of this year. According to its latest financial figures for the fiscal third quarter, Vodafone Ideas net debt widened to Rs2.14 trillion in the fiscal third quarter, while its bank debt is around Rs45 billion. If everything pans out, Indian tower company Indus Towers is expected to be a major beneficiary of Vodafone Ideas fundraising blitz. A separate report from ETTelecom said that the fundraising plan would not only enable Vodafone Idea to pay its debts to Indus, but also give Indus between 40,000 and 45,000 new tenancies as the telco expands its network. A research note from Jeffries estimated that Indus could also post an 8% CAGR boost in operating income through FY24-27 as a result, the report said. Israel and Iran condemned each other's actions in the recent weeks during a tense United Nations Security Council on Sunday. Iran launched a swarm of explosive drones and fired missiles on Saturday in its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory, risking a major escalation. The attack was in response to a suspected Israeli strike on Iran's embassy compound in Syria. A year since war broke out in Sudan, analysts foresee no end to the conflict and say the longer it drags on, the more likely Sudan will become a breeding ground for terrorist groups. And learning how one person can control a drone swarm. London-based model Alexsandrah has a twin, but not in the way you'd expect: Her counterpart is made of pixels instead of flesh and blood. The virtual twin was generated by artificial intelligence and has already appeared as a stand-in for the real-life Alexsandrah in a photo shoot. Alexsandrah, who goes by her first name professionally, in turn receives credit and compensation whenever the AI version of herself gets used just like a human model. Alexsandrah says she and her alter-ego mirror each other "even down to the baby hairs." And it is yet another example of how AI is transforming creative industries and the way humans may or may not be compensated. Proponents say the growing use of AI in fashion modeling showcases diversity in all shapes and sizes, allowing consumers to make more tailored purchase decisions that in turn reduces fashion waste from product returns. And digital modeling saves money for companies and creates opportunities for people who want to work with the technology. But critics raise concerns that digital models may push human models and other professionals like makeup artists and photographers out of a job. Unsuspecting consumers could also be fooled into thinking AI models are real, and companies could claim credit for fulfilling diversity commitments without employing actual humans. "Fashion is exclusive, with limited opportunities for people of color to break in," said Sara Ziff, a former fashion model and founder of the Model Alliance, a nonprofit aiming to advance workers' rights in the fashion industry. "I think the use of AI to distort racial representation and marginalize actual models of color reveals this troubling gap between the industry's declared intentions and their real actions." Women of color in particular have long faced higher barriers to entry in modeling and AI could upend some of the gains they've made. Data suggests that women are more likely to work in occupations in which the technology could be applied and are more at risk of displacement than men. In March 2023, iconic denim brand Levi Strauss & Co. announced that it would be testing AI-generated models produced by Amsterdam-based company Lalaland.ai to add a wider range of body types and underrepresented demographics on its website. But after receiving widespread backlash, Levi clarified that it was not pulling back on its plans for live photo shoots, the use of live models or its commitment to working with diverse models. "We do not see this (AI) pilot as a means to advance diversity or as a substitute for the real action that must be taken to deliver on our diversity, equity and inclusion goals and it should not have been portrayed as such," Levi said in its statement at the time. The company last month said that it has no plans to scale the AI program. The Associated Press reached out to several other retailers to ask whether they use AI fashion models. Target, Kohl's and fast-fashion giant Shein declined to comment; Temu did not respond to a request for comment. Meanwhile, spokespeople for Nieman Marcus, H&M, Walmart and Macy's said their respective companies do not use AI models, although Walmart clarified that "suppliers may have a different approach to photography they provide for their products, but we don't have that information." Nonetheless, companies that generate AI models are finding a demand for the technology, including Lalaland.ai, which was co-founded by Michael Musandu after he was feeling frustrated by the absence of clothing models who looked like him. "One model does not represent everyone that's actually shopping and buying a product," he said. "As a person of color, I felt this painfully myself." Musandu says his product is meant to supplement traditional photo shoots, not replace them. Instead of seeing one model, shoppers could see nine to 12 models using different size filters, which would enrich their shopping experience and help reduce product returns and fashion waste. The technology is actually creating new jobs, since Lalaland.ai pays humans to train its algorithms, Musandu said. And if brands "are serious about inclusion efforts, they will continue to hire these models of color," he added. London-based model Alexsandrah, who is Black, says her digital counterpart has helped her distinguish herself in the fashion industry. In fact, the real-life Alexsandrah has even stood in for a Black computer-generated model named Shudu, created by Cameron Wilson, a former fashion photographer turned CEO of The Diigitals, a U.K.-based digital modeling agency. Wilson, who is white and uses they/them pronouns, designed Shudu in 2017, described on Instagram as the "The World's First Digital Supermodel." But critics at the time accused Wilson of cultural appropriation and digital Blackface. Wilson took the experience as a lesson and transformed The Diigitals to make sure Shudu who has been booked by Louis Vuitton and BMW didn't take away opportunities but instead opened possibilities for women of color. Alexsandrah, for instance, has modeled in-person as Shudu for Vogue Australia, and writer Ama Badu came up with Shudu's backstory and portrays her voice for interviews. Alexsandrah said she is "extremely proud" of her work with The Diigitals, which created her own AI twin: "It's something that even when we are no longer here, the future generations can look back at and be like, 'These are the pioneers.'" But for Yve Edmond, a New York City area-based model who works with major retailers to check the fit of clothing before it's sold to consumers, the rise of AI in fashion modeling feels more insidious. Edmond worries modeling agencies and companies are taking advantage of models, who are generally independent contractors afforded few labor protections in the U.S., by using their photos to train AI systems without their consent or compensation. She described one incident in which a client asked to photograph Edmond moving her arms, squatting and walking for "research" purposes. Edmond refused and later felt swindled her modeling agency had told her she was being booked for a fitting, not to build an avatar. "This is a complete violation," she said. "It was really disappointing for me." But absent AI regulations, it's up to companies to be transparent and ethical about deploying AI technology. And Ziff, the founder of the Model Alliance, likens the current lack of legal protections for fashion workers to "the Wild West." That's why the Model Alliance is pushing for legislation like the one being considered in New York state, in which a provision of the Fashion Workers Act would require management companies and brands to obtain models' clear written consent to create or use a model's digital replica; specify the amount and duration of compensation, and prohibit altering or manipulating models' digital replica without consent. Alexsandrah says that with ethical use and the right legal regulations, AI might open up doors for more models of color like herself. She has let her clients know that she has an AI replica, and she funnels any inquires for its use through Wilson, who she describes as "somebody that I know, love, trust and is my friend." Wilson says they make sure any compensation for Alexsandrah's AI is comparable to what she would make in-person. Edmond, however, is more of a purist: "We have this amazing Earth that we're living on. And you have a person of every shade, every height, every size. Why not find that person and compensate that person?" Israel demanded Sunday that the U.N. Security Council act to punish and deter Iran following an unprecedented Iranian military strike on Israel that Tehran said was in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy in Syria earlier this month. Today, the council must take action, Israels U.N. envoy, Gilad Erdan, told the Security Council. Condemn Iran for their terror; trigger the snap back mechanism and reimpose crippling sanctions; designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terror organization. Action must be taken now not for Israels sake, not for the regions sake, but for the worlds sake. Israel requested the emergency meeting following a direct attack on its territory by Iran that it said included 170 armed drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles. Israel said its air defenses, along with those of the United States and other allies, shot down 99% of them. Erdan criticized the council for not listening to Israels warnings over the years about Iran. He said the international community has been silent on the rise of a Shiite Islamist Reich, but with Irans direct attack on Israel, the regime has now been exposed. As Irans mask has fallen, the worlds complacency must also fall, the Israeli envoy said. The mask comes off and the gloves must come on. He said Iran had crossed every red line and that Israel reserves the legal right to retaliate. Irans envoy said they had no choice but to exercise their right to self-defense following the April 1 attack on their embassy in Damascus and the Security Councils failure to formally condemn it. Some council diplomats said the United States, France and Britain blocked a condemnation because they had questions about whether the Iranian premises were being used for covert operations. This lawless regime has committed many atrocious crimes against our people, Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said about Israel. This regime blatantly and openly admitted its responsibility for the terrorist and destructive operations committed against Iranian officials, scientists and civilians, and sabotage against our peaceful nuclear infrastructure in recent years. Israel has allegedly carried out several strikes, assassinations and cyberattacks on Iran in recent years, most targeted at their nuclear program. Israel never publicly confirms such operations. Iravani said Iran does not seek escalation or war in the region but would defend itself if necessary. He also emphasized that Iran does not want a conflict with the United States. We demonstrated our commitment to peace by exercising our restraint about involving the U.S. Army in intercepting Iranian drones and missiles bound for military targets in the occupied Palestinian territories, he said. This underscores our dedication to deescalating tensions and avoiding the expansion of conflict. But he added that if the United States military initiates any operations against his country, its citizens or its security interests, Iran would respond proportionately. U.S. envoy Robert Wood said Washington is not seeking an escalation with Tehran but issued a warning. And let me be clear if Iran or its proxies take actions against the United States or further action against Israel, Iran will be held responsible, he said. Wood said the United States would begin consulting with other countries to explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable here at the United Nations. He did not go into details on what that might include. He also urged the Security Council to unequivocally condemn Irans actions and call for its partners and proxies to cease their attacks. Iranian-backed groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, have fired rockets and missiles at Israel, and the Houthis have carried out attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. The U.N. secretary-general addressed the emergency meeting, appealing for a de-escalation and a lessening of tensions. It is time to step back from the brink, Antonio Guterres said, adding that neither the Middle East nor the world could afford more war. Most Security Council members condemned the escalation and echoed the U.N. chiefs calls for de-escalation and diplomacy, while expressing concern about the risk of widening regional turmoil. The Solomon Islands holds a national election on Wednesday, the first since Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed a security pact with China that prompted concern from the United States and South Pacific neighbors. Sogavare has pledged closer ties with China, which has built infrastructure since Solomon Islands switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019, while opposition parties favor ties with Western aid donors including Australia, and pledge to fix a broken health system. The national election was delayed from 2023, after Sogavare said he wanted to focus on the Pacific Games, hosted in stadiums donated by China. Background Located 1,600 km (900 miles) northeast of Australia, Solomon Islands has a population of around 700,000 across an archipelago of six main islands: Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Makira, Malaita, New Georgia and Santa Isabel. Elections for the national parliament and provincial assemblies will be held on the same day. Polling booths open at 7 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. with an alcohol ban in place for a week. A campaigning blackout starts Tuesday. The 50 members of the national parliament are elected for a four-year term. The prime minister is selected after polling day by a vote of newly elected lawmakers, a process that can take several weeks. Who is running? Sogavare became prime minister at the 2019 election after being elected to his seat of East Choiseul as an independent candidate. This time, he is running as leader of the OUR (Ownership, Unity, Responsibility) party. He has been prime minister four times, but no Solomon Islands prime minister has been re-elected for consecutive terms. Historically, political party coalitions have been fluid. Independent candidates won 37% of the vote in 2019, more than the biggest party, the Solomon Islands Democratic Party on 14%. Prominent opposition party figures include: Peter Kenilorea Jr of the United Party, who wants the China security pact scrapped, and infrastructure help from Western countries favored. He is a former United Nations official and the son of Solomon Islands' first prime minister after independence from Britain. Matthew Wale of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, and former prime minister Rick Hou of the Democratic Alliance Party, who have formed the CARE coalition, pledging to fix education and health, and a foreign policy that prioritizes Solomon Islands national interests. Former Malaita premier Daniel Suidani, who previously banned Chinese companies in the nation's biggest province, and is running for Malaita governor. His new party U4C (Umi For Change) will run candidates in the national election, including former government official Celsus Talifulu. There are 20 women running as candidates. Only two women were elected in the previous election. Security and other issues An election observer report in 2019 noted the traditional role of vote buying, saying "Devil's Night" cash handouts were likely driven underground by new laws banning it. Solomon Islands Electoral Commission advertising this month urged voters to "Keep your votes secret and say NO to vote buying and selling". This is the second election since the 2017 departure of the decade-long Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), a multinational force of Australian, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji police. RAMSI was formed at the request of Solomon Islands government in 2003 to maintain civil order after inter-tribal violence. When anti-government riots broke out in the capital Honiara in November 2021, Sogavare asked Australian police to return to restore order. Six months later, Solomon Islands signed the security pact with China. Chinese police, and the Solomons International Assistance Force (comprised of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji police and military) have a presence in Solomon Islands and operate separately, under the supervision of Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. Election observer groups from Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, Japan, Europe and the U.S. will monitor voting and counting, with national and provincial polls held on the same day. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation said Monday it has opened a criminal investigation into the collapse of Baltimores Frances Scott Key Bridge after it was struck by cargo vessel last month. An FBI spokesman confirmed to reporters that bureau investigators boarded the cargo ship Dali to conduct court-authorized law enforcement activity regarding the crash. The spokesman offered no further comment, and no other information was made publicly available. The bridge was destroyed in the early morning hours of March 26 when the cargo ship Dali lost power and collided with a support structure. The span collapsed within seconds, killing six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time. The Washington Post, which originally reported the investigation, reported the FBI is investigating the events leading up to the collision, to determine if the crew left port knowing the ship was having serious operational problems. The U.S. National Traffic Safety Board is also investigating the accident. Also on Monday, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced a partnership with two law firms to launch legal action to hold the wrongdoers responsible and mitigate harm to city residents. In a statement, Scott said, Through this engagement, the City of Baltimore will take decisive action to hold responsible all entities accountable for the Key Bridge tragedy, including the owner, charterer, manager/operator, and the manufacturer of the M/V Dali, as well as any other potentially liable third parties. Earlier this month, U.S. President Joe Biden took an aerial tour of the site of the bridge collapse. The tour came after the White House announced the release of $60 million in federal Emergency Relief funds for Marylands initial clean up and repair costs. It also announced the U.S. Small Business Administration would provide low-interest loans to eligible businesses impacted by the accident. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has said it expects to open a limited access channel to the Port of Baltimore by the end of the month. The agency said the channel would enable ship traffic in and out of the port. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is calling for fair competition in trade with China while urging the European Union to not adopt protectionist policies against Beijing. The bloc has been considering tariffs amid concerns about Chinese goods being dumped on European markets and overproduction. Scholz is in China on a three-day visit. He is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping Tuesday in Beijing before ending his trip, which is his second to China since taking office in 2021. According to the Reuters news agency, Beijing is expected to urge Berlin to not support EU measures to stem the influx of Chinese-made vehicles and wind and solar equipment into Europe. Referencing what he views as unfounded fears when Japanese and South Korean cars first entered the German market, Scholz said, "At some point there will also be Chinese cars in Germany and Europe. The only thing that must always be clear is that competition must be fair," Scholz told students at Tongji University in Shanghai. He also said, In other words, that there is no dumping there is no overproduction [and] copyrights are not infringed. China has been Germanys largest trade partner for eight consecutive years as of 2023. In December, EU leaders urged China to fix its trade imbalance with Europe. In 2022, the EU recorded a $426 billion trade deficit with China, more than any year before. The EU has also urged China to press Russia to end its war in neighboring Ukraine. Scholz is expected to question Beijings close economic ties with Moscow more than two years into Russias invasion of Ukraine. Xi has long denied he is partial to the Kremlin. Berlin has also been concerned about the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Without calling China out directly, Scholz said that borders must not be moved by force and that, We should not be afraid of our neighbors. China considers self-governing Taiwan a wayward province and has not ruled out the use of force to unify it with the mainland. Scholzs arrival in China on Sunday was overshadowed by an Iranian attack on Israel. Nearly all of more than 300 missiles and drones launched by Iran and its proxies were intercepted by Israel and its allies. The attack has fueled fears of a wider regional conflict. Scholz has joined other Western leaders in warning Iran not to strike again and urged Israel against retaliating. Some information in this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press. A movie weapons supervisor was sentenced to 18 months in prison in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western film "Rust," during a hearing Monday in which tearful family members and friends gave testimonials that included calls for justice and a punishment that would instill greater accountability for safety on film sets. Movie armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted in March by a jury on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and has been held for more than a month at a county jail on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Prosecutors blamed Gutierrez-Reed for unwittingly bringing live ammunition onto the set of "Rust" where it was expressly prohibited and for failing to follow basic gun safety protocols. Gutierrez-Reed was unsuccessful in her plea for a lesser sentencing, telling the judge she was not the monster that people have made her out to be and that she had tried to do her best on the set despite not having "proper time, resources and staffing." Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer for "Rust," was pointing a gun at Hutchins during a rehearsal on a movie set outside Santa Fe in October 2021 when the revolver went off, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter. He is scheduled for trial in July at a courthouse in Santa Fe. The sentence against Gutierrez-Reed was delivered by New Mexico Judge Mary Marlowe Summer, who is overseeing proceedings against Baldwin. The judge said anything less than the maximum sentence would not be appropriate given that Gutierrez-Reed's recklessness amounted to a serious violent offense. "You were the armorer, the one that stood between a safe weapon and a weapon that could kill someone," the judge told Gutierrez-Reed. "You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon. But for you, Ms. Hutchins would be alive, a husband would have his partner and a little boy would have his mother." Gutierrez-Reed teared up as Hutchins' agent, Craig Mizrahi, spoke about the cinematographer's creativity and described her as a rising star in Hollywood. He said it was a chain of events that led to Hutchins' death and that had the armorer been doing her job, that chain would have been broken. Los Angeles-based attorney Gloria Allred read a statement by Hutchins' mother, Olga Solovey, who said her life had been split in two and that time didn't heal, rather it only prolonged her pain and suffering. A video of a tearful Solovey, who lives in Ukraine, also was played for the court. "It's the hardest thing to lose a child. There's no words to describe," Solovey said in her native language. Defense attorneys for Gutierrez-Reed requested leniency in sentencing including a possible conditional discharge that would avoid further jail time and leave an adjudication of guilt off her record if certain conditions are met. Gutierrez-Reed was acquitted at trial of allegations she tampered with evidence in the "Rust" investigation. She also has pleaded not guilty to a separate felony charge that she allegedly carried a gun into a bar in Santa Fe where firearms are prohibited. Defense attorneys have highlighted Gutierrez-Reed's relatively young age "and the devastating effect a felony will have on her life going forward." They said the 26-year-old will forever be affected negatively by intense publicity associated with her prosecution in parallel with an A-list actor, and has suffered from anxiety, fear and depression as a result. Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey urged the judge to impose the maximum prison sentence and designate Gutierrez-Reed as a "serious violent offender" to limit her eligibility for a sentence reduction later, describing the defendant's behavior on the set of "Rust" as exceptionally reckless. Defense attorneys argued Monday that Gutierrez-Reed was remorseful and had breakdowns over Hutchins' death. They also pointed to systemic problems that led to the shooting. "Rust" assistant director and safety coordinator Dave Halls last year pleaded no contest to negligent handling of a firearm and completed a sentence of six months unsupervised probation. "Rust" props master Sarah Zachry, who shared some responsibilities over firearms on the set of "Rust," signed an agreement with prosecutors to avoid prosecution in return with her cooperation. Chinese operators were reportedly ordered by officials to phase out use of foreign chipsets by 2027, a move that would hit US chip giants Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, officials ordered Chinas largest operators China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom to phase out use of foreign chips earlier this year. Operators have to examine their networks for such technologies and provide timelines to replace for Chinese made alternatives, with the deadline in mind. According to the WSJ, Chinese companies accounts for over 27% of Intels total income in 2023, and 15% of AMDs. The move comes as tensions between the US and China continue to rise. The US introduced more stringent export restrictions last year on sales of AI chips to China from firms such as Nvidia. The Financial Times reported in March, the Chinese government had introduced guidelines to phase out US chips from Intel and AMD from government personal computers and servers. State-owned Chinese companies were also told in 2022 to replace office software with domestic alternatives by 2027, marking the first time a deadline was imposed. Humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip has increased substantially in the last few days, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday, but the United States needs to see that aid sustained, he added. "The aid has increased and quite dramatically in just the last few days," Kirby said in an interview with MSNBC. "That's important, but it has to be sustained. About 100 trucks have entered the enclave in the last 24 hours alone, Kirby added, bringing the total to 2,000 aid deliveries by truck since the conflict began. For the first time in six months, a bakery in Gaza City has started operating with aid from the World Food Program, which provided desperately needed food parcels and wheat flour to a part of the enclave where a U.N.-backed report has warned of imminent famine. Clutching a bag of freshly baked loaves, Gaza-resident Abdelrahman al-Jadba said he felt a sense of relief that he'd be able to feed his children, describing how he had been forced to give them bread made from flour mixed with sand. Earlier this month, President Joe Biden threatened to leverage the U.S. support to Israel in its war against Hamas on the increase of humanitarian aid in Gaza and Israels concrete steps to protect aid workers and civilians there. In a separate interview on CNBC, Kirby echoed Bidens stance saying, our policy with respect to Gaza will change if we don't see significant changes over time." The move was prompted by an Israeli attack that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers. Aid agencies have complained that Israel is not ensuring enough access for food, medicine and other needed humanitarian supplies into the devastated Palestinian enclave, where civilians face famine and widespread disease and are nearly all homeless. Ground offensive The Israeli military expressed its determination to free remaining hostages held by the U.S. designated terror group Hamas and signaled it could send troops to Rafah, a far-southern city where the majority of Gaza's 2.4 million people have taken refuge. "Hamas is still holding our hostages in Gaza," military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said of the roughly 130 people, including 34 presumed dead, who Israel says remain in the hands of Palestinian militants since the October 7 attack, resulting in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. "We also have hostages in Rafah, and we will do everything we can to bring them back home," the military spokesman told a briefing. The Israeli army said it was calling up "two reserve brigades for operational activities," about a week after withdrawing most ground troops from Gaza. The Hamas government media office said Israeli aircraft and tanks launched "dozens" of strikes overnight on central Gaza, reporting several casualties. Witnesses told AFP that strikes hit the Nuseirat refugee camp, while more clashes were reported in other areas of central and northern Gaza. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 33,000 people in the last six months, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The toll in Gaza includes at least 68 deaths over the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 76,465 people have been wounded in Gaza since the start of the war. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Journalism is dead, declares Ravish Kumar as the veteran journalist discusses the crisis he says Indias media are confronting. If you want to find journalism in India today, you need to pick up your magnifying glass, he told VOA. Kumar quit his job as an evening news anchor in November 2022, after more than 25 years with NDTV, one of Indias biggest networks. At the time, he cited concerns about editorial independence after billionaire Gautam Adani, a close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bought the network. They pocket money from the market in the name of journalism, and still they are not doing journalism, Kumar told VOA. Broadcasting in Hindi, Kumar had built a reputation for taking the government to task with tough questions. He has twice been awarded the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, and won the Ramon Magsaysay Award, among others. He says Indias journalists have been intimidated by the government, and dont ask questions because they fear backlash. Everything from the government is going to the public without being scrutinized by the mainstream media, Kumar said. When he resigned, Kumar said he had a Facebook following of millions. So he hoped his social media popularity would help as he launched a YouTube channel. The channel, Ravish Kumar Official, has more than 9.6 million subscribers and through it, says Kumar, he can tell the stories Indias mainstream media wont cover. Kumar says he hasnt watched NDTV, and has no plans to do so, since his departure. But with his own channel, he can cover stories that he says the mainstream media ignore. He feels Indias media failed to adequately cover issues such as electoral bonds. The bonds would have allowed unlimited anonymous donations to political parties. He also says political corruption isnt adequately covered. I demonstrated that one politician, a member of parliament, had been behind bars for six months and theres a picture of him coming out from the jail, Kumar said. Two Hindi newspapers made this non-significant news. But taking on political stories is a risk at a time when press freedom in India is in decline. I dont know whether or not my channel will survive, and what kind of action will be taken, Kumar said. He added that this kind of apprehension and anxiety runs through every YouTuber who is doing journalism and who are questioning the government of India. And, as an independent journalist broadcasting on YouTube, You have to do everything on your own, said Kumar. That comes with its own sets of problems and challenges. Kumar starts his days at 5 a.m. and is often still working at 9 p.m. He produces two shows a day, with a team of eight people. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, or RSF, has long warned of rising hostility and pressure on Indias journalists. Since Narendra Modi came to power, we see the persecution of journalists and the media has intensified, Celia Mercier, who heads RSFs South Asia desk, told VOA. We have cases of censorship, intimidation, attacks, repression of critical voices, cyber harassment, she added. And its all the more worrying in a country considered the worlds largest democracy. When Modi came to power in 2014, India ranked 140 out of 180 countries on the RSF World Press Freedom Index. In 2023, it ranked 161, where 1 shows the best environment. The Indian Embassy in Washington did not respond to VOA emails or calls requesting comment. RSF and other watchdogs have also cited Indias use of laws, including on information technology and national security, to target media that report critically. The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, for instance, has been used to target reporters. We have seen this anti-terrorism law used to crack down on journalists in the case of NewsClick, which is an independent media, Mercier said. The media advocate said a special cell of Delhi police raided the news outlet in October. It was a deployment of 500 police officers and the head of this independent media, NewsClick, has been detained for the last six months under the anti-terrorism law, Mercier added. International news organizations have also been affected. The New Delhi and Mumbai offices of the BBC were raided in February 2023. The action, described by the government spokesperson at the time as a tax survey, came weeks after India described a BBC documentary on Modi as propaganda. UCLA information studies professor Ramesh Srinivasan said that with the loss of press freedoms, India is losing its larger Gandhian vision. It is directly tied to the Modi government and its neo-authoritarian actions, Srinivasan told VOA. A number of independent journalists have been intimidated, harassed, bullied and some independent media networks have been shut down. Kumar says the government hasnt threatened him yet, but he worries his news channel may be next. If YouTube shuts down my channel, my journalism ends with that, he said. Because no news channel or newspaper is willing to publish my column. Kumar says as challenging as his life has become, quitting NDTV and starting a news channel was his choice. No regrets I made the right decision, he said. Iraq, perhaps unsurprisingly, is a hotbed of gallows humor. But the tired old joke: Iran and the West will keep fighting here until every Iraqi is dead, is no funnier now than it was years ago. Hundreds of missiles and drones soared over the Middle East this weekend from Iran to Israel, turning the region's "shadow war" into a direct conflict. And while further escalation is not imminent, people inside Iraq say they have long been in the line of fire, and if the conflict continues like this, it will likely rain violence down on them. Many people feel insecure, not safe and that there is a danger to their lives, said Mazin Mohammed, a father of two and a public relations officer for a womens rights organization in Baghdad. Especially that Iraq is considered as one of Irans wings. Iraq is one of the worlds few Shiite Muslim majority countries, and home to several powerful Iran-backed Shiite militias. But it is also politically, religiously, and ethnically divided, with about 45% of the country being non-Shiite. Many Iraqi leaders and some entire regions hold strong alliances with the West, particularly with the United States, which operates multiple large military bases in the country. Iraqs competing alliances, coupled with decades of war, insecurity and deep poverty, leave its residents especially vulnerable if Israel and Iran continue to fight either directly or via proxies within its own borders. Literally in the line of fire between Iran and Israel, Iraq saw parts of missiles fall on its terrain over the weekend. I don't think that the war will be only inside Israel or Iran, said Mohammed. Iranian fears In Irbil, the capital of Iraqs northern Kurdistan region, Ebrahim, 29, is an Iranian English teacher who hasnt lived in his country for 10 years. Yet still, he prefers not to share his surname for fear of retaliation from the Iranian government. Ibrahim grew up attending anti-Western rallies and hearing calls for the destruction of Israel. But he believes that for many Iranians, the idea is now dated, despite widespread sympathy for civilians in Gaza. The people of Iran, they don't feel that this is their war, he said by phone on Sunday evening. And if they want to think about the outcomes and the ramifications or the consequences, then people are going to be hurt. Regardless of popular opinion, however, the war has escalated and may continue to do so, added Sanam Vakil, Middle East and North Africa program director at Chatham House, in a statement on Sunday. Iran has tried to reinstate deterrence, showcased its defense capabilities, he said. But its uncertain if it can avoid an Israeli counterattack on Iran directly. But fears of escalation may be overblown, as its hard to see who would be served by a larger conflict, according to Ebrahim. Iran has suffered a decade of economic turmoil that plunged millions into poverty as the price of basic goods, like food, has soared. The Iranian government has also grown increasingly unpopular in recent years, according to analysts, and further conflict would risk a deeper economic crisis, and perhaps a tightening of the sanctions that continue to cripple Iranian attempts at economic recovery. I don't think that the Islamic Republic is at any point of being able to wage this war, said Ebrhahim. Or afford it. Eclectic interests Far from the urban chaos of Baghdad or the manicured streets of Irbil, in the breezy Kurdistan hills near the Iranian border, some Iranian-Kurdish dissidents see a potential advantage to the conflict. Jina, 32, fled her country in 2022 after sustaining gunshot wounds in protests over the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman. Her death set off a nationwide opposition movement in Iran, calling for womens rights and other freedoms. Nationwide crackdowns eventually crushed the protests, but recent lackluster national elections indicate the crackdown did little to quell discontent. According to Jina, any international actions, including attacks, that weaken the Iranian government are a potential boon for human rights and freedoms. Iran is not even taking care of its own people, while launching missiles against Israel or other countries, said Jina, who also doesnt want to use her full name for fear of retaliation. Iran uses this creation of problems to shift the focus off their own bad behaviors. But like families in Iraq, Jina also fears that civilians will ultimately be the victims of the war. I called my family and asked them to stay inside and not to leave home, she said. I asked my sister-in-law not to let her kids go to school. The U.S. urged Israel Monday to show restraint and avoid an escalation of the conflict in the Middle East as the Israeli government mulls over how to respond to Iran's weekend attack with more than 300 missiles and drones. "We don't seek escalation, but we'll continue to support the defense of Israel and to protect our personnel in the region," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the start of a meeting with Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu summoned his war Cabinet Monday for the second time in less than 24 hours, a government source said. Fears grow that Iran's attack could lead to open warfare between Israel and Iran, and spill over onto the wider region in the Middle East. President Joe Biden has told Netanyahu the United States will not partake in any Israeli counteroffensive against Iran. Since the start of the Oct. 7 war between Israel and Hamas, clashes have spread between Israel and Iran proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Israel said four of its soldiers were wounded hundreds of meters inside Lebanese territory overnight, as Israel exchanged weapons fire with Lebanon's armed group Hezbollah. "We're on the edge of the cliff and we have to move away from it," Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told Spanish radio station Onda Cero. "We have to step on the brakes and reverse gear." French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday his government will do all it can to avoid an escalation of the situation between Israel and Iran. Speaking to French media BFM-TV and RMC, Macron also urged Israel to pursue isolation of Iran rather than escalation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued a similar message Monday warning Iran against further attacks on Israel, while calling on Israel to play its role in deescalating the situation. Countries including Belgium and Germany summoned the Iranian ambassadors. Russia has refrained from criticizing its ally Iran in public over the strikes but expressed concern about the risk of escalation of hostilities Monday, urging restraint. "Further escalation is in no one's interests," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Israeli authorities announced educational activities would resume Monday, and that limits on large gatherings would be lifted in most places. In Iran, state media said operations at the countrys airports were back to normal after being suspended due to the aerial attack on Israel. Iran launched the airstrikes in response to a suspected Israeli airstrike on its embassy compound in Syria on April 1 that killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards officers including two senior commanders. Irans weekend drone attack caused only modest damage in Israel and no deaths. Most were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defense system and with help from the U.S., Britain, France and Jordan. Israel had warned Iran against launching any retaliatory strike from Iranian soil. Iran said its response was confined to the late Saturday attack, and warned Israel and the United States of a much larger action if Israel now attacks Iran. Diplomats have condemned Irans attack, while working to prevent the situation from escalating into a wider conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held calls Sunday with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan. The Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations unequivocally condemned Irans attack on Israel after holding talks Sunday. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Monday the group is working on a package of coordinated measures against Iran following Saturday's retaliatory missile and drone attack on Israel. "We are urgently working with our allies to see what steps we can take together in a coordinated fashion to deter and condemn what Iran is doing," Sunak said in parliament, citing discussions among G7 leaders over the weekend. Sundays G7 session was called by Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the group. Its members also include Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United States. VOAs Michael Lipin, United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer and national security correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Some information was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters. A resistance group fighting Myanmar's military rule said on Sunday its fighters had repelled an attempt by junta troops to advance on the key town of Myawaddy along the Thai border that was seized by the rebels last week. Reinforcements of junta forces have been trying to advance on Myawaddy for days, but were pushed back in a battle about 40 kilometers away, a spokesperson for the Karen National Union (KNU), Saw Taw Nee, said in an interview. "It is not easy to come here. They face a lot of difficulty," he told Reuters, saying the KNU's forces had been "blocking and intercepting" the junta troops. The KNU information could not be independently confirmed. A spokesperson for the military junta that seized power from an elected government a 2021 did not answer calls from Reuters. The border town of Myawaddy, adjacent to Thailand, was wrested from military control by a coalition of anti-junta forces led by the KNU on Thursday. Fighting took place on Friday between the villages of Kawkareik and Kaw Nwet along the main Asian Highway 1 leading west from the Thai border, Saw Taw Nee said. The KNU spokesperson said information received from the front line put the junta's toll of deaths and injuries from the fighting at around 100. "We know that they suffered a loss of one armed carrier and a military truck," he said. Myanmar has been in turmoil since 2021, when the powerful military deposed an elected civilian government, triggering widespread protests it sought to crush with force. Simmering anger against the junta turned into a nationwide armed resistance movement that is now increasingly operating in coordination with established ethnic rebel groups to challenge the military across large parts of Myanmar. Saw Taw Nee said the resistance "will take time." "We need to have a kind of coordination with other groups to defeat the military," he said. The KNU spokesperson said there were also challenges working in a broad anti-junta coalition. "We are still in the process of how to negotiate, how to come together and how to move forward among our Karen groups," he said, referring to members of the ethnic group residing primarily in Kayin State. Saw Taw Nee said the immediate concern for the KNU is the more than one million displaced people within its territories, and called on the international community, including neighboring Thailand, to provide support. "We really need to work together in the future more and more on this issue," he said. He urged Myanmar's junta to see their recent military setbacks as a sign that they should hand back power to the people. "Please dont waste time any more," he said. "This is the time, and a good opportunity, to listen to people first." A rocket attack by Myanmar anti-coup fighters killed four people and wounded 12, including cadets from the military's elite officer academy, junta officials said Monday. Myanmar's military authorities, who are struggling to maintain their grip on the country in the face of rising armed opposition, condemned the attack in the central town of Pyin Oo Lwin as targeting civilians. Myanmar is mired in conflict as the military, which seized power in a 2021 coup, battles multiple armed resistance groups across the country, suffering heavy losses in recent months. Fighters from a local "people's defence force" (PDF) armed groups of pro-democracy civilians that have risen up to battle the army "randomly shot" 11 rockets on Sunday evening, hitting a hospital, monastery and hotel, the junta said. The dead include two monks, it said. Pyin Oo Lwin, a former British hill station near the central city of Mandalay, is home to the Defence Services Academy Myanmar's equivalent of West Point or Britain's Sandhurst. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun confirmed three cadets from the academy were wounded in the attack. A spokesman for Mandalay PDF said its fighters carried out the attack, saying they targeted only the academy. The military suffered a major blow last week when its forces were driven out of a major trade hub near the Thai border after days of clashes with an ethnic minority armed group and other anti-junta fighters. Authorities in Thailand have said they are preparing to accept up to 100,000 people displaced by the clashes. The military seized power from the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and its crackdown on resistance to its rule has killed more than 4,800 civilians, according to local monitoring group AAPP. Pakistani authorities are investigating the shooting death of a man who had been acquitted of killing accused Indian spy Sarabjit Singh in a Lahore prison in 2013, a police official said Sunday. Pakistan has previously accused Indias intelligence agency of being involved in killings inside Pakistan, saying it had credible evidence linking two Indian agents to the deaths of two Pakistanis last year. The man who died in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Sunday was Amir Tamba. He was a suspect in the death of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian national who was convicted of spying in Pakistan and handed a death sentence in 1991. But Singh died in 2013 after inmates attacked him in a Lahore prison. His fate inflamed tensions between the two South Asian nuclear-armed rivals. Tamba and a second man went on trial for Singhs death but were acquitted in 2018 due to lack of evidence. The deputy inspector general of police in Lahore, Ali Nasir Rizvi, said gunmen entered Tambas house and shot him. They fled the scene on a motorbike. Officials from Pakistans army and intelligence agency reached the site and removed Tambas body, taking it to the city's Combined Military Hospital. Rizvi said a case had been lodged against unidentified assailants but gave no further information about the case, including a possible motive for the attack. There was slow coverage of Tambas death in Pakistan's media. However, Indian outlets were quick to report on the shooting. There was no immediate comment from the Indian authorities. Singh was arrested in 1990 for his role in a series of bombings in Lahore and Faisalabad that killed 14 people. His family said he was innocent. The Philippines says it has no plans to give the United States more access to military bases in the Southeast Asian country, putting a cap on the current total number of nine sites. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told foreign correspondents in Manila Monday that the countrys decision last year to increase the number of sites agreed upon under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA was a response to aggressive actions by China in the South China Sea. China has accused the Philippines of triggering confrontations by encroaching into what China asserts as its territorial waters. The deepening dispute between China and the Philippines has created issues for the Philippines' exploration of oil and gas in the region, despite an agreement between the two nations to restart discussions on joint exploration. However, China had previously asserted that the Philippines was stoking the fire by allowing the U.S. access to more bases close to potential flashpoints. "These are reactions to what has happened in the South China Sea, to the aggressive actions that we have had to deal with," Marcos said. Three of the four more recent sites to which the U.S. military was given access face north toward Taiwan and one is near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, a frequent site of maritime tensions. Beijing argues that the locations give the U.S. a staging advantage in event of a conflict. In a first-of-its-kind three-way summit last week, U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and asked Congress for a further $128 million for infrastructure projects at the current base sites. Biden also reiterated his "ironclad" commitment to defend Pacific allies. Some information for this report was provided by the Associated Press and Reuters. A U.S.-based human rights organization says Chinese authorities have been collectively punishing families of human rights defenders in recent years, warning that the persecution appears to be part of a state policy. In a new report, Chinese Human Rights Defenders said authorities have held the children of detained human rights defenders in custody and put them in psychiatric hospitals or orphanages, forced school-age children to drop out of school, imposed exit bans on children of human rights defenders and imprisoned some family members of rights activists. The collective punishment carried out against families of Chinese human rights defenders is completely illegal and violates all sorts of international human rights laws and conventions, Renee Xia, director of Chinese Human Rights Defenders, said during an online press briefing on April 11. The most heartbreaking part is [how the Chinese authorities are] inflicting so much pain on the children of human rights defenders and the experience of watching their parents being mistreated growing up leaves long-term psychological trauma on them, she added. VOA has reached out to Chinas foreign ministry for comment but has yet to receive a response. During a Universal Periodic Review held by the U.N. Human Rights Council in January, Chinas top diplomat in Geneva said Beijing is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of specific groups and children's development. Forced to drop out of school As part of the collective punishments against families of human rights activists, some have experienced repeated forced evictions while schools are repeatedly turning away their children due to pressure from local authorities. Wang Quanzhang is a prominent human rights lawyer who was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison on charges of subversion during the 709 crackdown in 2015. Wang has been evicted by landlords or hotels more than a dozen times since last April. He described the forced evictions as part of Chinese authorities retaliation against him and his family. The 2015 crackdown is known in China as the 709 crackdown because it began on July 9, 2015. On that date, authorities began targeting independent legal advocates and arrested hundreds of lawyers. The authorities think our community has been trying to humiliate them, so they want to use all the means at their disposal to punish human rights lawyers, Wang told VOA in a phone call. Apart from the forced evictions, Wang said his 11-year-old son has been turned away by schools several times over the last year. Since we were forced to move to new places so frequently over the last year, its been difficult for my son to remain at the same school for long enough, he said, adding that some schools would turn away his son due to pressure from authorities. Wang tried to send his son abroad last year, hoping to protect him from the harassment. When we tried to leave China last October, the customs officers stopped my son and the daughter of another human rights lawyer and said they werent allowed to leave the country since they could be a threat to national security, he said. Since then, Wang and his family have moved to the southern province of Guangzhou and tried to admit his son to a private academy recommended by his friends. After just a week, close to 20 people suddenly showed up at the academy to conduct inspection and following their repeated harassment, the academy was forced to move to a more discreet location, Wang said. Since its not clear when his son may return to school, Wang is signing him up for some online classes to make sure he is still learning something. The authorities know my son is my biggest weakness so they try to make it difficult for him to go to school, hoping it could stop me from criticizing them, he told VOA. In addition to Wangs son, the children of other detained human rights activists have also experienced persecution from Chinese authorities. According to the CHRD report, the 11-year-old son of detained Chinese activist He Fangmei has been put into a foster home since her detention in February 2021 and her two daughters, ages four and one month old at the time, were left at a psychiatric hospital despite repeated pleas from relatives. Meanwhile, Yu Zhenyang, the 19-year-old son of detained human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan, was briefly detained and tried to commit suicide twice since last November. Family of rights defenders detained Apart from targeting children as part of their collective punishments against Chinese activists, CHRD said Chinese authorities have detained or imposed tight control on family members of imprisoned activists. Wang Li, the wife of imprisoned Chinese artist Wang Zang, was sentenced to two-and-half years in prison in December 2022 after she demanded that authorities release her husband. In addition to that, VOA previously reported that several family members of detained Chinese activist Peng Lifa, who famously draped protest banners on a bridge in Beijing calling Chinese leader Xi Jinping a national traitor, have been put under strict surveillance. In its report, the group demands that China immediately cease all harassment and extralegal detention of the family members of human rights defenders. CHRD has also called on the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, to issue robust statements on rights violations committed by the government and provide regular updates on the progress of dialogue with officials. Pakistan will host high-level meetings with Saudi Arabia on Monday and Tuesday to enhance economic and energy cooperation between the two allied nations. Officials said that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan will lead his delegation, which will include officials from the ministries of water and agriculture, energy, investment and industry and mineral resources. This visit is aimed at lending positive impetus to enhanced bilateral cooperation and mutually rewarding economic partnerships, according to a Pakistani foreign ministry statement. The visit comes more than a week after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Saudi Arabia for wide-ranging bilateral talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A joint statement issued after the visit said that both leaders had affirmed their commitment to expediting the first wave of the investment package worth $5 billion, which was discussed previously. Sundays Pakistani statement said that the talks with the Saudi delegation are scheduled essentially to follow up on the understanding reached during Sharifs meeting with the Saudi crown prince on April 7. Cash-strapped Pakistan is seeking Saudi investments to strengthen its current account deficit. Additionally, it must signal to the International Monetary Fund that Islamabad can meet the foreign financing requirements, which have been a key demand from the global lender in previous bailout programs. Critics remain skeptical about official claims of imminent Saudi investments resulting from this weeks talks between the two countries. They say various figures for Saudi investments have been officially cited several times in recent years, but nothing has materialized to date. Middle East tensions Analysts predict that escalating tensions in the Middle East will be a key topic of discussion in the talks between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, which shares a 900-kilometer (559-mile) border with Iran. Israel announced Sunday that Iran launched 320 warheads against it in an unprecedented attack but that its air defenses, along with those of the United States and other supportive countries, shot down 99% of them. The Iranian attack was a response to a suspected Israeli strike on Tehrans embassy in Damascus two weeks ago. The meetings between Pakistani and Saudi officials likely originally envisaged to focus on economic and energy cooperation will take on a decidedly more geopolitical focus, Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Pakistan said Sunday it was watching with deep concern the developments in the Middle East. Todays developments demonstrate the consequences of the breakdown of diplomacy. It is now critically urgent to stabilize the situation and restore peace. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and move towards de-escalation, a foreign ministry statement said in Islamabad. Within the space of a month, Africa experienced two extraordinary cable disruptions that led to internet outages in at least 11 countries across the continent. In February, three cables were severed in the Red Sea by an anchor drag, while on 14th March an undersea canyon avalanche incident off the coast of Cote dIvoire led to damage on four cable systems WACS, MainOne, South Atlantic 3 and ACE. The scale of this disruption was unprecedented; with seven cable systems affected at the same time, there were naturally widespread internet issues for days across many markets. However, the response from service providers was immediate and connectivity was largely restored within around ten days. Guy Zibi, Founder of Xalam Analytics, says that this underlines how resilient Africas internet infrastructure has become. He notes that if this incident had occurred ten years ago, key parts of the region would have had no internet access; while there was disruption in terms of the quality of usage during this event, blackouts were not widespread. Some countries were worse affected than others, but this was due to the configurations of cable traffic usage. The SAT-3, WACS, ACE, and MainOne cables run along the West Coast, and so their simultaneous failure had a strong impact on countries like Cote d'Ivoire and some of the smaller economies on the West Coast. There is more diversity of routes on the East Coast, which meant that despite the disruption of the three cables in the Red Sea, it has been possible to diversify traffic through international cables running through Djibouti. The West Coast incident saw the four affected cables taken out in turn. Since they are laid at depths of up to 2.4km to 4.5km below sea level and at least 100km apart, it is essentially impossible that human activity was to blame; the most likely scenario is an undersea avalanche of debris travelling several hundred kilometres from the shore going out to sea. This is supported by the fact that the Equiano cable which lies much further offshore - was unaffected by the incident, notes Chris Wood, CEO of WIOCC Group - the parent firm of infrastruture provider WIOCC. Laid in 2022, the cable went live last year and played a huge role in safeguarding the resilience of Africas connectivity during this incident. WIOCC owns a fibre pair on Equiano, so our network didn't go down because we had redundancy across five systems, notes Wood. This enabled WIOCC to restore other networks on Equiano across the next few days. A lot of the carriers that were really impacted, that caused the internet outages in West Africa, didn't have the capacity on Equiano. Within around five days of the cuts, WIOCC had lit around 2.5 terabytes of capacity, adding over 100 circuits into the network and restoring around 30 different operators networks in the region. Some of that traffic went north to Europe, and some of it went south and connected into WIOCCs IP network in South Africa, which is why the impacts were limited in terms of time. Wood notes that the scale of the outages is unprecedented in Africa. The affected systems have never all been hit at the same time and the issue was compounded by the cut cables in the Red Sea, as it would normally be possible to restore East traffic on the West and vice versa. Having cuts on both sides of the continent has resulted in traffic being pushed onto Equiano which in turn is risky, as if anything were to happen to this system, the situation could be disastrous. Zibi notes that laying cables further offshore should be a key takeaway from this incident although he acknowledges that this is difficult in the Red Sea as it is a geographical bottleneck. Increasingly cable projects are taking alternative routes to avoid this, such as running terrestrially through Saudi Arabia and back to the Mediterranean via Jordan. The launch of the 2Africa cable later this year will add further resilience and redundancy, but operators will need to purchase capacity on the new systems. Wood argues this is in their interest: What this has shown is there's no such thing as too many systems. [Providers] need to have capacity on whatever systems are available. People often talk about[whether] these new cables create an oversupply of capacity [in Africa] its not about the volume of capacity that the cables can carry, its the number of cables that you have which is important. Having that level of redundancy spread across multiple cable systems leads to a much more stable network. The incident has raised questions about whether Africa is overly reliant on subsea cable connectivity. According to Zibi, the answer is yes but he argues that the global internet infrastructure is underpinned by subsea cables, and highlights the more pressing issue of Africas overreliance on international traffic in its internet infrastructure. He notes that there has been progress on this front, with the Internet Society working towards having 80% of African internet traffic being exchanged locally as opposed to going through Europe or the Americas. In some markets, such as South Africa and Nigeria, the 80:20 ratio has been achieved this percentage of traffic stays local in some form, so if theres a disruption of this nature, the impact is lessened as most of the traffic was local to begin with. There are plenty of countries that have not achieved the ratio, and they are still vulnerable to this type of disruption in the international capacity segment, but its moving in the right direction. I suspect that in in five to ten years, this type of disruption will just be a little blip on the radar, because you'll have more diversity, youll have bigger sized cables, you'll have a lot more hosting capacity. Some of this will still be felt, but relatively minimally, says Zibi. Both the scale of the outages and the nature of the disruption are impacted by overreliance on the international transit base. Certain cloud providers were more affected since their architecture was more reliant on the cables in place, and Zibi says that the key lesson is to diversify, whether thats cables, providers, routes, international capacity, or using terrestrial fibre. He notes that this adds additional resilience, as a disruption on the West Coast can be rerouted to the East cost terrestrially via fibre, then connected to one of the international cables back to Europe. Such configurations are now being put into places as a failsafe, but more investment is required. Wood agrees that terrestrial networks will see an uptick as companies assess how they architect their networks. People will look at terrestrial fibre solutions to get from one country to another cross-border, then you come out to a landing station of a different country. Quite often, cable cuts happen close to shore, on a branch coming off a main trunk into an individual country - so if that branch gets cut, you're out. People are going to be looking at terrestrial connectivity as well to get between landing stations and then have diversity. Zibi notes that the upcoming launch of the 2Africa cable will ameliorate the situation, adding that since the systems constituent pieces are semi-independent it can be self-healing plus the size of the cable will help to bring down prices, which is a major consideration if connectivity providers increasingly need to hold capacity across four or five different routes. Today, the average provider has capacity on two to three routes this must double, but that will require bandwidth costs to come down. While this process has begun, prices need to fall further. ISPs will of course baulk at having to double their number of suppliers for capacity, and since ARPU in Africa is on the lower end of the global scale, cable providers are aware that they cant gouge their customers by overselling capacity. Zibi notes that pricing is an area of concern in theory, with more capacity, there will be greater supply and so prices will fall. And while average unit costs of deploying and delivering capacity are falling, the wholesale market is relatively low margin compared to other segments of digital infrastructure, so its challenging for providers to cut their prices. There are not many options that are financially viable for ISPs to build resiliency into their architectures. Satellite cannot deliver enough capacity and would also be far too expensive it can be used for backup for certain applications, but the volume of capacity it can deliver is a fraction of that of a subsea cable. Wood notes that WIOCC lit two and a half terabytes of capacity in five days; even a satellite system such as Starlink, across the entire constellation can deliver only a few hundred gigabits to one location. You wouldn't be able to restore Africa's internet on satellite - you can use it for certain specific applications, but it's not a replacement or a redundant solution for submarine cables, says Wood. Is the answer more cables? Potentially, but they are very expensive - to lay a new cable from South Africa to Europe, picking up four or five countries on the way, is about a billion dollarsare the end users willing to pay collectively another billion dollars for a bit of extra redundancy? Even if [they are] it's still a seven-to-ten-year process to start sorting the funding, design the system, lay the system, and commission it - so there's no quick fix to this. Even with the additional capacity of Equiano and 2Africa, Zibi believes that more cables will be required particularly as some of the existing cables, such as Sat-3, are past their useful lifespan and will be decommissioned in due course. He estimates that the West Coast should be served by at least another one or two large cables, as this would enable more local hosting capabilities for internet exchanges, data centres and cloud applications, making it easier to mitigate the impacts of future cable outages. As Wood notes, the worlds internet runs on subsea cables - there is no viable alternative for running multi-terabit solutions around the world. Satellite can do certain things, but it can't run the internet, which requires thousands of terabytes globally. While Africas reliance on subsea cables is perhaps more pronounced than other regions, this incident has demonstrated the extent to which the continents connectivity has become more resilient over the past ten years. The next steps are also clearer a shift towards exchanging more internet traffic locally, and deploying future cable systems further offshore to safeguard against such incidents. The impending launch of the 2Africa cable system will deliver further redundancy, and as additional routes are added, prices should fall, meaning ISPs have more affordable options to shore up their resiliency. Today marks one year since the war between Sudans army and its paramilitary wing, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), began. The war has created widespread hunger, as fields lay uncultivated and aid agencies struggle to reach millions of Sudanese displaced from their homes. Despite the challenges, some farmers are getting support from a British aid organization. On April 15, 2023, Sudanese awakened to the sound of gunfire, shelling, and the roar of military aircraft as the Sudanese army and the RSF began fighting for control of the capital, Khartoum. The fighting made it difficult for humanitarian aid organizations to distribute food, and hard for farmers in the conflict zones to plant crops. The spreading clashes killed thousands and displaced millions from their homes. Practical Action, a U.K.-based aid group, is working with farmers in states not affected by the war to produce food, fight hunger and improve their economic conditions. The organization is supporting at least 200,000 farmers and families. Muna Eltahir, the country director of Practical Action Sudan, says her organization is focused on easing food insecurity. We have a project in Al-Gedaref and Kassala, she said. We have another project in the Blue Nile to support small farmers in increasing their production and productivity through the provision of seed seedlings and some knowledge for the farmers. And this is also successful and can bridge some gaps, but at a very limited scale because we are one of the very, very few organizations working on sustaining agriculture and farmers rather than distribution of relief. According to the United Nations, more than 18 million Sudanese are food insecure, with most trapped in areas of active fighting. The conflict has disrupted agricultural production, damaging infrastructure and farmers' livelihoods. Jalal Babiker, leader of the Elekhia Farmers Association, told VOA that farmers in his area have increased production and are cultivating more land. He said using about 50 feddan of land equal to about 50 acres farmers cultivate a variety of crops including potatoes, grapefruit, lemons, bananas, and various vegetables. This year, in collaboration with Practical Action, he said, the farmers embarked on a potato cultivation project in Kassala state, planting approximately 24 feddan across three designated areas. Residents of Kassala state previously depended on El Gezira and Khartoum for their potatoes and other produce, but the conflict has disrupted the supply chain, and the region is forced to be self-sufficient. Babiker said the goal in planting potatoes in Kassala state is to improve the business situation of small farmers planting potatoes to offer farmers cheap potatoes and seedlings and to create employment opportunities for the youth in the region. Babiker is optimistic about the future of agriculture in his country. However, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned Monday of an escalation of the conflict as more armed groups join the fighting. Eltahir worries that Sudans war will hinder her work with farmers. "My nightmare is the conflict will expand to the safe areas where we have our activities, she said. Then they will loot the harvest, or they will destroy the cultivated land. And then that would be a real disaster. And everything is expected because, like yesterday, they attacked Al-Gedaref." Calls from the U.N. and international agencies urging the warring parties to cease hostilities so far, have been ignored. Ukrainian officials reported deadly Russian shelling in the eastern region of Donetsk, while Russia said it thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack in an area near the Black Sea. Vadym Filashkin, the regional governor of Donetsk, said on Telegram that the Russian shelling killed four people in the town of Siversk. Russia has repeatedly hit the area since invading Ukraine in early 2022. Russias defense ministry said its air defenses destroyed a Ukrainian drone over the Krasnodar area, which is located near Crimea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued his latest call for allies to help supplement Ukraines air defenses to protect from Russia attacks, saying Russia is inflicting significant damage every day. Zelenskyy pointed to the defense of Israel against Irans missile and drone attack late Sunday, saying it demonstrates the effectiveness of modern air defense systems. The whole world sees what real defense is. It sees that it is feasible, Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Sunday. And the whole world saw that Israel was not alone in this defense the threat in the sky was also being eliminated by its allies. Zelenskyy called for bold action from allies when Ukraine asks for help. Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Ukrainian officials are voicing concern about future military support from the West, especially the United States. Military commanders say they urgently need additional aid, including advanced weaponry, to regain a strategic advantage against the more powerful Russian forces. Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze reports. The U.S. Commerce Department announced Monday $6.4 billion in grants to the South Korea-based Samsung electronics company to help fund a new chip-manufacturing hub in Taylor, Texas, and to expand an existing facility in nearby Austin. In a White House statement, U.S. President Joe Biden said the grants part of the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, passed by Congress will help Samsung increase its investment in Texas to more than $40 million and create more than 20,000 jobs. In his statement, Biden said these facilities will support the production of some of the most powerful chips in the world, which are essential to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and will bolster U.S. national security. The Commerce Department reports the new Samsung facility in Taylor will include a new research and development facility, as well as factory for advanced packaging, the final step before semiconductors can be used in electronic systems. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said, The chips that Samsung will be making in Texas are important components to our most advanced technologies, from artificial intelligence to high-performance computing and 5G communications. She said CHIPS act investments like this one are designed to spur continued private sector investments and help create a U.S.-based supply chain for semiconductors. Last week, the commerce department announced similar grants to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for a plant it is building in Phoenix, Arizona, and to the U.S. chipmaker Intel in Santa Clara, California. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Top officials in Washington are attempting to avoid a widening war in the Middle East after Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel with explosive drones and missiles. There need to be some consequences here, said a senior U.S. official briefing reporters Sunday afternoon on the condition of not being named. But U.S. President Joe Biden, in his latest conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made very clear to the prime minister last night that we do have to think carefully and strategically about risks of escalation, especially in view of the attack causing only light damage and no significant casualties, the official said. Israeli officials insist there will be a response, but the countrys war Cabinet appears divided on how and when. If Israel retaliates, it would be doing it alone. We would not envision ourselves participating in such a thing, replied the senior administration official when asked whether the United States would participate in any military response to the Iranian attack. It was an incredible military achievement by Israel, the United States and other partners in repelling more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran, according to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby. US Central Command says its forces, supported by US European Command destroyers, on Saturday and on Sunday morning "successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen. This includes a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven UAVs destroyed on the ground in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen prior to their launch." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a statement late Saturday, said the explosive aircraft and missiles were launched from the territories of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. We call on Iran to immediately halt any further attacks, including from its proxy forces, and to deescalate tensions, Austin said. We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel. He spoke by phone Sunday for the third time during the weekend with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Biden convened a hastily arranged video conference Sunday of leaders of the Group of Seven nations to coordinate a united diplomatic response to the Iranian attack. With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided, the G7 leaders said in a group statement issued after their meeting. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives. Biden spoke by phone with Netanyahu on Saturday evening to reaffirm Americas ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. Biden told Netanyahu, according to media reports, that since the Iranian attack caused only minimal casualties and damage, Israel should not retaliate against Iran. Both Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have been calling leaders in the region to make it clear that while Washington does not seek a direct military confrontation with Tehran, the United States will not hesitate to continue to defend Israel. Biden had rushed back to Washington from a visit to Delaware earlier Saturday and convened a meeting in the White House Situation Room with key officials of his Cabinet as Iran launched the unprecedented attack after vowing to retaliate over an April 1 suspected Israeli airstrike on Irans consulate in Damascus. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the strike. The U.S. military began moving extra troops and equipment to sites in the Middle East, defense officials confirmed Friday. It has about 40,000 troops in the region. The U.S. Navy moved two guided-missile destroyers capable of intercepting drones and incoming missiles closer to Israel in anticipation of the Iranian attack, The Wall Street Journal reported. U.S. Navy Red Sea forces have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched toward Israel from Yemen by the Iranian-allied Houthi forces. The Biden administration's response to the Iranian attack will be closely watched by his political opponents, coming less than seven months before a general election rematch between the Democratic Party incumbent and his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. Trump, speaking Saturday at a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, claimed the attack would not have happened if we were in office." He did not elaborate on how. God bless the people of Israel, he said. They are under attack right now. That's because we show great weakness. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has failed to permit a floor vote on bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate providing security aid to Israel and Ukraine, is accusing Bidens administration of undermining Israel and appeasing Iran and that contributed to these terrible developments. A Republican congressman, Mike Turner of the state of Ohio, is calling for a more robust response from Biden. I think the administration needs to take seriously that this attack has happened. It's unprecedented and certainly it needs to be viewed as an escalation. This is an escalating conflict, Turner, who chairs the intelligence committee in the House, said on NBCs Meet the Press program Sunday. Democrat Chris Coons, of Bidens home state of Delaware, is urging lawmakers to pass Bidens request for military aid to Israel. "The House should promptly pass this coming week the long-delayed national security supplemental to ensure that our Israeli allies have everything they need to defend themselves from attacks by Iran and its proxies, he said. A Vietnamese writer and journalist serving a nine-year prison sentence for her work has been recognized with an international literary award. The rights group PEN America has announced that Pham Doan Trang will receive its 2024 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. The honor is bestowed each year to a writer imprisoned for his or her work. Trang is known in Vietnam for her blog and books about civil liberties. She started a blog in 2006 as a way to create space for independent debate. Since then, the writer has started online magazines, opened a publishing house, and authored books on politics, human rights, and the Vietnamese legal system. Her books include Non-Violent Resistance, Politics for the Common People, A Handbook for Freedom Fighters, and Politics of a Police State. The writing brought Trang to the attention of Vietnamese authorities. Her books have been confiscated and people who buy or own copies risk charges of spreading anti-state propaganda, according to PEN. In 2020, Vietnam arrested Trang on accusations of spreading anti-state propaganda, and in a one-day trial in 2021, a court sentenced her to nine years in prison. The writer is serving her sentence in a remote prison 900 miles from her hometown, which means family can visit only occasionally. Trang has galvanized the Vietnamese people through her writings on democracy, human rights, environmental degradation, and womens empowerment. The Vietnamese government has persecuted and jailed Trang in an effort to still her voice, Suzanne Nossel, the head of PEN America, said in a statement. She has sacrificed her health and freedom in the pursuit of justice. Despite the governments crackdown on dissent and activism, her powerful words continue to inspire people across Vietnam and throughout the world. PEN America has said that Trangs imprisonment contradicts international human rights law and violates her right to free expression. Neither Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor its embassy in Washington responded to VOAs comment inquiries. Trang is one of 19 journalists imprisoned for their work in Vietnam, making the country one of the leading jailers of media workers, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. One of Trangs lawyers will receive the award on behalf of the writer at a gala in New York in May, along with a friend of the writer, says PEN. The lawyer, Dang Dinh Manh, said that Trang, completely deserves all the honors that are recognizing her work and the sacrifice she has made to speak up. As a defense lawyer for Trang, I understand her commitment to fighting for universal values, along with the very high price she had to make tradeoffs: her health, her youth, her freedom, Manh told VOA. The lawyer, who fled Vietnam for the U.S. because of harassment related to his legal work, added, She completely deserves all the honors. The award sends a message to the Vietnamese government that the suppression of people's freedom is not welcomed, and is even condemned everywhere, said Manh. Trangs friend Quynh-Vi Tran will also travel to New York for the award ceremony. PEN America had given these awards to people that they believe are writers who inspire and who use their writings to inspire others to do better things in society, Tran, who lives in Taiwan, told VOA. Tran, who is co-founder and executive director of Legal Initiatives for Vietnam, expressed thanks to PEN for advocating for Trang's freedom and raising awareness of the challenges to free expression in Vietnam. Vietnam should understand and should follow the legal standard of human rights in the world. Because Vietnam is a member of the Human Rights Council, they cannot say they have a different definition for human rights than the rest of the world. Right? Tran said. PEN America has called for Trangs release from prison and the repeal of the law under which Trang is imprisoned, among other laws that infringe on free expression. Previous PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write winners include Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi and Ukrainian freelance journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko. This article originated in VOAs Vietnamese Service. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Western allies Monday to display the same "unity" toward Ukraine as they did toward Israel when they thwarted an Iranian aerial assault against the Israeli skies over this past weekend. "By defending Israel, the free world has demonstrated that such unity is not only possible, but also 100% effective," he said. In a post on Telegram, Zelenskyy thanked allies who had come to Ukraine's aid for more air defenses but said "the intensity of Russian attacks requires greater unity," as they showed in the defense of Israel. "The same is possible in defending Ukraine, which, like Israel, is not a NATO member, from terror," he continued. He called for "political will" from Ukraine's allies, as Ukraine is growing short of ammunition and desperate for more air defenses to repel Russian attacks. Zelenskyy issued his latest call for allies help, saying Russia is inflicting significant damage every day. In a news conference earlier Monday, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also addressed the readiness of Western allies to defend Israel and called for more support for Ukraine "as soon as possible." "We see that when allies act as one in a very coordinated way, not a single missile falls on the targets, reaches targets in Israel," Kuleba said alongside his Norwegian counterpart, who is visiting Kyiv. Israel's military said it intercepted 99% of the aerial threats with the help of the United States and other allies, and that the overnight attack caused only minor damage. "Everything we are asking from partners, even if you cannot act the way you act in Israel, give us what we need, and we will do the rest of the job," Kuleba added. Speaking via video to the Second Black Sea Security Conference in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, Kuleba said increasing Ukraines air defense will also strengthen regional and global stability, as it in turn protects the security of Ukraines neighbors and the entire Black Sea region from Russian aerial terror. Today, theres no other language Moscow understands better than the language of force. This is what they respect, anything else is seen as a weakness, the Ukrainian foreign minister said. Kuleba also said the Black Sea must become the sea of NATO, of peace and stability," calling on the alliance to implement a comprehensive and ambitious Black Sea strategy aimed at reducing Russias malign influence. In the same conference, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke via video and underscored the importance of investing in the Black Sea regions security to ensure peace and freedom across Europe. US aid bill U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to decide this week on how to handle President Joe Bidens $95 billion aid package, which includes $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel. The bill also includes the Indo-Pacific and addresses aid for the U.S. southern border with Mexico. The package was passed by the Senate but stalled in the House. The aid initiative has gained new urgency after Iran's weekend missile and drone attack on Israel, despite fierce opposition in the deeply divided Congress. Many conservative Republican lawmakers, especially those closely allied with former President Donald Trump, fiercely oppose sending billions more dollars to Ukraine. Trump has been skeptical of assisting Kyiv in its fight against Moscow. Johnson could be ousted as speaker if he allows the Ukraine aid to move ahead. On the ground Ukraine's air defense shortages and the Kharkiv region's proximity to the Russian border is leaving the area especially vulnerable to strikes on energy infrastructure, which have caused large-scale power cuts. Russian forces killed two people and injured four more after striking an education facility in the Kharkiv region on Monday, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on the Telegram messaging app. Syniehubov added that the four wounded people were hospitalized with blast injuries and shrapnel wounds. With the weather getting warmer, Russia has intensified its strikes in the eastern front with the Kharkiv region bearing the brunt of the attacks. Ukrainian officials reported deadly Russian shelling in the eastern region of Donetsk, while Russia said it thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack in an area near the Black Sea. Vadym Filashkin, regional governor of Donetsk, said on Telegram that Russian shelling killed four people in the town of Siversk. Russia has repeatedly hit the area since invading Ukraine in early 2022. Russias Defense Ministry said its air defenses destroyed a Ukrainian drone over the Krasnodar area, which is located near Crimea. Some information for this report was provided by Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemns Iran's attacks on Israel and said his country, like Israel needs help from its allies to fend off threats from the air. The latest from Anna Chernikova in Kyiv on what the U.N. nuclear watchdog is saying about the safety of the Russian occupied nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine over two years ago, divisions have arisen between congressional Democrats and Republicans over sending military aid to Kyiv. VOAs Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti explains how the two presidential frontrunners differ on how to handle the Russian war in Ukraine. How citizens India say they were duped by Russia into fighting on Ukraines front lines. A year since war broke out in Sudan, analysts foresee no end to the conflict and say the longer it drags on, the more likely Sudan will become a breeding ground for terrorist groups. VOA spoke via video to a volunteer at one of the last functioning hospitals in Omdurman. Henry Wilkins reports. The Group of Seven leading industrial countries, or G7, met Sunday and unequivocally condemned Irans overnight attack on Israel. "We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security," the leaders said after a video meeting in a statement published by the Italian G7 presidency. Israel said Sunday that Iran launched 320 warheads against it in an unprecedented attack, but that its air defenses along with those of the United States and other supportive countries shot down 99% of them. With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation, the G7 statement said. This must be avoided. Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, told CNN, They [Iran] failed in their attack. The Sunday G7 session was called by Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the group. Its members include Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United States. Lerner said Tehran targeted a military base that Iran said was used to launch the April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus that killed two Iranian generals. He said the overnight airstrike didnt cause much damage. The IDF spokesperson said Iran launched 170 explosive drones against Israel, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles, with most of them coming directly from Iranian territory although some were fired by Iranian militant proxies based in Iraq and Yemen. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told CNN that the vast majority of the warheads were launched from Iran. There was no way to do what they did without violating international air space, sending them over other countries in the region as it targeted Israel. A few of the projectiles landed in Israel but most were shot down before they reached Israeli airspace. Officials said one young Arab-Israeli girl was critically injured when hit by shrapnel, the only reported casualty. The United Nations Security Council was meeting Sunday afternoon, with Israel and Iran expected to address the council. Israel requested the meeting. Kirby called the defense of Israel from the Iranian attacks an incredible military achievement. He said there was not very much damage in Israel. Iran warned Israel and the United States on Sunday of a much larger response if Israel attempts to retaliate for the attacks on its territory. Iran said it had ended its assault on Israel, but Lerner said, We dont necessarily take their word, adding that just this morning, Iran-backed Hezbollah militants had fired on Israel from Lebanon. Kirby said that while the U.S. helped knock down incoming Iranian warheads, it has told Israel it will not participate in an attack on Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war Cabinet to discuss a response to the Iranian attack. "We intercepted, we repelled, together we shall win," Netanyahu said on social media. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, despite thwarting the overnight attack, the military campaign was not over and "we must be prepared for every scenario." Centrist war Cabinet minister Benny Gantz said Israel will respond to the attack. "We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us," Gantz said. Irans top military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, issued a predawn statement Sunday, saying that it launched missiles and drones from Iranian territory toward Israel in retaliation for the attack on its consulate in Damascus. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the April 1 strike, although the U.S. reportedly criticized Israel for not alerting it ahead of time. The Israel Airports Authority announced early Sunday that as of 7:30 a.m. local time, Israeli airspace had reopened. It said flight schedules at Tel Avivs Ben Gurion Airport were subject to change. Iran urged Israel not to retaliate for the strikes. "The matter can be deemed concluded," Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a post on social media platform X. "However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe," the mission said. The aerial attack on Israel from Iranian territory marked a major escalation in the conflict between the rival regional powers and prompted action by U.S. forces in support of Israel. Video posted on social media late Saturday showed some of the projectiles being intercepted over central and southern Israel and others hitting the ground and exploding as sirens wailed. In a message sent to VOA, Israeli reserves Brig. Gen. Jacob Nagel, a former national security adviser to Netanyahu, said Israeli forces were assisted by their U.S., British, Jordanian and Saudi allies in intercepting the Iranian projectiles. A U.S. military official confirmed to VOA that U.S. forces shot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu late Saturday. The official said Bidens national security team will continue to work with partners in the region to prevent further escalation. As the Iranian assault began, Netanyahu said in a televised message that Israel would defend itself "against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination. At around the same time, White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson issued a statement saying the United States will "stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran. "This attack is likely to unfold over a number of hours. President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel's security is ironclad, Watson said. Netanyahu acknowledged that support in his own statement, saying, "We appreciate the U.S. standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries. VOAs Michael Lipin, United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer and national security correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press and Reuters. Indian company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a major name in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has announced the opening of a new delivery centre in Londrina, a city in southern Brazil. This new centre, the company says, will create more than 1,600 new job opportunities over the next five years, contribute to the local economy and strengthen TCS presence in the region. TCS, which has had a presence in Londrina since 2018, employs around 1,700 people in the city. It says the new centralised campus will bring the city workforce under one roof. The delivery centre will specialize in key areas such as business transformation, artificial intelligence, and cognitive business operations, offering a comprehensive suite of IT services to clients in Brazil and around the world. Bruno Rocha, Country Head, TCS Brazil, says: The new delivery centre in Londrina is a testament to our ongoing commitment to Brazil and our confidence in local talent. We are looking to double the number of associates in key areas such as cybersecurity, cloud, CBO, ITIS, AI, and automation, reflecting our dedication to innovation and excellence in technology services. TCS has been operating in Brazil for over two decades, with operations in Londrina, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. It serves over 140 clients in the region across industries such as banking, insurance, mining, retail, and telecommunications. Photo: Luis Sanchez Saturno - Pool/Getty Images Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison on April 15 in the fatal Rust set shooting in New Mexico. Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter on March 6 for the 2021 on-set incident that left cinematographer Halyna Hutchins dead. Hutchins was killed after Alec Baldwin allegedly fired a prop gun loaded with live ammunition in her direction. Director Joel Souza, who was also shot, survived. You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon, said Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, delivering the maximum sentence. But for you, Ms. Hutchins would be alive, a husband would have his partner, and a little boy would have his mother. During Gutierrez-Reeds recent trial, prosecutors argued that she failed to properly check ammunition in the gun and that it was her fault that live ammunition wound up on the set. Both Gutierrez-Reed and Baldwin pleaded not guilty in their respective criminal cases. Baldwin, who faces a trial in July, has argued that he did not pull the trigger. Gutierrez-Reed made a tearful request for probation during the sentencing hearing. I am saddened by the way the media sensationalized our traumatic tragedy and portrayed me as a complete monster, which has actually been the total opposite of what is in my heart, she said. She called Hutchins an inspiration to her and said she is beyond grateful that Souza survived. Judge Sommer later said she did not hear Gutierrez-Reed take accountability. In advance of Gutierrez-Reeds sentencing, prosecutors requested that she serve an 18-month sentence. They painted her as unrepentant in court filings, citing jailhouse phone calls since her conviction. She continued to complain in jail calls about the negative effects this incident has had on her life and her modeling career while never expressing genuine remorse at any time, they wrote, noting that she referred to jurors as idiots. Over the course of her two-week-long trial, both the prosecution and defense largely rehashed their long-held positions. Prosecutors told jurors that Gutierrez-Reed flouted common-sense gun-safety protocols on the set; the defense, meanwhile, insisted that she was a scapegoat. In his opening statement, prosecutor Jason Lewis told jurors, By failing to make those vital safety checks, the defendant acted negligently and without due caution The decisions she made that day ultimately contributed to Ms. Hutchinss death. Lewis ended his opening statement by quoting Gutierrez-Reeds own words in a police interview after the incident. She says at the end: I just, I dont know. I wish I would have checked it, Lewis told the jury. And so do we. Jason Bowles, Gutierrez-Reeds attorney, said that the set was rife with dangerous safety issues. Just because there was a tragedy does not mean that a crime was committed. It does not mean that Hannah Gutierrez really caused the crimes they have charged her with, Bowles said, telling the jury that Baldwin had pointed the gun in Hutchinss direction. What they tried to do, and what youre seeing in this courtroom today, is trying to blame it all on Hannah, the 24-year-old, because, why? Because shes an easy target. Shes the least powerful person on that set. The most dramatic twist in her trial emerged when assistant director David Halls testified. Baldwin initially told authorities that Gutierrez-Reed had given him the gun, but later alleged it was Halls. When Halls who previously pleaded no contest to negligent use of a deadly weapon over the incident testified, he told jurors that Gutierrez-Reed passed the gun to Baldwin. Park Chan-wooks HBO adaptation of The Sympathizer is a captivating senior seminar on postcolonial theory. Photo: Hopper Stone/HBO The Sympathizer is studded with repeating images. Theres a grimacing asymmetrical smiley-face logo, an egg rolling across a table, a French candy wrapper, a bottle of Coke, a flickering movie projection light. They return again and again, punctuation marks and anchors within the Captains (Hoa Xuande) story, adapted by Park Chan-wook from the Pulitzer-winning 2015 Viet Thahn Nguyen novel. A double agent for the North Vietnamese secret police, the Captain is embedded with a South Vietnamese general (Toan Le) when Saigon falls and the Peoples Army forces him to flee to the United States. Nameless, and with loyalties perpetually pulling in multiple directions, the Captain is haunted by these remembered images, which Park presents as intrusive visuals suddenly cutting into a scene. The triggers for specific memories are laden with new significance each time they reappear, often culminating in unlocking a scene from the Captains life. All of this is written, then rewritten, into the Captains long handwritten confession, his only pastime as captive inside a Vietnamese reeducation camp. If all of this sounds like a vaguely familiar set of ideas from a senior seminar on theories of imperialism, heres some good and occasionally tiresome news: The Sympathizer is that exactly. Yes, its seven episodes offer an impressive lead turn for Xuande and a lovely opportunity for Park to exercise his series-length directing skills for the first time since AMCs 2018 The Little Drummer Girl adaptation. But its also, inescapably, a graceful, darkly funny narrativization of Postcolonialism 101, bursting with embodied representations of doubled identities, memories rewritten and reshaped when perspectives change, an unreliable narrator, an echoing and excoriation of Orientalist tropes, a perpetual problematizing of the self versus the other, and an acknowledgment of the seductive power of American cultural hegemony accompanied by deep anger at American militarism. To The Sympathizers credit, it is generally adept at building these ideas into a fiction that tracks in terms of character and emotion. But sometimes the mask falls and the syllabus reveals itself. The signifier collapses onto the signified. In other words: The story isnt enough cover for all the stuff the story is supposed to be about. On the surface, The Sympathizer is a mix of spy story and picaresque. The Captains identity is complex: a communist agent undercover in South Vietnam, the son of a Vietnamese mother and an unknown French father, a young radical whose obvious fondness for American culture is at odds with his sworn avowal of anti-American politics. But in the U.S., he finds that, rather than gathering intelligence and receiving revolutionary orders from his handler in Vietnam, hes merely a side character in other peoples stories. He becomes a mascot figure at his universitys Asian-studies department, trotted out at parties as a fascinating mixture of East and West; embarks on an affair with his boss, a department secretary played by Sandra Oh; and tries to prop up his friend Bon (Fred Nguyen Khan), who is traumatized by his own escape from Vietnam. The Captain is constantly trying to negotiate his position as a double agent who risks losing his sense of purpose and, in moments of desperation and fear, makes what he feels are necessary, violent, and tormenting decisions. Although The Sympathizer is built like a spy thriller, with endless wells of tension and immense gravity at all the violence and pain, the series is full of black humor. The Captain moves from event to event, each circumstance more awkward than the last, unable to stop himself from fixating on the deep, absurd ironies inherent in his life. Parks direction is key to the shows tone, taking the license of the Captains confessions to give the camera his sardonic point of view. Its eye zooms in on notable gestures and slyly swings around to take note of some funny detail or expression; when a new person walks into the frame, the camera sometimes turns in their direction like a visual exclamation point. The world is full of texture and tactility; candy crunches ominously in characters mouths, and even when the setting is a glamorous nightclub or Hollywood home, its never too implausibly clean. Each time that image of a hard-boiled egg rolling across a table returns, every flake of shell is palpable. Theres a distinct sense of doom before you even know why. All that intensive attention to the physical world is crucial in making palatable the heady abstractions underneath. There are metaphorical mirrors everywhere, and The Sympathizer is unabashedly direct about calling out their deeper meanings. The pinnacle comes midway through the series, when the Captain joins a Francis Ford Coppola pastiche as Vietnamese cultural consultant on a movie called The Hamlet, a clear Apocalypse Now analogue. The whole film-within-a-film device, as a takeoff of a film already adapting a classic colonialist text, invites begs for, really careful academic close reads and intensive meticulous examination. (Proposed title: Apocalypses Then and Now: Hamlet, The Hamlet, and Narratives of the Self in HBOs The Sympathizer.) That is not necessarily a detraction. That grotesque smiley face superimposed on a real face, the image of the yellow yolk inside a white egg theyre all part of a neatly organized thematic structure, but theyre also full of feeling. The lecture cant always synthesize with the TV format, however, especially near the end, as too many pieces fall into place with puzzlelike neatness. The disconnect is most egregious and distracting in the use of Robert Downey Jr., who pops up throughout the series playing every major white character: the CIA agent who gets the Captain and the General out of Vietnam; the director of The Hamlet; a congressman; and, most unfortunately, the fey Orientalist Asian-studies professor who objectifies his area of expertise. As an inversion of the stereotypical approach to Asian characters in film and television, the conceit tracks with the shows conceptual underpinnings: All white men on The Sympathizer are roughly interchangeable with slightly altered characteristics and otherwise unimportant sameness, a system of connected symbols rather than individual people. But Robert Downey Jr. just cant fade into an indistinct, interchangeable white dude. He is always, stubbornly, Robert Downey Jr. sometimes with hair, sometimes in a kimono. A more deft treatment of his celebrity image couldve become part of the shows theoretical framework, another layer of meaning lacquered onto its many mirroring surfaces. As it is, his appearances muddle the apparent goal. His first character is the CIA agent, which means that when he comes back as the unbearable professor, theres no way to tell for certain whether hes two characters or the same guy undercover. Its distracting, and worse, so much of the shows sense of humor is about the way American stories center whiteness. Robert Downey Jr. showing up over and over in roles designed to be largely interchangeable contradicts that aim. But even when The Sympathizer falls apart, the shows failures are almost as fun as the triumphs they have meat to them. Theyre the result of someone making a choice. The series is at its best when Parks visuals and narrative devices clearly articulate everything going on under the storys hood. Its rare an essay prompt feels this fun. The Sympathizer Death Wish Season 1 Episode 1 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next Previous Episode Next Episode Photo: Hopper Stone/HBO HBO and A24s adaptation of The Sympathizer, a limited series based on Viet Thanh Nguyens 2016 Pulitzer Prizewinning novel, opens with an oft-quoted passage by the author: All wars are fought twice. The first time on the battlefield, the second time in memory. The epigraph (cited from Nothing Ever Dies, Nguyens 2016 nonfiction work) offers an explicit framework for understanding The Sympathizer, a Vietnam Warera story narrated through the prison letters of a nameless double agent (Hoa Xuande). The Captain, as hes called, served as an undercover Communist mole with the South Vietnamese military as its Generals (Toan Le) right-hand man. After the Fall of Saigon, he was tasked with following the General to America and spying on the Southern camps activities. As a man of two faces, the Captains memory is both an asset and a liability, a double-edged sword thats teased out during his imprisonment at the series start. Comrade, everything I did was to advance the cause, he says in the opening scene before a North Vietnamese guard slams the cell shut. Hes left with orders to write about his days as a Communist spy. Here, memory is employed as a narrative device and, more broadly, a metatextual allusion to American pop cultures remembrance of the lost war. The Sympathizer challenges this extant cultural memory through its protagonists split allegiances. A half-Vietnamese, half-French Communist, the Captain is cursed to see every issue from both sides. Even his blood brothers, Bon (Fred Nguyen Khan) and Man (Duy Nguyen) are divided along party lines. Theres a quote often attributed to the French director Francois Truffaut about how theres no such thing as an antiwar film. Perhaps what Truffaut meant, other interpretations notwithstanding, is that most narratives about war inevitably take a side; that cinema imbues combat and conflict with a moral imperative and transforms violence into spectacle. But if an anti-war film is impossible, is there hope for cinema that grapples with wars abject dualities without striking a false balance? The Sympathizer may be well-positioned to do so under the creative direction of its non-American showrunners: Park Chan-wook, the South Korean auteur behind Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave, and Don McKellar, a Canadian filmmaker. Park directed the first three episodes, and the series premiere is marked by his stylish meticulousness. Death Wish opens with a shot of a guard blowing cigarette smoke into a wooden cell. The camera deftly pans back to reveal the Captain before a desk and a notepad, as the events hes recounted unfold through flashbacks. In January 1975, four months before Saigon fell, the Captain met with Claude (Robert Downey Jr.), a CIA agent, at a movie theater. The two were to watch Death Wish, starring Charles Bronson. Here, the Captains voiceover interjects to revise a detail in his previous report (he last noted the movie was Emmanuelle, not Death Wish, but confirms that its the latter). Such retroactive revisions are a slippery narrative strategy employed throughout the episode, which Park emphasizes by pausing, rewinding, and replaying scenes to reveal previously omitted details. Inside the theater, the Captain and Claude watch the interrogation of a battered North Vietnamese captive, who had in her possession a complete list of South Vietnamese secret agents. The captive is repeatedly questioned about her contact. The double-crossing spy behind the mission is, in fact, the Captain, a detail relayed to viewers in reverse chronological order. A few days prior, the Captain was asked to retrieve the list of names by his Northern handler (and blood brother) Man and deposit it in a mailbox. Later at the Southern headquarters, the Captain learns that a wiretap had intercepted the mission, leaving him no choice but to deploy agents to catch the Northern spy. He sends off a harried call to Man in code (It looks like the cat is about to pounce on the pigeon, the Captain says in shockingly unimaginative spy-speak). Man cracks his neck and hangs up without a word, and the Captain hurries off to catch the captive. This early noir-ish twist in the episode benefits from Parks fast-paced and precise direction before the mood heightens into melodrama. Theres a grotesqueness to the interrogation scene that is both horrifying and darkly humorous. Its a classic Park move to have Claude up close to the camera, saying, This is counterintelligence. It gets wet down there, and You have to want to taste the interrogation! while the captive is defecating out the evidence in the background. Two months later, as Northern bombings ramp up in the South, the General summons Claude to his home, where the Captain also resides. Claude arrives bearing gifts, and when he hands the Captain the new Isley Brothers record, he adds, Quiet as its kept, Im 1/16th Negro (which immediately led me to think of RDJ in Tropic Thunder), to which the General responds in Vietnamese: Why do these Ivy League brats always insist theyre part Black? The conversation shifts over to the plane; the General yells, THE PLANE! before claiming that his evacuation will be a temporary retreat. Claude says the CIA can only offer one plane with 92 seats, and the General tasks the Captain with selecting those who would leave with them. He makes a point to choose the incompetent officers, knowing that the more competent agents will be left to stand trial. Days before Saigon falls, Bon, Man, and the Captain get day-drunk over canned Budweisers. Theres a boyish wistfulness to their interactions. They exchange loud kisses on each others forehead and get teary-eyed over an anti-war song as explosions rumble in the distance. They can sense that things wont ever be the same. The Captain had secured seats for Bon, his wife, and the newborn on the Generals plane with the intent of staying behind to witness the Northern takeover. However, Man insists that his friend would be of better service abroad. Then, Mans tone darkens. He sounds Machiavellian, even accusatory: You want to go. When you were at college, your letters back were like fan letters. You dream in English. You love America. Admit it. I was fascinated and repulsed, the Captain says. Thats what it means to love America, Man responds. Its not an unfounded accusation: The Captain, at the very least, enjoys American music. He lip-synced to Wars Low Rider in the car as he cornered the North Vietnamese agent and sang along to Del Shannons Runaway with Claude, correcting the agent about who made the tune. The episode reaches its conclusive climax with the overnight evacuation on the Generals plane. The Captain accompanies the General, his wife (Ky Duyen), and daughter Lana (Vy Le) to the airport, as they board a series of buses to take them to the tarmac. Nut to butt! Nut to butt! yells the American GI who oversaw their bus boarding. It is the episodes final, flailing attempt at comedic relief while the sky is streaked with flares and the bombardment continues ceaselessly. A few bombs narrowly miss the bus before its struck and flips over. The Captain, the Generals family, and Bons family miraculously survive and run towards the plane, as gunfire closes into the airfield. On the dash to the plane, debris from a crashing helicopter strikes Bons wife, Linh, killing her. The Captain runs back to Bon, urging him to make a run for the plane. The episode ends with a grimy Captain in his cell, his light eyes (unconvincing colored contacts) and tear-streaked face basking in the thin strips of sun through his cell. He hears a song and presses his ear to the walls to hear it. Its Runaway, by Del Shannon. Eden Espinosa as Tamara de Lempicka. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman I am politely requesting a moratorium on musicals that begin with some version of How did I wind up here? Maybe weve all paid a little bit too much attention to Jean-Luc Godards most Instagram-quotable epigram: At this point, putting the beginning, middle, and end in that order feels like a vaguely radical act. The irony is that LempickaCarson Kreitzer and Matt Goulds new musical about the tempestuous life of the Polish emigre Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempicka, which begins with the old artist looking world-wearily backis obsessed with radical acts. It badly wants to be bold, but as any high-school kid can tell you, theres no surer path to awkwardness than trying too hard. Lempicka the woman was unquestionably fascinating, flawed, and fabulous; Lempicka the musical often goes flat. Theres an uncharacteristically tepid quality to Rachel Chavkins directionas if shes repeating herself rather than enjoying herselfalong with a sense of varnish over the proceedings. We can see the glossy, cool surface, the assertive industrial lines and curves of the painters work, but were missing its true audaciousness, voluptuousness, and vitality. The show pushes and poses it doesnt let us in. Theres always the risk that a bio-play, even of the most intriguing subject, is going to lack an engine, a reason for being besides walking us through historical events. While thats not quite the case here, the engine that Kreitzer (book, lyrics, and original concept) and Gould (book and music) have chosen tends to get flooded, either with outpourings of generalized emotion or with preciousness. Were following the self-creation of an artist and of a womanfrom innocent 18-year-old bride to glamorous bisexual art-world superstarbut her big moments of revelation never feel quite as profound as theyre meant to. Plane, lines, form, sings Lempicka (Eden Espinosa) in a repeating motif throughout the show. Plane, color, light. Its nuts to throw yourself into such close comparison with Stephen Sondheim; whereas Sunday in the Park With Georges Color and Light feels like a musical expression of its own title, full of sparkle and humor woven through its depiction of the creative process, Lempickas paeans to art-making drone with self-seriousness. Theyre all a little too earnest and evident: A painting is plan and design / always design / every minute designed. Likewise, when the painter first spots her muse, a beautiful prostitute named Rafaela (the radiant Amber Iman, whos going deep while so much around her stays vapid), Lempicka sings, enraptured: If I ever see her again, I will speak / ask her name, ask her back to my rooms / she will take off her clothes, lie down, and I will / paint her. Well, yes. Goulds music spends a lot of time swelling, and Espinosa spends a lot of time belting, yet beneath the undulating surface theres a lack of poetry to Lempicka. Its protagonist is ravished by beauty, sings about it, longs to paint it, but beauty seldom crosses the footlights to pierce us in the heart. Aesthetically, the most striking thing about the production is Riccardo Hernandezs towering set, all angles and stairs and curving metal part Deco, part Constructivism, part riff on the geometry of the Eiffel Tower. When thin bars of light illuminate its railings, sliding up and down its aggressive lines, its genuinely excitingHarold and the Purple Crayon writ large for the machine ageand when Peter Nigrinis projections fill the sets negative spaces with images of Lempickas actual paintings, then we get a taste of awe. Its fleeting, though. Inside Hernandezs imposing architecture, Paloma Youngs costumes seem weirdly half-baked, stuck somewhere between abstract gesture and high glamor; and at the center of the whole apparatus, Espinosa hits the high notes loud, but she remains, as a character, unvaried and opaque. Its not that Chavkin, Kreitzer, and Gould want to idealize or idolize Lempicka, but they do choose the tritest way of fleshing her out. Have you ever loved someone, more than life itself? The painter, age 77, asks us at the start of the show. Politics will swirl violently around Lempicka, but this story will be about love. If thats the case, then wed better buy the potency of these epic love affairs and only one of thems got any juice. Lempicka would have us believe that its heroine truly loved both her husband, Tadeusz Lempicki (Andrew Samonsky)whom she really did rescue after he was imprisoned by the Bolshevik secret policeand her great muse, Rafaela. (We know next to nothing about the real Rafaela, except that, after meeting her, the real Lempicka painted her seven times in the course of one year, and the paintings are indisputably sexy as hell.) Iman brings poise, ease, and emotional heft to Rafaela; her voice is sultry and gorgeous andas Lempicka gains both fame and shame around her sex-worker girlfriendImans bitter heartbreak becomes the most affecting thing in the show. (Closely seconded by the wonderful Beth Leavels eleventh-hour solo as the Baroness, wife to Nathaniel Stampleys kindly Baron Kuffner, a patron who will eventually become Lempickas second husband.) Samonskys Tadeusz cant compete. He comes off as a clean-cut square (I dont want a New Woman / I want / the woman whos Mine) and a mope. He doesnt love the fact that his wife throws herself into work as a painter when they land in Paris as young refugees, but it takes him years of woe-is-me-ing on their sofa before he gets a job himself. When he and Rafaela eventually meet at Lempickas first solo show and sing a crisp duet to each other (I can see what she sees / in you), we only believe one of them. Meanwhile, we never get to find out much of what Lempicka thinks of anything but her lovers and her work. Characterizing her as someone whose real art was how to survive, Kreitzer and Gould seem to be attempting to sidestep a more complex engagement with the questions and compromises of living through both the Russian Revolution and the rise of fascism in Europe and living through all of this as, if not always someone with money, then certainly an aristocrat by marriage, aspiration, and mindset. Its especially odd, given the defiant socialist vibes of Hadestown, also directed by Chavkin and still running right across the street from Lempicka, how simplistically the revolution is depicted here. Lots of furrowed brows, raised arms, and militant sashaying, while Lempicka, still in ingenue mode, has to offer her virtue to a leering commandant (George Abud) in order to extricate Tadeusz. At least Abud gets to come back later as the founder of Futurism, Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, in what is undoubtedly the shows most entertaining performance. Marinetti was a nutball in real life: How can you not have a little room for a guy whoeven while driving whole-hog into fascismwas so dedicated to writing manifestos that he literally produced a Futurist cookbook, in which he ranted about how pasta makes you heavy, brutish skeptical, slow, pessimistic, and fills you with a black hole of incurable sadness? Abuds Mephistophelean Marinetti quickly becomesperhaps a bit too transparently in terms of the scriptthe Che to Lempickas Evita. First, as her teacher at the Academie des Beaux-Arts, he gives her her greatest lesson (real, but actually given to her at the Academie Ranson by the artist Maurice Denis): A painting is not a woman. Or a warhorse. Or a landscape. A painting is a flat surface, covered with paint We do not control the world. We control one flat rectangle of canvas. At a time. Then, he leaps out of the stages frame to chronicle her rise with the cynical, devilish eye of another 1930s emcee whos also currently just a few blocks away. PerfectionMarinettis zealous ode to the glories of speed / and steel / flame-spitting engine of the automobilelets Abud flaunt and revel as if hes delivering a Futurist One Night in Bangkok; and his most Cabaretesque number, Pari Will Always Be Pari, is a wily second-act opener, spiked with nasty irony: Theres a fire in the Reichstag in Germany / Cest dommage, une tragedie / But that wont affect us here in Pari. Perhaps the real letdown of Lempicka is that, while there are sparks of exuberance in the show, they dont come from its center. Lempicka herself, here, lacks vibrancy and wit; we never get a real sense of the magnetism that must have encircled her like one of her lavish fur stoles. A painting may rightly be only a canvas covered with paint and a play just a box full of bodies and objects and lights and sounds, but the point is the miraculous depths that can be touched by consciously acknowledging, crafting, and then transcending the artifice. Who can show me / Something Ive never seen? growls Marinetti. Lempicka aspires, even strains, but never quite generates wonder. Artespecially art explicitly about artisnt easy. Lempicka is at the Longacre Theatre. Submarine cable network operator and managed connectivity service provider Seacom has launched a low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite service for its enterprise clients in South Africa. The company has described this launch as an evolutionary shift in connectivity in South Africa that complements existing terrestrial broadband infrastructure and technologies and comes after a two-year process of consultation with industry partners. Its also a new venture for Seacom, best known to many people as the company that launched Africas first broadband submarine cable system along the continents Eastern and Southern coasts in 2009. Now, however, Seacoms enterprise clients can integrate LEO satellite connectivity into their network infrastructure and business continuity strategies. Data that is routed through the satellite is beamed to teleport facilities placed in geographically strategic locations, from which it is then routed to various network centres and endpoints. Seacom is using Eutelsat OneWeb to provide the LEO service in South Africa. Theres another bonus to this service. Satellite connectivity is not as dependent on local base stations or nodes as fixed-line or cellular broadband. LEO services can therefore keep going when local infrastructure fails due to power outages, of which there have been many in South Africa in the past year. Alpheus Mangale, Group Chief Executive Officer at Seacom, has been widely quoted in the regional press as saying: The end goal is to make the LEO service an essential value offering for organisations of all shapes and sizes. However, Seacom is not alone. A number of major names, not least Starlink, are pursing LEO opportunities in Africa. Seacom also points out that LEO is optimal for enterprises with low latency and intensive workload requirements, including those in sectors such as financial services, retail, mining, and education. So far, however, no specific LEO partners have been named but Seacom has said it is partnering with one of South Africas leading financial service providers. That company will use LEO to expand its network access capabilities and ensure reliable product and service delivery. This story originally appeared in the Daily News' Daytripping section May 19, 2022. Palouse Falls is arguably one of the most scenic views in the Inland Northwest. The Palouse River drops 200 feet into the pool below and the river continues on. The river flows into a canyon that can be seen for miles at the viewpoint at the Palouse Fall State Park Heritage Site. When you arrive, it can be difficult to figure out which is the more spectacular view, the churning water flowing down the waterfall, often glittering in the sunlight to create reflective rainbows, or the carved canyon that follows the river south with deep cuts in the basalt columns that you can see bend and curve with the Palouse River. Either way you want to look at it, Palouse Falls is a must-see for anyone who calls the Pacific Northwest home. In 2014, it was named Washingtons state waterfall. The falls is a popular stop but its often a singular destination. Off the beaten path is a good way to describe the road to Palouse Falls as there arent many towns or destination points along the way. Still, its within an hour of the Quad Cities of Lewiston, Clarkston, Moscow and Pullman, and makes for an easy daytrip. Once you arrive at the park (and either pay the fee or have your Discovery Pass), there is a walkway that describes the geological history of the area. The paths are paved and are accessible for all types of walkers. There are plenty of picnic areas, both covered and uncovered, so visitors can enjoy their lunch and take in the views. Former Lendlease boss Steve McCann sported a picture of his racehorse Demerger behind his desk in Sydneys Sussex Street from where the powerful executive oversaw the $6 billion Barangaroo complex take shape and his companys rise into a sprawling $13.8 billion global developer. Barangaroo, which opened to fanfare in 2015, was seen as the Australian jewel in the crown of the property behemoth whose market worth peaked in 2018 after years of growing its overseas businesses. Lendlease CEO Tony Lombardo. Credit: Oscar Colman McCann left the firm in 2021 after 16 years, handing the reins to Tony Lombardo, also a long-time Lendleaser who had run the Asia division for years. But now, the ghost of McCanns horse is haunting Lombardo after only three years at the same desk, as the company faces its toughest time in decades. Some of the firms largest shareholders are agitating Lombardo to embrace the name and spirit of McCanns favourite nag and demerge its offshore holdings or face a management showdown. Advertisement Eating outEat and drink Perth Casa crew bring terrific pizza (and pizza-adjacent favourites) to Mount Hawthorn The crisp, 96-hour-fermented pizzas are designed to travel but can also be enjoyed in-store, ideally with a bottle of organic vino from the mothership next door. And yes, theres a Hawaiian pizza on the menu. Max Veenhuyzen April 16, 2024 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 Paul Bentley is unapologetically pro-pineapple when it comes to pizza. How you respond to this statement will help determine whether Casa Pizzeria is the place for you. Of course, if youre familiar with Bentleys renegade Italian cooking at Mount Hawthorn wine bar Casa, you probably assumed that a Hawaiian pizza would be on the menu when the bars pizza off-shoot eventually opened next door. Casa wine bar has started up a pizza-focused offshoot. Lajos Varga And that when the controversial pizza did materialise, it wouldnt be made using tins of crushed pineapple or commodity bulk bacon. Youd be right on both counts. Instead, the ham is a lightly smoked prosciutto from Northern Italy, while the pizzas controversial fruit component is a pineapple gastrique (a sweet and sour sauce) made with a habanero chilli caramel. Its modern. Its fun. And its purists be damned giving the people what they want: a sentiment that seems to sit at the core of Casa Pizzeria. Advertisement Originally we opened just as takeaway, says Bentley, but we saw how people were using the space so added some dine-in tables. Once we get our liquor license, the space will evolve again. Were happy to adapt just as long as the space complements and doesnt take away from what we do at Casa. 14 / 20 Review The new Fremantle bar and kitchen that wants to party like its 1989 What else do management think the people desire? An uncluttered, sparsely appointed dining room that respects the modernist bent of the original, is one. Snappy, pizza-adjacent snacks are also on the agenda: think French onion soup arancini, well-saturated garlic bread, charred broccoli salads and tiramisu for afters. Advertisement Finally, Casas strong focus on good drinking has also carried over to the new space with the pizzerias application for a license under way. For now, thirsty guests can buy a bottle of wine from Casa at takeaway prices and drink it at the pizzeria with no corkage. (Wines brought from home, meanwhile, will attract $10 corkage per bottle.) There are, naturally, other pizza combinations available beyond ham-and-pineapple. The 13-item pizza menu overseen by Bentley and his dough-slinging offsider Vitor Queiroz is split into tomato sugo-based (rosso) and non-sugo-based toppings (bianco) and is pleasingly pun-free and built along classical lines a la margheritas, capricciosas and pepperoni pies. And what of the dough, arguably the most crucial element of any pizza? Very good. Casas pizza is simple and tasty. Lajos Varga Slowly fermented over 96 hours, the yeasted dough puffs up nicely into a round, high-walled crust pocked with the occasional burn mark after a star turn in the kitchens stone-based Moretti Forni twin deck oven. Advertisement Eaten in-situ, the pizzas arrive at the table nicely burnished and cut into sixes. The base has enough structure that youre able to pick up a slice, fold it like a paper airplane and hold it in your hand with almost no perceptible droop. The dough itself, meanwhile, is crunchier and nuttier than the wetter, Naples-style wood-fired pizzas that are all the rage. Not a bad thing: or at least for those that value diversity in pizza. Pizza is so subjective, says Bentley. What you enjoy is what you enjoy. For me, I like pizza with good fermentation in the dough, good hydration and some nice char in a few spots. In short, Bentley likes a pizza like the ones served at Casa Pizzeria. Casa Pizzeria (397 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn) is open Friday to Sunday from 5pm to 9pm. Online ordering for pick-up is available with delivery launching by mid-May. casapizzawine.com Coming back to the Senate inquiry into supermarket prices, where it was Bunnings in the hot seat. Last week, the inquiry heard that Bunnings had agreements with some suppliers so unprofitable that they decided to sever commercial ties. Senators have lashed Bunnings as representatives fronted Senate inquiry. Credit: Louie Douvis NSW Nationals senator Ross Cadell has lashed the hardware chains representatives, ethical sourcing manager Laura Gaspert and category manager Belinda Rakers, for giving a lot of opinions and very clever words instead of straight answers. When asked if Bunnings didnt want to be bound by the conditions of the food and grocery code of conduct, Gaspert began responding by saying were committed to working with our suppliers to have strong relationships, but was interrupted. This is the eighth time Ive heard it, Cadell fired off, adding that even Coles and Woolworths have had some suppliers saying positive things about the supermarkets. No one is saying anything good about Bunnings in the green life supply. All the people who have come to you, thats great, because were told to smile to survive. People have said that theyll say nice things to you because they want to keep contracts. Why is no one coming to us and saying you are good corporate citizens? That hasnt been our experience, said Gaspert. Cadell went on to ask what Bunnings average markup is on green life products and whether the chain is earning higher margins on plants and flowers than on other big box products. Rakers said she didnt have that information in front of her. The questions would be taken on notice. However, we are lowest prices in the market, said Rakers. I hear lowest prices are only the beginning because the rest of the story is a bit of a horror story so far, retorted Cadell. Loading Tasmanian senator Tammy Tyrrell noted the fact that Rakers and Gaspert were fielding questions instead of Bunnings managing director Michael Schneider. We actually think that were best placed to support this committee. We work with our suppliers daily. We have interactions with them all the time and can provide further clarity around how Bunnings actually does business with our suppliers, said Gaspert. OK, I dont agree, but thank you, appreciate it, said Tyrrell. Federal Court Justice Michael Lee said that while Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson had legally justified their imputation of rape, it did not mean their conduct was justified in any broader or colloquial sense. The contemporaneous documents and the broadcast itself demonstrate the allegation of rape was the minor theme, and the allegation of cover-up was the major motif, the judge said in his 324-page judgment. Lisa Wilkinson outside the Federal Court in Sydney on Monday. Credit: Wolter Peeters Lee said the publication of accusations of corrupt conduct in putting up roadblocks and forcing a rape victim to choose between her career and justice saw the broadcasters program The Project, of which Wilkinson was then a co-host, take away the glittering prize of Most Outstanding News Coverage or Public Affairs Report at the 2022 Logie Awards. However, he said that accusation was supposition without reasonable foundation in verifiable fact, its dissemination caused a brume of confusion and it did much collateral damage. This included impacting the fair and orderly progress of the underlying allegation of sexual assault through the criminal justice system, he added. Lisa Wilkinson holding her Logie award in June 2022 for her interview with Brittany Higgins. Credit: Getty Images To the extent there were perceived systemic issues as to avenues of complaint and support services in parliament, this may have merited a form of fact-based critique, not the publication of insufficiently scrutinised and factually misconceived conjecture, Lee said. Wilkinsons speech referencing Brittany Higgins, as she accepted the Logie on behalf of The Project, saw Bruce Lehrmanns criminal trial delayed. However, the court heard that speech had been reviewed by Ten management and lawyers. What became apparent by the end of the evidence was the action in giving the speech was not, as many suggested at the time, a case of Ms Wilkinson going off on a frolic and irresponsibly saying something off the top of her head. She was sufficiently prudent to seek advice, Lee said. Loading The attack triggered an angry response from hundreds of community members who quickly gathered outside the church. Many believed the attacker was still inside and did not want to let him leave for medical treatment. The police helicopter, the tactical unit and dozens of uniformed officers spent several hours countering the crowd. Riot Squad officers used shields to push the crowd back from the church and nearby streets. The police helicopter circled overhead broadcasting the message: All persons, please vacate the area immediately. Some projectiles were thrown at police throughout the night and footage shows several NSW Police vehicles with smashed windows and damaged panelling. One police officer, who is unable to be identified for safety reasons, told this masthead: The crowd was attacking us, throwing things and being aggressive as we tried to help their bishop. I said to them, We arent your enemy. Two police officers were taken to hospital after being injured by members of the crowd who broke into a number of houses to gain weapons to throw at the police, Holland said, adding that some in the group also threw items at the church in a bid to get access to the suspect. They need to let police to do their jobs and let us do the investigation, he said. Police will make arrests in the future in relation to this public order incident. The church said Bishop Emmanuel and a senior priest were in a stable condition and appealed for calm. We ask for your prayers at this time, the church said in a statement posted on social media. We also kindly ask anyone at the church to leave in peace as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, teaches us. Scene of the stabbing at a church in Wakeley. Credit: Wolter Peeters The stabbed bishop is the leader of an ultra-conservative sect of the Assyrian Orthodox faith who took on an outsized role in the Christian Lives Matter movement. He preached fire and brimstone in services that were livestreamed and attracted hardline Christians for his anti-LGBTQ sermons and pandemic scepticism. Fairfield deputy mayor Charbel Saliba was not present at the church but said witnesses had told him that after the bishop was stabbed, the religious leader put his hand on the assailant and started praying. The identity of the offender is not known but police said the male had been taken to an undisclosed location following his arrest. Minns urges community to stay calm NSW Premier Chris Minns said the scenes were disturbing. I have received a briefing from the Commissioner of Police and NSW Health on the situation, he said. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe. Its important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of police and emergency services. We are a strong community in NSW and its important that we all stick together, particularly in the face of adversity. The Police Association NSW (PANSW) confirmed officers had been injured by projectiles thrown at officers. PANSW field organisers have been recalled and are now supporting injured members at hospitals and police stations as this event unfolds, it said. Political and faith leaders respond Federal MP for Fowler Dai Le, whose south-west Sydney electorate includes the Christ The Good Shepherd Church, said her community was stunned by the stabbing, especially as it occurred only two days after the Westfield Bondi Junction mass stabbings. This has shocked us, she said. She described Emmanuel as a wonderful bishop leading the Assyrian community. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel preaching at his church. Hes increased his followers tremendously, she said. Fowler has one of the countrys biggest Assyrian communities, including many members who fled war-torn Iraq for a safer life in Australia. We have one of the most multifaith communities in country, she said.I do not believe we will be divided by this. The Australian National Imams Council said it and the Australian Muslim community unequivocally condemns the attack on the bishop. Police are out in force to quell the growing crowds in Wakeley after the stabbing attack. Credit: Wolter Peeters These attacks are horrifying and have no place in Australia, particularly at places of worship and towards religious leaders, the organisation said in a statement. We urge the community to stay calm and work together towards the safety and security of Australians. Faith NSW chief executive Murray Norman said an attack on one faith was an attack on all, and that faith communities stood unified against hate and violence. The anguished parents of the man who stabbed at least 18 people in a deadly rampage through Westfield Bondi Junction said their very sick boy had lost touch with reality, as Premier Chris Minns launched an $18 million coronial inquiry into the attack styled on the states response to the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Monday that a soon-to-be married Chinese student was the sixth person killed by Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old Queensland man who stormed the shopping centre on Saturday afternoon and slashed at passersby with a 30-centimetre hunting knife until NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott shot him dead. Cauchis devastated parents told reporters outside their Toowoomba home on Monday their son had a fascination with knives and reacted angrily when they confiscated combat knives from him last year. They believed his mental health began to worsen when he moved to Brisbane five years ago and stopped taking his medication. He was obviously not in his right mind. He was somehow triggered into psychosis and lost touch with reality, mother Michele Cauchi said. Four people were injured in the attack. Police say no one suffered life-threatening injuries and victims were treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital. Loading Who is church leader Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel? Emmanuel is a prominent leader of an ultra-conservative sect of the Assyrian Orthodox. He became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic for being critical of lockdowns and vaccines. Often livestreaming his services on YouTube and social media where he has hundreds of thousands of followers, he preached fire and brimstone and drew in radical Christians for his anti-LGBTQ sermons. Other viral livestreams of his feature hardline views about American and Russian politics, as well as claiming Satan founded the United Nations. Speaking on Joe Bidens US election win in one of his sermons posted to TikTok, Emmanuel said: 100 per cent it was rigged by the secret societies. He was ordained a priest in 2009 and a bishop in 2011. According to Christ The Good Shepherd Churchs website, Emmanuel travelled internationally for his bible teachings, including to Arizona in the US in December. Emmanuels pastoral message on the website reads: In our time and age, we believe the most important and fundamental insight is coming into the truth. The world bombards the human race with so much information, quite often we lose our orientation in discerning the lie from the truth. As well as hosting Emmanuels sermons, the Wakeley church hosts both English and Assyrian bible studies, Divine Liturgy services and youth ministries. What happened outside the church after the stabbing? Hundreds of police officers were deployed to the area to control the growing crowds, holding up shields to protect themselves from rioters as helicopters swarmed above. As the unrest heightened, there was a large standoff across from Fairfield Showgrounds between police and protesters, some of whom threw objects across the intersection. Police urged the public to avoid the area as they worked to restore order following the stabbing. At the peak of Monday nights disturbance, Liverpool Hospitals emergency department was closed to members of the public as a precaution. What have police said? The stabbing attack in the Wakeley church has been declared a terrorist incident, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has revealed. Police have also launched an investigation into a riot that erupted outside the church after the attack, which injured several police officers and forced paramedics to take shelter for several hours. The 16-year-old alleged attacker now in custody was not on a terrorism watch list and was believed to be acting alone, police said. What is the Assyrian Orthodox religion? The Assyrian Orthodox Church believes there is one eternal God who has three distinct people: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It was one of the earliest to separate with the Catholic Church regarding communion. The Christ The Good Shepherd Church traces its missionary activity to the middle of the first century, with historical documents showing [it was] firmly established by the middle of the second century of the Christian era. It is sometimes known as the Nestorian Church, the Syrian Church or the Persian Church. The official language of its liturgies and writings is the ecclesiastical language, called the East Syrian or Edessene dialect an adaption of the ancient Aramaic language. Its central worship feature is its Holy Offering or Eucharist service, called Qurbana Qaddisha. COLFAX -- A 33-year-old Yakima man was arrested near Colfax on Friday night on several felonies after leading Whitman County deputies on a high-speed chase. According to a news release from the Whitman County Sheriffs Office sent Saturday evening, Christopher Cornelius was booked into the Whitman County Jail on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, driving under the influence, attempt to elude a police vehicle, possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl and unlawful possession of a firearm. Cornelius is a convicted felon for robbery and currently has an active Department of Corrections warrant related to that charge out of Yakima County. On Friday evening, deputies identified a stolen vehicle parked near a local business in downtown Colfax, the news release said. Cornelius was in the car at the time and a deputy attempted to make contact with him. Cornelius refused to comply with the deputys orders and fled from the scene in the vehicle. A Perth former nurse has been found guilty of attempting to murder her husband with a lethal dose of insulin after becoming his full-time carer following a dementia diagnosis. There was an audible reaction from the gallery and tears from jury members as Wendy Ruth Sym, 63, was found guilty in the WA Supreme Court on Monday. Wendy Ruth Sym was found guilty of attempting to murder her husband, who she cared for. During a two-week trial, the court was told Sym sent a late-night text message admitting she could kill him referring to her husband, Kenneth during a dementia-related episode just days before the incident in 2021. Kenneth, a type 2 diabetic, was taken to the emergency department at Joondalup Health Campus by ambulance after having a fall and becoming increasingly confused. In the great shares versus real estate investment debate, former ASX chief Dominic Stevens has proved somewhat of a poster boy for high-end property, given the gains on his previous homes and despite his day job. Stevens and his wife Emmas last splash on title records was as owners of the Bellevue Hill trophy home, Belhaven, for which they paid $21 million in 2017 and, after a decent renovation, were approached by a buyer offering $52 million. Who could say no? The Point Piper home sold by Geoff Cousins and Darleen Bungey to Dominic and Emma Stevens. Credit: Domain Their former Bellevue Hill home also outshone the best of the share price gains: it was purchased for $8.7 million in 2005 and sold for $14 million in 2018. Their former Victorian manor in Woollahra was picked up in 1996 for $1.6 million, and sold for $4.46 million in 2005, and to none other than former NAB markets boss Drew Bradford. Irans direct attack on Israel that is currently unfolding is more than a regional challenge. It will test the resolve of the United States at a time when it is leading a new global strategic orientation; one that the US has led with great skill, and in equal measure, remarkable inconsistency, if not incompetence. Australia is in the thick of it this global alignment, and will rise or fall by its tide. The US has done an excellent job at reinvigorating alliances across the globe. AUKUS is a bold newcomer, but in the background the US has also significantly strengthened links with South Korea (a standout US achievement), and the Philippines (a complete turn around). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen In Europe, once neutral countries such as Sweden and Finland now accept with gratitude the significant obligations that come with NATO membership, on the basis that the US underwrites the credibility of NATOs commitment to come to the aid of any member who is attacked. But alarmingly, three current developments raise the question of whether this polarised global order of which Australia is a cheerleader may be little more substantive than the paint on facades of a Potemkin village. Sarah Snooks critically acclaimed performance in one-woman show The Picture of Dorian Gray on Londons West End has been capped with a prestigious Olivier Award for best actress. The 36-year-old, best known for playing Shiv Roy in the hit TV show Succession, won ahead of a star-studded field which included Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker for Plaza Suite. Sarah Snook with the Olivier Award at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Credit: Getty It is the first time the STC has been nominated and won the prestigious Olivier award. It is the third major acting award this year for Snook, having won an Emmy and Golden Globe for work in the final season of HBOs acclaimed series, who has since February stunned audiences and critics alike in the Kip Williams adapted and directed Oscar Wilde classic at Londons Royal Haymarket Theatre. The Australian plays all 26 roles in the production, which is headed for New York, among them Basil Hallward, Sibyl Vane and Gray himself - a handsome young gentleman corrupted by hedonistic values. FORT NOVOSELFlight student from the 1-145th Aviation Regiment came to Dothan to volunteer during the Wiregrass Blues Societys major fundraiser last month and Thursday afternoon, organizers traveled to Fort Novosel to express appreciation for that volunteer service. Wiregrass Blues Society President Donnia Rambin, Treasurer Maranda Dunn, and Wiregrass Blues Fest Co-founder Gil Anthony, were at the 1-145th Aviation Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, on Fort Novosel Thursday afternoon to thank the soldiers who volunteered their time at the 11th Annual Wiregrass Blues Festival held March 23 at The Plant in Dothan. Thanked for their volunteer hours during the event held at the Plant in Dothan were Combined Army Division Instructors Tom Banner and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason Barrett, and flight students Caitlyn Carter, Kaylyn Gomez, Laura Greathouse, Ian Hinds, Grace Kreuser, and Brandon Tao, all from D. Company; and Courtney Yerger, Carlos Falcon-Cerecer, Daniel Cannon, Isaac Bokoskie and Air Force Lt. Mikaela Trujillo, all from B Company. The Wiregrass Blues Society is a 5013 non-profit organization established in 2013, dedicated to recognizing the Blues music, culture, and history that comes from the Wiregrass region through events that include the annual Wiregrass Blues Festival and multiple Blues in Schools programs in area schools throughout the year. More than 15,000 area school students have participated in the WBSs Blues in Schools and some $10,000 donated to school band programs, Anthony told the flight students assembled in formation. We want to keep music and arts as alive as they can be. Thats how we try to impact the community, he said. The Wiregrass Blues Society created the Project Preservation program as an initiative to capture and preserve Wiregrasss music culture and history by archiving audio recordings and written data with support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts in 2019. The Blues Fest was started as a means to honor music legends who came from this area, Anthony said, inviting the soldiers to visit the Music Mural on Foster Street in Dothan to view a few of the music greats with Wiregrass roots. Maj. Paul B. Lambert, Commander of Delta Company 1-145th Aviation Regiment, and Lt. Col. Mark A. Axtell, Battalion Commander of the 1-145th Aviation Regiment, accepted the appreciation certificate recognizing the outstanding dedication, commitment, and invaluable contribution of the volunteers. Axtell thanked the soldiers for volunteering their time, stressing the importance of being engaged in the local community wherever they are assigned. The Army puts you in interesting places and there are always ways to get involved in the places you are assigned, he said. Life doesnt have to be sequestered to post and your barracks rooms. Engage with people in the communities. They want to meet you and hear about your experiences. Volunteer, experience the world wherever you go, Axtell said. That is one of the awesome things about being in the Army. Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Regional Training Center (RTC) Kenya and the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC), held a national training workshop on rules of origin for Seychelles Customs. The workshop was held in Victoria, Seychelles, from 8 to 12 April 2024 with the objective to assist Seychelles in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin. The training is part of a workplan established with the RTC for competency development for several countries in the ESA region. In his opening remarks, Mr. Francois Ally, Director Seaport Enforcement, Customs Division, on behalf of the Commissioner Customs, thanked the WCO, the EU and the RTC for their support in building capacity on rules of origin. He stressed the importance of rules of origin and encouraged the participants to participate actively in the workshop as it would equip them with the necessary tools to effectively carry out their day to day tasks, ensure a correct revenue collection and assist importers and exports trading under free trade agreements. During the workshop, participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and origin irregularities, as well as the establishment of efficient origin management. In addition, participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the low level of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to verification of origin including trough administrative cooperation. They also discussed recommendations for better management and implementation of rules of origin on a national and regional level. Participants participated actively and greatly appreciated the opportunity given by the workshop to exchange knowledge and experiences and stressed that this training would contribute to trade facilitation as well as fair and efficient revenue collection. In the margins of the workshop, the experts met with Ms. Varsha Singh, SRC Commissioner General, Mr. Paul Barrack, Commissioner Customs, and other key management representatives to discuss the outcomes of the workshop as well as other needs for capacity building and technical assistance. The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with the RTC and Seychelles Customs to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules or origin. For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org A north Mayo tourism project is waiting to hear if it will receive a licence to move a ship into Killala Bay as part of its plans to create an artificial reef. Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef has been working for the last five years to get the MV Shingle to Killala Bay to create what would be Irelands first artificial reef. Last Tuesday, the ship was moved into the dry dock at New Ross boatyard to be either scrapped or prepared to be towed to Killala Bay for sinking. Killala Bay Ship 2 Reef requires a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) licence from the Maritime Regulatory Authority (MARA). An application was submitted last November but a decision is awaited. Cllr Michael Loftus said they are hopeful about the MAC licence. The Revenue Commissioners have been working with us to get the best outcome for the Shingle, creating Ireland's first artificial reef that will generate a major attraction and financial benefit in Mayo and Sligo. It would be a major mistake if the Shingle is to be scrapped because of a delay in getting the MAC's licence from MARA. Time is running out. 'Prospect House', a satirical feature film shot on location at the elegant Georgian manor Enniscoe House, on the shores of Lough Conn will hit screens next week with the premiere at IMC Cinema Ballina on April 26. Written and directed by Paul Mercier, 'Prospect House' won the accolade of Best New Irish Feature at the 2023 Cork International Film Festival. The film is produced by Anne Gately with An Pointe Productions, it stars Barry Ward (Sunlight), Dara Devaney (Arracht), Ciara Ivie (Vikings) and Paul Reid (Flora and Sun). Among the films cast hailing from Mayo are Caroline B. Keane and Karl Coyne from Claremorris, Liam Alex Heffron (Fair City), Tom Tuffy and Mary McHale from Ballina, Westports Keith Martin; Rebecca Timoney and Shane O'Boyle from Crossmolina and Aidan Browne from Lahardane, alongside a predominantly local production crew. Mr Mercier said it was a very positive experience filming in the west. Mayo is a great place to work. Enniscoe House became the primary location after Anne Gately approached the Kellett family and they agreed to let us shoot there," he said. "Moreover, they agreed to let us turn their house and home upside down. I wouldnt recommend it, not if youve a protected building. The last shower to do that in Enniscoe was the French in 1798 and they took the wine. Unlike them, we put the place back as we found it. Mr Mercier stated that ironically, the townland that Enniscoe House is situated in is called Prospect, which had not realised initially. "We also shot in the North Mayo region, including Ballina and are very excited for the upcoming Mayo premiere there," he added. The film centres on a group of protesters, filming a period re-enactment in a dilapidated 18th century house in a last ditch effort to save the building from demolition. The protesters, a motley crew of artists, actors and activists who want to bring the buildings plight to the attention of the world and rescue it from the claws of aggressive property developers, believe that they can save the building by telling its story. But the project is rife with discord, as no-one can agree on what story they are telling. Prospect House challenges conventional understandings and perceptions of heritage, historical narrative and truth. Shot in the spring of 2022, Prospect House is one of many productions to be filmed in county Mayo in recent years. Others include The Tourist, Wild Mountain Thyme, Banshees of Inisherin, My Sailor, My Love, A Cry from the Sea and Irish Wish. 'Prospect House' was funded by Coimisiun na Mean - Sound & Vision Scheme, with the support of incentives for the Irish Film Industry provided by the Government of Ireland. Advance bookings for the various screenings at IMC Ballina can be secured via imc.ie/advance-bookings/ballina/ Neurology patients in Mayo are travelling over 150km roundtrip to see their neurologists which leads to poorer outcomes for patients. That is according to the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) which has launched a new campaign seeking commitments from elected representatives and the HSE to provide outpatient consultant neurology services at Mayo University Hospital. The regional campaign was launched at an online briefing on Monday morning for elected representatives from Mayo. Louise Power, from Ballina and who is living with Multiple Sclerosis, said for every appointment at UHG she has to travel at least two hours and also factor in another 30 minutes to find parking Speakers at the launch included patient representative Louise Power from Ballina, Magdalen Rogers, Executive Director, Neurological Alliance of Ireland and Professor Dr Marwa Elamin, Consultant Neurologist, from University Hospital Galway. Patient representative, Louise Power, who is living with Multiple Sclerosis, described her experience and the challenges she faces. Living with a neurological condition like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) means that everything has to be planned. MS and its symptoms are the unknown, but appointments are something we can plan for," she said. "If I have an appointment in University Hospital Galway, I need to consider childcare for the day, I need to plan meals for myself and my family and if Im going to be too tired in the days after, I will need to plan for those days too. When youre living with a neurological condition you always need to plan ahead." Louise, who has been living with MS since 2015, stated that since then, for every appointment in University Hospital Galway, she has had to travel at least two hours to get to her appointment and also factor in another 30 minutes to find parking. "That is not even mentioning traffic. The fatigue from travelling, treatment and the appointment can knock you for days after," she said. "This applies to all neurological conditions, not just MS. Some people living with neurological conditions are also unable to drive so would use a taxi to get to appointments adding an additional financial burden to an already stressful situation." Louise said apart from MS she is also living with other additional autoimmune conditions, which means she has to attend further appointments at UHG. "If I was able to attend a neurological clinic closer to home in Mayo University Hospital, which is only 35 minutes from my home, this would reduce the impact the journey has on my overall wellbeing," she said. "The decisions our Government makes will have lifelong implications for people living with neurological conditions, thats why we need them to act now! Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Magdalen Rogers, NAI Executive Director, said: Access to a consultant neurologist should not depend on where you live, yet people with chronic long-term neurological conditions are regularly travelling between 60-112km to see their neurologist. We know that patients travelling long distances for treatment suffer poorer outcomes, from delays in diagnosis to living with debilitating symptoms. Providing consultant neurology outpatient services in Mayo University Hospital and regional hospitals across Ireland will not only have a positive impact on a patients overall health, but it reduces unnecessary admissions, reduces length of stay and unnecessary tests. Early access to diagnosis and treatment means that we can prevent disability, reduce complications and provide better quality of life for those living with neurological conditions. Set out in Slaintecare reform, patients have the right to access services closer to their homes and our elected representatives have a responsibility to see this promise through. We are calling on elected representatives in Mayo and the HSE to commit to delivering these services for the over 860,000 people living with neurological conditions across Ireland. The campaign is calling on elected representatives to provide outpatient consultant neurology services in Bantry, Letterkenny, Mayo, Portlaoise, and Wexford to reduce the journeys required for those living with neurological conditions. The Neurological Alliance of Ireland, the national umbrella for neurological charities, together with 23 of its member organisations is asking people to take action for local neurology services. The Patient Deserve Better campaign is a joint initiative brought to you by NAI and Roche Products (Ireland) Ltd. Visit https://www.patientsdeservebetter.ie/ for more information about the campaign. More than 1,600 Mayo students attended a hard-hitting road safety event last Thursday. The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow returned to the county as an in-person event for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. Secondary school students from across Mayo attended the roadshow in the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar. The event was held in the wake of 60 road deaths in Ireland so far this year. Mayo is the worst impacted county in the nation in 2024 with eight deaths on our roads in the first 10 weeks of the year. There were first-hand accounts from a garda, paramedic, fire officer and emergency department consultant. Families and friends of victims as well as survivors of road accidents were also on hand to tell their harrowing stories, and there was a graphic re-enactment of what emergency services have to deal with when they attend the scene of a serious road accident. Gary Smyth, Acting Road Safety Officer with Mayo County Council, explained: The Roadshow is aimed at Transition Year students and the objective of the show is to encourage young road users, and those about to commence their driving career, to adopt a more responsible attitude in terms of their own driving behaviour." Students watch a re-enactment of what emergency services do when a road collision occurs. Picture: Michael McLaughlin Garda Inspector David Tiernan, head of the Mayo Roads Unit, told the Western People that the Roadshow has never been more timely. This event really is timely. Its an opportunity to get 1,600 Transition Year students in here and explain to them exactly whats going on, said Insp Tiernan. I have teenagers myself and I know what its like trying to drill that message home." Insp Tiernan said he believed there are several factors behind the rise in road deaths in Mayo. People can say we need more enforcement, absolutely and we are trying our best in that regard. Engineering works and road works need to be improved is my belief and we also need people to take responsibility when they get behind the wheel, he stated. During a re-enactment of a fatal road accident, the audience heard from Mayo-based Garda Michael Gorman, paramedic Derek Walsh, fire officer Jason Keane and Mayo University Hospital emergency department consultant Lisa Cunningham. I cant forget the wrecked lives I have seen, Gda Gorman told the audience. Comedian and social media star Stevo Timothy recounted the story of how he was involved in an accident that claimed the life of the pillion passenger on his motorbike whilst he was drunk driving. He said he was faced with the prospect of taking his own life, continuing to drink or trying to make a difference to the lives of others. The third option was to get out, be public about it, be brutally honest about what happened. Deal with the shame, deal with the guilt, deal with my own injuries and try to warn people not to do what I did, he said. The show culminated in a heart-breaking presentation by Leo Lieghio who lost his 16-year-old daughter Marsia 18 years ago in a hit-and-run in Dublin. Losing a child is the most indescribable, painful experience that anyone can ever have. Nothing in the world can ever hurt me again. You just learn to carry on but the pain is always there, the tears just below the surface, said Leo. By Cate McCurry and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA The relationship between Britain and Ireland is a lot better today than it was a year ago, according to Taoiseach Simon Harris. The Fine Gael leader has also vowed to work with the governments across the UK to realise the full potential of all communities. Mr Harris made the comments as he addressed the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (Bipa) at Druids Glen Hotel in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow. It was the first time he has spoken as Taoiseach at a meeting of Irish and UK parliamentarians. Taoiseach Simon Harris is met by Brendan Smith and Karen Bradley before he addresses the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly at Druids Glen Hotel in Co Wicklow. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Praising the political leaders in Northern Ireland, Mr Harris said: I think British-Irish relationships are a lot better now than they were even a year ago, thanks to the Windsor Framework. There is now an opportunity to say Whats next? What more can we do together? And I look forward to exploring that because both the First Minister [Michelle ONeill] and the deputy First Minister [Emma Little-Pengelly] were very clear that they are determined to work together on shared objectives in a practical and pragmatic way and to work with the Government of Ireland in the same spirit. The Government of Ireland will likewise continue to work to realise the full potential of co-operation and dialogue across borders and communities. This is at the heart of the Governments shared islands initiative. Mr Harris told delegates that, as the world becomes ever more competitive, they need to work together to help grow the size of the pie so everyone across the islands benefit. Taoiseach Simon Harris addresses the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (Niall Carson/PA) The 37-year-old reminded the audience that he was not old enough to vote in the Good Friday Agreement, but that he is now the head of government in the Republic. We need to really consider this. Theres a whole generation of people who are yearning to be involved in a conversation about the future, in a conversation about how we work together, in a conversation that is not meant to be divisive and not meant to be argumentative, but in a conversation about what are the practical areas in which we can work together and how do we get to know each other better, he added. Im also, if Im being very honest, of a generation where people are more familiar now with London and Berlin and Paris than they might be with Belfast or Derry. I think we really have to challenge ourselves, emblems aside how do we actually make sure people on this island and these islands get to know each other better? Because it is interpersonal relationships, its knowing each other, its being familiar with each other that is the key to embedding peace. I think theres a challenge in all of us and a challenge I pose to this assembly today. How do we get talking again and how do we get people knowing each other? He also praised past political leaders who were instrumental in bringing peace in Northern Ireland, but said the public have yet to see the full benefit of their achievements. I want us to reflect how, in this turbulent world, we can make these islands a better place for the generations that follow us, he said. I often think the last generation gave us the most incredible gift possible, they gave us a peace process. They gave us peace. They gave us a framework, and they gave us one of the most enduring peace processes possible. But, if were to be self-critical, we have yet to see the full benefit of it. Weve seen the peace elements, now we must see the prosperity element. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Partly sunny and rather mild; a few scattered showers are possible, but mainly in the Poconos and along and north of the I-80 corridor.. Tonight Mostly cloudy with a few showers; many only get a couple hundredths of an inch at most but a bit more in the Poconos and points north...maybe as much as a quarter of an inch. From https://english.news.cn/20240414/c499495239eb4578836b4acb3cc5d493/c.html Smoke rises after an Israeli strike near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, April 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,729, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Sunday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)GAZA, April 14, (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,729, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Sunday.In a press statement sent to Xinhua, the ministry said that the Israeli army killed 43 Palestinians and wounded 62 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 33,729 and injuries to 76,371 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023.Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for "invading Rafah and imposing control over the entire Gaza Strip."Smotrich said on social media platform X that "abandoning the Israeli red lines and pursuing Hamas in order to reach an agreement will only eliminate the opportunity to return everyone (Israeli hostages) to their homes."Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage. Israeli military aircraft carry out airstrikes near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, April 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,729, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Sunday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)Smoke rises after an Israeli strike near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, April 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,729, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Sunday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)Smoke rises after an Israeli strike near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, April 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,729, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Sunday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)Smoke rises after an Israeli strike near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, April 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,729, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Sunday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)Israeli military aircraft carry out airstrikes near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, April 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,729, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Sunday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)Smoke rises after an Israeli strike near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, April 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,729, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Sunday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)Israeli military aircraft carry out airstrikes near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, April 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,729, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Sunday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)Smoke rises after an Israeli strike near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, April 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,729, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Sunday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) OZARKWith 19 of 20 boxes counted, Incumbent Dale County Commission Chairman Steve McKinnon has 2,249 votes to Adam Enfinger's 1,137 votes in the runoff election Tuesday. The remaining box is provisional ballots which will be counted within a week. "Very happy and ready to continue making Dale County a great place to live, work and do business in," was the reaction of McKinnon as the final numbers came into the Dale County Courthouse in Ozark Tuesday night. McKinnon and District 3 Commissioner Enfinger faced off in the single race on the ballot because neither candidate secured the required 50% of the vote in the March 5 primary election. McKinnon has served as Dale Commission Chairman since 2020 when Mark Blankenship, the former county commission chairman, won election as Ozark mayor. McKinnon was appointed to fill the vacated seat by Gov. Kay Ivey. Enfinger was elected to the District 2 commission seat in 2020. There were no local races on the Dale County Democratic ballot in the March 5 primary election, but there were two local races on Republican ballot. Three people ran for the Dale County Commission Chairman seat; and two vied for the Dale County Commission District 2 seat. Incumbent Dale County District 2 Commissioner Donald Grantham defeated challenger David Grubbs with 62.29 % of the votes March 5 but a runoff election to determine the county commission chairmanship was necessitated when none of the candidates earned a majority of the votes. Pinckard Mayor Bobby Borland, Enfinger, and McKinnon all sought the commission chairmanship. During the March 5 primary election, 7,353 of the 26,156 registered voters in Dale County20.34% voted. Borland secured 17.70% of the votes, Enfinger secured 40.25 % of the votes, and McKinnon secured 42.03%. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Voters can verify their polling place by going to the Secretary of States website at www.sos.alabama.gov and selecting the link labeled, My Voting Information. Voters are reminded to bring an acceptable form of photo identification with them to the polls. Generation Z is expected to represent 2 billion people worldwide and 27 percent of the workforce by 2025. Yet, Gen Z have been dubbed the most difficult generation to work with, according to HR sources. As digital natives, Gen Zers use social media to acquire jobs, communicate and express themselves online. So, how can businesses tailor their hiring strategies to appeal to the next generation of workers? With the use of social media for recruitment now commonplace for businesses, hiring in todays landscape requires an understanding of the emerging generations values, preferences and aspirations. So how can your business attract the next wave of talent? Here are some tips that will help. Five ways to attract the best Gen Z talent Use the right recruitment strategies Gen Z grew up in the era of smartphones, instant messaging and the internet. As a result, this generation of employees embraces tech and actively seeks employers who operate in a digitally savvy manner. To get the most from your recruitment process with Gen Zers, use digital tools in your recruitment strategy. For example, instead of asking a potential candidate if they know how to use AI, set them a task using this tech. Request they record a quick video introduction, to get to know the candidate, their motivations for the role and their effort level in applying. Company culture matters Gen Z values inclusivity, diversity, and a positive workplace culture. This generation wants more than just a paycheck, they look for workplaces where theyll be valued and align with their ethics. Transparency, authenticity, and strong business values will make you stand out to Gen Z candidates when recruiting. Ensure your recruitment language is inclusive, and your company culture is authentically represented across digital channels. However, your approach should be genuine, not a last minute attempt to attract younger employees. Offer flexibility or hybrid work The traditional 9-to-5 work model doesnt appeal to Gen Z, whove endured the pandemic and changing landscape of work. Employees in this generation value flexibility and work-life balance and embrace remote work, changeable schedules, and project-based roles. Hybrid work models, combining collaboration and individual work time, are particularly attractive to this generation. And whilst some workplaces have reinstated mandatory full-time work from the office, such policies will quickly deter quality Gen Z talent. Showcase your business values and CSR Gen Z cares deeply about social justice, environmental issues and corporate responsibility, having grown up in a time marked by changing climate conditions, increased financial pressures and demands for governments and corporations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Todays candidates want employers who share their values, so highlighting your companys commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability practices across your digital channels will help your customers and potential candidates understand your brand values. Encourage an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit There are more entrepreneurs in the Gen Z era than ever before, with 62 percent stating they want to start their own business, compared to 44 percent of millennials and 38 percent of Gen Xers. This generation has the tools for innovation and change, with digital literacy, increased awareness and heightened values. Therefore, employers need to foster a culture of innovation and professional growth, as a glass ceiling will cause high turnover. Businesses that provide training, mentorship, and clear advancement pathways will attract and retain ambitious Gen Z talent. Hiring Gen Zers requires a blend of traditional practices and innovative strategies tailored to this generations preferences. Employers must be ready to understand their unique perspectives and appreciate that the interview process is two-way, whereby your business values, flexibility and overall approach are also assessed. By fostering a workplace that resonates with Gen Z values, you will attract the best talent of the next generation. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Vietnam IT Day, an initiative spearheaded by the Group of IT Sharing (GITS), is set to debut in Sydney on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the PwC Australia office in Barangaroo. Aligned with the announcement of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam, Vietnam IT Day offers a timely platform to strengthen bilateral relations, with a particular focus on digital transformation and innovation. Under the theme Innovation & Technology: Fostering Australia-Vietnam Partnership, the third annual Vietnam IT Day presents a rich agenda tailored to Australian enterprises keen on engaging with Vietnams vibrant tech landscape. Notable highlights include keynote addresses and panel discussions covering market entry strategies for Vietnam, exploration of innovation ecosystems in both nations, and sharing of success stories from prominent tech firms. Mr. Quang Nguyen, Chairman of GITS, underscores the events distinctiveness in facilitating direct engagement between top-tier Vietnamese tech firms and Australias innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration opportunities between industry leaders of both nations. With a delegation of more than 30 tech companies from Vietnam, the event presents a distinctive opportunity for local businesses to connect and collaborate with their Vietnamese counterparts, said Mr Quang Nguyen. The event enjoys sponsorship from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), with backing from Investment NSW, Haymarket HQ, Tech Australia Advocates, Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue (AVLD), and other prominent tech entities. PwC Australia serves as the venue host for this years edition. During the event, GITS will unveil two significant strategic partnerships with AVLD and Austrade. GITS, founded in July 2017, comprises over 70 technology enterprises with expertise spanning various fields from Vietnam. With a tech talent pool of more than 5,000 engineers, GITS has provided innovative solutions to clients worldwide. Vietnam IT Day, an annual flagship event of GITS, aims to foster collaboration and partnership between Australia and Vietnam in the tech industry, focusing on innovation, technology, and mutual growth. The event brings together leading professionals and entrepreneurs to explore collaboration opportunities in the tech ecosystem. Tickets for Vietnam IT Day 2024 are now available for purchase through www.vnitday.com. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This photo taken on April 12, 2024 shows the Qingdao Garden of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The expo will run from April 26 to Oct. 28, during which time more than 2,000 events and cultural activities will be held. [Xinhua/Wang Xi] TO ACCESS THIS CONTENT YOU MUST OPEN A SESSION OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT MEMBER LOGIN CREATE YOUR USER ACCOUNT Orron Energy AB ("Orron Energy" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to sell its 50 percent interest in th. . . Students collaborate with award-winning musician to create A Song for Wrexham This article is old - Published: Monday, Apr 15th, 2024 Students at a local secondary school have worked with an award-winning musician to help create A Song for Wrexham. The group of year seven pupils from Ysgol Bryn Alyn had the chance to learn to rap and compose lyrics with UK award-winning beatboxer Mr.Phormula. This project run by the Wrexham Music Co-operative will result in the pupils composing, singing and recording one verse and chorus of their Song For Wrexham. Each song produced by those schools taking part will be judged by a distinguished panel. The winning entry will become the final Song for Wrexham which will be professionally recorded and performed by the school at the summer Gala Concert, held at the William Aston Hall. Mrs Godwin, Teacher of English said that Our pupils were amazing and showed great resilience and creativity. It was fantastic to see them all working collaboratively and not being afraid to try new things. Commenting on the experience, Year 7 pupil Aiden Weaver said: The session was really fun, and Mr.Phormula taught us lots of different beat boxes. It was a really good experience, and I was really surprised by the helicopter sound he created with his voice. Another pupil, Grace Whitley added: I was amazed at how the presenter managed to make all the different sounds with his throat I really enjoyed it even though I only managed to make a drip sound myself. Ms Alison Kipping, deputy headteacher, said: AT YBA we try to provide every pupil with a range of experiences, and we feel it is important that pupils have time to celebrate their local area. Activities such as the Song for Wrexham Project is just part of our curriculum offer to celebrate our Welsh culture and history. As a community we cant wait to hear the final performance. Man arrested on suspicion of wounding after public order incident in city centre This article is old - Published: Monday, Apr 15th, 2024 A man has been arrested on suspicion of wounding following an incident in Wrexham city centre. North Wales Police attended a public order incident outside a licensed premises on Abbot Street shortly after 1:40am on Sunday (14 April). A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: One man was arrested on suspicion of wounding, and has subsequently been released with no further action to be taken. We put local claims that the incident involved a serious injury to an individual, and involved police officers, to the North Wales Police press office. A spokesperson confirming that no police officers were involved in the incident. We also asked if anyone had been injured in the incident. The spokesperson added that somebody did receive medical attention at the time but at a police update this morning they were described as being fine. Senedd set to vote on Outdoor Education bill this week This article is old - Published: Monday, Apr 15th, 2024 Organisations dedicated to outdoor education in Wales are rallying behind a legislative push that could make Wales a leader in integrating residential outdoor learning into the school curriculum. The Residential Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill, set for a Senedd vote next Wednesday, proposes that all Welsh youngsters should have the chance to participate in a week-long residential outdoor education program during their schooling years. This initiative, backed by influential groups such as The Outward Bound Trust and Scouts Cymru, aims to establish a statutory duty for local authorities to facilitate these programs, with provisions for necessary funding. The bill is seen not only as an educational reform but as a potential booster for youth well-being and community integration. Martin Davidson, CEO of The Outward Bound Trust, is at the forefront of this campaign. In a widely endorsed open letter, Davidson stated, Now is the time for Wales to lead the way by letting every young person in on this adventure, highlighting the transformative potential of the bill. The letter has garnered additional support from a broad alliance, including AHOEC, Field Studies Council, and UK Youth, among others. As the vote approaches, the letter calls on Senedd Members to recognise the far-reaching impacts of the bill. Consider the difference this could make, not just in education, but to both individual wellbeing and the communities we live in, the letter urges, appealing to a broad spectrum of stakeholders from legislators to parents and educators. The Outward Bound Trust, with its deep roots in outdoor education since 1941, underscores the importance of such programs. The Trust operates several centres across the UK, including in north Wales, impacting over 25,000 young people annually. Their approachfostering self-belief through outdoor challengesreflects the essence of what the new bill aims to achieve on a national scale. As this bill moves towards its next legislative stage, it carries the potential to not only reshape educational experiences but to serve as a model for similar initiatives across Scotland and England, where related bills are also under consideration. ELKO Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant is a family affair, owned by George Ruiz Sr. and Sara Ruiz and managed by their son George Ruiz Jr. The Ruiz family came to Elko from Susanville, California, originally working at the Kentucky Fried Chicken next to the Dos Amigos building. However, what they really wanted was to start a Mexican restaurant. Dos Amigos was born around 25 years ago, George Ruiz Jr. said. This is really a great community. They embrace the restaurant. And so that motivated us to keep coming up with new dishes and new things to bring people in, he said. Some of the most successful dishes at the restaurant are the fajitas, he said, with carne asada and shrimp among the options for toppings. The restaurant, at 1770 Mountain City Highway in the Smiths plaza, is built on the whole Ruiz family working together, with his parents providing the leadership, Ruiz said. We try our best to delegate and put everybody in a position where they can perform their duty that will help the whole team. Its a 24/7 job, Ruiz said. I grew up as a kid in this, so to me, it was second nature. But you really have to be here a lot, he said. I dont know if people in the general public know that. A typical day involves ensuring everyone completes their necessary tasks, George Ruiz Sr. said. A cleaning schedule is essential as well. His niche is the customers, talking to all the customers. Hes known a lot of them since they were kids, spanning the entirety of the restaurants existence, George Ruiz Jr. said. Its like a close relationship. George Ruiz Sr. said he cultivates conversations with customers which include providing food recommendations. They often come in having heard Dos Amigos is a top-notch restaurant, he said. As time has evolved, you have to be sensitive to how times change without taking the core values away from the restaurant, which are good customer service, good food quality and satisfaction. We have to find a way to appeal to new customers and to new generations of team members who come in, George Ruiz Jr. explained. For instance, the restaurant has introduced new margarita flavors and paid attention to which ingredients customers have enjoyed most. One of the challenges was during the pandemic when we were shut down, George Ruiz Jr. said. He said the solution was coming together as a team, including the entire staff and realizing that as challenges arise, as long as we work together, were always going to be OK. With labor shortages and food costs soaring, adaptation is necessary, he said. If somebody doesnt show up, how do we adapt? How do we make sure that we have all the aces in their places and we can run a successful shift, even if people call off or a piece of equipment breaks down or theres a maintenance issue, how do we move the pieces so they still operate in the best manner possible? If all of us dont work together, then we wouldnt survive as a team, George Ruiz Jr. said. In addition to the Elko location, Dos Amigos also has a Winnemucca restaurant. George Ruiz Jr. helps run the Winnemucca location along with his brother Caesar Ruiz, with whom he said he collaborates closely. Sometimes they have good ideas we can bring here. Sometimes we have ideas here that we can bring over there. But we try to keep it the same in both places, he said. George Ruiz Jr.s sister Sandra Avila and her son Nico Avila occasionally help out at the Elko location, as well. California is a great place, George Ruiz Jr. said. But here we like how close-knit the community is. Its a very generous community, a very friendly community and it really has that small-town feel where everybody knows everybody, he said. Its been a great fit for this restaurant. Were going to continue to update our menu and come out with new drinks and new food specials for our customers and try to listen to our customers and see what they like, he said. Ruiz said he would like to express gratitude for this community and to all our loyal customers in the community in general. UK Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting took to the pages of the right-wing Sun newspaper to make his latest attack on National Health Service (NHS) workers and double down on his demands for privatisation. The Sun headlined with, NHS NEEDS REFORM: Wes Streeting warns NHS that therell be no additional funding without major surgery under Labour. The Sun promotes Streeting's pro-privatisation NHS policies [Photo: screenshot of Sun's website/thesun.co.uk] The major surgery alluded to would include bringing in the private sector to help cut waiting times. Streeting plans to impose weekend working as standard in the NHS under the pretext of cutting waiting lists now at over 7.5 million. He told the Sun, Just one in every four people say they are satisfied with the NHS today, and Record numbers of people are waiting for treatment, and they are waiting longer than ever before. But far from criticising the Conservative government for failing to properly fund the NHS, he denounced the Tories for pouring funds away, insisting that a Labour government also Pouring more money in without reform would be like pouring water into a leaky bucket. Streeting complains that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responds that he is putting in record amounts of funding But the NHS is a service, not a shrine. He insists, The problems with the NHS are clear. Its a 20th century service that hasnt changed with the times and isnt fit for the modern era. Between 2010 and 2019, the UK had a lower level of capital investment in healthcare and 18 percent lower average health spending than 14 European Union countries. But this is not the problem for Streeting. Like a born-again Thatcherite, he wants the miracle of the market to impose efficiency that will supposedly put an end to the NHSs failure to meet the demands of its clients. He pledges, Operating theatres lie empty on weekends while millions of patients wait. Labour will get the NHS working around the clock, with an extra two million appointments on evenings and weekends a year. Thats the reform, he boasts, and It will come with investment of 1.1billion, to pay staff for the extra shifts. What can be said of the pittance offered up by Streeting? When Tory Chancellor Jeremy Hunt pledged an additional 3.3 billion to the NHS, experts said it was half of what was required just to cover the 7 billion deficit predicted by NHS England for 2022/23. Streeting offers a third of that figure. Labours policy is to use spare capacity in the private sector to cut the waiting lists, wrote Streeting. And those who dont accept a massive advance of the private sector in the NHS are middle-class lefties who cry betrayal. Streeting later told the Guardian, I say this as someone from a working-class background who is now a middle-class lefty. Those being denounced by this right-wing ideologue are the NHS workforce, and millions of workers opposed to turning health care into a corporate cash-cow. Privatisation of the NHS begun by the Tories was escalated under the Blair/Brown Labour government (1997-2010). By 2020, more than 100 billion in NHS contracts had already been handed to the private sector in the previous decade. In December, the Financial Times noted, Britains national health service is outsourcing more eye, hip and knee operations than ever It cited data from the National Joint Registry and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists showing that the number of these routine operations carried out by the NHS in its own hospitals increased until 2014 but has barely risen in the past decade as the private sector takes on a bigger role The FT then welcomes the fact that Both the governing Conservative and opposition Labour parties have committed to greater use of the private sector in the NHS, with outsourcing expected to continue to underpin national policy. It was still forced to acknowledge that parasitic private firms are reliant on vastly overstretched NHS staff to actually perform the operations in their spare time, potentially reducing their availability to state services. Streetings musings in the Sun are the latest in a stream of interviews with him in the capitalist media. Last month the Financial Times ran, NHS should seek to use private healthcare capacity, Wes Streeting says. Last December the Sunday Times was told, I dont think its good enough that the NHS uses every winter crisis and every challenge it faces as an excuse to ask for more money. Streeting made clear, The NHS is going to have to get used to the fact that money is tight In March last year, during industrial action by junior and senior doctors, Streeting became a poster boy for the Telegraph as the paper urged the government to face down and defeat health workers. It ran the article, Wes Streeting: I dont support the junior doctors strike. Streetings Thatcherite policies are manna from heaven for the capitalist class. Glowing editorials and op-eds met his Sun column. Kate Andrews in the Telegraph proclaimed, Even Labour thinks the Tories are too Left-wing on the NHS. She opined, Wes Streeting is doing Gods work. The shadow health secretary is on a one-man mission to reveal the flaws in Britains favourite deityalso known as the NHS. Streeting was in agreement with the Telegraph in denouncing a glorified idea of socialist medicine. And it was notable this week just how comfortable Streeting has become with this argument. It seems his trip to Australia and Singapore last winter to learn from the health systems in other countries was a big success. Andrews was ecstatic because When asked by Christopher Hope [of the right-wing GB News] if, hypothetically, he could clear the whole backlog by using only the private sector, Streeting answered without hesitation: If you could, I would. She complained that while the far-right Tory Suella Braverman made the case for similar kinds of reform in the pages of this paper where are the government ministers taking this fight to Labour? Andrews urged the Tories to seize this opportunity because at the moment they look more Left-wing than Labour, the party which created the UKs nationalised, dysfunctional behemoth. Streeting is laying down the law with the Left now The Suns sister paper, the Times, in an editorial NHS reform: Sacred Cow, commended Streeting in the same terms: That he chose to challenge this limping sacred cow in the pages of The Sun is an encouraging sign. He was saying the right things, including attacks on those who abhor any private involvement in state healthcare. Every worker will understand the meaning of such praise lavished by the avowed backers of Margaret Thatcher on her modern-day acolytes, Streeting, Starmer, et al. Significantly, there was one warning for Streeting amid the gushing praise. The ruling class wants Labour in office to enact its agenda against the working class, under conditions of war in Europe and the Middle East. Labour will be tasked with gutting social spending to fund the military budget and continue sating the appetites of the corporations and the super-rich. The Times therefore warned, The real test of his appetite for radical reform will be the extent to which Labour is prepared to face down the medical unions and especially the junior doctors absurd pay demands. Streeting in fact never tires of boasting that Labour will face down workers to impose its agenda. In his Sun piece he declares, I dont pretend reform will be easy. There will always be vested interests who resist change, but Im up for the fight. Workers use torches to break apart salvaged pieces of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge at Tradepoint Atlantic on Friday, April 12, 2024 in Sparrows Point, Maryland. [AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson] Close to three weeks after a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge outside the Port of Baltimore, collapsing the bridge and sending six workers to their deaths, cleanup and salvage operations continue to clear the shipping channel. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has released a tentative timeline for reopening the channel, aiming to restore partial shipping operations by the end of this month and fully reopening by the end of May. Thousands of tons of collapsed bridge and road materials need to be cleared in order for large ships to be able to reach parts of the port further upstream in the Patapsco River. Currently, the Tradepoint Atlantic terminal in nearby Sparrows Point is the only part of the port that remains operational and accessible to ships. Meanwhile, the bodies of three workers, who plunged to their deaths in the morning of March 26 when the MV Dali container vessel struck the southern support pillar of the bridge, remain missing. Three bodiesthose of 26-year-old Dorlian Castillo Cabrera, 35-year-old Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, and 38-year-old Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandovalhave been recovered. Two workers who fell into the river that night survived the ordeal. USACE has three main priorities: clearing the federal shipping channel, refloating and removing the Dali and clearing the rest of the wreckage at the bottom of the river. Crews have been cutting pieces of the steel truss sitting in the northern portion of the shipping channel into pieces they can be lifted by crane onto ships and hauled away to Tradepoint Atlantic. The aim is to create a Limited Access Channel allowing one boat at a time to move through. This limited shipping channel will be 35 feet (10.7 meters) deep and 280 feet (85.3 meters) wide. Normally, the federal shipping channel there is 700 feet (213.3 meters) wide and 50 feet (15.2 meters) deep. The Unified Command of the Army Corps and the US Coast Guard, working with the state of Maryland, are targeting the creation of a temporary shipping lane in a northern portion of the channel because the Dali is stuck on the edge of the southern portion. Refloating and removing the ship will pose a massive challenge. First, there are at least 4,000 tons of the former bridge sitting on top of the Dali, crushing its bow and pushing it into the muddy silt at the bottom of the Patapsco. On top of that, the ship is extensively damaged. Pictures of its bow show it has been partly scraped off by the falling bridge. The ship has also suffered partial flooding. Furthermore, a high-pressure gas pipeline runs beneath the vessel in the channel sediment. The Dali cannot simply be dragged from its location due to this pipeline and due to the fact that its bow could rip off under the weight of the bridge sections on top of it. After the bridge pieces are removed from the ship, the plan is to refloat the Dali and get it unstuck from the mud at the bottom of the channel. To facilitate this, crews have been removing containers from the deck, which each weigh several tons and have contents that have shifted from the bridge collision. The initial 35-foot depth of the Limited Access Channel will allow for some ships to move in and out of the harbor, specifically barges and roll on/roll off (RO/RO) vessels that carry automobiles, trucks and farm equipment. When ships are not using this channel, dredging operations will work gradually to restore the limited channel to its former depth of 50 feet. Only after the Dali has been removed can the clearing of the remaining wreckage in the full shipping channel be completed. Sonar images released by the Army Corps earlier this month showed a scramble of tens of thousands of tons of the former bridge, including the concrete and asphalt that made up its roadbed and the steel that formed the truss span, sitting at the bottom of the channel. Dive teams in these waters face extremely dangerous and uncertain conditions. An Army Corps Facebook post from April 2 said visibility is clouded to just one to two feet because of the four to five feet of mud and loose bottom of the Patapsco River. Divers must work in virtual darkness, because when lit, their view is similar to a heavy snowfall at night with high-beam headlights on. So murky is the water, the post continued, divers must be guided via detailed verbal directions from operators in vessels topside who are viewing real-time CODA imagery. On the Army Corps Baltimore district website, emergency management specialist Rick Benoit said working underwater amid the wreckage field is like cleaning the site of 9/11 with blinders on. Divers could impale themselves on exposed steel or rebar or even be hit by falling pieces of concrete shifting from the bridge above them. The water is cold, and divers risk getting stuck in the mud at the bottom. There is also the current to consider, which can shift the wreckage. USACE Commanding General Scott Spellmon said, A fully opened federal channel remains our primary goal, and we will carry out this work with care and precision, with safety as our chief priority. The April and May timelines are ambitious, Spellmon said, and may still be impacted by significant adverse weather conditions or changes in the complexity of the wreckage. Recovery of the missing three workers will form some part of this effort, Spellmon hinted, but he did not say more about the search for their bodies. While federal officials, including President Biden, who visited Baltimore earlier this month, have expressed optimism over the reopening of the port, some experts are skeptical of the timeline. Sal Mercogliano is a maritime historian at Campbell University and former merchant mariner whose YouTube channel, What Is Going on with Shipping, explores topics in the sector. He said in a recent video, Theyre talking about, on their timeline, the end of April being able to bring those 35-foot draft vessels through the Limited Access Channel. Thats very optimistic. It depends on whether or not they get the weather to do that. Mercogliano continued, Then theyre talking about bringing deep draft vessels in by the end of May, but the complete channel clearing is going to be after May. Its going to take longer than that. And all of that is absolutely dependent on weather and abysmal diving conditions in and around the port. It is black water diving. You cant see, and youre limited in removing wreckage by the size of the cranes you have. The shipping channel in the Port of Baltimore was 50-feet deep even before the New Panamax ships came into operation in the last decade with the expansion of the Panama Canal because it has long been a point of import and export for heavy bulk carriers loaded with coal, salt, and sugar, which need a deeper draft. Mercogliano doubted whether the dredging operations will be complete in the limited channel by the end of May. You may be able to bring in some smaller [vessels], he said, but not the big vessels like Dali that draw over 40 feet of water. For the ruling class, the bridge collapse is primarily an economic event. Their concern has been the reopening of the Port of Baltimore as quickly as possible, rather than focusing on how to prevent similar disasters and hold the profit-driven companies responsible for the disaster to account for their actions. The Port of Balitmore shipped over 750,000 automobiles last year and is geographically the closest port on the East Coast to markets in the Midwest. Port activities account for some 20,000 jobs in Maryland and support an additional 50,000 jobs indirectly. The Maryland Port Administration estimates the ports closure has an economic impact of $190 million per day. About 8,000 port workers remain furloughed and have not been paid in weeks since the bridge collapsed. These same workers diligently showed up during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure store shelves remained stocked with essential items. Meanwhile, Amazon workers and others at Tradepoint Atlantic have expressed concern over the impact of the port disruptions on companies in the area. As the bridge cleanup continues, on Friday in Pittsburgh the West End Bridge was shut down after 26 barges lost their mooring on the Ohio River and drifted. The commentary below appeared in the October 9, 1995 issue of the International Workers Bulletin, the US predecessor of the World Socialist Web Site. It was written in response to the not-guilty verdict returned by the jury in the O. J. Simpson double-murder trial, and the subsequent claims that this result was in some sense a blow dealt to a racist justice system. Similar comments have now been made in the wake of Simpsons death, at the age of 76. He outlived the two victims, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, by nearly 30 years. Two additional articles from the IWB on the Simpson case, by David Walsh, are reposted here and here. Defense attorney F. Lee Bailey, left, looks on as O.J. Simpson, center, reacts as he is found not guilty of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman, in court in Los Angeles Oct. 3, 1995. At right is defense attorney Johnnie Cochran Jr. [AP Photo/ Myung J. Chun] The outcome of the O.J. Simpson trial proved once again that the essential issue in American society is class, not race. A very wealthy man was able to manipulate the legal system and, as in this case, literally get away with murder. The overwhelming majority of defendants in criminal cases are poor and, therefore, subject to rough justice, Simpson is free because he spent millions on an army of hired guns, from attorneys like Johnnie Cochran, Robert Shapiro and F. Lee Bailey to professional witnesses like Dr. Henry Lee. In its own grotesque way, the trial was a stark reaffirmation of the class principles, values and ideology that govern American society. From the very beginning it was obvious that everything and everyone involved in this so-called Trial of the Century would be debased and dishonored by the avalanche of money and the media sensationalism that followed in its destructive path. The trials conclusion has merely set the stage for a new round of obscene commercialism. Johnnie Cochran, it is reported, has signed a $5 million book contract, and Judge Lance Ito and DA Marcia Clark are considering similar deals. Barry Scheck, of DNA fame, is working on a movie about his life. Simpson himself is expected to rake in as much as $20 million through an agreement to be interviewed on pay-per-view television. Who knows how many schools and hospitals could be built with the sums that are being showered on these venal and insignificant human beings? So much for the adage that crime doesnt pay. The jury too presents a not very edifying spectacle. Accompanied by their lawyers and newly acquired agents, many of the jurors have begun the inevitable process of cashing in on their encounter with celebrity. They are being pursued by reporters, who, we have read, are waving wads of money to obtain interviews. As one prospective juror observed more than a year ago, This is better than hitting the lottery. Far from representing a legal or social milestone, the acquittal of O.J. Simpson merely confirms that everything in America has a price tag on it. The presidency costs $50 million. A seat in the House or Senate goes for $500,000 to $10 million, depending on the state. To create reasonable doubt in the minds of a jury, in the face of seemingly irrefutable scientific evidence, the going rate now appears to be between $5 and $10 million. In the final analysis the corpses of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, riddled with stab wounds and nearly beheaded, the devastating evidence of blood and DNA analysis, the documented record of Simpsons past threats and acts of violence, all counted for little when stacked up against the money and fame of a millionaire celebrity. The immense sums expended by the defense were not sufficient by themselves to turn reality upside down. The other decisive factor was the defendants public persona as popular athlete, movie actor and pitchman. Simpson, a black man who rose from childhood poverty to success and wealth, was for years a symbol of the false values of American capitalist society, in which the worth of individuals is judged, not by their contributions to human progress and welfare, but by the size of their bank accounts and lavishness of their lifestyle. One juror commented admiringly, as though it were evidence that Simpson could not have killed his wife, He had everything. This demonstrates the most important power of wealththe tyranny which it exercises over the minds of the great mass of people, including those who are the most oppressed by it. In a society which virtually bans the public and explicit discussion of class issues, the power of money produces terrible and bizarre distortions in social consciousness and its perception of reality. The communalization of American politics, of which white racism and black nationalism are mutually complementary products, develops within an ideological framework devoid of class consciousness. Groups of black youth, workers and college studentsconfused by a false racial identification and a servile admiration for Simpsons money and famegathered in Los Angeles and many other cities to cheer the acquittal. These scenes testify to widespread popular illusions in those who have made it in capitalist society. His supporters prefer not to believe that behind the facade of a success, Simpson is a sick man who abused his wife and was subject to homicidal rage. They seemed oblivious not only to the facts of the case but also the unbridgeable social gulf between themselves and this millionaire celebrity. As for Simpson himself, he left the courthouse not to thank his cheering supporters in South Central Los Angeles, but to sip champagne on the lawn of his Brentwood mansion. The claims of frame-up No great principles were vindicated, no great truths laid bare in the Simpson trial. Testimony revealed the incompetence and cynicism of the police investigation. The exposure of detective Mark Fuhrman as a liar and pathological racist undoubtedly had its effect on the jury. Nevertheless, the claims of frame-up confuse routine sloppiness, lies and arrogance with a genuine conspiracy to manufacture a case. In the Simpson case, with the notoriety it quickly received, this would have required the rapid and high-level coordination of literally hundreds of police officers and technicians, for no discernible political motive. America has a tragic history of legal lynchings and of heroic struggles to expose them. For all the official proclamations of democracy and due process, the courts have been used repeatedly as an instrument for attacking the working class and the political enemies of big business. Frame-ups of such martyrs as the Haymarket anarchists, Sacco and Vanzetti and the Rosenbergs have more often ended on the gallows or the electric chair than in legal vindication. It cheapens and demeans this history to equate an O.J. Simpson with the many victims of police and government frame-up. Simpson was not a poor fish peddler and anarchist, like Bartolemeo Vanzetti, or a low-paid clerk and Communist Party member, like Julius Rosenberg, He was not a radical political activist from the middle class, like Angela Davis. Simpson had never been identified with any political or social struggle. He reportedly had very friendly relations with the Los Angeles cops, who treated him with kid gloves during an earlier arrest for beating his wife, and he wore, for promotional purposes, an LA police uniform in a series of comic movie roles. Of course, there are occasions when even wealthy people find themselves ensnared in the tentacles of unscrupulous prosecutors; and all who value justice would and should spring to their defense. There are even occasions when significant social questions are revealed in the trial of individuals who committed a terrible crime. Clarence Darrow, who combined legal brilliance and a social conscience, gave an example of this in the 1925 case of Leopold and Loeb. The scions of wealthy Chicago families, Leopold and Loeb were brought to trial for the thrill killing of 14-year-old Bobby Franks The crime was monstrous and public opinion was incensed, Darrow, already in his 70s, challenged the public mood and conducted his defense in such a way as to reveal a great social truth, that his clients actions could not be separated from the conditions and values of American society. He did not plead that they be freed, but successfully argued that they should be spared execution. One can only imagine how the Leopold and Loeb case would be treated today. In the 1990s, a period when social thought is systematically degraded, social problems are raised, not to educate public opinion, but to provide an alibi for the crimes of individual millionaires. Thus, the attorneys for the Menendez brothers exploited the issue of child abuse, and the high-priced Simpson legal team seized on police racism. No doubt there was an element of protest against abuses in the Los Angeles Police Department in the jurys verdict, reflecting the well-founded distrust of black residents of the city. But it would be wrong to attribute to this sentiment a great progressive significance. Racism, it should not be forgotten, is only a secondary and incidental basis of the oppressive role of the police. Those who, solely on the basis of race, support Simpson and hate the police, would hardly understand that the essential role of the LAPDto protect the property and social interests of the ruling classwould not change one iota if every member of this police force were recruited from the citys African American population. At any rate, the brief deliberation and the subsequent statements of some jurors hardly suggest that the verdict was based on a thoughtful consideration of the facts. Moreover, even if the jury had decided after appropriate deliberation that the state, under the standard of reasonable doubt, had failed to prove its case, this would hardlyin the light of the mass of incriminating evidencejustify the post-trial expressions of sympathy and moral solidarity with O.J. Simpson. It is difficult to imagine that in more thoughtful times, when there existed a powerful and socially conscious labor movement, O.J. Simpson would have been the object of an outpouring of sympathy and support within the working class. The trial of Sheik Rahman Those inclined to applaud the Simpson verdict as a blow against police corruption and racism make the serious mistake of believing that the ills of society can be rectified on the basis of a false, confused, and, we might add, essentially conformist social consciousness. To the extent that the Simpson trial and its fallout contribute to a continuing debasement of social consciousness, political reaction is strengthened. And a consequence of that reaction is the perpetuation and escalation of injustices of all kinds, including those that occur routinely in the courtroom. Indeed, while public opinion was distracted and bamboozled by the goings-on in Lance Itos circus, government prosecutors pulled off a massive and frightening legal frame-up in a New York City courtroom. On October 1, Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, a blind Muslim cleric, and nine followers were convicted on charges of conspiring to bomb various New York City landmarks. This trial was a monstrous state conspiracy against real outcasts of American society, Muslim immigrants opposed to the foreign policy of US imperialism in the Middle East. The key charge against all 10 defendants was seditious conspiracyspeech and actions directed toward the overthrow of the United States governmenta charge which has not been prosecuted since the American Civil War. In the New York City case, the charge was further extended to include speech and actions directed toward changing the policies of the US government, a definition so broad that it would brand as seditious most of the political activity carried out in the United States. The alleged terrorist plot was concocted by a US-Egyptian police agent, Emad Salem, who received million-dollar payoff for setting up the conspiracy and recruiting the defendants in the case, all followers of Sheik Rahmans preachings at mosques in Brooklyn and Jersey City. Salems actions were a clear case of entrapment. He proposed the bombings, persuaded the others to help him, convinced doubters when they wavered and recorded everything. The Queens warehouse where the bombs were to be manufactured was rented by Salem and equipped with hidden cameras and tape recorders supplied by the FBI. Those of the defendants who did act under Salems direction were simply dupes of an FBI-generated operation. Government prosecutors conceded that none of the defendants had the technical knowledge required to bomb tunnels and buildings and that the chemicals they were allegedly mixing would never have exploded. All 10 men now face lengthy prison terms, and some of them life imprisonment, in a case which did not involve the commission of any violent act and in which no one was injured or killed. The defense lawyers for the immigrant defendants uncovered a mountain of evidence of police misconduct. The police agent Emad Salem admitted to perjury. An FBI laboratory technician, Frederic Whitehurst, testified that lab results had been deliberately falsified to obtain convictions. There was evidence that a woman FBI agent had begun a personal relationship with Emad Salem during the probe and lied about it. Unlike the Simpson case, here police racism and fabrication of evidence were elements in a full-scale frame-up. But there were no chanting crowds supporting the defendants, no denunciations of the FBI, the police and the prosecution. None of these revelations received significant publicity in the media, or saved the victims, whose conviction was required by the FBI and the State Department. The Simpson verdict comes in a period of mounting social tensions. It can be expected that this grotesque spectacle will disquiet and unsettle those who are beginning to think more critically about the nature of American society. A serious struggle against a social order so sharply polarized between wealth and poverty, privilege and injustice, requires the building of a mass political movement of the working class. This is impossible without the development of a revolutionary socialist party which provides both an analysis of the source of the crisis and ideals worth living and dying for. 25 years ago: Judge levies $45.5 million fine against American Airlines pilots union On April 15, 1999, in one of the largest fines ever levied against an American trade union, US District Judge Elton Joe Kendall ordered the Allied Pilots Association (APA) to pay $45.5 million in damages to American Airlines for a sick-out by AA pilots earlier the same year. The massive fine$7 million more than the APAs net worth of $38 millionwas designed to effectively destroy the union representing 9,200 pilots at American Airlines. American Airlines jet on the runway in 1999 [Photo by Aero Icarus / CC BY 2.0 The judges action stemmed from a 10-day job action by thousands of American pilots against contract violations and the outsourcing of jobs to Americans low-cost affiliate Reno Air. The sick-out, which began on February 6, quickly got out of the control of the APA leadership and crippled the countrys second-largest airline, forcing American to cancel 6,000 flights and disrupt travel for 600,000 passengers. In the course of the job action, rank-and-file pilots defied Kendalls February 10 back-to-work order. Three days afterwards the judge held the union in contempt of court and ordered APA officials to pay $10 million as a down payment on a future eight-figure fine. On Thursday Kendall rejected arguments from union attorneys that cancellations following his back-to-work order had only cost the airline between $1.4 million and $4.7 million. Dispensing with even the appearance of neutrality, the Texas judge backed Americans claim that it had lost $50 million, saying, American Airlines is not going to want to go to the public and the stockholders and talk about taking that kind of hit without it being true. Kendall said the $45.5 million damage award was a conservative estimate of the harm done to American. The judge, appointed to the federal bench by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, also disregarded arguments by APA officials that they had done everything to get their members back to work following his temporary restraining order. Kendall said the union had supposedly been taken over by a radical element which was determined to fly American Airlines into the side of a mountain. 50 years ago: Symbionese Liberation Army rob bank with assistance of Patty Hearst On April 15, 1974, the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), a petty-bourgeois radical terrorist group, staged an armed robbery of the Hibernia Bank in San Francisco. One of the assailants was Patty Hearst, the granddaughter of the multimillionaire newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Hearst holding a gun, yells commands at bank customers. DeFreeze is in hat on the left. The image was captured from bank surveillance footage The SLA was formed in 1973 by students from the University of California, Berkeley during visits to Vacaville prison. The students, under the influence of the middle-class New Left, and modeling themselves after Che Guevara, believed that they could confront capitalism by recruiting prison inmates into an urban guerrilla movement. The groups leader, Donald DeFreeze, was the only former prisoner to actually join the SLA, with all other known members having been student radicals. Patty Hearst had originally been a victim of a kidnapping plot by the SLA in February 1974. The SLA abducted Hearst from her Berkeley, California apartment, originally planning to use her to negotiate the release of two SLA members who had been arrested for assassinating the Superintendent of Oakland Public Schools, Marcus Foster, in November 1973. However, in the course of her captivity Hearst expressed political agreement with her kidnappers and joined the SLA. She would release audio tapes stating her membership in the group, denouncing the greed and hypocrisy of her family, and demanding that her father organize an effort to provide food to every Californian facing poverty. In reports on the affair written by the FBI and in the capitalist newspapers, the claim was made that Hearst was brainwashed by her SLA captors, or forced into making certain statements. As explained in the US predecessor to the WSWS, the Bulletin, The question they are all seeking to avoid is why a girl like Patrica Hearst, a member of one of the wealthiest families in the United States, decides to take up arms against the capitalist system. The robbery of the Hibernia Bank was the first time Hearst was seen in public since her kidnapping. She entered the bank armed alongside other SLA members and shouted commands at the bank employees and patrons. The group escaped with $10,000 and shot and wounded two people during the robbery. Far from being coerced, it was clear Hearst was playing a leading role in the heist. The SLA would flee San Francisco, embarking on a desperate spree of armed robberies. In one instance the SLA was surrounded by police at their hideout in Los Angeles. The situation turned into a shootout and several SLA members were killed. DeFreeze reportedly shot himself during the confrontation. Hearst, who was not at the LA shootout, was eventually arrested in September 1975. During the trial Hearst renounced all of her previous statements of support for the SLA and claimed she was forced into all her actions. She was found guilty of her involvement in the bank robbery and sentenced to seven years in prison. After Hearst had served 21 months, President Jimmy Carter commuted her sentence, due to her familys political connections. Bill Clinton would later grant Hearst a full pardon. 75 years ago: Clash between Chinese Communist Party forces and British navy On April 20, 1949, a clash between Chinese Communist Party fighters and British Navy ships broke out on the Yangtze River. Dubbed the Yangtze, or Amethyst, incident, after the main British ship involved, the encounter pointed to the ongoing role of the major powers in supporting the forces of reaction in their present and former imperial possessions, and could have resulted in a major war. The context was the Chinese Civil War, which had been raging since the defeat of Japan and the end of its brutal occupation in 1945. The conflict pitted the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its mass peasant army against the Kuomintang, the reactionary bourgeois party led by the warlord Chiang Kai-shek. Widely despised for corruption and brutality, Chiang had been the butcher of the 1925-27 Chinese Revolution, overseeing the murder of tens of thousands of workers in Shanghai and elsewhere. In the fourth year of the civil war, the Kuomintang was in disarray, after a series of successful offensives by the CCPs Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). The US and the British continued to provide aid to the Kuomintang, but sought to conceal their support given its discredited and corrupt character. In April, the PLA was engaged in a major cross-river offensive, in the immediate vicinity of Nanjing, aimed at taking what had been for decades the Kuomintang capital. Such a victory, it was known, would have been the immediate harbinger of the complete defeat of Chiangs forces and the victory of the PLA. It was in this charged atmosphere that a flotilla of British naval ships were sent down the Yangtze, purportedly to relieve another warship stationed to protect the British Embassy in Nanjing. The British armada, consisting of four vessels, passed directly through part of the river that was central to the PLA operation, despite previous CCP demands that the old colonial power remain outside of active areas of the civil war. The HMS Amethyst The PLA responded to this violation with warning shots. When they too were ignored, its troops opened fire on the HMS Amethyst. The British ship was eventually grounded and its turrets disabled, with some of the sailors forced to clamber ashore. Other ships in the British flotilla that sought to come to its aid received similar treatment. The Amethyst would be detained in place by the PLA for 10 weeks, amid a flurry of diplomatic negotiations. The incident shocked the major powers, above all Britain, which had claimed free passage through Chinese waters for centuries. In the meantime, the PLA would seize Nanjing, and shortly after it Shanghai, with the Chinese Revolution fast approaching victory. The CCP, based on its Stalinist program of a two-stage revolution and collaboration with the national bourgeoisie, had repeatedly made overtures to Chiang and engaged in peace talks with the Kuomintang. It eventually took power, only under conditions of the intransigence of the imperialist powers and the Kuomintang, and propelled by a developing mass movement. 100 years ago: Hundreds of motorists attempt to break quarantine in Arizona On April 18, 1924, about 700 motorists in 200 cars attempted to race across the Colorado River Bridge between California and Arizona at Yuma, Arizona, which had been closed because of a quarantine to stop the spread of hoof and mouth disease (HMD) that was then decimating livestock in California. HMD is highly contagious and deadly to cloven-footed mammals. Humans rarely contract it but can carry the virus and spread it. Some cars passed quarantine guards but police and firefighters from Yuma County assembled on the Arizona side of the bridge, aimed fire hoses at the cars and stopped the rush. The New York Times noted, there was no shooting. Even so, some motorists refused to return to the California side. Authorities allowed four cars to cross into Arizona after they had fumigated them. The train of cars, nearly a mile long, which stretched out into the desert on the California side of the bridge, had been waiting to cross for four days, along with thousands of others, although not all attempted to cross. National Guardsmen arrived the next day (and fired machine guns into the air to announce their presence) and cars were eventually allowed through after they had been dosed with formaldehyde and passengers were forced to walk through sawdust sprinkled with the substance. Arizona Governor George W.P. Hunt The outbreak of HMD in California resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 livestock and 20,000 deer. It was one of the worst outbreaks of the century in the United States. Thirty-six states imposed restrictions on various types of agricultural products from California. One historian notes, Arizonas reaction to the epidemic was the most extreme. Democratic Governor George W.P. Hunt adopted a quarantine so severe that even human movement across the border was suspended. In April, Governor Hunt received a telegram from President Calvin Coolidge requesting the relaxation of the quarantine. Hunt telegraphed in reply that he was obligated to business, banking, agricultural, stockraising and dairy interests [who are] practically unanimous against any modification of [the]quarantine and the pressure on me is to make it even more stringent and apply it to passengers on railroad trains passing through the state. Solomon Islands is staging a national election tomorrow, the first since it switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019, and signed a military pact with Beijing in 2022. The election is being held under the shadow of Washingtons highly provocative moves to counter Chinas influence in the strategically significant South Pacific region. Manasseh Sogavare [Photo: OUR Party] Within the Solomons, these manoeuvres have involved the preparation of a regime change operation directed against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. US-financed forces staged a violent coup attempt in November 2021, and the following year American officials issued open threats of military intervention after the signing of the China security pact. Sogavare is campaigning to be the first Solomon Islands prime minister to serve concurrent terms in office since formal independence from Britain in 1978. The Pacific state has a highly unstable parliamentary system. Members of the 50-member parliament are typically elected to office not on the basis of party allegiance but rather through local tribal and clan loyalties. Parliamentarians frequently switch from opposition to government and back again. The 2024 election, however, has seen a clearer divide between government and opposition politicians, with US-China competition the overriding demarcating issue. Sogavares coalition government included 33 parliamentarians who were members of his Ownership, Unity, Responsibility (OUR) Party. The OUR Party is fielding 43 candidates in the election. Among its central policy pillars is a pledge to strengthen relationships with China through a look North foreign policy. On economic policy, the party has committed to continue with transformative infrastructure developments by tapping opportunities offered through Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. Sogavares bourgeois nationalist government has sought to utilise Chinas growing economic, military, and diplomatic influence in the Pacific to leverage concessions from US imperialism and its allies, including Australia. His OUR Party manifesto outlined hopes to nurture ties with other traditional partners such as Australia and develop a friends to all and enemies to none approach. At the same time, however, the incumbent prime minister is clearly aware that he remains in Washingtons crosshairs. Last month, the Solomon Star published a front-page story claiming Sogavare gave an inflammatory address to US officials at a reception for the recently appointed American ambassador to Solomon Islands, Ann Marie Yastishock. An unnamed government insider told the Star that Sogavare stated according to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, foreign forces are intervening in the countrys national general election this year, and foreign forces may fund some political parties and plan to stage another riot during the election to disrupt the electoral process and undermine social stability. Also last month, Sogavare protested a mass phone text message sent by the Electoral Commission, which encouraged people to vote by stating: You are never too little to make a CHANGE Make that CHANGE. The incumbent prime minister correctly noted that this clearly aligned with the oppositions campaign slogans, violating the Commissions responsibility to be politically impartial. An OUR Party statement suggested the incident was due to Australian and United Nations financing of the Electoral Commission. This then raises the issue that would such [sic] messages be the result of the influence of a donor partner, the statement read. If this is so, then clearly, this is a blatant campaign for regime change advocated by a foreign power and its agents. There is no question that US- or Australian-driven provocations may follow the national election in the event that Sogavare remains in office. Developments in the Pacific state are being closely monitored. On March 14, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a public hearing titled US Strategy in the Pacific Islands Region, involving senior Democrat and Republican senators and officials with USAID and the state and defence departments. The entire discussion centred on Chinas growing influence in the region and what the US could do to challenge this. Mitt Romney, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on US Strategy in the Pacific Islands Region [Photo: US State Department] They [China] have a comprehensive plan to replace us, Republican senator and previous presidential candidate Mitt Romney complained to the Committee. It appears to be a very effective strategy If we have strategy to counter China, its not working. The Solomon Islands opposition has formed the CARE (Coalition for Accountability, Reform and Empowerment) coalition, led by long-standing partners of Australian imperialism Matthew Wale and Rick Hou. Wale and Hou have stopped short of pledging to cancel the military pact with China and reverse diplomatic recognition back to Taiwan. Both figures, however, have repeatedly denounced Beijing. In 2022, Wale stated that he had forewarned Australian officials about the military pact and complained that they had failed to sabotage it. Also prominent within CARE is US-allied Daniel Suidani. He is contesting a provincial assembly ward in the province of Malaita (tomorrows election is a join national, provincial, and council poll). When Suidani previously held office, he maintained his own diplomatic relations in Taiwan and barred Chinese investment on Malaita. He has long aligned with Malaitan separatists, hundreds of whom staged an unsuccessful violent coup attempt three years ago. Suidani enjoys the closest of ties with the US and its allieslast year he spent six months on an expenses-paid trip to the US, Canada, and Australia. The CARE coalition is attempting to win support through populist appeals, including promising free schooling, improved healthcare, cuts to politicians salaries and a 15 percent wage rise for public sector workers. Few if any of these policies will actually be implemented in the event that the opposition wins the election. No section of the Solomon Islands ruling elite has any solution for the enormous economic and social crisis that continues to wrack the impoverished Pacific country. Solomon Islands was hard hit by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the destruction of much of central Honiara with the failed coup attempt in 2021. The economy has only emerged this year from a deep recession, with negative economic growth recorded in 2020 (-3.4 percent), 2021 (-0.6 percent), and 2022 (-4.1 percent). The country ranks 156 out of 193 states on the United Nations Human Development Index, sliding four places in the last seven years. Young people are especially affected70 percent of the population is under 35 years of age, and employment and education opportunities are highly limited. The imperialist powers have responded to Irans strikes on Israel Saturday with an outpouring of condemnation. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms, US President Joe Biden declared, reaffirming Americas ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. Israeli Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024. [AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg] The G7 group of imperialist powers said in a statement, We ... unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Irans direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. It added, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. These statements by the imperialist warmongers, repeated by every major NATO power, are the height of hypocrisy. The forces provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation in the Middle East are Israel and its imperialist backers. Let us get the timeline straight. Irans strike was a response to the April 1 attack by Israel on the Iranian embassy in Syria that killed seven top-level Iranian military officers, including two generals. In response to Israels flagrantly illegal and murderous attack on what is, under international law, Iranian soil, the imperialist powers effectively signaled their endorsement. US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood declared that terrorist leaders and elements were allegedly present at this facility. The US, France and the UK vetoed a resolution in the UN Security Council condemning Israels attack. Now, the imperialists are falling all over themselves to condemn Irans response to Israels action. This is all the more striking given that Irans action was largely symbolic. The Iranian government announced Saturdays strike to countries in the region 72 hours in advance in an effort to limit the impact. As Reuters reported Sunday: Iran gave wide notice days before Saturdays drone and missile attack on Israel, allowing mass casualties and rampant escalation to be averted. The imperialist powers are asserting that they and their proxies can kill as many people as they want, carry out targeted assassinations and act in complete violation of anything resembling international law. But any response, even of the most minimal character, is denounced as a crime. This is the basic law of colonialism and imperialism. While Biden condemns the actions of Iran, he does not extend the same language to Israels onslaught against Gaza, which is being funded, armed and politically supported by the United States and other imperialist powers. Israel is systematically carrying out genocide against the population of Gaza, having already killed at least 40,000 people. It is displacing, starving and bombing an entire population of 2.2 million people and methodically and deliberately murdering doctors, journalists and aid workers. The genocide in Gaza is developing into a regional war, which can very quickly draw in the entire globe. To the extent that the Biden administration is stating, generally on background rather than through official pronouncements, that it would prefer that Israel not respond with immediate military strikes, this position is determined by tactical considerations. Some of these considerations were laid out in an op-ed in the New York Times by Bret Stephens under the headline, For Israel, Revenge Should Be a Dish Served Cold. Stevens wrote: As a matter of self-defense, Israel has every moral and legal right to respond in kindand then some. It is not enough for Israel to demonstrate its capacity for defense, as it did over the weekend. It must also reestablish its capacity for deterrence. That is, it needs to show Irans leaders that the price for bringing their war against Israel out of the shadows will be unbearably high, and is therefore not to be repeated. However, Stephens counsels against an all-out assault on Iran. He writes: Israel has an unfinished war against Hamas in Gaza, and a direct Israeli attack on Iran could trigger a second full-scale war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, if not with Iran itself. Most Israelis understand that particular war will have to be fought sooner or laterperhaps before the end of the summerand that it will be probably much tougher on them than the Gaza war has been so far. (Emphasis added.) In other words, it is first necessary to finish the genocide in Gaza before turning to the much tougher task of war with Iran. Sections of the US political establishment are openly advocating a full-scale war, asserting that the Biden administration is not going far enough in supporting an Israeli war against Iran. The Wall Street Journal wrote in an editorial: The attack should at least cause Mr. Biden and his fellow Democrats to end their cold war with Israel over Gaza and recognize that this is really a war against Iran. It continued: Leaders in both parties should also start telling the truth to Americans about the new world of global threats. Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are all on the march and working together. The Israeli cabinet has been deliberating over the past day on what actions to take, and there are evidently divisions within the regime itself. Moreover, while Israel is imperialisms attack dog in the Middle East, the US is not in complete control of what it will do. In any event, the Biden administration has reaffirmed that if Israel does take action, it will have the full support of the United States government. Appearing on Meet the Press, White House spokesman John Kirby declared, Whether and how the Israelis respond is going to be up to them. Asked, If Israel does decide to move forward with retaliatory strikes, will the United States support Israel? Kirby replied that US support for Israels self-defense will stay ironclad. It will not change. The United States responded to the events of October 7 by launching a major military offensive throughout the Middle East, with Iran as the central target. Within days, the US surged an armada of warships and hundreds of aircraft to the region, which it has used to launch dozens of illegal airstrikes over the past six months. The US offensive in the Middle East is a crucial element of an unfolding global war, with Russia and China as the main targets. The subjugation of Iran, lying at the heart of Eurasia, is a critical component of the United States drive for global military domination. Whatever the immediate developments in the coming days, the regional war throughout the Middle East, as part of an expanding global war, is spiraling dangerously out of control. The world stands closer to nuclear conflict than at any time since the Second World War. Nothing can stop this expanding global war except the development of a mass anti-war movement oriented to and based on the working class. Horrific scenes unfolded in Sydney on Saturday afternoon, as a man roamed through Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction, stabbing random people in his path. Six victims have lost their lives. With at least eight others still in hospital, the toll may increase. The attack ended when the offender was shot dead by a police officer at the scene. A mother was fatally stabbed, and her nine-month-old baby was also attacked. The dead include two young women in their 20s, a mother of two, a 53-year-old businesswoman and a security guard who was a refugee from Pakistan. The attack was among the worst mass casualty incidents in Australia in recent decades. The shopping centre is one of the largest in Sydney, visited by tens of thousands of people every week. Understandably, the incident has provoked widespread concern and anguish. Many have noted that the victims could have been anybody going about their shopping. Footage of the attack, captured on mobile phone cameras, gives the dreadful incident an immediacy that it would not have had in earlier times. The ubiquitous media coverage of the past two days has been an exercise in cynical sensationalism, aimed at exploiting and profiting from these sentiments. Almost as soon as the attack was over, corporate reporters were clambering over each other, shoving microphones and cameras in the faces of witnesses who were still clearly in shock. Details of the incident and images of it that need not have been made public were broadcast without the slightest concern for the victims families, the medias professions of great sympathy notwithstanding. The commentary, despite its volume, has been almost entirely devoid of social insight. It has dovetailed with the statements of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and other official politicians. All have presented the mass stabbing as a senseless and unfathomable event, while glorying in the response of the police and promoting crass nationalism of the how brave are Australians variety. However, while the details are still emerging, what has been released thus far shows that far from being an event out of the blue, the mass stabbing was a product of a deepening social crisis, particularly as manifested in the evisceration of mental health services. The perpetrator, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was publicly identified by police yesterday morning. The details of his life paint a predictably forlorn picture. Born in the Queensland city of Toowoomba, in a suburb known for relatively high rates of poverty and crime, Cauchi was reportedly diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17. Queensland Health has confirmed that Cauchi received mental health care through the public system until 2012, at which point he was transferred to a private provider for unknown reasons. For a period, he was well enough to have attended university. For years afterwards, though, it seems that Cauchi moved around Queensland, without a fixed address or any employment. It is unlikely that he was receiving sustained and consistent mental health assistance during this period, given his itinerant existence. At some point, Cauchi moved to Sydney, though when is not entirely clear. The only property that has been searched is an inner-city storage unit, reportedly no larger than around one cubic metre in size. Cauchi was reportedly homeless, but at this stage, no one knows. Cauchis prolific online history includes recent posts, asking in Facebook groups if strangers would go surfing with him and engage in other social activities. The loneliness is apparent. A profile Cauchi created, advertising his services as a male escort, hinted at an increasingly desperate existence. Unconfirmed reports have suggested a history of using methamphetamine, a drug known to trigger psychosis. NSW and Queensland police have both emphasised that Cauchi had no criminal history and had never been arrested. But there were clear red flags, which were not acted upon. Last year, Cauchi, still in Queensland, reportedly called the police, accusing his father of having stolen his knives. No action was taken, and no alarm bells rang about a mentally ill man in conflict with his relatives over an unhealthy obsession with knives. Already exhibiting signs of crisis, Cauchi arrived in Sydney, where his presence does not seem to have been noticed by any government agency, including in the health sector. Sydney, the financial hub of Australia, is also the epicentre of a massive housing bubble. In the 12 months to July 2023, apartment rents in the city increased by more than 27 percent. Secure housing is unaffordable for many full-time workers; for the unemployed, it is an impossibility. Meanwhile, mental health care is in a parlous state, having been cut back and privatised over decades. A 2023 report by the NSW Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists described mental health care in the state as poorly funded, operating in crisis; Where people are falling through the cracks, with dire consequences; Thats ill-prepared to address community trauma, and in some cases, re-traumatising people; Where help is hard to access and often unaffordable; Thats complex, fractured and disconnected etc. Among many similar comments, one anonymous psychologist bluntly stated: There is almost zero access for people on Centrelink or low incomes to see a psychiatrist for assessment or medication review. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), established by the previous federal Labor government in 2013, and since expanded has effectively privatised the provision of mental health services. In addition to turning over the care of patients to a patchwork of for-profit operators, governments have declared that their own NDIS costs are too high and have insisted on the need for funding cutbacks. How many people, like Cauchi, have been shut out of society, left to wander on their own and to deal with complex mental health conditions without a skerrick of assistance? It is likely that no one, including government authorities, knows because they have no interest. In a society dominated by corporate profit, such people are viewed by official institutions as a nuisance, unproductive and their needs a potentially expensive impost. Most crises among this vulnerable cohort take a very different form, in the descent into drug addiction, self-abuse, and deaths of despair, including suicide. It is increasingly families who bear the brunt of the care and impact of their mentally affected loved one. Why Cauchis breakdown took the violent form it did is not known and perhaps never will be. There are undoubtedly specific biographical dimensions. It has been noted that almost all of those attacked were women. Whatever the details, though, it is undeniable that Cauchis violent act occurred in the context of an eruption of violence on a far larger scale. Most graphically, people are confronted every day with images of women and children being murdered in the most horrendous fashion in Gaza, as the Australian government and all the imperialist powers insist on Israels right to defend itself through the slaughter of an entire people. Australia is actively supporting the US-instigated proxy war against Russia in Ukraine that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and is on the frontlines of preparations for a disastrous conflict with China. An atmosphere of officially-cultivated reaction, accompanying the program of militarism and war, was evident in the response to Cauchis attack. X/Twitter and other social media networks were flooded with right-wing propaganda, falsely claiming that Cauchi was an Islamic fundamentalist who had perpetrated a terror attack. Other equally racist posts asserted that the perpetrator was Jewish. Extraordinarily, the Seven Network, one of the countrys largest broadcasters, incorrectly named the attacker, giving a common Jewish surname. The result was an avalanche of vitriol against the entirely innocent man named. Seven has since apologised, blaming human error. Which humans and how they made the error has not been specified. Whatever exactly happened, the mistake had a decidedly inflammatory and antisemitic odour to it. That is notable, given that Seven, together with the rest of the official media, has sought to blackguard all opposition to Israels crimes over the past six months as antisemitism. The elevation of violence by official society has also been evident in the response to Cauchi being killed. The police officer who fired the shots has been named, her photo emblazoned in the papers, alongside descriptions of her as a hero. Aside from legitimising the use of force and violence by police in other, less extreme situations, this also serves to cover over the many questions raised by the police response. Under conditions where police numbers and budgets have grown every year, Cauchi was able to roam around one of the citys busiest places, stabbing people at will for 15 minutes without an officer in sight. Multiple paramedics who responded had to be stood down and prevented from entering the centre to assist the dying and injured because police had not arrived. Postal workers: What are conditions like at your facility? Contact the WSWS by filling out the form below. All submissions will be kept anonymous. In Philadelphia, a United States Postal Service carrier sorts mail to be delivered. [AP Photo/Matt Rourke] On March 28, the United States Postal Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released the results of its audit of the Richmond, Virginia Regional Processing and Delivery Center (RPDC). Since its opening last summer, the Richmond region has experienced unprecedented disruptions in mail service. This has not only disrupted service in an area of more than 1.3 million people, but has also endangered lives. Earlier this year, it was discovered that hundreds of colon cancer screening samples mailed last July arrived at their final destination six months later in January. On April 10, the OIG also released a report on a facility in South Houston which experienced a similar fiasco during the peak holiday season last winter. The Richmond facility was the first of its kind to reopen as part of Postmaster General Louis DeJoys Delivering for America restructuring plan. This misnamed program will close more than 1,000 local post offices, shed tens of thousands of postal jobs and pave the way for the post offices eventual privatization. Opened in July 2023, Richmond is the first of 60 RPDCs which will consolidate regional Processing and Delivery Centers (PDC), Sorting and Delivery Centers (S&DC), and Local Processing Centers (LPC) into massive hubs that will serve as the backbone of the Postal Services revamped network. The IOGs reports are exercises in damage control. The Richmond report begins with an introduction hailing Delivering for America (DFA) as aimed at creating a best-in-class mail and package processing network. It adds that RPDCs such as Richmond are the backbone of a new modernized network under the program. While the Postal Service had successes when implementing its first RP&DC, it also faced many challenges and identified many lessons learned, it continues. The report depicts staggering levels of negligence and incompetence in the planning and implementation of this new flagship facility. Detailed among its findings was that transportation routes to and from the RPDC were not even in place when the facility went online. In fact, routes were still not confirmed well into the holiday peak season five months later. Extra trips skyrocketed by 700 percent as the facility scrambled to overcome misaligned scheduling between post office operations and transportation. The new High Output Package Sorters (HOPS) installed to automate package handling stood idle because no one knew how to operate the new machines, confirming statements made by workers at the facility to the World Socialist Web Site last year. The result was that, even though working hours and overtime increased when Richmond reopened as an RPDC, the actual volume of mail declined when compared to previous metrics. The OIG cited management incompetence in its earlier reports in 2021. The OIG also found that local managers did not have sufficient training to understand their roles and responsibilities. As a result, we were unable to determine if the challenges are unique to the Richmond RP&DC conversion, the report claimed, or tied to preexisting conditions. In fact, the disaster in Richmond has been repeated again and again across the country. The OIGs report on the South Houston Local Processing Center found this single facility was responsible for delaying a whopping 384,000 pieces of mail. These delays were caused by diverting mail from the facility in North Houston, which is being redesigned as an RPDC. [B]ut South Houston was not equipped to process the facilitys volume, the report concluded. Similar delays took place in Atlanta, Georgia when a new RPDC opened there in February. The findings in the OIGs report completely expose the claims that DFA has anything to do with improving service, cutting costs and modernizing infrastructure. Its true mission is to strip down service at USPS, eventually selling off whatever is left to private buyers. While the Richmond RPDC has been associated with months of mail delays, it has also been used to implement optimized collections, with delivery units reassigned from local post offices within a 30-minute radius to the larger Richmond facility. Pickup and delivery to offices outside of that radius have shifted to a milk-run style, with one trip handling both inbound and outbound mail made each morning. This means that mail from the afternoon will be left to sit around until pickup the following day. In other words, the chaos in the Richmond RPDC was not intermittent service impacts caused by kinks in the new system, but its intended purpose. In remarks before the USPS Board of Governors, Postmaster General DeJoy let slip that only just over 50 percent of Americans receive their mail and packages early, implying much of the rest have been impacted by service disruptions. Similar kinks have occurred on a massive scale with new tracking systems for letter carriers. The new Rural Route Evaluation Compensation System (RRECS) has resulted in massive wage cuts, often over $10,000 or even $20,000 in annual pay, for two-thirds of all rural carriers. The new TIAREAP surveillance system for city letter carriers has led to workers being written up by computers for unauthorized stationary events while on their routes. One such write-up likely contributed to the heat-related death of veteran carrier Eugene Gates last year in Dallas, Texas. The trade union bureaucracy is playing a critical role in enabling these new measures aimed at driving workers out of the Post Office en masse. Both RRECS and TIAREAP have been extended by separate memoranda of understanding by the rural and city carriers unions, and the American Postal Workers Union, which covers many inside postal workers, has restricted action against the restructuring to a handful of toothless protests. The National Association of Letter Carriers is even openly lying to defend DFA, claiming to its members that it will not result in job losses. The highly public fiascos in Richmond, Houston and Atlanta serve the added purposes of providing a pretext for the eventual privatization of the USPS by creating highly public images of bureaucratic incompetence. No doubt they will be used as a convenient pretext in the near future by right-wing politicians in both parties to argue that the federal government should cut their losses with USPS and hand its operations to a private entity that knows what its doing. DeJoy, who owns a major stake in companies holding contracts with USPS such as Amazon and UPS, has a major conflict of interest. USPS is increasingly serving as Amazons last mile vendor to the detriment of traditional mail delivery. As reported by the World Socialist Web Site, rural mail carriers have been instructed to prioritize Amazon package deliveries delaying regular mail delivery by days. At the beginning of April, UPS was awarded the contract to become the USPS primary air cargo provider. This comes after UPSs announcement that it will close 200 facilities in a consolidation project that will automate most package handling at the cost of tens of thousands of jobs. These changes come as USPS is expanding its package delivery business via its Ground Advantage service, a direct competitor with UPS Ground, which has seen its volumes drop in recent years.. Regardless of DeJoys personal conflicts of interest, the privatization of the post office has been a goal of both corporate parties for decades. Around the world, many post offices have already been privatized, such as Royal Mail in Britain and Deutsche Post in Germany. Despite occasional feigned outrage from Democratic lawmakers, such as Tim Kaine of Virginia and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota over the disruption of mail and their demanding answers from the Postmaster General, both parties approved the Postal Reform Act of 2022, which will deprive USPS workers of almost $200 billion in retirement health care funding. Both Kaine and Klobuchar voted in favor of the reform. The evidence in the OIGs report are only further proof that the fight to preserve the Post Office as a public service and saving tens of thousands of jobs requires the mobilization of the working class against the conspiracy of the financial oligarchs seeking its privatization. Only the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee has raised the warning that this is a political fight against both corporate-controlled parties over the allocation of societys resources. In a statement last October, the PWR&FC declared: Our terrible conditions do not result from the Post Offices debt and even less by managerial incompetence or glitches in new evaluation systems. They are the intended product of a vast restructuring program called Delivering for America, whose aim is to dismantle the post office and prepare the way for its eventual privatization. Postal workers must lead the working class in this struggle by organizing rank-and-file committees in every workplace, unifying them across the US, across rural and city carriers, and across vehicle operators, technicians, clerks, mail handlers and all crafts. Local residents stand at barriers watching a flooded area in Orenburg, Russia, on Thursday, April 11, 2024. [AP Photo] For the past week, large regions of Russia and Kazakhstan have been devastated by the most severe flooding in decades. The rapid melting of snow due to high temperatures caused the swelling of the Ural River, which flows from Russias Ural Mountains through Kazakhstan to the Caspian Sea. In Kazakhstan, flooding is at its worst in over 80 years. As of April 10, a state of emergency has been declared in ten of Kazakhstans seventeen provinces. At least 3,400 residential houses and 336 yards have been flooded. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic, a total of 96,500 people have been evacuated. Almost 3,000 of them had to be airlifted from the flood-hit regions, and more than 7,600 are staying in temporary accommodation. Water has also flooded 14 anthrax burial grounds and eight cattle burial grounds. Anthrax is a serious infectious disease, the spores of which can remain in the soil for a long time. Reportedly, all necessary measures are being taken, but the question necessarily arises as to how the opening of anthrax burial grounds by water could occur in the first place. In Russia, over 12,000 people have been evacuated. So far, the floods have centered on the Orenburg region. The Orenburg region is located in the south of the Ural Mountains, at the junction of Europe and Asia, on the border with the former Soviet republic, Kazakhstan, and is home to about 2 million people. On the evening of Friday, April 5, due to a strong flood, the dam protecting the city of Orsk, with a population of almost 200 thousand people, from the Ural River broke. More than 2,400 people were evacuated from the city. Moreover, often people from neighboring settlements had to save themselves when the water level reached the roofs of houses. The Ural river in Russia and Kazakhstan [Photo by Materialscientist / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 Peak water levels in Orsk were recorded at about 9.3 meters (30.5 feet). In an indication of the growing popular anger over the floods, on April 8, more than a hundred local residents gathered for a spontaneous rally near the city administration to protest low payments for partial or total loss of property due to flooding. The mayor of the city, Vasily Kozupitsa, was met with angry shouts when he came to speak to protesters and had to flee back into the administration building. One woman said angrily, We feed emergency ministry workers with pies and dumplings and bring them thermoses Kozupitsa cannot even provide for emergency workers. Shame! As of this writing, the water has begun to recede from the city of Orsk. But the situation with flooding is worsening in the regional center, the city of Orenburg, which has a population of more than half a million people. At the time of this writing, water levels have reached 11 meters 54 centimeters (39 feet). The first deputy mayor of Orenburg said that the city has not experienced such flooding in more than 30 years. Over 12,000 houses and about 15,000 household plots in Orenburg have already been flooded. About 7,500 people have been evacuated. A state of emergency has been declared in Orenburg, as well as the Kurgan and Tyumen regions, where evacuations have now also begun. Extremely high temperatures have been recorded throughout Russia since March, causing the melting of ice and the rapid rise of water levels. Moscow recorded a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius (69.8 Fahrenheit) on April 10, and St. Petersburg (the northernmost city with a population of more than 1 million) recorded a temperature of 21.5 degrees Celsius (70.7 Fahrenheit) on April 10, breaking a 134-year-old record. Scientists attribute the abnormally hot temperatures to the emission of greenhouse gases into the earths atmosphere. But while the rapid rise of the water levels of the Ural River was bound up with climate change, the devastating consequences of the floods are the direct result of the failure of the Russian and Kazakh oligarchies to invest in the infrastructure necessary to protect the population from its impact. Meteorologists warned the authorities of the Orenburg region about the threat of flooding back in early March. Nevertheless, the Orenburg regions authorities did not take any protective measures in March or at the very beginning of April, when it was already obvious that this years floods would be serious. The mayor of Orsk was at the dam itself on the eve of the breach, declaring that the dam was in good condition and that there was no threat of flooding. The dam breach in Orsk was not inevitable. Experts believe that the dam in Orsk was designed and constructed without taking into account possible maximum water levels, noting that the dam, at least, should withstand a flood, which happens once in a hundred years, and even with a small reserve, because it is modern, the construction was built recently. Defects in the construction of the dam are also considered possible. Experts have emphasized the desire to save money over the safety of people during construction: The dam was low, designed for a much smaller amount of water than could be expected Measurements... of course, have predicted such high water level rises. But apparently they decided to save money. The regional prosecutors office said that the dam collapse occurred because measures for its maintenance were not taken in a timely manner. A completely absurd version of the dam breach was presented on federal television by the general contractor who built the dam in Orsk in 2010. According to his story, the dam was gnawed through by rodents. However, even the mayor of Orsk soon refuted this version, saying that the dam simply could not withstand the water pressure. Regardless of the primary reason for the dam collapse, it is clear that the desire to save money played a key role in its collapse. The technical means to build a dam that could contain such a flood were and are available. The bursting of the dam in Orsk demonstrates yet again the failure of the capitalist system, in which the ruling class is concerned only for its own profit, with no regard for the lives and health of millions of people. In considering this situation, it is impossible not to mention two other recent incidents that occurred for a similar reason: The collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore in the US, on March 26 and the collapse of the Pioneer mine on March 18 in the Amur region of Russia. In the first case, six workers who were on the bridge at the time were killed, while in the second case, all 13 miners in the mine at the time of the collapse were declared dead. All of these disasters happened primarily due to the refusal of the ruling class to spend money on safe infrastructure. This is all happening against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and the genocide in Gaza. Colossal funds from all sides are squandered on military spending, while minimal amounts of money are allocated to social welfare, environmental policy and other areas important to the population. Bidens budget calls for insane military spending of over $1 trillion. The Putin regimes current military budget lags far behind its Western rival, totaling approximately $115 billion, but when compared to Russias budgets in previous years, it is still the largest in terms of military spending. All this money could be spent on ending poverty, hunger, the COVID-19, addressing global climate change and a host of other things. But the profits concentrated in the hands of capitalists go not to solving global problems, but to wars and general destruction. Capitalism has reached a dead end, and the ruling class has no future to offer other than war, threatening the world with nuclear apocalypse. The only force that can oppose the capitalist destruction of humanity is the working class. Due to its position in the economy, it alone is able to stop the bourgeoisie, and thus put an end to the emerging world war and, instead, channel funds for the socialist reorganization of the world. Therefore, it is necessary to politically organize the working class all over the globe to bury the capitalist system once and for all. 90 Day's Gino Admits He Thought Jasmine Was 'Being Melodramatic' About Divorce Before She Claims He's 'Not Father Material' Jasmine cried in Gino's arms about feeling alone in America and shared hesitations about him becoming a father TLC Gino and Jasmine have an emotional heart to heart on 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After. Jasmine and Gino had a lot to sort out on Sundays episode of 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After. Following the bombshell last week that Jasmine was thinking of divorce and a return to her kids in Panama Gino switched his way of thinking to better accommodate his bride. Though he previously said he wouldnt hire an immigration attorney to help Jasmines kids come to America, he comforted his crying wife with the promise to put more effort into reuniting her family I honestly thought that Jasmines threats to go back to Panama and give up on our relationship, that she was just being melodramatic, Gino told cameras. We haven't really even talked about the issues for over a week, but now that I see how upset she is, I'm really worried. Related: 90 Day's Jasmine Wants to Divorce Gino After Wedding Photos Stir Up Distant Emotions: 'I Don't Feel Love' TLC Jasmine and Gino on 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After. Jasmine cried to Gino that she felt untethered in America, specifically because he wasnt comforting her through her family heartbreak. Gino seemed to respond well to Jasmines honest admissions, and her wish for more support. With his new promise to let an immigration attorney look over their paperwork and to adjust Jasmines visa so she can return to Panama in 8 months they seemed to step into a new chapter of marital communication. Later in the episode, Jasmine took honesty to a whole new level when she decided to put their baby making plan on hold. Jasmines views on Gino as a dad appeared to change due to his lack of effort bringing her two sons to America. Related: 90 Day: Jasmine Admits She's 'Obsessed' with Gino's Feet as She Kisses His Toes on Their Honeymoon (Exclusive) This isnt the first time Jasmine has hurled the idea that Gino isnt fit to be a father though in the past, it was done in the heat of an argument. Jasmine told cameras she was concerned about his potential. I really feel bad about telling Gino that he isn't father material, Jasmine told cameras. But now that my children won't be here for two years and my mom is sick, I need to focus on coping with those things. When Gino asked Jasmine to confirm she still wants to have a child with him, she sidestepped. Like, do you feel ready to be a dad? she asked. Children are exhausting, baby. So it's going to be tough. And we are not getting any youngerI can tell you I don't have the same energy. The episode ended before Jasmine had a chance to put things bluntly, but admitted to cameras she doesn't think Gino has what it takes to be a father. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on TLC. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. An international passenger train from Kunming of China to Vientiane of Laos arrives at Mohan port in southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua) One year ago, the cross-border passenger service on the China-Laos Railway was launched, contributing to socio-economic development in Laos, boosting regional connectivity, as well as providing stable dynamics for economic cooperation between Laos and China. The China-Laos Railway started cross-border passenger service on April 13, 2023. Since then, the railway has become the preferred mode of transport for a growing number of international travelers due to its affordability, convenience and comfort. So far, the China-Laos Railway has handled 110,962 cross-border passenger trips, including 55,532 inbound passengers and 55,430 outbound passengers, according to data released by the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC) on Saturday. The China-Laos Railway, which links the Lao capital Vientiane with Kunming, the capital of Southwest China's Yunnan Province, has brought great benefits to the Lao people and opened up a new path for Laos' development and prosperity. "I am really happy to see that the cross-border train helps businessmen, tourists and students travel easier, faster, and safer. The railway has significantly bolstered passenger transportation, greatly facilitated travel and helped promote tourism in Laos since its launch, as well as attract more investors to Laos," Deputy Chief Engineer of the LCRC Vongthong Souphanthong told Xinhua. Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket, told media on Saturday that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Laos has increased significantly after the opening of the China-Laos Railway's international passenger service a year ago. In 2023, the number of Chinese visitors increased to 641,314 from about 45,000 in 2022. Meanwhile, Laos welcomed more than 242,000 Chinese tourists in the first three months of 2024, said Suanesavanh. "The launch of the cross-border passenger service is seen as a historic event, contributing to the cooperation between the Lao and Chinese governments," she added. Chinese and Lao railway authorities on Saturday launched one more pair of trains for the China-Laos Railway's international passenger service. The pair of trains run between Xishuangbanna of China and Luang Prabang of Laos, two popular tourist destinations. Chahwiwan Saelio, a Thai passenger, told Xinhua, "This is my first time taking the cross-border train. My family and I are going to Xishuangbanna for a vacation." "We chose to travel by train because we think it's comfortable and fast. And we also can enjoy beautiful scenery during the ride," she said. "I am delighted that the China-Laos Railway opened its cross-border passenger service. I think it has become a game changer for Laos, boosting tourism and providing smooth transport of goods and passengers," Sinhnoy Phommavichit, a 22-year-old man living in Luang Prabang province, told Xinhua on Saturday. The China-Laos Railway, a landmark project showcasing the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, began operation in December 2021. The railway contributes to achieving Laos' goal of converting itself from a landlocked country to a land-linked hub. From a career start in the nightclub industry, Joan Crawford emerged as one of the 20th century's most recognizable movie stars. She wooed audiences with her sophistication and glamour -- an image she also took to food. Crawford enjoyed hosting dinner parties, published several recipes, and was drawn to unfamiliar foods. In fact, even her favorite fruit was obscure: the ugli fruit, a mutation of a tangelo. This citrus is green and covered in wrinkles and off-colored patches, hence its unflattering name. However, the flavor is delightful inside, so Crawford's preference is not a surprise. Similar to the citrusy burst of tangelos, ugli fruit packs a gently tart, lemon-like flavor combined with mouthwatering tropical notes. It is undocumented how the actress enjoyed the citrus, but her affiliation with the fruit has gone down in history. Fans even craft cocktails with ugli fruit in her honor. So, if you ever see this rare citrus on the shelves, think of the acclaimed Hollywood Star. Read more: 13 Simple Tricks To Pick The Best Fresh Fruit Every Time Ugli Fruit Was And Still Is Hard To Find sliced open ugli fruit - Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock During Crawford's fame, ugli fruit was even harder to find because the citrus traces to a single estate. From its emergence in a parish in south Jamaica, the fruit was only first exported during the 1930s. Despite its unappealing aesthetics, the fruit's unique taste quickly caught on. As a result, the farm closely guarded its ugli fruit stock, and the citrus variety wasn't even sold in Jamaica. The first exemplars started growing in the U.S. during the 1950s, but these fruits weren't expanded to commercial production. As a result -- while it's impossible to verify -- it's likely that all of the ugli fruit Crawford sampled came from Jamaica. Today, a company called Trout Hall Ltd. holds a trademark on the fruit and handles all exports, with the citrus sent to Europe and Canada. Although it's still not easy to track down, you can attempt to find the delicious fruit and craft a basil citrus granita or a charred citrus salad in Joan Crawford's honor. Read the original article on Tasting Table Lix Lebec, Founder & CEO of Lebec, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Co-Founding Patron of Sentebale and Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, Chair of Sentebale, Founder and Chair of Nandi Life Sciences speak during the Sentebale Potential is Waiting panel discussion, followed by a seated dinner at Zaytinya of the Jose Andres Group at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on April 11, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. Prince Harry is opening up about the many reasons why the continent of Africa means so much to him. On April 11, during a panel discussion titled "Potential is Waiting" held at the restaurant Zaytinya in the Ritz Carlton Hotel in South Beach, Florida, the Duke of Sussex said "Africa's in my heart, and Africa's in my soul." "I first went there when I was 12, 13 years old, and after so many years, I wanted to give back to it because it had given me so much," the prince continued. "The vast open space, the cultures, the community, the people, the wildlife, just the freedom was a huge piece of why I loved Africa so much." The panel discussion was held as part of a charity event co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006, with the goal of helping children and young people living in Lesotho and Botswana negatively affected by poverty, inequality and HIV/AIDS. Alix Lebec, Founder & CEO of Lebec, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Co-Founding Patron of Sentebale and Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, Chair of Sentebale, Founder and Chair of Nandi Life Sciences speak during the Sentebale Potential is Waiting panel discussion, followed by a seated dinner at Zaytinya of the Jose Andres Group at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on April 11, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. The April 11 conversation focused primarily on the various ways in which funds can be distributed to best support the next generation as they continue to grow up and live in the southern region of the continent. For the uninitiated, Sentebalethe name of the charity Prince Harry co-foundedtranslates to forget-me-not in the country's national language. Forget-me-not flowers were also the late Princess Diana's favorite, People reports. "It's really focused on ensuring that the younger generation are quite literally not forgotten," Prince William continued during the panel discussion. "At the heart of Sentebale, what we've always believed, is that every single young person should have a chance at a better future." Alix Lebec, Founder & CEO of Lebec, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Co-Founding Patron of Sentebale, Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, Chair of Sentebale, Founder and Chair of Nandi Life Sciences, Hector Mujica, Head of Economic Opportunity for the Americas at Google.org and Sam Bakhshandehpour, President, CEO and Board Member of Jose Andres Group speak during the Sentebale Potential is Waiting panel discussion, followed by a seated dinner at Zaytinya of the Jose Andres Group at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on April 11, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. The continent of Africa has played a major role in Prince Harry's life. Not only did the prince make multiple trips as a child and young adult, as he discussed on the panel, but he took his wife, Meghan Markle, to Botswana for the couple's third official date in 2016. I managed to persuade her to come and join me in Botswana. We camped out with each other under the stars. She came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic, Harry said after the couple announced their engagement . So then we were really by ourselves, which was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to know each other. It was the summer of 2022. Id discovered that Salman Rushdie and one of my oldest friends were members of the same private members club. Wouldnt it be great, I thought to myself, if these two cool guys could meet? So, on August 9, the three of us gathered for a drink in lower Manhattan. Salman drank an old-fashioned, my friend and I had sake over ice, and we talked about being New Yorkers as Salman is now, having moved there nearly 25 years ago, and as Ill always consider myself, though Ive lived for many years in London. It was such an ordinary evening, ordinary in the best possible way just happy, just fun. Salman spoke with warmth about his life; I remember how inspired he was by his students at New York University. Lucky students, I thought, to have him for a professor. I have known Salman for many years. Through all that time, particularly when weve done literary events together, Ive sensed the presence of security: sometimes more, sometimes less. The man himself never seemed fazed, and never failed to be as brilliant a performer as he is a writer. On one occasion, an audience member asked how he coped with fame: surely he was recognised all the time? Salman laughed, and said that only once in his New York life had he been accosted: He was an older Indian gentleman. He came beetling up to me. Salman Rushdie? Yes, I said. He wagged his finger in my face. Not as good as VS Naipaul! The audience roared with laughter. That August evening in that cosy club, when the three of us finally said our goodbyes, I thought to myself really, I did the fatwa, the death threats thank goodness all thats over. Three days later, on the morning of August 12, the friend whom Salman and I had met telephoned me, and told me to turn on the news. Eighteen days on, having survived his near-murder, Rushdie was moved from the trauma centre in Pennsylvania to a rehabilitation unit in Manhattan. His younger son, 25-year-old Milan, had flown from London to his bedside. As Rushdie relates in this extraordinary book, Milan told him that hed been researching knife attacks. Dad, there are so many cases where somebody gets stabbed just once and dies, he says. And you got stabbed like 15 times and youre still alive. Dad nods in acknowledgment. You know, he says, the fictional character with whom I now most strongly identify is Wolverine. The astute reader will recall that the X-Mans skeleton is reinforced with adamantium, and that hes endowed with a superheroic healing factor that preserves his life over and over again. Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder is full of Rushdies wit, his wisdom, his stoicism, his optimism, his love of all culture from the so-called high to the so-called low. Across the course of his career he has won the Booker Prize, been elected to the Royal Society of Literature, received a knighthood; Knife is his 22nd book he has proved himself adept at describing miracles. Yet he had never lived one until the dreadful August day and all that came after. Rushdie is borne from the Chautauqua Institute in New York state in August 2022 - AFP That morning, on stage at the Chautauqua Institution in upstate New York, about to deliver his speech about creating safe spaces for writers, as it happens Rushdie saw the nemesis hed thought was long behind him: a man in black, running toward me down the right-hand side of the seating area. Black clothes, black face-mask. He was coming in hard and low, a squat missile. I got to my feet and watched him come. I was transfixed. For 27 seconds, the 24-year-old assailant Rushdie never names him; he is referred to throughout as the A wields his blade to appalling effect. Rushdie is stabbed in the hand and chest; his face and his throat are slashed; the optic nerve of his right eye is destroyed. Members of the audience storm the stage and help his interlocutor, Henry Reese, to subdue the attacker. Rushdie is airlifted to hospital while his wife, the poet, photographer and novelist Rachel Eliza Griffiths, rushes to be by his side. The attack collapses time, reawakening the spectre of the Khomeini fatwa, as Rushdie bluntly calls it, issued in the aftermath of the publication of The Satanic Verses in 1988. Those bad times had seemed far in the past; and yet, as Rushdie reveals, the As sensibility is horrifyingly contemporary. The latter admits, speaking to journalists from his cell, that he has only read like, two pages of Rushdies work; hed watched a few clips of the writer online and found him disingenuous. Protestors burn Rushdie's novel The Satanic Verses in Bradford in 1988 - Hulton Archive About two-thirds of the way through Knife, Rushdie conducts his own imaginary interview with this assailant, my would-be Assassin, the Asinine man who made Assumptions about me, and with whom I had a near-lethal Assignation Rushdies wordplay never fails him and attempts to conceive of the young mans motives. If the attempt is unsatisfying, it isnt because Rushdie isnt up to the task; the task, in a sense, isnt up to Rushdie. A crime novel in which the motive was I thought he was disingenuous would never make it to a bookshelf. Rushdie wonders whether the assault was a bizarre extension of the online games the A played, hour upon hour, in his New Jersey basement. (The trial was originally set for January, but has been delayed by the publication of this memoir, because the defendants lawyer argued they were entitled to see it. A new date has not been set.) Rushdie reminds the reader, with clarity but without rancour, that in 1988 there were those who implied, shockingly, that he had it coming. John Berger, Germaine Greer, Jimmy Carter, Richard Littlejohn: Rushdie names them not once, but twice. (He remembers.) But this time and how ghastly that there should be a this time the outpouring of support is immediate and generous. Love and strength are offered by his sister Sameen, his sons Milan and Zafar, and friends from across the globe. US president Joe Biden releases a statement about how Rushdie, in his work and in his person, stands for essential, universal ideals. His fight is our fight it is universal, agrees Emmanuel Macron. (Yet Rushdie notes one silence: India, the country of my birth and my deepest inspiration, on that day found no words.) Above all, Knife is a paean to one womans determination and fortitude. I have always believed that love is a force, Rushdie writes; that in its most potent form it can move mountains. It can change the world. One chapter of this book is called simply Eliza, and if its depiction of true love found late in life doesnt bring a tear to your eye, I cannot help you. Rushdie and Griffiths met in 2017 at a literary gala in New York, and swiftly became a couple; they had been married for less than a year when the attack took place. It is almost unbearably moving when, at the end of September 2022, Rushdie is finally able to leave hospital and return home to Manhattan. Eliza lay down on the bed next to me and then, suddenly, she was sobbing uncontrollably as all the stress poured out of her. My husbands home, she sobbed. My husbands home. Rushdie and his wife, the novelist Rachel Eliza Griffiths, in December last year - Getty NA Rushdie recounts his wounds and recovery in graphic detail, a documentary record which he leavens with humour. Dear reader, if you have never had a catheter inserted into your genital organ, do your very best to keep that record intact. He details the weeks-long procedure necessary to save his (unseeing) right eye. Im not very good about pain, he tells the doctor, before having his eyelid stitched shut for seven weeks. Another refrain: If you can avoid having your eyelid sewn shut... avoid it. It really, really hurts. Throughout Knife, Rushdie also makes clear that freedom of speech a freedom increasingly under threat from forces on both the Right and the Left is no luxury. Art challenges orthodoxy, he writes. To reject or vilify art because it does that is to fail to understand its nature. Art sets the artists passionate personal vision against the received ideas of the time Without art, our ability to think, to see freshly, and to renew our world would wither and die. How shocking that this belief nearly cost Rushdie his life. He told his agent and old friend Andrew Wylie that he feared he would never write again. Wylie knew he would; knew he would write this book and go on to write others. I dont believe in miracles, Rushdie tells us, but my survival is miraculous. Okay, then. So be it. The reality of my books oh, call it magic realism if you must is now the actual reality in which Im living. Maybe my books had been building that bridge for decades, and now the miraculous could cross it. The magic had become realism. Maybe my books saved my life. Reader, disbelieve it if you dare. Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder is published by Jonathan Cape at 20. To order your copy for 16.99, call 0808 196 6794 or call Telegraph Books. Salman Rushdie will be in conversation with Erica Wagner via livestream at the Southbank Centre on April 21. Tickets: southbankcentre.co.uk Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. "This is a magical time for us," she tells PEOPLE, noting the engagement ring "just knocks my socks off" Karlyle Harris/Inspire Creativ Jennifer Pedranti and Ryan Boyajian, moments after he popped the question Jennifer Pedranti and Ryan Boyajian had a trip to the Bahamas they'll never forget! The Real Housewives of Orange County couple got engaged last week while vacationing at the Baha Mar resort, they exclusively tell PEOPLE. "We're both super stoked and couldn't be happier," says Pedranti, 46. "We always say that our love is a gift, and this just feels like the icing on the cake." "This is a magical time for us," she adds. "I really am the luckiest girl in the world." Boyajian, 46, popped the question on Thursday, April 11, while walking with Pedranti on the beach. The property, he notes, is one of their "favorite spots" to go with their blended family. "We take all the kids there, typically the first week of summer, so it was important for me to do it in a spot that means something to us," says Boyajian. "Now we'll always be able to go right there in the little perch of sand by the staircase and remember this milestone together." "It feels so special that this happened while we were in our happy place," Pedranti says. Karlyle Harris/Inspire Creativ Ryan Boyajian gets down on one knee to propose to Jennifer Pedranti Related: Summer House: Martha's Vineyard's Preston Mitchum Is Engaged! See His Proposal to Fiance Donald Cooley (Exclusive) Pedranti, who had flown to meet Boyajian in the Bahamas directly from filming RHOC's upcoming season 18 cast trip, said she didn't see the engagement coming at all. "I was shocked," Pedranti recalls of the moment, explaining that they were on their way to lunch when Boyajian walked her past the restaurant and down to the beach. "He was like, 'Come here for a second' and we walked down on the beach. And he pulled me in, and I said to him, 'Are you doing something?' And the second he got down in the sand, I don't even remember what he said because I was so surprised." The location gave guests from one of Baha Mar's infinity edge pools a perfect view of the proposal. "There were probably a hundred people lined up in the pool, and out of nowhere we just heard a roar of people cheering and clapping," says Pedranti. "It was absolutely amazing." Karlyle Harris/Inspire Creativ Jennifer Pedranti's engagement pic Related: The Most Jaw-Dropping Celebrity Engagement Rings Also absolutely amazing? The cushion cut diamond ring Boyajian proposed with. Custom made by Enalie Jewelers in Mission Viejo, California, Boyajian designed the piece himself and purchased it two years ago, while he and Pedranti were filming their first season of RHOC. The stunning sparkler features over 5-carats of diamonds with a center stone framed by a row of smaller diamonds, all set on a band of you guessed it more diamonds. It was a piece of jewelry that Pedranti, like the proposal itself, also didn't see coming. "This is the second marriage for Ryan and I, so we would talk about, 'Oh, maybe if we get married one day, we'll just do a small tattoo on our left ring finger where only we know what it means,' " she shares. "And then this guy proposes with a ring that just knocks my socks off." Karlyle Harris/Inspire Creativ Jennifer Pedranti and Ryan Boyajian share a kiss after their engagement 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. Pedranti and Boyajian have been dating since September 2020. As they revealed on RHOC, the two met while she was still married (Pedranti and her now estranged husband are still in ongoing legal proceedings for their divorce). Between them, Pedranti and Boyajian share seven kids from their respective first marriages: Cole, 20, Harrison, 20, Tyler, 18, Dawson, 17, Greyson, 15, Everleigh, 13, and Dominic, 10. Before he proposed, Boyajian called Pedranti's parents and her two brothers to ask for their blessings. "That for me was a super special day because the conversations are something that I'll never forget with the four of them," he says. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Ryan Boyajian and Jennifer Pedranti attend the Premiere for Peacock Original's 'Based on a True Story' at Pacific Design Center on June 1, 2023 in West Hollywood, California It's thoughtfulness like that that helped Pedranti fall in love with Boyajian. "I say this all the time. I am so prioritized," she tells PEOPLE. "He communicates everything with me. And he is my best friend. I get to do life with my best friend." "We do life together," he says. "She is a combination of not only the strongest woman I've ever met, not only the most loving woman I've ever met, but an absolutely amazing mom and a lover of not just people in her own circle, but of people in general. I've never met someone who radiates so much love and true, genuine care for everyone." As for their wedding, Pedranti says they've talked about returning to Baha Mar for the special occasion. "I don't think Ryan nor myself are looking for some big celebration," she shares. "We just got engaged, so obviously we're just enjoying that and not planning anything concrete, but I can see us doing it on one of these trips where all of our kids are with us on the sand. Something small, just family and friends." "If I had my way, it would be same way you saw the proposal picture: it'd be a bikini and board shorts and all of our kids," says Boyajian, Pedranti teasing, "I don't know about that..." The Real Housewives of Orange County can be streamed on Peacock. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed blasted the jurors who convicted her of manslaughter charges in recorded jail phone conversations as idiots and a--holes and complained that they took only two hours to deliberate, according to a recent filing by prosecutors. Those crude comments by Gutierrez-Reed were among the revelations made by prosecutors ahead of her sentencing on Monday. Gutierrez-Reed also said she wants Alec Baldwin, who was handling the gun that fired the fatal shot on the movie set in 2021, to go to jail, too, and that she wont testify at his upcoming criminal trial if subpoenaed. Prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis contend these comments show why Gutierrez-Reed should not receive a conditional discharge, which is what her lawyers are seeking. Prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty of 18 months in prison. They write in the filing that Gutierrez-Reeds conversations with her mom, boyfriend and her attorneys paralegal demonstrate her complete and total failure to accept responsibility for her actions. Gutierrez-Reeds nearly two-week criminal trial centered on her role in the October 2021 Rust film set shooting. Baldwin held a prop gun that fired a live round, killing the films cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. The bullet also injured director Joel Souza. Hannah wants them to put Alec Baldwin in jail also, prosecutors wrote. Gutierrez-Reed said that if she is subpoenaed for Baldwins trial she will not show up because she shouldnt be subpoenaed if Baldwin didnt show up for her, the filing said. According to the filing, Gutierrez-Reed requested her legal team ask Hutchins widower and son to speak on her behalf at the sentencing. She has also complained about how the shooting has negatively affected her life and modeling career, while never expressing genuine remorse at any time, the filing states. Prosecutors said Gutierrez-Reed brought live rounds on set by failing to properly inspect the dummy rounds she provided to the set and failed to check the rounds that were later confirmed as live ammo in one actors gun belt and Alec Baldwins revolver. The filing also notes that Gutierrez-Reed has another felony charge pending for allegedly hiding a firearm from security at a New Mexico bar and sneaking it into the venue. The filing says, Upon successfully circumventing the security at the bar she went into the restroom and made a selfie video stating They checked my purse but they didnt cheek my butt cheeks! Wah, wah, wah. When asked for comment on the jail calls revealed by the prosecution, defense attorney Jason Bowles said Saturday, We will be filing a reply most likely tomorrow. According to the prosecutors filing, the jail calls include mentions of other inmates saying, I cant believe they threw your pretty little white ass in here for nothing; and that Gutierrez-Reed likes tap water and hard jail beds and thinks the cat food isnt too bad. Gutierrez-Reed also talked about the witnesses, who she said lied and said she didnt need to be shaking the dummies all the time, the filing said. Hannah thinks the producers should be in jail while complaining about first assistant director Dave Halls and how he f---ed Hannah to save his own ass, the filing said. During his emotional trial testimony, Halls said he should have checked the gun more thoroughly and admitted that he did an improper check of that firearm. Halls, who also served as the films safety coordinator, pleaded no contest to negligent use of a deadly weapon last year and as part of a plea deal was sentenced to six months of unsupervised probation. Baldwins defense team has asked the judge to dismiss manslaughter charges against the actor over concerns that testimony was unfairly stacking the deck against him in grand jury proceedings by diverting attention away from exculpatory evidence and witnesses. Prosecutors said they offered Baldwin a very favorable plea agreement, similar to what David Halls got, but rescinded the offer after learning that Baldwin planned to accept the deal and create a documentary with interviews from case witnesses. Baldwin is scheduled to go to trial in July. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Stephen Colletti proposed to Alex Weaver in Italy Alex Weaver Instagram Stephen Colletti and Alex Weaver Stephen Colletti likes to plan romantic gestures for his fiancee, Alex Weaver. The One Tree Hill alum and Weaver started dating in 2021. Two years later, Colletti got down on one knee and proposed. We, of course, had discussed future plans many times but Stephen wanting to still keep the element of surprise previously hinted at an engagement more likely in 2024, Weaver told PEOPLE after getting engaged in Rome, Italy. Weaver recalled that Colletti began the proposal by reminding her that it was exactly two years since their first date, which Colletti said made it kismet. She admitted to PEOPLE that they were excited to be entering the engagement season of their relationship and were looking forward to future special memories with family and friends. So, who is Stephen Colletti's fiancee? Here is everything to know about Alex Weaver and her relationship with the actor. She is from North Carolina Alex Weaver Instagram Stephen Colletti and Alex Weaver in 2022. In a Reddit AMA, Weaver shared that she was born and raised in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Although she hasnt opened up much about her childhood, Weaver once revealed on Instagram that as a child, she was called E.T. because her head was so big. Weaver graduated from Clemson University in 2016 with her bachelors degree in communication and media studies, per her LinkedIn. In 2013, she posted on X (formerly Twitter), Clemson is definitely my happy place. She is a Capricorn Alex Weaver Instagram Stephen Colletti and Alex Weaver in 2023. Weaver was born in December 1993. More than a month after their engagement, Colletti sweetly celebrated his future wifes birthday with a tribute on Instagram. Its New Years Weave. Dont get it twisted. Happy Birthday @al_weave What a year the best yet, he captioned the carousel of photos. She works for NASCAR Alex Weaver Instagram Alex Weaver in 2023. Weaver is a host and reporter for NASCAR. She announced in 2017 that she had accepted a position with the racing brand in Charlotte. When asked how she got into motorsports during a Reddit AMA, Weaver explained that she grew up around NASCAR. My grandfather was a HUGE fan and never missed a race on Sundays, she wrote. That's the background I had growing up, didn't know a whole lot about the sport other than who I was supposed to cheer for to make my grandfather happy on Sunday afternoon. When NASCAR reached out with the job after college, Weaver took the opportunity as a sign from her grandfather who had died years prior. She wrote, I hope he's proud and enjoying the races from up there! She and Colletti started dating in 2021 Stephen Colletti Instagram Stephen Colletti and Alex Weaver in 2022. Colletti and Weaver went on their first date on Nov. 15, 2021. The Laguna Beach star ended up proposing on the two-year anniversary of their initial date. The actor made his relationship with Weaver Instagram official on Aug. 17, 2022. Alongside a picture of the two of them on a boat, he penned, Magic hours are a bit more magical this year. @al_weave. Weaver dubbed herself the luckiest girl in the comments section. She and Colletti got engaged in Italy Alex Weaver Instagram Stephen Colletti Alex Weaver in 2022. Colletti proposed to his girlfriend during an Italian getaway in 2023. The TV star popped the question at Romes Giardino degli Aranci park with a ring that he helped design with Ring Concierge. Following their engagement, Weaver told PEOPLE that Colletti gave no tells that that day was the big day. She said, In secret conversations with my mom, he was told to make sure I was dressed appropriately with my hair done and makeup on so Stephen suggested we take our Christmas card photo as his sneaky way of getting me to dress nice. The engaged duo capped off their special day with a romantic dinner at an Italian restaurant called Da Enzo. As if it couldn't get more perfect, we walked out of our restaurant through the streets of the Trastevere neighborhood to an Italian musician singing Stand By Me in a plaza with people dancing, naturally we joined them, Weaver recalled. The Clemson alum announced her engagement to Colletti on Instagram with a photo of them sharing a kiss, along with a snapshot of her dazzling ring. Yes! Forever, she captioned the post. Shes interviewed one of Collettis famous exes Alex Weaver Instagram Kristin Cavallari and Alex Weaver in 2019. Weaver spent time with Collettis high school sweetheart Kristin Cavallari for a 2019 episode of The InField. Cavallari gave the NASCAR host a tour of her Uncommon James store in Nashville for the show. Before introducing the segment, Weavers co-host Samantha Busch said that Cavallari was my girl boss idol, to which Weaver replied, Mine, too. The journalist posted a picture of herself and Cavallari together on her Instagram to promote the interview. In replies to comments on the post, she shared that it was such a fun shoot and that Cavallari was so so great! Colletti is her adventure partner Alex Weaver Instagram Stephen Colletti and Alex Weaver in 2023. Weaver celebrated the actors birthday in 2023, writing, Happy Birthday, adventure partner. . In the post, she included a video of Colletti eating funnel cake as well as a photo of the pair in Paris. Colletti reacted to the birthday tribute, commenting, That funnel cake while concussed from the swings. . He also added, You are a . For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." War doesn't end when the bloodshed stops. As The Sympathizer reminds viewers in its opening scene, "All wars are fought twice. The first time on the battlefield. The second time in memory." HBO's latest drama follows this philosophy. Much of The Sympathizer takes place after the Fall of Saigon in 1975, which marked the end of the Vietnam War in the American consciousness. For Vietnam, the conflict carried on. In an effort to rewrite decades of American propaganda, author Viet Thanh Nguyen chose to begin The Sympathizer at the Fall of Saigon. But starting at the end of a storywhich is technically the middle of this story clearly presents its challenges. "The long middle of a story is the hardest part for me as a writer," Nguyen wrote in Esquire this past January. "The beginning, far in the past. The endingI dont know. But what I do know is that it is good for a writer to be unaware of the conclusion. If the end startles the writer, it likely will surprise the reader, too." To shepherd viewers to that shocking conclusion, The Sympathizer must first bring audiences up to speed. In the premiere episode, we're introduced to the Captain (Hoa Xuande), a North Vietnamese spy embedded in the South Vietnamese military. We also meet Claude (Robert Downey Jr.), the CIA agent whom our main character reports to during his undercover duties in South Vietnam. Through the Captain's espionage, the viewer is able to witness both perspectives of the war. As he narrates in the first episode, "I was cursed to see every issue from both sides." Hopper Stone/SMPSP - HBO In America, the image of the Vietnam War is shrouded in domestic counter-culture movements. But from a Vietnamese perspective, America was a third party in the midst of a civil war. On one side, in the South, the Republic of Vietnam received training from the United States. Their shared goal was to rid the country of communism. Following a CIA-backed assassination of the former president, Ngo Dinh Diem, the more sympathetic General Nguyen Van Thieu won a rigged election in 1967. The group suffered heavy lossesand Thieu's time in office was characterized by corruption and significantly low support. When the North conquered Saigon in 1975, Thieu had already resigned and fled to Taipei. Most likely, General Thieu served as inspiration for The Sympathizer's unnamed General (played by Toan Le). In the premiere, the General and the Captain flee Saigon to come to Los Angeles. In the North, the communist revolutionary Ho Chi Minh led the People's Army of Vietnam. Unlike Thieu in the South, "Uncle Ho" was immensely popular. He led the August Revolution in 1945 to rout the Japanese, establishing the independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam. He also defeated the French with guerrilla warfare in the First Indochina War, which resulted in the official split between the North and the South in Vietnam. Though Minh died before the Fall of Saigon in 1975, the People's Army was victorious. The North succeeded in uniting Vietnam in 1976, and Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. Hopper Stone/SMPSP - HBO For the Americans, who pulled their troops out of Vietnam just a few years prior, the Fall of Saigon marked the theoretical end of the Vietnam War. But for Vietnam, the worst of it was just beginning. After the Fall, many South Vietnamese were sent to "re-education camps," where they endured punishing labor and starvation. Among them was four-year-old Viet Thanh Nguyen, who would later pen The Sympathizer. Though Nguyen's story takes place in America, conditions only worsened back in Vietnam. For many, the People's Army represented freedom from foreign influence. Sadly, the first few years of communist rule resulted in roughly 1.4 million refugees, according to The New York Times. Prominent political figures, journalists, and activists, were tortured and executed in the re-education camps, The country experienced poverty, famine, and a suppression of free speech that still exists today. Through the Captain, The Sympathizer seeks to detail how all sides suffered from the war. As an operative for the North and an undercover spy in the South, he experiences the worst of both sides. In the end, he's captured by his own people. The situation is teased in the opening scene of The Sympathizer's premiere, when a North Vietnamese prison guard orders the Captain to write down the details of his mission abroad. As the HBO drama plays out over the next few weeks, audiences will see just how his story plays out. You Might Also Like It doesn't get much better than a meal starring steak. Regardless of the cut of steak, and whether it's an elevated dish at a steakhouse, or a more economical dish made at home, in cultures across the world, steak is almost universally a favorite. It's important to note that although the term "steak" typically conjures up images of beef, the word technically refers to a cut of meat sliced from a muscle of any animal. The term "steak" actually traces back to 15th century Scandinavia, where it was first used to refer to a thick cut of meat. Today's modern interpretation of steak likely stemmed from 15th century Italy amid the Renaissance, when cultural celebrations in Florence employed large bonfires to cook meat. By the 1800s, beef had taken hold in the Americas; the rest is history. This list includes some of our favorite beef steak recipes from around the world, in no particular order. Read more: The Most Popular Cuts Of Steak Ranked Worst To Best Churrasco De Picanha (Brazil) Brazilian steak with vinaigrette, farofa - rocharibeiro/Shutterstock Brazil is one of the places most notorious for its barbecue, and at the heart of its offerings is churrasco de picanha. A tradition that blossomed in the 16th century in southern Brazil, Brazil's method of barbecuing, known as "churrasco," involves grilling skewered meat over a fire. This is often accompanied by a specific style of service, known as "rodizio" style, meaning "rotation" or "turn" in Portuguese, which, according to legend, developed accidentally at a restaurant when a waiter took a meat skewer to the wrong table. This service is still typically seen at Brazilian steakhouses today and is associated with famous all-you-can-eat establishments in which you continuously sample a number of different cuts and styles of meat. Picanha, meanwhile, refers to the cut of steak. Known as a rump cap or sirloin cap, picanha has a layer of fat that adds depth of flavor, leaving you with a cut of meat that's juicy, tender, and buttery. Traditionally, it is just seasoned with rock salt, allowing the meat's natural flavors to shine through. It's typically grilled alongside other Brazilian barbecue favorites like sausage and queijo coalho, a firm cheese, and served with sides like rice, beans, and farofa, a toasted cassava flour commonly enjoyed in Brazil. Carne Asada (Mexico) carne asada tacos - Grandriver/Getty Images Carne asada has become a quintessential part of Mexican cuisine, utilizing quick-cooking cuts of steak like flank or skirt, and then grilling it to both soften the meat and give it a delectable charred flavor. Marinating the steak ahead of time will ensure maximum flavor and tenderness, leaving you with carne asada that's smoky, slightly spicy, and full of depth. This iconic steak dish traces back to the 16th century in Northern Mexico when Spanish colonizers brought cattle to the Americas. As the cattle industry flourished, so did enjoying carne asada. Nowadays, lauded both for its versatility, deliciousness, and ease of preparation, carne asada is typically enjoyed over tacos with cilantro, onion, spicy salsa, and a squeeze of lime or stuffed in burritos with cheese, rice, and beans. It is also considered to be a social food that is a staple of large celebrations. Bulgogi (Korea) Korean bulgogi with sides - photohwan/Shutterstock This Korean barbecue dish, which translates to "fire meat," in reference to its original method of cooking using skewers and a grill, utilizes thinly cut pieces of meat, typically sirloin or rib eye, for a quick-cooking and gratifying flavor combination of sweet and salty. Bulgogi has become a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, with a deeply rooted history dating all the way back to the Goguryeo era (37 B.C. to 668 A.D.). By the 1920s, beef became more commonplace in Korea, and by the 1990s, bulgogi reached new heights of popularity, which has remained to this day. Although bulgogi has become a staple at nearly every Korean restaurant in America, this Korean BBQ beef dish can still be replicated at home by coating your meat in a sweet and salty marinade and quickly grilling. Be sure to serve your steak with steamed white rice and kimchi for the full experience. Shish Kebab (Turkey) skewers with meat and vegetables - Zoya Miller SVG/Shutterstock This grilled, skewered steak dish has its roots in Turkey, but is popular across the Middle East, with mouth-watering variations across the world. One notable rendition are doner kebabs, which while also delicious and popular, are cooked on a vertical spit rather than being skewered and grilled over charcoal like shish kebabs. The history of shish kebabs traces back centuries, with evidence of skewered meat in Turkey as early as the 9th century B.C. For the ultimate shish kabob, the meat is typically marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and a range of spices and skewered along with vegetables like eggplant, onion, and tomato. This dish lends itself well to customization, as you can easily utilize any vegetables you have on hand that can be skewered and grilled, as well as any number of cuts of steak or even other types of meat. The end result is appetizing, garlicky, and satisfying, especially when served with Turkish hayadari, a herby yogurt-feta sauce, and white rice on the side. Chicken Fried Steak (USA) chicken fried steak and gravy - Shane Trotter/Shutterstock This Southern steak dish is a twist on classic fried chicken. Although it uses beef instead of chicken, you're left with a chicken fried steak dish that's just as crispy and comforting. While the exact origins of this American classic are hard to trace, it became popular in the 1800s in states like Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma, where beef was produced. Some even say this dish's inception was influenced by German and Austrian immigrants, whose wiener schnitzel resembles chicken fried steak. The use of cubed steak, which are tenderized pieces of thin steak that are also notably inexpensive, makes this meal accessible, while also allowing for creativity with the use of seasonings and spices. Whether you serve it for breakfast with eggs and hash browns, or with veggies for dinner, a dollop of creamy country gravy is non-negotiable when it comes to diner-style chicken fried steak. Steak Au Poivre (France) steak with pepper sauce, fries - Bhofack2/Getty Images This classic French steak dish is indulgent with a little bite. Crunchy peppercorns coat the marinated steak, while a rich cognac sauce adds creaminess and decadence. Legend has it that this recipe was concocted back in 19th century Normandy, when prominent figures visiting bistros late at night would order it for their female companions due to the peppercorn's supposed aphrodisiac qualities. Regardless, the peppercorn adds a delightful crust to the steak, along with a prime opportunity for customization if making steak au poivre at home, as you can easily swap traditional black peppercorns for your pepper of choice, depending on your flavor and spice preferences. The absolute best cut of steak for this dish is filet mignon, both flavor-wise and due to the cooking technique required for this preparation. Serve it with french fries or mashed potatoes on the side for a flavor-packed yet elegant meal. Ropa Vieja (Cuba) shredded beef stew, plantains - Sbossert/Getty Images Despite technically originating over 500 years ago in Spain, ropa vieja has become Cuba's national dish, and for good reason. It's hearty and filling, and thanks to its use of simple ingredients, is easy to replicate at home in a slow cooker. Preparation is simple; flank steak or beef chuck are shredded and mixed with a smooth tomato sauce and various seasonings, along with onion and pepper. Ropa vieja is best served over rice, black beans, and plantains, and it's one of Cuba's best foods that you have to try at least once. And if you were wondering about the name, which translates to "old clothes" in Spanish, the story goes like this: A man with not a penny to his name was supposedly forced to cook his clothing due to lack of food. As the man prayed, a miracle occurred it transformed into the revered meat dish we know and love today. Asado With Chimichurri (Argentina) steak with chimichurri - Natalia Lisovskaya/Shutterstock Another country lauded for its barbecue and steak-heavy cuisine is Argentina, and the star of the show is arguably asado with chimichurri. Asado is meat cooked on a parrilla, or a grill, a technique that originated in the 18th century and is credited to Argentinian gauchos, or cowboys. As time passed, asado became a cornerstone in Argentine culture and cuisine, as both the types of meats used and the parrilla itself evolved. Traditionally, Argentinian asado grilling differs from other styles both in its technique and its social aspect; preparing the meat is typically an event (often involving multiple types of meats) that joins families and friends together. Although making it at home may be on a smaller scale than a traditional Argentine barbecue, it will still be delicious. Paired with a garlicky, herby chimichurri sauce that offers freshness and balance to the smokiness of the steak, you have a bold, memorable dish that's both simple and immensely gratifying. Shaking Beef (Vietnam) beef with peppers, onions - Huy R/Shutterstock Vietnamese shaking beef came to be during French colonization; beforehand, cows had only been used for labor, not food, in Vietnam. While initially shaking beef was seen as more of a luxury food reserved for formal events, today it has become more common there is also a similar version popular in Cambodia, revered for its peppery, citrusy, and aromatic flavors. This Vietnamese stir fry is named for a key part of the cooking process you have to shake the pan in order to get an even sear. The dish comes together quickly with flavorful marinated steak cubes, a savory umami sauce, and vegetables like watercress and tomatoes that offer contrast and brightness. When served over rice, you have a complete, healthy, and satisfying meal. You can either opt for a higher quality cut like tender ribeye or filet mignon cubes or a more economical option like flank or sirloin you can't go wrong with a dish like this. Philly Cheesesteak (USA) Philly cheesesteak close-up - Charles Brutlag/Shutterstock This hearty sandwich has become a favorite in the U.S. for a reason. Stuffed with thinly shaved ribeye steak, sauteed onions, and provolone or cheese whiz (traditional Philly cheesesteaks don't come with bell peppers, but they're a frequent addition) on a thick, crusty roll, and you have a simple sandwich with maximum flavor. The humble Philly cheesesteak first burst on the scene back in 1930s Philadelphia, when, according to legend, Pat Olivieri, who operated a hot dog stand, created the now iconic steak dish on a whim. At the time, the sandwich just included chopped beef and onions, with cheese not becoming an essential part of the sandwich until the following decade. Luckily, you don't have to travel all the way to Philly for a high-quality cheesesteak, as you can easily whip up an equally satisfying sandwich at home. The beauty of using a thinly shaved steak is that it cooks quickly a homemade Philly cheesesteak can come together in just 15 minutes. Lomo Saltado (Peru) lomo saltado with rice, fries - Michelle McGlinn / Tasting Table This popular Peruvian meal takes elements of Chinese cuisine and fuses it with Peruvian ingredients, resulting in a salty, savory, and satisfying steak dish. The stir fry dish came to be in the 19th century when Chinese indentured servants from the Cantonese region were brought to Peru after the abolition of slavery. A new culinary style known as "chifa," came to be, and lomo saltado has since become a beloved dish across Peru, perfectly exemplifying a fusion between the two cultures. Tender lomo saltado is just bursting with a vibrant blend of flavors and textures, and luckily, this classic steak entree can easily be replicated at home with thin cuts of steak sirloin, strip, tri-tip, or ribeye are all preferable. Aji amarillo paste, soy sauce, and vinegar come together for a bold steak marinade, which is then tossed with onions and peppers, and served with crispy french fries and over rice. Mongolian Beef (Taiwan) Mongolian beef over rice - DronG/Shutterstock This sweet and savory dish has become a staple at Chinese American restaurants, and for good reason. Its tangy sauce is flavorful and thick without veering into spicy territory, and the tender melt-in-your-mouth beef, usually flank steak, makes the dish extra hearty and comforting. Despite its name, the truth of Mongolian beef is that it has no actual Mongolian origins. In fact, the recipe was first developed in a Taiwanese barbecue restaurant, with the name referencing the fact that it was a Mongolian barbecue establishment (also a Taiwanese creation). Since then, Mongolian beef has gained a reputation as the ultimate comfort food, and fortunately, it is also an easy recipe to replicate at home in a slow cooker for the times when cravings for takeout hit. When served alongside white rice or over glass noodles and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal that's aromatic and full of flavor. Beef Wellington (England) sliced beef Wellington - Lauripatterson/Getty Images This British dish is typically reserved for special occasions, but nothing is stopping you from enjoying it any time of year. A beef filet is wrapped in flakey puff pastry, making for a delicious meld of textures and flavors and a dish that feels light and rich. Like most iconic dishes worldwide, its origin stories diverge, but one popular theory points to the famous Duke of Wellington, who allegedly favored portable dishes that could be enjoyed while marching. Others say that the dish was created merely to honor the duke, while a third theory simply theorizes that the dish resembles a Wellington boot. Regardless of its true history, the dish rose in popularity in the '50s and '60s after famous chef Julia Child included a French variety of the recipe in her cookbook and then later on her cooking show. Although this dish may look complicated to master, ingredients can easily be minimized and simplified for an easy beef wellington sure to impress your friends and family. Tapsilog (Philippines) beef with egg, garlic rice - Loybuckz/Shutterstock Tapsilog is a beloved Filipino breakfast dish that stars crispy, fried steak, served alongside fried egg, garlicky rice, a vinegar sauce for dipping, and oftentimes tomato and pickled papaya as well. Using thinly sliced sirloin makes it easier to achieve a properly crisped steak when making this meal at home, and be sure to coarsely chop the garlic so that it doesn't burn this will go into the sweet and salty marinade that makes this iconic meal really shine. Despite today's popularity, the steak dish has only been around for a few decades it was created in 1986 when Vivian Del Rosario opened a modest tapa store. The name "tapsilog" comes from the three central ingredients: In the Philippines, "tapa" typically refers to smoked beef, while "sinangag," is garlic rice, and "itlog" is egg. The dish quickly became a bestseller and then a cultural phenomenon. Other variations have since popped up with various other protein choices, such as sausage or Spam, but none as popular as tapsilog. Spicy Beef Braciole (Italy) beef braciole on plate - Cecilia Ryu / Tasting Table This Southern Italian dish incorporates thinly sliced steak, like top round or flank steak, rolled into a stuffing of savory ingredients like bread crumbs, cheese, seasonings, and sometimes other cured meats like pancetta, before being braised in a rich tomato sauce. Although braciole's history dates back to Italy, this recipe was given new life in the 19th and 20th centuries by Italian immigrants in the United States, where meat was more affordable. Today, due to its lengthy cooking time, spicy beef braciole is seen as a dish reserved for special occasions for that reason, it's not often found in Italian restaurants. Spicy beef braciole is a slow-cooking dish that's well worth the wait due to its depth of flavor. After slowly braising the steak, you'll be left with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak dish that's robust, satisfying, and delicious when served either on its own or over pasta. Read the original article on Tasting Table The back of an upset, lonely child Gaslighting is a hallmark sign of narcissistic abuse, and it's beyond toxic. That's not TikTok talkit's real talk. "Gaslighting makes you question your reality, and its a form of manipulation or abuse. In a major role reversal, it victimizes the perpetrator and makes the victim the perpetrator," explains Dr. Elisabeth Crain, PsyD., a doctor of psychology and licensed psychotherapist. This abuse is horrible regardless of when it occurs. However, the consequences can be especially devastating when a parent does it to a child. "For kids that are gaslit, its actually worse than being gaslit as an adult," Dr. Crain says. "Kids are dependent on adults. Theyre in a situation where they have to align with a narcissistic or otherwise manipulative parent. They dont have a way out of it, so they will blame and shame themselves as a way to cope." Learning precisely what happened to youchronic gaslightingcan be difficult. However, Dr. Crain says it's a significant step towards healing and learning to build healthy relationships with others and yourself as an adult. "People who grew up being constantly gaslighted carry a lot of shame and think things like I must have done something wrong when, in reality, someone has just gaslit them into believing that about themselves," Dr. Crain explains. "This understanding of what gaslighting really [is] lets you take back the power in your own life and gives victims peace in knowing that the things that happened to them werent actually their fault." It's time to take back your power. Dr. Crain shares six signs you experienced chronic gaslighting as a child and tips for moving forward. Related: 8 Signs You Have a Toxic Mother and How To HealAccording to Psychologists Risks of Chronic Gaslighting in Childhood Kids don't have a choice. They have to make a relationship work with their parent, who they depend on for food, shelter, money, rides to medical appointments and school, among other essentials. Moreover, children are still developing and learning how to identify emotions and inappropriate behavior (something parents are supposed to help them with). "Kids dont have the agency to extricate themselves from toxic behavior," Dr. Crain explains. "They may lack the coping skills for these situations." As a result, Dr. Crain says children who are chronically gaslit with resort to: Denial Self-blame Shame "They will think I must be the problem because their parents have made them feel this way," Dr. Crain says. Unfortunately, as Dr. Crain explains below, these thoughts continue into adulthood. It makes it hard for victims of gaslighting to develop healthy relationships or view themselves in a positive light. Related: 10 Red Flags Your Parent Is a Narcissist, According to Therapists 6 Telltale Signs You Experienced Chronic Gaslighting as a Child, According to a Psychotherapist 1. You question your own reality Warping a victim's sense of reality is a hallmark gaslighting strategy. "If your parents make you question your own reality, making you feel like youre the crazy one, it's a sign of gaslighting," Dr. Crain says. For example, you may have gotten visibly upset when a parent commented about your weight and mentioned it later. Your parent may have told you they never said it or that you were overreacting. As an adult, you may lack trust in yourself or constantly question your feelings, unsure if you need to calm down. Related: 13 Red Flags of Gaslighting at Work and How to Respond, According to Psychologists 2. Self-blame Another big tactic used in gaslighting, Dr. Crain says, is that parents often blame children for things they may or may not have done. A broken lamp you never touched? Totally your fault. Didn't hug Grandma, causing her to leave in a huff? You ruined the night. As an adult, you may engage in people-pleasing behaviors to protect yourself, find that you constantly apologize even when you did nothing wrong or think every fight in a relationship is your fault. 3. Revisionist history This gaslighting sign is a big reason people question their own reality (see No. 1). "This is when you say something happened or recall a scenario that has played out, and the gaslighter says something like, 'That never happened,'" Dr. Crain explains. "They revise history, making the victim question their reality or sanity." In similar situations as an adult, you may question your version of things even if you have a paper (or text message/social media messenger trail). For instance, a romantic partner and co-parent swears you never asked them to be home to help bathe the kids at 8 p.m. and continues the narrative even when you show them a text reminder. Victims of childhood gaslighting might side with their partner because of their history of abuse. Related: 14 Genius Phrases To Shut Down Gaslighting, According to Psychologists 4. Role reversal This one is especially toxic in parent-child relationships when the adult is supposed to advocate for the kid. "In role reversal, the gaslighter becomes the victim and makes the victim the perpetrator," Dr. Crain says. "The gaslighter blames or shames. It is a form of narcissistic abuse." For instance, you may have tried standing up for yourself and letting a parent know that their comment about your shirt or performance in a recital hurt your feelings. They responded by telling you that your tone was rude or that you were embarrassing them. You may hesitate to advocate for yourself later in life. 5. Manipulation "Victims of chronic gaslighting as a child will have been manipulated in a variety of ways through methods like guilt-tripping or triangulation," Dr. Crain says. For instance, a parent may give you the silent treatment or withhold affection for not following their wishes to a T. As an adult, you may find yourself diving too quickly into relationships (or having your guard up so high that you can't seem to commit to a long-term romantic partnership or even career). Related: 8 Genius Comebacks for Dealing With a Manipulator, According to Psychologists 6. Coercion All of the above leads us to this. "Victims of chronic gaslighting will have been coerced and put under near constant duress," Dr. Crain says. As an adult, you may find yourself chronically stressed and anxious, waiting for the other shoe to drop. If walking on eggshells is your norm, you may have been gaslit as a child. Related: 7 Helpful Phrases for Politely Expressing a Different Opinion, According to a Psychologist How To Heal from Chronic Gaslighting as a Child 1. Understand what happened to you Gaslighting is a commonly used word, but it's misunderstood. Moreover, not everyone has heard of it. However, you need to understand what gaslighting is to move forward and heal. "Having a mastery and deep understanding of what it means to be gaslit can help you heal," Dr. Crain says. "Until we have that psychoeducation, we are prone and susceptible to have that happen to us again." Dr. Crain recommends going to therapy to unpack your experiences of being gaslit and how they've impacted you as an adult. "Gaslighting can leave you with shaken confidence, feelings of shame, guilt and confusion," Dr. Crain says. "Reclaim your power by understanding the truth of the situation." Related: The One Thing Millennials Always Bring Up in Therapy, According to Licensed Therapists 2. Implement what you've learned While you may have once felt powerless to your gaslighting parent(s), implementing what you learn in therapy is empowering. "Once you understand what has happened, you can start to process the feelings around the shame, guilt and confusion and come out on the other side and take back your power," Dr. Crain says. 3. Set boundaries Boundaries protect you. "If youve been hurt or gaslit, you dont want it to happen to yourself again," Dr. Crain says. "You want to be savvy enough not to be a victim of these behaviors again. When youre empowered and in a place of knowledge and understanding and can sense the red flags, you can prevent yourself from further insult or injury and from being a victim of this again. You can live a more peaceful life." Next: 35 Phrases To Set Boundaries Firmly and Fairly, According to Mental Health Pros Sources Dr. Elisabeth Crain, PsyD., doctor of psychology and licensed psychotherapist. Brazilian Foreign Minister visits President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. (Photo: VietnamNet) Minister Mauro Vieira was introduced to the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh, especially the years he lived and worked in the Presidential Palace area. To the Vietnamese people, President Ho Chi Minh is a true patriot, wise revolutionary and genius leader. To international friends, he is a close friend of the peoples of the world. His life and revolutionary career are not only associated with the glorious history of the Vietnamese people, but also contribute to the common struggle of peoples for peace, independence, democracy and social progress. The relic site management board introduced to the Brazilian Foreign Minister the relics, documents and artifacts associated with the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh from 1954 to 1969. The Brazilian Foreign Minister was pleased to visit Vietnam and learn about the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh and the years he lived and worked at the Presidential Palace Relic. The Minister also wrote in the visitors book to share about the visit, expressing his admiration for the resilient and strong President Ho Chi Minh of the Vietnamese people, who he said was a great inspiration. President Ho Chi Minh, on his journey to save the country, came to Brazil in 1912. That was the beginning of the relationship between the two countries, although it was not until 1989 that the two countries established diplomatic relations. In addition to the similar history of fighting for national independence, Vietnam and Brazil also have close similarities in thinking, development models and human values. The Brazilian people and all the peace-loving people of Latin America gave their solidarity and sincere support for Vietnams resistance war to unify the country, post-war reconstruction and Doi Moi (renewal) process./. There are many kinds of fish cuts, but none are quite like tuna steak. This lean cut stems from the fish's loin, with a meaty texture and an attractive, bright red color. Similar to a beef steak, the cut is best enjoyed uncooked on the inside -- otherwise, it turns to a canned tuna consistency. As a result, most tuna steak recipes keep it simple, infusing a few flavors and then throwing the fish onto direct heat or even serving raw. Such straightforward preparations make it a great candidate for a weeknight meal. Tuna steak dishes taste special without much culinary fuss. It's important to know how to select the best tuna steak before starting to cook. Since most recipes barely cook the steak, the quality of the fish is critical. Often, it's warranted to get the sashimi grade, not just for flavor but also for safety. With some careful shopping, you'll be ready to craft a range of delicious tuna dishes. Read more: 15 Different Ways To Cook Fish Simple Seared Ahi Tuna close up of seared tuna - Michelle McGlinn / Tasting Table In a pan with hot oil, tuna steak will develop a delectable crust while the interior remains tender, pink, and almost sashimi-like. To infuse flavors into such a cooking method, turn to a marinade. This recipe, developed by Michelle McGlinn, integrates delicious Asian flavors. The tuna soaks in a blend of soy sauce and sesame oil and is mixed with aromatics like cilantro, jalapeno, ginger, and shallots. The flavors mingle and absorb into the fish, necessitating only a few minutes of cooking time. Recipe: Simple Seared Ahi Tuna Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl poke bowl served on plate - Christina Musgrave / Tasting Table Hailing from Hawaii, poke bowls are a traditional and delicious format for enjoying tuna. Plus, they're deceivingly easy to make -- you won't need to hit up the best Poke restaurants in the U.S. for a mouthwatering rendition. The main effort comes in finding sushi-grade ahi tuna. Recipe developer Christina Musgrave recommends checking your local Aldi for their frozen fillet. The rest of the bowl toppings are easy to find: jalapeno, red onion, sushi rice, and cucumbers. Cubed tuna is marinated for only 15 minutes in a three-ingredient mixture, then it all comes together atop the cooked rice. Recipe: Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl Ahi (Yellowfin) Tuna Crudo chopsticks with plated tuna crudo - Taylor Murray / Tasting Table For another take on raw tuna steak, turn to crudo. This recipe comes together fuss-free, necessitating only a bit of knife work. The fish is chopped into larger pieces and topped with cucumber slices and sesame seeds. Next, a ponzu and sesame oil sauce is drizzled on top, and the recipe is complete. This dish evinces the difference between crudo and sashimi with a more easy-going assembly and ingredient garnish than the Japanese technique. It's all thanks to recipe developer Taylor Murray, who shared this easy-to-make delight. Recipe: Ahi (Yellowfin) Tuna Crudo Recipe Sesame-Crusted Tuna Steak sliced seared tuna steak - Christina Musgrave / Tasting Table Filleted tuna is called a steak, so feel free to prepare and serve it as one. This recipe, made by Christina Musgrave, adds a textural component into the mix by encrusting the tuna in sesame seeds. The steaks are pan-fried whole, needing only a minute per side. The result is rare on the inside with the beautiful interior red color revealed after slicing. For a dash of added flavor, the tuna takes a quick dip in a sesame oil and soy sauce mixture. However, with all of the steps included, the entire cooking process takes only 15 minutes. Recipe: Sesame-Crusted Tuna Steak Recipe Tuna Tartare Stacks With Wasabi Shishitos garnished tuna tartare stack - Michelle McGlinn / Tasting Table In a classic steak tartare, beef is chopped up and served raw -- and the technique readily translates to tuna. For this recipe, developer Michelle McGlinn takes components fit for a poke bowl but assembles them in an aesthetic stacked form. The fish is cubed and marinated in aromatics, while flavorful shishito peppers are blistered in a pan and dressed with lemon, wasabi, and soy. Fluffy white rice serves as a base for the stacks. Then, soft avocado goes on the bottom layer, with the fish next and the pepper on top. When stacked carefully, the presentation turns heads. Recipe: Tuna Tartare Stacks With Wasabi Shishitos Dry-Rub Grilled Spicy Tuna tuna steak sliced on salad - Ksenia Prints / Tasting Table Tuna is one of the only fish you should prepare raw at home but, even still, sometimes it's best to play it safe. So, while most tuna steak dishes keep the fish interior raw, there are delicious ways to cook it thoroughly too. The secret, described by Ksenia Prints, is to treat the fish like a cut of beef. So, cover the tuna with a dry rub made from an aromatic mix of spices, brown sugar, salt, and spicy pepper. Then, cook to beautiful completion on an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan. Recipe: Dry-Rub Grilled Spicy Tuna Baked Tuna Steak With Sesame-Miso Glaze baked tuna over rice - Taylor Murray / Tasting Table While most tuna steak recipes rely on a hot flame to create an exterior crust, the fish can also be cooked in the oven. Taylor Murray's recipe draws inspiration from Nobu's miso-glazed black cod. A simple yet effective glaze of miso, sesame oil, and mirin covers the tuna before a 15-minute bake in the oven. The result is loaded with umami and notes of sugar and salt, with a surprisingly tender baked texture. Serve the tuna steak with a plate of sushi rice and a napa cabbage salad. Recipe: Baked Tuna Steak With Sesame-Miso Glaze Chili Lime Tuna Steaks prepared plate of tuna steaks - Jennine Rye/ Tasting Table Tuna steaks and marinades go hand-in-hand the fish absorb aromatics with ease. In this recipe by Jennine Rye, the tuna is rested in a fragrant mix of ingredients, including lime, soy sauce, red chili, lemongrass, garlic, cilantro, and galangal paste. While it'll take some effort to get all of the components together, the marination time caps at only twenty minutes, or else the fish starts cooking in the acid. Then, it's on to one of the best ways to cook tuna steak without it drying out: a hot griddle. Only a couple minutes on each side, and a delicious seared fillet emerges. Recipe: Chili Lime Tuna Steaks Grilled Teriyaki Tuna And Mushroom Skewers prepared tuna mushroom skewers - Katie Foster/ Tasting Table Although delicious when cooked whole, tuna steak makes for a delightful skewer filling too. This dish, adapted from Scott Schroeder and Pat O'Malley of Hungry Pigeon in Philadelphia, juxtaposes the texture of shiitake mushrooms with the tuna. The skewers are glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce to tie all of the components together. For an extra flourish, the teriyaki sauce's standard trio of ingredients is expanded with grated orange zest, garlic, and ginger. It's a reinvented take on a classic flavor combination. Recipe: Grilled Teriyaki Tuna And Mushroom Skewers Read the original article on Tasting Table AnonyMouse, an anonymous artists' collective from Sweden, created this pint-sized playhouse for the Royal Poinciana Plaza. The structure is based on the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, which is in the midst of a major revitalization. One of the latest permanent art installations at the Royal Poinciana Plaza is designed more for the enjoyment of the shopping and dining destinations smallest visitors. And we dont mean the human ones. Dont worry: Theres nothing mouse-terious about the origins of these pint-sized pieces of art. A pair of bitsy buildings are tucked away within the Royal Poinciana Plazas artful confines, the work of AnonyMouse, an anonymous artists' collective based in Sweden that has brought its diminutive structures to locations around the world. In a place as idyllic as Palm Beach, a collaboration with AnonyMouse is the perfect match, as their storybook-inspired works of art beautifully complement the architectural elegance and rich history of their surroundings, adding a layer of magic and discovery that will captivate our visitors, said Lori Berg, the plazas general manager. AnonyMouse visited anonymously, of course, Berg said the Royal Poinciana Plaza and found inspiration in the place, its history and architecture. In an email interview with Palm Beach Daily News, a group representative, dubbed Yasha Mousekewitz, explained that AnonyMouse began building its mouse-geared installations in Malmo, Sweden, in the winter of 2016. The pieces are inspired by the works of authors and artists including Astrid Lindgren, Beatrix Potter, Walt Disney and Don Bluth, Mousekewitz said. A tiny cafe created by AnonyMouse, an anonymous' Swedish artists collective, is now permanently installed at the Royal Poinciana Plaza on Royal Poinciana Way. Our main drive is to bring a little bit of everyday magic to children and pedestrians passing by, they wrote. And hopefully inspire some to change their own street to the better. One of the buildings is a cafe, painted brown with white double doors. Windows along the front of the tiny building provide a look inside, where there is artwork on the walls, small tables and chairs. The cafe created by AnonyMouse for the Royal Poinciana Plaza is tucked away in some greenery but can still be spotted from the plaza's walkway. The other small-scale structure built by AnonyMouse and installed at the plaza is, appropriately, a playhouse. The Royal Poinciana Plaza property is home to the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, which in its heyday hosted to performances that drew celebrities, socialites, world leaders and other luminaries. It closed in 2004 and is in the midst of a major revitalization project that is expected to be completed later this year. The AnonyMouse playhouse features prominent columns across its front, reminiscent of the historic playhouse. The arched windows are another delightful detail that mimic the windows on the original structure. Even the colors hearken back to the Royal Poinciana Poinciana Playhouse, which was a slate gray-blue and white. The cafe and playhouse are the first AnonyMouse pieces in Palm Beach County but not the first in partnership with WS Development, the group that owns the Royal Poinciana Plaza, Mousekewitz said. Guests of the Royal Poinciana Plaza will have to be sharp-eyed to spot the tiny AnonyMouse installations at the shopping and dining destination. The WS Development team first brought AnonyMouse to Boston to create some pieces there, they said. We obviously jumped at the chance to see the world famous Palm Beach and thoroughly enjoyed our time there, and since there used to be a playhouse over at Poinciana it felt like a good match to make one for mice as well, Mousekewitz wrote. AnonyMouse takes about a month to create each installation, with a few artists working on different aspects of the overall project, they said. And while we can never guarantee a return to Florida, keep your ears close to the ground, Mousekewitz wrote. You never know where we pop up next! Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Artists collective creates mouse-size playhouse, cafe in Palm Beach They were cradled in a pocket of green, secluded from nearby Georgetown neighbors. A few children hung from the playground equipment on a spring afternoon, while chickens and sheep wandered in their pens. It was an unofficial visit to the Hollemans homestead, just over 5 miles from town, 16 miles from the beach and zero miles from school. Talon and Travis Holleman started home-schooling their daughter and son in 2017. Today, a youth development program hosts afterschool workshops, offers home-schooling classes and prepares for its largest summer camps, serving hundreds of children from their 3-acre homestead. It just got out into the home-school community, and they wanted more of this, Talon said, having moved her family from the Baltimore area. They're like, You guys should open this up to more people and start inviting people onto your property. That's how R.O.O.T.S. blossomed. The Sussex County outfit mirrors an uptick in Delaware home-schooling overall, having launched in 2021. And, as more families and home schools of different shapes and sizes join the fold statewide this year, the trend could be out-living the pandemic shutdown. The impact on families is clear, though the impact on studies would be hard to measure overall. Jimmy Albanese, 4, takes a moment to study mushrooms on the R.O.O.T.S. (Reaching Outside of Traditional Schooling) Youth+ Development Program's family homestead in Georgetown, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. R.O.O.T.S., or Reaching Outside of Traditional Schooling, Youth+ Development Program launched within the same year Delaware saw a 66% increase in home schools, according to state data for 20-2021. That figure, for single family and multifamily home schools, understandably dwindled moving away from peak shutdown. By 22-2023, it had dropped nearly a third from the year before. But, as this school year started, Delaware saw a 32% increase. Thats over 52% more home schools than before the pandemic, carrying more than 4,400 students. Amy Albanese is new among these figures, but the Milton mom hopes her children can be more than numbers. The home-schooling parent of five and her team are now launching a home-school co-op, seeing interest swell in their corner of Sussex County. The co-op she cofounded, Wild Wonderment, combines similar interests in fusing nature with curricula, while keeping students free of the traditional classroom. I was searching all over for what I was looking for, which was a Christian, nature-based co-op. And there's a lot of co-ops around, but none of them were those two things, she said. So I was like, I think Im going to create one. And she may find plenty of company. Another angle: Black families are finding empowerment in home-schooling. And it's not just amid COVID-19 Forging new ground From left, Talon and Travis Holleman, directors of the R.O.O.T.S. (Reaching Outside of Traditional Schooling) Youth+ Development Program, stand at the ROOTS family homestead in Georgetown, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. R.O.O.T.S. is dedicated to home-schooling and offers hands-on, integrative life-skill workshops for ages 18 months to adults. She didnt know what she was doing at first. Talon and Travis Holleman, sweethearts since they were 14 years old, left Baltimore for Southern Delaware in 2017. The pair stepped away from jobs working some 50 hours a week, hoping to spend more time raising their kids. I think that really spoke to her, like: Hey, we're working all the time to raise kids, but we're paying other people to raise the kids, Travis said, now running his own business and a homestead. How do we do what we want to do and impart the things we care about onto our children? They brainstormed, but every list came back with community, teaching and being outdoors as much as possible. After beginning to home-school Bella and Emmett, the vision kept growing. During pandemic shutdown, the family moved to their current homestead, with thoughts about how to keep home-schooling in core areas, while offering community education programming. By November 2021, they started offering an after-school workshop. They hoped for maybe 10 children, but slots sold out in about an hour. The pilot round of sessions capped at 32 students, with a waitlist. Now serving some 500 children ages 18 months to 12 years, the program offers workshops based on self-sufficiency, homesteading, animal husbandry, bushcraft, nature studies and more. These come beside summer camps, field trips and social-emotional learning courses. We're trying to bridge that gap in the traditional school system, versus what's not being taught anymore, Talon said. Those home-ec skills, community building essentially and learning how to be an all-around wholesome human being. It all started with her interest in home-schooling. And shes not alone. From left, Bella Holleman, 10, Travis Holleman, Talon Holleman, Lucas Albanese, 1, Emmett Holleman, 7, Piper Albanese, 6, Heather Robinson, Carter Robinson, 1, Christopher Albanese, 4, (not pictured) and Nash Hartstein, 6, learn a bit about farming and animal care on the R.O.O.T.S. (Reaching Outside of Traditional Schooling) Youth+ Development Program's family homestead in Georgetown, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Delaware student behavior: Teachers are battling poor student behavior post-COVID. Delaware lawmakers strain for answers Nationally, home-schooling has become by a considerable margin the countrys fastest-growing form of education, according to a Washington Post analysis in 2023. In that analysis, the average for school districts across Sussex and Kent Counties was about about 30% growth in home-schooling students from 2018 to 2021, while New Castle's saw 9%. Overall, the largely unregulated education style is being embraced by more families across the U.S. than ever before. I dont think we will ever know the impact, said Jim Dwyer, a professor at William & Mary Law School who wrote a book about home-schooling. There is no oversight of home-schooling, no real assessment requirements, with a very limited exception in New York State. The professor cited estimates that roughly half of those who start home-schooling don't stick with it after a year or so, while many stop after elementary. Across race, white families have historically home-schooled at a much higher rate nearly double that of Black families in 2019, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Delaware data did not distinguish between race. But Census data coming out of the pandemic began showing a rise among Black families, for more reasons than COVID-19 side-effect. Research shows mixed outcomes, with some studies sharing academic benefits, others documenting shortcomings. Even home-schoolers themselves are often divided about what works best, Dwyer noted. Some camps push rigid schedules and religious textbooks, others unschooling with beliefs in more free-range learning, with many in between. Talon has heard it all before. She saw some of the same things getting into home-schooling, with countless curricula for home-based learning at her fingertips. For her, some six years in, it's been all about tailoring class to her childrens personal learning styles. The mother of two doesnt know what the future holds, but she hopes to keep encouraging interested families in Delaware. Delaware child care: Struggle for affordable options persists in Delaware. That's for parents and providers Following the trail From left, Heather Robinson, Blaire Hartstein and Amy Albanese, founders of Wild Wonderment, a Christian nature, home-school co-op. The group hopes to "intertwine the teachings of God with immersive experiences in nature to provide a holistic educational environment that nurtures spiritual growth alongside academic development." She was tired of bullies. "I just remember feeling really helpless, Amy Albanese said, her oldest stepdaughter needing to call the police due to unrelenting bullying in her school. That was a big driving force to see what my eldest went through. And then, COVID happened. She started to see her children do well at home. Her eldest was safe. The younger twins and their severe allergies were under her watch, other kids home, the family unit kept tight. I felt like, OK, this is doable. Soon, she realized she could do even more. Joining fellow interested moms in the area, Albanese co-founded Wild Wonderment alongside Blaire Hartstein and Curriculum Developer/Lead Teacher Heather Robinson. The budding home-schooling co-op looks to offer five-week sessions at Trap Pond State Park designed to spark curiosity, engage creativity and develop life-skills, while adding community to any familys home-schooling experience. The team hopes to fold practical knowledge about nature into Christian principles, while touching on typical core subjects. That also includes various side activities and field trips. We're trying to raise kids who just love to learn, who learn for the sake of learning, Albanese said. It's not to pass a test. It's not to get a grade. And I think if you cultivate that when they're young, it goes into adulthood, and then there's no stopping them. It started as Friday meet-ups between friends. After making a public page, Albanese said the team gained some 300 followers in a few days. Then, the co-op looked forward to opening registration on April 8. Students study mushrooms on the R.O.O.T.S. (Reaching Outside of Traditional Schooling) Youth+ Development Program's family homestead in Georgetown, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Back on her Georgetown homestead, Talon remembers giving Albanese some early pointers over lunch. But looking ahead, she aims to formalize that mentorship for fellow home-schoolers. "We're starting up the nonprofit side, and we're hoping one of the initiatives is going to be supporting home-schoolers even more," she said, Travis nodding beside her. "We want to get some grant funding, and really open up our home-school community a little bit more, and provide them with more support." Thinking of their programs, of multifamily home-schooling, the pair doesn't think the interest is going anywhere. "People want to rebuild that community that they had pre-COVID," Travis said. "And so, they get their kids out. They get to spend time with their children. They get to learn. They also get to make friends." Solar eclipse Delaware: Coming solar eclipse will bring teachers a science lesson in the sky From left, Jimmy Albanese, 4, and Piper Albanese, 6, learn a bit about farming and animal care on the R.O.O.T.S. (Reaching Outside of Traditional Schooling) Youth+ Development Program's family homestead in Georgetown, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Got a story? Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on X @kpowers01. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware homeschooling families look to build community outside class David Chang issued a public apology on his podcast amid criticism over his company Momofuku attempting to trademark the term chili crunch. Chang, chef and founder of Momofuku, and Momofuku CEO Marguerite Mariscal said on the April 12 episode of Changs podcast, The Dave Chang Show, that they are no longer enforcing the trademark. Over the years, Chang has become somewhat synonymous in the U.S. with Korean fine dining, microwave cooking and a host of Asian supermarket goods. As a celebrity chef, hes no stranger to controversy: Chang isnt afraid to share hot takes online, and hes been accused of facilitating toxic work environments in his restaurants. (Chang called accusations made in a 2020 Eater article consistent with his behaviors at the time, and apologized, though he didnt remember them specifically.) But this time, folks are fuming over his recent attempt to own the term chili crunch, which it uses for the chile-allium-oil condiment sold under the Momofuku brand. According to the Guardian, the brand sent cease-and-desist letters to companies using the term chili crunch and chile crunch and was hoping to successfully trademark the former. (It purchased the trademark for the latter in 2023 from Chile Colonial, a company that now licenses the product name from Momofuku.) Shortly after the report, everyone from consumers to small-business owners and even fellow chefs took to social media to share their disappointment with the man who has held firm ground as a leader in the Asian American culinary space. Now, Chang and the Momofuku team are saying they wont be enforcing the trademark, even though it may put their ownership of the term at risk. Heres everything you need to know about the controversy. What happened? In 2020, Momofuku started selling jars of chili crunch a spicy condiment commonly found across many Asian cultures made with chilis and oil which it launched in 2018. The product also goes by chili crisp, chili oil, crunchy chili sauce and countless other names, and it took off exponentially across the American grocery market in 2021, though Momofuku was not the first to bring it to shelves. There are now dozens of brands selling to consumers across the country, and all of them have their own recipe twists and monikers. Some opt to include the word crunch in the name, much like Changs company did. On April 4, the Guardian reported Momofuku is currently trying to trademark chili crunch with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Though it doesnt own the trademark yet, Momofuku sent cease-and-desist letters to an unknown number of brands that use crunch in their condiments name. Momofuku Chili Crunch. Chili oil in studio on Thursday, April 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) What small business owners are saying The phrase that I would use to refer to Momofuku in this case, is a trademark bully, says Stephen Coates, the lawyer representing New York-based Malaysian food brand Homiah, which received a cease-and-desist. Homiah sells a Sambal Chili Crunch. The brands founder, Michelle Tew, wrote in a LinkedIn post that the letter felt like a punch in the gut. She told the Guardian that had she received a cease and desist from a large corporation like Kraft Heinz, it would have been distressing, but the fact that it was Momofuku makes me feel really, really sad. Jing Gao, founder and CEO of Fly by Jing, a Sichuan chili sauce company, wrote on LinkedIn that she is disheartened to see Changs company allegedly go after numerous brands including small minority women founded businesses. This kind of action, if successful, sets a dangerous precedent for the squashing of fair competition, not to mention how ridiculous it is to try and take ownership of a generic cultural term, Gao continued. She tells TODAY.com that as a business owner herself who was told in the past that her chili crisp product was too niche for the American market, she sees more competition as a good thing. This isnt a zero-sum game, and there is enough space for everyone, Gao says. The bigger we can grow the pie for all, the better it is for everyone. Eric Huang, chef and founder of Pecking House, tells TODAY.com that trademarking food is an exercise in capitalist nonsense. Between all the effort hes seen is necessary for building a business, the work that goes into recipe testing and the logistics of creating a food product, the only reason you would (trademark food) is for a soulless cash grab. Huang continues to call this trademark filing a disappointing turn of events for someone who so singularly represents AAPI in the food & beverage industry. This is so uncool, Kerry Diamond, founder of Cherry Bombe magazine and former coffee shop owner, wrote in an Instagram caption. Dave was once the little guy. I hope it isnt Dave Chang personally issuing this command, Huang says, but rather his boardroom of likely rich, white dudes who got their MBA from Tuck. Chang and Momofukus response to the controversy First and foremost, I want to apologize to everyone in the AAPI community whos been hurt or feels like Ive marginalized them or put a ceiling on them by our actions, Chang said on his podcast. Theres a lot of chefs that Im friends with. Theres a lot of people that are upset, customers, and thats the last thing literally the last thing that I wanted to happen. He continued, adding, I spent the greater part of my adult life trying to bring light to Asian food, Asian American food, Asian identity, what it means to be Asian American. I understand why people are upset and Im truly sorry. When we created our product, we wanted a name we could own and intentionally picked Chili Crunch to further differentiate it from the broader chili crisp category, a spokesperson for Momofuku and Chang told TODAY.com. The company initially said it hoped to resolve branding disputes amicably. Chang, in his podcast, explained the backstory behind Momofukus chili crunch, citing the brand Lao Gan Ma, known for its spicy chili crisp sauce, as one of the original inspirations for the product, in addition to other sauces including ssamjang and salsa macha. When we were thinking about naming and again, shame on me if I didnt know this but we named it chili crunch specifically because it was not chili crisp, Chang explained. And we named it chili crunch because it was out of deference to chili crisp, which we associated with as Chinese, specifically carved out by Lao Gan Ma. The name behind the popular product was intentional, with Chang explaining that the product wasnt chili crisp, but rather the texture was crunchy. Had I known, or Momofuku known, that chili crunch was a tautology, basically the same as chili crisp, we would have never named it chili crunch, he said. Chang and Mariscal explained that when the brand launched its chili crunch product, it received a cease-and-desist letter from the Colorado based company Chile Colonial. However, rather than changing the name of its product, Marsical said that Momofuku worked with the company to purchase the trademark and gave the brand a perpetual license to continue to use the name. Everything Momofuku said in the podcast is true, Susie Hojel, founder of Chile Colonial, tells TODAY.com. I did send a cease-and-desist letter to Trader Joes to defend my mark, and ultimately they changed their name. I later sent a cease-and-desist letter to Momofuku. Trader Joes did not respond to TODAY.coms request for comment on whether it changed its name because of the cease-and-desist from Chile Colonial. Hojel says when she applied for and then received the chile crunch trademark from USPTO, she thought it covered any spelling of the name. When we acquired this mark, it then became our job to protect it, Mariscal explained. The reason we received a cease-and-desist from Chile Colonial is the same exact reason that Momofuku was sending them out, which is if you dont show the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) that youre routinely defending your mark and thats from any size business, large, small then youre at risk of losing your trademark. Mariscal said Momofuku was stuck with a dilemma of how to handle and protect the trademark without having the term chili crunch claimed by another company. At the end of the podcast, Chang shared the future of Momofukus plans with the trademark, explaining, The plan moving forward with this trademark is and its a strange way of sort of taking the power away from it by doing nothing. Were not going to enforce the trademark, he said. And by doing so, its possible that it becomes a generic term and nobody can own it. Marsical added, As a business, were taking the risk that by not enforcing it. Someone could come along someone much bigger than us say were not enforcing it, and therefore, they should own the mark. Hojel says she is truly sorry Momofuku has received so much bad publicity for defending their trademark. The name Chile Crunch has become very popular and I think some companies wanted to take advantage of the trend, she adds. I believe if you have a registered trademark, it is your right to defend it. It is too bad that it is so difficult and expensive to do so. On his podcast, Chang said, I dont want this to be seen as being inactive or being apathetic to the situation or us trying to have monopolistic powers or anything like that. Our choice is to do nothing. That is our action, is inactivity, no enforcement, no policing of this trademark. And if theres a better plan, were all ears. What next? Before Momofuku walked back the cease-and-desist, folks like Tew were given 90 days to stop using the word chili crunch, and five days to respond saying they would acquiesce. Momofuku trusts that Homiah did not adopt the CHILI CRUNCH mark in bad faith or with an intent to create confusion, the cease-and-desist letter reads. But because trademark law requires brand owners to police use of their trademarks and because Momofuku is concerned that consumers may actually be confused here we write to request Homiahs cooperation. Diamond wrote in her Instagram caption that as a small business especially for anyone who is a newbie entrepreneur it can be scary to go up against a big company. Youre scared so you pay the thousands of dollars to hire a lawyer to tell their lawyer to go away, she wrote. It just sucks. Tew told TODAY.com that she had already spent around $5,000 to have a lawyer draft a response to the cease and desist. She says she spoke with others who, within just a few days, apologized to Momofuku and said they would rebrand. The Guardian reported several brands had decided to comply and change their product names to avoid the fees and hassle of a legal battle. This article was originally published on TODAY.com If you've ever had fast food French toast sticks, you may already understand why taking this classic breakfast food and deep frying it is a stroke of brilliance. It's a preparation that takes the best features of beloved pan-fried French toast to the next level. The golden brown exterior of the bread becomes even crispier, and the heightened contrast makes the custardy interior feel all the more fluffy and luscious. And while you can find deep-fried French toast on American menus, this treat is said to have roots in Spain as one of the country's most ancient dishes. The fried version is also popular in Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, and Uruguay. Fortunately, you don't have to travel to South America or Europe for this preparation; you can do this right at home. All you need is a Dutch oven -- or even a high-sided saucepan or skillet -- along with some oil and a short list of ingredients. Read more: The Best Kitchen Gadgets You Can Buy Ingredients And Variations Basket with piloncillo - Guajillo studio/Shutterstock There are several ways to make deep-fried French toast, and you can draw inspiration from its global variations. To recreate the Mexican version known as torrejas, a few ingredients will help ensure authenticity. Typically, rolls called bolillos are used, which are crusty on the outside and have a fluffy interior, but if you can't source these, you can go for a French roll or similar. Torrejas are not served not with maple syrup, but a syrup made from piloncillo, a staple Latin American sugar that is minimally processed and has a complex, molasses-like flavor. The Spanish version of deep-fried French toast, called torrijas, is served with a slightly different spin, relying on cinnamon sugar or honey as the dressing. Depending on where you find it, this deep-fried French toast can be seasoned with aromatic spices like allspice (which is not a blend, but a ground berry), along with clove, anise, or cinnamon. They're perfect for the breakfast or brunch table, but you can also serve them as dessert. In Spain and Cuba, you can even find versions in which the bread is dipped in red wine or syrup made with vermouth rather than milk. And in Guatemala, orange peel might make an appearance. If you don't happen to have these extra ingredients on hand, you can also make deep-fried French toast with a simple lineup that includes bread, eggs, sugar, and milk. No matter how you choose to customize this dish, it's guaranteed to be delicious. Tips For Deep Frying Safely And Successfully Filling pan with oil on stovetop If you love the sound of this dish but feel some trepidation about deep frying at home, a few tips will help make this process more approachable. First, select from the best oils for deep frying -- choose one with a high smoke point, like peanut or canola -- which won't burn at the temperatures required for frying. The vessel you choose is important, as you don't want to risk spillage and possible injury. If you don't have a Dutch oven, a wide pan with high sides is your best bet. Be sure to keep your fill level no higher than halfway. When removing food, you'll want an implement that will allow some of the oil to drain as you lift your French toast. A slotted spoon or tongs work, as well as a spider or even a mesh skimmer. To keep your oil in the desired temperature range, a food thermometer is also helpful. Once your French toast is fried to perfection, set your slices on a wire rack over a baking pan, which will help drain off more oil while it cools. If you're still apprehensive and happen to have an air fryer, you can make this dish in that device as well. No matter your method, this style of French toast is a great motivation to try a new version of this classic. Read the original article on Daily Meal Genevas old town is a tranquil backwater, yet every day groups gather outside three store fronts. These are the Akrivia workshops, and they come to admire the work of watchmakers, case makers and strap makers. This would be impressive if the workshops were owned by one of the billion-dollar watch groups, but it becomes something of a horological fairy tale when you realise that the company is the dreamchild of a refugee who, at 37, is making some of the most innovative, highly sought-after watches in the world. Born in 1987 in Zheger, Kosovo, Rexhep Rexhepi (pronounced ray-jep ray-jepee) was brought up by his grandmother while his father worked as a restaurateur in Switzerland, sending money home and visiting when he could. When he came back, says Rexhepi, he would be wearing this watch an Omega or a Tissot the brand didnt matter, but I would take it from his wrist and listen to the tick-tock. It was a piece of magic and I was intrigued. On 28 February 1998, the Kosovo War broke out, displacing more than a million Kosovar Albanians. Rexhepi, then aged 11, and his two siblings were sent to Switzerland. Integration was slow and it really wasnt much fun, he says. You try to find yourself by finding your own community. I started to go to the library and read books about watchmaking. I also did a bit of skateboarding and through this I met a neighbour who was a watchmaker, and he encouraged me to give it a go. At 15 Rexhepi beat 300 other hopefuls to win a watchmaking apprenticeship at Patek Philippe. He spent three years between the manufacture and watchmaking school, then two in Pateks workshops, where he first saw the 10 Day Tourbillon, and he vowed that one day he would hold a tourbillon he had made himself. Rexhepi spent five years understanding the craft of watchmaking before he began planning to design his own - Guillaume Megevand In 2007 he moved to the independent movement maker BNB Concept, where a year later he was in charge of a team of 15. There was one more important step for Rexhepi: to work with a traditional independent watchmaker. Through a friend, he was given a trial and subsequently a job at FP Journe one of the few modern watchmakers to design and build movements in their entirety. I have a lot of respect for Mr Journe, says Rexhepi. He understood what I wanted to do and what I needed to learn. I stayed with him for two years, but could have stayed for 10 more if I hadnt had the offer to work with a friend on some prototyping in return for engineering help to build my own watch. Rexhepi had no idea of the hardship ahead. At 25, with detailed sketches but no actual watch to his name, no one was willing to risk commissioning him to create a hand-made timepiece that would run into tens of thousands of Swiss francs. His confidence wavered for the first time in his career, and it took two years for his self-belief to return: Eventually I thought, Im doing this. I know why I started and I will make a movement of the best quality. I will focus on it. When you put only good energy into your work, you transmit something different, and from this moment, every person I met understood what I was doing and everything changed. 'Every person I met understood what I was doing': renowned watchmaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann came out of retirement in 2019 to help Rexhepi - Guillaume Megevand He unveiled his debut watch in 2015. That first client understood what I was doing, says Rexhepi. And I think he felt he needed to help me. Im not even sure he liked the watch. He was just a good guy, and I will always remember what he did. That AK-01 Tourbillon Chronographe Monopoussoir the tourbillon he had promised himself he would make and many of his subsequent pieces bore not their makers name but the word akrivia, Greek for precision. My father told us we should always defer to the Swiss. So I couldnt be the guy coming from Kosovo and making Swiss watches with my name on them. It sounds stupid but I just couldnt do it. Over the following three years Rexhepi won respect among collectors. The rare, handmade nature of his watches, their consistent quality, and his drive to always do better meant that by the time of his debut at the Baselworld trade fair in 2018, he had already developed six unique calibres five of them tourbillons under the Akrivia name. And it was at this point that he finally decided the time was right for an eponymous collection, introducing the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronometre Contemporain I (RRCC I). More classical in style than previous watches, it eschewed unnecessary design, showcasing the handcrafted movement and precise finishing that took him from underground sensation to one of the most sought-after makers in the world. Later that year he received the highest industry recognition when the RRCC I won the Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Geneve Best Mens Watch prize (as did the RRCC II four years later). The Rexhep Rexhepi Chronometre Contemporain II, three years in development - Guillaume Megevand A natural successor to George Daniels, Kari Voutilainen and FP Journe, Rexhepi too is breaking new ground, following his own path, embracing challenges he meets along the way and all without any external investment. This need for independence is something he comes back to again and again: I grew up in a free Kosovo and suddenly we were afraid because the [Serbian] police had the right to do anything, he says. So freedom has been very important my whole life. I dont have to convince anyone that I am doing a good job, and I am free to evolve at my own pace. While many bigger brands have teams of prototype engineers, at Rexhepis workshops it is all done by him, as he believes products designed by committee lose their character. He makes 40 to 50 watches a year with a team of 25 including backroom staff. By staying small, he says, he can help each one of them to grow: When we work together, we are stronger. Rexhepi designs and builds every prototype. When he is happy, components are delivered to the watchmakers to assemble, with Rexhepi teaching them as they go. From design to completion a project can take six months to five years. To date, Rexhepi has launched 10 movements, and each brings something new. Hailed by specialists as a modern independent genius, Rexhepi is typically dismissive of the hype. Im not a genius, he says with a shrug. I dont believe in genius. So, you know, Im just trying to slowly learn to do better. The machinery in Rexhepis workshops dates back to the golden age of Swiss hand watchmaking. He has restored lathes, stamping presses and machines for milling and drilling from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Rexhepi spent two years in Patek Philippe's workshops, like his own, pictured here - Guillaume Megevand As for his inspiration for the workshop set-up, Rexhepi looked to the UK and the father of independent watchmakers, George Daniels (1926-2011). Georges book Watchmaking is the bible, he says. I saw all the pictures of his machines and I wanted to have exactly the same because I wanted to create like he did and like FP Journe and Kari Voutilainen did after him. These pioneers did so much. Today, I have more tools, more information and more examples. They were working from intuition, and this is why I have so much respect for the past. Working with these old machines pushes you to think differently, to be a little more minimalist and not take the easy way. While prices for a Rexhepi creation are 50,000 to 350,000, and waiting lists run to years, last year a RRCC I in pink gold sold at Phillips Hong Kong for close to 750,000. Will this make him reset his prices? The original price for the RRCC I was a little under what it actually cost, but it was a way for me to show the world what Im able to do, and to attract more people. I couldnt believe it when I saw the sale price. But I can tell you this will not affect my prices, he says. I dont want to play that game. I charge what I need to so I can invest in my company, look after my young family, eat good food, buy good tools, and maybe buy some watches. Of course, buying just to sell is not correct because so many people want a watch from us. But a few years ago, nobody wanted my watch, so the fact that today people do want them makes me happy. Last year also saw Rexhepi collaborate with Louis Vuitton on a 10-piece watch edition to support the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize a financial award and a one-year mentorship with Louis Vuittons La Fabrique du Temps (LFdT) manufacture for a young watchmaker. The LVRR-01 Chronographe a Sonnerie collaboration reunited Rexhepi with his one-time bosses at BNB Concept, Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, who now helm LFdT. I started with a chronograph tourbillon ebauche at BNB Concept so this was a way of paying homage to Enrico and Michel, he says. But I added the sonnerie, which chimes every minute, because the student has to do something to show the teachers what he learnt from them. This collaboration enabled Rexhepi to combine complications in a way never seen before and also marked another major milestone in his business: the last time akrivia will be seen on one of his watch dials. Going forward, all dials will bear the legend REXHEP REXHEPI. akrivia.com Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Expensive but not fit for purpose childcare in England according to a damning report (PA) Englands dysfunctional childcare system is falling behind other countries, according to a damning new study. The research, by the Fawcett Society, a leading gender equality charity, warned our childcare system lacks a long-term strategy and requires urgent wholesale reform. Researchers looked at childcare provision in France, Ireland, Australia, Estonia and Canada all nations where the government has recently or is currently enacting major policies on early years provision. The report notes both the Covid crisis and the cost of living crisis compounded existing problems with the childcare system, arguing the current system is failing in terms of quality of childcare, how affordable it is and the levels of public spending invested. Researchers warn problems with childcare are pushing women out of work and entrenching the gender pay gap, with children, parents, and childcare services being failed in the process. Unless the childcare system is reformed, birth rates are likely to carry on decreasing, the study suggested. It comes as the first part of the chancellors 4bn extension of free childcare an attempt to win over voters in the lead-up to the election later in the year came into force at the beginning of the month. Under the new policy, eligible working parents of two-year-olds have been told they may claim 15 hours a week of free childcare for 38 weeks per year from April onwards. From September 2025, working parents who have children under the age of five will be able to claim 30 hours of free childcare for 38 weeks per year. Alesha De-Freitas, one of the reports authors, told The Independent: Englands government-run childcare plan is less transparent than other countries. So far the government has made plans about overhauling the childcare system without consulting childcare providers and experts first and without thinking holistically and sustainably about how the plans will work. There is a greater awareness in other countries that some children particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit from more high-quality childcare, not just the children of working parents. There is greater recognition of the potential of childcare to tackle social mobility. Ms De-Freitas, head of policy at the Fawcett Society, argued discussions around childcare in England are very narrow and focused on affordability whereas the other countries take a broader look at what constitutes good-quality childcare more centred on the needs of the child. There needs to be a long-term plan at least 10 years of how we develop childcare. Ireland is a really good example of a country which put together a plan and that plan is a public plan that everyone can see. She called for money to be given directly to nurseries rather than the current model, which is directly centred on individual childrens places. This means you are not just giving money to nurseries in areas where they have richer parents and you can make sure there is capacity in areas across the country, she said. If there are no working parents in an area, they are not going to get the subsidies. Then there isnt the economic incentive for those nurseries to exist, so that means less childcare provision in poorer areas. It comes after The Independent revealed that thousands of nurseries had shut their doors amid staffing shortages, sparking fears that the governments promise to expand free childcare was doomed to failure, in the words of Neil Leitch, chief executive of national education charity and service provider the Early Years Alliance. The new study suggested evidence from Australia has found offering subsidies to parents in work leads to children who most need access to childcare being blocked from accessing it. Researchers called for the governments free childcare provision to be overhauled so it is open to all children rather than only those of working parents. Jemima Olchawski, chief executive of the Fawcett Society, argued that a broken childcare system is not inevitable as the nations analysed in their research demonstrate. Our childcare is some of the most expensive in the world and it isnt working, she said. Research shows that 85 per cent of mothers struggle to find childcare that fits around their work and one in ten have quit jobs due to childcare pressures. For too long weve seen the cracks in our dysfunctional childcare system papered over. She added: As we approach a general election, all parties need to be aware that any credible vision for transforming childcare mustnt simply offer bolt-ons to a crumbling system. Alfie Stirling, director of insight and policy at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a charity dedicated to ending poverty in the UK, said: Our dysfunctional childcare system is not working for families in the here and now. A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: Working parents on universal credit are also eligible for support with childcare costs no matter how many hours they work, up to 1,015 per month for a single child and 1,739 for two children. England has some of the highest quality early years provision in the world, with 96 per cent of early years settings rated by Ofsted as good or outstanding as of August 2023 up from 74 per cent in 2012. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is doing repair work and will have weekday closures starting April 15 on a popular 4-mile trail, which is the only way to access the tallest waterfall in the park. The Ramsey Cascades Trail, located in the Greenbrier, Tennessee, area, will be closed on weekdays while trail crews finish the full-scale rehabilitation work started in 2022, according to an April 12 news release from the National Park Service. The trail is the only access point to the 100-foot Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park, the release said. Ramsey Cascades in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A three-year stream mapping project in the Smokies has led to the discovery of 900 more miles of streams. The trail will be closed Monday through Thursday each week, except federal holidays. The weekday closures will be in place from April 15 to Nov. 14. The only weekend closure planned is May 3-5 while trail crews replace a footlong bridge. Trail crews will repair tread surfaces, improve drainages, construct trail structures such as staircases, turnpikes, and retaining walls and remove trip hazards like exposed roots and rocks, according to the release. "The rehabilitation will improve overall trail safety and protect the parks natural resources," the release said. "Significant flooding and storm damage caused the NPS to close the trail completely for several months in 2022 and early 2023," the release also said. "Trail crews rerouted 200 feet of trail, built and installed a new footlong bridge and built four new trail structures damaged by the flood." More: NPS: Great Smokies roads to partially close for $19 million federally funded repairs The project is supported by the Trails Forever program supported by Friends of the Smokies, the nonprofit partner of the national park. Trails Forever is a partnership established by the Friends of the Smokies and Great Smoky Mountains National Park to fund a permanent, highly skilled trail crew that rehabilitates high-use trails, according to the release. In 2012, the Friends set up an endowment to support the program. To date, the Friends have contributed more than $2.6 million to rehabilitate Abrams Falls, Trillium Gap, Rainbow Falls, Alum Cave, Chimney Tops and Forney Ridge trails, the release said. The Great Smokies, which sprawls across a half-million acres of rugged, forested terrain in Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, is the most-visited national park, with some 13.3 million visitors in 2023. More: Park visitor finds missing man in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NPS says More: US Forest Service: Roan Mountain areas to close for $2.5 million federally funded repairs More: US Forest Service sets spring reopening date for Catawba Falls Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Great Smoky Mountains partially closes waterfall trail for repairs A years-long economic crisis triggered by the pandemic and facilitated by the strict trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. has left Cuba with a severe food shortage. However, the lack of supplies doesn't diminish the Latin American nation's rich culinary heritage. It offers plenty of dishes everyone must try at least once. Just with breakfast alone, Cuban cuisine presents different delicious ways to start the day. They range from simple to elaborate, from savory to sweet. Certain essential elements must be present on every Cuban breakfast table. First is coffee, a staple beverage in the country. Cubans like their coffee strong and foamy, and they start their mornings with either one of these two types: cafe con leche, with the Cuban version similar to the Spanish one except for the addition of sugar, and cortadito, which is cafe Cubano with steamed milk added. The next essential is the soft pan Cubano that comes with a baguette-like crust. This can be eaten plain or spread with jam, and it's often pressed and slathered with butter for a richer flavor. The third essential is eggs, cooked either as tortillas with onions, garlic, and tomatoes; as slightly runny fried toppings on rice for a plate of arroz con huevos fritos; or as revoltillo de huevo, scrambled with onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. These three items are the foundations of the typical Cuban breakfast, which you can build on to turn a basic meal into a bigger spread. Read more: 31 Popular Coffee Brands, Ranked Enjoy Coffee With A Tasty Pan Cubano Cuban breakfast sandwich and coffee - Sandra Foyt/Shutterstock As a breakfast staple, pan Cubano is a testament to the Cubans' adaptability and ingenuity. According to University of South Florida associate librarian Andy Huse (via Taste Cooking), this long loaf was originally much shorter. French and Spanish culinary influences gradually led cooks to increase its measurement, however. There's also a widespread belief that as Cuba fought to gain independence from Spain towards the end of the 19th century, the war prompted locals to stretch the length of the bread so there'd be more portions available for rationing. Pan Cubano's crackly crust, soft interior, and light sweetness make it great to eat on its own, but as we've mentioned, it's even better when spread with butter for pan de mantequilla or with the sweet and tangy guava jam. It can also be toasted to be the perfect vessel for a simple Cuban breakfast sandwich, with fried eggs, cheese, pickles, and slices of deli meat layered between two loaves. For something more decadent, there's pan con bistec, with thin slices of steak, onions, and the fragrant all-around mojo garlic sauce as the filling. The steak can be marinated in the same sauce, which combines the aromatic and savory garlic paste with bitter orange juice, cumin, and oregano. The meat is then pan-fried or grilled. An interesting note about the pan Cubano: According to Huse, Cubans prefer to buy this from the bakery rather than make it at home, as encouraged by renowned Cuban chef, the late Nitza Villapol. Add Something Sweet To The Table Pastelitos de guayaba - Chang/Getty Images Cubans also enjoy having something sweet for breakfast. A plate of seasonal tropical fruits papaya, bananas, and mangoes is a simple but popular choice. There's also their version of French bread called torrejas. Bread is sliced into one-inch pieces and then soaked in a mixture of milk, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It gets a second soak in a bowl of beaten eggs before being fried until it turns golden brown. Pan Cubano is perfect for this because its crust can withstand all that moisture. Jams also serve as sweet highlights of a Cuban breakfast, with guava as a popular flavor in the country. It's often made by cooking down guava paste, a common ingredient in various Latin American cuisines made by boiling ripe guava pulp with sugar. It's also used as a filling for pastelitos de guayaba, a buttery, flaky pastry enjoyed during breakfast and as a snack. The bright red guava paste is mixed with cream cheese so its intense, fruity flavor is tempered by something rich and slightly salty. Typically treated as dessert, arroz con leche or rice pudding can also be a filling breakfast. The Cuban version uses short-grain rice so it comes out thicker. The rice is cooked in water with a cinnamon stick and a lemon peel. Once all the water has been absorbed, the flavoring agents are removed and condensed milk gets stirred in. The dish is served with a sprinkling of cinnamon powder. Read the original article on Tasting Table To honor the "Matriarchs of Oklahoma Native Art" who have been "Lighting Pathways" over the past four decades, an exhibition at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is digging into the past. In the 1970s, contemporary Native art began to surge in popularity, as major museums organized exhibitions, the Cherokee Heritage Center near Tahlequah launched its prestigious Trail of Tears Art Show, and the Institute of American Indian Arts was founded in Santa Fe, New Mexico. But something was missing from the movement. "You might see Harry Fonseca or you might see T.C. Cannon or Fritz Scholder. But, like today, the art field was very dominated by male artists," said Tahnee Ahtone, a Kiowa, Seminole and Muscogee curator. "The female artists, they were still having to maintain their day jobs, they were still maintaining to be parents, and also to have an art career. And there was a very strong influence within galleries in the market to pay the female artists less than their male peers ... even though the women were creating just as elaborate art." A man stops to look on Feb. 16 at a cotton "Ribbon Dress" by Kiowa artist Sharron Ahtone Harjo, which is on view in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's new exhibition "Lighting Pathways: Matriarchs of Oklahoma Native Art." So, her aunt Virginia Stroud, a Keetoowah Cherokee and Muscogee painter, helped organize in 1985 the groundbreaking traveling exhibition "Daughters of the Earth." Featuring works by eight Oklahoma Native American women artists, the exhibit launched in Oklahoma City on a three-year tour across the country, according to The Oklahoman Archives. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is celebrating the "Daughters of the Earth" trailblazers, along with three of their fellow Oklahoma Native women artists, in its exhibit "Lighting Pathways: Matriarchs of Oklahoma Native Art." "They had an impact on the Native American art movement across the country (as) Oklahoma is the heart of Native America," said Eric Singleton, the museum's curator of ethnology. "It was really important to put these artists in a place where people could see their work again and see it in the context of the individual artists and not some larger show. It's just about them." People look at the art in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's exhibition "Lighting Pathways: Matriarchs of Oklahoma Native Art." 'Lighting Pathways' pays tribute to living Native women artists from Oklahoma On view through April 28, "Lighting Pathways" is paying tribute to seven living women who overcame significant challenges and emerged as influential artists in the late 20th-century Oklahoma Native American art scene. It is curated by Ahtone and America Meredith, who is Cherokee. The exhibit features works by Stroud; her sister, Sharron Ahtone Harjo, who is Kiowa; Mary Adair, who is Cherokee; Allie Chaddlesone, who is Kootenai; Ruthe Blalock Jones, who is Shawnee, Delaware and Peoria; Brenda Kennedy, who is Citizen Potawatomi; and Jane Osti, who is Cherokee. Although some of the artists featured in the 1980s exhibit have died, Jones, Adair, Ahtone Harjo and Stroud were part of "Daughters of the Earth." "This is to remind the arts community that these women contributed in this way, during a time period that many of us have probably fallen asleep on. ... Back then, there really wasn't a living time stamp on them that lived on the internet or within archives. Even though we share these memories with one another in the community, we wanted to make sure that we still celebrated them," said Tahnee Ahtone, the daughter of Ahtone Harjo. "We included Brenda Kennedy, along with Allie Chaddlesone ... and Jane Osti, for their contributions as somewhat the generation following the 'Daughters of the Earth.'" Sharron Ahtone Harjo is given the Arts in Education Award on Jan. 30 by Gov. Kevin Stitt during the 45th Annual Governor's Arts Awards at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. For Ahtone Harjo, "Lighting Pathways" has reignited her 40-year-old memories of "Daughters of the Earth." "At that time, things were lacking in the way of promotion for Oklahoma artists, so we got on a bandwagon Virginia started. ... We're all really pretty close friends and relatives now," Ahtone Harjo said. "To be included in something such as this is special. ... I have lived in the Oklahoma City area since The Cowboy first opened and that was a long time ago. I've seen it grow and grow and grow, and it's good to see the Native things here. It's been here, but sometimes you couldn't see it as visibly as (you can) now." Here's what to know about the seven artists included in "Lighting Pathways: Matriarchs of Oklahoma Native Art:" Seven living women artists, clockwise from bottom left, Virginia Stroud, Mary Adair, Ruthe Blalock Jones, Brenda Kennedy, Jane Osti, Sharon Ahtone Harjo and Allie Chaddlesone are featured in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's exhibition "Lighting Pathways: Matriarchs of Oklahoma Native Art." Sharron Ahtone Harjo (Kiowa) Kiowa artist Sharron Ahtone Harjo, also known as Marcelle Sharron Ahtone Harjo, has devoted her career to reviving and ensuring the continuation of ledger art, a Native narrative pictorial style of painting on paper or muslin. She and her adopted sister, Virginia Stroud, were instrumental in bringing back ledger art in the 1970s with encouragement from Kiowa elders and their teacher, Cheyenne artist Dick West, at Bacone College. Ahtone Harjo's grandfather, Samuel Ahtone (1864-1949), was a Kiowa ledger artist, and she studied his ledger book and calendars growing up. Her great-grandmother Millie Durgan Goombi, a captive adopted into the Kiowa Tribe, was a master cradleboard maker. Ahtone Harjo inherited her Kiowa name Sain-Tah-Oodie, which translates to "Killed With a Blunted Arrow," from Durgan Goombi. After graduating from Bacone, she served as Miss Indian American 1965 and earned her bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. In 1978, she helped establish the Center for the American Indian in OKC. The Oklahoma City resident is also a longtime arts educator who taught in many schools nationwide, including at the Concho Indian Boarding School before taking a position in Edmond Public Schools. She was honored at the 2024 Oklahoma Governor's Arts Awards as one of five recipients of the Arts in Education Award. People look at the art in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's exhibition "Lighting Pathways: Matriarchs of Oklahoma Native Art." Virginia Stroud (Keetoowah Cherokee/Muscogee) Virginia Stroud, who is Keetoowah Cherokee and Muscogee and lives in Tahlequah, is considered one of Americas foremost female contemporary Native painters. Born in California, she was just 11 when her mother died, and the future artist moved to Muskogee, where she studied at Bacone. Jacob and Evelyn Ahtone (Kiowa) adopted Stoud, and she and her adopted sister, Ahtone Harjo, were key in reviving ledger art in the 1960s and '70s. The Cherokee tear dress was invented in 1969 for Stroud to wear as Miss Cherokee and popularized when she was crowned Miss Indian America. People look at the art in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's exhibition "Lighting Pathways: Matriarchs of Oklahoma Native Art." Mary Adair (Cherokee Nation) Cherokee Nation artist Mary Adair, who lives near Sallisaw, was born on her grandparents' Oklahoma allotment and immersed in Cherokee history by her relatives. She started in oils and then moved to watercolors, creating her version of the flatstyle painting that West taught her at Bacone. In the first art show she ever entered, the 1967 Philbrook Indian Annual in Tulsa, she won a prize. Teaching and mentoring youth took precedence over her own art career, but she has exhibited her work throughout Oklahoma and nationwide. Along with painting, Adair has crafted moccasins, shawls and finger-woven sashes for her family and other Cherokee youth, eventually winning in New Mexico a Santa Fe Indian Market award for fashion. "Mine" left, and "Fancy Dancer" by Brenda Kennedy, who is Citizen Potawatomi, are on view in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Brenda Kennedy (Citizen Potawatomi) Citizen Potawatomi artist Brenda Kennedy, also known as Brenda Kennedy Grummer, is arguably best known for her naturalistic acrylic paintings of powwows but has experimented with many styles. Raised on a farm in the Cheyenne and Arapaho nation, she graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State, where she met her husband, Ken Grummer, who's encouraged her throughout her art career. She reconnected with her Potawatomi community as a young adult and attended dances in Shawnee and throughout the state. She's won numerous awards, including the Grand Awards at the last Philbrook Indian Annual in 1979. Her work is in several public collections, including the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center. Artwork by seven living women artists is on view in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's exhibition "Lighting Pathways: Matriarchs of Oklahoma Native Art." Jane Osti (Cherokee Nation) Cherokee Nation potter Jane Osti, of Tahlequah, creates utilitarian vessels as well as more experimental and sculptural works. She has always combined Cherokee and Southeastern iconography with her observations of the natural world and geometric abstractions. She hand-coils her clay forms, which she can fire outdoors or in a kiln. Receiving almost no art education in rural Oklahoma, where she grew up, Osti discovered art in California and returned to the Cherokee Nation to earn a master's degree in art from Northeastern State University. Osti apprenticed with Cherokee Nation artist Anna Bell Sixkiller Mitchell, who revived ceramics among Oklahoma Cherokee, and in turn taught subsequent generations of ceramics artists. The Cherokee Nation named her a National Treasure in 2005. An "Untitled" stone sculpture by by Allie Chaddlesone, who is Kootenai, is on view at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Allie Chaddlesone (Kootenai) Adeline "Allie" Chaddlesone did not know of any women who sculpted in stone when she became an artist, but she watched men carve stone and knew she could do it, too. She not only taught herself to carve stone but also quarried her own alabaster near Anadarko. Born in Ktunaxa territory in British Columbia, Chaddlesone grew up in the Kalispel Reservation in Washington. Kalispel was her first language. She studied modern dance and two-dimensional art at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, where she met her husband, Kiowa artist Sherman Chaddlesone (1947-2013). At first, she painted and experimented with ceramics, but she taught herself to carve stone in the 1980s and has exhibited in Oklahoma and across the country. "Pie Ad Rissa at the Dance" by Ruthe Blalock Jones, who is Shawnee, Delaware and Peoria, is on view in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Ruthe Blalock Jones (Shawnee/Delaware/Peoria) At age 13, Ruthe Blalock Jones, who is Shawnee, Delaware and Peoria, first entered a painting in the Philbrook Indian Annual in Tulsa. Her painting won an award, and famed Muscogee artist Acee Blue Eagle purchased it, launching her career as a painter and printmaker. Her graceful figurative works evolved from the heavily contoured Bacone school style. Her traditionalist full-blood parents spoke their tribal languages and encouraged her to participate in Shawnee ceremonies, stomp dances, Native American Church meetings and powwows. Charles Banks Wilson was an early mentor, and Jones studied art under West in high school and at Bacone. She later earned her master's degree at Northeastern State University. From 1979 to 2009, she served as the first Native woman director of Bacone's art department. Born in Claremore, Jones is an internationally known artist, educator and art historian and was named the 2011 Honored One at the Red Earth Festival. She lives in Okmulgee and has exhibited her work on four continents. 'LIGHTING PATHWAYS' When : Through April 28. Where : National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63. Tickets and information: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: National Cowboy Museum spotlighting 'Matriarchs of Oklahoma Native Art' Hoi An is a favorite destination for many Asian tourists. (Photo: Nhan Dan) Ranked in second position is China with nearly 890,000 arrivals, 6.4 times higher than the same period in 2023. Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and India are also in the top 10 markets with the largest source of visitors to Vietnam in the first quarter of this year. In general, the total number of international visitors to Vietnam in the first quarter of 2024 reached and exceeded the same period in 2019. The Indian market reached more than 300% compared to the time before the COVID-19 pandemic; Cambodia, 335%; Indonesia, 188%; and Singapore, 122%. Surveying booking data on the system, travel platform Agoda said that Korean tourists are "falling in love" with Vietnam's wonderful coastal cities and resort islands with fine sand beaches and clear and blue water. Accordingly, Korean tourists favor the top four destinations of Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hoi An and Phu Quoc. These are all famous locations with beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and many attractive tourist activities. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City is ranked 5th on the list of most popular Vietnamese destinations for Korean tourists. "The appeal of Vietnam's beaches to international tourists is undeniable. They love to travel to vibrant coastal towns and cities with stretching beautiful white beaches. From ancient Hoi An to tropical Phu Quoc island, or energetic Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers a diverse picture of experiences that Korean visitors particularly favour, which is clearly illustrated by Agoda's tourism data for the past quarter," shared Mr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Vietnam Country Director at Agoda. Mr. Truong Duc Hai, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hon Ngoc Vien Dong Tourism Company, said that Cambodian tourists come to Vietnam mainly for business, medical examination and tourism. "Previously, most Cambodian tourists to Vietnam went to Tay Ninh to visit Ba Den Mountain. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, many Cambodian tourists still go to Ha Tien, and then they take the train to Phu Quoc. The pearl island is currently a favorite destination for Cambodian tourists," Mr. Hai said. According to the Cambodian press, in addition to Phu Quoc, Cambodian tourists also love the coastal city of Da Nang, the ancient town of Hoi An, Da Lat, Nha Trang, and Vung Tau. Last week, an article in the India Times said: "Vietnam is the precious gem of Southeast Asia. Tourists can explore the bustling streets of Hanoi, take a boat through the beautiful limestone mountains on the Ha Long Bay or relax on the beautiful beaches of Da Nang and Nha Trang. With affordable accommodation, delicious street food for under 100 rupees (about 30,000 VND) and cheap transportation options such as buses and domestic railways, Vietnam is a paradise for budget travel." Also last week, Indonesia's Tempo newspaper published information about Vietnam's tourism industry growing strongly and that Vietnam is also an increasingly popular destination for Indonesian people, as the number of Indonesian tourists to Vietnam increased 188% in the first quarter compared to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic. Assessing Vietnam's potential and rapidly developing tourism market, Tempo said that Asia has become Vietnam's main tourism market. In addition, Vietnam is increasing the number of direct flights to Southeast Asian countries. The newspaper also said that the number of Indian tourists coming to Vietnam increased while many Indian billionaires rented luxury resorts in Phu Quoc, Da Nang and Ha Long to hold their weddings. Australians also travel more to Vietnam thanks to cheap airfares and new direct flights from this country to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Many Indonesian travel companies evaluate Vietnam as a potential market to exploit. "I think the two countries have many opportunities to promote tourism because of cultural and food similarities. Many Indonesians look forward to traveling and learning about Vietnamese culture," shared Mr. Abie Nugroho, Marketing Director of LCM Travel Agency in Jakarta. Explaining the reason for the strong growth of international visitors to Vietnam, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh shared that the number of international visitors recovered strongly thanks to the effectiveness of favorable visa policies and effective tourism promotion programs. A positive and encouraging start right in the first quarter of this year will be the premise and motivation for Vietnam's tourism industry to strive to achieve the goal of welcoming 17-18 million international visitors in the whole year of 2024./. Yalena Perdomos story is the American dream. Shes an immigrant from Honduras who overcame struggles with poverty and housing, by sheer perseverance. When she was told no, she just tried harder and it finally paid off. The morning of April 10, Perdomo was handed the keys to her new four bedroom Habitat for Humanity home in Bonita Springs. She will share her new abode with her four-year-old daughter and her mother. Its a dream come true for Perdomo who has been sharing a small bedroom in her sisters Cape Coral home with her mother, daughter and dog. Shes been waking up before daylight to drive drop her daughter off at daycare and then head to work more than an hour away in Naples. Now they will have a much shorter commute and a place where they will each have their own bedroom. The challenging journey began in 2000 when Perdomo was just 13 and her family migrated from Honduras to New York. It wasnt easy in the big city so in 2014 she moved to Southwest Florida to start a new life with the dream of having a home for herself and her parents. It was tough when I started this journey, Perdomo began. But mom and dad took a risk taking us out of Honduras, and I didnt want to still struggle like they did there. If are going to a new country, make the best of it. She moved from place to place always struggling to pay the rent. In 2017 she applied to Habitat for Humanity and got denied. She applied again in 2019 and was again denied. But Perdomo did not give up. Habitat for Humanity built 14 homes on Partnership Place in Bonita Springs. The last two homes were finally complete and Wednesday one of the houses was dedicated to the Perdomo family. What is great about those letters is they tell you specific why you dont qualify so it is up to you to follow the directions or just give up, she explained. It was because of my collections, thats why I was denied. Habitat recipients cant have big debts and they need to be able to pay a mortgage that is 30 percent of their income. She had a dream of having a home for herself and her daughter, said Melody Lineberry HUD certified housing coordinator for Habitat for Humanity. Unfortunately at that point it was responded to with a letter saying she did not meet the requirements. For a lot of people it would have ended there. But it didnt end. Perdomo she spent hours each month with Habitat counselors trying to find ways to pay her debts so she could qualify. She went over mortgage guidelines, and learned better money management. When she received a government Covid check, she used the money to negotiate payments to the three creditors. Finally, debt free, she applied to Habitat again last year. The time was finally right. She had the income and the requirements, Lineberry said. Perdomo said it was her daughter that kept her going when it seemed impossible. The thing that made me change my mentality was the day I found out I was pregnant, Perdomo described. I want her to look up to me. I want her to have the drive and know if she wants to do it, she can do it. She also wanted a better life for her daughter and mother. It was very cramped in the one bedroom they all shared. They had no privacy. Perdomo had to wake her daughter up before dawn to drive to daycare and then work. Yalena Perdomo hugs Melody Lineberry, HUD certified housing coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, during a ceremony welcoming Perdomo to her new home. Perdomos daughter Lindzey, 4, was excited about her new home. Sometimes we were in traffic for more than an hour, she described. It was horrendous for her and it was draining for me. Qualifying for a home was not the end of the struggles. Every applicant has to have 300 hours of equity helping to build Habitat Homes. That wasnt easy since Perdomo worked Monday through Friday and could only put in those hours on the weekend. I feel like people get discouraged when it comes to the 300 hours, she explained. You think 300 hours and you think my God and on top of that you have life, you have jobs. There was a time when I got scared because I needed to be done with my hours by March 31, so in February I stared freaking out and then in the middle of March I started freaking out that I would not make it. She rallied friends, co-workers, family and even a Facebook friend to donate some hours. She said one lady donated 42 hours, helping her finally meet the requirement. Now the four bedroom, two bathroom, 1,400 square foot home is hers. Family, volunteers, and members of the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation attended the ceremony welcoming Yalena Perdomo to her new Habitat for Humanity home. I know this has been a very long process, Becky Lucas, CEO of Habitat told Perdomo. It speaks to your resilience. I know it is not your first time applying for a habitat home. It means a lot to us that you placed your trust in us. After the ceremony Lindzey ran into her new bedroom. Its going to be rainbow, she said about the color she wants. And there will be a bed and star lights and lots of princess dresses. Then she jumped up and down waving a flag as she sang, my room, my room, my room. Perdomo is most excited about having some privacy. I can have some quiet time, she described. I just want stability and my own space. Partnership Place off Bonita Drive was made possible by collaboration between sponsors and Habitat. Shadow Wood helped fund six of the 14 homes in that community, including Perdomos and the final home that will be dedicated very soon. Shadow Wood has had a partnership with Habitat for the past 17 years and has donated more than $2.5 million to the organization. Our Partnership with Shadow Wood is like no other, Lucas stressed. If we could just duplicate this all over our county what a different organization we could be and how much more of this critical issue of affordable housing we could impact. Norm Wells, president of the board of trustees for the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation, was happy to see the impact it is having on the Perdomo family. The wonderful thing is she has a place for her daughter and her mother, Wells said. She is a hard worker and it is a wonderful story about someone who has come to this country and found a way to improve their lives and now has a stable home to raise her family. Wednesdays ceremony was on the four year anniversary of Perdomos fathers death. She wishes he too could be moving into the new home, but she is happy that she can provide for her mother and daughter. Ever since I left New York I prayed every day just to be stable, Perdomo said. I first did it for my parents. I wanted them to be proud. I wanted to give her a place where she could relax and just be happy. Now I am doing it for my daughter. When I left New York I didnt want to be one of the numbers of migrants can came here and did nothing. I didnt want to be moving every year. I wanted the stability. During the ceremony, Pastor Steve Hayes of First Naples Church praised Perdomos choices. You took the harder path, rather than the more common path, Hayes said. But for Perdomo the biggest praise is from her daughter. Every time I bring her here she says mommy I am so proud of you and she hugs me. It has just been a long long journey, but it has been a great journey. More Wonder Gardens signs 10-year agreement to run, update 'community treasure' in Bonita Springs And Celebrate Bonita is April 27 at Riverside Park This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Realizing the dream: Hard path leads to Bonita home for Honduran immigrant What is the shaka? Hawaii lawmakers want to officially claim 'hang loose' hand gesture (Left to right) Ohio residents Lindsey Rusch of Grandview Heights, Sue Rusch of Columbus, and Lisa Rusch of Grandview Heights visiting Whalers Village in Kaanapali near Lahaina on Maui. In a nod to its rich cultural heritage, Hawaii's State Legislature appears poised to designate the iconic "shaka" gesture as the island's official symbol, recognizing it as its birthplace. The shaka, also known as "hang loose" or "hang ten," is characterized by extending the pinky and thumb while curling down the remaining fingers and waving. The gesture, an intrinsic part of Hawaiian culture and embraced by the surfing community, is commonly used to convey greetings, gratitude and camaraderie. More: Trump trial live updates: Judge excuses potential jurors who said they can't be impartial Aloha State lawmakers introduced a pair of bills earlier this year to make the shaka the official gesture of Hawaii. If the bills pass, the iconic two-finger sign of goodwill would become the first state-sanctioned wave in the nation. But where did the shaka come from, and how do locals feel about the bill? The history of the Hawaii hand gesture The roots of the "shaka" symbol can be traced back to the early 1900s, intertwined with the indomitable spirit of one man: Hamana Kalili. Kalili, a worker at the Kahuku Sugar Mill, endured a life-altering accident when his hand was caught in the factory rollers. This left him with only two fingers on his right handthe thumb and the pinky. Despite the hardship, Kalili found a new purpose as the security officer for the local train, tasked with warding off mischievous children from hitching joyrides. With a wave of his unique two-finger hand, Kalili signaled the children to halt their antics. Initially born out of necessity, the gesture soon became a symbol of respect and understanding within the community, and residents adopted Kalili's distinctive wave. As the waves of tourists began to flock to Hawaii after World War II, the shaka symbol found its way beyond the shores of Kahuku. Visitors embraced the gesture, embodying its message of inclusivity and compassion. Today, Hamana Kalili's legacy endures through a bronze statue erected in his honor at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. Though the exact origins of the term "shaka" remain debated, some theories suggest a link to Japan's Shaka Buddha. Residents feel a deep connection with the gesture. The legislation enjoys widespread bipartisan support from both residents and lawmakers, indicating a clear path to becoming law. While some view it as a mere formality, others are more enthusiastic. Kara Simpson, a 32-year-old small business owner from Kailua, said the gesture is already "engrained" in Hawaii's culture. "I think it's pretty standard and already a symbol of the state. I don't think they have to officially make it (a distinction), but it's cool. I think it's already a big thing here," Simpson said. Marian Clark, a 40-year-old nurse from Windward Oahu, said the bill was "important" and noted how she taught her son to "shaka" whenever someone lets them cross the street. "It's an expression of love. Hi, goodbye. Thank you. I feel like it has multiple meanings, but it's positive," Clark said. "It's just a symbol of Aloha and representation of where you're from." Jeff Kamakele, a 70-year-old resident from Windward Oahu, agreed with Clark's sentiment. "It's unique to the islands because it really started from here. You know, so it's something that we can relate to," Kamakele said. "I think it's a good thing because it identifies us." Project Shaka takes over Hawaii in 2024 'Shaka-mania in Hawaii' gains momentum, with several other statewide projects celebrating the iconic gesture later this year. Starting in June, Hawaii residents can visit the state's Department of Motor Vehicles and sign up for a special license plate featuring the shaka hand gesture. The aloha tags will cost $30.50, with $20 of the proceeds supporting business education programs. The shaka gesture has come a long way from being a simple hand sign to a cultural symbol. Technology experts are recommending that the Unicode Consortium, which decides on the creation of emojis, reconsider a new shaka symbol that accurately represents the gesture by having the fingers facing inward. The decision is expected in November, and if approved, the shaka emoji will be used in countless text messages worldwide. Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hawaii's 'shaka' hand sign proposed as official state symbol Feeling spicy? Starbucks has launched a beverage line just for you. From April 16 on, customers can grab one of three new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers built off the current "swicy" trend. A hit with consumers, "swicy" is a combination of the words "sweet" and "spicy." Starbucks fans will also be able to try the coffee retailer's new cold foam flavor: Spicy Cream Cold Foam. The new refreshers and cold foam flavor will only be available this spring while supplies last, according to Starbucks. More on Starbucks' new beverages Starbucks launches new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers beverages. Pictured: Spicy Strawberry The sweetness of Starbucks' Refreshers are paired with its new Spicy Chili Powder Blend and lemonade to create a "swicy" flavor. Here's the new lineup, as described by Starbucks: Spicy Dragonfruit combines sweet flavors of mango and exotic dragonfruit shaken with ice, real dragonfruit pieces, zesty lemonade and Starbucks Spicy Chili Powder Blend Spicy Pineapple features flavors of pineapple and passionfruit shaken with ice, real pineapple pieces, zesty lemonade and Starbucks Spicy Chili Powder Blend Spicy Strawberry brings together sweet flavors of strawberry and acai shaken with ice, real strawberry pieces, zesty lemonade and Starbucks Spicy Chili Powder Blend Spicy Cream Cold Foam was crafted with Starbucks classic cold foam and Spicy Chili Powder Blend and can be added to any Starbucks beverage. Try adding Spicy Cream Cold Foam to a Cold Brew for a coffee with a kick, or enjoy it with an Iced Chai Tea Latte for a delicious combination of spices. Starbucks launches new Spicy Cream Cold Foam What is 'swicy'? "Swicy food is food that is a combination of sweet and spicy, also known as "sweet heat." The craving has kicked up a notch in recent years, with more "swicy" products emerging, especially from the condiment and drink categories. "Swicy" items on menus were up 38% in 2023, according to market research firm Datassential, reported by TODAY. Nick Wuest, senior manager at Shake Shacks Innovation Kitchen, told TODAY that he's been noticing a growing popularity with a classic "swicy" product, a Mexican chili-lime salt called Tajin. "People are being exposed to more, in new exciting ways, and that has made them a lot more adventurous in the way they eat," Wuest told TODAY. Starbucks' BOGO event: April 18 Starbucks Rewards members can enjoy half off all their favorites with a Buy One Get One offer on April 18. What better time to try the new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers or Spicy Cream Cold Foam! On April 18, Starbucks Rewards members in the U.S. will receive half off a beverage of their choosing with Starbucks' Buy One Get One offer. Buy any beverage of any size and receive one free between 12 and 6 p.m. Starbucks Reserve Roasteries and stores have also put a sweet and spicy twist on signature classics the affogato and espresso martini. Learn more about the new hot honey beverages available at Starbucks Reserve stores in Chicago, NYC and Seattle here, and more about Starbucks' spring menu here. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Starbucks gets 'swicy:' Coffee chain dives into sweet heat trend Some of them did what they had to do. Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez I dont mean to brag, but I do drink water sometimes. I mostly drink it from a tap in a glass or a ridiculous pink tumbler, but I do drink it sometimes! Other timesand again, I am not trying to make anyone jealousI forget my absurd drinking vessel and I have to buy bottled water. Thats where my bragging rights end. I am a fairly hydrated person whose brain is rotted by the internet and the times and the motherhood of it all, so when I am standing in front of a wall of bottled waters, all of which are packaged like the way typing in all lowercase letters feels, all judgment and best practices go out the window and Im a sucker for whateverlooks the most hydrating?? Oy. This is to tell you that bottled waters were the perfect taste test for the Serious Eats team to tackle. There are too many options, they all promise far too much, and we are smart, mean, and skeptical, especially when you tell us weve got a weird task ahead. So the SE team pulled together eight brands of bottled water that you're likely to find in your local supermarket and methodically, empirically, scientifically! tasted its way through them all in a quest to identify the very best. And! we! loved! every! minute! of! doing! it! A lot of bathroom breaks, though. The Contenders Fiji Dasani Voss Icelandic Poland Spring Aquafina Smartwater Evian The Criteria Listenno one here is a water somm. We were just a group of silly, goofy food nerds fresh off a creamy peanut butter taste test looking to create more content youd enjoy reading and find useful. We still are, to be clear. With that in mind, heres what we came up with: Good bottled water should not taste likemuch. Its allowed a tinge of minerality, a hit of glacial energy, and literally nothing else. If you smell something before you drink itthats bad bottled water. If you taste something amidst drinking it, thats mid bottled water. And if you taste something after it? Oh my god, thats disgusting bottled water. You are allowed to feel things while drinking bottled water, and those feelings correlate directly to the waters quality (again, in this group of non-water-somms opinions). Did you gulp and find yourself in Fiji? Great! (We gulped Fiji and found ourselves in a nearly retired dentists waiting room, but more on that in a sec.) Did you chug and think I dont know where I am, but I am mouth-down in a street puddle? Not as great! If it's helpful, the whole group ranked that famous old NYC tap water as their second favorite in the whole bunch for its clean taste, lack of smell, and general easy-to-chug vibes. (I obviously could not include it in this ranking of bottled waters, though.) We (1) let all samples come to room temperature before tasting them, (2) poured each one into identical paper cups, and (3) required our testers to smell everything before tasting. We then asked them to rank just on smell and taste, but to also consider minerality, as each persons tolerance for and opinion on minerality would sway their rankings. This sub-scoring minerality scale was not to assess good versus bad, but to assess the degree to which each taster did or did not detect a mineral flavor in the water. Daniel prefaced the test by explaining: You could, in theory, rate a water as having a four in minerality, meaning a discernible mineral flavor, but a one in taste, which might indicate that you, personally, don't like waters with a mineral flavor. I then factored in each persons comments on minerality in the smell and taste categories to enforce the below rankings. TL;DR: Our findings from this taste test are thatYou should feel like youre doing something good for yourself when you drink water (lol lol lol). If the opposite occurs, pick another bottle? See a physician? I dont know, I have to prep for a chicken broth taste test. Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez The Rankings Icelandic, 3/5 I came here prepared to write a whole helpful and clever thing about how Icelandic water was the loveliest, most neutral offering of the bunch and then I revisited the tasting notes. Daniel Gritzer wrote in hisand I quoteI have no complaints. I, in turn, have nothing left to give you. Simply huge, if true. Dasani, 2.38/5 Given that the collective internet has made hating Dasani an entire personality, I was so pleased to see it come in second place. Each one of our testers remarked positively on its minerality (slight, pleasant, etc.), which you will not see again on this list. Genevieve and Yasmine both wrote theyd voluntarily reach for a bottle of this, and that theyd be happy to have purchased it. I recused myself from this tasting as its keeper, but as a person who used to spend too much time in Florida, Id know the inoffensive, not-cold-enough flatness of a Dasani anywhere and second this ranking. Smartwater, 2.25/5 Again, nothing bad here, which is a huge win. Megan noted the lack of aftertaste (again, a positive!). Megan had lots of funny things to say about all subsequent waters aftertastes. The only thing that knocked Smartwater into third was Genevieves note about a very distinct distillation flavor. Its not harsh, she wrote, but it tastes really distilled. Poland Spring, 2.13/5 Again again, notes from the group on inoffensiveness, thirst quench-iness, and lovely-and-fine neutrality. Yasmine tanked this one, writing It just tastes like water thats been sitting out for a while. In its defenseit had been. But I certainly cant speak to what all happened to that springy stuff before they bottled it. Anyway, Poland Spring is solid and probably best enjoyed cold. Aquafina, 2.13/5 There comes a point in every Serious Eats taste test where the tide starts to turn. Allow me to introduce you to that point! Twas here we transitioned from everything going great to mentions of chlorine, other smells, and aftertastes. Its worth noting Daniel wrote, though: I like this one just fine. This from a man who joked the other day on Slack that we should start a YouTube show called Old Man Gritz Hates Everything. I worry! He may be chronically dehydrated except for the day we did this test?? Evian, 2.13/5 To be fair, everyone went into this talking about how much they dislike Evian. They then proceeded to blind-trash Evian. It reminds me of Florida water minus the obvious punch of sulfur, wrote Daniel. Slightly milky, wet doggy, wrote Megan. It tastes very strongly ofnot natural, wrote Genevieve. Fiji, 1.88/5 Right off the bat, Genevieve clocked this as Evian-esque, which youll know is a sick burn if you have been reading since one paragraph ago. I cannot speak to how this water tasted in real time, but I can tell you it was not fun to instruct people to drink cardboard! Voss, 1.85/5 Not just a distinct papery taste here, but an aggressive smell as wella remarkable feat for a taste test centered on smelling and tasting as little as possible per sip. Things were said both in jest and in seriousness that were not fit to print, which feels both completely dramatic for such an undertaking and also so perfectly my coworkers! Our Tasting Methodology All taste tests are conducted completely blind and without discussion. Tasters taste samples in random order. For example, taster A may taste sample 1 first, while taster B will taste sample 6 first. This is to prevent palate fatigue from unfairly giving any one sample an advantage. Tasters are asked to fill out tasting sheets ranking the samples for various criteria that vary from sample to sample. All data is tabulated and results are calculated with no editorial input in order to give us the most impartial representation of actual results possible. Read the original article on Serious Eats. I traveled to 18 countries for only $7,500 by sleeping in caves A man spent just 6k [$7,471 USD] traveling to 18 countries keeping costs down by sleeping in caves. Robert Michelsen, 21, solo travelled around Europe and visited countries including Portugal, Serbia, Croatia and Poland over the course of eight months. He wanted to see the world without money stopping him. Robert was frugal with his cash rarely going to restaurants and instead eating raw eggs and carrots. Robert said he was determined to see the world, and would not let money stop him. Robert Michelsen / SWNS He slept in caves, on beaches and in cheap hostels along the way. Despite having a run in with wolves and nearly being robbed, Robert said he wouldnt have done it any other way. Robert, who works in sales, from Bergen, Norway, said: I eat a lot of raw eggs and carrots. I was sleeping in caves and on the beach. Robert relied on sleeping in caves and on beaches around Europe. Robert Michelsen / SWNS Discomfort is the price you pay for freedom. I want to see the world and dont think money should stop me. It made me rely on the skills I have been learning since I was young. I wouldnt have done it another way. Robert has always loved traveling and began his solo-travel adventure in February 2023 staying at a farm for free in Azores, a group of islands in a region in Portugal. For his first month of travel, he only slept on beaches. Robert Michelsen / SWNS He milked the cows every morning for a month in exchange for a place to stay and a plate of food. Robert continued to travel around the islands even going to the beach and staying in a tent for a week. He said: I wanted to learn as much as possible about farm life. I didnt use any money in the first month. I went to the beach and put up a tent. I found an excluded spot and built a campsite. Robert and his brother were circled by a pack of wolves while camping in Italy. Robert Michelsen / SWNS After two months island hopping, Robert travelled to Lisbon, Portugal where he stayed in a cheap hostel for around 17 [$21 USD] -a-night. He took a day trip to Sintra and even snuck into Pena palace as he didnt want to pay the high entry cost. Robert said: I worked out a way to sneak in. He then travelled down to the Algarve again sleeping in caves he found on the beach. Robert continued to travel around Europe staying in hostels when he was in the cities and camping when he was in more remote locations. He met up with his brothers and friends along the way occasionally staying in cheap villas with them. While camping in Portofino, Italy with his brother they were scared by a pack of wolves. Robert said: Wolves were circling around our tent. I took a break from camping and started checking into hostels. Robert managed to keep his costs incredibly low, while hopping around Europe. Robert Michelsen / SWNS Some of Roberts favourite places to visit were Rome and Serbia. He travelled to 13 countries in just six months returning to Norway in August 2023. Robert estimates he spent just 4,273 [$5,320 USD] on flights, accommodation, food and activities. After four months saving up at home, he headed to Budapest for New Years Eve before visiting Slovakia, Austria, Morocco and England. Robert had more money to spend on hostels and food this time round but still only spent 1,700 [$2,116 USD] on his travels. Robert said that his journey gave him a new perspective on life. Robert Michelsen / SWNS He said: A lot of people travel to a resort or a hotel and then go to the beach and sunbathe. There is so much more a city has to offer. You never really see the true side that way. They pay to stay ignorant. Ive learnt a lot of different perspectives of life. Countries Robert visited on his first trip Azores Portugal Spain France Monaco Italy Vaticans San Marino Croatia Montenegro Poland Bulgaria Serbia Countries he visited on his second trip Hungary Slovakia Austria Morocco England (London) The pride of New England regional cuisine, delicious lobster rolls have long fascinated tourists, but they've also been the subject of heated debates among locals. Should lobster rolls be hot or cold? Do you add mayonnaise or stick with melted butter? No matter how you make 'em, everyone can agree that the sweet, tender lobster is the star of the show. So, try your hardest to get your claws on some good lobster meat! This recipe is inspired by the cold lobster salad-style rolls found in Maine. Cooked lobster is tossed with a small amount of mayonnaise, celery, lemon juice, chives, and spice. As with many foods found in roadside stands and beach shacks, potato chips and dill pickles make the perfect accompaniment to this sandwich. What kind of lobster goes into lobster rolls? If you have a good seafood shop nearby that has fresh lobster, try to snag a few. If intact, the claw meat is a beautiful shade of red, plus it's delightfully tender. A more widely available and less intimidating option is lobster tails. Sold in the seafood section of most grocery stores, lobster tails are where the bulk of the meat is, and theyre very easy to prepare. You can grill lobster tails, boil them, or simply steam them (see the tip below). What kind of bread is best for lobster rolls Purists will insist on white, split-top hot dog buns. Luckily, they're widely available in the bread section of grocery stores. This type of bun has nice flat sides that are perfect for toastingbrushed with plenty of melted butter, of course. If you can't find them, standard side-split hot dog buns will do just fine! Can lobster rolls be made in advance? It's best not to store the lobster salad in the rolls because the bread can get soggy. But you can keep the lobster salad fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just stuff the buttery, toasted rolls when you're ready to eat! Yields: 6 servings Prep Time: 10 mins Total Time: 20 mins Ingredients 1 lb. cooked lobster meat from 6 to 8 medium lobster tails or from 3 (1 1/2 to 2-lb.) live lobsters 3 tbsp. mayonnaise 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper, plus more for sprinkling 1/4 c. finely chopped celery 1 tsp. lemon zest 2 tbsp. lemon juice 2 tbsp. finely chopped chives, plus more for sprinkling 1/4 tsp. paprika, plus more for sprinkling 1/8 tsp. ground cayenne pepper (optional) 6 split-top hot dog buns 2 tbsp. salted butter, melted, plus more for optional drizzling Directions Remove the shells from the lobster and pick through the lobster meat. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the meat dry. Chop the meat into very large, recognizable chunks, - to 1-inch pieces. Place the lobster meat in a large bowl and fold in the mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. Fold in the celery, lemon zest, lemon juice, chives, paprika, and cayenne pepper, if you like. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Brush both cut sides of the split-top buns with the melted butter. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Working in batches if necessary, place the buns cut-side down in the hot skillet. Toast until golden brown on one side, about 1 minute. Flip and toast the other side until golden brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Divide the filling among the buns. If you like, drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with chives, black pepper, and paprika before serving. Tip: To steam lobster tails, fill a large pot with 2 cups of water and fit with a steamer basket. Bring to a boil. Working in batches if necessary, add the lobster tails in a single layer, cover, and steam until fully cooked and the lobster registers at least 135F on an instant-read thermometer, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the lobster to a cutting board and allow to cool completely before handling. You Might Also Like FOREST CITY, N.C. (WSPA) Three people were shot Sunday morning at a home in Forest City. The Forest City Police Department responded to the 200 block of Caldwell Street before noon regarding a report of shots fired at a residence. Upon arrival, officers located three individuals all suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One person was taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, police said. The other victims are expected to recover from their injuries. Investigators said the incident appears to have resulted from a domestic dispute between all parties involved and there is no threat to the public. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here Officers said criminal charges are expected after an investigative review with the district attorneys office. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Forest City Police Department at (828) 245-5555. Anonymous tips can be made by using the police departments mobile app. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) An investigation is underway in East Nashville following a Sunday afternoon shooting that sent one person to the hospital. According to Metro Nashville dispatch, the incident was reported shortly before 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 in the 1400 block of Levy Lane. 6 people injured by gunfire near South Nashville club, convicted felon in custody A member of the Metro Nashville Police Department told News 2 that one person was shot and brought to the hospital, adding that the presence of Homicide Unit detectives at the scene indicates how seriously the victim was injured. The officer said one person has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting, but detectives are still interviewing people at the scene. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee No additional details have been released about this incident. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) A mother of a child involved in the deadly Hays CISD bus crash on March 22 where a concrete pump truck veered into oncoming traffic, struck the bus and caused it to roll has filed a lawsuit against the driver, Jerry Hernandez, who admitted in a police report he had used cocaine within 24 hours of the crash, his company, FJM Concrete Pumping, LLC, and the owner of the company. The crash resulted in the death of a 5-year-old boy on the bus and a University of Texas graduate student driving in a vehicle behind the bus. It also injured several others on the bus including the mother and child who filed the lawsuit. MORE: Concrete truck driver arrested, admitted to consuming cocaine before fatal bus crash Hernandez breached this duty and was negligent when he decided to operate his vehicle in an unsafe manner, failed to maintain a safe speed, crossed into a lane designated for travel in the opposite direction, took faulty evasive action, drove while intoxicated, and failed to keep a proper lookout, the lawsuit, filed by Austin personal injury attorney Leigh Joseph, states. As a result of these failures, the collision at issue occurred. The liability of Defendants is clear and to assert otherwise is contrary to existing evidence, the lawsuit continued. KXAN reached out to Francisco Martinez, the owner of FJM Concrete Pumping, LLC, for a comment on the lawsuit. Attorney information for Hernandez is unavailable as of Monday. This story will be updated when we receive a response. The plaintiffs in this case are seeking over $1 million in monetary relief for physical and emotional damages suffered in the crash. This lawsuit follows one filed by a preschool teacher on the bus and her husband against Hernandez, the trucking company, the companys owner and GEICO insurance company. MORE: Lawsuit filed in deadly, grossly negligent pre-K Hays CISD bus crash That lawsuit also seeks more than $1 million. The plaintiff in that case, Deborah Serna, was severely injured in the crash, suffering at least four broken bones in her back, according to the lawsuit. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A woman lays flowers outside the Westfield Shopping Centre at Bondi Junction in Sydney, Australia, April 14, 2024. One Chinese citizen was killed and another wounded in a mass stabbing attack at a Sydney shopping center, the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney said on Sunday. (Xinhua/Ma Ping) SYDNEY, April 14 (Xinhua) -- One Chinese citizen was killed and another wounded in a mass stabbing attack at a Sydney shopping center, the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney said on Sunday. The Australian authorities have confirmed the information to the Chinese embassy and consulates in Australia after the Chinese missions repeatedly sought to check its veracity from various sources. The Chinese embassy and consulates will stay in touch with the families of the victims, relevant domestic departments and the Australian side to provide full assistance for follow-up matters. Six people were killed in an attack at Westfield Shopping Center at Bondi Junction Saturday afternoon. Twelve others are being treated at various Sydney hospitals. The attacker, identified by police as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was shot dead by a police officer at the shopping center. Police said earlier Sunday that Cauchi suffered from mental health issues and no intelligence would suggest the attack was driven by ideology. Police officers work outside the Westfield Shopping Centre at Bondi Junction in Sydney, Australia, April 14, 2024. One Chinese citizen was killed and another wounded in a mass stabbing attack at a Sydney shopping center, the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney said on Sunday. (Xinhua/Ma Ping) Editor: WXL A residential property on Californias Central Coast has hit the market for $10.5 million, offering potential buyers a chance to build a dream vineyard estate near top wineries and great beaches, enjoy the tax benefits of a diverse agricultural property and play the fairways of the San Luis Obispo Country Club, which is a golf cart ride away. Called Jack Ranch not to be confused with the ranch near Cholame owned by the Hearst Corp. the property at 5502 Los Ranchos Road in San Luis Obispo sprawls across 281 acres, with more than half safeguarded by a perimeter deer fence. The land includes 74 acres of wine grapes and 67 acres of lemon groves, according to the property description. The property, named after a local pioneering family, sits within the Edna Valley American Viticultural Area and is just five miles from downtown San Luis Obispo. This is an incredible opportunity to build your dream home in the heart of Edna Valley, enjoy all of the tax and ag benefits of being on a ranch and in the Williamson Act, while still having the neighborhood feel, being just a golf cart ride away to the San Luis Obispo Country Club pool, golf course and tennis courts, listing agent Lindsey Harn of Christies International Real Estate Sereno said in an email. This is that once-in-a-lifetime chance to have privacy, build a compound and still have the amenities of being near a world-class club in the heart of a gated community. The Williamson Act provides property tax relief to owners of farmland and open space in exchange for a 10-year agreement that the land will not be developed or converted to another use. Jack Ranch holds the entitlements for two custom homes and one accessory dwelling unit, or ADU. Each home site can be accessed through the gates of the golf and country club, promising unrivaled privacy and convenience, according to the property description. Hookups are available for sewer services, water and natural gas for the homes. A rendering of a residence proposed on one of the homesites at the Jack Ranch property up for sale near the San Luis Obispo Country Club. MLS Plus, with no homeowners association, you have the freedom to design and construct to your hearts content, the property description states. Premium grape varietals grown on the land include Chardonnay, pinot noir, albarino, gruner veltliner, and tempranillo, according to Christies International Real Estate. With a robust production history yielding an average of 4 tons (per) acre over the past decade, the vineyard presents a lucrative opportunity for the discerning vintner, the property description states. The estate comes with a 3,200-square-foot metal shop and barn equipped with three bays and office space for equipment storage and hobbyist activities. The barn has a small apartment attached to it. In August 2014, I made a visionary investment in a truly exceptional property, owner John Wilson said in an email statement. This distinctive parcel of land (is) brimmed with untapped potential. Nestled within this agriculturally revered valley, renowned for its rich history of farming and vineyards, I recognized an opportunity to cultivate a haven of vineyards and citrus groves while also envisioning its future development prospects. The property has four wells outfitted with electric-powered pumps and a 500,000-gallon metal holding tank, which is enough to serve both agricultural and residential needs. Imagine waking up each day on your income-generating ranch, surrounded by sweeping vistas of rolling hills adorned with vineyards, and distant mountains gracing the horizon, Wilson said. Yet, this idyllic retreat remains conveniently connected, a mere 10 minutes to the luxurious beaches of Avila Beach and Pismo Beach while being a couple of minutes from the airport and a leisurely three-hour drive from the bustling metropolises of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Here Are 15 Freedom Towns That Kept Black People Alive After Slavery This month in the year 1864, The Senate passed the 13th Amendment to abolish Human slavery in the United States. The House would follow suit the next year, setting the ground work for the emancipation of millions of Black people. As a result, Freedmens Towns built by and for formerly enslaved people began emerging all over the country. These all-Black communities, known alternatively as Freedom Towns or All-Black Towns have slowly been lost to history. But heres a list of some Freedom Towns you should know about! Sugarland, MD. Sugarland: A Community Founded by Former Slaves. - Photo: Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post (Getty Images) Sugarland, MD., is a community in Montgomery County that was founded shortly after the Civil War by three freedmen William Taylor, Patrick Hebron and John Diggs. Although, much of the community landmarks like the church and cemetery fell into disrepair, it remains an important Black landmark. Africatown, Ala. Map with the journey of the Clotilda, the last American slave ship - Photo: Dimitrios Karamitros (Getty Images) Africatown, Ala. has a fascinating history. It was founded by descendants of enslaved people who were aboard the Clotilda, the last known U.S. slave ship to bring captives from Africa to the United States. Hobson City, Ala. Hobson City, Ala. was founded in 1899 and was originally called the Mooree Quarters. It is the first incorporated Black city in the Alabama, and remains a thriving community roughly 65 miles east of Birmingham. Freedmens Town, Houston Freedmens Town was built as a settlement by formerly enslaved Black Americans shortly after the Civil War in what is now Houstons fourth ward. It remains a historic landmark. Weeksville, N.Y. Photo: Domingo Leiva (Getty Images) Weeksville, NY., was founded by a formerly enslaved man named James Week in Brooklyn prior to the Civil War. Its now modern day Crown Heights/ Bedford Stuyvesant. Nicodemus, KS Kansas landscape - Photo: Paul Hein (Getty Images) Nicodemus, KS was built by a group of formerly enslaved Black Americans in 1877. Its one of the oldest and only remaining Black settlements west of the Mississippi River. Mound Bayou, Miss. Swamp - Photo: Abstract Aerial Art (Getty Images) Mound Bayou was founded in 1887 as an all-Black town by a group of formerly enslaved people led by Isaiah Montgomery. Snowden, S.C. Photo: Manuel Augusto Moreno (Getty Images) Snowden is a historic Black community in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. According to the African American Settlement Historic Commission, it was founded after the Civil War by formerly enslaved people who left surrounding plantations. Freedmans Village Freedmans village, Arlington, Virginia - Photo: Library of Congress Freedmens Village sits on what is now the Arlington National Cemetery. The village was established by the federal government for formerly enslaved people, according to the Arlington National Cemetery. Phillips Community Slave Cabin - Photo: dghilbert (Getty Images) The Phillips Community is another Mt. Pleasant Freedmens Town. It was founded in 1875 by formerly enslaved people from the Phillips and other surrounding plantations. Fort Mose, Fla. View from the top of Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida - Photo: roc8jas (Getty Images) Fort Mose, Fla. was actually the first Black town in the United States. It was formed by Francisco Menendez, a Black military commander in the Spanish army in 1738. He was previously enslaved in South Carolina but escaped and became the leader of a free Black town of fugitive slaves in Florida. Mitchelville Freedom Park Photo: W. Drew Senter, Longleaf Photography (Getty Images) Mitchelville Freedom Park was the first freedmen community established during the Civil War on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. While its no longer an independent community, its still a historic landmark. Rentiesville, Okla. William Rentie - Photo: The Oklahoma News Report/ Youtube Rentiesville, Okla. was founded in 1903 by William Rentie as an all-Black town. Its one of thirteen all-Black towns that are still standing in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Scanlonville, S.C. Morning glow in orange and blue shortly before sunrise on the Copahee Sound in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. - Photo: Glenn Ross Images (Getty Images) Scanlonville is another Mt. Pleasant, S.C. freedom town, formed around the 1870s by Robert Scanlan, who is believed to have been a freedman carpenter. The land sits on what used to be a plantation. Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor African American, Gullah Geechee Garvin House Near Hilton Head - Photo: Margaret Palmer (Getty Images) The Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor is a region along the southeastern coast of the United States. The Gullah Geechee are descendants of formerly enslaved Africans from that region of the country. They speak a unique creole language and have heavily preserved their rich West African heritage. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department has identified the teen girl who was killed in a shooting in Southeast D.C. on Sunday morning. MPD said that at about 10:50 p.m., they were in the 2400 block of Elvans Road when they heard gunshots. While police were investigating, they found a teen girl who had been shot inside an apartment building. She died at the scene. 17 people, 2 dogs displaced after apartment fire in Northeast DC Police determined that the suspects fired shots, from a car, at people who were outside. After the gunshots, the victim ran inside the building where she was found. The victim was identified as 15-year-old Niomi Russell of Northwest. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) DC Fire and EMS said that just after midnight, it was dispatched to the 300 block of Seaton Place for a building fire. First responders arrived at the scene within minutes when they saw heavy fire coming from the roof and in the rear of building that had extended to a few adjacent buildings. Celebrating DC Emancipation Day at Freedom Plaza About 100 firefighters were on the scene. There were no reported injuries. The Red Cross is assisting the 17 people displaced. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. 18-year-old US Marine steals over $500,000 from jewelry stores, Texas cops say An 18-year-old U.S. Marine is accused of stealing more than $500,000 of jewelry between October and April, Texas deputies said. More than $380,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from David Yurman Jewelry in Houston in October, according to the Precinct 4 Constables Office in Harris County. Deputies said an unknown masked suspect smashed through the front door using a sledge hammer. Approximately five months later, on April 5, Helzberg Diamond in Houston was burglarized. More than $170,000 of jewelry was stolen, deputies said. Following an investigation, deputies identified Marcelo Hernandez as a suspect. He was taken into custody April 11 and charged with felony theft, according to jail records. His bond was set at $500,000, according to jail records. According to court records, Hernandez stole 315 pieces of jewelry 111 rings, 52 pairs of earrings, 70 necklaces, 30 pendants and 52 bracelets between the two stores. Over $500,000 of jewelry was stolen from two Houston-area jewelry stores, according to Texas deputies. Hernandezs attorney did not immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment April 15. Hernandez is a U.S. Marine, the constables office told KHOU. He completed boot camp in 2023, Precinct 4 Capt. Jonathan Zitzmann told KHOU. With that job, theres an expectation that you are held to a higher standard and certainly not in the business of conducting really egregious crimes. Hernandez did not disclose his military affiliation when he was arrested, according to KRIV. He was being taken into custody and his dog tags fell out. He did tell us he was in the U.S. military, Constable Mark Herman told KRIV. Most of the stolen jewelry was recovered, according to deputies, but the last few pieces still need to be located. Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court May 28. 19-year-old vanishes on date. Then severed leg is found in park, Wisconsin cops say Young kids found abandoned in filthy apartment as mom goes on cruise, Texas cops say 23-year-old dies falling down elevator shaft while moving cabinets, Illinois cops say NEW YORK Two upstate police officers and an armed suspect were killed in a Sunday night shootout near Syracuse, according to authorities. A member of the Syracuse police and a deputy in the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office died after pursuing the suspect to a residence in Salina, N.Y., the Syracuse Police Department said Monday morning. The cops had chased after the driver of a suspicious vehicle who refused an attempted traffic stop about 7 p.m. and fled from the Tipperary Hill district of west Syracuse, according to a statement from the police department. The Onondaga County sheriff, Toby Shelley, told reporters that the vehicle was believed to be stolen. Officials did not immediately identify the officers or the suspect. All three were transported to Upstate University Hospital after the exchange of gunfire, authorities said. The shootout took place in the Liverpool section of Salina. Liverpool is located a 6-mile drive from the Tipperary Hill area. The Syracuse Police Department and the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office were engaged in an active investigation into the incident on Monday, according to the sheriffs office. In a statement, Gov. Hochul, a Buffalo Democrat, said she was horrified by the senseless killing of the two law enforcement officers, and that her prayers are with their families, loved ones, and their colleagues. New York will never forget their heroism and service, the governor added. 2 killed in separate shootings over the weekend in Salisbury, police say The Salisbury Police Department is investigating two separate shootings over the weekend that left two people dead. The first shooting happened Saturday night during a memorial service at Jersey City Park on W. Kerr Street, according to SPD. Officers found out about the shooting after the victim was taken to the hospital around 9 p.m. ALSO READ: Girl, 10, shot in Salisbury; suspect tried to run deputy over, investigators say Police identified the victim in that shooting as 26-year-old Shaleek Jaqwon Williams. Around 2 a.m. Sunday, the police department got a call about a shooting at the American Legion building on Old Wilkesboro Road. Officers arrived and found 21-year-old Alyssia Nicole Salter after she had been shot. Salter died at the hospital, SPD said. Police are working on both cases, but no suspects have been identified as of Monday. SPD said its working with state and federal partners to investigate and develop ideas on how to prevent this kind of senseless violence. A long-time problem Edith Wyatt lives near the American Legion building and heard the shots; she says shes still worried for her own safety. A bullet doesnt have a name, I can be shot just in my bedroom, Wyatt told Channel 9s Eli Brand on Monday. I heard the shots, I heard them go off and the only thing I could do was run in a bedroom and lay on the floor, and pray a bullet did not come through my house. Wyatt says violence has been a problem in this area for a long time, and it doesnt fix anything. This is not solving the problem, to take another mans life does not solve the problem, either, Wyatt said. Youre not just hurting the person you just killed, but you just affected a family. While the candles were still in place from Saturdays memorial service on Monday, Wyatt says its time for people to start taking gun violence in Salisbury more seriously. Im a grandmother; a grandmother just had to bury her grandchild, thats painful, Wyatt told Brand. But until we solve this problem, its going to continue to happen. Channel 9 is working on getting more information on the shootings. Check back for updates. (WATCH: Man leads police on chase from Salisbury Tractor Supply to Charlotte) 2 law enforcement officers and a suspect were killed after exchanging gunfire at a home near Syracuse, New York Two law enforcement officers and a suspect were killed Sunday following an exchange of gunfire at a home near Syracuse, New York a confrontation that began with an attempted traffic stop, officials say. This is a dark day for Syracuse. This is our worst nightmare come true. And our thoughts right now are with the families of those two officers, those heroes, Mayor Ben Walsh said at a news conference. The police deaths add to the at least 38 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty so far this year, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Last year, 136 officers died in the line of duty across the US, according to a report from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a 39% decrease from 224 deaths in 2022. The incident in upstate New York began just after 7 p.m., when two Syracuse Police Department officers tried to pull over a suspicious vehicle, Chief Joseph Cecile said at the news conference. The driver didnt stop and the officers lost sight of the vehicle, Cecile said, but they used the license plate to link it to a home in nearby Liverpool. The officers asked for assistance from the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office after learning the person driving the vehicle may be armed, Cecile said. Members of each department arrived at the home around the same time. While they were inspecting the vehicle and saw what looked to be guns inside, they heard what sounded like someone manipulating a firearm from inside the residence, Cecile said. Moments later, there was an exchange of gunfire between at least one suspect and the officers and the deputies. An officer, a deputy and the suspect were all shot and pronounced dead at a hospital, Cecile said, noting the investigation is ongoing. The identities of the fallen officers and the suspect havent been released. The officer had been on the job for about three years, Cecile said. Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley described the deputy as seasoned. CNNs Kelly McCleary contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com 2 women charged with shooting near Jane M. Bryne Interchange in Chicago 2 women charged with shooting near Jane M. Bryne Interchange in Chicago CHICAGO Two women from Chicago have been charged with attempted murder after a shooting Saturday morning near the Jane M. Bryne Interchange, according to Illinois State Police. Around 9:45 a.m., troopers were called to investigate the shooting near Interstate 90 southbound near the outbound lanes of the Eisenhower Expressway. 2 women charged in interstate shooting in Chicago Illinois State Police troopers and detectives determined shots were fired at a vehicle by people in a white Honda Pilot. No one was injured in the shooting. After an investigation, Alana Carroll, 21, and Kierra Henderson, 22, were arrested on attempted murder charges, according to Illinois State Police. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C, front) speaks during an emergency meeting of UN Security Council held at the UN headquarters in New York, April 14, 2024. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for maximum restraint after Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel over the latter's deadly assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria. (Xinhua/Xie E) UNITED NATIONS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for maximum restraint after Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel over the latter's deadly assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria. "The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint," he told an emergency meeting of the Security Council. According to the latest reports, Iran on Saturday launched hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory toward Israel, with most intercepted. Several missiles reportedly struck within Israeli territory, one of which damaged an Israeli military facility in the south of the country. Overall, a few civilians were injured, said Guterres. Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, in a letter to the president of the Security Council, stated that Iran's action was taken "in response to the Israeli recurring military aggressions, particularly its armed attack on April 1, 2024, against Iranian diplomatic premises (in Damascus)." Guterres reminded all member states that the UN Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state and that the principle of inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law. "It's time to step back from the brink. It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East," said Guterres. "Civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price." The international community has a shared responsibility to actively engage all parties concerned to prevent further escalation, to secure an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, he said. The international community also has a shared responsibility to stop violence in the occupied West Bank, de-escalate the situation along the Lebanon-Israel border, and re-establish safe navigation in the Red Sea, he said. "We have a shared responsibility to work for peace. Regional, and indeed global, peace and security are being undermined by the hour. Neither the region nor the world can afford more war," he said. An emergency meeting of UN Security Council is held at the UN headquarters in New York, April 14, 2024. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for maximum restraint after Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel over the latter's deadly assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria. (Xinhua/Xie E) Editor: JYZ The Sacramento County Coroners Office identified two women who were killed in a shooting at Arden Arcade apartments last week before their suspected killer shot himself near Arden Fair mall and died. Laverda Pearl Robinson, 35, and Joresse Jessica Williams, 32, were shot and killed Wednesday in the parking lot of the Eleven Hundred on the 1100 block of Howe Avenue, near Northrop Avenue. Sheriffs deputies were called to the scene about 10:40 p.m. after a ShotSpotter activation and a 911 call. Investigators said suspect Ricky Hunter had shot the two women and tracked him to Arden Fair mall on Thursday. Hunter was inside an AT&T store when deputies saw him. They attempted to arrest Hunter while he was inside his car, but the 32-year-old shot himself, said Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a spokesman with the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office. He later died at a hospital, Gandhi said. The coroner also confirmed Hunters identity. LAYTON, Utah (ABC4) Just before 3:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, officers with the Layton Police Department arrested a man after neighbors reported he was shooting at an apartment building on N Main Street, according to arrest documents. Isaac Wixom, 22, was arrested on seven charges, including four counts of felony discharge of firearm (in the direction of a building), two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon under the influence of alcohol/drugs and one count of intoxication, documents said. READ NEXT: Skeletal remains confirmed to be Dylan Rounds, his mother speaks out At the scene, documents said officers found two guns one of which was said to be a rifle and and the other which was said to be a handgun in addition to four bullet casings and the same number of possible bullet holes in one of the apartments balconies. According to the affidavit of probable cause, the rifle was found on the ground near where Wixom was standing, and the handgun was found at the scene slightly northeast of where the rifle was found. Multiple witnesses reportedly confirmed Wixom was the individual who was firing several rounds. One witness even saw the muzzle flash, documents said. Wixom reportedly told officers that he meant to fire his rifle into the air knowing that the rounds would strike or fall down and strike the habitable structure instead of hitting a person, according to the affidavit. One of the tenants in the apartment complex told police Wixom was firing at their balcony, and when officers looked at that tenants balcony, they found the possible bullet holes. According to the affidavit, Wixom was initially described to dispatch as being intoxicated because he stumbling. Documents said Wixom admitted to being heavily intoxicated and consented to a blood draw. Wixom was booked into the Davis County Sheriffs Office on the seven charges above. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. 3 people taken to hospital after shooting in Capitol Heights Editors Note This article has been corrected with updated information from police regarding the number of people hurt. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Multiple people were hospitalized after being shot in Capitol Heights on Sunday night. The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince Georges County Division confirmed that three people were shot near Booker Terrace at around 8:40 p.m. They were all taken to hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Over six dozen shots were fired. Man shot multiple times, killed in Seat Pleasant Police believe this shooting may be connected to a fatal shooting that happened in Seat Pleasant at 6:45 p.m. on Sunday. There was no suspect information available as of 10 p.m. Sunday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. The Richland School District is asking for the publics help in prioritizing school construction projects for the coming years. That includes when to build a new comprehensive high school or how soon to replace two aging middle school buildings. The district has identified $900 million in possible capital projects in the next 20 years and wants to know what parents and voters have to say. The goal is to replace and upgrade some of the districts most old and decrepit facilities, as well as create more classroom space for students and teachers. District administrators and the board are offering three meetings to talk with the public about construction priorities, budgeting strategies and bond plan impacts on taxes. All three will be at 6:30 p.m.: Tuesday, April 16, at Leona Libby Middle School (3259 Belmont Boulevard, West Richland) Wednesday, April 17, at Hanford High School (450 Hanford Street, Richland) Thursday, April 18, at Richland High School (930 Long Ave., Richland) Your participation and insights are crucial in shaping future infrastructure growth of the Richland School District, staff said in a statement. This event offers an opportunity for residents, community leaders and the media to engage in meaningful dialogue, ask questions and contribute to informed decision-making. In Washington state, bonds are used for building schools while levies pay for learning and education programs that area not funded by the Legislature. The district needs the support of 60% of voters in the district to pass a bond measure for construction. Voters across Washington state have been declining bonds and levies at a higher rate since the pandemic. Support for school measures, once thought to be as solid as a rock, has declined as voters face a higher cost of living and with sentiments around some public schools souring. At last weeks business meeting, the Richland School Board emphasized it is committed to keeping tax rates as flat as possible for property owners as they work to improve school facilities. Changing strategies Richland School District is the smallest of the Tri-City Big 3 school districts, serving more than 14,000 students and employing nearly 1,900 teachers and staff. For the better part of the last decade, staff and parents have voiced the importance of building a third high school in West Richland to serve one of the fastest growing parts of the state. Then came the COVID pandemic, which substantially slowed the districts rate of enrollment growth. Superintendent Shelley Redinger said their schools continue to grow just not as quickly. A 2020 enrollment forecast showed the number of high schoolers in Richland was supposed to hit 5,500 by 2035 an increase of about 700 more than are currently enrolled today. But new projections show they might see 250 fewer students than they thought. A new high school which would cost voters nearly $300 million to build might not be needed until 2035. As a result, the district plans various strategies to ease overcrowding, including moving students and programs around as well as installing portable buildings. But a recent community survey conducted online in February and March revealed that parents and community members were largely sold on the idea of a third high school. A significant number of responses called for the construction of new schools, Shawna Dinh, the districts public information officer, wrote in a memorandum describing the results. The need for a new high school was frequently mentioned, with overcrowding being a common concern... The perception was that new schools are necessary to accommodate the growing student population and alleviate strain on existing facilities. The district is still considering placing a bond measure on the Nov. 5 presidential ballot. As its currently laid out, that proposition could include money to replace the Hanford High School roof, build a new innovative secondary school to house Rivers Edge alternative high school and Pacific Crest Online Academy, build a new education and operations center and expand space at Three Rivers HomeLink. Such a measure also would likely include $23 million in school safety and security projects already funded in a 2023 capital levy. The district took out a $13 million loan to quickly begin those projects and had planned to repay it over the six-year life of the levy. But including those funds in a bond would make them quickly available and save taxpayers money. The district plans to cancel the levy if the bond passes. 4 Arrested After Bodies Found in Connection with Disappearance of 2 Women in Oklahoma Veronica Butler, 27, and Jillian Kelley, 39, were last seen on March 30 Veronica Butler (Left) and Jillian Kelley (Right) Two weeks after the "suspicious disappearance" of two Kansas women, four suspects have been arrested in Oklahoma. On March 30, the Texas County Sheriff's Department announced that Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelley had been declared missing and at risk in a post on Facebook, later calling it a "suspicious disappearance." Butler, 27, and Kelly, 39, had been on the way to pick up children, according to authorities, but never made it. Their car was found abandoned on the side of the road, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation (OBSI) found evidence of foul play." On April 13, the OBSI announced the arrest of four people: Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44. They were booked into the Texas County Jail on counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping and first-degree conspiracy to commit murder. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation/Facebook Mugshots of two of the suspects in the disappearance of two Oklahoma women The following day, authorities shared that two bodies had been found in rural Texas County, Okla. As of just before 9 p.m. local time, the bodies had not yet been identified. The investigation into Butler and Kelley's disappearance remains ongoing. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation/Facebook Mugshots of two of the suspects in the disappearance of two Oklahoma women Kelley was identified by Willow Christian Church in Nebraska in a Facebook post that claimed she is the "wife of our new minister, Heath Kelley, and the sister-in-law of church member Hillary Kennedy." "Please pray that Jillian and her friend Veronica are safe and that they are found quickly," the Church wrote in the post. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the OSBI at 1-800-522-8017 or by email at tips@osbi.ok.gov. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Four people have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the disappearance of two women in Oklahoma, authorities announced. The remains of two bodies have also been found, although they have not been identified yet, officials said. Veronica Butler, 27, and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley were last seen together in a vehicle that was later found abandoned by the highway in a rural part of Texas County, Oklahoma. Asked during a news conference Monday if there was a chance that the women were still alive, Hunter McKee, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, said no. Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, were all arrested Saturday and charged with two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, the agency said. There was no resistance from the suspects when they were arrested, McKee said. "There was concern, but we are extremely thankful that no one was hurt, no one was injured during this process," he said. According to an unsealed affidavit, Adams is the paternal grandmother of Butler's children and the two were involved in a custody battle. Callum and Adams were in a relationship, according to the affidavit. According to authorities, all four suspects belong to an anti-government group called "God's Misfits" that regularly met at the Twomblys' home and other locations. The group had allegedly tried to kill Butler before, according to a teenage witness who spoke to investigators. McKee said authorities weren't looking for any additional suspects. "We constantly received several tips and have used those throughout the entire 14-day process in order to find these two bodies and then also discover and find those who were responsible for this crime," McKee told reporters Monday. Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley / Credit: Oklahoma Highway Patrol On Sunday, the two bodies were discovered in Texas County, the agency said. Both were still awaiting identification. McKee said the bodies were found in a rural area but didn't provide additional details. Butler and Kelley were last seen traveling together in a vehicle on March 30 before they disappeared, according to a missing persons alert released by the Texas County Sheriff's Department. They had traveled from nearby in Kansas to pick up Butler's children, CBS affiliate KWTV reported. The missing persons alert said neither "made it to the pick up location." According to the unsealed affidavits, Butler was only allowed supervised visits with her children on Saturdays, and Kelley was the supervisor the day the two went missing. According to the state's bureau of investigation, the car the women were traveling in was found abandoned along the side of the road near Oklahoma State Highway 95, right by the border between Oklahoma and Elkhart, Kansas. A few days after the car was found, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said that "investigators believe there was evidence to indicate foul play." During Monday's news conference, McKee said he could not elaborate on what that evidence was, but an unsealed affidavit noted blood and a broken hammer were found nearby. "Blood was found on the roadway and the edge of the roadway. Butler's glasses were also found on the roadway south of the vehicle, near a broken hammer. A pistol magazine was found inside Kelley's purse at the scene, but no pistol was found," the affidavit stated. A later search of Adams' phone revealed she had searched for, according to the affidavit, "taser pain level, gun shops, prepaid cellular phones and how to get someone out of their house." Adams went on to purchase five stun guns at a local gun shop a week before the two women disappeared, the affidavit said. Investigators also found that Adams had bought several "burner" phones and "all three phones were at the area where Butler's car was located and the last known location of Butler and Kelley." "It is still an ongoing investigation," McKee said. "... We can say that the evidence that was discovered inside of that abandoned vehicle and around it were able to help our investigators determine that there was foul play involved." Alex Sundby and Mark Strassmann contributed reporting. Social Security Administration updates overpayment policy | 60 Minutes The fallout from Arkansas' "right to mine" bitcoin law Nature: Gopher tortoises in Florida (FOX40.COM) Four juveniles from Sacramento were arrested after being accused of an armed carjacking, according to the Fairfield Police Department. Around 6:21 p.m. on Saturday, a vehicle that was reported as being involved in an armed carjacking was captured on Fairfield police cameras while traveling eastbound on Travis Boulevard from I-80. Fatal car crash in Manteca kills at least four people including infant Fairfield PD said that several officers responded and initiated a traffic stop near Travis Boulevard at Pennsylvania Avenue. The vehicle turned onto Travion Court then continued to the back of a parking lot, according to police. Four people reportedly exited the vehicle as it was still moving. Two immediately surrendered, according to Fairfield PD. The other two were located a short distance away. All four occupants were juveniles out of Sacramento. The driver, who had a warrant out for his arrest, was transported and booked into juvenile hall. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. 5-year-old was starved, kept in closet before her death, Indiana cops say. Mom charged Three people have been arrested in connection to the death of a 5-year-old Indiana girl, according to police. At about 5:12 p.m., April 9, Indianapolis police were called to a home for reports of an unresponsive child, according to a Facebook post by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Kinsleigh Welty was found unresponsive in the home and was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead, according to police. Police say when they found Kinsleigh she appeared thin with sunken eyes and she had feces on her feet and in her hair, WRTV reported. The hospital reported she was so malnourished that she weighed less than she did when she was two-and-a-half years old, the news outlet reported. Traumatized. Its horrific, words cant describe it. You feel guilty to eat sometimes, Kinsleighs grandfather Brian Welty told the station. The Indiana Department of Children Services removed other children from the home, according to police. Kinsleighs mom, 29-year-old Toni McClure, was arrested and charged with murder and neglect resulting in death, according to police. Her boyfriend, 27-year-old Ryan Smith, was also charged with neglect of a child resulting in death. Police say when they questioned McClure she initially blamed the abuse on Kinsleighs dad, but that story fell apart, WANE reported. McClure then told police she knew she was treating her daughter wrong and that she wanted Kinsleigh out of her life, the news outlet reported. The circumstances of Kinsleighs death are horrific and beyond comprehension. No human being, let alone a child should be treated like she was. These alleged suspects, if convicted, should never step foot outside a prison, Police Chief Chris Bailey said. Police said McClure admitted to locking Kinsleigh in a closet routinely and putting little effort into feeding her, WANE reported. As far as Im concerned, she was not a mother, she was a monster, Kyla Welsh, Kinsleighs cousin, told WRTV. Its unimaginable what were dealing with right now. On April 12, Kinsleighs 53-year-old grandmother, Tammy Halsey, was also arrested and charged with neglect of a dependent, according to police. Attorney information for McClure, Smith and Halsey was not available. Missing 3-year-old is found covered in sores, unable to eat, MN cops say. Mom charged Mom leaves baby in car seat for 13 hours, leading to his death, Indiana officials say Malnourished and bruised 4-year-old dies, Missouri cops say. Mom, boyfriend charged Over the last day, 87 combat clashes were recorded at the combat zone, with the Russians inflicting 15 missile strikes and 18 airstrikes, as well as 29 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 15 April Details: The Russians did not conduct offensive (assault) actions on the Kupiansk front. On the Lyman front, the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled four attacks in and around the village of Terny, Donetsk Oblast. On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled 27 attacks in and around the settlements of Bilohorivka, Luhansk Oblast; Verkhnokamianske, Spirne, Novyi, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast, where the Russians tried to improve their tactical position. On the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian defenders repelled 12 attacks in and around Novobakhmutivka, Berdychi, Semenivka, Umanske, and Pervomaiske of Donetsk Oblast, where the Russians, with the support of aircraft, tried to oust Ukrainian units from the occupied borders. On the Novopavlivka front, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to restrain the Russians in and around the settlements of Krasnohorivka, Novomykhailivka, Pobieda, Vodiane and Urozhaine in Donetsk Oblast, where the Russians, supported by aircraft, tried 26 times to break through the Ukrainian defence. On the Orikhiv front, the Russians attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders five times near Staromaiorske in Donetsk Oblast; north of Pryiutne and southwest of Bilohiria, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. On the Kherson front, the Russians did not abandon the intention to oust Ukrainian units from the bridgeheads on the left (east) bank of Dnipro. During the day they made four unsuccessful attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops in the area of the village of Krynky, Kherson Oblast. Quote: "During the day, the aircraft of the Defence Forces targeted two clusters of [Russian military] personnel and one enemy control point. Units of Rocket Forces and Artillery targeted one artillery piece, three clusters of personnel, and four UAV control points of the enemy." Support UP or become our patron! CONCORDIA (KSNT) Unseasonably high temperatures in north central Kansas have led to the establishment of a new heat record this month. The National Weather Service (NWS) station in Topeka announced on social media on April 14 that a heat record set in 1936 was broken in Concordia. The previous record high was recorded on April 13, 1936, at 89 degrees with the new record set at 91 degrees. In the list of Kansas all-time records kept by the NWS, the highest daily max temperature goes to the town of Fredonia in Wilson County. This record was set on July 24, 1936 for 121 degrees. Kansas woman spots gravity wave weather phenomenon Temperatures are expected to dip back down by next weekend in northeast Kansas with chances for hail, gusty winds and tornadoes on the way in an oncoming storm system. Learn more about whats ahead from KSNT Stormtrack Meteorologist Becky Taylor by clicking here. For more weather news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Ariana Molina's father is remembering her as "the best daughter ever" Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Scene of mass shooting in Chicago where 9-year-old Ariana Molina was killed A young girl was killed, and multiple other people were injured, during a mass shooting in Chicago outside of an outdoor family gathering on Saturday, April 13. The Chicago Police Department's Deputy Chief Don Jerome revealed during a press conference hours after the 9:20 p.m. shooting that officers responded to the scene following a ShotSpotter alert of 18 rounds fired in the area. The shooting took place near West 52nd Street and South Damen Avenue. Jerome said officers discovered "multiple people shot on the block," and "immediately began doing life-saving measures," including the use of tourniquets and chest seals. At the time, it was revealed that eight people total had been shot including who Jerome described as 5 adults between the ages of 19 and 40, and three children including a one-year-old boy, a seven-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl, whom Jerome said was "shot in the head" and pronounced dead. The girl has since been identified by her family as nine-year-old Ariana Molina, according to CBS News and ABC affiliate WLS. Both outlets have since noted that the shooting involved an additional 10 injured people, not eight. That list included two men, aged 36 and 38, and five women, between the ages of 19 and 40, as well as three boys aged one, eight and nine. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Scene of mass shooting in Chicago where 9-year-old Ariana Molina was killed The Chicago Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for updated information on April 15. "They had some big assault rifles, I guess, because it was too many shots... they shot my daughter in the head... my wife in the back... me in my leg... my two nephews and a couple more family members," the girl's father, Jose Molina, told WLS. Related: Sheriff Had Cause to Take Mass Shooter Into Custody Before Rampage That Left 18 Dead, Report Says Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Scene of Chicago mass shooting where 9-year-old Ariana Molina was killed The shooting, according to Jerome, was "not a random act of violence" and was "likely gang-related." As he explained during the Saturday night press conference, the victims were "standing outside" for a family gathering at the time of the shooting. "The offender's actions, make no mistake, are horrific and unacceptable in our city," he said, requesting that anyone with information contact police. Police have also shared that a witness saw a black sedan approach the scene before shots were fired, WLS reports. Jose Molina told WLS that the shooting took place during a party celebrating his sister's confirmation and that his family was "about to cut the cake when they started shooting from nowhere." The outlet also noted that all victims, except one, appear to be family members. "At first I thought it was fireworks, but when I saw my daughter laying down on the floor with a bullet in the head, I realized it wasn't fireworks," Molina said. "I tried helping her but it was too late." Molina added on April 14 that he hadn't yet told his wife about Ariana's death since she was in pain, and he didn't "want to give her more pain at the moment." "She was the best daughter ever... sweet... she loved to play... she was helpful... she was the best," he said of Ariana. Related: 4 People Stabbed at Sydney Church Service, Days After Mall Attack That Killed 6 As of April 14, nobody was in custody and police said there were likely two shooters, per WLS. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wrote that the community was "praying for all victims of yesterday's shooting." "Today we mourn the loss of an 8-year-old girl whose life was tragically taken from her by gang violence," he wrote. "This heinous and cowardly act of wanton violence that leaves our city mourning children is beyond reprehensible and has no place in our communities." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) ABC News is set to release a documentary on the fallout of the Oxford High School shooting and the trials for James and Jennifer Crumbley. ABC News has released a short trailer for the documentary, called Sins of the Parents: The Crumbley Trials. The documentary will follow the recently completed trials, including exclusive access and sit-down interviews with Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter In the trailer, two clips of McDonald are edited together to say, They purchased that gun for him and bragged about it. You dont get to walk away from that. Thats a criminal act. Both James and Jennifer Crumbley have been convicted of involuntary manslaughter and last week were sentenced to at least 10 years in prison. They are the first parents in the U.S. to be held criminally responsible for a mass shooting committed by their child. Michigan school shooters parents sentenced to at least 10 years in prison Ethan Crumbley was 15 years old when he opened fire on Nov. 30, 2021, at Oxford High School. He killed four students Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Justin Shilling and Hana St. Juliana and injured six others and a teacher. Crumbley pleaded guilty to 24 criminal charges, including murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in December 2023. Memorial items are shown on the sign of Oxford High School on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. (AP file) Investigators found that the Crumbleys had purchased a Sig Sauer 9 mm handgun for Ethan days before the shooting and that it was not safely secured in the home. Ethan had also shown several signs of mental and emotional distress that McDonald says were ignored including on the day of the shooting. On that day, Ethan was pulled from class after a teacher found a drawing of a gun and a wounded man with text that read, The thoughts wont stop. Help me. Blood everywhere. My life is useless. The world is dead. State agencies offer free gun locks to protect kids School officials instructed the family to seek counseling for their son and to not leave him alone. In testimony, Oxford guidance counselor Shawn Hopkins said that he was concerned for Ethans wellbeing and was surprised that his parents chose not to take him home. However, in a letter sent to parents following the shooting, school officials said, At no time did counselors believe the student might harm others based on his behavior, responses and demeanor, which appeared calm. The Crumbleys also didnt tell school officials that they had purchased a gun similar to the one shown in the drawing, and school officials didnt check Ethans backpack, which held the gun. Michigan now has a storage law that can hold parents or adults criminally liable for failing to secure firearms. Even without it, McDonald was able to convince a jury that the Crumbleys went above and beyond the thresholds of involuntary manslaughter. In the trial for James Crumbley, McDonald told the jury that parents are not responsible for everything their kids do but this is a very egregious and rare set of facts. Sins of the Parents: The Crumbley Trials is scheduled to release Thursday on Hulu. According to the Detroit News, ABC News reached out to McDonalds team shortly after the charges were announced and has been working on it ever since. Part of the agreement mandated that the documentary cannot be released until after both trials were over. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. An activist seen holding a placard that says Stop The War On Women during the protest in Los Angeles in 2019 Credit - Ronen TivonySOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images On April 9, Arizonas supreme court ruled that its 1864 almost total abortion ban remains in place. That came a week after Floridas supreme court upheld an abortion ban, triggering an even stricter six-week ban. The onslaught of anti-abortion laws and court decisions has led liberals like California Governor Gavin Newsom to assert that the political right has declared a war on women. This concept isnt new, but it actually distorts the history of anti-abortion legislation. Abortion regulations have never applied equally to all doctors or all women. Understanding this history reveals that today as in the past abortion bans affect both women and providers differently depending upon factors like their race, class, and social standing. The people impacted most have changed over time, but one thing has remained consistent: abortion restrictions are less a war on women than a war on poor women. The conditions that created these class and social dynamics began to emerge almost two centuries ago. In 1829, for example, New York State enacted a law defining abortion as second-degree manslaughter but only if the woman was pregnant with a quick child, that is, if shed felt the fetus moving inside of her, something that typically happened around 20 weeks. In the late 1850s, that law and others like it came under attack by Boston doctor Horatio R. Storer. In an 1859 essay, he argued that these laws defined the crime of abortion too leniently. By the Moral Law, THE WILFUL KILLING OF A HUMAN BEING AT ANY STAGE OF ITS EXISTENCE IS MURDER. He also argued, without evidence, that women could face dire medical consequences from an abortion, including, on occasion, death. But Storer wasnt just worried about women as a universal class. He reserved his greatest scorn for white middle- and upper-class women, whom he claimed were seeking abortions in greater numbers than poor and immigrant women. He claimed that middle-class women boasted to each other about their successful abortions, in the same way they might brag about a new dress or a social coup. In Storers view, these women who sought abortions were not just victims of a purportedly dangerous medical procedure, but dangerous criminals who were outside the reach of the law. Read More: What to Know About the Arizona Supreme Court Abortion Ban Ruling Storers anti-abortion activism occurred at a time when he and other medical men of similar social standing were attempting to professionalize medicine by implementing rigorous educational and training standards. As part of this push, these doctors hoped to take over what would become the lucrative fields of obstetrics and gynecology from female midwives and other providers they considered untrained and dangerous those who Storer claimed frequently cause abortion openly and without disguise. In Storers view, white, educated medical men like him had to seek justice as the physical guardians of women and their offspring. It was their responsibility to stand in the breach fast making in the public morality, decency, and conscience. Behind these righteous pronouncements, though, lurked Storers unspoken fear: that if men like him did not intervene, middle-class wives would shirk their childbearing duties, leaving their husbands without heirs while poor and immigrant families swelled their ranks. Storer spent the latter part of the 1850s, and much of the 1860s, organizing letter-writing campaigns by new professional medical societies, including state affiliates of the American Medical Association (AMA). He hoped to pressure states into passing ever-stricter abortion bans. In New York, the effort paid off in 1869 when the legislature made abortion second-degree manslaughter at any stage of pregnancy if it resulted in the death of the mother or the termination of the pregnancy. In the fall of 1871, the new statute led to the conviction of abortion provider Jacob Rosenzweig for manslaughter in the death of Alice Bowlsby in New York City. Railway officials had found Bowlsby's body in a trunk bound for Chicago only days after the New York Times had published an expose on abortionists, including Rosenzweig, titled The Evil of the Age. The paper had described Rosenzweig as having a $40 degree, and purportedly knowing more of the saloon business than of medicine. Nonetheless, he did a large business part of a frightful profusion of discreet abortions performed by untrained practitioners. It took less than two hours for a jury to find Rosenzweig guilty, and a judge sentenced him to seven years hard labor in the Albany State Penitentiary, the maximum sentence possible. Meanwhile, just weeks after Bowlsby's death, a young Albany waitress named Margaret Campbell died from an abortion performed by Mrs. Dr. Emma Burleigh, a well known abortionist. After colleagues of Burleighs tried to cover it up including spiriting Campbells body away to an unmarked grave in the local cemetery a second autopsy revealed that the young womans abdomen was inflamed, her uterus was missing, and her breasts were full of milk. A laceration was found in her vagina, occupied by a clot of blood. The outcome for Burleigh, however, was very different than for Rosenzweig. Under cross-examination at the coroners inquest, she got the doctors who performed the autopsy to admit that alternate explanations existed for all of their findings. There was no definitive proof that Campbell had been pregnant, that shed had an abortion, or that the operation had caused her death. The jury agreed that the cause of death was simple peritonitis, and Burleigh walked free. The disparity between the two cases was no accident. The abortion statute really wasnt about protecting women from unqualified practitioners, nor was it a war on women, as Storer might have hoped. Instead, it was a weapon of class warfare. Rosenzweig was a Jewish immigrant a dangerous outsider. Meanwhile, Burleigh who lied about having a medical degree in advertisements, but had taken medical classes was an educated white woman. That made her less of a threat to the native-born doctors like Storer who were working to consolidate medical authority under their own control. Class also separated the two victims: Newspaper accounts of Bowlsbys death painted her as a young lady from respectable society, with relatives in the highest circles. In other words, she was an ideal victim for the villain of the immigrant doctor. Campbell, by contrast, was, in the words of one prominent abortion opponent, an obscure Irish waitress who was evidentlynot of correct moral habits. Read More: How Ronald Reagan Helped Abortion Take Over the Republican Agenda In 1872, New York toughened the law further, defining abortion as a felony with a possible sentence of 20 years in prison. Yet even under this law, wealthy, typically white women continued to seek and receive safe abortions. Often, it was trained male physicians of similar social and class standing who performed them without legal penalties. Strict enforcement of abortion laws didnt ramp up until the mid-20th century, when medical care moved from private offices exclusive to a well-off clientele into public hospitals and clinics serving the poor along with the wealthy. Understanding how New Yorks abortion laws functioned in the 19th century creates a new perspective on abortion bans in 2024. They, too, are far more of a weapon of class warfare than a war on all women. Strict abortion bans are more likely to exist in states where a high number of women of childbearing age have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line. Of the five states with the highest levels of poverty among women of childbearing age Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, and New Mexico all but New Mexico fall into the Guttmacher Institutes most restrictive abortion law category. Poverty strengthens the effects of abortion bans, since poor women cant afford to miss work, book travel, arrange childcare, and pay out of pocket for procedures if they do not have health insurance. Abortion bans also exacerbate poverty. A University of California San Francisco study found that women denied an abortion saw an increase in poverty for at least four years and were more likely to see drops in their credit scores. These impacts dont hurt poor women in isolation: abortion bans also put their children, their husbands, and their wider communities at a disadvantage by making the cycle of poverty harder to escape. By contrast, just as in the 19th century, wealthier women those who have health insurance, who can afford a pharmaceutical or surgical copay, and who have the means to take time off work and travel to a state with more lenient regulations are far more insulated from the most potent and cascading impacts of abortion bans. So, too, are their families and communities. As in the 19th century, class, hand in hand with race, provides a more useful lens of analysis for understanding abortion legislation in the U.S. In restricting abortion, medical men like Storer worked to consolidate medical authority among the white upper classes. Today, it is often men from a similarly high social and class standing, serving in state legislatures and on courts, who are once again pushing for abortion restrictions that most adversely impact Americans with less social and economic capital. R.E. Fulton is an independent historian of medicine, gender, and crime whose work focuses on abortion practitioners in 19th-century New York. Their book The Abortionist of Howard Street, out May 2024 from Cornell University Press, studies the life and career of Josephine McCarty, alias Emma Burleigh. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors. Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com. Abortions in first 12 weeks should be fully legalised in Germany, commission says By Friederike Heine BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany should lift all restrictions on abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy but keep its ban on the procedure after foetal viability, around 22 weeks, a government-appointed commission said on Monday. Women in Germany now typically require counselling to obtain a legal abortion within the first 12 weeks, with exceptions including for victims of violent crime. There are no time restrictions for abortions if the mother's life is in danger. "The fundamental illegality of abortion in the early phase of pregnancy is untenable," said Liane Woerner, a law professor at Konstanz University and a member of the 18-member panel of experts in medicine, psychology, ethics and law. "Lawmakers should take action and make these abortions legal and unpunishable." It will be up to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left coalition to decide whether to accept the commission's advice. The commission said it should be up to lawmakers to decide on the rules between the early and late stages of pregnancy. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said there was an "immediate need for action" with regards to women's access to abortions and adequate care for women with unwanted pregnancies, especially in the religiously conservative south of the country. However, neither Lauterbach nor the justice and family ministers receiving the recommendations alongside him gave a timeline for a draft law. "What we don't need is another debate that divides society" like in the United States and Poland, he said. "We will discuss in detail and then propose an orderly process for how we as a government and parliament deal with these proposals." The current legislative period ends in 2025 and some members of the conservative opposition have said they would take any planned reform to the Constitutional Court. Abortion rights have become a divisive issue among voters in the United States and several European countries. Poland's 2021 revisions to abortion laws made headlines as conservative policies took root in one of Europe's most devout Catholic countries. Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron said he wants the European Union to guarantee the right to an abortion in its Charter of Fundamental Rights. In 2022, Germany abolished a Nazi-era law that had prevented doctors who offered termination of pregnancies from disseminating information about the procedure. (Reporting by Friederike Heine; Editing by Rachel More, Philippa Fletcher, Peter Graff) Accused rapist who tried to clear his name loses blockbuster defamation trial against TV network An accused rapist who had sought to clear his name by suing one of Australias largest television networks for defamation has lost his case, with a judge finding that, on the balance of probabilities, he committed the crime. The verdict brings an end to a complex legal case that has captivated the Australian public since 2021, when former political staffer Brittany Higgins accused her colleague Bruce Lehrmann of raping her inside Parliament House after a night of drinking in 2019. Mr Lehrmann raped Miss Higgins, Justice Michael Lee announced towards the end of a lengthy ruling watched by thousands live on YouTube from the Federal Court in Sydney Monday. Higgins alleged she was raped by a colleague in an exclusive 2021 television interview with the Network Tens The Project program, which also raised questions about the official response by ministers and political staffers in the aftermath of the alleged assault. After the interview aired, Lehrmann was charged with sexual intercourse without consent, but the trial was abandoned in 2022 due to juror misconduct and not revived due to fears about Higgins mental health. Without a trial and a means to clear his name, Lehrmann turned to defamation action, claiming that Network Ten and The Project presenter Lisa Wilkinson damaged his reputation by providing enough information in the program for him to be identified, though he was not named. Network Ten and Wilkinson chose to fight the charge, mounting a truth defense, meaning that to win, the networks lawyers needed to prove that on the balance of probabilities the rape happened. Lee found Monday that the two had sex that night, but Higgins was so inebriated she couldnt possibly have given her consent and that Lehrmann didnt seek to obtain it. Im satisfied that it is more likely than not that Mr Lehrmanns state of mind was such that he was so intent upon gratification to be indifferent to Miss Higgins consent, said Lee. The ruling delivers a devastating blow to Lehrmanns attempt to clear his name. As Lee put it in his judgement: Having escaped the lions den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat. Lehrmann has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and CNN has reached out to his barrister for comment on the negative ruling. Lisa Wilkinson (in white) arrives at court on April 15, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. - Don Arnold/Getty Images What happened that night To reach his ruling, Lee examined notes, texts, social media messages, emails, hours of audio as well as closed-circuit television footage around the night in question. He said he found them to be a far surer guide as to what happened that night than the testimony of either Lehrmann or Higgins, who he also found to be an unsatisfactory witness. Lee walked through the night in question, referring to footage from a bar in Canberra that showed the pair among a group of colleagues talking animatedly and sharing rounds. Lehrmann repeatedly denied buying drinks, but Lee said he rejected that as the video plainly showed him pulling out a card and paying for a round. After meticulously studying the video, Lee concluded that Higgins had consumed 11 drinks, and was seen on camera to have stumbled. Lee said Lehrmann knew she was drinking excessively. Lee also accepted the evidence of a colleague who saw Lehrmann and Higgins engage in a passionate kiss at the bar, though both Lehrmann and Higgins had denied kissing. Lee found that the pair went back to Parliament House on Lehrmanns suggestion to drink whiskey, rejecting Lehrmanns claims that he went there to fetch his house keys and to take notes on a French submarine deal. Common sense suggests that it is obvious there was one dominant thought running through the mind of Mr. Lehmann as he was approaching Parliament House and it had nothing to do with French submarine contracts, Lee said. Lee didnt lay blame at the Parliament House security guards for letting them in saying it would have been difficult to judge how inebriated Higgins was and raised the question why Lehrmann left alone to get an Uber home after about 40 minutes. One would expect a man with any manners, faced with the possibility he was leaving a young woman late at night and accompanied, who he knew had been drinking would check whether she had gone and if not, how she was getting home safely, Lee said. Higgins was found with her dress hitched up when checked on by a security guard, who said she looked at her and rolled into the fetal position. Higgins left Parliament House alone after a couple of hours and didnt immediately file a case with police. Videos posted by journalists online Monday showed Lehrmann leaving court and declining to answer multiple questions shouted at him by reporters. In a statement Network Ten described Mondays ruling as a triumph for truth. Justice Lees judgment is vindication for the courageous Brittany Higgins who gave a voice to women across the nation, the statement added. Outside the court, Network Ten journalist Wilkinson told reporters she sincerely hoped the judgment gives strength to women around the country. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man who was wanted for murder in Rock Hill was captured following an attack and attempted carjacking at a Huntersville QuikTrip, police said. The violent incident occurred at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the QuikTrip gas station located at 16649 Statesville Road. As Huntersville officers arrived, they discovered a man had attacked a woman with a knife and tried to steal her vehicle at the location. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here The suspect, later identified as Shawn Marion Love, 27, of Rock Hill, SC, was unsuccessful in his carjacking attempt and fled the area on a stolen bike. The woman who was attacked received treatment at the scene for minor injuries, police said. Video surveillance from the Huntersville QuikTrip gave detectives further information and a description of the wanted suspect. Around 11 a.m. Sunday, April 14, Huntersville officers responded to the report of a suspicious person along Sherrill Estates Road and located Love. Shawn Love (Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office) While running a warrant check, officers discovered Love was wanted out of Rock Hill for murder. He also matched the description of the suspect from the assault and attempted carjacking. Love has been charged with attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and breaking and entering a motor vehicle in Mecklenburg County. His bond was set at $100,000 secured. Following Loves capture, a Huntersville officer recovered the vehicle stolen from the scene of the murder in Rock Hill on the side of Interstate 77 near Exit 23. PREVIOUSLY: Man charged after stabbing, killing family member in Rock Hill, police say Once Love is extradited to Rock Hill, he will be served warrants for murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Love is scheduled to appear in Mecklenburg County court on Monday, April 15. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Is this Ada County GOP infighting, or an effort to bring diverse perspectives in line? To state Rep. James Petzke, it seemed like a minor difference. He joined his fellow Republicans in supporting a new budgeting approach that would allow legislators to first pass maintenance budgets to keep state agencies afloat, and then to spend more time deliberating any additional funds requested. Petzke, a Meridian Republican and a member of the Legislatures powerful Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, or JFAC, just wanted to redefine the word maintenance to make sure it captured basics like the replacement of broken equipment, or pay raises to keep pace with inflation. So, in early February, he voted along with eight other Republicans and three Democrats to pass alternate budgets that would incorporate those items. On April 5, he learned through a social media post that the Ada County Republican Central Committee had passed a resolution to express its strong disapproval of these actions. In the resolution, committee members said he deviated from the Republican Party line. Representative James Petzke was the ONLY Republican legislator from Ada County to vote against the budget reform process and vote to pass rival, much larger budgets, the resolution reads. The Ada County Republican Central Committee supports any action which the Idaho Republican Party may choose to bring against Representative James Petzke in order to defend and promote conservative Republican Party values. Idaho Rep. James Petzke, R-Meridian. This was the second time in recent months that the county committee officially denounced a Republican legislator. In December, the committee chastised Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, a Boise Republican, after he stripped two senators of their committee positions in the Legislature, the Statesman previously reported. Other county Republican parties, along with the state party, have taken similar stances in recent months. In March, the Republican committee in southeastern Idahos Bonneville County censured state Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen and state Sen. Kevin Cook, both of Idaho Falls, for conduct unbecoming of a Republican representative and disregard for the partys platform, the Post Register reported. In August, Republican Rep. Lori McCann of Lewiston spoke out about the trend of censuring Republican legislators in an interview with the Idaho Statesman after she was censured three times in one year. Its about Idaho GOP politics and whats going on in our entire state, McCann said. Theres a lot of mistreatment against some real good legislators who are more in the middle or are trying to work with all the Republicans. In its April resolution, the Ada County party took issue with Petzkes approach to the budget reforms. After previously indicating support for the budget reform process in JFAC, Representative James Petzke waited until JFAC Co-Chair Rep. Wendy Horman was out sick, the resolution reads. In an interview with the Statesman, Petzke called Hormans illness a coincidence, and said he did not know she would be out that day until he arrived for the vote that morning. Petzke, 29, who describes himself in his online bio as a small-business owner, outdoorsman and life-long Christian, is serving his first term in the Legislature. His District 21 stretches from Eagle Road west to the Canyon County line, mostly south of Ustick Road and north of Victory Road. He took office after winning a four-way GOP primary contest in May 2022 and winning the November general election with 62% of the vote. He is running for a second term this year, facing Meridian residents Monica McKinley and Adam Nelson in the May 21 primary. Of the three, Petzke has reported raising the most money for his campaign so far. He said the resolution is a fundraising tactic for the county party. They basically just put that resolution in an email with a bunch of Donate Now buttons, he said. They didnt give me an opportunity to tell my side of the story or, you know, even clarify exactly what happened. Because, honestly, the resolution that they ran, it didnt get the facts even remotely right. They kind of just made something up and ran with it. In a press release, the Ada County Republican Central Committee criticized state Rep. James Petzke, R-Meridian, for joining with Democrats to derail the budget reform process. Petzke said the committee used the resolution as a fundraising tactic, and he noted the emails multiple links soliciting donations. County GOP chairman Thad Butterworth said resolutions and censures are more about trying to bring everybody into alignment within the party. The Democrat party, they have a different way of dealing with this, in that people that dont toe the party line exactly never go anywhere, he told the Idaho Statesman in an interview. Because the Republican Party tends to be a much more ideologically diverse set of people, resolutions like the one against Petzke can give a clear delineation between the people who are trying to represent the party platform and the people who would rather get very loose with it. He said the resolution was a response to Petzkes voting record, not just to the specific concerns about budget reforms. The general sense I have is that the large portion of the [central committee] is fairly dissatisfied with Representative Petzkes voting record because he doesnt adhere to the party platform, said Butterworth, who did not vote on the resolution. I think that particular instance just sparked enough desire for action. Jaclyn Kettler, a professor of political science at Boise State University, told the Statesman that when it comes to elections, it is too soon to say what effect resolutions like these will have on censured legislators. Does the incumbent struggle more in elections if they have been censured, or is it a way for them to actually also increase their [own campaigns] energy and fundraising? she said in an interview. Honestly, I dont think we really know yet. I think this is becoming such a newer trend that were still kind of figuring it out. Butterworth was optimistic that this resolution and others like it would resonate with Republican voters. The voters I talk to express frustration a lot of times with not feeling like their views are being represented within the Republican Party, he said. From my standpoint, the desired outcome is to let voters know that this representative does not represent the platform of the party. Petzke thinks voters will be unimpressed. I dont know that [the resolution] impacts me as much as it just looks really, really bad for the party, he said. I think it just looks like the party is more interested in fighting itself, rather than tackling the issues that actually benefit everyday Idahoans. Public spat in Idaho GOP continues as Ada County Republicans rebuke Senate leader Ada County GOP says its finances are amiss, blames former leaders. What they say Impossible to lead: Ada County GOP leaders resign to protest state partys new oligarchy Dangerous trend: Idaho Republicans push back at party censures over extreme policies First there was Livable Raleigh, a group dedicated to maintaining the citys leafy character despite its rapid development. Now comes Sustainable Raleigh, a group founded by former City Council member David Knight. It advocates for denser growth and taller buildings, particularly along bus rapid transit corridors. Knight, a one-term council member who lost his bid for reelection in 2022, founded Sustainable Raleigh as a way to campaign for a vision of the city without being a candidate. Knight, an attorney and environmental consultant, said limiting dense development in favor of single-family neighborhoods promotes sprawl that could eventually overwhelm the citys resources. We want to make sure Raleigh grows in a sustainable way, he said. Knight said the difference between his group and Livable Raleigh is that Sustainable Raleigh supports more multi-family and mixed-income housing while Livable Raleigh defends single-family neighborhoods by following a NIMBY mantra. Livable Raleigh leaders would disagree. They say they support balanced growth across the city, but oppose development that intrudes into established neighborhoods. The groups motto is Great neighborhoods make great cities. Sustainable Raleigh takes a development-friendly approach. If Raleigh is going to have more affordable housing, Knight said, the city needs more housing of all types and prices. When I met with Knight last week, he was joined by Wonza Montague, who with her husband, James, has developed properties in Southeast Raleigh, and Sig Hutchinson, a former Wake County commissioner and a supporter of Knights group. Montague, a Sustainable Raleigh board member, said Southeast Raleigh residents cant stop growth, but they should have a role in shaping it. People are here. Growth is going to happen. We want to be included a little, she said. City Council elections are nonpartisan, though local political parties may recommend a slate of candidates. But the real contest will be between what Livable Raleigh and Sustainable Raleigh represent. Which perspective will prevail when Raleigh votes in November for all eight members of the City Council, including the mayor? Hutchinson summarized Sustainable Raleighs view of the citys rapid growth: We have a great thing going on. We just have to keep it going that way. Livable Raleigh is wary of letting developers and the market dictate what Raleigh is becoming. Theres no reason that unchecked development should bulldoze Raleighs longtime character, the group says. Between the two views will be tens of thousands of voters who may not have an opinion. Theyll be drawn to the polls by the presidential and gubernatorial elections. How they vote and how many will vote in the municipal races at the bottom of a long ballot are key questions in the races for council and mayor. Still, through all the noise of the presidential and statewide races, concerns and hopes for Raleighs growth will get a hearing. Knight said Sustainable Raleigh will back a slate of candidates. Livable Raleigh may do the same. Its a measure of how important city planning will be in the race that Mitch Silver, Raleighs former city planner, announced last week that he is running for City Council. Mitchell, who left Raleigh in 2014 to serve as New York City parks commissioner, returned to Raleigh in 2021. He is currently working for a Raleigh-based engineering and land planning firm. I want to offer leadership to make sure the city goes in the right direction, Silver told Raleigh Magazine. Livable Raleigh greeted Silvers announcement with an editorial describing him as a lobbyist paid to undercut Raleighs rules. The campaigns ahead will ask Raleigh voters to decide. Do they want development that sustains Raleighs growth with density and less sprawl, or do they want a city that values its neighborhoods and planning that protects its character? This election wont be just about who wins. It will also shape what Raleigh becomes. Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) Advocates spent part of Mondays Tax Day highlighting how immigrants have contributed to North Carolina while pushing back on a bill Republicans in the legislature will take up this spring requiring local sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration officials. Kelly Morales, co-director of Siembra NC, joined immigrant workers and others outside the NC Dept. of Revenue while holding an oversized check for $300 million. A recent report by the left-leaning Carolina Forward found thats the estimated amount undocumented immigrants pay in state and local taxes in North Carolina each year, based on data from Pew Research and other organizations. Morales said shes concerned about the legislature focusing on the issue of sheriffs cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and not on issues impacting immigrant workers such as wage theft. That is a tool that is being used by the GOP for votes in November. What we dont see is them actually talking about protecting working-class immigrants that do contribute taxes, said Morales. Last year, the House passed a bill that would require sheriffs to honor detainer requests by ICE to hold people suspected of being in the country illegally for up to 48 hours. The Senate did not take up the bill, but a spokesperson for Republican Senate leader Phil Berger said Monday he does support moving forward with it this spring. Earlier this year, House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland), who is running for a seat in Congress, said the bill would be a top priority amid record crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. Immigration is among the key issues in the 2024 election. This is a clear and present danger to our country, Moore said at the time. The bill is similar to legislation the General Assembly has passed previously but was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. This time the GOP has a veto-proof supermajority. The governor said those bills were unconstitutional and about scoring political points. Republicans say theyre responding to actions by Democratic sheriffs in the states largest counties who campaigned on promises to end cooperative agreements with ICE. Those sheriffs have said ICE needs to give them an order signed by a judge or magistrate in order to detain someone for 48 hours. Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone said his offices relationship with ICE has been beneficial. Hed like to see more voluntary cooperation among law enforcement agencies at all levels of government. I know that the ICE group that I work with are phenomenal. Its all about public safety and its about being able to keep bad people from the communities, said Sheriff Stone. This is the type of relationship where weve got to work to secure our communities and to make sure that we do not have these bad elements in communities. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. After several reports of artificial intelligence-generated child pornography surfaced in California, Ventura County Dist. Atty. Erik Nasarenko advocated for a change to state law to protect children who are increasingly vulnerable to this misuse of technology. In December, Nasarenko received his first tip regarding a person who had artificially created photos depicting an underaged girl performing sex acts with an adult man. "When it came to my attention, I said lets file [charges]," Nasarenko told The Times. But, because of current loopholes in California law, he learned that he couldn't press charges in cases where the photos of children are AI-generated. Last year, the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said it had received 4,700 reports of AI-generated photos that depict child sexual exploitation. Los Angeles middle and high schools have gone as far as to expel students for creating AI-generated sexually inappropriate images of their peers. In the last five months, Nasarenko's office has received six tips related to photos depicting minors engaging in sexual acts. Read more: L.A. school district probes inappropriate images shared at Fairfax High. More AI abuse? As reports of AI-generated child pornography are rising, California lawmakers and prosecutors say the state must take action to protect children and hold suspects accountable. Assembly Bill 1831, by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) and co-sponsored by Nasarenko, would ensure that A.I.-generated sexually explicit images of children are illegal to possess, distribute and create. The bill would also apply to photos that depict highly realistic images of children but are not real. The bill is also co-sponsored by SAG-AFTRA and the California District Attorney's Assn. "With the rapid advancement of AI, this technology has been used to create highly realistic images of child sexual abuse which can be virtually indistinguishable from a real child," Berman said during testimony in the Assembly Public Safety Committee this week. Teenagers could also be charged in a juvenile court under this bill. Read more: Laguna Beach High School investigates 'inappropriate' AI-generated images of students Kaylin Hayman, who between the ages of 10 and 14 was a series regular on a Disney Channel television show, testified on Tuesday that her face from that time was superimposed on an adult body participating in sex acts. "I felt violated and disgusted to think about the fact that grown men had seen me in such a horrendous manner," said Hayman, a 16-year-old survivor and victim advocate from Ventura County. "While speaking about this topic is daunting, I know deep down I need to share my voice. I need to bring awareness and justice to those in my position." The creator of the images was convicted in federal court. But Nasarenko argued that California does not have a companion statute that would have allowed him to prosecute locally. The bill passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee with bipartisan support and is now headed to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. 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. People watch as U.S. military carries out its first aid drop over Gaza, amid the ongoing the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza City WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Humanitarian aid getting into the Gaza Strip has increased by a large amount in the last few days, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Monday, adding the United States needs to see that aid sustained. "The aid has increased and quite dramatically in just the last few days," Kirby said in an interview with MSNBC. "That's important but it has to be sustained." More than 2,000 trucks have been able to get in, about 100 in the last 24 hours alone, Kirby said in an interview with MSNBC. President Joe Biden earlier this month threatened to condition support for Israel's offensive in Gaza on it taking concrete steps to protect aid workers and civilians. The move was prompted by an Israeli attack that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers. It was the first time the Biden administration has sought to leverage U.S. aid to influence Israeli military behavior. As Biden said, Kirby added in a separate interview on CNBC, "Our policy with respect to Gaza will change if we don't see significant changes over time." Six months into Israel's air and ground campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, the devastated Palestinian enclave faces famine and widespread disease with nearly all its inhabitants now homeless. Aid agencies have complained that Israel is not ensuring enough access for food, medicine and other needed humanitarian supplies. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) (AP) An incoming attack by more than 300 Iranian drones and ballistic missiles was the latest challenge to Israels air defense system, which already has been working overtime to cope with incoming rocket, drone and missile attacks throughout the six-month war against Hamas. Israels defense system with assistance from the U.S. and Britain is credited with preventing serious damage or casualties. US forces help Israel repel Iranian drone, missile attack Heres a closer look at Israels multilayered air-defense system: The Arrow: This system developed with the U.S. is designed to intercept long-range missiles, including the types of ballistic missiles Iran said it launched on Saturday. The Arrow, which operates outside the atmosphere, has been used in the current war to intercept long-range missiles launched by Houthi militants in Yemen. A Patriot battery and a model of an Arrow 3 ballistic missile are on display at Hatzor Airbase in Israel on March 3, 2018. (Ben Hartman/Contributor) Patriot: This American-made system is the oldest member of Israels missile-defense system used during the First Gulf War in 1991 to intercept Scud missiles fired by Iraqs leader at the time, Saddam Hussein. The Patriot is now used to shoot down aircraft, including drones. Davids Sling: Also developed with the U.S., the Davids Sling is meant to intercept medium-range missiles, such as those possessed by Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iron Dome: This system, developed by Israel with U.S. backing, specializes in shooting down short-range rockets. It has intercepted thousands of rockets since it was activated early last decade including thousands of interceptions during the current war against Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel says it has a success rate of over 90%. Israeli company Rafael has created Iron Beam, a high-energy laser weapon. (Courtesy of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems) Iron Beam: Israel is developing a new system to intercept incoming threats with laser technology. Israel has said this system will be a game changer because it is much cheaper to operate than existing systems. However, it is not yet operational. AUSTIN (KXAN) The United States Air Forces first female fighter pilot went to the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated in 1990. Now, 34 years later, shes been selected as the universitys keynote speaker for its 141st Spring Commencement. Retired Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt, an aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics alumna, grew up in St. Louis and came to UT because she wanted to study aerospace engineering, UT said in a release. Leavitt dedicated 31 years of service to the Air Force, logging more than 3,000 hours of flight time, including 300 hours of combat flying in Iraq and Afghanistan. She went to pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio and was the top graduate of her class. In 1998, Leavitt became the first female pilot to graduate from Weapons School, the Air Force equivalent of the Navys Top Gun, according to a release from UT. UTs release added Leavitt said that her own experience with loneliness in efforts to become a fighter pilot gives her empathy with this years graduates, who persisted through the loneliness of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am honored to join the class of 2024 for their commencement ceremony, Leavitt said in the release. These graduates showed incredible grit as they persevered through the pandemic. Rather than focus on how their lives were impacted by COVID, they focused on actions they could control and excelled in their endeavors at UT. With courage, compassion and commitment, the Longhorn class of 2024 will change the world. Leavitt also consulted with Marvel Studios during the filming of the 2019 movie Captain Marvel, working closely with actor Brie Larson so that it would give an authentic representation of a female fighter pilot, UTs release noted. Leavitt also received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2023 from the Texas Exes. Maj. Gen. Leavitt broke much more than the sound barrier when she first took to the skies as a fighter pilot. She set an example of great persistence in pursuing her dreams, resilience in the face of disappointment, and being prepared for unforeseen opportunities, UT President Jay Hartzell said in the release. In many ways she represents this years graduates, who entered UT physically detached from our campus at the start of the pandemic and adapted so they could succeed. I am incredibly proud that Maj. Gen. Leavitt blazed her remarkable trail as a Longhorn. The commencement ceremony will be held May 11 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium and is expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A civilian employee with the Missile Defense Agency died last year after experiencing decompression sickness aboard an Air Force C-17 during a missile testing flight, an accident investigation revealed. The Air Force released the investigation findings into the Aug. 21 incident on Friday, which disclosed the 33-year-old employee was "performing duties inherent to his role in the back of an aircraft following a test drop" at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, or JBER, "when he developed symptoms consistent with decompression sickness," Air Mobility Command said in a press release. The name of the man was withheld from the release and the report. "Onboard physiological technicians responded to the individual and aircrew arranged for follow-on treatment upon landing at JBER," Air Mobility Command said. "Despite intervention efforts by qualified medical personnel, the individual's health continued to deteriorate upon arrival at the JBER emergency room, and the individual went into cardiac arrest prior to being transported to a higher echelon of care." Related: Marines Say Color Guard at Mar-a-Lago Attended Veteran Nonprofit Event, Not Political Fundraiser The accident investigation board determined that "decompression sickness induced by the high-altitude, unpressurized portion of the military test mission" as well as the "pre-existing and underlying medical conditions" of the employee led to his death a day later at the hospital on Aug. 22. "He was extremely proud of his family and frequently shared pictures of them with other crew members both leading up to and on the actual flight," the report detailed. "The [deceased employee] was recognized for his expertise in this mission set [and] had been identified as an 'up-and-comer' with the Missile Defense Agency." News of the Missile Defense Agency employee's death last year comes as another recently released accident report showed that a civilian contractor was also killed while doing testing on an MQ-9A drone. Stephanie R. Cosme, 32, died on Sept. 7 after "she inadvertently walked into the parked remotely piloted aircraft's rotating propeller" during testing at Gray Butte Airfield near Edwards Air Force Base in California, Air Force Materiel Command said in a press release earlier this month. Cosme was employed by Sumaria Systems, LLC, and provided test support services for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Detachment 3, the service said. She died shortly after being airlifted to a local hospital. "At the time of the mishap, the Sumaria Systems contractor team was providing engineering and professional test support to evaluate electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility testing with a new release of MQ-9A software on payloads and other aircraft systems," the Air Force said. The accident investigation board president said the test engineer was incorrectly taught how to take telemetry readings near the MQ-9A while the engine was running and she also "lost situational awareness" when taking readings with a handheld device, the service said. Related: Air Force to Posthumously Award Distinguished Flying Cross to Crew in Mysterious 2010 Osprey Crash Ala. Man Accused of Intentionally Crashing into Girlfriend's Vehicle Before Kidnapping and Fatally Shooting Her Cedric Dewayne Robertson is charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Nakita Chantryce Davidson Kita Davidson/Facebook, Jefferson County Jail Nakita Chantryce Davidson (left) was found dead Friday, April 12. Cedric Dwayne Robertson (right in mugshot) was arrested Friday in connection to her kidnapping and murder. Nakita Chantryce Davidson, a mother of four, was fatally shot during an alleged kidnapping that spanned Thursday, April 11 to Friday, April 12 Her body was stuffed inside the trunk of her wrecked vehicle, four miles from the initial crash site, per police Cedric Dewayne Robertson, 37, could face the death penalty if convicted of his girlfriends murder The mother of four had been trying to distance herself from the convicted felon she had been dating, when, Sergeant LaQuitta Wade tells PEOPLE, that man allegedly rammed his car into hers near a Birmingham, Ala., cemetery before fatally shooting her and stuffing her body inside the trunk of her own car. Nakita Chantryce Davidson, 40, was reported missing Thursday, April 11, following an early morning, two-vehicle car crash near Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum. During their search, investigators recovered one of her powder pink sneakers, frayed at the heel, per a photograph in evidence which the Birmingham Police Department shared with PEOPLE. GoFundMe Nakita Chantryce Davidson Related: Police Pursuing Ala. Man Charged with Kidnapping Woman in Crash Near Cemetery The following afternoon, police say investigators located Davidsons 2008 burgundy Saturn Outlook in a wooded dead-end area, more than four miles from the gravesite. They found Davidson dead inside her car. Following a 36-hour manhunt, U.S. Marshals and local police and sheriffs deputies arrested Cedric Dewayne Robertson, 37, around 6:40 p.m. Friday, April 12, according to the police. Robertson, a convicted felon, is charged with capital murder during first degree kidnapping, as well as first-degree kidnapping, among other charges, per his online Jefferson County Jail inmate information. In Alabama, a capital murder conviction can lead to the death penalty. No court date was listed on his online inmate information, and it was not immediately clear if Robertson had pleaded to the charges or if he had retained a lawyer. Birmingham Police Dept. Police recovered this light pink Nike sneaker during their search for Nakita Chantryce Davidson, who was reported missing Thursday, April 11. Arriving at the two-vehicle crash scene at 2:11 a.m. Thursday, police say they found evidence of a possible assault or shooting. Investigators located a single SUV: a burgundy and black Chevy Traverse with an unknown year and tag number, which police now allege Davidson used to cause the intentional crash. At the preliminary stages of the kidnapping investigation, police initially mistook the Chevy Traverse for Davidsons vehicle, assuming she had been forcibly taken in the other. Google According to police, Nakita Chantryce Davidson was found in the trunk of her vehicle near this wooded area in Birmingham, Ala. Friday, April 12. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Instead, Wade tells PEOPLE, police now believe that Robertson shot Davidson near the cemetery, placed her body into the trunk of her SUV and drove her several miles to a wooded area at the the 2300 block of 18th Place SW in Birmingham, where he ditched her vehicle and fled the scene. Davidson died sometime Friday, April 12, per a statement made by Davidsons brother, Laderrius Swain, on a GoFundMe page he created to raise money for her memorial service. Jefferson County Jail Cedric Dwayne Robertson, following his April 12, 2024 arrest in connection to Nakita Chantryce Davidson's kidnapping and murder. Wade says police have not yet confirmed a motive for the killing between the two people who had been dating for less than a year. Her plan was to get away from him, Swain told AL.com. Thats what she was trying to do that night. Calling his sister by her nickname, Kita, Swain said on GoFundMe page that her two-day kidnapping and murder was a senseless act of violence leaving four children without their mother. Robertson was arrested a three-minute drive away from where he allegedly left Davidsons vehicle, per police. Robertson was booked into Jefferson County Jail without bond shortly after midnight Saturday, April 13. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Montgomery, Alabama is the birthplace of the Confederacy and of the civil rights movement. Its history speaks volumes about the state of American democracy. It is perhaps ironic, then, how the last generation of its voters have largely been silenced. For decades, Alabamas capital city has been split between two or three different congressional districts a deliberate effort by state leaders to prevent power from accreting to Black voters. Recently the region has been represented by a white Freedom Caucus Republican. But last year a bruising court battle forced Alabama to redraw its district lines, finally placing the entire city and a wide swath of Alabamas Black Belt of African American residents in the same congressional district. The runoff for the newly drawn congressional district is Tuesday. Now Montgomery and Alabamas Black voters have to be heard by anyone who wants to serve them in Congress. We want somebody who is philosophically aligned with the city, said Steven Reed, the mayor of Montgomery. On issues around voting rights, on issues around healthcare, Medicaid expansion and access to healthcare, we would like to have an advocate. From our standpoint, theres a tremendous need for the congressman to be able to leverage their position in the United States House of Representatives to bring resources back. Dexter Avenue in Montgomery is a living monument to civil rights leaders. Stand at the bottom of the hill next to a bronze statue of Rosa Parks and look up, past the first church Martin Luther King led a church founded on the site of a slave traders pen and you will see the marble of Alabamas capitol building a half mile away. The city vibrates with history. But the old paint has cracks. Hip coffee shops and startup incubator space have sprung up. But nearby empty buildings are more reminiscent of the half-abandoned small town main streets in the parts of the south that are losing population. Alabama is relatively poor, and a net recipient of federal spending. The Bureau of Economic Analysis rated Alabamas $50,637 per capita income in 2022 as third from the bottom among the states. The disparities between white Alabama and Black Alabama are among the widest in America. Alabama is accustomed to getting more from the federal government than it gives. Just not necessarily here, in the states redrawn second congressional district. Sometimes I feel like the capital city sometimes gets Im not going to say neglected. But we dont get our fair share, said Doug Singleton, chairman of the Montgomery county commission. A lot of the time, a lot of the support and the money goes up north. I realize the population in north Alabama is greater than it is in south Alabama. But the main thing with me is I want to make sure that theyre representing this district. In June last year, the US supreme court ordered Alabama lawmakers to redraw its seven congressional districts, noting that more than a quarter of Alabamas residents are Black but only one of its districts might be expected to elect a Black representative. Alabamas voters are starkly polarized by race. With Republican control of Congress on a knifes edge, Alabama legislators responded in shades of defiance reminiscent of civil rights-era battles. They returned a map that only increased the portion of Black voters in the second district from 30% to 40%, then played for time in court. Federal judges had none of it. The court ordered a special master to redraw it for them. Alabamas newly drawn second congressional district now stretches 200 miles across the state from the Columbus suburbs and Montgomery to the north-western suburbs of Mobile, through farmland where the legacy of enslavement echoes in its demography. Just under half the districts registered voters are African American. The vestiges of that history persist to this day, said Shomari Figures, one of two Democratic candidates vying for the seat in the runoff. There are a lot of Black parts of this state that lack intentional economic investment. Figures, a Black attorney from Mobile, is an Obama White House veteran who served as a personnel director and in the US justice department. His family is prominent in Alabama politics; his father Michael Figures memorably bankrupted the Alabama Ku Klux Klan with a lawsuit in the 80s, while his mother Vivian Figures serves in the Alabama state senate. He rattles off rural Black counties in and out of the district as he talks about disinvestment. Perry county, parts of Clark county, Monroe county; these are areas where you have significantly high Black populations, or fairly high Black populations, where you dont see the factories, where you have seen the factories that were there dry up and have not been replaced, Figures said. I think, you know, as a member of Congress, one of your jobs is to make sure that youre actually taking your role as the lobbyist in chief and advocate and chief for your district front and center. And that has to be one of your primary responsibilities. Figures faces state representative Anthony Daniels, the youngest Black man to be named minority leader of the Democratic party in Alabamas house of representatives. An educator, Daniels represents Huntsville at the capitol, but he grew up in Bullock county, in a rural Black town thats now part of the district. I grew up in poverty. So, I know all about poverty. During my 10 years here serving in the legislature, Ive focused my attention squarely on reducing or trying to create pathways out of poverty for people. Even in the waning days before the runoff, Daniels bustles between committee meetings and the campaign trail, contemplating the problems of poverty in the district. In Bullock county, the small county that Im from, the hospital is basically on the verge of closing, he said. The same thing in Monroe county, where their maternal care unit is no longer there. An expecting mother would have to drive a hundred miles to Mobile or Montgomery to give birth now, Daniels said. The political answer to these problems for many Black Alabamans has been to vote with their feet. Montgomery, Mobile and much of the Black Belt has been bleeding population away to Huntsville or out of state entirely. Standing on Dexter Avenue, two 23-year-olds Leon King and Kentarious McNeil talked about the blight, just a few streets over from the capitol. This is the capitol. Martin Luther King. Rosa Parks. Everything is closed. Abandoned houses. Foreclosed houses. Folks are giving up, King said. Folks are leaving Alabama. Its the youth. McNeil thinks about leaving for Atlanta, he said. Its sad. I dont even want to be at home. The eastern half of Alabamas Black Belt has been in a congressional district controlled by conservatives for decades. Most of Montgomery had been in Alabamas first district, currently held by Barry Moore, a Republican. Moore is a Freedom Caucus stalwart who rejects the use of earmarks line-item spending in bills targeted at one district or another as a sign of government waste and political corruption. He was one of a handful of Republicans to vote against the $886bn National Defense Authorization Act in December, in part because it lacked language prohibiting tax dollars from being used to fund abortion travel pay, sex reassignment surgeries, and drag queen shows on base, Moore wrote in comments to his newsletter after the vote. Moore is Alabamas only veteran serving in Congress, and major military bases such as Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) underpin the economy in much of his former district. Rather than compete in the newly drawn second district, Moore challenged a comparatively moderate Republican congressman, Jerry Carl of Mobile, in the first, and defeated him in the March primary. The Cook Political Report rates Alabamas second district as a likely Democratic pick-up, with a +4 Democratic partisan lean. But it is no slam dunk, said Dick Brewbaker, a former Republican state senator from Montgomery and one of two candidates in the Republican runoff. If you look at voting-age people, its 50-50, he said. Brewbaker says voter concerns about immigration and particularly the rising cost of living create a competitive opening for a Republican. But theres no space for Moores ideological approach. I havent talked to anybody that wants a congressman for the new district to be a no earmarks type of congressman, he said. They are very concerned about getting their share of federal help, in Mobile even more so because theres so many infrastructure projects that surround the port. We want somebody who is philosophically aligned with the city Steven Reed Brewbaker faces the Montgomery attorney Caroleene Dobson, a political newcomer trying to flank the experienced campaigner on his right, with a harder line on immigration, arguing that all undocumented immigrants including those protected by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) should be immediately deported. The race between the two has been contentious and both have put a million dollars or more of their own money into their campaigns. I do believe that there are true infrastructure needs in this district, Dobson said. Even if a Republican holds on to the seat, the redistricting fundamentally shifts the nature of representation for the region. The effect is already visible to political observers who are seeing candidates courting their vote in new ways. Figures worked the crowd on Friday at Prevail Union, a fashionable coffee shop in Montgomerys historic Kress Building. As he chatted, Ritha Menon, an Indian American community leader, approached him to set up a meeting. They had met before. Listening to the people. Yeah, thats what democracy is, right? she said. Listening to the people and being available and being there and responding with the right team of people. Menon said getting attention for causes has been a struggle, a sentiment that others also expressed. James Tatum is probate judge in Bullock county, where the local hospital is shedding its psychiatric services and 90 jobs in an effort to keep services like its emergency room running. As probate court judge, he is often called upon to order psychiatric evaluations. The closure complicates things, he said. For years, I feel like growing up as a child up until now, weve been getting crumbs instead of a piece of the pie, or the whole pie, Tatum said. To Tatum, Daniels is what it looks like when rural communities have that kind of access, he said. Daniels campaign is trading on his statewide connections as minority leader, providing a relationship for Black legislators across the state to federal power. For Thurmun Dinkins, a real estate agent in Montgomery, it looks like a mixer at Baristas & Barristers, a coffee shop where Figures held an event last month. Figures campaign says his relationships in Washington provide superior access to people who have been locked out, disregarded or ignored. That was my first political event, ever, Dinkins said. If thats what they are like, then I like that. You get to see them on a personable level, in a more relaxed environment. Its an intimate setting. A passenger who repeatedly groped a woman seated beside him on a flight has been banned from Alaska Airlines and faces prison time. Desmond D. Bostick, 25, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit a felony on April 11, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington wrote in a news release. He admitted to repeatedly touching the woman, a stranger, to "arouse his sexual desires" on the June 20 Alaska Airlines flight from San Diego to Seattle, according to his plea agreement filed in Seattle federal court. 'DRUNK' AIRPLANE PASSENGER FINED FOR REPORTEDLY URINATING IN CUP DURING DELAY AT AUSTRALIA AIRPORT A passenger groped a woman on an Alaska Airlines flight. During the flight, Bostick used a blanket to cover his hand while he caressed the woman's thigh throughout an over three-hour-long flight, only stopping when other passengers passed to use the restroom, according to court documents. He also squeezed the woman's butt twice as she stood up to let another passenger exit into the aisle and return to their window seat, prosecutors said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The woman was "too scared to speak, but repeatedly, and unsuccessfully, attempted to shift her body away from Bostick," court documents said. When the flight landed in Seattle, Bostick "quickly" left, according to court records, and the woman "immediately" told Alaska Airlines flight attendants what had transpired, prompting a police investigation. US AIRPORTS ADAPT TO TRAVEL SURGE BY EXPANDING USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO PROCESS PASSENGERS Airline personnel provided a Port of Seattle police officer with Desmond Bostick's name, and the FBI arrested Bostick on Feb. 9. Airline personnel provided Bostick's identity to Port of Seattle Police. An officer found a photo of him on Facebook and showed it to the woman, who confirmed he was the man who groped her, court documents said. Bostick was indicted for abusive sexual contact in September, prosecutors said. The FBI stepped in when law enforcement was unable to locate him after he left the airport, finding and arresting him on Feb. 9. DELTA AIRLINES STOWAWAY CAUGHT ON TEXAS-BOUND PLANE AFTER SNAPPING PHOTO OF PASSENGER'S BOARDING PASS: FEDS An Alaska Airlines spokesperson told the Miami Herald that Bostick is "no longer allowed to travel on Alaska or Horizon," another airline owned by the Alaska Air Group. Prosecutors are recommending a nine-month prison sentence, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office release but U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead is not bound by their recommendation, and the maximum sentence for Bostick's charge is 10 years, they wrote. Bostick's defense attorney could not immediately be reached for comment. Original article source: Alaska Airlines passenger captured by FBI after repeatedly groping woman on flight ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) New Mexico is considering transferring 212 acres of land along the Bosque to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The State Land Office is asking the public to weigh in on the proposal. The second of three public meetings is set for April 16 at the Henry Kiki Saavedra Community Center (201 Prosperity Ave. SE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87106). The meeting will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The meeting will also be on Zoom at this link (access code 008416). Petroglyph National Monument closing some trails after visitors move rocks, make cairns The New Mexico State Land Office is considering how the ecological and management needs of the 212-acres near the Valle del Oro National Wildlife Refuge could potentially be better managed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the State Land Office says on its website. The State Land Office would like to know what kinds of activities should or should not be allowed on state lands, including waterfowl hunting, which was once a permitted activity on the parcel. Other activities being considered include hiking and bird watching. The parcel of land stretches along the Rio Grande near where I-25 crosses the river at the south of Albuquerque. The public can fill out an online survey at this link to help the State Land Office make a decision on the proposal. There will also be another public meeting on May 18. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. U.S. and allies seek new ways to enforce North Korea sanctions Vote on U.N. Security Council resolution to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza in New York By Jack Kim SEOUL (Reuters) -The U.S. and its allies are looking for new ways to enforce sanctions against North Korea, Washington's envoy to the United Nations said on Monday, amid concerns Pyongyang may now be more emboldened to advance its weapons programme. Russia last month vetoed the annual renewal of a panel of experts that has for 15 years monitored enforcement of U.N. Security Council resolutions against North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield is in Seoul and will also visit Japan to advance cooperation on the sanctions and beyond, said Nate Evans, spokesperson for the U.S. mission to the U.N. Washington, Seoul and Tokyo criticised Russia's veto and China's abstention, with a South Korean envoy likening it to "destroying a CCTV to avoid being caught red-handed". Meeting with South Korea's defence minister, Thomas-Greenfield said the end of the panel's work creates a vacuum in enforcement and could provide an opportunity for North Korea to advance its programmes, the ministry said in a statement. She said the United States is working on alternatives to draw up reports on sanctions in cooperation with allies, the ministry said. North Korea says its missile and nuclear programmes are for protection against outside threats such as from the United States and South Korea. It denounces sanctions as an infringement of its sovereignty. Meeting with South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol and Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, the U.S. diplomat said she supports South Korea's efforts to deter North Korea's programmes and to promote rights in the reclusive state. Russia has said the experts' work was neither objective nor impartial, and that they had turned into a tool of the West. Ties between Moscow and Pyongyang strengthened after their leaders met in September. Pyongyang has been accused by the United States of supplying arms to Moscow for its war in Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the accusations, but vowed last year to deepen military relations. (Reporting by Jack Kim; Additional reporting by Joyce Lee; editing by Jason Neely and Andrew Cawthorne) Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a press statement in Shanghai. Scholz is scheduled to meet China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing at the end of his trip. Michael Kappeler/dpa Calls for restraint mounted on Israel on Monday following Iran's unprecedented attack on the country, amid fears that the confrontation could further inflame tensions in the Middle East and bring the two sworn enemies to the brink of war. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on Israel to help de-escalate the situation, calling the country's largely successful deterrence of around 300 drones and missiles "a success that should maybe not be thrown away," during a visit to China. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautioned Israel against retaliation. "The right to self-defence means defence against an attack. Retaliation is not a category in international law," she noted. "We will do everything in our power to prevent a flare-up, an escalation," French President Emmanuel Macron told broadcaster BFMTV. On Sunday, US President Joe Biden had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "think carefully and strategically about risks of escalation," according to a senior US government official. It is unclear at present how Israel will react to the unprecedented airstrikes using drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, which were largely repelled with the support of other states. A second meeting of the Israeli war cabinet within 24 hours was expected on Monday, at 2 pm (1100 GMT) according to the ynet news website and Haaretz daily. The war cabinet, headed by Netanyahu, had made no decision on a possible response during three hours of discussions on Sunday, according to media reports. Several options for a possible Israeli retaliatory strike were reportedly discussed. Within the Israeli government, there are calls for swift and harsh action, particularly from politicians on the far-right wing. The hardliners are not represented in the war cabinet, however. "The best thing to do in the case of Israel is to recognize this has been a failure for Iran," British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Times Radio. While Israel had the right to respond to such an attack, he said Britain also wanted to avoid escalation and was urging the country to "think with head as well as heart." Western leaders also directed warnings at Tehran. Iran's first ever direct attack on Israel was a "terrible escalation" that should not have taken place, Scholz said. Baerbock said she had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amirabdollahian to warn against any further escalation. The German Foreign Office summoned Iran's ambassador in response to the overnight attack, a spokesman said. Tehran had also summoned the German ambassador on Sunday, along with those of France and Britain, citing the countries' "irresponsible positions." Amirabdollahian, meanwhile, described his country's attack on Israel as a matter of "legitimate defence" in talks with several of his counterparts. In a call with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Amirabdollahian once again criticized the April 1 attack on Iran's embassy compound that left seven people dead, including two top commanders. Israel has not denied responsibility for the airstrike. Amirabdollahian said Iran "had no choice but to punish the Zionist regime as part of its legitimate defence," a statement from his ministry said. According to his ministry, Amirabdollahian has also spoken to the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Syria, India, Qatar, Egypt and Malta. In a conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, Iran's foreign minister warned of a harsh response if Israel retaliates. Earlier on Monday, Israel's Home Front Command lifted restrictions imposed on civilians as the country braced for the Iranian attack. The order had banned educational activities and put limits on workplace and other public gatherings. Exceptions continue to apply to high-risk areas, such as communities bordering the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. There, only up to 30 people are allowed to gather outside and up to 300 inside. Citizens must also ensure that they can quickly seek shelter in the event of an emergency. In Iran meanwhile, airports resumed normal operations following the drone and missile attack on Israel, according to state media. Air traffic restrictions were lifted early Monday morning and Tehran's two international airports were operating flights as usual, the ISNA news agency reported. Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister, makes a statement at the Federal Foreign Office following the Iranian attack on Israel. For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, Iran had directly attacked its arch-enemy Israel during the night. Fabian Sommer/dpa French President Emmanuel Macron makes a press statement after a joint meeting at the Federal Chancellery. Christoph Soeder/dpa US President Joe Biden attends the 48th G7 Summit. Peter Kneffel/dpa A drone is launched in an undisclosed area in Iran as Iran launches dozens of drones toward Israel. Tasnim News Agancy/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa A drone is launched in an undisclosed area in Iran as Iran launches dozens of drones toward Israel. Tasnim News Agancy/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Calls for restraint mounted on Israel on Monday following Iran's unprecedented attack on the country, amid fears that the confrontation could further inflame tensions in the Middle East and bring the two sworn enemies to the brink of war. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on Israel to help de-escalate the situation, calling the country's largely successful deterrence of around 300 drones and missiles "a success that should maybe not be thrown away," during a visit to China. "We will do everything in our power to prevent a flare-up, an escalation," French President Emmanuel Macron told broadcaster BFMTV. Israel's war cabinet met for a second time in 24 hours on Monday and weighed several possible responses to the attack, according to a media report, but it remained initially unclear whether a decision was made. Some of the options are minor in nature, while others are more intensive, Israeli television station Channel 12 reported, saying Israel seeks a response that is painful to Iran without sparking a regional war. The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, met for nearly three hours, assessing possible responses to the airstrikes, which came following a strike on Iran's embassy compound in Damascus believed to have been carried out by Israel in which several high-ranking commanders were killed. The cabinet also discussed the fact that Israel wanted to coordinate the measures with its most important ally, the US. On Sunday, US President Joe Biden had urged Netanyahu to "think carefully and strategically about risks of escalation," according to a senior US government official. It is unclear at present how Israel will react to the unprecedented airstrikes using drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, which were largely repelled with the support of other states. Within the Israeli government, there are calls for swift and harsh action, particularly from politicians on the far-right wing. The hardliners are not represented in the war cabinet, however. "The best thing to do in the case of Israel is to recognize this has been a failure for Iran," British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Times Radio. While Israel had the right to respond to such an attack, he said Britain also wanted to avoid escalation and was urging the country to "think with head as well as heart." Western leaders also directed warnings at Tehran. Iran's first ever direct attack on Israel was a "terrible escalation" that should not have taken place, Germany's Scholz said. The German Foreign Office summoned Iran's ambassador in response to the overnight attack, a spokesman said. Tehran had also summoned the German ambassador on Sunday, along with those of France and Britain, citing the countries' "irresponsible positions." Even Russia, which is being supplied by Tehran with combat drones used in its war on Ukraine, called on Israel and Iran to exercise restraint. The Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, emphasized in talks with the head of the Israeli National Security Council, Zachi Ha-Negbi, "the need for restraint on all sides of the conflict in the Middle East in order to prevent its escalation," Russian state agencies reported. Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amirabdollahian, meanwhile, described his country's attack on Israel as a matter of "legitimate defence" in talks with several of his counterparts. In a call with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Amirabdollahian once again criticized the April 1 attack on Iran's embassy compound in Syria that left seven people dead, including two top commanders. Israel has not denied responsibility for the airstrike. Amirabdollahian said Iran "had no choice but to punish the Zionist regime as part of its legitimate defence," a statement from his ministry said. According to his ministry, Amirabdollahian has also spoken to the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Syria, India, Qatar, Egypt and Malta. In a conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, Iran's foreign minister warned of a harsh response if Israel retaliates. Earlier on Monday, Israel's Home Front Command lifted restrictions imposed on civilians as the country braced for the Iranian attack. The order had banned educational activities and put limits on workplace and other public gatherings. Exceptions continue to apply to high-risk areas, such as communities bordering the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. There, only up to 30 people are allowed to gather outside and up to 300 inside. Citizens must also ensure that they can quickly seek shelter in the event of an emergency. In Iran meanwhile, airports resumed normal operations following the drone and missile attack on Israel, according to state media. Air traffic restrictions were lifted early Monday morning and Tehran's two international airports were operating flights as usual, the ISNA news agency reported. A Pennsylvania man fishing in Key West was killed Sunday after he fell off a boat and was struck by the engines propeller, police said. Timothy Adam Christianson, 35, was standing on the stern of the 24-foot Sea Fox center console boat shortly before 8 a.m. when he went overboard, according to an incident report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He and Chris Francis Yazdiya, whom the FWC says in its report is from Florida, were fishing about a half mile south of Key West. The engine was in gear and the boat was trolling, but, no one was at the helm when Christianson went in the water, the report states. This is a breaking news story and will be updated. View previous coverage in the player above. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) After a video of 40 dogs wearing heavy chains and living in swampy conditions in Delaware County went viral, some Ohio residents are calling for stricter animal welfare laws in the state. All dogs were removed from the Delaware County property on April 7 after a TikTok video sparked public outrage, showing the animals wearing heavy chains, confined to waterlogged patches of mud with only blue barrels for shelter. Community mentor in coma following brain aneurysm Delaware County Dog Warden Mitchell Garrett said the owner of the property was on the county dog shelters radar since the owner moved there in 2020 and they began receiving complaints. At the shelters first visit to his property, they observed six dogs living outside but within the parameters of state law, Garrett claimed. After the ninth visit, Garrett stated the mans attorney said any future conversation or visit would need a court order. While the county continued to field complaints about the property, Garrett said no one was willing to go on the record with their claims. Living conditions for 40 dogs who were removed from a Delaware County property on Sunday, April 7, 2024 (PHOTO COURTESY M. HAMM) Living conditions for 40 dogs who were removed from a Delaware County property on Sunday, April 7, 2024 (PHOTO COURTESY M. HAMM) Living conditions for 40 dogs who were removed from a Delaware County property on Sunday, April 7, 2024 (PHOTO COURTESY M. HAMM) Living conditions for 40 dogs who were removed from a Delaware County property on Sunday, April 7, 2024 (PHOTO COURTESY M. HAMM) In light of the events in Delaware County, numerous Ohio residents are calling for the state to pass stricter animal welfare laws through petitions, social media posts and contacting lawmakers. There needs to be some way that these agents can go into a [situation] like this and feel like they have the backing to be able to take dogs out, said Marci Dop, founder and director of nonprofit Rico Pet Recovery. I do know that anytime theres a situation like this, everybody tells us that their hands are tied. In Ohio, there is no statewide limit on the number of dogs an individual can own, although depending on the individuals location, they will need to register as a kennel once they own a certain number of dogs. There is also no law restricting the tethering of dogs outside, unlike nearly half of U.S. states. Police: 20 cars have windows smashed at N. High St. restaurant Theres not a limit on the amount of time at the state level of how long you can keep a dog outside, said State Director of the Humane Society of the United States Mark Finneran. Really the rules and laws are around the conditions that dog is being kept in. Does it have access to food and water, and adequate shelter. Finneran stated while vague terms in Ohio law such as adequate shelter can provide dog wardens and humane agents flexibility, it can also make it difficult for them to enforce the law. The goal is for a humane agent or somebody, even if they dont have access to be able to do a full investigation of someones property and have a warrant and everything, you can kind of tell pretty quickly, okay this meets those criteria or it doesnt, Finneran said. Again because of the way Ohios law is set up, its a little bit more of a judgment call so everyones going to interpret that differently. Finneran said other states, such as Tennessee, have started to create more concrete definitions of adequate shelter. Some requirements in that definition include having a shelter that is enclosed on all sides and contains bedding material. Best private high schools in Ohio There are states that do this better than Ohio, Dop said. Our county officials, our dog wardens, prosecutors and these humane agents in the state of Ohio are restricted and I think that those laws need to be changed. Although there is no state law limiting tethering and Ohio has vague requirements for adequate shelter, numerous cities and townships across the state have passed their own animal welfare-related ordinances. Columbus residents could be charged with a misdemeanor if a dog is chained outside between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. or during severe weather. Bexley and the city of Delaware (not Delaware County) have passed similar ordinances placing limitations on tethering, according to nonprofit rescue group Columbus Dog Connection. Multiple cities have also passed adequate shelter ordinances, including Delaware, which requires a dog shelter to, among other things, have moisture-proof floors and be raised off the ground. After four years of being on the county shelters radar, the owner of the 40 dogs is now facing misdemeanor charges, including 26 counts of cruelty to a companion animal and four counts of failure to register a dog or dog kennel. The animal cruelty charges were filed due to multiple dogs having abrasions, sores and/or scarring where their collars were, with one dog needing its collar cut off. Some charges also claim the owner was housing dogs with others that were hurting them, as well as not providing adequate shelter. Nearly 270,000 free meals coming this summer to Columbus students The Humane Society of Delaware County and Rico Pet Recovery are coordinating donations for the 40 dogs removed from the Kingston Township property. The Humane Society and the county dog warden are currently housing the dogs. The dogs will be placed into foster homes through Rico Pet Recovery Dop said there is a line of people ready to take the dogs into foster care. Although the Delaware County Dog Warden said it could not share photos of the dogs at the shelter because the investigation is ongoing, Dop said they were adjusting and doing great. They are getting out into the outdoor facilities every day, and spending some time in the yard, Dop said. [Theyre] able to run without their chains. They have all been seen by a vet so theyre doing really well. Dop said Rico Pet Recovery is still looking for potential foster homes as well as accepting donations that will go directly to the dogs recovered from Delaware County more information on fostering and donating can be found on their website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Traffic on both lanes of California's Golden Gate Bridge has been shut down Monday, the California Highway Patrol tells Fox News Digital, as images emerging from the scene showed anti-Israel protesters holding banners with the messages "Stop the world for Gaza" and "End the siege on Gaza now!" A similar demonstration has also blocked traffic on Interstate-880 in Oakland. "Golden Gate Bridge is closed in both directions for an undetermined amount of time," the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management said in a statement, citing a "civic demonstration." Aerial images captured by KTVU later showed the Golden Gate Bridge protesters being taken into custody and the banners being put away. ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTER SOBS DURING ARRAIGNMENT AFTER MURDER YOU REMARK TO CALIFORNIA MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL Anti-Israel protesters disrupt traffic Monday, April 15 on the Golden Gate Bridge in California. CHP PIO Andrew Barclay told Fox News that seven protesters have been removed, and more could be removed. He also said officers are now trying to remove protesters who are chained to their cars and is unsure how long that action will take. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "These protesters are facing multiple charges of which can include, but are not limited to refusal to disperse, blocking traffic, blocking a bridge, which is a specific penal code in CA," Barclay said. "While they do have the right to protest, the manner in which they are doing it is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous." In the Oakland protest, seven demonstrators were attached to concrete barrels that have been placed in the middle of the roadway, according to KRON. A flag attached to a fence there says "A-15 economic blockade for a Free Palestine." The A15 Action group says on its website, "There is a sense in the streets in this recent and unprecedented movement for Palestine that escalation has become necessary: there is a need to shift from symbolic actions to those that cause pain to the economy." ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS SHUT DOWN SENATE CAFETERIA; AROUND 50 ARRESTED "The global economy is complicit in genocide," it adds. "Join participating cities in blocking the arteries of capitalism and jamming the wheels of production." Real-time traffic data from Google Maps shows extensive delays building up in the Bay Area as a result of the protests. Traffic has been stopped on the Golden Gate Bridge due to the protest. Other protests have also been reported across the nation, from the front of Philadelphia's city hall, to downtown Miami, and Chicago's O'Hare International airport. Sky News Australia reported on Sunday that a global pro-Palestine rally has been planned for Monday, but in an effort to cause maximum disruption, the activists have refused to disclose protest locations. Fox News' Alexandria Hernandez contributed to this report. Original article source: Anti-Israel agitators block Golden Gate Bridge traffic Israel found help from unlikely sources against an Iranian missile attack. Jordan shot down an Iranian missile and other Arab states may have provided intel. Arab countries have complicated motives for aiding Israel. The skies over Israel lit up on Saturday night as its Iron Dome shot down hundreds of missiles and drones launched by Iran. The assault was retaliation for Israel's deadly strike on Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus. It marked the first time that Iran had carried out attacks on Israel from Iranian territory. Israel said it shot down 99% of the drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles that headed its way. In doing so, it received help from unlikely sources: its Arab neighbors. Jordan, which has been a fierce critic of Israel's campaign in Gaza, said it intercepted projectiles fired by Iran that entered its airspace. It also appeared to open up its airspace to Israeli and US fighter jets. Samih al-Maaytah, Jordan's former information minister, defended the move on Sunday. "Jordan's duty is to protect its lands and citizens," he said. "What Jordan did yesterday was to simply protect its airspace." Jordan may have complicated motivations for backing Israel. As Deutsche Welle wrote on Sunday, the country shares a border with Israel and often works with Israeli authorities. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have publicly called for peace in the region. But The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, said Iran tipped off several Gulf states about the timing and nature of the attack it was planning. They then passed the information to the US, Israel's key international ally. Parts of a missile launched from a missile are landed in Marj Al-Hamam area, during Iran's airstrikes against Israel, in Amman, Jordan on April 14, 2024. Anadolu via Getty Images "Arab countries quietly passed along intelligence about Tehran's attack plans, opened their airspace to warplanes, shared radar tracking information or, in some cases, supplied their own forces to help," the Journal reported, citing the sources. This may jeopardize Saudi attempts to improve relations with Iran. In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran restored ties with help from China, agreeing to reopen embassies in their respective capitals. In March 2023, China helped Saudi Arabia and Iran restore some diplomatic ties, brokering an agreement to reopen embassies in their respective capitals. The response reveals that opposition to Iranian aggression remains a key factor shaping the region's shifting alliances, despite growing rage about Israel's attacks on Gaza. Saudi Arabia is still interested in possibly normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel. One reason, The New York Times reported, is that it's hoping for a US security guarantee in case it's ever attacked by Iran. Yasmine Farouk, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the Times that many Arab states envied the success of Israel's Iron Dome defense system, which was constructed with US support. "What the Western countries under US leadership have done to protect Israel yesterday is exactly what Saudi Arabia wants for itself," said Farouk. Arab countries' fears about Iranian aggression was a key factor underpinning the Abraham Accords the agreement to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab states brokered by the Trump administration. The deal, which the UAE and Bahrain in the Gulf region agreed to, put aside the issue of Palestinian statehood that has long divided Israel and its neighbors and promised increased US support for Arab countries against potential Iranian attacks. The October 7 terrorist attacks, which killed around 1,200 Israeli, abruptly halted that process. Jordan and Saudi Arabia have been among the leading voices condemning Israel's subsequent campaign in Gaza, where more than 33,000 people have been killed. However, per various reports, Saudi Arabia and other Arab states are willing to continue discussions with Israel once fighting in Gaza has abated. Giorgio Cafiero, the CEO of Gulf State Analytics, told Business Insider it could be risky for Arab states to be seen as coming to Israel's aid. "There is now much anger toward Jordan on the part of many in the wider Arab-Islamic world who see Amman serving Israel and the US's interests more than six months into Israel's annihilatory campaign in Gaza which Arab governments like Jordan's have only stood against in rhetoric, not concrete action," he said. As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, Arab states face a tough choice between their security priorities and addressing public anger over Gaza. Saudi Arabia has said that normalization with Israel must include a realistic path to Palestinian statehood. That request is unlikely to be met by Israel's current government. Read the original article on Business Insider The MSNBC host and chief legal correspondent gives PEOPLE a rundown of what to expect in Trump's historic Manhattan criminal trial as jury selection begins Christopher Dilts / MSNBC Ari Melber on "The Beat" With Donald Trump's Manhattan hush money trial beginning more than a year after his 34-count indictment dropped, questions abound about how the first-ever criminal case against a former president will be received by jurors. Legal and political analyst Ari Melber, who hosts MSNBC's The Beat on weeknights, has been following the case from day one, poring over the Manhattan district attorney's allegations and anticipating Trump's counterargument. As jury selection gets underway, PEOPLE caught up with Melber to hear his thoughts on the state of the case and what we can expect to see in the next six to eight weeks that Trump is on trial. Below, his thoughts on what's at stake for the former president right now and how the verdict could have a significant impact on the upcoming presidential election. Related: Would You Make It onto Donald Trumps Jury? Experts Identify the Ideal Juror and What Theyll Be Asked Christopher Dilts / MSNBC NBC News legal analyst and MSNBC host Ari Melber For the past year, critics of President Trump have been following updates in various criminal and civil cases and at each turn saying, "This is the thing that will bring him down." As it stands now, though, the former president remains popular among Republicans and has a very attainable path back to the White House. What is the significance of this moment, and does this trial pose any real threat to his campaign? Donald Trump is the first former president to face a criminal trial, so this is literally unprecedented. That's true, even if people are understandably tired of that word! Legally, he is presumed innocent. Politically, most candidates are hurt by credible evidence of crime let alone a conviction. Trump knows that. It's why he accused Clinton and Biden of crimes, corruption and "crooked" conduct as a political strategy. But a real trial is a forum Trump can't control, with many people watching. A conviction could hurt him with voters beyond his base. The New York indictment alleges serious crimes to distort an election, lie to voters and hide his conduct. On the other hand, a mistrial or acquittal could help him if it adds evidence to his claims that prosecutors have brought thin cases against him. It might even play like a comeback. Related: The Biggest Bombshells from the Donald Trump Indictment, from Hush Money Payments to 'Friends in High Places' SETH WENIG/POOL/AFP via Getty Donald Trump and his legal team appear in court on April 4, 2023, to answer to 34 felony charges brought by the Manhattan DA's office What argument will prosecutors make against Trump in an effort to prove criminal behavior, and who can we expect to see on the witness stand? New York prosecutors must prove this was an intentional, lying plot. The whole burden is on them not the defendant. The district attorneys prep suggests we could hear from Trump's convicted former lawyer, Michael Cohen; Stormy Daniels; and people who have worked for Trump, like Hope Hicks and convicted Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg. Witnesses matter and could be key to how the jury views the case. Related: Everyone Who Might Testify in Donald Trump's Hush Money Trial, Which Begins April 15 Drew Angerer/Getty Stormy Daniels leaves a federal court on April 16, 2018, after attending a hearing related to Michael Cohen, the Trump confidante who admitted to arranging hush money payments The hush money indictment contained some strong evidence. What argument will Trump's legal team try to make in court? Trump's team has two main defenses: They can argue prosecutors have totally overreached. The idea is that prosecutors stretched a law to supersize this into a big felony case, when there shouldnt even be a trial. Second, they can argue Trump was not fully in the loop. The defense is that even though the receipts do show some lies the jury will see the evidence that doesnt mean Trump knew what was intended or done at the time. Consider this the busy candidate/busy president defense: lots going on, and maybe Trump didnt know exactly what his aides did when they arranged payments through his lawyer during the campaign homestretch. Related: Stormy Daniels Speaks Out After Trump Indictment amid Fears for Her Safety Shannon Stapleton-Pool/Getty Donald Trump attends closing arguments in his New York civil fraud trial on Jan. 11, 2024. The judge later ordered him to pay nearly half a billion dollars in penalties It's hard to believe that we've finally reached a trial after so many delays and legal challenges. Now that jury selection is officially kicking off, is there any way Trump can still manage to escape a judgment before the election? The New York trial is on track for April. That means it will end before the election. The ending could be a verdict guilty or acquittal or another result, like a mistrial. We can't predict the future. Once the trial starts, though, there will be a resolution long before the election. This is unprecedented and high-stakes stuff. Two of Trumps four cases involve indictments for crimes to distort or steal an American election; these are serious allegations, and its better to resolve them with evidence, fair rules and due process before Americans vote again. For More Analysis... Ari Melber will continue unpacking the hush money case during MSNBC's trial kickoff coverage from 6-8 p.m. ET on Monday, April 15. During the two-hour special, titled "Trump on Trial: New York v. Donald Trump," Melber will be joined by fellow prime-time hosts Rachel Maddow, Joy Reid, Nicolle Wallace, Chris Hayes, Alex Wagner, Lawrence ODonnell, Stephanie Ruhle and Jen Psaki. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. TechCrunch Starship is ready to fly again and for the first time, SpaceX is going to try to bring the booster back to the launch site to catch it with a pair of oversized "chopsticks." SpaceX will launch the mammoth Starship on Sunday in a launch window that opens at 5 AM PST (7 AM local time) from the companys Starbase site in southeast Texas. This flight, which will be the fifth in the Starship development program, is coming a little sooner than expected: the Federal Aviation Administration had previously said that it did not anticipate issuing a modified launch license for this test before late November. Arkansas authorities find more than 27,000 packs of illegal cigarettes in second-largest seizure during traffic stop, Georgia man arrested LONOKE COUNTY, Ark. Arkansas state officials said Monday that a Georgia man was arrested after authorities seized more than $243,000 worth of illegal cigarettes during a traffic stop in Lonoke County. According to state officials, agents with Arkansas Tobacco Control and the Central Arkansas Drug Task seized 27,940 packs of illegal cigarettes and $4,142 in cash during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near Lonoke on April 10. Texas man arrested after Arkansas State Police & Arkansas Tobacco Control seize more than 32,000 packs of illegal cigarettes, believed to record-breaking amount Officials with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration said that this marks the second-largest seizure in Tobacco Controls history since October 2023 near Carlisle. State officials said that the driver, 35-year-old Emile Bangoura of Atlanta, Georgia, was arrested and taken to the Lonoke County Detention Facility. He is facing a charge of possession of untaxed tobacco. Arkansas Regulatory Enforcement Division Administrator Trent Minner expressed that his division will continue to combat illegal cigarette trafficking. DFA Secretary Jim Hudson backed Minner, saying that the department is proud to work with other state agencies to seize illegal cigarettes. DFA is proud of the work of our Regulatory Enforcement team, which consists of fully certified law enforcement officers, Hudson said. Through strong relationships with other law enforcement agencies, the Regulatory Enforcement Team has seized illegal cigarettes worth more than $550,000 in a matter of months. Arkansas State Police confiscate cocaine, over 110 pounds of methamphetamine after Pope County traffic stop Tobacco Control is a part of the DFAs Regulatory Team. It was established in 1997 to regulate the sale of tobacco in Arkansas. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Armed felon could get 7 years in prison after tirade at Brooklyn Dunkin Donuts A convicted felons boozy rage over not being able to buy enough pumpkin donuts at a Brooklyn Dunkin Donuts could land him in a federal slammer for seven years. Antonio Rosario, 35, who served time for attempted murder, was caught with a loaded gun after the feds say he went out of his gourd in a Williamsburg Dunkin Donuts because employees there couldnt fill his order. One of the store workers described the doughy dispute to a 911 dispatcher: He wants six pumpkin donuts. Its the stupidest thing. He wants six pumpkin donuts, but we only have five at the moment, so now hes screaming all in our face, telling us, Youre gonna fking make it.' He pleaded guilty to a federal firearm charge last week, and faces about six to seven years in prison when hes sentenced in Brooklyn Federal Court in July. Rosarios sweet tooth got the better of him at about 3:10 p.m. on Oct. 12, 2022, at the Dunkin Donuts on Broadway near Havemeyer St., according to court documents. He started shouting at one of the employees, left briefly, then came back and shoved what looked like a weapon in his pants. That led two terrified employees to call 911, describing him as intoxicated and possibly armed. Theres a guy here arguing for six donuts, and I think that he brought a weapon inside trying to do something to the co-workers. Can you guys come pretty quick because he has the weapon on him, and I dont want no one to get harmed or hurt, said one worker, according to a 911 call record. When the dispatcher asked if the worker knew what kind of weapon, the worker responded, No, because he shoved it inside his pants, so I dont know if its a knife or if its a gun. Rosario left, and police officers found him a few minutes later at a nearby deli. He was carrying a 9-mm. semiautomatic firearm, with one round in the chamber and 13 more in the magazine, according to federal prosecutors. As a convicted felon, Rosario is barred from having a gun and possessing a firearm as a felon is a federal offense. Rosario has served two state prison terms, including a five-year stretch for a 2009 attempted murder and escape conviction in Brooklyn. He shot a victim in the back, then slipped out of his cuffs trying to flee Brooklyn Central Booking, according to federal prosecutors. Hes still on parole for a 2014 robbery conviction. Rosario also made headlines in September 2021, when his girlfriend feared he might die of COVID after he was jailed on Rikers Island for an alleged parole violation. Rosarios lawyer, Lance Lazzaro, moved to get the charges against Rosario tossed on Second Amendment grounds, arguing that the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that struck down New Yorks concealed-carry law means he has a right to carry the handgun, felon or not. Judge Pamela Chen denied that motion in February, though, along with a separate motion to suppress the gun on the grounds the police search was illegal. On Tuesday, Rosario changed his plea in the case to guilty. He remains held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, and is slated to be sentenced before Chen on July 24. Lazzaro didnt immediately return a call seeking comment Monday. The Army's consideration of cuts to two of its premier education benefits is the result of at least one of those program's runaway success and ballooning cost, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told lawmakers Wednesday. Wormuth described the Army Credentialing Assistance Program as having "catastrophic success" due to its popularity when asked by Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, whose district includes the Fort Cavazos area, on whether cuts to key benefits could impact recruiting and retention. But cutting education benefits, a key recruiting and retention tool for the military, could be an enormous hurdle for the service and a nightmare when it comes to optics, particularly in an election year. Read Next: Marines in Uniform Were Photographed at Mar-a-Lago Event. Service Says It Was for a Veterans Charity. "The military is having serious problems with recruiting. So, you're going to cut the benefits for those you want to recruit? It doesn't make any sense," Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., said on CNN Thursday. "There will be very strong pushback, I am certain," Garamendi, a key Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, added. The service is reviewing both the Army Credentialing Assistance Program, or CA, and the Tuition Assistance Program. Army CA was introduced forcewide in 2020. The program gives soldiers $4,000 per year for civilian credentials, qualifications that are critical in certain fields and sometimes expire. On top of being a pseudo military-training tool, it's also intended for troops to set themselves up for civilian qualifications before they transition out of the service. "We have not made any decisions about the Credentialing Assistance Program or Tuition Assistance Program," Wormuth told lawmakers Wednesday when asked about Military.com's reporting on the potential cuts. Officials with direct knowledge of the situation explained to Military.com that part of the problem is a lack of regulation on how the benefit is used. Unlike the GI Bill, there are no significant rules over where the benefit could be used. However, there is no clear evidence of fraud or misuse, as has been the case with the GI Bill. "The challenge we have is, we really, frankly, didn't put any guardrails around the program to help us scope it," Wormuth explained during testimony. Military.com initially reported on the proposed cuts April 1. Service planners are mulling limiting how often soldiers can use Army CA. Right now, it can be used in perpetuity. The service is considering reducing Army CA to $1,000 per year, and $4,000 over the course of a career, sources familiar with the matter told Military.com. Most credentialing, such as in the cybersecurity field, coding and project management, cost much more. It is also weighing whether a qualification should be relevant to the soldier's job, which could severely limit opportunities in certain fields such as combat arms. About 64,500 soldiers have used Army CA since it was introduced four years ago. But its popularity has skyrocketed, costing the service $8 million in 2022 and rising to $60.2 million last year. It's unclear what specific changes the Army is mulling for tuition assistance, which is used by about 101,000 beneficiaries each year, averaging about $218 million in annual costs. The plans do not affect the GI Bill, which is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. That benefit, which is designed for traditional college semesters, is difficult to use while on active duty. "The military is the single largest educational system in the United States," Garamendi said. "Everybody that is in the military has the opportunity to learn a trade, not to just shoot a gun." Related: Army's Premier Education Benefits May Be on Chopping Block, with Tuition Assistance Cuts Being Considered, Too Around 20,000 people displaced every day in Sudan, UN says Amy Pope, Director-General of the UN Organization for Migration, reacts during an interview with dpa. Christiane Oelrich/dpa Around 20,000 people are newly displaced every day in Sudan, according to UN figures released on Monday to mark one year of civil war in the country. More than half of them are children and young people, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. More than 8.6 million people are estimated to have fled their homes since last April. Around 2 million have escaped across the border to Chad, South Sudan and Egypt, the IOM said. "Sudan is on a tragically fast track to becoming one of the world's biggest humanitarian crises in decades," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. "The conflict that has engulfed the country is creating pressure throughout the region. Millions of people are displaced, hungry and vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, but their plight is being ignored by too much of the world," Pope said. Pope is taking part in a conference in Paris to drum up international aid support for Sudan. AUSTIN (KXAN) An arrest warrant was issued for who police believe is a suspected organizer of a July 2023 street takeover in Austin. On July 29, 2023, the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the events, which ended at the intersection of South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road. Three people were taken to the hospital after the street takeover, according to police. Crash sends 3 to hospital while DPS troopers respond to car meet In street takeovers, intersections are blocked and taken over by rings of vehicles and spectators, who watch high-performance vehicles perform stunts in the pit,' court records said. Additionally, reckless conduct during street takeovers are done by people who do burn outs, drift-driving, doughnuts, and ghostriding, where drivers climb out of the moving vehicle, according to the affidavit. Court records show a breakdown of messages exchanged between the organizer, Jacobi Patrick Erickson, 20, and another person days leading up to the events in Austin. This included when Erickson purchased a Dodge Challenger RT on July 25, 2023, four days before the street takeover. The message exchanges all happened on Instagram, which included Erickson and the other person discussing calling the San Antonio Police Department to tell them the street takeover would happen there instead to throw off APD, according to the affidavit. Erickson then livestreamed video as he was telling his followers where to go next and what to do during the street takeover, court documents said. He also did burn outs, donuts and vehicle stunts for about 12 to 15 minutes. The arrest warrant shows Erickson is wanted on a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Astrology Influencer Disturbed by Eclipse Posted 'THE APOCALYPSE IS HERE' Before Killing Partner, Baby, Herself LAPD says Danielle Johnson made several concerning social media posts in the days leading up to the murder-suicide Ayoka/x Danielle Johnson An astrology influencer who allegedly killed her partner, her infant daughter, and then herself on the morning of the total solar eclipse had written THE APOCALYPSE IS HERE in a concerning social media post days before the murders. Last week, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a press release that Danielle Johnson had also written online about the total solar eclipse leading to spiritual warfare before she stabbed her partner to death and later threw her two daughters from a moving car on a Los Angeles-area freeway, killing her youngest 8-month-old child and injuring her 9-year-old daughter. After throwing her children from the moving vehicle, Johnson, 34, then drove her Porsche SUV into a tree in Redondo Beach going more than 100 mph, killing herself in the crash. WAKE UP WAKE UP THE APOCALYPSE IS HERE, Johnson wrote in an all-caps post on April 5, according to The Associated Press, three days before the murders. EVERYONE WHO HAS EARS LISTEN. YOUR TIME TO CHOOSE WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS NOW. Johnson's 8-month-old daughter was pronounced deceased at scene after authorities responded to the scene where she threw her children from her moving car, according to the LAPD. Her 9-year-old daughter sustained moderate injuries from the fall and was taken to the hospital. Police added that Johnson did not survive the crash and was the sole occupant of the vehicle" when she crashed her SUV into a tree. LAPD says earlier in the day, around 3:40 a.m. local time, Johnson allegedly also stabbed her partner Jaelen Chaney to death at their apartment in Woodland Hills. Johnson and Chaney, 29, became involved in a verbal altercation that escalated into Johnson becoming violent, stabbing Chaney, who succumbed to his injuries at scene, police said. Related: Astrology Influencer Disturbed by Eclipse Killed Partner, Infant Child and Herself, Say Police Ayoka/x Danielle Johnson Chaneys family said in a GoFundMe fundraiser that the father was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force and a special part of our family. The AP and The Los Angeles Times had reported that Johnson used social media to present herself as an astrologer and offered a variety of services on her website, including zodiac healing work, alcohol balancing system and an aura cleanse. GoFundMe Jaelen Allen Chaney The AP reports that Johnson made several concerning posts regarding the total solar eclipse, which took place on April 8. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Less than a week before the murders, Johnson reportedly posted: This eclipse is the epitome of spiritual warfare. Get your protection on and your heart in the right place. The world is very obviously changing right now and if you ever needed to pick a side, the time to do right in your life is now. Stay strong you got this. Police said homicide detectives discovered Chaneys body at the couples apartment around 7:35 a.m. local time after a neighbor discovered their front door left open, hours after Johnson threw her children from her car and drove into the tree and killing herself. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Atlanta police want to identify 2 men suspected of stealing tools from business Atlanta police are looking for two men accused of stealing tools from a business. On March 24, at about 9:37 a.m., police responded to 699 Rankin Street NE about a burglarized business. The manager told police that their maintenance room had been broken into. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Building and construction tools were stolen, including batteries, compressors, cutters, drills, drivers, grinders, saws, and power tools. The manager provided surveillance footage of the suspects to police. Anyone with information on their identities is asked to call the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-8477. Tipsters do not have to identify themselves and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A drone is launched in an undisclosed area in Iran as Iran launches dozens of drones toward Israel. Tasnim News Agancy/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Iran's direct and unprecedented attack on Israel brought the two nations to the verge of war on Sunday, as leaders around the world called for de-escalation amid fears of all-out war spreading in the Middle East. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urgently called on the Security Council to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East after Iran launched a direct attack on Israel in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike. "The Middle East is on the brink," Guterres told a special session of the body in New York. "The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint." The special meeting was convened at Israel's request a day after Tehran launched its aerial attack. "We have a shared responsibility to work for peace," Guterres told the Security Council. "Neither the region nor the world can afford more war." US President Joe Biden and the leaders of the seven leading democratic industrialized countries (G7) condemned Iran's attack in the strongest possible terms on Sunday and underlined their full support for Israel's security. "With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided," they said in a statement. Of the 170 unmanned missiles and more than 30 cruise missiles launched by Iran, none reached Israel, according to the Israeli military, saying it successfully repelled the attack. The spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Daniel Hagari, described the Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel as an unprecedented attack that was met with unprecedented defence. "This was the first time that such a coalition worked together against the threat of Iran and its proxies in the Middle East," he said of Israel's cooperation with international allies to shoot down the missiles, "led by the United States - together with Great Britain, France and other partners." "We are still on high alert and assessing the situation," Hagari said. "Over the last few hours - we approved operational plans for both offensive and defensive actions." Iran's National Security Council warned Israel of a military response to the retaliatory strikes. "If the Zionist regime wants to continue its malice against Iran, it will receive a response at least ten times greater than the recent attack," the portal Nur News quoted a statement from the Council as saying. Iran had chosen the smallest form of punishment for Israel and only attacked military facilities, the statement added, referring to the direct aerial attack the previous day. Iran's "Operation Truthful Promise" was mounted in revenge for an airstrike on its embassy grounds in Damascus on April 1 in which two generals and others were killed. Israel is believed to have carried out the attack and has not denied responsibility. A 7-year-old Bedouin girl was seriously injured in the Negev desert, but otherwise there was only minor damage to property in Israel and Israeli and regional airspace reopened on Sunday morning. Nonetheless, Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the attack a "declaration of war." Israel is now carefully considering its next steps, Foreign Minister Israel Katz said earlier in an interview with the Israeli army radio station. "We have said: if Iran attacks Israel, we will attack Iran. And this commitment is still valid," Katz said. Others in Israel called for a regional coalition to counter Iran. Iran will be made to pay the price for its attack on Israel "as and when it suits us," Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, said on Sunday. Israel's war cabinet was weighing a response on Sunday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "We shot down, we slowed down. Together we will win," in a post on X. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) had "taught a lesson" to Israel and he warned against counterattacks. "We carried out an operation of limited scope and size against the Zionist regime," said commander Hussein Salami, according to the Tasnim news agency. He said the IRGC had decided to deal with Israel differently in future. "This new equation means that from now on, whenever the Zionist regime attacks our interests, properties, individuals and citizens, we will retaliate from the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said. Up until now, Iran has primarily relied on allied, non-state actors in Arab countries. Western leaders including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack, while Beijing broke its relative silence on the conflict in the Middle East to express "deep concern." Biden spoke to Netanyahu on the phone, condemning the attack and reaffirming Washington's "ironclad commitment" to Israel's security. Scholz, currently in China, condemned the attack and he and other German lawmakers likewise assured Israel of their solidarity. Von der Leyen said the G7 would continue its efforts to stabilize the situation and said the group would also discuss further sanctions on Iran, particularly its drone and missile programmes. EU foreign ministers are due to meet on Tuesday for talks to further stabilize the situation. BALTIMORE Attorneys for the families of two Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse victims and a survivor say workers received no warning before the container ship Dali struck the bridge. L. Chris Stewart and Justin Miller of Atlanta-based Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys and Daniel Rose and Kevin Mahoney of Kreindler & Kreindler in New York are representing the families of victims Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes and Jose Mynor Lopez as well as survivor Julio Cervantes. Hernandez Fuentes and Lopez are two of the six construction workers who died after the Dali lost power and collided with the bridge just before 1:30 a.m. March 26, sending the crew into the freezing Patapsco River. Julio Cervantes, the only member of the Brawner Builders crew who survived, escaped by manually rolling down his window and fighting his way through the freezing water, the two law firms said in a Monday news release. Cervantes, who cannot swim, was badly injured and clung to debris until he was rescued. The workers were sitting in their vehicles during a break from repairing potholes and received no warning that the Dali was about to impact the bridge, according to the firms release. Maryland Transportation Authority Police were able to halt traffic onto the bridge before the collision, an action that officials said likely saved lives. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said that how first responders attempted to warn workers would be part of the National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the collapse. Moore said that a survivor said he was warned audibly to get off the bridge. A state inspector working for contractor Eborn Enterprises also was able to escape the bridge. The two firms representing the victims say they are conducting their own investigation into the collapse and are calling for a thorough investigation into the multiple alleged prior issues with the Dali before its collision with the Key Bridge, according to the release. Singapore-based companies Grace Ocean Private Ltd., the ships owner, and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., which manages the Dali, filed a claim together April 1 in Baltimores U.S. District Court asking a judge to clear them from liability or limit damages to the value of the ship plus the revenue it stood to make from its cargo, or about $43.7 million. The attorneys representing the victims say they intend to fight that request. Recovery teams retrieved the bodies of Hernandez and another man March 27 from a pickup truck in the Patapsco. Last week, Hernandezs family and friends held a visitation for him at a Dundalk church. The bodies of Lopez and two other workers are still missing. The law firms said in the news release that neither the families of the two victims they represent nor the survivor are in a place physically, mentally or emotionally to speak publicly about what they have experienced. _______ FILE - Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks after taking the oath of office, Jan. 10, 2023, in Little Rock, Ark. Sanders' office potentially violated state laws on purchasing state property and government records when it purchased a $19,000 lectern for the Republican governor that's prompted nationwide scrutiny, an audit requested by lawmakers said Monday, April 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Will Newton, File) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders ' office potentially violated state laws on purchasing, state property and government records when it purchased a $19,000 lectern for the Republican governor that's prompted nationwide attention, an audit requested by lawmakers said Monday. Legislative auditors referred the findings in the long-awaited audit of the lectern to local prosecutors and the attorney general, and lawmakers planned to hold a hearing Tuesday on the report. The report cited several potential legal violations, including paying for the lectern before it was delivered and the handling of records regarding the purchase. Sanders' office, which has dismissed questions about the lectern, called the audit's findings deeply flawed" and a waste of taxpayer resources and time." No laws were broken, her office said in a response filed with the report. No fraud was committed. Arkansas lawmakers last year approved the request to review the purchase of the lectern, which had been the focus of nationwide scrutiny, including over its cost. The lectern for Sanders, who served as press secretary for former President Donald Trump and has been widely viewed as a potential candidate to be his running mate, has drawn attention ranging from late night host Jimmy Kimmel to The New York Times. The blue and wood paneled lectern was bought in June with a state credit card for $19,029.25 from an events company in Virginia. The Republican Party of Arkansas reimbursed the state for the purchase on Sept. 14, and Sanders office has called the use of the state credit card an accounting error. Sanders office said it received the lectern in August. The item has not been seen at Sanders public events. Sanders posted a video on the social platform X featuring the lectern and the words Come and Take It shortly after the audits release late Monday afternoon. Pulaski County Prosecutor Will Jones' office said it had received the audit and would review it, but said it wouldn't comment further. Auditors said in the report they were unable to determine whether the lectern's cost was reasonable. The report said the three out-of-state vendors involved in its purchase did not respond to numerous requests by auditors for information about the lectern. Sanders' office and auditors disputed whether the governor and other constitutional officers are subject to the purchasing and property rules she's accused of violating. The audit said the governor's office did not follow the steps laid out in state law for agencies to dispose of state property. (Arkansas legislative audit) maintains that the podium and road case remain state property, the audit said. Sanders' office said in its response that the laws on purchasing and property cited only apply to state agencies, not constitutional officers. A nonbinding legal opinion issued by Republican Attorney General Tim Griffin requested by Sanders and issued last week made the same argument. I am perplexed to see that a significant portion of Legislative Audit's analysis rests on the mistaken conclusion that the governor's office is a state agency for the purposes of certain statutes, Griffin said Monday in a written statement. The lecterns purchase emerged last year just as Sanders was urging lawmakers to broadly limit the publics access to records about her administration. Sanders ultimately signed a measure blocking release of her travel and security records after broader exemptions faced backlash from media groups and some conservatives. The purchase was initially uncovered by Matt Campbell, a lawyer and blogger who has a long history of open records requests that have uncovered questionable spending and other misdeeds by elected officials. The audit said Sanders' office potentially illegally tampered with public records when the words to be reimbursed were added to the original invoice for the lectern only after the state GOP paid for it in September. Sanders' office disputed that finding, calling handwritten notes on invoices a common bookkeeping practice. The audit also said the office potentially violated the law when a shipping document related to the lectern was shredded by a member of Sanders' staff. Sanders' office said the document, the bill of lading, was inadvertently misplaced and that a replacement was provided to auditors when that was discovered. The lectern was purchased from Beckett Events LLC, a Virginia-based company run by political consultant and lobbyist Virginia Beckett. According to a breakdown from Beckett Events that was included in the audit, the total cost included $11,575 for the lectern, $2,500 for a consulting fee, and $2,200 for the road case. The cost also included shipping, delivery and a credit card processing fee. Similar lectern models are listed online for $7,500 or less. Sanders has said the one purchased by the state had additional features that contributed to its cost, including a custom height. The audit said the lectern included a light but not a microphone or any electronic components. Auditors saw and measured the lectern at state GOP headquarters, the report said. House Minority Leader Tippi McCullough, a Democrat from Little Rock who sits on the audit committee, said she wants more answers from the governors office on the findings. We need to get to the bottom of it, and we need to make sure that people are held accountable and things are right going forward, McCullough said. Republican Senate President Bart Hester said he wasn't concerned about the audit's findings, and said the legislative audit was wrong in applying the purchasing and property laws to the governor's office. Hester said there could have been a cleaner process on handling records. More importantly, it shows there wasn't some bombshell, Hester said. The report had drawn unusually intense attention to the Division of Legislative Audit, which issues more than 1,000 audits of state and local government each year. Hours before the report was released, lawmakers on the audit committee were allowed to view it in a room at the Capitol but could not take notes or copies of it. The audit was issued days after lawmakers began a legislative session focused on the state's budget. Republican Sen. Jimmy Hickey, who had sought the audit, declined to comment late Monday afternoon. The audit is the first of two that Hickey requested that lawmakers approved last year. The audit committee also approved another audit looking at the travel and security records that Sanders retroactively shielded from public release under the changes to the state's open records law. It's been nearly 40 years since the extinction of Australia's thylacine, known as the Tasmanian tiger, but reported sightings come by the thousands as people across Tasmania tramp through the dense outback in search of the lost species. For the seekers, the investment isn't just one of hope and time. Adrian "Richo" Richardson, a retired military man turned self-declared tiger seeker, has spent more than 30 years looking for a Tasmanian tiger. Each year, he spends more than he cares to admit on trail camera batteries alone. "I wouldn't like to speculate," he said. "And please don't tell my wife." How an apex predator died off Tasmanian tigers, carnivores weighing about 55 pounds, roamed Tasmania for thousands of years. They were more similar to wolves than tigers. The Tasmanian tiger was, or is (as some believers might say) a marsupial, like kangaroos, koalas and Tasmanian devils. In the late 1800s when farmers' sheep ended up as prey, the local government paid out bounties to hunters presenting carcasses of Tasmanian tigers. The population had dwindled to one by the mid-1930s: a Tasmanian tiger captive at Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart, Tasmania's capital. It died there in 1936. The Tasmanian tiger was put on the extinct list in 1986, after 50 years elapsed without a confirmed sighting. Australia has similarly permitted the culling of Kangaroos, approving the deaths of thousands of kangaroos over the years, saying the animal was growing in population and eating through grassy habitats of endangered species. Large population numbers also pose a risk to kangaroos themselves, with officials warning in the past that there isn't enough food available for the kangaroos to survive. Aussies search far and wide for signs of Tasmanian tigers While kangaroos are emblematic of Australia, the search for the Tasmanian tiger has become an obsession. Though the Tasmanian devil still lives, it's the tiger that's become a sort of local mascot. Its image adorns Tasmania's coat of arms and the island's license plate. Jon Wertheim and Adrian Richardson / Credit: 60 Minutes Searchers scour for prints, fur and scatsand post trail-cameras in remote areas all over the Tasmanian outback. On Jan. 28, 2017, Richardson heard a howl. "I was gobsmacked," he said. "The hairs on my arm and my neck stood on end." Then he heard another howl. "The whole environment went quiet for about a minute," he said. "It was an unbelievable feeling. I just can't explain it." He didn't see any sign of a Tasmanian tiger, but he's sure of what he heard. Richardson dismissed the idea that the sound could be anything but a Tasmanian tiger. There are no other species like it on the island, he said. "I'm going to remember that call until the time I die," he said. "And then I had to try and prove to others what I've heard." When he returned to his Hobart home, Richardson sat down at his desk and wrote up a detailed account with 22 footnotes. "[It's] what my passion is. It's the thylacine," he said. "I know it's there." Reviewing the reported Tasmanian tiger sightings When Nick Mooney was a full-time Hobart biologist, it fell to him to investigate the various Tasmanian tiger accounts. Now in retirement, he's the island's unofficial arbiter. He can't help but notice: no one ever quite captures a clear image. Still, some of the reports have given him pause. "Sometimes people are dead accurate with the times, the places, the distances," Mooney said. "And if they're close distances, five meters, 10 meters in good light well, they can't really be wrong." Good naturalists don't exaggerate, he said. They take their skills very seriously. "And it's very hard to say to those people 'I don't think you saw a thylacine,'" Mooney said. Some searchers join tracking collectives. Richardson was part of the Booth Richardson Tiger Team, which made worldwide news in 2017 after calling a press conference to announce a sighting. They provided an image as evidence, but Mooney assessed it as a "chance" and not an official confirmation. Efforts to bring the Tasmanian tiger back with science While searchers continue looking for signs of Tasmanian tigers in the wild, scientists are trying to revive the species in their labs. Andrew Pask, a developmental biologist who works out of the TIGRR lab, is leading one such project. "We can't magically bring the Tasmanian tiger back," Pask said. "We have to start with a living cell, and then engineer our thylacine back into existence. So, the way you do that is you find the closest living relative to your animal that has gone extinct, and for us that is a small marsupial species called the fat-tailed dunnart." In other words, the closest living relative of an apex predator known as the Tasmanian tiger is a mouse-like marsupial. Andrew Pask / Credit: 60 Minutes "But that little dunnart is a ferocious carnivore, even though it's very, very small," Pask said. "And it's a very good surrogate for us to be able to do all of this editing in." Pask has raised $15 million for a de-extinction project in partnership with American company Colossal Biosciences, which counts Leonardo DiCaprio, Paris Hilton and even the C.I.A. among its backers. They're examining the dunnart's DNA and comparing it with the DNA of the Tasmanian tiger. "And we look at everywhere that those two genomes, or those two piles of DNA, if you like, are different," Pask said. After finding all the differences, Pask told Jon Wertheim, it's a matter of going in and editing the DNA to turn a fat-tailed dunnart cell into a thylacine cell. Efforts aiding the revival of the Tasmanian tiger are not confined to Australia. Last year, scientists recovered and sequenced RNA from a 130-year-old Tasmanian tiger specimen preserved at room temperature in Sweden's Museum of Natural History. Is bringing back the Tasmanian tiger possible? Australian Museum Research Institute Chief Scientist and Director Kris Helgen understands the push to de-extinct the Tasmanian tiger. He says he'd be the first person to line up and see a Tasmanian tiger if the species were actually brought back to life. Helgen just doesn't think it's possible. "The idea that you could actually tweak the DNA of this mouse-sized animal into making this apex predator of Australia, it stretches imagination in many different ways," he said. Jon Wertheim and Kris Helgen / Credit: 60 Minutes He puts the chance of success at zero, saying there are just too many differences between the fat-tailed dunnart and the Tasmanian tiger. "I think that this is an impossible project," he said. Helgen has thought a lot about the source of the Tasmanian tiger passion and wonders how much of it is driven by remorse. "It's a special symbol about Australia and about what we've lost," he said. "We've had a lot of extinctions here." Richardson isn't waiting on scientists faith unshaken, he plans to continue his search for the Tasmanian tiger. "I just know it's there. I do," he said. "In my own heart, I know it's there." Jerry Seinfeld on "Unfrosted," the made-up origin tale of Pop-Tarts The history of Waterford Crystal Psychic Tyler Henry, Hollywood's biggest medium AUSTIN (KXAN) An estimated 6,500 bike riders will hit the streets in Texas on Saturday, April 27th as part of an effort to raise money for a cure for multiple sclerosis. The 150-mile ride from the Texas Capitol to La Grange, and then onto College Station is part of a nationwide series of rides. More than 50,000 riders from 5,000 teams are fundraising across the country as part of the MS 150 ride. Among them is Austins Sarah Reed. Doctors diagnosed Reed with MS when she was 25 after first experiencing symptoms in college. You cant tell that I have multiple sclerosis, she said. Unless I tell you, you cant feel my tingling my numbness. This years ride will be Reeds sixth overall and second starting in Austin. Now in her late 30s, Reed said the progress made since her diagnosis has been significant. When I was 25, there were only a few disease-modifying drugs available in the market, she said. My first five years I didnt have anything, and that was hard. The doctor said I probably wouldnt be walking in a few years, and here I am 14 years later riding a 150-mile ride. The MS 150 ride is the 7th largest charity ride in the country, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. To date it has raised more than $1.4 billion. Riders to College Station have already raised $5.2 million ahead of this years event. If youre interested in riding, you can learn more by visiting the Texas MS 150 website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Australia is in mourning, says PM following fatal mass stabbing in Sydney A woman places flowers at a makeshift memorial as Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday said the nation was in mourning after six people were killed in a mass stabbing attack at a Sydney mall over the weekend. Photo by Flavio Brancaleone/EPA-EFE April 15 (UPI) -- Flags were flying at half-mast throughout Australia on Monday as it mourned Saturday's fatal mass stabbing at a Sydney shopping mall that left seven people, including the armed assailant, dead. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, told the federal cabinet that it was a "difficult time for our nation and for Australians" after he visited the Bondi Junction shopping and transport hub where the attack occurred and laid a wreath on behalf of the country. "This is a community in mourning, but it's a nation in mourning," he said. "It is a very difficult period for our nation, but at times as Australians come together." Authorities were notified of the attack at about 3:30 p.m. local time at the Westfield Shopping Center at Bondi Junction on Saturday. Five people, including four women, were pronounced dead at the scene. Another woman later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. At least 12 others, including nine women and a 9-month-old child, suffered stab wounds in the attack. The assailant, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi of Queensland, was shot dead by police as he lunged at an officer, New South Wales Police Force said in a statement Sunday. Albanese said four victims were released from hospital overnight, leaving five hospitalized, including one person in critical condition. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb told Australia's ABC News that Cauchi appeared to be specifically targeting women in his attack, and this will be an important part of their investigation. "It's obvious to me, it's obvious to detectives that it seems to be an area of interest that the offender focused on women and avoided men," she said. Investigators are currently interviewing those who knew Cauchi to gain "some insight into what he might have been thinking," she said. The NSW government announced Monday that more than $11 million in additional funding for the Coroners Court to allow for its investigation into the incident. In a statement, it said the funding will allow for the investigation to proceed with trauma-informed care for victims and families, as well as give the court "certainty and ensure other inquests and inquiries are not delayed." "The thoughts of our state and nation are with those impacted by this tragedy, and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring victims and their families are supported over the days and months ahead," it said. The Great Barrier Reef a colorful and iconic natural wonder off the coast of Australia that spans an area of 133,000 square miles (344,400 square kilometres) is suffering potentially unprecedented bleaching due to climate change. Bleaching occurs when coral become stressed due to high temperatures or lack of nutrients and expel the algae that live symbiotically within it. This causes it to turn a pale, bone-white color and eventually kills the coral. According to a report last week by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, more than half of the 1,000 reefs analyzed (out of more than 2,900 in total) had either high, very high or extremely high levels of bleaching. Only a quarter were relatively unaffected. Perhaps most ominously, the bleaching in many regions stretched as far down as 18 meters (roughly 60 feet). Overall it is the fifth mass bleaching event to impact the reef in eight years. I feel devastated, Dr Selina Ward, a marine biologist and former academic director of the University of Queenslands Heron Island Research Station, told The Guardian. Ive been working on the reef since 1992 but this [event], Im really struggling with. The main culprit behind coral bleaching is rising ocean temperatures. Although bleached coral is not the same thing as dead coral, the fact that it is bleached indicates that it is unhealthy and more vulnerable to death. Unfortunately for the reef, Earth's temperature continues to increase because humans keep burning fossil fuels, which contribute to global heating and climate change, which make bleaching events a regular occurrence. What are we doing to stop the reef from being lost? Ward said. We cannot expect to save the Great Barrier Reef and be opening new fossil fuel developments. Its time to act and there are no more excuses. GUYMON, Okla. (AP) Two Kansas women who went missing on a trip to Oklahoma to pick up children for a birthday party are dead, authorities confirmed Monday, describing a two-week effort to secure the kids safety and avoid violence in arresting four suspects on charges of kidnapping and murder. Two bodies were recovered in rural Oklahoma, a day after the arrests of four people in the case. Authorities say 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley, of Hugoton, Kansas, were driving through the Oklahoma panhandle to pick up Butlers children for a March 30 birthday party in Kansas. They never showed up, and their vehicle was found later that day, abandoned on a rural highway near the Oklahoma-Kansas state line, with evidence of foul play. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation on Monday described an intense effort to find the women, protect the children and arrest suspects without violence. This case did not end the way we had hoped. Its certainly been a tragedy for everyone involved, OSBI Director Aungela Spurlock said. OSBI spokesman Hunter McKee said Butler and Kelley are dead, and that the four defendants were responsible for the women going missing, but would not confirm that the bodies found were identified as the missing Kansas women, pending a report from Medical Examiners Office. On Saturday, Oklahoma authorities said they arrested and charged four people with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree: Tad Bert Cullum, 43; Tifany Machel Adams, 54; Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44. Court records dont indicate whether any of the four defendants have an attorney who could speak on their behalf. Authorities announced the next day that two bodies were recovered in Texas County. The Medical Examiners Office would determine their identification and cause of death, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a statement Sunday night. All four suspects are being held without bond in the Texas County Jail and are scheduled to make an initial court appearance Wednesday morning, said Texas County Court Clerk Renee Ellis. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Two energy workers and an elderly man were injured by explosive ordnances in Chernihiv and Kharkiv oblasts, regional authorities reported early on April 15. Nearly one-third of Ukraine's territory, approximately 174,000 square kilometers, has been mined since Russia began its all-out war against the country, threatening thousands of people with deaths or injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. Two energy workers repairing electrical networks in Chernihiv Oblasts settlement close to the border with Russia were wounded when their car hit an explosive device, Governor Viacheslav Chaus said on Telegram. A 64-year-old man was injured when he stepped on an explosive device in the village of Martove near Chuhuiv in Kharkiv Oblast, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. The Economy Ministry said on April 4 that mine-related explosions have killed almost 300 civilians and injured 665 others in Ukraine. Read also: Russia is covering Ukraine with landmines. Clearing them will be extremely difficult Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An Ohio woman has been arrested in the death of her autistic teenage son, police said. The boys adoptive mother, Tamera Moore, 52, was arrested April 12 on charges of murder and endangering children, according to a news release from the Springfield Township Police Department. The 16-year-old was found dead on Feb. 6, and his death was ruled a homicide following an autopsy, WXIX reported. The Hamilton County Prosecutors Office said the teen was starved and chained to a cot with no food in his digestive tract, according to WXIX. The teen was denied food for a significant amount of time before his death, WLWT reported. He cant help himself, a neighbor told the station. They took advantage of that and I think that that was really messed up, she said. McClatchy News contacted the prosecutors office but did not immediately receive a response. Springfield Township police said they are looking for 58-year-old William Turnage, Moores boyfriend, in connection to the teens death. Turnage is wanted on charges of murder, endangering a child, involuntary manslaughter and failure to report a crime, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Springfield Township Police Department at 513-729-1300. Springfield Township is about a 15-mile drive north from Cincinnati. Mom leaves baby in car seat for 13 hours, leading to his death, Indiana officials say Mother found covered in feces, fused to the bed, PA cops say. Son charged with abuse 18-year-old clinging to vehicle falls and dies during game of tag, Ohio police say Incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) raised more from donors than Republican Eric Hovde in the first quarter of Wisconsins closely watched Senate race, but the GOP challenger gave his campaign a boost with an $8 million loan in his bid to flip the seat. Baldwins principal campaign committee brought in roughly $4.7 million in contributions and ended the quarter with $10.3 million in the bank, according to new filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Her campaign reported a $5.4 million total haul for the quarter, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Hovde reported raising around $1 million in contributions through his principal campaign committee and then loaned his campaign another $8 million, ending the quarter with $5.3 million in the bank, per the FEC filing. The businessman has suggested he could put as much as $20 million of his own funds into his campaign, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Hovde, who jumped into the race back in February after much speculation, is vying to unseat the two-term Democratic incumbent who was comfortably elected to her seat in 2012 and 2018. An Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey of Wisconsin voters last month found Baldwin with a 3-point edge over Hovde, but the Republican also scored the backing of former President Trump earlier this month. Wisconsin is among a handful of key battleground states that are set to decide control of the Senate and could swing the presidential race. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. It has been over two weeks since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed; however, investigations are ongoing, with the FBI joining the case. The famous Baltimore bridge crashed on March 26 when a large cargo ship, the Dali, slammed into one of its supporting pillars. Now, Federal Bureau officers are not leaving any stone unturned as they investigate what happened behind the scenes in the tragic incident. Baltimore's FBI Is Collecting Evidence About The Francis Scott Key Bridge's Collapse MEGA According to two senior law enforcement officials, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has opened a criminal investigation into the vessel to determine if its crash into the Francis Scott Key Bridge was accidental. Similarly, Baltimore's FBI confirmed on Monday that some of its agents had boarded the 985-foot Dali early that day. In their statement, they stressed that their officials were "conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity." Their investigation will primarily look into what happened when the ship left the port, but part of their probing will reportedly focus on the Dali's crew. According to sources, the FBI is questioning if the ship's personnel knew the vessel had potential mechanical problems that would have made it unsafe in the harbor. In line with this question, FBI agents are also collecting physical evidence and data from inside the ship. This information, per NBC News, is related to the moments before, during, and after the Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The FBI's Involvement Comes After Baltimore's Mayor Declared Legal Action Against Wrongdoers MEGA News of the FBI's involvement in the Francis Scott Key Bridge case comes at the heels of Baltimore's Mayor, Brandon M. Scott, powerful declaration against those responsible for the heartbreaking incident. Scott announced on Monday that the city is taking "legal steps" to address the situation and has begun hiring law firms "to launch legal action to hold the wrongdoers responsible and to mitigate the immediate and long-term harm caused to Baltimore City residents." In his words: "The City of Baltimore will take decisive action to hold responsible all entities accountable for the Key Bridge tragedy, including the owner, charterer, manager/operator, and the manufacturer of the M/V Dali, as well as any other potentially liable third parties." The Ship Responsible For The Crash Was Involved In A Belgium Incident MEGA As reported by The Blast, the Dali, the large cargo ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, is a repeat offender. A fan drew attention to the vessel's past following the released audio from first responders that was recorded moments before the bridge's collapse. In the comment section of the TikTok video, the individual claimed: "What's messed up is that the same ship a few years back crashed into a port in Belgium. I'm going to just say it: this is cursed/poorly maintained." The TikTok user's allegations weren't far from the truth as reports showed the Dali collided with a shipping pier in Belgium. The incident occurred in 2016 as the vessel was leaving the port in Antwerp and struck a loading pier made of stone. An investigation revealed the collision was caused by a mistake made by the ship's master and pilot. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident; however, the Dali's stern suffered damages. President Joe Biden Addressed The Bridge's Collapse MEGA President Joe Biden addressed the importance of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in a press conference days earlier. As noted by The Blast, he noted the significance of the fallen bridge to commuters and himself, saying: "Every day, over 30,000 vehicles traveled across this bridge, and I was one of those people. I commuted every day from Delaware for 36 years to Washington, D.C., back and forth, and about one-fourth of that time by automobile. I've been to every part of this port." "Folks, we now face a question no American should ever have to ask, 'How will I get to work? How will I go to school? How will I get to a hospital?'" he continued, noting that the only response should how everyone, including the Congress could help. He also addressed the construction workers who were on the bridge when it collapsed, noting that six out of eight people who went under water had died. "The damage is devastating, and our hearts are still breaking," Biden said at the press conference. Biden Vowed To Restore The Fallen Bridge MEGA The president of the United States promised Baltimore's residents that a day would come when this tragedy would "bring a smile" to their lips before their eyes moistened with tears. As for grieving families, he stressed that they were working hard to find the bodies of the construction workers. "Also, never forget the contributions these men made to this city. We're going to keep working hard to recover each of them," Biden declared before vowing to restore the Francis Scott Key Bridge. In his words: "We will not rest, as Carlos said, until the cement has dried and the entirety of a new bridge, a new bridge, [is complete]." However, he explained that the restoration of the Baltimore Bridge will take time, but they are doing everything to rebuild it as soon as possible. Biden also claimed they had approved $60 million in emergency federal funding. Frustrated by continued abuse allegations at Missouris unlicensed Christian boarding schools, former students on Monday implored Attorney General Andrew Bailey to intervene. In a letter delivered to Baileys Jefferson City office, several former students called on him to launch a state-wide investigation and warn parents about what they say has gone on inside some of these schools for far too long. They also want Bailey to contact prosecutors in counties where the schools are located and urge them to conduct their own investigations. To spare more children the devastating life-long impacts of horrific abuse, we beg you as emphatically as possible to help expose, deter and prevent potential crimes and criminal cover ups at dozens of similar, largely-under-the-radar schools in remote parts of Missouri, the letter says. Use your bully pulpit to publicly help expose these troubling reports and allegations. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests released the letter Monday morning before a news conference outside Baileys office. Vulnerable kids hundreds of miles from home in these remote facilities with virtually no outside oversight or monitoring is a recipe for disaster and a great temptation for predators, said David Clohessy, the organizations former national director. The operators of these institutions have great incentive to ignore or conceal abuse. As Missouris top law enforcement official, Andrew Bailey must be proactive and show courage and leadership if these horrors are to be stopped. A spokesperson with the Attorney Generals Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In 2021 and 2022, former Attorney General Eric Schmitt investigated two boarding schools in southwest Missouri Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Agape Boarding School, both in Cedar County. Those investigations, including additional work by the Cedar County prosecutor, led to abuse and neglect charges of seven staffers at both schools. Circle of Hope and Agape have since closed. Earlier this year, after five students ran away from Lighthouse Christian Academy in a remote part of southeast Missouri, the Wayne County sheriff began investigating abuse allegations. Owners Larry and Carmen Musgrave, ages 57 and 64, have since been charged with kidnapping and another staffer at the school was charged with abuse of a child. Wayne County Sheriff Dean Finch said he continues to investigate and expects more charges. In interviews with The Star, more than a dozen former Lighthouse Christian Academy students have described how they said they were treated at the school over the past nearly 20 years. That included physical abuse and restraints, not being allowed to make eye contact with fellow students, standing for hours at a time staring at a wall when they were in trouble and being forced to do manual labor to benefit the school. They also detailed how they were often hungry at the school and said food was used as a punishment. If they were in trouble, they said, they were given little to eat, such as a tortilla smeared with peanut butter for breakfast or plain white rice for dinner. And, they said, they had to watch as other students ate large portions of prepared meals. The allegations are similar to those made by more than 80 former students The Star interviewed who attended other unlicensed boarding schools in southern Missouri since the late 1990s. For the past 20 years, child advocates and some lawmakers have proposed more regulations of Missouris Christian boarding schools even requiring state licensure but thats been met with extreme pushback. After a Star investigation, beginning in August 2020, lawmakers did pass a measure implementing some oversight of these facilities. Mondays letter to the attorney general acknowledged the past obstacles in garnering extensive change. If history is any guide, the operators of these facilities may cry religious freedom and discrimination, it said. Please dont be misled, distracted or deterred by such red herrings. We understand and respect religious freedom. But actions and beliefs are separate things. Julianna Davis attended Lighthouse Christian Academy near Piedmont, run by ABM Ministries, more than 15 years ago and said she wasnt allowed to leave when she turned 18. She said that one of the owners locked her in a room on her 18th birthday and she was told she had to stay at the school until she turned 21. Four months after her 18th birthday, she went home for a visit and then to college. And Davis never went back to the Show-Me State. Her experience led to the kidnapping charges against the Musgraves. Davis, who last year graduated with a doctorate of education in trauma counseling, said she doesnt see how increasing laws and regulations in Missouri would infringe on anyones religious freedoms. Adults are free to practice whatever religion and whatever beliefs they want to practice thats fine, she told The Star on Monday. But we also know that just like other types of crimes involving vulnerable populations, most criminals are what we consider opportunistic. ... So the lack of regulations and laws and oversight over these religious boarding schools isnt actually increasing anybodys religious freedom. Its actually increasing opportunistic criminals ability to get away with things. The six former students, including Davis, who signed the letter to Bailey, attended Agape Boarding School, Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Lighthouse Christian Academy. As Missouris top law enforcement official, we feel strongly that you can no longer ignore the growing crisis involving kids in the essentially unregulated, mostly for-profit, purportedly religious boarding schools where dozens of vulnerable kids have been and likely still are being abused, their letter said. Crisis is not an exaggeration given the recent disturbing disclosures of known and suspected child sex crimes that have surfaced at facilities like Agape School in Stockton, Lighthouse Academy in Piedmont, Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in Humansville and Kanakuk Kamps in Branson. Ample evidence exists in the public record, the letter said, that these institutions lack oversight and sometimes attract predators who hurt kids and supervisors who ignore or hide suspicious or criminal acts. Adele Andaloro says she was simply trying to remove squatters who had taken up residence in a home she owned, yet she was the one who got arrested last month after she called the police. The New York incident is just one story among many drawing attention to squatters rights: people settling themselves into a vacant home and claiming legal entitlement to remain indefinitely. Technically, squatters rights do not existno law purports to intentionally protect squatters, and property owners (theoretically) have a constitutionally protected right to exclude unwelcome visitors from their property. Rather squatters rights refer to (and often conflate) two different things: adverse possession and the abuse of ostensibly legitimate tenant protections by bad actors. Under the traditional legal doctrine of adverse possession, occupying a property for a sufficient length of time can convey ownership. This is no new or novel policy ideathe basic concept can be traced all the way back to the Romans. But nor does it come into play in the vast majority of squatter cases featured in the news or on social media, because the requirements for adverse possession are typically steep: New York requires the adverse possessor occupy the land for 10 years; California requires only five; Maryland requires 20. And there are usually additional requirements: In New York the adverse possessor must produce documentation purporting to entitle them to the property, such as a deed they thought was legitimate (but turns out to be invalid). Some jurisdictions, counterintuitively, require that the adverse possessor act in bad faith, rewarding deliberate thieves but not those who honestly but mistakenly believed they owned the land. Californias relatively lenient five-year minimum only applies if the squatter has been covering the property taxes. Given the many years required, and other conditions, valid adverse possession claims by squatters are unusualthe doctrine comes up more often in boundary disputes, where otherwise legitimate landowners end up building on what turns out to be their neighbors property (and no one noticed for a decade or two). So if you own a mountain cabin, make a point to swing by at least every few years to see if anyones camping out. And If your neighbor puts his driveway across your lot youll want to make a stink about that sooner rather than later. More commonly, squatters rights situations involve bad faith actors abuse of protections, such as New York Citys Tenants Bill of Rights, meant for legitimate tenants. These situations can come in many formsmedia reports and viral videos dont always distinguish pure squatters (i.e., those who take up residence of a vacant property theyve never had a valid claim to) from erstwhile legitimate tenants who overstay their welcome. And then there are the romantic partners and other hangers-on of previously legitimate tenants, who can also try to entrench their residency far past their legal right to be there (The Dispatchs Kevin Williamson once recounted his own experience bringing eviction proceedings against someone declining to leave the family home.) But who counts as a tenant? New York is particularly generous in this regard: Simply residing in a property for more than 30 days can potentially establish a landlord-tenant relationship, triggering tenants rights protections. In progressive cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., local politicians often favor the side of labor against capital, making it hard for even the most honest landlords to evict even the most obnoxious tenants. The District of Columbia, for instance, has extensive protections for tenants. Under the Bill of Rights for D.C. tenants, you cannot be asked to leave simply because your lease expired. In most circumstances existing tenants are protected and rent controlled, such that a tenant is more or less entitled to a new lease, and the landlord cannot increase the rent more than 2 percent on an existing tenant, and then only 10 percent when the apartment changes over. This is why many newer buildings try gimmicks such as a 13-month lease with one month free, and that discount is prorated across the lease term, such that the tenant pays a lower monthly rent while the landlord gets a higher nominal rent with which to calculate the rent-controlled increases. Meanwhile, the pro-squatter San Francisco Tenants Union provides advice on Creating the appearance of a tenancy by making the housing one illegally occupies look lived in, performing home improvement tasks in lieu of rent, and claiming the property owners failure to immediately call the cops on you as an implied contract to rent the property. Even if bad legal advice, such gimmicks can gum up the eviction-process works, requiring a court to sort it outand all while the property owner covers a propertys expenses while the squatter lives rent-free. Most notoriously, New York Citys rent stabilization policies entitle tenants to effectively perpetual tenancy, at rent-controlled rates, inheritable by not only their children but by anyone who manages to make friends with the tenant before they diefar from a restriction protecting against arbitrary evictions or a grace period to catch up on unpaid rent. The internet is full of how-to guides explaining how to take advantage of such policies to live in Manhattan on the cheap. The legality of these protections is controversial, and when the Supreme Court recently declined to take up a challenge to the New York regime, Justice Clarence Thomas issued a separate opinion implying skepticism that such an arrangement is constitutional at all (Disclosure: I filed a brief in support of that challenge). As objectionable as many squatting situations can be, solutions can also be tricky because squatters exploit the legal protections intended to prevent otherwise responsible tenants from getting tossed out on the street by unreasonable landlords. Consider Adele Andaloros case in March: She was arrested for attempting on her own initiative to evict people she claimed were squatters. Legally, she was in the wrong: New York is typical in barring landlords from evicting tenants themselves, nor can landlords legally induce tenants to leave by, say, cutting off the water or changing the locks. Evictions typically require a court order, obtained via what can be a lengthy and expensive legal process, and must be carried out by law enforcement rather than the landlord themselves. Florida recently passed legislation targeting this problem, instead allowing law enforcement to remove squatters immediately at the request of a property owner. But its challenging for law enforcement, arriving at the scene to find an angry owner and defiant occupant, to adjudicate the dispute in the moment. Is the lease the squatter is waving around a fake, as the landlord says, or is the landlord obfuscating what is really a dispute with a legitimate tenant? Thats the sort of factual question typically handled by court proceedingsbut dragging out court proceedings is a key strategy used by squatters to live rent-free. And many housing courts face serious backlogs, delaying even the most legitimate attempts to evict squatters for months or years. Some bias toward tenants may serve a purpose: While many landlords are small-time entrepreneurs trying to make ends meet themselves, the average rental property owner will have more resources, and a better understanding of the nuances of local housing regulation, than their renters. Indeed, the majority of property owners show up to court with a lawyer, while most tenants fly soloif they show up to their court date at all. But then most tenants would probably lose with or without a lawyer, because they are in fact behind on rent or otherwise violating their leases. There is a policy balance to be struck between protecting tenants from abusive landlords and protecting property owners from squatters abusing well-intended protections. At the moment, many jurisdictions might not have found the right balance. 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. TechCrunch Fidelity Investments, one of the world's largest asset managers, has confirmed that over 77,000 customers had personal information compromised during an August data breach, including Social Security numbers and driver's licenses. The Boston, Massachusetts-based investment firm said in a filing with Maines attorney general on Wednesday that an unnamed third party accessed information from its systems between August 17 and August 19 "using two customer accounts that they had recently established. We detected this activity on August 19 and immediately took steps to terminate the access, Fidelity said in a letter sent to those affected, adding that the incident did not involve any access to customers Fidelity accounts. An apartment building fire that forced residents to evacuate Monday morning in Bellingham was determined to be caused by a faulty ceiling fan, according to Bellingham Fire Department Capt. Dustin Michaelis. No injuries were reported in an apartment fire, which took place in a two-story apartment at 1422 Alabama Street. Fire crews responded at about 9:54 a.m. Monday. Visible smoke was coming from the second floor when crews arrived. Most of the fire was quickly determined to be confined to an attic space instead of any apartment units, according to Bellingham Fire Department Battalion Chief Ryan Provencher. Crews quickly got the fire under control, Provencher said in an interview with The Bellingham Herald. It took us about 20 minutes to feel like we were really ahead of the fire, and then after that we were finishing up our primary and secondary searches and doing some final overhaul, but I would say around the 20-minute mark is when we really had a handle on everything, Provencher said. All apartment residents were safely outside with no injuries by the time crews arrived, although firefighters were able to rescue a cat and a dog from the building, Provencher told The Herald. This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available. The benefits system is ill-equipped to deal with surging long-term sickness levels, as the number of people signed off without having to look for work hits 2.3 million. The warning from the Resolution Foundation highlights the challenges facing the next government as Universal Credit begins a full roll-out to seven million families. The number of benefit claimants out of work from ill health has nearly doubled since Universal Credit was introduced in 2013 to 2.3 million, according to the think tank. While health-related inactivity is near a record high, the unemployment rate has plunged from 8.5pc in 2011 to only 3.8pc last year. Meanwhile, there are 35,000 couples with children in Britain where one or both parents are out of work. The benefits system will need to change to reflect this, the think tank said. Whoever wins the election will be governing a Universal Credit Britain, as the final stage of what has been the biggest benefit reform in a generation is due to end with a system covering seven million families by 2029, the report said. The Government has recently announced changes to Universal Credit designed to encourage people with ill-health to seek work. This includes assessing whether someone is able to carry out work from home before signing them off as sick. The Resolution Foundation said the next government would need to build on these reforms, while recognising that the benefit could not by itself tackle growing sickness problems. Alex Clegg, from the foundation, said: Universal Credit was designed to address unemployment to encourage people who can work through incentives and increased conditionality such as stricter rules and sanctions. None of that applies if the system deems you unable to work or having limited capability to work. You dont have that kind of conditionality so you fall outside of what Universal Credit was designed to do. More than a third of the benefit caseload is for people who are not expected to work at all as they are deemed too unwell. The warning comes as a rise in poor mental health and musculoskeletal problems has pushed up the number of people too unwell to work since the pandemic. The Office for National Statistics estimates there are about 2.7 million people who are not in work or looking for a job because of health problems. This is about 600,000 more than before Covid. The think tank said that while the Government has announced some reforms to the system, the benefits system will struggle to meet the challenge of rising inactivity from sickness. Mr Clegg said: We cannot expect Universal Credit on its own to solve those problems. He added: Compared to the old system, Universal Credit offers greater support for renters and stronger incentives to enter work. But its original design did not anticipate there being over two million claimants with poor health or disabilities. Alongside efforts from the NHS, education, and labour market policy to address the drivers of ill-health, Universal Credit will need to change to tackle Britains new challenge of long-term sickness. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Annalena Baerbock (L), Foreign Minister, and Stephane Sejourne, France's Foreign Minister, speak at a press conference ahead of the ministerial meeting to support peace initiatives for Sudan. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Stephane Sejourne have called on the international community to provide urgent support for Sudan at the start of an aid conference on the northeast African country in Paris. One year after civil war erupted in the country, the Sudanese had become victims of being forgetten, in addition to being victims of displacement and hunger, Sejourne said. "Today we are placing a forgotten crisis on the agenda," he added. Baerbock pledged a sum of 244 million ($260 million) to Sudan and its neighbours in addition to earlier funding. She called on all countries attending the donor conference "to likewise make a contribution." Together, a dreadful catastrophe could be avoided, she said. "The largest refugee crisis in the world" was being played out "before our eyes," Baerbock said. Refugee camps in southern Sudan were overflowing, with fresh arrivals every day who could not be provided for. Food, drinking water, baby food, medicines, clothing, schooling, accommodation and "above all psychological counselling" were all in short supply, she said. Annalena Baerbock (2nd R), Germany's Foreign Minister, Stephane Sejourne (R), France's Foreign Minister, together with Josep Borrell (L), European Union Foreign Affairs Representative, and Janez Lenarcic (2nd L), EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, arrive at a press conference ahead of the ministerial meeting to support peace initiatives for Sudan. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa Annalena Baerbock (2nd L), Germany's Foreign Minister, Stephane Sejourne (2nd R), France's Foreign Minister, Josep Borrell (R), European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, and Janez Lenarcic (L), EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, speak at a press conference ahead of the ministerial meeting to support peace initiatives for Sudan. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa Bars in front of the Iranian embassy in Berlin. For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, Iran had directly attacked its arch-enemy Israel. Fabian Sommer/dpa The German Foreign Office has summoned Iran's ambassador following Tehran's attack on Israel, a spokesman said on Monday afternoon. The conversation is currently taking place at the ministry, he said. Iran had summoned the German ambassador to Tehran on Sunday, the spokesman in Berlin noted. Iran had justified its summons with the "irresponsible positions" of Germany, as well as France and Britain, whose ambassadors had also been called in. For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, Iran directly launched an attack on its arch-enemy Israel on Saturday. Around 300 drones and missiles were fired, but almost all of them were intercepted by Israel and its allies. Iran said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of high-ranking military officers at the Iranian embassy in Syria. Two Bettendorf residents were in custody Sunday to face charges including trafficking stolen weapons after an incident in Bettendorf on Saturday, according to court records. Deondre Morgan, 36, faces felony charges of trafficking stolen weapons first offense and dominion/control of firearm/offensive weapon by a felon, and a serious misdemeanor charge of eluding, court records show. Deondre Morgan (L) and Daiaja Wickliffe (Scott County Jail) Daiaja Wickliffe, 22, faces a felony charge of trafficking stolen weapons first offense and a serious misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree theft, court records show. About 3 p.m. Saturday, Morgan was driving a Kia Optima that police allege made an improper turn from the eastbound lanes of Middle Road onto the I-74 East on-ramp. Police say he did not use the correct turn lane, and officers made a traffic stop in a fully marked patrol vehicle, according to arrest affidavits. Police saw a yellow bag on the rear passenger seat. This baggie appeared to be consistent with that of which I know to contain marijuana, an officer wrote in arrest affidavits. Inside were flakes of raw marijuana. Morgan put the car in drive and began to elude law enforcement, police allege in affidavits, and a pursuit began. The Kia was observed failing to maintain control as it turned from the I-74 East off-ramp onto Grant Street. Morgan took off on foot and was arrested shortly afterward, affidavits show. Wickliffe, who was in the front passenger seat. was seen standing outside of the vehicle as officers arrived, police say in affidavits. A K9 alerted to the car, where officers say they found a loaded Ruger handgun between the front passenger seat and the door. Affidavits say the gun was found to be stolen out of Shelbyville, Kentucky. Wickliffe said the gun was hers and described the weapon in detail to officers. Also located on the front passenger side was marijuana-related drug paraphernalia and a bag with marijuana residue inside of it, according to affidavits. Morgan was being held on $11,000 bond in Scott County Jail, where Wickliffe was being held on $6,000 bond. Both are set for preliminary hearings April 23 in Scott County Court. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. People wait to cross into the U.S. from Tijuana last year. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) The Biden administration is allocating $45 million to California programs that help migrants who have crossed the southern border. The money is part of a $300-million national effort announced Friday by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Most of the California funding will be split between San Diego County and the Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego. More than $6 million goes to Riverside County. An additional $341 million will be used to establish a competitive grant program and allocated before the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30, the administration said. Its less funding than programs helping migrants had hoped for, representing an 18% cut from last years $780-million total. Read more: Migrant arrests are up along the border in California and dropping in Texas. Why? But California's overall share is $3 million higher than last year; San Diego's allotment rose by $10 million. Border nonprofits including Jewish Family Service of San Diego are hailing the increase as a win thats reflective of the recent uptick in migrant arrivals near the California border. In an announcement Friday, the Department of Homeland Security called on Congress to pass a stalled bipartisan national security bill that included more border funding and other assistance. California Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the administration and blamed House Republicans for failing to provide enough money to deal with the crisis. Let's be clear: President Biden is doing all he can to fund border security and humanitarian efforts while Republicans in Congress are choosing border chaos for political gain," Newsom said in a statement. Republicans blame Biden for mishandling the border and argue that FEMA resources should be spent on American families struggling with homelessness, not arriving migrants. Interior states including Illinois, Colorado and New York also got funding. Texas, Florida and Arizona leaders have spent millions transporting migrants to Democratic strongholds since 2022 in an effort to force places with more welcoming immigration policies to share the responsibility of caring for recent arrivals. Read more: Over 1,000 migrant families separated at border near San Diego since September, advocates say California has funded humanitarian services for migrants released from federal custody at the border, including $150 million last year. But, with the state facing a massive deficit, no border funding has been budgeted this year. "California cannot maintain its efforts without federal support and has continued to advocate to Congress to provide federal funding to local communities that are receiving new arrivals," California Health and Human Services Agency officials wrote in their January budget summary. Jewish Family Service has operated a shelter for recently arrived migrants for nearly six years. The vast majority of migrants who arrive near San Diego dont stay long-term, said Kate Clark, the organization's director of immigration services. The shelter has space for around 1,000 and provides the most vulnerable migrants those with young children, or who are sick or injured, or are LGBTQ time to rest, charge their phones, call loved ones and coordinate travel plans. Clark said the organization relies heavily on funding funneled through Catholic Charities. State funding, which has served as a critical backstop during periods of uncertainty about federal funding, runs out June 30, Clark said. Altogether, funding hasnt been enough to sustain recent migration levels, she said. In March, federal agents arrested nearly 34,000 migrants in the San Diego region, up from 23,000 a year ago, according to Customs and Border Protection figures released Friday. San Diego remains the No. 2 region for arrivals, after Tucson, since stepped-up enforcement by the Mexican government led migrants to shift away from the Texas border. As migrant arrivals at the California-Mexico border have increased, Customs and Border Protection has turned to street releases and holding migrants between border walls to reduce the number of people in its short-term facilities. Organizations at the border have been stretched thin, and the San Diego migrant welcome center closed in February after funding dried up. Its important for us to have all levels of government be part of the solution, Clark said. Immigration is within the federal governments purview, but at the end of the day California is a border state. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. President Joe Biden Among the many consequences of Irans onslaught on Israel, one should be finally to convince Joe Biden that negotiating with the ayatollahs is a waste of time. When he arrived in the White House, the president talked about reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreed in 2015 by America, the EU and others to monitor Irans nuclear weapons programme. It was unilaterally abandoned by Donald Trump, who said that it had handed the worlds biggest sponsor of terrorism billions of dollars to expand its influence throughout the Middle East. Although Mr Biden said he would rejoin the JCPOA, he has not done so because Iran would not agree to de-escalation conditions. Israel was also opposed. However, Washington still considers the JCPOA to have been a good thing and has argued that engaging with Tehran might be a better approach. Antony Blinken, the secretary of state, called Mr Trumps withdrawal a terrible mistake because we had Irans nuclear programme in a box. Its now ... gotten out. The fact is that nothing has stopped Iran continuing its enrichment programme. Israel, threatened with extinction by the ayatollahs, simply cannot allow them to have a nuclear weapon. Was not Mr Trump right to identify Iran as an intransigent and malign force that would never respond to efforts to accommodate it because its ambitions cannot be negotiated? Mr Trump decided to put greater diplomatic effort into the Abraham Accords and normalising Israels relations with its Arab neighbours. This had succeeded to such an extent that Iran encouraged its proxy terrorist groups in Gaza to attack Israel, judging that Jerusalems response would discomfit its allies, as proved to be the case. However, by firing more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel, Tehran illustrated precisely the fears that the politicians and military commanders of the Jewish state have been voicing for years. Mr Biden and other western leaders are urging restraint on Israel and, insofar as US and European air defences were crucial in shooting down the Iranian barrage, they have leverage. But on the diplomatic front, there can be no more talk of half-way house engagement with Tehran. If war is to be avoided, a strategy of maximum pressure exerted through the toughest sanctions on Irans oil exports and a total crackdown on the activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is now required. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Biden appointee is protecting Prince Harry from being deported over drug use, new lawsuit claims Jane Hartley, the US ambassador to the United Kingdom, told Sky News that Harry would not be booted from the country -- even if he made a false declaration on his docs. Joe Bidens arrogant ambassador to the United Kingdom could be protecting Prince Harry from deportation, a bombshell new legal filing claims. Conservative think tank, The Heritage Foundation, is currently suing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for access to the royals visa documents to determine whether he made false statements about prior drug use. Harry has admitted to experimenting with cocaine, cannabis, and psychedelic mushrooms behavior he would have been required to disclose on application forms filed before he relocated to the United States in 2020. The government warns immigrants that making misleading or false claims on government paperwork is grounds for deportation. Harry (pictured with wife Meghan Markle this week) immigrated to the United States in 2020. AP The Heritage Foundation is seeking the release of Harrys documents, saying they are in the public interest. Lawyers for the DHS have previously declared that releasing the paperwork would be an unwarranted invasion of Prince Harrys privacy. On Mar. 25, however, Jane Hartley, the US ambassador to the United Kingdom, told Sky News that Harry would not be booted from the country even if he made a false declaration on his docs. Its not gonna happen in the Biden administration, she declared. That remark prompted a new 100-page filing from The Heritage Foundation, accusing Hartley of protecting the prince, before again asserting that the visa application be made public. Hartley spoke directly not only to the Duke of Sussexs current immigration status, but HRHs [Harrys] future immigration status as well, the filing reads. District Judge Carl Nichols is currently presiding over the case, and recently requested to see Harrys visa docs for himself to determine whether DHS was right to argue they are exempt from release. USDC Nile Gardiner, Director of The Heritage Foundations Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, claimed that Hartleys arrogant remarks on Prince Harry are an extraordinary intervention by a senior US diplomat on an ongoing federal court case. The Biden Administration has gone to great lengths to protect Prince Harry, and has even ruled out the possible deportation of the Duke of Sussex if he lied on his US immigration application and violated US immigration law, Gardiner added, according to the Daily Mail. District Judge Carl Nichols is currently presiding over the case, and recently requested to see Harrys visa docs for himself to determine whether DHS was right to argue they are exempt from release. Hartleys comments come after Donald Trump told British TV that he could boot the prince from the country if he regains the presidency in November. Hartleys comments come after Donald Trump told British TV that he could boot the prince from the country if he regains the presidency in November. Well have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied theyll have to take appropriate action, Trump declared about the DHS. President Biden held a phone call with the top four congressional leaders on Sunday and stressed the urgent need for the House to pass the national security supplemental, as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces mounting pressure to bring the Senate-passed foreign aid package to the floor for a vote. The White House released a statement saying Biden, Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) convened to discuss Irans unprecedented attack against Israel on Sunday afternoon. On the call, the President discussed the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible, the statement continued. Schumer confirmed the meeting in a statement, reiterating U.S. support for Israel in the wake of the Iranian attack over the weekend and called on Johnson to pass the national security package, which includes aid for both Ukraine and Israel. The US commitment to Israels security is ironclad, Schumer said. We need to help Israel stay strong against Iran. To @SpeakerJohnsonThe best way is for the House to pass the bipartisan, Senate-passed national security bill, Schumer added. Neither McConnell nor Jeffries immediately responded to a request for comment following the meeting Sunday evening. They both, however, released statements following the Saturday Iranian strikes on Israel reiterating their support for Israel while calling on the House to pass the national security supplemental. Congress must also do its part. The national security supplemental that has waited months for action will provide critical resources to Israel and our own military forces in the region, McConnell said in his statement Saturday night. The Commander-in-Chief and the Congress must discharge our fundamental duties without delay. The consequences of failure are clear, devastating, and avoidable. The world is on fire. We should stand with our Democratic allies and push back against the enemies of freedom. The House must pass the bipartisan national security bill. Tomorrow, Jeffries said Sunday morning on the social platform X. Bidens call comes as Johnson faces mounting pressure from some members of his own party, as well as many Democrats, to put the national security package on the floor for a vote. In recent weeks, amid heightened concerns about Ukraines dwindling munitions supply, Johnson has pledged to hold a vote on some version of a Ukraine aid bill, but he had not specified what that bill would look like. He was trying to find a middle ground, as he faced threats from within his own conference to call for his removal as Speaker. With Israel now facing serious threats in the region, however, Biden and many lawmakers have doubled down on their calls for the House to pass the Senate-passed foreign aid package. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Biden campaign cashes in on Trumps historic trial day as they share reports of him sleeping in court President Joe Bidens re-election campaign appears to be capitalising on his 2024 rival Donald Trumps new nickname Sleepy Don after the former president allegedly was spotted falling asleep in the criminal courtroom. Mr Trump gained the nickname Sleepy Don after it was reported that the former president appeared to be nodding off as jury selection was underway in the so-called hush money trial the first-ever criminal trial against a sitting or former US president. The Biden team seemed to welcome this new nickname with open arms after the Republican ex-president repeatedly branded the president as Sleepy Joe on the campaign trail. The presidents team retweeted a video of New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman telling CNN about seeing Mr Trump allegedly dozing off during jury selection. His head would fall down. He didnt pay attention to a note his lawyer passed him. His jaw kept falling on his chest and his mouth kept going slack, the team wrote. The Biden-Harris campaign also posted a meme making fun of Mr Trumps fiery late-night Truth Social posts as he is allegedly snoozing on this historic day. Despite the amusing retweets, Mr Biden himself has remained quiet on the fact that his GOP competitor is in criminal court. CNN reported that Mr Biden allegedly shook his head after he was asked whether he watched any of Mr Trumps criminal trial. Similarly, the White House Press Secretary declined to comment on the historical nature of the hush money trial. The Trump campaign later vehemently denied rumours of the former presidents brief courtroom nap, saying in a statement: This is 100% Fake News coming from journalists who werent even in the court room. However, despite the denial Mr Trumps new label took off on X, trending alongside hilarious tweets. Some of these posts asked about where Trump ally Mike Lindell, better known as My Pillow Guy, was during Trumps alleged nap. Mr Trump has been accused of 34 counts of falsifying business records after allegedly paying porn star Stormy Daniels a whopping $130,000 in exchange for her silence over a 2006 affair. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Jury selection will continue on Tuesday morning. JERUSALEM American and Israeli experts issued scathing indictments of President Bidens alleged timid Iran policy after Tehran launched a massive aerial warfare attack on the Jewish state over the weekend. The Islamic Republic, for the first time, executed direct missile and drone strikes into Israeli territory. The dramatic events in the heart of the Middle East have triggered calls for the Biden administration to reverse its reportedly dovish outreach to the ayatollahs who run the theocratic state. Biden is now urging Israel to recoil from a counterstrike. "This was a massive, unprecedented and unacceptable strategic attack on Israel," Richard Goldberg, who was a member of former President Trumps National Security Council, told Fox News Digital. "It would be a huge mistake to pull Israel back from a military retaliation, but its downright insanity to keep $10 billion accessible to Tehran in the aftermath. The president needs to lock down all the money he made available to Tehran these past months." BIDEN CALLING FOR G7 MEETING IN RESPONSE TO IRAN'S 'BRAZEN' ATTACK Last month, Fox News Digital reported that Biden defied opponents of Irans regime and waived sanctions on Irans cash-starved economy. Biden faced criticism after releasing as much as $10 billion into the coffers of the Islamic Republic. In January, an Iranian regime-sponsored proxy terrorist attack killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan. The Biden administration insisted that Irans regime cant use the funds for its growing military offensive arsenal. Critics argue that the $10 billion is fungible money and the financial allocation allows Iran to revise its budget to expand its military apparatus. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Goldberg, who is a senior adviser for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, added, "If the president is looking for economic and diplomatic responses to the Iranian attack, there are three obvious ones available: lock down the $10 billion, enforce U.S. oil sanctions and snap back U.N. sanctions. If Biden avoids these steps, this isnt escalation avoidance. Its continued appeasement." HOW CAN ISRAEL RESPOND TO IRANS BRAZEN ATTACK? Speaking on "Fox News Sunday" with Shannon Bream, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby rejected criticism that the administration has not been tough enough on Tehran, noting the sanctions and other measures used against Tehran: "It's hard to take a look at what President Biden has done and say that we've somehow gone soft on Iran." This view shows the Port of Kharg Island oil terminal in Iran on March 12, 2017. He continued, "It was the previous administration that decided to get us out of the Iran deal. And now Iran is so much dramatically closer to potential nuclear weapon capability than they were before Mr. Trump was elected." Quizzed on the financial relief given to Iran and how the regime used it, he said, "It's not even sanctions relief but the additional funds that have been made available to Iran due to [the] sanctions relief program that the Trump administration put in place can only be used for humanitarian goods. It doesn't go to the regime." An Iranian military truck carries surface-to-air missiles past a portrait of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a parade on April 18, 2018, in Tehran. Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, who appeared on "Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo," said he believed the Biden administrations reaction to the death of the IRGC generals in Syria following the reported Israeli attack showed how "fractured" the relationship with Israel had become, and that it had "emboldened Iran." Fox News Digital reported in October, shortly after Irans proxy, Hamas, slaughtered 1,200 people, including over 30 Americans, in southern Israel that the Biden administration and its European allies allowed U.N. sanctions to be lifted on Irans capability to purchase and supply missiles to enemies of the U.S. and Israel. A State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital at the time that "the snapback mechanism is not expiring and remains in place. We do not rely solely on UNSCR 2231 to restrict Irans dangerous development and proliferation of missile-related technologies and UAVs, but rather a comprehensive set of multilateral and unilateral tools." WORLD LEADERS COLLECTIVELY CONDEMN IRAN'S 'RECKLESS' ATTACK AGAINST ISRAEL: 'WE SUPPORT ISRAEL' President Biden The spokesperson went on to say, "We continue to use all our tools to counter Irans missile and UAV development and proliferation, including sanctions, unilateral and multilateral export controls, interdiction activities, diplomatic engagement, cooperation with private industry." Lisa Daftari, a leading Iranian-American expert on the Islamic Republic and editor-in-chief of the Foreign Desk, told Fox News Digital that "The Biden administrations posture in the first hours of coming into the White House was that they were going to go soft on the regime. Their policies reflected this. Their rhetoric reflected this. They sent a clear message to the mullahs that there would be no consequences for their rogue actions. What we are seeing is a manifestation of weak policies and the ayatollahs correct read on American foreign policy." The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital press query. A State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital last week that "Irans political, financial and material support to terror groups, Hamas prominently among them, is well documented, and in fact trumpeted by the regime. Iran is the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism. The regime prioritizes financing Hamas and proxy groups at the expense of its own people and stability in the region." Yaakov Katz, a leading Israeli expert on security and defense of the Jewish state, told Fox News Digital that "Iran has been given immunity since Oct. 7 despite the continued attacks by its proxies: Hamas, Houthis and Hezbollah." Katz added, "What happened on Saturday night was a direct and unprecedented Iranian attack against Israel. The containment policy does not work and the worlds strategy of diplomacy and sanctions is not effective. The world needs to shift gears and change the way it has tried to confront Iran." Original article source: Bidens dovish posture toward Iran emboldened Tehran in its attack on Israel: experts (Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden said the response to Irans attack over the weekend showed the US was committed to Israels security and that he hoped to prevent the conflict in the Middle East from escalating. Most Read from Bloomberg Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, and we mounted an unprecedented military effort to defend it. Together with our partners we defeated that attack, Biden said during an Oval Office meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani about the barrage of missiles and drones. Were committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict from spreading beyond what it already has, Biden added. Biden and top US officials have urged restraint hoping to avoid a broader regional war and highlighted the coalition that came to Israels defense in a bid to convince Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deescalate the military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip that has sparked a humanitarian crisis. The Iranian attack did not cause any fatalities or serious damage after being largely intercepted by Israeli defense systems alongside US, UK, and French military assets. Those included US troops in Erbil, Iraq manning a Patriot missile system that helped intercept a ballistic missile headed toward Israel, along with two US fighter squadrons that took down attack drones. Tensions between Israel and Iran have flared since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which the US and European Union have designated a terrorist organization. Since then, Israel has conducted a punishing campaign against Hamas in Gaza prompting Biden and other world leaders to express humanitarian concerns and targeted other Iran-backed militia groups. Irans attack followed an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, that killed top Iranian military commanders. Were also committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region, including Iraq, Biden said alongside al-Sudani. Earlier: Irans Attack on Israel Sparks Race to Avert a Full-Blown War Irans unprecedented direct attack on Israel led to calls for action on Capitol Hill. The White House is hopeful the conflict will spur House Republicans to move forward with legislation, already passed by the Senate, that would provide billions of dollars in additional military aid for both Israel and Ukraine. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican who is clinging to a narrow majority, is planning to meet Monday night with GOP lawmakers to discuss the funding deal. A sizable group of House Republicans oppose additional aid to Ukraine and could move to oust the speaker, creating a difficult political landscape for Johnson to navigate. Separately, some Republicans have criticized the White House for providing Iraq a sanctions wavier that allows the country to purchase energy services from neighboring Iran. The Biden administration has said the waivers are necessary as postwar Iraq develops domestic oil and gas production and that the payments can only be used for humanitarian purposes. But critics including more than a dozen Republicans who wrote a letter to the administration earlier this month urging the end of the wavier argue the funding allows Iran to devote more resources to malign activities in the region. Biden on Monday said he and al-Sudani would discuss Iraqs economy and energy independence in their talks. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. President Biden will meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at the White House on Monday with the future of American troops in Iraq in flux, and as the Islamic extremist group ISIS has reemerged amid mounting tensions in the Middle East. At the meeting, al-Sudani and Biden will focus on private sector and business investment in Iraq, a priority for Baghdad, and other more cooperative areas such as energy security, according to a senior State Department official. But an important part of the discussions will be on the future of the American presence in Iraq, where about 2,500 U.S. troops are stationed. The U.S. and Iraq are engaged in ongoing talks on whether those troops are still needed to counter ISIS. It is not the primary focus of the visit, the State Department official said in a call with reporters, referring to the troops. But it is almost certainly going to come up. Bidens meeting with al-Sudani will be closely watched as the leaders are meeting during an extremely tense time in the Middle East that has strained U.S.-Iraq relations. Israel is waging a war against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, where more than 33,000 people have died in more than six months of war. The conflict has sparked regional escalation between U.S. forces and Israel and Iranian-backed proxies. The Houthi rebels in Yemen are still regularly launching strikes on merchant ships in the Red Sea, where they are battling U.S. forces defending the commercial route. Iraq was also a battleground in the regional conflict until a couple months ago, when the last Iranian-backed proxy groups in Iraq and Syria launched an attack on a U.S. base. Those Iran-backed militia groups have paused attacks since deadly U.S. retaliatory strikes in February. Still, al-Sudani and Iraqi officials expressed anger at both Iran and the U.S. for using Iraq as a battleground in the proxy war. At the heart of the ongoing discussions between Washington and Baghdad on the future of American troops are whether the Iraqi security forces trained by American troops are capable now of fending off the threat from ISIS. The U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 to dismantle the regime of Saddam Hussein and returned in 2014 at the invitation of Iraq to defeat ISIS, a continuing mission. ISIS remains largely defeated after losing key swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2017. However, the Afghanistan branch of the widely condemned extremist group, ISIS-K, has since reemerged, attacking and killing dozens of people in both Iran and Russia this year. ISIS-K was also responsible for the bombing at the Kabul airport in 2021 that killed 13 American service members during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Al-Sudani said in an opinion piece in Foreign Affairs magazine that stakeholders in the ongoing meetings have agreed to withdraw the international coalition in a gradual manner, with a road map toward that end still under discussion. He said the U.S. and Iraq need a new phase of partnership, based on cooperation that goes beyond just security and military affairs because the ISIS threat is diminished. Little by little, as security and stability are restored, the need for weapons outside the control of the state and its institutions will disappear. We are working concertedly toward that end, he wrote, instead calling for greater U.S.-Iraq cooperation on diplomacy, economy, education and technology, among other areas. Al-Sudani also cited the violence in his country involving American forces and Iranian-backed groups, and argued the decision to make war and peace must be an exclusive matter for the state, and no other party can claim this right. We approach every country on equal terms, so that Iraq does not become an arena for any outside actor to settle scores, he wrote. Iraq must be dealt with on the basis of sovereignty and mutual respect, not as a proxy for other conflicts. The State Department official said the ability of the Iraqis to make their own decisions and to build their sovereignty and to respect that is something that is very important. The official also stressed that discussions are ongoing about the future of American troops, but after 10 years, they see an opportunity to transition to a stronger bilateral relationship and partnership. Whether that ends up as adjusting our forces there, the official said, all of that is being discussed. Another issue likely to come up is a hostage held by an Iran-backed militia in Iraq. Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) sent a letter to Biden ahead of the meeting with al-Sudani expressing concern about the Iraqi governments close ties with Iran-backed militias, including Kataib Hezbollah, according to Politico. Waltz pressed Biden to condition the meeting with al-Sudani on the Iraqi leader pushing Kataib Hezbollah to release a kidnapped U.S.-based doctoral student, Elizabeth Tsurkov, who is a Russian-Israeli citizen. She has been held since March 2023 after being detained on a visit to Baghdad. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Biden silent after being pressed about Iranian strike against Israel: 'What now?' Biden silent after being pressed about Iranian strike against Israel: 'What now?' President Biden left a question about Iran's recent attacks against Israel unanswered at a press conference on Monday. Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked the question shortly before Biden departed from his presser with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Several reporters began shouting questions at the two world leaders, but Doocy's query rang loud and clear. "President Biden, you told Iran, Don't, and they did it anyway, so what now?" the journalist asked. HOUSE TEES UP 17 BILLS RELATED TO IRAN/ISRAEL FOR THIS WEEK President Biden listens as Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani speaks in the Oval Office of the White House on April 15, 2024, in Washington, DC. Doocy's question was a reference to Biden's previous warning against the Iranian regime on Friday. He said that an Iranian strike against Israel was imminent, less than a day before the airstrikes commenced. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP At the time, Biden told reporters that his only message to Iran was, "Dont." His response sparked outrage from Republicans. "So much for President Biden telling bad guys Dont actually being an effective deterrent," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., wrote in an X post on Saturday. "Every time he says Dont,' they do." "Under President Trump, Iran was broke," Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., said Saturday. "President Biden gifted them billions of dollars and then naively said dont." HOW CAN ISRAEL RESPOND TO IRANS BRAZEN ATTACK? Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Iraq's prime minister, left, and President Biden, right, during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, April 15, 2024. "'Dont' is not a foreign policy. Joe Bidens policies have funded Irans attack on Israel," Blackburn continued. In the days since the attack, the White House has signaled support for Israel. National Security Advisor of the United States Jake Sullivan said he spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, on Saturday. "During the call, I reiterated the United States ironclad commitment to the security of Israel," Sullivan explained. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also said that he expressed support to his Israeli counterpart on Saturday. An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. "I spoke to Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to reiterate unwavering U.S. support for Israels defense," Austin wrote. "The United States stands with Israel amid threats from Iran and its regional proxies." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Fox News Digital's Michael Lee and Brooke Singman contributed to this report. Original article source: Biden silent after being pressed about Iranian strike against Israel: 'What now?' Hours after the United States helped defend Israel against an unprecedented Iranian missile attack on Saturday night, top Biden administration officials lauded Israels proven military superiority but urged Israels leaders to think carefully and strategically before taking any further military action against Iran. In a Saturday night phone call from the White House Situation Room, President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon after the onslaught that Israel really came out far ahead in this exchange, a top White House official said Sunday not just on Saturday, but also when Israel killed several top commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Damascus, Syria, near an Iranian diplomatic complex earlier this month. Biden reaffirm[ed] Americas ironclad commitment to the security of Israel, the president said in a Saturday statement after talking to Netanyahu. I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel. Take the win, Biden told Netanyahu, according to a report in Axios. The senior White House official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to share sensitive details of the military operation, stopped short of directly telling Israel not to strike back at Iran. Im just not gonna say that so definitively. I think its a calculation the Israelis have to make, said the official, noting that the U.S. would not take part in any retaliatory attack on Iran. I think the Israelis came out clearly very much on top and demonstrated their ability to defend their country, in coordination with us and others, [which] speaks for itself. And I think a big question is not only whether but what Israel might choose to do. A U.S. military official shared in stark terms the details of Irans assault and stated plainly that the attack though successfully halted by the combined missile-defense capabilities of Israel and the U.S. was designed to cause significant casualties. The Islamic Republic fired over 300 munitions at Israel, including more than 100 ballistic missiles as well as cruise missiles and one-way attack drones. The missiles were launched not just from Iran but also from Iraq, Syria and Yemen. It was the first time Iran ever directly attacked Israel from Iranian soil. Officials from the Biden administration spoke with palpable relief and even awe as they discussed Saturdays events and the close cooperation between and stunning success of the U.S., Israel and other allies. I think the kind of spectacular success, and I dont use that word lightly, really became known in the light of day, when you can really see that there was almost no damage at all, it took down almost all of these things. Its extraordinary, said the senior White House official. The U.S. and Israel estimated that 99% of the munitions were shot down. The U.S. received support from the United Kingdom and France in defeating the attack, and Jordan also shot down some of the drones directed at Israel. Irans intent clearly was to cause significant damage and deaths in Israel. We believe this requires an unequivocal condemnation from the international community, said the administration official. The U.S. pledged to take action against Iran at the United Nations this week. On a Sunday morning call, the leaders of the so-called G7 nations the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.K. discussed whether some of those countries would now designate the IRGC a terrorist group, and possibly coordinate sanctions. The U.S. official declined to share further details. The White House made clear on Sunday its preference that the conflict not escalate, but officials from across the administration avoided explicitly calling on Israel to stand down against Iran. Well keep helping Israel defend itself even if that means, as we proved last night, that U.S. forces have to get involved in that self-defense, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told Israels Channel 13 News. We dont see a war with Iran as inevitable. Irans threat of retaliation against Israel after its attack on the IRGC in Syria touched off more than a week of close coordination and tense conversations between American and Israeli leaders. Over the past 10 days, U.S. military leadership made adjustments to its force posture in the region to be better equipped for an Iranian attack. However, despite the preparations of the past few days, the U.S. had no forewarning of the attack, the administration official said contrary to earlier reporting on Sunday that Iran had shared its plans three days in advance via diplomatic back channels. That is absolutely not true. They did not give a notification, nor did they give any sense of, you know, these will be the targets, so evacuate them. They were clearly intending to destroy and to cause casualties, said the official. The attack came as the U.S. attempts to negotiate a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, and as Israel remains in Gaza seeking to defeat Hamas. The U.S. official reiterated that while Washington and Jerusalem may have policy disputes over Israels actions in Gaza, Saturdays actions illustrated the U.S. core commitment to Israel. I think the events of the last 10 days have demonstrated that while we may have some disagreements, the United States of America stands with Israel. And theres no question that we will come to their defense when they were attacked, said the official. Last night demonstrated that fact: What the president calls an ironclad commitment for the United States is just that. And I think we showed that last night in real time in a truly unprecedented manner. View comments U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden host Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece and his wife during a reception at the White House in Washington By Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill on Monday released tax returns showing that their income rose 7% to $619,976 in 2023 and that the couple paid 23.7% of their income in federal taxes. Biden released the data on the day U.S. taxes for the prior year are due, and as the Democrat seeks re-election in 2024. Donald Trump, his Republican opponent, broke with the tradition of presidents making their federal tax returns public, saying he was not able to do so while being audited by the Internal Revenue Service, even as the agency claimed he was free to release them. A U.S. House of Representatives committee controlled in 2022 by Democrats released Trump's redacted returns for 2015 through 2020 over the former president's objections. Trump was in a New York courtroom on Monday for a historic criminal trial, one of several legal matters that has implicated the ex-president's personal finances. "President Biden believes that all occupants of the Oval Office should be open and honest with the American people, and that the longstanding tradition of annually releasing presidential tax returns should continue unbroken," the White House said in a statement. Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a post on social media on Monday, Trump said American families benefited from tax cuts passed while he was in office. He said if Biden "gets his way" people would be facing "colossal" tax increases. He included no information about his 2023 tax filing. Biden and his wife earned four-fifths of their income from their jobs as U.S. president and teacher at Northern Virginia Community College, respectively. Joe Biden drew a $400,000 wage, while Jill Biden earned $85,985 from her job teaching English at Northern Virginia Community College. The additional income was drawn from interest on investments, pensions and a corporate entity that collects the couple's book royalties. Most of the increase of income relative to 2022 was from interest paid on one of the couple's bank accounts, according to the tax return. The proportion of Joe Biden's income that went to federal taxes was roughly equal to the prior year. Biden plans to deliver a speech on tax policy from his Scranton, Pennsylvania, birthplace on Tuesday that is expected to include a call for the wealthy to pay higher rates. Pennsylvania is expected to be one of the most closely contested 2024 election states in November. The president's return also showed that Biden donated $20,477 to charity, roughly 3.3% of their income, with the beneficiaries including several churches and public health groups like the Epilepsy Foundation and the Fraternal Order of Police. Biden's running mate Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, also released a tax return showing $450,380 income for 2023, federal taxes of $88,570 and charitable donations of $23,026. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; additional reporting by Kanishka Singh and Nathan Layne; editing by Costas Pitas) Bidens release tax return that shows they made almost $620,000 in 2023 President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden earned $619,976 in 2023, according to their joint tax return released by the White House on Monday the deadline date for Americans to file their taxes. The White House also released the return for Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, showing that pair made $450,299 last year. President Biden believes that all occupants of the Oval Office should be open and honest with the American people, the White House said in a statement on Monday, and that the longstanding tradition of annually releasing presidential tax returns should continue unbroken. That statement could be seen as a dig at former President Donald Trump, who declined to voluntarily release his tax returns while he was president. Six years of Trumps tax returns, including from his time as president, were released to the public by the House Ways and Means Committee at the end of 2022. The bulk of the Bidens income came from President Bidens congressionally mandated $400,000 salary, along with pensions. The first lady also earned $85,985 from her position as a teacher at Northern Virginia Community College. The Bidens paid $146,629 in federal income tax in 2023, making their federal income tax rate 23.7%. They reported $20,477 worth of contributions to 17 different charities in 2023. They donated $5,000 to the Beau Biden Foundation, which works to protect children from abuse and is named after the presidents late son, and smaller amounts to organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police, a Wilmington fire station and St. Joseph on the Brandywine. The Bidens attend that church regularly and it is where Beau Biden is buried, along with Neilia Biden and Naomi Biden, the presidents first wife and infant daughter who were killed in a 1972 car crash. Harris and Emhoff paid $88,570 in federal income tax, amounting to a 2023 rate of 19.7%. The pair contributed $23,026 to charity in 2023, including donations to the DC Central Kitchen, Howard University and the University of Southern California. The Bidens have released 26 years of tax returns in total. Harris has released 20 years worth. The Bidens 2023 income was an increase from the $579,514 the couple earned in 2022. The Bidens reported an income of $610,702 in 2021 and $607,336 in 2020. Harris and Emhoff reported an income of $456,918 in 2022 and $1.6 million in 2021 - the year they sold a house. The current first couple restarted the tradition of the first family releasing their tax returns upon taking office in 2021. This story has been updated with additional reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A rally in support of abortion rights drew hundreds to downtown Nashville on Saturday, May 14, 2022. (Photo: John Partipilo) Quality Journalism for Critical Times Abortion-related bills continue to be introduced and debated in legislatures across the country, especially in states where the procedure is already banned. It can be hard to monitor them all, so States Newsrooms Reproductive Rights Today team tracks certain bills that could become law in their respective states in a biweekly legislative roundup. Depending on the partisan makeup of a states legislature and other state government officials, some bills have a higher chance of passing and becoming law than others. Alabama House Bill 279: This bill establishes the right for individuals to use contraception and for health care providers to distribute it and offer guidance as to how it should be used, according to Alabama Reflector. The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill, but time is running out in the legislative session for it to be approved by both chambers, the Reflector reported. Status: Referred out of committee, awaiting consideration in the House Sponsor: Democratic Rep. Anthony Daniels Kansas Republican legislators in Kansas continue to introduce bills related to abortion, despite Kansas voters overwhelming rejection of abortion bans in a referendum shortly after the Dobbs decision in 2022. Abortion is legal in Kansas, and six clinics provide in-clinic services. Senate Bill 28: Kansas lawmakers approved $2 million for the Pregnancy Compassion Awareness Program as part of a state budget bill. The funds are meant to enhance and increase resources that promote childbirth instead of abortion for people handling unplanned pregnancies, which are the types of efforts that take place at crisis pregnancy centers, Kansas Reflector reported. Status: Awaiting action by Gov. Laura Kelly; state law allows 10 days for a bill to be signed, vetoed, or allowed to go into law without a signature Sponsor: Kansas Insurance Department Senate Bill 232: Lawmakers also overwhelmingly approved a bill amending state child support guidelines to include fetuses, with the amount of support calculated from the date of conception. The move will cost the state at least $487,000 per year, along with additional costs for in utero genetic testing services, which could cost another $242,000 per year. Status: Awaiting action by governor Sponsor: Senate Judiciary Committee House Bill 2749: This bill, which requires abortion providers to ask patients why they are terminating their pregnancies with questions related to age, marital status, domestic violence considerations, and the method of abortion, is still awaiting action by the governor. The bill was requested by Kansans for Life, the main group that pushed the failed 2022 referendum to allow abortion bans in the state. It would also apply to minors. Status: Awaiting action by Gov. Laura Kelly Sponsor: Requested on behalf of Kansans for Life by Republican Rep. Ron Bryce House Bill 2436: This bill addresses abortion coercion, making it a felony to pressure someone into an abortion, including doctors, family members, and partners. After amendments in the Senate, penalties increased to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine for all offenders, but a $10,000 fine if the person charged was the father of the fetus. In the case of coercion that happens in conjunction with rape, stalking, blackmail, human trafficking, or other criminal offenses, the court could impose a sentence of 25 years, according to Kansas Reflector. Status: Awaiting action by governor Sponsor: Republican Rep. Rebecca Schmoe Louisiana Abortion is banned at any stage of pregnancy in Louisiana with exceptions to save a pregnant patients life, preserve their health, or for fatal fetal anomalies. Senate Bill 276: This bill creates a new law to make it a crime to force someone to take abortion medication, Louisiana Illuminator reported. The law would impose penalties of five to 10 years in prison and fines of $10,000 to $75,000, or 10 to 20 years and $50,000 to $100,000 in fines if the pregnancy was more than three months along. The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Thomas Pressly, whose sister, Catherine Herring, experienced complications after her husband put abortion pills in her drinks without her knowledge. Her husband, Mason Herring, was sentenced to 180 days in prison and 10 years of probation in February. Status: Awaiting consideration in the Senate Sponsor: Republican Sen. Thomas Pressly Maine Abortion is broadly legal in Maine, without limits on gestational age. Legislative Document 227: Lawmakers passed a shield law to protect the state health professionals who provide reproductive and gender-affirming care, Maine Morning Star reported. It joins 22 states and Washington, D.C., in passing such a law protecting health care providers from lawsuits for providing abortion care. It also prevents law enforcement from sharing information about legal procedures with other states. Status: Passed both chambers, to be sent to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills Sponsor: Democratic Rep. Anne Perry Legislative Document 780: A bill that would have allowed voters to weigh in on whether to amend the state constitution to include abortion rights failed to meet the threshold to put the question on the ballot, according to Maine Morning Star. It needed support from two-thirds of lawmakers and fell short. Status: Defeated Sponsor: Democratic Sen. Eloise Vitelli Missouri Nearly all abortions are banned in Missouri. House Bill 2634: This legislation prohibits the spending of any public funds on an abortion facility or its affiliates or associates, including Medicaid through the MO HealthNet program. Missouri Independent reports the bill is targeting Planned Parenthood clinics, which do not provide abortions in Missouri but may provide referrals to clinics in other states for abortion care. The clinics do provide contraceptives, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and cancer, and general wellness visits. Despite an 11-hour filibuster by Democrats, Republicans passed the bill. It already passed the House once. Status: Passed the Senate, waiting for final concurrence in the House Sponsor: Republican Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman Tennessee Nearly all abortions are banned in Tennessee. House Bill 1895: This bill makes it a misdemeanor to assist a minor in obtaining an abortion out of state, sometimes referred to as trafficking, including the act of obtaining abortion pills for a minor, regardless of where the pills were obtained. It does not pertain to parents or legal guardians, but any other violators are subject to a Class A misdemeanor, which has a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison. Those penalties were amended down from the original bill, which made the act a felony. It also includes a civil cause of action. Democrats have criticized the bill for its potential effects on victims of incest, who could be forced to obtain permission from the offending parent for an abortion, according to Tennessee Lookout. Status: Passed by the Senate, awaiting consideration in the House Sponsor: Republican Rep. Jason Zachary The post Bills related to abortion coercion and trafficking advance in Republican-led legislatures appeared first on Florida Phoenix. Multiple people were injured in a stabbing attack at a church in Australia on Monday, authorities said, with the horrific incident captured on a livestream of the service. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was delivering the service at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the Sydney suburb of Wakeley when a man walked up to the altar and attacked him shortly after 7 p.m. local time, according to local media reports. Footage from the livestream circulating online appears to show the assailant striking the church leader several times as members of the congregation screamed and rushed toward Emmanuel. Seven Dead After Stabbing Spree at Sydney Shopping Mall New South Wales Police said in a statement that officers had responded to reports of a number of people being stabbed and that a male had been arrested. The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, the force added. A video shared on social media purportedly shows the alleged attacker being restrained by several people, including one man wearing police body armor. Another manwho appears to have bloodstains on his pantsappears to strike the alleged assailant in the face, prompting instructions to stop from the man in police clothing. The restrained man can later be seen smiling in the clip and saying: You think that hurt, my brother? Four men were injured in the attack, according to 9News. The national news service said the church had advertised that Emmanuel was due to give an Assyrian Bible preaching from 7 p.m. on Monday. It also described Emmanuel as a popular but divisive figure in the Orthodox community who had come to prominence in the COVID pandemic, during which he had been critical of vaccine mandates and lockdown restrictions. The attack comes just days after Sydney was rocked by a mass stabbing attack at a shopping mall on Saturday. Six people were killed in the earlier attack carried out by 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, who was himself shot dead by a police officer responding to the rampage. Five of the six victims in the mall attack were women. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb told Australias ABC that authorities are considering whether Cauchi had specifically targeted women. Its obvious to me, its obvious to detectives that... the offender focused on women and avoided the men, Webb said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (KFOR) Our Blood Institute announced on Monday that its newest donor center is now open. According to OBI, the donor center is located at 850 West Mission St. in Broken Arrow. The center will offer a convenient place for residents to donate blood. OBI is also focused on the current demand for blood products and reserves for emergencies and treatment. LOCAL NEWS: Ready-to-build affordable housing coming to Guthrie Our Blood Institute opens new donor center in Broken Arrow. Our Blood Institute is dedicated to serving the needs of our communities by providing a safe and steady blood supply, said Dr. John Armitage, Our Blood Institute president and CEO. The opening of our new donor center in Broken Arrow reflects our continued efforts to expand our reach and impact. Officials say the Broken Arrow center will follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and donors. Anyone interested in donating can make an appointment at OBI.org or visit the center during operating hours. We encourage residents of Broken Arrow and surrounding areas to join us in supporting our mission by donating blood at our newest donor center, added Armitage. Every donation has the potential to save three lives and make a meaningful difference in our community. LOCAL NEWS: City Cares Night Shelter offers Pet Hotel for guests Including the new Broken Arrow donor center, OBI now operates 17 donor centers, 10 being in Oklahoma. To learn more about Our Blood Institute, visit OBI.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Two Medford elementary school students distributed orange whistles to 70 postal workers Saturday to protect them from danger or possible attacks. Savannah McLaughlin and Adam Costello are in fifth grade at the Brooks School, and came up with the idea after hearing about a postal carrier attacked on Halloween in the city. If you ever feel unsafe on the job, blow this whistle, said McLaughlin to postal workers Saturday morning. They had no right to put a finger on him. Mail carriers are very important and deserve to be treated with the highest degree of respect. The two handed out the whistles one-by-one to each worker Saturday before they hit the road. Both participate in the district-wide afterschool program Center of Citizenship and Social Responsibility. There, students like Savannah and Adam can brainstorm ways to safeguard their community. He just wanted to deliver mail for the people, said Costello. McLaughlin told Boston 25 Sunday, I heard its happened all around Massachusetts and its really sad! They decided to distribute whistles rather than pepper spray or tasers to make sure no one else is hurt. With the help of teachers at the Brooks School, the two led a fundraiser at school to raise money for the whistles. Im very proud and I just hope we can help more post offices around Medford or the state too, said McLaughlin. Costello added, We know we will never see them get hurt ever again. Heading into middle school next year, Adam and Savannah plan to brainstorm new ways to help the city of Medford. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Jilian Kelley, 39, is described as having brown hair and blue eyes. She was reported missing Saturday. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation/Facebook April 15 (UPI) -- Authorities in Oklahoma investigating the disappearance of two mothers announced the discovery of two bodies in rural Texas County on Sunday night. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the disappearance of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, who were reported missing late last month after they failed to pick up their children from a location that they had pre-arranged. The women were together, and the vehicle they were in was later found abandoned in Texas County in the Oklahoma panhandle. Evidence at the scene suggested "foul play," investigators said. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said Sunday night that it, along with the FBI and the Texas County Sheriff's Office, had recovered "two deceased persons in rural Texas County." "Both individuals will be transported to the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner to determine identification and cause and manner of death," it said in a statement. Veronica Butler, 27, is described as being 5 feet, 4 inches tall with red hair and green eyes. She was reported missing Saturday. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation/Facebook "This is still an ongoing investigation." The announcement came a day after the OSBI announced the arrest of four people in the suspicious disappearance of Butler and Kelley. Tad Bert Cullum, 43, was arrested Saturday and charged in connection to the disappearance of the two mothers. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation/Facebook Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, were arrested Saturday in the counties of Cimarron and Texas. They were booked into the Texas County Jail, and were each charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder. Tifany Machel Adams, 54, was arrested Saturday and charged in connection to the disappearance of the two mothers. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation/Facebook Further details, including the connection, if any, between the suspects and the two victims, were not made public as of early Monday. Rescue crews in San Bernardino County have recovered the body of a man killed when his plane went down Saturday night, authorities announced Sunday. Preliminary information from the FAA indicates the aircraft, a twin-engine Gulfstream AC95, crashed near Palm Avenue and West Verdemont Drive in the Verdemont neighborhood of San Bernardino around 8:21 p.m. Authorities confirmed to KTLA that witnesses heard a plane sputtering and the sound of a loud crash followed by a red flash. Deputies from the Central Station and officers from the San Bernardino Police Department conducted a search of the area, the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department said in a news release. However, the mountain area in question was not accessible via vehicle or on foot. The Sheriffs Aviation Division attempted to assist, but the weather restricted their ability to fly. On Sunday morning, rescue crews spotted the debris field in the mountains north of Devils Canyon from the helicopter. A search and rescue team, along with an investigator from the coroners office, were deployed to the site where the remains of the deceased adult male were discovered. Violence erupts as novelty shop in Southern California robbed at gunpoint The name of the victim is being withheld until he is positively identified and next of kin are notified, authorities said. No other injuries were reported. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are also investigating the cause of the crash. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Body Parts of Teenager Were Found Strewn Across Wisc. Cities After She Went on 1st Date; Suspect Charged Maxwell S. Anderson is charged with homicide and arson in connection with the death of Sade Carleena Robinson Milwaukee Police Department Sade Carleena Robinson Sade Robinson, 19, disappeared after going on a first date on April 1, her friends and family say Over the next several days, body parts kept showing up in different parts of Milwaukee and a nearby municipality, per police Authorities allege Maxwell S. Anderson killed and mutilated her before setting her car on fire to hide evidence A man has been charged with homicide and arson after the remains of a teenager who went missing were found scattered in Milwaukee, Wisc., and another nearby municipality, authorities say. Maxwell S. Anderson, 33, was charged on Friday in connection with the death of Sade Carleena Robinson, 19, who went missing earlier this month, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Friday. He was charged with first degree homicide, mutilation of a corpse and arson, online court records show. Earlier this month, authorities issued a critical missing warning for Robinson, who was last seen in Milwaukee on Monday, April 1. The next morning, authorities were notified about a car fire near Robinsons home, the outlet reported, and the car was later determined to be Robinson's, per a criminal complaint obtained by Wisconsin Public Radio. Later that day, a human leg was found by someone in a park in Cudahy, a municipality less than 10 miles from Milwaukee, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said in a previous statement. Jovanny Hernandez/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK Maxwell Anderson On Thursday, April 4, the sheriff's office took Anderson into custody in connection with the recovered leg and announced the case was now a homicide investigation, the office said in the statement. Police did not mention a possible link between Anderson and Robinson at the time. The following day, the sheriffs department found another body part near the scene of the car fire, officials told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at the time. During the weekend that followed, additional remains were found near the site where remains had been discovered on April 5, per authorities, the outlet reported. In its latest statement issued on Friday, the sheriff's office now alleges that Anderson killed Robinson on April 2, then mutilated her remains, and set fire to her car in an attempt to obscure potential evidence of the killing." According to the criminal complaint, Anderson and Robinson went on their first date on April 1, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and FOX 6 Now report. They were seen at a restaurant where Anderson was a former employee. A bartender at the restaurant said the two appeared to have a casual conversation, before leaving together," per the complaint, FOX 6 Now reports. The two then reportedly went to a bar before heading to Andersons home, the complaint alleges. Authorities tracked Robinsons phone, which traveled to the park in Cudahy in the early morning hours of April 2, the complaint alleges, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Police arrested Anderson on April 4. During their search of his residence, authorities allegedly found blood in different locations, including his bedding and the path leading to his basement, per the complaint, cited by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. A GoFundMe has been set up to assist Robinson's family and arrange "a memorial befitting a princess, reflecting the beauty and grace that Sade exuded in her life." The investigation remains ongoing. Attorneys for Anderson listed in court documents were not immediately reachable on Monday afternoon. Online records show he has not entered a plea and is expected in court later this month for a preliminary hearing. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. This post may contain graphic images or details. Reader discretion is advised. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Salt Lake City Police have released bodycam footage of the officer-involved critical incident from Tuesday, April 2, that left a man dead. The incident occurred on the 800 block of South State Street. Police received a 911 call from an employee working at a Chevron gas station. The employee reportedly told police that the suspect, later identified as Cameron Ammon Cloward, 36, had a knife and tried to stab him through a window. Based on the employees statements, police believe Cloward may have committed an aggravated robbery by using or threatening to use a dangerous weapon during the commission of a robbery or attempted robbery. PREVIOUSLY: State Street closed, man killed in police shooting in Salt Lake City Officers arrived at the scene at around 2:30 a.m., finding Cloward walking in the parking lot while holding a knife. Cloward reportedly began walking north from the gas station on the east sidewalk of State Street. Cloward allegedly turned around, faced officers, and started walking back into the gas station parking lot. Bodycam footage from one of the officers on the scene captured the officer telling Cloward to stop walking toward the gas station. The footage then shows Cloward holding his knife with the blade positioned under his chin. Officers gave Cloward commands to stop and get on the ground, but he refused to comply, repeatedly saying, I dont care. One SLCPD officer reportedly requested a less lethal shotgun, before four officers then fired shots, resulting in Clowards death. No officers were injured during the incident. The knife found at the scene matched the description provided by the store employee as a pocketknife. The blade of the knife was found extended, police said. The four SLCPD officers who used deadly force have been placed on standard paid administrative leave. The videos released today captured the incident from the body-worn cameras of six SLCPD officers. Any loss of life is tragic, and the use of deadly force is a traumatic event for our officers. This situation unfolded very quickly and involved safety risks to our community and officers. Our officers are trained to perceive, interpret, and respond to a persons actions. The body-worn camera footage released today shows our officers urging, and ordering, Mr. Cloward to put down his knife and to stop walking toward them. Maintaining the safety of our community can be full of risk and unpredictability, a press release from SLCPD states. Here are links to the six bodycam videos, provided by SLCPD: No further information is available at this time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Boeing is defending the integrity of the fuselages on two of its largest planes, which have come under criticism from a whistleblower who warns that panels on the outside of one of the planes could eventually break apart during flight. Two Boeing engineering executives went into detail Monday to describe how panels are fitted together, particularly on the 787 Dreamliner. They suggested the 787's carbon-composite skin is nearly impervious to metal fatigue that weakens conventional aluminum fuselages. Their comments during a lengthy media briefing served as both a response to news reports last week about the whistleblower's allegations and a preemptive strike before he testifies to a congressional panel on Wednesday. The whistleblower, Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, said excessive force was applied to fit panels together on the 787 assembly line, raising the risk of fatigue, or microscopic cracking in the material that could cause it break apart. The Boeing officials described how sections of a fuselage are brought together, shims are added to fill gaps, holes are drilled and cleaned, and fasteners attached to apply pull-up force that 99% of the time results in margins no greater than .005 inches (0.127 millimeters) apart the width of a human hair, they said. A gap problem was discovered in 2019 between two panels, which led to design and assembly changes, they said. Boeing conducted testing replicating 165,000 flights with no findings of fatigue in the composite structure, Steve Chisholm, Boeing's vice president of structural engineering, said. The average 787 makes 600 flights a year, he said. The company said planes already in use are proving safe. Chisholm said 671 Dreamliners have undergone the intensive inspections for 6-year-old planes and eight have undergone 12-year inspections with no evidence of fatigue in the composite skins. Cracks have been found on metallic parts, including a piece above where the wings join the fuselage, and Boeing issued inspection guidelines for those parts, the officials said. The 787 Dreamliner is a two-aisle plane that has often been used on international flights since its debut in 2011. The composite material makes the plane lighter, contributing to better fuel efficiency. A series of battery fires briefly grounded the planes. Deliveries of the aircraft have been stopped at times because of questions about gaps between fuselage panels that were wider than Boeings standards allowed, the use of unapproved titanium parts from a supplier in Italy, and flaws in a pressure bulkhead. Story continues The Federal Aviation Administration must inspect and approve each 787 that rolls off the assembly line before it can be flown to an airline customer. The whistleblower Salehpour claims that after he raised safety concerns about the 787, Boeing transferred him to work on an older widebody plane, the 777. He told the Seattle Times that he saw workers jumping on fuselage panels to get them in alignment, which Boeing disputes. The New York Times reported that the FAA is investigating Salehpours claims. The FAA, while not commenting specifically on Salehpour, said it investigates all safety reports. Boeing says it is fully confident in both planes. Salehpour is the latest in a line of Boeing whistleblowers to come forward, often alleging retaliation for raising safety concerns. The company said it encourages employees to speak up about problems. Lisa Fahl, the vice president of engineering for Boeing airplane programs, said employee reports have exploded with as many reports in January and February as were filed in all of 2023 which is what we want. Bojangles, known for its chicken and biscuits, is coming to California. Heres where Bojangles is bringing its famous chicken and biscuits to the West Coast. The North Carolina-based chicken chain plans to open 30 stores in Los Angeles County, California, as part of a multi-unit franchise agreement with Poulet Brothers, LLC, according to a company news release. Its Bojangles first foray into The Golden State with plans to begin building over the next six years, starting in early 2025. Entrepreneur and real estate developer Lorenzo Boucetta called the partnership a no-brainer. Bojangles opened its first store in 1977 and is best known for its Southern fried chicken and biscuits. Photo by Bojangles The opportunity to grow Bojangles in California presented itself at the perfect moment, and I am thrilled to bring this iconic brand to the market for the first time, Boucetta said in the release.. Founded in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bojangles is best known for its craveable Southern chicken, biscuits and tea made fresh daily, according to its website. The restaurant operates more than 800 locations across 17 states. The chicken chain said franchising opportunities remain available in prime areas throughout California but stopped just short of disclosing where. Supporting our franchisees is a fundamental pillar of success and growth at Bojangles, CEO Jose Armario said in the release. We are ecstatic to bring Bojangles to Los Angeles residents and look forward to opening our first location in California next year, while anticipating the exciting growth that will follow. Earlier this month, Bojangles debuted Bos Bird Dogs featuring a fried chicken tender nestled in a hot dog-style bun with pickles and Carolina Gold BBQ sauce, The Charlotte Observer reported. Other menu favorites include the Cajun chicken filet biscuit, two-piece chicken dinner and the Bo Berry biscuit. Find your nearest Bojangles here. Nothing Bundt Cakes adds new flavor in time for spring. Heres when you can get it Chick-fil-A launches new seasonal drinks in time for spring. When can you try them? Krispy Kreme doughnuts are coming to McDonalds nationwide. How to get a free one Officers responded to an alleged bomb threat made towards Sutton High School on Monday morning. According to police, the threat was made via email and was one sentence long. A physical search of both the high school and surrounding middle schools was conducted while authorities contacted the superintendent. Officials say nothing unusual was found at any of the schools. We will continue to work in conjunction with our schools administration to ensure that the school grounds remain safe for our community, Sutton Police wrote in a social media post. As always, we encourage anyone who may have information regarding suspicious activity in town to call us immediately so we may investigate all avenues. Sutton Public Schools are currently on spring break so no students or staff were inside the school at the time of the threat. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Josep Borrell, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has announced the release of his book Europe between Two Wars on his blog, stressing that the EU needs a paradigm shift in European defence policy. Source: European Pravda Details: Borrell said the EU has delegated its security to the United States for too long, and in the 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Europe has allowed "a silent disarmament". He noted that the EU was built around the internal market and economy, but in his opinion the EU cannot continue along this path. "We must assume our strategic responsibility and become able to defend Europe by ourselves, building a strong European pillar inside NATO," Borrell said. The top diplomat added that the EU needs to make this leap forward in a very short period of time. "Not because we intend to go to war. On the contrary: we want to prevent it by having the means to credibly deter any aggressor. This does not mean creating a European army. Defence is and will remain for a foreseeable future an exclusive competence of our Member States," the official stressed. Borrell explained that this is primarily a matter of spending more at the national level, increasing defence spending to over 2% of GDP. Quote: "But, even more importantly, it is about spending together to fill gaps, avoid duplications and increase interoperability. Only 18% of equipment purchases by our armies are currently made cooperatively." More details: Borrell highlighted that one of the main lessons of Russia's war against Ukraine is that technological superiority is a key factor, especially when fighting an adversary who doesn't care about human lives. Therefore, he believes the EU needs to have its own defence industry to meet its needs. Quote: "The most promising avenues for achieving this goal are: first, changing the European Investment Bank lending policy to allow it to invest in the defence sector, and second, issuing common debt, just as we did successfully to face the COVID-19 pandemic. These discussions are however in their early stages among our Member States, and it is critical to get everyone on board." Background: On 11 April, Borrell noted that he was anticipating "bold decisions" on Ukraine from the joint meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers to be held on 22 April. Earlier, Polish President Andrzej Duda said he was seeking to push the idea of increasing NATO member states' defence spending from 2% to 3% of GDP. Over the 10 years of Russia's war against Ukraine, there has been a sixfold increase in the number of NATO member states spending more than 2% of GDP on defence. Support UP or become our patron! A man robbed a Bronx Foot Locker, then flashed a gun at the guard who tried to stop him, cops said. A brazen gunman waltzed into a Foot Locker in The Bronx and stole a bunch of brand-name clothes then whined on his way out that a worker dared to jostle him during the crime, cops and staff said Sunday. The unidentified suspect hit the Third Avenue store about 7:45 p.m. April 9, police said. He gathered a whole stack of Nike sweatshirts and sweatpants, according to security guard Lawrence Graham, who was not working that day but heard about the ordeal from the guard who was there. This man allegedly robbed a Bronx Foot Locker, then flashed a gun at the guard who tried to stop him, cops said. DCPI The guy came in and went straight to this right here, Graham said as he gestured toward a rack of gray Nike sweats. He swiped clothes from right here, he pulled out a gun, Graham told The Post on Sunday. He put the gun back and went to the hats. Walked around here with the hats, got some more stuff and walked straight out. On the way out, he mouthed off to the guard, asking why the worker bumped into him, the employee said. [The guard] said, I didnt bump you I see you have all my stuff, Graham said. We couldnt stop him because he had a gun on him. Once he flashed the gun, theres nothing you can do. The armed robber strode outside to another man who was waiting on a scooter, and the pair fled, cops said. Graham said robberies arent common in the Bronx store, although hes seen people snatch hats off the racks. But no one has ever pulled a gun. The Third Avenue Foot Locker is generally quiet, another guard told The Post. TOMAS E. GASTON Graham pilloried state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Bronx Democrat, for shutting down Gov. Kathy Hochuls plan earlier this month to toughen sentencing for violent shoplifters. Police are asking for the publics help finding the unidentified suspect. DCPI I just dont believe raising penalties is ever a deterrent on crime, Heastie infamously said at the time. The store guard responded, I think thats bull. If someone keeps doing the same thing over and over like, the first time, let it slide, Graham said. The second time, something should be done about it. Or theyre going to think its OK to keep doing what theyre doing. They just getting out like its nothing, he said of suspects freed without bail or given light sentences. Thats my take on that right there. The guard added that his store is mostly quiet but he still has to keep his guard up. It hasnt been too wild, he said. I see stuff happen outside, but not here. Not in Footlocker. You gotta be very vigilant. We are not supposed to go out the store after them, he said of the shoplifters. [Store officials] can replace the stuff, but they cant replace our life. Police asked anyone with information 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 on the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or @NYPDTips on X. PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WRBL) The man found guilty of brutally killing and raping 5-year-old Kamarie Holland in December of 2021 has received multiple death sentences in connection to his crimes. It took less than an hour before Circuit Court Judge David Johnson sentenced Jeremy Williams to death on these four charges: killing, kidnapping, raping and sodomizing a child under 14. The decision was put in Judge Johnsons hands after Williams waived his right for a jury to decide whether or not he receives the death penalty. Williams also received two life sentences one from trafficking Holland, and the other from a sexual assault involving a separate victim. Previous Coverage: For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Brigadier General Volodymyr Shvediuk has been appointed as the Commander of Operational Command Zakhid (West). Source: Shvediuks address on Operational Command Zakhid (West)s Facebook Quote: "Dear officers, sergeants and soldiers! Starting today, I have the honour to lead, without exaggeration, one of the most powerful military formations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine." Details: He thanked the command for their trust, calling it "a great honour and privilege". Shvediuk said he aims for Operational Command Zakhid (West) to become a model of military excellence and tactical mastery. "We will strengthen our defence capabilities and demonstrate unwavering commitment to defending our country together. We have no other choice but to win. And we will do it," he noted. For reference: Since 2021, Operational Command Zakhid (West) has been headed by Serhii Litvinov. It was reported that he was appointed deputy head of the National Defence University of Ukraine. Volodymyr Shvediuk has been a brigadier general since June 2022. In April 2015, he was appointed Chief of Staff and First Deputy Commander of the 59th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade. By the order of the Minister of Defence dated 21 May 2016, he was appointed to the position of military enlistment officer of Chernivtsi Oblast Military Enlistment Office of Operational Command Zakhid (West) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In 2018-2019, he was the commander of the 59th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade. He was Deputy Commander of the Territorial Defence Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (until March 2022). From March 2022, he served as Chief of Staff of the Joint Forces Group. Background: Earlier, Major General Andrii Kovalchuk, Commander of Operational Command Pivden (South), announced his resignation and transition to training military personnel. Support UP or become our patron! At the entrance to the National Theatre on Londons South Bank a notice has appeared, identifying the standards of behaviour expected from the venues visitors. Audience members are reminded that they should not assume that other visitors and staff will necessarily agree with your point of view. An injunction in red type urges people to be open, patient and kind. No doubt these excellent qualities should be the guiding principles of all our lives, but some people have taken exception to the scolding tone of the advice. Denise Fahmy, co-founder of the organisation Freedom in the Arts, suggested that it encouraged visitors to habitually self-censor. The NTs advice is only the latest in a proliferation of such exhortations that have become familiar sights in A&E departments and GPs surgeries, on public transport and in shops, all warning of the consequences of aggressive behaviour. It is fair to assume that these minatory placards have not sprung up spontaneously, like mushrooms after rain, but are a response to objectionable behaviour. And they are not an entirely new phenomenon. The propaganda posters of World War II, warning against careless talk and wasting food, are still admired for their humour and handsome design, while the injunction to keep calm and carry on has become a current catchphrase, emblazoned on everything from mugs to fridge magnets. But a curious tension now exists between the pervasive sense of a noticeable breakdown in public courtesy and the sense of affront at busybody interventions. A correspondent to the Telegraph notes the frequent sight of train passengers resting their feet on seats, unreproved by passing train staff. At the same time, campaigners of the Free Speech Union criticise the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders to impose fines for anti-social behaviour as busybody charters. The instruction to be kind is a favourite hashtag of celebrities on social media (often oddly juxtaposed with strikingly unkind gossip about public figures). But it seems not to occur, either to the proponents of #BeKind, nor to the advocates of free speech who deplore busybody guidance on civil behaviour, that a degree of self-censorship is an indispensable element of courtesy in public places, both real and virtual. We are all, as John Donne put it, involved in mankind; so an affront to our fellow human is, ultimately, an act of self-harm. Wood for the trees Researchers at Colossal Biosciences in Texas, the worlds first de-extinction company, have high hopes of reviving extinct creatures such as the mammoth and the dodo, using ancient DNA. Delightful as it would be to see a flock of dodos waddling around the parks of Oxford, where the university museum of natural history holds a unique specimen of the flightless bird, it is hard not to wonder how such revenants would thrive in a modern environment. Would it not be wiser (if less showy) to concentrate on preserving some of the 44,000 species currently facing extinction? Happily for the English landscape, just such a work of quiet dedication has been undertaken to develop a disease-resistant variety of English elm, devastated in the 1970s by Dutch elm disease. Thanks to the labours of elm enthusiasts, Fergus Poncia and the late Dr David Herling, the English summer may once again echo to Tennysons moan of doves in immemorial elms. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Andrew MacAskill and Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) -The British parliament is set to finally approve a divisive law this week to pave the way for asylum seekers to be deported to Rwanda, but further legal hurdles could yet hold up or derail one of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's key policies. Sunak has invested huge political capital in the Rwanda scheme whose success or failure might be crucial to his Conservative party's fortunes in an upcoming election, given his promise it will stop thousands of people arriving without permission in small boats across the Channel. The new legislation is poised to get lawmakers' approval, unamended, by the end of the week. But whether the Rwanda scheme does finally get off the ground by the middle of the year as Sunak has promised remains far from certain. "In our view, the legislation is utterly performative," said Paul OConnell from the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union which has previously brought lawsuits over the policy and is preparing further action. "We think the government knows it hasnt got a cat in hells chance of surviving a legal challenge, but they just want to keep it alive as an issue to fight in the general election." Under the policy formulated two years ago, any asylum seekers who arrive illegally in Britain will be sent to the East African nation, in a bid to deter dangerous cross-channel crossings in small boats and smash the people smugglers' business model. The first planned deportation flight in June 2022 was blocked by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), before the UK Supreme Court last year declared the scheme unlawful. Sunak's new law, which disapplies some existing human rights statutes, is designed to override the Supreme Court's ruling by stating Rwanda must be treated by British judges as a safe destination, as well as also limiting individuals' options for an appeal to only exceptional cases. For critics, ranging from senior figures in his own party to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the policy is immoral, unworkable and probably breaches international law. But, some right-wing Conservative lawmakers say it will not work because it is still not tough enough. After months of parliamentary battles, the government won backing from the House of Commons on Monday and is expected to win votes in the House of Lords later this week. The prime minister's spokesperson urged the Lords to pass the law, saying it will save "the lives of those being exploited by people-smuggling gangs". WHEN WILL FLIGHTS GO? How long until deportation flights then leave is unclear, and one government official said it would probably take at least a month from the moment when the legislation is passed. Charities and human rights groups say they are gearing up to bring challenges on behalf of individuals, although as yet none have been specifically told they would be sent to Rwanda. O'Connell said his union, which represents border force staff who would help carry out the deportations, would submit a legal challenge arguing the new legislation was unlawful "within days" of the first asylum seekers being informed they will be deported. The PCS and other unions are also exploring action on the grounds that implementing the policy would put civil servants in breach of international law, especially if the ECHR were to again issue a temporary injunction - known as Rule 39 interim measures - on removals. The court has amended its rules since the 2022 decision so injunctions will only be issued in "exceptional circumstances" where there was an "imminent risk of irreparable harm". Sarah Gogan, a partner at law firm Harbottle & Lewis, said the wording of Sunak's bill was designed to all but eliminate legal challenges, although an intervention by European judges would be the hardest to overcome. With his party trailing the opposition Labour Party by about 20 points in polls, and his own position in question, Sunak has been determined to have flights leave as soon as possible. He has already warned he would not allow "foreign courts" to block his plans and was prepared for Britain to leave the ECHR if necessary. Only two countries have left or been removed from the ECHR previously, Greece when the military took power in 1969 and Russia after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Even if the legal problems do not block the flights, there are also suggestions the government might struggle to find airlines willing to provide planes, with the charity Freedom from Torture running a campaign to persuade carriers not to participate. Asked if the government had a contract with a carrier, Sunak said earlier this month: "We've got all the plans in place. I am highly confident ... I can operationalise the policy." (Reporting by Andrew MacAskill and Michael Holden; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Stephen Coates) NEW YORK The Brooklyn Bridge was temporarily closed Monday as hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters marched across the iconic span. The swarm of demonstrators shut down both lanes of the bridge as they trekked into Brooklyn around 3:30 p.m., video posted to X shows. Some protesters burned sparklers as NYPD officers on bicycles pedaled toward them. Dozens of people were arrested on the bridge as a Department of Correction bus waited at the bottom of the Brooklyn side of the bridge to transport detainees. The are killing my family and now they are arresting me, said a woman who identified as Palestinian as she was led away in handcuffs. Drivers were urged to use alternate routes and to expect delays in the area as the protest continued on Monday afternoon. Earlier this year, pro-Palestinian protesters linked arms across key Manhattan bridges and used their bodies to barricade the Holland Tunnel during rush hour on a Monday morning. Some protesters even linked their arms in concrete-filled tires and PVC pipes at the main thoroughfares on Jan. 8. Police ultimately arrested about 325 demonstrators. Frequent protests have broken out in the city since Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, massacring 1,200 people and taking hostages. That month, hundreds of protesters calling for a cease-fire temporarily shut down portions of Grand Central station during rush hour. More than 200 people were arrested as officers descended upon the transit hub. Protesters also tried to disrupt the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade and the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, but were thwarted by heavy police presences in the areas. _____ FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN (PIX11) A man was arrested after New York City inspectors found egregious conditions and fire code violations including unsafe lithium-ion battery sales at a Flatbush shop, according to the FDNY. Tian Liang Liu, whos been served repeated violations at the store, now faces reckless endangerment charges related to the shop on Flatbush Avenue near Avenue D, the FDNY announced Monday. Officials did not specify whether Liu owned the shop or worked there. The deadly consequences of lithium-ion batteries Inspectors issued multiple violations, including improper storage and sale of lithium-ion batteries. Theyve visited the location three times before, officials said. The same individual is at the store every time and hes been served every time and hes been made clearly aware that what he is doing is reckless. Thats why we subjected him to arrest that day, said Chief Fire Marshal Dan Flynn. Lithium-ion batteries have become a key safety concern for city officials after a slew of fires caused by unregulated batteries. In February, the City Council passed legislation allowing city officials to shutter businesses caught repeatedly selling unregulated lithium-ion batteries. And similar disciplinary action could be taken on other stores that have been warned about unsafe batteries, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said. As we have tragically seen, lithium-ion batteries, especially those that are uncertified, have the potential to explode and rapidly trap residents in a fire, Kavanagh said. Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered local news for years. She has been with PIX11 since 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo man was arrested Friday following a shooting on Allegany Street, according to Buffalo police. They claim the house was fired at three times. Ezekiel Martinez, 20, was apprehended after police allegedly heard gunfire at approximately 3:30 p.m. on April 12. They say they recovered a weapon from Martinez as he was attempting to stash it in a vehicle on Folger Street. Martinez was charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon. Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers holds the biennial budget after signing it under the watchful eyes of Hunter Vigue, 10, center, and his brother Otto, 7, right, at the State Capitol in Madison on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. The youth were among a large group that joined the governor during his press conference. MADISON Attorneys with Wisconsin's largest business lobby on Monday asked the state Supreme Court to strike down Gov. Tony Evers' use of his partial veto authority to increase funding for public schools for the next four centuries. The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Litigation Center is representing two Wisconsin taxpayers Jeffery LeMieux and David DeValk and timed the filing to coincide with Tax Day. The lawsuit was filed as an original action petition, which means attorneys are asking the state's highest court to bypass lower courts and take it up directly. "The law is clear," WMC Litigation Center deputy director Nathan Kane said in a statement. "Voters and their elected legislators are the ones empowered to increase taxes, no one else." Evers, a Democrat, used his partial veto authority in July to ensure school districts' state-imposed limits on how much revenue they are allowed to raise will be increased by $325 per student each year until 2425. He crafted the four-century school aid extension by striking a hyphen and a "20" from a reference to the 2024-25 school year, resulting in the highest single-year increase in revenue limits in state history. "Republicans and their allies will stop at nothing to take away resources from our kids and our public schools," Evers spokeswoman Britt Cudaback said in a statement. "Republicans' latest lawsuit aims to strip over $300 from every student at every public school in Wisconsin for the foreseeable future even as millions of Wisconsinites are being forced to raise their own property taxes to help our schools make ends meet. That's bad for our kids, that's bad for our schools, and it's wrong for Wisconsin." Gov. Tony Evers vetoed the words and numbers in red, creating a $325-per-student increase in school funding each year until 2425. Wisconsin gives its governors some of the most sweeping executive powers in the country, although partial veto authority has been scaled back over time. The Republican-led state Senate voted last year to override the veto, which requires a two-thirds majority vote, but the Assembly where the GOP majority falls short of two-thirds did not take it up. Earlier this year, Republican lawmakers reintroduced a proposed constitutional amendment that would bar governors from using a partial veto to increase any tax or fee. "The governor overstepped his authority with this partial veto, at the expense of taxpayers, and we believe oversight by the Court is necessary," WMC Litigation Center executive director Scott Rosenow said in a statement. At one time, Wisconsin governors could veto individual letters to create new words known as the Vanna White veto or strike words from two or more sentences to make new sentences, known as the Frankenstein veto. Voters eliminated governors' ability to make such changes in 1990 and 2008, respectively. Until Evers' budget action in July, governors had used vetoes to increase state spending above levels set by lawmakers 31 times since 1991 and increased bonding levels seven times during that time, according to a 2020 analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau. Governors' veto powers were again reduced in a 2020 state Supreme Court ruling that threw out three changes Evers had made to the 2019-21 state budget but upheld a fourth. The decision was fractured, with different groups of justices reaching different conclusions about when to throw out vetoes. There was no majority agreement defining how future vetoes should be reviewed. The WMC lawsuit asks the court, which currently has a liberal majority, to strike down Evers' veto and declare that the state Constitution "forbids the governor from striking individual digits in an enrolled bill to create a new year" and "does not authorize the governor to strike language in an enrolled bill to create a larger duration than the one approved by the legislature." Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: WMC challenges Evers partial veto that extended school aid 400 years This California city passed a voter ID law. Now the attorney general is suing to block it California Attorney General Rob Bonta is taking the City of Huntington Beach to court, after voters there last month passed a charter amendment requiring voter ID in local elections. Bonta appeared with California Secretary of State Shirley Weber on Monday to announce the lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court, eight months after his office sent Huntington Beach a warning that the then-proposed measure which passed on March 5 with 53% of the vote was in direct violation of California law. At the press conference, Bonta accused Huntington Beach of repeatedly defying the law, whether it comes to housing edicts or voter eligibility. Last year, Bontas office sued Huntington Beach over its failure to comply with state affordable housing laws. The City of Huntington Beach has repeatedly violated the law, they are not law-abiding. They have intentionally violated the law, they have willfully violated the law, they have brazenly violated the law, when they have lost in court they have continued to violate the law, Bonta said. He added that that the conservative-controlled city council know exactly what theyre doing, theyre doing it anyway. The attorney general said that his office is seeking invalidation of the city charter amendment, calling it a fairly straightforward issue of law. Both Bonta and Weber said that there is no evidence that voter fraud is a problem, either in California or nationwide. It is really a solution looking for a problem, because we have not found this problem, Weber said of the Huntington Beach charter amendment. Weber said that the Huntington Beach City Council, which sent the measure to voters, gave false hope to voters that they can take away the voting rights of others. Reached for comment, Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates said that the attorney generals statement that the citys voter ID law violates state law is inconsistent with, in fact in direct conflict with, Sen. David Mins new bill attempting to make Huntington Beachs voter ID illegal. That blatant inconsistency speaks volumes. Gates said that the California Constitution provides the city with the authority to enact the charter amendment. The people of Huntington Beach have made their voices clear on this issue and the peoples decision on the March 5th ballot measures for election integrity is final. To that end, the city will vigorously uphold and defend the will of the people, he said. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and other California state lawmakers are condemning a racist letter sent to a Black lawmaker and other members of the chambers Health Committee. The letter was sent in opposition to a bill that aims to address disparities in Black maternal and infant mortality rate to the committee. It was signed on behalf of two white supremacist groups and addressed to members of the committee and its chair, Asm. Mia Bonta, D-Oakland. The Sacramento Bee could not independently verify the authors identity and is not naming the person who signed it. But several lawmakers have denounced the letters content as bigoted, hateful and dangerous. The author wrote in vehement opposition of AB 2319 and said the groups believe every non-white birth in this state is a drain on the taxpayers. The letter goes on to espouse additional racist and eugenic language. AB 2319, authored by Asm. Lori Wilson D-Fairfield, would take steps to ensure hospitals and health care providers are complying with a law that requires regular implicit bias training in an effort to reduce Black infant and maternal mortality. According to an October study by the California Department of Public Health, Black mothers are up to four times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women. The existence of the racist letter first came to light last Thursday when the Assembly Republican caucus condemned its bigotry and evil ideology on social media. This letter is hate speech and has no place in our legislative process, or anywhere in society, the Republican statement read. We reject the hateful ideology behind this disturbing letter, and stand together as Californians against racism. Rivas, D-Hollister, also condemned the letter as appalling and said Assembly sergeants and law enforcement are investigating. Asm. Wilson, the author of AB 2319 and chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, called the opposition letter not only offensive but deeply disturbing. It is distressing that members of my staff and I were subjected to such vile and hateful material, she said in a statement. The language used in this letter is not only disgraceful but dangerous and has no place in our society or legislative discourse. I want to make it unequivocally clear: there is no place for hate in California. The author wrote the letter on behalf of two groups, the Imperial Grand Aryan Council of California and the Western United White Knights. Neither appears in a database of hate groups maintained by the Southern Poverty Law Center, though both names imply ties to white supremacist groups and ideology. Experts said smaller hate groups and offshoots have more frequently begun to emerge. We commonly see a much more splintered, fractured threat matrix even within ideologies, said Brian Levin, founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. A lot of these groups have recycled membership from other groups or share similar racist ideology. Levin noted record levels of hate crimes reported in 2023, particularly antisemitic hate crimes and speech. Anti-Black and anti-LGBTQ hate crimes spiked in the Sacramento region in 2022, according to an annual report by the California Department of Justice. Marc Levine, regional director for the Anti-Defamation League and a former California lawmaker, said hate and bigotry are more commonly breaking into the public sphere. Online is where its been, but Im not surprised its gotten to this, he said. People are walking into public meetings spewing racism, antisemitism and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in person. ... They seem emboldened by this moment in time. Levine, a former chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, said he had often received hateful and antisemitic comments online during his time as a lawmaker. But he and other sources in the Legislature say it is rare for overtly racist, hateful rhetoric to appear in a formal public comment letter. Anyone whos reading a letter like this, if youre a legislator or a staff member, that can induce trauma to the person who reads it, he said. I feel terribly for people working in this space, for people trying to do public policy and weigh its merits. Its awful. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, left, Secretary of State Shirley Weber takes questions after announcing a lawsuit to protect voter rights at a news conference at the California Department of Justice in Los Angeles Monday, April. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) California officials on Monday sued Huntington Beach over a new law that lets the city require voters to provide identification to cast ballots at the polls starting in 2026. State Attorney General Rob Bonta said the measure approved by voters in the Southern California city of nearly 200,000 people stands in conflict with state law and could make it harder for poor, non-white, young, elderly and disabled voters to cast ballots. State officials previously warned that the measure to amend the city's charter would suppress voter participation and are asking a court to block it from taking effect, he said. The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy and Huntington Beachs voter ID policy flies in the face of this principle, Bonta said in a statement while announcing the lawsuit. Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates said the city has the authority to take election-related measures under the state's constitution and will defend the decision of local voters. The people of Huntington Beach have made their voices clear on this issue, Gates said in an email. The measure was passed by voters this year in Huntington Beach, a city in Orange County dubbed Surf City USA that is known for its scenic shoreline dotted with surfers catching waves. The City Council placed the voter ID measure on the March ballot after taking a series of hotly contested decisions on topics ranging from flag flying to the removal of books from the public librarys childrens section over concerns about the appropriateness of materials. The moves were initiated by a politically conservative council majority, which took office in 2022, and have drawn scores of residents on all sides of issues to city meetings. The measure which would let the city require voter identification, increase in-person voting sites and monitor ballot drop boxes in local elections won at the polls in March with 53%, county election data shows. Bonta, a Democrat, said it was not immediately clear how the measure would be implemented. In California, voters can cast ballots in person and also by returning ballots to drop boxes or by mail. The Orange County Registrar of Voters, which operates in the county's 34 cities including Huntington Beach, declined to comment on the lawsuit. Registrar Bob Page said Huntington Beach has not contacted his office regarding how it plans to proceed since the measure was adopted. He said the city could conduct its own local elections or consolidate its elections with statewide general elections and receive services from the county registrar. Huntington Beach has a history of sparring with state officials over the measures it can take under its city charter on topics ranging from immigratio n to housing. While Democrats outnumber Republicans in Orange County, the GOP is dominant in Huntington Beach with nearly 54,000 registered voters versus 41,000 Democrats, county data shows. After a series of lawsuits and sexual abuse convictions of prison officials, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has announced plans to close the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, Calif. (Ben Margot / Associated Press) A women's prison in California so plagued by sexual abuse that it was known among inmates and workers as the "rape club" will be closed, the head of the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced Monday Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters said that the agency is closing the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, where more than a half-dozen correctional officers and the former warden have either been charged or convicted of sexually abusing the female inmates. Peters stated that the bureau had taken unprecedented steps and provided a tremendous amount of resources to address culture, recruitment and retention, aging infrastructure and most critical employee misconduct. Despite these steps and resources, we have determined that FCI Dublin is not meeting expected standards and that the best course of action is to close the facility. This decision is being made after ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of those unprecedented steps and additional resources. She said "planning for deactivation is currently ongoing" for the prison that houses 605 inmates. The facility east of Oakland is one of a handful of federal women's prisons in the Western states. "It is a remarkable admission," said attorney Michael Bien, whose law firm represents inmates in a class-action lawsuit over conditions at the prison. Prison authorities are "saying they can't operate this prison safely." He said closure doesn't address the underlying issue. "How does this solve the problems? The same policy and procedures are in place at other prisons. It is not the building that did anything wrong." Bien said attorneys representing Dublin inmates had not been informed of the closure announcement. He added that a federal judge had just been appointed as special master for the prison in connection with the class-action lawsuit and that same judge had ordered that anyone involved in the proceedings cannot be transferred from Dublin without her authorization. The women housed at Dublin will be transferred to other facilities as near as possible to their release location and no employees will lose their jobs due to the closure, Peters said. The long-term fate of the federal facility is unclear. "The closure of the facility may be temporary but result in a mission change," she said. Inmates of the prison have included actors Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman after their convictions in the college admissions scandal. "It is an unprecedented move to opt for closure," said Amaris Montes, director of West Coast litigation and advocacy for Right Behind Bars. "It has been a long time coming for Dublin." Read more: California women's prison known as 'rape club' needs outside oversight, judge rules The developments are the latest twist in a years-long scandal surrounding the facility. Since an FBI investigation was launched and resulted in arrests in 2021, eight FCI Dublin employees have been charged with sexually abusing inmates. Five have pleaded guilty, and two have been convicted by juries. Another employee is slated to go on trial this year. Maria Ledesma, a former inmate released from Dublin after two years in 2022, said she was surprised the closure took so long. I wish it would have happened sooner, the 52-year-old Salt Lake City woman said . During her time there, she saw frequent sexual abuse. Girls were getting raped on the daily there, she said. Ledesma recalled walking back from her prison job when she heard some shuffling and spotted two people between the buildings. There was the warden, zipping up his pants, she said. He looked at me, I looked at him, and I knew in that moment I needed to put my head down and keep walking. The closure comes after the FBI raided the prison last month and Warden Art Dulgov just a few months into his tenure and three other top managers were removed from their positions by the federal Bureau of Prisons. U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) said "the FBI investigation of the facility shed light on a toxic culture enabling years of sexual misconduct by employees with five pleading guilty to associated charges and two convicted by juries of everyday Californians." U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla called the announcement long overdue" and said "it is an absolute failure that the horrific crimes committed in this facility persisted for as long as they did." Dulgov was the third new leader of the low-security prison since Warden Ray J. Garcia was convicted of sexually assaulting multiple women serving time there. Last year, Garcia was sentenced to 70 months in prison for sexually abusing incarcerated women and lying to the FBI as part of a coverup. The FBI raid that collected documents and computers came after Dulgov transferred an inmate who was a witness in a lawsuit against the prison, violating a judge's court order that witnesses not be moved without the court's approval. Last month, a correctional officer who worked at FCI Dublin was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison. Nakie Nunley pleaded guilty to sexually abusing five female inmates and admitted to engaging in sex acts with two other women being held at the facility. All of his victims worked at a call center operated by Federal Prison Industries at the prison, where he supervised them. In the wake of the raid, Nancy T. McKinney, a top regional Bureau of Prisons supervisor, was appointed interim warden of Dublin. She is the fourth person to hold the office since Garcia was removed from the position. Read more: 'Every woman's worst nightmare': Lawsuit alleges widespread sexual abuse at California prisons for women The raid was conducted as the number of women who have come forward in lawsuits against guards and staff alleging sexual abuse and retaliation has climbed beyond 63. That number, according to attorneys, is expected to surpass 100. It is a crime for any prison employee to engage in sexual activity with an incarcerated person, and someone behind bars cannot consent. Read more: L.A. County probation officer accused of sex with jailed youth In March 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez referred to the prison's "culture of sexual abuse" in sentencing Garcia, the former warden, whom she said had perpetuated that culture. A federal jury in Oakland found him guilty of three counts of sex with an incarcerated person, four counts of abusive sexual contact and one count of lying to the FBI. He groped three incarcerated women and made them pose naked for photos. Before his sentencing, one of his victims told Garcia: You are a predator and a pervert. You are a disgrace to the federal government." In 2022, onetime prison chaplain James Theodore Highhouse was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually assaulting a female inmate at FCI Dublin. Highhouse engaged in predatory conduct with at least six women from 2014 to 2019, according to prosecutors. He claimed God had brought them together, quoting the Bible and referencing King David's many wives as justification for his actions. "There is a culture of rot at Dublin," another federal judge declared at Highhouse's sentencing. "It's important the world see this egregious conduct and see this serious penalty." The class-action lawsuit against the Bureau of Prisons alleges that FCI Dublin and other federal agencies failed to prevent, detect and investigate sexual abuse, placing those being held at the prison at substantial risk of sexual assault. The prison also houses transgender and nonbinary persons. Read more: California speeds plans to empty San Quentin's death row The lawsuit alleges that as correctional officers were being sentenced, other guards continued to sexually harass, grope and assault those being held and subject some individuals to "transphobic harassment." Allegations of sexual assault at Dublin stretch back to the 1990s. Four employees were previously convicted of sexual abuse of inmates. Those incidents, along with civil litigation, forced the prison to commit to reforms. But lawyers say those reforms were "ultimately ineffective or abandoned. By the early 2010s, they note, "a dozen FCI Dublin employees were removed for sexual abuse, including one who videotaped himself having sex with inmates and stored tapes in a prison locker but none were arrested." 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. Californians were hoping for two big tax breaks. Why arent they getting them? Thought you might get a bigger child tax credit when you filed your federal income taxes this year? And maybe a larger deduction for state and local taxes? Forget it for now. Many members of Congress this year were eager to make both changes. But the state and local tax deduction increase, or SALT, is dead and the expanded child credit is stalled in the Senate. Both tax breaks would have meant big savings for millions of California residents. Studies show they could save thousands of dollars from an expanded child credit. Higher income earners could get similar breaks from a bigger SALT deduction. The future for a larger child credit is more favorable. The House earlier this year passed legislation with strong bipartisan support that included a more generous child tax credit for lower income families. A month later, President Joe Biden proposed a bigger credit. Talks among members of Congress on a plan continue, though no one is offering a precise timetable about when or if there could be an agreement. The Biden increase would save eligible California families an average of $2,980, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a liberal research group. ITEP estimated the Biden plan could help 8.1 million California adults and 6.7 million children. The increase, which restores the credit to the levels available during the COVID pandemic year of 2021, is regarded as a major boost for lifting children out of poverty. Eligible families this year can get a $2,000 per child credit for children under 17. To receive the maximum credit, income must be less than $200,000 for head of household filers and $400,000 for joint filers. Bidens proposal would increase the credit for qualifying families to $3,600 per child under six and $3,000 for children six to 17. A retroactive break? The hope in the Biden administration and among congressional supporters was that the bigger child credit could be signed into law in time for people to claim it on their 2023 tax returns. The filing deadline for returns in most states is Monday. Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Daniel Werfel said earlier this year that the agency would need about six weeks to make adjustments to current benefits. The child credit passed by the House this year would keep the credit at $2,000, but make it easier for lower income families to qualify and to receive refunds if they have little or no income. The change could benefit an estimated 2 million California children in lower income families, according to Washingtons Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a budget analysis group. Currently, families can get as much as $1,600 as a refund from the credit. The bill would up those amounts to as much as $1,800 on last years taxes, which are due Monday in most cases, $1,900 this year and the maximum credit next year. The plan is languishing in the Senate, where Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, the finance panels top Republican, has questions about the child credit and other provisions of the bill. Among his concerns was that the bill would permit parents without jobs to be eligible for the credits. The legislation would represent a significant shiftto transform the child tax credit from primarily working family tax relief into a government subsidy, Crapo said. Talks are continuing about a big tax bill this year. Im all for the package. If there are enough votes to move it forward in the right way, yeah, well try to get it on the floor, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said last week. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, chairman of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, was hopeful, saying it was possible it could eventually be made retroactive to 2023. Its something we can deal with, he said. Is SALT dead? Wyden was less optimistic about the future of the higher state and local tax deduction. An effort to double the deduction lost in a House vote in February, and the Senate is unlikely to seriously consider it. It would be pretty hard to do that, Wyden said of a SALT increase. Taxpayers can now deduct up to $10,000 per federal return for state and local taxes they paid last year. They were able to deduct unlimited sums until the Republican-authored 2017 tax bill put a cap on the break. Republicans saw a political advantage, as most taxpayers impacted lived in predominantly Democratic states such as California, New York and New Jersey. Theres also concern among Democrats that wealthier taxpayers get most of the benefits. An ITEP study of the effects on California showed that the lowest 40% and middle 20% of income earners in the state, those earring up to $83,200, would get virtually no benefit from an increased cap, with 96% of the benefit going to the top 20% of earners. The top 1% of incomes, those above $992,500, would get a break averaging $98,650. Canada to hand over 450 SkyRanger multi-role UAVs to Ukraine in summer Ukraines Defence Ministry has announced that initial outcomes from a session of the Drone Coalition steering group indicate that Lithuania will allocate 3 million to produce First-Person View drones for Ukraine, while Canada committed to providing 450 UAVs. Source: Ukraine's Defence Ministry Quote from Kateryna Chernohorenko, Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister: "The situation on the front is changing every day, the enemy continues to attack civilian targets, especially energy infrastructure. We need tools for an asymmetric response. Time is running out to discuss solutions, and we need them now." Details: The results of the gathering are as follows: Canada will commence the delivery of 450 SkyRanger multipurpose UAVs in the summer. Lithuania will allocate 3 million to produce FPV drones for Ukraine. The Netherlands has confirmed its intention to contract a batch of Heidrun RQ-35 drones worth 200 million in cooperation with Denmark and Germany. Germany will provide a number of VECTOR 211 reconnaissance drones. For reference: The Drone Coalition has been officially launched within the framework of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. It is co-led by the United Kingdom and Latvia and has been joined by Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden. Support UP or become our patron! OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada is imposing another round of sanctions against Belarus officials over continuing human rights violations after a 2020 presidential election that the opposition denounced as fraudulent, Ottawa said on Monday. The punitive measures target 21 current and former senior government figures, including members of the security forces, public prosecutors and members of the judiciary system, the foreign ministry said in a statement. "These individuals have been involved or complicit in arbitrary arrests and detentions, brutality, intimidation and excessive use of force against Belarusians who protested the fraudulent elections," it said. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has repeatedly accused the West of trying to topple him after mass protests against his rule erupted in 2020 after the election. Lukashenko said he had won fairly, while conducting a sweeping crackdown on his opponents. Canada has so far announced 14 rounds of sanctions against a total of 211 individuals and 71 entities in Belarus. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly is due to meet exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya this week in Ottawa. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Alex Richardson) (NEXSTAR) As captain of the USA Goalball mens team, Calahan Young made his Paralympic Games debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games and was the teams leading scorer with 20 goals. Young is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana to join the USA Goalball Resident Program and has been a part of the program for eight years. He says not placing for a medal in Tokyos games lives rent-free in his head and hes coming to Paris to get the gold this time around. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Over the summer, some students will face food insecurity and loss of knowledge while theyre out of school. The CARE Center, a partner agency of the United Way of Madison County (UWMC), is working to combat both issues. Agencies partner to educate parents on sextortion dangers for children According to the executive director of The CARE Center Andrea Bridges, the organization has a school-based education initiative called Fuel Their Hunger to Learn, in collaboration with the Madison County School System, UWMC and the Alabama Department of Education. Bridges said that the initiative includes bags of blessings, which are weekend food support for kids who are most in need, school-day tutors, and high-quality after-school and summer learning programs. The start of the summer learning program is coming up, on Monday, June 3, 2024, through Friday, June 28, 2024. They plan to serve around 300 children from New Hope Elementary, Owens Cross Roads and Madison County Elementary Schools. Research shows that children can lose as much as 3 to 6 months of knowledge over the summer, and when poverty is considered in the equation, the results are much worse, Bridges said. Girls Inc. of Huntsville gets ready for summer programs The CARE Center, located at 5410 Main Drive in New Hope, is asking for donations of individually wrapped snacks, bottles of water and K-8th grade appropriate books. The kids will get a snack each day, totaling 6,000 snacks, and Bridges said theyre hoping to send home a few books per child to start building their own libraries at home. Theyd like to collect 1,200 books by May 1. Those donations can be dropped off at the CARE Center, or mailed to PO Box 51, New Hope, AL 35760. For more information about the snacks they need, the book drives and an Amazon wish list for snacks, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. SAN FRANCISCO Protesters of the war in Gaza shut down iconic bridges and roads from coast to coast on Monday, snarling traffic for hours as commuters were stranded in their cars. The demonstrations in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and elsewhere came after top Democratic officials, including President Joe Biden and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, expressed their ironclad support for Israel following Irans missile and drone attacks on the country over the weekend. On San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge, protesters chained themselves to stationary vehicles in what the state highway patrol called an intricate operation to halt traffic in both directions. They carried a giant banner that read STOP THE WORLD FOR GAZA and another that stated END THE SIEGE ON GAZA NOW. About 20 people were arrested for impeding traffic on the bridge, according to the California Highway Patrol. Other protests targeted the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City and a road leading to the Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked auto traffic in one direction on the Brooklyn Bridge for about an hour on Monday afternoon. It just feels really messed up carrying on with our lives as normal when theres unbelievable violence and human suffering going on, said Daphne Bissette, a New Yorker who has protested the war in Gaza with Jewish Voice for Peace. Elsewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, protesters shut down Interstate 880 using 55-gallon drums filled with cement and heavy-duty chains to attach protesters to the drums, according to the highway patrol. The freeway remained closed in both directions into the early afternoon, while arrests were underway. Organizers behind the protests, part of an international effort by anti-war groups, said blockades targeting roads and bridges on tax day reflect a need to shift from symbolic actions to those that cause pain to the economy. They accuse the U.S. and other major world powers of not doing enough to end the conflict in Gaza, which has killed more than 33,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities. Mondays protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations over Israels war with the militant group Hamas that have closed bridges in the San Francisco area, a trend that has increasingly frustrated commuters. Last November, at least 80 protesters blocked the westbound lane of the Bay Bridge, which connects San Francisco to Oakland. The demonstration caused a traffic nightmare while the region hosted the APEC summit gathering world leaders, including Biden. In that case, the vast majority of the protesters avoided more serious charges by agreeing to serve five hours of community service and pay a small fine. Kate Sanchez, a Republican state lawmaker, has proposed legislation that would stiffen penalties on protesters who impede emergency vehicles from operating on roads on bridges in California. Her bill, which has not received its first hearing, would impose a fine of $200 to $500 on the first offense. When they shut down highways, they prevent paramedics, firefighters, and police officers from responding to emergencies, Sanchez said in a statement Monday. When someones life is potentially on the line, there is truly no excuse for this behavior. Jeff Coltin contributed to this report from New York City. CENTCOM review finds no evidence Abbey Gate suicide bomber was seen by Marine snipers beforehand A review released by U.S. Central Command on Monday found there to be no evidence that Marine snipers at Abbey Gate in Kabul had sights on the suicide bomber, Abdul Rahman al-Logari, before the deadly August 2021 attack. Following a new supplemental review of the Abbey Gate suicide bombing that left 13 American service members dead during the chaotic Afghan withdrawal in 2021, U.S. Central Command found the Marine sniper team at Abbey Gate did not have the suicide bomber in its sights prior to the attack. The review, released Monday, included interviews with 50 additional eyewitnesses who were present or had direct knowledge of the Kabul bombing, including 12 service members who were not interviewed for the original investigation due to medical evacuation or treatment. The review found the sniper team guarding Abbey Gate did not have the suicide bomber in its sights despite subsequent testimony and recollections. A review of the evidence suggests their memories of the traumatic event could have been affected by the fog of war. GOLD STAR FAMILIES VOW TO KEEP UP FIGHT FOR ACCOUNTABILITY OVER ABBEY GATE ATTACK AFTER EMOTIONAL HEARING U.S. intelligence and an ISIS video identified the suicide bomber at Abbey Gate to be Abdul Rahman al-Logari, a known member of ISIS-K, the CENTCOM review said. Members of the sniper team have said they had the target within their sights and were not given permission to shoot. Commander of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Erik Kurilla, ordered a supplemental investigation last summer following testimony on Capitol Hill from some of the survivors who indicated they believed they could have taken out the bomber and prevented the attack. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP U.S. Army Central Command was tasked to get to the bottom of any new evidence or information that could challenge the findings of the initial report of the bombing that left 13 Americans dead. The initial investigation concluded in November 2021, just two months after the bombing, and was publicly released in February 2022. PENTAGON RELEASES REPORT ON KABUL AIRPORT ABBEY GATE BOMBING This new review shows a screenshot of the video stream from the sniper scope of the Marine unit guarding the gate. The "bald man in black" seen in the video was suspected of being the suicide bomber by some of the Marines. The video shows a middle-aged bald man who was acting suspicious. The two Marine snipers spotted him at 7 a.m. on Aug. 26. According to the report, they lost sight of him at 10 a.m. and the blast occurred at 5:36 p.m. Among those who gave public testimony was Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews, who testified to the House Foreign Affairs Committee in March 2023. He told lawmakers he saw the suicide bomber responsible for the attack and was told to stand down before the explosion occurred. The "bald man in black" (pictured in the center above) was believed to be the Abbey Gate suicide bomber by some Marines, but facial analysis between him and the confirmed bomber received a negative match, CENTCOM said. "Over the communication network we passed that there was a potential threat and an IED attack imminent. This was as serious as it could get," Vargas-Andrews said, describing the suspected suicide bomber as clean-shaven and dressed in brown with a black vest. When he asked for permission to shoot, his battalion commander said "I dont know," according to Vargas-Andrews. Vargas-Andrews was not interviewed in the original Abbey Gate investigation. He was being treated for a number of traumatic injuries, including having his right arm and entire left leg amputated following the attack. GOLD STAR FAMILIES DEMAND ANSWERS ON ABBEY GATE TERRORIST ATTACK: 'AN ORCHESTRATED NIGHTMARE' U.S. intelligence and a video released by ISIS show the suicide bomber to be Abdul Rahman al-Logari, who had a beard and appeared to be several decades younger than the man the sniper team spotted. Facial comparisons show al-Logari and the "bald man in black" that Vargas-Andrews and his sniper team had identified to be different people. The two received the "strongest negative result," according to this new review. Post-attack intelligence reporting indicated al-Logari did not arrive at Abbey Gate until immediately before the attack on Aug. 26 the sniper team began watching the bald man in black at 7 a.m. that day. Facial analysis of confirmed Abbey Gate suicide bomber, Abdul Rahman al-Logari. This new review reinforces the results of the initial Abbey Gate investigation, finding no specific individual was identified as the bomber prior to the attack. U.S. intelligence assessed al-Logari, a known member of ISIS-K, to be the suicide bomber a few hours later. The U.S. had biometric information on him because he had spent time at Bagram prison in Afghanistan. Since the attack, multiple intelligence agencies have individually confirmed al-Logari was the suicide bomber. Families of the 13 service members killed in the attack and several U.S. service members who survived the attack were briefed together by the investigators of the review earlier this month. "Our focus continues to be on fulfilling our solemn obligations to the Abbey Gate Gold Star Families," a CENTCOM spokesperson said. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and General Erik Kurilla have both been briefed on the results of this review. Thirteen U.S. service members 11 Marines, one soldier and one sailor and 170 Afghan civilians were killed at Abbey Gate on Aug. 26, 2021, just days before the chaotic Afghan withdrawal came to a close. The bomb exploded at Abbey Gate just outside Kabuls Hamid Karzai International Airport, injuring more than a dozen U.S. service members and 150 Afghan civilians. Original article source: CENTCOM review finds no evidence Abbey Gate suicide bomber was seen by Marine snipers beforehand Deputies made an arrest in a deadly shooting that stemmed from two neighbors getting in an argument. On April 2, the Osceola County Sheriffs Office responded to the area of Birmingham Drive in Kissimmee for reports of person shot multiple times. The victim, Connell Adman, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Read: Sheriff: Incredibly rare 2002 green Acura connected to carjacking, murder has been found Investigators said that Ventura shot and killed Adman following a verbal argument between the two men. On Monday, deputies obtained a warrant and arrested 34-year-old Raymond Ventura and charged him with premediated murder with a firearm. Read: Completely unacceptable: Orange County deputy arrested in Seminole County on 5 charges Ventura is being held in the Osceola County Jail on no bond. Read: 2nd arrest made in connection with shooting that left 1 dead and 6 injured in Orlando Central Florida deputies arrest man for shooting, killing neighbor Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Dozens of law enforcement officers were descending on doomsday author Chad Daybells Idaho home, where they would eventually find the buried bodies of his new wife Lori Vallows children. He called her in jail to give her the update. Theyre searching the property, he said in the June 9, 2020, call, which was played Monday at his murder trial. Theyre searching. The pair said nothing about the dark facts behind the search, focusing instead on their devotion to each other and their faith. They said I love you at least a half-dozen times during the three-minute conversation. What do you want me to do? Pray? Vallow asked at one point. "Yeah, pray, Daybell replied, promising to call her back. The two were the prime suspects in the disappearance of 7-year-old J.J. Vallow and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan. Lori had already been arrested on child-welfare charges. And an hour after the phone call, Daybell would be in custody, too. Investigators found J.J. and Tylees body in the backyardone found wrapped in plastic near a pond on the rear of the property and the other near the fire pitending a nine-month mystery that gripped the nation. Lori Vallow was sentenced to multiple life terms after being convicted of the murder of the children and Daybells first wife, Tammy Daybell. Now Daybell is on trial, facing the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder and other charges. Prosecutors say the couple was driven to bloodshed by their desire to start a new life together in Hawaii and the apocalyptic beliefs of a renegade branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he had a chance at what he considered his rightful destiny, he made sure that no person, no law would stand in his way," Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood said of Daybell in his opening statements. His desire for sex, money, and power led him to pursue those ambitions and this pursuit led to the deaths of his wife and Lori's two innocent children. Defense attorneys argue that no evidence directly ties Daybell to the children's murders or that Tammys death was a homicide. Doomsday Authors Wife Faced Health Struggle Before Death, His Lawyers Say Vince Kaaiakamanu, a former investigator with the Fremont County Sheriffs Office, walked jurors through the investigation that unfolded after the children were reported missing in November 2019. Vallow was arrested in Hawaii after she was unable to produce her two children under court order, and authorities used cell phone data to track the movements of Loris brother to Daybells property around the time the kids were suspected to have gone missing. Rexburg Police Detective Eric Wheeler told jurors on Monday that authorities showed up to Daybells house around 7 a.m. for the June 2020 search. He said that Daybell looked awkwardly over his shoulder while investigators searched his property and kept writing in a yellow notepad. At one point, he said, Daybell got into his car and sat there for a while before going into his home again to chat with his daughter. Wheeler said that Daybell then got into his car again and left the property in a hurry. Is he trying to run? Wheeler said he thought at one point. He stopped Daybell down the road and placed him in handcuffs, informing the author that the 7-year-olds remains had been found. Im sorry, Daybell told his crying daughter back at this home, according to a video played in court Monday. Im not coming back. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Snoopy, a 12-year-old Pomeranian, lay curled in a sunny spot on the floor Friday, lazily lifting his head as customers came into Strays Ship-and-Shop in Southern Village. Another foster dog, Apollo, 3, stretched his shaggy mass between jewelry displays, while two more Gus, 7 months, and Chip, 5 1/2 napped in dog beds behind the counter. Strays owner, Bob Gunn, said hes very proud to have found homes for 30 dogs that he got off Craigslist, Nextdoor and through other people in the last 12 years. By having dogs in the store, people get to meet them in a casual environment and not a cage at a rescue, Gunn said. And I know that if my customers are going to adopt, and they live in Southern Village, they can afford the vet bills, and (they refer other people) so its a vetting process. Every morning, he walks the dogs to the park in the southern Chapel Hill community before opening the store, and sometimes, old friends and their new families return for a visit. Theres Pete. Hes a Great Pyrenees. Hes living here on Graylyn (Drive), Gunn said, between customers. And we have Buddy. Buddy was the first one who got me started on this, because customers of mine, the wife was driving in a storm, and for some reason, she opened the door to get out or whatever, and this dog just jumped in. That ends April 27 when Gunn closes the door at 710 Market St. for the last time. Bob Gunn, owner of Strays Ship-and-Shop in Southern Village, advises a customer on the best way to ship a package. Gunn has operated the store, which also adopts out rescue dogs and features local artists, for 12 years. He will close April 27. Lost his lease Gunn was an artist when he started working for the stores previous owner, taking over when she retired a year later. Strays provides P.O. boxes and shipping services, in addition to shelf space for local artists. He renewed the original lease with an addendum and a 3% increase every year, Gunn said, and told Bryan Properties management last summer that he wanted to renew for another year. In February, he added 3% to his rent payment as usual, he said. But on March 18, Southern Village developer and Bryan Properties founder D.R. Bryan stopped by to say he was being evicted, Gunn said. His attorney said he doesnt have any options, Gunn said, because he doesnt have a signed document. I can understand that for whatever reason they dont want me here thats one thing but its the six weeks notice that creates a complicated situation for everyone, Gunn said. Sixteen of his 29 mailbox customers are businesses, who now have to get new mailboxes and notify the U.S. Postal Service, but also contact their vendors and clients, as well as change their letterheads and websites in a short amount of time, he said. And he worries about his older postal customers, who often need more help than the local post office can provide and may struggle to find the best shipping rate in a world thats become less convenient and more specialized. His older system shows rates for every option, Gunn said, and he recycles boxes and shipping peanuts, providing them to customers for free. Its probably not the smartest business move to make, but its put your money where your mouth is, he said. If youre wanting to recycle, lets recycle. Hes also trying to help his artists find new venues. At least one is selling her jewelry for half-price, Gunn said as he wrote a final check to potter DeDe Richardson. The owner of Pickle Pie Pottery bought a wooden display rack from the store after picking up her pieces. Customers have been calling and emailing the landlord on his behalf, Gunn said, noting a stack of photocopied letters from Southern Village neighbor Jim Lea on the counter. The decision is a shock and an unfair logistical burden for Gunn, Lea said in the letter. Losing Strays, the only service of its kind right in our neighborhood, would also be an unfair burden on us Southern Village residents and visitors. Others suggested boycotting the next business or organizing a petition or march, Gunn said. He doesnt want to go there, he said, because theres enough divisiveness and hate going around these days. Its the way of the world. Im resigned to it, he said. Bryan declined to comment on Gunns situation, but said retail is always changing. Theres no one lined up to lease the space, he told The News & Observer. I appreciate the fact that hes been there and what he provided, but like everything else, things change and over the last three or four years, weve seen some significant changes with Southern Village with a little less office and more retail, Bryan said. Hes also seen the move toward more retail, Gunn said. His focus now is helping everyone with the transition and cleaning up the store to get his security deposit back. At nearly 72, he has Social Security to support himself, but worries how hell feed the dogs he has 10 now and provide veterinary care. He might get a job as a dog walker, he said. Friends started a GoFundMe last week to thank Gunn for your years of service and to help him with the next stage of his life. In other business news The Flying Pierogi Delicatessen had a soft opening last week at its new store in the South Green shopping center off South Greensboro Street in Carrboro. The family-owned restaurant, which started as a food truck serving Polish and German street food in 2018, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday with a limited menu. A grand opening is being planned. Salon 211 stylist Mike Wood has a new venture at 102-A E. Main St. The Moxy Fox Salon is having a soft opening this week and will hold a grand opening within the next month, Wood said. Billed as an adult-only experience, Moxy Fox Salon invites clients to relax with a complimentary beer, wine or cocktail, and lots of adult conversation. A different local artist will be showcased each month. The salon is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Jarrah Passani, owner of Flight Tea Bar & Lounge in Carrboro, has closed the pop-up tea shop in Carr Mill Mall for a few months as he works on a tea plantation in Shizuoka, Japan. Fans of the tea shop, which opened last year at the 200 N. Greensboro St. mall, can follow Passanis journey on Instagram. A new location will be announced when he returns, Passani said in an April 3 post. Can China play a role in avoiding an all-out war in the Middle East? An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel on Sunday. - Amir Cohen/Reuters Editors Note: Sign up for CNNs Meanwhile in China newsletter which explores what you need to know about the countrys rise and how it impacts the world. China has voiced deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles in an unprecedented attack on Israel, raising the prospect of a wider conflagration in a region where Beijing has pledged to play peacemaker and promote its own security vision. (China) calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday, framing the latest tensions as a spillover from the Gaza conflict which it said should be put to an end as soon as possible. China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region, the ministry added. The Iranian strikes, which Tehran said were retaliation for the bombing of an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus on April 1 that it attributed to Israel, marked the first time the Islamic Republic has launched a direct assault on Israel from its soil. In a call with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated that Beijing strongly condemns and firmly opposes the April 1 attack, a readout from Chinas Foreign Ministry said. Wang did not condemn Irans retaliation. China noted Irans statement that its action was limited and an act of self-defense and appreciated Tehrans stress on not targeting regional and neighboring countries, Wang said, according to the readout. Separately, Chinas special envoy on the Middle East, Zhai Jun, met Monday with Irit Ben-Abba Vitale, Israels ambassador to China, and reiterated Beijings call for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in Gaza and deep concern about escalating regional tensions. The decision by Irans leaders to strike at Israel directly has pushed the shadow war between the two regional foes into the open. Israel is being urged by Western allies to de-escalate, as fears grow of an all-out regional war a scenario Washington has sought to enlist Beijings help to avoid. The bulk of the weapons launched by Iran in the highly choreographed attack were intercepted by Israel and its allies. Following the Damascus strike, which Iran said killed seven people, including two top Iranian military commanders, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Wang and other counterparts in Turkey and Saudi Arabia to make clear that escalation is not in anyones interest, and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate, according to a US State Department spokesperson. That was not the first time the US had asked China to influence Iran since the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas broke out last October. In the wake of Houthi rebels assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea late last year, American officials repeatedly tried to prod Beijing into pressuring Tehran which is believed to train, fund and equip the Houthis to rein in the attacks. Strained relations The latest flare-up of tensions has again raised questions over how much leverage China wields over Iran and whether Beijing is willing to turn its political capital into influence. On paper, China has a great deal of potential leverage over Iran, said William Figueroa, an assistant professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. China has been Irans biggest trading partner for the past decade and buys 90% of Irans oil exports, providing a lifeline to Tehran against US sanctions. Chinese companies also provide Iran with security and surveillance equipment. In practice, however, it is difficult for China to pull these levers to influence Irans behavior, Figueroa said. Weaponizing these trade relations, especially in such a high-profile way, would undermine its greater regional strategy of developing close economic ties throughout the Global South, he said. China has greatly expanded its economic and political footprint in the Middle East. In recent years, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has vowed to contribute Chinese wisdom to promoting peace and tranquility in the Middle East as part of his Global Security Initiative to offer an alternative to the Western-led security order. Last year, Beijing brokered a historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two longtime regional rivals, but reining in Tehran in the ongoing conflict could prove a thornier task for China, analysts say. Relations between Beijing and Tehran are already strained by Chinas chronic underinvestment in Iran despite repeated promises, and previous attempts to influence Iranian policy over the Houthi attacks, Figueroa said. While happy to play a role in negotiations, the reality is they lack real coercive power in the region and remain primarily interested in trade and diplomatic initiatives. They are aware of this and not eager to overextend themselves the way they believe the US has done. And while China is genuinely concerned about the risk a wider conflict poses to its investment and trade in the region especially its energy deals, it believes the root cause lies in the conflict in Gaza. Therefore, it sees the real solution not in China restraining Iran, but rather in the United States restraining Israel and bringing the conflict to a negotiated settlement that includes a two-state solution, Figueroa said. No condemnation for Iranian strikes Chinas lack of condemnation for Irans weekends attack stands in contrast to the US and other Western allies, as well as Beijings own response following what Tehran says was an Israeli strike on its diplomatic compound in Syria earlier this month. Israel did not claim responsibility for that airstrike. However, a military spokesperson told CNN that Israel believes the Iranian building hit in the attack is a military building of Quds forces and not a consulate. Beijing issued a strong condemnation following that airstrike in Damascus. The security of diplomatic institutions must not be violated, and the sovereignty and independence of Syria must be respected, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a regular news conference the day after the attack. Amid the ongoing turbulence in the Middle East, we oppose any act that would escalate the tensions. Beijing relayed that message to Washington last week, when Wang stressed in his phone call with Blinken that China strongly condemns the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Washington-based Stimson Center think tank, said China is reluctant to condemn Iran for its retaliatory strikes because it sees Tehran as a victim. I think the Chinese are particularly sympathetic to Iran given their own experience of the US bombing of Chinese embassy in Belgrade. Thats why China does not condemn Iran, Sun said. During a NATO air raid on the former Yugoslavia in 1999, pilots attacked the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, killing three Chinese journalists. Bill Clinton, US President at the time, apologized to then Chinese leader Jiang Zemin and called the bombing a tragic accident resulting from faulty intelligence. Beijing meanwhile denounced that strike as a barbarian act, with protests erupting outside US diplomatic compounds across China. Its unlikely, therefore, for China to apply pressure on Iran, Sun said. For China, had US applies enough pressure on Israel, neither the Israeli attack nor the Iranian retaliation would have taken place. To apply pressure on Iran, which is seen as the victim at the first place, is illogical. Reactions from Asia The drastic escalation of tensions has drawn stern responses from other countries in Asia. Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he strongly condemns Irans attack, which further aggravates the current situation in the Middle East, and pledged to continue diplomatic efforts to prevent the situation from worsening and to calm the situation down. India said it was seriously concerned about the escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel and closely monitoring the evolving situation. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy, Indias Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday. Indias External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Sunday to share New Delhis concern after the attacks and to discuss the larger regional situation. He also stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy in a call with his Iranian counterpart, according to his post on social platform X. The Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia also called for restraint. CNNs Wayne Chang contributed reporting. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Civil War might be an entertaining movie, but do Americans think one is actually coming? Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert! AMERICANS VIEW A SECOND CIVIL WAR AS UNLIKELY Despite incredible political polarization in America right now, few Americans believe that a second civil war is happening any time soon. Thats according to the findings from a report published by UC Davis researcher Garen Wintemute of the Violence Prevention Research Program. The report, which comes out just in time to coincide with the release of the film Civil War (about a hypothetical second civil war happening), found that just 5.7% of Americans surveyed agreed that a civil war will happen in the next few years, and even fewer (3.8%) said that such a war is needed to set things right. However, of those who agreed there will be a civil war in the next few years, more than a third (38.4%) agreed that such a war was needed. The expectation of, a perceived need for, a second civil war were higher among specific subsets of respondents, according to a summary of the report. That included Republicans, MAGA Republicans, extreme conservatives, persons endorsing racist beliefs or statements of the potential need for violence to effect social change, and persons who strongly approved of specified extreme right-wing political organizations and movements. The report found that expectations of civil war have become less common, decreasing from 13.7% in 2022 to 5.7% in 2023. These are hopeful findings, reinforced by the fact that in both years, large majorities of respondents reported that political violence was never justified, according to the report summary. However, the report noted that 2023 was not an election year, and 2024 is. In 2024, a presidential election year characterized by increasing political animosity and by violent rhetoric from some leading political figures, expectations of and support for civil war may well increase, the report summary read. SACRAMENTO JUDGE CLEARS WAY FOR BALLOT MEASURE Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Jennifer K. Rockwell last week gave the green light for a ballot measure aimed at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to go on the November ballot. Proponents of the Protect Patients Now measure, as it is known, have successfully collected the required amount of signatures and submitted them for certification, according to the judges April 8 ruling. If it goes to voters and is approved, it would require worst offender health care nonprofits namely, the AHF to spend 98% of their revenue on direct patient care and would bar them from overcharging the government for prescription drugs. The AHF unsuccessfully sued to block the measure from proceeding. Michael Weinstein and AHF have tried three times to take this taxpayer accountability measure off the ballot, and each time a court has ruled against them. Californians should ask themselves: Why is this pharmaceutical organization fighting so hard against a proposal that would simply ensure that public health dollars meant to help patients actually get spent that way? said measure spokesman Nathan Click, in a statement. The measure is being promoted by the California Apartment Association, a landlord lobbyist group. The AHF did not respond to The Bees request for comment by deadline. QUOTE OF THE DAY This resolution challenges all of us to rise up against hatred and take a stand to protect LGBTQ+ students. From book bans to discriminatory attacks by state legislators, LGBTQ+ students are constantly told they are not allowed to be who they are. We must fight for their freedom to exist, to take up space, and to be unapologetically themselves. - Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-California, in a statement announcing her support for a resolution condemning attacks on LGBTQ students. Best of The Bee: California law bars non-residents from carrying a gun. Does that violate the Second Amendment? Via Andrew Sheeler . Sacramento orders tight-knit homeless community, Camp Resolution, to close next month, via Theresa Clift . PG&E ran a TV ad touting its undergrounding work. Now it wants customers to pay for it, via Ari Plachta . California lawmakers approve $17 billion in budget fixes. How they would impact the deficit, via Lindsey Holden. Clawed creature falls from tree and lands on scientist in Thailand. Its a new species Under the cover of darkness, a clawed creature slinked through the canopy of trees in southern Thailand. The elusive animal had gone largely undetected but not for much longer. A team of researchers visited Phuket Island to survey wildlife in January 2022, according to a study published April 12 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa. The islands wildlife had generally been very well-studied. But during the nighttime survey, a clawed lizard fell from a tree and landed on Andrey Bragin, one of the studys co-authors, lead co-author Nikolay Poyarkov wrote in an April 13 Facebook post. The tree-dwelling lizard didnt look particularly unique, the study said. Its overall body shape and color pattern was similar to several other known species. Still, researchers returned to the island, the largest in Thailand, in 2023 and encountered three more of these lizards. They analyzed the animals DNA and quickly realized theyd discovered a new species: Cyrtodactylus thalang, or the Thalang bent-toed gecko. Sometimes new species literally drop on you from the clouds, Poyarkov wrote. A Cyrtodactylus thalang, or Thalang bent-toed gecko, perched on a branch. Photo shared by Nikolay Poyarkov Discover more new species Thousands of new species are found each year. Here are three of our most eye-catching stories from the past week. Deep-sea creature with yellowy tentacles and over 80 feet is new species Reddish sea creature with over 70 feet found by a submarine Spiky 'dwarf'-like creature found at abandoned building in India Thalang bent-toed geckos can reach over 5 inches but were hard to measure because their tails often broke off, the study said. These geckos have triangular heads with large, gold eyes. Their tails are square and claws are well-developed. Photos show the golden brown coloring of the Thalang bent-toed gecko. The lizard holds its tail in a tight spiral and generally blends in with its surroundings. Thalang bent-toed geckos live in the canopies of tropical forests, the study said. They were usually seen at night perched on the thin branches at least 20 feet above the ground near a stream. A Cyrtodactylus thalang, or Thalang bent-toed gecko, on a leaf. Photo from Nikolay Poyarkov via Grismer, Pawangkhanant, Bragin, Trofimets, Nazarov, Suwannapoom and Poyarkov (2024) The new species is part of a group of tree-dwelling geckos whose preferred habitat and cryptic behavior make them hard to find, the study said. Encountering these geckos will always be a chance event. Researchers said they named the new species after the Thalang district where it was discovered and, so far, the only area where it has been found. This district is on Phuket Island, located off the southern coast of Thailand, and about a 500-mile drive southwest of Bangkok. The new species was identified by its scale pattern, arrangement of its spikes, habitat and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had about 15% genetic divergence from other bent-toed geckos. The research team included L. Lee Grismer, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Andrey Bragin, Alexey Trofimets, Roman Nazarov, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom and Nikolay Poyarkov. Unusual creature with ultrasonic song escapes its cage. Its a new species Flat-headed creature with multicolored eyes discovered as new species in China Bumpy orange creature with five arms found on ocean floor. Its a new species Clayton County woman walks away from hospital, hasnt been seen since Clayton County police are searching for a woman they say was last known to be at a local hospital. Clayton County Police spoke with the mother of Rita Futrell who said her daughter told her that she was at Southern Regional Hospital in Riverdale on Friday, being seen for an unspecified reason. The mother told police that Futrell was supposed to stay at the hospital until she and another family member could pick her up. When they arrived at the hospital, Futrell was nowhere to be found. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police said it was unclear what direction she went and what clothing she was wearing. Officers warn she might not be on her current medication for bipolar disorder. She is described as being 5 feet, 7 inches and weighing 125 pounds. Anyone with information on her location is asked to contact the Clayton County Police Department at 770-477-3747 or Dial 911. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Heres an idea for how Israel could respond to Irans massive missile-and-drone strike without angering its Western and Arab allies or widening the war: Start preparing and slowly roll out a series of carefully disguised cyberattacks that devastate Irans military-industrial complex. Remember Stuxnet? That was the joint U.S.Israeli cyberwar operation that hacked into the Iranians nuclear infrastructure, sabotaging their ability to enrich uranium and thus build an atom bomb. Not long after, the Obama administration devised a much more massive program, called Nitro Zeus, which, if enacted, would have shut down Irans air defenses, communications, and much of its power grid. The idea was to unleash Nitro Zeus if Iran developed nuclear weapons or attacked the U.S. or its allies. The operation was seen as a way to assure Israelis that we had the ability to defang their main foe without launching a risky attack. Stuxnet was ended in 2010, after the virus was detected. Nitro Zeus was shelved in 2015, after the U.S. and five other nations signed the Iran nuclear deal, an agreement that appeared to render the plan unnecessary. Donald Trump pulled out of the nuclear accord, which has since collapsed entirely. Now Tehrans rulers have taken the brazen step of attacking Israel not through proxies butfor the first time everdirectly from Iranian territory. Its time to take Nitro Zeus out of storage and start putting some of its tricks online. Israel has to do something. President Joe Biden, the leaders of the G7, members of the U.N. Security Council, and some friendly Arab leaders have cautioned Israelis not to retaliate against Irans attack. Israel, in a sense, won by shooting down all but a handful of the drones and missiles the Iranians sent its way. Nobody was killed; only one person, a young Bedouin girl, was seriously injured; just light damage was done (and immediately repaired) to one air base. Biden advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call Saturday night, Take the win slow things down think through how to respond. Biden stressed that he would help defend Israel from another attack (it was a joint effort by Israel, the U.S., Britain, France, and Jordan that shot down Irans missiles and drones on Saturday), but he would not join in on any retaliatory attack. He would not widen the war. The matter is complicatedand Bidens refusal to be lured into a broader war is acquittedby the fact that the attack was itself a retaliation to Israels April 1 airstrike against the Iranian Consulate in Syria, killing seven senior officers of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Everyone knew that Iran would have to respond somehow. Defenses were prepared a week in advance. (Some believe that Netanyahu ordered the attack on the consulatewithout first consulting Bidenprecisely to prompt an Iranian response and thus lure the United States into the conflict.) As Saturdays attack was in motion, Irans U.N. mission released a statement, declaring, The matter can be deemed concludedunless Israel attacked again, in which case Iran would strike back harder than before. However, it is perfectly reasonable for Israelis to think otherwise. Irans attack consisted of 325 drones and missilesincluding 110 ballistic missileslaunched from multiple angles (from Iran itself, as well as positions in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen), timed to arrive roughly simultaneously. They could not have expected, and I dont know any military analyst who would have predicted, that none of the drones and only a handful of missiles would burst through the defenses. (All the rest were shot downthe drones and cruise missiles before they even crossed Israels borderor crashed along the way.) If even a few more missiles had made it to their targets, they could have inflicted significant damage. In other words, it is nonsense to argue, as some have, that Iran meant for the attack to inflict little or no damage. Iran intended to cause much death and destruction. This fact changes the calculusand alters many of the premises in viewing what has been a shadow war between Israel and Iran. Iran emerges from this incident looking very bad to all the worlds players. The attack was neither proportionate nor effective. In other words, it set off alarm bells, both for foes (the attacks moxie and scale make Iran seem more threatening and risk-prone) and for friends (the attacks failure makes Iran seem like a bit of a paper tigeran aspiring great power whose protection is less than reliable). Meanwhile, Israel is riding higher in world sympathy and esteem than at any time since shortly after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. Its much-condemned excesses in Gaza are now counterbalanced by its clearly dire vulnerability. Its success in dealing with that vulnerability is undeniably impressive. And its security ties to the United Stateswhich seemed weakened by the tensions between Biden and Netanyahuare now demonstrably firmed up. (In fact, the weekends events may well persuade the House of Representatives to drop its resistance to Bidens military-aid package to Israel and Ukraine.) Israel and its allies, especially the U.S., need to take advantage of this (no doubt brief) moment of favor. Biden and the other Western leaders are right that Israel should refrain from firing missiles back at Iran. Just as Israelis dont consider the matter settled after Irans missile attack, Iranians wouldnt consider the matter settled after an Israeli missile attack later this week. The missiles will lob back and forth; at some point, the defenses will fail and people will be killed; escalation will be inevitableand that is in nobodys interest (except perhaps to those with rosy-eyed visions of how such a war might turn out). Besides, as Saturday night confirmed, Israel is unable to deal with Iranon the offense or defenseall by itself. But there are other steps Israel and its allies could take. First, now that the regions Sunni leaders (especially the Saudis, Egyptians, and Qataris) clearly see how the war in Gaza can metastasizenow that they see that Iran is willing to widen itit is time for them to use their considerable influence to bring the conflict to an end. Qatar, which holds the peculiar position of being the main supplier of Hamas and a major non-NATO ally of the U.S., needs to force Hamas to accept the cease-fire deal on the table. Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which have rarely taken real steps to help Palestinian people (even as they sometimes rally to the causes rhetoric), need to take responsibility for rebuilding Gaza and reforming the Palestinian Authority after the war. Second, the Western and Sunni countries should take this opportunity to intensify economic, diplomatic, and information-warfare campaigns to isolate Iran. The last bitinformation warfaremay be key. Agents should infiltrate websites, chat channels, and other digital media used by Irans allies and spread the word that Iran is weak and unreliable. Iranian state media are reporting that Saturday nights attack caused a lot of damage and that the Israelis are hiding it. The infiltrators should expose this as a risible lie. (Do our intelligence branches know how to do this anymore? I dont know. Im asking.) Third, theres the idea of pulling Nitro Zeus, or something like it, off the shelf. In public, Israelis should take the high roadrefrain from hurling missiles back at Iran, tout their endorsement of a cease-fire, and bolster their relations with foreign allies, displacing Israels image as a war criminal in Gaza (in part by actually ending the war), and sharpening their shared vision of a threat from Iran. Meanwhile, out of public view, the cyberattacks will begin. Machines at Iranian weapons factories will start mysteriously breaking down; Iranian test missiles will blow up on launchpads; emails will circulate, seemingly to or from authoritative personnel, reporting massive failures on all fronts, expressing doubts about colleagues or supervisors. When Stuxnet was happening, it sabotaged not only the physical process of uranium enrichment but also the morale of everyone in Irans nuclear program. Supervisors blamed foreign suppliers for sending faulty equipment; scientists came under suspicion for incompetence or deliberate sabotage, and some were fired or arrested. Even a somewhat scaled-down version of Nitro Zeus could unleash the same sort of mayhem across Irans military enterprises. Iran has committed a major miscalculation. It emerged from the attack much weaker than it seemed just a few days earlier; Israel emerged in a much better position than it has been in for months. A bit of advice for Israel and its allies: Exploit the situation. At the very least, dont screw it up. Clemson University student killed when ejected from vehicle during crash, SC officials say A Clemson University student was killed early Sunday morning when she was ejected from a vehicle during a crash, South Carolina officials said. Caroline Deer was airlifted to a hospital where she died, according to the Pickens County Coroners Office. The 20-year-old was from Mt. Pleasant, the coroners office said in a news release. The single-vehicle collision happened at about 12:35 a.m. on Old Stone Church Road, near Ridgecrest Drive, according to the release. Thats in Clemson, about a mile from the Clemson University campus. Deer and another person were in the vehicle that ran off the road and flipped over, the coroners office said. Deer was ejected during the crash and was airlifted by helicopter to a Greenville hospital where she died, according to the release. The other person in the vehicle was also taken to an area hospital before being treated and released, the coroners office said. There was no word whether Deer or the other occupant was driving, or if either was wearing a seat belt. Information about what caused the wreck was not available, but the crash, as well as Deers cause and manner of death, continues to be investigated by the coroners office and the City of Clemson Police Department. An autopsy has been scheduled, according to the release. Deer was a junior genetics major, according to a report from The Tiger Clemson Universitys student newspaper. She was a member of Clemsons spring 2023 Deans List (for students with a minimum 3.5-grade point average), according to the university. Through Wednesday, 231 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 999 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported. At least six people have died in Pickens County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were 18 deaths reported in the county in 2023, DPS reported. Clemson University student killed in multi-vehicle crash, SC coroner says As climate change worsens, extreme weather events are becoming more common and more intense, from heat waves to floods to freak storms. For the most part, people can escape these events by going inside. But for the unhoused, things are obviously not so easy. For people without housing, they are the most vulnerable to dramatic shifts in climate, as they cannot easily cool off during a heat wave, warm up when it is below freezing or protect themselves from elements like fire, wind, rain and snow. Additionally, as millions more become climate refugees thanks to their homes being wiped out by fires or floods, the number of unhoused people will significantly increase. A report from UNICEF released last year found that 43 million children have been displaced by climate disasters in just a five year period while another report released in January from the anti-homelessness nonprofit Community Solutions sheds light on how the climate change impact on homelessness is not a looming threat; it is a present crisis, one that continues to get worse. The report includes a number of bleak statistics. Unhoused people in California comprise 13% of heat-related hospitalizations despite making up less than 1% of the state's population; one in 10 U.S. residential properties were damaged by extreme weather in 2021; and African Americans disproportionately live in areas that are projected to have the greatest increases in climate-related mortality. Most importantly, though, the Community Solutions report broke down how climate change fuels homelessness in a vicious, self-sustaining cycle. "Climate change intensifies extreme weather events, subjecting people experiencing homelessness (PEH) to dangerous conditions," said Adam Ruege, director of strategy and evaluation at Community Solutions. Even people with homes are as climate change-caused weather like wildfires and hurricanes destroy their residences more likely to become homeless. This is especially true for marginalized populations. "Vulnerable communities, including people of color, the global majority, and low-income individuals, are more likely to live in areas most affected by climate change, leading to greater displacement and homelessness risks," Ruege said, citing the IPCC's 2022 report showing that more than 20 million people are displaced every year due to extreme weather events. Climate change is also expected to drive between 32 million and 132 million people into extreme poverty during this decade. "For example, recent findings suggest that roughly 2% of PEH in California where the highest number of structures were lost to wildfire in 2022 had lost their housing due to a fire or another natural disaster," Ruege said. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. Sean Kidd, a senior scientist and psychologist at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (who was not involved in the Community Solutions report), supported Ruege's conclusions about climate change both exacerbating the suffering of homelessness while creating more unhoused people. Kidd also observed that the predicament is more dire for people in poorer countries. "Globally, particularly in low income contexts, climate change has profound impacts on access to safe housing and subsistence leading to large scale migration within and between countries affecting health and wellbeing and compounding issues related to homelessness," Kidd said. "For instance, communities who are significantly impacted by climate change in Latin America and Africa do not have a 'safety net' that will support and ensure that they do not experience homelessness and severe poverty." For nations that are fortunate enough to be able to provide a safety net for their homeless citizens, Ruege offered concrete suggestions about ways they can help. "Communities can develop disaster preparedness plans inclusive of people experiencing homelessness," Ruege said. "Tailoring disaster response plans to include provisions for homeless populations, such as emergency shelters and health services during extreme weather events, can provide immediate protection." Ruege also suggested that local leaders improve urban infrastructure so that it reduces heat, and in particular the urban heat island effect. Expanding access to health services to all populations, particularly when they involve heat-related and respiratory conditions, may also offset the growing health crisis involved in climate change. "Lastly, communities have to prioritize increasing affordable housing," Ruege said. "Investing in affordable and resilient housing reduces homelessness and ensures that housing can withstand extreme weather, thereby preventing displacement due to climate change." Although Ruege talks about ways for people to avoid displacement as a result of climate change, to a certain extent experts agree that no one can hide from climate change. "Temperature is just too fundamental and inescapable, and drives so many process changes in the Earth system everything is connected," Dr. Peter Kalmus, a NASA climate scientist, told Salon in January. (Kalmus made clear he was speaking for himself, not for NASA or the federal government.) While some places are more unsafe than others Kalmus singled out Miami and Phoenix as two cities where he has "no plans to move" ultimately "there is no safe place." Kalmus also noted that becoming a climate refugee is not as easy as simply making a choice to move out of a suddenly-uninhabitable location. Uprooting one's life is inherently difficult, and the current geopolitical climate is not exactly welcoming to would-be climate migrants. "It's hard for most people to find the available energy, time and mental bandwidth to voluntarily move somewhere else, especially to avoid a diffuse threat that is getting gradually stronger every year," Kalmus. "Moving is expensive, and poorer people around the world are perhaps becoming less welcome in other nations as authoritarianism and fascism rise around the world." Since all of these conditions are only going to increase the prevalence of homelessness, Kidd advises that the most responsible thing for governments to do is start addressing the underlying socio-economic and health disparities that cause suffering among PEH. "Individuals experiencing homelessness have higher risks of heat stroke, dehydration and respiratory diseases," Kidd said. "In addition, because of the systemic inequity, they are more exposed but have less access to resources to mitigate and adapt to climate-related risks. Homeless individuals, who frequently face limitations on their mobility, might find their social networks significantly constrained. This reduction in social interactions can have an impact on their mental well-being. In fact, another risk factor for death from extreme heat is social isolation." Four years ago, over 97% of Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz County burned during the states worst wildfire season in recorded history. Last year, unprecedented winter storms caused an estimated $190 million in damages to coastal parks. And at Seacliff State Beach, also in Santa Cruz County, storms flooded the campground and destroyed the beachs historic pier. Climate change and the resulting severe wildfires, extreme storms and rising sea levels are increasingly threatening our beloved state parks. These places are an essential part of Californias historical and cultural identity, celebrated for their dramatic landscapes, remarkable wildlife and exciting outdoor adventures. They comprise almost one-quarter of Californias shoreline, protect over 150,000 acres of coastal redwoods and preserve a wide range of ecosystems. Opinion To address this unprecedented threat, we need to create climate-resilient state parks that can prepare for, adapt to and recover from climate impacts. To do so, California State Parks needs adequate, sustained funding to address wildfires, sea level rise and other climate impacts; a diverse team of climate experts working across relevant state park divisions to build climate resilience into every aspect of park management; and additional resources for land acquisition, community outreach and education. These investments will pay dividends for California. They will ensure the future of our beloved state parks and help the state reach its climate goals, from protecting biodiversity to ensuring access to nature and preparing for extreme heat. We are urging Californias leaders to adopt seven short- and long-term recommendations for building climate-resilient state parks. Key examples of these recommendations include funding a cohesive strategy to prepare state parks for rising sea levels and extending funding to address wildfire and forest resilience in Californias state parks. Funding for current efforts to address this challenge is set to expire in fiscal year 2027-28; but it will take decades to restore healthy, wildfire-resilient landscapes. We must also fund a robust acquisition program to expand existing state parks and create new state parks. New and expanded parks would help communities during extreme heat events and help ensure equitable access to nature for underserved communities. Additionally, counting state parklands as part of statewide climate goals to protect 30% of land and coastal waters by 2030 will give the park system greater access to future investments in conservation and stewardship activities. Taking these steps will help ensure that our state parks are climate-resilient and ready for a future with warmer temperatures and more extreme storms and wildfires. Doing so will also mean that Californias state parks can contribute significantly to the states efforts to address the climate crisis. Look at the example of the iconic Western monarch butterfly: California State Parks is the largest single land manager of overwintering groves for this species. Monarchs return to our coast every year to spend the winter in these places. Together with nonprofit partners, California State Parks has developed plans to preserve and restore their habitat. State parks already help protect Californias natural resources and extraordinary biodiversity; new and expanded state parks would add to these efforts. Our state parklands include some of our most beautiful and iconic lands. But these places are threatened by the climate crisis, and we need immediate and bold action to create a resilient park system that will endure for future generations. If our state leaders take steps now, we can both protect our state parks and prepare them for the states changing climate. Rachel Norton is the executive director of the California State Parks Foundation. CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig said Monday that former President Trump must be handled like a child by New York Judge Juan Merchan over his violation of a gag order in his upcoming hush money trial. Honig criticized Trump for publicly making attacks on his Truth Social account against various expected witnesses in his criminal trial. Just over the weekend, Donald Trump has been publicly posting attacks on Michael Cohen, known witness, Stormy Daniels, known witness commented about Mark Pomerantz, a potential witness, Honig said. If you tolerate this, its like raising a child. If the child breaks a rule and you let it go, youve lost them. And so one of the challenges for Judge Merchan here is going to be enforcing discipline in this court, Honig said. Merchan on April 1 imposed a gag order against Trump that prohibited public comment about witnesses concerning their potential participation in the investigation or in this criminal proceeding, among other restrictions. But over the weekend, Trump ripped into the adult film star Stormy Daniels and his former attorney and fixer Michael Cohen on Truth Social as two sleaze bags who have with their lies and misrepresentations, cost our Country dearly! Both Daniels and Cohen will be key witnesses in the criminal trial. Trump is accused of paying off Daniels to keep quiet about an affair. Cohen delivered the payment. The Manhattan district attorneys office called Trumps rhetoric dangerous and said it fundamentally threatens the integrity of these proceedings. Trump has already come under fire from Merchan for comments about the judges daughter, who has been involved with Democratic causes. All the gag order says is hes not allowed to comment publicly about witnesses, jurors, court staff, prosecutors staff, or their families, Honig said. Hes not been abiding by the gag order and were going to have an important moment soon to see whether the DA or the judge does anything about it, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, smiles as the crowd claps and cheers for him during a stop for his U.S. Senate campaign in McAllen on Feb. 17, 2024. Credit: Michael Gonzalez for The Texas Tribune WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Colin Allred raised over $9.5 million for his U.S. Senate campaign in this years first quarter, surpassing the campaign of his rival Sen. Ted Cruz. Notably, Allred has also raised more money than Beto ORourke did by this point in his own history-making run against Cruz in 2018. ORourke raised over $6.7 million in the first quarter of 2018 against Cruz. The El Paso Democrats haul that quarter was the biggest of any Democratic Senate candidate in the country. Cruz raised over $6.9 million from his official campaign this past quarter, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission. Still, the conservative senator remains a formidable fundraiser, bringing in over $9.7 million across his fundraising entities. That includes money he has raised for other candidates. ORourke broke new ground for Democrats in Texas with his meteoric rise. His team had to establish new campaign infrastructure where a Democrat hadnt won state-wide office in over 20 years. Alumni of ORourkes campaign and other Democrats in Texas have credited ORourkes near success for providing a better launching pad for future Democratic candidates. ORourkes fundraising operation took off exponentially just before the general election in 2018. He broke records for a senate race, raising over $38.1 million in the third quarter more than twice he had raised in the prior two quarters and more than twice Cruz had raised cumulatively since the start of 2017. Cruz still managed to beat ORourke that year with a 3-point margin, despite ORourke spending the majority of his money. ORourke finished 2018 with only $477,000 of the over $80 million he had raised in the bank. Allred has raised over $27.9 million since launching his campaign last May. He has had donations from over 285,000 individual contributors, with the average donation totalling $34.75. His first quarter haul far surpassed his $4.8 million raised in last years final quarter. Texans from every corner of the state are joining Congressman Allreds campaign to say it is time for new leadership in the Senate, said Paige Hutchinson, Allreds campaign manager, in a statement. We are so grateful for the continued outpouring of support from Texans of all stripes. This campaign is about rejecting the divisiveness of Ted Cruz and fighting for Texans freedoms. This continues our momentum to build a strong campaign to win in November and send Ted Cruz packing for good. Cruz and national Republican groups have learned their lesson from his close call against ORourke, committing to take Allreds threat seriously. Cruz had over 179,000 unique contributions this past quarter, with the average donation being $35.73. He has raised money in every county in Texas and every state. Across his fundraising operations, he has over $15.1 million in cash on hand. That includes his leadership political action committee and joint fundraising committee and the money he's raised for the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Republican Party of Texas. Cruz also has strong allies outside of his immediate orbit. Club for Growth, the deep-pocketed right-wing group, vowed to spend at least $10 million for Cruz reelection effort, the group told The Washington Post last month. "Senator Cruz is off to a very strong start this year as the momentum to get him across the finish line in November continues to increase across the entire Lone Star State. His quarter-one fundraising numbers reflect Texans' urgency for victory as Democrats threaten to strip away our common-sense way of life, said Nick Maddux, a spokesperson for Cruzs campaign, in a statement. Senator Cruz will continue to pound the pavement day in and day out, meeting and talking to Texans in every corner of the state to Keep Texas, Texas, and ensure that we remain the nation's bastion of liberty." Democrats face a difficult election map this year in the Senate. No vulnerable Republicans in truly swing states are up for election. Meanwhile, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, is retiring, with the deeply conservative state heavily favoring a Republican. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Arizona, will also retire, opening a competitive seat, and Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, will have to defend his seat in his conservative state. With no obvious flip opportunities, national Democrats are eyeing Texas and Florida as their best bets. The National Democratic Senatorial Committee launched negative ads and ground operations in both states last year in hopes of unseating Cruz. The Texas Tribune answering reader questions about 2024 elections. To share your question or feedback with us, you can fill out this form. Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival, happening in downtown Austin Sept. 5-7. Get your TribFest tickets before May 1 and save big! Students and teachers gather outside the Colorado Capitol to protest against gun violence in the wake of recent shootings at Denver's East High School, in Denver, March 24, 2023. (Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline) The Colorado House of Representatives on Sunday passed a prohibition on the sale, manufacture and transfer of so-called assault weapons for the first time in state history, sending the measure over to a less certain future in the Senate. The chamber passed House Bill 24-1292 on a 35-27 vote, with three members excused. Every Republican present voted against it, joined by nine Democrats. Most of those Democrats represent rural or swing districts. The nine Democrats were Rep. Shannon Bird of Westminster, Sheila Leider of Littleton, Meghan Lukens of Steamboat Springs, Bob Marshall of Highlands Ranch, Matthew Martinez of Alamosa, Tisha Mauro of Pueblo, Barbara McLachlan of Durango, Marc Snyder of Manitou Springs and Mary Young of Greeley. The passage is a watershed moment, as a similar bill last year did not even make it through committee. The bill would add a definition of assault weapon into state law and ban many models of semi-automatic rifles and pistols, as well as rapid-fire trigger activators. It would not ban possession, and it would include exceptions for military and law enforcement. A firearm owner would be able to will their children these types of weapons. The bill was amended in its House committee to remove hefty civil penalty fines, but a floor amendment added back in a $750 civil fine. Ahead of the vote, bill sponsor Rep. Tim Hernandez, a Denver Democrat, spent time summarizing the final moments of four victims of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, where gunmen murdered 12 students and one teacher. Since then, there have been mass shootings in the state at a movie theater in Aurora, a grocery store in Boulder, another high school in Highlands Ranch and a nightclub in Colorado Springs. Assault weapons are disproportionately used in mass shootings, according to the bill. In 25 years since the worst shooting ever to occur at a school in Colorado history where you felt sick to your stomach we still allow the weapons used to massacre children in a library to be sold. We still allow our cultural infatuation with guns to permeate our lives, he said. Hernandez ran the bill with Rep. Elisabeth Epps, a Denver Democrat. I ask us to commit, colleagues, to never forget as begged by community members, family members and children themselves over 25 years and every year since, he said. I ask you to never forget about Kyle (Velasquez), about Isaiah (Shoels), about Cassie (Bernall), and about a teacher named Dave, he said. In 25 years since the worst shooting ever to occur at a school in Colorado history where you felt sick to your stomach we still allow the weapons used to massacre children in a library to be sold. We still allow our cultural infatuation with guns to permeate our lives. Rep. Tim Hernandez House leadership limited debate to five hours during Fridays main debate on the bill, though lawmakers went on to speak for multiple hours on Sunday to reiterate their reasons for support or opposition. Republicans view the bill as an attack on Second Amendment rights and a limitation on their ability to defend themselves and their families. They also argued that the weapons described in the bill include guns Coloradans regularly use for sport and hunting, a huge recreational and economic driver in the state. They contended that criminals will still find ways to access assault weapons, and that mental health issues are the root cause of gun violence. No matter what you outlaw, no matter what we take away from citizens, criminals people that hate will always find a way to do their evil deeds, said Rep. Anthony Hartsook, a Parker Republican. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is sponsored by Sen. Julie Gonzales, a Denver Democrat. The legislative session ends on May 8. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Colorado House approves historic ban on assault weapons appeared first on Colorado Newsline. Columbus residents can now meet the Ledger-Enquirer staff at the library. Heres how. Staff from the Ledger-Enquirer will soon be available to residents who would like to meet us at the Columbus Public Library beginning this week. Every third Thursday of the month, starting April 18, staff from the Ledger-Enquirer will make themselves available in the library at 3000 Macon Rd. Readers can visit us to get help with digital subscriptions, learn more about advertising or contacting customer service, find answers to questions they have about the paper, give us story ideas or meet a reporter or editor. Ledger-Enquirer staff will be located in the Thomas Study Room on the 2nd Floor Genealogy Department from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates: April 18 May 16 June 20 July 18 Aug. 15 We hope to make the reporting process and staff more transparent to Columbus residents. This move comes after the paper launched Curious Columbus, a tool allowing readers to submit story ideas and questions they would like a reporter to cover. The Ledger-Enquirer hopes these changes will increase engagement with readers and deliver reporting Columbus residents are most interested in. Its important that staff is out in the community as much as possible to effectively cover Columbus, Georgia Editor Jeremy Chisenhall said. This will give local residents a time and place to come find us, he said. And Im excited to see what will come from it. Columbus residents can meet Chisenhall at the library April 18. More information about upcoming Chattahoochee Valley Library events can be found on its Facebook page. Column: California's population is on the rise. So much for the claims of the state's demise Throngs of hikers in Dodger Blue make their the way to Mt. Hollywood in Los Angeles' Griffith Park in March. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) It was bound to end. This is California, after all. Losing population defies our history. Now were back growing again. Yes, thats correct. California has resumed adding people after three years of shedding them. Just last week, I reported that California residents were fleeing the state. They still are. But our numbers again are rising, based on updated Newsom administration data to be released around May 1. What caused the turnaround? Fewer people are now able to work remotely in other states, old people have quit dying at the extraordinary rate they were during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Biden administration has relaxed restrictions on legal immigration. These forces form the prime reasons for the return to positive population growth, state demographer Walter Schwarm told me in an email. The new data will show that Californias population, as of Jan. 1, has again climbed above 39 million, Schwarm said. A week ago, I cited a recent U.S. Census Bureau estimate that Californias population as of last July had fallen to 38,965,000. That was down by 75,400 in a year and 573,000 below Californias peak of 39.5 million in 2020. In 2000, we were predicted to reach 45 million by 2020 and almost 60 million by 2040. And why not? Wed been growing topsy-turvy since the Gold Rush and were by far the most populous state in the nation. But people have been moving to other states in recent years. Read more: Why Californians are fleeing this once-Golden State The main reason is Californias high living costs, especially for housing, researchers say. Homes are a lot cheaper almost anywhere else. There are other reasons, too: High taxes. Homeless blight. Crime, especially at retail stores where customers worry about their safety. Liberal politics also push out conservatives. They head to states like Idaho. Some objected to Gov. Gavin Newsoms stay-at-home edict during the pandemic that closed classrooms, restaurants and shop an edict he himself infamously disobeyed by attending a lobbyist friends group birthday party at a ritzy wine country restaurant. But one unique reason for departure to other states during the pandemic was that people found they could work there remotely for a California company and collect the same good salary while lowering their housing costs. That window is closing. Businesses increasingly are requiring that their employees show up in person at least two or three times a week so-called hybrid work. Thats forcing people to stay in California and prompting more to move in. With hybrid work arrangements becoming more common in late 2022 and throughout 2023, the number of individuals moving to California once again increased to historical levels, Schwarm emailed. And he added: Those individuals moving to California are on average highly educated and earning commensurately higher levels of income. Schwarm estimates that 26% of California employees were working at home in 2021. That percentage has been cut in half to slightly below 13% and is falling. Newsom last week ordered state employees to work in the office at least twice a week starting in June. The administration believes there are significant benefits to in-person work enhanced collaboration, cohesion, communication, better opportunities for mentorship, particularly for workers newer to the workforce, and improved supervision and accountability, Cabinet Secretary Ann Patterson wrote in a memo to all departments. About half of state workers already are coming to the office because their jobs require it, Patterson said, but the other half are in various forms of hybrid or full-time remote work. We are in a different place today as a society and as state agencies serving the public, she added in the memo. Many private employers are ahead of Newsom on that thinking. Theyve been requiring at least hybrid work. And that has affected domestic migration. More people still are moving out than moving in, but the gap is closing. Last year, Schwarm says, roughly 91,000 more people left California than arrived from other states. But in 2022, the net loss was 170,000. And in the previous two pandemic years it was a total of 583,000. Also contributing to population loss, lots of older people died of COVID during the pandemic. And young people havent been producing babies like they used to. Read more: Column: Primary election no-shows in California are a warning to Biden Now, however, death rates are back to normal. Birth rates havent risen. But there still were 117,500 more births than deaths last year, Schwarm said. Former President Trump practically shut down foreign immigration legal and illegal during the pandemic. Visas were denied to reduce the virus spread and probably just because Trump didnt like a lot of the immigrants. The New York Times quoted Trump telling financial backers at a recent political fundraiser: These are people coming from prisons and jails. Theyre coming in from just unbelievable places and countries, countries that are a disaster. Why cant we allow people to come in from nice countries like Denmark, Switzerland? Schwarm said 42% of Californias legal immigrants come from Asia and 38% from Central America. And 57% have at least a bachelors degree. Last year, California gained more than 124,000 legal foreign immigrants, There arent good numbers on undocumented immigrants, the demographer says, but U.S. Department of Homeland Security data indicate that most asylum-seekers wind up in other states. Were growing for the first time in recent years, said H.D. Palmer, spokesman for the state Department of Finance that includes the demographic unit. Its not at the go-go levels seen in past decades. But its a return to small levels of growth. Hopefully itll stay small. Forty million people in 2040 has a much better ring than 60 million. 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. PARIS Five years ago a fire brought Paris Notre Dame Cathedral to its knees, destroying the vaulted wooden ceiling and spire. In Hatfield, Massachusetts, carpenter Hank Silver watched in horror as flames shot into the air and rapidly spread over the fabled Gothic buildings roof, known as The Forest because of its long planks of 800-year-old wood. Soon, Silver joined an army of skilled craftsmen from around the world and went to the buildings aid. Now Paris soaring medieval landmark is ready to serve as a symbol of the French capital. Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration (Geoffroy Van Der Hassely / AFP - Getty Images file) The work changed my life, Silver told NBC News on Sunday, and he said it had given him a new appreciation of the skills carpenters had in the Middle Ages. Its a once in a millennium experience, he said in an interview. Having that as my job site at my place of work every day does not get old.Silver, who is part of Carpenters Without Borders, a team of volunteers who restore historical structures the world over, is one of a handful of craftsmen from around the world who are trained to carry out the work of rebuilding Notre Dame. Much of what theyve done requires tools re-created on site to match those used by workers centuries ago before the towering symbol of French national pride was completed in 1345. The day la fleche came down On April 15, 2019, thousands of horrified Parisians and tourists looked on, many with tears in their eyes, as Notre Dames iconic spire known in France as la fleche, or arrow lurched and crashed into the inferno. In a matter of minutes, one of the most recognizable sights in the French capital was gone. The following day, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the edifice within five years, a pledge that left many experts skeptical at the time. Emily Guerry, a senior lecturer of medieval European history at Britains University of Kent, was among them. I was one of those people, she said. I thought no way, youre not going to be able to find the trees. Hank Silver works on restorations at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. (Joel Lawrence / NBC News) However, 2,000 Oak trees were sourced from forests around Europe for the rebuild. Some of them up to 400 years old, they were left to dry for 12 to 19 months before the carpenters used them. Guerry said she thought finding the money for the expensive rebuild might have been an issue, but, gosh, the people wanted Notre Dame back. Rebuilding Notre Dame de Paris, the public body responsible for the conservation and restoration of the cathedral, estimated it would cost $760 million. To date 340,000 donors from more than 150 countries have donated around $895 million, it says on its website. Guerry said the French state and the Catholic Church had also contributed along with wealthy dynasties. It was very medieval to have the elite families step forward and donate, she added. Whats perhaps slightly different today is there is no demand to put their name on the building, she said. But what a wonderful legacy to leave behind. We all felt something watching that spire fall, she added. It made us feel like we were losing a part of our history, our heritage and our connection to our spiritual selves, and no matter where you were in the world watching this ancient building catch fire, you felt for the people of Paris, you felt for the people of France and perhaps you felt for the people who built it. Significant progress has been made on the restoration work, according to a report last year by the Friends of Notre Dame de Paris, a nonprofit that raises money for the restoration work. Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in France is expected to be completed this year (Esra Taskin / Anadolu via Getty Images) And ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, work by the crack team of carpenters, scaffolding experts, professional climbers, organ mechanics and others continues apace at the cathedral, which oversees Paris from an island on the Seine river.While the most modern of building methods are being employed, Silver, the carpenter, said when NBC News first interviewed him at a workshop in Normandy last year that tools had been re-created on site to match those used centuries ago, by the original builders. Were using a mix of 13th-century tools such as the broad axes or dog walk to finish all the surfaces, were using chisels and saws, mallets, he said. Everything is finished by hand so that the result is an almost identical replica of the Gothic frame that was there. Silver, who watched on as the oak roof frames he crafted were lifted into position by a large crane earlier this year, said the U.S. has a built tradition thats much newer, but that is derived from these European methods. So for someone like me, being able to work on this building, which is the birth of this technique, is particularly meaningful, he said. Did you ever think youd be able to look at Notre Dame and say, I built that? Keir Simmons and Laura Saravia reported from Paris. Henry Austin reported from London. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com With the final beams in place on an academic building, construction on Charlottes first four-year medical school is nearly completed along with the first phase of The Pearl district project. While a ceremony took place in December to celebrate topping off the construction of two buildings, more work is expected for the $1.5 billion innovative district and the new Wake Forest University School of Medicine-Charlotte. Atrium Health and Wexford Science & Technology have partnered to build The Pearl, a project that broke ground in 2023. With the partners receiving help from the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, the mixed-use development includes retail, offices, apartments and academic spaces. The plan includes a parking structure and an outdoor plaza. Affordable housing also will be a part of the 20-acre project located at the intersection of Baxter and McDowell streets in uptown Charlotte. We have a lot of cool irons in the fire, said Hillary Crittendon, district strategy and operations director for the project. Construction efforts were led by Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, R.J. Leeper Construction and Wexford. The projects first phase includes the medical school and a research tower. Charlotte is one of the largest cities in the U.S. without a medical school. It will be the second campus for the Winston-Salem-based school. The medicine school will anchor the Howard R. Levine Center for Education in the center of The Pearl. Levines foundation provided a $25 million gift to name the 14-story building. The same education building also will house the universitys School of Business, the new Wake Forest School for Professional Studies and the Carolinas College of Health Science, which will provide nursing and other professional training. The site also will be the headquarters for Advocate Health, the parent company of Atrium Health, Crittendon said. The second 10-story medical school building will be one of four research facilities in the districts master plan. The primary occupant will be IRCAD, a surgical training center. The France-based company, also a subsidiary of Atrium Health, is building its North American-headquarters at the Pearl. Weve already had a lot of success attracting the really top echelon of medical device technology and imaging companies from around the world to come and partner with us through IRCAD, she said. STEM plans On the seventh floor of the first research building, plans are underway to have a STEM lab for middle school students. It will function and look like a researchers lab, Crittendon said. Atrium has been working with administrators and principals at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to form the program. Its really meant to bolster education and drive excitement and interest in some of our young learners, she said. Atrium also is partnering with Smart Girls HQ, a program to promote STEM career education with a focus on female learners, and Philadelphia-based science center FirstHand for the middle school lab. More community outreach The Pearl is being built in the former Brooklyn neighborhood. It was home to Charlottes largest Black community with businesses, schools and churches before urban renewal took hold in the late 1960s and decimated it. Pearl Street Park, the first African American park in Charlotte, is a remaining landmark. The first phase also includes plans for additional public spaces. The idea is to bring people together and sort of create this new neighborhood around The Pearl, she said. Some spots include a cafe in the academic building along with a full service restaurant and coffee shop. A 250-seat auditorium is also in a connector space between the two buildings. The outdoor plaza area was designed for gathering like yoga classes, music events or for small businesses to set up for special occasions. Hardscape areas are also available for art sculptures. In the upcoming months, developers will be looking for local artists. Brooklyns history will also be featured on a walking trail through art and architecture. We will continue to work with the community and our design team to bring that vision to life, she said. Whats next? Phase one is on track to open in June 2025, Crittendon said. Medical students also are scheduled to start classes that same year. The next phase of development would likely be a conference center with a hotel, according to Crittendon. A timeline for completion has not been set and a company has not been chosen. When you think about what IRCAD represents and the ability to attract businesses and surgeons to Charlotte, the presence of a hotel right on campus is a really critical element, she said. The Pearl is expected to create more than 11,500 jobs in Charlotte over the next 13 years, according to Atrium Health. Orange County deputy accused of calling detective to obtain information about carjacking, kidnapping An Orange County deputy was arrested Sunday in Seminole County, the Orange County Sheriffs Office said Monday. Investigators said they arrested Orange County Deputy Francisco Estrella on the following charges: Interception of wire, oral or electronic communication Disclosure of wire, oral or electronic communication Disclosure or use of confidential criminal justice information Unlawful use of a two-way communication device Accessing computer or electronic devices without authorization or exceeding authorization Read: H&R Block issue prevents some from e-filing returns on Tax Day Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma told Channel 9 on Monday that Estrellas arrest was in relation to his seeking of information about the investigation into an armed carjacking, kidnapping and killing last week. Click here to read more about that. He said Estrella called the Seminole County detective assigned to the case to try to obtain information about the investigation. Read: Hours left to claim your portion of Verizons $100M settlement Estrella used a fake name and claimed he was an Orange County detective and as well as a cousin of the victim, Lemma said. It creates a dangerous environment for our deputies and our staff, he said. The Orange County Sheriffs Office said Estrella -- who was hired in September 2022 -- has been relieved of duty without pay while a criminal case is underway. The agency said it will conduct an administrative investigation once criminal proceedings are complete. Its results will be publicly released. These are very serious criminal allegations, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said in a prepared statement. It is completely unacceptable for any law enforcement officer to misuse the power and authority of their job. At the Orange County Sheriffs Office, we hold our deputies to the highest ethical standards, and we will not tolerate anyone breaking the law within our ranks. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Following her week-long visit to Israel, a local member of Congress said she is concerned the war in the Middle East could escalate. Republican Jen Kiggans, who is a member of the Armed Services Committee, saw the damage left behind by the Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Kiggans even visited the sight of the music festival where young people were abducted and killed. Hamas attacked Israel and Netanyahu says his country is at war And just to be able to see firsthand the devastation, first of all, from the kibbutz in the south, Kiggans told 10 On Your sides Regina Mobley. And also we went to the site of another music festival. So to see and feel with my own eyes, you know, that devastation that occurred on Oct. 7 and then understanding the fight that Israel is in right now. We also went to the northern part of Israel where they have evacuated many of the local community, Kiggans continued. The kibbutz is up there. Im hearing from the intelligence community, from military leadership, from every day Israelis, that, first of all, they are thankful that the United States has been standing by their side. They are thankful that we sent two aircraft carriers from the Hampton Roads community to be there as a deterrence. Kiggans spoke on the House Floor Thursday following her trip. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin spoke with Israel Minister of Defense Yaov Gallant last week, assuring Gallant that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against Iranian attacks. Irans attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war, but all sides have also scored gains However, according to The Washington Post, Austin chided Israel for not giving advance notice of the April 1 hit in Damascus Syria. Kiggans, when asked about the relationship the Biden administration has with the Netanyahu administration following Austins remarks, stated Israel has a right to defend itself. Yeah, you know, Israel is its own country, right? So its not our place to tell Israel what they can do and what they need to do to defend their own country, Kiggans said. With shipping channels at a risk, Kiggans also states that perhaps another carrier should set sail for the Middle East. Shipping, yes, always. I mean, we again, the military has their work cut out for them right now, Kiggans said. We are concerned that, you know, the impact in some international shipping channels in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. So the military still has a presence there. I sometimes wonder, you know, if we need aircraft to send an aircraft carrier back, that sign of the militarys might. That is the message we send. Global oil and gold prices shot up amid concerns of a growing conflict. Congresswoman Kiggans said peace should always be the goal, but if U.S. troops have to fight, they are prepared. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. After controversial Israeli trip, Foushee may blunt some criticism with letter to Biden As Congress considers providing emergency aid to Israel, Rep. Valerie Foushee was among several lawmakers last week who asked President Joe Biden in a letter for assurances that that aid will not be used to perpetuate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Foreign military aid generally should only be conditional under extreme circumstances, the letter, signed by 13 Democrats led by Rep. Troy Carter, from Louisiana, states. We are watching such extreme circumstances unfold and look forward to working with you to ensure any aid provided will not further deepen the crisis in Gaza. Emerson Goldstein, an organizer with Jewish Voices for Peace Triangle, said there is a lot of good in the letter and it would have been unthinkable seven months ago to have lawmakers calling for any kind of conditioning or end to aid to Israel for its treatment of Palestinians. That is huge, Goldstein said. But she added that the letter is both heartening and devastating because of what it took to get there. And she has concerns about certain aspects of the letter. Foushees signature on the letter comes while shes facing backlash for taking a congressional delegation trip to Israel on April 1, where she met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. She also met with Palestinian leaders in Ramallah. Foushee did not comment for this article due to scheduling, according to her spokesman, who pointed McClatchy to online statements. Should US aid to Israel include conditions? The letter said that Foushee and the other Democrats who signed it are closely watching Netanyahus actions as they consider whether to provide aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. The letter recognizes that Israel is a U.S. ally and has a right to defend itself from Hamas, a group the U.S. government considers to be a terrorist organization. But it also blames Netanyahu, saying hes responsible for addressing the basic needs of people in Gaza. The letter includes among those needs: adequate nutrition, clean drinking water, electricity and safety for innocent civilians. The conditions are intolerable, and the Israeli government is responsible for addressing this humanitarian crisis, on par with the governments duty to self-defense, the letter states. Goldstein called placing the blame on Netanyahu dangerous rhetoric, and urged lawmakers to look at the root cause. We know the clock here did not start on Oct. 7, Goldstein said. We know that Netanyahu is not the source of the problem here. The source of the problem is decades of dispossession, ethnic cleansing and now an ongoing genocide in the apartheid state. Hamas hostages The letter also recognizes that Hamas continues holding hostages captive. It is currently believed that there are 133 hostages, including eight Americans. And among those Americans is Keith Siegel, a Chapel Hill native who lives in Israel and has dual citizenship. Foushee represents Chapel Hill. Siegel was captured with his wife, Aviva, on Oct. 7 while driving. Aviva was released after 51 days in captivity, during a humanitarian pause, but her husband was not. A potential new ceasefire is under negotiation, with demands for another 40 hostages to be released, including women, the sick and elderly men, but Hamas told officials theyre not sure they have 40 living hostages, CNN reported. As that news broke, Aviva Siegel traveled to Washington, calling on the Biden administration and members of Congress to help her husband and the other hostages. She spoke to members of Congress and reporters inside the U.S. Capitol complex about her time in captivity and what it is like now knowing the torture Keith continues to endure. From North Carolina, only Rep. Don Davis, a Democrat from Snow Hill, and Rep. Kathy Manning, a Democrat from Greensboro, who is Jewish, and organized the event, attended her address. Targeting Foushee and her trip Goldstein said that Foushee was targeted by Jewish Voice for Peace Triangle early because of the large base of Jews living in her district. JVP went to her office, held acts of civil disobedience and protested. And Goldstein said she saw Foushee be responsive to that. So when Foushee announced she had traveled to Israel to meet with its leaders, JVP was disappointed, Goldstein said. Indy Week first reported on Foushees trip, organized by American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, whose super-PAC, United Democracy Project, was a major financial backer of Foushees campaign. Her campaign support from AIPAC was controversial during her election and have followed her since. AIPAC describes itself as an organization of 3 million pro-Israel Americans working to strengthen bipartisan support for the relationship between the U.S. and Israel. But the organization is considered a powerful lobbying group and drew ire from Foushees predecessor, Rep. David Price, a retired Democrat, who told an Israeli newspaper that, It wasnt that long ago in the Democratic caucus, including the leadership of the party, if AIPAC said jump, wed say How high? AIPAC touts Foushee on its website as one of eight pro-Israel candidates who helped defeat someone the organization felt would undermine the relationship between Israel and the United States Davis is also on that list. The candidate Foushee defeated, in the 2022 Democratic primary election, was Durham County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nida Allam, who is Muslim, and who this week sharply criticized Foushee for traveling to Israel and meeting with Netanyahu. AIPAC spokesman Marshall Wittmann told McClatchy in a written statement Friday that after Oct. 7, the trips to Israel provide members of Congress with a deeper understanding of the threats that Israel faces from Iranian terrorist proxies on its borders. AIEF-sponsored trips, Wittmann said, referring to the American Israel Education Foundation, help educate bipartisan political leaders about the importance of the U.S. - Israel relationship through firsthand experiences in Israel, briefings by experts on Middle East affairs, and meetings with Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum. The trips are uniquely policy focused and comprehensive on a wide array of issues concerning U.S.-Israel cooperation including regional security, technology, health and science. Following Foushees trip, she released a statement that diplomacy is needed to bring both sides to together for meaningful negotiations for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement. Fostering diplomatic dialogue and facilitating deescalation efforts is the only way to reach a bilateral ceasefire, ensure the release of all remaining hostages, alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and achieve the ultimate goal of a permanent two-state solution, Foushee wrote. She called for the global community to condemn Hamas actions, for Israel to abide by humanitarian law and for aid to be provided to Gaza. More protests, more peace? Just days later, on April 6, Ross and Foushee held a joint fundraiser in the Triangle and JVP disrupted it while calling for the congresswomen to oppose funding to Israel. Goldstein said they didnt want to disrupt the event for those who were attending, but were pleased that four attendees came out of the event to join their protests. Goldstein said one of the banners that was being held outside the event said to stop arming Israel, and on Friday, after reading Foushees letter, she wondered aloud about its effect. She said JVP members watched Foushee drive past the banner. Im glad that she is listening to her constituents, Goldstein said. I think this does seem like a responsiveness to that, quite directly, and its great to see that, but there is no progress that we make towards peace right now that does not or cannot come with the sadness of knowing that weve seen 40,000 deaths, so many of them children, in the past six and a half months, and at any time our representatives or our president can say, stop. Cop car amongst vehicles broken into in Henry County neighborhood, police say Henry County police are investigating after multiple vehicles, including a patrol vehicle, were broken into. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Henry County police said on April 1, just after 4 a.m., officers were called to the 1200 block of Towne Centre Village Drive regarding suspicious activity. When officers arrived, they found three suspects breaking into vehicles, who all ran from police when spotted. Authorities said after a foot chase, one of the suspects, a teen was taken into custody. TRENDING STORIES: As the day moved forward, the department said more victims called to report their vehicle being broken into. This included a Henry County police officer, whose marked patrol vehicle was broken into. Officials said nothing was taken. Henry County detectives said the officers surveillance footage captured the teen and his two accomplices shattering the windows of his patrol vehicle. One of the suspects has been charged with three extra counts of entering auto and one count of interference with government property. Their ages and identities were not released. Authorities did not say how many vehicles were broken into. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Cop dies after pickup slams into police car during traffic stop, Nebraska officers say A Nebraska police officer was fatally hit while conducting a traffic stop on the side of a highway, officials said. Ross Bartlett, 54, was sitting in his police cruiser during a traffic stop near Ceresco on April 12 when he was hit by a pickup truck, Nebraska State Patrol said in a news release. Bartletts police car then crashed into the Nissan Altima he originally pulled over, troopers said. The 27-year-old driver of the Nissan Altima was sitting in their vehicle at the time of the crash, deputies said. Bartlett was life-flighted to a hospital shortly after the Friday evening crash. Despite the efforts of many bystanders, first responders, and medical personnel, Officer Bartlett succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased Friday evening at the hospital, according to troopers. Bartlett had been with the Ceresco Police Department since 2017. He had also served as a volunteer firefighter and investigator for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. Before joining the Ceresco police, Bartlett worked for multiple law enforcement agencies across Nebraska, including the Valentine Police Department, Boone County Sheriffs Office, Madison Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff Department, and Newman Grove Police Department, his obituary said. Ross dedicated his career to law enforcement across Nebraska, according to his obituary. The Nissan driver suffered serious injuries, troopers said. The 49-year-old driving the pickup was not seriously injured, according to officers. McClatchy News is not naming the driver because he has not been charged. The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the crash and plans to present the findings to the Lancaster County Attorneys Office, according to officers. Ceresco is about a 20-mile drive north of Lincoln. State trooper dies after hes hit during traffic stop on interstate, Michigan cops say 18-year-old US Marine steals over $500,000 from jewelry stores, Texas cops say Kidnapped woman seen hanging out of car speeding at 100 mph, Missouri cops say By Gloria Dickie and Alison Withers (Reuters) - Along coastlines from Australia to Kenya to Mexico, many of the world's colorful coral reefs have turned a ghostly white in what scientists said on Monday amounted to the fourth global bleaching event in the last three decades. At least 54 countries and territories have experienced mass bleaching among their reefs since February 2023 as climate change warms the ocean's surface waters, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch, the world's top coral reef monitoring body. Bleaching is triggered by water temperature anomalies that cause corals to expel the colorful algae living in their tissues. Without the algae's help in delivering nutrients to the corals, the corals cannot survive. "More than 54% of the reef areas in the global ocean are experiencing bleaching-level heat stress," Coral Reef Watch coordinator Derek Manzello said. Announcement of the latest global bleaching event was made jointly by NOAA and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), a global intergovernmental conservation partnership. For an event to be deemed global, significant bleaching must occur in all three ocean basins - the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian - within a 365-day period. Like this year's bleaching event, the last three - in 1998, 2010 and 2014-2017 - also coincided with an El Nino climate pattern, which typically ushers in warmer sea temperatures. Sea surface temperatures over the past year have smashed records that have been kept since 1979, as the effects of El Nino are compounded by climate change. Corals are invertebrates that live in colonies. Their calcium carbonate secretions form hard and protective scaffolding that serves as a home to the single-celled algae. Scientists have expressed concern that many of the world's reefs will not recover from the intense, prolonged heat stress. "What is happening is new for us, and to science," said marine ecologist Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. "We cannot yet predict how severely stressed corals will do," even if they survive immediate heat stress, Alvarez-Filip added. Recurring bleaching events are upending earlier scientific models that forecast that between 70% and 90% of the world's coral reefs could be lost when global warming reached 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 F) above pre-industrial temperatures. To date, the world has warmed by some 1.2 C (2.2 F). In a 2022 report by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, experts determined that just 1.2 C of warming would be enough to severely impact coral reefs, "with most available evidence suggesting that coral-dominated ecosystems will be non-existent at this temperature." This year's global bleaching event adds further weight to concerns among scientists that corals are in grave danger. "A realistic interpretation is that we have crossed the tipping point for coral reefs," said ecologist David Obura, who heads Coastal Oceans Research and Development Indian Ocean East Africa from Mombasa, Kenya. "They're going into a decline that we cannot stop, unless we really stop carbon dioxide emissions" that are driving climate change, Obura added. Coral reefs are estimated to provide some $2.7 trillion in goods and services every year - with benefits such as attracting tourists, protecting coastal communities from storm surges, and supporting coastal fisheries, according to a 2020 valuation by ICRI's scientific network. GLOBAL BLEACHING COULD BE WORST YET With bleaching surveys ongoing in the Indian Ocean and Pacific, NOAA experts expect that this global bleaching event could turn out to be the most extensive yet. Caribbean reefs experienced widespread bleaching last August as coastal sea surface temperatures hovered between 1 C (1.8 F) and 3 C (5.4 F) above normal. Scientists working in the region then began documenting mass die-offs across the region. From the staghorns to brain corals, "everything that you can see while diving was white in some reefs," Alvarez-Filip said. "I have never witnessed this level of bleaching." Bleached corals can recover if waters cool, but some Caribbean corals were so stressed that they continued to die even as temperatures dropped over winter, Alvarez-Filip added. Florida corals subjected to extreme heat shocks did not even have time to bleach, Manzello said. "They got so stressed, they just died and sloughed off their tissue," Manzello said. At the end of the Southern Hemisphere summer in March, tropical reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans also began to suffer. A record-breaking number of individual reefs within the Great Barrier have suffered from heat stress in recent months, and many are now draining of color, said coral biologist Neal Cantin at the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences. Cantin noted that marine heatwaves were registering some 2.5 C (4.5 F) above the normal summertime maximum. Recent aerial surveys have shown "very high" or "extreme" levels of bleaching in nearly half of surveyed reefs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park area. That makes this the fifth bleaching event in the Great Barrier Reef in just nine years - far more frequent than the twice per decade that scientists expected by the 2030s. Indian Ocean reefs off Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya and the Seychelles have also suffered bleaching, though not as severely as in 2016 thanks to an early change in this year's monsoon leading to cooler conditions, Obura said. "The stress experienced by corals in the region is likely less than it could have been, which is very lucky," Obura said. (This story has been refiled to fix a typo in paragraph 2) (Reporting by Gloria Dickie in London and Ali Withers in Copenhagen; Editing by Katy Daigle and Will Dunham) Costco Fans Complain That The Quality Of Kirkland Bacon Is 'Garbage Now': 'We Quit Buying It' Costco regulars are the people you can trust when it comes to the quality of food increasing or decreasing. Recently, customers have noticed that the Costco-branded bacon, the Kirkland line, has really gone down in quality, consisting of more meat than fat in each slice. Keep reading for all the details. Kirkland Bacon Has Declined In Quality One Costco customer took to Reddit to see if anyone else noticed the decrease in the quality of Kirkland bacon. Writing with the pen name @MCMDigital, the customer titled their thread, "The Bacon is Garbage Now!" and posted it in the Costco subreddit. "Has anyone else noticed the quality of bacon getting really bad the last few years?" @MCMDigital asked. "I am noticing inconsistent slicing, too much fat, some slices are even paper thin!" The bacon they're referring to is the Kirkland Sliced Bacon that's Naturally Hickory Smoked and comes in a 1lb package. While many customers opt for this Kirkland-branded bacon because it's Costco's very own brand and often comes at the best price, it's looking like the great price isn't worth how poor the quality is. Costco Customers Write Off The Kirkland Bacon Other users on the Reddit thread added their thoughts about the Kirkland bacon in the comment section. "The fat content is ridiculous," one person wrote. "You cant even separate them sometimes because the fat just sticks and then separated onto the other piece. There is next to no meat just fat." "Yes!" another person agreed. "We quit buying it about 6 months ago because the quality was horrible! It started during Covid and just got worse." "It's not just Costco," another person said. "I'm having a hard time finding good bacon anywhere." "Do the thick cut," one person suggested. "But even then I have to scan each side to make sure it's not a 100% fat piece. Definitely agree the quality has gone down." "Just made a pack last night and I had half really thick slices and half were paper thin," a final customer wrote. "It didnt cook evenly and the super thin stuff burned." RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) In May, a committee of the National Park Service will consider National Historic Landmark designation for 11 nominated sites. Among them is North Carolina and Virginias Blue Ridge Parkway. The 469-mile-long parkway was nominated for designation for being the pinnacle achievement of the American parkway movement of the early 20th century, its associations with important trends and events related to automobile tourism and its masterwork of landscape architecture and transportation engineering. It was the most visited national park in 2022, but it isnt exactly a park Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) sent a letter to National Park Service Director Charles Sams III encouraging the Department of Interior and the National Historic Landmarks Committee to designate the Blue Ridge Parkway as a National Historic Landmark. In that letter, he says the Blue Ridge Parkway serves as a gateway for millions of Americans to experience the regions unique culture and heritage. Noted for its scenic beauty, incredible hiking trails, and accessible tranquility, the letter reads, This historic landmarks distinction cannot be replicated anywhere else in the United States or the world. Senator Budd highlighted the parkways economic contributions, noting the 15 million visitors who spent nearly $1.3 billion in and around the parkway in 2022. The National Historic Landmark committee will discuss the parkway at their May meeting. Also under consideration will be the F.W. Woolworth Company Building in Greensboro for its significance to the civil rights movement. The building was the location of the 1960 lunch counter sit-ins by four N.C. A&T students who came to be known as the Greensboro Four. The National Historic Landmark committee will make a decision on what to recommend to the National Park System Advisory Board for consideration. At its subsequent meeting, the NPSAB will vote on whether to take that recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior. Final decisions will be made by the Secretary of the Interior. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Royal Mail has been told to suspend counterfeit stamp fines amid fears innocent customers are wrongly being charged 5. Senior MPs have called on the postal service to stop the unfair fines while it investigates issues with new barcoded stamps which has seen a spate of customers claim they have been wrongly surcharged. Last week, an investigation by The Telegraph found China is flooding Britain with counterfeit stamps with suppliers offering to produce up to one million fake Royal Mail stamps a week and deliver them to Britain within days. A senior executive said the convincing Chinese forgeries were making it harder for Royal Mails revenue protection team to spot the difference between a genuine and fraudulent stamp. The source said they knew of only a handful of cases where members of the public have been incorrectly surcharged as machines are not always able to scan new barcodes correctly. Royal Mail has previously always maintained its processes were secure. The Liberal Democrats said it was ridiculous customers were being caught up in Royal Mails mess. Sarah Olney, the partys treasury spokesman, called on the Government to launch an investigation and said no fine should be handed out until ministers have got to the bottom of this. She also reiterated calls for the Chinese embassy to be brought before ministers as part of an investigation. She said: The Government should stamp out these unfair fines. Ministers need to launch an investigation into this, including questioning the Chinese embassy. During that time, it is ridiculous to be penalising innocent people who are being caught up in this mess. No fines should be handed out until Ministers have got to the bottom of this. Yet again the government is missing in action and far too slow to act. Labour called for an urgent investigation to protect British consumers who are being defrauded. Shadow Secretary of State for Business Jonathan Reynolds said: This is incredibly worrying for British consumers and small businesses who are being defrauded. The Government must urgently investigate the scale of this forgery and work with Royal Mail, the police and the regulator to clamp down on this criminality. Former Post Office minister Paul Scully said Royal Mail should not assume the problem lies with small retailers - Jose Sarmento Matos Former Post Office minister Paul Scully also called for the fines to be stopped while Royal Mail investigates the issue. Mr Scully said: The end user is the one getting the fine, whereas its another person who is actually responsible. That doesnt sound right and it doesnt sound fair. Royal Mail believes the forgeries are being sold online as well as unwittingly by small retailers, who, under legislation introduced in 1989, are not required to buy stamps directly from Royal Mail and can instead source them from wholesalers in bulk. The postal service has said it is writing to thousands of small retailers to warn them against purchasing counterfeit stamps from anybody offering a discount, with a close source adding Royal Mails security team were monitoring hotspots of suspicious activity. However Mr Scully said Royal Mail should not assume the problem lies with small retailers. They (the fines) should be paused. Im not sure that unless people know how to avoid counterfeit stamps, I cant believe theres loads of people that are suddenly going to dodgy places to get their stamps. Meanwhile Baroness Altmann, vice chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Consumer Protection, said the law should be changed so that only the Post Office can sell stamps. The former pensions minister said: We actually got caught out by that last year. My uncle had his birthday last summer and he sent out, the poor man, thank you cards to everybody who bought a special 90th birthday present for him and all of us had to pay five pounds to read his lovely letter. He bought stamps on Amazon thinking they were at a discount. And clearly they were counterfeit and presumably now we know they probably came from China. What you want is for people to only buy non-counterfeit stamps. If people are trying to buy off the internet, surely they should be told not to and they should be told to only buy from Royal Mail. I think its quite clear that buying something like a stamp, which has special security measures, shouldnt happen online, just like buying 5 notes online at a discount. Its the same principle. You should have to go to a recognised bank for the money, and you should have to go to the Post Office or order from a post office for stamps. Until 1989, stamps could only be sold by Royal Mail and in Post Offices. These rules were then relaxed to give customers more choice and availability. It means anybody in Britain can sell stamps and at whatever price they want. Last week, a government source told The Telegraph there were no immediate plans to change the law. Royal Mail, which has been a private company since 2013, is regulated by Ofcom. However the regulator said counterfeit stamps fell outside of its remit and it had not been in contact with Royal Mail about the issue. An Ofcom spokesman said: Issues regarding the authenticity of stamps are not within the scope of Ofcoms regulation, which is set in legislation by Parliament. A Royal Mail spokesman said: The issue of counterfeit stamps is one that postal services around the world have been tackling for many years. In the UK, the combination of new barcoded stamps with added security features, the surcharge and Royal Mail actively working with law enforcement authorities has led to a 90pc reduction in counterfeit stamps. We want our customers to buy stamps with confidence and always recommend that customers only purchase stamps from Post Offices and other reputable High Street retailers, and not to buy stamps online unless from the official Royal Mail shop . Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Editors Note: This article was published by the twice-weekly newsletter The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak on April 14, 2024, and has been re-published by the Kyiv Independent with permission. To subscribe to "The Counteroffensive," click here. In a country at war, death is all around. But Pavel Goldin is focused on a particular kind of collateral damage: an aquatic mammal he's spent much of his life studying. Please report all known finds of dead dolphins! reads a recurring post on a Facebook page he runs. After locating a dead dolphin, Goldin performs a necropsy if the carcass is intact to try to determine the cause of death and learn more about how and why so many of Ukraine's dolphins are dying. According to some estimates, 37,500 to 48,000 Black Sea dolphins died in the three-month period after the full-scale invasion started. This figure amounts to around 15-20% of the sea's total dolphin population and a death rate that is 10 times higher than before February 2022. The (Black Sea's dolphin) population simply cannot withstand that type of death rate, explained Naomi Rose, an expert on marine mammals in captivity. The ecological impact of the war highlights the vulnerability of aquatic animals to the bombings and mines that have become common along Ukraine's coastal areas. While the wild dolphin population is on the verge of extinction, dolphins raised in captivity as weapons of the Russian military are making their way into the Black Sea. Russian forces moved trained dolphins to a harbor at the entrance of Sevastopol in occupied Crimea at the start of the full-scale war. Satellite imagery from June 2023 showed that the number of dolphins in the harbor almost doubled. The U.K. Defense Ministry reported that "trained marine mammals" were added to the Russian military's defenses. Russia also reportedly moved dolphins to another naval base northwest of Sevastopol. The dolphins are likely used to patrol the area looking for Ukrainian divers sent to spy, to protect ships against Ukrainian divers planting mines attached by magnets, and to collect military equipment that has fallen on the seafloor. That Russia has been training dolphins for combat purposes is common knowledge. In fact, the history of training dolphins for military purposes goes back decades. The first known program was started in the 1950s by the U.S. Navy. Dolphins and beluga whales were held in captivity and studied as a way of researching hydrodynamics the U.S. Navy wanted to learn more about how these animals swim, and potentially use that research to develop new submarine technology. Although this was unsuccessful, they made other discoveries. Thats when they noticed them clicking, explained Rose. The dolphins were using echolocation, and up until the 1950s researchers were unaware of that. A scientist examines a dead dolphin at the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park amid Russia's war against Ukraine in Odesa Oblast, Ukraine, on Aug. 28, 2022. (Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images) While the Soviet program began a few years after that of the U.S., it also made fascinating discoveries. One of the researchers in the Soviet Union discovered that they (dolphins) sleep with only one half of their brain at a time, Rose explained. They noticed that the dolphins would swim very slowly as a pod near the surface of the water with one eye closed and one eye open and that is how they discovered unihemispheric sleep, Rose continued. While these discoveries were significant from a scientific perspective, they didn't translate into anything useful for the military at the time. Although these discoveries were significant from a scientific perspective, they didnt really translate to anything useful for the military in the ways they had intended. But, by then, they'd realized how smart they were, Rose said. Goldin explained that bottlenose dolphins are predominantly used in navy training programs. They have long term social ties, kinds of kinships and each group can even have their own cultural traditions. Satellite imagery of the Sevastopol Port in occupied Crimea on June 8, 2023. The U.K. Defense Ministry reported that the Russian military increased the number of trained marine mammals kept at the Sevastopol Port amid Russia's war against Ukraine. (U.K. Defense Ministry/Twitter) This level of intellect makes it easier to train the dolphins because they have the cognitive abilities and communication skills necessary to adapt and build relationships with their human trainers, Goldin explained. It's precisely the bottlenose dolphins' high intellect that makes them so interesting to Goldin: It is a really amazing feeling to realize that there are animal species which can be directly comparable to humans. This is amazing." Scientists soon realized the dolphins could be used beyond the research lab in combat. They are also incredibly good at noticing patterns and patrolling. "They're trained to alert their trainer whenever they see something that's not supposed to be there... They don't have to be given an 'A, B, or C,' they can just be told 'anything that's not normal' and they'll alert their trainer," Rose explained. It has been rumored that these dolphins were trained to attack enemy divers one rumor even goes so far as to suggest that dolphins were trained by the Ukrainian Navy to carry underwater guns capable of shooting knives from their head. A dolphin swims at the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey, on Dec. 5, 2023. (Berk Ozkan/Anadolu via Getty Images) Rose had strong doubts about this: "If a person is shot and reacts, and blood is in the water... I don't think (the dolphin would) ever do it again... each individual dolphin would do it once and never again because they are very sensitive to distress." When the Soviet Union fell apart, so too did the training program. The dolphins were transferred over to the Ukrainian Navy and put in a commercial dolphinarium. The dolphinarium's trainer, Boris Zhurid, then sold them to Iran because it was too expensive to feed them. Twenty-seven animals were thus transported to the Persian Gulf. "I cannot bear to see my animals starve... We're out of medicine, which costs thousands of dollars, and have no more fish or food supplements, Boris told the Washington Post back in 2016. When Russia occupied Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and the state oceanarium in Sevastopol was taken over, the dolphins were seized by the Russian military despite demands from Ukraine. Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Marchuk questioned whether the dolphins would work with Russia: "Dolphins get used to the people they work with. It's not so easy for them to change allegiance." Ukraine's presidential representative in Crimea, Boris Babin, said many of the Ukrainian dolphins seized by Russia died "patriotically" after refusing food from Russian trainers. Babin explained back in 2018 that the dolphins had been trained with whistles and equipment, all of which Russia had received and yet the dolphins still refused to eat. It is very sad that many Ukrainian military personnel who were stationed in Crimea in 2014 treated the issue of the oath and allegiance much worse than these dolphins, Babin said. For a lot of people, including Goldin, using dolphins in the military is not only unethical but also pointless: It is not only inhumane, I am fully convinced this is a crime." "Secondly it is totally useless. It is like using elephants for combat in the 21st century. Ukraine uses underwater drones, which are very effective Russia uses dolphins instead of drones. It is absurd. It is absolutely useless. Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Read also: Opinion: What should Ukraine do about its Russia-linked church? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. This country will require Americans to show their bank statements to visit. Heres why (NEXSTAR) If you want to travel to Brazil next year, youll need to share your bank statements with the South American nation first. Travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Australia will need to obtain a visa before entering the country, beginning April 10, 2025, according to a Brazilian government-authorized website. To complete the visa application, visitors must provide proof of income for travel by showing their last three checking or savings account statements or their six previous pay stubs. If you dont have at least $2,000 in your bank account youll need a sponsor typically a friend or family member to sign a document called an affidavit of support, accepting financial responsibility for you. Man arrested for allegedly punching girl, 9, in Grand Central: MTA Other requirements include a passport, a letter of intent, proof of residence, plane or bus tickets, lodging reservations, and a payment of $80.90. While this may seem overwhelming, the U.S. has similar requirements for Brazilian citizens who want to travel to America for tourism. To obtain a U.S. visa, Brazilians must have a valid passport and pay a $185 application fee. They may also need to schedule a visa interview appointment at their nearest embassy, as well as provide documentation outlining the purpose of their visit and their ability to pay for the entire trip, as noted on the U.S. State Departments website. The file photo shows a waterfront view of Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. (Getty Images) Americans who want to visit Brazil can fill out the application for an electronic visa online. Visas to Brazil are valid for 10 years across multiple entries, according to the countrys U.S. Embassy. Stays are restricted to 90 days per year. The U.S. State Department said Brazils visa requirement was supposed to be reinstated this April but was once again postponed. It was initially postponed in October, then again in January, according to the Associated Press. 2 people fall onto train tracks after brawling in Manhattan subway station: NYPD Up until 2019, American, Australian and Canadian tourists needed a visa to visit Brazil. Former president Jair Bolsonaro removed the requirement to boost the tourism industry, according to the Associated Press. However, the three countries still demanded visas from Brazilians. Bolsonaros predecessor, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, decided to reintroduce the requirement to maintain reciprocity between the countries. People looking to travel to Brazil should also exercise increased caution during their visit due to crime, the U.S. State Department urged in a travel advisory reissued back in October 2023. The agency warned against traveling to areas within 100 miles of Brazils borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A 25-year-old man is behind bars after police said he carjacked two vehicles on the Courtney Campbell Causeway before crashing into a St. Petersburg police vehicle and hitting a tree. The Tampa Police Department responded to reports of an armed carjacking on the causeway around 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Police said the suspect, Antwon Cummings, approached a driver in his late 20s and asked to use his vehicle to charge his phone. He then brandished a small handgun, took the victims car keys, and exited the vehicle. The victim called 911 shortly after the incident. According to police, Cummings returned to steal the victims vehicle and started to drive away. He got out of the vehicle, started running across the causeway, and carjacked a teenage girl who was sitting in the drivers seat of a Nissan. Police said he showed her his handgun and demanded she give him the keys. Then he fled the scene in the girls car. Missing Florida woman found dead in torched SUV after possible carjacking: sheriff Police were able to find the stolen vehicle in St. Petersburg. Police said Cummings had crashed the car into a police vehicle, but no officers were injured. After that collision, he crashed the vehicle into a tree in the 2800 block of 54th Avenue South. He injured his leg and was hospitalized. A loaded handgun was recovered from the vehicle. Cummings was arrested on two counts of armed carjacking and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. He also faces more local charges in St. Pete. Youre not going back home: Largo man drugged, imprisoned 2 women, police say The incident comes a few days after a Florida woman was killed in a possible carjacking in Seminole County. Investigators suspect a gunman climbed into her SUV. Her body was found in her car, which had been set ablaze. Police said the suspect and victim are believed to have known each other, but investigators are still trying to piece everything together. 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. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. The covert war between Israel and Iran has exploded into view. What comes next? The bitter conflict between Israel and Iran has long been confined to the realm of secret assassinations, audacious cyberattacks, nuclear sabotage and war-by-proxy. But that largely covert struggle burst into full view over the weekend with Tehrans retaliatory drone and missile strikes. The Islamic Republics unprecedented direct attack on the Jewish state, which followed Israels deadly strike on Irans consular building in Syria, left the United States and its allies scrambling to avoid a wider conflict as the world waits to see what comes next. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus war Cabinet convened Monday to weigh its options. Western leaders have urged restraint, with President Joe Biden warning his Israeli counterpart against carrying out new strikes on Iran and making it clear that Washington would not join in any such counterattack. (Speaking after the war Cabinet convened, an Israeli official told NBC News that a response may be imminent.) While almost all the drones and missiles used in the attack were taken down by Israel, the U.S. and other allied countries, the stakes after the attack could not be higher. In the eyes of some foreign policy hawks, the attacks could be perceived as a grave provocation that demands a furious rejoinder. But other analysts have warned that if Netanyahu decides to hit back hard, it could plunge the wider Middle East into war amid Israels devastating monthslong military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Complicating matters, Irans intentions are not entirely clear. In the days after the attacks, some analysts have argued that its aerial barrage seemed primarily designed to bolster its position with domestic hard-liners and deter regional foes, but calibrated not to lead to a more sweeping war. Follow live updates on Israels reported strike on Iran Objects are seen in the sky above Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in Jerusalem (Ronen Zvulun / Reuters) Iran understands its relatively weak in the region, and so it had to make sure that whatever action it took was sufficiently significant to send a very strong message but not so successful that it would invite retaliation not only from Israel, but from Israels allies, Rodger Shanahan, a Middle East analyst based in Australia, said in a phone interview Monday from Lebanon. William F. Wechsler, senior director of Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council, an international affairs think tank, similarly argued that the nature of Tehrans retaliatory mission was telling. Iran sent an unmistakable signal that it wanted to avoid a further escalation that could spark a truly regional war, Wechsler said in an analysis. It chose long-range attacks that could be readily thwarted by known Israeli defenses and pointedly did not target any U.S. facilities. Tehran which does not officially recognize Israels existence, has long championed the Palestinian cause and celebrated Hamas' Oct. 7 attack as a victory worked to frame its weekend strikes as a legitimate and responsible reaction to Israel bombing its consulate in Syria. The West should be grateful for Irans restraint, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said on Monday. Yet some in Tehran have described the Saturday attack in more drastic terms. We have decided to create a new equation with Israel, the chief of the countrys Revolutionary Guard Corps said. Israel has battled its arch-enemy Iran through clandestine operations and proxy forces, as well as warning Tehran over its intentions as it develops its nuclear programs. (Iran has long insisted that its nuclear program is peaceful a claim Israel rejects.) Through its proxies, most notably Hezbollah, the powerful and well-armed political party and militant group in Lebanon, Iran has struck at Israel. But before Saturday, neither side had openly and directly attacked the other at home. Israel Military Base Tel Aviv (Israeli Army / AFP - Getty Images) The region is entering uncharted territory where the previous strategic paradigm and rules of engagement no longer apply, Amal Saad, a lecturer at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom, said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Regardless of what Israel does next, there is no going back to the status quo ante, Saad said in a subsequent post. Western leaders nonetheless appear eager for Israel to show restraint in its response. U.S. officials told NBC News that Washington was concerned that Israel could respond quickly without thinking through the potential fallout, and Biden told Netanyahu that the U.S. will not participate in offensive operations against Iran, a senior administration official said. Iran has long viewed its missile arsenal as the ultimate ace card to deter and threaten its adversaries, but Israels success in defending itself against hundreds of Iranian projectiles raised doubts about Tehrans military power. In an editorial for The Wall Street Journal, a former commander of U.S. Central Command argued that Irans aerial assault was a display of weakness. The vulnerability of Irans force has been exposed, and the regime is gravely weakened as a result, retired Marine Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. wrote. Israel has been strengthened by a stunning display of military competence, a striking contrast with that seen on Oct. 7. An aerial assault on Saudi Arabia by Iranian-backed Houthi forces in 2019, which the U.S. and Israel blamed on Iran, was much more effective. In that attack, which Iran denied responsibility for, drones struck key Saudi oil facilities, penetrating Riyadhs U.S.-made air defense systems. The episode sparked concern in Washington and the region that Irans missile and drone fleets posed a growing threat. In many respects, Iran and Israel have been on a collision course for nearly half a century. Israel and Iran have been enemies since the Islamic Revolution in the late 1970s. Irans theocratic regime has vowed to wipe the Jewish state off the map; Israel and the U.S. have long accused Tehran of funding terrorist organizations and armed proxies in the Middle East, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Erdan urged the Security Council to impose But the hostilities between Israel and Iran have never risen to the level of face-to-face military confrontation. Instead, the two countries have carried out furtive attacks on each other by land, sea, air and cyberspace. Iran routinely targets Israel through its Axis of Resistance, a network that extends Tehrans influence across the Arab world. While Iran has denied that it played a role in Hamas Oct. 7 terrorist attack, and a senior Hamas official has said Iran did not order or sanction the operation, both Israel and the United States say Tehran was complicit in the assault, having armed and trained the militants for years. In the aftermath of Oct. 7, Israel concluded that its past targeting of Iranian arms shipments to Hezbollah in Lebanon and other covert actions had failed to sufficiently deter Iran, prompting it to go after the Revolutionary Guard officers at the diplomatic compound in Damascus this month, former U.S. officials and regional experts said. It is rare for Iran to deploy its capabilities so directly against an enemy, even when its senior commanders are taken out. In 2020, when the U.S. launched a drone strike in Baghdad that killed Tehrans powerful Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Iran struck back with missiles on Iraqi bases housing American troops, injuring about 100 personnel. The war in Gaza raised tensions between Iran and Israel to new heights, before the Israeli strike on Tehrans diplomatic compound in Damascus on April 1 killed at least seven of its military officers, including two top commanders. Iran vowed vengeance and then delivered on that promise Saturday. The question now is how Israel chooses to deliver its response. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An Abilene woman was killed in a Lubbock County vehicle wreck over the weekend. In a preliminary crash report, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) shared that two drivers were killed in a head-on collision around 11:30 p.m. last Saturday night. According to the released investigation notes, an Abilene woman was driving a 2022 Dodge Ram pickup truck as she traveled north along US Highway 87 through Lubbock County, but she was driving in the south travel lanes. Another driver in a 2015 sedan was traveling south in the appropriate lane, colliding into the pickup truck. This happened at FM 1585. Both drivers, Christina Castro, 33, of Abilene and Marcos Noyola Castanon, 23, of Wilson, were pronounced dead at th scene due to their crash injuries. No further information has been released. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Critics Shred Chris Sununu Over His 'Truly Sad' Trump 180: 'All The More Pitiful' New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, who was recently a staunch critic of Donald Trump, changed his tune on the former president as he backed his 2024 campaign in an interview with ABC News George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. No other president in American history has contributed to an insurrection so please explain, given the fact that you believe he contributed to an insurrection, how you can say we should have him back in the Oval Office, Stephanopoulos asked on ABC News This Week. Because for me its not about him as much as it is having a Republican administration, said Sununu, who predicted that Trump wouldnt be the 2024 GOP presidential nominee but didnt rule out voting for him. The GOP governor, who described himself as a Trump guy through and through in 2019, has repeatedly bashed the former president following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. Hes referred to Trump as crazy, not a real Republican, worried about jail time, called on GOP candidates to break free from Trumps drama and described his indictment over his handling of classified documents as self-inflicted. You said in the past that he should drop out if hes convicted in the classified documents case. Do you still believe that? asked Stephanopoulos after Sununu attempted to dodge his question. Drop out after being the nominee? Of course not. Thats not to be expected at all, Sununu answered. Stephanopoulos later offered a summary of Sununus takes. You support him for president even if hes convicted for classified documents. You support him for president even though you believe he contributed to an insurrection. You support him for president even though you believe hes lying about the last election. You support him for president even if hes convicted in the Manhattan case. I just want to say the answer to that is, Yes, correct, he asked. Yeah, me and 51% of America, answered Sununu despite recent general election poll numbers that say otherwise. Critics mocked Sununu on Sunday including former Obama adviser David Axelrod, who called the interview truly sad. Former CNN White House correspondent John Harwood, in response to a clip from the interview, called the GOP governor all the more pitiful for the fact that he once pretended to stand for something. You can check out their reactions and more below. This was truly sad. https://t.co/ohw3NNpruD David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) April 14, 2024 Chris Sununu is all the more pitiful for the fact that he once pretended to stand for something https://t.co/l8Jycvltl3 John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) April 14, 2024 Governor @ChrisSununu is explaining that he's part of a mob and right and wrong mean nothing to them - only power Sununu's mob must be treated like all mobs. https://t.co/ZSUEdS1pES Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) April 14, 2024 What we have here is the demise of the rule of law https://t.co/keuyRhG2YS Andrew Weissmann (weissmann11 on Threads) (@AWeissmann_) April 14, 2024 Sununu really couldn't come off much worse than he does in this thread. what an exercise in cowardice. https://t.co/9X74QfOGzD Noah Berlatsky (@nberlat) April 14, 2024 When you have no core convictions or values and all you want is power you will flip flop, waffle, and accept anything including a bigoted, lying, divisive, multi-indicted insurrectionist! https://t.co/o4iawhUUeX Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) April 14, 2024 This was a spectacular moment for @GStephanopoulos. This is how it should be done. No drama, recrimination or performative outrage. Just the facts. Sununu revealed himself as a cynic of stupendous dimensions. Hes wrong. Trump needs indifference to win. He can never reach 50%. https://t.co/Cq7haFswSJ Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) April 14, 2024 For all of the fools who called @GovChrisSununu@ChrisSununu a principled Republican, @GStephanopoulos just exposed that he is exactly the kind I called out on @ThisWeekABC in Sept. 2021 to @GovChristie. It STILL holds up. No morals, values, principles, ethics. NONE. https://t.co/yath9HT9bc rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) April 14, 2024 Absolute drivel from @ChrisSununu, who not only knows better, but has the power to help shape history https://t.co/r0GwePGNsZ Kerry Eleveld (@kerryeleveld) April 14, 2024 This was a disaster for Sununu and another example of @GStephanopoulos giving a total masterclass on how to conduct an interview: https://t.co/XMat9ltHCP Matt Corridoni (@mattcorridoni) April 15, 2024 Related... Critics Trash Trump For Most Deranged Claim Yet Ahead Of Criminal Trial Donald Trump on Saturday called himself perhaps the most honest guy almost in the world, a claim his critics didnt buy given the former presidents extensive history of lying. Trump made 30,573 false or misleading claims during the four years of his presidency, according to a Washington Post tally. He was also convicted of fraud in February in a case that could ultimately cost him nearly half a billion dollars in fines, penalties and interest. His claim also came just two days before he heads to trial on Monday in his first criminal court case with three other criminal cases pending in other courts. Trump on Saturday falsely claimed they found nothing despite all of those cases and a combined total of 88 criminal counts: Trump, lying, claims hes the most honest guy, almost, in the world pic.twitter.com/oTH0CewRiA Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) April 14, 2024 Trumps critics on X were standing by with a fact-check: Deranged. What else can one say. https://t.co/e4fg281wn0 Spiros Ghost (@AntiToxicPeople) April 14, 2024 This should go without saying to anyone with an IQ higher than a kumquats: Only a pathological liar would say such a thing. https://t.co/WHG4LX4CBN George Conway (@gtconway3d) April 14, 2024 During his presidency he told 30,573 LIES. He has never stopped lying. https://t.co/HSabQvWx93https://t.co/Ypq1RlREin D Villella (@dvillella) April 14, 2024 It may be a small world, Donald, but no world's that small. https://t.co/7iDruBwR12 Jim Snowden (@SnowdenJim) April 14, 2024 Narrator: Trump is the most documented liar in American political history. Number two is not even close. Matthew Spira (@MatthewSpira) April 14, 2024 The same guy who was sharing war documents with billionaires? CB (@ConservBlue2020) April 14, 2024 The only people who run around bragging about being honest are people who are rarely, if ever, actually honest about anything. It's along the lines of actual geniuses never bringing up that they're geniuses. https://t.co/xHpC6TGuSZ Silly season is upon us... (@AlyssonFergison) April 14, 2024 That almost is doing ALOT of work https://t.co/jjgyYxEZFI Dustin M. Czarny (@DustinCzarny) April 14, 2024 "They found nothing, so it's a mystery why four different grand juries in four jurisdictions indicted me for 91 felonies." If you buy this your brain is broken. https://t.co/aJjgTBP22h Khashoggis Ghost (@UROCKlive1) April 14, 2024 By honest, he meant "alternative facts "? CryptoSmind (@SmindCrypto) April 14, 2024 irony has never ironied this hard https://t.co/2Ww03UEGSO Barrett Tomek (@BarrettTomek) April 13, 2024 Related... Participants of a Czech-led artillery initiative have contracted the first 180,000 out of 300,000 ammunition rounds for Ukraine, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala wrote in an op-ed for the Financial Times on April 15. "These will be delivered to the Ukrainian front in the coming months," Fiala said. Czech President Petr Pavel announced in February that the Czech Republic had identified 500,000 155 mm shells and 300,000 122 mm shells outside of Europe that could be bought and sent to Ukraine after the necessary funds were allocated. Since then, a number of countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Poland, France, Denmark, and others, have contributed funds to the initiative. Fiala described the situation in Ukraine as "critical," saying that Kyiv has to make "difficult decisions" every day due to the ammunition shortages. "This makes it extremely hard to hold their lines the very lines that will decide the security and future of the whole of Europe," Fiala wrote. Fiala highlighted Denmark's and the Netherlands' contribution to the initiative, adding that other 20 countries have also pledged their help. The Czech prime minister also said the artillery shell initiative is not "a one-off stunt." "We are striving to create a robust ammunition supply mechanism that will directly help turn the tide on the frontline," he said. The initiative may deliver as many as 1.5 million rounds, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in an interview with Bloomberg published on March 26. While the Czech foreign minister declined to give a timeline for the delivery of the shells, Tomas Pojar, a Czech national security adviser, said earlier that the first batches could be sent to Ukraine as early as June. Read also: Media: Estonia considers joining Czech-led initiative to buy artillery shells for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. I hope this does not sound frivolous goodness knows, the threat to Israeli lives is real enough but it seems to me that Irans weekend attacks contained an element of play-acting. For its part, Iran wished to assert its right, as it saw it, to retaliate for the Israeli attack on its consulate better described as a hideout of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Damascus. The notion that Iran believes in the sanctity of diplomatic status is richly comical, given that violations of diplomatic immunity have been its stock in trade ever since the 1979 revolution. But let that pass. Smiting Israel directly achieves the propaganda of the deed. It delights Islamists and anti-Western interests, almost regardless of its military uselessness. This is the first time that Iran has fired on Israel from its own soil, so that represents, in the fanatical mind, a victory. It would be surprising if the Iranian regime really believed it would score a military breakthrough with its drones and missiles, so one must assume it is not too cast down by hitting only 1 per cent of its targets. Tehrans propaganda message is: Weve done it once. We can do it again, bigger. For Israel, too, the attacks had a good demonstration effect. They showed the Iron Dome working, the people keeping calm and carrying on, and the countrys most important allies doing the right thing. The Hamas massacres of October 7 sowed in some Arab minds the idea that Israel had gone soft. Gulf Arab states hate Iran and Hamas and had been getting closer to Israel through the Abraham Accords. After October 7, they feared Israel might not be the winner they had hoped, so they began tiptoeing away. Its successful response at the weekend will steady them. At much the same time as the Iranian attacks came reports that Indonesia, which has the worlds largest Muslim population, is now seeking closer ties with Israel. Its 95-million strong moderate movement, Nahdlatul Ulama, actively opposes Islamist extremism. It is also important that Jordanian fighter jets assisted Israeli resistance. Jordanian actions helped destroy drones which might have damaged the sacred Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Iranians are Shiites and therefore regarded as heretics in the Sunni Arab world. That Sunnis helped prevent Shia sacrilege is a powerful message. Overall, the weekend attacks have not won Iran the Muslim leadership role it seeks. As for the United States, helped by Britain and France, the events have reconfirmed that it possesses the intelligence, technology and military/political will to help Israel in its hour of need. It can and should extend similar assistance against Iranian drones to Ukraine, fast. We should now hear much less of the current campaign, orchestrated across the West, which tries to prevent Western arms sales to Israel. Who, after all, can deny that the place is under direct threat? The Iranian assault on Israel also makes it harder for Western powers to cling to the played-out dream, so dear to too many diplomatic hearts, of a comprehensive peace agreement with Iran. The West and Israel have drawn closer together in the past few days. That is good. A danger lurks, however. It is that this tactical victory against Iran could, perversely, limit Israels freedom of future action. Particularly in this election period, President Biden will wish to remind Israel that he has re-earned the right to restrict it. He insists on no retaliation. When you think about it, it is astonishing that the most widespread international reaction to Irans aggression is not condemnation but warnings against escalation, a word I spotted in five separate Middle Eastern headlines on the Reuters news service yesterday. Obviously, no sane person wants escalation, but the word is being employed to mean that Israel, in a way which would be unthinkable if applied to almost any other country, is being told not to exercise its undoubted right to self-defence. Tehran will notice, and be emboldened. Freedom from bias The owner of Reuters (see above) is Thomson Reuters, the Canadian media conglomerate. Thomson Reuters has a separate charitable foundation, which seeks to advance media freedom. The second of its Trust Principles states that the integrity, independence and freedom from bias of Thomson Reuters shall at all times be fully preserved. Last year, in my column of August 19, I drew attention to the foundations online magazine Openly, which offered the worlds most trusted destination for impartial LGBT+ news. Despite this claim, it turned out that the foundations chief executive, who was supposed to have no editorial input, had refused to allow Openlys editor to meet the LGB Alliance, a gender-critical group which believes that gay rights should not be treated in the same way as trans issues. Openly, despite its name, showed strong bias against a dissenting voice. Thomson Reuters told me that the meeting had been refused to protect the impartiality and integrity of our journalism, a statement which turned the meaning of words on its head. If you look up Openly online today, you will find it has published no news stories since February. A notice says, This site is archived but our LGBTQ+ news isnt. Instead, a new platform called Context mixes in LGBT+ with all the other right-on causes (climate, inclusive economies) that you might expect. Useful for some interested in such subjects Context might well be. Unbiased, it still is not. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A growing number of Democrats are expressing interest in conditioning weapons to Israel, but the issue remains divisive in the party, and even supporters of the idea have varying views on the path toward placing restrictions on aid. Calls to pull back on military support for Israel grew after a deadly Israeli strike killed seven aid workers with the charity group World Central Kitchen (WCK) earlier this month. While the push for conditioning weapons remains mostly among progressives, some centrist Democrats expressed frustration after the WCK strike, which killed an American Canadian citizen. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) told The Hill there needs to be an investigation into the WCK strike and a plan for how Israel will do things differently in Gaza. And if we dont get an acceptable response, I think going forward its reasonable to have a discussion with them about [certain] conditions on what we provide them, he said. The loss of civilian life is significant, unacceptable, and when innocent women and children get killed, you got to figure out a different way forward, Kelly added. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), a member of the Armed Services Committee, has urged the U.S. to only send defensive weapons to Israel, a call he emphasized after the WCK strike. I still think thats smart to avoid escalation, Kaine told The Hill of sending defensive weapons only. He added the first priority was getting Hamas to agree to a temporary cease-fire and hostage release deal. The balls in their court now. The pace of humanitarian aid is picking up, the senator said. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) also signaled an openness to conditioning weapons after the WCK strike. And Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said she would block the sale of F-15s to Israel in the wake of the strike. In a statement to The Hill, Warren said she has long called for conditioning aid to Israel. Israel has conducted a preliminary investigation into the WCK strike and fired two officers for the incident, though a more detailed review is expected. Israeli forces said they mistakenly thought the WCK workers were Hamas fighters. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) is among those saying Israel has crossed a line. My inclination at this point is to support defensive weapons only, he told The Hill. I have told [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] to his face that I thought the bombing campaign was doing more harm to Israel than to Hamas, and I think Israel absolutely has to do more in the way of facilitating humanitarian aid. King also said in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last week that the U.S. has a responsibility as the supplier of weapons to ensure the protection of civilians. More than 50 Democrats in the House, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), signed a letter this month demanding an investigation into the WCK strike and calling to withhold aid at least until its completed. The letter is simple: Until you have an investigation, we should withhold, Pelosi said in an MSNBC interview on Wednesday, citing the Leahy Law, which prohibits the U.S. from providing weapons to foreign countries that violate human rights. If we give you assistance you cannot interfere with our giving humanitarian assistance, she added. Even Democrats who remain opposed to conditions on support for Israel are pushing for increased humanitarian aid and a minimization of civilian deaths. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, told NewsNation last week that Democrats are in different places on the issue. But he emphasized that the party generally wants to support Israel while addressing the crisis in Gaza. Were not asking them to walk away from trying to meet their security needs, he said. Were saying that the way theyre doing it isnt necessary because they could be doing more to allow humanitarian assistance in and then once its in, make sure it gets to who needs it. Thats where the pressure is coming from right now. More than 33,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza in the war, which has dragged on for more than six months and has created a humanitarian crisis in the coastal strip. Most Democrats are still siding with Israel, saying the nation must be allowed to ensure its security following Hamass Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel, in which some 1,200 people were killed and another roughly 240 hostages were taken. About 100 hostages are believed to be left alive in Gaza, though that figure is uncertain as Hamas negotiators say that dont even have 40 hostages needed for another potential cease-fire deal. At the White House, President Biden has grown increasingly frustrated with the death toll and humanitarian situation. After the WCK strike, he had a tense call with Netanyahu, which was quickly followed by Israels opening of a new humanitarian corridor in northern Gaza. Speaking at a press conference Wednesday, Biden replied to a question about conditioning aid to Israel by citing his efforts to push Netanyahu on getting more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Its not enough. But it needs to be more, he said of the humanitarian aid getting into Gaza. Well see what he does in terms of meeting the commitments he made to me. Biden is facing pressure from his left flank on the Israel-Hamas war during a tight election year, and his frustration has slowly climbed amid the soaring death toll in Gaza, which has spurred protest votes against the president in Democratic primary contests. Now Biden has ramped up direct U.S. interventions, with American troops airdropping in aid and building a pier off the coast of Gaza to facilitate more deliveries. But the U.S. warned last week that famine has already arrived in Gaza, highlighting how dire the situation has become. If Democrats do agree on conditioning aid, it could be done in different ways, though it would be difficult to approve any measure considering Republicans control the House. And the Senate has already passed a national security supplemental that includes some $14 billion in additional support for Israel. The State Department, which manages arms transfers, must notify Congress 30 days before the sale or transfer of major defense equipment valued at $14 million or more, or of arms and defense articles worth $50 million or more. Congress can adopt a joint resolution of disapproval for a pending transfer to derail it, or they can at any time pass legislation blocking it. Congress has never adopted a joint resolution to block a transfer but has informally influenced transfer efforts before, according to the Congressional Research Service. Despite its growing rift with Israel, the Biden administration has continued to send more arms to the country, including the recent authorization of F-35 fighter jets and 2,000-pound bombs that have been used for widespread destruction in Gaza. A State Department official told The Hill that it was not effective to place conditions on weapons, and that it could be extremely difficult to ensure compliance if they did, since it would likely require putting U.S. officials on the ground for tracking. And providing only defensive weapons would hinder the ability to rescue hostages, they added. At a time when there remain American hostages in Hamass hands, I dont think that any military could go and rescue hostages with an Iron Dome interceptor, the official said. The official argued there are always some corners of Congress that have questions and concerns, especially during a conflict, but stressed the Biden administration is not talking about conditions or restrictions. Were not negotiating restrictions or conditions because that is not the administrations policy, the official said. Ongoing negotiations between Israel, Hamas, Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. have impacted how lawmakers are viewing the conditioning of weapons to Israel, as many hope that a deal can soon be reached on a cease-fire and release of hostages. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told The Hill he wanted to see a pause enabling more humanitarian aid into Gaza when asked if he would support an effort to condition weapons. Im advocating that Israel continue in its right of self-defense, he added. The mounting death toll in Gaza has increased anger in the Democratic party for months, and it reached a boiling point in March when Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Netanyahu has been too willing to accept the toll in Gaza. Schumer also called for new elections in Israel. But despite growing agitation among Democrats, its unclear whether theres enough pressure to take concrete actions toward an ironclad ally. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has pushed to tie Israeli aid to the protection of human rights to little avail, and he was joined by seven other senators in a March letter calling for conditions on offensive weapons. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he was waiting for assurances on what types of weapons are being sent to Israel in the future. I want to make sure that I know the types of weapons and what the weapons would be utilized for, he said on CNN last week. I say it is enough of the indiscriminate bombing. I dont want the kinds of weapons that Israel has [so far] utilized to have more death. I want to make sure that humanitarian aid gets in. I dont want people starving to death, he continued. And I want Hamas to release the hostages. Its enough. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. On a day of scheduled celebration in honor of United States Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., who is not seeking reelection after nearly 60 years in public office, Democratic candidates competing for the seat (and for one in the U.S. House of Representatives) spoke at the Western Maryland Democratic Summit on Saturday. As candidates competing to represent Marylands Sixth Congressional District spoke at the podium, the areas current congressional representative and U.S. Senate candidate strolled into the Rocky Gap Resorts Allegheny Events Center, sporting a pair of grey New Balance shoes. Its great to be back in Western Maryland, said U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-6th, when it was his turn to take the lectern, framed by windows with lakeside views and the woods of Rocky Gap. At lectern, U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-6th, speaks to attendees at the Western Maryland Democratic Summit in Flintstone on April 13, 2024. Trone is seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate. He recounted his experience as the districts representative over the last five years, listing Democratic victories in the district from Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater to state Del. Brooke Grossman, D-Washington, in Hagerstown to having Democratic candidates on the ballot for positions in Garrett County, the states and the districts westernmost county. Were not winning yet, said Trone, of Democrats in Garrett County (population 28,000), but were represented, and thats a start. Wicomico's State of the County: Wicomico leaders outline busy year of expansion, investment in State of County address Prince George's County Executive Alsobrooks speaks in Western Md. Fellow Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks made a different kind of appeal to representation when she spoke to the several hundred assembled at the summit. I believe that it is important as we look out at our (congressional) delegation that everyone of us ought to see ourselves in that delegation, of every race, of every gender, and every background, she said. We have a 10-person delegation, and I know I'm not offending anyone because Sen. (Chris) Van Hollen agrees with this also, we have eight congressman and two senators, and we dont have any women representing us in Washington. Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat, speaks to attendees at the Western Maryland Democratic Summit in Flintstone on April 13, 2024. Alsobrooks is seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate. She said the first bill that she would co-sponsor is the Womens Health Protection Act, legislation that seeks to codify Roe v. Wade in federal law and guarantee access to abortion. (Trone was one of 215 co-sponsors of legislation with the same name in the last congressional session, which did not become law after failing to receive the 60 votes required to advance in the Senate.) More: From House seat, Trone aims for U.S. Senate in Maryland More: PG County Executive aims to expand work statewide as Maryland's next U.S. senator Marylands open U.S. Senate seat of national, regional importance Both Democratic candidates are aiming for the Senate seat critical to the majority in the chamber, while the states former Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, is seeking to be elected too next month in his partys primary. Currently, there are 48 Democratic senators, 49 Republican senators, and three Independent senators (each of whom caucus, or meet, with the Democratic senators). With U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., not seeking reelection to the position hes held since 2010 in the neighboring state that has three Republicans of that states four person delegation, the open U.S. Senate seat in Maryland, with its over 2 million registered Democrats and less than a million registered Republicans, has national as well as regional significance. The two Maryland Democratic candidates spoke to potential voters in the region during separate interviews with a Maryland USA Today Network reporter after stepping down from the podium at the Allegheny Events Center in Flintstone about 10 miles east of Cumberland. We will never leave (the people of Western Maryland) behind, said Trone, during a morning interview, in a line with echoes of the states welcome signs that have read Leave no one behind since the inauguration of Democratic Gov. Wes Moore last January. (Moore, who has endorsed Alsobrooks in her bid for the U.S. Senate, addressed the summits attendees in the afternoon after a morning visit to Frostburg State University.) At lectern, Peter Choharis, a Democratic candidate for Maryland's Sixth U.S. Congressional District, speaks to attendees of the Western Maryland Democratic Summit in Flintstone on April 13, 2024. U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-6th, who currently holds the seat, sits in back. In the interview, Trone, who got a nearly unanimous standing ovation from the attendees at the 20th annual Western Maryland Democratic Summit as he stepped away from the lectern, said: Were always going to continue to drive things for all parts of the state. Alsobrooks, about a two-hour drive away from the jurisdiction she currently leads as county executive, called her experience important. I want (the people of Western Maryland) to hear from me that I not only have the experience of passing important legislation and passing policies, said Alsobrooks, executive since 2018, who previously served as Prince Georges County States Attorney, but Im the only candidate in the race who also has the practical experience of knowing how that policy impacts the people. Trone has held the sixth district congressional seat since entering public office in 2019. Eight other Democratic candidates besides Trone and Alsobrooks are also on the partys ballot for U.S. Senator in the primary election. None of the other candidates were on the summit program, which was presented by the Western Maryland Democratic Political Action Committee. Lieutenant Gov. Aruna Miller, a primary speaker at the summit who addressed the crowd in the morning in between when Alsobrooks gave her remarks and Trone gave his, concluded her remarks by saying: What happens in Western Maryland happens in the rest of Maryland. The Presidential Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 14, 2024. More: Maryland presidential primary Election Day is next month, and here's what you need to know Correction: This article has been corrected at 6:30 pm on April 15, 2024 to accurately reflect County Executive Alsobrooks' quote about the 10-member congressional delegation. A previous version of this article misquoted Alsobrooks. The Herald-Mail apologizes for the mistake. Dwight A. Weingarten is an investigative reporter, covering the Maryland State House and state issues. He can be reached at dweingarten@gannett.com or on Twitter at @DwightWeingart2. This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: US Senate Democratic candidates gather in Western Maryland for summit Democrats are bracing for a tough fight in Alaska, where Rep. Mary Peltola (D) is seeking to win reelection after a surprise midterm victory in 2022 turned a House seat that had been held by a Republican for five decades blue. Peltola became the first Native Alaskan to serve in Congress and has positioned herself as a moderate focused on state-specific issues for her constituents. But she may face a more difficult reelection race in November if former President Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, is on the ballot and brings GOP voters to the polls. Having Trump at the top of the ballot and [President] Biden at the top of the ballot is going to have impacts on turnout among Democrats and Republicans, said strategist Robert Dillon, who previously worked for Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). I expect to have Republicans turn out strongly for Trump. The farther-right Republicans, you could have more people turn out because Trumps on the ballot than would turn out in the past to vote Republican. Theyre probably going to vote for straight ticket, he said. Alaska has had only had one at-large representative in the House for the entire state since it joined the union in 1959. Before Peltolas election, the state nicknamed the Last Frontier had not been represented by a Democrat in the House since 1972, when then-Rep. Nick Begich (D) was presumed dead in a plane crash. The late Rep. Don Young (R) narrowly won a special election to succeed him the next year, and he held the seat for nearly 50 years. He served until he died in March 2022, triggering another special election. Peltola, previously a member of the Alaska state House, prevailed in that race, which was the first time Alaska used a ranked-choice voting system that voters narrowly approved in 2020. She also won in the general election that November, giving her a full term in office. Peltola defeated former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who was the GOP vice presidential nominee in 2008, and businessman Nick Begich III, the grandson of the former representative, in both the special and general election. This year, her main opponents will be Begich and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom (R). Alaska has been a reliably red state at the presidential level and has not elected a Democratic governor since the 1990s, but more than half of all voters are not registered with one political party. With ranked-choice voting, candidates goal is to build a broader source of support, including from voters who prefer another candidate. The system is designed to support candidates that can build the broadest possible coalition. So a candidate that can expand their appeal beyond just their hardcore base is likely to do better under this system because theres an opportunity to get second votes, said Dillon, who was involved in advocating for the ranked-choice ballot measure in 2020. Begich said in an interview that the best opportunity for Republicans to win back the seat is to coalesce around one candidate. He said he and Dahlstrom publicly committed to rank each other second on their ballots. Alaskas electoral system consists of a blanket primary in which all candidates compete on the same ballot, with the top four candidates advancing to the general election. Voters then rank those candidates in the order they prefer them. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the candidate in last is eliminated and their votes are redistributed according to their voters second preference. The process continues until one candidate has a majority. My hope would be that we can get this race back down to one candidate on the right side of the aisle so that we can really have an opportunity to contrast Mary Peltolas record with the policies that conservatives in Alaska want to see implemented in D.C., Begich said. He said he sees immigration as a top issue in Alaska for the first time in his memory with the spread of fentanyl in the state, and he expects energy issues to be prominent in the race as the August primary approaches. He noted Peltolas votes against Republican-led legislation addressing the border and energy production. Begich also argued Peltolas endorsement of Biden will hurt her, as the Biden administration has limited drilling in the state. Weve got a fantastic opportunity for Republicans to take the seat back, he said. It certainly has the attention of folks not just in Alaska but across the nation. He pointed to a poll from a left-leaning pollster that showed him and Peltola tied with 50 percent support in the final round of a hypothetical, ranked-choice match-up. House Republicans campaign arm has placed Peltolas seat on a list they are specifically targeting in 2024. Dahlstrom said in a statement that the race is about bringing conservative leadership back to Alaska. She noted Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) and GOP leaders including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have endorsed her. I stepped up to run because our current representative is failing us, she said. I will focus on ending Bidens countless executive actions crushing our state, stopping the flood of illegal immigrants and drugs into our country, and unleashing Alaskas energy potential to get our economy back on track. Peltola has established a reputation for being a moderate willing to buck her party through her votes in the House, where she is among the most common Democratic defectors in the chamber. She still overwhelmingly votes in line with Democrats, which Republicans will seek to go after her for. Peltola campaign manager Elisa Rios said in a statement that the congresswoman has worked across the aisle and fought gridlock to help Alaskan families. She said Peltolas advocacy for the Willow Project which the Biden administration approved brought more jobs and tax revenue to the state, and she has opposed the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons that she argues would increase grocery costs. [Peltola] always says the best strategy for winning reelection is doing the job well. We think shes doing that, and voters will agree, Rios said. Alaska-based strategist John-Henry Heckendorn said the candidates face a challenge campaigning in Alaska because of its geography, calling it the most logistically complicated congressional seat to campaign in anywhere in the country. He noted that some parts of the state are only accessible by ferry or plane, and Alaska has enormous regional, cultural and economic diversity. Its a big hurdle. I also think thats one of [Peltolas] biggest strengths. The story is less that Peltola was able to convince voters to vote for a Democrat and more that she was able to convince them to vote for an Alaskan, he said, referring to how she won in 2022. Begich said the first use of ranked-choice voting had implications for the House race two years ago, with Peltola as the only Democrat in the race and Republicans divided between himself and Palin. But voters have now seen the results of electing a Democrat to the House, and at least one poll showed a tight race despite Peltolas significant fundraising advantage, he added. Weve been able to pull dead even with her in this race, and I think that momentum is going to continue forward into November, he said. But strategists noted that Peltola is the most popular statewide official in Alaska, with one poll last month showing 51 percent of respondents viewing her favorably. Heckendorn noted that Youngs slogan while in office was Congressman for all of Alaska and was able to build a coalition based on being an Alaskan first and a Republican second. He compared this to Peltolas strategy. If you look at Peltola and Young on paper, you got a young, dynamic Alaska Native woman and an older crusty white guy, and yet their playbook for success is very similar, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. DENVER (KDVR) Denver police arrested a 32-year-old man in connection to a sexual assault incident, and they believe there may be additional victims. On March 7, officers with the Denver Police Department investigated a sexual assault incident that led to the arrest of Tyler Jordan Ried. Thornton man indicted for preparing false tax returns a decade after similar case According to an arrest affidavit obtained by FOX31, Ried is accused of assaulting women at two migrant shelter hotels on Tower Road in January. The Denver District Attorneys Office has filed the following charges against Ried: Sexual assault No consent Felony Menacing Four counts of indecent exposure misdemeanor Unlawful sexual contact misdemeanor Investigators believe there have been other incidents involving Reid. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Ried is encouraged to call the Denver Police Sex Crimes Unit at 720-913-6040. Denver police added, There may be victims or witnesses who are reluctant to report information for various reasons, to include immigration status. The Denver Police Department shares that it does not check immigration status and there are options for witnesses to remain anonymous when reporting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of measles within L.A. County. According to a Public Health release, a non-Los Angeles County resident who had contracted measles traveled throughout the county over a three-day period between Saturday, Mar. 30 and Monday, April 1. Firefighter recruit killed while rendering aid on 101 Freeway in Los Angeles That individual stayed at a hotel, attended a theme park and stopped at several stores and restaurants while in L.A. County, health officials said. Individuals who were at the following locations during the dates and times below may be at risk of developing measles within three weeks of being exposed: Saturday, March 30 Sheraton Gateway Hotel gym (between 5:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.) 6101 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles Dennys (time not yet determined) 5535 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles Universal Studios 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City Lard Lad Doughnuts and EC Food Truck in Universal Studios (time not yet determined) Cletus Chicken Shack in Universal Studios (approximately 4 p.m.) Buca Di Beppo (approximately 12 p.m.) 1000 Universal Studios Boulevard, Universal City Jenis Splendid Ice Cream (time not yet determined) 445 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills Sheraton Gateway Hotel 6101 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles Sunday, March 31 Sheraton Gateway Hotel gym (between 5:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.) Jack in the Box (approximately 11 a.m.) 1127 Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood Santa Monica Pier Pier Gear (time not yet determined) 380 Santa Monica Pier #1, Santa Monica El Torito Mexican Restaurant (between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) 13715 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey Sheraton Gateway Hotel Monday, April 1 Sheraton Gateway Hotel Dennys (time not yet determined) 5535 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles According to the health department, additional locations where possible exposures may have occurred are being investigated. People who were in the locations should confirm if they have been vaccinated against measles, health department officials said. If they have not had measles in the past and have not yet obtained the measles vaccine, they are at risk of contracting measles if they have been exposed. Potentially exposed persons are also told to notify their healthcare provider as soon as possible if they are pregnant, an infant, have a weakened immune system or are unvaccinated regardless of vaccination history. Couple found dead in San Bernardino County home in apparent murder-suicide If symptoms develop, stay at home and avoid school, work and any large gatherings and call a healthcare provider immediately, the health department advised. Do not enter a healthcare facility before calling them and making them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms. Unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown measles vaccination status are at risk of developing the disease from seven to 21 days after being exposed. Exposed individuals who have been free of symptoms for three weeks are no longer at risk, health officials added. Measles is spread by air and by direct contact even before you known you have it and can lead to severe disease, Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said. Measles is highly contagious for those who are not immune to itit can result in serious complications for young children and vulnerable adults. The health department advises L.A. County residents to look out for these common measles symptoms: High fever (more than 101 degrees) Cough Runny nose Red and watery eyes Tiny white spots inside the mouth (appearing 2-3 days after symptoms begin) Rash (appearing 3-5 days after other signs of illness) More information regarding measles in Los Angeles County can be found by clicking here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Deploying jets to protect Ukraine would lead to escalation, UK foreign secretary says Deploying Western fighter jets to protect Ukraine from missile strikes, as was done for Israel on April 14, would lead to "dangerous escalation," U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on air on April 15. Iran carried out a massive aerial attack on Israel on April 14 and launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles, according to Israel's Defense Forces (IDF). Israel and its allies downed the vast majority of the drones and missiles before they even reached Israeli territory. The U.K.'s Royal Air Force (RAF) downed "a number of drones" over the airspace of Iraq and Syria, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed. Speaking live on LBC radio, Cameron said that the RAF could not defend Ukrainian airspace in the same way as "the one thing" that needs to be avoided is "NATO troops directly engaging with Russian troops." Ukraine should be provided with support "in terms of money, in terms of money, and crucially in terms of weapons," but "actually putting NATO forces directly in conflict with Russian forces, I think that would be a dangerous escalation,' Cameron said. When asked why the West cannot give Ukraine more direct help in shooting down drones, Cameron responded that "what Ukraine needs right now is not Western planes over their skies." "What they desperately want and what we need to give them is more air defense systems," which are "more effective," Cameron argued. Cameron pointed to Ukraine's urgent calls for more Patriot systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 6 that Ukraine needs 25 Patriots to protect the entire country from Russian attacks. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he is for now focused on securing seven to protect Ukraine's largest cities. Germany announced on April 13 that it will provide Ukraine with one more Patriot air defense system to fend off increased Russian attacks. Read also: Netherlands, Germany, Canada to send drones to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Deported veterans face significant barriers accessing a variety of veteran-centric services, including health care benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to a study by the University of California-Berkeley School of Law. The study, released on April 8 by the Veterans Law Practicum at UC-Berkeley, noted deficiencies in two pathways that allow deported veterans to access VA programs: humanitarian parole and the VA Foreign Medical Program. The law promises veterans access to the benefits and care many need to survive, no matter where they are in the world, the report states. To breathe life into this promise, we urgently need change. Otherwise, deported veterans will continue to suffer and die in exile. Humanitarian parole granted by the Department of Homeland Security allows deported veterans temporary reentry to the United States to access VA health care. However, applications for humanitarian parole are often denied and the cost of travel can be prohibitive, according to the report. There are a lot of deported veterans who are not able to subsist in the countries to which theyre deported, Eric Provost, a Navy veteran and one of the authors of the report, told Military Times. They dont have access to things like VA health care, which they may be entitled to. A year just isnt enough to ensure continuity of care and that theyre getting the treatment they need. The VAs Foreign Medical Program, which provides health care from non-VA providers overseas, presents another opportunity for deported veterans to receive care. However, the report noted the program only covers treatment for disabilities previously recognized as service-connected by the VA, and many veterans are deported before they complete the disability compensation process. There is also the question of the programs reach in smaller countries, Provost added. While veterans have more options to apply for the program in larger countries, such as Mexico, other veterans, such as those residing in smaller nations Honduras or El Salvador, for example struggle to apply, Provost said. All veterans have access to [VA] benefits, regardless of their immigration status, Provost told Military Times. The fact that theyre deported has no bearing on whether they should be getting those benefits. The report recommended granting humanitarian parole more liberally, expanding the Foreign Medical program to include non-service-connected conditions and not requiring upfront payment for care, among other suggestions. Mixed policies for non-citizen vets The Immigration and Nationality Act allows for non-citizen service members to acquire citizenship if they are lawful permanent residents also known as green card holders. However, some veterans do not apply for citizenship or satisfy the criteria for it, according to a 2019 Government Accountability Office report. Bureaucratic and logistical obstacles also hinder some veterans abilities to file for citizenship, the report stated. Approximately 94,000 veterans do not have U.S. citizenship, leaving them vulnerable to deportation if they violate certain laws, regardless of their service record, according to the National Immigration Forum. Historically, policies involving the deportation of veterans have not always been closely followed. The 2019 GAO report found that Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not follow its own policies on tracking cases of non-citizen veterans who may be deported. Between fiscal year 2013 and 2018, 250 veterans were under threat of deportation, and another 92 had been deported. The GAO recommended that ICE collect and maintain complete data on veterans currently under threat of deportation, or who have already been deported. President Joe Biden in February 2021 signed an executive order mandating government agencies to review their immigration policies and propose new changes. In July 2021, the Department of Homeland Security and the VA announced the creation of the Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative. As of December 2023, 93 deported veterans have returned to the U.S. through the program, according to the Veterans Law Practicum report. There are legislative opportunities, too, to solve the gaps in accessing benefits for deported veterans, researchers noted. The reports authors specifically call for the passage of the Veteran Service Recognition Act. Some provisions in the legislation include conducting a study on the number of veterans deported from the U.S. and better equipping military procedures to naturalize service members, according to the report. So far, lawmakers have not voted on the legislation. The bill passed the House in 2022, but did not receive a vote in the Senate. It was reintroduced by a bipartisan group of House lawmakers in July 2023, although it has yet to receive a vote in the lower chamber. Deputies searching for critical missing woman last seen getting into car Friday The Preble County Sheriffs Office said its been looking for a woman since she left her house with a person not known to her family three days ago. Elden Evans last saw his wife Amy Friday morning. >> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Missing person investigation started for Ohio woman, 49, last seen Friday evening She said something about going to Richmond, Indiana with a woman friend of ours, Elden said. But Elden said that didnt happen. Her husband, family, has not heard from her since, Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson said. She kind of operates according to the family at a capacity between maybe an 8-year-old to an early teenager. Amy was last seen on camera getting into a car at the end of her driveway Friday, according to the sheriffs office. Deputies released a photo of the car they believed picked up Amy. I believe she got into a car with somebody she knows and she got into a situation that she cant get out of now, Elden said. He said he remembered seeing the car she got into a few times. >> Father accused of shooting, killing 15-year-old daughter at Dayton apartment Both Elden and their local pastor Weston Corder said it was not like her to not be at church on Sunday. Im just praying myself, these are my friends, Corder said. Elden had a message for his wife. Please, I love you. I dont know why you left. Please come back home. I will come pick you up. Please just contact me or anybody from church, he said. News Center 7 will continue to update this story. A man responsible for a 20-hour standoff in Wildwood allegedly elbowed an elderly woman at Publix just two weeks before, according to deputies. James Savage reportedly forcefully kidnapped his girlfriend, 60-year-old Marivel Dunn from her home on March 14 before letting her go and barricading himself inside a Wildwood home. The 20-hour-long standoff landed him in the Marion County jail where he still remains on multiple charges. On March 28, two weeks after the kidnapping, a woman told the Marion County Sheriffs Office that Savage assaulted her in a Publix parking lot. Read: Havent submitted your taxes yet? Expert shares last-minute options The alleged assault happened on March 4 at the Publix located at SE 165th Mulberry Lane in The Villages. The woman said she met with Savage and Dunn in the far portion of the Publix parking lot when he began poking the woman in her breast, according to the arrest affidavit. She told detectives she poked him back to demonstrate the discomfort of the contact and he responded by using his elbow to strike her in the head. Read: Shooting targets SUV with 6 people inside, Titusville police say When detectives spoke with Dunn, her recount of the events was similar to what the woman said happened. Savage is now facing a charge of battery on a person 65 years or older in addition to the 11 other charges he received as a result of the kidnapping incident. Savages next court appearance is set for April 16 for the kidnapping charges. Read: Police: Motorcyclist dead in Orange City crash Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Mykola Tochytskyi has been appointed as a new deputy head of the Presidential Office, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 15 by decree. Tochytskyi was the deputy foreign minister until April 12, when he was replaced by Andrii Sybiha, a deputy head of the Presidential Office. Sybiha had a long career in diplomacy before he was appointed to the Presidential Office in May 2021. Tochytskyi has worked at the Foreign Ministry since 1993. The swap comes against the backdrop of wider personnel changes in the Presidential Office and other top bodies in Ukraine's government. Two deputy heads of the Presidential Office, Andrii Smirnov and Oleksii Dniprov, were replaced on March 29. President Volodymyr Zelensky said a day later that further personnel changes are expected. Read also: Ukraines anti-corruption bureau makes progress yet doesnt take on top presidential allies Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A wave of book bans have hit school libraries in the last few years Quality Journalism for Critical Times Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that he will sign legislation restricting challenges to books in public schools, blaming activist teachers and others of making a mockery of his parental rights legislation by filing frivolous challenges. The 2021 Parental Rights in Education Act, sometimes referred to as Dont Say Gay, allows parents the opportunity to review, and potentially object to, school library books that they find inappropriate, with the goal of removing questionable material from school libraries, even if other families are OK with the content. Especially targeted was LGBTQ content. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis takes the stage at the Republican Party of Florida Freedom Summit in Kissimmee on Nov. 4, 2023 (photo credit: Mitch Perry) What followed were wholesale challenges to books and other material, requiring their removal from libraries and classrooms pending sometimes protracted reviews of their suitability. Legislation passed during this years legislative session (HB 1285) allows only one challenge per month unless the challenge comes from the parent or guardian of a child in a public school. It is done intentionally, and it is part of an agenda, and thats wrong, DeSantis said during a news conference. I mean, schools are there to serve a community. Schools are not there for you to try to go on some ideological joyride at the expense of our kids, he said. The Legislature hasnt sent the bill to DeSantis yet, but he said that he will sign it once that happens. DeSantis appeared at Warrington Preparatory Academy, a charter school that opened last year at the site of a consistently poorly performing public school. The bill is an omnibus pertaining to state education policy. The governor highlighted the book challenge changes plus language that expedites charter conversions, requiring districts to allow charter operators access to the facilities to devise a turnaround plan. Districts couldnt remove resources or charge rent and would have to maintain the building. Children in the public-school zone would be first in line for charter school admission. The Bluest Eye House member Jennifer Canady, a Republican from Polk County, mentioned a new bar on placing students in dropout prevention programs solely because of a disability. Students who are placed in those programs would be entitled to individualized goals so we are focused on what they need to do in order to be successful, she said. State Rep. Jennifer Canady. Credit: State House website This bill is going to require that we treat students as the individuals that they are and make sure that they are in the best learning environment for them, Canady added. As for book challenges, legislation approved in 2022 set up a more orderly system for them, including review by the Florida Department of Education. Still, books drawing challenges and sheltered from access by kids have included bestsellers including The Kite Runner and The Bluest Eye, the latter by the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison, plus All Boys Arent Blue by George M. Johnson about growing up Black and queer. In Jacksonville, books about Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron, which are on the states recommended list, were unavailable to students for months pending reviews. During the 2022-2023 school year, PEN America recorded 1,406 book ban cases in Florida, which accounted for 40% of the national total. That organization is suing the Escambia County School District over its banning policies. DeSantis insisted he is only after books that arent age and developmentally appropriate. You should not be having books in these schools, particularly in younger grades, that are sexually explicit, that are promoting ideology like gender ideology. We dont believe you teach a kindergartener that they can change their gender thats just not appropriate, thats not what parents want to be taught in our schools, he said Monday. Litigation PEN America and the Florida Education Association, representing classroom teachers, have complained that the laws are so vague that they invited districts to overly restrict access to material. The state laws dont directly threaten felony charges for violations, but the Duval County district has warned teachers that that could happen if they expose children to material deemed pornographic. To DeSantis, such concerns are performative; thats political. Youre trying to be an activist when you should be trying to be an educator. He did concede: Its from all ends of the political spectrum I mean, theres some people that really think all these books that have been in school are inappropriate; theres other people that know that theyre appropriate but are trying to act like Florida does not want these books in. Overall, its being done to create a narrative that somehow, oh my gosh, all these books are, quote, banned. No book is banned in Florida. The most grotesque pornographic books that are in schools that have been removed because theyre inappropriate, you can go buy it in a bookstore if thats what floats your boat, youre able to do that. But do not jam that down the throat of a sixth-grade child, the governor said. Just as its wrong for a school district, an activist teacher, a school union to try to impose an agenda on a student, its also wrong for a citizen activist or parent to do these passive-aggressive false challenges to try to act like somehow we dont want education in Florida, he said. If you are trying to be an activist, if youre trying to withdraw valid materials as a way to basically lodge a protest, youre going to be held accountable for that, because youre depriving the students of their right to be able to have a good education. The post DeSantis says hell sign bill limiting challenges to school books by nonparents appeared first on Florida Phoenix. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has signed legislation barring local and municipal governments from requiring their own heat protections for workers. The law, House Bill 433, blocks local governments from several activities, including setting a minimum wage higher than that of the state or federal governments. It also restricts local authorities from [r]equiring an employer, including an employer contracting with the political subdivision, to meet or provide heat exposure requirements not otherwise required under state or federal law or [g]iving preference, or considering or seeking information, in a competitive solicitation to an employer based on the employers heat exposure requirements, according to a summary released by the Legislature. Proponents of the bill called it necessary for the Sunshine States economy. Without continuity in business, businesses will not come to Florida. People will stop coming to Florida, state Rep. Bob Rommel (R) said during floor debate on the bill. An estimated 2 million Floridians work outdoors. The bills passage comes after the states most populous county, Miami-Dade, considered local heat protection rules that would have been among the most stringent in the country. That proposal would have required employers to provide shade, water and 10-minute breaks to workers every two hours on days over a certain heat threshold. However, county commissioners rejected the proposal in November over concerns it would hamstring businesses. Numerous parts of Florida saw all-time heat records last year, the hottest ever recorded overall. Cities and regions that saw record highs last August included the Tampa and Fort Myers areas. Environmental and labor groups blasted the passage of the bill. Instead of addressing the skyrocketing insurance crisis or protecting our workforce, the Governor chose to abandon millions of hard-working Floridians and leave our state even more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Sierra Club Florida Political Director Luigi Guadarrama said in a statement. HB433 is an extremist law by Floridas Republican-led Legislature and industry lobbyists in agriculture and construction who care more about their profits than the lives of the workers who make these profits possible, said Oscar Londono, co-executive director of WeCount, a labor organization that advocates on behalf of outdoor workers. Instead of offering real solutions for working families, HB433 will endanger the health and lives of thousands of outdoor workers in our state. Florida recorded 215 deaths directly caused by heat between 2010 and 2020, but experts have warned these numbers dont tell the whole story, as they do not include existing conditions exacerbated by heat. Another confounding variable is the challenge of incorporating noncitizens, including immigrants lacking permanent legal status and guest workers, into the data. While just five states California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington have state-level heat protections for workers, DeSantiss signature makes Florida only the second, after Texas, to ban local protections. Updated at 3:12 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Failed presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill late last week barring Florida localities from requiring employers to provide outdoor workers with access to water, rest and shade, outraging workplace safety advocates who say the new law will kill people. Backed by the agricultural and construction industries, the controversial legislation is whats known as a preemption law: It forbids cities and counties from pursuing their own ordinances on a particular subject, in this case protections from extreme heat. The law effectively nullifies a proposal in Miami-Dade County that would require some employers to maintain a heat safety program and provide employees with water and shade on hot days. The county commission recently withdrew the proposal after the state legislation put its legality in doubt. The preemption bill recently passed the Republican-controlled state House and Senate, along with a similar measure that prevents jurisdictions from requiring employers to pay livable wages on government-funded projects. Unions and other progressive groups said blocking heat regulations would endanger farm and construction workers and anyone else who labors in one of the hottest states in the country. Someone is going to die as a result of this legislation, Kim Smith, a telecommunications technician, told HuffPost last month. Last year, Texas Republicans passed a similar preemption bill that blocked localities from implementing heat protections as well as other ordinances related to housing and labor. The legislation, known as Texas death star bill, appeared designed to thwart local laws in Austin and Dallas that guaranteed water breaks for workers. The bill Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) just signed blocks jurisdictions like Miami-Dade County from implementing their own heat safety standards. SOPA Images via Getty Images Florida Republicans pushing for the preemption law said they wanted to avoid a patchwork of local regulations around the state related to heat safety, arguing the matter was better left to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. But OSHA does not yet have a heat-specific safety rule, and proposals to create a uniform, statewide standard in Florida have gone nowhere over the years because of a lack of Republican support. More than 430 workers have died due to environmental heat exposure since 2011, according to OSHA. But relatively few jurisdictions have laws in place that require employers to provide water, shade and heat safety training. Just three California, Oregon and Washington mandate heat breaks for outdoor workers. Minnesota has heat standards for indoor workers, while Colorado does for farmworkers. Overheating is one of the most common and most serious dangers in the workplace, Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.), who recently co-authored a federal bill ordering OSHA to regulate heat exposure, told HuffPost. Is requiring a glass of water and some shade too much to ask? Climate change is making heat waves both more intense and more frequent, raising fears that a growing number of workers could die if governments dont implement safety measures. A farmworker in Miami-Dade County died last July during what would become the hottest month ever recorded. The mans family told NBC South Florida that hed recently suffered symptoms consistent with heat stress. A farmworker in the county told HuffPost last month that the foreman at the plant nursery where he works prohibited even 30-second breaks in the blazing sun since this is the busiest growing season for exotic flora. The Biden administration is currently crafting a federal heat safety standard through OSHA, but federal rules take years to develop, often face litigation and can be undermined by subsequent administrations. Former President Donald Trump could simply drop pursuit of the rule if he defeats Biden in their expected rematch in November. VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) More than five decades after a World War II veteran was slain while working as a milkman in Florida, investigators say theyve solved the case thanks to two people who came forward after the killer died. Hiram Ross Grayam was delivering milk in April 1968 and failed to return home after work. Deputies later found his body and his milk truck deep in the woods in the Vero Beach area, the Indian River County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. He had been shot several times. How did I get hit?: New bodycam video shows Hillsborough County deputy shot while using taser on suspect The case went cold, and no arrests were made during the next 56 years. Through determination and the cooperation of witnesses, new leads emerged: Thomas J. Williams, now deceased, had confessed to Grayams murder, his guilt echoing from beyond the grave, the sheriffs office said in a statement. Indian River County Sheriffs Office Grayam, a decorated World War II veteran who received a Purple Heart, had become a beloved milkman after settling in Indian River County after the war, authorities said. A witness told deputies she saw Grayam talking to two men who were walking on the side of the road, WPEC-TV reported. She said that Mr. Grayam engaged them in conversation, and announced that he would be back shortly, Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said. The two unidentified men and Grayam all left in the milk truck, he said. Pinellas County husband accused of beating wife of 55 years because she wouldnt let him drive: affidavit Grayams family didnt realize anything had happened, except my father was a little late in coming home, and then a sheriffs deputy, an investigator showed up, Grayams son Larry, who was 16 at the time, told the TV station. During a search of the area by ground and by air, the milk truck and Grahams body were spotted by an airplane. When they arrived at the initial scene, Mr. Grayam was laying next to the milk truck with bullet wounds, killed execution style, Flowers said. In 2006, there were rumors that Williams might have been involved. So he wrote a letter to the editor of the local newspaper saying that he had been accused of the murder, but he denied having knowledge of it, that he wasnt involved in it, the sheriff said. The case went cold again, and Williams died in 2016. Missing Florida woman found dead in torched SUV after possible carjacking: sheriff With Williams now dead, detectives got huge breaks in the case during the past two years: Williams ex-wife and a friend of his sister came forward, telling investigators what they knew, the Florida TV station reported. Flowers said that the witnesses neither of whom know each other told investigators that Williams had previously confessed to them that he had killed Grayam. These folks said, I would have never said anything to you before, as long as he was alive, he was a threat to me and my family, we would have never told you, but the fact that he is now dead gave them the courage to come forward, Flowers said. Now, detectives are hoping that anyone who knows about the second man seen with Grayam before he was killed will contact them. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Dickinson County in far northwest Iowa is home to the Okoboji lakes, which draw a significant number of summer vacationers. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors will consider on Tuesday whether to require carbon dioxide pipelines to be placed certain distances away from areas and buildings that are populated with people and animals. The five-member board is set to hold a public hearing for the pipeline ordinance and vote on whether to approve it, according to a meeting agenda. The board might also finalize that vote by waiving two further readings of the ordinance. It would be the sixth county ordinance adopted in response to the pipeline system that Summit Carbon Solutions is planning to build. The company has filed federal lawsuits against five counties to prevent them from enforcing similar measures. Dickinson officials have said their ordinance is less restrictive than the others and that they hope to avoid litigation. Summit has declined to comment about the ordinance. It would require carbon dioxide pipelines to be at least 1,600 feet from cities. Thats about one-seventh the distance specified by other ordinances that require two miles of separation. The Dickinson ordinance also has setbacks of a half mile for churches, medical facilities, nursing homes, parks, schools and other sensitive areas; 1,600 feet for homes and other buildings occupied by people; 1,000 feet for livestock operations and certain utility infrastructure; and 200 feet for water wells. The Iowa Utilities Board is poised to decide whether to issue Summit a permit for its initial route, which includes about 690 miles of pipe that will connect to ethanol producers in Iowa to transport their captured carbon dioxide to North Dakota for underground storage. In March, the company announced it was doubling its number of connected ethanol plants in Iowa and wants to add about 340 miles of pipe to the project. Counties have sought to restrict where the pipelines can be placed due to residents fears about a catastrophic pipeline break. Under certain conditions, such a rupture can form a plume of carbon dioxide that stays close to the ground and can travel long distances, potentially asphyxiating people and animals. County leaders have also attempted to restrict pipeline placement to protect future development. Summit has been successful so far with its litigation: A judge ruled in December that the IUB has ultimate authority on pipeline route placement and issued permanent injunctions that bar Shelby and Story counties from enforcing their ordinances. Those decisions have been appealed, and three other lawsuits against Emmet, Kossuth and Palo Alto counties are paused until the appeals conclude, court records show. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Dickinson County supervisors set to vote on pipeline ordinance appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch. Did Trump leave the country better off? More voters think so now than in 2020, poll says Voter opinions of Donald Trumps presidency have improved since he left the White House, continuing a long-established trend of ex-presidents seeing a boost in their approval ratings, according to a new poll. Americans now view Trumps first term and his handling of specific issues like the economy and crime more favorably than in 2020, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll released on April 13. The poll, conducted between April 7 and 11, surveyed 1,059 voters nationwide and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. More politics news Trump is now selling Bibles but hes not the first president with holy books for sale Biden isnt alone with his age concerns. Heres how past presidents dealt with aging Nearly half of registered voters, 48%, said Trump left the country better off than when he assumed office, while 46% said it was worse off. In a similar survey conducted in October 2020, 39% of voters said the U.S. was better off than it was four years ago, marking a change of 9 percentage points. On the economy, the majority of voters, 64%, said in the recent poll that they either strongly or somewhat approve of Trumps handling of the issue during his time as president. In a September 2020 poll, 54% of voters said they approved, marking a difference of 10 percentage points. Trumps approval rating on law and order has also shot up. In the recent poll, 51% said they approved his handling of the issue, while 44% said the same in 2020, signifying a change of 7 percentage points. On some other issues, Trumps approval rating ticked up to a lesser degree. Thirty-eight percent of respondents approved of Trumps handling of unifying America, according to the latest poll, while 34% said the same in 2020. Similarly, 43% of voters approved of Trumps handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the recent poll, while 41% approved in 2020. This boost in Trumps approval rating is in line with a longstanding trend for former presidents, according to Gallup. In a July survey by the polling organization, the retrospective approval ratings of nearly every recent president sampled were higher than their average approval rating in office. John F. Kennedy, for example, had an average approval rating of 70% during his time in office, while his retrospective rating was 90%. Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Trump all experienced smaller boosts in their approvals after leaving office. Richard Nixon was the only president to see his post-presidency approval rating drop, according to the poll. You kind of move, as an ex-president, from being a political figure to someone who is above the fray, Jeff Jones, a senior editor at Gallup, told The New York Times. Presidents also tend to be remembered more for their positive contributions than their negative ones, Jones told the outlet. How is the jury chosen for Trumps NY criminal trial? Experts explain the challenges GOP resolution says Trump didnt engage in an insurrection. What do Americans think? Religious affiliation is declining in America, poll says. Why? Experts weigh in Bueno's fateful journey from the streets of the Middle East to Michigan is part luck and a big dose of dedication by dozens of dog rescuers with SPCA International who were determined to make sure this pup and 69 others get a better life than living in the occupied West Bank. A senior dog with vision problems, Bueno had it rough. A family was ready to adopt him years earlier when he was a puppy, but his life took a turn and it would be years before he'd have a second shot at the good life. The rescue of 70 dogs, including Bueno, is the largest international dog rescue the animal welfare group SPCA International has ever brought to the United States, said the group, whose acronym stands for Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Ten of the dogs ended up in Michigan for adoption. The dogs were suffering fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, raging on the other side of Israel since Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing some 1,200 people. In retaliation, Israel has pummeled the Gaza Strip and at least 33,000 Palestinian people have been killed, according to various news reports. Rescued dogs, including Bueno (white and gray dog on the right) from the West Bank are transported from the airplane to the Animal Reception Center at JFK Airport in New York on March 14, 2024. Animals throughout the region have been left to fend with the deteriorating conditions, said Diana George Babish from Animal and Environment Association-Bethlehem Palestine, the animal shelter in Bethlehem where the 10 dogs who came to Michigan had lived. A $275,000 rescue effort "Bethlehem depends on tourism, but due to the war, Bethlehem didn't receive tourists," George Babish wrote in an email response to questions from the Detroit Free Press. "Restaurants weren't also opened, so animals couldn't find good (food) near the trash containers of hotels or restaurants. Animals were under threat of hunger, dehydration, ticks and fleas, diseases and of course humans' abuse." It was no easy task to get the 70 dogs out of Israel and to the United States. It was delayed three times and it took the tenacity of nearly 100 people and $275,000 from SPCA International donations to get it done, said Lori Kalef, director of programs at SPCA International. But on March 14, the dogs flew out of Tel Aviv aboard a commercial chartered flight to JFK Airport in New York. From there, the dogs were flown to various U.S. rescues. Bueno and nine others headed to the Detroit Animal Welfare Group DAWG in Romeo. Cody, a male Canaan dog rescued from the West Bank, gets some love from Janet Austin, of Lake Orion, Mich., a volunteer at Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) in Romeo, Mich. on Friday, April 12, 2024. Currently, they are working with eight rescue dogs brought to them from the West Bank. "It was a long, long road for them," Kalef told the Detroit Free Press. "I dont think any of us exhaled until they came out of that cage and we saw those wagging tales. But we had two choices: We leave them to an uncertain fate, which could be death or released back on the street, or they go through this 35-hour journey, travel 7,500 miles and get a chance to have a better life. We chose the latter. Performing 70 miracles The rescue started in December, when an acquiantance of Kalef's in the Middle East told Kalef that the Daily Hugz Animal Sanctuary in the West Bank needed to evacuate its 60 dogs. The West Bank is east of Israel and home to about 3 million Palestinians, according to Vox. In 1967, Israel seized the area from Jordan and has occupied it since. Kalef got on the phone with Maad Abu-Ghazalah, the founder of Daily Hugz. He is a Palestinian American and since the war started, he told her that Israel had been denying him entry to the West Bank because he is Palestinian. He couldnt get to his dogs in the shelter there, and his staff, who were caring for them in his absence, were quitting to evacuate the area, Kalef said. He said, 'I need to get these dogs to safety,' because tensions are starting to grow in the West Bank as well," Kalef said. "Something this grand took a lot of coordination. We started that day. In two weeks, Kalef found Fly Alliance, a repurposed 747 with all of its seats removed to transport animals and cargo. Not only would it end up flying the dogs, but it took on some horses during a layover in Belgium, Kalef said. But despite a target date of Feb. 15, the plans kept getting postponed due to various challenges such as getting through the Israeli checkpoints. Finally, in the early morning hours of March 14, the group loaded the dogs, each in a crate, onto Palestinian trucks. Because they were not allowed to cross in Palestinian trucks into Israel, the group had to carry each dog in a crate across the border and put them into trucks with Israeli license plates, Kalef said. The group also had to have empty cages sent to the airport in advance for clearance. That created a challenge because the group would not have cages for the dogs in transit. "So we had to find 70 additional cages 48 hours ahead of the flight and then transfer each dog, one by one, into the new cages at the airport," Kalef said. "Maad Abu-Ghazalah said, 'We didnt just perform a miracle. We performed 70 of them.' " 'We have to get out of the area' For Romeo resident Kelley LaBonty, rescuing dogs from other countries is nothing new. She is the director of the Detroit Animal Welfare Group in Romeo. LaBonty six years ago rescued several dogs from the meat trade in Thailand, she said. So when SPCA International reached out to her Jan. 12 for help in evacuating dogs from the West Bank, LaBonty agreed to take 10 animals. That was the amount the rescue, run entirely by volunteers, could care for. A rescued dog from the West Bank is checked by veternarian at the Animal Reception Center at JFK Airport in New York on March 14, 2024. The SPCA International rescued 70 dogs from the West Bank area, 10 of which came to Detroit Animal Welfare Group in Romeo, Michigan. "They sent us some short biographies on each of the dogs, and we could pick," LaBonty told the Free Press. Besides the dogs coming from the Daily Hugz Animal Sanctuary in the West Bank, the Bethlehem Animal Shelter had 10 dogs needing help. LaBonty said she would take those dogs. "The other shelter (Daily Hugz) had to close and evacuate to safety," LaBonty said. "He told (SPCA International), 'I have to leave. Its unsafe here and we have to get out of the area.'" 'He' is Maad Abu-Ghazalah, who said in a statement, "At the time of our greatest despair, it was SPCA International which stepped in to provide hope for the dozens of dogs trapped in an increasingly violent environment. In the face of all the hurdles in our path, our international team, led by SPCAI, showed tenacity to ensure that no dog got left behind. " SPCA International is still working with the Bethlehem shelter to help it rescue more dogs, but it wont be an emergency evacuation there anytime soon because it is farther from the conflict zone, Kalef said. 'Tears ... we had been waiting for so long' On March 17, three days after the dogs landed in New York and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared them to enter the country, a Race for Life Rescue animal transport plane with 20 dogs aboard headed to Oakland County International Airport in Waterford. LaBonty said that she, two volunteers and two airport personnel were waiting for the plane full of dogs. Detroit Animal Welfare Group would take its 10 before the others headed to shelters in Indiana and Ohio, said Janet Austin, one of the group's volunteers who was at the airport. The plane landed in Oakland County around 2 p.m., sparking an emotional reaction on the ground, LaBonty said. A dog rescued from the West Bank region arrives at the Animal Reception Center at JFK Airport in New York on March 14, 2024 and is greeted by SPCA International volunteers. "Tears. We were all crying. We had been waiting for so long," LaBonty said. "We know its quite a task to take in 10 new dogs in a new environment, a new language, a new time zone they had been traveling since Wednesday and didnt get to us until Sunday. So they were stressed out and we knew theyd be fearful. We wanted to make it as smooth as possible, so a lot of preparation went into that." The pilots of Race For Life and SPCA volunteers from the flight helped load the dogs in the shelter's trucks. "It was just the excitement and knowing the stories of some of these dogs and what they went through to survive," Austin said of her emotional reaction in the moment. "They are beautiful dogs, but they have street scars. Theyve had a bit of a rough life. But it was the excitement of knowing, as they came off the plane: Theres Cody, and there's Falcon and there's Lizzy. The dogs' stories Indeed, each of the dogs has those street scars and a story often a sad one. They are all of the Canaan breed, a breed found in the Middle East, LaBonty said. She said they are protective, but not aggressive, and they are smart. They resemble a mix of shepherd/labradors. Rickie, left, and Carl are two Canaan males rescued from the West Bank and are looking for a good home, while being fostered by the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) in Romeo, Mich. on Friday, April 12, 2024. "The shelter they came from had no yard, so they could not go out to play and they didnt have people, because of the war, to walk them," LaBonty said. "So just for them to be able to play in the yard, they just loved, loved, loved it. They dont know what toys are or bones are but they are catching on very quickly." Life is going to be remarkably different for them considering where some of them have been. Take 3-year-old Carl, a thin, tan dog with black and white markings on his face and a shy demeanor. He was rescued after someone had him tied on a chain that was so tight, it left permanent marks around his neck, Austin said. Cody, who is about 6, is a statuesque cream and tan beauty, who endured cruelty as a puppy. He was rescued from a refugee camp where people thought that if they cut off his ears, he would become more aggressive. It backfired: Cody is a gentle giant, with short nubs as ears now. Cody, a male Canaan dog rescued from the West Bank, gets some love from Janet Austin, of Lake Orion, Mich., who is a volunteer with the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) in Romeo, Mich., on Friday, April 12, 2024. Currently, they are working with eight rescue dogs brought to them from the West Bank. Two-year-old Falcon has some black-and-tan in him with the coat of a German shepherd. He'll look you directly in the eye with gentle kindness. He was rescued in Bethlehem in 2019 as a young pup. He was found with a broken leg, rummaging for food in the garbage. Karim was found four years ago at 6 months old in Hebron, a Palestinian city in the southern West Bank. He was sick and maggots filled his ears. His resilience has carried him through as he patiently waits for a forever home. Austin said he is a bit timid, but his gentle nature and friendliness shine through. Karim, left and Falcon, two male Canaan dogs rescued from the West Bank get a walk from Janet and Jack Austin of Lake Orion who volunteer at DAWG (Detroit Animal Welfare Group) in Romeo on Friday, April 12, 2024. Currently, they are working with eight rescue dogs brought to them from the West Bank. These pups are looking for a good home. Five-year-old Jimmy is a handsome cream-colored dog who was rescued as a 2-month-old puppy in an area where dogs were being poisoned. At 77 pounds, people shied away from adopting him, but Austin said that despite being big, he's calm and enjoys hugs. He is friendly with people and other dogs. Carlos, born in March 2018, survived severe abuse alongside his siblings as puppies. Despite his past, Carlos has grown into a big-hearted boy with a friendly and gentle demeanor, Austin said. He finds solace in walks. Carlos, a male Canaan dog rescued from the West Bank, is curious about the camera at DAWG (Detroit Animal Welfare Group) in Romeo on Friday, April 12, 2024. Carlos is looking for a good home. A happy ending for Bueno Then there is Bueno. He was 2 years old in 2020 when he and two other puppies roamed the streets of Bethlehem and got picked up and taken to Bethlehem Animal Shelter. The shelter found a nice family for Bueno, but the night before he was to be adopted, thieves broke into the shelter and stole three dogs, including Bueno. He disappeared for the next three years. Last year, Bueno was found on the street and his microchip came back to the Bethlehem shelter. He had been partially blinded in one eye during those years. For the shelter, it was imperative that Bueno, now a senior dog with vision problems, be given a good life, Austin said. He is getting it. On March 30, a local ophthalmologist and his wife "fell in love with the Bueno's story" and with him. "He and his wife met Bueno and thought he was amazing," Austin said. "They were impressed with his demeanor and personality and said, 'We want him.' " Bueno was adopted and Lizzy, a 9-month old female from Bethlehem, is being fostered to adopt. The other eight are available for adoption, along with about two dozen other rescue dogs at Detroit Animal Welfare Group. The adoption fee is $175. Austin said shelter workers meet potential adopters for approval. Jack Austin, of Lake Orion, Mich., volunteers at Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) in Romeo, Mich., pets Xena, a female rescue Canaan dog they have from the West Bank, on Friday, April 12, 2024. Currently, they are working with eight rescue dogs brought to them from the West Bank that are all looking for a good home. "Were picky about where these dogs end up, because these dogs deserve a better life and we want to be sure they are set up for success," Austin said. The SPCA International is still collecting donations to pay off the cost of the rescue, if you are interested in making a donation you can do so at www.spcai.org/west-bank. More: Overgrown fur nightmare ends in happy adoption for Wyandotte dog More: 3 pups caught in legal limbo in Macomb get new homes, 3 other siblings up for adoption Contact Jamie L. LaReau: jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. Read more on General Motors and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dogs rescued from the West Bank are in Detroit and up for adoption Can dogs link words to certain objects like humans? A new study says yes BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Many dog owners believe their pets understand and respond not only to commands such as sit and stay, but also to words referring to their favorite objects. Bring me your ball will often result in exactly that. But science has had trouble determining whether dogs and other animals genuinely activate a mental image in their minds when they hear the name of an object, something that would suggest a deeper grasp of language, similar to the kind that humans have. A new study in Hungary has found that beyond being able to respond to commands like roll over, dogs can learn to associate words with specific objects a relationship with language called referential understanding that had been unproven in dogs until now. When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs, and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them, said Marianna Boros, a cognitive neuroscientist and co-lead author of the study conducted by the Department of Ethology of the Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest. World championship sumo to shake Madison Square Garden The study, which has been peer reviewed, was published last Friday in the science journal Current Biology. It involved 18 dogs and a non-invasive EEG procedure using electrodes attached to dogs heads to measure brain activity and register brain waves. Dog owners participating in the study would play an audio clip in which they said the name of their dogs toy like ball or frisbee and then they would show the dog an object. The researchers measured the dogs brain activity when the object in the recording matched the object that was displayed, and also when it differed. We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the objects word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain, Boros said. And this is exactly what we found. The study found a different brain pattern when the dogs were shown an object that matched the word, compared to when it didnt suggesting the animals conjured a mental image of an object based on hearing the word for it. Lilla Magyari, also a cognitive neuroscientist and co-lead author of the study, said that while other animals have been shown to have some degree of referential understanding of language, those animals have typically been highly trained to do so. In dogs, she said, the findings show that such capacities appear to be inborn and require no special training or talent. The study supports theories of language evolution which actually say that referential understanding is not necessarily unique to humans, added Magyari, who is also an associate professor at the University of Stavanger in Norway. While the study has received praise, some experts have expressed doubts about its findings. Behavioral scientist and professor of psychology at Arizona State University, Clive Wynne, said in a post on Facebook that he believes that all the study shows is that dogs respond to stimuli but that they dont actually understand the meaning of specific words. Former Bronx train station showcases street art from local artists Scientists believe the first dogs began to be domesticated by humans up to 30,000 years ago, and have lived closely alongside us ever since. But whether dogs acquired their apparent capacity to understand referential language during that evolution remains unclear. Budapest resident Emese Doroszlai said during a walk with her dog in a city park on Wednesday that she usually teaches him commands for specific actions. When told about the study, she said she hasnt given much thought to building her dogs vocabulary or teaching him names for objects. But, she said, maybe the results of the study would change that. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. (WFRV) A 29-year-old Dominican Republic man pled guilty and was sentenced for drug charges on Thursday, April 11, after allegedly being involved in a drug ring that sent cocaine to various locations in the United States, including Wisconsin. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Herlin Hernandez-Trinidad, also known as Rainely, pled guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on board a vessel. Waupaca County Sheriffs Office: Driver taken to the hospital after motorcycle crashes into deer He was sentenced to ten years in federal prison. Court documents show beginning around January 2019 through August 2020, Hernandez-Trinidad and others coordinated maritime shipments of bulk quantities of cocaine from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. Once the cocaine arrived in Puerto Rico, Hernandez-Trinidad distributed the drugs to individuals like David Quinones-Quinones, also known as Davo, a Puerto Rico-based kilogram-quantity cocaine trafficker, who supplied individuals responsible for sending cocaine to various locations within the United States, including Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Court documents further reveal that Hernandez-Trinidad received maritime shipments of cocaine from the Dominican Republic, and on one occasion, he facilitated a 300-kilogram cocaine shipment to Puerto Rico. Hernandez-Trinidad was also linked to a maritime cocaine load seized by law enforcement on December 10, 2019. On that date, federal and local authorities interdicted a boat with Dominican nationals carrying 181 kilograms of cocaine near the shoreline of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. At Hernandez-Trinidads sentencing, the judge noted a significant sentence was necessary to reflect the considerable quantity of drugs that were involved in the conspiracy. Man crashes vehicle on a Wisconsin campground and attempts to steal a golf cart, arrested for Operating While Intoxicated The sentence in this case is a direct result of excellent collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, stated U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad. I commend the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in investigating and prosecuting this conspiracy. This prosecution is the product of a multi-year investigation led by law enforcement agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the North Central High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Milwaukee Police Department. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. The former president will watch as his defense counsel and Manhattan prosecutors impanel one of the most consequential juries in U.S. history ANGELA WEISS/POOL/AFP via Getty Donald Trump arrives at the Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024, for the start of his criminal trial Former President Donald Trump arrived at court on Monday, April 15, for the start of his first criminal trial, a milestone moment in American politics that will test the boundaries of the United States justice system. Phase one of the hush money trial is jury selection, which could take anywhere from a few days to more than two weeks, and Trump will be in attendance while his lawyers and Manhattan prosecutors question several hundred jury candidates. Related: Would You Make It onto Donald Trumps Jury? Experts Identify the Ideal Juror and What Theyll Be Asked In the end, the court will impanel 12 jurors who will be tasked with impartially considering evidence, hearing testimonies and, finally, deliberating Trump's fate after both sides have made their case. Six alternate jurors will also be selected, who will attend all hearings and be ready to step in for a juror if needed. AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah Donald Trump walks from his vehicle to the courthouse on April 15, 2024 Arguments are expected to last six to eight weeks and could easily stretch into June. Trump is required to show up in court for the duration of the trial, pulling him largely off the campaign trail until a verdict is reached. The court will not hold hearings on Wednesdays or weekends, which will become his primary campaigning days. Related: Would You Make It onto Donald Trumps Jury? Experts Identify the Ideal Juror and What Theyll Be Asked Angela Weiss/AFP/Bloomberg via Getty Images Donald Trump sits down for day one of his criminal trial in New York, New York, on April 15, 2024 The historic case against the former president centers around 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg will aim to prove that Trump knowingly mislabeled payments to attorney Michael Cohen on financial records in an attempt to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election. Related: Ari Melber Previews What's at Stake in Donald Trump's Hush Money Trial and How He'll Defend Himself (Exclusive) CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Donald Trump departs Trump Tower for Manhattan Criminal Court on the morning of April 15, 2024 Bragg alleges that Trump falsely categorized his payments to Cohen as legal expenses, when they were actually reimbursements for $130,000 in hush money that Cohen gave adult film actress Stormy Daniels. In late October 2016, Daniels was considering coming forward with allegations that she and Trump had previously engaged in an affair. The hush money sent her way in the eleventh hour of the presidential election, Bragg argues, was part of a wider plot by Trump and his allies to bury controversies and secure the White House through unlawful means. 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. If convicted on any of the 34 counts, Trump faces potential prison time though some experts believe he would be given a lesser sentence as a first-time offender. With or without a harsh sentence, a jury conviction would poke holes in his "witch hunt" narrative and risk hurting his support among skeptical voters. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. UPDATE: Jury selection has ended for the day in Donald Trumps hush money trial, with 11 people so far having gone through an extensive questionnaire. A total of 32 potential jurors were left in the courtroom. After the prospective jurors left the courtroom, Trumps attorney Todd Blanche requested that his client be excused from the proceedings on April 25. Thats the day that the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Trumps claims of immunity from prosecution. More from Deadline But Merchan rejected the request. Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal, and I can certainly appreciate why your client would want to be there. But a trial in New York Supreme Court is also a big deal, he said, per a pool report. I will see him here next week. The trial will be dark on Wednesdays, when Merchan has other court duties. But he has not ruled out scheduling proceedings on that day if the trial runs behind schedule. Blanche sought guarantees that Trump would be excused if any proceedings end up on that date, given his campaign schedule, but the judge refused to commit. I cant give you a blanket answer. Certainly for any proceedings that involves the jury, your client needs to be here, Merchan said. He has threatened to have Trump arrested if he skips being present for the proceedings. Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom afterward, Trump blasted the case as a scam and slammed the judge. These are very complex things and hes not going to allow us to go to that he wont allow me to leave here for a half a day go to D.C. and go before the United States Supreme Court, because he thinks hes superior, Trump said. He also complained that the judge would not excuse him to attend his sons high school graduation next month. Cable news networks showed helicopter shots of Trumps motorcade as it left the lower Manhattan courthouse. Per Law360s Frank Runyeon, during one break in the proceedings, Trump glared for several seconds at The New York Times Maggie Haberman, who earlier in the day reported that he dozed off at one point. PREVIOUSLY: After spending the morning going through a series of motions, Judge Juan Merchan summoned the first batch of 96 potential jurors. In answering one of the first questions from the judge, more than half were let go after they indicated that they would be unable to be fair and impartial. Merchan also read out a list of more than 30 potential witnesses, but cautioned that not all would necessarily be called. The list included three of the presidents children Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump; son-in-law Jared Kushner; his wife Melania; former porn actress Stormy Daniels; his former attorney Michael Cohen; former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani; former aide Hope Hicks; former American Media executives David Pecker and Dylan Howard; former senior adviser Steve Bannon; Trump Organization executive Deborah Tarasoff; and former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg. Other jurors were excused for other reasons, leaving just under three dozen. When they first entered the courtroom, some of the jurors did react to seeing the former president. Some stared at him. According to the pool report, one woman giggled and put her hand over her mouth, looking at the person seated next to her with raised eyebrows. The remaining prospective jurors are now being asked, one by one, a list of 42 questions. Read the Trump trial juror questionnaire. PREVIOUSLY: Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled a hearing for April 23 on whether Donald Trump should be held in contempt for violations of a gag order. Prosecutors are asking the judge to fine Trump $3,000 for social media posts attacking two potential witnesses, Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels. During the lunch break, Trump posted a video of Laura Loomer, leading a protest outside the courthouse, in which she referenced the judges wife. The gag order restricts Trump from commenting on Merchans family members. Meanwhile, The New York Times Maggie Haberman, who was in the courtroom, reported that Trump appeared to nod off a few times, his mouth going slack and his head drooping onto his chest. PREVIOUSLY: Among the correspondents roving the park across from the New York criminal courthouse: Jordan Klepper of The Daily Show, spotted interviewing protesters. The small band of Trump supporters present included MAGA-world regulars with followings online and in the conservative news sphere. John Tabacco, a Staten Island resident who hosts a weekly talk show, Wise Guys, on Newsmax TV, fielded questions from reporters on Monday morning while holding a billboard-sized Trump 2024 flag. Tabacco, also a musician, said that Trump is doing amazingly under a blizzard of civil and criminal cases in Florida, Georgia, Washington, D.C. and New York, and he credited the former president with making the most of his court appearances. Donald Trumps the greatest showman that ever lived, Tabacco said. When he enters court its like a red carpet walk for him. As you can see hes in the middle of a presidential race and all eyes of the world are here. Look at all the media here: Everyone wants to get one shot of Donald Trump getting out of his car in front of the courthouse. To me I think he relishes in this stuff. Trump supporters gather at Collect Pond Park near Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday. Tabacco argued that all the trial-centered media exposure is helping him politically, especially with minority voters that have traditionally supported Democrats. I do a lot of street interviews, Tabacco said. I go into minority, Democrat areas and ask them questions, talk to people, and more and more people in the minority communities Hispanic. Latino, African-American they say, This is whats been happening to us our whole life. Weve been getting persecuted by the criminal justice system. The Mans after us, right? I think those people in those communities are identifying more with Trump every time they drag him to court, he said. John Tabacco outside the courthouse. At the opposite edge of the park, right-wing activist Laura Loomer led a rally of about a dozen Trump supporters. She would later attribute the reduced turnout among demonstrators to timing, telling reporters, Its a Monday. Also Tax Day. She complained that the whole Democratic establishment was scheduling Trump trials on inconvenient days to depress turnout among the Trump faithful. Ringed by reporters, Loomer spoke through a bullhorn and railed at Democrats in general and at the judge, Juan Merchan, presiding over the hush money trial for actions including the judges gag order on Trump. He cannot speak, Loomer said of Trump. We have to be his voice. As she spoke, a skirmish broke out behind her. A woman holding up a sign that read, Liar cheater loser, had her sign yanked down by a pro-Trump woman who then bodily shoved the Trump critic backwards several feet until she ran into a fence and fell down. Youre on the wrong side, the Trump supporter said, referring less to political alliegances than a security measure loosely enforced intended to keep pro- and anti-Trump demonstrators on opposite sides of the park, with several yards of barricade fencing between them. The early-morning anti-Trump contingent was even sparser. Theres nobody here, Nadine Seiler of Waldorf, MD, remarked to another demonstrator inside their designated half of the protest pen. Seiler said that she traveled from her home in the outer Washington, D.C., suburbs to show support for the case, which she likened to the government prosecuting Al Capone for tax evasion. Standing beneath a hand-painted banner that read, Trump criminal trial 4/15/24, in graffiti lettering, Seiler admitted to some disappointment that so few like-minded people were here. The reason he is allowed to do and get away with everything hes getting away with is because, where is everybody? We are a country of over 340-something million people, she said. Later in the morning, a group of Trump critics gathered at a plaza about two blocks away, near the courthouse famous as an opening credits backdrop on Law & Order. More than a dozen demonstrators holding large yellow alphabet cut-outs arranged themselves at the base of a statue into a message reading, Not above the law. There were other comedians present, including The Good Liars and an appearance by Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog (along with Robert Smigel), who had an exchange with Trump supporter John McGuigan. A moment outside the courtroom: Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (with Robert Smigel) in an exchange with a Trump supporter. (Via @spiccoli). pic.twitter.com/ga8kPmBVmu Ted Johnson (@tedstew) April 15, 2024 PREVIOUSLY: Prosecutors asked Judge Juan Merchan to fine Donald Trump $3,000 for violating a partial gag order in the case. New York Assistant District Attorney Christopher Conroy cited social media posts in which Trump attacked Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, who are expected to be witnesses in the case. On April 1, Merchan imposed a gag order on Trump that restricts his comments on a number of participants in the case, including witnesses, courtroom staff and prosecutors other than District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The judge later expanded the order to include his own family, after Trump attacked his daughter. We think it is important for the court to remind Mr. Trump [he] is a criminal defendant, Conroy said. Trumps attorney Todd Blanche argued that the social media posts did not violate the order and that the former president was responding to salacious, repeated, vehement attacks by these witnesses. Merchan did not issue a ruling before a lunchtime break. The judge did warn Trump that he could face jail time if he disrupts the proceedings. PREVIOUSLY: Prosecutors will be allowed to present evidence that Donald Trump had a special arrangement with the National Enquirer during the 2016 election cycle to publish positive stories about him and negative pieces on his rivals. Judge Juan Merchan said that he would allow such evidence in the case, per a courtroom pool. The Enquirers bias was apparent throughout that cycle, what with its puff pieces on Trump while publishing wild conspiracy theories about Ted Cruzs fathers involvement in the JFK assassination and of Hillary Clintons health. Prosecutors are trying to show that Trumps attempts to cover up hush money payments in advance of the election was part of an effort to secure an electoral advantage. David Pecker, who was then CEO of Enquirer parent American Media, reportedly appeared before a grand jury in the case. He presided over a catch and kill scheme in which the Enquirer bought the rights to the story of Karen McDougal, only to never publish a piece. McDougal was a former Playboy model who claimed to have had an affair with Trump. The judge will not allow prosecutors to play the infamous Access Hollywood tape before jurors, but said that they could introduce the exact words that Trump said. They just cannot play the recording itself. Merchan also denied Trumps attorneys efforts to have him recused from the case. PREVIOUSLY: Donald Trump entered the courtroom for the start of his criminal trial today on charges that he falsified business records to cover up hush money payments to former porn actress Stormy Daniels and others. Just before entering, Trump blasted the prosecution, calling it political persecution, persecution like never before. About a half hour earlier, as Trump arrived at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse today around 9 a.m. ET, the media presence reflected the magnitude of the moment: Long lines of reporters or standers to obtain scarce seats, helicopters tracking the former presidents motorcade and repeated reminders of why this proceeding is unique. At the official launch of the networks coverage, CNNs Jake Tapper opened coverage by telling viewers that Trump will become the first former president in all 247 years of this republics existence to ever stand criminal trial. Just outside the courthouse, only a smattering of demonstrators were present, a contrast to the carnival-like atmosphere of Trumps indictment a year ago, and reporters well outnumbered protesters. That may be a function of the fact that todays proceedings will be devoted to jury selection, a crucial but not-exactly captivating part of the process. Given the stakes and the expected difficulty in finding genuinely impartial jurors, jury selection may take days. Networks have reporters inside and outside the courthouse, but what they dont have are cameras to capture the proceedings. New York generally prohibits them, which will force media outlets to rely on staff accounts as close to real time as possible. Reporters are forbidden from using cell phones inside the courtroom, but they can text in an overflow with a closed-circuit feed. The judge is allowing some limited pool images of Trump in the courtroom, but not of the proceedings. Given the restrictions, the networks are supplementing their coverage with legal and political analysis, but its doubtful that viewership would match what it would have been had televised proceedings been allowed. Former President Trump remarks ahead of Hush Money Trial: "This is political persecution this is a persecution like never before.it's an assault on America." pic.twitter.com/gdPUMgl8KQ CSPAN (@cspan) April 15, 2024 As he has before in person and on social media, Trump told reporters outside the courtroom that he was very proud to be here but blasted the proceedings, calling the trial an assault on America. After his remarks, CNNs Kaitlan Collins remarked that he did say one thing that is accurate: This is a historic case. She pointed out the falsity of Trumps often-repeated suggestion that Joe Biden was behind his prosecution, given that this is a New York state proceeding. According to a pool report from Laura Italiano, Trump entered the courtroom hunch-shouldered, but chin up, his expression stern, on his 10-second walk up the aisle of the largely empty courtroom. Donald Trump departs Trump Tower en-route to Manhattan Criminal Court. Trump also is under a partial gag order from Judge Juan Merchan that prohibits him from attacking courtroom staff, most prosecutors and the judges family, as well as the jurors. Trump has continued to attack Michael Cohen, his former attorney who is expected to be a primary prosecution witness, but Merchan has not taken any steps yet to warn Trump or sanction him. Trumps attorneys have waged numerous attempts to delay the start of the proceedings, but they have been rejected by Merchan and appeals courts. The latest will be a motion for Merchan to recuse himself, given his involvement in previous cases involving the Trump organization. But he is expected to deny that motion. Earlier today, Trumps campaign introduced a new ad tied to the trial. They want to take away my freedom because I will never let them take away your freedom, Trump says in the spot. More to come. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In a social media post on Wednesday afternoon, former President Donald Trump delivered an all-caps message to members of Congress. "KILL FISA," he wrote. "IT WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS." Trump was referring to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which allows intelligence services to scoop up electronic communications between Americans and individuals overseas. Those communications are stored in a massive databasethe true extent of which is unknown and perhaps unquantifiablethat is routinely queried by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, giving them a back door to spy on Americans' communications without a warrant. Trump is right to be mad about how Section 702 has been used, and he's also right that he is far from the only target. In 2021, for example, the FBI used its FISA powers to run more than 3.3 million queries through the Section 702 database. A Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court report unsealed in May showed that the FBI improperly used its warrantless search powers more than 278,000 times during 2021targeting "crime victims, January 6th riot suspects, people arrested at a protest in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in 2020," and donors to congressional candidates. Last week, as Congress was considering the periodic renewal of Section 702, some lawmakers (including some of Trump's closest allies in the House) were pushing for a requirement that law enforcement agencies get a warrant before trolling through the FISA database. That effort failed, 212212, with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (RLa.) casting the tie-breaking vote. And how did Trump react to all that? "I'm not a big fan of FISA," the former president reiterated to reporters after meeting with Johnson at Mar-a-Lago on Friday night. "But I told everybody, 'Do what you want.'" From "KILL FISA" to "Do what you want" in a little over two days. Where's the righteous indignation? Where's the all-caps anger? Trump's flop on FISA went mostly unnoticed in media coverage over the weekend, perhaps because it was entirely predictable. For a guy who has spent years railing against the abuses of the "deep state," Trump has shockingly little to show for itand not just because the FBI's budget increased in each of the four years that he oversaw the executive branch. Perhaps Trump's biggest failure on that front is the very Section 702 warrantless spying program that Congress is reauthorizing. The last reauthorization occurred in early 2018, and it was then-President Donald Trump who put his signature to the billa bill that did not include a requirement for law enforcement to get a warrant before accessing Americans' communications. In fact, the Trump administration even outlined ways for the warrantless spying program to continue in the event that Congress did not pass a reauthorization in time. In a very real and direct way, the abuses of Section 702 that have taken place since 2018millions of queries run by the FBI, including the spying on January 6 rioters, etc.occurred because Trump decided at a crucial moment to simply go along with what the deep state wanted. It's true that this time around, Trump is not president and does not have a role to play in reauthorizing Section 702. But his influence over the Republican Party is significant, and this was an issue in which the reformers fell a single vote short of imposing the warrant requirement. There is also a reconsideration of the vote today, which means Trump's response on Friday (or over the weekend) could have swayed the ultimate outcome. If nothing else, Trump could at least have gone after Johnson for his decisive vote. As Matt Taibbi noted on Friday, Johnson has failed to articulate a reason why law enforcement needs secret authority to spy on Americans' communications beyond "a secret intelligence briefing, where he learned secret reasons, which he encouraged other members to learn secretly." Isn't that the epitome of the very "deep state" that Trump supposedly stands athwart yelling "Stop"? Others who favored reforms were less cowardly about where the blame should be assigned. "The Speaker doesn't always vote in the House, but he was the tie breaker today," Rep. Thomas Massie (RKy.) posted on X. "He voted against warrants." "Those 86 Republicans [who voted to block the warrant requirement] should be ashamed of themselves. I say that without any apology," Rep. Chip Roy (RTexas) said on Fox News. He urged the public to "let your members of Congress know before we have to come back on Monday and vote again." But the Republican with the party's biggest bully pulpit defended Johnson on Friday night and didn't post a peep about Section 702 over the weekend. Keep that in mind the next time Trump invokes the abuses of the deep state and promises that things will be different if voters put him back in the White House. The post Donald Trump's Cowardice Over Warrantless Spying appeared first on Reason.com. Last-minute efforts to delay the trial were denied, forcing the former president to accept the harsh reality that only 12 jurors and a judge stand between him and prison Justin Lane/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Donald Trump attends a March 25 hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court, where he unsuccessfully sought to have his felony charges dismissed Donald Trump's hush money trial is kicking off with jury selection, as Manhattan prosecutors prepare to argue the first-ever criminal case against a United States president. On Monday, April 15, several hundred randomly selected New Yorkers are reporting for jury duty in lower Manhattan, where an exhaustive vetting process will leave the court with 12 jurors entrusted to decide whether Trump's claim of an overreaching indictment carries any validity. Related: Would You Make It onto Donald Trumps Jury? Experts Identify the Ideal Juror and What Theyll Be Asked Finding a dozen impartial jurors (and six alternates) in an inflammatory case like Trump's could take more than two weeks, depending on how quickly Judge Juan Merchan moves the process along. When the jury panel is finalized, opening arguments will begin, kicking off one of the highest-profile legal sagas in history. Related: Ari Melber Previews What's at Stake in Donald Trump's Hush Money Trial and How He'll Defend Himself (Exclusive) Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Judge Juan Merchan's courtroom at the Manhattan Criminal Court, where Donald Trump's hush money trial is expected to be held The Manhattan district attorney's case against Trump centers around 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. In the final weeks of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, his personal attorney, Michael Cohen, paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump. Prosecutors have accused Trump of reimbursing Cohen in multiple installments and falsely labeling them as payment for "legal services" in an attempt to conceal their true nature. Though falsifying business records is usually a misdemeanor, it can be classified as a felony in New York when there is an "intent to defraud." Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg will aim to prove to the jury that in mislabeling his payments to Cohen, Trump was attempting to hide a larger scheme to unlawfully influence the presidential election. Related: The Biggest Bombshells from the Donald Trump Indictment, from Hush Money Payments to 'Friends in High Places' Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, who is leading the prosecution of Donald Trump The hush money trial is expected to last at least six weeks from the time jury selection is completed. If jurors ultimately side with Bragg that Trump not only falsified business records, but did it with an intent to defraud, the former president could face up to four years in prison for each individual count. In the event of a felony conviction, Judge Merchan wouldn't necessarily give Trump the maximum sentence. And even if Trump did end up receiving prison time, he would be allowed to remain on the presidential ballot in November. Related: All About Todd Blanche, Donald Trump's Attorney in Ongoing Criminal Cases Though it's never been tested before, legal scholars believe that if Trump won the election from prison, he would be able to postpone the remainder of his sentence and potentially pardon himself so that he could fulfill his White House duties. JUSTIN LANE/POOL/AFP via Getty Donald Trump arrives for a March 25, 2024, hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court, where Judge Juan Merchan set a timeline for trial While it wouldn't disqualify Trump from the presidency, a conviction in the hush money case could still hold weight. In a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in April, roughly one-quarter of Republican respondents stated that they would not vote for Trump if a jury deems him guilty of committing a felony. 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. Trump faces felony charges in three additional criminal cases, two of which are at the federal level. Trial dates in those cases have not yet been set, though six in 10 Americans who were polled by Reuters/Ipsos said they would like to see verdicts reached before filling out their ballot in November. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Former President Donald Trump appeared in court Monday for a hush-money trial in New York as he becomes the first former president to go on criminal trial. Pool Photo by Angela Weiss/UPI April 15 (UPI) -- Donald Trump was in Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday for the start of the criminal trial against him over alleged hush money payments made to an adult film actress. The former president has pleaded not guilty to all charges as jury selection began in the court of Judge Juan Merchan. More than half of the 96 potential jurors were quickly dismissed, with many signifying that they would be unable to serve. Many raised their hands when asked to identify themselves as being unable to be impartial. Before adjourning for a break in the early afternoon, the prosecution had asked Merchan to sanction Trump for allegedly violating Merchan's gag order through Trump's own weekend social media posts. Next week, Merchan will rule on the gag order sanction request that seeks for Trump to be fined $1,000 for each post that allegedly violate the gag order. A hearing over the request was set for April 24 but Merchan moved it up a day to April 23. Jury selection for former President Donald Trump's hush-money trial is set to begin in the court of Judge Juan Merchan. Pool Photo by Jabin Botsford/UPI But Trump's defense attorney Todd Blanche -- who has until Friday to present a written response -- said he believes the former president's words do not violate the gag order. "It's not as if President Trump is going off and targeting individuals," Blanche said in court. "(Trump's) responding to salacious repeated ... attacks by these witnesses." Donald Trump, the first former president to stand trial on criminal charges, is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records to allegedly cover hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016. Pool Photo by Jefferson Siegel/UPI After nine potential jurors had gone through their questionnaires by late afternoon, Merchan adjourned court for the day. Earlier Monday morning, Merchan had denied a pair of motions by Trump's lawyers requesting that he recuse himself from the case, citing past interview comments and the fact that his daughter works with a Democrat-affiliated firm. The judge issued a gag order against Donald Trump and later expanded it to bar him from making comments about those involved in the trial and their families. Pool Photo by Jefferson Siegel/UPI "There is no basis for recusal," Merchan said, adding the motions amounted to "a series of inferences, innuendos and unsupported speculation." Trump is accused of making hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in an attempt to cover up an affair. He is also charged with falsifying records to hide the payments made when he campaigned for the presidency in 2016 and into his first term as president. Donald Trump's attorney Todd Blanche, pictured here, argued video of the former president while filming "Access Hollywood" was "extremely salacious evidence that's very, very, very prejudicial." Pool photo by Jeenah Moon/UPI Merchan also ruled Monday the audio and video of Trump's lewd comments about groping women on Access Hollywood would not be admitted to the court but that text of Trump's words from the tape could be read aloud. Prosecutors had argued the comments featured in the tape were necessary to provide jurors full understanding of the case, while Trump attorney Todd Blanche, argued the video was "extremely salacious evidence that's very, very, very prejudicial." Supporters of former President Donald Trump gather outside Manhattan criminal court on Monday, April 15, 2024 in New York. Jury selection began today in the criminal hush money trial of former President Donald Trump who is accused of falsifying business records to hide his affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Photo by Louis Lanzano/UPI Trump is the first former president to go on criminal trial, facing 34 felony charges from an alleged hush-money scheme. Trump has meanwhile already launched tirades against Merchan, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Michael Cohen and Daniels as well as Merchan's daughter. This led to Merchan issuing a gag order against Trump and later expanding it to bar him from making comments about those involved in the trial and their families. This includes prosecutors and potential witnesses. Anti-Trump supporters march outside Manhattan criminal court on Monday, April 15, 2024 in New York. Jury selection began today in the criminal hush money trial of former President Donald Trump who is accused of falsifying business records to hide his affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Photo by Louis Lanzano/UPI Merchan noted Trump's "harassing comments" about Cohen and Daniels when he asked the court to allow them to testify. Trump again spoke out against the gag order hours before leaving for the courthouse, calling the trial "rigged." He made several more posts criticizing Merchan, Bragg and Cohen. "I want my VOICE back," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "This Crooked Judge has GAGGED me. Unconstitutional! The other side can talk about me, but I am not allowed to talk about them! Rigged Trial!" Merchan listed dozens more people who may be involved in the trial, including members of Trump's family, his former attorney Rudy Giuliani, former aide Hope Hicks and former White House strategist Steve Bannon. Trump's rhetoric has led to threats against judges and prosecutors in multiple cases. Bragg increased security at his office following the indictment last April. Trump and others allegedly carried out a "catch and kill" scheme to suppress stories about him during the 2016 election cycle. This included purchasing negative stories about him and burying them. Charges related to falsifying business records are commonly misdemeanor offenses but they can be enhanced to felony charges if the act is done to cover up or commit another crime. The trial will include testimony from Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, as well as Trump's former attorney Cohen. Cohen was allegedly Trump's "fixer" who arranged the $130,000 in hush-money payments to Daniels. Trump is accused of falsely designating payments made to Cohen for nine months beginning in April 2017 as legal fees. Trump's attorneys have attempted to quash Cohen's testimony and discredit him before he takes the stand. They asked the court to block Cohen's testimony because he is "a liar," saying he previously committed perjury. Cohen has not been convicted of perjury, but he was accused by Trump attorney Alina Habba during the civil trial of Trump and the Trump Organization last fall. "We have spent three years doing this, based on testimony from Michael Cohen, who walked into that courtroom, and under oath and open court admitted that he perjured himself," Habba said of Cohen's testimony in that trial. Trump also wanted to keep Daniels from testifying, but Merchan ruled her testimony is necessary. Trump is accused of paying $30,000 to a doorman at Trump Tower who claimed to have a story about Trump having a child out of wedlock. A second woman Trump allegedly had a sexual relationship with was paid $150,000. Bragg brought the indictment of Trump a year ago. It was the first criminal indictment of a former president in history. Trump's defense has undertaken multiple efforts to delay the trial. Most recently, Trump attempted to have the trial moved out of Manhattan, arguing that he could not receive a fair trial there. His team cited the publicity surrounding the case. Bragg argued in his rebuttal that Trump has brought on the publicity himself. The appellate court denied the appeal, quashing a late attempt to delay the trial further. Last month, Merchan agreed to delay the trial for one month to allow Trump's defense to review new discovery materials submitted by Bragg's office. The decision followed Trump's request for a delay of up to 90 days. Bragg was also agreeable to the one-month delay. PANAMA CITY BEACH With polls slated to open Tuesday for the 2024 municipal elections in Bay County, here are some things local voters need to know. Three Bay County municipalities have elections that will appear on ballots in the 2024 municipal elections in Tuesday. What offices are up for election and who are the candidates? Three Bay County municipalities have elections Tuesday: Panama City Beach, Callaway and Mexico Beach. In PCB, Mayor Mark Sheldon is running for re-election against Stuart Tettemer. In Callaway, incumbent Bob Pelletier is running against Christine Smallwood for the Ward 3 seat, and incumbent Kenneth Ayers is running against David Agosta for the Ward 4 seat. In Mexico Beach, the offices of mayor, Group 4 council member and Group 5 council member are up for election. Unlike the other listed offices, the office of mayor in Mexico Beach is not a traditional election, but a recall election. Residents will be asked whether they support recalling current Mayor Michele Miller. They then will be asked to choose a replacement. If the majority of residents vote in favor of recalling Miller, then the winning replacement will assume the position. Richard Wolff, the current Group 5 council member of Mexico Beach, and Erik Fosshage are running to be Miller's replacement. Jason Adams, Cindy Jolley and Lisa Logan are running for the Group 4 seat. One of them will replace Adrian Welle, who is not seeking re-election. Larry Henderson and Timothy Linderman are running to replace Wolff for the Group 5 seat. Where are the voting sites? Four voting sites will be open in Bay County tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are: Callaway Arts & Conference Center at 500 Callaway Parkway. First Baptist Church of Mexico Beach at 823 15th St. Lyndell Conference Center at 423 Lyndell Lane. Frank Brown Park Community Center at 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway. Voters can only vote at their designated voting site on election day. Public parking: Pay up: Bay County charging for parking at M.B. Miller Pier to help with operational costs How many votes already have been cast? As of Monday morning, the Bay County Supervisor of Elections' website said more than 2,700 residents already have cast ballots in the 2024 municipal elections. This is made up of 1,122 people who voted by mail and 1,593 people who participated in early voting. Early voting in Bay County ended Friday. Of those who have participated so far, 1,792 are Republicans, 524 are Democrats, 354 do not have a political party affiliation, and 46 were listed as "other." This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Elections take place for three Bay County municipalities on Tuesday Dothan City Manager loses chance for job in Destin while facing possible oust from the city DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) The Dothan City Manager at risk of losing his position in the Circle City lost his other opportunity on the coast Monday night. Kevin Cowper was up for a job as the City Manager in Destin, Florida. However, the Destin City Council voted against Cowper and another candidate, instead choosing to hire internally. This meeting came a day before the Dothan City Comission is set to decide whether or not to renew Cowpers contract, which expires on April 30. Sources tell WDHN that several commissioners have been unhappy with Cowper since his hiring in 2019. During his tenure, the Dothan government came under fire after a scandal came to light involving the citys after-school feeding program. Cowper was also at the forefront of the City Center Project, a so-far successful $200 million plan to revitalize Dothans downtown area. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) Medical students in the Wiregrass will soon benefit from a $2.3 million donation to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. According to a release from UAB, the donation was made by Dothan-based Ophthalmologist Marnix E. Heersink, M.D., and his wife, Mary Heersink. It will establish three endowed scholarships to support health professions, optometry, and pre-optometry students. The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved the three scholarships during its April 12 meeting, allowing them to be awarded immediately. $1.04 million went to the School of Health Professionals to assist students who accept internships in the southeastern Alabama region. A gift of $316,000 will benefit students from southeast Alabama enrolled in the UAB College of Arts and Sciences who have declared the UAB Pre-Optometry route, and $936,000 will provide an annual scholarship paying for half the tuition of two UAB Optometry students. The students who enroll at UAB from the Pathways Programs at Wallace Community College, Troy University, and/or the UAB College of Arts and Sciences will be given priority. Mary and I have had the privilege of living in the wonderful southeastern Alabama community of Dothan for 46 years, Heersink told UAB. During that time, we have realized and understood that the future of health care and our area depends on training, motivating and empowering students to return to the Wiregrass to serve our area. Our goal is to provide a means, and a pathway for local students to continue their education at the next level, and then have an opportunity to become health professionals, including optometry. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. Charles Cooper said he has spent hundreds of pounds on lawyers over the Ulez fine A driver has been handed a Ulez fine despite donating his car to the Ukraine war effort last summer. Charles Cooper, 65, drove his Volvo SUV across the Ukrainian border in August 2023. Yet Transport for London (TfL) sent Mr Cooper, of Lymington in Hampshire, a series of fines after automated number plate recognition cameras (ANPR) allegedly picked up the car being driven through London in October. TfL is chasing him for hundreds of pounds in penalties for non-payment through the courts even though the accountant showed that his car was given to Ukraine last year. In a letter to The Telegraph, Mr Cooper said he has spent hundreds of pounds on lawyers after officials rejected his explanation that their automatic cameras had mistakenly identified the wrong car. I have already provided adequate information showing details of the export of this vehicle to the Ukrainian army, with associated paperwork, he wrote. The chartered accountant, a former chief executive of investment fund BRI Wealth Management, added: I am not aware if the case has been abandoned. This situation is positively Orwellian. What sort of country are we living in? Mr Cooper said he would rather go to prison than pay a wrongfully issued fine. He said his ordeal began when fixed penalty notices were sent late last year, which he did not immediately receive because he was travelling in Greece. He came home in January to find letters from the transport authority had escalated into threats to take him to court for non-payment. One picture sent to him by TfL of the alleged infringement showed a very unclear photograph of the front of a Volvo which they claim was my number plate, he said. It looks to me like [the letters] OKK, and they say its OKW which was my plate, he added. But my car had been given to the Ukrainian army in August. I drove it over there. A letter sent by TfL to Mr Cooper and seen by The Telegraph said: We have reviewed the vehicle image(s) and believe that the charge(s) have/has been raised correctly. The letter invited him to send proof that the Volvo was at a location outside the London charging zones on Oct 10 last year. His car was delivered to Ukraine as part of a mercy mission by the 4Ukraine humanitarian aid group, which delivers surplus cars and medical supplies from the UK to the eastern European country. Mr Cooper said: I sent them those papers. I sent them a photograph of me handing the car over to my army contact who was actually a priest. And they ignored it. The last thing I got from them was that I was going to be sent to court... And bailiffs would be appointed, which was when I wrote to [TfL] and said, well, theres no point in doing that, because I would rather go to prison than pay you anything. Ukrainian charity representatives receive Charles Cooper's car in August 2023 Photographs taken in August 2023 show Mr Cooper handing the grey Volvo over to Ukrainian representatives. A TfL spokesman said: We are investigating what has happened here. We will be speaking to Mr Cooper very soon. It comes as Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, remains locked in battle over sending cars to Ukraine, despite pledging in February that vehicles handed in under the Ulez scrappage scheme would be sent to the Eastern European country. Richard Lofthouse, a volunteer representing the Car for Ukraine campaign, said that he had concerns over the speed with which vehicles were reaching Ukraine. It came after Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, suggested Mr Khan was blocking the exports after the former cited legal barriers when the idea was first put to him in 2023. Under the conditions of the London ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), owners of polluting older cars, such as the Volvo XC90 driven to Ukraine by Mr Cooper, must pay 12.50 per day for driving inside the M25. The London Congestion Charge, a 15-a-day tax, also applies for driving inside inner London. It is not the first time TfL has been accused of wrongly giving drivers Ulez fines. A government commissioner warned ministers last year that more than two million motorists a day could be wrongly identified for fines by Ulez or speed cameras. Professor Fraser Sampson, the surveillance camera commissioner, said the ANPR camera networks 3 per cent error rate for reading car number plates meant there were significant risks of penalty notices being wrongly issued to innocent motorists. One driver who was wrongly fined was a plumber who fitted his companys vans with customised number plates after TfL incorrectly assumed the vans were too old and thus too polluting to comply with Ulez. Sam Reading bought four registration plates that created the words GAS JOB for his company vehicles to help promote a distinct brand for his business. Yet the registrations were originally issued between 2002 and 2008 and so were classified by TfL as not Ulez compliant. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Driver trying to escape law enforcement killed in crash where car flips, SC cops say A driver who was trying to get away from law enforcement was killed late Saturday night when a car ran off a Midlands road and crashed, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The single-vehicle collision happened at about 11:50 p.m. in Clarendon County, said Master Trooper Gary Miller. The driver of a 2005 Honda Accord was going south on Luke Godwin Road and attempting to elude law enforcement, according to Miller. Information about why law enforcement was chasing the driver was not available, and there was no word on the agency, or agencies, involved in the pursuit. Near the intersection with Wash Davis Road the driver lost control of the Honda, which ran off the left side of Luke Godwin Road and crashed into a ditch before flipping over, Miller said. The driver was the only person in the Honda and died, according to Miller. There was no word if the driver was wearing a seat belt. The Clarendon County Coroners Office identified the driver as 33-year-old Summerton resident Tonnie Leon Lawson Jr., WLTX reported. No other injuries were reported. Miller did not say if the Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash. Through Wednesday, 231 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 999 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported. At least three people have died in Clarendon County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were 15 deaths reported in the county in 2023, DPS reported. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Nearly five months after a man lost his life in a crash on Murfreesboro Pike, police say they are searching for the driver who is believed to be responsible. According to authorities, the crash happened on November 20, 2023 at the intersection of Murfreesboro Pike and Dover Glen Drive. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Traffic Unit investigators said 27-year-old Nicolas Abdul-Wali was arrested the morning of the crash for driving on a suspended license and failure to provide proof of insurance. Nicolas Abdul Wali (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) During the course of the investigation, officials learned that before the crash occurred, Abdul- Mali was reportedly driving his Dodge Journey in speeds of up to 70 miles per hour when he struck 60-year-old Miguel Lara who was pulling out of an apartment complex in a Nissan Sentra. Athletic community mourns death of TSU football player Chazan Page after Gallatin Pike hit-and-run Authorities reported Lara was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and died from his injuries on November 29th. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), a warrant charging Abdul-Wali with vehicular homicide by reckless conduct was obtained last week. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee He was given the opportunity to surrender himself but has yet to do so, officials said. Anyone with information regarding Abdul-Walis whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Drivers charged in I-75 crash that left 1-year-old dead, several injured Two drivers have been charged in connection that a crash that left a 1-year-old dead and several others injured. The crash happened just after 7:12 p.m. on April 1 off Interstate 75 in Spalding County. On Monday, Georgia State Patrol confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that it has charged 20-year-old Riley Cassar and 33-year-old TiAsia Hill. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Georgia State Patrol said its initial investigation found that Hill lost control of her Hyundai Sonata and crashed into a guardrail and a tractor-trailer. The impact ejected her 1-year-old daughter, who died from her injuries, according to GSP. Seven others, including Hill and the tractor-trailer driver, were taken to a hospital to be treated. After investigators received witness statements and new dash camera video, GSP later determined that Cassar in a Volkswagen Passat improperly changed lanes into Hills path and hit her car. TRENDING STORIES: GSP has charged Cassar with the following: two counts of vehicular homicide in the first degree, hit-and-run, improper lane change, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving and tampering with evidence. Investigators have also filed charges against Hill for five counts of child restraint and five counts of reckless conduct. Spalding County jail records show Cassar remains in custody with no bond. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS Drug Shortages in the U.S. Reach All-Time High, Including Medications for Chemotherapy, ADHD and Severe Allergies Pharmacists warn that there are 323 drugs in active shortage, a record high Getty Drug shortages have reached an all-time high in the United States. During the first three months of 2024, there were 323 drugs in active shortage, according to data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and Utah Drug Information Service. The organizations began tracking drug shortages in 2001 and the previous record was in 2014 with 320 medications in active shortage. Among the medications affected are 32 chemotherapy drugs, EpiPens, ADHD medications like Adderall, diabetes drug Ozempic, pain and sedation medications, common antibiotics like amoxicillin, and more. All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, Paul Abramowitz, ASHPs chief executive officer, said in a statement. Some of the most worrying shortages involve generic sterile injectable medications, including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency medications stored in hospital crash carts and procedural areas. Ongoing national shortages of therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder also remain a serious challenge for clinicians and patients. Related: FDA Announces Nationwide Shortage of Adderall Getty 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. Increased demand as well as manufacturing and quality problems can cause a drug shortage. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services published a white paper attributing the shortages to market failures and misaligned incentives. The ASHP has been working with the federal government to address the shortages. We all know that managing shortages isnt enough and is not a sustainable solution to the worsening crisisMuch work remains to be done at the federal level to fix the root causes of drug shortages, Abramowitz said. Its long past time to put an end to drug shortages. A March 2023 report by the Senate Homeland Security Committee states that a number of drug shortages were an ongoing problem for more than a decade and became more severe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Government data shows that the average drug shortage typically lasts about a year and a half. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. In the spring budget revision published on 15 April, the Dutch government has confirmed its intention to increase military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine in the coming years. Source: This is evidenced by a post on the Dutch government's website, European Pravda reports Details: The report indicates that in 2024-2026, the Dutch government will allocate an additional 4.4 billion for military and humanitarian support to Ukraine. A total of 4 billion of this amount is for military support and is spread over the next three years. The remaining 400 million will be transferred in two tranches (148 million in 2024 and 252 million in 2025) for non-military support. Quote: "Any additional support to Ukraine will be provided within the regular budget and will depend on the next Cabinet of Ministers," the document says. The government report also indicates that since the beginning of the war, the Netherlands has provided support to Ukraine worth about 10 billion in total. Last week, it was announced that the Netherlands would allocate at least 1 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2024, in addition to the 2 billion already allocated. In addition to the 2 billion in military support, this year's Dutch support for Ukraine includes 295 million in contributions to the European Peace Fund, 89 million for justice, and 3 million for non-military cyber support. The same amount of military assistance was fixed in the bilateral security agreement signed by the leaders of Ukraine and the Netherlands on 1 March. Support UP or become our patron! East Pittsburgh man sentenced to prison time for threatening out-of-state people, businesses An East Pittsburgh man has been sentenced to 16 months behind bars for threatening people and businesses in a different state. Robert Notter, 35, made threats to people, businesses and organizations in Yadkin County, North Carolina. He sent text messages and left voicemails pretending to be someone else and threatened to kill the recipients. NBC affiliate WXII reports the Yadkin County Sheriffs Office investigated 43 claims from churches, schools, businesses and people whom Notter tried to contact. Notter was convicted of interstate communications containing a threat to injure another person. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Multiple people injured after vehicle crashes into trees in Westmoreland County Suspects who caused damage to Jefferson Hills homes sought by police Key Bridge collapse: FBI opens criminal investigation VIDEO: Tax Day 2024: Options exist for those still planning to file DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Unlike other hyped-up tech, self-driving taxis look like they could be the real thing. You can take Waymo's software-powered taxis in San Francisco and Phoenix. They work just like an Uber. Waymo's robot taxis aren't perfect, and there are very reasonable concerns about them. But also: They're self-driving taxis that really work! It's easy to crap on tech. We I do it all the time. Sometimes it's because tech doesn't work the way I want it to. Sometimes it's schadenfreude about a big hyped thing that falls flat. Sometimes it's just a sense that the tech we all depend on may be harming us in ways we don't understand and can't control. But also: Sometimes tech reminds you that tech can be awesome, in the golly-gee-can-you-believe-it sense some of us used to have about this stuff. Which is exactly how I felt after my last trip to San Francisco, when I took several rides in Waymo's robotaxis. That's partly because the tech is amazing. You really are in a car, driving around the city, with no one in the driver's seat. Software and sensors take care of everything. And partly because the tech already seems so normal. You order a Waymo via an app, just like an Uber or Lyft. It shows up, you get in, it takes you where you want to go, and you get out. Yes, my 13-year-old son and I spent the first few minutes in our first Waymo texting our friends and family: OMG IM IN A SELF DRIVING TAXI. We also documented it on social, of course. We also felt a bit of the trepidatious rush you get when you sit down in a roller coaster and have that internal debate: Is this safe? It must be safe, because otherwise they wouldn't let you do it, right? But seriously, is this safe? But after those first few minutes of novelty, we went back to doing what we always do in an Uber or a Lyft: zoning out on our phones, staring out the window, and spending next to no time thinking about who, or what, was driving us. Which, to me, is really the most amazing part: This stuff is here, now, and you can just use it. At least some people can. Waymo, which is owned by Google's parent company, Alphabet, has a couple hundred self-driving cars roaming around San Francisco, and access is still limited there via a waiting list, as well as by geography. You can't get a Waymo to pick you up at San Francisco International Airport, for instance, or take you across the Bay Bridge to Oakland. In Phoenix, where Waymo first launched consumer access, it has about the same number of cars but no waiting list. And now it's starting to roll out in Los Angeles and Austin. We've heard about self-driving taxis forever, but they're just starting to become a reality While Waymo says it drives tens of thousands of trips a week, even the most tech-savvy people I talk to have yet to ride in one. And it's reasonable to have concerns about this tech as it rolls out. Waymo's rival Cruise halted its service last fall after a slew of incidents, including a grisly one where a self-driving Cruise dragged a pedestrian who had been hit by a human-driven car. Self-driving tech is also an obvious problem for humans who depend on ride-hailing services to make a living. (On my previous trip to San Francisco, one of my Uber drivers told me he had previously been a recruiter at Amazon who lost his job during one of Amazon's recent layoff rounds.) And to be honest, I'm not even sure I would always order a Waymo if I had a chance. Right now, beyond the novelty, the big upside for me is that the fleet's cars electric Jaguars are comfortable and clean. And that the per-trip cost is about the same as an Uber Comfort (one level up from the base Uber X fare) but really a bit cheaper, since you're not tipping your robot driver. Waymo's self-driving taxis, like this Jaguar model crossing an intersection in San Francisco, are kitted out with cameras and other sensors. JASON HENRY/Getty Images But there's no reason to believe that the cars will remain pristine, and that pricing will stay low, as this stuff rolls out more broadly. (Waymo doesn't disclose financials, and the company wouldn't tell me if it's making money on each trip. I assume it does not, for now; we do know Waymo has invested billions in this since it started out as a Google project in 2009.) Still, I can think of all kinds of uses for Waymo right now. Like using it for food delivery which is happening in Phoenix, via Uber Eats. Maybe it's for people who believe a robot is more reliable than a human driver at least we know a Waymo won't watch TikTok while driving on the highway like a Lyft driver did when I was in their back seat a couple of years ago. Or maybe it's simply for people who would rather not interact with another human when they're in a taxi. Which is what David Margines, Waymo's director of product management, says is the service's chief appeal for customers right now. "It's their own space," he says. Waymo's self-driving cars aren't perfect Yes, there are still some issues with Waymo, at least in the rides I took recently. One is simply figuring out how to get in the thing: When your Waymo arrives, you unlock its doors with your phone but only once it has driven to a very precise location that Waymo knows and you don't. Which led, a couple times, to some awkward slow dancing between myself and the robot car. It would stop when I got near but wouldn't let me in because it wasn't exactly where it was supposed to be. Then I'd step away, and then it would lurch forward toward its still-unknown-to-me target spot. Then I'd step forward and it would stop but it still wouldn't let me in. On one of my trips, this happened on a particularly tight, winding San Francisco street. As my Waymo and I negotiated with each other, we ended up blocking multiple cars, including a minivan whose driver started honking at us in frustration. "You can't honk at a robot," I told her, not very helpfully. "It doesn't care." Meanwhile, a guy walking by stopped and took out his phone to record the scene. "You can put a cone on it to disable it," he told me, unprompted. Apparently he's right? A self-driving Waymo taxi makes its way through Los Angeles. Mario Tama/Getty Images More worrisome to me was that on one of my trips to a Warriors game at the Chase Center arena at a busy intersection, a Waymo in front of us wouldn't respond to a traffic cop trying to wave it through a red light. Then another Waymo pulled up beside it and also didn't respond to the cop. So now three Waymos were sitting there, blocking traffic and waiting for the light. The traffic cop stopped trying to move us and just held his hands over his head in disgust. I figured this was a well-known and understandable problem for Waymos of course their software and sensors wouldn't respond to humans telling them to override traffic signals! Think of the problems that could cause! But Margines told me that Waymos are, in fact, supposed to understand human signals like a traffic cop. A Waymo PR person sent me this clip from Waymo CEO Dmitri Dolgov showing a Waymo doing just that: Leveraging AI for semantic understanding of complex driving scenes is a key capability of the #WaymoDriver. Check out this example of it autonomously interpreting and adhering to a police officer directing traffic in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/PyPqVaOc6B Dmitri Dolgov (@dmitri_dolgov) January 19, 2024 But unlike with other Big New Tech innovations I've seen in the past anyone still have a 3D TV in their living room? I don't think self-driving tech is going away. I think the people behind the tech will figure out its possibilities, its limitations, and the places it does and doesn't make sense. Meanwhile, Cruise is starting up again, but this time with humans in the driver's seat. Elon Musk has promised to unveil his robotaxi this summer, and while your doubt about anything Musk says is well warranted, you never know. So I think that one way or another, we are going to make some version of this standard for many of us in the not-far-off future. Is that great? I don't know. But it really is amazing. Read the original article on Business Insider EasyJet has cancelled flights to Israel for almost a week amid fears Tel Aviv is preparing to launch a retaliation strike against Iran. The airline had already paused flights to Tel Aviv until at least Tuesday but in a new statement said this would now continue until Sunday due to the evolving situation. It comes amid concerns of escalating conflict in the Middle East after Iran launched a drone and missile strike against Israel on Saturday evening. The Israeli government and its allies shot down almost all of the drones and missiles sent by Tehran but there are concerns Tel Aviv will launch its own attack on Iran in response. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the countrys war cabinet had approved both offensive and defensive action on Sunday evening. Joe Biden, the US president, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have both urged Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint. While EasyJet has suspended services because of the uncertainty, rivals are continuing to fly. British Airways said it intended to keep running services to Tel Aviv, with one flight departing Heathrow on Monday morning. A spokesman said: We are keeping everything under review but at present we have not altered our plans for flights to Tel Aviv. Commercial flights were allowed to resume from 7.30am local time, with Israeli flag carrier El Al saying it intended to begin operations as soon as possible. Low-cost carrier Wizz Air also confirmed it had suspended services on Sunday but said it expected to resume flights on Tuesday. A spokesman for Wizz Air said: Wizz Air confirms that it cancelled its flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday, 14th of April and Monday, 15th of April, following the ongoing escalation in the region. The airline will resume flights as of Tuesday, 16th of April, however passengers may experience some schedule changes. The airline is closely monitoring the situation with the relevant authorities and keeping its passengers informed of all schedule changes. All passengers affected by the schedule changes will be provided with rebooking or refund options. The safety and security for our passengers, crew, and aircraft remains our number one priority. We hope that normality comes back to the region soon. An easyJet spokesman said: Due to the evolving situation in Israel, easyJet has taken the decision to temporarily pause operations to and from Tel Aviv until the 21st of April. Customers on affected flights have been contacted directly via SMS and email via the details provided at the time of booking. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is always easyJets highest priority. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Elections 101 from Spotlight PA protects you against election misinformation and empowers you to make informed decisions. This story is made possible through a collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. You may be one of the hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who plan to vote by mail during the 2024 election. Or maybe its an option youve considered but havent pursued because you distrust the process or have concerns about fraud. Pennsylvania election officials have safeguards in place to verify the identity of people who request and cast mail ballots. Many counties also follow guidance from the Department of State to secure ballots and track who handles them. Despite these layers of security and verification, former President Donald Trump has routinely attacked mail voting since 2020 and falsely claimed in recent months that you automatically have fraud with this kind of balloting. Republicans in recent years have made many efforts to suppress or ban mail voting, which in Pennsylvania is more popular among Democrats. This approach has backfired, and GOP leaders except for Trump are now trying to get the partys voters to embrace this method of voting. Mail ballot fraud is exceptionally rare, and there is no evidence of widespread issues that would change the outcome of any Pennsylvania election. Heres what you need to know about mail voting ahead of the 2024 election: How Pennsylvania verifies mail ballots Voters who want to vote by mail in Pennsylvania have two options: absentee ballots and no-excuse ballots. Absentee ballots are available for voters who will be out of their voting district on Election Day or have a medical condition that prevents them from going to their polling place. To vote this way, a person must list the reason they cannot go to their polling place on their ballot application. No-excuse mail voting created when the then-Republican-controlled legislature passed Act 77 in 2019 doesnt have this requirement. Both applications require that voters provide their name and the address where they are registered to vote. The applications also ask for a drivers license number, identification card number, or the last four digits of the voters Social Security number. This information is then checked against the states voter roll to ensure the person applying for a mail ballot is who is registered. The ID number they provide is run through the states drivers license database or other databases to see if you can find a person with the same ID number and birth date, so it ties back to a real person, said Forrest Lehman, Lycoming Countys election director. How Pennsylvania counts mail ballots Voters return mail ballots to their county election office, either through the mail, drop box, or by returning them in person to the office. Once a voter has returned their mail ballot to their county election office, a barcode on the outer envelope is scanned into the states voter roll system to record that it has been received. This step also prevents that voter from returning any other mail ballots or voting in person. Ballots are accepted only if they are sent in an official return envelope and within an inner secrecy envelope. Your countys election office must receive the ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If a ballot is postmarked on Election Day but not received by the county until after Election Day, it will not be counted. Election office employees typically organize the returned envelopes containing the ballots by precinct and securely store them in the county election office or an official warehouse. The ballots are not opened or counted until 7 a.m. on Election Day. County election staff open and count the ballots in front of observers from political parties and campaigns. Remaining gray areas Act 77, and mail voting in general, have been subjected to near-constant attacks and litigation since 2020, when the law went into effect. The suits center on various aspects of the law, such as it being silent on some key details, or conflicting with other election rules. Some challenges argue parts of the law are legally unsound. The courts have resolved some issues. For example, the state Supreme Court ruled in September 2020 that naked ballots those missing a secrecy envelope must be rejected. That court also unanimously ruled in 2020 that counties could not reject ballots because the voters signature on the outer envelope did not match one on file. Other issues remain as litigation continues to move through the courts and the legislature finds itself at an impasse over additional changes to the law. Drop boxes Act 77 is completely silent on drop boxes, which are secure receptacles used to collect mail ballots. In 2020, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party asked the state Supreme Court to explicitly allow counties to collect mail ballots through drop boxes a response to a suit from the Trump campaign seeking to have them barred. The state Supreme Court agreed with the Democratic Party. As a result, some counties offer drop boxes while others dont, a system that has created a disparity in access across the state. A voter must return their own ballot unless they have a disability and have filled out paperwork to authorize another person to do so. This rule has created confusion, with some voters, including former First Lady of Pennsylvania Frances Wolf, returning other peoples ballots. Videos of such incidents sparked Republican calls for drop boxes to be banned. In 2022, the state Senate voted to ban so-called unsecured ballot drop boxes, but the bill did not become law. Many counties have voluntarily opted to staff or implement video surveillance of their drop boxes. Date requirement Act 77 mandates that voters sign and date the outer envelope for a mail ballot to be counted, but the date requirement has been litigated on the grounds it violates the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Since 2021, different courts have come to different conclusions. Most recently, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the ballots must be properly dated. The decision could result in tens of thousands of ballots being rejected in this years election because they lack a date or are misdated. Voting rights groups have appealed that ruling, but a decision is not expected before the April 23 primary. Ballot curing Act 77 does not explicitly state what should happen to a ballot if a voter forgets to sign or date the outer envelope. As a result, some counties notify voters of these mistakes and give them a chance to rectify them, while others dont. The state Supreme Court in 2022 ruled that counties can reach out to voters who made mistakes, inform them of the errors, and allow them to fix them a process known as notice and cure. However, it did not require counties to do so, creating a disparity. Al Schmidt, Pennsylvanias top election official, said the Department of State encourages counties to allow voters to fix these mistakes so that their ballots are counted. Carter Walker is a reporter for Votebeat in partnership with Spotlight PA. Contact Carter at cwalker@votebeat.org. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Ukraine's nuclear energy agency Energoatom has started building reactor units 5 and 6 at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant using U.S. technology that would help prevent power outages in case of Russian attacks, Energoatom's press service said on April 15. Amid Russia's large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's energy system, Kyiv seeks to protect its critical infrastructure facilities. Ukraine also aims to secure additional power-generating capacity as the country's largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia Oblast has remained under Russian occupation since March 2022. After the reactor units 5 and 6 are built and units 3 and 4 are put into operation, the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant's power generating capacity will exceed the one of the Zaporizhzhia plant, according to Energoatom head Petro Kotin. Read also: Russia aims to knock out Ukraines power grid in new wave of attacks The Khmelnytskyi plant located in Ukraine's west will then replace the Zaporizhzhia plant as the largest one in Europe. The first cube of concrete was laid on April 11 for Khmelnytskyi nuclear plant's unit 5, which will become the first reactor unit in Ukraine built using the U.S.'s AR1000 technology, Energoatom reported. "A special feature of the American AP 1000 technology is the ability to balance the units. Today, the enemy is attacking and destroying the balancing capacities of the Ukrainian energy sector, so the construction of units with the ability to maneuver is crucial for us," said Energy Minister German Galushchenko. "This is a major geopolitical project of common interest for Ukraine and the United States. The technologies that we will build and develop together will push Russians out of the European nuclear energy market." The construction is being carried out jointly with the U.S.'s Westinghouse Electric Company. Ukraine plans to build a total of nine power units using Westinghouse's technology, according to U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink. Read also: Minister: Ukraine needs advanced air defense to protect energy infrastructure Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Erdogan speaks with Emir of Qatar about Gaza, calls for cooperation Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with the Emir of Qatar and called for increased cooperation between Muslim countries in view of the war in Gaza in a call on Monday, his office said. These countries must increase their efforts to stop Israel's "brutal attacks" in the Gaza Strip and to hold the country accountable for "crimes against humanity," according to a statement from the presidential office. Erdogan told Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani it is crucial to exert a restraining influence on Israel and to act with common sense in order to prevent the spread of tensions in the region. The statement did not explicitly mention Iran's unprecedented direct attack on Israel. On Sunday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had called for de-escalation in a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart. Relations between Israel and Turkey massively deteriorated after the start of the Gaza war following the massacre by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas in Israel in October. Erdogan has harshly criticized Israel's military action in Gaza, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing a "massacre," charges Israel rejects. The Turkish government maintains links with Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip. Unlike some European countries and the United States, Turkey does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization. Ayesha Vardag, known as 'the diva of divorce', said the state 'can't be divorcing people just because of an online clerical error' - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph A computer error at a family law firm has left a couple accidentally divorced. Solicitors at Vardags, headed by Ayesha Vardag, a self-proscribed diva of divorce, used an online system to process a marital split for one of the firms clients. Sir Andrew McFarlane, the president of the family court division, said the lawyers thought they were making an application for another couple but accidentally issued a final order in proceedings between the Williamses, whose first names were not revealed, in October last year. The couple had been married for 21 years until they separated last year. However, lawyers at Vardags, representing the wife, used the online system without the instruction or authority of their client, according to Sir Andrew. The application was granted within 21 minutes of their registration to the divorce portal and while they were still attempting to agree the financial terms of their split. The error was discovered days later, and lawyers at the firm applied to rescind the divorce order at the High Court. Sir Andrew then rejected Mrs Williams application for the order to be set aside and said there was a public interest in respecting the certainty and finality that flows from a divorce order and maintaining the status quo that it has established. Not right, not sensible Mrs Vardag said: This is a bad decision. The state should not be divorcing people on the basis of a clerical error. There has to be intention on the part of the person divorcing, because the principle of intention underpins the justice of our legal system. When a mistake is brought to a courts attention and everyone accepts that a mistake has been made, it obviously has to be undone. Weve heard from the court staff that this happens a fair bit with the new online system, and it should just have been fixed as usual. But here the husband inexplicably took issue and the judge decided, effectively, the computer says no, youre divorced. Its the kind of decision that I believe would be overturned in a higher court, but where the upshot is in reality that a wife who wanted a divorce has got one, why would that be worth doing in this case? That means that, for now, our law says that you can be divorced by an error made on an online system. And thats just not right, not sensible, not justice. Mrs Vardag rose to fame following her role in the landmark Supreme Court case of Radmacher v Granatino in 2010, which changed the law to make prenuptial agreements legally enforceable in the UK. She then made headlines in 2020 after asking all staff at her firm to stop wearing cardigans and stop looking like pretty young things around the office. Employees were told to aim to look executive and like the president of a significant country. Last year, she sent out refreshed guidance to her 120 staff members, saying that while outfits need to be still absolutely top-end and appropriate to the luxury market with which we engage day to day, if you fancy an electric-blue sequinned jacket and gold leather trousers, if you want pink hair or scarlet Dr Martens, if you want a purple velvet jacket, thats all good. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Bars in front of the Iranian embassy in Berlin. For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, Iran had directly attacked its arch-enemy Israel during the night. Fabian Sommer/dpa The European Union condemned Iran's direct aerial attack on Israel in the "strongest terms" on Sunday. "This is an unprecedented escalation and a threat to regional security," the bloc's chief diplomat Josep Borrell said on behalf of the EU. "We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint." In this highly tense regional situation, further escalation can be in no one's interest, Borrell said in a statement. He also reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to Israel's security. "The EU remains firmly committed to contribute to de-escalation and security in the region and is in close contact with all sides to this end." He spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amirabdollahian to convey these messages and urge Iran not to escalate further, Borrell wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. He has called an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign ministers for Tuesday to address security in the region. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for de-escalation following the attack, in a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart. Fidan told Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amirabdollahian that Turkey did not want any further escalation in the region, state news agency Anadolu reported, citing diplomatic circles. Amirabdollahian assured Fidan that Iran would not carry out any further attacks as long as Israel does not launch a counter-attack. But if it does, Iran's response would be stronger than before, Tasnim news agency reported. The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that it was calling in the ambassadors of Germany, Britain and France in connection with their "irresponsible positions" relating to Iran's overnight attack on Israel. There was no immediate response from the European capitals concerned. Britain and France played subordinate roles to Israel and the United States in warding off the mass attack mounted directly from Iranian territory. All three countries have condemned the attack and warned of escalation amid a febrile situation in the region. An Israeli military spokesman said that 99% of some 300 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles had been intercepted by Israel and its allies, with minimal damage caused. Iran's "Operation Truthful Promise" was mounted in revenge for an airstrike on its embassy grounds in Damascus on April 1 in which two generals and others were killed. Israel is believed to have carried out the attack and has not denied responsibility. Whether Israel will respond to the Iranian attack is not yet clear. France has advised its citizens in Iran to temporarily leave the country due to the risk of a military escalation. French media reported on Sunday that the French Foreign Ministry was also urging people in Iran to exercise extreme caution, avoid crowds and to stay informed about the latest development. French President Emmanuel Macron said the attack threatened to destabilize the region. "France is working along with its partners for de-escalation and calls for restraint," he posted on X. Macron expressed solidarity with the people of Israel and emphasized the significance of Israeli security for France. According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari, France contributed to warding off the Iranian aerial attacks by providing airspace monitoring. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called on all international leaders to show responsibility and restraint following the Iranian attack on Israel. Madrid had "always condemned all forms of violence against the safety and wellbeing of innocent civilians and will continue to do so," he said in a post on X. Madrid has been a sharp critic of Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip since the October 7 attacks. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte described the situation in the Middle East as deeply worrying, and also expressed concerns about a possible escalation. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called for restraint on all sides. "Iran is a known sponsor of state terrorism," he posted on X. De Croo called for an "immediate ceasefire" in the region. Belgium has been increasingly critical of Israeli policy in the Gaza Strip. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris termed the Iranian attack "reckless" and urged all sides to show restraint and avoid escalation. Ireland has been among the sharpest critics of Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip. Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin has called for a two-state solution and indicated that Ireland is preparing to recognize a Palestinian state, a move that is rejected by Israeli leaders. Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister, makes a statement at the Federal Foreign Office following the Iranian attack on Israel. For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, Iran had directly attacked its arch-enemy Israel during the night. Fabian Sommer/dpa A drone is launched in an undisclosed area in Iran as Iran launches dozens of drones toward Israel. Tasnim News Agancy/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Objects are seen in the sky above Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in Jerusalem PARIS (Reuters) - Europe's aviation regulator reaffirmed advice to airlines to use caution in Israeli and Iranian airspace though it said no civil overflights had been placed at risk during weekend tensions surrounding Iranian drone and missile strikes on Israel. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said it and the European Commission would "continue to closely monitor the situation to assess any potential safety risks for EU aircraft operators and be ready to act as appropriate". EASA guidance that is already in place for airlines on Israel and Iran continues to apply, it said in an emailed note. That included exercising caution and following all available aeronautical publications for Israel and neighbouring airspace up to 100 nautical miles surrounding the country. For Iran, it recommended caution and said "there continues to be an increased potential for miscalculation and/or misidentification" in airspace over the Iranian capital Tehran. Global airlines face some disruption after Iran's attack on Israel with more than 300 missiles and drones, which were mostly shot down by Israel's U.S.-backed missile defence system or its allies before they reached Israeli airspace. The attack was in response to a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran's Syria consulate on April 1 in which seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards commanders and officers were killed. EASA said all affected airspaces - Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran - were closed by the relevant authorities during the relevant period. "There was no overflight risk for civil aviation at any time," it said. An overflight involves an aircraft transiting through airspace, typically at high cruising altitude. All the temporary airspace closures imposed at the weekend expired on Sunday, EASA said. (Reporting by Tim Hepher and Inti Landauro; editing by Dominique Vidalon and Mark Heinrich) The European Commission said on April 15 that it had approved the Ukraine Plan, a reform and investment strategy for the next four years. Under the plan, Ukraine will receive "regular and predictable" support under the EU's up to 50 billion ($53 billion) Ukraine Facility, the statement said. The EU approved the financial aid package for Ukraine in February, allocating two-thirds of the amount in loans and one-third in grants. Ukraine has agreed to implement various reforms as part of the conditions for receiving the funds. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal submitted the Ukraine Facility Plan to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on March 20. "Ukraine's strategy for reforms and investments offers a solid basis to rebuild a more modern and prosperous Ukraine, on its path towards the EU," von der Leyen said. "With today's proposal, we showcase once again that Europe stands with Ukraine for as long as it takes, and that we are ready to deliver much-needed financial support." Following the Commission's approval of the Ukraine Plan, the member states have one month to adopt the Council Implementing Decision. After that, the Commission will be able to disburse up to 1.89 billion ($2 billion) in pre-financing until regular disbursements begin. Regular payments from 2024 till 2027 will be made on the condition of implementation of the reform and investment steps set out in the annex of the Council Implementing Decision. "Financial support under the Ukraine Plan will be made available under the precondition that Ukraine continues to uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms," the statement read. The Ukraine Plan identifies 69 reforms and 10 investments, broken down into 146 qualitative and quantitative indicators. The reforms proposed under the plan cover 15 areas, including energy, agriculture, transport, the green and digital transition, human capital, as well as state-owned enterprises, the business environment, public finances, and decentralization. Ukraine Plan also aims to help Ukraine run its administration, cover salaries and pensions, and support recovery reconstruction while Russia's full-scale invasion continues. The plan provides guidance on Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction as well. Read also: EU allocates $544 million to ramp up ammunition production Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has called on the US Congress to vote in favour of helping Ukraine so as not to harm NATO as a whole. Source: von der Leyen in an interview with RND, reported by European Pravda Details: Von der Leyen said that Congress should make this decision after months of delay. "I am now very clearly calling on the US House of Representatives to come together and finally pass the aid package for Ukraine, which has been blocked for months. Ukraine deserves the support of all the free countries of the world," she said. She is convinced that the majority of US lawmakers see things the same way as Europeans and will eventually vote for the aid package for Kyiv. "They know that President Joe Biden's assistance is extremely urgent. Continuing to block it would be detrimental not only to Ukraine but to the Atlantic Alliance as a whole. The world's autocracies are watching closely to see whether democratic states oppose this issue or not. We must send the right signal," said von der Leyen. Background: US Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Chuck Schumer, said that during a Sunday phone call between President Joe Biden and congressional leaders, a "consensus" was reached that Congress should act quickly to send aid to both Israel and Ukraine. US House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday that the House would "try again" to vote for military aid to Israel in response to Iran's large-scale attack. But he did not specify whether the package of support for Ukraine would be combined with the aid to Israel and would be voted on this week. Support UP or become our patron! Evergy has called off plans to run new, taller power poles through Riverside Park and nearby north-central Wichita neighborhoods after two years of vocal opposition from residents. The transmission replacement between the 17th and Emporia substation and the 11th and Jefferson substation will move forward, but the rebuild route will stop there instead of continuing across the river and through the park. After further evaluation of the transmission line between the substation at 11th Street and Jefferson to the substation at 777 West Central Avenue, we determined the rebuild is not needed at this time, Evergy Communications Manager Kaley Bohlen said in an email statement. Infrastructure upgrades we have made throughout the city, as well as a planned substation upgrade (at Third and Mead), have allowed us to remove the project from the current schedule. She said the existing transmission line connecting the two substations, which was built in the 1950s, will remain in place and continue to serve the area. I want to express our appreciation to Evergy for recognizing the importance of preserving the scenic beauty and historic significance of Midtown, Riverside and the Little Arkansas River, said Susie Cunningham, president of the Little Arkansas Community Coalition, which launched a campaign in 2022 opposing new power poles on the grounds that they would mar the river, park and surrounding neighborhoods. The good news is, theyre not planning to put these tall steel towers across Riverside Park and across the river, right down adjacent to the Keeper of the Plains. That would deface the park, said state Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita, who took a leading role in negotiations with Evergy. For now, at least, Im really pretty happy. Evergy is on my good list today. The utility company said the height of the poles planned for Riverside and Midtown had not been decided before the project was scrapped. Carmichael, who serves on the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications committee, said they would have been between 80 and 100 feet tall. City Council member Maggie Ballard said Evergy assured her the new poles running through the park would have been wooden, not steel. Recalling the first open house Evergy held in 2022 to outline plans for the transmission replacement, Ballard said she was heartened by the companys responsiveness to community concerns. We pressed hard on Evergy to please go back and see if you can find any alternate routes, maybe a different way, Ballard said. Oftentimes, we dont get to say anything positive about Evergy, but really, we asked and they basically delivered. Ballard said she was told the transmission replacement through Riverside and Midtown will not be reconsidered for at least five to eight years. If the project is needed in the future, we would begin our communications process again, which would include outreach with landowners and an open house, Bohlen said. Substation expansion The scaled-down transmission replacement project is only possible because Evergy recently won the approval of the Historic Preservation Board and City Council to expand its substation at Third and Mead in Old Town to almost the size of a city block. Evergy will tear down a portion of the historic Keep Klean Building at 810 E. Third to accommodate the expansion, demolishing additions to the building while preserving the main portion and part of the facade. The old Phillips 66 gas station near Central and Rock Island will also be preserved, although a historic warehouse and another building on the property will be removed. There were hard tradeoffs that had to be made there because they needed more space, Carmichael said. The company announced several weeks ago that at the urging of community members, it plans to reroute new poles between the Old Town substation and the 11th and Jefferson substation. The poles will now be routed down Santa Fe along the railroad instead of on Emporia. We were very pleased by the announcement that they were no longer going to be putting new transmission poles on Emporia, and in fact, if things go as they hope, at this point theyll take down the existing transmission lines, which are the tops of the poles, and then theyll shorten the poles, Carmichael said. He credited the recent utility redesign announcements to energized citizen groups coming together to make their concerns and preferences clear. I think it shows what active neighborhood associations can do in working with utilities to try and accommodate everybodys needs, Carmichael said. Ballard said it appears Evergy has learned something from the intense backlash it received in 2019 after installing hulking 105-foot steel power poles in some northeast Wichita yards near Ninth and Grove. Evergy apologized for that and donated $1.25 million to benefit residents in three ZIP codes affected by the transmission replacement project. They learned in District 6 from what happened in District 1 and maybe this will play out throughout the rest of the neighborhoods in our city because the upgrades are needed everywhere, Ballard said. So, maybe were having a new positive footprint. Im hopeful. Organized community opposition has not discouraged Evergy from moving forward with plans to install tall steel poles on the stretch of the Red Bud Trail between Maple Grove Cemetery and MacDonald Golf Course in 2025. Evergy will hold an open house Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. outdoors at the Minisa Park shelter to update residents on its reworked north-central Wichita transmission replacement plans and to give details about the route between the 17th and Emporia substation and the 11th and Jefferson substation. Nothing will ever satisfy everyone. Nobody wants a pole in their front yard, Carmichael said. Evergy rethinking plans to install towering power poles in two Wichita neighborhoods Plan to run towering power poles along scenic trail in northeast Wichita faces pushback Every day brings new drama about Trumps legal perils. Heres why today really matters Donald Trump is going on trial for the first time on 15 April (AFP via Getty Images) On 30 March 2023, the streets surrounding Manhattan Criminal Court in downtown New York were lined with media, protesters, bystanders and police officers in awe of a historic moment many thought would never happen: the criminal indictment of New Yorker and former president Donald Trump. Years after the Manhattan district attorneys office opened an investigation into Mr Trumps financial records, after allegations of wrongdoing by those in his inner circle, the controversial former president was facing criminal charges. In the days following, the world fixated its eyes on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg as he announced 34 counts of falsifying business records against Mr Trump related to a hush-money cover-up scheme ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The unsealing of the indictment sparked excitement among Mr Trumps opponents, fury among his allies and sheer awe for everyone in between. This is a turning point, hopefully, in the salvation of our democracy, protester Robert Hoatson told The Independent outside the courthouse on that historic day. The former president also recognised the days gravitas, though striking a different tone with an ominous warning that the witch hunt of an indictment could bring about death and destruction. But now, one year later, the New York criminal case appears only a speck in the galaxy of legal problems that have mounted against the former president. Outside of the courthouse, a protester advocates in favor of the Trump indictment (Ariana Baio / The Independent) And the start of the trial, once imagined as Mr Trumps demise, could seem to some like just another Monday in Trumpworld. In the months following the New York criminal indictment, Mr Trump was charged with a total of 52 other criminal charges spanning three jurisdictions on both state and federal levels. The accusations of which are, at times, overwhelming. First came in June when Mr Trump was charged by the Justice Department with violating the Espionage Act, among other charges, for harbouring classified documents containing national security information in his Mar-a-Lago residence. Witch hunt, totally corrupt, Mr Trump responded. Then, in August, the former president was hit with a second federal indictment for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results and failing to stop a mob from storming the US Capitol on January 6. Witch hunt, unprecedented political targeting, fake charges, Mr Trump branded this one. Trump sits in the courtroom with his attorneys during his arraignment at the Manhattan Criminal Court on 4 April 2023 (Getty Images) That very same month, Mr Trump and 17 co-defendants were then charged in a vast RICO case for engaging in a criminal enterprise to overturn election results in the state of Georgia. Once again, Mr Trump responded with claims of witch hunt, corrupt district attorney, politically-inspired indictment. Each criminal indictment and increasingly predictable response from the former president seemed more shocking than the one before it. By the end of the year, the shock, significance and quite frankly interest in the New York hush money case appeared to be falling away. After all, what was a case about false business records compared to a case about trying to overthrow democracy? But, legal experts argue that the world really should pay attention to the case. They argue that this case, and Mr Trumps actions in 2016, was actually the first time he allegedly engaged in election interference and that this was something of a precursor for his efforts to overturn the result of the 2020 election and the events of January 6. It doesnt have the big dramatic insurrection in the end, but I do think its kind of a big deal, Karen Friedman Agnifilio, the former chief assistant district attorney for the Manhattan DA, tells The Independent. The case relies on accusations that Mr Trump stifled negative stories about his alleged sexual affairs and falsified business records for these hush money payments in order to influence the 2016 presidential election. Trump raises a fist after his inauguration on 20 January 2017 (Getty Images) Ms Agnifilio says he may well have succeeded. Donald Trump only won by something like 80,000 votes in the swing states that caused him to win and you have to wonder if this information had come out on the heels of the Access Hollywood case, etc, whether he would have gotten the votes he did get and won, she says. The actual events of the case took place more than eight years ago when Mr Trump was considered by many to be a reality TV star-turned-far-fetched candidate for president. His name, synonymous with New York City, was his biggest asset. Prosecutors allege that, in order to help his campaign, Mr Trump and his former lawyer Michael Cohen colluded with David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc, to catch and kill negative stories. AMI paid two individuals who claimed to have stories about Mr Trumps alleged extramarital affairs and had them sign NDAs to prevent them from going public with the claims. When Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, threatened to air allegations of an affair with Mr Trump, Cohen also paid her to stay quiet and had her sign an NDA at what, he claims, was the direction of the former president. Mr Trump later reimbursed him but misrepresented those payments as part of a non-existent legal retainer, prosecutors allege. If hes convicted he will have been found guilty of fraud, fraud affecting an election or attempting to affect an election which sort of goes to the core of our election process, Kevin OBrien, a former assistant US attorney, explains to The Independent. Trump holds a copy of The Washington Post a day after the US Senate acquitted him on two articles of impeachment in February 2020 (Getty Images) Cohen has already faced federal prison time for his part in the scheme. Mr OBrien believes Mr Trump could face prison time too if convicted. But, its unclear if the public believes Mr Trump will face consequences for his alleged actions or if it will even matter. One poll found that one-fifth of Trump supporters believe the former president has committed a serious crime, yet he is still polling ahead of President Joe Biden in multiple matchups for the November race. Undoubtedly, the media will flock to Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday 15 April for jury selection. Police officers and Secret Service agents will stand guard. Bystanders may take a peak and protesters could set up outside the courthouse. And, irrespective of perception about the case, Mr Trump will make history as the first current or former US president to stare down the prospect of a future behind bars. Every second Ukrainian hopes 2024 will be better than previous year survey 26% of Ukrainians hope that 2024 will be more peaceful. Stock photo: Getty Images Over a quarter of surveyed Ukrainians (26%) expect that 2024 will be more peaceful than the previous one. At the same time 33% of respondents believe that the current year will be more turbulent, while 36% more are convinced that it will be no different from 2023. Source: results of the survey with over 40,000 participants worldwide held by the Sociological Group Rating jointly with the research institute Gallup International "Ukraine also demonstrates more positive expectations for 2024 compared to other countries, with every second person hoping for a better year than the previous one," sociologists indicated. The survey says 40% hope for a better year, while 25% expect a worse one. The remaining 35% think that 2024 will be the same as 2023. Most people foresee financial difficulties and economic instability. The researchers found out that the countries of the West "exhibit greater concern". Unlike them, the residents of such countries as Afghanistan and Indonesia express more positive expectations regarding peace and war in 2024. Within the course of the research the sociologists have come to the conclusion that Europeans demonstrate the lowest belief in positive changes in 2024. Specifically, the residents of Austria, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina have the lowest optimism level less than 25% believe in a better future. Meanwhile, the residents of Saudi Arabia are the most optimistic. Support UP or become our patron! Former President Donald Trump is expected to appear in New York County Supreme Court on Monday in the nations first criminal trial of a sitting or former president. Trump pleaded not guilty to a 34-count felony indictment last year that alleged the former president falsified business records in New York to hide damaging information in the weeks preceding the 2016 presidential election. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought forth the charges, alleging Trump conspired to illegally influence the election by attempting to hide hush-money payments made to two women who claimed they had sexual encounters with him. While Trump has called the indictment political persecution, jury selection will begin on Monday, over a year after the charges were first brought against him. The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks. The decision could have major ramifications for the 2024 presidential election, as polls have consistently demonstrated that a criminal conviction could torpedo Trumps chances. Heres everything you need to know about the historic trial. What the case is about: The New York criminal case centers on the reporting of a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, and a $150,000 payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal in the weeks preceding the 2016 presidential election. Trumps former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in August 2018 to campaign finance violations and other charges. He implicated the former president, saying Trump directed him to arrange the hush-money payments to ward off damage in his run for the White House. Bragg says Cohens reimbursements were falsely reported in internal company records as legal fees when in actuality, the money was a campaign expense to keep Daniels and McDougal quiet about their alleged affairs. Falsifying business records is usually a misdemeanor under New York law, but it can become a class E felony New York States lowest felony count when there is an intent to defraud and prosecutors can prove the defendant had an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal another crime. Bragg alleges the payments represent New York election law violations, which makes it a crime to conspire to promote a candidate through unlawful means. Bragg also claims the hush-money payments violated federal election laws by exceeding campaign contribution limits and additionally violated state tax laws. Trumps legal team has denied these claims, saying Trump would have made the payments regardless of whether he was running for president. Trump argues the prosecution is politically motivated and designed to hurt his 2024 White House bid. His legal teams long-standing strategy of delay, deny, and deflect has been challenged in this case given that Cohen has already plead guilty to violating federal campaign finance and federal and state tax laws for the same payments, giving prosecutors a clean line of evidence to follow. Last week, an appellate judge rejected Trumps 11th-hour request to delay the trial. Trumps lawyers claim the judge presiding over the case, Judge Juan Merchan, is biased because of his daughters job at a Democratic-aligned consulting firm, and have sought the judges recusal. His lawyers are pushing for a change of venue and to lift a gag order that prevents Trump from publicly commenting on the judges and Braggs families, and also bars him from making comments about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and jurors. Merchan has cited a state ethics panel review proving he was not ethically compromised, a review he requested last year after Trumps legal team had originally demanded his recusal. He also cited Trumps history of threatening, inflammatory, denigrating remarks of people involved in his legal cases. Several of Trumps attorneys and political aides are actively working to prevent Trump from engaging in courtroom theatrics when his political opponents take the witness stand, Rolling Stone reported last month. Trump has been testing the gag order in the days approaching the trial. In a series of posts over the weekend, the former president commented on both Cohen and Mark Pomerantz, a lawyer who wrote the book People vs. Donald Trump and a former prosecutor in the Manhattan DAs office. Both are expected witnesses in the upcoming trial. Has Mark POMERANTZ been prosecuted for his terrible acts in and out of the D.A.s Office. Has disgraced attorney and felon Michael Cohen been prosecuted for LYING? Only TRUMP people get prosecuted by this Judge and these thugs! Trump posted. Trump separately posted a photo of a document signed by Daniels denying she had an affair with him. In a 2018 interview with Anderson Cooper, Daniels said she felt intimidated and honestly bullied by her lawyers into signing the document. For Bragg to prosecute the case, he will need to prove the alleged crimes occurred in his jurisdiction. If the DA cant prove that, the court can reject the case and ask Bragg to pursue more narrow charges. The trial is set to start on Monday with jury selection. Trumps other legal woes: The hush-money trial is the first of four current criminal cases involving Trump. In Georgia, Trump was indicted in August 2023 of racketeering, conspiracy and other charges following a two-year investigation by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis into Trumps and 18 others alleged efforts to overturn President Joe Bidens 2020 win. Special Counsel Jack Smith is investigating Trump over two separate cases: his handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, and his actions leading up to the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump was indicted on 40 felony counts in the federal documents case and on four charges in the federal election interference case. The hush-money case is the only criminal case expected to reach a verdict before the 2024 presidential election. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan had originally scheduled the federal election interference trial start date on March 4 but had granted Trumps legal teams request to push the start to after April 22, when SCOTUS will hear arguments over whether the former president has immunity for his alleged conduct committed while still in office. Trump is appealing the verdicts of two civil suits brought against him earlier this year. The former president posted a $91.6 million bond as he appeals a Jan. 26 verdict in E. Jean Carrolls defamation case. Trump also posted a $175 million bond as he appeals a Feb. 16 verdict in a civil fraud lawsuit that found Trump, his company, and executives, including his sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr., overvalued his properties and inflated his net worth by billions of dollars on financial statements. Jury selection and moving forward: Trumps legal team argues the former president is unable to get a fair trial in Manhattan, referencing a survey they commissioned of 2,000 New Yorkers showing Trumps lack of favorability among city residents. Were here for this stay because there are restrictions in place that cannot operate in a constitutional way in a trial environment, Trump lawyer Emil Bove argued last week before an appellate judge rejected the change of venue request. Braggs office will need to find 12 jurors fit to impartially judge whether the former president has committed a crime. Questions for juror selection were published last week, ranging from where potential jurors get their news to whether they had been employed or volunteered for the Trump campaign. The jury questionnaire also asks if the prospective juror has ever attended a pro- or anti-Trump demonstration or if they follow any pro- or anti-Trump social media accounts. One of the questions asks if the potential juror has been a supporter or belonged to any of the following groups: QAnon, Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, Three Percenters, Boogaloo Boys, or Antifa. The first five are right-wing movements or militant groups heres a breakdown on some of them while Antifa is an anti-fascist and anti-racist political movement. People are also asked if theyve read any books authored by Trump, Cohen, or Pomerantz. The prosecution is seeking highly educated people who want to understand election law and are willing to sift through evidence. The defense is looking for those who will be sympathetic to the former president. Trumps lawyers are once again expected to motion for a change of venue during jury selection, claiming Trump cannot have a fair and impartial trial in the Democratic stronghold county. Because of the highly publicized nature of the case, jury selection could take time as the judge will attempt to ensure that each juror can be fair and impartial. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Stephanie Grisham, an ex-aide to Melania Trump, has disclosed behind-the-scenes insights into the relationship between her former boss and Donald Trump following past allegations of his one-night stand with adult star Stormy Daniels. While making the revelation, Grisham revealed that Trump harbors a sense of fear towards his wife and that he expressed concern about her reaction when the allegations first broke. These revelations come as the Stormy Daniels trial commences, with Trump recently indicating his intention to testify. Why Donald Trump Allegedly 'Fears' Melania Trump MEGA Speaking in an interview with MSNBC's Alex Witt, Grisham gave her own assessments of the dynamics between Trump and Melania just as the former begins his long-awaited Stormy Daniels trial. She suggested that Trump "fears" his wife while pointing to the billionaire mogul's handling of the adultery allegations. "I recall one time the former president calling me from Air Force One to basically see how angry she was and to see if we were putting any statements out because we never checked with the West Wing if we were going to say anything, so he definitely was worried," she claimed, per HuffPost. "The West Wing was constantly checking in with me." Grisham further explained that during these moments, the West Wing understood not to inquire too deeply for additional information beyond what she disclosed to them. She continued, "When I said we are not going to the State of the Union or she will just meet him on Air Force One, I stopped there, and they all knew in the West Wing not to push further or ask her to do any more than that." Melania Trump's Reaction To The Stormy Daniels Affair Scandal MEGA Grisham had earlier revealed in an interview with CNN that Melania reacted very strongly to the news of her husband's affair. According to the former aide, the mother of one "didn't take it lightly at all," leading to tensions in the White House at the time. She also explained Melania's decision to attend the State of the Union separately, revealing that she didn't want to emulate Hillary Clinton, who stood by her husband, Bill Clinton, during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Similar to the initial emergence of the Daniels allegations, Grisham also believes that the current trial situation has caused concern for Trump. She claimed that Melania finds the situation "very embarrassing" and "humiliating," saying this was the reason behind Donald's worry. In the meantime, Melania has yet to comment on the trial. Additionally, she has only made rare appearances with her husband since his presidential re-election campaign started. Donald Trump Has Maintained He Never Paid Stormy Daniels Any Hush Money MEGA Trump has since denied paying Daniels $130,000 to buy her silence. He has also denied falsifying his business records to hide the payment, which was reportedly made via his lawyer, Michael Cohen. The former president was initially scheduled to be tried on March 25 on charges stemming from falsifying his records to hide the payment. However, the trial was pushed back to April 15 after the prosecutors filed a motion to be granted more time to review new evidence relevant to the subject matter. The trial started with jury selection and will last six weeks before a verdict is reached. If Trump is convicted of the 34 felony counts in the case, he faces up to 136 years in prison or $170,000 in fines, although it is believed that he would not serve any prison time since he is a first-time offender. Will Donald Trump Testify At The Trial? MEGA Before the trial, there were speculations about whether Trump would take the stand to defend himself. Those speculations seemed to receive an answer after Trump claimed he would do so during his recent joint appearance with House Speaker Mike Johnson at Mar-a-Lago. "I'll be testifying. I tell the truth, I mean all i can do is tell the truth. The truth is that there is no case," the former president told attendees at the gathering, per MSNBC. Trump's attorneys, who had earlier suffered failed attempts to postpone the trial, have yet to confirm whether the billionaire mogul will indeed be taking the stand. However, if he does testify, this would not be the first time he has done so, as he made a similar move during his civil case with E. Jean Caroll. Trump ended up losing the case and was required to pay Carroll over $83 million in defamation damages. Donald Trump Says He Wants His 'Voice Back' MEGA On early Monday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to blast President Joe Biden and the Department of Justice before his hush money trial began. He wrote, "As virtually every legal scholar has powerfully stated, the Biden Manhattan Witch Hunt Case is, among other things, BARRED by the Statute of Limitations. This 'trial' should be ended by the highly conflicted presiding Judge." In another post, Trump told his supporters, "The Radical Left Democrats are already cheating on the 2024 Presidential Election by bringing or helping to bring, all of these bogus lawsuits against me, thereby forcing me to sit in courthouses and spend money that could be used for campaigning, instead of being out in the field knocking Crooked Joe Biden, the WORST President in the History of the United States. Election Interference!" He added, "I want my VOICE back. This Crooked Judge has GAGGED me. Unconstitutional! The other side can talk about me, but I am not allowed to talk about them! Rigged Trial!" A woman believed her family was ruined by her ex-husbands affair with another woman, and tried hiring a hitman to make her disappear completely, according to federal court documents. I just want her gone and not ruining my family no more, the Idaho resident wrote in messages to the hitman, who was actually an undercover agent, last May, court documents show. DeAnn Parkin met with the agent in June to provide a payment to have the woman killed, according to an affidavit, which says she paid with a diamond ring she said was worth $1,500, as well as $100 in cash. When the agent, posing as the hitman, asked Parkin if she hoped her ex-husband would come back to her after the job was completed, Parkin said, Yeah that would be nice, an affidavit says. She was arrested after the meeting, federal prosecutors said. On Jan. 9, Parkin pleaded guilty to the use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, according to prosecutors. Now Parkin, a 31-year-old Ovid resident, has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Idaho announced in an April 12 news release. Ovid is about a 330-mile drive southeast from Boise. A federal defender appointed to represent Parkin didnt immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on April 15. Hitman sought over a parody website On May 23, a source alerted agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that Parkin was reportedly soliciting a murder, according to prosecutors. The source runs a parody website offering murder-for-hire services, according to the affidavit. Parkin submitted a request to make a woman go away over the website, the affidavit says. She included the name and address of the woman, who lived with Parkins ex-husband in an apartment in Wyoming, according to the affidavit. I would like (her) to stay away from my husband and my family, Parkin wrote in her submission to the website, according to the affidavit, and explained the woman helped ruin our family and broken it up with her drug abuse and her prostitution services. Parkin had separated from her husband two years earlier, in 2021, after eight years of marriage, according to prosecutors. In her emails to the websites administrator from May 14 to May 22, Parkin displayed persistence and urgency in securing the services to murder, prosecutors wrote ahead of sentencing. Take her to another continent or make her disappear completely where no one hears from her again anything to make her go aways for good please and thank you, one of Parkins emails said, according to the affidavit. On May 23, Parkin began messaging the undercover agent, believing they were a hitman, prosecutors said. Over the messaging platform WhatsApp, she told the agent she was willing to do anything, about the woman and said she would make whatever payments I can, according to the affidavit. Parkin also said she didnt care if the woman were in a six-foot hole, according to the affidavit. The in-person meetings On June 6, Parkin agreed to meet the undercover agent who recorded their conversation, the affidavit says. In discussing a method to kill the woman, Parkin suggested whatever is easiest, according to the affidavit. When the undercover agent mentioned the womans child, Parkin was calloused in her attitude toward the potential of (the womans) minor child being harmed, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. Honestly, this may be bad of me, but I could care less if anything happens to the kid, Parkin told the agent, according to the affidavit. I dont know your preference on kids. The next day, Parkin met with the agent again and gave the diamond ring, $100 and promised to provide further payments to kill the woman, according to prosecutors. After their meeting ended, Parkin was arrested, the affidavit says. She wanted to permanently remove (the woman) from her familys life, citing the targets destructive behaviors, including drug abuse and negative impact on her own family due to an affair with Parkins husband, prosecutors wrote in the sentencing memorandum. Parkins prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release, according to prosecutors. The act of murder is in itself a heinous crime, ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais said in a statement. But the act of attempting to hire someone to commit murder is that much more egregious. Wifes charred body found in makeshift cemetery grave, feds say. Husband gets prison Dad sought hitman on dark web to kill the parents of 5 children he adopted, feds say Man was hired by principal to kill pregnant Missouri teacher, feds say. Hes convicted Boyfriend tries hiring hitman to kill girlfriends mom, feds say. Want her gone now When Steve and Jenny Balbaughs daughter turned 5, they were hesitant to enroll her in the Fort Wayne, Indiana, schools. Ali was born with a rare brain defect that affects her learning and had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. I didnt want her to get lost, Jenny said. But private options fell short. A Montessori school she attended for kindergarten let her sleep all day. When she reached sixth grade, the Christian school she went to stopped providing extra help with schoolwork. The principal, Jenny said, explained that extra services werent important because 99% of our kids go [on to] higher education. Help fund stories like this. Donate now! Thats when the Balbaughs tried Streams of Hope Christian School, a smaller, unconventional program based in an Anglican church that lets students move at their own pace. Now in eighth grade, Ali can use a calculator for math problems and gets help with writing assignments. Every single childs plan is individualized, Jenny said, and they dont move on until they have mastered whatever theyre working on. Families like the Balbaughs, who have children with autism, ADHD and dyslexia, are seeking out small programs like Streams of Hope part of a growing education sector known as microschools. Almost two-thirds of operators say their programs draw students considered neurodivergent, according to the latest snapshot of the movement from the National Microschooling Center, an advocacy organization. The survey of 400 microschool founders in 41 states also shows that children with other disabilities represent one of the next largest populations served, with 53% of school operators reporting that these students are enrolled in their schools. Like all private schools, however, microschools dont have to accept students with disabilities or provide the same services as public schools, putting some parents who might otherwise take advantage of school choice in a tough spot. The report, released Monday and provided exclusively to The 74, is the centers second since it launched in 2022. It shows that half of operators said they opened their programs to help students who are systemically underserved. The results also point to a sharp increase in microschools receiving public funds for tuition: A third of microschools now accept education savings account funds, according to the survey, up from 18% in last years report. To Don Soifer, executive director of the Las Vegas-based center, the results show that the tight-knit settings microschools offer provide a better fit for some students. Educators launching microschools, he said, demonstrate a deeper knowledge of such needs and are responding to them in deliberate, well-informed ways. Related Growing Pains: Microschools Face Regulatory Maze as Approach Takes Hold Didnt have the resources Jill Haskins, the executive director of Streams of Hope and a former teacher in the Fort Wayne public schools, said her program is flexible enough to provide some of the accommodations students couldnt get in public schools. She recently accepted a student whose individualized education program required him to get one-on-one instruction in math, written lecture notes and help transitioning between classes services his public school didnt provide. It wasnt through any fault of the teachers. They didnt have the resources, she said. With tighter student-teacher ratios, she added, meeting students needs becomes easier. A lot of what we do is just kind of natural. Soar Academy, an Augusta, Georgia, microschool, specializes in serving students with autism, anxiety and dyslexia. (Soar Academy) Other school leaders say needs or behaviors that might have been more pronounced in public school diminish in smaller settings. Kenisha Skaggs, who launched Soar Academy in Augusta, Georgia, in 2011, has accepted students who were suspended multiple times for incidents such as throwing a chair in class. When you change that environment, that stuff goes away, said Skaggs, who ran a tutoring program out of her attic before launching the school. Nine times out of 10, we do not have those behavior issues. The national centers data provides a view of the sector from the perspective of operators and potential school founders. But more complete data can be hard to come by as most states generally dont count them as a separate type of school. They might be grouped with traditional private schools or with families that homeschool. Soifer estimates that there are anywhere from 95,000 to 125,000 microschools nationally. He described the sector as very much a growing and evolving movement, and one that is attracting a more diverse mix of families and educators. The median number of students in each microschool is 16, up from 12 when Soifer began tracking the movement. Forty percent of microschools operate in commercial spaces, a quarter in churches and 20% in private homes. According to the operators surveyed, about a third of families using microschools earn below the average income in their area. Fifteen percent of students they serve are in foster care, and 21% have unstable housing situations or dont have enough to eat. Microschools are more likely to serve elementary school-age students than older students, according to the latest analysis of the movement from the National Microschooling Center. (National Microschooling Center) The largest segment of students attending microschools, 40%, attended public schools before they made the switch. A third were homeschooled, and only 4% previously attended charter schools, according to the report. But theres been little change in the demographics of microschool founders. About 65% are white, and almost three-fourths are current or former educators. Some teachers 41% according to the survey drew their inspiration to start a school from their own childrens struggles to learn. Thats why Haskins, who homeschooled her three children, enrolled her son in the microschool she now runs. When he turned 7, she realized he wasnt learning to read at the same pace as her two older children. As a teacher, she was stumped. Ive taught in public school. I know how to teach reading, but I wasnt making progress with him, she said. A doctor diagnosed him as profoundly dyslexic. Hes doing really well, but I think he would drown in a public school. Streams of Hope Christian School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, serves some students who pay tuition with an education savings account for students with disabilities. (Streams of Hope Christian School) Public funds for tuition While microschools are private, some parents of children who attend them are able to tap public funds for tuition through state scholarship programs and education savings accounts. [Inline_story url=https://www.the74million.org/article/failed-west-virginia-microschool-fuels-state-probe-and-some-soul-searching/] Some of those programs are only available to students with disabilities, like Georgias Special Needs Scholarship, which provides an average of about $6,600 toward tuition. Mary Gorlich, whose daughter Cora has learning disabilities and severe hearing loss, uses the scholarship to attend Soar Academy. She was just so lost in her previous school. Shes not a problem and doesnt make any noise, but they ignored her, Gorlich said about the Catholic school Cora attended. I used to pick her up crying every day because of just how miserable she was. Now I pick her up smiling and she tells me about the math she understood. Cora Gorlich, right, attends Sora Academy, which has a kitchen where students cook every week. (Soar Academy) Indianas ESA program is also restricted to students with disabilities. Currently, two Streams of Hope students, including Ali, use the program to pay tuition. Another five were recently evaluated for special education services, which would qualify them for the ESA. But even though some microschools specialize in serving students with disabilities, as private schools they have no legal obligation to do so. Critics of ESAs and other voucher-type programs stress that students rights under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act arent guaranteed once they leave the public schools. A fact sheet on Georgias scholarship program, for example, states: If you choose to remove your child from the public school even if the state is providing some funds for the private school then you are refusing parental consent to services under IDEA. Denise Marshall, CEO of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, an organization that works to protect the rights of students with disabilities, noted that even if microschools provide some services, parents might not have any recourse if theres a conflict. In most cases, she said, there is no right to due process. This still leaves families unable to push back if they disagree with the IEP or it is not followed, she said. Thats why many West Virginia families opt to stay in the public schools even though the state has the Hope Scholarship, a universal ESA program, said Jamie Buckland, who leads West Virginia Families United for Education. She advises both families and providers on school choice. She has no doubt that some children with dyslexia and sensory needs could benefit from attending a microschool. But she said there are so many families whose kids accommodations prevent them from choosing private options. Southeast Florida has a thriving microschool community that includes Flex Learning Academy, led by Susan Safra, who previously taught in a large Broward County high school. Now she teaches about 50 students through field trips, farm work and surfing lessons. But she said her program is not equipped to serve students with behavior issues, major learning disabilities or any kind of impulsivity. Its not because we dont want them. Our teachers are not trained, she said. Skaggs, with Soar Academy, said she can only accept a few students who need one-on-one support throughout the day. But theres still strong demand for her program. With an enrollment of 100, Soar is larger than most microschools; another 200 students are on a waiting list. With Republican-led states continuing to advance ESA legislation, some leaders in the microschool community are also strong proponents for expanding eligibility to all families. In Indiana, Haskins hopes lawmakers proposing a universal program are successful next year. If that happens, she said shes going to desperately push families to apply for it. Tuition for a microschool can be significantly less than that of a traditional private school, but can still be unaffordable for some families. (National Microschooling Center) Then we can raise tuition to become sustainable, she said. Tuition ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 annually, with additional fees for curriculum and a la carte offerings like a Lego club, Pickleball and Bible classes. The rates are as much as she can charge without completely breaking our families. Students from Soar Academy in Augusta, Georgia, traveled to the state capitol in Atlanta to lobby for passage of an educational savings account law. (Soar Academy) And in Georgia, Soar students and staff lobbied for passage of the states new ESA law, which will provide students in the lowest-performing 25% of public schools with $6,500 to attend private schools. Were super excited about bridging that gap for students that just cant afford to attend a private school but dont qualify [for the special needs scholarship], Skaggs said. Gorlichs daughter, now a sophomore, made the trip to Atlanta to speak in favor of the bill. Attending Soar has given Cora a mad confidence boost, she said. This is my extremely miserable, wont-talk-to-anybody, very closed-off kid who now testifies in front of the state Senate for educational rights. The Arkansas State Conference of the NAACP and the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights are calling on a federal court to enact an injunction against the state of Arkansas over its Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking and School Safety Act, known as the LEARNS Act, which is intended to prohibit public schools from teaching diversity, equity and inclusion and critical race theory. Supporters of the LEARNS Act describe such teaching as "indoctrination." The NAACP joined the amended lawsuit, obtained first by ABC News, on Friday. The initial lawsuit was filed in March by national civil rights attorney Mike Laux in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas Central District. The NAACP and the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights also filed a request for an injunction on Friday in an attempt to prevent the LEARNS Act from being enforced as the lawsuit is being litigated. This latest effort is a part of the NAACP's attempt to fight what they describe as a wave of anti-diversity, equity and inclusion legislation across the country. The lawsuit argues that the Advanced Placement African American Studies classes taught in Arkansas' public schools have received inequitable treatment and have been marginalized and underfunded when compared to other advanced placement courses. The suit claims that the alleged inequities have both deprived students the opportunity to learn about African American history and contributions, and have maintained a level of systemic inequality. "We refuse to go back. The NAACP will continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that our constitutional rights are protected, and our culture respected. This is what standing for community looks like," NAACP President Derrick Johnson told ABC News. Johnson added, "From Arkansas to Alabama, the desecration of diversity, equity and inclusion poses an imminent threat to the future of our nation." In January 2023, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an executive order to prohibit what the order describes as "indoctrination" and the teaching of critical race theory in Arkansas public schools. At the time she signed the order, Sanders said critical race theory "is antithetical to the traditional American values of neutrality, equality, and fairness. It emphasizes skin color as a person's primary characteristic, thereby resurrecting segregationist values, which America has fought so hard to reject." The governor added, "It is the policy of this administration that CRT, discrimination, and indoctrination have no place in Arkansas classrooms." MORE: Map: The impact of anti-DEI legislation PHOTO: President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Damon Hewitt speaks during the 'Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law 60th Anniversary' event at the White House, Aug. 28, 2023. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Two months later, Sanders signed the 144-page LEARNS Act into law. The LEARNS Act allowed the Arkansas Department of Education to create "enhanced processes and policies that prevent prohibited indoctrination, including Critical Race Theory, as it relates to employees, contractors, and guest speakers or lecturers of the department." Although the legislation was met with resistance, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the law, saying that the act passed with a valid emergency clause in October. The plaintiffs in the new lawsuit include two high school teachers and two students from Little Rock Central High School, in Little Rock, Arkansas. The same high school was the focal point of the 1957 U.S. Supreme Court ruling which ordered the integration of public schools in the U.S., three years after the Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. Nine Black students, who thereafter were known as the "Little Rock Nine," were subsequently allowed to enroll in Little Rock Central High School. The students became targets of anti-integration mobs, prompting then-President Dwight Eisenhower to deploy the National Guard to enforce the law and protect the students. In addition to Little Rock Central High School's place in American history culture, it is also Sanders' alma mater, with the majority of its student body now comprised of students of color. MORE: Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs sweeping education bill, to praise and protests One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, Ruthie Walls, is an AP teacher of African American studies. According to the lawsuit, Walls -- who was named Little Rock Central High School's "Teacher of the Year" for the 2023-2024 school year -- is hamstrung by the bill. The amended lawsuit says because of the LEARNS Act, Walls "now self-censors herself out of fear of the penalties that she may face," and that she does not deeply delve into historic topics such as the impact of Jim Crow laws and the consequences of Brown v. Board of Education. The amended complaint further says Walls worries that the effects of the LEARNS Act will negatively affect her students' success on the AP exam. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the state of Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Education "have purged state-provided resources, including information on civil rights from the NEA, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, and Selma online with no explanation for the removal." The lawsuit further alleges that the "States preferred 1776 Unites curriculum could be interpreted as undermining discrimination and equal protection by white-washing history" PHOTO: Nine Black students attending Arkansas Central High School are shown leaving the school under protection of Federalized Arkansas National Guardsmen, Oct. 9, 1957, in Little Rock, Ark. (Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) The lawsuit also alleges that a state doesn't have "unchecked power to impose upon the teachers in its schools any conditions that it chooses," and cannot prohibit teaching a "theory or doctrine where that prohibition is based upon reasons that violate the First Amendment." Sanders told ABC News in response to the lawsuit, "In the State of Arkansas, we will not indoctrinate our kids and teach them to hate America or each other. Its sad the radical left continues to lie and play political games with our kids futures." MORE: DEI: What does it mean and what is its purpose? This Arkansas lawsuit is the latest in a broader national effort to fight anti-diversity, equity and inclusion legislation. In March, the NAACP sent a letter urging Black current and prospective NCAA student-athlete players to reconsider attending colleges in the state of Florida after the University of Florida announced plans to dismantle its Diversity Equity and Inclusion department. The dismantling is in response to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' Stop WOKE Act, which, like the LEARNS Act, passed in 2023. In her State of the State address on Wednesday, Sanders said that education was her first priority. She stated in part that the first year of the LEARNS Act "targeted the most at-risk students in our state. But education freedom is for everyone, and soon, Education Freedom Accounts will be too." The latter is in reference to an Arkansas program to allow eligible families to receive public funds to pay for private or home schooling for their children. PHOTO: Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of NAACP, poses in the press room during the 55th NAACP Image Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, March 16, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Robin L Marshall/Getty Images) Sanders added, "Educational freedom is the least we can do for those who put everything on the line for our freedom. This time next year, we will have universal education freedom for the first time in Arkansas history." She urged the state Legislature to send her a budget that fully funds the LEARNS Act, which she said she will sign. Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva told ABC News in his own statement that "the lawsuit falsely accuses ADE of not allowing students to participate in the AP African American Studies pilot program and stripped them from the benefits that the course provides - a total lie. The department advised schools they could offer local course credit to students who complete the pilot, and six schools participated." He added, "After discussions, College Board updated course framework and assured it does not violate Arkansas law. The department approved the course for the 24-25 school year and will continue to work with districts to ensure courses offered to students do not violate Arkansas state law." Students should be allowed to learn about real history, not a whitewashed version," David Hinojosa, director of the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, told ABC News. "The most painful chapters of American history should not be buried because it makes some people uncomfortable." "Frankly, its downright offensive and unjust for Arkansas to be forcing educators to censor their discussion on racism and stripping the AP African American Studies course of all its benefits, including extra weight for their GPAs, and potentially earning college credit, Hinojosa said. "Make no mistake, these coordinated efforts to rewrite our history, remove our leaders from classrooms and degrade our culture are a covert attempt to revert the progress we've worked tirelessly to secure," Johnson , the NAACP president, told ABC News. Exclusive: NAACP joins lawsuit against Arkansas LEARNS Act in attempt to fight anti-DEI efforts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com (L-R) Lisa Paus, German Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Karl Lauterbach, German Minister of Health, and Marco Buschmann, German Minister of Justice, speak on the final report of the Commission on Reproductive Self-Determination and Reproductive Medicine. Britta Pedersen/dpa Abortions should no longer be a criminal offence in Germany, a commission of experts appointed by the German government has said. "In the early phase of pregnancy (...) the legislator should allow abortion with the woman's consent," reads the summary of a report by the commission, which was presented in Berlin on Monday. At present, abortions are possible in the early stages of pregnancy - within the first 12 weeks - on condition that the woman undergoes counselling beforehand. Abortions are also permissible if there are certain medical reasons or following rape. However, these situations are defined as exceptions in the Criminal Code, which otherwise stipulates abortion a criminal offence. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party government had agreed in their coalition deal to set up a commission to examine the extent to which abortions could be regulated outside of the penal code. "The fundamental illegality of abortion in the early stages of pregnancy (...) is not tenable. The legislator should take action here and make abortion legal and unpunishable," Liane Worner, the commission's coordinator on the topic, said on Monday. Although abortion is currently exempt from punishment under certain conditions, "it is still marked as unlawful," said the deputy coordinator, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, criticizing the current rule. A change is not simply a formality, she added. For the women concerned, it makes a big difference whether what they are doing is legal or illegal, she said. "It also has an impact on the obligation of statutory health insurers to provide benefits." The commission was also tasked with examining the possibility of legalizing egg donation and surrogacy. In their report, the experts considered both to be permissible under certain circumstances. In the case of egg donation, this would be the case "provided it rests on a legal basis that guarantees the necessary protection of the donor and the welfare of the child in particular," they say. Germany and Luxembourg are the only EU countries in which egg donation is still prohibited, said Claudia Wiesemann from the University of Gottingen, the coordinator for the topic in the commission. As with sperm donation, it was important to safeguard the child's right to know its origins, she noted. According to the commission, surrogacy could be authorized in certain cases, "provided that the protection of the surrogate mother and the child's welfare are sufficiently guaranteed." Speaking to journalists in Berlin following the release of the report on Monday, deputy government spokesman Christiane Hoffmann said no new regulations are expected in the near future. Different interests had to be weighed up against each other, she said. "And we want to hold a debate that will ultimately help us move forward on this issue, and that is not something that can be conducted under time pressure and 'let's do it very quickly now'. That would really be the wrong approach." Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said on Monday that the federal government would thoroughly analyse the 600-page report and examine the constitutional and international legal arguments. "What we don't need are debates that set society on fire or even divide it," he said. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said that the commission's expertise would be a significant help in answering the complex ethical questions surrounding reproductive self-determination and reproductive medicine. "Ultimately, however, this requires a broad social and, of course, parliamentary consensus." Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus called the commission's recommendations a good basis for an open and fact-based discourse that was now necessary. According to a survey, a majority of the population is in favour of legalizing abortions within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. A total of 72% of those surveyed were in favour of legalizing abortion without restrictions during this period, according to a poll by opinion research institute Forsa commissioned by broadcaster RTL/ntv and published on Monday. Support is highest among supporters of the Green Party, a junior partner in the government coalition, at 82%, and lowest among supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 55%. Karl Lauterbach, German Minister of Health, comments on the final report of the Commission on Reproductive Self-Determination and Reproductive Medicine. Britta Pedersen/dpa (Reuters) -The Solomon Islands holds a national election on Wednesday, the first since Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed a security pact with China that prompted concern from the United States and South Pacific neighbours. Sogavare has pledged closer ties with China, which has built infrastructure since Solomon Islands switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019, while opposition parties favour ties with Western aid donors including Australia, and pledge to fix a broken health system. The national election was delayed from 2023, after Sogavare said he wanted to focus on the Pacific Games, hosted in stadiums donated by China. BACKGROUND Located 1,600 km (900 miles) northeast of Australia, Solomon Islands has a population of around 700,000 across an archipelago of six main islands: Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Makira, Malaita, New Georgia and Santa Isabel. Elections for the national parliament and provincial assemblies will be held on the same day. Polling booths opened at 7 a.m. (2000 GMT, April 16) and close at 4 p.m. (0500 GMT), with an alcohol ban in place for a week. A campaigning blackout starts April 16. The 50 members of the national parliament are elected for a four year term. The prime minister is selected after polling day by a vote of newly elected lawmakers, a process that can take several weeks. WHO IS RUNNING? Sogavare became prime minister at the 2019 election after being elected to his seat of East Choiseul as an independent candidate. This time, he is running as leader of the OUR (Ownership, Unity, Responsibility) party. He has been prime minister four times, but no Solomon Islands prime minister has been re-elected for consecutive terms. Historically, political party coalitions have been fluid. Independent candidates won 37% of the vote in 2019, more than the biggest party, the Solomon Islands Democratic Party on 14%. Prominent opposition party figures include: - Peter Kenilorea Jr of the United Party who wants the China security pact scrapped, and infrastructure help from Western countries favoured. He is a former United Nations official and the son of Solomon Islands' first prime minister after independence from Britain. - Matthew Wale of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, and former prime minister Rick Hou of the Democratic Alliance Party, who have formed the CARE coalition, pledging to fix education and health, and a foreign policy that prioritises Solomon Islands national interests. - Former Malaita premier Daniel Suidani, who previously banned Chinese companies in the nation's biggest province, and is running for Malaita governor. His new party U4C (Umi For Change) will run candidates in the national election, including former government official Celsus Talifulu. - There are 20 women running as candidates. Only two women were elected at the previous election. SECURITY AND OTHER ISSUES An election observer report in 2019 noted the traditional role of vote buying, saying "Devil's Night" cash hand outs were likely driven underground by new laws banning it. Solomon Islands Electoral Commission advertising this month urged voters to "Keep your votes secret and say NO to vote buying and selling". This is the second election since the 2017 departure of the decade-long Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), a multinational force of Australian, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji police. RAMSI was formed at the request of Solomon Islands government in 2003 to maintain civil order after inter-tribal violence. When anti-government riots broke out in the capital Honiara in Nov. 2021, Sogavare asked Australian police to return to restore order. Six months later, Solomon Islands signed the security pact with China. Chinese police, and the Solomons International Assistance Force (comprised of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji police and military) have a presence in Solomon Islands and operate separately, under the supervision of Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. Election observer groups from Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, Japan, Europe and the U.S. will monitor voting and counting, with national and provincial polls held on the same day. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Explainer-Why Donald Trump could be president again despite his legal troubles FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Trump holds campaign rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania By Jack Queen (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is set to stand trial in New York on Monday on charges that he illegally covered up a hush money payment to a porn star. But what happens if the jury convicts the former U.S. president and the judge imposes a sentence before the November election? WOULD TRUMP GO TO PRISON? It is not yet known what sentence, if any, the judge may impose if Trump is convicted. Prosecutors have charged Trump, who has pleaded not guilty, with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The maximum sentence for the charge is 1-1/3 to four years in prison, but in cases involving prison time, defendants are typically sentenced to a year or less. But Trump would be a first-time offender for a nonviolent crime, and it is rare for people with no criminal histories who are charged solely with falsification of business records to be sentenced to prison in New York. Punishments like fines or probation are more common. If punished beyond a fine, Trump could be placed under home confinement or subjected to a curfew rather than imprisoned. As a former president, he has a lifetime Secret Service detail, and the logistics of keeping him safe behind bars could be complicated. Trump could also be released on bail while appealing a conviction. COULD TRUMP STILL BE PRESIDENT IF CONVICTED? Yes. The U.S. Constitution only requires that presidents be at least 35 years old and U.S. citizens who have lived in the country for 14 years. Neither a criminal conviction nor a prison sentence would affect Trump's eligibility for office. In theory, he could be sworn in from jail, prison or home confinement if he were to win the election after being convicted and sentenced. He could not pardon himself in the hush money case since he is charged with state rather than federal crimes and presidential pardon power only applies to the latter. WHAT'S THE IMPACT OF A CONVICTION ON THE ELECTION? Trump has used the four criminal cases against him to his fundraising advantage, claiming they are part of a political conspiracy. His campaign's financial filings last year showed surges in donations following his indictments. But only half of Republicans in a Reuters/Ipsos poll in February said they would vote for Trump if a jury convicted him. A Reuters/Ipsos poll this month found a firm majority of voters viewed the New York criminal charges against Trump as serious. About a quarter of Republican respondents to the April poll said they would not vote for Trump if he were convicted of a felony crime by a jury. WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER CASES? Trump has been charged in Georgia and Washington over his efforts to reverse his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden and in Florida over his handling of classified documents upon leaving office. It is unclear if any of those cases will go to trial before the Nov. 5 election. Because the Washington and Florida cases were brought in federal court, Trump could end them if he wins the election by appointing an attorney general who could dismiss them. He could also potentially pardon himself. The Georgia and New York cases were both brought in state courts, so Trump could neither pardon himself nor end the cases by firing the prosecutors who brought them. (Reporting by Jack Queen; Additional reporting by Luc Coehn; Editing by Howard Goller and Noeleen Walder) Facebook has apologised for wrongly labelling photographs of Auschwitz victims as showing bullying and nudity. The social media giant incorrectly labelled 20 of the Auschwitz Memorial Museums posts with a note saying they had been moved down their feed for violating community standards. The posts, which showed photographs of people who died in the concentration camp in Poland, were flagged as showing bullying and harassment and adult nudity and sexual activity. An image showing a group of orphans was also deleted. Facebook 'moved down' this post of Polish victim Feliks Koprianiuk, saying it 'goes against community standards for violence and incitement' The museum described the censorship as unacceptable and offensive to the memory of the victims of Auschwitz and demanded an explanation. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has since claimed that the photographs were not moved down the museums page. The company said the notices received by the museum, which said the posts had violated standards, were sent by mistake. It did admit, however, that the image of orphans had been deleted by mistake and had now been restored. We offer our sincere apologies for the error, a Meta spokesman said. The museum is based on the site of the concentration camp in Oswiecim, where more than one million people died, including 960,000 Jewish people, during the Second World War and the Holocaust. Museum staff said they had been posting photographs of Auschwitz victims for years before Facebook said they were violating standards. An image of the museum was also 'moved down', after Facebook labelled it as 'going against community standards for bullying and harassment' One post showing Ida Mullerova, a Czech Jewish woman who died at Auschwitz, was said to go against community standards for sexual solicitation. Another post showing victim Marie Sachnowitz, a Norwegian Jewish woman murdered in a gas chamber, was said to show adult nudity and sexual activity. Facebook also said an image of Berek Anataba, a Polish Jewish man who died at the camp, showed bullying and harassment, while a photograph of Jewish orphans in Izieu, France, was removed for violating unspecified community standards. This post showing victim Marie Sachnowitz, who was killed in a gas chamber, was flagged as showing 'adult nudity and sexual activity' The museum said: For years, the Auschwitz Memorial has been sharing similar content without any issues, yet suddenly, 21 posts are simultaneously flagged. Moreover, we also noticed that a post commemorating the tragic fate of Jewish children from an orphanage in Izieu from April 6 was summarily removed without the possibility of recourse. This egregious incident not only undermines the important work of our institution. Such an act is unacceptable and offensive to the memory of the victims of Auschwitz that we try to preserve. The posts in question feature nothing but respectful remembrance and historical documentation, showcasing the faces and biographical information of those who suffered and were murdered in a place that symbolises one of the darkest chapters of human history. We demand an immediate and thorough review of this matter, along with a transparent explanation of why these posts were flagged in the first place. Troubling and ridiculous A spokesman for Campaign Against Anti-Semitism accused Metas algorithm of treating the Holocaust with suspicion. She said: Meta is right to apologise for these troubling and ridiculous notices to the Auschwitz Museum. This is a particularly appropriate time to show images of the Holocaust, given that this week we are commemorating the liberation of the Bergen Belsen concentration camp by the Allies. Meta needs to explain why its algorithm treats genuine Holocaust history with suspicion, and what it can do to ensure that these stories continue to get told and shared. At a time of surging antisemitism across the world, it is more important than ever to understand the lessons of the Holocaust. A Meta spokesman said: We mistakenly sent notices to the Auschwitz Museum that several pieces of content the museum posted had been demoted. In fact, that content does not violate our policies and was never actually demoted. We offer our sincere apologies for the error. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Ceremony to seal right to abortion in French constitution, on International Women's Day, in Paris Ceremony to seal right to abortion in French constitution, on International Women's Day, in Paris BERLIN (Reuters) - Here is an overview of abortion laws across Europe, where the general trend has been towards liberalisation but some countries are imposing restrictions on women seeking to terminate a pregnancy, and deep divisions over abortion rights remain: FRANCE - Became the world's first country to make women's free choice to request an abortion a constitutional right in March 2024. Abortion rights, which have been legal since a landmark 1974 law, are more widely accepted in France than in the United States and many other countries, with polls showing around 80% of French people support pro-choice policies. POLAND - Introduced a de-facto abortion ban in early 2021, with terminations only permitted in cases of rape, incest or if there is a threat to the mother's health or life. The ban prompted mass protests. This month, parliament sent four bills liberalising abortion laws to a bipartisan committee for consideration, a sign of cooperation between Donald Tusk's ruling pro-European coalition parties despite deep splits over the issue. The bills range from reinstating the right to abortion in cases of foetal abnormalities to allowing terminations without restrictions until 12 weeks. It is not clear how long the work may take, but some lawmakers have suggested it could contine until a new president is elected next year. It is widely expected that current President Andrzej Duda would veto any changes to abortion legislation. UNITED KINGDOM - Abortion is permitted up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. There is no limit in cases where a woman's life is at risk or there is a serious foetal abnormality. A new scheme introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic allows women to end pregnancies at home within 10 weeks of conception. Beyond that point, abortions must be carried out in clinics. MALTA - The staunchly Catholic island nation changed its strict anti-abortion laws last year to allow termination, but only when a woman's life is in danger. Malta was previously the only European Union country not allowing any type of abortion. It remains illegal under all other circumstances including rape, incest and severe foetal abnormalities. The law was amended after the highly publicised case of a U.S. tourist who was refused an abortion in Malta despite doctors saying her life was at risk, forcing the woman to go to Spain for the emergency procedure. ITALY - The traditionally Catholic country has allowed terminations within 90 days of conception since 1978, but accessing an abortion can be difficult. About 63% of gynaecologists refuse to perform the procedure on moral or religious grounds, according to 2021 data from the Health Ministry. Several regions have restricted the use of the abortion pill and funded anti-abortion groups. Right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is anti-abortion, but has pledged not to change the law. SPAIN - Parliament approved legislation last year allowing girls aged 16 and 17 to have abortions without parental consent. The law also removed a mandatory three-day "reflection" period for women seeking terminations. Spain's 2010 abortion reform allowed women to end unwanted pregnancies on demand within 14 weeks, or up to 22 weeks in cases of severe foetal abnormalities. However, many women face problems accessing abortions due to doctors refusing to perform the procedure. As a result, the majority of procedures are performed at private clinics. GERMANY - Women can only have a legal abortion within 12 weeks of conception if they submit to counselling and other formal restrictions. Abortion remains in the criminal code in Germany and can technically lead to jail sentences of up to three years although in practice, prosecutions are rare. An expert commission on Monday recommended fully decriminalising abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is up to the government whether to legislate on the commission's recommendations, but changing the law could be difficult as the right to life is enshrined in the constitution and there is likely to be pushback from the opposition. HUNGARY - Abortion in the first 12 weeks has been legal since 1953, but Hungary tightened its rules in 2022. The restriction was widely understood to mean that women seeking abortions would have to first listen to the foetal heartbeat. Hungary is also among a dozen European countries that require women to undergo mandatory counselling before ending a pregnancy, a measure criticised by the World Health Organization. Hungary adopted a new constitution in 2011 guaranteeing that the life of a foetus would be protected from the point of conception, but did not outlaw abortion. IRELAND - The Catholic country lifted an almost total ban on abortion in 2019 following a landslide referendum in 2018. Until then, about 3,000 women a year travelled to Britain for terminations. The issue was thrust into the spotlight in 2012 when a woman who was miscarrying died from sepsis after doctors refused to end her pregnancy. Abortion is now allowed up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and later where the foetus has a terminal condition, or the woman's health is at risk. (Reporting by Reuters bureaus, editing by Friederike Heine and Philippa Fletcher) (Reuters) - A year of war between rival military factions in Sudan has pushed parts of the country to the brink of famine, and left 25 million people - about half the population - in need of assistance, according to aid agencies. Sudan was already burdened with rising hunger, a collapsing health system and widespread poverty before the conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) broke out. HUNGER *Some 17.7 million of Sudan's 49 million population were facing what experts term acute food insecurity, a sharp increase from last year, according to a projection covering the five months to February by the IPC, a globally recognised hunger monitor. That means their lives or livelihoods are in immediate danger because they don't have enough food. *Of those, 4.9 million are estimated to be facing emergency levels of hunger, one step from famine. The IPC said last month it had not been able to update its assessment on Sudan because of data gaps and connectivity challenges but it warned that immediate action was needed to prevent mass death. *Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, since they often eat last and least within households and are at increased risk of gender-based and sexual violence. *Agriculture, which most of the population depends on for income, has been badly disrupted, as farmers flee the fighting and lose access to supplies. DISPLACEMENT *More than 8.6 million people, or about 16% of the population, have fled their homes since the conflict started. *This makes Sudan the biggest displacement crisis globally, with an additional 3 million people homeless due to previous conflicts, mainly in Darfur. *More than 2 million of the displaced have crossed to neighbouring countries struggling with their own security and economic challenges. Hundreds of thousands have fled to Egypt, Chad and South Sudan, with small numbers arriving in Ethiopia and the Central African Republic. *Within Sudan, many were forced to flee for a second time as the RSF took control in December of al-Gezira state, a hub for aid efforts where many people had sought shelter. LIVELIHOODS *The war has hammered economic activity, with the economy contracting 12% in 2023, according to the World Bank. The pace of contraction is on track to be more than double that seen during wars in Yemen and Syria. *Infrastructure has been badly damaged, supply lines have broken down and the formal banking system crumbled, leaving many salaries unpaid. *Nearly half the population is unemployed, according to the International Monetary Fund. *Prices have risen sharply in many areas, while blackouts blamed on the warring parties and network outages have hampered mobile payments that many rely on. HEALTH AND EDUCATION *An estimated 11 million Sudanese are in need of urgent health assistance but 70% of health facilities in conflict affected areas are shut or partially functional, according to the World Health Organization. *Disease is spreading. More than 11,000 suspected cases of cholera, including over 300 deaths, have been reported from 11 of Sudan's 18 states, according to the health ministry. Outbreaks of measles, malaria and dengue fever, are ongoing in several states. *Some 19 million children risk losing out on their education because of the war. One in two children, 10 million in total, have been in an active warzone over the past year, according to Save the Children. ACCESS TO AID *Aid agencies say the army restricts access for humanitarian relief, and what little gets through is at risk of looting in RSF-controlled areas. Both sides have denied impeding aid efforts. *Due to fighting and other blocks on access, just one in 10 of those facing emergency levels of hunger have access to assistance. *Volunteer-run "emergency rooms" linked to the pro-democracy networks from Sudan's 2018-19 uprising have tried to provide minimal food rations and keep some basic services running. *Aid agencies are seeking $2.7 billion from donors to provide relief to 14.7 million people in urgent need of help in Sudan this year. To date, less than 6% of that amount has been raised. The U.N. refugee agency is seeking $1.4 billion to help people who have fled to five neighbouring countries. (Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Andrew Heavens) This year's Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) formwhich is required for students seeking federal loans and grants, as well as institutional financial aid at most collegeshas been riddled with catastrophic technical bugs. How did the situation get so bad? It starts with an attempt to simplify the formin part, by importing families' financial information directly from the IRS. In 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which required the Education Department to develop a streamlined version of the financial aid form. While this may seem like a perfectly fine idea on paper, the results have been riddled with delays and technical glitches. The new FAFSA was first made availablealbeit in an only periodically accessible "soft launch"on December 31, 2023. The new form had less than half the number of questions as in previous versions, a feat mostly accomplished by importing parents' tax data. But significant problems almost immediately appeared. For starters, it was launched almost two months later than usualand the Education Department didn't extend the deadline to compensate for the reduced availability. Once families were able to access the form, many faced frustrating technical glitches. More than three months after the FAFSA's launch, many of these glitches have persisted. The FAFSA's own website details dozens of technical bugs. Last month, the Education Department acknowledged that it had given colleges faulty information about 200,000 studentspossibly leading students to receive more aid than they would otherwise be eligible for. And last week the department announced that around 30 percent of FAFSA applications include a data or processing error. As a result of these issues, completed FAFSA applications as of late March are down 40 percent when compared to last year. Unless there is a dramatic turnaround, millions of college students will not receive financial aid that they are eligible for. Even for students who completed the FAFSA successfully, many have been left in a daunting limbo by the Education Department's failure to deliver accurate information to colleges. The sticker price at many universities is eye-popping, even if few students actually pay it. Without accurate, timely information about their financial aid packages, many college students are left unsure if they will be slapped with these giant bills. The post FAFSA Glitches Cause Chaos for Millions of College Students appeared first on Reason.com. BALTIMORE The FBI on Monday raided the container ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge nearly three weeks ago as part of an investigation into the deadly bridge collapse. Agents boarded the Dali Monday morning and were conducting court authorized law enforcement activity, a spokesperson for the FBIs Baltimore Field Office said Monday, declining to comment further. The FBI likely is looking into whether any federal laws were broken in the lead up to the bridge disaster, experts said For example, in past American maritime disasters, federal authorities leveraged an old statute known as seamans manslaughter to prosecute people they believed to have been criminally negligent for peoples deaths. The Dali, a 984-foot ship which weighed about 112,000 tons loaded with cargo, apparently lost power and rammed one of the Key Bridges main support piers in the early morning of March 26, causing the 1.6-mile span to immediately collapse into the Patapsco River along with seven construction workers, killing six men. Video of the collapse showed the lights aboard the Dali go out and then flicker as it approached the Key Bridge. A local pilot, who was onboard to guide the ship out of the harbor safely, reported losing all power, including the ability to steer, in a mayday call shortly before striking the bridge. The FBIs criminal investigation would run in parallel to the one by the National Transportation Safety Board, which aims to prevent future accidents. The NTSBs investigation has focused on the Dalis engine room, board chair Jennifer Homendy told federal lawmakers last week. Officials previously said the Dalis crew reported to the Coast Guard that they were going to be conducting routine engine maintenance while in Baltimore. The vessel experienced apparent electrical issues before it left the Port of Baltimore, the Associated Press reported Monday, citing an anonymous source with knowledge of the situation. That person said alarms went off on the ships refrigerated containers while it was still docked, likely indicating an inconsistent power supply. That the FBI said it was onboard conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity suggests agents were serving a federal search warrant, Rod Rosenstein, former U.S. Deputy Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for Maryland, told The Baltimore Sun. Federal judges sign off on such warrants only after agents present probable cause that there was crime, he said. The fact that there is a search warrant suggests there is suspicion on the governments part, or maybe some evidence, that a crime has occurred, he said. Rosenstein said the goal of a federal investigation like this would be to determine what caused the bridge-strike and whether there is any criminal liability, be it on the part of the crew, the companies that own and manage the ship, or others, such as a fuel supplier. That distinguishes an FBI-led probe from an NTSB investigation, which also seeks to find out what went wrong but with the goal of preventing such a tragedy from occurring again not to hold someone or some entity accountable. The NTSB identifies the probable cause for an accident and provides non-binding safety recommendations for officials and companies. We do not conduct criminal investigations, NTSB spokesperson Jennifer Gabris said in an email. Gabris pointed to two deadly accidents where criminal investigators worked alongside NTSB investigators and brought criminal charges, one in state court and the other in federal court. Officials in Maryland and President Joe Bidens administration have pledged to hold accountable anyone who played a role in the bridge collapse, if investigations support such action. Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek Barron said in a statement Monday that his office does not confirm investigations. However, the public should know, whether its gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or any other threat to public safety or property, we will seek accountability for anyone who may be responsible, Barron said. Following a separate news conference Monday, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown predicted that his office would pursue legal action against multiple defendants that contributed to the bridge collapse. As chief legal officer of the state, my responsibility is to file actions to protect the interests of the state, to recover for that damage, said Brown, who is a Democrat. So whether its the ship owner or others, thats what were currently doing. Were looking at it, were investigating, and when the time is right, well bring a legal action so we can maximize the recovery. Baltimore has hired two law firms to pursue legal action against the Dalis operators, Democratic Mayor Brandon Scott said Monday. The citys law department later added that it is encouraged by the FBIs commencement of an investigation into the Dali and its catastrophic crash into the Key Bridge. The Singapore-based companies that own and manage the Dali previously moved in federal court to absolve themselves of any liability related to the bridge collapse or to limit their liability to the value of the ship plus the revenue it stood to make from its cargo, which they estimated at $43.7 million. Darrell Wilson, a spokesman for Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., the company that manages the Dali, said in a statement that the company extends our deepest sympathy to all those impacted by this incident. Due to the magnitude of the incident, there are various government agencies conducting investigations, in which we are fully participating, Wilson said. Out of respect for these investigations and any future legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. An attorney for the ships owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., did not respond to a request for comment. FBI personnel were present at the scene alongside the NTSB and Coast Guard in the days that followed the collapse. The FBI and U.S. Attorneys Office both stated soon after the collapse that they had found no evidence the crash was tied to terrorism. Thomas Roth-Roffy, a former longtime NTSB marine investigator, said its rare, but not unheard of for the FBI to get involved in such an investigation. He led the NTSBs investigation into a 900-foot container ships crash into the San Francisco Bay Bridge in 2007. They were working alongside querying information that we collected, Roth-Roffy said. We had a couple of meetings with them to give them information. It was a one-way street. In that case, the pilot of the ship pleaded guilty in federal court to negligently causing the discharge of 53,000 gallons of oil into the San Francisco Bay. He was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison. Authorities have said theres no evidence of any hazardous materials spilled in this accident, but thats just one example of what the FBI could investigate, said Lawrence Brennan, a professor of maritime law at Fordham Universitys School of Law. Im speculating I have no knowledge, Brennan said. It could be unlicensed people in positions that require licenses, medical conditions, drug use, mechanical conditions with the vessel that were not properly repaired, or falsified repairs. Federal prosecutors have used seamans manslaughter in several deadly maritime incidents around America. That pre-Civil War statute says that neglect or misconduct leading to death by the ship officer is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. It also applies to the companies that own and charter vessels when their fraud, neglect, connivance, misconduct, or violation of law leads to death. The pilot of a ferry and his supervisor were each sentenced to more than a year in prison after pleading guilty to seamans manslaughter in connection to the 2003 crash of the Staten Island Ferry, which killed 11 people. In that case, the pilot had passed out behind the wheel of the ferry, while the supervisor failed to enforce a rule requiring two pilots on board. In November, a federal jury convicted the captain of a dive boat that caught fire off the coast of California in 2019, killing 34 people, under the same charge. The NTSBs preliminary report, which will be limited to factual findings surrounding the crash and ensuing collapse, is expected in the first week of May, and its final report could take up to two years. ______ The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into the deadly collapse of Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge that is focused on the circumstances leading up to it and whether all federal laws were followed, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Getting alcoholic drinks to go may soon be coming to Downtown, Franklinton The FBI was present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity, the agency said in a statement Monday. The investigation was first reported by the Washington Post. The container ship Dali left Baltimores port in the early hours of March 26, laden with cargo and headed for Sri Lanka, when it struck one of the bridges supporting columns, causing the span to collapse into the Patapsco River and sending six members of a roadwork crew plunging to their deaths. Divers have recovered three bodies from the underwater wreckage, while the remaining three victims are still unaccounted for. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said last week that investigators are focusing on the electrical power system of the massive container ship that veered off course. The ship experienced power issues moments before the crash, as evidenced in videos showing its lights going out and coming back on. Homendy said information gleaned from the vessels voyage data recorder is relatively basic, so that information in the engine room will help us tremendously. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The FBI has opened a criminal investigation into the collapse of Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge late last month, which left six roadwork crew members dead, The Associated Press reported, citing an anonymous source familiar with the matter. The AP reported that the investigation is focused on the circumstances leading up to the bridges collapse and whether all federal laws were followed. The FBI confirmed on Monday that there were agents on the cargo ship on Monday, after The Washington Post reported that federal agents appeared to board the ship and conduct a search. The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity, the FBI said in a statement to The Hill. There is no other public information available, and we will have no further comment, the FBI added. The criminal investigation was first reported by the Post, which cited two U.S. officials familiar with the matter who spoke anonymously. The Post reported that the probe would look into whether the massive container ship that struck the bridge left the port knowing it had serious problems. The AP, citing an anonymous source, reported later Monday that the ship had experienced apparent electrical issues before leaving port but set out anyway. The source told the AP that alarms went off on the ships refrigerated containers while it was still docked in Baltimore, which likely indicated an inconsistent power supply. The source also said that the ships crew was aware of the problems and indicated they would be addressed, according to the news service. Video of the incident suggests that the 985-foot container ship lost power before slamming into the Baltimore bridge on March 26, causing its collapse. The National Transportation Safety Board has also launched a probe of the crash. Officials have said their investigation will include an inquiry into whether the ship experienced power issues before the crash. The boards chair, Jennifer Homendy, said last week the investigation would focus on the electrical system generally. The Associated Press contributed reporting. Updated at 2:52 p.m. EDT For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The FBI is investigating whether there was any criminal wrongdoing in the crash that brought down the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in March, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The probe will look at whether the crew left port with the knowledge something could be wrong with the ship, according to a source. MORE: Baltimore bridge collapse has dockworkers in fear for their future On Monday morning, agents from the FBI were aboard the ship, according to the Justice Department. "The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity," the FBI Baltimore said in a statement. PHOTO: A crane works on the debris of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 29, 2024 in Baltimore. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) The FBI did not offer further comment. "Federal agents today are conducting a court-approved search of the Dali," according to a DOJ spokesperson. "We have no further comment at this time." MORE: Foreign adversaries could exploit Baltimore Key Bridge collapse: Intelligence report The container ship Dali struck one of the piers on the Key Bridge early on the morning of March 26, causing the bridge to collapse and killing six construction workers who were filling potholes on the span. Two other workers survived the incident. No one on the cargo ship was injured in the collision, though several containers fell into the channel. President Joe Biden, who visited the collapse site on April 5, has pledged to fully support Baltimore's rebuilding efforts. He said during his visit its his "intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstruction of that bridge." FBI opens criminal investigation into Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Federal agents stopped a boat smuggling migrants off the Florida Keys Monday morning, but officials are keeping details of the operation quiet. The boat was intercepted off Key Largo, federal officials have confirmed, but thats all they are saying. U.S. Customs and Border Protection referred questions about the stop to the Coast Guard. A Coast Guard spokesman told the Herald that the agency is not commenting on the incident because there is a law enforcement piece to it. Nestor Yglesias, spokesman for U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, told the Herald in a text message that the agency responded [as] part of an ongoing investigation and that he cant comment further. This report will be updated as more information becomes available. Federal authorities are asking for information which may identify two men caught on video in Lake Mead National Recreation Area destroying a rock formation as one of their terrified, adolescent daughters looked on. The Instagram page @touronsofyellowstone posted the alarming footage. The episode took place last Sunday, April 7, around 6:45 p.m., according to Fox5 Vegas, at the petrified red dunes on the Nevada parks north side. The dunes are one of the most visited areas of the park, with the astonishing natural formations drawing tourists from around the globe. The unbelievable video shows two middle-aged men working strenuously to topple large boulders from the red dunes. As the videographers marvel at the mens brazen actions, one of them notes that someone was recently arrested for a similar act. One of the men is practically hanging off the side of the formation as he pulls hard to dislodge a rock. Hes going to fall, one of the videographers says. As they work, the horrified daughter of one of the men lets out a succession of chilling screams. Daddy, dont fall! she yelps as a gigantic boulder crashes to the ground. Dont fall, she screams again as she runs away from the edge to hide. The videographers sent the footage to the National Park Service. Lake Mead, like similar protected environs, often asks visitors to record acts of vandalism and other anti-social behavior to assist park employees in policing the vast acreage. It is 1.5 million acres. We have two big lakes, a chunk of the Colorado River, explained John Haynes, the parks public information officer. It gets pretty difficult based on our staff levels to be everywhere all at once. The damage done by the vandals is permanent, Haynes said. Lake Mead Recreation Area and federal authorities are set on finding the two men and prosecuting both to the fullest extent of the law. It can range from six months in jail and a $5,000 fine, Haynes explained, all the way up to a felony offense. Haynes reiterated that recording vandals in the act is the best way to help prevent further incidents such as this. A bid by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to gain a new trial after being slapped with a $148 million civil defamation judgment in December was turned aside by a federal judge on Monday. File Pool Photo by Chip Somodevilla/UPI April 15 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Monday tossed out a motion by former Donald Trump campaign official Rudy Giuliani seeking to have a $148 million defamation judgment against him dismissed. Calling the former New York mayor's arguments for the proposal for a new trial "threadbare," U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell instead ruled decisively in favor of former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea "Shaye" Moss, who were awarded the sum by a federal jury in December. "Giuliani's renewed motion urging this court to reverse its prior findings and rulings and to override the jury's considered verdict on the basis of five threadbare arguments falls well short of persuading that 'the evidence and all reasonable inferences that can be drawn therefrom are so one-sided that reasonable men and women could not have reached a verdict in [plaintiffs'] favor," Howell wrote in her ruling. Freeman and Moss, who are mother and daughter, originally sought at least $24 million each for Giuliani's defamatory statements accusing them of helping steal the 2020 presidential election from Trump. They claimed his statements exposed them to a torrent of threats and harassment. Giuliani acknowledged defaming Freeman and Moss with malice in the case's final judgment but blasted the amount of the penalty as "absurd" and vowed to appeal. Days later he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In her ruling Monday, Howell dismissed his arguments for a new trial, including assertions the jury's awarding of $20 million each for emotional harm suffered by Freeman and Moss was based on a lack of "competent evidence'" since there was no expert testimony as to how much of their distress was caused by Giuliani "as opposed to other sources that pre-dated Giuliani's alleged conduct." "This contention falls flat, given the well-settled law in this circuit that a plaintiff's testimony, standing alone, may support a claim for damages for emotional distress, where, as here, no proof of physical harm is required," the judge wrote. The plaintiffs, she said, gave "credible and detailed testimony" about the "mental pain and suffering, fear, inconvenience, nervousness, indignity, insult, humiliation, or embarrassment ... [they] suffered because of Mr. Giuliani and his co-conspirators." Giuliani also is facing criminal charges in a case brought by Georgia prosecutors for his alleged role in seeking to overturn the results of the state's 2020 presidential election won by Democrat Joe Biden. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. U.S. District Judge Janis Jack administers the U.S. oath of citizenship to more than 100 area residents representing 25 countries in 2008 aboard the USS Lexington. Graham Jack was the first woman federal judge to serve in Texas south of San Antonio. July 5, 2008 Credit: Courtesy of Todd Yates/Corpus Christi Caller-Times A federal appeals court on Wednesday temporarily halted a $100,000-per-day contempt fine slapped on a Texas health and human services official earlier this week for her agency's routine neglect of investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect by children in the states beleaguered foster care system. U.S. District Judge Janis Jack on Monday found Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Cecile E. Young in contempt of her court orders to fix the way the state investigates complaints by children in its care. It was the third time the state has been held in contempt of court orders since a 2011 lawsuit was filed about foster care conditions in the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. On Wednesday, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay of the order while the state appeals Jack's ruling. The judges decision was prompted by the continued recalcitrance to conduct thorough, accurate and timely abuse, neglect, and exploitation investigations by HHS's Provider Investigations unit, which investigates those allegations from children in DFPS care, the 427-page decision reads. As demonstrated by the stories of the children and PIs failure to take any action to remedy the egregious flaws identified by the Monitors, PI represents a significant, systemic failure that increases the risk of serious harm [to the children]. Jack's order state's that the fines levied against Texas will be lifted when the state can demonstrate that its investigations are in compliance. A hearing on that matter is set for late June. The state filed an appeal and a motion to stay the contempt order on Tuesday, arguing that HHS officials "are steadfastly committed to the welfare of the children within their care, and they have worked diligently for years to safeguard those children and comply with the Courts remedial orders in this case." The filing asked Jack that the order be temporarily halted immediately while it files an appeal with a higher court "given the magnitude of the presently accruing finesand the irreparable harm to federal-state comity by holding the Governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed head of one of the largest state agencies in the country in criminal contempt." Jack denied the motion shortly after. The appeals process will still move forward. The state's response highlights the contentious relationship that HHS, DFPS and Jack have had since Jack made her first ruling condemning the state foster care system in 2015. Three years after that, the conservative Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed. Since then, shes ordered several fixes over the years and continuously criticized the state for not complying with her orders. Since 2019, DFPS has been under the supervision of court-appointed monitors who have released periodic reports on Texas progress toward eliminating threats to childrens safety in the foster care system. Attorneys representing the foster children in the lawsuit said Mondays ruling from Jack sends a strong message. The judges ruling is measured but urgent, given the shocking evidence, said Paul Yetter, attorney for the plaintiffs. Innocent children are suffering every day. After all these years, when will state leadership get serious about fixing this disaster? The state's appeal "sends a terrible message to Texas children that state leadership just doesn't care about their safety," Yetter said on Tuesday. "Rather than certify safe, timely investigations of reports of child abuse and neglect, the state seems determined to avoid responsibility," he said. Last year, the plaintiffs asked the court to place parts of the foster care system under receivership, which is when a court appoints outside experts to run all or parts of an agency's operations while the agency fixes the issues that prompted that action. A January report by foster care monitors cited progress in the area of staff training but continued weaknesses in the agencies responses to investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect made by children or those who contact them. At the center of the battle are the roughly 9,000 children in permanent state custody, removed from their homes due to circumstances that can include abuse at home, or complex health needs that parents are unable to manage without help, or the loss of their family caregivers. They often present the most tragic stories and have some of the most complex mental and behavioral needs of any child in the system, yet they are often left in dangerous homes and residential centers with poor supervision frequently overmedicated, trafficked, and unable to get help if theyre continuing to be being abused. Testimony during a series of hearings earlier this year and late last year zeroed in on the poor quality and backlog of investigations into complaints of sexual abuse reported by children in state care who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, such as autism, fetal-alcohol syndrome, and Down syndrome. In one case, plaintiffs say, a girl was left in the same residential facility for a year while 12 separate investigations piled up around allegations that she had been raped by a worker at the facility. She was left in the facility with that same worker until she was dumped in an emergency room, alone, with her jaw broken in two places, Jack said. The facility was eventually shut down by the state. That investigation never substantiated the allegations, and a new state agency policy does not require investigators to explain those findings a policy criticized by Jack and Yetter and referred to in Monday's decision. According to the court monitors, children in the states care are not informed how to report sexual abuse. Also, the state also has not been able to prove that it has properly trained its caseworkers on how to identify potential victims of sexual abuse. Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival, happening in downtown Austin Sept. 5-7. Get your TribFest tickets before May 1 and save big! Five months. Thats about how long its been since Lexington County told the cities and townswithin its borders that it was ending a 45-year-old agreement to maintain roads, kicking off a contentious battle over who decides zoning standards and who controls roads funding in one of South Carolinas most rapidly growing areas. The ongoing drama boils down to a power struggle over deciding how to manage Lexington Countys growth and who decides what that looks like moving forward. This week, the leaders of local governments will finally sit down to talk about how to move forward. But what that way forward might be isnt immediately clear. And recent tensions suggest it may not be a happy gathering. Lexington County Council Chair Beth Carrigg said she isnt sure why its taken so long to get together and try to find common ground. I dont know why we havent received any proposed agreements that we can at least look at and discuss, she said. Weve sent one out. Theyve said, No. We said, Send us something. And we havent received anything. Most of the countys 14 municipalities take issue with the countys new proposal for road maintenance, offered about two months after the county rescinded the original agreement in December, with only the small town of Gaston having signed on. The proposed agreement adds a stipulation that new residential development on lands annexed into municipalities must adhere to the countys zoning standards for the county to take on responsibility for maintaining those roads. The cities and towns insist that only they should dictate the terms by which they grow. And now, they also want seats at the table for deciding how state gas tax funds get doled out for road maintenance throughout the county. At present, the countys Transportation Committee is made up of only the members of County Council, with no voice from the cities or towns. The legislative delegation from the county, who decide the makeup of the Transportation Committee, have criticized the way local leaders are behaving over the issues of growth and roads. At a March delegation meeting called to consider the Transportation Committees membership, the legislators were critical of the short notice given to the municipalities that the agreement would be rescinded, which was barely more than the 30 days required. But they werent pleased with any of the local government representatives who appeared before them, taking them to task for their inability to work together. Ultimately, they told the county and municipal officials to work it out among themselves. I find a sense of frustration in this matter because of the departure from what has typically defined our county, and that is a cooperative spirit among the various entities, state Rep. Micah Caskey, R-Lexington, said. Dont go home and pull out your Facebook account and start writing bad things about each other, said state Sen. Karina Shealy, R-Lexington, the chair of the delegation. Dont start texting and text mean things about each other. Be nice children when you leave. Maybe sit at the door and shake hands and say something nice to each other when you go. And try and get together and work it out. Lost confidence and trust That was four weeks ago. And the temperature between the county and the municipalities hasnt cooled much, if any, since. I have a fundamental lack of confidence and trust in the leadership at our County Council level, said Tem Miles, the mayor of West Columbia. And I think that that is a sentiment thats shared by the vast majority of leaders across our cities in this county. And Im hopeful that this meeting that is coming up will be the first step towards us trying to salvage some type of workable relationship with them. He said its up to the county to bring a proposal to the table to try to get the municipalities back on board. Complicating the issue is a proposed urban overlay district, which would loosen the countys zoning standards in the more populated areas surrounding West Columbia, Cayce and Springdale. Several disgruntled citizens appeared at a public hearing about the overlay late last month, imploring County Council not to omit requirements related to essential services such as EMS, fire, law enforcement and schools for this area. That overlay, which the county Planning Commission will soon decide whether to change before it comes back before council, will set the standards that apply to the countys proposed maintenance agreement. For his part, Miles wasnt concerned about the overlay, as West Columbia provides adequate services to meet whatever requirements are implemented. Every local official The State spoke with offered vague hopes to find common ground at the upcoming meeting between the municipalities and the county but no specific ideas for compromise. They do have some hard lines about what they will accept. The county has encroached on our rights to govern ourselves, said Lexington Town Councilman Gavin Smith. We have the ability to govern ourselves, as we see fit, in the unincorporated areas of our community. And I would like to see us work towards common ground and move the ball forward on a new agreement that has terms that both parties can agree to. Ultimately, I do not support at all the town giving up its right to govern itself and to zone areas of our community as we see fit. Carrigg was similarly firm that the county must have a say in how new residential developments in annexed territories are set up, as it is responsible for EMS, fire and other services and infrastructure that will feel the burden of these additions. She specifically spotlighted the need to set up new subdivisions such that there isnt a combination of street parking and narrow roads that makes it difficult for first responders to reach people during an emergency. We can only grow Lexington County once, and we want to do it appropriately, she said. Carrigg added that she has no concern over how the cities and towns grow within their own borders and that the proposed roads maintenance agreement in no way dictates those terms. It has nothing whatsoever to do with how they grow their town commercially, she said. And by that, I mean restaurants, bars, nightlife, ball fields, anything that people want to enjoy in their municipalities. And it doesnt include anything thats already been taken in residentially over the past 46 years. This is only any new acquired or proposed annexation property for residential development. Seeking common ground on roads As to the Transportation Committee, which Carrigg emphasized makes decisions separate from the projects that tie into the roads maintenance agreement, the county has proposed adding a subcommittee of municipal representatives that would offer advice before decisions are made. The municipalities are looking for more, having asked for voting members representing them to be added to the committee. Municipality residents make up about 25% of county residents, Smith said. And I think that its important that at least some of the seats on the (committee) are allocated to municipal residents to make sure that those voices are represented. Carrigg said shes open to the idea of adding some voting members representing municipalities to the committee. Its all about getting to the table and discussing it in a professional manner and seeing where we can come to, she said. Its all about hearing from them and trying to listen openly, and they need to listen openly. One point on which the municipalities and the county definitely seem to agree is they arent sure what will come of this weeks meeting, which is set for Friday, April 19, at the Town of Lexington Municipal Complex. Im not sure where the countys willing to make any moves, said Cayce Mayor Elise Partin. I do know that the Lexington County state delegation, those folks are not real happy with the way that the county is handling things. And so thats helpful to kind of, you know, have that bigger brother saying, No, yall need to figure this out. Fifteen bodies were recovered on Monday from around Al-Shifa hospital following the withdrawal of the Israeli military from the area two weeks ago, Gaza residents and medical crews told CNN. Health workers and residents in northern Gaza have been searching and digging for what they believe are mass graves and looking for their loved ones, after they said Israeli forces killed hundreds of Palestinians and left their bodies to decompose during their two-week siege of the complex. We were called today to extract the bodies that are buried inside Al-Shifa medical complex. We came here at 9 a.m. with an excavator and excavated 15 bodies, Adel Al-Mash-Harawi, an ambulance driver from Gaza told CNN from the site of the excavation. Hundreds of bodies have been recovered from areas around the hospital complex since the siege ended April 1, a Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson told CNN last week. Video filmed by CNN Monday shows medical workers, some wearing UN-marked vests, walking around the site over mounds of sand, digging up bodies. White body bags can be seen laying on the side of the excavation site, some marked with text reading unidentified body and some with names of people on them. Today I bid farewell to my mother who was inside Al-Shifa hospital during the invasion and attack by the vicious Israeli occupation on this medical complex that has been turned into a big mass of rubble, Mohammad Al-Khateeb a resident of Gaza told CNN. Al-Khateebs mother, Khawala Al-Khateeb, was 75 years old when she was brought to the hospital three days before the Israeli military siege on the complex and surrounding neighborhood of Al-Rimal, and was killed three days after, he said. The Israeli military deprived patients, nurses, doctors and the displaced of water, medicine and food, he added. CNN has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment on these allegations but has not received a response. Waleed Abu-Laila told CNN he had been searching for his mother since the Israeli siege on the hospital ended on April 1. On Monday, he said he found her body. I identified her from specific markings on her feet and hands, because she was injured on November 23 last year when her toe and finger were both amputated, Abu Laila told CNN. He said his mother was taken to Al-Shifa because she was dehydrated and had signs of malnutrition. Disturbing video shows Abu-Laila opening a white body bag, revealing his mothers decomposed body. The hospital was blocked from all sides and there were bodies scattered all over, squashed on the streets from the tank rails. When I got a call to come check the unidentified bodies, I opened a bag that was marked unidentified and immediately found my mothers body decomposed, he said. The IDF has claimed that hundreds of terrorists were killed or captured during the two-week siege but has not provided any evidence. Khader Al-Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON It frustrates John Suttles that Congress has yet to pass a bill named after fellow civil rights veteran John Lewis. They mean well, Suttles, 76, said of members of Congress who reintroduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Were not doing what we need to be doing to get it done once and for all. One of Georgia Rep. John Lewis last wishes was for Congress to pass federal legislation that he and supporters believed would better protect the rights of voters. But the legislation named in honor of the late civil rights icon has repeatedly stalled in Congress. This embedded content is not available in your region. Chances are slim lawmakers will pass the bill in the few months remaining on the legislative calendar. Republicans who control the House have signaled their opposition, and Democratic efforts in the Senate appear to be at a standstill. But Democrats are hoping that with voting rights and election concerns on people's minds, lawmakers could be pressed to act this election year. The measure's backers said they remain undeterred in the face of opponents who argue the law is unnecessary. There is a reason why in the last few Congresses it has been among the most feverishly anticipated and fought-over provision, Marc Elias, an attorney who works to help Democrats, told USA TODAYs podcast, The Excerpt. It would restore the Voting Rights Act to its place as the crown jewel of American democracy. Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, in the blue cap, listened to Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., address a crowd March 1, 2020 on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. For decades, Democrats and Republicans had worked together on several voting rights measures. Unfortunately, that bipartisan consensus broke down sometime in the last 10 years or so and the courts have whittled it away, Elias said. Opponents say Lewis voting rights bill not needed Opponents of the bill argue that its unnecessary and that much has changed since the 1960s, when states erected barriers to the polls for Black voters. When you look at the turnout and registration numbers, theres just no justification for the law, said Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. In 1965, this law was needed. Some Republicans contend Democrats are trying to take control of elections run by states. They support a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision that eliminated Section 5, a provision in the 1965 Voting Rights Act known as preclearance that required federal approval for election changes in states with a history of discrimination. The Lewis bill would among other things restore that provision. The symptoms that showed the kind of discrimination going on, look that just has disappeared, von Spakovsky said. Theres no evidence of any kind of systematic widespread discrimination by state officials in any of the states that used to be covered by Section 5 or in other states across the country. Because of discrimination, voter registration and turnout rate of Black residents in 1965 in Mississippi was in the teens compared with 50% to 60% for white voters, he said. But he noted that in recent elections Black voter registration rates have been higher than for white voters. In November 2022, 72% of white people in Mississippi and the same percentage of Black people were registered to vote, according to the U.S. Census. Nearly 46% of white Americans and 47% of Black Americans voted, the agency found. The Lewis bill would give the U.S. Department of Justice veto authority over election changes made by states all over the country, von Spakovsky said. Its written in a way to expand, totally expand Section 5 at a time when we have less discrimination in the voting contests than I think weve ever had. Voting rights advocates say a new law is needed Voting rights advocates disagree, believing the bill is desperately needed. They point to an increasing number of states that have adopted measures that could restrict access to the polls and disproportionately affect voters of color. Those laws have, in some cases, reduced the number of ballot boxes, limited early-voting periods and required stricter identification to vote. They also argue that gaps between Black and white voter participation across the country have persisted in federal electoral contests. Voting rights and access to the ballot remain a problem in our country, said California Sen. Laphonza Butler, a Democrat and bill co-sponsor. Until we pass it, until we have rectified the wrongs, we should as a Senate and as a legislative body continue to introduce and reintroduce the legislation until it is fixed. Butler held a voting rights hearing in Alabama last month ahead of an annual commemoration of a 1965 march led by Lewis, where he and other peaceful protestors were beaten by state troopers. The march, known as "Bloody Sunday,'' helped spur passage of the Voting Rights Act. California Sen. Laphonza Butler, a Democrat, talked to USA Today April 3, 2024 in her Senate office in Washington, D.C., about efforts to pass federal voting rights legislation. Lewis, who died in 2020, worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the 1960s to register Black people to vote, mostly in the segregated South. 'Here we are in the same state of Alabama continuing to fight against going backwards in terms of access to the ballot, Butler, a former labor organizer, said after the hearing. Nearly a week later, the Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, held a hearing on the bill in Washington, D.C. The proposed bill would also strengthen voters' ability to challenge laws, such as those related to redistricting that could be discriminatory. "Thanks to a series of misguided Supreme Court decisions, there has been a significant deterioration of the fundamental right to vote,'' Durbin, a lead sponsor of the bill, said at the hearing. More: Senate said no to voting rights. Here's how civil rights activists are reigniting the fight A new partisan divide As of last week, the Senate and House versions of the bill had no Republican co-sponsors. Its difficult to get an election bill through Congress and especially in an election year, said U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner Thomas Hicks, who worked on election issues as a staffer in the House. Is it too large of a bill? Are there parts of it they can get passed? I dont know, he said. In contrast, Hicks and other experts point to the 2002 Help America Vote Act as an election bill that garnered bipartisan support. It aimed to help states improve their voting systems. In this 2007 photo, Barack Obama, then a Democratic presidential candidate, spoke with Congressman John Lewis at a commemoration of the 1965 Voting Rights March at Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama. Republicans and Democrat alike "took hits," he said, to get that bill passed in the House. It was a huge piece of bipartisan legislation. Michael Waldman, president and CEO of the Brennan Center, a liberal-leaning research center, said the Lewis bill along with the Freedom to Vote Act, another voting rights measure, have came achingly close to passing. The House has passed the Lewis bill, but it has stalled in the Senate. Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell, a Democrat and Lewis mentee, reintroduced it last fall. Waldman noted it took at least three tries before Congress passed the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act. The last time there was much bipartisan support for federal voting rights legislation was in 2006, when Congress reauthorized the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Senate voted 98-0 in favor of it. In action: Voter turnout more than doubles in Alabama's controversial, redrawn congressional district Its unfortunate that its partisan (now), but that shouldnt stop action, Waldman said. Elias, an attorney with Elias Law Group, said the makeup of the next Congress will matter. We will wait and see next year when Congress reconvenes in 2025 to see whether or not after the presidential election there is an appetite in Congress to do what must be done. John Suttles joined Georgia Rep. John Lewis and other civil rights activists and members of Congress at a luncheon in Montgomery, Alabama in March 2018 to commemorate "Bloody Sunday." Suttles, the civil rights activist, joined John Lewis and others on the march to push for voting rights in Selma, Alabama, nearly 60 years ago. He said ensuring voting rights, as Lewis wanted, is simply the right thing to do. For his bill not to pass, somebody aint doing something right," Suttles said. Im not blaming anybody, but everyone needs to come together and lets get it done. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: John Lewis Voting Rights Act stuck in Congress, but some fight on Fire set inside Memphis Walmart causes nearly $2 million in loss, damage UPDATE: The Memphis Fire Department has released photos of the person of interest involved in Sundays arson. On Monday, the Memphis Fire Department provided more information about the fire that was set inside the Walmart on Austin Peay Highway. Fire investigators say they determined the fire was intentionally ignited with an open flame device. They released the following pictures of the person of interest and their vehicle: Person of Interest. Person of Interests Vehicle ******* MEMPHIS, Tenn. A fire set intentionally inside a Memphis Walmart caused nearly $2 million in content loss, the Memphis Fire Department said. MFD responded to a fire at the Walmart on Austin Peay Highway at 3:11 p.m. Sunday. Qwanesha Ward of the MFD said that the fire was intentionally set on Aisle 18 near the electronics department and was contained by the stores sprinkler system. Man arrested after breaking into three homes in three months However, the fire still led to $1.8 million in content loss and $10,000 in building loss. The store has smoke and water damage. MFD said that the store will likely be closed until the end of the week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Firefighters from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in the United Kingdom recently rescued a calico cat in a predicament that seemed ripped straight from a cartoon. The furious cat found themself trapped between two walls, prompting a unique rescue mission that would soon capture the internets heart not for the cats distress, but for their comically disgruntled demeanor once freed. Cat looks furious after being carefully chiseled out of wall According to a post shared by the fire service on Facebook, a rescue operation took place earlier this week when a feline, described as stuck between a wall and a hard place, needed help. The team from Preston carefully chiseled the cat out from the scene, ensuring the felines safe extraction without any harm per CBS News. However, it was the cats reaction post-rescue that truly caught the publics eye. Accompanying the Facebook post was a photograph showcasing one of the rescuers cradling the cat close to his chest. The cat, instead of showing signs of relief or gratitude, seemed to glare fiercely at the camera, exuding pure indignation. Social media users were quick to pick up on the cats less-than-pleased expression. Some even flooded the comments section with humorous observations and quips. One user joked about the cats previously undisputed status in hide-and-seek. Another noted the irony in the animals ungrateful facial expression. Others admired the sheer level of the cats grumpiness, affectionately referring to them as a lil fluffy mcmurder mittens. Despite the successful rescue, the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service left the cats backstory a mystery. It remains unclear how the feline ended up in such an awkward position or where they might have gone after their ordeal. What remains clear, though, is the unpredictability and surprise that can come with dealing with cats. The responders echoed this sentiment saying, Cats always keep us on our toes. The post Firefighters Rescue Furious Cat Stuck Between Two Walls in UK appeared first on CatTime. This is the first 4/20 that weed is legal in Minnesota. How can you celebrate legally? Recreational cannabis has been legal in Minnesota for nearly two years. State lawmakers took regulators and some politicians by surprise in 2022 when they legalized THC-infused edibles and beverages in 2022. Gov. Tim Walz signed a full legalization bill last May allowing adults 21 and older to cultivate, carry and smoke marijuana flower. Saturday will mark the first 4/20 the pseudo-holiday dedicated to all things pot that weed has been legal in Minnesota. The state is a year away from allowing recreational dispensaries to open; currently, two Native American tribal-owned dispensaries are up and running. Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management is still setting rules for the state's legal market. Licensing should fully open sometime in early 2025. And even then, growers warn that marijuana flower may be in short supply if they don't get the go-ahead to start cultivating plants soon. So, where and how can you legally celebrate 4/20 in Minnesota? We've got you covered. What can I legally carry? Minnesotans 21 and older may legally possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower and 8 grams of cannabis concentrates. They can also carry edibles that contain up to a total of 800 milligrams of THC. State law also allows the possession of up to 2 pounds of marijuana at home. Minnesotans may also grow up to eight cannabis plants per resident, although no more than four may flower at the same time. The plants may be grown indoors or outdoors but must also be kept in an enclosed and locked space away from public view. Red Lake, White Earth nations operate state's only dispensaries A pair of Native American tribes currently operate Minnesota's only recreational marijuana dispensaries. The Red Lake Nation, a federally recognized sovereign nation covering nearly 1,300 square miles, opened its NativeCare dispensary on Aug. 1 last year the effective date of Minnesota's full legalization bill. The White Earth Nation opened its own dispensary, Waabigwan Mashkiki, days later in Mahnomen. Both dispensaries are more than 230 miles northwest of the Twin Cities, or a three-hour drive from the metro. The Prairie Island Indian Community plans to open a third cannabis dispensary in Goodhue County this year. But that operation, about 45 miles southeast of Minneapolis, won't go live until summer. Bars and breweries step in with THC-infused drinks Many Minnesota breweries have embraced THC-infused drinks since the 2022 law went into effect, offering a variety of tinctures, sodas and seltzers. These products contain hemp-derived THC. The current legal limit is 5 milligrams per serving and no more than 50 mg per package. Some beverages omore than one serving per can. Here is a small sample of products available in the Twin Cities: Modist Brewing in North Minneapolis offers several options, from a 4-milligram apple, lemon and ginger concoction to 10tangerine seltzer. The Powderhorn neighborhood's Venn Brewing Company has also jumped on the THC train. The brewery produces a 5-milligram tonic and a 10-milligram variant as well. At least one eatery has also dabbled in specialty THC beverages. Hi Flora, a vegan restaurant that took over the former Common Roots Cafe space on Lyndale Avenue, sells tinctures ranging from a 5-milligram bottle of Cloud 9 for $8 or a 50-milligram bottle for $44. Patrons can add the tincture to their food and drink or purchase canned THC beverages as well. Several specialty stores also offer gummies, chocolates and other THC-infused treats. Highnorth Dispensary has three locations in the metro area one each in Cottage Grove, Inver Grove Heights and Uptown in Minneapolis. Hemp House also operates stores in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Richfield. A number of breweries and bars also sell edibles on-site. Staff writers Brooks Johnson and Ryan Faircloth contributed to this report. AUSTIN (KXAN) An effort to extend some protections to transgender Austinites and their ability to seek gender-affirming medical care will receive its first vote Monday evening. The City of Austins LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission is set to consider a resolution during its meeting, which will also include a town hall about an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center and a discussion about the potential need for one. The meeting began at 6 p.m. at the citys Permitting and Development Center located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in north Austin. Council Member Chito Vela of District 4 is introducing the transgender protections resolution. If the advisory commission votes Monday in support of it, then Vela said the full council will take it up at a later date. He expects it to clear all these hurdles and send a message to the LGBTQ+ community. That we have their back, that we will be there for them, that we are concerned about them and what theyre going through, Vela said Monday. Were concerned about what the Texas legislature is doing, and that in every way possible within the laws that we have to follow, we will support them. We will be there for them, and we understand what theyre going through, and we want to help as much as we possibly can. The approach to the resolution is similar to what Vela did two years ago when he put forward the GRACE Act, a series of resolutions aimed at protecting reproductive rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. One of those measures deprioritized enforcement of criminal laws surrounding abortion, and thats reflected in the latest proposal for the transgender community. We are deprioritizing the prosecution of anybody seeking the gender-affirming treatment for a minor child, Vela explained. So as to the extent possible, we want the Austin Police Department to put any kind of prosecution for the gender-affirming treatment for a minor child at the lowest priority level. We dont want to be using city resources. We dont want to be using our officers time to go after these alleged crimes, and then to the extent that other jurisdictions are looking to prosecute or investigate these folks, we also only want to cooperate, again, to the extent required by law, which would be of course if there is a warrant or a subpoena. We will absolutely cooperate, but to the extent that were not required to cooperate, we choose not to. The resolution would not, though, designate Austin as a transgender sanctuary city, which will undoubtedly disappoint the activists who began pushing for that last year if its ultimately approved. Vela responded Monday to the possible criticism that his measure does not do enough. He admitted he wishes he could do more, but he said city leaders have to move forward carefully given the scrutiny this will likely bring by state Republican lawmakers. I understand that folks want us to go farther and want us to really kind of, you know, fight, Vela said, but I dont want to overplay our hand, get struck down by the courts and then kind of be back at the place that we started with nothing to show for it. So we want to be very careful and very strategic, and we want to make sure that the protections that were instituting are going to survive and are going to last. Loren Perkins, an Austin activist, said theyre disappointed to hear this more cautious approach. I do want them to do more, and the reality is, you know, the people who are trying to limit our rights and limit our access are doing more, Perkins said Monday. Its maddening to see these politicians who claim to be on our side not doing what needs to be done. Perkins also said they hope other communities throughout Texas will take similar steps, though, especially ahead of another regular legislative session starting in January. As activists are very often fond of saying, this isnt a sprint. This is a marathon, Perkins said, so where we can find wins, well take those wins. And well keep working and pushing towards more robust protections. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The first Whataburger in SC is coming soon. Heres where it will open A location on Woodruff Road in Greenville County will be the first of nine Whataburger restaurants expected to open this year in South Carolina. The plan is for the restaurant to open this summer on the site of a closed KFC. Coming not too far behind will be restaurants in Mauldin (also a former KFC) and Boiling Springs. An Anderson restaurant will open in late summer. Opening dates for other Upstate locations are: 2900 Main St., Anderson, late summer 1941 E Main St, Spartanburg, fall 1510 WO Ezell Blvd, Spartanburg, late fall The company has also announced Upstate restaurants opening in 2025: 5648 Calhoun Memorial Parkway in Easley in the spring and 1537 E. Main St. in Duncan in the summer. The company will open three restaurants in the Midlands in Columbia, Lexington and Irmo this year and so far has said two more will open next year in the Columbia area and Lexington area. Whataburger was founded in 1950 as a roadside burger stand by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson died in a private plane crash in 1967, and his wife Grace took over the company. By the time she died in 2005 at age 80, the company had grown to 600 stores. The family sold its majority interest in the company In 2019 to Chicago-based investment firm BDT Capital, which began the expansion program. They commemorated their 1,000th restaurant in January, when two locations, corporate-owned Atlanta, Georgia, and franchise-owned Yukon, Oklahoma. On April 15-19, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany, the Tube 2024 exhibition is taking place, where world giants of the metallurgical industry meet. Azerbaijan is represented at these exhibitions by the largest metallurgical company of the Caucasus, Baku Steel Company CJSC (hereinafter referred to as BSC). At the Tube 2024 exhibition, over 2,600 exhibitors demonstrate their services and products. The exhibition also hosts interesting forums that provide information on various topics, such as current tendencies and prospects in the metallurgical industry, emerging new technologies, products, and export opportunities. The forum agendas cover topics related to green steel, eco-metals, steel trading, artificial intelligence and innovative technologies in the production of pipes. From the transition to green technology and current development trends to unique cutting and processing technology solutions, the forums provide unique opportunity to exchange ideas and gain new knowledge. The Tube 2024 exhibition focuses mainly on the engineering, oil and gas, chemical and construction sectors, serving as important platform for networking, establishing potential collaboration and accessing new markets. The stand of BSC, the only company representing Azerbaijan, where its products are presented, sparks interest among the visitors and participants of the exhibition. BSC representatives provide information not only about their company, but also highlight the broader metallurgical sector of Azerbaijan in general, and its potential. Flags to fly at half-staff on 17th anniversary of Virginia Tech shooting VIRGINIA (WAVY) On Monday, Governor Glenn Youngkin ordered flags to fly at half-staff in memory and respect of the 17th Anniversary of the mass shooting at Virginia Tech. Flags over all state and local buildings along with flags on state grounds will be lowered at sunrise on Tuesday, April 16 and remain at half-staff until sunset. On April 16, 2007, a student opened fire on the Virginia Tech campus, killing 32 people and wounding 17 others before turning the gun on himself. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Unusually heavy seasonal rains have left a vast swath of southern Russia and Central Asia reeling from floods, with dozens of people dead in Afghanistan and Pakistan and tens of thousands forced to flee their homes in Kazakhstan and Russia. Authorities say the flooding the atypical intensity of which scientists blame on human-driven climate change is likely to get worse, with more rain predicted and already swollen rivers bursting their banks. Scores killed in Pakistan and Afghanistan Lightning and heavy rains killed at least 36 people in Pakistan, mostly farmers, over three days, emergency response officials said Monday, as a state of emergency was declared in the southwest of the country. Most of the deaths were blamed on farmers being struck by lightning and torrential rain collapsing houses, The Associated Press quoted regional disaster management spokesperson Arfan Kathia as saying Monday. He noted that more rain was expected over the coming week. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a televised address that he'd ordered authorities to rush aid to the affected regions, where swollen rivers and flash floods have also severely damaged roads. Onlookers gaze towards municipal workers using heavy machinery to level the ground after damage due to floodwaters following heavy rains on the outskirts of Quetta on April 15, 2024. / Credit: BANARAS KHAN/AFP/Getty In neighboring Afghanistan, the country's Taliban rulers said Sunday that heavy flooding from seasonal rains had killed at least 33 people and left more than two dozen others injured over three days. Abdullah Janan Saiq, the spokesman for the government's disaster management agency, said the flash floods hit the capital, Kabul, and several other provinces. He said more than 600 homes were damaged or destroyed completely, with hundreds of acres of farmland destroyed and many farm animals killed. The Afghan weather service was also forecasting more rain over the coming days across much of the country. Mass evacuations in Russia and Kazakhstan There has been widespread flooding in the Russian Urals regions and neighboring Kazakhstan for days, caused by melting mountain ice swelling rivers; it is being exacerbated by heavy rainfall. In some places, only the roofs of houses were visible Monday above murky waters that had engulfed entire neighborhoods. In Kazakhstan, more than 107,000 people had been evacuated from their homes, TASS state news agency reported. In the capital of the North Kazakhstan Region, Petropavl, the flooding was expected to peak by Tuesday, according to Kazinform agency. Residents survey a flooded area in Petropavl, Kazakhstan, April 13, 2024. / Credit: Turar Kazangapov/Anadolu/Getty "Why has it come to this? No one has done anything for 60 years," said Alexander Kuprakov, a Petropavl resident, criticizing the government for having made "no investment" in the area to avoid such a situation. Elena Kurzayeva, a 67-year-old pensioner in Petropavl, told AFP: "I was taken out yesterday and within 15 minutes the water had come in." Spring flooding is a regular occurrence but this year, it is much more severe than usual. Scientists agree that climate change caused by humans burning fossil fuels is worsening the risk of extreme weather events such as floods. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said earlier this month that this was the country's worst natural disaster for the last 80 years. Artist Nikolai Kryuchkov stands on the roof of his flooded house in Orenburg, Russia, April 13, 2024. / Credit: Alexander Reshetnikov/REUTERS The floods have already submerged 34,000 homes in Russia's southern Orenburg region, due to the rising Ural River. AFP journalists on Saturday saw residents being evacuated in boats and police vehicles in the regional capital Orenburg. The Russian emergency services ministry, meanwhile, has predicted that more than 18,000 people could be flooded out of their homes in the Kurgan region, state news agency RIA Novosti reported. Water levels in the rivers of Russia's Siberian Tyumen region could also reach all-time highs, RIA cited governor Alexander Moor as saying on Monday, according to the Reuters news agency. "Waves of large water are coming towards the Kurgan region, the Tyumen region," government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow on Monday, Reuters said. "A lot of work has been done there, but we know that the water is treacherous, and therefore there is still a danger of flooding vast areas there." The fallout from Arkansas' "right to mine" bitcoin law Nature: Gopher tortoises in Florida The history of Waterford Crystal FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler has announced he will be retiring after 12 years as chief and many more years with the department. Tyler took to social media to announce his retirement, stating that he turned in his letter of resignation to the civil service board and Mayor Andy Betterton on Monday. Florence man accused of resisting, striking and biting officer during arrest It has been my greatest honor to serve with the men and women of the Florence Police Department, Tyler said in the video. Tyler said his last day at the department as chief will be June 28, although his official retirement date isnt until after the beginning of next year. While we will miss him dearly, we are excited for him as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in his life and as we collectively look forward to the bright future of the Florence Police Department, FPD said in a Facebook post sharing Tylers retirement announcement. He was selected to become Chief of Police in May 2012, and was sworn in the following month. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Women hold placards during a protest in support of abortion rights in Florida. Lauren Witte/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press/dpa Its a nearly 10-hour car drive from Tampa to a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Wilmington, North Carolina. By plane, itll take about two hours to fly to the Washington, D.C., area then another 20 minutes to drive to an abortion provider in Virginia. Its a 1,850-mile round trip to get from St. Petersburg to a southern Illinois clinic that offers the surgical procedure. But Florida womens clinics and abortion providers say cross-country trips like these to become routine after the states Supreme Court ruled to ensure a restrictive abortion ban will take effect at the beginning of May. The new law will restrict abortions to the first six weeks of pregnancy. Barbara Zdravecky, interim chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, expects many women will arrive at clinics already past that threshold because they did not find out in time that they were pregnant. Zdravecky held an emergency meeting Tuesday morning with staffers from nine clinics between Naples and Orlando to discuss what they can do to help those women. We know well be dealing with very frustrated and upset and scared patients, Zdravecky said. This is going to be very overwhelming for them. The nonprofits clinics are preparing to see as many patients as possible this month before the new law goes into effect. Staffers have been told to encourage patients to schedule appointments as quickly as possible. For those already past six weeks of pregnancy, centers will help connect patients with organizations that provide financial support to travel out of state for the procedure. Some groups have already been helping Florida women to get care. After Floridas 15-week abortion ban took effect in 2022, the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund, a volunteer organization that raises money to help people access the procedure, mostly paid for womens appointment costs, not their travel expenses, said McKenna Kelley, a volunteer with the fund. The fund largely used donations to pay for peoples abortions at Tampa Bay clinics, whether they were local residents or those travelling from other parts of the South, such as Texas, Louisiana or Alabama, Kelley said. The group covered $650,000 in appointment costs last year, helping over 1,900 people. But the organization expects it will do a complete 180 following a Supreme Court decision and will mostly pay for Tampa Bay womens travel expenses like plane tickets and hotel rooms as they seek abortions, Kelley said. It paid $67,000 in travel assistance in 2023, assisting more than 200 people. Most women dont know they are pregnant at six weeks, she said, so nearly all callers requesting help will need to leave the state to undergo the procedure. On average, it costs about $1,100 per person for the travel necessary to receive care outside of Florida, Kelley said. The fund has already been helping those past 15 weeks pregnant leave the state, often sending them to Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Illinois, Kelley said. The group chooses locations based on a variety of factors, like whether there are direct flights from Tampa. Kelley expects the northern states to see an influx of patients after Floridas six-week ban takes effect. Thats partly because the Sunshine State has become a destination for travellers from across the South who live in areas with even stricter abortion rules. North Carolina, with a 12-week abortion ban, doesnt have the capacity to handle the anticipated surge, Kelley said. We will be here to help, said Kelley, who added that the fund has been preparing for Floridas new ban over the past year. But, she said, it will require a lot of community support. The group saw donations dip from $755,000 in 2022 to $272,000 last year, according to the organizations annual report. Meanwhile, the number of callers nearly doubled, rising from about 1,760 the year Roe v. Wade was overturned to just under 3,390 in 2023. Even with assistance to get terminations elsewhere, Floridas new abortion law will put womens lives at risk, said Jennifer Griffin, a Tampa physician who provides abortions. Complications like ectopic pregnancies, where the fetus develops outside the uterus, are not typically detected in the early stages of pregnancy. Floridas ban does include exceptions for the health of the mother but some women have been refused treatment because Florida hospitals were concerned about performing terminations after 15 weeks. Florida has a long-established law allowing abortions when a fetus has fatal abnormalities. But no exceptions exist for serious genetic defects, deformities or abnormalities, which were cited as the reason for 141 abortions last year. This severely limits the number of women we can help, Griffin said. We have people with no medical training trying to tell us how to do our jobs women are going to die because of that. Oviedo mother Danielle Tallafuss was almost 21 weeks pregnant in 2020 and looking forward to adding another child to her family when an anatomy scan showed her unborn son had hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The rare heart defect would likely mean his heart would remain severely underdeveloped with no guarantee he would survive. She agonized over the decision but decided the right thing for her family was to get an abortion. A six-week ban would have been absolutely devastating in my case, she said at a news event after the abortion ruling was released Monday, adding that she would have travelled out of state for the procedure. While Floridas new law is expected to drastically reduce the number of terminations, some anti-abortion advocates push for further restrictions. Florida Preborn Rescue, a Tampa Bay area nonprofit that sued the city of Clearwater last year over its buffer zone around an abortion clinic, supports a total ban with no exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest, but short of that, well take all the progress we can, said president Scott Mahurin. Mahurin said he hopes abortion providers shut down because of the six-week ban, but if they dont, his organization which has 10 to 20 volunteers wont stop talking to women outside clinics. Were going to keep doing what were doing, Mahurin said. Pro-Choice protesters hold placard during a rally against restrictive abortion laws in Florida. The issue has been dividing people in the US for years. Martha Asencio Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Wire/dpa TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A person has been detained for questioning after police said a Dunkin Donuts employee shot a man in the drive-thru in Florida Monday morning. The shooting occurred at about 8:30 a.m. at a shopping center in the 3900 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard in Lauderdale Lakes. When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound in the drive-thru area of a Dunkin-Baskin Robbins. He was taken to the hospital, where his condition is unknown. Courtney Campbell carjacking suspect crashes into police vehicle, tree: TPD Footage from NBC affiliate WTVJ shows deputies and SWAT officers at the coffee chain. Broward County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman Miranda Grossman said the Dunkin employee left after the shooting. SWAT reportedly responded to the scene because authorities werent sure if the employee had barricaded himself inside the store. No other injuries were reported, according to WTVJ. This happened around 8:30 this morning when people are getting their coffee, getting their breakfast, and heading to work, and could have been much worse, Grossman said. Luckily, just one person was hurt. Deputies have identified the suspect and are actively searching for him; however, they are not releasing his name at this time. Brandon man hospitalized after crashing into express lane gates on Selmon Expressway Officials later confirmed they had detained a person for questioning. We are aware of the incident that occurred at our franchised location in Lauderdale Lakes, FL. The franchisee is cooperating fully with the police in their investigation, a Dunkin representative said in a statement. Given that this is an active investigation, we defer any further comment to the local police department. According to WTVJ, detectives are still trying to determine what led to the shooting. No other information was immediately known. 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. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. CAMDENTON, Mo. Deputies from the Camden County Sheriffs Office and U.S. Marshals Service rescued two children last week and arrested a man and woman from Pensacola, Florida, as part of a child abuse investigation. According to Sgt. Scott Hines, a sheriffs office spokesman, the U.S. Marshals contacted the sheriffs office on the morning of April 12 to request help in making an arrest and rescue. In March, a judge in Escambia County, Florida, signed an order to take two children into custody after the Florida Department of Children and Families determined they were living in unsafe and abusive conditions. The Florida DCF investigation found the children had been inhumanely restrained and that methamphetamine was being made in the home where the family had been squatting. Before local law enforcement could enforce the judges order, Nikolas A. Harris and Helen E. Harris fled with the children. New mail thefts prompt calls to stop using blue USPS mailboxes Investigators claim the couple fled across several states and then to Springfield and Branson before settling in Osage Beach. Deputies and marshals went to the home on Channel Buoy Drive, where they arrested the adults and rescued the children. The deputies also discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at the residence. The Camden County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged both Nikolas, 38, and Helen Harris, 33, with possession of a controlled substance and two counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Theyre being held without bond. The child are in the custody of the Missouri Childrens Division. They will eventually be moved to a safe place in an undisclosed location. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. A Miami man was arrested after police said he allegedly beat his girlfriend's 5-year-old son for watching "PAW Patrol" because it was "for girls," according to reports. Miami Police told local station WPLG that Keyyun Bryant, 36, was arrested for an incident that happened at a home the day-after-Christmas in 2022. A witness told police that Bryant grabbed the boy "super hard" on his arm before telling him that the show was "for girls," a police report obtained by the station states. In the report, the child reportedly told staff members at the University of Miami Child Protection Team during an interview that Bryant grabbed him on his right arm and "scratched" him and "wrapped both his hands around his neck and told him he was going to take him to jail." BOSTON HOSPITAL TO SCALE BACK ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTS THAT CAN PERPETUATE 'STRUCTURAL RACISM' Keyyun Bryant was arrested on a felony child abuse warrant for allegedly beating his girlfriends 5-year-old son for watching the childrens show "PAW Patrol" in 2022, according to an arrest report. The witness echoed what the child told the Child Protection Team, stating that Bryant "came into the room while her and the victim were watching PAW Patrol and grabbed the boy by the arm, neck, and hit him in the back of the head because he was in the girls room," police wrote in the report. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP WISCONSIN FATHER ARRESTED FOR CHILD ABUSE AFTER CLAIMING NEWBORN SON WAS HIT BY AN IPAD Characters attend the Guinness World Record Breaking Screening in support of "PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie" at the Autry Museum of the American West on September 24, 2023, in Los Angeles,California. The animated series features six rescue dogs who believe "no job is too big, no pup is too small," and work together to protect the community of Adventure Bay. According to police, Bryant told detectives he had watched over his girlfriends children when she went to work. He also claimed the allegations against him were false, adding the childs biological father "has lodged false allegations" against him on other occasions, WPLG reported. Police were able to locate Bryant last Tuesday. He was arrested and charged with one felony count of child abuse, according to to Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation online records. Fox News Digital reached out to the Miami-Dade Police Department for comment. Original article source: Florida man accused of beating girlfriend's 5-year-old son for watching 'PAW Patrol': report TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida police agency is warning community members of a viral game that may potentially instill fear among the public. On April 12, the Satellite Beach Police Department announced on Facebook they had received numerous calls from residents, who are witnessing individuals dressed in hoodies or masks, sneaking around their neighbors homes. However, officers learned that the individuals were high school seniors who were playing a viral social media game, Senior Assassin, in which they sneak up on classmates. Missing Florida woman found dead in torched SUV after possible carjacking: sheriff The police department said its officers respond to each 911 call without knowing if the incident was students having fun or if a crime was occurring. Our officers respond to each of these 911 calls without knowledge of whether this is an incident of students just having fun or an actual crime is about to be committed, SBPD wrote. We would like to remind the community that the sight [of] firearms, whether real or fake, may instill fear among the public. Police said Senior Assassin incidents may warrant disorderly conduct charges. We strongly urge parents to talk with your kids about the risks of playing this game and discourage the use of realistic fake guns, the police department said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. A $2 million settlement and pending lawsuits after a tourist was murdered during a carjacking in a rental community is a warning shot to the short-term rental industry, the victim's mother and lawyer said. Jeremiah Brown was 22 in July 2022, when he, his girlfriend and her children took a celebratory vacation from California to Central Florida, where they stayed at the sprawling rental community called ChampionsGate. Unbeknownst to them, the rental properties were actively targeted by violent criminals for months. Two days into Brown's trip, he was fatally shot in the rib during a carjacking and thrown from his car, according to a police report. "His life was just beginning," his mom, Lorrie Brown, said at a press conference last week announcing the settlement. "He came to Florida to celebrate becoming a certified forklift driver. He was here for the attractions and the amusement parks. He wasn't even here two full days when he was killed." SEARCH FOR MISSING CRUISE PASSENGER IN MEXICO COMPLICATED BY JUNGLE TERRAIN Jeremiah Brown pictured with his mom, Lorrie Brown, before he was killed July 21, 2022. The suspects, later identified as Tyrell Johnson and Jimmy Robinson III, slipped past security through a broken gate and entered the property through an exit lane, according to a police report. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Both suspects' cellphones shared the same location history and travel route from about 11:35 p.m. July 20, 2022, to 1:30 a.m. on July 21, 2022, the report says. HIDDEN CAMERA WARNING FOR TRAVELERS IN HOTELS, RENTALS: WHAT TO KNOW AND HOW TO FIND THEM That includes the time of the homicide, which the report narrows down to a window between 12:21 a.m. and 1:29 a.m. July 21, 2022. The suspects were charged with grand theft and accessory. Johnson pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years behind bars, court records show, while Robinson's case is pending. Lorrie and her lawyer, Pedro Echarte, secured a settlement from ChampionsGate's security company, RAMCO Protective of Orlando, Inc., but they both said the rental community, and the industry as a whole, has blood on its hands. RAMCO Protective of Orlando did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment, and a representative for the rental section of ChampionsGate, which is separate from Omni ChampionsGate resort, could not be reached. But Lorrie and her lawyer said they and the short-term rental market industry are "partly to blame" for Jeremiah's death, and the industry needs an overhaul. ChampionsGate "should've put safety before their bottom line" and warned Jeremiah and other renters about the spike in violent crimes in and around the area, Echarte told Fox News Digital. WATCH: FLORIDA POLICE, GUNMAN EXCHANGE GUNFIRE IN HOTEL AFTER COPS LURED BY BOGUS MURDER CONFESSION: BODYCAM Jeremiah Brown is pictured here with his brother. Their mother said Jeremiah was a hardworking man who liked to joke around. Johnson was among victims of 11 crimes in ChampionsGate between Nov. 22, 2021, and Jan. 3, 2022, according to the police report. "They (ChampionsGate) withheld information that could've changed Jeremiah's mind about where to stay and spared his life," said Echarte, who stressed the risks of short-term rentals are not isolated to the Florida community. "It's a massive, unregulated industry that operates without any real regulations." Airbnb could not immediately be reached for comment. Read the full police report Business for short-term rentals, like Airbnbs, boomed during the pandemic when many hotels were forced to close, according to a March 2024 report by Airdna. They outperformed hotels in average daily rates, revenue per available room and length of stay, and demand is projected to increase from 14.6% in 2023 to an estimated 15.4% in 2024, the report says. AMERICANS STRANDED BY NORWEGIAN CRUISE SAVE ELDERLY PASSENGER, WHOSE FAMILY SAYS: SHIP LEFT HER TO DIE Precedence Research, a market research company, said in a February 2024 report the global short-term rental market size surpassed $112.31 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit about $315.18 billion by 2033. In the U.S., the market will hit about $29.09 billion in 2023 and is poised to soar to approximately $81.63 billion by 2023, according to Precedence Research. "With the rise of online platforms and booking websites such as Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com, short-term rentals have become increasingly popular among travelers seeking unique and flexible lodging options," the report says. Growth of short-term rentals, according to a study by Precedence Research. But it also comes with risks because there's no overseeing body or uniform regulations on short-term rentals, said Echarte, who said the potential dangers depend on where the rental is located. He said he has another civil case in which dozens of vacationers were sickened by carbon monoxide poisoning in a Mexican Airbnb, which is still being fought in the courts. "I hope these companies learn from their mistakes that murder can be prevented," Lorrie Brown said during a press conference last week outside ChampionsGate. Original article source: Florida vacation rental murder highlights danger of 'massive, unregulated' industry: lawyer Footage Shows 13-Year-Old Boy Arrested For Selling Roses Outside Walmart: If There Were Girl Scouts Set Up There, Would The Results Have Been The Same? Footage Shows 13-Year-Old Boy Arrested For Selling Roses Outside Walmart: If There Were Girl Scouts Set Up There, Would The Results Have Been The Same? | Photo: Douglas Sacha via Getty Images South Carolina police have released a gruesome bodycam footage of two officers forcefully arresting a 13-year-old boy as he was selling flowers outside a Walmart store. The video shows officers Dante Ghi and Katherine Kirkland approaching the teen on April 1 at a Walmart location in Summerville, South Carolina, and asking him for his photo I.D. and business license. The 13-year-old is shown asking why he needs to show the documents. Youre getting ready to go to jail is why, one of the officers replied. Officer Ghi is seen grabbing the boys arm in the video before trying to force the boys head between his legs. According to the Atlanta Black Star, Kirkland later said the boy struck her in the face with his fist during the struggle. Police also provided a photo of a bruise Kirkland sustained under her eye. However, the video doesnt show the child hitting the officer. State Rep. Martin Pendarvis, who is representing the childs family, said in a statement that the teen couldnt have punched the officer. What you see is (his left hand) handcuffed, and the other officer has him subdued and engaged with his right hand. Its hard to come to the conclusion, in my mind, that there would have been time (to strike) this officer, Pendarvis said, the Atlanta Black Star reported. Police described the teen as uncooperative and confrontational. They also said the teen shoved Ghi into a wall. One witness also posted a video to Facebook. The clip shows Ghi pushing the childs head down between his legs while Kirkland cuffs him from behind. Kirkland threatened to use her taser while Ghi forced him to the ground. According to a statement from Summerville Police Lt. Shaun Tumbleston, Ghi used grappling motion to prevent the teen from standing up and to prevent the risk of the individual trying to escape or assault another police officer. The teen has been charged with assaulting an officer; another teen with him was charged with trespassing. Pendarvis said his client often sells rose-shaped flowers because hes trying to make an honest buck. This was an overreaction. This was an escalation. There was no attempt to try to de-escalate the event from the time that they approached him, Pendarvis said, according to the Atlanta Black Star. He continued, Its not uncommon, whether its Girl Scouts or church groups or little league groups, to gather in front of storefronts, selling cookies, selling lemonade, selling whatever, to make an honest buck, to raise money for particular situations. If there were Girl Scouts set up there, would the results have been the same? The Summerville community came together for a protest and demanded justice for the teen after viewing the bodycam footage. Its just very sad what young Black men face at the hands of police that should be helping them, protestor Patricia Cannon said in an interview with WCBD. Fellow protester Denise Rock is calling for Officer Ghis firing. Wheres police reform? The state needs to get involved and address people like Officer Ghi. He should never be a police officer again, Rock told WCBD. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Yesterday, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov as part of his working visit to Uzbekistan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. It was noted that during the meeting, the ministers expressed contentment with the progressing relationship between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. They highlighted the positive trajectory based on shared ethnic, historical, cultural, and religious foundations, underscoring the significance of elevating the comprehensive relations of strategic partnership to a superior level. "The meeting focused on the high-level contacts carried out regularly between the two countries and issues related to expanding cooperation in political, socio-economic, energy, humanitarian, educational, tourism, transportation, agricultural, and other spheres. Both parties expressed their contentment with the aspects of cooperation and mutual assistance, emphasizing their significance on bilateral, international, and regional stages. They highlighted the importance of further broadening cooperation within the framework of brotherhood and solidarity, particularly within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). During the meeting, Bayramov expressed gratitude for the significant contribution of Uzbekistan to the extensive reconstruction and construction efforts undertaken in the region during the post-conflict period. He specifically highlighted the high level of appreciation from the Azerbaijani state and people for projects like the Mirzo Ulugbek secondary school built in Fuzuli city. The ministers also emphasized the importance of intensifying the consultation mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries, as well as further expansion of the legal framework. The sides also exchanged views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest," the ministry said. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Forever chemicals have been linked to many diseases. Are they connected to breast and gynecological cancers, too? This story is part of a series, Fighting Forever Chemicals: Women face pervasive PFAS risks. Loreen Hackett suffered two bouts of cancer before she turned 50. Cancerous cells were discovered in her cervix when she was in her 20s, leading her to undergo a hysterectomy when she was just 28. Less than two decades later, she was diagnosed again this time with breast cancer. Hackett, a longtime activist, said she now believes both her cancers were connected to forever chemicals contamination in the drinking water in Hoosick Falls, N.Y., where she has lived for most of her life and where state agencies detected problematic levels of a certain type of the compounds, known as PFOA, in the communitys groundwater supplies and private wells in 2016. Scientists are researching the possibility of such a link between exposure to the substances, known as PFAS, and breast and gynecological cancers though they have yet to find a definitive connection. PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals found in a range of consumer products such as Teflon pans, waterproof apparel, cosmetics and stain removers. They have become pervasive in the air, water and soil due to their use in manufacturing, and are estimated to be in the blood of about 97 percent of Americans. Scientists have found evidence connecting numerous cancers including testicular cancer and other adverse health outcomes to PFAS exposure, and more findings on the issue are rapidly emerging. Establishing these links can be complicated, however. The search for connections Most cancers take years to develop, and may have developmental origins that we do not clearly understand, said Suzanne Fenton, who at the time was a group leader in the Mechanistic Toxicology Branch of the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health. Further muddying the waters is the fact that breast and ovarian cancers include many unique subtypes, each of which could have inconsistent interactions with PFAS exposures, noted Fenton, who became the director of North Carolina State Universitys Center for Human Health and the Environment in October 2023. Patients also may be exposed to a variety of chemicals in their environment, for different amounts of time complicating the quest to pinpoint the role of PFAS in particular types of cancers, she added. Experts agree, however, that exposure to the substances could have an effect on a persons immune system, making them more vulnerable to illnesses across the board including cancers. Both animal and human studies have shown that several types of PFAS can impact immune function leading the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to propose using those effects as drivers for their health advisories for certain PFAS compounds, according to Fenton. The immune system is critically important in cancer development, she said. In fact, when the World Health Organizations (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer convened a working group a few years ago to define the key characteristics of carcinogens, one of the top traits included immunosuppression. Those immune effects noted above may play a role in a persons general immune function or may have effects in the tissues in which the cancer develops, Fenton said. PFOA and other PFAS are carcinogens. PFOA is a type of PFAS that has been heavily studied and that the EPA has classified as likely carcinogenic. The WHO working group emphasized the immunosuppressive capabilities of such carcinogens by citing evidence of increased immune system dysfunction, as well as decreased immunosurveillance the process in which immune cells find and target foreign tissue. Persistent immunosuppression presents a risk of cancer, the report stated. Survival of these cells and their replication to form tumors is greatly facilitated by immune suppression. Troubling breast development Ruthann Rudel, director of research at the nonprofit Silent Spring Institute, described a recent shift in thinking surrounding the causes of cancer from looking only at direct DNA damage to the idea that immunosuppressants like PFAS can increase cancer risk. In addition, she stressed the importance of trying to figure out why so many women are having trouble breastfeeding and why younger women getting breast cancer and puberty is starting so early breast development in particular. Though scientists have not yet proven a definitive link between PFAS and breast cancer, Rudel noted that they have identified many of these same effects in lab animals exposed to the substances and other endocrine-disrupting compounds. There are all these problems in the human population; there are things that are changing and that we can observe, continued Rudel, whose Massachusetts-based organization focuses on the link between environmental contaminants and womens health. Thats concerning, and I think we need more attention on it. And hopefully were moving in that direction. Fenton and her colleagues have long been studying the impacts of PFAS on mammary glands in animals. They published a paper on the subject, along with Erin P. Hines, a researcher in the EPAs reproductive toxicology division, in the journal Reproductive Toxicology in 2009. That pioneering research described how in-utero exposure screws up the developing mammary gland in mice, said Linda Birnbaum, former head of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program. If theyre exposed in utero, then they have real difficulty nursing their pups, because their mammary gland never fully developed, Birnbaum said. Fenton confirmed that mice developmentally exposed to PFOA demonstrate persistent abnormalities in breast growth in female offspring. She stressed, however, that there have only been a few studies evaluating PFAS exposures and breast development in human girls. At this time, the answer is unknown, she said. Because longitudinal studies that track health impacts on a human from development through adulthood require so much time and money, Hines said scientists often look at animal toxicology studies to try to understand such endpoints. That said, if human samples are taken earlier in life, in big cohorts, follow-up can occur later in life, she explained. But sometimes the animal studies will give you a clue as to what you might want to look for, Hines added. Bolstering gynecological cancer cells Another medical mystery impacting the human population particularly older women is ovarian cancer, which can oftentimes be lethal. But identifying a link between ovarian cancer development and toxic exposures during a specific life stage remains challenging because it is much more rare than other cancers and usually a late in life disease, Fenton explained. So it is difficult to ascertain that information in human studies, she said. Scientists do know, however, that PFAS cause ovarian cancer cells to multiply, according to Fenton, who co-authored a May 2022 paper on the subject in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. The authors found that some types of PFAS increase the proliferation of two ovarian cancer cell lines and disrupt the chemotherapy that aims to kill these cells. The researchers then confirmed this data and extended their findings in a September 2022 article, which demonstrated how a type of light-based treatment could help patients overcome PFAS-induced resistance to chemotherapy. Separate research, which Fenton also co-authored, found that the survival rate of certain endometrial cancer cells surged following exposure to specific kinds of PFAS. These cells also appeared to be less sensitive to chemotherapy, according to the study, published in Environmental Health in December. As with other gynecologic cancers, resistance to chemotherapy plays a key role in the fatal nature of endometrial malignancies, the authors noted. Advocating for further research on the subject, the scientists stressed that clearer insight into the connection between environmental exposures and chemotherapy effectiveness could benefit patients who reside in PFAS-polluted communities. If these patient populations could be identified prior to the administration of treatment, treatment failure, which is directly correlated with decreased survival, could be prevented, the authors added. A decades-long battle While a definitive connection may not yet have been made between PFAS exposure and either breast or ovarian cancer, many women like Hackett attribute the development of their cancers to these toxins, which have contaminated their community drinking water systems. Hackett underwent a hysterectomy at 28 years old after doctors found cancerous cells in her cervix. She had polycystic ovarian syndrome, as well as a blood disease, for several years prior, undergoing a lengthy treatment regiment before doctors agreed to remove her uterus, a step they were reticent to take because she was so young. Her breast cancer diagnosis came less than two decades later, when she was in her mid-40s, in 2009. Hackett decided against radiation because she felt her weakened immune system would not withstand such treatment. So I said, well, lets do this, Hackett said. Lets do the lumpectomy and remove the glands. And well see what happens in a few years. While Hacketts breast cancer has yet to resurface, she said she does now have lumps on her thyroid which are thus far benign, according to functional blood test results. Hackett admitted in a February follow-up email that she hasnt had her thyroid itself scanned for quite some time, as her own health issues have taken a back seat to other family concerns, such as her 31-year-old daughters recent hysterectomy. She also noted the exhaustion and resultant avoidance that she associates with having to go to the doctor so often. If youve gone through cancer once and gone through the whole scary part of it, you really dont want to go through it again, Hackett said in the original interview, noting at the time that she goes so far as to avoid medications that contain PFAS. Boston University researchers last year identified 337 medicines that contain PFAS, also known as organofluorine pharmaceuticals. The scientists based their classification on the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act definition of PFAS, or any substance that contains at least on fully fluorinated carbon a carbon atom on which all hydrogens are replaced by fluorines. Among the organofluorine pharmaceuticals are some of the nations top prescribed drugs, including the cholesterol-reducer atorvastatin, the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, the antifungal fluconazole, and the antidepressants fluoxetine, escitalopram, citalopram and paroxetine. In addition to experiencing reproductive issues herself, Hackett said that her daughters have experienced similar such struggles. Like Hacketts mother, one of her daughters is severely vitamin D deficient a condition linked to PFOA exposure and has had to take prescription supplements. Hackett is aware a definitive link has not been found between PFAS and breast cancer, but she said she wouldnt doubt that her cancers were, in fact, related to the contamination in Hoosick Falls, regardless. More and more research has been probing a potential connection, she contended, and stressed that breast cancer does not run in her family and that her test for the BRCA gene, which is indicative of breast cancer risk, was negative. A cancer incidence investigation released by the New York State Department of Health in May 2017 for the 1995-2014 date range did not identify any statistically significant elevations of cancer for any types of cancers associated with PFOA exposure, including breast, cervical, uterine or ovary cancer. At the time, the department said that it would update and review the cancer data for any changes in the comparative cancer profile of residents in about three to five years. Nevertheless, a community health questionnaire published in August 2018 by researchers at Bennington College in Vermont identified possible discrepancies with the departments investigation. While the department found 12 cases of kidney cancer, no cases of testicular cancer and did not review data on thyroid disease, Benningtons questionnaire identified 17 cases of kidney cancer, nine cases of testicular cancer and 135 incidences of thyroid disease. The researchers stressed that these occurrences could even be an underestimation, as only about 10 percent of Hoosick Falls residents responded to their questionnaire. The fight for legal recognition While scientists have linked a number of diseases to PFAS, many lawyers will only take on a personal injury case if a victim suffers from a much more limited set of ailments. In 2004, residents of Parkersburg, W.Va., secured a settlement in a groundbreaking class-action lawsuit spurred by their exposure to PFAS from a nearby plant. That case resulted in the 2012 C8 Science Panel, which established a definitive link between PFAS exposure and diagnosed high cholesterol, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Neither breast nor ovarian cancer made it to the list at the time, though more research has been conducted in the decade since the panel published its findings. Some attorneys will now represent victims of PFAS exposure who have other illnesses, such as pancreatic and prostate cancers, but many will still only take on a personal injury case if someone suffers from the relatively short list of diseases. As researchers continue to investigate the possible associations between PFAS and other health impacts, Hackett posed the question: When do these array of illnesses that are popping up more and more and more get added to that list? How many studies does a lawyer need to bring to court? she continued. Theres no answer. Hackett acknowledged that there are multiple causes of breast cancer. But she denounced what she characterized as industrys ability to fall back on the tobacco playbook. Someone can smoke and never get lung cancer, she said. Now, is smoking linked? For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Rescuers work at the site in Bel-Air where a forklift slammed into a construction worker Monday. (KTLA-TV) A construction worker was killed in Bel-Air on Monday afternoon when a forklift carrying a load of rebar toppled onto him, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Los Angeles firefighters responded at 1 p.m. to a call about an adult male trapped under a forklift at 970 N. Moraga Drive, said Brian Humphrey, Fire Department spokesperson. Upon arriving, firefighters found a man trapped under a forklift that had been carrying steel rebar at the construction site. Humphrey said that, despite the quick response from fire crews, including those trained, certified and equipped for Urban Search & Rescue, the worker could not be saved. Fire paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. He was not immediately identified. The fatal construction accident comes nearly a month after a Los Angeles Port worker died in a similar accident. Read more: California women's prison rocked by 'rape club' abuse scandals to be closed According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of workers who are dying on the job has been increasing since 2013. In California, more than 500 workers died on the job in 2022, an increase from 2021, when the tally was 462. In 2022, the largest share of those workers who were fatally injured 26% were in the transportation and material moving occupations, according to the bureau. The department has not released data on occupational deaths for 2023. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) An Ottawa County man who says he was sexually assaulted repeatedly by a Boy Scouts of America leader decades ago says Michigans statute of limitations is keeping him and hundreds of others in the state from collecting millions of dollars in damages. Nicholas Fish, 38, is among more than 80,000 former Scouts nationwide who have filed claims against the Boy Scouts of America, alleging they were sexually abused as children. The Michigan Attorney Generals Office says it believes there may be more than 5,000 victims linked to the Boy Scouts across the state. Fish says he was 9, a new Scout in northern Michigan, when his Scout master started sexually assaulting him. He would make me sleep in his tent, which was actually forbidden in the Boy Scouts policy, he said. Scouts Dishonor: The legacy of one Boy Scouts volunteer He said the sexual abuse happened repeatedly at Boy Scout camps across the country over four years. He said he reported it to others in the Scouts and to his church. Its affected my whole life, from work, relationships, friendships, he said. Four years ago, he said, he filed a claim against the Boy Scouts of America. Theres a lot at stake: A bankruptcy settlement last year created a $2.4 billion trust fund for survivors, who each can collect up to $2.7 million. But based on trust fund guidelines, victims who live in states with strict statutes of limitations, like Michigan, stand to get less money. It hurts victims who come forward later on in life, and the laws here in Michigan are archaic and are not written in the way for victims, Fish said. Boy Scouts bankruptcy creates rift with religious partners Right now, survivors can file civil claims three years after realizing they were victimized or until their 28th birthday, whichever is later. Legislation proposed last year in the Michigan House would give them until they turn 52, or seven years after discovering they were a victim. That legislation has stalled. Over the last year, at least three other states Iowa, Ohio and Alabama have taken steps to change statute of limitation laws just for Boy Scouts survivors. I dont have to do this, Fish said. I dont, but its not fair that in other states they are passing these legislations, creating these windows of opportunities for victims, and in our state, these bills have been sitting there for a year. Survivors of sexual assault may get more time to sue The deadline for finalizing sexual abuse claims is on Friday, though Fishs attorney said he can get a one-year extension. Were just asking Michigan to do their job and do that, too, for us victims, for the Boy Scouts, Fish said. State Rep. Julie Brixie, a Lansing-area Democrat, was among the lawmakers to propose the bills last spring, motivated by the survivors of the case of Michigan State University Dr. Larry Nassar. Nassar, a former sports doctor, was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually assaulting dozens of children and young women. Here in Michigan, we have the absolute worst statute of limitations for criminal sexual conduct in the entire country, Brixie said. The bills also include a revival window that would give victims of sexual assault whose windows have expired for criminal charges two years to file civil suits. Sign up for the News 8 weekly recap newsletter Brixie expects the full House to take up the legislation in a matter of weeks. All survivors of child sex abuse really need access to justice and no abuser should be protected by Michigans own laws, she said. Our laws harbor child sex abusers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Former British PM Liz Truss says it has to be Trump in White House next year Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss said Monday that it has to be former President Trump in the White House after the 2024 election, endorsing Trump for the office while laying criticism on President Biden. I dont think Biden has been particularly supportive to the United Kingdom. I think hes often on the side of the [European Union], Truss said on British news radio station LBC. And I certainly think I would like to see a new president in the White House. Truss, the shortest-serving prime minister in the countrys history, has been a major backer of American conservative politics since leaving 10 Downing Street in 2022. While never before endorsing Trump by name, she spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington in February and wrote an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal calling for a Republican president. I hope that a Republican will be returned to the White House in 2024, she wrote in November. There must be conservative leadership in the U.S. that is once again bold enough to call out hostile regimes as evil and a threat. Promoting her new book, the Tory said Monday that Trumps policies were actually very effective. He cut regulation, he cut taxes, he liberated the U.S. energy supply. And this is why the U.S. has had significantly higher economic growth than Britain, she said, adding that Trump was more effective at preventing aggressive regimes expanding, and I think wed be in a different position if he got reelected in 2020. Trusss 50-day stint as prime minister was mostly marked by its chaos, failing to pass a substantial government budget and hampered by a rotating Cabinet. Her leadership also saw the British pound fall to its lowest value ever compared to the U.S. dollar, with economic analysts blaming her unpopular tax proposals. At the end of her premiership, she was the most unpopular prime minister in Britains history, according to public opinion polls. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. When former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson and husband Clayton Anderson found out Krystal was pregnant last November, they were cautious. Krystal has had a stillbirth before, in November of 2022. And at 40 years old, her pregnancy was high-risk. But despite that, they encountered difficulty getting her the care they knew she and their baby needed. One of the issues that I guess I have with the system overall is Krystal is 40, and shes Black, and wed had a loss before, but even then they say you know, you cant start a plan with maternal fetal medicine or the high-risk maternity doctors until you get to week 14, Clayton told ABC News. By the 16th week, Krystal had had uterine fibroids removed and undergone a cerclage procedure to try to keep her pregnancy viable. But at that point, she was told her next visit with a doctor wouldnt be until week 20. Doctors planned to admit Krystal to a specialized unit if she made it to 22 weeks, but late in week 20, she was rushed to the hospital with back pain, a symptom of complications, and no heartbeat could be detected. The couple only had a few hours to grieve the loss of their daughter, Charlotte Willow, before Krystal began showing signs of sepsis, including a high fever. Doctors gave Krystal and epidural and attempted to let her deliver Charlotte naturally, but she wasnt successful. We have to get Charlotte out of there,' Clayton said the doctors told them. Because youre not trending very well, and now its about saving you, mama.' After surgery, Krystal was placed on a ventilator and dialysis amid kidney, liver, and lung failure. She died a few days later. Maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition that leads to organ injury and failure due to the bodys inability to respond to an infection during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. It disproportionately affects Black women, like Krystal. And studies have shown that women are 14 times more likely to experience septic shock after a stillbirth than after a live birth. Krystals death has her family and friends asking questions about the healthcare system especially why pregnancy and birth are so much more dangerous for Black women in the U.S. All pregnancy is high risk, especially, moreso, when youre a woman of color, or youre older, and they should be treated that way from the start, Clayton said. He added, Expecting somebody whos had a loss to go four weeks in between seeing their care providers Thats the same protocol thats done for a 23-year-old thats very healthy. It cant be a one-size-fits-all. Former Crawford County deputy pleads guilty to use of excessive force CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A former Crawford County deputy changed his plea on Monday to guilty and will now await sentencing for using excessive force during an arrest in 2022, according to Charlie Robbins with the U.S. Attorneys Office Western District of Arkansas. Zachary King was set to start his trial on May 6 along with codefendant Levi White after he initially pleaded not guilty. The district office says King pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of deprivation of rights under the color of law, which is punishable by up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Trial delayed again for River Valley man beaten by deputies in viral video The deputies are accused of excessive force while attempting to arrest a man outside a Mulberry gas station in August 2022. A viral video posted to social media showed the deputies and a police officer beating a man while handcuffing him. They were suspended and later fired. A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging White and King with federal civil rights offenses for using excessive force on the man. White has a pretrial hearing on April 16 at 10 a.m., according to the districts office. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. A former teacher at a charter school in South Carolina was arrested after she gave drugs and alcohol to a teen student, according to the Columbia Police Department. Najla S. Clayton, 36, was charged with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child and a single count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, police said in a news release. Clayton, who was released from the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center after posting a $10,000 bond, continues to be investigated by Columbia polices Special Victims Unit, according to the release. Clayton worked at the Clear Dot Charter School when the incidents happened during winter break from Dec. 22, 2023, to Jan. 7, 2024, police said. She no longer works at the school in downtown Columbia, according to the release. There was no word if she resigned, was fired, or parted on other terms. According to her LinkedIn profile, before Clayton was employed as a math teacher at the charter school beginning in July 2023, she had worked as a fifth-grade teacher in the Richland 2 school district for more than 8 years. Prior to that, her profile shows Clayton was a fifth- and fourth-grade teacher for a year apiece at the Greenville County and Oconee County school districts, respectively. Police said Clayton gave marijuana and tobacco to her 16-year-old male student in the presence of her two minor children (ages 6 and 11) while at her Dinwood Circle home. Clayton is also accused of offering marijuana to her 11-year-old daughter while allowing her to smoke a tobacco product, according to the release. Claytons children told another family member about the incidents, and that person contacted law enforcement, police said. If convicted on the felony unlawful conduct toward a child charges, Clayton faces a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison on each count, according to South Carolina law. Clayton could face a maximum sentence of three years behind bars if convicted on the contributing to the delinquency of a minor charge, according to South Carolina law. The South Carolina Department of Social Services assisted Columbia police with the investigation. Opponents of a request by Georgia Power for a significant increase in electrical generating capacity raised a number of objections to the proposal during several rounds of hearings before state energy regulators. But their complaints boil down to two issues: whos going to pay to build that additional capacity and whether Georgia Power should increase its reliance on fossil fuels at a time it could invest more aggressively in renewable energy. The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) will vote April 16 on the Atlanta-based utilitys request for 6,600 megawatts of additional capacity, up from just 400 megawatts the company forecast it would need just two years ago. The utility cites an unexpected growth in demand for electricity - particularly among large industrial customers including data centers - as the reason for the request. The extraordinary economic development we are seeing in Georgia has created a need for additional generation capacity much sooner than anyone saw coming, Steve Hewitson, a lawyer representing Georgia Power, told members of the PSC Thursday. Georgia Power and the commissions Public Interest Advocacy Staff reached an agreement last month outlining the sources the utility would be allowed to use to produce the additional generating capacity it is seeking. Representatives of environmental and consumer-advocacy groups - including some that signed onto last months agreement and some that didnt - support portions of the deal that call for expanding battery storage capacity by building projects at Robins Air Force Base near Warner Robins and Moody Air Force Base near Valdosta. Those projects would generate 500 megawatts of power, down from the 1,000 megawatts Georgia Power proposed. Under the agreement, the other 500 megawatts would come through an expedited request for proposals Georgia Power would issue. Thats the energy of the future, Jennifer Whitfield, a lawyer representing nonprofit Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, said of battery storage. Thats where were headed. The agreement between Georgia Power and the commissions staff also calls for new and expanded distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar, and demand response initiatives in which customers voluntarily agree to reduce energy use during periods of peak demand. What the agreements opponents dont like are plans to step up the use of fossil fuels by building three natural gas or oil-fired turbines at Plant Yates near Newnan and entering into power purchasing agreements (PPAs) for oil and gas from Mississippi Power a sister company of Georgia Power and Florida-based Santa Rosa Energy Center LLC. Opponents argued Thursday that neither the Plant Yates project nor the PPAs are needed at this time. It was well established by multiple witnesses in the record (of previous hearings) that the decision on these units (at Plant Yates) can wait until ... next year, said Bryan Jacob, solar program director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. (The PPAs) start before theres an actual need in the system, added Curt Thompson, a former state senator representing the Georgia chapter of the Sierra Club. How building the additional generating capacity would affect Georgia Power customers pocketbooks is the other main bone of contention. Georgia Power officials say the revenue the new capacity would produce would exceed the costs of building the various projects. Thus, the company is projecting average residential customers would see a savings of $2.89 on their monthly bills from 2026 through 2028. But Whitfield argued there are no guarantees in the plan. We have looked and looked for assurances that residential customers and small businesses will not be the ones subsidizing this request for the 51 (large industrial customers) its designed to serve, and we havent seen it, she said. The Georgia Power plan also is giving Commissioner Lauren Bubba McDonald reason to hesitate. He said he wont vote for any plan that raises rates beyond the 52% increase customers already have seen following several rate hikes in recent years. McDonald said Thursday that he will make a motion before the April 16 vote to delay implementing the plan until after the November elections, when the political landscape for the next few years will have become clearer. I want to know what the futures going to be beyond October and beyond the early part of November before I can comfortably move on to increasing the capacity needs of the state, he said. But Commissioner Tim Echols said hes plenty comfortable now with the assurances Georgia Power has offered in the agreement. This provides an incredible level of protection, he said. All the anxiety I had is relieved by this. Hewitson noted that seven groups that filed to participate in the case have signed onto the agreement, including some environmental and consumer advocates that have never signed previous agreements between the PSC staff and Georgia Power. The company is guaranteeing it wont come back and seek to recover any cost overruns that might occur with the gas projects barring an act of God such as a tornado or flood, Hewitson said. The company is well aware of the rate increases our customers have had over the last several years, he said. It is doing everything it can to minimize any rate pressure on customers. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 15. Armenia is ready to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan based on the previously agreed principles, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said after talks with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Armenia, Trend reports. "I updated my colleague on the recent negotiations with Azerbaijan and reiterated Armenia's commitment to fostering stability and peace in the region. We stand by three principles already agreed upon: mutual recognition of territorial integrity following the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, the implementation of mutual delimitation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as unblocking regional infrastructures based on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of states, reciprocity and equality," Pashinyan said. Earlier in February, Pashinyan also stated Armenia's readiness to sign a peace treaty in an interview with The Telegraph. "Indeed, the architecture and principles of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan have been settled. By the end of last year, it appeared that we were on the verge of finalizing the text of the treaty," Pashinyan stressed in an interview with The Telegraph. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel In a prime example of the alternate MAGA universe that Fox News presents its viewers, anchor Harris Faulkner lauded Donald Trump on Monday for supposedly respecting the court during the first day of his hush money criminal trial. Faulkners remarks came after the former president raged to reporters outside a Manhattan courthouse, calling the case an assault on America and insisting he was subjected to a political prosecution that was unprecedented. And thats why Im very proud to be here, he fumed to the press. This is an assault on our country. And its a country thats failing. Trump, who has been charged with 34 criminal counts for allegedly falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels to stay quiet about an alleged affair, is also facing potential sanctions for ignoring court orders. During Mondays proceedings, prosecutors asked that Trump be held in contempt for violating a gag order with recent inflammatory social media posts. Assistant District Attorney Christopher Conroy requested that Judge Juan Merchan fine Trump $1,000 for each post that violates the court order, asked him to direct the defendant to take down the offending posts, and also remind Trump that further violations could result in jail time. In fact, Conroy noted that one of the posts was made on Monday morning and it was entirely possible it was done in this courthouse. While Trump has continued to blast Merchan online and requested the judge to recuse himself from the trial, Faulkner and other personalities at the conservative cable giant asserted that the twice-impeached ex-president had been extremely respectful of the court on Monday. One bottom line for Donald Trump today is that this is the weakest of the cases. No matter how he goes forward, it is rather uphill, Faulkner stated during the midday panel show Outnumbered before referencing his courthouse remarks to the press. I liked what he said earlier. I like when any defendant talks this way. It is my honor. Its a pleasure to be here. Respecting the court, she added. Turning to co-host Emily Compagno, the veteran Fox anchor said Ive heard you talk about that and the importance of doing that when you got a wall against you, prompting Compagno to nod in agreement. Right! And that he consistently does, she exclaimed. Later in the segment, Hudson Institute senior fellow and frequent Fox News guest Rebecca Heinrichs quoted a recent article by conservative pundit Rich Lowry to argue that the prosecution is the one actually disrespecting laws and norms. Donald Trump has regularly been accused as this president who is norm-breaking, she proclaimed. But here we have him, to Harris point, respecting the court, walking in, respecting what the court is going to do, respecting the institution while you have the prosecutor doing all of the norm-breaking. Quite the contrast! Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Foxconn delivers 50,000 masks to Milwaukee charter school. Plans to donate 2 million masks in coming weeks Foxconn Technology Group plans to donate 2 million medical face masks to 40 Milwaukee area nonprofit and community groups. Officials from Foxconn Technology Group, Advocate Aurora and Milwaukee Academy of Science pose with a sign in front of boxes of medical masks. Foxconn donated 50,000 masks to the school and plans to donate a total of 2 million to 40 different charity groups. The first 50,000 masks were delivered to the Milwaukee Academy of Science, a public charter school, on Wednesday. Other deliveries are scheduled for the coming weeks. During the height of the pandemic, Foxconn produced approximately 13 million face masks in Mount Pleasant," the company said in a press release. More: What's happening at the Foxconn site in Wisconsin five years after the company announced its plans "The company recognizes that even after the pandemic, organizations still need masks that limit the transmission of respiratory illnesses. As a member of the community, we are happy to make this donation and thankful for the help of Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care in identifying community organizations in need of masks." In April 2020, Foxconn donated 100,000 masks to the State of Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center and has supported the Mount Pleasant South Shore Fire Department with annual donations. What else has Foxconn made in Wisconsin? Aside from masks, Foxconn has produced microinverters and data servers at its Mount Pleasant facility. The microinverters, which are used in solar technology, were built for Enphase Energy which is based in Fremont, California. Foxconn has also been making data servers for clients with data centers operated by large-scale cloud management companies. The servers support information storage, online video platforms, smart phone apps and other big data functions. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Foxconn delivers 50,000 masks to Milwaukee charter school France and Germany have urged their citizens to leave Iran amid an increased risk of military escalation in the Middle East. "Due to the new level reached overnight by Iran and the risk of military escalation, the French embassy recommends to French residents in Iran who have the possibility, depending on the resumption of international air traffic, to leave temporarily the country," French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said in a statement issued Sunday. "You are asked to exercise the greatest caution when traveling, to avoid any gatherings in the country and to keep yourself informed of the situation." The statement added that French nationals "are recommended to absolutely refrain from traveling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian Territories." In a televised interview with France 2, Sejourne said Sunday that he asked the foreign ministry to summon the Iranian ambassador on Monday, adding that it was "the Iranians who attacked Israel." ISRAEL WEIGHS OPTIONS AFTER IRAN'S 'BRAZEN' ATTACK; UN MEETS Iranian pro-government supporters gather at Palestine Square in Tehran on April 14, 2024, in a celebration of Iran's attack on Israel. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, meanwhile, asked police to maintain "static and visible presences" outside synagogues and faith schools ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover on April 22-30, Agence France Presse reported. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The German airline group Lufthansa, which includes the German flagship carrier as well as Swiss and Austrian airlines, announced Sunday that it was suspending flights to Amman, Erbil and Tel Aviv until at least Tuesday, and flights to Beirut and Tehran until at least Thursday, as it continues to evaluate the security situation in the Middle East and maintains close contact with authorities, Reuters reported. Lufthansa already announced Friday it was suspending flights to and from Tehran until at least April 18. On Saturday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement condemning "the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening" and calling for an "immediate cessation of these hostilities." Iranian pro-government supporters shout anti-Israel slogans at Palestine Square in Tehran on April 14, 2024. HOUSE SPEAKER JOHNSON TO PUSH ISRAEL AID THIS WEEK, COULD INCLUDE PACKAGE WITH BILLIONS TO UKRAINE, TAIWAN "I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East," he said. "I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war." Iranian pro-government supporters shout anti-Israel slogans at Palestine Square in Tehran on April 14, 2024. Pope Francis on Sunday pleaded with Iran and Israel "for a halt to any action that could fuel a spiral of violence with the risk of dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict," Reuters reported. Original article source: France, Germany urge citizens to leave Iran, cancel flights amid increased risk of military escalation Fugitive woman arrested on warrant for intoxicated assault with vehicle Fugitive woman arrested on warrant for intoxicated assault with vehicle EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 26-year-old woman was arrested this past Friday, April 12 on an active personal-recognizance bond revocation warrant for intoxicated assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury, according to the El Paso County Constable Office Precinct Three. Vianna Tena, 26. Photo: El Paso County Constable Office Precinct Three. The El Paso County Constables Office says Vianna Tena, 26, was located at the 3300 block of Wedgewood and was placed into custody. Tena was booked into the El Paso County Jail on a $50,000 bond. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A special prosecutor was appointed April 11 to investigate the conduct of Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones during the 2020 presidential election. Jones said he welcomed the chance to be cleared of any wrongdoing and accused Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis of making a mockery of the legal system. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder (file photo) Pete Skandalakis, the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, will lead an investigation into whether Lt. Gov. Burt Jones actions after the 2020 presidential election warrant criminal charges for illegally interfering in Georgias electoral vote count. Georgias prosecutors council announced on Thursday they were appointing Skandalakis as special prosecutor, about two years after the state agency was tasked with selecting a district attorney or another bar-certified lawyer with the legal gravitas to take charge of a high-profile investigation into the second highest ranking elected official in state government. Fulton County Judge Robert McBurney barred District Attorney Fani Willis from prosecuting Jones in the same racketeering election interference case as Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants, after finding that Willis had a conflict of interest because she hosted a fundraiser for a Democratic candidate who ran against Jones for lieutenant governor during election season in 2022. Skandalakis, who spent 25 years as the district attorney for the Coweta County judicial circuit, since 2017 has been head of the agency that represents district attorneys and state employees working in prosecutor offices throughout Georgia. As special prosecutor, Skandalakis will decide whether to press the case against Jones for falsely claiming Trump won Georgias 2020 election. A state senator at the time, Jones also pushed for a special session of the Legislature in an attempt to overturn President Joe Bidens narrow win in Georgia. Jones and several of his Republican colleagues were unsuccessful in their calls for Gov. Brian Kemp to order a special session, which the governor said was unconstitutional. Jones released a statement late last week saying he expected a quick resolution to a case while disparaging Willis. Im happy to see this process move forward and look forward to the opportunity to get this charade behind me, Jones said. Fani Willis has made a mockery of this legal process, as she tends to do. I look forward to a quick resolution and moving forward with the business of the state of Georgia. Calls for Willis to step down from the case have grown since she admitted at a Jan. 15 court hearing that she had a romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, a trial attorney she hired to lead the case. Fulton County has paid Wade more than $700,000 and defense attorneys say trips he took to Aruba and other vacation spots with Willis amount to a conflict of interest for the DA. The Republican-led state Legislature has also passed a bill that establishes a prosecutors oversight commission to investigate claims of misconduct and other allegations against district attorneys. That panel could target Willis. Trump New York fraud case starts Monday Donald Trump is scheduled to be inside a Manhattan courtroom on Monday morning for the start of jury selection for the remainder of his criminal trial that prosecutors anticipate will last about six weeks. The New York trial focuses on accusations Trump falsified business records to hide hush money paid to keep adult film star Stormy Daniels from disclosing details about an alleged extramarital affair with Trump in 2006. Prosecutors must convince jurors that bookkeeping errors were committed with the aim of illegally affecting an election. Trump also denies he was romantically involved with Daniels. New York prosecutors plan to present evidence at the trial to show Trump funneled money to repay his lawyer Michael Cohen for the $130,000 allegedly paid to Daniels in the final month leading up to the 2016 election showdown between Trump and Hillary Clinton. There are four criminal cases against Trump in progress, and the New York case is the first to go to trial. Trump on Monday becomes the first former president in the nations history to face a trial on felony charges. New York law requires defendants to be in court throughout the proceedings. Fulton trial unlikely to start by Nov 5 election The odds of Fulton Countys charges against Trump reaching a courtroom before the Nov. 5 presidential election continue to fade. Trump is on course for a rematch of the 2020 contest against Biden. Willis chance of starting the trial by preferred target of late summer likely depends on how an appellate court responds to motions filed by Trump and multiple co-defendants in their quest to disqualify Willis from the case for what they claim is prosecutorial misconduct. The Georgia Court of Appeals has until mid-May to decide if itll review Superior Court Judge Scott McAfees decision to allow Willis to remain on the case following the resignation of Wade, the special prosecutor, on March 15. Willis is fighting calls to stop her from prosecuting the case. A motion she filed last week argues there arent any legal grounds for McAfees ruling to be reviewed by the court of appeals. Setting aside whether Wades removal from the case was, in fact, necessary, he withdrew from representation hours after the trial court issued its order, and the District Attorney accepted the resignation, Willis wrote. The post Fulton 19 Update: Jones probe, Trump gets NYC day in court, Georgia summer trial date off track appeared first on Georgia Recorder. Ronnie Daniel, executive director of the Children First Education Fund, poses for a portrait at Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper on Monday, April 8, 2024. The fund awards students, both homeschooled and in private schools, with scholarships to help offset costs of their schooling. Ronnie Daniel has spent his entire professional life as a fundraiser. He has a bachelors degree in nonprofit administration from BYU and a masters degree in organizational leadership from the University of Utah. Hes raised funds for the Boy Scouts of America, for the University of Utahs Museum of Natural History, for the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, for the Alzheimers Association. He knows how to appeal to humankinds giving and caring side; how to sell good causes. But in all his years of fundraising, he says hes never had an easier sales pitch than the one hes currently making for the Children First Education Fund. Why? Because hes not asking anyone for their own money. Hes only asking for the money they would otherwise pay to the state in income tax. We can give donors a 100% state income tax credit for their donation, Daniel says. He explains: As an individual, lets say you owe $5,000 in state income tax. Instead, you write a check to Children First for $5,000 and we give you a state income tax credit certificate to file with your tax return that eliminates your tax liability. Its a great benefit for donors and its a great benefit for us. And rest assured its not a scam; some clever loophole in the tax code the state doesnt know about. The state is the one who thought it up. Gabe Flanigan, Brooklynn Lee and Gael Martinez Medina pose for a portrait with Ronnie Daniel, executive director of the Children First Education Fund, at Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper on Monday, April 8, 2024. All three students are recipients of the Children First Education Fund scholarships that help with their schooling. The genesis dates back to the legislative session of 2019, when Rep. Mike Schultz led the passage of a bill that established the Utah Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Program. In essence, its a program with a long title and a simple aim: to help kids with disabilities. There are 85,000 kids with special needs in Utah, the majority of whom are getting their needs met in public school, says Daniel. But there are those who arent getting what they need it might be kids with severe disabilities that get parked in the corner of the classroom with an aide but dont really fit into the mainstream of the school, or on the other end it might be kids that are really intelligent but because they have autism or ADHD or anxiety or depression theyre not enacting very well in the school. Those are the kids we target. He cautions, This program is not meant to destroy public schools or effective special needs education in public schools; it is designed to help those not getting their special needs met. Students with disabilities who are awarded Children First scholarships (amounts range between $8,500 to $10,700) can use them to enroll in private schools that better fit their circumstances or to help defray the costs of home-schooling. When the legislature passed the bill, it stipulated that the program would be funded entirely by private donations and administered by a qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Children First Education Fund). No tax dollars would be directly assessed. Then, to attract private donations, the bill included the state income tax matching credit. The bill also put a limit on the number of tax credits Children First can award at $5.9 million annually. So far, its a ceiling that hasnt been touched. In the programs first three years of operation, the $4.1 million raised last year is the highest yet. Thats frustrating to Daniel, who took over as executive director of Children First a year ago. For two reasons. One, because it truly is a way to help a worthy cause without costing the donor anything. And more importantly, because there are hundreds of kids with disabilities out there waiting for scholarships. So far this year, almost $3 million has been raised, but with the fiscal year ending June 30 (to ensure funding is in place for scholarships that will begin when school starts in the fall), the clock is ticking on raising the remaining $3 million. Since the amount of money that can go toward marketing is limited to 3% of revenue raised a provision to ensure administrative overhead is low Daniels challenge is getting the word out while theres still time. Its kind of a handcuff. I dont have money to buy a billboard or do a television or radio ad to promote this, he says. I have to rely on word of mouth, social media, and the kindness of the Deseret News to do an article. You can check out all the details on the Children First website: cfe-fund.org. Says Daniel, I love to tell prospective donors, I dont want your charitable dollars. If you have a favorite charity, give your charitable dollars to them. I want your tax dollars, the amount you would be paying to the state of Utah anyway. Its a win-win-win. In 35 years, Ive never seen anything like it. A new ad from Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallegos (D) Senate campaign targets Republican rival Kari Lake on abortion after the state Supreme Court last week upheld a Civil War-era law that makes performing the procedure a felony. The ad from Gallegos campaign labels Lake wrong on abortion and rolls clips of the GOP hopeful calling abortion the ultimate sin and expressing support for the strict 1864 law. Lake last week came out against the state Supreme Courts ruling and said the Arizona Legislature should decide on abortion rights, just after former President Trump said the issue of abortion should be left to states. I agree with President Trump. We must have exceptions for rape, incest and the life of a mother, Lake said in a video on her abortion stance. A full ban on abortion is not where the people are. But Gallego has worked to elevate Lakes previous comments calling the 1864 ban a great law and showing support for strict abortion bans. I wont let Kari Lake distort the record, he said after the ruling, which he labeled devastating. The Hill has reached out to Lakes campaign for comment on the new ad. Lake and Gallego are locked in a contentious Senate race to replace Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I), who isnt running for reelection, as both parties battle for control of the upper chamber. Polling averages from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ show Gallego with a slight edge over his Republican rival. The new ruling has roiled the race in Arizona, and the issue of abortion is surging further into the national spotlight as the 2024 race heats up. Advocates in several states including Arizona are working to get constitutional amendments protecting abortion rights on the ballot in November, efforts that Democrats hope could boost turnout in their party. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Protesters against the American response to the Israel-Hamas war shut down a pair of freeways in the Bay Area during the Monday morning rush hour, including blocking traffic on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Southbound U.S. Highway 101 across the bridge and northbound Interstate 880 in nearby Oakland were blocked starting around 7:30 a.m. PDT on Monday, California Highway Patrol said. Protesters carried signs reading Stop Arming Israel and Bay Area Demands No Murder for Profit, in reference to American military support for Israel. The Oakland protest was part of the A15-Economic Blockade for a Free Palestine, a national movement that also blocked streets in central Philadelphia and an interstate near Chicago OHare International Airport on Monday. In halting traffic along this route we seek to stop the movement of millions of dollars in daily capital flow, much of which, headed to and from the Port of Oakland, the Oakland Airport, and the nearby rail yards directly and indirectly supports the ongoing genocide in Gaza, organizers wrote Saturday in a Facebook post. Protesters targeted Tax Day as the impetus for the demonstrations as public opinion of Israels military campaign in Gaza falls among Americans. About one-third of Americans and a majority of Democrats said Israel has gone too far in its military campaign in Gaza, according to a poll last week. The Israeli campaign has leveled much of Gaza with consistent airstrikes since October, when a Hamas attack killed more than 1,100 Israelis. More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed since, with aid organizations and the United Nations warning that famine is beginning to set in among the about 2 million civilians in Gaza. The Biden administration has backed Israel in the conflict, but has pushed back against its strong military campaign. President Biden has repeatedly warned the Israeli government against an invasion of Rafah, the last remaining settlement in southern Gaza that has not been assaulted by the Israeli military. Support for military aid for Israel remains bipartisan in Congress especially after an Iranian attack on the country Saturday though an increasing number of Democrats have called for conditions to the aid to ensure Israel commits to supporting humanitarian aid and limits civilian casualties. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEW YORK Ex-Rep. George Santos vowed Monday to run an all-volunteer political comeback campaign after a new campaign filing showed he didnt raise or spend any money in the first weeks of his supposed congressional bid. Im going to do this all with volunteers, the disgraced former lawmaker told the New York Daily News. Confidence, I have. Capacity, I have. Brushing aside questions about the sparse filing, Santos said he wants to avoid negative media stories stemming from alleged campaign finance misdeeds by raising or spending campaign cash. If I raise money, youre going to say Im doing it to grift or to fund my lavish lifestyle or whatever you want to write, Santos said. Santos plans to run as an independent against incumbent Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in the NY-01 seat. His campaign committee filed its first official document with the Federal Election Commission Monday. It revealed zero dollars in spending and zero dollars in donations. To make the fall ballot, Santos needs to collect 3,500 valid signatures from voters in the East End district. He can start collecting the signatures tomorrow in a window that extends until May 15. Santos said he is aiming to collect 7,000 signatures because he fears LaLota or other establishment Republicans may seek to challenge many of the petitions he files. Its reminiscent of the Stalin or Gorbachev eras, he said. Santos, who is awaiting trial on federal fraud, theft and campaign finance charges, announced last month that he would switch districts to run against LaLota. He first floated a Republican primary challenge, but then decided to mount an independent general election campaign. Santos, who won a different Long Island seat in 2022, was expelled from Congress last year after a damning House ethics report accused him of misconduct. He was already a national political punch line for concocting virtually his entire life story. Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi beat Republican Mazi Melesa Pilip to flip the seat in a closely watched February special election to fill the empty seat. Santos didnt get involved in that race but last month vowed to reenter politics by taking on LaLota, with whom he feuded bitterly during his stint in Congress. The new district abuts his old NY-03 district, but Santos breezily suggested geography is no obstacle for his ambitions. Everybody knows me, he said. Lets face it: Am I a stranger to anyone on Long Island? If Santos does make the fall ballot, he could pose a headache for LaLota by potentially siphoning away some right-wing Republican voters. Nick LaLota should be worried, Santos warned. LaLota did not immediately comment on his rivals bluster. On the Democratic side, former CNN anchor John Avlon is running for the nomination along with retired Stony Brook University professor Beth Goroff, who lost the district in 2020 to ex-Rep. Lee Zeldin. George Santos and Nick LaLota both vote the same way the only difference is that one was kicked out of Congress, the other will be kicked out by the voters in November, Avlon said. _____ BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Armenia has failed to engage in negotiations with Azerbaijan, said Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov, Trend reports. He made the remark during the public hearings in the case Armenia v. Azerbaijan at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). "Armenia tries to escape its obligation to attempt settlement of its dispute with Azerbaijan by way of negotiation before invoking the court's jurisdiction," he said. He added that Armenia subjected Azerbaijani populations and culture to ethnic cleansing in previously occupied lands. "Azerbaijani territories were illegally invaded from 1991 to 1994 and remained under occupation for 30 years. This racist and nationalist ideology suggests merging within the state of mono-ethnic Armenia," Mammadov said. Read the full story on The Auto Wire Georgia Cop Busts Alleged Police Impersonator Its not uncommon for police impersonators to intentionally buy a car thats the same model and even the same trim many law enforcement agencies use (although weve seen some hilarious examples of the opposite). But this alleged police impersonator went a step further, purchasing a retired patrol car perhaps with the hope people wouldnt know the difference. Street takeovers spun out of control in Oakland again. The Georgia man was caught by police as he allegedly flashed emergency lights in a white Dodge Charger and so was pulled over in a business parking lot. Image via Law&Crime Network/YouTube You probably already know, but for those who dont, cops absolutely hate police impersonators. Not only do they pose a serious threat to the public, with some serial killers having used the ploy successfully, they also pose a serious danger to relations between law enforcement and the community. ADVERTISEMENT In other words, while police will step carefully so they dont get on the wrong side of the law when pulling over a suspected impersonator, they also will try to gather all the evidence they can so the nonsense is squashed. The setup this guy has is good enough to fool most people. Not only does he have an array of strobing lights, he has the spotlight up front (which was probably already on the car), push bar, black steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, the works. He even has the ghost antenna on the trunk lid. Youll note the one thing the Charger is missing is any lettering identifying it as a police car. As the officer steps up to the drivers window, you see the alleged impersonator is wearing a uniform some would mistake as identifying him as law enforcement. But does all this mean hes legally impersonating an officer of the law? With the chief of police on the scene right after this guys pulled over, because thats how serious the situation, the suspect explains hes an off-duty HERO with Georgia Department of Transportation. For those who dont know, HERO stands for Highway Emergency Response Operators. GDOT sends them to traffic incidents in the metro Atlanta area to help clear roads so the notoriously bad traffic doesnt get even worse. Story continues HEROs wear uniforms, radios, high-visibility vests, and drive trucks like roadside assistance crews in many other states. So what does this have to do with what this guys doing? Thats the real question. This guy has all kinds of reasons to be using strobing red lights and looking like hes a cop. He claims to have permits for the lights and says everything is for his personal business. But the real cops dont seem convinced. If you watch the video, which is pretty short, you see police go over the car, permits, and other details before letting the guy go. But he didnt get off the hook, picking up a citation for operation of an emergency vehicle and a couple days after being arrested for a felony charge of impersonating a police officer. Images via Law&Crime Network/YouTube Follow The Auto Wire on Google News. Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. Protestors with a giant EU flag gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, April 15, 2024 to protest against the "the Russian law" as it is similar to a law that Russia uses to stigmatize independent news media and organizations seen as being at odds with the Kremlin. The governing party in the country of Georgia has submitted to parliament a draft law calling for media and non-commercial organizations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their budget from abroad. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov) TBILISI, Georgia (AP) Lawmakers in Georgia's legislature scuffled on Monday as the parliament debated a divisive new law dubbed the foreign agent bill. Hours later, hundreds of people protested against the legislation outside the parliament in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. The draft proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party calls for media and non-commercial organizations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. Opponents of the measure denounce it as the Russian law because of similar legislation used by Moscow to stigmatize independent news media and organizations seen as being at odds with the Kremlin. Video shared online shows the leader of the Georgian Dream lawmakers, Mamuka Mdinaradze, being punched in the face while speaking by an opposition lawmaker who rushed up to the podium. Several other lawmakers from opposing sides then join in the brawl, scuffling and wrestling with each other. The bill is nearly identical to a proposal that the governing party was pressured to withdraw a year ago after large street protests. On Monday, protesters sang patriotic songs and shouted slaves outside the parliament, suggesting the house was bending to pressure from Russia. Those who oppose the measure say passing the law would obstruct Georgias aim of joining the European Union, which last year granted the country long-desired candidate status. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze had a meeting Monday with the American, British and EU ambassadors to discuss the bill, the government said. The law says non-commercial organizations and news media that receive 20% or more of their funding from overseas would have to register as pursuing the interests of a foreign power the only change in wording from the draft law withdrawn last year, which said that relevant groups must register as agents of foreign influence. Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili would veto the law if it is passed by parliament, her parliamentary representative Girogi Mskhiladze has previously said. But that veto might not be long-lasting as Zourabichvilis term ends this year and under Georgia's constitution changes, the next president will be named by an electoral college that includes all members of parliament. Georgia pastor and car dealer accused of stealing identities, defrauding customers now in custody Police have arrested a Georgia pastor accused of defrauding customers at a car dealership that he owns. Earlier this month, Athens-Clarke County police put out an alert for Reveckeyo R.A. Hill, who had warrants for theft by deception and identity fraud. Jail records show that Hill was booked on April 11. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Hill was the focus of a previous Channel 2 Action News investigation in May 2023. Channel 2 consumer investigative reporter Justin Gray learned that Hill was previously convicted of identity theft and other charges in Elbert County. In Clarke County, Hill is accused of committing several crimes through his dealership H and P Auto Broker. He will use peoples real identity, who bought a car with him in the past. Hell use their identity to register vehicles in their name without their knowledge, Athens-Clarke County Police Detective Nathaniel Franco told Gray in May 2023. People like Evette Stricklands late husband who she told Gray that he owed $70,000 on a truck he never received. (If) Someones a pastor, you would think they were they would lead you in the right direction and not take money from you, Strickland said. I wish nothing bad on him, but I just fear how people just hurt other people, customer Stephanie Dowdy said. Dowdy is another one of Hills alleged victims. She told Channel 2 that woke up one morning, saw her car was gone and that someone had stolen it. It was actually repossessed. She won a civil judgment against Hill. I was paying him the money, but he wasnt paying the loan company, Dowdy said. TRENDING STORIES: Hill agreed to sit down on camera with Gray to talk about the allegations being lodged against him. Gray worked for weeks to get Hill to agree to an interview. We just want a fair investigation, be fair, Hill said. Hills attorney said they would not talk about that Athens criminal investigation and charges. I think you guys are used to dealing with people that run from you guys. Im not intimidated by you guys, Hill said. Hill told Gray that he has proof that all his deals are legit -- paperwork and audio recordings. But he and his attorney declined to provide show Gray with that proof. Hill filed an appeal for his charges in Elbert County. As of Monday, record shows that Hill remains in the Clarke County jail with no bond. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Georgia woman accused of driving stolen car in North Myrtle Beach with illegal drugs, report says NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) A 57-year-old Georgia woman was arrested by North Myrtle Beach police April 5 after allegedly driving a stolen car and possessing illegal drugs, according to a police report obtained by News13. Mary Gano was charged with first offense driving under suspension, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drivers license in possession, transporting liquor with the seal broken, distributing crack cocaine, possession of stolen vehicle, trafficking heroin, and trafficking fentanyl. Gano is currently booked at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center under a $136,447.50 bond, online booking records show. Gano had two prior drug convictions from February 15, 2018, and October 31, 2023, the report said. North Myrtle Beach police were alerted of a stolen vehicle bearing a North Carolina tag last seen travelling north bound on Highway 17, the report said. A police officer spotted the vehicle on Highway 17 and confirmed through dispatch that the tag matched the stolen vehicles tag. The officer conducted a felony traffic stop and found that Gano was operating the vehicle. Gano told police that a friend let her operate the vehicle, the report said. While arresting Gano, officers found that Gano had a warrant from probation and parole for narcotics, the report said. Inside the vehicle, police found a Ciroc vodka bottle and a pink rose Tequilla bottle with the seal broken and liquor inside, the report said. Police also found 9.18 grams of heroin and 11.89 grams of Fentanyl, the report said. A container containing 2.05 grams of methamphetamine was also found along with various IDs and cards that did not belong to Gano, the report said. Two cellphones and a kindle were also seized by police. Miscellaneous drug paraphernalia was found throughout the vehicle including: a spoon with white residue, two bowls associated with narcotics use, and grinders, the report said. * * * Taylor Ford is a digital journalist for News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2023. Taylor is a Florence native and covers the Pee Dee out of News13s Florence Bureau. Read more of Taylors work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Germany's Greens plan to reach out to younger voters through TikTok in their campaign for the European Parliament elections in June. The party's top candidate Terry Reintke said the move was aimed at showing how important young and first-time voters were to the party, whose main focus has traditionally been on environmental issues. While there had been concerns over using the Chinese-owned social media platform for campaigning, the Greens did not want to "leave this space to the far-right," party managing director Emily Buning said. In the European elections scheduled for June 6-9, Germany's Greens are campaigning under the slogan "Do what counts." The party's focus would be on the future of the European Union's Green Deal, aimed at making the bloc carbon-neutral by 2050, Reintke, who has been a member of the European Parliament since 2014, said. Reintke accused conservative and far-right forces of "taking an axe to the Green Deal." German Greens leader Omid Nouripour said the party would focus on three themes, "peace and security, prosperity and safeguarding the climate, and democracy and freedom." Opinion polls put the Greens at between 11% and 16%, well short of the 20.5% they secured in the European elections in 2019, their best result to date. The party also plans to put up posters across Germany with slogans promoting democracy and freedom with the aim of resisting the "massive shift to the right" that they expect to see in the elections. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz makes a statement on the situation in Israel and his trip through China. Michael Kappeler/dpa German leaders called for de-escalation and urged restraint on Sunday following Iran's overnight attack on Israel, amid fears Tehran's move could spark a wider conflagration in the Middle East. Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned while on a visit to China against any further escalation. "Things must not continue in this way," Scholz said in Chongqing. "We will do everything we can to avoid further escalation." Scholz termed the Iranian attack "absolutely unjustifiable" and added that it was in no way acceptable, understandable or tolerable. "All we can do is warn everyone, especially Iran, against continuing like this," said Scholz. He reiterated Germany's solidarity with Israel, which had every right to defend itself since the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 last year. Scholz's comments came after Iran mounted an unprecedented aerial attack on Israel that was widely expected after a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus at the start of the month. Speaking in Berlin after chairing a crisis meeting, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on all the region's actors to act prudently. "The spiral of escalation must be broken. We have to find an end to the violence together," she said. Iran had taken the region "to the edge of a precipice," she said, condemning the attack in the sharpest terms and assuring Israel of Germany's full solidarity. Iran should avoid further attacks mounted by its allies, she added. Germany has urged its citizens to leave Iran. Baerbock pointed to the "millions of women, men and children in Israel, in Iran and in the entire region, who could not sleep last night for fear." President Frank-Walter Steinmeier phoned his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog to assure him of German solidarity. "People in Israel had to seek shelter for hours last night against Iranian drones and missiles. We condemn this attack in the sharpest terms," Steinmeier, a former German foreign minister, told Herzog, according to a statement from his office. He also expressed the hope that escalation could be avoided. The leaders were speaking following the first direct attack on Israeli territory from Iran. An Israeli military spokesman said that 99% of some 300 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles had been intercepted by Israel and its allies, with minimal damage caused. Iran's "Operation Truthful Promise" was mounted in revenge for an airstrike on its embassy grounds in Damascus on April 1 in which two generals and others were killed. Israel is believed to have carried out the attack and has not denied responsibility. Whether Israel will respond to the Iranian attack is not yet clear. Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, later said he had spoken to Baerbock about forming a "global united front" to counter emboldened Iranian aggression directly and through its proxies, regionally and globally. Earlier, he called for the formation of a regional coalition against the Iranian threat. Gantz also conveyed his appreciation for both Germanys and Baerbock's clear stance in support of Israel and the unequivocal German condemnation of the Iranian attack, he said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Baerbock later called for further sanctions on Iran, saying sanctions were already in play concerning the drones used in Russia's war on Ukraine. "I am strongly in favour of extending them to Iran, because we can see how dangerous its actions are at the moment," she told public broadcaster ARD. Her comments came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Brussels would discuss further sanctions on Iran, particularly with regard to Iran's drone and missile programmes. The European Union imposed additional sanctions on Tehran in December in a bid to prevent Iran from producing drones used by Moscow in Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Germanys turning point: 2 years into strategic pivot, progress made bodes well for the US, NATO and the world It has now been more than two years since German Chancellor Olaf Scholz entered a new compound word into the jargon of global politics: Zeitenwende. Scholzs Zeitenwende speech of Feb. 27, 2022 the word loosely translates as turning point came as the world was coming to grips with Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It marked a major shift for the worlds third-largest economy and its foreign and defense policy, including significant investments in Germanys depleted armed forces. With NATOs 75th anniversary summit approaching in July, has the Scholz government lived up to its promises? And what are the implications of Germanys pivot for the United States? As an expert on international security, I am well aware that critics on both sides of the Atlantic argue the Scholz government has failed to adequately strengthen Germanys armed forces and that its military support for Ukraine is insufficient. Yet when measuring Scholzs actions against the objectives he originally articulated, there is reason to believe that he has mostly delivered on his promises. Promises delivered on Beyond immediate support for Ukraine, Scholz formulated two major long-term goals in his speech. First, strengthen the German military with a large, one-time investment, followed by a permanent increase in defense spending. Second, adopt a more assertive foreign policy in defense of a rules-based international order. To this end, Scholz sought to align Germany even more closely with its transatlantic allies, while reducing the countrys energy and economic dependence on Russia and China. Taken together, the Zeitenwende amounted to a shift from a strategy of engagement with Russia and China to one of deterrence and derisking that is, efforts to diversify supply chains to make Germany less vulnerable to economic coercion. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rides on a speedboat as he visits German navy ships in the Baltic Sea on June 5, 2023, near Rostock, Germany. Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images Scholzs government has created a 100 billion-euro (about US$108 billion) special fund for the Bundeswehr Germanys armed forces and for the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Germany will spend 2% of its GDP on its military in 2024. Scholz has further promised to keep that level of funding into the 2030s. These spending levels are unlikely to turn Germanys military into the powerful, cutting-edge force Scholz envisioned. The Bundeswehr has too little of everything, as the German Parliaments commissioner for the armed forces recently concluded in a scathing assessment. Over the next decade, however, a 2% spending level could allow for a meaningful modernization, especially if efforts to cut bureaucratic red tape succeed. Germanys support for Ukraine Germany is also the second-largest provider of military assistance to Ukraine after the U.S. From January 2022 to January 2024, it made military aid commitments totaling 17.7 billion euros (about $19 billion). Furthermore, as the largest budget contributor to the EU, the Scholz government was instrumental in channeling a staggering 77.2 billion euros (about $83 billion) of financial assistance from Brussels to Ukraine during this period. And through shrewd diplomacy, Scholz first opened the door to EU membership talks with Ukraine and then helped secure additional funding of 50 billion euros ($54 billion) to save Ukraine from economic collapse as the war against Russia drags on. Germans take part in the traditional Easter peace march on April 1, 2024. Photo by Andreas Arnold/picture alliance via Getty Images Yet, Scholz faces criticism for denying Ukraine some weapons systems, including Taurus cruise missiles that could strike deep into Russia. His argument is that prudence is necessary to avoid escalating the conflict, but Germanys conservative opposition and parts of his own coalition maintain that Scholz must show greater resolve to deter Russia. Whats clear is that Germany has come a long way since receiving ridicule for offering Ukraine 5,000 helmets ahead of Russias 2022 invasion. And Scholzs room for maneuver is limited by a German public that remains wary of wielding military power abroad. Changing course on Russia More significant than higher defense spending and aid to Ukraine, then, might be changes to the direction of German foreign and security policy. Ironically, the land of revered strategic thinkers such as Carl von Clausewitz had never released a national security strategy prior to the Zeitenwende. Since then, the Scholz government unveiled Germanys first national security strategy in June 2023, and a month later its first China strategy. Both documents provide cleareyed assessments of the growing challenges posed by Russia and China risks that previous governments appeared to ignore. Germany has already taken steps to implement its new strategy, most notably on Russia. Before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Germany imported 55% of its gas from Russia. By January 2023, it had achieved energy independence from Russia. Few thought this was economically and politically possible, especially because Scholzs party had a long-standing special relationship with Russia from former Chancellor Willy Brandts Ostpolitik, which sought to normalize relations with the Soviet Union and its Eastern European allies, to Gerhard Schroders cozying up with Putin. Reducing dependence on China presents a more formidable challenge for Germany, and it is still too early to assess the impact of the Zeitenwende on this critical relationship. Notably, the new China strategy sets a more assertive tone: China has changed. [Hence] we need to change our approach to China. Berlin now emphasizes derisking its economic relationship with China, whose raw materials, cheap factories and growing middle class had long allowed German carmakers and other export-oriented companies to thrive. In 2023, the Scholz government reached a landmark deal with American tech giant Intel to build a 30 billion-euro ($32 billion) chip factory in Magdeburg, with the long-term aim of reducing dependence on microchips from Taiwan. Shifting public sentiment Convincing a skeptical German public of the more assertive international role envisioned by Scholz will take time, yet there are signs that an important shift is underway. In a joint survey released by the Pew Research Center and Korber-Stiftung in November 2023, 60% of respondents concurred that German companies should become less dependent on China, even if it results in economic losses; 66% supported continued military assistance to Ukraine; and 72% agreed that Germany should spend at least 2% of its GDP on defense. Looking ahead to NATOs July 2024 summit in Washington, D.C., Germanys strategic pivot presents an opportunity for the U.S. While U.S. policymakers cannot expect the two nations interests to align consistently, they have reasons to embrace Germanys reorientation toward the transatlantic alliance. Berlins plans to permanently station a brigade in Lithuania by 2027 will strengthen NATOs eastern flank. And its increased defense spending puts pressure on other European states to meet the 2% target too. In addition, derisking as an economic strategy will require the building of new partnerships and pathways, and the U.S. and its European allies might mutually benefit if they cooperate closely on this critical task. As the Zeitenwende continues into its third year, Germany faces a host of challenges, and some question whether the Scholz government will complete its term. Yet, even if Scholzs efforts to implement the Zeitenwende were cut short, the legacy of his strategic pivot is likely to endure. 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: Michael F. Harsch, National Defense University Read more: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the National Defense University, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government. Annalena Baerbock (L), Germany's Foreign Minister, Stephane Sejourne, France's Foreign Minister, together with Josep Borrell (R), Foreign Affairs Representative of the European Union, welcome other participants to the conference at the Foreign Ministry. One year after the start of the conflict in Sudan, France is organizing an aid conference together with Germany and the EU to support peace initiatives for the embattled country in north-east Africa. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Israel must comply with international law when considering its response to Iran's massive aerial attack. "The right to self-defence means defence against an attack. Retaliation is not a category in international law," Baerbock said in response to a journalist's question about whether Israel had the right to retaliate. Iran's launch of 300 drones and missiles toward Israel on Saturday had brought the region to the brink of all-out war, Baerbock said. "At the same time, however, this escalation has also shown that the region stands by Israel when it comes to curbing dangerous Iranian behaviour. Iran is isolated," she said at a meeting in Paris on Monday. "Israel has won in a defensive manner, thanks to its strong air defence and thanks to the courageous intervention of the US, Britain and Arab states," Baerbock continued. "This defensive victory must now be secured diplomatically. Our priority must be to prevent a conflagration in the region." Baerbock said she had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amirabdollahian to warn him against any further escalation from Tehran. Israel has said it reserves the right to respond militarily following Iran's attack, which was almost entirely repelled by air defences. Iran said the attack was retaliation for for the killing of high-ranking military officers in Syria. Annalena Baerbock (2nd R), Germany's Foreign Minister, takes part in the ministerial meeting at the French Foreign Ministry. One year after the start of the conflict in Sudan, France is organizing an aid conference together with Germany and the EU to support peace initiatives for the embattled country in north-east Africa. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa Annalena Baerbock (L), Foreign Minister, and Stephane Sejourne, France's Foreign Minister, speak at a press conference ahead of the ministerial meeting to support peace initiatives for Sudan. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) visits the Covestro Innovation Center, where new developments in plastics and recycled materials are created. Scholz is scheduled to meet China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing at the end of his trip. Michael Kappeler/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for fair competition conditions for German companies in China during his three-day visit to the People's Republic, ahead of a meeting with President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. "The only thing that must always be clear is that competition must be fair," Scholz said on Monday at a discussion with students at Tongji University in Shanghai. "Of course we want our companies to have no restrictions, but vice versa we behave in exactly the same way as we demand here." There should be no dumping and no overproduction, Scholz said. In addition, he said copyrights should not be impaired and there should be no bureaucratic hurdles. Last autumn, Brussels launched a probe into electric cars produced in China over suspicions that state subsidies ensuring that Chinese brands can offer their EVs in Europe at significantly lower prices than domestic manufacturers are causing market distortions. "The Americans are now closing off their market, as are Brazil, Mexico and Turkey," Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. "The EU cannot be the only market that remains open to Chinese overproduction." Even though the EU wants competition with Chinese manufacturers, the conditions must be fair, said von der Leyen. Some of the 5,000 or so German companies that are operating in China have complained about disadvantages compared to their Chinese competitors, more difficult market access and legal uncertainties. On Monday, Scholz met representatives from companies and the German Chamber of Commerce Abroad in Shanghai to discuss the problems companies are facing in China. During his visit to the university, Scholz also emphasized the inviolability of borders. It must be guaranteed "that you don't have to fear your neighbour," Scholz told students. "Borders must not be moved by force." The chancellor also emphasized the need to strengthen international institutions. He mentioned the World Trade Organization and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. There are fears that China will attack Taiwan, which it regards as its own territory. The Chinese leadership has repeatedly threatened an invasion. Beijing is also in a dispute with Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines over contested claims in the South China Sea. Scholz also said he will warn Chinese President Xi Jinping against providing military support for Russia. Scholz said he will point out that Russia is waging a war of conquest against Ukraine, "and insist that no one must help this to succeed." "That is why we are also calling on everyone not to circumvent sanctions ... and that is why we are also calling for no arms deliveries." This also applies to goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, emphasized Scholz. China is considered Russia's most important ally and is suspected of supplying such goods. Scholz also plans to visit an innovation centre of German plastics manufacturer Covestro on Monday. A dinner with the Party Secretary of Shanghai, Chen Jining, is also planned for later in the day. Shanghai, the second stop on the chancellor's three-day visit to China, follows a first day in Chongqing, the world's largest city. On Tuesday, Scholz will continue on to Beijing for political talks with President Xi Jinping and premier Li Qiang. The German chancellor is accompanied by a dozen chief executives, among them the bosses of car manufacturers Mercedes-Benz and BMW, as well as the chemical company BASF. Volkswagen, Europe's largest car manufacturer, is not taking part this time. Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) takes part in a town hall with students at Tongji University during his visit to Shanghai, as part of a three-day trip to China. Scholz is scheduled to meet China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing at the end of the trip. Michael Kappeler/dpa Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a press statement in Shanghai. Scholz is scheduled to meet China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing at the end of his trip. Michael Kappeler/dpa A Ghost Lake in California Has Disappeared for the Fifth Time Since 1890 Considered the largest body of freshwater west of the Mississippi River in the early 1800s, Tulare Lake disappeared after it was drained to irrigate farmland. The lake has reappeared multiple times over the last century-plus, earning it the ghost lake moniker. Tulare Lake filled once again in 2023, but has since disappeared. Dont call the 2023 resurgence of Lake Tulare a flood event. That lake has a history that long predates modern Californian farmingeven if current water and farming practices have turned it into a ghost lake. As ghosts tend to do, this one has disappeared once again. Tulare Lake in the San Joaquin Valley, known as Paashi by the indigenous Tachi Yokut tribe, was considered the largest body of freshwater west of the Mississippi River in the early 1800s. That all changed when land privatization helped drain the lake to make way for farming. The lake has tried to reemerge multiple times since, giving it the nickname of a ghost lake. Its latest attempt came in the spring of 2023, when rainstorms coupled with the runoff from the Sierras helped fill the lake. Some called it flooding, but others say it was simply a lake returning. Most of the news coverage about this time talked about it as catastrophic flooding, Vivian Underhill, a former researcher fellow at Northeastern University, said in a statement to the schools news division. And I dont want to disregard the personal and property losses that people experienced, but what was not talked about so much is that it wasnt only an experience of loss, it was also an experience of resurgence. That resurgence is lost again, and Tulare Lake has dissipated once more. Theres no lake anymore, Doug Verboon, Kings County Supervisor and farmer, told the San Francisco Chronicle. Theres some wet ground but nothing major. What 2023 showed scientists is that Tulare Lake isnt going to remain a historical asterisk. The lake has staying power, as much as modern-day farming and water usage allows. This landscape has always been one of lakes and wetlands, Underhill said, and our current irrigated agriculture is just a century-long blip in this larger geologic history. NASA explains that the San Joaquin Valley sits like a bowl at the base of the southern Sierra. Near the middle of that bowl is what was once the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. The Sarah Mooney Museum said that the lake could grow over 690 square miles in wet yearsat times stretching as much as 100 miles long and 30 miles wide. When the lake was in full force, a steamship could carry supplies from the Bakersfield area up to Fresno and then to San Francisco, covering 300 miles on waterways. Those ancestral lakes connecting bodies of water are just that: ancestral. Fresno was even once a lakeside town. Subsequent damming and diverting of rivers for agriculture and other uses allowed the lakebed to be turned into farms. The museum states that the last discharge from the lake into the San Joaquin River was in 1878, which we can mark as the final turning point in the lakes demise. The first time the lake fully disappeared was 1890. Now the valley is crisscrossed by hundreds of irrigation canals, Underhill said, all of which were originally built to take that lake water and put it onto irrigated fields. The lake returned four times between 1890 and 2023. It happened twice in the 1930s, once in the 1960s, and once in 1983. The spring 2023 storms helped speed the filling of the lake along, and got an additional assist from the meltwater flowing from the unusually large snowpack on the southern Sierra. The return of the lakeeven for a brief timeinvited back wetland birds, including burrowing owls. Something that continues to amaze me, Underhill said, [the birds] know how to find the lake again. Its like theyre always looking for it. The 2023 event gave the Tulare Lake staying power, and many thought would last well into 2024. But, sadly, it didnt. Now looking for Tulare Lake is like searching for a ghost. You Might Also Like Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to newly elected President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. Pellegrini, I sincerely congratulate you on your election as the President of the Slovak Republic. The development of friendly relations with Slovakia holds great significance for us. Currently, there are good opportunities for enriching the Azerbaijan-Slovakia cooperation with new content in various areas. I believe that the Embassy of our country, which started its activities in Bratislava last year, will contribute to the expansion of our bilateral ties. I am confident that we will make joint efforts towards further strengthening our intergovernmental relations and deepening our cooperation in line with the interests of our peoples. I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your upcoming responsible activities for the prosperity of the friendly people of Slovakia," the letter reads. Few things make local history buffs more giddy than when a construction project reveals a ghost sign an old, hand painted advertisement from decades ago that has somehow been preserved. It just happened again in Wichitas Delano neighborhood. And though these new ghost signs arent as vibrant as, say, the bright orange-and-blue pharmacy sign revealed on the Suhm building at Douglas and Madison in 2015, theyve caught the attention of people who remember frequenting the businesses that operated there decades ago. The new ghost signs showed up several weeks ago when construction workers removed decorative stucco put up in the 1980s on the east-facing side of a building at 1101 W. Douglas, which sits on the southwest corner of Douglas and Seneca. Construction crews now have a fence around the building and are working on turning it into a new headquarters for Lange Real Estate, which has been in business for 43 years. The building where new ghost signs recently appeared sits on the southwest corner of Douglas and Seneca. When the stucco came down, faint painted signs were visible underneath. On the northernmost part of the building facing Seneca, part of the words cigar can be made out. Above it are the letters ca, which could have been the beginning of the word candy. And above that appears a dru, undoubtedly part of the word drugs. Farther south on the building, the word hotel can be faintly seen painted vertically on either side of a long, skinny window. When the decorative 1980s stucco siding was removed from the Seneca-facing side of the building on the southwest corner of Douglas and Seneca, two faint ghost signs reading hotel were revealed. When the signs appeared, local history buffs started buzzing, especially on social media, and started sharing what they knew about the businesses that may have originated the now uncovered signs. After lots of research, aided by old Wichita Eagle clips, local historian Mike Maxton, the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museums Jami Tracy and Lange Real Estates Joe Robertson, a picture of the buildings former life began to form. The structure went up in 1905, according to Sedgwick County property records. Back then, that part of Douglas and Seneca was a busy and growing business area, known as the Sunflower Block. Initially, the building had two stories and stretched all the way to the sidewalk on Douglas, occupying the space that has served as a parking lot for the buildings most recent tenants, which included an insurance office. But in the mid-1980s, the front part of the building was demolished. It looks like demolition crews chopped the front portion off right in the middle of the a in the word cigars then scraped the pad up to the sidewalk. Today, a jagged line of brick attached to cinder blocks can be seen at the spot where the rest of the building was once attached. This photo of the Zongkers Drug on the southwest corner of Douglas and Seneca ran in an advertisement in The Wichita Eagle in February 1946. That now-missing part of the building, where the parking lot is now, is best known to longtime Wichitans as the home of Wichitas first Zongker Drug, which opened around 1939. Owned by Paul Zongker, a World War II pilot who died in a car crash in 1956, the Zongker store at Douglas and Seneca was the first of what would eventually be five Zongker stores around town. It had a soda fountain, and an ad in The Wichita Beacon from February 1946, meant to celebrate the opening of the Zongker Drug No. 2 at 13th and Waco, also included a photo of the store at Douglas and Seneca. The photo shows the front corner of the building, which is fitted with a big billboard advertising Snyders ice cream. The sign is decorated with pictures of an ice cream sundae and a milkshake and also advertises that Zongker sells Arnholz coffee at its soda fountain and that it carries a complete Colgate line, including hair tonic, and toilet and hand soaps. It also announces that a registered pharmacist is on duty seven days a week. Zongker Drug was in business through the late 1980s at Douglas and Seneca. Commenters on social media said that theyd frequent the store when they were students at Allison Middle School farther south on Seneca. The rumor was that if school was in session, the Zongker manager would call and report that truant students were in the store. In the 1930s, the intersection of Douglas and Seneca was a busy one: Dockum Drug Co. operated one of its Wichita stores right across the street, on the southeast corner, and the big Wichita Hospital which lasted from 1895 until it closed in 1961 and was razed in 1972 was on the northwest corner, where Quiktrip is now. But Zongker Drug wasnt the first drug store to occupy the space. Its first tenant was Riley Drug Store, which opened in 1909. Before Zongker took over in the late 1930s, the space also was home to Cookson Drug Co., Empie & Adair Pharmacy, and Knuth-Moore Drug Co. Around 1917, Little Gem Cafe also operated from the space, selling cigars and candies. A 1917 advertisement from a publication called University Life shows that Little Gem Cafe once operated at 1101 W. Douglas and sold, among other things, candy and cigars. From the 1920s until around 1948, a hotel called Fairchild Hotel operated on the upper floors of the building. Its address was 1101 1/2 W. Douglas, and the hotel ghost signs could mark the old entrance for the hotel. In 1925, rooms rented for $3.50 a week. By 1968, the upper level of the Zongker building was occupied by the Stelts Hotel, and it suffered heavy smoke damage during a two-alarm fire that destroyed the apartments on the upper level of the adjoining building at 1105-1111 W. Douglas. Apartment and hotel dwellers in the two buildings fled as the fire raged, a Jan. 28, 1968, article in the Wichita Eagle read. The occupants stood around in night clothes and underwear in the balmy weather and watched firemen battle the blaze. Sometime after that, the upper level of the building was removed. ZOnker's second floor Article from Jan 28, 1968 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) By 1985, the building at Douglas and Seneca had been sold to Oliver Burton, who told The Wichita Eagle that he was planning to modernize the property the last original building on the block that hadnt been updated. He spent around $230,000, adding the beige stucco that was recently removed and tearing down the front of the building to add parking spaces. The Zongker drugstore moved to the rear of the building but appears to have lasted only another couple of years. The move wasnt popular, and people complained that a piece of history was being destroyed. Im not much for progress, Bettylea Downey, a regular customer of the Zongker soda fountain in the 1940s, told the paper at the time. The new building looks fine, but I want things to stay the way they were. Since then, the building has operated as a nondescript, Douglas-facing strip center with a shingled roof line. Burtons beige stucco facade remained in place until Lange bought the building, and when it was recently removed, not only were the ghost signs revealed but some of the buildings Seneca-facing windows and doors not seen since the stucco was put up also reappeared. Zongker modernization Zongker modernization 04 May 1985, Sat The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) Newspapers.com Pass by today and youll see heavy equipment busy at work, preparing the site for Langes future offices. Robertson, who is Langes brand manager, shared an architectural image of what the building will look like when its complete sleek and modern with new siding, windows and landscaping. The ghost signs will once again be covered, so those who want to see them will want to venture over to Delano soon and take a peek. This image shows what the new Lange Real Estate offices will look like when completed on the southwest corner of Douglas and Seneca. Lange now operates at 4852 S. Broadway, and the move, said Rachel Lange-Mills, Langes president and supervising broker, will put the business in a more centralized location to serve its growing customer base. The Delano district emerged as the perfect match, especially with its vibrant revitalization, access to Seneca and Kellogg, simplifying commutes for both our dedicated team and our valued clients, Lange-Mills said. Lange is expected to move to the new offices in October. Robertson said that Lange owners didnt know much about the building when they bought it other than that the front section had once stretched to the curb. Hes also become fascinated by the ghost signs in recent weeks. Traci at the historical museum said she found out about the signs when Robertson recently reached out to her about the history of the building. It surprised her to learn that so many businesses had once operated on the corner. When ghost signs appear, theyre such a novelty, and they force people to think about who and what came before them, she said. Shes a big fan of the North End Racket ghost sign at 18th and Broadway. Its such a widow into the past, she said. In the world underneath the desert landscape of Western Australia, a small, pale creature crawls around in the dark on the hunt for its next meal. While the surface reaches temperatures of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit on summer days, the dark underbelly of the landscape allows life to flourish. The ghostly predator, with a slender build, spindly legs, and long, sharp mandibles, bears a resemblance to a notorious, evil wizard and is a new species. Leptanilla voldemort, a species of underground ant, is only the second species of its genus ever found in Australia, researchers said in an April 11 study published in the journal ZooKeys. The new species of ant is just 2 millimeters long, about the size of a grain of sand, researchers said. Discover more new species Thousands of new species are found each year. Here are three of our most eye-catching stories from the past week. Deep-sea creature with yellowy tentacles and over 80 feet is new species Reddish sea creature with over 70 feet found by a submarine Spiky 'dwarf'-like creature found at abandoned building in India The team was in the geological region of Pilbara, one of the oldest land surfaces on Earth, when they drilled a hole into the soil about 80 feet deep, according to an April 12 news release published in EurekAlert. As the scientists scraped the sides of the hole for life, they caught two small ants in a net, the researchers said. When the ants were brought to the surface, their pale exteriors and smooth, slender bodies reminded the researchers of He Who Must Not Be Named. The species epithet pays tribute to the antagonist in the Harry Potter book series, Lord Voldemort, a terrifying wizard who, like the new ant, is slender, pale and thrives in darkness, according to the study. The new species was identified by its elongated mandibles and antennae that dwarf the shorter and stouter body parts of the the other Leptanilla species, first identified in 1931. Like its namesake, its likely L. voldemort is an effective killer. Leptanilla voldemort is almost surely a predator, a fearsome hunter in the dark. This is backed up by what we know from the few observations of specialized hunting behaviors in other Leptanilla ant species, where the tiny workers use their sharp jaws and powerful stings to immobilize soil-dwelling centipedes much larger than them, before carrying their larvae over to feed on the carcass, study author Mark Wong, from the University of Western Australia, said in the release. The ant is blind and uses its strong mandibles to hunt in the dark, researchers said. Leptanilla arent like most ants, choosing to live in small colonies of a queen with only about 100 worker ants, Wong said in an April 12 news release from the University of Western Australia. They live and hunt for food entirely underground, he said. Adapting to life in darkness, Leptanilla workers are blind, devoid of pigmentation and measure between just one and two millimeters not much larger than a grain of sand allowing them to move effortlessly through the soil, Wong said in the release. Only two of the elusive ants were discovered, the second species in their genus found in Australia, researchers said. Because of their small size and hidden environment, much of the biology of the Leptanilla species remains shrouded in mystery, according to the EurekAlert release. Pilbara, the rocky portion of Australia where the ant was found, was formed 3.6 billion years ago, according to the release, and holds countless species of underground invertebrates. Adding to the unique biodiversity of this ancient landscape, the discovery of the enigmatic ant L. voldemort is a testament to the wizardry of nature and the mysteries of life in the depths of darkness, the release said. Warrior creature with dark mark found as new species in Brazil river. See it Unusual creature with ultrasonic song escapes its cage. Its a new species Flat-headed creature with multicolored eyes discovered as new species in China Volcanic ocean creature with long legs discovered in Japan. Its a new species Rudy Giuliani lost his bid on Monday to dismiss the $148 million verdict handed to him last year in a defamation lawsuit brought by two former Georgia election workers. Giuliani filed for bankruptcy days after a Washington, D.C., jury ordered him to pay $148 million to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss in a defamation trial in December. He had baselessly accused the two former election workers of committing fraud in the 2020 presidential election. U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell rejected Giulianis motion in an order Monday, explaining that Giuliani did not provide enough evidence as to why his verdict should be tossed or why he should be given a new trial. Giulianis renewed motion urging this Court to reverse its prior findings and rulings and to override the jurys considered verdict on the basis of five threadbare arguments falls well short of persuading that the evidence and all reasonable inferences that can be drawn therefrom are so one-sided that reasonable men and women could not have reached a verdict in [plaintiffs] favor. Giuliani appealed the verdict after his bankruptcy judge allowed him to do so in February. Joseph Sibley, Giulianis attorney, said in a statement Monday that they will now appeal to the D.C. Circuit Court on the case. This was a post-trial motion in the trial court that we were required to file to preserve certain issues for appeal. We are not at all surprised the trial court did not reverse its own prior rulings and we will now proceed with an appeal to the D.C. Circuit where we look forward to an appellate panel reviewing the case, Sibley said. Ted Goodman, a political adviser to Giuliani, said they were not surprised by the judges ruling in a statement to The Hill. Were not at all surprised this judge didnt reverse her own prior ruling. This is the expected outcome from a judge who put partisan politics ahead of justice, he said. This is far from over. We look forward to our appeal with the D.C. Circuit Court, where, if given a fair hearing that isnt politically motivated, theres no question the absurd amount of awarded damages will be reversed, he added. Attorneys for Giuliani had renewed his motion for judgment as a matter of law in February to the judge who oversaw the trial. His legal team said in court filings that the statements in question were protected under the First Amendment and insisted that they were not made with actual malice. He was found liable for the case months before the jury convened. The jury only needed to decide how much the former New York City mayor needed to pay in damages. This story was updated at 10:48 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Googles decision to begin removing links to California news sites from search results not only threatens the economics of independent journalism, it also prevents citizens and communities from accessing essential news and information. Google is trying to harm for-profit and nonprofit news outlets by striking out against California legislation that would compel tech giants to share digital advertising revenues with the news outlets that produce the content that Google users want and need. By withholding news, Google is abusing its near-monopoly power over internet searches. When independent news begins to disappear in this so-called information age, citizens, communities and democracy are all threatened. Opinion Google Vice President Jaffer Zaidi on Friday announced a testing process of removing links to California news sites for some of its users. This not-so-veiled threat to write California journalism out of its algorithm makes the case for why Googles business practices must be reformed by the state legislature. Numerous countries worldwide have passed journalism compensation laws to recognize journalisms vital role in a democracy, said Billie McConkey, chief administrative officer for McClatchy, which owns The Sacramento Bee, The Fresno Bee, The Modesto Bee, the Merced Sun-Star and the San Luis Obispo Tribune. This is typical of how the dominant tech platforms have responded. They would rather block citizens access to essential information than simply pay fair market value for the content from which they profit. Googles target At issue is Assembly Bill 886 by Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland. Known as the California Journalism Preservation Act, AB 886 would establish an arbitration process between large platforms like Google and qualifying journalism providers. Arbiters would decide how much of the platforms journalism-related profits should be proportionately shared with news organizations and require that at least 70% of those funds be spent directly on future news gathering. McClatchy, the California News Publishers Association and the Media Guild of the West are among the supporters of this legislation. Introduced last year, AB 886 met with fierce opposition from Meta and Google. While the bill cleared the Assembly, Wicks and state Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, agreed in July to re-engage on the measure this session after holding an informational hearing in December. In a recent interview, Wicks was optimistic about the legislations prospects. Since I introduced the bill, its only got more dire, she said of continued layoffs and economic challenges facing news organizations. Id like to ideally land something on the governors desk that will result in the platforms paying their fair share and leveling the playing field for our publishers. A pattern of threats Googles initial steps to excise California journalism from its search results are the latest in a series of disturbing threats and actions by the platform giants. Facebooks parent company, Meta, made the same threat in California last year. In Canada, which has already passed similar legislation, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blasted the social media company last August for blocking news on its platforms as Canadians were scrambling to learn the latest information about devastating wildfires. In Australia, Meta has recently threatened to stop sharing profits with news outlets despite a national law requiring it to do so. The fact that one company can shut down the means by which 90% of the public find online content in order to achieve their own political and business ends shows just how much policymakers need to act and act now, said Chuck Champion, president of the California News Publishers Association. Google is not above the law, and they should not be allowed to act as if they are. The argument from Googles Zaidi is, in essence, that sharing profits derived from California journalism would be bad for news gathering and California. He alleges it would lead to a proliferation of ghost newspapers producing low-quality content only to qualify for a share of the search engines money. That dark vision hasnt materialized in either Canada or Australia, though. And the California legislation includes guardrails to ensure that news outlets are investing in journalism jobs. A leadership moment California is the fifth-largest economy in the world. The state routinely leads the nation in shaping markets, from cleaner-running automobiles to accelerating the transition to renewable energy. This, too, is a moment when California needs to lead. Managing this information age to create economic fairness and healthy competition is an urgent imperative. Distinguishing fact-based journalism from misinformation is becoming more challenging by the day. And at this pivotal and perilous moment, accurate and reliable journalism is vital to our democracy. Throttling traffic to California news sites and depriving the public of access to news on any platform is beyond greedy. It is downright dangerous. The fact that what Google is doing is even legal speaks to the infancy of legislative and regulatory attempts to manage the technologies we have created. With this punitive move, Google aims to inflict harm on news organizations. But Californians who want to be informed citizens will suffer the consequences. Wicks, with the help of Umberg and other colleagues, needs to fine-tune and advance AB 886. This issue is so much bigger than journalism. Its a question of whether we want to allow a handful of powerful tech companies to control what we know. Lebanese American poet and artist Etel Adnan hosted her first solo exhibition of paintings on April 15, 1955. Image courtesy of Google April 15 (UPI) -- Monday's Google Doodle honors Lebanese American poet and artist Etel Adnan. The artwork is a colorful portrait of Adnan in her studio surrounded by paintings and books. The release of the Doodle was timed to the anniversary of her first solo exhibition in San Rafael, Calif., on April 15, 1955. The daughter of a Greek mother and Turkish father -- who emigrated to Lebanon -- was famous for her vibrant abstract paintings, as well as books and poetry that explored the themes of "identity, memory, feminism, and the human experience," according to Google. Among the titles she published were Moonshots (1966), Sitt Marie Rose (1978), Paris, When It's Naked (1993) and Master of the Eclipse (2009). Adnan was the recipient of the Lambda Literary Award in 2013, France's Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2014 and the Griffin Poetry Prize Lifetime Recognition Award in 2020. She was also a noted journalist and editor, who spoke numerous languages, including Greek, Turkish, French and Arabic. Adnan died in 2021 at the age of 96. Former President Donald Trump has been indicted four times for 91 felonies, and he is scheduled to begin his first criminal trial on Mondaya trial in which hes likely to be convicted. But for GOP lawmakers in Congress, the fact that their soon-to-be presidential nominee may soon be a convicted felon is no cause for concern. If anything, these Republicans told The Daily Beast, their only concern is that a Trump conviction would be a signal of a corrupt justice system. You get an alleged conviction on BS charges in front of a judge that is not impartial and thats supposed to sway my mind? Trump acolyte Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) told The Daily Beast. Man, Im bigger than that. I dont worry about that kind of stupid stuff. Another Trump superfan, Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), also shrugged off any potential conviction. I dont think that it matters to the American people, because they dont believe it to be a fair trial, Budd said. They believe that all these trials are completely unfair against him to drain him of his resources and its completely done the opposite thing, its rallied the American people behind him. Trumps Manhattan Trial Is About a Lot More Than Hush Money Yet another Trump disciple, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), completely blamed the judicial system for Trumps problems, no matter that the former president hardly debates that his company dramatically inflated real estate valuations. (Trumps standard defense is that there was no victim for these alleged crimes.) Im very uncomfortable with the weaponized justice system, Vance said. I couldnt care less what a weaponized justice system says. Ultimately, its not going to change my vote. I dont think itll change most Americans votes. Time and again last week, over the course of interviews with more than 20 Republican lawmakers, GOP lawmakers across the ideological spectrum were clear they were supporting Trump even if he is a convicted felonwhile also refusing to wrestle with the substance of the charges against Trump. Im going to be standing by Donald Trump, vulnerable freshman Rep. John Duarte (R-CA) told The Daily Beast, adding that the charges look pretty frivolous to me. Another GOP moderate, Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), who ascended to the top of the powerful Appropriations Committee last week, told The Daily Beast that he will continue to support Trump even if hes convicted. First of all, I don't think thats going to happen, Cole said. But second, I think some of these prosecutions are simply ridiculous on their face, and some of them are clearly harassment. There were clear trends as GOP members shrugged off concerns that their partys standard-bearer was likely to be a convicted felon by the time he receives the Republican nomination in July. They said theyd rather vote for a 77-year-old convicted Trump than an 81-year-old Joe Biden. They accused prosecutors of having explicitly partisan motives. They even said Biden should be the one on trial despite the fact he has not been indicted for any crimes. Only one Republican actually expressed concern that the Republican Partys presidential nominee was likely to be a convicted felon, and it was a familiar Trump foe: Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT). Mitt Romney: Id Rather Vote Democrat Than for Trump or Vivek Romneywho refuses to endorse Trump, but has been critical of the Manhattan indictmentdescribed the implications of having a convicted president bluntly. Not good, he said. But Romney warned that he doesnt expect convictions will make any difference at all to Trump voters. He will once again say, This is all political, Romney predicted. And they will dutifully follow. The trial that begins on Monday is just one of the former presidents legal challenges. While Trumps lawyers may be able to delay the other trials past Election Daytheyve repeatedly tried to stall the prosecutions, with a fair amount of successthe other cases are just as challenging for him and his legal team. The cases involve the Justice Departments two indictments for mishandling classified documents and his effort to remain in power on Jan. 6, as well as the Georgia indictment concerning Trump interfering with the 2020 presidential election. Trumps lawyers are contesting the federal cases at the Supreme Court, where they are arguing that Trump had presidential immunity while in office. Republican attitudes fell along a spectrum of enthusiasm for a convicted Trump. Many GOP lawmakers were eager to express their unwavering support for the former presidenta conviction be damned. I feel comfortable with anybody that can vote Biden out of office, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)at 90-years old, the oldest lawmaker in Congresstold The Daily Beast. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)best known these days on Capitol Hill for holding up hundreds of military promotions for months out of pure stubbornnesssuggested that, if Trump is convicted, other presidents should be incarcerated as well. That doesnt concern me, Tuberville said of a Trump conviction. Id be shocked if theyre able to do any kind of conviction on a former president, but you know, they should line a bunch of the presidents up right behind him and start putting them in jail if they try to convict him. Influential Freedom Caucus member Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC)who was a Gov. Nikki Haley supporter until about a month agois now resolute in his support for Trump. He called Trump the most mistreated candidate in the history known to man. I dont know how hes holding up, but hes gonna win this fight, Norman told The Daily Beast. Am I concerned? No. Hes our nominee. Hes gonna win the presidency and were excited about it. 2148449836 Former President Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) hold a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images Trumps foot soldiers have been laying the groundwork to discredit any potential Trump conviction for months, planting seeds of doubt even before New York prosecutor Alvin Bragg Jr. first indicted Trump last March. Theyve written off the four cases as politically motivated, proof the U.S. has become a banana republic. Theyve attacked the lead prosecutors relentlessly, pouncing on opportunities to discredit and malign them. Although public displays of Trump devotion have long been the entry fee to do business in the GOP, it seems that the Republican loyalty to the former president will persist even if hes put behind bars. In fact, several Republicans emphasized that they see Trumps trials as an animating issue that will invigorate MAGA Republicans to turn out for Trump come November. The GOP has embraced Trumps mugshot, and it now appears regularly on T-shirts and stickers with the phrase Never Surrender! (Even though Trump was literally surrendering when the mugshot was taken.) Nevertheless, the indictments supercharged Trumps fundraising, which surged to $53 million during the first half of 2023. A March poll from Politico and Ipsos found that only two in five Americans say a Trump conviction would sway their support for the former president. One in three Republicans reported that a conviction in the New York case would make them more likely to support Trump, while a third of independents said they would be less likely to support him. Other GOP lawmakers clearly conveyed their backing of Trump and outrage at the justice system, but took a more measured tone when pressed about how a conviction could impact their thinking. Confronted with the idea of his partys nominee being a potentially convicted felon, Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)the No. 3 Senate Republican and one of the most loyal Trump allies in the chambermight as well have been introducing the former president at a rally. I support President Trump. Ive endorsed President Trump, he said. I think hes much better than the person in the White House right now whos clearly not up to the job, and Im going to continue to work for the election of Donald Trump for president. Republicans Shrug Off the Massive Problem Awaiting Trump Asked if his position would change if Trump is convicted on any count, Barrasso just repeated himself. Ive endorsed President Trump. I support President Trump, he reiterated. Im gonna do everything I can to make sure that he is elected and that Joe Biden is defeated. Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN)the retiring older brother for former Vice President Mike Pencecalled any questions about a Trump conviction hypothetical. The younger Pence has gone scorched Earth with Trump, refusing to endorse him and recently slamming his abortion platform. The former vice president has condemned Trump for recklessly endangering his family. His brother, not so much. Will I support the Republican nominee? The answer is absolutely, yes, Greg Pence told The Daily Beast, ignoring the fact that that nominee has celebrated Jan. 6 rioters who called to hang Mike Pence for certifying the election results as patriots. In the case of a Trump conviction, however, Greg Pence left some wiggle room. I dont know. Thats a really good question. But, you know, I had a different horse in the race, he said, referring to his brother. A few Republicans tried to flip the script, arguing that The Daily Beast was asking all the wrong questions. Really, Democrats, they said, should be answering for Bidens wrongdoings. Bidenwho has never been criminally indictedwas compliant with a now closed Justice Department probe into his handling of classified documents. The House Oversight Committee is leading an impeachment inquiry into Bidens connection to his son Hunters business dealings, but the investigation has come up short, becoming the laughingstock of Capitol Hill for turning up zero impeachable evidence. And yet, that hasnt stopped Republicans from pointing fingers. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) told The Daily Beast on Wednesday that he would never support Biden because hes the real criminal here. After the brief exchange with McCormick outside the Capitol ended, and both parties walked away, McCormick circled back to this reporter to make another point. What if Biden is convicted? McCormick asked. Because he's up for conviction too, right? So he and Hunter and their little scheme of peddling, and the things he said on TV publicly, If you dont fire this guy, I'm not giving you money. That's quid pro quo by definition. Reminded that Biden has not been criminally indicted, McCormick continued. But what if he is? What if he goes to jail? he asked. Have you asked the Democrats the same question because were trying to bring him up on all kinds of charges as well as Hunter for peddling his fathers influence. The Daily Beast pointed out that Hunter Biden is not running for president. McCormick made a final attempt to deflect from Trumps four criminal indictments: Would the Democrats support Biden if hes put in jail? Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) Tuesday, April 16 marks 17 years since the mass shooting shook Virginia Tech and communities across the Commonwealth. On April 16, 2007, 27 students and five staff members were killed in the shooting. As Virginia Tech prepares to remember those who lost their lives, Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued all United States of America and Commonwealth of Virginia flags to be flown at half-staff. Flags will be lowered at sunrise on April 16 and remain at half-staff until sunset. All flags should be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds across the state. We Remember: Virginia Tech hosts 2024 Day of Remembrance 17 years after mass shooting On April 16, Virginia Tech will host a candle-lighting ceremony at 12:01 a.m. at the April 16 Memorial on campus. Representatives of the student body will light the candle and the names of all 32 Hokies who lost their lives on April 16 will be read. Members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will stand watch for 24 hours after the candle is lit. This is one of the deadliest school shootings in United States history. To learn more, visit Virginia Techs, We Remember website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Its not new, and its not surprising, that some government officials and politicians dont want the public to know what theyre up to. But it seems to be getting worse lately in Charlotte and in North Carolina and one can only guess what that means for you the taxpayer. State law says most of what government does is public, but lately legislators, police, and state and local bureaucrats have been scoffing at that notion. What are they hiding? North Carolinas open meetings law starts by saying, because government exists solely to conduct the peoples business, it is the public policy of North Carolina that the hearings, deliberations, and actions of these bodies be conducted openly. And the states public records law says government documents are the property of the people. Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law. Government exists solely to conduct the peoples business. Records are the property of the people. Have you ever tried to get a public record from your home city or from the state? We at The Charlotte Observer try all the time, to help us tell you whats going on with your government. Lets just say not everyone is feeling the urgency to follow the letter or the spirit of the law. Crime scene tape stretches across Romare Bearden Park after a New Years Eve shooting injured several people. CMPD hasnt provided the Observer records about crime at the park. Consider these examples: After five people were shot in uptowns Romare Bearden Park on New Years Eve, Observer criminal justice reporter Ryan Oehrli asked the city for statistics on how many shootings there have been uptown each year for the past five years, and specifically in or around the park. He still hasnt received the records. We asked for public records related to Panthers owner David Teppers canceled deal with the city at the old Eastland mall site. Almost two years later, we still havent received anything. The Observers Ames Alexander and Gavin Off wanted to review Department of Labor records about workplace deaths last year. Officials there said it was their policy to charge 10 cents per page. But state law says the public can come to the government office and review public records for free. It took a month of back and forth with the Observers lawyer before the Department of Labor followed the law and allowed us to look at the records for free. Last year, the city of Charlotte rolled out its most recent tree canopy estimate, showing that tree loss had dramatically slowed over the previous five years. Some experts were skeptical, and in November, Off asked the city for data that had already been discussed at a public city meeting a couple of days earlier. A full 99 days later, the city sent Off the records. WBTV asked the city of Charlotte for public records related to a City Council team-building survey. The city refused to provide them, and after a court fight, a judge ordered the city to pay WBTV $125,000 to cover the stations legal fees. Its not just in Charlotte. In Asheville, two reporters were convicted of trespassing while covering police breaking up a protest in a city park. In Raleigh, News & Observer reporter Virginia Bridges had to fight for three years to get public records about police settlements there. And most egregiously, N.C. legislators passed sweeping legislation last fall declaring that each individual legislator can decide whether their records are public or not. The law even lets legislators sell those records to the highest bidder. That provision was driven by Republican leaders, but government secrecy is not a partisan issue. A John Locke Foundation survey found that more than 85 percent of respondents believed that open records laws are extremely important or very important in ensuring accountability among state legislators. So, what to do? Theres no easy answer as long as we elect people who want to keep you in the dark or look the other way when staffers do. The first step, as is usually the case, is to become aware of the problem, then elect candidates who see that too. In the meantime, the Observer and other news outlets that care about government transparency will keep knocking on the door. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Preparations are underway to resume the activities of the Azerbaijani Embassy, Spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanaani said during the press conference in Tehran, Trend reports. According to him, preliminary positive steps have been taken to resume Azerbaijan's diplomatic activities in Tehran, and positive negotiations have been held at the level of foreign ministers. The official noted that recently, a diplomatic delegation from Azerbaijan arrived in Tehran to conduct preliminary preparations. Iran and Azerbaijan have a unanimous opinion that political cooperation between the two countries should develop along with the economy and other areas, he emphasized. To note, an armed attack took place at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Iran on January 27, 2023, at about 8:30 (GMT+4). The gunman turned out to be a man in his 50s who drove up to the administrative building, armed with a Kalashnikov automatic rifle. Earlier reports from the Chief of Tehran Police said there were two children in the car with the gunman; the security camera footage released later proved the man was alone. He entered the building after briefly waving his hand to the Iranian security guard outside. No attempts were made to detain the gunman, as he freely entered the embassy. The man managed to kill the head of the security service and wound two embassy guards. The shooter was eventually detained. The incident is currently being investigated. Following the deadly assault, Azerbaijan evacuated its officials from the embassy, including those who suffered as a result of the attack, and completely suspended the work of the embassy in Tehran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel James Cleverly's proposal follows a call from Baroness Butler-Sloss for all slavery and trafficking victims to be exempt from the scheme - TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK Ministers have proposed an annual report on the impact of the Rwanda scheme on modern slavery and trafficking victims, as they brace for a fresh confrontation with the Lords on the controversial Bill. James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, offered the concession to the Lords ahead of votes in the Commons on Monday evening, when MPs are expected to vote down all seven of the Lords amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill. Mr Cleverly put forward the trafficking proposal as an amendment in lieu of a proposal by Baroness Butler-Sloss, the former Lord Justice of Appeal, to exempt all modern slavery and trafficking victims from the Rwanda scheme. The Government has rejected her proposal along with the six other amendments, including preventing Rwanda from being unilaterally declared a safe country, requiring ministers to have due regard for international law and exempting Afghan staff who worked alongside the British. The Bill will return to the Lords on Tuesday when it is expected Labour and crossbench peers will seek to reinstate at least three or four of the amendments. Migrants crossing the Channel in March - TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK Labour peer Baroness Chakrabarti said the Lords amendments sought to improve the Bill and did not attack the central plank of the policy. She told BBC Radio 4s Today programme her own amendment would restore the jurisdiction of domestic courts, who are defenestrated by this Bill. However, Conservative MP Sir John Hayes said legal appeals had been used to block deportations and frustrate the will of Parliament and government policy. He said he believed the House of Lords would back down, as its role was to improve and refine legislation, not block it. When a government devises and wants to implement a policy which is clear and precise in terms of its objectives, the Lords shouldnt stand in its way and I think, in the end, the Lords will give way on this because they recognise that balance, said Sir John, a former security minister. Flights within weeks Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has repeatedly said flights to Rwanda will take off by spring but has refused to name a specific date. On Sunday, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said she was confident the legislation would pave the way for the first removals to the country within weeks. The Safety of Rwanda Bill declares the country safe and was introduced to Parliament after the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the Governments scheme was unlawful. In its ruling, the court said genuine refugees being deported there would be at risk of being returned to their home countries, where they could face harm. The Rwanda scheme was introduced in April 2022, by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, to deter people from travelling to the UK on small boats across the English Channel. It has faced several legal challenges since, and so far no one has been sent to the east African country. The Bill aims to protect the scheme from further legal setbacks. Other countries being considered Internal government documents show Costa Rica, Ivory Coast and Armenia have been considered as options for similar schemes if Rwanda proves successful. Other African nations, including Morocco, Tunisia, Namibia and Gambia, explicitly declined to enter technical discussions. But Labour believes the scheme is flawed and intends to scrap it if the party wins the general election, expected to be held later this year. Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he would instead focus on targeting criminal gangs and negotiating new security arrangements with Europe. Meanwhile, charities supporting asylum seekers are also planning to launch legal challenges as quickly as possible against deporting people to the east-central African country, if the Bill becomes law this week. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Saying that the United States is still an experiment in freedom, former Democratic U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. told the The Economic Club of Grand Rapids Monday that voters have to ask the right questions and participate for better outcomes. Ford, who served from 1997 to 2007, said Republicans and Democrats are both contributing to the dysfunction in Washington surrounding everything from the budget to the debt to funding for Israel and Ukraine. Ford, like his father before him, represented Memphis, Tennessee in Washington and told the large crowd at the luncheon meeting that Congress needs to do better on the basics, come to the table and find meaningful solutions. He also told those attending that government plays a vital role by doing things that we as individuals cannot do, like defense and education, but its up to us as voters to make better choices too. When asked about the government, Ford had a strong statement: I would warn heavily against the idea that we dont need government or government can be sidelined in these efforts. Theyre the biggest company, the most important company in the world, largely because the primary responsibility of the president of the United States is to be commander in chief of the most important, most successful military that the world has ever seen. Furthermore, were about to celebrate 250 years of our country. And our country, I will remind everybody, is nothing more than a little old experiment that got really big called freedom. And we tried our hardest to lose it, and weve done a lot to hold onto it. And we should be very clear without a functioning, vibrant, ethical, full-of-integrity, hardworking and brave government, the experiment will go bye bye. So, I think we need government strong, and we need our private sector strong. Since leaving office, Ford has been employed in the financial sector. He also makes frequent appearances on political news programs and is currently a rotating anchor on The Five on Fox News. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. UPDATED: Russian attack on Kharkiv Oblast village kills 2, injures at least 4 Russian forces struck the village of Lukiantsi in Kharkiv Oblast with a guided aerial bomb, killing two people and injuring at least four, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on April 15. Settlements in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv Oblast suffer from daily Russian attacks due to their proximity to the front line and the border with Russia. Russia hit an educational facility in Lukiantsi at around 2 p.m. local time, Syniehubov said on Telegram. "Two people were killed, and the number of wounded is being determined. All (of the victims) are civilians." The number of civilian casualties increased as of around 4:45 p.m. local time, when two women, aged 63 and 66, and two men, aged 38 and 65, were confirmed injured, according to Syniehubov. Lukiantsi lies around 20 kilometers northeast of Kharkiv, the regional capital, and just several kilometers from the border with Russias Belgorod region. Russian troops targeted 15 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast overnight and on April 14, killing a 57-year-old woman and wounding another woman, Syniehubov reported earlier. Read also: How thousands of Ukrainian children cope with losing parents to war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian shelling of the city of Siversk in Donetsk Oblast killed four people, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported on April 15. Settlements in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk Oblast suffer from daily Russian attacks due to their proximity to the front line. Heavy fighting continues in Donetsk Oblast as Russia seeks to occupy the entire region. Siversk, a city north of Bakhmut, came under the attack on the evening of April 14, Filashkin said. Four men aged between 36 and 86 were reportedly killed. Over the past day, Russian troops also dropped an aerial bomb on a five-story building in Donetsk Oblast's village of Ocheretyne, killing a 67-year-old woman and injuring two others, according to local authorities. Russia also reportedly attacked the Bakhmut and Kramatorsk districts, damaging over 20 houses, including two high-rise buildings in the city of Sloviansk. Read also: Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 3, injure 20 over past day Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Columbus Councilor Jerry Pops Barnes has died. City manager Isaiah Hugley confirmed the news Monday to the Ledger-Enqurier. I did hear from his son-in-law this morning that he did pass away, Hugley said. Barnes, who represented District 1, had been battling an illness, Hugley said, and the city manager texted him Sunday to let him know I was continuing to pray for him, but he didnt receive a reply. Hugley described Barnes as a servant leader who made a major impact on Columbus, especially for disadvantaged citizens. He was in touch with every organization that had something to do with low-income people and organizations related to health, Hugley said. He walked his district when he was able. I mean, even after he got elected, he literally went door-to-door to check on his constituents, and he set up on Saturdays at place like Walmart for hours so his constituents could stop by and discuss any issues with him. He was a grassroots people-person. He was just a great mean. He will truly be missed, and it will be a challenge for whoever comes behind him to reach that level of service he provided. Barnes served 23 months of his current four-year term. The city charter says the council appoints someone to fill the remainder of a councilors term if at least a year-and-a-half of that term has been served. Muscogee County elections director Nancy Boren told the L-E it is too late - at least 90 days are needed - for a District 1 special election to be on the May 21 ballot, when the even-numbered seats on the 10-member council will be up for election. So the person the council appoints to represent District 1 will serve until the May 2026 election. Barnes obituary and funeral or public memorial service arrangements werent available before publication. The date, location and cause of his death also werent available. The L-E didnt reach Mayor Skip Henderson for comment, but his chief of staff, Josh Beard, sent the following news release on behalf of the mayor: We are saddened to learn of the passing of Councilor Jerry Pops Barnes. Pops served District 1 for 20 years and always put the needs of his constituents first. He fought hard for funding within his district, receiving over $40 million in infrastructure improvements to include the Natatorium and the City Services Center. Pops served 20 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant. During his time on council, he worked closely with Veterans organizations to support their needs, primarily mental health. This is a tremendous loss to our community; we continue to keep the Barnes family in our prayers. Greek PM on Russian attack on Odesa during his visit in March: I don't think it was coincidence Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis believes that it was no coincidence that Russia launched a missile attack on Odesa on 6 March, when he was visiting the city. Source: Mitsotakis in an interview with Rzeczpospolita, reported by European Pravda Details: When asked whether he considered the Russian strike "an attack on the head of government of an EU and NATO member state," Mitsotakis said he "would not go that far." "But I don't think it was a coincidence. It was an act of intimidation. But I said very clearly that we would not be intimidated. Nothing will change in Greece's position, and I think nothing will change in the EU's position," he stressed. Mitsotakis also said that during the air-raid warning, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and himself were in the port of Odesa, and "it was a little bit worrying because there was nowhere to hide." "Then we heard a big explosion. It was close enough to frighten us but not so close for us that to feel an immediate danger. Then we realised that this was the daily reality of Ukraine. For us, it was an experience that lasted several hours. We came and left, but people in Ukraine have to face this every day," Mitsotakis said. Background: Media reported that the missile exploded just 500 metres from Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis. Later, commenting on the Russian attack during a visit to Odesa, Mitsotakis said that the Kremlin would not intimidate Europe. Support UP or become our patron! TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A green car that was seen in a video of a deadly carjacking on Thursday has been found, but officials are still searching for whoever was in that vehicle, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said at a Monday afternoon news conference. Deputies believe Katherine Altagracia Guerrero De Aguasvias, 31, was sitting in her white Dodge Durango when the video showed a white or Hispanic male, wearing all black with his face covered, approach the car and point a gun at the driver. He entered the SUV through the back drivers side door. She was being followed by the Acura before the incident, Lemma said on Friday. She told her husband over the phone that the car rammed her back bumper multiple times, but neither called 911. Aguasvias was found dead in the torched SUV after the carjacking. Preliminary information indicates the suspect shot Aguasvias and then set the vehicle on fire. The Green 2002 Acura in the carjacking was found on Saturday, deputies said. The vehicle is incredibly rare in Florida, with there only being three of them two of which have been salvaged. The car was legitimately owned by a family in Winter Springs and was sold to a legitimate car dealership, which sent it to an auction, deputies said. Another business purchased the car and sold it to someone else, but the title was never transferred from the Winter Springs family because whoever purchased the car never finished the paperwork. The vehicle was probably being tossed around for two months before the carjacking, Lemma said. The vehicle was found on Saturday, parked illegally at an Orange County apartment complex. When the VIN number was checked, they knew it was the car they were looking for because it was the only one left in Florida, Lemma said. An Orange County deputy, Francisco Estrella, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the investigation after he allegedly used a fake name to get information about the case, which he then gave to the family of Aguasvias, Lemma said. The Seminole County Sheriffs Office detective called a phone number listed on the back of the Dodge and the womans husband picked up. After the call, the husband called a family friend close to law enforcement who happened to be the wife of the deputy, Lemma said. The Orange County deputy called the Seminole County deputy and recorded the conversation. The womans husband is not a person of interest in the case and not likely to be charged, Lemma said. Estrella allegedly unlawfully accessed the Florida Driver and Vehicle Information Database (DAVID) to get the personal information of the Seminole County detectives working the case, according to Lemma. The green Acura was also towed from an Orange County apartment complex on March 19 because it was parked illegally. The tow truck driver was the victim of a murder a day before the carjacking, Lemma said. The green Acura was also seen at that scene. Lemma said more than 100 rounds were fired, including rare ammo. He said the cases are either connected, or its a heck of a coincidence. Aguasvias husband told deputies she was traveling to central Florida to visit family, but police couldnt confirm if she had family in the area. Lemma said she was in Seminole County for less than an hour. The suspect and Aguasvias are believed to have known each other, but investigators are still trying to piece everything together. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call law enforcement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Israel blocks green sleeping bags entering Gaza because of their military colour, says British charity Displaced Palestinians sleep beside a street in Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza. - AFP Israeli officials are stopping green sleeping bags from being delivered into Gaza because they are military coloured, a British charity operating in the territory has said. Melanie Ward, the CEO of Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), said sleeping bags delivered to Gazas southern border had been recently rejected. They were green and apparently green is a military colour, Ms Ward told the Telegraph, following a three-day visit to the Strip. The items were just sent back. Ms Ward added that there were a number of medical items among the rejected aid, including an anaesthetic machine, a large box of crutches, bleach, generators, and solar lamps. In March, a CNN investigation revealed that arbitrary restrictions were being imposed on humanitarian organisations on so-called dual-use items items which the Israelis believe could serve a different purpose. This includes medicines to treat cancer, water filtration, oxygen cylinders, and even dates. Despite facing mounting international pressure to improve the flow of aid into Gaza, the Israelis are continuing to restrict the delivery of certain humanitarian products, Ms Ward said. Melanie Ward, CEO of British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians, visited Al-Aqsa hospital in Deir Al-Balah on her recent trip to the Gaza Strip. - MAP However, she added, there isnt a list of what you can and cant take. We learn about whats not allowed from what is sent back. The lack of aid reaching northern Gaza is of particular concern for MAP and other humanitarian organisations active in the Strip. Last month, the UNs hunger monitoring system, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative, warned that famine is imminent in the north. Ms Ward said that one of the biggest challenges they were facing was trying to ensure the therapeutic food reached Gazas northern populations, which are experiencing rising levels of malnourishment. One in three children under the age of two in northern Gaza are currently suffering with acute malnutrition, according to Uncief. You need a continuity of supplies to be able to treat malnutrition and in a lot of cases, its actually fairly simple to do. But unless you can keep the supplies going, you cannot do it, said Ms Ward. Earlier this month, seven aid workers were killed in Gaza after their convoy was struck by Israeli rockets. Three vehicles belonging to the charity World Central Kitchen were targeted by drone strikes, killing all those inside, including three Britons. Ms Ward said that her team drove past the remnants of one of the vehicles. It was completely burnt. I wouldnt have recognised it as a car, she said. No one is safe, no one is protected Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world to be a health worker or an aid worker, Ms Ward added. To date, nearly 500 health workers and 203 humanitarian workers have been killed in the conflict, figures show. During her trip, Ms Ward spoke to several Unicef staff members who claimed that they were relentlessly shot at by Israeli forces when making the perilous journey to the north of the enclave. They are still alive because they travel in armoured vehicles, but they are consistently shot up by Israeli troops as they are crossing the checkpoint, she said. Tess Ingram, a Unicef communication specialist, was in a vehicle at the Wadi Gaza checkpoint waiting to enter north Gaza when it was hit by live ammunition, she told Al Jazeera last week. The Unicef cars were on a coordinated mission to deliver life-saving nutrition and medical supplies to Kamal Adwan Hospital, in Beit Lahia, and fuel to water wells in the north. MAPs own workers and facilities have been caught in the crossfire. On January 18, a MAP residential compound in southern Gaza which housed the organisations local team, their family members, and emergency medical staff was hit by an Israeli airstrike. Buildings crushed by strikes in Deir Al Balah - Melanie Ward/MAP Several people were injured in the strike while the building was significantly damaged. Ms Ward said that the compound was in a deconfliction zone agreed with the Israeli military. Deconfliction is supposed to keep us safe from airstrikes, and instead an airstrike nearly killed a lot of our people, she said. This happened to us, a British charity. The British government is very well aware of it, but nothing was done. We have been trying to get an answer as to why this was done to us, and a reassurance that it would not happen again. Neither of those have happened. The Israelis have so far given six different explanations so its clear that theyre either unable or unwilling to properly investigate what happened. She added: There are no consequences for the Israelis, they act with complete impunity. Look at what happened to the World Central Kitchen [aid workers]. This is a result of their impunity. MAP is one of a handful of international charities still operating in the north of Gaza. Israeli authorities did not respond to The Telegraphs request for comment. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The long-planned $8.7-million rebuilding plan for downtown Rock Island had a ceremonial groundbreaking today at its focal point, the intersection of 18th Street and 2nd Avenue. This is a monumental event for the city of Rock Island, but more importantly, building owners, businesses and the citizens of downtown are going to be able to enjoy whats gonna happen here in the next nine, 10, 12 months, Mayor Mike Thoms said Monday afternoon. Revitalization of downtown is such a wonderful thing, and overdue, he said. We can begin the process of revitalization of our historic downtown, as a vibrant, thriving area. This is the largest single investment in downtown in a generation, the mayor said, noting hes excited for what it will bring the community. Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms listens as Kristin Richards, head of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, speaks at the ceremonial groundbreaking Monday for the $8.7-million Rebuild Downtown project (photo by Jonathan Turner). The goal is to encourage private investment and improve the overall quality of life for those who live, work and visit the downtown of Rock Island, Thoms said. The $3-million state grant for the project was part of the State of Illinois Rebuild Downtowns and Mainstreets program, which is the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment ($106 million) focused on community revitalization. In addition to the $3 million provided by Rebuild Illinois, the project received approximately $267,000 in tourism grants to support Arts Alley. Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, called this a critical project. Main streets and downtowns are community hubs for commerce, creating jobs, attracting visitors and serving as economic drivers, she said. The downtown Rock Island project will stand as a beacon of revitalization and beautification for outdoor public spaces and enhanced commercial areas. Peter Tokar, new CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber, speaks Monday, April 15, 2024 in downtown Rock Island (photo by Jonathan Turner). For far too long, communities have been left to fix critical infrastructure on their own, Richards said. They havent had the opportunity or resources to make investment, revitalize and beautify the town centers that make their communities feel like home. Launched through Rebuild Illinois State capital funds and further expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the downtown grants support projects that will revitalize commercial hubs, beautify and modernize downtowns, address critical infrastructure needs, boost jobs and improve the quality of life for residents. Other funding sources for the downtown Rock Island improvements are $3.9 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, and $1.5 million from city Tax Increment Funding (TIF) district revenues. This is a great day. The best day in an economic development organizations life is a groundbreaking, said Peter Tokar III, CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. The groundbreaking for the downtown project, which is expected to be substantially completed by December 2024, with streetscaping, landscaping, patios, signage and other cosmetic improvements happening next spring (photo by Jonathan Turner). It shows progress, it shows things that are happening in the region, he said. Tokar said he was pinch hitting for Jack Cullen, executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, who was at a better event today. His wife Maria was in labor Monday with their second child. The downtown Rock Island project is a perfect example of the fruits of the partnership between the chamber, the businesses downtown and the city, Tokar said. It couldnt have been done alone; its a true partnership, he said. We appreciate Rock Island and what theyre doing. We cant wait to see this redevelopment project kick off. Its an exciting project. Itll bring life and energy to downtown Rock Island. Its something we all want to see. A rendering of improvements from Arts Alley on 2nd Avenue (left) looking east. The general contractor is Valley Construction of Rock Island, and the three project phases are: Phase 1 18 th Street from 1 st to 3 rd avenues; 3 rd Avenue from 18 th to 19 th Street, and 2 nd Avenue from 18 th to 19 th , to start April 16 and projected completion in November/December. Phase 2 Intersections of 19 th Street and 2 nd Avenue, and 19 th and 3 rd , to start in October, finished in December. Phase 3 Arts Alley reconstruction, in 1700 block of 2nd Avenue, starting in June, and finished in July. New landscaping, lighting, welcome signage and arches will not be erected until spring 2025. Also in 2025, the city is planning to reduce 1st Avenue (Illinois 92) to one lane each direction and left-turn lane into downtown, as separate from the Rebuild downtown project, Cullen said. The work includes complete reconstruction of streets, new sidewalks, new utilities (water and sewer lines), and streetscape improvements including streetlights, trees, benches, trash receptacles, public green space, gateway signage, and outdoor patios. There will be a major gateway arch placed at 1st Avenue and 18th Street. A new mini-roundabout will be put at the intersection of 18th and 2nd, to enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety, as well as serve as this central focal point, symbolizing the true historic center of our downtown, Cullen said. Theres a new green space proposed for 2nd Avenue and 18th Street, to replace an existing parking lot next to the former Blue Cat Brew Pub. It will be a flexible, mixed-use space to be used by the community, Cullen said. Businesses will remain open during construction, and all the partners will work hard to keep everyone informed about the status of work. That includes inviting people to sign up for a bi-weekly e-newsletter, and holding monthly meetings with stakeholders throughout the process. A new roundabout will be build at 18th Street and 2nd Avenue, with a through road between 18th and 19th, to replace the old pedestrian plaza. Available city-owned parking during construction will be: City lot at 3 rd Avenue between 17 th 18 th streets City lot near bus station at 2 nd Avenue and 19 th 2 nd Avenue between 17 th and 18 th West side of 19 th Street between 1 st and 2 nd South side of 2 nd Avenue between 19 th and 20 th 19 th Street from 2 nd to 3 rd North side of 3 rd Avenue between 19 th and 20 th City lot on southwest corner of 3 rd and 17 th 18 th Street between 3 rd and 4 th avenues 19th Street between 3rd and 4th The city and Downtown Alliance are working to get leases on future available parking owned by Modern Woodmen for their lots at 1st Avenue and 17th Street, and southeast corner of 2nd and 20th Street. These are not available now. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Armenia should reciprocate Azerbaijan's efforts towards peace in the region, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said during his speech at the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue Central Asia Gulf Cooperation Council within his working visit to Uzbekistan, Trend reports. The minister informed in detail about the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period, large-scale reconstruction and construction works carried out in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation, landmine threats, as well as the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Bayramov also expressed gratitude to all partners who supported Azerbaijan's position during almost 30 years of occupation by Armenia, as well as contributed to the construction and demining works carried out in the post-conflict period. To note, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, attends the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue Central Asia Gulf Cooperation Council as a guest of honor for the first time. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A guest house worker who was told that changing bed sheets is a womans job has won a claim of constructive unfair dismissal. Jason Fairfield made the comment to assistant Nicola Nolan after she suggested he should strip his own bed at the Lake District business he co-owned with his wife Catherine, an employment tribunal heard. Mr Fairfield was also accused of giving a patronising response when Ms Nolan raised an issue about a broken lavatory seat later that same day. Before the comments, Ms Nolan was said to have had a good working relationship with Mrs Fairfield her boss at Appletrees Guest House in Keswick but when her superior refused to apologise for her husbands behaviour this changed, the tribunal heard. After a heated discussion between Ms Nolan and her boss, she left the guest house job and sued for sex harassment and constructive dismissal. Despite Mr Fairfield insisting he would not make a comment of this nature because he has three daughters, an employment judge found the womans work comment had violated Ms Nolans dignity. The Manchester tribunal heard Ms Nolan was employed as an assistant at Appletrees in 2019. Her duties included cleaning guest rooms and serving breakfast. Both Ms Nolan and Mrs Fairfield agreed they had a good working relationship before mid-March 2022 and the tribunal was presented with messages that demonstrated friendly interactions which were full of kisses and a variety of emojis. However, on March 16, comments made by Mrs Fairfields husband changed the previously good working relationship, the tribunal found. Employment Judge Hilary Slater said Ms Nolan said something to Mr Fairfield, suggesting that he should have made or stripped the bed that he and Catherine Fairfield had slept in the previous night. In response, Mr Fairfield told the employee: No, its not my job to do it, it is a womans job. Despite his denial, Judge Slater said: It is possible that it was not a sincerely held view which he expressed but something said to deliberately wind [Ms Nolan] up. Later that day, there was a further conversation between the pair about a faulty lavatory seat. Ms Nolan said she had raised the issue of the broken seat on a number of occasions and on this day he responded in a patronising way. No choice but to leave Representing herself, Ms Nolan told the tribunal that Mr Fairfield said words to the effect of Do I need to take you upstairs and show you how to clean a toilet seat? or Do I need to give you an instruction manual on how to clean a toilet seat? The following day, Ms Nolan raised the issue of Mr Fairfields conduct to his wife. However, Mrs Fairfield did not respond or do anything to indicate that she would consider or address the issue, Ms Nolan said. On April 4, she requested another chat with her boss. Ms Nolan raised the issue of Mr Fairfield which resulted in a difficult discussion which may have been heated, the tribunal found. It was said at the end of the meeting, Ms Nolan walked out and said she had no choice but to leave. Ns Nolan said she wanted an apology from her boss for her husbands actions but Mrs Fairfield refused. Insulting and patronising After the meeting, Mrs Fairfield sent Ms Nolan a message reading saying she was really sorry how the morning turned out, and added: You have said you had no choice but to leave. Do I take this as your resignation[?] Ms Nolan did not reply and later that day Mrs Fairfield messaged her again, saying she was treating her decision to walk out of work as a termination of her employment at Appletrees. Judge Slater found that Mr Fairfield had been insulting and patronising. She said: Catherine Fairfield, by her response, or lack of it, to [Ms Nolan] raising an issue about Jason Fairfields behaviour, gave [Ms Nolan] no assurance that she would take steps to prevent any recurrence of similar behaviour. Catherine Fairfield was failing in her duty as an employer to acknowledge and look into a grievance raised by her employee. Addressing the sexist comment made by Mr Fairfield, Judge Slater said: The comment was made with the purpose of violating [Ms Nolans] dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for [her]. Her claims of constructive unfair dismissal and complaint of harassment related to sex in relation to Mr Fairfields womans job comment were upheld, although other claims she made were rejected. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Residents of a Marina del Rey apartment complex recounted the terrifying experience of sheltering in place, many in their bathtubs, for three hours as another resident of the complex indiscriminately fired off as many as 100 rounds from a firearm on the buildings rooftop over the weekend. According to a Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments release, deputies from the Marina del Rey station responded to a call regarding gunshots from inside the apartment complex, located in the 4100 block of Via Marina, around 10:15 p.m. Saturday night. Deputies established a containment of the location and requested additional resources, the LASD update stated. An LASD air unit observed a male suspect on the rooffiring rounds from a rifle. We heard three pops, and we werent sure what it was, Elizabeth Amos, a resident of Pearl Apartments, told KTLAs Rachel Menitoff. Amos and her husband, Jeff Rubin, ran into the bathroom where they spent several painstaking hours sheltering in place. We were like, What is that? and then we heard the gunman by the pool saying something along the lines of, I have an AR-15 and nobody cares, and we were like, Oh my gosh, she explained. There would be like 20 minutes of silence, Rubin added, and then another round of gunshots and that went on for three hours. Amos said it was almost more reassuring to hear the gunfire because at least they knew where the gunman was instead of a silence that meant he could have been anywhere in the building. A man was taken into custody after shots were fired from an apartment rooftop in Marina del Rey on April 13, 2024. (OnSceneTV) Weapons allegedly left by the gunman on the rooftop of a Marina del Rey apartment complex on April 13, 2024. (LASD) Video from the scene shows multiple police officers with guns drawn around an apartment building in Marina del Rey, CA on April 13, 2024. (OnSceneTV) Video from the scene shows multiple police officers with guns drawn around an apartment building in Marina del Rey, CA on April 13, 2024. (OnSceneTV) Video shows a large police presence outside an apartment building in Marina del Rey, CA on April 13, 2024. (TNLA) People returning home from a night out were forced duck for cover on the side of the road as deputies attempted to deescalate the suspects rampage. My Uber dropped me off because my street was closed, Marina del Rey resident Kierra Swusdee said. I was walking down the [street] and this guy was crouching behind a car and was like Come here, theres a shooter! So, I ran and hid behind the car. Amos and Rubin said they dont know the reason for the violent outburst, but believe the man, which they later realized they know, was having a psychotic break. Once we found out who it was, we realized that we knew the guy, Amos said. Weve seen him a million times before. He was nice, normal, quiet, didnt think once that he was anyone to worry about. When additional units, including four Bearcat vehicles, arrived SWAT moved in with an arrest team and took the suspect into custody around 1 a.m., law enforcement officials confirmed. Violence erupts as novelty shop in Southern California robbed at gunpoint A photograph of the scene released by LASD reportedly shows the weapons the man left behind, including what appears to be two rifles, a handgun and some tactical gear. If you tell me now that no one got hurt from all this, its hard to believe, Rubin said. Sheriffs department officials confirmed they were canvassing the area for evidence, witnesses and potential victims, however no victims were found. So far, authorities have not released the identity of the suspect. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Will hail, damaging winds hit the Dallas-Fort Worth area this week? Heres what to know Isolated hail and damaging winds are expected back in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as early as Monday night, the National Weather Service Fort Worth office reports. A dryline forming in Big Country, just west of the Metroplex, will begin to move east later today. The intensity of the thunderstorms that are likely to form in this system will depend on how quickly the cap over the region dissipates. This cap is why North Texas enjoyed a warm and relatively clear Sunday afternoon with highs in the 80s. The greatest potential for a few strong to severe thunderstorms will fall between 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday night, predominantly along/north of I-20 and west of I-35. Isolated hail and damaging winds will be the primary hazards, Fort Worth meteorologist Miles Langfeld wrote on the NWS website. It is very likely that the storms approaching Dallas-Fort Worth Monday just west of the I-35 corridor will weaken because of a strong cap hanging over the area. A cap is a layer of relatively warm air high in the atmosphere which suppresses or delays the development of thunderstorm even in the presence of extreme instability. Thunderstorms are expected to develop across West Texas late Monday afternoon and move eastward into our area in the evening and overnight hours. A few strong to severe storms are possible as they progress through North and Central Texas later Monday night, especially west of I-35. National Weather Service More trending stories: Snakes are crawling out of hibernation in Texas. Check the toilet before taking a seat. In Texas, set your thermostat at 80 when it's 100 degrees, expert says. Groceries at this national chain are the cheapest, study finds. Early last week, threats of large hail and even possible tornadoes pressured event organizers in Texas communities large and small to make decisions on whether to continue with their plans for the total solar eclipse or cancel. The storms moving across North Texas overnight Monday are likely to stall east of the Metroplex but any chances it could find a second wind will happen east of the our forecast area. This system is not expected to be a heavy rain or flood producer, with most areas likely seeing less than 0.25 of rain, according to Fort Worth meteorologist Matt Stalley. Thunderstorm activity will finally move off to the east by Tuesday afternoon as drier air arrives to North Texas, Stalley wrote on the NWS website. This will lead to a warmer and rain-free midweek period, with highs climbing into the 80s and even lower 90s by Wednesday, he wrote. Half of the missiles Iran fired at Israel failed on launch or malfunctioned and crashed, reports say Iran's missile and drone attacks on Israel largely failed, with many intercepted or malfunctioning. Around 60 of Iran's missiles failed on their own, multiple reports say. Iran appears to remain confident about possible future conflict with Israel. Half of the missiles Iran fired at Israel over the weekend failed on launch or malfunctioned and crashed, according to reports. More than 300 missiles and drones were fired toward Israel from Iran on Saturday evening in retaliation for an airstrike on the country's consulate in Syria. Around 99% of the missiles launched were intercepted by Israel, the US, the UK, France, and Jordan. Iran had warned for weeks that the attack was coming. That gave Israel's allies time to prepare and avoided targeting civilian locations. Israel praised the defense effort as a "significant strategic achievement." But around 60 of Iran's missiles failed on their own, according to several reports. An estimated 50% of Iran's 120 ballistic missiles failed to launch or crashed in flight, unnamed US officials told CBS News and The Wall Street Journal. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan shows a video of drones and missiles heading toward Israel during a United Nations Security Council on April 14, 2024. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU via Getty Images The attack also consisted of 170 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 30 cruise missiles, none of which crossed into Israeli territory, according to an online statement shared by a spokesperson for Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Speaking to CBS News, two US officials said five ballistic missiles made it through air defenses and impacted Israeli territory. Four landed at Navatim Air Force Base, which was thought to be Iran's primary target. One hit a runway, one hit an empty hanger, and another hit a hanger that wasn't in use, the publication said. Meanwhile, another missile appeared to be aimed at a radar site in northern Israel but missed, the outlet added. At the time of writing on Monday, one person an unnamed 10-year-old girl was reported as "severely injured" by shrapnel, the IDF confirmed. The details of her condition have not been released. Though Israel has not yet said how it plans to respond, the IDF spokesperson said it is "prepared and ready for further developments and threats." "We are doing and will do everything necessary to protect the security of the civilians of the State of Israel," they added. Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's ambassador to the UN, told Sky News that reports of Israel's forthcoming response are a "threat" and "talk, not an action." He said Israel "would know what our second retaliation would be" and that they "understand the next one will be most decisive." Iran ignored warnings from the US before it launched its attack. President Biden said on Friday that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later." His message to Iran was short and simple: "Don't." Sean McFate, a national security and foreign policy expert at Syracuse University, previously told BI that the Biden administration is losing its authority as its military support for Israel and simultaneous humanitarian aid for Gaza is sending mixed messages. "The fact that the Biden administration is both arming Israel and sending aid to Gaza shows the world that the Biden team has no strategic competence," McFate said. "They've already lost control." Representatives for the IDF, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider New Hampshire's education funding failure must stop April 11 To the Editor: Im writing in response to your article discussing the Statewide Education Property Tax (SWEPT) in New Hampshire and its implications for education funding across different towns. While I appreciate the attention brought to this issue, I think its critical to provide additional information and address key nuances that were overlooked. I recently attended an informational session in Hampton hosted by the NH School Funding Fairness Project. I was shocked to learn that NH, as a state, is and has been falling far short of its (state) constitutionally mandated obligation to fund an adequate education for our children. Last year, a NH court ruled that the state needed to provide at least $7, 356.01, per child, to fund that education. SWEPT was originally developed after the Claremont rulings of the 1990s as a vehicle for raising the funds that the state is obligated to supply. However, it was never the intent of SWEPT to allow individual towns to retain that money or carry an excess balance forward. However, the wealthier towns in NH eventually lobbied to change SWEPT fund management and were granted that ability in 2011, widening the town-by-town gap between not only property tax rates, but quality of education. This history is important, because it gives context to the term donor town, which is used frequently in your article. Branding wealthy towns who raise excess funds as donors paints a disingenuous picture of reality, implying a voluntary act of giving, which is simply not the case. The SWEPT tax was designed to ensure that the whole state contributed to funding education. Changing the way these funds are managed to allow them to be retained and withheld completely undercut SWEPTs purpose and intent and was ruled to violate the NH constitution last year. And as a result of this change, towns with average home values- around $400k- are sometimes taxed at a rate more than double that of towns where home values average $800k and above. Its incredibly frustrating to know that two children, who live just miles apart, can have vastly different access to quality schooling. It doesnt seem right that in NH, if you want to buy an affordable house, youve got to stomach the cripplingly high tax-rate that comes with it. And all for an underfunded, underwhelming education for your children. We can do better. We must do better. We cant continue to overtax our neighbors who are already struggling, and we cant keep turning a blind eye to the glaring disparities in school funding. I learned a lot by attending the NH School Funding Fairness Project informational session in my town. Id encourage anyone who wants a more thorough understanding of education funding in our state to visit their website or reach out to them to learn more, and to get involved in this conversation. And I hope we can retire the phrase donor town and begin solving this together. Sarah Elliott Hampton Opinion: "I hope we can retire the phrase donor town and begin solving (education funding in New Hampshire) together. Thanks to library for wonderful eclipse event April 10 To the Editor: On Monday, of this week, our Portsmouth Community was given a terrific opportunity to gather together and celebrate the Solar Eclipse at our own Public Library. The Library thoughtfully organized both an Inside" and Outside event for watchers - the livestream NASA coverage available inside the Library auditorium, and the gathering to view outside on the library lawn. A huge shout-out to Library Director Christine Friese and her staff for the seamless organization in presenting such a great program - and for greeting and helping guide everyone with such positivity and good cheer, and having extra solar glasses on hand - excellent planning! Watching everyone who gathered outside chatting, helping one another with fitting their glasses properly, exchanging eclipse stories, playing with doggie friends, and generally appreciating the sunny weather, a chance to witness the wonders of Nature, and just coming to be together made a genuinely wonderful community afternoon. Kudos to our city and library for sponsoring such a successful day! Bravo, Bravo, Bravo! Penny Bartko Portsmouth Palestine The other side of the story April 11 To the Editor: Most of us understand the history behind a Jewish homeland. Not many appreciate the Palestinian peoples story. Much is made of the fact that Israel was always there. From a biblical perspective, folks argue that the land from the River to the Sea belongs to Israel. However, Jews were just a subset of the population in the region throughout antiquity and before 1948. Before Moses, the region was known as Canaan and inhabited by the Canaanites. With Jewish control, Judea (containing Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple) became the principal home of the Jews. The word "Palestine" was coined in the 5th century B.C. by the Greek historian Herodotus to define the coastal area from modern-day Lebanon to Egypt. He made no distinction among its inhabitants of which there were manyincluding the Philistines, Greeks, Syrians and Assyrians. In 63 B.C., Judea came under the control of Rome. Jewish revolt against Rome around 135 A.D. led to the dispersal of Jews all over the in the Middle East, Europe and North Africa by the Romans. Antisemitism itself spread across Europe in concert with the spread of Christianity in that region. Judea then became known as Syria Palaestinahome to straggler Jews, Assyrians, and Greeksthe ancestors of modern Palestinians. In 636, the Muslims conquered Palestine, bringing with them Islam and Arabic (500 years after the disbursement of the Jews. Islam itself had only been around since the early 600s AD.) In 1517, the Turks conquered the area ruling it until about the end of the First World War. With the end of Turkish rule, in 1922 the League of Nations gave Britain a mandate to manage Palestine. In response to a rise in anti-Semitism in the late 19th century in Europe, European Jews sought Britain's support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. At the turn of the 20th century, shipping through the Suez Canal was mostly British. Britain favored the colonization of Palestine by European Jews who they believed would be sympathetic to British interests versus local Arabs. In 1917, Britain issued the Balfour Declaration announcing its support for a Jewish homeland to be shared with indigenous Palestinians. Britain incorporated the Balfour Declaration into its mandate for Palestine. Palestines population in 1918 was 60,000 Jews and 600,000 Arabs. With the British Mandate, European Jews began immigrating to Palestine. By 1947 there were 630,000 Jews and 1.3 million Arabs. By 1947, Britain sought relief from its oversight of Palestine and looked to the UN for a solution. The UN plan called for two-states with a territorial split consisting of 42% of Palestine for Arabs and a Jewish state comprising 56% of the area. The split was biased against the Palestinian Arabs who accounted for 67% of the population. On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was born. Today there are about 7 million Jews and 7 million Arabs in an area not that much larger than the State of Vermont. The regions history is very complicated. James T. Lalos Portsmouth US must stop funding Israel if it fails to follow rules of war April 11 To the Editor: After the killing of 7 aid workers for the World Community Kitchen in Gaza a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was interviewed by the British Broadcasting Corporation. He called the killings a tragic mistake, but that the IDF conduct in the war was the most ethical in the history of wars. He then bragged that the IDF had allowed 18,000 truckloads of aid into Gaza since the war began. Prior to the war Gaza received 500 truckloads of aid each day. 18,000 truckloads constitute 36 days of aid in 180 days. Instead of proving how ethical Israel was in conducting the war it proves Israel was deliberately starving the people of Gaza. Even our own Secretary of State has stated that all of Gaza is facing starvation, though he diplomatically called it food insecurity. The Public Broadcasting Services Newshour reported that Israel has damaged or destroyed 800 schools in Gaza. It has all but rendered hospitals unable to operate by depriving them of fuel for their generators as well as medical supplies. Israel is a signatory of the Geneva Convention. The time has come for America to stop arming Israel until it comes into full compliance with the Convention and all International rules of war. Walter Hamilton Portsmouth Peace will only come when Palestinians accept state of Israel April 12 To the Editor: The recent letter by Pastor Grimshaw-Jones (April 12) is appalling on many levels. His opposition to SB 439 is based in large part on vicious slurs aimed at Israel and its people. He alleges that Israel practices "apartheid" and "ethnic cleansing" and is a "blatantly racist system." These claims are utterly false. It is certainly true that Jews have been ethnically cleansed from most Arab nations. However, Israel is a racially and ethnically diverse nation with a large Arab minority. All of its citizens have the same civil rights whether they are secular or observant Jews, Muslims, Druze, or Christians. To compare Israeli society to that of South Africa is preposterous, and Grimshaw-Jones should know that. The reverend would have us believe that the BDS movement is a peaceful movement that simply tries to stop the flow of weaponry to Israel. That claim is false. BDS activists frequently disrupt activities on US campuses, sometimes violently. The targets of these activists include Israeli academics trying to deliver scholarly lectures and Israeli dancers and musicians in the midst of performances. In October, Jewish students at Cooper Union College had to be locked in the school library to protect them from a mob of BDS advocates. Perhaps Grimshaw-Jones should consult the definition of antisemitism drafted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. This definition has been adopted or endorsed by several dozen national governments and several dozen US states. One example of antisemitism offered by the IHRA is "claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor." I hope that Grimshaw-Jones can open his heart and acknowledge that Israel is a tiny country with a Jewish majority that deserves to live in peace. Peace will come, however, only if the Palestinians and their BDS supporters accept the permanent existence of the State of Israel. Richard England Durham Let LGBTQ+ Granite Staters live free April 11- To the Editor: New Hampshires Live Free or Die state motto should guarantee freedom and privacy to all Granite Staters because everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome in the community they call home, regardless of sexual preference or gender identity. Im grateful to live in Senator Debra Altschillers district because she understands this. As the N.H. Senate debated anti-LGBTQ+ bills, she defended LGBTQ+ youth and pointed out the hypocrisy of those defending these anti-LGBTQ+ attacks. Unfortunately, many legislators do not. This legislative session, an alarming amount of bills targeting our LGBTQ+ community were introduced. The N.H. Senate passed bills that would ban transgender girls from playing on teams corresponding to the gender they live every day and require schools to forcibly out teenagers who may not be ready to talk with their parents about their gender identity. These bills will head to the N.H. House. In the N.H. House, bills banning health care and referrals for LGBTQ+ individuals have already been passed and will be heading to the N.H. Senate in April. Now more than ever, we must continue to support our LGBTQ+ loved ones and community members. Meredith Murray Exeter WRITE TO US Please keep letters to 250 words or less. Submissions must include the writers first and last names, city or town and a daytime telephone number (which is for verification purposes only and will not be published). Send letters or commentaries to opinion@seacoastonline.com. Letters from Seacoast-area writers addressing local topics will be given priority for publication. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: New Hampshire's education funding failure must stop Alon Cassuto stepped into his role as chief executive of the Zionist Federation of Australia during one of the most tumultuous periods in the roughly 200-year history of the countrys formal Jewish community just a few weeks after the Oct. 7 terror attacks, and as anti-Israel and antisemitic acts, speech and demonstrations were raging across the continent. Protests against Israel began almost immediately after the massacres, including a particularly infamous assembly outside the Sydney Opera House, where the Israeli flag had been projected as a sign of support after Oct. 7. A pro-Palestinian crowd gathered, menacingly chanting Where are the Jews? (initially reported as Gas the Jews, until a clearer audio recording emerged) and Fuck the Jews. In October and November 2023 alone, there was a 738% increase in reported antisemitic incidents compared to the same time the previous year, including graffiti of swastikas and epithets like gas the Jews and bring Hitler back/ finish the job, social media posts with antisemitic sentiments, assaults and threats of death and/or rape against Jews, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported. In the subsequent months, anti-Israel and anti-Jewish demonstrations continued to assemble in the streets including earlier this morning, as protesters blocked traffic around Melbourne and students reported feeling unsafe on their campuses. In February, a group published the contact details of about 600 Jewish creatives in a WhatsApp group chat, resulting in threats against at least one of the members children. In response to this growing problem, Cassuto told eJewishPhilanthropy recently that he is calling for strong leadership from the Australian federal and local governments, as well as security forces, to condemn antisemitism and assert that they wouldnt let Jews feel threatened or unsafe. He is also advocating for building and strengthening ties to other communities in Australia and to bolstering the Jewish communitys resilience through Jewish schools and youth movements, free trips to Israel with Birthright and Masa and social circles where Jews connect deeply with what it means to be Jewish, with their people in their tribe and feel welcomed and supported. As he takes the reins of the umbrella organization, which represents 20 affiliated groups from a broad array of backgrounds, Cassuto said the Australian Jewish community needs to build phenomenal leaders, who know what their Jewish identity means, what Israel means to them but also how to build movements, build strategies and execute impacts wherever they go [who can teach the world] that were not Jews who are trembling: We are Jews who stand proud. Cassuto, 39, said that from the research the community has done, only an extreme minority of Australians hold anti-Israel or antisemitic beliefs, while most Australians just want to avoid the discussion about the conflict in Gaza entirely. Theyre saying, weve had enough of the war with its background noise we dont want to import that friction here, he said. Australian Jews watched the countrys population of roughly 800,000 Muslims for gestures toward interfaith reconciliation, but none came; instead extreme progressives allied with a radicalized Arab and Islamist community, Cassuto said, and have said things like, Zionists can go to hell and Oct. 7 was legitimate resistance. Cassuto, who was born and raised in Jerusalem and has been involved in Jewish organizations for most of this life, worked for years as a consultant to nonprofits before applying for the CEO position in September. In January, he succeeded Ginette Searle, who had served in the role for over a decade. Because the Zionist Federation represents a broad tent politically and religiously, theres room for a lot of different views and nuance. We should be able to hold two truths at once, he said. That Israel is fighting a just war against a brutal terrorist organization that doesnt care about its own people, let alone the safety and security of Israelis, and [that] theres a huge amount of suffering in Gaza, Cassuto said. He believes a person can be deeply passionate and dedicated to building a thriving Jewish community thats deeply connected to Israel and at the same time, to have compassion for what people are experiencing in Gaza, which is horrific, he said. Cassuto said he wants to take back the word Zionist for the Jewish community. Its on us to reclaim Zionism, to bring Zionism into the spotlight for what it truly is, which is a beautiful and successful rebirth of self-determination, he said. For some reason, Jewish is an OK word and Zionist is not. A vast majority of Jews do believe in the tenets of Zionism Jewish self-determination and the right to live freely in the State of Israel, which is a reality, not an aspiration. Though it has had a number of issues with the State of Israel over the years notably over the handling of the 1997 Maccabiah bridge collapse, which killed four and injured more than 60 Australian delegates, and more recently the Malka Leifer case, in which members of the Israeli government allegedly worked to fight an extradition order for the later-convicted rapist Australian Jewry has historically been one of the most avowedly Zionist Jewish communities around the world. According to Cassuto, the vast majority of Jews in Australia feel intimately connected to Israel and 90% of Australian Jews support Israels efforts against Hamas. When Israel is attacked, he continued, a significant majority feel as if they are experiencing the attack themselves, making the intellectual distinction between antisemitism and anti-Zionism irrelevant because it doesnt really matter to the people who represent our community and have been under attack. Some 400 young Australians travel to Israel each year for different educational programs, and hundreds more older Australians on various missions and delegations. The community also brings roughly 20 shlichim (emissaries) to serve in local Jewish youth movements, and as a result, Cassuto says, we have one of the most Zionist, passionate, deeply connected communities anywhere in the worldI think thats because of the investment this community has made in its organizations and institutions, in its relationship with Israel, he said. We are the beneficiaries of that. Although the Jewish community is relatively small according to the Australian 2021 census, there are about 100,000 Jews in the country it makes a disproportionate impact within Australian society, Cassuto said. As example, he said, consider Sir John Monash: A Jewish Australian military officer and civil engineer, dubbed the best general on the western front in Europe during World War I, and a proud Zionist, who founded the federation that Cassuto now helms nearly a century ago. When he died, a few short years after he founded the ZFA, 200,000 people lined the streets for his funeral. He was an Australian legend universities and hospitals have been named after him, Cassuto said. When Monash gave an opening speech as founding president of the ZFA, Cassuto added, he spoke about how much it meant to him to have both an aspiration for Jewish self-determination as well as being a Jew who deeply contributes to Australian society. Those two truths still hold today. Cassuto said that Australian Jews still hold multiple identities, emotional commitments and connections to multiple places. In his case, he said, hes super proud to be a Zionist Australian and Israeli and Italian. Even before Oct. 7, roughly two-thirds of university students reported experiencing antisemitism in the past 12 months, but 85% of those students said they didnt complain because they didnt feel like it would make a difference. However, Cassuto says hes also seen a reawakening of Jewish identity and connection in the Australian Jewish community, with a recent 70% increase in membership of Jewish campus groups. [They] recognized that both Israel and Jewish identity is actually quite a core part of who they are, he said, and that it falls to strong leadership to be able to channel these reawakened members of our community and make sure that we sustain them, as well as making it safe to be a proud Jew and a proud Zionist. View comments The oft-repeated claim by Republican politicians, "Every state is a border state," appears to be resonating with voters across the country and notably in states that are thousands of miles away from the U.S. southern border. "Every state became a border state when President Biden took office and immediately reversed commonsense policies that protected our borders," Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, told Fox News Digital in a statement. Immigration surpassed all other issues in a poll by Gallup in February, as more Americans agreed it was "the most important problem facing this country today." The number of respondents to say so jumped eight points from January, to 28%. The previous issue cited as most important by Americans was "government," followed by immigration, inflation and the economy in general. While immigration concerns managed to climb, government, inflation and economic worries remained relatively steady. READ MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE FROM FOX NEWS DIGITAL Govs. Kim Reynolds and Chris Sununu said their states of Iowa and New Hampshire see the effects of the border crisis, despite being far away, as President Biden is criticized for allegedly exacerbating immigration issues. The issue ranked as the most important for the first time since 2019, prior to President Biden taking office and during former President Trump's administration. This was the year Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border following congressional refusal to grant him requested funds for border wall construction. "The federal governments inaction at our nations borders has led to a crisis with direct impacts upon all fifty states," New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu told Fox News Digital in a statement. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP BIDEN HAD SIMILAR LEGAL AID ARRANGEMENT HE SLAMMED TRUMP OVER In the state, which is more than 2,000 miles from the U.S. southern border, 83% of residents said they consider illegal immigration a serious issue for the country. Among those residents, 58% said it is "very serious," according to a March University of New Hampshire Survey Center (UNHSC) poll. Andrew Smith, director of the UNHSC, noted that the percentage of those who agree that illegal immigration is a "very serious" issue nationally has remained steady for more than a decade. Julie Kirchner, executive director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), told Fox News Digital in a statement, "Americans are not only seeing total chaos at the borders, where foreign nationals are literally tearing down barriers and assaulting border agents, they are witnessing first-hand how the crisis impacts every aspect of society." At the same time, the March polling revealed that support for the construction of a border wall has surged since 2017, when opposition among New Hampshire residents was at more than half. Now, 52% in the state are in favor of the border wall, while 39% are against it. "Every state, including New Hampshire, has experienced firsthand the economic and emotional toll associated with the federal governments failed response," said Sununu. The southern border is a main entry point for illegal immigrants. Reynolds claimed, "Its clear to Iowans, and the American people, that the only way this chaos and crisis at the border can be fixed is at the ballot box," crediting Biden with the widespread effects of illegal immigration. Democratic strategist Eric Koch pushed back on the idea the surging concern over immigration is Biden's fault, however. He noted that Republicans and Democrats in the Senate had been negotiating a border package "that President Biden said he would have signed." The deal was ultimately sunk after former President Trump came out against it and Republican lawmakers followed suit. "Trump and Republicans don't actually want to solve problems and walking away from the bipartisan border deal only confirms that," Koch added. A White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement, "The Administration spent months negotiating in good faith to deliver the toughest and fairest bipartisan border security bill in decades because we need Congress to make significant policy reforms and to provide additional funding to secure our border and fix our broken immigration system." The statement accused Republicans of placing "partisan politics ahead of our national security" in rejecting the border deal. "Even without significant action from Congress, DHS is maximizing its enforcement operations," the spokesperson said. In South Carolina's recent Republican presidential primary, 37% of voters pointed to immigration as the issue that was of the most significance to them ahead of casting their vote, according to a Reuters exit poll. SEN ERNST CITES JEWISH STUDENT DISCRIMINATION IN BID TO PROTECT FREE SPEECH ON CAMPUSES In South Carolina's recent Republican presidential primary, 37% of voters pointed to immigration as the issue that was of the most significance to them ahead of casting their vote, according to a Reuters exit poll. The economy came in second at 33% in the state, which is similarly more than 1,000 miles from the southern border. "Every state is a border state because the Biden administration policies are to allow hundreds of thousands of aliens to illegally enter the United States and then be transported by federally funded NGOs to wherever they choose," said James Massa, CEO of NumbersUSA. "A reason those non-border state voters are so focused on this is because of the right-wing media obsession with the issue," claimed Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff, who chalked some of the concern up to a tactic to rally the Republican base. "The irony here is Biden and Democrats have put forth a bipartisan border deal that would address many of the cited concerns Republicans have been focused on, and the deal was killed because of Trump," he added, echoing both the White House and fellow strategist Koch. As Massa pointed out, non-governmental organizations are involved in the transportation of illegal immigrants to various locations within the U.S., and many of these NGOs also receive federal reimbursement and advance payments from the Department of Homeland Security for providing shelter or other eligible services to migrants released by DHS. 'EXPECT NPR TO SUFFER UNDER GOP ADMIN: REPUBLICANS RENEW CALL TO DEFUND OUTLET AMID BIAS SCANDAL DHS reimburses NGOs for costs associated with migrant sheltering. "The border crisis is funded with taxpayer dollars, regardless of state," he claimed. He further said that illegal immigrants are choosing to travel further into the U.S. once being paroled by DHS, opting to settle in states "that have sanctuary policies and/or benefit programs." Illegal immigrants have also been transported by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's administration to locations that have touted "sanctuary" policies for illegal immigrants, which some have pointed to as a trigger for concerns about the border across the country. "Since launching the border transportation mission in April 2022, Texas has transported over 112,000 migrants to self-declared sanctuary cities to provide much-needed relief to our overrun and overwhelmed border communities as the Biden administration leaves thousands of migrants in Texas border towns," said Renae Eze, Abbott spokesperson. MORE THAN 40 SENATE REPUBLICANS CALL FOR MAYORKAS IMPEACHMENT TRIAL IN LETTER TO SCHUMER Republican strategist Doug Heye noted that "complaints from Democratic politicians that they cant handle this crisis on their own" lend some credence to the claim that every state is now effectively a border state. Abbott began busing migrants in 2022. Leaders of cities such as Chicago and New York, among others, have been overwhelmed by the illegal immigrants pouring in, prompting them to request assistance from Biden and the White House and plead with Abbott to halt his busing program. "The sheer hypocrisy of these Democrat mayors knows no bounds, going to extreme lengths to avoid fulfilling their self-declared sanctuary city promises, yet they remain silent as President Biden transports migrants all around the country and oftentimes in the cover of night," added Eze. Iowa GOP strategist David Kochel suggested the "squealing of [Democratic] mayors is definitely related to the busing." Original article source: Heartland voters feeling strain of mass migration: 'Every state is a border state' Anyone for free money? Yes, as the Prime Minister discovered when he was offering to pay for our pub lunch under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. But his marketing genius seems to have deserted him when it comes to the seemingly more generous offer of thousands of pounds for a heat pump. Even with an increase in the grant from 5,000 to 7,500 per installation, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has failed to capture the imagination of the British public. In the first two years of the scheme only 127 million out of a possible 300 million of grants have been taken up. Between May 2022, when the subsidies were introduced, and December last year just 18,900 heat pumps were installed compared with 1.5 million new gas boilers. And no, it isnt because the gas boiler industry has poisoned our minds with anti-heat pump propaganda, as the green lobby would have it. Rather it comes down to basic economics. A 7,500 grant doesnt seem such a good deal when it comes in the form of a discount on something which remains fantastically expensive even after the grant is taken into account. The justification for subsidising heat pumps was supposed to be that it would allow the industry to reach a larger scale and thus bring down costs. But that doesnt seem to be happening. I first obtained a quote for a heat pump for my home in 2010, when it was going to cost 10,000. True, some things come down in price when they move from being a niche product to a mass market one, but it is foolish to assume that all new technologies will go this way. Moreover, with heat pumps there is the added problem of their questionable effectiveness in older properties. Some people seem to like them, while others have splashed out many thousands still find themselves shivering in a lukewarm home. So what exactly is the incentive for homeowners to rip out a gas boiler and replace it with a heat pump? One of the reasons you might do it is that you are concerned about climate change and want to make your own personal gesture. Is that what taxpayers are subsidising: middle class guilt? Paying 7,500 a time to help quite well off people feel better about themselves. At least Rishi Sunaks subsidised pub lunches ended after a month. At some point he and his colleagues are going to have to ask themselves: how much longer are we prepared to sink public money into propping up an industry whose products show little sign of being able to achieve mass appeal on their own merits? Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Heated argument over Pop-Tarts ends in roommate beaten to death, Alabama police say A man is accused of hitting his roommate with a pipe over an argument about Pop-Tarts, resulting in his death, Alabama police said. Billy Joe Maynard, 63, sustained three broken ribs and a ruptured spleen in the incident, the Ozark Police Department said. In the early hours of April 4, emergency medical personnel were called to a residence in southeast Alabama to take Maynard to the hospital, police said in an April 12 news release. Maynard told first responders he was injured in a recent incident involving a metal pipe, according to police. He died at a hospital, and an autopsy showed his cause of death was blunt force trauma, officials said. On April 11, investigators said they worked tirelessly to get in touch with the mans roommate, 59-year-old Daryl Miley. When they interviewed him, Miley told investigators he hit Maynard with a metal pipe in his abdomen over a heated argument about an alleged Pop Tart theft, police said. Miley was arrested and booked in Dale County jail on a manslaughter charge, records show. His attorney information is not available in jail records. Ozark is about an 85-mile drive southeast of Montgomery. Women drive dead roommates body to bank to withdraw money, Ohio police say Son shoots 79-year-old dad to death during argument over injured dog, Texas cops say Woman insists roommate get rid of 6 cats, so he shoots her 10 times, Florida cops say Dispute over 4-wheeler leads to one brother shooting the other dead, Florida cops say This is a locator map for Afghanistan with its capital, Kabul. (AP Photo) ISLAMABAD (AP) Heavy flooding from seasonal rains in Afghanistan has killed at least 33 people and injured 27 others in three days, a Taliban spokesman said Sunday. Abdullah Janan Saiq, the Talibans spokesman for the State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management, said Sunday that flash floods hit the capital, Kabul, and several provinces. He added more than 600 houses were either damaged or destroyed while around 200 livestock died. The flooding also damaged around 800 hectares of agricultural land, and more than 85 kilometers (53 miles) of roads, Saiq said. Western Farah, Herat, southern Zabul and Kandahar are among the provinces that suffered the most damage, he added. The weather department forecast more rain in the coming days in most of Afghanistans 34 provinces. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a meeting with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi during his working visit to Uzbekistan, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend. During the meeting, the current level of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Oman and prospects for the development of cooperation in such spheres as economy, trade, energy, tourism, water resource management, healthcare, and others were discussed. "Continued political consultations and high-level visits between the two countries were highlighted as crucial for further enhancing relations. The decision to establish our embassy in Oman was emphasized as a significant step forward. Satisfaction was expressed with the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Oman within international organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the UN. It was noted that Azerbaijan will host COP29 this year, providing an additional opportunity for cooperation between the two countries. Various bilateral and regional issues were also discussed during the meeting," the ministry said. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Belltown is a pretty busy area of Seattle, filled with high-rise buildings and snazzy condos. Noise is expected in such a city. So when you're loud enough to make city residents fill a subreddit with hate for you, you're probably making too much noise. However, being annoying in the middle of the night is one thing, we've all been obnoxious teenagers revving our engines a bit too loudly. But driving at over 100 mph through city streets while recording it for social media is another thing entirely and enough to get 20-year-old Miles Hudson banned from driving his own Dodge Charger Hellcat. Hudson, who goes by srt.miles on Instagram , pleaded not guilty to two charges of reckless driving, following a February Instagram video that saw him hit 107 mph while racing another Charger, according to The Seattle Times . One of the conditions of Hudson's release is that he's banned from driving his Charger Hellcat Jailbreak Editionlocally known as the Belltown Hellcatfor a year. He can drive another car, just not the Hellcat. Sheley Anderson, Hudson's attorney, claims that the ban is excessive and that it will prevent him from going to work. But the judge upheld the Hellcat ban. Belltown residents have been filing complaints about Hudson with the city and posting the city's responses to Reddit . Hudson's Hellcat has an aftermarket exhaust with a burble tune and no cats. So it's loud. And he has several videos on his Instagram of him excessively revving and racing it at two o'clock in the morning. In one video, he looks out at the car from his high-rise balcony at 2:41 A.M., remote-starts it, and it's shockingly loud from even that high up. Several more videos show him doing donuts and hooning the Charger through Seattle. Hudson currently has over 700,000 followers and some of his videos have almost one million likes. According to KING5 news, when stopped by the police, Hudson reportedly told them that he wasn't going to stop driving recklessly, since doing so on social media is making him money. He said he's going to keep doing what Im doing. Im going to make a career out of this. The other requirements for his release are that he can't have any criminal violations, drive without a license, or drive without proof of insurance. He faces up to a year in jail, a $5,000 fine, or a suspended license for 30 days if convicted. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com A large HELP sign made out of palm leaves saved the lives of three stranded sailors on a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean for more than a week after members of the U.S. Coast Guard spotted it from the sky. Sometimes you can learn a thing or two from the movies. The three men were found on April 9 on the Pikelot Atoll part of the Federated States of Micronesia. Its just 0.28 miles long and 0.17 miles wide with a population of exactly zero people. As far as islands go, its a lil guy. The three men survived on coconuts and water from a well on the island, but they were quickly running out of food when they were found, according to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard. The three men in their 40s used palm tree branches to make their plea to the sky Gods (pilots.) They were all rescued in good health but were slightly dehydrated after a coordinated effort by the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in the region as well as the U.S. Navy. The trio had traveled on March 31 from Polowat Atoll about 115 miles away from where they ended up on a fishing trip aboard a 20-foot skiff with an outboard motor, according to the Coast Guards statement. Photo: U.S. Coast Guard They got a distress call from a woman who said her three uncles were missing and had not returned home from Pikelot Atoll. Heres what the Coast Guard did: SC Guam watchstanders immediately began coordinating a multifaceted search and rescue operation. Despite initial challenges in mobilizing air assets due to availability, operational commitments, and weather conditions, persistent efforts led to the engagement of a U.S. Navy P-8 aircraft crew from Kadena Air Force Base in Japan and the diversion of USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), already underway in the FSM, to the initial search area which spanned over 78,000 square nautical miles. The breakthrough came when the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft identified the three mariners on April 7 on Pikelot Atoll, confirming their presence and condition. In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out HELP on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery. This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location said Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search and rescue mission coordinator on the day they were located. This successful operation underscores the effective coordination and partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, and regional partners. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved. Obviously, the aircraft couldnt come right down to them. Instead, the crew sent survival packages down to the stranded fisherman until further assistance could come to the island. Photo: U.S. Coast Guard On April 9 the crew of the Oliver Henry was able to meet with the men on the Pikelot Atoll. They rescued the mariners and their equipment and brought them back to Polowat Atoll. Maybe if Tom Hanks had put up a HELP sign when he was an island his wife wouldnt have left him and his best friend wouldnt have been a volleyball. Tough to say. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A mother in a family court case claims she would 'not receive a fair hearing' with Sir Jonathan Cohen as judge - Avalon A High Court judge has been removed from overseeing a case involving an alleged rape victim who claimed she would be prejudiced by his membership of the male-only Garrick Club. Sir Jonathan Cohen was due to hear a family court case involving a dispute between a mother and father over their sons care, with the woman accusing the man of domestic abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour. The court has heard that at no stage have the mothers allegations against the father been determined. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has also alleged that she was raped and sexually assaulted by other men, and is appealing against a courts decision for a male psychologist to assess the family due to being an alleged victim of male violence. She applied for Sir Jonathan to step back from her case, claiming she would feel prejudiced because of his membership of the Garrick Club, which does not allow female members. A different High Court judge decided on Thursday that Sir Jonathan should not hear the case because of his club membership, adding that the father was also a regular visitor. A second High Court judge decided that Sir Jonathan should not hear the case because he is a member of the men-only Garrick Club - Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg In his ruling, Mr Justice Keehan said: The application for recusal is granted on the basis that ... Sir Jonathan Cohen is a member of the Garrick Club, the father was a regular visitor to the Garrick Club, the fathers ex-employer is a member of the Garrick Club. The judge also said the mother had previously protested outside the club. The Guardian reported last month that several High Court judges and dozens of barristers are members of the Garrick Club, in central London. Sir Jonathan was not named by The Guardian, but the mother claimed he was named as a member in other press reports. In written submissions, she said: The fair-minded and informed observer, having considered these facts, would conclude that there was a real possibility of bias should Sir Jonathan Cohen determine the appeal. I would also feel prejudiced and I do not feel that I would receive a fair hearing. Unfair advantage Responding to the reports, Sam Townend KC, chairman of the Bar Council, said it remains the choice of judges and barristers as to whether they join such institutions, but warned that closed doors and exclusionary spaces could create an unfair advantage and it is vitally important that we retain the trust and confidence of the public. Sir Jonathan was due to hear the mothers appeal over a judges decision made last August that a man should carry out a global psychological assessment of the family. The mother asked that a female psychologist instead carry out the assessment, suggesting several women who could complete it, but this request was refused last October. The appeal is now being heard by Ms Justice Henke at the Royal Courts of Justice and is set to conclude on Tuesday. In written arguments, Dr Charlotte Proudman, representing the mother at the hearing on Monday, said: The mother instructs that she would not be able to open up to a male psychologist about the male violence she has suffered, which would prevent a full assessment from taking place, creating an artificial exercise and likely resulting in a gap in the evidence. Both parents attended the first day of the hearing, with the mother hidden by a screen. Barristers for the father previously said the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, a body that represents children in family court proceedings, said the parents made cross-allegations of domestic abuse but that there are no safeguarding concerns about the child spending time with the father. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Gov. Kathy Hochuls administration is oversaturating Harlem with drug treatment facilities and its got to stop, fed up Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-13) said. Its too much for the community. Its totally out of control, Espaillat told The Post. There are currently 13 such clinics many running along or near the spine of 125th Street with 75% to 80% of patients coming from outside of Harlem, the congressman said. Thirteen drug addiction treatment centers have opened in Harlem, many along or near the spine of 125th Street, which is drawing drug dealers to the area like a magnet. Google Maps The high concentration of treatment clinics serving addicts is also attracting more drug dealers to the neighborhood, claimed Espaillat. For the mess he blames the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports, which licenses and approves drug treatment programs. Hochul oversees the agency. Its bad planning, Espaillat said. OASAS has been horrible. He said hes personally discussed the problem with the governor, but that the status quo is untenable. Espaillat said merchant groups like the 125th Business Improvement District are furious and described the abundance of drug treatment clinics in a single corridor a form of redlining. The merchants, feeling under siege, even objected to opening a legal pot store across from the Apollo Theater. Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-13) told The Post hes deeply troubled by the influx of drug treatment centers in his district, and is calling on Gov. Hochul to intervene. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images According to a list provided by the congressmans office, the locations of just some of the addiction centers include: 119 W. 124th Street 103 East 125th Street 132 W. 125th Street 2406 Amsterdam Avenue 2191 Third Avenue 2367-69 Second Avenue I have long expressed my concerns and am deeply troubled by the number of OASAS clinics and their placement in my district, said Espaillat. There is an undeniably disproportionate amount of methadone treatment clinics in communities in my district compared to the residents who need it. This disparity results in nearly an 80% increase of treatment-seekers from outside of our communities to commute to Harlem and East Harlem for these services, a pattern which has subsequently created an increase in the drug dealers in the surrounding area as well as an increase in drug use and overdoses in our communities, he continued. He said he has urged OASAS to relocate some of the drug treatment clinics so they are distributed more equitably across the city as opposed to the current oversaturation in predominantly African American and Latino neighborhoods, he said. Espaillat noted that northern Manhattan is shouldering more than its share of responsibility in helping addicts get their lives back on track. His district includes two controversial safe drug injection sites where addicts can bring their own drugs and are provided with clean needles to shoot up under the watch of medical professionals. A report by The Post revealed that drug dealers sold narcotics to patients at the injection sites. The fentanyl crisis has only worsened the situation, the congressman said. Ive seen people shooting up drugs between cars, he said. The Post previously reported about a legion of drug-addicted zombies roaming East Harlem and transforming parts of the neighborhood into lawless, open-air shooting galleries. The congressman knows the damage that open drug use can cause a community, having battled the crack epidemic that infected Washington Heights in the 1980s and early 1990s. Espaillat says said hes personally discussed the problem with Gov. Hochul, but that the status quo is untenable. Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul OASAS defended its actions Sunday following Espaillats criticism. OASAS does not select sites to place treatment facilities, but rather certifies the applications submitted from community-based providers to deliver services at a given location based on a demonstration of need, said agency spokesman Evan Frost. He said the decision on where to place treatment facilities follows a multi-level that includes input from New York City. . More than half of the providers offering treatment services in Harlem have been in operation prior to 1988, including several that began operations in the 1970s, Frost said. It is also important to note that there is a large concentration of hospital facilities in Harlem that provide comprehensive health care, including services for those affected by addiction, the OASAS rep said. Many people travel to these facilities for addiction care in the same way that others would to be treated for chronic illnesses like cancer or heart disease. There are no geographic restrictions as to where someone can go to receive treatment. Mt. Sinai Hospital and Metropolitan Hospital, part of the city public NYC Health + Hospitals system, run some of the clinics. Last year, Governor Hochul along with Congressman Espaillat announced action designed to improve the way treatment is provided in the Harlem neighborhood, and we remain committed to supporting both the local community, and individuals in need of this lifesaving treatment, the OASAS rep said. Man charged in shooting that killed Holland father of two HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) Family members say a man who died after being shot in the head in Holland loved his family, fishing and was always willing to lend a hand. Jerrell Lindsey, 26, of Holland, appeared in a Holland courtroom via video on Monday afternoon for arraignment on a charge of murder in the death Miguel Raul Zamudio, a father of two. Bond was denied. Suspect taken into custody after man shot in head, Holland police say The shooting happened Saturday afternoon in the area of Van Raalte Avenue and W 19th Street. On Monday, shotgun shot damage could could still be seen on the homes door. Miguel Zamudio. Miguel Zamudio visiting his parents when the shooting happened, his brother, Juan Zamudio, told News 8. Juan Zamudio said the family was outside enjoying the nice weather and some homemade tacos when they saw Lindsey, who was carrying a shotgun, approach from behind a neighbors house. He said he and his brother hustled their family members into the house. Miguel Zamudio was the last inside, the brother said, and family members heard a shot as he walked in the door. Miguel Zamudio died Sunday at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was 41 years old. Juan Zamudio called his brother a lucky charm, even after death, because he was an organ donor. The scene of a shooting in Holland on April 13, 2024, that prompted a road closure due to possible explosives in the area. Investigators say that before the shooting, Lindsey pointed a gun at his girlfriend at a home on Harrison Avenue. She was able to get away. Sign up for breaking news alert emails Police said Lindsey made statements of a possible bomb in the house on W 19th Street near where the shooting happened, prompting police to take all necessary precautions, though they considered the threat unlikely. Federal investigators were called to the scene but found no explosives, police said. News 8s Meghan Bunchman contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A fire burned in a home in southwest Charlotte on Saturday morning, and the person who lived there cant go back. Charlotte Fire Department firefighters saw smoke coming from the house on Echodale Drive around 5:15 a.m. Saturday. Grandfather dies in east Charlotte house fire, paramedics say They fought the fire and controlled it in 10 minutes. No one was injured, but the person and their pet were displaced. CFD investigators found that the fire accidentally started in the kitchen. It damaged $42,000 of the house. (WATCH: Firefighters investigating cause of 3-alarm fire at business in southwest Charlotte) The House Is About to Deliver Articles of Impeachment Against Mayorkas. It Could Get Messy U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas listens during a hearing with the House Appropriations subcommittee on Homeland Security in the Rayburn House Office Building on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Credit - Anna MoneymakerGetty Images House Republicans are preparing to sign articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and walk them across the Capitol Rotunda to the Senate as soon as this week. That will make Mayorkas the first cabinet official to be formally impeached in 150 years. But what happens next is far from certain. Only one thing is for sure: it's going to get messy. Democrats control the Senate and almost certainly will vote to acquit Mayorkas, arguing that the articles of impeachment against him are deeply flawed and based on Republican objections to the Biden Administrations immigration policynot on any alleged high crimes and misdemeanors. The question is, how long will the process drag out? Both parties have procedural tools at their disposal. The top Democrat in the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, told reporters April 9 that he thought he had the votes to rapidly close up the impeachment proceedings in the Senate. Were going to try and resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Impeachment should never be used to settle policy disagreements, Schumer said outside the Senate floor. The Constitution gives the Senate the sole Power to try all Impeachments and requires two-thirds of Senators to convict. That means that the House has been given right to accuse and the Senate has the right to acquit or convict. But the actual proceedings of an impeachment trial arent listed in the founding document and instead have been largely set by historic precedent. That gives Democrats in the Senate some leeway in determining what happens once they receive the articles. Read More: Mayorkas Is Only the Second Cabinet Member to be Impeached. The First Was a Civil War Hero Republican Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee of Utah are concerned that Schumer will put forward a motion to table the articles of impeachment by majority vote, without a Senate trial. They are demanding that Schumer move forward with a Senate trial of Mayorkas, they wrote in the Wall Street Journal on April 7. Democrats want to avoid an uncomfortable election-year discussion about President Bidens biggest failure: the U.S. southern border invasion, Cruz and Lee wrote. Cruz and Lee also point out that Republicans went forward with a trial when they were in the majority during the first impeachment of Donald Trump in 2020 over whether he abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival Joe Biden. Senate Republicans voted to acquit himand Trump was tried and acquitted again in a second impeachment trial over his role in inciting the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. For the Jan. 6 impeachment charges in 2021, Cruz and Lee voted with 43 other Senate Republicans to dismiss them, but that wasnt enough votes to table the House charges and the trial went forward anyway. Now, a group of Republicans are planning to delay Schumers ability to close up impeachment proceedings with speeches demanding a full trial and forcing time-consuming votes on points of order. Legal experts have told TIME that the articles of impeachment against Mayorkas are very weak, lack evidence of wrongdoing, and dont rise to the standard set in the Constitution. The impeachment articles charge Mayorkas with "willfully and systematically" refusing to comply with federal immigration laws during a surge in migrants crossing the border in recent months and say he obstructed the House Republican investigation into his handling of the border and "breached the public trust" by telling Congress that the U.S.-Mexico border is secure. Read More: Experts Blast Mayorkas Impeachment Probe for Lack of Evidence The border is at the center of an election-year fight. The number of illegal border crossings has increased in recent years. The Biden Administration has asked Republicans in Congress to approve more funding to hire Border Patrol agents and immigration officers, but Republicans have refused, saying that they want Biden to be more restrictive with the resources he has. The effort to impeach Mayorkas in the House failed twice before ultimately passing in February. Even some House Republicans felt that impeaching Mayorkas went too far. Its completely unconstitutional, Rep. Tom McClintock, a California Republican, said Nov. 15, during a broadcast of Breitbart News Daily on SiriusXM. Impeachment is a very limited power to remove officials for, quote, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors, McClintock said. When House Republicans voted to impeach Mayorkas in February, Biden said in a statement that history will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political gamesa statement White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre echoed on April 9. Throughout the impeachment process, Mayorkas has denied any wrongdoing. After the House voted to impeach him, Mayorkas told CNN on Feb. 17 that the impeachment allegations are baseless allegations, no basis in fact, no basis in law, and I continue my work. Contact us at letters@time.com. The House of Representatives is set to transfer articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate on Tuesday afternoon, right after the Biden administration official testifies at a GOP-led hearing on Capitol Hill. House impeachment managers are expected to walk the two House-passed articles to the Senate around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnsons office told Fox News Digital. READ MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE FROM FOX NEWS DIGITAL Speaker Mike Johnson, left, said he is having impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas this week. Earlier that morning, Mayorkas is slated to appear at what is likely to be a contentious hearing before the House Homeland Security Committee to testify about President Bidens fiscal year 2024 request for his department. Eight of the 11 impeachment managers Johnson appointed are on the committee, including Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn. They were originally supposed to make the ceremonial trip last Wednesday, but Johnson delayed that at the request of GOP senators who asked that the date be moved so they could have more time to build a case. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP 3 SEPARATE ARRESTS AT SOUTHERN BORDER REVEAL HUMAN SMUGGLING ATTEMPTS, DISCOVERY OF FAKE ID CARDS: CBP In February, the House passed two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas in a narrow 214-213 vote, both stemming from GOP-led fury over his and President Bidens handling of the border crisis. One accused him of having "refused to comply with federal immigration laws" and the other of having violated "public trust." A Fox News analysis found that 7.2 million people crossed the border illegally since Biden took office, a bigger number than the populations of 36 individual states. A Cabinet secretary has not been impeached by the U.S. Congress since 1876. REPUBLICANS NEGLECT THE BORDER, BUT CAN'T IGNORE NATIONAL SECURITY Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has criticized the House GOPs impeachment push but vowed to move forward expediently. He renewed that vow last week when Johnson delayed the transfer, telling reporters, "Were ready to go whenever they are. We are sticking with our plan. Were going to move this as expeditiously as possible." However, Republicans in the House and Senate have expressed concern that Schumer will move to quickly dismiss the case without a trial. The Department of Homeland Security referred Fox News Digital to an earlier comment and memo by its spokesperson on the impeachment, stating, "House Republicans will be remembered by history for trampling on the Constitution for political gain rather than working to solve the serious challenges at our border. "Without a shred of evidence or legitimate Constitutional grounds, and despite bipartisan opposition, House Republicans have falsely smeared a dedicated public servant who has spent more than 20 years enforcing our laws and serving our country. Secretary Mayorkas and the Department of Homeland Security will continue working every day to keep Americans safe," the spokesperson said. Original article source: House to deliver Mayorkas impeachment articles to Senate after GOP-led hearing on Capitol Hill Johnson makes his long-awaited move on Ukraine as House plans to vote on separate aid packages Speaker Mike Johnson announced Monday evening the House will take up separate bills this week to provide aid for Israel and Ukraine, heeding demands from the far right to keep the issues separate as the threat of a vote to oust him from the speakership looms. The long-awaited decision by Johnson marks a pivotal moment for the Louisiana Republican as he has faced intense pressure from his conference over how he would handle foreign aid to the key US allies. Johnson predicted the House will vote Friday evening on the separate bills. There are precipitating events around the globe that were all watching very carefully, Johnson told reporters after a GOP conference meeting Monday evening. And we know that the world is watching us to see how we react. Despite the speakers attempt to thread the needle, however, GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who continues to dangle the threat of a vote on Johnsons ouster, was quick to criticize the foreign aid plan. I am firmly against the plan as it stands right now, Greene told reporters, though when asked whether she would force a vote on the motion to vacate as a result, she said, I havent decided on that yet. Johnson dismissed concerns over a vote to oust him by his conservative flank if he moves on aid to Ukraine, telling CNN, I dont spend my time worrying about motions to vacate. Were having to govern here and were going to do our job. In addition to aid for Israel and Ukraine, Johnson said in a post on X that the bills would support allies in the Indo-Pacific and there would be additional measures to counter our adversaries and strengthen our national security. But Republican leaders could still take procedural steps to send all those pieces as one package to the Senate, which could enrage the right wing of the House GOP conference. Johnson left open the possibility that the bills could ultimately be packaged together, setting up a potential fight with the right flank. Were discussing whether they would be merged together in one package thats sent to the Senate or if it goes over as individual measures, Johnson said. My personal preference is to do it individually, but well let the body decide. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs, a hardline conservative who had initially expressed support for Johnsons approach to foreign aid, pushed back on the possibility of merging the bills. Israel funding should not be held hostage by Ukraine funding. The American people deserve to know where their senators stand on each funding component, he wrote on social media. Among the ways GOP leaders plan to address Ukraine aid: a bill to seize Russian assets, a lend-lease program for Ukraine military aid and convertible loans for humanitarian relief. Former President Donald Trump, who recently met with House Speaker Mike Johnson at Mar-a-Lago, has expressed openness to structuring Ukraine aid as a loan. GOP Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma told CNN that Johnson is allowing germane amendment votes on these bills as well a process that far right Republicans had been demanding of Johnson. In the wake of Irans unprecedented retaliatory strikes on Israel, Democrats have called on Johnson to bring up a Senate-passed foreign aid package that includes aid to Israel and Ukraine, but hardline conservatives have urged the Louisiana Republican against attaching Ukraine funding to any Israel aid package a warning that comes as the speaker faces the threat of a potential vote to oust him from his leadership post. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged immediate passage of the foreign aid package passed by the Senate in a new letter to colleagues. The gravely serious events of this past weekend in the Middle East and Eastern Europe underscore the need for Congress to act immediately. We must take up the bipartisan and comprehensive national security bill passed by the Senate forthwith, Jeffries wrote. In November, the House passed a bill to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, but Democrats objected to the fact that the bill did not include aid to Ukraine and would enact funding cuts to the Internal Revenue Service. The Senate passed its bill in February a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill with assistance for Ukraine, Israel and other priorities. A significant number of House Republicans are opposed to sending further aid to Ukraine. Now, Johnson faces the most significant threat to his speakership to date after GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is among those who oppose additional Ukraine aid, filed a motion against him that could be used to force a vote on his ouster. Greene told CNN on Monday that Trumps backing of Johnson during a Friday press conference will not deter her from moving to oust the speaker. No, no, and as a matter of fact, theres more people that are probably going to be angry from whatever happens this week, she said. Later, Greene said, Hes definitely not going to be speaker next Congress if were lucky enough to have a majority. I think that is a widely held belief throughout the Congress. Asked if she thinks hell remain speaker for the remainder of the current session of Congress, the congresswoman said, That is to be determined. Like I said, Im still processing. Johnson called Greenes decision to file the motion to vacate a distraction during an interview on Fox News. Thats a distraction. What Marjorie has done with the motion to vacate is not helpful for our party, for our mission to save the country, because if we dont grow the House majority, keep the House majority, win the Senate and win back the White House for President Trump, were going to lose the republic, he said. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. CNNs Morgan Rimmer and Kristin Wilson contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com House Republicans announced early Monday they were dropping bills tackling home appliances, plans that had drawn widespread scorn, in light of Irans counterattack against Israel over the weekend. Last week, the House Rules Committee was scheduled to review six bills about washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners, sparking jokes from Democrats and commentators. Mondays last-minute change means the House agenda this week will now consist of 17 bills meant to either shore up support for Israel or to punish Iran, reported Chad Pergram, the senior congressional correspondent for Fox News. Of those bills, 11 would require a two-thirds majority vote, including one that would increase sanctions on Iran, and six would head to the House Rules Committee, where one would explicitly condemn Irans attack. Some of the bills will also sanction Chinese companies that buy oil from Iran, as well as target U.S.-designated terror groups, particularly Hamas. One such bill will be blatantly superficial: declaring the slogan From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free to be antisemitic (despite the fact that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has used the phrase From the river to the sea himself). In a statement, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said the bills demonstrate our support of Israel and take action against Iran. These bills represent a comprehensive response to the Iranian threat by supporting Israels response to the attack and sanctioning Irans leaders, cutting off their revenue sources, and targeting their partners and terrorist proxies, Scalise said. While it certainly is an improvement to see House Republicans flushing appliance week for more serious and current events, why did it take a new international crisis? Not to mention that Israels brutal assault of Gaza has been ongoing for six months, without any substantive bills from the GOP side. It may be an improvement that Congress isnt wasting time on dishwashers, or, for that matter, gas stoves, but the GOPs posturing on Iran isnt a breath of fresh air. It doesnt take much for Republicans to start rattling sabers every time theres news from Iran, with the last such event taking place just a couple of months ago. Even Republicans themselves know that their party wastes time while ignoring important issues. And when the important issues come up, the party melts down into chaos and inaction, and then its own members start looking for the exits. Even party stalwarts know that the GOP has little to nothing to campaign on. And We talked tough about potentially starting a new war is hardly a better campaign slogan than We spent a week worrying about your appliances. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Armenian servicemen and most other involved wrongdoers detained during and after the Second Karabakh War have been returned to Armenia, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov said this during a hearing on Azerbaijan's preliminary objections to the application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Trend reports. He emphasized that Azerbaijan categorically rejects any purported breaches of international humanitarian law and other international human rights norms. "Those who were not repatriated were convicted of major crimes, including war crimes, terrorism, or separatism, and are still facing legal proceedings. In essence, they remain in jail, unrelated to racial disparities," Mammadov concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel House Republican impeachment managers are set to send the Senate articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday after Senate conservatives successfully lobbied Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to delay the delivery of the charges. The transfer of the articles will officially force the Senate to take up the matter of impeachment against Mayorkas, which has been pending Since the House approved the punishment in a 214-213 vote in February. Senators are expected to be sworn in as jurors Wednesday, with Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-Wash.) presiding over the chamber. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), however, is still expected to quickly dismiss the charges, moving to table or dismiss the articles. Were ready to go whenever they are. We are sticking with our plan. Were going to move this as expeditiously as possible, Schumer said last week. Johnson signed the articles Monday afternoon. Tuesdays delivery comes after Johnson agreed to delay the transmission at the urging of Senate conservatives, moving it from last Wednesday to Tuesday. Those Republicans said they did not want to rush the process the proceedings would have begun Thursday, with lawmakers slated to leave Washington that afternoon. The new timeline, however, comes as the Senate is racing the clock to pass legislation that would reauthorize the U.S.s warrantless surveillance authority, formally known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The House passed legislation last week ahead of Fridays deadline. The impeachment resolution accuses Mayorkas of willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law as well as breach of public trust. House Homeland Security Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) and House Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) are among the impeachment managers, as is Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-Ga.), who repeatedly pushed to force a vote on Mayorkass impeachment. Its an unusual approach to impeachment, which requires demonstrating that an official committed high crimes and misdemeanors. Immigration law experts have said Mayorkas has not violated any statute in carrying out the Biden administrations immigration policies, and conservative scholars like Jonathan Turley have accused the House of trying to boot the secretary over policy differences. A number of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been critical of the move, even as some Republicans pushed Johnson to delay transmitting the articles, hoping to force the Senate to give greater consideration to the matter. Since 1797, twenty-one individuals have been impeached by the House of Representatives. Trials were held in every single instance, except once when an impeached judge resigned from office before trial commenced, 43 senators wrote in a letter to Schumer urging him to hold a full impeachment trial for Mayorkas. But six GOP senators did not sign the letter, including Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who have been critical of the effort. Congress has not impeached a member of the cabinet since the 1870s, when the secretary of War was accused of taking kickbacks. This story was updated at 4:34 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. From the Dispatch Politics on The Dispatch Happy Monday! And join us in marveling at the surprise that is Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, whose image transformation from shabbily dressed Sandersista to shabbily dressed defender of Israel against his partys far-left flank is something to behold. Up to Speed House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures that he will attempt again this week to pass aid to Israel in the wake of Irans Saturday attack on the Jewish state. Johnson hintedthough he did not say for certainthat the package could include aid for Ukraine as well. House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner said on NBCs Meet the Press that Ukraine aid would likely come up for a vote in the House this week, while House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul said on CBSs Face the Nation he would speak to Johnson Sunday night about a vote for the aid. Several major news organizations signed on to a joint statement calling for both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to commit to debating each other when the time comes. Their statement comes days after Trumps campaign asked the Bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates to add more contests between the two candidates and schedule the first debates sooner than it had originally planned. Trump did not participate in any GOP primary debates, and Biden has not committed to debating Trump during the general election. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said Sunday on ABCs This Week that he would still support Trump even if the presumptive GOP nominee were convicted in one of his criminal trials. Sununu added that he supports the former president despite his belief that Trumps actions absolutely contributed to the January 6 insurrection, saying his support was more about enacting Republican policies than Trump himself. Sununu backed Nikki Haley in the Republican primary, saying he was tired of losers, but he also said back in Septemberprior to endorsing Haleyhe would vote for Trump if he were to win the nomination. Speaking of Haley, the Hudson Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank focused largely on foreign policy and national defense, announced Monday that the former governor and United Nations ambassador would be its Walter P. Stern chair. She is far from the first former Trump administration official to join the conservative institution, as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Attorney General Bill Barr, and former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao are all fellows there. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin raised more than $5.4 million in the first quarter of 2024, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Monday. Meanwhile, businessman Eric Hovde, her likely Republican opponent, raised just more than $1 million in the same period (though he did not declare his candidacy until late February), according to a Federal Election Commission filing today. Baldwins haul is yet another example of Democrats substantial fundraising gains, this time in a race that could determine control of the Senate. Mike Johnson Finds Political Shelter at Mar-a-Lago Former President Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson hold a press conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on April 12, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Has House Speaker Mike Johnson staved off his political execution? No victory is permanent in this GOP conference, but Johnson did a lot to neutralize his main internal opponent at the moment, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, with a well-timed, well-publicized visit with every House Republicans favorite figurehead: former President Donald Trump. Following Fridays nailbiter vote to reauthorize a provision of the federal governments foreign surveillance law known as FISA, Johnson flew to Mar-a-Lago for a planned press conference with Trump. The two GOP leaders were ostensibly coming together to announce Johnsons plan to hold a vote on a bill to prevent non-citizens from voting (which happens rarely and is already illegal). But Johnson also got the benefit of a side-by-side photo op with the presumptive GOP nominee and a verbal vote of confidence in his speakership. I stand with the speaker, Trump said Friday evening, adding to his earlier comment that he believes Johnson is doing a very good job. Hes doing about as good as youre going to do. The moment of unity came as Greene, the two-term Georgia Republican, has remained relentless in her criticism of Johnson on a variety of issues, from a deal to temporarily fund the government to his professed interest in pursuing new Ukraine aid. Last month she filed a motion to vacate the chair, a procedural move to oust a speaker of the House, though she has not pushed for a vote on the floor. Greene has said she considers the motion a warning to Johnson, and with such a narrow Republican majoritygetting smaller at the end of the week with the planned resignation of Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsinthe speaker cannot afford to lose the support of more than two or three of his own members. The success of his trip to Mar-a-Lago will depend on how much Trumps kind words shore up Johnsons support. One House GOP aide told The Dispatch that the show of support from Trump definitely helps Johnson, particularly after Johnson faced some Republican resistance to the surveillance law reauthorization. And Greene could struggle to find allies in her crusade against Johnson, given her unpopularity even with her ideological allies (she was reportedly booted from the House Freedom Caucus last year). House Republicans are already weary of the speakership drama after starting the term with a multi-ballot vote to elect Rep. Kevin McCarthy speaker in January 2023, only to see McCarthy ousted last fall. Members in both wings of the GOP conference may also recognize that the conservative Johnson may be the best speaker they can get before Novembers elections. The moderate conservatives in districts Joe Biden won fear the conference could back someone more strident if Johnson is ousted, while hard-right members of the House Freedom Caucus fear their centrist colleagues may do the unthinkable and join with Democrats to elect a compromise speaker. This standoff within the conference may be what keeps Johnson in the speakers chair, along with this exceedingly helpful assist from Trump. But the former president, never one to bet all his chips on one hand, nevertheless gave a nod to Greene on Friday night. Were getting along very well with the speaker, Trump said. And I get along very well with Marjorie. The Pro-Life Movement Is Sticking With Trump Donald Trump made a sharp break with the pro-life movement last week, but the institutional pro-life movement isnt showing any sign of turning on him. When he campaigned for president in 2016, Trump pledged to sign federal legislation that would end painful late-term abortions nationwide, but last week Trump said he would not back any new federal limit on abortion and that the issue should be left up to the states. The principle of states-only is a killer for a human rights movement, which this is, Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told The Dispatch in an interview on Friday. You cannot give up on the fundamental principle that the worth of the human being doesnt depend on where they live. When Trump privately floated a states only approach to the abortion issue in April 2023, Dannenfelser issued a statement calling Trumps position morally indefensible and declared that SBA Pro-Life will oppose any presidential candidate who refuses to embrace at a minimum a 15-week national standard to stop painful late-term abortions while allowing states to enact further protections. Yet when Trump formally settled on his states-only approach last week, Dannenfelser said her organization was deeply disappointed in Trumps position but would nevertheless work tirelessly to defeat President Biden and extreme congressional Democrats. Moving forward, we have to look at the choices, Dannenfelser told The Dispatch when asked about the 2023 threat to oppose any candidate who didnt support a 15-week federal limit on abortion. Were dealing with a nominee who gave us Dobbs and who is more pro-life than not, versus a guarantee of eliminating every pro-life protection in the country. Thats the choice. If Biden wins, and theres a Democratic sweep of Congress, Dannenfelser said Democrats will deliver on suspending the filibuster to pass the Womens Health Protection Act, and that wipes out everything. Republicans controlling either chamber of Congress could of course block Democratic legislation on abortion. What can pro-life groups gain from a second Trump presidency in terms of executive actions? We dont have anything on paper like we did last time, Dannenfelser replied, but she expressed hope he would reinstate the Mexico City Policy prohibiting foreign aid from going to organizations that perform or promote abortion and reverse a new Department of Veterans Affairs policy on providing abortions. Dannenfelser said neither Trump nor anyone associated with his campaign had given any indication he might reverse the FDAs 2016 rule loosening distribution of the abortion drug mifepristone or the FDAs 2021 rule allowing the abortion drug to be sent by mail without an in-person visit with a health care provider. But she still expressed hope a second Trump term might bring about such changes. While Trumps position on federal legislation left Dannenfelser disappointed, Trumps remarks about state abortion referenda could ultimately do more harm to the pro-life cause by giving other Republican politicians permission to embrace pro-choice rhetoric and by persuading some voters to support measures creating a sweeping right to abortion. Do whats right for your family, and do whats right for yourself, Trump said of abortion referenda in a Truth Social video released last week. Two days later Trump said Floridas abortion law prohibiting most abortions later than six weeks of pregnancy is probably going to change via referendum this fall. The will of the people, this is what Ive been saying. In response to Trumps comments on abortion referenda, Dannenfelser issued a statement saying that the ballot measures in Arizona and Florida would wipe away all pro-life laws put in place by the legislature, reflective of the will of the people. These initiatives are fueled by hundreds of millions of dollars of left-wing money designed to deceive voters about their true intent. Pro-life candidates and officials must oppose them. If Trump doesnt oppose them? The consequences for the country and those states is pretty horrible, Dannenfelser told The Dispatch. And for Trump? The consequence for him politically is probably not that great, given what the candidates around him are saying. Trumps positioning and rhetoric on abortion in 2024 clearly show he thinks he has nothing to fear politically from the pro-life movement, and pro-life leaders arent giving him much of a reason to think hes wrong. SBA Pro-Life was joined by Students for Life, the Faith and Freedom Coalition, the Family Research Council, National Right to Life and CatholicVote in restating their support for Trump after his comments last week. Asked if Trump has, at the very least, lost the pro-life label with his recent rhetoric, Dannenfelser replied: Democrats wont let him lose it. And I dont think he ever will because of what he did to overturn Roe. Notable and Quotable We cant just pick and say, Irans bad, but Russias okay, and Chinas bad Theyre all in this together, and its very clear to those of us in the intelligence, national security community. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul during his appearance on CBSs Face the Nation Sunday. 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. "There's very few glimpses of Macedonia ... that get seen by the rest of the world," Stolevski said There's always a level of complexity when it comes to exploring family dynamics. In Goran Stolevski Housekeeping for Beginners (now in theatres), the filmmaker embraces the intricacies of family, in this case a "found family," with layers of emotion and humour, and a palpable sense of honesty. Dita (Anamaria Marinca) isn't someone who dreamed about being a mother, but when her girlfriend Suada (Alina Serban) is diagnosed with cancer, Dita has to take care of Suada's two children, the young "troublemaker" Mia (Dzada Selim) and teenager Vanesa (Mia Mustafi). Dita's home has a sort of open door policy for people to stay, including Toni (Vladimir Tintor) and his boyfriend Ali (Samson Selim). As Suada becomes increasingly concerned about her treatment options and how she's being treated by doctors, because she's Roma, Suada wants Dita to adopt her daughters and give them her surname, in the hopes that they won't face the same discrimination in North Macedonian society. Ultimately, everyone in this family will do what they need to do to protect each other. For Stolevski, the writer-director crafted Housekeeping for Beginners at a point in his career when he couldn't seem to get his movies made. "It was at a point in life where I wasn't able to get people to make my films, so I had to constantly keep writing new ones, just to kind of keep my brain occupied," Stolevski told Yahoo Canada. "I saw a photo of a friend from his youth in Melbourne in the 1970s, when he first moved there, into a house with his boyfriend and eight gay women, and it was like a random day in their life." "I was like, this looks like a fun space ... for me as a filmmaker, but also for a viewer, to hang out in and explore." Mia Mustafa stars as Vanesa in HOUSEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS, a Focus Features release (Courtesy of Focus Features) 'It's always strange that I don't see that on screen as a reality' Stolevski made some changes for Housekeeping for Beginners, including setting the film in North Macedonia, making it a multigenerational story and having the film take place in present day. "The fact that this was a present day story was a lot more interesting to me, and the fact that it was in Macedonia," Stolevski said. "I rarely see Albanian women as the main character in a Macedonian produced film, and it's not like a generic person, it's still a very specific human being, that just happens to belong to all these other demographics, that are also shaping their life." "There's very few glimpses of Macedonia, or really a lot of its neighbouring countries, that get seen by the rest of the world. So all of them are very anonymous, all the people who live there. ... I really wanted something present day so we're not always something that's exotic and esoteric. I really wanted something present day and relatable and kind of ordinary, or extraordinary within an ordinary context." Similarly, when it comes to the inclusion of Roma characters in the film, Stolevski stressed that he finds it "strange" that filmmakers don't seem to have an "interest" in telling stories of people from the Roma background. "With all the films that I make, I kind of want it to feel like it's a document of a particular time and place, in that particular moment, and as complete a document as possible," Stolevski said. "Where I grew up in Macedonia, I didn't grow up in the capital, so in my class of like 36 kids in elementary school, nine of them, so a full quarter, were Roma. This isn't something I ever thought about, it was just my day-to-day life, ... even outside of school. ... It's always strange that I don't see that on screen as a reality." Director Goran Stolevski on the set of his film HOUSEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS, a Focus Features release (Viktor Irvin Ivano/Focus Features) 'Why is the viewer meant to keep watching?' There's also something particularly appealing that Stolevski did for Housekeeping for Beginners, which was really lean into the flaws of his characters. Not shying away from showing characters who maybe don't have the most ideal reactions to situations. The filmmaker stressed that when he reads books or watches films, he's always drawn to characters that are described as "unlikable." "I think that the person who doesn't have borders of conventionality around them, I think that story might be more interesting," Stolevski said. Ultimately, Stolevski's approach to filmmaking is not being trapped in what the "expected" outcome or response will be from his characters. "I think, if you're writing the easy or expected response, then what's the point of the story?" Stolevski stressed. "Why is the viewer meant to keep watching?" "I think for a story or any piece of art, to justify its existence and justify two hours of one's life, it needs to be about the things we don't expect, but also speak to how we are, as human beings. When there's parts of the story I'm telling that I think, because the nature of how the characters are, ... that would happen in a way that's expected, I just take out their scenes, because you can just assume things have taken place in that case. You don't need to force someone to sit through that. ... Not everyone's reality is dynamic and exciting, obviously, but you can make it be that." WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A freshman at Howard University died Sunday, days after a car crash on campus. Mohamed Samura of Fredericksburg, Va. was Computer Information Systems major, according to a statement from Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. The incident involving Samura happened on Thursday, April 11 at Fairmont and 6th streets. Vinson said Samura, who was on the School of Business Deans List, demonstrated great skills as a member of the Universitys award-winning ESports Team. The president expressed condolences on behalf of the school. May they find solace in the cherished moments shared with him, Vinson wrote. The Howard community planned to gather at the universitys flagpole on the main campus at 6 p.m. Monday to honor Samura. Vinson reminded everyone that students could access support services by calling the University Counseling Service (UCS) at (202) 806-6870 and said that support was available for staff and faculty members through the Universitys Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Car hits person, wall at Howard University DC Fire and EMS posted about the crash on April 11, the day that it happened. The post said that a car hit a pedestrian. An image that accompanied the post showed the car after it hit a wall across from the Howard University School of Business. In the post, DC Fire and EMS said the pedestrian had injuries that werent considered life-threatening. (DC Fire and EMS via X/@dcfireems) For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Humza Yousaf, Scotland's First Minister, oversaw the passage of the hate crime law at Holyrood when he was justice secretary - JANE BARLOW/PA Humza Yousaf is facing a vote at Holyrood to repeal his disastrous hate crime laws amid warnings that a deluge of complaints is placing an intolerable strain on Police Scotland. MSPs are to be asked to admit they made a mistake and back a Scottish Tory motion proposing that the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act be repealed, barely a fortnight after it came into force. Russell Findlay, the Tories shadow justice secretary, said thousands of complaints tabled under the legislation were taking a toll on the countrys overstretched police. He warned the increased workload is completely unsustainable for the force, with officer numbers at their lowest level since 2008 and a new policy being introduced to turn a blind eye to certain crimes. The motion is unlikely to pass when MSPs vote on it on Wednesday as the Tories were the only party to oppose the legislation during its passage at Holyrood in 2021. The SNP-Green coalition government has a majority. However, it is likely to ramp up pressure on Mr Yousaf and Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, in particular to think again if some of their backbenchers rebel. A billboard in Glasgow promotes the new hate crime law, but the Scottish Police Federation believes that messaging urging people to report all possible instances of hate has backfired - JANE BARLOW/PA Mr Yousaf oversaw the passage of the hate crime law at Holyrood when he was justice secretary in Nicola Sturgeons government. However, it did not come into force until April 1 this year, as Police Scotland said it needed time for training. It creates a criminal offence of stirring up of hatred, expanding on a similar offence based on racist abuse that has been on the statute book for decades. The legislation extends this to other grounds on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity. Concerns have been expressed that the legislations definition of a hate crime is too ambiguous, and that it has triggered a torrent of vexatious complaints. Police Scotland pledged to investigate every one. In the first week of the legislation, 7,152 online hate reports were made, though fewer than 4 per cent (240) were recorded as hate crimes. Officers also dealt with 430 incidents in which a hate crime tag was added, while there were 34 calls to 101 or 999 related to a hate crime and 141 emails logged for the same purpose. Russell Findlay, the Tories' shadow justice secretary, described the new hate crime law as disastrous and said it had caused utter chaos - KEN JACK/GETTY IMAGES Mr Findlay said: Humza Yousafs disastrous hate crime law has caused utter chaos in the fortnight since its introduction. It is proving every bit as unworkable as many critics warned and must be repealed. As well as being an unacceptable risk to free speech, it is taking a huge toll on Scotlands police officers. Theyre being deluged with thousands of complaints many of them vexatious from individuals out to settle scores. He appealed to Labour and Liberal Democrat MSPs, and the more sensible Nationalists, to admit they made a huge mistake and back our call for its repeal. Mr Sarwar last week said that the legislation should have included sex as a protected characteristic, and blamed the chaos since its introduction on woeful communication by ministers. The motion reads: That the Scottish Parliament believes that the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 should be repealed. The chairman of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents rank-and-file officers, warned last week that we simply cannot cope at the moment. David Threadgold said officers were being called in to do overtime to cope with the deluge of complaints, but that was unsustainable. He also said the figures showed the public had weaponised the new law to pursue personal and political vendettas, and that messaging urging people to report all possible instances of hate, potentially anonymously, had backfired. A Scottish Government spokesman said: The Hate Crime Act helps to tackle the harm caused by hatred and prejudice and provide greater protection for people in society and communities who face hatred just because of who they are. It does not prevent people expressing controversial, challenging or offensive views nor does it seek to stifle criticism or rigorous debate in any way and the right to freedom of expression is built into the Act. Police Scotland has been clear that demand continues to be managed within its contact centres and the impact on front-line policing has been minimal. Liam McArthur, the Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesman, said: I will be lodging an amendment that challenges the poor communication and preparation that has accompanied the implementation of this law. Scottish Labour was approached for comment. Recommended Hate crime laws send Humza Yousaf's popularity plunging Read more Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Hundreds of convenience stores across the Commonwealth are planning to protest Governor Youngkins skill games amendments Monday and Tuesday. The Virginia Merchants and Amusement Coalition (VA MAC) will participate in two days of action, from April 15-16, in the hopes of urging Youngkin and members of the General Assembly to reverse the amendments made to SB 212, the skill game regulation bill. Republican senator meeting with others to talk about Youngkins skill game changes According to the VA MAC, Youngkins amendments, such as the 45% tax rate for small businesses and a skill game ban to businesses within 35-miles of any gaming establishment, could potentially close thousands of convenience stores across the state. Participating stores will stop the sale of Virginia Lottery tickets on Monday, April 15, in the hopes of showcasing the economic impact the closure of these stores could have on the Virginia Lottery, as well as the tax revenue they generate. Photos provided by the VA MAC show several convenience stores putting up signs letting customers know they will stop the sale of lottery tickets in protest of the proposed ban of skill games. Skill games ban protest (Courtesy: VA MAC) Skill games ban protest (Courtesy: VA MAC) Skill games ban protest (Courtesy: VA MAC) Skill games ban protest (Courtesy: VA MAC) Skill games ban protest (Courtesy: VA MAC) For Tuesday, April 16, participating stores plan to close from 3:50 to 4:50 p.m. The hour long closure aims show customers, communities and localities the harmful impact Youngkins amendments could have. Check with WAVY.com for more updates. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. A collection of politicians, community activists, family, friends and co-workers filled a majestic University of Chicago chapel Sunday to say goodbye to the late Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough and remember her trailblazing spirit. Hundreds gathered inside Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on the universitys Hyde Park campus to bid farewell to Yarbrough, a fixture in state and local Democratic Party politics who died April 7 with more than two years left in her second term in office. Yarbrough, 73, had been hospitalized at the time, battling an undisclosed medical condition. Amid stories about her compassion and determination, Yarbrough was eulogized Sunday at a public funeral replete with the tributes bestowed upon an elected public official who championed causes that helped veterans, homeowners, public health and social justice. She was elected in 2018 as the countys first African American and female clerk. Voters reelected her in 2022. Though the tributes largely focused on Yarbrough as an innovator in Illinois politics who helped open the door for other women, her personal life as a wife, mother and grandmother also were honored. Yarbrough is survived by her husband, Henderson, and the couples blended family of six children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In a stirring eulogy, former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun said Illinois has lost a visionary and a beacon of light. Braun said she was in North Africa when she learned of her beloved friends passing and moved heaven and earth to make it in time for Sundays funeral. She said the two met more than two decades ago when Yarbrough became a state lawmaker. Youd have to be blind not to recognize the transcendent intelligence and curiosity about life that she had, Braun said. She remembered how the two would commiserate how Black women in politics were often kicked around for the kinds of things that seem to escape notice when done by their white male colleagues. No offense, white men in the audience, Braun said, drawing laughter from mourners in the nearly 100-year-old medieval-style cathedral. But she survived all that and came out even stronger. Among those who attended were Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, U.S. Sens. Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and other dignitaries. Pritzker called Yarbrough a trailblazer and a great public servant. Hers was a storied career in which she tirelessly championed bold causes and toiled behind the scenes to get things done, Pritzker said. Compassionate, determined, undaunted. She knew that the most important things had critics and enemies that would tear you down along the road to success. Born Aug. 22, 1950, in Washington, D.C., Yarbrough came to Maywood with her family in the early 1960s. She received her bachelors degree in business management at Chicago State University and a masters in inner-city studies from Northeastern Illinois University. She also studied advanced leadership studies at Harvard-Kennedy School of Government. Yarbrough first ran for the Illinois House in 1998 against incumbent Rep. Eugene Moore but lost in a four-way primary. In 2000, after Moore left to become recorder of deeds, Yarbrough soon won the legislative seat. After serving as a state lawmaker for more than a decade, ascending to assistant House majority leader, Yarbrough left the legislature when she succeeded Moore as recorder in 2012 upon his retirement. Her most high-profile accomplishments in Springfield included securing money for local projects and successfully working on legislation to ban indoor smoking in Illinois in 2008. At Sundays funeral, Durbin called Yarbrough a whirlwind of energy who was quick to step in to help others, including himself. Durbin recalled how his father had died of lung cancer from smoking at age 53, when Durbin was just a teen, later motivating a public health campaign. Illinois was a tough, tough state when it came to tobacco, Durbin said. It took a courageous person to step up and say, Ill take this issue on. Somebody who really cared. That courageous person was Karen Yarbrough. Yarbrough garnered her biggest accolades for her House sponsorship of the hard-fought ban on executions in Illinois in January 2011. After leaving Springfield, Yarbrough served as the county recorder for six years until her 2018 election as Cook County clerk, a position she held until her death last week. Her office is mainly responsible for administering suburban elections and maintaining property and legislative records. Her death has led to delays in issuing some vital records, including death certificates. In the interim, Chief Deputy Clerk Cedric Giles has been running the office. The Cook County Democratic Party will choose a successor to fill the vacancy through the end of the year and a nominee to run in the November election. The party may choose the same person, or two different people. Executive Director Jacob Kaplan said the party will announce an appointment process after Yarbroughs memorial. Most interested candidates are abstaining from publicly campaigning until after the service, though state Rep. Marcus Evans, recent states attorney candidate Clayton Harris, county Commissioner Stanley Moore and Water Reclamation District Commissioner Kari Steele are reportedly interested. The partys next meeting is scheduled for April 22, when new Democratic committee people that were elected in the March primary will be sworn in. Under recently amended county code, each committeeperson shall be entitled to one vote when filling the vacancy through December. A candidate is required to receive a simple majority in this case, 41 of the total number of votes in order to be appointed. The single vote changes the typical calculus for any hopefuls: Appointment votes have typically been weighted based on Democratic turnout in each ward or township, meaning candidates could focus on lobbying committeepersons with high shares of the weighted vote to succeed. Kaplan said recently it is unclear whether that weighted vote will be used to determine who the party puts on the November ballot. The Cook County GOPs own nomination for the November ballot will be discussed at the partys county convention on April 17. Amid the hymns, prayer and tributes that punctuated Sundays funeral service, officiated by Pastor Darius Brooks of Grace Central Church in suburban Westchester, several public proclamations and resolutions also were read. One came from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris office. Harris wrote that Yarbrough broke gender and race barriers and embodied the words of her own mother who told Harris, You must be the first to do many things, but make sure youre not the last. Others who spoke, including Duckworth and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, also described her as a pioneer who mentored other women in politics. Throughout all the years that I knew her, one of the things I most admired is that I never once saw in her a woman of fear, Duckworth said. If she thought she was right, even if she was the only person in the room to hold her opinion, she would plant her flag and refuse to budge. Stratton agreed, describing the weight of being the first or an only in life. Its not a glamorous fate, rather one that settles on your shoulders, constantly reminding you that one wrong step could land you on your face, crushed under the heaviness of watchful eyes, Stratton said. But Karen was never one to be crushed. She used that weight to strengthen and prepare herself for the trials ahead. Tribune reporter A.D. Quig contributed. By Felix Light TBILISI (Reuters) -Thousands of Georgians protested on Monday and lawmakers came to blows as ruling party legislators gave the initial go-ahead for debate on a bill on "foreign agents" that has been criticised by Western and domestic critics as Russian-inspired. More than 5,000 demonstrators massed outside Georgia's Soviet-built parliament building, demanding the government withdraw the legislation requiring organisations that accept funds from abroad to register as foreign agents or face fines. Georgian critics label the bill "the Russian law", comparing it to legislation used by the Kremlin to crack down on dissent. Parliament's legal affairs committee, which is controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party and its allies, endorsed the bill, clearing the way for it to be submitted for a first reading on Tuesday. Protesters chanted "Russians! Russians!" at cordons of police securing approaches to the parliament, with water cannon deployed nearby. Georgia's Interior Ministry said in a statement that 14 protesters had been detained for public order violations and one police officer had been treated for injuries. "I hope we push hard enough to get this law out of the parliament," said Tornike, a 24-year-old activist. "But if they don't do it, I think we have to push hard enough to get rid of this government." ORGANISERS CALL MORE PROTESTS Many protesters dispersed in the evening after activists urged them to return for Tuesday's parliamentary sitting. President Salome Zourabichvili, a frequent critic of Georgian Dream, pledged support for the protesters on the X media platform, vowing "Georgia will not surrender to resovietisation!" The president's role is mainly ceremonial. The Georgian Dream party, largely under the control of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister, said this month it would reintroduce the bill, 13 months after it was shelved due to protests. Earlier, television showed Mamuka Mdinaradze, leader of Georgian Dream's parliamentary faction and a key force behind the bill, being punched in the face by opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili while speaking from the despatch box. The incident prompted a brawl pitting lawmakers against each other, an occasional occurrence in the often-raucous parliament. Footage showed Elisashvili being greeted with cheers outside the parliament. Several other opposition MPs were removed from the committee hearing by Georgian Dream legislators. The bill has strained relations with European countries and the United States, which oppose its passage. The European Union, which gave Georgia candidate status in December, has said the move is incompatible with the bloc's values. Georgian Dream says it wants the country to join the EU and NATO, even as it has deepened ties with Russia and faced accusations of authoritarianism at home. It says the bill is necessary to combat what it calls "pseudo-liberal values" imposed by foreigners and promote transparency. The government said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met the EU, British and U.S. ambassadors and defended the bill. Russia is widely unpopular in Georgia due to its support for two breakaway regions in the ex-Soviet state: Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia defeated Georgia in a short war in 2008. Khatia Dekanoidze, an opposition MP expelled from the committee hearing on the bill, told Reuters: "It's not about the law, I mean it's not about the legal proceedings. It's about the geopolitical choice. Whether Georgia is going to the European Union, or whether Georgia is going to Russia." Georgia is due to hold elections by October. Opinion polls show that Georgian Dream remains the most popular party, but has lost ground since 2020, when it won a narrow majority. (Reporting by Felix Light in Tbilisi; editing by Mark Trevelyan, Ron Popeski, Sharon Singleton, Jonathan Oatis and Richard Chang) Thousands of motorists were enraged after being stranded Sunday night on the Rickenbacker Causeway some for more than five hours after a state construction project closed the flyover bridge connecting Key Biscayne to the mainland as visitors were leaving the beach. Families with children got out of their cars and camped on the sidewalk amid the gridlock. Other people hungry and thirsty trekked for miles to the islands few grocery stores and restaurants. Same here. Luckily we got a spot in the Winn Dixie shopping center. I feel for those stuck on the road with kids. This is going to become unsanitary Jose L. Go (@JoeLuisGo) April 15, 2024 After a night of chaos, transportation officials are rethinking the closure. The Florida Department of Transportation reopened the northbound flyover lane that connects to I-95 North, according to Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco. The southbound exit ramp onto U.S. 1 will remain closed as guardrails have been removed, though it will reopen by Wednesday morning. READ MORE: Hundreds trying to leave Key Biscayne stranded in their cars for hours. What happened? Sunday was the first evening the Rickenbacker Causeways flyover bridge, which connects westbound traffic to South Dixie Highway and I-95 north, was closed. FDOT had scheduled it to remain shut down for two months to restore concrete pavement. While the original maintenance of traffic plan was developed with all appropriate factors considered, it was overwhelmed with the volume of vehicles ingressing and egressing from Key Biscayne yesterday, FDOT spokesperson Tish Burgher told the Miami Herald in a statement. The Department has heard and understands the communitys concerns... Officials including Rasco and FDOT District 6 Secretary Stacy Miller met Monday morning to discuss solutions to the mess on the causeway, where a deluge of motorists, including Key Biscayne residents and those who had spent Sunday at Crandon Park, were stuck in standstill traffic for hours exiting the Key. Engineers were reconvening to study the project and its timeline. As soon as decisions have been made about the entire project approach and timeline, they will be communicated to the Village, City of Miami and Miami-Dade County, Rasco said in a statement provided to the Herald. Village officials, however, have remained tight-lipped about when they were made aware of the construction-related closures and how they informed the public. On Sun., 4/14, the flyover bridge westbound SR 913/Rickenbacker Cswy to southbound US 1/S Dixie Hwy and northbound SR 9A/I-95 will be closed for bridge rehab work. Swipe left for more info or visit https://t.co/PhERQ8qzpL. @miamidadecounty @cityofmiami @villageofkb @kbchamber pic.twitter.com/wRBM6aaFhx FDOT District 6 (@MyFDOT_Miami) April 12, 2024 Only close one lane at a time, mayor says Residents of Key Biscayne say they received an email from the municipality about the closures at around 8 a.m. Sunday. There was also reportedly an announcement on an illuminated sign entering the Key, though most visitors werent in the know about the possible traffic delays. In a Monday afternoon message to residents, Rasco said FDOT has shared information about the construction since January but the state agency did not fully understand the magnitude of the traffic we would be facing. In the message, he said he vowed to work with FDOT on a solution, which will likely have only one flyover lane under construction at a time. A major part of the plan will be developing a more effective detour, placing more informative signage, communicating better with the parks and park-goers, and working with the City of Miami to postpone all events on Virginia Key during the project, Rasco told residents. We will also ensure there is an emergency vehicle plan to effectively transport patients in case of emergencies. Rasco took aim at FDOT in his Instagram post Sunday: Although we stressed to our partners at FDOT that a total closure of the ramps would be a serious problem, we were assured it had been studied and was under control, he said. Clearly, it is not. As of early Monday afternoon, a petition launched the day prior had already garnered more than 2,000 signatures calling for the months-long construction work to be delayed until June when schools are out for the summer. In a statement, FDOT spokesperson Burgher said the construction is part of a rehabilitation project that is imperative to the structural integrity of the bridges. Burgher also said the department will continue coordinating with affected municipalities and law enforcement agencies. While this project will inevitably cause disruption to typical travel patterns for commuters, the Department reinforces our commitment to workshopping any revised plan with community stakeholders prior to being implemented, Burgher said. How to navigate remaining closure If youre driving on the Rickenbacker Causeway and want to travel south on U.S. 1/South Dixie Highway: Merge left at the fork toward Coconut Grove/Brickell Avenue Make a left turn onto South Miami Avenue Make a right turn onto U.S. 1/South Dixie Highway This is a breaking news story and will be updated. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Azerbaijan maintains excellent levels of security in the face of complicated global processes and deadly confrontations, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. According to him, the number of confrontations, skirmishes, and terrorist attacks in the world has recently increased, with the Iran-Israel conflict serving as the next stage in this process. "The security of Azerbaijan's residents is always a top priority. If we look at the region today, we can see that terrorist activities and riots are occurring near our country. Azerbaijan's secure environment is one of the primary factors of stability and development," Garayev said. The political scientist also stated that the globe has entered its third war. Current event analysis reveals that the globe has entered a new phase of battle, with the participation of Azerbaijan's neighbors. He also mentioned that plans are underway to turn the South Caucasus into a battleground. "Following Azerbaijan's historic triumph and the end of occupation, a good environment for peace has emerged in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan proposed a peace initiative. Armenia is trying to slow down this process in numerous ways, and today, the forces who do not want peace in the region are attempting to create a new hotbed of conflict through Armenia," Garayev concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Donald Trump has a way of ducking trouble. Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation found Russia helped Trump defeat Hillary Clinton, but Trump dodged a criminal charge for publicly encouraging Russia to do so. He was impeached, twiceonce for allegedly using the presidency to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rival Joe Biden, and again for whether he was culpable for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss and inciting a deadly riot. Senate Republicans acquitted him both times. Hes faced civil lawsuits over the violent attack on Jan. 6, 2021 and has appealed $88.3 million in judgements awarded to author E. Jean Carroll in two defamation verdicts against him. But starting Monday, things will be different for the former President. For the first time, Donald Trump will be on trial in a criminal court. With jury selection getting underway in Manhattan this week, Trump faces 34 felony counts of allegedly falsifying business records to hide hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels weeks before the 2016 election. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison, or a total of 136 years. Trump wouldnt face that long a sentence. New York limits the length of jail time for this type of felony to 20 years, and the judge could also consider probation as an alternative to jail time. Read More: Your Questions About Trumps Hush-Money Trial, Answered A criminal verdict against Trump in the New York hush-money case could have real political consequences for Trump as he runs for a second term. (While Trump faces charges in two federal investigations and one other state case, the New York hush-money trial is the only one likely to get underwaylet alone return a verdictbefore the election.) Polling shows that a segment of Republican voters would turn on Trump if hes convicted, which could be significant in battleground states where victory in the 2020 election was decided by just tens of thousands of votes. Among Republicans currently planning to cast votes for Trump, 13% said that a felony conviction would change their minds and lead them to not vote for him in November, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted at the beginning of April. Nearly a quarter of Republicans in the poll said they would not vote for Trump if he was serving time in prison at the time of the election. That shows real political downside for Trump as his New York trial begins. In an election that is going to be as close as this one, even very small numbers of loss of support matters, says Chris Jackson, senior vice president and head of polling at Ipsos. The poll overall suggests that these trials are a risk factor for the former President. The poll also found that most American voters dont buy Trumps efforts to minimize the charges he faces as baseless and politically motivated. A majority of Americans consider all of the charges against Trump to be somewhat serious or very serious, the poll found. The poll found that 64% of voters think the hush-money charges are serious. The trial represents a stunning and unprecedented test of the American legal and political system. Never before has a former President faced criminal charges. If Trump is convictedeven if hes serving time behind barsnothing would prevent him from continuing his campaign for President, though it would almost certainly spur significant legal challenges. Read More: A Guide to All of Trumps Indictmentsand Where Each Case Stands Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs case focuses on Trumps efforts to hide a sex scandal weeks before the 2016 election. At issue are 34 instances of business records that Bragg alleges were faked to hide payments to Daniels for her to stay silent about a previous sexual encounter. Braggs case bumps the charges up to felonies from misdemeanors because he is seeking to prove that the falsified entries were covering up federal election crimes. The central part of the case is not money for sex, Bragg said in a WNYC New York Public Radio interview in December. We would say it's about conspiring to corrupt a presidential election and then lying in New York business records to cover it up, he said. Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels, and pleaded not guilty to falsifying the business records. He described the New York hush-money case as a Witch-Hunt and Braggs team of Manhattan prosecutors as Thugs and Radical Left Monsters. Trump and Republican strategists maintain the New York case and others against him are helping him with voters who share his sense of grievance. Trumps supporters will just dismiss this as a partisan witch hunt designed by a Democrat to get a Republican presidential candidate, says Republican strategist Whit Ayres. The fact that the Manhattan hush-money trialwhich, unlike the other cases against him, doesnt concern core conduct during his presidencyis starting before the other cases is a gift to Trump, Ayres says. It will allow him to make a case that is going to be compelling not just to MAGA Republicans but to softer Republicans and independentsthat its all a setup, he says. As the jury selection and trial get underway, Trumps appearances at the courthouse could give him more time in front of the cameras and more chances to paint Bragg, who was elected to office in 2021, as a politically-motivated prosecutor. Hes repeatedly used his indictments to increase his appeals for political donations. His campaign raised $7 million in the three days after he was indicted in New York. Contact us at letters@time.com. By James Mackenzie JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A third meeting of Israel's war cabinet set for Tuesday to decide on a response to Iran's first-ever direct attack was put off until Wednesday, as Western allies eyed swift new sanctions against Tehran to help dissuade Israel from a major escalation. Military chief of staff Herzi Halevi had promised that Saturday night's launch of more than 300 missiles, cruise missiles and drones from Iran at Israeli territory "will be met with a response", but gave no details. While the attack caused no deaths and little damage thanks to the air defences and countermeasures of Israel and its allies, it has increased fears that violence rooted in the six-month-old Gaza war is spreading, with the risk of open war between long-time adversaries Iran and Israel. Iran launched the attack in retaliation for an airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus on April 1 attributed to Israel, but has signalled that it now deems the matter closed. An Israeli government source said the war cabinet session scheduled for Tuesday had been put off until Wednesday, without elaborating. President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the weekend that the United States, Israel's main protector, would not participate in an Israeli counter-strike. Together with European allies, Washington instead strove on Tuesday to toughen economic and political sanctions against Iran in an attempt to steer Israel away from massive retaliation. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he was "leading a diplomatic attack", writing to 32 countries to ask them to place sanctions on Iran's missile programme and follow Washington in proscribing its dominant military force, the Revolutionary Guard Corps, as a terrorist group. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the U.S. would use sanctions, and work with allies, to keep disrupting Iran's "malign and destabilising activity". She told a news conference in Washington that all options to disrupt Iran's "terrorist financing" were on the table, and that she expected further sanctions against Iran to be announced in coming days. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, speaking in Brussels after an emergency video conference of EU foreign ministers, said some member states had asked for sanctions against Iran to be expanded and that the bloc's diplomatic service would begin working on the proposal. Borrell said the proposal would expand a sanctions regime that seeks to curb the supply of Iranian drones to Russia so that it would also include the provision of missiles and could also cover deliveries to Iranian proxies in the Middle East. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said earlier on Tuesday that several EU members had promised to look again at extending sanctions, adding she would head to Israel within hours to discuss how to prevent an escalation. 'CALM HEADS' British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Netanyahu in a call on Tuesday that escalation in the Middle East was in nobody's interest and would only worsen insecurity in the region, so it was "a moment for calm heads to prevail", Sunak's office said. Sunak had said on Monday the Group of Seven major democracies was working on a package of measures against Iran. Italy, which has the G7 presidency, suggested any new sanctions would target individuals. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani told state TV on Monday night that Tehran's response to any Israeli counterattack would come in "a matter of seconds, as Iran will not wait for another 12 days to respond". The prospect of Israeli retaliation has alarmed many Iranians already enduring economic pain and tighter social and political controls since major protests in 2022-23. Since the war in Gaza began in October, clashes have erupted between Israel and Iran-aligned groups based in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Israel said four of its soldiers were wounded hundreds of metres inside Lebanese territory overnight, the first known Israeli ground penetration into Lebanon since the Gaza war erupted, although it has regularly traded fire with the heavily armed Lebanese Hezbollah militia. White House national security spokesman John Kirby declined on Monday to say whether Biden had urged Netanyahu in talks on Saturday night to exercise restraint in responding to Iran. "We don't want to see a war with Iran. We don't want to see a regional conflict," Kirby told a briefing. Some analysts said the Biden administration was unlikely to seek to sharpen sanctions on Iran's oil exports due to worries about a big spike in oil prices and angering top buyer China. In a call between the Chinese and Iranian foreign ministers, China said it believed Iran could "handle the situation well and spare the region further turmoil" while safeguarding its sovereignty and dignity, according to Chinese state media. Iran's weekend attack caused modest damage in Israel and wounded a 7-year-old girl. Most missiles and drones were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defence system and with help from the U.S., Britain, France and Jordan. In Gaza itself, where more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive according to Gaza health ministry figures, Iran's action drew applause. Israel began its campaign against Hamas, the Iranian-backed Palestinian militant group that runs Gaza, after the militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages, by Israeli tallies. Iran's attack prompted at least a dozen airlines to cancel or reroute flights, with Europe's aviation regulator still advising caution in using Israeli and Iranian airspace. (Reporting by James MacKenzie and Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem, Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Jeff Mason and Daphne Psaledakis in Washington, Andrew Gray in Brussels, Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Adam Makary in Cairo; writing by Jonathan Landay, Lincoln Feast, Kevin Liffey and Mark Heinrich; editing by Rosalba O'Brien, Miral Fahmy, Peter Graff and Gareth Jones) FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) The man shot and killed at a Fresno bar early Sunday morning was identified by the Fresno Police Department on Monday. Officers say they responded to Ewells Bar near Shaw Avenue and Marks Avenue for a report of a gunshot victim. Officers arrived to find 38-year-old Gilberto Gutierrez in front of the bar, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he passed away. Gilberto Gutierrez, 38 (image provided by the Fresno Police Department) Detectives found out that the victim was involved in an argument outside the bar with a group of unidentified men and women. It turned into a physical fight and the victim was shot by one of them. Gutierrez later died from that gunshot wound. According to police, the suspects fled the scene. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Fresno Police Department Homicide Detectives Martin Moreno at 559-621-2443 or Detective Jacob Adney at 559-621-2445. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Kikandi Lukambo has reinvented himself many times in his life. After war forced him, his parents and siblings to flee their home in the Congo, he became a tailor, catering to the fashionable ladies of Kampala, the Ugandan capital. Nearly a decade later, in 2015, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program resettled Lukambo in Columbus. He quickly found a job with a perfume manufacturer, then at a distribution warehouse. Recently, he founded a transportation business that shuttles other immigrant workers including people from Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria and elsewhere to and from their workplaces in Greater Columbus. Kikandi Lukambo, a former refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, founded Kivu Transportation Services, which shuttles immigrant workers to and from their workplaces in Greater Columbus. He runs the business with his fiancee, Wedny Dauphin, who is originally from Haiti. Sitting in Kivu Transportation Services small office in the Northland neighborhood recently, Lukambo, 37, spoke of his gratitude for the opportunities Ohio has afforded him. (Ohio) has a very good reputation of employment," he said. "We have the best life here." Lukambo, who became an American citizen in 2022, also found love locally. Four months ago, he and his fiancee Wedny Dauphin, an immigrant from Haiti, became parents to a baby boy. Foreign-born people like Lukambo and Dauphin have been essential to Columbus population growth and economy in recent years, according to new government data and local economists. Because native-born Americans are having fewer children and are moving away from Ohio, the states population shrunk by about 13,000 between mid-2020 and mid-2023. But it would have shrunk by about 61,000 more if it werent for the flow of immigrants moving in, according to Census Bureau estimates. In Columbus Ohios fastest-growing metro area international immigrants accounted for more than half of the population growth over the three years, according to the bureau. This includes everyone from refugees like Lukambo to high-skill workers on H-1B visas, people admitted based on family ties and undocumented individuals. Franklin Countys largest foreign-born groups come from Asia, followed by Africa and then Latin America. Mark Partridge, an urban economist at Ohio State University, told The Dispatch that population expansion comes with certain growing pains, such as greater demand for housing and public services like schools. But he said immigrant-driven population growth is a first-order factor benefitting the regions economy in contrast to shrinking cities like Youngstown, where relatively few immigrants settle. Population growth drives demand for businesses. And (likewise), population growth (increases) the supply of workers that firms want to hire, he said. Its easy to scapegoat immigrants. However, if it wasn't for immigration in a state that struggles retaining population like Ohio, we would have much faster population loss. Once you start losing population, it's pretty easy to turn into a vicious cycle downward. From driving student to professional driver Lukambo had never driven a car before moving to the U.S. nine years ago. Soon after arrival, he and his brother paid another Congolese refugee $1,000 to teach them how to drive so they could get to work, he said. While his job at a warehouse provided some stability, Lukambo dreamed of starting his own business. At first, he thought of starting a language school for other immigrants, since he speaks English fluently. But then he realized that very few of his potential students would have a means of transportation to get to class. This insight led him to start the transportation company, which now has contracts with a sawmill in Newark, the refugee resettlement agency Jewish Family Services and elsewhere. Lukambo and Dauphin drive vans for their company while also working other jobs Lukambo is a weekend supervisor at a Macys warehouse in Groveport, and Dauphin works for Cheryls Cookies in Westerville. I dont really take time off, Lukambo, who works seven days a week, said with a chuckle. How do immigrants drive economic growth? Bill LaFayette, an economist who owns the local consulting firm Regionomics, told The Dispatch that immigrants are good for the economy in part because Columbus-area firms are in desperate need of workers. Our employment growth has been somewhat stunted since mid-2022, just because there aren't enough workers, LaFayette said. (Immigrants) tend to be younger than the population as a whole, and they tend to be more likely in the labor force. LaFayette said that immigrants are also significantly more likely than native-born people to become entrepreneurs. My guess is that (is because) they have pulled up stakes and moved to a completely different part of the world, and they are inherently risk-takers, he said. He pointed to Morse Road as an area with an abundance of immigrant-owned businesses, which he said retain a greater percentage of their sales revenue within the local economy than national chains. Ohio's population would have shrunk by about 61,000 more if it werent for the flow of immigrants moving in. according to Census Bureau estimates. Studies also show that immigrants are a boon to the local tax base. In 2019, immigrants in the Columbus metro area paid $712.4 million in state and local taxes, according to a study commissioned by the city of Columbus and Franklin County. And a new study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that refugees and asylees contribute more on average in tax revenue than they cost in expenditures to federal, state and local governments. Does immigration-led growth cause housing, other shortages? LaFayette said immigrants contribute to the growing demand for affordable housing in Columbus, but this is an inevitable byproduct of economic growth no matter where workers are coming from. Whether you come from Cleveland or Calcutta, you still need a place to live, he said. Skeptics of immigration sometimes raise concerns about immigrants taking jobs away from native-born people, but LaFayette said this is not a concern in central Ohio, at least not right now. Our unemployment rates barely above 3%. All you've got is pretty much frictional unemployment people going from one job to another, he said. We need everybody we can get. Another criticism is that even if immigrants do not take jobs away from native-born Americans, by expanding the labor pool, they can drive down wages in certain fields. Partridge, the Ohio State professor, said economists still debate the size of this effect, though most agree it is small. He believes that low-wage workers are most affected, but it's not a massive effect. On the other hand, he said immigrants often come up with innovations or insights that help firms expand into markets abroad boosting wages for high-skill workers. Barbara Burden (left), Olubunmi Adekanbi (center) and Darsy Amaya take part in the city of Columbus' New American Leadership Academy in 2022. Columbus' immigrants are clients for his business As Columbus' foreign-born population continues to grow, Lukambo hopes to expand his business by partnering with more employers and by offering driving classes for newly arrived immigrants. I'm under obligation to help other people because I don't like to see people struggling the way I struggled with at the beginning when I came here, he said. Lukambo said many of his relatives and friends from his refugee camp in Uganda resettled elsewhere in the U.S. But when they come to visit Columbus, he makes the pitch for them to relocate here which, increasingly, they accept. (Congolese) people used to say, Ohio is like a village. Ohio is not a really good state.' But with time ... a lot of refugees and a lot of immigrants are coming here. ... With the economy, you can be at least successful with one job, and you manage your time and you feel like you are having a good life," he said. "Ohio is growing." Immigrants are largely responsible for Franklin County's population growth, according to Census Bureau estimates. More: Ohio's current immigrant population much more diverse, still well below national level Peter Gill covers immigration and new American communities for The Dispatch in partnership with Report for America. You can support work like his with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America here:bit.ly/3fNsGaZ. pgill@dispatch.com @pitaarji This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Immigrants driving Columbus' population growth, economy U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meet with Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan in Brussels BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday her pick for the EU's new business envoy had decided not to take up the post, after critics linked the appointment to cronyism. The European Commission, the EU's executive body, has reiterated that it followed all the rules in picking Markus Pieper, a lawmaker from von der Leyen's German centre-right party, as a special envoy for small- and medium-sized businesses. "The President both respects and regrets Markus Pieper's decision not to take up his post as SME Envoy on 16 April as planned. Markus Pieper is a proven expert on SMEs and has prevailed in a multi-stage selection process," von der Leyen's spokesperson said in a statement on Monday evening. Von der Leyen's opponents in other parties have pointed to media reports that the Commission rejected two other candidates who scored better than Pieper in the initial selection process for the special envoy post. The European Parliament last week approved a text calling on the Commission to rescind his appointment. Pieper told the Handelsblatt newspaper on Monday his appointment had also been complicated by opposition by France's EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, who leads EU industry policy. "I currently see no possibility of fulfilling the legitimate expectations associated with the office," the newspaper quoted Pieper as saying. Pieper's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday evening. Von der Leyen's spokesperson said the EU Commission head had suspended the reopening of the selection procedure for the role until after the European Parliament election in June, following which, a new European Parliament and Commission will be formed. (Reporting by Kate Abnett and Andrew Gray; Editing by Stephen Coates) Gov. Holocmb and First Lady Janet Holcomb talk with Indiana National Guard members March 28, 2024, during a Indiana National Guard departure ceremony at Camp Atterbury for guardsmen headed to Texas to support operation Lone Star. (Governor's Flickr page) An Indiana National Guard member was involved in a shooting at the southern border Sunday but details are scant while an investigation continues. According to a NewsNation report, the soldier saw an individual stabbing a fellow migrant along the rivers edge in El Paso, which is on U.S. soil. The soldier shot at the individual, who ran back into Mexico. It is unclear what they were shot with or whether they were struck. Indiana National Guard officials deferred specific questions to Texas military officials. The Indiana National Guard is aware of the incident that happened Sunday, April 14. We support and care for our soldiers and airmen supporting Operation Lone Star, the Guard said in a statement. The Texas Military Department released a statement saying Early on the afternoon of 14 April, a National Guard Servicemember assigned to Operation Lone Star discharged a weapon in a border-related incident. The incident is under investigation. More information will be made available as the investigation progresses. Fifty Indiana National Guard soldiers left Indiana for the volunteer Texas assignment after Easter. The company is set for a 10-month deployment meant to reinforce Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts efforts to close off his states share of the U.S.-Mexico border. It will cost Indiana about $7 million. At the departure ceremony, Gov. Eric Holcomb who authorized the mission said Indiana soldiers would focus on observation and reporting. Our role is to assist, not to arrest or apprehend, he said. We are there as a complement reporting, watching to our Texan counterparts. According to the Border Report, investigators determined that two individuals had been stabbed. An El Paso Fire and Rescue crew responded a short time later and treated the migrants for what they described as superficial wounds that werent considered life-threatening. The bulletin says the Texas Department of Public Safety sealed off the area and that no U.S. Border Patrol agent was allowed in or has been allowed in the secured area or allowed to speak with the individuals involved. However, one agent did escort the medics who took one of the migrants to a hospital, and border agents will help identify and process the migrants. The post Indiana National Guard member reportedly shot at migrant stabbing others appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle. HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW) The Reno County Sheriffs Office says an inmate has died at the county correctional facility. It happened shortly after 6 p.m. Sunday when deputies were notified an inmate was in distress in his cell. The sheriffs office says deputies began lifesaving measures until Reno County EMS and Hutchinson Fire personnel arrived. OSBI: Missing Kansas women dead; 4 facing charges The inmate was pronounced dead a short time later. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation was contacted to assist in the investigation into his death as required by law. The sheriffs office says the inmates name is being withheld until his family has been notified. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Globe-trotters are on the move again in a big way, boosting the rankings of a handful of international aviation hubs on the list of the worlds busiest airports. Theres no change at the top of the list. The No. 1 airport for passenger volume in 2023, Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International, has held that position every year except pandemic-walloped 2020 for more than two decades. But for the first time, Dubai takes the No. 2 ranking, according to Airports Council Internationals preliminary rankings for 2023, released on Monday. Dubai served around 87 million passengers in 2023. That is a year-to-year increase of 31%, and that is 1% higher than 2019. And they connected 262 destinations around 104 countries to 102 international carriers, said Luis Felipe de Oliveira, ACI Worlds director general. The airports jump up from No. 5 in 2022 is representative of a big growth area in aviation, with industry expansion in emerging and developing economies in the Middle East and Asia Pacific expected at more than twice the rate of advanced economies in the decades to come, de Oliveira said. But Atlanta doesnt have too much to worry about for now. With 104.7 million passengers in 2023, Dubais not nipping at its heels just yet. Dubai had its highest-ever appearance on the busiest airports list in 2023. - Kamran Jebreili/AP That figure is still about 5% below ATLs pre-pandemic 2019 passenger total, but de Oliveira said ACI expects Atlanta to serve about 110 million passengers in 2024 bringing the airport back to 2019 passenger levels. Globally, passenger traffic in 2023 grew by 27% from 2022 to reach nearly 94% of 2019 results, with domestic travel rebounding more quickly from the pandemic growing by 20% from 2022 to reach almost 97% of 2019 levels. The worlds largest domestic market, the United States, had four more airports all with significant domestic passenger shares in the top 10 in 2023: Dallas/Fort Worth (No. 3), Denver (No. 6), Los Angeles (No. 8) and Chicago OHare (No. 9). International travel is driving recovery But in 2023, it was the international market that drove recovery, growing about 37% to reach about 90% of 2019 figures. And while Dubai is the No. 2 airport for overall traffic, its No. 1 in the world for international passengers. Plus, it has evolved into a destination in its own right. London Heathrow, another strong international player, jumped up from No. 8 in 2022 to No. 4 last year. But it was Tokyo Haneda in Japan that made the biggest leap from No. 16 to No. 5, thanks largely to Japans reopening. Its a welcome indicator that Asias passenger numbers are getting back on track, de Oliveira said. Tokyo International Airport, commonly known as Haneda Airport, leapt up from No. 16 in 2022 to No. 5 in 2023. - Issei Kato/Reuters Istanbuls airport held steady at No. 7, and Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi dropped one spot from No. 9 in 2022 to No. 10 last year. India, with an enormous population thats increasingly connected by air, is an example of growth in the industrys capillary network in different parts of the world. In the US, you have a very good capillarity in the system the small, medium and big airports connecting with each other. We dont have that in many parts of the world, de Oliveira said. But its growing rapidly in India, he said, with Air India and IndiGo buying hundreds of aircraft and the government investing in the countrys more than 140 airports. The 2023 global total passengers figure is close to 8.5 billion, according to ACIs preliminary figures. Smoothing out rough air The global outlook is very positive for continued growth. In 2020, we lost like 20 years of development of the aviation sector in one year, so we are recovering very fast considering that, de Oliveira said. In 2023, the system was able to cope better with surging demand than it did earlier in the pandemic rebound, he said, although there are still some pressure points, including a shortage of US air traffic controllers. Theres also very high demand for new, more efficient aircraft to reduce fuel costs and increase sustainability. In addition to the most recent production slowdowns precipitated by issues with Boeing aircraft, supply chain slowdowns have contributed to a backlog of orders. The supply chain issues have improved, but the backlog is still significant, de Oliveira said. Aircraft delivery delays could affect growth if airlines arent able to cope with demand, but he added that airlines are consequently likely to delay retiring less efficient planes to continue to meet strong demand. Everything that happened as a result of the pandemic has underlined the importance of being ready for future issues, de Oliveira said, and ACI is working with member airports to become more resilient. That is always with the focus on the passenger We have this ecosystem, if the ecosystem doesnt work well, the passenger suffers. Worlds top 10 busiest airports for passenger traffic in 2023 1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Georgia (ATL): 104.7 million passengers; up 11.7% from 2022 2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB): 87 million passengers; up 31.7% from 2022 3. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas (DFW): 81.8 million passengers; up 11.4% from 2022 4. London Heathrow, United Kingdom (LHR): 79.2 million passengers; up 28.5% from 2022 5. Tokyo Haneda, Japan (HND): 78.7 million passengers; up 55.1% from 2022 6. Denver, Colorado (DEN): 77.8 million passengers; up 12.3% from 2022 7. Istanbul, Turkey (IST): 76 million passengers; up 18.3% from 2022 8. Los Angeles, California (LAX): 75.1 million passengers; up 13.8% from 2022 9. Chicago OHare, Illinois (ORD): 73.9 million passengers; up 8.1% from 2022 10. Delhi, India (DEL): 72.2 million passengers; up 21.4% from 2022 For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Internet accessibility program that provides low-cost connections will run out of money this month An internet accessibility program that provides low-cost connections for 23 million American households will run out of money by the end of April unless Congress takes action in the next few weeks. The Affordable Connectivity Program launched in 2021, offering low-income recipients between $30-$75 a month off their monthly internet bill. In turn, many internet providers nationwide offer deeper discounts to recipients, leading to many families receiving completely free service. According to the White House, one in every six families relies on the program to stay connected, including more than 367,000 households in Massachusetts and 38,000 in New Hampshire. Nearly half of those households are military families, about a quarter of them are seniors, said Jon Donenberg, the Deputy Director of the National Economic Council. Affordable, reliable high-speed internet is really an essential part of life in the 21st century. Its a requirement for Americans to effectively participate in school, to do their jobs, often access health care especially in rural areas and to stay connected to their loved ones. Adrienne McClintock is among the millions who have come to depend on the Affordable Connectivity Program to stay in touch. The Illinois resident and her fiance have received free high-speed internet since qualifying for the program more than two years ago. Ive applied for food stamps, Ive applied for disability, she said. He can apply for jobs, he can get the phone call about jobs. McClintock also described how having internet access at home has led to better healthcare. Instead of having to take her laptop to a library and request a private room for telehealth appointments, shes been able to meet with her doctors virtually from her home. She received a letter earlier this year, explaining the program was coming to an end. Since then, shes been bracing herself to once again become disconnected from her friends, healthcare providers, and loved ones. Having to go back to the same behaviors we had when we were homeless, thats a hard hit emotionally. The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new recipients in February, as the money set aside by the federal government began to dry up. But the push to save the program began months earlier. In October, the Biden Administration sent Congress a $6 billion request to keep it funded through the end of 2024. In January, both Democrats and Republicans co-sponsored the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act in both the House and the Senate. Now, with weeks to go until funding expires, neither chamber has taken it up for a vote. Recipients will continue to receive their full discounts for April, with smaller benefits (between $14-$35) for May. In June, its expected that many of the 23 million American households who rely on the program will discontinue internet service. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan are set to sign over ten bilateral agreements and treaties during the upcoming state visit of Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov to Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Kairat Osmonaliev told Kyrgyz media, Trend reports. "About 20 different legal documents between the two countries are currently being finalized. Osmonaliev stated, "Following the state visit, at least a dozen documents will be signed. I believe this will further align our legal frameworks." The ambassador also highlighted the resumption of the intergovernmental commission between Baku and Bishkek after a long hiatus. "The fourth meeting of the intergovernmental commission took place in Baku in 2022. In 2023, the fifth meeting was held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. It is planned that the sixth meeting will be held in Baku to solidify our roadmap following the state visit," added the diplomat. Intoxicated NH woman arrested for driving on the wrong side of the highway, police say Authorities arrested a woman accused of driving on the wrong side of a New Hampshire highway for miles while intoxicated early Monday morning. Stephanie McPhee, 31, of Hampstead, New Hampshire, is charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and reckless conduct deadly weapon. According to New Hampshire State Police, several 911 calls were placed around 5 a.m. of a car traveling northbound in the southbound lane on Interstate 93 near the Massachusetts border. The car was placed somewhere near mile marker 6.8 in Windham. Trooper Kevin Gazlay responded from Manchester and was eventually able to intercept the car at mile marker 13.6 in Londonderry, stopping the vehicle from continuing further, according to police. McPhee is scheduled to appear in Derry District Court in May. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Investing in nature is essential for national security, the chairman of government agency Natural England has said. Tony Juniper said a healthy natural environment was important for prosperity and public health but warned it would take decades to properly reverse the decline in species and habitats. Mr Juniper argued that England already has the targets and policies it needs to deliver a turnaround for nature, but suggested some areas such as the reintroduction of beavers are developing more slowly than he would like. On the debate over whether the country can afford to restore wildlife and habitats, or should instead prioritise food security, Mr Juniper insisted it needed to be both and, rather than either or. The former head of Friends of the Earth said: A healthy natural environment is essential for national security, and indeed for our prosperity and public health How do you secure food and water supplies, how do you make your country resilient in the face of climate change, how do you underpin key economic sectors? In the end, all of them you can trace back to a healthy natural environment having some role and in the case of farming and water, having a pivotal role He added: So health, wealth and security at a national level are three reasons why its really important to invest in nature, even at times of economic hardship, because if you dont do it, you pay a big bill down the track. Mr Juniper, who has been in his post for five years - Jay Williams Speaking to the PA news agency to mark five years in his role, Mr Juniper said concerns raised over moves including reintroducing beavers mean we go more slowly than ecologists and nature advocates like me would like. Supporters of reintroduction say beavers engineer the landscape to store and clean-up water, reduce flooding and create habitats for wildlife. But efforts to release them into the wild must wait on Government decisions, with some farmers concerned about their impact on productive land. However, Mr Juniper said the species, which was hunted to extinction in Britain, had been missing for 400 years, so if it takes another year to get to the point where weve got clarity about what were going to do, I dont think thats a total disaster. He added: As an ecologist, I can see the huge benefits that would come with [beavers], so long as we can get everybody to the point where they can see it as well. We need to carefully and make sure we keep as many people on side as we can. Mr Juniper acknowledged that economic considerations affect policy, with spending constraints following the financial crash, and more recently the impact of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis prompted by the war in Ukraine. Developers required to replace habitats He cited an increasing focus on unlocking private as well as public funding, with new measures such as biodiversity net gain. This requires developers to finance the creation of habitat, not only to replace what has been lost to development, but to increase it overall. As part of the new environmental land management scheme (Elms), which replaces EU farming subsidies, the Government is paying large landowners and groups of farmers to implement pilot landscape recovery schemes. Mr Juniper said this funding would pump-prime large-scale nature projects so they can attract green private investment. Mr Juniper wants people to think of the debate as 'both and' - Oli Scarff/AFP Elms also pays individual farmers for outcomes such as healthy soil, hedgerows and reduced pesticide use. Mr Juniper defended the schemes focus on public goods, such as a stable climate and clean water, rather than food production. He said the public goods focus was effectively correcting a market failure, by paying for things that people need but which are not available on the market. While you could argue food counts as a public good, he said, I think probably the more useful conversation would be to say, how do we ensure that the people growing this food are getting a fair deal in the market? And thats less public goods and more about the behaviour of the supermarkets, and the trading conditions that shape the prices that people pay in the shops and the prices that the farmers are being paid for all the hard work theyre putting in and the risk theyre taking. He added it was necessary to get beyond the either or question of food production versus nature recovery, to reach both and, bringing nature recovery and food production together. Governments should think long-term Speaking in a general election year, Mr Juniper said whoever wins power should be thinking long-term about the programme of nature recovery and the climate challenge. He also called for a widespread appreciation that nature recovery is a hugely valuable investment with multiple returns and not simply a cost. The idea of taking the view that this is a sound investment and requires long term commitment, both of those things are essential, he said, adding there were benefits in tackling multiple objectives, such as housing, clean water, nature recovery and carbon storage together. Mr Juniper said he felt the penny has dropped in politics, agriculture, development, and among the public, on the need to deal with environmental challenges. He said: This is not really now for want of new policies or for new targets. Its really now about delivery. I think weve got most of what we need in terms of the goals and many of the policies to back their delivery, but weve got to stick with the programme. Its long term, it cant be solved in one parliament, Mr Juniper said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. White House says Iran did not provide early warning of Israel attack and didnt mean for it to fail The White House is strongly denying reports that Iran provided any advance warning of the massive aerial attack it sent towards Israel on Saturday, calling the suggestion that Tehran would have provided any information on its military plans ridiculous. John Kirby, the presidents national security communications adviser, also took a page from President Joe Bidens book of oft-used phrases by referring to reports of such warnings through back channels or otherwise as malarkey. We did receive messages from Iran, and they receive messages from us too, but there was never any message to us or to anyone else on the timeframe, the targets, or the type of response, he said during a White House press briefing on Monday. I want to be clear, this whole narrative out there that Iran passed us a message with what they were going to do is ridiculous, he later added. According to US and Israeli officials, the attack launched by Tehran included more than 300 separate munitions, including drones, ballistic missiles and surface-to-surface cruise missiles. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, said together with Israels allies and partners across the region they had intercepted the vast majority of weapons fired by Tehran and its proxies Saturday evening. Mr Kirby said the successful defence of Israeli airspace was due not to any advance warning but to skill and technological prowess of both the Israeli military and the military forces of her allies. This attack was defeated thanks to our preparations to a coalition of committed partners and Israels remarkable defensive systems ... Israel today is in a far stronger strategic position than it was only a few days ago. Irans vaunted missile programme something it is used to threaten Israel and the region proved to be far less effective, he said. Israels defences, on the other hand, prove even better than many had long assumed. Israels defence was strengthened by a coalition of countries led by the United States and working together. The White House spokesperson also pointed out that the US had never before so extensively and so directly defended Israel from attack, and called on the House of Representatives to urgently pass the National Security supplemental appropriations bill which has already passed the Senate, as it would provide funding for both Israeli and Ukrainian air defence needs. That supplemental includes funding that the President requested for the Iron Dome and Davids sling system systems that saved countless lives this weekend and has saved many lives from Hamas and from Hezbollah rockets over the past six months, he said. Passing that bill is the fastest and surest way to get Israel the aid it needs. And we must act urgently to replenish Israels air defences, just as Congress must act urgently to replenish pull replenish Ukraines air defences, which also continue to be attacked every single day with the same Iranian-made drones. The successful US-led defence of Israel against the Iranian attack is a sign that under Mr Biden, the US commitment to Israeli security remains strong despite tensions between him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the latters conduct of Israels six-month-old war against Hamas in Gaza. Last week, Mr Biden told Mr Netanyahu that US policy towards Israels six-month-old war against Hamas would depend on whether Israel can announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. That pronouncement was made after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, one of whom was a US citizen. At the time, Mr Biden called the airstrike against a trio of marked vehicles from the nonprofit unacceptable. He later told the Univision television network there was no excuse for Israel to not provide for the medical and the food needs of civilians in Gaza and called Mr Netanyahus approach to the war a mistake. In a statement following the attack, Mr Biden said hed again spoken to Mr Netanyahu to reaffirm Americas ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. And on Monday, he said the US remains committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict from spreading further during an Oval Office meeting alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani. He also said the US is still committed to Israels security. But Mr Kirby also implied that that commitment will not lead Mr Biden to abandon his earlier demands to Mr Netanyahu, stating that the unprecedented attack on Israel from Tehran will not change American demands for more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and suggesting that Mr Bidens ultimatum to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the treatment of civilians and aid workers also remains in place. Earlier in the day said during an appearance on MSNBCs Morning Joe on Monday, Mr Kirby had that Israel must continue to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza after the Iran attacks and suggested there is no change on the ultimatum that was given to Mr Netanyahu. He acknowledged that aid flowing into Gaza has increased ... quite dramatically in the days since Mr Bidens call with Mr Netanyahu and said more than 2,000 truckloads of food and other necessities have passed through various checkpoints into the territory. The aid is getting in, thats important, but it has to be sustained, he said. What we ... said was, [American] policy with respect to Gaza will have to change if we dont see changes over time and have them sustained. So far, yes, they have been meeting the commitments they made to President Biden, they have been doing the things that the president asked them to do, he said, but we really need to see it sustained over time. And under questioning from The Independent at the White House briefing on Monday, Mr Kirby confirmed that the Biden administration considers Israels broader defensive needs to be separate and apart from how Israel is conducting the war in Gaza. You can be a staunch defender of Israels defence and we are, and I think he proved that to a fairly well Saturday night and still be able to have some tough candid conversations with the way in which they are fighting Hamas inside Gaza. And those conversations are continuing, he said. I would argue that only a good friend can do what we did Saturday night and still be willing to have tough conversations with the Israeli government about the prosecution of the of the operations are conducting inside Gaza, he added. Irans missile and drone attack on Israel showed that the Islamic Republic has learned key lessons from Russias war in Ukraine, employing a strategy to overwhelm air defenses with a layered assault including swarms of drones and missiles traveling faster than the speed of sound. For Ukraine and its supporters, the attack further demonstrated the dangerous link between Moscow and Tehran and, in their view, should strengthen the argument that defeating Russia in Ukraine will weaken aggressors threatening the U.S. and its allies around the world. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday condemned the Iranian attack and its use of Shahed drones. We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same Shahed drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes, Zelensky said in a statement. The obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world. Russia has deployed the Iranian-made drones against Ukraine for more than a year and a half, with cooperation between Tehran and Moscow improving on the design of the drones, strategies of attacks and capabilities. Theres no doubt in my mind that in the same way were learning about how our weapons work on the modern-day battlefield because were giving those to Ukraine theres no doubt that the Iranians are learning about what works and what doesnt work, about their drones being used in Ukraine as well, said Luke Coffey, a senior fellow at Hudson Institute. Coffey pointed to both small and large adjustments Iran has made to its drone fleet, from better camouflage to engine upgrades that make the drones faster and more agile. But theres also something that goes beyond the technical aspect its more about the tactics and the procedures that I think the Iranians have learned from Russias airstrikes in Ukraine, Coffey said. This package of airstrikes looks very similar to what we see in Ukraine, from Russia. Meaning that you have an array of different aerial munitions cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, drones and theyre all launched either in waves or in such a way that the timing overwhelms air defense. Israel, in what is being described as a complex coordinated effort with the U.S., Jordan and other allies, succeeded in blunting an attack from Iran on Saturday. Iran said it launched its attack on Israel in retaliation for an April 1 bombing of its consulate in Syria where senior Iranian military leaders were killed. The Israeli military said that Iran fired approximately 170 drones, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles, adding that nearly all were shot down. What Iran did, by sending drones first and then missiles, this is a tactic that the Russians are doing, too. There is a connection between them, said Sina Azodi, visiting scholar and a professorial lecturer of international affairs at The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs. From a short-term perspective, you can say this is a defeat for Iranians or they were not successful, but at the end of the day, I think theyre also watching, theyve seen how their drones or missiles were shot down, and theyre taking notes on how to improve things, Azodi continued. Theyve also tested what would happen in a potential conflict. What would the United States, or Jordanian, and others do? And they just tested how capable Israels missile defense system is. Theyre taking notes. Im pretty sure theyre going to work to improve the weapon systems that they have. And I think this is a lesson that the Russians are doing too. The Institute for the Study of War, in an analysis, said that while Iran likely anticipated that Israel would have a more robust air defense system compared to Ukraine, it likely was surprised by Israels overall success. Ukrainian air defenses have averaged interception rates of only about 46% of Russian ballistic missiles during recent large strikes. The Iranians likely expected that Israeli rates would be higher than the Ukrainian rates but not above 90% against such a large ballistic missile salvo, the group wrote in its analysis. The Russians, after all, have never fired close to that many large ballistic missiles in a single strike against Ukraine. Israels successful defense is being credited as built on years of preparation and training, but also closer ties with Gulf states made possible by the Abraham Accords. Still, the Iranian attack is being described as a significant challenge. Retired Israeli Maj. Gen. Yaacov Ayish, senior vice president for Israeli Affairs at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, described Irans drone and missile assault as trying to overwhelm and to saturate Israels air defense network, but also U.S. and other regional partners. The combination of drones and cruise missiles had the effect of stretching intelligence and detecting capabilities of the different layers, Ayish said. Definitely they were aware of some of those capabilities and they were trying to overwhelm them, he added, referring to Iran. The White House has taken pains to not explicitly link the two fights. These are different conflicts, different air spaces, different threat picture, John Kirby, the White House national security communications adviser, said Monday. The president has been clear since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, the U.S. is not going to be involved in that conflict in a combat role. We have been providing Ukraine the tools they need to defend their air space, unfortunately we cant do that right now because we dont have the national security supplemental funding that they need. But the White House is pushing for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to allow a vote on the Senate-passed $95 billion national security supplemental, which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and other priorities. Youve got two good friends here, Israel and Ukraine, very different fights to be sure, but active fights for their sovereignty and their security, Kirby said. Time is not on anyones side here, in either case. They need to move quickly on this, and the best way to get that aid into the hands of the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and into the hands of Ukrainian soldiers is to pass that bipartisan bill that the Senate passed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. What Iran attacked Israel with, and what actually made it through Iran launched an unprecedented retaliatory attack on Israel over the weekend that included hundreds of missiles and drones launched primarily from its own soil, but also by Iran-backed groups in several other countries. Virtually everything fired at Israel was intercepted before entering the country's territory, according to the Israel Defense Forces, which reported "very little damage" from the attack. A 7-year-old girl who was severely injured by shrapnel was the only known casualty in the attack. The child, from a Bedouin village in Israel's southern Negev desert, was still fighting for her life on Monday. Iran's assault was designed to saturate Israeli and U.S. air defenses with drones and cruise missiles and clear the way for Iran's ballistic missiles, two U.S. officials told CBS News national security correspondent David Martin. It took several hours for the drones and missiles to travel toward Israel, and alerts began to sound across the country at about 2 a.m. local time on Sunday (7p.m. Eastern on Saturday). U.S. won't participate in Israeli reprisal attack on Iran, officials say The IDF said 170 drones were fired at Israel from Iran, and Israeli Air Force jets shot down dozens of them. U.S. aircraft operating from bases in Saudi Arabia and Jordan shot down between 70 and 80 of the drones, Martin reported. Shahed 131/136 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are purportedly shown in this image shared by Iranian state news agency, IRNA. / Credit: IRNA Iran's state news agency, IRNA, said its domestically built Shahed 131 and 136 drones were used in the attack, the larger of which have a range of around 1,200 miles. Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles and Emad ballistic missiles were also used in the attack, according to IRNA. Kheibar Shekan missiles, unveiled in 2022, are one of Iran's most modern ballistic missiles, IRNA said, and the Emad missiles can carry a payload of 1,600 pounds. The state news agency said the cruise missiles used in the attack were Paveh missiles, which it said were capable of attacking targets from multiple directions by taking varied paths. The IDF said none of the 170 drones launched by Iran crossed into Israeli territory, nor did any of the more than 30 cruise missiles fired by the Islamic republic. Of 120 ballistic missiles fired at Israel from Iran, the U.S. officials told CBS News only five got through Israeli and U.S. air defenses and hit Israeli territory. One U.S. official told CBS News that roughly half of the ballistic missiles failed on launch or crashed in flight. Israeli air defenses launch to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, April 14, 2024. / Credit: Tomer Neuberg/AP Four missiles did hit Israel's Nevatim Air Base, where Israeli F-35s are based, the U.S. officials said, adding that the base was likely Iran's primary target, as it is believed to have been an Israeli F-35 that carried out a deadly strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria's capital on April 1. Iran's weekend attack was its promised retaliation for that Israeli strike in Damascus, which killed seven officers from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two generals. One of the missiles hit near the base's runway, while two landed in open areas and "one more hit near a building, causing minor damage," IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Monday, adding that the building was still under construction. "All this damage will be repaired in the coming days," Hagari said. "This base is operating around the clock, it functioned during Operation 'Iron Shield' and today as well, from this base, aircraft took off to protect the skies of the State of Israel." Another ballistic missile appeared to have been aimed at a radar site in northern Israel, but it missed its target, the U.S. officials told Martin. The IDF said several other launches were made from Yemen and Iraq, but none of those weapons crossed into Israeli territory. Dozens of rockets were also fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel early Sunday morning, and Israel carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah targets across Lebanon. Social Security Administration updates overpayment policy | 60 Minutes Nature: Gopher tortoises in Florida Jerry Seinfeld on "Unfrosted," the made-up origin tale of Pop-Tarts How the Iran attacks could affect holidays to the Middle East and beyond British holidaymakers heading to the Middle East and as far away as Australia face travel disruption, after Iran carried out a major drone attack on Israel on April 13. A number of airlines including easyJet, KLM and Wizz Air have temporarily cancelled flights to Tel Aviv in the wake of the attacks, and some long-haul operators have stopped flying over Iran, prompting lengthy detours. Meanwhile, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice to 16 countries including Morocco, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates after the April 13 attacks. Here is everything you need to know about how Irans attack on Israel has affected aviation, with advice on travel to Morocco, Egypt, Dubai and Jordan, plus how the rising conflict in the Middle East has impacted long-haul travel routes. What are the latest Foreign Office updates? After the recent events in the Middle East, the FCDO has updated its travel advice to 16 countries. Travellers to Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen some of which the FCDO already advises against visiting have been urged to exercise additional caution. Passengers at Ben Gurion Airport check their flight status the morning after the April 13 attacks - Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg The updated advice says: On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Read FCDO advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas. However, the update does not affect any overarching, pre-existing travel advisory. The tourist areas of Egypt, Morocco and Dubai, for example, remain green on the FCDOs advice pages. How has travel to Israel been affected? After Iran carried out its drone attack, Israel closed all airports in the country and its airspace. A number of neighbouring countries including Jordan, Iran, Lebanon and Iraq have also temporarily closed their airspace or heavily monitored air traffic. The above countries have since reopened their airspaces, but easyJet has cancelled its flights to Israel in the wake of the attacks, just a month after resuming flights to Tel Aviv after the October 2023 attacks. A spokesman said: Due to the evolving situation in Israel, easyJet has taken the decision to temporarily pause operations to and from Tel Aviv until April 21. EasyJet has contacted affected customers and says: The safety and security of our passengers and crew is always easyJets highest priority. A spokesman for Wizz said: Wizz Air confirms that it cancelled its flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday April 14 and Monday April 15, following the ongoing escalation in the region. The airline will resume flights as of Tuesday April 16; however, passengers may experience some schedule changes. Wizz added that it is closely monitoring the situation, and all affected passengers will be provided with rebooking or refund options. KLM told The Telegraph that it has also cancelled flights to Tel Aviv on Monday April 15. Are adventure tours in Jordan still going ahead? Iran already had an FCDO travel advisory in place, and Israel is either orange (non-essential travel is not advised) or red (all travel is not advised), but the adventure tour destination Jordan remains green in the eyes of the FCDO, with the exception of its border with Syria. The adventure tour operator Explore told The Telegraph: Our tours to Jordan are currently operating as usual, and we have groups travelling in-country at the moment. At the moment, the situation in Jordan remains calm and the Foreign Office advice has not changed Jordan remains open to travel. We always have flexible booking conditions where well look to swap customers departure date or trip, or offer a credit note, up to 10 days prior to departure, minus any irrecoverable costs. For anyone due to travel to Jordan in the next 10 days, were offering this flexibility up to the date of departure. The ancient site of Petra in Jordan, which the FCDO says remains open to travel - Bas Vermolen/Moment RF The implications for long-haul travel Due to existing airspace restrictions in the Middle East, airlines flying between Europe and Asia typically route via a narrow northerly corridor across Turkey and Azerbaijan, or via a southerly route above the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia. However, following the events of April 13, some airlines are now re-routing away from Iranian airspace. A spokesman for Qantas told The Telegraph: Were temporarily adjusting the flight paths for our flights between Perth and London due to the situation in parts of the Middle East. Qantas is now operating its usually non-stop service from Perth to London with a stop-over in Singapore in order to keep carrying a full load of customers, although the return leg will continue non-stop due to prevailing winds. KLM is also giving the region a wide berth: As a precaution, we do not fly over Iran and Israel, a spokesman said, although they did not give a time limit for this measure. However, some major airlines do continue to fly over Iran. A spokesman for Wizz told The Telegraph that it continues to fly over the country: There are no restrictions in place; however, the airline is monitoring the situation on a 24/7 basis for any changes, a spokesman said. Looking at the flight-tracking website Flightradar24 on Monday April 15, it is evident that a number of airlines continue to fly over the country. Mark Zee, of Opsgroup, an organisation which monitors airspace and airports globally, says: Several airlines are already flying over Iran again. Ultimately it comes down to each operators risk appetite. However, he adds: The events of the weekend are not likely to create any significant or long-term routing issues. The only immediate impact will be a preference for operators to route via Egypt and Saudi Arabia instead of Turkey and Iran/Iraq for a Middle East transit. This is most relevant for long-haul operators between Europe and Asia. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Iran will be held responsible for any further actions against the US or Israel, says deputy ambassador U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood on Sunday strongly condemned the Iranian attack on Israel and warned that Iran will be held responsible for any further actions taken against the United States, Israel or their allies. Let me be clear if Iran or its proxies take actions against the United States or further action against Israel, Iran will be held responsible, Wood said, in his remarks at a U.N. Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East. The United States is not seeking escalation. Our actions have been purely defensive in nature, he added. In his remarks, Wood placed blame squarely on Iran, saying, Irans intent was to cause significant damage and death in Israel, and that Irans reckless actions not only posed a threat to populations in Israel, but also to other U.N. member states in the region, including Jordan and Iraq. The Security Council has an obligation to not let Irans actions go unanswered, Wood said. Wood said the United States would be considering, in the coming days, various ways to respond at the U.N. and called for the Security Council to immediately and unequivocally condemn Irans aggressive actions and call for Iran and its partners and proxies to cease their attacks. The United States also supports Israels exercise of its inherent right to defend itself in the face of this attack, and as President Biden stated, we will remain in close contact with Israels leaders, he added. The remarks came after Iran on Saturday launched about 350 missiles and drones at Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israeli, U.S. and allied forces. The U.S. has condemned the attack and reiterated its support for Israel. President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone Saturday. Ive just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm Americas ironclad commitment to the security of Israel, Biden said in a statement. I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Iran-Israel conflict: Is my flight safe, will I be re-routed and what if I missed my connection? The world is watching with concern the increasing tension in the Middle East and the potential next steps. But already the effects of Irans attack on Israel on Saturday night, and wider worries about the unstable situation, has had a significant impact on aviation. Airline passengers flying to, from or via the Middle East are facing disruption. Flights to and from the UK have been cancelled or diverted, and detours around the region are jeopardising flight connections particularly at Gulf airports. What are the rights of disrupted passengers and for travellers who have safety concerns? These are the key questions and answers. What was the impact on aviation of the Iranian attack on Israel? Ahead of the attack most countries in the region closed their airspace to passenger aircraft, leading to many diversions and planes returning to their starting points. With Israel under attack, all airports in the country were closed as was airspace in other countries. For example, the Saturday evening British Airways flight from London Heathrow to the Jordanian capital, Amman, travelled as far as Basel in Switzerland before turning around and returning to its starting point. Virgin Atlantics Saturday evening flight from Heathrow to Mumbai flew to central Turkey before turning around and heading for Istanbul to refuel before continuing to India by a much more northerly route than normal. Passengers on the Israeli airline El Al from Luton to Tel Aviv were diverted to the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Lebanon is one of several countries in the region that the Foreign Office warns against visiting, but evidently the airlines decided it was the safer option. Apart from one Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Dubai, which flew straight over Iran, almost all airlines avoided the entire region, resulting in much longer flights. What are the consequences of longer flights? A good example is MH2, the Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to London Heathrow overnight on Saturday, due to arrive in the UK early on Sunday morning. The most direct route between the two airports is off-limits because it goes over Russia, from which many airlines are banned. Instead, the usual chosen track by Malaysia Airlines and many other airlines is to fly directly over Iran. Over the weekend that changed: the plane arrived over two hours late after making a detour over Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Unlike some other flights, the crew did not need to refuel. Some other planes had to stop along the way because they could not reach their destinations safely without taking on more fuel. But anyone connecting at Heathrow to other destinations in the UK, Europe or North America is likely to have missed connections. Whats the situation now? Most airlines are still giving the area a wide berth. The two main ways to do that between the UK and Asia are to detour to the south, over Saudi Arabia and Egypt, or to the north squeezing through a relatively narrow corridor of Azerbaijans airspace between the southern tip of Russia and the northern tip of Iran. With this flightpath, UK-bound aircraft are still unable to take the optimum route because that crosses Ukraine whose airspace has been closed to passenger planes since the Russian invasion. The concentration of Europe-Asia air traffic into so small an area leads to congestion on air-traffic lanes and possible delays on top of the extra flying time involved. For example the Sunday night Emirates flight from Glasgow to Dubai arrived at the Middle Eastern hub two hours late because of delays caused by the longer routing outbound and inbound leading to many missed connections. Passengers connecting to Sydney from Glasgow have a normal connecting time of 70 minutes, which was rendered impossible by the late arrival. If I miss a connection, what are my rights? For journeys from the UK, you are entitled a hotel, meals and onward travel as soon as possible including on a rival airline if necessary. Travelling to the UK, non-British or non-European airlines have no such obligation to provide care though many carriers will do so. They should find you a way to get you to your destination, but are not required to find space on other airlines. What do the aviation authorities say? The European Union Aviation Safety Agency says it remains vigilant with respect to the situation in the Middle East. The body insists: There was no overflight risk for civil aviation at any time. But it also says of Iranian airspace: There continues to be an increased potential for miscalculation and/or misidentification at present. Four years ago, the Iranian military shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane departing normally from Tehran to Kyiv after a chain of errors. All 176 passengers and crew aboard the Boeing 737 died. Tension in the region had risen sharply immediately before the crash, with Iran firing missiles at bases with US troops in Iraq. It appears from information on the tracking service Flightradar24 that Emirates, which has a huge network of flights from UK airports, has resumed overflying Iran. The Independent has asked for a statement about this. What if passengers are anxious about their journeys and want to cancel? Normal terms apply and you can expect zero or very little refund from the cost of your flight. Would you willingly fly to, from or via the region? Yes. An obsession with risk management has made aviation astonishingly safe. I entrust my safety to the men and women flying the plane and the smart, informed people who are watching the world on their behalf. Should I worry about taking my holiday in Turkey this summer? You should always be conscious of risks abroad. But for Turkey, as with most other countries, my focus is not on the danger of being caught up in a war. Tragically, conflicts have dragged on for decades in the Middle East, successively causing devastation in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria. But they have not affected holidaymakers in nearby countries. I sympathise with anyone who is concerned about war spilling over, but they should note that the Turkish resort of Bodrum, for example, is over 500 miles from Israel. Cyprus is much nearer to Israel; Larnaca is 200 miles from Tel Aviv. But, again, there is no official warning about threats posed by the Israel-Iran conflict on that island. I urge instead a focus on a statistically much more likely risk: being involved in a road accident in those places because driving standards are relatively poor. The Foreign Office warns: Accidents are common and mainly due to poor or reckless driving. I do all I can to reduce the amount of road travel, taking trains where possible or trusting in a professionally driven bus. For completeness, my same advice applies for holidays in Egypt and Jordan: there is no warning against travelling to all the normal tourist locations. Indeed, it may be that you could find bargains as well as an especially warm welcome in those countries if other travellers stay away. From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Monday. Its Tax Day, and if this is the first youre hearing of it, well, Godspeedand we know what your evening plans look like. Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories A Telegraphed Iranian Attack People gather in Tehran, Iran, on April 14, 2024, in support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' attack on Israel. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) TEL AVIV, IsraelA Saturday evening alive with protests calling for the safe return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza fell abruptly silent here in Israels second-largest city as disturbing news began to trickle in. Iran, the Israeli military later confirmed around 11 p.m., had begun its long-awaitedand first-everdirect attack on the state of Israel. By early Sunday, the Islamic Republic had launched some 170 explosive drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles westward toward Israel. Israels air force, together with an international coalition, intercepted a large percentage of the projectiles before they ever crossed into Israeli airspace. Nearly all of those that did reach the country were intercepted by its layered air defense system before hitting their targets, with the exception of a small number of ballistic missiles, which struck the Nevatim Airbase and caused minor damage. Shrapnel from an intercepted missile fell on a Bedouin village in the Negev Desert, severely injuring a 7-year-old girl. (via Joe Schueller) The unprecedented attack followed weeks of warnings by U.S. and Israeli officials, who had assessed that Iran planned to retaliate against Israel following the latters alleged strike in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month that killed Iranian Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi and several other members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). During a press conference Friday, President Joe Biden reiterated his monosyllabic message to Iran and its proxies in the region: Dont. The warning fell on deaf ears as Iran went forward with an attack from its own territory one day latera first in its many years of proxy warfare against Israel. Before the projectiles even reached Israel, however, Irans mission to the United Nations released a statement citing the Damascus strike as Tehrans reason for attacking and stating: The matter can be deemed concluded. (via Joe Schueller) Israel, for its part, seems to disagree. After a meeting of the Israeli War Cabinet on Sunday to discuss possible counterattack options, a leading member of the cabinet, Benny Gantz, vowed that this event is not over, adding that Iran will pay a price in a manner and time that is correct for us. But what form an Israeli response might take remains unclear. Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told TMD that Israel could target like-for-like by hitting IRGC facilities. Cyberattacks or covert strikesof the type that killed Zahedi in Damascusmay also be on the table. And then theres of course the big question, which is does this open the door for the Israelis to look at nuclear sites that theyve been wanting to strike for the last 10 or 15 years, but perhaps felt that their hands were tied because they were only taking fire from proxies, and not Iran itself? Schanzer said. Some might say that this now opens the door for Israel to hit what it wants. For years, the Israelis have been talking about [the] so-called octopus strategy, where they have said that its not sufficient to fight with the tentacles of the octopus but that they need to strike at the head of the octopus, Schanzer continued. Well, the octopus head has just emerged. (via Joe Schueller) But the White House, despite reportedly warning Iran last week that a direct attack could bring about a joint U.S.-Israel response, seems to be erring on the side of restraint. Biden reportedly informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a call Saturday that the U.S. wouldnt support an Israeli counterattack against Iran as his administration tries to avert a broader regional war. You got a win. Take the win, Biden said in reference to the joint defensive efforts that helped Israel thwart the bombardment, according to Axios. That win could be short lived, Schanzer argued, if Israel doesnt retaliate. If Iran is not punished for this, if Iran is not forced to pay a price in some significant way, then its a foregone conclusion that they will strike again, Schanzer told TMD. And I think thats what the Israelis are wrestling with in their discussions with the Biden administration. Biden is trying to keep a lid, the Israelis are trying to establish deterrencecan they find a way of doing both? But in the immediate, the attack showed the strength of both Israels own air defenses and its strategic partnerships throughout the region. The U.S., United Kingdom, and France were among the Western countries involved in shooting down Iranian projectiles before they reached Israeli soil. Arab States, reportedly including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, also played an important role in Israels defense. Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France participated in the interceptions, Maj. Nir Dinar, an IDF spokesman, told TMD, and there have been a few other countries in the region, which are not Western countries, that participated. After weeks of increasingly public rifts between the U.S. and Israel over the war in Gaza, this joint defensive effort may have come as a surprise to Iran. What it did with a single stroke, at least for a moment, was end Israels isolation, Jonathan Spyer, the director of research at the Middle East Forum, told TMD from Jerusalem. If Iran was banking on Israels isolation, then it may well have been disappointed. When former President Donald Trump was hit with his first of four criminal indictments last March, he joined former President Ulysses S. Grant as the only other president to have officially run afoul of the law. In 1872, Grant was arrested while in office for speeding through Washington, D.C., in a horse-drawn carriage. After his arrest, Grant posted $20 in collateralwhich he forfeited after not showing up for his court dateand that was that. But this morning at 9:30 a.m., Trump will venture out on his own as the only current or former U.S. president to stand trial. And instead of just $20 in lost collateral, he faces felony charges that could carry prison time. Trumps criminal trial over alleged hush money payments made to adult film star Stephanie Cliffordalso known as Stormy Danielsahead of the 2016 election campaign begins today. The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, includes 34 felony counts that focus on allegedly falsified business records related to the $130,000 that now-former Trump attorney Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trumps associates reportedly made the payments to buy her silenceduring a presidential campaignabout a sexual encounter she had with Trump years earlier. Cohen claims that the Trump Organization reimbursed him for the Daniels money in a series of payments but that the organization falsely recorded the reimbursements as a legal retainer. Bragg will argue that the alleged falsifying of business recordsa misdemeanor offensewas designed to hide a campaign finance crime, parlaying the charges into felonies. While there are those who believe Bragg is on solid footing, a number of legal analysts argue this bank shot makes Braggs case the weakest of the four criminal indictments against Trump. As Sarah explained last March: This case will require that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg prove that Donald Trump violated a New York law on the falsification of business records for the purpose of committing a federal campaign finance violation that the federal government declined to prosecute. Again, we dont need to get into the legal weeds here, but 1) its not even clear a state prosecutor can use a federal crime to bootstrap a state misdemeanor into a felony, 2) its unclear the facts underlying the federal crime even as alleged by the prosecution would, in fact, be a federal crime, and 3) his own office declined to prosecute this case under his predecessor because the legal grounds were so shaky. Trumps lawyers have relied on what one might call the throwing-spaghetti-at-the-wall approach in recent months to delay or forestall a trial. His legal team has attempted to get the case dismissed, moved to federal court, or moved to a different jurisdiction within the state. After those efforts failed to stop a trial from moving forward, Trump tried a series of last-ditch appeals to delay the trial date which met the same fate. In one recent instance, Trumps lawyers requested the proceedings be adjourned due to exceptionally prejudicial pretrial publicity. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, whos overseeing the case, denied the request, citing the former presidents behavior during his other recent trials. He was personally responsible for generating much, if not most, of the surrounding publicity with his public statements, which were often made just a few steps outside the courtroom, Merchan wrote. Todays hearing involves the start of a more mundane but nonetheless crucial proceeding: jury selection. The defense and prosecution will question New Yorkers as part of the process to seat a 12-person, fair, and impartial jurya task complicated by the defendant being one of the most famous people on the planet about whom the public has plenty of preexisting opinions. Merchan outlined the rules for jury selection, including the questions both sides could ask potential jurors, which highlight the challenge of adjudicating the conduct of such a high-profile figure. The prosecution and the defense will both be trying to select individuals sympathetic to their positions through questions like, Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for Donald Trump? or, Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for any anti-Trump group or organization? Merchans rules do limit the scope of political inquiry, however, barring questions about voting history, party registration, and political contributions. Each side will have the opportunity to unilaterally remove a set number of jurors and also make a case to the judge as to why other jurors could not be fair and impartial. The high-stakes jury selection could take a week or longerother criminal cases with famous defendants have taken months to set a jury. Both sides seem to understand how much rides on the make-up of a panel selected from deep blue Manhattan to hear the case of the GOPs presumptive presidential nominee, with Trump himself trying to portray the trial as a sham because of the locale. VERY UNFAIR VENUE, WITH SOME AREAS THAT VOTED 1% REPUBLICAN, he wrote on Truth Social earlier this month. THIS CASE SHOULD BE MOVED TO NEARBY STATEN ISLAND. Trump carried 57 percent of Staten Islands vote in the 2020 presidential election. Trumps legal team may be angling to seat a juror who feels passionately enough about the former president to stop a guilty verdict, which requires a unanimous decision in New York state. Most of the courtroom drama is likely to play out once witnesses actually take the stand. Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels have said publicly that theyre prepared to testify at trial, and Hope Hicks, Trumps campaign secretary at the time of the alleged conduct, is another potential witness. Trump suggested on Friday that he could take the stand himself. Yeah, I would testify, absolutely, he said during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Friday with House Speaker Mike Johnson. The entire trial is expected to last six to eight weeks, and Trump is required to attend the proceedings: four days a weekevery day except Wednesdaysfor the duration of the trial. Thats a lot of time off the campaign trail, but Trump will no doubt continue his practice of turning his legal proceedings into campaign events of their own. Rabid Democrats will raise MILLIONS while Im stuck defending myself in court, he said in a fundraising email last week. Another email sent on Friday warned, 72 HOURS UNTIL ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE! Lower Manhattan will witness an even more extended media and protester circus than during Trumps arraignment last spring. Steve Bannon, for example, plans to record episodes of his podcast, War Room, outside of the courthouse. It remains to be seen whether the proceedings will harm or help Trumps campaign. On the one hand, Trumps standings rose against his GOP primary challengers following the indictments last spring, helping him clinch the nomination. The New York casewhich is on the shakiest legal footingcould very well be the only case to go to trial before the election, potentially helping Trump make a case that all of his various legal woes are part of a partisan scam. On the other hand, the trial will shine a spotlight on Trumps sordid behavior with a porn star and could potentially lead to a felony conviction. If hes found guilty, New York law doesnt require a minimum sentence; the maximum is four years for each of the 34 counts. Judge Merchan could simply give Trump probation if he so chose. But, a conviction could hurt Trump with independent voters or those who havent followed his legal travails closely. Or, it could have no effect at all. In any case, well be sure to enjoy the next two months of what we have no doubt will be substantive and appropriate trial coverage. Worth Your Time For the Atlantic, Eliot A. Cohen asks: Why has Iran begun to act more blatantly, less cautiously, and at greater ranges than ever before? His answer: One answer may be the seemingly irrevocable march of that country to the possession of nuclear weapons, a march that was briefly slowed by the American invasion of Iraq in 2003 (which was followed by a pause in the Iranian program) and the ill-fated and time-limited Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated in 2015, abandoned by the Trump administration and unsuccessfully attempted to be revived by the Biden administration. Iran now plays an important role in Russias war in Ukraine. Iranian drones fly every night at Ukrainian cities, revealing and stressing Ukrainian air defenses to pave the way for Russian cruise and ballistic missiles. Iran has reportedly helped with the construction of Russian factories to manufacture the drones, presumably in exchange for Russian assistance on other fronts. It is this bigger geopolitical shift that makes the Iranian attack on Israel so significant. The major players in the RussiaChinaIranNorth Korea coalition are increasingly willing to use open violence (against Ukraine, Israel, and the Philippines), and to threaten much worse, including the use of nuclear weapons. They are united by a growing belief that their moment is coming, when a divided and indecisive West, richer but flabbier, will not fight. Presented Without Comment Politico EU: Downing Street Was Infested With Fleas, [Former U.K. Prime Minister] Liz Truss Says in New Memoir Also Presented Without Comment New York Times: [GOP New Hampshire Gov. Chris] Sununu Says Trump Contributed to Insurrection, but Still Has His Support Toeing the Company Line In the newsletters: The Dispatch Politics crew checked in on Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers evolving abortion position in Michigan, Jonah argued the meaning of art is in the eye of the beholder, Nick suggested that vibes may ultimately decide the 2024 election, and Chris looked at some numbers () surrounding the abortion policy debate. On the podcasts: Jonah ruminated on Top Chef and Barack Obamas messianic reputation on The Remnant , and Jamie is joined on The Dispatch Podcast today by New York Times opinion columnist Carlos Lozada to discuss how to read political memoirs. On the site over the weekend: Stephanie H. Murray reviewed Jonathan Haidts new book, The Anxious Generation, and Sean Keeley argued that Netflixs 3 Body Problem is a dud but can still teach us something. On the site today: Reilly Stephens dives into the recent back-and-forth over so-called squatters rights. Let Us Know Should Israel launch a counterattack against Iran? If so, what should it look like? 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. A drone is launched in an undisclosed area in Iran as Iran launches dozens of drones toward Israel. Tasnim News Agancy/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa The EU could impose new sanctions on Iran after Tehran's direct attack on Israel, several diplomats said on Monday evening after talks between members' envoys. The issue is likely to be discussed this Tuesday during a video conference of foreign ministers called by the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borrell. It comes after Iran directly attacked Israel on Saturday, for the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, in retaliation for the killing of high-ranking Iranian officers in Syria at the start of the month. New punitive measures could be imposed through a sanctions regime set up after Iran began supporting the Russian war on Ukraine by supplying Moscow with drones. The measures banned the export of components used for the construction and production of unmanned aerial vehicles to Iran. The diplomats say the risk of escalation could argue against new strict sanctions, however. Borrell wants to continue trying to persuade Iran to return to compliance with an agreement to restrict its nuclear programme, in a bid to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb. The video conference convened due to the Iranian attack on Israel is intended to discuss how the European Union can contribute to de-escalation in the region. The ministers are likely to strongly condemn the Iranian attack and emphasize EU support for Israel's security. The ministers are also likely to urge restraint and recall the fact that Brussels is demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. In this context, unhindered humanitarian access to the civilian population suffering in the Gaza Strip is also considered necessary, diplomats said on Monday evening. Iran attacked Israel with hundreds of drones and missiles last weekend but almost all were intercepted. It remains unclear how Israel will respond. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 16. On April 15, 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, had a telephone conversation with the First Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. During the telephone conversation, the ministers discussed the current situation and prospects for the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia. The parties emphasized the importance of mutual visits at a high level, mutually beneficial interaction within international organizations, economic cooperation, including in the field of energy, high technology, transport and other areas. Minister Ivica Dacic noted that Serbia attaches special importance to strategic cooperation with Azerbaijan. In addition, during the telephone conversation, views were exchanged on other issues of mutual interest. In 2020, the centre hosted a vigil for Qassim Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - STANISLAV KRASLINIKOV/GETTY An Islamic centre branded the nerve centre for Iran in the UK received more than 240,000 in government Covid payments despite having a reserve of 4.2 million, it has been revealed. The Islamic Centre of England (ICE), described as the voice of Irans supreme leader in the UK, received two furlough payments of 109,476 in 2020 and 129,556 in 2021, even though its year-end accounts showed 4.2 million in reserve. The payments were revealed in a report by the think tank Policy Exchange which called for a ban on visas being issued for Iranian nationals to work at the centre. The report said all four directors of the centre since 1994 had been named as representatives in the UK of Irans supreme leader. It has also frequently held events to mark the 1979 Islamic revolution. In 2020, the centre hosted a vigil for Qassim Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who had been killed in a drone strike in January 2020. ICEs director Seyed Hashem Moosavi issued a statement on its website in which he praised Soleimani as a great martyr. Last year the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into ICE amid serious governance concerns. Governance concerns It appointed an interim manager due to the trustees failure to comply with their legal duties and responsibilities and their failure to protect the charitys assets. Policy Exchange said the inquiry should be expected to report within two months. Paul Stott, head of security and extremism at Policy Exchange, said: Iran challenges our security, but it also threatens the UKs social cohesion and our values. Allowing it to build and sustain an infrastructure in this country is madness. We need to get much smarter in our response, and that starts with proper control of the visa system. The report recommended: Visas should no longer be issued to Iranian nationals to work at ICE, or any institution affiliated to it. ICE, with its director serving as the representative of Irans spiritual leader, is an arm of the Iranian regime in this country. The policy of issuing visas to Iranian clerics to minister in this country should end. The role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in disputes in this country concerning blasphemy must be fully investigated. ICE was contacted for comment. A spokesman has previously said the centre was a purely religious and cultural organisation, which provides various services to the local communities. The spokesman added: It is an independent charity regulated by British law, which is totally funded by the local beneficiaries. The majority of the trustees, donors, and attendees are British citizens. Indeed, this charity is nothing to do with politics, while we strongly believe that the politically motivated lobbies are trying to drag the charity into their political disputes. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. On Monday, both Democrats and Republicans gathered to condemn the weekends new development in the Middle East: a sizable drone and missile attack launched by Iran against Israeli targets. Saturdays attack by Iran refreshed the importance of the geopolitical consequences of Israels war in Gaza for Washington and led to a flurry of activity in the lower chamber, where Republican leaders have teed up a series of bills and resolutions in response. The first pieces of legislation are set to pass the chamber Monday evening. They deal with a range of issues, including directing US representatives at both the IMF and World Bank to oppose financial assistance to Iran and tightening sanctions against Chinese firms known to do business with Irans energy sector. But the real question for the lower chamber is what change this new development has on the calculus around the supplemental aid package meant to bolster the militaries of both Israel and Ukraine. It has languished in the House for weeks as Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to allow a floor vote. Instead, his party has waffled back and forth, at one time demanding that border security be addressed first (it wasnt) and now moving onto his latest effort to appease the far right: separating the aid packages into two bills. The White House called Speaker Johnsons bluff again on Monday, and sent a clear message to Democrats in the House to oppose a standalone Israel bill. Ukraines military is increasingly desperate for more weapons and ammunition while it battles Russias invasion. Supporters of the country against its Russian aggressors originally pressed for the two aid packages to be linked in order to ensure their passage since hardline conservatives, in particular, have increasingly opposed arming Ukraine. In the House, Speaker Johnson continues to face Marjorie Taylor Greenes motion to vacate hanging over his head; the right-wing Georgian has threatened to call a vote to oust him if Ukraine aid passes. Republicans may be hoping that a spate of messaging bills standing in support of Israel and pressuring the White House to respond to the Iranian attack will force Democrats to back down and accept quick passage of a standalone Israel aid package. The president and his allies, meanwhile, continue to hammer the House GOP over its inaction, and so far the left has not suffered any defections. The ball mostly remains in the speakers court. Mr Johnson still faces a political disadvantage, given that the combined aid bill has already passed the Senate, where Republican leader Mitch McConnell has urged him to pass it. Much of the political worlds attention remained split on Monday, thanks to a historic occurrence in New York: the beginning of Donald Trumps hush money trial and the first felony court proceedings against a US president in history. Jury selection began at 10am in the Manhattan courthouse. The Senate, meanwhile, is set to vote this week on the reauthorisation of FISA, Americas foreign surveillance program, after it passed the House on Friday; legal authorisation for the program is set to lapse on Friday. After a rebellion by conservatives on a rule vote last week and a bitter dispute over whether the bill should be reformed with a warrant requirement for the data of American citizens, Mr Johnson cut a deal and shortened the reauthorisation period to two years. That allows it to be re-examined under a potential second Trump presidency. Meanwhile, Mr Trump returns to that Manhattan courtroom where he was reported by some to have visibly fallen asleep during Mondays proceedings. After Iran's attack on Israel, Biden urges Congress leaders to act on long-stalled nat'l security bill U.S. President Joe Biden urged congressional leaders in a phone call Sunday to act on his national security supplemental bill. Photo by Al Drago/UPI April 14 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden on Sunday urged congressional leaders to pass his long-stalled national security supplemental bill, as pressure mounts on House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring it to the floor after Iran launched a large-scale attack against Israel. The White House said in a statement Sunday evening that the president spoke over the phone with Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, R-ky., House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries D-N.Y., and Johnson, R-La. "On the call, the president discussed the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible," the White House said. Biden originally called on Congress for emergency funding for Ukraine's defense against Russia along with money for other national security objectives in August, but was stonewalled by Republicans who sought to try to negotiate more funding for the border and stricter immigration policies from the White House. Following the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, further defense funding was included to support the U.S. ally. President Joe Biden spoke with House minority leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., on Sunday, urging the House to pass his national security funding bill. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI In February, the Democrat-led Senate passed Biden's $95 billion supplemental aid bill, which Johnson has yet to bring to the floor as fissures in his party over Ukraine funding have deepened. Far-right Republicans in the House, loyal to Donald Trump, the former president and current GOP presidential candidate, have balked at sending Kyiv more money. Trump has been skeptical of funding Ukraine, and has floated the idea of aiding them with loans. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., is under mounting to press to bring President Joe Biden's nationals security supplemental bill to the floor, some two months after it passed the Senate. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, one of Trump's most fervent of supporters, has repeatedly threatened to oust Johnson, including if he passes funding for the war-torn U.S. ally. But the White House and Democrats now appear to be trying to force Johnson to act after Iran launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel on Saturday and amid fears that the Middle East conflict is expanding. Schumer confirmed the White House call in a statement on social media, reiterating Biden's words that U.S. commitment for Israel's security "is ironclad." "We need to help Israel stay strong against Iran," he said. Addressing Johnson directly, Schumer informed his House counterpart that the best way to do that "is for the House to pass the bipartisan, Senate-passed national security bill." The New Democrat Coalition of center-left House politicians renewed their calls Sunday for Johnson to bring about a vote on the Senate-approved bill. "It's now imperative Speaker Johnson immediately allow the House to vote for the bipartisan national security package," the coalition's leadership said in a statement. "It's long past time that House Republican Leadership live up to their responsibilities, and uphold America's ironclad commitment to defending our allies as they fight to defend themselves against oppressive powers." Johnson, speaking earlier on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, remarked that he would try to bring a package to support Israel to the floor this week, but did not state if it would also include funds for Ukraine. "The details of that package are being put together now. We're looking at the options and all the supplemental issues," he said. FILE PHOTO: Iraqi lawmakers attend a parliamentary session to vote on the federal budget at the parliament headquarters in Baghdad By Timour Azhari and Ahmed Rasheed BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Iraqi lawmakers postponed voting on Monday on a bill that includes the death penalty or life in prison for same-sex relations - a measure that diplomats from Western countries said could have serious consquences for Iraq's political and economic ties if it goes through. Parliament was in session on Monday, with the bill - an amendment to an anti-prostitution law - second on its agenda. It imposes life imprisonment or the death penalty for anyone engaging in same-sex relations or anyone who swaps their wife with someone else's for sexual purposes. It also bans promotion of homosexuality and violations are punishable by at least seven years in prison. Two lawmakers in the session said the vote was postponed over time constraints and that some disagreements remained over proposed ammendments. Currently, mainly Muslim Iraq does not explicitly criminalise gay sex but loosely defined morality clauses in its penal code have been used to target LGBT people. Major Iraqi parties have in the past year stepped up criticism of LGBT rights, with rainbow flags frequently being burned in protests by both ruling and opposition conservative Shi'ite Muslim factions last year. Diplomats from three Western countries said they had lobbied Iraqi authorities not to pass the bill due to human rights concerns but also because it would make working with Iraq politically difficult at a time when the country is trying to ease its international isolation after years of turmoil. "It would be very difficult to justify working closely with such a state at home," said one senior diplomat, who asked for anonymity due to the subject's sensitivity. "We were very, very direct: if this law is passed in its current form, it would have catastrophic consequences for our bilateral and business and trade relations." Parliament was in session to vote on the bill just hours before Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was scheduled to meet U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on a trip focused on pushing for more U.S. investment. More than 60 countries criminalise gay sex, while same-sex sexual acts are legal in more than 130 countries, according to Our World in Data. When Uganda in May 2023 enacted a law that includes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts, the World Bank halted new lending to the East African nation and the U.S. announced visa and travel restrictions against Ugandan officials. (Reporting by Timour Azhari in Beirut and Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad; editing by Mark Heinrich) US officials believe that at least nine Iranian ballistic missiles hit Israeli air bases on Sunday, evading air defences, although the damage appeared to be minimal. Israel, the United States and their allies on Sunday shot down 99 per cent of more than 100 drones and dozens of cruise and ballistic missiles in an unprecedented show of force. But at least five ballistic missiles were not intercepted, hitting the Nevatim air base in the Negev desert in the south of Israel, damaging a C-130 cargo plane, an out-of-use runway and empty storage facilities, an unnamed US official told ABC News. Four other missiles appeared to have hit another airbase in the Negev, causing significant damage. Israel praised its state-of-the-art Arrow missile defence system for intercepting the weaponry in the first attack on Israel using ballistic missiles since Saddam Husseins barrage on the country in 1991. However, the minor damage at Nevatim showed Israels air defence is not 100 per cent airtight. Israel praised its state-of-the-art Arrow missile defence system for intercepting the weaponry - Israel Aerospace Industries David Cameron on Monday described the assault on Israel as an almost total failure and urged Israel to refrain from retaliating. In many ways this has been a double defeat for Iran. The attack was an almost total failure, and they revealed to the world that they are the malign influence in the region prepared to do this, the Foreign Secretary told Sky News. If youre sitting in Israel this morning, youre thinking quite rightly, we have every right to respond to this, and they do. But we are urging that they shouldnt escalate. David Cameron described the assault on Israel as 'an almost total failure' and urged the country to refrain from retaliating - Isabel Infantes/PA An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman on Sunday night said only five Iranian cruise missiles and a few ballistic missiles had evaded the air defence. The missiles caused minor damage at Nevatim, said Daniel Hagari. As you can see, the base is operational and continues to carry out its missions, he added. Undated footage released by the IDF on Sunday night showed a large crater in the ground at the base, and workers laying a fresh layer of asphalt at what appears to be a runway. A fighter jet was seen landing nearby. Officials in Iran sought to portray the attack as a resounding success, with one of the TV channels even broadcasting the images of what turned out to be a fire in Chile, claiming this was the impact from a missile strike on the Nevatim base. The Al Manar news agency on Monday cited unnamed officials claiming that as many as 15 Iranian missiles hit Nevatim, severely damaging the base and taking it out of operation. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Israels leaders met today during a war cabinet meeting to discuss the countrys response after Iran launched a combination of 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles towards Israeli soil in the early hours of Sunday morning. It was the first time the Islamic Republic, long hostile to the Israeli state, directly attacked Israel after decades of proxy conflict. Iran says that its attack was launched in response to an Israeli strike Apr. 1 on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, which killed a senior individual in Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards along with eight other officers. So far, Irans attack seems to have caused minimal damage. No deaths have been reported, though one 7-year-old appears to be in life threatening condition after shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian missile fell directly on her home. Israel had support from American, British, and French partners who helped it thwart 99% of Iranian aerial threats, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said. Jordan also intercepted some of the Iranian projectiles that flew over its territory, despite fiercely criticizing Israels war in Gaza, which has killed at least 33,00 people including 13,000 children. Read More: Biden Will Meet With National Security Team as U.S. Pledges Support for Israel Against Iran This graphic shows where Iran launched a combination of 300 drones and missiles towards Israeli soil in the early hours of Sunday morning. Muhammed Ali YigitAnadolu/Getty Images International Pressure The U.S. has urged Israel not to retaliate to avoid escalating the situation into a broader regional war. Slow things down and think through [how to respond], Biden was quoted saying to Netanyahu according to a report from the Washington Post. He also told Netanyahu that Israel should be satisfied with its successful response and to leave it at that. You got a win. Take the win, Biden said according to Axios. Leaders in France and Britain have called on Israel to restrain itself, fearing the destabilizing consequences of a broader war. Hisham Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, says that Israels response will be heavily based on whether or not the U.S. will penalize them for acting too strongly. [It depends on] do they think that the United States has their back and will not penalize them, says Hellyer. The reality is that the United States has tremendous leverage over Israel and has so far refused to use it. Israel receives approximately 68% of its foreign-sourced weapons from the U.S. in addition to at least $3 billion in military aid per year. The U.S. appeared to pause Israels actions in Gaza for the first time last month when President Biden refused to greenlight an Israeli military operation in Rafah, Gazas Southernmost city, without guarantees that Palestinian civilians would be protected. Israels Internal Politics Nevertheless, Netanyahu faces strong pressures from Israels right-wing parties to retaliate against Iran. They argue that if Israel does not respond harshly, there will be nothing to deter the Islamic Republic from striking again and severely disrupting the lives of Israelis. We must respond so that the rockets from Iran wont become routine like the rockets from Gaza, Galit Distel Atbaryan, an Israeli parliament member who is part of Netanyahus Likud party, said on Israeli television. Intercepting Iranian missiles and drones is extremely financially costly, and Israelis are eager to avoid Iran sending a similar barrage again. For now, it appears that Israeli officials are leaning towards some kind of non-immediate response. Yesterday, Israeli Minister Benny Gantz said that Israel would respond in some way but did not specify how. This episode is not over We will build a regional coalition against the threat of Iran and we will exact a price from them at a time that suits us, he said. Gantz is one of three members of Israels war cabinet along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. The cabinet was established after the war in Gaza began and meets at least once every 48 hours. During todays most recent meeting, it appeared as though the war cabinet had come to the conclusion that they would respond to Iran, but still had not come to an agreement as to how significant of an attack they would launch. Read More: How the U.S. Rallied to Defend Israel From Irans Massive Attack Regional Dynamics From a regional point of view, the attack was a reminder that despite the war in Gaza, Israel still has allies in the Arab world, says Yossi Mekelberg, an associate fellow at Chatham House who specializes in Middle East politics. Iran probably also got the message that if it tries to attack Israel, there will be a response not only from Israel, but from its allies including within the Arab world. Iran has long been engaged in a sort of proxy-conflict with Saudi Arabia as the two powers compete for dominance in the region. While Israel is disliked by much of the Arab world, multiple Arab countries showed that they are willing to work with Israel over Iran in order to curb the Islamic Republics influence. The Wall Street Journal reported in addition to Jordan striking down some of the missiles, multiple gulf countries shared intelligence with the U.S. and Israel regarding Irans drone and missile launches. Should Israel retaliate, Iran has vowed to respond with an even stronger response. I emphasize that any new adventure against the interests of the Iranian nation will be met with a heavier and regrettable response, Irans president, Ebrahim Raisi, said on X. Contact us at letters@time.com. Demonstrators wave a huge Iranian flag in their anti-Israeli gathering in front of an anti-Israeli banner on the wall of a building at the Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Monday, April 15, 2024. World leaders are urging Israel not to retaliate after Iran launched an attack involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The sign on the banner reads in Hebrew: "Your next mistake will be the end of your fake country." And the sign in Farsi reads: "The next slap will be harder." (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) JERUSALEM (AP) Israels military chief said Monday that his country will respond to Irans weekend attack, but he did not elaborate on when and how as world leaders urged against retaliation, trying to avoid a spiral of violence in the Middle East. The Iranian attack on Saturday came in response to a suspected Israeli strike two weeks earlier on an Iranian consular building in the Syrian capital of Damascus that killed two Iranian generals. It marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel despite decades of enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles at Israel in the attack. The Israeli military said that 99% of the drones and missiles were intercepted, by Israel's own air defenses and warplanes and in coordination with a U.S.-led coalition of partners. Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said Monday that Israel is considering its next steps but that the Iranian strike will be met with a response. Halevi gave no details. The army's spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said Israel will respond at the time that we choose. Both men spoke at the Nevatim air base in southern Israel, which Hagari said suffered only light damage in the Iranian attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been huddling with top officials to discuss a possible response. For a second straight day, the government made no announcements on any decisions. In a conversation with U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Netanyahu said that Israel will do whatever is required to defend itself, the prime minister's office announced. While Israeli leaders have hinted at retaliation, the government is under heavy international pressure not to further escalate the conflict especially after the Iranian strike caused such little damage. The U.S. has urged Israel to show restraint as it seeks to build a broad diplomatic response. While Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said any response is up to Israel to decide, he added: We dont want to see escalation, but we obviously will take necessary measures to protect our forces in the region. Pressed at a briefing about whether such a response would jeopardize stability in the region, Ryder said the U.S. will stay in close consultation with our Israeli partners, as we have done throughout the weekend. Again, we dont seek wider regional conflict. The U.S. also has been working in recent years to strengthen ties between Israel and moderate Arab states in an alliance to counter Iran. Much of that cooperation has been under the umbrella of the U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Centcom works closely with militaries across the region, including Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. The U.S., Britain and Jordan a key American ally in the region have all said their air forces helped intercept the Iranian missiles and drones. Halevi said France and other partners were involved, and he noted that Irans attack has created new opportunities for cooperation in the Middle East. The Iranian weapons also flew through Saudi skies, according to a map released by the Israeli military. Israel says most of the interceptions took place outside of Israeli airspace, indicating at least tacit cooperation with the Saudis. A unilateral Israeli strike could strain these behind-the-scenes contacts, particularly with countries like Saudi Arabia that do not have official diplomatic relations with Israel. It also could risk opening a new front with Iran at a time when Israel is bogged down in a six-month war inside Gaza against Hamas militants. Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout the Gaza war. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. Israels offensive in Gaza has killed over 33,700 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and caused widespread devastation. Throughout the war, Israel has traded fire across its northern border with Lebanons Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, while Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen have also attacked Israel. The friction has kept up fears of a potentially destructive all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, or a broader direct confrontation between Israel and Iran. World leaders pressed Israel not to strike Iran. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said all sides must show restraint to avoid a rising spiral of violence in the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris will try to convince Israel that we must not respond by escalating. In Washington, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to say Monday whether the U.S. had been or expects to be briefed on any Israeli response plans. We will let the Israelis speak to that, he said. We are not involved in their decision-making process about a potential response, Kirby said. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. doesn't seek escalation but said it would continue to support Israel's security. He pledged to step up the diplomatic efforts against Iran. Strength and wisdom need to be different sides of the same coin, he said. - Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report from Washington. Israel must show it is prepared to go berserk on Iran, says security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's minister for national security, said that 'ideas of containment and moderation are the perceptions that ended on Oct 7' - Abir Sultan/Shutterstock Israel must show it is prepared to go berserk on Iran, a hardliner told the government as it prepared its response to Saturdays drone and missile attack. The Israeli cabinet met on Sunday to discuss a possible response, but failed to reach an agreement and will meet again on Monday afternoon. Israels hard-Right politicians have said Israel should not waste time with its retaliation. Ideas of containment and moderation are the perceptions that ended on Oct 7, Itamar Ben-Gvir, the national security minister and leader of the most popular Right-wing party, said in a statement late on Sunday. To create a deterrent in the Middle East, Israel has got to show that it is prepared to go berserk. Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister and a close ally of Mr Ben-Gvir, said he and supporters would use their full influence to make sure Israel retaliates. Israels hard-Right weighed in after Benny Gantz and Yoav Gallat, some of the most influential ministers with close ties to the US administration, made it clear on Sunday that they intend to listen to Washington and refrain from decisions that could lead to escalation. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and his cabinet met on Sunday - Xinhua/Shutterstock Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet made any comment on a possible response or any public statement except for a short tweet on Sunday in which he lauded the work of Israels air defence. On Sunday night, the cabinets secretary relayed the Israeli prime ministers request not to give interviews or speak about the Iranian crisis. Israels success in fighting off the attack was lauded, with the daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth calling Sunday the first good night [in Israel[ after Oct 7 in reference to the day of the Hamas massacre. Newspapers also underscored the need to retaliate against Iran to demonstrate deterrence, but also urged the government not to squander the opportunity to build on a rare show of unity by Israels neighbours, like Jordan, who came to its defence. The conversation about what we are capable of doing is the one that ultimately leads to action. Something has to be done something that hurts the Iranians, but not too badly, Yedioth Ahronoth said in an editorial on Monday. The American veto is sharp and clear: they have no desire to enter into a broad-scale war with Iran at present, and they have good reason to suspect that the Israeli government wants to draw them into one. There is growing international pressure on Iran not to respond. On Monday, David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, called on Tehran to refrain from action that could spark a wider regional crisis, adding that he had been telling the Israeli government they shouldnt escalate. Germanys foreign minister lauded Israels defensive victory, urging diplomatic means to defuse the tensions. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. The Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan will hold an "Environmental Security and Green World" working conference in Sumgayit city, the office told Trend. It was noted that on April 16, the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan is set to host a conference in Sumgayit. This event will bring together personnel from district regional prosecutor's offices, law enforcement agencies, key figures from various state entities, and representatives from educational institutions. Discussions between state institutions, NGOs, and the media will also be held during the conference. Within the framework of the meeting, an Open Day will be organized at the Sumgayit City Prosecutor's Office. To note, the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan has organized more than 10 regional conferences. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Russia rains missiles on London. The American response is to help shoot them down, then demand British restraint. In other words, to wait passively for Putins next move, which will inevitably be more severe, emboldened by the perception of softness. Such a scenario would be an intolerable insult for this country. But this is the reality for Israel. Welcome to the world of Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. His instinct to appease is as entrenched as his predecessors was towards pugilism. Another Trump presidency may prove disastrous, not least for Ukraine, and there is no way of predicting how it would unfold. But based on his performance when last in office, a bit of that swagger might actually help calm the Middle East. What was the point of John Kirby, the White Houses national security spokesman, announcing last night that we dont want to see this escalate and were not looking for a wider war with Iran? What was the point in senior administration officials telling the media that they would not take part in any Israeli retaliation? What was the point of briefing the media that Joe Biden had advised Benjamin Netanyahu to take the win, ignoring the obvious fact that in the words of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett last night when a bully tries to hit you 350 times and only succeeds seven times, youve not won? What was the point, for that matter, of Rishi Sunak telegraphing to the world that calm heads should prevail? Nobody but a madman would call for all-out war. The regional implications would be devastating, the opportunities for China to invade Taiwan or Russia to invade a Nato state might be too tempting for them to pass up, and the spectre of World War III would be real in an age of nuclear weapons. But that is precisely the point. The madman theory popularised by Richard Nixon involved making Americas communist adversaries believe that the President may be insane enough to recklessly set the world alight if you pushed him too far. That unpredictability functioned as a deterrent, helping to keep the world relatively safe. Which brings me back to Donald Trump. In 2020, he authorised the assassination of Iranian terror mastermind Qasem Soleimani, a far more iconic figure than those killed in Syria this month. The commentariat braced for another world war, but in the event, the Iranian response was negligible. Clearly, Trump had the advantage of plausibly actually being a madman. But it worked. Im not welcoming the impending return of Trump. He is nothing if not unpredictable, and it could as easily be a tragedy for the Middle East as a triumph. But what options do we have? Every President needs a tinge of the confidence if thats what it is of Trump. Consider the might of the American armed forces. Its total defence spending is about $850 billion, compared to Irans $9 billion. Its airforce has 13,000 planes, compared to Irans 551, and its navy is four times larger. Combined with Israels $23 billion defence budget and quantitative military edge, as well as assets belonging to Britain, European powers and friendly Arab states, it is the most formidable fighting force in the world. And we havent even begun talking about nukes. The Iranians know this. But they also know that at the helm of the worlds superpower is a man who would rather cower than stand up. So much has been demonstrated by Bidens Mr Whippy approach to the nuclear negotiations over the past four years, which enabled Tehran to make more significant progress towards a bomb than it had ever made before while the White House proffered gifts. Only a madman would call for war. It would be entirely legitimate for the Americans and their allies to impress upon Netanyahu behind closed doors the importance of caution. But in public? Where is the strategic thinking? The message to the Iranian regime couldnt be clearer. Just as in Gaza, the Americans will restrain the Israelis. You can carry out massacres or shower projectiles on another sovereign nation and the worlds superpower will try to contain the fallout. This assumption about Bidens psychology, which has so far been proven correct, has been at the heart of the strategy used by Hamas. Its leaders know that they cannot stand up to Israel militarily. But they also know that if they ensure enough civilians are killed or are seen to be killed via censored footage coming out of Gaza and if they pump out enough genocide propaganda and souped up death figures, the Western media will run with it, with Western leaders following soon after. They know that all they need to do is survive underground for long enough for the Americans to tie Israels hands, after which they will emerge from the rubble to plan the next October 7. Now the same lesson is being taught to the Iranians. This is threatening to establish a new normal in which Iran believes that it can launch aggressive military action with limited consequences. It is making the world more dangerous, not less. But Israel has also learned a lesson from October 7: the fence wont hold forever. No longer can it rely on purely defensive positions to contain the threats that have grown like knotweed along its borders, while the international community has urged restraint. That doctrine, known as the concept, informed Israeli thinking for years. As the thinking went, all you had to do was contain the threat and work on your own economic and diplomatic development and soon your enemies would collapse from within. In Jerusalem, nobody thinks like that any more. In addition to Hamas, there is the much greater danger of Hezbollah on Israels northern border, which has 150,000 missiles, many of them precision, pointed at Tel Aviv, and up to 100,000 well-trained troops, many of whom became battle-hardened in Syria. So far they have been contained. But how long before they get through the fence as well? Which brings me back to the Iranians. The hand of Tehran is behind the whole ring of fire, comprising Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and various militia in Iraq and elsewhere. Their strategy is to push the boundaries of acceptability by increments until victory is in sight. Due to the contemptible weakness shown by the White House, Tehran has reached the very brink of nuclearisation. Can an atom bomb can be shot down as effectively as a swarm of suicide drones? As alarming as it may be, this is a problem that needs to be solved. Being nice wont cut it any more. The West needs a solid strategy of deterrence, combined with a multi-dimensional approach towards degrading and destroying the threat. Part of that has got to be a communications strategy that causes the ayatollahs to think twice rather than lie back in safety. Only a madman would call for war. But thats the point. Jake Wallis Simons is editor of the Jewish Chronicle and author of Israelophobia Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Israel needs to 'think carefully' about risks of escalation, US warns US President Joe Biden has urged Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to carefully consider any Israeli retaliatory strike against Iran and the consequences this would have, sources in Washington say. In a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Saturday evening, Biden made it "very clear" to Netanyahu that he needs to "think carefully and strategically about risks of escalation," a senior US government official said in Washington on Sunday. This is something that is constantly being discussed with the Israeli side and other allies, the official said, noting that Biden also made it clear that the US would help Israel to defend itself. Israel had made it clear to the US government in past talks that it was not looking for a significant escalation with Iran, the government representative said. Iran's direct attack on Israel at the weekend is fuelling fears of a conflagration in the Middle East. International efforts were already being made on Sunday to defuse the situation. Biden and fellow leaders of the seven leading democratic industrialized countries (G7) discussed the crisis and condemned the large-scale attack in the strongest possible terms. "We dont want to see this escalate. We are not looking for a major war with Iran," John Kirby, communications director of the US government's National Security Council, said on Sunday, adding that the US president had been clear he was not seeking war with Iran. The US would continue to help Israel defend itself, Kirby said, but said that how Israel responds now will be "up to them". The US has been Israel's staunchest ally and biggest military supporter and has repeatedly reiterated its support as tensions escalated between Israel and Iran. It was unclear on Sunday whether Israel would respond to Iran's unprecedented direct attack the previous day, which, according to Israeli sources, involved some 300 missiles and drones. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that its forces in the Red Sea area had shot down scores of drones and missiles headed for Israel. "U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, supported by U.S. European Command destroyers, successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen," a statement said. "This includes a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven UAVs destroyed on the ground in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen prior to their launch." Iran's "Operation Truthful Promise" was mounted in revenge for an airstrike on its embassy grounds in Damascus on April 1 in which two generals and others were killed. Israel is believed to have carried out the attack and has not denied responsibility. Israel has been Iran's declared arch-enemy since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The decades-old tensions between the two countries have escalated following the outbreak of the Gaza war in October. FILE - A Palestinian resident of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of east Jerusalem stands near a sidewalk, Nov. 2, 2021. An Israeli court on Monday, April 15, 2024 ordered the eviction of a Palestinian family in the contested neighborhood of east Jerusalem, the latest in a legal saga that has come to symbolize the conflicting claims to the holy city. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean, file) JERUSALEM (AP) An Israeli court on Monday ordered the eviction of a Palestinian family in a contested neighborhood of east Jerusalem, the latest in a legal saga that has come to symbolize the conflicting claims to the holy city. The Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood has been the focus of a long-running battle between government-backed Israeli settlers and longtime Palestinian residents. It's part of a broader trend of settlers encroaching on Palestinian neighborhoods in contested east Jerusalem, and previous attempts at evictions in Sheikh Jarrah have led to violent clashes and helped spark an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas in 2021. According to Mondays ruling, the Diab family was given until July to vacate the house in Sheikh Jarrah. The family said it would appeal. The Israeli magistrate court described the case as a simple dispute over real estate, ruling that the extended Diab family was squatting in a property owned by Jews and had no legal rights to it. Palestinians say they have lived in the homes for decades. The case against the family was launched by Nahalat Shimon Ltd, a Jewish settler organization that for years has been involved in legal efforts to evict Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah. Israel captured east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed the area in a move that is not internationally recognized. Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians seek east Jerusalem, home to the city's most sensitive holy sites, as the capital of their future independent state. Nahalat Shimon is trying to seize the property under an Israeli law allowing Jews to reclaim properties that were Jewish before Israel was established in 1948. Jordan controlled the area between 1948 and the 1967 war. There is no equivalent right in Israel for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were forced from their homes during the war surrounding Israels establishment. Saleh Diab, one of the men in the family, said his family of 20 has been living in the Sheikh Jarrah property since 1955. He told The Associated Press he was shocked by decision and thought his family was protected under a 2022 Supreme Court decision that halted the planned evictions of four other Palestinian families in the same area. Monday's decision comes at a time of heightened tensions in Jerusalem over Israels ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. A high-profile eviction case in Sheikh Jarrah helped spark the 11-day war in May 2021. Israel's firebrand National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, played a key role in rallying demonstrations in support of the settlers as an opposition lawmaker at the time. In his current position, Ben-Gvir oversees the nation's police force. ___ Associated Press writer Natalie Melzer in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. Israel says it shot down Iranian salvo 'shoulder-to-shoulder' with U.S By Dan Williams JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's repelling of a massive Iranian drone and missile salvo was fully coordinated with the Pentagon, which had a U.S. operational liaison officer in the control room of the Arrow ballistic air defence system, a senior Israeli official said. The United States, along with Britain, France and Jordan, helped Israel intercept the bulk of the weekend barrage and potentially stave off escalation between the regional enemies. At least half of the hundreds of pilotless one-way planes, cruise missiles and surface-to-surface missiles, which Israel said carried a total of 60 tonnes of explosives, were shot down by Israeli warplanes and aerial shields, according to local media. Israeli officials said much of the work was done by their Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 high-altitude defence systems, which were developed jointly with the Pentagon and Boeing Co. Arrow's interceptor missiles cost between $2 million and $3.5 million a piece, according to Israeli industry sources. Moshe Patel, director of missile defence at Israel's Defence Ministry, said Arrow and lower-altitude interceptors were synced with counterpart U.S. systems in the region. "The systems share information, for a joint picture of the sky, and the sky was certainly busy," Patel told Channel 12 TV. "Afterward, there is also coordination in battle doctrine. An American officer sits in the control room of the Arrow weapons system and essentially conducts the coordination with the U.S. systems, shoulder-to-shoulder." There was no immediate comment from U.S. Central Command, which oversees Middle East operations. On Sunday, it said U.S. forces destroyed more than 80 of the drones and at least six of the ballistic missiles aimed at Israel. Israel said 99% of all the projectiles were downed in time, limiting the toll to injuries to one person and damage to one military base. That surprised even Zvika Haimovitch, a retired brigadier-general who formerly commanded Israel's air defences. "(This was) well-synchronized and coordinated between all the elements the air, the ground forces - and, yes, to be honest it is a great percentage and much more than we expected if you would have asked me three days before," he told Reuters. "But we need to be sure that we will be ready for the next time because for sure therell be a next time," he said. "We need to take as an assumption that the Iranians will do their homework next time and will try to challenge our systems. That means we need to be one step before and not after our enemies." Daniel Gold, director of weapons development at Israel's Defence Ministry, told Channel 12 television that work was already under way on more advanced Arrow models 4 and 5. Arrow 3 shoots down incoming ballistic weapons above the atmosphere, using a detachable warhead that slams into the target in space. The Maariv newspaper reported that Arrow 3 downed 110 missiles outside Israeli air space, at a potential cost of up to $385 million. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on that. Asked on Army Radio how much the interceptions had cost Israel, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he did not know. Mindful of the need for thrift in the face of foes on several fronts, Israel in 2022 said it was developing a laser-based missile shield to deliver shoot-downs as cheap as $2 each. "I believe that the laser will be in the next few years one of our main solutions in dealing with a variety of threats rockets, missiles, drones, UAVs and more," Haimovitch said. (Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Kevin Liffey) Israel tells UN it reserves the right to retaliate against Iran How Irans attack on Israel unfolded - minute by minute Israel has told the UN it has every right to retaliate against Iran after Saturdays barrage of more than 350 drones and missiles. Gilad Erdan, Israels ambassador to the UN, told an emergency meeting of the security council on Sunday: We are surrounded by Irans terror proxies. This attack crossed every red line and Israel reserves every right to retaliate. Comparing Iran to Nazi Germany, he added: The Islamic regime of today is no different from the Third Reich and [Iranian Supreme Leader] Khamenei is no different from Adolf Hitler. Mr Erdans comments come as Israel weighs its options in responding to Irans attack on Saturday, which was largely intercepted by Israel, the US, the UK and Jordan. Joe Biden and other Western leaders have urged Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint, but a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces said the countrys war cabinet had already approved offensive and defensive operations. The Iranian ambassador to the UN said Tehran had an inherent right to respond proportionately if the US was to join any Israeli military operations against Iran. Follow live below 06:30 AM BST RAF Typhoons and bionic helmets helped Israel repel drones Israel and its allies, including the UK, were preparing for 10 days for an Iranian attack, according to a senior US military official. Israel claims 99 per cent of the more than 330 drones, cruise and ballistic missiles fired from Iran were shot down. The RAF jets shot down somewhere between 10 and 20 Shaheed suicide drones. Each aircraft has the capability to carry six medium-range and two short-range air-to-air missiles. Their precision was aided by the Helmet-Mounted Symbology System (HMSS), a bionic helmet and support system that lets the pilot see through the body of the aircraft, giving them a vital advantage when it comes to split-second decision-making. Read more about the RAFs role and the technology behind Israels defensive strategies. 06:08 AM BST Japans foreign minister cancels travel plan Yoko Kamikawa, Japans foreign minister, is preparing to shelve a trip to Bahrain amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, three government officials told Reuters. One of the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the change would enable more flexibility in the ministers schedule to respond to the crisis. Ms Kamikawa had reportedly planned to visit Bahrain following the G7 foreign ministers summit in Italy between April 17-19, but the trip had not been officially announced by her department. Japan has joined other global powers and Arab nations in calling for Iran and Israel to exercise restraint. 05:42 AM BST In pictures: Israelis clean up after Iranian strikes A view of a crater on a damaged road in the Hermon area - Reuters Israelis inspect damage at Nevatim Airbase - Reuters 05:11 AM BST Biden and Jordanian King agree on Gaza aid as they monitor conflict I spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan today about the situation in the Middle East. We agreed to remain in touch over the coming days as we continue to monitor the situation. We also discussed our efforts to increase critical humanitarian assistance to Gaza. pic.twitter.com/JJqo7trLNv President Biden (@POTUS) April 15, 2024 04:54 AM BST Key moments from the UN emergency meeting United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged restraint, telling the emergency meeting that neither the region nor the world can afford more war. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate, he said. Israel and Iran accused one another of being the main threat to peace in the Middle East. The mask is off. Iran, the number one global sponsor of terror, has exposed its true face as the destabiliser of the region and the world, Israels UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan said. Mr Erdan asked the Security Council to designate the Revolutionary Guards, the Islamic Republics ideological army, as a terrorist organisation. Calling for sanctions, Mr Erdan referred in particular to the snapback mechanism that allows members of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal - which the United States exited in 2018 - to reimpose international sanctions against Tehran. Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood said that the US would explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable. 03:51 AM BST Iravani: Iran acted in self-defence after UN failed Amir Saeid Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, has told an emergency meeting that the Islamic republic was exercising its inherent right to self-defence when it attacked Israel. The Security Council... failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security, Mr Iravani said. Therefore, he said, Tehran had no choice but to respond. Mr Irvani added that his country does not seek escalation or war, but will respond to any threat or aggression. It is time for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and address the real threat to international peace and security, he said, lashing out at Israel. The body must take urgent and punitive measures to compel this regime to stop a genocide against the people of Gaza. 03:12 AM BST Read our front page story: Israel draws up plans to attack Iran Israel has said it has drawn up plans to attack Iran in response to the unprecedented missile and drone strike. On Sunday night, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the countrys war cabinet had approved both offensive and defensive action despite warnings from Western leaders. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, called off an immediate retaliation following intervention from Joe Biden, the US president, who asked him to think carefully about his next move. But Israel said that it reserved the right to strike Iran at a manner and time of its choosing. It later told the United Nations that Iran had crossed every red line in its attack. Read the full story by Tony Diver and Nataliya Vasilyeva here 02:26 AM BST Statement on Blinkens call with Cameron and German minister Here is a statement on Mr Blinkens call with David Cameron and the German foreign minister: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock regarding yesterdays blatant and unprecedented attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel. They agreed on the importance of condemning these attacks in the strongest possible terms and preventing further escalation in the region. The Secretary reaffirmed Americas unequivocal ironclad commitment to the security of Israel, highlighting that we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people. 01:48 AM BST Australias PM: Irans attack risks great instability and devastation Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned Irans attack on Israel on Monday, saying they risked greater instability and devastation across the Middle East. We continue to support regional security, including that of Israel. We want to see there to be less conflict, not more, and this adds to an incredible risk here, Mr Albanese told ABC Radio. In regards to whether Australia would consider any further sanctions against Iran, the Prime Minister said: These things always need to be considered. 01:10 AM BST US Central Command: More than 80 drones from Iran and Yemen destroyed The US Central Command said on Monday that US Centcom forces, supported by US European Command destroyers, destroyed more than 80 uncrewed aerial vehicles and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel. The drones came from Iran and Yemen on April 13 and April 14. Defense of Israel Activities Update On April 13 and the morning of April 14, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, supported by U.S. European Command destroyers, successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six pic.twitter.com/QYyk01o1Vs U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 14, 2024 11:59 PM BST Iran violated international law, says Israels UN Ambassador Israels UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan accused Iran of violating international law at the Security Council meeting. He played a video on a tablet, explaining it showed Israels interception of Iranian drones above Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosque compound, one of Islams holiest sites. Here, you can look at it, he gestured with the tablet and told the Iranian ambassador, who was also seated in the Security Council chamber. Gilad Erdan shows a video of the attack during the UN Security Council meeting - AFP 11:50 PM BST US House will try to pass aid to Israel US House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday he will try to pass aid to Israel this week following Irans drone and missile attack. Mr Johnson, who is struggling to unify the Republican majority, recounted two failed attempts to pass standalone aid for Israel. Were going to try again this week, and the details of that package are being put together right now. Were looking at the options, and all these supplemental issues, Mr Johnson told Fox News Sunday Morning Futures program. 11:44 PM BST Blinken speaks with Middle Eastern counterparts Antony Blinken discussed Irans attack in separate calls with Jordanian, Saudi Arabian, Egyptian and Turkish counterparts on Sunday, the State Department said. Mr Blinken reiterated the US does not seek escalation and will continue to support Israels defense. In his call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, he also discussed the need to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, protect Palestinian civilians and achieve an immediate ceasefire that secures the release of all hostages, the State Department said in a series of statements. 11:26 PM BST Strike on Israel was necessary, says Irans UN ambassador Irans UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, claimed his countrys action was necessary and proportionate. He told the Security Council that Tehran does not seek to escalate or start war in the region and that it has no intention of engaging in conflict with the US, but it reaffirms the right to defend itself. If the US initiates military operations against Iran, its citizens, or its security and interests, Iran will use its inherent right to respond proportionately, he said. Iranian Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani at the Security Council meeting - AFP 11:12 PM BST Russian Ambassador tries to blame Israel for provoking attack Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya appeared to blamed Israel for provoking Irans attack, claiming the war in Gaza was the deep root of the crisis. He called on international leaders to de-escalate the conflict, adding if the UK, France and the US had agreed to condemn Israels April 1 attack on Irans consulate in Syria, the strike on Saturday could have been avoided. The strike on April 1 killed top Revolutionary Guards commanders and marked a significant shift in the conflict. 10:59 PM BST US will explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable Robert Wood, Deputy Ambassador to the UN, told the Security Council the US will explore further ways to hold Iran to account for its attack. Given the threats Irans aggressive actions pose for international peace and security, we have a collective responsibility as members of the Security Council to ensure that Iran complies with the councils resolutions and ceases its violation of the charter, Mr Wood said. In the coming days, and in consultation with other member states, the United States will explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable here at the United Nations. The Security Council held a meeting following Iran's attack - Anadolu 10:07 PM BST Hamas presents ceasefire and hostage exchange proposal Hamas has presented a ceasefire and hostage release deal, Israeli media has reported. The deal reportedly demands that Israel cease all operations in Gaza and withdraw from urban areas of the territory for a six-week period. At the end of the six weeks, the proposal stipulates that Israel would exchange 30 Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli civilian held by Hamas and 50 prisoners for every captive Israeli soldier. The terror groups proposal was reportedly submitted after it rejected a US-mediated deal late on Saturday. 09:43 PM BST UN chief: The Middle East is on the brink Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, has warned that the Middle East is facing the threat of wider conflict. At a UN Security Council session currently underway in New York, Mr Guterres opened by saying: The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating, full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint. He also called for an end to violence in the West Bank and for all UN Security Council members to help ensure the unconditional release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and to work for a ceasefire in Gaza. 09:25 PM BST Suspected Yemeni drone downed over Israel, IDF says The Israeli military says it has intercepted a suspected drone launched from Yemen near the southern Israeli port of Eilat. The target entered Israeli airspace from the direction of the Red Sea and was shot down by an Israeli military vessel, an Israel Defence Forces spokesman said. Footage posted on X by a Times of Israel correspondent shows a large fireball erupting over residential houses. Additional footage showing an apparent interception over Eilat. pic.twitter.com/hlDbtzv32Q Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) April 14, 2024 09:03 PM BST Israel urges UK and France to impose crippling sanctions on Iran Israels foreign minister has urged Britain and France to impose crippling sanctions on the Iranian missile project. In a post on X, Israel Katz thanked Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, and Stephane Sejourne, the French foreign minister, for their assistance but added that it was now time for further measures such as tighter sanctions and the proscription of Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps. I spoke today with British Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron and French Foreign Minister @steph_sejourne. I thanked them for their assistance in the thwarting Iranian attack on Israel last night, for their steadfast support, and true friendship in times of need . However, I ' Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) April 14, 2024 08:53 PM BST US denies receiving Iranian warning of attack on Israel The US has denied claims that it received an advance warning from Iran about Saturdays drone and missile attacks on Israel. Hossein Amirabdollahian, Irans foreign minister, said on Sunday that Iran had given neighbouring countries and the United States 72 hours notice that it would launch the strikes. The move would have ensured that mass casualties and rampant escalation were avoided. A senior US official confirmed that they had had contact with Iran through Swiss intermediaries, but that Iran did not give any advance notification of the strikes or their intended targets. Iraqi, Turkish and Jordanian officials, however, each said Iran had provided early warning of the attack last week. 08:19 PM BST Israels war cabinet favours retaliation, but is divided over timing and scale Israels war cabinet favours a response to Irans unprecedented missile and drone attacks, but is divided over the timing and scale, Israeli officials have said. The cabinet met on Sunday to discuss a response to Saturdays attack as the West urged both sides to de-escalate. Some members of the war cabinet had proposed an immediate retaliatory strike however, this was called off due to pressure from US president Joe Biden, according to the New York Times. An Israeli military spokesman later confirmed that plans for offensive and defensive operations had been approved, but did not specify if or when they would be implemented. 07:48 PM BST Donald Trump launches make Iran pay fundraising appeal Donald Trump has put out a fundraising appeal on the back of the Iranian attack on Israel. In an email, Mr Trump told supporters that America is not safe under Joe Biden and that Irans attack on Israel would not have happened if he was president. Clicking on a make Iran pay banner in the email takes people through to a donation page, with suggested amounts ranging from $20.24 to $3,300. 07:37 PM BST Britain summons Iranian diplomat to the Foreign Office Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, summoned Irans charge daffaires on Sunday after Tehrans attack on Israel, the Foreign Office has said. In a statement, a spokesman reiterated the UKs condemnation of Irans actions and said that the UK will continue to stand up for Israels security. At a time of great tension in the Middle East, this was a profoundly dangerous and unnecessary escalation by Iran, the spokesman added. The Foreign Office also demanded that Iran take immediate action to de-escalate and halt its reckless and unlawful behaviour. 07:07 PM BST Israel still on high alert after Iran attack Israel is still on high alert after an unprecedented Iranian attack, the IDFs spokesman confirmed. In a statement to the media, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Home Front Command rules put in place after Saturdays attack will continue into Sunday evening. Israel has drawn up plans for offensive and defensive action in response to Irans attack, Mr Hagari added, while emphasising that Israels main priority is to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7 attacks on southern Israel. 06:58 PM BST Pictured: Israel gives official statement following unprecedented Iranian attack IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari gives a briefing from Tel Aviv following Iranian attack 06:55 PM BST Israel approves operational plans for both offensive and defensive action The IDFs spokesman has said that operational plans for both offensive and defensive action have been drawn up over the last two hours. Over the last two hours, we approved operational plans for both offensive and defensive action, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. We will continue to protect the State of Israel, and together with our partners, we will continue to build a more secure and stable future for the entire Middle East. 06:47 PM BST Iran poses a threat to the entire middle east Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israel Defence Forces, said that Iran poses a threat to the entire Middle East, adding that their plan to attack Israel had failed. Their (Irans) plan failed, he said. Only a few missiles managed to enter the Israeli airspace and caused some very slight damage to the infrastructure of this Air Force base. 06:22 PM BST G7 releases joint statement on Irans attack against Israel We, the Leaders of the G7, unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Irans direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack. We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security. With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives. We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need. 05:52 PM BST Pictured: Israels war cabinet convenes to discuss possible retaliation against Iran Benjamin Netanyahu attends a war cabinet meeting at the Israeli defence ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel 05:48 PM BST IDF calls up two reserve brigades for operational missions in the Gaza Strip The Israeli military has said it is calling up two reserve brigades for operations in the Gaza Strip following an assessment of the war after an Iranian drone and missile attack on Saturday. Israel Defence Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in a statement: In accordance with the assessment of the situation, the IDF is recruiting in the coming days about two reserve brigades for the operational missions in the Gaza Strip. Their recruitment will allow the continuation of the effort and readiness to defend the State of Israel and maintain the security of the residents. 05:31 PM BST Labour calls for Iranian Revolutionary Guard to be proscribed by the Government Labour has renewed its call for the Goverment to proscribe Irans Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation. David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, said that Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel on Saturday highlights once again the extreme danger of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps). He added that it was for the Government to come forward with new plans to proscribe them and to deal with this issue of state actors that will behave in this appalling way that wreaks terror on a wider community. Mr Lammy also called for further sanctions against Iranian drone technology and said that the Opposition would support such a move. Its time that we stepped up sanctions on those drones, and I hope the government will be coming forward with more plans for that tomorrow, Mr Lammy stated. 05:19 PM BST David Lammy says Israel situation is a moment for cool heads David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, has called for cool heads after Israel warned that conflict with Iran is not over yet as it considers possible retaliation against Iran for a series of drone and missile attacks on Israel on Saturday. Mr Lammy also said that the Labour Party had been kept fully abreast of British military involvement on Privy Council terms. He also said it was important for Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, to give a statement to Parliament on Monday about the unprecedented developments over the weekend. 05:06 PM BST Pictured: Displaced Palestinians attempt to walk back from central Gaza Strip to northern Gaza Strip Displaced Palestinians trying to walk back from central Gaza Strip to northern Gaza Strip, Sunday, April 14 - Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Displaced Palestinians trying to walk back from central Gaza Strip to northern Gaza Strip - Abdel Kareem Hana/AP 04:56 PM BST Pictured: Rishi Sunak is briefed by staff ahead of a call with G7 leaders in response to Iranian missile strikes on Israel Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is briefed by staff before holding a call with leaders from the G7 nations in response to the Iran missile strikes on Israel - Luca Boffa / No 10 Downing Street/No 10 Downing Street Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is briefed by staff before holding a call with leaders from the G7 nations in response to the Iran missile strikes on Israel - Luca Boffa/No 10 Downing Street/No 10 Downing Street 04:50 PM BST Bidens call with Netanyahu a key factor in Israel not launching a retaliatory strike Joe Bidens call with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, was a key factor in Israels decision not to launch a retaliatory strike against Iran on Saturday. The New York Times reported that two Israeli officials said some war cabinet members had urged a retaliatory strike, but that was called off after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel spoke by phone with President Biden on Saturday, and because the strikes caused relatively minor damage. The Biden statement hints at the point US officials are reportedly making in private that Israel was able to demonstrate it could defend itself and there was no major damage, so there is not necessarily any need to strike back. NBC meanwhile reports that a senior administration official and a senior defence official said Israels plans to respond were poorly considered, frenetic and with the potential to be catastrophically escalatory. Another said of the embassy bombing on April 1: I dont think they had a strategy. The Israelis dont always make the best strategic decisions. 04:24 PM BST Israel has chance to form a strategic alliance against Iran, Israeli defence minister says Israel has the chance to form an international alliance against Iran, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant has said. Speaking as he visited an Israeli air defence battery with the US ambassador to Israel, Mr Gallant said that joint preparation between Israel, the US and its allies had led to successful interception of Iranian drones and missiles. Together with the US and other countries, we have established a strong and powerful alliance, with coordination and synchronization between the defence establishments of the State of Israel, the US and our partners, Mr Gallant stated. Mr Gallants comments echo those of Israeli cabinet minister Benny Gantz, who said on Sunday that Israel must strengthen the strategic alliance and the regional cooperation that allowed it to weather Saturdays Iranian attack. 03:57 PM BST Israeli military releases footage of its fighter jets downing Iranian drones and missiles This is what a 99% interception rate looks like. Operational footage from the Aerial Defense System protecting the Israeli airspace: pic.twitter.com/eAwcUPUDw2 Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 14, 2024 03:52 PM BST Pictured: Tel Aviv graffiti depicts Joe Biden as a superhero defending Israel A woman walks past a mural depicting US president Joe Biden as a superhero defending Israel on a street in Tel Aviv, Israel - Leo Correa/AP 03:23 PM BST Israels most popular politician calls for caution in possible retaliation against Iran Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet and Israels most popular politician, has called for caution when weighing on a possible retaliation against Iran. Mr Gantz, who has reliably polled 15-20 per cent higher than prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent months, said in a statement released just as the war cabinet was about to convene to decide on a response to Iran that Israel needs to build a regional coalition to make sure Iran pays the price, in the manner and time right for us. That is the strongest indication so far that Mr Gantz, who is often allied with defence minister Yoav Gallant, will be advising the prime minister against an immediate retaliatory strike on Iran. In a carefully worded statement on Sunday, Mr Gantz made it clear that Israel will respond to the attack at the right time and reminded Israelis that the country has other, arguably more pressing security challenges to face. We must remember that we are yet to complete our missions most importantly, returning the hostages and removing the threat from residents of Israels north and south, he said. Mr Gantz and Mr Gallant in recent weeks paid rare visits to the United States, and both are believed to have strong ties with the Biden administration. 03:14 PM BST Pictured: Israelis relax in Tel Aviv after Iran launched drone and missile strikes People rest on the beach in Tel Aviv, Israel after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel - Hannah McKay/REUTERS A man rides a skateboard in Tel Aviv, Israel - Hannah McKay/Reuters 02:58 PM BST Borrell calls for extraordinary meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers The EUs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called for an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers on Tuesday to discuss Irans attacks against Israel. Our objective is to contribute to de-escalation and security of the region, Mr Borrell said in a social media post. 02:55 PM BST Grant Shapps posts operational update Last night the UK intercepted and destroyed multiple one-way attack drones - launched by Iran and its proxies - that posed a threat to civilian lives in the Middle East. Additional @RoyalAirForce aircraft were deployed this weekend to bolster our presence. I thank our armed pic.twitter.com/GRY6ALtGv0 Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) April 14, 2024 02:36 PM BST Pictured: Protest in London An anti-Iranian demonstration is held outside the Iranian Embassy in London - HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images 02:33 PM BST Response from the Middle East Egypt Cairos foreign ministry expressed its deep concern at the escalation of hostilities and called for maximum restraint. Iraq Iraqs president Abdel Latif Rashid called for a reduction of tensions, warned against the spread of conflict and emphasised the need to stop the aggression against the Gaza Strip and to find a solution to the Palestinian question, given this is a fundamental element to the stability of the region. Qatar Qatar expressed deep concern following the strikes and called on all parties to halt escalation and exercise maximum restraint. The gas-rich emirate, which has been engaged in weeks of talks with Israel and Hamas and mediated a hostage exchange between Tehran and Washington in September urged the international community to take urgent action to defuse the tension and de-escalate. Saudi Arabia The Saudi foreign ministry voiced its concern at the military escalation and called on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and spare the region and its peoples from the dangers of war. 02:30 PM BST The event is not over, says minister Benny Gantz Cabinet minister Benny Gantz has said that this event is not over and that a regional coalition must be built to collect the price from them. Speaking in a video message, Mr Gantz said: Faced with the threat of Iran we will build a regional coalition and collect the price from them, in the way and at the time we see fit; this event is not over the strategic alliance and the regional cooperation system we have built need to be strengthened right now. We must remember that we are yet to complete our missions most importantly, returning the hostages and removing the threat from residents of Israels north and south, he added. @gantzbe: " , ; "@glick_sh pic.twitter.com/2jjOdGmzXN (@GLZRadio) April 14, 2024 02:24 PM BST Pictured: Reaction in Tehran over strikes Iranian lawmakers chant at an open session of the parliament in Tehran as Iran launches dozens of drones toward Israel - Icana News Agency People gather in Tehran in support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' attack on Israel - Majid Saeedi/Getty Images 02:20 PM BST Rishi Sunak confirms RAF shot down a number of Iranian attack drones Royal Air Force pilots shot down a number of Irans drones during the overnight attack on Israel, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed. Mr Sunak said that the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate had Irans attack on Israel been successful. The prime minister said he had chaired a Cobra meeting with Cabinet ministers on Friday to agree a plan of action over Irans attack on Israel, and confirmed that additional RAF pilots were sent to the region. This is a dangerous and unnecessary escalation which I have condemned in the strongest terms, he told Sky Newson Sunday. Thanks to an international coordinated effort, which the UK participated in, almost all of these missiles were intercepted, saving lives notjust in Israel but in neighbouring countries like Jordan as well. I can confirm that our plans did shoot down a number of Iranian attack drones, he added. 02:16 PM BST Major Middle East airlines to resume flight Major airlines across the Middle East announced they would resume operations in the region after cancelling or rerouting some flights. Emirates Airlines, which had cancelled some of its fights and rerouted others due to temporary airspace closures in the region, was resuming scheduled operations to and from Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq from Sunday afternoon, a spokesperson said. Qatar Airways also resumed services to Amman, Beirut and Baghdad, while Etihad Airways was planning to operate scheduled passenger and cargo services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, Amman and Beirut starting from Monday. 01:54 PM BST World reactions to Iran strikes on Israel United Nations UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the serious escalation. I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation, he added, calling on parties to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. European Union The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen called on Iran to immediately cease attacks. All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region, she said. NATO NATO condemned Irans overnight attack as escalation of regional unrest. We condemn Irans overnight escalation, call for restraint, and are monitoring developments closely. It is vital that the conflict in the Middle East does not spiral out of control, spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah said. 01:37 PM BST Britain is now involved in Middle East conflict, warns Ellwood Britain must accept were now involved in the Middle East conflict after RAF warplanes joined the mission to shoot down Iranian drones targeted at Israel, a former defence minister has said. Tobias Ellwood, a former defence minister and former chair of the Commons defence committee, warned nobody was in full control of the escalating conflict as increasing numbers of countries were sucked into it. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed UK warplanes in Iraq and Syria had been deployed to intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions. Mr Ellwood said: Its very clear that Britain will stand with Israel to help defend its guys and its soil along with the United States as well. But we need to recognise were now involved in this too. Charles Hymas and Amy Gibbons report 01:35 PM BST Turkey calls on Iran to avoid further escalation with Israel Turkey does not want further escalation of tension in the region after Irans drone and missile attack against Israel, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan told his Iranian counterpart in a phone call on Sunday. Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told Mr Fidan that its retaliatory operation against Israel had ended, adding that Iran would not launch a new operation unless it was attacked, Turkish diplomatic sources said. 01:28 PM BST France says its nationals should temporarily leave Iran France on Sunday said that its citizens should temporarily leave Iran, as tensions in the region soar following Tehrans unprecedented attack on Israel. The French embassy in Tehran recommends to French residents of Iran who can do so to temporarily leave the country, the embassy said in a statement on its website. They are asked to exercise the utmost caution in travel and to avoid any gatherings, it said. 01:27 PM BST Iraq president warns against spread of conflict in Middle East Iraqs president Abdel Latif Rashid has called for a reduction of tensions in the Middle East after an unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel, warning against the spread of conflict. In light of the latest developments in the region and their repercussions, Mr Rashid emphasised in a statement the need to stop the aggression against the Gaza Strip and to find a solution to the Palestinian question, given this is a fundamental element to the stability of the region. 01:05 PM BST Watch: Moment Iranian strikes intercepted over Jordan, Syria, Israel and West Bank 01:02 PM BST Yemens Houthis say Iranian attack on Israel is legitimate Yemens armed Houthi movement has said that Irans attack on Israel was a legitimate act in response to a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. A Houthi spokesman added that the Yemeni group had been in direct confrontation with Israel since Oct 7, by attacking the southern Israeli port of Eilat with missiles and drones and by preventing Israeli ships from sailing through the Red Sea. 12:54 PM BST Iran says neighbours notified of attacks 72 hours in advance Iran notified its neighbours of its retaliatory strikes on Israel 72 hours in advance, foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday. About 72 hours prior to our operations, we informed our friends and neighbours in the region that Irans response against Israel was certain, legitimate, and irrevocable, Amirabdollahian said at a press conference. 12:53 PM BST Zelensky condemns Iranian attack on Israel Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Irans drone and missile attack on Israel, calling for efforts to prevent a further escalation in Middle East conflict. Irans actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russias actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world, he wrote on social media platform X. Ukraine condemns Iran's attack on Israel using "Shahed" drones and missiles. We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same "Shahed" drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes. Every effort must be made to prevent Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) April 14, 2024 12:36 PM BST Watch: Sunak calls Iranian attack dangerous and unnecessary escalation 12:30 PM BST Sunak pays tribute to RAF pilots Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the RAF shot down a number of Iranian drones in the attack. Mr Sunak said: I want to pay tribute to the bravery of our pilots. He said lives were saved not just in Israel, but in neighbouring countries such as Jordan as well. I can confirm that our pilots did shoot down a number of Iranian attack drones, he added. Mr Sunak said Iran sent both missiles and attack drones and did not specify how many were shot down by RAF forces. 12:26 PM BST Iran tells US its attacks will be limited Iran informed the US that its attacks against Israel will be limited and for self-defence, Irans foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran. 12:22 PM BST Iran vows stronger response to any reckless Israeli move Irans president has warned Israel against taking any reckless action after its overnight drone and missile attack. Iran launched its first ever direct attack on Israel on Saturday evening, in retaliation to a deadly strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1. Ebrahim Raisi, the Iranian president, has now warned Israel against retaliatory attacks. If the Zionist regime (Israel) or its supporters demonstrate reckless behaviour, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response, Mr Raisi said in a statement. Iran has said it is not planning any further attacks. The Israeli military said very little damage was caused by the strikes, and that over 99 per cent of the 300 drones and missiles were shot down by Israel and its allies. But, they added that the campaign is not over yet. World leaders have condemned the attack, with regional powers Saudi Arabia and Egypt calling for restraint. US president Joe Biden has told Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will not participate in any offensive operations. NATO on Sunday condemned Irans attack as an escalation of regional unrest and urged restraint on all sides. 12:09 PM BST German foreign minister says Iran has taken Middle East to the edge of the precipice Iran has taken the Middle East to the edge of a precipice with its overnight attack on Israel, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock has said. She said Tehran had plunged an entire region into chaos and asked all sides to show restraint, adding that the spiralling tensions needed to end. 12:08 PM BST Pictured: Aftermath of the strikes People gather around a destroyed building targeted by Israeli air strikes on the village of Nabi Sheet in the Baablbek - AFP A police officer inspects the remains of a rocket booster that, according to Israeli authorities critically injured a 7-year-old girl - Christophe Van der Perre 12:07 PM BST Iran summons the British, French and German ambassadors Irans foreign ministry has summoned the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to question what it referred to as their irresponsible stance regarding Tehrans retaliatory strikes on Israel, the semi-official Iranian Labour News Agency reported. 12:06 PM BST Italian prime minister condemns attack Italys prime minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned Irans attack and organised a meeting with G7 leaders for later today. Il Governo italiano ribadisce la condanna agli attacchi iraniani contro Israele. La presidenza italiana del G7 ha organizzato per il primo pomeriggio di oggi una conferenza in collegamento a livello dei leader. Esprimiamo forte preoccupazione per una destabilizzazione ulteriore Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) April 14, 2024 12:06 PM BST Jordan says escalation in region would lead to dangerous paths Jordans prime minister Bisher Khasawneh has said that any escalation in the region would lead to dangerous paths and said that there was a need to reduce escalation by all parties. In remarks to the cabinet, Mr Khasawneh said the countrys armed forces would confront any attempt by any party that sought to endanger the kingdoms security. 12:06 PM BST Israel shoots down 99 per cent of Iranian missiles and drones Israel and its allies intercepted 99 per cent of the drones and missiles fired at its territory by Iran on Saturday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesman, said Iran had launched more than 300 drones along with cruise missiles and ballistic missiles but no fatalities had been reported. Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defence minister, said the bombardment had caused very little damage as a result of the impressive operations by the IDF and Israels allies. However, Nevatim Air Base, in the south of the country, was hit but its capabilities were not blunted, Mr Hagari added. A 10-year-old girl was also injured by fragments of rockets. RAF jets helped defend Israel from the barrage and are reported to have shot down drones near the Syria-Iraq border, where Iranian proxy groups are active. 12:05 PM BST A minute-by-minute look at how the strikes unfolded News of the drone attack on Israel broke on Saturday night just after 9pm. The drones launched from Iran were seen flying low as they passed over Iraq, with social media awash with clips of the weapons making a loud buzzing noise. Israeli civilians were warned to stay close to air raid shelters as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and the north of the country activated by incoming Iranian drones and missiles. In the hours following, Israels allies condemned the attack and scrambled to help intercept the drones before they could make landfall. Read how the news unfolded minute-by-minute. 11:56 AM BST Why has Iran attacked Israel? On Saturday evening, Iran launched a series of drone, rocket and missile strikes against Israel. The attack has been seen as an unprecedented escalation in a long-running Middle East conflict that has flared since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct 7, 2023. Irans assault on Israel is the latest development in a long shadow war. But why this attack - and why now? Nataliya Vasilyeva, The Telegraphs Middle East correspondent, takes a closer look. 11:54 AM BST What happened overnight? 11:51 AM BST Hello and welcome to our live coverage We are continuing our rolling coverage of the aftermath of Irans attack on Israel. Follow for the latest updates. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Israeli militarys chief of staff Herzi Halevi told troops on Monday that Israel will respond to Irans drone and missile attack as the threat of open warfare between the countries looms. The announcement comes as Israels war cabinet convened for a second day to deliberate a retaliation strategy in response to a spate of attacks on Saturday evening, when Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones at Israel. The attack was largely thwarted, according to Israeli forces, who intercepted the strikes with help from the United States, Jordan, the U.K., and France. Tehrans attackconducted as punishment for the assassination of a top Iranian commander killed in a strike on a Syrian embassy in recent daysinjured a child, but otherwise caused moderate damage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opted for a response that would send a message to Iran but not cause casualties, such as a cyberattack or an attack on an Iranian facility, The Washington Post reported. Everybody agrees that Israel must respond, one official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Post. How to respond, when to respond, is the question. World leaders have encouraged Israel to reconsider retaliating against Iran. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Monday the U.K. does not support retaliation. French President Emmanuel Macron, too, is working to convince Israel against escalatory responses. The Big Question: Will Israel Hit Back at Iran? The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday. The White House said that the Biden administration will not participate in any response to the Iranian attack. President Joe Biden has reportedly advised Netanyahu to slow things down after the Iranian attack, rather than ramp things up. Meanwhile, top U.S. officials have been working behind the scenes to urge Israel against escalating even further. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his counterpart in Israel three times over the weekend to emphasize that the United States does not seek escalation, according to a Pentagon readout of their calls. Secretary of State Tony Blinken has also spoken with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan to advocate against escalatory responses. Strength and wisdom need to be the different sides of the same coin, Blinken said in remarks on Monday. Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim, who held a meeting with Blinken on Monday, called on Iran and Israel to exercise self-restraint. We hope escalations and tensions in the area will end. The Government of Iraq is warning about escalation and the area to be dragged into a wider war that will threaten international security and safety, Tamim said Monday. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The Biden administration says there should be consequences for Iran, after the Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel over the weekend. Going forward, we will be working to further isolate Iran internationally and increase economic and other forms of pressure, White House National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby said. The U.S. has already put hundreds of sanctions on Iran since President Biden took office, according to State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller. He says the U.S. will continue to enforce those. But I dont have any specific measures to announce today, Miller said. Kirby says its important the House pass legislation that would give billions of dollars in more military aid to Israel. A bill has already passed the Senate but has stalled in the House. Passing that bill is the fastest and surest way to get Israel the aid it needs, Kirby said. After an intense weekend, President Joe Biden is trying to shore up international support for Israel. The President spent hours in the situation room closely monitoring the latest developments in the Middle East, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. Jean-Pierre says President Biden spoke with the Israeli Prime Minister Saturday night. He also convened leaders of the Group of Seven countries to condemn Iran and prevent further escalation. The United States is committed to Israels security, President Biden said. While meeting at the White House with the Prime Minister of Iraq, President Biden said the U.S. is committed to preventing the conflict from spreading and to a cease-fire that would require the release of hostages. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant addresses the annual Conference of Presidents at the MoD Headquarters in Tel Aviv. Shachar Yurman/GPO/dpa Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant discussed further action in Rafah on Monday evening with representatives of his ministry and the Israeli COGAT authority which oversees contacts with the Palestinians and aid. They focused on the evacuation of civilians from Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip and the expansion of food and medicine deliveries, according to the government press office. More than a million people have fled to Rafah from attacks throughout the densely populated strip and there are growing concerns that Israel's planned offensive in Rafah could lead to mass civilian casualties. Before Iran unleashed its attack on Israel last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had set a date for an offensive in Rafah, though Gallant contradicted this shortly afterwards. In the attack by Hamas and other Palestinian militants on the Israeli border area on October 7, more than 1,200 people were killed and over 250 people were abducted to the Gaza Strip. More than 33,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the outbreak of war on October 7, according to health officials in the Hamas-led region. Israeli general staff chief says there will be a response to Iran Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) meets with Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant (L) and IDF Chief-of-Staff Herzi Halevi for a security assessment. Kobi Gideon/GPO/dpa There will be a response to the unprecedented Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel, according to Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who addressed the Nevatim airbase on Monday. "As we look ahead, we are considering our steps," he told the base that was involved in defending Israel against the attack that occurred late Saturday night. An attack involving so many rockets on Israeli territory would be followed by a response, Halevi said. Israel is weighing a response that is painful to Iran without unleashing a regional war, according to a report following a meeting of the country's war cabinet on Monday. No official statement has yet been made but several options were reportedly considered. Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, called on the international community to condemn the Iranian attack on Israel using the words of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the April 14 emergency U.N. Security Council meeting. "For the past years, Ukrainian civilians have been killed from the skies with Iranian weaponry," Erdan said. "President Zelensky, in condemnation of Iran's attack last night, said, and I quote, 'the sound of Iranian Shahed drones, a tool of terror, is the same in the skies over the Middle East and Europe. This sound must serve as a wake-up call to the free world.' Listen to President Zelensky and wake up." Iran launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles at Israel during the early hours of April 14. The overwhelming majority were downed outside Israel. A few ballistic missiles entered Israeli territory, causing minor damage to the Nevatim Air Force Base, according to IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari. One seven-year-old girl was also reportedly injured. The U.N. Security Council then held an emergency session in New York City to discuss the attack. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reportedly opened the session with a warning that the Middle East is on the brink. The attack was in response to Israels strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1 as part of the broader Israel-Hamas war. In turn, Israel targeted the Iranian consulate in response to attacks by Iran's proxies Hamas and Hezbollah on its territory. President Zelensky quickly issued a condemnation, saying that Ukraine is familiar with "the horror of similar attacks" and calling on allies to do more to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East. Iran has provided Russia with its Shahed drones, which Moscow uses to regularly attack Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, often resulting in significant civilian harm. Ukraines military intelligence agency (HUR) said that Iran and Lebanons Hezbollah train Russian drone operators in Syria for deployment in Ukraine. Israel has largely avoided taking sides in Russia's war against Ukraine and has not provided any meaningful military aid to Ukraine. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia aims to capture Chasiv Yar by Victory Day on May 9, Syrskyi says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The leading mobile operator employees shared their knowledge and experience with the wards of "SOS Children's Villages Azerbaijan" Another stage of the project "Youth Can!", aimed at increasing the knowledge and skills of young people in need of special care, was joined by another 20 participants aged 15 to 23. As part of the program, Gunay Guliyeva, a specialist from the Human Capital Management department of Azercell, conducted a training session on effective communication, career planning, resume writing, and interview preparation. Educational videos describing the processes of interview preparation and self-presentation were also produced for the "Youth Links" platform. As part of the "Youth Can!" project, a training session "From Idea to Business" was also organized. During the training conducted by Irada Mamedova, an expert from the Corporate Communications department of Azercell, participants of the program received extensive information on youth entrepreneurship, business idea development, and the main trends of the global market. For detailed information about the "Youth Links" Community, please visit the following link: https://sos-youthlinks.com/ It is worth noting that the project "Youth Can!", supported by Azercell, is aimed at obtaining education, professional development, and preparation for employment for young wards of " SOS Children's Villages Azerbaijan". The leading mobile operator continues to implement projects aimed at protecting health and rights, obtaining quality education, and facilitating the integration into society of youth from vulnerable groups in need of special care. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have compared the air defence capabilities of Israel and Ukraine to repel attacks, pointing out that Ukrainian air defence is depleted because of delays in US military aid. Source: ISW Details: Israel's success in defending itself against large-scale Iranian missile and drone attacks from Iranian territory on 13 April highlighted the vulnerability that Ukraine's geographic location and the continued depletion of its air defence assets pose to Ukrainian efforts in defending itself against regular Russian missile and drone attacks. Quote: "The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force launched roughly 170 Shahed-136/131 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles at targets in Israel in a strike package similar to recent Russian strike packages against Ukraine." Details: The ISW report noted that Russian forces have been experimenting with cruise and ballistic missile strikes, as well as drones of various sizes and combinations, and are now regularly conducting large combined strikes targeting various facilities in Ukraine. Iran's large combined package of strikes was significantly less successful than Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine, as Israeli air defence assets intercepted almost all of the approximately 320 air targets, with the exception of a few ballistic missiles. The Iranian drones and missiles had to cross more than 1,000 kilometres of airspace in Iraq, Syria and Jordan before reaching Israel, giving Israel and its allies several hours to detect, track and intercept the missiles and drones as they approached Israel. Russian forces launch drones and missiles from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and in close proximity to Ukraine from Russian territory, giving Ukrainian air defence only a small part of the time that Israel and its allies used to successfully repel a massive Iranian missile and drone attack. In addition, Israel has a powerful air defence system that is responsible for responding to potential attacks across its shorter borders with neighbours, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, while Ukraine has increasingly deteriorated air defence capabilities to defend against missile and drone attacks across a much wider front line in Ukraine, as well as across its borders with Belarus and Russia. Ukraine also does not currently have the capability to conduct air-to-air interceptions with aircraft, as Israel and its allies did on the night of 13-14 April. Ukraine's large size compared to Israel makes it difficult for Ukraine to build the air defence density that Israel has, especially amid continued delays in US security assistance. The depletion of US-provided air defence assets due to delays in US military assistance to Ukraine, combined with improved Russian strike tactics, has led to an increase in the effectiveness of Russia's strike campaign in Ukraine. Without substantial and regular security assistance to Ukraine, Russian strikes threaten to limit Ukraine's long-term warfighting capabilities and create operational conditions for Russia to achieve significant battlefield advantages. "Ukraine requires significant provisions of Western air defense systems and fighter jets capable of intercepting drones and missiles in order to establish a combined air defense umbrella that is even remotely as effective as the one Israel and its allies successfully used on 13 April," the ISW stresses. Russia's strike campaign against Ukraine demonstrates that even a limited number of successful ballistic or cruise missile strikes can cause significant and likely long-term damage to energy and other infrastructure, underscoring the need for an effective and well-equipped network of air defence capable of maintaining a high level of interception. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 14 April: Israels success in defending against large-scale Iranian missile and drone strikes from Iranian territory on 13 April underscores the vulnerabilities that Ukrainian geography and the continued degradation of Ukraines air defence umbrella pose for Ukrainian efforts to defend against regular Russian missile and drone strikes. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is falsely equating the 13 April large-scale Iranian strikes targeting Israel with the 1 April Israeli strike targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) officials in Damascus, amplifying Irans "justification" for the 13 April strikes. Russian military bloggers largely responded to the 13 April 13 Iranian strikes against Israel by suggesting that the increased threat of military escalation in the Middle East will likely draw Western, specifically US, attention and aid away from Ukraine. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that the senior Russian military command aims to seize Chasiv Yar, Donetsk Oblast by Russias Victory Day holiday on 9 May. The Russian militarys ongoing restructuring of the Western Military District (WMD) into the Moscow and Leningrad military districts (MMD and LMD) is reportedly shifting areas of operational responsibility (AOR) for Russian force groupings in Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has reportedly fired the commanders of a combined arms army and motorised rifle regiment operating in Ukraines south likely for failing to recapture areas lost during the Ukrainian summer-fall 2023 counteroffensive. Ukrainian forces advanced south of Kreminna and southwest of Donetsk City and Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Chasiv Yar (west of Bakhmut) and Avdiivka. Support UP or become our patron! By Angelo Amante and Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven major democracies (G7), is open to new sanctions against individuals engaged against Israel following the weekend Iranian drone and missile attack, its foreign minister said on Monday. Iran launched explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel late on Saturday in retaliation for an attack on its embassy compound in Damascus, fuelling fears of a wider regional conflict bursting out of the Israel-Hamas war. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said fresh sanctions would need the backing of all the G7, which includes Italy, France, Germany, Canada, Japan, Britain and the United States. He also suggested that any new measures would be focused on individuals rather than whole nations. "If we need to have more sanctions for people clearly engaged against Israel, supporting for example terrorism, supporting Hamas, it is possible to do it. But we need to be very serious and to work all together," Tajani told Reuters. Tajani called the Iranian attack a "big mistake" for Tehran but "positive" for Israel as it had revealed the efficiency of its air defences that shot down most of the drones and missiles with help from the U.S., Britain, France and Jordan. The G7 on Sunday condemned the attack and urged Tehran to exercise restraint, with the United States warning Israel that it would not take part in a counteroffensive. "The message coming from Tehran on this, (is) going in the right direction. This is only one attack. Also the reaction of the Israeli government has been positive," said Tajani, speaking in English. He had a phone call with his Iranian counterpart before the attack to urge caution. "For us it is important to protect Italian soldiers" working in the area under the auspices of the United Nations, he said, adding that Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen had to stop attacks on ships in the Red Sea, which is vital to world trade. Tajani also reiterated that Italy was firmly opposed to any Israeli invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah and repeated his call for a ceasefire, while also calling on Hamas to set free all the Israeli hostages it took during the Oct. 7 attack. Ahead of a meeting of the G7 foreign ministers on April 17-19 on the Italian island of Capri, Tajani said an Israeli attack on Iran would only create more hurdles to restoring stability in the region. "All together we want to protect Israel, but we want to achieve stability and peace," he said. (Reporting by Angelo Amante and Crispian Balmer; Editing by Alex Richardson) Special counsel Jack Smith urged the judge overseeing former President Donald Trumps classified documents case to reject any further efforts to delay his trial. Trumps attorneys recently asked U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to push back a deadline next month to review classified information related to the former presidents indictment into his handling of such material after he left the White House. They pointed to Trumps separate hush money case in Manhattan that is set to begin Monday, saying the deadline requires time he and his lawyers simply do not have. But Smiths team said Cannons May 9 deadline had been imposed for months and accused Trumps team of reflexively asking to postpone a trial every time the court sets a new deadline. The defendants have had ample notice that these deadlines would be scheduled and have already had months to complete the work, Smith wrote in a new court filing. Counsel should already be prepared to meet these deadlines, and in any event, other commitments are not grounds for postponement. Special counsel Jack Smith wrote Trump's attempts to delay the trial "must stop" in a new filing on Sunday night. Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images Each time the Court sets a new deadline in this case and attempts to keep it moving toward trial, he added later, the defendants reflexively ask for an adjournment. That must stop. Smith went on to note that Trump chose to hire the same attorneys to represent him in multiple cases, and the lawyers agreed to do so. Having made such decisions, they should not be allowed to use their overlapping engagements to perpetually delay trial in this case, he wrote. The Court should reject the defendants latest delay tactic. Jack Smith opposes Trump's efforts to postpone his CIPA Sec. 5 disclosure obligations, using some of the harshest language he has used to date regarding Trump's neverending use of delay as a strategy to avoid trial. https://t.co/RBenEHag10pic.twitter.com/XNWZBPCqTv Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) April 15, 2024 Trumps legal team argued in their own filing this weekend that the former president had a constitutional right to be present in New York during the hush money trial, and he has said he planned to testify during the proceedings, which could stretch for more than six weeks. But Smith said Trumps right to counsel of his choice is not boundless. The right must be balanced against the prompt and efficient administration of justice, the special counsel wrote. The claimed rights to counsel of choice and adequate preparation are not implicated at all here because defendants counsel of choice has had months to prepare the submissions at issue. Cannon, a Trump appointee, has not yet set a date for the trial to begin. Her slow pace has frustrated Smith, who has filed a series of fiery briefs with the court in recent weeks in hopes of seeing the case move forward. Related... JACKSON For the first time in more than 16 years, a civilian is in charge of the police department. Police Sgt. Joseph Candido was named the township's new public safety director last week, the first civilian placed in charge of the department since 2008. Candido, 57, was hired by the Jackson Police Department in 1999 and promoted to sergeant in August 2020. Under township ordinance, Candido will collect a salary of up to $200,000 as public safety director. He collected a $163,626 salary as a police sergeant last year, according to public records. Candido will start in his new position on May 1, Jackson Township Council President Jennifer Kuhn said. "I didn't hear one person that didn't bring Joe's name up, because of his strong skills with budgeting and the morale he brings," Kuhn said. "He's a local guy, he's a 25-year veteran of the department and there's nobody who knows the department better than the men and women within." Candido's appointment is the most recent chapter in a months-long power struggle over control of the police department. Police Sgt. Joseph Candido, center, poses with members of the Jackson Police Department after being named the township's public safety director on April 10, 2024. In January, the heads of both township police unions issued a joint statement supporting a new position of "public safety director," a civilian job that would outrank even the chief of police. The township's current chief, Matthew Kunz, has been in the job since 2008 and has worked for the department since 1990. At the time, the news of a potential coup at the head of the department wasn't even public yet. But in early February, the township council introduced an ordinance creating the new job and, at a Feb. 13 council meeting, police union leaders publicly criticized Kunz for not doing enough to recruit new police officers and largely being out of touch with his subordinates. Kunz said hiring had slowed down due to a dearth of qualified candidates and said the township would be better served dedicating the salary of a public safety director position toward attracting better officer candidates. He did not return a call seeking comment on Candido's appointment. More: Jackson council OKs public safety director job, who will oversee the police chief In an interview, Candido said the department needed to explore alternate routes to hiring new officers as the number of applicants taking civil service exams has declined, including hiring more class II special law enforcement officers. "We definitely have units that need to be beefed up, but that's predicated on manpower," he said. "It's hard to hire people. Nobody wants to do this job anymore, so we have to be creative in how we recruit." The 130-member department has seen double-digit retirements the last two years, which has led to an unintentional youth movement within the department. New hiring would only exacerbate that, emphasizing the need for more training and regular communication between police leadership and rank-and-file officers. "That's one of the things the guys and girls in the department were complaining about that we need to open up those communications and make them more transparent," Candido said. "It's something I'm going to have to work on with the chief." Police Sgt. Joseph Candido, center, poses outside the Jackson Township public safety office after being named the township's public safety director on April 10, 2024. Candido and Kunz's relationship has been "sometimes good, sometimes bad," he said, which he attributed to his two terms as president and numerous terms as vice president of the Jackson Township Policemen's Benevolent Association Local 168, a union representing rank-and-file officers. In August 2016, Candido then serving as president of the Jackson PBA filed a public records request seeking EZ Pass toll records and time sheets for Kunz, his secretary, two captains and a lieutenant, according to a 2018 decision from the Public Employment Relations Commission. In February 2017, Kunz filed two internal affairs complaints against Candido alleging official misconduct, harassment and retaliation for past official conduct. Candido alleged that the complaints were retaliatory and due to anti-union animus, and the matter was elevated to the Public Employment Relations Commission. This embedded content is not available in your region. The commission ordered the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office to investigate the complaints. A spokesman for the prosecutor's office said the issue was referred back to Jackson to handle administratively, and Candido said the charges were eventually dismissed. "Hopefully, we'll have a good working relationship," Candido said. Jackson is far from the first municipality, in New Jersey and beyond, to go through the debate of what type of person should lead its law enforcement personnel. The arguments for and against are voluminous, but essentially boil down to police chiefs, and associations promoting them, arguing that only uniformed officers can make decisions free of political repercussion. Civilian advocates believe that only someone from outside a department can hold its officers and leaders accountable. But Candido's appointment was applauded by police officers in attendance and won unanimous approval by council members. "You have made an outstanding choice," police Sgt. John Rodriguez, president of the Jackson Township Superior Officers Association Local 168-A, told council members following the vote. "There is no one better-suited for this position." Mike Davis has spent the last decade covering New Jersey local news, marijuana legalization, transportation and basically whatever else is going on at any given moment. Contact him at mdavis@gannettnj.com or @byMikeDavis on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jackson NJ police union leader named public safety director Jake Tapper Cracks Up Over Impression of Jury Candidate Who Hated Trump CNNs Jake Tapper was met with an impersonation of an Irish woman when he brought on a former lawyer for Donald Trump to discuss the process of selecting jurors in front of a judge. William Brennan, an attorney who represented Trump during the 2022 Trump Organization trial, spoke to Tapper on Monday about his experience evaluating potential jurors in the case. That experience apparently included an introduction to a 40-something Irish woman who had strong opinions about the twice-impeached former president. She spoke with a brogue, she worked in an Irish Pub, Brennan said. He said he asked her whether feelings toward Trump were positive or negative. Oh, I despise that man, Brennan said through an impersonation of the woman. The verbal jig prompted Tapper to erupt in laughter, leading Brennan to continue his recounting. I said, Oh, come on, don't sugarcoat things for me. Speak your mind, he started. I speak me mind, the woman responded, Brennan said. I hate him. Brennan spoke to Tapper as jury selection began on Monday in Trumps criminal trial over alleged hush-money payments made to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Its the first criminal trial of a former president, a historic occasion Trump marked by struggling to stay awake. Sleepy Don?: Trump Nods Off During Trial of the Century The attorney used the Irish woman as an example of a juror respectful of the questionnaire process, worrying that other prospective jurors antagonistic toward Trump may try to skirt the responses to settle a score. That's the juror that I worry about, Brennan said. The juror who has some type of ulterior motive to get on that case to settle the score. Bill Brennan, thank you so much, Tapper said. Good stuff. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) declared that Donald Trump has a very serious case ahead of him and Americans are likewise tuned in as the former president prepares for the start of his hush money trial on Monday. Raskin appeared on Sundays edition of MSNBCs Inside with Jen Psaki where he pointed to MAGA adherents dismissing the nature of the criminal trial. Trump attorney Will Scharf has described the upcoming trial as a six-week-long media extravaganza while Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for his campaign, referred to it as a Biden Trial as well as a Democrat-orchestrated witch hunt. Well, you know, Trumps people would like to trivialize and diminish the meaning of this trial, but in fact its perfectly emblematic of the others that are out there, Raskin told Psaki. He continued, Theyre all about electoral interference and manipulation. They tried it with violence and were gonna see that in the D.C. case. They tried it with fraud. Were gonna see that in the Georgia case. And here, they tried it with payoffs and then cooking the books. Financial manipulation. Thats what its about, its a very serious case and I think the Trump people are going to be shocked how tuned-in America is to whats going on here. Prosecutors allege that the former president illegally concealed a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Hes pleaded not guilty and denied that he had an affair with Daniels. Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday where he described the Manhattan district attorney as corrupt and the judge as totally conflicted, adding that hed be fighting for our Country before the start of jury selection in Manhattan. H/T Mediaite Related... An execution room at the Tokyo detention house taken during a media tour conducted by Japans Justice Ministry on Aug. 27, 2010.
Credit - JIJI Press/AFP/Getty Images A Japanese district court in Osaka on Monday dismissed a lawsuit filed by death row inmates seeking an end to the countrys practice of giving just a couple hours notice before execution as well as compensation for their mental suffering due to such a practice. Not informing inmates of their impending execution until just hours before has long been criticized by international human rights organizations for lacking empathy. Amnesty International, which opposes the death penalty in all cases, said in a 2009 report on capital punishment in Japan that the short-notice practice is particularly cruel because it leads all death row prisoners to face every day the question: will this day be my last? We are so disappointed with todays [ruling], Ikeda Hisayo, director of Amnesty International Japan, told TIME after the dismissal of the lawsuit. Two anonymous inmates filed the suit in 2021, arguing that being informed of executions only hours before violates Article 31 of the Japanese constitution for not granting those on death row due process by giving ample time to object. Local paper Asahi reports that the inmates also argued that same-day notice violates Article 13s guarantee of human dignity. The plaintiffs sought some 22 million yen (around $142,000) in damages to their mental health because of the uncertainty and stress the hasty notices bring. The government, which argued for a dismissal, said the short-notice practice was adopted to prevent death row inmates from committing suicide after being given more advanced notice of their execution, according to Asahi. The court did not rule on the constitutionality of the practice and, according to Nikkei, a lawyer for the inmates said he plans to appeal the dismissal. Japan and the U.S. are the only industrialized democracies that still carry out death sentences, but the Japanese capital punishment system is infamously opaque. Once a justice minister signs off on an execution, which in practice takes years after being handed down, it must be conducted within five days of the ministers order. But there is no clear legal stipulation on how soon death row inmates should be informed. Since the mid-1970s, it has been common for the head of a detention center to inform an inmate of their execution just one to two hours before, while family members are typically notified after the execution has already taken place. It is one of the issues that sets Japans death penalty system apart from other countries, such as the United States, which consider it humane to give death row inmates and their families greater notice of their impending executions, Jeffrey Hall, lecturer in Japanese studies at Kanda University of International Studies in Chiba, tells TIME. The death penalty has amassed widespread public support in Japan, with a 2019 poll of citizens showing that over 80% of respondents believed capital punishment was necessary. Japan has carried out 718 executions from the end of World War II in 1945 to 2022, according to data from Crime Info, a Japanese criminal justice non-profit. No executions were carried out in 2023, but, according to Asahi, there were 109 people on death row as of the end of March. Contact us at letters@time.com. The JEA board voted Monday to make former JEA administrator Vickie Cavey the utility's interim CEO, replacing Jay Stowe as the top executive in a changeover that will pay him as much as $257,504 in separation compensation. Cavey came out of retirement last month when the board hired her as its adviser and staff liaison to JEA administrators. The board still must put a contract in place for her as interim CEO so it's not clear how long she will fill that role or what her salary will be. Stowe, hired as CEO in November 2020, and the board agreed to part ways after discussions about how the utility will move forward in the coming years, JEA Board Chairman Joe DiSalvo said. "I want to clearly state this mutual decision had nothing to do with anything related to misconduct or any ethical transgressions," DiSalvo said as he announced Stowe had verbally given his resignation notice. He compared the change to New England Patriot's owner Robert Kraft and Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belechick ending their relationship. He said Stowe had "done a great job" as CEO but the utility could be spending $9 billion in operations, maintenance and construction over the next decade and wants a "new direction." "We agreed to disagree on what the right approach for this is," DiSalvo said after the board meeting. "Jay was confident in the way the capital process was going, and the board as a whole, we wanted to make sure we were very comfortable with it." He said Stowe and the board "just have different philosophies and we needed to go in a different way." Vickie Cavey addresses the audience of board members and spectators about her tenure at JEA after JEA CEO Jay Stowe announced that he was stepping down Monday afternoon. The board selected Cavey to be interim CEO. JEA provides electricity to about 500,000 customers, water service to around 380,000 customers and sewer service to roughly 300,000 customers in most of Duval County and parts of St. Johns, Nassau and Clay counties. Stowe became CEO after the board did a national search and selected him in November 2020, a year after the attempted sale of JEA imploded during Aaron Zahn's tenure as the utility's top executive. A federal jury convicted Zahn last month on charges of conspiracy and fraud for hatching an employee incentive plan that would have generated financial windfalls for JEA employees if the city had sold JEA. JEA employees give Jay Stowe an appreciation plaque Stowe, who arrived in Jacksonville from Tennessee as a staunch proponent of public power, attended the first half of the meeting Monday when the board accepted his resignation. He gave a brief farewell speech after several union leaders thanked him for the work he did in being accessible and responsive to the 2,200 employees at JEA. They gave him an appreciation plaque. Story continues "By far, the most important achievement in my time here was rebuilding the trust between the leadership and the workforce and the trust of JEA within the community," Stowe said. He said JEA was able to create a strategic direction "grounded in our core values of safety, respect and integrity so many JEA employees were already living those values and together we found a way to breathe them back into life in a place that had been hurt and broken for far too long." He said after talking individually with JEA board members and hearing their feedback, he saw the "time has come for a change at the helm." Stowe earned a $669,500 a year salary. Even though he stepped down as CEO, JEA will continue to pay him at the same salary rate through Aug. 15 while he is an executive consultant to JEA, according to terms of a separation agreement. His salary over 18 weeks equates to $231,750. He also will keep getting a $2,083 per month business allowance, though that allowance will be prorated for the month of August. The separation agreement also gives an option to instead cut ties sooner than Aug. 15 if JEA makes a lump-sum payment of $257,504 to Stowe, which is equal to 20 weeks of pay. Stowe has until May 6 to sign the agreement and it would become effective eight days after he signs it. Stowe's employment agreement with JEA says if the board terminates his employment without cause and gives him 30 days notice, he will get severance pay equal to 20 weeks of pay. His departure as CEO was a resignation rather than a termination, but the separation agreement would pay him the equivalent of 20 weeks of the salary he earned as CEO if he gets the lump-sum payment. The upcoming decisions on what large-scale construction projects will get funded comes as JEA continues to absorb the cost of buying ultra-expensive electricity from the Plant Vogtle nuclear plant in Georgia. JEA must buy the electricity because of a contract the utility entered into back in 2008 under a different board and executive leadership. The Vogtle contract has forced base rate increases in JEA's electric rates. JEA board members don't want repeat of Plant Vogtle JEA board member Bobby Stein has said current board members don't want a repeat of what happened with Vogtle whose cost skyrocketed because of construction delays and cost overruns. JEA does not have an ownership stake in Vogtle but the contract binds it to purchase the costlier electricity from it. "This is a complex business," DiSalvo said when asked what the lesson of Plant Vogtle is for JEA. "Before we commit way ahead on these capital projects, we want to make sure we pump the brakes and make sure we're going in the right direction." Mayor Donna Deegan thanked Stowe for his work as CEO, saying he brought "steady leadership and strategic thinking when JEA needed it most." She said she looks forward to working with Cavey "to continue that progress and JEA's strong relationship with the city of Jacksonville." Former JEA board member Mike Hightower told the board during public comments that Cavey would be the perfect hire as interim CEO. He said she brings the same kind of institutional knowledge about JEA that former CEOs Walt Bussells, Jim Dickenson and Paul McElroy had when they became CEO. "You have to understand it, learn it, you have to believe in it, and you have to live it every day," Hightower said. He noted that when the board brought McElroy back in 2020 as interim CEO after the attempted sale of the utility in 2019, his first hire was Cavey as his special assistant. Cavey was not involved in negotiating the Plant Vogtle agreement, which happened when Dickenson was CEO and McElroy was the utility's chief financial officer. JEA officials have said that at the time of that 2008 agreement, it appeared to be a good deal for the utility because the cost of nuclear-powered electricity was competitive with other fuels for generating electricity and nuclear energy does not have carbon emissions. Vickie Cavey served as special assistant to Paul McElroy Cavey joined JEA in 1984 as a mechanical engineer in the power engineering division. She worked as a manager and director for various parts of JEA from 1996 to 2016. She returned to JEA from May 2020 to January 2021 when she was a special assistant to McElroy and assisted Stowe during the first two months of his tenure after he started work as CEO in December 2020. Former JEA administrator Vickie Cavey came out of retirement to serve as advisor for the JEA board and its staff liaison. The board hired her as an adviser for $200 an hour for a period of up to six months and directed her to help select an outside consultant who will examine JEA's operations and spending. The board also called on her to examine a staff reorganization Stowe did in February and do any fact-finding sought by the board. JEA board member Kawanza Humphrey cast the lone vote against hiring Cavey as interim CEO. Humphrey said she did not have any objections to Cavey or her qualification, but since JEA lacks a formal succession plan for what happens when the CEO leaves, she is "more accustomed" to seeing the chief operation officer become interim CEO. Chief Operating Officer Raynetta Curry Marshall has held the title since 2021. Her 35-year career in water resources and utility management includes working at JEA from 2011 to 2019 as an administrator in the utility's water and sewer department. Public power advocate: Jay Stowe arrives as new JEA CEO with 'night and day' contrast to fired CEO Aaron Zahn Cavey said she will review JEA's organization structure to make sure it is "administratively lean" while providing "the best service possible." She said that review absolutely is not a prelude to another attempt to sell JEA and there are "zero plans" to go down that path. "I'm very honored and humbled," she told the board. "Thank you for your confidence in me and the staff here at JEA. I fully understand this governing board's fiduciary concerns regarding (operations and maintenance) and capital spending." She said JEA "must be wise in increasing our (electric) generation capacity while being stewards of our environment. The board's decision to hire an external firm to do a review of those was very wise." JEA set goal of 35% clean energy by 2030 from nuclear and solar The board approved a long-range plan last year to get 35% of JEA's electricity from clean energy such as nuclear power and solar farms by 2030. JEA has lagged other utilities for years in using solar power and other renewable energy sources. The integrated resource plan also said JEA will retire unit 3 at the Northside Generating Station around 2029 because it is not an efficient unit. JEA is considering the construction of a new natural gas plant to come online around that same time it retires Unit 3. Solar connection: NextEra firm in business with JEA? FPL parent to build 4 new solar farms in Jacksonville Whether the JEA board sticks with that plan and schedule will be a central question when the board hires an outside consultant to work with Cavey. DiSalvo said the outside consultant's review would likely not be finished until at least the end of the year. Meanwhile, JEA employees said they are trying to understand the reason for the change in CEO. "Just as we are getting over the potential sale of JEA, we find ourselves again in some uncertain times," Valerie Gutierrez told the board. "The employees look to the JEA leadership and the board for guidance and stability, so let's make sure that the transition is a smooth one." This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Former JEA administrator Vickie Cavey replaces Jay Stowe as interim CEO Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones toward Israel on Saturday night, with Israeli forces and allies intercepting and destroying 99% of them. The only reported injury was a wounded girl in southern Israel, and a missile hit an Israeli airbase, causing minor damage. READ: Israel is quiet on next steps against Iran and on which partners helped shoot down missiles Mariam Feist, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Northeast Florida reacted to the attack, stating It is nothing short of miraculous. The Jewish Federation closely monitored the situation while taking security measures at Jewish facilities. The group contacted Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Sheriff T. K. Waters and Sheriff Rob Hardwick of Johns County. Action News Jax observed a JSO cruiser parked outside the Jewish Community Alliance on San Jose Boulevard. Our security community director has been working with sheriffs offices in St. Johns County, Clay County, and Duval County to have an extra watch, Feist stated. Israel and Iran have been on a collision course. During Israels war in Gaza, tensions between Israel and Iran escalated. The conflict increased when Hamas invaded Israel on October 7 and killed 1,139 Israelis and foreigners. The gunmen also kidnapped 253 Israelis and foreigners, with half of the hostages released during a week-long ceasefire that ended on December 1st. It is still uncertain how many of the remaining captives, approximately 130, remain alive. Israels offensive in Gaza has led to the deaths of over 33,000 people, as reported by local health officials. Iran says the attack was in response to an airstrike widely blamed on Israel that destroyed what Iran says were consular offices in Syria and killed two generals with its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard earlier this month. Irans attack came just hours after a proposed ceasefire was rejected by Hamas, according to Mossad, the Israeli external intelligence agency. Feist stated that The intent of Iran and Hamas is to genocide of the state of Israel. The federation said there are currently no credible threats and recommends that Jewish organizations and members of the community carry on with all scheduled activities while maintaining high levels of vigilance. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Columbia University president Minouche Shafik is set to get grilled by House members about what she's doing to combat Jew hatred. Jewish students from Columbia University whove experienced campus antisemitism will head to DC on Wednesday when president Minouche Shafik gets grilled about what shes doing to address the problem, The Post has learned. The students will also personally meet with Rep. Elise Stefanik, one of the members of the House of Representatives that will be flinging questions at the Ivy League leader. Stefaniks pointed questions during prior hearings led to the ouster of the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, who gave fumbling answers about handling antisemitism. Jewish students from Columbia University whove experienced campus antisemitism will head to DC on Wednesday. AP The unchecked antisemitism at Columbia is not exclusive to their campus but is part of a widespread systemic moral rot rampant through our higher education system, Stefanik, chairwoman of the House Republican Conference chairwoman, told The Post. From openly calling for the genocide of Jews to swastikas scattered across campus property, antisemitism has become commonplace at Columbia, making its Jewish students feel unsafe, she went on. I am honored to meet the brave students from Columbia University who are bravely sharing their experiences of the inexcusable antisemitic harassment that they face. This senseless hate has no place on American campuses. The House Committee on Education & The Workforce is hosting the hearing entitled, Columbia in Crisis: Columbia Universitys Reponse to Antisemitism. But a Columbia spokesperson said the administration is targeting antisemitism and welcome to discussing their efforts. Columbia is committed to combating antisemitism and we welcome the opportunity to discuss our work to protect and support Jewish students and keep our community safe, the spokesperson told The Post. The hearing comes amid a wave of incidents on US campuses in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks against Israel. Several academic leaders have been blasted for anti-Israel commentary after the attacks. There was a lot of hatred being taught, public heatlh graduate student Marc Nock claimed. The teaching of hatred is not OK. It was bizarre to be in this place to see this stuff happening. Mac Nock A professor Abdul Kayum Ahmed allegedly said Columbias School of Public Health and the building that houses it in Washington Heights shouldnt be named after Jews Joseph Mailman and Armand Hammer, public heatlh graduate student Marc Nock claimed. He said, `What have they done except give the school `blood money? Thats an antisemitic trope, Nock told The Post. The class was called foundations in public health. There was a lot of hatred being taught, Nock claimed. The teaching of hatred is not OK. It was bizarre to be in this place to see this stuff happening. Ahmed received a letter from Columbias School of Public Health last week saying that his employment as profesor would not be renewed next year though it did not cite criticism of his statements or advocacy as an issue, the Columbia Spectator reported. As for the hearing, Nock wants to hear that Columbia will take steps to make sure it wont hire professors that are bigoted and spread hate and propaganda. I hope Columbia returns to being a safe place for all students including Jewish students. I definitely felt singled out and threatened, said Columbia University student Yola Ashkenazie, 21. Yola Ashkenazie Yola Ashkenazie, 21, who attends the Columbia-affiliated Barnard College, said the Morningside campus is currently a divisive place that is hostile to Jews, particularly those who back Israel. She said two Israeli students who are friends were spat on for talking in Hebrew on the steps of the school library, and she was targeted on social media for being a pro-Israel. The instagram site Barfnard reposted a photo of her carrying an Israeli flag. I definitely felt singled out and threatened, said Ashkenazie, who previously served as president of the Jewish students group Chabad. Ashkenazie said she was startled by the pro-Hamas demonstrations on the Morningside campus right after Oct. 7 and before the Jewish state even retaliated for the slaughter of 1,200 people. There was hatred for Israel and hatred for Jews, said Ashkenazie, a psychology and economics major. A Columbia spokesperson said the administration is targeting antisemitism and welcome to discussing their efforts. Getty Images She said the Columbia campus became a hotbed of antisemitism, with anti-Jew rhetoric such as chants of From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free which critics say calls for the elimination of Israel and We Dont Want Zionism here. Thats saying I dont belong on campus, Ashkenazie said. Shes glad the Columbia administrations feet will be held to the fire at the upcoming hearing. The hearing will force the administration to come up with a tangible, actionable plan to address the fear students have right now. We want to hear what actions president Shanif will take to make students like me feel safe on campus. Yaffa Mashkabov, 41, who is taking graduate courses at the School of Social Work, recalled another student saying aloud in class that Hamas rape and kidnapping of Israeli were justified. I just said, `Wow. I was stunned. I couldnt believe she said it out loud, she said. An observant Jew who wears a headscarf, she pointed to a lawsuit recently filed against the Columbia School of Social Works heralded dialectical behavioral therapy program for its treatment of an orthodox Jewish student. Ashkenazie said she was startled by the pro-Hamas demonstrations on the Morningside campus right after Oct. 7 and before the Jewish state even retaliated for the slaughter of 1,200 people. Getty Images She also referred to an antisemitic flier depicting a skunk in the white-and-blue of the Israeli flag and a Star of David surfaced on Columbias Morningside campus. Antisemitism isnt just something were feeling. Its happening. We finally have the attention of Congress. ..Maybe something good will come of it, she said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Artificial land plots may be created in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, as stated in the draft law "On creation of artificial land plots in the sector of the Caspian Sea (lake) of the Republic of Azerbaijan," Trend reports. According to the draft, an artificial land plot may be created in the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea, utilizing land allocated from the water fund. This area could either stand alone or be adjacent to the coastline, an island, or another man-made land plot. Under the project, an artificial land plot means a land plot created in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea by delivering and filling in earth or soil or using other methods. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Jio Financial Services, part of the Indian conglomerate Reliance, is forming a joint venture with U.S. asset manager BlackRock to set up a wealth management and broking business in India, the two firms said Monday. The announcement follows BlackRock and Jio Financial launching a joint venture last year to offer asset management services in India. The two companies plan to invest $150 million each in the joint venture, they said last year. That joint venture is awaiting the Indian market regulator's approval. The expansion of BlackRock and Jio Financial's partnership underscores Reliance's growing ambitions in the financial services sector. The $237 billion Indian firm already leads the nation's refinery, retail and telecom sectors. (India's central bank doesn't permit tycoons to receive the banking license.) Jio Financial Services said in a report last year that it was taking a direct-to-customer approach, using alternate data models for personalized offerings and a unified app for diverse customer financial needs, to cut costs and tailor interactions. Since its public debut in August, Jio Financial Services has already expanded to insurance and lending businesses. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) A Johnson City man was arrested after he allegedly pointed a gun at a police officer on April 11. The Washington County, Tennessee Sheriffs Office (WCSO) reports deputies responded to the 200 block of Fairridge Road after a victim reported a man dressed in camo pointed a rifle at him as he passed by. Greeneville man arrested after road rage incident Upon arrival, a law enforcement officer from another agency stated the man, identified as Stan Mosley, 69, pointed a shotgun at him, the report said. The officer then notified dispatchers and the WCSO responded. Deputies reportedly found Mosley sitting on his front porch with a shotgun. Mosley complied with verbal commands and was arrested, according to the WCSO. Mosley was charged with aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a first responder. He was taken to the Washington County Detention Center. As of Monday, Mosley made his $25,000 bond. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Johnson County man who claimed self-defense found guilty of murder in shooting of stepson A Johnson County jury has found a 52-year-old Olathe man guilty of murder in the shooting death of his stepson last year, according to the district attorneys office. The jury found Christopher M. Barwick guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Bryson Smith in April 2023, according to the Johnson County District Attorneys Office. Barwicks attorney, Albert Harris of Harris & Associates Law LLC in Ottawa, Kansas, could not be immediately reached for comment Monday. Barwick initially told police that he shot his stepson in self-defense after he allegedly came at Barwick with a knife, according to a court document. On the day of the shooting, Olathe police responded shortly before 6 p.m. to Barwicks home in the 800 block of South Windsor Road to investigate an armed disturbance between family members, police said in a news release. Arriving officers found Smith with a single gunshot wound to the back left side of his head. A knife with a pearl white handle was found underneath his left hand. Smith was taken to a hospital, where a doctor declared him dead two days later. According to a redacted probable cause affidavit, Barwick wanted Smith out of the house, and the two got into an altercation. Barwick told police he shot Smith after he came at Barwick with a knife. Smith was found downstairs in an unfinished basement accessible through the garage. Shortly before Barwick called 911 to report that he shot his son, a surveillance camera captured Barwick entering the garage. The camera also captured audio of an exchange involving Barwick. The video then captured Barwick coming from the direction of the basement and walking into the kitchen, where audio picked up the sound of a drawer opening and metal scraping against metal, according to court documents. Then, according to court documents, the video allegedly showed Barwick walking out of the kitchen with a white-handled knife and heading towards the basement before going out of view of the camera. Barwick, who is being held in Johnson County jail, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24. House Republican leaders are convening an unusual Monday night meeting to discuss the path forward on aid to Israel and Ukraine. Irans attack on Israel over the weekend prompted an outpouring of support for the Jewish nation from Republicans and Democrats, with House GOP leaders pledging to take up a host of legislative measures to support Israel. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has vowed to act swiftly on some kind of funding for Ukraine as Russias invasion continues into a third year and Kyiv finds its stores of ammunition and weapons severely depleted without more U.S. aid. Three senior House GOP aides told Fox News Digital that they expect Ukraine and Israel funding to be topics of discussion at Monday nights meeting. A fourth House GOP aide also confirmed they will discuss Irans attack. HOUSE TEES UP 17 BILLS RELATED TO IRAN/ISRAEL FOR THIS WEEK House Speaker Mike Johnson is going to discuss a path forward on Ukraine and Israel aid at a closed-door House GOP meeting. House lawmakers on both sides of the aisle normally meet with their respective parties the morning after they begin their weekly legislative session, giving them time to arrive back in Washington from around the country. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP However, the tense state of international affairs prompted Johnson to call House Republicans together for 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Iran launched a barrage of missiles toward Israel over the weekend, the vast majority of which were intercepted. Leaders in the White House and Senate used the attack to put renewed pressure on Johnson to pass the Senates $95 billion supplemental funding bill with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Johnson has passed two standalone Israel aid bills so far, neither of which was taken up by the Democrat-controlled Senate. HOW CAN ISRAEL RESPOND TO IRANS BRAZEN ATTACK? However, Ukraine is a politically fraught issue for Johnson as he navigates a razor-thin two-seat House majority and a growing number of Ukraine aid skeptics in his conference. One of those skeptics is Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who has previously suggested ousting Johnson from power if he put that funding package on the House floor. One of the three senior House GOP aides who spoke with Fox News Digital said Johnson received pushback from members over the weekend regarding the idea of combining funding for Ukraine and Israel this week. Nevertheless, Johnson has been circulating ideas on Ukraine aid that have gotten bipartisan support, including a lend-lease option that former President Trump, the de facto leader of the Republican Party, signaled he could support. "Were looking at it right now, and theyre talking about it, and were thinking about making it in the form of a loan instead of just a gift," Trump said of Ukraine aid during a press conference with Johnson at Mar-a-Lago on Friday. His support would be a powerful insulator for Johnson against Ukraine critics, the vast majority of whom support the ex-president. The other proposal is a bipartisan measure that would liquidate seized Russian assets and then use those funds as aid to Ukraine. It is being called the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act. BIDEN CALLING FOR G7 MEETING IN RESPONSE TO IRAN'S 'BRAZEN' ATTACK Timing on a possible vote this week is not immediately clear. Two of the four House GOP aides who spoke with Fox News Digital said they expect at least Israel funding to get a vote this week. One of those two anticipated a vote on some kind of Israel and Ukraine combined package that would be different from the Senates $95 billion bill. The House Majority Whips office did not list any Israel or Ukraine funding bills on its expected schedule on Monday morning but advised lawmakers that "additional legislative items related to security supplemental appropriations are possible." Iranian pro-government supporters hold a giant Palestinian flag at Palestine Square in Tehran, Iran, on April 14, 2024, in a celebration of the early morning Iran's IRGC attack on Israel. Fox News Digital reached out to Johnsons office for comment. Speaking on "Sunday Morning Futures" this past weekend, Johnson suggested he wants the House to take up Israel aid this week for a third time. "The details of that package are being put together right now," he said. "Were looking at the options and all these supplemental issues." House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, meanwhile, told NBC's "Meet The Press" that Johnson "made it clear" that he wants a House vote this week on some kind of aid funding for Israel and Ukraine. Original article source: Johnson to pitch House GOP on Israel, Ukraine aid plans in closed-door meeting The Tallahassee Democrat recently reported that over 1,000 schoolchildren in Leon County qualify as homeless; and that is an undercount. They attend every school. School Superintendent Rocky Hanna has said that the principal reason is the lack of housing their families can afford. As a community that strives to be a healthy and safe place for people to live, we should not shrug this off as some artifact of rising inflation or other force we cannot control. This is a problem we can tackle, but our local officials must step up to the challenge. We need them to understand that this is unacceptable. A Leon County Schools bus driver makes his way to a bus before afternoon pick-up at the Conner-Lakes Leon County Schools Bus Compound Tuesday, August 13, 2019. These children are casualties of the affordable rental housing crisis the Capital Area Justice Ministry (CAJM) has repeatedly brought to the attention of local elected officials. They are the most vulnerable victims among the more than 16,000 families in Leon County with very-low and extremely-low incomes ($43,000 and $25,800 or less for a family of four) who are severely housing cost burdened, spending more than half their income on rent and utilities. Homeless children have higher levels of emotional and behavioral problems; are at greater risk of malnourishment; and are more likely to suffer serious health problems. They experience more school mobility; are more likely to repeat a grade and be expelled or drop out of school; and have lower academic performance. The 2022 Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness states that the fundamental solution to homelessness is housing. County housing staff cited this fact in proposing that the County Commission require affordable rental developers seeking county funding and bond authorization to set aside a portion of their units for families exiting homelessness. The commission voted to do so. City housing officials, on the other hand, often claim that city policies and programs, which primarily target production of affordable owner-occupied housing for families with low and moderate incomes ($51,600 and $68,800 or less for a family of four), will free up housing for those with lower incomes. That claim is illogical. The severely housing cost burdened families in Leon County are already living in rental housing they cannot afford. The challenge comes down to money. Rental housing developers cannot afford to set aside large numbers of units in their mixed-income projects for people earning very-low and extremely-low incomes because they do not earn sufficient rental income to cover their debt service and operation and maintenance costs. Existing federal and state financial incentives are inadequate. On Tuesday, April 16, CAJM expects to host up to 1,000 members of our community in a Nehemiah Action Assembly to call on members of our city and county commissions to take action to address this crisis. We will ask them to commit to establishing and financing a joint city-county land acquisition and leaseback program modeled on Pinellas Countys successful program for incentivizing affordable rental housing developers to set aside more units for families with these incomes. CAJM invites all members of our community who believe that more than 1,000 homeless school children is unacceptable to join us in calling on our elected officials to act now. Join us at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at the Old West Florida Enrichment Center, 2344 Lake Bradford Road. Robert E. Deyle Robert Deyle is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tallahassee and co-chair of the CAJM Affordable Housing Committee. Rev. Sylvia Jones Rev. Sylvia Jones is a member of Mt. Zion AME Church and co-chair of the CAJM Affordable Housing Committee. Gita Pitter Gita Pitter attends the Tallahassee Religious Society of Friends and is co-chair of the CAJM Affordable Housing Committee. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Send letters to the editor (up to 200 words) or Your Turn columns (about 500 words) to letters@tallahassee.com. Please include your address for verification purposes only, and if you send a Your Turn, also include a photo and 1-2 line bio of yourself. You can also submit anonymous Zing!s at Tallahassee.com/Zing. Submissions are published on a space-available basis. All submissions may be edited for content, clarity and length, and may also be published by any part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Join our call to address Tallahassee's homeless student population Donald Trump's lawyers last week filed a request for the judge presiding over his hush-money case to recuse himself due to his daughter's political work. On Monday, Judge Juan Merchan declined. There is no agenda here, Merchan said Monday, The New York Times reported. We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. Trump's lawyers had sought a recusal on the grounds that Merchan's daughter works for a Authentic, a firm that has done business with Democrats, including the Biden campaign. Authentic and Your Honors daughter are making money by supporting the creation and dissemination of campaign advocacy for President Trumps opponent, political rivals, and the Democrat party, Trump's lawyers argued in the rejected motion, as The Hill noted. A similar motion was rejected last year, part of a months-long campaign to delay Trump's election interference trial. Merchan said Monday that the latest Trump motion relied on a series of references, innuendos and unsupported speculation. His comment came after a meeting with the state ethics advisory committee, which determined that his daughters employment and political donations did not provide adequate reason for him to step aside. Merchan's decision to stay on the case is a tough if predictable blow to the Trump team, which had been pursuing a strategy to throw as much sand in the gears as possible. With jury selection beginning Monday, that strategy can be said to have failed. Over the weekend, Trump fumed about his predicament on Truth Social, accusing "a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and crooked Joe Biden's henchmen" of rigging the system against him. The prosecuting team, led by Manhattan District Attorney Adam Bragg, has filed 34 felony charges against Trump, accusing him of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, buying her silence on the eve of the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty. Disgraced ex-New York City mayor Rudy Giulianis bid to reverse a massive defamation verdict was rejected, leaving him owing $146m to two Georgia election workers that he defamed and possibly complicating his arguments in bankruptcy court. US district court Judge Beryl Howell ruled on 15 April that the verdict, in which Mr Giuliani owes the titanic amount to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, still stands. The judge wrote that the former mayors threadbare arguments fell well short of persuading the evidence and all reasonable inferences that can be drawn therefrom are so one-sided that reasonable men and women could not have reached a verdict in [plaintiffs] favor. Mr Giuliani filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December after a jury handed down the defamation verdict. The man formerly known as Americas Mayor was seeking a renewed judgment as a matter of law, or in the alternative, a new trial based on five cursory arguments, Judge Howell wrote in a scathing decision. The judge didnt buy any of them. The judge brutally dismissed one argument as a critique delivered with obvious crocodile tears. Mondays decision comes as Mr Giuliani sits in an initial limited deposition related to his bankruptcy case. Ted Goodman, a spokesperson for Mr Giuliani, told The Independent, Were not at all surprised this judge didnt reverse her own prior ruling. This is the expected outcome from a judge who put partisan politics ahead of justice. This is far from over. He continued, We look forward to our appeal with the D.C. Circuit Court, where, if given a fair hearing that isnt politically motivated, theres no question the absurd amount of awarded damages will be reversed. This ruling could be damning for Mr Giuliani. His lawyers at a bankruptcy court hearing on 4 April hinged their arguments on the fact that this defamation verdict could be altered. Gary Fischoff, a lawyer for the former mayor, said that there was a presumption by many in the case that the debtor owes $150m and thats not going to change. He continued, I dont see why the debtor cant be given the opportunity to propose a plan that deals with a much smaller universe of debt, and retains the Florida residence to live there at that time, Mr Fischoff added. Mr Fischoffs argument opposed a motion from the Unsecured Committee of Creditors a group of individuals and entities that Mr Giuliani owes to compel him to sell his Florida condo. The lawyer also added that the former mayor is planning on spending the majority of his time in his Palm Beach condo rather than his Upper East Side apartment his most valuable asset, documents show, and the one he intends to sell first. A lawyer for the committee fired back that in order for the Freeman judgment to become a non-player here, the judgment would have to be reduced by over 95 per cent. But even in that scenario, the numbers still dont work and you have to sell the Florida condo. The bankruptcy court judge didnt rule on the committees motion, but warned Mr Giulianis lawyers of potential draconian consequences to come compared to simply marketing the Florida property. Judge warns Trump he could be jailed if he disrupts hush-money trial proceedings Judge warns Trump he could be jailed if he disrupts hush-money trial proceedings NEW YORK (PIX11) The judge overseeing former President Donald Trumps hush-money trial in New York City warned Trump on Monday that he could be jailed if he disrupts the proceedings. Judge Juan M. Merchan told Trump that the trials proceedings would continue in his absence if he was jailed for disruption. Merchan said he gives this warning to all defendants at the start of trials, Reuters reported. Trump indicated that he understood the judges warning, The New York Times reported. Jury selection for the trial began on Monday. Trump faces criminal charges that he falsified business records in order to stifle stories about his sex life. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records that arose from an alleged effort to keep salacious and, he says, bogus stories about his sex life from emerging during his 2016 campaign. Meet the key players in former President Trumps hush-money case The charges center on $130,000 in payments that Trumps company made to his former lawyer Michael Cohen. He had paid that sum on Trumps behalf to keep adult film actor Stormy Daniels from going public, a month before the election, with her claims of a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier. Prosecutors say the payments to Cohen were falsely logged as legal fees in order to cloak their actual purpose. Trumps lawyers say the disbursements indeed were legal expenses, not a cover-up. The day began with Merchan ruling on a variety of procedural pretrial motions as Trump sat hunched over in his seat and stared into a monitor directly in front of him on the defense table while evidence was shown. The judge denied a defense request to recuse himself from the case after Trumps lawyers said he had a conflict of interest. He also said prosecutors could not play for the jury the 2005 Access Hollywood recording in which Trump was captured discussing grabbing women sexually without their permission. However, prosecutors will be allowed to question witnesses about the recording, which became public in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign. Prosecutors also asked Monday for Merchan to fine Trump $3,000 over social media posts that they said violated the judges gag order barring him from attacking witnesses. Last week, he used his Truth Social platform to call Cohen and Daniels two sleaze bags who have, with their lies and misrepresentations, cost our Country dearly! The defendant has demonstrated his willingness to flout the order. Hes attacked witnesses in the case, said Christopher Conroy, one of the trial prosecutors. One of Trumps lawyers, Todd Blanche, maintained that Trump was simply responding to the witnesses statements. Its not as if President Trump is going out and targeting individuals. He is responding to salacious, repeated vehement attacks by these witnesses, Blanche said. Merchan said he will hold a hearing on the issue next Tuesday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A jury has awarded $95 million to the father of a man who was beaten to death at the Erie County Holding Center in 2012, the inmates attorney confirmed to News 4 on Monday. The money was awarded to the family of Richard Metcalf, who was strangled and severely beaten by officers while being held. Metcalf was initially arrested in 2012 in Depew after he allegedly broke into a catering business that he worked at. Following his arraignment, a state report in 2016 indicated that officers placed a spit mask on him and after he chewed through it, a pillowcase was tied loosely over his head. The report states that the mask was so tight that it required scissors to remove but by the time it was cut off, he had stopped breathing and his heart had stopped. He died two days later. According to the report, he was also beaten by deputies while in custody. Father of man beaten to death at county holding center: My son still needs me The county medical examiner ruled Metcalfs death a homicide as a result of acute and subacute myocardial infarction, meaning he died of a heart attack caused by an outside force. In a 2013 lawsuit, the county and five deputies were accused of depriving Metcalf of medical care as well as excessive force. This verdict stems from an event that occurred 12 years ago. Since Sheriff Garcia took office in 2022, the Erie County Sheriffs Office has become a far different organization, a spokesperson for the Sheriffs Office said in a statement. This administration has been proactive in seeking state and federal accreditations for all divisions in a robust effort to employ stringent practices for the safety and care of our personnel and our incarcerated population. These accreditations can only be earned after a thorough review of policies and procedures by a third party to ensure the best are implemented. Additionally, consistent with Sheriff Garcias promise to the people of Erie County, the office has aggressively sought funding to modernize every aspect of the operation. We will continue to do so. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. NEWTON, Kan. (KSNW) A Harvey County jury has convicted a man accused of sexually abusing a child. The Harvey County Attorneys Office says on Thursday, a jury found 28-year-old Hunter Miller of rape and aggravated criminal sodomy of a child who was under 14 years old after a two-day trial. The conviction carries a mandatory penalty of 25 years to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for June 11. While this guilty verdict does not undo the harm suffered by the victim, in this case, it does hold Hunter Miller accountable for his actions. The County Attorneys Office is grateful to the citizens of Harvey County who served their community by dedicating their week to serving as members of this jury panel. Harvey County Attorney Heather L. Figger Inmate dies in Reno County Jail The was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department, Heart 2 Heart Child Advocacy Center, and USD 373. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April15. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representatives visited all the Armenian detainees this month, the Spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Representative Office of the ICRC Ilaha Huseynova told Trend. Huseynova mentioned that personal meetings were held with the detainees and conditions were created for communication with their families. According to its mandate, during such visits, the ICRC assesses the treatment of detainees and conditions of detention and helps to ensure that the detained individuals can restore or maintain contact with their families. As per the ICRCs procedures, the observations and recommendations related to its visits are only shared with the detaining authorities. To note, Azerbaijan arrested former so-called "presidents" of the separatist regime Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, former so-called "foreign minister" David Babayan, as well as so-called "chairman of the parliament" David Ishkhanyan, generals Levi Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan and former so-called "state minister" Ruben Vardanyan in Karabakh. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Former President Donald Trump returns to the courtroom after a break during the first day of his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York on Monday, April 15, 2024. Trump's hush money trial began Monday with jury selection. It's a singular moment for American history as the first criminal trial of a former U.S. commander in chief. | Angela Weiss Former President Donald Trumps New York hush money criminal trial begins Monday. Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to reimbursements made to former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen for hush money payments before the 2016 election, CNN reported. Trump has pleaded not guilty. The trial is the first criminal trial of any former U.S. president and is first of Trumps four upcoming criminal trials, according to The Associated Press. Each of the 34 felony counts that Trump faces carry a maximum sentence of four years, but New York caps such sentences at 20 years, USA Today reported. Legal experts have said the sentence would likely range from probation to four years in prison, but Trump would likely remain free during the presidential election race on appeal. Here are updates on the Trump hush money trial in New York: Trump speaks after court adjourned: Its a scam trial: After court adjourned, Trump spoke to reporters, calling the trial a political witch hunt and a scam trial before leaving the courthouse. In his comments, Trump mentioned that the judge ruled he wouldnt be able to attend graduation festivities for his son Barron due to the trial. If you read all of the legal pundits, all of the legals scholars today, theres not one that I see that says this is a case that should be brought or tried, Trump said. Its a scam. Its a political witch hunt. It continues, and it continues forever. First day of trial ends with no jurors picked: Judge Juan Merchon closed proceedings Monday afternoon, and the trial will continue, starting 7:30 a.m. MDT on Tuesday. Merchon denied a request for Trump to miss a trial session next week, according to Reuters. The hush money trial could be the only criminal case Trump faces before the November election. Jurors whittled down: More than half of the first panel of jurors were excused after saying they couldnt be impartial in the trial, BBC reported. Its not unusual for potential jurors to want to be excused for a variety of reasons, including having strong feelings about the defendant, according to The Associated Press. Merchon said he would dismiss jurors immediately if they said they couldnt be fair to make the trial more efficient, the AP reported. Trumps lawyers have previously argued that the case needs to be moved elsewhere because he cant find a fair and impartial jury in Manhattan. According to the AP, one woman was dismissed for giving a one-word answer yes when asked if she has strong feelings about the former president. Potential jurors enter courtroom: The first set of potential jurors 96 New Yorkers from Manhattan entered the courtroom and were sworn in Monday afternoon, according to CNN. There are 200 jurors total in the courthouse. Ultimately, a jury of 12 with six alternates will be chosen from the large pool, which could take more than a week to narrow down, CNN reported. Merchon gave the potential jurors a brief description of the charges Trump faces and introduced the lawyers, according to USA Today. When the judge told the possible jurors of the 34 counts of falsifying records that Trump faces, Trump looked down and shook his head, per Politico. According to CNN, whether the jurors are picked or not could depend on everything from their answers to questions about news consumption, opinions on Trump and affiliations with groups like the Proud Boys and Antifa, to their clothes and mannerisms. Youre going to have the facts the juror discloses, but as a lawyer a prosecutor or a defense lawyer you are analyzing and assessing everything about that juror, CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig said. Who might testify?: Trump said Friday that he will testify, though he has backed out of testifying before, according to USA Today. Cohen, adult film star Stormy Daniels and Hope Hicks, former White House communications director under Trump, are expected to be called by prosecutors as well, CNN reported. David Pecker, former CEO of American Media, Inc., which published the National Enquirer, Karen McDougal and Bradley Smith, former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, may also testify, according to Politico. What evidence will be allowed?: The jurors in the hush money trial cant watch the infamous Access Hollywood tape, though they can hear testimony about Trumps comments, Merchan has ruled, according to USA Today. Additionally, a deposition related to Trumps previous civil defamation trial with E. Jean Carroll wont be allowed, The Associated Press reported. As for evidence that is allowed, a series of National Enquirer stories attacking Trump opponents, the testimony of Karen McDougal and the testimony of Cohens guilty plea to campaign finance violations can be used in court, according to CNN. However, prosecutors cant tie Cohens guilty plea to Trump. Trump social media posts brought up: Merchan is considering whether Trump violated a gag order in the trial due to recent social media posts, according to CNN. Recent social media posts from Trump call Cohen and Stormy Daniels sleazebags. Prosecutors are arguing that the post appears to be attacking a key witness in the case, which would be a violation of the gag order, according to CNN. Right now, the big question is what are they going to do about this gag order, because this is going to be a reoccurring issue, every day, throughout this trial, because as we know Trump does not stay within the bounds of gag orders, CNNs Paul Reid said. Merchan has also prohibited public statements from Trump about court staff and prosecution lawyers if the comments could significantly interfere with the case, USA Today reported. Jury selection is slated to begin Tuesday in the murder trial of Karen Read, the Mansfield woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend in 2022. Everything you need to know ahead of the Karen Read murder trial Reads defense team added more fuel to their conspiracy fire during a final pretrial hearing at Norfolk Superior Court. Read is charged with running down John OKeefe in the town of Canton on Jan. 29, 2022. Reads defense team argued against a motion filed by the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office to block the jury from hearing their theory that OKeefe was attacked inside a Canton home by people the prosecution has identified as witnesses in the case. Karen Read, facing a murder charge in the death of an off-duty Boston police officer, was ordered held on $100,000 bail. Karen Read, 41, of Mansfield, Mass., is charged with manslaughter in the Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, death of Boston police Officer John OKeefe. O'Keefe, 46, was off duty at the time of his death. High bail for girlfriend charged with manslaughter in death of off-duty Boston police officer High bail for girlfriend charged with manslaughter in death of off-duty Boston police officer High bail for girlfriend charged with manslaughter in death of off-duty Boston police officer High bail for girlfriend charged with manslaughter in death of off-duty Boston police officer High bail for girlfriend charged with manslaughter in death of off-duty Boston police officer Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe Karen Read is arraigned in Stoughton District court accused of manslaughter in death of off-duty Boston Police officer John O'Keefe The state is using Reads cracked right taillight as evidence she ran down OKeefe in reverse with her SUV after a night of drinking. Last week, Judge Beverly Cannone ordered the release of documents including Reads legal teams full motion to dismiss the case, as well as the Commonwealths opposition to that motion to dismiss. Reads lawyers say the Norfolk District Attorneys presentation of the case was based on flimsy speculation and presumption, underpinned by a questionable and biased investigation, and highly dubious physical evidence. Cannone has also ordered a 200-foot buffer zone around the Norfolk Superior Courthouse in Dedham and restrictions on megaphones and clothing to shield jurors from outside influences. Karen Benson, a 15-year Canton resident, said the case is so controversialand emotions are so highmany people in her town wont even talk about the case with their neighbors. I wouldnt say its torn [the town] apart, but youre definitely on one side or the other, and unless you know who youre talking to, you dont talk about it, Benson said. The Trial Court has isssued the following order effective for the Commonwealth v. Karen Read trial, which begins... Posted by Massachusetts State Police on Monday, April 15, 2024 Criminal defense attorney Peter Elikann said finding an impartial jury could be a challenge. They wont find jurors who never heard of this case, but hopefully they will find jurors who have an open mind, Elikann said. Reads trial could last as long as 6 to 7 weeks. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW April 15 (UPI) -- Conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas missed Monday's hearing on two cases and the court did not explain his absence. It has been customary for Chief Justice John Roberts to announce if a justice is sick or participating remotely if they cannot attend hearings. On Monday, Roberts said that Thomas would "participate fully" through transcripts and briefs, but gave no reason for the absence. Thomas, at 75, is the oldest among the jurists, appointed by George H.W. Bush to replace Thurgood Marshall in 1991. He will be 76 in June. The cases on Monday involved an appeal of a corruption case involving a former Indiana mayor and the other dealt with when to consider malicious prosecution claims under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Thomas and fellow conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch missed a hearing in February where the court explained they were both "under the weather." In 2022, Thom missed a hearing and the court revealed he had an infection and had to be hospitalized. House Democrats have called for ethics investigations against Thomas after it was reported last year that he had long accepted gifts from wealthy conservative donors and not reported them. In January, Democrats demanded that Thomas recuse himself from deciding on whether former president Donald Thomas should remain on the ballot in Colorado. The man who detonated a bomb outside the Kabul airport in August 2021, killing 170 Afghans and 13 American service members, was an Islamic State operative who had been held in a coalition detention facility in Afghanistan but was freed by the Taliban, according to a new U.S. military review that has identified him for the first time. Some service members who were at the airport that day claimed they had spotted the suicide bomber at the site and were ordered not to engage. But the review found that those service members had the wrong man in their sights, and the strike was not preventable. There was no opportunity to engage the bomber prior to the attack, said a senior U.S. military official, who was involved in the supplemental review. The bombing at Abbey Gate took place during the U.S. militarys chaotic exit from Afghanistan. Thousands of people had converged on the airport in a desperate effort to flee after the Talibans swift takeover of the country. An initial Pentagon review released in February 2022 found that the attack was carried out by a lone suicide bomber and that it was not preventable. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, ordered the supplemental review last year after witnesses of the attack came forward with new information and allegations that they could have stopped it but were denied the chance to do so. One of the most vocal witnesses was retired Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews, who lost an arm and a leg in the attack, and suffered damage to internal organs that resulted in roughly 50 surgeries. In testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Committee in March 2023, Vargas-Andrews said the Marines and others involved in the evacuation were given descriptions of men believed to be plotting an attack. Vargas-Andrews said he and others spotted a man who fit the description a person who came to be known as bald man in black. But the review which included interviews with more than 50 service members directly involved in the evacuation, including a dozen who had not previously been interviewed found that this man had no connection to the attack. Abdul Rahman al-Logari. (U.S. Central Command) The actual bomber was Abdul Rahman al-Logari, according to the U.S. military. A facial comparison analysis determined that al-Logari and the bald man in black could not be the same person, the review found. The team of military investigators reviewed photos and video taken of the scene before the attack and found no footage of al-Logari. He was determined to have arrived immediately before the blast and blended in with the massive crowd gathered outside the airport. The officials involved in the review said that given the density of the crowd, the U.S. military members at the scene did not have time to identify him. A day after the attack, ISIS-K, an Islamic State offshoot based in Afghanistan, identified al-Logari as the bomber. The new review marks the first time U.S. officials have said they have independent confirmation. Al-Logari was among the thousands of militants released from Afghan prisons after the Taliban seized control of Kabul in mid-August 2021. But the officials involved in the review said U.S. intelligence determined that even if al-Logari had not been released from prison, the attack would likely have still been carried out because ISIS-K had other bombers ready and available. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WARNING: The following report contains details that some may find graphic or disturbing. A man found guilty of raping and murdering a Georgia 5-year-old girl has received the death penalty. On Monday morning, an Alabama judge sentenced 40 year-old Jeremy Williams to death for four counts of capital murder, WTVM reports. Williams was accused of killing Kamarie Holland in Dec. 2021. Police said Hollards mother, Kristy Siple, trafficked her daughter to Williams in exchange for money. Prosecutors said Williams forced the 5-year-old to perform sexual acts on him before he strangled her. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In March, Williams pleaded guilty to four counts of capital murder, obstruction of a corpse, knowingly recording the acts, rape, and sodomy. Siple pleaded guilty to human sex trafficking and will be sentenced at a later date. While he pleaded guilty, Alabama law requires a 12-person jury to determine if a suspect in a death penalty case is guilty or innocent. Over the course of three days, the jury heard graphic testimony from forensic pathologist and another sexual assault victim, WTVM reports. On Friday, the jurors deliberated for 90 minutes before returning a guilty verdict on all counts. The judge said Monday that Williams execution date will be decided at a future date. TRENDING STORIES: Before the judge sentenced Williams, Kamaries family read victim impact statements, according to WTVM. I dont understand why someone would hurt her - she was so sweet and caring, Kamaries father Corey Holland read from a letter written by her 13-year-old sister. You dont deserve life yourself - we dont have Kamarie and you dont deserve to see your kids or life, Holland said in his own words. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly last week vetoed a bill which would have prohibited cities and counties from regulating single-use plastic containers just over a month after Lawrence enacted a ban on single-use, disposable plastic bags. Kelly, a Democrat, agreed with opponents who said the legislation would interfere with local control and violate home rule. Home rule is a provision in the state constitution that empowers local governments to legislate issues relevant to individual communities. I believe in local control and that local officials should be held accountable by their constituents, stakeholders, and businesses, Kelly said in a statement. This bill lacks sufficient protection to ensure local units of government are able to play a meaningful role in decision making on issues impacting their communities. Kelly vetoed similar legislation in 2022, but Republicans didnt have the two-thirds majority to override her veto. Republicans this year are unlikely to successfully override her veto, falling three votes short in the Senate and 12 votes in the House. GOP lawmakers have pushed for the bill backed by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce for four years in a row, arguing that allowing local municipalities to limit single-use plastics would create patchwork legislation that discourages businesses from moving into Kansas. Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican who supported the legislation, said the legislation would particularly harm franchise businesses who would have to change their plastic packaging in some areas of Kansas to accommodate local laws. It would be absolutely illogical for them to change all their packaging, he said. Were talking about logos and branding and all of that stuff. Thats a huge cost you cannot avoid if someone starts banning those kinds of products. Twelve states and over 500 cities have adopted laws to regulate single-use plastics on the local level. Other Republican-led states such as Florida, Montana, Idaho, Texas and Minnesota have preemptively banned any regulation on single-use plastics. Opponents say that since many municipalities already restrict single-use plastics, a patchwork is already there, businesses are already prepared to switch to alternative packaging. And they say barring local governments from regulating plastics not only would violate home rule, but would carry serious environmental and economic consequences due to increased plastic pollution. Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, said there is a significant cost when cleaning up plastic bags which do not decompose. They can jam equipment, flood landfills and are costly to clean up, she said. This bill does nothing positive to address the bigger issue of plastic pollution in Kansas, she said during a House floor debate last month. Kelly last week also vetoed a measure that would have exempted sugaring a method of temporary hair removal using a paste made from sugar, lemon and water to pull hair out of follicles from the definition of cosmetology. The legislation would eliminate the requirement for an individual practicing sugaring to obtain a cosmetology license. Kelly, agreeing with opponents, said that deregulating sugaring could lead to safety and sanitation problems, and was concerned that people without licenses could perform the procedure on minors. Requiring people performing sugaring to obtain a license, she said, would ensure professionals are operating safely. We have a responsibility to protect Kansans and this deregulation would threaten the health and safety of Kansans particularly our children, Kelly said in a statement. Kelly continued: Under the purview of the Kansas Board of Cosmetology, sugaring practitioners are required to adhere to the same health and safety standards as other cosmetologists and estheticians. They are subject to criminal background checks and training prior to the successful completion of exams to earn state licensure. Deregulating sugaring risks contamination, improper infection control, and potential safety issues involving minors. I am not willing to undermine the Kansas Board of Cosmetologys expertise or threaten the long-term health and safety of Kansans who receive sugaring services. The bill passed almost unanimously in the Senate 38-1, going beyond the two-thirds majority needed to override Kellys veto. But the House came up 13 votes short of the veto-proof majority, meaning lawmakers are unlikely to override Kellys veto. Proponents argued that people who want to practice sugaring should not have to go through the required 1,500 hours of training to obtain a license. They say deregulating the practice could reap benefits for marginalized groups that want to open businesses. Sam MacRoberts, a lobbyist for the Kansas Justice Institute, an organization that fights against government overreach, said the bill would promote economic freedom and business growth by eliminating nonsensical requirements to perform sugaring. This bill will remove a needless, unreasonable, and burdensome occupational licensing requirement for a grooming technique that is already safe, he said. Occupational licensing significantly and disproportionallyburdens racial minorities and economically disadvantaged groups as well. Kelly last week vetoed a total of six bills, including one placing additional parameters abortion access, banning hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery for transgender minors. She allowed one bill requiring age-verification to enter adult websites to become law without her signature, citing concerns about its vague language. Kansas and Missouri have some of the highest rates of fatal police chases in the U.S. Kansas and Missouri are among the states with the highest rate of fatal police pursuits in the nation, a new analysis has found. The Las Vegas-based firm H&P Law looked at crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Kansas, 1.79% of fatal crashes recorded between 2017 and 2021 involved a police chase. That put Kansas third for the highest rate behind Georgia and Virginia. Missouri ranked sixth with 1.6% of traffic fatalities linked to police pursuits, behind Minnesota and New Mexico. Florida and Hawaii had the lowest rates of fatal police pursuits in the country. In a nine-month investigation published earlier this year, The Star found that on average, more than three police chases take place every day in the Kansas City metro. In an analysis of data from 2022, more than 150 crashes resulted in 51 injuries. The City of Independence engaged in chases at a disproportionate rate and accounted for 33% of those injuries. Across the Kansas City area, police chases routinely exceeded 100 mph, with some chases reaching 130 mph, a review of police reports showed. Officers often pursued drivers for trivial violations like license plate infractions and in dangerous conditions, including poor visibility. Experts including the Police Executive Research Forum, a nonprofit think tank based in Washington, D.C., recommend allowing police chases when a violent crime has been committed and there is an imminent threat to safety. About 56% of the police agencies in the Kansas City metro place narrow restrictions on when a chase is warranted. At least four people have died in police chases in the area this year. A suspect and an innocent bystander died in a January crash on Interstate 435 near Missouri 210 highway. The next month, a driver died after a crash at Linwood and Van Brunt boulevards. Last month, a driver fleeing from the Missouri State Highway Patrol died near East 33rd Street and Indiana Ave. Probable cause affidavits for the suspects accused of murdering a pair of Kansas moms last month have revealed the bizarre circumstances surrounding the tragedy, including claims the quartet were part of an anti-government group whod previously plotted to kill. The slain women were Butler, a 27-year-old engulfed in a nasty custody dispute with her ex and his mom, and Jillian Kelley, a 38-year-old preachers wife whod volunteered to supervise a visit between Butler and her kids on March 30. Butler and Kelley never made it to that visit, however. They vanished after crossing the Kansas state line into the rural Oklahoma panhandle and were never seen alive again. Their vehicle, belonging to Butler, was found on a dirt path hundreds of feet off a highway. Authorities said foul play was suspected in their disappearance, and an investigation revealed last week that the women were murdered and their bodies dumped. Police sources told NewsNation the women may have been executed, and that pools of blood were present near their vehicle. Tifany Adamsthe grandmother and guardian of Butlers childrenwas charged with two counts of first degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree in connection to the crime on Saturday. Her boyfriend, Tad Bert Cullum, and two of her friends, Cora and Cole Earl Twombly, were arrested on the same charges. Jilian Kelley, 39, was traveling to Oklahoma to supervise a meetup between Veronica Butler and her children. GoFundMe In a probable cause affidavit for Adams, obtained by The Daily Beast, prosecutors allege that each of the four suspects were in an anti-government group named Gods Misfits that met weekly. Despite the religious invocation, the document suggested the group had violent tendenciesparticularly against Butler, who they allegedly plotted to kill outside her Kansas home in February but failed to do so because she never came outside. The affidavit said police interviewed the 16-year-old daughter of Cora and Cole Twombly, who alleged that her parents suggested they killed the Kansas mothers in a conversation with her. That teen, identified only as CW, said her parents told her on March 29 that theyd be missing the following morning because they were going on a mission. They were gone when she woke up the next day, but she told police that they returned later on March 30 and said that something had gone wrong. The document said the teen detailed how her parents, along with Adams and Cullum, teamed up to divert Butler and Kelleys vehicle from its drive to Adams home. CW asked Cora what had happened and was told that things did not go as planned, but they would not have to worry about her (Butler) again, the affidavit said. The affidavit said CW asked about Kelley and why she had to die, to which her parents responded, she wasnt innocent either because shed supported Butler. Grandma, 3 Others Arrested For Murder of Missing Kansas Moms CW allegedly told detectives that her parents planned to throw an anvil into Butlers windshieldsince they regularly fall off work vehiclesand hoped to stage her hopeful death as being the result of a car accident. It was not said if that plan was actually attempted or not. When CW asked her mother if the bodies were put in a well, the affidavit said Cora Twombly replied, Something like that. The groups anger with Butler appeared to stem from her attempts to be regain custody of her children. Just just 10 days before the women disappeared, Butler had filed a petition in court thatd see them be taken from Adams if a judge sided with her. Wrangler Rickman, Butlers ex and father of their two children, had legal custody of their kids, but he allegedly didnt see them much himself. The affidavit said hed been kept away from them by Adams and Cullum. The affidavit said Rickmans grandmother told investigators that her grandson said earlier this year that there was a plot to kill Butler. She claimed that her grandson told her they didnt have to worry about the custody battle much longer because Adams had it under control and that they planned to take out Veronica at drop off, the affidavit stated. Also uncovered in the investigation were web searches by Adams that sought answers on taser pain level, gun shops, prepaid cell phones, and how to get someone out of their housethe last of which allegedly came when a phone for Adams was pinged near Butlers home in Hugoton, Kansas. Veronica Butler, 27, was in the middle of a nasty custody battle at the time of her murder, authorities said. GoFundMe The affidavit added that, before the murders, the suspects had purchased burner phones, which were found near the scene of the crime, and tasers, which may have been used to subdue Butler and Kelley. Authorities said in a news conference Monday that they had not confirmed that a pair of bodies found over the weekend belonged to Butler and Kelley or not, but added there was no chance the two were still alive. Authorities did not say where exactly the bodies were found. The suspects are due in court for the first time on Wednesday. GoFundMe fundraisers for Butler and Kelley are yet to gain much traction, with a pair of them raising approximately $5,000 combined. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. TechCrunch This is a philosophical question as much as a practical one, but a new paper making the rounds Friday suggests that the answer is, at least for now, a pretty clear "no." A group of AI research scientists at Apple released their paper, "Understanding the limitations of mathematical reasoning in large language models," to general commentary Thursday. Then he picks 58 kiwis on Saturday. A KC Zoo penguin named finalist in world animal competition. How you can help it win You have less than 24 hours to help a Kansas City Zoo penguin be crowned the worlds favorite penguin. Littlefoot, a 2-year-old king penguin residing at the zoo, is one of three finalists in Penguin Internationals March of the Penguin Madness competition. The animal went head-to-head with 47 other penguins from around the globe and is in the finals after four rounds of voting. the voting started on March 17. The competition is an initiative by the Colorado-based non-profit to educate people about the problems penguins face in the world as their environment changes. You can vote online to crown the Peng-Win Champion on Penguin Internationals website and on the nonprofits Facebook and Instagram pages. Voting closes at the end of the day Monday. Littlefoot finds himself competing against Pearl, a 5-month-old emperor penguin from Sea World San Diego and Kokosanka, a 5-year-old African penguin from Zoo Gdansk in Gdansk, Poland. Why was Littlefoot nominated by the Kansas City Zoo? Kansas City Zoo officials said in a press release that Littlefoot was nominated because of his inspiring story. When Littlefoot hatched, he was found to have lost a lot of blood, failed to absorb his yolk and was less than half his expected weight, zoo staff said. His prognosis was very poor despite receiving immediate medical treatment from the zoos animal care specialists. The next day, Littlefoot had an energy and fight that zoo staff said was unexpected. Over the next several weeks, he required extensive medical care and frequent feedings to give him the best chance at survival. His will to survive helped him defy the odds and Littlefoot is now one of the larger king penguins in the colony, the zoo said in a statement. He is also one of the friendliest and most curious penguins. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. The preparation of a feasibility study on the possibility of exporting electricity from Central Asian countries to Europe through the territory of Azerbaijan will begin this year, the Deputy Energy Minister of Azerbaijan Elnur Soltanov told reporters, Trend reports. He noted that the technical condition for attracting companies to carry out the work outlined within the project is already ready. He also emphasized that the green hydrogen to be produced in Azerbaijan will be competitive in European markets. "Hydrogen-related works are at a very early stage all over the world. There is no market for it yet," Soltanov added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Opening statements in Donald Trumps criminal New York hush money trial are set to begin Monday, more than a year after the former president was indicted in the case. The trial, which made its way swiftly through jury selection last week, is expected to feature several high-profile witnesses, including those who were in Trumps inner circle around the 2016 election, sources have told CNN. Here are the notable people in this case: Donald Trump The former president has been accused of taking part in an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election and an unlawful plan to suppress negative information, which included a hush money payment made to an adult-film star to hide an affair. Trump has denied the affair. Prosecutors allege that Trump allegedly disguised the transaction as a legal payment and falsified business records numerous times to promote his candidacy. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records. He has pleaded not guilty. Stormy Daniels Adult-film star Stephanie Clifford, better known as Stormy Daniels, received a $130,000 payment just days before the 2016 presidential election. She shared in a documentary released last month that she accepted the payment to keep her one-night stand with Trump in 2006 from becoming public to protect her husband and daughter. Trumps attorneys subsequently used the documentarys release to try to bar Daniels from testifying and argued that it should be grounds to dismiss the indictment or delay the trial both unsuccessful challenges, though the judge did delay the trial on separate grounds. Michael Cohen The $130,000 payment to Daniels was made by Michael Cohen, then Trumps personal attorney, who landed in federal prison over that transaction for breaking campaign finance laws. Cohen, now a critical witness, has said that Trump directed him to make the payment to Daniels. Trump and his legal team attempted to bar Cohen from testifying, arguing that hes committed perjury more than once in other cases, but the request was denied last month. David Pecker As the then-chairman of American Media Inc., which publishes the National Enquirer, David Pecker was involved in numerous catch-and-kill schemes he orchestrated on behalf of Trump, and he allegedly helped broker the deal with Daniels. According to court documents, an agent for Daniels contacted AMI in October 2016 and said she was willing to go public with her allegations of an affair with Trump. Pecker then allegedly contacted Cohen, who subsequently negotiated the deal, per court filings from Cohens plea agreement. In a separate incident, AMI agreed to pay model and actress Karen McDougal $150,000 months before the 2016 election for her silence about an alleged affair with Trump. While this payment is not part of the charges against the former president, prosecutors are expected to use it to establish a pattern of such payments. Pecker has been granted immunity in exchange for his testimony and AMI signed a non-prosecution agreement with prosecutors. Hope Hicks The day after the release of the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump can be heard making vulgar comments about his treatment of women, Hope Hicks, who then served as Trumps campaign press secretary, called Cohen, according to court documents, to suppress additional allegations of a sexual nature from becoming public. From there, Cohen, acting as a middleman, was involved in at least 10 telephone calls that day, some involving Trump and Hicks and others involving Pecker and another AMI executive. CNN has previously reported that Hicks is expected to be called to testify, according to a source familiar with the case. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg As the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg led the investigation into the former presidents involvement in the hush money payment a yearslong probe he inherited from his predecessor, who began the investigation when Trump was still in the White House. Trump has repeatedly attacked Bragg, attempting to cast the investigation as politically motivated. After the second day of jury selection last week, the former president used a stop at a Harlem bodega to criticize Bragg, claiming the district attorney was focusing on the hush money investigation instead of prosecuting violent crime talking points Braggs office dismissed. Judge Juan Merchan New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, who is known for maintaining control of his courtroom even when his cases draw considerable attention, is presiding over the case. He has been involved in other cases related to Trump and his allies, including the Trump Organization tax fraud trial, former Trump adviser Steve Bannons criminal fraud case, and the sentencing of Allen Weisselberg, Trumps longtime chief financial officer. Merchan has kept the trial moving quickly to Trumps dismay as he sifted through roughly 200 prospective jurors to swear in 12 jurors and six alternates in a process that some thought would go beyond the trials first week. The judge has also looked to keep a strong grip on the trial, scolding the press last week for reporting information that could potentially identify jurors. Trump has made two requests for Merchan to be recused from the case, while leveling attacks against the judge and his daughter over her political work for Democratic politicians. Merchan rejected the first motion last year. A separate emergency relief request by Trump to stop the trial so he could appeal a lower courts ruling on presidential immunity and have the judge recused was rejected earlier this month. Merchan has also imposed a gag order on the former president, barring him from making statements about witnesses, jurors, prosecutors, court staff or the family members of prosecutors and court staff. This story has been updated with additional information. Sydney Kashiwagi and CNNs Devan Cole, Kara Scannell, Lauren del Valle, Jeremy Herb, Marshall Cohen and Kaitlan Collins contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Killer of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland sentenced to death by Alabama judge after conviction A man convicted for the death of a 5-year-old Phenix City girl who he raped and strangled has been sentenced to death. Jeremy Tremaine Williams was convicted on capital murder charges in the December 2021 death of Kamarie Holland. Williams was sentenced to death Monday morning on all four capital murder charges he was convicted of by Judge David A. Johnson in a courtroom in Phenix City. Living in Columbus, Georgia, at the time of the murder, Williams raped and strangled Holland after offering her mother $2500 for Holland to perform oral sex on him, according to testimony given in his trial. Video evidence was shown to jurors Wednesday showing officers finding Hollands body and videos Williams took on his phone of him sexually assaulting Holland. Some jurors began to cry as videos of Hollands assault were shown to them. After Williams was convicted Friday, Hollands father Corey Holland Sr., said he wanted the death penalty for his daughters killer. His life compares nothing to Kamaries, Corey said. He reiterated a similar statement Monday in the courtroom after being called to speak. Addressing Williams he said, You dont deserve life yourself. Reaction to the verdicts Corey read a statement Monday from Kamaries grandmother that read, What kind of demonic creature are you (Williams)? Corey told the Ledger-Enquirer Friday, Each and every day and night Im going to be missing Kamarie. Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor said, I hope they put him to death, after the guilty verdict was given Friday. He told the Ledger-Enquirer this is one of the hardest cases the sheriffs office has ever had to investigate. If theres ever been somebody thats deserving of the death penalty its Jeremy Williams, Taylor said after the death sentence was given Monday. Hes another type of evil that we in society just dont need walking around, Taylor said Monday. District Attorney Rick Chancey said, I guess Im satisfied, thats the most we could get and it brings no joy and it brings no peace. Chancey said he visited Hollands grave the other day and said, Theres no reason that baby should be in the ground. I want to remember her, not this joker, said Chancey. Jeremy is not somebody I want to remember in life. White House national security communications adviser John Kirby on Monday disputed reports that Iranian officials provided the United States advance notice of the timing and targets of its attacks against Israel over the weekend. This whole narrative out there that Iran passed us a message with what they were gonna do is ridiculous, Kirby told reporters at a briefing. Kirby told reporters Iran had failed in its attack against Israel on Saturday, in which it launched hundreds of drones and missiles in response to an Israeli strike against an Iranian compound in Syria. Kirby was adamant the United States was not given any advance warning about the time frame or targets involved, instead crediting the capabilities of Israel and its partners with intercepting most of the missiles. Reuters reported Iran gave wide notice days in advance of its attack, citing Turkish, Jordanian and Iraqi officials. All three nations are U.S. allies. All Im telling you is its nonsense, Kirby said of those reports. Can you imagine a world in which Iran would pick up the phone and say, Were about to try to shwack Israel with 300 cruise missiles and drones, we just wanted to let you know its coming and oh by the way, heres what were going to hit,' Kirby continued. Im sorry, it just didnt happen. I cant account for what sources might be telling you about what they heard. Im telling you what we heard. Kirby said the U.S. did get a message from Iran and passed messages to Iran as well, though he did not elaborate on the details of those communications. But he said none of them involved the specifics of Irans attack over the weekend. President Biden spoke Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the attack, and he has vowed ironclad support for Israel. Together with our partners, we defeated that attack, Biden said Monday during an Oval Office meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) San Angelo-based news stations KLST and KSAN have earned special recognition from a statewide media association as part of its 2024 Texas Broadcast News Awards. The Texas Association of Broadcasters, an Austin-based trade association founded in 1953, hosted the 2024 Texas Broadcast News Awards celebration ceremony on April 13. Held for the first time in 2022, the awards are meant to recognize outstanding broadcast journalism produced by member Radio and TV stations serving local communities throughout the state, according to TABs website. During each years awards competition, TAB takes entries from media outlets across the Lone Star State and judges them based on several categories covering every facet of the news industry. San Angelo had its time in the spotlight during the 2024 awards thanks to the KLST and KSAN news stations, which won in the Feature Editing/General News category of the TV-Small division. The winning entry, Legendary local shoe shiner Ernie Cantu shares his story, is a segment of the stations Concho Valley Live programming that features a conversation between Cantu and Senora Scott, KLST and KSANs assistant news director. Bobby Schuyler, KLST and KSANs creative services and promotions director, filmed and edited the segment prior to its on-air release in July 2023. WATCH THE WINNING STORY: Legendary local shoe shiner Ernie Cantu shares his story Scott and Schuyler attended the celebration ceremony and accepted the accolade on behalf of the news stations. For a full list of finalists and winners of the 2024 Texas Broadcast News Awards, visit TABs webpage for the event. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. By Renju Jose and Lewis Jackson SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian police on Tuesday said a knife attack on an Assyrian church bishop and some followers in Sydney was a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism, as the country reeled from a second stabbing incident in three days. At least four people were wounded in the attack, including Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel of the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church, when a man lunged at him with a knife during a service live-streamed on Monday. The incident at the western Sydney suburb of Wakeley triggered clashes outside the church between police and an angry crowd of the bishop's followers who demanded the attacker be handed over to them. Police arrested a male teenager at the scene and were forced to hold him at the church for his own safety. "We believe there are elements that are satisfied in terms of religious motivated extremism," New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb said during a press conference. "After consideration of all the material, I declared that it was a terrorist incident." Police said there was premeditation as the male attacker travelled to the church, far from his home, with a knife. But Webb said police at this early stage of the investigation believe the attacker was acting alone. Christ the Good Shepherd Church in a statement called the attack an isolated incident and said it was awaiting the police findings into the motive of the attacker. "The Church denounces retaliation of any kind," it said. Emergency crews said they attended to around 30 people after the clash outside the church, and seven were taken to hospitals with injuries. Several police were also hospitalised with injuries and 20 police vehicles were damaged, Webb said. It was the second major stabbing attack in just three days in Australia's most populous city after six people were killed and 12 injured in a knife attack at a beachside mall in the Bondi area on Saturday. 'TIME TO UNITE' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there was no place in Australia for violent extremism. "We're a peace-loving nation. This is a time to unite, not divide, as a community, and as a country," he said during a media conference. Bishop Emmanuel's live-streamed sermons attract a global audience and his video clips rack up hundreds of thousands of views online. He became well known for his hardline views during the pandemic when he described lockdowns as "mass slavery", media reported at the time. A sermon uploaded on YouTube last year showed the bishop criticising Islam. Lakemba mosque in Sydney's southwest, one of Australia's largest, received firebomb threats on Monday night, the Lebanese Muslim Association said. "We are vigilant ... we're also asking the police to protect all places of worship. We are worried that there may be attacks on all forms of faith, and that is the last thing we need," Secretary Gamel Kheir told reporters. Australia's spy chief said he would check people close to the attacker to rule out any further threats to the community. "It is prudent that we do this to determine there's no threats or immediate threats to security. At this time, we're not seeing that," said Mike Burgess, director-general of security for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. Asked by a reporter about a video circulating of the alleged attacker pinned to the ground, his face obscured, with a voice speaking in Arabic "if they didn't insult my prophet, I wouldn't have come here", Burgess said: "We're aware of those comments ... everything else is open lines of inquiry to understand why that individual got to where they did." (Reporting by Renju Jose, Lewis Jackson and Stella Qiu in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates) The MP is facing growing scrutiny over her former property in Stockport Labour is refusing to publish documents which would reveal where Angela Rayner claimed to be living when she applied to be a parliamentary candidate. The party will not reveal which address she put down on internal selection papers in 2014 or whether the documents still exist, citing the police investigation into its deputy leader. Officers are investigating claims she wrongly declared which house was her permanent address on the electoral register, which is a criminal offence. Ms Rayner says her former home on Vicarage Road in Stockport, which she purchased through the Right to Buy scheme at a discount for 79,000 in 2007, was her principal property until she sold it in 2015. She was registered at the property for five years after she married Mark Rayner in 2010, while he was listed at a different address in Lowndes Lane a mile away. However, neighbours claim she was living with her husband at Lowndes Lane. Ms Rayner has also faced questions about whether she should have paid capital gains tax for the 48,500 profit she made on the sale of the former council house, owing to the confusion over whether it was her principal residency. While nomination papers lodged with the returning officer for her election campaign have been destroyed, Labour could still hold internal documents from when she applied to be a candidate which would have included her main address. If she had listed her husbands address it would cast fresh doubts on her claim she was living in her own home. However, if she put down the Vicarage Road property it may help her defend herself against claims she was actually living at Lowndes Lane. Neighbours have claimed she is lying about only moving to her then husbands property after selling her house for 127,500 in March 2015, two months before the election. Ms Rayner was selected as the Labour candidate for Ashton-Under-Lyne in September 2014 after putting herself forward for the nomination in July that year. Mounting pressure The documents Labour is refusing to release were one of two sets of papers she would have submitted before becoming an MP - one form to become the party candidate and another application with the returning officer appointed by Tameside Council to stand at the general election. The official nomination papers may only be inspected when they are delivered, and only by candidates, their election agent, their proposer and their seconder. After 12 months all election documents held by the Electoral Registration Officer are destroyed, unless a court order directs otherwise. It means that unless Ms Rayner or her team kept a copy of her nomination papers, it will never be possible to check which address she put down. Andy Burnham said he will not get involved in the police investigation into Angela Rayner - James Manning/PA However, the internal party papers may still be held by Labour officials and could reveal which address she said she was living at. Police opened their investigation after mounting pressure from Tory MPs and, as of last week, had failed to contact the neighbours who said Ms Rayner was lying about where she was living. Providing a false address on the electoral roll is an offence under the Representation of the People Act 1983 but there is a time limit of one year, or two in exceptional circumstances, for launching a prosecution. Fresh questions Greater Manchester Police was set to hold a meeting chaired by an assistant chief constable on Monday to discuss the case after launching an investigation last Friday. Andy Burnham, who has political oversight for the force, has insisted he will not be involved in the inquiry, amid concerns about a potential conflict of interest. The Labour mayor of Greater Manchester confirmed his stance on Sunday after he was urged not to take a public position. Ms Rayner also faced fresh questions over her story at the weekend after it emerged a former adviser had told police she was living at her husbands home. Matt Finnegan, who also wrote a novel about a smart, northerner diva MP, said in a letter to officers he visited her at the Lowndes Lane address in the summer of 2014. There was no doubt in my mind that this was Ms Rayners family home, where she lived with her then husband, Mark, his letter states. Ms Rayner is due to front a major new announcement on council housing on Tuesday despite the questions swirling around her position. She is set to attack the Tories record on affordable housing and pledge to council housing at the heart of Labours secure homes plan. On a visit with Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, she will unveil plans for a fiscal lock to stop governments taking actions that would hike mortgage rates. But the launch of the policy is set to be low-key, with Ms Rayner not expected to take questions from the national media as the row over her ex council home rages on. In a defiant statement on Friday, Ms Rayner said she was completely confident that she had followed the rules at all times but said she would resign if found to have committed a criminal offence. I will say, as I did before, if I committed a criminal offence, I would of course do the right thing and step down, she said. The British public deserves politicians who know the rules apply to them. The questions raised relate to a time before I was an MP, and I have set out my familys circumstances and taken expert tax and legal advice. I look forward to setting out the facts with the relevant authorities at the earliest opportunity. Labour declined to comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In this photo released by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), rescuers search for survivors at a village hit by a landslide in Tana Toraja district of South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, Sunday, April 14, 2024. A search and rescue team found multiple people killed by landslides on Indonesias Sulawesi island and are still looking for a few missing, officials said Monday. (National Search and Rescue Agency via AP) TANA TORAJA, Indonesia (AP) A search and rescue team found 18 people killed by landslides on Indonesias Sulawesi island and are still looking for two missing, officials said Monday. Rescuers found about 14 bodies in Makale village on Sunday afternoon and four in South Makale, said Mexianus Bekabel, the chief of Makassar Search and Rescue. We are still looking for two more victims, but fog and drizzle made the search difficult and officers in the field were overwhelmed, Sulaiman Malia, chief of the Tana Toraja district Disaster Management Agency, said on Monday. Loosened by torrential rain, mud poured from surrounding hills onto four houses just before midnight Saturday in the Tana Toraja district of South Sulawesi province, said local police chief Gunardi Mundu. He said a family gathering was being held in one of the houses when the landslide hit. Dozens of soldiers, police and volunteers joined the search in the remote hillside villages of Makale and South Makale, Mundu said. Rescuers early Sunday managed to pull out two injured people, including an 8-year-old girl, and rushed them to a nearby hospital. Downed communications lines, bad weather and unstable soil were hampering the rescue efforts, Muhari said. Tana Toraja has many popular tourist attractions, including a traditional houses and wooden statues of bodies buried in caves, known as tau-tau. Seasonal downpours cause frequent landslides and floods in Indonesia, a chain of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or fertile flood plains. LANGSTON, Okla. (KFOR) Langston University (LU) has announced Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson as the universitys 17th president. According to LU, Dr. Jacksons selection follows an extensive eight-month national search that attracted several qualified candidates. Heres the latest severe storm timeline Dr. Jacksons appointment underscores her exceptional leadership and vision for our institution. During her tenure as Interim President, Dr. Jackson maintained continuity and stability and managed to build momentum. Her unwavering commitment to Langstons mission and her ability to navigate critical transitions have been commendable. We are confident that under her guidance, Langston University will excel, commented Board Chair Joe Hall. Dr. Jackson served as Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to assuming the role of Interim President in July 2023. Prior to advancing to the Vice Presidency, she also served as the universitys Associate Vice President for Student Success. Dr. Jacksons association with Langston University began in 2014 as Dean and Professor for the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, according to the university. Severe Storms Likely This Evening Through Early Tuesday Before joining Langston University LU states, she spent 11 years at Louisiana State University in Shreveport as a faculty member, graduate program director, and department chair. Before transitioning to higher education, Dr. Jackson worked as a high school English teacher, assistant principal, and principal in public education. I am honored to lead Langston University into its next chapter, commented Dr. Jackson in response to her appointment. I love this university and believe in its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Our mission must be focused on empowering students, celebrating student success, and contributing to the betterment of Oklahoma and beyond. Together, we will build upon Langstons legacy and create a future where excellence knows no bounds, said Jackson. Congratulations Langston University! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. The Latest | First day of Trump's hush money trial adjourns with no jurors selected Former President Donald Trump speaks as he arrives at Manhattan criminal court with his legal team ahead of the start of jury selection in New York, Monday, April 15, 2024. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via AP, Pool) NEW YORK (AP) The first day of Donald Trump 's historic hush money trial ended Monday after hours of pretrial motions and an initial jury selection process that saw dozens of prospective jurors excused after they said they could not be fair or impartial. The court ultimately adjourned without any jurors being seated, with the selection process resuming on Tuesday. The process involves selecting 12 jurors, plus six alternates. Trumps notoriety would make that a near-herculean task in any year, but the process is especially challenging now unfolding as Trump vies to reclaim the White House during a hotly contested presidential election year and in the city where he grew up. The trials start marks an extraordinary moment in American history its the first criminal trial of any former U.S. commander-in-chief and the first of Trumps four indictments to go to trial. Trump is accused of falsifying internal Trump Organization records as part of a scheme to bury stories that he feared could hurt his 2016 campaign, particularly as his reputation was suffering at the time from comments he had made about women. The allegations focus on payoffs to two women, porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal, who said they had extramarital sexual encounters with Trump years earlier, as well as to a Trump Tower doorman who claimed to have a story about a child he alleged Trump had out of wedlock. Trump says none of these supposed sexual encounters occurred. Currently: Heres what to know about the hush money case How a hush money scandal tied to a porn star led to Trumps first criminal trial A jury of his peers: A look at how jury selection will work in Donald Trumps first criminal trial Tracking the criminal and civil cases against Donald Trump Here is the latest: JUDGE: TRUMP CAN'T SKIP TRIAL TO ATTEND SCOTUS ARGUMENTS NEXT WEEK Judge Juan M. Merchan on Monday declined a request from Donald Trump's lawyers to take April 25 off from the hush money trial to allow the former president to attend U.S. Supreme Court arguments on his claim of presidential immunity in another of his four criminal cases. Defense lawyer Todd Blanche said Trumps situation deserved accommodation. Its not very often that you have someone who has multiple criminal indictments at the same time, he added. Merchan said that as a criminal defendant, Trump is required to be here. He is not required to be at the Supreme Court. In response, Trump rolled his eyes, scowled and stood up to leave, as court was adjourning for the day. MAN EXCUSED FROM JURY PANEL TO ALLOW HIM TO ATTEND HIS CHILD'S JUNE WEDDING In a tender moment Monday afternoon, Judge Juan M. Merchan preemptively excused a man from jury selection for Donald Trump's hush money trial rather than forcing him to possibly miss his childs wedding on the West Coast in June. The middle-aged man raised the issue as he was about to answer the jury questionnaire. I think we should be done by then but I cant promise, Merchan told the man. Only you can decide if you want to roll the dice. But if youre with us, youre with us til the end. As the man contemplated the potential conflict, Merchan offered to let him go. I think, to be on the safe side, we should excuse, Merchan said. Congratulations, the judge added, wishing him well on his childs impending nuptials as he exited the jury box. OVER HALF OF FIRST GROUP OF POTENTIAL JURORS EXCUSED AFTER SAYING THEY CANT BE FAIR, IMPARTIAL More than half of the first group of prospective jurors in Donald Trump's hush money case were excused after telling the judge they couldnt be fair and impartial. At least nine more prospective jurors were excused after raising their hands when Judge Juan M. Merchan asked if they could not serve for any other reason. Those reasons were not disclosed. Its not unusual for potential jurors to want to be excused for a variety of reasons, including having strong feelings about the defendant. To make the trial more efficient, Merchan said he would prefer to dismiss jurors immediately if they indicated, at the start, that they couldnt be fair and impartial. Thats a departure from a more common practice of questioning jurors more closely, individually, to see if their claimed lack of impartiality was true. Trumps lawyers have argued to an appeals court that he cannot find a fair and impartial jury in Manhattan and therefore the case should be moved elsewhere. Roughly 100 other potential jurors waited to be called into the courtroom late Monday afternoon. Merchan has said a total of about 200 jurors are in the courthouse for possible selection. JUROR QUESTIONNAIRE ASKS ABOUT NEWS HABITS, HOBBIES AND MORE A randomly selected group of 18 prospective jurors in Donald Trump's hush money trial on Monday afternoon began sifting through a litany of preselected questions, touching on their educational backgrounds, news habits, hobbies and ability to be neutral. Both of the first two prospective jurors said they lived in midtown Manhattan, had never attended a Trump rally and felt they could be impartial. On a question about whether she had any strong beliefs about the former president, the first respondent paused briefly, then said, No. As the jurors ticked through the list of questions, Trump held a stapled stack of papers close to his face, appearing to follow along with the answers. JURORS TO BE SELECTED FROM POOL OF NEARLY 200 PEOPLE Jury selection in Donald Trump's hush money trial began Monday afternoon with an explanation of the case from Judge Juan M. Merchan and the duties of jurors during the trial. The jurys responsibility is to evaluate the testimony and all of the evidence presented at the trial. The trial is the opportunity for you to decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty, he said. Some of the 96 prospective panelists craned their necks to get a look at Trump as they were seated in the back of the courtroom. One giggled and put her hand over her mouth, raising her eyebrows as she exchanged a glance with her neighbor. About 100 other potential jurors were waiting elsewhere in the building ahead of defense and prosecution efforts to winnow the overall group down to just over a dozen people. Trump, meanwhile, looked straight ahead, expressionless, with his head slightly cocked to the side. Outside the courthouse, crowds had dwindled to just over a dozen people. Earlier in the day, dozens of the former presidents supporters had waved flags with slogans like Trump or Death and Trump 2024 Save America. Twenty-one-year-old Jay Finkle, a native New Yorker, said he voted for Trump in 2020 and the charges against him dont affect his plans to vote for him again. Yeah, this doesnt matter at all, he said. JURY SELECTION UNDERWAY AFTER HOURS OF PRETRIAL ARGUMENTS Jury selection in Donald Trump's hush money trial got underway with a group of 96 prospective jurors filing into court mid-afternoon on Monday. The selection marked the start of the trial and an extraordinary moment in U.S. history. Its the first criminal trial of any former U.S. commander-in-chief and the first of Trumps four indictments to go to trial. The names of all jurors will be kept secret, except to the legal parties. During selection, prospective jurors will be referred to by an assigned number rather than their names. Twelve jurors and six alternates will be chosen to hear the case. Judge Merchan has written that the key in choosing a juror is whether the prospective juror can assure us that they will set aside any personal feelings or biases and render a decision that is based on the evidence and the law. Merchan said once the panel is finalized, he will get two lists: one containing the jurors numbers, the other containing their names and their numbers. The judge said he will then give one copy of each list to the prosecution and one copy of each list to Trumps defense team. The lists are not to be photographed or duplicated, in any way copied in any way shape or form, Merchan warned. MERCHAN TO HOLD HEARING NEXT WEEK ON PROSECUTORS' REQUEST TO FINE TRUMP The judge overseeing Donald Trump's hush money trial will hold a hearing April 24 on prosecutors request to fine Trump $3,000 over three social media posts that they say violated the judges gag order barring him from attacking witnesses. Judge Juan M. Merchan said Trumps lawyers have until April 19 to file their written response. Trumps lawyer has said the former presidents comments did not violate the gag order. The gag order bars Trump from commenting publicly about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and jurors. BOMB THREATS UNDER INVESTIGATION Police are investigating a bomb threat at the home of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg from Monday morning. A police spokesperson said a 911 caller reported the threat shortly before 9 a.m. Another bomb threat made to the New York Public Librarys Stephen A. Schwarzman Building was unfounded and there was no disruption to service, a library spokesperson said. PROSECUTORS ASK JUDGE TO FINE TRUMP $3K OVER SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS ABOUT WITNESSES Prosecutors have asked Judge Juan M. Merchan to fine Donald Trump $3,000 over three social media posts they say violated a gag order that bars Trump from commenting on witnesses. The gag order, imposed March 26, bars the ex-president from commenting publicly about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and jurors. It was later expanded to bar him from talking publicly about relatives of the judge and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, though Trump is free to speak about the officials themselves. Trumps attorneys are fighting the order in an appeals court. Last week, Trump used his Truth Social platform to call two important witnesses his former lawyer Michael Cohen and the adult film actor Stormy Daniels two sleaze bags who have, with their lies and misrepresentations, cost our Country dearly! Prosecutors also called for Trump to be ordered to take down the offending posts. The defendant has demonstrated his willingness to flout the order. Hes attacked witnesses in the case, said Christopher Conroy, one of the trial prosecutors. One of Trumps lawyers, Todd Blanche, maintained that the three posts in question dont violate the gag order. He said Trump was just responding to the witnesses own public statements. JUDGE BLOCKS DETAIL OF McDOUGAL'S STORY AND PLAYING OF ACCESS HOLLYWOOD TAPE' Judge Juan M. Merchan on Monday agreed to bar prosecutors from eliciting testimony to the effect that Donald Trumps wife Melania was pregnant while former Playboy model Karen McDougal claimed to have had an affair with him. Prosecutors can still tell jurors about alleged efforts to suppress McDougals story. McDougal was paid $150,000 in 2016 by the parent company of the National Enquirer for the rights to her story about her alleged 10-month affair with Trump in the mid-2000s. Trump has denied any affair took place. The charges in the case pertain only to $130,000 in hush money payments made, through Trumps then-lawyer Michael Cohen, to porn actor Stormy Daniels. She alleged a 2006 sexual encounter with Trump. But prosecutors also plan to bring up McDougals claims and payment, arguing that its important context for what they have called a scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election by identifying and purchasing negative information about Trump. Merchan on Monday also blocked playing of the infamous Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump described grabbing women sexually without their permission. But Merchan said prosecutors will be able to present internal campaign emails that Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass said contained powerful evidence of the campaigns reaction to the incendiary language contained in the video. MERCHAN DENIES REQUEST TO EXPAND JUROR QUESTIONNAIRE Shortly after court convened Monday, Donald Trumps attorneys asked Judge Juan M. Merchan to expand the already extensive questionnaire filled out by prospective jurors to weed out people who oppose the former president. Merchan declined the request, dismissing the notion that the jury questions were slanted to the benefit of prosecutors. Over the coming days, the defense and the prosecution will both jockey for potential advantages as a jury pool of regular people is winnowed down to a panel of 12, plus six alternates. There is no asymmetry in the questionnaire when looked through the lens of what were trying to accomplish, Merchan said. This is by far the most exhaustive questionnaire this court has ever used, he added. JUDGE TO ALLOW INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE ABOUT NATIONAL ENQUIRER PLOY The National Enquirer helped boost former President Donald Trumps 2016 candidacy by identifying and suppressing negative stories a practice known as catch and kill. Judge Merchan said on Monday that such material would be permitted under a state law allowing evidence of alleged prior bad acts. Trump and his then-lawyer Michael Cohen met with ex-National Enquirer publisher David Pecker at Trump Tower in August 2015 to discuss the supermarket tabloids role in helping his presidential run. Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass told the judge the meeting was the root of a scheme to suppress three potentially damaging stories about Trump, including porn actor Stormy Daniels claims she had a sexual encounter with him in 2006. Steinglass said the evidence will show that Trump approved, rejected or suggested changes to flattering National Enquirer stories about him and stories attacking his 2016 Republican primary opponents that were timed perfectly to achieve maximum impact. Trump lawyer Todd Blanche argued the evidence would do nothing but confuse the jury about the actual crime charged. MERCHAN REJECTS ANOTHER REQUEST TO RECUSE HIMSELF As the court day started, Judge Juan M. Merchan turned down a request that Donald Trump's lawyers had filed asking the judge to recuse himself a move they also unsuccessfully made earlier in the case. The Trump legal team pointed largely to the judges daughters work as a political consultant whose firm has worked for prominent Democrats, including President Joe Biden. Trumps lawyers have argued that the daughters job represents a conflict of interest for Merchan, and they also claimed she had posted an image of Trump behind bars on social media. The court system said she had closed the social media account before the photo was posted. Trumps attorneys also argued that an interview Merchan gave to The Associated Press last month violated judicial rules about not making out-of-court comments about a pending case. The article, which largely concerned Merchans oversight of Manhattans mental health court, reported that he declined to discuss the Trump case but said preparations for the historic trial were intense. Merchan added that he was striving to make sure that Ive done everything I could to be prepared and to make sure that we dispense justice, emphasizing his confidence in court staffers. Theres no agenda here, the judge said in the interview. We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. TRUMP'S LAWYERS REQUEST DAYS OFF TO ATTEND HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS Donald Trumps lawyers have requested that the trial not be held on May 17 so that the former president may attend his son Barrons high school graduation. A Trump lawyer has also requested the trial not be held June 3 so that he could attend his own sons graduation. Judge Juan M. Merchan said he was not prepared to rule on either request, but that if the trial proceeds as planned hes willing to adjourn for one or both days. It really depends on how were doing on time and where we are in the trial, Merchan said. LIVESTREAM OF PROCEEDINGS LIMITED TO ONE ROOM IN COURTHOUSE Only one room can watch a livestream of the proceedings in Donald Trump's hush money case and its in the courthouse. A pair of video monitors are airing the proceeding to an overflow room adjacent to the main courtroom. The room was packed Monday morning with press, court officers and a few members of the public. Among the attendees was prominent Trump critic and attorney George Conway, who is reporting for The Atlantic. Conway was married to Kellyanne Conway while she served as a senior presidential adviser in the Trump White House. Ron Sinibaldi, a former accountant from Long Island, said he began lining up at the courthouse just before midnight to ensure he could get inside for the historic day. I read presidential biographies, I go to presidential libraries, Im here for the history, Sinibaldi said. If they were doing this to Jimmy Carter, Id be here too. MEDIA OUTNUM BER TRUMP SUPPORTERS OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE Donald Trump supporters rallied outside the courthouse Monday morning ahead of the start of Trump's hush money trial, but members of the media outnumbered them. Dozens of Trump supporters were outside the courthouse and roughly 40 other individuals were there protesting against the former president. One group of demonstrators carried a banner that read, No one is above the law. Another group chanted that the judge overseeing Trumps trial, Juan M. Merchan, should recuse himself. Trump had unsuccessfully pushed for the judge to remove himself from the case. TRUMP CONTINUES TO PAINT HIMSELF AS A VICTIM AHEAD OF TRIAL In the hours before Donald Trumps expected arrival at the courthouse, his campaign continued to telegraph how they intend to characterize the trial. At 6 a.m., the former presidents campaign issued a lengthy press release attacking Bragg as George Soross Favorite DA and labeling the historic proceedings as The NY Biden Trial. Its another indication of how Trump has and will continue to personally vilify those who have brought the case, painting himself as the victim of a politically motivated effort by his rivals to tarnish his candidacy. Trump has been busy posting on his Truth Social platform this morning, blasting the trial as rigged and complaining about the gag order that he has been placed under. I want my VOICE back. This Crooked Judge has GAGGED me. Unconstitutional! The other side can talk about me, but I am not allowed to talk about them! Rigged Trial! he posted. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 15. Turkmenistan and the EU discussed the diversification of gas supply routes, Trend reports. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, this topic was discussed in Brussels during the participation of the Turkmen delegation headed by Myrat Archayev, Deputy Chairman of the Turkmengaz State Concern, in a meeting of the Turkmenistan-EU Energy Working Group. The meeting discussed issues of expanding cooperation in the gas industry, including the diversification of supply routes for Turkmen natural gas as well as the development of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency improvements. During the meeting, the parties considered the possibilities of practical cooperation in the field of reducing methane emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy. Turkmenistan reported on national achievements in the energy sector, the legal framework, efforts to diversify, and commitment to environmentally sound energy measures, including the solar energy project. Furthermore, the delegation of Turkmenistan also held meetings with the Head of the Cabinet to the European Commissioner for Energy Stefano Grassi and the Principal Adviser on Energy Diplomacy of the European External Action Service, Tibor Stelbaczky. The historical context of EU-Central Asia relations, the energy potential of Turkmenistan, the possibility of increasing gas supplies to Europe, various infrastructure projects, and mechanisms of cooperation in the energy sector were discussed. Special emphasis was placed on cooperation in the development of renewable energy sources and the reduction of methane emissions. Meanwhile, the development of cooperation between the EU and Turkmenistan in the energy sector is a strategically important and mutually beneficial initiative aimed at diversifying and ensuring the energy security of the region. The cooperation includes the development of transport routes for the supply of natural gas from Turkmenistan to the countries of the EU, as well as joint projects on the development of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and technological cooperation, contributing to environmentally sustainable development and economic growth on both sides. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel An opposition lawmaker has had a fight with a representative of the ruling party at a meeting of the Legal Committee of the Georgian Parliament, where the controversial draft law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" was being discussed. Source: European Pravda, citing Echo of the Caucasus, a Georgia-related project of Radio Liberty Details: As Mamuka Mdinaradze, a member of the Georgian Dream faction, was arguing with a representative of the opposition Lelo party, the leader of the Citizens faction, Aleko Elisashvili, reportedly approached him and punched him in the face. Afterwards, the MPs left the hall and proceeded to fight in the corridor. Eventually, Elisashvili left the parliament and made an emotional comment to journalists, saying he had been kicked out of the building. "I was tired of all this, and I punched this Russian agent in the face... I have always tried to communicate with the Georgian Dream humanly, but they are dragging us into Russia... This is not the time to sit at home, we need to take to the streets. We must kick them out along with their [pro-]Russian law," he said. The incident reportedly caused a 30-minute break in the committee's meeting, after which it continued. Resuming the discussion, the committee chairman, Anri Okhanashvili, urged the opposition forces and human rights activists to "assess the disgusting behaviour of this person" and promised a "strict response" to the provocations. Mamuka Mdinaradze said that Elisashvili "snuck up on him like a thief" and that he acted "not like a man". Background: On 15 April, despite a wave of criticism from Western partners and outrage within the country, the Georgian parliament began discussing the controversial draft law On Transparency of Foreign Influence, which has been compared to the Russian law On Foreign Agents. It was reported that not all accredited journalists were allowed to attend the meeting. A protest rally has gathered outside the parliament, and a large-scale action is also planned for the evening, arranged by non-governmental organisations. The Georgian authorities had already tried to approve this project in the spring of 2023 but were forced to withdraw it under pressure from large-scale protests and the West's stance. Support UP or become our patron! TJ Beers holds a sign to advocate for the rights of people experiencing homelessness outside the state Capitol on April 9, 2024. Beers was homeless for four years and in three states. "I don't know how I survived," he said. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon) TJ Beers holds a sign to advocate for the rights of people experiencing homelessness outside the state Capitol on April 9, 2024. Beers was homeless for four years and in three states. "I don't know how I survived," he said. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon) TJ Beers stood across the street from the Capitol in a navy suit and held a sign that caught the late afternoon sun on Tuesday. It was printed on a large piece of cardboard, reminiscent of what an unhoused person may sleep on, and said: A record 51+ homeless residents died on Anchorage streets in the 2023-24 year. On its reverse was printed: Please support a homeless bill of rights. Beers traveled from Anchorage to Juneau to ask lawmakers to join three other states in codifying the civil and human rights of people experiencing homelessness. He said a bill of rights would keep homeless people safe and be a first step to helping them become housed. I want to help the homeless people, I want to push for a homeless bill of rights. Because we need one, the homeless situation in this country is bad and its getting worse, Beers said. His push comes as those rights are being decided in Alaska and nationally. Three states Rhode Island, Connecticut and Illinois have passed bills that affirm that homeless people have equal rights to housing, medical care, freedom of movement and private property. Lawmakers in California, Hawaii, Oregon, Vermont, Missouri, and Massachusetts have proposed them. Yet as Alaska grapples with housing its growing homeless population, new measures could move in the opposite direction for people who sleep on the street. Alaska lawmakers are considering a proposal from Gov. Mike Dunleavy that would further criminalize homelessness. In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case at the end of the month that could determine if homeless people may be penalized for sleeping outside when adequate shelter is unavailable. Beers sign is accurate Anchorage authorities counted 52 people who died outside this last winter. There is no low-barrier shelter in Fairbanks, where hundreds of people are estimated to be homeless and the temperature can drop to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Juneaus assembly will consider allowing dispersed camping this week in the absence of enough shelter. All of Alaskas major cities have struggled to house or shelter homeless populations that often end up on the street. More than 3,200 people are estimated to be homeless in Anchorage, a number that far exceeds the citys ability to house or shelter them. Beers has been homeless there, and slept in Sullivan Arena. That was a big nightmare, he said. The drugs, the fights, the overdoses. It was a nightmare. You talk about gnashing of teeth! Boy, that was there. Beers is now housed through a voucher program in Anchorage. By his count, he was homeless for four years after he was unable to find affordable housing in Maine. Homeless people are not allowed to sleep where they may block streets, sidewalks or trails. But a new proposal aimed at deterring protests would also further criminalize homelessness. Rather than a simple violation, sleeping outside could be a crime. If Senate Bill 255 or its companion, House Bill 386, becomes law homeless people will be further limited in where they can stay, Attorney General Treg Taylor said on Wednesday. I think that would keep them from putting their tents across sidewalks, roadways, alleyways, he said. I think theyd be more limited to parks, those types of places where people arent trying to go from point A to point B. Taylor explained that the increased penalty would come if a homeless person were asked to move and did not do so. Senate Judiciary Committee members expressed concern over the bills other potential effects this week, suggesting it may have an uphill route to becoming law before the end of the legislative session. Alaska is not the only state that has restrictions on where homeless people may sleep or sit. At the end of April, the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to hear arguments in a case from Oregon that will determine if it is cruel and unusual punishment to arrest or ticket people for sleeping outside if they have no other safe place to go. An Alaska civil rights nonprofit joined a brief supporting the plaintiff last week. The outcome could affect whether the proposed law is constitutional. A safe place to go Alaska lawmakers are considering upstream methods for addressing homelessness as well. The Senates proposed capital budget includes a $6 million appropriation for Housing Alaskans, a public-private partnership. Sens. Forrest Dunbar and Elvi Gray-Jackson, both Anchorage Democrats, sponsored a resolution that would acknowledge the lack of affordable housing in Alaska and call it one of the most urgent needs of our state. Housing advocates and people who manage shelters have said increased affordable housing is the best way to combat homelessness. Most homeless people dont get the opportunity for an introduction on the Senate floor, like Beers did this week, when he was a guest of Sen. Loki Tobin, D-Anchorage. It makes Beers a representative of their humanity and dignity on the marbled floors and lushly carpeted halls of the Capitol. After speaking with lawmakers, he held his signs in the cooling evening in front of the state courthouse across the street. As he told his story, he paused at the moment that he learned that a homeless companion in Maine had died from exposure after Beers left the state. His eyes brimmed with tears. If I hadnt left, maybe he wouldnt have died, he said. He unfolded another cardboard sign. A warm bed not a cold grave, it said. The post Lawmakers weigh whether to reduce or acknowledge rights of growing Alaska homeless population appeared first on Alaska Beacon. Presidential election denial. COVID-19 conspiracy theories. Palm Beach County Commissioners perhaps have heard and seen it all. Still, commissioners attention turned to what could be done to curb hate speech on April 2, after a group of people at a meeting spoke one by one at a lectern making disparaging remarks about Jewish people, and two of them invoking Adolf Hitler. It was shocking but unfortunately I guess not surprising that people would come out from underneath their rocks and spread their hate, Commissioner Gregg Weiss said during a meeting on Tuesday. Weiss said that even though what was said on April 2 did not violate the First Amendment, it did not mean it was not disgusting. Hate speech is protected under the First Amendment, County Attorney Denise Coffman said during the Tuesday meeting. But I think sometimes the board has a decision to make in their heart and their conscience, and sometimes we make stands because thats the right thing to do. Current county rules state matters by the public should be germane to county business, but during the meeting, Coffman said the board could be allowed in the future to cut people off, midsentence, if they begin talking about something not within the scope of the boards authority. Were going to beef up the rules a little bit and focus on the fact that we only want people to talk about things that are relevant to the Board of County Commissioners, Coffman said. A more robust discussion is still needed in order to tie the idea down, she said, before rules are enacted. If somebody makes a comment about being unhappy with the resolution of the board, thats clearly within the scope of the board, she said. But at that point, if they continue to make political statements or statements that are unrelated to the business of the board, you can cut them off if its unrelated to us, but we must be consistent, everyone gets treated the same. She added: The conscience of the board is such that were willing to take a little bit more risk than strictly conservative, which, you know, attorneys always want to be the most conservative people in the room when it comes to risk. But sometimes laws dont change unless theyre challenged. The county should try to clearly define its rules surrounding speech, said Howard Wasserman, a Florida International University law professor who specializes in First Amendment law, among other topics. They may need some precision, and they may have some trouble finding the precision, in their definition of what pertains to the business of the county, said Wasserman, who isnt involved in the countys discussions. But I think they can get past that. A lot of other local governments are discussing an implementation of rules similar to what Palm Beach County is doing, Wasserman said. The meetings have become so unruly, he said, adding: And so I think its happening more and more in the current political environment. Already, city officials in Delray Beach are following suit in response to what was said during the April 2 county meeting. During a Delray Beach City Commission meeting on April 9, Deputy Vice-Mayor Rob Long proposed the city proactively amend its rules to prevent or at the least mitigate opportunities for anyone to use the citys chambers as a platform to broadcast hate speech. The goal, he said, would be to give newly elected Mayor Tom Carney tools to shut down hate speech and remove those who are saying it at City Hall. Freedom of speech is not an unfettered right, particularly if its threatening, inciting or defamatory, Long said. Wasserman said a government has the ability to limit the scope of speech to certain topics, such as only about county business, as Palm Beach County is trying to do, as long as its done in a viewpoint-neutral manner. For example, if a member of the public stepped forward and began speaking about the Israel-Hamas war, something the county is not involved in, the commissioners couldnt allow one person to speak favorably about Israel but then prohibit another person from criticizing Israel, he said. Both people would need to be cut off for the rule to be enforced fairly. This authority is because the space to which people can come forward and speak at the meetings is not what would be considered a wide-open public forum. Rather, it is a designated public forum, a space the government has opened up for speech by the public. The governing body behind a designated public forum is allowed to limit dialogue to certain speakers or topics, Wasserman said. This differs from public forums such as a public sidewalk where anyone could come forward and peacefully protest. The county could say, for example, only county residents can speak at this public meeting, he said. You couldnt do that at a park. The final slide in a slideshow presentation given to Republicans in the Arizona House of Representatives on April 15, 2024, that sought to build support for an anti-abortion strategy that would send multiple measures to the 2024 ballot in an attempt to both defeat an expansive abortion rights initiative measure and reverse public opinion after the Arizona Supreme Court said an 1864 near-total ban on abortions trumps a 2022 restriction that allowed them up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. Republicans in the Arizona House of Representatives are mulling several possible abortion proposals to send to the ballot this November to compete with an abortion rights initiative. And while legislative staff closed their summary of the proposal by declaring it would be easy to carry out the strategy, its far from clear if GOP lawmakers can align behind any of them. The options that Republicans are considering range from a proposal that they say would complement a progressive voter-led initiative that aims to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution, but in reality would place increased restrictions on the procedure, to others that would allow abortion only until the 15th or sixth week of pregnancy, with limited exceptions for victims of rape and incest. On Monday morning, House Republicans met privately on a video call to discuss the options proposed by GOP leaders. The presentation was meant to be kept from the public, but the Arizona Mirror obtained a copy of the presentation sent to them that outlined the proposals after the Houses general counsel mistakenly sent a copy of the slideshow presentation to every elected representative instead of just to Republicans. House Speaker Ben Toma did not respond to a request for comment and Senate President Warren Petersen said he had no comment because his chamber had not yet met to discuss the proposals. Republicans are scrambling to create some sort of plan after the Arizona Supreme Courts April 9 ruling that said the states 1864 near-total abortion ban was enforceable sent the legislature and abortion advocates across the nation into an uproar. Any Republican ballot measure would compete with the one that reproductive rights groups are heading, dubbed the Arizona Abortion Access Act. Advocates say they have already collected enough signatures to make it onto the fall ballot. Their measure would ask voters to guarantee the right to abortion up to fetal viability generally considered 24 weeks of gestation with an exception for procedures performed after that time if the doctor considers it necessary to safeguard the life, physical or mental health of their patient. In the leaked presentation, Republicans outlined several different phases of possible abortion legislation that they might send to the ballot. Phase I would include a resolution with the various title options Protecting Pregnant Women and Safe Abortions Act, Arizona Abortion and Reproductive Care Act or Arizona Abortion Protection Act. But it wouldnt guarantee anyone a right to abortion in Arizona. Instead, it would add existing state laws restricting abortion access to the Arizona Constitution. Those restrictions would include requiring informed consent, parental consent for minors who want to end a pregnancy, barring abortions based on genetic abnormalities, race or gender and as well as ban so-called partial-birth abortions and the selling or purchase of aborted fetuses or fetus parts. Doing so could be sold to voters as complementing the abortion rights ballot initiative, Republicans were told. But its most important feature, according to the presentation, is that it would protect the Legislatures authority to enact laws rationally related to promoting and preserving life and to protecting the health and safety of pregnant women. And if lawmakers moved quickly to send it to the ballot, voters would read Legislatures referral first on the ballot, ostensibly making them more likely to favor it, GOP lawmakers were told. Another positive, according to the slideshow presentation, is that it puts Democrats in a defensive position to argue against partial birth abortions, discriminatory abortions, and other basic protections. Partial-birth abortion is not a medical term, but a phrase used by anti-abortion activists to describe a procedure that was banned at the federal level around 20 years ago. In the presentation, Republicans were told this approach is much more reasonable than the citizen initiative and it changes (the) narrative because it lets voters know that Republicans have a plan! Phase II calls for sending two other referrals to the ballot: one that would limit abortions to 14 weeks and another that would bar abortions after five weeks of gestation. Although the former would be sold as a 15-week limit similar to what GOP lawmakers approved in 2022 its crafted to be less than that. In reality, its a 14-week law disguised as a 15-week law because it would only allow abortion until the beginning of the 15th week, the presentation reads. The draft language does not provide any exceptions for victims of rape or incest. This option would make it more likely that the progressive initiative will fail by splitting the vote, Republicans were told. But downsides would be that it transfers the regulation of abortion to the voters whose choices cant be changed later by the legislature and that it solidifies an arbitrary number of weeks of gestation in the state Constitution. The 5-week ban sold as a 6-week ban but featuring nearly identical language to its sibling proposal that really makes it a week shorter that the GOP would propose alongside the 14-week ban referral would include exceptions to save the life of the mother and due to fatal fetal abnormalities. It would also allow abortion in the case of rape and incest but only before the 14th week of pregnancy. Another option would be a ballot measure that would place some restrictions on abortion, but only if the citizen initiative passes. Its unclear if Republicans have the votes to send any of these measures to voters with only a one-seat majority in both chambers. After the ruling upholding the 1864 ban, some state and national Republican candidates including several GOP state lawmakers, along with U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake and former President Donald Trump softened their stances on abortion with the prospect of the issue galvanizing Democrats this fall. Democrats, along with GOP state Rep. Matt Gress of Phoenix, attempted on April 10 to bring for a vote a Democratic bill that would repeal the 1864 law, but Republicans shut down the effort by voting to adjourn before a vote could be taken on the proposal. During an interview with conservative talk show host James T. Harris on April 11, Toma promised that Republicans were working on an alternative to the Abortion Access Act. And on April 15, the rest of his chambers party members got a look at the options. Were just digesting it now right, and were letting it sink in and were considering our options as a caucus, Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, told the Arizona Mirror several hours after being briefed on the possible ballot measures. Im not sure many people know where they stand because we just were briefed within the past few hours, and I dont think weve had time as a caucus to get together. Im looking forward to when we can meet face-to-face and discuss all possibilities. Cook said that he believes neither the 1864 ban nor the 15-week ban passed in 2022 align with what he thinks should be the law, and he also believes the citizen initiative is written too broadly. His major issue with both the 1864 law and the 15-week ban is the lack exceptions for victims of rape and incest. Those people are victims of crimes, of heinous sexual crimes, and you really dont like talking about it or thinking about it, Cook said. He said he believes that a 15-week ban with exceptions for victims of rape and incest and to save the life of the mother is what the majority of Arizonans would be comfortable with. Im not saying that I like it, but I just listen to the people and the voters and where everybody would be and then I try to represent them, Cook said. But it seems unlikely that the members of the far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus would vote in favor of a 14-week ban or any bill that complements the voter-led initiative. Rep. Jake Hoffman, a Queen Creek Republican and the leader of the Freedom Caucus, released a statement on April 12 saying that he has always believed and will continue to believe that life begins at conception. He added that he doesnt think that any action from Republicans, even if politically advantageous, would be worth putting those values to the side. So at the end of the day, the calculation cannot be to compromise a deeply held core conviction that life is sacred in an attempt to pacify the insatiable thirst for death by Democrats, Hoffman wrote. In response to the leaked presentation, Arizona for Abortion Access released a statement calling its ballot initiative the only reasonable option. Today, anti-abortion politicians plans were leaked showing their dishonest attempt to refer multiple competing abortion bans to the November ballot, the campaign wrote. This shows yet again why Arizonans cant leave our most basic and personal rights in the hands of politicians. The campaign went on to accuse Republicans of creating chaos, lying to voters and robbing us of our fundamental right to make decisions about our own lives. Cathi Herrod, the president of the anti-abortion advocacy group the Center for Arizona Policy, declined to comment on the proposals that House Republicans are considering. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Leaked documents detail House GOP strategy to send competing abortion measures to the 2024 ballot appeared first on Arizona Mirror. A sidewalk built just over Wilmington's border is the center of a lawsuit that accuses Mayor Mike Purzycki of overstepping his authority and the city limits to benefit a planned apartment-building development by Louis Capano III. The lawsuit revolves around two properties off Miller Road: the Capano-owned, former Riverside Hospital tract right inside the city limits and the Miller Road Commons, a shopping center that hosts the Home Depot and sits just outside the city limits. The two properties are separated by 37th Street, which runs multiple feet inside and parallel to the shopping center's border. In early 2019, Capano, the scion of one of Delaware's most prominent developer families, needed neighbors and city officials to support his push to rezone the former hospital tract, which is also bordered by West Lea Boulevard, to build hundreds of apartments. Neighbors wanted the apartments' traffic to be partially funneled onto a new entrance to 37the Street across the property from Lea Boulevard and complete with pedestrian access. To provide that additional pathway, Capano needed an easement agreement from the shopping center owner, a legal entity that court documents show is represented by David Rosen, executive vice president of Rosen Management Corp. based in New York state. Purzycki helped enable that access, according to the lawsuit. This embedded content is not available in your region. It states that Purzycki contacted Rosen's firm and pitched Capanos plans for the neighboring property as well as the developers desire to obtain an easement deal. And to sweeten the deal for Rosen, Purzyckis then-police chief wrote a letter committing more police resources to patrolling the shopping center, despite it being outside the city, according to documents filed in the litigation. The correspondence was included as an exhibit in the easement contract signed by Capano and a representative of Rosen's company, giving Capano the authority to tie his development into 37th Street over a sliver of shopping center property. Later, Purzycki would reach a separate agreement with Capano that allows the city to build improvements in the easement and gives the city authority to make the monthly payments that Capano owes to Rosen's firm for the easement in the event the developer defaults. That agreement also gives the city the "right" to pay the costs of any breach of the easement agreement and to potentially claw back any costs from Capano, according to a copy included in the court filings. City Council would eventually approve the rezoning for the development. But five years later, the only signs of work on the property is the sidewalk built alongside 37th Street. The sidewalks causing controversy with the planned development along West Lea Boulevard. The sidewalk is the center of the current litigation. Rosen's attorneys accuse Capano and the city of colluding to build hundreds of feet of sidewalk in violation of and far exceeding the scope of the easement and in violation of the city's territorial jurisdiction. In legal correspondence that preceded the lawsuit, an attorney for Capano wrote that the sidewalks were installed at the behest of both Purzycki and Sen. Tom Carper. Emails included in the rezoning submissions for the property show Martha Carper, the senator's wife, serving as a go-between in discussions involving Capano as well as city officials and neighbors of the property. The city's reply to the lawsuit acknowledged requesting Capano build the sidewalk, but says it was in its legal authority to do so. It denies any wrongdoing. In admitting Purzycki spoke to the shopping center's representatives about the easement, the city denied any characterization that the mayor was acting as Capano's "agent," according to its initial reply to the lawsuit. Further, Capano has filed a counterclaim, arguing the city had the authority to request the sidewalks be built and that Delaware state transportation officials granted and ratified that authority after the controversy arose, according to court documents. Capano's attorneys have denied any legal wrongdoing in court filings and disputed the retelling of the situation offered by Rosen's lawsuit. Attorneys for both sides either declined comment or did not reply to requests for such. Spokespersons for Purzycki and Carper also declined comment. Rosen did not return a phone call seeking comment. How the city helped Capano cut a deal Capano closed on the 4.6-acre tract next to the golden-domed St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on Miller Road in 2019. Transfer tax receipts indicate he paid $600,000 for the property. Before acquiring the property, he had talked with neighbors about his intentions. Those intentions and the demands of the local Brandywine Hills Community Association were included in a contract between the association and Capano in May 2019. In return for the organization's support for rezoning the property to allow for apartment development, the contract sets that the development will contain a maximum of 163 apartments and includes provisions for the minimum number of parking spaces that can be built, the types of materials to be used and setbacks along Lea Boulevard as well as a list of other requirements. The requirements also include that 37th Street on the property's western border be the complex's primary entrance and exit with sidewalks lining the road. The legal status of 37th Street alongside the property is critical to the dispute. The street runs through property controlled by the Miller Road Commons' owner. Months before Capano finalized his agreement with the civic association and closed on the property, Purzycki contacted a representative of the shopping center property, "purportedly on behalf of" Capano to pitch the developer's intent for the property and an easement deal to grant him access over a small portion of shopping center property to tie his development to 37th Street, according to the lawsuit. Robert Tracy, then-Chief of Police for Wilmington, agreed to "work jointly with Delaware State Police" to increase police presence at the shopping center, according to the lawsuit. The complaint states that Rosen's firm was "induced" to agreeing to the new entrance because Capano's development would increase "foot and vehicle traffic" and "business" to his shopping center. There was also a more tangible financial benefit. The final agreement, included in court filings, includes provisions that provide the shopping center owner with a one-time $25,000 payment as well as $2,000 per month in regular payments that compound by 12 percent every five years while the permanent easement is in effect. City News: Accused of begging inside Market Street restaurants, she was jailed for a year It also includes a section setting out that "adequate security and reasonable police response time" at the shopping center are of "material importance" and a "primary consideration" for Rosen's firm in reaching the agreement. That section references that Robert Tracy, then-chief of police for Wilmington, had agreed that his department would "work jointly with Delaware State Police" to "address quality of life concerns" at the shopping center. It also includes provisions about the use of private security at Capano's cost if those measures are deemed inadequate. Renderings show the pitched apartment development for the property along West Lea Boulevard. The contract includes a letter written by Tracy to Purzycki months before the easement was finalized and stating that he had talked to Delaware State Police officials about the shopping center. "While the Delaware State Police maintains jurisdiction and fields calls for service for this property - which is considered part of New Castle County - we will be working jointly with Delaware State Police to provide directed patrols and mutual aid to help address some of the quality-of-life concerns that have been reported in and around this shopping area," the letter states. In return, the easement grants Capano what the lawsuit describes as a "limited easement to facilitate access to the planned housing development," specifically the use of an area of land 10 feet wide and 110 feet long. The agreement was signed by Capano and Rosen's firm in April 2020. The lawsuit claims that Capano then went behind the shopping center owner's back and signed a secondary agreement with city officials months later. Mayor Mike Purzycki signed an agreement with Capaono that grants the city authority to make payments owed by Capano to Rosen's firm for the easement, according to a document included in the lawsuit. The additional agreement assigned Capano's rights to build easement improvements to the city without providing notice to Rosen, according to the lawsuit. In addition, the agreement includes provisions that grants the city authority to make payments owed by Capano to Rosen's firm for the easement as well as to pay for any cost associated with a breach of the original easement agreement, according to the document. It also includes provisions to allow the city to claw back any of those costs through a lien on the property. That agreement was signed by Purzycki and Capano in December 2020. The city side-deal and police-presence provisions are detailed in exhibits to the lawsuit filings, but don't play a primary role in the litigation. Claims and counterclaims over the sidewalks City Council ultimately approved rezoning the property, but in the years since, only legal wrangling has followed the June 2022 construction of the sidewalk lining 37th Street. The lawsuit claims the sidewalk extends 875 feet onto the shopping center property, hundreds of feet outside the easement area and violates the terms of that agreement and was built "at the direction and coordination of the city," despite being built on private property outside the city limits. A December 2022 letter by an attorney representing Rosen's firm to Capano also notes that the sidewalks and the easement improvements appear to have been built without proper permitting or insurance, which is also in violation of the easement terms. The letter notes that attempts by Rosen's firm to discuss the issue with Capano via telephone and email had been "ignored." In February 2023, Purzycki wrote a letter to Capano's attorney, confirming that the city "requested the sidewalks be installed" on the shopping center land. He notes his office is now engaging state transportation officials about the authority to do that and that the city would fight any attempts by Rosen to have Capano remove the sidewalks. The next day, Capano's attorney writes to Rosen's stating that the sidewalks were installed within the "public right of way" at the request of Purzycki and Carper. The letter goes on to state that the sidewalks were not subject to the easement agreement. Crackdown: What happened when a Delaware prisoner tried to boycott the internet behind bars In April 2023, Rosen's attorney gives Capano seven days to respond to a series of issues before termination of the easement. It also reemphasizes the list of things they believe violate the easement. It also disputes the idea that the city had a right to order sidewalks built alongside the road. The letter includes correspondence with a Delaware Department of Transportation official stating that DelDOT, which maintains many state and county roads, has no ownership or maintenance authority over that portion of 37th Street and describing it as "private." Court filings indicate that months after that letter the city and DelDOT signed an agreement in December 2023 conveying maintenance authority to Wilmington for that portion of 37th Street. Among the allegations about the city's lack of authority to build the sidewalk and the sidewalk's encroachment onto his property, Rosen's lawsuit claims that Capano breached provisions of the agreement that require any work in the easement area be properly permitted, that Rosen's firm receive those permits and that Capano insure the easement improvements. It asks a judge to declare the easement void, order the removal of the sidewalks and award other costs. Capano's reply denies any legal wrongdoing. Citing old land development plans, his counterclaim states that as far back as 1989, Rosen's firm had dedicated the portion of 37th Street running through the shopping center property for public use. In doing so, Rosen ceded some control over that portion of his property and that Capano, at the city's direction, had rightfully installed the sidewalk in a public right of way, Capano's counterclaim states. Watchdog effort: A renewed, bipartisan effort to create Delaware government inspector general watchdog It adds that the city has such authority and that authority was "recently confirmed and ratified" by state transportation officials in the December 2023 agreement between DelDOT and the city. It asks the judge to declare 37th Street a public right of way, confirm the easement is still valid and to prohibit the removal of the sidewalk. Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wilmington land dispute accuses mayor of overstepping city line Former President Donald Trumps rants and whines may play well at a rally, where supporters are primed to cheer any word that journeys out of his mouth, but legal experts say the Republican nominee will only hurt his own case if he brings his petulant routine on the campaign trail to the inside of a Manhattan courtroom. Trump, facing 34 felony counts related to the cover-up of an election hush payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, has repeatedly tried and failed to push back his day in court. Now, though, with jury selection beginning Monday, Trumps audience will include a judge whose family he has repeatedly attacked on Truth Social. While the former president never did pivot to presidential behavior, his lawyers will have likely told him he should comport himself with dignity as a criminal defendant in the state of New York. His freedom could depend on it. I think hes likely to face to face a sentence of incarceration if hes convicted, Norm Eisen, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told USA Today. Thats far from a given. Other experts say Trumps lack of previous convictions could mean, if convicted, a sentence of probation a sentence that would still be unprecedented and humiliating for someone who is seeking a return to the White House. If Trump is convicted, and what kind of sentence he would receive if so, depends at least in part on whether he can behave himself. His social media attacks on Judge Juan Merchan who would decide his sentence already suggest that the courtroom setting, where his bullying tactics wont be liked and reposted, could go badly for him. "You start whining and making faces and pouting in front of the judge, what tends to happen in a trial is things stop going your way, David Henderson, a trial attorney and MSNBC legal analyst, said over the weekend. Writing for The Daily Beast, Ryan Brescia, an associate dean at Albany Law School, noted that Trumps boorish behavior plays well with his fans but is unlikely to be viewed as reflecting innocence by a jury of his peers. Unlike in the court of public opinion, where Trumps bluster and bullying may help win supporters and cause some to cower, when court is in session, the rules of evidence and procedure kick in, Brescia wrote. The same tactics that might give Trump some public relations wins do not really work in court. In fact, they often backfire. Trump has already shown himself more than capable of losing it at court. In January, during the second defamation lawsuit from writer E. Jean Carroll, Trump stormed out during closing arguments. The record will reflect that Donald Trump just rose and walked out of the courtroom, the judge noted. Trump was in turn found liable for defaming Carroll, again, after a jury earlier found him liable for sexually abusing her. But some argue it wont even get that far. That is, Trumps fate could be sealed before he even gets the chance to act out. Jury selection is going to be the whole ball game, Elie Mystal, a legal analyst at The Nation, said in a Sunday appearance on MSNBC. All Trump needs is one cultist, one dyed-in-the-wool Trump supporter, to sneak into that jury, Mystal said, arguing that such a juror could hang the whole thing. To avoid that prospect, Judge Merchan will question prospective jurors on their political activities and whether they are members of any extremist organizations. Both sides will have an opportunity to disqualify people they do not want to see on the jury. After selection, however, its an open question how jurors will view not just Trumps behavior during trial, but the credibility of those testifying against him, like former personal attorney Michael Cohen. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Jennifer Rodgers, a former federal prosecutor, told CNN that while Trump could harm his own case with any in-court antics, he does indeed benefit, like any criminal defendant, from the fact that it only takes a single person on a jury to derail a conviction. Prosecutors need 12 jurors unanimously to convict the former president, Rodgers said, whereas Trump only needs one juror to say they wont convict to hang [it]. But before a jury decides Trumps fate, the trial itself will serve as a reminder of Trumps character that he is accused of cheating on his wife, with a porn star, just after shed given birth with voters reminded daily of just who he is. After nine years and an Access Hollywood tape in which he bragged about sexual assault, such reminders perhaps shouldnt be necessary, but theres no question that Trump and his campaign would prefer we talk about something else. Unfortunately, for Trumps team, this is but one of several cases where discussion of the former presidents criminality will be front and center, not just on cable news but inside a courtroom. After Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg makes his case, special counsel Jack Smith will hope to make his in trials over Trumps mishandling of classified national security documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. But, while Trump has tried to downplay the importance of the Stormy Daniels case how he is accused of having falsified business records to conceal an agreement with others to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election, as prospective jurors are being told some argue its the perfect opening chapter. This case is an early chapter in the story of Trumps willingness to cheat in elections and break the law in order to win, Joyce Vance, a former U.S. attorney during the Obama administration, wrote Monday. In that sense, its the most fitting place for prosecution to start. Letters to the Editor: Another heat record? Nature is telling humanity that time's up A Taylor Swift fan cools off amid a heat wave in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Nov. 18, before a concert on the singer's Eras Tour. (Silvia Izquierdo / Associated Press) To the editor: Earth's increasing temperature is relentless, going ever higher, year after year, bringing us problems so large they require us to change the way we live. ("And the heat keeps coming: Global temperature record broken for 10th month in a row in March," April 10) Melting ice, rising sea levels, unstable jet streams, extreme weather, record fires, record floods, acid oceans and desperate migrants. It means we have to give up our beloved fossil fuels, our air travel to Hawaii and our big, juicy steaks. Scientists who studied Earths history warned us of all the coming attractions, and now they are coming true, only much faster than predicted. Fossil fuels allowed us to plunder Earths resources and abuse the rest of life on Earth. They allowed us to pretend, for a moment, that we make the rules. But nature makes the rules. Even as we dither, nature is laying the foundations for a brand new future. If we listen very carefully, maybe we can learn those rules and save ourselves. Phil Beauchamp, Chino Hills This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Lexington Police Department has identified the three officers involved in a shooting that left a 47-year-old man dead. Officers Timothy Dawson, Michael Martin and Seiver Tandy are on administrative assignment while Kentucky State Police investigate the shooting, according to a LPD news release Monday. Kentucky State Police gave LPD authorization to release the information. Dawson retired from the department after 19 years of service. He returned eight months ago under the Police Officer-R Program. Martin has served with the department for 10 months. Tandy has served for three years, according to the news release. The three officers responded to the 200 block of Regency Point Path on April 2 for a report of a disorder involving a man with a weapon. They reported the man had a gun. Shots were fired and the man was struck, LPD said. Initially no details were released about who fired the shots. No officers were injured, according to LPD. No details on what happened between when officers arrived on-scene and when shots were fired have been released. LPD said the three officers had their body-worn cameras activated during the incident. Kentucky State Polices Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation into the shooting, as is typical when law enforcement officers are involved in shootings. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSPs standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case, KSP said in a press release. LPD will also conduct an internal review of the shooting, the department said. This is the second shooting involving an LPD officer this year. Just over one month ago, three men reportedly opened fire on a Lexington police detective who was conducting surveillance in an unmarked vehicle. Standing in front of the sign for HOPE United Church of Christ, Tim Higgins told a gathered crowd on Sunday that the Aurora church will not be backing down after the recent vandalism of its LGBTQ+ pride flag. The sign that was vandalized is an outward expression of a spirit that cannot be destroyed, said Higgins, the churchs moderator. Its a belief in one another that transcends boundaries. On Sunday morning, to show the community that HOPE United Church of Christ will continue to be accepting of all people, members of its congregation tied over 600 ribbons in the colors of the vandalized flag to the churchs sign on Ridge Avenue. They were joined by members of Bethany United Methodist Church, where HOPE currently holds its services, and Aurora city officials, including Ald. Brandon Tolliver, 7th Ward. Vandalism is always wrong, but vandalism at a church is even more egregious, Tolliver said after tying a number of ribbons to the churchs sign. I felt like it was really important, on behalf of the city and on behalf of Ward 7, to show that we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ+ community. Also in attendance from the city of Aurora was Ivan Quinones, vice chair of the LGBTQ Advisory Board. Quinones said change often comes through overcoming difficult circumstances, so while sad that this happened in Aurora, Quinones is glad to see the communitys response. I really feel that its important to stay connected, and a way to stay connected is to be a part of the change, Quinones said. In total, around 30 to 40 people attended the ribbon-tying event. We didnt know who to expect, said the Rev. Vilius Rudra Dundzila, the churchs outgoing pastor. This is a lovely turnout for a Sunday morning. The progress pride flag was vandalized on April 7, according to church officials. The Aurora Police Department is currently investigating the incident, Aurora Police Lt. Joseph Howe previously said. According to Dundzila, the flag was cut from the churchs sign, shredded, then reattached to the sign. The flag represented the churchs acceptance of all people, including those of all gender identities, sexualities, ethnicities and races, he said. Now, that inclusive spirit is shown through the ribbons covering the churchs sign, which Dundzila previously said will be much harder to vandalize than a single flag. Quinones hopes the pride flag will be replaced, and that the LGBTQ Advisory Board might be able to help in that effort. The diversity fostered by HOPE United Church of Christs message was on full display Sunday morning, as people of different ages, races and sexual orientations came together to tie up the ribbons. After about half an hour, the sign was completely engulfed in the colors of the rainbow. I feel like this is even better than what was there before, Tolliver said. This shows community effort, community organization, community togetherness and I love everything about it. This is what Aurora is. rsmith@chicagotribune.com Will it be life or death for Nassau deputy's killer? Here's everything to know about case Patrick McDowell listens to the judge while pleading guilty to 10 counts involving the 2021 shooting death of Nassau County Deputy Joshua Moyers. He was in court March 10, 2023. Nassau County Deputy Joshua Joseph Moyers "was a loving and incredible young man with a servants heart," a true "country boy," according to his obituary. He was 29 and soon to be married. Patrick Renee McDowell was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder from his military service and "at first he was motivated to deal with his demons ... but as time progressed, he slipped into a darker place," his father previously told the Times-Union. He was 35 driving a stolen van while on drug-offender probation when he was pulled over by Moyers and shot and killed the deputy with no warning. This week a Nassau County jury will decide whether McDowell should get life in prison or be executed. After six days of sifting through about 1,200 prospective jurors, Friday the final jury was agreed on for McDowell's sentencing phase that begins Monday. Here's how it got to this point. What happened to Deputy Joshua Moyers? Moyers About 11:45 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2021, McDowell and a female friend were on Sandy Ford Road when Moyers decided to pull over the van he was driving, the Sheriff's Office said. The woman later told investigators that when McDowell saw the deputy's lights activated, he said, "I'm not going to jail," according to court documents. When he pulled over and gave Moyers a false name, the deputy asked him to get out of the vehicle. McDowell opted to shoot him instead, once in the face and again after he collapsed to the ground. Moyers died a couple of days later. The Sheriff's Office said he was an organ donor and they were designated for five people including an infant. "A hero even after death," the Sheriff's Office said. McDowell fled briefly in the van before abandoning it and hiding under a shed with the woman. She said she convinced him to let her go and then called 911 when she was far enough away, according to court documents. During the ensuing manhunt, officers and McDowell exchanged gunfire and he and a K-9 were wounded. But McDowell eluded authorities for several days. How did Patrick McDowell get caught? Tole Hundreds of officers, agents and deputies from multiple agencies scoured the Callahan area for five days hunting McDowell, who lived in Jacksonville but was on foot. Tracking social media communication, they were led to another friend of McDowell's, 27-year-old Breiana Elizabeth Tole. McDowell messaged her from a Facebook account telling her he was "in pretty bad shape" because he had been shot, and that "it's not looking good," according to court documents. "I need u more now than I've ever needed another living soul," he wrote her. "... Without your help, I'm either gonna die out here from the wounds or they will kill me." McDowell gave her a location and time to meet at the Kristen M. Higginbotham Complex next to Callahan Intermediate School, and deputies spotted her driving nearby. She turned around after seeing law enforcement vehicles but was stopped and cooperated, according to her arrest report. Deputies, officers and agents surrounded the facility, and McDowell called out from one of the concession stand bathrooms saying he wanted to surrender, then crawled out and was taken into custody. Tole was charged with accessory after the fact of a felony and pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 2022, and is still awaiting sentencing, according to court records. What did Patrick McDowell plead guilty to and when? On March 10, 2023, McDowell put a halt to the trial by pleading guilty to first-degree murder, eight counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and one count of use of a deadly weapon on a police K-9. Why didn't Patrick McDowell get a change of venue? McDowell's defense team sought a change of venue for the sentencing phase due to pervasive publicity overwhelmingly negative against McDowell. They pointed out several damning statements by Sheriff Bill Leeper including: "He stuck his arm out and pulled that trigger and took a life. He was brave enough to do that, he should be brave enough to stick his arm out and take that needle of death and give up a life." Judge James Daniel denied the motion responding that significant pretrial publicity does not require a trial to be moved out of the jurisdiction. He cited a 1977 ruling that states, "Knowledge of the incident because of its notoriety is not, in and of itself, grounds for a change of venue." "Based on the evidence thus far, the court cannot determine if 'the general state of mind' of the residents of Nassau County 'is so infected by knowledge of the incident' that twelve impartial jurors cannot be seated in this case," the judge's ruling stated. What does the jury verdict have to be to sentence Patrick McDowell to death? When McDowell shot Moyers on Sept. 23, 2021 and pleaded guilty two years later, a death sentence required a unanimous jury recommendation. However, and as the judge noted to McDowell at the time, the state was considering legislation to change the statute to only needing an 8-4 majority. The governor about a month later signed that amendment into law. The judge considered multiple arguments whether McDowell's jury should be afforded the majority standard or unanimous. On April 3 Daniel ruled that jurors will not have to be unanimous in their recommendation of a potential death penalty. The judge cited the State v. Victorino case that involved similar ex post facto concerns in the resentencing for the 2004 so-called Xbox murders in Deltona. When the resentencing began in 2023, the law still required a unanimous jury, but the new standards were passed on the day the jurors were sworn. The 5th District Court of Appeal sided with allowing the 8-4 majority vote guidelines, stating the new law merely altered the methods employed in determining whether the death penalty can be imposed. The change "neither alters the definition of criminal conduct nor increases the penalty by which the crime of first-degree murder is punishable ... it does not constitute an ex post facto law." Daniel deemed "There is no meaningful factual distinction between the instant case and Victorino." Who will be testifying in Patrick McDowell's sentencing phase? The defense has scheduled several people to testify for McDowell during the sentencing phase. Among them are his 13-year-old son, fellow Marines he served with in Iraq, friends, former security co-workers and a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs doctor who evaluated him for post-traumatic stress disorder. What else is known about Patrick McDowell? In hundreds of documents obtained in the case, law enforcement interviews with McDowell's family and friends reveal some insight about his past. His brother, Timothy Jones, who is also an FBI agent, stated that McDowell had been combat-deployed to Iraq in 2009 as a U.S. Marine and was honorably discharged in 2010 or 2011. McDowell worked for a private security firm as personal security for dignitaries and others in Iraq for about a year. Coming home, he sought help from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and was put on anti-psychotic medications at one time, his brother said. During one VA session, the counselor told him that the friends he had lost in Iraq were dead and "he needed to get over it," one of the reports said. "McDowell attacked the counselor and was banned from the property thereafter. This occurred prior to 2012." The brother said McDowell then began using cocaine, progressing to heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine. "Jones described McDowell as being highly aggressive, even prior to his drug use," the report said. "McDowell is a hunter and fisherman and is comfortable with Florida swamps. Jones has never seen McDowell scared of anything or anyone. He has an aggressive demeanor." Nassau County manhunt ends: New video shows Patrick McDowell, accused of killing deputy, inching out of hiding to surrender If he is backed into a corner, Jones said his brother "will not surrender." But he told the agent he did not think his brother was the type of person to shoot a police officer either. McDowell also had been in contact with his mother over the previous month about trying to get straightened out. In a Florida Department of Law Enforcement interview, another friend and former co-worker provided more insight into McDowell's training, addictions and frame of mind. Patrick Fowler said they worked for the same security company, State Protective Group, where they trained in munitions, survival, target acquisition, weapon retention, disarming, force on force and medical. He said they trained with AR platform rifles, shotguns and handguns, but that McDowell also did additional private training to include long-range and moving-target shooting. The loaded handgun, part of the evidence listed in the Patrick McDowell case. He also said McDowell was contracted by security company Triple Canopy with additional training as well as overseas contract work in Iraq in 2012. Fowler advised he has only seen McDowell in person a few times in the past 10 years but kept up with him over the phone. When he met with him on Aug. 31, 2021, he said McDowell appeared to be under the influence of drugs and confirmed he was using methamphetamines and pain pills. Fowler said he looked "very sickly, malnourished, fidgety and just not himself." McDowell told him he was out of work, homeless and living out of a stolen van. So Fowler said he offered to get him into a hotel and a drug rehabilitation facility. McDowell agreed and was supposed to turn in a handgun in his possession before getting admitted. But then he never showed. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Death penalty sentencing phase begins for Nassau County deputy killer WASHINGTON, U.S., April 15. The Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) have kicked off in Washington D.C., Trend reports from the event venue. The main ministerial meetings and events will take place April 17-19 with other events and activities taking place during the week, April 15-20. At the heart of the gathering are meetings of the joint Development Committee and the IMF's International Monetary and Financial Committee, which discuss progress on the work of the World Bank Group and the IMF. Also featured are seminars, regional briefings, press conferences, and other events focused on the global economy, international development, and the world's financial markets. The Spring Meetings bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, parliamentarians, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organizations and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness. Among other things, the Spring Meetings will focus on the return of industrial policy, building tax capacity in developing countries, presentation of the World Economic Outlook, Global Financial Stability Report, energy subsidy reforms, Consequences from Geo-Economic Fragmentation on Financial Stability in Open Economies - Central Bank's Perspectives from Europe and Asia. The event will also feature seminars on global economy and capital flow and growth. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn It has happened to a model, a medical doctor and a hairstylist, along with many other airline passengers: being singled out or denied boarding on a flight for their fashion choices. The typical first move for passengers involved: airing their complaints on social media. Thats what Aurora Culpo did when her sister Olivia Culpo, a model and former Miss Universe, had to cover up her black sports bra and biking shorts with a hoodie before boarding an American Airlines flight to Cabo San Lucas in 2022. Aurora, who was traveling with her sister, slammed American on social media. Tisha Rowe, a Houston-based physician, also publicly criticized the Fort Worth-based carrier over a July 2019 incident in which she was asked to cover up her too revealing floral outfit with a blanket on a flight from Jamaica to Miami. Another highly publicized incident occurred on Alaska Airlines in August 2021, when police escorted a passenger wearing black shorts and, initially, a crop top off a flight upon landing. The passenger, Ray Lin Howard, a self-described hairstylist and rapper who goes by Fat Trophy Wife online, posted a video on TikTok of herself being questioned by authorities after the flight, which she was allowed to remain on. The video has more than 1.5 million likes and has been shared more than 10,000 times. Most recently, a passenger took her outrage a step further by retaining high-profile civil rights attorney Gloria Allred after an incident on Delta Air Lines in January 2024. On a flight from Salt Lake City to San Francisco, Lisa Archbold said she was treated like a criminal for not wearing a bra under her top. She says she was escorted off the plane by the gate agent and allowed to fly only after she put a shirt over her revealing outfit. Allred held a news conference in late March, entitled A woman passengers breast vs. Delta Air Lines, sitting alongside Archbold against a backdrop of bras hanging from a clothing rack. Allred also wrote a letter to Delta urging the Atlanta-based carrier to change its policy and requesting a meeting with its president. Deltas current policy, which is highly subjective, has been applied in a discriminatory manner and resulted in disparate treatment and harassment of passengers like Ms. Archbold, Allred wrote. Comfort is king Sandals are fine but bare feet usually aren't. - d3sign/Moment RF/Getty Images Before the Airline Deregulation Act in 1978, passengers in the United States paid top dollar for airline tickets and dressed the part, too, donning three-piece suits, dresses and high heels. Nowadays, comfort is king, and along with shifting cultural norms and trends such as athleisure, most modern-day economy cabins are populated with passengers wearing jeans, T-shirts, hoodies, flip-flops and sometimes even pajamas. However, even taking into account the new norm of dressing down, the fashion friction that can occur between passengers and airline staff can be partially attributed to the general vagueness of airline policies. When a passenger buys an airline ticket, they also agree to adhere to the contract of carriage. Thats a legal document that outlines the airlines policies. But some airlines dont have an official dress code per se; instead, buried deep in that contract of carriage, is a line or two about whats prohibited. For many airlines, bare feet is a definite no-go. Airlines also may establish other parameters around appearance. Delta, for example, says when a passengers conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers, they can be removed from the aircraft. American Airlines simply states its passengers must dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing arent allowed. Spirit Airlines also bans barefoot passengers, as well as clothing that is lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature. Out of the US carriers policies that CNN Travel reviewed, Hawaiian Airlines is the most detailed. Under Rule 13, Refusal to Transport, Hawaiian clearly states whats not allowed on board: bikini bottoms, Speedos and bare feet, along with clothing thats lewd, obscene, or patently offensive to others. It also specifies clothing must cover the upper part of the torso but clarifies that tank tops, tube tops, and halter tops are allowed (as are shorts, but with no specifications about length). Meanwhile, passengers flying on guest or buddy passes provided by airline employees non-rev passengers, in aviation lingo might be under increased scrutiny for their attire, which can also come as a surprise. Case in point: In 2017, a United Airlines employee banned two teenage girls from a flight because they were wearing leggings, a decision the airline defended on social media, resulting in a wave of bad press for the Chicago-based carrier. Gender-focused fashion issue Regular knee-length shorts are generally acceptable, but how short is too short? - Mariia Siurtukova/Moment RF/Getty Images The stickiest aspect of most policies is the inherent ambiguity around what terms such as appropriately, lewd and offensive mean, giving airline staffers plenty of leeway in determining what will fly. Nick Leighton, a Manhattan-based etiquette expert and co-founder of the podcast Were You Raised by Wolves?, also notes that whats considered acceptable or appropriate varies greatly among geographic areas the airline serves. Airlines get to decide [their policies], but what cultural standard is it? Leighton tells CNN Travel. Is it going to be the Delta headquarters in Atlanta, which is going to be different from, you know, Provence or Los Angeles? Those discrepancies not to mention, the vast cultural differences and backgrounds across airline employees and passengers can result in some passengers being more targeted than others. Women, for example, make up the majority of the most publicized incidents. Mary Jo Manzanares, a Seattle-based travel writer who worked as a flight attendant for a US carrier for 33 years, acknowledges theres a fair amount of body shaming involved in many incidents she sees in the media. Its got to do with skimpy attire, [and] thats generally focused on women, although, to be fair, a man boarding in his Speedo is probably going to elicit the same response, she says. But theres no doubt about it its a gender-focused fashion issue. I wish that it wasnt. In her letter to Deltas president, Allred also emphasized that imbalance, citing the airlines contract of carriage that states the carrier may not refuse to provide transportation based upon sex. By denying Ms. Archbold the right to travel in a T-shirt that would be perfectly appropriate for a man, Delta discriminated on the basis of sex. Manzanares says she was lucky enough to only face a small handful of attire-related incidents during her decades as a flight attendant. But she also points out that many passengers are unaware of the risk of in-flight trouble that can flare up from, say, a seemingly innocuous slogan on a T-shirt. Thats why on-the-ground staff and flight attendants aim to address any potential issues well before takeoff, she says. Youve got to make your priority resolving things on the ground, making sure that there is no aggression, Manzanares explains. When you go to 30,000 feet, you may [have] passenger conversation or banter or inappropriate comments between passengers, add in a little alcohol, and you may be making an unscheduled landing. And no one wants that. No one wants to be the fashion police Monitoring passengers' attire can be a headache for flight attendants too. - izusek/E+/Getty Images In researching this piece, CNN Travel reached out to the media departments of nearly a dozen major US and international carriers, including those involved in highly publicized incidents around passengers attire, for comment about their dress policies and how they respond to complaints. Only two responded: a spokesperson for KLM and Air France, who declined to comment, and a Southwest spokesperson who told CNN Travel via email the carrier doesnt have an official dress code. Instead, Southwest employees are responsible for using their judgment to ensure comfort and safety of all while following our Contract of Carriage, he wrote. When it comes to personal appearance and hygiene, the contract only states that transport may be refused to barefoot passengers and persons with an offensive odor. Not surprisingly, the task of monitoring passengers attire and asking them to cover up if necessary isnt exactly a pleasant one for flight attendants either. The last thing we want to do is get turned into being the fashion police, Manzanares says. But as recent headlines suggest, passengers who push boundaries with what they wear (or dont wear) risk putting not only themselves in an uncomfortable situation they could also be inconveniencing hundreds of fellow passengers by causing flight delays. Addressing potential disruptions before a flight requires precious time and collaboration among airline staff, including the captain (also known as the pilot in command), who ultimately has final say on whether a passenger will be denied boarding, according to aviation site Simple Flying. Passengers who feel they were unfairly treated can always file a complaint with the airline or the Department of Transportation. But there are no guarantees over compensation or refunds, which are generally made on a case-by-case basis. In other words, passengers who are denied boarding because of their attire might find themselves footing the bill for their unused ticket (and, potentially, rebooking too). In an incident posted on X on April 1, an American Airlines passenger claims they were denied boarding after paying $2,000 for a first-class ticket because they were wearing an outfit that offended someone. Its unclear what the outcome was; neither the carrier nor the passenger involved responded to requests for comment. However, passengers also should keep in mind that any out-of-pocket expenses resulting from being denied boarding because of their attire are not likely to be covered by travel insurance. Based on my 20+ experience in travel insurance I have never seen a travel insurance provider cover such incidents, Jeff Rolander, vice president of claims at Faye Travel Insurance, told CNN Travel via email. Teachable moment Leighton, the etiquette expert, notes that other passengers can play a role in avoiding a potentially problematic wardrobe situation by following a simple etiquette rule that also applies in other crowded spaces such as elevators or subways: Maintaining yourself in your little bubble and not interfering into the bubble of anybody else. Thats why, for example, its OK to eat your meal when youre served, he explains. You dont have to wait for your row to be served its not a dinner party. Were not together, we are going to pretend we are alone. And so a lot of etiquette is just like, Pretend that this thing isnt happening. When something is particularly challenging to ignore perhaps an obscene phrase on a T-shirt when youre flying with young children Leighton advises parents or caregivers to turn it into a teachable moment by explaining that this is not an appropriate way to dress on an airplane, and its happening, but just so you know, in our family, thats not what we would do. According to Kristy Alpert, a Europe-based travel writer originally from the United States who has visited all seven continents, a mindset shift of sorts can be helpful for some passengers while making in-flight wardrobe selections especially those accustomed to certain cultural norms in some Western countries. Its not me relinquishing my freedom to dress how I want to dress its me showing others a kindness, explains Alpert, whose father is a retired Delta pilot. So by me not wearing super-short shorts or wearing a logo that I know is going to offend someone, its not me relinquishing my rights to choose what I wear. Its me being a world traveler, being a global citizen. Leighton, meanwhile, says much of the trouble could be avoided if passengers choose their in-flight outfits with personal safety in mind and, more specifically, how certain clothing and footwear would fare in an emergency situation. I want to make sure that if I have to leave this plane in 90 seconds, Im dressed appropriately, he explains. I always wear natural fibers, long pants and sleeves, and closed-toe shoes when flying because I personally wouldnt want to be trying to evacuate an aircraft or run away on a tarmac in a tight mini skirt or open-toed sandals. So maybe the focus should be: You need to dress safe. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Lightning, rains kill 49 in Pakistan as authorities declare a state of emergency in the southwest A man takes a selfie on the bank of a stream, which is overflowing following heavy rains, on the outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan, Monday, April 15, 2024. Lightnings and heavy rains killed dozens of people, mostly farmers, across Pakistan in the past three days, officials said Monday, as authorities declared a state of emergency in the country's southwest following an overnight rainfall to avoid any further casualties and damages. (AP Photo/Muhammad Sajjad) ISLAMABAD (AP) Lightning and heavy rains have killed at least 49 people across Pakistan in the past three days, officials said Monday, as authorities in the country's southwest declared a state of emergency. Some deaths occurred when lightning struck farmers harvesting wheat. Rains caused dozens of houses to collapse in the northwest and in eastern Punjab province. Arfan Kathia, a spokesman for the provincial disaster management authority, said 21 people had died in Punjab, where more rains were expected this week. Khursheed Anwar, a spokesman for the disaster management authority in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, said 21 people died there. Rain also lashed the capital, Islamabad, and killed seven people in southwestern Baluchistan province. Streets flooded in the northwestern city of Peshawar and in Quetta, the Baluchistan capital. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in televised remarks that he had ordered authorities to provide relief aid. Pakistans water reservoirs would improve because of the rains, he said. Rafay Alam, a Pakistani environmental expert, said such heavy April rainfall is unusual. Two years ago, Pakistan witnessed a heat wave in March and April and now we are witnessing rains and it is all of because of climate change, which had caused heavy flooding in 2022, he said. In 2022, downpours swelled rivers and at one point inundated one-third of Pakistan, killing 1,739 people. The floods also caused $30 billion in damage. Meanwhile, heavy flooding from seasonal rains in Afghanistan killed 33 people and injured 27 others in three days, according to Abdullah Janan Saiq, the Talibans spokesman for the State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management. More than 600 houses were damaged or destroyed while around 200 livestock died. The flooding also damaged large areas of agricultural land and more than 85 kilometers (53 miles) of roads, he said. He said authorities in Afghanistan had provided aid to nearly 23,000 families, and that flash floods were reported in 20 of the country's 34 provinces. ___ Associated Press writers Rahim Faiez in Islamabad, Riaz Khan in Peshawar, Babar Dogar in Lahore, Asim Tanveer in Multan and Abdul Sattar in Quetta contributed to this report. With his legal team attacking the judge as biased and the prosecution calling for him to be fined for violating a gag order, Donald Trump's historic criminal trial on charges he falsified business records to hide a hush money payment to a porn star before the 2016 election began Monday. Judge Juan Merchan continued his trend of rejecting Trump's motions to delay the start of the trial before he began sifting through 500 potential jurors with a goal of finding 12 to serve with six alternates. Jury selection could take two weeks and the trial could last six to eight weeks. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to hide the payment. Prosecutors asked Merchan to fine Trump for allegedly violating a gag order in the case, but he hasn't ruled yet. The size of the jury pool was quickly reduced, as potential jurors said they couldn't judge the case fairly or had other conflicts. Hundreds more potential jurors remain to be questioned. Here are nine takeaways from the first day of trial: NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 15: Former U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the courtroom after a break during the start of jury selection for his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024 in New York City. Former President Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Jeenah Moon-Pool/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776124939 ORIG FILE ID: 2147834816 Judge Merchan sticks with case despite Trump request to withdraw Merchan opened the day by refusing to remove himself from the case. Trump's legal team had argued Merchans role is improper because his daughter heads a marketing agency that works for Democratic candidates. But Merchan rejected the request by citing an opinion from the New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics that his impartiality couldn't be reasonably questioned because Trump's case doesn't involve his daughter's business. The judge rejected a similar request in August. "The court will not address this matter further," Merchan said Monday. Prosecutors can describe 'Access Hollywood' tape but not play it: Merchan Jurors can hear testimony about the infamous 'Access Hollywood' tape, which caused a furor when it was released late in the 2016 presidential campaign, but can't watch the tape, Merchan ruled again. The judge repeated a previous ruling that he regards the 2005 video of Trump crudely describing grabbing women as too prejudicial. The $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, which is at the heart of the case against Trump, came as his campaign sought to prevent other scandalous stories from breaking in the weeks before the 2016 election. Prosecutors wanted to play the tape as an alleged admission of sexual assault. But Merchan ruled that he would only allow prosecutors to describe what Trump said. What I didnt want was for jurors to hear Mr. Trumps voice, Merchan said. Protestors march along Leonard Street in New York City before Former President Donald Trump arrived at NY Criminal Court Monday morning, April 15, 2024. Prosecutors ask to fine Trump for allegedly violating gag order Prosecutors asked Merchan to fine Trump $3,000 for allegedly violating a gag order with social media posts about potential witnesses, but Merchan postponed a decision. Prosecutor Christopher Conroy said each of three social media posts should be punished with a $1,000 fine: Thanking Michael Avenatti, a former lawyer for Stormy Daniels who was imprisoned for stealing from her, for a statement calling it outrageous that potential witnesses Michael Cohen and Daniels can be interviewed on television but Trump isnt allowed to respond. Trump said the statement revealed the truth about two sleaze bags. Posting a photograph of a 2018 Daniels statement denying she had sex with Trump. Asking whether disgraced attorney and felon Michael Cohen been prosecuted for LYING? Hes attacked witnesses in this case, Conroy said of Trump. In a civil business fraud trial earlier this year, Judge Arthur Engoron fined Trump $15,000 for violating gag orders with posts about his clerk. But Merchan didnt rule immediately and said he would hold a hearing on the gag order April 23. Trump lawyer Todd Blanche asked for time to respond in writing. Police investigate bomb threat against DA Alvin Bragg Police were investigating a bomb threat targeting the home of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Monday morning, according to the Associated Press. Law enforcement official said a 911 caller reported the threat just before 9 a.m. ET. Bragg previously faced an emergency when a powdery substance was discovered last month in a threatening letter in a mailroom at the prosecutors offices, the AP reported. Former President Donald Trump, center, appears with his legal team Todd Blanche, left, and Emil Bove, right, ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024 in New York City. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. Trump calls trial 'political persecution' says it's an 'honor' to attend Trump gave a one-minute statement to reporters before entering the courtroom, calling the trial political persecution and saying he was proud and honored to be there. This is political persecution, Trump said. Its a case that should have never been brought. Its an assault on America. Thats why Im very proud to be here. Trump cited unnamed legal scholars calling the case nonsense. As he campaigns against President Joe Biden to return to the White House, Trump said the country is being run by an incompetent man and the trial is really an attack on a political opponent. There is no evidence state or federal prosecutors targeted Trump to prevent his reelection. Im very honored to be here, Trump said. Former President Donald Trump arrives at the courtroom during the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024. Trump appears to nod off during legal arguments: reporters Amid the legal wrangling before lunch, Trump appeared to nod off a few times, his eyes closing and head drooping before jerking back up, according to several news reports. One of the anecdotes was from Maggie Haberman, a New York Times reporter who wrote a book about Trump called Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America." Trump glared at Haberman for several seconds before walking out of the courtroom during a short afternoon break. Trump supporter Gary Phaneuf rallies outside of the New York State Supreme Court during the arrival of former President Donald Trump on April 15, 2024 in New York City. Potential jurors to be asked about whether they've attended a rally of Trump or his opponents, or followed him or opponents on social media After the lunch break, Merchan began calling 500 potential jurors into the courtroom in groups of about 100 for lawyers on both sides to question them. Jurors will remain anonymous, with their addresses revealed only to the lawyers. Merchan settled on a list of 42 questions to be asked, with a goal of finding an impartial panel of 12 jurors and six alternates. Potential jurors are being asked if they've ever attended a rally of Trump or his opponents, or followed Trump or his adversaries on social media. Former President Donald Trump sits in the courtroom during the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024. Questioning quickly whittles jury pool At least 50 of the first 96 potential jurors were excused from the trial because they indicated they couldnt judge Trump fairly and impartially. At least nine more were excused after they indicated they couldn't serve for other reasons that weren't disclosed, leaving about 34 potential jurors in the first batch. The questions to individuals became more detailed. Merchan excused the third potential juror for acknowledging she read or listened to podcasts by Trump critics Michael Cohen or former Manhattan prosecutor Mark Pomerantz, who quit when it looked like Bragg wouldn't prosecute the case. Trump supporters argue with reporters outside of the New York State Supreme Court before the arrival of former President Donald Trump on April 15, 2024 in New York City. April trial dates will come with several interruptions The trial is scheduled to last six to eight weeks, with Merchan scheduling Wednesdays off so he can handle other matters. Merchan said jurors would not be required to work on the Jewish holiday of Passover, so the trial may break after lunch on April 22 and 23, when Seder dinners are scheduled, and not meet on April 29 and 30, when full day festivals are held. Trump requested a day off April 25, so he could attend Supreme Court arguments about his immunity claim in federal court, and on May 17, so he could attend his son Barron's high school graduation. Merchan rejected the April request but didn't immediately rule on the May date. "Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal," Merchan said, but he wouldn't alter the plans for the criminal case on that basis. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump trial day 1 takeaways: Accusation of bias, possible fines All creation is a mine, and every man, a miner. So begins one of the least-known speeches by Abraham Lincoln, the Lecture on Discoveries and Inventions, versions of which were delivered on at least six occasions between April 1858 and April 1860. We generally think of Lincoln as an American prophet, a redeemer president who freed the slaves, saved the Union and ennobled the cause of liberty with magnificent oratory. We only rarely think of him as a philosopher-statesman, a man who had enduringly relevant things to say about the hidden vulnerabilities of democratic institutions in the face of change: generational, ideological and, not least, technological. He was. And much of his thinking on the subject was deeply rootedas it would have been for most Americans in the 19th centuryin the Hebrew Bible. Not that Lincoln saw himself as some sort of scholar. I am not a professional lecturer, Lincoln confessed. Have never got up but one lecture; and that I think, a rather poor one. What we have today of the lecture exists only in fragmentary form, lacks a proper conclusion, is redundant in places and was probably delivered with a fair amount of extemporizingprobably the result of a writing process described by his law partner William Herndon as noting down ideas on stray pieces of paper, which found lodgment inside his hat. Still, for all his engagement with pressing political and legal issues, Lincoln was repeatedly forced to reckon with questions that went beyond the merely contemporary. Was the United States founded in 1776 as a single nation with a unifying set of moral convictions, or in 1787, as a compact of states with distinct legal rights? Was the Declaration of Independences claim that all men are created equal a self-evident truth or, as John C. Calhoun put it, a self-evident lie? Could a republic founded by one revolutionary generation resist the revolutionary impulse of succeeding generations to overthrow it? Could invention itself, for all its potential benefits, sometimes pose a fatal danger to the cause of human freedom? Lincoln also had a lifelong fascination with science and technology. In 1849, he received a patent for a mechanism to lift boats over shoals, making him the only president in history to ever get one. A legal acquaintance from the 1850s, Charles Zane, was with Lincoln the first time the future president saw a self-raking reaping machine. He examined it with much interest, Zane recalled, and then I listened to him explaining, in the fewest words but with great clearness, how power and motion were communicated to the different appliances, especially to the sickle, the revolving rake, and the reel. But it was as president that Lincoln had the best opportunity, and the greatest need, to explore his technological fixations fully. He corresponded with Richard Gatling, inventor of the eponymous gun, and pushed the army to adopt it. He urged the creation of the Union Army Balloon Corps and appointed Thaddeus S.C. Lowe to its command: In June 1861, Lowe telegraphed the president, from a height of 500 feet, a message acknowledging indebtedness to your encouragement for the opportunity of demonstrating the availability of the science of aeronautics in the service of the country. A lawn south of the White House became an informal testing ground for new weapons, many of which Lincoln liked to try out or see for himself. The inventors were more a source of amusement than of annoyance, recalled John Hay, Lincolns personal secretary. They were usually men of some originality of character, not infrequently carried to eccentricity. Lincoln had a quick comprehension of mechanical principles, and often detected a flaw in an invention which the contriver had overlooked. In all this, Lincoln was typically American: practical, curious and enthusiastic about the capacity of science and technology to improve everyday life, ease suffering and advance the common interests of mankind. But he also had doubts: Could invention itself, for all its potential benefits, sometimes pose a potentially fatal danger to the cause of human freedom? Here is where the enduring interest of his Lecture on Discoveries and Inventions lies. Americans tend to think that political freedom and technological innovation are not merely complementary but also mutually reinforcing; that is, that liberalism supplies the political and economic conditions in which inventive people are most likely to flourish, and that the products of invention strengthen the foundations of liberalism by making society richer and happier. This is the blase confidence that leads us to believe that the benefits of technological progress invariably outweigh its costs, whatever turbulence it occasionally produces. But what if that isnt always trueif, that is, Lincolns doubts are well founded? What if certain technologies transform not merely the way we produce goods and services but also how we treat other human beings, relate to our government and understand our shared rights? Can a nation that sees itself as the greatest invention of all timeNovus ordo seclorum, a new order of the agespreserve any sense of reverence for the ideas and ideals that came before it? Can a restlessly inventive people restrain their taste for the new, and thus their eagerness to discard the old, even if the new threatens the foundations of their own liberty? What if certain technologies transform not merely the way we produce goods and services but also how we treat other human beings Lincoln begins his talk by observing that invention is a defining feature of human nature: Man is not the only animal who labors; but he is the only one who improves his workmanship. What follows is a catalog, based on biblical references, of ancient inventions and inventors. Tubal-cain, seventh in descent from Adam, was, in the words of Genesis, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron. Threadsuggesting spinning and weavingis also mentioned in Genesis, as is the saddle. (Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass.) There is a mention of a chariot upon the occasion of Joseph being made Governor by Pharaoh, implying the prior invention of the wheel and axle. Lincoln cites at least 24 specific passages from the Books of Moses. Other than demonstrating his deep familiarity with the Bible, theres a hidden purpose to these references. I think I can show, at least in a fanciful way, that all the modern inventions were known centuries ago, he explained to Louis Agassiz in January 1865, when the great natural scientist came to the White House and asked about the lecture. Not everything that is new is necessarily better: The ancients, Lincoln is saying, werent our inferiors when it came to doing the sorts of things we value most about ourselves. In important ways, they might have been much better. The full meaning of Lincolns remark to Agassiz becomes clearer in the second half of the speech, which begins with such a startling turn that, until the 1990s, historians thought it constituted a completely different lecture. We have all heard of Young America, Lincoln says. He is the most current youth of the age. Some think him conceited, and arrogant; but has he not reason to entertain a rather extensive opinion of himself? Is he not the inventor and owner of the present, and sole hope of the future? Young America was the name of a cultural, artistic and political movement, formed in the 1840s and connected to the Democratic Party, which believed that America had to make a decisive break with everything deemed old. All history is to be re-written; political science and the whole scope of all moral truth have to be considered and illustrated in the light of the democratic principle, wrote the magazine columnist John Louis OSullivan, a champion of the movement. All old subjects of thought and all new questions arising, connected more or less directly with human existence, have to be taken up again and re-examined. The animating political spirit of Young America was a kind of self-confident jingoism that found expression in the policies that led to the Mexican-American Warwhich Lincoln had opposed on the grounds that it was both unjust and dangerous, since it opened up new lands for the expansion of slavery. Young America also believed in unfettered capitalism, including free trade, which Lincoln opposed in favor of a tariff system, and a kind of self-serving morality that disguised its greed in professions of faith in humanity. Its greatest political champion was Stephen Douglas, who defeated Lincoln in the 1858 Illinois Senate race and later lost to him in the 1860 presidential election. In knowledge he is particularly rich, Lincoln says of Young America with obvious sarcasm. He knows all that can possibly be known; inclines to believe in spiritual rappings and is the unquestioned inventor of Manifest Destiny, the phrase for which OSullivan is most famous. His horror is for all that is old, particularly Old Fogy; and if there be any thing old which he can endure, it is only old whiskey and old tobacco. Technology is not merely a tool to be shaped by its users for better or worse. It is itself a shaper that can turn people into tools, whether as slaves or, in the case of social media, users. Now Lincoln has a bit of fun. If Young America despises Old Fogy, then how does he feel about the first of all fogies, father Adam? Adam, Lincoln says, was probably ignorant, and simple in his habits. Yet he had certain advantages over his successors. He was a very perfect physical man. He had dominion over all the earth. He is the inventor of clothing, speech and the art of invention itself. And even then, there is a prior inventorthat is, Adams own creator. Lincoln pauses to marvel at the great activity of the tongue, in articulating sounds, and then the wonderful powers of the eye, in conveying ideas to the mind from writing. No modern machine, Lincoln implies, could possibly match these. In other words, the greatest inventor is God, a point that would not have been lost on Lincolns pious audiences (whom he was tacitly courting as voters). This does not mean that human beings should not inventotherwise, God would not have endowed human beings with inventive natures. But it does suggest that invention involves a form of gratitude to the Divine, and perhaps a conviction that the way he invented us is how we should invent in turn: lovingly, humanely, ethically. For Lincoln, the ethical invention par excellence is the printing press, because it helped liberate human potential as nothing else before it or since. It is very probablealmost certainthat the great mass of men, at that time (before the invention of the press), were utterly unconscious, that their conditions, or their minds were capable of improvement, Lincoln says. They not only looked upon the educated few as superior beings; but they supposed themselves to be naturally incapable of rising to equality. To emancipate the mind from this false and under estimate of itself, is the great task which printing came into the world to perform. It is difficult for us, now and here, to conceive how strong this slavery of the mind was; and how long it did, of necessity, take, to break its shackles, and to get a habit of freedom of thought, established. If the printing press is the paradigmatic good invention, what is the paradigmatic bad one? A single telling line gives away his thinking: I have already intimated my opinion that in the worlds history, certain inventions and discoveries occurred, of peculiar value, on account of their great efficiency in facilitating all other inventions and discoveries. Of these were the arts of writing and of printingthe discovery of America, and the introduction of Patent-laws. The date of the first, as already stated, is unknown; but it certainly was as much as fifteen hundred years before the Christian era; the secondprintingcame in 1436, or nearly three thousand years after the first. The others followed more rapidlythe discovery of America in 1492, and the first patent laws in 1624. Though not apposite to my present purpose, it is but justice to the fruitfulness of that period, to mention two other important eventsthe Lutheran Reformation in 1517, and, still earlier, the invention of negroes, or, of the present mode of using them, in 1434. The date appears to be a reference to the origins of the African slave trade, initially by Portuguese slavers selling their captives to Spanish buyers. But the power of the linethe only reference to American slavery in the entire lecturerests in its argument that the idea of negro as a category has nothing to do with nature and everything to do with invention; that is, that racialized slavery, if not the very idea of race, is a contrivance of relatively modern times. Invention, after all, is not just about the making of devices but also the minting of ideas and the creation of institutionsin this case, the idea of racial inferiority, and the institution of slavery to profit from it. It would have been difficult for Lincoln to convince his listeners that nothing fundamental distinguished them from their Black servants or slaves. Thats probably why he touches on it only glancingly. But the radicalism of what he is saying should not be missed: He is arguing that concepts of race and racial superiority are, to use the argot of 21st-century academia, social constructs. What appeared so completely natural to a white, 19th-century American audience was, Lincoln believed, an invention of the mindand one that, within a few years of Lincolns speech, would have to be violently undone. Technology is among the most fundamental issues in all of politics. To think otherwise is to perpetuate an illusion, if not a deception, that leaves us at the mercy of technological advances that we can scarcely control. What Lincoln called the present mode of using Black people wasnt just a function of ideas about race. Technology was pivotal, too. One of the surprising omissions in the Lecture on Discoveries and Inventions (though quite possibly because we dont have the full text) is any reference to Eli Whitneys cotton gin, invented in 1793, which transformed the economic incentives of the American South by making cotton plantations immensely profitable. Even so, we know the cotton gin was very much on Lincolns mind. In July 1858, shortly after he first delivered his Lecture on Discoveries and Inventions, he gave a speech in Springfield explaining how his views about slavery had evolved over time. As a younger man, Lincoln explained, he had opposed slavery while believing it was on a gradual course to extinction. But with the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, he concluded that his hopes had been resting in delusion. One point of evidence was a speech given by South Carolina Congressman Preston Brooks, remembered by history as the man who caned Sen. Charles Sumner, the Massachusetts abolitionist, on the floor of the Senate. Mr. Brooks, Lincoln said, what I think, that the framers of our Constitution placed the institution of slavery where the public mind rested in the hope that it was on the course of ultimate extinction. But he went on to say that the men of the present age, by their experience, have become wiser than the framers of the Constitution; and the invention of the cotton gin had made the perpetuity of slavery a necessity in this country. Simply put, the cotton gin gave wealthy white Southerners motives far more powerful than their moral scruples to perpetuate the institution of slavery: power, wealth, ease. The convictions that uphold a free society, which Jefferson named so memorably in the Declaration of Independence, simply collapsed in the face of those temptations. Because of the cotton gin, every political impulse in the South sought to entrench slavery; every economic instinct to expand it; and every ideological tendency to justify it. The fact that the justifications were ludicrousalthough volume upon volume is written to prove slavery a very good thing, Lincoln scoffed in yet another speech, we never hear of the man who wishes to take the good of it, by being a slave himselfdid almost nothing to diminish their power. Technology and the perverse incentives it creates warp reason. The cotton gin is a technology of the distant past. But its worth asking: What is our own cotton gin? What technology warps our relationship to other citizens, sows distrust in democratic institutions, atomizes the individual, polarizes politics, disseminates conspiracy theories, empowers bigots and embitters personal relationships? Andin doing all this damagereaps immense profits for its inventors, innovators and investors? Theres more than one answer, no doubt. But little compares to social media in its consequences for democratic norms. When Mark Zuckerberg took Facebook public in 2012, he told investors that his company would rewire the way people spread and consume information and once again transform many of our core institutions and industries. As the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt has pointed out, he was right just not in the way he thought. The algorithms of social media encouraged dishonesty and mob dynamics, Haidt wrote a decade later in The Atlantic. They have magnified and weaponized the frivolous and are almost perfectly designed to bring out our most moralistic and least reflective selves. It was just this kind of twitchy and explosive spread of anger, Haidt adds, that James Madison had tried to protect us from as he was drafting the U.S. Constitution. This isnt the place to speculate about how much additional damage social media will do to the fabric of a free society. The central point, which Lincoln saw so clearly, is that technology is not merely a tool to be shaped by its users for better or worse. It is itself a shaper that can turn people into tools. The idea that technology should or can be separated from politicsa central conceit of liberal-democratic ideologyis wrong: Technology is among the most fundamental issues in all of politics. To think otherwise is to perpetuate an illusion, if not a deception, that leaves us at the mercy of technological advances that we choose naively and, once they take hold, can scarcely control. Lincoln is not asking us to resist the technological trend by becoming a society of Luddites, which would only harm the interests of a free society and its people. Nor is he insisting that we predict all the potential dangers of powerful new technologies or kill them in their infancy. He is, however, suggesting that a task of democratic statesmanship is to ask whether a new technology is likelier to lead to the emancipation of the mind than to its enslavement. And, should we answer in the negative, he suggests, we can put limits on those technologies, whether its through regulation or education or the deliberate cultivation of a habit of reverence for the old amid our infatuation with the new. The core of all of Lincolns teachings is that democracies fail when people become careless about what it means to be human. And the test of any technology is whether it makes us more human, not less. This essay originally appeared in Sapir, a journal of Jewish thought. Bret Stephens is the editor in chief of Sapir and a columnist for The New York Times. This story appears in the April 2024 issue of Deseret Magazine. Learn more about how to subscribe. The Lithuanian government will allocate 400,000 euros ($425,900) for the provision of metal detectors in Ukrainian schools and the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers, Ukraine's Interior Ministry announced on April 14. Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko met with Ministers of the Interior of the Baltic States in Lviv this week to discuss Ukraine's security issues amidst Russia's increased attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure. Agne Bilotaite, Lithuania's Interior Minister, announced during the meeting that her country is ready to provide 400,000 euros for the procurement of metal detectors for educational institutions, as well as the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers. "First and foremost, we are here to send you a clear messagewe will be there for you until your victory," Bilotaite stated. "This is a great opportunity to see with our own eyes everything that is happening in your country, including the crimes of the Russian army in your once peaceful towns and villages. Please be assured that we support you and stand by your side as you fight for our common values." Klymenko also reportedly discussed the different infrastructure facilities destroyed by Russian attacks, including the National Police building. The Ukrainian official invited the Baltic delegation to join pilot projects to restore police stations in Makariv and Kryvyi Rih. Lithuania remains among the top supporters of Ukraine globally in terms of the share of GDP, with bilateral aid to Ukraine equalling 1.5% of GDP. Additionally, Lithuanias share of EU support to Ukraine amounts to another 0.5 % of the countrys GDP. Earlier this year, Lithuania pledged a long-term 200 million euro (roughly $215 million) support package to Ukraine and promised to continue supporting the country. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia aims to capture Chasiv Yar by Victory Day on May 9, Syrskyi says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After a pretrial period replete with juvenile tantrums, nonstarter attempts to delay the proceedings, and savage attacks on prosecutors, the presiding judge and New Yorkers in general, Donald Trump is about to face the men and women who will decide whether he is guilty of 34 felony charges. With the start of his historic hush money trial in Manhattan on Monday, the former president might be expected to abandon these so far unsuccessful tactics. But dont bet on it. The trials opening act will likely feature much the same brand of petulance and vituperation from the defendant, now redirected to the jury selection process. Read more: Litman: Trump is finally facing a criminal trial and a judge determined to keep it on track Expect Trump to beat the same drum he has for several months, savaging anyone within legal reach that is, not expressly off limits under the gag orders Justice Juan M. Merchan has imposed and playing the martyr suffering for his followers at the hands of the anti-MAGA elite. Even as he faces the tangible prospect of a conviction and prison sentence though appeals could take several years his strategy will continue to be more political than legal. Hes hoping to win the presidency and then figure out how to clean up the various train wrecks left in his path. To begin with, that means Trump and his legal team can be expected to rail at Merchans decisions about whom to seat on the jury. Read more: Litman: Jack Smith's latest push to get Donald Trump's Jan. 6 trial moving before the election Like most jurisdictions, Manhattan follows a set of rules that impose a rigorous strategy on the litigants. Each side has 10 golden tickets known as peremptory challenges, which can be used to exclude a prospective juror for any or no reason (so long as it is not unconstitutionally based on race). In addition, each side can argue for an unlimited number of challenges for cause. The latter are for jurors the litigants argue are unfit to serve for any number of reasons. They could have a close relationship with a party or lawyer in the case, personal experience with the type of crime alleged or some other conflict or bias. In general, the court must agree that they are incapable of carrying out the jurors core responsibility of applying the law fairly to the evidence. The prosecution and defense will have disparate strategies. The prosecution will want reasonable and persuadable people who are able to collaborate collegially and come to a consensus. Their ideal candidate may be along the lines of a well-educated professional. Trump, meanwhile, has little prospect of acquittal, so his team will search for a juror willing to buck the other 11 no matter how strong their consensus. That means a maverick whose life choices reflect indifference or even antipathy toward the crowd. Given a defendant of Trumps notoriety, the jury will inevitably include people with strong views about him. The quest of the jury selection process is not for people who have no views about the former president but rather those who can set aside whatever personal views they have and render a judgment based on the evidence and the law. That means potential jurors may present themselves and express views including negative views about Trump but, on questioning from the judge and prosecutor, aver that they can apply the law and reach a verdict fairly. Even if Trumps side argues that a juror is inclined to convict, the judge may side with prosecutors and conclude that they can be trusted to do their duty. And then Trumps counsel will have to decide whether to use one of their precious peremptory challenges. Eventually, they will be forced to accept jurors they dont like. Such losing arguments will be more fuel for Trumps eternal fire of victimhood and grievance, and we can expect him to leverage them as supposed proof of the deep state conspiracy to take him down. And if his complaints cross the lines drawn by Merchans gag orders, they could set up an ancillary set of bitter legal battles. Prosecutors have already moved to have Trump held in contempt for incendiary social media messages on the eve and at the start of the trial. Trumps political strategy has always been in tension with his legal vulnerability, leading him to vilify the judges presiding over his cases and essentially dare them to hold him in contempt. Now that a jury is sitting in judgment of his conduct, that strategy will go from dubious to asinine. Still, he hasnt given us any reason to expect him to abandon it. Look for the jury selection process and the trial to feature more of Trumps tantrums in court and tirades on the courthouse steps, sorely trying the patience of all involved, not least the judge. Harry Litman is the host of the Talking Feds podcast and the Talking San Diego speaker series. @harrylitman 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. Little London: the village at risk of being over-run by people fleeing the capital Little London resident Carol Donner says the Hampshire village is 'being concreted over by people who are being greedy' - Simon Czapp/Solent News & Photo Agency Residents in a Hampshire village named Little London are angry that people leaving the capital are pricing them out of the area. Locals in the historic Hampshire settlement, which got its name almost 400 years ago from Londoners fleeing bubonic plague, said wealthy newcomers looking for a country pad were snapping up expensive houses in the area that they cannot afford. But potential housebuyers trying to escape the city 50 miles away have been warned there is nothing here as there is insufficient infrastructure to cope with the number of residents. The village, north of Basingstoke, has just one pub, no shop nor street lights, and has a population of only a few hundred. New homes being built in Little London, near Tadley, Hampshire. - Simon Czapp/Solent News & Photo Agency Carol Donner, 65, has lived in Little London for 13 years and said the area was being transformed. Mrs Donner said: We have this sign that says Welcome to Little London. We were going to put a sign underneath it and say Twinned with Greater London. Mrs Donner said she and other residents were now working together to stop the overdevelopment of the village. The retired teacher said: Theres quite a few of us that are getting together and we have met up and come up with ideas and things we need to do. Its an ancient village, theres not many houses and its got no infrastructure at all - we dont even have street lights. We have got nothing in the village at all and its just being concreted over by people who are being greedy. They are coming from London because they want a country pad and they are just going to concrete over here. Among the applications are plans for multiple houses, battery storage facilities, and conversions of barns into business units and event venues. Greed over need Mrs Donner added: Its just ridiculous. Its not a village where you can buy affordable houses because theres no infrastructure, even if you thought you could build affordable houses, its not the right place for them. Its greed over need and its the wrong houses in the wrong place. She continued: I looked at all the houses for sale within a two and a half mile radius and I stopped counting... 25 houses all over 700,000. I mean who is going to buy those houses? Its a very stoic village because theres nothing here and its not a place people move to. Theres just nothing here for them, this is the whole point. We cant stress this enough, this is just a village with some houses and a pub. A plan to build three detached houses in the village is one of the many applications that prompted a protest from residents. According to Mrs Donner, the proposed plan would transform stables into homes and she fears this will encourage other neighbours to do the same. The application led to 40 objections from frustrated locals, she said. Heart and soul She added: None of them are what we call nimby, they are people that have their heart and soul in the countryside and want to protect that. Why cant people go and build affordable houses on brownfield sites that people can afford to buy. We dont know who will be able to afford to buy them and none of the houses around here are cheap. Ms Donner added: The situation is appalling here... no sooner is the ink dry on one application than another one pops up. Kevin Chatburn, 69, who lives in neighbouring Tadley and is chairman of the Tadley and Pamber Rural Protection group, said: All of the houses that are being proposed in Pamber are typically 750,000 to 1.25 million so theyre being purchased by people from outside the area. They are not providing dwellings for those who are already living in the area particularly young people. Ive got relatives in their 30s and they have all moved out of the area completely because they cant buy anything here. Inappropriate Little London backs on to Pamber forest, which is described by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight trust as being one of the foremost important woodland sites outside of the New Forest. But the planning proposals threaten to destroy parts of this woodland. Mr Chatburn said his organisation worked with villagers to oppose inappropriate developments. He added: The landscape and visual amenity of the village is impacted by quite a lot of these developments. Objecting to the stable conversion proposal on the Basingstoke and Deane borough council planning portal, Gary Hills said: The proposed development is another attempt to extend the village into the surrounding farmland, expanding the footprint of the village. On behalf of Pamber parish council, Chris Gunnell wrote: There is no local need. At present there are at least 17 properties for sale in the area, there are 13 properties under construction in the parish and 30 yet to be constructed that have planning permission granted. There are 12 villages called Little London in the UK, although there used to be over 100. The name derives from the outbreak of the bubonic plague in 1665. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference at a charter school in Pensacola on Monday. DeSantis spoke alongside Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. at Warrington Preparatory Academy, which is described as a tuition-free public charter school for middle schoolers. Speaking at a podium labeled Florida is the education state, DeSantis touted his education policy victories, including the Parental Rights in Education Act and legislation that allows parents to challenge books in schools that they feel is inappropriate. DeSantis pointed to Warrington, a former embattled public school that was converted into a charter school, as a success story for public-to-charter school conversion. School officials said the conversion made a positive impact on students and staff. However, it appears that not everyone feels the same. Former teachers told local outlet WEAR the transformation has done little to change the schools culture. Rep. Jennifer Canady (R-Lakeland) appeared at the news conference to tout DeSantis education policies. Canady is a former teacher and now directs the RISE Institute at a Christian school in Lakeland. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Two bodies have been recovered in rural Oklahoma, a day after authorities confirmed four people had been arrested in the disappearance of two Kansas women. Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, both of Hugoton, Kansas, have been missing since late March. The Texas County Sheriffs Department in Oklahoma said the women were traveling to pick up children but never arrived at their destination. Sunday night, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) said two bodies had been recovered in rural Texas County, the same area they had been searching for Butler and Kelley. During a press conference Monday, authorities reiterated the bodies were transported to the medical examiners office to determine their identification, as well as the manner of death. Various agencies expressed their condolences to the families of Butler and Kelley in the press conference. When asked by reporters if there was any chance Butler and Kelley were still alive, Hunter McKee, the public information officer for OSBI, responded, No. Authorities also said there are no suspects at large, and they believe they have arrested the four people responsible in this case. On Saturday, the OSBI posted on Facebook that four people had been arrested. All four Tifany Adams, 54; Tad Cullum, 43; Cole Twombly, 50; and Cora Twombly, 44 were taken into custody on suspicion of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Community reacts to arrests made in connection to missing Kansas women Nexstars NewsNation reported Adams is the grandmother of Butlers children, and Cullum is Adams boyfriend. Authorities have yet to confirm any connection between those arrested and Butler and Kelley. The two women havent been seen since late March. Butlers family had told police the two women were traveling together to Eva, Oklahoma, to pick up Butlers two children, according to NewsNation. Kelley was the supervisor of the childhood visits for Butler, the report added. Butlers fiance was the one who became worried and started looking for the vehicle, NewsNations Laura Ingle reported. Investigators and family members have not indicated whether the grandmother who has custody of the children showed up at the gas station on March 30, the day they went missing. Authorities said Monday the children are safe, but did not provide additional details. The vehicle Butler and Kelley had been traveling in was previously found abandoned near a highway outside Elkhart, Kansas. NewsNation reported last week, according to sources, police believed Butler and Kelley had been shot, and blood was found near their abandoned vehicle. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation previously reported, based on the information investigators had obtained from the vehicle, they believed there was evidence to indicate foul play. While details were limited, authorities reiterated Monday the evidence they found and witness statements contributed to the arrests of the four people mentioned above. All four suspects are being held without bond in the Texas County Jail and are scheduled to make an initial court appearance Wednesday morning, said Texas County Court Clerk Renee Ellis. NewsNation and The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. Editor's note: This page reflects the news from Donald Trump's trial from Monday, April 15. For the latest news on the Trump trial, follow our live updates for Thursday, April 18. NEW YORK Former President Donald Trump's historic New York criminal trial for allegedly falsifying business records to disguise a hush money payment to a porn star and unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election started Monday. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee faces 34 felony counts that each carry a maximum sentence of four years, although New York law caps such sentences at 20 years. If he is convicted, many legal experts have said a realistic sentence ranges from probation to four years in prison, although Trump would likely remain free on appeal during the duration of the presidential election. The trial is the first of its kind. No former American president has ever been criminally indicted, although former President Richard Nixon may have faced that prospect if his former vice president, Gerald Ford, hadn't pardoned him. Keep up with USA TODAY's live updates from inside and outside the Manhattan courthouse: Trump trial live updates: Will we get 12 jurors on Day 3? Jury selection continues today. Day 1 of Trump New York hush money trial ends Judge Juan Merchan declared the close of proceedings Monday in the first criminal trial against a former U.S. president as a colorful pattern of potential jurors emerged. Diverse interests in prospective jury pool Many jurors were excused straight away when they indicated they couldn't be fair or impartial in the case, or couldn't participate for some other reason such as a scheduling conflict. But as individualized jury questioning got underway, remaining potential jurors described varied jobs, hobbies, and family lives. They described working as a prosecutor, a bookseller, a nurse, a creative director, and getting their news from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and a host of other outlets including USA TODAY and Fox News. Some liked hiking, others cooking. One, who was later excused, said she likes to "go to the club." Jury selection didn't begin until the afternoon, after the judge and lawyers handled procedural legal issues. Aysha Bagchi Dismissed juror speaks A man, who declined to give his name, walked out of criminal court with his jury identification in his pocket. His name was crossed out.He said the judge dismissed him from jury selection because his daughter had a wedding in early June in Seattle.He didnt have to answer any questions for the selection, but he believed Trump could get a fair trial.His challenge is that he's a public figure and there's a ton of information already, he said. Eduardo Cuevas Judge rejects Trump's request to be excused for Supreme Court immunity arguments After jurors were excused at the end of the day, Judge Juan Merchan rejected a request from Trump lawyer Todd Blanche to excuse the former president from the trial on April 25 so he can attend Supreme Court oral arguments in his criminal federal election interference case. The high court is reviewing whether Trump is immune from prosecution for official acts during his presidency. "Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal," Merchan said, adding that he can very much understand why Trump would want to be there. However, Merchan said he wouldn't alter the plans for the criminal case on that basis. Aysha Bagchi Trump Media stock price plummets Monday While Trump was in court Monday, his Trump Media & Technology Group shares plummeted more than 18% after the company took steps to sell millions of additional shares. Trump Media, the parent company of social media platform Truth Social, filed to register up to 146.1 million shares for sale, including nearly 115 million owned by Trump personally. The company also listed the potential sale of another 21.5 million shares linked to warrants contracts that give investors the right to buy or sell a stock at a specific price within a certain time frame. Trump Medias market cap and Trumps net worth both tied to the companys stock have taken a hit as its stock price has dipped. The companys market value as of Monday was more than $3.5 billion, down from a peak of nearly $8 billion. Bailey Schulz Trump glares at reporter who said he appeared to be sleeping in court As Trump walked out of the courtroom during a short break in the afternoon's proceedings, he glared at New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman for several seconds. Haberman reported earlier in the day that Trump appeared to be sleeping in the courtroom. She said she saw his head drop down repeatedly and his mouth go slack. Haberman has reported on Trump for years and wrote a 2022 book about him titled, "Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America." Aysha Bagchi Individual jury questioning begins Individualized questioning of potential jurors has begun as the New Yorkers orally respond to 42 jury questions Judge Juan Merchan decided on before trial. A young woman is the first to respond orally to each item from the questionnaire, which she is reading silently. Donald Trump appears to be reading the questions silently at the table as he listens to the responses. Aysha Bagchi More than half of first-round potential Trump jurors say they can't be impartial Judge Juan Merchan excused at least 50 potential jurors from a group he earlier said included 96 New Yorkers because they indicated they couldn't be fair and impartial in the case. A handful of the potential jurors were wearing masks. At least nine more potential jurors were excused after they indicated they couldn't serve for other reasons that weren't disclosed, leaving about 34 potential jurors. It was a speedy whittling-down of the first group of potential jurors to be sworn in as former President Donald Trump goes on trial over whether he falsified business records to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Aysha Bagchi Former President Donald Trump attends the first day of his hush money trial in New York City on April 15, 2024. Judge instructs potential jurors on being fair Judge Juan Merchan told prospective jurors that fair jurors will remain impartial and will guard against various stereotypes, asking themselves if their views on the defendant would be different if the defendant had a different political affiliation, among other attributes. Merchan also explained that the jurors are the judges of the facts in the case, while Merchan's job is to judge and instruct them on the law. Donald Trump has largely been looking at Merchan while the judge addresses the potential jurors, but he has occasionally looked at the jury box where some prospective jurors are sitting. Aysha Bagchi Jurors are sworn in as judge begins opening remarks At 2:34 p.m. ET, the first batch of potential jurors was sworn in. Judge Juan Merchan instructed the jury about the case and introduced the lawyers as well as Donald Trump. Both sides, including Trump, stood up after they were introduced and turned to face the potential jurors. Merchan gave the New Yorkers a brief description of the charges Trump faces. Merchan explained that the jury will have 12 jurors, and there will also be alternate jurors who would be called upon to join the jury if one of the 12 isn't able to complete the full trial. Aysha Bagchi Judge moves Trump contempt hearing up one day, to April 23 Judge Juan Merchan moved the date for a hearing over whether Donald Trump violated a gag order and should be held in contempt in the New York hush money case. The hearing will now be held on Tuesday, April 23, one day sooner than originally planned. Prosecutor Christopher Conroy argued earlier in the day that Trump should be held in contempt and fined $3,000 for three social media posts that Conroy said violated the judge's prohibition on Trump publicly commenting on the participation of potential witnesses. Merchan didn't announce any change to the deadline for Trump's legal team to respond in writing to the prosecution's allegations in advance of the hearing: it remains April 19. Aysha Bagchi Former President Donald Trump arrives at a criminal court in New York City on April 15, 2024. Potential Trump jurors begin going through security At 2:05 p.m. ET potential jurors began going through the security that's in place before they can enter the courtroom for Donald Trump's hush money trial. Judge Juan Merchan has already decided on 42 questions the jury candidates will be asked. Prosecutors and the Trump defense team will also be able to ask follow-up questions. Merchan isn't allowing questions about whether jurors voted for Trump or intend to vote for him. But he has allowed several questions that could reveal a juror's political preferences. For example, potential jurors will be asked if they've ever attended either a Trump rally or an anti-Trump rally, and whether they have ever followed Trump or an anti-Trump group on social media. If potential jurors' answers indicate they probably can't be impartial in the case, Merchan has said he will strike them from consideration. For any potential jurors Merchan doesn't excuse from further service, the two sides will have the option of disqualifying them themselves, though that power isn't unlimited. Aysha Bagchi What is a Sandoval hearing? If you've been following Donald Trump's criminal hush money case so far, you may have heard the term "Sandoval hearing" earlier in the day. But what does the term mean? It's basically a short hearing that happens before trials. A judge is asked what previous actions or factors can be brought up during a trial, weighing the potential impact on the case at large. Marina Pitofsky As Trump goes on trial, asylum seekers a block away navigate immigration system A block from Donald Trumps trial, New York's Federal Plaza had a steady flow of patrons Monday morning for immigration court. The city has faced the arrival of nearly 200,000 migrants, many bused in from the U.S.-Mexico border, in the past two years. Under a treelined path outside the federal building, Alex Rojas, a 24-year-old Venezuelan man, read his book, Red White & Royal Blue, an LGBTQ romance novel by Casey McQuiston. The Manhattan criminal courthouse, where Trump was on trial for hiding hush money payments, loomed behind Rojas. He's been in the U.S. for six months, without a work permit, and is seeking political asylum due to dangers of violence toward gay people in Venezuela. Rojas, who hopes to work as a physical therapist, admitted he didnt know much about American politics, but he knew about Trumps stance on immigration. I think hes going to deport all of us from here, Rojas said, with nervous laughter. I dont think he likes migrants much, even less Venezuelans. As court adjourned for lunch, Rojas also left, heading back to his shelter in the Bronx. Hed return to Manhattan in the morning, as would Trump, to appear in court. Eduardo Cuevas 96 jurors to be called in for initial questioning Judge Juan Merchan said 96 jurors will be called in for initial questioning as the jury selection process gets underway in Donald Trump's New York hush money case. In total, Merchan said 500 prospective jurors have been called on for service in the case. We are waiting for prospective jurors to arrive in the courtroom. Aysha Bagchi Protestors march along Centre Street in New York City before Former President Donald Trump arrived at NY Criminal Court on Monday morning, April 15, 2024. Judge will hold hearing on whether to hold Donald Trump in contempt April 24 Following a lunch break, Judge Juan Merchan declared he will hold a hearing on Wednesday, April 24 about whether Donald Trump violated a gag order through posts on his Truth Social media platform and should be held in contempt. Prosecutor Christopher Conroy earlier in the day argued Merchan should hold Trump in contempt and fine him $3,000 or $1,000 for each of three alleged violations. Merchan told Trump's legal team to file its response on the gag order allegations by April 19. Aysha Bagchi Trial schedule: Holidays, Barron Trump's high school graduation and more While Donald Trump's hush money trial is expected to extend six to eight weeks, the former president won't be in the courtroom every day. Judge Juan Merchan said Tuesday that the trial will take a break on Wednesdays for its duration, and there will not be any trial on April 29, NBC News reported. The judge also said there will not be any trial dates that would conflict with religious observances. That could include Passover, though the courtroom hours could simply be cut short on April 22 and 23. The case will also potentially adjourn for the high school graduation of Barron Trump, Donald Trump's youngest son, next month. Marina Pitofsky Police investigating bomb threat at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's home Police say they are investigating a bomb threat targeting the home of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Monday morning, according to the Associated Press. Law enforcement official said a 911 caller reported the threat just before 9 a.m. ET. It's not the first time Bragg has faced an emergency situation in recent months. A powdery substance was discovered last month in a threatening letter in a mailroom at Bragg's offices, the AP reported. Marina Pitofsky Prosecutor wants Donald Trump held in contempt, $3,000 fine, for alleged gag order violations Prosecutor Christopher Conroy asked Judge Juan Merchan to hold Donald Trump in contempt and fine him $3,000 for allegedly violating the judge's gag order. The order prohibits Trump from publicly commenting on the participation of potential witnesses in the case. Conroy pointed to three Trump social media posts that he said each warrant a $1,000 fine. One post featured a statement from Michael Avenatti, who was once a lawyer for Stormy Daniels, that it is "outrageous that Cohen and Daniels can do countless TV interviews" talking badly about Trump, but Trump is gagged if he responds. Trump reposted the comment along with his own thanks to Avenatti "for revealing the truth about two sleaze bags" who have hurt the country with lies. In 2022, Avenatti was convicted of identify theft and wire fraud for stealing from Daniels and sentenced to several years in prison. Conroy also said Trump violated the gag order by posting a photograph of a publicly available 2018 statement by Daniels denying she had a sexual encounter with Trump. A further violation allegedly occurred when Trump posted about Cohen, asking, "Has disgraced attorney and felon Michael Cohen been prosecuted for LYING?" Trump lawyer Todd Blanche said the defense would like the chance to respond in writing. The judge didn't make an immediate decision. Aysha Bagchi Was Donald Trump falling asleep at hush money trial? The former president appeared to nod off before the trial's lunch break, closing his eyes briefly and jerking awake multiple times, according to several reports. Marina Pitofsky Will Trump testify in his hush money case? Trump said on Friday that he will testify at the trial. "Im testifying. I tell the truth. I mean, all I can do is tell the truth. And the truth is that there's no case, they have no case," Trump said at a Palm Beach press conference. However, the former president has backed out of testifying before. In his New York civil fraud case, Trump was forced to testify under a state subpoena when the state attorney general's office was putting on its case. At that time, Trump's legal team didn't ask him a single question on cross-examination. Trump later said he would testify when it was the defense's turn to call their own witnesses. But the day before his scheduled testimony, he backed out. Aysha Bagchi Court takes a lunch break The proceedings in the Manhattan courtroom have paused until 1:30 p.m. ET. Marina Pitofsky E. Jean Carroll deposition will not be allowed in Trump trial Judge Juan Merchan on Monday also said prosecutors cannot show a deposition from columnist E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s. A jury last year found Trump liable of sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her. In January, a jury also ruled that Trump must pay the columnist $83.3 million in damages for defamation. But on Monday, Merchan warned that Carroll's deposition could risk "building in a trial into a trial." Marina Pitofsky Anti-Trump press conference takes place near courtroom A few blocks from the courtroom at nearby Foley Square, a group of anti-Trump protestors gathered for a press conference. Advocates held up large orange letters reading No one is above the law as a series of speakers addressed the election interference charges against the former president. In a federal case and state-level case in Georgia, Donald Trump is accused of trying to steal the 2020 election from President Joe Biden. Robert Weisman, president of the non-profit Public Citizen spoke from a podium emblazoned with Election interference is a crime." Anna Kaufman What is hush money? Hush money is a wide-ranging term used to refer to paying someone to not speak publicly about an issue. It's not necessarily illegal, so why is Donald Trump in court over a hush money case? The former president isnt actually charged with making a $130,000 payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels in exchange for a non-disclosure agreement. Instead, he's accused of falsifying business records to hide the payment. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the payments to Daniels and another woman, former Playboy model Karen McDougal, as part of a catch-and-kill strategy to prevent the women from telling their stories. But the criminal charges are that Trump falsified his companys business records to conceal the payments. Bart Jansen Donald Trump rails against Michael Cohen, despite gag order The former president has shown a penchant for launching accusations and insults towards judges, prosecutors and potential witnesses he deems hostile, but he could face fines or even jail time if Judge Juan Merchan determines it runs afoul of a gag order. Based on what Merchan described as a history of "threatening, inflammatory, denigrating" statements against officials, court staff, and prosecutors, the judge issued an order barring Trump from publicly commenting about the participation of potential witnesses in the case, such as porn star Stormy Daniels and former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen. Despite the gag order's restriction on comments about witnesses, Trump posted on Saturday "Has disgraced attorney and felon Michael Cohen been prosecuted for LYING?" Merchan also prohibited public statements about court staff and prosecution lawyers other than Bragg, as well as their family members, if the comments are meant to significantly interfere with their work in the case. Days after that order was issued, Trump attacked Merchan's daughter in a series of posts on Trump's Truth Social media platform, calling her "a Rabid Trump Hater" and posting a photo of her, leading the judge to expand the gag order to prohibit the former president from publicly commenting on Merchan's or Bragg's family members if the comments are meant to significantly interfere with work in the case. Aysha Bagchi Jury won't watch 'Access Hollywood' tape, judge reiterates Judge Juan Merchan previously ruled that the jury in Donald Trump's hush money trial can hear testimony about Trump's comments on the infamous 'Access Hollywood' tape, but can't watch the tape. Merchan reiterated that ruling on Monday, saying he continues to regard the video as too prejudicial against Trump to be permitted in the trial. In the tape, Trump crudely describes grabbing women. The release of the tape in early October of 2016 is important context for Trump's alleged $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, according to prosecutors. They say he feared another scandal would further endanger his standing with women voters in the fast-approaching election. For that reason, Trump authorized the payment by former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, which constituted a campaign contribution in excess of federal campaign finance limits, prosecutors say. One reason Trump faces felony charges of falsifying business records, as opposed to misdemeanors, is that the alleged falsification was done to conceal that separate federal crime, prosecutors say. Aysha Bagchi Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024, in New York City. Former President Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. Why did Michael Cohen go to prison? Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former attorney, pleaded guilty in 2018 to concealing more than $4 million from the IRS and "causing $280,000 in payments to be made to silence two women who otherwise planned to speak publicly about their alleged affairs with a presidential candidate, thereby intending to influence the 2016 presidential election," according to court records. Prosecutors said Cohen arranged a $150,000 payment to McDougal and a $130,000 payment to Daniels. Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison but was released early to home detention because of the spread of COVID-19. Bart Jansen A pickup truck adorned with Trump flags drives down Lafayette Street near the NY Criminal Court where jury selection got underway in Former President Donald Trump's crimiminal trial Monday, April 15, 2024. Donald Trump's supporters gather to demonstrate outside Manhattan courthouse Among the crowd outside the courtroom was Vish Burra, 33, the executive secretary of the New York Young Republican Club, which helped organize the protest. Sporting a black Make America Great Again hat, Burra, a former aide to embattled former Rep. George Santos, scanned the crowd and captured some videos of anti-Trump protesters on his phone. He voted for Obama in 2012 but is now an ardent supporter of Trump. Free trade, immigration policy, and anti-war beliefs brought him into the GOP. Donald Trump didnt start any new wars when he was president and not only that but his strong presence kept people at peace, kept people at bay. Anna Kaufman Judge Juan Merchan says jury won't hear about Melania Trump's pregnancy during alleged affair Attorneys and Judge Juan Merchan are addressing a series of issues this morning about what testimony and evidence can be introduced in the trial. Merchan tentatively ruled in the morning that Melania Trump's pregnancy during an alleged affair between Trump and former Playboy model Karen McDougal can't be shared with the jury. Merchan previously ruled that the prosecution can call McDougal to the witness stand even though Trump isn't charged with falsifying business records to cover up an alleged hush money payment she received. McDougal has said she and the real estate mogul had an affair over many months, which Trump denies. In the earlier ruling, Merchan said McDougal's testimony about steps taken to secure her story "complete the narrative" in the prosecution's case. However, Merchan said Monday he doesn't believe "at this moment" that testimony or evidence about Melania Trump's pregnancy is necessary. Aysha Bagchi 'It's going to backfire' Bijaya Acharya, 32, slept just a couple hours after finishing driving for Uber so he could take the train from Queens to see Donald Trump leave Trump Tower in the morning ahead of his trial. Then, Acharya, donning the iconic red Make America Great Again hat, went to the lower Manhattan courthouse to support the former president. Acharya, a native of Nepal, lives in Jackson Heights, a diverse, immigrant Queens neighborhood, in one of the worlds most diverse, immigrant cities. Still, he supports Trump because of his push to crack down on crime and illegal immigration, two issues Acharya said he sees in New York City. Since becoming a citizen in 2021, he plans to vote in his first presidential election. He believes the trial only helps Trumps chances of winning: Its going to backfire, he said. Its not going to hurt him. Acharya planned to stay outside the courthouse until the afternoon. He normally worked at night, anyway. Eduardo Cuevas What will potential jurors be asked in Trump's NY case? Ahead of trial, Merchan decided on a list of 42 questions the potential jurors will be asked, with both sides also having a chance to ask follow-up questions. Several of the questions could help the trial teams figure out if a potential juror has a bias when it comes to Trump that could undermine the ability to be impartial. For example, potential jurors will be asked if they've ever attended a Trump or anti-Trump rally, and whether they follow Trump or an anti-Trump group on social media. But jurors will also be asked basic biographical information, like where they live, whether they're married, whether a loved one has ever been a victim of a crime. Aysha Bagchi Looking for an unbiased jury in Donald Trump's hush money case Starting Monday, Donald Trump's and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's trial teams will each be working to select 12 jurors and several alternates who give them the best odds of winning. Each side will get a limited number of "peremptory strikes" essentially vetoes they can use to exclude potential jurors. Judge Juan Merchan will also be tasked with striking jurors whose responses to questions indicate they probably can't be impartial. It's a case that turns some of the normal ways of thinking about jury selection on their head, according to Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, a seasoned jury consultant who assisted O.J. Simpson's murder trial defense team. "In a normal criminal case, it is the prosecution that's looking for the white, older male, and it is the defense that's looking for the minority individual, the anti-police individual but in this case it's actually reversed," Dimitrius told USA TODAY. Aysha Bagchi Judge Juan Merchan denies Trump's recusal push over his daughter Trial Judge Juan Merchan entered the courtroom and began his remarks in the proceedings by denying a Trump motion for his own recusal. Trump's legal team argued in the motion that a marketing agency headed by the judge's daughter benefits reputationally and financially by targeting Trump, rendering the judge's role in the case improper. The agency does work for Democratic political candidates. In rejecting that argument, Merchan noted an opinion from the New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics that Merchan's impartiality couldn't be reasonably questioned based on his daughter's work because Trump's case doesn't involve her business. Merchan already rejected a Trump motion for Merchan's recusal in August. Trump argued in the new motion that his success in the Republican primaries since August has "cemented his status as a political target" of the daughter's agency. "The court will not address this matter further," Merchan said Monday. Aysha Bagchi More: Donald Trump loses Hail Mary call for judge's recusal ahead of New York hush money trial Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles: Donald Trump's lawyers They arent household names yet like their universally known client, Donald Trump. But the lawyers trying to keep the former president out of prison in his New York hush money trial Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles likely will become minor celebrities once the court battle gets going this week. A year ago, when a grim-faced Trump made history as the first former president to face criminal charges, Blanche and Necheles sat by his side as he pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records associated with hush money payments to two women. Blanche, who usually does talking in court on the hush-money case, told reporters that Trump was determined to fight the charges. "He's frustrated, he's upset," Blanche said. "It's not going to stop him." Josh Meyer 'The circus' Donald Trump's hush money trial in New York marks a historic moment: The first time a former president has even been on trial and facing criminal charges. The unprecedented case is also set against the backdrop of one of the busiest cities in the world. Before the trial started on Monday, Mike Jamison, 67, of Philadelphia, stood alone against the barricades opposite the courthouse. While visiting his brother in Brooklyn, he said he stopped by the courthouse for the circus. He is a Democrat who planned to vote again for President Joe Biden.I think he should get convicted, Jamison said of Trump. But who knows, you know? It only takes one juror. Eduardo Cuevas Who is Karen McDougal? Karen McDougal is a former Playboy model. She indirectly received a hush money payment in 2016 after claiming to have an affair with Donald Trump. Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, funneled the money through the publication National Enquirer owned by American Media Inc., under a "catch and kill" approach, paying the tabloid to buy rights to her story and prevent her from telling anyone else about it. McDougal has since spoken out about her affair with Trump, saying it lasted for about 10 months starting in 2006. He denies the allegation. Kinsey Crowley Donald Trump begins fundraising off of trial Minutes after Donald Trump entered the courtroom, his campaign texted out solicitations for donations, saying I'M IN COURT NOW! in an all-caps message. Trump said in the text, They're trying to DESTROY ME - BUT YOU CAN STOP THEM! The former president has long claimed that the criminal charges against him are targeting his reelection campaign, though there's no evidence of that. David Jackson Who is Alvin Bragg? Last year, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg became the first prosecutor to secure a criminal indictment against a former president. On Monday the world's attention will turn to Bragg as Trump's trial on 34 counts of falsifying business records begins. In 2022, Bragg's office won convictions against two parts of the Trump Organization and its chief financial officer. Allen Weisselberg was sentenced to five months in prison after pleading guilty to 15 charges in a scheme to avoid taxes. Two Trump corporations were fined a combined $1.6 million for convictions of 17 felonies. Bragg said company officials have to play by the rules and that Weisselberg used his position to get lavish perks such as a rent-free Manhattan apartment, multiple Mercedes Benz cars and private school tuition for his grandchildren all without paying required taxes. Bart Jansen Who is Stormy Daniels? Stormy Daniels alleged that Donald Trump had consensual sex with her in 2006 months after Melania Trump gave birth to Barron Trump. Trumps then-attorney and personal fixer, Michael Cohen, paid $130,000 to Daniels just before the 2016 election to silence claims that she had an affair with Trump after she was willing to go public about the scandal. Sudiksha Kochi Protestors march along Centre Street in New York City before Former President Donald Trump arrived at NY Criminal Court Monday morning, April 15, 2024. Donald Trump: Im very honored to be here Donald Trump gave a one-minute statement to reporters before entering the courtroom, alleging without evidence that his hush-money trial is political persecution and an assault on America. Trump cited unnamed legal scholars calling the case nonsense. Its a case that should have never been brought Trump said, adding Im very honored to be here. Bart Jansen Andrew Giuliani, son of former NYC Mayor and Trump advisor Rudolph Giuliani, speaks with a reporter outside 100 Centre Street in New York Monday, April 15, 2024. Former President Donald Trump was inside NY Criminal Court Monday where a jury was being selected for his trial. Andrew Giuliani calls for 'unbiased jurors' in Trump hush money case Andrew Giuliani, son of longtime Trump advisor and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, stood among a mix of reporters and Trump supporters waving flags. He acknowledged the difficulty with jury selection because so many have opinions about the president. But he believed if people looked at the facts of the case, Trump would be acquitted. You need two or three in there, even one, Andrew Giuliani said. But two or three, that way you dont have one that gets bullied around by the others. Im just hopeful that you do have a few unbiased jurors in there. Eduardo Cuevas Donald Trump arrives in the courtroom Former President Donald Trump just entered the Manhattan courtroom for the first day of his New York criminal trial. He is wearing a dark suit and red tie. It's an unprecedented moment. Trump is the first former president ever to face criminal charges. He faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover-up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in advance of the 2016 presidential election. The court has estimated the trial will last between six and eight weeks. Jury selection alone could last several days or even multiple weeks. Aysha Bagchi Donald Trump arrives in court for his arraignment proceeding at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 4, 2023, in New York City. His trial begins April 15, 2024. How many indictments does Trump have? Trump has been indicted on 91 charges across four separate criminal cases. However, some of those charges have since been dismissed, bringing the current total to 88. In Trump's New York case accusing him of making hush money payments before the 2016 election, he faces 34 felony counts In the federal case accusing Trump of mishandling classified documents, Trump is charged with 40 felony counts Trump also faces a federal case accusing him of trying to steal the 2020 election from President Joe Biden. He faces 4 felony counts there In the Georgia case accusing him of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the Peach State, the former president 10 felony counts. Kinsey Crowley & Bart Jansen Why is Donald Trump on trial? The trial will feature some salacious allegations. Prosecutors claim Trump falsified records to conceal that he was reimbursing his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Daniels has said she had sex with the real estate mogul shortly after his wife, Melania Trump, gave birth to their son, Barron. Trump denies Daniels' claim, and has pleaded not guilty in the case. The charges are felonies, as opposed to misdemeanors, because prosecutors claim Trump falsified the records in order to conceal violating federal election laws through a payment that was meant to help his 2016 presidential campaign but exceeded campaign contribution limits. The payment was made less than two weeks before the 2016 election. Prosecutors also allege the records were falsified in order to violate New York tax and election laws. Aysha Bagchi Small (but passionate) crowd gathers outside Trump trial Outside the Manhattan courtroom where the former president's criminal hush money trial was set to begin Monday, the press and police presence seemed to outnumber the protestors significantly. A large flag that red Trump 2024: Save America waved above a small crowd demonstrators who appeared to support the president. On the other side of a set of barricades, protestors criticizing the president walked silently behind a banner reading no one is above the law. A few nearby Trump supporters shouted at them, one with a bullhorn who repeated Donald Trump did nothing wrong Jamie Bauer, who is part of Rise and Resist which formed after Trumps election says the group has come out to protest every case. They want to provoke us so that it will look like theyre the victims of left-wing aggression they said of the pro-Trump crowd. Anna Kaufman Key players in Trump's hush money trial Donald Trumps former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, and porn actress Stormy Daniels, who received $130,000 to keep quiet before the 2016 election are the key witnesses expected at his New York trial. Cohen arranged the payment to Daniels, in exchange for her signing a non-disclosure agreement about her claim she had sex with Trump in 2006 while he was married to Melania Trump. Cohen pleaded guilty and spent time in prison on charges including a campaign finance violation for influencing the 2016 election. Trump has blasted Cohen as unreliable because he is a convicted perjurer and disbarred lawyer. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, said she was eager to sign the non-disclosure agreement to get the episode behind her. Trump has denied having a relationship with her. He has argued he was paying Cohen and that he was unaware of money going to Daniels. Trump could also potentially testify, as he did at his civil fraud trial. Bart Jansen Donald Trump arrives at NY courthouse Donald Trump has arrived at the Manhattan courthouse where he's facing sweeping criminal charges in a hush money case. Marina Pitofsky What time does the Trump trial start today? Proceedings are expected to begin at 9:30 ET on Monday morning in the Manhattan courtroom where Donald Trump is facing sweeping criminal charges. Remember, jury selection begins in the case on Monday, so lawyers won't be presenting their cases just yet. But that will come soon: The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks in total. Marina Pitofsky How long will Trump's trial last? Here's a timeline The trial will last about six-to-eight weeks, according to a court media advisory. The trial will start with jury selection Monday, which could be an especially lengthy process given many potential jurors will likely have opinions about former President Donald Trump that both sides may want to explore. New York law requires unanimity from a 12-person jury to convict a criminal defendant in a felony case. Normally, the trial would then proceed into opening arguments, which give both sides the chance to provide an outline to jurors of what they believe the evidence will show, followed by the prosecution calling witnesses to testify and introducing evidence. The defense will try to poke holes in the prosecution's case through cross-examination, and then will have the option of putting calling its own witnesses and introducing its own evidence. Finally, the parties will give closing arguments, and the jury will be tasked with rendering a verdict. Aysha Bagchi Where can I watch the Trump trial? The trial won't be televised, as is typical in New York courts. Reporters will be present in the courtroom and an overflow room that will have a live stream of the proceedings. Trump may hold press conferences outside of court and speak to reporters in the courthouse hallway. Aysha Bagchi Quiet morning waiting for Donald Trump's trial to start There appear to be more reporters than demonstrators before Donald Trumps trial started Monday morning in lower Manhattan.Police have barricades down the middle of Collect Pond Park, across the street from the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Last year, when prosecutors arraigned Trump, the barricades separated pro-Trump demonstrators with those against the former president. On Monday, the crowds appear to be mixed, waiting. A few held signs against Trump. There was one large pro-Trump flag waving near the courthouse. Eduardo Cuevas What happens if Trump is found guilty? Trump could theoretically face more than a decade in prison if he's convicted on all counts in the criminal hush money case. But several legal experts told USA TODAY such a dramatic outcome is unlikely. Instead, Trump would likely face a sentence between probation and four years of prison, and he would probably still be out to freely campaign in the 2024 presidential election while his all-but-certain appeal ran its course. If Trump were sentenced to jail or prison time, it's also unclear what that would look like. As a former president, he enjoys around-the-clock Secret Service protection, and no former president has ever been prosecuted. Special accommodations may be needed at a jail or prison, and the sentencing judge could also consider alternative arrangements such as house arrest or placement at some other secure location. Aysha Bagchi What's happening today in Donald Trump's trial? Jury selection is scheduled to start Monday and last several days, if not multiple weeks. The process will involve Trump's legal team and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office wrangling over who should make it into the pool of 12 jurors and several alternates who will be tasked with deciding whether Trump is guilty. The former president lost a flurry of motions and appeals in recent days seeking to delay the proceedings. But unlike in his three other criminal cases, which deal with allegations that he tried to illegally steal the 2020 presidential election and mishandled classified documents, delay tactics haven't allowed him to avoid the start of this trial. Aysha Bagchi Donald Trump's campaign addresses charges, witnesses and judge Donald Trumps campaign issued a statement late Sunday dubbed a trial fact sheet as jury selection begins in his New York hush-money case, including that he did nothing wrong and the trial is a full-frontal assault on American Democracy. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide payments to Stormy Daniels, before the 2016 election. Trumps fact sheet says Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, campaigned in 2021 on the potential to prosecute Trump. Bragg campaigned noting he sued Trump more than 100 times while working at the state Attorney Generals Office. Trumps statement also notes that case relies on testimony from his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who is a convicted felon, perjurer and disbarred lawyer. The statement also complained about Judge Juan Merchans bizarre schedule for the trial, as appeals linger to dismiss charges. This is an unprecedented abuse of our legal system, Trumps statement said about the trial. Bart Jansen Donald Trump lost several bids to delay his hush money trial A series of New York judges this month rejected pleas from former President Donald Trump to delay the criminal trial. In one request, Trump said Judge Juan Merchan should delay the trial until after the Supreme Court has ruled on the scope of presidential immunity in a separate Trump case dealing with federal election interference charges. The high court is scheduled to hear arguments on that issue April 25. But Merchan said Trump raised the argument too late. Trump only made the argument in March, almost a year after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the charges on April 4, 2023. On Friday, Merchan rejected a separate Trump delay request based on his argument that pre-trial publicity about the case created unfair prejudice against him. Merchan said the right way to address that concern is to have a thorough jury selection process. In addition, last week three different judges from a New York appeals court each rejected last-minute delay requests from Trump. The former president argued he should get a delay until the appeals court rules on his arguments for moving the trial out of Manhattan and tossing out Merchan's limited gag order against him, and until Merchan rules on his latest request for Merchan's recusal. Aysha Bagchi This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump trial Day 1 recap: How the hush money case kicked off By Patricia Zengerle, Richard Cowan and David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives will consider aid to Israel and Ukraine as separate legislation this week, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson said on Monday, more than two months after the Senate passed a bill combining the two. Leaving a meeting of House Republicans on Monday evening, Johnson said the narrowly divided chamber would consider four bills altogether that would also include aid to Taiwan, U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific and U.S. national security priorities. "We know that the world is watching us to see how we react," Johnson told reporters. "They're watching to see if America will stand up for its allies and in our own interest around the globe. And we will." U.S. aid has been delayed by Johnson's unwillingness to consider a $95 billion bipartisan bill the Senate passed in February, including $14 billion for Israel as well as $60 billion for Ukraine. Also included were billions to strengthen allies in the Indo-Pacific, where China is becoming more assertive, and for international humanitarian aid. Johnson said the new House bills provide roughly the same amount of foreign aid as the Senate bill but would include differences including some aid in the form of a loan. Republicans aim to release legislative text as early as Tuesday morning but will observe a 72-hour review period before voting. Johnson said votes on passage could come late on Friday. The push to pass the aid gained urgency after Iran's weekend missile and drone attack on Israel despite fierce opposition in the deeply divided Congress. Three of the four bills Johnson suggested would cover Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific. The makeup of the fourth was not immediately clear. Backers had insisted the broad foreign aid measure passed with 70% support in the Senate would have received similar support in the House. However, Johnson had given a variety of reasons to delay, among them the need to focus taxpayer dollars on domestic issues and reluctance to take up a Senate measure without more information. Johnson also faces a threat from a hard-right Republicans to oust him as speaker if he allows the Ukraine aid to move ahead. Many on the right, especially those closely allied with former President Donald Trump, who has been skeptical of assisting Kyiv in its fight against Russia, fiercely oppose sending billions more dollars to Ukraine. The House Freedom Caucus - a group of Republican hardliners with about three dozen members - released a statement on Monday calling for aid to Israel, but not to Ukraine, and rejecting as "bogus" any suggestion that the attack on Israel should help ease the path toward more funds for Kyiv. Representative Andy Biggs, a Freedom Caucus member, told reporters he liked the idea of separate bills, but had to see them before committing to voting for them. DEFENSE INDUSTRY WATCHING The issue is closely watched by industry. U.S. defense contractors could be in line for huge contracts to supply equipment for Ukraine and other U.S. partners if the additional funding passes. Aid supporters stress that approving the Ukraine bill would create many American jobs. The White House has been pushing Johnson to allow a vote, as have Senate Republicans and Democrats. "If House Republicans put the Senate supplemental (spending bill) on the floor, I believe it would pass today, reach the president's desk tonight and Israel would get the aid it needs by tomorrow," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in the Senate on Monday. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell told his fellow lawmakers: "Its also time for Congress to deliver the urgent investments that our industrial base, our forces, and our partners will need to meet and out-compete the growing and linked threats we face." The top House Democrat, Representative Hakeem Jeffries, sent a letter to his caucus on Monday spelling out the need to support Ukraine as well as Israel. "The gravely serious events of this past weekend in the Middle East and Eastern Europe underscore the need for Congress to act immediately. We must take up the bipartisan and comprehensive national security bill passed by the Senate forthwith," Jeffries wrote. Ukraine appealed again to allies on Monday for "extraordinary and bold steps" to supply air defenses to help defend against waves of Russian airstrikes that have targeted its energy system in recent weeks. (This story has refiled to add the missing word 'to' in the headline) (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, David Morgan and Richard Cowan; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Lincoln Feast.) Look: Firefighters rescue dog from fourth-story balcony in California April 15 (UPI) -- Firefighters in California rescued a dog who wandered out onto a balcony and became stranded. The Orange County Fire Authority said a crew responded alongside Irvine Police Animal Services personnel when a dog was spotted atop a balcony railing on the fourth floor of a building. The OCFA said on social media that the dog "went out the door and the door closed behind it -- with nobody home." Firefighters used an aerial ladder bucket to reach the precariously balanced canine and bring it safely back down to solid ground. Loretta Lynn's granddaughter opens up about getting eliminated from 'American Idol': 'I know I'm chosen' Emmy Russell is reflecting on her American Idol journey. The singer, 25, who is the granddaughter of late country legend Loretta Lynn, was eliminated from the singing competition on May 12 after making it to the top five. "I didn't make top three, but that was God's plan," she said in an Instagram video on May 13. "It's funny because before I got eliminated I really felt like I think God told me, he was like, 'Emmy, you're not going to be chosen by America, but I chose you.' And so there was no sense of, 'Why wasn't I chosen?' I know I'm chosen. It's like, whenever a boy is like, 'I don't want to go out with you anymore.' And you're like, 'OK, but I know I'm loved.'" Russell also thinks she can grow from her experience. "And so for me, the point of being here is you can be yourself and be successful. Don't run from rejection of pain and facing hard things," she said. Russell also pointed to Miley Cyrus' hit "The Climb," which she sang on "American Idol." "I really think that she says it best. It's like sometimes you're going to have to lose. It's not about how fast you get there. It's not about what's waiting on the other side. It's the climb." Russell raised eyebrows when she covered one of her grandmas most iconic songs on the April 29 episode of "American Idol." She played piano and delivered a stripped-down version of Lynn's 1970 song, Coal Miners Daughter, which Lynn wrote based on her experiences growing up in rural Kentucky. We were poor but we had love / Thats the one thing that Daddy made sure of / He shoveled coal to make a poor mans dollar, Russell sang in the first verse. Russells voice seemed to break with emotion as she delivered the final lines of the song: Not much left but the floors, nothing lives here anymore / Except the memories of a coal miners daughter. Heres a look at how the young singer has honored her grandmothers memory throughout her time on American Idol. Emmy Russell sang Loretta Lynn's signature song, Coal Miners Daughter Russell opened up about the emotional experience of singing Lynns best-known song in a tearful Instagram video the day after her performance. I just was closing my eyes and I was listening back to Coal Miners Daughter, whenever I did it on 'American Idol,' and I just saw, like, a vision of me being up in heaven, Russell said through tears in the video. I just saw God just bring my grandma, and me just really give her a deep hug of, like, I miss you, I love you, and I feel like you get it now, she continued. She added that the experience of singing her grandma's song brought on healing to my heart. Many fans praised Russells performance, which earned her a spot in the Top 7. She kept the vocal in such a soft storytelling mode, but with a few higher notes to make an emphasis, one person commented on the official YouTube video of her performance. Her grandmother is looking down proud, along with her friend, Patsy Cline. Best performance of the season. She needs to release this as a cover, another person wrote. I believe its pretty rare for an artist to sing an enormously popular song and make me believe they are telling me their own life story. That was absolutely amazing and such a beautiful way to honor her grandma, another fan commented. Emmy Russell sang an original song on Loretta Lynn's birthday On April 14, Russell sang her original song, Want You, for her Top 20 performance on "American Idol." Many fans praised Russells vocals and songwriting, with one person calling her authentic and timeless. This performance is like a painting, the fan commented on the official YouTube video of her performance. Shes got soul. What a songwriter too. Emmy Russell (Eric McCandless / Disney) Emmy we love you! youre so adorable and beautiful, another person commented on YouTube. Your voice is love so pure and angelic and your songwriting is amazing. Russells performance happened to fall on what would have been the birthday of her late grandmother, who died at age 90 in 2022. Emmy, your grandmother wouldve been proud to see you tonight on this, her 92th birthday, one fan commented on YouTube. Lynns official Instagram account also celebrated Russells performance. What a birthday gift! Lorettas granddaughter Emmy just made Top 20 on @americanidol! read a caption on the late country icons Instagram page. Emmy was born on Doo and Lorettas anniversary and now we have this milestone on Lorettas birthday!" the caption continued, referring to Lynn's husband, Oliver "Doolittle" Lynn, who died in 1996. "Loretta told all who would listen that Emmy had something special and now the world is seeing for themselves," the caption concluded. "Congrats, Emmy! Want You" seemed to be about unrequited love, and wanting someone more than they want you. I want you to want me like I want you / I want you to need me like I need you, the chorus goes. If youre gonna leave me, then cut me loose / I want you to want me. The songs lyrics inspired a funny moment between Luke Bryan and Ryan Seacrest following Russells performance. Love me like I love you! Seacrest said to the judges in mock despair. Ryan, Ill give you a hug, Bryan said, and he got up on stage to embrace Seacrest at which point Seacrest jumped fully into his arms. That was a moment! Lionel Richie said from the judges table. Emmy Russell opened up about her grandma's legacy in her 'American Idol' audition During her American Idol audition, which aired in February, Russell opened up about wanting to step out from under her famous grandmothers shadow. I think theres a reason why I think I am a little timid, and I think it is because I want to own my voice, she told the judges. I want to own it. Thats why I want to challenge myself and come here. Perhaps for that reason, she auditioned with a poignant original song called Skinny, which is about dealing with an eating disorder, and didn't immediately mention her famous relation. While surprised by Russell's country music connection, the judges assured her that she was already finding her own voice. Emmy, youre an A-plus songwriter, so is your grandma, Perry told Russell. You got the gift. I dont think you need to compare yourself to what grandma was. Youre totally different. You shouldnt give yourself all that pressure. This article was originally published on TODAY.com A group of businesspeople are indoors in an office. Two men are arguing and pointing their fingers at each other. It was a disaster for American software company Basecamp when its bosses wrote a blog post in 2021 announcing a ban on talking politics at work the only thing it achieved was that these discussions were pushed into dark places. About a third of the companys staff resigned as a result, mirroring the reaction from some workers at cryptocurrency start-up Coinbase when it unveiled a similar ban a year earlier. These moves were too extreme. Staff understandably felt like they were being silenced on important issues just to make life easier for HR. Fast-forward three years and the issue is back on the agenda. Company bosses are watching passions fly in what is already proving to be a bruising election year on both sides of the Atlantic. The war in Gaza has also led to deepening tensions among employees. Google is now working on changes to its internal message board Memegen after discussions grew so tense that people felt they were being bullied. It hopes to turn down the temperature of the discussions by removing virtual thumbs-down memes, so that unpopular messages quickly disappear from view, The New York Times reported last week. The obvious argument is that people should be free to discuss what they want in an ideal world a debate among colleagues with differing opinions should lead to more open-mindedness and empathy. But in too many cases this isnt happening. As a result, marginalised employees can quickly feel intimidated. A Google insider tells me that some staff had asked for the changes to be made because they felt bad when their messages received downvotes and then felt discouraged from contributing to discussions at all. The messaging forum suddenly felt like an unapproachable and competitive place, they said. Sam Altman has voiced concerns that Muslim workers at OpenAI might be afraid to speak out over the Israel-Hamas conflict - JOEL SAGET/AFP Instead of creating open debate, people can feel silenced when politics is discussed in the office. Sam Altman, who leads OpenAI, said in January he was concerned Muslim technology workers were afraid to speak out over the Israel-Gaza conflict because they feared it could harm their careers. Mr Altman, who is Jewish, said he believed that anti-Semitism is a significant and growing problem in the world, and I see a lot of people in our industry sticking up for me, which I deeply appreciate. I see much less of that for Muslims. Voices on both sides feel oppressed in the workplace. In Silicon Valley, young adults facing rising anti-Semitism at work have started meeting up with other professionals to discuss how to navigate hostile colleagues. But banning political chat at work in the way Basecamp attempted isnt a smart idea, although there is something to be said for stopping the loud online world of faux outrage and misinformation leaking into the workplace. After American journalist Elizabeth Spiers received angry messages from strangers last year asking why she hadnt shared her opinion on the situation in Israel and Gaza on Twitter (now X), she wrote a piece outlining why silence on social media is not complicity. The idea that everyone needs to speak, all the time is an unhealthy one, she said, as is reducing complicated and sensitive subjects into Tweet-length expressions of outrage. It discourages shutting up and listening and letting the voices that matter the most be heard over the din, she wrote in The New York Times. It implies its not okay to have any uncertainty about whats going on or any kind of moral analysis that does not lend itself to presentation in a social media post. It does not leave time or space for people to process traumatic events in the sanctuary of their own minds or to gather more information before pronouncing a judgement. It is a good point. Nobody should feel forced to take a black and white stance on something they dont really understand, in the same way that nobody should feel silenced. Now the pressure from social media to voice an opinion, or find one quickly, is spreading into office life. Sensing the tension, BBC director-general Tim Davie urged staff last year to treat each other with humanity and be careful about their choice of language when discussing the Israel-Hamas conflict. In an email to employees sent in November, he urged his colleagues to act with generosity and humanity towards each other during a distressing time for Jewish, Arab, and Muslim communities. He urged staff to look after each other, saying that no one should ever face any fear or prejudice in a workplace. A few months later, the BBC sacked an employee sharing anti-Semitic posts. In a world that is becoming increasingly divisive, everyone could benefit from speaking less and listening more. Thats not to say that political talk at work is a mistake public pressure is obviously a good thing, and companies cant tell workers to pretend major geopolitical events arent happening. Nor is it to say that being vocal on social media is a negative. Despite all its faults, particularly when it comes to vilifying or ignoring those who hold a different opinion, social media is clearly a force for good when it comes to raising awareness on certain issues and in turn encouraging widespread change. But staff need to consider how a bit of restraint during difficult conversations might mean a lot to those sitting near them who could feel marginalised, directly affected by the issues or unable to speak up themselves. Being the loudest on the internet, or in the office, should never be done without thought. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) Storms rolled through the Baton Rouge area on Wednesday, April 10, leaving damage in their wake. An EF-1 tornado hit St. Francisville, prompting cleanup efforts days after it hit. Some residents in St. Francisville described what they heard during the storm, saying the weather was as loud as a lion. On Monday, Gov. Jeff Landry toured the damage in West Feliciana Parish. He is also going to the Slidell Municipal Airport and tour storm damage there after visiting St. Francisville. After the visit to the parish, he announced his plan to declare a state of emergency to bring more money to help with recovery. I want to sincerely thank the linemen, first responders, local officials, faith-based organizations, and all relief organizations who have stepped up to assist those impacted by these storms, said Landry in a press release. It was beneficial to assess the damage firsthand today and talk with local officials on the ground. As we begin the road to recovery, I want Louisianans to know that we will be with you every step of the way. The state of Louisiana is known for its resiliency, and this recovery process will be no different. The sheriff of West Feliciana Parish Brian Spillman talked about damages. It [tornado] went through the woods, did a lot of vegetated damage, as the governor said. But as far as homes, the 30 homes that we think were impacted, most of them had trees on them, said Spillman. Pointe Coupee Parish sheriff, Louisiana AG assess tornado damage, pass out resources Gov. Landry also said the parish will create an after-action review plan by the end of the week. We have a great indication of feedback from local officials as to how this new process is working and well make those adjustments because we know, come June 1, well have hurricane season among us and Im praying real hard that we dont have any, Landry said. DEMCO reported more than 100 broken poles after the tornado hit St. Francisville on Wednesday. According to the Entergy outage map, there are no customers without power in West Feliciana Parish on Monday, April 15. Latest News For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Loved ones gathered Saturday to honor an Oklahoma City man who was shot and killed on April 9th near Northwest 10th and Rockwell. He was only 22 and taken from us too soon by this senseless murder, said sister Kreshawn Pimpton. Koby Caraveo, remembered by his family as an amazing man. {Kreshawn Pimpton} | ORIGINAL VIDEO REPORT > Shooting near NW 10th & Rockwell > A new affidavit details the moments leading up to shots being fired and Koby Caraveo killed last week. Documents report that Caraveo had just broken up with a woman earlier in the year. Moments before the shooting, he allegedly told her he wanted to pick up some of his things from her apartment near NW 10th and Rockwell. On April 9th she was reportedly hanging out with Christopher Burris, a felon with several convictions. They were driving to her apartment at the time. The affidavit stated that when Burris found out that Caraveo was headed to her apartment he allegedly told her, I hope he comes to the apartment, thats a free kill. The woman then got out of the car and began walking to the staircase which leads to her apartment with Koby allegedly walking behind her. | READ MORE HERE > Update: One dead, one in custody after shooting in NW OKC > It stated that she heard several gunshots and turned around to find Koby falling to the ground with a gunshot wound to his head. Officials said that Koby was taken to the hospital where he would later die. Burris, according to documents was told to leave afterwards by a female within the complex. He would eventually be found and arrested according to Oklahoma City Police. The documents state that Koby leaves behind a daughter and several family members as well as friends. Those loved ones held a memorial gathering Saturday in his honor. Family gathers to remember Koby Caraveo. {Kreshawn Pimpton} Family gathers to remember Koby Caraveo. {Kreshawn Pimpton} Koby was a loving son grandson, brother and friend. He loved people and people loved him back. Koby was kind, generous and loyal to a fault. His smile lit up every room he walked into. He always stuck up for the underdog. The world was a better place with Koby in it. He was only 22 and taken from us too soon by this senseless murder. He will be loved and missed forever. Kreshawn Pimpton, Kobys sister The family has set up a GoFundMe, stating that his mother Tina Caraveo along with many others were devastated by the loss and not prepared for the high cost of a funeral service. They are asking that if anyone wants to help them give him a memorial he deserves they can donate here. Mugshot of Christopher Burris. {ODOC} Mugshot of Christopher Burris. {ODOC} Mugshot of Christopher Burris. {ODOC} As for Burris, he was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail and faces several charges. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. (EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) On Monday, April 15 Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera met with students and staff at Falcon High School, Mesa Elementary, and Doherty High School in honor of April being Month of the Military Child. Purple Up! Day and the Month of the Military Child was proclaimed by Governor Jared Polis and President Joe Biden as an opportunity for communities to support and thank military-connected children for their service and the unique sacrifices they and their families make. A proclamation declaring April as Month of the Military Child According to Falcon High School, more than 25% of the 25,000 students in School District 49 have a direct connection to the U.S. Military. The Month of the Military Child began in the mid-80s when Department of Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger, wanted to recognize and thank military families. Purple Up! Day is April 15 and on this day students and the community are encouraged to wear purple to show their support. Lt. Governor Primavera started the day at Falcon High School, speaking at a school assembly honoring military students. There, she signed a proclamation recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Im Not Unpopular!: Donald Trump Admits What Bothers Him, And Its Zero Surprise Shocker: Donald Trump doesnt like being called unpopular even if its true. During a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, the former president and presumptive GOP presidential nominee complained about reports that neither he nor President Joe Biden are popular candidates. You know what bothers me though? This bothers me, he said from the podium. Im always watching, Joe Biden and Donald Trump are the two candidates. They are both unpopular people. Im not unpopular! You know? He is unpopular. He is unpopular. But I am not unpopular, he continued. With 95% of the Republican Party and a lot of Democrats are gonna vote for us because they dont want to have open borders and drugs for everybody. They dont wanna have it. Trump admits he's "bothered" by (accurate!) reports about his unpopularity pic.twitter.com/oMX48RUpgb Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 14, 2024 Polling ahead of this years presidential election has indicated that Americans are not particularly happy about either of their options. According to an analysis by FiveThirtyEight, on average, about 53% of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of Trump, while 55% have an unfavorable opinion of Biden. If both continue to hold negative favorability ratings through to the election, it would be only the second presidential election since 1980 in which voters had a negative view of both candidates, according to FiveThirtyEight. (The first was 2016). Trump lost the popular vote in both 2016 and 2020. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday for his hush-money case, the first of his four criminal indictments to go to trial. Related... BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Afghanistan will participate in COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Trend reports referring to Abdulhadi Achakzai, an Afghan representative on climate change and participant in COP27 and COP28 from the country. "COP29 promises to be a valuable experience for me and my team representing Afghanistan. We have already started to prepare ourselves to become strong negotiators on protecting the planet's environment and mitigating climate change," he wrote in his social media account. The Afghan representative recalled that the country did not have its own booth at COP28, but the Colombian government offered the opportunity to make a presentation to the Afghan delegation on the adverse effects of climate change in Afghanistan in its pavilion. "We want to show ourselves as reliable defenders of the environment in Baku at COP29," noted Achakzai, who has been actively participating in all UN climate events in recent years. This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel In early May 2016, as the political world began to consider questions about Donald Trump and his relationship with Vladimir Putin, the then-candidate was asked whether hed spoken to the Russian leader. I dont want to say, the Republican replied. A day later, Trump sat down with Fox News Bret Baier, who followed up on the question. Yeah, I have no comment on that, the future president replied. No comment. The Fox host, apparently surprised, said one of the things people liked about the candidate was his willingness "to answer any question. Trump didnt seem to care. Yeah, but I dont want to comment. It was an early indication that the Russia scandal was problematic for Trump. After all, the Republican hardly ever said, No comment in response to any question on any subject. He loved, and continues to love, commenting even when he has no idea what hes talking about. But asked about whether hed had direct interactions with Putin, the then-candidate suddenly had nothing to say. Nearly eight years later, Trump was asked at a Mar-a-Lago press conference whether hed spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I dont want to say who I spoke to, the presumptive GOP nominee replied. with tensions rising in the Middle East, Trump says he wont talk about which foreign leaders he is or isnt talking to pic.twitter.com/g5pVF5gjfp Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 12, 2024 The question that doesnt yet have an answer, of course, is why, exactly, Trump doesnt want to say whom hes spoken to. In fact, as we discussed a couple of weeks ago, the former president appears to be executing a foreign policy of his own despite the fact that hes a private citizen with no power, no office, and no governmental authority. Trump reportedly welcomed British Foreign Secretary David Cameron to Mar-a-Lago, for example, which came on the heels of the former president also welcoming Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to his glorified country club. Trump has also reportedly had direct recent interactions with Saudi Arabias de facto ruler, Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Those accounts roughly coincided with related reporting on Richard Grenell, a former diplomat and intelligence official in Trumps administration, who has apparently had recent meetings with a variety of far-right leaders around the world. The former president has taken to describing Grenell as his envoy, despite the fact that it can get a little tricky when presidential candidates have their own envoys whose goals, messages, and priorities might differ from that of the current U.S. administration. Lets not forget that while Trump was in the White House, he called for the prosecution of former Secretary of State John Kerry because the Massachusetts Democrat interacted with foreign officials without coordinating with the Trump administration. In 2019, the then-president who routinely tried to get the Justice Department to prosecute political figures he disliked insisted that Kerry should be prosecuted for violating the Logan Act, adding, Hes talking to Iran and has had many meetings and many phone calls and hes telling them what to do. That is total violation of the Logan Act. Trump had no idea what he was talking about, but he appeared convinced that a former U.S. official interacting with foreign governments was both scandalous and criminal. So, does the former president still believe this? This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com About a month before the Republican Partys first-in-the-nation presidential primary, Nikki Haley picked up an important endorsement: The Granite States incumbent four-term governor, Chris Sununu, threw his enthusiastic backing behind the former ambassador. This did not go unnoticed at Mar-a-Lago. In the weeks and months that followed, Donald Trump repeatedly trashed Sununu. In fact, the condemnations began in earnest before the governor endorsed Haley, after Sununu made clear that he wouldnt be supporting the former president during the GOPs nominating process. Even after Haley exited the stage and Trump became his partys presumptive nominee, Trump continued to publicly ridicule the New Hampshire governor It was against this backdrop that Sununu sat down with George Stephanopoulos on ABCs This Week and continued to echo many of his earlier criticisms of his partys leader. The governor said Trump absolutely contributed to an insurrection and took actions that were absolutely terrible after the 2020 elections. But Sununu also said hes supporting Trumps 2024 candidacy. It led to a striking half-minute of television. STEPHANOPOULOS: Just to sum up. You support Trump for president even if he's convicted in the classified documents case. You support him for president even though you believe he contributed to an insurrection. You support him for president even though you believe he's lying about pic.twitter.com/RMXfOOkVBv Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 14, 2024 Just to sum up, the ABC host told his guest. You support Trump for president even if hes convicted in the classified documents case. You support him for president even though you believe he contributed to an insurrection. You support him for president even though you believe hes lying about the last election. You support him for president even if hes convicted in the Manhattan case. I just want to say, the answer to that is yes, correct? Yeah, Sununu replied. Me and 51% of America. For a Republican politician who used to at least pretend to care about unshakable core beliefs, it was a pitiful display and a powerful example of post-principle politics. The governor has traditionally encouraged the political world to see him as a serious and credible figure, which made it all the more cringeworthy to see him light his reputation on fire while on national television. But I was also interested in Sununus factual errors. For one thing, the idea that 51% of Americans support Trump is, at least for now, difficult to take seriously. Donald Trump has twice appeared on the national ballot, and in both instances, he failed to reach 47% of the vote. While in office, his approval rating never reached 51%. In 2024, recent polling puts his support at roughly 46%. But even more important still was the context of Sununus exaggeration. To hear the New Hampshire Republican tell it, hes supporting Trump, despite serious misgivings, which is justifiable because much of the country is doing the same thing. It was, in effect, an everybodys doing it defense. Except, everybody isnt doing it. Much of the former presidents Cabinet, including Trumps own former vice president, isnt supporting his 2024 candidacy. Former members of Trumps national security team and former Republican congressional leaders have come to the same conclusion. Theyve decided to put country over party. Theyve prioritized principle over partisan convenience. Sununu had a choice, but hes decided to do the opposite. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Two weeks ago, tensions between Israel and Iran reached a new level when Israel launched an attack on Irans consulate in Damascus. The move had its intended effect: Israel killed multiple IRGC Quds Force commanders. It followed, among other things, clashes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants based in Lebanon, in addition to Hamas Oct. 7 attack. The question wasnt whether Iran would retaliate for the attack in Syria. Rather, the world waited to see when and how Tehran would respond. The answer came into focus over the weekend: On Saturday, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel. Iranian officials mustve realized that the offensive wouldnt have much of an effect on the ground and it didnt. NBC News reported that defense systems thwarted the attack, and while there was some damage to an air base and a nearby road, operations at the base were not affected. According to the latest accounts, no one was killed by the Iranian drones and missiles. Dan Drezner, a professor of international politics at Tufts University, called it "a flashy-yet-militarily-inconsequential" move. This, in turn, has led to follow-up questions of how Israel will respond to Irans response, though it appears the White House has a preferred course of action. A Politico report noted, [A] person familiar with the U.S.-Israeli conversation said Biden essentially told Netanyahu to take the win given that Israel escaped the attack largely unscathed. A follow-up Politico report added: A New York Times report noted that its not just the White House: [T]he Group of 7 nations, the European Union and the U.N. secretary general were among those counseling restraint. Some congressional Republicans, however, appear to have a different approach in mind. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, for example, said via social media that the United States must move quickly and launch aggressive retaliatory strikes on Iran. That seems extraordinarily unlikely, especially as Biden endorses a diplomatic course. That said, the matter clearly has Congress attention. In light of Irans unjustified attack on Israel, the House will move from its previously announced legislative schedule next week to instead consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable, said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise in a statement. The votes on the GOPs absurd bills related to home appliances will apparently have to wait. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Todays installment of campaign-related news items from across the country. * In February, a New York Times/Siena College poll found Donald Trump with a five-point lead over President Joe Biden, 48% to 43%. Now, the same pollster shows the former Republican presidents advantage shrinking to just one point, 46% to 45%. * In Kentucky, the GOP-led legislature late last week overrode a veto and removed Democratic Gov. Andy Beshears power to fill possible U.S. Senate vacancies. * Two years ago, when Trump was supporting Mehmet Ozs Republican Senate candidacy in Pennsylvania, the former president trashed his GOP rival, former hedge fund CEO David McCormick. Over the weekend, however, Trump held a rally in the Keystone State and endorsed McCormicks second attempt. An Associated Press report added, McCormick who splits his time in Connecticut, where he has a home did not attend the rally. * Speaking of McCormick, Bloomberg reported late last week that the Senate hopeful led a hedge fund as it steered millions of dollars of investments into Chinese companies that produce fighter jets, bombers, planes equipped to jam enemy radars, and the countrys first domestically built aircraft carrier. * South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, whos reportedly under consideration for the GOPs vice presidential nomination, has now been banned from four Native American tribes land. As my MSNBC colleague Clarissa-Jan Lim explained, the pushback is the result of the Republican governor linking tribal leaders to Mexican drug cartels. * While independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed some interest in possibly running for the Libertarian Partys 2024 nomination, hes decided not to pursue it. Were not gonna have any problems getting on the ballot ourselves so we wont be running libertarian, the conspiracy theorist said. * And the Idaho Supreme Court last week upheld a state law that says student IDs cant be used as an acceptable form of identification to vote. The law was passed last year by Republican legislators. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com When House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared at Mar-a-Lago on Friday alongside Donald Trump, it was widely understood that both men had something to gain. The beleaguered GOP congressional leader, for example, is facing intensifying criticism from his far-right flank including a motion-to-vacate effort launched by one of his most radical members and receiving the former presidents imprimatur will likely give the Louisianan a boost. As for the presumptive Republican nominee, Fridays meeting helped his ego Trump appears to like it when officials make the trip to Florida to kiss his ring and his conspiracy theories. A Politico report noted last week that the former president benefits from having the countrys highest-ranking Republican ... lend credence to his voting concerns. It was against this backdrop that NBC News reported: For now, lets put aside the fact that its utterly ridiculous for two election deniers to pretend theyre deeply concerned with the integrity of elections. Instead, lets emphasize three of the glaring problems with the Trump/Johnson pitch. The first is that the Republican leaders are pushing a solution to a problem that does not exist. There are literally zero locations in the United States where non-citizens can vote in federal and/or state elections. For that matter, youre more likely to find Americans struck by lightning than non-Americans trying to cast ballots. As NBC News report added, Many have investigated noncitizen voting and found little evidence of it. The second problem is the redundancy. It seems like common sense, Im sure all of us would agree that we only want U.S. citizens to vote in U.S. elections, the House speaker told reporters on Friday. But what he neglected to mention is that because this is common sense, its already illegal for non-citizens to vote in U.S. elections. Theres simply no point in passing a federal law to prohibit something thats already prohibited under federal law. All of which leads to the third problem: the motivation behind the GOP leaders push. Johnson said Friday that a recent influx of immigrants is one of their designs that Democratic officials created because they want to turn these people into voters. Thats absurd for all sorts of reasons, including the years-long process in which some of these immigrants might be able to become citizens. As a Washington Post analysis concluded last week, As generally formulated, the great replacement theory posits that the intent is to grant these new arrivals citizenship, allowing them to vote legally. But that takes too long to be useful for November, so here we are. Is all of this entirely cynical, simply a political ploy? Its hard to see how it might not be. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday, though they didnt have much of an impact: Defense systems thwarted the attack, and no one was killed. Nevertheless, Donald Trump did what he always does: He blamed his own country, while claiming the violence wouldnt have occurred if he were in the White House. The Hill reported: Oddly enough, during the event, Trump tried to say that the United States shows great weakness, but he ended up saying great weaknicks. Trump: The people of Israel are under attack right now. Thats because we show great weak nicks pic.twitter.com/9Cy1fZgMj4 Acyn (@Acyn) April 13, 2024 In any event, the former president continued to push the same line via his social media platform, and assorted Republicans who want to be his running mate echoed the rhetoric, suggesting Iran wouldnt dare launch offenses like these under Trumps leadership. In reality, either the presumptive GOP nominee and his allies have very short memories, or theyre counting on the public to have very short memories. Circling back to our earlier coverage, Im reminded of a New York Times report from a few months ago that explained, In fact, Iran and its proxies did attack American and allied interests during Mr. Trumps presidency. In March 2020, for example, two American service members and a British soldier were killed in a rocket attack on a military base in Iraq, and the U.S. believed Iran-backed militia groups were most likely behind the assault. A few months earlier, a barrage of rockets killed an American contractor and wounded four American service members in Kirkuk, Iraq. NBC News reported in September 2020, in the months that followed, militia groups believed to be backed by Iran continued to target U.S. military bases, and the frequency of those attacks increased throughout Trumps final year in the White House. Whats more, lets also not forget that in January 2020, an Iranian missile strike left several dozen of U.S. troops with traumatic brain injuries. Trump dismissed the importance of the injuries the Republican called them little more than headaches prompting Veterans of Foreign Wars to ask the then-president to apologize for minimizing what had happened to the troops. Trump ignored the VFWs appeal. My point is not to blame Trump for the attacks that occurred on his watch. Rather, my point is that when Trump tries to blame his own countrys leaders for foreign violence, and says such violence would never happen if he were in office, we know this is ugly and unnecessary nonsense, intended to persuade people who dont remember what happened just four years ago. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Donald Trump is facing 88 criminal counts, covering four cases across three jurisdictions. The Republicans first trial an unprecedented development for a former American president is poised to get underway in a few hours in New York City, with the start of jury selection. Does this case constitute the most important charges against the GOPs presumptive 2024 nominee? No, that label is probably best suited for the federal case involving Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election by my estimation, the most serious scandal in American history. Is the New York case the easiest to prove? Expert opinions vary, but Id argue that the classified-documents case is, as one GOP senator conceded last summer, a slam dunk for prosecutors. But of the four criminal cases pending against the former president, this case is the most decidedly Trumpian of the quartet: It involves a cast of unfortunate characters Trump surrounded himself with; it touches on the Republicans tawdriness and penchant for adultery; and it helps highlight a politician who doesnt think the rules apply to him and who appears to have taken steps to disregard legal limits in order to acquire power. Now all we need is a way to describe the case. It was inevitable that political and legal observers would come up with a shorthand phrase to talk about the scandal, and in general, many (including me) have routinely referred to the controversy as the hush money case. That said, as my MSNBC colleague Jordan Rubin explained, the phrase doesnt fully capture the relevant details. Based on the evidence already filed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office, a relatively straightforward picture has emerged. As Election Day 2016 approached, Trump and his political operation were concerned about the public learning about his alleged extramarital affair with a porn star who goes by the name Stormy Daniels. With those fears in mind, the then-candidate and his team created a shell company, which Trumps fixer, Michael Cohen, used to pay off Daniels, effectively buying her silence. Soon after, Trump, according to prosecutors, falsified business records while incrementally making payments to Cohen, reimbursing the lawyer for the scheme. These are the same payments that ultimately sent Cohen to prison. (Federal prosecutors couldve pursued a related case against the fixers former client, though they ultimately backed off for reasons that still warrant further explanation.) Given all of this, should we be calling this a falsifying business records case? Maybe, though as Slates Mark Joseph Stern explained, even that phrase requires some additional context: Its likely that much of the public will soon learn quite a bit about the case, but the developments will land on fertile soil: The latest New York Times/Siena College poll, released over the weekend, asked respondents, Regardless of whether you think Donald Trump did this, do you think the charges that he falsified business records related to hush money payments made to the porn star Stormy Daniels are very serious, somewhat serious, not too serious or not at all serious? Among likely voters, 57% agreed that the charges are serious. Among registered voters, it was 58%. The former president has already pleaded not guilty. Of course, thats not all the Republican has said. On the heels of denouncing criticisms of judges, Trump suggested over the weekend that the jurist in this case, Judge Juan Merchan, should be seen as evil and corrupt. The former president also continued his public offensive against a witness in the case, despite the court-imposed gag order. Buckle up. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Its been a couple of weeks since House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul was surprisingly candid about one of his partys direction. I think Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States, unfortunately, and its infected a good chunk of my partys base, the Texas Republican complained. Less than a week later, the House Intelligence Committees Republican chair, Ohios Mike Turner, echoed the sentiment, conceding that some of his GOP colleagues are peddling rhetoric thats directly coming from Russia. Soon after, former Defense Secretary William Cohen, a longtime GOP lawmaker, said he believes many congressional Republicans are now working as the arm of Vladimir Putin. If these rebukes were designed to discourage GOP officials from making the kind of public comments the Kremlin wants to hear, they dont appear to be having their intended effect. On Friday, for example, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared on Steve Bannons podcast and continued to peddle the same rhetoric shes pushed since Russia invaded Ukraine more than two years ago. Vladimir Putin has not said he wants to go march across Europe and take Europe, the Georgia Republican said, as if the Russian autocrat is a credible source of information. The same day, The New York Times published an op-ed from Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio a persistent opponent of U.S. support for Ukraine, and a man who has professed his total indifference to Ukraines future which argued that a Russian victory is inevitable. The reality is far more complex. Indeed, just hours after the Ohioans op-ed reached the public, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner published a notable item to social media, noting just how much damage Ukraine did over the course of the first two years of the conflict to Russias military capabilities. In 2 years, Ukraine with less than 3% of our defense budget has effectively eliminated: 87% of Russias preexisting ground forces 63% of their tank capacity 32% of their armored personnel carriers all without endangering a single American or NATO soldier. Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) April 12, 2024 Whether the Virginia Democrat was directing his message to his GOP colleague was unclear, but the missive nevertheless countered Vances case for defeatism. The idea that Russia is simply too strong and dominant to lose, so the West should simply allow Putin to take part of eastern Europe by force, is belied by recent evidence. The Senate Republican nevertheless kept going down the same path, sitting down with CNNs Jake Tapper yesterday and arguing that the United States should encourage Ukraine to take a defensive posture, instead of launching counteroffensives against their Russian invaders. It fell to the host to remind his guest, The counteroffensive is within Ukraine, though. Theyre not seeking land from Russia. Its likely that officials in Moscow were pleased with Vances latest rhetorical push, but Americans should be far less impressed. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com TechCrunch The data center industry is expanding rapidly to keep up with the flywheel growth of AI. While these data centers are necessary AI infrastructure, they store an AI company's compute, they are expensive to build, seemingly more so to run, and they are a huge energy suck. Startups are looking to make data centers more efficient and sustainable, but it isn't that simple. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Azerbaijan sees green transition among its national priorities, President of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) Mukhtar Babayev said during the first press conference of the COP29 presidency, Trend reports. He mentioned that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan demonstrates the international community's trust in the policies pursued by the country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev at both national and international levels, including efforts to address climate change. "Within the framework of the presidency and the hosting of COP29, our country will demonstrate continuous activity towards strengthening global solidarity on climate change issues," emphasized Babayev. Babayev also noted that Azerbaijan has joined the Global Methane Pledge, which involves voluntary commitments by states to reduce methane emissions, and has set a goal to increase the share of renewable energy sources in installed electricity capacity to 30 percent by 2030. This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of an 86-year-old widow 11 years ago. Una Crown, a retired postmistress, was found dead in her bungalow in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, on Jan 13 2013. Her throat had been cut and her body set on fire. Cambridgeshire police said the 69-year-old man, also from Wisbech, remained in custody at Thorpe Wood Police Station, Peterborough. In 2015, an inquest into Crowns death heard Cambridgeshire Police had missed clear signs of her murder during an initial investigation, in which officers believed she had died in an accident. Police were called to Mrs Crowns bungalow in Magazine Lane, Wisbech, after her nieces husband found her in the hallway in a pool of blood, surrounded by burnt newspapers. Officers initially thought she had set herself alight, but a post-mortem examination showed that she had died as a result of stab wounds to her neck and chest. The widow had been seen alive two days before, and had spoken to a friend on the phone the evening before her body was discovered. Una Crown, pictured with her husband - Cambridgeshire Police/PA On the 10th anniversary of her death, Judy Payne, her niece, accused police of making big mistakes in the investigation. At the time, she had said: We had no idea how she could have done that herself and the fact that she was lying face down in the hall, one slipper was off there was no way on this Earth that could have been an accidental death for auntie. In June 2014, police arrested a 40-year-old man and a 36-year-old man on suspicion of the murder, but they were later released. In November that year, a 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, but was also released without charge. In March last year, Crimestoppers offered a 20,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Mrs Crowns killer. At the time, Detective Chief Inspector Iain Moor, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire majorcrime unit, said: We still believe the answer to solving this case lies within the local community. I am urging anyone who has information but not yet come forward, to do the right thing and get in touch someone out there knows what happened to Mrs Crown. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. One of the men charged with murder in the mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs victory rally outside Union Station in February appeared in court Monday and pleaded not guilty to a handful of charges connected to the incident. A grand jury on Friday indicted 20-year-old Terry J. Young with one count each of second-degree felony murder and unlawful use of a weapon, as well as two counts of armed criminal action for his role in the shooting. In a hearing Monday afternoon in Jackson County Circuit Court, Young pleaded not guilty to the charges, and a judge set his next court date for May 2. The indictment replaces the original, identical charges filed by prosecutors last month. Youngs bond of $1 million remained the same. Young is one of three men charged with murder in the Feb. 14 mass shooting in which at least 25 people, roughly half of them children, were shot. Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a 43-year-old Johnson County mother of two and a beloved party DJ, was killed. A dispute between two groups of people that quickly erupted into gunfire led to the shooting. In February, prosecutors charged Lyndell Mays, 23, of Raytown, and Dominic Miller, 18, of Kansas City, with identical charges second-degree felony murder and unlawful use of a weapon, as well as two counts of armed criminal action. Both Mays and Miller were injured in the shooting. In surveillance video, Young can be seen drawing a firearm, and he appears to shoot several times, a detective wrote in court documents. The three men were among two groups that got involved in the dispute. Prosecutors alleged that Mays drew and fired first. Gunfire from Millers firearm struck and killed Lopez-Galvan, according to court documents. Under Missouri law, a person who did not pull the trigger can still be charged when someone is killed during the commission of a dangerous felony. Three teens have also been charged for their roles in the shooting. The Office of the Juvenile Officer announced that a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old had been charged in family court with unlawful use of a weapon for shooting at a person. The 15-year-old also faces a charge of armed criminal action, while the 16-year-old faces a charge of resisting arrest. The family court administrative judge will determine whether those two teens should stand trial as adults. The other teen was detained on gun-related charges that do not rise to the level of being tried as an adult. Man fell off tube and called for help before disappearing in Texas lake, cops say Authorities are searching for a 19-year-old who went missing while tubing at a Texas lake April 14. The Comal County Sheriffs Office and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game wardens were dispatched to Canyon Lake on April 14 at about 7 p.m. for a person who had gone underwater and had not resurfaced, according to an April 15 Facebook post from sheriffs office Roiner Alejandro Rojas Pereira, 19, of San Antonio, was floating on a tube and drifted toward the water intake near the Canyon Lake Dam, authorities said. Pereira became separated from the tube, and witnesses said he started to wave and yell for help, authorities said. The sheriffs office said a witness swam from shore in an attempt to rescue Pereira, but he did not resurface. At the time of the news release, Pereira had not been located. Rescue personnel, including divers, continue to search the area, authorities said. Water intakes are dangerous to swim near because of undercurrents, undertows, or sudden and unexpected releases of water, according to Association of State Dam Safety Officials. Canyon Lake stretches over 8,200 acres and is about a 45-mile drive northeast from San Antonio. Teachers sex acts with student discovered when girlfriend sees texts, Texas cops say 18-year-old US Marine steals over $500,000 from jewelry stores, Texas cops say Dad accused of crashing into cop car while drunk, injuring his two kids, Texas cops say LEE COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) The body of a man found in Lee County near ATV trails has been identified. According to Lee County Sheriff Gary Parsons, the deceased man was identified as Jerry Lee Wheet, 44, of Ewing. PREVIOUS: Man found dead near ATV trails in Lee County Wheet was found in a wooded area along Valley Springs Road in the Rose Hill community Wednesday afternoon. Both Parsons and Virginia State Police confirmed Monday that the case is still being investigated as a homicide. According to Parsons, Wheets death appears targeted and there is no danger to the public. State police asked that anyone who may have seen something suspicious or who may have information about Wheet to call investigators at 276-889-7660. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Man with gun at NC campground gets chased by police before crashing, shooting at deputies A disturbance at a Western North Carolina campground led to a chase and an shootout between the suspect and deputies on Saturday evening, according to ABC 13 in Asheville. Just after 6 p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a disturbance at North Mills River Campground outside the Pisgah National Forest where campers reported a man threatening people with a gun, a spokesperson for Henderson County Sheriffs Office told WLOS. After deputies got to the campground, the suspect drove away and deputies began a chase. The suspect crashed and started shooting at deputies, who shot back. READ MORE: Man charged after being shot by officer in west Charlotte, police say A camper hoping to set up in Pisgah described the violent scene to WLOS. He was on the passenger side down on his knee across the hood with his firearm drawn on the suspect across the road, said Jeremiah Justice. There was a truck up on the bank, it looked like it went up there sideways or maybe they was chasing it and he wrecked right there, but thats where the chase ended at. They had him, like I said, on gunpoint. WLOS reports that authorities declined to comment if anyone was hurt, but their news crew saw several car parts, broken glass and a significant amount of blood in the road. Per protocol with officer-involved shootings, the deputies involved are on administrative leave and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has taken over the investigation. (WATCH: No injuries after gun accidentally goes off inside Chuck E. Cheese, police say) MANHATTAN (KSNT) The Riley County Police Department (RCPD) is asking the community for help with an investigation after a man was found with a gunshot injury in Aggieville. The RCPD announced in a press release that officers on a foot patrol in the Aggieville district around 1:40 a.m. on April 14 heard a possible gunshot from the 1100 block of Moro Street. Officers responding the area found a 22-year-old man being detained by a bouncer. This embedded content is not available in your region. Officers assessing the situation found the man had a head injury and called EMS to transport him to the Aggieville Substation. Medical workers found the man also had a gunshot injury to his right leg and took him to a local hospital for treatment. Topeka police find person of interest in Resers Fine Foods deadly shooting The RCPD says the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. If you have any information regarding this shooting, you are encouraged to contact Manhattan-Riley County Crime Stoppers. For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. JACKSON COUNTY (KSNT) One person was injured trying to save a pair of motorcycles from a burning barn in rural northeast Kansas. Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says first responders were told of a barn fire around 11:30 a.m. on April 15 for an address in the 14200 block of 334th Road near the Jackson/Brown County line. A local homeowner heard an explosion and saw his barn was on fire. The homeowner tried to save two motorcycles from the barn, suffering minor injuries from burning debris. A passerby saw what was happening and helped the homeowner escape the barn fire, according to Morse. Workplace concerns lead to exit of Junction City police chief Morse says 911 was dialed with local first responders reporting to the scene. Minor explosions coming from ammunition cooking off in the barn could be heard as first responders arrived on scene. No one else was injured in the fire. The barn is a total loss and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Man killed in crash in Prince William County PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Prince William County Police said that a man was killed after a single vehicle crash on Sunday night in Woodbridge. Police said they responded to the crash at the 3500 block of Cranmer Mews at about 8:02 p.m. Officers said the driver of the car was travelling west on Dale Boulevard when he crossed over and struck a guardrail. Two women taken to hospital after stabbing in Fairfax County The car kept going through the intersection before driving down into an embankment. The car then hit a tree and flipped over. The driver and only occupant of the car died there. He was identified as 34-year-old Lavone Rasheed Richardson-Crosby. Police believe speed and impairment are factors in the crash. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Man killed in hit-and-run collision in Sauget is identified by St. Clair County coroner The identity of a pedestrian killed Friday night in a hit-and-run accident in Sauget has been released by St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. Isaac Smith, 45, has been identified as the victim, Dye said. No immediate address was available for Smith, Dye said. The victim was walking shortly after 8 p.m. on Illinois 3 at Queeny Avenue when he was hit, and the driver of the vehicle did not stop, Sauget Police Chief James Jones said. Dye said the victim was pronounced deceased from his injuries at the scene at 9:05 p.m. Authorities do not have a description of the suspects vehicle. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov is leaving for Abu Dhabi, where he will take part in two international events on April 1618, the statement of the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry said, Trend reports. "The Azerbaijani delegation headed by Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov will take part in the Green Hydrogen Summit as well as in the 14th session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The events are organized on April 1618 within the framework of the global-wide "Sustainable Development Week"," as noted in a press release. The Energy Ministry announces that Parviz Shahbazov will address a ministerial panel on "National Strategies and Policies to Accelerate the Development of the Green Hydrogen Economy" as part of the "Green Hydrogen Summit" as well as the 14th session of the IRENA Assembly. "The IRENA event will feature a high-level meeting on 'Creating Incentive for Renewable Energy Systems'. The minister will address a high-level plenary session on 'Tripling Renewable Energy in the World'," the statement of the Energy Ministry reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Man killed at memorial service among 2 weekend homicides in Salisbury SALISBURY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Two homicide investigations are underway in Salisbury including one where a man was shot while attending a memorial service, authorities said. Officers were called to an area medical center around 9:08 p.m. Saturday, April 13, where Shaleek Williams, 26, had been admitted with a gunshot wound. Williams was later taken to another medical facility where he was pronounced dead. There is no mention of a suspect or an arrest. Salisbury Police said Williams was shot while attending a memorial service on West Kerr Street at a park, called Jersey City Park. Accused Rock Hill killer captured after attack, attempted carjacking at Huntersville QuikTrip: Police The second homicide happened around 2:06 a.m. Sunday, April 14, on Old Wilkesboro Road. Alyssa Salter, 21, was found suffering from gunshot wounds and was transported to an area medical center where she was later pronounced dead. In this separate case, there is no mention of an arrest or suspect. Both homicide cases remain open and are active investigations. This is a developing story; check back for updates For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. AKRON, Ohio (WJW) A man charged with kidnapping after stealing a vehicle from a fast food drive-thru while three young children were inside has pleaded guilty. Mark E. Carlson, 45, of Cuyahoga Falls, was indicted in August 2023 on nearly two dozen felony counts including abduction, grand theft of a motor vehicle and robbery, among others. 12-year-old missing and endangered: Cleveland police On Friday, April 12, he pleaded guilty to three first-degree felony counts of kidnapping, four second-degree felony counts of robbery, one second-degree felony count of felonious assault and one third-degree felony count of failure to comply with a police order, according to information from the Summit County Prosecutors Office. It happened on Aug. 3 in Akron. Carlson earlier had carjacked another vehicle in Akron, which ultimately ran out of gas in Green. He then forced his way into a womans vehicle while it was in a Taco Bell drive-thru. He crashed that car into the building, then let a 6-year-old and 5-year-old out of the car, but continued on with a 2-year-old still inside, according to authorities. He later let the 2-year-old out of the car at a convenience store along Massillon Road before getting on Interstate 77. Local officers save child: Grave situation to joyous Summit County sheriffs deputies chased the car back to Akron, near the intersection of Shelby and Evers avenues, where Carlson got out and fled on foot. He was caught after a foot chase. His sentencing date has not yet been set. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Police in Prince Georges County are investigating after a man was shot and killed in the Seat Pleasant neighborhood on Sunday evening. Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince Georges County Division received a call just after 6:45 p.m. about a man suffering from trauma to his upper body. Units on the scene confirmed he had been shot multiple times. Plane crashes at Manassas Regional Airport He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Prince Georges County Police Homicide Unit is investigating the incident. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WJMN) A teacher who did not show up for work on Monday to his classroom in Manistique has died. The superintendent of Manistique Area Schools made the announcement Monday afternoon that Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District Career-Technical Education (DSISD CTE) Building Trades Teacher Kevin Brown had not showed up for work that morning, and had not notified the school of his absence. As a result, an administrator sent someone to check on him at his house. Were told thats how the school learned Mr. Brown was found dead in his home, after which the district consulted its Crisis Response Plan. Mother, responding officer react to landmark guilty pleas in sextortion case The plan included assembling 9th-12th grade students in the auditorium to inform them of the news. The district has also brought mental health providers into the building to support anyone who needed them. A sergeant with Michigan State police confirmed to Local 3 that investigators believe Brown died of natural causes, but due to his death being unattended, they are waiting for the coroners report before closing the investigation. The Manistique superintendent said anyone looking for support related to Browns death can call the school at 906-341-4300, where staff will help connect them to a mental health worker. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Its commonly thought great white sharks are found more in the Atlantic Ocean than the Pacific, but while there may be more tagged sharks, there certainly arent less sharks. And scientists have learned a lot in recent years from studying their movements. White sharks, commonly known as great white sharks, are found all over the world in Ocean waters around South Africa, Australia/New Zealand, the North Atlantic, and the Northeastern Pacific. In the Pacific Ocean, white sharks can be found from Alaska to California and down to Mexico, and in the waters around Hawaii, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They are most commonly encountered in coastal waters, often near land where seals and other marine mammals come ashore to rest. The Global Tagging of Pelagic Predators (GTOPP) program reports while their year-round presence off California has led some to believe they were primarily coastal, recent satellite tagging data from adults indicates that they are capable of extensive off-shore movements and can travel from California to Hawaii. Along the U.S. East Coast, white sharks can be found from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, and in the U.S. Caribbean., according to NOAA. Scientists have also identified nursery areas for juvenile white sharks off the coast of California and off of Long Island, New York. Just recently in January 2024, a newborn great white shark was spotted by researchers off the coast of California near Santa Barbara for possibly the first time ever in the wild. The finding could mean the coast near Santa Barbara is a birthing location for white sharks, something that scientists have speculated about for years. Want to know where West Coast great white sharks are? You can follow tagged sharks and see where they have been online here or download the shark net app to your iPhone. The interactive map shows the movement of several species, not only sharks. Pacific Bluefin tuna can be seen heavily traveling the coast off of California, while striped marlin can be seen swimming mostly around the coast off of southern Baja Mexico. But the white sharks trackers show a very distinct pattern. They can be seen individually going not only up and down the entire West Coast, but also in lines straight out to the open ocean, stopping around the same spot halfway between California and Hawaii. Just one sharks tracker on this map shows it going all the way to Hawaii. White sharks grow slowly, can survive for a long time and are the largest of the predatory sharks. They arent fully mature until after 25 years and can live up to 70 years old, and can grow up to 20 feet long and over 4,000 pounds, NOAA says. When talking about depth, sensor records show that white sharks dive deeper than 1,200 meters, while whale sharks have reached 1,896 meters, which is near the pressure limit of 2,000 meters for todays sensors, according to GTOPP. Deep divers might be looking for food in deeper water or avoiding hunters themselves as potential prey, said Samantha Andrzejaczek, co-lead author of the study and a postdoctoral research fellow at the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University. Some sharks and rays are small, and some of the biggest sharks and rays will feed on them. We found that 13 species had individuals that dive to more than 1000 meters, which is extremely deep. Some may require cooling-off periods while at depth. When large sharks spend too long in the warm surface waters, they may have to dive to cool down, a form of behavioral thermoregulation. Oceana.org reports great white sharks in the Pacific Ocean spend about half the year off the California coast and around Guadalupe Island, which is 150 miles off of Baja California, Mexico. Ocearch.org finally gives us an answer to a question that many have probably wondered, no there arent more sharks on the East Coast, there are more tagged sharks. The OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker monitors sharks using GPS signals. You can watch online movements in real-time. While the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico seem to be very active with several different species of sharks, you can also track other animals like sea turtles, American alligators, dolphins, pilot whales, seals, and swordfish. Over on the West Coast, the OCEARCH tracker shows a few seals it was tracking off the coast of San Francisco, while dolphins can be found off the coast of San Diego County, and sea turtles in Hawaii. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. (Bloomberg) -- The Philippines will invoke its defense treaty with the US if a Filipino soldier dies from a foreign attack, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, in remarks that come amid growing tensions with China. Most Read from Bloomberg I think Secretary Austin explained it very well, if any Filipino serviceman is killed by an attack from any foreign power, then that is time to invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty, Marcos told foreign correspondents in Manila on Monday, referring to his conversation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week at the Pentagon. Marcoss comments come in the aftermath of a joint summit with President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington last week. They offer clarity on the circumstances that may draw in the US a treaty ally of the Philippines as tensions between Manila and Beijing ratchet up over the disputed South China Sea. In the latest confrontation between the two countries in March, two Chinese coast guard ships blasted water cannons at a Philippine boat, injuring three Filipino navy personnel and causing severe damage to the vessel. China claims nearly all of the resource-rich waterway. Biden last week renewed defense commitments to Asian allies worried about an increasingly aggressive China. Since taking power in 2022, Marcos has asserted the countrys claims in the contested waters and boosted security ties with the US and Japan. The US last year won access to four more Philippine sites under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which initially covered five military bases. The new sites are located near Taiwan and the South China Sea. Marcos on Monday said the Philippines has no plan to grant the US access to more bases, but his government is working to conclude talks for reciprocal access agreement with Japan that would facilitate mutual military visits. The Philippine leader has also sought to parlay the nations deepening defense relations with the US and its allies into broader economic benefits. An area being looked at is oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea where the Philippines may invite US companies to participate. While the Southeast Asian nation and China in January last year agreed to resume talks on joint exploration, they are not on the same page on whose law would govern such projects. It really comes down to that issue: which law will apply, Marcos said. As far as the Philippines is concerned, if those prospective reserves are within the exclusive economic zone conflict area or otherwise then any exploration should be conducted by the Philippines, Marcos said. The country may explore in non-conflict areas in the meantime. Below are some excerpts from the foreign correspondents forum on other topics: On the international probe on predecessor Rodrigo Dutertes drug war: Allow me also to reiterate that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction on the Philippines as we remain to have a working judicial system and law enforcement mechanism. This administrations concept of anti-illegal drugs campaign has also been transformed as we are focusing more on prevention and rehabilitation. On apology to victims of fathers dictatorship: I dont think its the duty of the president to be involved. That is a personal matter for the Marcos family. On his relationship with the Duterte family: Its complicated. Read more: Marcos Questions Secret Duterte Deal with China on Sea Dispute --With assistance from Karthikeyan Sundaram. (Updates with more details.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The Marine Corps is seeking the authority to promote some officers to the rank of lieutenant colonel and colonel temporarily, in a bid to fill jobs with a shortage of leaders. These officers would receive the pay and wear the rank insignia commensurate with the higher grades while they occupy particular billets, according to a March 29 Marine administrative message. This pilot program would temporarily promote qualified Marine Corps officers with critical skills while they are filling key billets, Marine spokeswoman Capt. Sarah Eason said in an emailed statement to Marine Corps Times on Friday. The Navy secretary, Carlos Del Toro, would designate which billets are eligible for the Marine Corps spot promotions, according to Eason. The Army and Navy already have similar programs, called brevet promotions and spot promotions, respectively. Marine majors and lieutenant colonels would be eligible for the promotions in fiscal year 2026, according to the Marine administrative message. This pilot, like other Talent Management initiatives, allows the service to better leverage Marines talents and incentivize retention, said Eason, referring to the Corps plan focused on keeping experienced Marines from leaving the service. The Corps has a plan to stop Marines from leaving. Is it working? Enlisted retention has increased since the Marine Corps rolled out the Talent Management plan in 2021, but officer retention dropped slightly from fiscal year 2019 to 2023, Marine Corps Times previously reported. In a statement to Marine Corps Times in January, Eason attributed that dip to the cutting of certain jobs, the now-rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate and some officers delaying departures until the economic uncertainties of the pandemic had diminished. The officer retention rate now is trending back to pre-pandemic norms, the spokeswoman said. To be eligible for the spot promotions, both majors and lieutenant colonels would have to be eligible for permanent promotions in fiscal year 2026 but have been passed over for those promotions, according to the Marine administrative message. The message specifies that majors can receive spot promotions if they hold the military occupational specialty 0102, or manpower officer. These officers plan, coordinate, execute and/or supervise the functions of administration (general administration, operational administration, manpower administration, and personnel administration) in their respective commands and organizations, according to the Corps military occupational specialty manual. The message doesnt specify the military occupational specialties that lieutenant colonels must have in order to snag temporary promotions to colonel. The spot promotions would last as long as the officers occupy the qualifying billets. Once the officers leave those billets, they would return to their previous ranks, unless they have entered other qualifying billets or have secured permanent promotions, according to the message. One key difference between spot promotions and frocking the practice of giving a service member the uniform and title of a higher grade before a promotion is that frocked troops dont receive the pay commensurate with the higher grades. Although Eason said the Corps has just sought the authority to perform spot promotions, the Marine administrative message describes how the promotions will work and declares the selection boards will convene in early May at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. More information will be provided at a later date, Eason said. Marines at Trump resort did not break rules on politicking in uniform Marine Corps officials said a viral photo of four uniformed service members posing at former President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate did not take place during a political fundraiser, but instead at an approved non-profit event without any connection to the Republican presidential nominee. In a statement posted on social media over the weekend, service officials said the Marines reserve members of the 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company were in attendance on April 11 at the Florida resort to serve as a color guard for a gala hosted by the Grey Team, a nonprofit organization focused on preventing military suicides. The request was reviewed by Marine Forces Reserve Community Relations and deemed eligible for support, service leaders said in a statement. The event was open to the public and helped raise awareness about military and veteran suicides. The event was neither a political fundraiser, nor was the 45th president of the United States in attendance. Mar-a-Lago is the site of numerous non-political events as well as a hub for Trumps campaign operations. Despite approval for Marines to participate in the Grey Team event, photos of attendees posing alongside the uniformed troops at Trumps well-known property almost immediately raised concerns that military personnel may have violated Defense Department rules about participation in political events. Uniformed Marines at a Mar-a-Lago fundraiser last night. pic.twitter.com/2ijQGCGWdw Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 13, 2024 The use of uniformed service members to support non-profit fundraisers and other high-profile events is commonplace, although such appearances do require a review by senior leaders to ensure rules regarding the insinuation of military endorsement are not violated. Sensitivities regarding uniformed troops roles in many public events are often heightened during election years. Defense Department rules prohibit service members from appearing in uniform at rallies, protests, or other political events where they could be appearing to be representing the armed services. Troops are free to make campaign contributions or volunteer on behalf of a candidate, but they cannot undertake those activities in uniform or while on duty. Last month, National Guard officials launched a probe into whether the Texas adjutant general ran afoul of military politicking rules by appearing in uniform alongside former Trump during a campaign event at the southern U.S. border, even though the work appeared to fall under his specific state duties. Both Trump and President Joe Biden received criticism for the appearance of uniformed military personnel during their nominating conventions in 2020, although no troops involved faced any discipline. Pentagon leaders updated their rules regarding service members participation in political events in 2020. Multiple commands have reposted that guidance in recent months, ahead of the presidential campaign this fall. Married Teacher Allegedly Caught Undressed in Back of Car with Teen Student: Police Erin Ward, 45, was allegedly found inside a car with a 17-year-old student, according to the Douglas County Sheriffs Office Douglas County Sheriff's Office Erin Ward A Nebraska teacher was arrested on April 13 after police allegedly caught her undressed in a car with a teenager. At 2:49 p.m., the Douglas County Sheriffs Office received a call about a suspicious vehicle parked on a dead end street near the 10200th block of North 189th St., the sheriffs office said in a release. The deputies found the car a Gray 2015 Honda Pilot and two people in the backseat. One of the people inside quickly got into the drivers seat and drove away, crashing into a yard two blocks away, the release alleges. The driver, a teenage male, got out of the car wearing no clothes, the release states, and fled on foot. Deputies spoke to the other person in the car, an adult female, identified as Erin Ward, who was allegedly putting her clothes on in the backseat, according to the release. When deputies found an Omaha Public School employee ID in the SUV, Ward confirmed she was a substitute teacher at OPS Burke High School and two other local schools, the release alleges. Ward also admitted to having sexual intercourse with the driver who she indicated was a 17-year-old male student at Burke High School, police allege in the release. Ward and her spouse own the vehicle, say police. Shortly after, at 4 p.m., deputies found the 17-year-old in a nearby neighborhood, wearing boxer shorts, a t-shirt and socks. He was transported to a safe place to receive care and be interviewed, the release says. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Ward and the teen, whose identity is not being made public because of his age, were given minor medical attention for the injuries they sustained in the crash and when the teen was fleeing on foot, the release says. The sheriffs office confirmed that Ward was an employee at the Omaha Public Schools, the release says. She was arrested and charged with one count of felony sexual abuse by a school employee. She was taken to the Douglas County Department of Corrections. It is unclear whether she has retained an attorney who can speak on her behalf. Anyone with additional information about Ward is asked to contact DCSO at 402-444-6000. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Mary Hennigan Award-winning journalist Mary Hennigan will join the Arkansas Advocate team on April 29. Hennigan, 25, has been a reporter for the Arkansas Times since June 2022 and currently covers Little Rock city government among other topics. Hennigan will focus her reporting for the Advocate on womens issues, housing policy and energy and the environment. Other Advocate team members focus on education, health care, prisons, and laws and policies affecting low-income and LGBTQ+ people. I love local journalism, and Im excited to continue doing it in a different capacity, Hennigan said. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US As a student at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in 2021, Hennigan was part of a collaborative project that won several national awards in 2022, including an IRE Medal from Investigative Reporters & Editors, the Online Journalism Association, the News Leaders Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. The project, Printing Hate, involved 60 students across seven university campuses and was led by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland. With the centers guidance, students built a database of past news coverage of Black Americans to help future generations understand the role the press often played in the perpetration and perpetuation of racial violence. IRE judges wrote this about the project: As the mainstream media reckons with its racist past, this collaborative project went well beyond any of those efforts to show the complicity of newspapers in race-based violence by creating a permanent archive of the very hate-filled pages. In an interactive database and presentation and through more than a dozen stories of the lives lost, this effort ensures that this history is not tucked away in an archive and forgotten. Hennigan contributed a deeply researched article about a little-known 1904 lynching in St. Charles, Arkansas, to the project. During the 2020-2021 pandemic, Hennigan worked as a reporter and assistant editor with arkansascovid.com, a daily online data and information source about the disease and its impact on Arkansans. The blog used data visualization to inform its 13,000 followers in English, Spanish and Marshallese. Advocate Editor-in-Chief Sonny Albarado said he is immensely pleased to have someone as talented and versatile as Mary join our team. Hennigan graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelors and a masters degree in journalism. She lives in Little Rock. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Mary Hennigan to join Arkansas Advocate reporting team appeared first on Arkansas Advocate. Police have not yet identified a shooter or shooters Google Maps A mass shooting occurred outside Republic NOLA (pictured), a nightclub in New Orleans at 11:56 p.m. Sunday, April 14. The woman who was fatally shot has not yet been identified. Six women and five men, all of whom were adults, were also injured in the shooting Police are still investigating a possible motive for the Sunday night gunfire This is the fourth mass shooting in New Orleans so far this year One woman is dead and 11 more people injured following a mass shooting outside a New Orleans nightclub just before midnight Sunday, April 14. At that time, shots rang out on the 800 block of South Peters Street, per the New Orleans Police Department. The press release from police, who declined to provide additional details Monday, does not further specify the location of the shooting, but Nola.com, WWL Louisiana and WDSU report that the shooting occurred at Republic NOLA, a popular nightclub in the city's Warehouse District. All victims of the shooting were adults. At a nearby hotel, Kelsey Holt of Nashville awoke to the sound of six or seven gunshots, she told Nola.com From her window, Holt said she saw 30 to 40 people pouring out of the club. Some fled down the street, while others propped themselves up against the clubs exterior, she told the outlet. An unnamed witness inside the nightclub told WDSU, "When I heard the shots I ran to the bathroom and grabbed a couple people who were with me and kinda got low. The witness added, We stayed until it got settled but nobody knew what was next or if there would be more shots. There was a lot of panic and a lot of chaos. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Responding officers found one woman fatally shot lying on the sidewalk per police, who did not identify the woman, saying in the press release that the Orleans Parish Coroners Office would release her identity and conduct an autopsy to determine her exact cause of death. Four bullets had riddled through the clubs padlocked doors, Nola.com reports. A car parked near the nightclub had also been hit by gunfire, per WWL Louisiana. Republic NOLAs owner, Nick Thomas, told Nola.com Monday morning that the incident occurred entirely outside his venue and that luckily all of the staff are safe. Police have not yet identified the shooter or shooters involved in the incident or a motive, per the press release, which notes that the investigation is ongoing. Some of the six women and five men injured in Sunday nights shooting were taken to a local hospital by EMS, while others were driven there by civilians, per police. This type of violence has no place in our State, Gov. Jeff Landry tweeted in a statement Monday morning. Louisiana has seen eight mass shootings so far this year, per the Gun Violence Archive, which keeps state-by-state statistics on such shootings, which it defines as a shooting injuring at least four people excluding the shooter. Half of those shootings were in New Orleans, per the archive. We urgently need common-sense gun reform measures and violence reduction programs in our community, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter tweeted Monday morning in response to the latest mass shooting. Too many lives have been lost. Those with information about the investigation are urged to call homicide detective Donald Willyard at 504-658-5300 or call Crimestoppers toll-free 1-877-903-STOP(7867). For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Members Pamela Hughs and Toni Wakemup led efforts to install two vending machines that dispense opioid overdose prevention supplies for free on the Bois Forte Reservation. (courtesy photo) Toni Wakemup (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa) was at her tribes Mid-Winter Powwow an event she helps organize last year when she received a text message that would change her life. Her cousin Jeremy Hoagland, who grew up in the same household and whom she considered a brother, had died of a fentanyl overdose. I got a text that said, Jeremy died, Wakemup told Native News Online. No one ever wants to read that text. She was stunned, seized by grief. She needed to get to her family, but was in such a state of shock that she was afraid to drive. Her elders who were at the powwow smudged her, over and over again, until she was grounded enough to drive safely. It wasnt just a quick smudge, she said. It was bowl after bowl after bowl. It was the best place I could have been for that moment. It helped a lot, it helped me get where I needed to go. Jeremy was found dead in his home on February 5, 2023. He was surrounded by dozens of used canisters of Narcan a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug commonly available in nasal spray form. Wakemup thinks whoever administered the Narcan got to Jeremy too late. Wakemup is just one of thousands of Native people who have lost a loved one to the overdose crisis. Amid a nationwide scourge of fentanyl and other illicit opioids, drug overdoses continue to rise in Indian Country at a faster rate than any other racial group. That's according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) last month. Drug overdose rates have increased in most years since 2000, marking the beginning of the public health emergency known as the opioid crisis. The crisis can be marked in waves, beginning in the late 1990s with the overprescription of opioids followed by a rise in heroin-related deaths and an increase in synthetic opioid deaths over the past decade. Today, public health experts say the opioid crisis is its fourth wave, distinguished by the presence of fentanyl a synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than morphine in other drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. The newly published CDC data reveals that American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people saw the sharpest surge in drug overdose deaths from 2021 to 2022, with a 15% increase in the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose rates. The number of deaths per 100,000 Native people rose from 56.6 to 65.2, the data shows. Health experts and Indigenous advocates point toward longstanding, gaping healthcare disparities that put Native communities in the crosshairs of the opioid epidemic. The causes of these disparities are multifold, but ultimately are rooted in broken treaty promises that have resulted in chronically underfunded health care for Natives, according to Dr. Melissa Walls (Couchiching First Nation and Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe), co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the primary health delivery system in Indian Country, serving approximately 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. Its 2024 budget fell $43.64 billion short of what it requested from Congress. At the federal level, for example, the Indian Health Service continues to be underfunded and is the primary agency at the federal level tasked with serving Indigenous people through the treaty obligation, Walls told Native News Online. I think its a basic answer of a policy not being fulfilled. Dr. Melissa Walls (Couchiching First Nation and Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe), co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. Dr. Melissa Walls (Couchiching First Nation and Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe), co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. Native communities continue to bear the highest rate of overdoses, but they also have to contend with the most limited access to addiction-care treatment. A 2021 study using data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) showed that only 22% of specialty treatment facilities serving American Indians and Alaska Natives offer medication for opioid use disorder, and only 40% of AI/AN people receive medication-assisted treatment. While a small handful of states have committed to sharing their opioid settlement funds with the federally recognized tribes within their borders, most are doing the bare minimum, Walls said. We need a massive paradigm shift, Walls said. Because when Indigenous people heal, we all heal. As communities across Indian Country are contending with the fallout from the opioid crisis, many are embracing harm reduction an evidence-based public health strategy designed around reducing the adverse effects of drug use. Harm-reduction programs often include clean needle exchange, and distribution of naloxone, fentanyl testing strips, and wound care supplies. Distributing harm reduction supplies on reservations presents challenges spread out communities, stigma, and limited funding but tribes are proving innovative in meeting them. Vending machines dispensing Narcan, testing strips and other overdose prevention supplies free of cost have begun showing up across Indian Country. The Pala Band of Mission Indians installed one at the tribe's fire department last May; in September, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians announced it had installed 10 of the machines on tribal lands; the Mi'kmaq Nation in Maine recently installed a health vending machine at its health department, the second such machine in the state. Wakemup is part of a group that led efforts to install two harm-reduction vending machines on the Bois Forte reservation last winter. The machines provide the benefits of anonymity for those using them as well as data on how many harm reduction supplies are in the community. It's crucial for tribal nations to invest in community education to reduce the stigma that harm-reduction encourages drug use, despite mounting evidence to the contrary, Walls said. Community education is critical, Walls said. And you can root those [harm reduction] practices and our traditions and our culture and really important ways, because ultimately we want to save our relatives. Wakemup has been in addiction recovery for five years. She credits her connection to her culture and spirit as giving her strength. The thing that made me strong in my recovery is that the first year I got sober, I also received my Anishinaabe name, she said. And that helped me connect me to my spirit. Wakemup and Hoegland were just a year apart in age, in the same grade at school and extremely close. He was a gifted mechanic and loved fishing. He worked on the Bois Forte Tribal Council Election Board and Wakemup said he always had a joke on hand to break the ice when meeting new people. She hopes that people remember Jeremy and other Natives who have died from overdoses for the people they were not just for their drug use. She believes that will help destigmatize addiction, spur compassionate policies, and save lives. They're still good people, Wakemup said. They still deserve to be treated as human beings with dignity. And don't (just) remember the drug use remember the good things they've done here. About the Author: "Elyse Wild is senior editor for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. " Contact: ewild@indiancountrymedia.com Were finally here. This week, Donald Trump will sit in a courtroom and face criminal charges. The courtroom has not been kind to Trump this year: A Manhattan jury found the Trump Organization guilty on 17 counts of tax fraud last December, and E. Jean Carroll won that hefty judgment against Trump for sexual abuse, but these were civil proceedings. So mark this down as the week the criminal justice system finally managed to haul Trump before the bar of justice. The only real question here is why this took so long. Its not as if it wasnt obvious in 2015 that Trump had total contempt for the law. That was easy for all to see. How has he gotten away with it for this long? Its partly due to an utterly docile Republican Party, whose leaders know very well that Trumps a brigand but are afraid to say so. Its partly Trumps reliance on an old Roy Cohn legal strategydelay, deny, accuse the other side of what you yourself have done, conjure up totally fictional defenses that should be laughed out of court but at least slow down the proceedings. And conservative judges have played their role, such as Aileen Cannon and the U.S. Supreme Court. But crucially, this is also a media storymore precisely, its the story of our two medias, the mainstream and the right-wing. The mainstream media have consistently held Trump to a lower standard of behavior than other politicians, and the right-wing media have held him to no standard of behavior, making excuses for everything. Its so important to understand this phenomenon. We have two medias in this country. One wakes up every morning looking for a fight, and the other, with some exceptions, wakes up every morning looking for nuance and rationalizations. Its a huge part of the story of how we got here. Take this now completely forgotten tale from the very early days of the Trump administration. On January 24Trumps fourth day in officethennational security adviser Mike Flynn was interviewed by the FBI about his Russia connections. On January 26 and 27, Sally Yates of the Justice Department told the White House about her departments suspicions about Flynn. That same night of January 27the first week of his presidencyTrump had dinner with thenFBI director James Comey. The FBI was investigating Flynn. It was also, we learned shortly thereafter, investigating Trumps 2016 campaign. What was said at that dinner? We dont know everything, but that May, Trump admitted that he asked Comey if he, Trump, was under investigation. The mere asking of the question, as Lawrence Tribe said at the time, was a high crime and misdemeanoran attempt to intimidate and to obstruct justice. That should have launched a congressional investigation at the very least. But the Republicans controlled the House at the time, so that wasnt going to happen. In fact, then-Speaker Paul Ryan came out and called Comey compromised, backing Trump all the way. And the media? Oh, it was a story all right, I wouldnt deny that it was. But while I havent done a content analysis, Id bet you that Bill Clintons tarmac visit with Loretta Lynch inspired more outrage in both medias than this episode did. Naturally, Im not defending what Clinton did. But he was an ex-president with no power over Lynch. Trump was the sitting president will all power over Comeywhich he exercised that May by firing him. This is one of dozens of examples in which Trump flagrantly violated norms and standards. It made a little stink for a moment or two, but it eventually faded away, quietly departing the front pages, blending into the blurry background of half-remembered Trumpian lies and outrages that have proven to be too numerous for the media watchdogs to actually keep track of, leaving one feeling overwhelmed. Thats why this week is different. This, finally, is a court of criminal law. There will be facts submitted for the record. There will be testimony, under oath. And eventually, in an estimated six weeks or so, there will be a verdict from a jury of Trumps peers. That verdict might exonerate Trump. But most experts dont think it will. It seems pretty obvious that Trump ordered Michael Cohen to make that payment to Stormy Daniels for the reason the prosecution allegesto keep the affair from becoming public before the election. So, with any luck, by Memorial Day or so, well be able to write the phrase that has been crying to be written for about 35 years: Convicted felon Donald Trump. How much will that change things, if it comes to pass? Maybe not much, immediately. The pro-Trump media will say he was railroaded, and the mainstream media will move on to the next story. Not many Americans have served on juriesabout one in 10 in the last decade, according to this survey. But faith in the jury system is high. That may well be especially so in a case like this one, which until this week has been, to your disinterested observer, a partisan circus. But a jurys verdict has an authority and finality for these Americans that a Sean Hannity rant or a New York Times editorial lacks. So perhaps 60 or 65 percent of America will agree, if Trump is convicted, that he paid off Daniels in order to help him win the election. It barely scratches the surface of Trumps crimes. And its shameful that it took eight years to get here. But a jurys verdict is a lot harder for him to blame on the deep state and the fake news. In the America that Donald Trump hasnt yet corrupted, a courtroom still has that standing. UPDATE: Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.s attorney Ed Jacobs responded to the abuse accusations against his client and his wife, LaQuetta Small, in a news release he provided to McClatchy News on April 16. Small remains mayor, Jacobs said. He contended the Smalls are innocent. According to Jacobs, the criminal complaints filed by the Atlantic County prosecutor on April 15 focus exclusively on private family matters. He said the complaints are basically attempting to second guess parental decisions of Mayor Small and his wife and were issued on summonses; that means no arrests were made and no bails were set. He and his wife LaQuetta and their two children remain a close and loving and intact family, Jacobs said. He added that Small and superintendent LaQuetta Small are completely innocent of any wrongdoing and will ultimately be vindicated. The original story is below. The mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey, is accused of beating and emotionally abusing his teenage daughter on multiple occasions, according to officials who said he also made terroristic threats toward her. Mayor Marty Small Sr.s wife LaQuetta Small, the citys school district superintendent, is also accused of abuse. Theyre both facing charges stemming from incidents involving their daughter throughout December and January, when she was 15 and 16, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office announced in an April 15 news release. Smalls attorney, Ed Jacobs, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on April 15. Information regarding his wifes legal representation wasnt immediately available. During one incident of physical abuse, Small repeatedly hit his teenage daughter in the head with a broom, and she lost consciousness, the prosecutors office said. In another incident, hes accused of punching her legs, leaving bruises. In an argument with his daughter, Small also made violent threats, according to the prosecutors office. He continuously threatened to hurt her by earth slamming her down the stairs, grabbing her head and throwing her to the ground, and smacking the weave out of her head, the news release said. LaQuetta Small is accused of physically abusing her daughter, leaving visible injuries, on three separate occasions, according to the prosecutors office. She repeatedly punched her daughter in the chest, causing bruises, dragged her daughter by her hair then struck her with a belt on her shoulders leaving marks, and also punched the teen in the mouth, the prosecutors office said. Atlantic City Public Schools, the district LaQuetta Small oversees as superintendent, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on April 15. Atlantic City spokesman Andrew Kramer declined to provide a comment to McClatchy News. Small and his wife are both charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, according to the release. Small is separately charged with third-degree terroristic threats, third-degree aggravated assault and disorderly persons simple assault, the prosecutors office said. LaQuetta Small is separately charged with three counts of disorderly persons simple assault, according to officials. Mayor previously denied rumors of abuse The charges against Small and his wife come after authorities executed search warrants at their residence on March 28, the Press of Atlantic City reported. At the time, Jacobs declined to comment on why authorities were at the home, according to the newspaper. At an April 1 news conference, Small commented on rumors about the search, which he said was personal and related to his family, WPVI-TV reported. He denied being involved in corruption, and shot down rumors that his daughter was pregnant and that he and his wife beat her, according to the TV station. The other rumor is, that they said came from an Atlantic City police officer, that said my daughter got knocked up by a drug dealer in Stanley Holmes village, that my wife beat the bleep out of her while my son recorded the whole thing, and I just stood there. False, Smalls said, WPVI-TV reported. The most egregious rumor today is that my daughter was pregnant with twins. And I beat the (expletive) out of her so bad that I killed the babies. And Im going to be charged with double, double murder, he added. And the other one, during the raid, that they were looking for evidence of a miscarriage in my home. The Atlantic County Prosecutors Offices Special Victims Unit investigated Small and his wife in connection with their daughter, according to the offices release. The charges were placed on summonses for both defendants, the office said. 5-year-old girl starved to death inside home, New York cops say. Her dad is arrested Ex-wife pays hitman with diamond ring to kill woman living with ex-husband, feds say Wifes charred body found in makeshift cemetery grave, feds say. Husband gets prison Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) poured cold water on the prospect of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) being ousted from his role, stating he does not think it will ever happen. It makes a lot of good news, doesnt it? But this is what I think I dont think itll ever happen, McCarthy said Monday while speaking at an annual membership meeting of the American Hospital Association. We just have to try to inspire. I think you just bring people in. I dont believe this will ever happen. I dont believe the Democrats will think its a smart thing to go along with it again, he continued. If you elect the Speaker, have him serve the job, he added. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) filed a motion to vacate the Speakership last month after Johnson helped pass a spending package to avert a partial government shutdown. The motion was the same maneuver used to oust McCarthy last October, shortly after he supported a deal for a 45-day budget extension to avoid a government shutdown last September. That effort was led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who cited the national debt and broken promises made to the House GOP. Greene has recently ramped up pressure on Johnson for his handling of government funding and his pledge to bring Ukraine aid to the floor, arguing the House should be focused on the U.S. southern border instead. Johnson indicated he plans to bring Ukraine aid to the House floor sometime after the chambers latest recess, though the issue could prove challenging amid conservative opposition. It remains unclear what form the bill could look like or how he plans to alter a $95 billion Senate bill that would combine aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with humanitarian help for Gaza. Greene and Johnson met last week but failed to come to an agreement on these policy differences. The Georgia Republican said last week she will not give Johnson a red line or ultimatum about what would motivate her to force a vote on the motion to vacate, noting she wants to be considerate of her conference. The meeting did not clarify her timing on when she plans to move forward, she added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Media: Lancet drone analog presented to Zelensky, being used at the front Ukrainian soldiers already use domestically-produced attack drones similar to Russian Lancet drones at the front, Ukrainska Pravda and Militarnyi, Ukrainian news outlets, reported on April 15. The drone was shown to President Volodymyr Zelensky at an event dedicated to Ukraine's Defense and Industrial Complex Employee Day on April 13, according to the media outlets. Kyiv has intensified its efforts to ramp up domestic production of drones, a critical tool on the battlefield, aiming to manufacture 1 million drones this year. In early February, Ukraine was preparing to launch the mass production of the equivalent of the Russian Lancet drones, according to Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Later that month, he said that some of such drones had been tested, adding that Kyiv would be able to produce "hundreds" of them "in a few months." The Lancet is a kamikaze drone with a range of 40 kilometers produced by ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of Russian arms giant Kalashnikov Concern. Since Russia started using the Lancet in large numbers on the battlefield in late 2022, it has proved to be one of Russia's most effective weapons against high-value targets located dozens of kilometers behind the front line. The Ukrainian-made drone is reportedly capable of striking targets at a distance of over 100 kilometers and is equipped with a warhead of up to three kilograms. With a maximum speed of 180 km/h, the drone can attack both static and moving targets and "theoretically, can also hit helicopters hovering or flying on opposite courses," according to the reports. "It has already been able to hit a Russian anti-aircraft missile system," Ukrainska Pravda reported, adding that the unmanned system is at the stage of completion, which takes place in a combat zone. At the event, Zelensky inspected the latest models of military equipment and weapons and was briefed on the volume of their production and use at the front, the Presidential Office reported. In total, there are 500 operating defense industry enterprises in Ukraine that produce shells, mortars, armored vehicles, anti-tank systems, electronic warfare systems etc., according to Zelensky. Read also: How Russias homegrown Lancet drone became so feared in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) One Hagerstown resident battling Lyme disease has found medical relief and employment at a local cannabis growing and packaging operation. Matt Guenter isnt sure how young he was when he sustained a tick bite. But the pain from the neurological Lyme disease he contracted was unbearable. I walked with a cane for about a year and a half and had severe inflammation, brain fog, said Guenter. I would forget family and friends names. Hagerstown city government ready to take on upgrades to citys water plant But as a Maryland resident, he had access to medical cannabis as an alternative to the opioids he was taking for pain relief. I was being prescribed too many opiates and with the opiates I wasnt really feeling any better, says Guenter. They were making me more tired, sick. Collin Hart is with the Hagerstown medical cannabis growing and packaging operation, MariMed Inc. which serves as a convenient and pain free alternative to the opioids Guenter was taking. Matt was in a situation where he could grow the marijuana himself illegally or put himself at risk just to get a little bit of pain relief, says Hart. Im so glad the world has changed and our state has changed to allow people to get the relief they need. While Guenter is now able to reliably and safely treat his pain, he is also gainfully employed at a thriving cannabis operation in his hometown. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Los Angeles doctors were baffled by a rare illness after years of hives and fevers for one woman worsened. (Getty Images) Correction: A previous version of this article included frogs as reptiles known to carry salmonella. Frogs are amphibians. The article has been corrected. - - - Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. There were few things Beth Sternliebs Los Angeles doctors could say with certainty about her baffling illness, but this much was clear: Although manageable for years, it had worsened dramatically. For nearly two decades Sternlieb had been plagued by flu-like episodes that began with a headache and abdominal pain accompanied by fatigue, muscle aches and diarrhea. Within a day, a spotty red rash blanketed her abdomen. A yoga and meditation teacher who worked at the University of California at Los Angeless pediatric pain program, Sternlieb had undergone numerous tests that failed to reveal the reason for the unidentified illness that occurred two or three times a year and lasted about five days. In 2004, after 17 years, the illness began occurring more frequently and Sternlieb never fully recovered between episodes. A year later she developed a high fever, chills and exhaustion that lasted five months and left her bedridden. The startling and highly unusual cause was finally identified after Sternlieb underwent an operation that ended up curing her. It was a good thing my abdomen turned red because it caught the attention of my doctors, Sternlieb said recently. Something was really wrong, but no one imagined this. - - - Bad case of flu The first episode occurred in December 1987, two weeks after Sternliebs second child was born. I became sicker than I had ever been, said Sternlieb, then 37. It was flu season and that year was a bad flu season, so doctors attributed her illness to influenza. Six months later the illness recurred, a pattern that prevailed for years. At first Sternlieb didnt pay much attention to the tiny red dots that covered her abdomen. The rash resembled a sunburn but wasnt itchy or painful. Doctors ultimately decided it was hives, a common skin condition that can occur as an allergic reaction to food or drugs; often its cause is never discovered. Her primary care doctor referred her to a rheumatologist, a physician who specializes in treating autoimmune diseases, whom she saw for several years. He ordered blood tests, which he said suggested the presence of an unspecified autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly attacks itself. Over the years, Sternlieb noticed that the episodes seemed to occur during periods of stress both good and bad, including traveling, partying and too little sleep. I thought it must have a psychological component, she said. She learned to incorporate the bouts into her life, relieved that no one had found anything serious. She hoped doctors would figure out what was wrong so they could treat and eradicate whatever it was. - - - Travel history By 2005, Sternliebs equanimity was shattered by a sharp deterioration in her health. That summer, she became seriously ill and did not recover. Her fever periodically spiked to 104 degrees, and she suffered from drenching night sweats as well as profound weakness and fatigue. She lost 15 pounds and, unable to work, spent most of her time in bed or on the couch. The rash that had been confined to her abdomen spread to her neck and torso. Blood tests showed elevated levels of inflammation and a high white blood cell count. Sternlieb began seeing a new crop of specialists. An infectious-disease doctor combed through her travel history, which included a trip to India years earlier, ultimately ruling out malaria and other parasitic infections. Doctors considered and discarded a variety of diagnoses including fever of unknown origin, which can be associated with some autoimmune diseases; familial Mediterranean fever, an inherited genetic disorder that causes recurrent fevers and inflammation; as well as HIV and hepatitis. That left an infection or an allergy as possible causes. The latter seemed unlikely despite recurrent hives, said Raffi Tachdjian, then a fellow in allergy and immunology at UCLA and one of the doctors Sternlieb consulted. Hives usually last 24 hours and are not like this, which was chronic, he recalled. We needed to look deeper into anything unusual. It seemed that there was something packing some heat somewhere that was triggering a reaction from Sternliebs immune system. We see this in sinuses where antibiotics dont reach infected tissue and result in a smoldering infection that becomes virtually impossible to eradicate with medication, he added. A CT scan ordered by the infectious-disease doctor showed multiple uterine fibroids, common benign tumors that dont require treatment unless they cause problems. The scan showed that one of the fibroids had grown very large and was possibly degenerating (dying) or necrotic (dead), which happens when a tumor loses its blood supply. A degenerating fibroid can get very big very fast. But doctors were also concerned about the possibility of a rare cancer such as a leiomyosarcoma, which grows in smooth muscles including in uterine tissue. None of her doctors, including her new gynecologist Jessica Schneider, knew whether her long-standing illness and the fibroids were related. And what explained the hives, which are not associated with fibroids or this cancer? It didnt seem obvious that a fibroid would cause this, said Schneider, a member of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group. But it didnt look like a typical fibroid, and I recommended we take it out. Sternlieb, who said she worried she might still be sick after a hysterectomy, agreed. During the December 2005 operation, Schneider removed eight fibroids. The largest measured a whopping 11 centimeters, the size of a large grapefruit. Nearly 20 years later Schneider vividly remembers its unique characteristics. Typically a fibroid is a solid ball of muscle, she said. This one was full of pus that spurted explosively when it was touched with a scalpel. It was crazy, said Schneider, who had never seen anything like it before and hasnt since. She administered antibiotics and took a culture that she sent to the pathology lab for analysis. Tachdjian remembers that Schneider called him just after she finished surgery to tell him what she had found. I thought We need to know what the heck grew, Tachdjian said. We were crossing our fingers that surgery would take care of it, whatever it was. But only time would tell. - - - A nice nest A few weeks later, the first question was answered. The culture showed an unknown strain of salmonella, a common bacterial infection that is usually caused by contaminated food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that it causes more than 1.3 million illnesses annually and results in more than 26,000 hospitalizations and 420 deaths. Neither Sternlieb nor her doctors knew how or when she contracted salmonella, which is known to cause hives if it settles in the intestine, Tachdjian said. In Sternliebs case, the bacteria had burrowed into only one fibroid; the other seven were free of salmonella. It probably seeded itself in the GI tract and thought Heres a nice nest for me, said Tachdjian, who practices in Santa Monica and is an associate clinical professor of medicine and pediatrics at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. But the duration of Sternliebs infection, its location in a uterine fibroid and the recurring hives made the case something of a fascinoma - medical slang for an unusual and unusually interesting case, a status that would be enhanced by the discovery of its source. I kept asking older doctors if theyd ever seen anything like this, and they said they hadnt, Schneider said. A search of medical journals conducted by Tachdjian turned up nothing similar. Because salmonella is a reportable disease, California health officials were notified. Several months after her operation, Sternlieb received a home visit from a public health nurse with startling news: Her infection had been traced not to food but to a reptile. Turtles are known to harbor salmonella, one reason federal law has long banned the sale of small turtles because of the risk they pose to young children. Other reptiles and amphibians including snakes, frogs and lizards are also carriers, which is why public health officials stress the importance of handwashing after touching them. But her family never had a pet reptile, Sternlieb said. Because her symptoms started shortly after giving birth, Sternliebs infectious-disease doctor suspected she might have contracted the infection in the hospital, possibly from a staff member. At times during pregnancy and before delivery, the mothers immune system is suppressed to prevent it from rejecting the fetus. Another possibility, said Sternlieb, who wracked her brain trying to recall possible reptile exposures from nearly two decades earlier, is that the infection was transmitted by a pet reptile at the nursery school her then-4-year-old son attended. But she added that he never brought a reptile home and that she doesnt remember the school keeping such pets. Schneider said she began to recover almost immediately after surgery and has never had another episode. Doctors deemed the surgery a cure. Tachdjian said he suspects she was exposed in the hospital and added that its fortunate she underwent surgery when she did. Had the fibroid ruptured, Sternlieb could have developed sepsis, a potentially fatal infection that results from bacteria coursing through the bloodstream. In 2010, Tachdjian, Schneider and two other doctors published a report of her case in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology. Their goal, Tachdjian said, was to alert other doctors to consider abdominal hives as a possible sign of a simmering pelvic infection. You want these reports so the next [doctor] that runs into something like this gets imaging quickly, he said. Related Content The Trump Trials: Trumps jury seems nearly set. How we got here. Majority Latino city endures years of toxic water in health crisis Federal criminal investigation opened into Key Bridge crash BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. The COP29 General Headquarters hosted the first press conference regarding the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in November 2024 in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev, COP29 CEO Elnur Soltanov, COP29 Operating Company Chairman and CEO Narmin Jarchalova, UN High-Level Climate Champion Nigar Arpadarai, and COP29 Youth Climate Champion for Azerbaijan Leyla Hasanova have spoken at the event. Speaking about the preparation for the conference, Babayev noted that hosting COP29 in the country is a manifestation of the international community's trust in the national and international policies pursued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, as well as Azerbaijan's efforts to contribute to addressing climate change. Emphasizing that Azerbaijan assumed the presidency of COP29 with unanimous support from the world's countries, Babayev said that during its presidency at the conference, Azerbaijan will demonstrate continuous activity towards strengthening global solidarity on climate change issues. Highlighting that the green transition is among Azerbaijan's national priorities, Babayev also mentioned that the country has joined the Global Methane Pledge initiative, which involves voluntary commitments by states to reduce methane emissions into the environment. He stated that the goal is to increase the share of renewable energy sources in installed electricity capacity to 30 percent by 2030. Additionally, according to him, Azerbaijan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030 and by 40 percent by 2050 compared to the baseline in 1990. "Today, Azerbaijan, as part of the world, is facing the consequences of climate change," said Babayev, emphasizing issues such as the reduction of water levels in rivers and the Caspian Sea and desertification. The agenda for negotiations on the expected outcome documents of COP29 was also clarified during the press conference. Yalchin Rafiyev, the head of the negotiating group and Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, stated that Azerbaijan approaches the negotiation process within the mandate of hosting COP29 from the perspective of transparency, inclusiveness, and neutrality towards all participating parties. "Key topics of the COP29 negotiations, including climate finance, are being extensively discussed with all parties. Active work is underway to find possible solutions for the successful conclusion of negotiations," noted Rafiyev. The Executive Director of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, highlighted that this event will serve as a platform for broad discussions and actions to accelerate the transition to green energy, expressing confidence that new opportunities will emerge in terms of fulfilling Azerbaijan's commitments in this direction. "Azerbaijan's role will not be limited to just hosting the event, and our country will also lead the negotiations at the conference. In this sense, Baku will be in the spotlight of the world in November," noted Soltanov. The Chairperson of the COP29 Operational Company's Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer, Narmin Jarchalova, pointed out that although various international events have been held in Azerbaijan before, COP29 will be the largest event in terms of the number of participants and scale. The Baku Olympic Stadium has been chosen as the venue for the event. "The decision on the venue for COP29 was made after consultations with the UN and taking into account the experience of previous COP events. During large-scale events held to date at this venue, efficient use and sustainability of the infrastructure have been fully ensured. The Blue and Green Zones, which will be organized at the stadium during COP29, are being prepared in coordination with the organizers' team. Structures will be installed around the stadium to organize all plenary sessions of the conference in one space," noted Jarchalova. The press conference also addressed the issue of hotels accommodating guests, emphasizing that all accommodation options will be available on a unified international platform in the near future. Speaking about the participation of civil society and the private sector in COP29, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion Nigar Arpadarai emphasized the importance of their involvement in discussions and decision-making. COP29 Youth Climate Champion for Azerbaijan Leyla Hasanova said that youth-related activities play an important role at the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, highlighting the importance of existing practices and global projects in this field. She informed the media about the expansion of such areas as youth development and knowledge exchange, activities aimed at involving youth in global processes. The press conference hosted the public presentation of the COP29 logo. The logo reflects a complex of multi-dimensional initiatives of the COP29 presidency, combining symbols of a buta, a leaf, and water drops as a reference to environmental sensitivity in the context of the importance of natural resources and Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage. The motif of the buta, rooted in Azerbaijan's historical and cultural heritage, symbolizes not only sustainability and innovation but also a bridge between the past and the future, as well as five different elements: flora and fauna, air and wind, water, energy, and the universe. The logo reflects the importance of a continuous connection between humanity and the environment, an environmentally sensitive approach, and result-oriented actions in the era of growing climate challenges. This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Lets begin with the first story I ever heard Louis Scarcella tell. Detective Scarcella, who is the center of my new podcast The Burden, was a highly decorated, widely celebrated NYPD cop. The Prince of the City, one lawyer called him. He was known as the closer, he locked up the worst criminals and got the confessions other detectives could not get. His heyday was the 80s and 90s, when New York seemed like a failed experiment. The city was overrun with violent crimethere were more than 2,000 murders some years. Back then, the city needed a tough cop like Scarcella, a cop who had a superhero nickname: The Hulk. Now, back to that story. Louie is waiting around to testify in court. Its lunchtime and theres a break. Good time to track down a murder suspect in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Detective Scarcella, by the way, is in a coat and tie. Scarcella: And there was an Italian guy right here smoking a cheroot. I said, ven aca ven aca. Come here. Come here. And I showed him the picture. And he points to the white house. Lo and behold, a man, six foot, 300 pounds, comes out of the house. I run over to him. I put the gun on him. He's got a Sig Sauer in his waistband. I jump on him Hes going for the gun, I put my Glock to his head and pull the trigger. But the guns no good. My guns no good. I jump on him. He's bucking me. Hes bucking me like a bronco. I grab him and I knock him to the ground. Wow. Id hear this story several timesLouie never told a story just once. Each time, one question came to my mind. Did he ever imagine that Glock goes off? Scarcella was quick to answer. I intended it to. What do you want me to do? Hes going for the Sig Sauer. What am I supposed to do, kiss him? That was my introduction to Detective Louis Scarcella. Back then, the city was, in Scarcellas phrase, a crazy world of murder, and he had a mission, assigned to him by the politicians. Take back the city. I was the protector of those people. They needed me. And I loved doing it. he said. When I told Derrick Hamilton that story, he offered a different version of Scarcella. This guy is no better than a serial killer. He kills peoples dreams, Derrick said. Hes a piece of shit. The Myth of Central Park Five Growing up in a Brooklyn housing project, Derrick had been a tough kid, no doubt, Hed shot people. But he insisted he didnt do the murder that Scarcella helped convict him for. In prison, Hamilton turned himself into one of the best jailhouse lawyers of his generation. As he explained to me, The law was my girlfriend. It was all I had, I had to love it, cause its my only way to freedom. In prison, Derrick helped found a law firmthats right, a law firm in prisonmade up of convicted murderers. None had degrees; none had even graduated high school before going to prison. They were all self-taught in the law. They pushed desks together in the prison law library, studying each others cases. Derrick lectured the firm on procedure. Do you know what your burden is? Legal burden. In the prison, they ran a clinic on the DL reexamining peoples casesand they started getting people out of prison! Derrick had helped get a couple out of prison himself. No count is available on how many were sprung as a result of the firms efforts, but anecdotally there were at least a handful. Then one day, Derrick is looking at the motion written by another member of the prison law firm, Shabaka Shakur, another Brooklyn kid convicted of murder, who also claimed he was innocent. Derrick noticed theyd both been investigated by the same cop: Louis Scarcella. That moment probably changed New York legal history. It certainly changed Scarcellas. Thats the same motherfucker who framed me, Derrick told Shabaka. Then he said. We gotta do something about this guy. And so from this law library under the watchful eye of a correctional officer, this law firm targeted Scarcella with the help of a brand new reporter at The New York Times itching for a big story. I was in The New York Times office sharpening pencils, said Frances Robles, better known by her film noir nickname, Frenchie. Shed done 20 years at the Miami Herald and she was ready to make her mark in New York. Derrick tipped her off. Soon, shed be warned that this story could be dangerous. If she was going to show that people were wrongfully convicted, that could upset the real killer, right? But Frenchie, well, shes fearless. Look, if I get killed doing this, that is not a bad way to die, she told me. Frenchies stories landed in 2013; by then Scarcella had already been retired for a dozen years. Suddenly, news vans were parked in front of his Staten Island house. Scarcella politely declined to comment, except to say he stood by his cases. He wouldnt speak to Frenchie. But I wanted to hear from Scarcella. As a staff writer for New York magazine, Id covered some of the great criminals of the era. Son of Sam had a prison chat with me; Bernie Madoff confided in meit took me a year to get to him. In my previous #1 podcast, Empire on Blood (soon to be re-released) Id helped a wrongfully convicted man get out of prison. How could I understand how justice was done, or undone, without hearing from the guy in the center of it all, the cop the press dubbed a disgraced detective. One news report called him a rogue official who had apparently hoodwinked an entire system. I thought, Really? One rogue official? I needed to hear from him. I recruited a fellow journalist, Dax-Devlon Ross, whod won the Association of Black Journalists Investigative Reporting Award. Dax and I were to be partners on this story. My assignment was to get to Louie. I called him, I called his friends. Nothing. I tried for half a dozen months. And then one day in 2020 my phone rang. Retired Detective Louis N. Scarcella wanted to talk to me in person. We met at a Coney Island diner. He walked in, a man in his sixties, shorter than I expected for someone nicknamed The Hulk. Scarcella was Brooklyn through and through. Hed grown up in Bensonhurst, back then an Italian enclave. In his neighborhood, a bunch of people became cops and firefighters, and a portion became mobsters. Louie had both in his family. He chose to follow his father into the NYPD where hed serve for 29 years. At the diner, Louie looked rugged and fit in a sleeveless T-shirt. Twenty-two tattoos ran up and down both armsone depicted his fathers detective shield. He launched into intense, frankly captivating storieslike the Glock story. Then he stood up. He wasnt ready. Lets meet and talk again, he said. Retired NYPD Detective Louis Scarcella outside of his home in Staten Island, NY. Enid Alvarez/NY Daily News via Getty And so began what I came to think of as a series of tests. I think he wanted proof of commitment. He invited me to Russian baths on the edge of the water in Brooklyn. He beat me with oak leaves in the sauna. Then he invited me to jump in the freezing Atlantic. In mid-winter. He had been president of the Polar Bear Club. He swore by the health benefits of the plunge. I visited his gym, and his house in Staten Island, where Christmas decorations covered every surface. I took him to the bar I ran on a Brooklyn street hed once patrolled. He offered a review of my bar, Ervs. A pleasant yuppie bar where, he surmised, there werent a lot of Trump voters. As for the dead-end block on which the bar was located, he appraised that too. It was afternoon; he looked around. There were some guys playing dice, drinking, some low-level drug dealers. This here could erupt into anything. This is like atomic energy. Anything can happen. By which he meant, nothing good. He suggested I had big cojones for opening a bar on this block. Or else I was an idiot. Finally, one day, I asked Detective Scarcella, Have I passed the test? Scarcella didnt hesitate. Passed the test. And so Scarcella came to the recording studio wed eventually talk for 35 hours over dozens of conversations. Turned out he was busting to tell his story. One of the first things I asked him: What did he think of me when we first met. Scarcella: I didnt like you. He noted that we hadnt grown up on the same block. Scarcella: But then I came to love you. Me: Wow. Love. Scarcella: Well, Im Italian. Louie and I developed a relationship. He was isolated, and, he said, misunderstood. I became his first call when he heard bad news, which was increasingly often. In the past decade or so 21 people he helped investigate have had their convictions overturned. He told me he wanted people to know who he really was. I promised to tell his story. To try to see the city through his eyes. This was his story as we began. If I did one nanogram, one nanogram of what they said I did, and you know what I mean by nanogram? An infinitesimal part. If I did one of the things that they said I did, I would've killed myself. And then he added, I love myself. I'm not gonna kill myself. I asked him. What do you love about yourself, Louie? He answered: I'm going to tell you. I think I'm a very good person. In a way, that assertion guided the four-year journey that led to The Burden. Was Louie Scarcella a very good person? I was probably well-positioned to understand Louies point of view. Louies instincts, his suspicions of the crowd outside my bar, were well-founded. A year later, my bar would close due to a murder. It had long been a violent block, and, as a bar owner, I knew I needed the cops. Maybe I even needed a tough cop like the Hulk, to help keep order. Louie and I spent a lot of time visiting the scenes of crimesin other words, the scenes of his past glory. He told me how he wrote a confession on a cocktail napkin and how he prayed with one suspect. Louie explained his views of justice, and how he went about doing it. He reminded me that when he was in his prime, there was no DNA evidence and not much closed-circuit TV. So Louie relied on what he considered his superpower: his instincts. He insisted he could read people, as he told Dr. Philthats right, he went on national TVhe had like a sixth or seventh sense. He called it a crystal ball in your gut that could lead to an arrest. A home near the address where Nathaniel Cash was murdered in 1991 in Bedford-Stuyvesant on May 16, 2013 in Brooklyn. Derrick Hamilton, who spent nearly 21 years in prison for the 1991 murder, was paroled in 2011 after questions surfaced about New York City Detective Louis Scarcella and lead witnesses on the case. Spencer Platt/Getty Images Louie had effectively a ninth- or tenth-grade educationhe was socially promoted, he explained, because he was a good ballplayer. He had almost no training to be a detective. But he had those instincts. He claimed he could sort the bad guys from the good guys. And, he claimed, those instincts were near-infallible. There were a number of times on the job where everybody said no and I said yes and believe it or not, it came back around and I was right. Not blowing my horn. Its just fact. (Not really. It wasnt difficult to find instances where his instincts had been off the mark.) But Louie was nothing if not self-assuredI walked a little bit like my shit didn't stink, he told me. He was a swashbuckling figure, He smoked a cigar everywhere. He solved headline cases. Louie, I came to understand, had a keen sense of justice and also a conviction that playing strictly by the rule book did not always yield just results. One day, we were at a diner, discussing a case hed investigatedbelieve it or not, hed investigated his mobster uncle for murder, and his police bosses knew about it. The victim was a drug dealer who supposedly had hooked his uncles kid on drugs. Louie asked me what Id want to do if a drug dealer hooked my kid on drugs. I acknowledged Id want to kill the guy. But, I added, its not in my blood. It was in Louies blood. He told me hed probably kill the guy, and then turn himself in. And then he added, We had a phrase, unfortunately enough: public service murder. This fit the criteria. That was a chilling phrase. (By the way, this was a case Louie couldnt crack.) Louie insisted to me that he didnt frame people. He certainly locked up lots of guilty people. And he insisted that Brooklyn justice was not the Louie Scarcella show. And he was right about that. The district attorney was the ringmaster. In The Burden, we report on confidential evidence demonstrating that the DA sometimes didnt want the truth to get in the way of justice, as one assistant district attorney was known to say. In the end, Id have to confront Louie with what my years of reporting had yielded. About his responsibility. His supposed infallibility. It was a confrontation that felt a bit like a betrayal of my relationship with Brooklyns once most famous and now most infamous detective. But Dax and I had dug deep. Wed tracked down witnesses who lived in rural North Carolina, wed reviewed documents that hadnt been public. I told Louie that Id studied the case of Derrick Hamilton. I didnt know whether he was innocent, but I knew this: he was wrongfully convicted. It was our final interview. I sent Louie an advance copy of the podcast series. He texted me. It was horrible and I should have never did [the podcast]. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Meet the Third Graders Trying to Bring Longer Recess to Cobb County Schools This article was originally published in Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Three third graders stepped up to the podium at a recent Cobb County Board of Education meeting. It was intimidating they needed a step stool to reach the mic, and were facing a two-minute timer that seemed to move faster than a normal clock. But Berkley Carter, Daphne Murray and June Simmons were on a mission. They had kids counting on them. They call themselves the Recess Rangers for a reason. Today we are here to tell you why kids should have longer recess, they said. Longer recess will help our and other schools grow. Help fund stories like this. Donate now! They told the school board about their research into the benefits of recess, the input they got from students and teachers at their school and the cost (free). Third graders Berkley Carter (from left), June Simmons and Daphne Murray, from Smyrna Elementary, pose for a photograph at the playground at the Smyrna Community Center, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Smyrna. These students, also known as the Recess Rangers, went in front of the Cobb County school board to ask for more recess time. (Jason Getz/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) The experience was nerve-wracking for the 8- and 9-year-olds. We should have had a little recess break before that, June said in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Thats what they like the most about recess. Playing kickball or tag is a chance to expel some energy or to get out their frustrations when they are having a hard time in class. Daphne remembers a time when a teacher told her she should be more like her older brother, and how recess helped her get over her frustration from that. June remembers a time that she tried to draw something for an assignment over and over again, and recess helped her calm down after getting upset. This all started as a class project. They had to research something that would help their school grow, and they chose longer recess times and gave the same speech to their class. Recess is credited with helping students increase their level of physical activity, improve their memory, attention and concentration, stay on task, reduce disruptive behavior and improve their social and emotional development, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the early 2000s, when the federal No Child Left Behind Act was focused on improving student test scores, recess was shortened or cut entirely at schools across the U.S. Now I look at it as a very important part of the day, Daphne said. June agreed: Before, it was just a time to be goofy and fun, but now I feel like its really serious. I have to have recess. Georgia started requiring daily recess for elementary students and unstructured break time for students through the eighth grade in 2022. In Cobb County, principals get to decide recess time for elementary students, and middle schoolers get their unstructured breaks during class changes. Berkley, Daphne and June said they usually get about 15 minutes of recess time but they noticed that some days were shorter than others, with no explanation. Several national organizations recommend at least 20 minutes of recess each day. It felt like they were lying to your face about recess and it was unfair to us, Berkley said. The AJC requested to speak with the principal of Smyrna Elementary and the students teacher, but a district spokesperson declined to facilitate any interviews. The spokesperson also did not answer questions about recess times. The Recess Rangers (from left) June Simmons, Daphne Murray and Berkley Carter speak at the February Cobb school board meeting in favor of longer recess times. (Cobb County School District) After the trio spoke at the meeting, they heard back from board member Becky Sayler. She commended them for their presentation, but let them know the school board doesnt control recess. The administrative rule related to break times in schools was last updated in July. I know, as a teacher myself, how difficult it can be to be sure we get through the necessary standards but still have enough time to give our brains the recharging time that unstructured play allows, Sayler wrote to the students. I urge you to make this same presentation to your principal. Id love to hear how it goes! The students said they do want to talk to their principal, and possibly principals at other schools. But after their presentation in class and to the board, their teacher was very proud of them and theyve noticed their recess is closer to 25 minutes long these days. The Recess Rangers said their research suggests 45 minutes would be the ideal amount of time. As former President Donald Trump entered the courtroom on Monday for the first day of jury selection in his felony hush-money trial, he made a statement but took no questionsespecially not the one about his current wife. Wheres Melania? a voice called out. Trumps third wife did not show up at Manhattan Criminal Court this morning, and, if history is any guide, will not be present for any of the proceedings. Melania Trumps ex-East Wing aide Stephanie Grisham told CNN last week that the casewhich centers on a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels so she would keep quiet about her alleged affair with Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2016 presidential electionis very, very embarrassing for the onetime first lady. Judge Kicks Off Trial by Stomping On Trumps Recusal Demand Its humiliating for her, Grisham said. ... I can guarantee you that shes not happy right now, and that hes quite worried about that. According to Grisham, Melania once lashed out to her about Daniels, calling her the porn hooker. The former Melania Knavs has only spoken out once about the alleged affair, telling ABC News, It is not a concern and focus of mine. Im a mother and first lady, and I have much more important things to think about and to do. I know people like to speculate, and [the] media like[s] to speculate about our marriage. She did not accompany Trump last April to his arraignment in the hush-money case, to which he has pleaded not guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records. In fact, she has not been seen at any of Trumps myriad court appearances in the various criminal and civil proceedings he faces, including charges of mishandling classified documents, attempts to subvert the 2020 election results, a lawsuit over a past sexual assault, and more. Melania is far less visible than most any other presidential wife, current or former, in modern history. Reporters from The Washington Post tried to locate her last fall, traveling to Palm Beach in their quest to track down the whereabouts of the 53-year-old onetime model, but struck out entirely. According to People magazine, a friend of Melanias said she is leading her own life, and still feels happy being at Mar-a-Lago, surrounded by people who love her and who never talk about reality, or bad things about her husband. The Trumps, People also reported, live in separate areas of Mar-a-Lago, the private country club the former first couple now call home (which was met with considerable pushback by Palm Beach County zoning officials). Republican consultant Ryan Williams, a Palm Beach resident, told the Post of Melania that hes never seen her outside the walls of Mar-a-Lago. When reports of the Stormy Daniels payoff emerged in 2018, The New York Times deemed it one of the most upsetting episodes in the pairs relationship. Asked for comment, Trump spokesman and ex-MMA cage fighter Steven Cheung told the Post, There will always be those who seek relevance and financial gain by inserting themselves into stories. Mrs. Trump has always been and will always be focused on her family, as it is her number one priority. Any reports claiming to have insight into her life should be read with caution. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A visitor tries out a Meta Quest 3 headset at the Meta AI Day in London, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Meta the parent company to Facebook is launching a product later this year for its Quest VR headsets used in classrooms. | Kirsty Wigglesworth Meta the parent company to Facebook is launching an education product later this year for its Quest VR headsets used in classrooms. According to a statement by Meta Quest, the product will allow school staff to program the Quest headsets with educational apps and allow them to moderate and control multiple headsets at once. This reportedly will save teachers time from having to prepare and update each individual headset. The name of the product and its features have yet to be announced, but its launch will be designated to classrooms for fall semester, for students aged 13 and over, per Axios. Meta is not actually developing the content, but is providing the platform to companies developing the software program. Why Quest headsets will be used in some classrooms Nick Clegg, Metas president of global affairs, wrote in his statement that the educational product which involves the collaboration of educators, researchers and third-party developers is to help students learn, apply and practice new skills as well as help teachers do what they do best: teach. In addition, the companys program is designed for teachers and students to visit places or experience things that would otherwise be impossible. You will be able to teach biology and chemistry without having to have a fully equipped laboratory in the future you will be able to walk the streets of Ancient Rome with students, Clegg told CNN. On top of this, Clegg told Axios that educators have been clamoring for the product. It was educators knocking on our door saying, Hey, this is a great way to teach people. He added, They tell us that, perhaps unsurprisingly, the immersive experience is just a lot more fun, engaging and memorable for students than it is teaching them things from dusty textbooks, per Axios. The devices are already being used Metas push for classroom-based VR headsets first came in April of last year, when Clegg wrote about their potential on Medium. The more developers build these programs, and the more governments, companies, schools, colleges and other institutions utilize them and invest in them, the more impact they will have. The following September, the company announced it was supplying the devices to 15 universities in the U.S., with Purdue Global using them to train nurses in virtual simulations of hospitals and Arizona State University using them for language learning, according to Axios. But it comes at a cost According to CNN, the VR headsets might be too pricey for some schools. Metas Quest 3 device, for instance, reportedly starts at $499 each. Clegg told CNN the cost is an issue due to the new technology, but he has hope it could save money elsewhere, mentioning that a trip to the museum may not even require such a trip. I think it could make many really valuable education experiences much cheaper, Clegg told CNN. Likewise, Clegg claimed Meta may not see profitable results once the technology is implemented. We accept that its going to take a long time, and were not going to be making any money on this anytime soon, he told Axios. Were investing billions of dollars in constantly iterating on the technology. (Bloomberg) -- Meta Platforms Inc. said it will shut down its Threads platform in Turkey in two weeks to comply with an order from local authorities concerned about data sharing. Most Read from Bloomberg The Turkish Competition Authority said last month that cross-platform data sharing between Threads and Instagram could violate Turkeys laws and cause irreparable damage. Meta said it disagreed and would appeal. There is no impact to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or any other Meta services in Turkey, or Threads in other countries, it said. Threads will be unavailable from April 29. Meta described it as a temporary suspension. In March, Turkish authorities separately fined Meta 4.8 million liras ($148,000) daily until the company confirmed compliance measures. Those fines would apply from mid-December. Metas abused its position by merging data from Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and this hampers competitors, the competition authoritys board said. Meta has faced problems with Threads in the European Union as well. Europeans have been given the option of signing up without linking their Instagram account. The Instagram link was a key point of contention in the EU, where new rules on digital platforms prevent major tech companies from sharing data across different services. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Metro shooting leaves one person arrested and officers on routine leave OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) says six officers are on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of a shooting investigation. Authorities report on April 12, OKCPD officers responded to the 200 block of SE 54th St. in reference to a man outside shooting a gun. When officers arrived, it was determined the suspect was inside a home at that location. Officers say they asked the suspect Juan Castorenna-Guerrero to come outside. Police say he did came outside with a weapon in his hand. When the suspect failed to drop his weapon, six officers discharged their firearms toward him while he ran back into the house. OSBI: Bodies found in Texas County after arrests made in missing moms case Police say, after several minutes, Castorenna-Guerrero exited the residence without the firearm and surrendered to officers. Castorenna-Guerrero was not struck by the officers gunfire, according to police. Castorenna-Guerrero was arrested and booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on four counts of pointing a firearm. The six involved officers have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. No other injuries have been reported at this time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. DENVER (KDVR) A man included in a 2023 federal indictment relating to the distribution of drugs from Mexico into the greater Adams County area was convicted and sentenced on Monday, according to the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office. Diago Salazar, 29, pleaded guilty on March 27 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, a class 1 drug felony; and eluding, a class 5 felony. He was sentenced to 16 years in the Department of Corrections. Ex-Aurora cop found not guilty in pistol-whipping case 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason said Salazar was distributing massive amounts of fentanyl into the Adams County area. According to the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office, Salazar was an indirect large-scale customer of the Sanudo-Rivera drug trafficking organization. A wiretap led investigators to Salazar, which allowed investigators to surveil his transactions and after he obtained drugs, they pursued Salazar. He was apprehended and allegedly found in possession of a kilo of fentanyl pills and smaller amounts of methamphetamines and cocaine. Those who would distribute this poison must face the consequences and thats exactly what happened here, Mason said in a press release. When I created the Drug Trafficking Unit at the DAs Office, our goal was to work with our law enforcement partners to take down large-scale drug dealers and break pipelines that feed these poisons into our community. This conviction and hefty sentence speak to the strength of the investigative and prosecutorial work that made this operation such a success. A backpack lies next to its contents, which included fentanyl pills and methamphetamines. Photo provided by the Adams County District Attorneys Office. Drugs packaged for sale. Photo provided by the Adams County District Attorneys Office. Fentanyl pills packaged for sale. Photo provided by the Adams County District Attorneys Office. Methamphetamine packaged for sale.. Photo provided by the Adams County District Attorneys Office. Various items seized by law enforcement. Photo provided by the Adams County District Attorneys Office. Fentanyl pills. Photo provided by the Adams County District Attorneys Office. Investigation details large-scale operation According to previous information released by the 17th DAs office, officials first overheard a discussion held on April 11, 2023, between three of the indicted individuals in which they agreed to sell fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to the November 2023 indictment, one of the defendants commonly delivered drugs and picked up payments from various large-scale drug sales across the Denver Metro area. The indictment specified that the drug runner sold fentanyl to a woman in Federal Heights on May 24, 2023. That woman allegedly sold fentanyl to Diego Salazar on May 24 near 92nd Avenue and Tejon Street in Federal Heights. Law enforcement allege they observed the transaction and attempted to stop Salazar, who fled in his vehicle at high speeds, according to the indictment. Adams County Sheriffs Office deputies pursued Salazar, who continued to drive after his tires were disabled. The indictment also states that Salazar fired a number of shots at a deputy in pursuit, and eventually stopped his vehicle to flee. Semiautomatic firearm ban passes Colorados House, heads to Senate The indictment said that Salazar was detained after throwing an item over a bridge into a body of water. Officers say they searched Salazars vehicle and found 1,178 grams of fentanyl pills, 62 grams of methamphetamine, 32 grams of cocaine, a loaded pistol magazine and an AR-15. The remaining cases from the drug trafficking indictment are active and pending in Adams County. Seven of the nine defendants are in custody while two remain at large, according to the DA. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. The Midwest is bracing for possible severe thunderstorms early in the week. A wide swath of the Midwest is bracing for a storm system that could bring large hail and damaging winds and possibly trigger tornadoes on Monday evening before it expands to bring more thunderstorm risks on Tuesday. The storm is expected to pummel the southern and central Great Plains, stretching from northern Texas to South Dakota, where scattered thunderstorms could develop into tornadoes overnight, according to the National Weather Service. Isolated, severe storms could also hit the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic "with a risk for mainly damaging winds and hail." The National Weather Service placed more than 1.5 million residents of Nebraska and Kansas, including Lincoln and Salina, under a Level 3 enhanced risk of thunderstorms in anticipation of the storms. More than 12 million people in Oklahoma, Missouri, and northern Texas were placed at a Level 2, or slight risk of thunderstorms. The slight risk level also applies to parts of Virginia, where a front approaching from the north amidst high temperatures in the 70s and 80s could also trigger thunderstorms on Monday afternoon. The storms are predicted to move north on Tuesday and Wednesday, where they could drop up to 2 inches of rain on Iowa and southern Wisconsin. On Tuesday evening, another round of "potentially life-threatening" thunderstorms could target an area stretching from the South, including Little Rock and Memphis, up to the Great Lakes and Chicago. Those areas face downpours, hail, and possible tornadoes, as well as wind gusts of up to 70 mph, AccuWeather forecasted. The threat of thunderstorms on Tuesday could affect a wide area, according to AccuWeather. Parts of southern Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri are at risk of potentially destructive hail, wind, and tornadoes through Tuesday night. A burst of warm weather in the Midwest late last week, coupled with increased humidity and jet stream energy, created the perfect environment for thunderstorms to develop early this week, according to AccuWeather. In Lincoln, Illinois, highs could hit 85 degrees on Monday, as compared with an all-time April high of 93 degrees set in 1930. Omaha, Nebraska saw a high of 89 degrees on Sunday. High winds increase fire risk farther west Strong winds triggered by the storm also threaten to spread wildfires in parts of the Southwest and the Plains. The National Weather Service placed fire conditions at a critical level for a stretch of western Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, and the Oklahoma Panhandle for Monday and Tuesday. Watch: Pittsburgh barges break loose in Ohio River, damage marina The National Weather Service in Boulder issued a red flag warning for Colorado's plains and the Palmer Divide on Monday. A large stretch of central and eastern New Mexico could also face "strong to potentially damaging winds," creating a critical to extreme fire hazard on Monday, according to the service. The thunderstorms come after another storm system dumped rain across the U.S., including the Great Lakes and parts of the Northeast last week. Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Midwest braces for severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes on Monday Migrants were not secretly flown to Florida with taxpayer money A parole program for people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela requires that they pay for their own flights to the U.S. Instagram posts Statement: Taxpayer dollars were used to fly 326,000 migrants to Florida under a secret program begun by President Joe Biden. A parole program for migrants from Latin American countries has been the target of misinformation online, with social media users claiming that taxpayers fund it. The @NashvilleTeaParty Instagram account, which has 77,000 followers and links to the conservative groups website with the same name, posted a graphic about the program and captioned it "YOUR taxpayer dollars at work!" The posts image includes a map from Fox News that says 326,000 migrants were flown to Florida and thousands more to other U.S. cities, attributing the figures to the Center for Immigration Studies, a think tank advocating for reduced immigration. This post was flagged as part of Metas efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.) The map image aired April 2 on "Fox & Friends First." But these flights were not paid for by taxpayers. Nor are they secret, as the Instagram post also alleges. The migrants who flew to the U.S. did so as part of a parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans that is meant to reduce the number of migrants crossing the southern U.S. border. The U.S. grants parole based on "significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons." People coming through the program are lawfully entering the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security publicly introduced the program in October 2022, initially for 24,000 Venezuelans.U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on Jan. 6, 2023, extended the program to admit 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua each month. Under the program, applicants who meet certain qualifications, including having a U.S.-based sponsor who will support them financially and passing a background check, can request an "advanced authorization to travel and a temporary period of parole for up to two years for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit," according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The agency also says that migrants in the program must pay for their own air travel to the United States. PolitiFact previously rated False a social media claim that "300,000 illegal immigrants were able to use a simple app to get a free flight to our country." An April 1 report by the Center for Immigration Studies, which opposes this Biden administration program, said 326,000 migrants had arrived in Florida through the parole program since October 2022. But the report does not say taxpayers paid for those flights. A March 7 article by the center says that taxpayers did not. The centers April 1 report also said that although 326,000 migrants in the parole program landed in Miami, Florida might not have been their final destination. Miami International Airport is a large transit hub, particularly for flights between the United States and Latin America. We rate the claim that 326,000 migrants were secretly flown to Florida with taxpayer money False. Our sources This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: PolitiFact: Migrants were not flown to Florida with taxpayer money BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. One of the prospective areas of possible cooperation between the Russian state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom and Kazakhstan is the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in the country, the state corporation said, Trend reports. "This is an ambitious objective, providing, in fact, the transformation of the national economy," the official of Rosatom said. Additionally, it was noted that the construction of the nuclear power plant could become the engine of a strategic partnership between the two sides for decades to come. "As far as we are aware, Kazakh partners compiled a short list of possible suppliers of NPP technologies, which included Rosatom. To the degree that it serves the interests of the Kazakh side, we are prepared for any format in which the NPP building project is implemented," the state corporation noted. To note, on September 1, 2023, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, stated that a referendum will be held in the country in connection with the construction of a nuclear power plant. "In 2019, on my election platform, I promised that the most important strategic issues would be decided through referendums. The construction of or refusal to build a nuclear power plant is an extremely important issue concerning the future of our country. Therefore, I propose to put it to a national referendum. We will decide on specific terms later," he said. Afterward, Kazakhstan presented a list of companies that are bidding to supply technology for the country's first nuclear power plant. They are China's CNNC with the HPR-1000 reactor, South Korea's KHNP with the APR-1400 reactor, France's EDF with the EPR-1200 reactor, and Russia's Rosatom with the VVER-1200 and VVER-1000 reactors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Ukraine's $40 billion defense budget for this year includes $6 billion for arms procurement, Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin told journalists on April 14, Interfax-Ukraine reported. Kyiv aims to localize weapons production and intensify its efforts to ramp up domestic manufacture of drones, a critical tool on the battlefield, amid rising uncertainty surrounding military aid from the U.S. In late December last year, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine had tripled its domestic production of equipment and weapons in 2023 compared to the year before. According to Kamyshin, $30 billion of the total amount has been allocated for payments to the military in 2024. Another part will be spent on fuel and clothes for soldiers. Subscribe to Ukraine Daily newsletter News from Ukraine in your inbox Subscribe "This is the sum ($6 billion) that we have in contracts for our manufacturers, primarily Ukrainian ones, and it is very little, as our production capacity is three times greater," Kamyshin said. Kyiv is currently negotiating with foreign partners to purchase Ukrainian military items at their expense and then transfer them to the country's armed forces, according to the minister. Ukraine is ready to cover its needs with its own production in some areas, including armored vehicles, unmanned systems of all types, and artillery systems, added Kamyshin. Ukraine has agreements on joint defense production with a number of countries, including the U.S. In December 2023, Kyiv and Washington signed a statement of intent on the co-production of weapons. The agreement between the two nations will reportedly contribute to the construction of production facilities in Ukraine to supply the military with arms, in particular air defense equipment and ammunition, as well as repair and maintenance services. Read also: The Invisible War: Inside the electronic warfare arms race that could shape course of war in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Minnesota State professors are asking lawmakers to enshrine their academic freedoms in state law, saying they're concerned about restrictions passing in other parts of the country. "Academic freedom really is about the ability to teach in your discipline area, so that students know when they're walking in, you're not limited by the political climate of the moment," said Jenna Chernega, president of the Inter Faculty Organization, which represents professors at the seven universities in the Minnesota State system. The request comes at a tenuous time for professors, whose working conditions vary greatly across the nation. The American Association of University Professors said political interference in higher education "has reached an alarming level," with at least 99 bills being introduced in more than 30 state legislatures over the past four years. New laws passed in Republican-controlled states, such as Florida and Texas, curtailed the teaching of topics like race and gender or banned diversity, equity and inclusion offices. The restrictions are passing at a time when American views on higher education appear to be changing and growing more partisan. A Gallup poll conducted last year found the percentage of Americans expressing confidence in the sector had declined, with Republicans reporting larger drops than Democrats. A bill that passed the DFL-led Senate Monday states that Minnesota State faculty would be free to teach in their areas of expertise "without interference from political figures, boards of trustees, donors, or other entities." It would also say that faculty are "entitled to full freedom in research" and prohibit the system from discriminating against them "for engaging in political activities or holding or voicing political views" as long as it "does not interfere with the faculty member's job responsibilities." Senators are expected to discuss the measures with representatives in the House in the coming weeks, when they meet to negotiate details of a larger higher education policy bill. The bill would only apply to the Minnesota State system, which serves more than 300,000 students at places including St. Cloud State University and Minnesota State University, Mankato. It doesn't cover the University of Minnesota or private schools, but the issue sometimes flares on those campuses too. Hamline University drew international attention in a debate over teaching Islamic art. Eric Davis, vice chancellor for human resources, said in a statement that Minnesota State is "committed to full academic freedom of inquiry, teaching, and research." "Our collective bargaining agreements with faculty have long affirmed this freedom, and the proposed legislation largely reflects provisions established in our faculty contracts," Davis said. In hearings earlier this year, some lawmakers questioned whether the protections need to be written into law if they're already covered by union contracts. They noted that laws, too, can be reversed. "At the very least, if someone tried, if the tide switches at the legislature and they wanted to try to do something to limit academic freedom, they'd have to repeal this first and that would open up a conversation about why," Chernega said. On Monday, after debate, senators also added language that prohibits faculty members from requiring students to express specific viewpoints, ensure that lessons aren't for "political, ideological, religious or antireligious indoctrination" and restricts "the introduction of controversial matters without a relationship to the subject being taught." "Wouldn't it be nice if a student could be in a class and have a view that's the only view in that class, that it's different from the other 20 people," said Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka. He said some students might "think Hamas is amazing" or "think Israel is amazing." Sen. Aric Putnam, DFL-St. Cloud, who works as a professor at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, questioned whether those additions were necessary, saying he hadn't seen any evidence those types of incidents were taking place. "This amendment is 100% unnecessary," said Putnam, who wrote the original bill. "Institutions themselves have these rules. Faculty members themselves are committed to the pursuit of knowledge." After nearly two weeks of fearing the worst, a family from Northern California says their daughter is safe and sound after disappearing in Los Angeles. Kellie Lynch whose daughter Noelle Lynch wrote a statement on Facebook saying that the 23-year-old has contacted the family. We would like to extend our gratitude for all of your prayers for locating our daughter Noelle. Those prayers have been answered and Noelle has reached out to us, Kellie wrote on the social media platform. Please, we ask that you respect our familys privacy at this difficult time. And know that we will share updates with you when we can. Thank you for your love and support. On April 8, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that Noelle was missing, after not being seen or heard from since April 3. Authorities say Lynch was last seen leaving an apartment building around 5 p.m. on foot in the 900 block of East Redondo Avenue in Inglewood. Her father, Mark, spoke with the news outlet SF Gate on April 10 and shared details about what could have led to Noelle disappearing. He explained that there had been an argument between the parents and their daughter and that she left their home upset on April 1. We didnt know where she was going, Mark told SF Gate. And the next thing we knew, she was in an accident in L.A. between 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2. Mark says Noelle wasnt injured in the crash, but that her vehicle had been severely damaged. Her parents booked her a hotel near LAX and then drove from NorCal to meet her. Noelle didnt stay at the hotel and wasnt there when her parents arrived. Her father says they received a call from their daughter on April 3 from a strange persons phone, and that Noelle wasnt coherent during the brief conversation. Mark says LAPD confirmed that surveillance footage from the Inglewood apartment complex shows Noelle leaving the property without her belongings. The family adds that Noelles phone was found at the Southwest Counter at LAX, but there was no evidence that she ever boarded a flight. Noelle is a student at Sacramento State University. No further information has been provided about where the 23-year-old is currently located, or how she got in touch with her family. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A campaign to overturn Missouris near-total abortion ban has raised nearly $5 million as it gathers signatures across the state to force a statewide vote. The campaign, called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, has raised $4.98 million since launching its campaign in January, according to the coalitions quarterly financial report with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Mondays report shows that the coalition of abortions rights groups is on track to surpass its stated goal of $5 million. The groups reported having $1.5 million on hand at the end of March, according to the report. Since launching the effort, the campaigns fundraising has received dozens of small-dollar donations from people with addresses across the state. Its also propped up with several large contributions such as $1 million from Sixteen Thirty Fund, a progressive nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., and $500,000 from The Fairness Project, another Washington-based nonprofit. The report shows that the coalition has spent a significant percentage of its money on its campaign to collect signatures across the state. The coalition reported spending more than $3 million on signature collections to a Texas-based consulting firm and $138,000 on signature processing to a California-based firm. A spokesperson for the campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The funding boost comes as a group seeking to block the campaign, called Missouri Stands with Women, lags behind in fundraising. The anti-abortion group on Monday reported raising $84,500 since January. The group had only $17,700 of that money on hand at the end of March. Some of the groups largest donations include $10,000 each from the Missouri Senate Campaign Committee and the House Republican Campaign Committee Inc. It also received $5,000 from the Missouri Catholic Conference. The anti-abortion groups report shows that it has used the bulk of its money on communications, paying a total of $63,000 to various groups including $18,000 to Remington Research Group and $30,000 to Jefferson City-based law firm Ellinger Bell. Mondays report gave no indication of how many total signatures the abortion rights coalition has collected as it fights to meet a tight deadline. But the campaign collected nearly 20,000 signatures in one day on Election Day earlier this month, a figure the coalition touted as historic. While polling shows that a majority of Missourians support some form of abortion access, a series of legal battles with anti-abortion Republican officials kept versions of the petitions tied up in court for months. Campaigners and volunteers need to collect more than 171,000 signatures from voters by May 5 to get the proposal on the ballot. If certified, the measure would likely appear on the November ballot. The abortion rights coalition includes the ACLU of Missouri, Abortion Action Missouri, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes and Advocates of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri. The groups are backing a measure that would enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution but also give lawmakers leeway to regulate the procedure after fetal viability as defined in the amendment. Missouri became the first state to ban nearly all abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. A 2019 state law that went into effect after the court decision bans abortion in nearly all circumstances and does not include exceptions for rape and incest. Planned Parenthood must turn over some records on transgender health care to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a judge has ruled. Bailey, a Republican, is investigating providers of gender-affirming care in the state, which has outlawed the provision of such care to minors and certain adults. His demand for information from Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri came in March 2023 as part of his investigation of whether Washington Universitys Pediatric Transgender Center or other health care entities in Missouri have engaged in or are engaging in any practices declared to be unlawful, as he stated in a letter to Planned Parenthood. The Planned Parenthood affiliate then sued Bailey in an attempt to block his demand, saying it was unauthorized and that the attorney general hadnt shown how Planned Parenthood is directly involved in his investigation. Bailey argued that his request should stand because he has an affidavit that alleges intentional dishonesty in Plaintiff's medical and billing practices, St. Louis Circuit Judge Michael Stelzer wrote in his ruling. Ruling in Baileys favor, Stelzer said the AGs office has broad investigative powers and that Bailey has the right to obtain any documents that arent protected by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which provides for patient privacy. Bailey issued a statement praising the ruling. Its a big day here in Missouri, as the Court just ordered Planned Parenthood-St. Louis to turn over documents relating to gender transition interventions they performed on minors, he said. My team will get to the bottom of how this clandestine network of clinics has subjected children to puberty blockers and irreversible surgery, often without parental consent. There is no more important fight than to ensure Missouri is the safest state in the nation for children. No stone will be left unturned in these investigations. The AGs office won similar rulings in demands for information from Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Childrens Mercy, a hospital in Kansas City. Planned Parenthood of St. Louis released a statement condemning Baileys sham investigation and calling it baseless and harassing. While we are grateful the court understood the Attorney General could not violate the privacy of our patients, this decision is nevertheless a deep disappointment to our providers and patients, said Richard Muniz, interim president and CEO of the affiliate. By allowing the Attorney General to continue his sham investigation, the court has green-lit the ongoing assault on Missourians health care. Gender-affirming care has been recognized as essential and lifesaving care by more than two dozen leading medical organizations; patients have no reason to have this war waged by the Attorney General against their care. Attacks like this one are what happens when politicians put politics over people people who look, identify, and believe differently from them. This sham investigation is a coordinated attack against transgender Missourians at a time when politicians, across many states, are systematically dismantling the right to establish ones own gender identity. Just like abortion wasnt banned overnight, neither will trans care. It will be systematically dismantled little by little, starting with the most vulnerable, including young people. The organization is considering various legal options, he continued, while promising patients their private medical information wouldnt be disclosed. Before state legislators passed the ban on gender-affirming care last year, Bailey had issued an emergency rule that would have banned such care for all trans adults as well as minors. In the document laying out the policy, he said these treatments lack solid evidentiary support and pose very serious side effects, none of which is true. The care, including puberty blockers, hormones, and surgery with genital surgery recommended for adults only is endorsed by every major medical association. He withdrew the rule when state lawmakers acted. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, signed the ban into law in June. It was quickly challenged in court, but a judge allowed it to go into effect. Missouri may provide tax breaks for a massive expansion of a south Kansas City federal plant where workers build key parts for U.S. nuclear weapons. The Missouri House is poised to pass a bill from Rep. Chris Brown, a Kansas City Republican, that would offer a sales tax exemption on all materials needed to expand the National Nuclear Security Administrations plant in south Kansas City. The facility is operated by manufacturing and technology giant Honeywell International Inc. and builds many non-nuclear parts for the nations nuclear stockpile. The legislation has received bipartisan support from Kansas City-area lawmakers, who argue the expanded facility would create new high-paying jobs in the region. The House gave the bill initial approval on a voice vote last week. Its an incredible economic multiplier for the area for Kansas City, Brown said. I think this ask on the sales tax is a small ask if you look at the long-term economic impact. But the proposal faces some pushback from legislators elsewhere in the state who compare it to Missouri giving tax breaks to help major corporations. Critics have also taken issue with helping a facility that builds parts for nuclear weapons. About 50 people gathered outside the entrance to the plant on Monday morning to protest nuclear weapons and the decision to expand the site. Police and security officers handcuffed at least 10 people who either ventured onto the expansion site or onto the plants land. Holding signs such as No New Nukes and yelling anti-nuclear weapon slogans, the protestors tried their best to catch the attention of arriving workers. Ann Suellentrop, a local activist who sits on the national board of Physicians for Social Responsibility, sharply criticized U.S. efforts to build new nuclear bombs. Were going the wrong way. Were manufacturing our doom, Suellentrop said. The expansion project would add roughly 2.5 million square feet of office and manufacturing space. Its expected to begin this year and continue into the early 2030s, according to a spokesperson for the federal agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy. The agencys website states that its focused on developing, producing, procuring and delivering over 80% of all nonnuclear components in support of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. Brown told lawmakers last week that the tax exemptions would go to a local developer who would complete the project and then sell the expanded buildings back to the federal government. He called it a build to suit model. The legislation, Brown said, only provides the developer the same tax-exempt status that the federal government would receive if it were to build the facility itself. A fiscal note attached to Browns bill estimates that the federal agency plans to spend more than $3 billion on the expansion. House nonpartisan staff, however, were unable to determine the total loss in sales tax revenue from the exemptions but assumed the fiscal impact could be significant. Rep. Anthony Ealy, a Grandview Democrat whose district would contain the expansion, pointed to several other benefits of the project, including the possibility that construction jobs will be unionized. The federal government also encourages the private contractor to buy supplies from local areas, he said. So we have the ability for economic interest, not just in my city but in surrounding cities and counties. House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat running for governor, told The Star that lawmakers need to look at ways to make the state more attractive. Im always open to having these conversations around incentives as long as theyre keeping jobs and that were holding those folks who receive that money accountable, she said. Sen. Greg Razer, a Kansas City Democrat, filed a similar bill this year. Razers legislation was voted out of a Senate committee last month. But the tax break push also faces opposition from a few lawmakers from outside the Kansas City-area. Rep. Michael Burton, a St. Louis-area Democrat, called the bill corporate welfare. Why, as opposed to having sales tax exemptions for regular Missouri folks when it comes to their groceries, do we not do that, he said during debate last week. Why do we not do sales tax exemptions for women and their hygiene products, why do we not do that? But were doing something like this for all the materials for a giant corporation thats putting this together? Rep. Tricia Brynes, a Wentzville Republican, spoke on the House floor about people in the St. Louis-area who have been hurt by nuclear radiation from the Manhattan project. Right now were asking for a sales tax exemption for ultimately a federal weapons facility in the western part of Missouri while the federal government has continued to ignore the damage theyve done in a previous federal weapons facility in St. Louis, Byrnes said, acknowledging that the Kansas City facility does not have nuclear waste. I do want to see great jobs. I do want to see the growth and I do hope they learned, she said. Thankfully this isnt a nuclear waste facility. The facilitys website states that its involved in non-nuclear components and Brown said during the debate that the facility would not have nuclear waste. The spokesperson for the federal agency said that since moving to the Kansas City campus in 2014, the facility has grown from 2,400 employees to more than 7,000. The expansion would provide space to accommodate the agencys additional volume of work, the spokesperson said. At the campus entrance on Monday, protesters said Honeywell employees should use their expertise to address climate change and other global challenges. Charles Carney, an activist in the Catholic Worker movement, called the construction of bombs a moral outrage. Every bomb that is built here is a theft from our most vulnerable citizens, Carney said. AI-theist The CEO of Europe's brightest new AI firm is calling bull on the quest for so-called "artificial general intelligence" (AGI), which he says is akin to the desire to create God. In an interview with the New York Times, Arthur Mensch, the CEO of the AI firm Mistral, sounded off on his fellow AI executives' "very religious" obsession with building AGI. "The whole AGI rhetoric is about creating God," the Mistral CEO told the newspaper. "I don't believe in God. I'm a strong atheist. So I don't believe in AGI." While far from the first to suggest that AGI or superhuman AI, its supposed natural endpoint is a pseudo-religious pipe dream, Mensch's comments hold a lot of weight because, at just 31, he's Europe's self-appointed AI "champion." Indeed, the youthful Frenchman boasts an impressive resume prior to founding Mistral. Less than two years ago, he was working at Google DeepMind which, along with OpenAI, is all-in on the AGI crusade as a research scientist. His Mistral cofounders, Timothee Lacroix and Guillaume Lample, also worked as researchers at Meta, the NYT notes. Cultural Revolution Building AI that could put Europe on the AI map is one thing, but creating human-level artificial intelligence is another. Mensch, clearly, differs from his Silicon Valley counterparts in that regard. "These models are producing content and shaping our cultural understanding of the world," the CEO said. "And as it turns out, the values of France and the values of the United States differ in subtle but important ways." While AI figureheads like OpenAI's Sam Altman and Mensch's former big boss, DeepMind's Demis Hassabis, are cautiously excited about the labor changes AI will bring but to the Mistral cofounder's mind, those changes will require swift retraining. "Its coming faster than in the previous revolutions," Mensch told the NYT. "Not in 10 years but more like in two." While those sorts of predictions are much more tangible and frankly terrifying than AGI prognosticating, his vision seems to have broad appeal among the European elite. During a recent speech, as transcribed by the Times, British investor Matt Clifford heralded Mensch as the "poster child for A.I. in France" and indeed, the French government has inked a deal with Mistral to boot. Cedric O, France's former digital minister who owns shares in Mistral and is lobbying the European Union to loosen its AI regulations to allow the company to flourish, talks an even bigger talk. "If Mistral becomes a big technical power, O told the NYT, "its going to be beneficial for all of Europe." More on AGI predictions: Elon Musk Says That Within Two Years, AI Will Be "Smarter Than the Smartest Human" At age 84, energetic Modestan John Scheuber is proving that staying healthy is as easy as a walk in the park. But not just any walk, a long walk. A walk around the world, to be exact. In late January, Scheuber completed a goal set 11 years ago to walk the circumference of Earth, or 24,901 miles. He averaged about 6 miles a day, every day. Yes, every day. Nothing could keep Scheuber from his goal not rain, not snow, not a global pandemic, not even a sore hip. When I set a goal, I always achieve it. I have been that way my whole life, he said. John Scheuber, 84, walks on the Virginia Trail in Modesto, Calif., Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Scheuber completed a goal set 11 years ago of walking the circumference of the earth, or 24,901 miles. It all started with retirement and a Fitbit. Scheuber began his career in agriculture after graduating from Modesto Junior College and then Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1963 and taught agriculture business for 10 years at Modesto Junior College. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1972. Upon leaving teaching, Scheuber transitioned into agriculture business management, overseeing million chicken egg-laying businesses in Indiana before returning to the Central Valley to run Veterinary Service Inc. in 1978. After 43 years of owning and operating the successful animal health distribution company, Scheuber didnt feel like slowing down. I was a farm boy in my early years and I would walk to catch a bus every morning around 7 a.m. So that started back then. Ive always been a walker, but I didnt set out with a goal until after I bought a Fitbit, Scheuber said. On March 27, 2013, he decided he would walk the circumference of the world. Preferring early mornings, Scheuber committed to walking at least five miles daily. Once I commit to a goal, there are no days off. Many people I know walk five or six days a week and take a day or two off, but you cant complete your goal in a timely manner if you dont walk daily. I have been sick, had a sore hip, and still the least I ever walked for the day was four miles, he said. John Scheuber, 84, walks on the Virginia Trail in Modesto, Calif., Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Scheuber completed a goal set 11 years ago of walking the circumference of the earth, or 24,901 miles. Even travel and weather couldnt stop him. I traveled a lot in the last 10 years and I have walked a lot of airports in between flights. When staying in hotels, I would walk around the area, even if it was snowing. If it got too cold, I would walk the floors of the hotel. The treadmill is always my second choice, I prefer to walk outside or find a mall, Scheuber said. Once on a cruise, he was out walking and lost track of time when he received a call that the ship was boarding and leaving soon. He picked up the pace and made it back just in time. He stuck to walking on the ships deck instead. What does he do on these long walks? I like to say my early morning prayers while walking, preferably before the sun comes up. Then I practically live on the phone, connecting with friends and family and taking business calls related to the various community committees I serve on. I prefer not to walk with a dog because it is impossible to keep a good pace, as they like to stop often, Scheuber explained. Walking has brought his family closer, too. Scheuber married his high school sweetheart in 1960 and they have enjoyed many walks in their 64 years together. Though she didnt join him in his walking goal, his daughter Sandi Scheuber did. She completed her walk around the world in nine years, often walking with her father. He greets everyone who he sees, sometimes in a bright red tracksuit, and has often been asked where hes headed so fast, Sandi Scheuber said of her dad in an email to The Bee. He tracked all of this on several Fitbits (he outlasted them!). His pace has slowed over the last 10 years, but Scheubers routine and outlook on life havent. These days, he still is deeply committed to the agriculture community, having served on various boards including MJC s Agriculture Advisory Committee, the California Community College Ag and Natural Resources Committee and the National Ag Science Center Foundation. As a titan in the agricultural industry, Scheuber frequently talks about his experience to audiences as large as a Future Farmers of America conference to local volunteer organizations. Scheuber said walking and a busy calendar always have kept him energized. I have not changed my approach to life much more than I was early on. I hope to maintain that. God willing the creek dont rise. (Bloomberg) -- As India heads into an election, follow Bloomberg India's channel on WhatsApp for how money and business intersect with politics and power. Sign up here. Most Read from Bloomberg Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended political funding through electoral bonds, which were scrapped by Indias top court after it ruled that the opaque tool was unconstitutional. The bonds eliminated cash and corruption in poll funding, Modi said in an interview with news agency ANI on Monday. People will regret when there is honest reflection as electoral bonds were meant to end unaccounted funds in elections, he said. The Supreme Court of India banned all political funding through the anonymous donation instruments in February. The court said these bonds, which protected the identity of donors and their relationship with a particular political party, violated the right to information of citizens. Modis defense of the scrapped funding mechanism comes four days before federal elections begin in the country, where he is seeking a record third straight term in the office. Indias opposition has severely criticized the instrument and is trying rally public opinion around it. The bonds were a way to extort money, intimidate corporates, and force them to donate money to Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, said Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader from the Congress party. The scrapped arrangement was a success as it left a trail of donations made by people and companies to political parties, Modi said. The prime minister also discussed the election campaign in southern India, the inauguration of the Ram temple, the mixing of region and religion in the countrys politics and his credentials for democratic rights. --With assistance from Swati Gupta. (Updated with more details in the final paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Mom Allegedly Left Kids, 6 and 8, Alone at Home for a Week While She Went on Cruise: Police Lakesha Woods Williams faces a child abandonment charge after allegedly leaving her kids alone to go on a cruise Harris County Constable's Office Precinct 5/Facebook Harris County Constable's Office Precinct 5 police car A Texas mother is facing a child abandonment charge after police allege she left her two children, aged 6 and 8 years old, alone for several days while going on a cruise. Lakesha Woods Williams was arrested and booked into jail last Thursday, according to inmate records reviewed by PEOPLE. Harris County Sheriff's Office records show Williams, 29, was charged with abandoning a child with intent to return and is being held on $25,000 bond. The mother of two was arrested after officers responded to a call concerning her children allegedly being left alone in the familys apartment in Houston, according to information shared on social media by Harris County Constable Precinct 5. The constables office said Williams left her two young children at the apartment on April 4. On April 9th, deputies found the children alone in the apartment, and they told deputies their mother was on a cruise, the office said in its news release. Paramedics and CPS were called to the scene to check on the kids health and safety. The constables office alleged Williams returned home on the night of April 10 and was arrested the following day when officers returned to the apartment to follow up on the child welfare call. "We are still putting together the facts and circumstances of how these children were left alone for several days," Constable Ted Heap said in a statement. But the important thing is they are safe now and those responsible should be held accountable for leaving these kids in an unsafe situation." The office said both children are now in the care of a relative. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Fox News reported that Williams was due in court on Monday. Local ABC 13 reported that Williams neighbors had been concerned about the children for some time and that the familys apartment appeared disheveled when officers arrived. "Many of the residents were worried about the children and have said this is not the first time that something like this has occurred," Williams' charging document alleged, according to the outlet. ABC reported that officers said the apartment smelled of urine when they arrived for the welfare check and that it seemed the 6 and 8-year-old children were attempting to cook for themselves while their mother was allegedly away on the cruise. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Monday evening news briefing: Sunak to tell Netanyahu to show restraint in first direct phone call Good evening. Rishi Sunak will tell Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint in his first direct phone call with the Israeli prime minister since the Iran attack. Elsewhere, the Duke of Sussex has lost his initial bid to appeal against a High Court ruling dismissing his challenge over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK, a judicial spokesman has said. Sunak to tell Netanyahu to show restraint in first direct phone call Mr Sunak told Parliament he would call Mr Netanyahu to urge caution as Israel considers its retaliation options. The Israeli prime minister is locked in talks with his war cabinet over how to respond to Irans first ever direct attack on Israel. Meanwhile, Tobias Ellwood suggests the enemies of the West are preparing to use a tactical nuke. Prince Harry loses first bid to appeal against High Court ruling over personal security The Duke took legal action over the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures after being told he would no longer be given the same degree of publicly-funded protection when in the country. Prince Harry can still lodge a further appeal, it is understood. Pictured: Trump attends court as criminal trial begins Donald Trump attends the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments in Manhattan - Angela Weiss/Pool via REUTERS Donald Trump said he was proud to be here before he headed into a Manhattan courthouse as he became the first US President to stand criminal trial over alleged hush money payments. Bishop stabbed during live stream at Sydney church A Christian bishop in Sydney was stabbed during a mass that was being live streamed in an attack in which at least three others were injured. The frenzied stabbing is the second knife assault in Australias largest city in just two days. Evening Briefing: Todays essential headlines BBC | Nick Robinson has said he should have been clearer during an interview with Lord Cameron after a row over the presenters claim that Israel had murdered tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians. Comment and analysis Feature of the day Salman Rushdie: I dreamt about being stabbed just before the attack After his near-fatal assault, the novelist opens up about his PTSD, coming to terms with losing an eye and why he feels no anger towards his assailant. Business news: Elon Musk to cut 14,000 Tesla jobs amid electric car slowdown Tesla is to cut 14,000 jobs as Elon Musks company reckons with slowing demand for electric cars and aggressive competition from cut-price Chinese rivals. Live markets news: Britishvolts gigafactory site sold off in electric car blow Editors choice Sport briefing: Todays essential headlines If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email, sign up to the Front Page newsletter here. For two-minute audio updates, try The Briefing - on podcasts and smart speakers. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Photo by Mike Clark for the Daily Montanan) Did you know that you have a constitutional right to know? The right to know appears alongside your right to freedom of speech, right to bear arms and right of suffrage in the Montana Constitution, and it is every bit as important. Under the right to know, you have a right to request public information from your state and local governments. When Montanans exercise their right to know by submitting public information requests, it increases government transparency, improves government officials responsiveness to citizens, and boosts citizens confidence and satisfaction in their government. Moreover, direct participation in democracy is a part of our heritage: From ballot initiatives, to our citizen legislature, to the right to know, Montanans are active participants in government. Its easy to wax poetic about government transparency and creating a government of the people, by the people, for the people. But the right to know doesnt just exist on paper, and it isnt just something for those who care about politics or the law. The right to know is for sportsmen to inquire about why access was denied to a stream. The right to know is for parents to learn about school board decisions that affect their students education. The right to know is for ranchers to ask about new state regulations that change how they do business. The right to know is for anyone, including you, to take action and to help create better government in Montana. Unfortunately, exercising this right can be complicated and confusing. Murky questions about how to write and submit requests dissuade many from even attempting to make an information request in the first place. The Montana Transparency Project is here to provide answers. So, who are we? We are five young Montanans who love our state constitution and want to protect its promisesincluding the right to knowfor our generation and for future generations. Each of us has worked in the right to know space over the years, and we are united in the common goal of preserving and promoting this invaluable privilege that so strongly encourages government transparency. We founded the nonpartisan Montana Transparency Project to assist Montanans with the information request process, to spread awareness about the right to know, and to otherwise ensure that this constitutional provision remains accessible to all. Every month well be writing here about your Right to Know, why it matters, and how you can get involved yourself. If you have questions or suggestions for us, let us know at: info@montanatransparencyproject.org. We would love to hear from you. We believe that empowering Montanans to civically engage through information requests will help create a more responsive and open government that will better serve the needs of our state. So, what do you want to know? Visit our website at montanatransparencyproject.org. If you have questions, comments, column topics youd like us to address, or if you want to submit your own information request, contact us at info@montanatransparencyproject.org and we would be happy to help! The post Your Montana-given right to know appeared first on Daily Montanan. MONTCLAIR, N.J. (PIX11) A police officer was shot in Montclair, New Jersey, Monday afternoon, authorities said. The incident happened in a neighborhood in the 100 block of Forest Street in Montclair, according to the Essex County Prosecutors Office. MTA employee punched after waking man on train in Queens: NYPD A person who lives in the neighborhood shot the officer, according to the Essex County Prosecutors Office. Police returned fire and shot the person, authorities said. Multiple witnesses said the suspect is a woman. I can confirm that a police officer and a civilian have been transported to University Hospital in Newark for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The Essex County Prosecutors Office is investigating, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly said. The incident happened just a few blocks away from Montclair High School. The school is not involved, and there is no potential threat to it, the Township of Montclair posted on social media. Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) As gun safety concerns remain in the spotlight across the country, one school district in the New River Valley is taking action. The Montgomery County Public School Board voted unanimously to pass a resolution promoting the safe storage of guns. This means the school district will now notify parents of their responsibility to safely store firearms. William Byrd student charged with Possession of a Gun on School Property During a school board meeting on April 9, Superintendent Dr. Bernard Bragen Jr. stated that 4.7 million American children live in households with guns. As educators, our main priority is keeping our children and staff safe, said Bragen. If theres a way to be proactive and potentially save lives, its worth looking into. Passing this resolution will help us remind our parents and guardians how important it is to keep firearms away from children. The school district says they are not alone in this mission. The district is working with local and national agencies to increase awareness of gun storage. In Virginia, it is illegal for any person to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of fourteen. Anyone who violates this law can be found guilty of a Class 1 demeanor. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. MPD looking for car possibly involved in shooting that left man injured WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for a car it says is involved in a shooting that happened in Northeast on Saturday. MPD said that at about 1:15 a.m., it responded to the 1200 block of Raum St. for the report of a shooting. Man arrested in connection to road rage shooting in Fairfax County When police arrived at the scene, they found a man who had been shot. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police said they are looking for this car they believe is involved in the shooting: Anyone with information on this incident should call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. MS Coast councilmans plea date set in drug conspiracy case. What happens to his seat? Biloxi councilman Robert Deming is set to plead guilty on April 29 to a federal conspiracy charge in connection with a drug raid last year at his CBD and kratom stores called the Candy Shop, LLC. However, Demings attorney, W. Fred Dub Hornsby, said Friday that the plea date will likely be moved up or pushed to a later date because the attorney wont be available then. A new date had not yet been set Friday morning. Its unclear when Deming will step down from his Ward 4 council seat in Biloxi, but once he is convicted of the of the federal offense, he is longer eligible to hold office. He is currently in his third term in office. Once he steps down, the secretary of states office said a special election would be held 30 to 45 days after the Biloxi council declares the seat vacant. Whoever is elected will serve the remainder of his term, which will be around a year, before the next election is held for another four-year term. No one would be appointed to the Ward 4 seat before the special election is held, the secretary of states office said. A previous challenger in races for the Ward 4 race, former Biloxi police assistant chief, Rodney McGilvary, has already expressed his intent to run for the Ward 4 seat. Meanwhile, Deming is facing up to 20 years in prison and up to $1 million in fines once he pleads guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Deming entered into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors before he announced his intention to enter a guilty plea. In exchange for the plea, federal prosecutors have agreed to dismiss an additional drug conspiracy charge and a second charge of destruction, alteration or falsification of records in a federal investigation Hornsby said Deming will wait until after he pleads guilty to the federal offense to make any comment on his decision. Deming has been out of jail under house arrest since his indictment in September 2023. Deming has already reached an agreement with prosecutors in his subsequent civil forfeiture case involving the seizure of over $1.8 million in cash found in Demings home, office and truck. Authorities seized over $89,000 more in cash from Demings Mississippi and North Carolina stores. One of the Candy Shop kratom stores owned by Biloxi Councilman Robert Deming III on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. The shop was raided by the DEA due to an ongoing investigation. Under the proposed agreement, Deming is expected to lose his law license and cash seized during the raids, but will be allowed to keep his Biloxi home and two vehicles, Hornsby said. The Sun Herald learned in early April of the plea negotiations after U.S. Attorney Todd Gee informed the Poplarville attorney appointed conservator over Demings forfeiture case to end her work and submit her billable hours and expenses. Gee told the court that the services of the court-appointed conservator, Colette A. Oldmixon, were no longer needed because prosecutors had resolved both the civil and criminal matters. Drug Enforcement Administration agents and other law enforcement officers search two cars as a part of raids conducted on the home of Biloxi Councilman Robert Deming III on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. Agents would not say specifically what they were looking for or what they found, but agents also conducted raids on several locations of The Candy Shop & Kratom, a kratom store chain owned by Deming. Demings arrest came eight months after agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration in January 2023 raided the Candy Shops stores in Mississippi and North Carolina and seized cash from Demings home, office and vehicles. The stores have remained open since the January 2023 raids. During the raids, DEA agents seized various logs, receipts and financial records from the Candy Shop stores and Demings law office, along with alleged synthetic cannabinoids and other suspected additives. DEA agents started a criminal investigation into The Candy Shop and its owners, identified as Deming and Damion Fletcher, and employees, suppliers and alleged co-conspirators in late 2021, DEA Agent Alexander Smith said. The investigation began after some customers reported that someone got sick after ingesting a product there. In addition, authorities had noticed that Deming had made several high-end purchases, such as paying $500,000 in cash for his Biloxi home and had spent more money on fancy cars. In addition, DEA agents noticed that the Candy shop stores made a lot more money than similar stores in Mississippi and North Carolina. About two weeks after the raid, DEA Agent Alexander Smith said, Deming closed his business and personal accounts at Cadence Bank, formally known as Bancorp South, withdrawing over $280,000. Five days later, the agent said, Deming opened new accounts at Wells Fargo and deposited around the same amount of cash into those accounts and an existing account at WoodForest National Bank. DEA Agent Smith analyzed Demings financial analysis over three years and said he believes the funds withdrawn from Demings ... multiple accounts were co-mingled with proceeds derived from the sale of illicit substances. In other words, Smith said, the financial review showed Deming consistently and repeatedly co-mingled funds between accounts for The Candy Shop and his personal law and law firm accounts. The conservator also found various instances in which Deming allegedly co-mingled funds in accounts at the Candy Shop stores, his personal law firm and his law firm trust account. A cooperating witness in the criminal investigation told agents early on that Deming was concerned about his assets after the Jan. 26, 2023, raid. Demings decision to enter a guilty plea comes less than a week after federal prosecutors dismissed a federal charge against a second defendant in the case, Celeste CJ Little. Federal agents arrested Little in April on a federal criminal complaint charging the employee with attempt and conspiracy to alter, destroy, and cover up a tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence an investigation. Robert Deming According to prosecutors, Little was an employee at the Candy Shop stores and called employees at other stores during the simultaneous drug raids to tell them to dispose of a synthetic additive they were using in the products. The federal government initially filed a forfeiture request to seize Demings home in Biloxi and his CBD and kratom stores, arguing the cash and other property are subject to forfeiture because they are derived from an alleged drug trafficking network involved in money laundering and racketeering through the businesses. Deming will likely be able to continue running the Candy Shop stores after his guilty plea as long he is no longer selling items with a Schedule 1 additive in the products, his attorney said. New action follows second arrest in federal probe of Coast officials CBD, kratom stores Deming employee arrested, facing federal charge connected to Biloxi councilmans drug case A Biloxi councilmans CBD stores were raided. Heres why his drug trial was delayed Days after his drug arrest, a Biloxi councilman started moving money around, feds say Bond granted for Biloxi councilman accused of drug trafficking after raids of CBD stores Deming employee arrested, facing federal charge connected to Biloxi councilmans drug case Feds want to seize Biloxi councilmans home and millions found in DEA raids of his CBD stores The weather will make for a bumpy ride over the next couple of days across the Kansas City area as multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to push through the region, the National Weather Service said. Before the storms arrive, the metro area will see another summer-like day, with temperatures climbing into the low to mid-80s, according to the weather service. At 6 a.m. Monday, the temperature at Kansas City International Airport was already 65 degrees, which is the average high temperature for this time of year in Kansas City. The first round of showers and thunderstorms is expected to move into the area Monday afternoon and evening. The weather service said storms are expected to form across northwest Missouri and extend along a boundary that stretches to Columbia, Missouri. The primary threat from this round will be damaging winds and small hail, according to the weather service. The Kansas City area is under a slight risk of severe weather, while parts of Kansas and Nebraska have a greater chance of severe thunderstorms, according to the weather services Storm Prediction Center. Powerful thunderstorms likely Around sunrise on Tuesday, a second round of strong to severe storms will move from eastern Kansas into the Kansas City area. This line of storms will move through the area during the morning, according to the weather service. The third round of storms is possible Tuesday afternoon and evening. Large hail, damaging winds, locally heavy rainfall and an isolated tornado are likely from the strong to severe storms, with the highest potential coming Tuesday afternoon, the weather service said. It is worth noting that Tuesdays afternoons storm expectations could be significantly altered by the results of Tuesday mornings storms, the weather service said in its weather story. The weather service advises having multiple ways of receiving warnings as well as an action plan due to the threat of severe weather. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 70s on Tuesday. Cooler weather coming Looking ahead to the end of the week, cooler temperatures are expected and will fall below average by the weekend. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 70s on Wednesday, the mid-60s on Thursday, the mid to upper 50s on Friday and Saturday and near 60 on Sunday. According to the National Weather Service, there is another chance of rain on Thursday into Friday, followed by mainly dry weather for the weekend. (PUEBLO, Colo.) The City of Pueblo Municipal Court will be participating in a Warrant Forgiveness Program on Thursday, April 18. The City said those with warrants are invited to the Municipal Court building and will not be arrested, instead they will be offered a form that indicates a desire to appear and address the warrant. The City of Pueblo said individuals will have the opportunity to speak with a defense attorney and be allowed to resolve their case or set a future court date. The warrant-clearing opportunity is specific to offenses with the Pueblo Municipal Court and will take place on Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone who appears on a warrant that is not eligible to have their warrant vacated will not be arrested, according to the City. Along with the opportunity to meet officials at Pueblo Municipal Court, there will be community partners such as the Pueblo Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) with United Way of Pueblo County for additional assistance. For more information, questions or concerns contact Municipal Court at (719) 562-3810 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Murders down up to 20% in some major US cities including NYC: Very positive trends Collage of police officers and a car indicating the reduction of up to 20% in murders in major US cities including NYC, with Rahul Banerjee's face detected Murders have dropped by up to 20% in some major US cities including the Big Apple so far this year, according to a new report. New York City has seen a 15% dip in killings in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, the Wall Street Journal said. The five boroughs had 88 murders in that time period, a significant dip over the 104 in 2023, the outlet said. Theres just a ton of places that you can point to that are showing widespread, very positive trends, said Jeff Asher, a data analyst for consultants AH Datalytics, which compiled the numbers, to the outlet. The Big Apples dropping slay rate is part of a trend, the report said. Gregory P. Mango A memorial set up for a slain 19-year-old girl last month. Paul Martinka Nationally youre seeing a very similar situation to what you saw in the mid-to-late 90s, Asher said. But its potentially even larger in terms of the percentage and number of the drops. Murders spiked during the pandemic, with the numbers attributed to school closings and civil unrest stemming from the Minneapolis police custody death of George Floyd. The police went to sleep, Georgia State University criminology professor Dean Dabney told the outlet. The prosecution and the courts went to sleep, and the jails and prisons let people out. So you had an ideal situation for criminals. The numbers started to dip last year and are following suit so far in major US cities in 2024, with Boston seeing a whopping 82% drop in homicides to lead the list, the outlet said. Columbus, Ohio, followed with a 58% dip and San Antonio, Texas, with a 50% drop, while San Diego, Calif., and Nashville, Tenn., were next on the list with 48% and 44% fewer killings, respectively. The New York City stats differ slightly from NYPD figures released earlier this month. The police department showed a bigger drop in murders through the end of March 82 this year compared to 99 over the same period last year, for a 17% decrease. Murders in some of the nations major cities dipped by up to 20%. Paul Martinka NYPD stats still show felony assaults and robberies in the Big Apple are up slightly this year over 2023. William Miller But New Yorkers say they remain concerned about crime in the Big Apple, particularly in the wake of a series of subway attacks that prompted the NYPD to dispatch 800 more cops into the transit system for a week-long initiative to target farebeaters earlier this month. And despite the dip in homicides, NYPD crime stats show an uptick in robbery, with 4.3% more so far this year over 2023, and felony assaults, which have gone up 3.8% so far this year. According to the Journal, some cities nationwide also saw rises in murders as of early April, including Denver, Los Angeles and Portland, Ore. But the general trend remained promising, the report found. We must do everything we can to enable Ukraine to regain all territories Polish President Polish President Andrzej Duda has said in an interview that the situation in Ukraine is very complicated, so it is necessary to do "everything possible" to enable Kyiv to liberate the Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia. Source: Duda in an interview with LRT, reported by European Pravda Quote from Duda: "The situation in Ukraine is very difficult Ukraine wants to regain full control of the occupied territories. This is also important for the whole world, because it is a sign that international law holds." Details: Duda said that he has "always said in the international arena that Ukraine needs our help constant and never-ending help." He added that, as of this moment, Kyiv needs ammunition most. Speaking about potential peace talks with Russia and Ukraine's possible concessions, Duda said that currently he has "not heard any talk about peace talks." "They are certainly not happening at the moment. I know that Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a very strict position on the defence and recapture of territories. We must do everything we can to enable Ukraine to regain all the territories that have been taken from it," Duda stressed. Background: Last week, Duda met with President Zelenskyy in Vilnius to discuss the transfer of Soviet air defence missiles to Ukraine from Poland. Duda, who will host the Three Seas Initiative summit in 2025, also hoped that Zelenskyy would come to the summit "in a suit" to symbolise the end of the war in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Read the full article on Motorious Buckle up for this one. Porsche has made a name for itself for producing some of Europe's most iconic sports and racing cars. This incredible legacy was built off the backs of win after win in the automotive world both on the track and in the showroom. Of course, with that came a cult-like following with automotive enthusiasts from all around the world who hunger to get their hands on their very own Porsche. Tuners began popping up left and right looking for an in, a way to solidify their name with that of Porsches and profit as such. This is essentially the origins of Gemballa. ADVERTISEMENT Listen to the latest Motorious Podcast here. It all started with the Porsche Racing Team. The iconic round headlights that we all know and love today are what makes Porsche unique but in the world of racing they caused a pretty big problem, they were terrible for aerodynamics. To fix this issue Porsche began modifying their race cars to have slanted noses which were technically legal as the headlights were considered pieces of the fenders. This caused fans to go crazy for the opportunity to have a slant-nose Porsche of their own and many tuners were happy to give that to them. Possibly the most memorable of these was Gemballa, a Porsche tuner company that began recreating these beautiful racing vehicles. Eventually, the popular style shifted from racing-inspired aerodynamics to luxurious sporty Porsches that would serve as a status symbol. Gemballa had found their niche, they fit perfectly with this new focus on luxury. This brings us to the man, the myth, the legend himself, Uwe Gemballa. Gumball's company had been in a state of decline since the financial crash of 2008 and was desperate for anything that might bring his pride and joy back from its dark path. Unfortunately, this desperation may have also led Uwe to a dark path of his own, eventually finding his end with a bullet in his head. Gemballas death was linked to a lot of illegal activity with money smuggling being the final straw that broke the camel's back. Story continues Remember how we said that Gemballa was desperate? Well, desperation leads people to do stupid things and after having received a call from a potential investor (Jerome Saphire) flew to South Africa to discuss business dealings where he was kidnapped and murdered. Four suspects were implicated, one of which confessed and implicated a mob boss by the name of Radovan Krejcir. After it was found that there was insufficient evidence Krecir was let off and is now serving time for an unrelated case. Jerome Sapphire was the alias given to Gemballa for the potential investor and it was later found that his real name was Jerome Safi (very original). He implicated Krejcir as well after receiving death threats on his behalf. According to one of Krejcirs former business associates, Juan Meyer stated that Gemballa had agreed to allow Krejcir to smuggle copious amounts of money to South Africa inside the Gemballa cars. Supposedly after having made this agreement, a Porsche Cayenne that was supposed to arrive in South Africa with 1,000,000 euros but when it got there it was empty. This was displeasing to the aforementioned mob boss and allegedly he ordered to have Gemballa killed. So ends the story of Uwe Gemballa. After his tragic death in 2010 Gemballa (the company) began operating under new leadership and eventually ended up trying to erase any trace of the former owner and founder and his connection with the company. This extended as far as to sue Gemballas son when he began building cars of his own because he presented himself as continuing the legacy of his dad. Today Marc Philipp Gemballa is currently working to produce cars that will continue to showcase the Gemballa family name for years to come. Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Responding to an independent review of NASA's ambitious Mars Sample Return mission, agency officials said Monday they will seek fresh ideas from agency engineers, researchers and the private sector to come up with alternative mission designs to reign in sky-rocketing costs and get the precious samples back to Earth earlier. The independent review board concluded last September, the complex multi-spacecraft sample return mission could cost as much as $11 billion to pull off $4 billion to $5 billion more than originally expected and not get samples back to Earth before 2040, even by stretching out development. "The NASA team that looked at the Independent Review Board conclusions has said that they could string it out over time, but you're not going to get the samples back until 2040," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson told reporters. "That is unacceptable to wait that long. It's the decade of the 2040s that we're gonna be landing astronauts on Mars." An artist's impression of the Mars Sample Return Mission on the surface of the red planet, showing the Perseverance rover already exploring Jezero crater, a small helicopter and a lander featuring a robot arm to collect the rover's samples and put them in a containing aboard a solid-propellant rocket. The rocket then would blast off and release the sample container in Mars orbit where a European Space Agency spacecraft would capture it and bring the samples back to Earth for analysis. / Credit: NASA He said the estimated price tag, which could go up to $11 billion depending on the options pursued, also was "unacceptable." The original target in a National Science Foundation decadal survey that recommended a sample return mission was just under $6 billion. "The long and short of it then is that the current budget environment doesn't allow us to pursue an $11 billion architecture, and 2040 is too long," Nelson said. "So, what to do? "I have asked our folks to reach out with a request for information to industry, to JPL, to all NASA centers (and) to report back this fall an alternate plan that would get (samples) back quicker and cheaper, and try to stay within those limits that the decadal survey said that we should." After the teleconference concluded, SpaceX founder Elon Musk said on X that his company's Starship rocket, which NASA Artemis astronauts will use to reach the moon's surface in the next few years, "has the potential to return serious tonnage from Mars within (about) 5 years." Starship has the potential to return serious tonnage from Mars within ~5 years Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 15, 2024 No immediate comment on that idea from NASA. As originally envisioned, the Mars Sample Return mission, or MSR, is the most complex robotic planetary science mission ever attempted, one requiring a new NASA lander to bring a rocket to the surface capable of launching soil and rock samples gathered by another rover already on the red planet. Once in Mars orbit, the sample container would be collected by a European Space Agency spacecraft and returned to Earth for detailed laboratory analysis to determine if any signs of past microbial activity might be present in ancient riverbed deposits. The Perseverance rover captured a selfie last year showing the robot in Jezero crater on the red planet where it is collecting soil and rock samples for eventual return to Earth by NASA's Mars Sample Return mission. / Credit: NASA NASA originally hoped to launch the MSR mission, with a projected life cycle cost of nearly $6 billion, in 2028. But in September 2023, the independent review board concluded the project was not feasible given current budget projections, unrealistic schedules and a management structure that was not up to the task of getting the spacecraft ready for launch in time. The review panel concluded the project almost certainly could not get off the ground before 2030 and could cost between $8.4 billion and $10.9 billion depending on the final mission architecture. "MSR is a deep-space exploration priority for NASA, in collaboration with ESA," the review team concluded. "However, MSR was established with unrealistic budget and schedule expectations from the beginning. MSR was also organized under an unwieldy structure. "As a result, there is currently no credible, congruent technical, nor properly margined schedule, cost and technical baseline that can be accomplished with the likely available funding." The team said "technical issues, risks and performance-to-date indicate a near zero probability of ... meeting the 2027/2028 Launch Readiness Dates (LRDs). Potential LRDs exist in 2030, given adequate funding and timely resolution of issues." To launch in 2030, the NASA sample retrieval lander and ESA's Earth Return Orbiter likely will requite between $8 billion and $9.6 billion, "with funding in excess of $1 (billion) per year to be required for three or more years starting in 2025." A sealed sample tube rests on the surface of Mars after release from the Perseverance rover. The precise locations of the sample tubes is documented to make recovery by a sample return mission more efficient. / Credit: NASA Alternative mission scenarios and launching the sample retrieval rover and ESA orbiter on different timetables between 2030 and 2035 might "yield an MSR program that is potentially able to fit within the likely annual funding constraints." But costs could reach nearly $11 billion, more than NASA spent to build the James Webb Space Telescope. Nelson said a major reason for the ballooning cost was a billion-dollar hit to NASA's science budget that was part of a congressional deal to secure funding for the debt ceiling. NASA received $310 million for the sample return mission in the agency's fiscal 2024 budget and plans to ask for just $200 million in the FY25 budget request while mission options are explored. However the mission plays out, samples will be waiting. Since landing in Jezero crater in February 2021, NASA's Perseverance rover has been collecting soil and rock samples, storing them on board in sealed tubes or dropping them to the surface in known locations for eventual retrieval. The samples were collected at or near an ancient delta where water once flowed into the crater, possibly depositing indicators of past biological activity. While Perseverance is equipped with sophisticated instruments and lab gear, it was designed primarily to assess habitability, not to look for direct signs of past microbial life. For that sort of in-depth research, the samples must be brought back to Earth. Under the initial MSR plan, a NASA retrieval rover would touch down near the Perseverance samples, collect them with a robot arm or small helicopters and put them inside a sample container atop a solid-fuel rocket known as the Mars Ascent Vehicle. The MAV would then blast off and release the sample container in Mars orbit. At that point, ESA's retrieval spacecraft would rendezvous with the sample spacecraft, capture it and head back to Earth. The sample container then would be released for a parachute descent to a U.S. landing site. From there, it would be flown to a laboratory at the Johnson Space Center for the start of detailed analysis. Social Security Administration updates overpayment policy | 60 Minutes The fallout from Arkansas' "right to mine" bitcoin law Nature: Gopher tortoises in Florida The painting of Edward Fox White, by French artist James Tissot, is currently on loan to the National Portrait Gallery The National Portrait Gallery is under fire after wrongly claiming that an art dealer built his career using money from slavery. The London gallery claimed next to a portrait of Edward Fox White that a compensation payout his father-in-law received for freeing slaves was used to establish and sustain his career. However, curators have been forced to admit there is no evidence for the link after it was spotted by Donald Gajadhar, Mr Whites great-great-grandson. They have now removed any mention of slavery from the caption, but Mr Gajadhar is asking for a public retraction of the slur on his ancestor. The claim simply isnt true, he told The Telegraph. They had no evidence that his father-in-law, Moses Gomes Silva, gave him any money from his slave compensation. It seems to me that it was put there to tick some boxes, but thats not right, they should have done their due diligence. It made me feel that they are sloppy, that they have an agenda which is more important to them than the facts. I want them to issue a public retraction and to apologise. I want them to tell the truth and to do their job properly. The oil painting, by French artist James Tissot, was sold by Mr Gajadhars grandmother to Christies in 1988 and is currently on loan to the National Portrait Gallery. Mr Gajadhar, who runs Fox-White and Associates, an art appraisal company founded by Mr White, noticed the caption when he visited the gallery last summer. It read: Whites first marriage linked him to a wealthy Sephardic Portuguese Jewish family who had owned Jamaican sugar plantations. Following Abolition in 1836, Whites future father-in-law received a large amount of compensation for 28 enslaved Africans money that would later help establish and sustain Whites career. Donald Gajadhar has called on the gallery to 'tell the truth' - Tony Buckingham In a letter to The Telegraph, Mr Gajadhar said the claim did not align with my knowledge of our family history, which revealed no such transaction. He added: [As] a descendant of slaves myself, I felt compelled to seek clarification, and said he wrote to the gallery in December asking staff to provide the source of their claims. Exploring diverse narratives Mr Gajadhar, who is of English, West Indian and Indian descent, noted that, as the firm he runs from New York is now black owned, it is not good to claim it is founded on the backs of slavery compensation. The gallery told him that staff had committed to exploring multiple and diverse narratives of British history including stories of empire and colonialism, which are woven through the interpretation at the National Portrait Gallery to provide global context to the people and portraits on display, and to explore their legacies. It admitted that while it is not easily demonstrable (and not having access to the relevant historic accounts) that there is a direct link between the compensation Mr Gomes Silva received for freeing enslaved Africans and the inheritance he later left for his daughter, there was nevertheless a possibility that she and her husband may have benefitted from the money. The gallery did not reveal the source of its claim. However, the caption was then updated to remove the inaccurate statement that Mr Gomes Silva was Portuguese. It was also tweaked to reduce the number of slaves he sold to 20, along with a note to say it was not clear whether Mr White received any money from the slavery transaction. A freedom of information request subsequently revealed that the gallery was basing its claim on research done by Mr Gajadhars own family. It showed that in 1836, Mr Silva received 367 compensation for 20 enslaved Africans approximately 50,000 in todays money which it is believed he used to relocate his family from Jamaica to the UK. When he died 22 years later, his daughter Julia inherited a portion of his estate. Mr White had established his business as an art dealer several years before his father-in-laws death. The familys research made no mention of the slavery compensation financing that business or their lives. Insufficient direct evidence Mr Gajadhar told the gallery: I understand, more than most, that confronting painful legacies is necessary, however such efforts cannot come at the expense of individual truth. Edward Fox White deserves more than to be cast as a beneficiary of a system he demonstrably did not profit from. Instead, his portrait should stand as a testament to his own talent and dedication, his contribution to the art world built on his own merit, not the sins of others. The gallery admitted in response that there was insufficient direct evidence to support the claim and said curators would remove it at the earliest opportunity. The third iteration of the caption now on display makes no mention of slavery but the gallery has not responded to Mr Gajadhars calls for a public retraction. A spokesman for the gallery said: Having listened to Mr Gajadhars concerns, the gallery accepted that there was insufficient direct evidence to show that compensation money received by his father-in-law benefitted Whites financial situation and business. Following the correspondence with Mr Gajadhar, we have amended the label, which is on public view next to the portrait. We have thanked him for his feedback and would be very happy to continue to discuss the matter with Mr Gajadhar, if there are further areas of concern. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. MANSFIELD, Ohio (WJW) An inmate at the Richland County Jail died following what authorities called a medical emergency. At about 9 a.m. on Sunday, corrections and medical workers responded to a housing unit to assist inmate Candice Crose, according to a statement from sheriffs Capt. Chris Blunk, jail administrator. Northwestern Local Schools superintendent placed on leave pending investigation Life-saving measures were performed by the staff but unfortunately Crose died at the hospital shortly after arriving, it reads. An investigation has started, as is customary, according to the statement. Local officers save child: Grave situation to joyous The jail, opened in 2008, was designed to house up to 266 inmates, according to the countys website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Michigan is recognizing National Work Zone Awareness Week starting Monday in an effort to protect road workers on the job and reduce fatal crashes. That same day, a West Michigan man is expected to be sentenced for striking and killing a Van Buren County road worker last year. Rene Rangel, 58, was killed last March while he was manning a traffic control sign on a county road near Lawrence. Michigan State Police say Logan Brown, of Hartford, ignored signs to stop for a construction zone, rear-ended another car and hit and killed Rangel. Man convicted in death of Van Buren County road worker Brown was found guilty earlier this year of a felony moving violation in a work zone causing death and misdemeanor operating without insurance. He was acquitted of a felony count of operating while intoxicated causing death. He faces up to 15 years in prison. He died and his familys lives changed because someone wasnt paying attention, said Jerry Byrne, the managing director of the Kent County Road Commission. Van Buren Co. road worker remembered as kind, loving, gentle at vigil There were more than 7,200 work zone crashes statewide last year, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. Nearly 1,900 people were injured, with 108 of them suffering serious injuries. Twenty people died in work zones, two of them being road workers. Byrne said he hopes the tragedy of Rangels death can remind people to change their driving habits. He said drivers must remember to pay attention, use caution and, most of all, slow down. If you think about slowing down to 45 miles an hour, it means probably less than a minute added to your travel, Byrne said. Your minute means safety for a worker. It means safety for yourself. Kent County is filled with work zones right now as construction season takes shape. Parts of northbound US-131 are closed for weeks as crews work to repair the Plaster Creek Bridge. US-131 detour could add 15 minutes to your commute Byrne emphasized that drivers should not only be careful in large construction zones, but also whenever theres a worker nearby. It can be everything from the freeway closure to a single person out dragging a dead deer or a piece of debris off the road with one single amber or green light, Byrne said. They all constitute a work zone. Its not just about one sign or two signs or 100 signs. It could be one flashing light. Drivers are required by law to slow down and move over for emergency responders like police, firefighters and tow truck drivers. MSP is doing extra enforcement all month of the states hands-free driving law, which makes it illegal to hold your phone while driving. Strict enforcement of hands-free law during April campaign You need to focus entirely on your driving, and that means paying attention, Byrne said. You should do that no matter if youre in a zone or not. National Work Zone Awareness Week lasts from April 15 through 19. Kent County Road Commission employees are gathering that Friday for a moment of silence honoring those who lost their lives in a work zone crash. The road commission is also bringing back its annual Third Grade Work Zone Safety Poster Contest, in which Kent County third graders are asked to design a caution sign focused on safety tips for driving through a work zone. If we can change behaviors at a young age and have those kids maybe change their parents behavior when theyre driving, I think thats a big thing, Byrne said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. The Netherlands has allocated 4.4 billion euros ($4.7 billion) to support Ukraine until 2026, the Dutch government announced on April 15 in its spring memorandum, a preview of state budget plans for the upcoming year. The funds will be used "for military and humanitarian support to Ukraine for the period 2024-2026," the statement said. Though the spring memorandum did not provide details of the budget, news emerged on April 11 that the Dutch government had increased its total pledge to Ukraine for 2024 to more than 2.4 billion euros ($2.5 billion) for 2024. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told President Volodymyr Zelensky during a phone call on April 12 that the Netherlands has allocated an additional 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in military aid and 400 million euros ($425 million) for reconstruction. Under Rutte, the Netherlands has taken a proactive role in supporting Ukraine, spearheading the fighter jet coalition and pledging to deliver 24 F-16 jets to Ukraine. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PARIS The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with 4 billion (US $4.25 billion) in military aid in the 2024-2026 period, the Dutch government said in a spring budget update on April 15. Defense leaders will also structurally increase defense spending by 500 million per year from 2028 to invest in air defense and ammunition stocks. Air defense and munitions are vital, as we are now seeing in Ukraine and the Middle East, Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said in a statement. That is why the Cabinet has made extra money available for these NATO top priorities. This also sends a clear signal to industry. The Dutch government will prioritize strengthening its ground-based air defense, the Defence Ministry said. The Dutch military brass has said the Netherlands cant spare more Patriot air systems to Ukraine because the country is at the minimum levels required to defend its ports. Ollongren said the outcome of the war in Ukraine is decisive for the freedom of Europe, and the embattled country can continue to count on the Dutch. She said the Netherlands also needs to invest more in security out of dire necessity. Additional money will allow the ministry to carry out additional and necessary reinforcements as well as make further commitments and provide clarity to industry, according to State Secretary for Defence Christophe van der Maat. Given the current situation, the urgency is great to further replenish our ammunition stocks on an accelerated basis, Van der Maat said. The ministry said it will acquire more AMRAAM missiles, among other things, while a press release also featured an image of Kongsbergs NASAMS system. The country already lifted its 2024 defense budget to 21.4 billion ($23.2 billion), or 1.95% of GDP, from 15.4 billion in 2023 and 12.9 billion in 2022. Dutch generals say spending will have to be increased beyond 2% of GDP to undo the damage from decades of slashing defense budgets. Other capabilities that require priority investments are tanks, intelligence, drone and counter-drone technology, as well as medical and logistical support, the Defence Ministry said. The strengthening of air defense and additional munitions are a crucial step that cannot wait, Ollongren said. The plans for even more investments are ready for the new Cabinet. Talks to form a new Dutch government are ongoing following elections in November, with the Cabinet of Prime Minister Mark Rutte in a caretaker role. The Netherlands says it had provided 2.81 billion in military aid to Ukraine by the end of February, including equipment from its own stocks with a book value of 1.2 billion, as well as 1.12 billion in commercial purchases of military equipment for Kyiv. Separately, Thales said the Netherlands agreed to buy seven of its Ground Master 200 mobile radar systems, with an option for two more. That follows a purchase of nine GM200 systems in 2019. The company didnt provide a value for the contract. The Netherlands is also budgeting 731 million to buy and integrate the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Block 2 on two of its existing air-defense frigates, as well as two future anti-submarine warfare frigates, Van der Maat wrote in an April 15 letter to parliament. The Block 2 missiles will be able to defend against maneuverable supersonic anti-ship missiles, something the ESSM Block 1 missiles are less capable at, according to the official. Hundreds more homes are heading to Lancaster County, pending approvals this week. The county planning commission has several items on Tuesdays agenda, from new home subdivisions to an agritourism proposal. Heres the latest: Riverchase Estate Partners and LGI Homes applied to begin building the second phase of Riverchase. An almost 579-acre property just south of the first phase under construction now would add another 343 homes. The new phase is along Riverside Road, south of its intersection with Cobblestone Way. LGI Land proposed Riverchase in 2007 and the county finalized a 20-year development agreement in 2008. It set aside land and cash for a fire station, and got the county between $4,900 and $9,000 per home to offset growth impacts. The first phase allows 375 homes. The second adds 343 homes and a third, which got preliminary approval last fall, brings another 251 homes. A phase two plan shows large floodplain and small open space areas throughout the site, along with a small cemetery thats already on the site. Across a rail line from the property is the 5-acre site donated for a fire station and an almost 34-acre spot beside it marked for commercial development. A new phase of the Riverchase subdivision in Lancaster would add 343 homes. David Weekley Homes applied to build a new subdivision that would put 91 homes on more than 112 acres. Its at the end of Vance Baker Road, behind Legacy Park. The new plan would transform the abandoned Providence Estates project. In 2007, the county approved a development of 247 homes on as many acres. Providence Estates would be split between Lancaster and neighboring Union (North Carolina) counties. Some road and other infrastructure was put in prior to recession in 2008 stalled the project. A project called Arbor Walk followed in 2021. A developer proposed 228 homes, then revised it in 2022 to 179 homes. The county planning commission recommended against that project, which was then shelved. The new plan is allowed by-right, meaning it wont need a rezoning decision by the county planning commission or Lancaster County Council. The owners of 47 acres at 1540 Old Pardue Road in Lancaster applied to rezone the property for several uses, including agritourism. The staff report from county planners indicates uses would include agritourism, with farming-based attractions and activities. The county definition of agritourism is a farm-related enterprise for the enjoyment and education of the public that combine tourism and agriculture. Listed examples are agricultural centers, hay rides, corn mazes and petting zoos. On the application for rezoning, the property owner states intentions to put two homesteads on the site and use the rest of it for small agricultural endeavors like agritourism, small plot organic produce, fresh eggs and hay harvesting. Commercial development is taking shape at a busy Indian Land intersection. Last fall, Barberville Developers out of Lexington bought more than 7 acres at Barberville Road and Fort Mill Highway for $2.7 million. Now the company has applied to name a new road to serve a commercial property there. It would be aligned across Barberville from Fortson Drive, but end before it gets to Fort Mill Highway or S.C. 160. A commercial site plan has been submitted to the county for review but further details havent been made available. Online listings show a similar-size piece of property on the other side of Barberville, also fronting Fort Mill Highway, for sale at more than $4 million. In a bid to avert wider war in the Middle East, the United States and other world leaders are urging Israel to see victory in its unprecedented military face-off with Iran over the weekend. It's unclear whether Israel will follow that script, but Iran appears to be doing so, with its government claiming success. After years of proxy battle, Iran launched an attack from its own territory into Israel for the first time, sending waves of land-attack cruise missiles, more than 100 ballistic missiles and a battery of "killer drones." Israel, in turn, mounted a formidable defense and emerged almost unscathed, intercepting or shooting down nearly all of the munitions with its air defense system and help from U.S. and British warplanes as well as Jordan. Saudi Arabia is believed to have let Israel's allies use its airspace. The Biden administration praised Israel's "spectacular defeat" of the Iranian assault. "This was an incredible success, really proving Israel's military superiority and just as critically, their diplomatic superiority, that they have friends in the region, that they have around the world that are willing to help them," said White House National Security Council spokesman John F. Kirby. He noted the military support from a coalition of several countries that rallied to help defend Israel despite widespread anger and international isolation over Israel's conduct of the 6-month-old war in the Gaza Strip. Read more: Jordanians protest nightly against peace deal with Israel amid anger over Gaza war The coalition is fragile. Countries such as Jordan, which acknowledged it shot down a number of what it called "flying objects" that trespassed in its airspace, want to remain in good favor with Israel and its main backer, the United States, but also cannot risk the wrath of Iran. Moreover, U.S. officials do not want an Israeli response now to further increase bloodshed across the region. Already, the war in Gaza has claimed thousands of Palestinian lives and cost the Biden administration political capital here and abroad. President Biden and his national security team receive updates about Iran's attack on Israel. (Adam Schultz / The White House/Associated Press) In a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Saturday, President Biden again offered "iron-clad" support in Israel's defense, but cautioned that U.S. forces will not be part of any offensive action Israel might take against Iran, according to administration officials familiar with the conversation. "No one wants to run up the escalation ladder," a senior administration official said, briefing reporters Sunday on condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions. "Israel has to think carefully what it does next." Some Israeli public figures are also urging caution, amid cries for urgent revenge from right-wing members of Netanyahu's government. Israel could leverage an improved military and diplomatic standing to find "a more creative and sophisticated way to respond, perhaps at a later stage and in line with previous covert actions it took against Iran, which will better serve its national interest," said Nimrod Goren, a senior fellow for Israeli affairs at the Middle East Institute in Washington. In Israel, Netanyahu's war Cabinet on Sunday declared Israel would respond to Iran "in a way and time that suits us," as member Benny Gantz said. And it will be a surprise, he said. Iran's attack was anything but a surprise. Emergency services work at a destroyed building hit by an airstrike April 1 in Damascus, Syria. (Omar Sanadiki / Associated Press) Since the April 1 assassination of a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and six other officers in an airstrike on a diplomatic compound in Damascus, Syria an attack attributed to Israel Iran has steadily promised revenge. In the days leading up to last weekend's overnight operation, Iran had informed some countries in the region that it was planning an attack, and the first drones were launched hours before they reached Israeli airspace, giving U.S. and Western spy satellites plenty of time to detect and track the incoming fusillade. Several countries who have cordial relations with Iran, such as Turkey and Lebanon, urged "de-escalation" by both Israel and Iran. Iran said Sunday that its retaliation for the April 1 incident was completed. In the telling of officials there, the strike was an awesome display of military might that was also calibrated so as to not tip the region into all-out war. Iran supporters also pointed out that Israel needed the active help of no fewer than five nations to stop the onslaught and that it could not do it on its own. They have taken pride in the fact that the strike crossed what has been something of a red line for the last 40 years of hostility between Israel and Tehran: direct fire from Iranian soil to Israeli soil. Iran had long relied on factions in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen to carry out attacks on Israel. Critics, on the other hand, said that the fact almost all the ordnance was shot down or never even made it out of Iranian airspace proved the inferiority of Iran's arsenal, and that in any case the whole matter was a charade that left Iran looking like the lion that squeaked. Some analysts said Iran had to know its hundreds of missiles were going to get intercepted and was being careful to not inflict too much damage to temper Israeli response. Iran also does not want a broader war, one that would suck in the United States. But the administration official who briefed reporters Sunday cast doubt on such a calculation. Iran "clearly intended to inflict significant damage and death," the official said. Israel reported some damage at an air force base and the wounding of a Bedouin child. Throwing so much of its best materiel at Israel with so little physical impact could be an embarrassing setback for Iran. On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Naser Kanani described the attack as "necessary, proportional, and aimed at military targets" to establish "deterrence capability," according to news agency reports from Tehran. Kanani added that Iran "does not seek to escalate tensions in the region." At the same time, Iran has warned that if any country assisted Israel in a counteroffensive, there would be consequences. On Sunday, an unnamed military source was quoted in Iran state news criticizing Jordan for its "movements during the punitive attacks" and saying that backing Israel would make it "the next target." That same day, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry called in the Iranian ambassador and upbraided him for "getting involved in Jordan's internal affairs" and for "casting doubt on Jordan's positions" on Israel, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said in an interview with Al-Mamlaka TV. Irans problem is with Israel and not with Jordan," he said. "Neither Iran nor anyone else can outbid what Jordan is doing, what it is offering, and what it has provided historically for the sake of Palestine. Jordan billed the shoot-downs as as a military intervention meant to preserve national sovereignty and the safety of the country's citizens. Safadi said that Jordan would have done the same if the missiles were fired by Israel toward Iran. Complicating matters for Jordan's government, the events of the weekend only added to the anger of many citizens who oppose diplomatic relations with Israel because of its conduct in the war in Gaza. Many Jordanians have Palestinian roots, and activists have been mocking online what they view as their government's willingness to defend Israelis while letting Palestinians die. Now the world waits to see whether Israel will be content with having repelled the attack by Iran or if it will respond militarily. Jonathan Spyer, research director at the U.S.-based Middle East Forum, suggested that Israel might be compelled to act because it cannot allow Iran, or the region, to regard retaliatory attacks on Israeli territory as a new normal. Israel won't want to "take the win," as it's being urged to do by the U.S. and others, he said. "From the Israeli perspective, a 'win' is not blocking the blow, but what you do after the blow." Wilkinson reported from Washington and Bulos from Beirut. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. NHS mocked for woke welcome banner with 21 genders and sexualities on it The LGBTQ+ inclusion banner was unveiled at the Royal Stoke Hospital NHS bosses have been criticised after displaying a banner featuring 21 genders and sexualities in a hospital reception. The welcome banner at Royal Stoke Hospital showed flags representing groups who identify as genderfluid, someone who feels they have more than one gender; and genderqueer, those who dont follow gender norms. In 2022, a Telegraph NHS data tracker ranked the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust as one of the worst performing in the country, ranking 102 out of 120 trusts in England for overall performance against key duties of care for its patient. A patient at the hospital told The Sun: Half of these flags and sexualities look like they were dreamt up on the back of a napkin. People are waiting months and even years for treatment but the NHS is more interested in woke pandering than taking care of patients it seems. The Gay Pride rainbow flag is seen alongside several more obscure identities including agender, a person who claims to have no gender. They appear under the slogan: Everyone is welcome. The trust said the banner was a show of support to the LGBTQ+ community ahead of Pride month in June. Patient form with 18 gender options In January it was reported that NHS patients were being asked to choose from 159 religions, 12 genders and 10 sexual preferences before they attend hospital appointments. It comes after the NHS faces increasing calls to stop promoting woke ideology after it was revealed that more than 13 million was being spent on more than 330 diversity roles across the UK. Separately, Telegraph analysis from December revealed that NHS trusts were spending six-figure sums on woke diversity advisers only to see conditions worsen for the minority groups they were hired to help. Among them was Londons Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust with ten staff on combined salaries of 748,241. Politicians and campaigners have questioned whether the taxpayer funds would be better spent elsewhere such as addressing healthcare equalities among patients. University Hospitals of North Midlands was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Mr Robinson said he had not been expressing his personal view, or that of the BBC - JEFF OVERS/BBC NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS Nick Robinson has said he should have been clearer during an interview with Lord Cameron after a row over the BBC presenters claim that Israel had murdered tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians. The corporation faced criticism after Robinson, a Today programme presenter, put the claim to the Foreign Secretary towards the end of their exchange on BBC Radio 4 on Monday. He subsequently said he was not expressing his own view, let alone the view of the BBC, following the criticism. In his final question to Lord Cameron, he said: Isnt the real risk of where we are now that western governments appear to back Israel the moment that Israel is under attack, but when Israel attacks and murders tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians, we say the words but we do almost nothing? Lord Cameron replied I dont think thats right at all. Actually, over this weekend and into this week, people can see that the truly malign actor in this region is Iran, a country that has launched a state-on-state attack, as you put it in your introduction. And its this country, Iran, that is backing Hamas in Palestine, thats backing Hezbollah in Lebanon, thats backing the Houthis in the Red Sea. Following criticism of his remarks, Robinson wrote on X, formerly Twitter: Theres been some controversy about words I used when I was interviewing the Foreign Secretary David Cameron on the Today programme about Israel this morning. My final question was about the perceived morality of the Governments position in particular the risk that their position could appear to look like active support for Israel when it is under attack, but nothing other than words when Israel attacks or murders tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians. I should have been clearer that I was not expressing my own view, let alone that of the BBC, when I used the words murders. In this 15-minute long interview, I asked the Foreign Secretary why ministers had supported Israel militarily, why they didnt go further and support Israel in confronting Iran, why they werent tougher in confronting Israel over Gaza and ended with that question about the perceived morality and the risk of how the Governments position appears. It was a lengthy and detailed exploration of the policy choices made by the Government. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 74,000 wounded in Gaza during the conflict, but the terror groups figures are unverified and do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Rishi Sunak said this month that there had been too many civilian deaths in Gaza, while maintaining that Israel has the right to defend itself. Stephen Pollard, the editor at large of the Jewish Chronicle newspaper, claimed Robinson had asked a shocking question, even for the BBC. He wrote on X: Murders? Its one thing to accuse Israel of not taking enough care over civilians. But murder? Deliberately seeking to kill Palestinian civilians? Nicole Lampert, a journalist and broadcaster, said: The BBCs Today programme just lies here dangerous lies. Israel has not deliberately murdered tens of thousands. A survey commissioned by the Jewish Chronicle in December found that more than three-quarters of Jewish people thought the BBCs coverage of the Gaza conflict was biased against Israel. The broadcaster has faced criticism since its refusal to describe Hamas as terrorists in the wake of the Oct 7 massacre, although it now states in its reporting that Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the Government. In response to allegations of bias, a BBC spokesman said the organisation holds itself to high standards of impartial reporting and rejects the suggestion that we are biased against Israel. The BBC has previously said: The conflict is a challenging and polarising story to cover, and we are dedicated to providing impartial reporting for audiences in the UK and across the world. Our own audience research shows that BBC News is considered the most impartial provider for coverage of the conflict. The BBC was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Following the end of her failed bid for president, Nikki Haley has a new job at the conservative Hudson Institute think tank. The institute, which focuses on foreign policy and defense, announced that Haley would become its Walter P. Stern chair on Monday in a release. Haley posted her statement to X as well. When our policymakers fail to call out our enemies or acknowledge the importance of our alliances, the world is less safe. That is why Hudsons work is so critical, she said. Hudson President and CEO John P. Walters welcomed Haley to the position, touting her policy background. Nikki is a proven, effective leader on both foreign and domestic policy, Walters said in a statement. In an era of worldwide political upheaval, she has remained a steadfast defender of freedom and an effective advocate for American security and prosperity. Haley has previously served as the Trump administrations ambassador to the U.N. and as governor of South Carolina. She made a bid for the Republican presidential nomination, but dropped out after winning only Vermont and the District of Columbia in the primaries. She refused to endorse Trump in her concession speech. At the time, she said it was Trumps responsibility to earn the votes of those who dont support him. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Nine beavers die from disease in Utah and it can spread to people, officials say Beavers are turning up dead in Utah, and the disease killing them can spread to humans, officials said. So its important not to touch any dead animals especially rodents while wildlife officials learn more about the unusual event that killed nine beavers so far since the end of March, Utahs Division of Wildlife Resources said in a news release. The beavers were found dead in Summit, Wasatch and Utah counties, officials said. Officials tested several of them and discovered they were positive for a disease called tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, hare plague and deerfly fever because it can be transmitted through a tick or deerfly bite. Its an acute, fatal infectious disease of rabbits, hares and other rodents, including beavers that is present throughout North America, officials said. The last confirmed case of the disease killing wildlife in Utah was a cottontail rabbit in the Kanab area in 2017, officials said. The bacteria that causes this infection is known to be in the environment in many parts of Utah; however, it is unusual to see this many animals die from it at once, DWR veterinarian Ginger Stout said in the release. The first five dead beavers were found near the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter by the preserves staff between March 23 and April 2, officials said. All five of the beavers shared a lodge at the preserve. A DWR fisheries crew found another dead beaver near Midway on April 5, officials said. Two more beavers and a vole were found dead near the Jordanelle Dam on April 8, and the ninth dead beaver was found in the Birdseye area of Utah County on April 10. Humans are susceptible to tularemia and are typically exposed through tick or deerfly bites in the summer and from handling infected animals harvested during hunting and trapping seasons, officials said. It can be life-threatening for people if it isnt treated quickly, but most infections can be treated with antibiotics, officials said. There is a concern about the possibility of tick-borne or fly-borne diseases, so its advised to take the necessary precautions by wearing protective clothing, using appropriate insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being in brushy areas, Stout said. Anyone who spots dead rabbits, beavers or other rodents should avoid the carcasses and report it to the nearest DWR office, officials said. Thousands of birds mysteriously die in Utah, officials say. What may have killed them? Dairy cows harboring highly contagious bird flu, USDA says. Where have cases spread? Rabid fox attacks three hikers within days at Arizona national park, officials say Nine people running to replace suspended Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill Nine people are now running in the election to fill a suspended Orlando city commissioners position. Gov. suspended Regina Hill after her arrest in March on charges of elderly exploitation and fraud. Hill is expected back in court for an arraignment on Tuesday. Read: Ex-Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill takes stand during civil court hearing The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigated her and then turned herself in. Hill was ordered to stay away from the 96-year-old constituent that shes accused of exploiting. Regina Hill Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill left the Orange County Jail on Tuesday afternoon after paying bail. Orlando commissioner Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, was arrested Thursday morning on elderly exploitation and fraud charges, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced Thursday morning that Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested after an investigation into accusations of elderly exploitation and fraud. GF Default - Raw Regina Hill pushes for bill that protects witnesses GF Default - Raw: Regina Hill speaks to Channel 9 Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, was arrested Thursday morning on elderly exploitation and fraud charges, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said. A civil case is also underway involving the same victim. A special election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21. Read: Who is Regina Hill, the Orlando city commissioner who was arrested? Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Nobody hurt in Rantoul house fire over the weekend RANTOUL (WCIA) The Rantoul Fire Department were called to extinguish a fire over the weekend. The fire happened at a house just before 5 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of South Century Boulevard and East Wabash Avenue. Rantoul Fire Department investigating fourth trailer fire in same neighborhood Photo courtesy of the Rantoul Fire Department Photo courtesy of the Rantoul Fire Department According to the Rantoul Fire Department, the fire was put out in 10 minutes. No one was injured. The fire department thanked the Thomasboro Volunteer Fire Department and Gifford Fire Protection District, as well as METCAD and Advanced Medical Transport of Eastern Illinois for their assistance with responding to the fire in a Facebook post. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. (WHNT) Results are rolling in for Four Republican Primary races in three North Alabama counties that went to a runoff on Tuesday, April 16. News 19 is Your Local Election Headquarters, and we are bringing you the election results and votes are tallied. Click here for more from Your Local Election Headquarters! You can find the results here: You can learn a little bit more about each of these runoffs and their outcomes below. DeKalb County Commission District 2 Brent Rhodes took on the incumbent Terry Harris in the DeKalb County District 2. Harris was elected to the District 2 seat in 2020 after taking on then-incumbent Commissioner Scot Westbrook. Rhodes political background includes a run to represent District 39 in the Alabama House of Representatives in 2022 where he was defeated by Representative Ginny Shaver. On Super Tuesday, Rhodes garnered 40.71% of the vote while Harris tallied 35.72%. In the run-off unofficial results show that Rhodes is projected to keep that lead, overtaking Harris with 680 votes or 51.59 percent. Harris received 638 votes or 48.41 percent. Franklin County Commission District 1 Republicans Curtis Baker and Michael Murray are both running to take Chris Wallaces seat on the Franklin County Commission. District 1 in Franklin County covers the eastern-most part of the county. Murrays 29.55% of the vote put him into a runoff with Baker, who received 37.73% of the vote. According to unofficial election results, Murray is projected to upset Baker with 904 votes or about 53.08 percent of the vote in the runoff. Baker received 799 votes or about 46.92 percent. Franklin County Commission District 2 Heath Ayers and Greg Hovater face off in the runoff for the District 2 commission seat, which will be left vacant by current commissioner Jason Miller. District 2 covers the east-central part of the county and includes the areas surrounding the county seat, Russellville, and Phil Campbell. Ayers received over 25.33% of the vote on Super Tuesday, while Hovater received 42%. Now in the runoff, Hovater is projected to win in the unofficial election results from Alabamas Secretary of States Office. Hovater received 866 votes or 50.79 percent while Ayers received 839 votes or 49.21 percent. Morgan County Commission District 3 Don Stisher, a six-term Morgan County commissioner, faced a runoff for the first time on Tuesday. The incumbent Stisher is going up against first-time candidate Matthew Frost. District Three includes most of southern Morgan County, including Falkville and Eva. You can see a map of the district here. Stisher received 38.86% of the vote, while Frost received 32.89%. In the biggest upset of the night, unofficial results show Frost projected to reverse Stishers lead in the runoff. Frost received 2,886 or 75.27 percent of the vote while Stisher received 948 votes or 24.73 percent. You can read more about that race and Frosts reaction here. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you still need to check your polling location, you can do that here! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Norway says it is handing over F-16s to Ukraine for strikes deep into Russian rear Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has said that the F-16 aircraft that his nation would provide to Ukraine will assist Ukraine's Armed Forces in landing strikes deeper into Russian territory. Source: Espen Barth Eide at a briefing in Kyiv with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba, as reported by European Pravda with reference to Ukrinform news agency Details: The Norwegian Foreign Minister believes that Ukraine should increase its ability to strike areas past the Russian borders. Quote: "This is one of the reasons why we are glad to participate in the F-16 fighter programme, where we will transfer Norwegian F-16s, modernised and in good shape, alongside the Danes and the Dutch," he said. Barth Eide did not rule out the possibility of providing further capabilities for Ukrainian forces to launch deeper strikes. He is also certain that the presence of the F-16s on the battlefield will make a significant contribution to Ukraine's capabilities. According to media sources, Norway is planning to deliver 22 F-16 planes to Ukraine as part of the fighter coalition, with 12 already in serviceable condition. Background: Back in the summer of 2023, Norway confirmed that it had joined the F-16 coalition, but did not publicly state the number of fighter jets it would provide to Ukraine. According to Norwegian media reports at the time, the plan was to send about five to ten aircraft. Norway sent several F-16 fighter jets to Denmark in early January 2024 to have Ukrainian pilots and support staff trained. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine and Norway have completed negotiations on a bilateral security agreement and will sign it at the next meeting of the two state leaders. Source: Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said this after a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on 15 April, European Pravda citing AFP Details: Eide said that Norway will provide Ukraine with "long-term military, political, financial and humanitarian support". "The agreement demonstrates our clear political commitment to continue to stand by Ukraine, as we have done since Russia's brutal, full-scale attack more than two years ago," he added. The Norwegian minister specified that the agreement would be signed and made public during Zelenskyy's next meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. The date of this meeting has not yet been announced. The leaders of the Group of Seven, together with Ukraine, adopted a declaration that became the basis for bilateral security agreements in July 2023. These are supposed to guarantee long-term support for Ukraine until it joins NATO. Ukraine has already signed bilateral security agreements with nine countries, the latest being Latvia. Czechia President Petr Pavel has said that such an agreement could be ready for signing in May or June. Support UP or become our patron! ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 15. The Kazakh delegation will take part in the annual Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington on April 15-20, the spokesperson for the Kazakh Foreign Ministry Aibek Smadiyarov said during the briefing, Trend reports. "The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund will have their annual Spring Meetings in Washington (the United States) from April 15-20, 2024. A Kazakh delegation will attend the activities, led by Timur Suleimenov, Chairman of the National Bank, and Madina Abylkassymova, Chairman of the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market," he said. As Smadiyarov noted, the visit will include meetings of the Kazakh delegation with the leadership of international financial institutions and rating agencies, as well as business circles and the US expert community. The Spring Meetings bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, parliamentarians, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organizations, and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness. Among other things, the Spring Meetings focus on the return of industrial policy, building tax capacity in developing countries, the presentation of the World Economic Outlook, the Global Financial Stability Report, energy subsidy reforms, and the consequences of geo-economic fragmentation on financial stability in open economies: the Central Bank's Perspectives from Europe and Asia. NY Cardinal Dolan describes the moment he took shelter during Irans missile attack on Israel NY Cardinal Dolan describes the moment he took shelter during Irans missile attack on Israel U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan shared details about the moment he had to run for shelter Saturday as Iran launched a missile attack on Israel while he was visiting Bethlehem. The Archbishop of New York is spending a week in Israel to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA). He is the chair of the association. Cardinal Dolan started his tour in Jerusalem on Friday and arrived in Bethlehem on Saturday, when Iran unleashed a missile attack on Israel. "This Sunday in Bethlehem, all does seem calm and bright. And it is for us. We feel safe and secure. That wasnt true in the middle of last night when the air raid sirens went off, and we had to go down and seek security at Notre Dame Center." Dolan said in a video shared on X. "But right now things look good, and were grateful for that." US DESTROYED MORE THAN 80 DRONES, AT LEAST 6 BALLISTIC MISSILES FROM IRAN AND YEMEN Cardinal Dolan says he is safe in Jerusalem after Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel. On Sunday, Dolan led mass at the Our Lady of Peace chapel in the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center near Bethlehem. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "We can never forget where we came from. We came from here its a duty, but its a joy. Thank you for the hope that you give to us!" Dolan wrote in a post on X. Following the mass, Dolan met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other members of his government in Ramallah on the West Bank. Dolan is set to remain in Israel and Palestinian-controlled territories through Thursday, according to a press release sent out previously by the Archdiocese of New York. He will meet other Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders and visit Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups. SEVERAL COUNTRIES COME TO ISRAELS AID TO STOP IRAN BARRAGE Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, center, offers Mass at the Our Lady of Peace chapel in the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center April 13, 2024. The cardinal was reportedly safe in Jerusalem amid Iran's unprecedented missile and drone attacks on Israel that began later that evening. Dolan's trip was planned prior to Hamas surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which led Israel to declare war on Hamas, pounding the Gaza Strip with airstrikes and launching a ground invasion. In an interview with OSV News published April 4, CNEWA communications director Michael La Civita said Cardinal Dolan did not plan to visit Gaza, but planned to meet with hostages families. "The Church always has to keep open the windows to dialogue," said La Civita, who is also accompanying the cardinal. "The cardinal is going there as the chair to be that instrument, that symbol of showing another way so that we hopefully have a just peace." POPE TO MAKE LONGEST TRIP OF PAPACY BY TRAVELING TO INDONESIA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, EAST TIMOR AND SINGAPORE Cardinal Dolan began his visit to Jerusalem with prayer and dinner at a Shabbat table with good friends Rabbi David and Sharon Rosen whose house overlooks the Mt. of Olives. On Sunday, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced U.S. military forces destroyed 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles from Iran and Yemen during the attack on Israel on Saturday. The attack comes weeks after Iran blamed Israel for a deadly strike on its consulate in Syria that killed a top commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force. The attack marks the first time Iran has launched a full-scale assault on Israel despite more than four decades of hostilities. "I make a heartfelt appeal for a halt to any action that might fuel a spiral of violence with the risk of dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict," the pope said in a statement following the attacks. Fox News' Greg Wehner contributed to this report. Original article source: NY Cardinal Dolan describes the moment he took shelter during Irans missile attack on Israel A former trainer from TVs The Biggest Loser is looking to run for US Senate but influential Republicans are trying to lose her from the GOP primary ballot. The powerful party insiders are trying to disqualify former Golden Gloves boxer Cara Castronuova, whos looking to take on heavily favored three-term Democrat incumbent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Castronuova would first have to win a primary against GOP pick Mike Sapraicone, a retired NYPD detective. Queens Republican Party chairman Anthony Nunziato challenged signatures collected on behalf of Castronuova in a bid to knock her out of the contest, according to a document filed with the state Board of Elections. New York Republican Party insiders are attempting to remove Senate candidate Cara Castronuova from the ballot. Instagram/@caracastronuova Queens Republican Party chairman Anthony Nunziato challenged signatures Castronuova collected to appear on the ballot. Gregory P. Mango The GOP operative who mailed the paperwork for the challenge on behalf of Nunziato was convicted felon John Haggerty, who has close ties to the state Republican Party leadership, according to a snap taken by Castronuovas campaign. Haggerty was convicted of stealing $750,000 from a trust fund that belonged to former Mayor Mike Bloomberg. The fund transferred $1.2 million to the state Independence Party, which acted as an intermediary to funnel funds to Haggerty for what was supposed to be an Election-Day ballot-security operation in the 2009 mayoral race. Castronuova said she believes the petitions to disqualify her are retaliatory after she previously sued the the state Republican Party and Board of Elections. Instagram/Cara Castronuova A separate petition challenge was filed against businessman Josh Eisen, who also is seeking ballot access to run in the GOP primary for Senate. I was very disappointed to see that the chairman of the Queens party, Anthony Nunziato, along with a Board of Elections worker were only two people that objected to my petitions. So that means other than those two no other member of the public objected to my petitions, Castronuova said Sunday. She noted that she recently sued the state Republican Party and Board of Elections over ballot requirements and believes the bid to disqualify her is retaliatory. Castronuova is a former trainer on the reality show The Biggest Loser. People across the state deserve to know why a convicted felon hiding behind the Republican Party elites is the one calling the shots that are tremendously affecting our state and our elections, Castronuova said. THE PEOPLE WANT A PRIMARY AND A CHOICE. I will fight this to the very end. The people deserve a choice and candidates and fair ballot access is a constitutional right. At the state party convention in February, delegates tapped Sapraicone to be their standard bearer. Castronuova is looking to take on Democrat incumbent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Former President Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican nominee for the White House, also endorsed Sapraicone. Both Castronuova and Eisen failed to garner 25% of the weighted delegates vote to qualify for ballot status to run in a Republican primary. The only other way to get on the ballot is to collect 15,000 signatures from registered Republicans, with at least 100 from 13 of the 26 congressional districts. Castronuova taking a selfie picture with former President Donald Trump. Instagram/@caracastronuova Nunziato on Sunday defended his decision to try to disqualify Castronuova from running. I want to make sure her signatures are pristine. You have to show you have the right amount of signatures to get on the ballot. Its checks and balances. Thats all it is, Nunziato said. The Queens Republican leader confirmed that Haggerty delivered the challenge for him with the BOE, but said its kind of low for Castronuova to make an issue of it. Its ridiculous. Get over it, Nunziato said. Haggerty did not return a request for comment. Both Castronuova and Eisen claimed to have filed more than 15,000 valid signatures, but it remains to be seen if they withstand objections under New Yorks hypertechnical election law. NEW YORK The NYPD will be keeping a close watch on houses of worship across the city after Irans drone attack on Israel, officials said Sunday. In a post on its social media accounts, the NYPD said no credible threats have been made against New York City and it will continues to closely monitor events in Israel. We will continue to deploy resources to houses of worship and sensitive locations throughout the city, the departments statement adds. The Police Departments statement mirrors similar public remarks the NYPD has made after world and national events and terrorist attacks. The department didnt specify which locations it would ramp up patrols at. Iran launched hundreds of bomb-carrying drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel Saturday night after threatening revenge for an apparent Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1 that killed 12 people, including two generals. Israels anti-air defenses, with help from the U.S. and Britain, intercepted the vast majority of the Saturday attack and prevented major damage. NYPD cop Amar Bhairam, a 14-year veteran, was fired for using the department database to look up ex-girlfriends and making phony 311 complaints about his lieutenant. A veteran city cop was booted from the force for making nasty 311 complaints about his boss while also tapping into the NYPD database 500 times to check up on ex-girlfriends, records show. Aram Bhairam admitted he used the departments internal computers to run license plates for relatives, including 158 times to track his cousins car over a year-and-a-half while he was on the job as one of New Yorks Finest, according to online NYPD disciplinary records. Bhairam, a probationary sergeant who joined the force in 2010, resigned in January, just days before NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban dropped the ax, records show. In addition to the database violations, he was also found guilty of taking childish digs at NYPD Lt. Marlene Hernandez while masquerading as a disgruntled resident. I came to precinct the other day and this female in a white shirt who look like a tranny with fillers was giving me attitude about my property, Bhairam said in a Jan. 14, 2022 complaint, according to online NYPD disciplinary records. NYPD cop Amar Bhairam was forced off the force for making phony 311 calls about his boss and tapping into the police database to spy on ex-girlfriends and do favors for relatives, department records show. Nick Starichenko stock.adobe.com I feel bad for the cops that gotta deal with her nasty attitude, the complaint said. Get rid of that bich. On Jan. 19, Bhairam described Hernandez as a man lady who was extremely rude, and followed it up with a second 311 complaint about crazy guy dressed as a cop, the records show. During four complaints on Feb. 1, 2022, Bhairam described Hernandez as tranny looking lady, and suggested she put her mask on because shes scaring my dogs as I walk by the precinct. Mayor Adams please remove the tranny nasty Spanish lady with white shirt she is very rude and has no courtesy and respect for the public or the cops, the final 311 report said. NYPD brass didnt think the anonymous digs were funny nor take the misuse of department computers lightly. An investigation into the phony 311 reports was tracked to Bhairam through phone records, with the case then referred to the Internal Affairs Bureau and ended with the misbehaving cop recommended for dismissal in January. The investigation also uncovered the unauthorized use of the NYPD database, the records show. According to investigators, Bhairam repeatedly used the database between Dec. 3, 2020 and May 12, 2022, including checking license plates and arrest histories, according to the report. NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban pushed out probationary sergeant Amar Bhairam in January after an IAB probe. Heorshe stock.adobe.com NYPD cop Amar Bhairam was forced off the job in January for making nasty 311 complaints about his lieutenant and misusing the department database, records show. Rush stock.adobe.com [Bhairam] went on to admit that he conducted queries on ex-girlfriends cars and checked arrest histories of romantic partners several times, the records said. He ran license plates of family and friends to check fo outstanding summonses or to see if their driving privileges were suspended. At his department trial, Bhairam claimed the 311 calls were meant as a joke because he felt Hermandez was ridiculing him behind his back, including allegedly poking fun at a skin condition he suffered from. He said his repeated use of the department computers was to help family and friends and said it was part of his Guyanese culture to help those close to him. Caban wasnt swayed by his explanation and signed off on Bhairams termination on Jan. 23, dismissing the cop after 14 years on the force just days after he put in his papers. UPDATE: Aleah Ashby has been located safely. FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn. (WHNT) The Fayetteville Police Department (FPD), is searching for a missing 15-year-old who was last seen leaving her home on Sunday night into Monday morning. According to FPD, officers are searching for 15-year-old Aleah Ashby. Her last known clothing description or direction of travel is unknown at this time. If you have any information on her whereabouts or if you have seen Aleah, please contact Sgt. John Counts at (931) 212-0098, call 911, or the Communication Center at (931) 433-4522. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. An 81-year-old Ohio man has been charged in the fatal shooting of an Uber driver he believed was working with a scammer, according to officials who said the victim was sent to the home by the same scammer. William Brock told investigators he shot Loletha Hall, 61, outside his home March 25 because he thought she was working with a man who called him pretending to be an officer at the local court, Lt. Kristopher Shultz of the Clark County Sheriff's Office said. "Mr. Brock received some scam call by a person purporting to be someone from our courts who informed him a family member was incarcerated and that he had a bond of a significant amount of money," Shultz said. "The calls turned from 'I'm an officer in the court' to 'We have this subject hostage, this is a ransom demand.'" The person who called Brock, or an accomplice, requested an Uber ride to his South Charleston home to pick up the money, Shultz said. "Ms. Hall did not have any idea," he added. William Brock told investigators he shot Loletha Hall, 61, outside his home March 25 because he thought she was working with a man who called him pretending to be an officer at the local court, according to the Clark County Sheriff's Office. (Clark County Sheriff's Office) When Hall arrived at the home and approached the front door, Brock confronted her with a gun and asked her who she was working for, Shultz said. He took her cellphone and prevented her from getting in her vehicle and driving away. When she tried to get away, he shot her once, then there was more exchange between them," Shultz said. "Mr. Brock was at some point injured to his head, and he shot Ms. Hall a second time. There was more conversation, and then he shot her a third time. Only after he shot her a third time did he then make contact with authorities to report the incident." Hall did not threaten Brock, have a weapon or assault him, according to the sheriff's office and a complaint filed in Clark County Municipal Court. She was taken to a hospital where she died from her injuries, according to the complaint. In a statement, Uber said the company had spoken with Hall's family. "This is a horrific tragedy and our hearts continue to be with Lolethas loved ones as they grieve," an Uber spokesperson said. "We have been in contact with law enforcement and remain committed to supporting their investigation." William Brock told investigators he shot Loletha Hall, 61, outside his home March 25 because he thought she was working with a man who called him pretending to be an officer at the local court, according to the Clark County Sheriff's Office. (Clark County Sheriff's Office) The Uber spokesperson said the account of the person who ordered a car to Brock's house has been banned. Officials have not identified the person who requested the Uber and have not said whether they have made any additional arrests in connection with the case. In a grand jury presentation Monday, Brock was indicted on three counts of murder, one count of felonious assault and one count of kidnapping, Shultz said. He will be arraigned on those charges later this week. It was not immediately clear whether he has an attorney. Brock was originally arraigned on a murder charge in the Municipal Court of Clark County on Wednesday and posted a $200,000 bond. If convicted of that charge, he could be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison or a $15,000 fine. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com On April 7, 15-year-old Jaylynn Parker of New Richmond, Ohio pulled in a 101-pound, 56-inch blue catfish on a jugline from a creek behind a family friends house. The Outdoor Writers of Ohio, a non-governmental organization of outdoor media professionals that maintains the states fish record database, is currently deciding whether to name the fish as the formal state record. Jaylynn Parker (left), Jeff Sams (center), and Chuck Parker (right) hoist the monster blue catfish. Photograph by Kristen Powell Parker / Facebook Parker was juglining with her dad, Chuck, and family friend Jeff Sams on a tributary of the Ohio River behind Sams house. It was Parkers turn to check the lines, and when she did, she discovered that a blue cat weighing almost as much as her was on the other end, her tells the Cincinnati Enquirer. Her dad and Sams helped her haul the fish in. The older I get, the more joy [fishing] brings me, Parker says. Its so relaxing. It brings me so much peace and happiness. Every store with a certified scale was closed on the Sunday afternoon, so the Parkers took the fish home and kept it in a bait tank tied to a dock on the lake in their backyard. On April 8, they drove the fish to Bethel Feed and Supply for certified measurements. The blue cat officially weighed 101.11 pounds and measured 56 inches in length and 39 inches in girth. The family then successfully released the fish, Parkers mom Kristen wrote in a Facebook post. Once it wriggled back into the murky depths, Parker and Sams leapt into the water in celebration. A video of the release captures the moment the blue cat swam back into the Ohio River. Photograph via Kristen Powell Parker / Facebook The catch raised a bit of a firestorm on social media over Ohios juglining rules and how the record system mixes float-line records with rod-and-reel records. One commenter on a post in the OWO Facebook page tried to accuse the Parkers and Sams of juglining illegally, since Ohio regulations require that juglines be attended at all times. But the Parkers and Sams tied their juglines off to a bankline rather than leaving them free-floating, DNR inland fisheries program administrator Scott Hale tells Outdoor Life. Under the same state regulations, banklines must be checked once every 24 hours. The anglers also attached identification to the jugs in keeping with state law. Juglines are legal when you tend them in some fashion and have identification attached to them, he says. That parts straightforward. OWO vice president Jeffrey Frischkorn chimed in on Facebook, calling the catch legal. It must be emphasized that the fish was legally caught, not illegally taken as you maintain, Frischkorn says. You might not believe that jug line fishing which does require surveillance as noted on page 15 of the current Ohio fishing law digest is worthy of being an acceptable means of catching fish, but the Ohio Division of Wildlife disagrees. Only if the law permitting this activity is changed can OWO alter our policy of accepting applications for state record fish either as being hook-and-line or bow fishing. The Parkers called DNR to confirm the catch. Game wardens checked all their gear and confirmed that the jugs were marked with their names and addresses. But Hale says that the OWOs Record Fish Committee is still determining whether this fish will count or not. Well see what the OWO committee decides, but with any luck, were celebrating a new blue catfish record, he says. More debate sprung up over whether a fish caught on a jugline should be recognized alongside Ohios rod-and-reel records. As OWO member Chip Hart wrote in the organizations Facebook page, the Committee recognizes a separate bowfishing category, and discussion of a separate jug and trotline category will come up at the OWO conference this month. I would be hard pressed to think anyone would disagree with the need to establish a new category, Hart wrote. In late April, this will be taken up by the membership at the annual conference. In the meantime, there should only be praise for the young lady and the family that caught the fish. The OWO did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Parkers pending record fish. Jaylynn and father Chuck Parker pose with the blue catfish at Bethel Feed and Supply, where they weighed the fish on a certified scale. Photograph by Kristen Powell Parker / Facebook Read Next: Two Kentucky Anglers Pull a Massive, 94-Pound Blue Cat Out of the Ohio River The current Ohio blue catfish record is 96 pounds and 54 inches in length. Chris Rolph of Williamsburg caught the fish on the Ohio River on June 11, 2009. Its been several years since it was broken, Hale says. If this fish ends up being the record, it will probably be a long time before it is broken as well. Fish this large are very old and pretty rare. A correction was made on April 15, 2024: A previous version of this article stated that the anglers used a free-floating jugline to catch the blue catfish in question. It has been updated to reflect that the anglers instead tied the jugline to a bankline, which they checked periodically. View comments OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma City Police have arrested an inmate who escaped from Clara Waters Community Corrections Center on Monday afternoon. According to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Michael Dorociak, 36, unlawfully walked away from the facility at around 1:40 p.m. on Monday. Michael Dorociak, 36. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Dorociak is currently serving an eight-year sentence for aggravated assault out of Pontotoc County. OKCPD confirmed with News 4 around 2:15 p.m. that Dorociak had been taken into custody. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 15. Kyrgyzstan imported 69,367 tons of oil products from the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union in January 2024, which is a fourfold increase compared to 16,940 tons in January 2023, Trend reports. According to the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the value of these imports amounted to $49.502 million, which is 3.2 times higher than the $15.141 million recorded in the same month of 2023. The table below presents the Eurasian Economic Union countries from which Kyrgyzstan imported oil products in January: Country Volume of imports Value of imports Russia 52,222 tons $37.585 million Kazakhstan 16,231 tons $11.562 million Belarus 913 tons $354,697 In total, Kyrgyzstan imported 70,500 tons of oil products in January. Thus, the countries of the EAEU accounted for 98 percent of Kyrgyzstan's oil product imports. In January 2024, Kyrgyzstan's trade turnover with the EAEU amounted to $278.3 million, which is a 4-percent decrease compared to January 2023. Kyrgyzstan's exports to the EAEU totaled $50.081 million, while imports reached $228.239 million. Oklahoma authorities recovered two bodies Sunday in rural Texas County, a day after they announced that four people had been arrested on suspicion of murder in the disappearance of two Kansas women. As of Monday, the bodies had not been publicly identified. They were being sent to the medical examiner to determine the cause of death, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said. At an update Monday, bureau spokesperson Hunter McKee acknowledged that there was significant physical evidence that led to the arrest of four people. The evidence that was discovered inside of that abandoned vehicle and around it were able to help our investigators determine that there was foul played involved, McKee said. What was in the vehicle and around it, we cannot discuss. Veronica Butler, 27 and Jilian Kelley, 39, were reported missing on March 30 after the vehicle they were traveling in was found abandoned south of Elkhart, Kansas in rural Texas County, Oklahoma. The two women left Hugoton, Kansas and did not make it to their intended destination, KWCH first reported. Asked by a reporter at the Monday briefing if there was any chance that Kelley and Butler were still alive, McKee said no. On Saturday, the bureau named the four suspects arrested in connection with the disappearance. Tad Bert Cullum, 43; Tifany Machel Adams, 54; Cole Earl Twombly, 50 and Cora Twombly, 44, were booked into the Texas County Jail each on suspicion of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, according to the OSBI. Any relationship between the suspects and the victims has not been made public. At the time of their disappearance, Butler and Kelley were traveling together to pick up children, a missing person advisory previously said. At this time, authorities are not looking for more suspects. Four people arrested in connection with disappearance of two Kansas women in Oklahoma Once Again, We Must Wonder What the Heck George Santos Is Doing Former Representative George Santos has raised $0 in his campaign to return to the House, and he says its for a good reason: to stop people from thinking hes a grifter. The New York Republican has a well-established reputation as a serial fabulist whose lies got him expelled from Congress. He is currently facing 23 felony counts for aggravated identity theft, credit card fraud, and illegally receiving unemployment benefits. A report published Monday by the Daily Beast reveals that Santos hasnt raised any money in an effort to overcome his reputation as a conman. But according to a Federal Election Commission filing, also released Monday, Santoss campaign account has spent money without raising any, which isnt exactly a good sign. I will not be raising a single dime until Im confirmed on the ballot, unlike many in the media speculating Im only running to grift. Im setting the standard that only confirmed ballot access candidates should raise money, Santos said in a statement. Santos is running as an independent against Nick LaLota, a Republican, in New Yorks first congressional district. LaLota was one of the first members of Congress, from either party, to call for Santoss resignationSantos made no secret of his animosity. Hes not well liked. Hes an arrogant person. Hes not a nice guy. Hes cocky, Santos said of LaLota the day before his expulsion in December. Hes a traditional meathead, somebody whos not nice to you for no reason. Its not just LaLota, either: Santos has been on a petty, scorched-earth path since being expelled from Congress, taking shots at several of his ex-colleagues. The former congressman faces an uphill battle running as an independent. In order to even get on the ballot, he needs to obtain enough petition signatures from district residentswhich some legal experts say is unlikely. Based on Santoss record, outside observers could think its another attempt for him to make a few bucks, perhaps to supplement his Cameo earnings. One interpreter keeps the Central Valleys Spanish-speaking community informed. Heres how Interpreter Roberto Radrigan is a bridge for the Central Valleys large Spanish-speaking community, keeping it in the know. Youll often spot him at community meetings throughout the region, speaking into his headset while pacing at the back of the room. Frequently, hes the sole live interpreter present. Amid overlapping conversations and side remarks, he adeptly navigates to ensure everyone is included and understood. It is a royal task, Radrigan said about translating when people talk over each other. Between interpreting in person or virtually and translating documents, the 67-year-old estimates he works about 60 hours per week. In Stanislaus County, where 36% of residents speak Spanish, live interpreters frequently are the sole means through which they can remain informed in real time about what local government and organizations are doing. About two decades of interpreting experience in the Central Valley has made Radrigan deeply knowledgeable and engaged in local affairs. His journey didnt begin with interpreting. Originally trained in architecture and design, Radrigan immigrated to Stockton as a refugee from Chile when he was 22 years old. Upon his arrival, his English proficiency was limited to what he had learned in mandatory high school English classes in Chile. An avid reader, he took it upon himself to learn English through extensive reading. He said it took him about six months to fully grasp spoken English. Radrigan later began working at The Stockton Record newspaper. Initially tasked solely with graphic design, he later expanded his role to include translation and assisting journalists with interviews. When I was in the streets with the reporters, I felt useful, Radrigan said. In 2000, the Stockton Unified School District hired him to translate the Students Conduct Code into Spanish, then its monthly newsletter, and later sponsored him to get his American Translators Association Certificate. My greatest reward is seeing the smiles on the people Id helped when they return the earphones, he said. Thats the humongous distance between reading subtitles to having the script narrated to you. Building understanding As an interpreter, Radrigan has developed expertise in education, with a focus on special education, transportation and air quality. He emphasized the importance of interpreters specializing in specific areas to become familiar with the terminology and vocabulary, enabling them to deliver accurate translations. Translating requires a lot of knowledge, he said. Spanish-speaking interpreter Roberto Radrigan in Stockton, Calif., Friday, April 12, 2024. Andy Alfaro/aalfaro@modbee.com When interpreting for parents, he occasionally asks the school whether it prefers him to simply translate its statements into Spanish or to convey them in a manner parents can readily comprehend. For instance, in special education, school staff frequently use acronyms or technical language that parents may struggle to comprehend. When parents are then invited to ask questions, Radrigan notices that they often remain silent out of fear of not fully understanding. He tries to explain concepts using examples to ensure understanding. When discussing a students attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, for example, he simplifies it by explaining that the child struggles with concentration. Afterward, the parents will say that the meeting was useful for them for once, which encourages them to become more engaged and ask questions. He said hes had parents request his interpretation services for future meetings. They feel like they can talk because now they understand whats going on, Radrigan said. I take pride in actually making it understandable. During a community information session in March on pesticide testing, which Radrigan was interpreting, Grayson resident John Mataka remarked that the presentation by the California Department of Pesticides Regulation was laden with jargon, even for English speakers. Mataka suggested that presenters be more mindful of their word choice to ensure better comprehension of the communities they serve. Radrigan noted that the heavy use of technical language sometimes seems intentional, perhaps to exclude specific communities or to make information inaccessible. Technologys impact on interpreting Translation has been greatly facilitated by advancing technology like artificial intelligence through apps like Google Translate and most recently ChatGPT. Nevertheless, Radrigan emphasized that specialized language skills are still essential for interpreting, as they enable interpreters to apply context and human knowledge to their interpretations. Google does a good job, but when it comes to using any particular jargon, it can be preposterous, Radrigan said. At a recent event, Google was used to translate a slide presentation into Spanish. Radrigan began laughing because it translated Paradise Road and Crows Landing into something to the effect of The crows are to go to paradise to help with this road. Keeping the community informed Radrigan emphasized the importance of keeping the community engaged and involved. When his daughter, who graduated from San Francisco State University, questions why he chooses to remain in the Central Valley rather than move to the Bay Area, where political beliefs are more aligned with his own, he explains his desire to make a meaningful impact in the region. If you dont like it, you can change it, he said about the area. During a meeting about housing where he was interpreting, Radrigan found himself deeply engaged due to his background in architecture. Later, he approached the individual who hired him and inquired if his participation and comments were excessive. To his surprise, he was told, No, people loved it. Thats the first time that people got so engaged. Thats very rewarding because thats what my job is, Radrigan said. You get people actually involved. One with life-threatening injuries after shooting near 18th & Paseo KANSAS CITY, Mo. One person has suffered life threatening injuries after a shooting near 18th & Paseo Sunday night. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri The incident is still under investigation and details about what led up to the shooting are currently unclear. According to KCPD, one person was shot and they have life-threatening injuries. FOX4 will keep you updated on this situation as more details come along. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. (COLORADO SPRINGS) A man is dead after being stabbed, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department. At 11:17 a.m. on Sunday, April 14, officers responded to a call from the 3600 block of Dundee Place, where they found an adult male with stab wounds. They attempted life-saving measures but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The Homicide Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation, and CSPD said all parties involved are accounted for. Further updates will come from CSPD and will be reported here when available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. One RI delegate to the Democratic National Convention will be 'uncommitted.' Here's why. The Rhode Island Democratic Party will be looking for more than a dozen delegates to the national party convention when it holds a state convention this summer, and one will be "uncommitted" for the party's presidential nominee. In Rhode Island's presidential preference primary earlier this month, 3,834 people voted "uncommitted," after a progressive campaign urging them to do so in protest of President Joe Biden's support for Israel's military offensive against Hamas in Gaza. Rhode Island Democrats will send 35 delegates to the national convention in Chicago this year, five more than normal because the state agreed to hold its primary with other states April 2 and not try to move it up earlier in the process, the state party announced Friday. The delegate selection process is arcane, and the party released two infographics Friday to try to explain it, along with the 70-page rule document. Graphic showing available Rhode Island Democratic Party delegates Like other state political party delegations, Rhode Island's is split evenly between men and women. And it includes a number of spots reserved for office holders and residents of the two congressional districts. While "Uncommitted" received 14.5% of the vote statewide, it got 15.2% of the vote in the 2nd Congressional District, breaking the 15% threshold to get a delegate, the state party said Friday in a news release. The uncommitted delegate must identify as male and be from the 2nd Congressional District. "Uncommitted voters are an important part of the process, voting as Democrats and making their voices heard, state party Chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik said in the release. We are listening, and more importantly, President Biden is listening. President Biden is a caring and compassionate man we are seeing and hearing a shift from the President. We need a peaceful resolution and aid must get to those who desperately need it." Rhode Island's Uncommitted campaign was spearheaded by the Rhode Island Democratic Socialists of America, which last year announced it would "break with the Democratic Party." Along with the dozen district-level delegates that were chosen in the primary, nine automatic delegates are already set. That leaves six district-level delegates to be chosen four from the 2nd District and two from the 1st District five at-large delegates, three "Party Leader and Elected Official" delegates and two alternates. Those interested in running for one of the open delegate spots should fill out a Pledge of Support form at the state party website. The delegates elected in this month's primary, all representing Biden, were: Brett Smiley, Sandra Cano, Maria Rivera, Kristan Peters-Hamlin, Donald Grebien, Thomas William Kane, William Foulkes, Mary-Murphy Walsh, Melissa Carden, Erica Hammond, Autumn Guillotte and Jay Wegimont. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: "Uncommitted" wins one RI delegate to Democratic National Convention In 2020, an online survey found that 73% of respondents felt pedestrian safety should be improved on Robert Street south of downtown St. Paul, the only West Side thoroughfare marked on the citys transportation safety action plan as a high injury corridor. With those priorities in mind, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will host a community presentation and open house on Tuesday showcasing possible improvements. The goal is to obtain public input on how to improve Robert Street between 12th Street in St. Paul and Annapolis Street in West St. Paul in advance of street paving and sidewalk replacement planned from 2026 to 2028, with most of the work landing in 2027. MnDOT is in the process of developing design concepts. Among the concepts is to realign the intersection for separate turning movements at Robert Streets three-way intersection with Sidney Street and State State, or to install instead an enhanced median island or roundabout. Elsewhere, possibilities exist for one-way or two-way separated, off-street bike lanes and various types of median improvements. In the popular bar and restaurant corridor from Cesar Chavez Street to Isabel Street, MnDOT is weighing whether to prioritize parking and bike lanes or pedestrian space and business frontage. In 2025, MnDOT will deactivate a flashing signal at Curtice Street, based on traffic volumes there, and study the impact. Based on that data and public feedback, the signal could be replaced in 2027 with a flashing pedestrian sign, a curb extension or a median refuge. The community event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at Girl Scouts River Valley Service Center, 400 Robert St. S., St. Paul. A brief presentation will be hosted at 5:30 p.m. and repeat at 6:30 p.m. Staff will be available for questions and refreshments will be served. An online survey of design ideas is available at surveymonkey.com/r/PXR3W8W. In 2027, MnDOT plans to repair or replace Robert Streets roadway pavement and replace sidewalks, alongside utility and transit improvements. In addition, MnDOT is conducting community engagement for a separate study on South Robert Street between Mendota Road and Annapolis Street in West St. Paul. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/RobertStreet2024. Related Articles Because O.J. Simpson died four days before former President Donald Trump stands trial in Manhattan on Monday, and because this prosecution is being called the trial of the century just like Simpsons trial was, its tempting to reduce the Trump trial to a tabloid headline. Cant you picture it? The President, the Porn Star, the Playboy Model, the Door Man and the Fixer. But prosecutors see the first criminal prosecution of a former U.S. president as something other than a tawdry tale of Trump, then a presidential candidate, paying off a porn star to keep her mouth shut about the sex she says she had with the married man. New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg insists this trial isnt about Trumps reported salacious activities. Instead, he says his team will focus on the seriousness of falsifying business records. Falsifying the Trump Organizations business records, prosecutors will surely tell the jury, was Trumps attempt to unlawfully influence the 2016 election, which he went on to win. The Simpson trial was often called a circus, and in every way was a television event. While Trumps trial may be the trial of the century at least until his next prosecution begins it wont be the same spectacle. And not just because of Braggs intention to focus on the Trump Organizations recording false information on business records, making it a documents case. This is the business capital of the world, Bragg said in April 2023. We regularly do cases involving false business statements. The bedrock in fact, the basis for business integrity and a well-functioning business marketplace is true and accurate record-keeping. Thats the charge thats brought here, falsifying New York state business records. It will also be less dramatic because there wont be any television cameras in Judge Juan Merchans courtroom. Also, nobody entering the Depression-era courthouse at 100 Centre St. (as I did countless times as an assistant district attorney in New York) is likely to get excited by the surroundings. Its a building so dismal that in the opening scenes of the show Law & Order, the enthusiastic TV prosecutors we see are coming out of the columned courthouse at 60 Centre St., where criminal cases are never even tried. Trumps trial, then, will take place in a courtroom without cameras in a building too depressing-looking for prime-time TV, and it will begin with a long, arduous process of selecting a jury. It took two weeks to seat a jury for the 2020 Harvey Weinstein rape trial, which took place in that same building. And Id expect the jury selection process for Trump to take at least as long. This is in part because Merchan promises not to convene on any days that might conflict with a jurors observance of Passover, which starts April 22, and partly because the trial will be in recess every Wednesday, the day Merchan hears motions in other pending cases. During jury selection, prosecutors often make it a point to put all their cards on the table; that is, they make it a point to acknowledge the weaknesses with witnesses or the evidence in their cases. The goal is to weed out jurors who will see such weaknesses as making it impossible for them to convict. You can be sure that the prosecutor conducting jury selection in the Trump trial will tell prospective jurors that Michael Cohen, Trumps former lawyer and fixer, not only has a criminal record but also has a history of being less than truthful in his statements to Congress and the courts. That prosecutor will ask prospective jurors whether, based upon that information alone, they would close themselves off to his testimony and side against the prosecutor. Theyll likely ask similar questions about Stormy Daniels history as an actor in adult films and as a woman who says she had a sexual relationship with a man she knew to be married. The case also involves a witness associated with the tabloid the National Enquirer. In the end, jurors and the public will learn about the President, the Porn Star, the Playboy Model, the Doorman and the Fixer. But Alvin Bragg wants jurors to focus on New York law why that law demands that proper records be kept and why falsification of such records would be a big deal if anybody did it. And why its such a big deal if Trump did it. Hes not trying to tell a titillating story, just a convincing one. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Opinion: Don't want Biden or Trump to have so much power? Maybe the U.S. needs a poly-presidency A portion of the first page of the United States Constitution. At the Constitutional Convention in 1787 several delegates objected to the idea of only one U.S. president, but ultimately the idea prevailed. (National Archives via Associated Press) At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson brought up a seemingly un-American idea. He said the executive branch of Americas government should be headed by a single person: a president. Several constitutional delegates objected. A single leader at the helm? Virginia delegate Edmund Randolph said this was the fetus of monarchy. America had just fought a bloody war to free themselves of a king. Why would they want another? Randolph and his allies believed the executive branch, like the legislative, should spread power among several people. Perhaps a council of three presidents, or even, as Benjamin Franklin had gone on the record endorsing in previous years, a group of 12 executives. Read more: 2024 could be the year America fends off dictatorship, or invites it in Wilson eventually persuaded the other delegates that several presidents would cause too much infighting, and the states voted 7 to 3 for a single president. But what if Randolph was right? Modern presidents exercise power undreamed of by the Founding Fathers. Consider that George Washington issued eight executive orders in eight years while Barack Obama issued 276 in his eight years and Donald Trump 220 in just four. Or look at war powers, which are supposed to be divided. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war and the president the job of prosecuting that war. But now, for the most part, the president starts, executes and ends conflicts. The Founders would be aghast. The fetus of monarchy has become a toddler, maybe even a tween. And Trump has made it clear that if he wins, it will become a strapping young adult. So how can we stop this seeming slide toward authoritarianism? Perhaps we should revive that runner-up idea from the Constitutional Convention and split up the presidency. Break it into pieces like we did Ma Bell in the 1980s. Read more: Column: She can't stand Trump or Biden. Don't tell this 'double-hater' she's crazy voting for someone else I first stumbled upon this admittedly unlikely notion when studying James Madisons notes from the Constitutional Convention while working on a book in which I tried to understand the original meaning of the Constitution and exercise all of my rights. I decided to use my 1st Amendment right to petition Congress, asking it to reconsider the idea of three presidents. I carried my petition to cocktail parties and parent events at my kids school. After a couple of weeks, I had 300 signatures and just as many skeptics who refused. I knew it was a long shot. And honestly, Im not sure I wanted it to succeed. Multiple presidents might have multiple unintended consequences. But I wanted to use the topic as a way to highlight the problem of our countrys steroidal presidential power. Is a poly-presidency even possible? Multiple leaders are unusual, but not unheard of. Political scientist Dan Carpenter told me, Theres a lot of talk in political science circles right now about the idea of multiple leaders. The Roman Empire was ruled for 500 years by two consuls who shared power. Nowadays, a handful of nations have multiple heads of state, including Switzerland, which has, in effect, seven presidents. Its ruled by an executive council of seven politicians, each from a different region. Each council member serves a one-year term as the ostensible head, but the role is mostly ceremonial. Decisions are made by majority vote. Does it work? According to the nonpartisan V-Dem Institute, Switzerland ranks first in the world for participatory democracy. ( The United States ranks 25th .) Read more: Americans think a president's power should be checked, poll finds unless their side wins Some of the Founders had a similar system in mind. Randolph suggested three presidents, one each from the North, South and middle states. Perhaps regional presidents is the way to go. Or perhaps it would be better to have the top three vote-getters from anywhere in the country. The hope is that this type of system would reduce the chance of extremism. And maybe its no coincidence that Switzerland has resisted the extremism of some other European nations. Some who were skeptical of my petition wondered if a poly-presidency would create more gridlock. Its a valid point. My responses include: Switzerland seems to work (though maybe the Swiss are just a lot more polite). Also, if the decisions merely need a majority of presidents (as opposed to unanimity), could a triumvirate really cause such a slowdown? And third, maybe more speed bumps in the presidency would be a feature, not a bug. The Founders recognized the importance of hurdles to reduce rash decisions. The problem now is that Congress has too many speed bumps and the president too few. I eventually brought my petition to a meeting with Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). He was surprisingly supportive: You are injecting logic and common sense, which often is lacking in public discourse. So did I have the senators backing? Ill give it some consideration, he said, and then clarified: Thats whats called an under-promise. Wyden wont advocate for co-presidents, but he did agree that we need to curb the expanding power of the office of president. We can accomplish this in many ways without radically restructuring the government. One idea: Nix the supermajority requirement in the Senate. To pass any real legislation, the Senate now needs a supermajority of 60 votes. This rule is not in the Constitution and makes it overly difficult for Congress to act. Another strategy would be for Congress to reclaim some of its constitutional powers. In fact, the very morning of my meeting with Wyden, he had met with the Biden administration about getting Congress to reclaim some of the power to set tariffs. I wished the senator Godspeed, and I think the Founders would too. A.J. Jacobs is a journalist, podcaster and author. His next book, The Year of Living Constitutionally , will be published May 7. 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. House Speaker Mike Johnsons tightrope walk took on a new level of difficulty over the weekend, as Israel faced down a retaliatory attack from Iran. While the flurry of Iranian drones and cruise missiles were almost entirely intercepted, the attack highlighted the lack of progress in the House on a supplemental funding bill that would provide U.S. military assistance to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. Johnson, R-La., reiterated Sunday that he would not be putting the bill which already passed with bipartisan support in the Senate on the House floor for a vote. Instead, he still prefers to try to cobble together a package more amenable to his mercurial caucus. I appreciate that Johnson has at least finally begun to embrace the need for Ukraine funding, despite the opposition of some of his more hard-line members. But the speaker needs to acknowledge the uncomfortable reality of his tenure: While on paper Johnson leads a Republican majority, in practice, he oversees a coalition government in all but name. As of Monday, there were 218 Republicans in the House and 213 Democrats, with four open seats due to resignations. If all members are present and voting, losing only three GOP members support in the face of a united Democratic caucus can kill a bill or motion. And as weve seen for the last 15 months, there are enough members in the GOPs far-right faction who routinely stand in the way of passing what would normally be considered party-line votes. These splinter Republicans most of whom are aligned with the House Freedom Caucus are in effect a third-party of their own that Johnson must negotiate with when drafting legislation. Its a dynamic that has seen more party unity votes go down in flames for the GOP than any House majority since 1982, according to an analysis from CQ Roll Call. The dysfunction has affected Republicans leaders ability to pass routine bills to fund the government, let alone even conservative bills that have no chance of clearing the Democratic-controlled Senate and President Joe Biden signing them into law. The concession from Johnsons predecessor, former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to stack the House Rules Committee with three hard-line conservatives to mollify the hard right has made the process even more difficult. The committee, which the speaker ostensibly controls, has instead become a sticking point as bills deemed not conservative enough risk stalling out. Even those rules that have made it out of committee havent been sure to pass, a situation that was nearly unthinkable in other recent congresses. The majority is expected to provide the votes necessary to pass rules, which set the terms of debate and bring legislation to the front of the queue, with the minority united in opposition. Instead, weve seen seven rules votes fail during the 118th Congress, breaking the record set during Newt Gingrichs second term as speaker in 1999. As a result, Johnson, like McCarthy before him, has leaned on motions to suspend the rules, bypassing the Rules Committee to bring legislation directly to the floor. Normally that process is used for noncontroversial bills with overwhelming bipartisan support and few dissenters. But its how the House finally managed to pass appropriations for the current fiscal year in March after multiple continuing resolutions, which also required suspending the rules to prevent government shutdowns. But because those votes require the support of two-thirds of members to pass, instead of a simple majority, Johnson has repeatedly relied heavily on Democrats to provide the votes necessary to perform routine government functions. Its an untenable situation under Congress current structures and processes, one that the Ukraine and Israel funding question only exacerbates for Johnson. Countries with multiparty legislatures, like the United Kingdom, can sometimes have hung parliaments where no one party holds enough seats to govern solo. In those cases, the party with the largest plurality may seek to ally with a smaller party to cobble together a minority government, like when the U.K.'s Conservative Party negotiated an agreement with the Northern Ireland-based Democratic Unionist Party in 2017. Under the terms of such confidence and supply agreements, the smaller party agrees to provide the votes to elect a prime minister, then later help to ward off votes of no-confidence that could topple the government and support the basic task of funding the government. Democrats reluctantly find themselves in a remarkably similar place with Johnson, as he faces a potential motion to vacate the chair over Ukraine aid that would put his speakership up to a vote. When faced with the same motion, McCarthy was doomed because Democrats lined up with a small handful of rebel Republicans to support their bid to remove him. There is no formal power-sharing agreement between the speaker and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries or the kind of shift in House rules that the New York Democrat proposed during the period of chaos after McCarthys ouster last year. Despite that, his caucus has still routinely put up the numbers needed to fund the government when it was clear the GOP couldnt even pass its own spending bills. It remains to be seen whether Johnson putting up a clean Ukraine bill for an up-or-down vote would be enough to see Jeffries greenlight Democrats to save him from a Republican-led coup. But Johnson might prefer if Democrats didnt come to his defense. Rescuing Johnson would cut the legs out from under him, as The New York Times Catie Edmondson recently put it. He would be viewed as the speaker only because the opposition party decided to save him. That would render him radioactive to many House Republicans whod otherwise support him but fear the wrath of the MAGA attacks that would follow. The very right-wing support that saw him gain the votes needed to unite the caucus and become speaker would be lost, even after his recent trip to Mar-a-Lago to kowtow to former President Donald Trump. This all means that, unlike in all but the most fragile coalition governments, Johnson is forced to try to placate not one but two minority factions. That one of them is almost as large as his entire caucus doesnt matter under the Houses majority-takes-all rules. Something is going to have to give here: Johnson can accept reality and lean into the fact that only the Democrats can help him get critical bills over the line, or he can remain loyal in the eyes of the far right in the name of preventing a revolt. Only one of those options, though, sees him in a position to make a real difference in how the country is governed. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 15. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have discussed the immediate launch of practical implementation of major infrastructure projects in the energy and transport sectors, Trend reports. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, these matters were addressed during a meeting between Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev and his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov in Uzbekistan's Tashkent. The ministers also noted the dynamic growth in the volumes of mutual trade and progress in the implementation of cooperation projects in industry, energy, agriculture, and other priority areas. The sides discussed the implementation of joint plans and projects outlined within the framework of this year's planned joint events, and they signed a joint roadmap to prepare for high-level meetings. It was emphasized that the expected activities would solidify previously reached agreements and contribute to the further development and strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The parties also highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination within specialized international organizations. According to the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the country's trade turnover with Uzbekistan totaled $43.764 million in January 2024, which is a 39 percent increase compared to the same month in 2023 ($31.475 million). Exports to Uzbekistan amounted to $16.970 million in January 2024, which is an increase of 32.9 percent compared to the $12.768 million recorded in January 2023. Imports reached $26.793 million in January 2024, rising by 43.2 percent over $18.707 million in January 2023. Based on my years of experience prosecuting complex fraud cases, the New York County District Attorneys Office case against former President Donald Trump has all the hallmarks of a major fraud case, with tremendous jury appeal. For starters, the alleged cover-up of a presidential candidates hush money payments to a porn star to try to win an election is captivating and easily comprehensible in stark contrast, for example, to the financial statements and property valuations from Trumps civil fraud trial. The deception practically leaps off the pages of the documents. First, theres the fake settlement agreement to release Peggy Petersons claims against David Dennison. But there are no claims; this was just a cover-up for Trumps agreement to pay hush money to Stormy Daniels. And there are no Peggy Peterson or David Dennison; those are aliases for Daniels and Trump. That is shady (and amusing). Then-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen created a shell company to make the hush money payments to Daniels and keep Trumps fingerprints off the transaction. Finally, there were false monthly invoices to disguise Trumps reimbursement to Cohen as legal expenses pursuant to a retainer agreement that didnt exist. The documents will clearly outline the criminal scheme to falsify business records to cover up hush money payments. But hush money payments alone arent illegal. And falsifying business records is only a misdemeanor. Here, the charges go further; Trump is charged with falsifying business records to conceal an agreement with others to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election. Trumps alleged criminal intent to influence the outcome of the election would make the hush money payments illegal campaign contributions and elevate the misdemeanor to a felony 34 felonies, to be exact. So how will the district attorneys office seek to prove Trumps criminal intent to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election? First, via witness testimony. The district attorneys office will call witnesses to testify that Trump intended to influence the outcome of the election. Look for Cohen and David Pecker, then-chairman of American Media Inc., to testify about their agreement with Trump to catch and kill negative stories about Trump to assist with his campaign, including discussions with Trump about killing stories from Daniels and Karen McDougal. In addition, Hope Hicks, then the Trump campaign press secretary, may testify about her conversations with Trump and Cohen about the Access Hollywood tape, as well as Trumps anger that it would hurt his campaign. The district attorneys office will also use Trumps own words. Trumps own words will help establish his intent to unlawfully influence the election. A 2016 audio recording shows that Cohen ran the hush money payment arrangements by Trump, including the amount and method of the payment and the need to open a company to make it. The recording demonstrates not only Trumps knowledge of the payments, but also his concern that personal information (like divorce records) not be disclosed before the election: All youve got to do is delay. Moreover, Trump initially denied knowing about the hush money payments when they were first reported a provable lie. Only after law enforcement searched Cohens premises and Trump realized he would be caught did Trump acknowledge that he knew about the payments and had reimbursed Cohen for them. Trumps lie exhibits his consciousness of guilt. Why would he lie if he thought he did nothing wrong? Much of this case against Trump will rely on common sense. I expect that jurors common sense will tell them that Trump made the hush money payments on the eve of the presidential election to help him win. This was a close election, and Trumps candidacy may not have survived another setback after the Access Hollywood tape fiasco. While Trump attacked Hillary Clinton recall the chants of lock her up Trump paid Daniels to shut her up. The reimbursement payments were made by Trump and the hush money payment was made for Trumps benefit; any defense attempts to distance Trump from those payments wont pass the smell test for a New York jury. I anticipate prosecutors will argue that Trump wanted to prevent you the voters from hearing a porn stars story of their sexual encounter on the eve of the 2016 presidential election because it could have cost him the election. And he succeeded by paying her a lot of money and covering it up. That conduct was serious enough to send Cohen to jail, with the judge in his case remarking that campaign finance violations threaten the fairness of elections. Similarly, prosecutors in Cohen's case argued that Cohen's criminal conduct implicated core defining parts of our democracy: free and transparent elections and eroded faith in the electoral process. Those arguments apply with greater force to the former president. Cohens prosecutors argued that powerful and privileged individuals cannot violate the law with impunity. Now its time for the district attorneys office to send that message to Trump. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The twice-impeached former president of the United States, Donald Trump, begins the first of his four criminal trials on Monday. He faces 34 class E felony counts of falsification of business records in the first degree, and if convicted of one of those felonies, he could be looking at a maximum sentence of four years in state prison. Approximately 6,000 jurors have been subpoenaed to appear for jury duty this week in the Manhattan Criminal Courts, with about 1,500 being called to appear Monday to participate in the jury selection process. According to the New York State Unified Court System, they were randomly selected from lists of registered voters, holders of drivers licenses or IDs issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles, New York State income tax filers, recipients of unemployment insurance or family assistance, and from volunteers. Prosecutors for the Manhattan district attorneys office and Trumps lawyers will question these prospective jurors, and, with some time, some legal prowess and some luck, a jury of 12 of Trumps peers will be selected to sit in judgment of him and render a unanimous verdict of guilty or not guilty. The presiding judge, Juan Merchan, last week released to the public the seven-page juror questionnaire that will be used in Trumps trial. It consists of 42 questions, several of which include multiple sub-questions. Some people will be excused initially for things like medical reasons and language barriers. And some will be excused from the outset because they immediately self-identify that they cannot serve because they cannot be fair and impartial to either the prosecution or the defense.Jury selection, also known as voir dire (which means to speak the truth), is a part of the jury trial process that often gets short shrift in terms of coverage and attention. Its not as spicy as cross-examination or closing arguments. You rarely see jury selection depicted in movies or TV, because it can be time-consuming and hypertechnical. But its not hyperbolic to say jury selection is often the most important part of a trial. Picking the right jury is the key to getting the verdict you want. And if you fail to pick the right jury, then regardless of how much experience you have, how much you prepare your examination questions, how many times you loudly pound your hand on counsels table, you go into jury deliberations with one hand tied behind your back. So, what kind of jury is Trumps legal team hoping to seat? Ideal jurors for Trumps defense are those who consider themselves true-blue Trump supporters, squarely in the MAGA camp, if you will. The jurors who believe that Trump is being politically persecuted or, in this case, politically prosecuted for daring to drain the swamp. Trumps defense team would benefit from jurors who think that this case is a nothingburger over money given to a washed-up porn star. People inclined to believe that all of the prosecutions witnesses are liars and that the biggest liar of them all is Michael Cohen, Trumps former fixer and personal attorney. They will believe that the Manhattan DAs office, just like the Justice Department, has been politicized by the Biden administration to unfairly go after Trump and Trump loyalists. Trumps lawyers will want a jury composed of people who believe that he is immune from criminal prosecution and that this case never should have been brought in the first place. Favorable Trump jurors will believe that Merchan should have recused himself months ago because his daughter works at a company that provides support to Democratic politicians. They will think that anything the judge tells them is not to be believed, so they will ignore his instructions. Those ideal Trump jurors, however, if they express their opinions with any fervency, will most assuredly be challenged for cause by the prosecution. Conversely, any prospective jurors who proclaim their belief, before hearing any evidence, that Trump is undoubtedly guilty will be challenged for cause by the defense. The juror questionnaire and the voir dire process are supposed to filter out potential jurors who militate to the extremes on both sides of the case. But all lawyers can read prospective jurors body language and listen carefully to their answers and responses when questioned by both sides. There is also an entire cottage industry of jury consultants who use social science, psychology and nonverbal cues to assist parties during voir dire. One or more of these jury consultants will be present at Trumps counsels table during jury selection. And Trumps defense team is going to have to rely heavily on its own abilities to read between the lines when prospective jurors are participating in voir dire. It will likely lean into education, employment and other socioeconomic indicators. This is a time when it might make sense to also lean into generalizations about groups of people to make a selection favorable to its case. However, if a lawyer seat people who lie during voir dire in order to get onto that jury because they have ulterior motives, you have sadly got a process that is rigged for the wrong outcome from the get-go. In some cases, stealth jurors make it onto a jury, people intentionally hiding or lying about their true beliefs or feelings about a party or an issue in order to influence a decision. Both sides will have the opportunity to scour a prospective jurors social media history and online footprint to confirm they were telling the truth during voir dire. If a rogue juror gets seated and then the truth ultimately is discovered about their background or opinions, that juror will be dismissed (and can sometimes face prosecution or contempt of court) and one of the six alternates will be seated in their place.As happens all cases, but especially in with ultra-high-profile cases like this one, jurors who are selected for service will be ordered by Merchan not to read, listen to or watch any media that covers the case or discuss the case with anyone, including family members and friends. These jurors will have to self-silo themselves from the outside world of news about this case and trial. However, and despite the expanded gag order imposed upon him, once Trump is outside of the courtroom he is likely to fall into his routine of invectives and his barrage of attacks on the prosecution, witnesses, and the judge. In this case, Trump cannot attack the jurors, whose names will not be publicly disclosed per Merchans order. Attacking the jurors would also be simply shooting himself in the foot. These 12 New Yorkers are sitting in judgment of him and he would be wise to refrain from criticizing their service. But on Monday, we begin at the beginning with hundreds of New Yorkers who have been called to do their civic duty. Hopefully, enough of these prospective jurors will speak the truth during voir dire for the first criminal trial of a former president of the United States. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com TEXAS COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigating is holding a news conference on Monday regarding two women who were reported missing in March. According to the OSBI, the Texas County Sheriffs Department requested the bureaus help on March 30 to investigate the suspicious disappearance of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley. LOCAL NEWS: OSBI: Bodies found in Texas County after arrests made in missing moms case Officials say the two were traveling together to pick up children, but never made it to their destination. Their car was found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas in rural Texas Co. On Saturday, April 13, four people were arrested in connection to the two missing Kansas women. Tifany Adams, 54, and Tad Cullum, 43, Cole Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44 were all taken into custody. One day later, the OSBI announced the bodies of two people were found in rural Oklahoma. RELATED NEWS: Community reacts to arrests made in connection to missing Kansas women The OSBI held a conference on Monday, April 15, to discuss more about the investigation. This case was tragic. You have two people who are, who are dead and four people who have committed an absolutely brutal crime, said Hunter McKee with OSBI. Thats why it took every agency involved in this in order to get this done. During the conference, officials were unable to confirm the bodies found were Kelley and Butler, but did say this was a targeted case. The investigation is still ongoing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation provided a few new details during an update on the case of two Kansas women on Monday morning. KSN News has been following this story since the beginning. Authorities confirmed two bodies were recovered in rural Texas County on Sunday. The bodies were transported to the Medical Examiners Office to determine their identification, as well as the manner of death. UPDATE: Affidavits detail alleged plot targeting 2 Kansas women Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley (Courtesy: OSBI) Although the bodies have not been identified, the OSBI talked about 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley, who went missing on Saturday, March 30, after never making it to a pickup location to get children. During the news conference, KSN News learned that the children were safe. The OSBI was also asked if Veronica and Jilian were alive. No, Hunter McKee, OSBI public information officer, said. Community reacts to arrests made in connection to missing Kansas women Various agencies expressed their condolences to the families of Butler and Kelley in the press conference. The OSBI said evidence discovered in the abandoned car that the women were traveling in helped disclose that foul play was involved. What was in the vehicle and around it, we cannot discuss, McKee said. NewsNation reported last week, according to sources, police believed Butler and Kelley had been shot, and blood was found near their abandoned vehicle. Tad Cullum, Cole Twombly, Tifany Adams, and Cora Twombly. (Courtesy: OSBI) McKee added that there were no suspects at large after the four arrests on Saturday. He wanted to emphasize that the public is not in danger. Tad Cullum, Tifany Adams, Cole Twombly, and Cora Twombly were booked on suspicion of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. All four are being held without bond in the Texas County Jail and are scheduled to make an initial court appearance Wednesday morning, said Texas County Court Clerk Renee Ellis. Missing Kansas moms were shot, blood found near car: NewsNation Based on the evidence and information that we were able to obtain throughout the entire investigation, what was found inside of the vehicle, witnesses, family, friends of the victims we were able to talk to throughout this entire process, we were able to gain the information to determine that these four people were responsible for both of these women going missing, McKee said. The OSBI, FBI, Oklahoma State Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Texas County Sheriffs Office have all worked to solve the case. This case was tragic. You have two people who are dead, and four people that committed an absolutely brutal crime, and so again, this is why it took every agency involved in this in order to get this done, McKee said. The OSBI says the case has been challenging due to the rural area. There is not a lot of homes, there is not a lot of buildings, businesses. Sometimes, you could use cameras to help you in this case. We did not have that. So that is what made it extremely challenging, McKee added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Sen. Jon Ossoff holds a press conference in Atlanta about children missing from Georgia DFCS care Oct. 27, 2023. Ossoff's Senate subcommittee released its full findings into deficiencies at DFCS Tuesday. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder As soon as Sen. Jon Ossoff released his report on massive failures at the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, DFCS fired back, accusing Ossoff of political gamesmanship. Actually, its worse. There is every indication that Ossoff is sincere and genuinely wants to help vulnerable children. But that will only make it harder to persuade him that, because of a critical error in his analysis, his report may trigger a response that makes everything even worse. The report is likely to kick into overdrive the foster-care panic the sharp sudden spike in needless removals of children that started in the wake of high-profile news coverage of child abuse deaths in 2022. That year, nationwide, the number of children torn from their families declined by 11%. But in Georgia it increased by the same amount. A foster-care panic makes everything worse because every problem the report identifies has the same counterintuitive root cause that Ossoff ignored: needless removal of children from homes that are safe or could be made safe if families received the right kinds of help. Often it happens when family poverty is confused with neglect. In 2022, the most recent year for which data are available, 87% of the time Georgia children were placed in foster care in cases where there was not even an allegation of sexual abuse or any form of physical abuse. In 57% of cases there was not even an allegation of substance abuse. In contrast, 47% involved neglect which often means poverty. Indeed, in 20% of cases DFCS admits they took away the children because the family lacked housing a tragedy exposed just weeks ago by WABE Public Radio and ProPublica. The problem is compounded by the fact that Georgia uses the least harmful form of foster care placement with relatives instead of strangers at a rate 40% below the national average. This does enormous harm to the children needlessly separated and not just the inherent emotional devastation. Study after study finds abuse in one-quarter to one-third of family foster homes, and the rate of abuse in group homes and institutions is even worse. Ossoffs own report cites the death of a child killed by his foster parents and the rape of a child in a group home. So its no wonder multiple studies find that in typical cases children left in their own homes typically fare better even than comparably-maltreated children forced into foster care. All the time, money and effort spent harassing impoverished families and taking away their children is, in effect, stolen from finding the relatively few children in real danger. Yet in Ossoffs entire 64-page report the word poverty does not appear even once. Perhaps thats because birth parents and their lawyers were largely shut out of Ossoffs investigation. Consider the other failures Ossoff cites: Runaways? If you take children from poor but loving homes and consign them to the chaos of foster care with strangers, of course theyre more likely to run away. Sex trafficking? Group homes and institutions are magnets for sex traffickers predators go where the prey is. But because Ossoff ignored wrongful removal, his report is likely to generate another knee-jerk rush to take away even more children. As entries into foster care escalate, everyone will be even more overwhelmed and even more children in real danger will be missed. Then DCFS will announce another tired recruitment campaign for foster parents and the Legislature might fund a caseworker hiring binge. That never works. All the new caseworkers wind up chasing all the new cases, and all you get is the same lousy system only bigger. Indeed, the last time this was tried, as a result of a class-action lawsuit settlement, DFCS actually took money away from poor people to finance making the family policing system even bigger. And make no mistake it is a policing system. Its hard to imagine any of my fellow progressives issuing a report on policing without mentioning issues like racism and racial bias. But that, too, is entirely missing from Ossoffs report. Like many other progressives, Ossoff seems to forget everything he believes in about civil liberties and due process as soon as someone whispers the words child abuse in his ear. DFCS is every bit as bad as Ossoff says it is. But fixing it requires taking all the new money that might go to hiring caseworkers and plowing it instead into ameliorating the worst effects of poverty. New hires should work for community-based anti-poverty agencies not connected to the family police. It takes only a little financial help to make a big difference. Georgia also needs to bolster legal representation for families not to get bad parents off, but to craft alternatives to the cookie-cutter service plans churned out by DFCS. If, as I believe, Ossoff really wants to protect our most vulnerable children, he should go back to the drawing board and embrace real solutions. The post Ossoffs report could leave Georgia with the same lousy child welfare system only bigger appeared first on Georgia Recorder. Who among us hasnt paid for sex? Trumps supporters ask wild questions outside historic first criminal trial Trump supporters gather at Collect Pond Park on the first day of his hush money trial (Getty) You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep, but what about the people who come out to protest at their criminal trial? Had Donald Trump glanced out of a window on his way to the Manhattan Supreme Court for the opening day of his historic trial, he would have seen that his supporters had dwindled since his arraignment a little over a year ago. Back then, there was palpable shock and outrage among the gathered protesters that a former president could be arrested and charged with a crime. Although that was no great mass either, that day in March last year seemed to attract not just hardcore followers, but a smattering of relatively middle-of-the-road folks concerned about the implications of such an event. Today, however, the crowd had thinned to a handful of true believers and true characters those who dont leave their house without a giant flag, a bullhorn, and an offensive T-shirt they made themselves. Its not only that the crowds are getting smaller, its that they are getting significantly weirder. Of the people willing to step up to a microphone outside the courthouse and defend Mr Trump for allegedly paying off a porn star to hide his alleged affair from prospective voters, two offered something of a wild defence: that they opposed the charges because they too had paid for sex on more than one occasion, and assumed most men had done the same. It didnt matter to them that Mr Trump is not being accused of paying for sex, but rather accused of having embarked on several extra-marital affairs and falsifying business records over payments made to hide those affairs from the voting public in 2016. A protester holds a banner against Donald Trump outside the courthouse (Reuters) A man holds a protest sign outside of court as former president Donald Trumps trial begins (Natalie Chinn/The Independent) One of the supporters offered, unprompted, that he had spent a lot of time in the east Asia in the pursuit of such earthly pleasures. What do you think I do in Thailand, just sit in a chair? he asked, incredulously. Thats what we do as men, you know? It wasnt just men who were inexplicably linking Mr Trumps trial to prostitution, either. It was hard to move outside the court without bumping into people proudly declaring they had stormed the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, and at least one person baselessly blamed child-trafficking Democrats for a politically motivated prosecution a pet theory of the QAnon movement. Another supporter, who identified himself as Gary from Staten Island, delivered an animated and updated interpretation of Dwight D Eisenhowers speech on the military-industrial complex to a confused reporter from German television news, expertly connecting the dots between the war in Ukraine, the British establishment and Stormy Daniels. Former US president Donald Trump appears at a court hearing in New York (Reuters) Trump rallies, and his protests, have never been a cross-section of America, but these court spectacles have become a media event, rather than a participation sport. They are attended by people who crave a camera in their faces and know this is the one place it can be assured even if it is just German television. For a man who views his crowds as a sign of his strength, the former president might have been worried by his showing today. No senior Republican politicians turned up to show their support. Laura Loomer, a far-right and anti-Muslim agitator was perhaps the most famous face to show up outside. (Last year, Marjorie Taylor Greene and the as-of-then unindicted George Santos came out in person to defend Mr Trump). Mr Trump had warned of death and destruction if he was ever charged for the alleged payment to Ms Daniels, which he is accused of handling with campaign funds and falsifying the records to cover his tracks. As his trial begins, however, the case mustered barely a whimper. Trump at the first day of his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court (AFP/Getty) Interest had dwindled on the other side of the Manhattan park, too, where a year ago dozens of anti-Trump protesters gathered to cheer his arrest. Only a handful came this time. Joel Anderson, a cop from Washington state, held a sign that read Trumps lies got cops killed. Its disheartening and sad for me as a police officer to know Im the outlier whos standing up and saying, were police officers, were supposed to have people like this held accountable, he said. To make excuses for him just because hes their preferred candidate, its not what being a police officer is about. Granted, this is New York, a liberal city that holds no love for Mr Trump. And there could be an element of trial fatigue, with Mr Trump currently involved in several criminal proceedings most of them related to his efforts to steal or overturn the 2020 election. And not everyone can take every Monday off to shout at the judicial system. But this is also an election year a close election year and such elections are won by the ability of candidates to grab voters in the middle. Its unclear how sex tourists and Capitol rioters becoming the unofficial face of Donald Trumps legal defence will help him win those votes. A graduate of Owasso High School is accusing the administration of failing to prevent bullying in the wake of transgender Indigenous teen Nex Benedict's death. Marley H., who graduated in 2022, joined the Human Rights Campaign for a new paid advertisement that is shining a light on the use of anti-LGBTQ+ slurs, harassment, and the teachers and administrators at the school who refused to step in. It hurts to know that not only do your teachers personally not support you, if a student bullies you or harasses you or calls you names, they arent going to do anything about it, she said. It promotes a culture where you feel like you shouldnt report issues. Benedict, 16, had reported being bullied for months before he was involved in a physical confrontation in a school restroom with three older girls February 7. The teen told law enforcement that the girls "jumped" him and his friend because of the way that we dressed." Benedict then died February 8 after being transported to a hospital following a medical emergency at home. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Oklahoma determined Benedict died by suicide, and Tulsa County District Attorney Stephen Kunzweiler declined to file charges, sparking outrage among community members. Oklahoma education Superintendent Ryan Walters drew further condemnation when he refused to address Benedict by name and insisted, against medical consensus, that there are not multiple genders. Walters also appointed Chaya Raichik, the right-wing extremist behind the anti-LGBTQ+ Libs of TikTok account, to a state board overseeing library materials in public schools just months before Benedict's death. We are seeing this trickle-down effect where we elect people that spew this rhetoric, and even pass [anti-LGBTQ+] legislation and then those parents in the community see this on the news, and then they talk about it in the home," Marley H. continued in the video. "That rhetoric that is being passed down from our elected officials to our parents to our children then affects entire school districts. Watch the full video below. www.youtube.com Owasso High School Grad Speaks Out on "Culture Where You Feel Like You Shouldnt Report Issues" MUSKOGEE COUNTY, Okla. (AP) The owners of a Colorado funeral home arrested in Oklahoma after decaying bodies were found are now facing fraud charges. Jon and Carie Hallford were arrested in Wagoner, Oklahoma, on suspicion of three felonies: abuse of a corpse, money laundering and forgery, authorities said in an email to aggrieved families. Mugshots of Jon and Carie Hallford on KFOR background RELATED STORY: Couple arrested in Oklahoma after nearly 200 decaying bodies found in Colorado funeral home Jon Hallford owns Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, a small town about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Denver. The remains were found Oct. 4 by authorities responding to a report of an abhorrent smell inside the companys decrepit building. Officials initially estimated there were about 115 bodies inside, but the number later increased to 190 after they finished removing all the remains. A day after the odor was reported, the director of the state office of Funeral Home and Crematory registration spoke on the phone with Hallford. He tried to conceal the improper storage of corpses in Penrose, acknowledged having a problem at the site and claimed he practiced taxidermy there, according to an order from state officials dated Oct. 5. The company, which was started in 2017 and offered cremations and green burials without embalming fluids, kept doing business even as its financial and legal problems mounted in recent years. The owners had missed tax payments in recent months, were evicted from one of their properties and were sued for unpaid bills by a crematory that quit doing business with them almost a year ago, according to public records and interviews with people who worked with them. Now they are facing federal charges for fraudulently obtaining nearly $900,000 in pandemic relief funds from the U.S. government, according to court documents unsealed Monday. Even before the new indictment was unsealed, public records revealed that the Hallfords were in debt, facing evictions and lawsuits for unpaid cremations even as they spent money and received more than $123,300 in Small Business Administration loans for COVID-19 relief, according to U.S. government data. They also got a $15,000 grant in pandemic relief, according to federal data. RELATED STORY: Improperly stored bodies found at Colorado funeral home with green burials They bought two cars that together were worth over $120,000 enough to cover cremation costs twice over for all of the bodies found, according to previous court testimony from FBI Agent Andrew Cohen. They also went on trips to California, Florida and Las Vegas, and spent $31,000 in cryptocurrency, laser body sculpting and shopping at luxury retailers, according to court documents. The new federal charges are the latest example of the owners alleged lies, money laundering, forgery and manipulation over the past four years, devastating hundreds of grieving families. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Owners of the White Bronco Used in O.J. Simpson Chase Are Hoping to Resell for a Fortune The owners of the infamous white Bronco which carried O.J. Simpson during his infamous low-speed police pursuit are looking to sell the vehicle and make a small fortune after the accused murderer's death last week. Collectors website Cllt first reported the news. The Bronco made headlines almost exactly 30 years ago, on June 17, 1994, just five days after the murders of Simpsons ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. After police announced Simpson as the suspect, he was expected to self-surrender to authorities. Instead, he went on the run. Simpsons friend, former Buffalo Bills star Al Cowlings, called 911 and told authorities to back off, claiming Simpson was holding a gun to his head in the backseat. The duo made the slow journey to Simpsons Brentwood mansion, where the Naked Gun star was arrested in his driveway less than an hour later. The Bronco chase gripped the nation, as O.J.s fans poured onto the streets to cheer the suspect on. It remains one of the most famous national news incidents in America, and practically on its own spawned modern-day 24-hour news coverage. The infamous vehicle is now owned by Simpsons former agent, Michael Gilbert, and two friends of Cowlings, and theyre looking to sell. As they explained to Cllt, though, they were planning to do so even before Simpsons April 10 death from prostate cancer. Before O.J. passed, we had always thought this was going to be the year we were going to sell because its the 30th anniversary, Gilbert told the outlet. Who knows if we are all going to be around for the 35th or the 40th? The three sellers reported that the last offer they received for the white Bronco was $750,000. However, theyre hoping that their industrious timing might fetch as much as $1.5 million. Cowlings white Bronco is not to be confused with Simpsons own Bronco, which he allegedly used as a getaway vehicle on the night of the murders. Simpsons Bronco was later used as evidence during the trial after investigators determined it contained traces of the victims blood. The Bronco has hopped around quite a bit since the chase. It went from an L.A. parking garage to the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, before it landed at Gilberts house. Understandably, his partner wasnt thrilled by its presence. My wife didnt like it there, Gilbert admitted. "She wanted her parking spot back." Its currently housed at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. If the car does sell for even the lowest estimate, it'll be the highest price paid for a notorious criminal vehicle. The current top spot holder is Bonnie and Clyde's bullet-riddled death machine, which sold to a Las Vegas casino in 1988 for $250,000. The car is just one part of Simpsons complicated legacy. Responses to his death have varied, with Fred Goldman, Rons father, making a somber statement that didnt mention Simpson by name; Caitlyn Jenner, meanwhile, offered a much more blunt response to the passing of her former friend. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 15. Kyrgyzstan has proposed the establishment of an intergovernmental commission with Oman to foster cooperation, Trend reports. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, this proposal was put forward by Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev during a meeting with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi. Kulubaev also suggested intensifying efforts to expand the legal framework between the two countries. In order to facilitate direct connections between business circles in Kyrgyzstan and Oman, the Kyrgyz side proposed the creation of a Kyrgyz-Omani Business Council. The minister invited the Omani side to actively participate at a high level in the Central Asia-Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) scheduled for July this year at Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul. Both sides highlighted the significant potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the political, economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. They also stressed the importance of reciprocal visits at the highest levels in the near future. Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Oman met within the frame of the second Ministerial Meeting of the Central Asia-Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf held in Uzbekistan's Tashkent. According to the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, trade with Oman amounted to $4,400 in January 2024, while there was no trade in January 2023. Kyrgyzstan only exported goods to Oman in the first month of the current year. Indian Sikhs shout slogans against Pakistan as they display photographs of Sarabjit Singh, a convicted Indian spy who died from a head injury after two inmates attacked him with a brick in a Lahore jail (AP) Pakistan has launched an investigation after the fatal shooting of a man who was accused of killing Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh inside a Lahore prison in 2013. Amir Tamba, who was acquitted of killing the convicted Indian spy, was shot by two masked men inside his home, police in Lahore said. Singh, an Indian national from Punjab, was arrested by Pakistani border guards in 1990 and tried on charges of espionage and terrorism. His family and the Indian government denied the charges while campaigners claimed his trial was unfair and that his confession had been extracted through torture. Despite appeals for clemency and calls for his release from India, Singh was sentenced to death in Pakistan in 1991. Singhs conviction and incarceration was a sore point between India and Pakistan, exacerbating already strained bilateral relations between the neighbours. He remained in prison until he was killed in an attack by fellow prisoners in Lahores Kot Lakhpat jail in 2013. Tamba was one of the two inmates who were accused of attacking Singh with bricks inside the jail. Both were acquitted by a Pakistan court in 2018 after witnesses retracted their statements. The deputy inspector general of police in Lahore, Ali Nasir Rizvi, said gunmen entered Tambas house and shot him multiple times before fleeing on a motorbike. Army and intelligence officials reached the site and removed Tambas body, taking it to the citys Combined Military Hospital. Mr Rizvi said a case had been lodged against unidentified assailants but gave no further information, including a possible motive for the attack. Tambas killing comes amid reports that Indian agents carried out extrajudicial killings of wanted men in Pakistan. A report by the Guardian, citing Indian and Pakistani intelligence officials, claimed that Indian operatives have been involved in attacks on at least 20 people in Pakistan since 2020. India has denied the allegations as false and malicious anti-India propaganda. A Parrish man pleaded no contest to charges stemming from a 2014 Palmetto cold case murder, according to Manatee County court records. Before Ricardo Garcia, 31, could face a scheduled murder trial for killing an innocent man at a Palmetto intersection in a drive-by shooting, he pleaded no contest to lesser charges of manslaughter with a weapon, court records show. Manslaughter with a weapon is a first-degree felony and is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, according to Florida Statutes. The plea comes more than 10 years after detectives said Garcia shot and killed 26-year-old Javare Thomas, of Sarasota, near the intersection of Haben Boulevard and U.S. 41 while intending to shoot someone else in retaliation for a fight at The Hall nightclub in 2014. When Garcia got into his pickup truck to follow the man who beat him up, police say he shot and killed Thomas, thinking it was the same person. It wasnt, investigators say. Palmetto cold case resolved in court The case went cold for over seven years before the Palmetto Police Department announced Garcia as a suspect and arrested him for first-degree murder in April 2021. In the early hours of March 22, 2014, police say Garcia got into a fistfight with another patron inside the bathroom at The Hall, a popular Palmetto nightclub. Security escorted a bloodied Garcia outside and saw him get into the drivers seat of a black pickup truck with the name Garcia on the cab window before leaving the club, according to an arrest report. At that time, a member of the Palmetto Police Department who was on security detail at the club said he saw a silver Cadillac start to pull into The Halls parking lot before swerving back onto U.S. 301, almost hitting another vehicle. The occupants of the Cadillac seemed focused on Garcia, the officer said. Parrish man shot innocent victim, police say Police say Garcia was trying to follow who he thought was the man that he fought with in the bathroom when the Cadillac and another vehicle turned left onto Haben Boulevard at the same time. That other vehicle was a 2002 Mercury Marquis with Thomas in the front passenger seat, according to an arrest report. Police said the Cadillac and Marquis were similar in appearance. As the Mercury pulled up to the intersection at Haben Boulevard and U.S. 41, two witnesses who were inside the car told police they saw a black pickup truck pull up alongside them. Thats when Garcia fired several shots into the Mercury, striking Thomas in the head, police say. The driver of the Mercury took Thomas to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment, but Thomas later died from his injuries. As a mother, this will never go away. Ever, Tonya Thomas, the victims mother, said in 2019. My family suffered very much. Not only my family, the community, his friends. Javare is well-known as a loving person and we will keep our hearts as a family as a whole to uplift his standards. While it is unclear what development led to the eventual arrest of Garcia, police say a tip from an anonymous source in 2019 said that Garcia thought he was following the man who beat him up at the club when he emptied the entire clip of a handgun into the wrong vehicle Did shooters family attempt cover-up? Despite the case going unsolved for years, Garcia popped up on polices radar for Thomas death shortly after the shooting when witnesses description of the black truck matched a 2009 Chevy pick-up Bradenton police pulled over in November 2013. The vehicle is registered to Garcias father, but Garcia drove the truck on the night of the November police encounter, according to an arrest report. When detectives returned to The Hall a few days after the shooting to show the security guard a picture of Garcia, he identified him as the man he escorted to the black pickup truck the night of the fight. Detectives say they spoke to Garcias father and asked him where the truck was, but he told them the vehicle was at a friends house in the Wauchula area. But police say he declined to give an exact address and said the truck had been at the friends house for the past month. When police spoke with Garcia that same day, they said he denied being at The Hall and requested an attorney. When investigators were able to search the truck a few days later at a maintenance facility in Hardee County, they found the drivers side mirror removed. Police say the truck matched the description of the one given by witnesses minus the Garcia sticker on the rear window. When asked about the sticker, Garcias father told police he removed it several weeks ago in preparation for selling the truck, according to an arrest report. Surveillance footage at the repair shop shows the truck arrived less than two days after the shooting, police said. Detectives said a 2017 interview suggested that the Garcia family attempted to cover up the shooting by replacing the mirror, which had been damaged in the shooting. The witness told police that family members wore gloves while replacing the mirror and spray painted it to get it to match the color of the black pickup truck. Parts of Garcias mirror were found at the scene, according to an arrest report. Anonymous tip pointed police to shooter Detectives said the witness, much like the anonymous tip that would later come in 2019, also told them that Garcia shot the wrong person that night. Palmetto Police announced in April 2021 that they were ready to charge Garcia for Thomas murder and that Manatee County Sheriffs Office deputies and U.S. Marshals were assisting in the search for him. A few weeks later, Garcia turned himself in to authorities. Court records show a sentencing hearing for Garcia will be scheduled at a later date. More than 2 billion ($2.1 billion) in aid for Sudan has been raised at a conference after Germany, France and the EU appealed to the international community for urgent support given the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the country roiled by civil war. "We are not forgetting what is happening in Sudan and we remain mobilized," said French President Emmanuel Macron at the close of the conference in Paris on Monday evening. He spoke of one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world and the risk of famine. "The scale of our commitment will enable us to meet the most urgent needs in the areas of food, health, water, hygiene, education and the protection of the most vulnerable populations," said Macron. A bloody power struggle is raging in Sudan between the forces of Abdel Fattah al-Burha, an army general who is the country's de facto ruler, and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who leads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The two generals seized power in a military coup in 2021, but later fell out over internationally-backed plans for Sudan's transition to civilian rule. The RSF's integration into the regular armed forces was an especially contentious issue and civil war broke out on April 15, 2023. The artillery barrages, rocket fire and airstrikes have affected nearly every corner of the African nation, including the hard-hit capital Khartoum. There has been a dramatic deterioration in the humanitarian situation, with severe shortages of medicines and other essential goods. "The world is forgetting about the people of Sudan," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, calling for joint efforts for a ceasefire and an end to the bloodshed. "The only path out of this horror is a political solution," he said in New York on Monday. Sudan is about more than just a conflict between two groups, he said. "This is a war against many thousands of civilians who have been killed and tens of thousands who have been maimed," said Guterres. "And it is a war against human rights and international humanitarian law." "The Sudanese people desperately need the support and generosity of the global community to help them through this nightmare, he said with a view to the Paris conference. In February, the United Nations estimated $4.1 billion was needed in emergency aid for those affected by the conflict. According to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who also attended Monday's conference, only 6% of this has been financed so far. Food, drinking water, baby food, medicines, clothing, schooling, accommodation and "above all psychological counselling" were all in short supply, Germany's top diplomat said. Refugee camps in southern Sudan were overflowing, with fresh arrivals every day who could not be provided for. "If we don't take massive countermeasures now as a global community, Sudan faces a terrible famine catastrophe. In the worst-case scenario, one million people could starve to death this year," Baerbock warned. Germany has pledged a sum of 244 million to Sudan and its neighbours this year, Baerbock announced. France promised 110 million this year and the European Commission pledged around 355 million. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said the Sudanese had become victims of being forgotten, in addition to being victims of displacement and hunger. Around 20,000 people are newly displaced every day in Sudan, according to UN figures released on Monday to mark one year of civil war in the country. More than half of them are children and young people, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. "This is the worst child displacement crisis in the world, unfolding before our eyes," Baerbock said. More than 8.6 million people are estimated to have fled their homes since last April. According to conservative estimates, one in eight global refugees is from Sudan. Around 2 million have escaped across the border to Chad, South Sudan and Egypt, the IOM said. "Sudan is on a tragically fast track to becoming one of the world's biggest humanitarian crises in decades," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. Amnesty International called on the UN Security Council to expand the current weapons embargo on the western region of Darfur to cover the entire country. In a dire warning last month, the United Nations said that famine conditions were looming for millions of Sudanese. It is "truly the stuff of nightmares," said Edem Wosornu of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Amnesty International said last year it had documented war crimes committed by both sides, including mass civilian casualties in both deliberate and indiscriminate attacks and sexualized violence against women and girls. The Paris meeting began with political consultations, which more than 20 ministers were expected to attend - in particular from Sudan's neighbouring countries - as well as representatives of key international organizations. The German Foreign Office said a main aim of the discussion was to better coordinate various mediation efforts. One year after a brutal war erupted between rival factions of Sudan's security forces, France and Germany are leading an international donor conference in Paris on Monday to raise funds for urgently needed humanitarian aid. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell headline the event that will also feature aid groups working on the ground and representatives of Sudan's neighbours. A bloody power struggle is raging between the forces of Abdel Fattah al-Burha, an army general who is Sudan's de facto ruler, and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who leads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The two generals seized power in a military coup in 2021, but later fell out over internationally-backed plans for Sudan's transition to civilian rule. The RSF's integration into the regular armed forces was an especially contentious issue. Their violent pursuit for dominance over Sudan has triggered the largest refugee crisis in the world. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates more than 8.6 million people have fled their homes to other parts of Sudan or to neighbouring countries; other estimates put the number at more than 9 million. The artillery barrages, rocket fire and airstrikes have affected nearly every corner of the African nation, including the hard-hit capital Khartoum. There has been a dramatic deterioration in the humanitarian situation, with famine looming in several regions and severe shortages of medicines and other essential goods. Amnesty International said last year it had documented war crimes committed by both sides, including mass civilian casualties in both deliberate and indiscriminate attacks and sexualized violence against women and girls. The Paris meeting will begin with political consultations, at which more than 20 ministers are expected, in particular from Sudan's neighbouring countries, as well as representatives of key international organizations. Annalena Baerbock (C), Germany's Foreign Minister, and Stephane Sejourne (R), French Foreign Minister, speak at the humanitarian donor conference for Sudan in the Centre de Conferences ministeriel. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa Germany, France and the European Union appealed to the international community on Monday to provide urgent support for Sudan, in light of the catastrophic humanitarian situation that conflict has wrought on the northeast African state. "If we don't take massive countermeasures now as a global community, Sudan faces a terrible famine catastrophe. In the worst-case scenario, one million people could starve to death this year," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned at an aid conference in Paris. "We are making it clear today that we will not lose sight of the suffering of the people in Sudan," she added. A bloody power struggle is raging in Sudan between the forces of Abdel Fattah al-Burha, an army general who is the country's de facto ruler, and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who leads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The two generals seized power in a military coup in 2021, but later fell out over internationally-backed plans for Sudan's transition to civilian rule. The RSF's integration into the regular armed forces was an especially contentious issue. The artillery barrages, rocket fire and airstrikes have affected nearly every corner of the African nation, including the hard-hit capital Khartoum. There has been a dramatic deterioration in the humanitarian situation, with severe shortages of medicines and other essential goods. In February, the United Nations estimated $4.1 billion was needed in emergency aid for those affected by the conflict. According to Baerbock, only 6% of this has been financed so far. Food, drinking water, baby food, medicines, clothing, schooling, accommodation and "above all psychological counselling" were all in short supply, Germany's top diplomat said. Refugee camps in southern Sudan were overflowing, with fresh arrivals every day who could not be provided for. Germany has pledged a sum of 244 million ($260 million) to Sudan and its neighbours this year, Baerbock announced. France promised 110 million this year and the European Commission pledged around 355 million. One year after civil war erupted in the country, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said the Sudanese had become victims of being forgotten, in addition to being victims of displacement and hunger. "Today we are placing a forgotten crisis on the agenda," he added. Around 20,000 people are newly displaced every day in Sudan, according to UN figures released on Monday to mark one year of civil war in the country. More than half of them are children and young people, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. "This is the worst child displacement crisis in the world, unfolding before our eyes," Baerbock said. More than 8.6 million people are estimated to have fled their homes since last April. According to conservative estimates, one in eight global refugees is from Sudan. Around 2 million have escaped across the border to Chad, South Sudan and Egypt, the IOM said. "Sudan is on a tragically fast track to becoming one of the world's biggest humanitarian crises in decades," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. Amnesty International called on the UN Security Council to expand the current weapons embargo on the western region of Darfur to cover the entire country. In a dire warning last month, the United Nations said that famine conditions were looming for millions of Sudanese. It is "truly the stuff of nightmares," said Edem Wosornu of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Amnesty International said last year it had documented war crimes committed by both sides, including mass civilian casualties in both deliberate and indiscriminate attacks and sexualized violence against women and girls. The Paris meeting began with political consultations, which more than 20 ministers were expected to attend - in particular from Sudan's neighbouring countries - as well as representatives of key international organizations. The German Foreign Office said a main aim of the discussion was to better coordinate various mediation efforts. Annalena Baerbock (L), Germany's Foreign Minister, and Abdalla Hamdok, former Prime Minister of Sudan, meet for talks on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting to support peace initiatives for Sudan. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa Annalena Baerbock (2nd L), Germany's Foreign Minister, Stephane Sejourne (2nd R), France's Foreign Minister, Josep Borrell (R), European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, and Janez Lenarcic (L), EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, speak at a press conference ahead of the ministerial meeting to support peace initiatives for Sudan. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa An officer with the Pasadena Police Department shot and killed an armed man Saturday night after a pursuit came to an end in a residential neighborhood, authorities confirmed. At 8:39 p.m., officers contacted a driver behind the wheel of a white pick-up truck that was facing the wrong way on a one-way street, and as they contacted the driver, he suddenly sped off barely missing an officer while doing so PPD said. They began pursuing the man, who was now wanted for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, until the chase came to a sudden end at the 800 block of Arden Road, when he crashed into the front yard of a house. Video submitted by a KTLA viewer showed the man crash into a vehicle parked in the homes driveway. Pasadena OIS After the crash, the man bolted from the car and fled into the neighborhood. Police said he forcibly entered two homes before officers found him in the backyard of a house on the 700 block of Oak Knoll Circle. Officers released a K9 on the man, which engaged him. During that engagement, the man pulled out a handgun. Authorities said that the man refused to follow officers orders to drop the handgun. An officer then shot him during that confrontation; Pasadena police didnt disclose how many shots were fired or whether the man fired shots of his own. Despite attempts by first-responders to save his life, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. He was identified as 36-year-old Ricardo Guade Andrade of San Fernando. The handgun was recovered at the scene, per police. No officers were injured during the pursuit and subsequent confrontation, authorities confirmed. No additional details were immediately made available. Per protocol for police shootings, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office will investigate the lawfulness of the incident. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The chamber of the Alabama House of Representatives The Alabama House of Representatives listens to an address from Elliott Wang, director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta, on April 11, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Before 2017, I would have struggled to pick out Jim Patterson in the Alabama House of Representatives. Patterson was a Meridianville Republican elected to the chamber in 2010. In his first term, he did what most freshman representatives do: handle local legislation and vote the party line. He sponsored tax exemption bills, too, and in his second term added education and retirement legislation to his docket. But Patterson didnt stand out until he took on a big project. For years, Alabama did not require insurers to cover autism therapies. These help children on the spectrum develop communication skills. Without coverage, families pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars out of pocket for the services. I talked to parents who sold their homes or emptied their retirement accounts so their kids could get the services. In 2017, Patterson sponsored legislation mandating coverage of the therapies. This brought him into conflict with the Business Council of Alabama and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Legislators, and Republican legislators in particular, dont want to get sideways with BCA or BCBS if they can avoid it. But buoyed by a parent-led grassroots effort and timely help from senators, the bill passed in May 2017. It had coverage limits that Patterson hadnt originally intended. But the legislation became law. It ought to show the public their lobbying counts a lot, Patterson said after passage. What Im hearing from my district is this is a popular thing. You can have an effect. Five months later, Patterson died from a heart attack. His last major act as a public official was making life easier for Alabama families. Patterson has been on my mind as we hit the home stretch of a legislative session obsessed with right-wing hallucinations and detached from actual problems. Republican legislators rammed through legislation to ban public funding of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and to punish educators for teaching what they view as divisive concepts. They made it harder to cast absentee ballots often cast by the sick and the elderly and justified it with badly misleading data on voter fraud, which is not a problem in the state. They want to sic the cops on undocumented immigrants for no reason except their presence. They tried very hard to destroy the independence of the Alabama Department of Archives and History for acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ+ people. And now we have a pair of hard-right House members who want to throw librarians in jail if they dont conform to a 1957 view of whats obscene (again, the existence of LGBTQ+ people). Thats not counting things like stripping Medicaid expansion language out of the (probably doomed) gambling bill. Or continuing the vicious war on transgender Alabamians. Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers shrug at gun violence; poverty; infant mortality; underfunded schools and the terror within the states correctional facilities. If anything passed out of the session this year addressing those actual problems causing genuine pain in our state, I havent seen it. In light of all that, let me propose a daily exercise for our lawmakers. Call it The Patterson Test. When a legislator leaves that decaying Highway Building on South Union Street, he or she should ask: If I never set foot in this building again, what would my last act as a public official be? Most lawmakers see themselves as the heroes of their own biographies. We know the ending of Jim Pattersons. The rest of our elected officials should imagine holding their complete, Ron Chernow-scale book in their lap. They should go to the back of the tome lets say page 736 and get to the last 24 hours of their lives. The last day that biographers unfold with baroque detail. So, Alabama lawmakers: What would that section say about you? Would you spend your final hours helping your constituents? Or would you help powerful interests shake them down? Would you make it easier for Alabamians to express their political views? Or would you throw them in jail for trying? Would you work to give the dedicated people at a Sumter County school the tools they need to teach? Or would you use their tax dollars to help a wealthy family in a $27,000-a-year private academy? In short: when your time comes to an end, who are you working for? Politicians are not reflective people. But some of the egos in the Statehouse cant stand the thought of their story ending as they knuckle under to a moral panic or take orders from a man in a silk suit. And maybe maybe that would lead to better decision-making. We want our public officials to work for the public. Thats not how our state government is designed. It serves the powerful and spites the meek. Its a system that thwarts efforts to improve the state and creates a long line of forgettable legislators, who blend into a goop that cushions the elites and smothers the people of Alabama. So its remarkable when a legislator like Jim Patterson rises above that mush to do something right. Its worth noting and celebrating. And I hope all those self-styled heroes on South Union Street remember Patterson. I hope they ask how theyll be remembered when their time ends. We need legislators who understand that their stories are tied to ours. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post The Patterson Test appeared first on Alabama Reflector. AUSTIN (KXAN) Last week had our first outbreak of more widespread severe weather here in Central Texas for 2024. The typical peak of severe weather season arrives in just over two weeks as we head into the month of May. May severe weather May is a lot of things: Typically our most active month for severe weather, one of our most active months for flash flooding and usually our wettest month of the year. The risk for almost all modes of severe weather peaks for us in May, but by far the most frequently occurring is hail. In Central Texas, from 1955-2019, the National Weather Services Austin/San Antonio office logged 1297 hail reports in May, as well as 619 for wind and 219 for tornadoes. May severe weather reports (1955-2019) in Central Texas The average number of severe weather incidents (in the KEWX radar coverage area) in May in Central Texas, is greater than than March and April combined. Monthly average severe weather reports We can dig even deeper into the data, because over the course of decades of information, we can see that the risk for hail, wind and tornadoes peaks slightly differently in May. Hail peaks in early May. Tornado risk peaks in mid-May. Wind damage risk peaks in late May into early June. May is the peak month for each tornadoes, hail and wind events here in Central Texas, but the second busiest month for each of these modes is different. The second most active month for hail is April, but March is our second most active month for tornadoes and June is our second most active month for thunderstorm wind damage. Severe mode peaks Flash flooding has a later season, similar to thunderstorm wind damage. Flash flooding Newly reviewed data suggests that June, not May, is our peak month for flash flooding. According to National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio office, weve had 506 flash flooding reports from 1955-2019 in June, compared to 498 in May. Storms typically move more slowly as we head into the summer months, promoting storms sitting or training over the same areas with excessive downpours. Flash flooding season runs from May-July with a secondary season in August-October thanks to tropical activity. Flash flooding season in Central Texas Just like severe weather, flash flooding CAN and DOES happen at any time of year. Severe weather random facts Decades of data suggests that, on average, May 10 is our most active day for severe weather out of any other day of the year. The most active time for severe weather is 6-7 p.m. The risk for flash flooding doubles from April to May. May also has, on average, more than twice as many tornadoes as any other month of the year. Have a plan Severe weather and flash flooding can happen during the day or at night. Have a plan with your family to stay informed and weather aware. Have multiple sources of weather information and make sure that some of them will wake you up should urgent severe weather happen while youre asleep. Stay with the First Warning Weather Team as we take you into the peak of severe weather season and whatever may happen. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Changes to a center on Penn States University Park campus dedicated to offering college counseling and educational services for diverse undergraduate students are coming, but what exactly that will look like is still largely unknown. A social media post circulating within the Penn State community indicated the Multicultural Resource Center is closing at the end of the academic year which the centers director confirmed to the Centre Daily Times on Friday. I can confirm that the University has made the decision to close the Multicultural Resource Center, at the end of this academic year, Melissa Landrau Vega wrote in an email. She directed all questions to Vice Provost for Educational Equity Marcus Whitehurst and to the administration. Separate from academic advisors, the MRC has counselors who focus on helping students develop skills that will help them be successful in graduation and beyond, according to its website. Additionally, it has student groups, and the MRC Leadership Council of students serve as MRC ambassadors and student advocates. When the Centre Daily Times initially inquired about the center closing on Friday, Penn State spokesperson Wyatt Dubois in an email said the universitys leadership has been discussing the unique functions of the Multicultural Resource Center and exploring the possibility of taking an alternative unique approach to increase recruitment of, and support for, low-income and first-generation students. But he said those discussions were in preliminary stages and that no decisions have been made about what steps may be taken, and there werent any changes made to the center. He said Penn State remains committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging on campus and within the broader community. In a phone interview Monday, Whitehurst gave more details about the potential future of the center but pushed back against the narrative that the center will close. Were in the process of exploring ways to have greater impact and enhance student success with an existing program thats in the Multicultural Resource Center. So to jump to saying Hey, were closing this is inaccurate, Whitehurst said. The MRC has a Comprehensive Studies Program and theyve had internal discussions about scaling it, Whitehurst said. The program focuses on first generation and Pell eligible students, and provides mentorship and support for the students, who are all Pennsylvania residents, he said. We just had some internal conversations about this particular program within the Multicultural Resource Center, and looking to scale this particular program to have greater impact for these first generation and Pell eligible students, and so we were hoping to leverage the existing personnel in the Multicultural Resource Center to refocus and to transition into a bigger program around the Comprehensive Studies Program, Whitehurst said. He pointed to a study that showed higher graduation and retention rates among students who participated in the CSP compared to those who didnt. When we looked at these results, we found that the CSP program proved highly effective in fostering student success ... evident in significantly improved graduation and retention rates compared to their non-CSP counterparts. And so these are the discussions that we were having with, again, the staff in the Multicultural Resource Center, as well as some of our DEIB leadership over the course of the last couple of months, Whitehurt said. He emphasized these are still early discussions and did not have a timeline of when this might happen and how many more students it could support when it does happen. When asked about the director saying the center will close, he said change is difficult for employees and that change can be perceived in different ways. He added theyre hoping this will be a university-wide effort and office to support students, regardless of their location. The new version of the office will remain within the Office of Educational Equity, he said. He said there wont be any jobs lost based on a transition of programs. The work that were doing is really about exploring ways to enhance and elevate existing, proven student services to leverage the success of our first-generation and Pell eligible students. We think that it is a great opportunity to provide focused support for some of our Pell eligible students in this process, Whitehurt said. A message on the MRCs website Monday states it will transition from its traditional service model and they are still working through specific changes. The MRC will continue to provide support through the end of the Spring 2024 semester should you need to reconnect with your MRC counselor, the message states. Michele Stine, chair of the University faculty senate, in an email Saturday said she wasnt aware of any decision to shut down the center. If there is a plan to close it at the end of this academic year, it would be a terrible breach of trust to announce it so abruptly; the academic year ends in just a few weeks. That seems counter to the Presidents stated goal of enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, she said. The university has long been criticized for what some say is a lack of commitment to diversity. In 2022, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi canceled the Center for Racial Justice a project announced in 2021 by former university president Eric Barron and said the university would instead invest in already existing racial justice efforts at Penn State. The center would have provided resources, created a fellowship program and outreach opportunities, among other objectives. After the cancellation, Black faculty questioned the universitys commitment to diversity and anti-racism. That has continued. In February, Penn State faculty also held a teach-in, the third one in as many semesters, which focused on racial justice and the universitys budget. Just last month, a group of Penn State professors, including King, have held read-ins at Old Main to shine light on what they say is a lack of commitment and action on racial justice at the university. Another read-in is planned for noon April 16 at Old Main. This also comes weeks after Spotlight PA reported that two diversity initiatives Penn State said would receive better funding do not actually exist. And although Bendapudi in 2022 pledged to invest money that would have gone to the CRJ into other DEI efforts, those programs saw budget cuts as the universitys fiscal year 2023 budget began. HONTIVEROS CALLS SENATE PROBE INTO MINING AND QUARRYING IMPACTS IN PH Senator Risa Hontiveros is urging the Senate to investigate the environmental and social impact of mining and quarrying activities in the country amid a series of recent incidents linked to such operations adversely affecting communities and ecosystems. Proposed Senate Resolution No. 989 calls upon the appropriate Senate Committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into recent widespread reports of adverse effects of such practices in the country. "The devastation and loss caused by mining and quarrying activities are distressing. Hindi lang kabuhayan ang nawawala pati buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Kailangang punan ang mga pagkukulang sa batas para matigil na ang mga trahedyang ito," Hontiveros said. The resolution highlights a series of tragic incidents including a fatal landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro, allegedly linked to mining operations, in which members of the Mansaka Indigenous Cultural Community were disproportionately affected. Likewise, mining activities have had a significant impact on Homonhon Island's ecology and cultural heritage, while quarrying has been blamed for degradation and water quality concerns in Cajidiocan, Romblon. Concerns have also been expressed concerning the use of mined and dredged materials to support controversial reclamation efforts in environmentally vulnerable locations such as Manila Bay, as well as aggressive Chinese island-building initiatives in the West Philippine Sea. The detention of vessels crewed by workers from the People's Republic of China engaged in dredging activities off the coast of Zambales and the alleged presence of Chinese dredging vessels in Maguindanao del Norte further underscore the need for an investigation. The Resolution highlighted that the environmental risks posed by the mining industry outweigh the limited economic benefits for Filipinos despite the country's abundant mineral resources. Furthermore, the Resolution seeks to evaluate the regulatory framework of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), particularly the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), responsible for overseeing mining and quarrying operations in the country. "We must not allow our precious natural resources to be exploited at the expense of our people and environment. Kailangang bigyang prayoridad ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan. Ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan, ay pangangalaga sa ating bayan at kinabukasan," Hontiveros concluded. **** Note: Please see attached Proposed Senate Resolution No. 989 in pdf A Penn State student was arrested Saturday after being accused of pushing a woman into a wall, an assault that left her bloodied, unconscious and hospitalized. Ryan F. Gustin, 21, of New York, was accused of pushing the woman about 3 a.m. Saturday in Brumbaugh Hall, university police wrote in an affidavit of probable cause. He is on interim suspension, Penn State spokeswoman Lisa Powers wrote Monday in an email to the Centre Daily Times. He may not be present on the universitys premises unless granted express, written permission from Student Accountability & Conflict Response, she wrote. He is also prohibited from attending or participating in-person or virtually in university-sponsored events, programs, and activities, including classes, Powers wrote. The woman told an officer Gustin first yelled at me and then he pushed me, police wrote. The woman said the back of her head hit the wall, causing a laceration and unconsciousness. A man told investigators he saw Gustin raise his hand and then heard a loud noise, police wrote. He reported that Gustin had blood on his hands and face before officers arrived. Spots of blood were also found on Gustins pants, police wrote. The woman was transported to Mount Nittany Medical Center. Police did not describe the nature or extent of the womans injuries; a spokeswoman wrote in an email that the department cannot speculate on the injuries she may have sustained. Gustin, police wrote, had glassy and bloodshot eyes, smelled of alcohol and was asking questions repeatedly, police wrote. He is not a resident of Brumbaugh Hall and was not permitted inside the building, police wrote. No defense lawyer was listed. Gustin was charged with one felony count of aggravated assault, as well as misdemeanor counts of simple assault, defiant trespassing and disorderly conduct. He was also charged with a summary count of harassment. He was arraigned Saturday by District Judge Don Hahn, who set bail at 10% of $35,000. Gustin did not post bail and is incarcerated at the Centre County Correctional Facility. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. BRUSH CREEK TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM) Pennsylvania State Police say a woman was arrested after a chase where speeds exceeded 100 MPH last week in Fulton County. State Police say on April 8 a Trooper was traveling westbound on I-70 when a red pickup truck passed them in the right-hand lane at approximately 75 MPH. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Morning Weather The Trooper attempted to pull over the vehicle, however it failed to yield and continued at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Another Trooper was able to position his vehicle and deploy spike strips, which disabled some tires but did not stop the vehicle. A second set of spike strips was deployed by a Bedford County-based Trooper, deflating the vehicles tires. The truck continued into a Sheetz parking lot at a high rate of speed before continuing onto State Route 30 and entering a Dollar General parking lot where the truck became disabled. The driver, identified as McKenzie Ledgerton, was taken into custody and showed signs of impairment, according to State Police. Troopers say Ledgerton was under the influence of a controlled substance and both marijuana and methadone were found in the vehicle. Ledgerton remains in the Bedford County Jail awaiting a preliminary hearing. State Police and court records listed addresses in Greene County, Pittsburgh, and Star City, West Virginia for Ledgerton. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Piedmont Lithium has been approved for a mining permit in Gaston County, the company announced Monday. The news has been years in the making. Back in August 2021, the mining company presented its plan for the Carolina Lithium project to county commissioners. PREVIOUS STORIES: From 1950 to the 1990s, most of the worlds lithium came from Gaston County, CEO Keith Phillips told Channel 9 in 2021. Now, its mined in Australia and shipped to China to be converted. Phillips said he wants to change that. Piedmont Lithium leaders said the project would make Gaston County the U.S. leader in the electric vehicle supply chain. It would bring hundreds of jobs to the area, but some are concerned about the long-term impact the mining might have. I dont know what comes out in the air, said Gaston County resident Dennis Dellinger, adding, I dont think you need nothing like that around here. I mean, its already too crowded around here now. On Monday, Piedmont said the permit for mining in Gaston County had been approved by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. This is an exciting day for all of us at Piedmont Lithium, Phillips said in a statement. In his vision, hundreds of northwest Gaston County acres will be home to the only spot in the world where people mine spodumene concentrate. It will then be converted to lithium chemicals on-site. The demand for lithium resources is skyrocketing, with car companies wanting long-lasting batteries for electric vehicles and tech companies using it in mobile phones. Phillips said the $840 million project will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and position Gaston County to land more businesses, contributing billions of dollars in economic impact. Phillips said now that the mining permit is approved, the next step to move Carolina Lithium forward is to go through the countys rezoning process. They also still need state permits regarding air quality and wastewater, but thats routine. Construction would commence following receipt of all required permits, rezoning approvals, and project financing activities, he said. According to Reuters, Gaston County Commission Chair Chad Brown says itll be July at the earliest before commissioners get to Piedmonts rezoning request. The CEO said there are ongoing talks about how Carolina Lithium will be funded. Those include the possibility of federal funding. (WATCH PREVIOUS: Piedmont Lithium grilled by Gaston County commissioners, residents over proposed mining operation) DUNCANNON, Pa. (WHTM) A Perry County road will be closed overnight Sunday into Monday morning due to a down tree. The Duncannon Fire Company says Butchershop Road is closed between Hoffman Road and North High Street due to a large tree blocking the road. The fire company said the road will be closed into the morning hours but did not say exactly when the road could reopen. No power outages were reported related to the down tree. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. COLUMBUS (WCMH) One person is dead after being found shot in northeast Columbus Sunday night. At around 10:17 p.m. police arrived in the 1300 block of East Hudson Street in North Linden, where a person was found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers rendered aid to the victim until medics arrived at 10:24 p.m. and pronounced the person dead at the scene. State Route 161 closed after fatal crash in northeast Columbus This embedded content is not available in your region. Police are unsure what led to a shooting and do not have any suspect information as of Monday morning. The victims identity is being withheld until next of kin can be notified. Anyone with information regarding this incident, is asked to call Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy oversees state-licensed pharmacies, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Iowa. (Photo by Getty Images; logo courtesy the State of Iowa) The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has revoked the license of a pharmacy technician convicted of stealing 600 doses of opioid pain killers. According to police records, on April 11, 2023, the CVS Pharmacy within the Target store at 3804 Metro Dr., Council Bluffs, called in a report of prescription-drug theft. The pharmacy then provided police with written documents, including a statement signed by phramacy tech Sarah Elizabeth Taylor, 38, of Council Bluffs. In that statement, Taylor allegedly admitted to CVS investigators that she had stolen roughly 600 50-milligram doses of the narcotic Tramadol between November 2022 and March 2023. Pharmacy officials estimated the actual loss at 700 doses of Tramadol. Police alleged Taylor admitted that while at work she would place the pills into the trash and retrieve them later in order to conceal the theft. She was charged with fourth-degree theft, possession of a controlled substance, and obtaining a prescription drug through deceit. She pleaded guilty to the possession and theft charges and the prescription-drug charge was dismissed by the court. She was sentenced to 45 days in jail, with all of that time suspended. Court records give conflicting information as to whether $860 in potential fines were actually imposed. In January 2024, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy held a hearing on the matter that Taylor did not attend. On March 5, the board revoked Taylors license as a pharmacy technician. The decision was announced Monday. The post Pharmacy worker convicted of stealing 600 doses of opioid pain killers appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch. Donald Trump Is The First Former US President To Face A Criminal Trial. Here's 11 Photos From Court That'll Go Down In History Early this morning, former president Donald Trump appeared in court to start proceedings for his historic hush money trial marking the first time a former US president has faced a criminal trial. Charges brought against Trump of which there are 34 counts of falsifying business records relate to a $130,000 payment that Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen made to Stormy Daniels to allegedly "silence claims [Trump] had an extramarital affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels," HuffPost reports. 1.The twice-impeached figure left Trump Towers to head to Manhattan Criminal Court this morning, as he must be present for the trial. Charly Triballeau / AFP via Getty Images 2.A mix of police, media, and Trump supporters stood outside of the courthouse. Spencer Platt / Getty Images 3.Many supporters present appeared to protest all charges brought against him. Adam Gray / AFP via Getty Images 4.Opposite of supporters, more demonstrated outside the courthouse and condemned the former president for his alleged actions. Adam Gray / AFP via Getty Images 5.People held signs alluding to issues brought forth in this trial and previous cases. Spencer Platt / Getty Images 6.For his part, Trump arrived at court ahead of jury selection. Pool / Getty Images 7.The trial will take place four days a week for what could be up to eight weeks, NBC News reported. Jabin Botsford / POOL/AFP via Getty Images 8.Jury selection alone could take two weeks, as lawyers search for citizens who can remain unbiased. Angela Weiss / POOL/AFP via Getty Images 9.And it's important to note that Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels... Pool / Getty Images 10....and he has pled not guilty to the charges. Pool / Getty Images 11.He also claims prosecutors are politically motivated. Jabin Botsford / POOL/AFP via Getty Images This case is developing, and BuzzFeed will keep you updated. Israel shot down Iranian missiles with F-35I Adir stealth fighter jets that cost $44,000 per hour to fly Iran appeared to target Israel's Nevatim Airbase with over 350 drones and missiles on Sunday. Nevatim houses Israel's F-35I "Adir" stealth fighter jets produced by US company Lockheed-Martin. The planes downed a cruise missile in November and aided defenses against Iranian missiles, the IDF said. Early Sunday morning, Iran fired hundreds of drones, missiles, and rockets at Israel in a retaliatory attack following Israel's strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. With military assistance from allies including the US, the UK, Jordan, and France, Israel successfully intercepted around 99% of the incoming projectiles, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The missiles appeared to target Israel's Nevatim Airbase in the Negev desert, which houses its fleet of F-35I stealth fighter jets. The Israeli variant of the US-made Lockheed Martin Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter plane is known as "Adir," meaning "Mighty One" in Hebrew. Here's a look at the powerful military aircraft. F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets produced by Lockheed Martin are some of the most advanced military aircraft in the world. An Israeli F-35I lands at Ovda airbase near Eilat, southern Israel. Tsafrir Abayov/AP The F-35 stores its weapons and fuel internally, and its aligned edges and radar-absorbent coating also help the aircraft evade detection. The planes cost $44,000 per hour to fly, The National Interest reported in January. They feature advanced stealth and information-processing capabilities and can reach supersonic speeds of Mach 1.6, or 548.8 meters per second. An Israeli Air Force F-35I Adir fighter aircraft flies over the Negev Desert. YURI CORTEZ/AFP via Getty Images Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn A. Hewson said in 2018 that the planes "can fly in what we call ' beast mode, ' carrying up to 18,000 pounds of internal and external ordnance, in a mix that can include 5,000-pound-class weapons." In 2016, Israel became the first country other than the US to acquire F-35 fighter jets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands next to a F-35 fighter jet just after it landed in Israel at Nevatim air base. Amir Cohen/Reuters Israel was the first country to select the model through the US Foreign Military Sales process and bought 50 planes, according to Lockheed Martin. Israel has made significant modifications to the jets. A production line for F-35 wings in Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) campus near Tel Aviv. Amir Cohen/Reuters Israel manufactures its own wings and electronic warfare system for the F-35I. It also developed its own version of the high-tech helmet that displays the plane's airspeed, altitude, targeting information, and other crucial stats directly on the pilot's visor. The Israeli Air Force named its F-35I variant "Adir," meaning "Mighty One" in Hebrew. Israeli Air Force technicians customize an F-35I plane with a Star of David symbol. Israeli Air Force The Israeli Air Force also added a six-pointed Star of David to the design, a Jewish symbol that also appears on the Israeli flag. In 2018, Israel became the first country to use the F-35I in combat, its air force chief said. Israeli Air Force F-35 flies during an aerial demonstration. Amir Cohen/Reuters "We are flying the F-35 all over the Middle East and have already attacked twice on two different fronts," then-Israeli Air Force chief Major-General Amikam Norkin said in a speech at a gathering of foreign air force leaders, Reuters reported. In July 2023, Israel acquired an additional 25 Adir planes in a $3 billion deal. Israeli F-35I planes. Israeli Air Force The deal was financed through the military aid Israel receives from the US, Reuters reported. In November 2023, Israel's F-35I Adir fighter jets took down a missile fired by an Iran-backed group in Yemen, according to the IDF. A F-35I fighter jet flies during a graduation ceremony for Israeli Air Force pilots in southern Israel. Amir Cohen/Reuters It was the first known intercept of a cruise missile by an F-35 plane. The Israeli Air Force released footage of the encounter on X, writing in Hebrew that its personnel are "preoccupied at every moment with planning and managing the defense response and are prepared for any threat in any area." Iran appeared to target the Nevatim air base, which houses Israel's fleet of F-35I jets, during an unprecedented attack on Sunday morning. An Israeli F-35 combat aircraft is seen in the skies over Israel's border with Lebanon. Ammar Awad/Reuters Out of the over 350 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, launched at Israel by Iran and its proxies in Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon, around 99% were intercepted by Israel and its allies. The IDF released photos showing minor damage near a runway at the Nevatim Airbase and to a road in Hermon caused by the few projectiles that landed. The Nevatim base remained operational throughout the attack, according to the IDF, with the Adir fighter jets aiding the defensive mission. "Iran thought it would be able to paralyze the base and thus damage our air capabilities, but it failed," IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a statement. The ongoing war in Gaza has prompted new scrutiny of US military aid to Israel. An Israeli soldier sits inside an F-35I fighter jet after it landed in Israel at Nevatim Airbase. Amir Cohen/Reuters The October 7 terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas killed around 1,200 Israelis and captured over 240. Around 129 hostages remain in Gaza, though it is unknown how many are still alive. Israel's counteroffensive airstrikes and military actions in Gaza have resulted in over 33,000 Palestinian fatalities, including around 14,500 children, according to figures provided to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs by the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza. The IDF reports that 13,000 of these fatalities were Hamas militants. According to the UNRWA, over 1.7 million Gazans have been displaced and 1.1 million are at risk of "catastrophic levels of food insecurity." The devastating human toll of the war in Gaza with US-funded planes like the F-35I has prompted new scrutiny of US aid to Israel, with some lawmakers in Congress raising the possibility of conditioning military and economic aid. Read the original article on Business Insider (KTLA) A pilot and their dog are lucky to be alive after a plane landed in ocean waters just off the coast of Southern California, forcing them to swim to shore Sunday afternoon, authorities confirmed to Nexstars KTLA. Calls about the plane landing in the Pacific Ocean in the Rancho Palos Verdes area came in at around 5:20 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Details were limited, and its unclear what type of aircraft was involved and what exactly forced the pilot to land in the water. Rescue team with L.A. County Sheriffs Department seen in the area of the planes ocean landing on April 14, 2024. (LASD) Rescue team with L.A. County Sheriffs Department seen in the area of the planes ocean landing on April 14, 2024. (LASD) An air rescue team with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department was deployed, but the pilot and the dog were reportedly able to swim to the shore, where they were met by deputies with LASDs Lomita Station, authorities said. Their conditions were not immediately available. Violence erupts as novelty shop in Southern California robbed at gunpoint This incident comes less than 24 hours after a plane crash in San Bernardino County on Saturday night claimed the life of a man whose body could not be recovered Sunday due to inclement weather that hampered search and rescue crews. As for the crash off the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes, officials with L.A. County Fire said they were coordinating with the United States Coast Guard on a plan to recover the aircraft. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. DENVER (KDVR) A small plane with one occupant made an emergency landing on southbound U.S. 287 Sunday afternoon. The Boulder County Sheriffs Office said the single-engine plane was heading from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Broomfield when it began experiencing mechanical issues. Comparisons give perspective of just how big the Denver International Airport is The pilot, a 36-year-old man, made a safe emergency landing on U.S. 287 near Niwot Road just after 3 p.m., according to the sheriffs office. A small plane with one occupant made an emergency landing on U.S. Highway 287 Sunday afternoon. (Mountain View Fire Rescue) A small plane with one occupant made an emergency landing on U.S. Highway 287 Sunday afternoon. (Mountain View Fire Rescue) A small plane with one occupant made an emergency landing on U.S. Highway 287 Sunday afternoon. (Mountain View Fire Rescue) A small plane with one occupant made an emergency landing on U.S. Highway 287 Sunday afternoon. (Mountain View Fire Rescue) A small plane with one occupant made an emergency landing on U.S. Highway 287 Sunday afternoon. (Boulder County Sheriffs Office) After the landing, BCSO said the plane was carefully pushed off the road. No one was injured and the road remained open while emergency vehicles from multiple agencies were on the scene. BCSO said those emergency vehicles will stay there while the Federal Aviation Administration begins its investigation into what prompted the emergency landing. Mountain View Fire Rescue said the plane was a Mooney M20C. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 15. Kyrgyzstan will address the construction of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant (HPP) at the spring meetings of the boards of governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), Trend reports. According to the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, a delegation led by Chairman of the Cabinet Akylbek Japarov has arrived in Washington to participate in the meetings. During the working visit, Japarov will hold a series of meetings with the heads of international financial institutions and organizations, such as the WB, IMF, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the American-Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The main topics for discussion will include the development of the hydropower sector, as well as economic prospects and climate change issues. Additionally, the promotion of the "Polar Star" program for transforming school education will be discussed. Furthermore, a series of meetings are planned with representatives of leading financial and technological corporations in the US. The Kambarata-1 HPP, located on the Naryn river, is the largest hydroelectric project in the country. This HPP, which is expected to become one of Central Asia's largest hydropower ventures, will have a capacity of 1,860 MW and a reservoir volume of 5.4 billion cubic meters, with an annual electricity generation of 5.6 billion kWh. In November 2023, Kyrgyzstan signed a contract with the WB for $5 million in technical assistance to modify the Kambarata-1 HPP feasibility study. Pink shoe found at kidnapping scene leads to body of missing mom of four, AL cops say A pink shoe left behind at a bloody crash scene helped investigators identify a mom of four as the victim of a deadly kidnapping, according to Alabama authorities. The next day, 40-year-old Nakita Chantryce Davidson was found dead in her car, and a man she dated is now charged, Birmingham police said. Police received a call about a two-vehicle crash at around 2 a.m. April 11, according to a news release from the Birmingham Police Department. When they arrived on the scene, no one was there, and one of the vehicles was missing, Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said. Investigators said they found signs of a struggle: blood and a pink shoe, which led them to believe one of the people had been assaulted and kidnapped. A photo of the shoe was the key to identifying the missing person as Davidson, Wade said. Once we received that information and we were able to put out a picture of the shoe, the family arrived within 10 minutes, Wade told WVTM. Investigators believed the incident was domestic and said Davidson had been kidnapped by 37-year-old Cedric Robertson, who Davidson had dated at some point. Robertson is accused of shooting Davidson, putting her in her own SUV and driving away with her, according to police. Nakita Davidson is believed to be in extreme danger, Birmingham police said. As investigators rushed to find Robertson and Davidson, they came across Davidsons SUV in the wooded area of a dead-end road, police said. She was dead inside the car. A few hours later, authorities found Robertson and took him into custody on charges of capital murder, kidnapping and failure to appear, Jefferson County records show. Its a very, very sad situation. Its a sad day, Wade told WVTM after the discovery of Davidsons body. Family and friends shared photos of Davidson, who also went by Kita, mourning the mothers loss. Davidons brother called her death a senseless act of violence leaving four children without their mother. Those who knew her called her outgoing and free spirited and said she had their backs through it all. A pain nobody will ever feel, a family member wrote on Facebook. You got me so lost. Robertsons attorney information is not available in jail records. He is being held without bond. If you are experiencing domestic violence and need someone to talk to, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Ex-wife pays hitman with diamond ring to kill woman living with ex-husband, feds say Woman texts employer to say she cant come to work because she was kidnapped, cops say Man killed wife at her job after she called cops on him at least 13 times, lawsuit says Dad rams car with kids and wife inside, then assaults her in front of them, MI cops say Despite a judge's ruling that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey can now access Planned Parenthood patient records the third such ruling against transgender health clinics that could potentially expose whether they've been offering puberty blockers and transgender surgeries to children Missouri's top lawyer says he's still meeting significant "stonewalling." Missouri's Merchandising Practices Act allows Bailey to obtain patient documents because they do not fall under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protections, St. Louis Circuit Judge Michael Stelzer ruled last week. Even as he described the ruling as "a huge win" in his series of investigations into how transgender health clinics have offered services to minors, Bailey singled out Planned Parenthood for its part in dragging out the investigation. "Its extremely questionable that Planned Parenthood is actively stonewalling our investigations," Bailey told Fox News Digital. "I had to haul them into court in order to get a judge to force them to turn over the documents weve requested." Bailey added, "If we have to continue to go to court to protect children and uncover what went on here, thats exactly what well do." MISSOURI LAW BANNING GENDER-CHANGING TREATMENTS FOR MINORS TAKES EFFECT Planned Parenthood is appealing the ruling of a St. Louis judge that requires it to hand over documents to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (inset). Of the three clinics Bailey has won against in court, only one has handed over documents: Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP A Planned Parenthood clinic in Great Plains has filed an appeal to keep their documents private while a St. Louis-based Planned Parenthood in St. Louis has yet to send Bailey's office any of its patient documents. According to the court opinion, Planned Parenthood attempted to block Bailey's inquiry and argued that Bailey's office "failed to show" how they were "directly involved in his investigation" of transgender clinics. In Stelzer's opinion, Bailey "is investigating possible dishonesty by Plaintiff in their medical and billing practices." ARIZONA SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS NEAR-TOTAL ABORTION BAN "It is clear from the statute that the Defendant has the broad investigative powers when the consumer is in possible need of protection and there is no dispute in this matter that the MMPA (Missouri Merchandising Practices Act) applies," Stelzer said. Last year, Bailey launched a multi-agency investigation into the Washington University Transgender Center (TGC) at St. Louis Childrens Hospital after a whistleblower went public and accused the hospital of lying to parents of patients. The AG's inquiry into the TGC "seeks all records for all patients treated at the TGC, among other requests seeking private and protected health information. These records involve more than 1,000 patients." Jamie Reed said in an affidavit submitted to the attorney general's office in early 2023 that she was employed as a case manager at the children's hospital from 2018 until November 2022. She accused hospital employees at the transgender center of lying to the parents of patients, among many other issues. OLYMPIC MEDALIST SLAMS TRANSGENDER TRACK ATHLETE FOR COMPETING IN WOMEN'S EVENT: 'SIMPLY CHEATING' State Attorney General Andrew Bailey has launched an investigation into transgender health clinics across Missouri. Just a few months later, Missouri enacted a law outlawing puberty blockers, hormones and gender-transition surgeries for minors. But the AG's investigations from prior to the law will continue across the state, the office told Fox News Digital. After the law was passed, Baileys office sent a letter to providers across Missouri, warning them to stop providing experimental treatment on children immediately. "My team will get to the bottom of how this clandestine network of clinics has subjected children to puberty blockers and irreversible surgery, often without parental consent," Bailey said. Fox News Digital has reached out to Planned Parenthood for comment. Fox News' Adam Sabes contributed to this report. Original article source: Planned Parenthood 'stonewalling' probe into peddling puberty blockers to minors: state AG The flags of Poland and European Union flutter in front of the Polish parliament in Warsaw WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland has received a transfer of 27 billion zlotys ($6.72 billion) in European Union funds, the country's development funds and regional policy minister said on Monday. Poland's new pro-European coalition government has moved to resolve a row with Brussels over the rule of law that had blocked access to billions in funding. Its zloty has been central and Eastern Europe's best performing currency this year. "PLN 27 billion - Poland has just received the largest transfer from the EU in the history of our membership," Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz wrote on social media platform X. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had announced in February that Warsaw would gain access to up to 137 billion euros in funds after the new government began implementing reforms it said would restore judicial independence in Poland. Pelczynska-Nalecz told a news conference that Warsaw would submit its second and third applications for funds by the end of August, with the aim of receiving the next tranche of funding, which could be as much as 10 billion euros, before the end of the year. She said Poland planned to spend 1.6 billion zlotys on clean air initiatives, 720 million on expanding broadband internet coverage, 400 million on roads and railways, 250 million on shortening and diversifying supply chains in agriculture and 200 million on childcare facilities. The funds include nearly 60 billion euros designed to help EU countries bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic and with the energy transition, consisting of 25.3 billion euros in grants and 34.5 billion euros in cheap loans. With a little more than two years left to spend the European Union recovery money, Poland is focused on making the most of the smaller grants leg of the programme, while treating cheap loans as a fallback component, a senior official told Reuters. ($1 = 4.0204 zlotys) (Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk, Alan Charlish, Pawel Florkiewicz; editing by Jason Neely) Law enforcement on Monday arrested at least 10 people outside Kansas Citys National Security Campus during a protest against nuclear weapons and a proposed expansion of the facility. As workers arrived for their shifts, about 50 demonstrators stood along Botts Road in south Kansas City near the entrance to the campus, which includes a National Nuclear Security Administration plant that is operated by Honeywell and manufactures many non-nuclear parts for the nations nuclear stockpile. Organizers estimated about half of the demonstrators were from the area. Holding signs such as No New Nukes and yelling anti-nuclear weapon slogans, the protesters tried their best to catch the attention of arriving workers. Ann Suellentrop, a local activist who sits on the national board of Physicians for Social Responsibility, sharply criticized U.S. efforts to build new nuclear bombs. Were going the wrong way. Were manufacturing our doom, Suellentrop said. Kansas City police officers arrested three protesters who ventured onto a construction site across the street. Another seven were arrested after they went on to campus land. One person wrapped Crime Scene tape across a National Security Campus entrance sign. A spokesperson for the Kansas City National Security Campus didnt immediately respond to questions about the total number of people arrested. At least some of the individuals arrested were loaded into a Kansas City police van. A Kansas City police spokesperson, Officer Alayna Gonzalez, said the most up-to-date information she had was that 10 people were arrested on allegations of trespassing. Protesters said Honeywell employees should use their expertise to address climate change and other global challenges. Charles Carney, an activist in the Catholic Worker movement, called the construction of bombs a moral outrage. Every bomb that is built here is a theft from our most vulnerable citizens, Carney said. Protesters gather outside the entrance to the National Nuclear Security Administrations plant in south Kansas City on Monday, April 15, 2024. Police and security officers handcuffed at least 10 people who either ventured onto the expansion site or onto the plants land. The protest coincided with Tax Day, but it also came as the Missouri House is poised to pass a bill from Rep. Chris Brown, a Kansas City Republican, that would offer a sales tax exemption on all materials needed to expand the National Nuclear Security Administrations plant. The legislation has received bipartisan support from Kansas City-area lawmakers, who argue the expanded facility would create new high-paying jobs in the region. The House gave the bill initial approval on a voice vote last week. Its an incredible economic multiplier for the area for Kansas City, Brown said. I think this ask on the sales tax is a small ask if you look at the long-term economic impact. The facilitys website states that its involved in non-nuclear components and Brown said during the debate that the facility would not have nuclear waste. Since moving to the Kansas City campus in 2014, the facility has grown from 2,400 employees to more than 7,000. The expansion would provide space to accommodate the agencys additional volume of work, a spokesperson said. Police say driver fatally shot after fleeing, then crashing into Tesla: 'Mother of all booms' A 36-year-old man was fatally shot Saturday night after fleeing from Pasadena police officers and crashing into a resident's parked Tesla, police say. Around 8:40 p.m., the department said officers discovered a parked white pickup truck facing the wrong direction on a one-way street on Hudson Avenue in Pasadena, not far from the California Institute of Technology campus. As the officers were talking with the driver, he suddenly sped away, narrowly missing hitting an officer, according to a release sent out by the agency. Police pursued, saying in a statement the driver was now wanted for "assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer." The suspect, identified by police as Ricardo Guade Andrade of San Fernando, soon crashed into the frontyard of a nearby home, police said. Ring doorbell camera footage of the incident shows a white truck crashing into a Tesla parked in the driveway. John Kelleher, a 20-year resident of Pasadena, said he was relaxing at home with his dogs when he heard the mother of all booms emanating from his frontyard. He went over my hedges, across my front lawn, and then T-bones the Tesla, Kelleher said. He said the Tesla was pushed into his neighbors fence. Read more: Man who killed 6-year-old in freeway shooting gets 40 years to life Andrade fled on foot and was soon located in a nearby backyard. As a police dog "engaged" the suspect, the department said, he took out a handgun. "The suspect refused to comply with orders to drop the handgun and an officer-involved shooting occurred," police said in a statement. The man was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to the Pasadena police. The department said a handgun was found at the scene. 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. UPDATE: Alameda Avenue has reopened in both directions, TxDOT said. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso Police Departments Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigating the circumstances behind the death of a male subject on Sunday evening, April 14, police said in an alert sent out to media. At about 3 p.m. Sunday, police were sent out to check on a male subject, no age given, who was walking in and out of traffic at Alameda Avenue and San Marcial Street in South-Central El Paso. That is in the area north of the Chamizal National Memorial. Police investigating a persons death in South-Central El Paso at Alameda and San Marcial on Sunday, April 14. Photos by Sebastian Esquivel/KTSM The subject was taken into custody and and transported to a local hospital, where he later died, police said. Police did not release any other information. TxDOT said that Alameda is shut down at Luna Street for police activity. Clearing time is until further notice. This is a developing story and we will update it when we learn more. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Germantown Police Department is seeking the publics assistance in locating the person or people responsible for setting fires in and near two businesses. On Monday, the Germantown Police Department made a post on their Facebook page where they reached out to the community for information about whoever was responsible for starting fires near businesses located in the 7600 block of Wolf River Circle and 1300 block of Cordova Cove over the weekend. Fire set inside Memphis Walmart causes nearly $2 million in loss, damage Police say that those suspects may also be connected to similar cases that occurred on April 2 and April 5 in the 1300 block of Wolf Pack Drive. If you have any information or saw anything suspicious in the area from approximately 11 p.m. on April 13 through 3 a.m. on April 14, officers ask that you contact Germantown Police Dispatch at (901) 754-7222 or email Tips@Germantown-TN.gov. Information can also be given anonymously through Germantown Crime Stoppers at (901) 757-2274 or the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1 (800) 762-3017. The Tennessee Arson Hotline may provide a reward of up to $5,000 for information on arson or suspected arson. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (WKRN) A drive-by shooting outside the parking lot of a health department in Kentucky left four people including three juveniles injured Sunday evening, police said. Shortly after 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, the Hopkinsville Police Department announced officers had responded to the area of the Christian County Health Department, located in the 1700 block of Canton Street, for a shooting with multiple victims. Police investigating road rage incident that left 1 dead, 1 injured in Murfreesboro During the investigation, officials determined that 23-year-old Stephen Bussell, of Hopkinsville, was driving eastbound on W 17th Street when he shot outside his moving vehicle toward a crowd of people. According to the Hopkinsville Police Department, three juveniles and one adult were struck by the gunfire. Woman shoots, kills brother during money dispute in East Nashville, police say Two juveniles and one adult were taken to Jennie Stuart Medical Center, and one juvenile was driven by ambulance to a Nashville hospital, officials said. However, there is no word on the victims ages or the nature of injuries they sustained. Bussell was arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree assault, seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, and one count of tampering with physical evidence. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Authorities reported more arrests are pending as an investigation into the incident remains ongoing. If you have any information about the shooting, you are asked to call the Hopkinsville-Christian County Emergency Communications Center at 270-890-1300. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Police seek to identify man suspected of stealing cigarettes from south Bakersfield Rite Aid BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The Bakersfield Police Department is searching for a man suspected of stealing several packs of cigarettes from a Rite Aid on Panama Lane. Police say the man allegedly entered the Rite Aid located at 3200 Panama Lane the man stole several packs of cigarettes on April 7. The man is described as being in his mid-30s, standing at 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and weighing 160 pounds with long brown hair. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a white shirt with cherries, according to BPD. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective K. Guinn at 661-326-3953, or the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 15. Citizens of Turkiye will now require a visa to visit Tajikistan, the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs told local media, Trend reports. According to the ministry, the decision, aimed at reciprocity, was made on March 28, 2024, and will come into effect on April 20, 2024. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared on April 6 that Tajikistan's citizens will no longer have visa-free access to the country. Visa applications for Tajik citizens visiting Turkiye will begin on April 20, 2024. Citizens of Tajikistan transiting through Turkiye will not require a transit visa. Previously, Tajik citizens could enter Turkey without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. Police suspect murder-suicide in death of man, woman in backyard near Woodland High School Two people died in what police believe is a murder-suicide Sunday at a Woodland home that remains under investigation. Officers were called just after 6 p.m. to the 100 block of Nevada Avenue after reports of a suspicious circumstance where shots were fired, said Sgt. Richard Towle, a spokesman for the Woodland Police Department. The area is just two blocks north of Woodland High School. Investigators went to a residences backyard and found a man and woman. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, Towle said. While the investigation will continue, Towle said it appeared the two had planned to end their lives together at the location. The Yolo County Coroners Office is expected to determine the cause of death and identify the couple. Poll: About 70% of Lithuanians consider Russia threat to national security Seven out of ten residents of Lithuania believe that Russia poses a threat to their country's national security, according to a poll carried out by public opinion research company Baltijos Tyrimai and published by Lithuanian public service broadcaster LRT on April 15. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked concerns that the Baltic states, which are among Moscow's biggest critics and Kyiv's staunchest allies since day one of the all-out war, could become the next target for aggression. These fears are reinforced by Russian President Vladimir Putin's repeated threats to NATO countries. When asked if Russia poses a real threat to the national security of Lithuania, 29% of surveyed citizens said that it definitely does, and 41% answered that it rather does, according to the survey. Subscribe to Ukraine Daily newsletter News from Ukraine in your inbox Subscribe The only group of Lithuanians with significantly different opinions were permanent residents of the country of other nationalities. Among them, 50% disagreed that Russia is a threat, while 31% agreed. The survey was carried out on March 15-25, During the research, 1,115 adults living across Lithuania were interviewed. Lithuania remains among the top supporters of Ukraine globally in terms of the share of GDP, with bilateral aid to Ukraine reaching 1.5% of GDP. Additionally, Lithuanias share of EU assistance for Ukraine amounts to another 0.5 % of the countrys GDP. Earlier this year, Lithuania pledged a long-term 200 million euro (roughly $215 million) support package to Kyiv. Read also: Poll: Half of French youth willing to fight in Ukraine to defend France Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The jury selection for former President Donald Trumps trial centered on hush money payments to Stormy Daniels officially got underway in New York City on Monday, with lawyers for Trump and the state meeting with prospective jurors to decide who will sit to hear the case. Judge Juan Merchan is overseeing the case in which Trump has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree during his successful 2016 presidential campaign. The dozen ultimately selected will become the first Americans ever to sit in judgment of a former president charged with a crime. The jury selection procedure is simple. Each potential juror is seated in the jury box and will be asked to answer 42 questions from a questionnaire that reviews the individuals work history, political affiliations and what media they choose to watch and listen to. The prospective jurors must be Manhattan residents. They are then asked each question, and are instructed to answer "one after the other, in a loud clear voice," according to the court's instructions. They may potentially be asked additional follow-up questions, as needed, depending on their answer. LIVE UPDATES: TRUMP'S HUSH MONEY PAYMENT GETS UNDERWAY AS JURY SELECTION BEGINS Former President Trump, the 77-year-old presumptive Republican nominee, goes to court Monday as the first former U.S. president ever to be criminally prosecuted, a seismic moment for the United States as he campaigns to re-take the White House. The 42 questions on the questionnaire include: READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP 1. A. Without telling us your address, in what neighborhood do you live? For example, Upper East Side, Lower West Side, Inwood, etc. B. How long have you lived there? C. Are you a native New Yorker? If not, where did you live previously? 2. A. What do you do for a living? B. How long have you been doing that? C. If you are retired, please tell us what you did before you retired. 3. A. Who is your current employer? B. How large is your current employer? C. Are you self-employed or own your own business? D. Who was your prior employer? 4. What is your educational background? For example, high school diploma, college degree, graduate degree, etc. 5. A. Are you married? B. Have you ever been married? C. Do you have any children? 6. A. If you are married, or living with another adult, what does that person do for a living? B. If you have adult children, what do they do? THE TRUMP TRIALS: HERE'S WHERE EACH CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST THE FORMER PRESIDENT STANDS 7. A. What do you like to do in your spare time? B. Do you have any interests or hobbies? 8. A. Do you participate in any organizations or advocacy groups? B. Which ones? 9. A. Have you ever served on a jury before? If you did, please tell us how long ago that was and whether that was in Criminal Court, Civil Court, or Grand Jury. B. Without telling us the verdict, please tell us whether the jury reached a verdict. 10. Which of the following print publications, cable and or network programs, or online media such as websites, blogs, or social media platforms do you visit, read, or watch? The juror is then asked to check through various mainstream news platforms such as Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and others. They are also instructed to check through a list of social media platforms, including Facebook, X, TikTok and others. 11. Do you listen to or watch podcasts? If so, which ones? 12. Do you listen to talk radio? If so, which programs? 13. Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever been the victim of a crime? If so, please briefly tell us what happened? 14. Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever been employed by a law enforcement agency? For example, the police, FBI, District Attorney's Office, Department of Correction, etc. 15. Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever been employed by a federal, state, or local government, including but not limited to the State of New York? NINE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRUMP TRIAL, ANSWERED 16. Have you, a relative, or close friend ever been employed in the accounting or finance field? 17. Have you, a relative or close friend ever had any education, training, or work experience in the legal field, including but not limited to practicing criminal or civil law? 18. A. Have you, a relative, or close friend had any experience or interaction with the criminal justice system, including a police officer or other type of law enforcement agent, which caused you to form an opinion, whether positive or negative, about the police or our criminal justice system? B. If so, what was that experience? C. Would that experience prevent you from being a fair and impartial juror in this case? 19. Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever been accused or convicted of committing a crime? 20. Do you, a relative, or a close friend have a pending criminal case? A view of Trump Tower before former President Trump departs for Manhattan Criminal Court, to attend the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs in New York City on April 15, 2024. 21. A. Do you have any political, moral, intellectual, or religious beliefs or opinions which might prevent you from following the Court's instructions on the law or which might slant your approach to this case? B. Do you have any political, moral, intellectual or religious beliefs or opinions that would interfere with your ability to render a verdict in this criminal case? 22. Do you have a health condition that might interfere with your ability to be here on the appointed days and times or otherwise prevent you from serving as a juror? 23. Without telling us the name(s), do you take any medication that would prevent you from being able to concentrate or pay attention during the proceedings or during the deliberations? 24. Court proceedings normally end around 4:30 in the afternoon though on rare occasions, we might work beyond that. Would your schedule and responsibilities permit you to work later if it were absolutely necessary to complete that day's work? 25. Do you practice a religion that would prevent you from sitting as a juror on any particular weekday or weeknight? COURT DENIES TRUMP BIDS TO DELAY START OF HUSH MONEY TRIAL 26. Can you give us an assurance that you will be fair and impartial and not base your decision in this case upon a bias or prejudice in favor of or against a person who may appear in this trial, on account of that person's race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability, sexual orientation or political views? 27. Can you promise to guard against allowing stereotypes or attitudes about individuals or about groups of people, referred to as an implicit bias, influence your decision? 28. Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked for any company or organization that is owned or run by Donald Trump or anyone in his family? 29. A. Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked or volunteered for a Trump presidential campaign, the Trump presidential administration, or any other political entity affiliated with Mr. Trump? B. Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for Donald Trump? C. Are you signed up for or have you ever been signed up for, subscribed to, or followed any newsletter or email listserv run by or on behalf of Mr. Trump or the Trump Organization? D. Do you currently follow Donald Trump on any social media site or have you done so in the past? E. Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked or volunteered for any anti-Trump group or organization? F. Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for any anti-Trump group or organization? G. Are you signed up for or have you ever been signed up for, subscribed to, or followed any newsletter or email listserv run by or on behalf of any anti-Trump group or organization? H. Do you currently follow any anti-Trump group or organization on any social media site, or have you done so in the past? Demonstrators protest outside of Manhattan Criminal Court as former President Trump attends the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs, in New York City on April 15, 2024. Trump is in court Monday as the first former U.S. president ever to be criminally prosecuted. 30. Have you ever considered yourself a supporter of or belonged to any of the following: - the QAnon movement - Proud Boys - Oathkeepers - Three Percenters - Boogaloo Boys - Antifa FIVE KEY QUESTIONS ON HOW START OF TRUMP'S FIRST CRIMINAL TRIAL WILL IMPACT PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN 31. Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about whether a former president may be criminally charged in state court? 32. Do you have any feelings of opinions about how Mr. Trump is being treated in this case? 33. Can you give us your assurance that you will decide this case solely on the evidence you see and hear in this courtroom and the law as the judge gives it? 34. Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about former President Donald Trump, or the fact that he is a current candidate for president that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror? 35. Have you read (or listened to audio) of any of the following books or podcasts by Michael Cohen or Mark Pomerantz? If so, please let us know if what you have heard or read affects your ability to be a fair and impartial juror in this case. Disloyal: A Memoir (2020) Mea Culpa (the podcast) Revenge (2022) People Vs. Donald Trump (2023) 36. The defendant in this case has written a number of books. Have you read (or listened to audio) of anyone or more of those books? If so, which ones? 37. Do you have any opinions about the legal limits governing political contributions? 38. Can you promise to set aside anything you may have heard or read about this case and render your verdict based solely on the evidence presented in this courtroom and the law as given to you by the judge? 39. Can you give us your absolute assurance that you will refrain from discussing this case with anyone in any manner and from watching, reading, or listening to any accounts of this case during the pendency of the trial? 40. Can you assure us that you will follow the judge's instructions on the law, including instructions on the definition of reasonable doubt and the presumption of innocence? 41. The United States Constitution provides that a defendant has no burden to introduce any evidence or to testify in a criminal case. If Mr. Trump chooses not to testify or to introduce any evidence, can you give us your assurance that you will not hold that against him? 42. Is there any reason, whether it be a bias or something else, that would prevent you from being fair and impartial if you are selected as a juror for this case? Trump is the first former president ever to be criminally prosecuted. Both legal teams can contest the jurors selected for the case, especially if they believe a potential juror would not be fair or impartial in the case. Original article source: Potential Trump hush money trial jurors being asked 42 questions Preparing for the possibility of measles in NC, what Orange County health experts say HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (WNCN) The CDC reports measles cases in 18 states across the country, and some doctors believe its only a matter of time before the illness appears in North Carolina. Now, the Orange County Health Department is preparing doctors to identify and treat an illness most of them have never seen. These days, many doctors have only seen measles in textbooks. We havent seen an actual case in our clinics in a long time, and so weve lost that memory of what it looks like when a patient has it, said Dr. Erica Pettigrew, Medical Director of the Orange County Health Department. Cases are becoming more common across the country, though. According to the CDC, there have been 121 measles cases in 18 states so far this year. Thats more than twice as many cases as all of 2023. We havent had a case in North Carolina for years now, but we are expecting it any day, said Pettigrew, who wants to make sure doctors know signs and symptoms to look for and what to do if a patient may have measles. The Orange County Health Department is planning a measles symposium for healthcare providers in the community. The health department is also working closely with UNC Hospitals. Pettigrew said its important for doctors to plan ahead before a potential measles patient comes in. If they have someone in their office, who they suspect may have measles, they need to call the health department immediately and not wait for test results, not wait a day or two. We need them to call immediately, she emphasized. She says doctors should consider their ventilation systems and find a room to isolate any potential measles patients. This is especially important in offices that see babies younger than one. Children generally get their first measles vaccine at 12 months old. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses that we know about, and so if somebody has measles, 9 out of the 10 people around them who are susceptible to the virus will catch it, Pettigrew noted. Over 90 percent attack rate for people who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised, that is extraordinarily high. The illness can be serious, One in five people who are unvaccinated who get measles will end up hospitalized, Pettigrew said. One to three people out of every 1,000 who get measles end up dying even with the best care. In North Carolina, the childhood vaccination rate is slightly below what Pettigrew said is needed for herd immunity. Our kindergarteners are vaccinated at a 93.8 percent rate as of last school year, she explained. We really want to see at least over 95 percent vaccinated. She said some children are delayed in getting vaccines because of the pandemic. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. President Joe Biden meets Monday with Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., to discuss the future of 2,500 U.S. troops stationed there amid renewed ISIS threats and growing tensions in the Middle East. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI April 15 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani at the White House on Monday to discuss the future of 2,500 U.S. troops stationed there amid renewed ISIS threats and growing tensions in the Middle East. Before heading into Monday's bilateral meeting with Al-Sudani, Biden acknowledged Iran's weekend attack and vowed the United States will "defend Israel." "The United States is committed to Israel's security," Biden told reporters before the meeting. "We're committed to a cease-fire that will bring the hostages home and prevent any conflict from spreading beyond what it already has." "We're also committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region, including Iraq," Biden added. "The partnership between Iraq and the United States is critical. We've seen over the last decade as our troops have served side by side to help defeat ISIS, and we've seen this in our Strategic Framework Agreement, as well." The prime minister thanked the president for the meeting, which he said "comes at a sensitive time," as he referenced Saturday's attack by Iran that launched more than 300 drones at Israel, according to Israeli defense officials. President Joe Biden meets Monday with Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani at the White House as he confirmed the "United States is committed to Israel's security" in the wake of Iran's weekend attack. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Israel has been at war with Hamas in Gaza for more than six months, after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking hundreds of others hostage. More than 33,000 people have died in the Palestine territory since the war started, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. "We're actually very eager about stopping this war which claimed the life of thousands of civilians -- women and children," Al-Sudani said. "And we encourage all the efforts about stopping the expansion of the area of conflict, especially the latest development. And we encourage all -- for restraints and to protect the safety and security of the region." President Joe Biden called the partnership between Iraq and the United States critical. Weve seen over the last decade as our troops have served side by side to help defeat ISIS," Biden said before meeting Monday with Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI The Iraqi prime minister also called for the world to "respect international humanitarian law" and "protect the law of war," before he shifted focus to the agenda of Monday's meeting, which was to transition a military security-based relationship between Iraq and the United States to an "economic, political, environmental, educational and security partnership," according to the Strategic Framework Agreement. "The war against ISIS/Daesh formed the foundation of our relations over the course of the past decade. Mr. President, we have fought together and we have achieved victory together," said Al-Sudani. Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani credited "the war against ISIS/Daesh for forming the foundation of our relations over the course of the past decade," during Monday's meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI "And we have achieved a remarkable victory thanks to the sacrifices of the Iraqi people and the unity of all the components and the support of the international community and the global coalition," the Iraqi prime minister added. The two leaders planned to discuss whether 2,500 U.S. troops should remain stationed in Iraq to counter ISIS. The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 to take down Saddam Hussein's regime. U.S. troops returned in 2014 at the request of Iraq to defeat ISIS. President Joe Biden meets Monday with Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., to discuss the future of 2,500 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq amid renewed ISIS threats and growing tensions in the Middle East. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI While the mission was mostly successful, the Afghanistan branch of the extremist group ISIS-K has re-emerged following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. In addition to determining the future of thousands of U.S. troops still stationed in Iraq, the two leaders also discussed business investment in Baghdad, as well as energy security. "Mr. President, I came today carrying the concerns of my people, who aspire for services of prosperity," Al-Sudani said. "And -- but that -- that does not mean that we forget about our humanitarian relationship, about what's happening in the region." DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 15. The President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, expressed concern over the liquidation of 20 industrial businesses in the Sughd region in the first quarter of 2024, Trend reports. According to the presidential press service, this announcement was made during a meeting with regional leaders and activists. Rahmon noted that an additional 29 enterprises were non-operational during this period. It was also noted that the region experienced a decline in the growth rate of industrial production. In response, the president instructed responsible individuals to thoroughly investigate the reasons for the collapse of industrial enterprises and the lack of development in production at major industrial plants. Rahmon emphasized that the region has immense untapped potential in industrial development, particularly in the mining and processing industries. According to Tajikistan's National Statistical Agency, industrial production in the country last year, including that of private entrepreneurs, totaled 46.815 billion somoni ($4.279 billion), which is a 12 percent increase compared to 2022 at comparable prices. Tajikistan's ongoing industrialization strategy for 20222026, named the "Years of Industrial Development", aims to increase industrial output by 2.5 times within five years. The strategy sets a target of reaching 95 billion somoni ($9.3 billion) by 2026, compared to 39 billion somoni ($3.7 billion) in 2021, and includes plans to establish over 870 new industrial enterprises. DENVER (KDVR) Only two days before an announced encampment sweep, advocates and migrants gathered on a sidewalk across from the citys last migrant shelter for singles or couples. The goal was to have Denver Mayor Mike Johnston hear their demands to provide safe shelter spaces and continue sheltering migrants separately from the other homeless populations. According to advocacy group Housekeys Action Network Denver, shelters for unhoused people in Denver are already severely overwhelmed, and adding migrants to the mix would be disastrous. Douglas County leaders sue Colorado in new immigration action Currently, Denver only has one migrant shelter, located on S. Zuni St. It also has one congregate site for migrants who are homeless. Bridge housing is provided through a partnership with the Archdiocese of Denver and Catholic Charities for a limited number of families with children. As of Monday, April 15, Denver was sheltering 838 migrants. After weeks of thousands of migrants arriving via bus or other transportation to the city, Denvers newcomer rate has dropped to a few dozen arrivals daily. During the rally on Sunday, migrants asked for the city to continue sheltering them separately from the citys other homeless sheltering measures, and to provide a safe space such as a warehouse or safe camping zone where migrants can exist safely as they receive immigration and employment support, according to the rallys flyer. Willie Bastidas, a migrant, told FOX31 through a translator that the migrants want to work, but obtaining a work permit is harder than it may seem. We do all want to work, the people who are coming here want to work, Bastidas said through the translator. Theyre trying their best to get jobs. Theyre having some difficulty, because of the lack of work permits, but the people who cant work that way are out here washing windows, and were people who want to work. How you can help migrants in Denver Camp to be swept Tuesday with no shelter offered On Tuesday, the city plans to begin a sweep of an about three-block area near 8th and Navajo, or 6th Avenue and Kalamanth. Advocates say there is nowhere for the houseless population living there to go and estimate about 150 people will be disrupted by the sweep. Many of the people there, according to the Housekeys Action Network Denver, congregated there after they were removed from other encampments. In a statement, the Denver Mayors Office said that, We have made the difficult decision to post the camp for cleanup. This is the first time the administration will post an encampment closure without housing resolution in six months and something we plan to avoid in the future. An encampment of unhoused people at 8th Avenue and Navajo Street in west Denver will be swept on April 16. (Tim Guidry, KDVR) A homeless encampment near 8th Avenue and Navajo Street in Denvers La Alma neighborhood is seen on April 2, 2024. The city said the encampment must be cleared because of the severe impact on public health. The city also said some people are refusing shelter and help. Previous camp sweeps where houseless individuals have refused shelter cited poor shelter conditions. However, neighbors of the camp are worried the sweep will just move the camp over a few blocks. At the same time, eviction rates across Colorado and in Denver have continued to rise. Advocates cautiously optimistic about Denvers new migrant, asylum program On April 10, Johnston announced a new sustainable response to the migrant crisis. Part of that announcement stated that individuals arriving in Denver after April 10 will be provided a short-term stay at a congregate site along with assistance securing onward travel to another destination. On Monday, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners joined with El Paso County to sue the state, arguing laws are preventing local law enforcement from working with immigration officials. The two counties have also implemented measures to prevent migrants from being bused into the areas. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with police in Mayfair, central London, on Monday. Protests were held outside an office block housing LondonMetric, which is thought to let property to BAE Systems and Boeing. Dozens gathered outside the One Curzon building and were seen jostling with police on Monday. Footage taken in Curzon Street showed Metropolitan Police officers preventing activists from entering the road. After police formed a cordon outside the building, a large crowd holding banners gathered, shouting stop arming Israel, free Palestine and the people united will never be defeated. Griff Ferris wrote on X, formerly Twitter: Police protecting the landlords of drone factory Elbit Systems. Sisters Uncut, an activist group, claimed the companies all make weapons that have been used to kill over 33,000 people in Gaza. Palestine Action wrote on social media: How many cops does it take to protect the interests of the zionist war machine? Officers block the path of protesters - Anadolu A banner calls for landlords to evict arms companies from their properties - Anadolu Weve shut them down! Similar demonstrations took place in Kent as Palestine Action protesters targeted Discovery Park in Sandwich to block access to the business estate. The site houses Instro Precision, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems. Footage shared on X showed activists setting off green flares and lying down in sleeping bags as part of an economic blockade. Others could be heard chanting shut down Elbit now. Discovery Park has been targeted by Palestine Action before, with eight protesters from the group having taken part in a blockade around three weeks ago. Pro-Palestinian protesters clash with police officers during a demonstration outside the LondonMetric company offices - Anadolu A masked protester spreads his message - Anadolu Palestine Action posted a clip of the protest on social media, calling for others to join it, and said: Discovery Park is the base of Elbits Instro Precision weapons factory, who make sniper rifle sights for the Israeli army to commit genocide. As part of the economic blockade for Palestine, weve shut them down! In a separate post, the group claimed four blockades were in place on Monday. A spokesman said: It has been clear that there is no route through government to ending the supply of British weapons to Israels war machine. Co-ordinated direct action to immobilise sites of Israeli weapons production is the only possible response. The Metropolitan Police, Kent Police and Sisters Uncut were contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Three pro-Palestinian protests occurred in California on Monday, April 15, with one of them shutting down the Golden Gate Bridge. Protestors are now being placed into custody. Golden Gate Bridge Shuts Down Due To Pro-Palestinian Protest Both directions of the Golden Gate Bridge have been shut down due to a Pro-Palestinian protest. Demonstrators have blocked the southbound direction of Highway 101. This is the second protest causing major back-ups on Bay Area roadways, the demonstration has blocked northbound pic.twitter.com/oO5dMCvqFD ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) April 15, 2024 According to ABC, the first protest occurred in Oakland. Protestors brought barrels filled with concrete, each weighing 280 pounds, onto the highway and chained themselves to them, causing a massive backup. There was also a sign that read, A-15 Economic blockade for a free Palestine. To detain the protestors, police had to cut through the barrels. The second protest occurred on the Golden Gate Bridge, where protestors blocked all lanes, holding up a sign that read "Stop the world for Gaza." Another sign read, "End the siege on Gaza now." The bridge has backed up for miles. As of 10:30 a.m. local time, law enforcement began detaining protestors. It is unclear at this time how many protestors have been taken into custody. A third Pro-Palestinian protest occurred on I-880 in West Oakland, blocking the southbound lanes. Why Are Pro-Palestinians Protesting? Protesters with a banner that read Stop the world for Gaza blocked traffic Monday morning in the southbound lane of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, shutting down the bridge in both directions. pic.twitter.com/xp5iYdh9ta CBS News (@CBSNews) April 15, 2024 According to ABC, the protests in California are a part of A15, "a worldwide economic blockade in solidarity with Palestine and calling for an arms embargo and an end to U.S. taxpayer funding for Israel." They are occurring on Monday, as it is the tax deadline for most Americans. Another protest was reported in front of the New York Stock Exchange. Protestors Dyed A Fountain Red To Protest The Deaths Of Children In Gaza Pro-Palestine activists in Lyon, France dyed a fountain red to protest the deaths of children in Gaza and call on the government to stop sending weapons to Israel.#GazaGenocide #WeAreAllGaza pic.twitter.com/8sccvK09d8 Palestine Highlights (@PalHighlight) April 15, 2024 Other reports have come in, stating that Pro-Palestine activists in Lyon, France, dumped red dye into a fountain to protest the deaths of children in Gaza. They are also calling on the government to stop sending weapons to Israel. Frances President Emmanuel Macron told BFMTV news channel, "We will do everything to avoid a conflagration - that is to say an escalation. We need to be by Israels side to ensure its protection to the maximum, but also to call for a limit to avoid an escalation." Protestors Demand A Cease-Fire In Gaza JUST IN A protest in support of Palestine has caused the closure of roads leading to O'Hare Airport, Chicago. pic.twitter.com/Fpkz8Tzk0S Insider Corner (@insiderscorner) April 15, 2024 A protest in support of Palestine also closed roads leading to O'Hare Airport, Chicago, on Monday, April 15, 2024. Many travelers were seen exiting their vehicles and walking through traffic with their luggage to catch their flights. The group Chicago Dissenters released a statement in an Instagram post. "On this Tax Day, when millions are paying taxes which fund the ongoing U.S. and Israeli bombardment of Gaza, protestors seek to take dramatic action," the group stated. "O'Hare International Airport is one of the largest in the country, and there will be NO business as usual while Palestinians suffer at the hands of American-funded bombing by Israel." Other Protests Relating To The IsraeliPalestinian Conflict This is not the first time protestors have shut down a major bridge in California. In November 2023, 78 protestors gathered on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge for hours to demand a cease-fire in Gaza. However, they avoided criminal proceedings and were ordered to do five hours of community service and pay restitution to avoid criminal proceedings, according to new station KRON4. This is a victory not only for those exercising their right to protest a genocide being fueled by their tax dollars, but for the growing global movement demanding freedom for the Palestinian people, Aisha Nizar, one of the protestors, said in a news release at the time. We emerge from this case even stronger and more united in our commitment to one another and to the people of Palestine. BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) Several probationers and a Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) officer helped battle a forest fire in Vansant alongside the forestry department on Sunday. Seven probationers from the Appalachian Mens Community Corrections Alternative Program (CCAP) in Honaker and VADOC Officer Randy Bogle assisted the Virginia Department of Forestry in extinguishing the fire. No homes were lost during the fire, the VADOC stated. Man found dead in Lee County identified Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Corrections Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Corrections The VADOCs partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry allows low-risk, non-violent probationers to be trained to fight wildfires and perform other fire prevention activities. We are very proud of this program, the skills it teaches probationers, and the pride they receive from helping the community, VADOC Director Chad Dotson said in a release. Its a continuing example of the many different ways VADOC keeps those who live and work in Virginia safe. Thank you to Officer Bogle and these seven probationers for their service to the Commonwealth. Probationers enrolled in the training are physically qualified and rectified annually for entry-level land firefighting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. NEW YORK A group of progressive politicians and criminal justice advocates blasted Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Ed Caban on Monday over what they see as the NYPDs shameful decision to not discipline two officers involved in the fatal shooting of Kawaski Trawick. The NYPD announced late Friday afternoon that the officers, Brian Thompson and Herbert Davis, wouldnt be fired or otherwise reprimanded because Caban had concluded they acted within the law during an April 2019 incident that culminated in Thompson, whos white, fatally shooting Trawick, who was Black, in his Bronx home. Gathered outside City Hall on Monday afternoon, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, members of the City Councils Progressive Caucus and police reform advocates voiced outrage over Cabans decision and argued Adams is equally responsible as the citys top elected official. Williams said the city should enact legislation to strip the NYPD of the power to decide whether an officer should be fired. Bronx Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez, a Democrat who represents the neighborhood where Trawick died, said it was particularly egregious that the Police Department waited until late on a Friday afternoon to announce the cops wouldnt face repercussions. Come out here and face us, face these families, Sanchez said. This is infuriating, this is demoralizing. Ellen and Rickie Trawick, the victims parents, werent at the rally, but a representative read a statement from them that called out the mayor for never meeting or speaking with them. Mayor Adams should be ashamed of himself as a father and as a Black man, the statement read. And the fact that Adams didnt even let my family know of this decision before making it public is the height of disrespect. The disregard they have for our sons memory, to make this decision as part of a late Friday news dump on the five-year anniversary of his death is disgusting and shameful. City Hall issued a statement from the mayor that called Trawicks death a tragedy. It is vital that we all learn from this loss of life and use it to make positive strides towards better policing and care for those living with severe mental illness, the statement read. Thompson and Davis responded to Trawicks home in a supportive housing complex on April 14, 2019, after he had called 911 to report hed been locked out of his apartment. Once police arrived, Trawick had made it into his apartment. Still, Thompson and Davis pushed the door open to find Trawick shirtless with a knife in his hand. Body camera footage released by the NYPD showed Trawick asking the officers why they were in his home and telling them he was holding a knife because he was cooking dinner. As Trawick moved toward the officers, Thompson fired his Taser at Trawick and then fatally shot him four times with his handgun, even as Davis urged him to not use the weapon. In this 2013 photo provided by Regina Fleming Photography, Kevin R. Johnson, founding pastor of Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia, poses for a portrait in Philadelphia. Johnson has been selected by a pulpit search committee to lead Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York, known by some as the flagship of the Black church in America. Before he can be hired, the congregation will need to approved his candidacy. (Regina Fleming Photography via AP) A search committee previously sued for gender discrimination over its hiring process has announced its pick for the next senior pastor of a prominent New York City congregation considered by some to be the flagship of the Black church in America. Candidate Kevin R. Johnson, founding pastor of Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia, will be recommended for the congregations approval to lead the more than 200-year-old Abyssinian Baptist Church, according to an internal church memo obtained by The Associated Press. Church spokesperson LaToya Evans confirmed in a statement that the committee had made its selection. The Pulpit Search Committee is confident in Rev. Johnsons ability to lead and uphold the history and legacy of our institution of faith, said the memo, dated April 13. We look forward to presenting the final candidate to you and will announce the date of the congregation vote in the coming days. No woman has ever been Abyssinians senior pastor; Johnson's selection would continue that streak. Based in Harlem, Abyssinian became a famous megachurch with the political rise of the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. perhaps the most influential of the many men who have led the congregation. Powell, pastor from 1937 to 1972, served in Congress for 26 years. Over the years, Abyssinian also has been the spiritual home of many influential New Yorkers, including longtime member and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the prosecutor bringing the historic hush money case against former President Donald Trump. If hired, Johnson would fill the top job left vacant after longtime senior pastor Calvin O. Butts III died in 2022. Johnson, 50, had served as an intern and assistant pastor under Butts. He did not respond to the APs request for comment but became emotional, crying during one of the Sunday services at Dare to Imagine and making reference to a letter he sent to the congregation in another. The Rev. Eboni Marshall Turman, a Yale Divinity School professor and Butts former assistant pastor, was among the candidates interviewed in the pulpit search, which was criticized for being too long and lacking transparency. After not being named a finalist, Marshall Turman sued the church and the search committee in federal court for gender discrimination, an assertion the church and the committee disputed. The blessing of Baptist polity is that we ascribe to the distinctive of the priesthood of all believers, Marshall Turman told the AP after learning Johnson was selected. With the help of God, the power to call a pastor ultimately rests with the congregation. The church still has to vote. Johnson is a 1996 graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he took part in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Chapel Assistants program. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia University. He founded Dare to Imagine after a contentious resignation and split with the historic Bright Hope Baptist Church in 2014. ___ 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. NEW YORK The Manhattan district attorneys office on Monday sought to fine former President Trump over his inflammatory social media posts and remarks about his criminal hush money case. Assistant District Attorney Chris Conroy said the former president in three recent Truth Social posts violated a gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan barring him from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and the judges family. Conroy asked that Trump be fined $1,000 for each post and be reminded he can be jailed if he continues violating the gag order. The judge did not immediately rule on the request following a court break in proceedings. He opted instead to set an April 23 hearing date where hell hear arguments on the prosecutions ask. The defendant is aware of the April 1 order. We know that from various posts he had made, Conroy said. Trump attorney Todd Blanche insisted the posts in question dont violate the gag order, however. He is responding to salacious, repeated, vehement attacks by these witnesses, Blanche said. Mondays development, which came on the first day of Trumps hush money trial, followed a series of Truth Social posts Trump made about potential witnesses in recent days. Prosecutors pointed to an April 10 post where Trump thanked Michael Avenatti, the ex-lawyer to porn actress Stormy Daniels, for revealing the truth about two sleazebags who have, with their lies and misrepresentations, cost our Country dearly. The sleazebags referenced by Avenatti were Daniels and Trumps ex-fixer, Michael Cohen. Another Trump post in question, also shared April 10, showed an official statement by Daniels where she denied having an affair with Trump a core allegation in the case. Daniels later recanted the statement, which was not noted in Trumps post. And lastly, in an April 13 post, Trump described Cohen as a disgraced attorney and felonprosecuted for lying and suggested Mark Pomerantz, an ex-Manhattan prosecutor who once oversaw the investigation into the former president, should be prosecuted for his terrible acts in and out of the D.A.s Office. Prosecutors suggested a post Trump issued Monday morning as he arrived at the courthouse may also violate the gag order. The motion was written beforehand and does not reference it, however. The gag order does not preclude Trump from insulting Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) or the judge himself. It originally did not cover members of Braggs and Merchans families but was expanded after Trump took aim at the judges daughter, Loren, who works for a progressive political consulting firm that has boasted clients including President Biden and Vice President Harris. Trump has appealed the order, arguing that banning public statements about individuals wrapped up in the case unconstitutionally restrains his free speech while running for president and mounting his defense. A single judge on the mid-level New York appeals court declined to pause the trial over Trumps request, but a full five-judge panel has yet to hear the matter. Updated 2:30 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Donald Trump has been in court plenty of times in the past few months, but on Monday, he became the first American president to stand trial for an alleged criminal offense. Day one of the former presidents trial on charges related to a 2016 hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels began in Manhattan and tensions ran high. State prosecutors and Trumps attorneys kicked things off by arguing over what evidence will be admissible during the proceedings, and it quickly became clear that the jury selection process might take quite a while. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs team also pushed to have Trump punished for allegedly violating a gag order, while Judge Juan Merchan threatened to punish the former president separately, should he disrupt the court or fail to attend even a single day of the trial. Trump didnt exactly seem riveted by the action, according to reports. Maggie Haberman of The New York Times reported that the former president appeared to be sleeping during the proceedings, with his head bobbing and mouth going slack. He was later jolted awake to notice notes his lawyer passed him minutes earlier, she wrote. Haberman expounded on Trump nodding off during an interview with CNN. He appeared to be asleep, she said. He didnt pay attention to a note his lawyer passed him. His jaw kept falling on his chest, and his mouth kept going slack. Sometimes people do fall asleep during court proceedings, but its notable considering the intensity of this morning. The Guardian also reported that Trump appeared to nod off. Haberman: Trump appeared to be asleep. His head would fall down He didnt pay attention to a note his lawyer passed him. His jaw kept falling on his chest and his mouth kept going slack. pic.twitter.com/Y9niQfZc3W Acyn (@Acyn) April 15, 2024 Trump reportedly glared at Haberman for several seconds later on Monday. Trump was awake, however, when Merchan read him his Parker Warning, answering that he understood that he could be committed to jail should he cause a commotion during the trial, and that he could be arrested if he failed to show up. If you do not show up, there will be an arrest, Merchan said of the requirement that the defendant attend every day of the proceedings. Trump later requested to be excused from the trial next Thursday so that he may be in attendance as the Supreme Court hears arguments about whether he is immune from prosecution for acts he committed while president. The case stems from the Justice Departments investigation into whether Trump illegally worked to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Merchan denied Trumps request. Your client is a criminal defendant in New York, the judge told Trumps lawyers. He is required to be here. He is not required to be in the Supreme Court. I will see him here next week. TRUMP IS BEING READ HIS PARKER WARNING: MERCHAN: You have the right to be present during the trial and to assist your attorneys.do you understand? TRUMP: Yes." MERCHAN: If you disrupt the proceedings, you can be excluded from the courtroom and committed to jail based on Katie Phang (@KatiePhang) April 15, 2024 Joshua Steinglass, a prosecutor on Braggs team, indicated that the state would submit a request seeking an order to show cause why Defendant should not be held in contempt after flaunting an order from the court barring him from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and jurors involved in the case. Steinglass argued that among several other instances Trump attacked two key witnesses in the case, Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen, in a Wednesday Truth Social post referring to the pair as sleazebags. The prosecution later requested that Trump be fined $1,000 for each gag order and at least $3,000 in total, and Merchan scheduled a hearing on whether Trump violated his gag order for April 23. Merchan imposed a gag order on Trump last month as the former president leveled a series of attacks against those involved in the case and also Merchans daughter. Trump has continued to rail against those involved in the case, while sharing articles about the judges daughter rather than explicitly attacking her himself. Trump has also been railing at length about the gag order itself, calling it unconstitutional and un-American. Trump leveled the same accusations against the trial itself while ranting to the media outside of court on Monday. This is an assault on America. Nothing like this has ever happened before. There has never been anything like it, the former president said. Tension built in the courtroom as the prosecution previewed their case as well. Braggs team submitted several evidentiary requests that indicate they are setting up to argue that in the aftermath of the infamous Access Hollywood tape in which Trump declared he could grab women by the pussy with no consequence his campaign fell into disaster mode, prompting efforts to buy Daniels silence regarding her alleged affair with the former president. Merchan determined that the Access Hollywood tape could not be played before a jury, but that prosecutors would be allowed to use relevant transcripts from the video. The judge further determined that the prosecution could introduce articles from the National Enquirer supporting their allegations that Trump coordinated with the publications then-owner, David Pecker, to approve and plant stories trashing his 2016 opponents. As prosecutors and the defense debated various last-minute decisions, Merchan seemed to grow exasperated, telling the court that we have about 500 jurors waiting on us. And to be honest with you, I really am not interested in getting into this minutia. Jury selection did indeed begin later on Monday. Im told about 200 jurors are here today, Merchan said after the trial resumed after a break. Merchan read instructions and asked the jurors if they recognized a number of names ranging from Keith Davidson and Kellyanne Conway to Trumps children, Rudy Giuliani, Michael Cohen, and Stormy Daniels. Just before jury questioning began in earnest, close to half of the 96 jurors present excused themselves from the jury, saying they could not be fair and impartial in the trial. Testimony wont begin until the jury selection process wraps up, but there was still a frenzy outside the New York County Supreme Court on the first official day of the historic criminal trial. Those both supporting and denigrating the trial were out in force in lower Manhattan. Andrew Giuliani failed New York gubernatorial candidate and son of Americas mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was indicted along with Trump in Georgias Fulton County for attempting to overthrow the 2020 election was among those upset that Trump was being put on trial. I cant point to an underlying felony that theyre claiming, he told Rolling Stone. So it seems like this is pretty manipulated to try to get the leading candidate for president on the stand and off the campaign trail. Likening Trump to an uncle, Giuliani said he thinks jury selection will prove hard for Bragg and that both the defense and prosecution should ask for the potential jurors political affiliation. I think youre going to have some people sadly on that jury who have predetermined the case rather than actually looking through the facts of this case. There was a large anti-Trump presence outside the court, as well, including a small press conference organized by a group called Rise and Resist. Speakers lambasted Trump and called the trial the first step of true accountability for his actions although they had a difficult time making their voices heard over the honks coming from a truck blaring Trump-inspired remixes of 80s songs circling the rally. This trucks circled the courthouse every five minutes since 9AM. Even congestion pricing wont come close to the 11mpg hes wasting playing Queen and Blondie remixes pic.twitter.com/ykvFRzNdS3 Catherina Gioino (@CatGioino) April 15, 2024 One of the speakers included Tristan Snell, former Assistant Attorney General for New York State who prosecuted Donald Trump over Trump University. Surrounded by about two dozen protesters holding letters that read Not Above the Law, Snell recounted how Trump had called for the death penalty of the Central Park Five, how he has time and time again refused to pay small business owners for services rendered, and ran through many of the myriad legal woes Trump is currently facing. Dont let anyone tell you that today is a sad day for America, he said. Today is a glorious day for America. A day when we finally began to reclaim our nation. We established the grand principle of equal justice under law. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 12. Enterprises in the industrial sector of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan achieved an increase in production of 1.4 percent from January through March this year, Trend reports. According to the official source, this was announced by Deputy Chairman of the Government of Turkmenistan Batyr Atdaev, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. He noted that the growth rate of trade turnover in the first quarter of this year in this ministry amounted to 3.8 percent compared to the same indicators last year. Furthermore, Atdaev added that the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan has held 74 trading sessions since the beginning of the year, and 6,867 contracts have been registered. "The growth rate of the works carried out by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan during the reporting period reached 8.3 percent; 3 exhibitions and 30 conferences were organized," the Deputy Chairman noted. Concurrently, Turkmenistan's industrial sector is expanding rapidly, driven by well-timed investments in key sectors including as chemicals, construction, textiles, oil and gas, and building materials. Government programs to modernize and expand the economylike building new manufacturing facilities and improving infrastructureare luring in foreign investors and giving local companies a stronger competitive advantage in international marketplaces. President Joe Bidens ironclad support for Israel following Irans weekend strike isnt curtailing the U.S. pressure campaign on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to protect civilians in Gaza, four Biden administration officials said. The officials said the U.S. sees its military defense of Israel against Irans Saturday missile launches and drone attacks as completely separate from continuing negotiations over the Israel-Hamas war. Washington is still ready to rethink its support for Israel if it doesnt do more to safeguard the enclaves people while the war rages, they continued. Theyre on different tracks, said one of the four officials a senior member of the administration. All were granted anonymity to detail a sensitive diplomatic and military matter. Some analysts suggest Bidens defense of Israel against Iran could give him the upper hand in tense negotiations with Netanyahu in the weeks ahead, particularly as disagreements remain over how to rid the border city of Rafah of Hamas remaining 3,000 fighters. Hes proven, once again, his bona fides in standing by Israel, and for many Israelis his leadership contrasts with the lack of leadership from Netanyahu, said Natan Sachs, director of the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution. Politically speaking, this strengthens his hand in the Israeli debate. The U.S. militarys decision to help shoot down more than 300 Iranian missiles and drones illustrates the complexities and contradictions at the heart of Bidens Israel policy. He wants to show solidarity after Hamas attack and keep the country safe from adversaries read: Iran and its proxies while calibrating public and private warnings so Israel doesnt storm into Rafah and put the citys 1.4 million Palestinians at risk. For the last six months, Biden has had to balance his offers of honey and vinegar in what often makes for a strange cocktail. The U.S. defense of Israel against an unprecedented attack was not a move in a 3D chess match, a second senior administration official insisted. We did the right thing because it was the right thing to do. Still, it will linger over a visit by an Israeli delegation to Washington as early as this week, during which the U.S. will apply more pressure on the Israelis to evacuate innocent men, women and children out of Rafah many of whom arrived in southern Gaza after fleeing fighting elsewhere. Only a good friend [of Israel] can do what we did Saturday night and still be willing to have tough conversations about the prosecution of the operations theyre conducting inside Gaza, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters Monday. The U.S. and Israel remain far apart over how to do that. During a virtual meeting two weeks ago, senior Israeli officials said a planned migration away from Rafah could be completed in four weeks. Their American counterparts countered that it would take at least four months. Thats something were continuing to work through, a third senior administration official told reporters Sunday night. The official added the Biden administration had not lost focus on hostage negotiations, even after Hamas rejected a proposal to release old, wounded and infirm people in exchange for everything they had asked for. It really kind of speaks to everything you need to know about Hamas, the third official asserted. Biden said Monday that the United States is committed to a cease-fire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict from spreading more than it already has. On a phone call with Netanyahu this month, the president vowed to upend U.S. policy toward Israel if the situation in Gaza didnt improve, opening the door to the once-unthinkable: conditions on future military aid to Israel. Some proponents of the idea, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), say the U.S. should replenish the American-made weapons Israel used to protect itself against Irans attack. At the same time, the Biden administration should use all the levers of its influence to prevent innocent Palestinians in Gaza from starving to death and to stop an invasion of Rafah, the lawmaker said, keeping the pressure on Biden to follow through with his threat. U.S. and Israeli representatives are already wading through their differences in working groups with the hope of reaching a consensus at the imminent in-person session. Theres speculation inside and outside the administration that U.S. officials will point to their military efforts against Iran as evidence Washington always has Israels best interests at heart. But such a tactic may not be necessary as, behind the scenes, painstaking diplomacy appears to be closing the yawning gap between the allies on Rafah. There is a sense of a growing measure of convergence, said David Makovsky, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who is in close touch with Biden administration figures. The question no longer is about whether there should be a Rafah attack, but rather how long the precautions will take, he added. The parties are not where they were a month ago. The situation could be further stressed, however, by what Israel may or may not do in response to Tehrans attack, the first direct assault against Israel since the 1979 revolution that brought Irans ruling clerics to power. Biden and his team have counseled their counterparts to consider it a win that Israel killed leading Iranian paramilitaries this month without suffering damage in return. Biden and Netanyahu discussed the matter on a phone call shortly after Irans attack concluded, with the president encouraging his longtime acquaintance to think through the strategic ramifications of a major response. If Israel were to do something, it was better for the action to be limited and not further escalate an already tense situation, the third official said. Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz Netanyahus chief political rival pledged Sunday to exact a price from Iran, in a way and at a time that suits us. Israels military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, added Monday that Iran will be met with a response. Kirby, asked about Halevis remark during a Monday news conference, said this is an Israeli decision to make on how theyll respond. Protesters were blocking traffic into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Monday afternoon. The Port of Seattle said 46 people were arrested. At about 3 p.m., WSDOT cameras saw several vehicles blocking the Arrivals expressway leading into the airport. By 4 p.m., Port of Seattle police had towed several of the protesters vehicles and were detaining protesters. By 4:35 p.m., travelers caught in the backup were turning around and heading out from behind the protest as the Port of Seattle police continued to detain protesters. On WSDOT cameras, protesters were seen in zip-ties being led away from the area. The remaining protesters appeared to be in a sleeping dragon, where PVC pipe and restraints were used to tie protesters together until officers moved them as groups to the side of the road. The remaining protesters are in a "sleeping dragon," until officers had them get up and move to the side of the road. #seatac @flySEA pic.twitter.com/3aDmRuRjz6 Shawn Garrett (@ShawnGarrett) April 16, 2024 Travelers are urged to use alternate routes or take the Light Rail train or public transit. By 5:25 p.m., protesters and their vehicles were removed from the roadway. On the WSDOT cameras, it appeared travelers with their luggage were walking past the protest to get to their flights. Monday 4/15 3:00 p.m. A demonstration has closed the airport expressway leading to SEA Airport. Travelers coming to the airport are urged to use alternate routes or take Light Rail and public transit. We will post updates as theyre available. pic.twitter.com/eyLT3SKD6B Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) April 15, 2024 Police arrested a 15-year-old boy after a bishop was stabbed during a live broadcast sermon in the second knife assault in Australias largest city in three days. The teenager, who has not been named, is accused of stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, a senior figure in the ultra-conservative Assyrian Orthodox Church, and three other people. The attack was captured on video, with graphic footage showing a person dressed in black approaching the altar of the Christ the Good Shepherd Church and launching a furious attack on the bishops head and upper body. In a briefing hours after the attack, New South Wales police said the alleged knifeman was known to them. The boy had asked to speak with his parents and police were considering the request, said Andrew Holland, the acting assistant commissioner. Boy treated for injuries He is being treated for injuries to his hands amid unconfirmed reports that somebody cut off one or more of his fingers in an act of vengeance after the teenager was tackled to the ground by members of the congregation. Reports are that he has injuries to his hands. I dont know the extent of those injuries at this point, said commissioner Holland. His injuries are quite severe to his hand. Hes fairly upset and fairly distraught. In video footage posted on social media, several people appear to be holding down the alleged assailant. He is straddled by a man who has bloodstains on his trousers. The video shows the teenager apparently smiling at the camera. The attack happened as the bishop led a Mass that was being broadcast live online. As he was stabbed, people in the congregation started screaming and rushed to his aid. At least three people suffered knife injuries in the melee that followed, according to the NSW ambulance service. None of the injuries were life-threatening, authorities said. The attacker was arrested at the scene, with New South Wales police saying he had been removed from the church and taken to an undisclosed location. Angry crowds congregated outside the church, demanding vengeance for the attack on the bishop. Hundreds of people tried to push past a phalanx of riot police to reach the suspect. Officers with riot shields pushed them back. During the standoff, a police helicopter hovered overhead, telling people to leave the area immediately. Protesters threw projectiles at police as the confrontation continued into the night. At least two officers were injured one of them suffered a broken jaw after being hit with a brick and police vehicles had their windows smashed. A police officer told the Sydney Morning Herald: The crowd was attacking us, throwing things and being aggressive as we tried to help their bishop. I said to them we are not your enemy. The attack came just two days after a lone knifeman killed six people in a stabbing rampage at a Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon. A dozen people were injured before the attacker, a Queensland man with mental health issues named Joel Cauchi, was shot dead. The latest attack happened in a suburb called Wakeley, about 18 miles to the west of Bondi Junction. The neighbourhood is home to a small Christian Assyrian community, many of whom fled persecution and war in Iraq and Syria. There was no suggestion that the attacks were in any way related. Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, said: My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe. Its important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of police and emergency services. We are a strong community in NSW and its important that we all stick together, particularly in the face of adversity. The attack on the bishop was condemned by leaders of several faiths. Alex Ryvchin, from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, wrote on X that he was horrified by the stabbing attack on a bishop at an Assyrian Church in Sydney. He said he stood in solidarity with the beautiful Assyrian community and pray that the injured recover fully in body and soul. The Australian National Imams Council said it unequivocally condemned the stabbing attack. These attacks are horrifying and have no place in Australia, the council said in a statement. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was highly sceptical over lockdown measures and vaccinations during the Covid pandemic For Australians, the church attack compounded the trauma of Saturdays shopping centre knife rampage in a country in which such violence is rare. Bishop Emmanuel has a reputation as a fire and brimstone preacher who expresses anti-LGBTQ+ views and was highly sceptical over lockdown measures and vaccinations during the Covid pandemic. In May last year, a video posted by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation about a campaign targeting the LGBTQ+ community showed him saying during a sermon that when a man calls himself a woman, he is neither a man nor a woman, you are not a human, then you are an it. Now, since you are an it, I will not address you as a human anymore because it is not my choosing, it is your choosing. Emmanuel was ordained a priest in 2009 and made a bishop in 2011. He is a popular figure on social media, with clips of his sermons garnering millions of views on platforms including TikTok and YouTube. 03:19 PM BST Pictured: Riot police gather outside church Security officers stand guard outside Orthodox Assyrian church in Sydney - Mark Baker/AP 02:55 PM BST Police officer injured amid knife attack protests, reports suggest A police officer was among those injured amid protests following a knife attack in Western Sydney, local media reported. Ben Fordham, a radio host for 2GM, made the claim to Sky News Australia, adding that police had used pepper spray to disperse crowds who had gathered. Things are so volatile outside this church following the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, theyve had to deploy capsicum spray outside that church, he said. Videos of the incident showed dozens of police officers dressed up in riot gear, amid reports multiple people had been pepper sprayed and several police and paramedics injured in protests following the attack, which injured left four people with laceration injuries. 01:32 PM BST Pictured: Crowds and ambulances gather outside Sydney church Hundreds of protestors have arrived outside a church in west Sydney following a stabbing incident earlier today 01:24 PM BST New South Wales premier calls for calm Chris Minns, the New South Wales premier, has called for calm amid disturbing scenes in Sydney. Disturbing scenes tonight in Wakeley tonight, Mr Minns said. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe. The state premier urged members of the public to remain calm as reports emerged of thousands of protestors gathered outside the church where a man carried out a stabbing attack on a bishop and worshipers earlier today. Its important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of Police and Emergency Services, Mr Minns said. We are a strong community in NSW and its important that we all stick together, particularly in the face of adversity. Disturbing scenes tonight in Wakeley tonight. I have received a briefing from the Commissioner of Police and NSW Health on the situation. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe. 1/2 Chris Minns (@ChrisMinnsMP) April 15, 2024 01:08 PM BST Update: Police urges public to avoid the area New South Wales police have said a large police response is under way and urged members of the public to avoid the area. The police warning comes amid reports of riots unfolding outside the church where the stabbing took place. Police remain at the scene in Wakeley, south-west Sydney. UPDATE: Police remain at the scene of an alleged stabbing at a church in Wakeley in Sydney's southwest. About 7.10pm tonight (Monday 15 April 2024) police were called to Welcome Street, Wakeley, following reports a number of people were stabbed. Officers attached to NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) April 15, 2024 12:58 PM BST Police use tear gas to break up protests, reports suggest A riot has broken out on the streets of Sydney following the stabbing of a Bishop and his congregation, local media reported, with police apparently forced to deploy tear gas. In the aftermath of the stabbing of four people at Christ The Good Shepherd Church, located in Fairfields Wakeley suburb, hundreds have gathered in protest, hurling bottles and bricks at a police barrier, footage of the incident posted on social media showed. Chants of an eye for an eye could be heard in one video, while footage showed confrontations breaking out between members of the crowd. Hundreds gather in protest outside church after stabbing - Twitter Windows of cars outside the church were reportedly smashed amid the commotion, while one video appeared to show a ladder being used to shatter a window of the church. Police were allegedly forced to use tear gas to enable their officers to get away from the area after a perimeter they had constructed was breached by rioters, MailOnline reported. In one video, some of those gathered could be heard shouting they attack us with gas. 12:31 PM BST Reports of street protests in western Sydney Local riots have allegedly broken out following the attack at a Church in western Sydney. Frank Carbone, the mayor of Fairfield, told Sky News Australia: I do call for calm. Police will do their job and please lets not make the polices job any harder. The stabbing took place at Christ The Good Shepherd Church, located in Fairfields Wakeley suburb. We live in difficult times right now so I can understand frustration and the anger from the communities but I ask them as the mayor just to please be calm, Mr Carbone said. He added that he believe Bishop Mari Mari Emmanuel, who was stabbed multiple times by an unknown assailant, would be OK after being taken to hospital. Bishops and priests theyre very very important in our community, they only preach love and peace, and to have this happen to one of them is horrific, he said. 12:20 PM BST Eyewitnesses report seeing numerous blows An eyewitness to the Christ The Good Shepherd Churchs livestream said Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was struck with numerous blows. I was watching the live stream, a young male attacked him, potentially with a weapon was hard to tell but was fast and numerous blows, they wrote on Facebook. The church stepped in and then the live stream cut out and was removed. Please all pray four our beautiful and brave Bishop. Footage of the incident show dozens of people bashing on ambulance windows as onlookers film a confrontation breaking out in the background, Sky reported. Another video shows a confrontation in the crowd after a man threw a chair onto a crowd of people pushing and shoving. 12:12 PM BST Explained: Who is Bishop Emmanuel? The apparent target of the stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, is a prominent religious leader and member of the Australian Assyrian Church of the East. The bishop was approached at the alter of his church while giving Mass and appeared to be repeatedly stabbed by a man dressed in all black as horrified onlookers tried to intervene. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel - Facebook The Bishop gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic for describing Sydneys lockdown as mass slavery. He also claimed vaccines were futile because living normally would boost immunity. He has a large following on social media, including nearly 10 thousand followers on TikTok. 11:57 AM BST Four people injured in stabbing spree Four people were injured after a knifeman launched an attack on a bishop and his congregation at a Sydney church. New South Wales Ambulance paramedics were called to the scene at around 7.15pm (10.15am BST) on Monday, NCA NewsWire reported. A spokesman said a man aged in his 50s was taken to Liverpool Hospital with multiple stab wounds, news.com.au reported. Three other people were also injured and are still being treated at the scene. A man in his 30s suffered multiple lacerations. a man in his 20s suffered a cut to his hand, and a man in his 60s suffered a wound to his arm, the report added. 11:50 AM BST Watch: How the attack happened 11:47 AM BST One person arrested, Sydney police say New South Wales Police have said a man was arrested after reports of a number of people stabbed in western Sydney. The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by paramedics, the police reported. 11:42 AM BST Mapped: Where the stabbing took place The stabbing took place during an evening service at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, western Sydney. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Pavlo Petrychenko, a public activist and sergeant of the 59th Brigade, was killed in Donetsk Oblast while performing a combat mission. Source: the soldier's sister on Twitter (X) Quote: "Today, my brother, Pavlo Petrychenko, sergeant of the 59th Brigade, was killed in Donetsk Oblast while performing a combat mission. The place and time of the funeral will be announced later." Background: Pavlo Petrychenko was a project manager and participant in public initiatives before the war. He was involved in the development of Serhii Prytula's volunteer centre in March 2022, and in April he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On 29 March, Petrychenko's petition to restrict the operation of online casinos on the website of the Office of the President of Ukraine received more than 26,000 signatures out of the 25,000 required for consideration. Support UP or become our patron! Since 2015, Pula, an insurtech based in Kenya, has been keen on enhancing the access to agricultural insurance by small-holder farmers across emerging markets, shielding them against losses from pests, diseases and/or extreme weather events like floods and droughts. So far, the insurtech has supported 15.4 million farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America to get insured, and it is eyeing more following a $20 million series B funding round that will enable it to establish new partnerships, including for livestock covers. Global investment manager BlueOrchard led the round through its InsuResilience strategy, which aims to provide access to climate insurance to vulnerable people in emerging markets. The IFC through its $225 million venture capital platform, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hesabu Capital, and existing investors also participated in the round. Partnering with this group of like-minded investors to boost the growth of Pula globally is a very exciting milestone in driving our triple 100 vision, through which we intend to bring insurance to 100 million smallholder farmers. What started nine years ago as an unconventional idea that many deemed un-scalable is now a proven solution that has solved real needs for millions of smallholder farmers across 22 countries, said Pula CEO Thomas Njeru, who co-founded the insurtech with Rose Goslinga. (Both co-founders have agricultural backgrounds.) Pula gets $20M Series B funding Pula co-founders Rose Goslinga and Thomas Njeru. Image Credits: Pula Pula embeds insurance in partners products Instead of selling insurance directly to farmers, Pula has built a distribution channel of over 100 partners, including charitable organizations, banks, governments and agricultural input companies, to serve even the hard-to-reach farmers, by embedding insurance, for instance, in farm input costs or credit. Each product Pula offers is customized to suit the demands of its clients and the needs of the beneficiary farmers. The products, underwritten by insurance and reinsurance companies, are designed (including premium setting) through Pulas digital actuary platform, based on historical data, including weather patterns, and the frequency of events like floods or drought, harvests, losses and inputs used. Among its collaborations is a long-term partnership with the government of Zambia, where the insurtech embeds insurance premiums with fertilizer and seed packages, reaching farmers across the country. In Ethiopia, it partnered with the World Food Programme and German Development Bank KfW and a local insurer, where it embedded insurance in the input voucher scheme that reached 122,000 farmers. And its impact is about to be felt following an outbreak of wheat rust disease in the Amhara region, where Pula is set to make the largest insurance payout to date, estimated at $800,000. Pula says they have seen increased investment, yields and savings by farmers using its products, underscoring the benefits that agricultural insurance portends for emerging markets like Africa, where small-scale farmers contribute 70% of the food supply yet only 1% of them are covered. High cost, lack of awareness and access are some of the barriers to agricultural insurance access. Research carried out by Pula in some African countries where we have delivered insurance shows that agricultural insurance helps smallholder farmers to on average increase investment in their farms by 16%, improve yields by 56%, and increase household savings by up to 170%. Also, an impact on farmers' livelihoods can be seen through our partner insurers payouts which have reached close to over $40 million to 900,000 farmers since Pulas inception to date, said Njeru. Lastly, our impact is reflected in our renewal rate and growth. Eighty percent of the farmer groups and aggregators that buy Pula-developed insurance products from our partner insurers renew the following year, which is above the industry average, and reflects our customers satisfaction with our comprehensive products. Building on the success of its crop insurance products, Pula is set to introduce livestock covers in countries like Kenya upon the completion of a pilot program that kicked off in Nigeria last year. Pula, through insurance partners, has been offering rural families in Nigeria comprehensive coverage against banditry, disease and death of animals. It is also doubling down on Asia and Latin America, markets it entered in 2021. Q&A: Yes, Trump could be elected president as a convicted felon Former President Trump attends the Trump Organization's civil fraud trial in December in New York. (Mike Segar / Associated Press) Former President Trump made history last year as the first of the nation's chief executives to be indicted for a crime. This week, he will add another chapter becoming the first former president to stand trial on criminal charges. And later this year, he could top even that if he becomes the first candidate with a criminal record to win the presidency. Here's a look at the unprecedented legal questions Trump's situation presents. Could Trump become president after being convicted of a crime? Yes. There's nothing in the Constitution or federal law that prevents a felon from holding the nation's highest office. While many federal employees would not be hired if they had a felony conviction on their record, the Constitution sets only a few bare-bones requirements for the chief executive. "No Person except a natural born Citizen...shall be eligible to the Office of the President," it says. While today's voters worry about candidates who are too old, the men who wrote the 1787 document sought to screen out those who were too young or lived abroad. A president must have "attained the age of 35 years and been 14 years a resident within the United States." Elizabeth Wydra, president of the progressive Constitutional Accountability Center, says it is a mistake to assume the legal system will stand in Trump's way. "Nothing prevents him from running for president and being elected, even if he is in jail at the time of the election," she said. Incidentally, the law is not so generous to voters, she noted. "Having a felony on your record can prevent you from voting for president in some states," Wydra said. How can the Constitution lack such a good-conduct clause? Historians say the eminent figures who wrote the Constitution put their trust in electors to choose the president. They did not foresee a disreputable character ever winning the allegiance of these electors, who were typically property-owning white men like them. Alexander Hamilton, who helped devise the electoral-college system, expressed confidence that it would bring forth "characters preeminent for ability and virtue" who would win the "esteem and confidence of the whole Union." Within a few decades, that system was gradually replaced by one in which the voters decide state-by-state on the slates of electors who are pledged to one candidate. Doesn't the 14th Amendment disqualify candidates who "engaged in insurrection?" Yes, but Trump was not charged with insurrection after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. And the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in March that states acting on their own may not enforce this provision. Congress would have to act in order for that provision to be enforced. Has anyone ever run for president from prison? Yes. Eugene Debs ran five times as the Socialist Party candidate for president and won nearly a million votes in 1920 when he was serving a prison term for sedition. Debs had spoken out against the World War I draft and earned the ire of President Wilson. But shortly after winning the White House, President Harding commuted the sentence. What are the chances Trump could be convicted before the election? It's quite possible. Trump is facing four sets of criminal charges. The two most serious cases involve the federal charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith. He indicted Trump in Washington for conspiring to subvert the counting of the electoral votes after Trump lost the November 2020 election. In a separate case, Trump was charged with leaving the White House with highly classified documents, keeping them in his Florida home and refusing to return them when requested. Both of those cases are moving slowly and are not expected to be tried and completed by the time of the November election. What happens to the federal cases if Trump wins the election? If Trump were elected president again, the chief executive could order the federal prosecutions be dropped. He could also issue pardons for all of his aides and allies as well as the hundreds of his supporters who broke into the Capitol to stop the certification of President Biden's victory. What about the Georgia election interference case? In a third criminal case, Fani Willis, the Fulton County, Ga., district attorney, brought a sprawling racketeering indictment against Trump and 18 others for allegedly conspiring to upset the vote count there. That case has been sidetracked by allegations that Willis hired a romantic partner to run the prosecution. So which case is the most likely to reach a conclusion before the election? The "hush money" case set to go to trial in New York may be the least serious of the lot, but it has the best chance of being decided by a jury prior to the election. The state trial was to begin Monday with jury selection. Trump was indicted for 34 payments made to his former attorney Michael Cohen for what were listed in the company's books as legal fees. But the payments included reimbursing Cohen for the $130,000 he had given to adult film actor Stormy Daniels to prevent her from disclosing an alleged past sexual encounter with Trump. This record-keeping offense can be punished as a low-level felony if it can be shown that Trump committed a second crime by seeking to hide campaign contributions that influenced the election. Trump said he was trying to conceal the story from his wife. Could Trump face jail if convicted in the hush money case? Yes, but it's unlikely. New York lawyers say defendants with no criminal record who are found guilty of a nonviolent offense are usually given probation, not a jail term. And even if Trump provoked an irritated judge to make an exception in his case, he could be released on bail while his lawyers appeal the conviction. Could a reelected President Trump pardon himself in the New York hush money case? No. The president pardon power is very broad, but it applies only to federal offenses, not to crimes under state law. The same would be true of the Georgia case. What happens to the New York case if Trump wins the election? That is unclear. The New York judges could suspend the case if Trump is reelected. It has been a Justice Department policy for years that presidents should be not distracted by civil and criminal cases while serving as president, though such cases have been allowed to proceed to some degree. The Justice Department under a reelected President Trump is likely to assert that federal law is supreme and that the president should be protected against such cases while in office. The Constitution says "the judges in every state shall be bound" by laws enacted "under the authority of the United States." The Georgia case would likely be suspended as well. But there is no clear precedent. "We're certainly in new territory," said Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center in New York. "We don't know because we don't have any experience with this situation." Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Its racist to say someone is playing the race card, tribunal rules It is racist to say someone is playing the race card at work, a tribunal ruled. Implying that an ethnic minority colleague is raising bigotry without foundation is an act of discrimination itself, a judgment concluded. This is because it is inconceivable a white person would face the same accusation, the tribunal said, describing the comment as irrefutably connected with race. The ruling came in the case of Lance Sergeant Dwight Pile-Grey, a British Army musician who successfully sued the Ministry of Defence for race discrimination, harassment and victimisation. The black Rastafarian French horn player in the Grenadier Guards took legal action after he was denied entry to his barracks while wearing civilian clothes by a guard who did not believe at first he was a soldier. When LSgt Pile-Grey complained that the Lance Corporal wouldnt have treated him that way if he had been white, he was accused of playing the race card by both the guard and his superior officer, who alleged he was turning the incident into a racial thing. These comments, the tribunal found, were discriminatory. It was the tribunals finding that a hypothetical white comparator would not have been treated in the same manner, the tribunal said. It was clear from the wording used; going to turn this into a racial thing and playing the race card that [LSgt Pile-Grey] being black was at the forefront of [the officers] mind. It seems inconceivable that he would have used such words to a white person and it therefore seemed likely that his entire approach to the interactions with [LSgt Pile-Grey] were influenced by race. The nature of the comment is irrefutably connected with race and as such, race must have been the reason for the treatment. LSgt Dwight Pile-Grey, a French horn player, has now left the Army to teach music LSgt Pile-Greys victory in the tribunal was first reported last December. However, the full judgment has only now been published. The hearing in central London was told that he had joined the Army in 2005 and at the time of the incident in July 2021 was based at Wellington Barracks in the capital. Events he had marched at include Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Trooping the Colour and Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph. The tribunal was told that while off-duty and after attending a medical appointment he was stopped by a guard on duty identified in the judgment only as LCpl Stott from returning to the barracks. He was asked for identification but didnt have it on him at the time. [LSgt Pile-Grey] alleges that he was subjected to racist comments by the guard. [He] also alleged that LCpl Stott was patronising and condescending in the manner in which he addressed him. [He] alleged that he was not called Sir which he should have been by LCpl Stott, as any unidentified visitor to the barracks should be. [LSgt Pile-Grey] goes on to allege that he identified himself and then LCpl Stott enquired with his colleagues in the barracks to confirm [his] identity. [He] alleges that LCpl Stott said this gentleman thinks that hes left his ID in here, does anyone know him? and when doing so emphasised the word gentleman as if air quotes were being used that is that LCpl did not consider [him] to be a gentleman. [LSgt Pile-Grey] then alleges that when he identified himself, LCpl Stott said Well I dont know who you are and I dont need your attitude. Disciplinary finding added to record [LSgt Pile-Grey] eventually gained access to the barracks. He then changed into his uniform and returned to speak to the guard to challenge his behaviour [He] alleges that during that confrontation LCpl Stott accused the claimant of playing the race card. [LSgt Pile-Grey] then sought to speak to the guards superior officer, Staff Sgt Flowers, who was in the guard room. [He] alleges that when he tried to speak to SSgt Flowers, he made comments to him to indicate that he was not interested in listening to him, accused [him] of playing the race card. He also accused SSgt Flowers of telling him: If you are going to turn this into a racial thing then Im not interested. After SSgt Flowers walked away, the tribunal heard LSgt Pile-Grey was forcibly removed from the guardroom and an aggressive altercation ensued. LSgt Pile-Grey, then 53, complained about his treatment to the garrison commander and agreed to a mediation meeting between himself, SSgt Flowers and LCpl Stott. However, the two soldiers never attended the meeting and instead LSgt Pile-Grey faced a disciplinary investigation for the way he had behaved that eventually resulted in him pleading guilty to insubordination in October that year. He was docked a days pay and had the disciplinary finding added to his record. LSgt Pile-Grey made a service complaint in December about the incident and the way his complaints had been handled, but this was rejected in November the following year. He took the MoD to the tribunal in June 2023. The panel upheld all of his complaints, finding that he had been discriminated against, harassed and victimised by what had happened in July 2021 and the subsequent disciplinary proceedings against him and handling of his complaints. LSgt Pile-Grey has left the Army and now teaches music. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) went after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday for forcing a tie vote against an amendment to a controversial spy bill, upsetting some of the most conservative Republicans. Conservatives and progressives teamed up to demand an amendment the for reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) last week, which would have required a warrant for government spying on Americans. The amendment vote came to a tie after Johnsons vote against it, tanking the change. Speaker Johnson was incredibly wrong, Paul said in a Fox News Sunday interview. He broke the tie. He voted with the Democrats. Here we have the leader of the Republicans in the House votes with the Democrats against a warrant requirement. We also have Speaker Johnson voting for the spending package once again with a majority of the Democrats, he continued. As I see it now, Im not so sure theres a difference between Mike Johnson being in charge and the Democrats being in charge. The FISA amendment vote was bipartisan, with 86 Republicans including Johnson and 126 Democrats voting against it. Paul, a libertarian-minded conservative, was a major Senate backer of the FISA amendment. Despite an endorsement from former President Trump over the weekend, the vote infuriated the most conservative members of Congress and added to rising dissent against Johnson. Paul called on Johnson to do more to win his confidence. Johnson hasnt held his ground, Paul said. He has power. He has a majority. Use the power of the purse. Speaker Johnson, do something to make us think you are different than the Democrats. But so far I dont see a lot of difference. After the vote Friday, some FISA amendment hard-liners said theyre ready to travel to GOP districts to campaign against those who tanked the amendment. Every one of these members who voted against a warrant requirement, they are the deciding vote. They own it, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said after the vote. And some of them may see me showing up in their districts very soon to campaign against them and to stand for the Constitution. The broader FISA package passed the House easily after the amendment failed. As a final act of protest, dissenters delayed the bills movement to the House until this week. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who supported the amendment, called on voters to pressure their lawmakers to back the warrant provision in a Senate version of the bill. This is not off of the House floor, so everybodys got to go home and answer their constituents over the next 72 hours about why they are siding with the intelligence agencies and the deep state and the swamp over the rights and the liberties of the American people, Roy said. That was the choice today, he continued. And every single person in this body, no matter if youre a Republican or a Democrat, voted against an amendment to protect Americans, to protect them with a warrant, and theyve got to answer to it. Johnson had previously been critical of FISA Section 702 surveillance powers, but recently reversed positions since taking over the Speakership. The provision allows U.S. intelligence agencies to collect communications of foreign nationals under investigation, including communications with Americans. When I was a member of Judiciary, I saw all of the abuses of the FBI there were terrible abuses, over and over and over, Johnson told reporters last week. And then when I became Speaker, I got the confidential briefing from sort of the other perspective on that, to understand the necessity of Section 702 of FISA and how important it is for national security. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 15. Turkmenistan and the US discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations, Trend reports. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, this topic was discussed in Ashgabat city during the next round of annual political consultations between Turkmenistan and the US. The Turkmen delegation at the talks was headed by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, and the US delegation was headed by John Mark Pommersheim, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asian Affairs. During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-US relations, as well as exchanged views on topical international issues, including regional and global security. Among the priority areas of cooperation, trade, and economic ties, ecology, culture, education, and the humanitarian sphere were noted. Special attention was paid to the importance of regular meetings at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the approved roadmap in the field of education. The importance of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the educational field, confirming the commitment of the countries to cultural and educational programs, was emphasized. Furthermore, the negotiators touched upon environmental issues, during which the US side welcomed Turkmenistan's accession to the Global Methane Pledge. Meanwhile, cooperation between Turkmenistan and the US through consultations has become an important mechanism for discussing common interests and resolving issues related to politics, economics, and security. Through regular consultations, the two countries exchange views, coordinate actions, and look for ways to resolve problematic issues, which contributes to the development of trust and strengthening partnership. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel How Israel will retaliate: The options and their level of risk Israel is weighing up how to respond to Iran's attacks Israels war cabinet has been locked in discussions inside the Kirya, or The Campus, over how to respond to the Iran attacks. Talks are thought to be focused on the timing and scale of Israels response. An immediate reaction was reportedly called off after pressure from Joe Biden and there is also the question of whether Israel will be forced to act alone, as the US its staunchest ally has said it will not support a direct attack on Iran. Analysts believe Israel will be weighing up whether to respond according to Irans intent, or the impact of its attack which largely failed to hit any targets. The question now is: What is the right policy? What would deter? What would cause less harm to those who are uninvolved? Who would support [Israel] and who would be part of the action? Micky Aharonson, former senior director for foreign policy on Israels national security council, said. Here is a look at Israels possible options and their level of risk. Targets inside Iran Israel and Iran have been engaged in a shadow war for decades. Until now, both have always chosen to strike at each other via indirect means, with Israel attacking Iranian assets abroad, and Iran supporting regional militant proxy groups to threaten Israeli targets. But now, experts say the floodgates have opened after Iran launched a direct attack from its soil against Israel. The magnitude [of the Iranian attack] was the surprise; not the fact that they did it, said Yaakov Amidror, a fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America in Washington. The Iranians have opened a new opportunity for us regarding the legitimacy of Israel to destroy targets in Iran, including the nuclear program, he said. This is one option: Iran, directly, kinetically, without any hesitation. Within Iran itself, Israel has no shortage of potential targets to hit, particularly ones in the military realm linked to its feared Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Israel is believed to have disrupted Irans nuclear ambitions before by going after various facilities and scientists, and likely has strong intelligence on Tehrans nuclear weapons program. Iran is believed to have increased its total stockpile of highly enriched nuclear fuel for around three atomic weapons. One option is targeting the IRGCs military intelligence assets inside Iran, said Kasra Aarabi, director of IRGC research at United Against Nuclear Iran. The nuclear facilities, which are controlled by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are a very, very important dimension to this. Not to mention that a nuclear-armed Islamic Republic of Iran is and would be an existential threat to Israel, the US and its regional allies. An attack on nuclear sites could come from a bombing raid by advanced F-35 fighter jets or something more clandestine on the ground. Either way it would likely be viewed as a significant escalation. Israel could also attack and assassinate senior IRGC officers, something that it has done before. Ms Aharonson highlighted that any military officer in charge of orchestrating attacks or directing various proxy groups against Israel could be on a kill list. Every one of them, of those people its on the table, she said. They should, as was demonstrated in other areas, be more worried about their wellbeing. Killing senior commanders could have some psychological warfare impact as well. It could be carried out with precision weapons fired from drones a form of assassination Israel has carried out before. Targeting weapons and drone factories and supply lines could be another way for Israel to snarl Iranian capabilities going forward, especially if it halts or stalls the production of its Shahed drones. The drones have also been used by Russia in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and an attack could delay or slow Irans military abilities. At this point, some experts believe that Israel can make a clear-eyed assessment of Iranian capabilities given the weekend attack. It was good for Israel, because it is now well understood that we can deal with the capabilities of Iran, said Mr Amidror. They used all their capabilities; they dont have any card that they didnt use. Knocking out a weapons production facility would likely require a major bombing raid using fighter jets or long-range cruise missiles. Israel could also target Iranian assets, such as oil refineries, as oil revenues support Irans economy despite numerous international sanctions. Again, this could come through jets, long-range missiles or sabotage on the ground. While this is an option, it may not be the most strategic, however, as it is not the most direct way for Israel to kneecap Irans military abilities. It would also likely trigger volatility in global petrol prices, which would risk upsetting Western allies despite much of Iranian fuel being under sanction. Targets outside Iran Another option Israel could take would be to hit either Iranian targets abroad, or to go after various proxy groups backed by Iran, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen. The current scenario could present an opportunity to hit more forcefully more Iranian proxies, said Richard Pater, director of the Britain-Israel Communications and Research Centre. There is likely a bank of targets in Lebanon and Syria that Israel hasnt hit yet, and is saving for a more official occasion. This could include operational command centres used by the militant groups, or directly targeting senior commanders, as Israel has been known to do before. A suspected Israel attack on April 1 that killed senior Iranian officers in Syria, for instance, is what prompted Iran to respond so forcefully this past weekend. But whether Israel will choose this option remains to be seen, as it would not be materially different to what it has already done, said Mr Amidror. We killed in the last six months almost 300 Hezbollah members, he noted. This is in principle something that we are doingall the time. Israel could also take this opportunity to completely annihilate Hamas, the terrorist group whose attacks last October sparked war in the Gaza Strip, as Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has vowed. This would be, in a way, a direct affront as Iran and its proxy militant groups have all said threats against Israel would stop if the latter halts its war in Gaza. Israel has not given much indication that it will back down from seeking what it says is justice after Hamass brutal attacks last October. But there remains a debate over whether Hamas can be completely eradicated, as some experts say it is an ideology and not just a mere organisation. It would require more bloody urban conflict on the ground mixed with a bombing campaign that would likely trigger more civilian deaths. Israel is already facing intense pressure over civilian and aid group casualties in Gaza, and a further escalation risks isolation from key allies. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Rape likely took place in Australian parliament, judge finds Bruce Lehrmann arrives at the Federal Court of Australia in Sydney where his defamation suit against Network 10 television was thrown out - AAP/VIA REUTERS An Australian judge ruled that a conservative political staffer likely committed rape in parliament, a dramatic twist in a case that provoked protests across the country. The judge threw out a defamation suit brought by the former staffer, Bruce Lehrmann, against Network 10 television after it broadcast an interview with his alleged victim, Brittany Higgins. The Federal Courts Mr Justice Lee made his finding on the balance of probabilities, as required in civil cases. In a criminal case, a conviction must be proven beyond reasonable doubt. Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins. I hasten to stress; this is a finding on the balance of probabilities, the judge said. Mr Lehrmann remains a man who has not been convicted of any offence, but he has now been found, by the civil standard of proof, to have engaged in a great wrong, Mr Justice Lee said. Ms Higgins has alleged that Mr Lehrmann raped her on a couch inside the national parliamentary office of a government minister following a night of heavy drinking in March 2019. Former government adviser Brittany Higgins, who alleged that she had been raped by a colleague in a minister's office in 2019, talks at a rally against sexual violence and gender inequality in Canberra in 2021 - SAEED KHAN/AFP Mr Lehrmann has stridently maintained his innocence and has not been convicted of any criminal offence. A criminal case against him on a charge of sexual intercourse without consent collapsed in October 2022. A courtroom sheriff had discovered a jury member with an academic paper on sexual assault a document prohibited by the trials strict rules. Prosecutors decided not to retry the criminal case over concerns that the public scrutiny could have a grave toll on Ms Higginss mental health. In her interview with Network 10, Ms Higgins did not name Mr Lehrmann, but he claimed he was identifiable. But the defamation case failed because of the judges finding that the allegations were likely true. Mistake of coming back for his hat Having escaped the lions den Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of coming back for his hat, Mr Justice Lee said. The allegations first came to light through media reports in early 2021 and on the back of the global #MeToo movement prompted nationwide protests and multiple damning investigations into Australias political culture. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Rashee Rice and Theodore Knox are being sued for over $1 million in damages and $10 million in punitive damages by two victims in the March 30 crash in Dallas, Texas, according to a lawsuit filed in Dallas County. The court document says the plaintiffs, Irina Gromova and Edvard Petrovskiy of Dallas County, are seeking monetary relief for over $1 million for severe injuries, including trauma to the brain, lacerations to the face requiring stitches, multiple contusions about the body, disfigurement, internal bleeding, and other internal and external injuries that may only be fully revealed over the course of medical treatment. Chiefs Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes comment on Rashee Rices case Gromova and Petrovskiy were both driving in their respective cars and had their seatbelts on at the time of the crash. They are suing for negligence and punitive damages, which includes physical and mental harm, property damages, costs of medical prevention and care in the future, loss of earnings, potential harm to their safety and welfare, along with several other claims, according to court documents. Rice, a Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver, who was driving a Lamborghini SUV 119 miles per hour seconds before causing a six-vehicle crash last month, turned himself into the Glenn Heights, Texas Police Department after a warrant was issued for his arrest on Wednesday, April 10. He is currently facing one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision causing injury. Knox, who also caused the crash that injured four people, was driving a Chevrolet Corvette also leased under Rice and was traveling at a speed of 91 miles per hour 1.5 seconds before the crash. He also turned himself into police on Friday, April 12 and is facing the same charges as Rice. Depsite his physical abilities and responsibilities as a public figure, Rice raced a high-powered vehicle through the public roads of Dallas County, Texas, lost control, and injured several innocent people including the Plaintiffs in this cause, the document said. 2 killed, 1 injured in Blue Springs shooting at Wilbur Young Park After the crash, Rice and Knox left the scene on an exit ramp with the other passengers that were in the cars, despite seeing the damages they caused. The lawsuit said, The victims and bystanders of the carnage tried to engage the Defendants, but they were ignored in the Defendants attempt to flee without responsibility. Both Gromova and Petrovskiy demand a trial by jury, according to the document. As for the four other victims in the crash, no statement or lawsuit has been released. For more updates about the ongoing investigation, tune into FOX4 for the latest information. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. More people are being forced from their homes today than ever before. Those who flee their countries become refugees, joining a global diaspora so vast it is difficult to comprehend their numbers. The phenomenon is as old as the idea of a country, from Babylons conquest of ancient Israel to Spains expulsion of Muslims and the ongoing implosion of Venezuelas economy. But todays global crisis is unprecedented in scope and impact, presenting new challenges for political leaders, humanitarian organizations and people of faith. How did we get to this point? Who is leaving which countries, and why? And who is taking them in? 114 million people Thats how many have been forced from their homes by violence, persecution or natural disasters roughly 1 in every 73 humans, including 5.6 million in 2023 alone. If they formed a country, it would be 14th in population, behind Japan and the Philippines but far ahead of Turkey and Germany. More than half come from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Most remain in their home countries. Another 21.5 million have been displaced annually by natural disasters since 2008. 3X in 15 years The number of refugees those who have crossed an international border has nearly tripled since 2009, increasing by 293 percent. According to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, they number 30.5 million, stuck between the countries that forced them out and those reluctant to give them a home. Thats enough to match the population of Texas. Thiago Limon for the Deseret News 1951 refugee convention This international law now binds 146 signatory nations that must protect refugees and give asylum when merited. Crafted after millions were displaced by two world wars including Jews fleeing the Holocaust who were turned back to sea from literal safe harbors the convention dictates that refugees cannot be returned to a country where they face serious threats against their lives. The 1967 Protocol eliminated geographic and time limits to protect all refugees. Thiago Limon for the Deseret News 80% of refugees, 19% of income Four out of five refugees are hosted by countries that collectively net less than a fifth of the worlds income, mostly developing nations located near the source countries. Turkey and Iran top the list with 3.6 million and 3.4 million, respectively, followed by Colombia, Germany and Pakistan. The United States hosts 389,300 refugees. We wanted to rebuild our lives, that was all. We lost our home, which means the familiarity of daily life. We lost our occupation, which means the confidence that we are of some use in this world. We lost our language, which means the naturalness of reactions, the simplicity of gestures, the unaffected expression of feelings. Hannah Arendt, historian, philosopher, political theorist and refugee from Hitlers Germany 3 wars These recent conflicts have displaced almost 2 million people. Syrias civil war, which started in 2011, launched an exodus of at least 6.5 million; 6.8 million more remain displaced within that country. Another 11.6 million fled Ukraine after Russias invasion in 2022. And 1.9 million Palestinians have been pushed out of their homes in the Gaza Strip by Israels military response to Hamas attack on Israel last October. Thiago Limon for the Deseret News 880,000 people Thats the population of Kutupalong, the worlds largest refugee camp about the same size as Indianapolis a slum of bamboo huts packed onto five square miles of former woodland in Bangladesh. Most are Rohingya Muslims who fled neighboring Myanmar in 2017, escaping an ethnic cleansing campaign against their religious and ethnic minority. Like the 6.6 million who shelter in similar camps around the world, they deal with hunger, crime, language barriers, unemployment, outbreaks of illness and limited access to medical care. 21.5 million per year Thats the average number of people displaced by natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, droughts and drought-induced famines since 2008, according to the United Nations. The devastating impact is often amplified by rapid urbanization and population growth in hazard-prone areas, now multiplied by the increasing pace and severity of weather-related events. Thiago Limon for the Deseret News Mostly kids More than half of all refugees are minors. Child refugees are at high risk for mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other emotional and behavioral issues which can cause disturbed sleep, inattention and social withdrawals, according to the Denver Journal of International Law & Policy. Thiago Limon for the Deseret News This story appears in the April 2024 issue of Deseret Magazine. Learn more about how to subscribe. Protestors hold signs at an April 14, 2024, protest in favor of reproductive rights and abortion access in Scottsdale. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror Armed with hand-made posters and signature petition sheets, hundreds converged at a busy intersection near the heart of downtown Scottsdale on Sunday to voice their anger at Arizonas return to a Civil War-era law banning nearly all abortions. Less than a week earlier, the Arizona Supreme Court said that a near-total abortion ban from 1864 trumps a newer law restricting abortions to 15 weeks, outlawing all abortions except for those provided to save a womans life. A pause on the ruling delays its enforcement until June, but for protestors, the shock and indignation was still fresh. Attendees clustered at the intersection of Camelback and Scottsdale roads, waving signs reading Women will die, We wont go quietly back to 1864, Vote them out, and chanting Hey, hey, ho, ho abortion bans have got to go! as cars streaked past, many of them honking in reply. Chris Fleischman set up an array of posters around a bus stop shelter, keeping hold of one of three PVC pipes holding up a large cardboard sign reading Remember in November in bold lettering while arranging smaller posters with candidate names on them crossed out in red underneath it. Among those singled out were Kari Lake, who repeatedly backed the 1864 law during her gubernatorial run but has now sought to soften her stance, U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, who has supported legislation in Congress that critics say would amount to a national abortion ban, and state Rep. Matt Gress, who made headlines for his failed attempt to repeal the 1864 law but has also previously sought to enshrine fetal personhood in Arizona law. The goal, Fleischman said, was to let people know which anti-abortion politicians to vote out of office. I want to point out who the people are so people can vote against them, he said. People dont realize how important it is to vote, and this year its so important. A protestor holds a sign at an April 14, 2024, protest in favor of reproductive rights and abortion access in Scottsdale. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror Reproductive rights advocates have sounded the alarm over this years election as one of the most critical for defending abortion access since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to the procedure two years ago. In just that short period of time, abortion bans have proliferated across the country and the outcome of the November election has the potential to worsen that. Several seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is currently under Republican control, are up for grabs, including nine in Arizona. And at the top of the ticket, former President Donald Trump is seeking to recapture the White House. The Republican nominee recently pivoted on his position on abortion to reaffirm the rights of individual states to regulate the procedure, but has repeatedly bragged about his role in overturning Roe v. Wade in the past, and previously indicated support for a national 15-week ban. In Arizona, the focus on abortion access is even more spotlighted. A push to enshrine the procedure as a right in the state constitution is expected to make it to the November ballot, after the campaign behind it announced earlier this month that it has collected far above the number of signatures required to qualify. And Arizona Democrats are hoping the movement to protect abortion rights will mobilize voters to flip the state legislature, which is controlled by Republicans who hold a razor-thin one-vote majority in each chamber. The Arizona Supreme Courts ruling to reinstate the 1864 law is widely regarded as a critical flashpoint in that effort, and is expected to further invigorate voters who support reproductive rights. Lindsay Kovner is one such voter. Less than two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization was leaked, Kovner started an Instagram page titled Blue Maam Group, in the hopes of speaking out against the ruling and mobilizing like-minded people to act. On Sunday, she drove into Old Town Scottsdale from Phoenix with her 9-year-old daughter to teach her about the importance of making her voice heard. Kovner said she intends to vote for pro-choice candidates in November, and will reach out to her friends to convince them to do the same. Our hope is a big blue wave, she said. Deanne Hodgson, 81, echoed that hope, saying she was unimpressed by continued attacks on reproductive health care from uninformed politicians. Im sick and tired of men making laws about womens health when they dont know anything about it, she said. A protestor holds a sign at an April 14, 2024, protest in favor of reproductive rights and abortion access in Scottsdale. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror Nearby, health care workers in brightly colored scrubs posed for a picture with handcuffs clipped to their wrists. Some held up signs reading health care not handcuffs, in a nod to the 1864 near-total bans harsh punishments for medical providers who violate its provisions. If a doctor or health care worker provides an abortion for any reason other than saving their patients life, the law mandates a prison sentence of no less than 2 years and a maximum of five. One local OB-GYN told the Arizona Mirror that the laws exception for life-saving procedures is insufficient and doesnt take into account the vast array of situations women face. (The Arizona Mirror granted the doctor anonymity because she fears retaliation from her employer.) After nearly 19 years in the profession, the doctor said shes seen pregnancy affect her patients physical well-being as well as their emotional health. One patient who suffered from severe post-partum depression committed suicide. But the 1864 law likely doesnt contemplate the long-term effects of deteriorating mental health, instead allowing only for emergency health complications that immediately threaten a womans life. The Arizona Abortion Access Act, however, along with protecting access to the procedure up to 24 weeks, includes an exception for abortions performed after that point if the health care provider determines its necessary to safeguard the patients physical or mental health. Even the life-saving exception in the 1864 law puts providers in a tricky position, according to the OB-GYN, as it doesnt specify which criteria they should look for when deciding whether or not to perform an abortion. Life and death situations, she said, cant be determined by a single test. And that could lead to dangerous delays while doctors consult with legal representatives to figure out when a patient should receive potentially life-saving care. What kind of parameters are you going to give me? she asked. Is their white blood cell count supposed to be this? Is their temperature supposed to be this? How many days are we supposed to let this go? For Jen, who donned a t-shirt proclaiming Everyone knows that Ive had an abortion, being able to end an unwanted pregnancy while she was stuck in an unhappy marriage was critical to preserving her autonomy and mental health. Jen, who was unwilling to give her last name, said she has never planned on having children and felt that, if she had not been able to obtain an abortion, she would have been a bad parent or would have ultimately ended her life during pregnancy. Everyone should have access to an abortion, she said. No one should be forced to have children against their will. A protestor holds a sign at an April 14, 2024, protest in favor of reproductive rights and abortion access in Scottsdale. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror The court ruling reinstating a near-total ban on abortions incensed Jen, who knows what it means to face an unwanted future. Before, Jen had only committed to voting for the Arizona Abortion Access Act in November, but the courts decision motivated her to pick up signature collection sheets and join the effort to get the act on the ballot. While the constitutional amendment has exceeded its signature requirement, the campaign is continuing to collect support to ensure a buffer against signatures that will eventually be thrown out during the verification process. Emily Phelps, a spokesperson for Stand Indivisible AZ, which organized the Sunday rally and is also spearheading a door-knocking campaign to promote the election of Democrats up and down the ballot, reported a 50% spike in volunteer applications a day after the Arizona Supreme Court released its ruling. And the Arizona Abortion Access Act campaign also saw heightened enthusiasm from signature gatherers and voters adding their names to petitions following the ruling, according to spokeswoman Chris Love. I think folks are mad as hell about the decision, Love said. Weve seen folks that were kind of waiting back, and sitting on the fence theyve really gotten off that fence. A protestor holds a sign at an April 14, 2024, protest in favor of reproductive rights and abortion access in Scottsdale. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror And while that renewed push is a boon for the campaign, the fallout from the court ruling also resulted in a new threat from the GOP majority in the legislature. Republican lawmakers, concerned about voter backlash over supporting the 1864 law but unwilling to fully support a repeal of the law, have signaled an interest in crafting a ballot initiative to oppose the Arizona Abortion Access Act. Love waved away that threat, saying shed worry when the party showed any unity behind the idea; currently, Republicans in the legislature are fractured between those who staunchly oppose abortion and those gearing up for reelections in competitive districts who wish to repeal the 1864 law. To put an anti-abortion proposal on the ballot, the party needs the approval of all its members, as it cant count on support from Democrats. Instead, Love said, the majority party should focus on repealing the 1864 law. While several attempts to do just that were made last week, each one failed. And adding an emergency clause to it that could strike down the law before the court ruled it could be enforced appears unlikely; to do so would require a supermajority vote, forcing Democrats to peel away more GOP supporters than the three needed in the state House and the two in the Senate necessary to achieving a successful repeal. So far, only four Republican lawmakers have publicly expressed any interest in repealing the law. With the November election quickly approaching, Love said the campaign to protect abortion rights is focused on recruiting support from everyday Arizonans. Public support for the procedure stands in stark contrast to the near-total ban that many in the state legislature back; one survey found that as much as 62% of Arizonans believe that abortion should be legal in most or all cases. We know that they believe the same thing that we do, Love said, of Arizonans across the political spectrum. Pregnant patients deserve the freedom to make their own personal health care decisions, especially decisions related to abortion, with their families and their health care providers without politicians. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Remember in November: The rallying cry after the Supreme Courts abortion ban ruling appeared first on Arizona Mirror. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A 20-year-old who was arrested for the mob-style break-in at Busters Liquor store last year, is back in jail. This time he is facing charges after being caught with an illegal gun at an apartment complex Saturday night in Frayser. Jaylin Triplett is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon. You have our full attention: 15 indicted in mob-style smash-and-grabs According to Memphis police, around 10:50 p.m., officers were called to the Pershing Park Apartments at 3707 Pershing Park Drive regarding a weapon law violation/felony. The security officer at the apartment complex told police he had three males with weapons detained. He says he was saturating the apartments when he approached a vehicle, and one of the suspects, later identified as Jaylin Triplett, attempted to run. Police say that is when the suspects were detained. Officers asked the three suspects which one of them owned the Glock 17 that was modified with an attachment, making it fully automatic. Two of the suspects said it belonged to Triplett. They also stated that Triplett threw the gun under the seat before jumping out of the vehicle and attempting to run. Woman charged with hitting police officer with Mustang Triplett did not deny the accusations, police say. MPD says the gun was stolen out of Indiana while being transported to Arkansas. Triplett was charged at that time and the other two suspects were let go. Jaylin Triplett is currently being held without bond, according to the District Attorneys office. The office requested a probation violation warrant this morning which was issued by a judge. Tripletts next court appearance is set for Tuesday at 9 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. An internally displaced Palestinian girl eats a piece of bread at a temporary camp in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa The Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas has presented mediators with a counter-proposal for a hostage deal, in indirect negotiations in the Gaza war, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported. This would only provide for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip after a 42-day ceasefire, Haaretz reported on Sunday night, citing Palestinian and Arab sources. Hamas had previously rejected a compromise proposal by the US, which envisaged the release of 40 hostages in exchange for 900 Palestinian prisoners during a six-week ceasefire. According to Haaretz, the Hamas counter-proposal demands that the Israeli military ceases fighting in an initial six-week phase and withdraw from urban centres. At the same time, Palestinian displaced persons would be allowed to return to the northern Gaza Strip. During this time, Hamas would search for all hostages in the embattled area and find out what condition they are in. In a second phase, the Israeli army would have to withdraw to Israeli territory. Only then would the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners begin, it was said. For every Israeli civilian, Israel would have to release 30 Palestinian prisoners from prisons in return, it said. For every Israeli soldier, 50 Palestinians would have to be released from Israeli prisons, including 30 serving life sentences. Israeli soldiers and dead hostages would be handed over in a third and final phase once the siege of the Gaza Strip by the Israeli army had ended and the reconstruction of the area had begun. Israel had previously assumed that just under 100 of the approximately 130 hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip were still alive. However, it is now feared that many more may be dead. Meanwhile three bakeries in Gaza City resumed operations on Sunday with the help of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). According to eyewitness reports, thousands of people showed up to buy food shortly after the announcement was made that bread would be baked again. Palestinian officials say that before the war there were around 140 bakeries in the Gaza Strip that supplied the majority of the population with bread. However, since the beginning of Israel's bombardment of Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, Palestinians have had to resort to baking bread in open fires and clay ovens. Israel is under increasing pressure to allow more humanitarian aid supplies into the sealed-off strip. Aid organisations describe the situation as catastrophic and say more than a million people are at risk of starvation. More than 33,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the outbreak of war on October 7, according to health officials in the Hamas-led region. The head of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) believes that famine is already occurring in parts of the Gaza Strip. The official classification of famine means that at least 20% of the population is affected by extreme food shortages. In addition, at least one in three children suffers from acute malnutrition. There's the Loch Ness monster in Scotland. And in the Himalayas, there's the yeti, the Abominable Snowman. In Tasmaniaa teardrop of an island under the eye of the Australian mainlandthere's the thylacine a creature that brings out folklore... and folks armed with grainy images, convinced they've seen the thing. But unlike other mythical creatures, the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger, actuallyindisputably existed, an apex predator the size of a small wolf, roamed the island as recently as last century. which gives hope to so many obsessives, dreamers and true believers, looking for the Tasmanian tiger in the bush and, as you'll see, in the lab. This is a story that says as much about human nature as it does nature nature. Further proof thateven in the face of science and logicpassion survives in the wild just fine. Jon Wertheim: You've been doing this how many years now? Adrian Richardson: I've been doing this for over 30 years, and (beeping) every day's an adventure. Jon Wertheim: All right, here we go. Getting there wasn't easy. But Adrian "Richo" Richardsona retired military man turned self-declared tiger seekerretraced his steps. tramping around the dense outback of Tasmania on Jan. 28, 2017, 12:45 p.m., he heard the sound Adrian Richardson: And then all of a sudden, was this a mighty howl like this. (howls). I was gobsmacked. The hairs on my arm and my neck stood on end. And as that call finished, another one come from the other side of the forestry track. Another howl like that. Jon Wertheim and Adrian Richardson / Credit: 60 Minutes Jon Wertheim: What'd that one sound like? Adrian Richardson: Exactly like.. (howls). Richo craned his neck but saw no creature. Still, he's sure of what it was: a Tasmanian tiger. Adrian Richardson: The whole environment went quiet for about a minute. It was an unbelievable feeling. I just can't explain it. Jon Wertheim: Yeah. You're still emotional talking about this. Adrian Richardson: Oh, look, I'm going to remember that call until the time I die. And then I had to try and prove to others what I've heard. When he returned to his home in Hobart, Tasmania's capital, he didn't go down to the pub to share his account. No, he took to his desk and stayed up writing a detailed report, flush with 22 footnotes. Adrian Richardson: What my passion is. It's the thylacine. I know it's there. Jon Wertheim: And this only reinforced your faith. Adrian Richardson: Oh. Without a doubt. One slight hitchone crimp on the barbie, as it werethe creature Richo describes so vividly and breathlessly? It was declared extinct almost 40 years ago. Jon Wertheim: Thought, you know, maybe it's a dingo. May-- maybe it's a wolf. Adrian Richardson: In Tasmania, we do not have anything remotely like it. We do not even have wild dogs in any form. The only feral things we have around here is deer or cats. Jon Wertheim: I don't think deers are making that noise you just made. Adrian Richardson: No, sir. They did not. The Tasmanian tiger roamed these parts for thousands of years. More wolf than tiger, it was (is?) a marsupial weighing about 55 pounds It was also a carnivore that preyed on farmers' sheep. Recalling the fate of the wolf of the American West around the same time, the local government paid out bounties to hunters presenting carcasses by the mid 1930s, the Tassie tiger population had dwindled to one captive at Hobart's Beaumaris Zoo, where it died in 1936 With the required 50 years elapsing without a confirmed sighting, the tiger was put on the extinct list in 1986 yetputting the mania in Tasmaniathe search became a national obsession and the Tasmanian tiger not the Tasmanian devilbecame a sort of local mascot. Its image adorns Tasmania's coat of arms and government buildings. Here's the island's current license plate. Beer named for the Tasmanian tiger is sold in bars. / Credit: 60 Minutes At local watering holes, the regulars put down their Tassie tiger beer long enough to tell you they've seen the animal, or know someone who has. When Nick Mooney was a full-time Hobart biologist, it fell to him to investigate the various Tasmanian tiger accounts. Now in retirement, he's the island's unofficial arbiter. Nick Mooney: I know several people who've got clusters of cameras in very remote areas serviced remotely by satellite, and who go and check on the cameras with their own helicopter, all sorts of things. Jon Wertheim: We've moved way beyond the guy with binoculars saying, "I think I may have seen something." Nick Mooney: Oh, absolutely. He can't help notice: no one ever quite captures a clear image. Still, reported sightings come by the thousands. Jon Wertheim: Have you ever gotten a report or ever looked into something that, eh, gave you a little pause? Nick Mooney: Yes. Sometimes people are dead accurate with the times, the places, the distances. And they're very good naturalists, often don't exaggerate. Like, they take their skills very seriously. And it's very hard to say to those people, "I don't think you saw a thylacine." For the devoted army of seekers, the investment isn't just one of hope and time. Each year, Richo spends, um, more-than-he-cares-to-admit dollars on trail-cam batteries alone. Jon Wertheim: How much money have you sunk into this obsession? Adrian Richardson: Sir, I wouldn't like to speculate. And please don't tell my wife. (laugh) Jon Wertheim: Make it our secret. Adrian Richardson: It's our secret. She often asks and I go, "Go and get your hair done, darling." (laughter) Jon Wertheim: Go shopping. (laugh) Adrian Richardson: Can I stop that one? Can I stop that one? (laugh) Can we redo that one again? (laughter) In the bush, we met another enthusiast, Chris Rehberg, who flies down from mainland Australia and approaches the search in the manner of a CSI detective. Chris Rehberg and Jon Wertheim / Credit: 60 Minutes Jon Wertheim: Apart from the cameras I gather you've been scouring for prints, fur, even poo? Chris Rehberg: Yeah, everything. So scats. Footprints is a big one. And I found a series of 18, 19 individual steps in a track line that are an excellent match for Tassie tiger. Not only are they an excellent match, the quality of the prints is pristine. Scats, keep an eye out, check it out. You know, what's the animal been eating.? Yeah, and calls if you hear them. There are even tracking collectives. Richo was part of the Booth Richardson Tiger Team, which made worldwide news in 2017, after calling a press conference to announce a sighting but when they provided this image as "proof," Nick Mooney assessed it as a "chance," but not an official confirmation. Jon Wertheim: What is the middle ground? You can be right, you can be lying, or what? Nick Mooney: Or you can have an illusion. And there's all sorts of ways that our memory can be affected by time. I have had lots of talks with psychiatrists, and ex-detectives trying to figure out this. You really often have to make a choice, a personal call in the end. Jon Wertheim: To essentially tell them they're wrong and their mind is deceiving them? Nick Mooney: You can't tell 'em that, because you don't know. Essentially, if you weren't there, you don't know. Richo and all the other seekers won't have to wait longthey won't even have to go into the bushif a group of tech investors and biologists deliver on their goal. Andrew Pask counts himself among the Tassie-tiger-transfixed. He comes to the quest, though, armed not with binoculars, but a microscope in his TIGRR lab. Jon Wertheim: Envision that day when you're not just wearing it on a pin. Andrew Pask: 100%, yeah. 100%. I think about it all the time, what it would be like to be in that landscape and just to see one walking past in the bush, an actual one, rather than a crappy photograph. Jon Wertheim: Tell us exactly what you're doing. Andrew Pask / Credit: 60 Minutes Andrew Pask: We can't magically bring the Tasmanian tiger back. We have to start with a living cell, and then engineer our thylacine back into existence. So the way you do that is you find the closest living relative to your animal that has gone extinct, and for us that is a small marsupial species called the fat-tailed dunnart. A developmental biologist at the University of Melbourne, Pask has raised $15 million for a de-extinction project that recalls Jurassic Park. In partnership with American company Colossal Biosciences, which countswait for it Leonardo DiCaprio, Paris Hilton and even the CIA among its backers. He's adamant he'll replicate the genome of a dunnarta mouse-like marsupialand turn it into a (much larger) Tassie tigerwe'll let him explain. Andrew Pask: We examine all of its DNA, we compare that to the DNA of your extinct species, the Tasmanian tiger, and we look at everywhere that those two genomes, or those two piles of DNA, if you like, are different. And once you've identified those differences, it's just a matter of then going in and making all of those edits to turn your fat-tailed dunnart genome, or cell, into a thylacine cell. Jon Wertheim: And you're saying that dunnartthat little field mouse marsupial dunnartis closer than, say, the Tasmanian devil? Andrew Pask: But that little dunnart is a ferocious carnivore, even though it's very, very small. And, it's a very good surrogate for us to be able to do all of this editing in. A native of Minnesota, Kris Helgen is director of the Australian Museum Research Institute in Sydney. He understands the push to de-extinct the Tassie tiger Kris Helgen: This is one of my favorite mammals. Jon Wertheim: Really? Kris Helgen: And I love all (laugh) mammals. I am a mammal guy. This is a special, special animal. He took us upstairs to his lab to show us why Jon Wertheim: What do you make of this de-extinction effort with respect to the Tasmanian tiger? Jon Wertheim and Kris Helgen / Credit: 60 Minutes Kris Helgen: You know, I would be the first person to line up to see this animal if it could be somehow brought back from extinction. That said, Helgen is the skeptic, gently explaining that wishing Tassie tigers were running rampant doesn't overcome science. Kris Helgen: This is an impossible project. Jon Wertheim: We all love optimism. We all love innovation. Kris Helgen: What they're saying is, "We're going to modify the genome of a dunnart to create a genetically modified dunnart that might look a bit more like a thylacine. Maybe we'll be able to tweak it genetically and it gets a bit bigger. Maybe we'll be able to tweak it genetically and it has some stripes on it. But there is about 1,001 steps in between. Helgen has thought about the source of the current Tassie tiger passion and wonders how much of it is driven by remorse. Kris Helgen: It's a special symbol about Australia and about what we've lost. We've had a lot of extinctions here. In the last 100, 200 years, 30 mammals alone. So in the United States, only one or two mammal species have disappeared entirely. Jon Wertheim: So why are people taking this seriously? And why are people investing so much in this? Kris Helgen: So many people have the dream, "If we could just get this animal back." Maybe, it would help us think different about extinction or the guilt that we might feel of having removed such a special animal from the planet. Whether, you know, they imagined it might be still hiding in Tasmania or in a lab to be reborn, there's this burning hope. Richo reckons that if his countrymen in the DNA sequencing labs can resurrect a Tassie tiger, good on' em but, regardless, he'll continue coming here faith unshaken, he's certain this animal most famous for being extinct, is not extinct at all. Jon Wertheim: If someone accused you of being obsessed, would you plead guilty? Adrian Richardson: Oh, sir. I put my hand up to that. Your Honor, I am guilty. Jon Wertheim: You're Tasmanian tiger obsessive. Adrian Richardson: I am, indeed. It's been my love. Jon Wertheim: Why is that? I mean why have you continued to search so-so long for this? Adrian Richardson: I just know it's there. I do. In my own heart, I know it's there. And if it isn't there? Well, we say what's the harm in searching? Coming to the planet's sub-basement, bush-bashing this gorgeous terrain? There are worse waysand placesto spend your days. Produced by Jacqueline Williams. Associate producer, Elizabeth Germino. Broadcast associate, Mariah B. Campbell. Edited by Patrick Lee. Jerry Seinfeld on "Unfrosted," the made-up origin tale of Pop-Tarts The history of Waterford Crystal Psychic Tyler Henry, Hollywood's biggest medium Nearly 100 House Democrats and Republicans are imploring Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to immediately bring the Senate-passed package that includes aid for Israel for a House vote, following Irans unprecedented attack on the country over the weekend. In a letter sent Sunday night, the lawmakers push for Johnson to put the Senate-passed $95 billion national security supplemental that includes military aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan on the floor Monday evening. This weekend, the Iranian regime launched hundreds of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles directly against our key, democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel. Time is of the essence, and we must ensure critical aid is delivered to Israel and our other democratic allies facing threats from our adversaries around the world, the lawmakers wrote. It was led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and signed by 89 colleagues from both sides of the aisle. We urge you to put the Senate Supplemental Aid package on the floor for an immediate vote when we return on Monday, they wrote. This aid package passed the Senate with 70 votes, Democrats and Republicans, and we can send it to the Presidents desk for signature Monday night. The lawmakers demand flies in the face of Johnsons efforts to work around the Senate-passed package, balancing opposition from members of his own party and former President Trump, who holds significant influence over the GOP, for weeks. Johnson is trying to avoid a revolt in his own party, with Republican firebrands most notably Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) threatening a vote to oust the Speaker over her opposition to aid for Ukraine. Johnson met with Trump in Florida on Friday, and the presumptive Republican presidential nominee signaled openness to the House passing more military aid for Ukraine. Trump, however, called for that assistance to be delivered as a loan. More time would be needed to draft and vote on such changes to the Senate-passed legislation, further delaying what the 91 lawmakers say is the need for an immediate vote. But Trumps support is important, allowing for Ukraine-aid opponents to soften their criticisms. The majority of Republicans and Democrats in Congress want to deliver a comprehensive aid package with assistance for Israel and Ukraine as well as priorities in the Indo Pacific. These lawmakers view U.S. support in these three theaters as connected, and want to avoid setting a precedent where Congress picks and chooses where it delivers support. We cant just pick and say, Iran is bad, but Russia is OK, and China is bad. Theyre all in this together. And its very clear to those of us in the intelligence, national security community, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation. McCaul said he expected to speak with Johnson on Sunday night about moving forward on an aid package this week, but signaled openness to a loan program for aid to Ukraine, and other changes to the Senate-passed bill. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ahead of Iraqi Prime Minister Shia Al-Sudanis visit to the White House, members of the Republican Party expressed their concerns over the hundreds of billions of dollars sent to the country, and its ties to groups on the list of U.S.-designated terrorist groups in a letter to President Biden. The letter, which was signed by RNC National Security Task Force Chair Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., and Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern, was sent to Biden on Monday. "As members of the Republican Study Committee, we write to express our deep concern with your decision to host Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to the White House and your overall Iraqi policy," the letter reads. "Despite hundreds of billions of dollars spent in Iraq over two decades and countless American treasure, Iraq is now solidly in Irans hands." The letter notes that Iraq joined Iran in the attack on Israel on Saturday, adding that Al-Sudani leads a government that funds Iran-backed militias with about $2.7 billion a year. HOUSE TEES UP 17 BILLS RELATED TO IRAN/ISRAEL FOR THIS WEEK Mohammed Shyaa Al-Sudani, Iraq's prime minister, left, and US President Joe Biden, right, during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, April 15, 2024 Three of the militias were designated by the U.S. as terrorist groups, Wilson and Hern explained, and those groups have attacked Americans at least 180 times since Hamas-led terrorists invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing three Americans and injuring over 100 others. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "The Iraqi federal budget last year also passed massive funding for the Iranian-backed militias financial arm, the Muhandis General Company, which gives the IRGC and Iraqi militias almost unlimited access to terrorist threat funding and land grants the last one of which was half the size of Lebanon, in the exact area from which the same militias launched drones at Saudi Arabia," the letter read. "The [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] influence is also now extending to Iraqs judiciary which has spearheaded the campaign against American interests, most notably in the Kurdistan Region." Members of the terrorist groups, according to the Republican lawmakers, are members of Iraqs parliament and the Finance Committee, which authorizes funding for U.S.-designated terrorist groups while also blocking the funding for the Kurdistan Regional Government, which is an ally with the U.S. TURKISH WARPLANES STRIKE KURDISH MILITANT POSITIONS IN IRAQ AFTER ATTACK KILLS SOLDIER, WOUNDS 4 The letter to Biden claimed Al-Sudanis cabinet supports terrorism and the countrys security forces have been infiltrated by IRGC-backed militias, which include members of designated terrorist groups. Additionally, Hern and Wilson told the president that the U.S. Treasury Department continues to allow U.S. money to go to Iraqs Central Bank, which is ultimately funneled to terrorist groups and Iranian-backed militias. Also, the minister of oil oversees the second-largest OPEC producer in the world, and the oil that comes out of Iraq is largely controlled by the militias. The oil is then exported by Iran as unsanctioned Iraqi oil, the two told the president. BIDEN SILENT AFTER BEING PRESSED ABOUT IRANIAN STRIKE AGAINST ISRAEL: WHAT NOW? Hezbollah militants gather to pay their respects for one of the militant group's commanders. Ali al-Debs was killed by an Israeli air raid in Lebanon's southern city of Nabatieyh on February 16, 2024. "These are the officials you have determined are worthy to visit the White House. Furthermore, China and Russia have exploited U.S. investments in Iraq, such that China now operates more than 50% of Iraqs oil fields and the Iraqi Oil Ministry now turns to Russian and China for the bulk of its sales and investments," the letter reads. "In essence, the US has effectively overseen China, Russia and Iran dominate Iraq, despite our overwhelming financial and human commitment to Iraqs latest chapter." To make matters worse, they added, Iraq, which is supported by Iran, has turned on the Kurds and has refused to allocate the Kurdistan Region its full Constitutional Budget. Ahead of the meeting, the lawmakers requested answers to several questions, including whether the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury can certify that no U.S. money is transferred to Iraqs Central Bank and being used to fund Iran or its proxies in Iraq. Wilson and Hern also asked why the Treasury Department continues to support money transfers to Iraq when the funds are used by U.S.-designated terrorist groups, and how the State Department is addressing the Iraqi governments blockade on U.S. Congress appropriated military equipment to the Kurdistan Region. The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment on the letter. Original article source: Republicans express deep concern over Iraqi PM visit to White House, connections to terrorist orgs Donald Trumps MAGA disciples were left fuming after the first day of his hush money criminal trial but all their heat boiled down to one detail: that the GOP presidential nominee was being held to the same legal standards as every other private citizen. The weeks-long proceeding will require Trump to be in court for every sessionsomething Trump himself has challenged as election interference on the basis that it will keep him away from the campaign traileven though hell be permitted to campaign every weekend, evening, and Wednesday during the process. If he fails to appear in court, he could face an arrest warrant. But that standard expectation for a criminal trial was, apparently, all too much for his allies, with the campaigns official spokesperson Karoline Leavitt condemning the procedure on Monday as banana republic tactics. Screenshot of a tweet New York Representative Elise Stefanikwho has been vying to become Trumps vice presidential pickundercut the expectations of New York law, similarly suggesting in a post that Trump was being unfairly treated, when in actuality the judge was just going through the usual motions. Corrupt Judge Merchan, a Biden donor whose family member has profited off this case & who illegally gagged President Trump just said If you do not show up, there will be an arrest, Stefanik posted. A 6-8 week show trial... Total election interference. In her replies, one attorney reminded the New York lawmaker that Trump was being held to the same standards as any criminal defendant. The rule about presence in court is called the Parker Warning, and it is given to all defendants in New York state. Elise. You know that this is a standard charge given to every defendant in every criminal case pending in nys, wrote Joshua Stein, a law partner at Greenberg & Stein. Why, if youre so in the right, do you have to mislead your constituents? And Trumps other GOP followers, such as Florida Representative Byron Donalds, just dont seem to care if hes guilty anymore, according to a new report by The Daily Beast which found that just one in 20 interviewed GOP lawmakers showed concern for the possibility that their nominee for the White House might become a convicted felon. But their perspective wasnt shared by prospective jurors, one of whom told MSNBC contributor Adam Klasfeld that they feel that nobodys above the law, whether its a former president, a sitting president or a janitor. Trump is accused of using former fixer Michael Cohen to sweep an affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels under the rug ahead of the 2016 presidential election. He faces 34 felony charges in this case for allegedly falsifying business records with the intent to further an underlying crime. Trump has pleaded not guilty on all counts. The Republican Party is all in on Donald Trump, so much so that at least one representative is trying to sway his legal proceedings. Ahead of the start of the Republican presidential picks first criminal trial on Monday, Representative Byron Donalds pleaded with the people of Manhattan to give his party leader a break. My plea is to the people of Manhattan that may sit on this trial: Please do the right thing for this country, the Florida congressman told Newsmax. Everybodys allowed to have their political viewpoints, but the law is supposed to be blind and no respecter of persons. This is a trash case, there is no crime here, and if there is any potential for a verdict, they should vote not guilty. GOP Rep. Byron Donalds on Newsmax makes "a plea" to the people of Manhattan to acquit Trump pic.twitter.com/NuRNjmFpfA Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 15, 2024 Donaldss appeal is indicative of a new wave of opinion within the conservative partythat is, a complete disregard for not just Trumps 91 criminal charges but also their outcome. According to The Daily Beast, just one in 20 interviewed GOP lawmakers showed concern with the possibility that their nominee for the White House could be a convicted felon, instead referring to the proceedings as frivolous. You get an alleged conviction on BS charges in front of a judge that is not impartial and thats supposed to sway my mind? Donalds told the Beast. Man, Im bigger than that. I dont worry about that kind of stupid stuff. Other lawmakers, such as Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, completely threw the judicial system under the bus, blaming Trumps woeswhich also include repercussions for bank fraud, sexual abuse, election interference, hoarding classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, and moreas the failures of another pillar of government. Im very uncomfortable with the weaponized justice system, Vance told the outlet. I couldnt care less what a weaponized justice system says. Ultimately, its not going to change my vote. I dont think itll change most Americans votes. The only outlier was Utah Senator Mitt Romney, a longtime Trump critic who is leaving Congress at the end of his term. He told the Beast that the implications of having a convicted felon as president were not goodstill, he didnt believe that a conviction would make any difference at all to Trump voters. He will once again say, This is all political, Romney told the outlet. And they will dutifully follow. That appears to extend to Trumps acolytes in Congress, as well. FIRST ON FOX: A coalition of five Michigan Republicans is calling on the Department of Justice to investigate anti-Israel activists who have chanted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" during recent rallies. Led by Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., the GOP lawmakers penned a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, characterizing the chants as "anti-American and anti-Semitic," and arguing they constitute an incitement of violence, are not protected speech and pose a threat to public safety. They also said the chants are evidence terrorist sympathies remain prevalent among certain activist groups. "Though purportedly held to express support for the Palestinian cause, these events were instead platforms for inciting terrorism and violence," Moolenaar and the other Republicans wrote. "Repeatedly, we have witnessed in the past several months the harassment and physical assault directed at innocent Americans during or immediately following these events." "As defenders of the Constitution of the United States against enemies both foreign and domestic, and as staunch supporters of Israel, we are alarmed by the increasing calls to violence against anyone not espousing their radical agenda," the letter to Garland continued. WHITMER REMAINS SILENT ON PROTESTERS' 'DEATH TO AMERICA' CHANTS WHILE WEIGHING IN ON WAR IN ISRAEL, ELECTION Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., is pictured during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on March 29, 2023. The group which, in addition to Moolenaar, included Reps. Tim Walberg, Jack Bergman, Lisa McClain and John James concluded their letter by imploring the DOJ to take "swift and decisive action" to investigate and prosecute the people spearheading such calls for violence and "Death to America" chants. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Their letter comes less than two weeks after video circulated online showed protesters at an Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn, Michigan, chanting, "Death to America" and "Death to Israel." Al-Quds Day is an annual event commemorating the conclusion of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in support of Palestinians and in opposition of Israel. BIDEN CAMPAIGN: WE DON'T WANT THE VOTES OF 'DEATH TO AMERICA' PROTESTERS IN MICHIGAN Activist Tarek Bazzi began the Dearborn event by asking the crowd to pray for "the victory of the resistance" and referred to "the resistance fighters [who] engage in battle with this godless, satanic cancer that is called Israel," according to the Anti-Defamation League. Another activist displayed an image of Irans Ayatollah Khomeini while other crowd signs had messages like, "The Zionist entity has no right to exist." Attorney General Merrick Garland delivers remarks in Selma, Alabama, on March 3, 2024. The Anti-Defamation League further reported that similar events were held in New York City on Al-Quds Day and, like the Dearborn rally, attracted large crowds and included the use of "violent" rhetoric by speakers and attendees. "We urge you to take decisive action to prosecute those calling for Death to America and to uphold the principles of justice and freedom that define our nation by defending it," the letter to Garland concluded. "Now is the time to take action to ensure the safety and security of all Americans." The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Both the White House and the Biden campaign have condemned Bazzi's comments. Fox News' Emma Colton contributed to this report. Original article source: Republicans pressure Biden DOJ to probe activists calling for 'Death to America' Republicans trust Trump for Ukraine information more than twice as much as on-the-ground journalists: Poll Republicans say they trust former President Trump for information on the Ukraine-Russia conflict more than they do any other news or government source, according to a new survey released Sunday. In a CBS News/YouGov poll conducted April 9-12, 79 percent of Republicans say they trust Trump for information on the Ukraine-Russia conflict more than double the 33 percent of Republicans who say they trust journalists in the war zone for information. Following Trump, the Pentagon had 60 percent of the Republican respondents trust, followed by conservative media, with 56 percent of Republicans trust. The State Department had the least amount of trust on the issue, with only 27 percent of Republican respondents saying they trust the agency on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The poll comes amid concerns about the spread of Russian propaganda in mainstream political discourse. Two top Republican members of the House recently expressed concern about the reach of pro-Russia talking points. Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States, unfortunately, and its infected a good chunk of my partys base, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said recently. House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) last week agreed with McCaul, saying his remarks were absolutely true. We see directly coming from Russia attempts to mask communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor, Turner said. McCaul acknowledged Sunday that Trump has in the past platformed pro-Russia misinformation online, saying on CBS Newss Face the Nation that thats precisely why the Speaker went down to Mar-a-Lago, [to] talk to him about the Ukraine package, referring to the meeting between Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Trump. Trump has tremendous influence over my conference. And thats why its important that we have these discussions with him, McCaul, who has been pushing for the House to pass Ukraine aid, said in the Sunday interview. The poll published Sunday also revealed a sharp divide among parties on whether the U.S. should send weapons and military aid to Ukraine. About three-quarters of Democrats 74 percent say the U.S. should, while only 30 percent of Republicans agree. Independents are split exactly down the middle, with 50 percent support. The poll was conducted with 2,399 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points. The margin of error for Republican-only questions was plus or minus 5.1 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LUZERNE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Mine subsidence is two words northeastern Pennsylvanians are quite familiar with, but a local subsidence just after daybreak Sunday is unlike just about any other. It swallowed up the water from a creek in Luzerne County. 28/22 News Reporter Iyee Jagne was near Toby Creek where the waterway went dry after the subsidence. Multiple people were evacuated out of their homes out of caution of further subsidence. It brought out several agencies to figure out what happened, and what to do next. On a day when rain would normally cause waterways to rise a bit, the opposite was happening at Toby Creek because of a sinkhole that opened above an abandoned mine shaft below the creek. It raised concerns for residents who walk the nearby Back Mountain Trail. One man who did not want to appear on camera says the dry creek is a strange site given the amount of wet weather in recent days. Its been raining a lot lately, so the creek has been very high and its been roaring and this is the first time its probably been dry in a long time, said Luzerne resident Patrick Harris. NWS issues severe thunderstorm warning across PA Luzerne Borough Emergency Management Coordinator Jason Tarreto tells 28/22 News that the Luzerne Volunteer Fire Department was alerted Sunday morning around 7:00 a.m. After arriving, they contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP,) Office of Surface Mining and Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency (EMA.) Harris says subsidence is something that he and most of his neighbors are used to dealing with. Up here on the mountain there used to be a coal breaker a long time ago and we all know that anywhere if you live in the valley theres goanna be mine shafts underneath you, Patrick explained. Harriss wife, Tracy, who also did not want to appear on camera, says this was surprising. No, especially with all the rain constantly going so to hear that theres nothing there or just a little trickle its a little surprising, Tracy said. Its a concern, but anyone who lives in the Wyoming \Valley knows that but definitely shocking when you wake up one morning and you realize that like a quarter-mile away from your house theres a giant sinkhole, Patrick added. An official on scene did tell Jagne that the sinkhole is about 60 feet deep and that they are still working to fill it. Exit 6 on Route 309 North and Southbound are both closed and will remain that way till further notice. The DEP Issued a statement regarding the incident Sunday evening. This is an evolving issue. DEP continues to respond to the mine subsidence on Toby Creek, Luzerne County, that has dewatered the creek from the Back Mountain area to where the creek enters the Susquehanna River. There are known abandoned mines in the area of the creek. DEP is working to stabilize the bank near the subsidence and divert the flow of water back into the creek. Colleen Connolly from the DEP 28/22 News will continue working this story and will provide updates as new information becomes available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. WYANDOTTE, Okla. The city of Wyandotte continues to clean up following a train derailment that happened Saturday evening. PREVIOUS: Cleanup underway after massive train derailment in Oklahoma Wyandotte Mayor Leon Crow told us earlier today that BNSF Railroad crews arrived on scene around 2:30 a.m., and completed much of the work before daybreak. Theyve remained on the scene throughout most of today. First, they had to remove the 17 to 19 railroad cars that were derailed from the tracks before removing the railroad ties that the train was carrying and damaged parts of the track. Mayor Crow says no hazardous chemicals were being transported on the train. He says BNSF crews anticipate having the Main Street crossing and railroad line to be back open to traffic by early tomorrow morning following repairs to the track. I will say, Burlington Northern is a well-oiled machine. I mean, one crew comes in and does one thing and somebody I mean Ive been pretty impressed and been very thankful for the conversations that Ive had with them, said Leon Crow, Wyandotte Mayor & Emergency Manager for Wyandotte Nation. Mayor Crow says another salvage crew with BNSF will soon arrive to haul the derailed train cars out of town. The incident happened just after 7:30 p.m. on Saturday when Wyandotte Nation authorities say calls about the train began coming in. Many of the cars were derailed at the Main Street crossing, just north of Broadway Street. Officials say, thankfully, no one was injured. Wyandotte resident Kevin Palmer lives near the railroad tracks and was working in his shop at the time of the incident. He says he noticed the unusually high speed of the passing train along with sparks coming from below right before it derailed sending train cars into neighboring yards. And before it wrecked, I was sitting there and I told them Man, that trains kinda moving. And all of a sudden, we heard like a loud bang and we ran around the shop and there was dust everywhere and we were trying to figure out what the heck was going on, said Kevin Palmer, Wyandotte Resident/Lives Near Railroad Tracks. Again, no one was injured. The crossing is expected to be open before daylight tomorrow. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Editors Note: A version of this story appears in CNNs Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the regions biggest stories. Sign up here. Israel has yet to agree how to respond to the Iranian attack over the weekend that saw more than 300 projectiles fired at its territory in the first direct military confrontation between the Islamic Republic and the Jewish state. Israel must balance international pressure to show restraint on the one hand, while searching for an appropriate response to an unprecedented attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now has to weigh his right-wing coalitions call for a strong reaction against the risk of further international isolation for Israel by widening the war without international support. After a nearly three-hour meeting on Monday, Israels war cabinet remained determined to respond to Irans attack for what the Islamic Republic says was retaliation to a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus on April 1. Despite pressure from allies not to escalate, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said on Monday that Irans attack on Israel will be met with a response. The cabinet debated the timing and scope of the response, two Israeli officials familiar with the deliberations told CNN. One official said there is a sense that Israel must act quickly. The US expects Israels military response will be limited in scope, a senior administration official and a source familiar with the intelligence told CNN. There is US intelligence to suggest Israel is weighing a narrow and limited strike inside Iran, the second source said. Israel hasnt given the US an official warning about what its plans may be and when they could occur, the senior administration official said. Theres no guarantee they will give us a heads up and they know when they give us a heads up, were likely to again register our objection to whatever theyre about to conduct, the administration official said. The official also said if Israel did not respond to Iran, the US is confident that there will be de-escalation and the situation would go back to the status quo. But any additional move now opens up a series of other possibilities, some of which are quite frightening, the senior official added. Tough choices Analysts say that Israel has few options, and each of those options comes with a price for the Jewish state, especially as it is already embroiled in a brutal six-month war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip and is confronting various Iran-backed militants in the region. A direct attack on Iran would set yet another precedent. While Israel is believed to have conducted covert operations in Iran over the years, often targeting individuals or facilities seen as a threat to its security, it has never launched a direct military assault on Iranian territory. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday warned that the smallest action against Irans interests will be met with a severe, extensive and painful response, describing his countrys attack on Israel as an act of legitimate defense. We are definitely in a new phase, and a very dangerous phase of the Israeli-Iranian confrontation, said Raz Zimmt, an Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv. Iran has certainly tried to change the rules of the game with Israel We might expect more rounds of direct attacks in the future. While Israel may find it hard not to retaliate, he said, it may not conduct an immediate full scale military attack against targets inside Iran as Tehran has vowed to retaliate with an even bigger response than the attack launched over the weekend. An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel on Sunday. - Amir Cohen/Reuters The preference in Israel has been to continue and concentrate on achieving our main objectives in Gaza, and not to open new fronts, Zimmt told CNN. Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, said it is unlikely that Israel will retaliate by directly striking Iran. But if it does, he said, the fallout will depend on the targets. Targets could include military assets or the Islamic Republics nuclear program, he said. Each and every one represents a different level of escalation. An Israeli official told CNN on Monday that among the military options being considered is an attack on an Iranian facility that would send a message to Tehran but avoid causing casualties. Israeli officials recognize that will be a difficult needle to thread, the official added. Constrained by allies Israels response may however be constrained by the fact that it acted as part of an informal coalition when fending off Irans barrage of missiles and drones, Tamir Hayman, Israels former head of military intelligence, said on X. The attacks were thwarted with the help of allies including the US, UK and France, as well as Jordan. This is effective and important, but it will limit the freedom of action in response, Hayman, who now heads the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv, said on Sunday. Western and Arab allies of Israel have been discouraging it from responding to Irans attack. US President Joe Biden and senior members of his national security team have told their Israeli counterparts the US will not participate in any offensive action against Iran, according to US officials familiar with the matter. Biden sought to frame Israels successful interception of the Iranian onslaught as a major victory with the suggestion that further Israeli response was unnecessary. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby reiterated this position Monday. Just because Iran conducted this unprecedented attack doesnt mean that we should just accept a constant rising escalation in the region, he said. US President Joe Biden meets with members of the National Security team regarding the attacks on Israel on Saturday in the White House Situation Room. - Adam Schultz/The White House Domestic political considerations Israel is also likely to take domestic political considerations into account. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads the most right-wing coalition in the countrys history, and keeping that government from collapsing would require appeasement of hardliners. Netanyahu has come under intense criticism at home for not being able to prevent the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Israel and his inability to secure the release of the more than 100 hostages that remain in Gaza. Pinkas expects any retaliatory decision by Israel to be heavily influenced by Netanyahus far-right government and the prime ministers own needs for political survival. With Mr. Netanyahu, its all about politics and his own survival, and the maintenance of his coalition and his desire to broaden the war to distance himself from October 7 and the Hamas attack, Pinkas said. So, in his mind, a regional conflict or a direct conflict with Iran is consistent with the fabricated narrative that he invented, that this (October 7) is not just a terror attack but part of a much bigger confrontation and campaign, Pinkas said. In Israel, Pinkas added, the public doesnt want to open another front, with troops still fighting in Gaza. People are still devastated and shocked over what had happened in October, so I dont think there is any public desire to escalate and open an entirely direct conflict with Iran, he said. Rescue workers search in the rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy a day after an Israeli air strike in Damascus, Syria, on April 2. - Louai Beshara/AFP/Getty Images International credit Ahead of the weekend attacks, Israel had become increasingly isolated on the world stage due to its conduct in the Gaza war, where more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed. Since the attack by Iran, however, its Western allies have rallied around the Jewish state and its right to defend itself. Some Israeli politicians have called for the state to take advantage of the support gained after the attack to hit back. Others have called for Israel to use the international credit to either attack Tehran or invade Gazas Rafah city, where more than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering, and which Israel says is Hamas last stronghold. A planned operation in the city has been delayed amid a global consensus against it. Israel was set to take its first steps toward a ground offensive in Rafah this week, but has delayed those plans as it mulls a response to Irans attack, two Israeli sources told CNN. One Israeli official said the government remains determined to carry out the operation, although the timing of civilian evacuations and the ground offensive remains unclear. The future of the war in Gaza and the ground offensive in Rafah were both factoring into the war cabinets debate about a potential response to Irans attack. We need to respond and there are two good options: Either, we take advantage of the attack yesterday in order to attack Iran, or to come to an agreement with the United States to enter Rafah, and eliminate Hamas there, Yaakov Amidror, former national security adviser to Netanyahu, told the Jerusalem Post on Monday. Benny Gantz, a key member of the war cabinet, has pushed for a swifter response to Irans attack, two Israeli officials told CNN. He believes that the longer Israel delays its response to Irans attack, the harder it will be to garner international support for it, the sources said. Others disagree, saying retaliatory action from Israel that escalates tensions would only further isolate the Jewish state, especially from Gulf Arab states that Israel seeks to normalize ties with. Risking Arab ties Arab states, including those that are friendly with Israel, have expressed concern about a potential escalation from Irans attack, but havent outright condemned it. Israel said that most of the drones fired from Iran were intercepted outside its airspace. Jordan shot down a number of those drones and faced criticism in the Arab world for the move. It has argued that it was done to protect its citizens and in response to violations of its airspace. Despite its role in intercepting the drones, however, Jordan has not shied away from chastizing the Netanyahu government. In an interview with CNNs Becky Anderson, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi appeared to support Irans position that the attack was in retaliation to Israels bombing of the Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus. Now I think the pressure is on Israel not to escalate and work towards the objective that we all share, which is de-escalating the conflict, Safadi said on Monday, warning that Netanyahu seeks an escalation to shift focus away from the war in Gaza. Israel has also been on a mission to mend relations with Arab states, some of which sit across the Persian Gulf from Iran, house US military bases and have come under fire from Iran-allied groups in the past. Those nations have played a delicate balancing act between ties with Tehran and with Israel, and are wary of the impact of a full blown Iranian-Israeli war on their own stability and oil exports. The last thing they (Gulf states) want right now is a conflagration that would raise oil prices, that would block the Strait of Hormuz, Pinkas told CNN, referring to the worlds most important oil transit point. Relations with those states may be affected if Israel is seen as responsible for such an escalation, he added. CNNs Celine Alkhaldi, Sam Fossum, Zahid Mahmood, Niamh Kennedy, Adam Pourahmadi, Mostafa Salem, Alex Marquardt and Natasha Bertrand contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com An instructor playing the role of a suspect in a vehicle sticks her hands out of a car door during a training class at the Washington state Criminal Justice Training Commission. In early March, Washington state lawmakers passed an initiative that will restore police officers authority to engage in a pursuit when there is reasonable suspicion a person has violated the law. The new policy will go into effect in June. (Ted S. Warren/The Associated Press) This story originally appeared on Stateline. During several years of efforts to refine policing tactics ranging from mandating body-worn cameras to limiting or banning excessive use of force many states and law enforcement agencies nationwide imposed more restrictive car chase policies to protect civilians and officers. Now, state legislators and some local and state agencies are turning back the dial, moving to relax the rules on high-speed vehicular pursuits largely because of concerns about crime, according to news reports and a review of testimony by Stateline. A handful of jurisdictions have rolled back restrictions over the past year, including Florida, the District of Columbia, San Francisco and Washington state. On the other side, Michigan restricted chases, and Hawaii also is considering legislation that would set more restrictive statewide pursuit standards. Policing experts suggest that state legislative changes nationwide have been influenced by various factors, such as political pressure or high-profile incidents. They expressed doubt that allowing more high-speed chases would significantly lower crime. Most people comply with the police voluntarily anyway, and most people are probably not aware of their local agencies pursuit policies, Jacinta Gau, a criminal justice professor at the University of Central Florida and a police-community relations expert, told Stateline. I dont think it would have an appreciable impact on any sorts of crime. Some policing experts and former law enforcement officers say its important to strike a balance between apprehending potentially violent suspects and protecting the public from traffic accidents. Its a very delicate balance, said Rodney Bryant, a former Atlanta police chief, in an interview. Bryant is now the president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. One of the things that chiefs or policymakers have to take into consideration as it relates to [pursuits] is what harm happens if the person is not caught right then. And theres also the victims perspective. In mid-March, aiming to limit chases, the Michigan State Police began restricting pursuits only to situations in which troopers have probable cause to believe the driver or occupant of a fleeing vehicle has committed a violent or life-threatening felony. In contrast, the Florida Highway Patrol recently loosened its pursuit policy. Previously, chases were restricted to felony offenses, reckless driving or DUIs. The new policy grants officers more discretion to initiate chases, removes guidelines about following posted speed limits, authorizes troopers on motorcycles to participate in pursuits, and allows troopers to drive on the wrong side of the road or in the wrong direction. The Florida Highway Patrol declined Statelines interview request, but the agency said in a statement that its troopers are some of the most highly trained and experienced law enforcement officers in the nation when it comes to pursuit and vehicle operations. While many states shy away from holding dangerous felons accountable for their decisions, the Florida Highway Patrol seeks to use every tool and tactic available to ensure dangerous felons end up in jail and off our streets, the agency said in its statement. In the District of Columbia and San Francisco, police department chase policies were changed through a major crime bill and a ballot measure, respectively. In the District, officers will be able to begin pursuits if vehicle occupants pose an imminent threat to others. And in San Francisco, officers can initiate pursuits for any felony or violent misdemeanors, including retail theft, vehicle theft and auto burglaries. Violent crime, which refers to offenses that involve force or the threat of force, across the United States decreased in 2022 dropping to about the same level as before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the FBIs annual crime report. Property crimes rose during the same period. Most types of crime appear to be reverting toward pre-pandemic levels, according to a report earlier this year from the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank. Still, some states and cities are experiencing upticks in specific offenses. In Washington state, for example, the violent crime rate in 2022 rose from 335.7 to 375.6 reported incidents per 100,000 people. Thats still below the national rate of 380.7 reported incidents per 100,000 people, according to the FBI. The number of reported homicides in the state also reached a five-year high in 2022, and robberies surged by 18% compared with 2021, while law enforcement staffing continued to nosedive, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs annual crime report. In early March, Washington state lawmakers approved a measure that came to the legislature in the form of a citizen initiative. Under the policy, law enforcement officers again may give chase when there is reasonable suspicion a person has violated a law. The policy, which will go into effect in June, allows individual police agencies to impose stricter pursuit rules. In June, I think were going to see an immediate effect on how crime is treated in Washington state, and were going to bend that curve downward, said Washington state Sen. Keith Wagoner, a Republican who voted for the measure, in an interview. Washington states pursuit policy Although Washington states revised pursuit policy offers greater flexibility in initiating chases, it still requires officers to determine that the potential danger to the public from letting the suspect go outweighs the risks of the chase itself. The fleeing driver must be considered a threat to the safety of others, which is a lower standard than whats outlined under the states current policy. The policy currently requires that the suspect must pose a serious risk of harm to others. Rollbacks ignore a slew of data indicating how immensely dangerous vehicle pursuits are, both to officers and members of the public. Josh Parker, senior counsel with the New York University Policing Project Until the new law takes effect, police chases are only allowed for certain crimes, including violent offenses, sex offenses, driving under the influence and escaping from prison or jail. Pursuits for lower-level crimes, such as property theft, are banned. Following calls for increased police accountability, Washington state enacted its current law in 2021, about a year after the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and amended it last year. Some police agencies and state legislators argued that the restrictions hampered officers ability to fight crime. It wasnt great policy, kind of a knee-jerk reaction, Wagoner said. The bad guys were waiting at the starting line and there was a starting gun, and auto theft just skyrocketed and crimes associated with that took off. In 2022, the number of reported motor vehicle thefts jumped by more than a third over the previous year, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs annual crime reports. The Evergreen State had one of the highest rates of motor vehicle thefts in 2022 compared with other states, according to FBI crime data, a consistent trend since at least 1997. Still, crime data is notoriously difficult to track and understand, and experts say anecdotal evidence on social media can heavily influence public perceptions of safety and crime. Washington state Rep. Roger Goodman, a Democrat who chairs the House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee, voted for the measure, but is concerned that lowering the standard may lead to more injuries and fatalities from traffic accidents. Im holding my breath and fervently hoping that police will use their discretion responsibly and will call the pursuit off if it truly is more dangerous than the risk of not apprehending the person, Goodman said in an interview. Some opponents of the revised policy argue that more chases could also lead to increased property damage and prove very costly for local governments responsible for settling claims and covering legal expenses. And some advocates say that there is not enough data to truly understand how effective the states initial pursuit policy was. Its really premature for this initiative to have been proposed and adopted, said Andrew Villeneuve, the executive director of the Northwest Progressive Institute, a left-leaning think tank. This is really more about the politics for them than the policy. The Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs endorsed the measure, saying local pursuit authority is especially important in areas with high rates of car thefts and organized retail thefts, Executive Director Teresa Taylor wrote in an email to Stateline. The top down, statewide, legislative restrictions were negatively impacting the relationship between law enforcement and the public, a relationship our members care deeply about. Limited data and standards Data on police chases, crashes and fatalities is limited and likely undercounted. While the federal government collects data on fatal crashes, that system relies on the accuracy of information coming from individual police departments. And some departments do not collect or release this data publicly. Milwaukee, one of the few cities with comprehensive, public pursuit data, saw a dramatic increase in the number of chases resulting in accidents and injuries following a series of restriction rollbacks that began in 2015. In 2022, the number of pursuits reached 1,028, a staggering fifteenfold increase compared with 2010, when there were only 68 pursuits, according to the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commissions 2022 report. The apprehension rate, which measures the percentage of people caught or detained by police following a pursuit, declined from 91.2% in 2010 to 38% in 2022. An investigation this year by the San Francisco Chronicle, which compiled data from the federal government, private research organizations and news reports, found that at least 3,336 people across the country were killed in pursuits from 2017 through 2022. Most of the pursuits in the Chronicles database began over traffic offenses, nonviolent crimes or no crime at all. One out of 15 people killed in these cases were drivers pursued for suspected violent crimes. More than half of the fatalities were either non-driving passengers in fleeing vehicles or bystanders. Officers accounted for less than 1% of those killed. The Chronicles analysis also found that Black people were killed at a rate four times higher than white people. Rollbacks [of strict pursuit policies] ignore a slew of data indicating how immensely dangerous vehicle pursuits are, both to officers and members of the public, Josh Parker, senior counsel with the New York University Policing Project, said in an interview with Stateline. There are no national standards or guidelines for when police chases are allowed, according to Chuck Wexler, the executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a national nonprofit think tank on policing standards. But in September 2023, it released a report urging law enforcement agencies to refrain from initiating pursuits unless a violent crime has occurred and the suspect poses an imminent threat to others. The report, which was written by a committee of experts and policing executives and funded by the federal Department of Justices Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, says chases should be rare because the dangers of pursuits to suspects, officers and bystanders often outweigh the urgency of apprehending a suspect. The report also offers guidance for police departments in crafting pursuit policies that outline when to initiate chases and when to call them off. Fatal crashes involving police pursuits peaked at 483 in 2022, marking the highest figure since at least 2020 when there were 464 fatal crashes, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agencys data is the sole national source of pursuit-related data, albeit likely incomplete. If you don't have a strong policy, then you're putting your officers at a higher risk the public and the people, the suspects, Wexler said in an interview. Policy matters, training matters and supervision matters. Four hundred people dying a year is way too many. We can do better than that. 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. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter. The post In reversal, more areas allow high-speed police chases appeared first on Alabama Reflector. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday alleged in a social media post that allies of former President Trump reached out to him about joining the Republican presidential ticket as Trumps running mate, something the former presidents campaign has denied. Kennedys assertion comes as Trump has in recent weeks more directly attacked Kennedy as a liberal as he pursues his independent presidential bid. President Trump calls me an ultra-left radical. Im soooo liberal that his emissaries asked me to be his VP. I respectfully declined the offer, Kennedy wrote on the social platform X. I am against President Trump, and President Biden cant win. Judging by his new website, it looks like President Trump knows who actually can beat him. A top Trump aide on Monday disputed that Kennedy was approached for the role. Re-upping this from January was true then and its true now, Chris LaCivita wrote on X, calling Kennedy a leftie loonie that would never be approached to be on the ticket..sorry! Make America Great Again Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC, launched a website on Monday labeling Kennedy Jr. a radical liberal that highlights his views on tax policy, gun laws and the climate. Make America Great Again Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC, launched a website Monday dubbing the scion of Americas most famous political family Radical Fing Kennedy, The Post has learned. The New York Post reported in January that the former presidents team made attempts at recruiting Kennedy as a running mate. The New York Times reported last week that Trump himself had floated the idea of Kennedy joining the ticket, though it was not believed to be a serious suggestion. Trump has in recent weeks blasted Kennedy on social media as a liberal candidate and has suggested the lawyer and environmentalist could be politically useful to his campaign against Biden. RFK Jr. is the most Radical Left Candidate in the race, by far. Hes a big fan of the Green New Scam, and other economy killing disasters, Trump wrote on Truth Social in late March. I guess this would mean he is going to be taking votes from Crooked Joe Biden, which would be a great service to America. Political strategists have warned that in a close race between President Biden and Trump, an independent or third-party candidate like Kennedy could pull enough votes in crucial states to tip the election in one candidates favor. A New York Times/Siena College poll published Saturday found Trump polling at 46 percent support to Bidens 45 percent, with the president closing the gap from February, when Trump had a 5 percentage point lead. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 15. Uzbekistan and Qatar discussed the realization of the Trans-Afghan Railway construction project, Trend reports. According to the Uzbek Presidents office, the project was reviewed at a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with the delegation of Qatar headed by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. During the meeting, the sides discussed matters of expanding bilateral cooperation in trade and economics, investment and transportation and communication spheres. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted the intensive political dialog, the dynamic growth of mutual trade and investments. Furthermore, both sides noted the importance of promoting joint investment projects and creating effective mechanisms for their financial support as soon as possible. Both parties discussed regional issues, including the serious escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Meanwhile, in October 2023, Uzbekistan Railways JSC presented the Transfagan Railway project to Qatar's Ministry of Transport. Following the presentation, the parties discussed how to ensure Qatar's participation in the project's implementation. The administrations of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan signed a road map for the building of the Termez-Mazar-I-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway in February 2021. According to the calculations of the participants in the project, with a preliminary cost of about $5 billion, the new transport corridor with a transit potential of up to 20 million tons of cargo should connect the countries of Europe, Russia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and further the states of Southeast Asia. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed again on Monday that Donald Trumps team asked him to consider being the former presidents running mate, which a Trump adviser denied. Kennedys claim, which he posted to followers on X, previously Twitter, comes after several attacks by Trump on Truth Social calling Kennedy the most radical liberal candidate in the presidential race. Both Republicans and Democrats are racing to define Kennedy in the general election race before his campaign can define itself, with Trumps side calling him too liberal and President Joe Bidens team connecting him with Trump and the MAGA movement. President Trump calls me an ultra-left radical. Im soooo liberal that his emissaries asked me to be his VP. I respectfully declined the offer, Kennedy wrote on X. Kennedy first said that Trumps team had approached him about joining his ticket as vice president in January. People from the team have reached out to me, Kennedy said in an interview with News Nation. Trump has privately floated the idea of picking Kennedy as vice president in recent months, though advisers dismiss the idea he would ever be picked. Trump is known to workshop ideas to a variety of aides and allies, even if they never come to fruition. Chris LaCivita, Trumps co-campaign manager, pushed back on Kennedys claim, calling him a leftie loonie that would never be approached to be on the ticket..sorry! Kennedy and Trump, both former New York residents and former Democrats, have known each other for many years. When Trump was first elected in 2016, he even considered appointing Kennedy to a new government vaccine safety commission after an in-person meeting at Trump Tower during the presidential transition. In an interview with Science journal, Kennedy said that the meeting was about an hour long with both Trump and former adviser Kellyanne Conway. The commission ultimately was not formed. Now as election opponents, Trump has criticized Kennedy for being too far left in multiple Truth Social posts and in a recently posted video. But hes got some nice things about him. I happen to like him, Trump said in a video post last week. Unfortunately he is about the Green New Scam because he believes in that and a lot of people dont. I guess that would mean the RFK Jr.s going to be taking away votes from Crooked Joe Biden, and he should because hes actually better than Biden, Trump continued. Hes much better than Biden. If I were a Democrat, Id vote for RFK Jr. every single time over Biden. Roaches on clean dishes and other restaurant inspection issues from Miami to Palm Beach The Sick and Shut Down list returns with nine restaurants in Miami, Broward and Palm Beach each of which has its own flavor of vermin problems. A reminder: This list is reactive. We dont choose who gets inspected and we dont do the inspecting. We merely tell you who stunk up their inspection badly enough to be closed. We list these without passion or prejudice, but with dash of humor and a soupcon of judgment. In alphabetical order... Au Bon Gout Take Out, 5273 N. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach: Routine inspection, 15 total violations, three High Priority violations. On the supposedly-clean dishes, you had two live roaches on bowls and plates on a cleaned utensil storage rack in the prep area and seven live roaches moving on the rack itself. Also, the bowls and plates werent placed in an inverted manner, so they were filled with water. Employee preparing food dried hands with soiled towel and continued cooking in kitchen. However, there wasnt any soap at the kitchen handwash sink, so drowning his hands in hot water wouldve been as close to washing as he couldve gotten. The tostones on a walk-in cooler shelf werent covered. In other poor food storage, bagged onions on the floor by a back door, another bag of onions and a box of salt were under a kitchen table and several buckets of raw chicken and beef sat on the floor of the walk-in cooler. The bottom of a beverage display case, walk-in cooler shelves and the kitchen handwash sink handles were soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. A live roach and a dead roach on the callback inspection necessitated a second callback inspection. Au Bon Gout passed that. Carnitas De Nicaragua Fritanga Tortilleria Mini Market, 1885 W. Flagler, Miami: Routine inspection, 44 total violations, 11 High Priority violations. On Monday, we told you about this Little Havana restaurant that had 44 problems and roaches were one. Like someone crunching a roach, the owner put his foot down swiftly and with furious anger. READ MORE: Roaches got a Miami restaurant shut down and, the owner said, an exterminator fired Carnitas passed a re-inspection the next day. Dairy Queen, 1113 Royal Palm Blvd., Royal Palm Beach: Routine inspection, four total violations, two High Priority violations. One dead roach. Three flies on the wall. And pieces of rodent dump under shelves with single service cups. You had to wait the next day to get your ice cream, Blizzard or burger. Drawbridge Torry Island, 3300 W. Canal St. N, Belle Glade: Routine inspection, 11 total violations, seven High Priority violations. A crate of onions and potatoes sat on the floor near the walk-in cooler. The mesh in the back door was in disrepair. You know whats coming next... rodent droppings and flies were present in the establishment. Six flies played in the kitchen. As for the rodent dung, 10 pieces were beside and behind a deep freezer and 16 were on a floor leading to the entrance of the walk-in cooler. The dishwasher sanitizer measured zero and the inspector was told the dishwasher wasnt being used. The inspector noted, However, during the inspection a tray loaded with utensils was observed in dishwasher. The manager also blamed a power outage from the previous night for cooked potatoes, cooked rice, raw steak, raw chicken and raw swai being too warm after a night in the walk-in cooler. The inspector fired Stop Sales at all the listed food. After flies ruined the first re-inspection the next day, the Drawbridge came down after a second re-inspection that day. El Sabrocito Corporation, 11640 Quail Roost Dr., South Miami-Dade: Routine inspection, 12 total violations, five High Priority violations. Regular readers knew it was about time for accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin in the prep area. Of the 12 dead roaches, six were floating in water in a tray under the three-compartment sink at the cookline. Another four were on the floor by the kitchen entrance. Of the four live roaches, three were on the kitchen floor and one was crawling from the wall to under the steam table at front service counter. No way to dry your hands at the cookline handwash sink. The inside of the reach-in cooler was soiled. During the first re-inspection, the inspector saw three live roaches and seven dead roaches. El Sabrocito was bueno after the second re-inspection. READ MORE: Inspectors found filthy equipment at a Hialeah bakery and a Cao Bakery near Kendall India Grill and Bar, 650 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach: Complaint inspection, 11 total violations, six High Priority violations. In the server station soda machines ice well, there was a dead roach. The inspector slapped all that ice with a Stop Sale just like the Stop Sale put on the roachs life. If youre going to have roach motels, you have to dump them when theres no more vacancy. Four roach traps had 40 roaches in a prep area room across from the cookline. Thats about how packed the roach trap near the mop sink was with 10 roaches. Other than the 40 in the trap, that little room also contained 25 roach corpses. Another 20 sat in dry storage. About 10 roach legs up dotted a front counter storage area. Another storage cabinet had eight. One dead roach and one roach egg casing sat on a prep counter. As for the live roaches, a manager killed eight in front of the inspector. The inspector had to discern between dead roaches and rodent droppings, of which there were 10, eight of them inside a cabinet under the soda machine. Five flies landed on the actual bar. Cant say the roaches live long around here. The inspector counted 46 dead roaches on first callback inspection and five on the second. The third callback inspection (fourth one overall) was the charm and India was back in business. Lets Dish Caribbean, 5083 Okeechobee Blvd., Unincorporated Palm Beach County: Rouine inspection, 15 total violations, eight High Priority violations. About 50 dead roach bodies were sprinkled around the kitchen, on storage shelves, the prep table, floors and under all equipment. An employee washing pots, stopped to prepare or package food without washing hands first. In the reach-in freezer, raw fish was completely unpackaged, with no container and no covering. These kitchen roaches got bold. One crawled on the cutting board on the prep table. Another five were crawling on shelves over the prep table. One came out of the handwash sink soap dispenser. The cutting boards needed cleaning anyway, being visibly soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. No paper towels at a handwash sink near the steam table. As for other handwash sinks, they had removed three and an employee bathroom without submitting the plans for improvement to the state. Thats a no-no. Stop Sales crashed down on rice and peas, curry chicken, brown stew chicken and raw eggs, all at least 13 degrees too warm after being in the walk-in cooler overnight. Roaches ruined two re-inspections before Lets Dish could resume dishing again. Luxury Kosher, 5005 Collins Ave., Miami Beach: Routine inspection, 21 total violations, four High Priority violations. You can find their inspections under Poon & Lee. The inspector found 35 dead roaches and 11 live ones. In the latter category, four were crawling on the kitchen floor behind the reach-in cooler and another four were on the dry food storage area floor. Ceiling tiles with water damage throughout the kitchen. Standing water on the floor around the reach-in cooler Cooking oil sat on the cookline floor. Raw chicken and beef were planted on the walk-in freezer floor. The ice scoop sat directly on the top of the ice machine, where, surely theres no dust or grime. Tracking powder pesticide used... throughout the establishment. The outsides of various equipment were soiled with old food debris. They were back in action after re-inspection the next day. Toojays Deli, 2880-4, N. University Dr., Coral Springs: Complaint inspection, four total violations, one High Priority violation. Four dead roaches were on the kitchen floor. One live roach hung out on a stall wall in the womens restroom. Another two were in metal trim around a wall cut out for air flow behind a flip top cooler. The dining room ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents were soiled with accumulated dust. Toojays was okay after re-inspection the following day. Run to Break the Silence event hosted at Sandia Resort & Casino ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The warm weather brought runners to Sandia Resort and Casino on Sunday, looking to help the Presbyterian Ear Institute. The casino held the Run to Break the Silence with a 5K and 10K trail run as the main events. Runners made their way through the Sandia Foothills starting at 8 a.m. Funds from the event support the Presbyterian Ear Institutes School for Oral Deaf Education. Local kids learn about business, entrepreneurship through annual fair The event also had a kid-friendly and age-appropriate obstacle course for children 12 and younger. All participating children got a kids t-shirt and goodie bag from the races sponsors. According to the races website, more than $61,000 was raised this year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. (WHTM) Several Democrats have announced or are planning to get in the 2024 race for Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Republican Scott Perry, who has served in Congress since 2013 after winning the 2012 election with 59.7% of the vote. Perry overwhelmingly won the 2014 election with 74.5% and the 2016 race with 66.1%, but in his last three hes received strong challenges. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania In 2018 Perry defeated George Scott by less than 8,000 votes with 51.3%. Against Eugene DePasquale in 2020 Perry received 53.3% and finished with 53.8% against Shamaine Daniels in 2022. The 10th Congressional District consists of Dauphin County and parts of Cumberland and York counties. Here are the candidates for the 10th Congressional District seat in 2024. Democrats Shamaine Daniels In April, Harrisburg City Council Member Shamaine Daniels announced a second run for Congress in Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional District. Daniels, who was first elected to the City Council in 2013, lost the 2022 race to Perry by more than 24,000 votes In her campaign announcement, Daniels described Perry as out of step with this district. Daniels added that in 2022 the Democratic party thought we had no chance against Perry and gave us no help and that she ran on a shoestring budget. Mike OBrien Mike OBrien, a retired U.S. Marine and TOPGUN F-35 Stealth Fighter Pilot launched his campaign in September. OBrien recently retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel and is a graduate of the Naval Academy. He also has a Masters Degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Mechanical Engineering. I spent the last 20 years defending democracy overseas. But we need more of that. Right here at home, right now. Congressman Scott Perry and his far-right gang of insurrectionists are a threat to democracy and a threat to our freedoms, OBrien said in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, announcing his campaign. Rick Coplen Rick Coplen announced in June 2023 that he plans to run for Congress. According to his campaign website, Coplen attended West Point and served in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne. Hes also taught at West Point, Elizabethtown College, and the U.S. Army War College. Republicans like Scott Perry have betrayed the Constitution, betrayed the Country and betrayed all of us in doing so, says Coplen on his campaign website. Im running for Congress to fight for our democratic ideals and all of our freedoms. Janelle Stelson Former abc27 News and WGAL anchor Janelle Stelson joined the Democratic primary on October 4. Stelson had worked for WGAL since 1997 after beginning her journalism career at abc27. According to her biography, she has a Politics and Government degree from the University of Puget Sound and previously wrote speeches at the Embassy of Egypt in Washington D.C. I have lived and worked in Central Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. It has been my honor to tell the stories of thousands of people. But theres one story thats getting harder to ignore, because it keeps getting worse: Our Congressman, Scott Perry, Stelson said in her video campaign announcement. John Broadhurst Pennsylvania businessman John Broadhurst is a Villanova graduate who began his career as a truck driver for his fathers business. Broadhurst has since worked as an entrepreneur and consultant in international business development since the 1990s, including living and working in China. Broadhurst says he will not base my campaign on anti-Trump or anti-Perry sentiment alone. Blake Lynch Blake Lynch, who recently served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer of WITF, is making a congressional bid. Lynch previously served as the Director of Community Relations and Engagement for the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. He had worked at WITF, a public news media and programming outlet for 19 Pennsylvania counties, since August 2021 before resigning in October to run for Congress. As a lifelong Central Pennsylvania resident, I know firsthand the challenges facing my neighbors from Harrisburg to Carlisle to York, said Lynch. I know that regardless of what neighborhood you live in, people want safe streets, good schools and good-paying jobs. And they expect their government to work for them and their democracy and not against it. Republicans Scott Perry Scott Perry was first elected to Congress in 2012 after serving in the Pennsylvania State House and Senate. Once Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Perry also sits on the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure, Oversight, and Foreign Affairs. Perry made national headlines for his alleged connections to attempts to overturn the 2020 election and the January 6 insurrection. He was cited more than 50 times in a Senate Judiciary report released in October 2021 outlining Donald Trumps effort to overturn the election results. In August 2022 Perry disclosed that his cellphone was briefly seized by the FBI on a search warrant, saying the action was banana republic tactics. Matt Beynon, a spokesman for Perrys re-election campaign, said Perry is putting his record of service and accomplishment before the voters next November, and he is confident they will again return him to Congress. No longer running Bob Forbes Army veteran Bob Forbes announced on February 12 that he was dropping out of the race after not being able to collect enough petition signatures. Forbes deployed overseas multiple times to countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, and Haiti and served in the 82nd Airborne as a Master Jumpmaster and the 10th Mountain Division. We had a great candidate but you also need a path to victory and we do not have one, said Forbes on X. Best of luck to everyone who continues and its back to the classroom. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Rural counties increasingly rely on prisons to provide firefighters and EMTs who work for free, but the inmates have little protection or future job prospects If you call 911 in rural Georgia, the nearest emergency responders might come from the local prison. In 1963, the Georgia Department of Corrections began a program to train incarcerated people as firefighters to support not only their prisons, but also the surrounding communities. Over time, the program has grown dramatically. Today, prison fire teams from 19 Georgia state prisons, including a womens prison, and six county prisons are trained in firefighting and emergency medical response. The crews respond to motor vehicle accidents, structure fires, brush fires, hazardous materials incidents and search and rescue efforts, among other emergencies all without being paid a salary. Jackson County, Georgia, describes incarcerated firefighters as responding to every structural fire in Jackson County, where they serve as manpower support to every Fire Department on scene. Georgia is not alone in this practice. Prison systems in Alabama, California, Indiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Wyoming, along with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, have deployed incarcerated firefighters to respond to local emergencies. But while these programs fill a vital service in many rural areas, they arent universally loved. They have been accused of both exploiting incarcerated people and taking jobs away from professional firefighters. The era of rural decline and mass incarceration I study connections between disasters and mass incarceration and spend a lot of time talking with prison officials, disaster response teams and inmates. My research has found that incarcerated people have become increasingly embedded in local emergency response efforts as EMTs and firefighters. There are two primary reasons: the vulnerability of rural communities and vulnerability of the incarcerated workers. Many rural communities have been struggling for years to provide adequate emergency services. As they lose population, their tax bases dwindle. Volunteer fire departments have also been harder to staff as increasing demands in the workplace and on families have left less time for volunteering. At the same time rural communities were declining, the 1980s to early 2000s saw an explosion in prison construction. Tough-on-crime policies led to an increase in the rate of incarceration, even as research suggested incarceration had a minimal-at-best relationship to crime rates. Prisons were marketed as a way to stabilize rural communities devastated by declines in manufacturing and resource-dependent industries such as mining. They remain a staple of many fragile rural economies today. The rise of prison emergency services Prison fire departments initially started to train prison staff and incarcerated people to protect prisons from fires, knowing there might be little or no outside support in their rural locations. Occasionally, prison fire brigades responded to local emergencies or disasters if the local fire department needed help. But that has changed in many communities. Today, Georgias program has about 200 participants each year. Those who qualify receive training to become certified as firefighters and EMTs and live in the prison firehouse rather than in cells. But while some states, including California, pay a small wage to inmate fire crews, Georgias arent paid a salary. Fire teams from several prisons helped clear fallen trees after Hurricane Idalia in 2023. Georgia Department of Corrections Officials in rural communities told me they relied on the prisons services because their own emerency crews were understaffed. Without enough personnel, not only were the communities vulnerable, but any paid or volunteer firefighters were also vulnerable because they would be responding without the support needed to safely handle emergencies. However, while the program may provide much-needed stability to many communities, it has also faced backlash in some areas. When Camden County, Georgia, considered supplementing the local fire department with incarcerated firefighters in 2011, members of the department raised fears about the safety of the community. Officials I spoke with suggested there had been some resentment from more urban areas that see the program as a way to avoid paying for career firefighters and from local volunteers who feel like theyre being replaced by the incarcerated firefighters. Missing link: Job prospects after prison The Georgia program also raises questions about the vulnerability of incarcerated firefighters. Incarcerated people who participate in the program must sign a waiver that releases the Georgia Department of Corrections from liability should they be injured while working as a firefighter. They also are not eligible to receive workers compensation benefits. Those rules increase the risks for incarcerated firefighters. Several have been injured while responding to fires and other local emergencies in Georgia and other states. At least one incarcerated firefighter has died in Georgia. William A. Satterfield died in 1984 responding to a fire call with the prison fire team. In May 2013, the Georgia Board of Public Safety voted to acknowledge the death and service of Satterfield in a Public Safety Memorial. Two firefighters from Georgias Dooly State Prison were injured in 2016 in a vehicle crash while responding to a fire call. An incarcerated firefighter in Mississippi, Michael Davenport, died while fighting a structure fire in 2006. According to court documents from a subsequent lawsuit, Davenport did not receive full firefighter training, but there were no laws requiring such training at the time. It is unknown how often these injuries occur or how working as a firefighter affects the health of incarcerated people after they are released. Inmates from Hays State Prison Fire Station 7 complete their certification training in 2023. The stations firefighters responded to 321 calls in the first 10 months of the year. Georgia Department of Corrections Prison officials have told me that incarcerated men and women benefit from the program because it provides job training. Yet, incarcerated firefighters face significant barriers to finding jobs in fire and emergency services upon release. Current Georgia law does not allow participants in the program to apply for a civilian position with a fire department until five years after their conviction date. Several fire officials told me that they wished they could hire the incarcerated firefighters they had worked with. But if they had the funds to hire more full-time firefighters, they wouldnt have been working with the program in the first place. States can take steps to help Some states have worked to create policies that support formerly incarcerated firefighters. In 2020, California passed a law that would allow incarcerated firefighters to apply to have their criminal records expunged, making them eligible to apply for jobs as EMTs. I believe incarcerated firefighters and fire crews in Georgia and other states would benefit from similar policies to allow them to find jobs upon release. The state and many others would also benefit from working to address the extreme vulnerability that rural fire departments are facing as they struggle to protect their communities with limited outside support. 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: J. Carlee Purdum, Texas A&M University Read more: J. Carlee Purdum received funding from The Natural Hazards Center, University of Colorado Boulder to complete this research. Quick Response Grant #247 Russia losses 770 soldiers and 41 artillery systems in one day Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Russia has lost another 770 soldiers, 41 artillery systems and 31 armoured combat vehicles over the past 24 hours. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 15 April 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses ed.]: 454,420 (+770) military personnel; 7,180 (+6) tanks; 13,796 (+31) armoured combat vehicles; 11,593 (+41) artillery systems; 1,046 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems; 758 (+0) air defence systems; 347 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft; 325 (+0) helicopters; 9,266 (+31) strategic and tactical UAVs; 2,092 (+3) cruise missiles; 26 (+0) ships and boats; 1 (+0) submarines; 15,510 (+51) vehicles and tankers; 1,908 (+3) special vehicles and other equipment. The information is being confirmed. Support UP or become our patron! Russia recruits foreigners into its army in attempts to avoid mobilisation UK Defence Intelligence Foreign soldiers made prisoners of war (POW) after being captured by Ukraine as combattants within the Russian armed forces, take part in a press conference organised by Ukrainian officials in Kyiv, on March 15, 2024. Photo: Getty Images The Russian Federation is reportedly attempting to recruit foreigners in its army in an effort to prevent internal mobilisation and replenish significant casualties sustained in the fighting in Ukraine, says UK Defence Intelligence report Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 15 April on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda Details: As reported by UK analysts, the most recent English-language advertisement invites foreigners to enlist in the Russian army's "special" force. It offers a lump sum payment of US$2,200 upon contract signing, a Russian passport, free medical treatment, and training. Online job postings began to surface in the middle of 2023, targeting individuals from nearby nations, specifically Armenia and Kazakhstan. The postings offered a monthly income of US$1973, as well as a lump sum payment upon contract signing worth US$5140. Additionally, Russia recruited immigrants from Central Asia in 2023. Reports of migrants from Nepal and India being enlisted and sent to fight in Ukraine have also surfaced recently. Quote: "It is likely that many of those that have been recruited are not professional soldiers but migrant workers and have been coerced to fight under false pretences or with the offer of financial incentives." According to intelligence, the number of foreigners in Russian forces is most likely limited, and they are absorbed into existing rather than any new "special" formations. The UK Defence Intelligence writes that Russia is likely to avoid further unpopular internal mobilisation measures. Furthermore, given the large losses (now estimated at 913 individuals per day on average), Russia must continue to examine all recruitment options in order to maintain a high rate of human influx. In a Saturday review, UK Defence Intelligence outlined the reasons and implications for Russia of two laws passed by Moscow in support of Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine and their families. On 10 April, UK Defence Intelligence revealed that Russia was seeking to recruit about 400,000 contract soldiers in 2024, a move that is necessary to support its forces in Ukraine, which have suffered huge losses. Support UP or become our patron! Russian attacks against Ukraine killed three people and injured 20 over the past day, regional authorities said on April 15. Russia targeted a total of 10 Ukrainian oblasts Chernihiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Luhansk, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Donetsk. Casualties were reported in the latter five regions. A Russian attack against the Vasylivka district in Zaporizhzhia Oblast killed a woman, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. One man was reportedly injured as a result of Russian shelling of the town of Huliaipole. Russian troops launched about 400 strikes against seven settlements in the region over the past day, according to Fedorov. One residential building was damaged, he added. Russian troops dropped an aerial bomb on a five-story building in Donetsk Oblast's village of Ocheretyne, killing a 67-year-old woman and injuring two others, regional Governor Vadym Filashkin said. The aftermath of a Russian attack on the village of Ocheretyne in Donetsk Oblast on April 14, 2024. (Vadym Filashkin/Telegram) Russian troops also reportedly attacked the Bakhmut and Kramatorsk districts, damaging over 20 houses, including two high-rise buildings in the city of Sloviansk on the morning of April 15. In Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian guided aerial bomb damaged an enterprise, an apartment residential complex, and a house in the village of Slatyne, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. A 51-year-old woman was reportedly injured from the attack. A 57-year-old woman was killed in Mala Vovcha after Russian troops dropped explosives at the village from a drone, he said on Telegram. A total of 13 people, including a 15-year-old boy, were injured in Dnipro after the debris of a downed Russian missile fell in the city on the evening of April 14, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhiy Lysak said. Overnight, Russian troops struck infrastructure in the region, according to the local authorities. No casualties were reported. Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast damaged three high-rise buildings, five houses, critical infrastructure, and gas pipelines in Kherson Oblast, said Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. A total of three people were injured over the past day, according to Prokudin. Read also: Ukraines angels who look after, evacuate civilians left in front-line Donbas Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FILE PHOTO: Zakharova and other dancers perform during a rehearsal of "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow SEOUL (Reuters) - A ballet show in South Korea featuring principal dancers from Russia's Bolshoi Ballet was cancelled a day before opening night, the organiser said on Monday, amid tensions between Seoul and Moscow over Ukraine and North Korea. The last minute cancellation came after Seoul performances of a ballet starring Svetlana Zakharova, a Ukrainian-born Russian prima ballerina and a vocal supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, were called off in March. The Russian embassy in South Korea expressed "deep regret" over the latest cancellation. "We can't help but notice that South Korea is now showing a certain tendency in its approach to cooperation with Russia in the cultural field as well," the embassy said on its social media account. "We will have no choice but to consider this." South Korea has joined Western economic sanctions on Russia, suspended transactions with Russian institutions, and regulated the exports of some strategic items, including electronics and semiconductors, in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Seoul and Moscow have also clashed over Seoul's decision to impose sanctions against Russian individuals and entities which it said were carrying military cargo to North Korea or were linked to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. The performances, due to take place from Tuesday to Thursday, initially featured 12 principal performers from the Bolshoi Ballet at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. The programme was then modified to reduce the number of Russian performers with changed content. However, the show's organiser on Monday announced the cancellation on social media, saying the alterations to the show's cast and programme were not accepted by the concert hall. (Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Ros Russell) TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 15. Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia reviewed cooperation projects in the field of green energy, Trend reports. According to the Uzbek president's office, the matter was discussed during a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. During the meeting, the parties also discussed cooperation projects in the fields of agriculture, health care, modernization of transport infrastructure, IT, and other priority sectors. The sides reviewed matters of further expansion of Uzbek-Saudi multifaceted relations and implementation of the agreements at the highest level. Both parties noted the growing volume of mutual trade, the number of joint ventures, and the frequency of flights. In addition, they discussed other issues on the regional agenda, including the situation in Afghanistan and the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power signed a power purchase agreement on implementing the 200 MW Nukus-2 wind power project and associated battery energy storage system in Uzbekistan. The company signed an agreement on the commissioning of a 400 MW solar photovoltaic power plant and a 400 MW energy storage system in the Tashkent region. The company will also build a 1,000 MW photovoltaic power plant and 400 MW energy storage systems in Samarkand. The current total volume of ACWA Power's investments in energy projects in Uzbekistan amounts to $7.5 billion. Russian forces attack Nikopol district 5 times using artillery and 12 times using drones photo Russian forces shelled the Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with artillery 5 times and attacked with UAVs 12 more times over the past 24 hours. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "Nikopol, Marhanets, Myrove and Pokrovske rural hromadas came under attack [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.]. Four private houses, an outbuilding, a mothballed technical building, and power supply lines were damaged." Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram Details: Also, according to the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, a minibus and a combine harvester were damaged in the district. A car caught fire. No one was killed or injured. Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram Support UP or become our patron! Russian strike on Kharkiv region kills two and injures four, governor says KYIV (Reuters) -Russian forces killed two people and injured four more after hitting an education facility in the Kharkiv region on Monday, its governor said. The Russian military used a guided aerial bomb on Lukiantsi village near the Russian border, the region's governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said on the Telegram messaging app. Syniehubov added that the four people injured in the attack were hospitalized with blast injuries and shrapnel wounds. As Russia has intensified its strikes in the spring, the Kharkiv region has increasingly taken the brunt of the attacks. Ukraine's air defence shortages and the eastern region's proximity to the Russian border left it especially vulnerable to strikes on energy infrastructure, which have caused large-scale power cuts. (Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; Editing by Jonathan Oatis, William Maclean) The Russians attacked the city of Siversk in Donetsk Oblast with rocket artillery, resulting in the deaths of four men on the evening of 14 April. Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: It is noted that the Russians attacked the city on the evening of 14 April. However, it has only now been possible to establish that, as a result of the attack, four men aged between 36 and 86 were killed. Quote from Filahskin: "The Russians seek to kill as many of our people as possible, and the only way to protect ourselves is to evacuate to safer regions of Ukraine." Background: On 8 March, the Ministry of Reintegration reported that due to the security situation in four settlements in Donetsk Oblast, compulsory evacuation of children had been implemented. Support UP or become our patron! Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film armorer on Rust who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the on-set fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Monday. Its the maximum sentence Gutierrez-Reed, 26, faceda far cry from being sentenced to probation, which her attorneys argued in favor of. Hutchins was shot dead in New Mexico on Oct. 21, 2021, by a prop gun that prosecutors said was fired by Alec Baldwin as he practiced drawing it from his shoulder for an upcoming scene. Instead of firing a blank, however, a live bullet left Baldwins guna misstep that prosecutors say came from Gutierrez-Reeds recklessness and failure to do her job managing weapons and ammunition. Baldwin faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter himself, but is yet to stand trial. He has pleaded not guilty and has motioned for the case to be thrown out. Rust Prosecutors Say Armorers Jail Calls Show No Genuine Remorse Just before sentencing, prosecutors played calls that Gutierrez-Reed made from jail just hours after her conviction, during which she attacked the jurors at her trial as well as Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, who she said was on a power trip and was getting paid off. Those comments likely did her little favors ahead of sentencing, but she pleaded Monday with the judge to show mercy to her because of her age, lack of training, and lack of resources on set. Your honor, when I took on Rust, I was young and I was naive, but I took my job as seriously as I knew how to, she said. Despite not having proper time, resources, and staffing when things got tough, I just did my best to handle it. She added that Hutchins death was a God-awful tragedy, but it wasnt enough for Sommer to consider keeping her out of prison. Sommer said Monday that Gutierrez-Reeds remorse had come too late, adding that, during her trial, her attorney had to tell the court you were remorseful. After reading Gutierrez-Reed her fate, Sommer again skewered her. You were the armorer, the one that stood between a safe weapon and a weapon that could kill someone, she said. You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon. But for you, Ms. Hutchins would be alive, a husband would have his partner, and a little boy would have his mother. Prosecutors will now shift their attention to convicting Baldwin on the same charge. Prosecutors have alleged he didnt do his own due diligence to ensure the weapon was safe on the set of Rusta film that he co-produced. Alec Baldwin Had No Control Over His Emotions on the Rust Set, Prosecutors Say Baldwin has countered it wasnt his responsibility to check the weapon, noting that professionals are hired to oversee guns and safety. He also claimed he never pulled the weapons trigger, despite investigators claiming evidence shows otherwise. His trial is slated to begin in July. Family and friends of Hutchins, a 42-year-old mother and cinematographer, testified that their loved one had been forgotten amid the legal battle between Baldwin, Gutierrez-Reed, and New Mexico. I feel like she has gotten lost in the swarm of all the finger-pointing and blame in the aftermath of this completely preventable tragedy, said her friend, Jen White. Emilia Mendieta, another friend, added that Hutchins excitement to be a part of Rust made the fatal mistake all-the-more heartbreaking. I often think about that moment, Mendieta said of Hutchins. Her excitement, her joy at embarking on this new adventure. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The "Rust" armorer who last month was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the deadly shooting of Halyna Hutchins, the film's cinematographer, was sentenced in a New Mexico state court today to 18 months' imprisonment. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed received the maximum penalty for her part in the 2021 tragedy that several experts have since characterized as a preventable incident, where actor Alec Baldwin discharged live rounds from a prop gun on the movie set during a rehearsal. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer handed down the sentence to conclude an emotionally charged hearing Monday. "I find what you did constitutes a serious violent offense," Sommer told Gutierrez-Reed. Although the prosecution pushed for this outcome the maximum sentence Gutierrez-Reed and her defense team had asked the judge to consider probation as an alternative. The defendant, who is now 27, raised that request herself in a statement read in court before the sentence came down. In the statement, she called Hutchins an inspiration and said she was saddened by the media coverage of her case and the negative light in which it painted her to the public. "Your honor, when I took on 'Rust,' I was young and naive. But I took my job as seriously as I knew how to," said Gutierrez-Reed. "I beg you, please, don't give me more time. The jury has found me in part at fault for this horrible tragedy, but that doesn't make me a monster. That makes me human." Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was the armorer for the movie The prosecution had cited Gutierrez-Reed's lack of contrition during the trial as one reason to impose the maximum sentence. But her attorney, Jason Bowles, said in his final remarks at the sentencing that his client had in fact cried, broken down, experienced "mental breakdowns" and "said 'if only' many, many, many times," with that side of her remaining largely unfamiliar to people following the case. Gutierrez-Reed's sentencing hearing began at 10:30 a.m. in Santa Fe. She sat in the courtroom and at times seemed to have tears in her eyes as Joel Souza, the writer and director on "Rust" who was injured in the shooting, Craig Mizrahi, Hutchins' former agent, and several of her friends gave statements on the impact of her death. "What I want is simply not possible. What I want is, everyone is OK and lives aren't destroyed," said Souza, who spoke mainly about the loss suffered by Hutchins' husband, their son, and the rest of her family. "One moment the world made sense, and the next moment, it didn't. It still doesn't, and I don't know if it ever will again," he told the courtroom through a virtual call. "Those of us who were lucky enough to have shared in her [Hutchins'] fleeting time on this planet are better for it." Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the former armorer at the movie Mizrahi and Emilia Mendieta, who identified herself in court as Hutchins' close friend and former classmate, each shared personal anecdotes about the cinematographer, who has been described frequently since her death as a talented "rising star" approaching a major break in her career when she died. "The circumstances surrounding the disaster force us to ask so many questions, with one in particular above all: How could this have happened?" Mizrahi said. He suggested broad failures by Gutierrez-Reed as well as "Rust" leadership caused the shooting. "When the producers hired someone with virtually no experience to not only be the armorer but also the assistant prop master, two very challenging positions, they made a crucial decision to put the safety of the cast and crew on the back burner," he said. "As for Ms. Gutierrez-Reed, it's my opinion that she should not have held either position, much less both, but that once accepted, the responsibility should have been taken more seriously. Sadly it wasn't, and we all know the result." Mendieta similarly called Hutchins' death "the result of a massive system failure." She said holding Gutierrez-Reed accountable would serve as an industry-wide reminder "that actions taken to compromise the safety of the workplace, even if unintentional, have consequences." "It all boils down to a very simple question: Why was there a live bullet on set?" Mendieta said. "A live bullet should never had made its way onto the set, let alone the gun, full stop. And that is where Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, as the armorer on 'Rust,' failed Halyna." Attorney Gloria Allred read a statement at the hearing written by Hutchins' mother, Olga, who gave spoken remarks herself in a video recorded in Ukraine. "It's the hardest thing to lose a child," Hutchins' mother said. "And time does not heal. It is two and a half years past, and it gets worse and worse." Allred later read another statement in court written by Hutchins' father, who did not appear virtually or in person and said that his daughter's death had worsened his physical health. Last month, a jury convicted Gutierrez-Reed on the involuntary manslaughter charge, brought against her by the state of New Mexico in the wake of the "Rust" shooting. The former weapons supervisor on the Western film could also receive a fine for as much as $5,000, along with prison time, at the sentencing. She had originally been charged with a second felony count by the state for evidence tampering but was acquitted at the trial. Authorities took Gutierrez-Reed into custody once the verdicts were read. Her defense blamed the film's management for the shooting, arguing that serious safety issues existed on the "Rust" set that were outside of her purview. Her defense attorneys zeroed in on the fact that the movie's primary ammunition supplier had apparently not been investigated. Gutierrez-Reed, the daughter of an established Hollywood armorer, had previously pleaded not guilty to both charges. After the jury delivered its verdicts on March 6, Gutierrez-Reed's attorney told CBS News that he planned to appeal "a number of issues that occurred in the trial." But subsequent case filings show that the defense's attempts to secure a new trial with her release, and, then, her conditional release, in the aftermath of the conviction were quickly denied by the state. Prosecutors had throughout the trial painted Gutierrez-Reed as careless and irresponsible, with the aim of convincing jurors that her negligence and "willful disregard" for the safety of others ultimately endangered her "Rust" colleagues and caused Hutchins' death. The state sought the maximum prison sentence for Gutierrez-Reed's manslaughter conviction as prosecutors said she appeared not to display any signs of remorse over the fatal incident in court. Additional documents filed in the case reference at least one more felony charge related to weapons handling against Gutierrez-Reed in New Mexico, which is still pending, for allegedly "intentionally hiding a firearm from security at a local bar to get the firearm into the bar" after her arrival in the state for filming. Prosecutors said she went on to record a selfie video in the bar restroom boasting about her successful ruse and flashing "a nickel-plated semi-automatic pistol" toward the camera. The state has also accused her of possessing cocaine while working as the firearms expert on "Rust," which is considered a felony, too, in New Mexico. In this image taken video released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, Alec Baldwin gestures while talking with investigators following the fatal shooting on the set of The allegation involving illegal substance use was presented as evidence during Gutierrez-Reed's trial earlier this year. The trial itself ran slightly over two weeks and mainly centered around the origins of six live bullets that were found on the set of "Rust" as investigators began their probe into the shooting on Oct. 21, 2021. That day, Baldwin was rehearsing a scene for "Rust," to be filmed at some unspecified future time, with Hutchins and Souza. Their rehearsal happened on set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, a popular filming location for Western movies on the outskirts of Santa Fe, and primarily focused on Baldwin drawing a .45-caliber revolver from a holster, while in character, and pointing the gun in the direction of Hutchins and Souza as they watched the scene unfold from behind a monitor. On one draw, the weapon fired and discharged live bullets, one of which passed through Hutchins before striking Souza. Hutchins was pronounced dead at an area hospital less than two hours later. Souza was injured but survived. The revolver should never have contained live ammunition, according to industry-wide regulations and union guidelines governing the use of firearms on film sets, and the Santa Fe district attorney's office had said in their initial probable cause statement that evidence indicated the scene Baldwin was rehearsing should not have even required the use of blanks. Inert dummy rounds would have sufficed instead, the statement alleged, and cited expert weapons consultants who noted that a plastic or replica gun should have been used during the rehearsal. It was Gutierrez-Reed's responsibility to manage the weapons being used on the "Rust" set, including the gun that discharged and fatally hit Hutchins, the district attorney's office said. But there are conflicting accounts as to how exactly live ammunition could have ended up in the revolver. The probable cause statement at first alleged that Gutierrez-Reed had loaded the .45 prior to taking a lunch break on Oct. 21, stored it, and retrieved it after lunch before handing it off, without performing the necessary safety checks, to the first assistant director, David Halls. This aerial photo shows the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Oct. 23, 2021. / Credit: Jae C. Hong / AP Halls already served six months of unsupervised parole for negligent use of a firearm, after pleading no contest and admitting that he improperly handled the weapon that fired on the film set. He gave emotional testimony in court during Gutierrez-Reed's trial, saying that she had twice handed over the revolver to Baldwin during the Oct. 21 rehearsal first, without any ammunition, and a second time, with five dummy rounds and one live bullet. Gutierrez-Reed said in a statement released through her attorneys in November 2021 that she did complete a proper safety check on the .45 revolver prior to handing it over and did not know how live ammunition wound up inside the gun. "No one could have anticipated or thought that someone would introduce live rounds into this set," the statement read. Gutierrez-Reed also said that she had instructed actors involved in "Rust" not to point guns at other people on set. Baldwin has insisted that he pulled back the hammer of the revolver during that Oct. 21 rehearsal, but did not pull the trigger. Since the shooting, the actor has settled a lawsuit with Hutchins' family, filed one against several members of the "Rust" crew, including Gutierrez-Reed, for negligence, and pleaded not guilty to a charge against him for involuntary manslaughter. That case has not yet gone to trial. Social Security Administration updates overpayment policy | 60 Minutes The fallout from Arkansas' "right to mine" bitcoin law Nature: Gopher tortoises in Florida Alec Baldwin's trial in connection with the October 2021 death of Halyna Hutchins is set for July Eddie Moore-Pool/Getty Hannah Gutierrez-Reed in court with her lawyers on April 15, 2024 Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the Rust armorer found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the October 2021 on-set fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, has received her sentencing. At court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Monday, April 15, 26-year-old Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer to the maximum penalty of 18 months of incarceration at a New Mexico women's correctional facility. Gutierrez-Reed, who did not testify in her defense, prepared a statement that she read aloud in court: "First and foremost, my heart aches for the Hutchins family and friends and colleagues as well, and it has since the day this tragedy occurred." She called Hutchins "an inspiration to me" and "I understand that she was taken too soon, and I pray that you all find peace." Gutierrez-Reed was in charge of the prop guns on the Western project starring and co-produced by Alec Baldwin, who held the weapon that discharged and killed Hutchins, 42, on Oct. 21, 2021, in New Mexico. (Director Joel Souza was also struck in the incident but survived his injuries and later returned to complete filming Rust with Baldwin.) Eddie Moore-Pool/Getty Hannah Gutierrez-Reed in court with her lawyers on April 15, 2024 Getting emotional, Gutierrez-Reed, who admitted she was "young and naive" when she took the Rust job, said in her Monday statement that she is "saddened by the way media sensationalized our traumatic tragedy and portrayed me as a complete monster, which has actually been the total opposite of what's been in my heart." Related: Rust Armorer's 'Swift' Guilty Verdict in Halyna Hutchins' Death Could Hint at Alec Baldwins Fate: Expert (Exclusive) Eddie Moore-Pool/Getty Hannah Gutierrez-Reed in court on April 15, 2024 Jury members, on March 6, found Gutierrez-Reed liable, in part, for the death of Hutchins. She was, however, cleared on a separate charge of tampering with evidence, and her attorneys had indicated that she planned to appeal her verdict. Separately from Gutierrez-Reed's outcome, Baldwin, 66, is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty, faces up to 18 months in prison, and his trial is set for July. Jesse Grant/Getty; Anthony Harvey/Getty Images Alec Baldwin; Halyna Hutchins Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The attorneys Gloria Allred and John Carpenter, who represent Hutchins's parents and sister, said shortly after Gutierrez-Reed's guilty verdict that the family was "satisfied" with the result. They added at the time, "We look forward to the justice system continuing to make sure that everyone else who is responsible for Halyna's death is required to face the legal consequences for their actions." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Hannah Gutierrez, center, sits with her attorney Jason Bowles, left, and paralegal Carmella Sisneros during her sentencing hearing in Santa Fe, N.M., on involuntary manslaughter charges. The judge sentenced her to 18 months in prison. (Eddie Moore / AP Pool Photo) A New Mexico judge on Monday ordered "Rust" movie weapons handler Hannah Gutierrez to serve 18 months in prison the maximum sentence for her role in the accidental shooting death of the western film's cinematographer 2 years ago in New Mexico. In March, a Santa Fe, N.M., jury found Gutierrez, 26, guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Halyna Hutchins' death during a rehearsal for a scene with actor Alec Baldwin, who was pointing his prop gun at her when it discharged. Prosecutors have alleged that Gutierrez brought the live ammunition to the film's set and loaded it into Baldwin's gun. At an emotional sentencing hearing on Monday, in the same Santa Fe courtroom where Gutierrez's trial unfolded, friends of Hutchins described the joy, generosity, determination and talent of the rising star in the film industry and their sorrow over her death. The testimony, including from her family in Ukraine, underscored the profound loss felt by friends, family members and fellow filmmakers. Gutierrez, wearing a prison jumpsuit, sobbed at times during Monday's hearing. She asked the judge to sentence her to probation rather than jail time for the felony conviction. Gutierrez said her "heart aches" for Hutchins' family and friends, but she disputed how she has been portrayed by special prosecutors and the press. "I am saddened by the way the media sensationalized our traumatic tragedy, and portrayed me as a complete monster, which has actually been the total opposite of what's been in my heart," Gutierrez told the judge. "When I took on 'Rust,' I was young and I was naive but I took my job as seriously as I knew how to." But New Mexico First Judicial District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer was not swayed, saying Gutierrez has shown little remorse including on Monday or during her recent jail phone calls, which are routinely recorded, and were shared with special prosecutors. "You were the armorer, the one that stood between a safe weapon and a weapon that could kill someone," Marlowe Sommer told Gutierrez. "You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon. But for you, Ms. Hutchins would be alive, a husband would have his partner and a little boy would have his mother." Marlowe Sommer then told the bailiff to "please take her" to prison, ending the 90-minute hearing. Read more: 'Rust' shooting: Hannah Gutierrez found guilty of involuntary manslaughter The October 2021 shooting shined a harsh light on film set safety, particularly on low-budget productions. The case drew worldwide attention, in large part, because of Baldwins stature in Hollywood and as a political lightning rod. Baldwin also has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and his trial is scheduled for July in Santa Fe. He has pleaded not guilty. Gutierrez and her team have long asserted that she was unfairly bearing the brunt of the blame for the accident when others shared responsibility for on-set safety lapses. Hours before the fatal shooting, Rust camera crew members had walked off the job to protest safety concerns and a lack of housing near the film's set. Gutierrez had little experience; "Rust" was just her second job as head armorer. She also was tasked with the job of prop assistant. On Monday, her stepfather, well-known Hollywood armorer Thell Reed, blamed the prop master and the weapons provider. He argued that his stepdaughter didn't bring live ammunition to the film set south of Santa Fe, as prosecutors have alleged. Read more: Full coverage: The fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the Rust set Several speakers pointed to the unsafe conditions on the "Rust" set. "Film producers are responsible to ensure the cast and crew members hired are experienced enough to handle their jobs," Hutchins' agent, Craig Mizrahi, said during Monday's hearing, which was televised by Court TV. "When the producers hired someone with virtually no experience to not only be the armorer but also the assistant prop master, two very challenging positions in their own right, they made a crucial decision to put the safety of their cast and crew on the back burner," Mizrahi said. Famed victims' rights attorney Gloria Allred was on hand to read statements from Hutchins' family in Ukraine; she represents them in a civil case against Baldwin and other producers. Speaker after speaker, including the film's director, Joel Souza, who was injured by the same bullet that killed Hutchins, discussed how the shooting had profoundly affected them, saying they remain filled with sorrow to this day. "The world lost not only a person that was a gifted artist but a truly kind and compassionate person, which often seems to be in short supply these days," Souza testified via video link, acknowledging that he continues to grapple with the trauma from that day. Souza had been standing directly behind Hutchins during the rehearsal and the lead bullet from Baldwin's gun, which pierced Hutchins' chest, lodged in his shoulder. Doctors at a Santa Fe hospital removed it later that day. "Halyna's parents lost their daughter, her sister lost a sibling and a confidant. Matt [Hutchins] lost his wife," Souza told the judge. "Halyna's son lost not only his mother but everything she had to offer him for the rest of her life. Every kind word, every loving gesture, every support." Read more: 'Rust' director Joel Souza describes being injured in Alec Baldwin shooting: 'Nothing made sense' Prosecutors played a slide show of photographs from Hutchins' youth in Ukraine, the job she loved behind the camera, and her activities including hiking and enjoying life with her family and friends. "Halyna was a force. ... She was one of my favorite people in the world," Jen White, a friend, testified via video link. "I feel like she has gotten lost in the swirl of all of the finger pointing and blame in the aftermath of this completely preventable tragedy." Gutierrez has long acknowledged loading Baldwins gun with what she thought were inert dummy rounds. Baldwin has described how he was practicing an upcoming scene by pointing his prop pistol a fully functioning Colt .45 revolver at Hutchins, unaware that an actual bullet was one of six rounds packed inside the chamber. Defense attorneys had asked Marlowe Sommer for leniency, saying Gutierrez was eligible for a conditional release program because the shooting was an accident and Gutierrez had no prior criminal record. But the judge said probation or sentencing her to a lesser punishment of a year in the Santa Fe County jail "would be giving you a pass that you do not deserve." Read more: What does the 'Rust' armorer's criminal conviction mean for Alec Baldwin's case? In recent days, prosecutors had built a case that Gutierrez had shown little remorse for the death of Hutchins, including after she was placed in the county jail after her conviction last month. "Ms. Gutierrez continues to deny responsibility and blame others" for Hutchins' death, special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey wrote in a court filing late last week. On Monday, Morrissey said she wasn't sure of the appropriate punishment for Gutierrez until last week, when she began culling through Gutierrez's jail phone calls conversations with her mother, boyfriend and a paralegal. "It was my sincere hope during this process that there would be some moment when Ms. Gutierrez took responsibility [and] expressed some level of remorse that was genuine," Morrissey said. "And that moment has never come." Read more: Dramatic 'Rust' shooting testimony: 'The gun went off' and then, 'I can't feel my legs' The judge also pointed to the jail conversations to back up her decision that Gutierrez should serve time in a state women's prison, saying Gutierrez continued to blame others in those recordings. "Did she have enough time to load the weapon safely? Plenty. Did she load the weapon? Yes," Marlowe Sommer said. "Did she check what she was loading? No. Why? Well, in her own words, most recently, in her jailhouse calls, she 'didn't need to be shaking the dummies all the time.'" Marlowe Sommer said Gutierrez, in the jail calls, seemed to express more concern about how the criminal case "was messing up her modeling career" rather than others' devastating losses. In one conversation, the judge said, Gutierrez was quoted as saying, "People have accidents and people die. It's an unfortunate part of life but it doesn't mean [she] should be in jail." Read more: Alec Baldwin charged again with involuntary manslaughter in 'Rust' shooting Gutierrez's attorney Jason Bowles strongly disagreed with assertions that Gutierrez lacked remorse. "Ms. Gutierrez Reed has felt real sadness and remorse over the tragic events," Bowles wrote Sunday in advance of the sentencing hearing. "She has experienced this largely in private and has sought counseling to deal with her emotions and mental breakdowns." The judge noted Monday that it was Bowles, not Gutierrez, who said she was filled with remorse. It was the second conviction that New Mexico prosecutors have secured in Hutchins' death. Last year, "Rust" assistant director David Halls pleaded no contest to one count of negligent use of a deadly weapon for his role in the tragedy. Halls had handed the gun to Baldwin that day, declaring it safe. He received a suspended six-month sentence of unsupervised probation. He testified against Gutierrez at her trial and has been on the witness list for Baldwin's case. Bowles has provided his services pro bono since taking the case in 2021. Last week, Thell Reed attempted to set up a GoFundMe account to raise money to cover his stepdaughter's legal bills during an appeal, but the site took down the family's post due to its policy that prohibits fundraisers for legal defense of criminal charges for violent crimes. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, left, and paralegal Carmella Sisneros await sentencing in state district court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Monday, April 15, 2024. Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of the Western film "Rust," was sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was fatally shot by Alec Baldwin in 2021. | Eddie Moore A New Mexico judge sentenced Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Monday to prison for her role in the accidental shooting death that happened on the set of the film Rust in 2021 in the state. The movie weapons handler, Gutierrez-Reed, 27, will serve 18 months in prison, the maximum sentence, and was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Halyna Hutchins death last month, according to the Los Angeles Times. The October 2021 incident where actor Alec Baldwin discharged live rounds from a prop gun during rehearsal has been characterized by experts as preventable, according to CBS News. Prosecutors alleged that Gutierrez-Reed brought the live ammunition to the Rust set and loaded it into Baldwins gun, the Los Angeles Times reported. The judges reason for giving Hannah Gutierrez-Reed the maximum sentence According to NBC News, part of the reason Gutierrez-Reed faced the maximum sentence in the case was a lack of remorse. Rust director Joel Souza was also injured during the incident and read an impact statement virtually during court, NBC News reported. I want everyone damaged by Ms. Reeds failures that day to find peace ... I want the pain to go away ... She had a talent for life, she was a touchstone for all who knew her, and those of us who were lucky enough to have shared in her fleeting time on this planet were better for it, Souzas statement read in regards to Hutchins. Sacramento artists in need for UC Davis mural project (FOX40.COM) Sacramento is looking for local artists to adorn UC Daviss planned Aggie Square with two murals that honor the region, according to the City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture. Sacramento area artists and artist teams with experience in studio painting, large-scale designs, environmental designs or murals are encouraged to apply for the open projects. Sacramento-area leaders kick off 52nd annual Cap-to-Cap Placed along the ground floor levels of the first two buildings in Aggie Square, the murals will include themes of the regions background, natural features, economic history and cultural attributes. It is intended for this art to create a feeling of hope and to inspire creativity, discovery, healing and optimism, Travis Sheridan, senior vice president and chief community officer for Wexford Science + Technology said. From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 1, a online information session will be held about the qualification requirements and application process, according to the city. Artist applications are due by May 20. West Nile education available as mosquitoes return to the Sacramento Valley Aggie Square will be an expansion of UC Daviss existing Sacramento campus, just south of the 2nd Avenue and Stockton Boulevard intersection. The project is being built in partnership with Wexford Science and Technology and GMH Capital Partners The first phase of Aggie Square will include research facilities, mixed-use space and office space. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. The Sacramento County sheriffs deputies arrested a suspect Sunday in connection to the beating death of an elderly victim at a Rancho Cordova gas station, according to a spokesman. Deputies were called about 10:15 p.m. for a report of an assault at an Arco gas station on the 2800 block of Zinfandel Drive, said Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a spokesman for the Sheriffs Office. Two homeless men began fighting outside the station for unknown reasons. The victim, described as a man in his 70s, was reported as lying on the ground with injuries and wasnt breathing when deputies arrived. The man was pronounced dead at the scene; his identity is expected to be released by the Coroners Office. Anthony James Cervantes, 38, faces a murder charge and is being held without bail at downtown Sacramento County Main Jail. He is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday. Salman Rushdie on the 2022 knife attack that nearly took his life Salman Rushdie has been a marked man for nearly half his life. In 1989 Iran's leader Ayatollah Khomeini declared his novel, "The Satanic Verses," blasphemous, an insult to Islam, and called for the Indian-born writer's assassination. Rushdie went into hiding with around the clock police protection for 10 years. He eventually moved to the U.S. and thought he was safe. But in August 2022, as he was about to speak at a literary festival in Chautauqua, New York, Salman Rushdie was attacked by a Muslim man with a knife. Rushdie, who is now 76, lost his right eye, and came close to dying. He's come to terms with the attempt on his life by writing a book about it called, simply, "Knife" which comes out Tuesday. This is his first television interview since the attack. Anderson Cooper: You had had a dream two days, I think it was, before the attack. What was the dream? Salman Rushdie: I kind of had a premonition. I mean, I had a dream of being attacked in an amphitheater. But it was a kind of Roman Empire dream, you know? As-- as-- as if I was in the Colosseum and it was just somebody with a spear stabbing downwards, and I was rolling around on the floor trying to get away from him. And I woke up and was quite shaken by it. And I had to go to Chautauqua, you know? And I said to my wife, Eliza, I said, "You know, I-- I don't want to go." Anderson Cooper: Because of the dream? Salman Rushdie: Because of the dream. And then I thought, "Don't be silly. It's a dream." Salman Rushdie / Credit: 60 Minutes Salman Rushdie one of his generation's most acclaimed writers had been invited to the tranquil town of Chautauqua, on Lake Erie, to speak about a subject he knows all too well the importance of protecting writers whose lives are under threat. Anderson Cooper: Did you have any anxiety being in-- in such a public space? Salman Rushdie: Not really, because in the, what, more than 20 years that I've been living in America I've done a lot of these things. Anderson Cooper: You haven't had security around you or close protection-- Salman Rushdie: A long time-- Anderson Cooper: detail for a long time. Salman Rushdie: Long time. But, you know, what happens in-- many places that you go and lecture is that-- that-- that they're used to having a certain degree of security, venue security. In this case, there wasn't any. Anderson Cooper: The irony, of course, is you were there to talk about writers in danger. Salman Rushdie: Yeah, exactly. And the need for writers from other countries to have safe spaces in America, amongst other places. And then, yeah, it just turned out not to be a safe space for me. For years no place was safe for Salman Rushdie, whose sprawling 600-page novel "The Satanic Verses" offended some Muslims for its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad. Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwaa religious decreecalling for Rushdie's death in 1989. There were worldwide protests from London to Lahore. "The Satanic Verses" was burned and 12 people died in clashes with police. The book's Japanese translator was murdered, and others associated with it were attacked. Anderson Cooper: Did you have any idea that it would cause violence? Salman Rushdie: No. I had no idea. I thought probably some conservative religious people wouldn't like it. But they didn't like anything I wrote anyway. So, I thought, "Well, they don't have to read it." Anderson Cooper: Were you naive? Salman Rushdie: Probably. You know, I mean, it's easy looking back to think-- but nothing like this had ever happened to anybody. And of course almost all the people who attacked the book did so without reading it. I was often told that I had intended to insult, offend people. And my view is -- if I need to insult you, I can do it really quickly. I don't need to spend five years of my life trying to write a 600-page book to insult you. Salman Rushdie / Credit: 60 Minutes Rushdie was living in London when he went into hiding and for the next 10 years the British government provided him with 24-hour police protection. Anderson Cooper: Did people try to kill you? Salman Rushdie: Yes. There were maybe as many as half a dozen serious assassination attempts-- which were not random people. They were state-sponsored terrorism professionals. After diplomatic negotiations, the Iranian state called off its assassins in 1998. Rushdie finally came out of the shadows. He moved to New York and for the next two decades lived openly he was a man about town. He continued writing and became a celebrated advocate for freedom of expression. So, when he received the invitation to speak in Chautauqua in August 2022, he gladly accepted. Salman Rushdie: I was seated at stage right. In his new book "Knife," he describes what happened next. Salman Rushdie: Then, in the corner of my right eye-- the last thing my right eye would ever see-- I saw the man in black running towards me down the right-hand side of the seating area. Black clothes, black face mask. He was coming in hard and low. A squat missile. I confess, I had sometimes imagined my assassin rising up in some public forum or other, and coming for me in just this way. So, my first thought when I saw this murderous shape rushing towards me was, "So it's you. Here you are." Anderson Cooper: "So it's you. Here you are." Salman Rushdie: Yeah. Anderson Cooper: It's like you'd been th-- waiting for it. Salman Rushdie: Yeah, that's what it felt like. It felt like something coming out of the distant past. And trying to drag me back in time, if you like, back into that distant past in order to kill me. And when he got to me. He basically hit me very hard here. And initially I thought I'd been punched. Anderson Cooper: You didn't actually see a knife? Salman Rushdie: I didn't see the knife. And I didn't realize until I saw blood coming out that there had been a knife in his-- in his fist. Anderson Cooper: So where was that stab? Salman Rushdie: Here. Anderson Cooper: In your neck? Salman Rushdie: In my neck, yeah. then there were a lot more, the worst wounds was there was a big slash wound like this across my neck. And there was a s-- puncture, a stab wound here. And then of course there was the attack on my eye. Anderson Cooper: Do you remember being stabbed in the eye? Salman Rushdie: No. I remember falling. Then I remember not knowing what had happened to my eye. He was also stabbed in his hand, chest, abdomen, and thigh. Fifteen wounds in all. Anderson Cooper: He was both stabbing-- Salman Rushdie: Stabbing and slashing-- Anderson Cooper: and also slashing. Salman Rushdie: I think he was just wildly The attack lasted 27 seconds. To feel just how long that is Anderson Cooper: This is what 27 seconds is. Anderson Cooper: That's it. Salman Rushdie: That's quite a long time. That's the extraordinary half-minute of intimacy, you know, in which life meets death. Anderson Cooper: What stopped it from being longer? Salman Rushdie: The audience pulling him off me. Anderson Cooper: Strangers to you. Salman Rushdie: Total s-- I don't-- to this day, I don't know their names. Anderson Cooper and Salman Rushdie / Credit: 60 Minutes Some of those strangers restrained the attacker while others desperately tried to stem the flow of Rushdie's blood. Salman Rushdie: There was really a lot of blood. Anderson Cooper: You were actually watching your blood-- Salman Rushdie: I was actually watching it spread. And then I remember thinking that I was probably dying. And it was interesting because it was quite matter-of-fact, it wasn't like I was terrified of it or whatever. And yeah, there was nothing. No heavenly choirs. No pearly gates. I mean, I'm not-- a supernatural person, you know? I believe that death comes as the end. There was nothing that happened that made me change my mind about that. Anderson Cooper: You have not had a revelation. Salman Rushdie: I have not had any revelation, except that there's no revelation to be had. His attacker the man in black was hustled off the stage. Anderson Cooper: In the book, you do not use the attacker's name. Salman Rushdie: Yeah. I thought, you know, I don't want his name in my book. And I don't use it in conversation, either. Anderson Cooper: That is important to you, not to give him space in your brain. Salman Rushdie: Yeah. He and I had 27 seconds together, you know? That's it. I don't need to give him any more of my time. Paramedics flew Rushdie to a hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, 40 miles away where a team of doctors battled for eight hours to save his life. When he finally came out of surgery, his wife Eliza, a poet and novelist, was waiting. Eliza Griffiths: And he wasn't moving. And he was just laid out. Anderson Cooper: He looked half dead to you? Eliza Griffiths: Yes. He did. He was a different color. He was cold. I mean, his-- his face was stapled. Just staples holding his face together. Rushdie was on a ventilator, unable to speak. Eliza and the doctors had no idea whether the knife that had penetrated his eye had damaged his brain. Eliza Griffiths: Someone from the staff said that we would use this system of wiggling the toes. Anderson Cooper: To communicate? Eliza Griffiths: To communicate. Salman Rushdie and Eliza Griffiths speak with Anderson Cooper / Credit: 60 Minutes Anderson Cooper: Do you remember the first question you asked to-- to get a wiggle? Or... Eliza Griffiths: I think I said, "Salman, it's Eliza. Can you hear me?" And there was-- there was a wiggle. And asked him, I think, "can you - do you know where you are?" And wiggled. And it was-- it was a very basic, simple questions. Salman Rushdie: 'Cause you can't express yourself with any subtlety with your toes. (laugh) Eliza Griffiths: Which is your favorite thing. (laughter) After 18 days in the hospital and three weeks in rehab Rushdie was discharged. Salman Rushdie: One of the surgeons who had saved my life-- said to me "first you were really unlucky, and then you were really lucky." I said, "what's the lucky part?" And he said, "well, the lucky part is that the man who attacked you had no idea how to kill a man with a knife." Anderson Cooper: You're not a believer in miracles. But the fact that you survived, you write in the book, is a miracle. Salman Rushdie: This is a contradiction. (laugh) How does somebody who doesn't believe in the supernatural account for the fact that something has happened which feels like a miracle? And I certainly don't feel that some hand reached down from the skies and guarded me. But I do think something happened which wasn't supposed to happen. And I have no explanation for it. His attacker was a 24-year-old from New Jersey who lived in his mother's basement. He is believed to be a lone wolf. He has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and is awaiting trial. In an interview he told the "New York Post" he'd only read a couple pages of 'The Satanic Verses,' and seen some clips of Rushdie on YouTube. He said he "didn't like him very much" because Rushdie had "attacked Islam." Anderson Cooper: Does it matter to you what his motive was? Salman Rushdie: I mean, it's interesting to me because it's a mystery. if I had written a character who knew so little about his proposed victim, and yet was willing to commit the crime of murder, my publishers might well say to me that that's under-motivated. Anderson Cooper: You need to develop that character better-- Salman Rushdie: Yeah, not enough of a reason, you know? Not convincing. But yet that's what he did. Salman Rushdie / Credit: 60 Minutes Rushdie's "Knife"... his 22nd book is one he initially did not want to write. Salman Rushdie: That was the last thing I wanted to do. Anderson Cooper: Because, you didn't want this to yet again define you? Salman Rushdie: Yeah. It was very difficult for me, after The Satanic Verses was published, that the only thing anybody knew about me was this death threat. Salman Rushdie: But it became clear to me that I couldn't write anything else. Anderson Cooper: You had to write this first, before-- Salman Rushdie: I had to write this first. I just thought, you know - I need to focus on, you know, to use the cliche, the elephant in the room, and the moment I thought that, kinda something changed in my head. And it then became a book I really very much wanted to write. Anderson Cooper: You say the "language was my knife. If I had unexpectedly been caught in an unwanted knife fight, maybe this was the knife I could use to fight back. To take charge of what had happened to me, to own it, make it mine." Salman Rushdie: Yeah. I mean, language is-- a way of breaking open the world. I don't have any other weapons, but I'd been using this particular tool for quite a long time. So, I thought this was my way of dealing with it. It's been almost two years since the attack, and Rushdie is back home now in New York slowly getting used to navigating the world with one eye. Anderson Cooper: How much time did it take to kind of readjust. Salman Rushdie: I'm still doing it. Anderson Cooper: You still are? Salman Rushdie: Yeah. Anderson Cooper: Do you feel like you are a different person after the attack? Salman Rushdie: I don't feel I'm very different, but I do feel that it has left-- a shadow. I think that shadow is just there. You know, and some days it's dark and some days it's not. Anderson Cooper: You feel less than you were before? Salman Rushdie: No, I just feel more the presence of death. Anderson Cooper: In an interview almost 25 years ago you said of-- of the fatwa, "I wanna find an end to this story. It is the one story I must find an end to." Have you found that ending and an ending to this story as well-- Salman Rushdie: Well, I thought I had, and then it turned out I hadn't. I'm hoping this is just a last twitch of that story. I don't know. I'll let you know. Produced by Michael H. Gavshon and Nadim Roberts. Broadcast associate, Grace Conley. Edited by Warren Lustig. Jerry Seinfeld on "Unfrosted," the made-up origin tale of Pop-Tarts The history of Waterford Crystal Psychic Tyler Henry, Hollywood's biggest medium Censorship in America today comes from both the left and the right, Salman Rushdie told 60 Minutes in his first major television interview since he was attacked at a literary festival in 2022. The writer spoke out ahead of the publication this week of his new book, "Knife," a deeply personal exploration of his near-death experience. "There seems to be a kind of growing orthodoxy, particularly amongst young people, that censorship is a good thing," Rushdie told correspondent Anderson Cooper. The acclaimed author said the attack on free expression today comes from different directions. Previously, he explained, conservative voices were the ones calling for books to be banned, including those that discuss the role race has played in history. But now, according to Rushdie, people on the left are just as likely to call for limits on free speech. Salman Rushdie on the 2022 attack that nearly took his life, and writing his new book "Knife" "The thing that's different now is that it's also coming from progressive voices," he said. "There are progressive voices saying that certain kinds of speech should be not permitted because it offends against this or that vulnerable group." Rushdie said that when speech is suppressed, the people who are first impacted are often minority groups. "To support censorship in theory on behalf of vulnerable groups is a very slippery slope," Rushdie said. "It can lead to the opposite of what you want." Censorship is a subject the acclaimed novelist knows well. In 1989, Iran's leader Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa, a religious decree, against Rushdie that ordered all Muslims to kill him. The controversy stemmed from his novel "The Satanic Verses," which depicted a representation of a character likened to the Prophet Muhammed that the Ayatollah deemed "blasphemous." In 1990, 60 Minutes correspondent Mike Wallace traveled to a secret location in London to speak with Rushdie, who was living in hiding. At the time, Rushdie was optimistic he could reconcile with his critics. "In this country I don't believe that there are very many people, actually, who are seriously interested in doing me any harm," Rushdie said at the time. "I don't believe that's so in the United States, either." Despite his optimism, he would remain in hiding for almost nine more years after that interview. Salman Rushdie reads excerpts from his new book "Knife" In 1998, the Iranian regime said they no longer supported the fatwa to kill Rushdie, but threats against the author continued. On an August day almost two years ago, Rushdie was on stage at a literary festival in Chautauqua, New York, preparing to speak about the importance of protecting writers whose lives are under threat. A man with a knife rushed the stage and stabbed him multiple times in his face, neck, chest, and torso. The attacker was a 24-year-old Muslim man from New Jersey who said he'd only read a couple pages of "The Satanic Verses" and saw a few clips of the author on YouTube. But that was enough for him to feel that Rushdie had "attacked Islam." In his interview with 60 Minutes, the author said there is value in hearing from voices that offend because they challenge people. "There's now a kind of offense industry," Rushdie explained. "Offense has become an aspect of identity politics. And my view is it's very easy for a book to stop offending you. You just shut it." At his core, Rushdie is a writer. He says he's disheartened by people who only know him from the threats to his lifenot his lifetime of telling stories. "My desire to be a writer was entirely to do with the love of the power of the imagination, of imagining worlds, creating worlds for readers to inhabit and for their imaginations to engage with," he said. "And I wish that they weren't obscured by the shadow of this kind of event." Had the attack on his life been successful, Rushdie said being a writer is how he would want to be remembered. "I have the shelf of books," he said. "That's what I want people to look at. And hopefully a few of them might last." The video above was produced by Brit McCandless Farmer and edited by Scott Rosann. Jerry Seinfeld on "Unfrosted," the made-up origin tale of Pop-Tarts Nature: Gopher tortoises in Florida The history of Waterford Crystal Two nights before he was attacked onstage at a literary festival in western New York, Salman Rushdie had a dream he was being stabbed. I kind of had a premonition, he told Anderson Cooper. I mean, I had a dream of being attacked in an amphitheater. But it was a kind of Roman Empire dream, you know? Rushdies appearance in a 60 Minutes segment on Sunday night marked his first televised interview since the Aug. 12, 2022, attack at the Chautauqua Institution. Hit by his assailants knife 10 times, Rushdie was stabbed in the face, hand, chest, stomach, thigh, and neck. He would remain hospitalized for six weeks, and ultimately lose all vision in his right eye and feeling in some fingertips. He hadnt wanted to go to the event, where he was scheduled to speak about the importance of providing safe haven to writers under threat, he told Cooper. Because of the dream? the correspondent asked. Because of the dream, Rushdie replied. And then I thought, Dont be silly. Its a dream. The 76-year-old had dreamed he was in the Colosseum, he said on 60 Minutes, trying frantically to get away from a man with a spear. And I woke up and was quite shaken by it. And I had to go to Chautauqua, you know? And I said to my wife, Eliza, I said, You know, II dont want to go, Rushdie remembered. Rushdie doesnt invoke his attackers name in conversationor in his 22nd book, Knife, a memoir set to hit shelves on Tuesday. He and I had 27 seconds together, you know? Thats it, he told Cooper. I dont need to give him any more of my time. But Rushdie does recount those 27 seconds in Knife, from which he read an extract on 60 Minutes. Then, in the corner of my right eyethe last thing my right eye would ever seeI saw the man in black, Rushdie read, running towards me down the right-hand side of the seating area. Black clothes, black face mask. He was coming in hard and low. A squat missile. The missile in question, Hadi Matar, is awaiting trial, having pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree assault and second-degree attempted murder. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison for the attempted murder charge alone, a prosecutor said in court last year. Rushdie will likely testify at the trial, which is expected to take approximately two weeks. The attack against the Indian-born British-American author, who was raised Muslim but today identifies as an atheist, took place more than three decades after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini of Iran responded with fury to the publication of his novel The Satanic Verses, issuing a fatwa for Rushdies murder. Rushdie said on 60 Minutes that hed had no idea his book, which depicts the Prophet Muhammad, would prove as controversial as it didsparking international protests, burnings, and even the unsolved murder of its Japanese translator, Hitoshi Igarashi. Asked by Cooper if this seemed naive in retrospect, Rushdie said, Probably. Its easy looking back to thinkbut nothing like this had ever happened to anybody, he said. And, of course, almost all the people who attacked the book did so without reading it. I was often told that I had intended to insult, offend people. And my view is: If I need to insult you, I can do it really quickly. I dont need to spend five years of my life trying to write a 600-page book to insult you. In 1998, Iranian authorities reversed their stance on the fatwa, saying they would no longer actively seek Rushdies head. He was able to emerge from the seclusion that had defined the previous decade of his life, spent in hiding or under protection. But the fatwas afterlife has proved controversial, with some religious authorities insisting that such an edict could only be withdrawn by the person who issued it. (Khomeini had died four months after calling for Rushdies execution.) Some hardline Iranian groups continued to offer a bounty for Rushdies life. In 2005, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the fatwa remained active, according to The New York Times. Speaking to the New York Post from jail five days after the attack, Matar wouldnt say whether he was following Khomeinis fatwa. But he referred to the ayatollah as a great person while criticizing Rushdie. I dont like the person. I dont think hes a very good person, he told the newspaper. I dont like him. I dont like him very much. Hes someone who attacked Islam, he attacked their beliefs, the belief systems. Matar told the Post hed only read a few pages of The Satanic Verses. When Cooper asked Rushdie if he cared what Matars motive had been, the novelist demurred. I mean, its interesting to me because its a mystery, he mused. If I had written a character who knew so little about his proposed victim, and yet was willing to commit the crime of murder, my publishers might well say to me that thats under-motivated. You need to develop that character better Cooper began. Yeah, not enough of a reason, you know? Not convincing, Rushdie said. But yet thats what he did. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Renowned author Salman Rushdie gave his first interview since his near-fatal 2022 stabbing on Sunday, reflecting on the death threats that have followed him for decades in a new book, Knife. Rushdie, who became a targeted man after then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against him for his depiction of the Prophet Muhammad in The Satanic Verses in 1989, recalled the evening in August 2022 when the most recent attempt on his life nearly succeeded. He was giving a presentation in Chautauqua, N.Y., discussing writers at risk of violence for their work In the corner of my right eye the last thing my right eye would ever see I saw the man in black running towards me down the right-hand side of the seating area, he told Anderson Cooper in a 60 Minutes interview. Black clothes, black face mask. He was coming in hard and low. A squat missile. I confess, I had sometimes imagined my assassin rising up in some public forum or other, and coming for me in just this way, he continued. So, my first thought when I saw this murderous shape rushing towards me was, So its you. Here you are. After nearly a decade of around-the-clock security protecting against Iran-backed assassins in the 1990s, Rushdie thought he was free from attempts on his life. It felt like something coming out of the distant past. And trying to drag me back in time, if you like, back into that distant past in order to kill me, Rushdie said. And when he got to me. He basically hit me very hard here. And initially I thought Id been punched. Rushdie was attacked 15 times over 27 seconds, his face, neck and chest stabbed and slashed. He lost sight in his right eye. I remember thinking that I was probably dying, he said. And it was interesting because it was quite matter-of-fact; it wasnt like I was terrified of it or whatever. And yeah, there was nothing. No heavenly choirs. No pearly gates. I mean, Im not a supernatural person, you know? I believe that death comes as the end. There was nothing that happened that made me change my mind about that, he continued. I have not had any revelation, except that theres no revelation to be had. Rushdie barely survived the attack, being flown by helicopter to a hospital in Erie, Pa., and not being released until more than a month later. His attacker was a 24-year-old who said he was inspired to attack because of The Satanic Verses depiction of the Prophet Muhammad, claiming Rushdie had attacked Islam. Knife, Rushdies reflections on the experience, is his 22nd book, and not one that he initially wanted to write. He said he was tired of being known and followed by his death threats. It was very difficult for me, after The Satanic Verses was published, that the only thing anybody knew about me was this death threat, he said. But it became clear to me that I couldnt write anything else. I need to focus on, you know, to use the cliche, the elephant in the room. And the moment I thought that, kinda something changed in my head, he continued. And it then became a book I really very much wanted to write. Rushdie is now fully recovered from the attack 20 months later, less an eye. He still lives in upstate New York. I dont feel Im very different, but I do feel that it has left a shadow, he said. I think that shadow is just there. You know, and some days its dark, and some days its not. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A San Angelo man has received 17 years in confinement after pleading guilty to a charge of indecency with a child by sexual contact. According to the Tom Green County District Attorneys Office, 32-year-old John Barry Suksta pled guilty to the offense on April 4. After a hearing on April 15, Suksta received a 17-year sentence in a penitentiary in exchange for his guilty plea. The sentence is three years shy of the 20-year maximum sentence one can receive for the offense, according to the District Attorneys Office. Prosecuting crimes against children involves a team effort, the District Attorneys Office said. We want to thank everyone involved in investigating this case, including the San Angelo Police Department and Hope House. Our office remains committed to working closely with the victims in these cases and seeking justice for our children and our community. Odessa homicide suspect in police pursuit spotted near San Angelo Sukstas actions would first come under the eye of the law on March 12, 2021, when a young female claimed that she was sexually abused by him. Officer Manuel Reyes and Detective Bobby Elrod with the San Angelo Police Department were notified about the sexual abuse. The female was interviewed at the Childrens Advocacy Center and disclosed that she was abused on more than one occasion. We applaud the young lady who had the strength and courage to confront her perpetrator, the District Attorneys Office said. We hope that this will start the healing and recovery process and that she can now move forward from this awful period in her life. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. San Francisco jails on lockdown, request help from National Guard amid attacks on deputies San Francisco jails on lockdown, request help from National Guard amid attacks on deputies Two San Francisco County jails were placed on lockdown Sunday afternoon and a request for help from the National Guard was issued as officials reported that attacks against jail deputies are on the rise. "Recent incidents have shocked the community, including a sharp rise in prisoner fights, attacks on prisoners by other inmates, and injuries to both civilian employees and deputy sheriffs. These dangerous incidents underscore the pressing need for intervention to ensure the safety and security of all within the jails," The San Francisco Deputy Sheriff's Association (SFDSA) said in a statement on Sunday. Sheriff officials reported that since March 29, at least seven staff members have been injured by inmates, including two who sustained serious injuries. The SFDSA association's president, Ken Lomba, demanded that San Francisco city leaders request the deployment of the California National Guard to assist with staffing issues. SAN FRANCISCO CRIME PROBLEMS LEAVE ASIAN AMERICANS FRUSTRATED, ANGRY WITH MAYOR BREED: REPORT San Francisco County Jails 2 and 3 were placed on lockdown Sunday for the weekend due to reports of physical assaults against deputies and jail staff by the inmates. "I am writing to urgently address the escalating violence within the San Francisco Jails, a situation that demands immediate action," the letter read. "Given the severity of these challenges, I demand that you immediately request deployment of the California National Guard to temporarily supplement our current staffing levels." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Lomba explains that a crisis that has been worsening since 2020. He says the SFDSA stresses that the City and Sheriffs Office must act swiftly to address this pressing issue and bolster safety and security within the jails. In the letter, the SFDSA claimed 2023 saw at least 240 reported incidents of prisoner fights, a 58% increase from 2022, and that the reported attacks on inmates against other inmates rose 79% over the same period. SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS OWNER SOUNDS OFF ON MAYOR DOWNPLAYING CRIME, HOMELESSNESS: 'POOP EVERYWHERE AGAIN' "As the situation in San Francisco County Jails reaches a critical point, the SFDSAs demand for increased staffing and National Guard support raises a crucial question: Will Mayor London Breed and President of the Board of Supervisors Aaron Peskin prioritize the hiring of more deputy sheriffs and the deployment of the California National Guard?" Lomba asked. Lomba reiterated that the safety and well-being of deputies, inmates, and the community hang in the balance. "It is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to address staffing shortages and ensure a safer environment for all," Lomba said. Due to the lockdowns, the San Francisco Sheriff's Office announced that visitations, programs, and services have been canceled. SAN FRANCISCO RAPPER SAYS 'DISS TRACK' ON MAYOR BREED, CRIME DREW 'THREATS FROM SOMEONE EXTREMELY POWERFUL' "Attacks on deputies directly affect the safety of everyone in jail including our staff, community members who work in the jail, and the incarcerated," the San Francisco County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. However, officials said normal operations should resume next week. "We are actively investigating these incidents to ascertain their root causes and any potential correlation. It is imperative that we identify and address the factors contributing to these assaults to prevent future occurrences," the sheriff's office wrote. Original article source: San Francisco jails on lockdown, request help from National Guard amid attacks on deputies REVILLA HOPEFUL OVER HISTORIC TRILATERAL MEET SENATOR Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. today expressed optimism over the first trilateral meeting between the Philippines, Japan, and the United States held in the White House on April 11. In a joint statement released by the White House, the "three nations share a firm commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, inclusive, and resilient," welcoming coordination and cooperation with a wide range of partners who share these goals. "I am very hopeful over this historic summit," Revilla said. "Ang pagpapatibay ng ating relasyon sa Japan at Amerika, at ang pagtutulungan sa pagitan ng ating mga bansa ay maghahatid ng higit na seguridad, kaayusan, at progreso sa ating rehiyon," he added. The nations' leaders, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. reiterated their "ironclad" commitments to peace and security in the indo-pacific region, with the US affirming its obligations under its Mutual Defense Treaties with the Philippines and Japan. "The United States defense commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are ironclad. They're ironclad," Biden said as he began three-way talks at the White House with Kishida and Marcos. "As I said before, any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty." Revilla welcomed President Biden's announcement of more than $1 billion in U.S. private sector investments aimed at promoting the Philippines' innovation economy, clean energy transition, and supply chain resilience. The veteran lawmaker also expressed his elation on the launching the Luzon Economic Corridor, which connect Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. "Through this corridor, part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment-IPEF Accelerator, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States commit to accelerating coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects, including rail; ports modernization; clean energy and semiconductor supply chains and deployments; agribusiness; and civilian port upgrades at Subic Bay," the joint statement said. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 15. Uzbekistan and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf have discussed issues of strengthening interaction between the regions, the press service of the President of Uzbekistan said, Trend reports. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. The sides discussed issues of further developing constructive dialog and strengthening Uzbekistan's interaction with the Council. The President of Uzbekistan emphasized the dynamics of multifaceted cooperation between the regions and highly appreciated the fruitful outcomes of the second meeting of foreign ministers held in Tashkent. Uzbekistan and the Council reviewed the implementation of the agreements of the first summit of Central Asia and the Arab Gulf States held last year in Jeddah. The sides also drew attention to the practical implementation of initiatives and proposals put forward by Uzbekistan in the areas of investment, trade, high technology, tourism, and other areas. Finally, at the end of the meeting, the issues of preparing the agenda for the second summit to be held in Samarkand in 2025 were discussed. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Two San Francisco jails were placed on lockdown this weekend, the San Francisco Sheriffs Office (SFSO) announced Sunday in a press release. The decision comes after escalating attacks and physical assaults on deputies and jail staff by the inmates. Since March 29, seven staff members working at the jails have been injured, the sheriffs office said. Some of those staffers suffered serious injuries. There has been a concerning rise of fights at San Francisco jails in recent years, according to the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs Association. The association added that the issue highlights the staffing shortages at these jail facilities. VIDEO: Cars set on fire during series of sideshows in Oakland The lockdown went into effect for the protection of all who work or reside in, or visit our jails, and includes cancellation of visits, programs, and services, the SFSO press release said. SFSO is currently investigating these instances of assault and its root causes. The law enforcement agency looks to identify the contributing factors in hopes of preventing any future incidents. Normal operations at the jail are expected to resume next week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) City commissioners voted unanimously Monday to move forward with the more than $7 million purchase of two pieces of prime real estate in the center of the downtown core. The plan is to transform the two properties along First Street into affordable workforce housing. The property directly across the street from City Hall has the potential to one day house hundreds of members of the citys working class from first responders and government workers to nurses and teachers. The project proposal includes two 12-story towers, making up 192 workforce units. This would include three levels of parking, eight floors of housing, and ground-level retail that would be sold to help cover the cost of construction. Proposal to demolish historic Colsen Hotel denied Three local foundations could help cover the cost of purchasing the land including the Barancik Foundation, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Some residents during Mondays meeting expressed opposition to the government getting involved in local housing. For Sarasota to be a more inclusive and diverse city, that is what we need. You are going to have those who are opposed to any type of affordable housing near them, or on the corridors or what have you, but we have to listen to our conscience and what is best for the city and not for our particular group of people, said Commissioner Kyle Battie. However, other residents applauded the city for making a bold move to address the ongoing affordable housing crisis. This is quite remarkable that they are making an investment of this size to do this right here in the center of the city, said county residents and affordable housing advocate John Harney. The concept plan restricts the rental units to individuals making between 80% and 120% of the area median income, which is around $50,000 to $75,000 a year. Sarasota zoning code change gives developers 3x density bonus for including affordable housing Harney feels that range misses out on a large portion of the working class. Anything that gets built is helpful, so it is really important for that to happen, but it is not reaching the large numbers of the lower end. There really is not an alternative for them beyond doing something like this where you make it as a plan, said Harney. Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch expressed a similar viewpoint. She wants to see the commission broaden the range to include residents in a lower AMI. There is a need across a wide swath of that range, and I dont mind us focusing on 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 AMI. I dont mind that at all. I would actually welcome that, that is what I would like to see so that we have a range of units that are affordable across-the-board. I think that 120 AMI goes into a category that is above and beyond what is really affordable housing, but I am very hopeful we will have a range. There will be 120s, but I would like to see the vast majority of them 80 and going down from there so that we can meet that need, said Commissioner Ahearn-Koch. A lot could change by the time the city reaches the point of breaking ground on the project. After the purchase is complete and the design is ready to go, the hope is for that to happen sometime in mid-2025. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. SC man charged with fatally stabbing a family member is caught near Charlotte A Rock Hill man charged with murder in the weekend stabbing death of a family member is in Mecklenburg County jail after he was caught north of Charlotte Sunday, police said. Shawn Marion Love, 27, is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime after Carol Love, 60, died Saturday afternoon at a house on Brunswick Drive, according to the Rock Hill Police Department and York County Coroner. The suspect and victim are related, but Rock Hill police Lt. Michael Chavis refused Monday to disclose the exact relationship. No motive for the crime has been released. No one else was hurt, Chavis said. Love was arrested Sunday in Huntersville, N.C., north of Charlotte after an an attempted robbery, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office web site. Love faces North Carolina charges of attempted robbery with a weapon and breaking and entering of a vehicle, and also is being held on a South Carolina fugitive warrant, the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office web site shows. Huntersville police told law enforcement in Rock Hill that Love was in custody, Chavis said. Because Love is in North Carolina, the Rock Hill murder warrant remains pending, Chavis said. South Carolina police are expected to start extradition proceedings that would bring Love to York County to be served the South Carolina warrant for murder. Scholz warns China not to support Russia ahead of meeting with Xi Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a press statement in Shanghai. Scholz is scheduled to meet China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing at the end of his trip. Michael Kappeler/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he will warn Chinese President Xi Jinping against providing military support for Russia. He will point out that Russia is waging a war of conquest against Ukraine, "and insist that no one must help this to succeed," Scholz said in Shanghai on Monday. "That is why we are also calling on everyone not to circumvent sanctions ... and that is why we are also calling for no arms deliveries." This also applies to goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, emphasized Scholz. China is considered Russia's most important ally and is suspected of supplying such goods. Scholz is meeting Xi and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Tuesday. The Russian war against Ukraine is not just a European issue, Scholz said. "If this sets a precedent, it is a threat to peace and security everywhere on the planet," he said. Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a press statement in Shanghai. Scholz is scheduled to meet China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing at the end of his trip. Michael Kappeler/dpa Scientists identify three new species of ancient kangarooand one was more than 6.6 feet tall Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Scientists have identified three new species of giant kangaroo that lived from 5 million to 40,000 years ago, one of which is around double the size of the biggest kangaroos alive today. The giant kangaroos are from the genus Protemnodon, and would have demonstrated more variability in shape, range and hopping method than researchers previously thought, according to a statement from Flinders University in South Australia. The research, published Monday in the journal Megataxa, is based on the discovery of several complete fossil skeletons by paleontologists working in Lake Callabonna in southern Australia. This allowed a team led by Isaac Kerr, a paleontologist at Flinders University, to answer longstanding questions about Protemnodon. Volunteers on the archeological dig in Lake Callabonna, South Australia - Aaron Camens/Flinders University Although Protemnodon fossils are fairly common in Australia, our understanding of the creatures was hampered by the fact that the fossils historically consisted of individual bones rather than complete animals. While the kangaroos would have looked fairly similar to those we see today, they were more squat and muscular, according to the statement. The three newly described species would have also hopped in different ways and adapted to live in different environments, the researchers added. One species P. viator would have weighed up to 170 kilograms (375 pounds), making it around twice as heavy as the largest male red kangaroos living today. Lead study author Isaac Kerr is pictured with kangaroo fossil. - Flinders University The largest specimens would have stood more than 2 meters (6.6 feet) tall, Kerr told CNN on Monday. With narrow feet, relatively short thighbones and long shinbones, it was proportioned much like the living red and grey kangaroos built to hop quickly and efficiently, he said. This would have helped it move between food and water sources in its open, arid central Australian habitat, he added. Its name, viator, means traveler or wayfarer in Latin, and Kerr told CNN that the kangaroos would probably have moved in large groups known as mobs, as red and grey kangaroos do today. Their main predator would have been Thylacoleo carnifex, the now-extinct marsupial lion, he added. About the size of a large dog, Thylacoleo was an ambush predator believed to have specialised in hunting kangaroos. The other two newly described species are P. mamkurra and P. dawsonae. P. mamkurra would have been quadrupedal, Kerr said in the statement, meaning it would have mainly moved on four legs rather than hopping on two. A large but thick-boned and robust kangaroo, it was probably fairly slow-moving and inefficient. It may have hopped only rarely, perhaps just when startled, said Kerr in the statement. Comparatively less is known about P. dawsonae because there are fewer fossils for scientists to study, but it was probably a mid-speed hopper, the researchers said. The paper also demonstrates Protemnodons unusual ability to survive in varied environments. The different species of Protemnodon are now known to have inhabited a broad range of habitats, from arid central Australia into the high-rainfall, forested mountains of Tasmania and New Guinea, Kerr said in the statement. By around 40,000 years ago Protemnodon had become extinct on mainland Australia, despite the differences between the various species. This extinction, however, did not affect similar animals such as wallaroos and grey kangaroos, for reasons scientists do not fully understand. The team hope the study will contribute to future research that goes some way to explaining why this happened. Next for Kerr is a trip to Papua New Guinea to undertake what he said would be the first paleontological dig there in more than 40 years, he told CNN. There is a species of Protemnodon present in the formation well be digging at, Protemnodon otibandus, and Im hoping for a complete skull of this very interesting species, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Donald Trumps first day of trial in New York City started with the judge refusing to bow down to the former presidents numerous legal demands that he recuse himself, with Judge Juan Merchan finding that his request stretched the boundaries of the imagination. To say that these claims are attenuated is an understatement, Merchan said in Manhattan Criminal Court, maintaining a near monotone delivery of his explanations for why he simply wouldnt step aside. On Monday, Trump became the first former American president to stand trial, facing 34 felony counts for faking business paperwork in an alleged coverup of his hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016. A scowling Trump showed up in the sparsely attended courtroom, looked around, and took a seat with defense attorneys Susan Necheles, Emil Bove, and Todd Blanche. Speaking to reporters gathered outside the 15th-floor courtroom, Trump said, without evidence, that the proceedings were political persecution... like never before, and that it was not a prosecution of him for something he did wrong, but rather, an assault on America. And thats why Im very proud to be here, he said. This is an assault on our country. And its a country thats failing. Trumps past volatile and impetuous statements may already be coming back to bite him. Over the weekend, Trump took aim on social media at his former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, who is a key witness in the case. At a little bit after noon, Assistant District Attorney Christopher Conroy asked Merchan to penalize Trump with a $1,000 fine for each post that violates the court order, direct the defendant to take down the offending posts, and remind him that further violations could result in jail time. The total could come to $3,000 or more, a pittance in the grand scheme of things. (Merchan did not immediately rule on the request.) In recent weeks, Trumps defense lawyers launched a flurry of legal attacks to get the judge off the case. They criticized how Merchans daughter has run a firm engaging in digital campaign work and fundraising for Democrats, pointed to what they incorrectly thought was her social media account, and even cried foul about an innocuous media interview in which the judge appears to have spoken generally about the intense preparation needed for members of the judiciary to prepare for trial. Merchan took each accusation in turn, and instead of speaking freely opted instead to mostly read from past court opinions and judicial ethics guidelines. He cited guidelines that make clear tangential connections dont necessitate a judge stepping down and noted that the defendant has not reasonably nor logically explained how Merchan is actually compromised. It is not clear to this court how that demonstrates bias in favor of or against either party, or how it would constitute grounds for recusal, Merchan said, noting how Trumps team has resorted to a series of inferences, innuendos and unsupported speculation. Trumps ploy is still in the works, however, because his team has proceeded on a two-track crusade. While asking the judge directly, they have also sued him personally in the appellate court that oversees him. The First Judicial Department last week refused to delay the trial while this gets worked out, but Merchan noted that the matter is still in the works. There is no basis for recusal, he added. The court will not address this matter further, pending a decision from the appellate division. Trumps recusal demand was one of several issues being addressed Monday morning, ahead of the start of jury selection. A ragtag batch of Trump supporters gathered outside the court, but they were vastly outnumbered by members of the press, along with a small group of counterprotesters holding signs reading, variously, Not above the law, Election interference is a crime, and Tick tock, times up. Inside, prosecutors Matthew Colangelo, Susan Hoffinger, and Joshua Steinglass arrived several minutes before Trump, who is facing state felony charges stemming from a $130,000 hush money payment in October 2016 to Daniels over an affair the two allegedly had. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg in April 2023 hit Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. The charges against Trump accuse him of employing a catch and kill scheme to identify, purchase, and bury negative information about him and boost his electoral prospects. A so-called catch-and-kill scheme is one in which the subject of an unflattering story conspires with a publisher to buy the rights to a story in order to deep-six it so it never sees the light of day. Trump then went to great lengths to hide this conduct, causing dozens of false entries in business records to conceal criminal activity, including attempts to violate state and federal election laws, the charges read. Trump has denied the allegations. According to a jury questionnaire released publicly by Judge Juan Merchan, the prospective jurors will be asked about their media consumption, any affiliations with organizations such as QAnon and the Proud Boys, and if they have ever read books by Trump himself or former Trump lawyer-turned-whistleblower Michael Cohen. Former First Lady Melania Trump, notably, was a no-show on Monday morning. However, she appeared beside Trumps side in Florida last month, offering little more in the way of comments about her plans to join her husband on the campaign trail, beyond, Stay tuned. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A number of Russian media outlets have alleged that the arrest in absentia of Vasyl Maliuk, Chief of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), was appealed in the Basmanny District Court in Moscow by "the defence". The SSU has refuted this claim. Source: Russian Kremlin-aligned media outlet RBK with reference to the card catalogue of the Russian court; press service of the SSU in a comment for Ukrainian media Details: Russian media reported that the card of the "court case" says the decision on Maliuks arrest in absentia was appealed on 15 April. The press service of the court confirmed to RBK that an appeal had been submitted. "The defence lawyer appealed [the decision]," the press service added. The SSU urged the media to consider any claims by the Russian authorities and Russian courts concerning the arrest in absentia of Vasyl Maliuk and the alleged appeal of this decision in one of the Moscow courts on his behalf "exceptionally as a manifestation of the enemys psychological operation". Quote: "Neither the SSU, nor Vasyl Maliuk personally have turned to any lawyers to appeal fake decisions of Russian courts. This information is completely false. And the defence which allegedly files appeals on behalf of the Head of the SSU is therefore a part of a Russian discrediting campaign. All measures taken by the Security Service of Ukraine fully meet the norms of national and international law." Support UP or become our patron! Like many Americans, Richard Haass is still trying to understand why Iran decided to attack Israel directly over the weekend with a barrage of more than 300 missiles and drones, most of which were shot down. The attack was a retaliation for an airstrike by Israel earlier this month that killed a top general with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Damascus. But Haass believes Tehran has miscalculated and will come to regret its decision to shift from its longtime strategy of using proxy forces in places like Syria and Iraq into launching a direct attack on civilian areas in Israel, which has only rekindled sympathy for Israelis. The Iranians have lost control of the narrative, Haass says. Haass, the author of multiple books about foreign policy, retired as president of the Council on Foreign Relations last year after nearly 20 years. Previously he was director of policy planning at the State Department under Secretary of State Colin Powell in the run-up to the Iraq invasion in 2003. Today Haass publishes a weekly substack called Home & Away. The question for the Middle East now is whether Irans miscalculation will be followed by an Israeli one. I like to quote Napoleon's dictum: When your enemies are making a big mistake, don't interrupt them, he says. Iran interrupted its enemy at a time when Israel was increasingly isolated and on the defensive, both internationally and in its relationship with the U.S. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. With the attack by Iran, the Mideast crisis has become an even more complex situation, with a lot of moving parts. What would you be advising President Biden today? Im not sure I agree 100 percent that Israel shouldnt respond. I think there are two big questions here. Should Israel respond? And if so, how should it respond? The Iranians essentially seem to want to say, Were even now, or tit or for tat. And the president and the administration basically seem to be saying, Okay, lets not let things get out of hand. So, as best I can tell, they are telling Israel at a minimum, "We wont be with you if you do respond." You got a win. Take the win, is what Biden reportedly told [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu in urging him not to counter-attack. The only danger in that is whether deterrence has been weakened, because Iran crossed a significant threshold. The homeland-on-homeland attack was an unfortunate precedent. Which is not to say the right response would be to attack Irans homeland. There's a case for Israel responding in some ways along the lines of the action that may appear to have precipitated this: going after Iranian proxies, or elements of the Iranian security establishment outside of Iran. But I believe they would be wise to avoid an attack on the Iranian homeland. But realistically, don't you think the Israelis, particularly a government as right-wing as this one, would view anything less than a response in kind that is, a direct attack on Iran as weak? Certainly, there will be voices that will say that. Netanyahu will probably find himself caught, once again, between competing tendencies in his unwieldy coalition. I would argue for keeping the response very targeted. If Israel decides to act against Iran directly, I would suggest they target, for example, a factory where drones are being produced or a storage facility for drones. It ought not to be something that kills large numbers of Iranians. One question is whether the Israelis may be thinking about attacking Irans nuclear program, which they have already targeted in various ways. Would that be appropriate? The nuclear program in Iran is so distributed geographically and so protected that a response would have to be enormous. It still wouldn't destroy a significant portion of the program, though it could well set it back by a factor of months or a year or two. But the danger is that, in addition to whatever immediate retaliation would come from Iran, such an attack would provide justification for Iran going for nuclear weapons at a pace and to a degree that is not yet the case. The Iranians could say to the world: Look, Israel is a nuclear weapons country, and they attack us with impunity. We therefore need nuclear weapons to stop that. Attacking Irans nuclear program would not meet the thresholds or the criteria of proportionality, in my view. Its not clear what Tehran was trying to achieve with this attack. Was this a huge mistake by Iran, because until it happened Israel and the U.S. were on the defensive over the humanitarian issue in Gaza? Yes, so much of the last 48 hours has been many of us just head-scratching over this. Why would Iran do what it did? I like to quote Napoleon's dictum: When your enemies are making a big, big mistake, don't interrupt them. Iran interrupted a situation when Israel was increasingly isolated and on the defensive, both internationally and in its relationship with the U.S., which had reached something of a nadir. At the United Nations, too, the narrative was working in Irans favor. Iran had so many other ways to respond effectively perhaps using Hezbollah to militarize the West Bank or to do things elsewhere in the region. That has been the essence of Iranian national security policy for decades. So this seems to be a major strategic error on the part of Iran. Perhaps that is what Biden was referring to the strategic victory as well as Israels success in knocking down the missiles and drones. Yes, the Iranians have lost control of the narrative. And even worse, they've introduced a new narrative, which like Oct. 7 casts Israel as the offended party. What Iran has done is throw Bibi Netanyahu the lifeline of lifelines that allows him to change the narrative. Now its about Iran and Iran is an issue that, unlike Gaza, unites Israelis. There's been a lot of self-congratulation in the last 48 hours about the effectiveness of Israels defense shield, with help from the U.S., and extraordinarily from Jordan as well, in shooting down 99 percent of the attack projectiles. But as I understand it, Iran deliberately did not fire off some of its best missiles. What do you make of that? It was as if they were going through the motions of retaliation for what happened in [Damascus] Syria, rather than trying to really do something that would be militarily significant. I mean, it almost looks like a compromise. They didn't throw everything they had at it. It looks almost as though it was designed to fail. And then they were so quick to have their mission at the U.N. declare that this concludes things. Its almost as though, for whatever domestic reason, they had to be seen as responding, but it was more of a political response than a military one. What does that tell you? Was this about satisfying Iranian public opinion? Are the mullahs concerned about the domestic weakness of the regime? It tells me that there may be differences between the IRGC and other factions. Its quite possible the IRGC was demanding a [hard-line] response but others in Iran didn't want it to lead to an all-out conflict. Sometimes compromises that make no sense are the result of competing factions. Because again, on its merits, it makes very little sense to me why Iran didn't simply go with its normal playbook of indirect responses, perhaps targeting a Jewish or Israeli target halfway around the world. I was actually much more worried about them funneling more arms into the West Bank. That to me was a more frightening prospect. Let's talk about how Biden and his administration have been handling this crisis overall. With the election seven months away, Bidens under an extraordinary amount of pressure on the Palestinian issue. Would you say this is unprecedented? Heretofore, if presidents paid a political price, it was for not being sufficiently pro-Israel. What's different now is that Biden is paying a political price for being too pro-Israel. So what's unprecedented is that, given the views of younger Americans Americans of color and larger numbers of Muslim and Arab Americans the domestic politics of the Middle East have changed. It's now become two-sided, not one-sided, which actually makes it harder for presidents. Biden is the first to learn this the hard way. Before Oct. 7, the Biden administration was discussing normalization with Saudi Arabia but there wasnt much attention to the Palestinians. In fact, Biden seemed to be going along with the approach of the previous administration, the so-called Abraham Accords, which basically sidelined the Palestinians. Then after Oct. 7, Biden and his team rediscovered the two-state solution, but they don't seem to be pushing that very hard. There are four issues of contention with Israel and [the Biden administration] has focused mainly on two. First, humanitarian aid flows. And second, the Israeli use of military force and the lack of sufficient effort to avoid civilian casualties. But missing has been the issue of settlements on the West Bank either land expropriation or settlement activity and the other is the political content of a peace process. I'm largely fine with the first two. But the real oversight, it seems to me, has not been to confront Israel on settlements and to articulate in detail what the United States believes ought to be the parameters of a political process. Of course, right now, neither Israel nor the Palestinians are [ready to negotiate a state]. But sometimes in diplomacy, you put forward ideas not to negotiate but to stimulate a process that will lead to political changes that will allow negotiations to happen. Do you think that if either this Israeli government or a successor government could address the Palestinian issue, there might be reason for hope in terms of a larger Middle East peace structure especially with the prospect of Arab normalization and so forth? It's a long shot at best, but I refuse to give up on it. Im a firm believer that its not just the Palestinians who need a Palestinian state, its Israel too. I have no illusions about the odds, and how long this could take and how difficult it would be and so forth. But I really do worry about the consequences of drift, about the idea of one-state non-solution. I really worry, not simply that you get a generation of even more radical Palestinians, but that it poses real challenges to Israel's Jewishness or democratic status or both. I think that's bad for Israel. I think it's terrible for the U.S.-Israel relationship. Im not naive, but if I could paraphrase [Winston] Churchill, I think a two-state solution is the worst possible solution, except for all the others. You worked for the administration of President George W. Bush, and you left not long after the Iraq invasion in 2003. How much would you say the United States is still paying for its own errors in the Middle East going back to the Iraq war? That's a good question. The principal strategic beneficiary of the Iraq war was none other than Iran. And one of the things that struck me the other day when the missiles and drones were being shot at Israel was, look where they were coming from. They were coming not just from Iran but also from Yemen and Iraq. This is the new Middle East. This is the Greater Iran. And to me, that was a reminder of how the Iraq war so imbalanced the region in Irans direction. So yes, we are and will continue to pay a real price for the strategic blunder that was the Iraq War. Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance joined Jake Tapper on CNNs State of the Union Sunday and came out swinging in favor of Donald Trump. He opened with a response to Sen. John Fettermans comment that he doesnt understand why Donald Trump seems to love Putin as well. Vance told Tapper, Well, first, Jake, the idea that Putin loves Donald Trump or Donald Trump loves Putin is absolutely absurd. Putin was actually pretty well-behaved during the Trump administration he invaded another country during the Biden administration. Republican Sen. @JDVance1 tells @jaketapper that he opposes more aid to Ukraine, because "when you're stretched too thin, you have got to focus, and you have got to rebuild your own country." pic.twitter.com/9JGIEWiiEa State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) April 14, 2024 So for these guys to say that Putin prefers Donald Trump completely ignores the underlying realities on the ground here, Vance continued. We actually had some real security deterrence when Donald Trump was president. The assertion is preposterous, Vance added. Reality shows Putin didnt like when Donald Trump was president and was a lot better behaved. And I think to accuse Donald Trump of being pro-Putin completely ignores the reality on the ground. After Tapper argued that perhaps Putin was able to make headway with Trump in a way that he couldnt with other presidents and therefore didnt need to be this hostile, Vance pushed back. I dont think thats right, Jake. I think Donald Trump is, he engaged in strategic deterrence. You have to negotiate sometimes even with bad people, even with your enemies, but you have to deter those people, Vance continued. Trump has had made plenty of positive comments about Putin over the years, such as his own 2013 tweet in which he wondered if he could become best friends with Putin. Trump wrote at the time, Do you think Putin will be going to The Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow if so, will he become my new best friend? Do you think Putin will be going to The Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow if so, will he become my new best friend? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2013 Tapper turned the conversation to Vances op-ed on Ukraine published Friday in the New York Times. Vance wrote that the biggest obstacle facing Ukraine is math and specifically, Ukraine needs more soldiers than it can field, even with draconian conscription policies. And it needs more material than the United States can provide. This reality must inform any future Ukraine policy, from further congressional aid to the diplomatic course set by the president. Response to the op-ed has largely been that it seemed Vance is advocating for Ukraine to surrender to Russia, because the necessary math to victory isnt there, but he told Tapper that this take isnt accurate. Vance insisted that my solution to the problem is to rebuild our own country and added, The reason that were in this position, Jake, is because were stretched way too thin.Were stretched way too thin the number of weapons systems that we need, the Ukraine needs, that Taiwan needs, that Israel needs, and we cant do all of these things at once. Watch the interview with J.D. Vance in the video above. The post Sen. JD Vance Tells Jake Tapper Its Absurd to Think Donald Trump Loves Putin | Video appeared first on TheWrap. U.S. Sen. Tina Smith continued her broadside against an obscure federal law over the weekend she says could allow future Republican presidents to outlaw abortion nationally. The 1873 Comstock Act bans the mailing of anything "lewd, lascivious, indecent, filthy or vile," which abortion advocates say could be used to limit the sales of mifepristone, a drug used to end pregnancies. During a weekend interview on ABC's "This Week," Smith pushed back against former President Donald Trump's assurances that he believes abortion policies are best made at the state level. "American women aren't going to be conned by Donald Trump and his comments about abortion," Smith told anchor George Stephanopoulos. The former president has boasted about his role in the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Trump appointed three justices during his four years in the White House, leading to a 6-3 conservative majority on the nation's highest court. In the years since, several states have severely limited access to abortion. Most recently, Arizona's Supreme Court upheld a nearly 160-year-old law that dictates a near-total ban on the medical procedure. Smith pointed to Trump's boasts as linked to that and other restrictions. "That is what has caused all of this chaos and cruelty to the one in three American women who live in states where abortion is now basically banned," Smith said. Democrats have made abortion access a pillar of their electoral strategy this year as state restrictions put the issue front and center for voters. Vice President Kamala Harris made history by visiting a St. Paul Planned Parenthood in March, becoming the highest-ranking elected official to tour a facility that performs abortions. "Please do understand that when we talk about a clinic such as this, it is absolutely about health care and reproductive health care, so everyone get ready for the language: uterus," Harris said during her visit. "That part of the body needs a lot of medical care, people." Smith and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison recently offered their support to an effort that would repeal the Comstock Act, noting that U.S. Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas raised the obscure law in their oral arguments of a Texas case that could limit access to mifepristone. Smith plans to introduce legislation that would repeal the act after the court's ruling. But she noted the repeal would be unlikely to pass if Republicans hold the House majority in November. Smith ended her interview with Stephanopoulos by contrasting Trump's and President Biden's stances on the issue. "You have Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who are fighting to protect people's freedom, and Donald Trump, who's responsible for taking it away," Smith said. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper wrote to USPS Postmaster General Dejoy on Monday to express concerns about the recent proposals to consolidate the Grand Junction Processing and Distribution Center. We are concerned that USPSs plan could impact local mail delivery when these delays occur, which is alarming when constituents already suffer from inconsistent and unreliable mail service. Excerpt from letter to USPS Postmaster General The USPS proposal would redirect mail processing from Grand Junction to Denver and require the USPS to transport outgoing mail over 500 miles round trip between Grand Junction and Denver for sorting; this includes mail originating from and going back to Grand Junction residents. The letter is part of a continued effort by Sens. Hickenlooper and Bennet to resolve long-standing USPS mail delays and issues in Colorado. USPS-Mail-Processing-and-Delivery-Changes-Letter For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Sens. Mark Johnson (left) and Clint Penzo listen to their colleagues discuss cryptocurrency mining legislation during an Arkansas Senate meeting on April 11, 2024. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) Arkansas lawmakers returned to the Capitol Wednesday for the start of the states eighth fiscal session. Held in even-numbered years, fiscal session work is focused on finalizing the state budget. Legislative sessions occur in odd-numbered years, but lawmakers can take up non-appropriation matters during the fiscal session with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber. The fiscal session lasts a maximum of 30 days unless three-fourths of the Arkansas Legislature votes to extend it. Legislative leadership has said they expect the session to be straightforward and wrap up in less than three weeks. Throughout April lawmakers will consider the governors proposed $6.3 billion general revenue budget. The proposed 1.76% increase of $109 million, if approved by the Legislature, would be a significantly smaller increase to the state budget than what has been proposed in recent years. 1) State of the State In her first State of the State address, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders touted the success of legislation targeting education and public safety, her two biggest priorities during her first year in office. About $100 million of the governors proposed budget increase will support initiatives in the LEARNS Act, Sanders signature law that made wide-ranging changes to the Arkansas education system, including raising the states minimum teacher salary to $50,000 and creating a school voucher program. Rep. Jack Ladyman, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders shakes hands with Rep. Jack Ladyman, R-Jonesboro, as she enters the Arkansas House to give her first State of the State address on April 10, 2024. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) The Educational Freedom Account program allows state funds to be used for allowable education expenses, such as private school tuition. Roughly 60% of the state budgets proposed increase is directed toward the EFA program. Sanders budget proposal also includes $3.8 million to replenish the ranks of the Arkansas State Police. Sanders said she wants to add 100 new officers to the force. Sanders also lauded several other policies enacted during her first year, including two laws cutting income taxes, plans to open a new 3,000-bed prison, an executive order banning certain gender-neutral terms in government documents and a social media age verification law, which has been temporarily blocked in court. 2) Correctional costs The Legislatures Joint Budget Committee on Thursday debated whether to give the state Department of Corrections extra money during the current fiscal year to be distributed to county jails as reimbursement for housing state prisoners. Sanders sent a letter to lawmakers requesting the approval of $4.2 million in general revenue funds for jail reimbursements for the 2024 fiscal year, which ends June 30. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US The legislative panel ultimately approved the requested funds, but Sen. Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, took issue with approving the total amount after the state budget director said the Department of Corrections likely needed closer to $3 million because fewer inmates have been kept in county jails than originally predicted. Hickey also voted against the request because he said he disapproved of the committee giving state agencies money that would carry over from one fiscal year to another. Sen. Linda Chesterfield, D-Little Rock, said she supported the $4.2 million appropriation in case $3 million would not be enough. 3) Cryptocurrency mining The Arkansas Senate laid the groundwork for considering legislation that falls outside the scope of the fiscal session by approving resolutions to amend the state employee pay plan as well as a 2023 law that limited the states ability to regulate cryptocurrency mining operations. Crypto mines are large groups of computers that harvest digital currency and are often located in rural areas because they take up a lot of space. A significant amount of electricity is also needed to keep the computers running and water to cool them. The crypto-focused resolutions propose implementing noise limits, prohibiting ownership by foreign entities and requiring licensure by the Department of Energy and Environment. Seven of eight proposed crypto mining resolutions passed the Senate. Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, sponsored six of the resolutions, including the one that did not pass. Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, sponsored six of eight resolutions on cryptocurrency mining taken up by the Arkansas Senate on April 11, 2024. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) To introduce legislation unrelated to the state budget during the fiscal session, lawmakers must file resolutions proposing the legislation by the end of the first day of the session. Both chambers of the Arkansas Legislature must then approve the resolutions with a two-thirds majority vote. The Senate-approved resolutions will be heard by the House on Monday and must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote there in order for bills to be filed and assigned to committees for further discussion. The Arkansas House and Senate are both scheduled to convene at 1 p.m. on Monday. The post SESSION SNAPSHOT: 2024 fiscal session gets underway in Little Rock appeared first on Arkansas Advocate. Seven found clinging to capsized boat in chilly California bay, rescuers say Seven people were found in chilly ocean waters clinging to a capsized boat, California firefighters reported. Six adults and a child spilled into Tomales Bay in Northern California when their boat overturned around 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13, the Marin County Fire Department said in a post to X, formerly Twitter. Firefighters responding to a call for help from the boaters rescued all seven, officials said. They were treated by paramedics for exposure to cold, firefighters said. Three were taken to hospitals for further treatment. Videos and photos with the post show firefighters helping the boaters from the water and onto shore. Tomales Bay is about a 50-mile drive northwest from San Francisco. Two men shove boulders off ancient rock formation in Nevada, wrecking it, video shows Body found in swift-moving river after two teens swept away, California sheriff says Womans dog attacks her when she tries to stop dogs from mating, California cops say Sir Salman Rushdie says that, in the presence of violence, 'our minds no longer know how to work' - KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP Sir Salman fears going blind In his memoir Knife, the author says his greatest fear is blindness. Having lost one eye in the attack on him in August 2022, he fears losing sight in the other. He has macular degeneration a condition of the retina that can lead to loss of vision in his left eye and has been receiving treatment for several years. Sir Salman has to have injections into the eye once a month. He says his condition is currently stable, but that if he loses his sight altogether he will be left in his personal version of Room 101 the torture chamber in George Orwells Nineteen Eighty-Four in which people are subjected to the thing they fear most. He saw attacker coming, but did not run Sir Salman says he saw the masked knifeman coming towards him at the Chautauqua Institution in New York State and stood up, transfixed as he watched him approach hard and low. For reasons he cannot explain, he did not attempt to run away or fight him off, saying: I just stood there like a pinata and let him smash me. His reflection on what happened is that, when an attack comes out of the blue, fear, panic, paralysis to take over from rational thought and that in the presence of violence our minds no longer know how to work. Wife was told he would not make it Sir Salmans wife, Eliza, was a seven-hour drive away in New York City at the time of the attack, and was told on the phone that her husband was not going to make it. Doctors who assessed him when he was brought into in hospital by air ambulance later admitted that they did not think they could save him. Eliza managed to charter a private aircraft at a cost of more than $20,000 to get to the hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania where surgeons spent eight hours working on different parts of Sir Salmans body simultaneously to save his life. He was stabbed 15 times For the first time, Sir Salman reveals the full extent of the injuries he suffered when he was stabbed 15 times in an attack that lasted 27 seconds. He was stabbed in the neck, right eye, left hand, liver, abdomen, face, forehead, cheeks, mouth and chest. Part of his small intestine had to be removed, he was blinded in his right eye, and if the blade had penetrated a matter of millimetres further it would have entered his brain. After two years of physiotherapy, his left hand, which was badly damaged, is functional again, although he still has no feeling in the middle two fingers. He also had to have stitches in his tongue, which he bit as he fell to the ground. He had a premonition of the attack Two days before the attack, Sir Salman had a nightmare about being in a gladiatorial arena where a man was stabbing down at him with a spear as he lay on the ground. He was thrashing around in bed and was so shaken that he told his wife he wanted to cancel the lecture he was due to deliver. In the end, he decided he was being irrational, and he also needed the speaking fee to pay for the air conditioning in his apartment to be replaced. He is aware of six other assassination plots In the years following the fatwa being placed on him by Irans Ayatollah Khomeni in 1989, which put a $3 million bounty on his head, Sir Salman was informed of six assassination plots. In August 1989, a would-be assassin using the alias Mustafa Mahmoud Mazeh blew himself up by accident in a London hotel. Mazeh was priming a bomb concealed inside a book in his room at the Beverley House Hotel in Paddington, which destroyed two floors of the building. A Lebanese group later said he died preparing an attack on the apostate Rushdie and a memorial to him in Tehran describes him as the first martyr to die on a mission to kill Salman Rushdie. He has round-the-clock protection in UK Sir Salman makes his own arrangements for security when he is at home in New York, but when he visits the UK to see his family he is given 24-hour protection by the Metropolitan Police. The Met provided him with bodyguards for years as he moved more than 50 times between secret addresses in the years after a bounty was put on his head. After the 2022 attack, he got back in touch with his old Met contact. He says that when he arrived in London for his first visit since the stabbing, the Met was there to meet him at the airport and stayed with him at all times. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. TOWANDA, Pa. (WETM) Alarms rang across the county Monday morning as several departments were called out to a structure fire at a chemical factory in Towanda. According to a post from the Bradford County Department of Public Safety, sometime after 1 a.m. on Monday, April 15, a fire was reported at Global Tungsten & Powders Corporation in Towanda. The release said that the fire was contained by the GTP Fire Brigade at the factory when crews arrived and that no chemicals were released. People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Elmira The damage was reported as minimal and no one was injured, with no risk of hazards to the community. Units from North Towanda Fire Department, Towanda Fire Department, Ulster-Sheshequin Fire Department, Monroe Hose Company, Wysox Fire Department, Athens Boro Fire Department, Ulter EMS, Guthrie EMS, Greater Valley EMS, and Bradford County EMA were all called to the scene to assist. Units were cleared of the scene and back in service within an hour of the initial call. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Sewage spill no longer affecting recreational use in Lake Acworth, Cobb County officials say If you plan on utilizing the water in Lake Acworth, it was deemed safe for recreational use after a recent sewage spill, the Cobb County Communications Department said. County officials said a falling tree on U.S. Army Corp of Engineers property severed a small above-ground line on Friday, however, crews quickly fixed the issue immediately and conducted tests on the water quality. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The spill volume was well below 10,000 gallons, which the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) classifies as a major spill. While tests were not considered to be necessary due to the amount of water affected, samples were collected as a precaution. TRENDING STORIES: Results showed the lake is safe for recreational activities. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. For Real? Sometimes it pays to take a step back and soak in the sheer absurdity of Trump and the current moment. It remains true that he and his movement are a threat to the Republic and the constitutional order while at the same time being a comical combination of goofy, ridiculous, preposterous, and transparently absurd. Just look at the alleged pretext for the Stormy Daniels hush money scheme. The pussy grabbing Access Hollywood video had just come out in the waning days of the 2016 campaign, creating a crisis that he thought his campaign might not survive if his dalliance with a porn star was made public, too. Let that soak in. I know that you know what happened next. But have you taken time lately to marvel at the ham-handedness of it all? Trumps solution, with the help of the tabloid National Enquirer, was a scheme to pay Daniels for her silence. He actually wrote her checks. Checks! The scheme continued after Trump won the election while he was in the White House. For those of us who have endured Republican moralizing for our entire lives, the hush money scheme rips away all the pretensions. Right-wing Christians who have convinced themselves they are a minority under siege in their own country turned for their salvation to a man who is a product of pro wrestling, reality TV, and the mainstreaming of pornography. God bless em. The three big themes of TPMs trial coverage will be (i) the historic first of a former president on criminal trial; (ii) accountability at long last for Trump himself; (iii) his ongoing corrosive attacks on the rule of law and the justice system. But the through line here is the absurdism of American politics in the era of Trump. All Systems Go Juan Merchan, the trial judge in the New York hush-money case, batted down on Friday Donald Trumps final attempt to delay todays start of the trial, and he did so with flourish: Defendant appears to take the position that his situation and this case are unique and that the pre-trial publicity will never subside. However, this view does not align with reality. In just the past 12 months, Defendant has very publicly been involved in a multitude of criminal and civil cases across several states in both federal and state jurisdictions. In this County alone, Defendant has had two civil trials, one in State Court and the other in Federal Court. In those two matters, he was personally responsible for generating much, if not most, of the surrounding publicity with his public statements, which were often made just a few steps outside the courtroom where the proceedings were being conducted, and with his unrelenting media posts attacking those he perceived to be responsible for his plight. The situation Defendant finds himself in now is not new to him and at least in part, of his own doing. Buckle up! TPMs Coverage Of The Trump Trial TPMs Josh Kovensky got in line at the courthouse in Manhattan at 6 a.m. ET, and it turns out that wasnt early enough. He was just denied entry because theres no more space for reporters. Dozens of other reporters were similarly turned away. Only a limited number of reporters are going to be allowed into the courtroom itself during jury selection. The rest of the media horde will be able to monitor it from another room in the building, though that room is now apparently full. Access should ease once the trial proper begins and more reporters are allowed into the courtroom, freeing up more space in the media room. At least that is our hope. Trumps New Play For Delay In The MAL Case Seeking to play his hush money trial off against the Mar-a-Lago documents case, Trump is seeking new delays in the Florida case even though U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon set deadlines in the case with the New York case already in mind. A Great Read No one has covered the Christian Right in America any more intensely and relentlessly than Sarah Posner, who I am proud to say has a new piece up at TPM: In Era of Trump, Christian Nationalism Has Many Faces Irans Attack On Israel By The Numbers The Iranian attack matrix looked like this, according to U.S. officials: approx 170 explosive drones approx 120 ballistic missiles approx 30 cruise missiles launched from four countries: Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen The allied defense of Israel included: warplanes from Israel, the United States, Britain, France and Jordan two U.S. guided-missile destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean a U.S. Patriot missile defense battery inside Iraq destroying a Houthi ballistic missile on its launchpad in Yemen Joint cooperation among Sunni Arab and Western governments Note: This is a compendium of reports based almost entirely on U.S. and Israeli government accounts. The historic pattern has been for these kinds of official early accounts to be quite rosy, not very nuanced, and largely unverified (and often unverifiable). So add your own degree of skepticism. 15 Years For Rocha Ex-U.S. ambassador Victor Manuel Rocha was sentenced to 15 years in prison for working as a Cuba covert agent. 2024 Ephemera AZ-Sen : How Kari Lake has shifted her abortion stance. PA-Sen : Donald Trump endorsed former hedge fund CEO Dave McCormick, who is running unopposed in the April 23 GOP primary. McCormick lost in the 2022 Senate GOP primary after Trump gave his endorsement to Dr. Oz, angry that McCormick wouldnt call the 2020 election stolen. NYT/Siena poll: Donald Trump leads Joe Biden, 47%-46% nationwide among likely voters, a narrowing in favor of Biden from late February, where the same polling outfit showed Trump with a 48%-43% lead. Craven Is As Craven Does New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) has been a favorite of TV news bookers for a while now, a somewhat less crazy Republican who provides balance without being a loon. But this is what a reasonable elected Republican looks like in 2024: STEPHANOPOULOS: Will your support for Trump continue even if he's convicted? CHRIS SUNUNU: Yeah. This has been going on for more than a year and his poll numbers never go down. S: But you're going to politics. I'm asking about right and wrong. CS: This is about politics. pic.twitter.com/HfRXDAC6dg Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 14, 2024 The full thread, with video clips, is accessible here. Quote Of The Day I know good and well its in Trumps hands, and hes got plans. I have no doubt its going to explode sometime. Jerry Dean McLain, 71, the owner of a tree removal service in Oklahoma who put almost his entire nest egg into Trump Truth Social stock and has watched the share price plummet since its IPO last month. Kansas Governor Vetoes Anti-Trans Bill Gov. Laura Kelly (D-KS) vetoed a bill banning gender affirming care that was passed overwhelmingly by both chambers of the GOP-controlled legislature. A veto override attempt is expected in late April. It Shook Me My former colleague Christina Bellantoni reflects on the new movie Civil War. Robert MacNeil, 1931-2024 MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour anchors Jim Lehrer and Robert MacNeil at Republican Convention. (Photo by Ed Lallo/Getty Images) The co-founder and longtime co-anchor of the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour on PBS died at the age of 93. The Newshour offered its own remembrance. The Flooding Will Come No Matter What A disproportionate number of stories about the climate change, sea level rise, and extreme weather events are set in my native Louisiana. And so it is with this new piece from Abrahm Lustgarten: Global migration experts say that what is happening in Louisiana is a textbook case of how climate-driven migration begins: First, people resist their new reality. Second, they make modest, incremental adjustments to where they live. Slidell, after all, is still within commuting distance of friends and jobs in St. Bernard Parish to the south. Third, they climb the ladder toward a safer place, rest on a rung for a while, and then continue on, only to be replaced by others worse off than they are, climbing up behind them. Worth your time. Barbenheimer Will Never Die. Ever. Barbies Ryan Gosling and Oppenheimers Emily Blunt co-star in The Fall Guy, which began shooting months before they ended up at the center of the summer of 2023s movie mania: Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. The recent statements by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi are not helping the Comprehensive Joint Action Plan, as they include more political aspects than technical ones, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanani said during the press conference in Tehran, Trend reports. According to him, the number of statements by the IAEA Director General has increased to a certain extent recently. On this basis, Iran is waiting for the IAEA director general to take steps within the framework of his responsibility. However, the IAEA director general stated that Iran has recently increased the production of enriched uranium by 60 percent. To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. The US announced in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020. In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. According to the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran had stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PM Shmyhal rejects petition calling for telethon funds to be given to armed forces Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal rejected a petition that called for the funding of the national telethon to be redistributed to the Ukrainian Armed Forces on April 15, responding that the telethon is part of the government's security and defense policy. On the first day of the full-scale invasion, the state combined the highest-rated television channels and financed a national telethon that continues to be broadcast 24 hours a day to disseminate information in wartime. Reporters Without Borders recently called on the government to end the telethon, warning that the continuation of the format could undermine media pluralism. Ukrainian journalists and media organizations have also come out in opposition to the format. The government has budgeted over Hr 1.5 billion ($38 million) for the telethon and foreign broadcasting in 2024. The petition called for the funds that finance the telethon to be instead spent on equipment like drones and pickup trucks for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "The implementation of a unified information policy is a priority issue of national security," Shmyhal responded. Read also: Ukraines circuses, TV channels recognized as critically important companies, allowing employees to defer military service Shmyhal said the telethon is therefore "an important component of countering the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in particular in the information space." "Accordingly, redistribution of the expenses specified in the petition by directing them to the needs of other components of the security and defense sector is not appropriate," Shmyhal said. The petition argued that the telethon is an information source "that does not reflect the real situation in the country and the world." "In 2022 and 2023, Hr 2.13 billion ($53.8 million) were spent on them. For this amount, you could buy 21,515 DJI Mavic 3 quadcopters or 4,000 pickups in good condition," the petition said. The petition received over 29,000 signatories. The government is required to respond to a petition if it is signed by over 25,000 people. Read also: Intense fighting, lack of resources leave wounded soldiers on their own Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. TAMPA (WFLA) The 8 On Your Side FREE Shred-A-Thon is set for Sunday May 5. You can bring up to four boxes of personal documents including paper and electronic devices. We accept personal documents, no business-related documents. And remember, no metal binders and no cardboard and no plastic. WFLA staff members and volunteers will help unload your digital or paper items for no cost in this drive-through event. Shred a thon cars_391319 One of the cornerstones of the 8 On Your Side brand is to be our viewers trusted advocate and ally, said Mark Higgins, General Manager of WFLA News Channel 8 and The CW Tampa Bay. We are proud to host Shred-A-Thon which provides everyone an opportunity to keep their families safe from identity theft. The annual Shred-A-Thon will take place from 8 a.m. until noon at the South Parking Lot of Raymond James Stadium. It will be held in Lots 8, 9 and 10, located at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa. Please note that southbound drivers will enter off Himes Ave at Lot 8/10 and northbound drivers will enter off Dale Mabry Hwy at Lot 9. We will be closing the gates at noon so we can make sure everyone gets to the shredder before the event is over. News Channel 8 anchors will be on hand, visiting car to car, handing out giveaways! Look for The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders and mascot Captain Fear to pop up in the car line to say some hellos and snap some selfies to share on your social media pages! Get in line early! 8 On Your Side Shred-A-Thon Date: Sunday May 5, 2024 Time: 8 a.m. noon Location: Raymond James Stadium South Parking Lot ACCEPTABLE ITEMS: Desktops Laptops Note Books e-Readers Tablets Cell Phones House & Office Phones Cables & Cords Network/Telecom Equipment LCD Monitors Games Consoles (Xbox, PlayStation) Hard Drives Cable Boxes UPS Battery Backups Electrics Motors Circuit Boards Battery Operated Hand Tools Keyboards Ink & Toner Cartridges Printers Scanners Copy Machines Fax Machines Rechargeable Batteries UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS: TVs of ANY kind CRT Monitors Light Bulbs Household Appliances Mercury-Containing Devices Smoke Detectors Paints Chemicals Car Batteries For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Czechia has signed contracts to supply 180,000 artillery rounds for Ukraine within the framework of its initiative and is currently working on acquiring 300,000 more. Source: Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of Czechia, in his column for Financial Times ahead of his visit to Washington, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "The situation in Ukraine is critical. As the war enters its third year, the countrys armed forces are under unprecedented pressure. They are running out of ammunition, meaning they are forced to make difficult decisions every day. This makes it extremely hard to hold their lines the very lines that will decide the security and future of the whole of Europe." Fiala stated that the reason for the success of the Czech initiative of seeking ammunition for Ukraine is "deceptively simple". "We are working to secure a further 300,000 rounds and have already contracted the first 180,000. These will be delivered to the Ukrainian front in the coming months," Fiala reported. The Czech PM indicated that about 20 countries, including Denmark and the Netherlands, had joined the initiative. Fiala added that the Czech initiative also gives the West time to accommodate to the new situation in which "war is changing our world": "This means we can no longer avoid fundamental changes at home, such as strengthening societal resilience and rebuilding sufficient defence capacity. We need to get used to the fact that a responsible security policy must include much greater investment in defence to deter attackers." In total Czechia has discovered over a million rounds of artillery ammunition around the world that can be purchased for Ukraine outside Europe. Tomas Pojar, Czech Prime Minister's National Security Advisor, suggested that the ammunition purchased under the Czech-led initiative might arrive in Ukraine as early as June. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- In Asias wealthiest nation, where the education system is among the worlds best, Singapores prime minister-in-waiting has appeared surprisingly unassuming. Most Read from Bloomberg Born to a roofing sales executive, Lawrence Wong -- named a deputy prime minister in a cabinet reshuffle on Monday -- chose to attend a public university in the U.S. for undergraduate studies under a government scholarship. The 49-year-old didnt immediately make it into the elite administrative service -- known as a breeding ground for future leaders -- though he was accepted later after working as a civil servant, according to people familiar with the matter. As education minister years later, Wong urged students not to obsess over their grades in an official video posted on YouTube. It didnt matter then and it doesnt matter now, said Wong, who also holds a masters degree from Harvard University. Several years ago, when some top members of the ruling Peoples Action Party casually asked Wong if he has any intention in becoming prime minister, he told them no, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private conversations. Although the party settled on Heng Swee Keat back then, Wong impressed some leaders who saw Wong as someone who wasnt power hungry, they said. Once Heng dropped out of the race, Wongs down-to-earth approach and calm handling of Singapores pandemic response helped him build trust within the PAP -- and now has him positioned to become just the city-states fourth leader since independence. His background and personality sets him apart from Singapores founder Lee Kuan Yew, a stern disciplinarian, as well as his son Lee Hsien Loong, who attended Cambridge University and rose through the military ranks to become a brigadier-general. In many ways, Wongs rise reflects the changing face of the city-state: The days of seemingly free-wheeling, make-it-or-break-it capitalism are evolving into an increasing focus on providing a social safety net for the working class and relying less on foreigners for higher-paying jobs. His style will have to be even more consultative as thats what Singaporeans want, said Eugene Tan, a political analyst and law professor at Singapore Management University. He will likely come across as a leader who is comfortable with emoting and personable, he said, adding that we can expect him to be tough when the situation calls for it. In his first press conference in April after being designated as the head of the so-called fourth generation of leaders, or 4G, Wong said hes always been realistic about his own abilities and strengths, adding that he never hankered for post, position or power. For more on Singapores politics: Wongs rise is similar to that of former prime minister Goh Chok Tong, who succeeded Lee Kuan Yew. Like Wong, he also wasnt the first choice to lead: The elder Lee wrote in his book that Goh was malleable, saying he would try to please you and you might get him to make some concessions. Still, Lee Kuan Yew saw it as an advantage for Goh to be chosen by his colleagues rather than simply appointed for the role, as it would give everyone a stake in his success. In a similar vein, the ruling PAP disclosed that Wong had been chosen as Lee Hsien Loongs successor by 15 out of 19 fourth-generation leaders following an internal party consultation process. Yet while Goh was largely seen as a stopgap for Singapore until Lee Hsien Loong eventually took power, Wong is heading into uncharted territory: None of the prime ministers four children are obvious potential leaders down the road. And the party is coming off its worst election performance in terms of parliamentary seats since the countrys founding, even as it still remains dominant. The best lesson Wong can learn from Goh is to be his own man and not try to copy or rebel against his predecessor, according to Peh Shing Huei, author of two biographies of Goh and a former editor of the Straits Times, Singapores main newspaper. At the same time, he added, Wong is more likely to uphold the status quo rather than make a dramatic change to the party that has ruled Singapore uninterrupted since its founding, His colleagues chose him because he has shown himself to be a steady pair of hands during the pandemic, Peh said. The 4G did not choose Mr Wong because they thought there was something wrong with the present system which needed fixing. Like the majority of Singaporeans, Wong was brought up in public housing estates. His father hailed from China, and traveled as a teenager from the southern island of Hainan to British-controlled Malaya to help his grandfather as a chefs assistant on the railways. In a Facebook post last year paying tribute to his father, Wong described him as part of Singapores generation of pioneers who persevered against tough odds with determination and grit. During his childhood, Wong was once bound up and held at knife-point as his home was ransacked by thieves -- a story he later recounted as education minister to a shocked student. He eventually went on to obtain a government scholarship to join the civil service, and soon found himself in the Finance Ministry. Lim Siong Guan, a former permanent secretary at the ministry whom Wong saw as a mentor, described him as serious, reliable, thorough, questioning, imaginative, always looking out for Singapore. Wong rose through the ranks until he eventually became a principal private secretary to Lee Hsien Loong, where he had a front-row seat during the 2008 global financial crisis when the government moved quickly to stabilize Singapores reeling economy. That experience helped Wong steer the nation through the pandemic as co-chair of a panel responding to Covid-19, with his matter-of-fact approach allowing him to deliver difficult messages in a way that built trust with the public. After Heng stepped down as successor last year, Wong became finance minister and began implementing some more worker-friendly policies. In his maiden budget this February, Wong raised taxes for the wealthiest 1% as well as consumption levies and hiked minimum pay requirements for expatriates. He has also used social media extensively to appeal to younger voters, using TikTok videos to broach subjects like the annual budget. Still, opposition parties criticized Wongs call for a hike in the goods-and-services tax as a tax on ordinary people. One of them, the Singapore Democratic Party, called Wong substantively no different from his colleagues in terms of his outlook for our country. If unable to imagine enlightened governance-- one that relies on openness and democracy instead of its archaic practice of intimidation and manipulation -- Mr. Wong is likely to continue to lead Singapore without clear direction, the party said in a statement after Wongs appointment. Not everyone agrees. Gillian Koh, deputy director of research at the Institute of Policy Studies in Singapore, sees Wong leading a massive retuning of policy to left of center to shore up the sense of security. His challenge now will be strengthening his international standing, she said. He certainly comes across as someone who is sincere, humble, has integrity, mostly pleasant to interact with, said Koh, who has written about the countrys politics for years. He has his colleagues confidence, and that is an important asset in the proofing process of becoming Singapores 4G PM. (This story was originally published on June 7, 2022. Singapores Lee Hsien Loong announced on April 15, 2024, that he will step down as prime minister, to be succeeded on May 15 by Lawrence Wong.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. When Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought criminal charges against Donald Trump in 2023, I was highly skeptical of his decision. It seemed at the time that other indictments would soon follow, and that they would rest on far firmer legal ground than this one. Over the past year, though, I have realized that my initial doubts about Braggs indictment were misplaced. It now seems clear that Trumps New York trial, slated to begin this week, will be the former presidents only criminal trial before the November election. The other three strong indictments against him in other jurisdictions have unfortunately been delayed by a corrupt judge, a foot-dragging Supreme Court, and a district attorneys questionable conduct in an already complex case. This, combined with Braggs excellent pretrial briefing, has substantially strengthened the case for this prosecution. It is important to American democracy that Trump be forced to defend at least some of his alleged criminal conduct before a jury of his peers in advance of Election Day. And there is no reason why this shouldnt be the case in which hes compelled to do it. I am now fully onboard. Start with the facts: Shortly before the 2016 election, Trump wanted to kill a story about his alleged affair with Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress. So he allegedly directed his longtime fixer Michael Cohen to pay off Daniels, through a shell company, for her silence. Afterward, Trump funneled $420,000 to Cohen in installments. But he allegedly concealed the payments by listing them as legal expenses for a retainer that did not exist. Last year, I was uncertain whether this scheme, while sordid, rose to the level of a felony offense. I am now convinced that, if proved that he took these actions, it surely does. The falsification of business records is, by itself, a misdemeanor under New York law, but its a felony when its done with the intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof. In his indictment, Bragg claims that Trump lied about the payments with the intent to violate election law, which is what elevates the crime to a felony. Initially, I was suspicious of this theory; what election law, exactly, was the former president attempting to violate? The district attorneys initial statement of facts was hazy on this crucial point, raising the possibility that he couldnt tie the underlying fraud to a state or federal statute. Turns out he could. Bragg has argued, convincingly, that the former president intended to violate at least two election lawsone state, one federal. First, Bragg asserted that Trump and Cohen ran afoul of the Federal Election Campaign Act by making unlawful campaign contributions (in the form of a payoff) at the direction of a candidate (that is, Trump). Cohen already pleaded guilty for this very act in federal court, so it is hardly a stretch to accuse Trump of intending to break the law by participating in the crime. Second, Bragg argued that Trump ran afoul of a New York election law that forbids any conspiracy to promote or prevent the election of any person to a public office by unlawful means. The district attorney claimed that Trump intended to violate this statute by committing fraud in order to secure his own victory in 2016. There is nothing especially creative about these theories; they are not an example of prosecutors stretching the law to its breaking point so it can fit over the facts of a questionable case. The application of both federal and state election codes, and their interplay with the underlying violation of New Yorks business records law, is straightforward. Really, the only half-plausible argument that Trump could mount in opposition was that the Federal Election Campaign Act somehow preempted the use of New Yorks own statutes to punish election-related record-keeping fraud, meaning he would be liable only for misdemeanor record-keeping violations. Two different judges rejected this claim: Juan Merchan, whos overseeing the state trial, and Alvin K. Hellerstein, who shot down Trumps short-lived play to remove the whole case to federal court. This outcome is a testament to the strength of both Braggs case and his offices legal skills. The district attorneys briefing in opposition to Trumps legal objections was masterful. And Merchans eventual order largely adopting the district attorneys reasoning proved lethal to Trumps relentless efforts to undermine the legitimacy and integrity of the case. The judge had no patience for the former presidents frivolous arguments and articulated Braggs theory of the case with clarity and resolve. On the eve of the trial, it is now apparent that the prosecutors are on firm legal ground. They have effectively neutralized Trumps plan to kill the case before it can be tried on the facts. All of which leads to the second, more practical reason I was wrong to doubt Braggs indictment: I thought any trial Trump faced before 2024 should be about the election. This case, however, is about the electionalbeit the one in 2016, not 2020. This distinction matters, but not nearly enough to undermine the wisdom of the New York prosecution. Obviously, Trumps criminality during and after the 2020 election, including his work to overturn the outcome through an insurrection, is more serious than the Stormy Daniels payout. Much more serious; no debate there. It would be ideal if Trump faced trial for these alleged offenses first, because they marked a historic and devastating assault on democracy, culminating in an act of shocking violence. He deserves to be held accountable for these actions in open court, by a jury of his peers, before he has another chance to stage a coup. But thanks to Trumps persistent efforts to run out the clocktoo often indulged by SCOTUSits now almost inconceivable that he will face such a trial before its time to vote again. Whats left, then, is this case. And despite Republicans efforts to dismiss it as some sideshow about a past affair and a few mislabeled checks, it is indeed about elections: specifically, who has to follow the rules, and who gets to flout them. Trumps bedrock belief is that he need not follow the rules that govern everybody else. He was operating under this credo when he allegedly funneled the cash to keep Daniels quiet so he could eke out a win in 2016. Other candidates, including Hillary Clinton, followed the laws, including contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Trump allegedly defied them without a second thought. Braggs prosecution stands for the simple proposition that a rich and powerful man like Trump cannot disregard his legal obligations as a candidate for office in a constitutional democracy. He cannot avoid consequences by asserting, under the thin guise of various legal doctrines, that he is forever immune from his day of judgment because he was once president, and he is rich. Merchan appears to grasp that this basic principle is at stake hereanother, final reason why this case has become so crucial: New Yorks judiciary has proved less susceptible to political interference than the federal courts. In the classified records case, Trump drew his own appointee, Judge Aileen Cannon, who has enabled his egregious delays at every turn. In the Jan. 6 case, he drew the left-leaning Judge Tanya Chutkan, whose hard-driving work to keep the trial on schedule was derailed by unjustifiable meddling from the U.S. Supreme Court. (And the Georgia prosecution over Jan. 6 was always far too complicated to go to trial this year, even before the Fani Willis situation exploded.) Whats left is the New York court system, which has defied partisan pressure, spurned dilatory tactics, and held firm to the concept of speedy justice. My sense last year that a federal trial would somehow be more legitimate or nonpartisan was just plain wrong. A federal judiciary in the grasp of Aileen Cannon, Clarence Thomas, and the like cannot possibly be any more legitimate than New Yorks courts. There is no guarantee that Trump will be convicted in Manhattan. As always, we should trust jurors to take their oaths seriously, to serve impartially, to determine without fear or favor whether the prosecution has proved every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The deck is not stacked against Trumpwho, like any other American, will be judged by members of the community where he committed his alleged misdeed. He may be convicted, or acquitted, or face a mistrial; whats most important, at this point, is that he stands trial now. November is looming, creating a whole new set of opportunities for criminal interference with the election. Thanks to Bragg and Merchan, Trump will have to answer for at least one of his alleged past crimes before he has the chance to commit new ones. And that is a victory in itself. Smoke still rising after 55-acre brush fire in Highlands County SEBRING, Fla. (WFLA) Highlands County fire crews continued to fight a brush fire that encompassed 55 acres of land Monday. Highlands County Fire Rescue said crews were deployed to the area of Kenmore Street and Granada Boulevard in Sebring after a brush fire broke out at about noon. With help of the Florida Forest Service and Sebring Police Department, the crews used plows and bulldozers to cut fire lines, containing the fire before it began spreading to homes. Residents in the area were evacuated but were allowed to return to their homes at 4:25 p.m. The Florida Forestry Service is investigating the cause of the fire. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. From Snake Saturday to 816 Day: Your guide to 6 unique KC-area holidays and festivals On Tuesday, the citys public fountains will spring to life on Fountain Day. This is one of the numerous Kansas City-specific celebrations that take place every year. From Snake Saturday to SantaCaliGon Days, the Kansas City area is home to many unique festivals. While some area events are self-explanatory Plaza Art Fair and Kansas City Airshow, for example. Whether youve lived in the area for years or just moved here, heres your guide to six unique holidays and festivals celebrated in and around Kansas City. Kansas Day: Jan. 29 The Sunflower State goes all out for Kansas Day, which marks when the state entered the unionon Jan. 29, 1861. Many schools celebrate with events like making Kansas maps out of graham crackers and learning state trivia, and museums and wildlife centers hold events. While less popular, Missouri Day is held on the third Wednesday in October, though the state entered the union on August 10, 1821. Snake Saturday: the weekend before St. Patricks Day St. Patricks Parish School marched with a snake in the 2016 Snake Saturday Paradein North Kansas City. SUSAN PFANNMULLER/Special to the Star For over 40 years, North Kansas City has held the Snake Saturday parade to celebrate St. Patricks Day. Started as a promotion for a local motel, the parade and cook-off can draw over 100,000 spectators. The name refers to the legend of St. Patrick expelling snakes from Ireland. Fountain Day: April 16 Each April, the city turns on the almost 50 public fountains for the event coined Fountain Day. Known as the City of Fountains, Kansas City has over 200 of these water features. 816 Day: August 16 Leslie Shortey, a master life coach, paused to use her fan in the 90-degree heat on Vine Street during 816 Day. Roy Inman/Special to The Star SantaCaliGon Days: Labor Day weekend The annual Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival in Independence draws huge crowds every year. Joe Ledford/The Kansas City Star This Independence festival takes place every Labor Day weekend. It was named after three 19th-century trails that started in Independence: Santa Fe, California, and Oregon. Held annually since 1974, the festival features historical demonstrations, concerts and carnival rides. Plaza Lighting Ceremony: Thanksgiving Patty Scholten of Garden City, Missouri, kisses her husband Chris after holiday lights were switched on at the Country Club Plaza during the 93rd annual Thanksgiving night lighting ceremony. Nick Wagner/nwagner@kcstar.com Seeing the Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony is a popular tradition in Kansas City, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season. On the evening of Thanksgiving, 15 blocks light up with thousands of colorful bulbs. The first ceremony took place in 1930. Do you have more questions about Kansas City traditions? Contact the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com. Health minister Maree Todd said puberty blockers were 'never routinely prescribed' in Scotland - Ken Jack/Getty Images Europe The SNP will reject calls to shut Scotlands tartan Tavistock child gender clinic, one of Humza Yousafs health ministers has said. Maree Todd also insisted Scottish clinicians prescribing controversial drugs such as puberty blockers were following very high standards. The minister said there would be no snap judgement over possible reforms but appeared to rule out wholesale changes to child gender services north of the border, suggesting many parts of the damning Cass report for NHS England did not apply to Scotland. She also admitted that trans rights activists with no medical training, some of whom have already denounced aspects of Dr Casss findings, could be given a formal role as part of a Scottish Government review of the work. The SNP has faced demands to immediately suspend the use of puberty blockers, after Hilary Cass, the paediatrician, last week warned the drugs were potentially dangerous and said there was little credible evidence of their effectiveness. The Scottish Government is also under pressure to order a wider overhaul of child gender services, with experts such as David Bell, the Tavistock whistleblower, calling for the Sandyford clinic in Glasgow to be shut down. However, Ms Todd, a former childrens minister, said no when asked by The Telegraph whether the closure of the Sandyford, Scotlands only specialist child gender clinic, was an option. The Scottish Government will look very carefully at every recommendation that the Cass Review has made and will decide how that applies to the Scottish system and make decisions accordingly, Ms Todd said. Its really important to understand its not politicians who make prescribing decisions, its clinicians. I am comfortable that clinicians in Scotland are practising to a very high standard. So we will learn what we can from the Cass Review but clinical practice in Scotland is very good. The Sandyford clinic in Glasgow has been dubbed the 'tartan Tavistock' - Victoria Stewart/Daily Record The Sandyford has been branded the tartan Tavistock as its critics say it follows the same affirmative treatment model as the London clinic which closed in scandal. The Scottish clinics methods are based on American guidelines denounced by Dr Cass as lacking developmental rigour and it is continuing to refer children for possible prescription of puberty blockers. Not routine Almost 100 children aged 16 or under were referred to endocrinologists for possible puberty blocker prescriptions by the Sandyford between 2016 and 2023. The youngest known patient placed on the drugs, which can permanently disrupt brain function, growth and bone density, after being seen at the Scottish clinic was aged just nine. However, Ms Todd claimed puberty blockers were never routinely prescribed in Scotland. Asked whether pro-gender affirmation activist groups would have a role in the Scottish Government review of Dr Casss findings, she refused to confirm they would have a seat at the table but insisted involving those with lived experience was good practice. Clinical networks usually include people with lived experience, Ms Todd said. It will be down to those networks to decide the influence and the role that they play, but it would be very unwise to proceed without hearing from the people who are likely to be impacted by the service thats delivered. Deafening silence The National Gender Identity Clinical Network for Scotland already includes representatives from the activist groups Stonewall, LGBT Health, LGBT Youth Scotland and Scottish Trans. Scottish Trans has already denounced aspects of Dr Casss review, saying it was concerned that she presented children transitioning to live as a member of the opposite sex as a last resort. Meghan Gallacher, deputy leader of the Scottish Tories, accused Ms Todd of attempting to duck pressing questions amid a deafening silence from the SNP on the Cass Review. Despite huge question marks over the efficacy of puberty blockers, the SNP Government will not even put a pause on them being prescribed, Ms Gallacher said. Scotlands parents and vulnerable young people need a clear and decisive response to Cass, yet Maree Todd indicated both that the can is being kicked down the road by the SNP in terms of a Scottish response and, concerningly, that partisan activist groups will be involved in that review. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Taxpayers got a scare for about five hours on Monday when Kansas City-based tax preparation giant H&R Block reported software outages impacting some users ability to e-file their taxes. We are aware of an issue preventing some desktop software users from e-filing their returns, the company wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday morning. Online clients and clients working with our tax professionals virtually or in person are not impacted. We are aware of an issue preventing some desktop software users from e-filing their returns. Online clients and clients working with our tax professionals virtually or in person are not impacted. H&R Block Support (@HRBlockAnswers) April 15, 2024 The company went on to recommend that users either try again later or print and mail their return. Just after 3 p.m. Monday, spokesperson Teri Daley told The Star that the companys e-filing software was once again operational. The issue affecting a small number of our downloadable desktop software users has been resolved, Daley said. Its worth noting, the vast majority of people who file DIY with H&R Block use hrblock.com (our DIY Online edition), which has been operational all day. But the software issues may have driven some taxpayers to seek other last-minute filing avenues ahead of the IRS Monday night deadline. One preparer noted that she has seen more customers today than during any past Tax Day of her career. That must be why our lines are so long, a tax preparer at The Tax Gallery on Troost Avenue told The Star after being told of the outage Monday afternoon. Ive been doing taxes since 8:00 this morning and I still have 30 people waiting to see me. Taxpayers who file their returns late are subject to penalty fees and interest both at the state and federal level. These can include charges of around 5% of the tax amount per month. H&R Block, which maintains a corporate headquarters in the Power & Light District downtown, is the subject of a Federal Trade Commission complaint alleging that the tax preparation giant deceptively markets some of its filing services as free, as well as making it difficult for customers to downgrade to cheaper services. Do you have more questions about Kansas City businesses? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Unlike the US and Western countries, Iran has taken responsible steps regarding its nuclear program, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanani said during the press conference in Tehran, Trend reports. According to Kanani, the Western countries' strategy regarding Iran's nuclear program has not been responsible. Kanani stated that Iran would fulfill its commitments to the nuclear program following the nuclear verification agreement. The spokesman added that any new sanctions against Iran would not be constructive and would not help bilateral relations. Iran is interested in developing relations with European countries based on mutual respect and common interests. The official emphasized that when it comes to discussing Iran's nuclear program and lifting sanctions against Iran, Oman is one of the countries that has played a positive role in lifting sanctions against Iran. The King of Oman has a proposal in this direction. Within this framework, efforts are ongoing. "Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri's contacts and diplomatic discussions with the sides, whether in Europe or mediated by other parties, continue. Iran remains committed to diplomacy and will utilize it to the maximum," he noted. To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. The US announced in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020. In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. Based on the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Somali pirates freed hijacked ship MV Abdullah and its crew on Sunday after receiving a $5mn ransom. Abdirashiid Yusuf, one of the pirates involved in the hijacking, confirmed the release of the Bangladeshi cargo vessel. The money was brought to us two nights ago as usual, he told Reuters. We checked whether the money was fake or not. Then we divided the money into groups and left, avoiding the government forces. The pirates also released all 23 of the ships crew members, he added. The Somali government has not made a statement. The vessel was hijacked about 600 miles east of Somalias capital Mogadishu on 12 March. It was sailing from Mozambique in the Indian Ocean to the United Arab Emirates, carrying 55,000 tonnes of coal. A group of 15-20 Somali pirates hijacked the ship, said Meherul Karim, chief executive officer of Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mills, the owner of the vessel. According to ships tracking data, MV Adbullah came to a halt in the Indian Ocean before reversing its course and heading to the Somali coast, Bloomberg reported. Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mills released an audio message from one of the crew members who said the pirates came in two speedboats and opened fire as they boarded the vessel. After five years of relative dormancy, piracy has picked up in the Indian Ocean since late last year. For a decade from 2008 to 2018, Somali pirates had made the seas off the countrys long coastline too dangerous for ships to sail in. The resurgence in piracy around Somalia compounds a security crisis in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which Yemens Houthis have made almost impassable for vessels from mostly Western nations, prompting retaliatory measures from the US and the UK. Maritime industry sources said pirates may be encouraged by a relaxation of security or may be taking advantage of the chaos caused by the Houthi attacks on Western shipping. The Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks until Israel stops its war on Gaza. Someone stole a master mailbox key in Sacramento. Whats being done to stop break-ins? Reality Check is a Sacramento Bee series holding officials and organizations accountable and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email realitycheck@sacbee.com. Even with no signs of forced entry, mail is seemingly disappearing from boxes across Sacramento. U.S. Postal Service officials say there are counterfeit master keys on the loose. Police received 456 calls about mail theft in the city last year alone. While its difficult to know how many thefts were the product of a stolen key, residents across the capital region say theyve noticed more and more missing mail in the last few years. About a year and a half ago, Postal Service Inspector Jeff Fitch said, thieves were able to get a hold of a master key. A letter carrier was robbed of a postal key, he said in a phone interview with The Sacramento Bee last week. Though that key was recovered and the suspect arrested, he said counterfeit keys are still being used to steal mail. Sacramento resident Nathan Grimes wanted to do something about mail theft in his North Natomas neighborhood, which had the most mail theft calls in Sacramento in recent years, according to data from the Sacramento Police Department. His neighbors had complained that their mail kept going missing. He didnt want it to happen to him, so he installed a camera on his property to supervise the neighborhood mailboxes. On Jan. 23, the security system captured a video of two men breaking into the mailbox with ease. After he reported the incident, postal service representatives told him someone had a key, he said. To address the situation across the city, Fitch said the USPS is working to get new locks throughout Sacramento. However, for the safety of postal workers, no time frame or exact locations were given. To address the mail theft crimes across the city, Postal Inspector Jeff Fitch said the USPS is working to get new locks throughout Sacramento. File photo. Data from Sacramento police shows North Natomas and the Pocket neighborhoods saw the most calls in the city related to mail theft from 2015 through 2023. Over the course of eight years, police received 471 calls from North Natomas alone. Within the same time frame, residents of the Pocket made roughly 300 calls to police regarding mail theft. Grimes said his Natomas neighborhood has been experiencing widespread and persistent mail theft that has escalated in the last five years. U.S. Rep. Ami Bera, D-Sacramento, has made several calls for action on the rising thefts and vandalism of cluster box units throughout Sacramento County. Its been an intermittent issue, but in recent years, our office has been hearing a lot more from constituents in Sacramento County, said Bera, who hosted a Zoom event Thursday evening to address community concerns. USPS recommends Informed Delivery but its not fail-safe In unincorporated Sacramento County, resident Amy Braden was expecting a credit card. As recommended by the USPS, she had enrolled in Informed Delivery which sends customers daily emails with scans of expected mail to ensure that her card would arrive securely. On the day of the expected delivery, she was notified that the card should be there later that afternoon but when she went to check her mail, it was nowhere to be found. There were no signs of break-in, but she thinks it was stolen. This has happened in the past, Braden said. Mail theft has been an ongoing issue in her Arden Arcade condominium community, Woodside Homeowners Association, over the past few years, she said. Braden filed a report with the inspection service to help her recover her stolen credit card in February. Youll receive an email response in 1-3 days, the confirmation said. She never heard from them. Her bank flagged fraudulent charges made on her credit card a few days after its failed delivery, and a new card was sent. Though the USPS never responded to her report, it acknowledged the ongoing mail theft in her neighborhood. We did have signs posted on our mailboxes from the USPS indicating that there had been break-ins in our area and cautioning us to be sure to check our mailboxes daily and to sign up for informed delivery, which didnt end up helping me, she said. A letter posted to a mailbox unit in the Woodside condo complex in Arden Arcade. Meiko Patton, a spokesperson for the USPS, said Informed Delivery does not tell users when mail has been delivered. Informed Delivery gives a customer a preview of what should arrive soon, Patton wrote in an email to The Bee on Wednesday. We will not speculate. Midtown resident Sofia Kyle explained a similar situation as Braden. The recent elections were just around the corner. She was expecting her ballot in early February. To track my ballot, I had enrolled in Informed Delivery, Kyle said in an interview with The Bee on Tuesday morning. I was told it would arrive soon but never received it. This wasnt the first time. Her ballot had been stolen before. She submitted a report with the postal inspectors but as of April 9, she hadnt received any help from them. Who is responsible for tracking and responding to mail theft? The United States Postal Inspection Service is the national enforcer for crimes related to mail theft, which is a federal crime. As federal officers, inspectors are responsible for protecting the nations mail system from covering criminal activity to making arrests and executing search warrants, the services website says. To create annual reports and start investigations, Sacramento Postal Inspector Jonathan Lanning said the inspection service relies on data collected from law enforcement agencies, customer-driven reports and postal managers across the U.S. Reports of stolen mail can be filed online through the USPIS website or by calling 877-876-2455. Sacramento police and Sacramento County sheriffs department pointed The Bee to postal inspection service with most mail-theft related questions. The police department was able to provide data through a public records request. The county said no responsive documentation exists. The sheriffs office did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story. Officers on Tuesday March 5, 2024, recovered more than 500 pieces of stolen mail in a vehicle parked at the Palladio shopping center in Folsom, California. Mail theft violations can result in imprisonment of up to five years and unlawful possession of a key or counterfeit key can land someone in prison for 10 years, said Lanning, the postal inspector. Bera has contacted local postal representatives and arranged town hall meetings to discuss what proactive measures can be taken to educate the public and address the ongoing issue. From a legislative perspective, we dont have any jurisdiction over that, Bera said. What we can do is push postal inspectors to address this issue. Bera said postal inspectors should be responding to mail theft incidents. When residents contact our office, we try to guide them to the proper resources, he said. Thats poor customer service on them for not responding to folks. Michael Mashburn, chairman for the Natomas Park Homeowners Association, said the community started noticing mail theft in 2020. Homeowners were commenting about it happening, so we started looking into it, he said. What started out as a few cases here and there turned into hundreds. Since 2020, he said mail theft has grown exponentially every year. Mashburn said the recurring mail theft incidents have unified postal inspectors, local government officials and the Sacramento police within his community to try and address the issue. We have been holding community events to bring our elected officials and law enforcement together with our community residents to discuss what we could do to stop these crimes, he told The Bee. By putting the statistics in front of them, Mashburn said it sparked both the USPS and local police to work together. Though cases have been drafted and arrests have been made, Mashburn said mail theft has not ceased. Its actually grown, he said. Mail theft is just too easy and too lucrative. Though there have been brief periods without theft when law enforcement has made arrests, he said thieves end up finding new ways to steal. Bera said the USPS not homeowners associations should change the locks to try and prevent these crimes from recurring. Thats what I would do if someone stole my house key, but what (the USPS) is saying is that its up to the Homeowners Associations to take responsibilities to change the locks, he said. Thats the point of contention. One solution the USPS has recommended, he said, is switching to electronic mail boxes. Were aiming to have Sacramento County on top of that list, Bera said. A pair of turkeys give chase a postal vehicle driving a residential street in Arden Arcade in an image from a video taken on March 2, 2022. What can I do to prevent my mail from being stolen? Here are a few tips Lanning shared to prevent mail theft: Drop off your mail using the letter slots inside a post office, or hand it directly to a letter carrier. Pick up your mail immediately after its delivered and dont leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you dont receive a check or other valuable mail that you were expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately. Sign-up for Informed Delivery, which provides daily email notifications of incoming mail and packages. None of that works if your mail never gets delivered to you, Braden of Arden Arcade said. I did what I was told to do and still had my mail stolen. Bera said some USPS officials have recommended residents gather their mail from the post office to prevent theft. Thats just not convenient for many individuals, he said. A South Texas candidate sues his town for records he says will prove his opponent's corruption Flags fly over Rio Grande City Hall in 2021. Town officials say they have a backlog of public records requests due to an unprecedented volume of requests from a city commissioners candidate. Credit: Jason Garza for The Texas Tribune RIO GRANDE CITY A South Texas political candidate is suing his town over a bevy of public records requests, accusing officials of delaying the release of records he wants to prove his opponent is corrupt. Rio Grande City officials took the unusual step of announcing on social media earlier this month that the request and subsequent lawsuit filed by Ediel Barrera was causing a backlog and that the public may have to wait longer than usual for their documents. In a social media post, town officials called the volume of Barreras requests unprecedented, and described some of them as vague or ambiguous. Barrera is a candidate for city commissioner in the upcoming May election. He is part of a slate of three candidates that includes his lawyer Gilberto Falcon. Falcon is running for mayor. Their campaign slogan is "Independent Leadership." Barrera has submitted 10 public information requests to the city since Jan. 25 seeking to expose what he described as the mishandling of tax dollars. A South Texas town of 15,200 residents, Rio Grande City proudly touts itself as the Hill Country of the Valley. The recent clash over documents is part of a long tradition here of highly-charged local elections with candidates hurling accusations of wrongdoing at each other. Barrera on the campaign trail has broadly alleged that the current city commissioners and mayor are corrupt, saying the evidence he needs to prove his point would be in the documents he requested. Barreras intended use of public records as a campaign weapon is part of a growing trend. Public agencies across the country increasingly have had to sort through an influx of public records requests filed to prove conspiracy theories. Elections offices in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Arizona and Virginia said such requests submitted after President Donald Trumps defeat in 2020 prevented them from focusing on the 2022 election. But concerned residents seeking to expose corruption can face tough roadblocks and may have little recourse but to sue a government agency to comply with public records laws. Because lawsuits can be expensive, though, Barrera is just one of few who have gone so far as to pursue that option. Deputy City Manager Noe Castillo declined to comment on the specifics of Barreras requests due to ongoing litigation. However, he assured the city was complying with state law. Despite the announcement on social media that there was a strain on their resources, Castillo said the city had not shifted resources to handle requests and that their process for responding to them remained unchanged. He also clarified that the motive behind the announcement on social media was to provide basic information to the public. The town wanted residents to know "we do follow the process of open records and the way it's prescribed by law," Castillo said. "We always follow the procedures that we have." Falcon took issue with the social media post, particularly with the citys characterization of the requests Barrera had filed as "vague" or "ambiguous." Theyre using it to put us in a bad light," Falcon said. They didnt have to say anything. Mayor Joel Villarreal declined to comment, referring The Texas Tribune to the towns statement. Rey Ramirez, the incumbent Barrera hopes to unseat, did not respond to an interview request. Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom Of Information Foundation of Texas, said it appeared the Rio Grande City was trying to be transparent with the public. "Anytime a government does try to communicate with the public and let them know what's happening, that's a plus," Shannon said. "But, for those waiting for public information act requests to be filled, I'm sure it's frustrating." Shannon added that the Texas Public Information Act allows governments to limit the amount of time they spend on a single requestor. That provision would allow the city to prioritize requests from other residents as it meets to fulfill Barreras. According to a review of the citys records request logs, the city received 17 requests between Feb. 1 and April 11. Six were from Barrera. Four of them included a list of multiple requests. Barreras submissions included requests for copies of checks and job descriptions for work done by a single contractor over the last four years. He also sought copies of credit card statements for purchases made by the city commissioners, the mayor and the city manager during the last four years, and a copy of the city managers resume and job application. He also requested a status update on a rehabilitation project for the citys water treatment plant, a list of environmental violations, copies of city budgets since 2020, expenditure reports for the mayor and city commissioners, a status update on a sewer project, copies of all checks paid to an electric company and information on contracts, salary and other monetary compensation made to the citys parks and recreation director. In response, the city asked for clarification on several of the requests, said some requested records did not exist, and provided a cost estimate for a few of the requests. For example, the city asked Barrera if his request for the city managers credit card statements pertained specifically to business-related expenses. The city also said it would take at least a full business day to collect and copy all the credit card statements for city commissioners. The hourly rate would be $15. Barrera filed his lawsuit in state district court, alleging only three requests had been fulfilled, in hopes the court will compel the city to turn over the pending documents. Obtaining public records can be a time-consuming process. Although agencies in Texas are directed to promptly turn over the information, they ultimately have 10 business days to respond. However, they can request more time or they can seek clarification on a request which starts the clock on the 10 business days all over again. If an agency wants to withhold all or part of the records, they can request an opinion from the attorney general who has another 45 business days to render a decision. But Barrera views the citys requests for clarification as a delay tactic. Rio Grande City is the only city where public records are private, he said. Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival, happening in downtown Austin Sept. 5-7. Get your TribFest tickets before May 1 and save big! Southern Illinois man dies after being ejected from ATV and then hit by a car A 34-year-old man died Sunday night after he was ejected from an ATV that collided with a vehicle and then was struck by another vehicle that did not stop. Daniel W. Montgomery of Bonnie, in rural Jefferson County, was pronounced dead at the scene Sunday night, according to a news release Monday from the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Investigators are seeking information from the public in an effort to identify the dark sedan that struck Montgomery and left the scene. Montgomery was driving a Kawasaki ATV west on East Short Street in Bluford at about 8:45 p.m. Sunday when the ATV collided with a 2018 Chevrolet SUV that was going north on North Markham Lane, the news release stated. Montgomery was ejected from the ATV and landed in the southbound lane of North Markham Lane. Seconds later, a third vehicle, described by witnesses as a dark sedan, traveling south on N. Markham Lane, struck Montgomery and continued south out of the area, according to the news release. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office Detective Division at 618-244-8004 or CrimeStoppers at 618-242-8477 (TIPS). Illinois lawmakers are targeting youth vaping this session, but a local business is ringing alarm bells with claims of unintended consequences. Rates of youth vaping among U.S. high schoolers actually decreased in 2023 after years of increased use according to a report from the FDA and Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, both Democrat and Republican lawmakers find regulatory holes allowing the sale of particular products and advertising to children that they say need to be addressed in Springfield. Among a series of anti-vaping legislation lawmakers are pursuing, House Bill 5069 would require manufacturers to provide certification that their products have not been adulterated and have been approved for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Those in violation could have their distributor licenses suspended or revoked and be subject to civil penalties. Unauthorized electronic cigarettes have flooded the market despite the FDA's attempted crackdown, coming primarily from overseas. The issue has made its way to Springfield, where a prior analysis by The State Journal-Register found several convenience stores in the city selling unauthorized products such as Breeze bars, Glas vapes and Juul denied authorization by the FDA in July 2022. More: Springfield convenience stores found to be selling unauthorized vaping products Manufacturers seeking authorization for a new tobacco product submit a premarket tobacco product application with the FDA. Matthieu Fortin, owner of the Upper Limits vape shop on Second Street, described the process as confusing and often burdensome for individuals trying to enter into the industry. Matthieu Fortin, owner of the Upper Limits vaping shop, is seen at his store on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Springfield. HB 5069, he said, will effectively prohibit him from selling products that make up the majority of the store's revenue, putting his business and vaping operations throughout the state at-risk of closure. "This isn't about kids," Fortin told The State Journal-Register. "This is solely an attempt to take these products off the market and to give big tobacco a monopoly." Bill sponsor and state Rep. Bob Rita argues his bill is not about hurting retailers like Fortin but rather about holding distributors and manufacturers accountable. He pushed back on characterization that his bill helps big tobacco, seeing it more as a way to help law enforcement to identify illegal products. "If your business model is to sell a bunch of illegal products, yes, it would affect you," said Rita, D-Rock Island. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is also backing the legislation, previously taking part in a $462 million $67.6 million going to the state multi-state settlement with Juul Labs for marketing its products to minors. The legislation still needs a full chamber vote in the House before advancing to the Senate. Rita said an amendment will be filed clarifying his bill is intended for manufacturers and distributors, not retailers. Senators passed two anti-vaping measures this week with near unanimous support, including one that would prohibit the online sale of vaping products to those under 21 and another preventing the advertising of e-cigarettes that look like school supplies. Contact Patrick M. Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Lawmakers try tackling youth vaping, Illinois business warns consequences A 33-year-old St. Paul man killed Friday night in his parents garage in Chanhassen has been identified as Erik Allen Berger, according to the Carver County Sheriffs Office. Carver County Sheriff Jason Kamerud gave the following details in a news release Saturday: Shortly before 4 p.m. Friday, authorities received a 911 call about a medical emergency in the 8100 block of Audubon Road in Chanhassen. When public safety workers arrived, they found a man lying on the floor in a garage area where his parents had found him. It appeared he had been violently assaulted. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead. Detectives later found a person of interest dead at a home in Minneapolis. On Monday, the sheriffs office released further details about the homicide, saying Berger suffered both knife and gunshot wounds. The person authorities believe killed Berger died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It appears the two knew each other. The sheriffs office did not say if the suspect was a man or woman. Identification of the suspected killer will be released by the Hennepin County medical examiner. The apparent murder-suicide is still under investigation by the Carver County sheriff, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Midwest Medical Examiners Office and Hennepin County Medical Examiners Office. Related Articles The State Department condemned rising violence in the West Bank on Monday, encouraging both sides to de-escalate tensions after clashes that have killed an Israeli and two Palestinians. Violence broke out last week as Israeli settlers searched for a missing 14-year-old boy. Dozens of Israeli settlers rushed into towns in the West Bank, burning homes and cars and fighting with Palestinians. Two Palestinians, a 25-year-old and a 17-year-old, were killed in the clashes, and dozens were injured, the State Department said. The boy was found dead in the West Bank on Saturday, sparking another wave of violence. The Israeli military said the boy was killed in a terrorist attack, though no details of his death were made available. The State Department referred to the boys death as murder. Videos shared online showed Palestinians lobbing rocks at Israeli military vehicles spraying tear gas, as well as street fights between settlers and Palestinians. The violence must stop. Civilians are never legitimate targets, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. We call on the authorities to take measures to protect all communities from harm, and we urge Israel and the Palestinian Authority to do everything possible to de-escalate tensions. Violence has been rising in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since the deadly Hamas attacks on Oct. 7. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah said more than 450 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or in settler attacks in the West Bank since then. The Biden administration has increased pressure on the Israeli government to limit illegal settlers in recent months, implementing multiple rounds of sanctions against individuals who are responsible for some violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) The fight against congestion pricing is reaching new levels as some lawmakers argue that it should be repealed, and have introduced legislation to reconsider the plan. Republican New York state Assemblymember Mike Tannousis is introducing a bill in the legislature to cancel congestion pricing and audit the MTA. Drivers will get charged $15 during peak hours if they drive into Manhattans Central Business District, which is south of 60th Street. The MTA argued that the money would allow the agency to fund a multi-billion-dollar capital improvement plan for subways and buses. What expect from NYC congestion pricing Its set to start in June, but several court cases have to be settled before it can begin. Tannousis said its time to reconsider the idea and change the structure of the MTA. Tannousis will be joined by other Republican officials from Staten Island later Monday to formally announce the legislation. MTA officials said theyre confident they followed the law and regulations. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. The current unfolding situation in the Middle East is the result of the blocking by the US and three European countries (Great Britain, France, and Germany) of the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear program. Russia's representative in international organizations based in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov wrote on X, Trend reports. Ulyanov stated that there was a chance to get rid of this situation in the Middle East. However, Western countries have prepared the soil for the emergence of this crisis. To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. The US announced in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020. In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. According to the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran had stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent. On April 1, an Israeli airstrike in the Mezze district of Damascus killed 13 people, including the commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Syria and Lebanon, General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, and his deputy, Mohammad Haji Rahimi. Since then, tensions between Iran and Israel have increased. Iran confirmed on April 14 that it fired dozens of rockets and anti-aircraft missiles at Israel in retaliation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel STEUBEN COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM) The New York State Appellate Court denied Steuben Countys appeal to prevent a legislator from giving a deposition in the ongoing litigation between the Steuben County Legislature and the Steuben County Sheriffs Office, according to Sheriff Jim Allard. The Steuben County Sheriffs Office and the Steuben County Legislature have been involved in a legal battle since Sept. 25, 2023, when the legislature passed two resolutions related to the sheriffs lawsuit liability insurance. One of the resolutions would require the sheriff to purchase millions of dollars worth of liability insurance at his own expense, and the other resolution would rescind the countys responsibility to reimburse the sheriff for legal fees incurred while in the line of duty. Steuben County Manager responds to Sheriffs lawsuit against County Sheriff Allard submitted a petition to prevent the resolutions from going into effect to the New York State Supreme Court. The court granted a stay on the resolutions during the pending litigation. The legislature repealed the resolution that would require the sheriff to purchase his own liability insurance on Nov. 27 before the initial court hearing. According to the sheriffs office, the initial hearing was held in January 2024, and after the hearing, the New York State Supreme Court ordered that a county legislator be deposed. The legislator, who was present in the closed executive sessions that led to the resolution votes, would be required to give firsthand information to the court so it could decide whether or not the Steuben County Legislature acted in bad faith. The legislature filed an appeal against this decision with the New York State Appellate Court. In an April 15 update on the ongoing litigation, the sheriffs office said that the appellate court denied the legislatures appeal on April 11. This decision will allow the court-ordered deposition to proceed, and the New York State Supreme Court will hold a final hearing after the deposition. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A man was arrested Thursday for the alleged kidnapping and sexual abuse of a female victim he had picked up and refused to let out of his car, according to Salt Lake City Police. Arnold Gonzales, 69, was arrested on object rape (first-degree felony), aggravated kidnapping (first-degree felony), two counts of forcible sexual abuse (second-degree felony), and obstruction of justice (class-A misdemeanor). On April 11, SLCPD was notified of a possible kidnapping after the victim had texted friends saying that she was in a strangers vehicle and did not know where she was. 22-year-old arrested for allegedly shooting at apartment building while intoxicated The victims family reportedly found the victims phone location and waited until police could conduct a traffic stop. Upon stopping the vehicle, police found Gonzales in the drivers seat and the victim in the passenger seat. Detectives then separated the two so that they could conduct individual interviews. During the interview, the victim told police she did not know [Gonzales] and when she walked past his vehicle, she was dizzy and did not know how, but she ended up in his car, according to the probable cause statement. The victim stated that once inside the vehicle [Gonzales] made her smoke marijuana and he touched her [] more than once. The victim reportedly continued to describe forcible sexual abuse, claiming that Gonzales would not stop his actions and drove her around for close to an hour. The victim stated that she tried getting out of the vehicle multiple times and Arnold would not let her and would make her smoke more marijuana, the affidavit states. The victim shared the texts she had sent to her friend that said she was lost and in a vehicle with a stranger and that she was scared. During the interview with Gonzales, he reportedly told police that he saw the victim, whom he did not know, walking near train tracks and offered to give her a ride to help her out, the affidavit states. Gonzales denied trying anything sexual with the victim, and that when the victim asked him to get out of the vehicle and walk, he told her not to and that he would continue to drive her home because of the dangerous area they were in. After his arrest, Gonzales was reportedly observed trying to hide potential evidence relating to sexual abuse. Police did not disclose information about the victims age, but Gonzales reportedly told police that she was 18. Gonzales was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on the charges previously stated. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The Iranian attack on Israel was historic. For the first time since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the Ayatollah regime violated Israeli sovereignty directly without using any of its proxies, such as Hezbollah or Hamas. Iran, in this sense, has created a new equation for its conflict with Israel. Likewise, the ability to counter hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones was also unprecedented, as it resulted from an American-led coalitionwhich included the U.K., France, Jordan, and other countriesthat originated in the Abraham Accords and continued with multiple defense regional agreements. This pivotal moment bore strategic implications that exceeded the sole interest of Israel. Here are the top five. First, the response to the Iranian attack on Israel could affect geopolitical relations as we know them. The Iranian attack on Israel was not only a local or regional event but a multinational one. In an era of a global war where the U.S. is on one side and Russia and China are on the other, the Israeli response will reflect the U.S.s credibility as the leader of the Western world. In other words, it will define Western assurances regarding any country deeming itself part of the free world. Indeed, President Biden warned Iran from attacking Israel by declaring yet another important Dont. Well, they did. And now the world is watching. An aggressive response may lead to anarchy and force other players in the arena. A softor lack ofresponse could teach Iran and its allies that acts of aggression could occur without consequences. A restrained reaction to such a violent act of aggression in a world in which Russia had already invaded Ukraine may be one step too far. The secret here, hence, will be to find the right balance for deterring potential chaos agents such as Iran, yet not to accelerate the already sensitive reality. Secondly, Iran endangered its two most significant investmentsthe Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the nuclear program. The first is an active ongoing project, which embodies not only a core element of the Iranian DNA but also the most significant terror group in the world. The second is an Iranian aspiration that is too close to realization. Israel, which lost substantial portions of its international legitimacy following the continuous war in Gaza, could use the momentum of international support not only to respond to Iran kinetically but to label the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps diplomatically and legally as a terror group. Moreover, it could encourage the entire U.S.-led coalition to compose a joint plan to counter the Iranian nuclear program just before its completion. A vital element of such a program will have to include the encouragement of the Iranian people to demand their liberty alongside unapologetic and decisive moves driven by the understanding that a nuclear Iran is a threat to the free world. The third implication concerns the potential misuse of international law to undermine countries' territorial integrity or political independence. The Iranian narrative during the attack was fascinating, as was its audacity. Looking at the language it chose to use, it was clear Iran attempted to differentiate itself from its terrorist proxy group and portray itself as a legitimate sovereign state in an act of self-defense. Two unexhaustive indications for that were given while the drones were on their way to Israel. The first was a tweet by the Iranian mission to the U.N., which declared the attack was conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense. This article embodies one of the two exceptionsalongside a UN Security Council authorizationfor prohibiting the use of force. The second indication was an Iranian declaration regarding its intention to hit military targets only. This is, of course, an act-the language of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Accepting the notion that a country could launch 300 missiles and drones in response to the Zionist regimes aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus undermines the core purpose of the U.N., which is to prevent wars from happening in the first place. Allowing this notion will open the gate for any country to cynically use Article 51 in a reality where the U.N. Security Council is under a near-constant deadlock anyway. The fourth implication is that normalization between the Saudis and the Israelis is more likely than ever. The world of October 6th has presented us with the breathtaking possibility of normalization between the two countries. At its core, there was a triangle of interest. Plainly speaking, the Israelis wanted to enjoy a relationship with a regional power; the Americans knew they could place a condition this with advancing a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and the Saudis wanted, in returnamong other thingsa security agreement with the Americans, resembling those with Japan or South Korea. The Iranian attack on Israel has provided the Saudis with a display of capability of such an agreement, demonstrated against the very same enemy they wish to protect themselves from: Iran. In this sense, the attack on Israel is likely to enhance normalization with the Saudis, not diminish it. The fifth implication is that Israel must learn that there are no gifts. Dependence on allies means the Israeli response will not happen in a vacuum. It will have to consider its allies and their domestic, political, and cultural sensitivities. That doesn't mean there won't be a strong reaction, but the rope isn't as loose as Israel would have liked. Looking forward to the near future, this means the Israeli ability to manoeuvre, literally, in other areas, such as Lebanon or Gaza, will be even more limited. The outcome may force Israel and its allies to (finally) convene into a joint Day-After plan. Such a plan must ensure a Palestinian state isnt perceived as the direct reward for the October 7th massacre and the Iranian attack on Israel. Still, it must ensure the region has a clear path for the next decade or two. The task of translating these implications into practical action items is now laid on the shoulders of world leadership. The choices theyll make will determine if the Iranian attack on Israel will be perceived, in retrospect, as a tragedy or as an opportunity. Contact us at letters@time.com. DANIELS, WV (WVNS) Even as early as 9:30 Sunday morning, Route 19 was being shut down and blocked off by fire crews. Crews from Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, Coal City Volunteer Fire Department and Ghent Fire Department were on scene in order to battle the blaze. Back to school chalkboard photos could be an invite for predators, scammers Zachary Meador, the Public Information Officer with Beaver VFD, gave a statement. Okay, this morning we were dispatched, initially was a car fire, we were upgraded to a motor vehicle accident with flames involved when we arrived on scene. There were three vehicles involved which were on fire, and a structure that was involved that was also on fire, said Meador. Meador said the structure involved was an abandoned house. There has been no official word on any injuries or fatalities that occurred during this incident. Two car accident causes traffic back-up on U.S. Route 460 in Princeton The scene is still under active investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Student, 23, Who Went Missing at LAX Has Made Contact, Say Parents: Prayers Have Been Answered Noelle Lynch was last seen leaving an apartment building in Los Angeles on April 3 MPIA Noelle Lynch A 23-year-old California college student, who was reported missing after her phone was found at LAX, has made contact with her parents. Noelle Lynchs mother Kellie Lynch said their prayers have been answered and Noelle has reached out to us in a Facebook post shared on Saturday, April 13. We would like to extend our gratitude for all of your prayers for locating our daughter Noelle, wrote Kellie. Please, we ask that you respect our familys privacy at this difficult time. And know that we will share updates with you when we can. Thank you for your love and support, she concluded the post. Los Angeles Police Department Noelle Lynch Related: Ill. Girl, Missing Since 2017, Found After Store Owner Recognizes Her From 'Unsolved Mysteries' On April 8, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release that Noelle had last been seen five days before when she left an apartment "by foot." "She left without personal property and may or may not be able to identify herself, the release added, noting that Noelle was last seen leaving an apartment building on foot in the 900 block of East Redondo Boulevard in the City of Inglewood" around 5 p.m. local time on April 3. Noelles father Mark Lynch told SFGate that the Sacramento State University student left home in a difficult state of mind" and drove to Southern California on April 1. The Aware Foundation/X Noelle Lynch missing person poster Related: British Boy Vanished in Spain in 2017. Officials Believe They've Found Him in France He added that his daughter "didnt know where she was going," and also got into a car accident in Los Angeles in the early morning of April 2. The family then began driving down toward the area of LAX to meet their daughter. On April 3, Mark said Kellie received a call from Noelle at 12 p.m. local time via a strange persons phone," and that the student was mostly not making sense." Later that day, Noelle was spotted walking on foot after leaving the apartment building, with Mark previously telling SFGate that it wasnt clear why his daughter was there. Meanwhile, Kellie said she later found some of her daughter's belongings, including a backpack, in an apartment in the building. MPIA Noelle Lynch 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. Noelles phone was also discovered at an LAX Southwest ticket counter, but Mark told SFGate there was no evidence that his daughter had boarded a plane from the airport. The family previously told local ABC affiliate KXTV that the loneliness of the pandemic was tough on Noelle and it was "difficult for her to get back on track." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Sudan on brink of collapse and starvation as country marks one year of civil war As Sudan marks the grim anniversary of a year-long conflict, aid agencies have warned that the country teeters on the edge of collapse, facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has been largely ignored by the rest of the world. Islamic Relief, a humanitarian and development agency, painted a stark picture of Sudans situation, warning that it is on the brink of mass famine, with young children facing the prospect of starving to death. The situation in Sudan is dire, with over 8.4 million people, including 2 million children under the age of 5, forced to flee their homes in the wake of the conflict, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Despite these alarming figures, the international response has been woefully inadequate, with only 5% of the 2024 humanitarian response plan for Sudan funded thus far, Islamic Relief said in a statement. The agencys country director for Sudan, Elsadig Elnour, said: Over the past year Ive seen my country descend into violence, madness, and destruction, neglected by the rest of the world. The conflict, which has pitted the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has left millions displaced and countless civilians dead or severely injured. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned in a statement Monday of a further escalation in violence in Sudan as parties to the conflict arm civilians, and more armed groups join the fighting. Since the start of the civil war, thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, and other vital civilian structures have been destroyed, plunging the country into a severe humanitarian crisis, and creating the worlds largest displacement crisis, his office said. Nearly 18 million people face acute food insecurity, 14 million of them children, and over 70 percent of hospitals are no longer functional amid a rise in infectious diseases, Turk added. On Monday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned crimes against humanity were potentially being committed in the country, adding that recent reports of escalating hostilities in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, were a fresh cause for deep alarm. Over the weekend, RSF-affiliated militias attacked and burned villages west of El Fasher, leading to widespread new displacement, Guterres said. Fighting continued Monday on the outskirts of El Fasher, he added. Let me be clear: Any attack on El Fasher would be devastating for civilians and could lead to full-blown intercommunal conflict across Darfur, Guterres warned. Breaking the wall of silence The warnings come as a donor conference is being held in France on Monday, which French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said was aimed at supporting mediation attempts, improving coordination across the international community and providing support to Sudanese civilians. Speaking at a press conference in Paris alongside his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, he said: Were here today to break this wall of silence around this conflict and mobilize all the international community. Today we demonstrate that we will not forget the suffering of the people in Sudan, said Baerbock, adding that the humanitarian situation in the war-torn country is really disastrous. A CNN investigation found that almost 700 men and 65 children had been forcibly recruited by Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over a three-month period in Jazira state alone. A lawyer with the African Center for Justice and Peace Studies, Mohamed Badawi, told CNN then that the RSFs coercive and violent tactics were akin to an enforced labor system, saying that people could be arrested if they didnt kill for the RSF. A lack of response Doctors Without Borders on Friday called on leaders attending the Paris conference to immediately scale up the humanitarian response in Sudan. The charity claimed that a chronic lack of response from humanitarian organizations and the UN have made an already dire situation in Sudan desperate, as Sudanese authorities systematically block the delivery of aid to some areas, while the RSF has looted health facilities and supplies. Mohamed Osman, Sudan researcher at Human Rights Watch, also said that the global response to Sudans brutal conflict needs to change. Osman urged leaders to hold those responsible for atrocities and violations of international humanitarian law to account. The warring parties in Sudan have inflicted tremendous suffering on Sudanese from all walks of life, he said. Leaders meeting in Paris should act to tackle the shamefully low levels of humanitarian funding, including for local responders, and commit to concrete measures against those deliberately hampering aid delivery to populations in need. A specific date for peace talks has not been decided yet, according to US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello. He said at a State Department briefing that Saudi Arabia was planning to host inclusive talks, and they hoped to announce a date soon. Previously, Perriello had indicated that talks might resume around mid-April, after Ramadan, possibly on April 18. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Suella Braverman says it is delusional not to ban IRGC as pressure mounts on Sunak Suella Braverman says failure to ban the IRGC means 'this Conservative government risks being left on the wrong side of history' - Jessica Taylor/UK PARLIAMENT/AFP Suella Braverman has branded the Governments refusal to proscribe Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as delusional as Rishi Sunak came under pressure from Tory MPs and Labour to impose a ban. The Government is resisting calls for the IRGC to be proscribed as a terrorist group in the wake of Irans missile and drone attack on Israel at the weekend and Hamass terrorist killings on Oct 7. Ministers including Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, argued on Monday that proscription would jeopardise diplomatic ties with Tehran and threaten a key back channel for communicating with the regime. However, Mrs Braverman, the former home secretary, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader and the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have all demanded a ban. In an article for The Telegraph, Mrs Braverman said the defence of keeping channels open was a weak argument as it had failed to mitigate the Oct 7 attack or deter the 300 drones or missiles fired on Israel. Rather this is Foreign Office-speak for: We support the status quo and dont see the need to change things, thank you very much. Equally delusional is the claim that our sanctions regime is sufficient to deter the IRGC, she said. This is naive when we know the IRGC circumvent sanctions by ensuring that they are not reliant on the British Pound or US Dollar by trading with Russia or China or transferring assets to trusted proxies in the region, such as in Oman. This Conservative government risks being left on the wrong side of history if it continues to stall on this important step. If not now, then when? Its time we grew a backbone. This isnt just about our foreign policy, but our own national security and the safety of British citizens. Rishi Sunak told Parliament that any steps to further limit the IRGC's reach would be taken in concert with the UK's allies - Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament/PA Her comments follow an appeal at the weekend by Israel for a terrorist ban on the IRGC. On Monday, the British Board of Deputies, representing British Jews, also wrote to Rishi Sunak advocating for the move. Proscribing the IRGC would make it a criminal offence to belong to the organisation or invite support for it. Tzipi Hotovely, the Israeli ambassador to the UK, told LBC the UK must proscribe the IRGC as she warned the UK could become a target for drones. Maybe the UK will be next with these kind of drones... they wont hesitate to do that here, she said. In the Commons, Sir Iain appealed directly to the Prime Minister: Could I please ask him, when he sits down with our international colleagues to consider proscribing the IRGC and to do it in a way that will make sure they can no longer foment extremism here in the United Kingdom as well? Sir Keir reaffirmed Labours demand for proscription, urging the Prime Minister to take action to limit the power of the revolutionary guard to glorify terrorism here in the UK. In response, Mr Sunak suggested any steps to further limit the IRGCs reach would be taken in concert with the UKs allies. He told MPs: Yesterday at the G7 we agreed to work together on further measures to counter the Iranian regime and its proxies. It was agreed that we should coordinate those actions and that work is now under way, and obviously at the appropriate time either I or ministers will update the House. Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, said: We recognise what a dangerous organisation it is. We have sanctioned it and put in place a regime to do more of this work. I keep this under review, but the police and security services say they have the powers to deal with it here or elsewhere. Having those diplomatic relations means we can deliver a direct message to the Iranians as I have done, speaking to the foreign minister twice in the last seven days. It makes Britain stronger and more able if we can have those conservations and we should keep it that way. Lord Cameron said that 'having diplomatic relations means we can deliver a direct message to the Iranians' - Isabel Infantes/AFP via Getty Images Although the US publicly called for its allies to proscribe the IRGC after the Oct 7 Hamas attacks, The Telegraph understands American diplomats have privately asked the UK not to do so. The US has not had diplomatic relations with Iran since 1980, and relies on other Western allies including the UK to act as a backchannel with Iran. Some US officials have privately raised concerns that if the UK was to proscribe the group, Tehran would sever diplomatic ties with London and cut off a key diplomatic backchannel. Meanwhile, Mrs Braverman will suggest in a speech on Tuesday that hints by Mr Sunak that the UK could quit the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) are inauthentic. The current UK Government doesnt have the political will to take on the ECHR and hasnt laid the groundwork for doing so. And so its no surprise that recent noises in this direction are easily dismissed as inauthentic, she will tell the national conservatism conference in Brussels. It should be noted that any attempt to include a plan for ECHR withdrawal in a losing Conservative Party election manifesto risks setting the cause back a generation. Comment Suella Braverman: Grow a backbone and ban the IRGC Read more Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. An artists impression of southeastern South Australia during the Pleistocene epoch showing various plants and animals that lived there alongside Protemnodon. The almost one-tonne Zygomaturus trilobus in the bottom right. None of the kangaroos shown is a Protemnodon, but there are two short-faced kangaroos in the center-right. One wallaby is also being attacked by a Tasmanian tiger (top left). Earth used to be absolutely crawling with more megafauna. The fossil record is full of enormous birds like New Zealands Heracles inexpectatus, giant lemurs from Madagascar, large marine reptiles that would put todays sea snakes to shame. Paleontologists have now found evidence of three unusual new species of giant fossil kangaroo in present day Australia and New Guinea. The creatures are described in a study published April 14 in the journal Megataxa and indicate that these species were likely much more diverse in terms of shape, range of habitat, and hopping method. Living kangaroos are already such remarkable animals, so its amazing to think what these peculiar giant kangaroos could have been getting up to, study co-author and Flinders University PhD student Isaac Kerr said in a statement . An artists impression of the newly described fossil species Protemnodon viator and its relative Protemnodon anak, compared at scale to the living red kangaroo and eastern gray kangaroo. CREDIT: Traci Klarenbeek, 2024. Meet the giant kangaroos The three new species belong to an extinct genus of giant kangaroos called Protemnodon that lived from five million to about 40,000 years ago. They would have looked somewhat similar to modern gray kangaroos , but were generally more squat and muscular. Some species were roughly 110 pounds, but others were up to twice as large as todays biggest living kangaroos. Protemnodon fossils are fairly common across Australia , but they have historically been found as individual bones instead of in complete skeletons. This has made it difficult for scientists to determine just how many species there were and how they differed in geographic range, movement, and size. [Related: What prehistoric poop reveals about extinct giant animals .] The fossils of this genus are widespread and theyre found regularly, but more often than not you have no way of being certain which species youre looking at, study co-author and Flinders University paleontologist Gavin Prideaux said in a statement . For this study, the team was able to use multiple complete fossilized kangaroo skeletons from Lake Callabonna in South Australia , which may help give scientists a more clear picture of these giant kangaroos. Researchers also reviewed all known species of Protemnodon and found that they were all quite different from one another. The animals also adapted to live in different environments and even had different methods of hopping. One very heavy, wayfaring kangaroo One of the new species is named Protemnodon viator. The word viator means traveler or wayfarer in Latin. This wandering marsupial was also much bigger than other known giant kangaroos at weighing up to 374 pounds. According to the team, this is roughly twice as much as the largest living male red kangaroos . A near-complete fossil skeleton of the extinct giant kangaroo Protemnodon viator from Lake Callabonna, missing just a few bones from the hand, foot, and tail. CREDIT: Isaac A. R. Kerr Protemnodon viator was also likely well-adapted to its arid central Australian habitat. It lived in a smaller geographic area than the red kangaroos of today. It was also long-limbed and could hop quickly and efficiently. A robust creature and a swamp wallaby-like kangaroo Another of the new species is named Protemnodon mamkurra and it connects the paleontologists of today with a famous scientist of the past. British paleontologist and naturalist Sir Richard Owen famously coined the term dinosaur in 1842 , but also described the first species of Protemnodon in 1874. When he first found these giant kangaroo fossils, he followed a common scientific approach at the time. He mainly focused on fossilized teeth, seeing slight differences between the teeth of his specimens. He ultimately described six species of Protemnodon and further study chipped away at some of Owens early descriptions. He also suggested that some or all Protemnodon have four legs, While not all of them do, this study agrees that one of his speciesProtemnodon anak likely did have four legs. [Related: Giant beasts once roamed Madagascar. What happened to them? ] However, our study suggests that this is true of only three or four species of Protemnodon, which may have moved something like a quokka or potoroothat is bounding on four legs at times, and hopping on two legs at others, Kerr said. The newly described Protemnodon mamkurra is likely one of these. A large but thick-boned and robust kangaroo, it was probably fairly slow-moving and inefficient. It may have hopped only rarely, perhaps just when startled. The best of these fossil species comes from the Green Waterhole Cave in southeastern Australia, on the land of the Boandik people . The species name mamkurra, means great kangaroo and was chosen by Boandik elders and language experts in the Burrandies Corporation . An artists reconstruction of the extinct kangaroos Protemnodon anak (upper) and Protemnodon tumbuna (lower). Despite being closely related, the two were quite different animals in terms of their habitat and their method of hopping. CREDIT: Peter Schouten (year unknown). According to Kerr, it is unusual for a single genus of kangaroo to live in such varied environments. For example, the different species of Protemnodon are now known to have inhabited a broad range of habitats, from arid central Australia into the high-rainfall, forested mountains of Tasmania and New Guinea. The third new species is named Protemnodon dawsonae. It is known from fewer fossils than the other two, so it is more of a mystery. The team believes it was likely a moderate speed hopper and potentially similar to the living swamp wallaby. It was named in honor of Australian paleontologist Lyndall Dawson . While most species became extinct about 40,000 years ago on mainland Australia, they potentially lived longer in New Guinea and Tasmania . Future studies could shed more light on their extinction, as it is still an enduring paleontological mystery. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Iran aims to warn Israel about the catastrophic consequences of crossing the red line, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, Trend reports. He stated this in a telephone conversation with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock. He believes that if Israel maintains its conduct, it will face retaliation, both quick and broad. German Foreign Minister Analena Berbock, in her turn, emphasized the importance of continued dialogue at this perilous time. "Recent events have heightened regional tensions, which are only increasing. Our collaborative efforts should strive to avert an escalation of tensions," she added. To note, on April 1, an Israeli attack in Damascus' Mezze area killed 13 people, including General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Syria and Lebanon, and his deputy, Mohammad Haji Rahimi. Since then, Iran-Israel relations have risen. Iran acknowledged on April 14 that it fired dozens of rockets and anti-aircraft missiles at Israel in retaliation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A Texas farmer who also worked as a supervisor and foreman at farms throughout Idaho has pleaded guilty to charging illegal fees to farmworkers employed through a federal guest-worker program. Ernesto Garibay Garza, 62, of Alamo, Texas, pleaded guilty to extorting H-2A agricultural workers and for putting the extra fees he collected into his personal bank account, U.S. Attorney for Idaho Josh Hurwit said in a news release Monday. Garza worked for F.D.C., an Idaho-based agricultural services company that operates farms throughout the state. He prepared and submitted employee payroll for the H-2A workers employed by F.D.C. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, from 2014 to 2019, Garza charged some H-2A workers a flat fee to work at F.D.C, when under the federal H-2A program, the fees range from $750 to $2,500. The federal H-2A program allows qualified U.S. companies to employ guest workers from outside the U.S. to fill seasonal agricultural jobs that cannot otherwise be filled. Garza charged the fees without F.D.C. knowledge or approval, according to the news release. According to Garzas indictment, he told the H-2A workers that if they did not pay the flat fees he was charging, they would not be allowed to return to work for F.D.C. the following year. Many farms in Idaho employ federal H-2A workers, which are seasonal workers from outside of the U.S. These workers fill jobs that U.S. workers dont want and that employers cant fill without the program. Idaho farmworker advocates previously told the Idaho Statesman that abuse and scare tactics are commonly used to manipulate foreign agricultural workers. Between 2013 and 2019, Garza deposited nearly $500,000 in unreported income into his bank accounts, in part from the H-2A extortion and also as part of a separate scheme defrauding F.D.C., according to the release. Garza did not disclose the additional income on his tax return for the years 2013 through 2019, prosecutors said. Garza is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Idaho has about 35,000 undocumented immigrants. Who are they? Here are 8 things to know Canyon County law enforcement decries gang problem. But exactly how big is the issue? The Supreme Court allowed a police officers lawsuit against a Black Lives Matter leader to move forward Monday. In a brief order, the justices turned away activist DeRay Mckessons First Amendment appeal, meaning he must face the lawsuit brought by the anonymous officer who was injured during a 2016 protest. Days after police fatally shot Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, La., Mckesson organized a protest at which demonstrators blocked a highway outside a local police station. As police cleared the roadway, the officer, identified as John Doe, was hit with a rock-like object and suffered brain trauma, among other injuries, court filings show. Mckesson did not throw the object, and it is undisputed that he never authorized the violence. But the officer claims that Mckessons leadership at the event still makes him liable for the unidentified culprits actions. Its not the first time the justices have confronted the case. In 2020, the Supreme Court in an unsigned decision called the First Amendment issue undeniably important, but the justices sent the case back to first get clarity on whether state law would allow the officer to seek damages in the first place. Louisianas top court eventually responded that it would, and the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals then issued a ruling rejecting Mckessons First Amendment defense and allowing the lawsuit to proceed closer to trial. Mckesson then brought his First Amendment claim back to the high court. But in a brief, unsigned order, as is typical, the Supreme Court refused to review that 5th Circuit ruling. It is unfathomable under this Courts First Amendment jurisprudence that a State would hold a protest leader liable in damages for a third partys independent conduct that the leader himself neither incited, directed, authorized, nor ratified, attorneys at the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents Mckesson, wrote in their petition. The case largely rested on the relevance of a 1982 Supreme Court decision that found the NAACP could not be sued for supporting a local boycott of white merchants during the Civil Rights Movement that at times turned violent. Mckesson argues that the precedent forecloses the lawsuit against him. The anonymous officer, however, distinguishes his lawsuit by arguing that Mckesson unlike the NAACP engaged in illegal activity by organizing a protest to block a roadway. The injuries were a foreseeable consequence of that allegedly illegal activity, the officer claims. There is nothing un-American or unconstitutional about chilling speech designed specifically and effectively to engage police officers, where time after time the time, the place and manner of the speech has resulted in looting, property destruction, business closures, personal injury, economic loss, bystander and police injury, the anonymous police officers attorney wrote in court papers. The time, place and manner of delivering First Amended protected speech matters. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The U.S. Supreme Courts refusal to intervene in a case involving a prominent Black Lives Matter advocate could have a chilling effect on people hoping to organize and demand racial justice. The high court on Monday virtually outlawed the right to mass protest in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas when it declined to step in and overturn a decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has been engaged in a yearslong campaign against DeRay Mckesson. A high-profile Black Lives Matter figure, Mckesson was sued by a police officer who was seriously injured at a 2016 rally in Baton Rouge following the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. The officer insisted that Mckesson, the leader of the protest, ought to be held responsible because he knew or should have known that violence was possible. The high courts inaction goes beyond Mckesson and protests. Its about race, power, and whose voices are heard and whose are muzzled in our fragile multiracial democracy. Its also part of a much wider pattern of diminishing Black political strength, particularly in the Deep South. This month, Mississippi state Sen. Angela Burks Hill, a Republican, thwarted a significant, bipartisan legislative effort to restore voting rights to people with nonviolent felony convictions after they serve their sentences. It was a stunning turn: The law that permanently disenfranchises people convicted of certain low-level offenses disproportionately burdens Black Americans, and is rooted in Mississippis 1890 constitutional convention. The express objective of the assembly was, according to one delegate, to secure to the state of Mississippi white supremacy. Former Mississippi Gov. James K. Vardaman put it even more bluntly: There is no use to equivocate or lie about the matter Mississippis constitutional convention of 1890 was held for no other purpose than to eliminate the [N-word] from politics. Separately, the full 5th Circuit is revisiting a challenge to the Jim Crow-era law, and it could release an opinion any day now. Last August, a three-judge panel on the circuit struck down the law, explaining that it violated the Eighth Amendments prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. But then the state successfully requested a rehearing. Mississippi is hardly the only state with harsh felony disenfranchisement laws. Numerous states, especially in the South, ban millions of Americans from the democratic process based on their prior felony convictions. Just last month, a federal judge gave the OK for a lawsuit challenging Virginias broad permanent disenfranchisement law to proceed. The plaintiffs argue that the law violates the Virginia Readmission Act, one of many federal laws enacted after the Civil War to safeguard the rights of newly freed Black Americans in former Confederate states. These laws sought to limit disenfranchisement to people convicted of a specific set of crimes, so that states couldnt abuse their authority and target Black Americans. Still, the situation in Mississippi is particularly striking. Black residents form 36% of the states voting-age population the highest percentage in the country but nearly 60% of its disenfranchised population, according to The Sentencing Project. To discuss the future of Black political power in Mississippi, Capital B spoke with Waikinya Clanton, the director of the Southern Poverty Law Centers Mississippi state office. Our conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Capital B: Mississippi has the highest percentage of Black residents, who incline to the left. But its a ruby red state a conservative bastion. How are you feeling as the 2024 election heats up? Waikinya Clanton: Well, the elections last November were bittersweet. On the one hand, there was all the chaos around ballot shortages and long lines and things like that. Majority-Black Hinds County is where we had one of the largest opportunities to really tip the scales and where people had been doing so much work to engage voters voters who had been horribly let down by elected leaders. So when you do all that work to engage voters and they show up but they cant participate, that situation puts a wrinkle in the fabric. On the other hand, there was all this momentum energy around turnout and what was possible here in Mississippi. And this feeling presents a huge opportunity for us to double down on voter registration efforts and connect with our communities in real and meaningful ways. What are your thoughts on Mississippis Jim Crow-era felony disenfranchisement law? People who have served their time should be afforded their right to go back and vote. The original ruling that came out of the 5th Circuit [in August 2023] said that a lifetime ban was unconstitutional because its cruel and unusual punishment. We believe that that stands. It should be the case that people have the right to return to the electoral process. Thats part of your citizenship. Thats part of getting your full humanity back. How do you plan on engaging young Black voters, many of whom have soured on President Joe Biden and the political process more broadly? Reaching young Black voters is the same no matter where you are whether youre in Mississippi or New York or D.C. or California. Young people dont want to be lectured. They want to be engaged. They care about whats happening around them. Were working with young people to share not only historical information, but also current information about whats at stake. Were taking the time to do cultural organizing we should be where they are and talk with them in language they can understand. Were also working to give them space to own the narrative around change. Thats really important for shaping their civic participation. I think that sometimes we spend so much time talking at people that we dont give them an opportunity to share their thoughts or opinions in a way that makes this a true, inclusive democracy. Read More: Are We Really in the Middle of a Racial Realignment in Politics? Ill give you a good example of our work. We have an umbrella initiative called Activate Mississippi. We marry art, activism, and voter education. As part of the initiative this past election cycle, we did the Defenders of Democracy campaign, and this was a multifaceted, multigenerational campaign that looked to engage young people people from elementary school all the way through college. For one activity, we wrote a comic book that talked about voting in Mississippi. We didnt just want young people to see themselves in the narrative. We wanted them to see themselves as part of reimagining what democracy can look like and feel like in Mississippi. We also hosted voter engagement town halls, as well as get-out-the-vote efforts that involved a hip-hop text-a-thon that played on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. These are the kinds of activities that can really energize people who feel left out of the process and out of the conversation. Were just intentional about going deeper. What are your organizing priorities in the months ahead? This summer marks the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer [a large-scale effort to register Black voters in Mississippi], and we have a campaign called the Road to 60: Reigniting the Fight for Freedom, Voter Education, and Empowerment. So were really focusing on training, organizing, and registering people to vote. So my entire summer is going to be dedicated to that legacy reflecting on it and also expanding on it. Were asking: What does it mean to build on the legacy of Freedom Summer in 2024? Were trying to give it a new face and some new energy. The post Supreme Courts Blow to Right to Protest Is Another Attack on Black Political Power appeared first on Capital B News. The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Trump ally Mike Lindell on Monday over his attempt to block the seizure of his phone in an identity theft case related to his election denial activism. Lindell, the founder of My Pillow and a prominent election denier and conservative activist, has been under investigation on suspicion of criminal identity theft since 2022 over claims he was involved in a Colorado scheme to tamper with voting machines during the 2020 election. Prosecutors seized Lindells phone as part of the investigation, which he had challenged in court. His challenge was denied in 2022, but has been under appeal since. Lindells irritation as to where and how the government took possession of his cell phone does not give rise to a constitutional claim, let alone a showing of a callous disregard for his constitutional rights, U.S. Circuit Judge Ralph Erickson wrote in his appellate decision against Lindell last September. The investigation centers on Tina Peters, the clerk of Mesa County, Colo. She was indicted in 2022 on accusations that she allowed someone to access and copy information from the countys voting machines during the 2020 election and post it online, including access to private information that could make the machines vulnerable to hacking. Peters was accused of participating in a deceptive voting breach scene. She was ousted from the office of clerk later that year. Lindell has a history of legal cases related to 2020 election denialism, including a pair of costly defamation cases with voting machine companies. He was also ordered in February to pay up a $5 million bounty to a man who proved that the election was not stolen. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- The US Supreme Court let Idaho enforce a ban on providing gender-transition care for minors, as the justices stepped into a brewing culture-war battle over transgender rights. Most Read from Bloomberg Over three dissents, the justices largely put on hold a federal district court ruling that had blocked Idaho from enforcing the law statewide. For now, the ruling will apply only to the two teenage girls who sued to challenge the ban, letting them continue receiving treatment. The justices in the majority cast the decision as less about the substance of the law than the reach of the district judges injunction. In two 13-page opinions that accompanied the order, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh indicated the high court was trying to tackle what has become a nettlesome issue: nationwide and statewide injunctions issued by a single judge on a major controversy. US District Judge Lynn Winmills ruling did not just vindicate the plaintiffs access to the drug treatments they sought, Gorsuch wrote for himself and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. It purported to bar the enforcement of any provision of the law against anyone. Kavanaugh hinted in an opinion joined by Justice Amy Coney Barrett that he might support a ban on nationwide and statewide injunctions, saying it would reduce the occasions when the Supreme Court has to assess the merits of a case on an emergency basis. Though procedural, the order is a blow to transgender-rights activists. Todays ruling allows the state to shut down the care that thousands of families rely on while sowing further confusion and disruption, the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing the two girls, said in a statement. Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented. Writing for herself and Sotomayor, Jackson said the justices didnt need to intervene. This court will almost certainly have a chance to consider the entirety of this case soon, whoever prevails below, Jackson wrote. Pending Appeals The order comes as the justices deliberate behind the scenes on a set of appeals, including one pressed by the Biden administration in a Tennessee case, that could resolve the issue of gender-transition care nationwide. The court could say by the end of the month whether it will take up one or more of those appeals. Idaho is one of about 23 states with laws or policies that restrict access to gender-transition treatments for adolescents, though several of those measures are on hold amid legal fights. Idahos law bars more than 20 treatments, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for transgender youths. Doctors and pharmacists who violate the law can face up to 10 years in prison. The state says the measure will protect vulnerable children from risky and dangerous medical procedures. Opponents say the law flies in the face of the widely accepted clinical guidelines for treating youths with gender dysphoria, the condition characterized by distress over the incongruence between ones gender identity and birth-assigned sex. Winmill blocked the law in December before it could go into effect, saying the measure probably violates the rights of parents to decide what medical care their children will receive. Winmill also said the law probably runs afoul of the Constitutions equal protection clause by barring treatments for gender dysphoria while allowing the same drugs and procedures for other medical conditions. At the Supreme Court, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador focused on the reach of Winmills preliminary injunction, rather than the underlying constitutional issues. Labrador said Winmill should have limited his order to the two girls pressing the case rather than blocking the law statewide. The girls, known in court papers as Pam Poe and Jane Doe, are both receiving estrogen, and one of them is also receiving puberty blockers, according to court papers filed by their lawyers at the American Civil Liberties Union. The case is Labrador v. Poe, 23A763. (Updates with comments from Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Jackson, ACLU.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The Supreme Courts conservative majority allowed Idaho to enforce a law that bans gender-affirming care for transgender kids and teens while the law is contested through litigation. The court granted Idaho state officials an emergency request on Monday, despite the objection of its three liberal justices. The order makes an exception for the two teenagers who brought the suit, who may still receive care. For everyone else, gender-affirming treatment is banned. The controversial 2023 law could land Idaho doctors in up to 10 years in prison if they provide treatments such as puberty blockers, hormonal treatments or other kinds of care to trans minors. Lawyers for the plaintiffs argued the law violated the 14th Amendment by discriminating on the basis of sex, and a district judge blocked the state from enforcing the law while the litigation was in progress. The Supreme Court reversed that decision. Its three liberals would have opted instead for the law to be blocked entirely while the litigation proceeds. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote that it wouldve been better to let the teenagers case proceed without our intervention and said the Supreme Court was effectively micromanaging lower courts. The lawsuit is currently with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Idaho officials to temporarily enforce a strict statewide ban on gender-affirming care for most minors, in one of the first such cases to reach the nations highest court. In an emergency request filed in February, Idaho asked the justices to block a lower courts order that halted implementation of the law. Signed by Republican Gov. Brad Little last year, the law makes it a felony to provide medical treatment such as puberty-blocking drugs, hormone therapy and certain surgeries to transgender minors. The high courts decision, which came over the dissent of liberal justices, doesnt resolve the underlying legal challenges raised by the case but instead allows the state to enforce the law against most people while the lower courts resolve those questions. Though there was no formal opinion from the court, as is often the case on the courts emergency docket, several justices wrote to explain their positions. The courts conservatives said the decision was intended as a signal to lower courts to limit how far they rule when they are temporarily blocking the state from enforcing a law. Justice Neil Gorsuch, in an opinion joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, noted that the lower court that reviewed the Idaho law didnt just block it for the parties involved but blocked its enforcement for everyone in the state. That, they said, represented an overreach by the courts. A return to a more piecemeal and deliberative judicial process may strike some as inefficient. It may promise less power for the judge and less drama and excitement for the parties and public, Gorsuch wrote. But if any of that makes todays decision wrong, it makes it wrong in the best possible ways. The Supreme Courts decision on Monday continued to block enforcement against the parties who brought the suit, but no one else. The move drew a sharp dissent from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who described the majoritys decision as micromanaging the lower courts exercise of their discretionary authority. Jackson, in an opinion joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, noted that a lower federal court determined that a never-before-in-effect Idaho law is likely unconstitutional and that court temporarily blocked the laws enforcement while it considered the legal challenges involved. This court is not compelled to rise and respond every time an applicant rushes to us with an alleged emergency, and it is especially important for us to refrain from doing so in novel, highly charged, and unsettled circumstances, Jackson wrote. The justices have for weeks been considering three merits appeals over similar laws in Tennessee and Kentucky. An Indiana ban on transition care for minors was allowed to take effect in late February by an appeals court in Chicago. Idaho, which is being represented in part by conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, argues that the lower court decisions to block the law were too broad because they swept in procedures banned under the act that the plaintiffs did not seek to continue. Every day the law is blocked exposes vulnerable children to risky and dangerous medical procedures and infringes Idahos sovereign power to enforce its democratically enacted law, the state told the Supreme Court in its filing. Attorneys for the transgender teenagers and their parents who are challenging the state law had asked the court to turn down the request from Republican state Attorney General Raul Labrador, saying that for both minor plaintiffs, gender-affirming medical care has dramatically alleviated their gender dysphoria and enabled them to become healthy, thriving teenagers. Labrador said a statement that the state has a duty to protect and support all children, adding: And thats why Im proud to defend Idahos law that ensures children are not subjected to these life-altering drugs and procedures. The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Idaho, which represented the two families who sued over the law, described the courts decision as an awful result for transgender youth and their families. The ruling, the groups said in a statement, allows the state to shut down the care that thousands of families rely on while sowing further confusion and disruption. This story has been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com FILE - The Supreme Court of the United States is seen in Washington, March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades, File) WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court on Monday allowed a lawsuit to go forward against a Black Lives Matter activist who led a protest in Louisiana in which a police officer was injured. Civil rights groups and free speech advocates have warned that the suit threatens the right to protest. The justices rejected an appeal from DeRay Mckesson in a case that stems from a 2016 protest over the police killing of a Black man in Baton Rouge. At an earlier stage of the case, the high court noted that the issue was fraught with implications for First Amendment rights. The justices did not explain their action Monday, but Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a brief opinion that said lower courts should not read too much into it. The court's denial today expresses no view about the merits of Mckesson's claim,'' Sotomayor wrote. At the protest in Baton Rouge, the officer was hit by a rock-like object thrown by an unidentified protester, but he sued Mckesson in his role as the protest organizer. A federal judge threw out the lawsuit in 2017, but a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the officer should be able to argue that Mckesson didnt exercise reasonable care in leading protesters onto a highway, setting up a police confrontation in which the officer, identified in court papers only as John Doe, was injured. In dissent, Judge Don Willett wrote, He deserves justice. Unquestionably, Officer Doe can sue the rock-thrower. But I disagree that he can sue Mckesson as the protest leader. If allowed to stand, the decision to allow the suit to proceed would discourage people from protesting, the American Civil Liberties Union wrote, representing Mckesson. Given the prospect that some individual protest participant might engage in law-breaking, only the most intrepid citizens would exercise their rights if doing so risked personal liability for third-parties wrongdoing, the ACLU told the court. Lawyers for the officer had urged the court to turn away the appeal, noting that the protest illegally blocked the highway and that Mckesson did nothing to dissuade the violence that took place. Supreme Court rules that Idaho can block transgender healthcare for minors (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The US Supreme Court has allowed Idaho to enforce a ban on minors receiving gender-affirming healthcare, overturning a district court judges previous decision. The law HB 71 sought to prohibit minors in the state from receiving puberty blockers, hormones and other treatments. It was due to go into effect on 1 January 2024. Under the law, clinicians would have faced up to 10 years in prison if they provided such treatment to those under 18. Idaho officials filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court last year, asking that they allow the ban to go into effect while further litigation continues. On Monday the Supreme Courts liberal majority objected to the decision. HB 71 also known as the Vulnerbale Child Protection Act was adopted by Idaho in 2023. However, before it could be put into effect, the families of two trangender teens sued the states attorney general and a local prosecutor in federal district court. The children and their parents alleged that, without access to puberty blockers and estrogen, the two minor plaintiffs aged 16 and 17 respectively would likely suffer serious mental health problems. Mondays ruling overturned a previous decision by a district court judge in Idaho (Idaho Statesman) Both attested to how the medical treatment improved their mental health and claimed that the ban violated protections laid out in the US Constitution. Shortly after filing the suit, the plaintiffs asked the district court to issue a preliminary injunction, which the district court agreed to. The court issued a universal injunction meaning state officials were prevented from enforcing the law completely and indefinitely until the litigation was concluded. In Mondays filing the Supreme Court liberal majorit granted the families permission to continue accessing their treatments, but allowed the state to press ahead largely with its enforcment of the law. The US Supreme Court currently holds a 6-3 conservative majority, and the decision ruled that the district courts injunction was too broad. Conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, in an opinion explaining his vote to allow the law to be enforced, said the lower court had gone much further than needed in putting the entire law on hold. The Supreme Court's intervention should be viewed as a "welcome development," he said. Early in the litigation below, the district court issued a preliminary injunction. Ordinarily, injunctions like these may go no further than necessary to provide interim relief tothe parties, he Justice Gorsuch wrote. HB 71 also known as the Vulnerbale Child Protection Act was adopted by Idaho in 2023 (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In this case, however, the district court went much further, prohibiting a State from enforcing any aspect of ts duly enacted law against anyone. Today, the Court stays the district courts injunction to the extent it applies to nonparties, which is to say to the extent it provides universal relief. That is a welcome development. Justices Brett Kavanugh, and Amy Coney Barrett also agreed with Justice Gorsuch in their own written opinions. In a dissenting opinion, liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said the case presents numerous reasons for exercising restraint but instead, the court had decided to step in and was guilty of micromanaging the lower courts. HB 71 was signed by Idahos governor Brad Little in April 2023, adding the state to a grouping of more than 20 others that have passed such bans including Kentucky and Tennessee. Many of these states face lawsuits challenging the harsh laws. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in 2023 alone, 510 bills anti-LGBTQ+ measures were introduced across the US; 137 of these bills attempted to limit healthcare for trans individuals. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. The French Foreign Ministry has summoned the Iranian ambassador in connection with Tehran's attack on Israel, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejournet said, Trend reports. I have ordered that the Iranian ambassador be summoned tomorrow to convey a signal of our determination, the minister said. At the same time, the minister said that the conflict in the Middle East cannot be allowed to expand. According to him, France's priority is the release of hostages, a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. Suspect arrested after early April shooting at The Venue Gentlemens Club PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A suspect was arrested in the April 1 shooting outside a Southeast Portland strip club, authorities said. According to Portland police, 31-year-old Damariea R. Harris was arrested in Vancouver, Wash. after the murder of Morieo Camel-Harris and the shooting of a second person outside The Venue Gentlemens Club on Southeast Stark Street. Human remains found at Newport campsite: deputies Harris was taken to the Clark County Jail on outstanding warrants for second-degree murder with a firearm, second-degree attempted murder with a firearm, first-degree assault with a firearm, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities said the process is currently underway to extradite Harris to Multnomah County. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Suspect in Nevada County murder located after allegedly shooting self (FOX40.COM) The suspect in a Nevada City homicide was located by the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office after shooting themselves early Sunday morning, the Nevada County Sheriffs Office said. According to the Nevada County Sheriffs Office, detectives responded to a report around 5 p.m. on Saturday of a woman, 58, found by their relative deceased at her residence. Suisun police investigate man found dead in hotel room, homicide The Nevada County Sheriffs Office said that detectives identified the suspect as the womans 64-year-old boyfriend and roommate. The Sacramento County Sheriffs Office began assisting with the search for the man after investigators determined he had traveled to the Sacramento area. According to the Nevada County Sheriffs Office, Sacramento County deputies responded overnight to a report of a shooting on Pasadena Avenue. The Sacramento County deputies found the suspect suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound but alive. The Nevada County Sheriffs Office said the suspect was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment and surgery. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Gunfire outside a large house party in Dallas killed a 21-year-old woman and injured eight others early Sunday in what detectives believe was a gang-related shooting. Officers initially responded to gunfire in the 4500 Collins Avenue at around 11:10 p.m. on Saturday and found that a large crowd from a party that had ended nearby had moved into the street, the Dallas Police Department said. The gunfire had stopped by the time police arrived, and at that point in time, no one was struck. Some officers remained nearby to monitor the crowd. Around 1:35 a.m., more shots were fired, this time striking nine people in the crowd, which numbered around 45 to 50 people at the time, police said. NEW YORK POLICE OFFICER, SHERIFF'S DEPUTY KILLED IN SHOOTING; SUSPECT ALSO DEAD A 21-year-old woman was killed in a shooting early Sunday after a large party let out in a Dallas neighborhood. Seven women and two men were rushed to local hospitals by paramedics and private vehicles. A 21-year-old woman, identified as Coriesha Bradford, died at a hospital, police said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The other eight adult victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were expected to survive. Detectives believe the shooting was gang-related. A preliminary investigation determined one person began shooting into the crowd before others fired their weapons. Detectives believe that there was gang involvement in the shooting, though no further details were immediately provided. CHICAGO FAMILY GATHERING TURNS DEADLY AFTER GUNFIRE ERUPTS; CHILD KILLED, 7 OTHERS WOUNDED Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said he has ordered an internal investigation to determine whether the department could have handed the initial call differently. No suspects have been identified. "While the preliminary investigation determined officers who responded did not observe criminal activity among the people in the area at the time, this event ultimately led to tragic consequences," Garcia said. "Our homicide detectives are currently working to determine who was involved in this incident, and how." CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP No arrests have been made so far, and no suspect descriptions were immediately available. Original article source: Suspected gang shooting after Dallas party leaves woman dead, 8 injured The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department is asking for more information about an ongoing animal cruelty investigation after a 27-year-old man was arrested on charges of torturing/killing a live animal Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Rogelio Diaz A Los Angeles man has been arrested and is awaiting arraignment on suspicion of torturing and killing a cat. On April 11, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a press release on Facebook that its South Los Angeles Station is investigating an animal cruelty case after a suspect took a cat from a Lawndale, Calif., home's driveway and repeatedly struck it on the sidewalk. Per the press release, 27-year-old Rogelio Diaz is accused of torturing the cat on April 5. According to local CBS affiliate station KCAL, Diaz was captured via security camera footage crossing a busy Lawndale street, entering a driveway and bending over to pick up the cat, which the owner said was named Mimi. "I seen a guy leaning down with gloves so I told my daughter to go outside because I think someone took the cat," the cat's owner's mother told KCAL. "She thought the cat was going to live, but she was too hurt, and she died in my daughter's arms." "The cat was on the sidewalk, agonizing, because he had tortured the cat for 11 minutes," she added to the outlet in an interview. "The amount of hurt I see in my daughter is just terrifying." The pet owner asked the outlet to remain anonymous because she feared that the man might be violent. "If he did it to a cat with no remorse, he could do it to a child," she said. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Rogelio Diaz per the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Diaz was arrested on April 11 for allegedly torturing/killing a live animal, according to the press release, but investigators allege that he is a serial animal abuser and said their investigation remains ongoing. "Based on the nature of the offense and additional evidence, detectives believe there may be additional victims," the press release said. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Rogelio Diaz KCAL reported that investigators found cat food on Diaz's person when he was arrested. 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. Diaz is set to be arraigned on April 15 at the Torrance Courthouse and bail has not yet been set, per the sheriff'soOffice. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is encouraging individuals with more information about the alleged animal abuse incident or Diaz to contact the South Los Angeles Station at (323) 820-6700 or (323) 820-6761 or to contact Crime Stoppers to report information about the case anonymously. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Suspects who caused damage to Jefferson Hills homes sought by police The Jefferson Hills Police Department is investigating several criminal mischief incidents from around 12:15 a.m. Sunday, when three juveniles entered properties in the Castor Lane/Scenic Court area. The juveniles were captured on multiple home security cameras, punching and kicking residents doors and windows, causing damage, before running off, according to the department. The juveniles are described as between 15 to 18-year-old males with their faces covered. Anyone with information or additional video is asked to contact the department via Allegheny County 911. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: PHOTOS: Multiple people injured after vehicle crashes into trees in Westmoreland County 1 person injured in house fire in Beaver County Jill Duggar suffers pregnancy loss, announces stillbirth of girl VIDEO: West Elizabeth community rattled by deadly shooting outside nearby bar DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts The House is set to vote on sweeping sanctions on Iran and its proxies this week after the countrys sprawling drone attacks on Israel over the weekend. Both Democrats and Republicans are pushing President Joe Biden to take a tough stance against Iran. House Republicans will meet on Monday night before the initial votes to discuss Irans attack and defence supplemental funding, Axios reports. Iran sent 330 killer drones, ballistic and cruise missiles towards Israel on Saturday night. Israel says that 99 per cent were taken down before they could do major damage. The Iranian strike came after an attack on Irans embassy in Damascus which killed a number of the countrys top military officials. The House is set to take more than a dozen votes on the issue this week. The proposed legislation would instruct the US to fully implement sanctions on the country. The bills would also limit Iranian imports to the US as well as transactions between Iran and US financial institutions. They would also include sanctions on Chinese firms buying Iranian oil and take aim at groups designated as terror organisations by the US, such as Hamas. Legislation to urge the EU to designate Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terror group is also included in the group of bills laid out on Sunday, as is a bill designating the phrase from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free as antisemitic. A resolution put forward by New Jersey Republican Representative Tom Kean states that the House stands with Israel as it ... seeks to re-establish deterrence against Iran and its proxies. This appears to clash with Joe Bidens position. The president urged Israel not to strike back against Iran, telling Israel to take the win considering the country sustained little damage from the strikes. The bill in the House today states that Israel has a right to respond to this aggression through military, diplomatic, economic, and other necessary means. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in a statement that the new bills demonstrate our support of Israel and take action against Iran, Axios reported. He added that the resolutions represent a comprehensive response to the Iranian threat by supporting Israels response to the attack and sanctioning Irans leaders, cutting off their revenue sources, and targeting their partners and terrorist proxies. The bills would each need a two-thirds majority to pass the lower chamber. Several do have a chance to do so, with bipartisan support under a House procedure known as suspension of the rules. Less likely to pass are possible votes on bills including aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said that he will schedule a vote on Israel aid and possibly Ukraine aid. Biden and other Democrats have pushed for Johnson to allow a vote on the Senate-passed $95 billion bill, which includes aid to Taiwan, Israel, and Ukraine. Swing state's Dem governor condemns 'death to America' chants in her state more than a week after protest Swing state's Dem governor condemns 'death to America' chants in her state more than a week after protest More than a week after activists chanted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" at a high-profile rally in Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer condemned the rhetoric. "This hateful rhetoric is unacceptable, and does not represent Michigan or Dearborn," Whitmers office told Fox News Digital on Sunday. "The Dearborn community is full of hardworking, proud Americans. Our state is diverse and we are proud of it." A Whitmer spokesperson said the statement had previously been "prepared and provided to media upon request," however, the text did not appear to have been printed in any outlets and was also notably absent from the governor's social media accounts. Fox News Digital asked Whitmer's office last week to weigh in on the chants but did not receive a comment at that time. Protesters were seen on video chanting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" at an Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn on April 5. BIDEN CAMPAIGN: WE DON'T WANT THE VOTES OF 'DEATH TO AMERICA' PROTESTERS IN MICHIGAN Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer waits to speak at a canvass kickoff on Michigan Primary Election Day on Aug. 2, 2022, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Whitmer had seemingly remained silent about the chants, even as the Biden administration condemned "these abhorrent and antisemitic remarks in the strongest terms" in a comment to Fox News Digital last week. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The Biden campaign also responded "No" when asked whether it still sought the votes of those who chanted at the rally on April 5. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud also publicly denounced the chants, calling them "unacceptable and contrary to the heart" of Dearborn. WHITE HOUSE CONDEMNS 'DEATH TO AMERICA' CHANTS IN MICHIGAN, REP. RASHIDA TLAIB AND GOV. GRETCHEN WHITMER MUM Local activist Takek Bazzi. "Gov. Whitmer may be celebrating the Day of No Silence today, but she's been celebrating a whole WEEK of silence by refusing to condemn the Death to America rally held in our state," Michigan Senate Republicans posted Friday. "Michigan protesters chanted 'Death to America.' Why is Whitmer silent?" a critical op-ed published Sunday in USA Today asked in its headline. 'DEATH TO AMERICA,' 'DEATH TO ISRAEL' CHANTS POUR OUT OF MUSLIM PROTESTERS IN MICHIGAN ON LAST DAY OF RAMADAN International Al-Quds Day, the annual pro-Palestinian event held on the last Friday of Ramadan at which the "Death to America!" chants broke out, has significant support in Dearborn, which has the highest per capita Muslim population in the country. DEARBORN MAYOR SAYS BIDEN CAMP'S TRIP TO MICHIGAN WAS 'DEHUMANIZING,' PURELY FOR 'POLITICAL MEANS' Whitmer joined NBCs "Meet the Press" on Sunday and was asked whether Bidens handling of the war in Israel could cost him Michigans vote in November's presidential election. "The state of Michigan is always going to be a close race, no matter what, under what scenario," Whitmer said. "I will share, though, as I've had conversations with people both in my Jewish community and in the Arab American and Muslim and Palestinian community, that a lot of people are hurting right now. A lot of people are one degree of separation from someone who's lost their lives, whether it was on October 7, or is in the war in Gaza." She added, "And so I'm trying to keep an open dialogue to stay focused on how we support these beautiful diverse communities here in Michigan." Original article source: Swing state's Dem governor condemns 'death to America' chants in her state more than a week after protest Sydney mall attacker may have targeted women, police say, as more details emerge of his six victims Australian police said Monday that the attacker who fatally stabbed six people at a busy shopping mall in Sydneys beach suburb of Bondi may have been targeting women, as heartbreaking details emerged of those who lost their lives, plunging a nation into mourning. Five women were among the six people killed by 40-year-old Joel Cauchi when he rampaged through Bondi Junctions busy Westfield shopping center on Saturday, turning the weekend fall afternoon into a scene of panic and terror. Twelve others were injured in the rare attack, including a nine-month old baby whose mother was killed. Eight people remained in hospital Monday in conditions ranging from critical to stable with four discharged in the past 24 hours, according to New South Wales Minister for Health Ryan Park. The stabbing spree only ended when Cauchi was shot dead at the scene by an officer who single-handedly pursued him through the mall. New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb told ABC Breakfast News Monday that while police do not yet know the attackers motivation, the fact he appeared to target women is certainly a line of enquiry for us. The videos (of the attack) speak for themselves dont they, Webb said. Its obvious to me, its obvious to the detectives that that seems to be an area of interest, that the offender had focused on women and avoided the men. Police are seen entering Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13, 2024 in Bondi Junction, Australia. - Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images Authorities warned the investigation could take weeks and police will continue to interview witnesses and follow different lines of enquiry. Police had earlier said Cauchi, from the neighboring state of Queensland, was known to authorities and had suffered from mental health [issues] though he had not been prosecuted or charged with any previous criminal offense in the state. The states Premier Chris Minns declared Monday a national day of mourning and said Australian national flags will be flown at half-mast on government buildings. Sydneys Opera House will be lit up in black ribbon to commemorate those killed in the attack. Families are in mourning today, lives have been devastated as a result of these criminal actions, Minns said. The people who were killed were innocent people who had their entire lives ahead of them. The community is devastated in the knowledge of their loss. Police said Monday they had concluded their examinations of the shopping mall and the crime scene was being handed back to Westfield. More than 100 pieces of evidence were removed and will be forensically examined as part of the investigation, said Yasmin Catley, New South Wales Minister for Police. A woman cries as she comes out of the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall after a stabbing incident in Sydney on April 13, 2024. - David Gray/AFP/Getty Images Baby stabbed in attack doing well More details are emerging about the six people killed in Saturdays attack, including a mother whose baby was also stabbed, a Chinese student, and a security guard who was on his first day keeping watch at the mall that was struck. Among the victims is Ashlee Good, 38, who was described by her family in a statement as a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more. Good was rushed to hospital in critical condition but later died from her injuries. Her nine-month-old daughter was also stabbed in the attack and received emergency surgery overnight. We can report that after hours of surgery yesterday our baby is currently doing well, the family said in the statement. Minister for Health Park said the whole country had been holding its breath for news of the babys condition. He said she had moved from critical to serious, which was a significant improvement and doctors hoped to move the baby onto a ward in the coming days. In the darkest of times comes sometimes the brightest of lights, he said. Staff have literally performed miracles and people are alive because of their efforts. The Good family said that words cannot express our gratitude to the two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not. Two brothers had earlier told CNN affiliate 9 News they tried to help by compressing the bleeding after they saw the mother and baby had been stabbed. We were holding the baby and trying to compress the baby, one said. Faraz Tahir, 30, was also identified as among those killed. He was described in a statement from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia as an integral member of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness. Tahir was on duty as a security guard at the mall at the time of the attack, the statement said, and is the only male victim. It was his first day on the job in that location, his friend Adnan Qadir told CNN affiliate 7 News. He was really excited. He had a lot of ambition for his future, just settling into his new country He was looking forward to a stable career to make a family up here. And its just sad how it all ended up. The community said Tahir was a refugee who had fled persecution in his home country of Pakistan and sought refuge in Australia a year ago. Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, and Jade Young, 47 an architect and mother of two were also killed in the attack, according to CNN affiliate 9 News. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told KIIS 1065 radio on Monday that the sixth victim was identified as Yixuan Cheng, a Chinese national who was studying in Australia. The Chinese Embassy in Australia confirmed that one Chinese national had died and another was seriously injured in the attack. Donations for those killed have begun pouring in from members of the public on online fundraisers set up to help the victims families. Officer praised as a hero Meanwhile, the officer who shot the mall attacker has been praised as a hero for her actions, which authorities said undoubtably saved more lives. Senior police inspector Amy Scott arrived on the scene first and was alone when she engaged the attacker. She shot him when he lunged at her with a knife, police said. Video on local media showed Scott administering CPR on the attacker after he was shot. Scott is a highly trained officer who did what she was trained to do We are very grateful to her, said Yasmin Catley, New South Wales Minister for Police. Police Commissioner Webb told ABC news that Scott was doing ok and spending some time with her family. Shes an experienced officer. Ive known Amy for many years, shes been operational her whole career, Webb said. Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Scott a hero who no doubt saved lives. Mall attacker was known to authorities, slept rough Authorities described the mall attacker Cauchi as an itinerant who had moved from place to place over the past few years, often sleeping rough or in his vehicle. The last interaction Queensland Police had with him was in December 2023, when he was street checked, Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe said Sunday. We believe he has been sleeping in a vehicle or out of backpacks His family dont have regular contact with their son, he said. People react outside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall after a stabbing incident in Sydney on April 13, 2024. - David Gray/AFP/Getty Images Lowe said Cauchi had not been prosecuted or charged with any criminal offense in Queensland or found in possession of knives in the street checks. Cauchis family released a statement saying he has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager. Joels actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened, the family said. We are in contact with both the New South Wales Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the Police Officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others, and we hope she is coping alright, the statement said. Andrew Cauchi, the father of Joel Cauchi, told CNN affiliate 9 News that he was heartbroken for the families of the victims. Im extremely sorry. Im heartbroken for you. Look, this is so horrendous, that I cant even explain it, he said. To you hes a monster. To me, he was a very sick boy. He was a very sick boy. Public enquiry An 18 million Australian dollar ($11.6 million) independent public inquiry has been launched to look at the police response and criminal investigation into the attack, as well as the attackers interactions with the state government and health agencies, New South Wales Premier Minns said Monday. Mass casualty events are rare in Australia and gun ownership was strictly controlled following the 1996 Port Arthur mass shooting when a lone gunman killed 35 people. However, many campaigners and criminologists say violence against women remains stubbornly prevalent and often overlooked. The number of women killed by violence in Australia has ranged between 43 and 84 each year since Counting Dead Women began tallying deaths in 2012. Already in 2024, 24 women have died violently, the group said. In the aftermath of Saturdays rampage, the government said it was also looking at potential changes to restrictions on security guards in major crowded centers such as shopping centers and hospitals. Minns ruled out allowing security guards to carry stun guns or firearms though, and gave no further details. The government is not considering policy changes in relation to stun guns or firearms, he said. We dont believe that more firearms in the community is a good decision, but were looking at the current restrictions that are in place for equipment, for security guards, and the resulting training that would be required if there was to be a policy change. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A Syracuse cop and a sheriffs deputy were shot and killed in an upstate New York community Sunday night in an exchange of gunfire in which the suspect was also killed, police said. The deadly scene played out in front of a house in the Syracuse suburb of Salina before 9 p.m. as officers were investigating a suspicious car, law enforcement officials said. An officer with the Syracuse Police Department and a deputy with the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office were hit by gunfire, a Syracuse police spokesperson told The Post earlier Sunday night. Two law enforcement officers were shot and killed in the Syracuse area Sunday night. WHEC The deadly scene played out in front of a house in the Syracuse suburb of Salina before 9 p.m. AP We lost two heroes tonight, said Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile during a news conference streamed by WYSR early Monday. Two men who answered the call to duty to put on the badge to protect the community, protect and serve. We lost two of them tonight. The slain Syracuse cop and his partner initially made a traffic stop of a suspicious car in the city before it quickly fled, Cecile said. But the officers were able to get the license plate number and tracked the car to a home in the community of Liverpool, which is in Salina. Law enforcement from the city and Onondaga County arrived and saw what looked to be guns inside the car and heard noises that sounded like a person was manipulating a firearm inside the home, Cecile said. Police swarmed the suburb following the shooting. @AndrewDonovan/X The slain Syracuse cop and his partner initially made a traffic stop of a suspicious car in the city before it quickly fled, said Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile. REUTERS Moments later there was an exchange of gunfire between at least one suspect and the officers and the deputies, he said. The officer and deputy who were shot were rushed to the hospital, where they were both pronounced dead. The suspect was also pronounced dead at the hospital. Cecile said the officers were able to track down the car before a series of gunshots were exchanged. AP The officer and deputy who were shot were rushed to the hospital, where they were both pronounced dead. REUTERS There is no active threat to the community, officials said. Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said it was a sad day for law enforcement and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh called it a dark day for Syracuse during the press briefing. This is our worst nightmare come true, Walsh said. And our thoughts right now are with the families of those two officers those two heroes. The Syracuse police officer had about three years on the job and was very active, very proactive, Cecile said, while Shelley called the deputy a seasoned law enforcement officer who was very well-liked in his community. Just a great guy, he added. Hundreds of officers watched and saluted as the bodies of the slain officer and deputy were driven away from Upstate Medical University Hospital, according to footage posted on social media. Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said it was a sad day for law enforcement. NewsChannel 9 WSYR Syracuse Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh called it a dark day for Syracuse during the press briefing. @AndrewDonovan/X At an earlier press conference, Shelley said law enforcement officers were investigating a stolen car leading up to the shooting. The Syracuse cops called in backup from the sheriffs office after learning the driver of the vehicle might be armed. Shelley said at the time it was unclear how many suspects were tied to the shooting. The suspect was also pronounced dead at the hospital, according to reports. REUTERS Law enforcement flooded the area following the shooting, according to images from WHEC. A neighbor, Brian Fagan, told Syracuse.com he heard a car zoom by as multiple deputy police cruisers chased after it. He then heard the cars come to a halt and multiple shots fired. Mousa Alzokar, who lives across from the crime scene with his five children, told the outlet he also heard gunshots before two officers with long guns entered his house through the backdoor without knocking and went up to the second floor of his house to position themselves near a window. We lost two heroes tonight, said Cecile (above) during a news conference. Two men who answered the call to duty to put on the badge to protect the community, protect and serve. We lost two of them tonight. REUTERS Hundreds of officers watched and saluted as the bodies of the slain officer and deputy were driven away from Upstate Medical University Hospital. REUTERS Neither officer in his home fired a shot during the incident, Alzokar said. At one point, he saw an officer carried into a sheriffs vehicle that drove off. The last Syracuse cop to die on the job was Willie Howard Jr. in 1990, and the last Onodaga sheriffs deputy who was killed in the line of duty was Glenn Searles in 2003, when he was hit by a car, Syracuse.com reported. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations of Hungary Peter Szijjarto has held a phone talk with colleagues from Russia and the United Arab Emirates Sergei Lavrov and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Szijjarto wrote on his Facebook page, Trend reports. He said that during the telephone conversations the armed conflict between Israel and Iran was discussed. "I told both my colleagues that Hungary hopes there is still a chance to avoid escalation. But this will become possible when all the main players in world politics behave responsibly in the coming period," he noted. Takeaways from the first day of the Trump hush money trial The first criminal trial of former President Donald Trump is here. The opening day of the first criminal trial of a former US president began Monday, hitting home the reality that the presumptive Republican nominee for president will be sitting in a Manhattan courtroom as a defendant four days a week. Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, sat alongside his three attorneys as jury selection began, watching them debate prosecutors over what evidence could be admitted and passing notes as they spoke. Choosing a roster of 12 jurors who can decide Trumps fate will be difficult, as more than 50 people immediately were dismissed when they said they couldnt be fair and impartial. The undertaking will continue Tuesday, with potential jurors asked to answer questions that could indicate their political views as part of an exhaustive process that could stretch beyond the trials first week. Trump did little talking inside the courtroom Monday. But his incendiary rhetoric was once again at issue, with a new call from the Manhattan District Attorneys Office for Judge Juan Merchan to sanction Trump for violating the judges gag order. Here are the key takeaways from day one of The People of the State of New York vs Donald Trump. More than half of first batch of prospective jurors say they cant be fair and impartial Merchan brought in 96 New Yorkers as prospective jurors. More than half were quickly dismissed because they said they did not think they could be fair and impartial. The swift dismissal of the prospective jury pool underscores the difficulty in picking a jury when the defendant is a former president who elicits strong feelings on both sides of the aisle. Trump has complained that he cannot get a fair jury in Manhattan, where the jurors must live. Among the jurors that stayed, most said they could be fair and impartial in this case. But as the judge began having jurors answer 40 questions about their backgrounds, media they consume and whether they have strong feelings about Trump, one more potential juror was weeded out. The woman answered yes to question 34: Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about former President Donald Trump, or the fact that he is a current candidate for president that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror? Merchan stopped her questioning and asked whether the lawyers had any objection to dismissing her. After a brief sidebar she was thanked for her service and dismissed. I just couldnt do it, the juror was heard saying in the hallway outside the courtroom. Among the other nine potential jurors who were questioned, none said they had read any books written by either Trump or Michael Cohen. And none had said theyd worked or volunteered for Trump. Defense wants to slow things down After months of appeals to delay the start of the trial, the defense is now looking to slow down the legal proceedings as the November elections near. Sources told CNNs Paula Reid that there will likely be many objections and sidebars during the trial because the defense is completely focused on preserving every issue for appeal. For instance, jury selection is already expected to last a week but on Monday Trump attorney Todd Blanche requested more time to question potential jurors. Blanche asked for 30 minutes for the first round of questions and 20 minutes for subsequent rounds double the usual time and the judge and DAs office agreed. Blanche also attempted to raise problems with the current system of requiring a pre-motion letter 48 hours before filing motions, which Merchan said is in place because we were being absolutely inundated with motions, many of which frankly were close to frivolous if not frivolous an apparent dig at the recent motions filed by Trump attorneys. These tactics fit the larger Trump legal strategy, which included months of appeals to delay the start of the trial, which was successful on separate grounds. The defense now hopes legal proceedings, which are expected to last six to eight weeks, move at a slow pace with the 2024 election just months away. DAs office accuses Trump of violating gag order, wants him fined $3,000 Prosecutors asked Merchan to sanction Trump for violating the gag order prohibiting him from talking about witnesses in the case, the DAs office or court staff. Chris Conroy asked to hold Trump in contempt for violating the gag order and sanction Trump $1,000 for each of three social media posts he made that they say violate the order. We think that it is important for the court to remind Mr. Trump that he is a criminal defendant, Conroy said. And like all criminal defendants hes subject to court supervision. One of Trumps posts on Truth Social called eventual trial witness Michael Cohen his SleazeBag former attorney, and in another he re-posted Stormy Daniels letter from 2018 denying an affair with Trump, which she has since rescinded. A third was a re-post from former Daniels attorney Michael Avenatti criticizing Cohen and Daniels. The post on X accused them of making money on bogus documentaries and TV interviews. Trump on Monday morning also shared a New York Post story, quoting from the story: A serial perjurer will try to prove an old misdemeanor against Trump in an embarrassment for the New York legal system. Merchan scheduled a hearing on the district attorneys motion for next Tuesday. This isnt the first time Trump has been scrutinized for his social media posts. He was fined twice for violating a gag order imposed by New York Judge Arthur Engoron in his civil fraud trial. Access Hollywood tape cant be played, but actress can testify Merchan made several key rulings that may frame how the case is presented, delivering wins for both sides. Aside from refusing to recuse himself from the case, the judge sided with prosecutors in allowing Karen McDougal, an actress and model who alleged she also had an affair with Trump, to testify. Prosecutors can also introduce National Enquirer stories slamming Trumps opponents as evidence. American Media Inc. agreed to pay McDougal $150,000 five months before the 2016 election for her silence about allegations of an affair with Trump, according to prosecutors. Trump has denied the affair. This payment is not part of the charges against Trump, but prosecutors have said that the testimony would help establish a pattern of payments. A key victory for Trump, meanwhile, was Merchan ruling that the infamous Access Hollywood tape cant be played in court, saying it was prejudicial. Prosecutors also will not be allowed to bring up other sexual assault allegations against Trump that surfaced after the Access Hollywood tape was made public in October 2016. They are very prejudicial, and at this point, given what we know today, it was just a rumor, Merchan said. Merchan also denied prosecutors request to show E. Jean Carrolls deposition from her defamation case against Trump because it would be building in a trial into a trial. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Tampa police ask for tips after man killed in shooting near elementary school Tampa police ask for tips after man killed in shooting near elementary school TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Tampa police are asking for tips after a man was shot and killed near an elementary school early Monday. Tampa police said they were called to the 6500 block of Julie Street around 2 a.m. after someone reported that shots were fired. The shooting location is less than a half-mile from Foster Elementary School. When officers arrived, they found a man in his 40s with upper body trauma, He was taken to a hospital, where he died. Investigators said they are working to determine the cause of the shooting. No arrests have been made. Police said the shooting did not appear to be a random act. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Tampa police at 813-321-6130. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A pro-Palestine rally wove its way through downtown Tampa on Monday morning. Demonstrators were answering a call from the National Strike for Gaza to protest U.S. involvement in the war. The Tampa protestors grabbed their picket signs and started their march at Lyke Gaslight Square Park. Their efforts will continue throughout the day as the strike encourages allies to withhold from doing anything to stimulate the economy on Monday. This includes going to work, school and spending money. We demand that the money stops going to Israel, said Protest Organizer Ali Abdel-Qader. We demand that that money comes here. We demand that those money comes into our community. Our community has needs. We have people who are living out on the street, we have people who cant afford to go to school, cant afford to pay the bills for rent, for medical care, all of these things. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) A juvenile driver and an infant passenger were both injured after a crash on Interstate 81 in Greene County that prompted a medical helicopter response, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). According to a preliminary THP crash report, a 2005 Honda Pilot was heading south on I-81 near mile marker 37 around 10:30 a.m. Monday when it ran off the right side of the road. The vehicle began to rotate clockwise after leaving the road. 1 dead after plane crash in East Tennessee, investigation continues The report states the Honda hit a tree and came to an uncontrolled rest facing north. The driver was identified only as a 17-year-old. A passenger in the Honda was described as an infant less than a year old by the THP. Both were injured in the crash, according to the report. Charges against the driver are pending. TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi stated in a social media post at 10:53 a.m. that a medical helicopter had been called to the scene Monday morning. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. A teenage terrorist who wanted to attack the Isle of Wight music festival was not reported to the authorities by teaching staff, despite having a picture of Osama bin Laden as his phone background, a court has heard. The 15-year-old schoolboy was monitored closely by five tutors at a specialist education provider after converting to Islam in late 2021. One teacher noticed he had a photograph of Bin Laden as his screensaver but dismissed it, saying he was often trying to shock people with what he said. Staff also expressed concern about his membership of an online anti-gay group, but decided against referring him to Prevent, the Governments deradicalisation programme, when he became angry. On Monday a judge ordered that the schoolboy, who is now 16, should be detained for seven years after he was convicted of one count of preparing acts of terrorism, three counts of disseminating terrorist publications and one count of possessing a knife in public. Kingston Crown Court heard how the teenager who cannot be named because of his age obsessively researched carrying out a terror attack at the Isle of Wight music festival, looking up weapons, vehicles and stab vests. But jurors heard how his plans were foiled because he could not drive and did not have access to a vehicle. He then drew up plans to stab the tutors who worked with him at the specialist education provider. His trial heard how his ideology was influenced by the terrorist group Daesh, or Islamic State, in Iraq and the Levant. Osama bin Laden at a news conference in Khost, Afghanistan in 1998 - Mazhar Ali Khan/AP But he was caught when FBI agents who were monitoring the messaging app, Discord, spotted some of his posts and alerted UK counter-terror police. The court had previously heard the defendant is autistic but bright, articulate and capable of exchanging ideas with others. Rossano Scamardella KC, defending, said: The Isle of Wight Festival came and went, he was a boy who couldnt drive, who had no access to a car, and we say the fact that the festival came and went must be relevant to the issue of culpability. He asked the court to distinguish between obsessive research and genuine preparation for acts of terrorism. Mrs Justice McGowan sentenced the defendant to seven years detention with a one-year period of extended licence, as well as a 10-year notification period. Toxic rhetoric She said: You are still young and you have a number of conditions which make it hard for you to think through the consequences. You are intelligent and you have the potential to make something good with your life. She added: You thought about killing two people who had offended you and your religion but both had tried to help you. The insults made you feel that you were entitled to punish them. Det Chf Supt Olly Wright, head of Thames Valley Polices Counter Terrorism Policing South East, said: We know that terrorist groups use their toxic rhetoric to try to exploit vulnerable people. This case was particularly concerning because a teenager had gone so far as taking active steps to prepare for an attack. Thanks to a swift response we were able to stop him, and he has now been sentenced to imprisonment as a result of his actions. Where we can, we really do prefer to intervene early and divert young people away from extremism long before it gets to this point. So if you are worried that someone you know is being drawn down a path of extremism, please do act by telling someone. There is support and advice available through ACT Early and Action Counters Terrorism. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Teen dies after being ejected from truck in Augusta County crash AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Virginia State Police (VSP) are working to learn what led to a crash that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old in Augusta County. The crash occurred just after 3:30 p.m. on April 13. VSP says 16-year-old Mackenzie G. Conner, of Stuarts Draft, was driving a 1994 GMC in the 5100 block of Coal Road when she ran off the left side of the road. Investigators said she overcorrected and the pickup truck went airborne. The GMC then crashed into a tree, and she ejected from the car. 34-year-old man killed in motorcycle crash on I-77 in Bland County Mackenzie was rushed to the hospital where she later died. At this time, it is unknown if she was wearing a seatbelt. Police confirmed Mackenzie was driving on a two-lane gravel road during the crash. WFXR News will update this story as more details are released. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. MEMPHIS, Tenn. WREG has taken a closer look at the juvenile criminal records of the two teens investigators say were involved in the death of a Memphis police officer. On April 12, 18-year-old Jaylen Lobley and a 17-year-old were allegedly involved in a shootout that caused the death of officer Joseph McKinney and injured two other officers. Memphis Police officer and suspect dead after shootout; multiple officers injured Lobley was killed during the shootout as well. WREG uncovered records that showed Lobley had a charge of aggravated robbery from June of 2023 that was dismissed when he was a juvenile. Suspect dead after shootout with police had been arrested, released in March, records show Records also indicated that the 17-year-old, who was critically injured in the shooting, had a juvenile record as well. Hed gotten three charges of aggravated robbery in November of 2022. Four other redacted crimes were also listed in the agreed order of disposition. Records show he entered a no contest plea in March of 2023, and he was to be placed in the corrective custody of the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services for an indeterminate sentence. As of Monday, he remains hospitalized. Due to the fact this suspect is underage and has not yet been charged as an adult, WREG is not naming him at this time. This new information comes as the community spent the weekend visiting the Raines Police Precinct where Officer McKinney worked. One of the mourners in attendance was Reverend James Kirkwood. He is a retired Memphis Police Colonel who was on the force for more than 30 years. Supporters honor fallen police officer at Raines Station When speaking with WREG, he said it will take a collaborative effort to ensure tragedies like this dont continue to happen. To reduce this crime, how do we move our young men out of the path of destruction, Kirkwood said. We have to do better. You know all of us together, have to do better. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. When Joe Biden and Donald Trump came to Texas border with Mexico on the same day in February, they underscored how the region has become ground zero for one the most volatile subjects in American politics. But neither candidate actually engaged with ordinary Texans. And our reporters, talking to residents in Eagle Pass and Brownsville, found that many Texans feel their voices are being drowned out by the political noise around immigration. The Tribune is in a unique position to do something about that. Based in El Paso, our immigration reporter, Uriel J. Garcia, has devoted the last three years to telling the story of whats happening on the ground in Texas borderlands. He has visited migrant encampments across the Rio Grande, witnessed the security tactics of Border Patrol and the Texas National Guard, and tracked the construction of border walls ordered by Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott. Hes talked to immigrants, landowners, local government officials, law enforcement officers, shelter volunteers, lawyers and more. But the logistical challenges are immense. The Texas-Mexico border is 1,200 miles, roughly the distance from Dallas to Pittsburgh. The stories are nuanced and complex. And they need to be told now more than ever. This year, we aim to rise to the challenge and level up our coverage of whats happening on the ground. With the generous support of Report for America, weve added a full-time reporter based in McAllen, in the Rio Grande Valley, to our regional reporting team. And for six months, well be basing another reporter in Eagle Pass, the epicenter of the showdown between the state and federal government over immigration policy. Our staff includes journalists who have grown up near the border, still have family there and see the region as more than a political prop. These journalists will work with Uriel and our state government reporters in Austin to tell the fullest story possible about whats happening on the ground. Theyll use their expertise and experience to elevate the stories of the people most affected by our border policies, including the people who live there, work there, enforce the law there and cross the border there. Well aim to clear up public misconceptions and explore the shortcomings of state and federal policy. We wont shy away from pointing out government failures there and the real pressures these communities feel, but well do so without the fear tactics designed to score political points. Well need help, though. This work is expensive. Travel between different points of the border is challenging. We plan to hire freelance photographers and videographers with deep connections to the communities we cover. Well spend money to access public records. And well support the work of our journalists on the ground with editing, audience development work and data analysis. We originally set out to raise $10,000 by Friday, April 19, to help establish this increased border presence through 2024. But due to the strong response from our readers, we've doubled our goal to $20,000. This will help pay for more travel for our reporters and freelance photographers. Do you value this journalism? We hope youll show us today by helping us meet our crowdfunding goal. In doing so, youll be paying for Texas journalists to do original reporting from Texas communities journalism that helps contextualize hard policy choices and the nuanced dilemmas experienced on the ground. Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival, happening in downtown Austin Sept. 5-7. Get your TribFest tickets before May 1 and save big! BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Israeli authorities have lifted the ban on classes in the education system and the limit on the number of participants in meetings introduced on the evening of April 13, the press service of the Israeli army (IDF) says, Trend reports. "Based on the results of the assessment of the situation, it was established that since 00:00 Israeli time that same night, changes were made to the rear instructions. As part of the changes, it was decided to resume educational activities. In addition, the limit on the number of participants in meetings has been lifted," the reports says. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) What started as a typical traffic stop for the Tom Green County Sheriffs Office turned into an arrest after patrol officers found 94 grams of methamphetamine, among other illicit items. According to TGSO, members of the offices Patrol Division conducted a traffic stop on the north side of San Angelo for a moving violation during the morning hours of April 13. An investigation led to the discovery of an undisclosed amount of marijuana and 94 grams of meth. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 27-year-old Wesley Mitcham, was arrested on the following charges: Possession of Marijuana < 2 OZ Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1< =4G < 200G A charge listed as a second felony by TGCSO three City of San Angelo warrants For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The Tom Green County Sheriffs Office has successfully relocated an endangered runaway juvenile after searching for her throughout the early morning hours of April 14. According to TGSO, officers received a report at 12:05 a.m. this morning that there was an endangered runaway female juvenile in the Buffalo Heights area. TGCSO arrests one, seizes 94 grams of meth Officers scoured the area for the individual on foot and by vehicle over the course of the night and parts of the morning. Aerial support was also provided by the United States Customs and Border Protection agency. The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division and the Texas Highway Patrol also aided in the search. The juvenile was relocated on foot at approximately 11:45 a.m. by a Tom Green County deputy. She was then returned safely to her parents. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. I thought Costco was just for parents, but my partner and I love it. Here are 12 things we buy on a typical trip. I thought Costco was just for parents, but my partner and I love it. Here are 12 things we buy on a typical trip. My partner and I are dual income, no kids, so we shop at Costco for just adults. We love going to Costco for great deals on produce and sparkling water. Buying Kevin's Natural Foods premade meals saves us money and time each month. I never imagined I'd be shopping at Costco regularly. It seemed like a very "mom" thing to do. After all, buying in bulk can help families save money and, as some recent data suggests, more than half of Costco shoppers have children. But ever since I got a Costco membership for my birthday in October, I haven't looked back. I'm 30 years old, living with my partner in Chicago. I work from home as a journalist, and he's a service technician for a major beverage-dispensing company. Together, we make about $112,000 a year. We're unmarried, and have decided not to have children I guess you could call us DINKs (dual income, no kids). We don't set a strict budget for groceries, but buying food and other household items at Costco has saved us so much money. Here's what we buy on a typical trip to Costco, which usually costs us about $140. Duke's Smoked Shorty Sausages are a great snack during a busy week. Duke's Smoked Shorty Sausages are one of my favorite snacks. Annabel Rocha Working from home means I have the luxury of controlling my lunch break, but I usually prefer to snack throughout the day instead. Between meetings and interviews, it's easier to stick to grab-and-go bites like these Duke's Smoked Shorty Sausages. Costco has a large selection of beef jerky and sausage, but I prefer these because they aren't individually wrapped. This 16-ounce bag cost me $12 Costco's produce section is full of gems. The Sunset Wild Wonders tomato medley is delicious in a salad. Annabel Rocha At $7, the 2-pound Wild Wonders tomato medley is a staple in our house. I do the majority of the cooking, and it's easy to throw these into a salad or add them to an entree. We usually pick up at least one fruit on Costco trips. On this trip, we got raspberries. Annabel Rocha The fruit we buy tends to rotate, and I usually go with what's on sale and how fresh it looks. On this trip, our choices were blueberries or raspberries, and the latter looked much more appetizing. We got just under a pound of raspberries for $9. If you open our fridge, you're almost always going to find cucumbers. Smaller snacks like cucumbers, tomatoes, and berries are convenient for my partner to pack in his lunch bag. Annabel Rocha On this trip, we picked up more One Sweet snacking seedless cucumbers. These small cucumbers are easy for my partner to pack in his lunch bag and are so versatile. A bag of these cost us $6 at Costco. We always pick up snacks at Costco this time, we got a nut mix. The snack section at Costco is full of temptation. Annabel Rocha We buy a ton of snacks at Costco, sometimes that includes nuts. Savanna Orchards Country Club nut mix is great to munch on throughout the day or to serve when friends visit. And the 36-ounce bag was just $11. We also picked up a pack of Veroni meats for a charcuterie board. A variety pack of meats is great for a charcuterie board. Annabel Rocha I love to make charcuterie boards, and this variety pack of Italian meats from Veroni is a great way to add multiple meats to a platter in one swoop. In my experience, buying this 12-ounce pack for $12 is easier and cheaper than picking up a bunch of individual packages of meat. We were tempted by Costco's bakery this trip. Costco's bakery section is always worth looking at. Annabel Rocha We always look at Costco's bakery, but we don't often buy anything. The smells and sights are tempting, but a giant cake is just too much for a two-person household. This trip was my first time seeing these almond-filled danishes, though, and they looked too good to resist. (They ended up being delicious.) When we were checking out, the cashier told us that these were actually buy one get one free, so we got eight danishes for $12. Sometimes we pick up a gadget we want but don't exactly need. The Farberware salad spinner is a want but not a need. Annabel Rocha One of the benefits of the DINK life is having more disposable income to buy the things you want and not only what you need. I've wanted a salad spinner for a while, so I threw this one from Faberware in the cart when I saw it. Since we eat salads several times a week, I figured we'd get enough use out of it to justify spending the $15. It does make it easier to remove excess water after washing fruits and vegetables and the outer bowl is great to serve a big salad in. We rely on premade meals from Kevin's Natural Foods for quick dinners. We premade meals from Kevin's Natural Foods for easy dinners. Annabel Rocha Premade meals from Kevin's Natural Foods have been lifesavers for getting dinner on the table after a long day of writing. The meals from Kevin's can be pricey at our usual grocery stores, so we buy them from Costco since the multipacks can be a better value. On this trip, we got 2 pounds of beef stroganoff for $16. Kevin's version contains coconut milk and cauliflower pasta, making it a lighter option than a traditional beef stroganoff. I also picked up Amylu's Italian-style chicken meatballs. Amylu's Italian-style chicken meatballs pair well with pasta. Annabel Rocha Again, I love buying things at Costco that could help us easily and quickly get dinner on the table. Amylu's Italian-style chicken meatballs are an easy protein to heat up and serve for lunch or dinner. Costco's sparkling water section is awesome. We stay hydrated with drinks from Costco. Annabel Rocha My partner is obsessed with sparkling water, and we come home with a new variety almost every time we visit Costco since the retailer's selection is huge. On this trip, we picked up a Waterloo variety pack with 24 cans of sparkling water for just under $10. I like having a few different flavors so we don't get bored. And we usually find something new, like a fun tea, to try on our shopping trips. On this trip, I got Natural Benefits guava-lemon green tea. Annabel Rocha I prioritize stocking up on our essential grocery needs at Costco, but I also usually find something new to try. On this trip, I grabbed a pack of two 40-ounce Natural Benefits guava-lemon green-tea bottles for $10. I ended up loving it. In total, we spent about $140. Our Costco trip was a success. Annabel Rocha On this trip, we spent about $139 picking up essentials and trying some new products. I felt like we got some great deals and staples, and I look forward to my next Costco visit. Click to keep reading Costco diaries like this one. Read the original article on Business Insider Election legislation took center stage during the 2024 legislative session, as pivotal races for local, statewide and national offices grows ever closer in Georgia. While a bill governing the use of artificial intelligence notably failed to clear the legislature before Sine Die, several other bills have already been sent to Gov. Brian Kemp to be signed into law. Taken together, the bills could change the way elections across the state are conducted, tallied and audited. Heres whats next for the three bills that passed the legislature. Elections 2024: Six bills that could change the way elections are conducted, tallied and audited in Georgia HB 974 A bill that would allow ballots cast in an election to be uploaded to the Georgia Secretary of States website for the public to access successfully passed through the Georgia legislature on the final day of the 2024 session. The measure, authored by state Rep. John LaHood (R-Valdosta), was designed to increase transparency and public confidence in election results throughout the state in response to a deluge of election deniers who have repeatedly claimed the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Georgia state Representative John LaHood The digital scans will not contain identifying information of any voters and must be posted by 5 p.m. on the second Friday after the election. The bill also includes new guidelines on election audits, requiring that the risk of an incorrect outcome does not exceed 8% during the 2024 election season, and dropping to 5% by 2028. It was sent to the governors desk on April 3 and is awaiting his signature. HB 1207 Initially a bill that governed ballot proofing procedures for local superintendents, House Bill 1207 was amended in the Senate Ethics Committee to include language from SB 221, a controversial elections bill that failed to pass during the 2023 legislative session. The new section requires all election workers to be U.S. citizens, in addition to outlining protections for poll watchers and eliminating the requirement for polling places to maintain a ratio of one voting machine for every 250 voters. It also limits a candidates timeframe for reviewing their information before it officially appears on a ballot, giving them a maximum of 24 hours to request any changes. The bill passed through the House and the Senate on the final day of the 2024 legislative session, and was sent to the governor on April 3. It currently awaits his signature. SB 189 Perhaps the most controversial elections measure of the 2024 session, Senate Bill 189 would implement sweeping changes to current voting laws aimed at improving election security and voter confidence. Among other things, it would allow mass voter challenges, change the rules governing where homeless voters can register, and eliminate the use of QR codes on ballots. It would also shorten the timeframe for early and absentee ballots to be counted, requiring the tabulation to be completed within an hour of the polls closing on election day. Mass voter challenges have been on the rise in Georgia over the past several years, often coinciding with pivotal elections throughout the state. Over 360,000 Georgia voters had their eligibility challenged by the Texas-based organization True the Vote leading up to the 2021 U.S. Senate runoff. Georgia state Senator Max Burns SB 189 outlines several factors that can be used to determine the validity of a voter challenge, but does not limit which factors can be used to place a claim, or how many challenges an individual or organization can file. It would also allow voters to be removed from the rolls until 45 days before an election, violating the National Voter Registration Act, which bans challenges within 90 days of an election. Sponsored by Sen. Max Burns (R-Sylvania), the bill received final passage on the last day of the legislative session, passing out of the House with a 101-73 vote, and the Senate with a 33-22 vote. It was sent to Gov. Brian Kemp on April 4. Kemp has 40 days to sign or veto the bill, after which it will automatically become law. The ACLU has promised to sue if Kemp signs the bill into law. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Voting rights: What's next for Georgia's election legislation I was in Israel two weeks ago when I met a soldier from the Israel Defence Forces. This isnt necessarily anything to write home about in a country where most adults carry out military service. But this young man struck me in a couple of ways. Firstly, he was a Californian who had been so moved by the October 7 attacks that he chose to fly to Israel and sign up with the army an act of inspiring heroism if ever there was one. And, secondly, he was in the north of Israel on the border with Lebanon, not in the south or Gaza. For while the worlds focus has been on Israels southern border since October, there are, in fact, more troops deployed in the north facing the significant threat posed by Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon. Its largely gone unnoticed that since October 7, thousands of rockets have been fired at Israel by Iran-backed Hezbollah. In response, Israel has carried out attacks on Hezbollah operatives and sites. More than 100,000 Israeli civilians have been displaced and once-thriving towns have been deserted, turned into eerie ghost sites littered with burnt-out shells of buildings hit by debris or rockets. The story is well known. Iran bankrolls proxy terrorist groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, militias in Syria, and the Houthis in Yemen who target international shipping in the Gulf. The mission is to destroy Israel and dominate the Middle East, with Irans nuclear bomb programme gathering pace thanks to the Wests failure to stop flagrant breaches of the international joint agreement. At the centre of it all is Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the worlds chief sponsor of terrorism and guardians of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It is a violent islamist-extremist organisation responsible for plotting terrorist attacks, hostage-taking and indoctrination around the world including in the UK. The IRGC has been responsible for targeting people here, again using proxies and criminal networks. Only last month a British journalist working for a dissident Iranian TV station was stabbed outside his home by men who are thought to have quickly fled the country. It had all the hallmarks of an IRGC-sponsored attack. As Home Secretary, I worked with our authorities to protect that same TV station when they were forced to leave their premises due to the threat from the IRGC. As a country which values free speech, this was deeply regrettable. Ken McCallum, Director General of MI5 has been open about the threat presented by Iran, outlining attempts to kidnap or even kill UK-linked individuals. This is a threat to our democracy, sovereignty and rule of law. The IRGC are also masters in sowing division in the UK. It sponsors groups linked to Islamist extremism, promotes hate on our streets, and radicalises people against our country and values. We know who many of these people are, and we know who these groups are: in several mosques, charities and schools. I have repeatedly and for a very long time called for proscription, the effective banning, of the IRGC. Its high time we cut the head off the snake here in the UK and rendered it much more difficult for these terrorist sponsors to operate on our streets, and in our communities. We now have 70 MPs and peers from across the political spectrum calling for proscription. Labour, the Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats support proscription. The US has banned the IRGC. Ive heard the argument that the UK would lose access to Tehran by banning the IRGC, but this is weak. What good did this so-called access do to stop or mitigate October 7? What good did it do to deter the drones and missiles fired on Israel this weekend? Or the attacks on people in the UK? Rather, this is Foreign Office-speak for: We support the status quo and dont see the need to change things, thank you very much. Equally delusional is the claim that our sanctions regime is sufficient to deter the IRGC. This is naive when we know the IRGC circumvent sanctions by ensuring that they are not reliant on the British Pound or US Dollar by trading with Russia or China, or transferring assets to trusted proxies in the region, such as in Oman. This Conservative Government risks being left on the wrong side of history if it continues to stall on this important step. If we have proscribed similar organisations like Hezbollah and Hamas, why are we turning a blind eye to one of the root causes of radicalisation and terrorism in the UK? Its time we grew a backbone. This isnt just about our foreign policy, but our own national security and the safety of British citizens. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Time is running out for the people of Sudan the world must act now Sudan also faces a collapsing health service just when people need it the most - El Tayeb Siddig/REUTERS Its been one year since conflict first broke out in Sudan and, away from the headlines and the international communitys attention, the country is facing a devastating humanitarian crisis. Every second person, or 25 million people, is in need of humanitarian assistance. Over 8.6 million people are displaced within Sudan and in neighbouring countries with many of them having been forced to move multiple times. At the same time, 18 million people are facing acute food insecurity and 5 million are on the brink of famine. One in seven children under five is acutely malnourished. With the lean season expected to start soon and without assistance, the situation will only worsen in the coming months. On top of this, the health system is collapsing, especially in hard-to-reach areas, with health facilities destroyed, looted or struggling with acute shortages of staff, medicines, vaccines, equipment and supplies. Only some 30 per cent of health facilities are still functioning, and at minimal levels. Medical supplies in the country are estimated at about 25 per cent of what is needed. Some states, such as Darfur, have not received any medical supplies for the past year. This means that in many areas pregnant women and new-born babies are not getting care, there is no vaccination for children, and patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, cancer or kidney failure are at risk of severe complications or even death from the lack of medication. The situation is not much better in the neighbouring countries receiving refugees. Chad is currently hosting close to 40 per cent of all Sudanese refugees in the region. In Eastern Chad, refugees continue to arrive, many of them with severe conflict-related injuries and suffering from malnutrition and mental health trauma, putting a further strain on an already weak and fragile health system. Outbreaks of malaria, measles, dengue fever and Hepatitis E are also spreading. Throughout this crisis, WHO and partners have been on the ground. WHO has reached close to 2.5 million people through direct support to services and delivery of emergency supplies. 3.3 million people received care in mobile clinics. We have also treated 433,000 Sudanese refugees in mobile clinics in eastern Chad. In the past few months, WHO and partners efforts have resulted in a decline in the number of cases of cholera, dengue, and malaria. 4.5 million people over one year of age received the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) in 6 high-risk states. 5.7 million people in seven states were vaccinated against measles/rubella. We have delivered supplies for the treatment of 115 000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition with medical complications. Still, much more is needed to save lives and protect peoples health. Todays conference for Sudan and its neighbouring countries should consider three priorities: First, we need humanitarian access across borders, and humanitarian corridors, especially in areas not controlled by the government. Access through the Adre crossing with Chad is vital. Second, we call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law and stop attacks on health. There have been over 60 attacks on health facilities in the past year. Health workers, patients, hospitals and other facilities must never be targets. Third, we are ready to scale operations but cannot do it without more support from donors: the health sector has less than 12 per cent of the funding it needs. Time is running out. Without a stop to the fighting and unhindered access for the delivery of humanitarian aid, Sudans crisis will dramatically worsen in the months to come and could impact the whole region. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Donald Trump is facing charges over an alleged 'hush money' payment made to Stormy Daniels Donald Trump will head to court on Monday as the first former president ever to be criminally prosecuted in a pivotal moment for US politics. The scandal-plagued 77-year-old is accused of covering up a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star. Mr Trump has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records by the Manhattan district attorneys office. Trump and Daniels in September 2015, in a photo the adult film star shared online - TWITTER/X Prosecutors allege Mr Trump altered his business records to conceal criminal activity, including trying to influence the 2016 presidential election illegally. The case is just one of four legal challenges overshadowing Mr Trump as he gears up for the 2024 election, and some legal observers suggest it is the least serious. But the very real possibility of Mr Trump becoming a convicted felon and potentially facing jail time throws an unprecedented wild card into an already unpredictable election. What will happen on Monday? Ahead of any testimony by Mr Trump, the trial will start with a likely lengthy and contentious process to select 12 jurors and their alternates. Daniels first met Trump at a celebrity golf tournament in Nevada in 2006 - MARKUS SCHREIBER/AP The pool of ordinary citizens convened by Judge Juan Merchan must answer a questionnaire including checks on whether they have been members of far-Right groups. What accusations does Trump face? Just days before the 2016 election, Mr Trumps former fixer, Michael Cohen, initiated a $130,000 payment to Ms Daniels, who claims she had a sexual encounter with Mr Trump in 2006. Mr Trump allegedly reimbursed Mr Cohen in 2017 and reported the reimbursement as legal fees. Michael Cohen served as Donald Trump's lawyer and backroom fixer - JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE-SHUTTERSTCOK In 2023, Mr Trump was indicted over the payments made to Ms Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, and charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records. Each count represents a document prosecutors claim includes hush-money payments masked as legal fees to Mr Cohen. What are the other hush money payments? Prosecutors have identified two other alleged hush-money payments to people claiming they had stories about Mr Trump, including a former doorman at Trump Tower and Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model. These payments were made by American Media, the parent company of the tabloid National Enquirer, so will not be part of this case. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records - ANGELA WEISS/AFP VIA GETTY David Pecker, former chief executive of American Media, and other leaders at the company were close allies of Mr Trump, promising him early in his campaign that they would help him with any scandalous stories that may emerge against him, according to The Guardian. What are prosecutors trying to prove? In the Ms Daniels case, the jury will have to decide whether Mr Trump buried the payments to her to hide criminal activity, something prosecutors refer to as concealed crimes. Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, has said that the payments hid violations of New York election laws, which makes it a crime to conspire to promote a candidacy by unlawful means. That is why Mr Trump made false statements about his payments to Mr Cohen. He could not simply say that the payments were reimbursements for Mr Cohens payments to Stormy Daniels, Mr Bragg said when the charges were announced in April 2023. To do so, to make that true statement, wouldve been to admit to a crime. Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, is the first prosecutor in US history to charge a former or sitting president - SETH WENIG/AP As well as convincing the jury that Mr Trump fudged his records, prosecutors will have to prove that he also had criminal activity to cover up. What has Trump said? Mr Trump denies the charges and his campaign team has characterised the trial as a full-frontal assault on American democracy. These charges are entirely fabricated in order to interfere in the election, said the Trump campaign team statement. Mr Trump also claims he will not get a fair trial in the heavily Democratic New York. It is thought that Mr Trump will use the trial as a prominent platform to decry what he alleges is lawfare and election interference by his political opponents. He has touted himself as a victim and used supporter outrage to fundraise. Even if convicted, Mr Trump would be able to appeal and would not be barred from continuing to run or even being elected president on November 5. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A federal appeals court is scheduled to hear the case for former reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley this week. In June 2022, a jury found the Chrisley Knows Best couple guilty on charges of criminal bank fraud and tax evasion. Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, was convicted of filing two false corporate tax returns. In Nov. 2022, a federal judge sentenced Todd Chrisley to 12 years in prison, Julie Chrisley to seven years in prison and Tarantino to three years in prison. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Prosecutors said the Chrisleys took out $30 million in fraudulent bank loans to fund their lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending even before they become reality television stars. The Chrisleys maintained they did nothing wrong and someone else had control of their finances. The Chrisleys and Tarantino later filed appeals requesting new trials. They are also requesting to be released on bond while their appeal is heard. Court records show that the U.S. 11th Circuit of Appeals will hear the appeals on Friday at 9 a.m. in federal court. RELATED STORIES: Channel 2 Action News first started investigating the Chrisleys in 2017, when we learned that Todd Chrisley had likely evaded paying Georgia state income taxes for several years. Court documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News showed that by 2018, the Chrisleys owed the state nearly $800,000 in liens. The couple eventually went to trial and a federal jury found them guilty. Savannah Chrisley said during her podcast that she hoped to have her parents home by the summer. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin told troops in a forcewide note Monday that the service is looking to revamp the umbrella units known as numbered air forces to be better prepared for deployments around the world. We are mapping out an effective approach to elevate NAFs into service component commands and we are aligning our capable and ready forces to best meet the needs of combatant commands, Allvin said. Most numbered air forces provide troops and assets to a particular combatant command, such as 8th Air Forces support to U.S. Strategic Command or 9th Air Forces support to U.S. Central Command. Others, like 5th Air Force in Japan or 7th Air Force in South Korea, work directly with a particular country. Still others oversee specific missions, like 2nd Air Force does for technical training or 16th Air Force does for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The Air Forces considerations could lend more uniformity or authority to those organizations to better serve joint commands around the globe. Its unclear how the component commands will interact with the Air Force wings that promise to comprise the backbone of its deployed force in the years ahead. A spokesperson for Allvin did not immediately provide more details about the options under discussion. Talk of possible changes to the numbered air forces comes as the service begins to tackle its widest-reaching reorganization in decades, aiming to improve its contributions to the U.S. military at large and to vie with China for influence in the Pacific and beyond. Allvins missive, which comes as he reaches the six-month mark as the Air Forces top officer, touches on more than a dozen initiatives underway across the service. Among the updates: The Air Forces first class of warrant officers focused on cyber operations and information technology will start in October and is expected to graduate by the end of December. A second class is slated to begin in January 2025. Officials are considering whether the services new approach to year-round readiness, known as Ready Airman Training, focuses on the right skills and offers enough practice over the course of 18 months before units are offered up for deployments. The service is rolling out deployable command-and-control kits and other materials to squadrons so they can more easily set up temporary bases on the go. With the recent passage of the [fiscal year 2024] budget, we can now execute many of the investments we developed two years ago, Allvin wrote. Airmen in six areas F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming; Cannon AFB, New Mexico; Whiteman AFB, Missouri; Fargo, North Dakota; Terre Haute, Indiana; and Washington, D.C. saw a 10.5% bump in their annual housing allowance this year to help offset steep living costs. Most troops saw Basic Allowance for Housing increase by 5.4% on average. Eighty percent of Child Development Center jobs in the Department of the Air Force, which also includes the Space Force, have remained filled over the past six months up nearly 20% in the past two years as the service offers new incentives to boost hiring and expand access to child care. As we reoptimize our Air Force, my goal isnt to supplant or replace previous initiatives, Allvin wrote. Rather, it is to ensure that we continue to make the changes necessary to see them become a reality. This biannual letter is my way of chronicling our improvements and holding myself accountable to this vision. Top Astronomers Gather to Confront Possibility They Were Very Wrong About the Universe Expiration Date A number of high-profile astronomers are set to convene at London's Royal Society to question some of the most fundamental aspects of our understanding of the universe. As The Guardian reports, the luminaries of cosmology will be re-examining some basic assumptions about the universe right down to the over-a-century-old theory that it's expanding at a constant rate. "We are, in cosmology, using a model that was first formulated in 1922," coorganizer and Oxford cosmologist Subir Sarkar told the newspaper, in an apparent reference to the year Russian astronomer Alexander Friedmann outlined the possibility of cosmic expansion based on Einstein's general theory of relativity. "We have great data, but the theoretical basis is past its sell-by date," he added. "More and more people are saying the same thing and these are respected astronomers." Reality Check A number of researchers have found evidence that the universe may be expanding more quickly in some areas compared to others, raising the tantalizing possibility that megastructures could be influencing the universe's growth in significant ways. Sarkar and his colleagues, for instance, are suggesting that the universe is "lopsided" after studying over a million quasars, which are the active nuclei of galaxies where gas and dust are being gobbled up by a supermassive black hole. The team found that one hemisphere actually hosted slightly more of these quasars, suggesting one area of the night sky was more massive than the other, undermining our conception of dark energy, a hypothetical form of energy used to explain why the universe is expanding at an accelerated rate. "It would mean that two-thirds of the universe has just disappeared," Sarkar told The Guardian. Other researchers have suggested that the cosmological constant, which has been used for decades as a way to denote the rate of the universe's expansion, actually varies across space, which would contradict the standard model of physics. In short, astronomers are more than ready to reevaluate the century-old footsteps they've been following to gain a better understanding of the universe around us. "I find that frankly annoying that this principle hasnt been checked," Sarkar told the British newspaper. "We need more exploration on where, if at all, the standard model breaks down," Canadian-American astronomer and Carnegie Observatories director Wendy Freedman added. "I dont think there is an obvious thing that is going to stand the test of time." More on the cosmological constant: New Paper Claims Dark Matter Doesn't Exist at All BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Joint bilateral exercises of Russian and local armed forces have started in the Khatlon region of Tajikistan, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry said, Trend reports. According to the information, the exercises will be held in mountainous terrain and will last until April 18. Both countries are close allies and members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a military alliance founded by the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Tajikistan houses Russian military units and infrastructure in Central Asia. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel French President Emmanuel Macron, right, speaks during a session at the international conference on Sudan, Monday, April 15, 2024 in Paris. Top diplomats and aid groups met in the French capital to drum up humanitarian support for Sudan after a yearlong war has devastated the northeastern African country and pushed its people to the brink of famine. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard; Pool) World donors pledged more than $2.1 billion in humanitarian aid for Sudan after a yearlong war that has pushed its population to the brink of famine, French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday. Macron spoke at the end of an international conference in Paris aimed at drumming up support for Sudans 51 million people. The aid will go to food, water, medicines and other urgent needs, he said, without providing a specific timeline. Top diplomatic envoys, U.N. officials and aid agencies urged Sudans warring parties to stop attacks on civilians and allow access for humanitarian aid, and called for immediate international mediation efforts toward peace. Members of Sudans civil society took part in the Paris meeting, but neither the Sudanese army nor its rival paramilitary were represented. Sudan descended into conflict in April last year when simmering tensions between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere across the country. Much of the world has been focused on the crisis that was generated in the Middle East. As concerning as those developments are, other dramatic life-and-death emergencies are being pushed into the shadows, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters after the Security Council met on Sudan on Monday. The world is forgetting about the people of Sudan, he said. The United Nations humanitarian campaign needs some $2.7 billion this year to get food, health care and other supplies to 24 million people in Sudan nearly half its population. So far, funders have given only $145 million, about 5%, according to the U.Ns humanitarian office, known as OCHA. After Monday's conference, Macron said, We are today at 2 billion euros ($2.1 billion) for Sudan.'' Of that, some 900 million euros comes from EU countries, he said. Monday's conference among 58 countries also called on regional powers to stop funding Sudans war. Without naming them, Macron said, The amount we raised today remains probably less than all the money raised by several powers'' to wage a proxy conflict in Sudan. More than 14,000 people have been killed and at least 33,000 have been wounded in the yearlong war. Nearly 9 million people have been forced to flee their homes either to safer areas inside Sudan or to neighboring countries, according to the U.N. Hunger, sexual violence against women and girls and continued displacement are rampant and much of the country's infrastructure homes, hospitals and schools has been reduced to rubble. We cannot let this nightmare slide from view, Guterres said in a video message to the Paris conference. Its time to support the Sudanese people. Its time to silence the guns," he added. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said the aim of the conference was to mobilize humanitarian funding to help Sudanese people, who have been victims of both a terrible war and international indifference. The European Union's crisis management commissioner, Janez Lenarcic, said the 27-member bloc wants to ensure that Sudan is not forgotten as wars in Gaza and Ukraine dominate the international news. People of Sudan, caught up in this emergency, are almost completely invisible, Lenarcic said. Sudan has turned into one of the worst humanitarian disasters ever on the African continent, he said, and added: It is our duty not to look away. President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoljaric warned that humanitarian action is increasingly politicized in Sudan and humanitarian workers are risking their lives to get vital aid to people. Securing a military advantage cannot be pursued regardless of the human cost, Spoljaric said. The United States and Saudi Arabia initially led efforts to find a negotiated way out of the conflict. But since October the fighting has been overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which is threatening to expand into a broader regional conflict. Relief workers, meanwhile, warn that Sudan is hurtling towards potential mass death in the coming months. Food production and distribution networks have broken down and aid agencies are unable to reach the worst-stricken regions. The conflict has also been marked by widespread reports of atrocities including killings, displacement and rape, particularly in the area of the capital and the western region of Darfur. At least 37% of the population at crisis level or above suffer from hunger, according to OCHA. Save the Children warned that about 230,000 children, pregnant women and newborn mothers could die of malnutrition in the coming months. Famine is a reality in Sudan, said Abdallah al-Dardari, a regional director of the U.N. Development Program. The military, headed by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, have carved up Khartoum and trade indiscriminate fire at each other. In 2021, Burhan and Dagalo were uneasy allies who led a military coup. They toppled an internationally recognized civilian government that was supposed to steer Sudans democratic transition. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo and Surk from Nice, France. AP journalist Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to this report. Labour spent more on defence than we do now, admits Tory peer The Government is under pressure to ramp up military spending as geopolitical tensions worsen - Army The UK spends less of its national income on defence than it did when Labour left office, a Tory peer has admitted. Spending on defence as a percentage of GDP had fallen from 2.47 per cent in 2010 to 2.28 per cent in 2023, the Earl of Minto said. According to the defence minister, who sits in the Lords, the UK has not come any closer to spending 2.5 per cent of its GDP on defence, which is the current government target, since Labour was last in power in 2010. It comes as the Government comes under increasing pressure to ramp up military spending as geopolitical tensions worsen. Responding to a written question from Lord Rogan, of the Ulster Unionist Party, the Earl of Minto provided figures dating back to 2010 on the UKs defence spending as a percentage of GDP. Expenditure has gone up since its lowest point of 2.03 per cent in 2015, but still falls short of the 2010 figure. Sir Keir Starmer vowed last week that Labour would aim to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP if he were to become prime minister the first time he has made such a promise. The Labour leader said his party wanted to reach 2.5 per cent as soon as resources allow that to happen. He added: That was the position when Labour left government and we absolutely stand by our commitment to Nato. It matches the Governments existing aim, but Rishi Sunak has not given a specific timeframe on when or how it would be achieved. John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, said that the figures were another example of how the Conservatives have failed our forces over the last 14 years. He added: Tory ministers have hollowed out our Armed Forces, created a recruitment crisis, and cut the British Army to its smallest size since Napoleon, while wasting over 15 billion in bad defence procurement. A Whitehall source said: We have a plan for defence and have pledged to get to 2.5 per cent of GDP when possible. But Labour cannot be trusted on the defence of our country. Remember Sir Keir Starmer was one of the shadow cabinet that wanted to make Jeremy Corbyn, a man who wanted to scrap the nuclear deterrent and destroy Nato, prime minister. Writing in The Telegraph earlier this month, Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, said that we have moved from a post-war to a pre-war world. He said that members of the Nato alliance must do more to pay their way and reiterated his commitment to boost spending to 2.5 per cent and to continue to be a leader in the Alliance. But three former Tory defence secretaries have called for an even greater defence spending commitment of 3 per cent in the party manifesto. Poland was the top spender on defence in 2023, allocating 3.9 per cent of GDP - more than twice what it had spent in the previous year. It came ahead of the US, which spent 3.5 per cent, roughly in line with its spending for the last decade. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: We have been clear that we need to spend more on defence in a more dangerous and contested world. That is why the Government has overseen the largest sustained defence spending increase since the end of the Cold War - with a 24 billion uplift in cash terms since 2020, and an additional 11 billion at last years Spring Budget. We have committed to increase that to 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence, when the economic situation allows. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Students in Florida will have the opportunity this week to learn more about careers in construction, electrical and plumbing trades. Construction Ready is hosting a CareerExpo on Monday and Tuesday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. The organization says theres a need for skilled workers in Florida. It says more workers are retiring than entering the trades. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read: Micklers Landing closed for beach restoration preps Its looking to close the skills gap by showing high school and college students different career opportunities. The expo is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read: Jewish Federation of Northeast Florida CEO responds to Irans attack on Israel [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Traffic signals on congested, accident-prone highway will be gone in a CT city. What you need to know. Its a very unusual Connecticut situation for drivers. When Route 9, a high-speed freeway, hits the center of Middletown, drivers can suddenly run into two red lights. We dont have any others on any freeways in the state, said Stephen Hall, the state Department of Transportations project manager for the project that will remove the signals. Its a very surprising situation if youre not familiar with it either. A lot of crashes, a lot of injuries, and then a lot of congestion as well. Backups go as far north as Cromwell on weekdays, Hall said. The safety issues with the signals at Washington Street and Hartford Avenue are so bad that theres a crash on average every other day and an injury every week, Hall said. Theres another safety issue too. The signals also make it far too easy to get on the wrong lane on the freeway, he said. Unfortunately, weve had fatalities that are caused from cars getting on the wrong way, and these signals create situations that can be difficult at 2 in the morning, especially for an impaired driver. The solution of removing them will make other improvements to the roads outside of downtown Middletown, including a roundabout at River Road south of downtown and a raised section of highway to allow for a northbound entrance at Hartford Avenue. Two signals 0.36 miles apart The signals are 0.36 miles apart and dont just congest Route 9, but actually cause a lot of the congestion on Main Street, because cars are kind of trapped with these signals, and they cant get into or out of Middletown efficiently, Hall said. While the project to remove them wont begin until 2027 and take four years, there will be a public informational meeting April 30 at Wesleyan Universitys Beckham Hall (Fayerweather) at 45 Wyllys Ave. However, one of the benefits is a lot of that work can happen off the highway, Hall said. So that entire new exit, that entire roundabout, can be fully constructed without impacting the traveling public, so it does help out with our construction operations quite a bit. That roundabout is going to be what drivers come to when they leave Route 9 at a new exit at Walnut Street, bringing them to River Road and into the city without having to take the highway into downtown at all, Hall said. Harbor Drive access closed The access to Route 9 at Harbor Drive will be closed, he said. And this ties in very well with the citys riverfront redevelopment, he said. I know theyre putting in NoRa Cupcakes and Eli Cannons Tap Room down there, so itll change the nature of Harbor Drive from an on ramp to a nice low-speed and urban street to provide access to the riverfront. The traffic flow into downtown would be changed: Union Street to DeKoven Drive would be the decision points, Hall said. They can stay on DeKoven Drive, still passing Washington Street onto Rapallo And then Rapallo at Main Street is where they would turn right onto Main Street to go over the bridge, thats the primary access over the bridge. A new turn lane will be added to Rapallo Avenue to accommodate northbound traffic. Washington Street exit gone At Washington Street, Exit 23C, there will be no more access to Route 9 North and South. Left turns to Washington Street are being removed to get rid of the signal on Route 9, Hall said. Its a little bit counterintuitive, but that access actually caused a lot of problems with Washington Street and work significantly better if we remove the access at Washington. At Washington Street and DeKoven Drive, itll be a much simpler intersection than what we have today, Hall said. Much shorter rail crossing, much simpler operations and significantly less traffic on Washington Street. Its very challenging to get into Melilli Plaza at most times of the day because Washington Street backs up with so many vehicles, he said. Thats going to be gone by removing that access from Route 9 South to Washington Street. Farther north, at Exit 24, Hartford Avenue, that northbound left turn to Hartford Avenue is being removed, Hall said. The other movements remain the same that are still accessed from Route 9 South free flow to Hartford Avenue. Theres access from Hartford Avenue onto Route 9 South and from Hartford Avenue onto Route 9 North. Those accesses to and from Hartford Avenue will be normal highway exit and entrance ramps, Hall said, eliminating the intersections with the signals. New lane on to Cromwell Now once you get past St. John Square, thats a free-flow acceleration lane and this left lane from Hartford Avenue continues all the way to Cromwell, Hall said. So were actually going to have three lanes north of the city to help get people out of the city as well. Another feature will be a wide pedestrian bridge to Harbor Park. The city maybe a couple years ago started doing a lot of work with Cooper Robertson, an architectural firm for their Return to the Riverbend development, Hall said. We met with them a few times, they had some ideas for a pedestrian bridge thats really more of a destination than just a means of getting over Route 9. The bridge would connect with a raised platform planned behind Main Street. Its actually part of a different DOT project that would likely ride on the coattails of the removal of the traffic signals, Hall said. The traffic signal projects $115 million cost will be paid for with 80% federal funds and 20% state funds. The public meeting will begin at 5 p.m. with an open house, with a formal presentation at 7. Ed Stannard can be reached at estannard@courant.com. We simply do not know the long-term impacts. How long we have waited for the words and wisdom of Dr Hilary Cass. Now that the world-renowned paediatrician and chairman of the independent review of gender identity services for children and young people has submitted her report to NHS England, we have 400 pages of them, and every sentence should feel like vindication, every recommendation providing us with the light-headed relief that only comes when someone finally states the obvious. When the child at the end of the Emperors New Clothes finally says: But the emperor has nothing at all on! When common sense finally cuts through the madness. For most young people, a medical pathway is not the best way to deal with gender-related issues, summarises Dr Cass. There is no good evidence on the long-term outcomes of interventions to manage gender-related distress, and young people questioning their gender identity should be given a holistic assessment including screening for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism. Moving forward, we should above all exercise extreme caution. As in the Emperors New Clothes, other voices are now freely echoing Dr Casss views. At the dinner parties where the wrong opinion could once silence a room, people are suddenly in agreement that we took our eye off the ball; on the panel shows where any opposing argument for the teaching of gender identity in schools was once steeped in caveats, theres a new stridency Then there are the public figures speaking out with renewed vigour. Teachers must no longer allow themselves to be bullied by transgender campaigners, Damian Hinds told this paper on Sunday, and should be duty-bound to inform parents if their child wants to change gender. The schools minister has doubled down and said the report draws a line in the sand. Mark Russell, the chief executive of The Childrens Society, called this a watershed moment and Rishi Sunak has insisted that the wellbeing and health of children must come first. The tragic truth is that for years it has come last after the egoism of gender ideologists, agenda-pushing clinicians and virtue-signalling politicians. So while many of us welcome this moment of clarity, there is no sense of vindication and no relief. How can there be, when we are only now beginning to assess how much damage has been done? Consumed by toxic debates, activists never stopped to consider the impact of their lofty ideologies on innocent children. Why? Because these gender warriors were too hopped up on the idea of their own bravery. Theyd cast themselves as modern day heroes. Now, history will judge the brave as being the most cowardly of all. This should never have been a trans debate, but a completely separate conversation about the safeguarding of children, and there is nothing brave about complying with the accepted narrative especially when that narrative involves highly vulnerable children being given irreversible drug treatments. Every brave teacher who failed to tell a parent that their child wanted to change their name, pronoun and gender was a coward. Every responsible adult who actively engaged in helping that child do so without consulting their parents demonstrated shocking cowardice, as did every brave BBC trailblazer who thought it right to put out video resources to middle-school children claiming there are over 100 gender identities, and everyone who ignored evidence that an alleged 97.5 per cent of children seeking sex changes at the scandal-ridden Tavistock clinic had autism, depression or other problems that might have explained their unhappiness. Cowardice is a revolting trait at the best of times, but where a childs health is concerned it is unforgivable. As Mr Hinds said on Sunday, nobody working with children should be vilified or called a transphobe for making difficult decisions which are in their best interests. Id go so far as to say that making difficult decisions is every responsible adults job. We may not be able to undo the damage done to thousands of children let down by the NHS, in the words of Dr Cass, but we can learn from our failings and show bravery in this and any other area where we have fallen asleep at the wheel. Two of the most obvious current threats to children made headlines on Sunday. The first involves social media and a proposed ban for the under-16s. Among a raft of proposals set to be unveiled by the Government within weeks, the plan is at odds with the guidance of most tech platforms, who for purely cynical reasons (get them addicted young) largely have a minimum age limit of 13. Its also an absolute no-brainer. We now know that social media is responsible for a wealth of ills in children, which is why the right thing to do is to ban it. The second is Sunaks controversial smoking ban, which would make it impossible for anyone born after 2009 from buying cigarettes and vapes, and could only be deemed controversial by people who dont realise that smoking kills and are unaware that vapes currently being sold alongside toys to children can permanently impact brain function. If youre still on the fence with either of these issues, ask yourself whether, as with using children as guinea pigs in gender experimentation, you really want to wait for that line in the sand to be drawn for that watershed moment or whether you want to support the right decision, the brave decision, now. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The capital murder trial of a North Texas man accused of killing a woman and shooting a police officer began Monday in Johnson County, with the prosecution making opening statements. Jerry Don Elders, 40, faces life in prison or the death penalty if the jury finds him guilty of capital murder. Authorities in 2021 accused Elders of shooting and killing 60-year-old Robin Waddell after wounding a Burleson police officer. Joshua Lott, the officer, was shot three times and survived, authorities said at the time. Burleson Police Officer Joshua Lott was injured when he was shot by a suspect during a traffic stop on April 14, 2021, police said. Lott pulled Elders over around 4:15 a.m. on April 14, 2021, for a defective light, police said. When Lott approached the vehicle, Elders shot him three times through a passenger window, authorities allege. Elders took off from the scene of the traffic stop, police said at the time. The car was found abandoned in the 700 block of John Jones Drive after it caught fire, police said. Elders later robbed Waddell and stole her pickup truck at her house in the 8000 block of County Road 802, police said in 2021. Early that morning, after Officer Lott was shot, police cars and helicopters swarmed the area near FM 731, on the edge of where Joshua and Burleson meet. Traffic was re-routed off 731 and onto the county road. At 8:15 a.m., Waddell texted her son telling him she would be sitting on her porch drinking coffee that morning, one person told the Star-Telegram at the time. Police said Waddell was found outside the Joshua Police Station with gunshot wounds about 30 minutes later. Today's top stories: Doctor found guilty of injecting drugs into IV bags, causing death Fort Worth leaders learn what it takes to be a firefighter Fort Worth police officer fired after investigation finds excessive force in shooting Get free alerts when news breaks. Authorities said Elders kidnapped Waddell when he stole her silver Toyota Tacoma and he shot her before he dumped her out of the truck outside the police station around 8:45 a.m. that day. Waddell was memorialized on social media as a loving family woman. This story includes information from the Star-Telegrams archives. The trial of a former Syrian general over alleged role in war crimes starts in Stockholm General view of the Stockholm District Court ahead of the main hearing against the former Syrian brigadier general Mohammed Hamo, who stands accused of aiding and abetting war crimes in Syria in 2012, and whose trial starts today, Monday April 15, 2024 (Oscar Olsson/TT News Agency via AP) STOCKHOLM (AP) The trial of a former Syrian army general over his alleged role in war crimes committed in 2012 in his home country started at a Stockholm court Monday, a first according to a human rights organization. Syria has been ravaged by civil war for over 13 years. Brig. Gen Mohammed Hamo, who is currently residing in Sweden, is charged with aiding and abetting crimes violating international law, described by the prosecution as a serious crime" when he was charged in February. The Associated Press got a hold of Hamo's accusation sheet in which the prosecutor claims the 65-year-old who was a brigadier general in the Syrian army between January 2012 and July 2012 has participated in the warfare that systematically included attacks carried out in violation of the principle of distinction, caution and proportionality, adding that the attacks were indiscriminate. The prosecutor also said Hamo worked in the Syrian army's 11th division and he was vital in making "strategic decisions and (implementing) military operations. "This trial is important because its the first time that anyone from the Syrian government or the Syrian army is actually put on trial for the attacks that took place, said Aida Samani of the Stockholm-based Civil Rights Defenders, a politically and religiously independent human rights organization. The former general risks up to 18 years in jail and even life imprisonment, Samani said. A life sentence in Sweden is generally between 20 to 25 years in prison. Eight plaintiffs filed the case against Hamo, including a man whose brother was killed in the attacks on the Syrian city of Homs, as well as a British photographer and a French journalist who were both injured in the attack on the city's media center, the Swedish news agency TT said. Little is known about Hamo. He defected from the Syrian army in July 2012 and joined those fighting to remove President Bashar Assad from power. Syrian opposition activists say he was involved in the fighting in the once rebel-held neighborhood of Baba Amr in Homs city, Syrias third largest. He lived in central Sweden until he was arrested over his supposed participation in war crimes on December 7, 2021. A court at the time released him two days later, saying there wasn't enough evidence to keep him incarcerated. He has since been free. Hamo's defense lawyer, Mari Kilman, said her client maintained his innocence. The unrest in Syria between Assads regime and opposition groups began in March 2011 and later exploded into a civil war that killed nearly half a million people and displaced half the countrys pre-war population of 23 million. The trial at the Stockholm District Court is planned to last 18 days with the last court session on May 21. No date for a verdict was announced. Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, contributed to this report. A 63-year-old truck driver convicted of causing a 2017 fiery crash on the Kansas Turnpike that killed five people will not be released early from jail, according to the Leavenworth County attorney. A Leavenworth County judge on Friday denied the request to release Kenny B. Ford of Greeley, Colorado, from jail, said Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson. Ford pleaded no contest in January 2020 and was found guilty of five counts of vehicular homicide, which in Kansas is a misdemeanor charge. The following August, he was sentenced to serve the maximum penalty of one year confinement for each count, with the sentences to run consecutively. Fords attorney, Benjamin Casad, could not be reached for comment Monday. On July 11, 2017, Ford was hauling a load for Colorado-based Indian Creek Express when he failed to notice a traffic backup due to road construction in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near 174th Street near Bonner Springs. His Freightliner semi rammed into an SUV driven by 61-year-old Teresa J. Butler of Urbana, Illinois, causing it to spin into a retaining wall, killing her and passenger Karen Lynn Kennedy, 63, of New Palestine, Illinois. Fords truck then crashed into a car driven by 83-year-old Sheldon Cohen of Topeka. He and his 79-year-old wife, Virginia Cohen, died when their car hit a guardrail and ended up in a ditch. The semi then collided with another car, pushing it underneath another semi, which caught fire. The cars driver, Ricardo Mireles, 38, of Topeka, was killed. Many of the family members either wrote letters or appeared in court to argue that Ford should not be released, Thompson said. In a court filing last month, Fords attorney argued that Ford had already served a significant period in excess of four years and that the Leavenworth County Sheriffs Office was not allowing work release. It is in the interest of justice that the defendants (Fords) sentence be terminated at this time, Casad argued in the filing. At his sentencing in 2020, Casad said Ford was not impaired by drugs or alcohol. The county attorneys office opposed the early release, arguing in court documents that Ford has only served his sentence for three of the victims but still has time remaining on two others. His sentence of five years will be completed in August 2025. The county attorneys office also said that because Fords job was as a truck driver, there was not a job he could be released to do. This was a horrific incident and he received the maximum sentence we could get, Thompson said in a statement. Yet, these family members have it worse, they will never get their loved ones back. Thompson said driving is a great responsibility and a privilege that should not be taken for granted, especially when driving a semi. Any errors could kill others and damage other vehicles. As sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps continue to fall far short of government targets, the net-zero lobby is resorting to ever more desperate tactics to persuade us all to abandon our cars and boilers. The latest, from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit think tank, is to argue that homeowners and drivers can demonstrate energy patriotism by using electricity to heat their homes and power their cars. The claim is based on the theory that electricity is more likely than other fuels to be generated in the UK, through the use of wind farms and solar panels. Thus it is our patriotic duty to buy EVs and heat pumps, despite the fact that they can cost nearly twice as much as their petrol and gas counterparts. As hostilities in the Middle East threaten oil supplies, and with the ever-present risk of sabotage to undersea cables, the idea of energy self-sufficiency is certainly attractive and possibly crucial to our future security. If renewables really could provide us with such security, the net-zero enthusiasts might have a winning argument. But wrapping a Union flag around wind and solar power cannot disguise its inherent failings. First, and most obviously, is the problem of intermittent supply. No matter how many new wind turbines are built, no energy will be generated when the wind doesnt blow, a problem frequently experienced during the relatively calm year of 2023. Yet the opposite problem also applies: on the windiest days, UK turbines can generate more power than the transmission network can cope with, so they have to be turned off and wind farms are then entitled to compensation equalling the price of the electricity they could have supplied. In either situation, gas power stations have to supply the shortfall, creating additional expense. As the UK runs down its extraction of oil and gas, more of the gas fuelling our power stations is being imported. Theres nothing patriotic about this exercise. Meanwhile, the suggestion that electricity from solar panels can ever have more than a marginal impact on this countrys power needs does not stack up, given intermittency of supply relative to the expense of installation and maintenance. Even supposing the UK eventually undertakes the massive expansion of the grid necessary to manage the shift away from oil and gas, the prospect of being able to rely on renewable energy will therefore remain elusive. In the meantime, should consumers embrace heat pumps and electric cars at the rate envisaged by the UKs various carbon targets, the demands on the grid would surely inevitably result in blackouts. Moreover, mass purchase of electric vehicles is bound to increase our reliance on imports from China, since their EVs are the closest to becoming affordable. As with so much of the UKs manufacturing industry including the production of solar panels and wind turbines carbon taxes and restrictions on the use of fossil fuels appear to have contributed to the outsourcing of production overseas, leaving the UK far less self-sufficient. The most patriotic way forward for the UK would be to increase investment in North Sea oil and gas production and give the go-ahead to fracking, following the example of the US, where energy security is now a reality. America has been a net energy exporter for the past five years, as we have moved in the opposite direction. The claim that abandoning fossil fuels will make this country safer in a hostile world is a perversion of reality; it should be treated with contempt. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, has called the ruling party the 'Russian Dream'. She stated in an interview with TV Pirveli that she refrained from making such an assessment for a long time, but now discussions about the country's independence and European path have emerged."For a long time, I refrained from many things because I thought that when the president of the country gives qualifications to the government, for example, is it pro-Russian or not - I was asked many times abroad. I have always refrained because you cannot let the country decide its own way, but now we are at such a crossroads and an 'either-or' situation that... what is required of the president is neutrality, caution, thinking about the state, thinking about the state today. Thinking about independence and saving the path of Europe," said Zurabishvili.In response to the clarifying question posed by the journalist, "Is it the 'Georgian Dream' or the 'Russian Dream'?", the president answered, "It is a Russian dream".Irakli Gharibashvili, chairman of Georgian Dream, accused the president of Georgia of aligning with the "radical extremist opposition" and coordinating with them. When asked about President Zourabichvili's statement labeling Georgian Dream as a 'Russian dream', Gharibashvili claimed that the president's actions are in line with hostile forces both inside and outside the country.Gharibashvili accused Zourabichvili of being an opposition figure from the beginning, claiming that her actions contribute to sabotage, tension, and polarization in society."The so-called president no longer deserves so much attention from us. I did not personally support Zourabichvili. I wasn't in politics then, so I'm fine with that. Salome Zourabichvili is an opposition figure from start to finish. All her actions bring sabotage and, in general, tension and polarization in society," Gharibashvili said. This truly breaks my heart: Family reacts a week after NC boater vanishes during fishing trip This truly breaks my heart: Family reacts a week after NC boater vanishes during fishing trip OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WNCN) The family of a man who vanished off the North Carolina coast last weekend is mourning his loss. Jeffrey Kale, 47, left a boat ramp exactly a week ago, Saturday afternoon, April 6, near Southport and was headed offshore for a fishing trip, the U.S. Coast Guard said. His family reported him missing around 10:30 that night and a massive search was launched including the Blackjack and Steeples areas 30 miles off the North Carolina coast. The large search was suspended Monday evening, the Coast Guard said. Then, Tuesday morning, a Good Samaritan boater found Kales 32-foot Cape Horn center-console boat floating empty with fishing lines extended into the water about 83 miles east of Wrightsville Beach. Jeffrey Kale (left) in a photo from the U.S. Coast Guard and his boat in a photo from the Oak Island Police Department That discovery restarted the search by the U.S. Coast Guard, Oak Island Police and the U.S. Navy along with many other Good Samaritan vessels along the North Carolina coast. However, Wednesday night, the search for Kale, of Clover, South Carolina just south of Charlotte was suspended again. Kales son wrote on Facebook about his father just after the second search effort was suspended Wednesday night This truly breaks my heart, without my dad Id be nowhere close to the young man I am today and Im grateful for everything my dad taught me in life the past 15 years, Brandon Kale wrote along with the U.S. Coast Guard post that announced the suspended search. Jeffrey Kale (left) in a photo from WJZY. Kales 32-foot Cape Horn center-console boat (right) when it was found empty about 83 miles east of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, this week. Photo courtesy: U.S. Coast Guard. I still have hope that he may turn up may the Lord decide. I love you daddy, Brandon Kale added. Family friends meanwhile asked for many to remember Kales family. Please pray for the family of Jeff Kale. He was a great guy. Loved fishing and loved his family! John Thompson Jr., of Albemarle, wrote on Facebook. I fished with him a few times in fact, he invited me to fish with him the first day I met him! Praying for his wife, sons, and parents and all his family and friends, Thompson added. Outdoor enthusiasts noted that the sea can be dangerous during a solo trip. Jeffrey Kale, 47, was last seen around 4 p.m. Saturday departing the Southport Wildlife Boat Ramp in Brunswick County, officials said. Photo from Oak Island Police Department Kale was an experienced angler and had spent hundreds of hours on the water. We all have to respect the ocean and realize that at any moment a routine trip can turn bad, Trilogy Outdoors, which focuses on South Carolina fishing, wrote. The publication from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, also asked people to pray for Kale and his family. The entire search since Kale was reported missing Saturday night was about 100 combined hours and covered more than 11,690 square miles, which is an area greater than the size of Maryland, the U.S. Coast Guard reported. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. NEW YORKAs Donald Trumps criminal trial in Manhattan debuts on Monday, let me share with you how we at TPM are thinking well be covering this. There are three main themes that will shape our coverage. They all go far beyond the details of the Trump hush money case which, as entertainingly slimy as they are, will mostly be reminders of things that we learned many years ago. Its the enduring, broader takeaways which I have on my mind today, and which will inform our coverage in the coming weeks. They are: This is the first time in American history that a former President has faced criminal prosecution. Its such an obviously historic moment that you have to repeat it to see it. Trump has faced so many scandals with so many allegations of criminal wrongdoing over the past several years, but this is the one for which hes facing accountability. Hes on trial, with the same rights as any other defendant. Its accountability, and its happening now. Trump is countering all this in his usual fashion: exclamations about how unfair it all is and attempts to use his platform and devoted audience to try to intimidate anyone or any system with authority over him. In this case, it means corrosive attacks on the justice system and the rule of law. After all, thats his true opponent in this case, as in the others. The momentousness was palpable today, partly in the jitters from court security (and Secret Service agents, two of whom nearly knocked me over while getting coffee at a cafe near the courthouse) and among the press. Its legitimately exciting to cover, an example of the cliche that journalists use to explain a key draw of the business: getting a front row seat to history. This morning, getting that seat meant overcoming at least one hurdle. After arriving at 6:00 a.m. to a beautiful spring morning at Collect Pond Park in Lower Manhattan, I waited for around three hours with other journalists as the court began to let some in. Around 9:00 a.m., a court security officer came out to tell those of us outside that we were now out of luck: the overflow courtroom with a live feed of the proceedings and with room for journalists was full. Sad! I let my editors know, and they told me to remain and see whether the situation might change. Most of the rest of the press disappeared, or went to interview protestors who had assembled outside the courthouse. After another 30 minutes or so, we learned there were still two spots left for journalists. TPM snagged one. I made my way to the overflow courtroom and took a seat alongside the dozens of other journalists typing away and stifling laughs now and then. Judge Juan Merchan was trying to manage a few issues: scheduling elements of the trial amid the Passover holiday, how to conduct jury selection, and requests from each side to include or exclude certain evidence during the trial itself. That last bit is critical, and featured a lot of what makes this case very special: bizarre and lurid details of how Trump operates. Like, for example, one moment which elicited laughter among journalists in the overflow room: a prosecutor read out National Enquirer headlines which Trump approved in summer 2016. Those included attacks on Ben Carson, a claim that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has family ties to JFKs true assassin, and that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is a drug addict. At another moment, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass asked that he be allowed to remind jurors that Trump carried on an affair while Melania was pregnant; Merchan denied that request. Its all familiar Trumpworld terrain. Whats less familiar is seeing Trump in the position of any other criminal defendant, being read out warnings that he has to appear at each trial day, being told by the prosecutor that hes just like any other criminal defendant. Prosecutors raised that last point in arguments for sanctions, asking Judge Merchan to impose a $3,000 fine on Trump; $1,000 apiece for three posts which, prosecutors say, ran afoul of Merchans gag order. Merchan replied by setting a hearing on April 23 to discuss the matter. Its part of the collateral attack on the rule of law: making posts which go up to and maybe over the line set by Merchans gag order. Theres no longer any mystery here about what Trump is up to after eight years of him employing these tactics in national politics and in the courts. But its of a piece with the theme of the day and of the trial: these prosecutors want to hold Trump accountable, even if it takes the form of a symbolically important $3,000 fine. Former President Trump arrived at a Manhattan court Monday as the hush money case officially kicks off, where he will face trial over 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. "Nothing like this has ever happened before," Trump said at the courthouse Monday. "This is political persecution ... it's a case that should have never been brought." "This is an assault on America and that's why I'm very proud to be here," he added. TRUMP'S HUSH MONEY PAYMENT TRIAL GETS UNDERWAY AS JURY SELECTION BEGINS Former President Trump exits Trump Tower in New York City, Monday, April 15, 2024. Jury selection begins today in the so-called hush money trial in Manhattan Criminal Court this morning. The 45th president left Trump Tower early Monday morning, when he was seen waving to supporters before heading to Manhattan Criminal Court. NINE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRUMP TRIAL, ANSWERED READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Former President Trump exits Trump Tower in New York City, Monday, April 15, 2024. Jury selection begins today in the so-called hush money trial in Manhattan Criminal Court this morning. The trial marks the first time a former president will stand trial over criminal charges. FIVE KEY QUESTIONS ON HOW START OF TRUMP'S FIRST CRIMINAL TRIAL WILL IMPACT PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN Dubbed the "hush money" case, the trial will focus on payments made by Trumps former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, to former pornographic actor Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. The $130,000 payment was to allegedly quiet her claims of an alleged extramarital affair she had with the then-real estate tycoon in 2006. Trump has denied the affair and pleaded not guilty to the 34 charges against him. Former President Trump departs Trump Tower for Manhattan Criminal Court to attend the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs in New York City on April 15, 2024. THE TRUMP TRIALS: HERE'S WHERE EACH CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST THE FORMER PRESIDENT STANDS Prosecutors allege that the Trump Organization reimbursed Cohen and fraudulently logged the payments as legal expenses. Falsifying business records is a misdemeanor, but prosecutors are working to prove that Trump falsified records with an intent to commit or conceal a second crime, which would be a felony. "During the election, TRUMP and others employed a catch and kill scheme to identify, purchase, and bury negative information about him and boost his electoral prospects," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleged last year. "TRUMP then went to great lengths to hide this conduct, causing dozens of false entries in business records to conceal criminal activity, including attempts to violate state and federal election laws." 'I TELL THE TRUTH': TRUMP SAYS HE'LL TESTIFY AT HUSH MONEY TRIAL AS JUDGE REJECTS LAST MINUTE PLEA Trump has repeatedly slammed the trial as a "witch hunt," and kicked off Monday by calling the presiding Judge Juan Merchan "crooked" while demanding his "VOICE back" after Merchan placed a gag order on Trump making public statements about potential witnesses. Former President Trump, center, speaks to members of the media at Manhattan criminal court in New York City on Monday, April 15, 2024. "I want my VOICE back. This Crooked Judge has GAGGED me. Unconstitutional! The other side can talk about me, but I am not allowed to talk about them! Rigged Trial!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump, when he arrived at the courthouse Monday, continued that the trial "is really an attack on a political opponent." The trial will begin with jury selection, when potential jurors will be presented with an overview of the case and asked whether they are able to serve in a fair and impartial manner. Those who show they cannot be impartial will be dismissed, while those who remain will be asked a series of 42 questions, which Merchan released in a letter last week, including questions such as: "Do you have any political, moral, intellectual, or religious beliefs or opinions which might prevent you from following the courts instructions on the law or which might slant your approach to this case?" The case is anticipated to last at least six weeks. Original article source: Trump calls hush money trial 'assault on America' as case officially kicks off Trump cites Founding Fathers in telling Supreme Court why he should not be prosecuted WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump highlighted concerns from America's Founding Fathers about hyper-partisanship to argue in a filing with the Supreme Court on Monday that he shouldn't be prosecuted for trying to overturn the 2020 election. In Trump's final brief laying out his case before the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on April 25, his lawyers cited writings from George Washington and James Madison to bolster his case that opening the door to presidential prosecutions would invite political abuse. Washington, in his farewell address, warned against the "alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities. Madison cautioned that the diseases of faction have proved fatal to other popular governments," Trump's lawyers wrote. "The radical innovation of prosecuting a former President for official acts will fulfill those ominous prophecies," the lawyers concluded. Former President Donald Trump returns to the courtroom after a break during the start of jury selection for his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024 in New York City. Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith has dismissed such concerns, telling the court presidents can function effectively without criminal immunity, something that neither the framers of the Constitution nor any other president contemplated. To the contrary, a bedrock principle of our constitutional order is that no person is above the law including the President, Smith wrote in his brief previewing the oral arguments that was filed last week. Nothing in constitutional text, history, precedent, or policy considerations supports the absolute immunity that petitioner seeks. Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee for president, wants the Supreme Court to dismiss his indictment on federal charges he tried to steal the 2020 election, arguing criminal prosecution presents a mortal threat to the independence of the presidency. Three of those nine justices were appointed by Trump when he was president, giving the Court a conservative supermajority comprised of six people appointed by Republicans. Related: A former cop yelled 'charge' on Jan. 6. How his Supreme Court case could help Trump. Even if Trump loses his appeal, the Supreme Court may not reach a decision quickly enough for a trial to proceed in time for a verdict before the November election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to four federal charges in the case before the Supreme Court three for conspiracy and one for obstruction for falsely claiming election fraud and trying to overturn the legitimate election results. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the charges are politically motivated. If he returns to the White House, he could appoint an attorney general who would seek to dismiss any pending federal charges. Trump could also simply pardon himself, although his power to do so is debated. But Trumps preferred outcome is for the Supreme Court to entirely dismiss the indictment, an outcome experts say is unlikely. While former presidents have broad immunity from civil lawsuits for official actions taken while serving in the White House, Trump has attempted to claim sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump cites Founding Fathers in arguing for immunity to Supreme Court Former President Donald Trump will appear in a criminal courtroom Monday morning in a case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg over whether, in 2016, Trump used campaign funds to try to keep voters from finding out about an alleged affair with an adult film star. The case is by no means a slam-dunk, its potentially weaker than some of the other criminal cases pending against the former president. Although his legal team has secured substantial delays in those other cases, Trump is actually on a legal losing streak. And despite his outrageous public posturing and boastful claims in the court of public opinion, in an actual court of law, he is learning that he cannot defy legal gravity. A flurry of last-ditch efforts by his lawyers to further delay the New York trial have all failed: to disqualify the judge, to move the case to another jurisdiction, and to try to extend his arguments about presidential immunity to actions that largely occurred prior to him taking office. Trumps Attacks on Judges and Prosecutors Are Dangerous. Gag Him Completely They played every card they could, even some from the bottom of the deck, and could not convince an appellate judge or court, despite repeated attempts, to put a stop to the trial. What any casual observer of Trumps recent track record in court should know, its that an actual court does not operate by the same rules as the court of public opinion. In fact, the same behavior in the latter actually harms him in the former, something he may ultimately learn the hard way. Unlike in the court of public opinion, where Trumps bluster and bullying may help win supporters and cause some to cower, when court is in session, the rules of evidence and procedure kick in. The same tactics that might give Trump some public relations wins do not really work in court. In fact, they often backfire. E. Jean Carroll and her attorneys Shawn Crowley and Roberta Kaplan react outside the Manhattan Federal Court, after the verdict in the second civil trial was reached after she accused former President Donald Trump of raping her decades ago, in New York City on Jan. 26, 2024. Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters The first legal domino to fall against Trump was his loss before a jury in a federal trial in Manhattan, one brought by the columnist E. Jean Carroll. She claimed the former president sexually assaulted her in a department store dressing room. But her first case wasnt a case about sexual assault per se. It was actually a defamation suit, one that alleged Trump had harmed Ms. Carrolls career and caused her financial harm when he attacked her for raising claims about the assault. After she beat him once in court, Trump couldnt help himself and maligned her once again. Carroll sued him for defamation a second time, and was also able to add a sexual assault claim based on a change in New York law. A new jury multiplied her damage award by a factor of ten after a second trial, putting Trump in debt to Ms. Carroll to the tune of over $83 million. There, Trumps efforts to win in the court of public opinion actually led to his defeat in a court of law. Similarly, despite efforts to malign the judge in a second casebrought by the New York Attorney General Letitia Jamesonce again, Trump found himself on the losing end. This time, the case alleged civil fraud in his and his companys business practices. E. Jean Carrolls Lawyers Foil Trumps Quiet Attempt to Stall $91 Million Payment His antics both inside and outside the courthouse included storming out of court and making statements that seemed designed to disrupt the trialthe type of statements hes fond of making regarding his adversaries when talking to the press or over social media. Such comments backfired, and his attempts to give what were described as long, irrelevant speeches when he testified resulted in the judge concluding that Trump had severely compromised his credibility. In that case, Attorney General James won a judgmentcurrently under appealfor nearly half a billion dollars. These losses, where his behavior outside (and even inside court, at times) may score Trump some political points and give him a chance to try to raise money for his campaign and to pay his mounting legal bills. But they also point to a harsh reality for the former president. New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg on April 4, 2023. Brendan McDermid/Reuters When Trump goes to trial in an actual court, his typical behavior does not generally help him. Rather, what is more common is that these anticswhich are rarely tolerated with respect to run-of-the-mill defendantsactually undermine his position rather than strengthen it. (This may help explain why there was such an extraordinary run of highly unusual attempts to forestall Trumps potential judgment day in the so-called hush-money case.) Trumps lawyers in the upcoming New York case even had the chutzpah to argue that all the adverse publicity surrounding the trial meant the case should be moved to a different jurisdiction, presumably one not affected by such adverse publicity. What those lawyers failed to mention is that much of the publicity surrounding the trial actually came from the former president himself. The effort to move the trial failed and, yet again, the ethics of the public arena did not play well in the court of law. What Trumpand the rest of usmay be learning is that legal gravity is real. It also applies to former presidents, even those named Trump, and even ones who claim they can shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and get away with it. Is the Nickname Donald Rapist Trump Defamatory? Braggs case has its complications and challenges, ones that would normally give some prosecutors a degree of pause. And the former president is certainly entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until a jury finds against him. It is still not just possible, but perhaps even likely, that the former president will find himself, once again, on the business end of a jury verdict. This time, it is one that could bring with it not tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars in civil liability, but criminal liability, and even jail time. This is no laughing matter for the former president, and the efforts of his lawyers to try to avoid this trial make it appear that Trump and his team understand that. The former president is likely to find out soon whether his oft-quoted phrase about his ability to get away with criminal behavior on the streets of Manhattan holds true. If he really holds the belief that he can soar above the rules that apply to everyone else, that belief may just come crashing down to earth in yet another courtroom in New York. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Anti-Trump protesters hold placards outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse ahead of the US former President Donald Trump's trial in New York. Trump faces criminal charges over hush money case. Gina M Randazzo/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Donald Trump arrived at a New York court on Monday ahead of jury selection in a case over payments made to an adult film actress ahead of the 2016 election which will see him become the first former US president to stand trial on criminal charges. Arriving at the courtroom on Monday, Trump called the case "an assault on America." "This is political persecution. This is a persecution like never before. Nobody's ever seen anything like it," Trump said. He also called incumbent President Joe Biden, whom he is set to face in an election rematch in November, an "incompetent" man "who is very much involved in this case," without giving evidence of that claim. Trump, who was the 45th president of the United States, is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records as part of a scheme involving his former lawyer Michael Cohen to conceal the $130,000 pay-off made to Stormy Daniels. Daniels said the money was given to keep her quiet about an affair she had with Trump in 2006. He has admitted to paying her on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her "false and extortionist accusations" but denies any sexual encounter. Trump's lawyers made several unsuccessful attempts to have the hush money trial delayed, a tactic they have also used in the former president's three other ongoing criminal cases. The process of selecting a jury in New York, a heavily Democratic city, could take several days, with potentially hundreds of people ultimately whittled down to just 12 jurors and six alternates. The whole trial, in which Cohen and Daniels are expected to testify for the prosecution, could last up to eight weeks. Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, faces a maximum of four years behind bars if convicted. At a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Friday, he told reporters he was ready to take the stand to defend himself. "Im testifying. I tell the truth," Trump said, although it was far from certain the Republican real estate tycoon would actually undertake such a high-risk legal strategy. In any case, Trump's campaign for the presidency will collide with his courtroom obligations as he is required to be present every day of the historic trial, which is sure to generate a frenzy of media coverage. Trump's legal entanglements are extensive. The most serious are his four criminal indictments in four different cities. Besides the New York case, two involve his alleged efforts to keep himself in power after Biden defeated him in 2020 and another concerns the retention of classified documents after leaving office. The three other trials do not yet have firm start dates. Already this year Trump has been dealt major blows in two New York civil lawsuits, one accusing him and his organization of committing fraud and another for defaming magazine columnist E Jean Carroll when he denied her claims of sexual assault. Trump owes more than half a billion dollars in legal penalties in the combined cases. Trump claims, without evidence, he is a victim of political persecution orchestrated by Democrats to keep him from the White House. Even if he is convicted, the Constitution does not prevent a felon from running for the presidency. Trump and Biden remain locked in a neck-and-neck race, according to an opinion poll from the New York Times and Siena College released at the weekend, with Trump holding a 46% to 45% edge over Biden. Anti-Trump protesters hold placards outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse ahead of the US former President Donald Trump's trial in New York. Trump faces criminal charges over hush money case. Gina M Randazzo/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa After seven years, three tell-all books, two trips to the Supreme Court, and one historic indictment, Donald Trump is finallyofficiallythe first former American president to stand trial on criminal charges. For the next two months, Trumps 2024 presidential campaign will hardly be anything but a courtroom sideshow, as he takes the half-hour drive from his gilded penthouse to Manhattans criminal courthouse four days a week and fights for his freedom. Trump said on Friday that he plans to testify in the upcoming trial, though thats far from definitive. Trump has repeatedly projected confidence about his legal troubles publicly only to ghost in the courtroom when presented with the opportunity to testify. That was his exact game plan in the original E. Jean Carroll rape defamation case last year. Trumps Out of Control Antics Simply Wont Work in Court Whats different in this case, however, are the stakes. Instead of a civil case with financial penalties, Trump is staring down the possibility of jail time. And instead of Trump opting to attend court, like he did most days in his recent bank fraud trial or the two Carroll lawsuits, he is obligated to be there for this criminal case. He will be forced to listen, quietly this time, to the Manhattan District Attorney tell jurors a storya story about a presidential candidate trying to save his campaign from catastrophic embarrassment. The DA will detail how Trump, reeling after comments he made on video about his predatory sexual behavior were leaked to The Washington Post in the closing weeks of the 2016 campaign, allegedly paid several women to keep quiet about his extramarital affairs, employed a trusted lawyer to cut the deals, and then oversaw longtime accountants faking business paperwork to throw anyone off the scent. Its a story thats been told many times, albeit not in court. The porn star Stormy Daniels, also known as Stephanie Clifford, described in her memoir, Full Disclosure, how she was pressured to take the deal. Michael Cohen, who has since lost his law license and served time in federal prison, detailed what it was like to cover up the alleged crimes of his former boss in his book, Revenge. And in the most unexpected primer of them all, frustrated prosecutor Mark Pomerantz explained how the many possible criminal investigations into Trumps behavior paved the way to go down this narrow legal route and ultimately indict the former president. What could have been a dramatic racketeering case in true New York fashion instead gave way to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Critics have called it the least serious case against Trump, but its simplicity could very well be its strength. Trumps checks to Cohen bear his signature. And Cohen himself can assert in court that the $420,000 he was paid for legal fees was really just a reimbursement. Norm Eisen, an attorney whose role in building the case for Trumps first impeachment consisted of reviewing some of the same evidence that led to this trial, has spent months trying to recast the publics understanding of the case. In a series of interviews with The Daily Beast, Eisen repeatedly emphasized that this is an election interference case, one that far predates Trumps 2020 attempt to remain in the White House by spreading lies and engaging in political subterfuge. The start of Eisens new book, Trying Trump, which serves as a trial guide, makes that point right in the introduction. Make no mistake: The Manhattan case is not just about hush money, he wrote. Former President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) at Mar-a-Lago. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images The salacious details of Trumps extramarital coverups will be on display, but the real threat to his libertyand his legacywill come from the paper trail. Were going to see a lot of lengthy and dry testimony regarding business records interspersed with extremely intense testimony and cross-examination of cooperators. Its going to be quite a contrast between peeling paint and gladiatorial combat, said Tess Cohen, a former Manhattan prosecutor. The stakes are highbut maybe not as high as Trumps foes would like. Yes, theoretically Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg Jr. might be the first prosecutor to ever successfully send an ex-commander-in-chief to prison. But as a first-time offenderor rather, the first case that names him specifically as the defendantTrump will more likely face probation if hes convicted. And while sentencing could very well keep him from attending, in person, the Republican convention that is set to nominate him as the partys favorite, the actual consequences will almost certainly be tied up in appeals that could push back any punishment until well after the November election. But long before any of that, prosecutors and defense lawyers will need to agree on a jury. And that potentially quarrelsome process starts on Monday. The jury will be composed of 12 people from Manhattan, plus perhaps six backups in case anyone has to bow out. The jurors will be asked 42 questions in a questionnaire on Monday. And those questions were the product of intense battles between the defense and prosecution, with New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan ultimately settling on questions ranging from standard biographical informationIn what neighborhood do you live? and What do you do for a living? or Are you married?to more insightful questions like what media do you consume, have you ever attended a Trump rally, or Do you have any feelings or opinions about how Mr. Trump is being treated in this case? There are a number of questions about impartiality, such as Can you give us your assurance that you will decide this case solely on the evidence you see and hear in this courtroom and the law as the judge gives it? and Is there any reason, whether it be a bias or something else, that would prevent you from being fair and impartial if you are selected as a juror for this case? But there are other, less direct questions that lawyers will use to try to assemble the most favorable juror: Do you have any opinions about the legal limits governing political contributions? Have you, a relative, or close friend ever been employed in the accounting or finance field? Do you listen to talk radio? If so, which programs? For months, Trumps lawyers have been telling Justice Merchan that a fair trial will be virtually impossible. In court, lead defense attorney Todd Blanche has decried the prospect of putting his client on trial in the midst of a contentious election, the purported impossibility of selecting an impartial panel of New Yorkers who have already heard so much about this drawn-out case, and how wrong it would be to haul everyone into court during the Jewish holiday of Passover and the New York City school systems spring break that starts next week. These Under-the-Radar Rulings in the Stormy Daniels Hush Money Case Are Really Bad for Trump But their repeated attempts to delay the trial have failed. Their bid to dramatize a last-minute document dump by the Southern District of New Yorka curious development that reeked of gamesmanship by a prosecution office that previously investigated this matter but conveniently stopped short of targeting Trump while he was still at the White Housefizzled to nothing. As did their eleventh hour attack on the judge himself, which sought to knock him off the case on the specious grounds that he was somehow compromised because of his daughters involvement in Democratic politics. Duncan Levin, a former prosecutor with the office briefly represented a potential witness in the investigation, stressed that this is not the DAs first rodeo. On large measure its going to be much like every other case, he said, noting however that the next few days will bear the difficulties of adjudicating a man whose hateful political rhetoric has drawn the ire of everyone but his cult-like MAGA followers. While most jurors have never heard of a defendant, everyone knows him and some have even written about the guy, Levin said. However, Levin expects that the former presidents lawyers will only succeed in knocking someone off the panel if the person stands outby actually expressing a compromising view about the actual case at hand. And he noted that Justice Merchanwho has already castigated Trumps lawyers for trying to delay the trial multiple timesis done playing games. This judge is very sharp and very experienced. He has a tight grip on the courtroom. He wont allow jury selection to devolve into political debate in the courtroom, Levin said. But Levin, like several other lawyers who spoke to The Daily Beast on condition of anonymity because of their proximity to the case, recognizes that the defining quality of the trial will be evident from the start: the threat of physical violence. Merchan has already imposed gag orders on Trump prohibiting him from launching attacks against DA Bragg and court staffand actually had to expand that muzzle to stop Trump from threatening lower-level prosecutors and the judges own family. The threat of danger is so high that the judge has even decided to keep the jurors identities secret, barring journalists in the courtroom from having cellphones lest anyone snap a photo and give increasingly enraged Trumpists a target. Trump Claims Hell Testify in Stormy Daniels Hush Money Case Other judges have taken similar precautions. Fear of reprisal kept jurors anonymous at Trumps first and second federal trials on rape defamation, where jurors ultimately awarded Carroll verdicts worth $5 million and another $83 million, respectively. Another state judge had to repeatedly punish Trump during his bank fraud trial for blatantly violating a gag order by continuing to threaten a judicial clerk. But those cases have shown the justice systems inabilityor reluctanceto fully rein in the man whose authoritarian character has redefined American politics. Trump has created a blueprint for defying the rules with impunity: saying whatever he wants, appealing gag orders, then relying on the Ancient Greek rhetorical device of paralipsis to make thinly veiled attacks, claiming to not say something by outright saying it. When that doesnt work, he relies on attack dogs, like Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to say what he legally cannot. In that sense, Monday marks more than just the start of his first criminal trial, an unprecedented moment in the countrys history. Its also a test of the justice systems institutional power, the fortitude of a dozen New Yorkers, and a state court judges resilience. Willard Sterne Randall, a former investigative journalist who now teaches history at Champlain College in Vermont, points out that the only time a presidential candidate has found himself behind bars was when the socialist Eugene V. Debs was jailed for speaking out against World War I. I think we're in more dangerous times even than Debs, Randall said. The issue was pretty clean in 1918. You were either for war or against it. There were dissenters at that time, but there was never any hint of violence. When a judge has to sit down now and decide what to do, does he have in mind the potential for armed conflict as a result of it? he asked. Theres so much hatred loosed in the land right now. How does a judge sit down and dispassionately decide on the fate of a former and maybe future president? I dont know. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Former U.S. President Trump's criminal trial over hush money payment, in New York City By Jonathan Allen NEW YORK (Reuters) - Minutes before 9 a.m., both Catherine Nestor, a New York City social worker late for a jury duty summons, and Donald Trump, the first former U.S. president to be put on trial, were heading for Manhattan's criminal courthouse. Trump was in the back of a large black Chevrolet Suburban with bullet-proof windows, riding downtown in a motorcade from his penthouse in his Fifth Avenue skyscraper, Trump Tower, for a trial beginning on Monday with jury selection. Nestor was on foot, joining a throng of New Yorkers blocked by a maze of metal police barricades. "What's the delay for?" asked a New Yorker in the crowd, a probation officer in the courthouse complex beyond. "A big trial," replied a uniformed security officer for the state court system. Behind him, police car lights flashed in the warm spring sunshine, reporters and photographers milled about, a few Trump supporters stood by enormous Trump flags and at least one man trilled out patriotic melodies on a flute, all bracing for a sign of Trump's arrival. Nestor, 28, did not know for which case she was in the jury pool, but if it turned out to be the Trump case she felt she would have to be dismissed. "I'm biased," Nestor said, imagining how quickly her turn at jury selection would go: "'Do you think he's guil-', 'Yes!'" Choosing a jury from a pool of people in heavily Democratic Manhattan was expected to take several days. Lawyers for Trump and prosecutors will seek to uncover biases and any political agendas before impaneling 12 jurors and six alternates. Trump, hoping to return to the White House as the Republican candidate in November's presidential election, has pleaded not guilty to charges by Manhattan prosecutors of falsifying business records in his 2016 election campaign. More than two dozen brightly lit television anchors and reporters were arrayed along the sidewalk in a long thin penned-in line, explaining the intricacies of the case and its stakes into cameras with their backs to the Art Deco towers of the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Nearby, a crowd of print and radio journalists with press credentials about their necks looked stricken as they listened to a court security officer. "The courtroom is full and so is the overflow," the officer said. "You'll have to try again tomorrow." Reporters that made it inside did so by lining up some three hours before the 10 a.m. start. Chaim Herman, a 17-year-old yeshiva student from Brooklyn recording videos of himself by the largest of the Trump flags, said he didn't expect the trial's outcome to affect his plan to vote for Trump in November. "I would not go blindly for Trump, it could be that something was going on," he said, adding he was happy to let a jury decide. The flag had been installed by Dion Cini of Brooklyn's Sheepshead Bay neighborhood, who runs a business selling Trump flags. He said sales were a bit slow for now but predicted the trial would boost Trump's popularity and his business. "That's one of my smaller flags," he said. "I want Democrats to see we're not scared of them. A bunch of animals." At 9:01 a.m., Trump's motorcade pulled into the rear of the courthouse, out of sight of most of the crowds. The former president, dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and red tie, punched the air before heading up to the courtroom. Elsewhere in the building, Nestor learned she had indeed been summoned as a potential juror for Trump's trial. She was dismissed in an early screening after court officers explained the trial might last at least eight weeks. She has a vacation booked in May. "I'm disappointed!" she wrote in a text message. "It would have been awesome to see how they further eliminate people for this trial." (Reporting by Jonathan Allen in New York; Additional reporting by Shannon Stapleton; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Howard Goller) Donald Trump in court on Monday - Jeenah Moon/Pool Bloomberg Donald Trump appeared to fall asleep in court on the first day of his hush money case as he became the first US president to stand criminal trial. Mr Trump seemingly dozed off on Monday morning in the New York courtroom as his lawyers clashed with prosecutors over what evidence would be admissible. The former president has been charged with falsifying business records ahead of the 2016 election to cover up a $130,000 (104,000) payment made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star. Mr Trump allegedly authorised the payment to hide an affair with her and influence the election result. He has pleaded not guilty and denied having a relationship with Ms Daniels. The New York Times reported that Mr Trump appeared to fall asleep just hours into the trial, with his head dropping down before he jolted awake. He seemed more alert after lunch, and spoke animatedly with his lawyers. The 77-year-old who frequently calls Joe Biden Sleepy Joe will be required to attend court four days a week for the rest of the trial. The proceedings are expected to last six weeks, and will see a parade of Mr Trumps former aides, allies and alleged mistresses take to the witness stand against the former president. On Monday, prosecutors argued that Mr Trump had repeatedly flouted a gag order intended to protect witnesses and jurors in the days before the trial began. The court heard that Mr Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee ahead of Novembers election, attempted to intimidate key witnesses by labelling them sleazebags. Cohen credibility Joshua Steinglass, acting for the prosecution, claimed that the former president had mounted a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate Ms Daniels and Michael Cohen, his former lawyer, to keep [them] off this stand. At one point, the prosecution suggested he may have violated the gag order from inside the courthouse, referring to a post on Mr Trumps Truth Social account that branded Mr Cohen a serial perjurer. In recent days, Mr Trump also called his former lawyer a disgraced attorney and felon. Mr Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison in 2018 for tax evasion and campaign finance violations. The credibility of Mr Cohen may be a key factor in the case as he testifies for the government against his former boss. Just days before the 2016 election, Mr Cohen made a $130,000 payment to Ms Daniels, who claims she had a sexual encounter with Mr Trump in 2006. Mr Trump allegedly reimbursed Mr Cohen in 2017 and reported the reimbursement as legal fees. Hope Hicks, a long-time Trump aide, is expected to testify against her former boss. Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model with whom Mr Trump allegedly had an affair before buying her silence, is another likely witness. Assault on America Media helicopters followed Mr Trumps motor convoy as he left Trump Tower and headed for the court in Lower Manhattan. Although his mandatory court appearances mean he cannot take to the campaign trail, he used the court as a backdrop to a stump speech, claiming he was being persecuted by Mr Biden. The presumptive Republican nominee told reporters he was proud to be at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, before claiming Mr Biden was using the trial as an attack on a political opponent. He added: Its an assault on America. He then headed in to take his seat. Photographs and sketches of Mr Trump in court showed him flanked by his lawyers, with his brow furrowed and hands clasped on the table in front of him. The early weeks of the trial will be devoted to selecting jurors, with Mr Trump despite having been synonymous with New York for decades as a real estate developer claiming it would be impossible to receive a fair trial in the city. Thousands of prospective jurors will answer dozens of questions before they can be whittled down to the 12 men and women who will decide whether to convict the former president. They will be quizzed on their level of education, what social media they use, and whether they have listened to Mr Cohens podcast or read Mr Trumps books, among other considerations. If Mr Trump is found guilty, it could mean he serves time in prison. There is no constitutional rule barring candidates from running a campaign from behind bars. Mondays court proceedings mean that Mr Trump is the only US president to have stood trial on criminal counts. Richard Nixon was protected from criminal prosecution following the Watergate scandal when his successor, Gerald Ford, controversially pardoned him. A grand jury that investigated Nixon had planned to charge him with bribery, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and obstruction of a criminal investigation. Several members of his administration stood trial and were convicted. 08:57 PM BST Thats all for now Thanks for following our live coverage as Donald Trump became the first US president to stand criminal trial. This live blog is now closed. 08:36 PM BST Jurors crane their necks to stare at Trump Donald Trump is now looking straight ahead and appears expressionless unlike the prospective jurors. Several are craning their necks to look at the former president, while one giggled before stifling it with a hand over her mouth. 08:32 PM BST Trump family and aides could be called as witnesses Numerous members of Donald Trumps family and administration could be called to testify over the coming weeks in the hush money case, Juan M. Merchan said. Among the relatives listed by the judge were Melania Trump, Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Those who served Mr Trump in the White House include Steve Bannon, Kellyanne Conway, Reince Priebus and Hope Hicks. 08:29 PM BST Half of potential jurors cant be fair or impartial At least 50 of the 96 potential jurors have reportedly been excused from serving after saying that they could not be fair or impartial in the case. 08:17 PM BST Trumps eyes are closed again Donald Trumps eyes are closed while juror selection gets underway, according to US media. It is unclear whether he is asleep. 07:58 PM BST Trial will last roughly six weeks Juan M. Merchan told jurors that the case will last roughly six weeks. Donald Trump will have to attend court for that time. 07:38 PM BST First potential jurors enter courtroom The first group of potential jurors, who have been drawn from the Manhattan area, have now entered the courtroom. Juan M. Merchan will deliver a summary of the case before lawyers on both sides evaluate their fitness to serve, based on a pre-agreed list of 42 questions. 07:22 PM BST Trump more animated after lunch Donald Trump seems more active now that he has returned from lunch, US media reports. Having appeared to have fallen asleep at least once in the proceedings earlier today, he has been talking with his defence team since they returned from the break. 07:04 PM BST Merchan delays ruling on alleged gag order violations Juan M. Merchan said he will hear arguments on whether Donald Trump should be punished for allegedly violating a gag order on Sunday, April 21. 06:50 PM BST Trump: Im proud to be here 06:39 PM BST Trump intimidating witnesses with sleazebag jibe, court hears Donald Trump attempted to intimidate key witnesses in his hush money case by labelling them sleazebags, the court heard. Joshua Steinglass, acting for the prosecution, claimed that the former president had mounted a thinly-veiled attempt to intimidate Stormy Daniels, the adult film star with whom he allegedly had an affair, and Michael Cohen, his former lawyer. In doing so, he argued, Mr Trump was attempting to keep witnesses off this stand and had violated a gag order imposed by the judge meant to protect witnesses from attacks. Todd Blanche, acting for Mr Trump, argued that he had been simply defending himself from attacks to his millions and millions of followers. Mr Trump has repeatedly tested the limits of the gag order in the days before he became the first US President to stand criminal trial. In addition to the sleazebag jibe, he called his former lawyer a disgraced attorney and felon and suggested he should be prosecuted for lying. Mr Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison in 2018 for tax evasion and campaign finance violations. 06:35 PM BST Court returns from lunch break Court has now resumed after breaking for lunch. 06:17 PM BST Biden will not issue statement on Trump trial Joe Biden is reportedly not going to comment on the start of Donald Trumps hush money trial today. Earlier today, Mr Trump alleged his political opponent was very much involved in his prosecution. 05:39 PM BST Court breaks for lunch The court has broken for lunch. It will resume at 6:30pm BST (1:30pm ET). 05:37 PM BST Trump may have violated gag order inside courthouse The prosecution has asked the judge to impose a sanction of $1,000 for every time Donald Trump violates the gag order. They also want him to order the former president to take down three offending Truth Social posts. One lawyer said he had been alerted to another such post from this morning, adding: Its entirely possible it was done inside this courthouse. The post in question shares and quotes a New York Post article which refers to Michael Cohen, the Trump lawyer turned government witness, as a serial perjurer. 05:32 PM BST Meet Juan Merchan, the judge in Donald Trumps hush money trial The judge overseeing the hush-money criminal case against Donald Trump has crossed legal paths with the former president before. In 2022 Justice Juan Manuel Merchan presided over the tax-fraud trial that led to the conviction of Allen Weisselberg, the Trump Organizations chief financial officer. He is also the judge in the fraud and money laundering case against top Trump ally Steve Bannon. But Mr Trumps hush-money trial, which started on Monday, is by far the highest profile case of Justice Merchans 17 years on the bench. Read the full article from Verity Bowman here. 05:20 PM BST Prosecutors can submit evidence on Trumps Cohen attacks Juan M. Merchan ruled that prosecutors can submit evidence on Donald Trumps attacks on Michael Cohen but only if the defence questions Mr Cohens credibility as a witness, US media reports. 05:16 PM BST Pictured: Trump returns to courtroom after break Donald Trump gives a thumbs up as he returns to the courtroom in Manhattan - Angela Weiss/Pool Photo via AP Donald Trump returns from a break as jury selection begins in his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court - Jeenah Moon-Pool/Getty Images 05:14 PM BST We have 500 jurors waiting on us Juan M. Merchan signalled he is keen to get on with the process of jury selection as the jury and prosecution battle over what evidence is admissible. We have about 500 jurors waiting on us. And to be honest with you I really am not interested in getting into this minutiae, he said, according to US media. 05:05 PM BST Trump proud to be in court for criminal trial Donald Trump said he was proud to be here when he headed into a Manhattan courthouse to become the first US President to stand criminal trial over alleged hush money payments. He told reporters before the trial started: Nobodys ever seen anything like it its a case that should never have been brought, its an assault on America. And thats why Im very proud to be here. This is an assault on our country. And its a country thats failing. Its a country thats run by an incompetent man whos very much involved in this case. This is very much an attack on a political opponent, thats all this is. Mr Trump has been charged with falsifying business records ahead of the 2016 election to cover up a $130,000 payment made to stop Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, talking about their alleged affair. He has pleaded not guilty and denied the affair. 05:03 PM BST How much will jury be told about Cohen guilty pleas? The prosecution and defence sparred over how much the jury can be told about Michael Cohens crimes after the court returned from a break.. A former lawyer for Mr Trump, now a government witness, Mr Cohen pleaded guilty to eight criminal counts including tax evasion and campaign finance violations in 2018. What the jury can be told is a crucial point in this case, because it may affect whether they view Mr Cohen as a credible witness against his former boss. 04:47 PM BST What else has Trump said about Michael Cohen? Donald Trump has tested the limits of the gag order impose by the court in recent days by attacking Michael Cohen, his former lawyer turned government witness. In addition to calling him a sleazebag, Mr Trump called Mr Cohen who was sentenced to three years in prison for tax evasion and campaign finance violations in 2018 as a disgraced attorney and felon. He wrote on his Truth Social platform, just days before the trial began: Has disgraced attorney and felon Michael Cohen been prosecuted for LYING? Only TRUMP people get prosecuted by this Judge and these thugs! 04:40 PM BST Pictured: Trump huddles with lawyer on first day of hush money trial Donald Trump sits with his attorney Todd Blanche before Justice Juan Merchan, at the beginning of his hush money trial - REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg/Pool 04:37 PM BST Trump back in courtroom after break Donald Trump has returned to the courtroom after a brief pause in the proceedings. 04:33 PM BST Prosecution: Trump violated gag order Joshua Steinglass, acting for the prosecution, argued that Donald Trump had violated a gag order by mounting a thinly-veiled effort to intimidate two key witnesses in the trial. He cites a post from Mr Trumps Truth Social platform in which he refers to two sleazebags Stormy Daniels, with whom he allegedly had an affair, and Michael Cohen, his former lawyer. The former president mounted a pressure campaign that was meant to keep witnesses off this stand, at this trial, Mr Steinglass argued. Todd Blanche, acting for Mr Trump, argued that he had been simply defending himself from attacks to his millions and millions of followers. 04:27 PM BST Judge allows testimony on Playboy model payment Juan M. Merchan said he will allow testimony on a payment to Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model, over an alleged affair with Donald Trump. Ms McDougal was paid $150,000 in 2016 by the parent company of the National Enquirer for the rights to her story following her alleged 10-month relationship with Mr Trump. The judge agreed with the prosecutions arguments, saying it would help prosecutors present a narrative and lay the proper foundation for their case. However, prosecutors will not be allowed to make reference to the fact that Melania Trump was pregnant at the time of the alleged affair. The former president denies having a relationship with Ms McDougal. 04:23 PM BST Merchan defends extensive questionnaire from Trump criticisms Donald Trumps legal team asked Juan M. Merchan to expand the questionnaire already 42 questions long used to select jurors for the former presidents hush money trial. The judge declined the request and dismissed arguments that the questions were weighted in favour of the prosecution. There is no asymmetry in the questionnaire when looked through the lens of what were trying to accomplish, he said. This is by far the most exhaustive questionnaire this court has ever used. 04:13 PM BST Pictured: Trump in court in criminal trial Donald Trump attends the first day of his hush money trial at Manhattan criminal court in New York - JEENAH MOON/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock 04:12 PM BST Prosecution cannot play Access Hollywood tape Juan M. Merchan reiterated his ruling that the prosecution cannot play the Access Hollywood footage. The tape itself should not come in, he said. 03:54 PM BST Prosecution wants to show Access Hollywood tape The prosecution has said it wants to introduce the Access Hollywood tape in which Donald Trump boasted he could grab women without consent prompting tensions to flare in the courtroom. It is attempting to suggest that the Trump campaign was determined to stop more damaging stories from surfacing ahead of the 2016 election, including his alleged affair with Stormy Daniels. Mr Trumps team hit back, arguing that the move would be too prejudicial, NBC News reports. 03:39 PM BST Trump asks for permission to attend sons graduation Donald Trumps lawyers have requested that the trial will not be held on May 17, so that he can attend his son Barrons high school graduation. Merchan said he was not prepared to rule on either request, but that if the trial proceeds as planned he would be willing to adjounr the trial. 03:38 PM BST There will be no doubt how jurors feel about Trump Juan M. Mechan has been asked by Donald Trumps legal team to identify whether prospective jurors are pro- or anti-Trump, US media reports. There will be no doubt how the prospective juror feels about Mr. Trump by the time theyre done with the questioning, he answers. Hundreds of prospective jurors will answer dozens of questions before potentially being selected, including whether they have read Mr Trumps books or use his social media platform. 03:25 PM BST Judge refuses request to recuse himself Juan M. Merchan, the judge overseeing Trumps hush money trial, has denied a request from Donald Trumps legal team to recuse himself from the case. 03:17 PM BST Pictured: Trump speaks to media on first day of trial Donald Trump attends the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments - ANGELA WEISS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images 03:10 PM BST Court now in session The court is now in sessions. Judge Juan Merchan has entered the courtroom and is now on the bench. 02:57 PM BST Trump attacks crooked judge ahead of trial Donald Trump attacked the crooked judge presiding over his hush money case just hours before he became the first US President to stand criminal trial. Mr Trump claimed the proceedings were rigged against him and complained about a gag order that Juan M. Merchan imposed which bans him from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and jurors. I want my VOICE back, he wrote on his Truth Social platform. This Crooked Judge has GAGGED me. Unconstitutional! The other side can talk about me, but I am not allowed to talk about them. Rigged trial! Mr Trump has been charged with falsifying business records ahead of the 2016 election to cover up a $130,000 payment made to stop Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, talking about their alleged affair. He has pleaded not guilty and denied the affair. Mr Trump wrote in a separate post on Monday morning: Why didnt they bring this totally discredited lawsuit 7 years ago??? Election Interference. 02:48 PM BST Its an assault on America Before heading into the Manhattan courthouse, Donald Trump told reporters: Nobodys ever seen anything like it its a case that should never have been brought, its an assault on America. And thats why Im very proud to be here. This is an assault on our country. And its a country thats failing. Its a country thats run by an incompetent man whos very much involved in this case. This is very much an attack on a political opponent, thats all this is. 02:36 PM BST Trumps hush money trial gets underway Donald Trumps hush money case, the first of his four criminal indictments to come to trial, has now begun. Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom. 02:08 PM BST Trump arrives at court Donald Trump has now arrived at the Manhattan courthouse where he will stand trial for allegedly falsifying business records ahead of the 2016 election. 02:02 PM BST What time does the trial begin? Donald Trumps hush money case will begin in Manhattan at 2:30pm BST (9:30 ET). The former presidents motorcade is currently heading through New York to the courthouse. 02:00 PM BST What will happen in court today? The first two weeks of the trial are expected to be devoted to jury selection: picking out the 12 men and women who will decide whether to convict Donald Trump. Hundreds of potential jurors, drawn from Manhattan, will answer a list of 42 questions that has been fought over by both sides and selected by the judge, Juan M. Merchan. They will be asked about their education level, employment, whether they belong to any extremist groups. what news they consume, and what social media sites they use including Mr Trumps Truth Social platform. Whether they have listened to podcasts by Michael Cohen, Mr Trumps former lawyer and a key witness in the case, will also be considered. 01:43 PM BST Trump leaves Trump Tower Donald Trump has now left Trump Tower to head to the New York courthouse where he will stand criminal trial. He waved and clenched his fist, did not issue any comments to the waiting media before his convoy departed. Donald Trump departs Trump Tower for Manhattan Criminal Court, to attend the first day of his hush money trial - CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images 01:42 PM BST Welcome to the live blog Hello and welcome to our live coverage as Donald Trumps hush money trial gets underway. Benedict Smith here. Well be bringing you the latest updates as he becomes the first US President to stand criminal trial. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Trump before his historic NY criminal trial begins: This is an assault on America. ... I'm very honored to be here. Donald Trump on Monday called his New York hush money payments trial the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president an assault on America, but said he was still very proud to be here. This is political persecution. This is a persecution like never before. Nobody's ever seen anything like it, Trump said before he entered a Manhattan courtroom for day 1 of jury selection in his trial. It's a case that should have never been brought. The charges stem from a $130,000 payment that Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels at the end of the 2016 election to stop her from going public with an allegation that she and Trump had an affair. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records. The former president has denied the affair and pleaded not guilty to the charges, which he has repeatedly called politically motivated. Jury selection is expected to take at least a few days and potentially even a few weeks. Former President Trumps trial stemming from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs investigation into alleged hush money payments ahead of the 2016 presidential election is set to begin Monday with jury selection. The trial in New York City is the first of the election year for the 2024 presumptive Republican presidential nominee. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all counts. TRUMP FILES MOTION REQUESTING JUDGE IN HUSH MONEY TRIAL BE RECUSED AMID DAUGHTER'S DEMOCRAT-AFFILIATED WORK Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan is presiding over the trial. Trump's legal team had filed a motion requesting that Merchan be recused from the trial due to his daughter's Democrat-affiliated political work and the judge's alleged "hostility" against the 2024 presumptive Republican presidential nominee. Bragg, last April, charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. The charges are related to alleged hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. The DA alleged that Trump "repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential election." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Former President Trump is shown in New York City on March 25, 2024. "During the election, Trump and others employed a catch and kill scheme to identify, purchase, and bury negative information about him and boost his electoral prospects," Bragg alleged in the indictment last year. "TRUMP then went to great lengths to hide this conduct, causing dozens of false entries in business records to conceal criminal activity, including attempts to violate state and federal election laws." TRUMP PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO 34 FELONY COUNTS OF FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS LINKED TO 2016 HUSH MONEY PAYMENTS According to New York state law, a charge of falsifying business records in the first degree alleges that the defendant committed a crime of falsifying business records with the intent to defraud. The intent to defraud would be an intent to commit another crime. In 2019, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York investigated the matter and opted not to charge Trump related to the alleged payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. The Federal Election Commission also tossed its investigation into the matter in 2021. Bragg alleged that Trump, from August 2015 to December 2017, "orchestrated a catch and kill scheme through a series of payments that he then concealed through months of false business entries." TRUMP TRIALS: HERES WHERE EACH CASE AGAINST FORMER PRESIDENT AND PRESUMPTIVE GOP NOMINEE STANDS Bragg further alleged that American Media Inc., the parent company of the National Enquirer, paid $30,000 to a former Trump Tower doorman who claimed to have a story about a child whom Trump had out of wedlock. The DA also alleged that American Media Inc. paid $150,000 to a woman who alleged a sexual relationship with Trump. Bragg appeared to refer to McDougal. A newspaper features a picture of former President Trump following his indictment by a grand jury in relation to hush money payments in New York City on March 31, 2023. Bragg also alleged that Trump "explicitly directed a lawyer," an apparent reference to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to "reimburse" American Media Inc. in cash. He alleged that Cohen, "12 days before the presidential general election," wired $130,000 to an attorney for an adult film actress an apparent reference to Daniels. DONALD TRUMP AND STORMY DANIELS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Cohen, in 2019, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison for violating campaign finance laws related to the payments, among other federal charges. Cohen pleaded guilty to arranging the payments but maintains that Trump directed them. Bragg alleged that after the election, Trump reimbursed Cohen through a series of monthly checks "first from the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust created in New York to hold the Trump Organizations assets during TRUMPs presidency and later from TRUMPs bank account. In total, 11 checks were issued for a phony purpose." Stormy Daniels sits down with Piers Morgan for an interview available on Fox Nation. "Nine of those checks were signed by TRUMP," Bragg charged. "Each check was processed by the Trump Organization and illegally disguised as a payment for legal services rendered pursuant to a non-existent retainer agreement." JUDGE DELAYS TRUMP'S HUSH MONEY TRIAL AMID LAST-MINUTE EVIDENCE DUMP BY FEDS "In total, 34 false entries were made in New York business records to conceal the initial covert $130,000 payment. Further, participants in the scheme took steps that mischaracterized, for tax purposes, the true nature of the reimbursements." Bragg, who stepped in as district attorney in the middle of the investigation first led by then-DA Cyrus Vance, initially signaled that he would drop the case and not bring charges against Trump. Prosecutors in the office resigned from their posts due to his stance on the matter and launched a public pressure campaign. The trial was set to begin on March 25 but was delayed due to new materials turned over to the prosecution and Trumps defense by the Department of Justice. Those materials were used during the federal investigation into the matter in 2018 and 2019. TRUMP TARGETED: A LOOK AT THE INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING THE FORMER PRESIDENT, FROM RUSSIA TO MAR-A-LAGO Trumps legal team sought to further delay the case, and even toss it altogether, arguing that the trial should not take place until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the issue of presidential immunity. Merchan denied Trumps request and deemed it "untimely." Lawyers for the presumptive Republican nominee had asked to adjourn the New York trial indefinitely until Trump's immunity claim in his Washington, D.C., election interference case is resolved. The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments this month and issue a ruling in mid-June. TRUMP SAYS DA BRAGG'S 'OBSESSION' WITH TRYING TO 'GET TRUMP' WILL 'BACKFIRE' AFTER GRAND JURY INDICTMENT Trump contends that he is immune from prosecution for conduct alleged to involve official acts during his tenure in office. His lawyers argue that some of the evidence and alleged acts in the hush money case overlap with his time in the White House and constitute official acts. An appeals court upheld Merchan's denial. Meanwhile, Merchan, who the Trump legal team has argued should recuse himself from the case, granted Braggs request and imposed a gag order on the former president and 2024 presumptive Republican presidential nominee. Trump's lawyers have said Merchan's daughter, Loren Merchan, "has a direct financial interest in these proceedings by virtue of her ownership stake and leadership role at Authentic Campaigns, Inc." They said she "services exclusively Democrat clients" and is the "#21 ranked vendor in the country in connection with the 2024 election." "In 2019, Ms. Merchan made public statements during a podcast regarding a conversation with Your Honor that reflect bias against President Trump from both speakers in that exchange," Blanche wrote Friday. "Consistent with that conversation, President Biden and Vice President Harris are long-term clients of Authentic and Ms. Merchan, along with many other politicians and entities who are actively campaigning and advocating against President Trump right now." Trump's attorney also said that at least six of Authentics clients "used fundraising solicitations that referenced this case around the time of the Indictment, President Trumps arraignment, or following the Courts denial of President Trumps recusal motion." CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Bragg, last year, was the first to indict Trump. His trial is the first of four indictments facing the former president and presumptive nominee. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges in all four cases against him one led by Bragg; two led by Special Counsel Jack Smith; and one led by Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis. Original article source: Trump hush money trial begins in New York City with jury selection UPDATED with jury selection info: When networks and other news outlets descend on the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse today for opening statements in Donald Trumps latest trial, much will be made of the fact that this is a moment like no other: A former president, before a jury, facing criminal proceedings. The case itself has been referred to as the hush money case or the Stormy Daniels case, far sexier titles than the underlying issues involved: Falsification of business records. More from Deadline That isnt to say there hasnt been drama, as Trumps relentless attacks on the judge and his family members, along with potential witnesses, signaled raucous moments in the courtroom, just as was seen as he faced civil proceedings in cases brought by writer E. Jean Carroll and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Last week, as a jury of seven men and five women were selected, Judge Juan Merchan scolded Trumps attorneys to keep their client quiet. With Trump muttering at one point as a potential juror was being questioned, the judge warned against juror intimidation. At other points, Trump had to sit and listen as a succession of potential jurors explained past derogatory social media posts about the former president, or simply said what they didnt like about him. And according to The New York Times Maggie Haberman, at other instances, Trump dozed off. Outside the courthouse, there has been a presence of a handful of demonstrators, but the scene took an alarming turn when a man set himself on fire, a moment captured on CNN and other news outlets. Trumps latest trial is the first after he was indicted four times last year on separate criminal charges, with other cases pending in Florida, Washington, D.C. and in Georgia. That he faces more than 80 separate counts has made for a confusing legal landscape, especially since the scheduling has put into doubt whether any of the remaining cases will go to trial before the election showdown with Joe Biden. Trump himself has claimed that the sheer number of charges against him is evidence of anti-Trump bias, a line that he will likely repeat over and over again just outside the New York courtroom. Heres a rundown of what the case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is about and what to expect: What is Trump being charged with? The former president was indicted last year on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a felony. The charges have to do with the way that Trump allegedly concealed hush money payments made in advance of the 2016 presidential election. Those included $130,000 that Trumps then-attorney Michael Cohen paid to actress Stormy Daniels, who alleged that she had an affair with Trump, something he has denied. Payments to others allegedly were part of a scheme in which American Media Inc., the parent company of the National Enquirer, paid former Playboy model Karen McDougal $150,000 for her story, then sidelined her public accusations against Trump. That is part of a catch and kill scheme in which the Enquirer would buy up embarrassing stories to suppress them. Cohen was to then reimburse AMI for the payments, although that never happened. Stormy Daniels Why prosecutors say the hush money payments were illegal People are paid all the time to keep quiet about embarrassing details and legal settlements, so paying hush money is not inherently against the law. What is against the law, according to prosecutors, was Trumps alleged effort to conceal the payments in Trump Organization business records. According to the indictment, Cohen was reimbursed via checks processed by the Trump Organization, but they were disguised as payments for legal services under a retainer agreement that did not exist. The burden is on prosecutors to show not only that Trump made or caused the falsified business records, but also did so with the intent to conceal another crime. Cohen already has served prison time after he pleaded guilty to charges related to the payments, as they were considered illegal campaign contributions, or something meant to benefit Trump in his presidential campaign. What happens today With the jury seated, the judge plans to move to opening statements. He also is expected to rule on a series of motions at the outset, having to do with the types of evidence that prosecutors can bring in the case. The New York Times reported that David Pecker, the former CEO of National Enquirer parent American Media, is expected to be the first witness to testify. That is a signal that prosecutors plan to emphasize that the purpose of the hush money payments was to influence the outcome of the 2016 election. Will Trumps trial be televised? No. There will be no cameras in the courtroom for this one. In fact, short of lining up in the wee hours to get one of the few seats to witness the trial in person, you wont be able to see the trial at all except for a couple of photographs every day. Despite the stakes of the case in the middle of an election year, as well as its historic importance, New York generally restricts cameras in the courtroom. Merchan is allowing a limited pool to take shots of the scene before the proceedings began, as he did for Trumps arraignment last year. That means that other visuals are likely to come from courtroom sketch artists, with reporters left to offer descriptive accounts in their own breaks from the proceedings. Donald Trump How long is the trial? Thats not always easy to discern, but estimates are anywhere from six to eight weeks. And who knows how long that jury could take deliberating to come up with a verdict behind closed doors. So, this hush money trial could be over just a couple of weeks before the Republican National Convention opens in Milwaukee on July 15. Awkward. What sentence does Trump face? Each count carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison. But there is some doubt that Trump, if convicted, would face anywhere near that, or even jail time at all, given that he is not a repeat offender. Each count also carries a fine of up to $5,000. For Trump to be convicted on any of the counts, all 12 jurors must find him guilty. Trump also faces the possibility of sanctions or some other type of punishment as he is under a partial gag order from the judge. Trump has attacked the judge and his daughter, as well as likely witnesses in the case. Trump has continued to attack Daniels and Cohen and, although the judge has not acted on those latest remarks, the situation could very well change once the trial commences. Merchan plans a hearing this week on prosecutors motion to fine Trump for violations of the gag order. Who is the judge? Merchan told the AP last month that theres no agenda here. We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. Trump has blasted Merchan as biased, and the former presidents attorneys have cited the judges presiding over a tax fraud case against the Trump Organization, which resulted in a $1.6 million fine. Despite efforts by Trumps team to remove Merchan from the trial, higher courts have declined to do so. Who is expected to testify? Its expected that Cohen and Daniels will be among the star witnesses, along with McDougal. There are also reports that Hope Hicks, once a close adviser to Trump, will be called as a witness. Unclear is whether Trump himself will testify, but he did take the stand in Carrolls defamation trial earlier this year. As a criminal defendant, he is required to be at each days proceedings and Trump is now fully aware that he has the medias attention with every scowl and utterance, in or out of the courtroom. Hes passed up few opportunities to comment on the case in between breaks, calling the case a scam and attacking the judge and Bragg. Dominic Patten contributed to this report. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Whos who in the Trump hush money trial? Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels could be key witnesses Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who faces business fraud charges after allegedly disguising hush money payments as legal expenses. It is the first time a former U.S. president will sit for a criminal trial. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up $130,000 paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to stay quiet about a previous sexual encounter they had. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Trump's trial is expected to last several weeks, and, if convicted, he could be sentenced to prison. While witnesses aren't confirmed, these people could be key to know in the trial: Donald Trump trial live updates: Testimony to continue on Cohen hush money recording Stormy Daniels Adult-film actress Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels speaks US Federal Court with her lawyer Michael Avenatti (R) on April 16, 2018, in Lower Manhattan, New York. President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen has been under criminal investigation for months over his business dealings, and FBI agents last week raided his home, hotel room, office, a safety deposit box and seized two cellphones. Some of the documents reportedly relate to payments to porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims a one-night stand with Trump a decade ago, and ex Playboy model Karen McDougal who also claims an affair Stormy Daniels, born Stephanie Clifford, is an adult film star. Role in the case: Daniels claims she had an affair with Trump in 2006, months after Melania Trump gave birth to Barron Trump. Michael Cohen paid her $130,000 to stay quiet about the alleged affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Previous legal battles: Daniels sued to cancel the non-disclosure agreement signed 11 days before the election, which was dismissed in 2020 She also sued Trump for defamation in 2018 over some of his tweets, but that lawsuit was also thrown out. Quote: "Originally I just did this for purely (expletive) selfish reasons. I wanted to stand up for myself and save my own ass, not anyone else's," Daniels said in a recently released documentary "Stormy," according to People. Karen McDougal Actress Karen McDougal arrives at the launch party on October 15, 2004 in West Hollywood, California. She is expected to be a witness in Donald Trump's hush money criminal trial. Karen McDougal is a former Playboy model. Role in the case: McDougal indirectly received a hush money payment in 2016 after claiming to have an affair with Donald Trump. Cohen funneled the money through the National Enquirer under a "catch and kill" approach, paying the tabloid to buy rights to her story and prevent her from telling anyone else about it. Previous legal involvement: The National Enquirer, owned by American Media Inc., was fined $187,500 by the Federal Election Commission for paying McDougal $150,000 for exclusive rights to her story with the intent of influencing the election. McDougal also sued the company. She has since spoken out about her affair with Trump, saying it lasted for 10 months starting in 2006. Quote: "AMI lied to me, made empty promises and repeatedly intimidated and manipulated me," McDougal said in a statement previously provided to USA TODAY. "I just want the opportunity to set the record straight and move on with my life, free from this company, its executives and its lawyers." More: Alvin Bragg, Stormy Daniels, Michael Cohen: Meet the key players in Manhattan DA's Trump case Michael Cohen Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's longtime personal attorney, testifies before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Feb. 27, 2019, in Washington. He is expected to testify in Donald Trump's hush money case starting April 15, 2024. Michael Cohen is the longtime lawyer and political fixer for Trump, but he has become an open critic of him in recent years. Role in the case: Cohen paid $280,000 to silence two women in 2016. "Everything was done with the knowledge and at the direction of Mr. Trump," Cohen testified under oath at a House hearing. Previous legal involvement: In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to concealing more than $4 million from the IRS and "causing $280,000 in payments to be made to silence two women who otherwise planned to speak publicly about their alleged affairs with a presidential candidate, thereby intending to influence the 2016 presidential election," according to court records. Quote: This is not revenge, right?" Cohen has said, as previously reported. "This is all about accountability. (Trump) needs to be held accountable for his dirty deeds. More: Meet Michael Cohen, the liar and felon who might help convict his former boss, Donald Trump Hope Hicks Hope Hicks smiles at US President Donald Trump during a Make America Great Again rally at Dubuque Regional Airport on November 1, 2020, in Dubuque, Iowa. She was the White House communications director until March 2018. Hicks was the Trump 2016 presidential campaign press secretary and later became the communications director in Trump's White House until February 2018. Role in the case: Hicks may have been in touch with Cohen about preventing Daniels from going public, court records show. Her lawyer has previously denied Hicks's involvement in the hush money payments. Previous legal involvement: On Oct. 8, 2016, Trump Hicks and Cohen spoke on the phone, records show. That day and those conversations have become key in Cohen's conviction for issuing the hush money payments. Hicks has said she was not present for discussions about Daniels, and only learned about the upcoming scandal through reporters, CNN reported. Quote: "Again, I had no knowledge of Stormy Daniels other than to say she was going to be mentioned in the story amongst people that were shopping stories around, Hicks testified before the House Judiciary Committee, according to CNN. More: Hope Hicks testimony: Trump insider expected to testify in New York hush money trial Contributing: Aysha Bagchi, Josh Meyer, Bart Jansen, Erin Kelly; Kristine Phillips, Kevin Johnson, Nicholas Wu, Jessica Estepa, Christal Hayes, Matthew Brown; USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who are the witnesses in Trump's hush money trial? Key players to know On Monday, 15 April 2024, Donald Trump went to Manhattan court for his trial in Manhattan, making him the first US president, former or present, to face a criminal jury. More than 500 prospective jurors have been summoned to Manhattan supreme court in preparation for a selection process that could span days. Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, in spring 2023 charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records over an alleged hush-money scheme involving the adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy playmate Karen McDougal. The charge is a class E felony. Related: For all his bombast, Trump is plummeting financially, legally and politically | Lloyd Green Braggs office contends that Trump facilitated payoffs to the women through his then attorney, Michael Cohen, to cover up alleged extramarital liaisons that could have damaged his candidacy in the 2016 election. They say that the illicit catch and kill payoff scheme spanned from August 2015 to December 2017. Cohen in 2018 pleaded guilty to federal charges in Manhattan related to his involvement in that particular scheme, among other crimes. Trump has maintained his innocence. As with the other criminal and civil cases against him, Trump has largely claimed these proceedings are a politically motivated witch-hunt, intended to impede his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election. Here are the key points in Manhattan prosecutors case against Trump. The Stormy Daniels allegation Prosecutors charge that Cohen wired $130,000 to Daniels then attorney just 12 days before the presidential election. Cohen funneled the money by making the payoff through a shell company, which was funded through a New York City bank, prosecutors say. When Trump won the election, prosecutors continue, he repaid Cohen in a series of monthly checks. Initially, those checks came from the Donald J Trump Revocable Trust which was launched in New York to retain the presidents namesake companys assets during his time in the White House. Then, payments to Cohen came from Trumps bank account, per court papers. Prosecutors say that 11 checks were doled out for this spurious purpose and that Trump signed nine of them; the Trump Organization processed each of these checks disguised as a payment for legal services rendered pursuant to a non-existent retainer agreement. Trumps alleged passing off hush-money payouts as remittance for legal work made and caused a false entry in the business records of an enterprise, prosecutors say in the counts of his indictment. This was done, they say, with intent to defraud and intent to commit another crime and aid and conceal the commission thereof . Prosecutors say there were a total of 34 phoney ledger entries to hide the purpose of this covert payment. They also contend that those who partook in the scheme plotted to mischaracterize these disbursements for taxes. The Karen McDougal accusation In another alleged catch-and-kill operation, AMI, the publisher of the National Enquirer, paid $150,000 to McDougal. The former adult model claims to have had a sexual relationship with Trump, per Manhattan prosecutors. AMI, which entered into a non-prosecution agreement with Manhattan federal prosecutors amid the Cohen investigation, contacted Cohen after McDougals attorney reached out to the National Enquirer, hoping to sell her story. AMI entered into an agreement with McDougal to buy the limited life rights to her account of a relationship with any married man, per the non-prosecution agreement. AMI agreed to feature the model on two magazine covers and that it could run more than 100 magazine articles authored by McDougal. AMI entered into the August 2016 deal with McDougal to publish features and articles but had no intention of running them, as the agreement was to suppress the models story so as to prevent it from influencing the election, federal prosecutors also say. Manhattan state prosecutors contend that Trump explicitly directed Cohen to repay AMI with cash. Cohen, in turn, told Trump that AMI should be reimbursed through a shell company. The media company owned by the longtime Trump ally David Pecker decided in the end not to accept reimbursement following consultations with their counsel, the Manhattan DAs office says. The doormans claim Around October or November 2015, Pecker learned that an ex-Trump Tower doorman was trying to peddle information about a child Trump allegedly fathered out of wedlock. Under Peckers direction, AMI agreed to pay him $30,000 for the exclusive rights to his story, prosecutors claim. AMI, per Manhattan prosecutors, falsely characterized this payment in AMIs books and records, including in its general ledger. The publisher brokered this deal without investigating it, and later learned the account was untrue. While Pecker wanted to release the ex-doorman from this deal, Cohen told him not to do so until after the election. He agreed, per prosecutors. The longtime agreement among Trump, Cohen and Pecker Manhattan prosecutors describe the catch-and-kill scheme as having roots in summer 2015. About two months after Trump announced his candidacy, he, Pecker and Cohen met at Trump Tower. Pecker, prosecutors say, agreed to help with Trumps presidential bid and vowed to act as his eyes and ears by tracking negative stories and flagging them to Cohen before they broke. Pecker, prosecutors say, also agreed to run negative stories about Trumps opponents. This alleged agreement appeared to play heavily into Peckers decision to buy the doormans story despite failing to investigate it first. Pecker directed that the deal take place because of his agreement with Trump and Cohen, prosecutors say in court papers. The Access Hollywood tape Trump and his cronies were concerned about damaging information for more than one year before the election, but pressure intensified on 7 October 2016. On that date, the Washington Post published audio in which Trump boasted he could grope women without their consent due to his fame. You know, Im automatically attracted to beautiful I just start kissing them. Its like a magnet. Just kiss. I dont even wait. And when youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything, Trump said in the recording. Grab em by the pussy. You can do anything. The audio, in a video excerpt from an Access Hollywood taping, made Trump concerned that the tape would harm his viability as a candidate and reduce his standing with female voters in particular. AMI caught wind of Daniels account shortly after the tape became public. AMIs editor-in-chief contacted Cohen, and connected him with Daniels attorney at the time. In court papers, prosecutors say that Trump tried to stall the Daniels payoff for as long as possible. Trump told Cohen that if he could delay the exchange until after the election, they might be able to avoid giving her any money, because at that point it would not matter if the story became public. But, with pressure mounting and the election approaching, Trump agreed to pay off Daniels and told Cohen to go forward. Trumps lawyers pushed unsuccessfully for the Access Hollywood tape to be excluded from the trial. Court papers say the tape helps establish defendants intent and motive for making the payment to Daniels and then, attempting to conceal them. Trump Is Furious He May Not Get Day Off Trial for Barron's Graduation Donald Trump may not be given a day off from his criminal hush money trial to attend his son Barrons high school graduation in Florida, Judge Juan Merchan said on Monday. The former president had asked for the proceedings to be suspended on Friday, May 17 so he could attend the ceremony, but his request fell flat. It really depends on if we are on time and where we are in the trial, Merchan said, without ruling explicitly on the request. If Trump plays hooky and attends the graduation anyway, he will be jailed, Merchan added. After the days proceedings concluded, Trump addressed reporters in the hallway outside the courtroom. Looks like the judge will not let me go to the graduation of my son whos worked very, very hard, and he is a great student, Trump said. Im very proud that he did so well and Im looking[he] was looking forward for years to have his graduation with his mother and father there. It looks like the judge will not allow me to escape this scam, the scam trial. Trump then complained that he was not being afforded a fair shake, rambling about his presidential immunity claim pending before the Supreme Court, people across the United States being mugged and killed all day long while prosecutors handle his case. Its perfect for the radical left Democratsthats exactly what they want, he added. This is about election interference, and thats all its about. He quickly posted a similar screed to his Truth Social account, inquiring in part: Who will explain for me, to my wonderful son, Barron, who is a GREAT Student at a fantastic School, that his Dad will likely not be allowed to attend his Graduation Ceremony? Seems very unfair, doesnt it? But this whole event is unfair, he added. Trump on Monday became the first former U.S. president to face a criminal trial, after being charged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg with 34 felony counts for falsifying business records in an alleged coverup of a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016. The embattled ex-president also began the day with a bitter diatribe about the trial, addressing reporters gathered outside the 15th-floor courtroom with a firehose of misinformation about the situation being political persecution... like never before, and that it was not a prosecution of him for something he did wrong, but rather, an assault on America. And thats why Im very proud to be here, he said. This is an assault on our country. And its a country thats failing. Trump was spotted falling asleep at the defense table during the morning session, and again seemed to doze off after lunch, sitting with his arms crossed tightly and his eyes shut. He did not move for nearly three minutes, save for his head lolling to one side, before suddenly snapping awake and shifting around in an irritated manner. Prosecutors earlier asked Merchan to enforce a gag order they say Trump recently violated at least three times, with social media posts going after, among others, his own former lawyer and trial witness Michael Cohen. They requested Merchan fine Trump $1,000 for each offending post, and although the judge did not yet make a decision on next steps, he reminded Trump that further violations could result in jail time. he reminded. Trump has denied the charges. Jury selection began Monday, with more than half of nearly 100 prospective jurors being dismissed after they said they could not be impartial. The proceedings later adjourned for the day without any jurors having been chosen. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Nikki Haley, who was the final rival to former President Trump in the Republican nomination race before ending her White House bid last month, is joining a leading conservative think tank known for focusing on international affairs and national security. Haley, the former two-term South Carolina governor who served as ambassador to the United Nations in the Trump administration, is joining the Washington, D.C.-based Hudson Institute. "Nikki is a proven, effective leader on both foreign and domestic policy," Hudson President and CEO John P. Walters said in a statement Monday. "In an era of worldwide political upheaval, she has remained a steadfast defender of freedom and an effective advocate for American security and prosperity. We are honored to have her join the Hudson team." During her White House bid, Haley advocated a muscular U.S. foreign policy to deal with global hot spots such as the war between Russia and Ukraine and the fighting between Israel and Hamas, often offering a stark contrast with Trump's American First agenda of keeping the nation out of international entanglements. WHAT KIND OF FUTURE DOES HALEY HAVE IN A TRUMP DOMINATED GOP? Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, during an election night watch party in Charleston, South Carolina, on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. Haley traded fire over America's overseas role with rival Vivek Ramanswamy, an advocate of Trump's America First philosophy, during the GOP presidential primary debates. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "When our policymakers fail to call out our enemies or acknowledge the importance of our alliances, the world is less safe. That is why Hudsons work is so critical," Haley said. "They believe the American people should have the facts and policymakers should have the solutions to support a secure, free, and prosperous future. I look forward to partnering with them to defend the principles that make America the greatest country in the world." HALEY ENDS HER WHITE HOUSE BID BUT DECLINES TO ENDORSE TRUMP Haley, who received the Hudson Institute's global leadership award in 2018 during her tenure as U.N. ambassador, will serve as the institute's Walter P. Stern Chair. According to the Hudson Institute, the position was created four years ago to commemorate a former chair "who was instrumental in making Hudson one of Washingtons most respected research organizations." The institute emphasized that "it is fitting that Nikki has taken on this title" because "she is a courageous and insightful policymaker." Nikki Haley announced her 2024 bid for President on Feb.15, 2023, in Charleston, South Carolina, in front of a crowd of several hundred supporters. Haley launched her presidential campaign in February of last year, becoming the first major candidate to challenge Trump, who had announced his candidacy three months earlier. Additionally, she was the final rival to Trump, battling the former president in a two-candidate showdown from the New Hampshire primary in late January through Super Tuesday in early March. Haley announced that she was suspending her White House campaign on March 6, the day after Trump swept 14 of 15 GOP nominating contests on Super Tuesday. However, Haley made it clear when she exited the Republican presidential nomination race that she intends to keep speaking out. Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks as she announces she is suspending her campaign, in Charleston, South Carolina, March 6, 2024. "While I will no longer be a candidate, I will not stop using my voice for the things I believe in," she emphasized as she spoke at her presidential campaign headquarters on Daniel Island, in her hometown of Charleston. To date, Haley has declined to endorse Trump. "It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond it who did not support him. And I hope he does that," Haley said last month, as she pointed to those who supported her during her White House run. "This is now his time for choosing," she emphasized. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: Trumps last GOP rival lands new gig after failed 2024 presidential bid Trump makes one last presidential immunity argument to the U.S. Supreme Court Lawyers for former President Donald Trump on Monday, April 15, 2024, made their case to the U.S. Supreme Court for his claims of presidential immunity. In this photo, Trump looks on during a campaign event on Dec. 19, 2023 in Waterloo, Iowa. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Hours after Donald Trump sat in a New York courtroom and became the first former president in U.S. history to be a defendant in a criminal trial Monday, his attorneys filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court renewing his claim of absolute presidential immunity in another criminal case against him. In a reply brief responding to Justice Department special counsel Jack Smiths argument last week that former presidents should not be immune from criminal prosecution, Trumps attorneys, led by D. John Sauer of St. Louis, repeated their claim that the framers of the Constitution intended presidents to be immune from prosecution unless they were first impeached and removed from office. Smith argued last week that because impeachment was inherently political, former presidents must be legally accountable under a separate, apolitical process in courts. Calling Trumps argument a radical departure from democracy, Smith said the absolute immunity standard would place the president above the law. Impeachment was insufficient on its own, Smith said, because a president may escape conviction in the U.S. Senate simply because of the partisan makeup of that chamber. But Trumps attorneys said Monday that Smiths argument missed the point of impeachment as a check and balance on executive power. The process is intended to be political, and difficult to achieve, they wrote. That is the point, they wrote. The Framers required a nationwide political consensus reflected in a two-thirds vote of the Senate before authorizing the potentially Republic-shattering act of prosecuting a President for his official acts. The Supreme Court case is part of a pretrial effort by Trumps attorneys to dismiss a federal criminal case accusing him of pressuring state officials, the Justice Department and then-Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 election results, then allowing a mob of supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol. Trump, who is again the presumptive Republican nominee for president, has claimed absolute immunity from prosecution for his role, saying it was part of his official duties to guard against election fraud. Trump and his allies brought dozens of suits alleging election fraud, but presented no evidence that fraud had virtually any impact on the 2020 results. Trump won acquittal in a 2021 Senate trial for the same actions hes accused of in the underlying federal criminal case when only seven of the 50 GOP senators at the time voted with all Democrats for conviction. Two-thirds of the Senate must vote to impeach. Malfeasance may go unpunished The framers of the Constitution wanted a strong executive and were willing to trade some criminal accountability of the president to gain it, Trumps attorneys wrote Monday. The system of impeachment was part of that goal, they said. When the Framers erected the formidable hurdle of impeachment and conviction, they assumed the risk that some Presidential misfeasance might go unpunished, they wrote. Presidents are subject to common prosecution for private acts, Trumps attorneys wrote, but can only be prosecuted for official acts through impeachment. Trump has long contended his actions on and leading up to Jan. 6, 2021, seeking to block the certification of his election loss in November 2020 should be considered official acts. Trumps legal team also said Monday that federal criminal courts, with judges appointed and confirmed by the elected branches of government, were not apolitical alternatives to impeachment, as Smith suggested. They referred to three other criminal charges the former president faces, which they said were hyper-politicized. In light of not one, but four, hyper-politicized prosecutions pending against President Trump in addition to politically motivated civil cases this argument cannot be taken seriously, they wrote. The brief came on the first day of the first criminal case against Trump to go to trial. That case, in New York state, alleges Trump falsified business records to hide hush money payments made to an adult film star during his first run for the White House in 2016. He is also accused in Georgia state court of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results in that state. And a federal grand jury in South Florida indicted him for mishandling and storing in unsecured areas classified documents from his time in office. Trump has sought to employ the criminal allegations to his political advantage, using them to reinforce his message that he is being targeted by a corrupt system. Oral arguments soon The Trump teams reply brief was the last from either party before oral arguments, scheduled for April 25. Trump will not be at the Supreme Court for the arguments, as he will be expected at his trial in New York. Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing that case, denied Trumps requested absence that day to attend the Supreme Court hearing, according to reports. The case arrived at the Supreme Court after the trial judge in the case, Tanya Chutkan, a federal judge for the District of Columbia, in December rejected Trumps motion to dismiss the charges under the presidential immunity argument. Trump appealed that ruling, but a unanimous federal appeals court upheld Chutkans decision in February. The trial has been on hold while the appeal on the immunity claim is pending. The post Trump makes one last presidential immunity argument to the U.S. Supreme Court appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch. (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps social media startup tumbled on Monday, extending a two-week slump, after the company took a first step toward allowing the former president and other insiders to capitalize on their stakes. Most Read from Bloomberg Trump Media & Technology Group Corp., parent of Truth Social, filed to register shares, including those linked to warrants. The move could ultimately bring forward sales from insiders that are currently not permitted until September. The stock slumped 18% to $26.61, cutting its year-to-date gain to 52%, after touching the lowest level since before Trumps rival Ron DeSantis quit the primary race in January. DeSantiss exit sparked an 88% spike to extend a rally that began after Trumps victory in the Iowa caucuses. The firm behind Truth Social has captivated individual investors who piled into the stock as a way to show support for Trumps 2024 re-election campaign. While the stock soared some 270% in the lead up to and start of its trading this year. It has tumbled more than 65% from a debut intraday peak. Warrants, which are tied to the stock and can be exchanged with cash for shares of the company, sank 15% to $11.62. The company has had its market value slashed by more than $5 billion from a peak after debuting in March. The slump means the paper windfall for the former president has dropped to $2.1 billion from more than $5 billion in a matter of weeks. However, if the stock can hold above the $17.50 mark, Trump and insiders would be in line to get an additional 40 million shares to divvy up. Even after the latest slide, that so-called earnout would be worth $1.1 billion. The company registered as many as 146 million common shares, as well as up to 21 million shares that are issuable upon the exercise of warrants. The filing also registered up to 4 million warrants to purchase common stock. All securities being registered are either held by or underlie securities held by existing holders of Trump Media. Blank-Check A filing to register shares for resale is normal for blank-check deals, like the one Trump Media completed last month to be a public company. It is worth noting that the filing doesnt necessarily indicate that a sale has begun, or will occur in the future. Trump Media now needs the US Securities and Exchange Commission to review the paperwork and provide any feedback before deeming the filing effective. Once that has happened, warrants and $11.50 in cash can be swapped for shares while insiders like the former President could gain board approval to start selling stock. Insiders are currently restricted from selling any shares until September. Read more: Trump In Line for Extra SPAC Payday Despite $4.5 Billion Selloff Trump is embroiled in a lawsuit with two Trump Media co-founders who claim he tried to dilute their stakes. A Delaware judge granted their request to amend the suit to include allegations that Trump retaliated against them by locking up their shares for six months, which they claim will cause irreparable harm to their finances. Trump himself is subject to the same restrictions. Company lawyers said share lockups are common in blank-check transactions, and that allowing the co-founders to dump their stock on the market would harm the company and other stockholders. Read more: Trump Media Co-Founders Challenging Six-Month Share Lockup Meanwhile, Trumps first criminal trial started Monday in Manhattan, where hes accused of falsifying business records to hide a hush-money payment to a porn star before the 2016 election. Its one of four criminal prosecutions Trump is facing as he campaigns to return to the White House. (Updates stock move throughout.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Trump meeting: He didn't mention I'd called him xenophobic, misogynistic and stupid, says Lord Cameron Donald Trump did not challenge Lord Cameron over why he had called him xenophobic, misogynistic and stupid when the two met a week ago, the Foreign Secretary said on Monday. The ex-Prime Minister and former US President discussed Ukraine, amid concerns in the West that if Trump makes a White House comeback he could cut support for Kyiv, Nato spending commitments, as well as the conflict in the Middle East. Lord Cameron was reticent to reveal more details of the meeting over dinner at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, given that it was private. Asked on Sky News what was it like meeting Trump after some of the undiplomatic things he had said about him, he responded: Im a diplomat. Im glad that I had the meeting. Its very much in line with the work that Foreign Secretaries and Prime Ministers do, we meet leaders of the Opposition in other countries, we meet potential future presidents. I remember meeting Mitt Romney when I was Prime Minister. As Prime Minister in 2016, David Cameron described Trump, who was running to be president for the first time, as divisive, stupid and wrong. After he left No10 following the Brexit referendum result, he later wrote in his memoirs that Trump was protectionist, xenophobic, misogynistic. Asked by presenter Kay Burley if the ex-president had raised these descriptions of him, the Foreign Secretary said: Im not going to comment on the meeting. But pressed on this issue, he added: No he didnt actually. Questioned whether he had changed his view of Trump, Lord Cameron said: Politicians we all know there is a track record of things that we have said about each other. But ultimately, Britain and America are important partners. We dont know who will be president after November, its not for us to get involved, its for the Americans to choose their president. We then work with them. The Foreign Secretary met Trump last Monday on a trip to the US where he also held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Tuesday. Trump previously sparked fierce criticism from Western officials for suggesting he would not protect countries that fail to meet Nato spending targets of two per cent of GDP, and would even encourage Russia to attack them. Lord Cameron was hoping to meet House Speaker Mike Johnson, as Britain urges Republicans to stop blocking a huge new aid package for Kyiv, but this did not happen. The Foreign Secretary has urged Republicans not to show the weakness that was displayed against Hitler in the 1930s. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Tajikistan will impose a visa regime for Turkish citizens starting April 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan said, Trend reports. Additionally, it was noted that Turkish citizens wishing to visit Tajikistan can obtain a visa at the country's embassies and consulates abroad. To note, prior to this enforcement, Turkiye had imposed a visa regime for citizens of Tajikistan as of April 20. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel There was something familiar about the Donald Trump-Mike Johnson meeting on Friday, wasnt there? Everybody knows why Johnson made a pilgrimage down to Mar-a-Lago last week: The House Speaker was trying to save his own bacon and, perhaps, spare Republicans a load of embarrassment after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Conspiracy Theories) last month moved to vacate the chair and kick him out of the speakership. For elected Republicans these days, appealing to Trumps good graces is an indispensable survival tactic. Johnson was just doing what he had to do to keep his job. But that was merely the subtext. The text? A meaningless-but-provocative anti-immigrant proposal. The two men announced a new bill aimed at stopping noncitizens from voting in federal elections. We cannot wait for widespread fraud to occur, Johnson said, with Trump at his side. The threat of that fraud, he said, grows with every single illegal immigrant entering the country. Maybe. Maybe not. Heres a handy rule of thumb: When a politician says we cannot wait for some bad thing to happen well, thats very often because the bad thing isnt actually happening. The politician might just be trying to scare you. Thats very much the case with the Trump-Johnson anti-voting bill. There is no problem with widespread fraud in American elections. And there is no problem with noncitizens voting. We know that. But Republicans keep trying to tell us there is, or might be someday, and that you should be very, very scared of that happening. Which is why the Trump-Johnson announcement on Friday seemed so familiar. They were running an old playbook the Kris Kobach playbook. And boy, is that playbook broken. Kansas had to pay $1.9 million to ACLU Kobach, of course, is the Kansas attorney general these days. A decade ago, though, he served as the Kansas secretary of state the person in charge of our elections. Its not the kind of position usually associated with immigration policy. But Kobach, who has made a ton of money in private practice helping towns across the country pass deeply flawed anti-migrant laws and ordinances, decided that the danger of immigrant voting was a danger to Kansas elections. Spoiler alert: It wasnt. You might remember what happened next. Kobach got the Kansas Legislature to pass a law requiring voters to present a passport or birth certificate to be eligible to vote. The ACLU sued. Kobach tried to defend the law in court and performed so badly the judge ordered him to take remedial law classes. The state lost the case and ended up paying $1.9 million to the ACLU to settle the case. All in all, a grand embarrassment. One thing that came out of that 2018 trial: There was no real problem with noncitizens voting in Kansas. The ACLU pointed out that Kobachs own evidence showed just 18 nonresidents in Sedgwick County had registered to vote since 1999, and only five of those folks had attempted to vote. Hardly election-tipping stuff. Kobach, of course, followed up that triumph by going to work for then-President Trumps voter fraud commission to ferret out proof that voting by illegal immigrants cost Trump the popular vote majority in the 2016 election. That effort also ended in failure. Why should we expect Trump and Johnsons proposal to end any differently? The immigrants are voting myth doesnt have to be true in order for it to serve a purpose for Trump, and for Republicans more broadly. The myth undermines American faith in elections and democracy while whipping up fear of outsiders. Why does that serve Trump so well? Because he has never come close to getting a majority popular vote in any election. The myth offers an excuse for his very public failures and a foundation for his demands that he be returned to office despite those shortcomings. But we already know we dont have a noncitizen voting problem. Kris Kobach already proved it for us. Joel Mathis is a regular Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle Opinion correspondent. He lives in Lawrence with his wife and son. Formerly a writer and editor at Kansas newspapers, he served nine years as a syndicated columnist. Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 04, 2023, in New York City. With the indictment, Trump became the first former U.S. president in history to be charged with a criminal offense. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Quality Journalism for Critical Times Donald Trump on Monday in a New York City courtroom will make history as the first former U.S. president to stand trial in criminal proceedings. And it raises new issues for the presumptive Republican nominee for president in November, even as he builds a political brand that so far has seemed immune from accusations of wrongdoing. Trump is accused of falsifying business records to cover up payments made during his first White House run in 2016 to the adult film star Stormy Daniels in return for her silence about an alleged affair. Its a somewhat complicated, documents-based case in which prosecutors must convince jurors that bookkeeping errors were committed with the aim of illegally affecting an election, Jessica A. Levinson, the director of the Public Service Institute at Loyola Marymount Universitys law school, said in an interview. And though some experts consider it an election interference case, its neither the most serious allegation Trump faces nor the easiest for prosecutors to prove, Levinson said. This case is being asked to bear more weight than it possibly should or could, Levinson said. Its being asked to be a bellwether, a referendum on Trump. And its a state criminal case. Its not more, its not less, but the amount of attention its getting is obviously outsized. For people who feel like Trump should be held to account, now all eyes are on this one business records case, she added. When you think about the things that were most harmful to our democracy, arguably this isnt the case that should have gone first. The outcome of the trial could affect voters perceptions of the other prosecutions, Levinson said. The case is one of four against Trump involving criminal charges, two in state courts and two in federal courts. A state prosecution in Georgia accuses him of conspiring to overturn that states election results. The two cases in the federal courts include a federal charge related to Trumps efforts to overturn his loss in the 2020 presidential election that culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and another federal case charging Trump with improperly storing classified documents after he left office. Election interference? Norm Eisen, a legal analyst who was Democratic co-counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during Trumps first impeachment on charges he solicited election interference from Ukraine during the 2016 election, said the New York state case should be considered an election interference case. Levinson, an expert on the law of the political process, including campaign finance law, agreed, though she said the allegations are not at the same level as charges related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The payments to Daniels were meant to disrupt the 2016 election by withholding key information from voters, she said. They began shortly after video footage surfaced of Trump bragging about grabbing womens genitals. Prosecutors say allegations of infidelity with a porn actor would have further eroded Trumps support with women voters and the payments were meant to stop that. The allegations in the case are violations of election law and campaign finance law, Levinson noted. Its not the same as I dont want you to count up Electoral College votes, she said, referring to the charges in other election interference cases. But it is about, in my view, trying to hide a story from the voters right after they had just heard the Access Hollywood tape and right before they were going to the ballot box. Trump has consistently characterized the case, as he has all the criminal charges against him, as a political witch hunt by Democrats to undermine a political rival. In a fundraising appeal Friday, Trump repeated the message. ON MONDAY ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE! the email said. BIDEN AND HIS ALLIES WANT ME LOCKED AWAY IN PRISON! RABID DEMOCRATS ARE POISED TO RAISE MILLIONS WHILE IM STUCK DEFENDING MYSELF IN COURT! That critique ignores the high standard of evidence needed to bring criminal charges, and doesnt refute the allegations, but that type of all-caps accusation has proved effective at keeping many Republican voters supportive of Trump. Spokespeople for the Trump campaign did not return messages seeking comment for this story. In the courtroom The trial will start Monday with jury selection, which could last several days or longer. Once the actual arguments begin, the case will hinge on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs ability to show jurors that the irregularities in Trumps business records were in service of committing another crime. Paying hush money is not illegal by itself, Levinson said, so the violation of campaign finance law is crucial to the case. Bragg and his team should try to simplify the case and emphasize over and over again that the payments were meant to influence the election, she said. Trumps defense will likely focus on Michael Cohen, the former vice president of the Trump Organization and Trumps onetime personal counsel who allegedly delivered the payments to Daniels. Cohen, who served a federal prison sentence for tax fraud and perjury, has publicly described Trumps role in the alleged scheme. But his credibility, after his convictions and the public reversal of his account, is a major question. Electoral impact of conviction unclear For more than eight years, Trump has successfully deflected and even used to his advantage the types of scandals that were previously believed to be fatal to political candidates, disproving predictions of an imminent political collapse so regularly it became a cliche. He has so far weathered any significant damage from the criminal proceedings, including the New York case, and even gained some political benefit from them. He has said the prosecutions are politically motivated attempts by Democrats to weaken their chief political opponent. Republican voters, at least, seem to largely accept that argument, allowing Trump to coast to the nomination early this year. And the criminal allegations have not yet critically damaged Trumps reputation with general election voters. He is polling close to President Joe Biden in several swing states and in national surveys, though voters have told pollsters that their opinions may change if Trump is convicted. But there is reason to doubt that a conviction would have any effect on Trumps position with voters, Seth Masket, director of the Center on American Politics at the University of Denver, said in an interview with States Newsroom. Political observers wondered throughout 2023 how much the four criminal indictments against Trump would harm the former president in the 2024 primaries, Masket said. The accusations, especially the New York charges that were the first to be revealed, seemed to actually help in the nominating race. His rivals in that contest largely defended Trump. Even if hes convicted, Republican voters in a polarized country are more likely to side with Trump than a judicial system he describes daily as corrupt, Masket said. Everything weve seen so far suggests that every bad thing that happens to him causes Republicans to rally behind him and ratify his view that the system is after him, he said. The idea that a conviction would be perceived broadly enough across parties as completely legitimate and aboveboard I think is pretty unlikely. Eisen, who said he expects Trump to be convicted in the New York case, disagrees, saying the spectacle of a criminal conviction would break Trumps hold on voters. When a jury of Trumps peers and their peers, ordinary Americans sit in judgment and reach a verdict, if they do, thats a different order of magnitude, Eisen said. And then when you combine that with a criminal sentence following that kind of verdict, well then you really are in a whole different ballgame. Beyond the first trial But if Trump is not convicted, or if the charges are reduced to misdemeanors, it could insulate him in voters minds against the other pending cases, Levinson said. Because Trump has for years described the legal actions against him as political, winning the first case to reach court could help reinforce that message, she said. If hes anything short of convicted on the felonies, then its just a huge win for him because hes going to take this to say, Look, every legal action against me is baseless, Levinson said. I dont think it has anything to do legally with the other cases. But it will be politically a huge win for the former president. Its unclear what the historical import of the first trial of a former president will be, Masket said. But the concept that Trump remains a viable presidential contender and therefore somewhat immune from criminal accountability is a troubling sign for U.S. democracy. We repeatedly get this message that no one is above the law, except maybe this one guy, Masket said. And thats a problem. That just undermines a lot of peoples faith in the democratic system. The post Trumps repeated escapes from political damage to be tested in NYC trial appeared first on Florida Phoenix. Opinion. In recent weeks, the national media has highlighted the fact Americans seem to have amnesia about the Trump presidency. On March 6, 2024, The New York Times wrote: Polling suggests voters views on Mr. Trumps policies and his presidency have improved in the rearview mirror. In interviews, voters often have a hazy recall of one of the most tumultuous periods in modern politics. Social scientists say thats unsurprising. The amnesia includes the short-term memories Americans have about what happened on January 6th when Trump encouraged his followers to march up to the U.S. Capitol to get then Vice President Mike Pence to certify the election for Trump even though he lost the 2020 presidential election. In the immediate aftermath of the deadly insurrection, several billionaires were completely aghast at what happened; they said they would never support Trump again. Billionaires have short memories too. Some of them have now said he has their support this coming November. This past Tuesday, Melanie Benjamin, the six-time elected chief executive officer of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, made the keynote address at the Indian Gaming Association 2024 Tradeshow and Convention in Anaheim. Benjamin, who has raised billions of dollars for her tribe during her leadership, chose not to run for reelection this year. On Tuesday, her topic was the future of Indian gaming. She said in order to look ahead, you must look behind because history has a way of repeating itself. You have to ask: When or where will the next attack come? Benjamin said gaming is always under threat, and tribal leaders should not think otherwise. She pointed out in the United States anytime non-Natives see Native Americans with something of value, they try to figure out a way to get it. She said that the Supreme Court may some day deem tribes part of a racial group and eliminate tribal sovereignty. To drive home her point about threats to gaming, Benjamin showed a clip from a U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources hearing from 1993 where Donald Trump was the key witness. That day Trump expressed his opposition to Indian gaming. He was then simply a younger version of the insulting persona of the man he is today. Most of his testimony focused on Indian gaming and his opinion that the 1988 Indian Regulatory Act had given the tribes an unfair advantage over his two own gaming enterprises that he soon thereafter sent into bankruptcy. During the testimony, Trump had a fiery exchange with the committees chairman, George Miller (D-CA). Chairman Miller: Is this you discussing Indian blood: We are going to judge people by whether they have Indian blood, whether they are qualified to run a gaming casino or not? Trump: That probably is me, absolutely, because Ill tell you what, if you lookif you look at some of the reservations that you have approvedyou, sir, in your great wisdom, have approved will tell you right now, they dont look like Indians to me, and they dont look like Indians. Now maybe we say politically correct or not politically correct. They dont look like Indians to me, and they dont look like Indians to Indians, and a lot of people are laughing at it, and you are telling how tough it is, how rough it is, to get approved. Well, you go up to Connecticut, and you look. Now, they dont look like Indians to me, sir. Facing backlash from Native Americans, Trump went on the Don Imus radio show for an interview afterwards, saying: I think I might have more Indian blood than a lot of the so-called Indians that are trying to open up the reservations. Even back then, Trump never knew when to stop with his insults. I am glad Benjamin provided the video clip to remind tribal leaders about Trumps testimony. Her reminder triggered me to look back to the four years he was president. During his administration, he showed his hand when it came to Indian Country. During his administration there was no land put into trust for any tribe. During Trump's botched handling of the Covid-19, his administration excluded many tribal businesses from the pandemic relief funds. In his budgets, Trump repeatedly proposed cutting budgets for tribal public safety, substance abuse, and victim services. The Trump administration and Republican senators also blocked the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that contained a tribal provision to help make Indian Country safer to Native women. Americans cannot afford to look back with rose-colored glasses to act as if Trump wasnt so bad. Certainly, Indian Country cannot afford another four more years of Trump. Thayek gde nwendemen - We are all related. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net Trump Cant Help but Post on Eve of His Hush-Money Trial Donald Trump played the victim on the eve of his New York City hush money trial, echoing comments over the weekend in which he portrayed himself as a martyr to supporters. Trump on Sunday ramped up his attacks against the totally conflicted Judge handling his case, and the so-called Corrupt Prosecutor who created a Legal System in CHAOS. The trial, which is set to begin jury selection Monday, is set to be the first criminal proceeding against a former U.S. president. The comments arent exactly a change of pace for the quadruply indicted ex-commander-in-chiefat a rally in in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, Trump labeled the case a communist show trial amid roaring chants from the crowd of We love Trump! The former president replied, I love you, too. Thats why I put up with this, while adding, Im proud to do it for you and claiming it was a badge of honor. Trump: On Monday in New York City. I will be forced to sit fully gagged. I'm not allowed to talk. Can you believe it? They want to take away my constitutional right to talk pic.twitter.com/KktFkkjUar Acyn (@Acyn) April 13, 2024 Facing 34 felony counts in the case, Trump is accused of falsifying business records in order to cover-up a $130,000 payment he made in 2016 to adult film star Stormy Daniels in order to keep their affair silent. He has repeatedly attempted to delay the trial, to no avail. In response, Trump has repeatedly criticized Judge Juan Merchanwho is presiding over the caseand his family, forcing Merchan to expand a gag order against the former president to also bar him from making similar attacks on court staff, witnesses and families. On Sunday night, however, Trump was up to his usual antics on Truth Social. Just four years ago I was a very popular and successful President of the United States, getting more votes than any sitting President in history, Trump lamented. Tomorrow morning Ill be in Criminal Court, before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Bidens henchmen Rigging the System against his Political Opponent, ME! Again casting himself as a martyr, Trump added, I will be fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country. He concluded: November 5th will be the most important day in the History of the United States. MAGA2024! SEE YOU TOMORROW. Appeals Judge Shuts Down Another Trump Attempt to Delay Hush-Money Trial The comments come after a Trump attorney labeled his first criminal case to reach trial a six-week-long media extravaganza that he claimed was devoid of substance. Jury selection is going to be difficult, attorney Will Scharf told host Shannon Bream on Fox News Sunday. I have a lot of faith in our team up there, that theyre going to be able to get the best possible jury. At the end of the day, what were talking about here is a show trial, he added. Its a six-week-long media extravaganza in the media capital of the world where the only realistic consequence, even if President Trump were convicted, is frankly a talking point for the Biden campaign. Trump denies all the charges against him. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024, in New York City. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. Photo by Jabin Botsford | Pool/Getty Images NEW YORK The trial of former President Donald Trump kicked off Monday in a lower Manhattan courtroom, marking the first time in U.S. history that an ex-president has been tried on criminal charges. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, appeared in the state of New York courtroom, where he is charged with falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal involving a porn star. The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is one of four state and federal indictments the former president is facing. But because of delays in the other cases, it may be the only one that goes to trial before the November election, significantly boosting its potential political impact. Jury selection began Monday afternoon, and is expected to last around two weeks. But before potential jurors were brought in to the courtroom, Justice Juan Merchan announced rulings on several motions. Merchan said he would reject a motion from Trumps defense team which cited alleged conflicts of interest involving the judges family and asked him to step down from the case. There is no agenda here, Merchan said, adding: We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. But Merchan said he would not allow the prosecution to introduce evidence about allegations that Trump committed sexual assaults, calling the claims rumors. Braggs team wanted jurors to hear the claims, made in the leadup to the 2016 election, to bolster their case that Trump schemed to hide evidence of an affair, because he was worried about losing support from women voters. Merchan also said he would not allow the jury to hear the Access Hollywood tape, but that prosecutors could introduce into evidence comments made by Trump and caught on the tape. In the recording, which emerged shortly before the 2016 election, Trump brags about grabbing womens genitals, adding: When youre a star, they let you do it. Prosecutors asked Merchan Monday to fine Trump for violating an April 1 gag order imposed by the judge. In recent social media posts, Trump attacked Michael Cohen, his former fixer, and the porn star Stormy Daniels. Merchan said he would hear arguments April 23 on that issue. Cohen, a former lawyer who has fallen out with Trump, is expected to be a key witness in the case, and Daniels also may testify. Defense lawyers have not yet said whether Trump will testify in his own defense. Payments to Daniels At the center of the case are payments totaling $130,000 to Daniels, made by Cohen in the closing weeks of the 2016 election campaign. Cohen admitted in his plea deal the payments were aimed at buying Daniels silence about an affair she says she had with Trump a decade earlier. Trump faces 34 felony counts, and he could face a maximum of four years in prison if convicted. But Merchan also could sentence him to probation without prison time. Legal experts have noted a major challenge facing Bragg: In New York state, falsifying business records on its own is a misdemeanor, not a felony. But it becomes a felony if the falsification was done to conceal another crime. Bragg alleges that Trump intended to conceal state and federal campaign finance violations. The payments, prosecutors allege, were illegal and unreported donations to Trumps campaign, because if Daniels story became public, it could have damaged Trumps image when voters went to the polls. Bragg also alleges that Trump intended to conceal a tax crime stemming from how Cohen was reimbursed for the payments to Daniels. Prosecutors dont need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump committed these alleged underlying crimes. But they do need to show that Trump intended to conceal them something defense lawyers are expected to strongly contest. Political effect The most important impact of any Trump conviction could be political. Most polling averages currently give Trump a very slim lead over President Joe Biden. But there is some evidence that if Trump were to be convicted of a felony, a small but significant slice of the electorate would be less likely to support him. Though the charges in the case may seem simultaneously salacious and dry prosecutors will present reams of sometimes arcane corporate documents democracy advocates say it in fact involves important principles, and centers on a scheme to undermine a fair election. This is not a case solely about hush money payments, Norm Eisen, a legal analyst and prominent Trump critic who was Democratic co-counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during Trumps first impeachment, told reporters Thursday. Its about Trumps alleged actions to hide information from voters to cover up election interference. In a small park outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, Trump supporters gathered Monday to affirm their loyalty to the former president, and to lambaste the trial as Trump himself has frequently done as a politically motivated witch hunt. Whats happening in that courtroom is a total sham, said Steve Merczynski, of New York City, who wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again. This is all run by the Biden criminal administration, Merczynski added. (There is no evidence that the Biden administration influenced the prosecution.) Another Trump supporter, Dion Cini, said he didnt want to judge Trumps personal life. Ive been to Thailand three times, said Cini, a New Yorker who was once banned from Disney World for holding a Trump 2020 flag on Splash Mountain. What do you think I do in Thailand, just sit in a chair? No, I go out and have fun and meet women. Thats what we do as men. Among the few anti-Trump demonstrators was Marc Leavitt, who stood on a park bench as he played the national anthem and other patriotic songs on a flute. I think the rule of law should proceed appropriately, and thats whats happening today, said Leavitt. And thats a very good thing for America. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Trump on trial: Former president faces criminal charges of falsifying business records appeared first on Arizona Mirror. Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024 in New York City. Former President Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Jabin Botsford-Pool/Getty Images) NEW YORK The trial of former President Donald Trump kicked off Monday in a lower Manhattan courtroom, marking the first time in U.S. history that an ex-president has been tried on criminal charges. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, appeared in the state of New York courtroom, where he is charged with falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal involving a porn star. The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is one of four state and federal indictments the former president is facing. But because of delays in the other cases, it may be the only one that goes to trial before the November election, significantly boosting its potential political impact. Jury selection began Monday afternoon, and is expected to last around two weeks. But before potential jurors were brought in to the courtroom, Justice Juan Merchan announced rulings on several motions. Merchan said he would reject a motion from Trumps defense team which cited alleged conflicts of interest involving the judges family and asked him to step down from the case. There is no agenda here, Merchan said, adding: We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. But Merchan said he would not allow the prosecution to introduce evidence about allegations that Trump committed sexual assaults, calling the claims rumors. Braggs team wanted jurors to hear the claims, made in the leadup to the 2016 election, to bolster their case that Trump schemed to hide evidence of an affair, because he was worried about losing support from women voters. Merchan also said he would not allow the jury to hear the Access Hollywood tape, but that prosecutors could introduce into evidence comments made by Trump and caught on the tape. In the recording, which emerged shortly before the 2016 election, Trump brags about grabbing womens genitals, adding: When youre a star, they let you do it. Prosecutors asked Merchan Monday to fine Trump for violating an April 1 gag order imposed by the judge. In recent social media posts, Trump attacked Michael Cohen, his former fixer, and the porn star Stormy Daniels. Merchan said he would hear arguments April 23 on that issue. Cohen, a former lawyer who has fallen out with Trump, is expected to be a key witness in the case, and Daniels also may testify. Defense lawyers have not yet said whether Trump will testify in his own defense. Payments to Daniels At the center of the case are payments totaling $130,000 to Daniels, made by Cohen in the closing weeks of the 2016 election campaign. Cohen admitted in his plea deal the payments were aimed at buying Daniels silence about an affair she says she had with Trump a decade earlier. Trump faces 34 felony counts, and he could face a maximum of four years in prison if convicted. But Merchan also could sentence him to probation without prison time. Legal experts have noted a major challenge facing Bragg: In New York state, falsifying business records on its own is a misdemeanor, not a felony. But it becomes a felony if the falsification was done to conceal another crime. Bragg alleges that Trump intended to conceal state and federal campaign finance violations. The payments, prosecutors allege, were illegal and unreported donations to Trumps campaign, because if Daniels story became public, it could have damaged Trumps image when voters went to the polls. Bragg also alleges that Trump intended to conceal a tax crime stemming from how Cohen was reimbursed for the payments to Daniels. Prosecutors dont need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump committed these alleged underlying crimes. But they do need to show that Trump intended to conceal them something defense lawyers are expected to strongly contest. Political effect The most important impact of any Trump conviction could be political. Most polling averages currently give Trump a very slim lead over President Joe Biden. But there is some evidence that if Trump were to be convicted of a felony, a small but significant slice of the electorate would be less likely to support him. Though the charges in the case may seem simultaneously salacious and dry prosecutors will present reams of sometimes arcane corporate documents democracy advocates say it in fact involves important principles, and centers on a scheme to undermine a fair election. This is not a case solely about hush money payments, Norm Eisen, a legal analyst and prominent Trump critic who was Democratic co-counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during Trumps first impeachment, told reporters Thursday. Its about Trumps alleged actions to hide information from voters to cover up election interference. In a small park outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, Trump supporters gathered Monday to affirm their loyalty to the former president, and to lambaste the trial as Trump himself has frequently done as a politically motivated witch hunt. A pro-Trump demonstrator who gave his name as Hungry Santa outside Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024. (Photo by Zachary Roth | States Newsroom) Whats happening in that courtroom is a total sham, said Steve Merczynski, of New York City, who wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again. This is all run by the Biden criminal administration, Merczynski added. (There is no evidence that the Biden administration influenced the prosecution.) Another Trump supporter, Dion Cini, said he didnt want to judge Trumps personal life. Ive been to Thailand three times, said Cini, a New Yorker who was once banned from Disney World for holding a Trump 2020 flag on Splash Mountain. What do you think I do in Thailand, just sit in a chair? No, I go out and have fun and meet women. Thats what we do as men. Among the few anti-Trump demonstrators was Marc Leavitt, who stood on a park bench as he played the national anthem and other patriotic songs on a flute. I think the rule of law should proceed appropriately, and thats whats happening today, said Leavitt. And thats a very good thing for America. The post Trump on trial: Former president faces criminal charges of falsifying business records appeared first on Daily Montanan. Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024 in New York City. Former President Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Jabin Botsford-Pool/Getty Images) NEW YORK The trial of former President Donald Trump kicked off Monday in a lower Manhattan courtroom, marking the first time in U.S. history that an ex-president has been tried on criminal charges. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, appeared in the state of New York courtroom, where he is charged with falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal involving a porn star. The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is one of four state and federal indictments the former president is facing. But because of delays in the other cases, it may be the only one that goes to trial before the November election, significantly boosting its potential political impact. Jury selection began Monday afternoon, and is expected to last around two weeks. But before potential jurors were brought in to the courtroom, Justice Juan Merchan announced rulings on several motions. Merchan said he would reject a motion from Trumps defense team which cited alleged conflicts of interest involving the judges family and asked him to step down from the case. There is no agenda here, Merchan said, adding: We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. But Merchan said he would not allow the prosecution to introduce evidence about allegations that Trump committed sexual assaults, calling the claims rumors. Braggs team wanted jurors to hear the claims, made in the leadup to the 2016 election, to bolster their case that Trump schemed to hide evidence of an affair, because he was worried about losing support from women voters. Merchan also said he would not allow the jury to hear the Access Hollywood tape, but that prosecutors could introduce into evidence comments made by Trump and caught on the tape. In the recording, which emerged shortly before the 2016 election, Trump brags about grabbing womens genitals, adding: When youre a star, they let you do it. Prosecutors asked Merchan on Monday to fine Trump for violating an April 1 gag order imposed by the judge. In recent social media posts, Trump attacked Michael Cohen, his former fixer, and the porn star Stormy Daniels. Merchan said he would hear arguments April 23 on that issue. Cohen, a former lawyer who has fallen out with Trump, is expected to be a key witness in the case, and Daniels also may testify. Defense lawyers have not yet said whether Trump will testify in his own defense. Payments to Daniels At the center of the case are payments totaling $130,000 to Daniels, made by Cohen in the closing weeks of the 2016 election campaign. Cohen admitted in his plea deal the payments were aimed at buying Daniels silence about an affair she says she had with Trump a decade earlier. Trump faces 34 felony counts, and he could face a maximum of four years in prison if convicted. But Merchan also could sentence him to probation without prison time. Legal experts have noted a major challenge facing Bragg: In New York state, falsifying business records on its own is a misdemeanor, not a felony. But it becomes a felony if the falsification was done to conceal another crime. Bragg alleges that Trump intended to conceal state and federal campaign finance violations. The payments, prosecutors allege, were illegal and unreported donations to Trumps campaign, because if Daniels story became public, it could have damaged Trumps image when voters went to the polls. Bragg also alleges that Trump intended to conceal a tax crime stemming from how Cohen was reimbursed for the payments to Daniels. Prosecutors dont need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump committed these alleged underlying crimes. But they do need to show that Trump intended to conceal them something defense lawyers are expected to strongly contest. Political effect The most important impact of any Trump conviction could be political. Most polling averages currently give Trump a very slim lead over President Joe Biden. But there is some evidence that if Trump were to be convicted of a felony, a small but significant slice of the electorate would be less likely to support him. Though the charges in the case may seem simultaneously salacious and dry prosecutors will present reams of sometimes arcane corporate documents democracy advocates say it in fact involves important principles, and centers on a scheme to undermine a fair election. This is not a case solely about hush money payments, Norm Eisen, a legal analyst and prominent Trump critic who was Democratic co-counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during Trumps first impeachment, told reporters Thursday. Its about Trumps alleged actions to hide information from voters to cover up election interference. In a small park outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, Trump supporters gathered Monday to affirm their loyalty to the former president, and to lambaste the trial as Trump himself has frequently done as a politically motivated witch hunt. Trump supporter Steve Merczynski of New York City wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again outside Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday, April 15, 2024, as Trumps trial began. (Photo by Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) Whats happening in that courtroom is a total sham, said Steve Merczynski, of New York City, who wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again. This is all run by the Biden criminal administration, Merczynski added. (There is no evidence that the Biden administration influenced the prosecution.) Another Trump supporter, Dion Cini, said he didnt want to judge Trumps personal life. Ive been to Thailand three times, said Cini, a New Yorker who was once banned from Disney World for holding a Trump 2020 flag on Splash Mountain. What do you think I do in Thailand, just sit in a chair? No, I go out and have fun and meet women. Thats what we do as men. Among the few anti-Trump demonstrators was Marc Leavitt, who stood on a park bench as he played the national anthem and other patriotic songs on a flute. I think the rule of law should proceed appropriately, and thats whats happening today, said Leavitt. And thats a very good thing for America. The post Trump on trial: Former president faces criminal charges of falsifying business records appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch. Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears prior to the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024, in New York City. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Jabin Botsford-Pool/Getty Images) NEW YORK The trial of former President Donald Trump kicked off Monday in a lower Manhattan courtroom, marking the first time in U.S. history that an ex-president has been tried on criminal charges. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, appeared in the state of New York courtroom, where he is charged with falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal involving a porn star. The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is one of four state and federal indictments the former president is facing. But because of delays in the other cases, it may be the only one that goes to trial before the November election, significantly boosting its potential political impact. Jury selection began Monday afternoon, and is expected to last around two weeks. But before potential jurors were brought in to the courtroom, Justice Juan Merchan announced rulings on several motions. Merchan said he would reject a motion from Trumps defense team which cited alleged conflicts of interest involving the judges family and asked him to step down from the case. There is no agenda here, Merchan said, adding: We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. But Merchan said he would not allow the prosecution to introduce evidence about allegations that Trump committed sexual assaults, calling the claims rumors. Braggs team wanted jurors to hear the claims, made in the leadup to the 2016 election, to bolster their case that Trump schemed to hide evidence of an affair, because he was worried about losing support from women voters. Merchan also said he would not allow the jury to hear the Access Hollywood tape, but that prosecutors could introduce into evidence comments made by Trump and caught on the tape. In the recording, which emerged shortly before the 2016 election, Trump brags about grabbing womens genitals, adding: When youre a star, they let you do it. Prosecutors asked Merchan Monday to fine Trump for violating an April 1 gag order imposed by the judge. In recent social media posts, Trump attacked Michael Cohen, his former fixer, and the porn star Stormy Daniels. Merchan said he would hear arguments April 23 on that issue. Cohen, a former lawyer who has fallen out with Trump, is expected to be a key witness in the case, and Daniels also may testify. Defense lawyers have not yet said whether Trump will testify in his own defense. Payments to Daniels At the center of the case are payments totaling $130,000 to Daniels, made by Cohen in the closing weeks of the 2016 election campaign. Cohen admitted in his plea deal the payments were aimed at buying Daniels silence about an affair she says she had with Trump a decade earlier. Trump faces 34 felony counts, and he could face a maximum of four years in prison if convicted. But Merchan also could sentence him to probation without prison time. Legal experts have noted a major challenge facing Bragg: In New York state, falsifying business records on its own is a misdemeanor, not a felony. But it becomes a felony if the falsification was done to conceal another crime. Bragg alleges that Trump intended to conceal state and federal campaign finance violations. The payments, prosecutors allege, were illegal and unreported donations to Trumps campaign, because if Daniels story became public, it could have damaged Trumps image when voters went to the polls. Bragg also alleges that Trump intended to conceal a tax crime stemming from how Cohen was reimbursed for the payments to Daniels. Prosecutors dont need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump committed these alleged underlying crimes. But they do need to show that Trump intended to conceal them something defense lawyers are expected to strongly contest. Marc Leavitt, an anti-Trump demonstrator, plays patriotic songs on the flute outside Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024, as the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump begins inside. (Photo by Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) Political effect The most important impact of any Trump conviction could be political. Most polling averages currently give Trump a very slim lead over President Joe Biden. But there is some evidence that if Trump were to be convicted of a felony, a small but significant slice of the electorate would be less likely to support him. Though the charges in the case may seem simultaneously salacious and dry prosecutors will present reams of sometimes arcane corporate documents democracy advocates say it in fact involves important principles, and centers on a scheme to undermine a fair election. This is not a case solely about hush money payments, Norm Eisen, a legal analyst and prominent Trump critic who was Democratic co-counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during Trumps first impeachment, told reporters Thursday. Its about Trumps alleged actions to hide information from voters to cover up election interference. In a small park outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, Trump supporters gathered Monday to affirm their loyalty to the former president, and to lambaste the trial as Trump himself has frequently done as a politically motivated witch hunt. Whats happening in that courtroom is a total sham, said Steve Merczynski, of New York City, who wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again. Trump supporter Steve Merczynski of New York City wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again outside Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday, April 15, 2024, as Trumps trial began. (Photo by Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) This is all run by the Biden criminal administration, Merczynski added. (There is no evidence that the Biden administration influenced the prosecution.) Another Trump supporter, Dion Cini, said he didnt want to judge Trumps personal life. Ive been to Thailand three times, said Cini, a New Yorker who was once banned from Disney World for holding a Trump 2020 flag on Splash Mountain. What do you think I do in Thailand, just sit in a chair? No, I go out and have fun and meet women. Thats what we do as men. Among the few anti-Trump demonstrators was Marc Leavitt, who stood on a park bench as he played the national anthem and other patriotic songs on a flute. I think the rule of law should proceed appropriately, and thats whats happening today, said Leavitt. And thats a very good thing for America. The post Trump on trial: Former president faces criminal charges of falsifying business records appeared first on Arkansas Advocate. Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15 in New York City. Former President Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. Jabin Botsford-Pool/Getty Images NEW YORK The trial of former President Donald Trump kicked off Monday in a lower Manhattan courtroom, marking the first time in U.S. history that an ex-president has been tried on criminal charges. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, appeared in the state of New York courtroom, where he is charged with falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal involving a porn star. The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is one of four state and federal indictments the former president is facing. But because of delays in the other cases, it may be the only one that goes to trial before the November election, significantly boosting its potential political impact. Jury selection began Monday afternoon, and is expected to last around two weeks. But before potential jurors were brought in to the courtroom, Justice Juan Merchan announced rulings on several motions. Merchan said he would reject a motion from Trumps defense team which cited alleged conflicts of interest involving the judges family and asked him to step down from the case. There is no agenda here, Merchan said, adding: We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. But Merchan said he would not allow the prosecution to introduce evidence about allegations that Trump committed sexual assaults, calling the claims rumors. Braggs team wanted jurors to hear the claims, made in the leadup to the 2016 election, to bolster their case that Trump schemed to hide evidence of an affair, because he was worried about losing support from women voters. Merchan also said he would not allow the jury to hear the Access Hollywood tape, but that prosecutors could introduce into evidence comments made by Trump and caught on the tape. In the recording, which emerged shortly before the 2016 election, Trump brags about grabbing womens genitals, adding: When youre a star, they let you do it. Prosecutors asked Merchan Monday to fine Trump for violating an April 1 gag order imposed by the judge. In recent social media posts, Trump attacked Michael Cohen, his former fixer, and the porn star Stormy Daniels. Merchan said he would hear arguments April 23 on that issue. Cohen, a former lawyer who has fallen out with Trump, is expected to be a key witness in the case, and Daniels also may testify. Defense lawyers have not yet said whether Trump will testify in his own defense. Payments to Daniels At the center of the case are payments totaling $130,000 to Daniels, made by Cohen in the closing weeks of the 2016 election campaign. Cohen admitted in his plea deal the payments were aimed at buying Daniels silence about an affair she says she had with Trump a decade earlier. Trump faces 34 felony counts, and he could face a maximum of four years in prison if convicted. But Merchan also could sentence him to probation without prison time. Legal experts have noted a major challenge facing Bragg: In New York state, falsifying business records on its own is a misdemeanor, not a felony. But it becomes a felony if the falsification was done to conceal another crime. Bragg alleges that Trump intended to conceal state and federal campaign finance violations. The payments, prosecutors allege, were illegal and unreported donations to Trumps campaign, because if Daniels story became public, it could have damaged Trumps image when voters went to the polls. Bragg also alleges that Trump intended to conceal a tax crime stemming from how Cohen was reimbursed for the payments to Daniels. Prosecutors dont need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump committed these alleged underlying crimes. But they do need to show that Trump intended to conceal them something defense lawyers are expected to strongly contest. Political effect Marc Leavitt, an anti-Trump demonstrator, plays patriotic songs on the flute outside Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024, as the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump begins inside. Zachary Roth/States Newsroom The most important impact of any Trump conviction could be political. Most polling averages currently give Trump a very slim lead over President Joe Biden. But there is some evidence that if Trump were to be convicted of a felony, a small but significant slice of the electorate would be less likely to support him. Though the charges in the case may seem simultaneously salacious and dry prosecutors will present reams of sometimes arcane corporate documents democracy advocates say it in fact involves important principles, and centers on a scheme to undermine a fair election. This is not a case solely about hush money payments, Norm Eisen, a legal analyst and prominent Trump critic who was Democratic co-counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during Trumps first impeachment, told reporters Thursday. Its about Trumps alleged actions to hide information from voters to cover up election interference. Trump supporter Steve Merczynski of New York City wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again outside Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday, April 15, 2024, as Trumps trial began. Zachary Roth/States Newsroom In a small park outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, Trump supporters gathered Monday to affirm their loyalty to the former president, and to lambaste the trial as Trump himself has frequently done as a politically motivated witch hunt. Whats happening in that courtroom is a total sham, said Steve Merczynski, of New York City, who wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again. This is all run by the Biden criminal administration, Merczynski added. (There is no evidence that the Biden administration influenced the prosecution.) Another Trump supporter, Dion Cini, said he didnt want to judge Trumps personal life. Ive been to Thailand three times, said Cini, a New Yorker who was once banned from Disney World for holding a Trump 2020 flag on Splash Mountain. What do you think I do in Thailand, just sit in a chair? No, I go out and have fun and meet women. Thats what we do as men. Among the few anti-Trump demonstrators was Marc Leavitt, who stood on a park bench as he played the national anthem and other patriotic songs on a flute. I think the rule of law should proceed appropriately, and thats whats happening today, said Leavitt. And thats a very good thing for America. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Trump on trial: Former president faces criminal charges of falsifying business records appeared first on Georgia Recorder. Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024, in New York City. He faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Jabin Botsford-Pool/Getty Images) Quality Journalism for Critical Times NEW YORK The trial of former President Donald Trump kicked off Monday in a lower Manhattan courtroom, marking the first time in U.S. history that an ex-president has been tried on criminal charges. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, appeared in the state of New York courtroom, where he is charged with falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal involving a porn star. The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is one of four state and federal indictments the former president is facing. But because of delays in the other cases, it may be the only one that goes to trial before the November election, significantly boosting its potential political impact. Jury selection began Monday afternoon and is expected to last around two weeks. But before potential jurors were brought into the courtroom, Justice Juan Merchan announced rulings on several motions. Merchan said he would reject a motion from Trumps defense team that cited alleged conflicts of interest involving the judges family and asked him to step down from the case. A Donald Trump impersonator is interviewed by Newsmax outside Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024, as Trumps criminal trial begins inside. (Photo by Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) There is no agenda here, Merchan said, adding: We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. But Merchan said he would not allow the prosecution to introduce evidence about allegations that Trump committed sexual assaults, calling the claims rumors. Braggs team wanted jurors to hear the claims, made in the leadup to the 2016 election, to bolster their case that Trump schemed to hide evidence of an affair, because he was worried about losing support from women voters. Merchan also said he would not allow the jury to hear the Access Hollywood tape, but that prosecutors could introduce into evidence comments made by Trump and caught on the tape. In the recording, which emerged shortly before the 2016 election, Trump brags about grabbing womens genitals, adding: When youre a star, they let you do it. Prosecutors asked Merchan Monday to fine Trump for violating an April 1 gag order imposed by the judge. In recent social media posts, Trump attacked Michael Cohen, his former fixer, and the former porn star Stormy Daniels. Merchan said he would hear arguments April 23 on that issue. Cohen, a former lawyer who has fallen out with Trump, is expected to be a key witness in the case, and Daniels also may testify. Defense lawyers have not yet said whether Trump will testify in his own defense. Payments to Daniels At the center of the case are payments totaling $130,000 to Daniels, made by Cohen in the closing weeks of the 2016 election campaign. Cohen admitted in his plea deal the payments were aimed at buying Daniels silence about an affair she says she had with Trump a decade earlier. Trump faces 34 felony counts, and he could face a maximum of four years in prison if convicted. But Merchan also could sentence him to probation without prison time. Legal experts have noted a major challenge facing Bragg: In New York state, falsifying business records on its own is a misdemeanor, not a felony. But it becomes a felony if the falsification was done to conceal another crime. Bragg alleges that Trump intended to conceal state and federal campaign finance violations. The payments, prosecutors allege, were illegal and unreported donations to Trumps campaign because, if Daniels story became public, it could have damaged Trumps image when voters went to the polls. Bragg also alleges that Trump intended to conceal a tax crime stemming from how Cohen was reimbursed for the payments to Daniels. Prosecutors dont need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump committed these alleged underlying crimes. But they do need to show that Trump intended to conceal them something defense lawyers are expected to strongly contest. Political effect The most important impact of any Trump conviction could be political. Most polling averages give Trump a very slim lead over President Joe Biden. But there is some evidence that were Trump convicted of a felony, a small but significant slice of the electorate would be less likely to support him. Though the charges in the case may seem simultaneously salacious and dry prosecutors will present reams of sometimes arcane corporate documents democracy advocates say it in fact involves important principles, and centers on a scheme to undermine a fair election. This is not a case solely about hush money payments, Norm Eisen, a legal analyst and prominent Trump critic who was Democratic co-counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during Trumps first impeachment, told reporters Thursday. Its about Trumps alleged actions to hide information from voters to cover up election interference. In a small park outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, Trump supporters gathered Monday to affirm their loyalty to the former president, and to lambaste the trial as Trump himself has frequently done as a politically motivated witch hunt. A pro-Trump demonstrator who gave his name as Hungry Santa outside Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024. (Photo by Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) Whats happening in that courtroom is a total sham, said Steve Merczynski, of New York City, who wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again. This is all run by the Biden criminal administration, Merczynski added. (There is no evidence that the Biden administration influenced the prosecution.) Another Trump supporter, Dion Cini, said he didnt want to judge Trumps personal life. Ive been to Thailand three times, said Cini, a New Yorker who was once banned from Disney World for holding a Trump 2020 flag on Splash Mountain. What do you think I do in Thailand, just sit in a chair? No, I go out and have fun and meet women. Thats what we do as men. Among the few anti-Trump demonstrators was Marc Leavitt, who stood on a park bench as he played the national anthem and other patriotic songs on a flute. I think the rule of law should proceed appropriately, and thats whats happening today, said Leavitt. And thats a very good thing for America. The post Trump on trial: Former president faces criminal charges of falsifying business records appeared first on Florida Phoenix. Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024 in New York City. Former President Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Jabin Botsford-Pool/Getty Images) NEW YORK The trial of former President Donald Trump kicked off Monday in a lower Manhattan courtroom, marking the first time in U.S. history that an ex-president has been tried on criminal charges. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, appeared in the state of New York courtroom, where he is charged with falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal involving a porn star. The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is one of four state and federal indictments the former president is facing. But because of delays in the other cases, it may be the only one that goes to trial before the November election, significantly boosting its potential political impact. Jury selection began Monday afternoon, and is expected to last around two weeks. But before potential jurors were brought in to the courtroom, Justice Juan Merchan announced rulings on several motions. Merchan said he would reject a motion from Trumps defense team which cited alleged conflicts of interest involving the judges family and asked him to step down from the case. There is no agenda here, Merchan said, adding: We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. But Merchan said he would not allow the prosecution to introduce evidence about allegations that Trump committed sexual assaults, calling the claims rumors. Braggs team wanted jurors to hear the claims, made in the leadup to the 2016 election, to bolster their case that Trump schemed to hide evidence of an affair, because he was worried about losing support from women voters. Merchan also said he would not allow the jury to hear the Access Hollywood tape, but that prosecutors could introduce into evidence comments made by Trump and caught on the tape. In the recording, which emerged shortly before the 2016 election, Trump brags about grabbing womens genitals, adding: When youre a star, they let you do it. Prosecutors asked Merchan Monday to fine Trump for violating an April 1 gag order imposed by the judge. In recent social media posts, Trump attacked Michael Cohen, his former fixer, and the porn star Stormy Daniels. Merchan said he would hear arguments April 23 on that issue. Cohen, a former lawyer who has fallen out with Trump, is expected to be a key witness in the case, and Daniels also may testify. Defense lawyers have not yet said whether Trump will testify in his own defense. Payments to Daniels A large granite building The New York state building housing Manhattan Criminal Court, where former President Donald Trumps criminal trial began on April 15, 2024. (Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) At the center of the case are payments totaling $130,000 to Daniels, made by Cohen in the closing weeks of the 2016 election campaign. Cohen admitted in his plea deal the payments were aimed at buying Daniels silence about an affair she says she had with Trump a decade earlier. Trump faces 34 felony counts, and he could face a maximum of four years in prison if convicted. But Merchan also could sentence him to probation without prison time. Legal experts have noted a major challenge facing Bragg: In New York state, falsifying business records on its own is a misdemeanor, not a felony. But it becomes a felony if the falsification was done to conceal another crime. Bragg alleges that Trump intended to conceal state and federal campaign finance violations. The payments, prosecutors allege, were illegal and unreported donations to Trumps campaign, because if Daniels story became public, it could have damaged Trumps image when voters went to the polls. Bragg also alleges that Trump intended to conceal a tax crime stemming from how Cohen was reimbursed for the payments to Daniels. Prosecutors dont need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump committed these alleged underlying crimes. But they do need to show that Trump intended to conceal them something defense lawyers are expected to strongly contest. Political effect Cameras lined up on a street. Cameras are lined up outside Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024, as former President Donald Trumps criminal trial begins inside. (Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) The most important impact of any Trump conviction could be political. Most polling averages currently give Trump a very slim lead over President Joe Biden. But there is some evidence that if Trump were to be convicted of a felony, a small but significant slice of the electorate would be less likely to support him. Though the charges in the case may seem simultaneously salacious and dry prosecutors will present reams of sometimes arcane corporate documents democracy advocates say it in fact involves important principles, and centers on a scheme to undermine a fair election. This is not a case solely about hush money payments, Norm Eisen, a legal analyst and prominent Trump critic who was Democratic co-counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during Trumps first impeachment, told reporters Thursday. Its about Trumps alleged actions to hide information from voters to cover up election interference. In a small park outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, Trump supporters gathered Monday to affirm their loyalty to the former president, and to lambaste the trial as Trump himself has frequently done as a politically motivated witch hunt. A man wearing a blue jacket, white pants and a red white and blue scarf Trump supporter Steve Merczynski of New York City wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again outside Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday, April 15, 2024, as Trumps trial began. (Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) Whats happening in that courtroom is a total sham, said Steve Merczynski, of New York City, who wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again. This is all run by the Biden criminal administration, Merczynski added. (There is no evidence that the Biden administration influenced the prosecution.) Another Trump supporter, Dion Cini, said he didnt want to judge Trumps personal life. Ive been to Thailand three times, said Cini, a New Yorker who was once banned from Disney World for holding a Trump 2020 flag on Splash Mountain. What do you think I do in Thailand, just sit in a chair? No, I go out and have fun and meet women. Thats what we do as men. Among the few anti-Trump demonstrators was Marc Leavitt, who stood on a park bench as he played the national anthem and other patriotic songs on a flute. I think the rule of law should proceed appropriately, and thats whats happening today, said Leavitt. And thats a very good thing for America. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Trump on trial: Former president faces criminal charges of falsifying business records appeared first on Alabama Reflector. Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024, in New York City. Former President Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Jabin Botsford-Pool/Getty Images) Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears ahead of the start of jury selection at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 15, 2024, in New York City. Former President Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Jabin Botsford-Pool/Getty Images) NEW YORK The trial of former President Donald Trump kicked off Monday in a lower Manhattan courtroom, marking the first time in U.S. history that an ex-president has been tried on criminal charges. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, appeared in the state of New York courtroom, where he is charged with falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal involving a porn star. The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is one of four state and federal indictments the former president is facing. But because of delays in the other cases, it may be the only one that goes to trial before the November election, significantly boosting its potential political impact. Cameras are lined up outside Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024, as former President Donald Trump's criminal trial begins inside. (Photo by Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) Cameras are lined up outside Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024, as former President Donald Trumps criminal trial begins inside. (Photo by Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) Jury selection began Monday afternoon, and is expected to last around two weeks. But before potential jurors were brought in to the courtroom, Justice Juan Merchan announced rulings on several motions. Merchan said he would reject a motion from Trumps defense team which cited alleged conflicts of interest involving the judges family and asked him to step down from the case. There is no agenda here, Merchan said, adding: We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done. But Merchan said he would not allow the prosecution to introduce evidence about allegations that Trump committed sexual assaults, calling the claims rumors. Braggs team wanted jurors to hear the claims, made in the leadup to the 2016 election, to bolster their case that Trump schemed to hide evidence of an affair, because he was worried about losing support from women voters. Merchan also said he would not allow the jury to hear the Access Hollywood tape, but that prosecutors could introduce into evidence comments made by Trump and caught on the tape. In the recording, which emerged shortly before the 2016 election, Trump brags about grabbing womens genitals, adding: When youre a star, they let you do it. Prosecutors asked Merchan Monday to fine Trump for violating an April 1 gag order imposed by the judge. In recent social media posts, Trump attacked Michael Cohen, his former fixer, and the porn star Stormy Daniels. Merchan said he would hear arguments April 23 on that issue. Cohen, a former lawyer who has fallen out with Trump, is expected to be a key witness in the case, and Daniels also may testify. Defense lawyers have not yet said whether Trump will testify in his own defense. Payments to Daniels At the center of the case are payments totaling $130,000 to Daniels, made by Cohen in the closing weeks of the 2016 election campaign. Cohen admitted in his plea deal the payments were aimed at buying Daniels silence about an affair she says she had with Trump a decade earlier. Trump faces 34 felony counts, and he could face a maximum of four years in prison if convicted. But Merchan also could sentence him to probation without prison time. Legal experts have noted a major challenge facing Bragg: In New York state, falsifying business records on its own is a misdemeanor, not a felony. But it becomes a felony if the falsification was done to conceal another crime. Bragg alleges that Trump intended to conceal state and federal campaign finance violations. The payments, prosecutors allege, were illegal and unreported donations to Trumps campaign, because if Daniels story became public, it could have damaged Trumps image when voters went to the polls. Bragg also alleges that Trump intended to conceal a tax crime stemming from how Cohen was reimbursed for the payments to Daniels. Prosecutors dont need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump committed these alleged underlying crimes. But they do need to show that Trump intended to conceal them something defense lawyers are expected to strongly contest. Political effect The most important impact of any Trump conviction could be political. Most polling averages currently give Trump a very slim lead over President Joe Biden. But there is some evidence that if Trump were to be convicted of a felony, a small but significant slice of the electorate would be less likely to support him. Though the charges in the case may seem simultaneously salacious and dry prosecutors will present reams of sometimes arcane corporate documents democracy advocates say it in fact involves important principles, and centers on a scheme to undermine a fair election. This is not a case solely about hush money payments, Norm Eisen, a legal analyst and prominent Trump critic who was Democratic co-counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during Trumps first impeachment, told reporters Thursday. Its about Trumps alleged actions to hide information from voters to cover up election interference. Trump supporter Steve Merczynski of New York City wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again" outside Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday, April 15, 2024, as Trump's trial began. (Photo by Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) Trump supporter Steve Merczynski of New York City wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again outside Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday, April 15, 2024, as Trumps trial began. (Photo by Zachary Roth/States Newsroom) In a small park outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, Trump supporters gathered Monday to affirm their loyalty to the former president, and to lambaste the trial as Trump himself has frequently done as a politically motivated witch hunt. Whats happening in that courtroom is a total sham, said Steve Merczynski, of New York City, who wore a hand-embroidered scarf declaring MAGA again. This is all run by the Biden criminal administration, Merczynski added. (There is no evidence that the Biden administration influenced the prosecution.) Another Trump supporter, Dion Cini, said he didnt want to judge Trumps personal life. Ive been to Thailand three times, said Cini, a New Yorker who was once banned from Disney World for holding a Trump 2020 flag on Splash Mountain. What do you think I do in Thailand, just sit in a chair? No, I go out and have fun and meet women. Thats what we do as men. Among the few anti-Trump demonstrators was Marc Leavitt, who stood on a park bench as he played the national anthem and other patriotic songs on a flute. I think the rule of law should proceed appropriately, and thats whats happening today, said Leavitt. And thats a very good thing for America. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Trump on trial: Former president faces criminal charges of falsifying business records appeared first on Alaska Beacon. Former President Donald Trump enters the courtroom in Manhattan on Monday in this courtroom sketch. (Jane Rosenberg/Pool/Reuters) This is Yahoo News' succinct update on the criminal and civil cases against former President Donald Trump. Here are the latest developments: What happened today On the first day of Trumps first criminal trial, prosecutors asked Judge Juan Merchan to fine Trump $3,000 for three social media posts attacking witnesses who will testify in the hush money case against him that they say violate a gag order put in place by the judge last month. Merchan said Monday that he will hear further arguments on the prosecution request on April 24. Tell me more In recent social media posts, Trump attacked his former lawyer Michael Cohen and adult-film star Stormy Daniels, both of whom are expected to testify, calling them sleazebags. Prosecutors asked Merchan to sanction Trump $3,000 for the social media posts, which they say violated the judges gag order that prevents Trump from making statements about the participation of prospective witnesses. Trumps lawyers argued that the former president was responding to salacious, repeated attacks by these witnesses. Merchan responded to that point by saying, I don't recall that there's an exception if he's being attacked. During a lunch break, Trump posted a video of right-wing ally Laura Loomer verbally attacking Merchan's wife. The judge also made a series of rulings earlier in the day on what evidence prosecutors could present during the trial. Theyll be allowed to enter into the record a transcript of the famous Access Hollywood tape in which Trump boasts about being able to sexually assault women, but the video will not be shown. Merchan gave instructions on the trial schedule, including that court will not be in session most Wednesdays. He also rejected a request by Trump to be excused from the trial next week so that he could attend arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on his motion that presidential immunity protects him from being prosecuted in the Jan. 6 election interference case. We've got a real problem with this judge, Trump said upon leaving the courtroom of Merchan's decision not to allow him to miss court next week. Jury selection also began on Monday, with potential jurors being asked questions about where they get their news, any possible affiliations with groups like QAnon, the Proud Boys or Antifa, whether they have any views on how Trump is being treated in the case, etc. In all, 96 potential jurors were called, with roughly half being dismissed after they indicated they did not think they could fairly reach a verdict in the case against Trump. Jury selection will resume on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. ET in the hopes of identifying 12 jurors and six alternates. While several prospective jurors passed an initial screening, they will also later be questioned by defense and prosecution lawyers before being seated on the jury. Get caught up Trump's trials and legal cases Donald Trump lashed out on Truth Social on Monday morning as he prepared to make history by becoming the first current or former American president to ever face a criminal trial. In a series of rants on his social media platform, the former president called for the New York hush money case against him to be dropped and once more claimed without evidence that the indictments he faces are part of a plot by Radical Left Democrats to prevent him from campaigning for the presidency. As virtually every legal scholar has powerfully stated, the Biden Manhattan Witch Hunt Case is, among other things, BARRED by the Statute of Limitations. This trial should be ended by the highly conflicted presiding Judge, the candidate claimed in a post. In a follow-up post, he again blamed Democrats and mistakenly claimed he was going to court for bogus lawsuits rather than a criminal trial on 34 felony counts. The Radical Left Democrats are already cheating on the 2024 Presidential Election by bringing, or helping to bring, all of these bogus lawsuits against me, thereby forcing me to sit in courthouses, and spend money that could be used for campaigning, instead of being out in the field knocking Crooked Joe Biden, the WORST President in the History of the United States. Election Interference! he said. After a third, less characteristic post in which he pointed to the absurdity of Russia calling for restraint from Israel in response to the drone attack from Iran it suffered over the weekend, Mr Trump returned to his own plight, asking: Why didnt they bring this totally discredited lawsuit 7 years ago??? Election Interference! In a fifth post, he bemoaned the gag order imposed on him by Judge Juan Merchan, which came after several online attacks on the judge, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and even the justices own daughter. I want my VOICE back. This Crooked Judge has GAGGED me. Unconstitutional! The other side can talk about me, but I am not allowed to talk about them! Rigged Trial! he vented. The series of rants came just hours before the Republican presumptive presidential nominee headed to court for the start of his first criminal trial. DA Bragg charged the former president with 34 felony counts relating to the falsification of business records in order to conceal a hush money payment made to the porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election, to ensure her silence over an extramarital affair she alleges they had a decade earlier. Mr Trump denies the affair and any wrongdoing in the case. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His early morning Truth Social rants were actually picking up where he had left off on Sunday evening. Just four years ago I was a very popular and successful President of the United States, getting more votes than any sitting President in history, he lamented on the eve of the trial. Former US President Donald Trump attends the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Tomorrow morning Ill be in Criminal Court, before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Bidens henchmen Rigging the System against his Political Opponent, ME! I will be fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country, he added, before baselessly accusing Mr Bragg of election interference. Lawyers for the prosecution in the hush money case are expected to allege that Mr Trump paid the money to Ms Daniels in order to stop her coming forward with her story in October 2016 a story that could have discredited him in the eyes of voters as he ran for the White House. Ms Daniels, former Playboy model Karen McDougal, Mr Trumps former personal attorney Michael Cohen, National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, ex-campaign aide Hope Hicks and perhaps even Mr Trump himself could all appear as witnesses in what promises to be a sensational multi-week trial in Manhattan. The proceedings got under way on Monday morning after Judge Merchan batted away numerous last-ditch attempts by the defendants lawyers to have the case thrown out or delayed. Jury selection, the first order of business in the case, could last one to two weeks. Should Mr Trump ultimately be found guilty, he could theoretically face more than a decade in prison. The maximum sentence for each felony count against him is four years in prison, which would add up to 136 years behind bars, but New York imposes a 20-year sentencing cap for this type of offence, with a decision on whether the sentences run concurrently or consecutively left up to the judge. Given that Mr Trump also has no prior criminal record and the crimes of which he stands accused are non-violent in nature, the judge could ultimately incline towards leniency and only sentence him to a fraction of the maximum jail time allowed or simply choose to place him on probation. Mr Trumps legal team have also attempted to argue that presidential immunity shields his official acts from prosecution but have so far failed to convince the judge, although the matter is set to be considered by the US Supreme Court later this month. A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. The first ever criminal trial of a former US president got underway in state court in Manhattan on Monday with the difficult task of finding an impartial jury to sit for a trial that could last months. Despite the high stakes of prosecuting the presumptive Republican presidential candidate and the salacious subject matter involving a 2016 hush money payment to a former adult film star, the trial kickoff previewed weeks of plodding, procedural back-and-forth and an unusual request for former President Donald Trump to take part in sidebar conversations. Trumps disdain for the proceedings in which he is the defendant was on display outside the courtroom. On his way in to court Monday, he described the entire trial as an assault on America and used social media posts to criticize potential witnesses. A separate hearing has now been scheduled for April 23 to determine if Trump violated a gag order against attacking people involved with the trial. A trial as described by those in the room. Without live or even taped audio or video, the play-by-play was relayed to the outside world by those few reporters actually inside the courtroom. CNNs Kara Scannell and Jeremy Herb fed information from the court that ultimately made its way to the rest of us. The first order of business in state court in Manhattan is to begin jury selection, a process anticipated to take as long as two weeks. The trial itself, which will take place on weekdays except Wednesdays, could stretch to two full months. Of the first group of 96 potential jurors who crammed into the courtroom, more than half were immediately excused for saying they could not be fair and impartial. Trump wants to take part in sidebars, which could put him very close to jurors. According to Scannell, defendants rarely get involved in sidebars with judges during jury selection, but Trumps attorneys have indicated he will want to be involved, either approaching the bench or in a side room. This is a rare request. I have covered about two dozen trials, and I cant remember one time the defendant opted to go up to the bench as the judge and the attorneys are asking questions of the potential juror, Scannell said on CNN during a midday courtroom break. So, this is really remarkable to me that he is choosing to do that, and he will be eye-to-eye with these potential jurors in close proximity as they answer questions. Searching for 18 impartial people. Ultimately, the field of jurors needs to be winnowed down to 12 jurors and six alternates. Around 500 jurors are expected to be called during each day of jury selection, and Scannell said the court would begin vetting about 100 potential jurors at a time in the courtroom. They will be asked some general questions like whether they have an unbreakable commitment, need a religious exemption or dont feel they can be impartial. What does impartial mean? Its ridiculous to think jurors would not have heard of Trump or even have opinions about him. He is, after all, one of the most famous people in the world. Anybody so ignorant of world events so as to not have an impression of Trump would probably not be fit to serve on a jury anyway, writes Jeffrey Abramson, author of We, The Jury: The Jury System and the Ideal of Democracy. An open mind does not require an empty mind, Abramson argues in a piece for CNN Opinion as he explains the process known as voir dire. We can find fair jurors who understand the difference between law and politics, Abramson adds, noting that Trump has already faced New York juries who found him liable in civil cases related to defamation and sexual abuse of E. Jean Carroll, a former magazine columnist who said Trump raped her in a department store in 1996, although Trump denies the claim. A Manhattan jury also found Trumps business, the Trump Organization, guilty of tax evasion, although Trump was not personally named in that case. The jurors will remain anonymous, but Abramson argues both sides in the case need to sketch a personality profile of each potential juror. A person with military training, for instance, who values loyalty might be a better juror for Trump, whereas someone who admires whistleblowers might be a better juror for the government, he writes. What will jurors hear? At one point, Judge Juan Merchan read off the names of more than 40 people who could feature in the trial. Potential witnesses range from former Trump aides like Kellyanne Conway and Rudy Giuliani to the women who allege they had affairs with Trump: Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. CNNs Kaanita Iyer has a rundown of the key players. And here is an excellent visual timeline of the entire hush money scandal. Much of the morning centered on questions about what evidence Merchan will allow jurors to hear. The judge, per Scannell and Herbs feeds, will allow: Testimony from McDougal Shes the former Playboy Playmate whose story of her alleged affair with Trump was bought by the National Enquirer with the intention of killing it before the 2016 election. But Merchan will not allow testimony about McDougals allegation that the affair was conducted while Trumps wife, Melania, was pregnant and after she gave birth to their son Barron. That kind of testimony, Merchan said, could prejudice the jury against Trump. National Enquirer stories attacking Trumps opponents Prosecutors say Trump was involved in approving these stories. Merchan will not allow: The infamous Access Hollywood tape It included vulgar language from Trump, and the prosecution says its release just before the 2016 election helped lead to the hush money payment. It cannot be played to jurors, but it can be discussed. Testimony from Carroll Separate civil juries found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation of Carroll, but her deposition cannot be shown. What about Michael Cohen? There was also much discussion about what jurors can hear from or about Michael Cohen, Trumps former fixer and the key witness in the case. It was Cohen who orchestrated the hush money payments and who pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating campaign finance law, for which he served time in prison. Trump is accused by New York of falsifying business records when he paid Cohen back for the hush money scheme. Merchan has a nuanced set of guidelines for how to include the key elements of Cohens side of the story without making jurors think Trump is guilty of the crimes Cohen admitted committing. New York Times reporter and CNN political analyst Maggie Haberman noted that Trump had to sit and watch while all of these uncomfortable subjects were discussed in court. This trial is going to be filled with personal discomfort for Donald Trump, who has often been able to just attack and then walk away, she told CNNs Jake Tapper. This is going to be much harder for him here. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Outside the Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday, a Christian conservative rapper who identified himself as Shawn DVS 7.0 awaited the arrival of Donald Trump. Sometimes I have my disagreements with Trump, but nobody compares, he said, resting a full-size American flag pole on his shoulder. Democrats, he added, couldnt get him with collusion, they couldnt get him with all the other stuff before, so now theyre going with all these side angles. He was one of about 50 Trump-stanning protesters who gathered for the start of jury selection in the first of Trumps four criminal trials. Penned up outside 100 Centre St., they carried signs reading Trump 2024, Save America, and The Purge Begins, Tuesday November 5. They were easily outnumbered by the phalanx of reporters and policewhich left at least one of them disappointed. I thought more people would be here, said the woman, who gave only her first name, Sophia. She had taken the subway an hour and half from Queens to lower Manhattan to sort-of attend the first-ever criminal trial of a former president. When they do finally take our freedom of speech away and screw us over, nobody better say anything about it, she added. Shut up, you didn't fight for your rights. The courthouse sideshow included some familiar Trumpworld figures, including far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer and Andrew Giuliani, the son of former Trump attorney and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Asked about the weak turnout on the street, the younger Giuliani replied: Im more worried about whats going on in that courtroom than out here. Andrew Giuliani outside of Manhattan Criminal Court. Spencer Platt/Getty There was a small crowd of counter-protesters, who marched by around 9 a.m., carrying signs reading Election interference is a crime, and chanting, No one is above the law. They stopped briefly in front of the barricades before being hurried along by police, earning little more than some snide comments from the Trumpers. One pro-Trump protester and a counter-protester briefly tangled physically on the sidelines of a press conference Loomer and Giuliani gave. No one was arrested. (Pushing is not assault, a police officer who witnessed the altercation told the counter-protester, an older woman from New York who identified herself as Bebe.) Loomer did not seem to notice the mini-skirmish, telling the crowd through a megaphone that their job was to ensure the media did not only cover the left-wing protesterswhich seemed unlikely given that the number of reporters in the pro-Trump pen outnumbered the protesters themselves. If anybody is committing election interference it is these corrupt communists, Loomer said, referring to the counter-protests signs, before leading the crowd in a chant of, Fire Tish James, fire Alvin Bragg. Bragg is, of course, the Manhattan DA prosecuting Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with hush-money payments he allegedly made and concealed to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in exchange for her silence about a fling. Bragg alleges the payments were part of a broader strategy to influence the results of the 2016 election. Officers escort an anti-Trump protester away from pro-Trump demonstrators. Adam Gray/AFP via Getty MAGA supporters, unsurprisingly, believe the trial itself is election interferencea, shall we say, trumped-up case designed to sink a man running for re-election. And they have all sorts of theories about what is really going on. Shawn, for instance, thinks that Michael Cohen, the Trump attorney who made the hush-money payments to Daniels and later turned on him, was the one having an affair with Daniels. (One of Shawns biggest hits on Spotify is a song called MAGA Vibe, the lyrics of which include: Somebody go get the grill and the deer Trump Jr. killed.) Trump appears to be trying to turn his criminal trial, which will keep him trapped in a courtroom for six weeks, into a surrogate campaign event, telling his supporters on Truth Social on the eve of the trial that he would SEE YOU TOMORROW. But the gathering outside the courthouse had neither the turnout nor the energy of a typical Trump rally. Most seemed to have arrived an hour or two before trial started, and Loomer and Giuliani left shortly after the former president sullenly entered at 9:30 am. I do notice there are more members of the media here than actual patriots, said Patrick McAndrews, who said he was there to support Trump and to network for his conservative events newsletter. I would like to have seen a bigger turnout, but were all sitting on our hands waiting for Trump to announce his big New York rally. A committed group camped out in the pen for hours as jury selection progressed and the day turned uncomfortably hot. Someone pulled out a portable speaker and started playing music; a signboard reading,COVID-19: A Super War that Subverted President Trump was erected. Two members of the far-right Proud Boys got restless around 12:45 p.m. Lets go get some tacos, one of them urged his friend. For those who had non-Trump business in the courtroom, the tight security and the media attention was mostly an inconvenience. One woman, after being told that the crowds were there for Trump, sighed and said, Is that why I cant get to my trial against my landlord today? Only one person seemed truly pleased with the events of that morning. Standing on a park bench in the middle of the Trump pen, wearing a poster around his neck reading, Trump is a narcissist liar, an older man named Marc Leavitt loudly played God Bless America on the flute. Asked why he turned out that morning, he beamed and told a reporter: Its a great day for the rule of law. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. On Monday, Donald Trump again made history, becoming the first former president to go to trial on criminal charges. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has charged Trump with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in an effort to hide a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. That payment, according to prosecutors and Daniels, was made to keep her quiet about an alleged extramarital affair she had with Trump prior to the 2016 presidential election. While the payment of hush money is not itself a felony, it rises to that level when done to enable other crimes, such as violating tax and campaign finance laws. As he has with all of the criminal and civil cases filed against him, Trump has proclaimed his innocence on all charges and also denies that he had sex with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. When will the trial be held and how long will it last? Jury selection began Monday at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse in New York City. The trial will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and is expected to take six to eight weeks. Will the trial be televised? Nope. Reporters will be allowed inside the courtroom and will be allowed to post their observations live, but news photographers will be given only 45 seconds of access to the courtroom each day, prior to the start of each session, the New York Times reported. Will Daniels testify? Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the trial, ruled last month that Daniels could testify in the case, and she appears more than willing to share her story. Im absolutely ready. Ive been ready, Daniels said last month in an appearance on ABCs The View. I relish the day that I get to face him and speak my truth. Who else will take the stand for the prosecution? Heres a whos who of the witnesses Braggs team is expected to call during the trial: David Pecker: The former CEO of American Media (AMI), which owns the National Enquirer, Pecker agreed to pay sources for potentially damaging stories about Trump, then bury not print the stories in what is known as a catch and kill arrangement. Karen McDougal: A former Playboy model who also alleges she had an extramarital affair with Trump, McDougal received a $150,000 payment from AMI for the rights to tell her story. The story never ran, and McDougal was not allowed to publish it elsewhere. Michael Cohen: Trumps former lawyer has told prosecutors he arranged the $130,000 payment from Trump to Daniels and was reimbursed in a way that would hide the transaction from state officials and the public. Hope Hicks: Hicks was Trumps press secretary in 2016, when the payment to Daniels was made. She has been interviewed by prosecutors about phone calls she may have participated in between Trump and Cohen about the payment. Rhona Graff: Graff is senior VP at the Trump Organization and an executive assistant to Trump. Madeleine Westerhout: Westerhout served as Trumps director of Oval Office operations. Deborah Tarasoff: A former Trump Organization employee in the companys accounting department, Tarasoff could testify about Trumps bookkeeping. Jeffrey McConney: McConney is a former executive at the Trump Organization who has knowledge of the companys financial transactions. He also testified in the civil financial fraud trial. Could the trial still be delayed or canceled on appeal? In the week preceding the trial alone, three different appeals court judges rejected motions from Trumps lawyers to delay the start of the trial. Trump was able to delay the trial by nearly a month after his lawyers argued that they needed more time to review evidence introduced by federal prosecutors, but his lawyers were unsuccessful in at least 11 other appeals. Trump still has outstanding appeals, including on whether Merchan should be allowed to oversee the trial and whether his gag order preventing Trump from attacking the family members of court staff went too far. But after a string of court losses this past week, none of them delayed the start of the trial on Monday. Is Trump required to be in court for the trial? Former Donald Trump attends the first day of his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday. (Angela Weiss/Pool via AFP via Getty Images) Under New York law, criminal defendants are required to be in court for the duration of the trial in which they are charged. That means that days that Trump might have spent campaigning for president will be spent inside the lower Manhattan courtroom. The judge can provide some wiggle room, however, if Trump has what is considered a valid reason for missing a given court session. What does Trump say about the charges? Trump has been outspoken in his view that the hush money case is a Witch Hunt, that Merchan hates him and that Bragg is racist for having brought charges he says HAVE NEVER BEEN BROUGHT BEFORE. Trump has also denied having a sexual relationship with Daniels, and has pointed to a statement she signed in 2018 in which she also denies having had sex with Trump as well as ever being paid to keep quiet about it. Daniels has since stated she was coerced into signing the letter and that Trump lawyer Michael Cohen drafted it. Could Trump go to prison if found guilty? Each of the 34 charges against Trump is a Class E felony the lowest category. All told, he could face a maximum prison sentence of four years upon conviction. If Trump is found guilty on all or some of the criminal counts, it will be up to the jury to decide how he will be punished. Many legal experts believe that jail time would be unlikely in this case. When are Trumps other criminal trials expected to begin and how do they compare to the hush money case? Overall, Trump faces the prospect of four different criminal trials. None of the other three have been scheduled yet, but the judges in those cases are expected to make that determination in the coming months. Two of the cases Georgia election interference and Jan. 6 federal election interference involve Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results while he was still in office. The classified documents case involves Trumps handling of restricted materials after leaving the White House and his alleged efforts to block federal investigators from recovering them. The three other cases each carry a much stiffer possible prison sentence upon conviction than the hush money case. Can he still run or be elected president if hes found guilty? Yes. Even if Trump is convicted in the hush money trial and sentenced to prison, there is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that prevents him from running for president from behind bars. Have more questions? Send us your questions about the case here. We will compile them and try to provide answers in a future post. Yahoo News asked readers to submit their questions about former President Donald Trumps New York trial on charges that he falsified business records to hide a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels from voters during the 2016 election. We received hundreds of excellent questions. Heres a sampling (readers were asked how they wanted to be identified), along with some answers: Greg asked: Will the trial take place Monday or will Trump get away with more stall tactics? In the week preceding the trial alone, three different appeals court judges rejected motions from Trumps lawyers to delay the start of the trial. Trump was able to push back the initial March 25 start date after his lawyers argued that they needed more time to review evidence introduced by federal prosecutors, but his lawyers have been unsuccessful in at least 12 other attempts to stall the start of the trial, including Friday, when Merchan refused Trumps lawyers request delay the proceedings because the case has generated too much publicity. Anonymous asked: New York state prohibits cameras in the courtroom, so how will the press cover the trial? Reporters from several news outlets will be in the courtroom throughout the trial, and others will be reporting from a holding area in the building. They will be allowed to share their impressions with the public in real time. At the start of each day, photographers will be allowed to snap pictures before the start of the proceedings but will then be ushered out of the room. Former President Donald Trump attends the first day of his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday. (Angela Weiss/Pool via Getty Images) Anne asked: I am very concerned about the integrity of the jury and that jury screening won't be stringent enough to keep out his ardent supporters who will no doubt vote to acquit regardless of the evidence and testimony. How can an impartial jury be ensured? This goes both ways. Last week, Trump was unsuccessful in convincing an appeals court to delay the trial while he tries to change the venue from Manhattan, a Democratic stronghold, to Staten Island. Finding an impartial jury for a celebrity or a well-known politician can be a difficult problem because opinions on that defendant can already be set. Judge Juan Merchan has stated that he won't let lawyers for the prosecution or defense ask potential jurors about their voting choices, political contributions or party registration. In picking the 12 jurors and six alternates to serve during the trial, prosecutors and defense lawyers can reject only a limited number, meaning they will have to try to assemble a jury that they believe gives them the best chance of winning the case. Merchan also ruled last month that while Trump and his lawyers can learn the identity of the jurors, they may not release that information publicly. Steve Johnson asked: Is the prosecutor able to articulate the evidence to support a clear conclusion and potential conviction? Merchan reviewed the charges being brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and found that they can be brought before a jury. Numerous challenges have been filed by Trumps lawyers in New York appeals courts and the bulk of them have been denied. Ultimately, its up to that jury to decide whether Braggs case, or the defense presented by Trumps lawyers, is strong enough to support a clear conclusion either way. Scott asked: Is Bragg essentially trying to prosecute what should be a federal charge, under federal election law? Skeptics question whether Bragg can pursue federal election law violations in this state-level case. That may be the toughest thing he will have to justify to a jury. But Trump is also accused of violating New York state laws involving the falsification of business records that have been elevated from misdemeanor to felony counts because they were committed in furtherance of other crimes. Trump sits next to his lawyer at the defense table Monday. (Angela Weiss/Pool via AFP via Getty Images) Mark asked: Weren't the facts of this case reviewed by federal prosecutors in the Biden administration who determined that there was no crime to prosecute prior to Bragg deciding to prosecute? When they investigated Trumps payment to Daniels when Trump was president, Justice Department prosecutors and special counsel Robert Mueller decided not to bring charges against him. They cited a Department of Justice directive from the Nixon era that prevented sitting presidents from being indicted, the New York Times reported. Once Trump was out of office, federal prosecutors with the Southern District of New York continued to hold off bringing charges against Trump, though their reasoning remains unclear. Mary asked: Now that hush money is considered illegal, will this court prosecute senators and congressmen who paid to cover up their sexual harassment complaints? In and of themselves, hush money payments are not illegal. In fact, they can be similar to nondisclosure agreements. But Bragg is alleging that Trump sought to hide the payment to keep voters from knowing about it, thereby violating campaign finance laws, and as a way to avoid paying taxes on the amount. You raise a great point, however, about whether hush money payments to politicians should all be considered crimes if they are meant to keep voters in the dark. Thomas asked: If he is convicted, can Trump pardon himself if elected president again? A president can issue pardons only for federal offenses, not for state charges. Todd asked: If Trump is convicted and given jail time, will he have Secret Service detail to protect him while he serves the sentence? The U.S. Secret Service protects former presidents, so if Trump is sentenced to jail time, that would set up a historic legal test that would likely have to be decided in, you guessed it, another court case. John Bell asked: Would you even be covering this if it wasn't 45? While the question seems to imply that the media is biased against the 45th U.S. president, the fact that he is the first former commander in chief to be indicted on criminal charges and to have that case tried in court is, whether one believes that the charges have merit, a newsworthy event. Trump's trial is about more than sex and money. It's about what presidents 'can get away with' Former President Trump returns to court in Manhattan on Monday for the start of his New York criminal trial, in a case that has implications for future presidents. (Angela Weiss / Getty Images) The adult film star. The betraying bagman. The brash billionaire. The plot reads like a "Sopranos" episode, a shadowy narrative of a nations sins and troubling divisions, its characters converging in a New York courtroom where, for the first time in history, a former president will stand before a jury in a criminal trial. Donald Trump is giving the country another unruly moment to mark. There have been so many over the years the Jan. 6 insurrection, the failed pandemic response that they seem to blur into one another, an unending spectacle of a reality-TV-star-turned-politician in an age of lies and recriminations. The hush money trial scheduled to start Monday probably will not change the opinions of Trumps followers or detractors. But it will further incite the 2024 campaign and test the resilience of a polarized democracy. How this trial and [his] other trials play out will have enduring consequences, said William Howell, a politics professor at the University of Chicago and co-author of "Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy." The cases, he added, "will shape not just what future presidents will do but whether or not theyll get away with it. Its absolutely fundamental to democracy. Read more: Appeals court rejects Trumps latest attempt to delay April 15 hush money criminal trial Trump is accused in this case of falsifying business records regarding an alleged $130,000 payment in 2016 to silence Stormy Daniels from saying she'd had sex with him a decade earlier. His then-lawyer Michael Cohen Trump has since called him a rat said the former president directed him to make the payment that Trump then reimbursed, disguised as legal fees. Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations in relation to the Daniels money and served more than a year in prison on a three-year sentence. Michael Cohen did prison time over the alleged campaign hush money at issue in his former boss' New York trial. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) The facts of the case have fed late-night TV riffs and AI-generated deepfake images in a surreal satire of our politics. Preliminary hearings have so infuriated Trump that his outbursts, including attacks on prosecutors, court staff and witnesses, led Judge Juan M. Merchan whose daughter Trump has assailed on social media to impose a gag order on the defendant. Trump denies having had any sexual encounter with Daniels. He has called her crazy and horseface. She labeled him tiny. Such is the wordplay of the times. The trial is the latest in the legal jeopardy, including 91 felony counts, facing a man who sees himself as unbound by convention. Trump has been found liable, in a civil case, for nearly half a billion dollars in financial fraud. He faces other trials on allegations of election interference that culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021, uprising and of taking classified documents when he left the White House. Stormy Daniels received money, allegedly at Trump's direction, for her silence about a sexual encounter that he maintains never happened. He's now charged with falsifying business records to hide the money. (Markus Schreiber / Associated Press) He has been impeached twice. Yet he is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, a showman whose travails have emboldened a brand of nativist populism that has unnerved the world and turned the nation into warring camps. Read more: D.A. suggests Trump violated gag order with post about daughter of hush-money trial judge The trial will unfold at a time when Trump has vowed vengeance against his enemies and joked that he would be a dictator on "day one" if reelected. He has long been enamored with authoritarians, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He has also increasingly tapped into two prominent, if dueling, American narratives: religion and the allure of the mobster. Many of his followers see him as anointed by God like the biblical King Cyrus who freed oppressed Jews in Babylon. At rallies, when mentioning his indictments, Trump who recently began selling Bibles for $59.99 compares his legal problems with those of Al Capone. If you looked at him in the wrong way, Trump said last year in Iowa, he blew your brains out. Trump's largely white, working-class base echoes his claims that he's a victim of a political witch hunt. Here, Proud Boys rally for him earlier this month. (Stephanie Keith / Getty Images) The national audience for this trial a recent Gallup poll found that 75% of Americans are dissatisfied with the state of the country couldnt be more restless and divided. Trump has often alluded to violence and hate speech, and his rallies are a mix of militant fervor and sacred intonations. His base, mainly white, working-class and feeling neglected and forgotten by Washington, views him as a victim of a witch hunt. Democrats see him as a threat to civil liberties and immigration a danger to the Constitution. Left and right are disillusioned, angry and skeptical over whether the trials verdict will produce either justice or clarity at a time when mistrust of government is high and disinformation is insidious. As far as the effect of this on the American soul, that has already been felt in deep kinds of ways, said Robert Thompson, director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University. There is a very discouraging sense that all of this stuff is further putting another shovelful of cynicism on the grave of the American experiment," Thompson continued. "People on both sides of this argument have the idea that the old notions of justice prevailing and that in the end the truth will come out will not be met. Over the last year, Trump, with an entourage of SUVs and lawyers, has grown accustomed to courtrooms and to judges, some of whom he has ridiculed. In February, he was ordered to pay about $450 million in a New York civil fraud case for inflating his wealth on financial documents. In January, a jury ordered him to pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll for defaming her after she accused him of raping her decades earlier. Trump has met the judgments with scowls, anger and astonishment, even as he has turned courthouses into campaign stops. Read more: Trump has big plans for California if he wins a second term. Fasten your seatbelts This gives President Trump a global platform, Stephen K. Bannon, Trumps chief strategist in 2016 who was later convicted of contempt of Congress, said in a recent podcast. One of the reasons President Trump is back and leading is because half of his campaign is these court appearances. Foxs Sean Hannity, who has amplified the former presidents victimhood scenario, said Trump is being persecuted by a Biden administration that wants to use our system of justice as a political weapon. Lawyers Emil Bove, left, and Todd Blanche are on the defense team in the first criminal trial of a president. In Trump's less serious but very expensive cases in the last year, he used court appearances to campaign, even as he lost. (Peter K. Afriyie / Associated Press) The trial is expected to last weeks and promises testimony on finances, sex and celebrity. A judge has ruled that Cohen and Daniels a documentary film about her has just been released can testify. The backdrop will be New York City, where Trump, the scion of a real estate developer and a favorite of the tabloids, rose to prominence. The proceedings, including the prospect that a pole dancer will defy a legion of election deniers and protests will erupt, will probably further entrench Trumps supporters and opponents. But it is not known what effect the trial might have on ambivalent and undecided voters. A great quote from a Leonard Cohen song says there is a 'crack in everything / Thats how the light gets in,'" said Robert Greenwald, founder of Brave New Films, a nonprofit that produces social justice documentaries. Will this moment let the light in to see the true colors of one of the candidates? It has the possibility of getting to voters who dont follow the twists and turns of politics, people who might say, This is not moral, this is not right. Read more: Column: Even Trump knows Republicans have gone too far on abortion The trial also raises the matter of Trumps business and political personas few American presidents in history have been so publicly intertwined with their wealth. The recent merger of Trump Media & Technology Group, which owns Truth Social, with Digital World Acquisition Corp. was valued at $8 billion. But its stock price quickly fell, losing about 50% of its value in a matter of weeks after news that Trump Media reported losses of $58 million in 2023. It was an indication that the hype around the deal was colliding with business and market realities. The question is how long investors will ride with a struggling Trump brand if his upcoming trials nick away at his political popularity. Trump supporters appear eager to support him through his trials. To help cover his staggering legal expenses, he's been selling "God Bless the USA" Bibles, "Victory47" cologne and limited-edition gold high-tops. (Stephanie Keith / Getty Images) Trump has taken to hawking Victory47 cologne for $99 and Never Surrender High-Tops for $399. He has been incensed that his money and tens of millions of dollars from donors has gone to legal costs. I had to pay New York State in order to appeal a corrupt decision by a biased, crooked and highly overturned judge. Its supposed to be the other way around you appeal before you pay, he recently posted on Truth Social. Is a crooked New York Judge allowed to make you pay for the 'privilege' of appealing a wrongful & corrupt decision??? NOT IN AMERICA!!!" Trump and his outrageousness are built for the voyeurism of our times, but Merchan did not allow video cameras inside the courtroom during the arraignment leading to the trial. In an odd sort of way," said Thompson, "theres something so 19th century about this story in its baroque complexity but also, in the age of instantaneous social media, we get the court appearances in pastels and watercolors of sketch artists." Three U.S. presidents have been impeached Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Trump but none has ever before sat at a criminal defendants table. In 1974, then-President Ford pardoned former President Nixon from indictment for crimes he committed or may have committed in the Watergate scandal that divided and bruised the nation. If Nixon were put on trial, Ford said, the tranquility to which this nation has been restored by the events of recent weeks could be irreparably lost. Trump has likened his legal issues to Al Capone's, even as many of his followers see him as anointed by God. Here, supporters share a solemn moment earlier this month at a rally in Green Bay, Wis. (Mike Roemer / Associated Press) America is not tranquil now, and Trump faces four criminal trials. He has portrayed himself as a man persecuted by an unjust and evil government. He has told his followers including elected officials in Congress and those on county commissions and town councils, that he is both martyr and savior: They want to take away my freedom, he said at one rally, because I will never let them take away your freedom. Theres a messianic quality to all of it, Howell said. When you think about Trumps legacy, its about his ability in incredibly short order to entirely remake the Republican Party. That is an extraordinary thing that many politicians have tried but he succeeded at." "This isnt going away," Howell continued. "There are legions of folk who are ready to carry the mantle forward. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Two Kansas women, Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, went missing in Oklahoma's panhandle, authorities said. Update: The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said Monday that there is "no" chance two Kansas women, Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, are alive. Read the full update. Two deceased people have been recovered in rural Texas County, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation announced Sunday night on its Facebook page. The post said the remains will be taken to the Medical Examiner's Office to determine identification, and cause and manner of death. The investigation is ongoing, the OSBI added. The recovery by the OSBI, the FBI, Texas County Sheriff's Department and the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner comes as law enforcement have been searching for two Kansas women, Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, who authorities said went missing in Oklahoma's panhandle. More: Four arrested, two bodies found: What we know about two Kansas women missing in Oklahoma Four arrests have been made related to the women, authorities said. All four were booked into the Texas County jail Saturday, each on two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said. Official charges have not been filed. More: Four arrested, suspected of murder after Kansas women missing in Oklahoma's Texas County One arrest was made in Texas County, and three were made in Cimarron County, OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee said. Both counties are in the Oklahoma panhandle, between Kansas and Texas. Butler and Kelley were on their way to pick up children but never made it to the pick up location, according to a missing person's poster from the Texas County Sheriff's Office. Their car was found abandoned in rural Texas County, Oklahoma near Highway 95 and Road L, just south of Elkhart, Kansas, and the Oklahoma/Kansas border, OSBI told USA Today. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Missing Kansas women: OSBI reports two bodies found in rural Oklahoma Two civilians killed, more injured in Russian airstrike on Kharkiv Oblast Russian forces have attacked an educational institution in the village of Lukiantsi (Kharkiv Oblast) with a guided bomb unit (GBU), killing two people and injuring more. The number of the injured is being established. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "The invaders have once again killed civilians in Kharkiv Oblast". Details: Russian troops launched a GBU on the village of Lukiantsi in the Lyptsi hromada of Kharkiv district at 14:00 on 15 April (a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.). Two people have been killed, and the number of the injured is being established. All of them are civilians, the official stressed. The GBU struck an educational institution. Information is being gathered. Support UP or become our patron! Two dead, one seriously hurt after Loda crash LODA, Ill. (WCIA) Two people are dead and one is seriously hurt following a car versus motorcycle crash in Loda. At 1:08 p.m. on Sunday, Iroquois County Sheriffs Deputies responded to the intersection of Oak and Washington Streets. A preliminary investigation suggests that the motorcycle tried to make a left-hand turn and the car failed to slow down to avoid running into it. Harvest Moon Drive-In giving back to community after cat rescue operation in Iroquois Co. The 35-year-old car driver, identified as Amber Garrelts of Loda, and the 60-year-old motorcycle passenger, Greta Naese of Chebanse, were severely injured and taken to nearby hospitals. They were later pronounced dead. The motorcycle driver, 65-year-old Lester Naese of Chebanse, remains seriously hurt in a local hospital. The Buckley Fire Department and EMS, Gibson City EMS, the Illinois State Police and the Loda Fire Department all assisted Iroquois County Sheriffs Deputies at the scene. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Napa police are investigating a fatal double shooting Saturday night. The victims appeared to be teenage girls, one report said. (Napa Police) Napa police are investigating the fatal shooting of two people Saturday night, a rare instance of such violence in this wine country community popular with tourists. Officers found the two female victims about 8:10 p.m. in the 400 block of Riverside Drive, the Napa Police Department said in a news release. They appeared to be teenagers, reported KTVU-TV Channel 2, which cited a witness to the shooting. One person died at the scene and the other at a local hospital, police said. Anyone with information was asked to call Det. Dustin Dodd at (707) 257-9568. Napa Police Lt. Chris Pacheco declined to say whether a suspect had been identified, but he said that there was no indication of any threat to public safety, according to the Press Democrat. Napa is the largest city in Napa Valley, and homicides there are uncommon. The killings were the first two recorded in the city this year, Dodd said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Two San Francisco County jails were locked down over the weekend because of increasing assaults of deputies and other staff by inmates at the facilities, officials said. Since late March, seven jail staffers have been injured in altercations with the incarcerated people they were hired to oversee, said Tara Moriarty, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Sheriffs Office. "Some of these assaults have resulted in serious injuries," Moriarty said in a news release on Saturday. "The lockdown went into effect for the protection of all who work or reside in, or visit our jails." The lockdown, which is expected to end next week, means any visits and programs are canceled, keeping the more than 1,100 incarcerated people at the two Bay Area jails sequestered to their cells. Affected jails include the county's only women's facility and its San Bruno location. "We are actively investigating these incidents to ascertain their root causes and any potential correlation," Moriarty said. "It is imperative that we identify and address the factors contributing to these assaults to prevent future occurrences." The San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs Assn., the union that represents affected workers, urged local leaders to deploy the California National Guard to make up for understaffing at county jails and to bolster security. "Recent incidents, including an alarming increase in prisoner fights, attacks on prisoners by other prisoners, and injuries to civilian employees and deputy sheriffs, highlight the pressing need for additional staffing and resources within the Sheriff's Office," union President Ken Lomba said in a letter to officials including Mayor London Breed and San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. Assaults on deputies rose from 121 in 2022 to 216 in 2023, according to Lomba. In the letter, Lomba points to a recent study by Washington State University that showed high rates of mental health problems and fatigue among San Francisco Sheriff's Office workers, a problem the union said is exacerbated by overtime to combat understaffing. Nationwide, a shortage of correction officers has escalated concerns about quality of life for both prisoners and workers as the incarcerated population at some facilities increases while staff decreases. Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom approved more than $1 billion in raises and benefits for California prison guards in response to similar concerns. In recent weeks, some San Francisco County jails have failed to meet staffing minimums, down as many as eight deputies for some shifts, according to the union. Moriarty said the association's request to call in the National Guard is "premature" and unnecessary but said the agency shares concerns about safety issues and will address them internally. "We understand that the DSA also ties the recent incidents into low staffing levels and has called for immediate staffing," she said in an email Sunday. "The National Guard is not the answer to the staffing shortage. The Sheriff continues to be committed to filling vacancies, recruiting, and hiring." 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. That was astoundingly unprecedented. American, British, French, and an assortment of Arab countries warplanes and air defenses teamed up with Israel to block Irans massive wave of missiles and drones. Now lets recognize that Joe Biden deserves credit for his immediate follow-up. The President saved the world from coping with an awful war in the Middle East, by calling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and twisting Israels arm so that it didn't immediately retaliate against Iran. While Israeli war cabinet consultations are secret, we can confirm that the group of five top decision-makers was moving toward ordering a powerful retaliation against sites in Iransome connected with that countrys nuclear programthat have been on Israels standby target list for years. This seemed to be an ideal opportunity: Iran, for the first time from its own territory, brazenly attacked Israel without just relying on shadowy terrorists or other proxies. Surely the world would understand the legitimacy of Israel striking back. Yet Biden, in that phone call late Saturday night, told Netanyahu to take the win; to be thrilled that the unique combination of allies, including even Saudi Arabia, protected Israel. Biden wisely praised Israels own air force and anti-missile defenses, such as the Iron Dome, Davids Sling, and Arrow systems that have enjoyed bipartisan financial support from Congress and are partially manufactured by American contractors. And then came the sting: Biden said that if Israel attacks Irans territory, then Israel is doing that on its own. No American participation. And the instant alliance with Arabs and Europeans might fade away like a desert mirage. We should note that for years, U.S. officials have privately said they think Netanyahu is trying to maneuver America into joining a destructive attack on Irans nuclear program, while the U.S. consistently counsels restraint. Bidens verbal arm-twisting should not be taken lightly. Israel has again been reminded how it needs Washingtons support. The colossal failure of Irans missile and drone attack, and the instant alliances success at swatting it out of the skies, is the result of intimate cooperation between the Israel and the U.S. For years, Israeli and American warplanes have trained together and took part in unannounced joint operations against ISIS. Just last week, the head of U.S. Central Command, General Michael Kurilla, visited from Florida and spent long hours at Israels military headquarters in Tel Aviv. American spy satellites furnished Israel with precise data about Irans missile sites and monitored all the launches on Saturday. Israel was able to tell its citizens to prepare to take shelter. Read More: How the U.S. Rallied to Defend Israel A lot of vital data came from a hush-hush U.S. installation in southern Israel: a huge radar facility, not far from Israels nuclear reactor at Dimona, tasked with monitoring the skies to the East of Israel. Inside the Hatzor air base, 25 miles south of Tel Aviv, there is a permanent joint control room where Israeli and American air force officers sit side-by-side. The U.S. does not help the Israel Defense Forces in most of IDFs missions, and there is no U.S. role in hitting Hamas in the Gaza Strip, but for defense against long-range missileswith Iran as the most potent threatthe intelligence cooperation is seamless. While some skeptics about the seriousness of the weekends extremely brief missile war say it was simply a piece of geopolitical theater, as though Iran never intended to cause much damage in Israel, we urge them to consider what might have happened if the defensive shield had been punctured. If even one Iranian ballistic missilewith, typically, a thousand pounds of explosives in its warheadhad struck an Israeli air base or a residential neighborhood, the deaths of Israelis would have made a powerful retaliation by Israel inevitable. True, the Iranians had telegraphed for days that they were going to fire missiles at Israel for the first time, as a response to the airstrike that killed top Iranian officers, including the deputy commander of the terrorist-backing Quds Force, in Damascus on April 1. But still, it was no mean feat to intercept almost all of those missiles and drones. Israel claims 99 percent of about 320 were downed, almost all of them far from the Jewish state, over Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Jordan. Based on intentionally vague official announcements, we credit the U.S. with at least 40 percent of the kills. Frankly, for the air forces and ground-based radars of over half a dozen nations, the Iranian attack was a brilliant opportunity for a real-world test of state-of-the-art high-tech capabilities: air to air missiles, electronic warfare jamming, and other systems that the Pentagon is reluctant to discuss publicly. American sensors, some on satellites orbiting far above, were a key to monitoring every step: the Iranian launches, and then controlling the allies response so that friendly planes wouldnt knock each other out of the skies. Israelis have strong reasons to be grateful, and it is the Biden Administration that organized this anti-Iran coalition. Netanyahu and his cabinet would be unwise to risk shattering that international backing. He is, however, under pressure from the extreme rightwing ministers who say it would be humiliating weakness for Israel not to retaliate directly against Iran. Benny Gantz has carved out a middle ground that seems sensible. Gantz is leading in Israeli political opinion polls, and his views are respected, as he is a former military chief of staff and served as defense minister to Netanyahu before turning against the prime minister. Gantz says Israel clearly has the right to retaliate and should plan to do sobut at a wise time of its own choosing. First, he suggests, build up the international coalition against Iran. Dont spoil it. Eventually, good opportunities to harm Iran will become apparent. We have a rare opportunity, retired Major General Nimrod Sheffer, who was deputy head of the Israeli air force, told us. We can take advantage of the sympathy and good will showered on Israel. We can tell the U.S. and the Europeans that we have all the justification in the worldat least to step up attacks on [Irans Shiite Muslim proxy] Hezbollah in Lebanon, but now we want you to exert pressure on Iran and its proxies to bring calm to the region. If a new anti-Iran coalition does not take effective action, such as far stronger sanctions aimed at strangling the Iranian economywith clear demands that Hezbollah pull back in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen stop attacking merchant ships in the Red Seathen Israel retains all its options. Vengeance against Iran for the attempt to rain missiles on Israel would not necessarily be done with obvious, kinetic force. Israels cyber capabilities are so advanced, that tech experts believe many parts of Iranian modern society could be paralyzed by an attack. We endorse the direction that Israels leaders seem to be choosing: to heed the notion that striking back much later, at a strategically chosen time and not at a red-hot moment of anger, will be the smartest thing to do. Lets remember the famous aphorism that revenge is sweeter, when served cold. Contact us at letters@time.com. President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not support a retaliatory attack against Iran despite American forces playing a major role in intercepting Tehrans unprecedented attack against Israel over the weekend. After the attackwhich involved 170 drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missilesBiden called Netanyahu to reaffirm U.S. support for Israel but said the American military would not join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in any potential strike against Iran, according to a White House official cited by The Times of Israel. Biden also encouraged the Israeli leader to think carefully and strategically about the risk of escalation, the official said, with the region perilously close to an all-out international conflict. Israel Authorizes Offensive and Defensive Action in Response to Iran Attacks Despite Washington, D.C.s reluctance to become embroiled in further military operations, the Pentagon played a significant part in taking out Tehrans attack which had been launched in retaliation against an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria that killed two generals. U.S. Central Command said its forces, supported by U.S. European Command destroyers, shot down over 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles launched against Israel from Iran and Yemen. Irans continued unprecedented, malign, and reckless behavior endangers regional stability and the safety of U.S. and coalition force, CENTCOM said in a statement. The armed forces of Britain, France, and Jordan also played a role in the defense of Israel, officials said, with Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari claiming that 99 percent of the Iranian projectiles were successfully intercepted. Two U.S. fighter squadrons used F-15E Strike Eagles to destroy around 70 of the drones and they received a call from Biden afterwards, The Washington Post reports. A senior military official also said that the USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea also took out between four and six of the ballistic missileseffectively acting as part of Israels state defenses alongside its own formidable anti-missile systems. U.S. troops operating the Patriot missile defense system in Iraq also intercepted another missile that violated Iraqi airspace en route to Israel, according to the Post. The U.S. and Israel have been working together for years on a Joint Task Force able to intercept an Iranian missile attack, with regular training exercises called Juniper Cobra. We call it a dress rehearsal because we understand that this can happen, and [the joint task force] can be activated at any moment, Lt. Col. Tal Kaduri, head of cooperation for the Israel Air Defense Force, told Defense News in 2018. U.S. Air Force Col. Justin Hickman, chief of staff of JTFIsrael at the time, also told Defense News that the U.S. and Israel had developed and practised tactics, techniques and procedures so intensely together that they had reached a point of very rapid interoperability. Around half of the ballistic missiles fired by Iran didnt reach their intended targets in Israel simply because they failed to launch or crashed, U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal. So much for the vaunted ballistic-missile capability of Iran, one of the officials was quoted as saying. But some of the weapons did make it through. A seven-year-old girl named Amina al-Hasoni was the only person seriously injured as a result of the Iranian barrage, according to reports. Hagari, the IDF spokesperson, said the Nevatim Airbase was struck by missiles that bypassed Israels defenses, but the base only sustained minor damage. All eyes are now on how Netanyahu intends to respond to the attack. In a meeting Sunday, his war cabinet favored some form of retaliation, according to Reuters, though two senior Israeli ministers indicated that any counteroffensive was not imminent and that Israel would not act alone. We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us, minister Benny Gantz said ahead of the meeting. Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian armys chief of staff, also warned over the weekend that Tehrans response will be much larger than tonights military action if Israel retaliates against Iran, adding that U.S. bases could face attacks if it helps Israel strike back. At an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council Sunday, Robert Wood, the deputy U.S. ambassador to the U.N., said: Let me be clear: if Iran or its proxies take actions against the United States or further action against Israel, Iran will be held responsible. The sentiment echoed a statement from Biden a day earlier acknowledging that while we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. FILE PHOTO: President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Biden participate in their second debate in Nashville (Reuters) - A dozen leading U.S. news organizations collectively urged U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on Sunday to publicly commit to debating each other during the run-up to the November election. "Debates have a rich tradition in our American democracy, having played a vital role in every presidential election of the past 50 years, dating to 1976," the 12 news outlets said in a joint statement. The statement suggested that debates for the current race be sponsored, as they have every election cycle since 1988, by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. "Though it is too early for invitations to be extended to any candidates, it is not too early for candidates who expect to meet the eligibility criteria to publicly state their support for - and their intention to participate in - the commission's debates planned for this fall." Network television outlets accounted for nine of the letter's signatories - ABC News, CBS News and NBCUniversal News Group (encompassing NBC News and MSNBC), as well as Fox, CNN, C-SPAN, the PBS NewsHour, Nextstar's NewsNation and Spanish-language Univision. Rounding out the group were The Associated Press wire service, National Public Radio and Gannett's national newspaper USA Today. Trump, who refused to debate his rivals before winning the Republican primary race last month, has in recent weeks been challenging Biden to engage in a one-on-one matchup with him, offering to debate the incumbent Democrat "anytime, anywhere, anyplace." Last Thursday, Trump's top two campaign advisers sent a letter to the debates commission calling for an accelerated debates timetable, holding more than the usual three events and starting them earlier in the campaign cycle than usual. Biden has not committed to debate Trump but has not ruled it out either, saying last month it would depend on the former president's behavior. Biden's camp has been concerned that once on stage Trump will not abide by rules set by the Commission, and some Biden advisers say they would prefer not to elevate Trump by putting him on the same stage with the Democratic incumbent. Biden has a lead among registered voters of 41% to 37% over Trump, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found on Wednesday. Asked during a trip to Las Vegas in early February about Trump calling for Biden to debate him, Biden said, "If I were him, I would want to debate me too. He's got nothing to do." Biden and Trump faced each other in two televised presidential election debates during the 2020 campaign. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) As President Joe Biden and his national security team met in the Situation Room at the White House on Saturday evening, watching in real time as hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones headed towards Israel, they received a message from Tehran. Through the Swiss, who serve as an intermediary since the U.S. and Iran have no diplomatic relations, the Iranians sent word "basically suggesting that they were finished after this," a senior administration official said on Sunday. It was, to say the least, an incongruous moment. Over the course of five hours on Saturday, Iran launched over 300 munitions, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and UAVs from locations in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, according to the Pentagon. At one incredibly intense moment, the President and his national security advisers were monitoring at least 100 Iranian ballistic missiles that were simultaneously in the air a short time from reaching Israel, according to U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House. The Iranian message arrived as U.S. forces and regional partners were still assisting Israel in shooting down dozens of missiles and drones, which Iran had launched in retaliation for Israels April 1 strike of its consular building in Syria which killed senior Iranian officials. At the time, it was still unclear whether the air attack would cause any significant damage, potentially igniting a wider regional war that the U.S. has been working to head off for months. But the message also indicated the risks Iran was taking with its attack. As they monitored the results of the air defenses, aided by U.S., British, French and Jordanian forces, it became clear that Israel would emerge relatively unscathed. When we knew the preparations and planning had succeededthere was a bit of a relief, a senior administration official said. You can imagine those tense moments. Around 9 p.m., Biden got on the phone with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was sitting with his war cabinet in Tel Aviv, and made it clear that it was the time to think carefully and strategically" about what comes next, the senior defense official said. Read More: U.S. Scrambles to Contain Fallout from Israels Strikes on Iranians and Aid Workers Iran's attack was unprecedented, the first-ever direct strike on Israel from Iranian soil. While the U.S. and its allies had been preparing for a potential Iranian retaliation for days, the eventual attack was on the "high end" of what they had expected, according to U.S. officials. "If successful, this attack could have caused an uncontrollable escalation," a senior administration official said. But the attack was also widely anticipated and telegraphed, signaling that Iran intended to respond to the Israeli strike without crossing the line into a direct armed confrontation, which Tehran has made clear for months it is seeking to avoid. The matter can be deemed concluded, Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a social media post just hours after launching the operation. Irans massive attack was flashy, but not fatal, says Ali Vaez, director of the International Crisis Group's Iran Project. Iran kind of wanted to put up a show of force without triggering a broader escalation. At the same time, Iran was likely hoping for a better result than having virtually all of its barrage of missiles and drones shot down, he says, which may have damaged its deterrence capability rather than strengthening it. While Iran has shown that they are willing to engage in a military confrontation with Israel, it has also "clearly demonstrated the asymmetry that exists in terms of conventional military capabilities, Vaez says. In the end, 99% of Irans drones and missiles were intercepted without causing any damage, most of them outside Israeli airspace, according to the IDF. U.S. destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea downed between four and six ballistic missiles, while U.S. aircraft shot down more than 70 drones and cruise missiles, and a U.S. Army Patriot missile battery in Iraq shot down one more, a senior U.S. military official said, calling it a pretty broad engagement zone. The only damage appeared to be to an Air Force base in southern Israel, which continued to operate as normal. A seven-year-old child was also reportedly seriously injured by shrapnel. The next day, U.S. officials were clearly eager to cast the outcome as a major Israeli victory to defuse any further escalation. In the face of an unprecedented Iranian attack, Israels defense in coordination with its allies had been spectacular and extraordinary," three U.S. officials told reporters. The attack was repeatedly described as an Iranian "defeat" where Israel came out clearly very much on top." The coordinated international response demonstrated both the strength of Israels sophisticated air defense systems as well as the coalition of anti-Iran allies, who stepped up in a critical show of support after weeks of intensifying criticism of Israels conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza. The partnership proved itself in real time, Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said on Sunday morning. It showed it can face Iran. Now, the U.S. has yet again turned to urging Israel publicly and behind the scenes to slow down and opt for a measured response. On Sunday, Biden convened G7 partners to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Irans brazen attack," vowing to stand behind Israel while making it clear they would not participate in any offensive actions against Iran. "Nobody wants to run up the escalation ladder here," a senior administration official told reporters. Israel initially intended to respond within a day, according to Israeli media, a timeline that by Sunday evening appeared to have been pushed back. In a statement on Sunday morning, Netanyahu seemed restrained: We intercepted. We thwarted. Together we will win, he posted on X. Other members of his government were more aggressive, reflecting the pressure from hardliners for a decisive response. Israel will exact a price from Iran in a manner and at a time that is right, Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, said in a video statement. Meanwhile, far-right Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for a crushing counter-attack, and released a series of statements saying Israel should eschew restraint and proportionality and go crazy. Images released by Netanyahus office showed the Israeli war cabinet meeting late into Sunday evening as they weighed their options. Says Vaez: The ball is now in Israel's court. Write to Vera Bergengruen at vera.bergengruen@time.com. After U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Idahos ban on gender-affirming care is in effect now The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Idahos ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors can go into effect, overruling a lower court while the long-term constitutionality of the states law is still being litigated. The decision means that medical providers in the state who provide gender-affirming care to minors including puberty blockers, hormone treatments or transition-related surgeries could now face felony charges and prison time of up to 10 years. Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador asked the high court to allow the ban to go into effect in February, after a federal judge in Idaho temporarily paused the law in December. Judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals subsequently denied Labradors request that they overrule the lower court judge, which led him to appeal to the conservative-dominated Supreme Court. On Monday, the Supreme Court allowed the law to go into effect for everyone except the families involved while a lawsuit works its way through the legal system. Two of the courts conservatives hinted they might be open to a final decision on the case favoring the state. The courts three liberal judges dissented with the decision. Idahos law is in place immediately as a result of the courts action, the ACLU of Idaho told the Idaho Statesman. Wednesdays order outlaws transgender health care for minors except for the two transgender teenagers and their families who sued last year, when Idahos Republican-controlled legislature passed what it called the Vulnerable Child Protection Act. While many major medical organizations recommend hormone treatments and other health care for minors with gender dysphoria, conservatives in states around the country have pushed to ban the care. Ive witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of drugs and procedures used on children with gender dysphoria, Labrador said in a statement. The Republican attorney general said people with gender dysphoria deserve support and medical care rooted in biological reality. Denying the basic truth that boys and girls are biologically different hurts our kids, he said. In December, U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill, a Bill Clinton appointee, communicated that the ban was likely unconstitutional, arguing that the 14th Amendments protections that in the past have applied to freed slaves, women and others extend to protect transgender children. The ACLU of Idaho, which is representing the plaintiffs, called the Supreme Court ruling awful in a Wednesday statement. Todays ruling allows the state to shut down the care that thousands of families rely on while sowing further confusion and disruption, the ACLU said. The organization has argued that transgender care is medically necessary, and that banning it violates the constitutional rights of parents with transgender children as well as the children themselves. The organization noted that the courts decision does not touch upon the constitutionality of this law. Paul Southwick, the ACLU of Idahos legal director, called the ruling very disappointing by phone. We would expect the Supreme Court to uphold equal protection rights, including for all trans kids in Idaho, he said. He said transgender teenagers in Idaho could still receive care out of the state. The fight is not over, the trans families are resilient and they will be taking care of each other during this time, he said. Supreme Court spars over shadow docket, injunctions The courts conservatives took issue with Winmills universal pause on the law, arguing it went further than it needed to in preventing all aspects of Idahos ban on transgender minor care from going into effect. Justice Neil Gorsuch, a member of the conservative majority, wrote that Winmills decision to put the entire law on hold was overly broad. While the transgender teenagers in the lawsuit have so far received puberty blockers and hormone treatments, Winmills decision also blocked the part of Idahos law that bans transition surgeries, he wrote. The American Academy of Pediatrics generally does not recommend transition surgeries until adulthood. The district courts order promised to run for the life of this lawsuit, thus preventing Idaho from executing any aspect of its law for years, Gorsuch wrote in a concurring opinion that was joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Though Mondays ruling did not address whether justices think Idahos law is constitutional, the courts justices used the case as a venue to debate the high courts use of emergency rulings, which have significantly increased in recent years, and the widespread practice of universal injunctions. Such injunctions from lower courts can have wide and immediate impact on large portions of the country, which factions of Supreme Court justices discussed in their Wednesday decision. Gorsuch wrote that Winmills ban applied to the entire law even though the plaintiffs in the case have so far been treated with puberty blockers and hormone treatments, not the surgical removal of childrens genitals, which the law also bans, Gorsuch wrote. He argued that injunctions from courts should be highly limited, to prevent the countrys judges from governing an entire state or even the whole nation from their courtrooms. The justices also sparred over the courts practice of accepting emergency applications and ruling on them rapidly. Most cases that are reviewed by the Supreme Court are scheduled for oral arguments, include lengthy court briefings from supporters and opponents, and result in detailed opinions from justices. By contrast, what has been dubbed the courts shadow docket includes cases brought to the court on emergency appeals, which generally are not slated for arguments but are instead quickly ruled upon with written orders, like the courts decision on Wednesday. Those rulings sometimes do not include explanations. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, joined by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, argued that the court should consider whether a case is likely to succeed in its entirety before they grant relief to a particular party. The argument from the two Trump-appointed justices, coupled with their agreement with the other conservatives to limit Winmills injunction, suggests that they may favor the merits of the law. This court is responsible for resolving questions of national importance, even when they arise on the emergency docket, Kavanaugh wrote. Fulfilling that responsibility will sometimes require us to assess likelihood of success on the merits in emergency cases involving new laws. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a member of the courts liberal minority, wrote in a dissent joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor that Labrador had not come close to proving that the case deserved an emergency ruling from the court. In a troubling bid for this courts early intervention, the state asks us to wade into the middle of ongoing lower court proceedings to weigh in on a single query concerning only one aspect of a preliminary determination by the District Court, Jackson wrote. We should resist being conscripted into service when our involvement amounts to micromanaging the lower courts exercise of their discretionary authority in the midst of active litigation. While the conservative justices argued that Winmills injunction was too broad, the district judge ruled in December that part of his reasoning was because of the practical specifics of the case: It concerns two transgender minors using pseudonyms, and Winmill said he thought it would be inoperable to grant an injunction tailored to the two minors without risking revealing their identities. Jackson wrote that Labradors argument that Winmills decision was intended to be universal was wrong. The only problem: thats not what the District Court did here, she wrote. The District Court settled on issuing a statewide preliminary injunction for a party-centered, fact-specific reason: because it found that doing so was necessary to protect the particular plaintiffs before the court, including two minors proceeding under pseudonyms, against action by the state it deemed likely unconstitutional. This court will almost certainly have a chance to consider the entirety of this case soon, whoever prevails below. In the meantime, it is far better for all concerned to let the lower courts proceed unfettered by our intervention. Justice Elena Kagan noted that she agreed with the minority that the court should not have sided with Labrador, but she did not explain her position. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. was the only justice who did not take a stance. The lawsuit over Idahos ban on transgender care minors is far from decided. The courts decision on Wednesday concerned only Winmills preliminary ban on enforcement of the law, which has now been narrowed to exempt only the plaintiffs. A hearing on the merits of Winmills injunction is scheduled to be argued before the 9th Circuit this summer. After that, the lawsuit itself will be litigated. Mondays decision was the second involving emergency appeals from Labrador. In January, the Supreme Court allowed the states total abortion ban to be enforced in emergency medical situations as part of another appeal. That case is scheduled for a Supreme Court hearing later this month. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have discussed with the British and German foreign ministers the importance of preventing escalation in the Middle East, the press service of the US State Department says, Trend reports. The document says that during a telephone conversation, Blinken discussed Iran's strike on Israeli territory with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Barbock. "They agreed on the importance of strongly condemning these attacks and preventing further escalation of tensions in the region," the press service said. Blinken also reaffirmed the US commitment to defending Israel. SOUTH CHARLESTON, Ohio (WCMH) Authorities in Ohio have arrested a man in his 80s, accusing him of murdering an Uber driver while both were being targeted by a scam call. William Brock, 81, faces a felony charge of murder with additional counts possible, according to the Clark County Sheriffs Office. Investigators accused him of shooting Lo-Letha Hall multiple times on March 25 after she went to his house on an Uber assignment. Investigators first came to Brocks property, about 4 miles west of South Charleston, Ohio, when he called them and said he shot someone who was attempting a robbery. The sheriffs office said when deputies and multiple other agencies arrived, they found Hall on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds, and Brock with injuries to his head and an ear. William Brock. (Courtesy Photo/Clark County Sheriffs Office) Prior to the incident, a male scammer had reportedly called Brock and told him one of his relatives was in jail. The scammer then threatened the 81-year-old man and demanded money. Simultaneously, that same scammer or an accomplice allegedly placed an order on the Uber app for Hall to pick up a package for delivery from Brocks property. She wasnt aware of the calls Brock had received when she arrived at his home, according to investigators. The Uber driver was unarmed, did not make any threats or demands, and did not attack Brock, authorities said. Hall only approached Brocks home and asked about the package she was sent to pick up through the app, the sheriffs office said. In response, Brock allegedly pulled out a revolver and held her at gunpoint, demanding to know the identities of the scammers. He also took Halls phone to prevent her from making calls, and the sheriffs office said Brock did not call 911 either. Lo-Letha Halls dashcam in her car captured her attempting to leave as William Brock held her at gunpoint. (Courtesy Photo/Clark County Sheriffs Office) When Hall tried to get in her car to get away, authorities said Brock shot her. During a struggle between the two at the car door, he allegedly shot her two more times, investigators noted. After this exchange, Brock called 911. Deputies arrested Brock on a murder charge because they said Hall did not present any active threat during the encounter, nor did Brock try to summon help during their interaction. Girl killed, 10 other people injured in Chicago shooting The Clark County Sheriffs Office released a video recorded by a dashcam in Halls car, which captured her approaching Brocks home, then trying to leave as he followed her and pointed the gun at her. Hall was 61 years old. In an obituary, she was listed as a Columbus native. The Clark County Sheriffs Office said it is now investigating the scam calls and Uber app order that led to the shooting, and looking for the suspect or accomplices that coordinated the incident. Records from Clark County Municipal Court showed Brock pleaded not guilty to the murder charge in a Wednesday arraignment hearing. If convicted, he faces up to a $15,000 fine and between 15 years to life in prison. After the arraignment hearing, Brock posted a bond set at $200,000. Records showed his next court date would be a preliminary hearing on April 22. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. UK Foreign Secretary explains why UK can't help Ukraine down air targets like it did with Israel The UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, explained why, unlike in the case of Israel, which London assisted in shooting down Iranian drones last weekend, his country cannot assist Ukraine in shooting down Russian drones. Source: Cameron in an interview with LBC, as reported by European Pravda Details: When asked why the Royal Air Force couldn't shoot down drones over Ukraine, the Foreign Minister stated that bringing NATO forces into direct contact with Russian troops would escalate the crisis. Quote: "I think the difficulty with what you suggest is if you want to avoid an escalation in terms of a wider European war, I think the one thing you do need to avoid is NATO troops directly engaging Russian troops. That would be a danger of escalation," Cameron said. He went on to say that using jets isn't always the ideal option to down missiles and drones since air defence systems work better. With this in mind, Cameron stated that Ukraine has a significant need for air defence systems, particularly Patriot, which the UK lacks. Iran launched a massive attack on Israel last weekend in reaction to Israel's 1 April strike, which destroyed Iran's diplomatic office in Damascus and killed Iranian generals. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that Royal Air Force aircraft helped shoot down attack drones during Irans attack on Israel. Following that, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated that Israel has the right to retaliate to a large-scale attack by Iran, although London hopes it will not do so. Joe Biden, President of the US, stated during the conversation with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that he does not support the Israeli attack on Iran in response to the latter's large-scale drone and missile attack. Support UP or become our patron! UK needs an Iron Dome after wake-up call of Iranian attack on Israel The United Kingdom needs an Iron Dome to boost defences against missile and drone attacks after Irans attack on Israel acted as a wake-up call to the West, senior defence figures have said. There is concern that although Britain has a comprehensive air defence strategy, the country lacks land-based systems to defend London or its nuclear power stations. Tobias Ellwood, a former chairman of the Commons defence committee, said the changing nature of modern warfare, where Britains adversaries launch huge barrages aimed at overwhelming air defence systems, meant the country needed a permanent umbrella of security. Iran fired more than 100 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones and rockets at Israel over the weekend in an attempt to inundate its state-of-the art Arrow missile defence system. Of the barrage of projectiles, at least five ballistic missiles were not intercepted and slipped through the defences. Similar tactics have been used by Russia to swamp Ukraines amalgamation of Western and Soviet-era surface-to-air systems. Mr Ellwood told The Telegraph: We need to prepare for all scenarios. We need to prepare for a multitude of types of attack from the non-state to state actors. And that will require investments, absolutely, in an Iron Dome for the UK. This must be seen as a wake-up call, Mr Ellwood added. We must recognise where the world is going. We need to invest. Its absolutely important to spend 3 per cent of GDP. How do we spend it? This [air defence] is a great example. Israels Iron Dome air defence system has been heralded as one of the worlds best. The Jewish state has at least 10 missile batteries capable of intercepting enemy munitions, at a success rate of 90 per cent, across the country. Mr Ellwood added: Clearly because of the character of modern warfare there, we need a permanent umbrella of security defending our key locations. The sheer number of drones and missiles centred at any one time is done with intent that some will penetrate any air defence system. Mark Francois, the former armed forces minister, said: We have nothing remotely comparable to the very comprehensive Israeli Iron Dome system, bar a very few missiles, with limited range. Missiles launched using the Iron Dome system - JULIAN SIMMONDS for The Telegraph The Israeli air defence system intercepts a series of rockets - Amir Cohen/Reuters Britain relies on a complex, multi-layered approach to its air defences, with Typhoon fighter jets and Type-45 destroyers, armed with Aster missiles, tasked with providing the main anti-missile firepower. The military can monitor ballistic missiles launched from Russia at the RAF radar base at Fylingdales, North Yorkshire. Munitions launched from the Middle East are more likely to be tracked from radars, accessed by Nato, in Turkey, Qatar and Israel. It is likely any missiles launched in the direction of the UK will be intercepted by systems based across Nato allies long before they reach British shores. But in the event projectiles do slip through, Typhoons can be scrambled to tackle the incoming munition as they did before Iranian-launched drones reached Israel. The threat of enemy missiles reaching Britain has been considered minimal since the Cold War, with other areas of the defence budget prioritised. Justin Crump, chief executive of geopolitical risk firm Sibylline, said: The UK is playing catch-up in the face of threats, not least due to having enjoyed air supremacy in conflicts since the end of the Cold War. Air and missile defence of the homeland has been seen as a lower priority. You rarely get the war you planned or hoped for, and in an increasingly turbulent world contingencies have to be in place, he added. However, in the wake of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, there have been increasing calls for a review of Britains approach to air defence. Mr Francois said a recent request to Ministry of Defence officials for extra investment in a national air defence system was rebuffed. Given what just happened over Israel, that now looks like an extremely poor decision, he said. Sky Sabre, which replaced the UKs Rapier air defence system, is Britains only medium-range, ground-based air defence system. The Sky Sabre 'detect and destroy' air defence system It can control 24 missiles simultaneously to intercept 24 targets in flight, as well as shoot down fighter jets, drones and laser-guided bombs. But it is unclear how many of the 250 million systems the UK has, with one deployed in the Falklands and another in Poland. Britain is seeking to enhance its ground-based air defence systems, including signing up to a German-led scheme to create a European sky shield. It has also recently unveiled the DragonFire laser weapon designed to take out enemy drones from warships. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: The UK is well prepared for any event and defence of the UK would be taken alongside our Nato allies. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain on Monday imposed sanctions against three businesses which it said were funding military groups behind the conflict in Sudan and reiterated its calls for a lasting ceasefire. The measures mark the first anniversary of the war between rival military factions in the east African nation, which has pushed parts of the country to the brink of famine and left millions of people in need of assistance. "A year on since the outbreak of fighting, we continue to see appalling atrocities against civilians, unacceptable restrictions on humanitarian access and an utter disregard for civilian life," British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said. "The businesses that support the warring parties must be held to account, alongside those responsible for human rights abuses. The world must not forget about Sudan. We urgently need to end the violence." Britain said Alkhaleej Bank, Al-Fakher Advanced Works and Red Rock Mining would be subject to an asset freeze, limiting their financial freedom. Last month Britain pledged an 89 million pound ($111 million) aid package for Sudan. ($1 = 0.8008 pounds) (Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by William James and Paul Sandle) Border guards repelled an attack by Russian saboteurs in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on April 15. Sumy Oblast borders Russia's Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts. Russian attacks against the region have become increasingly destructive in recent weeks, killing and injuring civilians. Ukrainian border guards fired on the Russian reconnaissance group as it was attempting to break into Sumy Oblast, the State Border Guard Service said on Telegram. After an attempted gunfight, Russian saboteurs retreated, according to the report. Over the past day, Russian forces attacked the Sumy Oblast border settlements four times, targeting three communities in the area, the local authorities reported. Read also: Why is Russia intensifying attacks on Ukraines Sumy Oblast? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine should receive same support as Israel after Iranian attack, Czech politicians say Some Czech politicians believe that the situation in Ukraine requires a coordinated international response similar to that received by Israel during and after the strikes by Iranian drones and missiles. Source: Euractiv, as reported by European Pravda Details: Some Czech politicians believe that Ukraine, facing regular Russian drone and missile attacks, should receive the same protection as Israel. "The Ayatollahs overnight attack on Israel was successfully repelled thanks to a swift international response and a willingness to defend airspace. It is a pity that we do not defend the airspace over Ukraine with the same vigour" Czech European Affairs Minister Martin Dvorak from the STAN party noted. Other politicians associated with the centrist STAN party echoed the minister's sentiments. "Ukraine deserves the same forceful defence that Israel rightly received from its allies last night," Danuse Nerudova, the leading candidate of STAN for European elections, commented. Czech Member of the European Parliament Marketa Gregorovaalso joined the call to strengthen Ukraine's defence. "I totally condemn Irans attack on Israel," Gregorova said, adding, "In light of Scholzs promise yesterday to supply Ukraine with more Patriots, I believe that the West will finally help build air defences that also protect Ukrainian civilians," Gregorova stated. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasised the need to maintain US assistance to Ukraine. "The US support for Ukraine is absolutely essential," Fiala said on Sunday before departing for the US to meet with President Joe Biden and members of Congress. Background: US House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday that the House would "try again" to vote for military aid to Israel in response to Iran's large-scale attack. But he did not specify whether the package of support for Ukraine would be combined with the aid to Israel and would be voted on this week. US Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Chuck Schumer, said that during a Sunday phone call between President Joe Biden and congressional leaders, a "consensus" was reached that Congress should act quickly to send aid to both Israel and Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! The Reuters news agency claims that Ukraine, Russia and Turkiye have been negotiating for two months on an agreement on the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, which was to be announced at the end of March. Source: Reuters, as reported by European Pravda Details: The agency, citing four sources, claims that the agreement between Kyiv and Moscow has been ready and was to be announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 30 March, the day before the local elections in Turkiye. But, the sources that spoke to Reuters said that "at the very last minute, Ukraine suddenly pulled out and the deal was scuttled". The reason for this step is unknown. The draft agreement seen by Reuters envisaged Moscow and Kyiv providing security guarantees for merchant ships in the Black Sea, pledging not to strike, seize or search them if they were either empty or declared as non-military cargo. "These guarantees do not apply to warships, civilian vessels carrying military goods (with the exception of maritime transportation agreed upon by the Parties within the framework of international missions)," the draft agreement says. For both Ukraine and Russia, the Black Sea is an important route for delivering grain, fertiliser and oil to the world markets. Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine's Black Sea ports by Russia in July 2022, Turkiye and the UN helped to establish the Black Sea Grain Initiative. As part of the agreement, Ukraine was able to safely export almost 33 million metric tonnes of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea through the so-called Grain Corridor. However, in July 2023, Russia withdrew from the agreement, claiming that its requirements had not been met. It should be noted that the Turkish side then advocated for the resumption of the grain corridor with Russia's participation, while Ukraine was able to establish its own route across the Danube River. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine Should Get the Same Protection as Israel, U.S. Told Prominent politicians in the Czech Republic have demanded that Ukraine be given the same kind of international support that was deployed to defend Israel from Irans massive attack over the weekend. Hours after several countriesincluding the United Stateshelped to take out hundreds of drones and missiles launched by Tehran against Israel, several Czech politicians praised the coordinated response but lamented the lack of similar large-scale efforts to protect Kyiv from attacks by Russia. The public calls came as Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala prepared to travel to Washington, D.C. for a White House meeting with Joe Biden on Monday. How U.S. Literally Became Part of Israels Missile Defense System Fiala told reporters before his departure that he expects to discuss the situation in the Middle East as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Ayatollahs night attack on Israel was successfully repelled thanks to a quick international response and a willingness to defend the airspace, Martin Dvorak, a minister in Fialas cabinet, posted on X. Its a shame that we dont vigorously defend the airspace over Ukraine anyway Danuse Nerudova, a former Czech presidential candidate and current candidate for upcoming European Parliament elections, expressed similar sentiments. Ukraine deserves the same forceful defense that Israel rightly received from its allies last night, she wrote. Marketka Gregorova, a Czech member of the European Parliament, also condemned Irans attack and hailed German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs promise over the weekend to supply Ukraine with a new U.S.-made Patriot air defense system. I believe that the West will finally help build an air defense that protects Ukrainian civilians as well, Gregorova wrote. President Biden will welcome Prime Minister Petr Fiala of Czechia to the White House on April 15 to further strengthen the U.S.-Czech relationship, the White House said in a statement last month. The leaders will reaffirm their resolute support for Ukraine as it defends against Russias war of aggression. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The most delicious and popular summer treat is undoubtedly ice cream, which is loved by both adults and children. Just remember that the store-bought product is often of poor quality, with a lot of sugar and preservatives that can be dangerous, especially for children. ADVERTISIMENT Anastasiia Holoborodko, a certified nutritionist and food therapist, explained on Instagram how to choose delicious and safe ice cream for children. "The fewer additives, such as colors and flavors, as well as preservatives, the healthier the dessert," the expert said. ADVERTISIMENT How to choose the perfect ice cream "The ideal ice cream consists of whole milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla, and may contain berries and fruit. Natural ice cream should not contain vegetable fats only dairy or high-quality, whole nuts," Anastasiia explained. Is sugar-free ice cream healthy? "Sugar-free ice cream is not a healthy option because it contains sugar substitutes. 90% of them are sugar alcohols, which can lead to eating disorders, bloating, and flatulence because they affect the microbiome," the expert said. ADVERTISIMENT Is ice cream with additives harmful? "Ice cream with flavors and sprinkles has higher levels of sugar and significantly higher amounts of preservatives and stabilizers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA in the US) recently banned seven artificial flavors, including benzophenone, given their link to cancer in animal studies. Flavored colored ice cream often contains artificial food coloring, such as red 3 (erythrosine) and blue 2 (indigo carmine). Although approved by the FDA, some studies have linked these dyes to hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children," the expert said. ADVERTISIMENT The expert noted that there are 3 national standards for ice cream in Ukraine: 1. Milk ice cream With a fat content of 0.5-7.5%, as well as cream ice cream (8.0-11.5%) and ice cream (12.0-20.0%). Based on milk, there are no vegetable fats in the composition: palm or coconut oil, margarine, cooking fats, etc. Is the best choice ADVERTISIMENT 2. Ice cream with a combined composition "Milk fats are replaced with vegetable or other milk fat substitutes, and this is legal. Such ice cream "gives itself away" by being watery and melting quickly. It usually has a poor composition," the nutritionist explained. 3. Fruit and berry ice cream, frozen juice ADVERTISIMENT A product made from sugar syrup, coloring, concentrate, and flavorings. It contains a lot of sugar. In summer, it is best to make homemade ice cream from berries, fruit, and cream, as this is the only way to be sure of its safety! Ukraine sharply boosts delivery of drones to armed forces so far this year, commander says FILE PHOTO: 155-mm artillery shells are placed in a pile at a position of Ukrainian servicemen near a front line in Zaporizhzhia region By Ivan Lyubysh-Kirdey KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine has delivered three times more drones to its armed forces so far this year than in the whole of 2023, a top commander said, as Ukrainian forces accelerate the use of unmanned craft in the war against Russia. "This process continues and will only grow," said Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, the commander of Ukraine's drone forces. Ukraine, which has been fighting off a full-scale Russian invasion for nearly 26 months, is seeking to ramp up its domestic arms manufacturing and use of innovative technologies to compete against its much larger and wealthier enemy. He was speaking at an exhibition on Saturday showcasing Ukrainian-made unmanned vehicles for land, sea and air, electronic warfare systems and armoured vehicles. Ninety-nine percent of drones used by the Ukrainian military are produced domestically, Sukharevskyi said. "It's no secret that our resource limitations in artillery are compensated by drones, such as FPVs (first-person view) and (bomber) drop drones," he told reporters, referencing an imbalance of artillery firepower between Ukraine and Russia which analysts put at six to one in Russia's favour. As the Ukrainian military is outgunned and outmanned on the battlefield, Moscow's forces have been increasing pressure along the entire frontline and making gradual gains. The increased use of drones by both sides has been shifting the conflict away from the battlefield to strikes on each other's military, energy and transport infrastructure. Ukrainian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), used to hit targets inside Russia in recent months, can now hit targets more than 1,200 km (750 miles) away, Sukharevskyi said. Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine's Minister of Strategic Industries, said Ukrainian weapons manufacturers had fuelled both military and economic progress in the country. Ukraine's booming military-industrial complex grew GDP by 1.5% in 2023, a significant chunk of the total GDP growth last year of around 5%. Kamyshin said he was confident that figure would double to 3% of GDP growth this year. But he warned Ukraine's government could not afford to buy up all its domestic weapons' production. Ukraine was in discussions with international allies about the purchase of weapons for Ukraine from Ukrainian makers to cover the financial shortfall, he said. "I am convinced that we will start purchases from Ukrainian manufacturers with foreign funds in the new future," he said. (Reporting by Ivan Lyubysh-Kirdey; Writing by Max Hunder; Editing by Ros Russell) Ukraine war: Blinken assures Black Sea allies of US support, Russian strikes hit Donbas and Kherson Ukraine war: Blinken assures Black Sea allies of US support, Russian strikes hit Donbas and Kherson Top US diplomat Anthony Blinken assured allies bordering the Black Sea on Monday that they could depend on his country's support to make the region more secure, prosperous and integrated. Allied states Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine border the Black Sea. Russia does too. Addressing attendees of the Second Black Sea Security Conference in Bulgaria, Blinken underscored the importance of investing in regional security to ensure peace and freedom across Europe. Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula - on the northern coast of the Black Sea - in 2014. It has served as a key hub supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine which President Vladimir Putin ordered in February 2022. A tank in Ukraine. - Evgeniy Maloletka/AP Putin believed that Ukraines neighbours in the region would be divided, but he was wrong, Blinken said. "The United States will continue to support Ukraine both so it can defend itself today and stand on its feet, he added. Bilnken's Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, said Kyiv needed essential military support, including artillery, ammunition and air defence systems to bolster its capacity in the face of the Kremlins attacks. Russian strikes across Sloviansk, Dnipro and Kherson Russian shelling continued across central and eastern Ukraine on Monday, with strikes in Sloviansk, Dnipro and Kherson. Apartment blocks in Sloviansk were damaged, with more than 85 disconnected from their gas supply with a pipeline hit in the strike. Russia's military shelled 12 settlements on the right bank of the Kherson region in southeastern Ukraine. A Ukrainian serviceman smokes a cigarette. - Alex Babenko/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved. Russian army shells hit residential buildings, critical infrastructure and gas pipelines on Sunday. Three people were injured in Russian attacks, according to Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the Kherson Regional State Administration. In Dnipro, 35 private homes were destroyed by Russian missiles. A total of 13 people, including a child, were injured, detailed Serhiy Lysak, chief of the regional military administration. Delays in US military assistance hinder Kyiv's forces: Analysts The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has warned that delays in Western military aid will increasingly hamper Ukraines ability to push back Russian advances. In its daily intelligence briefing, the US-based think tank said Russian forces were prioritising grinding, tactical gains. Moscow's operational-level efforts focused on the cities of Lyman, Chasiv Yar, and Pokrovsk in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, meanwhile. The Russian military command likely assesses that Ukrainian forces will be unable to defend against current and future Russian offensive operations due to delays in or the permanent end of US military assistance, the ISW said. With the war in Ukraine entering its third year and a vital US aid package for Kyiv stuck in Congress, Russia has used its edge in firepower and personnel to step up attacks across eastern Ukraine. It has increasingly used satellite-guided gliding bombs - dropped from planes from a safe distance - to pummel Ukrainian forces beset by a shortage of troops and ammunition. Ukraine war latest: Deploying jets to protect Ukraine would lead to escalation, UK foreign secretary says Key developments on April 15: Deploying jets to protect Ukraine would lead to escalation, UK foreign secretary says Source: Ukrainian forces hit command post in Russian-occupied Crimea Netherlands, Germany, Canada to send drones to Ukraine SBU: Ukraine's modernized sea drones can carry 1 ton of explosives over 1,000 kilometers away Minister: Ukraine allocates $6 billion for arms procurement in 2024 Deploying Western fighter jets to protect Ukraine from missile strikes, as was done for Israel on April 14, would lead to "dangerous escalation," U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on air on April 15. Iran carried out a massive aerial attack on Israel on April 14 and launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles, according to Israel's Defense Forces (IDF). Israel and its allies downed the vast majority of the drones and missiles before they even reached Israeli territory. The U.K.'s Royal Air Force (RAF) downed "a number of drones" over the airspace of Iraq and Syria, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed. Speaking live on LBC radio, Cameron said that the RAF could not defend Ukrainian airspace in the same way as "the one thing" that needs to be avoided is "NATO troops directly engaging with Russian troops." Ukraine should be provided with support "in terms of money, and crucially in terms of weapons," but "actually putting NATO forces directly in conflict with Russian forces, I think that would be a dangerous escalation,' Cameron said. When asked why the West cannot give Ukraine more direct help in shooting down drones, Cameron responded that "what Ukraine needs right now is not Western planes over their skies." "What they desperately want and what we need to give them is more air defense systems," which are "more effective," Cameron argued. Cameron pointed to Ukraine's urgent calls for more Patriot systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 6 that Ukraine needs 25 Patriots to protect the entire country from Russian attacks. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he is for now focused on securing seven to protect Ukraine's largest cities. Germany announced on April 13 that it will provide Ukraine with one more Patriot air defense system to fend off increased Russian attacks. Read also: Macron says he hopes for Olympic truce Source: Ukrainian forces hit command post in Russian-occupied Crimea Ukrainian forces on April 15 carried out a missile attack on a command post in Russian-occupied Crimea where top Russian offices were deployed, a military intelligence source told the Kyiv Independent. The news came after explosions were reported in Crimea at noon local time. An air raid alert lasted for two hours. The local partisan group Atesh said that the sounds of Russian air defense operating had been heard. Atesh claimed that the military base of the 810th Marine Brigade in Sevastopol had been hit. Russian aircraft were also recorded taking off during the air raid alert, according to the Telegram channel Crimean Wind. Russian proxies have not commented on the reported strike yet as of 6 p.m. local time. In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its attacks on occupied Crimea, targeting Russian military assets in and around the Black Sea. Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said on March 30 that Russia had withdrawn nearly all its major ships from ports in occupied Crimea following successful Ukrainian strikes. Read also: Ukraine intercepts Russian sabotage group near border in Sumy Oblast Netherlands, Germany, Canada to send drones to Ukraine Germany, the Netherlands, and Canada will supply Ukraine with drones, while Lithuania will allocate additional funds for first-person view (FPV) drone production, Ukraine's Defense Ministry reported on April 15 after a meeting of the countries' representatives. The United Kingdom and Latvia co-lead the drone coalition, which was established in January to bolster Ukraine's drone arsenal. Seven countries, apart from the founding states, have joined the alliance, including Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Sweden, Estonia, and Denmark. Germany plans to provide Ukraine with Vector 211 reconnaissance drones without specifying the amount, according to the Defense Ministry's statement. Canada, in turn, will send 450 SkyRanger multi-mission drones, while the Netherlands, in collaboration with Denmark and Germany, will supply Ukraine with Heidrun RQ-35 reconnaissance drones worth 200 million euros ($213 million). Lithuania will also allocate 3 million euros ($3 million) for the Ukrainian FPV drone production. "The situation on the front line changes every day, the enemy continues to attack civilian facilities, especially energy infrastructure," Deputy Defense Minister Kateryna Chernohorenko said during the meeting, adding that Ukraine needs "tools" to respond to these attacks. "Time for discussion on the decisions is running out, we need it now," Chernohorenko said. Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds said that the drone coalition is waiting for new members to join and support this initiative. Latvia previously announced that it would deliver 1 million euros ($1.1 million) worth of drones to Ukraine "soon." "Latvia also plans to continue helping Ukraine further, and we are preparing the next defense aid package this month," Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina said on April 4. Read also: Netherlands allocates $4.7 billion to support Ukraine until 2026 SBU: Ukraine's modernized sea drones can carry 1 ton of explosives over 1,000 kilometers away Ukrainian naval drones Sea Baby have been modernized and can now carry almost a ton of explosives to hit a target over 1,000 kilometers away, Artem Dekhtiarenko, the spokesperson of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), said on April 14. "This means that the SBU can reach a target almost anywhere in the Black Sea," added Dekhtiarenko. In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its attacks on occupied Crimea, targeting Russian military assets in and around the Black Sea with domestically-produced sea drones and long-range missiles. Russia has illegally occupied the peninsula since 2014. As of early February 2024, 33% of the Russian Black Sea fleet's warships had been disabled by Ukraine, the Strategic Communications Center of Ukraine's Armed Forces recently reported. The SBU currently uses two types of sea drones Sea Baby and Mamai, Dekhtiarenko said on national television. "These are already new generations of drones, on the improvement of which the team of SBU specialists worked and continues to work together with other members of the Security and Defense Forces." The sea drones used by the SBU have so far hit 11 Russian warships and the Crimean bridge connecting the occupied peninsula with Russia, according to Dekhtiarenko. Dekhtiarenko said that in 2022, when the SBU first started to use homegrown sea drones, there had been no alternative to these drones worldwide. The existing Western drones were large but not maneuverable, they could easily be detected by "enemy radar stations," and they also did not have a warhead, the spokesperson added. "Today, a drone worth Hr 8.5 million (around $216,000) destroys an enemy warship worth tens of millions of dollars." To prevent further Ukrainian drone strikes on the Black Sea fleet, Russian forces in occupied Crimea are constructing barriers at the entrance to Sevastopol Bay, the partisan group Atesh reported on March 27. Russia is also trying to strengthen the defense of its Novorossiysk port, where Moscow had begun redeploying its Black Sea fleet from Sevastopol last year, the U.K. Defense Ministry said in its daily update on March 31. Read also: Media: Lancet drone analog presented to Zelensky, being used at the front Minister: Ukraine allocates $6 billion for arms procurement in 2024 Ukraine's $40 billion defense budget for this year includes $6 billion for arms procurement, Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin told journalists on April 14, Interfax-Ukraine reported. Kyiv aims to localize weapons production and intensify its efforts to ramp up domestic manufacture of drones, a critical tool on the battlefield, amid rising uncertainty surrounding military aid from the U.S. In late December last year, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine had tripled its domestic production of equipment and weapons in 2023 compared to the year before. According to Kamyshin, $30 billion of the total amount has been allocated for payments to the military in 2024. Another part will be spent on fuel and clothes for soldiers. "This is the sum ($6 billion) that we have in contracts for our manufacturers, primarily Ukrainian ones, and it is very little, as our production capacity is three times greater," Kamyshin said. Kyiv is currently negotiating with foreign partners to purchase Ukrainian military items at their expense and then transfer them to the country's armed forces, according to the minister. Ukraine is ready to cover its needs with its own production in some areas, including armored vehicles, unmanned systems of all types, and artillery systems, added Kamyshin. Ukraine has agreements on joint defense production with a number of countries, including the U.S. In December 2023, Kyiv and Washington signed a statement of intent on the co-production of weapons. The agreement between the two nations will reportedly contribute to the construction of production facilities in Ukraine to supply the military with arms, in particular air defense equipment and ammunition, as well as repair and maintenance services. Read also: PM Shmyhal rejects petition calling for telethon funds to be given to armed forces Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's Air Force reported the threat of Russian ballistic missile strikes from the east on the night of 14-15 April, and explosions were heard in the city of Dnipro. Source: Ukraine's Air Force; map of air-raid warnings; Suspilne Dnipro, a Dnipro-related branch of Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne Quote: "Ballistic missile threat from the east." Details: An air-raid warning has been issued in a number of Ukrainian oblasts. The Air Force warned at 03:01 of a "missile towards Kremenchuk". Suspilne reported at 03:02 that "explosions occurred in Dnipro". Updated: The Air Force gave the all-clear at 03:32. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a meeting during his visit to the Kharkiv region following the devastating Russian attacks. -/Ukrainian presidency/dpa Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his call for active support from the West in the country's campaign to fend off the full-scale Russian invasion, pointing to Western assistance for Israel against Iran's attacks. It is now clear that not all of Ukraine's facilities can be protected from attacks, Zelensky wrote on Telegram on Monday after a meeting of the Stavka, the Ukrainian armed forces' high command. "But the intensity of the Russian attacks requires greater unity," he said. By defending Israel, the free world showed that unity is not only possible, but also 100% effective, Zelensky said. "The decisive action of the allies prevented the success of terror and the loss of infrastructure and forced the aggressor to cool down," he wrote, referring to Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel last weekend. The same could be done to protect Ukraine, which - like Israel - is not a NATO member, from terror. "And this does not require the activation of Article 5, but only the political will," Zelensky said. According to Article 5 of the NATO founding treaty, an attack on one member of the defence alliance "shall be considered an attack against them all." Zelensky already called for similar support for Ukraine from allies on Sunday, a few hours after the Iranian attack on Israel that was largely repelled. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has responded to the petition regarding the redirection of funds allocated for Yedyni Novyny [United News, national joint 24/7 newscast] and FreeDom TV channels to finance the purchase of drones and pickups for the needs of the Armed Forces, stating that it is impractical. Source: Shmyhal's response to the petition Quote: "Since ensuring information security is part of state policy in the sphere of national security and defence and the implementation of a unified information policy is a priority issue of national security, funding for relevant measures is a significant component of countering the Russian Federation's military aggression against Ukraine, particularly in the information space. Accordingly, reallocating the funds specified in the petition by directing them to the needs of other security and defence sector components is not expedient." Details: The prime minister noted that concurrently, the government is "systematically" engaged in ongoing efforts to attract and direct financial, material-technical, and other resources, including international assistance, to meet the needs and enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces and other components of the security and defence sector. Background: The December 2023 survey results by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology indicate that trust in the Yedyni Novyny newscast continues to decline, having dropped by 26 percentage points since May 2022. Rostyslav Karandieiev, Ukraine's Acting Minister of Culture, stated that the newscast may change its format. Karandieiev emphasised the importance of television channels in introducing new forms and formats because "life goes on, our perceptions change, and formats change; the economy is functioning, advertisers appear". In early January 2024, one of the most popular publications in the USA, The New York Times, published an article about Ukrainians' fatigue from the Yedyni Novyny newscast. Support UP or become our patron! LONDON (Reuters) -British Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged Israel not to retaliate after Iran's drone and missile attack, saying it should "think with head as well as heart" because Tehran's strike had been a near total failure. The strike by more than 300 missiles and drones from Iran caused only modest damage in Israel as most were shot down by its Iron Dome defence system and with help from the U.S., Britain, France and Jordan. It followed a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy compound in Syria on April 1. "I think they're perfectly justified to think they should respond because they have been attacked, but we are urging them as friends to think with head as well as heart, to be smart as well as tough," Cameron told BBC TV. He said he was urging Israel not to escalate the tensions in the Middle East. "In many ways this has been a double defeat for Iran. The attack was an almost total failure, and they revealed to the world that they are the malign influence in the region prepared to do this. So our hope is that there won't be a retaliatory response," he told Sky News. Cameron said Britain would also work with allies to look at imposing more sanctions on Iran, and it urged Israel to return its focus on agreeing a ceasefire with Iran-backed Hamas in the Gaza war. (Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by Kate Holton) Canada will provide 450 SkyRanger multi-purpose UAVs to Ukraine. Shipments are expected to begin in the summer of 2024. ADVERTISIMENT The decision was made at an extraordinary meeting of the Drone Coalition Steering Group on April 14. On its official website, the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that the partners had received information about the situation on the battlefield and the urgent needs of the Defense Forces. Deputy Defense Minister Kateryna Chornohorenko told the meeting that the situation on the front line is changing every day. "The enemy continues to attack civilian objects, especially energy infrastructure. We need tools for an asymmetric response. Time is running out to discuss solutions, we need them now," she said. The Drone Coalition (created within the framework of the Ramstein Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense) is led by the United Kingdom and Latvia. Other members are Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden. ADVERTISIMENT Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds called on the participants to remember that the war is ongoing, so it is time for all participants to join the initiative, which is gaining momentum and is awaiting the accession of new countries. Other decisions were also made at the meeting: Lithuania will allocate 3 million euros for the production of FPV drones for Ukraine; The Netherlands confirmed its intentions to contract a batch of Heidrun RQ-35 drones for 200 million euros in cooperation with Denmark and Germany; Germany will transfer VECTOR 211 reconnaissance drones to Ukraine. The SkyRanger R70 is a powerful quadcopter, but the main thing is that it can operate completely autonomously without GPS and communication with the operator. Earlier, Defence Express experts noted that this ability is very useful in the event of enemy electronic warfare activity. ADVERTISIMENT These drones can perform reconnaissance missions, monitor the situation, and transport and deliver cargo. The cost of the SkyRanger R70 is quite high 87.5 thousand US dollars per unit. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! UN Secretary-General on Middle East developments: Time to step back from the brink United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that the countries of the Middle East are on the brink of a full-scale conflict and called for de-escalation. Source: Antonio Guterres during an emergency meeting convened at the request of Israel's Permanent Representative following Iran's attack, as reported by CNN Quote: "Now is the time for maximum restraint... The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. Its time to step back from the brink. It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East." Details: Guterres said that the UN and member states have a "shared responsibility" to engage "all parties to prevent further escalation". He also called for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Gaza. "Neither the region nor the world can afford more war," he said. Background: Iran launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Israel on the night of 13-14 April in response to an IDF strike on Iran's consulate in Syria. Israel Defence Forces reported that Iran and pro-Iranian forces in the region launched over 300 aerial targets in total, including approximately 170 attack drones, over 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles, nearly all of which were shot down. New York Times sources said Israel decided not to retaliate against Iran after Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone with Joe Biden. According to Israeli media reports, after several hours of discussions, Israels war cabinet has still not decided how and when to respond to Irans large-scale drone and missile attack. Support UP or become our patron! Under the Dome podcast: DEI politics, the upcoming NCGA session and the actual Dome Start your week in North Carolina politics with our latest Under the Dome podcast, for the week of April 15, 2024. Dawn Vaughan here, your podcast host and The News & Observers Capitol bureau chief. On this episode, Im joined by higher education reporter Korie Dean, who has been writing about the possibility of legislation that could defund diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public universities. We talk about how DEI funding came on North Carolina officials radar, and what Republican House Speaker Tim Moore said this week about the chance of a bill moving forward. Youll also hear Moores own response to Deans question. We also chat a little about taxes, given today is Tax Day, and more taxpayer money that may soon be going to private schools. Plus, another potential change on the horizon, from the General Assembly to the UNC System, mandating curriculum about the foundations of U.S. democracy. Headliner of the Week After the break, we talk about the new copper dome and roof on the state Capitol building, and what Legislative Services Officer Paul Coble would like to happen, including the chances of getting some of the old copper. Youll also hear in Cobles own words what he says about the goal of the roof work. Stay tuned to the end for our picks for Headliner of the Week, which range from the Japanese prime ministers visit to that new HBO Max show, The Girls on the Bus. Listen to our latest episode below and catch up on previous episodes. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible, iHeart, Pandora, Amazon Music and Stitcher. Under the Dome: Live! We hope youll join us at Under the Dome: Live!, a special live recording of a podcast episode. Were giving you first dibs on a seat in our audience at the North Carolina Museum of Historys Daniels Auditorium. My guests will be two senators, one from each political party, as the General Assemblys short session gets rolling. Come watch our live podcast recording with Sen. Vickie Sawyer, an Iredell County Republican, and Sen. Natalie Murdock, a Durham Democrat. Save the date for April 30 at 5 p.m. and RSVP at underthedomelive.eventbrite.com using the code: domelive. UFOs that have shown the ability to seamlessly transition from air to sea without a splash or crash debris are an "urgent" national security concern with "world-changing" scientific ramifications, an ex-Navy officer said. In July 2019, the USS Omaha recorded a UFO or UAP (unidentified anomalous phenomena) that buzzed a Navy fleet off San Diego and disappeared into the ocean without a trace. The video, first released by Jeremy Corbell and verified by the Pentagon, displays capability that "jeopardizes U.S. maritime security, which is already weakened by our relative ignorance about the global ocean," oceanographer and retired Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet said. "The fact that unidentified objects with unexplainable characteristics are entering US water space and the DOD is not raising a giant red flag is a sign that the government is not sharing all it knows about all-domain anomalous phenomena," Gallaudet wrote in his March 2024 report. UFO REVOLUTION DOCUSERIES SHOWS UAP FLYING OVER MILITARY BASE, BLOWS UP DECADES OF CONSPIRACIES: EXPERT Gallaudet sent the strong warning message in a 29-page report for the Sol Foundation, a think tank focused on researching UAPs and their implications, that was published last month. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP He told Fox News Digital that it's "scientifically valid" to explore these unexplained transmedium (between the atmosphere and the ocean) events involving objects displaying abilities that have never been seen before. CONGRESSMAN HAS GRIM TAKE AFTER ACCESS TO UFO FOOTAGE: THIS TECH COULD TURN US INTO A CHARCOAL BRIQUETTE "Pilots, credible observers and calibrated military instrumentation have recorded objects accelerating at rates and crossing the airsea interface in ways not possible for anything made by humans," Gallaudet wrote in his report. A Fox News Digital-created UFO hotspot map based off information by the Department of Defense. They defy physics while being far superior in terms of engineering and materials needed to create this type of craft that could revolutionize virtually every aspect of human life from air and maritime transportation to energy generation to agriculture, he argues. "To meet the security and scientific challenges, transmedium UAP and USOs should be elevated to national ocean research priorities," Gallaudet argues. WATCH JEREMY CORBELL'S VIDEO OF UFO GOING FROM AIR TO SEA The Department of Defense or NASA still haven't been able to explain the UFO seen in the 2019 video that Corbell, an investigative journalist and leading civilian voice about UFOs, released in 2021. How the object was able to move that fast and seemingly vanish remains a mystery. UFO WHISTLEBLOWER TESTIFIES HIS LIFE WAS THREATENED OVER SECRET ALIEN TEACH RETRIEVAL Former Navy pilot Ryan Graves, ex-Navy commander David Fravor and former U.S. intelligence officer David Grusch testify before the House of Representatives subcommittee focused on UFOs. The DoD created the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) tasked with getting answers, but the AARO's reports have concluded there's no verifiable evidence of extraterrestrial life. Experts have criticized the reports as "underwhelming" and directly conflict with former intelligence officer David Grusch's testimony in front of the House Oversight Committee national subcommittee hearing in July 2023. READ TIM GALLAUDET'S FULL REPORT Grusch testified that he had knowledge of secret government-run crashed-UFO-retrieval program to reverse-engineer the technology. He also said the government "absolutely" has UFO tech and "biologics" of "non-human origins" since the 1930s and knows the exact locations where they're being held. RUSSIAN UFO ENGAGEMENTS, SECRET TIC TAC REPORT AND 3 KEY FIGURES SLIP UNDER RADAR AT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING "The underwhelming document, which lacked any NASA data, appeared to be a perfunctory appeasement of congressional concerns regarding UAP," Gallaudet wrote, referring to AARO's most recent report. Going back to focusing on underwater UFOs, Gallaudet said there's been legislative acknowledgment of their potential existence but "the literature on this subject is sparse and unsystematic." WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF DAVID GRUSCH'S CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY Tim Gallaudet, CEO, Ocean STL Consulting, LLC / Explorer's Cub Fellow / Former Deputy / Acting NOAA Administrator (2017-2021) Former Oceanographer of the Navy (2014-2017). "There are only a handful of books and scattered accounts by largely nonprofessional researchers, in contrast with the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of books published about UAP sightings in the sky," Gallaudet wrote. He lists a handful of sources that describe "luminous orbs, silver and gray discs, and triangular and cigar-shaped objects with various lighting configuration . (and) their movement seems to defy known physical laws." UFO HOTSPOTS MAP REVEALS CLUSTER OF SIGHTINGS LINKED TO ATOM BOMBS, WAR ZONES Gallaudet called on the U.S. government, academics, philanthropies and the private sector to invest in in-depth research about undersea UAPs. "Sometime in the future, the government may start openly researching UAP to a greater degree than the perfunctory categorization effort underway at AARO," he wrote. "When that occurs, subsequent exploration for UAP on and under the sea will have the benefit of making new ocean science discoveries as well. "Any hunt for USOs or supporting undersea infrastructure will almost certainly identify new marine species, geologic features, and oceanic processes." CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Fox News Digital's Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report. Original article source: Underwater UFOs display capability that jeopardizes US maritime security, ex-Navy officer says Institutions across the country have become tepid or downright hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community in the past couple of years. Its a stark regression after years of positive momentum. But the United Methodist Church will attempt to do the opposite. At its upcoming General Conference, to be held later this month here in Charlotte, the church will discuss whether to officially liberalize its stance on sexuality, the culmination of a long-standing theological battle over LGBTQ+ rights. The Methodists Book of Discipline currently states that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. It also prohibits ministers from performing same-sex marriages and the ordaining of openly LGBTQ+ people. That language, which wasnt adopted until 1972, could be removed at the General Conference. Its a move that has been in the making for years, and its one that has yielded a messy divorce among Methodists as more conservative congregations displeased with the impending changes have left the denomination in droves. Since 2019, a quarter of Methodist congregations in the U.S. have disaffiliated, including hundreds in North Carolina alone. Methodists arent the first denomination to split over LGBTQ+ issues in recent years, but this particular rift marks the largest denominational schism in U.S. history, according to USA Today. The divide within the church over LGBTQ+ rights mirrors a national political divide, Bishop Ken Carter of the Western North Carolina Conference told the Editorial Board. Many of the departing congregations in North Carolina and beyond come from rural or suburban areas that generally lean more conservative. But Carter said that the change is necessary for the global church to adapt to the realities of local churches and the lives of its members and its youngest generations. Many progressive churches in the denomination have already chosen not to enforce rules prohibiting LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings, and some conferences, have elected openly gay bishops. Many people of faith have a loved one that belongs to the LGBTQ+ community, or they identify as LGBTQ+ themselves. They already have LGBTQ people in their membership, active in their churches, yet we have sentences in our discipline that say, We dont accept you, or We dont fully see you in our church, Carter said. Were trying to hold together our faith and relationships with people we love, who make major contributions to our churches and our communities, and theyre the only group that is singled out in this way. United Methodists are not the only denomination divided over LGBTQ+ rights or other social issues. Carter noted the Catholic Churchs stance on birth control another example of a policy that does not match the lives of many of its members. A recent Pew Research study found that 83% of U.S. Catholics say the Catholic Church should allow its members to use birth control. The potential Methodist change, of course, comes during a regression of sorts on LGBTQ+ issues across the country. Hate and violence toward LGBTQ+ people is on the rise, including in schools, and an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has surfaced in state legislatures across the country. Companies who express support for the LGBTQ+ community, such as during Pride Month, face backlash thats louder and more forceful than it was just five years ago. Theres just been a sea change in the way our culture has seen gay and lesbian persons across a generation, Carter said. I watched the church change its mind in how it treated persons whove been through divorce, the same way the church changed its mind about women being ministers. And I feel like this is a part of that DNA. The United Methodist Church has members across the globe and more than than 6 million members in the U.S. alone. So its significant to see a major denomination or any institution, for that matter moving forward instead of back on embracing the LGBTQ+ community. We should welcome that willingness to evolve, especially when the world around us remains more rigid than ever. We should embrace the decision to say, We were wrong before, but you are welcome here now. Its an important, meaningful moment, and for Methodists, its a historic one. United States will stand with Israel; Ohio lawmakers react to Irans drone strikes toward Israel Ohio lawmakers spoke out in support of Israel condemning Iran after it launched several drones toward Israel on Saturday. >>RELATED: Iran launches drones toward Israel; Biden condemns brazen attack The attack marked the first time Iran had ever launched a direct military assault on Israel, the AP reported. On Sunday, Israel said its systems were able to thwart about 99% of over 300 drones and missiles that were launched from Iran. Israel reopened its airspace on Sunday, according to the AP. >>RELATED: Iran and Israel have a history of enmity. What key recent events led to Irans assault on Israel? Dayton-area Congressman Mike Turner, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, spoke about the attacks on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday. Certainly, this is an escalation, he said. I think John Kirby is wrong to be able to say we dont want an escalating um uh conflict. It is already escalating, and the administration needs to respond. Turner called on the Biden Administration to take the attack seriously, in a social media post. Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel. While Israels missile defense system proved effective in protecting its citizens from a barrage of incoming fire, the Biden Administration must take this attack seriously. >>RELATED: Israel says Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles, 99% of which were intercepted Rep. Dave Joyce, Ohios 14th Congressional District, said the United States must back its strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel. The U.S. must back our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel, as they defend itself against the attacks by Iran. I strongly urge the Biden Administration & Congress to immediately ensure that Israel has the necessary resources to defend itself against these attacks. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, Ohios 2nd Congressional District, said the attack on Israel merits a strong response. Iran has been on offense since they took Americans hostages in 1979 and they have not let up. Their long-awaited unwarranted attack on Israel merits a swift response and any appeasement by our current administration is not appropriate in any way. >>RELATED: US works to prevent an escalation across the Mideast as Biden pushes Israel to show restraint Rep. Greg Landsman, Ohios 1st Congressional District, called on the world to put an end to Irans terror. Iran will continue to cause chaos until the world puts an end to its terror. Iran is Hamas. Hamas is Iran. The same is true of Hezbollah & other terror groups in the Middle East. All w/ support from Russia, North Korea & China. There will be peace when this chaos & terror end. We will continue to provide updates to this story. By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) - U.S. employers' obligation to accommodate workers' pregnancies also extends to abortions and the use of contraception, the U.S. agency that enforces workplace discrimination laws said on Monday. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) unveiled a rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a law that Congress passed with bipartisan support and the backing of major business groups in 2022. The law requires employers to alter job duties or give time off to workers with "limitations related to ... pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions." The commission's rule, which was proposed last year, has drawn criticism from some Republicans and religious groups who say the law's protections should not extend to workers who choose to have abortions or take birth control, or that if it does, religious employers should be eligible for an exemption. A group of Republicans in Congress suggested in comments to the EEOC that the lack of a religious exemption could form the basis of a legal challenge to the rule. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from North Carolina, said on Monday the EEOC exceeded its authority by adopting the rule. "The term abortion is not once mentioned in the law," Foxx said in a statement. "Instead of following congressional intent, the Biden administration is using the regulatory process to advance radical policy goals." The EEOC's five members are appointed by the president, but the agency functions independently from the White House. The rule will be formally published on Friday and will take effect 60 days later. The 2022 law requires U.S. employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers. Previously, federal law only required those accommodations if employers also gave them to employees with injuries or medical conditions. The EEOC rule's list of accommodations that workers may seek includes limits on heavy lifting, part-time work schedules, additional breaks to drink water and use restrooms, modified equipment and uniforms, seating, remote work, and paid or unpaid leave. Workers may also ask to be relieved of certain essential functions of their jobs, as long as they can resume performing them after a pregnancy, the EEOC said. Business groups and other critics of the rule have said that providing accommodations such as seating and additional breaks sounds simple, but can be impractical for many jobs and workplaces. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other groups told the EEOC last year that whether specific accommodations are appropriate should be considered on a case-by-case basis. And once temporary accommodations are granted to pregnant workers, employers should be permitted to periodically request documentation showing that they are still necessary, the groups said. Many worker advocacy groups supported the regulations. A Better Balance, which advocates for work-life balance measures, said the broad EEOC rule would remove various obstacles to women staying in the workforce when they are pregnant and after they give birth. "Today with these final rules, we have achieved a huge step forward for womens economic security, maternal health, and the economy as a whole," the group's co-president, Dina Bakst, said in a statement. In February, a Texas federal judge agreed with the Republican-led state that the pregnancy bias law was invalid because it was included in a $1.7 trillion government funding bill that was not properly passed. The judge blocked the EEOC from enforcing the rule against the state in its role as an employer. The commission in a March filing said it would comply with the ruling and did not indicate whether it would appeal. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Josie Kao) US forces intercepted more than 80 attack drones and at least 6 ballistic missiles from Iran and Yemen, says Central Command American forces downed more than a quarter of the missiles and drones bound for Israel from Iran on Saturday evening, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday. American and European-allied destroyers shot down 80 Iranian attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles launched from Iran and Yemen and bound for Israel. It is estimated that about 350 missiles and drones were launched at Israel in the large-scale attack. Irans continued unprecedented, malign, and reckless behavior endangers regional stability and the safety of U.S. and coalition forces, CENTCOM said in a statement. CENTCOM remains postured to support Israels defense against these dangerous actions by Iran. We will continue to work with all our regional partners to increase regional security. Nearly all of the drones and missiles were intercepted before reaching their targets in Israel, with the Israeli government reporting no deaths and only minimal damage from the attack. It came in response to an Israeli strike on Iranian military leaders in a diplomatic building in Syria earlier this month. The strike has raised fears over a wider regional conflict between Israel and Iran, as some Israeli leaders call for retaliation while others pledge themselves against war. President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to urge him against escalation in the conflict. This was a very aggressive and brutal attack, which looks like a declaration of war, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a CNN interview Sunday. But I also added immediately to say that we are not seeking war. We are seeking always peace. Arab governments in the region have also called for de-escalation, as has the United Nations. Now is the time for maximum restraint, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in an emergency U.N. meeting held Sunday at the request of the Israeli delegation. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate, Guterres said. Its time to step back from the brink. It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. US House Speaker Johnson to push for aid to Israel, assistance to Ukraine uncertain Mike Johnson, Speaker of the US House of Representatives. Photo: Getty Images Mike Johnson, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, said on Sunday (14 April) that the House would "try again" to vote for military assistance to Israel in response to Iran's large-scale attack. Source: Axios, as reported by European Pravda Details: At present, it is unclear whether the aid will contain aid to Ukraine and Taiwan, which many Democrats believe should be approved along with assistance to Israel. On Fox News, Johnson recalled previous failures of Republicans in the House of Representatives to approve aid to Israel and said, "we are going to try again this week". "The details of that package are being put together now. We're looking at the options and all the supplemental issues," he added. Answering the host's question about assistance to Ukraine, Johnson said: "We'll send our package we'll put something together and send it to the Senate." The official did not specify whether the package would be combined with aid to Israel or whether it would be voted on this week. Several committee chairmen who support Johnson said in interviews on Sunday that they expect a quick vote on Ukraine aid. "I have a commitment that it will come to the floor. My preference is this week," said Michael McCaul, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, adding that he plans to have a conversation with Johnson on Sunday evening. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner said he expects a vote on Ukraine aid this week, "and I expect it to pass." Hardline conservatives have warned Johnson against including funding for Ukraine in any aid package for Israel. "Congress should be clear: no action by Iran or Israel merits a vote on the Ukraine omnibus the Senate seeks," Republican Representative Warren Davidson posted on social media. Background: On Friday, Johnson discussed support for Ukraine with potential Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. After the meeting, Trump said he supported approving financial aid to Ukraine, but in the form of a loan. Support UP or become our patron! The Biden administrations main message for Israel following Irans aerial assault comes down to this: Stop and think. U.S. officials expect Israel to respond in some fashion to Saturdays strikes, but in both public and private ways they are taking steps they hope will convince Israel to choose a limited response as opposed to an all-out armed counter-attack. The latter, they fear, will plunge the region into a major war. President Joe Biden in particular wants to avoid any battle that could drag in U.S. troops, and hes made that clear to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Were advising them to take a breath before responding, said a U.S. official familiar with the Middle East, one of 10 people granted anonymity to freely discuss closed-door diplomacy. If Israel does respond, it needs to be proportional and bring this cycle to an end. To lend their arguments some weight, U.S. military forces helped Israel defend itself by knocking down dozens of the 300 missiles and drones Iran and its proxy militias hurled toward Israel. Overall, Israel suffered very few hits. The plan was always to help them defend themselves to the max to limit the damage so that they didnt feel compelled to come back with another overwhelming response and we can de-escalate and be done, said a second U.S. official. U.S. officials hope that Israel sees Washington as a friend it can depend on in the face of an unprecedented Iranian strike, despite tensions on other fronts. In recent weeks, Biden and his aides have sharpened their criticism of Israels military actions in Gaza, where Israelis are fighting Hamas militants but many Palestinian civilians are dying or at risk of famine. But this weekend, Biden and his aides publicly stressed Americas ironclad support for Israel and denounced Irans attack. The Iranian strike was a reprisal for an Israeli attack earlier this month that killed several Iranian military officers in Syria. Biden did not mention the differences he and Netanyahu have on the war in Gaza in his Saturday night statement on the Iran attacks. He also didnt mention the frustrations some U.S. officials feel about the fact that, in targeting Irans military officers, Israel struck what Iran said was a diplomatic facility a highly unusual breach of international norms. Biden administration officials also pointed out that Irans attack was largely thwarted through a combination of U.S., Israeli, and Arab aerial defenses, the sheer scope of which appeared unprecedented. Such a coordinated defense proved that Israel was not isolated on the global stage and that Iran could not breach its defenses, they argued. In fact, a third U.S. official said Israel should consider the shooting down of nearly all of the 300 launched missiles and drones as a win for them and a defeat for Iran. That alone could negate the need for a retaliatory attack. Whatever Israel does now, it should be limited, and, given the amount of risk we are taking, we expect them to let us know before they do anything, the second U.S. official said. Biden further spoke Sunday with fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran. It was a sign that the U.S. would prefer the next moves to involve sanctions or other non-military action, including potentially seeing some European countries designate Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Israeli leaders have been vague about what they will do next. Some Israeli media outlets reported an unnamed official as saying there would be an unprecedented response, while Netanyahu promised we will win in a social media post. An Israeli official, granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive subject, said that Israel reserves the right to defend itself following this unprecedented Iranian aggression. The weekend strike was the first time Iran had attacked Israel directly from its soil since Islamist clerics took power in 1979. Because the Iranian attack was telegraphed well in advance, U.S. officials spent much of last week privately counseling Israelis to think carefully before retaliating. American officials passed messages to Tehran during the attack through the Swiss, urging restraint, a senior administration official confirmed Sunday, though the U.S. and Iran also were in contact ahead of the assault. The official added that the Iranians responded to the missives but wouldnt characterize what the Islamic Republic said. In a call after Iran launched the attack, Biden told Netanyahu that the U.S. would not join an offensive counter-strike on Iran, though he did not say the U.S. would oppose it, according to two of the people. Iran and Israel have each carried out one major strike against the other now. But Irans attack was larger than many expected, and it came directly from Tehran as well as proxy militias elsewhere in the region. So although Israel was left with little damage, it could feel compelled to somehow return fire. The senior administration official told reporters Sunday afternoon that Israeli officials let their U.S. counterparts know theyre not looking for a significant escalation with Iran. The official, asked by POLITICO if the U.S. did not want Israel to respond, said this is a decision for them, refusing to answer the question specifically. Iranian leaders said Tehrans retaliation against Israel was over unless Israel struck back. At this point, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated on social media. In what could be a thinly veiled signal from the White House, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a close Biden ally, said Sunday on CNN that Israel should pause for the moment, consult with its close allies and partners, assess the damage and the activity, and then decide what is the most appropriate response. But Biden risks being painted as weak in urging caution and Republicans could wield that criticism against him this election year. I think Israel should be looking at this as an opportunity to destroy Irans nuclear weapons program, which is the existential threat that Israel faces, John Bolton, Donald Trumps third national security adviser, said on CNN on Sunday. If Joe Biden, as some press reports have it, is urging the Israelis not to retaliate at all, he is an embarrassment to the United States. Netanyahu has long agitated against Tehran. He and many other Israelis see it as partially responsible for the Gaza war because of Irans military support for Hamas. But Netanyahu also can be cautious in taking on an adversary such as Iran, often preferring more covert methods. Still, many Biden administration officials, as well as many Israelis, suspect Netanyahu often referred to by his nickname Bibi wants to keep Israel on a war footing in order to extend his stay in power. Many Israelis blame him for the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that sparked the Gaza war. New elections, which Israels allies in the U.S. and an Israeli War Cabinet member have called for, would likely see Netanyahu suffer a stinging defeat. Nobody except maybe Bibi wants this to get out of control, said a senior U.S. official. Erin Banco and Jonathan Lemire contributed to this report. The US Congress has reached a "consensus" on approving aid to Ukraine and Israel. Both Republicans and Democrats agreed that they need to "act quickly." ADVERTISIMENT Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said this at a press conference in New York on April 14. According to him, on Sunday, during a conversation between President Joe Biden and congressional leaders, a "consensus" was reached that Congress needed to act quickly to send aid to both Israel and Ukraine. Schumer also expressed hope that something could be done this week for both countries. In particular, on Sunday, in addition to Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell participated in the conversation with Biden. Schumer said that the best way to direct aid to Israel and Ukraine is for the House to consider and approve the Senate-approved supplemental national security package, which includes aid to both countries. ADVERTISIMENT In February, the Senate passed a $95 billion package, but Johnson did not bring it to a vote. "The best way to help Israel rebuild its missile defense and anti-drone capabilities is to pass this supplemental immediately. As I said, Israel has spent more than a billion dollars on its defense, and the additional security measures will add to the missile and drone defense system that is in place in the Arrow, the Sling of David, and Iron Dome," Schumer said. On Saturday, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Republican, said that the House would change its legislative schedule this week to "consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable." ADVERTISIMENT On April 14, White House adviser John Kirby said that the U.S. House of Representatives has the votes to pass the Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan Assistance Act - the document just needs to be put to a vote. Republican Congressman Mike Turner, in turn, said that the House of Representatives would consider a bill with $60 billion for Ukraine this week and expressed confidence that the document would be approved by a majority vote. Politico reported that the White House is privately working with Johnson to get the aid package to the floor for a vote. Johnson himself said that he was in a difficult position and that the House of Representatives was working "to reach a consensus." As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the evening of April 13 and at night of April 14, Iran fired about 200 drones and more than a hundred missiles at Israel. According to the IDF, none of the targets reached the country's airspace - all of them were intercepted, including by allies. ADVERTISIMENT Israel has promised a response to Iran. Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations stated that it was a response to the aggression of the "Zionist regime" against Iranian diplomatic missions in Damascus, and Tehran's military actions were allegedly carried out in accordance with the UN Charter on "legitimate defense." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and a number of leaders condemned Iran's aggression, emphasizing that neither the Middle East nor the world "can afford another war." US President Biden convened consultations in the G7 to formulate a response to the attacks, and Italy also made a statement about the urgent convening of the G7 meeting. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! US to Israel: If you strike back at Iran, you'll do it alone As Israel on Monday weighed its response to Iran's stunning attacks this weekend, the U.S. is privately telling officials there: If Israel strikes back militarily, it will do so alone. It's an unusual message for a close ally that's spent decades receiving more US military aid than any other country in the world and whose relationship with America is often described as "ironclad." But after months of Israel acting on its own in Gaza and facing tough criticism from the U.S. and other allies that its military operations have gone too far the Biden administration made clear the U.S. wouldn't participate in offensive military operations against Iran, fearing a broader war in the Middle East. MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates: Israeli war cabinet to reconvene Monday "We believe Israel has freedom of action to protect itself and defend itself," a senior administration official told reporters shortly after Iran's attack ended. "That's a long-standing policy, and that remains." When asked by a reporter if the U.S. would help Israel counter with offensive military operations, the official said no. "We would not envision ourselves participating in such a thing," this person said. PHOTO: IDF Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, and CENTCOM Commander, General Michael Erik Kurilla, meet with IDF officials on the IDFs readiness for defensive and offensive operations, Apr. 12, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces) MORE: Congressional party leaders reach 'consensus' on aid to Israel and Ukraine, Schumer says According to a second U.S. official, that message was also delivered directly to Israel's top officials in a private phone call Sunday between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. In addition to expressing support for Israel's defense, the official said Austin made clear in a very "direct" manner that the U.S. was not planning to join a potential counteroffensive on Israel's behalf. Iran's attack on Israel late Saturday had deeply rattled world leaders, including U.S. officials who initially thought the Islamic Republic had readied only a dozen or so ballistic missiles. One senior U.S. official described their hand "trembling" while taking notes in a meeting upon learning that U.S. intelligence believed more than 100 ballistic missiles being prepared for launch. An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles toward Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen (Amir Cohen/Reuters) The attack was considered retaliation for a military strike on what Iran called its consulate in Damascus, Syria, widely believed to be Israel's doing. In the end, U.S. officials estimate that Iran launched some 300 missiles and drones, including more than 100 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles. Two U.S. officials confirm to ABC News that about half of those missiles either failed to launch, failed in flight or crashed before reaching their targets in Israel. Israeli's air defense systems were successful in defeating the majority of the remaining air threats, with U.S., U.K. and Jordanian forces coming to their aid. According to U.S. Central Command, American forces in the region including two U.S. Navy destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea shot down some 80 drones and up to six ballistic missiles. One missile was shot down near Erbil, Iraq, by U.S. forces who suspected it was headed toward Israel. PHOTO: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a War Cabinet meeting at the Kirya in Tel Aviv, April 14, 2024. (Israeli Prime Minister Office/AFP via Getty Images) MORE: Video Iran attacks Israel with drones The senior administration official told reporters afterward the defensive effort was a "spectacular" success, even if Iran's intent "clearly was to cause significant damage and deaths in Israel." Israel's response wasn't immediately clear. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his war cabinet on Sunday, and top officials said a decision could be made as early as Monday. President Joe Biden had already spoken privately with Netanyahu within hours of the attack. Biden later joined G7 leaders on Sunday in a statement expressing "full solidarity and support to Israel." "I think coming together in such a very, very strong way under the umbrella of the United States Central Command, together with the British, together with the French and the regional players, sent a very, very clear message to Iran that you can't get away with it," said Israel's Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Force. That global support for Israel was a notable shift for Israel after months of criticism its destructive military operations against Hamas following the Oct. 7 attacks. Israel has defended the offensive operation as necessary to defend itself against future attacks. U.S. officials said that they believe Iran's attack late Saturday was mostly a failure, and the goal now should be a carefully calibrated response with broad international support. "I think Israel has to think through carefully what it does next," the senior administration official said. ABC News' Martha Raddatz, Luis Martinez and Britt Clennett contributed to this report. US to Israel: If you strike back at Iran, you'll do it alone originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Objects are seen in the sky above Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in Jerusalem CAIRO (Reuters) - U.S. forces, supported by U.S. European Command destroyers, on Saturday and Sunday destroyed more than 80 one-way attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles aimed at Israel from Iran and Yemen, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday. This includes a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven UAVs destroyed on the ground prior to their launch in areas controlled by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, CENTCOM said in a post on X. Iran launched an attack late on Saturday on Israeli territory with drones and missiles in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria on April 1 that killed top Revolutionary Guards commanders. The attack by more than 300 missiles and drones, mostly launched from inside Iran, caused only modest damage as most were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defense system and with help from the United States, Britain, France and Jordan. "CENTCOM remains postured to support Israels defense against these dangerous actions by Iran. We will continue to work with all our regional partners to increase regional security," the U.S. military said. (Reporting by Yomna Ehab; Editing by Tom Hogue) US military destroys over 80 drones used by Iran to attack Israel The US military has stated that they destroyed over 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles that were launched over Israel from Iran and Yemen. Source: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Quote: "On April 13 and the morning of April 14, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, supported by U.S. European Command destroyers, successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen." Details: The CENTCOM noted that a launcher vehicle and seven UAVs that were in the territory of Yemen controlled by the Houthis were also among the destroyed targets. The US military added that it continues to "support Israels defense against these dangerous actions by Iran". Support UP or become our patron! US military to expand universal pre-K at dozens more bases this fall Leila Rojas loves school. Since she became one of the first 4-year-olds enrolled in the Defense Departments free universal preschool program, which launched last year at M.C. Perry Primary School at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan, Leila is thriving academically, socially and emotionally, said her mother Yadira Rojas. Its been amazing for us, Yadira Rojas said. Leila talks about her teachers all the time, about how much they teach her, how nice they are, and how they play with her all the time. Now thousands more military children will get that same opportunity as the Defense Department prepares to open universal pre-kindergarten at nearly all primary schools on U.S.-run bases worldwide this fall. The Department of Defense Education Activity, which manages schools on U.S. military bases around the world, launched its universal pre-K program in 2023 with a cohort of 65 4-year-olds at one school M.C. Perry. The initiatives success in Iwakuni has prompted DODEA to rapidly expand universal pre-K to another 79 primary schools, for a total of 80 locations, in the 2024-2025 school year. The remaining 10 primary schools in the DODEA system will get pre-K over the next several years, pending construction and renovation. Once pre-K classes have arrived in all 90 primary schools, an estimated 6,000 4-year-olds will be eligible, said DODEA spokesman Will Griffin. Any child who will be age 4 on or before Sept. 1 of a coming school year may enroll. Parents can register through the DODEA Student Information System, but theres no registration deadline because military families move throughout the year. Parents can visit dodea.edu/upk for more information and to enroll their child. Families reactions to the fledgling program have been very positive, Griffin said. One of the struggles with dual-military families or families with two working parents, service member and spouse, is the challenge in ensuring their kids are in a good situation, whether its child care, the Child Development Center, or some kind of educational opportunity, Griffin said. This is absolutely a win-win. They have the opportunity to know their child is in a good place, a nurturing, developmental environment that gets them started with a strong foundation to begin kindergarten. Yadira Rojas said shes glad many more 4-year olds will experience what her daughter has at M.C. Perry. Theres no way to describe how safe I feel with my child being there, Rojas said. I love the teachers and everyone in the classroom. They keep me updated on my child and how shes doing in the school. Rojas, who is employed at the Exceptional Family Member Program office on base, said the pre-K has helped tremendously with child care. I feel the pre-K is preparing her for kindergarten. And it gives us breathing room with the finances. The U.S. military will spend $75 million to fund universal preschool at the 80 locations next school year, Griffin said. Supporters of publicly funded universal pre-K contend that starting high-quality education earlier can make a positive difference in a childs future. Some states offer pre-kindergarten through a patchwork of different public and private programs and eligibility requirements. The Defense Department operates 160 schools around the world, with about 66,000 students. The vast majority of military children attend schools outside the gate. The 80 pre-K locations will be in schools with space to accommodate preschool classes, among other requirements. In general, restrooms must be accessible from the classroom; the classroom must be on the first floor of the building; a kitchen must be available for family-style dining and snacks; and the playground must have equipment designed for 3- to 5-year-old students, Griffin said. Of the 10 schools that are slated to open universal pre-K later on, four are at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Those programs are expected to begin in the 2025-2026 school year. The other six include: Parker Elementary School at Fort Novosel, Alabama; Ansbach Elementary School, Ansbach, Germany; Aukamm Elementary School and Wiesbaden Elementary School, Wiesbaden, Germany; Ramstein Elementary School, Ramstein, Germany; and Kleine Brogel Elementary School, Kleine Brogel, Germany. Those last six require more extensive renovations or construction, Griffin said. DODEA hasnt yet set a date to open universal pre-K at those schools. Providing universal pre-K means access and equity for all our eligible children, said Lori Pickel, chief of the curriculum and instruction division at the DOD school headquarters. Before, weve provided pre-K for some. Now the universal entry point for all children into DODEA will be 4 years old. Unlike at child development centers, universal pre-K is named as such because it has no priority enrollment. Signing up is voluntary and open to all students who meet the eligibility criteria. The program offers full-day instruction for all, including at schools which previously offered half-day preschool. Classes will use The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Pickel said, which is research-based and addresses student learning on the development continuum, and helps teachers target instruction to meet individual students needs. Its play-based curriculum and instruction, and is also aligned with the school systems college and career ready standards for their K-12 students. What they explain to the parents, and what I see when I volunteer, is they use play-based learning, said Yadira Rojas, who sometimes volunteers in the school. She said the pre-K classrooms have different play areas, such as a kitchen and a science area. For example, when the children learned about winter, they made snow with baking soda and shaving cream, connecting it to a science lesson. [Leila] loved that activity. We had to make snow at home, too, Rojas said. Like other DODEA classes in kindergarten through third grade, the maximum ratio of students to teachers is 18-to-1, said Michelle Alexander, early childhood branch program manager for curriculum and instruction at DOD school headquarters. Each classroom will have a certified teacher and a teaching aide. The school systems have hired about 80% of the pre-K teachers needed, and are continuing to work on hiring educational aides. Griffin said the jobs are great employment opportunities for military spouses; Pickel and Alexander are both spouses of military retirees. Its been a long time coming, and its here, Alexander said. US Senate talks about consensus for urgent aid to Ukraine and Israel US Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Chuck Schumer, said that during a Sunday phone call between President Joe Biden and congressional leaders, a "consensus" was reached that Congress should act quickly to send aid to both Israel and Ukraine. Source: a statement by Schumer, quoted by ABC News Details: Schumer expressed hope at a press conference in New York that something could be done this week to help both countries. He noted that the best way to send aid to Israel and Ukraine is for the House of Representatives to pass the Senate-approved National Security Supplemental Act, which includes aid to both countries. The Senate passed the US$95 billion package in February, but House Speaker Mike Johnson did not bring it to a vote. Quote from Schumer: "The best way to help Israel rebuild its anti-missile and anti-drone capacity is by passing that supplemental immediately. As I said, Israel expended about over a billion dollars in defending itself and the security supplemental would replenish the kind of anti-missile and anti-drone defenses that are in the Arrow, in the David's Sling, and in the Iron Dome." Background: Earlier on Sunday, Biden spoke with Senate Majority Leader Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in a statement Saturday that the House would change its legislative schedule this week to "consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable," but it's not yet clear what legislation that will be, or how drastically it might depart from the Senate-passed bill. US House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday that the House would "try again" to vote for military aid to Israel in response to Iran's large-scale attack. But he did not specify whether the package of support for Ukraine would be combined with the aid to Israel and would be voted on this week. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner said he expects a vote on Ukraine aid this week, "and I expect it to pass." Hardline conservatives warned Johnson against including funding for Ukraine in any aid package for Israel. On Friday, Johnson discussed support for Ukraine with potential Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. After the meeting, Trump said he supported approving financial aid to Ukraine, but in the form of a loan. Support UP or become our patron! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that U.S. President Joe Biden and congressional leaders during an April 14 call reached a "consensus" that Congress should act quickly to provide aid to both Israel and Ukraine. Schumer hopes that "something will be done" this week to help the two nations, he said at a press conference in New York, as cited by ABC News. In February, a $95 billion aid package to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan passed in the Senate with bipartisan support, with $60 billion going toward supporting Kyiv. House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to put the bill to a vote in his chamber. Delays in U.S. assistance to Ukraine have already had a direct impact on the battlefield, contributing to the loss of the key front-line city of Avdiivka. Amid the escalating situation on the eastern front and intensified Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that "Ukraine will lose the war" if the U.S. Congress fails to approve military aid. Johnson told in an interview with Fox News aired on April 14 that he was planning to move forward with voting for military aid to Israel after a weekend Iranian attack, without specifying whether the package would include funding for Ukraine. "The House Republicans and the Republican Party understand the need to stand with Israel. We're going to try again this week, and the details of that package are being put together right now," Johnson said, adding that "all options" are being considered. KI Insights Visit KI Insights to learn more and subscribe to the insider weekly newsletter visit ki insights Israels Defense Forces (IDF) said on April 14 that Iran launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles at the country, most of which were downed outside Israel. A few ballistic missiles entered Israeli territory, causing minor damage to the Nevatim Air Force Base, according to IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari. The attack was reportedly in response to Israels strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1 as part of the broader Israel-Hamas war. Israel targeted the Iranian consulate in response to attacks by Iran's proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah, on its territory. Johnson has faced increased pressure and dissent from far-right House Republicans, who initially blocked Ukraine aid funding due to border security disagreements. Previously, he rejected the Senate-approved aid bill on the grounds that it did not address the ongoing crisis at the southern border, but he has since signaled his intentions to eventually bring forward a funding package for a vote. Johnson initially promised to hold a vote on aid for Ukraine following the end of the Easter holiday, but top Republicans contradicted Johnson's timeline stating that the aid vote would be weeks away. Read also: Why some far-right Republicans are hell bent on ending further aid to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FILE PHOTO: Civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson arrives to speak at the "End Racism Rally" on the National Mall on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington By Andrew Chung (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday allowed a Black Lives Matter activist to be sued by a Louisiana police officer injured during a protest in 2016 in a case that could make it riskier to engage in public demonstrations, a hallmark of American democracy. In declining to hear DeRay Mckesson's appeal, the justices left in place a lower court's decision reviving a lawsuit by the Baton Rouge police officer, John Ford, who accused him of negligence after being struck by a rock during a protest sparked by the fatal police shooting of a Black man, Alton Sterling. The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2023 rejected Mckesson's defense that his rights to free speech and assembly under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protect him from the negligence claim. Mckesson was represented by lawyers including from the American Civil Liberties Union. The Baton Rouge protest was one of numerous demonstrations in the United States in 2015 and 2016 arising from incidents involving police and Black individuals. These predated the massive racial justice protests that flared in various cities in the United States and abroad following the 2020 murder of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis. The 5th Circuit's decision to allow Ford's lawsuit could make it easier to sue protest leaders for the illegal conduct of an attendee - an outcome that, according to some legal scholars, could stifle activism seeking political or societal change. Sterling was shot by a Baton Rouge police officer on July 5, 2016, after a struggle outside a convenience store where he was selling homemade CDs. The death inflamed racial tensions in the city. The protest four days later demanding accountability took place in the area in front of police headquarters. Ford was among the officers assigned to make arrests of protesters on a public highway. He was struck in the face by a rock or piece of concrete hurled by an unidentified person, losing teeth and suffering head and brain injuries, according to his lawsuit. Ford's lawsuit, seeking monetary damages, argued that McKesson should have known from his actions leading the protest that it would turn violent. Mckesson was arrested on the day of the protest but the charge was later dropped. U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson dismissed Ford's suit in 2017. But the 5th Circuit in 2023 revived it, finding that the First Amendment did not bar the negligence claim. The 5th Circuit rejected an argument that the lawsuit was foreclosed by a 1982 Supreme Court ruling involving Black civil rights activists in Mississippi limiting liability for protest leaders over the conduct of others when they are involved in actions protected by the First Amendment. A dissenting 5th Circuit judge, Don Willett, invoked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s march in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, drawing attention to the disenfranchisement of black voters. Political uprisings, from picketing to riots, have "marked our history from the beginning," Willett noted. The 5th Circuit majority's "theory would have enfeebled America's street-blocking civil rights movement, imposing ruinous financial liability against citizens for exercising core First Amendment freedoms," Willett wrote. Mckesson's case had made it to the Supreme Court once before. The justices in 2020 ordered additional review by lower courts to determine whether Louisiana state law allowed for Ford's claim. The Black Lives Matter movement was formed after the killing of a Black 17-year-old named Trayvon Martin by a man named George Zimmerman in Florida in 2012. Its activists have criticized overly aggressive policing particularly against Black people. (Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Editing by Will Dunham) US Treasury sees progress on multilateral bank reforms, but more to do By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The World Bank and other multilateral development banks are making good progress on reforms to expand their lending capacity to help countries brace for climate change and other challenges, but more work is needed, a senior U.S. Treasury official said. The official lauded a report issued on Friday by the Inter-American Development Bank and World Bank on callable capital, the emergency capital pledged by governments but not paid in, as an important step that could allow the banks to lend more. The Treasury has been pressing the multilateral development banks, or MDBs, for over a year to take rapid action to beef up their lending capacity given the trillions of dollars needed to help developing countries grapple with climate change and prepare for other global challenges. Other recent steps taken by the African Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) were encouraging, the Treasury official said, underscoring the need to maintain political momentum on the reforms. We have big ambitions. Were seeing very good progress and there is still so much more to do. Both things are equally true," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "So far, I think we are exactly where we had planned to be." Progress on the callable capital issue came after months of hard work, including reverse-stress tests at five of the biggest multilateral development banks. The next phase would be continued engagement with credit rating agencies, which are assessing possible changes in how they treat callable capital and instruments such as hybrid capital. The Treasury was sharing news with other banks about a successful first hybrid capital issuance by the African Development Bank, which went better than thought and got better pricing, the official said. It was also encouraged by a capital increase at IDB's investment arm and a change in its business model that should encourage private sector interest by absorbing the higher risk of projects early on. These things are not all magical, but it's a huge deal," the official said. "If it goes well, I think it's something that other banks will watch and hopefully emulate. Additional progress was expected in coming months, including an increase in callable capital at the African Development Bank, the replenishment of concessional funding at the Asian Development Fund, and the World Bank's expected replenish of the International Development Association lending arm in December. "I think that all the banks are on the right path, they haven't veered off course. They're at different stages in the journey, but they're all still moving," the official said. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by Jonathan Oatis) ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) Kids and families can plan for a day of fun at the St. George Childrens Museum free of charge, thanks to Utah Tech University. The childrens museum will be partnering with Utah Tech to offer free admission on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children and families will be able to enjoy everything in the museum including interactive exhibits and added activities provided by Utah Tech University students. Throughout the day, Utah Tech students will host several activities for families of all ages, including dance lessons, a scavenger hunt and bingo with plenty of prizes to give away. Utah turns radioactive wasteland in new Amazon TV series Im excited for Utah Tech Day because its a great opportunity for students to volunteer in the community while also representing their school and what they are most passionate about, said event coordinator and Utah Tech Student Association youth support service leader Baylie Booth. It also helps students connect with the future generation of trailblazers to spread the trailblazer spirit. Located at 86 South Main Street, the St. George Childrens Museum occupies the building where Utah Tech University was initially housed. The St. George Childrens Museum holds a special place to us as the original home of Utah Tech University, said Utah Tech Vice President of Marketing and Communication Dr. Jordan Sharp. As a thank you for all our community does for our students and institution, we invite everyone to come to experience the Trailblazer Nation room and all the museum has to offer. To learn more about the event, including a schedule of events, visit the events Facebook page, here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) The City of Uvaldes newly appointed Police Chief Homer Delgado unveiled a plan Monday to overhaul the police department. Delgado, directed by the City Council and City Manager, unveiled the Guardian Initiative, which, according to a release from the city, is a comprehensive plan to overhaul the policies, practices, and procedures of the Uvalde Police Department to enhance community trust and safety while modernizing the citys police force. The release further stated the initiative will focus on restoring trust and credibility, improving community relations, enhancing officer performance, implementing structural changes, and leveraging technology and innovation to transform UPD to better serve the Uvalde community. Delgado will hold a department-wide review of past actions to ensure transparency and accountability to start the initiative, the release said. That will include one-on-one interviews with every UPD officer. Hell also hold a review and reform of current department policies to address outstanding issues identified in local, state and federal investigations, per the release. This comes just weeks after his official appointment to the position of police chief following a brief stint as interim chief. He was appointed interim chief after former Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez submitted his resignation in March. Previous: Uvalde police chief resigns, city names interim chief of police Rodriguez had led the police department since 2018. He was on a scheduled vacation during the Robb Elementary mass shooting the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history on May 24, 2022. The acting police chief at the time of the shooting, Lt. Mariano Pargas, stepped down from the department in November 2022, the Associated Press reported. In the week prior to Rodriguezs resignation, an independent investigation commissioned by the City of Uvalde left families demanding accountability for officers who waited over an hour to intervene as a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers. The report recommended all Uvalde police officers be exonerated of wrongdoing in their response to the shooting. RELATED: DOJ Report: Texas DPS refusing assistance and delaying investigation As part of the Guardian Initiative, the release said Delgado also plans to implement rigorous new training standards and expand professional development programs to ensure the Uvalde police department is operating at the top of its potential. The Guardian Initiative will also expand neighborhood outreach and integration and emphasize UPDs accountability to the citizens they protect. Per the release, as part of the Guardian Initiative, UPD will: Initiate a department-wide meeting to ensure transparency and accountability regarding past actions reflect the standards of the department; Prioritize and substantially expand community outreach; Dedicate time and funding to new training and development programs; Assess, review and reform policies and procedures to better reflect the needs of the community; and Ensure the department has the right equipment to address challenges of modern law enforcement. As officers, we are accountable to the people who depend on us, and we must demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and responsiveness to carry out the core mission of every single officer protecting the safety of the Uvalde community. The Guardian Initiative is key to the transformation of our department, and will require hard work, discipline, extensive training, and community engagement to enhance the departments capabilities while ensuring integrity and transparency in our operations. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the entire Uvalde community as UPD undergoes these critical changes to keep Uvalde Safe. Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado According to a prior release on the appointment of Delgado to the position, he was hired to the department last year and has since initiated process and policy improvements, conducted evaluations of current employees, policies and department practices, as well as identified areas in need of improvement and taken steps to address them. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. In Sumy region, border guards repelled Russian saboteurs' attempts to sneak deep into Ukraine. Having spotted an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group, the defenders opened fire. ADVERTISIMENT The occupiers made an attempt to break through the border on April 14. This was reported by the press service of the State Border Guard Service on its official website. They emphasized that the activity of Russian subversive groups on the border in Sumy region remains quite high. To counteract the saboteurs, the Defense Forces units are using all possible countermeasures. On Sunday, border guards performing a combat mission at one of the state border areas in Sumy region detected several members of an enemy subversive group trying to enter Ukraine from the territory of the aggressor state. The saboteurs immediately opened deadly fire. The invaders retreated, shooting back with small arms. ADVERTISIMENT The SBGS added that both border guards and soldiers of other components of the Defense Forces are doing everything necessary to protect Ukrainian territory from the Russian aggressor. As reported by OBOZ.UA, in mid-March, the defenders stopped three enemy subversive reconnaissance groups in Sumy region. A few days earlier, Ukrainian soldiers opened fire on Russian saboteurs who were trying to approach the right bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson region near the Antonivskyi Bridge under the cover of night. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Heavenly Mountain Resort has announced the retirement of its current Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Tom Fortune, effective on June 23rd. After 45 years in the industry, Fortune will pass the position to Shaydar Edelmann, who returns to Tahoe with 25 years of industry experience, most recently serving as the Vice President of Mountain Operations at Park City Mountain. This comes as Heavenly's final week of operations approaches. See below. Tom Fortune has a long and storied career in mountain management. He joined Vail Resorts in 2010 as Director of Base Area Operation at Heavenly a role he held for six years. Then in 2016, he became Director of Mountain Operations at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. Two years later, he took on the role of General Manager and Vice President there. In 2019, Fortune was appointed General Manager and Vice President at Heavenly, later becoming COO of the resort and the Tahoe Region with oversight of Northstar California and Kirkwood in 2022. Fortune also led through the Caldor Fire in 2021 at Heavenly and Kirkwood during mandatory evacuations and supported firefighting efforts by galvanizing his team to set up a base camp for First Responders, leveraging Heavenlys California Base Area and snowmaking equipment. He was also a critical leader and guide through the 2022/23 winter seasons record-breaking snowfall, which triggered a state of emergency across the region. He has been a proactive member of a range of tourism and government advisory boards throughout his career, currently serving as Chair of the Board of Ski California. Jody Churich, SVP & COO of Vail Resorts West Region, recounts that Tom has been an incredible force over the last four decades and his leadership has left an indelible mark on the ski industry and all of us." From starting his career at Stevens Pass in 1978, to today as COO at Heavenly & Tahoe, Tom is the definition of how passion can transform into impact. We are so proud to have been part of his journey, and his legacy of transparency, honesty, and kindness will continue to be an inspiration. Tom Fortune shared his gratitude to everyone he has worked with throughout his career. I am forever grateful to the amazing people I have had the honor of working with over the last 45 years I have learned and grown, and my success is not mine alone, but shared with everyone Ive ever crossed paths with. Thank you to the teams at Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar, and Stevens Pass for 14 amazing years, and I want to further share my gratitude to the Vail Resorts team for their endless support along my journey and in making this decision." This decision was not one made lightly, but I am ready to start a new adventure. With Fortunes departure, Edelmann will begin as the new GM and VP of Heavenly, effective June 24. Edelmann brings more than two decades of experience to the role, having served the last four years as Vice President of Mountain Operations at Park City. As the Mountain Operations leader at the U.S.s largest and most complex ski resort, he managed a team of more than 700 through the challenges of COVID and unprecedented snowfall. He also played a key role in reimagining chairlift optimization across Vail Resorts and helped plan and permit upcoming transformational lift and snowmaking upgrades at the resort. Prior to joining the Park City team, Edelmann spent 17 years in North Lake Tahoe, starting his career in Competitions & Events at Alpine Meadows and working through Ski & Ride School and Skier Services leadership roles. He later became the Vice President of Operations at Boreal Mountain Resort, Soda Springs and Woodward Tahoe, where he was part of establishing Californias first recycled water snowmaking system and managed the construction and opening of Woodward Tahoe. He was general manager of Woodward Park City during its construction and grand opening before joining Vail Resorts in 2020. I am so honored and excited to be stepping into the role of GM & VP at Heavenly, Edelmann said. Tahoe has so much passion and energy around the outdoors and snowsports, and Heavenly is truly iconic. The chance to lead this special mountain resort is something that only comes once in a lifetime. I look forward to getting to know the Heavenly team and South Lake Tahoe community as I begin this new chapter." With nearly 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and 97 trails ranging from groomers to chutes, the mountain sits on two states: California and Nevada both. It is famous for its powder, steeps, and overall mouth-watering terrain. Edelmann will lead the resort, which includes Mountain and Base Area Operations, Food & Beverage, Ski & Ride School, and other important areas of the business. Related: Ski Ballet Makes (Another) Comeback At Verbier, Switzerland Don't miss another headline from POWDER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional skier or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos. HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) A hardware store in the Holland area is closing after more than seven decades. Van Wieren Hardware announced Saturday it would be closing because the third-generation owners are ready to retire. The store opened at 645 Douglas Ave. near the intersection of Ottawa Beach Road and Division Avenue in 1948, the family shared on social media, first serving as a combination gas station, lunchroom and bait shop. Our family is overwhelmed by the love and support we have received from our local community throughout those decades, they shared. Our customers have become part of our family, and we are beyond grateful for just as many generations of loyal supporters. They said it has been a joy to help customers with everything from home improvement projects to learning how to slingshot a flying monkey toy. The stores employees were the heart of its success, the family said. We are eternally grateful for the amazing times, countless memories, and unwavering dedication, the family wrote. We would not have made it this far without your continued support and are forever thankful for your role in this journey! This embedded content is not available in your region. The store was closed Monday as it prepares for a liquidation sale starting Tuesday. Van Wieren Hardware will be offering up to 50% off everything as part of the sale. This is not a goodbye but rather a see you later as our entire family continues to live in and support the Holland community. Many are excited to embark on a long over due retirement and we all certainly look forward to seeing you around town, they wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Vermont's health care providers have taken aim at health insurance companies, targeting excessive bureaucracy, and the practice of requiring prior authorization for needed procedures and drugs, as compromising patient care and increasing costs, even though prior authorization is intended to lower costs by preventing unnecessary or misguided care. This week, the University of Vermont Health Care Network distributed a commentary on health insurance practices by Kelly Lange, president of managed care contracting. In addition, the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems sent out a press release calling for the passage in the Vermont Senate of a House bill that requires health insurance companies to "reduce administrative delays and streamline insurance requirements." Lange called for passage of the bill as well. The Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier seen on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. Vermont's health care providers are urging the Senate to pass a House bill that would reform the practices of health insurance companies. What does the House bill that passed unanimously require health insurers to do? The bill, H.766, passed the House unanimously on March 13 and was introduced into the Senate on March 15, where it was assigned to the Committee on Health and Welfare. The two major insurance companies in Vermont are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont and MVP Health Care. The House bill would require health insurers to: Align billing practices called claims edits with those used by Medicare and execute prior authorizations according to Medicaid policy. (Claims edits are intended to ensure the accuracy of medical billing.) Allow patients and providers to ask for exemptions to "step therapy," a process that allows health insurance companies to require a patient to try one or more less expensive medications before receiving the newer or more expensive medication originally prescribed Decide prior authorizations within 24 hours for urgent situations and two business days for non-urgent situations The bill also directs the Department of Financial Regulation to prohibit prior authorization requirements for certain medication and services, and would require insurers, not providers, to collect cost-sharing amounts from patients. More: UVM Health Network and UnitedHealthcare reach last minute agreement on coverage "We have been calling on leaders to simplify the prior authorization process for years," Rick Dooley, a physician assistant with Thomas Chittenden Health Center, said in a statement. "But we've seen little action, despite ongoing harm to patients and providers." Health providers: When we have to ask permission to do our jobs, it drives up costs and endangers patients Prior authorization requires clinicians to ask permission from insurance companies before a patient can receive services. Lange recounted the experience of a patient who went to neurosurgery at the UVM Medical Center in early March for a serious condition. The specialist recommended more advanced imaging and scheduled an appointment, according to Lange. UVM Health Care officials say the requirement of prior authorization from insurance companies for needed procedures costs time and money and can endanger patient care. The patient was not experiencing an active emergency, so prior authorization was required. Two and a half weeks went by without receiving the authorization, despite multiple phone calls from the UVM Medical Center team. When the patient arrived for her appointment, she was faced with stark options, along with the hospital. "At that point, the hospital either has to perform the procedure and not get paid contributing to well-documented financial challenges that make it difficult to provide care to all future patients in need or tell the patient she may receive a bill for tens of thousands of dollars for a scan her provider told her she needs," Lange wrote. "In this case, thankfully, the authorization finally came in an hour after the appointment." Rules for prior authorization change 40 times a week, according to UVM Health Network manager Lange said that not only do policies on prior authorization vary between insurance companies, but the rules also change frequently, with 2,100 changes every year on average. "That's 40 per week," Lange wrote. "If it's difficult for our team of experts to stay on top of all these changes, how are patients supposed to know what to do? It's like if the fire department needed approval from the water utility before tapping a hydrant to put out a fire but only on certain streets." Will health care costs go up if the House bill is passed by the Senate and made into law? Dooley acknowledged health insurers have claimed passage of the bill will increase premiums, but said he disagreed. The entrance to the emergency department at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. "Although health insurers may save money in the short term with these practices, the truth is that patients and providers are already paying more for the cost of delayed care and extra administrative work," Dooley said. "Patients end up paying for expensive ER visits or hospitalization, and providers end up taking time they could be using to see patients to make phone calls to justify their treatment decisions to health insurers." Contact Dan DAmbrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosi@gannett.com. Follow him on X @DanDambrosioVT. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont's health care providers want health insurance reform TIOGA, Pa. (WETM) The Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall will be at Williamson High School in Tioga, Pennsylvania between July 10 and July 15 for community members to pay their respects to the lives lost in the Vietnam War. The Tioga County Moving Wall Project held a news conference on April 15 to share more details about the wall. The wall will be placed on a patch of grass just outside of the high school. Its a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. It is a traveling wall that has been going all over to cities and towns all over the country for the last 40 years to give people the chance and opportunity to visit the wall that may not be able to make it to Washington D.C., said Tioga County Moving Wall Project Chair Jessica Barron. Moving wall now on display in Eldridge Park Ken Leone served in Vietnam between 1968 and 1969. For him, talking about the wall brings back memories. Theres good things and bad things. You know, of course having to lose a fellow guys in my outfit. That was really heartbreaking. But, we did everything we could for especially kids. We just loved the kids that were around us. We gave them food, we took care of them if they got hurt. But, they didnt even know what this war was about. The good part is that I saw a different part of this world that I would never see and I got to go to Australia, which I wouldve never gotten to do, said Leone. He says the wall is especially important for young people to see. Theyve got to learn the history of not only what happened in Vietnam, but World War II, Korea, conflicts that we had over in the Middle East. They have to understand that history so it doesnt happen again. The Wall That Heals is now open to the public in Sayre Organizers are looking for readers, security and other volunteers for those days. For more information on the event, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Views of former President Trumps time in the White House have largely improved since fall 2020, according to a new poll. The New York Times/Siena College poll, conducted April 7-11, shows voters hold more positive views of Trumps presidency overall, as well as his handling of the economy and maintaining law and order. Nearly half 48 percent of registered voters surveyed said Trump left the country better off than when he took office, compared to 46 percent who said he left it worse off. In a comparable survey conducted in October 2020, 39 percent of voters said America was better off than it was four years ago, compared to 54 percent who said worse off. On the economy, 64 percent of registered voters say in the poll released Sunday they either strongly approve (44 percent) or somewhat approve (20 percent) of the way Trump handled the economy when president. In a survey conducted in September 2020, 54 percent said they approved. Trumps approval on maintaining law and order has ticked up, too, in the latest poll. Now, 51 percent say they approve of Trumps handling of the issue, compared to 43 percent who said so in September 2020. The Times noted that Americans often have rosier views of previous presidents tenures after they leave office. According to Gallup, former President George W. Bushs approval rating today is 8 points higher than it was when he left office. Former President Obamas approval rating today is 15 points higher than when he left the White House. While this trend is not uncommon, it bodes well for Trump as he seeks another term in the White House. According to The Hill/Decision Desk HQs latest national polling average, Trump has a 0.6 percentage point lead over Biden in national polls. The Times/Siena poll of 1,059 respondents has a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The owner of a novelty gaming store in San Bernardino County is speaking out after his store, which has been open less than a year, was robbed a third time, with the latest thief threatening his employees at gunpoint. Surveillance cameras at the store, Into the Retroverse, located in the 800 block of West Valley Boulevard in Colton, captured a man dressed in dark clothing, including a hoodie and mask, stroll into the store and walk directly behind one of the display cases. He just started taking stuff and said, I need the money, and thats when my buddy Alex went and tried to attack him, store employee Arturo Garcia told KTLAs Jennifer McGraw. Thats when we started doing it in all out brawl. The April 12 incident occurred at around 8 p.m. and its not the first time thieves have targeted the gaming store. Into the Retroverse was robbed on Nov. 6th and Thanksgiving Day last year as well. Footage of the incident shows the robber in a tussle with two of the stores employees, one of which was the owners brother. After a struggle that left much of the stores merchandise thrown around the shop, the three men fall to the ground where the gunman was unmasked. Violence erupts at Into the Retroverse in Colton where a man robbed the store at gunpoint on April 13, 2024. (viewer photo) Violence erupts at Into the Retroverse in Colton where a man robbed the store at gunpoint on April 13, 2024. (viewer photo) Violence erupts at Into the Retroverse in Colton where a man robbed the store at gunpoint on April 13, 2024. (viewer photo) Violence erupts at Into the Retroverse in Colton where a man robbed the store at gunpoint on April 13, 2024. (viewer photo) Violence erupts at Into the Retroverse in Colton where a man robbed the store at gunpoint on April 13, 2024. (viewer photo) Violence erupts at Into the Retroverse in Colton where a man robbed the store at gunpoint on April 13, 2024. (viewer photo) Violence erupts at Into the Retroverse in Colton where a man robbed the store at gunpoint on April 13, 2024. (viewer photo) Violence erupts at Into the Retroverse in Colton where a man robbed the store at gunpoint on April 13, 2024. (viewer photo) Violence erupts at Into the Retroverse in Colton where a man robbed the store at gunpoint on April 13, 2024. (viewer photo) I tried to throw him to the ground, employee Alexander Bernal explained. Thats when he got tired and took out the gun. Keeping his gun up and pointed at the employees, the man continued filling his bag with stolen merchandise before eventually leaving the store with an estimated $3,000-$5,000 worth of Pokemon Cards, according to Jovanne Bernal, who owns the novelty shop. Bernals brother, Alexander, said the violence was frightening and he worried the thief would shoot him while he was still on the ground. After he pulled out the gun, he said he shouldve messed me up or he shouldve shot me, Alexander said. Into the Retroverse, a childhood dream of Jovannes, is located in Colton City Plaza across the street from Colton High School and has only been open for seven months. It sucks, he told KTLA. You spend your life trying to build it and then somebody just walks in and says Im going to take it and because of how things are, they can. The shop owner filed a police report with the Colton Police Department, who already has a detective on the previous robberies at the store but says Colton City Plazas management needs to step up security before someone is attacked again or, worse, senselessly gunned down. Were working on it, is what he says the plazas management has told him. Three times Ive been broken into in the past six or seven months and they are still working on it. $55M in cocaine, more than a ton, seized in Southern California Jovanne also said that seeing surveillance footage of the violent encounter has shaken him up. Its more personal because you talked to Alex, thats my brother, he said. Hes been supporting me since day one. KTLA has reached out to management at Colton City Plaza and are waiting to hear back if there are plans to get more security for the shops and employees renting space in the shopping center. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) More happy, healthy babies and mamas. That is the goal of Black Maternal Health Week, which Virginia is observing for the first time from April 11 through April 17. I love that patients are advocating for themselves, or they say, Ive seen the news. I know that my risks are higher in pregnancy and what are we doing about that, said Dr. Lindsay Speros Robbins, director of the EVMS Center for Maternal and Child Health Equity and Advocacy. Robbins believes conversations like that are a great first step, but there are a lot things to work on, she said. Mortality rates are a reflection of the entire community, she said, not just [what] the health care system received. So I think weve got to focus on education and workplace changes. Women in vulnerable communities have worse outcomes so, Robbins said, we need to direct resources to those neighborhoods. She also said that employers should give moms the time they need to recover, bond with their babies and attend needed appointments. And not be in fear of losing their job or losing a living wage just because they have a lot of additional medical appointments for this very temporary time in their life, she said. That includes the six-week postpartum appointment. We make sure that a patient has a primary care physician who can manage hypertension or diabetes or hyperthyroidism, whatever it is, Robbins said. While many are dying during childbirth or before, she said a good number die postpartum. A heart condition called Peri partum cardiomyopathy can occur months after delivery and is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths. So moms, dont skip that six-week post-partum appointment, she said. Make sure youre around to see that little one grow up. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Voter turnout for the Democratic primary in Alabama's second congressional district was remarkably higher in the first election since the district was redrawn in a way that could allow the party to pick up a key seat. According to the National Redistricting Foundation, there were 57,129 ballots cast in the district's Democratic primary election Super Tuesday with 95% of precincts reporting. This was a 133% increase over the 24,478 ballots cast in the 2022 Democratic primary. The GOP primary had 56,970 ballots cast. "I've voted since 1976. I think people are willing to speak up by voting. I think if you get people hooked into voting, and they voted in the primaries then they'll vote in the general, probably more so," said Benny Newton, a Montgomery radio station owner. The primary election for the district had 19 candidates in total. Eight were on the Republican ballot and 11 on the Democratic. Both elections went to a runoff. Protect or Vote signs are handed out during the Foot Soldiers Breakfast in Selma, Ala., on Saturday March 2, 2024. "Voting in local elections is just as if not more important, and Ive voted in every local election for the second district since 2021," said Emily Smith, a University of Alabama graduate student who drove four hours round-trip from Tuscaloosa to her polling place to vote in person. "I think my generation has really seen the impacts of voting as well as not voting and make an effort to get their ballots in. Also, I think this election is more contentious than previous presidential elections in the second district, so people are more inclined to vote." More: Fighting for voting rights, making 'good trouble' in John Lewis' name, now a partisan issue Last summer, in the case of Allen v. Milligan, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the proposed Alabama congressional district map was gerrymandered, discriminating against Black voters. The state initially refused to redraw the map, defying the federal court order. However, a new map was eventually drawn, giving an opportunity for a second minority district. "Its clear that Alabamas representative map is a boon for political participation. Thats great news for democracy," said Marina Jenkins, executive director of the NRF. When voters know they have the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice, they are more motivated to show up to the polls and fulfill their civic duties." Signs outside of the Frazer United Methodist Church polling place during voting in the Super Tuesday Primary Election in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday March 5, 2024. Dawson Wilcox, an incoming law student at Berkley Law, said he believes the increased voter turnout comes down to general enthusiasm from the results of Allen v. Milligan. "The Montgomery area is very politically diverse, and a vast swath of the population has never had a chance to make their voices heard at the federal level," Wilcox said. "Im super excited that more people are getting representation in our government." Wilcox also said giving Black Alabamians more of a voice will improve voter turnout in November, saying that "apathy is the enemy of democracy." Bill Foster, executive director of Aframsouth Inc., said he believes having a "young guy who's charismatic," referring to Democratic candidate Shomari Figures, caused a lot of young people to vote in the primary. He also said some people are simply doing everything to vote against former President Donald Trump. Voters arrive to vote at the Saint James Church polling place during the Super Tuesday Primary Election in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday March 5, 2024. "This is showing what could happen if you had districts that were actually fair. When you've got an equal chance of winning, then you're going to have people wanting to participate in work in elections and getting out there and voting," said Kathy Jones, president of the League of Women Voters of Alabama. Since the primary on Super Tuesday, the state has implemented a new law that criminalizes some aspects of absentee voter ballot assistance. Advocacy organizations are now suing public officials over the new law. "No matter which candidates garner the most votes, 100% voting turnout is my biggest dream for the second district," Smith said. "I think its important to show both Alabama and America that the second district is here, we have voices, and we will cast our ballots for what we believe in." The Democratic and Republican runoff elections for Alabama's second congressional seat will be held Tuesday. Victor Hagan is the Alabama Election Reporting Fellow for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at vhagan@gannett.com or on X @TheVictorHagan. To support his work, subscribe to the Advertiser. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama voter turnout doubles in redrawn congressional district Vice President Kamala Harris recently met with cast members from the classic sitcom A Different World to highlight the White Houses work toward student debt relief. But while plenty of people have celebrated the collaboration, others have been more critical. "From Hillman to Howard, it is A Different World" On Friday, Harris posted a video featuring herself and several members of the cast of A Different World discussing HBCUs and student loan debt. Whether you went to Hillman, Howard, or somewhere else, nobody should have to bear the burden of unmanageable student debt, Harris tweeted along with a video highlighting debt relief efforts by the Biden-Harris administration. I was thrilled to join the cast of A Different World to uplift our Administrations student debt relief programs. Whether you went to Hillman, Howard, or somewhere else, nobody should have to bear the burden of unmanageable student debt. I was thrilled to join the cast of A Different World to uplift our Administration's student debt relief programs. Learn more at https://t.co/5lP8EkFs1D. pic.twitter.com/jnRqQWrWVX Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 12, 2024 Harris posted a follow-up video on Saturday, titled From Hillman to Howard, it is A Different World. Set to the shows theme song, it shows several of the castmates posing outside of the White House before they enter and meet with Harris, who is seen talking with them. Harris video has been popular on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, with over 4 million views and 20 thousand likes as of Monday afternoon. From Hillman to Howard, it is A Different World. pic.twitter.com/KiEob0qB9K Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 13, 2024 "Its campaign season alright" While the collaboration with the celebrities seems to be popular, not everyone is happy about it. A number of social media users took to X to complain that the appearance was pandering to a Black audience in an election year and that it didnt match the administrations accomplishments for Black voters. One tweet simply acknowledged the video with yeah its campaign season alright yeah its campaign season alright https://t.co/DVRtpYJIxu amigga (@_KILLA_KEV) April 13, 2024 Everyone else gets policy. Black people get hip hop parties and propaganda, read one tweet. Everyone else gets policy. Black people get hip hop parties and propaganda. https://t.co/ccLe5VXqJo Achmat X (@AchmatX) April 13, 2024 Repping HBCUs Despite the backlash to the video, other commenters came to the defense of the vice president and the cast of the show. Our VP has fought for HBCUs forever and reps us every day, a social media user wrote alongside a video montage of stories about Harris repping HBCUs and securing increased funding for the schools. Our VP has fought for HBCUs forever and reps us every day. So some of the responses to her spotlighting HBCUs during ADW's visit, saying she's just campaigning, are from people who hate just for clicks. They know nothing about her or #HBCUs if they don't know about this work: https://t.co/ZOg1BG7R76 pic.twitter.com/vR4CXIKqAz Hope (@HopeisaBison) April 15, 2024 Not defending anyone but for those calling this pandering: this ADW tour started at Kean University in NJ in October 2023, six months ago, another social media user posted. Not defending anyone but for those calling this "pandering": this ADW tour started at Kean University in NJ in October 2023, six months ago. They've been to several colleges. Google is right there, look it tf up! https://t.co/11ETVArbtx (@JadedAssJane) April 14, 2024 As noted, the cast has reunited, nearly 40 years after the show first aired, to embarked on a tour of HBCUs, and they are seeking to raise the profile and enrollment of these schools. The group, which includes Charnele Brown, Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Cree Summer and Glynn Turman, kicked off the tour in February with visits to Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College in Atlanta. Additional planned stops include Howard University, Tuskegee University and Alabama State University. The tour has received corporate sponsorship from Cisco and Wells Fargo, as well as backing from nonprofits Minds Matter and the Student Freedom Initiative. With the presidential campaign in full swing, we can expect Harris and other members of the administration to continue their outreach to Black voters, who may be decisive again in this election. And as the importance of HBCUs and the burden of student debt remain key issues for young Black people, the A Different World cast is expected to continue to shine a spotlight on Black colleges and students around the country. Want to win $250? Vote in the Community's Choice Awards for an opportunity to win Businesses who land in the top three will be awarded during an Oscar-style gala on July 16 at the Galt House. It's time to start voting in Louisville's 2024 Official Communitys Choice Awards to select the top businesses across more than 100 categories ranging from beauty and health to services and shopping. More than 8,100 businesses from Louisville were nominated for a Community's Choice Award, and now it's down to the top five in each category. We launched the Louisville awards in 2021, and this year will mark our second live gala, which will celebrate our top three businesses across all kinds of categories for local business, said Kelly Ellender, sales leader for Gannett Media Promotions. "It is a goal of this program to connect local businesses to local customers and showcase the diverse nature of the market. The ballot goes live on April 15 at courier-journal.com/contests and will consist of 15 groups and 115 categories. All people who log on to vote will have a chance to win $250 if they vote in 25 categories or more between April 15 and April 29 at 11:59 p.m. We offer that incentive to bring more people to the ballot and really expose our area businesses to people who want to shop and play locally," Ellender said. "The Courier Journal, a landmark local business in Louisville, is committed to showcasing the powerhouse that is the local business community. Any business that appears on the ballot on April 15 can ask for votes, by sharing the contest URL on social media, websites and by including the voting link in emails. Businesses in the top three will be awarded during an Oscar-style gala on July 16 at the Galt House. The gala is a way for local business owners to network and connect to one another, Ellender said. It is always an enthusiastic crowd, ready to hear their name called to the stage. For all Top 3, whether winners or finalists, there is pride in being a Top 3 local business in a community like Louisville. Its a special feeling to be selected by readers of the Courier-Journal and those people who want the local business community to thrive. On July 21, the full list of the top three businesses in each category will be announced in a special section online and in print as a resource guide for the Louisville area. For a full list of groups and categories, details on the 2024 contest, and results and photos from 2023 visit yourchoiceawards.com/louisville. For more information on the program or how to get involved, contact Tony Evans at aevans@localiq.com. Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 2024 Community's Choice Awards voting opens April 15 Feature: 1 year on, cross-border passenger service on China-Laos Railway achieves fruitful results Xinhua) 08:09, April 15, 2024 An international passenger train from Kunming of China to Vientiane of Laos arrives at Mohan port in southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua) VIENTIANE, April 14 (Xinhua) -- One year ago, the cross-border passenger service on the China-Laos Railway was launched, contributing to socio-economic development in Laos, boosting regional connectivity, as well as providing stable dynamics for economic cooperation between Laos and China. The China-Laos Railway started cross-border passenger service on April 13, 2023. Since then, the railway has become the preferred mode of transport for a growing number of international travelers due to its affordability, convenience and comfort. So far, the China-Laos Railway has handled 110,962 cross-border passenger trips, including 55,532 inbound passengers and 55,430 outbound passengers, according to data released by the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC) on Saturday. The China-Laos Railway, which links the Lao capital Vientiane with Kunming, the capital of Southwest China's Yunnan Province, has brought great benefits to the Lao people and opened up a new path for Laos' development and prosperity. "I am really happy to see that the cross-border train helps businessmen, tourists and students travel easier, faster, and safer. The railway has significantly bolstered passenger transportation, greatly facilitated travel and helped promote tourism in Laos since its launch, as well as attract more investors to Laos," Deputy Chief Engineer of the LCRC Vongthong Souphanthong told Xinhua. Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket, told media on Saturday that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Laos has increased significantly after the opening of the China-Laos Railway's international passenger service a year ago. In 2023, the number of Chinese visitors increased to 641,314 from about 45,000 in 2022. Meanwhile, Laos welcomed more than 242,000 Chinese tourists in the first three months of 2024, said Suanesavanh. "The launch of the cross-border passenger service is seen as a historic event, contributing to the cooperation between the Lao and Chinese governments," she added. Chinese and Lao railway authorities on Saturday launched one more pair of trains for the China-Laos Railway's international passenger service. The pair of trains run between Xishuangbanna of China and Luang Prabang of Laos, two popular tourist destinations. Chahwiwan Saelio, a Thai passenger, told Xinhua, "This is my first time taking the cross-border train. My family and I are going to Xishuangbanna for a vacation." "We chose to travel by train because we think it's comfortable and fast. And we also can enjoy beautiful scenery during the ride," she said. "I am delighted that the China-Laos Railway opened its cross-border passenger service. I think it has become a game changer for Laos, boosting tourism and providing smooth transport of goods and passengers," Sinhnoy Phommavichit, a 22-year-old man living in Luang Prabang province, told Xinhua on Saturday. The China-Laos Railway, a landmark project showcasing the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, began operation in December 2021. The railway contributes to achieving Laos' goal of converting itself from a landlocked country to a land-linked hub. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Slovenias Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon will pay an official visit to China from April 16 to 21. CCTV: Today is the ninth National Security Education Day of China. I noted that this years theme is the 10th anniversary of a holistic approach to national security: guiding the way with innovative thinking. Can you share with us how a holistic approach to national security is implemented in diplomatic work and how it contributes to global security? Lin Jian: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the holistic approach to national security put forward by General Secretary Xi Jinping. This approach is rooted in socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era and epitomizes the experience and collective wisdom of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people formed in their endeavor in the course of over a century to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. Under its guidance, our work on national security has made historic achievements. The nations sovereignty, security and development interests are upheld in an all-round way. We have maintained long-term social stability. China is one of the safest countries in the world. As we speak, changes of the world, of our times, and of historical significance are unfolding like never before, and the world has entered into a new period of instability and transformation. A holistic approach to national security underlines coordinated effort to protect both Chinas security and the common security of the world, advocates the common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable global security vision, and calls for the building of a community with a shared future that enjoys universal security. In our external work, we have effectively upheld Chinas sovereignty, security and development interests with a firm will and an indomitable fighting spirit, actively promoted bilateral and multilateral security exchanges and cooperation, and improved the global security governance system. To address the prevalent turbulence and instability in todays world, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative, which advocates a new path to security that chooses dialogue, partnership and win-win over confrontation, alliance and zero-sum game, providing Chinas solution to the global security predicament. At the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs at the end of last year, it was pointed out that building a community with a shared future for mankind is the noble goal pursued by China in conducting major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics for the new era; The strategic guidance comes from the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative; On this basis, we seek to usher in a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for our world. Looking ahead, we in the diplomatic service will continue to follow the requirements of a holistic approach to national security, contribute to global common security while safeguarding Chinas own security, advance the Global Security Initiative with solid efforts, promote common responses to various kinds of security risks and challenges, and jointly build a beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace and universal security. China-Arab TV: If Israel continues to attack Iran and the war escalates, does China worry it might get involved? Lin Jian: China calls on relevant parties to stay calm and exercise restraint to prevent further escalation. Shenzhen TV: April 13 marked one year of the international passenger service of the China-Laos Railway. On that day, another pair of passenger trains were added to run between Xishuangbanna of China and Luang Prabang of Laos. People can now take a round trip between the two places within just a day. Many Chinese and foreign tourists are drawn to the destinations along the route to get a unique travel experience. Today happens to be the last day of the Water Splashing Festival, which is being celebrated by Dai people and other ethnic groups in Yunnan. At the same time, countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar are celebrating their traditional new year festivals. The China-Laos Railway has once again become a top trending search. Whats your comment? Lin Jian: The China-Laos Railway is a pioneering project implemented by China and the Indo-China Peninsula country to conduct high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and improve connectivity. Since its launch more than two years ago, the railway has witnessed a jump in passenger and cargo volume, eased travel for tourists and added strong impetus to the high-quality economic growth of China and Laos. It has become an important bond between countries in the region. The international passenger service that you mentioned connects Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Luang Prabang, Vientiane and other famous cities, making it more convenient for tourists to visit cultural sites and natural scenic spots along the route. Over the past year, the international passenger service trains ran 734 times, transported 700,000 tourists and attracted tourists from 87 countries and regions who took over 180,000 cross-border trips. After consultation, China and Laos agreed that on April 13, one more pair of trains for passengers would be added to run between Xishuangbanna and Luang Prabang from Friday to Monday. The train schedule will be adjusted when necessary in light of the passenger flow. This is evidence that the China-Laos Railway is a boost to the local tourism industry and consumer spending, and has enhanced people-to-people and cultural exchanges and trade between China and Laos. The railway is truly shared by all and benefits all. China and Laos are both socialist countries and neighbors that are connected by mountains and rivers. We are a community of shared future with strategic significance. The China-Laos Railway is a witness to the two countries mutual success and future they share. It has also brought China, Laos, and neighboring ASEAN countries historic opportunities for opening up and substantial development progress. We hope that through the continued success of the China-Laos Railway, it will bring acceleration to regional prosperity and bring people of different countries closer for shared progress. AFP: An opposition politician of Solomon Islands Daniel Suidani today told AFP ahead of the elections this week that Chinas growing hold over the country is alarming. What is your response? How does the Foreign Ministry view the elections in Solomon Islands this week and the current China-Solomon Islands relations? Lin Jian: China upholds the principle of non-interference in other countries internal affairs, and supports the people of Solomon Islands in choosing a development path that suits their national conditions. During his meeting with President of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley Simina a few days ago, President Xi Jinping noted that when countries develop relations with Pacific Island countries, it is essential to let Pacific Island countries make their own decisions, put development first, and stay open and inclusive. This is also Chinas position and policy for developing relations with Solomon Islands. Global Times: Its reported the Mexican government announced on April 6 that Mexico will break diplomatic ties with Ecuador at once after the Ecuadorian side raided its embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been seeking political asylum there, and flagrantly violated international law and Mexicos sovereignty. Mexico initiated proceedings in the International Court of Justice on April 11 accusing Ecuadors forcible entry into the Mexican embassy as a violation of international law and asking Ecuador to take state responsibility. Whats Chinas comment? Lin Jian: We have noted the development. Mexico and Ecuador are both members of the family of Latin America and the Caribbean countries. We hope that relevant countries will follow the principle of mutual respect and properly settle differences within the framework of the international law and the basic norms of international relations. China News Service: Id like to follow up on your announcement that Slovenias Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon will pay an official visit to China. She will be accompanied by a business delegation. Can you share the arrangement of the visit? Lin Jian: China-Slovenia relations are growing with a sound momentum. The two countries have carried out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly supported deeper and more substantive cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, and achieved fruitful outcomes in high-level exchanges, trade and investment, scientific and technological innovation, cultural and people-to-people exchange and coordination on multilateral affairs. During Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajons visit, the two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations, cooperation in various areas, coordination on multilateral affairs, and international and regional issues of mutual interest. This is the second visit to China by a national leader of Slovenia in five years. We believe that the visit will further consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation in various areas and galvanize joint effort to promote world peace and development. We also welcome Slovenias business delegation who will accompany the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The business delegations visit speaks to the high expectation of entrepreneurs from Slovenia and Europe for high-level mutually beneficial cooperation. The business delegation will also visit Shanghai and Shenzhen. I believe they will feel Chinas economic dynamism and growth momentum and see Chinas firm commitment to opening up. China stands ready to work with Slovenia and take the visit as an opportunity to step up dialogue and communication, have closer exchanges at all levels and in all areas, and promote the sound and steady growth of China-Slovenia and China-EU relations. AFP: Australian Prime Minister said today that a shopping center attack last weekend killed six people, including a Chinese woman who studied in Sydney. Whats your comment? Lin Jian: On April 13, a knife attack at a shopping center in Sydney, Australia resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. In the wake of the attack, the Foreign Ministry directed the Chinese embassy and consulate in Australia to immediately activate the consular emergency response mechanism and verify whether Chinese nationals are among the victims. We have been informed by Australia that one Chinese national was killed and one injured. The Chinese embassy and consulate have asked Australia to make every effort to treat the injured. They are ready to help the victims families travel to Australia and attend to relevant matters, and will keep a close eye on the progress of the investigation. Beijing Daily: Chinas National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center and the 360 Digital Security Group jointly published a report titled Volt Typhoon: A Conspiratorial Swindling Campaign Targets with US Congress and Taxpayers Conducted by US Intelligence Community on April 15. The US has been accusing the Chinese government of supporting Volt Typhoons cyberattacks. Whats Chinas comment on the report? Lin Jian: I noted the report you mentioned. According to the report, Volt Typhoon is actually a ransomware cybercriminal group who calls itself the Dark Power and is not sponsored by any state or region. There are signs that in order to receive more congressional budgets and government contracts, the US intelligence community and cybersecurity companies have been secretly collaborating to piece together false evidence and spread disinformation about so-called Chinese governments support for cyberattacks against the US. Its no secret that the US is the worlds largest source of cyberattacks and the biggest threat to cybersecurity. Some in the US have been using origin-tracing of cyberattacks as a tool to hit and frame China, claiming the US to be the victim while its the other way round, and politicizing cybersecurity issues. What they have done seriously harms Chinas lawful rights and interests. China urges the US to immediately stop its cyberattacks against China and stop smearing China. On Monday, April 15, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired a new meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff. The two most important topics discussed at this stage were the frontline and energy. ADVERTISIMENT The President announced this on his Telegram channel on Monday evening. Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on the developments on the main frontlines, our defense needs, and future actions. There were also reports from the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivashchenko, and the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Kyrylo Budanov. They spoke about the enemy's plans. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov spoke about contracts for the supply of weapons, electronic warfare systems, and drones. In addition, the President heard reports from representatives of the energy sector the Ministry of Energy, Energoatom, Ukrenergo, Naftogaz on the efforts they are making to protect systems, restore damaged generation, and reconnect consumers. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov also spoke about the protection of critical infrastructure, especially in the frontline and border regions. ADVERTISIMENT "Physical protection cannot fully protect some facilities from terrorist attacks. This can only be done by sufficiently effective air defense. We are grateful to those friends who understand this and quickly responded to our calls to support Ukraine's air shield. But the intensity of Russian attacks requires more unity," Zelenskyy said. He drew attention to how the free world defended Israel during the shelling from Iran. The partners showed that unity is not only possible but also 100% effective. "Decisive actions of the allies prevented the success of terror and the loss of infrastructure and forced the aggressor to cool down. The same is possible in protecting Ukraine, which, like Israel, is not a NATO member, from terror. And this does not require the activation of Article 5, only political will is enough," Zelenskyy said. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! After a year of war and hunger in Sudan, aid groups seek new help in forgotten crisis One year ago, Marwa Ahmed Alrohima Mohammed was pregnant and treating patients at a hospital in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum when her country descended into civil war. It was so close. The bombs and the airplanes were right over our heads, the 35-year-old physician told USA TODAY in a video interview. Fighting left some dead nearby her home, she said. After holding out for several weeks, she escaped to the south on a bus with her family, navigating militia checkpoints in a dangerous 250-mile journey to Gedaref, near the Ethiopian border. Now, a year after she fled some of the first blasts of the civil war, Mohammed works in Gedaraf treating some of the millions of Sudanese like her people who fled a war they thought would end quickly, seeking help they thought would arrive soon. Instead, they have found themselves amid a growing crisis that many aid workers say the world has largely forgotten. Marwa Ahmed Alrohima Mohammed, 35, a Sudanese physician, works with U.S.-based Medical Teams International in Gedaref, Sudan. The civil war has now killed more than 14,000 people, subjected countless people to sexual violence and displaced millions. Yet the U.N. has said its appeal for $2.7 billion in humanitarian aid for nearly 15 million people inside Sudan has been less than 6% funded. And aid deliveries that do arrive are hampered by fighting and other challenges. Now aid groups are hoping an international donor conference to be held in Paris on Monday will bring new funding and urgency to address a humanitarian crisis that the U.N says has been neglected by the international community amid the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Tom Perriello, the U.S. special envoy to Sudan, told Reuters that the United States will make a push of more funding as Washington seeks to spur on international response at the conference, but he didnt elaborate. People are dying because of lack of medicine and lack of food, said Mohammeds colleague, health worker Salma Salah, explaining that sometimes it means they cant help those in need. You just tell them to be patient, but you know that wont work for very long. Marwa Ahmed Alrohima Mohammed, right, and Salma Salah, left, work for U.S.-based Medical Teams International in Gedaref, Sudan. Marwa fled her home when the fighting began. Salah's family, too watches for news that they can return home. Both now work with U.S.-based Medical Teams International in Gedaref, where they see many wounds of war. But it is the cases of hunger that reflect the U.N.s growing warnings about the threat of a wider famine. Already, 18 million Sudanese face acute food insecurity. Women are losing babies. More than 90% of the children under 5 are malnourished, Mohammed said. Some of Salahs relatives more than two dozen of whom are now packed into one home in Gedaref keep watching the news for signs of a cease-fire or a new wave of international help so they can go home. So far, that hasnt come. My mom always turns on the TV to see what is going on, Salah said, and there is no Sudan on TV. Why is there a war in Sudan? The conflict was sparked by tensions between two top Sudanese generals. Army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, had jointly ruled since taking power in 2019. But those tensions came to blows last April over plans to combine the two forces. The conflict spread to other areas across Sudan in a battle that, unlike the countrys many previous conflicts, tore at Khartoum as well as other regions. Momentum has stalled, according to a report by the International Crisis Group on April 11. But the fighting continues. In the year since it began, the group said, the conflict has been an incontrovertible disaster for the entire country. Among the more than 14,000 dead are civilians killed in the escalating violence. Reports of conflict-related sexual violence continue. International Criminal Court prosecutors have said there are grounds to believe both sides are committing war crimes, The Associated Press reported. Health care and banking systems have teetered on collapse. Of the countrys 49 million people, more than 8 million have been displaced, the U.N. said, both within Sudan and into neighboring nations South Sudan, Chad, Central African Republic, Egypt and Ethiopia, straining resources and threatening the stability of the wider region. The war has also hobbled domestic agricultural production. Food that is available in markets has shot up in price. Of the 18 million people facing acute food insecurity, nearly 5 million of these are in emergency levels of hunger, according to the World Food Program, which has worked to deliver aid to those who need it in the region. But thats not easy, the Crisis Group said. Most of those suffering acute food insecurity are stuck in areas of active conflict, including millions of residents in Greater Khartoum and Gezira. The two sides generally show callous disregard for civilians plight, with the RSF demanding sky-high fees from aid trucks at checkpoints or stealing their cargo, while the army tries to block relief in RSF-held areas, where many camps for the internally displaced and devastated towns have been unable to receive assistance, the group said in its report. The Sudan INGO Forum said the country could face losing hundreds of thousands of lives to hunger. Helena Cardellach, director for Doctors Without Borders in the country, told USA TODAY the organization also faced challenges getting supplies to areas of need. She said the overall situation was growing increasingly dire. The situation is even worse now than six months ago, she said. Hopes for a new boost of humanitarian help Marwa Ahmed Alrohima Mohammed, 35, a Sudanese physician, works with U.S.-based Medical Teams International in Gedaref, Sudan. Each day at her clinic in Gedaraf, set among a center for displaced people, Mohammed and other staffers with Medical Teams International provide a range of care, including health and nutrition services. She sees nearly 100 patients a day, among the nearly half-million people who have filled this city as they flee the violence. Some need medicine for chronic conditions. Others have experienced sexual abuse. Malnutrition is common. And many have no money to flee to safer countries like one woman she treated, who was caring for two disabled children after their father had been killed. Both were malnourished. I worry about famine, she said. Diplomatic efforts, including the U.N. Security Councils call last month for a cease-fire, have not persuaded the two sides to stop the fighting. The Monday meeting in Paris will bring together leaders from neighboring countries, regional actors, Western states and U.N. agencies and nonprofit groups working in the area, Reuters has reported. Aid groups hope for a major scaling-up of the humanitarian response. "The international response has been pitiful. We're at 5% of the needed amount," Perriello recently told Reuters, adding that the U.S. has already committed more than $1 billion in humanitarian relief to the conflict. "We'll be doing another nine-figure push around this," he said, without elaborating. The Crisis Group said diplomats need to push harder on the two warring sides to accept a ceasefire. And it said aid donors should consider funneling money through local volunteers in areas where most major aid organizations have left. It has been everyday Sudanese who have often at great personal risk stepped up to support each other and become a lifeline for millions of Sudanese, Eatizaz Yousif, Sudan director for the International Rescue Committee, said in a statement. Salah continues her work with Medical Teams in Gedaref, where she can sometimes hear bombs from distant fighting. Earlier this month, several drone attacks on Army sites hit Gedaref, according to news reports, threatening what had been a relatively safe haven. Salah said the group has evacuation plans at the ready. Salahs parents are still in shock over a conflict they thought would last only a few months at most. They keep their things ready to return, desperately wanting to go home to Khartoum. Salah must tell them each time that its still not safe as fighting continues with no end in sight. But they persist. Each day my parents pack their bags, she said. Every single morning. Until the conflict abates, Mohammed keeps up her daily routine. She gets up early, makes tea and climbs on a rickshaw to travel to the clinic. Its a place where army checkpoints dot the city and residents must be off the streets before a nighttime curfew. But Mohammed makes the trip carrying her own pain. Her pregnancy, which finally came after multiple medical procedures in her quest to have a child, was lost amid her flight. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: War in Sudan: Millions face threat of famine as aid goes lacking Mr Gove wants to abolish 'marriage value' despite numerous charities depending on the charge for funding - Andrew Milligan/PA The Church of England has hit out at Michael Goves leasehold reforms, warning it could strip millions from charities budgets. Speaking in the House of Lords, the Bishop of Manchester David Walker said charities that rely on freehold income may become one of the Leasehold Bills unintended victims. The Housing Secretary is considering capping all existing ground rents and scrapping marriage value a charge added on leases less than 80 years old. But the Church said many of its leaseholders are wealthy individuals who live overseas and that marriage value adds thousands to its charity fund. The Rt Revd Prof David Walker called for charities to be exempt from the abolishment of marriage value, much like the National Trust. He said: My concerns are with charities which own freehold as part of their permanent endowment. We have already heard that some 80pc of marriage value in the UK relates to properties in and around central London. Many leaseholders in such blocks are corporate and often overseas entities. They are not the people this Bill aims to protect or benefit, nor should it. The Church Commissioners Hyde Park properties have an average sale value of 1m. Those who own them are not, by and large, Londons poor. The Bill, as drafted, will take money presently used for charity purposes and give it to the wealthyrobbing the poor to pay the rich: a reverse Robin Hood. The Rt Revd Prof David Walker said the Government's proposals amounted to a 'reverse Robin Hood' scheme - Martin Rickett/Getty Images The Church Commissioners manage a 10bn endowment fund, much of which is in its 105,000 acres of real estate in England and Wales. This is used, alongside donations, to fund the Church of Englands ministry. Church Commissioners hold the freeholds to these buildings, including the Hyde Park Estate, which has been in continuous Church ownership and care since around the 11th century, when it belonged to the monks of Westminster Abbey. The proposed abolition of marriage value would result in a one-off cut in income from the Church Commissioners Hyde Park Estate of 35m. This would reduce the annual amount given in support of the Church of Englands charitable work by 1m a year. The Bishop also pointed to the John Lyons Charity which is the largest independent funder of children and young peoples services in Greater London. In 2022-23, it reached the milestone of having awarded over 200m in grants since 1991. That is over 4,500 grants to over 1,700 organisations. The loss of marriage value could cost it around 3m per year, money which would go to owners of apartments valued in the millions. Medical research charity The Wellcome Trust, which owns a freehold estate of 1,800 properties in South Kensington, London is also among those set to be hit. John Lyons is not the kind of rogue landlord that leaseholders need protecting from, the Bishop added. Its a widely accepted principle of charity law, accepted even when right-to-buy legislation was extended from council housing to many housing association tenants, that charity assets should not be transferred to individuals or bodies that would not qualify as their beneficiaries. This Bill seems to fly in the face of that principle. Is it possible to exempt charities? The National Trust already has such an exemption and one not restricted to those parts of its estate that are inalienable under Act of Parliament. Should that prove impossible, will they put forward a full compensation scheme for when a charity loses marriage value? Eleanor Bateman, of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: This is just one of the many known unknowns surrounding the legislation and, in the case of the marriage value clause, underlines why the Government must as a matter of urgency follow through on its vow to examine the lease premium calculation in detail. Critics want to see a grandfathering amendment added to the Bill for existing leases under 80 years. This would offer freehold investors a transition period, achieve the Governments goal of abolishing marriage value and protect British property businesses. A Whitehall source said: This would be an elegant compromise. A straightforward amendment would tweak the legislation by grandfathering the current situation for those leases which have fewer than 80 years to run. Effectively any lease with more than 80 years remaining at the time of the act passing will not have marriage value included within the calculation of premium for a lease extension or enfranchisement now or in the future. The Government will still have achieved the objective of abolishing marriage value. A spokesman for the Church Commissioners said: The proposal to abolish marriage value amounts to a transfer of wealth from charities like us to wealthy individuals who own property in prime parts of London. For us, that means there is less money to spend on looking after those in greatest need. What we are seeking is an exemption for charities to the proposed abolition of marriage value, in view of the public benefit that charities provide, which would otherwise have to be scaled back. This is the latest salvo directed at Mr Goves centrepiece leasehold legislation which aims to reform what hes described as an outdated feudal system. A key part of his plan was to reduce all ground rents to a zero (peppercorn) rate, which he hoped would give landlords the incentive to sell the freehold to leaseholders, leading to a phasing-out of the system. However, the proposal was quietly axed after Gove and officials at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities met resistance from the Treasury which has been subject to a lobbying campaign by pension funds, some of which have invested billions in buying up freeholds for blocks of flats. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill is expected to save around four million leaseholders in England and Wales more than 1,000 each. But private savers, including pensioners, have warned they could see their investments become worthless overnight. Close to 900,000 freeholds are owned by private individuals. Campaigners warn that incoming reform of Britains leasehold system will deprive these people of 48m a year. Mr Gove also faced criticism from house builders in recent years, describing them as a cartel in 2022. The Housing Secretary told the Conservative Environment Network that he had become unpopular with developers because of his stance on building safety. He said: There are 101 changes we want to make, that weve essentially got a cartel of volume housebuilders who operate in a particular way, and there are all sorts of unhappy consequences. At the time the Conservative Environment Network said Mr Gove seems to be suggesting some of Britains biggest companies are akin to a criminal organisation. A spokesman from the Department for Housing, Levelling Up and Communities said: Our Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill will improve home ownership for millions across England and Wales by making it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to extend their lease or buy their freehold. Removing marriage value will level the playing field and simplify the system for leaseholders with 80 years or fewer remaining on their lease. Recommended Why buying a leasehold property might be the worst mistake you'll make Read more Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. UPDATE: Investigators tell us Teleshai has been located and returned home. WASHINGTON Co., Ga. (WJBF) The Washington County Sheriffs Office is looking for 16-year-old Teleshai Lee. Shes described as a black female, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighing 150 pounds. She was last seen in the 2000 block of Sun Hill Road around 10:00 PM Sunday evening. Teleshai is autistic. If anyone has any information on her whereabouts, please contact the Washington County Sheriffs Office at 478-552-0911. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ill. The Washington County, Illinois, Emergency Management Agency is requesting the publics help in locating a missing woman. Police are searching for Brittany Moeser (age not provided). She was last seen in the Clarmin area Saturday around 11:30 a.m. According to officials, Moeser is 5 feet 7 inches, 128 pounds, and has light red hair. Anyone with information surrounding Moesers whereabouts is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff Offices dispatch at (618) 327-8274, Ext. 4. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Watch: Police chase car thief who sped off with owners blind 89-year-old mother in passenger seat A car thief led police on a high-speed pursuit after stealing a vehicle while the owners blind 89-year-old mother was in the passenger seat. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have released dashcam footage showing officers pursuing the vehicle through a busy residential area on Jan 6. The force also released audio from the emergency call, in which the elderly womans daughter can be heard reporting the incident to the police, audibly panicked. During the 999 call, she says: My mum is in the car and someone has taken her; theyve taken my car and my mum. The emergency responder then asks if the womans parent can drive and the caller says: No. She is disabled, blind and has dementia. My mum is in the car, what will they do with her? Oh my God, what will they do with her? Specialist officers from the roads policing unit were then dispatched and the chase in Ashton-under-Lyne began, GMP said. The woman is thought to have left the engine running to keep her mother warm, while she went into a shop. David Stephenson, 51, of no fixed address, was jailed last week for eight years and six months after being found guilty of kidnap, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and driving without a licence. Stephenson was sentenced to more than eight years in jail Police said Stephenson was not fazed by the fact a vulnerable elderly woman was in the passenger seat, got in the car and drove off. Chief Inspector Matt Jackson said: This must have been really terrifying for the woman who was in the passenger seat. She is blind and has dementia, she wouldnt have known what was going on. I cant even begin to imagine what was going through her mind. I am proud of my officers, whose fast thinking and ability to remain calm in any given situation meant we were able to bring the vehicle to a safe stop, and swiftly arrest Stephenson. Their response meant that the woman was safely reunited with her daughter. It could have ended very differently if we didnt work the way we did to get her back safe. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Countless civilians have fled Sudan's year-old deadly conflict for safety, enduring harsh conditions in makeshift refugee camps over the border with South Sudan. Eva Krafczyk/dpa Claudia Godid sits on a bed frame and pushes the green headscarf over her face to protect herself from the omnipresent dust. She looks wearily towards the two flagpoles that mark the border between South Sudan and Sudan, a good 100 metres away. She has come to Joda border point from the Sudanese town of Rabak and originally lived in Khartoum. "It was bad, very, very bad," Godid says of the start of Sudan's bloody conflict a year ago. "It was no longer safe the airstrikes, the shootings. Many women were raped." She wipes away a tear as she recalls horrors and the constant feeling of insecurity. She felt safe in Rabak for a long time, before shots were heard on the outskirts of town and armed men appeared. The whole community decided to leave, Godid says. I couldn't have stayed even if I wanted to. All the shops closed. Everyone just wanted to go. The dusty sand road linking Khartoum to the Joda border crossing is busy as more and more refugees cross the border. Most are women with children, but young men also flee the fighting in Sudan. Those who can afford to rent donkey carts to make the journey with their luggage a little more comfortable. For people from the village of Joda, the new arrivals mean an additional source of income. Money changers wait for customers just behind the border, shaded by a thorn bush with wads of Sudanese and South Sudanese pounds spread before them. The conflict is good for our business, says one with a shrug. The border soldiers have retreatd to a straw hut as temperatures soar to more than 40 degrees Celsius. There have been no checks here for months, even though the Joda border post is used by almost all the 600,000 people who have fled from Sudan to the neighbouring country in the south. We have an open door policy, says Albino Atol Atak Mayom, the humanitarian minister in Juba, the capital city. These people are fleeing war. They have a right to be protected. The bloody power struggle between generals Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Daglo began in Sudan a year ago. They once staged a coup together but now, each wants to decide the country's future alone. Those who suffer are people like Godid and 1,500 other refugees who cross the border at Joda into South Sudan every day. More than 9 million people have fled the conflict, according to the UN. It is the largest refugee crisis in the world though it rarely makes headlines, overshadowed by conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Renk, the small border town, was originally foreseen as a transit site but has been transformed by the arrival of so many refugees. There are two transit centres where new arrivals are supposed to stay for two weeks at the most before continuing either to the Maban refugee camp or elsehwere in South Sudan. But the sheer number of arrivals has thrown these plans into disarray. Some 15,000 refugees live in the camp that was designed for 3,000 people. There is no longer enough space in the barracks so many have to bed down elsewhere. Some have set up makeshift shelters hugging the fences, made out of sticks and blankets. One is Aydel Naika, who reached safety with her nine children. She has come full circle as a native of South Sudan. She fled to Sudan in 2013 to escape the civil war in her homeland but fled south again due to the latest conflict. When the bombs fell, we had no choice, she says. They affect everyone, whether civilians or militias. As an ethnic South Sudanese woman, she was exposed to attacks as she fled. They beat us, they took all of our valuables, she says of the young men who hunted down refugees along the way. Now she hopes to rebuild her life and that of her children with relatives in Malakal. I hope we are well received there, she says. In a barrack in the transit centre, Fatma Mohammed rocks her youngest child in her arms. After the conflict began, she escaped from Khartoum to Wad Madani in the Sudanese state of Jazira. But fighting broke out there in December after an attack by Daglo's RSF militia. The mother of four is Sudanese and her husband was a government employee. I dont know if hes still alive, I fear the worst, she says quietly. An uncle who accompanied her rests on a straw mat in the barracks they share with five other families. Their future is even more uncertain than that of the ethnic South Sudanese, who are classified as returnees by the Juba government and are being resettled in their original home regions. For most though, these are foreign places that are unknown to their children. Fatma Mohammed doesn't want to imagine a future in the refugee camp, possibly for years to come. Maybe Ill make it abroad, she says. For me, it is most important that my children can go back to school. They already lost a whole year due to the conflict." She hopes that she can travel to Egypt, partly because Arabic is also spoken there and Sudan is not far away, for whenever she can return. Aid organizations are trying to create structure for youngsters after the chaos of their flight. Social workers look after children in safe spaces, singing or painting with the little ones to give them a carefree hour or two at least. But many children are traumatized and need psychosocial support. The transit centre is not actually designed for this, says Makuach Peter Deng of Save the Children rights group. But we try to pass on information about children who need special support as soon as possible." Human rights organizations accuse the parties to the conflict in Sudan of serious violations and violence against civilians: arbitrary shootings, rape, and sexual violence, including against children. Serious allegations have been made against the RSF militia in particular. Meanwhile new trucks reach the Renk transit camp from the border every afternoon, crowded with refugees and their belongings. Only the old, the sick and women with babies can get a slightly more comfortable bus ride to the transit camp. But even for them, the three-hour drive from Joda along the potholed dusty track is anything but pleasant. Conditions are also painfully crowded on barges taking those who can leave the camp on the White Nile to the city of Malakal. More than 500 people are crowded onto the boats, sitting on bundles of their belongings. Few can afford drinking water, so most fill bottles and containers from the river before setting off. There is no toilet or washing facilities. Even before the boats depart for the three-day journey, children lie apathetically in their mothers' arms while others cry. No one has space to move or even stretch their legs. Some, despite the increasingly precarious conditions, prefer to stay close to the border where they wait for news about missing relatives in Sudan. Among them are Katmalla Mahdi, 29, and her four friends. All are desperate to hear where their husbands are, but Sudanese internet and mobile networks are disrupted and the women fear they may now be widows. They fled fighting in Wad Madani to South Sudan in December. At the time they received food for the two weeks they were supposed to stay in the Renk transit camp but have been forced to improvise ever since. We sold clothes to be able to buy food, says Katmallah. One of her friends mashes sorghum after carefully measuring out grains from a cup. She needs to ensure there is enough for everyone, including the children outside, though no one will have their fill. We support each other, she says. They live in a shabby, tentlike construction that is a safe haven where they console or encourage each other when they are sad or exhausted. Our friendship gives us the strength we need to get through all this," Katmallah says with a weak smile. The five women can barely imagine what the future holds and when the conflict at home will end. It's hard to hope. We can only pray that things get better. Women gather, among the countless civilians who have fled Sudan's year-old deadly conflict for safety, enduring harsh conditions in makeshift refugee camps over the border with South Sudan. Eva Krafczyk/dpa In the past year, countless civilians have fled Sudan's deadly conflict for safety, enduring harsh conditions in makeshift refugee camps over the border with South Sudan. Eva Krafczyk/dpa Countless civilians live in difficult conditions in makeshift refugee camps over the border with South Sudan, having fled Sudan's year-old deadly conflict. Eva Krafczyk/dpa Katmallah Mahdi in the shelter she shares with her friends. The women support each other while trying to remain in the border area of South Sudan, hoping to find out about the whereabouts of their husbands. Eva Krafczyk/dpa It is at times like these that you need to ruthlessly focus on your own national interest. Israel is, without doubt. It is also at times like these to decide who your friends are and stick with them. There is something terribly British about the way the West has dealt with Iran over the last decade. We have treated them like a child having a tantrum in a restaurant. Dont look, just ignore them, dont make it worse. We have tolerated the proxies and the malign influence. And many of us, including me, hoped that the reformers would one day triumph over the hardliners and that the vast swathes of decent Iranian people would one day rise up and rid themselves of the crazies. But the charge sheet of Iranian aggression is growing. They have armed, trained and directed Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah. They have hosted Al-Qaeda leaders, seized ships and taken hostages. To date, we have done almost nothing in response. In Irans eyes we are weak, and we need to wake up. I have learnt, working against Britains adversaries, that the only way to deal with a bully is to retaliate. The only option when Iran and Russia hit, I have concluded, is to hit back twice as hard and not stop until they get the message. These autocracies thrive on the Wests lack of resolve, revel in sowing division and delight in weakening us. Step by step they test us. But like all bullies, deep down they are cowards. They use proxies and avoid direct confrontation where they can. Their weapons of choice are terrorist groups, disinformation, cyber hate and corruption. We cant let them succeed in their strategy of divide-and-rule. It is not just our resolve which is being tested, however, but whether we know our enemies and friends when we see them. I have been critical of Israel in these pages for the IDFs methods in Gaza, but I have also always supported its right to defend itself and defeat the Hamas terrorists. Hamas is not just an enemy of Israel, it is an enemy of us all Britain, Europe and our friends in the wider Gulf. Just read their charter. They are a block on any two-state solution. We stand by Israel because we share common values, oppose terrorism and respect sovereignty. But if pilots of the RAF are to help protect Israel, then we should expect Israel to help Ukraine with lethal weapons and other assets, because alliances work both ways. I distinctly remember my meeting with the Israeli ambassador to London. The international community were rallying round Kyiv and there wasnt a week that passed when Russia didnt indiscriminately try and send drones to kill Ukrainian people. Ukraine was receiving donations from nations that supported them openly, and even countries that supported Russia in public but quietly backed Kyivs cause. Among the countries absent from the list of donors was Israel. I pleaded with the ambassador. But all she would say was that Israel didnt want to upset Russia. I pointed out that Russia was spending at least $500 million on the Iranian drone programme and that Israel would directly feel the consequences of that investment. But still, Israel refused. Think about that. Britain asks for help from an ally to support Ukraine in its war against our direct adversary Russia and our ally, Israel, refuses. It also refuses to help the only other democratic nation on earth whose president is himself Jewish. In addition to that, and not for the first time, Israel welcomes Russian oligarchs into its citizenship (yes, we too have been guilty of that!). The hundreds of millions of dollars ploughed into the Iranian drone programme is now flying over Jordanian and Iraqi airspace. I am genuinely pleased that Irans efforts have failed, and of course all of us should stand up to Iran and help protect Israel from such attacks. But lets not lose sight of the fact that nearly every day for the past few months Ukraine has been suffering the same onslaught. Both Russia and Iran seek to attack us and our allies. Both are joined at the hip when it comes to a disdain for other peoples sovereignty, and both see Britain as an enemy. So perhaps some good might come of this. Perhaps as Israel benefits from the RAFs support it will decide whose side it is on when it comes to Russia and help Ukraine. Europe needs Israels help just as Israel needs Europes. Together we can all help defeat these Iranian drones and missiles, and together we can send a message to both Russia and Iran that no more will we tolerate their behaviour. The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP served as defence secretary from 2019 to 2023 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. West Nile education available as mosquitoes return to the Sacramento Valley (FOX40.COM) Springtime in the Sacramento Valley means flowers, mostly sunny days, some rain and the return of the dreaded mosquitoes. The Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is sharing information and hosting an education campaign for the week of April 14 to mark Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week. Is West Nile Virus dangerous for people? Heavy rain and long-lasting snowmelt in 2023 led to a rise in mosquito levels and a significant increase in human West Nile cases between Sacramento and Yolo Counties. In 2022, there were eight reported human cases of West Nile virus between the two counties and in 2023 that total skyrocketed to 92, according to the district. Mosquito Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for our communities to learn more about mosquitoes and how they can protect themselves from diseases such as West Nile virus, said District Manager Gary Goodman. This year the weather is already very warm and conditions are perfect for mosquitoes to thrive. Its not just mucky pools of standing water that mosquitoes can breed in, but also common household features like flowerpots, bird baths and dog dishes. Is the rain cause for more mosquitoes? Sacramento, Yolo County officials say to check these areas for mosquito prevention The district says it is important to remember to drain these items of standing water before they become a breeding ground and health risk. Also of concern are the invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus which continue to spread to different areas within District boundaries, the district wrote in a news release. These mosquitoes pose a significant health threat because they are capable of transmitting dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya. For more information on the education opportunities hosted by the district, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Russian troops hope to capture Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region by May 9, at a faster pace than they did when they "took" Avdiivka and Bakhmut. The enemy is counting on the Ukrainian Defense Forces' lack of ammunition for artillery and air defense, and its advance is likely to be faster than previous offensives. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in the report of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) for April 14. As analysts reminded, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky said that the highest military command of the Russian Federation had set a task to capture Chasiv Yar by the Day of Victory over Nazism in World War II. "The Russian military command's goal to capture Chasiv Yar in just three and a half weeks indicates that the Russian command probably estimates that Russian troops will be able to capture the city at a faster pace of offensive operations than the attempts to capture Bakhmut in May 2023 or Avdiivka in February 2024," the report says. ADVERTISIMENT The ISW believes that the Russian military command is probably counting on an acute shortage of ammunition in Ukraine, which will allegedly allow the occupiers to capture Chasiv Yar within a few weeks, although according to the ISW, Russian troops have so far reached only the easternmost part of the Kanal neighborhood in the easternmost part of Chasiv Yar. Analysts noted that the Russian command regularly sets unrealistic goals for the offensive, and one of the Kremlin's "military commanders" expressed hope that by May 9, Russian troops would only be able to enter the Novy District in the southeast of Chasiv Yar. The Russian military most likely intends to capitalize on the significant shortage of Ukrainian artillery and air defense, which are crucial to Ukrainian defense and which, however, did not limit Ukraine's defense in Bakhmut or Avdiivka to the same extent, the report says. ADVERTISIMENT "Russian military commanders will likely continue to push against Chasiv Yar until the effort reaches a culmination, but Russian forces may be able to make faster progress than in previous efforts given the extent of Ukraine's current artillery and air defense deficits," the ISW stated. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the day before, the spokesman for the Khortytsia unit Nazar Voloshyn said that the situation in the east had escalated, the enemy was storming Chasiv Yar in small groups around the clock with the support of artillery and aviation. According to Voloshyn, the Ukrainian leadership has made "appropriate decisions" and will have time to reinforce the front with electronic warfare and air defense. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A high-end outdoor therapy camp is trying to stop the state from revoking its license after the Feb. 3 death of a 12-year-old child. Trails Carolina, based in the Transylvania County community of Lake Toxaway more than an hour from Asheville, has submitted a plan of correction to state regulators, a spokesperson with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services told the Citizen Times April 12. The child is the second to die at the camp, which has also been sued in federal court by former campers who said staff failed to protect them from sexual assault. "(The Division of Health Service Regulation) has received a Plan of Correction and a written statement from Trails Carolina explaining the actions it has taken to correct the noncompliance identified by DHSR," spokesperson Kandice Scarberry said. "DHSR will carefully review the POC and the statement pursuant to GS 150B-3(b)." That is the state act giving a licensed mental health facility the opportunity to show is correcting deficiencies and argue for retention of its license. Scarberry said there was no timeline for when the revocation decision would be made. She said the state received the camp's plan April 5. The camp had 10 days to submit the plan and other statements after the March 28 state notice of intent to revoke its license. In the notice, Robin Sulfridge, chief of the Mental Health Licensure and Certification Section, said the camp had endangered the "health, safety and welfare of clients." "The statutes and rules determined to be out of compliance for the March 21, 2024 survey and upon which this agencys decision is based are set out in the enclosed Statement of Deficiencies," Sulfridge said. The rule citations included failing to use the "least restrictive alternative" when dealing with campers, violating incident response requirements and failing to protect campers from "harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation." Camp officials had said they were surprised by the move to revoke their license given what they said was the progress they had made. "More than 2,500 children and families have benefited from Trails and we will continue cooperating with the state to satisfy their concerns so we can continue providing compassionate quality care to kids and families for whom every other treatment option has failed," camp spokesperson Wendy D'Alessandro said in a March 29 statement, a day after the revocation notification. Trails Carolina was ordered by the North Carolina Health and Human Services Department to release all of its campers as the investigation continues following a 12-year-old dying there on Feb. 3. "We understand the situations immense media pressure and the impact such pressure has on state agencies doing their best to serve the public and act in the best interest of children and their families. The basis for some of the states conclusions are unclear, since it indicates policies it had approved, and in some cases helped create, are noncompliant," D'Allessandro said. Along with the revocation notice, Sulfridge said the state would also assess a $18,000 fine. Criminal investigation on hold The camp charges an average of $66,000 for an 83-day outdoor experiential mental health treatment program. It is one of two licensed residential therapeutic camps in North Carolina, according to a state data base of nearly 4,000 licensed mental health facilities. Along with the action taken by state health regulators, Transylvania County sheriff's deputies are engaged in a criminal probe that is on hold while they wait for a medical examiner's findings and an FBI forensic analysis of camp computers, said John Nicholson, spokesperson for Sheriff Chuck Owenby. The camp had been closed by state regulators on a temporary status after the camper from New York City was found dead the morning after arriving. The boy, a resident of the wealthy Upper East Side neighborhood, was brought to the camp Feb. 2, according to a death certificate and search warrants. Per camp policy the boy spent his first night on the bunk house floor in a sleeping bag inside a bivy sack, a type of one-person shelter, Hunt said. The boy experienced a panic attack and was checked on throughout the night, according to a warrant. He was found dead at 7:45 a.m. The search warrants described the boy as being found with foam coming from his mouth, a possible sign of having ingested poison, deputies said. State regulators and deputies have said they were denied access to the other campers, something a Trails Carolina spokesperson said was done to protect the rights of the children and their parents. Alec Lansing The child was the second camper to die at Trails Carolina since 2014. That year Alec Lansing, 17, of Georgia was allowed to walk away from a campsite to use a latrine despite having been placed on a "Level 2" restrictive status that meant there was to be visual contact at all times. His body was found 12 days later not far from the campsite. Two former campers sued in federal court alleging staff failed to stop other campers from sexually assaulting them. In a 2023 suit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of N.C. in Asheville Clara Mann said that happened to her in 2019 when she was 14 years old. Mann settled her suit Feb. 22 for an undisclosed amount. Gertrude Siegel's suit filed this year in the same court is still ongoing. Siegel said she was assaulted in 2016 when she was 12 years old. Trails Carolina and a former staff member who is also a defendant, Derry O'Kane, filed April 10 motions asking the judge to dismiss the case. More: WNC camper death: NC Health records show prior child death violations; delayed search Defense attorney: video of alleged West Asheville pedestrian murder misses 'full context' Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at jburgess@citizentimes.com, 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Western NC camp contests loss of health license after NY child's death Where are they now? Trump's former opponents lining up new jobs after failed 2024 presidential bids Where are they now? Trump's former opponents lining up new jobs after failed 2024 presidential bids Former President Trump's old 2024 rivals have recently picked up new jobs following their failed presidential bids. Nikki Haley, the last Republican presidential candidate to bow out of the race, revealed on Monday that she is joining the Hudson Institute as their Walter P. Stern chair. The leading conservative think tank is known for focusing on international affairs and national security. "When our policymakers fail to call out our enemies or acknowledge the importance of our alliances, the world is less safe. That is why Hudsons work is so critical," Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said in a statement. "They believe the American people should have the facts and policymakers should have the solutions to support a secure, free, and prosperous future. I look forward to partnering with them to defend the principles that make America the greatest country in the world." TRUMPS LAST GOP RIVAL LANDS NEW GIG AFTER FAILED 2024 PRESIDENTIAL BID Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, announces the suspension of her presidential campaign at her campaign headquarters on March 6, 2024 in Daniel Island, South Carolina. Haley won primary contests in Vermont and the District of Columbia before suspending her presidential campaign after Super Tuesday. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The announcement comes just days after former Vice President Mike Pence accepted a teaching position at Grove City College, a conservative college in Pennsylvania. Former Vice President Mike Pence announces the end of his presidential campaign, alongside his wife Karen Pence, at the annual Republican Jewish Coalition leadership meeting at the Venetian on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Las Vegas. MIKE PENCE LANDS NEW GIG AFTER FAILED 2024 PRESIDENTIAL BID Pence, Trump's former vice president who ended his presidential bid more than two months before the Iowa caucuses, "will immediately begin serving as the Distinguished Visiting Fellow for Faith & Public Life," Grove City College said on Thursday, announcing the establishment of its Center for Faith & Public Life "to explore and support the presence of Christian faith in public institutions." "It is my great honor to serve as a visiting fellow to Grove City Colleges new Center for Faith & Public Life," Pence said. "Faith and engaging in public life are not mutually exclusive, nor should they ever be. History shows that Christians steadily working toward the common good have changed the world, and Grove City College opening a center shows they are committed to continuing this work." Unlike some other former GOP contenders, Haley and Pence did not endorse Trump when suspending their campaigns. Former GOP presidential candidate and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie appears on "Meet the Press" in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. Vivek Ramaswamy, a multimillionaire former biotech executive, dropped out after coming in fourth place in Iowa. He immediately endorsed Trump and joined the now presumptive GOP nominee on the campaign trail. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came in second in the Iowa caucuses but ended his campaign before the New Hampshire primary, announcing in doing so he was endorsing Trump. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., ended his presidential bid in November and helped Trump garner support in South Carolina, where Haley saw little backing from GOP elected officials despite it being her home state. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a longtime Trump foe, ended his presidential bid less than two weeks before the New Hampshire primary. At the time, Trump chided that Christie was "desperately seeking a TV job, but sadly, no one wants him." He withdrew from consideration for a potential "No Labels" third-party run last month. Trump has yet to announce a 2024 running mate. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: Where are they now? Trump's former opponents lining up new jobs after failed 2024 presidential bids Recorded earlier White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is delivering a press briefing Monday afternoon as Irans weekend missile and drone strike on Israel adds an urgency to solving the current funding impasse in Congress. President Biden held a conference call with the leaders of both parties in both chambers Sunday to reiterate the importance of passing the national security supplemental. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted Monday, U.S. support played a role in Israels ability to block most of the aerial assault. Monday afternoon, Biden is meeting first with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and then with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The briefing is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. EDT. Watch the live video above. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The White House said Monday it would not support a stand-alone bill only providing aid to Israel in the wake of Irans recent attack, urging the House to pass a national security supplemental that included assistance for Ukraine, Israel and other allies. We are opposed to a stand-alone bill that would just work on Israel, as weve seen proposed. We would oppose a stand-alone bill, yes, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Sunday the House would vote in the coming days on aid for Israel after it was the target of a drone and missile attack launched Saturday by Iran. House Republicans and the Republican Party understand the necessity of standing with Israel, Johnson said on Fox News. Were going to try again this week, and the details of that package are being put together. Right now, were looking at the options and all these supplemental issues. The House had previously attempted to pass a stand-alone bill with aid for Israel in its fight against Hamas, but the effort failed to garner enough support. The White House has been for weeks urging the House to pass the $95 billion national security supplemental that made it through the Senate with bipartisan support. That bill contained aid for Ukraine and Israel, as well as U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific. Kirby on Monday stressed the urgency of the situation as Ukraine faces headwinds in its fight against Russia and after Israel came under attack from Iran. Time is not on anyones side here in either case, so they need to move quickly on this, Kirby said. And the best way to get that aid into the hands of the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and into the hands of the Ukrainian solders is to pass that bipartisan bill that the Senate passed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Here we go again another old white man has been arrested for allegedly fatally shooting an unarmed, non-threatening Black person. This time, the man allegedly fired fatal shots at a Black Uber driver whom he mistook for someone trying to harm him. On the morning of March 25, 61-year-old Lo-Letha Hall arrived at a home on South Charleston-Clifton Rd. to pick up a package for delivery as a part of her Uber job, according to the Clark County, Ohio Sheriffs Office. Dash camera footage shows her approaching the front door but seconds later, retreating toward her car while 81-year-old William Brock followed her closely with a handgun. In the video, Brock chases Hall around her car, screaming for help as he taunts her. Gone! Get out of here! he yelled at her. Yeah, I know what youre after! Waymenthow did we get from package delivery to lethal threatening? The sheriffs office said Brock received a threatening scam call that morning. Brock told investigators he received a notification from the contact or possible accomplice that said theyd be coming to his home to pick up a package. Read more from the Springfield News-Sun: Hall arrived at Brocks home and made no threats or assaults toward Mr. Brock, and made no demands, other than to ask about the package she was sent to retrieve through the Uber App, according to the release. Brock then allegedly produced a gun and demanded she give him the identities with the scammers he has spoken with. He is also accused of taking her cell phone and preventing her from leaving. According to the release, Hall attempted to get in her car to leave and Brock shot her. He was injured on his head and ear in the subsequent scuffle and he shot her again, then after further exchange, shot her a third time. Hall succumbed to her injuries later during surgery. Police said only after he shot hall did Brock call the police to report the incident. We saw something similar happen when 84-year-old Andrew Lester shot and injured Ralph Yarl in a Kansas City neighborhood after mistaking the innocent teen for an intruder. Only after firing a shot at his arm and another grazing his head did Lester call the cops. On Friday, police charged Brock with murder after finding Hall did not pose a threat at the time of the incident. Hes entered a not guilty plea, according to NBC 4i News. He faces 15 years in prison if convicted. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) On Monday, passionate protesters stood in the middle of San Franciscos orange vermilion Golden Gate Bridge holding black and white banners reading, End the siege on Gaza now! and Stop the world for Gaza. Throngs of protesters rapidly formed blockades on the Golden Gate and Interstate 880 in Oakland before law enforcement officers could stop them. Traffic gridlocked for miles while activists chanted, Not another nickel, not another dime. No more money for Israels crimes. A protester holds up a peace sign while her arm is locked through a vehicle on the Golden Gate Bridge on April 15, 2024. (Image courtesy Ellen Caminiti) Protester organizer Ellen Caminiti sent KRON4 a detailed summary of why activists locked themselves together on the Golden Gate. Their primary demand is for the United States government to end all support of Israels genocide in Palestine, Caminiti wrote. Activists cut off traffic flows as part of a coordinated Global Economic Blockade in Solidarity with Palestine, according to Caminiti. This action is in response to a global call to disrupt parts of the economy in solidarity with Palestine. Every year, the U.S. sends $3.8 billion in American tax dollars to Israel. Bay Area residents are demanding that Biden and the US government stop arming and funding Israel, Caminiti wrote. Golden Gate Bridge traffic blocked by protest The Golden Gate Bridge is shut down by protesters on April 15, 2024. (Image courtesy Ellen Caminiti) Israels six-month war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip erupted after Hamas carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped others. As the war in Gaza continues, Palestinians are experiencing widespread famine and displacement. Some of the protesters in the Bay Area are Palestinian, including a woman who identified herself as Neena. The Golden Gate Bridge is shut down by protesters on April 15, 2024. (Image courtesy Ellen Caminiti) Neena wrote to KRON4, We are here advocating for the people of Palestine. The disastrous humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a direct result of US political, financial, and military aid to the terror state of Israel. Elected officials dont want to listen, and think they can turn a blind eye to the chaos theyre creating just to line their pockets. They have forced us into this position. They have forced us to take to the streets and do everything in our power to save the Palestinians from America. We are dedicated towards the liberation of Palestine until reclamation and return. And that means we are shutting down the economy that funds the genocide. We refuse to stand idly by. The Golden Gate Bridge is shut down by protesters on April 15, 2024. (Image courtesy Ellen Caminiti) Nida, a Palestinian and Golden Gate protester, said April 15 was chosen as a day of action because its Tax Day for most Americans. April 15th 2024, is the day that millions of Americans pay their taxes, and for many people of conscience living in the United States, this day is especially significant, as we know that this country gives away billions of our tax dollars straight to the Israeli Occupation Forces. We do not want our tax dollars to pay for this war machine. Instead we say you must uphold the promises you gave to the people of this nation and use our tax dollars in support of the people, Nida wrote. An activist who goes by the name Ethos said, Instead of stopping the flow of American weapons and billions of our tax dollars to Israel, the Biden administration is bringing us closer to launching a regional war. Protesters block I-880 in Oakland The Bay Bridge was blocked for hours Monday by protesters on Interstate 880 in Oakland. The group locked their arms into 280-pound concrete barrels in the middle of traffic lanes. A sign reading, A-15 Economic blockade for a free Palestine, was held up on I-880. A15 Action sent KRON4 a press release, writing, The action in Oakland occurred as part of a series of economic blockades on April 15 in dozens of cities around the world. Protesters in Oakland targeted I-880 as an economic artery through which capital and labor flow every day. I-880 serves as the regions primary corridor for commercial freight, seeing millions of dollars in goods moved as it connects the Port of Oakland, the Oakland Airport, and the West Oakland railyards. Demonstrations demanding a ceasefire will continue around the Bay Area later today, protest organizers said. An A15 Action spokesperson told KRON4 that another economic blockade will happen at the Tesla factory in Fremont at 5:30 p.m. Protesters Arrested By CHP The California Highway Patrol said its officers are actively engaged in the de-escalation of multiple ongoing protests in the Bay Area. This is an intricate operation. Attempting to block or shut down a freeway or state highway to protest is unlawful, dangerous, and prevents motorists from safely reaching their destinations. As of 2 p.m. on Monday, the CHP said officers were making arrests at the following protest locations: On I-880 at Embarcadero: The CHP said, Officers had to contend with 55-gallon drums filled with cement and heavy-duty chains attaching protesters to the drums. They are actively working to remove these individuals and lanes will be reopened. These individuals will be arrested. On I-880 at 7th Street: The CHP said, Approximately 300 protestors refused to comply with orders to disperse. Arrests are taking place. On the Golden Gate Bridge: The CHP said, Protesters utilized stationary vehicles to chain themselves to as they refused to clear lanes. Approximately 20 people have been arrested and are in custody. The Golden Gate Bridge reopened at approximately 12:15 p.m. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Why not defang the ethics watchdogs? As if any politician in Florida would ever do anything shady Timisu graphic via Pixabay Quality Journalism for Critical Times In Florida were truly blessed. Our laws let us pretend institutional racism doesnt exist and never did; we have the God-granted right to destroy annoying wild lands to build sprawly new energy-inefficient homes, and our politicians are so selfless, so devoted, so virtuous, we dont even need ethics laws. Ethics laws are just plain rude. Thats why your Florida Legislature has produced a long-overdue bill ripping the guts out of ethics boards all over the state. Under SB 7014, those tiresome busybodies cant go around initiating investigations of public servants merely because they may have committed some so-called impropriety such as accepting a little bribe here and there. The bill says no one is allowed to lodge a complaint about an official unless they have personal knowledge or information other than hearsay and attest to it under oath. In other words, you cant accuse the senator or the city commissioner unless you were right there in the room, watching her stuff that wad of Benjamins in her pocket or witness him cutting a sweet deal with that property developer who is also (coincidentally, of course) a big campaign donor. Totally fair, obvs. Ron DeSantis. Credit: Governors office If the governor signs the bill and surely such an above-board, transparent, and scrupulously fair fellow as Ron DeSantis will do just that elected officials will no longer have to worry about nasty jealous people sticking their noses into allegations of vote-rigging, lavish gifts from lobbyists, ghost employees, campaign finance violations, and corruption. DeSantis holds the distinction of beings the 45th most popular governor in the nation for a reason! Unhealthy obsession Now if those nit-picky good government types could get over their unhealthy obsession with conflicts of interest, illicit freebies, and other supposed official malfeasance, the state could get back to the business of denying women reproductive rights, banning books, and raping the environment. Which is exactly what a majority of Floridians elected them to do! Sen. Danny Burgess at Senate committee meeting. Nov. 15, 2021. Credit: Danielle J. Brown Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills says, Youre welcome, Florida! for it was he who craftily got this tough-on-ethics bill through the Florida Legislature. In its original form, SB 7014 was kind of a snooze, imposing some procedural rules on the Florida Commission on Ethics, but once it got out of committee, Young Sen. Burgess leapt into action with floor amendments (lest those nefarious ethics pressure groups get wind of it) which: Strip power from local ethics boards (the Legislature knows whats good for you, so shut up); Require sworn statements of personal knowledge that some governmental naughtiness has occurred and: Allow officials who are also lawyers (like Young Sen. Burgess) to claim attorney-client privilege, so they dont have to name certain people on their financial disclosure forms, because its none of your dang beeswax whether or not anything funny is going on. As Young Sen. Burgess said, Somebody could call a tipline, hotline, pick up the phone and say, This person is doing x, y, and z, hang up the phone, then immediately maybe call the media and tip that off that a complaint was made then the whole thing spirals out of control. This is exactly what keeps happening to our fine politicians! Former Tallahassee mayor and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum got fined five grand for letting a lobbyist pay the tab for a Broadway show, a boat ride around the Statue of Liberty, and maybe part of a little jaunt to Costa Rica. Nothing to see here And look at what happened to poor former Miami City Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla. He was arrested last September and charged with multiple felonies, including money laundering and bribery. The nosy, no-good Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust got all up into Diaz de la Portillas business and discovered he had been lets call it incentivized to help a $30,000 a year private school take over a city park, reducing by two-thirds public access to it. FDLE and the Broward State Attorneys Office claim the private schools lobbyist paid for Diaz de la Portillas vacations and served as campaign fundraiser for his brother Renier de la Portilla, who was running for a county judge seat. Of course, the Libs, the nay-sayers, and assorted other weirdos who insist on knowing how elected officials spend taxpayer money are staging a whine-fest. They call the bill anti-democratic and warn it will allow corruption to go unchallenged if it comes into law. They insist it will prevent whistleblowers from blowing their cheap little whistles for fear of retribution, and quite right, too. Mike Murawski, the guy who runs the Naples Commission of Ethics and Governmental Integrity, bellyached about how 62% voted in 2020 to set up a commission with the ability to self-initiate investigations, and this new law stands in direct opposition to the will of the people. The general counsel for the Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board says, We might know that fraud is taking place, we might know that corruption is right in front of our eyes. But now under Senate Bill 7014, well be completely powerless to do anything about it. No fuss Oh, fuss, fuss, fuss: These so-called independent ethics boards are mostly anti-MAGA cells set up in a gaggle of wokey places such as Tallahassee, Gainesville, Coral Gables, Tampa, Palm Beach, and Miami to gotcha patriotic Americans who happen to like making a profit or maybe tickets to Hamilton. Come on, people: Who among us hasnt relied on a fat-walleted lobbyist or other useful friend to shell out for something we want in exchange for something they want? Thats how our American system works. If only the new law had been in effect last year, Alex Diaz de la Portilla would be A-OK. Jose Arrojo, executive director of the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, more or less admits that fact, saying that if anonymous whistleblowers cant come forward, and if there are no more employees referring information to us, accusations wont be worth a bucket of warm spit. As Arrojo told the Miami Herald, We would be sitting on our hands unless someone comes forward and files a complaint under oath. Well, go get a real job, Mister! I hear lobbying pays really well. Come now, Florida taxpayers: Do you truly need to worry your pretty little heads about government ethics? Dont you have a road to clog, a tree to cut down, or a vaccine to avoid? Your elected officials dont care about money and power. They want nothing more than to serve you. They love you. They dont care about money and power. They want nothing more than to serve you. Trust them. After all, trust is the basis of all good relationships. The post Why not defang the ethics watchdogs? As if any politician in Florida would ever do anything shady appeared first on Florida Phoenix. Donald Trump has been relentlessly been attacking the judges and prosecutors bringing cases against him (Getty Images) Donald Trump, whose hush money trial began on Monday with discussion of whether he should be held in contempt for his social media posts, has over the course of the last year spent more and more of his time attacking judges, prosecutors, and anyone involved in the legal cases against him. The hush money trial, which comes after the former president was charged with 34 counts of business fraud last year, will begin with jury selection, a process which could take days or weeks and go through hundreds of prospective jurors. The charges relate to the hush money paid to adult actor Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 election, which was logged as legal expenses. On Thursday, Mr Trump referred to Attorney General Merrick and Special Counsel Jack Smith as being part of President Joe Bidens crew of Hacks and Thugs, calling Mr Smith deranged. He also slammed the judges overseeing his criminal and civil cases in New York as dishonest, politically biased, and conflicted. On Monday morning, just hours before the trial was set to begin, he called the case a witch hunt as he argued for the trial to be ended by the highly conflicted presiding Judge. Its become an increasingly common refrain from Mr Trump, who appears unable to stop his attacks even when they put him in increased legal, personal, and financial jeopardy. A litany of pundits have argued that if Mr Trump could just stop talking about himself and start talking about the issues voters care about, hed be much likelier to win re-election this fall. So why cant he stop his verbal attacks? Hes unable to tolerate evidence of his own fallibility, and [hes] not willing to take accountability publicly, he seems to have to insist on being right all the time, Dr Leonard Glass, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, tells The Independent. Tom Fitton, the president of the conservative organisation Judicial Watch, says Mr Trump is right to criticise the legal system, including judges, arguing that many of his complaints are well-founded. Its his absolute right as a citizen to raise these issues, and certainly as a criminal defendant and presidential candidate there are even heightened First Amendment protections for what he has said, he tells The Independent. Unfortunately, we have too many judges acting politically as opposed to following and applying the law in an unbiased manner. To criticize a judge is not to threaten him, he argues. Social psychologist Arie Kruglanski at the University of Maryland says Mr Trump is doing what his supporters expect him to do. Hes always arguing that the establishment, the Democrats, and others are carrying out a witch hunt against him. And by ambiguating the situation by creating a legal muddle, he [pushes] that kind of argument that really, things are not clear, that ... the lawsuits against him are all based on a political witch hunt, he tells The Independent. He notes that if Mr Trump didnt push back, people might get the impression that hes really in the wrong, but hes contesting that. People expect him to be a fighter ... Hes demonstrating his resilience, he adds. Dr John Hibbing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln tells The Independent, I just think Trump believes that anything that stands in his way needs to be taken down, and his supporters tend to agree with that. Whether it be the Electoral College or the courts or state governments, or whatever it is, they need to get out of the way. "For them, America is under threat. And its an existential issue. So youve got the core ... ethos of America white, Christian, straight under attack, and for them, the country is at stake here. And anything they need to do, whether it be taking down the courts or something else ... the ends justify the means, he adds. Mr Trumps refusal to accept any kind of responsibility spills naturally from his lips, Dr Glass says. That perspective makes it seem as though he is in fact entitled to plead his victimhood and to see the people who tried to hold him to account as bad people bent on depriving not only him but his followers, of their rights. He ascribes all kinds of terrible motives and characteristics to them, many of which are simply images of himself that he rejects and puts on other people, he adds. Hes a child, former Republican strategist Rick Wilson tells The Independent. He has no impulse control at all. He has no ability to constrain or conform his behaviour. While his people think thats charming, its really kind of sad to watch a grown man who is the nominee of his political party, being unable to, in any way, contain himself, even when it can cause him enormous legal and financial and personal jeopardy, he adds. Dr Glass says: Hes extraordinarily immature for a grown man. He just cant seem to contain his impulses. He argues that Mr Trump has revealed his lack of impulse control in his marriages, adding that he has treated contractors who have worked for him in the past as if they have no rights. Mr Trump is famously alleged to have had a number of affairs, including with adult actor Stormy Daniels in 2006 just a year after marrying Melania Trump, an affair Mr Trump denies but which led to the ongoing hush money case. That marriage was Mr Trumps third, following his unions with Ivana Trump and Marla Maples. In June 2016, just months before he was elected president, USA Today reported that hundreds of people, including carpenters, dishwashers, painters, as well as his own attorneys, alleged that Mr Trump avoided paying them for their work. Lets say that they do a job thats not good, or a job that they didnt finish, or a job that was way late. Ill deduct from their contract, absolutely, Mr Trump told USA Today at the time. Thats what the country should be doing. Trump has a deep contempt for any kind of rules Former Republican strategist Rick Wilson says Trump doesnt believe rules apply to him (Getty Images) It all comes from a position of being like a spoiled child, Dr Glass says. In his late 70s, he does the same sorts of behaviours that you would see in a child on a playground, who was a bully, and never recognize that when you play a game, sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. Trump has a deep contempt for any kind of rules, restrictions, laws, norms, traditions, that could constrain him in any way, Mr Wilson argues. And thats just a fundamental fact of being Donald Trump, he does not believe those things apply to him. And he does not believe that those things matter in any way. The second part of it is he has been successful over the years and intimidating people in business that has been a hallmark his ability to scare people out of collecting money that he owes them, he adds. Dr Hibbing, of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, argues that people are predisposed to feel one of two ways: Some people want to embrace outsiders and they welcome immigrants and new ideas and new faces and new things and other people react very strongly against that they want to preserve this ethos, whether it be Brexit in the UK or Donald Trump in the United States. They see this as a way of really keeping their country what it should be, which is what its always been, whether that be ethnicity or race or religion, language." He adds that youve got a significant minority in almost all countries around the world that has a kind of nativist tendency that really wants to preserve what they see as the inner essence of the country, and they see it under threat from the increased mobility of people around the world, and the woke movement and all these things they see as challenges to this core. And they feel this strongly in a way that I think those of us who are not in that community have difficulty understanding, Dr Hibbing says. To criticize a judge is not to threaten him The president of Judicial Watch, Tom Fitton, says Trump has an absolute right to criticise judges (Getty Images) The New York judge in charge of the hush money case against Mr Trump, New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, expanded a gag order against the former president to include the judges family and the family of District Attorney Alvin Bragg after Mr Trump attacked Judge Merchans daughter, calling her a rabid Trump hater and argued that the judge was compromised because of his daughters work for a digital marketing firm aligned with the Democrats. Mr Trump has been charged with dozens of counts of business fraud in the case, having allegedly falsely filed hush money payments as legal expenses. It is no longer just a mere possibility or a reasonable likelihood that there exists a threat to the integrity of the judicial proceedings, Judge Merchan wrote. The threat is very real. Admonitions are not enough, nor is reliance on self-restraint. I dont know what the judge is talking about, Mr Fitton says of Judge Merchan. It seems to me hes abusing his authority to protect himself and his daughter from criticism about their conduct, and about a matter of public importance, whether the judge has been compromised and needs to recuse himself because of his daughters business relationships with the politicians who are benefiting from the judges rulings. Mr Trump has also gone after the judge in the civil case brought against him by New York state for inflating the value of his assets to get better deals on loans and insurance. He called New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron corrupt and argued that his credibility had been shattered. The former president has slammed the gag order as unconstitutional. The original gag order banned Mr Trump from going after court staff, possible jurors, and witnesses. The judge might feel protective of his clerk, Dr Glass says. So Mr Trump attacks the clerk to show that the judge is vulnerable to being demeaned. He earns himself gag orders because his behaviour is tolerated in the schoolyard to a limited extent but a court under the guidance of a judge is quite a different situation, and he doesnt seem to be able to control his impulses sufficiently to accommodate the different social setting. Dr Bandy Lee, a forensic psychiatrist and editor of The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President, published in October 2017, told The Independent that The same dangerous case of Donald Trump has not changed. What has changed is his years of experience of being enabled, encouraged, and empowered in his dangerous behaviour and our society is suffering the effects of not having intervened properly in the earlier stages. This has led to him having become a threat to American democracy. Mr Wilson says Mr Trumps repeated attacks on judges, prosecutors, and their family members are less part of an overarching campaign strategy, and more the actions of a vengeful man, unable to restrain himself. He wants to frame it to his supporters in a way that says, This is a system against me, and theyre trying to make me obey the rules that are set up to hurt me. The deep state is out to get me all these lies that he tells his supporters are very convenient, the strategist says. But Mr Wilson also argues that Mr Trump needs the overall campaign to be about his legal problems so he can claim that that its all a conspiracy against him. The Independent has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment. Dr Kruglanski says Mr Trump basically owns the Republican Party. And the Republicans want to win, and therefore, whatever his tactics are that seem to be bringing the votes are appealing to them. Hes demonstrating that his appeal has not waned even though he has been the subject of all these lawsuits ... Hes like Teflon nothing sticks to him, he adds. Dr Kruglanski, of the University of Maryland, notes that some may find Mr Trumps attacks to be morally repugnant and that it might diminish some of his lustre. But I think that the likelihood of that is less than the likelihood of this being of great appeal to Republicans who want to be combative, who want to win elections, he says. Learning lessons Mr Wilson and Dr Kruglanski say Mr Trump learned a lot from Roy Cohn, a lawyer and prosecutor who served as the chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during his hunt for communists in the US government and the upper echelons of American culture. He later became a political fixer in New York in the 1970s and 1980s when he mentored Mr Trump. He also represented mafia boss Carmine Galante. Attorney Roy Cohn, left, talking to American senator Joseph McCarthy, circa 1954 (Getty Images) Mr Trump has unleashed a litany of attacks following the Cohn playbook, calling Special Counsel Jack Smith evil and sick, and attacking Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Whenever you go into a maximum security prison, you never see perpetrators, Dr Lee says. Theyre all victims In their view, they are always going to be defending themselves against outside imaginary or exaggerated attacks. [Mr Trump] will continue to attack and [create] reasons for further assault, not knowing that he is the origin of all his perceived persecution. The only way to contain him is to set limits so that his expectations become more realistic, she adds. Dr Kruglanski says Mr Cohns philosophy was that youve got to come out counterpunching Life is one big fight. And lawsuits are the way things are being fought. And so, [Mr Trump] is ready for combat. Incapable of acknowledging that hes less than perfect The mean and vengeful Mr Trump is incapable of acknowledging that hes less than perfect, which of course, none of us are, Dr Glass says. He so vigorously postures and repudiates any flaw and acts as though he really was pure in the way that we would ascribe to a godlike figure which I think most people would recognize he falls short [of]. Dr Lee, the forensic psychiatrist and editor of The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, says that Mr Trumps reaction to losing an election or facing a large number of charges is to form a reaction against the truth because the truth is just so intolerable to him that he cannot accept it. Mr Trumps followers are absolutely tied to his person because he has conditioned them this way, by preying on their emotional needs. He needs the adulation of these crowds, in order to buttress his sense of self and to deny his feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, which is a constant struggle in someone who has catastrophically low internal sources of self-love, she adds. I think you should compare and contrast, President Trumps criticism of the judges who are, in my view, improperly abusing him versus the left-wing criticism of [US District Court Judge Aileen] Cannon or [Supreme Court Justice Clarence] Thomas or Justice [Samuel] Alito, Mr Fitton, the president of Judicial Watch, says. Supreme Court justices have [had] individuals outside their homes protesting in violation of federal law And [Mr Trump] complains about judges applying and abusing the law in ways never seen before in American history. And hes not allowed to say anything. If Mr Trump loses in the fall, its because Americans made a choice between America and Trump, Mr Wilson, the former Republican strategist, says. Were deeply divided over the future of whether we have an American Republic that functions on constitutional grounds or whether we go to a sort of Trumpian autocracy. And there are plenty of Americans who would like that, he adds. If America decides that Donald Trump needs another four years in office, its a country thats going to be very different than anything weve seen in a long time, he says. Mr Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, argues that the court processes against the former president amount to election rigging attempts. If the election goes south for Trump one would have to look at the attempt to distract him from campaigning and divert his resources, he adds. Dr Kruglanski says Mr Trump is a very aggressive, combative individual. And thats the secret of his personality, the secret of his appeal. And it has worked for him he was incredibly the President of the United States. And theres better than chance likelihood that hes going to be that again. Sir Salman Rushdie has weathered some wild storms in his time. When Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran, issued a fatwa against him in 1989, following the publication of his novel The Satanic Verses, he went into hiding in Britain for more than nine years. That the threat to his life never disappeared was brutally illustrated more than three decades later, when he survived being stabbed in New York in 2022. But theres one threat the Booker Prize-winning author may not be able to stomach. In an interview with The Telegraph published this week, he revealed that a Donald Trump victory in this years US presidential elections could prompt him to leave the country he made his home in 2000, and return to London. A Trump comeback was unthinkable, he said, hinting that it might just drive him away. Asked if he would come back to Britain, where his children live, Rushdie told The Telegraph: I might do. A sign in a demonstration in 1989 calling for the death of the writer - Trinity Mirror / Mirrorpix / Alamy This raises a pertinent question for the high-profile 76-year-old, who has faced a threat to his life for almost half of it: would it be safe for him here? That Iran means business currently seems beyond doubt. On Monday, following the countrys unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel at the weekend, the Policy Exchange think tank published a new report entitled Tehran Calling: The Iranian Threat to the UK. The Islamic Republic poses a unique challenge to both the security and social cohesion of the United Kingdom, it warns. It is 36 years since The Satanic Verses sparked an eruption of anger among many Muslims, who considered it blasphemous for its portrayal of Islam. But the report states that opposition to Rushdie never quite faded within some part of Britains Muslim communities; nor did the Iranian presence in these debates. The current threat to Iranian dissidents in the UK has also been emphasised recently, with counter-terror police reportedly warning of an increased risk of violence and kidnap. Last month, a prominent British-based Iranian journalist was stabbed multiple times outside his London home. It should be pointed out that the Iranians are willing to act against individuals, says Dr Dan Lomas, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Nottingham. They have mostly targeted their activities against individual dissidents themselves Theyre fully aware of who they are potentially going for and have the willingness to act. This threat coexists with the potential homegrown one from jihadist-inspired extremism, says Dr Lomas: Individuals willing to act on extremist beliefs who can be self-motivated and inspired by online extremist material. People in Multan, Pakistan, protest against the author in 2007 - MK CHAUDHRY/EPA In a sign of the strength of feeling that has endured towards Rushdie, his knighthood in 2007 was condemned by the leaders of 12 British Muslim groups as a deliberate provocation and insult to the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world. The vast majority of those offended will, of course, pose no physical threat to the writers safety. But, says Dr Paul Stott, the head of security and extremism at Policy Exchange and author of the new report, there is no doubt individuals exist who are capable of attacks in the name of their beliefs. Not only this, but the threats are greater now than in the years following the issuing of the fatwa, he contends. The threat of Islamism has escalated since 2000, he says, with the London bombings on July 7 2005 the deadliest carried out on British soil in this period. Indiscriminate killing has been accompanied by targeted attacks, such as the murder of Sir David Amess MP by an Islamic State (IS) fanatic in 2021. The physical threat to Rushdie would be greater today, says Dr Stott. In terms of nation states, Iran remains a threat. The fatwa was never formally rescinded. Then theres been the rise of international jihadist groups Al-Qaeda and IS and radicalised individuals. But for a writer, physical safety is not the only concern. There is also the hotly contested question of free speech. Muslims burn copies of 'The Satanic Verses' after its release in 1988 - Derek Hudson/HULTON ARCHIVE Rushdie, who grew up in a hillside villa in Bombay, in a secular Muslim family, began his writing career in London after studying at Cambridge. The Satanic Verses was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1988. But the critical praise it received was overshadowed by the outbreak of fury that swept not only Kashmir and Islamabad, where riots broke out, but Bolton, Bradford, Oldham and London, where marches and book burnings were held. Rushdie did not anticipate the extent of the furore. I expected a few mullahs would be offended, he said later. His publisher, Viking Penguin, cannot have foreseen it either. Dr Stott believes things would be different now. If [Rushdie] were to write The Satanic Verses today rather than in 1988, he would really struggle to get a publisher, he says. I think publishers would be scared. Not without good reason, perhaps. In 2008, the London headquarters of the publisher Gibson Square was firebombed after the firm announced it was to publish a controversial novel, The Jewel of Medina. The book, by Sherry Jones, gives a fictionalised account of the life of Aisha, one of the Prophet Mohammeds wives. But the threat to free speech extends beyond the literary world, Dr Stott notes, pointing to the case of the teacher at Batley Grammar School in West Yorkshire who received death threats after showing students a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed in 2021. He was put into police protection following the incident, which sparked days of demonstrations at the school gates, and has been in hiding ever since. Yes, a lot of water has gone under the bridge since [the late 1980s] but Id argue things have probably got worse, says Dr Stott. Generally with freedom of speech in the UK, things have worsened, with people losing their jobs for things theyve said. The encouraging thing is there has also been a bit of a fightback. Free speech as an issue is more high profile. Sir Salman Rushdie and his wife, Rachel Eliza Griffiths - Ilya S Savenok/Getty Images Whether Rushdie would receive police protection would probably be a matter for the Royal and VIP Executive Committee to decide. The independently chaired committee, which includes representatives of the Home Office, Foreign Office and Metropolitan Police, acts as an authority on security arrangements for individuals deemed to be at particular risk from a range of threats in Britain. The Home Office does not provide detailed information on security arrangements for individuals as doing so could compromise them. But Rushdies autobiographical book Joseph Anton, published in 2012, offers a glimpse of what life was like when he was in hiding in the UK, under police protection. Back then, he was told he was on level two, meaning he was considered to be in more danger than anyone in the country, with the possible exception of Queen Elizabeth II. Being threatened by a foreign power meant he was entitled to the protection of the British state, he wrote. He was assigned two plain-clothes protection officers, armed with handguns, two drivers and two armoured cars, a Range Rover and a Jaguar. The Special Branch operation to protect him saw officers with him around the clock, working on a two-week rota. On Monday, Prince Harry, contesting a decision to change the level of his own personal security when he visits the UK, lost his first bid to appeal against a High Court ruling rejecting his case. It does not follow that Rushdie would be similarly out of luck. But given his admission to The Telegraph that the issue of security would be very important before I would say yes [to doing public events], its fair to assume he would want to know in advance just how secure he would be were he to return, once again, to these shores. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The aggressor country currently has more than 10 sixth-generation Su-57 aircraft. They are missile carriers that have already attacked Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Defense Express. According to Russian propagandists, in 2022, the Russian military-industrial complex produced six aircraft of this type. Information about the actual composition of the Su-57's armament remains inaccurate. The internal weapons bay is likely to contain four to six medium-range air-to-air missiles. Two additional armed compartments are located under the wingtips of the fighter. No images or videos of weapons from these bays have yet been released. The aircraft also has six external ammunition suspension units. To equip the Su-57, the ammunition that was stored in warehouses located at the Akhtubinsk-Vladimirovka airfield in Astrakhan region was used. Soviet-made X-59 air-to-ground missiles capable of destroying targets at a distance of up to 300 km were stored there. There are no new high-precision strike capabilities for use with the Su-57. ADVERTISIMENT The Su-57 is a fifth-generation Russian fighter developed by the Russian aircraft manufacturer UAC. It is equipped with a new avionics system with an "electronic pilot" function. Briefly about the declared characteristics of the Su-57: fuselage length and wingspan 19.8 meters and 14 meters respectively; maximum takeoff weight and combat payload 35.5 tons and 4.3 tons, respectively; maximum speed and range of the aircraft up to 2600 km/h and 3500 km, respectively. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the aggressor country used the latest X-69 missiles to strike the Trypillia Thermal Power Plant in the Kyiv region. These missiles are worse than "Kinzhal". The military emphasized that this is not the first time that X-69s have been used to strike Ukraine. The first mention of their use appeared in February 2024, although there were rare cases as early as 2023. Later, this unofficial information was confirmed by the publication of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise) on the study of X-69 debris. ADVERTISIMENT The X-69 is a subsonic cruise missile for tactical aircraft that can be used by the enemy from Su-34 and Su-35 and is also intended to be the main cruise missile for the Su-57, which it is to carry in the internal weapons compartments. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Wisconsin man out on bond holds two at gunpoint with sawed-off shotgun SIGEL, Wis. (WFRV) A 36-year-old Wisconsin man who was out on bond for sexual assault of a child was arrested after allegedly holding two individuals at gunpoint for several hours. According to the Wood County Sheriffs Office, during the week of April 8, the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department received a report of an individual, later identified as Austin J. Knuesel, 36, who entered a home and held two individuals at gunpoint for several hours while he demanded property. Dominican Republic man sentenced for conspiring to bring cocaine to Wisconsin During the incident, Knuesel shot one round into the ceiling. Police reported that Knuesel had a sawed-off shotgun during the assault. When Knuesel left the residence, he allegedly made comments that if he did not receive his property, he would come back and kill everyone in the house. On April 13, the Wood County Sheriffs Office confirmed Knuesels location and executed a search warrant at his residence on County Highway D in the town of Sigel. Knuesel was arrested without incident, and the sawed-off shotgun that was allegedly used during the assault was located inside the residence. Additionally, deputies found a large quantity of marijuana. At the time of Knuesels arrest, he was out on bond for sexual assault of a child, felon in possession of a firearm, and drug-related charges. Deputies confirmed he is currently held at the Wood County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond. Man crashes vehicle on a Wisconsin campground and attempts to steal a golf cart, arrested for Operating While Intoxicated Citizens of Wood County are safer because Austin Knuesel is in a controlled environment, stated Wood County Lieutenant Scott Goldberg in a media release. No individuals were injured during the shooting, and this incident remains under investigation by the Wood County Sheriffs Office. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Make-A-Wish Serving El Paso, American Airlines, and Disney are sending 28 families to the Walt Disney World Resort and four of those families are from El Paso. The El Paso Police and El Paso County Sheriffs Officers associations will be escorting the four families to the El Paso International Airport on Friday, April 17, according to the news release from Make-A-Wish. These are the local children that are a part of the Make-A-Wish: Five-year-old Jaylen Olivas, congenital heart disease 14-year-old Hailee Ozaeta, leukemia 15-year-old Andres Melendez, cancer 17-year-old Fernanda Camacho, leukemia The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to accomplishing wishes for children with critical illnesses, according to the news release. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. UPDATE: Shatima White has been released on own recognizance, according to the Shelby County Criminal Justice System. *** MEMPHIS, Tenn. A woman is now in jail after being accused of hitting a police officer with her car Saturday night in Raleigh. Shatima White, 26, is charged with Assault on a First Responder, Reckless Driving, Disregarding a Red Light/Stop Sign, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving Injury. On April 14 around 7:40 p.m., officers say they responded to a vehicle disturbance at James Road and Highland Road. Vehicles were reportedly driving recklessly and doing donuts, causing traffic to stop. Officers say they arrived at the scene and initiated their lights and sirens. That is when multiple vehicles sped away, weaving in and out of traffic. An officer attempted to retrieve stop sticks to get a Ford Mustang to stop, but it kept going. Police say the driver of the Mustang tried to do a U-turn and hit the officer in the right leg. The officer rolled over the hood of the vehicle and hit the ground. The officer was able to read the tag on the vehicle as it completed the U-turn and sped off. Arrest made after pedestrian killed on I-40 The officer was then taken to Methodist North in non-critical condition. Shortly afterward, MPD was able to locate the vehicle on North Highland Street near Chelsea Avenue after it ran a stop sign. A traffic stop was then initiated. The female driver, later identified as Shatima White, was taken into custody. The officer has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. Whites next court date is scheduled for Tuesday morning. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Woman critically injured after crashing into Northern Illinois University bus in Kane County Woman critically injured after crashing into Northern Illinois University bus in Kane County VIRGIL TOWNSHIP, Ill. A driver is in critical condition after she turned into an oncoming lane and hit a Northern Illinois University bus Sunday night in Kane County. The crash happened just before 8:40 p.m. near Route 38 and Francis Road in Virgil Township. Traffic to OHare resumes after protest shuts down OB I-190 According to the Kane County Sheriffs Office, a driver, 25, of St. Charles, made a wide turn on Route 38 eastbound and came into the oncoming westbound lane. She then hit the front of a NIU Huskie Bus Line bus. The woman was taken to Delnor Hospital in Geneva and was later flown to Loyola Hospital in Maywood in critical condition. The bus driver, a 66-year-old man, of Carpentersville, and several of the 22 passengers on the bus were taken to various local hospitals with minor injuries. The crash is still under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Woman shoots, kills brother during money dispute in East Nashville, police say NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A woman is in custody after she allegedly shot and killed her brother Sunday during an argument over money in East Nashville, officials said. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the shooting happened on Sunday, April 14 outside a residence on Levy Lane. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Authorities reported an investigation revealed Monica Wilson, 38, and her brother Michael Wilson, 40, were outside a relatives townhome and were engaged in an argument over money. Monica Wilson (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) At some point during the argument, police said Monica shot Michael in the head. According to MNPD, she remained at the scene and was detained by East Precinct officers. Meanwhile, Michael was rushed to Skyline Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, officials said. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee During an interview at MNPD Headquarters, she reportedly told detectives that her brother had an outstanding personal debt with her. The investigation also revealed that Michael was not armed with a weapon during the altercation, according to an arrest report. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Monica Wilson was arrested and charged with criminal homicide. Booking records show she remains jailed on a $100,000 bond. No other information about the incident was immediately released. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. WARNING: The contents of this story are disturbing OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahomans who watched the disturbing video after animal advocates and law enforcement asked for the publics help finding a man caught on camera beating a dog were relieved when the suspect was arrested on last Tuesday. Oklahoma City Animal Welfare told News 4 on Tuesday it got a call last month after a local business owner in the 3700 block of S. Missouri Ave., near SE Grand Blvd. and I-35, found a dog dead. Its horrific: Animal advocates ask for help finding man caught beating puppy According to OKCPD, 57-year-old Larry McMillian was arrested on April 9 after officers received more information regarding the incident. OKC Animal Welfare is investigating this case. Officials say McMillian was arrested on charges of Cruelty to Animals and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon. Larry McMillian. On Monday, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy announced rewarding an Oklahoma woman $2,000 for definitive information that led to the identification of the individual seen in a video published by media repeatedly stomping and killing a puppy in late March outside a business in southeast Oklahoma City. According to Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, Sarah Looney of Oklahoma City was rewarded after turning in her ex-boyfriend, Larry Don McMillan. Looney spoke with Animal Wellness Action and stated she loved animals and did not know Larry was like that. He was never mean to my big dog. But then he started getting that way (abusive) to me and then my puppy, said Looney, who is a domestic abuse survivor. People like that need to get help or not be let out of prison. I am glad he is locked up for what he did to animals, and for what he had done to me. Sarah Looney of Oklahoma City Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy leaders responded saying, We are grateful to Sarah for stepping up because as you can see, anyone who would do this is a danger to animals and people alike, said Kevin Chambers, Oklahoma State Director for Animal Wellness Action. Animal Wellness Action wants to help the Oklahoma City Police identify perpetrators of this type of heinous animal cruelty and bring them to justice. Cruelty to animals is despicable in its own right, but we also know that people who do awful things to animals often turn their violent instincts against spouses, girlfriends, children, or other members of the community. Sarah Looney exhibited great courage in providing a service to the community. Wayne Pacelle, President of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy offers rewards for critical tips to prosecute perpetrators of animal abuse that may be sent directly to OKcrueltytips@animalwellnessaction.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 310th Fighter Squadron, walk to their jets, March 5, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. In honor of Womens History Month, the 310th FS organized an all-women flight crew. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mason Hargrove) Editors note: Eileen Bjorkman is scheduled to sign copies of her book, The Fly Girls Revolt: The Story of the Women Who Kicked Open the Door to Fly in Combat, in the Arnold Hall Lobby at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs from 10-11:30 a.m. on April 19. During this past month, aka Womens History Month, my social media filled with tributes to women who were the first in their field to accomplish something: the first woman physician in the U.S. or the first woman to fly an aircraft solo around the world. As a retired Air Force officer and chronicler of military history, Ive made quite a few of these posts myself. But a woman who breaks a barrier often stands on the shoulders of thousands of women who came before her. Celebrating Womens History Month by focusing on women who were the first to accomplish something ignores the larger mass of women who have produced lasting changes in society. Toiling in the anonymous masses was one of my great aunts, Florence Eighmy. She operated a flight simulator as a U.S. Army private during World War II and is buried in Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. In 1944, Florence left her quiet life in Wisconsin to became one of the more than 350,000 women who served in the U.S. armed forces during the war in roles other than nursing. Except for nurses, the women who served were supposed be discharged when the war ended. Instead, the impressive performance of the mass of women like my aunt led to a permanent presence for women in the U.S. military. U.S. military leadership, including General Dwight D. Eisenhower, wanted to keep a small number of female non-nurses in the military as a base to build on if needed again for a future emergency, and they convinced Congress to pass a law in 1948 to do just that. This scenario of a mass of women gradually opening doors has been repeated across many disciplines formerly closed or all-but-closed to women, including medicine, law, and other aspects of aviation. However, the number of women who served in the U.S. military from the end of World War II through the early 1970s was small. The 1948 law limited women to less than 2% of the overall force of around 3 million men. But that 2% still translated into tens of thousands of women, and it was this mass, not individual firsts, that gradually convinced military leadership and Congress to make women more equal, from allowing women to remain on active duty if they became pregnant to training women for nontraditional career fields such as aircraft maintenance and piloting aircraft. But even though women had made significant strides in the military by the early 1970s, they didnt achieve total equality, in part because the 1948 law also restricted women from engaging the enemy in a combat aircraft and serving on a combat ship. Many more thousands of women of my generation, who stood on the shoulders of the previous generation, proved themselves during the 1970s and 1980s by flying noncombat aircraft, sitting alert in missile silos, and participating in military operations that at times turned into combat situations. Congress finally repealed the combat exclusion law in 1991 when it became obvious that women could perform at any role in the military, and the law wasnt keeping women from combat anyway. Even then, the Department of Defense needed two more years before women began training for combat roles. This scenario of a mass of women gradually opening doors has been repeated across many disciplines formerly closed or all-but-closed to women, including medicine, law, and other aspects of aviation. Given their numbers, the vast majority of these womens stories will never be told. But even without these stories, it is possible to appreciate and celebrate what women have accomplished as a group. I suggest we do more of that. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Womens history is not just about firsts appeared first on Colorado Newsline. 'Impression, Sunrise' (1872), by Claude Monet, the painting that gave the movement its name. Critic, Louis Leroy, tried to imbue the word Impressionism with negative connotations after visiting the Impressionists first exhibition in 1874. The Impressionists first exhibition opened its doors 150 years ago, on April 15, 1874, in the former studio of renowned photographer Nadar in the heart of Paris. These Impressionists, including Monet, Renoir, Degas, Pissarro, Cezanne, Sisley and Morisot, had not yet been labelled as such and were treated as pariahs in the art world. They had been rejected, without exception, by the jury of the Salon the official art exhibition of the Academie des Beaux Arts in Paris and the arbiter of good taste regarding the fine arts. The Impressionists wanted to present a new art form consisting of abrupt brushstrokes that were as fast-paced as modern life, yet with realism given less importance than the painters subjective perception, resulting in a mere impression. The exhibition ran for just three weeks and was visited during that time by 3,500 members of the public. Only a handful of the paintings were sold, but the exhibition changed the course of art history. It challenged the hierarchies that governed the art market, reaffirmed the independence of the artist and kicked off an avant-garde century full of isms. France is now celebrating the anniversary of the Impressionism movement, one of its most significant exports, with a major exhibition at the Musee dOrsay, Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism, which addresses the original 1874 exhibition. The museum has also lent nearly 200 works of art to 34 museums throughout France, has an international colloquium on Impressionism scheduled for May and has also just launched an immersive installation that allows the public to tour the original exhibition. Meanwhile, Normandy, the Impressionists homeland, is organizing a festival dedicated to Impressionism, the highlight of which is an exhibition of Norman landscapes by David Hockney, perhaps Impressionisms finest legatee, at the Musee des Beaux-Arts in Rouen. Auguste Renoirs 'Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette' (1876), an oil painting with an asymmetrical composition that reflected the pleasures of 19th-century Paris. Patrice Schmidt The Impressionists again? One wonders what remains to be said about this movement and its members, whose revolution seems to be over, having become the subject of mainstream exhibitions and museum merchandising. The Paris exhibition, which boasts a total of 160 paintings some of them on loan from the US and rarely seen in Europe has chosen a new angle, that of demystifying the artists. We tried to offer a more nuanced look at them, to move away from the heroic narrative and to stress that their initiative was in response not only to their artistic ambitions, but also to their commercial and career strategy, says exhibition curator, Sylvie Patry. More than a manifesto against the established art world of the day, the 1874 exhibition was a coup a cry for attention to combat the invisibility to which these Impressionists had been condemned by the Salon, the only existing channel available at the time to exhibit their work. Despite being relegated to the margins, the Impressionists had an artistic agenda that had been years in the making. The so-called Societe Anonyme that brought these painters together had two aims: to lighten the palette and to capture what was happening in the streets beyond the four walls of the studio. Napoleon IIIs Paris had generated a new urban and bourgeois culture, a world of luxury and spectacle that was at its most intense along the grand boulevards, where the 1874 exhibition was inaugurated. It was a neighborhood that was under gentrification, hence the opening of the Garnier Opera. An exhibition had been proposed the previous decade, but the Paris Commune and the Franco-Prussian war, which France ended up losing, put the brakes on the initiative. 'June Morning at Pontoise' (1873), by Camille Pissarro, one of the artists who portrayed the French countryside prior to its industrialization. Fischer-Kohler The movement would take its name from a painting by Monet included in the 1874 exhibition, Impression. Sunrise, now on display at the Musee dOrsay. A little known critic, Louis Leroy, ridiculed the style in an article, suggesting an impression to be puerile subjectivity unworthy of art. But, in another gesture of brazen modernity, the Impressionists turned the insult into a badge of honor, though this did not happen until the groups third exhibition, orchestrated by the painter Caillebotte in 1877 and considered the most impressionistic of their eight exhibitions; that is, the one that best reflected the present. Another myth dismantled by the current Paris exhibition is that of the movements aesthetic unity: in the 1874 exhibition, only a third of the 200 paintings hanging on the burgundy-colored walls corresponded to the style we now identify with Impressionism. Moreover, the 31 participants were not all angry young men: there were 40 years between the oldest Adolphe-Felix Cals and the youngest Leon-Paul Robert. The highpoint of the current exhibition is contained in the rooms dedicated to the Salon, which allow us to understand why the work of these painters was such a thorn in the side of their contemporaries. The prevailing wisdom was that artists should stick to historical and religious subjects to an art that always looked to the past and never to the present, with the exception of some tragic scenes of the last war that shocked the public in a departure that would seem to shore up the Impressionists argument. Highlighting the names of the successful artists on the official circuit prior to Impressionsim Gerome, Henner, Bastien-Lapage seems almost to be cruel as many are all but forgotten. There were, however, a few notable exceptions, such as Mary Cassatt, the American painter who would join the Impressionists just four years later, when they had managed to trump the popularity of their predecessors. Of all the big names, only Manet, a pivotal member of the group, preferred not to participate in the exhibition. Edouard Manets 'The Railway' (1873), a painting of the new Gare Saint-Lazare, also painted by Monet, which was not well received by the Salon National Gallery of Art, Washington On the fifth floor of what was once a railway station, the succession of great Impressionist paintings in the Musee dOrsays permanent rearlit collection is still breathtaking, however outdated the movements beliefs may now seem. We are still aware of their bid for freedom, of the idea of challenging hierarchies, of taking into account a changing world and trying to capture the fugitive and the transitory, says Patry. Actually, these artists painted the origin of what we live today: the transformation of nature and the anthropocene, the tension between an appreciation and a rejection of modern life. In the landscapes, one detects a certain nostalgia for the pre-industrialized world Pissarro, for example, went to great lengths to keep factories out of his frames a relative paradox in a trend that always incorporated both urban and rural at once. Monets view of the port of Le Havre contrasts with his painting of the Gare Saint-Lazare. The artist knew how to detect the underlying beauty of a building that was then considered to be pre-brutalist. Cleverly, the exhibition focuses on the fact that these masters were not isolated geniuses, but responded to concerns shared by their contemporaries: the contrast of Impression, Sunrise with its views of the ocean and Study of Sky by Eugene Boudin, Monets mentor, generates a feeling of pure emotion. And it reminds anyone who has forgotten, that modernity was invented in the 19th century. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition You Wont Believe How Trump Spent Day One of His Trial. WaitYou Will. For all of the insults Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans like to lob at President Biden over his energy levels, perhaps he should look in the mirror. As his hush-money trial in Manhattan started Monday, the former president seemed to be sleeping, according to New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, who was present in the courtroom. Trump didnt pay attention to a note that his lawyer Todd Blanche passed him. His jaw kept falling on his chest and his mouth kept going slack, Hagerman told CNN. Haberman: Trump appeared to be asleep. His head would fall down He didnt pay attention to a note his lawyer passed him. His jaw kept falling on his chest and his mouth kept going slack. pic.twitter.com/Y9niQfZc3W Acyn (@Acyn) April 15, 2024 Its pretty ironic behavior for someone who has long mocked his presidential election opponent by calling him Sleepy Joe. Before the trial began this morning, Trump characteristically took to his Truth Social account to attack presiding Judge Juan Merchan and Biden and complain about the gag order against him. Trump is accused of paying off adult film actress Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged affair before the 2016 presidential election. He is charged with 34 felony counts for allegedly falsifying business records with the intent to further an underlying crime. Republicans arent likely to acknowledge Trumps dozing, and plenty of them dont have room to talk. When Biden repeatedly demonstrates his mental sharpness before national audiences, they try to explain it away with some ridiculous excuses. Meanwhile, Trump keeps making verbal gaffes and going on nonsensical rants whenever cameras are on, as recently as a Saturday rally in Pennsylvania. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) The owner of a defunct construction company that the state of Tennessee claims defrauded homeowners of more than $2 million is negotiating a potential plea deal on federal criminal wire fraud charges, which can net up to 20 years in prison. RELATED: Wood Construction customer would like for him to go to jail Multiple alleged victims of Wood Construction and Remodeling have received letters from the U.S. Department of Justices Victim Notification Service informing them about a proposed plea agreement. Theyve been invited to a conference call April 16 so they can learn about the proposal and provide input. Leighton Joe Wood is accused of ripping off dozens of homeowners in multiple states, mostly in 2020 and 2021. Hes alleged to have deceptively advertised the services of Wood Construction and Remodeling LLC, collected deposits and follow-up payments, and not completed (or sometimes even started) work. News Channel 11 broke the story of allegations against Wood Construction in early October 2021. The federal criminal code defines wire fraud as intentionally using electronic communication in a scheme or artifice to defraud someone of money, with the prosecution having to prove false statements, or at least half-truths, were made with the intention to deceive. Sentencing guidelines show a wide range for wire fraud convictions, going as low as six months for someone with no criminal record and no aggravating factors. Sentences can ramp up quickly, with loss amount, use of mass marketing and number of victims all aggravating factors that in Woods case appear to potentially push a sentencing range to over six years. Jacci Wallace of Bristol, Tenn. is among the victims who received a letter about Tuesdays call. In 2021, Wallace and her husband paid more than $80,000 on $150,000 in contracts for a complete home remodel plus an addition and a bathroom remodel in another house. Neither was done and the $130,000 full remodel and addition wasnt even started. Ive got kind of mixed feelings about it, Wallace told News Channel 11 several days after receiving the victim notification letter. If we all get our money back, which is potentially whats going to happen, then I dont think its a terrible thing, but I certainly dont think its justice. A photo showing Jacci Wallaces bathroom as it was left by contractors working under Wood Construction. (Jacci Wallace) Woods Tennessee contracting license was suspended in the fall of 2021 and he and his wife, Cameron, moved to the Charlotte metro area not long after. Some victims began filing criminal complaints and communicating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (FBI) nearly two and a half years ago. Charges have not yet been filed in this case, but our office has been engaged in plea discussions to bring about a resolution of the longer-term investigation that the FBI and TBI have conducted, an April 4 letter to multiple victims from Victim Assistance Specialist Paige Chiaro reads. Negotiations with Woods criminal defense lawyer have reached the stage of a plea agreement that would entail Mr. Wood entering a plea of guilty to the federal crime of wire fraud, the letter adds. Woods attorney, former federal prosecutor Lynette Byrd, responded Friday with an emailed statement following News Channel 11s request for comment on his behalf: Mr. Wood has been working cooperatively with federal and state authorities from the onset of this situation years ago. We continue to do so and look forward to reaching a resolution. Until such time, unfortunately, we are unable to provide a more detailed comment. Johnson City criticized at its own roundtable for past sexual assault police work Wallaces parents paid for the work that was supposed to be done on the second house. She said a victim advocate told her mother theres a third party who hopefully is stepping up to make his victims whole. I dont think any of us will be okay with a plea deal if we are not going to get our money back. Feds wish to have your input Chiaros letter says victims have the right to reasonably confer with the attorney for the Government in the case. It says during Tuesdays call we will explain the proposed plea agreement and attempt to answer questions you may have and that the Department of Justice wish(es) to have your input. A plea agreement would resolve case 2022R00175, the letter says, preventing the need for a trial. Wood also faces a civil suit filed by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti in September 2023. It seeks more than $2 million in restitution for 94 victims. Families hopeful now that TN AG has sued Wood Construction Two months after Skrmettis office filed the suit, the Woods, who now live in Indian Land, S.C. outside Charlotte, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in South Carolina. The bankruptcy trustee successfully argued for that case to convert to Chapter 7, alleging the Woods were trying to abuse the bankruptcy process in order to avoid paying debts. Numerous individual alleged victims have also sued Wood in various courts in both Tennessee and North Carolina. Through all the legal action, victims have consistently told News Channel 11 they question whether theyll ever get any financial restitution and many have freely said they think Wood deserves some jail time. Friday, Wallace said shes not sure what her opinion will be if restitution isnt part of the plea agreement but jail time is. I think Id have to wait and see what the jail (time) actually was, she said. Thats hard if none of us get our money back. He really hurt people. People lived in torn apart houses and they did so much damage to peoples property. I think if part of the deal isnt that we all get paid back, I dont know that Id be okay with a deal. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Heavener is leading the prosecution of Woods case. A Department of Justice spokesperson wrote that the Eastern District of Tennessee has no comment on pending litigation, in response to an inquiry Friday morning. TBI spokeswoman Leslie Earhart confirmed, We still have an open and active case. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Organizers for a ballot initiative that would amend the Arizona Constitution to protect abortion rights set up outside the Arizona Capitol on April 9, 2024, shortly after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that an 1864 near-total abortion ban is enforceable. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror In a world without Roe v. Wade, abortion rights have a way of clobbering long-held political beliefs and assumptions. Such was the case in Kansas back in August 2022, when a bipartisan majority of voters decisively rejected a state constitutional amendment that would have allowed lawmakers to outlaw the procedure. And such appears to be the case now in Arizona, where the state supreme court ruled that a law from 1864 prohibits abortion in nearly all cases for residents of the Grand Canyon State. Kansas and Arizona are quite different, of course, with the latter state trending purple. Arizona will help decide this years presidential election, while Kansas almost certainly wont. But Arizona voters will likely be called on to decide whether the procedure is legal in their state, paralleling the decision that Kansas voters had to make. As someone who watched that campaign from beginning to end, I have a few words of advice and warning for Arizonans and their legislators, who might be trying to make sense of the new political landscape. First, Republican legislators are going to want to believe that they can somehow contain or diffuse the issue. Perhaps they send a separate measure to voters. Perhaps they just keep their heads down and wait it out with a dash of extremist rhetoric. Fat chance. Both parties almost certainly underestimate how important this decision is. I know that sounds unlikely, given national headlines about Arizonas court-imposed ban. But its almost certainly true. Kansas voters rejection of the abortion amendment in 2022 made national headlines, too. And it still reverberates in the hallways of our Statehouse in confusing ways. Kansas Republicans have continued to pass laws targeting abortion, strongarmed by an anti-abortion lobby that wields considerable influence. The practical effect of these moves has been limited, however, and previous laws have been blocked by the courts. Every time Kansas Reflector publishes an article about abortion rights, we are deluged with comments from exasperated readers who ask: Didnt we vote on this already? As Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, put it after Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the latest round of anti-abortion dreck to clear the Legislature: Kellys veto of these anti-abortion bills sends yet another message to lawmakers: in Kansas, we respect the will of voters, who spoke loud and clear they did not want politicians in their personal health care decisions. Political lines Counterintuitively, however, weve seen less political realignment around the issue than you might expect. The national press always wants to paint abortion rights as a partisan issue. Republicans are against it, and Democrats are for it. The reality is considerably more nuanced. Large numbers of people in both parties are uncomfortable with abortion but dont believe it should be banned. Smaller numbers of Democrats enthusiastically oppose all restrictions, while a smaller numbers of Republicans enthusiastically support all restrictions. As of March, registered Republicans outnumber registered Democrats in Kansas by 872,303 to 503,962. Defeating the amendment meant repudiating partisanship rather than embracing it. Forces opposing the amendment created a permission structure to allow Republicans and conservatives to vote in favor of abortion rights. They emphasized that the proposal would be an assault on personal freedoms and individual liberty. People really want to protect those rights and believe that people ought to be able to make decisions for themselves and their families, said Ashley All, one of the campaigns architects, back in 2022. That is something that would resonate no matter where you live in the country. You might think that Democrats would jump on such a clear and appealing message with the alacrity of a starving man encountering an all-you-can-eat buffet. Instead, a political party notoriously bad at politics continued to treat reproductive rights as a hot stove that would scar their candidates with the slightest touch. This led to an oddly bifurcated campaign season. Kansans opposed the amendment by nearly 20 percentage points in August. Yet voters didnt show up in overwhelming numbers for Democrats in November. Anti-choice Republicans instead kept their supermajorities in our House and Senate. Cue the sad trombone noise for advocates who expected otherwise. Those who follow politics closely and understand the way parties ideologically align may see that as nonsensical. However, everyday voters dont have the same perspective. Wait a minute, you say. Does this mean that Arizona will see folks split their ballot between supporting abortion rights and voting for Donald Trump? Almost certainly yes. Opportunities ahead I see two opportunities for abortion-rights forces and Democrats in Arizona. A huge one is that the potential voter referendum will be on the November ballot. This means voters showing up to vote on this issue will be selecting state and federal candidates at the same time. That should take care of the youth turnout problems Kansas saw in November 2022. However, dont forget those split-ticket voters. They will show up, too. The other opportunity is to talk about the issue openly. Kansas Democrats seemed stunned by the overwhelming numbers in support of abortion rights. As mentioned above, few of them made it a centerpiece of their campaigns in the fall. When Kelly a Democrat who hews as close to the center as possible ran for reelection, she barely touched the issue. The Democrat who did put abortion at the center of her campaign was U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids. Republicans had tried to gerrymander her out of office with new congressional maps that went into effect in 2022. Thanks to her determined campaigning and an emphasis on reproductive freedom, Davids actually improved her winning margin. The Kansas amendment vote saw a broad coalition of people that spoke pretty clearly about these extreme attempts to restrict reproductive health care, Davids said in a January installment of the Kansas Reflector podcast. The most effective thing I can do is be clear about my wanting to protect those rights. My final word of advice to our friends in Arizona would be this: Prepare yourself for surprises. The lessons that I just shared were not pre-ordained. Theyre simply what I observed. As a nation, as regions, as individual states, everyone is coming to terms with the end of Roe v. Wade in their own ways. To use a metaphor, we havent endured an earthquake weve instead weathered a succession of temblors in one state after another. We know for certain that traditional anti-abortion messaging no longer works. It was easy oppose abortion when the nation enjoyed the backstop of Roe. Without that guarantee, rhetoric has met reality. Politicians who enjoyed easy political benefits of being against a procedure they assumed would never be banned now have to deal with the fact that it has already been banned in more than a dozen states. Thats real. Thats not theoretical. Thats not just politics. Thats a clear and present danger to women and their individual freedom, and voters hate it. Kansas anti-abortion advocates learned this the hard way two years ago. Arizona anti-abortion advocates are about to learn it as well. This commentary was originally published by the Kansas Reflector, a sister publication of the Arizona Mirror and a member of the States Newsroom network of local news organizations. The post Words of warning from Kansas to Arizona as abortion rights take center stage appeared first on Arizona Mirror. FILE PHOTO: A girl carries a container of water at a coltan mine in Kamatare, Masisi territory, North Kivu Province of Democratic Republic of Congo By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Half of the world's 75 poorest countries are experiencing a widening income gap with the wealthiest economies for the first time this century in a historical reversal of development, the World Bank said in a report on Monday. The differential between per capita income growth in the poorest countries and the richest has widened over the past five years, according to the report. "For the first time, we see there is no convergence. They're getting poorer," Ayhan Kose, deputy chief economist for the World Bank and one of the report's authors, told Reuters. "We see a very serious structural regression, a reversal in the world ... that's why we are ringing the alarm bells here," he said. The report said the 75 countries eligible for grants and zero-interest loans from the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) risk a lost decade of development without ambitious policy shifts and significant international aid. Kose said growth in many IDA countries had already begun to taper off in these countries before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it would be just 3.4% in 2020-2024, the weakest half-decade of growth since the early 1990s. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, climate change, increases in violence and conflict also weighed heavily on their prospects. More than half of all IDA countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa; 14 are in East Asia and eight are in Latin America and the Caribbean. Thirty-one have per capita incomes of less than $1,315 a year. They include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Haiti. One in three IDA countries is poorer now than on the eve of the pandemic. IDA countries account for 92% of the world's people who lack access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Half of the countries are in debt distress, meaning they are unable to service debt or are at high risk of not being able to. And despite their young populations - a demographic boon at a time when populations were aging nearly everywhere else, rich natural resources and abundant solar-energy potential, private and government creditors had been backing away from them. U.S. Treasury Undersecretary Jay Shambaugh raised concerns about the worsening situation last week, warning China and other emerging official creditors against free-riding by curtailing loans to low-income countries just as the IMF or multilateral development banks were pouring funds in. Almost 40 countries saw external public debt outflows in 2022, and the flows likely worsened in 2023, he said. Kose said ambitious policies were needed to accelerate investment, including domestic efforts to strengthen fiscal, monetary and financial policies, and structural reforms to improve education and increase domestic revenues. Significant financial support from the global community was also essential to make progress and lower the risk of protracted stagnation, Kose said, noting that the World Bank hoped to drum up a robust replenishment of IDA funds by December. Stronger international coordination on climate change, debt restructurings and measures supporting cross-border trade would also be crucial, it said. Indermit Gill, World Bank chief economist, noted that China, India and South Korea - now major economic powerhouses - had once been among the world's poorest countries, but were able to tackle extreme poverty and raise living standards. "The world cannot afford to turn its back on IDA countries," he said. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) World leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, are pushing Israel on Monday to "avoid an escalation" against Iran in the Middle East following the Islamic Republics attack on the country over the weekend. Macron, speaking to French media BFMTV and RMC, said his country had carried out "interceptions" of some of the missiles Iran launched at Israel and that it will try to "convince Israel that we must not respond by escalating." "We have condemned, we have intervened, we will do everything to avoid an escalation, an inferno," Macron added, noting that France will work to "isolate Iran, increase sanctions and find a path to peace in the region." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also called on Israel on Monday to "contribute to de-escalation" in the Middle East and that "Iran must stop this aggression." FRANCE, GERMANY URGE ITS CITIZENS TO DEPART IRAN, CANCEL FLIGHTS OVER INCREASED RISK OF MILITARY ESCALATION Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel in response to a deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month that left 12 dead, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps. Israel did not claim responsibility for the strike. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP An Israeli military spokesman said 99% of Iran's drones and missiles were intercepted. HOUSE SPEAKER JOHNSON TO PUSH ISRAEL AID THIS WEEK Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei looks at the coffins of members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who were killed in an airstrike on the Iranian embassy complex in the Syrian capital of Damascus on April 1. Khamenei, prior to Iran's attack on Israel over the weekend, had promised retaliation for the airstrike. In an interview with the BBC, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said,"I think they're perfectly justified to think they should respond because they have been attacked, but we are urging them as friends to think with head as well as heart, to be smart as well as tough," according to Reuters. "In many ways this has been a double defeat for Iran," Cameron was also quoted saying to Sky News. "The attack was an almost total failure, and they revealed to the world that they are the malign influence in the region prepared to do this. So our hope is that there won't be a retaliatory response." Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to bring a spending package to the House floor this week that will provide more wartime aid for Israel. Bills that would ratchet up sanctions on Iran and condemn the Islamic Republic for the attack also are expected to be brought forward this week. Fox News Lawrence Richard, Chad Pergram and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: World leaders push Israel to avoid escalation following Iran attack World leaders are urging Israel not to launch a retaliatory attack on Iran, which bombarded Israel with more than 300 missiles and drones this weekend. Many of Israels democratic allies have forcefully condemned Irans attack but have expressed concern about escalating the situation in the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron said the attack was a disproportionate response by Iran after an alleged Israeli strike earlier this month near the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, killing two senior officers in Tehrans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). We have condemned, we have intervened, we will do everything to avoid an escalation, an inferno, Macron said to French media BFMTV and RMC. Macron added that France will try to convince Israel that we must not respond by escalating, and, instead of attacking Tehran, work to isolate Iran, increase sanctions and find a path to peace in the region. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, meanwhile, told the BBC that the U.K. does not support a retaliatory strike and urged Israel not to attack. Now is the time to be smart as well as tough, to think with head as well as heart, Cameron said. And German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Israel should contribute to de-escalation following the Iranian attack and placed blame on Iran, saying, Iran must stop this aggression. Scholz and other European allies echoed President Bidens sentiment, calling Israels ability to shoot down the vast majority of missiles launched by Iran, with the help of its allies, a success that was really impressive. This is a success that perhaps also should not be thrown away. Hence also our advice to contribute to de-escalation themselves, Scholz said, referring to Israel. Some Israeli officials have pushed back on this characterization, however. Yes, its a remarkable success of Israels air defense systems, but its not a victory, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett posted on the social platform X. When a bully tries to hit you 350 times and only succeeds seven time, youve NOT won, he added, noting that while most of the approximately 350 missiles and drones were intercepted, not all were. Israeli officials have not indicated how they would respond to the attack, which risks further escalation in the region. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The world's coral reefs are bleaching. What does that mean? By Gloria Dickie and Alison Withers LONDON(Reuters) - Huge stretches of coral reef around the world are turning a ghostly white this year amid record warm ocean temperatures. On Monday, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed the world's fourth mass global bleaching event is underway - with serious consequences for marine life and for the people and economies that rely on reefs. Here's how warming affects coral reefs and what the future might hold for these fragile underwater ecosystems. WHAT ARE CORALS? Corals are invertebrates that live in colonies. Their calcium carbonate secretions form hard and protective scaffolding that serves as a home to many colourful species of single-celled algae. The two organisms have evolved over millennia to work together, with corals providing shelter to algae, while the algae remove coral waste compounds and deliver energy and oxygen back to their hosts. WHY DO CORALS MATTER? Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, but have out-sized benefits for marine ecosystems and economies. A quarter of marine life will depend on reefs for shelter, finding food or spawning at some point in their lives and coastal fisheries would struggle without corals. Every year, reefs provide about $2.7 trillion in goods and services, from tourism to coastal protection, according to a 2020 estimate by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. About $36 billion is generated by snorkelling and scuba diving tourists alone. Coral reefs also help coastal communities by forming a protective barrier against storm surges and large waves. This helps to avoid property damage for more than 5 million people worldwide, a 2022 study in the journal Marine Policy found. WHAT IS CORAL BLEACHING? When water temperatures rise, jewel-toned corals get stressed. They cope by expelling their algae causing them to turn bone white. Most corals live in shallow waters, where climate-driven warming is most pronounced. Whether a coral becomes heat-stressed depends on how long the high temperatures last, and how much warmer they are than usual. Scientists have found that corals generally begin to bleach when surrounding waters are at least 1 degree Celsius warmer than the maximum average temperature - or the peak of what corals are used to - and persist for four or more weeks. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH OCEAN TEMPERATURES THIS YEAR? This year has seen an explosive and sustained bout of ocean heat as the planet deals with the effects of both climate change and an El Nino climate pattern, which yields warmer seas. In March, global average sea surface temperature (SST) reached a record monthly high of 21.07C (69.93F), according to the EU Copernicus Climate Change Service. "There's been a pretty large step change in the global average SST this year," said Neal Cantin, a coral biologist with the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences. "We're certainly in a new regime. Corals clearly aren't keeping up". As the El Nino weakens, scientists say some of that ocean heat should diminish. But overall ocean warming will continue as climate change intensifies. DO ALL BLEACHED CORALS DIE? Corals can survive a bleaching event if the surrounding waters cool and algae return. Scientists at the Palau International Coral Reef Center estimate that it takes at least nine to 12 years for coral reefs to fully recover from mass bleaching events, according to research published in 2019. Disruptions such as cyclones or pollution can slow the recovery. "Bleaching is like a fever in humans," said ecologist David Obura, director of Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean East Africa. "We get a fever to resist a disease, and if the disease is not too much, we recover. But if it is too much, we die as a result." Scientists caution that corals this year have faced harsher and more prolonged high temperatures than ever before. "What is happening is new for us, and to science," said Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip, a coral reef ecologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. "We cannot yet predict how severely stressed corals will do even when they survive the stress event, or how coral recovery will operate." WHAT HAPPENS TO DEAD CORALS? Dead reefs can still offer shelter to fish or provide a storm barrier over several years for coastal communities. But eventually, these underwater graveyards of calcium carbonate skeletons will erode and break apart. "It might take 10, even 20 years to see these consequences," Alvarez-Filip said. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP SAVE REEFS? The best chance for coral survival is for the world to cut greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate change. Many scientists think that at just 1.2C of warming above preindustrial level, the world has already passed a key threshold for coral reef survival. They expect between 70% and 90% of the world's coral reefs will be lost. Scientists and conservationists are scrambling to intervene. Local communities have cleanup programmes to remove litter from the reefs to reduce further stresses. And scientists are breeding corals in labs with the hopes of restoring degraded reefs. However, none of this is likely to work to protect today's corals from warming waters. Scientists are therefore trying to plan for the future by bringing coral larvae into cryopreservation banks, and breeding corals with more resilient traits. Obura said that while it's important that scientists investigate such interventions, breeding genetically engineered corals is not the answer to climate change. "We have to be very careful about stating that it's the solution and that it's saving corals reefs now," he said. "Until we reduce carbon emissions, they won't save coral reefs." (Reporting by Gloria Dickie in London and Alison Withers in Copenhagen; Editing by Katy Daigle and Andrew Heavens) Donald Trump had a few last words to say before entering the initial proceedings for hisand the countrysfirst criminal trial of a former president. Jury selection in Trumps hush-money trial began Monday. But just hours before, Trump slammed the proceedings in several posts on Truth Social, hurling insults at Judge Juan Merchan and President Joe Biden. As virtually every legal scholar has powerfully stated, the Biden Manhattan Witch Hunt Case is, among other things, BARRED by the Statute of Limitations. This trial should be ended by the highly conflicted presiding Judge, Trump wrote. The GOP presidential nominee also claimed that the criminal charges against him and the lengthy trials are tantamount to election interference as a method to keep him away from the campaign traileven though hell be permitted to campaign every weekend, evening, and Wednesday during the process. The Radical Left Democrats are already cheating on the 2024 Presidential Election by bringing, or helping to bring, all of these bogus lawsuits against me, thereby forcing me to sit in courthouses, and spend money that could be used for campaigning, instead of being out in the field knocking Crooked Joe Biden, the WORST President in the History of the United States, he wrote. Election Interference! Trump also lamented the recently expanded gag order placed on him by Merchan, insisting that its unconstitutional that he isnt allowed to say whatever he wants related to the triallike repeatedly insulting Merchans daughter, Loren Merchan. I want my VOICE back. This Crooked Judge has GAGGED me. Unconstitutional! he posted. The other side can talk about me, but I am not allowed to talk about them! Rigged Trial! Moments before entering the courtroom, Trump had a couple more words to sharewith a slightly different tone. Its an assault on America. And thats why Im very proud to be here, he told reporters. Trump is accused of using former fixer Michael Cohen to sweep an affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels under the rug ahead of the 2016 presidential election. He faces 34 felony charges in this case for allegedly falsifying business records with the intent to further an underlying crime. Trump has pleaded not guilty on all counts. Huge banners hanging from buildings in Tehran have been a means of propaganda for Irans regime since 1979. On Sunday at dawn, a property in the Iranian capitals Palestine Square was covered with a huge banner displaying a torn Israeli flag flying in the face of a hail of missiles. The next slap will be harder, the banner read, in Persian and Hebrew. That message is the graphic embodiment of statements such as those from the Iranian Chief of Staff, Major-General Mohamed Bagheri, who has threatened considerably more severe action than the barrage of drones and missiles launched against Israel if it elects to retaliate. Bagheri, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and members of Irans mission to the United Nations are among a raft of officials who have stressed that their country acted in self-defense. However, the attack crossed a red line; that of hitting Israeli territory. For its part, Iran believes Israel has stepped over the line in ways Tehran considers intolerable, such as the April 1 attack on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus that killed Revolutionary Guard General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and 15 others. Last December 25, Israel killed another Revolutionary Guard general, Razi Mousavi, in an airstrike on his house in Damascus. Three days later, 11 other members of the same corps were killed in the Syrian capital. On January 20, the Revolutionary Guards head of intelligence in Syria, Brigadier General Sadegh Omidzadeh, was killed along with his deputy and three of his advisors. When you kill a general in a diplomatic building, you take the confrontation to another level, says Rouzbeh Parsi, head of the Middle East and North Africa program at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs. When Iran attempted to secure condemnation for the attack in the U.N. Security Council, three permanent members of the veto-wielding body the United States, the United Kingdom and France opposed and reproached Tehran for its support of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. The same reproach was addressed to Iran by the G-7 countries in a communique condemning its attack on Israel. Iran is not a democracy and has a dismal record of human rights violations. Israel is a democracy only for Jews, while it imposes on Palestinians except, with nuances, on those with Israeli citizenship a regime that NGOs such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch define as apartheid. It is also facing a case of possible genocide at the U.N. International Court of Justice over its offensive in Gaza, in which almost 34,000 Palestinians have died, according to the Ministry of Health in the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip. However, Israel enjoys ironclad support from the United States, while Washington considers Iran a state sponsor of terrorism. The Israeli attack on the Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus convinced Tehran that its deterrence capability was being challenged by its failure to respond to these successive Israeli assassinations, explains Spanish-Iranian analyst Daniel Bashandeh. With its attack which was revealed in advance by official Iranian media and caused only minor material damage, although seriously injuring a Palestinian girl Iran is sending a warning to Israel and the international community, says Bashandeh. That warning is that from now on, Tehran will respond to aggression and open itself to direct targeted attacks. We have decided to put a new equation [with regard to Israel] into action. From now on, any assault on our people, our properties, or our interests will trigger a reciprocal response from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, warned Revolutionary Guard Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami. According to Bashandeh, the drone and missile barrage against Israel also underpins the regimes internal credibility in the eyes of the sector of the population that still supports it, despite the impoverishment of Iranians, corruption and oppression, which in the case of women is symbolized by the imposition of the veil. At the same time, it serves for the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his circle to reinforce the regimes hard line and the internal support of the military elite: the Revolutionary Guard, explains Bashandeh. Iran is seeking to regain the balance of power in the region, the analyst notes. A mistake or success for Tehran? From almost the very beginning of the attack, when Irans mission to the U.N. stated that the operation marked the end of its retaliation for the assassination of General Zahedi, Tehran attempted to emphasize the measured nature of its response, which Parsi describes as choreographed: first, the warning to neighboring countries in the region 72 hours in advance, according to the Iranian Foreign Minister; then the announcement of the launch of drones which would take a few hours to arrive, and finally, the missiles. These projectiles are the main basis of Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagaris denial that the attack was limited. Hagari has stressed that Iran launched as many as 120 ballistic missiles, an escalation factor that sought to cause far more significant damage than it achieved. His narrative points to Israel trying to position itself as the only one entitled to the legitimate self-defense also invoked by Iran. Hagari highlighted the achievement of Israel and its allies of intercepting 99% of the missiles and drones launched. Judging by Hagaris account and that of the Iranian authorities, Sundays attack produced only winners. Iranian officials are also claiming victory, while a possible Israeli response is still in the air, a move that could drag both countries into a regional conflict that the United States has indicated it does not want to become involved in. U.S. President Joe Biden has already told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he will not support him in retaliation against Iran. If the Israelis show restraint, then everyone will go home pretending to be the victor and Iran will be seen to have pulled off a smart move. If the Israelis refuse to play that game and there is an escalation leading to open war, everyone will say that Tehran has made a mistake, says Parsi. On Saturday, Vali Nasr, an Iran expert at Johns Hopkins University, acknowledged in a tweet: By threatening retaliation, Iran has already got a number of wins. Europe and Gulf states have had found themselves in undesirable situation of pleading restraint with Iran, which also puts the onus on them going forward to also restrain Israels response [...] That goes along way to achieve Irans goal of establishing deterrence with Israel. Whether this Israeli reaction is forthcoming or not, Iran has shown satisfaction with the effects of the attack. On Sunday, Seyed Mohammad Marandi, an intellectual who serves as the regimes unofficial spokesman and who is considered very close to the hard line of the Islamic Republic, boasted that the attack had been just a small slap in the face for Israel. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Two-and-a-half months after going on medical leave, Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Tyrone Garner announced Monday his return to City Hall. I just wanted to say Im back, Garner said in a video message filmed in his office and posted to Facebook late Monday afternoon. It feels good to be back. I just want to say thank you to everybody in the community that sent love to me through prayers, through thoughts, through cards, through phone calls. It really meant a lot to me. In February, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, announced Garner would step away temporarily. Since then Commissioner Tom Burroughs, 2nd District At-Large, has served as acting mayor. Burroughs is to remain in the role of acting mayor through April. Garner, who has been recovering from hip surgery, expects to resume full duties by a May 2 meeting of the Unified Government Board of Commissioners. In the video message Monday, Garner said he has yet to fully recover. He asked for Wyandotte Countians to keep him in their prayers. He also thanked residents for their patience and support. And he commended the work of Unified Government employees who have been providing the highest quality and level of service to our residents. The mayor added he felt it important to share with the community his status after being away for several weeks. Yes, Im still alive, the mayor said. Im in the land of the living. I just thank God for blessing me to be able to come back and to be able to serve you. The New York judge overseeing former President Trumps hush money trial said Monday that Trump cannot attend arguments on presidential immunity at the Supreme Court next week. It came after the judge earlier delayed a decision on allowing Trump to attend his son Barrons high school graduation in May. The attempts by Trump to take off certain days of his hush money trial that is expected to last weeks, if not months, came as the first day of trial was officially underway in Manhattan. The decision to not allow Trump to be in Washington, D.C., on April 25, when the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on a presidential immunity claim Trump is making in his federal criminal case, came just before the New York trial adjourned Monday. Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal, and I can certainly appreciate why your client would want to be there, but a trial in New York Supreme Court is also a big deal, Judge Juan Merchan said to Trump lawyer Todd Blanche, rejecting his request to let the former president play hooky. I will see him here next week, the judge added. Under New York state law, Trump is required to attend the entirety of his trial unless he gets special permission from the judge to skip. After court adjourned for the day, Trump suggested Merchan believes he is superior to the Supreme Court for preventing him from attending the high courts oral arguments. The former president also accused Merchan of preventing him from attending his son Barrons high school graduation in May. The judge declined to rule one way or another on the matter earlier Monday, but did not outright deny granting the former president the ability to attend the event. I was looking forward to that graduation with his mother and father there, Trump told reporters. It looks like the judge isnt going to allow me to escape this scam. Its a scam trial. In his remarks outside the courtroom, Trump also blasted Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) for attending the trial all day, suggesting that outside the courthouse people are being mugged and killed all day long. The first day of Trumps first criminal trial primarily dealt with outstanding legal matters, only turning to jury selection following an afternoon lunch break. Trump is accused of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment his ex-fixer, Michael Cohen, made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election to cover up an alleged affair. He has pleaded not guilty and denies the affair. Jury selection is expected to resume Tuesday and could last several days or perhaps weeks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A police officer and a sheriff's deputy in New York were shot and killed Sunday evening in the town of Salina, according to officials. Onondaga County Sheriff Tobias Shelley identified the two as a deputy at his department and a Syracuse police officer, according to WSYR-TV. Their names have not been released. The suspect was also killed. The incident began at about 7:07 p.m. on Sunday when Syracuse police officers spotted a "suspicious vehicle" in the area of Emerson Avenue and Hamilton Street, the sheriff's office said in a news release. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused and instead fled the area. OWNER OF NYC HOME THAT WENT UP IN FLAMES SAYS HE CAN'T GET RID OF SQUATTERS WHO 'HAVE MORE RIGHTS THAN HIM' The officers lost sight of the vehicle but managed to record the license plate. After checking the vehicle registration, officers determined where the owner resided in Salina. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Officers, joined by Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies, responded to the address and found the vehicle parked at a residence on Darien Drive. "They asked for assistance from the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office because they learned additional information the individual driving the vehicle might be armed," Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile said at a news conference. "Officers from the city and county arrived at the residence on Darien Drive about the same time." CONTAINER SHIP'S ENGINES DIE OUTSIDE NYC, COMES TO STOP NEAR VERRAZZANO BRIDGE Shortly after their arrival, the officers and deputies were encountered by an armed man, prompting an exchange of gunfire. "While they were inspecting the vehicle and saw what appeared to be guns inside, they heard what sounded like someone manipulating a firearm from inside the residence," Cecile said. "Moments later, there was an exchange of gunfire between at least one suspect and the officers and deputies." One officer and one deputy were shot, as was the armed suspect. The officer, deputy and suspect were transported to Upstate University Hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, as well as with their brothers and sisters in law enforcement who are suffering in the wake of this tragedy," the sheriff's office said in the news release. As of late Sunday night, the sheriffs office was waiting for a warrant to search the house. Shelley said there is no direct threat to the community and the area is secured. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Original article source: New York police officer, sheriff's deputy killed in shooting; suspect also dead The New York Times investigation into who leaked details of a canned episode of The Daily podcast that tackled a controversial story on the Israeli-Gaza war has ended without a definitive answer, executive editor Joe Kahn told staff on Monday. A Times spokesperson confirmed the results of the probe to The Daily Beast. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. I want to reiterate the central concern in this case, which is that we need to be able to rely on our colleagues to maintain confidentiality during the reporting and editing process, Kahn told staffers in a memo on Monday. Reporters, editors and producers need to be able to have candid exchanges and disagreements about the best way to tackle a difficult piece of journalism with the understanding that those exchanges will strengthen the story, not become the story. The investigation started months after The Intercept revealed that Daily producers iced a January episode on a Times investigation into Hamas use of sexual violence during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The report launched an internal firestorm within the Times newsroom over how the story was reported, according to The Intercept, and came under renewed attack after a freelancer who worked on the story was found to have liked a X post that demanded Israel turn the Gaza Strip into a slaughterhouse. New York Times Reviewing Reporter Who Liked Gaza Slaughterhouse Tweet The breach that occurred should upset anyone who wants to have transparency in our editorial processes and to encourage candid exchanges about stories as they evolve, Kahn wrote. We work together with trust and collegiality everyday on everything we produce, and I have every expectation that this incident will prove to be a singular exception to an important rule. Kahn told the Journal last week that the leak felt like a breakdown in the sort of trust and collaboration and crossed a line. A Times lawyer who questioned staffers during the investigation asked for the names of a staff group chat comprised of Middle Eastern and North African employees and for those who complained about the controversial story, according to the Journal. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Demanding more action on the climate crisis, young activists blocked an intersection Monday morning near Vice President Kamala Harris' Brentwood home, leading police to arrest six of them without incident. Harris did not interact with the demonstrators, as her motorcade took an alternate route from her home to Los Angeles International Airport that morning. She flew to Las Vegas to speak about a recent federal gun safety law and attend an event advocating reproductive rights. A crowd of about 40 youthful activists set up camp near Harris' house Sunday, vowing to stay through the night if she did not meet their demands on climate change and Israel. Activists with Sunrise Movement, which has organized climate protests across the country, said they had two demands for the vice president: convince President Biden to declare a climate emergency and end U.S. military aid to Israel. High school student Wei Zhou, 17, came from their home in Washington, D.C., to join the demonstration, having participated in a similar protest outside President Bidens home in Delaware in February. Declaring a climate emergency would allow Biden "to unlock a bunch of powers, said Zhou, who joined the movement at 14. That could include protecting people affected by climate disasters from eviction and providing them free healthcare, they said. Zhou stood with a dozen additional protesters across the street from the blockade. Harris, Harris, cant you see, this is an emergency, they chanted, alternating the latter phrase with fossil fuels are killing me and this will be your legacy. The blockade consisted of six young protesters sitting in the street, holding signs and singing protest songs. Read more: Kamala Harris, in San Francisco, outlines 'profound' stakes of election, raises her own profile Starting around 10:15, about a dozen Los Angeles Police Department officers started arresting the six seated protesters in the road one by one. They were booked on suspicion of failing to disperse, a misdemeanor, police said; no further information was released by LAPD. The protesters recited statements as they were arrested. Our communities in California breathe toxic air from fossil fuels and face fires that destroy our homes, said Ariela Lara, 18, as fellow protesters chanted her name. The Sunrise Movement confirmed her name and age. My generation is spending our teenage years organizing for climate action because people like Kamala Harris have failed us," said a demonstrator the Sunrise Movement identified as Adah Crandall, 18. The remaining protesters continued to sing as a dozen more officers showed up to clear the intersection. By 10:30 a.m., though, the demonstrators had departed. The protest outside Harris home came on the same day as pro-Palestinian activists in the Bay Area and cities across the world blocked highways and bridges as part of a global Coordinated Economic Blockade to Free Palestine. In San Francisco, activists brandishing a sign that said STOP THE WORLD FOR GAZA blocked south and north lanes of the 101, shutting down the Golden Gate Bridge for several hours during the morning rush hour. At 10:30 am, the California Highway Patrol Marin said it was making arrests, but the bridge remained closed. The pro-Palestinian protests were part of A15 Action, an international campaign to coordinate a multi-city economic blockade to free Palestine on April 15. The global economy is complicit in genocide, A15 Action stated on its website, which urged activists to participate in blocking the arteries of capitalism and jamming the wheels of production. "In each city, we will identify and blockade major choke points in the economy, focusing on points of production and circulation with the aim of causing the most economic impact, A15 Action added. In Brentwood, the Sunrise Movement activists said they felt Harris was a champion for the climate before entering the White House, advocating for the Green New Deal when she was running for president and pushing climate resolutions as a senator. We've seen her go ahead of Biden on certain things, said Zhou. We're asking her to be the kind of leader she was in 2019 now. 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. Zelensky: Allies can defend Ukraine in the same way as they protected Israel President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 15 urged Western allies to defend Ukraine in the same way as they protected Israel from a recent Iranian attack. Iran carried out a massive aerial attack on Israel on April 14 and launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles, according to Israel's Defense Forces (IDF). Israel and its allies downed the vast majority of the drones and missiles before they even reached Israeli territory. The U.S., France, and the U.K. helped down Iranian missiles and drones. Jordan also participated in Israels defense, according to Jordanian government spokesperson Muhannad Mubaideen. "By defending Israel, the free world demonstrated that unity (among allies) is not only possible but 100% effective," Zelensky said after a meeting with top military and security officials . "The allies' decisive actions prevented the success of terrorism and loss of infrastructure and forced the aggressor to cool down. The same can be done to defend Ukraine from terrorism, and Ukraine, just like Israel, is not a NATO member." Zelensky added that no action triggering NATO's Article 5 was required for protecting Israel. "Terror must be defeated completely and everywhere, not more in some places and less in others," Zelensky said in his evening address. The president thanked those allies who provided Ukraine with additional air defense systems after Kyiv stressed the urgency of receiving them to protect settlements near the front line and energy infrastructure. Yet, Zelensky called on international partners for more "decisive action," recalling their help for Israel. Sign up for our newsletter Ukraine Weekly By Olga Rudenko Sign up During the meeting with top military and security officials, Zelensky also listened to reports by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov and the Foreign Intelligence Service's head Oleh Ivashchenko on Russian forces' activities. Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reported on weapons, drones, and electronic warfare supply contracts, while Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi told the president about the current situation on the front line and further actions of the Ukrainian forces. Zelensky also held meetings with Ukraine's energy sector representatives, including the Energy Ministry, Energoatom, Ukrenergo, and Naftogaz, in light of recent Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The parties discussed the defense of energy systems, recovery of power production capacity, and re-connecting consumers to power grids. Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, in turn, reported on the defense of critical infrastructure, particularly in the settlements near the state border and the front line. Russia has recently intensified its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, destroying several thermal power plants across the country, including the Trypillia plant, the leading electricity supplier to Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Cherkasy oblasts. In March, Russian attacks reportedly damaged or completely destroyed 80% of the thermal generating capacity of DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company. Read also: Energoatom starts building new power units at Khmelnytskyi nuclear plant Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Zelenskyy after intelligence report: Russia will try to intensify their offensive, but we will respond President Volodymyr Zelenskyy listened to reports from foreign and military intelligence on Russia's military plans for spring and summer at a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff on Monday. Source: Zelenskyy's evening video address Quote: "There were two important intelligence reports by the Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Oleh Ivashchenko and Chief of the Defence Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov on Russian actions in the spring and summer. On what we must be prepared for in all formats of possible hostile actions. Obviously, the madness in the Kremlin is still rampant, and the occupier will try to intensify assault and offensive actions. We will retaliate." Details: The President said there was also a report by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on the areas where the situation is the hottest. Special attention was paid to the battles for the Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk and Kupiansk fronts. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov reported on the implementation of contracts for the supply of shells and drones, as well as electronic warfare. There was also a detailed discussion about the use of electronic warfare and the protection of critical infrastructure. Quote: "This applies, in particular, to the energy sector what is protected and what was, unfortunately, not sufficiently protected. Appropriate conclusions will be drawn." Details: The meeting also reviewed the necessary actions to restore generation and key energy facilities. They also discussed the state of protection of critical infrastructure in areas near the contact line and in the border area. It was decided that in the coming weeks, Ukraine's priority in working with partners will be air defence systems and weapons for the military on the contact line. Background: The experts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russian troops are accelerating offensive operations along the entire contact line in Ukraine. Budanov has previously stated that Ukraine expects Russia to intensify its offensive in late spring and early summer, primarily near Donetsk. Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy: Israel and Ukraine are not in NATO, but we only need will to protect ourselves against terror President Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew an analogy between Israel and Ukraine, which are not members of NATO, and called on international partners to strengthen efforts against Russian terror and accelerate the provision of air defence to Ukraine. Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram, following the meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Quote: "It is obvious that physical protection cannot entirely defend some objects from terrorist attacks. This can only be done by sufficiently effective air defence. We are grateful to those friends who understand this and quickly responded to our calls to support the Ukrainian air defence. But the intensity of Russian attacks requires more unity. Having defended Israel, the free world has demonstrated that such unity is not only possible, but also one hundred percent effective. The decisive actions of the Allies did not allow terror to succeed and infrastructure to be lost, and forced the aggressor to cool down. The same is possible in defending against terror in Ukraine, which, like Israel, is not a member of NATO. And this does not require the activation of Article 5, simple political will is enough." Details: It is noted that the 15 April meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief discussed the two most important topics of today: the combat zone and the energy sector. Zelenskyy heard intelligence reports and reports of the military leadership and representatives of the energy industry. Background: Iran launched an attack on Israel using dozens of drones and missiles on the night of 13-14 April. Israel Defense Forces later clarified that there were over 300 air targets in total, including approximately 170 attack drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles, nearly all of which were shot down. The US military stated that they had destroyed over 80 drones and at least 6 ballistic missiles that were launched over Israel from Iran and Yemen. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that Royal Air Force aircraft helped shoot down attack drones during Irans attack on Israel. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated that unlike in the case of Israel, which London assisted in shooting down Iranian drones last weekend, his country cannot assist Ukraine in shooting down Russian drones in fear of "bringing NATO forces into direct contact with Russian troops". Support UP or become our patron! On 1 April, the same day Californias new $20 hourly minimum wage for fast-food workers went into effect, a new restaurant opened in north-east Los Angeles that was conspicuously light on human staff. Related: Workplace AI, robots and trackers are bad for quality of life, study finds CaliExpress by Flippy claims to be the worlds first fully autonomous restaurant, using a system of AI-powered robots to churn out fast-food burgers and fries. A small number of humans are still required to push the buttons on the machines and assemble the burgers and toppings, but the companies involved tout that using their technology could cut labor costs, perhaps dramatically. Eat the future, they offer. I visited CaliExpress last week to find out what an all-American lunch served with a side of existential dread tastes like. When I entered the restaurant, located near Caltech university in Pasadena, I was greeted with giant posters advertising the frying AI robot marvel, but few actual customers. Most of the people inside were other journalists. A television crew hovered over the grill machine. The space was decorated with early prototypes of robot arms, as well as a riff on Michelangelos Sistine Chapel, with a human hand reaching out not to the hand of God, but to a robot claw holding french fries. One of the first things I see l is this sign offering me $10 off if I sign up with this facial recognition system to pay with just a smile. pic.twitter.com/ZxLtLeHWCU Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) April 12, 2024 I placed my order at a self-serve screen, where my robot-made cheeseburger and fries cost $15 plus tax. A sign urged me to pay with my face, offering me $10 to enroll with a company called PopID to link my face to my credit or debit card. Pay with just a smile! it urged. I did not. The burger joint is a collaboration between multiple companies using it as a test kitchen for the future of fast-food technology. The machine for making the burgers is produced by Cucina, a company focused on automating food production, which described its BurgerChef as a solution to a 65% increase in food service wages in the past 15 years. The french fry-making robot, Flippy, was created by Miso Robotics, a local startup founded by a group of Caltech grads. I was offered a tour of the kitchen by Denise Koons, who works with PopID, the biometric ordering facial recognition company. She demonstrated the various stages of my order. She pushed a button on a nearby screen. The BurgerChef ground a single burgers worth of wagyu steak to order and then squeezed it out from a tube and tucked it between two metal plates to brown. One hundred and ninety-five seconds later, a plastic arm rotated to receive the browned burger, ultimately dropping the meat into a waiting container. I got to go behind the counter in the kitchen to film the steps closer up. This is the grill bot, BurgerChef by Cucina, starting the process of cooking a single burger pic.twitter.com/xIzoCo6Yks Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) April 12, 2024 The BurgerChef was a large, boxy piece of equipment that felt no more threatening than a toaster oven, and was not particularly exciting to watch. Flippy, however, was the real star of the place, and absolutely terrifying. It was just humanoid enough to be disturbing, with one big, snake-like arm extending down from the ceiling, poised over a frying station protected behind a transparent window. Another press of a button, and the arm jerked up a waiting metal fry basket and maneuvered it to one side, where a predetermined amount of frozen potato slices tumbled down into the basket. Then Flippy dunked the basket into the sizzling oil, and we waited. The real star of the show is Flippy, the robotic arm with computer vision that fries the fries pic.twitter.com/1dh7oDW8hv Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) April 12, 2024 Flippy was originally conceived as a grill-master robot that could flip burgers, hence the name, Rob Anderson, one of the co-founders of Miso Robotics, told me later. But manning a grill keeping track of burgers and cheese and buns and onions, and being able to flip the different objects at the proper time turned out to be a tremendously sophisticated robotics problem, one too tricky for the startup to tackle, he said. So they decided to pivot to a simpler challenge: making a robot that could manage a frying station, what Anderson argued was probably the most stressful and dangerous tasks in the kitchen for human workers, and thus a good task for a robot, which would not be burned by hot oil or bothered by the heat. As I watched a giant metal arm encased in rubber pick up the fry basket again and shake it roughly, I had only one thought: the future of sex robots is going to be very unpleasant. What does AI actually do? It wasnt clear to me how the restaurant differed from other robot-assisted operations, of which there are now many across California and the US. So I followed up with Anderson to find out how exactly AI was being put to use. He explained that Flippys AI components were designed for subtle and difficult tasks, such as adjusting to differently sized kitchens and ranges. It also had computer vision, a type of artificial intelligence that uses machine learning and neural networks to allow computers to act on visual inputs, like photos or videos, in the way that humans respond to sight. Flippys computer vision was continuously monitoring where the fry baskets were placed, so if a human worker replaced one in a slightly different spot, the machine would simply adjust. The robot wasnt limited to french fries: it could also fry chicken wings and onion rings, and could detect when onions had been place inside the fryer, rather than potatoes, and adjust its fry times automatically, he said. Artificial intelligence also informed the robots scheduling and forecasting abilities, like deciding what is the right order to cook all this food so its still cooked perfectly during the lunch hour rush or slower times in the afternoon. Flippy was not designed to replace human workers completely, but to be a tool to make their work easier and safer, Anderson said. Its very much this collaborative setup, he said, adding that working alongside robots would teach people new skills that are more career growth oriented, rather than just learning how to cook french fries. I asked Anderson what those skills would be, other than knowing how to push buttons. While Flippys interface was designed to be very simple, Anderson said, employees would have to master how it works, how to clean it, how to keep it operating, and how to get in touch with the robotics support line when it might need service or repairs. Flippy could not clean itself: it needed wipe-downs every night, and more intensive cleanings monthly and quarterly. Human employees could also do more customer engagement work, he said. You dont just have to sit there and monitor a fryer. Flippy-style fryers were already at work in multiple locations of fast-food outlets including White Castle and Jack in the Box, Anderson told me: Weve got a fleet of robots out there. Tasting the results So, after all the hype, how good were the robot-made burgers and fries? The robot burger, despite its higher-quality In-N-Out burger-style house sauce and fresh lettuce and tomato, was thoroughly mediocre. The beef was a little rubbery. Flippys fries, I admit, were crispy and nicely browned, not the limp potato offerings that often emerge from fast-food restaurants. I ate them happily, but did not crave more. Beef burgers and fries are the only options currently on the menu. One of the lone ordinary customers who came in during my visit asked some questions, but left without ordering. (He told me he wanted a veggie burger.) Another man walked in while talking on his cellphone, took a look around, and walked out again. After I left CaliExpress, I found myself driving to the closest McDonalds, where I ordered another cheeseburger prepared by other humans. It was smaller, and the ingredients were clearly cheaper, but I found myself savoring the well-honed flavors of this drive-through classic. And I had set a timer: the humans had taken only one minute and 26 seconds to deliver a fresh burger into my hands. I felt my shoulders relaxing as I took a bite: so far, the humans were still faster than the machines. Nicolas Maduro and his allies anxiously counted the votes; and they were not enough to defeat the opponent, Henrique Capriles. In April 2013, the candidate anointed by Hugo Chavez lost the presidency of Venezuela a month after burying the commander-in-chief. The Bolivarian revolution was in check, but its chips refused to fall. A defenestrated former minister, describing this version of events and hiding his name out of fear of reprisals from his former comrades, says that several of them suggested ignoring the defeat and clinging to power. But such a coup was not necessary. Later that night the National Electoral Council (CNE) said that Maduro had reversed the result and that in the end he had won the presidency with a 1.5% advantage. After that dubious victory, the heir to Chavismo teamed up with psychiatrist Jorge Rodriguez, a political operator who had now thrown his hand in with the official party, and who joined Chavismo in 2003 as a senior official of that same National Electoral Council. On July 28, Hugo Chavezs birthday, a new election will challenge Chavismo, which today is led by a troika: Maduro remains in charge; Jorge Rodriguez presides over the National Assembly; and Delcy Rodriguez, his sister and political partner, is executive vice-president. The events of 2013 could be repeated, but the current scenario is more adverse, as Madurismo has fewer votes, the governments of many countries are now questioning its legitimacy, an international team of judges is investigating the ruling party and the opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado, is gathering strong popular support. Faced with a transition that he does not want, the Venezuelan president entrusted Rodriguez with the negotiation that could lead to a change of government. But his objective, say those who face him, is not to build bridges, but to destroy them to stop any adversaries. If Maduro is to be forced out, his squire has allowed only his own name to appear on the list of possible successors. Golden boy Rodriguezs ambition was born from the murder of his father Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, a politician and guerrilla who kidnapped William Niehous, vice president of the Owens-Illinois glass company and alleged CIA liaison, in 1976. Jorge Antonio coordinated the kidnapping, but was later arrested as the person responsible and died as a result of torture while in the custody of the state. His widow Delcy Gomez was scarred by that crime. She instilled in her children the need to be the best, to vanquish those in power and avenge their fathers death, recalls an old friend who was educated with the Rodriguez siblings in a public school in Caracas and is linked to the Central University of Venezuela. Subversive families active or former guerrillas lived there along with other conspirators, such as the Communist Party and the Socialist League, a movement founded by Rodriguez Sr. The Socialist League was a tiny party that advocated armed struggle between the 1970s and 1980s, until it demobilized and participated in the 1988 presidential elections. It obtained 0.8% of the vote. Another graduate from the revolutionary high school says that the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, founded by Chavez and coordinated by Jorge Rodriguez in its early days, imitates the Socialist League: A micro-party that dared to speak on behalf of the people. The Rodriguez family grew up in an ideological home where they read Marx and sang the songs of Silvio Rodriguez and Pablo Milanes. Jorgito, as they called him, grew up protected by his fathers allies and seen as the golden boy. He was cultured, intelligent, and charismatic. A fellow student sums it up: [He was] the outstanding pioneer of the radical left, whose pain was exploited and he was made to speak at Socialist League events. Two men, one destiny Jorge Antonio Rodriguez Sr. died young, but he left his son an organization that he used as a springboard. Through it he met Nicolas Maduro. They both grew up in El Valle, a working-class neighborhood in the southwest of Caracas, but in different environments. Rodriguezs milieu was aspirational, well-dressed, and perfumed. His girlfriends were upper class, and he cut his teeth in university politics and ended up as a specialist doctor. As a recent graduate, he practiced his profession and dedicated several years to making money. Maduro, however, barely graduated high school and came to politics via the unions. So far without success, Rodriguez has longed for Miraflores, the seat of government. Maduro did not achieve the presidency by following a predetermined path. Instead, he got there because of his loyalty to the leader. Nevertheless, he and Rodriguez sealed an alliance in 2012, when Maduro attended the annual ceremony that the Rodriguez family holds at their patriarchs grave. In 2003, the Supreme Court of Justice, controlled by Chavismo, appointed the then 38-year-old psychiatrist to the board of the National Electoral Council. An official there remembers his relationship with the press: He had strategies and techniques from his profession. He learned the names of the journalists and created close relationships to evade or confront, according to his objectives. In an act that assured him of the electoral employees gratitude thousands of people throughout the country the board member paid off an old debt that that institution serviced through the payroll. Jorge Rodriguez only worked at the CNE for two years, but it was enough for him to preside over the organization and the National Electoral Board before that. This is the organization that really controls each election. A reporter remembers that under Rodriguez the institution was technical, and not overtly political as it is now. The psychiatrist also seemed different. He was a rational spokesperson who spoke frequently in the media. With regard to his management of the institution, the journalist cites a report from the Organization of American States and the Carter Center: Both spoke well, in general terms, about the elections that were held in that period. The former electoral official agrees: Due to the popularity that Chavismo had, they could be institutional and abide by the law. There were infractions, but Rodriguezs management was respectful of the popular will. If someone who does not act in a timely manner can be considered respectful. This refers to the political situation in 2003. After half a term had passed, the Constitution stipulated a referendum be held to recall the president. But Rodriguezs CNE delayed it while Chavez distributed the million-dollar subsidies that facilitated his victory. That lifesaver opened his path into the revolution, and since then he has held almost every government position imaginable: mayor of Caracas, minister, deputy, vice-president... but his resume is still missing the elusive presidential cherry on the top. The ousted former minister remembers how his old friend entered the government. Chavez believed in pedigree, and he is the son of Jorge Rodriguez. When he arrived we worked on some reports for the president: situational analysis, political strategies, speeches, inputs for the program that Chavez did on Sundays. Jorge was a counselor. And among his tasks was one that he continues to perform today: identifying the oppositions mistakes and devising ways to take advantage of them. The power behind the throne Ten people gave testimonies for this piece, but none dared to reveal their names publicly. The few who have spoken requested anonymity. One of them, a human rights activist, attributes the strategies to dismantle the opposition and civil society to Rodriguez. Many think that his adversaries should not have accepted him as a negotiator, but the psychiatrist led the official delegation in the Barbados talks, where the opposition and the government agreed on political guarantees for all parties and to ease the sanctions that the United States imposed against several Venezuelan officials, including the Rodriguez family. His greatest success in these deals has been the release of Alex Saab, Maduros alleged frontman and supposed diplomat according to the official discourse. After three years in prison for money laundering, Saab was released through an exchange between the United States and Venezuela, in which 10 Americans were also released. When he received the ex-convict in Miraflores, Maduro shook the hand of Jorge Rodriguez, who was smiling by his side: You did it. Congratulations. Thats why the squire is there, says an opposition politician who deals with him in negotiations. He helps his boss and shows his loyalty. And he always divides the opposition, he adds. This political opponent says that Rodriguez has the arrogance and vanity of an established power. As a precaution, he deletes his words in our chats straight after writing them. He is a cold psychiatrist and a good actor: he can be cordial or aggressive depending on his needs. And he has a brain, he comments. The human rights activist cites initiatives born from that brain. One pushes the idea that Madurismo is a group of cornered democrats, who are what they are because of a violent opposition. Another discusses the possibility of opening two options in Venezuela: if the opposition pressures the regime, it will take the path of Nicaragua, but if they leave it alone, perhaps it will return to democracy. As a negotiator, Rodriguez has tried to free his government from an investigation for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. In Bogota, during a meeting called by President Gustavo Petro, the activist remembers that Rodriguez demanded that the trial be stopped. He is the author of a narrative that denies human rights violations, and the leader of the strategies that hinder the work of international organizations here. One reading would say that these efforts are seeking to protect a regime in which the Rodriguez family are in the vanguard. If there is a succession, they have a preferential turn, says an intellectual and old friend. The exiled former minister describes todays power in Caracas as something diffuse, that moves in currents without the centralized command that Chavez exercised. In this new scenario, the Speaker of the National Assembly may be working for himself as the man to oversee the transition. The former electoral official says that he is one of the few who can tell the truth to Maduro: The only way to save Chavismo is for you not to be there. The former minister, the estranged friends, the former official, and the opponent agree: Jorge Rodriguez took his revenge a long time ago, but he did not know how to stop. In seeking vengeance, he joined a government that holds hundreds of political prisoners, persecutes its opponents, and has displaced millions of people fleeing a humanitarian emergency. In 2018 Delcy Rodriguez, who has just presented a law against fascism, criticized by the opposition as a new instrument for persecution, summarized the crusade her party undertook half a century ago: The Bolivarian revolution was our personal revenge. From the position held by her brother, the vice-president spoke of democracy and cited Tomas Borge, the Nicaraguan guerrilla who wrote My personal revenge. In the poem, he promised the torturers that his retaliation would be love and kindness. But the siblings did not follow suit, and their revenge has been bloody. Twenty years ago Jorge Rodriguez lived according to other codes: he talked about literature, recommended books, praised the writer Alfredo Bryce Echenique, whose novel La vida exagerada de Martin Romana was his favorite. It is a story that is similar to his own, in which the protagonist fails in his attempt to become an exemplary revolutionary. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition By Ricardo Brito BRASILIA (Reuters) -Lawyers representing Elon Musk's X told Brazil's Supreme Court that the social media platform will comply with every ruling issued by the court or Brazil's top electoral court, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Monday. The document addressed to Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes comes after Musk last week said he would challenge a decision by Moraes ordering X, formerly known as Twitter, to block certain accounts in the South American country. The move marks a change of stance by X's Brazilian unit, which last week said in a separate document sent to Moraes that it was not able to control the U.S.-based company's willingness to comply with the Brazilian court's orders. "As already communicated to the federal police, X Brasil informs that all orders issued by this Supreme Court and the Superior Electoral Court will continue to be fully complied with by X Corp," the lawyers told Moraes in the letter seen on Monday. Musk, the owner of X and a self-declared free speech absolutist, had previously said he would reverse all restrictions imposed by Moraes because they were unconstitutional and called on the justice to resign. Moraes in response opened an inquiry into the billionaire for what he called obstruction of justice. Moraes is investigating "digital militias" that have been accused of spreading fake news and hate messages during the government of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. He also leads a probe into an alleged coup attempt by Bolsonaro. X earlier on Monday said it had been subpoenaed by the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee to provide information on orders from the Brazilian Supreme Court regarding content moderation. The lawyers for the social media platform told Moraes that X had complied with the committee's request for it to share confidential court documents and would keep the justice posted regarding any updates it might get from X Corp on the matter. (Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Editing by Kylie Madry) WA has passed lots of new gun laws. Could they be in legal trouble? At the end of summer in 2016, as has been customary since 1993, the International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO), took place on the outskirts of Kielce, Poland. This is the largest arms fair in Central Europe. Over 600 companies from 30 countries displayed their products. Nearly 22,000 people gathered among tanks, machine guns, bazookas and the latest developments in the war industry, while they snacked on canapes, accompanied by glasses of wine or champagne. Among the government delegations and vendors (the general public doesnt have access to this type of fair) was the photojournalist Nikita Teryoshin. Born in St. Petersburg in 1986, this was the first time he had ever attended an event of this nature. Impacted by the spectacle, between 2016 and 2023, he visited 80 international defense exhibitions in different parts of the world, giving shape to Nothing Personal: The Back Office of War. This photobook offers a bizarre glimpse into the disturbingly real, dark and prosperous business of war. A Belarusian officer and a satellite dish fixed on a multimedia truck. Milex Expo, Minsk, Belarus, 2017. Nikita Terysohin A photo stand for the Indian army. The soldier equipped with a Kalashnikov rifle wears a Russian uniform. DefExpo, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2020. Nikita Terysohin A trader locks away two anti-tank grenades by Bulgarian Kintex. IDEX Expo, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2019. Nikita Terysohin After the presentation of the Finnish Patria 6x6 armored vehicle. Eurosatory, Paris, France, 2018. Nikita Terysohin Entering the back office of the Israeli Elbit Systems stand. In the foreground is a missile dummy of the air-to-ground Lizard bomb. SITDEF, Lima, Peru, 2019. Nikita Terysohin Model of a Swedish Bofors 57mm Mk3 naval gun. MSPO Expo, Kielce, Poland, 2016. Nikita Terysohin On the deck of a ferry while jet fighters, helicopters and cargo aircraft fly low. IDEX Expo, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2019. Nikita Terysohin Peruvian delegation at the stand of Ukroboronprom. The Oplot-M main battle tank was offered during the expo as a potential solution to replace the old Soviet T-55 MBT of the Peruvian army. SITDEF, Lima, Peru, 2019. Nikita Terysohin Reception for Airbus military helicopters. MSPO Expo, Kielce, Poland, 2016. Nikita Terysohin Waiting for a shuttle to the live demonstration site. Army Expo, Park Patriot, Alabino, Russia, 2019. Nikita Terysohin I saw things that I could never have created in my imagination or thought would be possible, the photographer says, during a video interview with EL PAIS from his home in Berlin. At a fair in Lucknow, India, there was a tank at the entrance to the mens bathroom, while at the Indian Army stand, there was a photo montage of a headless soldier wearing a Russian uniform and equipped with a Kalashnikov with an atomic explosion emanating from his neck. And, in Abu Dhabi, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the International Defense Conference and Exhibition (IDEX), the author witnessed an unusual scene: In one of the rooms, there was a cake more than [six feet] long. The decoration reproduced a strange militarized scene of land, sea and air, seasoned with edible ammunition. In the middle was an explosion (in frosting), surrounded by tanks and soldiers, fighters and warships. It was truly crazy, the photographer recalls. There came a moment when the guests were offered tiny plastic forks to eat the cake, which would end up looking like a real battlefield. This industry is very cynical, Terysohin notes. A war against Yemen was taking place [600 miles] away and the Saudi coalition was bombing hospitals and schools. It was a really shameless scene. It looked like the shooting of a Hollywood movie. Through color saturation, the use of flash and forced angles, Teryoshins insightful and clear vision is able to frame scenes where the absurd goes hand-in-hand with tragedy. The photojournalist also dispenses with the human face. I wanted to show the system, not the individuals. This [absence of faces] functioned as a metaphor for an industry that tries to go unnoticed. Hence the photographer shows the opposite side of the battlefield, with all its mud and destruction: an over-the-top theme park for adults, where weapons shine among an immaculately-groomed public. Tanks, drones and thermal vision cameras are sold with the same nonchalance as vacuum cleaners at an appliance fair. A photo stand for the Indian army. The soldier, equipped with a Kalashnikov rifle, wears a Russian uniform. DefExpo, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2020. Nikita Terysohin Theres no allusion to death at this type of event. Only the image of a single mannequin which simulates a soldier whose leg is destroyed alludes to the lethality of the merchandise. [The mannequin] is used to teach soldiers and doctors what to do in case someone loses a leg, explains Teryoshin. Interspersed among the images are the slogans used by the companies: 70 years defending peace, emphasizes the company that distributes the Kalashnikovs. Lockheed Martin the worlds largest arms manufacturer, which annually earns five times the United Nations budget for peacekeeping missions doesnt fall short: Designing a better future, its slogan asserts. This can only happen within a sector thats governed by different rules than the others, the photographer warns. Within an industry that remains in a kind of bubble, where real feedback from society isnt established. However, I fear that, even if the slogans were different, the import of weapons wouldnt be affected. Before the war in Ukraine began, [many European countries] exported weapons to Russia and even at the beginning of the war, some companies continued to do so, the photographer highlights. If theres no regulation, theres no way that weapons wont be sold to dictators. Theres no morality behind this industry. Business is business hence the title of the series: Nothing Personal. The project is loaded with a good dose of humor, which was a way to deal with the cynicism that all of this contains. If it werent for humor, I wouldnt be able to believe in humanity anymore, Teryoshin points out. Were very used to seeing images of war, but the question is: where do all these weapons come from? This is the part thats rarely discussed in the media. Linda Akerstrom, director of the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society, highlights in a text included in the book: The international arms trade remains less regulated than the banana trade. Reception for Airbus military helicopters. MSPO Expo, Kielce, Poland, 2016 Nikita Terysohin Although the book is very critical of the arms industry, the author is in favor of sending weapons to Ukraine. Were faced with a dictator: Putin. As a Russian, I still have my passport and consider it very necessary to support Ukraine. If it falls, other European countries will become the target of the Russian president, he says. When I started the project, I didnt think like that but things have come very far. At this point, its necessary to protect democracy. And we need weapons. Which isnt to say that Ive stopped seeing the global arms trade system as a big problem. An escalation without an end. Nothing Personal: The Back Office of War. Nikita Teryoshin. Gost Books. 182 pages, 100 images. $60. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition VILLANOVA, Pa. (April 15, 2024)Villanova University is set to host a series of lectures, events and community service activities in celebration of Earth Week 2024. Sponsored by the Office for Sustainability in Mission and Ministry, Earth Week is an opportunity to celebrate our planet as well as critically examine our relationships with the natural environment. Activities begin on Tuesday, April 16, and continue through Saturday, April 27. For a full listing of University Earth Week events, please visit the Universitys Sustainability website. Earth Week Event Highlights On Thursday, April 18, at 2 p.m., Villanovas Augustinian counterpart, Merrimack College, will host a virtual fireside chat titled, Ecological Virtues for a Time Such as This. The lecture is the second in a two-part series and is a follow-up to Villanovas previous talk, Exploring Climate Anxiety through the Lens of Laudate Deum. On Monday, April 22, at 4:30 p.m., a virtual lecture titled The Genius of Earth Day: How a 1970 Teach-In Unexpectedly Made the First Green Generation, will be given by Adam Rome, PhD, Professor in the Department of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Buffalo. The lecture will be hosted by Villanovas Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest. This years keynote address, Hotter, Wetter, WeirderClimate Change in Philadelphia, will be delivered by Michael Weilbacher, former Executive Director of the Schuylkill Environmental Education Center, on Wednesday, April 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the Connelly Cinema. The annual Sustainability Fair will take place on Wednesday, April 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Connelly Plaza. The Fair will feature vendors, student research, activities from the Student Sustainability Committee, giveaways and more. On Thursday, April 25, the Rev. John Abubakar, OSA, PhD, Villanovas Chief Sustainability Officer, will be available for a sustainability chat and meet-and-greet beginning at 3 p.m. in the St. Ritas Hall Community Room. Sustainability at Villanova University: In 2007, Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. In 2018, the Villanova Sustainability Leadership Council was established to develop a 10-year actionable and measurable plan to guide the Universitys comprehensive effort to support the planet and its people and to ensure prosperity for all. By committing the University to the Laudato Si Action Platform and developing a customized Laudato Si Plan, Villanova University is taking decisive and unflinching action to build a better future. At the core of all sustainability activities, both large and small, is the Universitys vision to establish an ethos of sustainable living. As an Augustinian Catholic institution, Villanova is committed to generating and advocating sustainable action to help create a future that provides enough, for all, forever. About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova Universitys Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six collegesthe College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nations top universities, Villanova supports its students intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu. This is the result of a chronic underestimation of the hybrid war that hit our countries long before Russia attacked its western neighbour. Fake news has permeated social networks, whose owners have little incentive to suppress because it serves their commercial interests. The mainstream independent media used to be a major force in the fight against disinformation, but nowadays they often fulfil this task at the expense of their role of determining and guiding public discourse, and bringing up topics that must not be overlooked by society. Moreover, they also struggle with the misconception that disinformation is a problem of actual journalism. It isn't. Lies are not proliferating in the public discourse because journalists are doing a substandard job. It is true, however, that the subject of national security and defence has, over the past decade, tended to become the exclusive domain of specialised journals or foreign news desks, which have mainly reported on stories brought by the major international media. Populists often deliberately use the subject of national security to scare voters and subsequently offer them protection in return for their votes and, of course, tolerance of their brazen corruption. At the same time, they use security issues as a pretext for the oppression of human and civil rights. Independent publishing houses from countries on the EU's eastern frontier understand that it is of vital importance to pay more systematic attention precisely to the issues of defence and national security, the energy industry and energy security, as well as economics and cyber-security. Gazeta Wyborcza from Poland, SME from Slovakia, 444 from Hungary and PressOne from Romania have formed The Eastern Frontier Initiative (TEFI) to work together on content focused on these areas. The Netherlands-based investigative portal Bellingcat is also a partner in this project. Russia's aggression against Ukraine has clearly shown us that the threats go far beyond political analysis and expedient statements by some politicians. We can see that journalistic work, more than ever before, involves seeking out the best-informed international sources and tirelessly explaining to the wider reading public the issues that are currently shaping the future generations in our region. This is particularly true at a time when governments in our region are at odds over these interpretations. The governments of Slovakia and Hungary are pushing narratives that are often aligned with Russian propaganda, while the Polish and Czech governments are in agreement with our Western partners. This is why these issues transcend the borders of Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Romania, why national stories are going untold or being covered only partially, and why international media cooperation is a natural response. Opposition LMP has called on Gergely Karacsony, Budapests incumbent mayor, and Alexandra Szentkiralyi, ruling Fideszs mayoral candidate, to accept a debate with David Vitezy, the green partys candidate. Mate Kanasz-Nagy, LMPs deputy parliamentary group leader, told a press conference on Saturday that the race between Karacsony and Szentkiralyi was sinking Budapest into the swamp of an intellectual civil war, adding that this was costing the capital a lot of opportunities. He insisted that Karacsonys administration was preoccupied with the intellectual civil war it is waging against Fidesz instead of focusing on the citys affairs. A debate with Vitezy, he added, would also present the opportunity to hold Karacsony and Szentkiralyi to account. Kanasz-Nagy said Karacsony would be asked why he had waited until now to announce the connection of the tram network on Pest side of the capital, why he wanted to sell a student hostel building in south Buda, why his administration had not investigated irregularities in connection with the metro upgrades and why they stuffed the supervisory boards and boards of directors of Budapest-owned companies with party politicians. He said Szentkiralyi would be asked why the government was diverting resources from the capital and why it was only allocating funding to projects like the plan to redevelop the Rakosrendezo area in Budapests 14th district. Budapest residents deserve to hear the candidates debate their plans in public, Kanasz-Nagy said. Fidesz: Szentkiralyi to Hold Budapest Mayoral Campaign Launch Event on Wednesday Alexandra Szentkiralyi, ruling Fideszs candidate for mayor of Budapest, will launch her campaign at an event at the Balna cultural centre on April 17, the party said. Szentkiralyi will announce her seven-point plan to bring change to Budapest at the event, Fidesz said on Facebook. The party said Budapest needed a mayor that was capable of working together with the government in the interest of the city. Wednesdays campaign event will also be addressed by Laszlo Baan, director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Mate Kocsis, Fideszs parliamentary group leader, and Istvan Tarlos, Budapests former mayor. Meanwile, DK, Socialists, Parbeszed Hold Election Campaign Launch Rally The opposition Democratic Coalition (DK), Socialist Party and Parbeszed held a joint rally to launch their European Parliament and local council election campaigns in Budapest. Addressing the event, DK MEP Klara Dobrev said voters would be judging Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government in the June 9 ballot. If the majority on June 9 says they dont want any more part of this kind of governance, then we will start fighting for early elections and wont rest until we oust them, Dobrev said. She said that though the three parties were diverse, they were united in their goal to end the Orban regime. Dobrev said the alliance between the three parties was not just about the ongoing campaign, but had been formed with the purpose of dismantling Orbans regime and then creating a liveable, European Hungary. The MEP said she wanted Hungary to be a strong state that gave everyone access to free education and health care. Gergely Karacsony, the mayor of Budapest, called on voters to support free local councils and a European Hungary on June 9, saying free local councils were the bridgehead of the idea of the republic and a European Hungary. He said Budapest was a republic and would remain so, adding that the city could only grow if voters decided to keep it free in the June election. Karacsony said he was proud of his five-year term as Budapests mayor, saying we do what we say and we say what we think. Nicolas Schmit, the spitzenkandidat of the Party of European Socialists (PES), said the stakes of an EP election had never been higher. He said the election would be a choice between a right-wing Europe held by the far right and a progressive Europe led by social democrats. Ruling Fidesz said in reaction that DK leader Ferenc Gyurcsany and the left had wrecked the country once already. The party said in a statement that if it were up to Gyurcsany and the left, they would take Hungary to war, arguing that Gyurcsany himself had written that those who did not want to die for Ukraine were bad people. At stake on June 9 is whether there will be war or peace, Fidesz said. The government and the ruling parties want peace, while the left is on the side of war, the statement said. MTI Photo: Zoltan Mathe ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories, via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data On Saturday night, Iran launched its response to Israels recent attack against its consulate in Syria. The episode is a new, serious step in a dangerous escalation of the war in the Middle East. But the confrontation between Israel and Iran does not only have a regional dimension. It is also an explosive agitator of a global panorama, where there is ongoing conflict in Europe and rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific. And the more or less visible lines that interconnect these issues are complicating the situation even further. The form of the Iranian offensive a multitude of drones deployed simultaneously, the same tactic Russia uses against Ukraine precisely with Iranian-made devices is a reminder of these interconnections. The map of global powers provides a clear vision of this. On the one hand, there is the increasingly close coordination of Asian powers: China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Russia, of course, has a good part of its territory in Europe, but geopolitically it is aligned with the Asian regimes. It receives weapons from Iran and North Korea and economic and political support from China, which believes a Kremlin defeat would be a win for democracies that threatens its interests. Washington on Friday denounced that Beijing is supplying Moscow with engines for drones and cruise missiles, and machinery to manufacture ballistic missiles. There are no formal mutual defense treaties between these countries, but there is a gradual, consistent closing of ranks. No doubt, Russian President Vladimir Putin is watching with glee as the United States is forced to address a complicated conflict in another region. On the other hand, surrounding the interconnected Asian regimes, there are the alliances of democratic powers, with the United States connecting the European side its NATO and EU partners to the Asia-Pacific, with countries such as Japan, South Korea and Australia. This alliance is also making moves. Washington is strengthening its ties with its Asia-Pacific allies, bolstering treaties and promoting new projects such as AUKUS. Just this past week, the leaders of Japan and the Philippines were at the White House. Beijing, meanwhile, is angrily watching Washingtons efforts, which it claims are aimed at containing its legitimate rise and progress. It is not a battle between two defined blocs. The Asia bloc is not a formal unit. And while the Western bloc is, there are no univocal positions. There is, however, increasingly tense competition between authoritarian regimes and democracies. In this problematic context, we must remain alert to the risk of a third front opening in Asia-Pacific, which would represent a real geopolitical nightmare. This is not likely. But the way international relations are developing, it would be a serious mistake not to reflect on the possibility. That is, the risk that someone in the region thinks that it is a good time to advance their interests in the Asia-Pacific, while the U.S. and Europe are preoccupied with the war in Ukraine and the Middle East. There are no lack of hotspots in the region. The Philippines is one: it recently saw serious clashes with the Chinese coast guard over disputed waters. China is blocking supplies for sailors who crew an old, rusty Philippine ship that was purposefully run aground on a reef that Beijing claims is its own territory. A very dangerous situation, considering that the Philippines has a mutual defense treaty with the United States. Chinas territorial disputes Of course, there is much more, from the most consequential issue of all Beijings goal of reunifying Taiwan to the hair-raising lurches of nuclear North Korea, whose leader recently ordered the removal of the Constitutions reference to a peaceful reunification of the peninsula, a sign experts consider ominous. Then there are the many frictions and territorial disputes between China and its neighbors. The opening of a third front is not likely. Logic suggests that China, the key actor, has no rational interest in doing this. In recent months, Washington and Beijing have shown signs of their willingness to put a stop to the sharp deterioration in their relations. It is even likely that North Korea, whose ways of making rational decisions are more dubious, has no interest in disruptive actions. The problem is that in geopolitics and in life high-stress situations lead to a greater margin for unforeseen events, errors in calculation and communication, uncontrolled actions by minority factions and escalations that are unintended, at least by the key players. History is proof of this, and the very escalation in the Middle East demonstrates it. Iran is an authoritarian regime that oppresses its citizens, secretly develops a nuclear program and causes uproar abroad, but it is quite evident that, in the current case, it has not sought a regional escalation of the conflict. Neither Tehran nor its main proxy, Hezbollah, took advantage of the conflict in Gaza to vigorously attack Israel. The U.S. has also made clear efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating. When U.S. troops were hit at a base in the region, it responded in a timely, measured manner, almost as if they were giving forewarning. Irans attack last Saturday night also seemed to be aimed at showing that it was responding, but trying to avoid escalation. But amid these tense dynamics, things can get accidentally out of control when individuals within the large group of players take actions based on what is best for them. In the Middle East, Benjamin Netanyahu has an interest in continuing the conflict, as his position in power depends on it. As soon as the situation calms down, the most likely outcome is that the Israeli prime minister will fall into ignominy. Similarly, the Houthis, another of Irans allies, have maintained a belligerent attitude that clearly responds more to their interests than to Tehrans orders. This is not likely to happen in Asia-Pacific. Its improbable not only because it goes against humanitarian logic and reason, but also due to the calculation of interests, such as powerful economic motivations. China has a vested interest in ensuring the stability of the global economic system, as it is key to its ability to continue down the path of progress and prosperity. But in this equation, the risk variable is greater than it was in the past. In these calculations, it cannot be ruled out that someone at some point will consider making a daring move, if the situation in Europe and the Middle East worsens and the United States and Europe continue to be weighed down by their efforts on these fronts. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Hungarian sparkling wines Francois President Brut and Francois President Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2018 won gold medals at one of the world's most prestigious wine competitions, Mundus Vini in Germany this February. The latter has the distinction of having been exclusively produced for the Michelin-starred Babel Budapest restaurant, which adds to its exclusivity and prestige. Francois is also one of the most long-established domestic sparkling wine wineries - 138 years - and a real speciality among enthusiasts. Only the products of Torley Pezsgopinteszet were able to win in the sparkling wine category among the Hungarian sparkling wine houses at Mundus Vini, according to a press release. This year, no fewer than 250 wine experts from 55 countries tasted the nominated bottles at the town hall in Neustadt. There was no shortage of entries either, with more than 10,000 bottles from 45 countries presented to the judges. "This victory is the fruit of many years of work, knowledge, patience and attention. And, of course, you need the raw materials to make these sumptuous and immersive sparkling wines. And we believe that our vineyards in Etyek produce the best and finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes in the country, which are suitable for making these treasures," said Robert Koczuba, Torley's sparkling wine master. "It has been endlessly exciting and inspiring to work with Torley Winery. We have strived to create a bold and unique speciality that will be a great pleasure to taste and will stay with you for a long time. The Francois President Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2018 is the result of an extraordinary work and we are really proud of it", emphasized Norbert Nadhazi, head sommelier of Babel Budapest. The history of Francois sparkling wines goes back 138 years. Louis Francois and Cezar Francois, the founders of the company, were the youngest members of an old family of champagne masters hailing from the region of the same name in France. Louis first arrived in Hungary to work as a master at Jozsef Torley's Winery, followed a few years later by his younger brother Cezar. Louis left Torley to set up his own business with his brother, founding Louis Francois & Co. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories, via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! Marton Mohos has won the Grand Prize of the Hungarian Association of Journalists (MUOSZ) at the 42nd Hungarian Press Photo competition, and Denes Erdos as awarded the Andre Kertesz Grand Prize at a ceremonial opening of an exhibition of contestants works. Mohos won with a series called Increasing pressure on the Hungarian-Serbian border. Erdos was awarded for his series Housing is a fundamental right. Laszlo Balogh received the photojournalist lifetime achievement award. The event was opened by Nobel laureate research biologist Katalin Kariko, and she was presented with a photograph by MTI/MTVA photojournalist Szilard Koszticsak taken the day before the Nobel Prize ceremony that she and physicist Ferenc Krausz attended at the Hungarian embassy in Sweden. This year, the contest received 6,801 photographs in 2,470 applications from 250 photographers. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories, via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! New Delhi: As Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2 is nearing its release, the makers are leaving no stone unturned to keep the audience hooked. Recently, they treated the audience with an absolutely raw and real trailer that showcased a glimpse of the dark digital dogma that is relevant to todays youth and reality, now, they are here with a BTS video that takes us on the sets of LSD 2 with Sophie Chaudhry, Mouni Roy, Anu Malik, and Tusshar Kapoor making the cameo in the film. The makers of Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2 shared a BTS video ahead of the release of the film this week. The video features the ravishing Sophie Choudry on the sets of the show called 'Truth Ya Naach' from the film. As the conversation began about Love Sex Aur Dhokha, Sophie took us individually to Tusshar Kapoor who chose 'Naach' in the challenge and then did a fun dance on the camera. The host later went to Mouni Roy and had a fun chat about the Dhokha in her life and her first kiss. After this, she finally ended up with Anu Malik and directly asked about his inspiration and if he ever faced Pyar me Dhokha. As the fun is well witnessed on the sets, the film is surely going to be a double dose of it and the excitement is rising at a fever pitch as the film is on the brink of release on 19th April. Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms, and Cult Movies present a Dibakar Banerjee production, Love Sex aur Dhokha 2, produced by Ektaa R Kapoor. The film is directed by Dibakar Banerjee and will be released on April 19, 2024. New Delhi: Gold price rose on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Monday tracking the global market for the precious metal which firmed up amid the worsening geopolitical crisis in the Middle East region following Irans drone and missile attack on Israel. Gold futures, maturing on June 5, 2024, stood at Rs 72,302 per 10 grams on the MCX at 11:30 a.m., an increase of Rs 541 over Fridays close of Rs 71,843. In the international market, spot gold price is trading around $2,360 per troy ounce, which is around 0.70 per cent higher from its Friday close. (Also Read: Air India Temporarily Suspends Flights To Tel Aviv Amid Israel-Iran Tensions) Gold prices have been driven up by the safe haven demand by investors in the wake of uncertainty caused by rising geopolitical tensions. Central banks of various countries have also been buying the precious metal in large quantities. (Also Read: Markets Likely To Remain Volatile On Global Concerns) Gold prices have now risen by around 17 per cent in India over the last two months from around Rs 62,000 per 10 grams range to levels around Rs 72,700. The price of 24-carat gold in Delhi on Monday was around Rs 72,690 per 10 grams while in Mumbai it was hovering around Rs 72,540. The gold price was the highest in Chennai at Rs 74,790 per 10 grams while in Kolkata and Bengaluru it was hovering around Rs 72,540. New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday assured the people that if the Congress is voted to power, citizenship will not be decided on the basis of caste, religion or language, but on the principle of the idea of India. He said the job of the grand old party is to protect the Constitution and the democratic structure of India. Addressing a massive election rally of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in this northern Kerala district, he said that the Constitution protects the rights of every single Indian regardless of their religion, the state s/he comes from, the language s/he speaks and the culture s/he is part of. "We will never decide citizenship on the basis of caste religion or language. We will decide citizenship based on the idea of India, nothing less," Gandhi asserted. It is the "sacred duty" of the Congress to protect every single voice of this country regardless of caste, religion, language or age, he told the crowd, including hundreds of UDF workers gathered here. Hitting hard at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said "it is a pity" that the Prime Minister does not understand India's nature. "He does not understand that our multiple languages, traditions and religions are our biggest strength. He cannot see that from these multiple perspectives comes the most beautiful perspective. It is difficult for him to see this because his only quest is to remain in power," Gandhi alleged. Further criticising Modi over electoral bonds, he said though the PM had claimed that it was designed to bring transparency into the political system, the Supreme Court ruled the scheme illegal. The PM and the government did everything possible to stop the names of the companies and the dates of those donations from coming out, he further alleged. "It (electoral bond) is the biggest extortion racket on the planet. It is a way to steal from the people of India and it has been organised and conceptualised by the Prime Minister himself," Gandhi alleged. The operation of the BJP is to take the entire money of the country and give it to 20-25 businessmen, he said, making further accusations. Gandhi did not spare the CPI(M) and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wither in his hard-hitting speech. "My question is why the BJP is not attacking the Chief Minister of Kerala. Why are they not taking away his house, his chief ministership, putting court cases against him or getting him interrogated by the ED? After all, two CMs are in jail today," the Congress leader asked. He also sought to know that why the CM has been attacking him all the time when the BJP is destroying the Constitution, attacking democracy, destroying institutions and dividing the country. "I am very happy for him to attack me but he should also spend a little bit more time to attack the BJP or the RSS or Modi," Gandhi added. New Delhi: The neighbouring country Pakistan, also known as a home of terrorists, has now recently started receiving life threats from unknown men. For the past few months, it has been observed that there has been a systematic elimination of terrorists and their leaders in Pakistan. Those who are eliminating them are being referred to as 'unknown men'. Nobody in Pakistan knows about who these unknown attackers are, where they come from, whom they will target, and where they will hide. In today's DNA, Sourabh Raaj Jain analysed the strange event that has been happening in Pakistan for the past few months. Watch Today's Full Episode Here: On Sunday, in Lahore, underworld don Amir Sarfraz was shot by some unknown attackers. Sarfraz is the same person accused of killing Sarabjit, an Indian prisoner in a Pakistani jail. So far, over a dozen terrorists have been killed by 'Unknown men' in Pakistan. In last year June, Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in Canada. Even in his assassination, the names of unknown attackers emerged. Even the Canadian government currently has no information about it. Canada, at that time, attempted to blame India for this attack. Regarding this, the Canadian government also made several false statements. However, no evidence or witness was found connecting this attack to India. In such a scenario, India advised the Canadian government, urging them not to make such false accusations in the future. New Delhi: A recent CCTV footage capturing gunfire outside bollywood star Salman Khan's residence in Mumbai has stirred investigations into the identity of the assailants. According to Delhi Police one of the perpetrators involved in the shooting hails from Gurugram. This accused is suspected of being embroiled in violent crimes, including homicides and robberies in Haryana. Notably, the suspect remains wanted in the investigation of the murder of Gurugram-based businessman Sachin Munjal, whose demise occurred in March of the previous year. The suspect is identified as a close aid of infamous gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, his sibling Anmol, and Goldy Brar. As for the incident, which occurred around 5 am outside Salman Khans Galaxy Apartments in Bandra, Anmol Bishnoi allegedly assumed responsibility through an online post, coupled with a dire warning directed at Salman. On Sunday, two individuals fired over four rounds of bullets and fled from the scene. Following which Bandra police official confirmed the initiation of an FIR against "unidentified persons" under IPC section 307, pertaining to attempted murder, alongside charges under the Arms Act. This recent episode of violence against Salman Khan is not an isolated occurrence. In March of the previous year, an alarming email, containing threat warnings, was received at Khan's office premises. Mumbai Police acted by registering an FIR against Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, and an unnamed individual under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. The origins of this threat trace back to an interview given by Lawrence Bishnoi to a news channel, as outlined in the menacing email. Addressing Prashant Gunjalkar, who frequented Khan's Bandra-based residence and operated an artist management firm, the email conveyed an ultimatum involving a face-to-face encounter with "Goldy bhai." Khan received a similar threat in June 2022 through an anonymous handwritten note. Two senior leaders of Indian politics - Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi were in Kerala today where they not only levelled allegations against each other but also made promises to woo voters. While PM Modi addressed a public meeting in Kerala's Alathur constituency, Rahul Gandhi was in his constituency Wayanad. Modi's Alathur Rally On Monday, Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi indirectly criticized Rahul Gandhi's candidacy in Kerala's Wayanad, suggesting that he may be seeking assistance from a banned organization's political arm to secure victory in the election. This remark appeared to imply that Gandhi's decision to contest in Wayanad stemmed from the desire to salvage his political reputation after losing his family stronghold in Uttar Pradesh during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "A big leader of Congress has found it difficult to save the respect of his family seat in Uttar Pradesh and has made his new base in Kerala. To win the elections, Congress has entered into a backdoor agreement with the political wing of an organization which has been banned in the country for its anti-national tendencies. Have you ever heard this from them?" PM Modi said speaking at a public meeting in Kerala's Alathur constituency. Modi said that in the next five years, the NDA government will work toward making Kerala a global heritage. "We will increase Kerala's connectivity by linking it to highways, expressways, and our high-speed Vande Bharat train network," said Modi adding that South India will also get Bullet Trains. Rahul Gandhi In Wayanad Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP and the RSS accusing them of overpowering democratic institutions. He said that India did not get freedom from the British only to be colonised by the ideology of the Sangh Parivar. He said the BJP and Prime Minister Modi see only one nation, one language and one leader and this is a fundamental misunderstanding of our country. "This idea that India should have only one leader is an insult to every single young Indian," he said. Rahul Gandhi also reiterated several promises made by Congress in its manifesto. Polling in Kerala's 20 Lok Sabha seats will be held on April 26. The results will be out on June 4. BENGALURU: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said India has started challenging a lot of ratings and reports that influence the "sense of stability in India". According to him, these exercises of bringing out ratings and reports are "doing real harm" to the country. Jaishankar also expressed his surprise over the "complete coincidence" of the "same set of people" allegedly bringing out ratings and reports on India and expressing their opinion on the country repeatedly and consistently. It's very interesting in many cases, when you have these ratings. If somebody actually bothers to go through it, you will find the names of people who've been consulted and you'd be amazed how many reports are produced in the world about India, and how the same set of people are consulted -- complete coincidence. They just happen to express their opinion again and again consistently to different people, he remarked. The EAM was replying to a question by Aarin Capital chairman and former Infosys Chief Finance Officer T V Mohandas Pai on Hungarian-American billionaire hedge fund manager and philanthropist George Soros during an interaction which was organised by the BJP Media Cell and Economic Cell. Pai alleged that Soros was spending money on the NGOs "to disparage many countries to bring forward his ideology". Jaishankar said, We have been pointing out that today, because it's not just a polemical point, because sometimes they actually do real harm to the country. The minister said that in many cases, the ratings on India are taken into account a lot though it is allegedly brought out by non-financial and non-economic players. This assessment about India, the sense of stability in India, all these are actually influenced, Jaishankar said. Stating that India has started challenging a lot of it, he opined that there is a need to do it in a more systematic manner. In fact there are some people and I would really say more power to their elbow who want to bring out ratings of other countries. It's a worthwhile exercise. It may seem a little bit flaky at the start but I think if we build it into a credible industry over a period of time, it will be good, Jaishankar opined. Muneer Khan, the brother of jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan, announced his entry into mainstream politics today. Muneer stated that he would contest the Lok Sabha polls from the Baramulla constituency in the Kashmir Valley, aiming to work for the welfare of the youth. The party Muneer joined today was launched by Sanjay Kumar and is named 'Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Peoples Front (JKNPF)'. Muneer Khan will be the candidate from the Baramulla constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to reporters after his foray into mainstream politics, Muneer emphasized, "Nayeem Khan is my brother, and that cannot be changed. However, in a democratic setup, we all possess individual mindsets and ideologies. I believe our focus should be on the new generation, creating a platform devoid of mainstream-separatism conflict but focusing on youth welfare." Expressing his vision, Muneer added, "I aim to initiate with a small party and demonstrate that with a new approach, we can bring positive change and facilitate opportunities for the youth. Sticking to separatism will only result in loss of lives. We aspire to script a new chapter for Kashmir's youth. The region faces significant challenges, with around 30-40 thousand people incarcerated, and not just my brother. Our focus will be on education and the economy." The Baramulla parliamentary constituency is now witnessing an intriguing electoral contest, with former separatist leader and People's Conference Chairman Sajad Lone also in the fray. The National Conference has nominated its Vice President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for this Lok Sabha seat, while jailed former legislator Engineer Rashid has declared his intentions to contest from Baramulla as well. Muneer Khan's entry has added an interesting dimension to the race for this seat. Nayeem Khan, formerly a prominent figure in the Hurriyat in the Kashmir Valley, was apprehended by the NIA in 2018 due to his involvement in agitation and secessionist activities. April 15 marks a year since civil war broke out in Sudan between the regular army, paramilitary forces (Rapid Support Forces) and militias, and the country now faces one of the worlds fastest unfolding humanitarian crises. International humanitarian aid organizations say their shipments have been blocked by all the opposing factions, hindering a comprehensive response to the rapidly escalating needs of the Sudanese people. Currently, an estimated 25 million people in Sudan urgently need assistance, and over half of them are children. The country faces one of the worlds largest food crises, affecting at least 18 million Sudanese with acute hunger. Starvation-related deaths happen every day, and a famine declaration seems imminent. The war has led to the worlds biggest internal displacement crisis, forcing 6.5 million people to seek safety in other parts of country and adding to the two million Sudanese refugees abroad. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, has been devastated. Approximately 65% lack access to healthcare. 18 million Sudanese face acute hunger and a famine declaration seems imminent Despite the severity of the crisis, the humanitarian response is dramatically underfunded. Currently, only 6% of the United Nations response plan has been funded. The assistance that does arrive in Sudan has been plagued by theft and obstacles imposed by warring factions who offer no security for humanitarian aid workers. Looting, bureaucratic hurdles and the outright weaponization of aid are rampant. These challenges mainly impact areas of heavy fighting like Khartoum, Darfur, Kordofan and Gezira. To raise awareness, Paris will host an international humanitarian conference on Sudan and neighboring countries that begins on April 15. Initially, the main humanitarian agencies in Sudan faced disruptions due to fighting in Khartoum, the nations capital. The city was also looted by paramilitaries, leading to a temporary suspension of operations, evacuation of some workers, and a reassessment of the situation. To resume operations, many agencies relocated their operational bases to Port Sudan, a city on the Red Sea under army control that now serves as Sudans temporary administrative capital. Despite this move, they continue to face widespread insecurity, especially in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Military authorities have also made things difficult for aid agencies by restricting entry at border crossings, lengthy authorizations for distributing aid, and slow visa approvals. Humanitarian operations have faced increased restrictions by the military government since last year. This change followed a significant military defeat in December 2023 when the army was defeated by paramilitaries in Gezira. In another blow to the government, paramilitary leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo traveled to several African capitals to secure regional support and political legitimacy. After that defeat, efforts to send aid from army-controlled areas like Port Sudan to places it doesnt control (Darfur, Khartoum, Kordofan and Gezira) have ground to a halt. In late February, the Sudanese government blocked a vital humanitarian corridor between Chad and West Darfur, citing weapon shipments to the RSF across the porous border. This isnt about helping areas controlled by the RSF its about helping people there who are most risk of famine, said Mathilde Vu, the Norwegian Refugee Councils Sudan advocacy adviser. Theyre the ones whove suffered the most from atrocities and have been the most cut off from humanitarian aid since the war began. Sudanese refugees line up for humanitarian aid at a United Nations post near the Joda border crossing in South Sudan. picture alliance (dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images) The United States and the European Union criticized the armys ban on cross-border humanitarian aid and other obstacles to aid delivery in RSF-controlled areas. Likewise, they denounced the paramilitaries for looting homes, markets and warehouses. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk also warned that the apparently deliberate denial of safe and unhindered access to humanitarian agencies inside Sudan violates international law and may amount to a war crime. The Sudanese government is deliberately restricting access to areas controlled by the RSF, said Helena Cardellach of Doctors Without Borders (MSF). When they wont let you go to Khartoum, Gezira or any places controlled by the RSF, what theyre basically doing is making sure the aid remains in their areas. And that goes against international law. Travel restrictions ease slightly Responding to pressure, the Sudanese government agreed in early March, to allow cross-border aid from Chad to El Fasher (North Darfurs capital), and from South Sudan to Kosti. They also planned to open a land route to send aid from Port Sudan to El Fasher and approved the use of airports in El Fasher and two other state capitals. However, the access points are all in army-controlled territories, and the distance from Port Sudan to El Fasher is about 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers). According to Edem Wosornu, director of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the procedures for accessing the new routes remain undefined as of late March. Now we have much less access than six months ago, both from Port Sudan and from Chad, said Vu. Most of the people facing famine risk are in Darfur, and of course, in Khartoum and to some extent in Kordofan. These areas remain quite isolated in many ways. These supply distribution obstacles could accelerate the crisis. Cardellach says MSF is using existing stocks in isolated areas like Khartoum and Gezira to support health centers, but they anticipate running out eventually. Now we have much less access than six months ago, both from Port Sudan and from Chad Mathilde Vu, Norwegian Refugee Council In late March, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) sent the first food shipment in months from Chad to Western and Central Darfur. They were unsure when the next shipment would be possible. Shortly after, the agency delivered more supplies to North Darfur from Chad and Port Sudan, marking the first aid shipment across battlelines in six months. Emergency aid coordination has also faced challenges due to widespread internet and phone blackouts in many parts of Sudan since early February. These blackouts are believed to be a paramilitary response to previous blackouts ordered by the army in Darfur. The service interruptions have particularly affected local initiatives involved in aid distribution and essential services in isolated areas. Emergency response units, local volunteer groups, and former rebel organizations now dedicated to aid distribution are spearheading crucial efforts. Wosornu mentions that these groups can work in areas inaccessible to humanitarian agencies, which have struggled to deliver aid to parts of Khartoum beyond the armys reach since October. A spokesperson from one of these local organizations says that internet blackouts have enormously affected their communal kitchens because thousands of families depend on app-based funds transfers from the Sudanese diaspora abroad. Over 100 communal kitchens had to cease operations due to the blackouts. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New Delhi: As voting for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is getting nearer, both the leading political parties - Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - have introduced their manifestos outlining their visions and commitments for the next five years. While Congress has termed its manifesto 'Nyay Patra', the BJP titles it 'Sankalp Patra' riding in the 'Modi Ki Guaranteee' slogan. Both the BJP and the Congress have delineated their primary commitments and priorities for Women and Farmer - two sections that constitute more than half of India's population. Now let's analyse and compare the pledges outlined by each party in their respective manifestos. Promises For Farmers We always heard the term 'India is an agrarian nation' and still most of the population emerged from the agriculture sector and plays a crucial role in vote banking. Similar to previous manifestos, both political parties have made commitments to farmers, a crucial vote bank. Congress- The party pledges to give a legal guarantee to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) announced annually by the government. They also promise to appoint a Permanent Commission on Agricultural Finance to regularly assess agriculture credit and recommend measures for loan relief when needed. On the other hand, the BJP promised to continue to increase MSP from time to time and pledged to strengthen the PM Fasal Bima Yojana by integrating advanced technologies, ensuring swift and precise assessment, expedited payouts, and prompt resolution of grievances Promises For Women Women play a key role in shaping the vote bank of any political party. The Grand Old Party, Congress promised to launch a Mahalakshmi scheme which provides one lakh per year to every poor Indian family, The manifesto also said that the party has decided to reserve one-half (50 per cent) of central government jobs for women starting in 2025 if they come in power. Congress also promised to double the number of working women hostels in the country. While, BJP 'Sankalp Patra' aims to expand the current healthcare services with a focus on preventing and reducing anaemia, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis, thereby ensuring women lead healthier lives. Manifesto also mentioned launching a targeted campaign to eradicate cervical cancer. The party also promised to implement the Women's Reservation Bill, guaranteeing representation for women in both the Parliament and State Legislatures. New Delhi: Following recent outbreaks of violence in Manipur, additional civil society organisations and groups representing the Kuki-zomi community have declared to boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, citing a "no justice, no vote" stance. The decision comes in the wake of two fatalities resulting from a gunfight between opposing armed factions in Imphal East district on Saturday, coupled with three individuals sustaining injuries during a similar clash involving armed village volunteers and unidentified assailants in Tengnoupal district on Friday. The Kuki community had previously announced their refusal to field any candidates for parliamentary polls as part of their boycott strategy. Joining the protest, the Global Kuki-Zomi-Hmar Women community, encompassing Kuki-Zo women, journalists, social workers, former Outer Manipur MP Kim Gangte, and leaders of Kuki-Zomi-Hmar women's forums in Delhi, had formally communicated their decision to not participate to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. Following them in solidarity, two more entities, the Kuki National Assembly and Kuki Inpi, have now voiced their dissent against participating in the polls. Mangboi Haokip, spokesperson for the Kuki National Assembly, said that the failure of Indian forces to protect civilians from terrorist threats, has lead them loss faith in the country's democratic principles, reported PTI citing an official statement. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), formed in Churachandpur after ethnic clashes erupted in May last year, also raised concerns over the impartiality of central security forces deployed to maintain peace, particularly in light of recent events. Ethnic tensions have plagued Manipur since May 3 last year, resulting in over 200 casualties. While the Meitei community is concentrated in Imphal city, the Kukis have relocated to the hills. The state will go to polls for its two Lok Sabha seats in two phases, with Inner Manipur and certain segments of Outer Manipur voting on April 19, and the remaining Outer Manipur segments on April 26. In 2019 the state saw 82% voters turnout. Sajad Lone, the president of the J&K Peoples Conference today claimed that Omar Abdullah is not ideologically opposed to the BJP and his differences seem personal rather than political. Addressing questions from the media regarding Omar Abdullah's remarks expressing his willingness to work with Vajpayee even today if he were alive, Lone remarked that there is no difference between Vajpayee and Narendra Modi. "BJP is an ideological party. Omar Abdullah doesn't have any ideological dispute with the BJP or Hindutva, but rather his issues seem to be more personal. It appears that Modi doesn't give him attention, while Vajpayee likely did. Therefore, in the future, if anyone from the BJP ideology extends attention to him, Omar Abdullah would have no hesitation in aligning with them," he added. Lone further stated that those who ruled J&K for over thirty years should be held accountable for their historical blunders. "I harbour no personal grudges. They have ruled for the maximum time in the last 70 years. The current situation is a result of their misgovernance, and they must answer for it," he added. Lone said, "The era of emotional politics has passed; we should rather take up issues concerning the common man in the upcoming elections," stating that the Peoples Conference is committed to fostering development and restoring the dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which remains crucial for our prosperity and growth. Sajad Gani Lone, the separatist turned mainstream politician, is contesting the forthcoming parliamentary elections from the Baramullah seat. He will face a tough fight with NCs Vice President Omar Abdullah. New Delhi: With the first phase of the Lok Sabha election just around the corner, Rahul Gandhi, the Congress candidate from Kerala's Wayanad, kicked off the election campaign with a roadshow in his constituency. Rahul is pitted against Kerala BJP President K Surendran and CPI's Annie Raja. While addressing the public gathering, Rahul said, Today, the main fight is between the ideologies of the RSS and Congress. Rahul plans to conduct roadshows in Pulpally, Mananthavady, Vellamunda, and Padinjarathara. Coincidentally, PM Modi is also in the state campaigning for the BJP. Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) searched the helicopter scheduled to transport Rahul Gandhi. The inspection occurred in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri district as he was preparing to depart for Kerala. Later in the day, Rahul will convene with farmers and party workers in the region. VIDEO | Visuals of Election Commission officials carrying out searches in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's chopper after he reaches Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. (Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/N86WzFbjcp Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 15, 2024 At the roadshow, the Congress MP said, I want to explain how I see this fight. Members of the BJP and the Prime Minister advocate for the idea of one nation, one people, one language, and one leader. This is a fundamental misunderstanding for our country." Taking a swipe at the BJP, Gandhi claimed that language is not imposed by authority figures but rather emerges from within the individual, from their heart. He further said, To suggest to a person from Kerala that their language is inferior to Hindi is an insult to the people of Kerala... This idea that India should have only one leader is an insult to every single young Indian," Gandhi added. VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Congress candidate from Kerala's Wayanad Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) holds a roadshow in his constituency. He is fighting against Kerala BJP President K Surendran and CPI's Annie Raja.#LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024 (Full video pic.twitter.com/I3S8urMca5 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 15, 2024 Earlier, Annie Raja launched a scathing attack against Rahul Gandhi regarding his candidature from Wayanad. She expressed that the public is disappointed with their representative, despite electing him with a significant majority. Raja said, Sometimes they show anger because they are very disappointed with the performance of their representative. So it is for the people to judge. Raja highlighted that there were ample opportunities for the left to address various issues, such as human-animal conflict and railway infrastructure, which are better suited for discussion in Parliament than the Kerala Assembly. She concluded by suggesting that Gandhi has failed to meet the expectations of the people in this regard. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday while addressing a poll rally in Palakkad, Kerala launched a scathing attack on the Congress party. He accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of abandoning his family seat in Uttar Pradesh and shifting base to Kerala. The PM alleged that the Congress party has entered into a clandestine agreement with the political wing of an organization banned in the country for its anti-national activities. Terming Gandhi as 'Congress' crown prince', PM further criticized him for seeking votes from the people of Kerala without addressing their issues. He warned the people to beware of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). He pointed out the hypocrisy of the Congress party, which labels the Left as terrorists in Kerala but collaborates with them in Delhi. #WATCH | Kerala: During a public rally in Palakkad, PM Modi says "A big leader of Congress has found it difficult to save the respect of his family seat in Uttar Pradesh and has made his new base in Kerala. To win the elections, Congress has entered into a backdoor agreement with pic.twitter.com/MiovDFOKy9 ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2024 PM Modi expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of Kerala under the LDF-UDF rule. He accused the state government of obstructing the development initiatives of the NDA government, including the projects of National Highways. He criticized the Left parties for their lack of direction, stating, Whether they are in Tripura, West Bengal, or Kerala, the Left parties have only one character- Nothing Left and Nothing Right. On the occasion of New Year Vishu, the BJP released its manifesto- Sankalp Patra. The PM assured that the Sankalp Patra is a commitment to the development of the country and comes with Modis guarantee. He highlighted that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, more than 73 lakh beneficiaries of Kerala have received financial help. He announced that all senior citizens above the age of 70 years would be given free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The PM also shared the BJPs vision of Vikas and Viraasat for the next five years. He expressed his admiration for the natural beauty of Palakkad, also known as the gateway of Kerala. He promised to work towards making Kerala a global heritage and connecting it with a network of Highways, Expressways, and high-speed Vande Bharat trains. PM spoke about the ongoing work of the Bullet Train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai in Western India. He announced that a survey for the Bullet Train would be initiated in three regions of North, South, and East India. New Delhi: In 2012, Komal Ganatra's remarkable journey unfolded as she not only triumphed in the UPSC Civil Services examination but also clinched an impressive 591st rank among a vast pool of candidates. Yet, her narrative transcends the conventional tales of UPSC success, delving into the depths of her resilience amid adversity. Married at the age of 26 to a New Zealand businessman in 2008, Komal found herself grappling with the specter of eviction from her in-laws' abode due to her inability to meet dowry demands. Left abandoned mere weeks after her nuptials, she embarked on a futile quest for justice, ultimately retreating to her parental home in Savarkundala, Gujarat. There, amidst a backdrop of harsh criticism and relentless taunts from acquaintances and neighbors, she confronted her trials. Undeterred by the tumultuous circumstances, Komal, armed with a diploma in engineering, resolved to forge a new path for herself. Relocating to a remote village situated some 40 kilometers from her hometown, she embraced the role of a primary school educator, navigating the challenges of subsistence on a modest monthly stipend of Rs 5000. It was amidst the humble environs of this rural setting that she embarked on her odyssey of UPSC preparation. Fuelled by her personal tribulations and an unwavering determination to effect change from within, Komal embarked on her journey towards civil services. Supplementing her academic repertoire with an engineering degree from Rajkot Government Polytechnic, a BA degree from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, and a Primary Teachers Training Certificate from a local institution, she meticulously laid the groundwork for her ambitions. However, the path to UPSC success in the hinterlands posed its own array of hurdles, ranging from erratic power supply to a dearth of guidance resources. Struggling to access vital tools such as English newspapers, indispensable for staying abreast of current affairs, Komal confronted the formidable specter of isolation and information asymmetry. Yet, amidst these formidable challenges, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), a bastion of learning for IAS aspirants under the aegis of the Gujarat government. Availing herself of this invaluable resource, Komal found solace in structured preparation and guidance, bolstering her resolve as she braved the rigors of the UPSC examination. New Delhi: The investigation into the firing incident outside the residence of Bollywood icon Salman Khan has been escalated as the case now falls under the jurisdiction of the Crime Branch. This development comes after the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the act through a social media post. With three individuals already detained in connection with the incident, attention is now drawn to Anmol Bishnoi, whose name resurfaces following his alleged involvement in the Siddhu Moosewala case. Anmol Bishnoi has now stepped forward to acknowledge his role in the shooting outside Khan's house. Who Is Anmol Bishnoi? Anmol Bishnoi, also known as Bhanu is the brother of infamous gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol is also accused in Sidhu Moose Walas murder case. Last year, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed a charge sheet against him, but during this time, he had fled the country by obtaining a fake passport. He usually keeps changing his location. Last year, he was spotted in Kenya. In a bold move, Anmol issued a warning to Salman Khan, In which he wrote that he wants peace against violence. If the decision is made through war, then let it be war. Salman Khan, we have shown you this trailer so that you understand our strength and do not test it. This is the first and final warning. He also added that after this, bullets will not be fired at an empty house. Gangster Anmol further said that Dawood Ibrahim And Chhota Shakeel whom you consider your god, we have two dogs named after them. He attributed the message in the social media post to Lawrence Bishnoi Group, Goldie Brar, Rohit Godra, and Kala Jathedi. Background Of Threats The ongoing feud between the Bishnoi gang, under the leadership of Lawrence Bishnoi, and Bollywood star Salman Khan dates back to the 1998 Blackbuck poaching incident. With Khan's name persistently appearing on the gang's target list, security measures have been intensified outside the actors residence. To counter potential threats, Khan has been provided with personal weapons, and surveillance around him has been increased. New Delhi: In a move that breaks norms, a Chinese company has introduced 'unhappy leaves,' allowing employees who are feeling discontent to take time off. Pang Dong Lai's founder and chairman, Yu Donglai, declared that employees can ask for an extra 10 days off because everyone has times when theyre not happy, so if youre not happy, do not come to work. The founder emphasized that employees will have the freedom to decide when they need to take time off, stating that "this leave cannot be denied by management. Denial is a violation." (Also Read: Gold Price Rises Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions) According to the company's employment policy, employees will only need to work for seven hours each day, have weekends off, and are entitled to 30 to 40 days of vacation time annually, along with five days off during the Lunar New Year. He explained, "We do not want to be big. We want our employees to have a healthy and relaxed life, so that the company will too." (Also Read: Edtech Firm upGrad Created 55,000 Jobs In FY24) Earlier this year, Pang Dong Lai implemented a system for certifying job levels. Yu mentioned, "Even a janitor can make up to 500,000 yuan (US$70,000) per year if they attain a certain level of professional skills." Donglai emphasized that management is not allowed to refuse any employee's request for leaves. This leave cannot be denied by management. Denial is a violation," he stated. The retail company's choice to provide extra leave for employees who choose not to come to work contrasts with how other companies typically handle similar situations. New Delhi: The actor is geared up to play ACP Avinash once again in the second edition of Silence. He confesses his process has undergone a shift. Once upon a time I focussed on what my character was, what they did. Now I try to understand the person. He reveals that The Family Mans Srikant Tiwari is his favourite, Playing Srikant is very therapeutic for me. But there is another role he seeks to play is that of a paparazzi. I want to play a photojournalist. Am just fascinated and impressed by their conviction. Imagine this one person who is laboriously waiting to get that one image. After he gets it, he is sent on another assignment because some celebrity is arriving, and there is no one else. He further reveals that in Hollywood paparazzi were assigned to chase stars and it even had serious and some catastrophic consequences. But in our country, we have to call the paps to go click a star, and it's them to who bears the brunt of being in your face, when it is you who has called them. Many of the famous photographers were young when I started, and they are so respectful to me. I love these guys, and no I dont call them, because they have figured out star departure and arrival schedules at airports, says Manoj Bajpayee. The actor who had earlier called out Bollywoods obsession with numbers, says the current success of films like 12th Fail, and Lapaata Ladies has proved the audience wants stories to connect with. People want to hope when they go to the theatre, they want to see their stories of the common person winning. They need to identify with the person on screen and this is the content which will get people to theatres. He has a point, as action films with the larger than life hero, saving the world have failed to send cash registers ringing, it's proven that content indeed is king, not the star. New Delhi: Actress Zareen Khan, known for her elegance and style, recently walked the ramp at Pune Fashion Week. The actress turned into designer Archana Kochhar's muse for her collection ..... Zareen was seen walking the ramp in a (dress description). (look description). The collection featured a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics in pastel hues, reflecting Kochhar's signature style that seamlessly merges heritage with modernity. Speaking about her ramp experience, Zareen said, Walking the ramp is always a little nerve-wrecking. I still get jitters before going on the floor. But I am feeling so confident in this outfit by Archana, which is not only stunning but also enhances my whole look. I feel like a princess. I am a fan of Archana's work, and her intricate designing on this outfit is truly representative of her talent of focusing on the details. It's an absolute privilege to grace the runway as the showstopper for such a breathtaking collection from which I truly want to own so many pieces! This collaboration between Zareen Khan and Archana Kochhar at Pune Fashion Week celebrated creativity, innovation, and Indian couture, captivating fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. On the work front, Zareen has a couple of projects in her kitty, which she will announce soon. At dawn on Good Friday, a luminous trail crossed the sky of the Spanish Mediterranean coast until it disappeared behind the marine horizon. After the initial stupor, the military commanders in charge of supervising the area reported that it was a grazing meteoroid and not a ballistic missile or a Starlink satellite, as was initially thought. The scare brought to the fore the importance of controlling the space debris orbiting Earth. According to the latest data from the European Space Agency (ESA), some 11,500 tons of objects launched into space are moving at high speed above our heads. The trail pollution is made up of one million pieces of waste, measuring between one and 10 centimeters, and 36,500 larger objects. But thats only the space debris thats registered, because not all space trash is cataloged and tracked by the databases that were created after the start of the space race (the ESA monitors about 35,150). Space debris can be as large as a car or as small as a paint chip. The real danger is the speed at which they move, more than 28,000 kilometers per hour [17,400 miles per hour], which turns them into real projectiles, says Efren Diaz, head of technology and space law at the Mas y Calvet Law Firm and general secretary of the Spanish Association of Aeronautical and Space Law (AEDAE). At this speed, the impact of a sphere measuring just over a centimeter could cause the same damage as a car traveling at 50 km/h. Today, the greatest threat is from satellites and stations located in Low Earth orbit (LEO), with an altitude of 1,200 miles or less. Its a place thats become increasingly crowded as the internet has been brought to all corners of the globe, among other services. More than 2,000 satellites were launched in 2023 alone, most of them from Elon Musks Starlink company. With more devices in orbit, space highways become more dangerous. So much so, says Victor Barrio, senior associate at Hogan Lovells and vice president of AEDAE, that both satellites and the International Space Station [ISS] frequently maneuver to avoid collisions, thanks to the alerts received from the SST [Space Surveillance and Tracking] services. The experts who spoke to EL PAIS are not alarmist, but they warn that falling space debris is continually bombarding the planet. Although our atmosphere manages to eliminate most of it, there are objects that manage to pass through it and impact the surface, explains Barrio. For example, NASA is investigating a complaint made by a Florida citizen, who claimed that the remains of batteries from the ISS crashed into the roof of his house on March 8. The 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects establishes that the state that launches the object or the state that has essentially participated in its manufacture, is liable, says Barrio. This rule is stricter, explains the lawyer, when the damage occurs on Earth because no fault is not required. In cases like the one in Florida, he explains, the citizen cannot file a case on their own. Rather, it is the states that make claims through diplomatic channels. The procedure is clear, he says. In practice, adds Efren Diaz, it can be a complex task. Multiple factors can hinder a claim over falling space debris. The main issue, he says, is finding evidence: an investigation cannot be carried out in space. There are few witnesses, jokes the expert. Whats more, deciding who is to blame is difficult, especially if the object is not registered. Once these issues are resolved, there is then the question of jurisdiction and what laws are applicable, for example, if it was an international launch. Finally, there is no hope of receiving damages if the person responsible is not willing to offer compensation, says Diaz. Air traffic chaos Another paradigmatic incident took place in 2022, when Spain was forced to close its airspace due to the uncontrolled reentry of remains of a Chinese rocket booster. This situation caused flight delays that, according to European legislation, airlines do not have to cover because as it was an extraordinary event. Although it is debatable whether Spain can demand compensation via the 1972 convention, as there was no physical damage, Barrio is in favor of a broader interpretation of the text to include these extraordinary and increasingly common situations. Regulatory efforts are currently focused on achieving a safer and more sustainable space environment. Juan Carlos Cortes, director of programs and industry at the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), says that it is possible to require companies and government entities to contribute to reducing space debris. Barrio also gives an example of the agencys Zero Debris plan for 2030. The ESA, he advances, is designing specific guidelines to establish safety, responsibility and coordination standards in the launch and maintenance of satellites by private entities. There are companies that develop technologies to manage the useful life of satellites and eliminate space debris. Some recommend that obsolete satellites be removed within a maximum five years. These efforts will allow space exploration to continue and allow future generations to contemplate a clear sky of stars. A trash fee The idea of charging a trash fee to the countries or companies responsible for space debris to finance the cleanup of the space has been raised on several occasions, according to Efren Diaz. The lawyer believes that it is difficult for such a system to be implemented in the short term, because it would require an international agreement, and the world is divided geopolitically into polarized sides. It is an attractive idea that faces significant challenges such as identifying those responsible given that space activities are carried out by a variety of actors, says Daaz. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New Delhi: Google has rolled out the Android 15 Beta 1 update for several Google Pixel devices. These devices include Pixel 5a, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a, Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, along with a Pixel tablet and Fold. Notably, this update has come with improved communication features, better support for large screens, and much more. Let's have a quick look at the features of Android 15 beta 1: The latest Android 15 beta 1 update likely enhances NFC functionality, streamlining tap-to-pay transactions, and enabling seamless integration with multiple NFC-aware applications. It also introduces automatic screen adjustment for apps to better adapt to larger displays without necessitating any special developer intervention. Additionally, there's improved support for Braille displays through the utilization of the HID standard over USB and Bluetooth connections. Users can now efficiently manage their device storage by selectively removing infrequently used applications to free up space. Moreover, the inclusion of inter-character justification for text enhances readability across various languages. Furthermore, developers also benefit from the introduction of the ProfilingManager class, which simplifies the collection of performance data within their applications. It improves security by restricting malicious background applications. The update brings the E2eeContactKeysManager, designed to facilitate end-to-end encryption in applications, thus enhancing user privacy and data security. Here's How To Install Android 15 beta 1 Update: Check Eligibility: Ensure your Pixel phone meets the criteria for the Android 15 beta program. Only specific Pixel models may be eligible. Navigate to Settings: Open the "Settings" app on your Pixel phone, typically found in your app drawer or by tapping the gear icon in the notification shade. Access System Update: Scroll down in the "Settings" menu and select "System." Register for Beta Program: Under "System," tap "System Update," then find "Register for beta program" or similar. Enroll Your Device: Follow on-screen instructions, sign in with your Google account, and agree to terms. Check for Updates: Return to "System Update" to automatically check for updates after enrolling. Receive Notification: Your phone will notify you when the Android 15 beta update is available. Download and Install: Tap the notification or go to "System Update" to download and install the update. Wait for Installation: The installation may take time, so ensure your device is charged or connected to power. Reboot Your Device: Follow on-screen instructions to restart your device after installation. Enjoy Android 15: Explore new features and improvements after rebooting with the Android 15 beta 1 version. New Delhi: Hamas has presented a ceasefire and hostage release proposal amid the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, according to a report by Hebrew daily, Haaretz, cited by The Times of Israel. Rejecting an Israeli ceasefire offer, Hamas has set forth conditions, including a six-week ceasefire period, before releasing 129 hostages held since October 7. The proposal, allegedly submitted after Hamas rejected a US-mediated deal, requires the Israel Defense Force (IDF) to halt all fighting in Gaza and withdraw from urban areas for six weeks. This period aims to allow displaced Palestinians to return north while Hamas locates and assesses the condition of the hostages. Under the terms, Hamas demands the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli civilian, a steep increase from the 3:1 ratio of the weeklong November truce. It also demanded 50 prisoners be released, including 30 serving life sentences, for every captive soldier. Israel has dismissed similar demands as "delusional" in the past. Hamas, however, maintains its stance, rejecting Israel's proposal and reaffirming its original demands for a permanent ceasefire, IDF withdrawal from Gaza, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction efforts. JERUSALEM: Israel's military chief said Monday that Israel will respond to Iran's missile strike over the weekend. Lt Gen Herzi Halevi that Israel is still considering its steps. But he said the Iranian strike of missiles and attack drones will be met with a response. Halevi spoke during a visit to the Nevatim air base, which Israel says suffered light damage in the Iranian attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been huddling with top officials to discuss a possible response. World leaders have been urging Israel not to retaliate after Iran launched an attack involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The Iranian attack on Saturday marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The attack happened less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building. The United States aids Israel in intercepting 'nearly all' drones launched by Iran, as Biden vows continued support. Over the weekend, American troops, with the assistance of U.S. European Command destroyers, neutralised over 80 single-use attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles targeting Israel from Iran and Yemen. A spokesperson from the Israeli military reported that the total number of launches exceeded 300, yet nearly all of them, approximately 99%, were successfully intercepted. As per report from AP, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that Iran deployed 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Despite this, only a few ballistic missiles managed to reach Israeli soil, resulting in minor damage to an air base. Israel's President Isaac Herzog stated on CNN Sunday afternoon that the events of the past day had demonstrated the "ironclad" alliance between the United States and Israel. However, during a call with its Israeli counterpart, US President Joe Bide warned that the US will refrain from joining Iran counter-offensive. " U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) remains postured to support Israels defense against these dangerous actions by Iran. We will continue to work with all our regional partners to increase regional security," reported news agency Reuters citing the announcement of the CENTCOM. Late Saturday, Iran initiated a retaliatory assault on Israeli soil using drones and missiles, following a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of senior Revolutionary Guards commanders. The barrage launched from within Iran, resulted in minor damage, as the majority were intercepted by support from the United States, Britain, France, and Jordan. On April 8, 2024, Ambassador Wang Qing accompaniedH.E. Dr. Alhaji Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh,Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, to attend the cornerstone laying ceremony of 30 MTPA processing plant and heavy fuel oil power plantof Leone Rock Metal Group in Tonkolili. He also inspected workplace safety of related Chinese enterprises. Ambassador Wang Qing congratulated on the rapid development of the project, which played an important role in promoting local mining development, economic growth, livelihood improvement and China-Sierra Leone economic cooperation. He said,the Chinese side will vigorously implement the important consensus of the two heads of states, further strengthen practical cooperation in mining and other fields, encourage more high-quality Chinese investment to Sierra Leone, and promote more tangible achievements. H.E. Vice President Jalloh spoke highly of Leone Rock Metal Groups contribution to promoting Sierra Leone's mining industry and economic and social developmentand social responsibility. He expressed expectation of deepening cooperation in mining and other fields with the Chinese side, and more benefit of the two peoples. Ambassador Wang Qing and Counsellor Du Zijun also inspected workplace safety of the project, and held discussion on workplace safety and operation in accordance with law and rules with related Chinese enterprises. Djingarey Maiga, in her office in Bamako, the capital of Mali Fatouma Harber Djingarey Ibrahim Maiga was born in Gao, a city in northern Mali, in 1976. Today, shes one of the most-recognized feminists in her country, having dedicated more than 20 years to defending the rights of Malians through her organization Women and Human Rights which she co-founded back in 2000. The situation of women must change, so that they can enjoy all their rights as citizens, she emphasizes, in her office at the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family, in Bamako, the capital of Mali. She acts as an advisor to the ministry, while also serving as the general director of her NGO. Mali is a landlocked West African country, known for its cultural richness and ethnic diversity. It also struggles with socioeconomic and gender inequalities. Despite progress over the last two decades, Malians have limited access to education barely 25% of girls finish secondary school, compared to 31% of boys healthcare and formal employment. This is confirmed by World Bank data, which reveal high maternal mortality (440 women die from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth for every 100,000 live births), as well as a skyrocketing rate of teenage pregnancies (150 out of every 1,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19-years-old gave birth in the country in 2021), well above the average for low-income nations. Rural women, in particular, are often marginalized and have less access to resources and opportunities when compared to women living in urban areas. The participation of the female population in the labor force is 54% compared to 80% for men. However, these figures are reversed if we look at informal and vulnerable employment, which is carried out by almost 88% of working women, while its 76% among men. Maiga remembers that, at a very early age, she understood the need to organize. After getting married, she became a community mediator and began working for a local NGO that operated in the south of the country, promoting sexual and reproductive health for women and girls living in farming areas. In Mali, no woman can say that she hasnt witnessed discrimination, exclusion, or violence. I saw these situations firsthand and I wondered what the status of women was in my country, in our society. As a community mediator, she was deeply impacted by the conditions in which those rural women lived. This led her to associate with four other community mediators who were as concerned as she was by the situation faced by their fellow Malians, who lived suffocated by traditions that were much harsher for them than for men. Thus was born her own association, which focuses on the pursuit of human rights within African and Malian traditions. For this reason, shes learning NKo an alphabet that was created by the Guinean writer Solomana Kante in 1949, as a transcription system for the Mandinka languages of West Africa. Her objective is to analyze the Manden Charter, proclaimed in Kurukan Fuga in the 13th century by the Mali Empire. This is considered to be one of the oldest constitutions in the world, although it only exists in oral form and is transmitted from generation to generation. In its preamble and seven chapters, the charter emphasizes social peace in diversity, the inviolability of the human being, the education of people, the integrity of the homeland, food security, the abolition of slavery by race and the freedom of expression and commerce. In addition to looking at traditions, Maiga researches womens rights in the Muslim faith, which is the principal religion in Mali. Through Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML) a transnational solidarity network she has carried out studies on Muslim jurisprudence and hadiths (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, which serve as guidance for daily life and are transmitted orally). This has led to a better understanding of the rights of women in Islam and has helped communities distinguish between the traditions, interpretations and realities of their religion. In the field of politics, Maiga is a fervent defender of the adoption of laws that protect and promote gender equality. For this reason, she participated in advocacy actions that led to the approval of Law 052 in 2018, which introduced a 30% quota of women in nominated and elected positions in Mali. She also continues to campaign against gender-based violence including domestic violence, female genital mutilation, early marriage and child marriage while working to ensure that women have access to justice. At first, Women and Human Rights functioned thanks to the volunteer work of its founders. However, thanks to their efforts, it has become a recognized feminist organization. This has allowed the NGO to access subsidies and training programs for the activists who participate in the outreach teams, which are dedicated to the promotion and protection of womens rights. As a technical advisor to the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family, Maiga now divides her efforts between her NGO and the various campaigns she directs to promote the emancipation of Malian women. In her view, womens rights activists need to get closer to the authorities if they want to be more successful in their grassroots lobbying and advocacy activities, as well as in formulating proposals for the promotion and protection of human rights. Political transitions are challenging. Our role is to work alongside [legislators], providing advice to promote the rights of Malian women, the activist affirms. Today, were a feminist organization. We want to bring together all the associations that declare themselves to be in favor of the protection of womens rights and gender equality. For me, this is an opportunity for all of us to speak with one voice and succeed in the fight for womens rights, she concludes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Are we overstating the potential of artificial intelligence (AI)? How intelligent is it? Will it ever reach the level of human intelligence? These are some of the questions that Melanie Mitchell, 55, asks in her book Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans. Her answer is clear: we are very far from creating a superintelligence, no matter how much some companies may say otherwise. And one of the fundamental reasons why is because machines do not reason like we do. They can do almost any task better than anyone else, but they understand the world worse than a one-year-old baby. Mitchell provides a crucial context to gauge the phenomenon of AI, a technology that has dominated public discussion since tools like ChatGPT appeared two years ago. Politicians, business people and academics recently warned about the dangers of these systems, which have dazzled the world by generating elaborate texts and hyperrealistic images and videos. In her book, Mitchell Davis Professor of Complexity at the Santa Fe Institute and professor at Portland State University describes how the most advanced AI systems work and contrasts them with human reasoning. Her conclusion: key aspects such as intuition or environment awareness are, at the moment, beyond the reach of any machine. Mitchell talks to EL PAIS by video call from her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Question. What is AI capable of today? Answer. There was really a big jump in capabilities a couple of years ago with the advent of generative AI, which includes things like ChatGPT and Dall-E. But these systems, while they can do many things, do not have the same kind of understanding of the world as we do. They lack reliability, they have certain kinds of limitations that are often hard to predict. So I think that while these systems can be very useful, and I use them all the time, we have to be careful about how much we trust them, especially if theres no human in the loop. Q. Why? A. They can make harmful mistakes. A clear example is self-driving cars. One of the reasons they are not with us yet is that they make mistakes that a human rarely would, such as not identifying a pedestrian or an obstacle. Another example is automatic facial recognition systems. The machines are extremely good at recognizing faces in images, but they are worse at identifying people with darker skin or women. With ChatGPT, weve seen countless cases where its made up what it said. Professor Mitchell uses AI tools daily, but recognizes their limitations and always monitors her results. Kate Joyce Q. Does the boom in generative AI help or harm the development of the discipline? A. In a way, this hype raises peoples expectations, and that then causes disappointment. This is something thats happened throughout the history of artificial intelligence. In the 1950s and 1960s, people were claiming that wed have AI machines with human-level intelligence within a few years. That didnt happen. The so-called AI winter arrived: funding for research dried up and companies went out of business. We are now in a period of great expectation. Is this really going to be the time that the optimistic predictors are right? Or is there going to be another sort of big disappointment? And its hard to predict. Q. Just three years ago, the future was going to be the metaverse. Today, no one is talking about it anymore. Do you think something similar could happen with AI? A. It happens all the time with great technological innovations: there is a kind of big hype bubble, then expectations are not met and people are disappointed, and finally the technology comes out ahead. The development turns out to be useful, but not as brilliant as people expected. Thats likely whats going to happen with AI. Q. You argue that AI systems lack semantic understanding or common sense and therefore cannot be truly intelligent. Do you think that will change at some point? A. Its possible. There is no reason why we couldnt have such a machine. The question is, how do we get there? ChatGPT has been trained on all available digital books and texts, as well as all videos and images on the internet. But there are a lot of things about common sense and knowledge that arent encoded in language, that just come through experience. It may be that to get a machine to really have a human-like understanding, it will have to actually experience the world in the way we do. This is a subject of a big debate in the world of AI. I suspect the big leap will come when a machine is not just passively trained on language, but also actively experiences the world like a child does. Q. When they are in robot form. A. Yes. An AI inserted into a robot could have the same sort of education or development as a child. It is something that Alan Turing, one of the fathers of computing, speculated about in the 1950s. That idea makes more sense now. Q. In the book, you describe how AI works and how little this process has to do with our own way of reasoning. Does the process matter if it fulfills its function? A. It depends on what you want to use the system for. My cars GPS can find a route to and from where I want to go. It doesnt understand the concept of road or traffic, but it does a fantastic job. The question is, if we really want systems to interact more generally with our human world, to what extent will they need to understand it? There was a case where a self-driving car slammed on the brakes at a certain moment, and the driver didnt know why. It turned out that there was a billboard with an ad that had a stop sign on it. Can you avoid mistakes like that? Only when you understand the world like we do. Q. How far do you think AI can go? A. I dont think theres any reason why we cant have machines with human-level intelligence. But its going to be difficult to get there, I dont think were that close right now. Back in the 1970s, people thought that if a machine could play chess at a grand master level, that would require human-level intelligence. It turned out that it didnt. Then it was said that translating texts or maintaining conversations would require it. But it didnt either. The whole history of AI has showed that our intuitions about our own intelligence are often wrong, that its actually a lot more complex than we thought. And I think that will continue to be the case. Were going to learn a lot more about what it really means to be intelligent. Saying that AI systems could get out of control and destroy humanity is, at the very least, a highly improbable and speculative claim. Q. Then it will have been worth it. A. One of the goals of AI is to help shed insight into what we mean by intelligence. And, when we try to implement it in machines, we often realize that intelligence really included a lot of things that we never thought of. Q. Some AI pioneers, such as Geoffrey Hinton, believe that the technology may become difficult to control. What do you think? A. There are a lot of kinds of dangers with AI. It can be used to produce disinformation and deepfakes. There are algorithmic biases, like the one I mentioned in the case of facial recognition. Hinton and others go further and say these systems could actually get out of control and destroy humanity. This claim is, to say the least, is very unlikely and speculative. If we develop a superintelligent system, I dont believe that it wouldnt care about our values, like killing all humans is not right. Putting all the focus on this dramatic idea of existential threats to humanity only takes the focus away from things that are really important right now. Q. Do you think that, as a society, we are adequately addressing those threats we face today? A. Yes, although its hard for regulation and legislation to keep up with technology. The EU has taken a first step with the European AI Act. One of the things we are seeing in the U.S. are a lot of lawsuits for copyright infringement. All of these systems are trained on huge amounts of text and images. If they have not paid for its use, is this copyright infringement? The law is unclear because the technology didnt exist when it was enacted. Well see how this is resolved. Q. What is the most impressive AI application you have seen lately? A. What excites me most is the application of these systems to scientific problems. DeepMind, for instance, is working on using AI to predict the structure of proteins. It is also being used to develop new bioengineering and medicines. We are in a sort of new era of science, perhaps as important as the one we saw when computers were invented. Q. You say in your book that those who calibrate deep learning systems, the most advanced AI technique, seem more like alchemists than scientists, because they adjust parameters in the machines without knowing exactly what they are doing. A. Shortly after writing the book, people began to talk about prompt engineers [the instructions given to generative AI tools]. Their job is to try to make the system perform as well as possible. It turns out that there are people who are making a lot of money doing that work. But its pure alchemy, there is no science behind it. Its just about trying stuff. Some stuffs work and some doesnt, and we have no idea why. Q. It is ironic that the people who are trying to optimize one of the most sophisticated technologies in the history of humanity are doing so blindly. A. These systems are in some sense black boxes. Theyre enormously complex software systems that have not been programmed explicitly to do things, but rather have been trained, have learned from data, and nobody can figure out why they work the way they do. Neuroscientists also dont understand how the brain works, and they do experiments to try to make sense of it. Thats whats happening now with generative AI. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the former armorer at the movie Rust, looks on next to paralegal Carmella Sisneros, during her sentencing hearing at First District Court, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S., April 15, 2024. A movie weapons supervisor was sentenced to 18 months in prison in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western film Rust at a sentencing hearing Monday in a New Mexico state court. Movie armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted in March by a jury on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and has been held for more than a month at a county jail on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer for Rust, was pointing a gun at Hutchins when the revolver went off, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins. He is scheduled for trial in July at a courthouse in Santa Fe. The sentence against Gutierrez-Reed was delivered by New Mexico Judge Mary Marlowe Summer who is overseeing proceedings against Baldwin. Prosecutors blamed Gutierrez-Reed for unwittingly bringing live ammunition onto the set of Rust where it was expressly prohibited and for failing to follow basic gun safety protocols. After a two-week trial, the jury deliberated for about three hours in reaching its verdict. Gutierrez-Reed teared up Monday as Hutchins agent, Craig Mizrahi, spoke about the cinematographers creativity and described her as a rising star in Hollywood. He said it was a chain of events that led to Hutchins death and that had the armorer been doing her job, that chain would have been broken. Friends and family, including Souza, told the court they were seeking justice for what had happened to the cinematographer. They said she was a bright beam of light, describing her as courageous, tenacious and compassionate. Los Angeles-based attorney Gloria Allred read a statement by Hutchins mother, Olga Solovey, who said her life had been split in two and that time didnt heal, rather it only prolonged her pain and suffering. A video of a tearful Solovey, who lives in Ukraine, also was played for the court. Its the hardest thing to lose a child. Theres no words to describe, Solovey said in her native language. Defense attorneys for Gutierrez-Reed requested leniency in sentencing including a possible conditional discharge that would avoid further jail time and leave an adjudication of guilt off her record if certain conditions are met. Gutierrez-Reed was acquitted at trial of allegations she tampered with evidence in the Rust investigation. She also has pleaded not guilty to a separate felony charge that she allegedly carried a gun into a bar in Santa Fe where firearms are prohibited. Defense attorneys have highlighted Gutierrez-Reeds relatively young age and the devastating effect a felony will have on her life going forward. They say the 26-year-old will forever be affected negatively by intense publicity associated with her prosecution in parallel with an A-list actor, and has suffered from anxiety, fear and depression as a result. Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey urged the judge to impose the maximum prison sentence and designate Gutierrez-Reed as a serious violent offender to limit her eligibility for a sentence reduction later, describing the defendants behavior on the set of Rust as exceptionally reckless. Morrissey told the judge Monday that she reviewed nearly 200 phone calls that Gutierrez-Reed had made from jail over the last month. She said she was hoping there would be a moment when the defendant would take responsibility for what happened or express genuine remorse. That moment has never come, Morrissey said. Ms. Gutierrez continues to refuse to accept responsibility for her role in the death of Halyna Hutchins. Rust assistant director and safety coordinator Dave Halls last year pleaded no contest to negligent handling of a firearm and completed a sentence of six months unsupervised probation. Rust props master Sarah Zachry, who shared some responsibilities over firearms on the set of Rust, signed an agreement with prosecutors to avoid prosecution in return with her cooperation. Written testimonials in favor of leniency included letters from Gutierrez-Reeds childhood friend and romantic partner Sean Kridelbaugh, who said Gutierrez-Reed cries constantly out of remorse in the shooting and that further incarceration would interfere with efforts to care for a relative with cancer. Other friends and former colleagues urged the judge to emphasize rehabilitation over punishment in the sentencing. The pending firearms charge against Gutierrez-Reed stems from an incident at a bar in downtown Santa Fe, days before she was hired to work as the armorer on Rust. Prosecutors says investigations into the fatal shooting led to discovery of a selfie video in which Gutierrez-Reed filmed herself carrying a firearm into the bar, while defense attorneys allege vindictive prosecution. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Expectations were high. This Monday, the opening day of the first criminal trial against a former US president, it was anticipated that the streets around the courthouse would be filled with protestors for and against Donald Trump. But today there were more journalists than protesters around the Manhattan courthouse. As the former president sat at the defense table inside 100 Centre Street, in the park directly across the street, Collect Pond, reporters cameras and microphones outnumbered the banners. The media were looking for any Trump protesters who raised their voices, while security officers, part of an impressive deployment of police both in the courthouse and in the park and surrounding streets, were kicking out anyone they felt might cause trouble. Collect Pond Park was divided in two with police fences: on one side there were anti-Trump protesters, who could be counted on one hand, and on the other, about 50 supporters of the former president waving banners with slogans such as Trump 2024, Trump or Death and Law and Order. Of the latter, some even wore identifiers of white supremacist groups such as the Proud Boys and Patriot Front, groups that were present at the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Others wore hats or sweatshirts supporting the Republican: Women for Trump, Jews for Trump and Gays for Trump. One supporter was Paul Revere, whose clothing displayed the slogan Latinos for Trump. A Cuban American from New Jersey, he explained that he was at the court to let President Trump know he has support in New York. The [Joe] Biden administration is destroying the country, allowing anyone to cross the border without knowing who is who. They could be rapists or criminals. The criminals who are coming in are giving worthy migrants those who come to work and have a good life a bad name. We have to close the border, Revere said. He called Trumps trial for allegedly paying a porn actress to ensure her silence about an extramarital affair third world. Revere asserted that this [the trial] could have been done three years ago, but in this communist country, like in Cuba, they waited to do it days before the election. Donald Trumps supporters display banners of support in front of the Manhattan courthouse on Monday. Stefan Jeremiah (AP) In addition to the noise of the helicopter engines flying over the courthouse area, there was also the music from a van replete with pro-Trump banners that spent the entire morning circling the nearby streets. Every time it passed through the park it honked its horn, and the few Trump supporters present chanted, Trump did nothing wrong! In the morning, the only anti-Trump protester in the area of the park where Trump supporters were gathered was Marc Leavitt. Standing atop one of the park benches, the New York lawyer spent the morning playing patriotic songs on his clarinet. He carried a banner hanging on it, referring to Trump as a liar, a narcissist, and a coward. I came here to be seen, Leavitt said, referring to the pro-Trump protesters. No man or woman is above the law, least of all our former liar-in-chief. He deserves all the justice that comes to him. My hope is that, with the trial, more peoples eyes will be opened, that Trump supporters will realize that the rule of law is more important than any man, any liar, he added. After noon, there was a confrontation between protesters from both sides. A couple of female Trump detractors crossed into the Trump supporters area. The women were surrounded by Republican supporters and endured insults ranging from being called traitors to racist taunts. They were harassed until they were forced to leave the park. There were also clashes among Trump supporters themselves. One episode ended in a Trump supporter, clad in an American flag jumpsuit, being ejected from the park by police. Later, a Trump supporter hurled racist insults at African American supporters and was kicked out of the park by the former presidents own supporters, who accused him of being a Democratic plant. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition This is political persecution, this is a persecution like never before, nobody has ever seen anything like it and again its a case that should have never been brought. Thats why I am very proud to be here, this is an assault on our country and its a country thats failing. Those were the only words Donald Trump said on Monday upon his arrival at the Manhattan courthouse where he will stand trial the first of the four criminal cases he faces for allegedly paying a bribe to a porn actress; his statement added nothing new to his usual litany of grievances: he claims to be the victim of a political witch hunt. Apart from the fact that the Stormy Daniels case (the actresss stage name) presents some differences from the other three criminal proceedings, the event is in itself historic: it is the first time that a former US president who has already emerged unscathed from two impeachments has been tried criminally. At 9:30 a.m. local time, Trump arrived promptly on the 15th floor of 100 Centre Street. In the access corridor, he did not accept questions from the journalists assembled there, limiting himself to presenting his own argument: it was an irresistible opportunity to turn the trial into a political campaign event. Of the four criminal proceedings he is facing, this is the case Trump dislikes the most, as it mixes personal dirty laundry; the recording of the $130,000 payment as legal expenses to hide its dubious nature and, even worse, an alleged violation of campaign finance rules, as the alleged bribe to buy Daniels silence had the sole objective of preventing the affair from coming to light in the final stretch of the campaign that ultimately brought him to the White House in 2016. Presided over by Judge Juan Merchan, the trial has begun with jury selection. The questionnaire for the potential candidates a hundred on Monday, out of a total of 500 has been made public, and it is expected that in the process those who do not respond adequately will be automatically excluded, according to the scale of prosecutors and defense. The fact that all the candidates are residents of Manhattan, an eminently Democratic district, may be a factor that leads to numerous disqualifications by Trumps lawyers. As it was, there was little need for the former presidents legal team to rise from their seats: of the 96 prospective jurors who entered the courtroom after the lunch break, more than 50 raised their hands to say they could not be impartial in the trial and were immediately dismissed. Nine others gave undisclosed other reasons for excusing themselves from the jury. More than two dozen of the excluded candidates were white women. The defense can reject anyone for cause when potential jurors answers on the questionnaire suggest the applicant may not be impartial. Each side can also reject 10 for almost any reason through peremptory challenges. The process will end when the 12 regular jurors and up to six alternates are selected. This procedure will last between one and two weeks, depending on the number of objections to suitability to serve as a juror raised by either side. To the extent possible, Trump plans to attend not only the hearings, but also the jury selection process, defense attorney Todd Blanche has said. Mr. Trump wants to be present at everything, the counsel has stated. But the judge has warned him that if the former president interrupts the proceedings, he could be jailed, and the trial would continue in his absence. Although Trump is under a gag order that Merchan imposed in March and subsequently extended, on Monday one of the prosecutors indicated that they will ask that the former president be held in contempt for his attacks on witnesses. Stormy Daniels, the porn actress who allegedly received the bribe, and Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen the prosecutions key witnesses were lambasted Wednesday on Trumps social media page. On Saturday he went back on the attack against Cohen, who allegedly managed the payment of the bribe to Daniels and even fronted the money, before being reimbursed by his then boss, calling him a disgraced lawyer and criminal. Trump was also on the verge of crossing the red line of contempt with his attacks on Judge Merchans daughter. This is not the first time that Trump has come dangerously close to crossing the line of contempt. The judge in the civil fraud case for his business dealings, for which he has been ordered to pay $464 million, fined him on a couple of occasions for violating that trials gag order. But thus far Trump has avoided any sanctions for violating identical restrictions in the two criminal cases in which he is subject to them, the one in New York and the one in Washington, for election interference. Before jury selection began, Judge Merchan spent over an hour on preliminary, or procedural, matters in discussions with the prosecution team and defense counsel. One of the main issues concerned permission to show the transcript of the Access Hollywood tape an embarrassing audio recorded in 2005 in which Trump denigrated women at trial. Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg, who brought the case, had wanted the tape itself to be one of the main exhibits, but on Monday Judge Merchan ruled that only the transcript, not the recording, could be used. He has also refused to incorporate subsequent revealing and damning evidence of Trumps customary treatment of women. In theory, Merchans decision is a victory for the defense. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Of the 1.4 million adults who live in Manhattan, 12 are about to become the first Americans to try a former president of the United States. The criminal trial against Donald Trump over alleged hush money paid to a porn actress will fill the city with a mix of dystopian elements and others more fitting of a Hollywood blockbuster. There will be a huge deployment of security forces and secret agents, a caravan of cars with tinted windows, two no-go zones around the Manhattan Criminal Court and Trump Tower where the former president will stay during the trial and Orwellian surveillance of social media in an effort to detect any threat. Trump has vigorously tried to postpone the four criminal trials against him until after the November elections, so that, if elected, he could shelve the cases. But he has not succeeded in the Stormy Daniels case in New York, in which he is charged with 34 Class E felony counts the lowest level felony in New York for falsifying business records as part of an alleged effort to cover up hush money paid to Daniels in 2016. The payoff was allegedly made to ensure that the porn actress claims that she had an extramarital affair with Trump did not hurt his presidential campaign. The payment, in fact, was recorded as legal expenses. Trump who pleaded not guilty to the charges will be in the courtroom from Monday for a trial that is expected to last between six and eight weeks, with daily hearings except for Wednesday recesses. Trump will be protected from public view, as New York State laws prohibit trials from being televised, but the swarm of cameras at the entrance to the court and in the hallway leading to the courtroom will give him a priceless megaphone in the middle of the election campaign. The voice of Trump the candidate and Trump the accused will merge into one: that of a victim of political persecution. For months, thats how he has been trying to present himself before public opinion, especially his supporters. Playing the victim worked well for Trump in the primaries and also garnered financial results, with the Trump campaign raising large amounts of money after each of his indictments. But the exorbitant legal expenses involved in facing four criminal trials and two other civil proceedings have drained the coffers of his campaign. Indeed, some Republicans believe transferring funds to support Trump the candidate to help pay the legal fees of Trump the accused is unjustifiable. For jury selection which is expected to last one to two weeks, but could be delayed due to objections from prosecutors and the defense several hundred Manhattan residents will be summoned. It is a critical period of the process: both the prosecution and the defense will try to detect hidden prejudices, with the help of a 42-question questionnaire. In the selection, the candidates will not be questioned about their opinions or political affiliation. Instead, there are questions about their sources of information the questionnaire includes 20 sources, including conventional media, social media and the option I do not follow the news if they have worked for Trump, or have attended any of his rallies, if they have ever been members of the Proud Boys, the so-called Trump army, which took part in the assault on the Capitol on 2021, and if they have ever been a part of the QAnon conspiracy movement, which spread anti-establishment fake news to help boost Trump at the polls. Prospective jurors will also be asked if they have any feelings or opinions about how the Republican candidate is being treated in the case, a slippery question regardless of the answer. The judge overseeing the case, Juan Merchan, of Colombian origin, issued a gag order, prohibiting the former president from attacking prosecutors, witnesses, court staff and the judges own relatives. The move was taken after the business tycoon posted a series of angry messages on his Truth Social platform. It is not the first time that a judge has tried to curb Trumps tirades, but previous cases confirm that it is almost impossible to restrict the former presidents speech: he lashes out even if it means risking being held in contempt. In the civil trial for business fraud, for which he has been ordered to pay $464 million, the judge even had to ask the lawyers to control their distraught client. And the Stormy Daniels case, filled with salacious details, lends itself to heated exchanges. Judge Merchan has so far kept the defense at bay. The courtroom presided over by Judge Juan Manuel Merchan in New York, in an image from March 12. Brendan McDermid (REUTERS) Trump has announced his intention to testify he could decline on the advice of his lawyers so as not to incriminate himself which would mark another first in a trial full of unprecedented details. Many legal experts doubt that Trump will risk having to answer a series of very personal questions under oath, and the risk of committing perjury. When asked about the trial at last weeks press conference with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump said: Yes, I would testify, absolutely. But, given his unpredictable nature, he may change his mind. Trumps lawyers are hoping for an acquittal or for a juror to abstain a verdict requires a unanimous vote which could lead to a mistrial. If the former president is convicted, each count carries a maximum prison sentence of four years. The Manhattan trial may be Trumps only appearance in the dock before the November election. Two federal cases, as well as another state case in Georgia, could be postponed until after the vote. However, the first-ever criminal trial of a former president represents the ultimate collision between Trumps legal ordeal and his presidential ambitions. The trial will change the presidential campaign in an unprecedented way. The defendant will be a presidential candidate on Wednesdays and weekends. But the fact that he has moved part of his campaign team to New York suggests that he will take advantage of every court appearance to deliver his usual fiery diatribes. If, in addition, he raises more money for his ailing campaign, he could in fact profit from the trial. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition KYODO NEWS - Apr 15, 2024 - 23:00 | Japan, World, All The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- Japan PM Kishida Cabinet's support rate rises to 23.8%: Kyodo poll TOKYO - The approval rating for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet stood at 23.8 percent, up 3.7 percentage points from an all-time low that was logged in the previous poll last month amid a political funds scandal involving the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, a Kyodo News survey showed Monday. The three-day telephone poll from Saturday also showed 78.4 percent of respondents were dissatisfied with the LDP's decision not to punish Kishida, who doubles as LDP president, over the scandal. ---------- TEPCO begins loading nuclear fuel into idle Japan reactor NIIGATA, Japan - Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. started loading nuclear fuel into a reactor on Monday at an idle plant northwest of Tokyo as part of preparations to potentially restart the facility. The Nuclear Regulation Authority granted approval earlier in the day for the loading of the No. 7 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata Prefecture. However, the timing of the restart remains uncertain. ---------- G7 eyes sanctions over Iran drone, missile attack on Israel ROME - The Group of Seven countries considered Sunday imposing sanctions on Iran for its weekend missile and drone attack targeting Israel. G7 member states "unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran's direct and unprecedented attack against Israel," they said in a statement released after their leaders held emergency online talks. ---------- OpenAI opens first Asia office in Tokyo as ChatGPT use grows TOKYO - The developer of the widely used artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT said Monday it has opened an office in Tokyo, its first in Asia, as part of efforts to respond to the popularity of the service in Japan. "This is just the first step in what I hope would be a long-term partnership with the people of Japan, government leaders, businesses, and research institutions," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a video message delivered at a press conference in Tokyo. ---------- Yen sinks to 154 range vs dollar for 1st time in 34 years NEW YORK - The Japanese yen fell into the 154 range against the U.S. dollar on Monday in Tokyo for the first time in nearly 34 years on receding expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon amid signs of persistent inflation. The dollar traded at 154.27-37 yen at 8:40 a.m., a level last seen in June 1990. ---------- Samsung awarded $6.4 billion in U.S. grants for Texas chip facilities WASHINGTON - The U.S. government said Monday it will provide up to $6.4 billion in direct funding to Samsung Electronics Co. to help it expand production of semiconductors in Texas. The funding will be used for the creation by Samsung of a comprehensive, diverse leading-edge manufacturing cluster, which includes factories designed to mass produce 4- and 2-nanometer chips, as well as an advanced packaging facility, according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. ---------- Stolen $65,000 gold bowl found in Tokyo secondhand store TOKYO - A pure gold bowl priced at around 10 million yen ($65,000) that was stolen from a Tokyo department store last week was confiscated on Monday at a secondhand store in the capital, according to police. Masaru Horie, who was arrested Saturday for the theft, is believed to have received about 1.8 million yen for the bowl at a different secondhand store in Koto Ward. It was then resold to the one in Taito Ward where it was confiscated. ---------- Japan to continue diplomatic efforts after Iran's attack on Israel TOKYO - Japan will continue to make every possible diplomatic effort to calm down tensions following Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel over the weekend, the top government spokesman said Monday. Japan has been strongly urging Iran and other relevant parties to exercise restraint, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said in a news conference. "We will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts, including further efforts at a high level." Video: Ritual at World Heritage-listed Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine KYODO NEWS - Apr 15, 2024 - 20:22 | All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. started loading nuclear fuel into a reactor on Monday at an idle plant northwest of Tokyo as part of preparations to potentially restart the facility. The Nuclear Regulation Authority granted approval earlier in the day for the loading of the No. 7 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata Prefecture. However, the timing of the restart remains uncertain. TEPCO has yet to restart any of its nuclear reactors that were halted after a massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. It is expected to take about two weeks of round-the-clock work to complete the loading of 872 fuel assemblies into the reactor pressure vessel. TEPCO will confirm the safety by testing the function of control rods and emergency core cooling systems, among other things, for about a month after the loading. It will increase the number of night shift workers from eight to 51 and prepare portable radiation monitoring posts in addition to fixed ones. Niigata Gov. Hideyo Hanazumi has yet to announce whether he will agree to restart the reactor, and it is rare for a nuclear plant operator to start refueling one without local consent. The governor has been calling for extensive discussions on measures to ensure people's safety in the event of a nuclear accident. Around 60 people gathered to hand a letter of protest to a TEPCO official and staged a demonstration in front of JR Niigata Station against loading nuclear fuel. "I am not convinced at all because there are people who are still suffering from (the consequences of) the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident," said Ayako Oga, a 51-year-old farmer from Agano, Niigata Prefecture. She had to evacuate from the town of Okuma in Fukushima Prefecture after the 2011 disaster. Okuma is one of the two municipalities hosting the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Since the nuclear disaster, all 12 reactors restarted elsewhere in the country have received local consent before nuclear refueling. The No. 7 unit of the plant, which supplies electricity to the Tokyo metropolitan area and its vicinity, cleared safety screenings by the nuclear regulator in 2017. However, safety flaws identified at the plant led the NRA to issue an operational ban, which was in force from April 2021 until its lifting in December following an inspection of strengthened counterterrorism measures at the site. The central government has been seeking the governor's approval for the restart as it aims to reintroduce nuclear power production to resource-poor Japan's energy supply. Hanazumi has said challenges remain concerning how to evacuate residents if an accident occurs, particularly in light of the powerful Jan. 1 Noto Peninsula earthquake in nearby Ishikawa Prefecture and heavy snow in the prefecture in 2022. Meanwhile, mayors in the two municipalities that host the facility have taken a positive stance toward the proposed restart. The seven-reactor facility that straddles the city of Kashiwazaki and the village of Kariwa has a maximum output of 8.212 million kilowatts and is one of the world's largest electricity producers. Related coverage: TEPCO submits plan to load nuclear fuel in idled reactor IAEA assessing antiterrorism steps at central Japan nuclear plant Regulators lift operation ban on TEPCO nuclear plant in Niigata Pref. KYODO NEWS - Apr 15, 2024 - 19:07 | All, Japan, World The developer of the widely used artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT said Monday it has opened an office in Tokyo, its first in Asia, as part of efforts to respond to the popularity of the service in Japan. "This is just the first step in what I hope would be a long-term partnership with the people of Japan, government leaders, businesses, and research institutions," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a video message delivered at a press conference in Tokyo. It is the third overseas office for the U.S.-based OpenAI after Britain and Ireland, according to the company. For the Japanese market, the company has started to offer a custom model of the chatbot specifically optimized for the Japanese language, which translates and summarizes Japanese text at a faster speed than the existing model, it said. The announcement came after Altman met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo in April last year, in which the top executive expressed his intent to set up an office in Japan. "We chose Tokyo as our first Asian office for its global leadership in technology, culture of service, and a community that embraces innovation," the company said in its press release. Japan is one of its major markets, with over 2 million people using the company's chatbot, Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap told the press conference in Tokyo. The Japanese government has been accelerating its efforts to utilize technology to boost its economy while also trying to play a leading role in its rule-making. Since its release in November 2022, ChatGPT has sparked a global generative AI boom with its ability to respond to questions in a human-like way based on massive data it has absorbed. The company's technology is already used in some major Japanese firms such as online retail giant Rakuten Group Inc., air-conditioner maker Daikin Industries Ltd. and a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp., according to OpenAI. OpenAI, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 2015 by Altman and Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, among others. Related coverage: Japan considering legally binding regulations for AI developers NTT's new generative AI platform able to parse diagrams, charts Amazon to invest 2 tril. yen in Japan's cloud business amid AI boom By Azernews Elnur Enveroglu Iran was not going to fire rockets at Israel; Tehran did not have a firm decision about this. Nevertheless, Iran's incessant internal strife and proxy forces abroad forced it to take this step even if unwillingly. Since 2020, Iran has witnessed the murder of several of its generals. This time, the shooting of Iranian generals and several additional people in the Mezze district of Damascus meant a red line for Iran in its truest sense. On the night of April 14, Iran's ballistic missile attacks on Israeli territory caused considerable concern amidst rising tensions and the ongoing difficult situation in the Middle East. This was not only a war between Iran and Israel, but also a threat to the security of the states in the region. This sudden attack, which Iran called "revenge" or "retaliatory fire", first, caused serious concern in the lands of Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. Many of the missiles and drones fired by Iran aimed at Israel missed the target and landed either in the territories of Iraq or neighboring countries. In this way, Iran also demonstrated the gap in its military preparation, as well as its disrespectful approach to the security and territorial integrity of the surrounding states, except for the state it is in acrimony. Do you think the Iranian military is that inexperienced, or do they just destroy and blow up missiles and drones that cost at least hundreds of thousands of dollars each? The regime, which is experiencing turmoil in the economic crisis, does not intend to go to war with the West, nor with Israel, which it calls its so-called enemy. The Tehran regime undertook the mission of playing such a game just so that its image among the Islamic states would not be completely destroyed. If this were not the case, it would have mobilized all its forces without listening to the words of the US that it calls its adverse enemy. Hundreds of missile strikes, but the target mixed locations... Irans real target behind its Israel hostility Iran's air attack against Israel also worried Western countries. US, UK, France, Italy and Canada officials immediately demanded that Iran stop airstrikes against Israel. Iran could no longer take a step forward. Because the West, especially the White House, had set a red line for him, and even if the outcome for Iran was successful or unsuccessful, Tehran had to stop its military game. The key for Iran was to fire back at Israel, which it did. However, Iran also wanted to send a threatening message to rival states in the region, which is one of its main goals. It should be recalled that a few weeks ago, an Iranian official drew attention with his provoking statement about shooting the Israeli embassy in Baku. Although Iran could not declare its open enmity towards Azerbaijan, it always tried to manifest it through its mouthpieces like Jalal Rashidi Kuchi, or the hands of certain political circles. Undoubtedly, Tehran is not satisfied with the development of Azerbaijan in the region and the expansion of its relations, including the fact that it has a leading role in the elimination of the conflict in the South Caucasus. Before that, Iran, which did not react to the tripartite meeting in Brussels on April 5, could not do more against Azerbaijan. So, it is clear from the processes that the West is not a threat to Iran in the South Caucasus. The main threat for the regime is the strengthening of Turkish-Azerbaijani relations and the imminent start of the Zangazur Corridor. If the territory of Armenia is a red line for Iran, why is it not worried about the European Mission that almost controls Armenia's borders and the NATO representatives conducting exercises in the area? Iran is more inspired by Azerbaijan's actions and makes decisions or makes baseless statements every day. Baku perceives this very well and knows that Iran's real desire is not to wage war with the West, Israel, or the European Union. Its real problem is the Turkic world, which is getting stronger day by day. KYODO NEWS - Apr 15, 2024 - 19:14 | All, World The U.S. government said Monday it will provide up to $6.4 billion in direct funding to Samsung Electronics Co. to help it expand production of semiconductors in Texas. The funding will be used for the creation by Samsung of a comprehensive, diverse leading-edge manufacturing cluster, which includes factories designed to mass produce 4- and 2-nanometer chips, as well as an advanced packaging facility, according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement that the financial assistance for Samsung will unleash over $40 billion in investment from the South Korean company and create at least 21,500 jobs. "These facilities will support the production of some of the most powerful chips in the world, which are essential to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and will bolster U.S. national security," Biden said. The funding will come from the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which Biden signed into law in August 2022. Even though chips are integral to everything from cars and cellphones to satellites and military weapons, the United States currently produces less than 10 percent of them in the world and none of the most advanced ones. The law appropriates $52.7 billion in subsidies to boost chip production and research in the United States, in an attempt to reduce the country's dependence on East Asian producers. Last week, the Biden administration said it will provide up to $6.6 billion in direct funding to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to assist in the construction of three leading-edge chip factories in Arizona. The administration also said in March that it will provide up to $8.5 billion in subsidies to Intel Corp. to help it build and upgrade semiconductor production facilities in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and Oregon. Related coverage: Samsung to receive $140 mil. gov't subsidy for chip facility in Japan Global chip market forecast to grow to record $588 bil. in 2024 FOCUS:Competitive pay at TSMC plant may ripple across Japan, beat inflation KYODO NEWS - Apr 15, 2024 - 08:23 | All, Japan, World The Group of Seven countries considered Sunday imposing sanctions on Iran for its weekend missile and drone attack targeting Israel. G7 member states "unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran's direct and unprecedented attack against Israel," they said in a statement released after their leaders held emergency online talks. Several G7 countries proposed that the Revolutionary Guard Corps., Iran's armed forces, be designated as a terrorist organization, a senior U.S. official said. At Israel's request, the U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss the attack. The Israeli military said Iran launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles from Saturday evening to the following morning and that almost all were intercepted, though light damage was inflicted on a military base in southern Israel. The attack followed a recent strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria which left seven Iranian officials dead. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said in a statement Sunday that the attack has "taught a lesson" to Israel. He warned Israel and the United States to refrain from retaliation, saying if Israel or its supporters "show perverse behavior, they will receive a decisive and far more violent response." The G7, made up of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States plus the European Union, expressed "full solidarity and support to Israel." "Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation," the G7 statement said, adding that "we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives" by Iran and its proxies. Related coverage: Japan PM strongly condemns Iran attack on Israel, conflict escalation Iran launches retaliatory attack on Israel with drones, missiles Japan to resume funding for U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA Many countries and the United Nations have expressed concerns over the escalation of tension between Iran and Israel. It came after Iran confirmed Saturday night that it launched dozens of missiles and drones against Israel. Produced by Xinhua Global Service YANGON, April 15 (Xinhua) -- As the annual Thingyan water festival celebration is in full swing in Myanmar, the streets of the Southeast Asian country come alive with music and laughter from revelers. Amidst the celebration, children were gleefully wielding colorful water guns, joining the playful festivities. "I'm happy to play with a water gun. I splash water on others here. I came here with my relatives," said Eaint Thethtar, 8, among a playful crowd celebrating the water festival in downtown Yangon. Eaint said she came from Mogok of Mandalay region, and this is her first experience of the water festival in Yangon, the former capital and the largest city of Myanmar. Local water festival materials sellers in Yangon told Xinhua that nearly all the water guns and water festival items in Myanmar came from China. Ko Soe Thu, 39, a water festival items seller in Yangon, said: "Children mostly buy water guns for the Thingyan festival. Most of them are boys aged under 12 years old. Nearly all the water guns are China-made." Moe Pwint Phyu, 8, happily splashing water with her friends near the Yangon mayor's pavilion, told Xinhua on Sunday: "I purchased this water gun two days ago because I liked it. I came here with my friends and parents. I'm happy to splash water on others." The appeal of water guns is undeniable for young revelers. Ma Chel Yi, 35, said she bought her 9-year-old son a water gun because he liked it. "I accompany him here as I want to make him happy. Thingyan festival is the period of happiness." Thuzar Moe, selling water festival materials in a stall near the Yangon mayor's pavilion, said on Sunday: "Water guns are the bestsellers in my shop. Waterproof phone pouches, water bowls, and fancy glasses are also selling well." As the festivities continue to unfold, Yangon's streets resonate with the laughter and excitement of children, reminding all of the enduring spirit of Thingyan. With the festival spanning four days until Tuesday, Myanmar eagerly awaits the dawn of the New Year on Wednesday, heralding a fresh beginning filled with hope and joy. HEFEI, April 15 (Xinhua) -- A new project of German tire manufacturer Continental AG's Hefei plant in the capital city of east China's Anhui Province, is currently in full construction mode. With advanced production techniques and product technologies, it is expected to commence operations in July. This move signifies another investment by the world-leading auto parts provider in China, indicating that the plant's annual output of passenger car tires will increase to 15.3 million from 13 million upon reaching full capacity by 2027. The German company started building its first wholly foreign-funded tire production base in China as early as 2009. Over the past 15 years, the company has made significant strides, from establishing a bicycle tire plant to setting up the first training center and evaluation center in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as increasing investment in logistics automation and robotics, product innovation, and its total investment in Hefei has neared 10 billion yuan (about 1.41 billion U.S. dollars). "The continuous investment underscores our confidence in the Chinese market's development. With the steady and rapid growth of China's automobile market, our tire sales have been consistently increasing," said Zhou Yuan, deputy general manager of Continental Tire Hefei plant, which is based in Anhui's capital city. The Hefei plant serves as Continental's most important production base in the Asia-Pacific Region, supplying over 90 percent of its products to the domestic Chinese market, Zhou added. In recent years, the booming development of Hefei's automobile industry, in addition to a series of supporting policies rolled out by the local government and talent advantages in the field, has further strengthened the company's confidence in capital increase in China. Growing as home to the automobile industry where leading automobile brands such as Volkswagen, NIO and BYD settled, Hefei has also sped up infrastructure construction, streamlined procedures, solved diverse difficulties, created a favorable development environment, and cultivated talents for the sector. In addition, the rapid growth of China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry has also brought new opportunities to this traditional tire company, spurring it to accelerate transformation and innovation to satisfy new demands. "The development of the NEV industry has led to the prosperity of upstream and downstream enterprises. It has also brought new requirements for tire products, such as tires with lower rolling resistance and adjusted materials and patterns to improve the range of vehicles and reduce noise. It should also be more durable and have a longer life, which is both a challenge and an opportunity for us," Zhou said, adding that constant adaptions have also been made to match China's emerging NEV models. "Demand is the principal driver of our constant innovation," said Zhou, noting that the company supplied 1.8 million tires for NEVs in 2022, and the figure surged to 2.9 million in 2023. Speaking of the future, Zhou believed that China's demand for automobile tires will keep growing in the next 10 to 20 years, therefore, they would further increase investment in the country. "China boasts a comprehensive and mature industrial chain, alongside a continuously growing consumer market and upgrading consumption capacity. For our enterprises, wherever there is a market, we will be there," Zhou added. BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- China's Supreme People's Court (SPC) on Monday instructed courts across the country to highlight the protection of underage children during divorce trials. Judges are required to remind divorcing parents of their legal obligations toward their children and warn them of the consequences of violating related laws, the SPC said in a statement. Divorcing parents will be fully informed of the legal consequences of forcefully seizing or hiding underage children with the intention of gaining custody, the statement said. Local courts are encouraged to deploy various media, online or offline, face-to-face or written, in text or via video, to highlight child protection at every stage of a divorce trial. Similar measures can also be introduced in other trials involving minors, the statement said. NAIROBI, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenya launched a business hub and digital platform on Monday aimed at promoting domestic and foreign investments in the country. Rebecca Miano, cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, announced the initiative, known as the Karibu Business Support Center, which includes physical offices across the country and an online portal offering a wide range of services, including advisory support on investments, manufacturing and trade policies. "It provides businesses with detailed information and seamless interaction with government agencies on investment, industry and trade matters," Miano told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. She urged the business community to take advantage of the centralized services offered at the support center, saying that it represents a collaborative platform for entrepreneurs to thrive, innovate and contribute to the nation's progress. The initiative will help increase investments in the country through the collection and dissemination of business information and liaison services, and additionally, it will facilitate business linkages between the government, private sector and business-to-business interactions, she said. The international community has urged restraint among related parties to prevent a further escalation of the situation in the Middle East following Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel. Produced by Xinhua Global Service CHICAGO, April 15 (Xinhua) -- A nine-year-old girl was killed and 10 other people, including three children, were injured in a shooting on the South Side of Chicago Saturday night, local media reported. The shooting happened around 9:20 p.m. local time (0220 GMT). A nine-year-old girl was shot in the head and died; a one-year-old boy and an eight-year-old boy were each shot multiple times and left in critical condition; another nine-year-old boy suffered a graze wound and was in good condition, local police said. According to the police, the victims were attending a family gathering when the shooting happened. "This was not a random act of violence. It was likely gang-related," said Chicago Police Area One Deputy Chief Don Jerome. The police said a witness saw a black sedan drive up during the gathering. Someone inside fired multiple shots before driving off. Other witnesses described two shooters on foot. CANBERRA, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese student who was injured in the recent stabbing at a shopping center in Sydney on Saturday has received medical treatment and is not in a life-threatening condition, the Chinese Embassy in Australia and the Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney said Monday. The embassy and consulate-general have been closely following the situation, contacted the Australian side immediately to verify the casualties of Chinese citizens and expressed concerns, according to a spokesperson of the embassy. "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the unfortunate death of one Chinese student and the serious injury of another," said the spokesperson. The embassy wishes early recovery to the injured, saying it will continue to maintain close communication with the Australian side and do its utmost to provide necessary assistance to the families of the Chinese victims. The consulate general said it has been in contact with the families of the Chinese victim and the injured, and sent staff to accompany them to go through the following procedures. Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old from the northeastern state of Queensland, killed six people and injured several more before being shot dead by police on Saturday. Flags at all government buildings, establishments and associated agencies were ordered to be lowered to half-mast on Monday at the request of Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to honor the victims of the attack. Fatime Letifova For the first time, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, attends the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue Central Asia Gulf Cooperation Council as a guest of honour, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by Aykhan Hajizade, press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on his official "X" account. "Much has been accomplished among our countries, and even more is to come," he noted. Note that Jeyhun Bayramov met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, during his visit to Tashkent. "Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to further deepening the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and filling it with new practical substance," said the Azerbaijani minister. SINGAPORE, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he will relinquish the office on May 15, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office Monday. Lee will formally advise the country's president to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to succeed him, said the statement. Wong has the unanimous support of the Members of Parliament of the ruling People's Action Party, said the statement. The new prime minister will be sworn in at 8 p.m. on May 15 at the Istana, Singapore's presidential palace. CAIRO, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag on Monday discussed in the Egyptian capital Cairo ways to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Shoukry stressed the legal and humanitarian responsibility of the international parties to ensure the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2720, as well as all relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions concerning the situation in Gaza. Shoukry urged for swift and serious action to deal with the dire humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave by enforcing an immediate and permanent ceasefire and ensuring the intensive and safe delivery of aid, said the statement. The Egyptian top diplomat also called for the opening of all land crossings between Israel and the strip to increase the flow of aid, according to the statement. Kaag expressed her commitment to continuing coordination with the Egyptian side in fulfilling her task, hailing the pivotal role of Egypt in containing the humanitarian repercussions on Gaza. The two sides also stressed the importance of providing necessary protection for the international relief teams operating in the besieged enclave. A township in eastern China, Fengqiao, was celebrated for its community-level social governance in the 1960s. Six decades on, the "Fengqiao Experience" is still regarded as the model for resolving social disputes. KABUL, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has exported over 2,500 tonnes of pine nuts worth 27 million U.S. dollars in the past 12 months, local media reported Sunday. Most of the dry fruits were exported to Afghanistan's trade partners, including China, Pakistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates, local media outlet TOLOnews quoted Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, as saying. Afghanistan's pine nuts, which mainly grow in its eastern forests, are regarded as one of the most valuable export goods of the war-ravaged country. Afghanistan reportedly exports 10,000 tonnes of pine nuts annually to its neighbor China. JERUSALEM, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said early Monday that all restrictions it put in place shortly before Iran's overnight attack on Saturday have been lifted. The restrictions, including a ban on all educational activities and large outdoor gatherings, came into effect on Saturday night as part of Israel's defensive efforts ahead of Iran's missile and drone attack. They were originally supposed to expire on Monday night. However, the IDF Home Front Command decided to lift them as of midnight between Sunday and Monday "following a situation assessment," the IDF said in a statement. "As part of the changes, it was decided to restore educational activities across Israel," the statement read, adding that "the restriction on gatherings is also removed." YANGON, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and 12 others injured in rocket attacks in Pyin Oo Lwin of central Myanmar's Mandalay region on Sunday night, the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council reported on Monday. The attacks occurred on Sunday night in Pyin Oo Lwin town of Mandalay region where assailants launched 11 rockets targeting the town. The strikes hit several places, including the orthopedic ward of Pyin Oo Lwin General Hospital, a monastery and a hotel, the information team said. Due to the attacks that hit the monastery, three people, including two Buddhist monks, were killed, and one person sustained injuries. Additionally, a local resident from a ward in Pyin Oo Lwin was also killed in the assaults on Sunday night, it said. Due to the attacks that hit Pyin Oo Lwin General Hospital, a total of 11 people, including children, patients and staff members, were injured. They are currently receiving medical treatment, the report said. The report added that the attacks on non-military targets, which occurred during the traditional Thingyan water festival, are malicious acts perpetrated by terrorists with the intention of disrupting public peace and stability. Security forces were tightening security to locate and apprehend the perpetrators, the information team said. GAZA, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Israel released on Monday 150 Palestinians who were detained during the military operations in the Gaza Strip, according to the General Authority for Crossings and Borders in Gaza. The authority said in a press statement that the Palestinians were released via the Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Strip. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a separate statement that the Israeli forces released two of its ambulance crews after they had been detained for 50 days. The statement added that the Israeli forces arrested them at a military checkpoint in Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, while they were on a mission to evacuate patients from the Al-Amal Hospital in February. The statement disclosed that Israeli forces have detained six crews from the society, and their current situation remains unknown. According to Palestinian human rights organizations, during the ongoing Israeli ground operation in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army has arrested hundreds of Palestinians and transferred them to undisclosed destinations. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage. SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, April 15 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian senior tourism official said the Southeast Asian nation is keen to see more international tourists, especially Chinese ones, stressing that their presence is vital to revitalizing the post-pandemic tourism industry. Tang Sochetkresna, director of Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Tourism, hopes that more foreign tourists will visit the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk, which is one of the top priority tourist destinations in the kingdom. "I'd like to appeal to the governments of China as well as countries in Europe and ASEAN to encourage airline companies to resume direct flights to Cambodia after their suspension during the pandemic era," he told Xinhua on Sunday. Sochetkresna said the kingdom is also eager to see the return of Chinese investors to Preah Sihanouk province. He said Preah Sihanouk has good physical infrastructure, potential natural resources, an international seaport and an expressway linking with the capital Phnom Penh. "More importantly, we have beautiful bays and islands, with standardized tourism services for international tourists," he said. As Cambodia kicked off its four-day traditional New Year on Saturday, Sochetkresna said Preah Sihanouk has organized a variety of celebratory activities such as a Songkran festival, a concert, a trade exhibition, and dancing at the vicinities of pagodas, bays and other tourist resorts. "During the New Year holiday, we have also prepared to welcome international tourists to Preah Sihanouk by air, greeting them with traditional Trot dance and traditional Chhay Yam dance, or drum dance, at the Sihanouk International Airport," he said. Seong Chantha, a 35-year-old seller of grilled squid along a bay in Preah Sihanouk province, said tourists are the main source of income for her and other vendors in this coastal province. "We are keen to see more tourists because they will bring us more income. More tourists will lead to better sales," she told Xinhua on Sunday. "If more Chinese people come, a lot of jobs will be created for our Cambodian people," she added. Chantha said currently, security and safety in Preah Sihanouk province are good. Uy Meyta, a 19-year-old local tourist to Preah Sihanouk province, said Preah Sihanouk has beautiful bays, which are very attractive to both national and international tourists. "The environment is clean, with no garbage, and food prices are competitive," she told Xinhua. "We want to see more tourists, and I want to tell them that Cambodia has beautiful bays." Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said last month that the country recorded 5.45 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, generating a gross revenue of 3.08 billion U.S. dollars. "We hope that the number of international tourists to Cambodia will surpass the pre-pandemic level by 2025," he said. In the pre-pandemic era, the kingdom registered 6.6 million international tourists in 2019, earning 4.92 billion dollars in revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy. The kingdom is renowned for the Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Siem Reap province. Besides, it has a 450-km pristine coastline stretching across four southwestern provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong. TEHRAN/JERUSALEM/UNITED NATIONS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments related to Iran's massive drone and missile attack against Israel: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for maximum restraint after Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel over the latter's deadly assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria. "The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint," he told an emergency meeting of the Security Council. - - - - The European Union (EU) and the Group of Seven (G7) leaders on Sunday called for preventing a further escalation of the situation in the Middle East following Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel. "Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to follow the situation closely with our partners," said European Council President Charles Michel on social media. - - - - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Sunday exchanged views on Iran's retaliatory military operation against Israel. In a phone call, Amir-Abdollahian said Israel's repeated "aggressions," including its recent deadly attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, were a flagrant violation of the Vienna conventions and Iran's red line. - - - - Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Sunday held a phone conversation on the current situation in the Middle East region. In the phone call made by Amir-Abdollahian, the two diplomats discussed regional escalations "against the backdrop of the crisis in the Gaza Strip and its repercussions," the Saudi Press Agency reported, without giving further details. - - - - Israeli war cabinet ministers convened on Sunday to discuss a response to Iran's attack but were split on the timing and scale of a possible counterattack, a government source confirmed to Xinhua. The source indicated that a majority of ministers favored a counterattack. However, internal disagreements persisted regarding the timing and extent of the retaliatory action. - - - - The United States does not want to go to war with Iran, a White House national security spokesman said on Sunday. Appearing on CNN's State of the Union news program one day after Iran launched attacks against Israel, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby was asked by host Jake Tapper if the Biden administration supports an Israeli retaliatory operation directly aimed at targets inside Iran. - - - - Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations said the country's military action against Israel was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter regarding the legitimate right to self-defense and in response to the deadly Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, the official news agency IRNA reported on Sunday. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it has launched dozens of missiles and drones against Israel, Iran's Fars news agency reported on Saturday night. - - - - A combined attack of dozens of ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones from Iran triggered air raid alerts across Israel early Sunday, the Israeli army said, as residents reported multiple bombings were heard. The projectiles triggered sirens in Jerusalem, the Negev Desert and the Dead Sea in the south, the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights in the north as well as the occupied West Bank. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed during a press briefing that Israel was under attack by ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles from Iran, noting that aerial defense systems have intercepted some of the missiles. Israel's Maged David Adom rescue service said in a statement that a 10-year-old boy was seriously injured in a Beduin village in the Negev. A projectile or parts of a projectile fell near Umm Al Fahm, an Arab city in northern Israel, causing no injuries. - - - - Countries in the Middle East on Sunday announced the reopening of their airspace following the Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel. A statement by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) said that "the Iraqi airspace has been reopened to all aircraft arriving at, departing from, and crossing the country after the end of all risks that affect the security and safety of civil aviation in Iraq." Earlier, the ICAA closed the Iraqi airspace after dozens of Iranian missiles and drones traversed Iraqi airspace en route to Israel late Saturday. SINGAPORE, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will formally advise the country's president to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to succeed him, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office Monday. By Leyla Tarverdiyeva, Day.az A remarkable post appeared recently in the Armenian segment of social networks. Chairman of the Democratic Union Party, Suren Petrosyan, on his Facebook page, accused the EU mission of recognising the territories of Azerbaijan - calling the territories Azerbaijani. What was so terrible that happened? It turns out that the EU observers, heading to the village of Askipara , made a big detour so that they would not have to cross the internationally recognised territories of Azerbaijan . True, the missionaries themselves called these territories "disputed", but let's leave it on their conscience. So, instead of coming to a meeting with the residents of Askipara from Ijevan in a straight line of 30 kilometres, they made a 200-kilometer circle through Vanadzor, given that the short road leading to the village passes through the Azerbaijani villages remaining under Armenian occupation. "To my question, what is the reason for such a long journey; they replied that they act within clear regulations and do not want to provoke Azerbaijan in any way, since they consider these territories Azerbaijani and still disputed, therefore, to avoid this provocation, they travel from Ijevan to Voskepar (Askipara - ed.) through Vanadzor," wrote Suren Petrosyan, whose indignation knew no bounds. As you can see, even Europeans know whose land they are walking on, although they do not admit it. And only this simple truth does not reach the Armenian masses in any way. Last week, the Armenian Parliament held a closed session on the issue of delimitation. The meeting was initiated by the opposition. The opposition factions demanded to make it open, but the ruling group did not go for it. The discussions were held behind closed doors, and moreover, representatives of the Karabakh clan in the person of Seyran Ohanyan, Robert Kocharian's son Levon, as well as opposition deputies Armen Gevorgyan, Aspram Krpeyan, Arman Ghazaryan, Mher Melkonyan, Armen Rustamyan, Mher Sahakyan, and Artur Sargsyan were removed from the hall. The expulsion of these individuals was explained by their lack of access to classified documents. The war criminal Ohanyan tried to protest, but had to leave the hall. Journalists also went out the door, and the phones of the remaining deputies were taken away. Apparently, the discussions were hot, and the authorities did not want the information to get out. On the one hand, this is correct. But on the other hand, such confidentiality in such matters harms the case. It is high time for Armenian society to find out the truth and come to terms with it. The authorities, trying to keep it secret, create an unnecessary and even harmful intrigue in such a situation and leave the revanchists room for action. According to Armenian media, citing their sources, at a closed meeting with the participation of Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, the opposition demanded that the line of contact, which existed as of September 24, 1993, be taken as the basis for work on the delimitation of the border with Azerbaijan . What is this date? This is the date of the official accession of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the CIS. The date of signing of the Almaty Declaration (December 21, 1991) does not suit the revanchists, because, at that time, the territories of Azerbaijan had not yet been occupied by Armenia . The military's aggression was just unfolding. Nikol Pashinyan and his team talk about the 1991 document, but the opposition considers it "concessions" and "surrender of territories." The saddest thing is that the masses also echo the revanchists. And Pashinyan, who seemed to have resolutely begun to resolve the issue of the unconditional return of four occupied non-capital Azerbaijani villages, stopped, frightened by the rising wave of hysteria. Today, he and his team no longer categorically declare that these villages should be returned in order to begin the process of delimitation. Today, Speaker Alen Simonyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan speak more cautiously and assure that there is no question of any transfer of territories. "No part of the territory of Armenia is subject to discussion, negotiations are underway, working groups are meeting, this does not mean anything. It is possible that at some point we will refuse to sign anything at all if we do not reach an agreement," Simonyan said, for example. Combined with the armed provocations of the Armenian Armed Forces on the border, which for some reason are "not noticed" by EU observers, these statements indicate that Pashinyan is seriously frightened by the reaction of society, where revanchist sentiments are widespread and influence minds. Revanchists and extremists of various stripes, armed terrorists are flocking to Askipara these days to, as they call it, "repel Azerbaijani aggression." Rallies and dances are organised in the village, and speeches are made. Villagers and newcomers dance warlike dances and make warlike grimaces, demonstrating their determination. But we all remember the same militant dances and militant promises that were made before the 44-day war, during the action of eco-activists on the Lachin road, and shortly before the anti-terrorist operation on September 19. The head of the village administration, Ishkhan Aghbalyan, said at a rally in Askipara (Voskepar - Armenian spelling) a couple of days ago: "The villagers say no to drawing the border through their yards. It was the Voskeparians who outlined this border and showed where the line of contact is located, on which our hero soldiers stand." As you can see, the Armenians themselves admit that they do not live on their lands. They occupied the land, established illegal borders, and are now going to defend them heroically. They are actively supported in this criminal intention by the Armenian Church, whose participation gives the protests the appearance of a kind of Satanic ritual. One can even say that the AAC is the mastermind of the revanchist wave that rose in Armenia following Pashinyan's statements about his intention to return the occupied villages. The dances of the inhabitants of Askipara are rather ritual dances of death, which are usually followed by a reduction in the already insignificant male population of the Republic of Armenia . The country's leadership is unlikely to be involved in this organisation. However, this does not remove responsibility from Pashinyan, who is unable to control the situation in his own country. It is enough to recall the recent incident when Armenian servicemen voluntarily went heroically to free a herd of sheep that happened to be on the other side of the border. These "warriors of light" opened fire on the Azerbaijani border guards, wounding one of our guys. Who is responsible for this? The military-political leadership of Armenia is unable to restore order. The provocations have a specific and explicit purpose: to provoke Azerbaijan into hostilities. And if something happens, Pashinyan, who did not want war, will be responsible for the consequences, not the provocateur priest or the head of the Askipara administration, who calls on people to "fight back." The Europeans cover the provocations of the revanchists and will cover them, as it meets their interests, and as a result, the Prime Minister himself will turn out to be the "enemy of the people". Everything is so bad that Pashinyan is forced to argue for a completely fair and legal decision to return the occupied villages, not by international law, but by the threat of a new war, so that at least fear will force Armenian society to turn away from the revanchists. It is pointless to explain to the Armenians that it is illegal to occupy other people's lands, and therefore villages must be returned. They won't understand. Only fear can work. It goes without saying that there can be no question of any line of contact during the occupation as a source of delimitation. And hardly anyone in Armenia is seriously counting on this. The opposition uses these insinuations to put pressure on the government and maintain chaos in the political field. And to some extent, he gets his way. And then there are external actors forcing Yerevan to play its game. According to Armenian analysts, it became clear from Mirzoyan and Grigoryan's answers to the deputies' questions at the commemorative meeting that, in reality, the Armenian authorities do not really know when the work on the delimitation of the border will begin and which maps will be taken as a basis. Well, of course - certainty appears when there is confidence in one's actions. And Pashinyan is not sure. There is no doubt that the main part of the Brussels talks, unheard by the ear and invisible to the eye, concerned Armenia's support for opposing Azerbaijan's peace initiatives. It is not necessary to promise to send an army; it is enough to let the Armenian fantasy play out to make our neighbours feel like "kings of the mountain". Armenia , as has been repeatedly proven, shows glimpses of reason and awareness of realities only when it is deprived of external support. We won't say anything, but apparently she received this support in Brussels . Therefore, the rally boy Alain Simonyan allows himself to threaten Azerbaijan by refusing to sign a peace treaty. KUNMING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- As of 9:56 p.m. Monday, all open fires that had broken out in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province on April 12, were extinguished, according to local authorities. No casualties have been reported so far and the cause of the fire is under investigation, said the forest and grassland fire prevention headquarters of the Jinning District of Kunming. A forest fire broke out at around 4 p.m. on Friday in Diantou Village, Erjie Township in the district. MANILA, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Philippine troops have killed three alleged members of Dawlah Islamiya (DI), an Islamic militant group, during a clash in the southern Philippines, the military said Monday. The military said a soldier was wounded in the 20-minute fighting that broke out on Saturday in a town in Lanao del Norte province. "The enemies were forced to withdraw and escape amid the exchange of gunfire," the military said. It added that troops recovered three M14 rifles and 7.62mm ammunition from the clash site. The DI is behind several atrocities in Mindanao, including the bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province in December last year that left four people dead and 50 others injured. WINDHOEK, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform convened a crucial annual five-day planning workshop on Monday to address the nation's agricultural crisis. The event, held in the national capital of Windhoek, brought together key stakeholders from across the country to strategize solutions to pressing issues in the face of mounting climate challenges. In his speech at the workshop, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Carl Schlettwein underscored the urgent need for action as Namibia grapples with below-normal rainfall and erratic weather patterns. "It is common knowledge that about 70 percent of the population directly and indirectly depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. This is a reminder to us all to take this sector and its programs very seriously and to thoroughly implement them," he said, emphasizing the transformative impact of providing essential services like water access to rural communities. Key concerns discussed during the workshop included the looming food insecurity crisis, with widespread crop failures predicted due to unfavorable climatic conditions. According to Schlettwein, Namibia's Crop Prospects, Food Security and Drought Situation Report 2024 indicates that the southwestern African nation will probably experience widespread crop failures, resulting in severe food shortages. "Unfortunately, our neighbors whom we usually depend on have also received below-normal rainfall, significantly reducing their cereal production. This means that we will have to import cereals from other sources outside the SADC (Southern African Development Community) Region," he said. Meanwhile, the upcoming fiscal year was also a point of discussion, focusing on balancing budgetary constraints with the urgent need for resource allocation. While capital expenditure received a boost, operational budget cuts raised concerns about service delivery to farmers and stakeholders. Priority projects identified included agricultural production, infrastructure development and land reform initiatives to address historical inequalities. Plans for expanding water resource management and infrastructure were outlined, with an emphasis on ensuring water security for all. Schlettwein stressed the importance of timely implementation and effective coordination to maximize the impact of ministry programs, as he called upon international support and collaboration to help Namibia navigate these challenging times and build a more resilient agricultural sector. HANOI, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Two workers died and two others were injured due to broken glass at a high-rise building here on Monday morning, Vietnam News Agency reported. While the workers were climbing on the glass skylight roof of the building in the central district of Hoan Kiem for repair work, the glass suddenly broke into pieces, leaving them to fall down. The two deceased were reportedly aged 23 and 32, and the two injured workers are hospitalized for treatment, according to local authorities. Local authorities are investigating the case further. A financial cooperation project on wetland protection between China and Germany has borne fruit. #GLOBALink This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership and its bilateral economic cooperation has witnessed steady and far-reaching progress over the past decade. #GLOBALink #China #Germany Produced by Xinhua Global Service HANOI, April 15 (Xinhua) -- China was one of three largest importers of Vietnam's fishery products in the first quarter of this year together with the United States and Japan, Vietnam News Agency reported Monday, citing the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers. The products' exports to China and China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region increased by 15 percent, said the report. China was the biggest importer of Vietnamese tra fish, white-legged shrimp, lobster, anchovy and crabs. Vietnam has also surpassed its rivals including Ecuador, India, and Indonesia in shrimp shipments to China. The country saw a 2.5-fold increase in its export of white-legged shrimp to China, according to the association. China also received seven times more lobster exports from Vietnam in Q1 compared to the same period 2023. In the first three months of this year, the export of Vietnamese fishery products made a breakthrough with nearly 1.9 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, up nearly 2 percent year-on-year. Vietnam has targeted 9.5-10 billion dollars of fishery product export revenue in 2024. BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that Mexico and Ecuador will handle their disputes properly in accordance with international law, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday. Lin made the remarks while commenting on the report that Mexico severed ties with Ecuador after Ecuadorian police stormed Mexico's embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who was granted political asylum by Mexico. On April 11, the Mexican government formally denounced Ecuador's government to the International Court of Justice for the police raid. China hopes that Mexico and Ecuador, both as countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, can handle their disputes properly following the principle of mutual respect and in accordance with international law and basic norms governing international relations, Lin said. This photo taken on April 13, 2024 shows an art work of Italian jewelry brand Russo Cammei at the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) HAIKOU, April 15 (Xinhua) -- At the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce pavilion, Marco Russo, CEO of Italian jewelry brand Russo Cammei, was immersed in receiving customers and negotiating deals. Hailing from Naples, Italy, Marco represents the fourth generation of a family legacy spanning over a century dedicated to crafting artisanal handmade jewelry. He tries to blend the tradition of cameo artistry with the innovative flair of contemporary designs. This marks Marco's third voyage to the China International Consumer Products Expo in south China's island province of Hainan. Armed with over 300 pieces of jewelry including some new collections first shown to Chinese consumers, Marco is fueled by a grand ambition -- to further penetrate the vast Chinese market. "Hainan expo is growing up year by year, and getting more and more customers," he said. "It means that there is a great opportunity for us." Marco's optimism is buoyed by China's immense consumer base and their penchant for Italian craftsmanship. With an established business partner in Shanghai, he eagerly anticipates fostering deeper collaboration and forging new partnerships. "Hainan could be a very important platform for the future because it will become an important free trade port," he said, noting that the Chinese government attaches great importance to Hainan and he hopes to expand the market in this province. Enrico Peruffo, CEO of the Italian jewelry company Fratelli Bovo, talks to a customer at the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province, April 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhou Huimin) Enrico Peruffo, CEO of the Italian jewelry company Fratelli Bovo, participating in the Hainan expo for the first time, expressed his positive impression of the event. "The organization and the layout are good, and the quality of goods is good," he said, emphasizing its significance as a platform for gathering market feedback and gauging the potential of products. "We have established the Western market like Europe and the United States, and now we are approaching the Chinese market," he said. The adjacent Italian Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), hosted a jewelry exhibition featuring 17 selected Italian brands, drawing considerable attention from visitors. Massimiliano Tremiterra, trade commissioner of ITA office in southern China's Guangzhou City, said the Hainan expo is a gateway for foreign companies to access the Chinese market. "Italian products are very strong in some sectors like fashion, jewelry, and food. Hainan is really a place where all these products are requested, so I think Italian companies can find a very nice opportunity here," he said. The fourth China International Consumer Products Expo, which started Saturday and lasts till April 18, is China's only national-level exhibition featuring consumer products and also the largest consumer expo in the Asia-Pacific region. This year it has the biggest scale ever, attracting a record number of brands with an indoor exhibition area of 128,000 square meters. by Xinhua writer Zhang Zhongkai and Niu Shaojie ZHENGZHOU, April 15 (Xinhua) -- As a graduate of higher education, I had been quite curious about the study, life and employment prospects of students in China's vast number of vocational schools, especially when the job market is highly competitive. An interview trip earlier this month with my colleague Niu Shaojie to central China's Henan Province, a populous province with one of the largest enrollment number of vocational education students across the country, refreshed my perception of the burgeoning talent community. I was a little struck when we drove into the campus of Luohe Technician College in Henan's Luohe City, whose modern and stylish buildings, in our driver's half-jokingly words, can compare with some renowned universities. At the first floor of the urban training center located in the campus, groups of students were studying the maintenance of cars, most of them being new energy vehicles. The training in a room on the third floor is more state-of-the-art. Several students were optimizing programs for a mobile robot. There I met two graduate-turned teachers of the technician college, who won the gold medal in the Mobile Robotics contest of the World Skills Competition two years ago. Tang Gaoyuan and Hou Kunpeng, though both in their early 20s and world champions, are very humble. "There is no ending of improvement of technical skills as the robotics technologies and application scenarios will keep evolving," Hou said. Tang and Hou have become role models for many young students who seek to excel in a technician's career. "I want to win honors like them," said Bai Jinke, who is preparing for this year's World Skills Competition. His elder brother is also a student at the college and now is working as an intern in an automobile company as part of the college's training program. "We can see a growing public recognition of vocational education," said the college's president Ma Zhanxin, who told me that the enrollment of students this spring nearly doubled over one year ago. The increasing interest on vocational education is also a result of the desirable employment prospects. Ma said the students here don't have to worry about finding a job upon graduation. Many of the college's education programs are co-developed with potential employers, whose highly practical training well prepares the students with future real working scenarios. Ma said that vocational schools have been adjusting their majors to cater to the changing needs of industrial development. The service robotics major was established in 2021 to serve the growing unmanned service scenarios. The next day I visited Henan Chemical Technician College, a famous vocational school in Kaifeng City, once an ancient Chinese capital. I was very impressed to learn that the school has a unique major whose graduates are mostly employed by China's leading universities like Peking University and research institutes such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The popular major is the operation techniques of electron microscope, which is widely used in the research work of cutting-edge science and industry such as materials science, life science, and semiconductor industry. According to the college's president Yuan Qiaohong, the major originally planned to enroll 40 students this year, but due to the strong application and market demand, the enrollment was finally expanded to 100. The strong demand for electron microscope technicians echoes China's increasing R&D investment in modern sciences. In 2023, the total social R&D expenditure increased by 8.1 percent year-on-year, the ratio of R&D investment of GDP reached 2.64 percent, and the proportion of basic research investment among total R&D investment exceeded 6 percent for five consecutive years. Before the interview trip, to be honest, I had some stereotypes of vocational education, which in my outdated opinion is only about teaching basic old-fashioned skills to make a living. But after the trip, I even tried to imagine what I would be like if I chose to master a technical profession. The Chinese government has taken nurturing skilled personnel as an important way to promote the development and utilization of human resources, as well as a key measure to solve structural employment imbalances. At present, there are more than 200 million skilled workers in China, including more than 60 million highly-skilled professionals. The growing community of skilled professionals plays an important role in facilitating China's innovation-driven economic development. China has proposed to promote the establishment of a modern vocational education system, and by the end of 2025, the country's skilled professionals are expected to account for more than 30 percent of total employed population, with one third of the skilled personnel being highly-skilled talents. I don't know what my life would be like if I attended a vocational college at that time, but I'm sure that I can enjoy a promising career as economic transformation offers plenty of opportunities to give full play to my talents. The Times newspaper reports, referring to the documents of the British Foreign Ministry that came to its disposal, that a dialogue on this issue is underway with Armenia, Botswana, Ivory Coast, and Costa Rica. According to the publication, it is with these four countries that London expects to conclude an analogue of the agreement previously reached between Great Britain and Rwanda . The issue of possible cooperation with Brazil , Colombia , Paraguay , Peru and Ecuador was also raised, but the kingdom's Foreign Ministry believes that the authorities of these countries will not be very interested in it. There is a reserve list of African States, including Angola , Cape Verde , Tanzania , Togo , Senegal and Sierra Leone , with which the British side can start a dialogue. Gambia , Morocco , Namibia and Tunisia declined to discuss the issue. According to the newspaper, London began technical negotiations with Yerevan in September last year, when Deputy Foreign Minister of the Kingdom Leo Docherty paid a visit to Armenia . It is reported that the Armenian authorities are monitoring the development of the situation around Rwanda after the British parliament voted for the new law. The agreement between London and Kigali assumes that illegal immigrants expelled from the kingdom will be able to apply for it in Rwanda , and also implies the exclusion of the possibility of sending migrants to their home countries, where they may be in danger. The publication recalled that the UK has been looking for countries for a year and a half that would be ready to accept illegal migrants expelled from the kingdom. The country's Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, hoped to conclude relevant agreements last fall, but negotiations have stalled as the British authorities have not yet managed to send a single illegal immigrant to Rwanda . DAKAR, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Customs authorities said on Monday that a record 1,137.6 kg of cocaine was seized in Kidira, in eastern Senegal. The drug, packaged in bricks and placed in bags, was concealed in the double bottom of a refrigerated truck coming from a neighboring country, the customs said, without elaboration. This is the largest seizure of cocaine by land route ever made in Senegal, the customs said in a statement. The haul has a street value of more than 90 billion CFA francs (about 146 million U.S. dollars), the statement said. Guards wearing traditional uniforms take part in the royal guard-changing ceremony at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, April 14, 2024. The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a popular spectacle for tourists visiting Seoul. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) Guards wearing traditional uniforms take part in the royal guard-changing ceremony at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, April 14, 2024. The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a popular spectacle for tourists visiting Seoul. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) Guards wearing traditional uniforms take part in the royal guard-changing ceremony at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, April 14, 2024. The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a popular spectacle for tourists visiting Seoul. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) Guards wearing traditional uniforms take part in the royal guard-changing ceremony at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, April 14, 2024. The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a popular spectacle for tourists visiting Seoul. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows the terminal of the Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, Iran. Iranian airports have lifted flight restrictions and resumed normal operation following Iran's large-scale retaliatory military operation against Israel early on Sunday, the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported on Monday. (Xinhua/Shadati) TEHRAN, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Iranian airports have lifted flight restrictions and resumed normal operation following Iran's large-scale retaliatory military operation against Israel early on Sunday, the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported on Monday. According to a directive from the Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) of Iran, Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport resumed flights as of 5:30 a.m. local time on Monday (0200 GMT), ISNA quoted Ebrahim Moradi, a member of the airport's board of directors, as saying. He added the lifting of flight suspensions applied to all other airports of the country, whose flights had been canceled. The public relations office of Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport announced that the airport had resumed flights since 6:00 a.m. local time Monday. According to ISNA, flights were suspended in cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Bushehr, Ilam, Sanandaj, Ardabil, Urmia, Kermanshah, Khorramabad, Kerman, Ahvaz, Abadan, Hamedan, Shahrekord and Dezful. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said in two separate statements early Sunday that it had launched "tens of missiles and drones" and "successfully hit and destroyed" important military targets belonging to the Israeli army. Several Iranian airports suspended their flights until Monday after the attack, according to ISNA. The attack followed the Israeli strike on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus on April 1, which killed seven Iranians, including two veteran commanders. This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows the terminal of the Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, Iran. Iranian airports have lifted flight restrictions and resumed normal operation following Iran's large-scale retaliatory military operation against Israel early on Sunday, the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported on Monday. (Xinhua/Shadati) DAR ES SALAAM, April 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 58 people have been killed by flash floods caused by heavy rains in 10 regions of mainland Tanzania in the past two weeks, an official has said. Mobhare Matinyi, the chief government spokesperson and director of information services, quoted police reports as saying that the victims were killed from April 1 to April 13. Matinyi told a news conference Sunday in the port city of Dar es Salaam that out of the 58 deaths, 10 were recorded in the Arusha region, four in Geita, two in Dar es Salaam, five in Iringa, one in Kilimanjaro, four in Lindi, six in Mbeya, five in Morogoro, 11 in Coast and 10 in Rukwa. He said the hardest hit regions were Coast and Morogoro, where 4,635 and 6,204 households have been affected, respectively. This photo taken on April 13, 2024 shows an art work of Italian jewelry brand Russo Cammei at the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) HAIKOU, April 15 (Xinhua) -- At the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce pavilion, Marco Russo, CEO of Italian jewelry brand Russo Cammei, was immersed in receiving customers and negotiating deals. Hailing from Naples, Italy, Marco represents the fourth generation of a family legacy spanning over a century dedicated to crafting artisanal handmade jewelry. He tries to blend the tradition of cameo artistry with the innovative flair of contemporary designs. This marks Marco's third voyage to the China International Consumer Products Expo in south China's island province of Hainan. Armed with over 300 pieces of jewelry including some new collections first shown to Chinese consumers, Marco is fueled by a grand ambition -- to further penetrate the vast Chinese market. "Hainan expo is growing up year by year, and getting more and more customers," he said. "It means that there is a great opportunity for us." Marco's optimism is buoyed by China's immense consumer base and their penchant for Italian craftsmanship. With an established business partner in Shanghai, he eagerly anticipates fostering deeper collaboration and forging new partnerships. "Hainan could be a very important platform for the future because it will become an important free trade port," he said, noting that the Chinese government attaches great importance to Hainan and he hopes to expand the market in this province. Enrico Peruffo, CEO of the Italian jewelry company Fratelli Bovo, participating in the Hainan expo for the first time, expressed his positive impression of the event. "The organization and the layout are good, and the quality of goods is good," he said, emphasizing its significance as a platform for gathering market feedback and gauging the potential of products. "We have established the Western market like Europe and the United States, and now we are approaching the Chinese market," he said. The adjacent Italian Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), hosted a jewelry exhibition featuring 17 selected Italian brands, drawing considerable attention from visitors. Massimiliano Tremiterra, trade commissioner of ITA office in southern China's Guangzhou City, said the Hainan expo is a gateway for foreign companies to access the Chinese market. "Italian products are very strong in some sectors like fashion, jewelry, and food. Hainan is really a place where all these products are requested, so I think Italian companies can find a very nice opportunity here," he said. The fourth China International Consumer Products Expo, which started Saturday and lasts till April 18, is China's only national-level exhibition featuring consumer products and also the largest consumer expo in the Asia-Pacific region. This year it has the biggest scale ever, attracting a record number of brands with an indoor exhibition area of 128,000 square meters. This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows the Italian pavilion at the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Huimin) Enrico Peruffo, CEO of the Italian jewelry company Fratelli Bovo, talks to a customer at the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province, April 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhou Huimin) This photo taken on March 27, 2024 shows a portrait of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in Singapore. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he will relinquish the office on May 15, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Monday. Lee will formally advise the country's president to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to succeed him, said the statement. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua) SINGAPORE, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he will relinquish the office on May 15, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Monday. Lee will formally advise the country's president to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to succeed him, said the statement. Wong has the unanimous support of the Members of Parliament of the ruling People's Action Party, said the statement. The new prime minister will be sworn in at 8 p.m. on May 15 at the Istana, Singapore's presidential palace. On social media after the PMO statement was issued, Lee also called on the Singaporeans to support Lawrence Wong and the fourth-generation leadership team (4G team). "Lawrence and the 4G team have worked hard to gain the people's trust, notably during the pandemic. Through the Forward Singapore exercise, they have worked with many Singaporeans to refresh our social compact and develop the national agenda for a new generation," Lee said in his Facebook post. The new leadership is committed to keeping Singapore working well and moving ahead, which are always top priorities for the government, Lee stressed. "I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence and his team your full support, and work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore," Lee said. Lee announced his intention to hand over the power as prime minister last November. This photo taken on March 26, 2024 shows a portrait of Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, in Singapore. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he will relinquish the office on May 15, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Monday. Lee will formally advise the country's president to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to succeed him, said the statement. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua) TEHRAN, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Sunday exchanged views on Iran's retaliatory military operation against Israel. In a phone call, Amir-Abdollahian said Israel's repeated "aggressions," including its recent deadly attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, were a flagrant violation of the Vienna conventions and Iran's red line. He blamed the United Nations and the UN Security Council for their inaction towards the Israeli attack, stressing that Iran had no other choice but to punish Israel within the framework of its legitimate right to self-defense. The two sides also discussed other important regional and international issues of common interest, such as the continuation of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Iran launched late Saturday night coordinated drone and missile strikes on Israel, after which Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps announced that the operation "successfully hit and destroyed" important Israeli "military targets." Following the completion of the operation, Iran sent a message that it deemed the issue concluded, Amir-Abdollahian said, reiterating that, however, if Israel would take countermeasures, Iran's response would be "immediate, extensive and maximal." He also expressed hope that the EU would implement an efficient and effective initiative to end the "genocide" in Gaza, guaranteeing that Iran would contribute to the success of such an initiative. Borrell, for his part, said Iran's military response to the Israeli attack was expected, expressing satisfaction that Tehran considered the operation concluded. As for the EU's statement slamming the Israeli attack against the Iranian consulate, he said the bloc condemned the move as it violated the relevant Vienna conventions. Borrell added that the EU was making diplomatic efforts to solve the crisis in Gaza and end the suffering of people in the Palestinian coastal enclave, requesting Iran to contribute to such efforts while exercising restraint. An aerial drone photo taken on June 3, 2023 shows the Dalian International Conference Center, venue of the 2024 Summer Davos, in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The 2024 Summer Davos meeting will be held from June 25 to 27 in northeast China's coastal city of Dalian, according to the city's coordination office for Summer Davos. Also known as the 15th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions, this year's forum will feature the theme "Next Frontiers for Growth."(Photo by Piao Feng/Xinhua) DALIAN, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 Summer Davos meeting will be held from June 25 to 27 in northeast China's coastal city of Dalian, according to the city's coordination office for Summer Davos. Also known as the 15th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions, this year's forum will feature the theme "Next Frontiers for Growth." The event will gather over 1,500 high-level leaders from business, government, civil society and international organizations, as well as prominent entrepreneurs, innovators and academics to generate collective insights and deployable solutions. Six major topics will be discussed during the meeting: a new global economy; China and the world; entrepreneurship in the age of AI; new frontiers for industries; investing in people; and connecting climate, nature and energy. TEHRAN, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has exchanged views with his Russian and German counterparts on Iran's massive retaliatory military operation against Israel. In two separate phone calls with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Amir-Abdollahian elaborated on Iran's drone and missile strikes early Sunday on targets in Israel, according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Monday. In his talks with Lavrov late Sunday, Amir-Abdollahian stressed that the Iranian military action was limited and aimed at creating deterrence, punishing Israel and giving it a warning. He added that if Israel were to take a new action against Iran, it would definitely receive a very severe response. Amir-Abdollahian praised Russia for its position on Iran's "legitimate" action, highlighting the significance of Moscow's role in halting Israeli crimes in Gaza as well as its continued aggression against Palestinians, and preventing the escalation of tensions in the region. The Russian foreign minister, for his part, expressed regret that some countries refrained from condemning Israel's attack on Iran's consulate at the United Nations Security Council meeting convened earlier this month. He added that Russia had no doubts that Iran would respond to the Israeli attack, noting that Moscow maintained that Iran's military action was a responsible and restrained response. Lavrov expressed hope for a de-escalation of tensions in the region and assured that Russia would strongly defend and support Iran's action, which was based on the legitimate right to self-defense, at the UN Security Council. During the phone conversation with his German counterpart on Monday, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran had carried out a "minimal and accurate" operation against Israeli military centers from which the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus had been launched. He slammed Germany for its supportive position towards Israel and warned that if Israel persisted in its adventurism, Iran's response would be "reciprocal, immediate, and extensive." Amir-Abdollahian said Iran's attack aimed to give a warning to Israel and make it realize the consequences of crossing Tehran's red lines. For her part, the German foreign minister highlighted the necessity to conduct extensive consultations during this "dangerous period," noting that recent developments had significantly heightened turbulence in the region. She said joint efforts should be focused on preventing the further expansion of these tensions. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said in two separate statements early Sunday that it had launched "tens of missiles and drones" and "successfully hit and destroyed" important military targets belonging to the Israeli army. A demonstrator holds a slogan during a rally against Arizona's abortion ruling in Scottsdale, Arizona, the United States, on April 14, 2024. Hundreds of people took to the streets on Sunday in downtown Scottsdale in Arizona after the western U.S. state's Supreme Court reinstated a near-total abortion ban from 1864 on Tuesday. (Photo by Xuguang Sui/Xinhua) PHOENIX, the United States, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of people took to the streets on Sunday in downtown Scottsdale in Arizona after the western U.S. state's Supreme Court reinstated a near-total abortion ban from 1864 on Tuesday. The 160-year-old ban outlawed abortion from the moment of conception, with an exception to save the woman's life, making the battle over abortion rights in the deeply divisive state a national election issue. The demonstrators held up signs on Sunday that read "Stop The Abortion Ban," "My Body, My Choice," "You Don't Own Me" and other slogans to protest against the ban's implementation. Shay, a high school student participating in the rally, told Xinhua that "the ban harms girls' rights." The ban, which will take effect in the coming weeks, would override a previous abortion ban in the state. The state currently allows abortion up to 15 weeks into pregnancy under a law passed by the Arizona Legislature in 2022. "This cruel ban was first enacted in 1864 -- more than 150 years ago, before Arizona was even a state and well before women had secured the right to vote," said U.S. President Joe Biden in a White House statement. "The Supreme Court in Arizona went too far on their Abortion Ruling, enacting and approving an inappropriate Law from 1864," Former U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. He said earlier this month that he believes abortion limits should be left to the states. Abortion has been a controversial issue in the United States, primarily divided along partisan lines. The Democrats generally support protecting abortion rights, while Republican politicians have called for a range of restrictions on abortion. A demonstrator holds a slogan during a rally against Arizona's abortion ruling in Scottsdale, Arizona, the United States, on April 14, 2024. Hundreds of people took to the streets on Sunday in downtown Scottsdale in Arizona after the western U.S. state's Supreme Court reinstated a near-total abortion ban from 1864 on Tuesday. (Photo by Xuguang Sui/Xinhua) Uzbekistan and Qatar discussed the realization of the Trans-Afghan Railway construction project, Azernews reports. According to the Uzbek Presidents office, the project was reviewed at a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with the delegation of Qatar headed by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. During the meeting, the sides discussed matters of expanding bilateral cooperation in trade and economics, investment and transportation and communication spheres. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted the intensive political dialog, the dynamic growth of mutual trade and investments. Furthermore, both sides noted the importance of promoting joint investment projects and creating effective mechanisms for their financial support as soon as possible. Both parties discussed regional issues, including the serious escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Meanwhile, in October 2023, Uzbekistan Railways JSC presented the Transfagan Railway project to Qatar's Ministry of Transport. Following the presentation, the parties discussed how to ensure Qatar's participation in the project's implementation. The administrations of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan signed a road map for the building of the Termez-Mazar-I-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway in February 2021. According to the calculations of the participants in the project, with a preliminary cost of about $5 billion, the new transport corridor with a transit potential of up to 20 million tons of cargo should connect the countries of Europe, Russia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and further the states of Southeast Asia. by Xinhua writer Jiang Tingting XUCHANG, Henan Province, April 15 (Xinhua) -- If I had not been there myself, I would not have believed that a physical marketplace could be so popular in the internet age. Frenetic shopping scenes at Pangdonglai supermarkets in central China's Henan Province have made a stir on social media over the past year, piquing my curiosity to uncover the secret behind its immense popularity. I was there on a weekday evening this month. As soon as I arrived at one of Pangdonglai's supermarkets in Xuchang City, I was amazed to see huge crowds of consumers, pushing shopping carts full of goods ranging from kitchen rolls to toy building blocks. It was common to see consumers snapping photos and checking in on social media, treating the supermarket as if it were a tourist attraction. Such a bustling shopping scene is certainly a testament to China's booming consumption, which has played a vital role in bolstering economic development. "Taro cakes have long been sold out today. You'd better come before noon tomorrow," a smiling shopping assistant told me after I asked her where I could get the cakes -- one of the most popular delicacies sold in Pangdonglai. Established in 1995, Pangdonglai has grown into an influential retail chain boasting supermarkets, shopping malls and cinemas. Despite operating solely in Henan, it has earned a prominent reputation throughout the country. Its reputation is such that business leaders like Alibaba founder Jack Ma and Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun have visited its head office to learn about its operations. Exceptional service is the hallmark of Pangdonglai. Customers can return any item they are not satisfied with, even if they have consumed most of it. Specifically, if customers are unhappy with a movie they watched, they can receive a 50 percent refund within 20 minutes after the movie ends. Here, visitors can enjoy incredibly high-quality customer service. The entrance and parking lot offer self-service pet storage stations with animal drinking water and excrement bags. Each floor has self-service water dispensers and several types of shopping carts to cater to different groups of people. "You can always trust Pandonglai," said Ruan Xiaofan, a local resident, who just bought all her home appliances from Pangdonglai for her new apartment. "If you experience any issue with the appliances, Pangdonglai will send staff to fix them. You don't need to worry at all," she added. Pangdonglai is also known for its generous treatment of employees, including offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits. This fosters a culture where employees are motivated to deliver exceptional service to consumers. As a result, excellent service attracts more consumers, thus initiating a virtuous cycle. The shopping craze has also yielded benefits for other sectors. Data showed that there has been a significant increase in the number of tourists to Xuchang, with the hotel occupancy rate exceeding 90 percent in downtown areas during the Qingming festival earlier this month. The city's other attractions, such as the Baling Bridge and Wenfeng Tower, have also gained popularity thanks to visitors who want to make the most of their Xuchang trip. Not only in Xuchang's Pangdonglai, I also experienced the bustling atmosphere in many other marketplaces including night fairs in Kaifeng City to big shopping plazas in first-tier cities. "Our monthly sales have exceeded 1 million yuan (about 140,845 U.S. dollars) on average since the start of the year, posting a steady growth from a year earlier," a saleswoman working for a clothing boutique in downtown Beijing told me. However, to survive and thrive in China's highly competitive retail market is no easy task. I'm not sure how long the frenzy in Pangdonglai will last, but one thing is certain: China's consumption engine will keep roaring. NAIROBI, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will reduce its public sector wage bill to 35 percent of the national revenue by 2028, down from the current 43 percent, to unlock more funds for the country's development, an official said Monday. "A fiscally sustainable public sector wage is key to attaining economic development. It frees resources for economic growth," said Felix Koskei, head of public service and chief of staff of the Executive Office of the President. A high wage bill can crowd out resources, leading to a high fiscal deficit and unsustainable growth, he said during a wage bill conference in the national capital of Nairobi organized by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. Kenya faces various challenges, both internal and external, including international conflicts, climate change and rapid technological advancements, all of which impact economic growth. Despite the economy growing at a rate of 4.8 percent in 2022, the number of public officers in the country increased from 865,000 in 2019 to 963,000 in 2023, Koskei said, highlighting the unsustainability of this growth and the government's commitment to achieving a balance between fiscal responsibility and service delivery. In the fiscal year 2022/2023, Kenya collected about 2.38 trillion shillings (about 18.2 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue, with about 7.66 billion dollars spent on the wage bill, according to the National Treasury. To address this issue, Amos Gathecha, principal secretary in the State Department for Public Service, announced the government's plan to adopt innovative practices such as business process outsourcing and the use of digital technology to deliver services and manage human resources more efficiently. According to the World Bank, Kenya's large public sector wage bill, which accounts for about 8 percent of the gross domestic product, has reduced fiscal buffers and increased fiscal risks. The opening ceremony of the 2024 National Security Education Day is held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in south China's Hong Kong, April 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen) HONG KONG, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday kicked off the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Security Education Day at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the promulgation of a holistic approach to national security, also the theme of this year's event, which saw the participation of more than 1,400 people from across Hong Kong. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, addressed the opening ceremony via video link. He noted that earlier on March 19, the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the HKSAR unanimously passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. It was a milestone event in the practice of "one country, two systems," marking that Hong Kong has forged a strong legal shield to safeguard national security, Xia said. At the new starting point, it has become the greatest consensus and expectation of Hong Kong society to build a better Hong Kong, promote Hong Kong's shift from stability to prosperity, and enable the general public to live a better life, he said. To shift from stability to prosperity, Xia said it is necessary to keep in mind the bottom line of national security to escort Hong Kong's quality development; it is necessary to further strengthen the "one country, two systems" and give full play to the fundamental role of "one country, two systems" in safeguarding Hong Kong's prosperity and stability; it is necessary to consolidate and give full play to Hong Kong's unique status and strengths to reinforce Hong Kong's golden brand. It is also necessary to better integrate Hong Kong into the overall development of the country, inject strong momentum into Hong Kong, and provide greater business opportunities; it is necessary to actively adapt to the new situation and new challenges, demonstrate new responsibilities, and achieve a new leap in Hong Kong through actions, innovation and creation, he added, voicing hope for new legends of Hong Kong's development. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which took effect on March 23, consolidated the security guarantee for Hong Kong, so that Hong Kong can proceed at full speed to achieve economic development and ensure people's well-being, said John Lee, chief executive of the HKSAR. Hong Kong will make new progress and contribute to national rejuvenation, he said. Early Monday, the Security Bureau of the HKSAR government and the disciplined services it oversees jointly held a flag-raising ceremony at the Hong Kong Police College to mark the National Security Education Day. John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), addresses the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Security Education Day at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in south China's Hong Kong, April 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Shen) CAIRO/JERUSALEM/TEHRAN, April 15 (Xinhua) -- In the wee hours of Sunday morning, cramped in safe rooms and bomb shelters, Israelis restlessly tracked a forewarned, almost live-broadcasted Iranian strike on their cellphones until air raid sirens and loud booms broke the eerie quiet of the night. Now after more than 24 hours, raid-related restrictions have all been lifted in Israel. But the strange experience of seeing a massive air attack unfolding from the fingertip to above their heads left many Israelis with a sour aftertaste. On Saturday, around 11 p.m. local time (2000 GMT) in Israel, Iran announced the launching of missiles and drones toward Israel. The Israeli military immediately confirmed the attack, stressing air defense systems were prepared to protect citizens. By then, schools were closed, flights were grounded, and outdoor gatherings were banned. The swarm of missiles and drones was reported to take hours to reach Israeli territory. Millions in Israel watched the developments intently on their TVs and cellphones. Snapshots of aviation tracker apps circulating on social media displayed a conspicuous absence in the skies of some neighboring countries. Then one post after another popped up, updating drones' locations from Iraq and Syria to Jordan in real time. "It was a strange feeling, knowing that something will be coming and knowing even when it will arrive, but having the final result still being 'up in the air,' " Josh, a 35-year-old Israeli man, described his experience of the night to Xinhua, with a witty pun. Warfare in the era of social media has been a new experience to many, even for Josh. He indicated that the overnight "online countdown" of Iran's attack, in addition to more than six months of information overload on the conflict in the Gaza Strip, was nerve-wracking. "I don't know if the country will wake up to 3,000 killed or to a bit of relief at the success of intercepting all of them (drones and missiles)," said Josh. As Israelis waited with bated breath, Iranians took to the streets in celebration, even as the missiles and drones were still en route. Waving Iranian and Palestinian flags, they honked and cheered while driving through Tehran's center. Finally, at around 2 a.m. local time on Sunday in Jerusalem, massive explosions illuminated Israel's sky. The thunderous sounds of interceptions were resounding. Fiery streaks, resembling a meteor shower, slowly traversed the city's skyline before disappearing over the horizon. The wait was over. The aerial duel, visible to the naked eye, attracted many Israelis to take videos and post them on social media. The Israeli military said on Sunday that it intercepted about 99 percent of the more than 300 missiles and drones Iran launched late Saturday in its first direct attack against Israel. The Iranian side, however, claimed that 50 percent of its drones and missiles have successfully reached their targets, claiming the attack a victory. The airstrike on Israel represents a historic moment as two long-standing adversaries in the Middle East, entangled in decades of proxy conflicts and espionage, now confront each other directly. Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated over the past six months, particularly concerning the Gaza conflict, which has claimed the lives of over 33,700 Palestinians. The situation reached a critical juncture when Israel launched an attack on the Iranian consular building in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, resulting in the deaths of seven Iranian officials. "The Iranians believed the airstrike was a rightful revenge for what happened in Damascus," said a Chinese man who had been working in Iran for two years. Requesting anonymity, he told Xinhua that despite the sense of victory displayed on the streets and sung highly by the authorities, the atmosphere remained tense in the country. "Schools are closed, and numerous flights have been canceled," he noted, expressing concern over a potential Israeli counterattack that could drastically alter life there. On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Iran at this moment no longer sought to continue its retaliatory military operations against Israel. However, how Israel will react takes the attention of the world as the international community dreads the possibility of large-scale conflict between the two regional powers. Expressing hope for de-escalation, an Iranian man, who asked to be anonymous, told Xinhua on a street in Tehran that "waging war is not in the interests of any party, and all disputes should be resolved through diplomatic channels rather than the use of force." Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation January Makamba speaks at a reception in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 15, 2024. China and Tanzania held the reception in Dar es Salaam on Monday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman) DAR ES SALAAM, April 15 (Xinhua) -- China and Tanzania held a reception in the Tanzanian port city of Dar es Salaam on Monday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The celebrations, braced by Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation January Makamba and Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian, were also attended by overseas Chinese in Tanzania and Tanzanian government officials. The reception was highlighted by a photo exhibition, jointly organized by the Chinese embassy and Xinhua News Agency, depicting the practical cooperation between the two countries over the past 60 years. Makamba said the friendship between the two countries has withstood the test of time and the relationship is much stronger today. Chen said the past 60 years have marked a period of solidarity and unity between China and Tanzania, characterized by sincere cooperation, common development and shared ideas, as well as mutual support. She said in the 1960s, when national liberation movements were in full swing in Africa, China stood firmly with Tanzania and other African countries and forged a profound friendship with them. On April 26, 1964, the People's Republic of China and the United Republic of Tanzania formally established diplomatic relations. Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation January Makamba (2nd L, Front), Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian (1st L, Front) and other participants visit a photo exhibition during a reception in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 15, 2024. China and Tanzania held the reception in Dar es Salaam on Monday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (Chinese Embassy in Tanzania/Handout via Xinhua) TEHRAN/JERUSALEM/UNITED NATIONS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments related to Iran's massive drone and missile attack against Israel: Iranian airports have lifted flight restrictions and resumed normal operation following Iran's large-scale retaliatory military operation against Israel early on Sunday, the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported on Monday. According to a directive from the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran, Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport resumed flights as of 5:30 a.m. local time on Monday (0200 GMT), ISNA quoted Ebrahim Moradi, a member of the airport's board of directors, as saying. He added the lifting of flight suspensions applied to all other airports of the country, whose flights had been canceled. - - - - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has exchanged views with his Russian and German counterparts on Iran's massive retaliatory military operation against Israel. In his talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov late Sunday, Amir-Abdollahian stressed that the Iranian military action was limited and aimed at creating deterrence, punishing Israel and giving it a warning. He added that if Israel were to take a new action against Iran, it would definitely receive a very severe response. During the phone conversation with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran had carried out a "minimal and accurate" operation against Israeli military centers from which the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus had been launched. He slammed Germany for its supportive position towards Israel and warned that if Israel persisted in its adventurism, Iran's response would be "reciprocal, immediate, and extensive." - - - - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for maximum restraint after Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel over the latter's deadly assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria. "The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint," he told an emergency meeting of the Security Council. - - - - The European Union (EU) and the Group of Seven (G7) leaders on Sunday called for preventing a further escalation of the situation in the Middle East following Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel. "Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to follow the situation closely with our partners," said European Council President Charles Michel on social media. - - - - Israeli war cabinet ministers convened on Sunday to discuss a response to Iran's attack but were split on the timing and scale of a possible counterattack, a government source confirmed to Xinhua. The source indicated that a majority of ministers favored a counterattack. However, internal disagreements persisted regarding the timing and extent of the retaliatory action. - - - - The United States does not want to go to war with Iran, a White House national security spokesman said on Sunday. Appearing on CNN's State of the Union news program one day after Iran launched attacks against Israel, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby was asked by host Jake Tapper if the Biden administration supports an Israeli retaliatory operation directly aimed at targets inside Iran. - - - - Countries in the Middle East on Sunday announced the reopening of their airspace following the Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel. A statement by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) said that "the Iraqi airspace has been reopened to all aircraft arriving at, departing from, and crossing the country after the end of all risks that affect the security and safety of civil aviation in Iraq." Earlier, the ICAA closed the Iraqi airspace after dozens of Iranian missiles and drones traversed Iraqi airspace en route to Israel late Saturday. Dai Bing (C, front), the charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, speaks during an emergency meeting of UN Security Council held at the UN headquarters in New York, April 14, 2024. Dai on Sunday called for calm and restraint after Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel over the latter's deadly assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria. (Xinhua/Xie E) UNITED NATIONS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Sunday called for calm and restraint after Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel over the latter's deadly assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria. "China calls on relevant parties to exercise maximum calm and restraint and resolve their differences and disputes in accordance with the purposes of the UN Charter and international law to prevent further escalation," said Dai Bing, the charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. On April 1, Iran's diplomatic premises in Syria were attacked by airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian personnel and severe damage to the premises. This is a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law and a breach of the sovereignty of both Syria and Iran. The attack is of an extremely vicious nature, he noted. China expressed deep concern over Saturday's escalation. It has also noted that Iran stated that its military action was in response to Israel's aggression against its diplomatic premises and the matter can be deemed concluded, said Dai. The ongoing situation is the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict. It serves as another reminder that the Palestinian question remains central to the Middle East issue and bears on the peace, stability and long-term security in the region, he said. If the flames of the Gaza conflict are allowed to continue raging, the adverse spillover is set to spread still further, making the region even more unstable. Countries and peoples in the Middle East do not want to see, nor can they afford a larger conflict or war. Therefore, the priority is implementing Security Council Resolution 2728 and securing an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, he said. The ultimate solution is to implement the two-state solution and put an end to the vicious circle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability of the region, he said. TUNIS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The Tunisian Defense Ministry hopes to benefit from its partnership with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the areas of training and expertise exchange, Tunisian Defense Minister Imed Memmich said on Monday. Memmich made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Chair of NATO Military Committee Robert Bauer, according to a statement by the ministry. During the meeting, Memmich expressed his satisfaction with the progress in cooperation between Tunisia and NATO, noting that, "This cooperation has contributed to strengthening the defense capabilities of the Tunisian armed forces, particularly after Tunisia obtained the status of major ally outside the alliance since 2015." For his part, Bauer underlined NATO's commitment to enhancing cooperation and bolstering the partnership with Tunisia. UNITED NATIONS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- As regional tensions escalate, Yemen's crisis has become deeply entangled with broader geopolitical issues, the UN special envoy for the country emphasized on Monday. Hans Grundberg highlighted the critical need for de-escalation, cautioning against the dangerous repercussions of neglecting Yemen's delicate stability amid escalating regional conflicts. "We cannot risk Yemen's chance for peace, becoming collateral damage," he said during a briefing to the UN Security Council. "If we leave Yemen's political process in the waiting room and continue on this path of escalation, the consequences could be catastrophic, not only for Yemen but also for the wider region," Grundberg warned. Grundberg expressed concerns about the potential for increased conflict, especially as hostilities persist in Gaza. "The recent developments involving Iran and Israel underscore the urgency of this matter," he stated, emphasizing the need for the region to pursue coexistence with the help of international support, focusing on building trust incrementally, ensuring mutual security, and moving away from a zero-sum approach where victories come at the expense of others. Meanwhile, inside Yemen, the situation remains unstable with Houthi rebels, also known as the Ansar Allah movement, continuing their assaults on both commercial and military targets. Grundberg also noted the missed opportunities for peace during the holy month of Ramadan, a time historically conducive to reconciliation. While previous years had seen agreements on ceasefires and detainee releases, this year marked a significant deviation, with ongoing detentions and increased civilian casualties, including women and children. "Instead of narrowing differences and building confidence, I am troubled by the apparent growing divergence between the parties," he observed, pointing out their unilateral actions that threaten to further split the economic system. During the same session, Edem Wosornu, director of operations at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, discussed the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen amidst the protracted political and security crisis. She stressed that the most vulnerable groups, including women, girls, displaced persons, and marginalized communities, still heavily rely on humanitarian aid for their survival. With the lean season approaching, Wosornu highlighted an expected increase in hunger and nutritional insecurity, threatening millions. Although community-led initiatives offer some relief, she emphasized the need for continued support to prevent a deepening crisis. However, these efforts face significant challenges due to a funding shortfall for the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan. Despite attempts to optimize operations and reduce costs, the plan is only 10 percent funded, Wosornu noted, urging immediate action to close the funding gap and ensure that essential aid reaches those most in need. This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows the Sydney Opera House illuminated with a black ribbon to mourn for victims of the knife attack inside the Westfield Shopping Center at Bondi Junction on April 13, in Sydney, Australia. (Xinhua/Wang Qi) SYDNEY, April 15 (Xinhua) -- On Monday, flags across Australia flew half-mast, and the iconic Sydney Opera House was illuminated with a black ribbon on its sails as a tribute to the victims after a mass stabbing killed six people and injured many others at the Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Center. Major landmarks in New South Wales (NSW), including the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Queen Victoria Building, lowered their flags as a sign of mourning. Many other states also followed suit to pay respects. When dusk fell at around 6:00 p.m. local time, a black ribbon was projected on the white sails of the Sydney Opera House as a memorial to those lost. As of Monday, the identities of all six deceased victims have been formally confirmed, including one Chinese national who was completing her degree at the University of Sydney. "I am shocked and saddened by the senseless violence and loss of life that occurred at Bondi Junction on the weekend. This morning, police confirmed that a University of Sydney student was one of the victims who died in this tragic incident," Vice-Chancellor and President Mark Scott said in a statement, extending his sincere condolences to the student's family and friends. While bouquets continued to stack up at Oxford Street near the Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Center, the grassed area at the front of the University of Sydney Quadrangle emerged as a new mourning place. Electronic candles were switched on to form a giant "RIP" on the lawn. Lilies, roses, chrysanthemums, and various types of flowers kept being placed by students. Hand-written cards were also left with an intense outpouring of condolence and sympathy. During the day, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced an immediate investment of 18 million Australian dollars (about 11.6 million U.S. dollars) to the state's coroner's office for an independent coronial inquiry about the horrific attack. Minns expected that the inquiry would look at the NSW Police response, the criminal investigation, and the offender's past interactions with health authorities. Four of the 12 hospitalized victims have been treated and discharged, while eight others, including a nine-month-old baby, remain in hospitals across Sydney. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park addressed local media that the condition of the baby has moved "from critical to serious." "That's a big change and a significant improvement. What we hope to do is get the baby on the ward in the coming days. That would be a great outcome," said Park. The harborside metropolis, still recovering from the lingering pain of Saturday's stabbing rampage, was hit hard once again by a stabbing, which occurred at around 7:00 p.m. local time in a Wakeley church. The incident left four men injured, two of whom were taken to hospital for further treatment, according to a spokesperson from NSW Ambulance. Police have arrested a male and confirmed that the injured individuals suffered non-life-threatening wounds. This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows the Sydney Opera House illuminated with a black ribbon to mourn for victims of the knife attack inside the Westfield Shopping Center at Bondi Junction on April 13, in Sydney, Australia. (Xinhua/Wang Qi) This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows the Sydney Opera House illuminated with a black ribbon to mourn for victims of the knife attack inside the Westfield Shopping Center at Bondi Junction on April 13, in Sydney, Australia. (Xinhua/Wang Qi) This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows a mourning place for victims of the Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Center attack at the front of the University of Sydney Quadrangle in Sydney, Australia. (Xinhua/Wang Qi) A woman mourns for victims of the Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Center attack at the front of the University of Sydney Quadrangle in Sydney, Australia, April 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Qi) By Alimat Aliyeva A new project has been launched to ensure the safe introduction of driverless car technology in the UK, Azernews reports, citing foreign media outlets. The goal of the Massdrive project is to develop certification methods for unmanned vehicles. The initiative was put forward by scientists and experts led by the University of Surrey. Last November, the government announced plans to adopt a new law to introduce "automatic" driving in the UK. According to the plan, self-driving cars will have to pass safety tests. Massdrive is a partnership between the University of Surrey, the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol, funded by Innovate UK. BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- China urges the United States to immediately stop its cyberattacks against China and stop smearing China, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday. China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center and the 360 Digital Security Group jointly published a report titled "Volt Typhoon: A Conspiratorial Swindling Campaign Targets with U.S. Congress and Taxpayers Conducted by U.S. Intelligence Community" on April 15. Lin made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on the report and repeated U.S. accusations that the Chinese government supported Volt Typhoon's cyberattacks. "According to the report, 'Volt Typhoon' is actually a ransomware cybercriminal group that calls itself the 'Dark Power' and is not sponsored by any state or region," said Lin. Lin added that there are signs that in order to receive more congressional budgetary spending and government contracts, the U.S. intelligence community and cybersecurity companies have been secretly collaborating to piece together false evidence and spread disinformation about so-called Chinese government's support for cyberattacks against the United States. "It's no secret that the United States is the world's largest source of cyberattacks and the biggest threat to cybersecurity," Lin said. Some in the United States have been using origin-tracing of cyberattacks as a tool to hit and frame China, claiming that the United States is the victim while it's the other way round, and politicizing cybersecurity issues, Lin said, adding that their actions seriously harm China's lawful rights and interests. "China urges the United States to immediately stop its cyberattacks against China and stop smearing China," he said. BERLIN, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Germany's transport sector exceeded its emissions targets for 2023 and must launch an immediate emissions reduction program, according to the audit report published on Monday by the Council of Experts on Climate Change. Despite a slight decrease compared to the previous year, the audit report states that the country's transport sector "fell well short" of its target by 12.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. Hans-Martin Henning, chairman of the expert council, said that Germany's "repeated failure to meet the annual target" confirms its need to implement immediate action, as ordered by a court ruling last November. The German government's response to the situation is still being determined. However, reports suggest that Transport Minister Volker Wissing is seeking to push through an amendment to the law to abolish sector-specific targets in favor of broader goals. Wissing warned last week that immediate action would require "restrictive measures that are difficult to communicate to the population, such as comprehensive and indefinite driving bans on Saturdays and Sundays." Germany's Green Party, however, dismissed the warning, accusing Wissing of disinformation. Julia Verlinden, deputy leader of the Green parliamentary group, claimed there are other options to reduce carbon dioxide, such as speed limits. Germany is one of the few countries in the world that do not have a general speed limit on highways. However, according to Environmental Action Germany (DUH), if the highway speed is limited to 100 km/h, it would cut more than 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. DUH managing director Barbara Metz said on Monday that the speed limit and the elimination of climate-damaging subsidies such as the company car privilege would be a significant step in the right direction for the transport sector. As Europe's largest economy, Germany is crucial for fighting climate change. It seeks to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, five years ahead of the European Union target. By 2030, Germany aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent compared to 1990. AMMAN, April 15 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed on Monday concern that ongoing regional developments could lead to further escalation, jeopardizing regional security and stability. He made the remarks at a meeting in Amman, the capital of Jordan, with visiting Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, during which the two leaders discussed current developments in the region, the state-run Petra news agency reported. Both leaders stressed the need to halt attacks on Gaza and work toward a just solution to the Palestinian issue, ensuring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ending the cycle of violence in the region. The two leaders also condemned the violence carried out by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank and the violations of holy sites in Jerusalem. The king underscored the need to protect civilians in Gaza and increase the provision of humanitarian aid to the strip, utilizing all available means. Highlighting Iraq's pivotal role in the region, the Jordanian king expressed support for Iraq's security and stability. "The security of Jordan and Iraq is one," affirmed the king. For his part, Rashid praised Jordan's supportive stance toward Iraq, particularly in its fight against terrorism. He called for continued periodic meetings between Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt to address shared challenges and foster regional stability. Monday's meeting also covered bilateral cooperation in various fields, including energy, industry, trade, and environmental initiatives, aiming to strengthen economic partnerships and integration across developmental sectors. MEXICO CITY, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday urged the United Nations to take more measures to defuse tensions in the Middle East, and reiterated his call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. At his daily press conference, Lopez Obrador also urged Israel to avoid responding to the recent retaliatory attack launched by Iran on its territory. "Let things remain as they are ... if not, it would escalate the conflict," the president told reporters at the National Palace in Mexico City. Lopez Obrador reiterated that Mexico's position is not to condemn any of the parties in a conflict and to seek dialogue to end the war. The overriding goal should be to seek a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, he said. Lopez Obrador recalled that last weekend he published a message on social media that warned war does not benefit anyone and that politics was invented precisely to avoid violent conflict, among other things. UNITED NATIONS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- One year of fighting in Sudan prompted cries at the UN headquarters on Monday for an end to violence, which has a devastating impact on civilians, particularly women and girls. "Sudan's current conflict, which marks its one-year point this week, is having a devastating impact on the people of Sudan, particularly women and girls," UN Women said in a statement. "UN Women calls on the international community to ensure that the conflict in Sudan does not become a neglected crisis." The statement also said the fighting reversed gains made toward democracy and stability, leaving the country in suffering and insecurity while facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. In a separate statement, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Nderitu said the fighting has taken the lives of more than 14,000 people and injured thousands more, leaving millions of civilians, including children, exposed to violence. "Women and girls are exposed to rampant rape and other forms of sexual violence," she said. "One year on, we are no closer to peace than when the crisis started. This is devastating. This is unacceptable." Nderitu decried the repeated exploitation of ethnic and racial identity as a basis for vicious attacks, particularly by the Rapid Support Forces and allied militias against the Masalit and other non-Arab communities in the Darfur region which was already marked by decades of violence. BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, held phone talks on Monday regarding the tensions between Israel and Iran. Amir-Abdollahian briefed Wang on Iran's position on the attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, saying that the UN Security Council did not make a necessary response to this attack, and that Iran has the right to self-defense in response to the violation of its sovereignty. Noting that the current regional situation is very sensitive, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is willing to exercise restraint and has no intention of further escalating the situation. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, regarding it as a serious violation of international law and unacceptable. China has noted Iran's statement that its action taken was limited and was an act of self-defense in response to the attack against the Iranian consulate in Syria, Wang said. China appreciates Iran's stress on not targeting regional and neighboring countries as well as its reiteration on continuously pursuing a good-neighborly and friendly policy, he said. It is believed that Iran can handle the situation well and spare the region further turmoil while safeguarding its own sovereignty and dignity, he added. The first plenary meeting of the inspection group for Agricultural Law compliance under the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee is held in Beijing, capital of China, April 15, 2024. Vice chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee Wu Weihua, Losang Jamcan and Shohrat Zakir attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, on Monday kick-started an inspection campaign related to the enforcement of the country's Agricultural Law. According to the first plenary meeting of the inspection group for Agricultural Law compliance under the NPC Standing Committee, the inspection group will dispatch personnel to six provincial-level regions, including Jiangsu, Anhui and Sichuan, to carry out on-site inspections from April to July. In another six provincial-level regions, including Shanxi, Shandong and Henan, local people's congress standing committees will be entrusted with the inspection work. At the meeting, Wu Weihua, vice chairperson of the NPC Standing Committee, urged a focus on the goals of building China's strength in agriculture and promoting the country's high-quality agricultural and rural development. Wu called for an objective-driven and problem-oriented approach to work. According to the meeting, the inspection campaign will focus on issues such as the preservation of farmlands, the revitalization of the seed industry, and the protection of rural residents' rights and interests. The inspection group will review the results of the campaign, and deliberate and revise a draft work report during its second plenary meeting at the end of July. YAOUNDE, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Two teachers were kidnapped early Monday in Cameroon's restive Anglophone region of Northwest, according to local and security sources. Schools in the central African country resumed classes Monday for the last term of the academic year after a two-week holiday. The teachers were on their way to school when gunmen, identified by locals as separatist fighters, ambushed and abducted them in the region's Njap village. "They (gunmen) took them (teachers) into the bush. They also torched about 13 commercial motorcycles that were carrying passengers," a local official, who asked not to be named for security reasons, told Xinhua. The army said a search and rescue operation for the teachers was underway in the area. Fighting between government forces and separatist fighters has persisted in Cameroon's two English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest since 2017 when separatists attempted to establish an independent nation in these regions. Teachers and students are regularly abducted in the region, where separatists have warned government schools not to operate. DAR ES SALAAM, April 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 1,000 people have been left homeless due to flash floods caused by ongoing heavy rains in Tanzania's northern region of Arusha, an official said on Monday. Paul Makonda, regional commissioner of Arusha, said the victims were left homeless after their homes had been submerged or destroyed by flash floods over the past two weeks. "The regional authorities are counting the loss caused by the floods before they release a final assessment," Makonda said at the end of a one-day inspection tour of the flood-affected areas. He urged people in the flooded areas to move to higher ground to avoid more disastrous consequences. Mobhare Matinyi, chief government spokesperson and director of information services, said on Sunday that 58 people had been killed by flash floods in 10 regions of Tanzania's mainland in the past two weeks, including 10 in Arusha Region. Matinyi cited police reports that 58 people were killed between April 1 and 13. SYDNEY, April 15 (Xinhua) -- A police operation is underway in Wakeley, a suburb in Sydney's west, following reports of a stabbing on Monday night. The New South Wales Police Force confirmed in a statement that officers attended a location on Welcome Street in Wakeley after receiving reports a number of people were stabbed. A male has been arrested and he is assisting police with inquiries. The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics. Police urged people to avoid the area. Rashed Sharif, CEO of SNB Capital, has topped the Forbes Middle East Top 30 Asset Managers ranking, controlling $65.6 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of December 2023. Investcorps Mohammed Alardhi has been placed second, managing $52.2 billion in AUM as of December 2023. Ranking third, Alinma Investments Mazin Fawaz Baghdadi recorded $22.3 billion in assets as of December 2023. SNB Capital was a joint lead manager of the debt issuance of Saudis Ministry of Finance in 2023. Sharif became chairman of the CMA Capital Market Institutions Committee and a member of the CMA Advisory Committee in 2023. Combined AUM at $340 billion Combined, the 30 asset managers on Forbes list oversaw more than $340 billion in assets in 2023, including local and international equity and debt funds, discretionary portfolios, real estate investments, REITS, and private equity. Individuals were ranked based on their past experiences, key achievements in the last year, and the firms total AUM. The list features leaders of both independent asset management firms as well as the investment arms of financial institutions. Of the 30 top asset managers, 16 are from subsidiaries of banks, and 14 head independent asset management firms. Those representing sovereign wealth funds and private or family offices were excluded from the list. Asset managers from Saudi Arabia home to the regions biggest stock exchange dominate the list with 14 of the 30 entries based in the kingdom. Kuwait followed with five entries and the U.A.E. had four. Debt and sukuk issuances Last year saw asset managers playing a crucial part in debt and sukuk issuances, whether to conglomerates or governments. Al Rajhi Capital served as the sole local bank and joint arranger for the $3.5 billion PIF Sukuk issuance. Whereas Saudi Fransi Capital was the joint lead manager for the $2 billion green and conventional sukuk issuance of Saudi Electricity Company. In Q4 2023, 19 IPOs raised $4.9 billion in proceeds. The ADES Holding Company raised the most funds and contributed 25% of the overall IPO proceeds in Q4, followed by PureHealth Holding with 20%. Most of the listing activity occurred in the GCC. The Middle East's Top 10 Asset Managers 2024 1 | Rashed Sharif CEO, SNB Capital HQ: Saudi Arabia 2 | Mohammed Alardhi Executive Chairman, Investcorp HQ: Bahrain 3 | Mazin Fawaz Baghdadi CEO & Managing Director, Alinma Investment HQ: Saudi Arabia 4 | Abdullah Abdulrahman Alshwer CEO, Riyad Capital HQ: Saudi Arabia 5 | Hisham Alrayes Group CEO, GFH Financial Group (GFH) HQ: Bahrain 6 | Waleed AlRashed AlHumaid CEO, Al Rajhi Capital HQ: Saudi Arabia 7 | Faisal Mansour Sarkhou CEO, Kamco Invest HQ: Kuwait 8 | Tariq Al-Sudairy Managing Director & CEO, Jadwa Investment HQ: Saudi Arabia 9 | Karim Awad Group CEO, EFG Hermes & Chairman of the Executive Committee, EFG Holding HQ: Egypt 10 | Reda Hilali CEO, Wafa Gestion HQ: Morocco. --TradeArabia News Service SYDNEY, April 15 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson from the New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance confirmed that four people were injured after a stabbing occurred at a church in Sydney on Monday night. According to the spokesperson, a man in his 50s and another in his 30s have been taken to Liverpool Hospital, sustaining multiple stab wounds. A man in his 20s was found with lacerations to his hand and a man in his 60s suffered arm injuries. Both received medical assistance at the scene without being sent to a hospital. In an updated statement, the NSW Police Force said that officers remain at the scene after a stabbing took place at a church in Wakeley, a suburb located about 27 kilometers west of Sydney's central business district. At about 7:10 p.m. local time (0910 GMT), police were called to the property on Welcome Street in Wakeley, following reports of several people having been stabbed. A male has been arrested and currently remains in police custody. The NSW Police Force confirmed that the injured individuals suffered non-life-threatening wounds. "A large police response is underway and the public is urged to avoid the area. More information will be provided once it becomes available," the authority added. MOSCOW, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are collaborating on developing universal docking modules, local media reported Monday, citing Roscosmos head Yury Borisov. Borisov announced that Russia will remain part of the International Space Station until 2028, coordinating its exit with the development of its own space station. "In the interests of safety, we are currently discussing the creation of universal docking modules," Borisov said. The universal docking modules are expected to help Russian and American spaceships dock on newly built space stations in the event of an emergency, he explained. by Maria Spiliopoulou, Chen Gang ATHENS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- To protect and promote their respective rich cultural heritage, Greece and China have embarked on a journey of cooperation featuring mutual respect and a shared vision. The China-Greece Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Cultural Heritage Conservation Technology is an example of such cooperation. "Since October 2020, the Palace Museum and the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IESL-FORTH) collaborated toward the development and construction of a common laboratory. This is a collaboration between 11 institutes from Greece and China, including museums, archeological sites, archaeological institutions, universities and of course, research institutes," said Paraskevi Pouli, chief application scientist at IESL-FORTH, in a recent interview with Xinhua in Heraklion, Crete Island. "It is a multidisciplinary international cooperation platform which aims to exchange knowledge, experience, technology toward the study, understanding and conservation of our mutual cultural heritage," she pointed out. The IESL-FORTH is renowned in Europe for its research in laser optics, particularly its application in the study and preservation of cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the Palace Museum houses a vast collection of stone sculptures and architectural components, presenting significant opportunities for the application and development of laser technology. Since 2016, the two sides have collaborated in technical development, equipment setup, and talent cultivation. "Indeed, the joint lab plays a key role in promoting exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding. In the context of the collaboration, which is in the field of conservation science, from our side we learn a great deal of new challenges. We expose ourselves to novel challenges, scientific challenges, and technological challenges, collaborating with our Chinese colleagues," said Demetrios Anglos, a researcher at the IESL-FORTH. "What we do this way is we try to adapt our know-how and technologies so that we can help effectively our Chinese colleagues to address critical problems in conservation. This is very important," he told Xinhua. "But above all, the Palace Museum and the conservation department there can benefit by introducing, importing and applying new technologies," he added. Both sides carried out intensive cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic, working through teleconferences that they organized almost on a weekly or 15-day basis. "So, we had the chance to discuss with our colleagues and try to communicate and keep all this collaboration alive," Pouli said. According to the Palace Museum, the two sides have jointly developed four new technologies and three sets of new equipment, including cultural relic hyperspectral automatic scanning technology and equipment. In September 2023, a scholarly exchange event themed with "Heritage Science, a global driver for sustainability" was held at the Palace Museum and attracted more than 2,000 attendees both on the spot and online. "We were very happy because we could see a vivid interaction with the students and the colleagues in the Palace Museum, and that was a very nice feeling and experience," Pouli added. Both Greek experts are very optimistic about the prospects of lab cooperation. On Dec. 20, 2023, they, along with their Chinese colleagues at the Palace Museum, submitted a proposal to the Chinese government for international cooperation in technological innovation under the "National Key R&D Program," focusing on the application of laser cleaning technology in cultural heritage preservation between China and Greece. "In the coming months, we will also submit the same proposal to the Greek government. We are confident and enthusiastic about the future," Pouli said. "Through this interaction, we manage to understand each other, to enhance, as we say, mutual understanding, mutual collaborations, and also get to realize the importance of civilization diversity," which is greatly beneficial to both sides and the world at large, added Anglos. SANAA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Warplanes of the United States and Britain launched fresh airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen's southwestern province of Taiz on Sunday night, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. The television didn't provide further details as the Houthis rarely disclosed their damage and casualties. The strikes targeted areas near the Red Sea, according to comments by residents posted on social media. The U.S.-British coalition has yet to respond to the media reports. The coalition has been targeting Houthi missile launchers and military capabilities since January to deter the group from attacking international commercial ships transiting the Red Sea. The Houthis have been attacking cargo ships linked to Israel since November last year in what they said in solidarity with Palestinians caught under Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Kathi Vidal, director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in Beijing, capital of China, April 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Kathi Vidal, director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in Beijing on Monday. Noting that the two heads of state set the San Francisco vision for China-U.S. relations, Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called on the two sides to earnestly implement the important consensus of the two heads of state to translate the vision into reality to better benefit the two countries and two peoples. China attaches great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights, said Ding, adding that China stands ready to expand practical cooperation with the United States on intellectual property rights, address each other's concerns, foster a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment, and make greater contributions to the steady development of bilateral relations. Vidal said that the USPTO attaches importance to the development of intellectual property cooperation with China, and is willing to strengthen dialogue, exchanges and close cooperation to provide good services for innovation entities and better realize the transformation and application of innovation achievements. WASHINGTON, April 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a veiled message Monday to Israel, urging the country to act with restraint in a potential response to the attack launched by Iran over the weekend. In his first public remarks following the attack, Blinken said before a meeting with an Iraqi delegation at the State Department that in the 36 hours since the attack, the United States has been "coordinating a diplomatic response to prevent escalation" in the region. "Strength and wisdom need to be different sides of the same coin," Blinken said in what seemed to be an implicit call for Israel to exercise restraint in its response. Standing alongside Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim -- who would co-chair a U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee meeting with Blinken afterwards -- the secretary said he has been in "close communication" with his counterparts in the region "and will continue to do so in the hours and days ahead." At the time Blinken spoke, Israel's war cabinet was wrapping up a meeting on the response to Iran's attack, according to a CNN report citing an Israeli official. The Joe Biden administration has been trying to prevent an overreaction by Israel that would lead to a catastrophic regional war. In a Saturday night call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden reportedly warned him against any offensive operations against Iran, saying that Washington would neither take part in nor lend support to such actions. WASHINGTON, April 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated his country's commitment to Israel's security on Monday, underscoring as well the need to contain the conflict from further spreading. "The United States is committed to Israel's security. We're committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict from spreading beyond what it already has," Biden said as he sat side-by-side with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in the Oval Office of the White House. These were Biden's first public remarks since Iran launched a large-scale retaliatory attack against Israel on Saturday, in which most of the missiles and drones used were intercepted -- mainly by Israeli and U.S. forces. The Biden administration has been trying to prevent a wider regional war that the Iranian attack and a potential Israeli military response would otherwise lead to. "We're also committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region, including Iraq," Biden said. "The partnership between Iraq and the United States is critical," he added. Indian Army Chief, General Manoj Pande, has commenced a four-day journey to Uzbekistan, aiming to foster closer military ties between the two nations. During his stay, he plans to engage in extensive discussions with Uzbekistan's military leaders and visit several defense facilities. The Indian defense ministry views this visit as a significant stride in enhancing defense collaboration with Uzbekistan. It emphasized the objective of strengthening military bonds and exploring fresh avenues for cooperation. General Pande's itinerary includes meetings with key figures such as Lieutenant General Bakhodir Kurbanov, the Uzbekistan Defence Minister, and Major General Khalmukhamedov Shukhrat Gayratjanovich, the First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. These discussions are crucial for nurturing stronger military alliances, the ministry stated. During his visit, General Pande will also honor the memory of late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at his memorial in Tashkent and visit Victory Park, symbolizing Uzbekistan's sacrifices during World War II. Heading to Samarkand on Wednesday, the Army Chief is set to meet the Commander of the Central Military District. The trip will conclude in Termez on April 18, with General Pande observing the joint military exercise DUSTLIK, showcasing the interoperability and camaraderie between Indian and Uzbek armed forces. Indian Army Celebrates 40 Years in Siachen Glacier April 13, 2024: Commemorating 36 Years of Siachen Day Army Unveils Ambitious Reforms to Strengthen Combat Capabilities Fisia Italimpianti of the Webuild Group has started the construction of the water treatment plant that is part of the huge Zuluf onshore oil plant complex in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Webuild's positioning in the water market, a sector where it is already leader, has further strengthened, thanks to this project that has allowed Fisia Italimpianti to step into the Oil and Gas sector, returning to its operation and maintenance activities, said a company statement. The Zuluf oil field, owned and managed by Aramco, is part of a large development programme that began in 2018 within the Saudi Vision 2030 growth plan of Saudi Arabia. The project awarded to Fisia Italimpianti last year, with the two contracts worth a total of 408 million ($439 million), includes building and managing the plant. The formal start of the construction works follows the engineering design, material procurement and carrying out of the preliminary activities that served to improve the soil's characteristics. These works were carried out by Fisia Italimpianti during past months, to allow the site to be able to host the plant's foundations. The plant will treat up to 185,000 cu m/day of water, which will be injected in the offshore wells, contributing to increase the production of the field's crude oil. The plant will include a water de-gassing system that will extract, compress, and deliver the gas found in the water that enters the plant, to the final client. Then, a water treatment and filtration section will follow in the plant, with the aim of clarifying and reducing the content of solids in the water, to make it suitable for the injection in the oil wells. The project also includes auxiliary systems and the buildings that will be used as administrative offices, technical rooms, and control rooms. Fisia Italimpianti has a strong presence in the Middle East, where it has been building desalination and water treatment plants in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. These plants feature technologically innovative solutions, serving over 20 million users. The Webuild Group is currently engaged in significant projects in Saudi Arabia. It is currently building 57 km of the Connector high-speed railway line for Neom development to link the Oxagon and The Line projects within the development. It has also recently won the contract to build a lake and unique architectural works at Trojena, a futuristic desert location in Saudi Arabia's mountain ranges. In Ryadh, the company is building 42 km of Line 3 of the capital's metro system, the longest of the metro. The company is also working on Diriyah Square - Package 2 Super-basement Works, the structure of the new Ad-Diriyah neighbourhood that will include a multi-storey parking lot for 10,500 vehicles. - TradeArabia News Service Pirmasens audio guides (Norman Salzmann, Stadtverwaltung Pirmasens) The city of Pirmasens is inviting the local American community to a special event on May 8, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. They will be unveiling a new tourist information audio guide focused on the American presence in the city. Sign up information is below. Husterhoh Kaserne occupied a ridgetop in the northern part of Pirmasens city. It was used as a U.S. military base from 1945-1997, and many of the streets in the area still bear the names of American states. As headquarters of the 59th Ordnance Brigade, it was one of many small bases that were part of the Pirmasens Military Community. This included installations in Fischbach, Dahn, Massweiler and Munchweiler. After most of Husterhoh Kaserne was returned to the German government in 1997, the U.S. kept a small portion for storage. The U.S. Army Medical Material Center Europe used the storage facilities as a medical supply depot until 2021. It is now being upgraded by the U.S. Air Force to be used as a storage facility for equipment to support quick response help for NATO troops. Final flag ceremony at Husterhoh Kaserne (Norman Salzmann, Stadtverwaltung Pirmasens) The primary buildings that remain from Husterhoh Kaserne are now German businesses and housing. Though remodeled, many still retain the historic look of a military barracks, including the iconic banana building. The citys new information guide will be installed in front of this large, curved yellow building and is the latest addition to the citys walking tour. There are now 18 stops on the Pirmasens acoustic walking tour, and each stop includes a small stele with a QR code to the audio guide. The tour was created in 2021as a project by the Pirmasens Youth Forum and Pirmasens Historical Association. The addition of Husterhoh Kaserne was suggested by Marina Hilbert, member of two Facebook communities dedicated to bringing together people previously stationed in Pirmasens. The guide is presented in both English and German. Retired U.S. soldier Kenny Coleman and local tour guide Gisela Looper did the recording. Both will be at the unveiling event in May. Husterhoh Kaserne audio guide unveiling ceremony details: May 8, 2024, 3:00 p.m. Pirmasens, Banana-Building bus stop Pestalozzistrasse, Pirmasens, Germany Register for the ceremony with Herr Norman Salzmann (normansalzmann@pirmasens.de) or Frau Marina (Hilbert marinahilbert@gmx.de) Telefon: 06331 / 84-2832 In this article, we will take a look at the top 15 most populated cities in South America. If you would like to skip our discussion on the population trends in South America, you can go to the 5 Most Populated Cities in South America. South America is known for its relatively peaceful status, as it has avoided major armed conflicts since the early 2000s. According to estimates from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division, South America's population crossed 442 million in 2024. It's expected to grow by around 50 million, reaching 495 million by 2056 before beginning to decline. Among continents, South America ranks second to last in population, with only Oceania having fewer people at 46 million. This makes South America the continent with the second-smallest population, excluding Antarctica, for which, population estimates are unavailable in the UN World Population Prospects Report 2022. South America has an area of 6,890,000 sq. miles, making it the fourth largest continent in terms of area, following Asia, Africa, and North America. Population-wise, it stands as the fifth most populated continent, trailing behind Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. South America's population makes up 5.47% of the total world population. According to the World Bank, the annual population growth rate in Latin America and the Caribbean was recorded at 0.7% in 2022. This rate has been steadily decreasing since 1961, going from 2.8% in 1961 to 2% in 1985 and 1.1% in 2010. South America has just 12 sovereign countries, which is considerably fewer than on other continents. Brazil covers more than half of the region's area, making it the most populated country in the region. Over the past three decades, South America has made significant progress in strengthening its economy despite facing challenges like rising inflation, global uncertainty, increasing debt, and low commodity prices. Efforts have also been made to address poverty and unemployment levels, aiming to return them to pre-pandemic levels. The World Bank predicts that the region's GDP will grow by 2.3% and 2.6% in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Many businesses are acknowledging the benefits of setting up operations in South America and are partnering with local companies. The region has a large and educated workforce and is investing heavily in technology as well. Furthermore, the United States Geological Survey indicates that 54% of global lithium reserves are located in Latin America. The continent holds other important minerals, too, such as copper, cobalt, and nickel. This rich mineral environment in South America makes it an attractive target for international companies seeking to make investments. Story continues Leading Companies Utilizing South America's Resources One of the companies taking advantage of minerals across the continent is Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE), which is one of the largest company and oldest companies in South America. The business has been operational for over seven decades. Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) started as an iron ore extraction company but has now expanded into the production and export of copper, iron ore, nickel, coal, and other minerals. In September 2023, Vale S.A.s (NYSE:VALE) subsidiary, Vale International, entered into a partnership with Essar Group. Vale International is expected to supply the group with around 4 million tons of iron ore agglomerates on a yearly basis. In addition to Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE), Ambev S.A. (NYSE:ABEV) is another popular South American company. Ambev S.A. (NYSE:ABEV) was established through the merger of two iconic Brazilian breweries in 1999. Since then, Ambev has experienced growth, particularly during the mid-2010s, followed by a period of stabilization. The company has a diverse portfolio of beers featuring popular brands such as Brahma, Skol, Antarctica, and Quilmes. Ambev S.A. (NYSE:ABEV) holds a dominant position in several countries, with impressive market shares as of 2023, including 68% in Brazil, 96% in Bolivia, 81% in Argentina, 95% in Uruguay, and 90% in Paraguay. Another innovative company based in South America is WEG SA (BVMF:WEGE3). Established in 1961, this Brazilian company is a global leader in the electrical equipment industry. Over the years, WEG SA (BVMF:WEGE3) has diversified its portfolio to offer a wide range of motors, generators, drives, transformers, and automation technologies. WEG SA experienced revenue growth of 8.69% TTM, increasing from 29.90 billion Brazilian reals to 32.50 billion Brazilian reals, while net income also saw a significant improvement of 36.21% over the last twelve months. 15 Most Populated Cities in South America Our Methodology To shortlist the 15 most populated cities in South America, we referred to data from the United Nations - World Population Prospects Report. The cities have been ranked in ascending order of the latest population estimates by the United Nations. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 15 Most Populated Cities in South America 15. Cali, Colombia Population: 2.89 million Cali is a city in western Colombia situated on both sides of the Cali River. It was founded in the 1500s but did not rise to prominence until the 1950s. It is Colombias third-largest city, after Bogota and Medellin. Cali is a major collection and distribution center for agricultural products. It is also a strategic Colombian transportation center that links major cities by railroad and highway. The city also has an international airport and a military air base. 14. Caracas, Venezuela Population: 2.99 million Caracas is the capital of Venezuela and one of the principal cities of South America. It is Venezuelas largest urban center and the countrys main hub for industry, commerce, education, and culture. The city expanded rapidly after the 1940s. Apart from the national capital, it is also the seat of the Capital District, which is spread across 167 square miles. The city has expanded beyond these boundaries into the state of Miranda. 13. Guayaquil, Ecuador Population: 3.19 million Guayaquil is Ecuadors main port. It is on the west bank of the Guayas River, 45 miles from the Gulf of Guayaquil, off the Pacific Ocean. The city is low-lying and has a hot and humid climate. It was widely considered a plague spot, but since 1920, the government has focused on engineering and hygiene, which has greatly reduced health hazards. The city has sugar refineries, iron foundries, tanneries, and sawmills, as well as a fabricating and processing center for multiple light consumer goods. Shrimp farming is also a major industry in the city. 12. Curitiba, Brazil Population: 3.85 million Curitiba is situated in southern Brazil. The city has roots as a gold mining, tea, and wood processing center. It has many immigrants from international and rural areas. Curitiba underwent extensive revitalization efforts, including the development of water bodies, parks, and recreational spaces in the 1970s. 11. Salvador, Brazil Population: 3.99 million Salvador is a major port city and State capital of Bahia state in northeastern Brazil. It is Brazils third-largest city. It is located at the southern tip of a peninsula that separates Todos os Santos (All Saints) Bay, a natural harbor, from the Atlantic Ocean. 10. Medellin, Columbia Population: 4.14 million Medellin is the capital city of Antioquia in northwestern Colombia. It lies along the Porce River at an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level. It is one of Columbias largest cities and is heavily industrialized, with a focus on the steel and coffee industry. The city has a varied industrial base that includes food processing, woodworking, metallurgy, automobiles, chemicals, and rubber products. 9. Fortaleza, Brazil Population: 4.25 million Fortaleza is a port city and state capital of Ceara in Northeast Brazil. Positioned at the mouth of the Pajeu River, it originated as a small village and has turned into a modern urban center. The ports trade items include sugar, cashews, salt, cotton, wax, hides, textiles, and clothing. Industries in the area manufacture dyes, electroceramics, and Styrofoam packing materials. Fortaleza is well-connected to surrounding cities via a road network, while its railway links the city and its port with agricultural regions to the southwest. Fortaleza is among the top 10 most populated cities in South America. 8. Brasilia, Brazil Population: 4.94 million Brasilia, the federal capital city of Brazil, is situated within the Federal District in the state of Goias. The city is positioned at an elevation of 3,500 feet and lies between the Tocantins, Parana, and Sao Francisco rivers. Due to its unique city plan and architecture, as well as its role in the development of the Brazilian interior, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. 7. Belo Horizonte, Brazil Population: 6.3 million Belo Horizonte is a mountain city in southeastern Brazil. It is on the western slope of the Espinhaco Mountains, at a height of 2,720 feet. The city was planned out on a grid pattern based on the theme of Washington, D.C., in the United States and La Plata in Argentina. With a population of 6.3 million, Belo Horizonte is one of the most populated cities in South America. 6. Santiago, Chile Population: 6.95 million Santiago, the capital of Chile, is situated along the canalized Mapocho River. The city serves as a hub for Chile's industrial activity, with a focus on food items, textiles, shoes, and clothing production. The city has an active financial sector featuring a stock exchange, numerous large banks with extensive branch networks, and many insurance companies. A comprehensive road network connects the city with the ports of San Antonio to the west and Valparaiso to the northwest. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Populated Cities in South America. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Most Populated Cities in South America is originally published on Insider Monkey. iStock.com Flying economy might not have all the bells and whistles of a first-class or business ticket, but it gets you to your destination with a few extra bucks in your pocket. Read Next: Hawaii on a Dime: 7 Crucial Tips To Live Frugally in the Aloha State Learn More: Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Dont Realize They Should Do This One Thing However, finding affordable economy tickets can be challenging, especially if youre unfamiliar with the international options available. Use this list of top international airlines for inexpensive economy tickets next time you plan an overseas trip. Sponsored: Credit card debt keeping you up at night? Find out if you can reduce your debt with these 3 steps 1. Copa Airlines Planning a trip to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America or South America? Then youll want to check out Copa Airlines. 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Story continues Ryanair flights start at just $14.99 for a one-way ticket and you can find deals to numerous destinations throughout the year. However, dont expect any extras during your flight food and water are available for a fee and you must pay to check a bag. Final Take Finding an inexpensive international flight isnt out of reach, especially when you know which airlines offer the cheapest flights. Next time you plan an international trip, use our list of carriers to find an affordable ticket that gets you where you want to go. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Most Affordable International Airlines for an Economy Ticket Key Insights Significantly high institutional ownership implies Hikma Pharmaceuticals' stock price is sensitive to their trading actions The top 14 shareholders own 51% of the company Using data from analyst forecasts alongside ownership research, one can better assess the future performance of a company Every investor in Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (LON:HIK) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 52% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk). Because institutional owners have a huge pool of resources and liquidity, their investing decisions tend to carry a great deal of weight, especially with individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Hikma Pharmaceuticals. See our latest analysis for Hikma Pharmaceuticals What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Hikma Pharmaceuticals? Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index. Hikma Pharmaceuticals already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of Hikma Pharmaceuticals, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. Institutional investors own over 50% of the company, so together than can probably strongly influence board decisions. Hikma Pharmaceuticals is not owned by hedge funds. Darhold Ltd. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 27% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 5.5% and 3.3% of the stock. A closer look at our ownership figures suggests that the top 14 shareholders have a combined ownership of 51% implying that no single shareholder has a majority. Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too. Story continues Insider Ownership Of Hikma Pharmaceuticals The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. We can report that insiders do own shares in Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC. The insiders have a meaningful stake worth UK96m. Most would see this as a real positive. Most would say this shows alignment of interests between shareholders and the board. Still, it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 18% stake in Hikma Pharmaceuticals. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Private Company Ownership We can see that Private Companies own 27%, of the shares on issue. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Take risks for example - Hikma Pharmaceuticals has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of. But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. Oberweis Dairy Inc., headquartered in North Aurora, Illinois, filed for bankruptcy Friday . (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) A 97-year-old family-owned dairy that offers home milk delivery in glass bottles and operates over 40 ice cream and dairy stores in Illinois and Missouri recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Oberweis Dairy Inc., headquartered in North Aurora, Illinois, filed its petition Friday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois. In its filing, which seeks to reorganize and restructure the company, Oberweis Dairy lists both its assets and liabilities as between $10 million and $50 million and states it has up to 5,000 creditors. The company states that funds will be available for distribution to unsecured creditors. Oberweis owes more than $4 million to the companys top 20 unsecured creditors, including Nussbaum Transportation of Hudson, Illinois, owed more than $774,000; Greco & Sons, of Barlett, Illinois, owed nearly $722,000; and Penske Truck Leasing of Earth City, Missouri, owed more than $132,000. According to the petition, Oberweis Dairy also owes more than $173,000 to the Cook County treasurers office in Chicago. Oberweis Dairy has been operating since 1927 when Peter J. Oberweis, a dairy farmer in Aurora, began selling extra milk to his neighbors from the back of his horse-drawn wagon, according to the companys website. The fourth-generation company is owned by the family of former Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis, who bought the company in 1986 and has served as chairman of Oberweis Dairy for 37 years. Oberweis has been a fixture in Illinois politics. He served in the legislature from 2013 to 2021 and ran for the U.S. Senate in 2002 and 2004 and for governor in 2006. He lost in the Republican primary all three times. He also ran for Congress in 2008 but lost to Democrat Bill Foster. Oberweis again ran for election to the U.S. House for Illinois 14th Congressional District but lost in the general election in 2020, according to CBS News. The petition lists Adam Kraber as president of the company. As of publication time Monday, Oberweis Dairys bankruptcy attorney, Howard L. Adelman, had not responded to FreightWaves request for comment. The reason for the dairys bankruptcy was not immediately clear. Oberweis Dairy and traditional dairy products are facing growing financial challenges because of the rise of plant-based milks, such as almond, soy and oat milk, which have captured a growing market share, according to an article by news outlet Archyde. According to Pitchbook, Oberweis received a $90,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in December 2022. In April 2020, the company received a $5.67 million loan from CIBC Bank of Chicago through the U.S. Small Business Administrations Paycheck Protection Program. Story continues Do you have a news tip to share? Send me an email or message me @cage writer on X, formerly Twitter. Your name will not be used without your permission. Read related articles here: Former Tonys Express workers, drivers say mismanagement sank company Shuttered California trucking company files for bankruptcy Illinois trucking company with 171 drivers files for bankruptcy The post 97-year-old Illinois dairy forced into bankruptcy appeared first on FreightWaves. TSX Venture Exchange: ADY OTCQB: ADYRF FSE: 701GR /NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES./ PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea, April 15, 2024 /CNW/ - Adyton Resources Corporation (TSXV: ADY) ("Adyton" or the "Company") announces it has revised the pricing of its non-brokered private placement offering previously announced in its press release of March 27, 2024 (the "Financing"). The Financing will now consist of up to 50,000,000 common shares (the "Shares") at a price of C$0.03 per Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$1,500,000. Adyton Resources Logo (CNW Group/Adyton Resources Corporation) The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Financing for general corporate purposes, exploration activities, and tenement holding costs. Any specific use representing 10% or more of the gross proceeds of the Financing will be detailed on closing of the Financing, however, it is expected the majority of the proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. None of the proceeds from the Financing will be used for payments to non-arm's length parties of the Company other than normal course compensation of its officers, directors, employees and consultants as part of general corporate purposes, or to persons conducting investor relations activities. It is anticipated that some of the subscribers in the Financing will be insiders of the Company. Sales of Shares to insiders will be considered to be "related party transactions" for the purposes of National Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). It is anticipated that the Company will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 in reliance on sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. The closing of the Financing is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All Shares issued pursuant to the Financing will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company may pay finders' fees in connection with the Financing in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF ADYTON RESOURCES CORPORATION Tim Crossley, Chief Executive Officer 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 for copper and gold. The Company's mineral exploration projects are located on the Pacific Ring of Fire which hosts several world class copper and gold deposits. For more information about Adyton and its projects, visit www.adytonresources.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 press release. DISCLAIMER & FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may include "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. 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, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Such factors, among other things, include: impacts arising from the global disruption caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, changes in general macroeconomic conditions; 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. SOURCE Adyton Resources Corporation Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2024/15/c3999.html MILAN The first A400M aircraft for Kazakhstan has rolled out of the paint shop at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Spain, the company announced in an April 15 statement. The upcoming delivery of the cargo plane comes at a time when the Central Asian country is balancing its ties to the West while managing neighborly relations with Russia. Ahead of the war in Ukraine, in 2021, Astana ordered two copies of the aircraft, with the first one expected to be delivered later this year, according to Airbus. Kazakhstan has faced a complex political conundrum in recent years, as it shares border with Russia 4,500 miles in length. The government has increasingly shown that it pursues its own independent policy, having opted to maintain a neutral position toward the war in Ukraine and pledged to uphold Western sanctions on Moscow. While many experts have noted that the country appears to want to distance itself from the Kremlin, this might be harder to accomplish in practice for the former Soviet Union state. In a recent report , the British think tank Chatham House highlighted that the economic trade between the two countries reached record highs in 2022 and 2023, coming to $26 and $27 billion, respectively, including exports of dual-use goods. Almost half of all foreign companies working in Kazakhstan are now Russian, and there is huge interest in the country from Russian state-owned enterprises and private companies with links to the Kremlin, the report stated. An Airbus spokesman told Defense News the company is unworried by the customers Russia ties. Airbus is firmly committed to conducting its business ethically, based on company values, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, which also applies to the A400M Kazakhstan contracts, the spokesman told Defense News in an email. The Central Asian state already was already an Airbus customer before the flagship A400M purchase, having bought two of the companys C295 military airlifters in 2017. By Sudip Kar-Gupta LONDON (Reuters) - Fund manager VanEck's defence-industry focused exchange traded fund (ETF) has reached more than $550 million in net assets in its first year, VanEck said on Monday, highlighting how current, global conflicts have driven investors to the defence sector. The New York-headquartered firm launched its VanEck Defense UCITS ETF at the end of March 2023. The ETF is up around 20% in 2024, and has reached around $560 million in net assets within a year. The war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has also drawn in Iran, has led many governments to call for more military spending. In April, British Foreign Minister David Cameron called for NATO allies to bolster defence spending and production to support Ukraine against Russia, while Israel has also amended its budget to add more spending on defence. "Traditionally, the defence industry has been a rather sensitive topic, especially in Europe. However, the outbreak of war in Ukraine and other areas of tension and conflict around the world have changed the way many people view defence policy," said VanEck Europe CEO Martijn Rozemuller. The ETF's top holdings are French stocks Thales and Safran, while others include Italian company Leonardo and U.S. defence technology company Booz Allen Hamilton. Earlier this month, Goldman Sachs' strategists said they were not recommending European defence stocks due to their recent outperformance, with the STOXX Europe aerospace and defence index up around 27% in 2024 - outpacing a 5% percent gain for the broader STOXX Europe index. Nevertheless, APICIL Asset Management fund manager Gregoire Laverne said defence stocks remained long-term top picks, given the global, political situation. "We think defence remains a must-have in fund managers' portfolios, given how governments not only in Europe but across the world are not stopping in their increases to military spending," added Laverne, whose firm owns Thales and Safran. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; editing by David Evans) Exterior shot of the latest design for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship, one of the Royal Navy's new warships A British bid to sell submarine-hunting warships to Norway cannot go ahead unless the Royal Navy agrees to take late delivery of one of its own vessels, it has emerged. Oslo this month set out plans to buy at least five frigates, starting with at least one for delivery by 2029, as it grapples with an increasingly active Russian presence in the Norwegian and Barents seas. It is thought BAE Systems could be in pole position to supply the vessels, with the UK defence giant currently building a new generation of Type 26 frigates at its Govan shipyard in Glasgow. However, the company is committed to supplying the first eight to the Royal Navy, with the first batch of four currently under construction. It is understood that due to the tight Norwegian timelines, BAE would only be able to supply a frigate to Oslo by its 2029 deadline if the Royal Navy agreed to give up one of the early-stage hulls. The Navy is currently expecting to take delivery of the Type 26 frigates from 2028 to 2035, with the first, HMS Glasgow, currently being outfitted ahead of sea trials planned for 2026. Also known as the City-class, the warships will be among the most advanced and stealthy vessels of their kind in the world and used for hunting submarines, air defences and general duties. On Friday, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that discussions were taking place about the matter but stressed that no decisions had been taken. Providing the ships to Norway, a fellow Nato member, would support the UKs defence aims while also helping to guarantee work for BAEs Glasgow shipyard beyond the mid-2030s. At the same time, the companys chances of striking a deal with Oslo have improved after a recent US review found that Fincantieri Marinette Marine, which makes the rival Constellation-class frigate, is suffering a three-year delay on existing orders. However, handing over UK ships to an ally at a time when the Royal Navy surface fleet is already stretched could prove controversial domestically. If the Navy agreed, industry insiders have speculated BAE would likely divert one of the earlier-stage hulls known as Ship 3 and Ship 4, or HMS Belfast and Birmingham respectively. An MoD spokesman said: We are working jointly with BAE Systems on options to support Norways future frigate programme and actively support the promotion of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship design to other navies around the world with a similar requirement. A BAE spokesman added: Were committed to delivering the eight ship Type 26 programme for the Royal Navy and are making good progress with construction underway on the first four vessels. Story continues Sidharth Kaushal, sea power research fellow the Royal United Services Institute, said the Royal Navys surface fleets current state was effectively one of temporary retrenchment, which may start to be alleviated by the delivery of the Type 26s. He added: The fleet is at a historic low in terms of surface escort ships and the Type 26 will be particularly critical to what the Royal Navy does in future. They are already looking at a reduced number, down to eight from the original 12 the Navy wanted, so I imagine giving one to an ally would be a difficult sell. BAE has secured contracts worth 7.9bn overall from the Ministry of Defence to build the Type 26 frigates, which will be among the most advanced and stealthy warships in the world. They are designed for anti-submarine warfare as well as air defence and general purpose operations, replacing some of the functions of the existing fleet of Type 23 frigates. When outfitted by the Royal Navy, they will be equipped with a medium-calibre gun, Sea Ceptor missiles, a towed sonar array and a helipad capable of accommodating heavy-lift Chinook helicopters. They will also boast Thunderbird Two-style mission bays capable of transporting boats, drones, special forces equipment, disaster relief supplies or up to eight container-sized pods. Both the Ministry of Defence and BAE have previously expressed hopes that the Govan shipyard could also build Type 26s for export, although so far deals to sell the ships to Australia and Canada have seen those countries opt to build them domestically. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. China calls for peace after Iran's strike against Israel 08:38, April 15, 2024 By Zhou Jin ( Chinadaily.com.cn China expressed deep concern on Sunday over Iran's military strike on Israeli territory, calling on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations. It is reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran launched a military strike against Israeli territory on Sunday using ballistic missiles and drones. The ongoing situation is the latest increase in hostilities of the ongoing Gaza conflict, the foreign ministry said in an online statement. There should be no more delays in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and the conflict must end now, a spokesperson for the ministry said in the statement. The spokesperson called on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role in the peace and stability of the region. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Statevolt, a global leader in green industrialisation headquartered in California, US, has announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art, technology-agnostic battery cell Gigafactory in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, at an investment of $3.2 billion, through its local subsidiary, thus marking a significant milestone in advancing technological innovation in the energy storage sector (ESS). Unveiling the mega plan for UAE, Statevolt Emirates said working alongside various industry and community partners, it will implement the modular design approach, allowing for a faster route to market as well as a solution to diversify production based on technology readiness. The gigafactory is designed to set a new standard in battery technology with its superior safety and extended lifecycle, delivering battery solutions that are adaptable to a wide range of climates and conditions, it stated. The factory will start by producing semi-solid state battery cells, with the aim to move to solid state battery cells once the project reaches full capacity, it added. Under the leadership of its Swedish-born entrepreneur Lars Carlstrom, also the Founder-CEO of the company who is deeply committed to green industrialisation and the creation of skilled jobs, Statevolt Emirates is set to lead the charge towards low-carbon energy solutions. The Gigafactory embodies Carlstrom's vision of leveraging technological innovation for global energy transformation and local economic enhancement. According to Statevolt, this ambitious project, with a site spanning 60 hectares in Al Ghail Industrial Zone at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez), is anticipated to generate up to 2,500 direct job opportunities, fostering significant economic development in Ras Al Khaimah and the surrounding region. Moreover, it aligns with the UAE's strategic vision to become a leading hub for green technology and energy transition, reinforcing the countrys position as a leader in sustainable industrial development, it added. The gigafactory, positioned to meet the surging global demand for ESS, crucial for stabilizing the grid, enhancing renewable energy integration, and improving energy efficiency, is strategically focused on key export markets such as Africa, India, the UAE, and the broader Middle East region. With an expected annual production capacity of up to 40GWh upon full operation, Statevolt is well-positioned to address the growing need for sustainable energy management. These markets are increasingly pivotal, given their ambitious renewable energy targets and the essential role of energy storage in achieving these goals. Carlstrom said: "At Statevolt, our commitment to the global energy transition is founded on our focus on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. Our $3.2 billion investment in the Ras Al Khaimah Gigafactory, using next-generation technology, highlights this commitment, aiming to meet the growing demand for energy storage solutions across Africa, India, the UAE, and the Middle East." "We greatly value the support from the Rakez authorities and are confident that our partnership will bring success and significant opportunities for the community. We are happy to be able to be a player in one of the worlds most prospering economies who are now taking the lead in new industrialization," he added. Statevolt said it has reached a commercial land agreement in Rakez, marking the first milestone in the development of this new project. Following the land agreement, Statevolt will be applying for building permits, and expects to have the first production line fully operative by the end of 2026. Lauding the move, Rakez Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: "We are thrilled to have welcomed Statevolt to our growing community of pioneering enterprises dedicated to sustainable innovation. The outstanding facilities provided by the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah are in perfect harmony with Statevolts ambitious production objectives and Rakez is committed to supporting the companys journey every step of the way, ensuring all the requirements are fulfilled for the successful gigafactory project." "This synergy enhances our collective pursuit of sustainability, aligning with the emirates Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040. Statevolts presence marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a greener future and reinforces our commitment to attracting leading-edge companies that share our vision for creating a sustainable ecosystem," he added.-TradeArabia News Service LONDON, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bain & Company today announced that Alexander Schmitz has been appointed to lead its Private Equity (PE) practice in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), succeeding Christophe De Vusser, the firm's Worldwide Managing Partner Elect. A 21-year veteran of the firm based in Dusseldorf, Alexander is a senior member of the firm's partner team in its global PE practice, with a deep track record of delivering successful client results across the full PE value chain. Most recently, he has served as head of Bain's PE group in the Germany, Austria and Switzerland region (DACH). During his past four years in this position his leadership has seen three-fold growth in the firm's PE business across all parts of the DACH region, as well as ongoing expansion of its PE teams in these markets. Alexander brings to his role a wealth of experience of advising financial investors globally on deal generation and execution, portfolio company value creation and transformations, and fund strategy, alongside very substantial leadership credentials. He is an active member of Bain's EMEA leadership team and previously served as the managing partner of the firm's Dusseldorf office. "We are excited for the vision and energy Alexander will bring to his new role especially developing and leading our world-class team to support our clients across their business to achieve their ambition and results," said Rebecca Burack, head of Bain & Company's global Private Equity practice. "He has a keen understanding of client needs and is dedicated to our mission to bring the best of Bain to clients, including through continuing innovation across our tools and technology, such as the implementation of new AI capabilities." In his new role, Alexander will take on responsibility for further accelerating the growth of Bain's private equity business across the region. He will have a particular focus on business and client development, and on talent recruitment and development in support of the practice's continuing expansion, as well as on leading the practice's consulting teams and expert professional staff. Alexander holds a summa cum laude degree in Business Administration from WHU Otto Beisheim Graduate School of Management in Vallendar, Germany, and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition, he attended the Universidad Adolfo Ibanez in Vina del Mar, Chile. Media contacts: To request an interview or for questions, please contact: Story continues Dan Pinkney (Boston) Email: dan.pinkney@bain.com Gary Duncan (London) Email: gary.duncan@bain.com About Bain & Company's Private Equity Practice Bain & Company is the leading consulting partner to the private equity (PE) industry and its stakeholders. PE consulting at Bain has grown eightfold over the past 15 years and represents approximately one-third of the firm's global business. We maintain a global network of more than 2,000 experienced professionals serving PE clients. Our practice is more than triple the size of the next largest consulting company serving PE firms. Bain's work with PE firms spans fund types, including buyout, infrastructure, real estate and debt. We also work with hedge funds, as well as many of the most prominent institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, endowments and family investment offices. Bain & Company supports its clients across a broad range of objectives that include deal generation, due diligence, immediate post-acquisition and ongoing value addition, exit planning, firm strategy and operations, and institutional investor strategy. About Bain & Company Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future. Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a platinum rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 1% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bain--company-names-alexander-schmitz-to-lead-its-private-equity-practice-in-emea-302115837.html SOURCE Bain & Company Key Insights Significant control over Berjaya Corporation Berhad by retail investors implies that the general public has more power to influence management and governance-related decisions A total of 16 investors have a majority stake in the company with 51% ownership Insiders own 26% of Berjaya Corporation Berhad A look at the shareholders of Berjaya Corporation Berhad (KLSE:BJCORP) can tell us which group is most powerful. We can see that retail investors own the lion's share in the company with 37% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company. Meanwhile, individual insiders make up 26% of the companys shareholders. Insiders often own a large chunk of younger, smaller, companies while huge companies tend to have institutions as shareholders. In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Berjaya Corporation Berhad. Check out our latest analysis for Berjaya Corporation Berhad What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Berjaya Corporation Berhad? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. We can see that Berjaya Corporation Berhad does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Berjaya Corporation Berhad's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Hedge funds don't have many shares in Berjaya Corporation Berhad. Chee Yioun Tan is currently the largest shareholder, with 8.1% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 5.9% and 5.1% of the stock. After doing some more digging, we found that the top 16 have the combined ownership of 51% in the company, suggesting that no single shareholder has significant control over the company. Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. We're not picking up on any analyst coverage of the stock at the moment, so the company is unlikely to be widely held. Insider Ownership Of Berjaya Corporation Berhad The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. Story continues Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own a reasonable proportion of Berjaya Corporation Berhad. Insiders have a RM451m stake in this RM1.7b business. We would say this shows alignment with shareholders, but it is worth noting that the company is still quite small; some insiders may have founded the business. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership With a 37% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Berjaya Corporation Berhad. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders. Private Company Ownership It seems that Private Companies own 21%, of the Berjaya Corporation Berhad stock. Private companies may be related parties. Sometimes insiders have an interest in a public company through a holding in a private company, rather than in their own capacity as an individual. While it's hard to draw any broad stroke conclusions, it is worth noting as an area for further research. Public Company Ownership It appears to us that public companies own 4.3% of Berjaya Corporation Berhad. It's hard to say for sure but this suggests they have entwined business interests. This might be a strategic stake, so it's worth watching this space for changes in ownership. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Berjaya Corporation Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Berjaya Corporation Berhad . Of course this may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free free list of interesting companies. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. NASSAU, Bahamas, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bahamas took center stage at Seatrade Cruise Global, hosted at the Miami Convention Center, in Miami, Florida, recently. This premier event for the cruise industry saw an impressive turnout of over 11,000 attendees eager to stay abreast of the latest developments. Leading the charge was The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, alongside a dedicated team of tourism executives and destination partners, including the Ministry of Grand Bahama, Nassau Cruise Port, Bimini Cruise Port, Freeport Shipping Company, Grand Bahama Port Authority and The Bahamas Maritime Authority. Together, they focused on strengthening and advancing the country's cruise sector. (PRNewsfoto/Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & A) During the conference, the Deputy Prime Minister engaged with media representatives to discuss upcoming projects aimed at enhancing the arrival and destination experiences for cruise passengers. He also provided updates on cruise developments, infrastructure upgrades and new tourism offerings. Additionally, he held fruitful discussions with key industry players, such as the Cruise Line International Association, Disney Cruise Line, and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Line Association. "The dynamic atmosphere at Seatrade Cruise Global in The Bahamas Pavilion served as a powerful testament to the relentless dedication of both the destination and our partners," said Cooper. "Together, we've crafted a tourism experience that rivals any other worldwide. The enthusiastic engagement witnessed in our meetings signals a robust interest in The Bahamas, instilling us with unwavering confidence in the boundless potential of the destination's cruise sector." To offer cruise industry executives a preview of the rich Bahamian culture awaiting disembarking cruise passengers, the essence of the destination came alive at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Business on The Bay event held at the Perez Art Museum. The gala event garnered an attendance of over 1100 individuals. The spotlight was on Junkanoo, a dynamic cultural extravaganza featuring dance, music, and elaborate costumes. Sponsored in part by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT), the event featured remarks from the Deputy Prime Minister and a captivating performance by the Bahamian musical ensemble, The Togetherness Band. The Bahamas drew enthusiastic recognition for the island nation's contributions to and support of the global cruise industry by CEO's of the largest and most influential cruise companies in the cruise sector during the prestigious State of the Cruise Industry opening event and during cruise line specific sessions. Informa Markets, the show's operating company, recognized The Bahamas for its booth constructed from recycled materials as a notable example of sustainability and environmental mindedness in a business setting. Story continues For more information on these exciting events and offerings, visit Bahamas.com. About The Bahamas: The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. Media Contact: Anita Johnson-Patty Director Global Communications Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Ajohnson@Bahamas.com Bahamas USA FINN Bahamas Bahamasusa@finnpartners.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/charting-the-course-the-bahamas-success-story-at-seatrade-cruise-global-302117017.html SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (Bloomberg) -- The Japanese construction firm Kajima Corp. has ridden a boom in building semiconductor plants to a surge in its revenue and stock price. Now, the Tokyo company will have to navigate bitter conditions on the northern island of Hokkaido to keep up that success. Most Read from Bloomberg Kajima helped Japan get off to a quick start in developing its chip industry after governments around the world recognized the need for reliable silicon supplies amid rising geopolitical tensions. The company led the speedy construction of a new fabrication facility for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. on the southern island of Kyushu, bringing the project to fruition before the US government could dole out its first subsidy check to TSMC and other chipmakers for American fabs. That building blitz turbocharged Kajimas growth, with its stock price surging 86% in the past year. Yet the companys next project presents an enormous challenge: Its responsible for erecting an even more advanced chip fab, for the government-backed Rapidus Corp., on terrain where snow, frozen ground and isolation from major population centers create significant complications. Koichi Takano, Kajimas general manager for the project, vows to finish this chip fab on time too. Less experienced teams just simply cant handle the job, he said over Zoom from the construction site. We, on the other hand, have seen, touched and made the latest generation of clean rooms for chip customers. This isnt hyperbole. Kajima over the last decade has led development of at least 10 chip plants, where semiconductors are crafted in so-called clean rooms filtered of airborne impurities. The low-profile, 184-year-old company has quietly become Japans secret weapon for building its semiconductor industry. Rapidus will present new difficulties, however. The government-backed chip startup aims to launch pilot lines next year ahead of the targeted mass production of 2-nanometer semiconductors in 2027. Kajima, which began working on the factory in September, must complete about half the facility by the end of this year so suppliers of chipmaking equipment like ASML Holding NV can begin installations from December. At the same time, construction is growing more costly in Hokkaido. Competition for workers has intensified because of chronic labor shortages and rigid workplace regulations. Ski resorts on the island, including the famous Niseko, are attempting their own building surge. Prices for materials and heavy equipment have been inflated because of the weak yen and Russias war against Ukraine. Story continues The squeeze has set back other developments. Yodobashi Holdings Inc. gave up on building a luxury hotel in the metropolis of Sapporo, while Hokkaido Railway Co. pushed back its redevelopment plans. In Niseko, real estate developers have pulled the plug on new projects due to surging costs. Read more: Japans Top Ski Resort Loses Investment Allure as Costs Blow Out Rapidus hasnt slowed down at all. While construction projects in the snowy region usually halt for winter, Kajima didnt pause a single day. Instead, it covered wide swathes of the 5.29 hectare site with tents to protect the soil from snow, and then used heaters and fans to keep the entire area warm so construction could proceed. Cold temperatures create innumerable complications, including the risk of damaging concrete as it dries. Kajima keeps employees on location around the clock, though it costs at least 25% more to have people work nights and weekends. The company even made special arrangements to hire local firms to remove snow from roads around the construction area before workers begin to arrive at 6 a.m. Denzai K.K., a company that provides cranes for the construction site, said Kajima made clear from the start that the schedule took priority over cost. They said the work should not stop, no matter what, Denzai Chief Executive Officer Kohki Uemura told Bloomberg News, estimating Kajima is paying 10% to 15% more for newer, top-of-the-line cranes to minimize complications. Kajimas Takano acknowledges there are risks to meeting its December deadline, including worker shortages or an unexpected surge in costs, but he has sketched out each step on the path to completion with contingencies for virtually every scenario. Kajima plans to hire as many as 4,500 workers and begin night shifts shortly to accelerate the process. The company is primarily recruiting people from Hokkaido and will put workers up in nearby apartments. One lesson Kajima learned from the Kumamoto project was that workers created traffic jams when they drove their own cars to the construction site. So the team prepared shuttle buses for employees and asked them to refrain from using their own cars. Takano, 59, conveys the confidence of someone who has worked on these kinds of complex projects for four decades, including a chip fab in Mie for Kioxia Holdings Corp. in 2022. The progress is exactly in line with what we had planned, he said. Takano said his personal goal is to pass on his expertise to the next generation of Kajima workers. His team has been working together for more than two decades and theyre nearing retirement. This is one of my last chances to pass the baton from the old mans generation to young people, he said. The Rapidus project is real tough for sure. But its something we have to feel fortunate to be able to experience. --With assistance from Mayumi Negishi. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. We think intelligent long term investing is the way to go. But unfortunately, some companies simply don't succeed. Zooming in on an example, the COSCO SHIPPING International (Singapore) Co., Ltd. (SGX:F83) share price dropped 56% in the last half decade. That's not a lot of fun for true believers. It's worthwhile assessing if the company's economics have been moving in lockstep with these underwhelming shareholder returns, or if there is some disparity between the two. So let's do just that. Check out our latest analysis for COSCO SHIPPING International (Singapore) While COSCO SHIPPING International (Singapore) made a small profit, in the last year, we think that the market is probably more focussed on the top line growth at the moment. As a general rule, we think this kind of company is more comparable to loss-making stocks, since the actual profit is so low. For shareholders to have confidence a company will grow profits significantly, it must grow revenue. Over five years, COSCO SHIPPING International (Singapore) grew its revenue at 2.7% per year. That's not a very high growth rate considering it doesn't make profits. It's likely this weak growth has contributed to an annualised return of 9% for the last five years. We'd want to see proof that future revenue growth is likely to be significantly stronger before getting too interested in COSCO SHIPPING International (Singapore). When a stock falls hard like this, some investors like to add the company to a watchlist (in case the business recovers, longer term). You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). You can see how its balance sheet has strengthened (or weakened) over time in this free interactive graphic. A Different Perspective While the broader market lost about 1.0% in the twelve months, COSCO SHIPPING International (Singapore) shareholders did even worse, losing 16%. However, it could simply be that the share price has been impacted by broader market jitters. It might be worth keeping an eye on the fundamentals, in case there's a good opportunity. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 9% per year over five years. Generally speaking long term share price weakness can be a bad sign, though contrarian investors might want to research the stock in hope of a turnaround. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand COSCO SHIPPING International (Singapore) better, we need to consider many other factors. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for COSCO SHIPPING International (Singapore) that you should be aware of. Story continues For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Singaporean exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. CSE Global Limited's (SGX:544) investors are due to receive a payment of SGD0.015 per share on 26th of June. This makes the dividend yield 6.5%, which will augment investor returns quite nicely. See our latest analysis for CSE Global CSE Global's Payment Has Solid Earnings Coverage While it is great to have a strong dividend yield, we should also consider whether the payment is sustainable. The last payment made up 75% of earnings, but cash flows were much higher. This leaves plenty of cash for reinvestment into the business. Over the next year, EPS is forecast to expand by 67.4%. Under the assumption that the dividend will continue along recent trends, we think the payout ratio could be 49% which would be quite comfortable going to take the dividend forward. Dividend Volatility Although the company has a long dividend history, it has been cut at least once in the last 10 years. The annual payment during the last 10 years was SGD0.0425 in 2014, and the most recent fiscal year payment was SGD0.0275. Doing the maths, this is a decline of about 4.3% per year. Generally, we don't like to see a dividend that has been declining over time as this can degrade shareholders' returns and indicate that the company may be running into problems. The Dividend's Growth Prospects Are Limited With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to evaluate if earnings per share is growing, which could point to a growing dividend in the future. CSE Global has seen earnings per share falling at 4.9% per year over the last five years. If earnings continue declining, the company may have to make the difficult choice of reducing the dividend or even stopping it completely - the opposite of dividend growth. However, the next year is actually looking up, with earnings set to rise. We would just wait until it becomes a pattern before getting too excited. We should note that CSE Global has issued stock equal to 10% of shares outstanding. Trying to grow the dividend when issuing new shares reminds us of the ancient Greek tale of Sisyphus - perpetually pushing a boulder uphill. Companies that consistently issue new shares are often suboptimal from a dividend perspective. In Summary Overall, it's nice to see a consistent dividend payment, but we think that longer term, the current level of payment might be unsustainable. The company is generating plenty of cash, which could maintain the dividend for a while, but the track record hasn't been great. Overall, we don't think this company has the makings of a good income stock. Story continues Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. For example, we've picked out 2 warning signs for CSE Global that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of high yield dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. Allied Analytics LLP Key factors driving the growth of the Cumin Ingredient market include increasing consumer awareness about health benefits, growing demand for natural remedies, and the versatility of cumin across various industries. Furthermore, the influence of culinary trends on cumin usage globally is a driving factor behind the increased market demand for cumin ingredients. Wilmington, Delaware, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, Cumin Ingredient Market by Type (Powder, Oil), By Application (Dining Room, Barbecue Stand, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032. The global cumin ingredient market was valued at $1.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2032. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A321986 Prime determinants of growth The cumin ingredient market has experienced significant growth over the past few years, driven by several key factors. Firstly, increasing consumer awareness regarding the health benefits of cumin has played a crucial role. Cumin is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits, including improved digestion, immune system support, and potential anti-inflammatory properties. As consumers become more health-conscious and seek out natural remedies, the demand for cumin-based products has surged. Secondly, the expanding food and beverage industry worldwide has contributed to the growth of the cumin ingredient market. Cumin is a versatile spice used in a wide range of cuisines globally, including Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and Mediterranean dishes. As consumer palates become more adventurous and the demand for ethnic cuisines rises, the demand for cumin as a key ingredient has increased. Additionally, the growing popularity of ethnic foods in mainstream markets has further propelled the demand for cumin. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of cumin in various non-food applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products has fueled market growth. Cumin's natural aromatic properties make it a desirable ingredient in perfumes, skincare products, and herbal remedies. Moreover, ongoing research and development efforts to explore new applications of cumin extract in industries beyond food have opened up new avenues for market expansion. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2023 $1.3 billion Market Size in 2032 $1.9 billion CAGR 4.1% No. of Pages in Report 453 Segments Covered Type, Application, and Region Drivers Growth in demand for natural remedies Expansion of the food and beverage industry Adoption of cumin in non-food applications like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals Opportunities Growth in popularity of ethnic cuisines worldwide Development of cumin-based functional foods and supplements Restraints Transportation and logistics challenges affecting supply chain efficiency The powder segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period By type, the powder segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than three-fifths of the global cumin ingredient market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. However, the oil segment is projected to manifest a significant CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2032. Story continues Procure Complete Report (453 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/cumin-ingredient-market The dining room segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period By application, the dining room segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly half of the global cumin ingredient market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. Additionally, the other segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2032. Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032 By region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly one-third of the global cumin ingredient market revenue. In addition, the Middle East and Africa region is also expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2032 and is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. For Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A321986 Leading Market Players: - Starwest Botanicals McCormick & Company Young Living Essential Oils TERRA Madagascar Spices Company Phoenix Herb Company AOS Product Essential Oils Company AASHVI CORPORATION. The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global cumin ingredient market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Trending Reports in Food & Beverages Industry: Food Flavours and Flavour Enhancers Market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Flavor Enhancer Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Spices and Herbs Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2032 Spice Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report Forecast, 2023-2032 About us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact us: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/food-and-beverages Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube If you consolidated your federal student loans into Direct Loans, you may be eligible for additional credits through the Income-Driven Repayment Account Adjustment. For other borrowers, you have until the end of April to apply for consolidation and become eligible for these credits. "Borrowers who consolidate their loans into Direct Loans by April 30 may also be eligible to have their payments counted towards total loan forgiveness through this adjustment," read a portion of a press release from Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry. "Through the adjustment, it may be possible to receive credit for payments in months where you were not required to make a payment." How do I know if I am eligible for the Direct Consolidation Loan program, and how do I apply? Borrowers will need to meet a few general requirements to apply for a Direct Consolidation Loan. "Some borrowers who consolidate and enroll in an Income-Driven Repayment plan may qualify with as few as 10 years of payments if they work for the government, or for most types of nonprofits (under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program), or if they borrowed $12,000 or less and have enrolled in the SAVE plan," read the press release. Borrowers holding a Perkins, HEAL, FFEL loans can start the Direct Consolidation Loan process through the Department of Education's website. Information about the education department's income-driven repayment plans are also available online. A graduate (2nd from left) resets her cap during the Bucks County Community College's 57 Annual Commencement Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Bucks County Community College in Newtown. Recent graduates holding student loans have until the end of April to qualify for certain loan repayment credits. "A Direct Consolidation Loan allows you to consolidate one or more federal education loans ... for the purpose of lowering your monthly payment amount or gaining access to federal forgiveness programs," read a portion of the education department's website. "If you consolidate loans other than Direct Loans such as FFEL Program loans or Federal Perkins loans consolidation may give you access to additional income-driven repayment plan options, which can lower your monthly payment amount." Student loan bills coming in: Student loan forgiveness letters arrive in PA. What it means and how to check your status I have applied for a Direct Consolidation Loan. What now? After borrowers are successfully enrolled into a program, they can then earn forgiveness credits by enrolling in an Income-Driven Repayment plan, like the SAVE Plan. Best educational value in Pennsylvania: These PA colleges in the Delaware Valley rank high on best value list "Attorney General Henry is sending notification letters to more than 30,000 borrowers who are most likely to benefit from this program," read the press release. "Additionally, her office is recommending that eligible borrowers visit this web page: Take Action on a Time-Limited Student Loan Forgiveness Opportunity PA Office of Attorney General, that will assist borrowers in navigating the steps needed to take advantage of the program." Story continues Damon C. Williams covers trending and regional developments for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: How to consolidate your student loans for credits, loan foregiveness Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. Nonetheless, only a fool would ignore the risk that a loss making company burns through its cash too quickly. Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Delta Lithium (ASX:DLI) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. For the purposes of this article, cash burn is the annual rate at which an unprofitable company spends cash to fund its growth; its negative free cash flow. First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves. See our latest analysis for Delta Lithium Does Delta Lithium Have A Long Cash Runway? A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. As at December 2023, Delta Lithium had cash of AU$118m and no debt. Importantly, its cash burn was AU$63m over the trailing twelve months. That means it had a cash runway of around 22 months as of December 2023. While that cash runway isn't too concerning, sensible holders would be peering into the distance, and considering what happens if the company runs out of cash. You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below. How Is Delta Lithium's Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Delta Lithium didn't record any revenue over the last year, indicating that it's an early stage company still developing its business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. The skyrocketing cash burn up 149% year on year certainly tests our nerves. That sort of spending growth rate can't continue for very long before it causes balance sheet weakness, generally speaking. Clearly, however, the crucial factor is whether the company will grow its business going forward. For that reason, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at our analyst forecasts for the company. Can Delta Lithium Raise More Cash Easily? While Delta Lithium does have a solid cash runway, its cash burn trajectory may have some shareholders thinking ahead to when the company may need to raise more cash. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate). Delta Lithium has a market capitalisation of AU$207m and burnt through AU$63m last year, which is 30% of the company's market value. That's fairly notable cash burn, so if the company had to sell shares to cover the cost of another year's operations, shareholders would suffer some costly dilution. Is Delta Lithium's Cash Burn A Worry? On this analysis of Delta Lithium's cash burn, we think its cash runway was reassuring, while its increasing cash burn has us a bit worried. We don't think its cash burn is particularly problematic, but after considering the range of factors in this article, we do think shareholders should be monitoring how it changes over time. Separately, we looked at different risks affecting the company and spotted 4 warning signs for Delta Lithium (of which 3 don't sit too well with us!) you should know about. If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has outlined its strategic approach to support the UAE in achieving the objectives of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, emphasising its unique position in the water industry as the only utility in the UAE with fully Reverse Osmosis (RO) based production. The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, launched by UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in February, addresses global water scarcity. This initiative is part of the UAE's broader effort to manage water resources sustainably and aims to drive investment, accelerate technological innovation, enhance international cooperation, and raise awareness of the severity of water scarcity, said a report. As a leader in the water sector, EtihadWE serves nearly 2 million people across the northern emirates. The company boasts a significant RO production capacity at facilities like NAQAA, Ghalila, and Zawrah, totaling approximately 190 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD). RO technology, known for being more energy-efficient than thermal desalination, plays a crucial role in EtihadWE's strategy to support sustainable water use. In recent years, EtihadWE has invested over AED2 billion in enhancing its transmission and storage capabilities, notably through projects like the Khuraijah Water Distribution Center (WDC), one of the largest in the region with 9 x 20 MIG of storage. This investment significantly contributes to the UAE's Water Security Strategy. To reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which refers to water lost before it reaches the customer due to leaks and metering inaccuracies, EtihadWE is implementing a comprehensive strategy involving network rehabilitation, district metering establishment, and advanced acoustic inspection using smart ball technology and data loggers. This approach, supported by awareness campaigns and the finalization of a smart metering strategy, underscores EtihadWE's commitment to reducing water losses and enhancing efficiency. The launch of the water Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) project marks a significant step in optimising operations, focusing on reducing pumping costs and electricity usage, thereby contributing to the reduction of overall water losses. SCADA is a system utilized for remote control and monitoring of industrial processes. Yousif Ahmad Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, said: Innovation underpins our roadmap to combat water scarcity. By leveraging new technologies and our unique RO capabilities, we are taking significant steps to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of our operations. EtihadWE's ongoing efforts also include community engagement through programs like 'Lel Khair Norashid' in water, which emphasise water conservation and sustainable usage among the populace. Al Ali added: Through our initiatives, we are not only improving water reliability and security but also reinforcing the UAE's leadership in sustainable water management. Our work aligns with the national vision and the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all. -TradeArabia News Service Stock pickers are generally looking for stocks that will outperform the broader market. Buying under-rated businesses is one path to excess returns. For example, long term Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO) shareholders have enjoyed a 17% share price rise over the last half decade, well in excess of the market return of around 1.4% (not including dividends). On the other hand, the more recent gains haven't been so impressive, with shareholders gaining just 3.8% , including dividends . After a strong gain in the past week, it's worth seeing if longer term returns have been driven by improving fundamentals. Check out our latest analysis for Rio Tinto Group There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price. During five years of share price growth, Rio Tinto Group actually saw its EPS drop 4.8% per year. Since EPS is down a bit, and the share price is up, it's probably that the market previously had some concerns about the company, but the reality has been better than feared. Having said that, if the EPS falls continue we'd be surprised to see a sustained increase in share price. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Rio Tinto Group's earnings, revenue and cash flow. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, Rio Tinto Group's TSR for the last 5 years was 81%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. A Different Perspective Rio Tinto Group shareholders have received returns of 3.8% over twelve months (even including dividends), which isn't far from the general market return. It has to be noted that the recent return falls short of the 13% shareholders have gained each year, over half a decade. More recently, the share price growth has slowed. But it has to be said the overall picture is one of good long term and short term performance. Arguably that makes Rio Tinto Group a stock worth watching. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Rio Tinto Group that you should be aware of before investing here. Story continues If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on British exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. Award Recognizes Dr. Critchfield's Accomplishments in Life Sciences Companies LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EarlyDiagnostics ("EarlyDx"), the leading company in world-class liquid biopsy detection of early cancers and other conditions is pleased to announce today that Co-CEO Gregory C. Critchfield, M.D. M.S., has received the State of Utah's Governor's Medal for his numerous science and technology contributions in industry. EarlyDx (PRNewsfoto/EarlyDiagnostics, Inc.) Dr. Critchfield is a proven business leader with more than 30 years of operational and strategic experience in many diagnostics enterprises and was appointed Co-CEO of EarlyDiagnostics in January 2024 where he joined the Company's highly talented and experienced team devoted to providing accurate, affordable, and non-invasive liquid biopsy tests. EarlyDiagnostics is on the cusp of launching novel commercial products this year through its world-leading platform for providing early cancer detection services using its innovative combination of proprietary chemistries with advanced AI bioinformatics. "It is an honor to receive the Governor's Medal for Science and Technology for the industry category. This recognition highlights the support of people, institutions and organizations with which I have had the privilege to work during my career," said Dr. Critchfield. "Now, joining with EarlyDiagnostics to envision, create, and build world-class early cancer detection and personalized medicine is a truly exciting endeavor, as we focus on deploying powerful science and technology that has the potential to significantly improve the well-being of patients." "We are delighted by this recognition of Dr. Critchfield for his exceptional contributions in life sciences companies," said Dr. Jasmine Zhou, a co-founder and Co-CEO of EarlyDx. "This honor is well-deserved for his visionary leadership and transformative impact at Quest Diagnostics, Myriad Genetics, and Sera Prognostics. Dr. Critchfield's wealth of knowledge and experience will help propel EarlyDiagnostics to the forefront of early cancer detection and personalized medicine." About EarlyDiagnostics EarlyDiagnostics (EarlyDx) is devoted to providing accurate, affordable, and non-invasive liquid biopsy tests for early cancer detection and precision medicine. Its proprietary technologies for cost-effective cell-free DNA methylome sequencing, in combination with its powerful AI algorithms, have achieved high performance results in multi-cancer early detection and localization. The company's scientific team has a number of key publications in highly reputable journals that demonstrate significant contributions to science and leadership in the field. EarlyDx aims to launch commercial products beginning in 2024 to provide early cancer detection and precision medicine testing for doctors and patients, with the goal of improving the health outcomes of patients. Story continues About Multi-Cancer Early Detection In the U.S. alone, cancer occurs in one in five (1/5) men and one in six (1/6) women during their lifetimes. Current cancer detection technologies are typically limited to a few cancers and can be inconvenient, expensive, invasive, and incomplete. Most cancer cases are diagnosed in later stages, when treatments are much less effective. Developing the highest sensitivity and specificity testing to identify cases earlier has the potential to offer significant advantages to patients, to doctors and ultimately to the healthcare system. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/earlydiagnostics-inc-co-ceo-gregory-c-critchfield-md-ms-receives-utah-governors-medal-for-science-and-technology-302115745.html SOURCE EarlyDiagnostics, Inc. Mass Effect The electric carmaker Tesla is laying off more than ten percent of its global workforce, multiple outlets report. Per Electrek, the mass firings were confirmed in a leaked internal memo to staffers from company CEO Elon Musk, who wrote that "we have done a thorough review of the organization and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than [ten percent] globally." "There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done," Musk added, according to Electrek. "This will enable us to be lean, innovative and hungry for the next growth phase cycle." It's only April, and already 2024 has been a rough year for Tesla. The company's shockingly low first-quarter vehicle deliveries though it was predicted to deliver an average of about 457,000 vehicles, Tesla only delivered about 387,000 prompted one analyst to refer to this as Tesla's "nightmare" year. A recent report from Reuters, meanwhile, alleged that fierce competition in China has pushed Tesla to give up on its long-hyped Model 2, billed as an affordable, competitive alternative to Tesla's pricier models. (Musk has denied the report's claims.) In short, Tesla's going through it. And now, amid this tumult, it looks like staffers worldwide are about to be out of their jobs. Rocky Roads Ahead The most obvious culprit is a person who kept his job: Musk, whose disastrous acquisition and renaming of Twitter and hard turn into racist conspiracy theories have alienated a huge portion of the public who would have previously been keen to buy a Tesla. "It got to the point where we felt like we were driving around in a QAnon-MAGA hat, as if Tesla had become a symbol of white supremacy," one driver said last year of what drove her to sell her Tesla. According to Reuters, Tesla's last annual report noted the employment of approximately 140,473 staffers. While the exact layoff is still unclear, firing over ten percent of that workforce, as Electrek notes, means that at least 14,000 workers globally will be getting the axe. Musk expressed remorse for the layoffs in the company memo, writing that he "would like to thank everyone who is departing Tesla for their hard work over the years." He then turned his attention to the company's remaining employees, noting that they have plenty of work ahead of them. (And considering Musk's recent though definitely not the first robotaxi announcement, we're sure they do.) "We are developing some of the most revolutionary technologies in auto, energy and artificial intelligence," Musk wrote in his memo. "As we prepare the company for the next phase of growth, your resolve will make a huge difference in getting us there." More on Tesla: There's Something Very Suspicious About Tesla's Big Robotaxi Announcement Insight into EOG Resources Inc's Upcoming Dividend Payment and Historical Performance EOG Resources Inc (NYSE:EOG) recently announced a dividend of $0.91 per share, payable on 2024-04-30, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-04-15. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into EOG Resources Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does EOG Resources Inc Do? Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Sign with EOG. High Yield Dividend Stocks in Gurus' Portfolio This Powerful Chart Made Peter Lynch 29% A Year For 13 Years How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock? EOG Resources is an oil and gas producer with acreage in several US shale plays, primarily in the Permian Basin and the Eagle Ford. At the end of 2023, it reported net proven reserves of 4.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Net production averaged roughly 985,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2023 at a ratio of 71% oil and natural gas liquids and 29% natural gas. EOG Resources Inc's Dividend Analysis A Glimpse at EOG Resources Inc's Dividend History EOG Resources Inc has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 1990. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. EOG Resources Inc has increased its dividend each year since 2001. The stock is thus listed as a dividend achiever, an honor that is given to companies that have increased their dividend each year for at least the past 23 years. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. Breaking Down EOG Resources Inc's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, EOG Resources Inc currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.50% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 2.69%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, EOG Resources Inc's annual dividend growth rate was 32.70%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to 35.90% per year. And over the past decade, EOG Resources Inc's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at an impressive 22.80%. Based on EOG Resources Inc's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of EOG Resources Inc stock as of today is approximately 11.59%. EOG Resources Inc's Dividend Analysis The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-12-31, EOG Resources Inc's dividend payout ratio is 0.27. Story continues EOG Resources Inc's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks EOG Resources Inc's profitability 8 out of 10 as of 2023-12-31, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported net profit in 7 years out of the past 10 years. Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. EOG Resources Inc's growth rank of 8 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and EOG Resources Inc's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. EOG Resources Inc's revenue has increased by approximately 32.50% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 80.28% of global competitors. The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, EOG Resources Inc's earnings increased by approximately 217.60% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 98.58% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 34.90%, which outperforms approximately 84.89% of global competitors. Concluding Thoughts on EOG Resources Inc's Dividend Profile With a robust history of increasing dividends, a relatively low payout ratio, and strong profitability, EOG Resources Inc presents an attractive profile for dividend investors. The company's commendable growth metrics further reinforce confidence in the sustainability of its dividend payments. As EOG Resources Inc continues to navigate the dynamic energy sector, its ability to maintain and grow its dividend will be a key factor for investors. Will EOG Resources Inc continue its streak of dividend achievements, and how will its strategic initiatives bolster future payouts? These are critical questions for investors to ponder as they consider the company's place in their portfolios. GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener. This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2024) - Excellon Resources Inc. (TSX: EXN) (OTCQB: EXNRF) (FSE: E4X2) ("Excellon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's news release dated April 4, 2024, it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") of units of the Company ("Units") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $709,574. The Company expects to close a second and final tranche of the Offering prior to the end of April 2024. Pursuant to the closing of the first tranche of the Offering, the Company issued 3,942,077 Units at a price of $0.18 per Unit. Each Unit was comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.27 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering. In connection with the closing of the first tranche of the Offering, the Company also paid cash finder's fees in the amount of approximately $15,158 and issued a total of 79,210 non-transferable finder's warrants on the same terms as the Warrants to certain arm's length parties in consideration of Units sold to subscribers introduced by such parties. The Company intends to use a portion of the net proceeds to receive final assay results from the Company's 2,100 metre drill program at the Kilgore Project in 2022. The remaining assays include approximately 1,600 metres of drilling, which will be used for further target identification and continued exploration drilling. The Company expects to release these results within the next two weeks. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Units are being offered: (a) by way of private placement in each of the provinces of Canada pursuant to applicable exemptions from the prospectus requirements under applicable Canadian securities laws; (b) in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements provided for under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"); and (c) in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis. The securities issued and to be issued pursuant to the Offering are or will be subject to a four-month hold period in Canada pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy in the United States nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Excellon Excellon's vision is to realize opportunities through the acquisition of advanced development or producing assets with further potential to gain from an experienced management team for the benefit of our employees, communities and shareholders. The Company is advancing a portfolio of gold, silver and base metals assets including Kilgore, an advanced gold exploration project in Idaho; and Silver City, a high-grade epithermal silver district in Saxony, Germany with 750 years of mining history and little modern exploration. Additional details on Excellon's properties are available at www.excellonresources.com. For Further Information, Please Contact: Excellon Resources Inc. Shawn Howarth, President & Chief Executive Officer info@excellonresources.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained, referenced or incorporated by reference in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as: "actively", "advance", "anticipated", "assess", "believe", "cause", "commence", "completion", "conditions", "consideration", "continues", "development", "due course", "expectation", "exploration", "extend", "extension", "flexibility", "focused", "forward", "further", "future", "if", "implement", "liquidity", "looking", "maturity", "may", "negotiations", "occur", "opportunities", "options", "outcome", "outstanding", "potential", "providing", "reach", "restructuring", "risk", "subject to", "to be", "update", "vision", "waive", "when", "will", and "would", or variations of such words, and similar such words, expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results can, could, may, should, to, will, would (or not) be achieved, occur, provide, result, complete or support in the future or which, by their nature, refer to future events. In some cases, forward-looking information may be stated in the present tense, such as in respect of current matters that may be continuing, or that may have a future impact or effect. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the structure and terms of the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; the timing and ability of the Company to complete any further tranche of the Offering; the timing and ability of the Company to receive necessary approvals; exploration and drilling programs, including the timing, completion and results thereof; potential mineralization; and the Company's objectives, goals and future plans and strategies. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct, and any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future actions, results or performance. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions, which are considered reasonable and represent best judgment based on available facts, as of the date such statements are made. If such assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions prove to be incorrect, actual and future results may be materially different than expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors include, among others, the inability of the Company to complete any further tranche of the Offering on the terms proposed or at all, the "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated April 1, 2024 (the "2024 AIF"), and the risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors identified in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis, and accompanying financial statements, for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the Company's other applicable public disclosure (collectively, "Company Disclosure"). The foregoing list of risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors is not exhaustive; readers should consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is provided in the 2024 AIF and the other Company Disclosure. The forward-looking statements referenced or contained in this news release are expressly qualified by these Cautionary Statements as well as the Cautionary Statements in the other Company Disclosure. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release (or as otherwise expressly specified) and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. 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/205493 Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM, a U.S.-based energy giant, has announced its ambitious plans to proceed with a $12.7 billion deepwater oil project off the coast of Guyana. This significant move marks the company's sixth deepwater oil development on the Stabroek block, showcasing its commitment to tapping into the rich oil resources in the region. The project, named Whiptail, has received all necessary government and regulatory approvals, culminating in a final investment decision by ExxonMobil. ExxonMobil expects the Whiptail project to require an investment worth $12.7 billion. The project is anticipated to yield 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil by the close of 2027. This development is expected to elevate Guyana's total daily crude capacity to a staggering 1.3 million bpd, a remarkable feat achieved just eight years after the onset of oil production in the country. The Whiptail project includes the establishment of up to 10 drill centers with 48 production and injection wells. Located in the southeastern portion of the Stabroek block, the project is expected to tap into the Whiptail, Pinktail and Tilapia fields, with the potential for additional resources pending feasibility studies. Liam Mallon, president of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, highlighted the collaborative efforts that have underpinned the success of the Stabroek block developments. He emphasized the company's commitment to delivering results while upholding environmental standards and fostering partnerships with local stakeholders. Mallon also highlighted the significant economic contributions of these projects to Guyana, solidifying the nation's position as a key player in the global energy market. ExxonMobil's investments have already yielded substantial benefits for Guyana's economy. The company reported that more than $4.2 billion has been injected into the Guyana Natural Resource Fund since the commencement of production in 2019. Moreover, the workforce supporting Stabroek block operations comprises 70% Guyanese nationals, demonstrating ExxonMobil's dedication to empowering local communities and fostering economic growth. ExxonMobils ambitious plans for the Stabroek block include the deployment of six FPSOs by 2027, with the potential for up to 10 FPSOs to fully exploit the estimated gross discovered recoverable resources of more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Zacks Rank & Key Picks XOM currently carries a Zack Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the energy sector are Murphy USA Inc. MUSA, Global Partners GLP and Sunoco LP SUN. While Murphy USA and Global Partners sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each, Sunoco LP carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Story continues Murphy USA is a leading independent retailer of motor fuel and convenience merchandise in the United States. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MUSAs 2024 EPS is pegged at $26.40. The company has a Zacks Style Score of B for Growth and B for Value. It has witnessed upward earnings estimate revisions for 2024 in the past seven days. Global Partners is a leading operator of gasoline stations and convenience stores. Over the past 60 days, GLP has witnessed upward earnings estimate revisions for 2024 and 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Global Partners 2024 and 2025 EPS is pegged at $3.90 and $4.47, respectively. GLP currently has a Zacks Style Score of A for Value. Sunoco is among the biggest motor fuel distributors in the U.S. wholesale market in terms of volumes. By distributing more than 10 fuel brands via 10,000 convenience stores under long-term distribution contracts, the partnership will continue to generate stable cash flow. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SUNs 2024 EPS is pegged at $4.99. The company has witnessed upward earnings estimate revisions for 2024 in the past seven days. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sunoco LP (SUN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Murphy USA Inc. (MUSA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Global Partners LP (GLP) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Falcon Autotech Private Ltd NEW DELHI, India and AMSTERDAM, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Falcon Autotech (Falcon), a leading global intralogistics automation solutions provider, opens its office in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to expand its global presence further. This expansion would position Falcon as one of the global leaders in the warehouse automation industry with a growing presence in the European continent/region. With this strategic expansion, Falcon aims to forge deeper connections with its European clientele, fostering stronger relationships and better understanding of their needs. This will enable Falcon to introduce its state-of-the-art warehouse automation solutions, such as the NEO 3D ASRS, Robotics, Sortation, and Conveying systems, across the region. This move signifies Falcon's commitment to delivering innovative solutions and providing tailored solutions to meet the unique requirements of European clients and prospects. Along with the dedicated team of warehouse automation experts and strategic channel partners in the region, Falcon aims to assist companies in the European market in realizing their vision of warehouse automation, transformation and upgrades. Additionally, Falcon will collaborate with its partners to identify additional opportunities to leverage their service network to streamline support, after-sales service and establish of a spares depot. Sandeep Bansal, Chief Business Officer, Falcon, said, We have witnessed exponentially growing demand of warehouse automation in the Europe region. Setting up an office in Amsterdam will enable us to cater to this demand and further strengthen our presence in the fast-growing European market. Falcon has appointed Johan Hoelen, as the General Manager for Europe operations, who commenting on the expansion, said, With Falcon having a footprint in the region, we are close to our customers. I am happy to start this journey together and have great confidence that we can work together with our (future) customers and support them fully in realising their operation as efficient as possible. About Falcon: Falcon Autotech is a global intralogistics automation solutions company. With over 12 years of experience, Falcon has worked with some of the most innovative brands in E-Commerce, CEP, Fashion, Food/FMCG, Auto, and Pharmaceutical Industries. With its proprietary software and robust hardware integration capabilities, Falcon designs, manufactures, supplies, implements, and maintains world-class warehouse automation systems globally. Contact: Abhishek.sahu@falconautotech.com Story continues Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2024) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces drill core assay results from its fully-funded 2024 drill program at the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname. The Company reports the results of four infill holes from the Froyo Gold Zone closing a substantial gap in drilling. All four holes intercepted the main Froyo shear where expected, further demonstrating the robust nature and excellent continuity of the gold system at Froyo. The top interval returned 13.0 metres (m) of 11.02 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) in drill hole 24FR054. Highlights Hole 24FR053 intercepts 5.0 m of 10.23 g/t Au from 155.0 m down hole Hole 24FR054 intercepts 13.0 m of 11.02 g/t Au from 150.0 m down hole Hole 24FR055 intercepts 8.0 m of 4.67 g/t Au from 186.0 m down hole Hole 24FR056 intercepts 13.0 m of 5.81 g/t Au from 155.0 m down hole, including 9.0 m of 8.30 g/t Au *Intervals are down hole length and reported at a cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au using 5 m minimum length and 5 m maximum internal dilution. Colin Padget, Founders CEO commented, "These infill results from Upper Antino's Froyo Gold Zone provide a clear indication of the continuity and strength of gold grades within the main Froyo shear, particularly as we drill to greater depths within the system. We have also completed several expansion drill holes along strike to the northwest and to the south at Froyo and we're eager to receive those results. Additionally, starting this week, we are adding oriented core to all of our drilling to further improve our understanding of the gold system and the structural controls on gold mineralization." Table 1: Drilling Results and Highlights. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Core Length* (m) Au (g/t) 24FR053 155.00 160.00 5.00 10.23 24FR054 131.00 137.00 6.00 0.95 24FR054 150.00 163.00 13.00 11.02 24FR055 136.00 138.00 2.00 7.00 24FR055 163.00 173.00 10.00 0.70 24FR055 186.00 194.00 8.00 4.67 23FR056 155.00 168.00 13.00 5.81 *Intervals are estimated to represent 85% or more of true width based on current drill data Figure 1: Upper Antino plan map centred on the Froyo Gold Zone showing grade x width shells. Modelling includes only FDR drilling. The dotted line represents current extent of gold mineralized footprint. lines A-A' and B-B' refer to corresponding long-section and cross-section in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/205506_a7250f29f495e952_001full.jpg Story continues Figure 2: Updated grade x width long-section through the Froyo Gold Zone main shear. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/205506_a7250f29f495e952_002full.jpg Gold mineralization outside of the main shear will be included in future modelling pending new data from upcoming expansion drilling results. The outer edge of the model represents an absence of data only and the system remains open along strike, to the east, and to depth. The previously reported 8.0 m of 8.43 g/t Au in hole 50 is the deepest main shear intercept to date but is conservatively not yet included in the model pending more drilling at depth. Figure 3: Cross section through latest Froyo Gold Zone drill results. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/205506_a7250f29f495e952_003full.jpg Figure 4: Antino Gold Project property map. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/205506_a7250f29f495e952_004full.jpg About Founders Metals Inc. Founders Metals is a Canadian exploration company with properties in North and South America. The Company focuses on acquiring and advancing gold projects in the Guiana Shield. Its flagship asset is the 20,000 ha Antino Gold Project in Suriname, where artisanal surface/alluvial mining has produced over 500,000 gold ounces to date1. Using its diamond drilling equipment, the Company drilled over 10,000 m in 2023 and is fully financed for up to 30,000 m in 2024. 1 2022 Technical Report - Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrancois, BSc, P.Geo. Quality Assurance and Control Results from samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 10.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project. Qualified Persons The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Per: "Colin Padget" Colin Padget President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director Founders Metals Contact Information Dave Burwell, Manager, Investor Relations Tel: 403 410 7907 | daveb@fdrmetals.com Nick Stajduhar, Director Tel: 780 701 3216 | nicks@fdrmetals.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect ", "is expected ", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205506 Less than two months after The Goat Marketplace and Bistro, a restaurant inside the Lansing Mall, closed its doors one of the restaurant's partners is suing another. Correction: This story has been updated to correct the name of partner Chester Kosinski, which was incorrect in the lawsuit. DELTA TWP. Less than two months after The Goat Marketplace and Bistro, a restaurant inside the Lansing Mall, closed its doors one of the business's partners has filed a lawsuit against another. According to Taurian Amunga's March 7 lawsuit, filed against Dustin Morrell in Eaton County Circuit Court, Morrell breached their partnership, engaging "in behavior contrary to" their business partnership and causing "the imminent eviction from the Lansing Mall due to rental arrears." The Goat Marketplace and Bistro closed at the end of February. The complaint makes several claims, including that Morrell didn't file necessary paperwork, sold liquor without a license, diverted funds from the partnership, didn't pay bills in a timely matter, and took on a failed side agreement for baked goods that damaged Amunga's reputation. Amunga seeks damages "in excess of $25,000, plus interest, costs, and attorney fees," according to the lawsuit. Court records show the case has been assigned to Eaton County Circuit Court Judge John Maurer. There are no hearings scheduled yet. Amunga, who owns Guyton Heirlooms and is the sole leaseholder of the Lansing Mall space, and Morrell, owner of Goat on Grand River, entered into a partnership, along with Chester Kosinski, to create The Goat Marketplace and Bistro in November 2023, according to the lawsuit. Amunga and Morrell each held equal ownership in the partnership, while Kosinski, who is not named in the lawsuit, held 10%, the lawsuit said. "The purpose of the partnership was to form a joint enterprise combining Morrell's marketing and brand with Amunga's location and kitchen, to serve a blend of both chefs' styles," the complaint said. Morrell said Amunga's financial issues at the mall predate their partnership. He declined to comment on the lawsuit further Thursday, citing a need to speak with his attorney. Jack Rucker, an attorney representing Amunga, said his client is still negotiating with management at the Lansing Mall and hasn't been evicted from the space he leases. Although he was behind on rent before partnering with Morrell, the possibility of eviction came after the partnership "began to hemorrhage money," Rucker said. Liquor license never obtained, lawsuit says Amunga's lawsuit claims Morrell never filed paperwork with the state to create a limited liability company for the partnership, despite telling Amunga he would. He also claims Morrell sold liquor at the restaurant without a license and diverted funds from the restaurant to his own company rather than the partnership. Story continues Morrell's failure to file limited liability company paperwork with the state provided "zero liability shield to Amunga or Morrell," the lawsuit said. According to the complaint, Morrell never obtained a liquor license for the business despite telling Amunga he had. The lawsuit claims Morrell sold liquor on the premises on at least three occasions before the restaurant closed. Amunga faced "stiff fines for these violations," said the lawsuit. Rucker said the state never fined Amunga for serving liquor. The lawsuit claims Morrell failed to manage the business competently. "The partnership ran at a heavy loss, unable to pay its bills and falling behind on its obligations to employees, vendors, and creditors," it claims. "At the same time, Morrell directed most, if not all, cash flow to the Goat on Grand, LLC, while maxing out credit limits with culinary vendors under the partnership's name. "Morrell's mismanagement of the partnership resulted in repeated missed payroll for the employees, and at least one disgruntled employee caused physical damage to the restaurant as a result," said the lawsuit. Leaseholder subjected to 'reputational harm' In addition to the financial and management accusations, the suit claims that in early February, Morrell "entered into a private arrangement between the Goat on Grand LLC and a local bakery to produce paczkis for sale to be baked and sold from the partnership's storefront. Morrell did not send any of the profits to this agreement to the partnership, rather he sought to keep them for his own business." Shortly afterward, the bakery backed away from that arrangement, said the lawsuit: "Morrell engaged in what can only be described as a flame war on social media, badmouthing and insulting the owners of that bakery. This generated an immense amount of backlash, which caused the partnership to suffer." As a result, Amunga was subjected to a "dramatic loss of community standing and reputational harm," the lawsuit claims. In late February, after the restaurant had closed, Morrell took items "which belonged exclusively to Amunga," from the mall space, the lawsuit alleges. READ MORE: More than 350 new apartments planned in Delta Township complex expansion Michigan is filled with weird and wonderful sights, and Holt author highlights nearly 100 Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ . This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Partner in now-closed Goat Marketplace and Bistro at Lansing Mall files lawsuit Dubais Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for the construction of the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project. The key project, which come as part of Phase 4, covers the construction of a tunnel extending 1,650 m and encompassing three lanes in each direction. It provides a free traffic flow from the Infinity Bridge towards Deira and back. The scope of work includes transforming the crossing of the Cairo and Al Wuheida Streets from a roundabout to a signalised intersection, besides improving Cairo Street and connecting the ramp of the bridge from Dubai Islands to the new tunnel on Al Khaleej Street northward, said RTA in its statement. Extending from the end of the ramp of Infinity Bridge in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej and Cairo Streets, the tunnel has six lanes stretching 1,650m capable of accommodating up to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. This phase will serve the residents of Abu Hail, Al Wuheida, and Al Mamzar along with development projects like Dubai Islands, Dubai Waterfront, Waterfront Market, and Hamriya Port, it added. Announcing the contract award, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said: "Al Khaleej Street Tunnel is part of Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project; one of the expansive projects currently undertaken by RTA. This corridor extends 13km along Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street and Cairo Street, encompassing the upgrade of 15 intersections and benefiting numerous residential and developmental communities including Dubai Islands, Dubai Waterfront, Dubai Maritime City, and Mina Rashid." "It serves about one million people and is projected to cut travel times from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030," he stated. According to him, RTA is currently working on a 4.8-km-long improvement project on Sheikh Rashid Street, extending from the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street to Falcon intersection on Al Mina Street. The project entails constructing three bridges totalling 3.1 km in length, accommodating 19,400 vehicles per hour across all lanes. "The first is a 1,335-m-long bridge of three lanes to facilitate the traffic flow between Sheikh Rashid Road and Falcon Intersection, accommodating up to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions," said Al Tayer. The second is a three-lane bridge extending 780m to serve traffic from Falcon Intersection in the direction of Al Wasl Road accommodating 5,400 vehicles per hour. The third is a 985-m-long bridge of two lanes to serve traffic inbound from Jumeirah Street heading to Al Mina Street toward Al Wasl Street, accommodating 3,200 vehicles per hour. "The project also entails constructing a 4.8km roadway and upgrading surface junctions along Jumeirah Street, Al Mina Street, and Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street. "Works include constructing two pedestrian bridges, one on Sheikh Rashid Road and the other on Al Mina Street in addition to other works such as street lighting, traffic systems, rainwater drainage network and irrigation systems," he added.-TradeArabia News Service It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story even if these companies are loss-making. Unfortunately, these high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson. Loss making companies can act like a sponge for capital - so investors should be cautious that they're not throwing good money after bad. So if this idea of high risk and high reward doesn't suit, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like Commerzbank (ETR:CBK). While this doesn't necessarily speak to whether it's undervalued, the profitability of the business is enough to warrant some appreciation - especially if its growing. View our latest analysis for Commerzbank Commerzbank's Improving Profits Commerzbank has undergone a massive growth in earnings per share over the last three years. So much so that this three year growth rate wouldn't be a fair assessment of the company's future. As a result, we'll zoom in on growth over the last year, instead. Outstandingly, Commerzbank's EPS shot from 0.99 to 1.71, over the last year. It's not often a company can achieve year-on-year growth of 72%. It's often helpful to take a look at earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins, as well as revenue growth, to get another take on the quality of the company's growth. Not all of Commerzbank's revenue this year is revenue from operations, so keep in mind the revenue and margin numbers used in this article might not be the best representation of the underlying business. Commerzbank maintained stable EBIT margins over the last year, all while growing revenue 14% to 9.9b. That's a real positive. In the chart below, you can see how the company has grown earnings and revenue, over time. For finer detail, click on the image. While we live in the present moment, there's little doubt that the future matters most in the investment decision process. So why not check this interactive chart depicting future EPS estimates, for Commerzbank? Are Commerzbank Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders? It's a good habit to check into a company's remuneration policies to ensure that the CEO and management team aren't putting their own interests before that of the shareholder with excessive salary packages. Our analysis has discovered that the median total compensation for the CEOs of companies like Commerzbank, with market caps over 7.5b, is about 5.2m. The Commerzbank CEO received 3.7m in compensation for the year ending December 2023. That comes in below the average for similar sized companies and seems pretty reasonable. CEO remuneration levels are not the most important metric for investors, but when the pay is modest, that does support enhanced alignment between the CEO and the ordinary shareholders. It can also be a sign of good governance, more generally. Does Commerzbank Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist? Commerzbank's earnings have taken off in quite an impressive fashion. Such fast EPS growth prompts the question: has the business reached an inflection point? What's more, the fact that the CEO's compensation is quite reasonable is a sign that the company is conscious of excessive spending. It will definitely require further research to be sure, but it does seem that Commerzbank has the hallmarks of a quality business; and that would make it well worth watching. You should always think about risks though. Case in point, we've spotted 1 warning sign for Commerzbank you should be aware of. Although Commerzbank certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see companies with insider buying, then check out this handpicked selection of German companies that not only boast of strong growth but have also seen recent insider buying.. Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. What does it take to generate passive income? There are two essential ingredients. First, you need up-front money to invest. Second, you need an investment that regularly pays you. The good news is that many investment alternatives pay you for owning them. There's one, in particular, that ranks among the best options, in my view. This high-yield dividend stock is a monster passive income machine. A pipeline powerhouse Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE: EPD) is a leading midstream energy company. It was founded in 1998 and is based in Houston. The limited partnership (LP) operates more than 50,000 miles of pipeline that transports natural gas liquids (NGLs), natural gas, and crude oil throughout much of the U.S. Enterprise's midstream platform also includes over 300 million barrels of liquids storage, 42 natural gas processing trains, 26 fractionators, 20 deepwater docks, two propane dehydrogenation facilities, and two isobutane dehydrogenation facilities. Enterprise isn't resting on its laurels. The company has roughly $6.5 billion of major projects under construction. Most are NGL-related, including new plants in the Delaware and Midland Basins and the Bahia pipeline. Investors can rest assured Enterprise Products Partners deploys its cash wisely. The LP has delivered an average return on invested capital (ROIC) of 12% over the last 10 years. Its ROIC has also been in the double digits every year since 2005 -- a period that included the Great Recession, the oil price collapse of 2014 to 2017, and the COVID-19 pandemic. A passive income machine that's priced attractively What about passive income? Enterprise Products Partners provides plenty of it. The company's distribution yield currently tops 7%. For every $10,000 you invest, you'll receive an annual income of over $700. That income is likely to grow over time. Enterprise Products Partners has increased its distribution for 25 consecutive years with a compound annual growth rate of around 7%. I'm confident the LP will keep that impressive streak going, too. Enterprise's adjusted cash flow from operations (CFFO) continues to grow. It's the only midstream company that has consistently increased adjusted CFFO per unit and reduced unit count without any material asset sales. Servicing debt shouldn't disrupt Enterprise Products Partners' distribution payouts either. The company manages its debt well. And it's the only midstream debt issuer with an A- credit rating. As a bonus, Enterprise is priced attractively. Its units trade at 10.9 times forward earnings. That's well below the S&P 500 energy sector's forward earnings multiple of nearly 13.3. Story continues One drawback Some might think Enterprise Products Partners' focus on fossil fuels could limit its growth. However, I don't see that as a downside. The demand for natural gas and NGLs, in particular, should continue to grow. Enterprise's midstream assets will be needed for a long time to come. There is one drawback to investing in Enterprise, though. LPs must provide each unitholder with a Form K-1. This can make tax preparation more of a hassle. Should you invest $1,000 in Enterprise Products Partners right now? Before you buy stock in Enterprise Products Partners, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Enterprise Products Partners wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 8, 2024 Keith Speights has positions in Enterprise Products Partners. The Motley Fool recommends Enterprise Products Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This High-Yield Dividend Stock Is a Monster Passive Income Machine was originally published by The Motley Fool HMRC Tax inspectors have overpaid themselves more than 12m in the last 10 years, the Telegraph can reveal. Some 250 employees at HM Revenue and Customs were mistakenly overpaid by more than 1,000 last year alone. In total HMRC admits that its employees pocketed 12.6m over the past decade in erroneous overpayments that have to be clawed back by officials. Figures obtained by The Telegraph showed a total of 12.3m has been paid back by staff, leaving a 300,000 shortfall. Last year, HMRC were overpaid to the tune of 1.1m with employees paying back just 900,000. Many of the people who benefited from these extra payments were staff who left the organisation but messages did not get through to payroll to halt their salary payments. HMRC then has to launch what can be expensive and time-consuming work to ensure that all the overpaid salary is either paid back or deducted from future payments. Jonathan Eida, researcher at the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Taxpayers will be fuming that tax officials have been filling their pockets with more than theyre entitled to, even if its by accident. To overpay staff is a shocking error, but even worse is the fact that a lot of the cash hasnt been clawed back. HMRCs bosses shouldnt rest until every last penny has been reclaimed. It comes amid mounting pressure on the tax office to reverse a decline in its customer service. Earlier this year HMRC announced plans to permanently close its helplines for six months to push more people into using online services. But after a public outcry the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ordered HMRC to pause the scheme, which had been roundly criticised by all the political parties. Last month it was also revealed that HMRC failed to answer almost a million calls in January as anxious taxpayers attempted to get advice before filing their self-assessment tax returns. It published figures that showed 841,945 calls were not handled in the first month of the year and that caller wait times hit an average of 25 minutes. Thousands of taxpayers end up in a last-minute rush to file their tax returns by the January 31 deadline in a bid to avoid a 100 fine. It also emerged last year that two in five workers at regional HMRC centres did not go into the office at all in the year to March, while more than half the desks at its headquarters in Whitehall were empty as staff continued to work from home. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a former business secretary, said: The lesson is obvious. HMRC is failing to deliver a service to the people and theyre not going into work. The tax office has repeatedly insisted its generous work-from-home policy is not to blame for the drop in its performance. Story continues An HMRC spokesman said: With a staff headcount of almost 67,500, we operate at a monthly payroll average accuracy rate of 99.54pc, which exceeds the corporate benchmark of 98pc. Our total paybill in the 2022-23 financial year was 2.449bn, which means that 0.05pc was incorrectly paid that year, and we have recovered over 84pc of that. Overpayments can occur for various reasons such as delay in reporting someone has left HMRC, breaking a part-year pay averaging contract, late notification of sick leave or a delay in reporting career breaks/maternity leave. We have robust processes in place for the recovery of over and underpayments and all staff are provided with guidance on the importance of checking the payment of their salary. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Iconic Des Moines ice cream shop Bauder's has been a fixture on Ingersoll Avenue since it relocated there in 1923. The store has changed ownership at least three times, faced scrutiny for the diversion of thousands of narcotic pain pills and underwent a somewhat forced rebranding from pharmacy to confectionary. And later this year, it could become a bank. A site plan submitted to the city titled Financial Plus Credit Union" shows a remodel of Bauder's existing 3,932-square-foot, single-story building. There also would be a surface parking lot to the west, staff parking to the south and a drive-thru teller. The building shared by Bauder's and Axis Salon Studio pictured in 2017. Axis moved to 545 31st St. in March. The Des Moines-based credit union currently has a location across the street at 609 38th St., tucked behind the Whylie Eye Care Center. Financial Plus' Chief Operations Officer Susan Kiesner could not be reached for comment. Bauder's has been part of the city since 1916, when then-owner Caroline Bauder, believed to have been Des Moines' only female pharmacist, opened a store at 17th and Crocker streets in Sherman Hill as a handy counter for women." She later moved to Ingersoll and began advertising the pharmacy's ice cream in the Register in the late 1930s. The Bauder family was bought out of the business by Charles Graziano in 1961. A site plan for a Financial Plus Credit Union at 3800 Ingersoll Ave. The store at 3800-3802 Ingersoll Ave. was built in 1915, Polk County Assessor records show. It was listed for sale in April 2023 with an asking price of $1.6 million. Phone calls to Bauder's on Monday went unanswered. The county recorder's office had no documentation of the building's sale. What's happening to Bauder's Ice Cream? Bauder's closed on Dec. 31, 2024, according to signage in the window of its Ingersoll Avenue shop. Kimberly Robertson, the current owner of Bauder's, previously declined to say whether the shop would reopen after it closed in December. Robertson took over the pharmacy in 2016, the year after owner and pharmacist Mark Graziano, her brother, went to federal prison following his conviction for distributing pills and evading $577,000 in taxes. She has since kept the business running, renaming it Bauder's Ice Cream. There's still hope for those craving their famed peppermint bars. Signs point to Robertson continuing to cater to Iowa State fairgoers which it has done annually for about two decades even after Bauder's on Ingersoll Avenue closes. The Bauder's peppermint bar is a favorite at the Iowa State Fair. The Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission approved plans Feb. 15 for a new structure at the site of Bauder's old warehouse across the street from the main entrance to the fairgrounds, with a familiar-sounding use. The building burned down last November. "We can only keep about 250 pounds of ice cream at the fair. We go across the street two to three times a day," Graziano, representing the business, told the commission. "With traffic, there's no way to get ice cream to the fair from the store." Story continues Addison Lathers covers growth and development for the Des Moines metro. Reach her at 608-931-1761 and ALathers@registermedia.com, and follow and Twitter at @addisonlathers. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines credit union eyes Bauder's building on Ingersoll Avenue Investors who take an interest in Encounter Resources Limited (ASX:ENR) should definitely note that the Independent Non-Executive Director, Philip Crutchfield, recently paid AU$0.22 per share to buy AU$396k worth of the stock. That's a very decent purchase to our minds and it grew their holding by a solid 29%. See our latest analysis for Encounter Resources Encounter Resources Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In fact, the recent purchase by Philip Crutchfield was the biggest purchase of Encounter Resources shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. Even though the purchase was made at a significantly lower price than the recent price (AU$0.33), we still think insider buying is a positive. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! Encounter Resources is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Does Encounter Resources Boast High Insider Ownership? I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that Encounter Resources insiders own 14% of the company, worth about AU$20m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders. What Might The Insider Transactions At Encounter Resources Tell Us? It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchase. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. But we don't feel the same about the fact the company is making losses. Given that insiders also own a fair bit of Encounter Resources we think they are probably pretty confident of a bright future. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. To help with this, we've discovered 3 warning signs (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) that you ought to be aware of before buying any shares in Encounter Resources. Story continues If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Follow Bloomberg India on WhatsApp for exclusive content and analysis on what billionaires, businesses and markets are doing. Sign up here. Most Read from Bloomberg Infosys Ltd. and Wipro Ltd.s commentary and forecasts will be closely watched as markets look forward to a rebound in client spending boosting earnings after bigger rival Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. reported profit that beat analysts estimate. Fiscal fourth-quarter revenue at Infosys, the countrys No. 2 IT services company, probably grew modestly. Wipro, Indias fourth-biggest provider, may post lower sales. Still, focus will be on their revenue forecasts and commentary related to client spending after TCS said deal wins so far indicate the 2025 fiscal will be better than the 2024 fiscal. With discretionary projects from clients getting delayed, cost cuts should support earnings for now, according to Nomura analysts Abhishek Bhandari and Krish Beriwal. For Wipro, the recent resignation of Chief Executive Officer Thierry Delaporte brings uncertainty at a time when investors want to see a turnaround. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. saw quarterly revenue surge the most since 2022 with the AI chip boom. Investors might also be interested in how its dealing with this months earthquake in Taiwan. Its biggest temblor in 25 years caused minor disruptions for TSMC and its long-term outlook should remain stable with strong demand, Bloomberg Intelligence said. It will also benefit from US plans to award $11.6 billion in grants and loans to build factories. Highlights to look out for: Monday: CATL (300750 CH) probably saw first-quarter revenue drop 8.8%, two estimates show, as electric-vehicles demand slows down. Chairman Robin Zeng isnt worried about overcapacity and intends to boost output of the companys more technologically advanced products. The battery makers plans to build batteries at a Michigan plant owned by Ford Motor Co. bodes well for its long-term market share, BI said. Thursday: Infosys (INFO IN) annual revenue likely grew at the slowest pace since the 2018 fiscal year, consensus shows. Fourth-quarter profit probably edged higher, with salary hikes denting margins. It gets almost a third of revenue from financial services and insurance companies, which have been among the worst-hit verticals for client spending. Investors will look for updates on the InSemi Technology acquisition and the rollout of 1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) deal with Liberty Global, ICICI Securities analysts said. Story continues TSMC (2330 TT) will post strong first-quarter results due to advanced node processes and advanced chip-packaging technology, BI said. The company maintained its full-year revenue guidance of low-to-mid twenties percentage growth following the Taiwan earthquake. US financial support for TSMC to build factories in Arizona exceeded analysts expectations. Goldman Sachs said the facilities would likely be used by large US customers including Apple Inc. and Nvidia Corp. Bajaj Autos (BJAUT IN) fiscal-year adjusted net income likely expanded 31%, consensus shows. While it saw favorable volume growth and stable raw material cost, the increasing electric vehicle mix in its portfolio may hold back Ebitda margin expansion, Prabhudas Lilladher said. The firm has been expanding its domestic market share with strong volume performance in exports and surge in EV volumes, Nuvama said. Friday: Wipro (WPRO IN) will probably see profit shrink for a second straight year. Investors will want to hear incoming CEO Srinivas Pallias comments on client spending trends. Pallia, who was previously CEO of part of the Americas business, took over on April 7 after Delaporte quit in the middle of his term. Some analysts said the elevation of an internal candidate meant Wipros execution issues may persist, while others said his three decades at the firm bodes well. Hangzhou Hikvision (002415 CH) said in January that full-year net income would rise almost about 10%. Sales growth in 2024-2025 might moderate to the low teens compared with the pre-pandemic annual pace of 15-30%, BI said. Thats as limitations from Chinas property downturn and fiscal challenges faced by local governments might pressure its core surveillance business and public projects. (Updates with TCS earnings report and commentary.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Key Insights Swisscom's significant state or government ownership suggests that the key decisions are influenced by shareholders from the larger public 51% of the company is held by a single shareholder (Switzerland) Institutional ownership in Swisscom is 16% To get a sense of who is truly in control of Swisscom AG (VTX:SCMN), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 51% to be precise, is state or government. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk). Meanwhile, individual investors make up 33% of the companys shareholders. Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Swisscom, beginning with the chart below. See our latest analysis for Swisscom What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Swisscom? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in Swisscom. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Swisscom's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Swisscom. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is Switzerland with 51% of shares outstanding. With such a huge stake in the ownership, we infer that they have significant control of the future of the company. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 2.3% and 2.0%, of the shares outstanding, respectively. While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily. Insider Ownership Of Swisscom The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. Story continues Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of Swisscom AG. As it is a large company, we'd only expect insiders to own a small percentage of it. But it's worth noting that they own CHF7.0m worth of shares. Arguably recent buying and selling is just as important to consider. You can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership The general public-- including retail investors -- own 33% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Take risks for example - Swisscom has 2 warning signs (and 1 which is a bit concerning) we think you should know about. If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. Key Insights The projected fair value for Molina Healthcare is US$598 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Molina Healthcare's US$377 share price signals that it might be 37% undervalued Our fair value estimate is 42% higher than Molina Healthcare's analyst price target of US$422 In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Molina Healthcare The Calculation We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$1.81b US$1.64b US$1.54b US$1.49b US$1.46b US$1.45b US$1.46b US$1.47b US$1.49b US$1.52b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Est @ -5.90% Est @ -3.44% Est @ -1.72% Est @ -0.52% Est @ 0.32% Est @ 0.91% Est @ 1.33% Est @ 1.62% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 6.0% US$1.7k US$1.5k US$1.3k US$1.2k US$1.1k US$1.0k US$973 US$926 US$886 US$849 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$11b The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.3%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 6.0%. Story continues Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = US$1.5b (1 + 2.3%) (6.0% 2.3%) = US$42b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$42b ( 1 + 6.0%)10= US$24b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is US$35b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$377, the company appears quite good value at a 37% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf Important Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Molina Healthcare as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Molina Healthcare Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Weakness No major weaknesses identified for MOH. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the American market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Moving On: Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Molina Healthcare, we've compiled three essential items you should explore: Risks: Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Molina Healthcare you should know about. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for MOH's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. After rising 34% in value since the start of 2023 (as of April 10), the S&P 500 has been in record territory recently. This has probably caught the attention of some people who are considering putting money to work in the stock market to get on track toward their long-term financial goals. If you're a new investor, don't be intimidated by what may seem like a complicated endeavor. If you want solid investment returns, history says you should buy this magnificent exchange-traded fund (ETF). Solid track record Newbies should look no further than the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO). This ETF provides exposure to the S&P 500, which is a collection of 500 large and profitable enterprises in the U.S. Owning this ETF means investors are essentially betting on the ongoing growth and innovation of the American economy, a historically sound perspective to have. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has positions in all sectors. But the so-called "Magnificent Seven" businesses have a huge weighting, combined making up 29% of the ETF's total assets. Given their strong share price gains, this has been a positive trend in recent times. It's been worthwhile to own some of the most disruptive and dominant companies on Earth. However, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF also has tiny positions in much smaller stocks, like Hasbro, Whirlpool, and Comerica. The goal of owning this fund is to have broad diversification. Since its inception in September 2010, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has generated a total return, a figure that includes dividends, of 511%. That translates to an annualized gain of 14.4%, turning a $1,000 initial cash outlay into more than $6,100 today. This is a fantastic return. But investors should expect this return to revert back to the S&P 500's long-term historical average of about 10% per year. To be clear, this would still be a solid performance that can compound your portfolio over many years and decades. Besides the potential for double-digit returns, what makes the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF a no-brainer buy for new investors is its extremely low cost. The annual expense ratio of just 0.03% means that for every $1,000 you put to work, just $0.30 goes toward fees. You keep more of your returns, which is definitely what you want. Should you wait to buy? There might be some concerns about buying the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF right now, particularly because it's near all-time highs. And with fears still swirling around about the possibility of a recession, it's understandable if investors are wondering whether or not they should wait for a pullback. This is rational thinking. It's certainly tempting to want to try to successfully time the market, with the intention of buying at new lows and repeating the process. The track record for being able to do this correctly on a consistent basis isn't encouraging. Even if you missed the market's 10 best trading days, in an attempt to avoid the worst days, your return would be significantly lower than had you held through the ups and downs. Therefore, I believe that even with the ETF in record territory, it's best to still consider putting money to work. I suggest dollar-cost averaging, a strategy that forces one to build valuable savings and investing habits. The result can be phenomenal. Let's say you invested $1,000 in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF a decade ago, with additional $100 allocations every month. Your portfolio value would now total $28,000. This is a fantastic outcome for a passive investment vehicle that can be fully automated. New investors have a lot to be optimistic about. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is more than enough to help get you started. Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard S&P 500 ETF right now? Before you buy stock in Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 8, 2024 Neil Patel and his clients have no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool recommends Hasbro. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Are You a New Investor? History Says You Should Buy This Magnificent ETF Hand Over Fist was originally published by The Motley Fool NEOM, the sustainable development taking shape in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, brought together over 100 of the worlds leading construction companies for a two-day industry forum, even as reports indicate that the kingdom has scaled back its medium-term ambitions for the sprawling, futuristic city. The forum, which took place in NEOM, aimed to showcase on-the-ground construction progress while highlighting future developments, as the developer of this ambitious development advances into the next stage of its vast portfolio of projects. As these projects transition into a new phase of execution, the demand for top-tier construction proficiency is vital to deliver some of the most ambitious development projects the world has ever seen, said the developer in a statement. These bold projects include the 170-km-long city, The Line, currently being built in modular phases with the first phase welcoming residents in 2030, said NEOM. Construction is currently happening throughout all of NEOM, with a construction workforce of over 140,000. With the help of the companies that participated in the forum, the workforce is anticipated to grow to over 200,000 by next year, said the statement. However, Bloomberg in a recent report, citing people familiar with the matter, stated that Saudi Arabia has scaled back its medium-term ambitions for the development. It added that while the government at one point hoped to have 1.5 million residents living in The Line by 2030, now, officials expect the development will house fewer than 300,000 residents by that time. With the latest pullback, officials expect to have just 2.4 km of the project completed by 2030, said the report quoting the source. As a result, at least one contractor has started to dismiss a portion of the workers it employs on the site, Bloomberg added. Meanwhile, the forum also highlighted the importance of innovation within the industry, and how traditional construction methods will not meet the scale and scope of NEOM. Additionally, the on-the-ground progress was showcased throughout NEOM, including construction progress on The Line, the Spine, Oxagon, Trojena and the NEOM International Airport. The forum opened with an address by Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, stating: As we go into our busiest ever phase of development, the scale of opportunities across NEOM is monumental. With projects progressing fast across all parts of the region, we are committed to collaborating with globally renowned contractors to achieve the vision of NEOM. Attendees gained insights into the plans and scope of upcoming opportunities. In addition, they visited project sites to witness first-hand the construction that is currently taking place, which is already on a massive scale seldom seen anywhere in the world. The event also included one-on-one meetings, during which specific business opportunities were discussed as contractors displayed their services and capabilities. The forum hosted a mix of firms from Saudi Arabia, along with international firms from Asia, Europe, North America, and North Africa. -TradeArabia News Service Getting from downtown Manhattan to JFK Airport in under seven minutes for the same price as an Uber (UBER) is easy as long as you fly above traffic. It sounds like something from the Jetsons, but according to air taxi companies like Joby Aviation (JOBY), it could be a reality by next year. With $400 million in backing from Toyota (TM) and $60 million from Delta (DAL), Joby is hoping to win the race to get air taxis more formally referred to as electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) to market. EVTOLs are not simply a new type of chopper. They are 100% electric, just like an electric vehicle or a drone, and are designed to hold multiple passengers and luggage. This is as close as we've seen, I think, in terms of the technology coming together to make something that you could use on a daily basis, said Eric Allison, Jobys chief product officer. But first, air taxis need regulatory approval. A representative from the Federal Aviation Administration told Yahoo Finance while 2025 could be a launch year for flight, 2028 is a more realistic date for a competitive, scaled air taxi market in at least one location. That certification is the No. 1 thing to watch for retail investors interested in this space, according to Wall Street research firm Jefferies. We don't know when certification for FAA will happen for any aircraft, Jefferies aerospace, defense, and airlines analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu said. Joby Aviation aims to provide air taxi service as early as 2025 once it receives FAA approval. (Joby Aviation) The technology Joby hopes the technology powering their aircraft helps with the regulatory process. The FAA's certification requirements include meeting certain safety criteria and flying under a variety of conditions. The fully electric Joby aircraft has built in a number of safety measures, including six motors and four batteries, which were developed by a team of ex-Tesla employees. We can lose a battery, and we still fly perfectly fine, said Peter Wilson, Jobys flight standards and training lead. Keeping battery charging times down is also critical so that eVTOLs can make as many trips with as many ticketed passengers as possible. Jobys eVTOL can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge, meaning it can do two trips back and forth to JFK from a downtown New York City heliport before needing a recharge. Joby expects to be able to recharge its eVTOLs in the amount of time it takes to deplane and board passengers. According to one report, eVTOL batteries would ideally charge in under 10 minutes, about as fast as Teslas latest superchargers can charge an EV. The market With the air taxi market projected to grow to $65 billion by 2028, according to the Business Research Company, Joby isnt the only air taxi manufacturer looking to launch commercial flights as soon as possible. Story continues Archer Aviation (ACHR) and Lilium (LILM) are among Jobys competitors. Both firms have seen double-digit gains in their stock prices over the past year. Archer has a $1 billion conditional order from United Airlines (UAL) and raked in $150 million in development cash from Stellantis (STLA) and well-known investors like Ark Invests Cathie Wood and serial entrepreneur Marc Lore. Delta looked at over 20 different companies before landing on Joby as their top pick, according to Gail Grimmett, Deltas senior vice president of Sustainability Performance and Strategic Partnerships. The technological strength that Joby had, the financial strength that they had as a startup, we felt that that made a great match for us to be able to collaborate, Grimmett said. Rides in Joby's eVTOLs are estimated to start around $200 per trip and come down over time. (Joby Aviation) Analyst Kahyaoglu added that investors should consider regulation, infrastructure, and consumer interest when sussing out their own eVTOL allocation. We want to be supportive of innovation, [and] we want to be supportive of technology, but we also want to be cognizant of the current regulatory environment, she said. FAA approval is the first step. After that, eVTOL companies need to scale in order to keep the cost of rides as low as possible to attract customers. Joby believes their initial rides will launch at "Uber Black" pricing and will go down to regular Uber pricing over time. According to Uber, the average price of a trip from Manhattan to JFK is $135 for an Uber Black and $87 for a regular Uber. Jefferies estimates that at launch, a Joby ride could cost around $200. Joby detailed these headwinds and more in a recent regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company noted they have enough cash on hand to support the initial launch of commercial operations in 2025, but after that, if they are not generating sufficient cash flow, will use a combination of equity and debt financing to fund the business. Still, the technological advancements discovered while creating these aircraft could be used to fuel future innovation, according to Allison. Were building all of these capabilities, all of these muscles as a company, not just to build one revolutionary airplane but to build the future of zero-emission aviation, Allison said. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Naturas announced a partnership with The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) to help build food security in Central America. (Photo: Business Wire) Increasing food access helps people thrive, creating healthy and resilient communities. (Photo: Business Wire) Unilever Internationals financial support will help GFN members in Central America deliver essential food and resources to those who need it most. (Photo: Business Wire) ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., April 15, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Natura's, the popular Central American tomato sauce & refried beans brand, is proud to announce a partnership with The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) to help build food security in Central America. This collaborative initiative reaffirms Natura's unwavering commitment to positively impacting communities in Central America where the brand was born more than 50 years ago. Natura's has donated $100,000 to GFN, the international non-profit organization powering community-led food banks to alleviate global hunger across six continents in more than 50 countries, helping them to expand their mission of fighting food insecurity in Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica. This financial support will help GFN members in Central America provide essential food and resources to those who need it most, making significant strides in improving the lives of countless individuals and communities. The partnership is forged by Unilever International, Unilevers global business unit and white space partner. Nabomita Bagchi, Head of Global Nutrition Business Group Unilever International, says: "Our partnership with The Global FoodBanking Network represents a pivotal step forward in our journey to extend our impact to people in markets, who need it the most. This partnership reflects our dedication to the fight against food insecurity." "We invite our consumers to stand with us in this endeavor," Bagchi adds. "With each Natura's purchase, they are not just buying a product; they are becoming part of our mission to alleviate hunger and improve lives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference." Natura's and GFN are determined to work together to create a brighter future for those facing food insecurity in Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica. Lisa Moon, President and CEO of The Global FoodBanking Network, says: "Increasing food access helps people thrive, creating healthy and resilient communities. Unilever International is making it possible for our network of food banks to impact the lives of millions of people facing food insecurity in more than 50 countries, including Honduras, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Thoughtful partners like Unilever International remain vital to ensuring that together we are building sustainable local organizations and improving the resilience of the food banks that are providing critical services to millions of people." To learn more about the Naturas and The Global FoodBanking Network's fight against food insecurity, visit Naturas and GFN. Story continues About Naturas Natura's authentic flavors stemmed from its Central American roots more than 50 years ago with the goal of bringing fresh, high-quality ingredients to every home. Through the years, Naturas evolved to better fit the needs of new generations of consumers while always remaining true to its purpose. In 2021, Naturas was launched in the US market to continue serving the Central American diaspora in the US as well as global flavor enthusiasts. Today, Naturas is a kitchen staple in millions of homes, where its tomato sauces and refried beans are considered a base ingredient for a wide range of dishes. Naturas will be working with some of the industrys most recognizable cooking influencers, offering new and exciting ways to use the brands many products to create delicious meals. For more information, visit www.naturasusa.com. About Unilever Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition, and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. Worldwide, we have 127,000 employees and generated sales of 60.1 billion in 2022. Our vision is to be the global leader in sustainable business and to demonstrate how our purpose-led, future-fit business model drives superior performance. We have a long tradition of being a progressive, responsible business. The Unilever Compass, our sustainable business strategy, is set out to help us deliver superior performance and drive sustainable and responsible growth, while: improving the health of the planet. improving people's health, confidence, and wellbeing. and contributing to a fairer and more socially inclusive world. For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands visit: www.unileverusa.com. About The Global FoodBanking Network The Global FoodBanking Network works with partners in over 50 countries to alleviate hunger and tackle climate change at the same time. Our partner food banks work with 50,000 local agencies and are supported by over 400,000 volunteers. Last year, we provided food to more than 32 million people. We are fixing the global food system so it functions as it should: nourishing people and the planet together. More: www.foodbanking.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415792193/en/ Contacts The Tropical Agency Megan Harris megan@thetropicalagency.com The Global FoodBanking Network James Fredrick jfredrick@foodbanking.org By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) - German airline Lufthansa has offered concessions aimed at securing EU antitrust approval for its acquisition of a minority stake in Italian carrier ITA Airways, an update on the European Commission website shows. The EU executive did not provide details of the remedies, in line with its policy, and is expected to seek feedback from rivals and customers before clearing the deal or making further demands. Lufthansa's remedies could include ceding airport slots, traffic rights and planes to a rival, similar to those in a Korean airline deal approved by the Commission, a person with direct knowledge of the deal has told Reuters. The EU antitrust watchdog has said the deal threatened competition on short-haul routes between Italy and Central European countries, as well as on long-haul routes between Italy and the United States, Canada and Japan. It would also strengthen ITA's dominant position at Milan's main airport. Lufthansa's plan to buy a 41% stake in state-owned ITA for 325 million euros ($346.3 million) and British Airways owner IAG's bid to buy out Spain's Air Europa are part of sector consolidation as European carriers seek to compete better against U.S. and Gulf rivals. Lufthansa is expected to attend a closed-door hearing in front of senior Commission officials and national competition officials on Friday, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. The Commission is due to decide on the deal by June 6 ($1 = 0.9384 euros) (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by David Goodman) Matex International (Catalist:M15) Full Year 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: S$7.35m (down 50% from FY 2022). Net loss: S$3.31m (down by 146% from S$7.27m profit in FY 2022). S$0.01 loss per share (down from S$0.023 profit in FY 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period The primary driver behind last 12 months revenue was the People's Republic of China (PRC) segment contributing a total revenue of S$5.32m (72% of total revenue). Notably, cost of sales worth S$5.75m amounted to 78% of total revenue thereby underscoring the impact on earnings. The largest operating expense was General & Administrative costs, amounting to S$4.72m (81% of total expenses). Over the last 12 months, the company's earnings were enhanced by non-operating gains of S$911.0k. Explore how M15's revenue and expenses shape its earnings. Matex International shares are up 4.5% from a week ago. Risk Analysis You should always think about risks. Case in point, we've spotted 3 warning signs for Matex International you should be aware of, and 1 of them makes us a bit uncomfortable. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. Assessing McGrath RentCorp's Upcoming Dividend and Financial Health McGrath RentCorp (NASDAQ:MGRC) recently announced a dividend of $0.48 per share, payable on 2024-04-30, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-04-15. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into McGrath RentCorp's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does McGrath RentCorp Do? Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with MGRC. High Yield Dividend Stocks in Gurus' Portfolio This Powerful Chart Made Peter Lynch 29% A Year For 13 Years How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock? McGrath RentCorp is a diversified business-to-business rental company, operating across various segments. Its Mobile Modular division provides modular buildings and portable storage, TRS-RenTelco offers electronic test equipment, Adler Tanks specializes in containment solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous liquids and solids, and Enviroplex is engaged in manufacturing modular classrooms in California. McGrath RentCorp's revenue primarily stems from the rental of its equipment on operating leases, alongside equipment sales as part of its regular business operations. McGrath RentCorp's Dividend Analysis A Glimpse at McGrath RentCorp's Dividend History McGrath RentCorp has upheld a steadfast commitment to dividend payments since 1990, distributing dividends quarterly to its shareholders. The company has not only consistently paid dividends but has also increased its dividend annually, earning it the prestigious title of a dividend aristocrata recognition awarded to companies with at least 34 consecutive years of dividend increases. To visualize McGrath RentCorp's commitment to growing shareholder value, here is a chart depicting the annual Dividends Per Share and its historical trends. McGrath RentCorp's Dividend Analysis Breaking Down McGrath RentCorp's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, McGrath RentCorp's 12-month trailing dividend yield stands at 1.62%, with a forward dividend yield of 1.65%, indicating an anticipated increase in dividend payments over the next year. Over the past three years, the annual dividend growth rate was 4.20%. This growth extends to a 7.40% annual increase over a five-year span, and an impressive 8.20% over the past decade. Consequently, McGrath RentCorp's 5-year yield on cost is approximately 2.31% as of today. McGrath RentCorp's Dividend Analysis The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability When evaluating the sustainability of McGrath RentCorp's dividend, it's crucial to consider the dividend payout ratio. This ratio, currently at 0.41 as of 2023-12-31, indicates the proportion of earnings paid out as dividends. A lower ratio suggests a healthy balance between distributing earnings to shareholders and retaining funds for growth and financial stability. Complementing this, McGrath RentCorp's profitability rank is a robust 9 out of 10, reflecting strong earnings potential and consistent positive net income over the past decade. Story continues Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook McGrath RentCorp's growth rank of 9 out of 10 signals a positive growth trajectory relative to its competitors. The company's revenue per share and a 13.30% average annual 3-year revenue growth rate outperform 69.11% of global competitors. Additionally, McGrath RentCorp's 3.10% average annual 3-year EPS growth rate and a 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 5.00% are competitive, outperforming 32.96% and 37.48% of global competitors, respectively. Next Steps Considering McGrath RentCorp's consistent dividend payments, growth in dividend rates, prudent payout ratio, strong profitability, and robust growth metrics, the company presents a compelling case for investors seeking stable dividend income with potential for growth. As McGrath RentCorp prepares to distribute its upcoming dividend, value investors should evaluate these factors in the context of their investment strategy. For those looking to expand their portfolio with high-dividend yield stocks, the High Dividend Yield Screener available to GuruFocus Premium users is an excellent resource. This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Three Leaf Partners, a Milwaukee-based development firm, is planning a three-story apartment building to replace the St. Bernard parish's building on Harwood Ave. A Milwaukee-based real estate developer plans to bring an apartment development to the former site of St. Bernard Congregation and Wauwatosa Catholic School in the Wauwatosa village. Here's what to know. Three Leaf Partners named as developer to purchase St. Bernard parish Three Leaf Partners LLC submitted its plans for a three-story multi-family development at 7474 Harwood Ave. to the City of Wauwatosa weeks after parishioners learned St. Bernard would close to merge with its sister parish Christ King. Rev. Phillip Bogacki, pastor of both parishes, told parishioners in a letter that parish leaders had chosen a developer to whom they would sell the St. Bernard property, but didn't name Three Leaf Partners. Proceeds of the sale will serve as an infusion of cash to carry the newly merged parish forward, he said. Three Leaf Partners, co-founded by Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton, has developed hotels, multi-family apartment buildings and other projects around the Milwaukee area, Minnesota and Indiana. The firm developed the Honey Creek Apartments in Wauwatosa and is working on multi-family apartments and townhomes in Hartland. Three Leaf Partners, a Milwaukee-based development firm, is planning a three-story apartment building to replace the St. Bernard parish's building on Harwood Avenue in Wauwatosa. St. Bernard property to be replaced by 163-unit apartment building Three Leaf Partners' plans would bring a 163-unit apartment building to the coveted property in the Wauwatosa village, plans by Milwaukee-based Korb + Associates Architects show. One-bedroom units from 650 to 850 square feet would make up most of the building, while more spacious one-bedroom units from 850 to 950 square feet and two-bedroom units that are 1,150 to 1,250 square feet will also be available. Below the three levels of apartment units, a basement garage will provide 187 parking spots for residents. Twenty-three parking spots north of the building are planned for visitors. A courtyard will bring residents an outdoor space within the apartment complex's walls, complete with grills and a fire pit. The building will include a storage area for bikes, a fitness room and club room, among other amenities. How much will Three Leaf Partners' apartment development on Harwood Avenue cost? The project costs $46 million and Three Leaf Partners does not plan to ask for tax incremental financing, or TIF, according to the BizTimes, which first reported on the development. Representatives of Three Leaf Partners did not immediately respond to requests for an interview. The firm has sought out TIF in other projects, including $13 million in city financing help for an apartment project in West Allis. Parts of St. Bernard's history may be preserved in the new developments, plans show Plans show that developers and architects may repurpose the bricks, stained glass and other aspects of the existing building that housed St. Bernard parish, which became Wauwatosa's first Catholic church in 1911. Story continues Construction on the current parish complex began in 1962. The parish property underwent extensive renovations starting in 2000, which brought new parish and school office centers, a gymnasium and an elevator, according to the parish website. Plans by Korb + Associates Architects show that elements of the St. Bernard Congregation's buildings may be repurposed or used for inspiration in the design of a new apartment complex. Rev. Bogacki said in his letter to parishoners that approval from the city for the developers' plans may take six to nine months and that the parish will remain in their building during that time. "If plans are approved, we can determine when to set moments to celebrate the good work of our past and pledge ourselves to a renewed future," he wrote. Will the new apartment replacing the St. Bernard property in Tosa's village go before the Common Council? The development meets the current zoning code and therefore does not need to go to the Common Council for approval, according to Eva Ennamorato, Wauwatosa's communications manager. "That's unique when it comes to developments," Ennamorato told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The development firm plans to present its plans at the Wauwatosa Design Review Board meeting Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers at Wauwatosa City Hall. The in-person meeting will not be recorded, and residents can share their thoughts on the development during public comment, Ennamorato said. The development may need to go before the Board of Public Works or other boards to receive certain permits before construction can begin, according to Ennamorato. Contact the reporter at bfogarty@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Three Leaf Partners plans apartments for Wauwatosa's St. Bernard site NEW YORK (AP) Momofuku, a food and restaurant brand started by food mogul David Chang, said it won't defend its trademark on the name chile crunch after it sparked an outcry by sending cease-and-desist letters to other businesses using the term. Momofuku started selling its Chili Crunch product in 2020, a crunchy spicy oil with dried peppers and other ingredients like sesame seeds and garlic. It's a riff on Chinese condiment chili crisp and other similar products from other countries. Different variations of chili crisp and other hot sauces have gained popularity in the U.S. in recent years. Momofuku acquired the trademark for the name chile crunch from Chile Colonial in 2023. While Momofuku holds the trademark for chile crunch, spelled with an e, it also claims common law rights to chili crunch with an i and has filed for similar trademark status with the U.S. Patent Office for that spelling, which is still pending. In March, Momofuku sent seven cease-and-desist letters to companies that were calling their product Chili Crunch or Chile Crunch. Most of the companies that received the letter were small brands founded by Asian Americans. As first reported by The Guardian on April 4, several of the companies took to social media to complain the letters were unfair, particularly since most of the brands are small and David Chang and Momofuku are so well known in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Their complaints went viral, sparking a debate over whether Momofuku or anyone should be able to own the trademark of the generic sounding chile or chili crunch. At first, Momofuku stood by its actions. It said in a statement it was obligated to defend its trademark or it risked losing it to a bigger company that might swoop in and copy their product if it wasn't defended. But by Friday, the company reversed course and said it would not be enforcing the trademark going forward. Over the past week, we have heard the feedback from our community and now understand that the term chili crunch carries broader meaning for many, the company said in an emailed statement. This situation has created a painful divide between Momofuku, the AAPI community we care deeply about, and other companies sharing grocery store shelves. But the truth is, we all want the same things: to grow, to succeed and to make Americas pantries and grocery stores a more diverse place. Michelle Tew, owner of Malaysian food brand Homiah, was one owner who spoke out on social media after she received a cease-and-desist letter from Momofuku on March 18 that said she had 90 days to stop selling her Sambal Chili Crunch products. Story continues Tew said in an Instagram post that Momofuku's decision not to enforce the trademark is a step in the right direction, but she hopes Momofuku does more to demonstrate its commitment to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. I'm so grateful for this community that have spoken loudly in support of this and rallied around small businesses like mine, she said in the statement. As part of the Ghars Al Emarat (UAE Planting) initiative to plant 10 mangroves for each visitor to COP28, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced that it has planted 850,000 mangrove trees along Abu Dhabis coastal areas. The mangrove trees were planted in locations that offered the most suitable environments for growth, such as Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, Al Mirfa city, and Jubail Island, and will help absorb 170 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere annually. The Agency announced the initiative, which is being implemented under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EADs Board of Directors, on the occasion of the countrys hosting of COP28. The initiative pledged to plant 10 mangrove trees for every visitor to the conference, using innovative methods, such as drone seeding. The rate of carbon uptake by trees is estimated at one tonne per 5,000 mangroves. This initiative reinforces the UAEs commitment to achieving climate neutrality and promoting the adoption of nature-based solutions to reduce the effects of climate change. Restoring mangroves Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: This initiative comes as a continuation of the efforts initiated by Abu Dhabi to restore mangrove trees in the 1970s, under the guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed which was an expression of his in-depth knowledge of the local environment and his foresight. This strengthened the emirates pioneering role in rehabilitating these important environmental systems. She said that after more than seven decades, the UAE still greatly values mangroves as a coastal and vital habitat for blue carbon, whose role in supporting biodiversity and in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change is extremely important. Mangroves are being researched and studied by EAD, and as Abu Dhabi is home to the UAEs largest mangrove areas, science-based mangrove restoration efforts are continuing across the emirate. She elaborated: Mangroves are among the most productive coastal ecosystems in the world and are therefore very important because they provide a variety of environmental and economic services. Mangrove trees help mitigate the effects of climate change, absorbing greenhouse gases thanks to their ability to store and sequester carbon. Mangroves can absorb up to four times more carbon than trees in the Amazon rainforest. She pointed out that studies conducted by EAD revealed the ability of mangrove trees in Abu Dhabi to store carbon at a rate of 0.5 tonnes per hectare per year, which is equivalent to 8,750 tonnes at the emirate level, and the energy consumption of 1,000 homes per year. Providing a platform The Ghars Al Emarat Initiative, created within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, also supports the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, launched in February 2022, during the meeting between Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Prince William, the Prince of Wales, at Jubail Mangrove Park. It was founded to provide a platform for developing innovative mangrove planting solutions, and contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change, while raising awareness of mangroves importance and the necessity of restoring them. The initiative also enhanced the emirates position as a leading global centre for mangrove conservation research and innovation. Ghars Al Emarat also supports the 13th United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to Climate Action, which calls for urgent steps to address climate change and adapt to its effects, as well as national initiatives, including the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, which is in line with the UAEs goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. Mangroves cover about 176 sq km across Abu Dhabi, equivalent to 17,600 hectares (11,200 hectares of natural trees and 6,400 hectares of planted trees), with 2,441,600 tonnes of carbon stored by natural mangroves and 676,480 tonnes by planted trees. This means that more than 3 million tonnes of carbon are currently stored by mangroves in Abu Dhabi. As well as mitigating climate change, mangroves help adapt to the challenge, stabilising coasts, protecting against the impact of storms, and reducing coastal erosion. These natural systems protect infrastructure and communities located along the coast. By protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems, EAD strengthens natures resilience and reduces the impact of climate change on communities.--TradeArabia News Service Editors note: Christopher Koller is the president of the Milbank Memorial Fund, Kyu Rhee is the president and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers and R. Shawn Martin is the executive vice president and CEO of the American Academy of Family Physicians. As the presidential election nears, issues from the economy to climate change are vying for airtime, yet markedly absent from the headlines is a deepening crisis that threatens the future health and wellbeing of communities nationwide: a primary care sector on the brink of collapse. Primary care is the cornerstone of community health. It helps us live longer lives, prevents disease and reduces health disparities. It is indispensable to strengthening our nations ability to withstand another deadly pandemic or climate disaster. And yet, over 100 million Americans report they lack access to a regular doctor or source of care. Physicians and patients acutely feel the primary care workforce shortage. In recent interviews we heard an alarming refrain from clinicians and health executives: I could spend all my time helping friends find doctors accepting new patients. Another said, I have 100 open staff positions and am in a bidding war for primary care physicians. Just in the past decade, there has been a 36% jump in the share of U.S. children without a usual source of care. Among adults its a 21% increase, according to a Milbank report. And with Americas rapidly aging population, access to critical primary care services is only expected to get worse. Understanding whats driving Americas primary care workforce shortage is key to finding effective, long-term solutions. A workforce exodus amid chronic disinvestment America is not producing enough primary care physicians to meet growing population needs. New primary care physicians are leaving for other fields at alarming rates. In 2021, only 15% of all physicians were practicing outpatient primary care three to five years after residency, according to a Milbank report. When we look at the disparities in compensation rates and the nations chronic disinvestment in primary care, this workforce exodus shouldnt come as a surprise. Specialists in the U.S. now routinely make two to three times what their primary care colleagues do, creating powerful incentives for physicians in training to go for the gold. Primary care accounts for 35% of healthcare visits but receives only about 5% to 7% of total healthcare expenditures. For context, hospitals account for 30% of healthcare expenditures. Additionally, since 2019, the share of total spending by Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurers in primary care has steadily declined; Medicares share has dropped by 15%, according to Milbank. Story continues Inadequate training, disparities in access Today, the vast majority of primary care residents train within hospitals and academic health centers, which do not expose them to the needs of underserved communities, nor provide them with the skills needed to successfully practice in challenging, real-world clinical environments. In 2021, only 15% of primary care residents spent a majority of their time training in community settings, outside of hospitals. Moving forward, the solutions are clear. Congress and both the public and private sectors must work together to enact stronger federal and state policies in three critical primary care areas. First, Medicare and Medicaid physician reimbursement which has led to our specialty-dominated healthcare system must become more effective and efficient. We know that inadequate compensation is one reason why many medical students choose not to go into primary care. Second, the billions in public dollars going to clinician training must be focused on creating a highly skilled primary care workforce with practical experience in community settings. This is essential to meet the complex health needs of our nations ever-changing and growing population. And finally, we need to expand the footprint of community health centers, the linchpin to improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Currently, these centers provide care to 1 in 11 patients around the country, but that number needs to be vastly expanded. Its time to strengthen our fragile primary care system to ensure it delivers the comprehensive, affordable care Americans so desperately need. Access to high-quality primary care for everyone should not be an aspiration, but an expectation that we as a nation have an urgent duty to fulfill. This story was originally published on Healthcare Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Healthcare Dive newsletter. Electric vehicle powerhouse Tesla is reportedly planning to cut more than 10 per cent of its global workforce some 14,000 jobs with CEO Elon Musk telling staff that the lay-offs must be done. The billionaire entrepreneur wrote in an internal memo that there was nothing I hate more than cutting down the workforce, but the decision had been made to ensure the company was lean, innovative and hungry for the next growth phase cycle. It comes after Tesla reported dismal first-quarter sales. Sales fell sharply last quarter as a result of increased competition worldwide. The company said it delivered 386,810 electric vehicles from January through March, nearly 9 per cent below the 423,000 it sold in the same quarter of last year. According to its annual report, as of 31 December 2023, Tesla employed 140,473 people worldwide. In the memo, shared by online publication Electrek on Monday, who was first to report on the cuts, Mr Musk wrote: Over the years, we have grown rapidly with multiple factories scaling around the globe. The billionaire tech entrepeneur said the decision had been made to ensure the company was lean, innovative and hungry for the next growth phase cycle (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) With this rapid growth there has been duplication of roles and job functions in certain areas. As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity. As part of this effort, we have done a thorough review of the organization and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than 10 per cent globally. There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done. This will enable us to be lean, innovative and hungry for the next growth phase cycle. The memo continued: I would like to thank everyone who is departing Tesla for their hard work over the years. Im deeply grateful for your many contributions to our mission and we wish you well in your future opportunities. It is very difficult to say goodbye. Mr Musk also thanked those remaining at the company in advance for the difficult tasks ahead. Your resolve will make a huge difference in getting us there, he wrote. Also on Monday, two key Tesla executives announced on the social media platform X also owned by Mr Musk that they are due to leave the company. Andrew Baglino, senior vice president of powertrain and energy engineering, wrote that he had made the decision to leave after 18 years with the company. I loved tackling nearly every problem we solved as a team and feel gratified to have contributed to the mission of accelerating the transition to sustainable energy, a mission that I am quite passionate about, Mr Baglino wrote. Story continues I made the difficult decision to move on from Tesla after 18 years yesterday. I am so thankful to have worked with and learned from the countless incredibly talented people at Tesla over the years. I loved tackling nearly every problem we solved as a team and feel gratified Drew Baglino (@baglino) April 15, 2024 I will always have a warm spot for the people of Tesla and Tesla products in my heart and wish the team and company the best in the future. Mr Baglino added that he had no concrete plans beyond spending more time with family and his young children, but said that he has difficulty staying still for long. In response to the post, Mr Musk told him: Few have contributed as much as you. Rohan Patel, senior global director of public policy and business development, also wrote on X that he was leaving Tesla after eight years. Following Mondays news of the lay-offs and senior departures, shares of Tesla fell more than 3 per cent. Shares of Tesla Inc. have lost about one-third of their value so far this year as sales of electric vehicles soften. Since last year, the company has cut prices by as much as $20,000 on some models as it faced increasing competition and slowing demand. The price cuts caused used electric vehicle values to drop and clipped Teslas profit margins. The company has said it will reveal an autonomous robotaxi at an event in August. Mr Musk currently sits in third position on Forbes Real Time Billionaires list, with an estimated wealth of $188.6bn. Amazon boss Jeff Bezos sits in second, and French businessman Bernard Arnault and his family are number one, with a fortune of $213bn. SINGAPORE, April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Yes, it's official. Moomoo Singapore has now surpassed the one million user milestone! Moomoo Singapore has now surpassed the one million user milestone. With a resident population of 2.94 million([1]) aged between 20 and 70, over 1 in 3 residents in Singapore in the age range are now moomoo users. Mr Gavin Chia, CEO of Moomoo Singapore, said: "We are proud to have achieved this significant milestone just three years after our official launch in Singapore. It has been a remarkable journey for all of us at Moomoo Singapore, and we are pleased to share this wonderful news with our valued clients and partners. This achievement would not have been possible without their unwavering support and confidence." A launchpad for Southeast Asian expansion Singapore marked the Moomoo brand's maiden foray into Southeast Asia and marks a strategic move to expand to a region that's home to a growing pool of digitally savvy investors. "We saw a demand from investors in Singapore for smarter and more customised investment and wealth management solutions, and this paradigm shift has presented us with the opportunities to serve their needs. Since our entry into Singapore at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have grown by leaps and bounds. But we are not resting on our laurels. We are now ready to embark on our next phase of growth," Mr Chia said. With a wide array of investible products, Moomoo Singapore works with our wide network of partners to curate new and innovative products to meet the diverse investment needs of investors in Singapore. Our money market fund - Cash Plus - for instance, was introduced in response to demand for a product that offers liquidity and competitive returns for idle cash. "Cash Plus offers investors the flexibility to invest and redeem their funds at any time without penalties, making it an attractive choice for those seeking to earn better returns on their cash holdings while maintaining easy access to their funds," Mr Chia added. "The AUM for our money market funds grew more than 500% as at December 31, 2023, compared to a year ago, underscoring the immense popularity and strong demand for this innovative product among Singapore investors." Today, Cash Plus is Moomoo Singapore's most popular and fastest growing product, and reflects our responsiveness to the needs of investors in Singapore. In December 2023, Moomoo Singapore collaborated with Fullerton Fund Management to launch Singapore's first retail SGD cash fund - the T+0 SGD Money Market Fund, with enhanced intra-day liquidity. Story continues The Fund invests in high-quality Singapore government-related bills and bank deposits, with a same-day settlement feature that offers investors even greater liquidity than standard cash management funds. The same-day settlement feature of this fund is a game-changer, offering investors much greater liquidity than standard cash management funds. "Our focus on improving the customer experience together with new products and services, have been key factors in attracting and retaining users. Following the recent launch of U.S Treasuries and Japanese stocks on our platform, our clients now have even more options to supplement their investment portfolio. We will continue to explore introducing new products to stay ahead of the needs of our clients," Mr Chia said. Today, Moomoo Singapore is a launch pad for the brand's expansion into Southeast Asia. Moomoo Malaysia marked its official launch last month to great fanfare, with more than 120,000 users to date. Empowering the everyday investor One of our key focuses has been to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning to promote financial education by helping people from all walks of life to improve their financial knowledge and develop critical skills to informed decisions about their financial futures. We do this through offering a wide plethora of financial educational materials that gives retail investors access to the same top-quality investment tools and insights that was once only available to select groups of investors, such as high-net-worth individuals, and in the process empowering them to take charge of their financial futures with confidence. We also use advanced technology to help us better understand the needs and preferences of our users and consequently in our algorithms to push out content, features, and products to meet their investment objectives. "As we embark on our quest for the next one million users, we will continue to put our users first. We are constantly looking to introduce more products and features on our platform to help you stay ahead of your investment needs. Thank you for being key to our success and we will continue to serve you better," Mr Chia said. About Moomoo Singapore Moomoo Financial Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Moomoo Singapore) is an advanced financial technology company transforming the investing experience by offering a digitalised brokerage and wealth management platform moomoo. Moomoo enhances the user experience with market data, news, and powerful analytical tools. Moomoo also embeds an unique digitalised investment community to connect all users, investors, companies, analysts, media and key opinion leaders. In Singapore, Moomoo Financial Singapore Pte. Ltd. (www.moomoo.com/sg ) offers investment products for trading via the moomoo platform, and it is a capital markets services licence holder regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Licence No. CMS101000). In June 2022, Moomoo Singapore became the first digital brokerage to receive all five memberships from the SGX Group for the securities and derivatives markets. ([1]) Latest data from Singapore's Department of Statistics, accurate as at 27 September 2023. https://tablebuilder.singstat.gov.sg/table/TS/M810731#! Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/one-million-singapore-residents-are-now-using-moomoo-302115399.html SOURCE moomoo By Sam Nussey TOKYO (Reuters) -Microsoft backed artificial intelligence startup OpenAI made a pitch for business in Japan on Monday as it opened its first Asia office in Tokyo. "This is just the first step in what I hope will be a long-term partnership with the people of Japan, government leaders, businesses and research institutions," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a video message. The startup, which has caused excitement among consumers since the launch of its ChatGPT generative AI chatbot in late 2022, is looking to grow new sources of revenue globally. Altman and Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap have hosted hundreds of Fortune 500 company executives in the United States and Britain this month to pitch for business, Reuters has reported. Last year Altman said he was considering a Japan location after meeting Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The startup has also opened offices in London and Dublin. Japan hopes to take advantage of AI as it looks to compete with an increasingly assertive China, accelerate the shift to digital services and alleviate deepening labour shortages. "We have a backlog of demand," Lightcap told reporters in Tokyo, adding that "we expect a meaningful contribution from Japan over time," without providing details. OpenAI said it has a custom model optimised for the Japanese language and that Tadao Nagasaki, who was president of Amazon Web Services in Japan, is heading the Japan business. While the country is seen as a laggard in the technology, local companies including telcos SoftBank and NTT are investing in large language models. OpenAI's customers in Japan include automaker Toyota Motor, manufacturer Daikin Industries and local government. Microsoft said last week it would invest $2.9 billion over two years in cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan, part of a wave of investment globally by U.S. tech giants. (Reporting by Sam Nussey; Editing by Christopher Cushing) The Panama Canal Authority is preparing for growth. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) The end of Panamas dry season is in sight, and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) plans to welcome more vessels in the coming weeks. Over six months since the Panama Canals reservoir system suffered from the driest October in at least 73 years, the ACP finally sees a path to normalizing operations. On March 25, the ACP allotted three additional transit slots to Panamax vessels, bringing the total number of reservations to 27 per day. Water levels at Gatun Lake are currently at the low end of their historical range. A recent downpour was gladly received by the man-made Gatun Lake, from which the canal gets its supply of water. Traffic has seen an uptick in the past few days: Per data from Clarksons, transits are currently at 60% of where they were in 2022, a year in which conditions were more or less normal. Transits of product tankers and container ships have almost fully recovered, with both types trending near 90% of normal activity. While the ACP is careful to stress that all of its plans are ultimately contingent on the weather, it is optimistic that canal operations will return to normal by 2025. Not a drop to drink One of the strongest headwinds that the Panama Canal has faced over the past six months has come from El Nino, a climate pattern that brings high temperatures to surface waters in the region. This heat has contributed to the evaporation of Gatun Lake, bottlenecking the number of ships that can traverse the canals 51 miles of navigable water. But Gatun Lake is not only used for canal operations it is also a source of drinking water for roughly half of Panamas 4.4 million people. This dual function has made the canals utility a critical issue ahead of an already contentious presidential election, which will be held on May 5. Former president Ricardo Martinelli, whose administration made substantial investments in Panamas infrastructure so as to attract foreign business, was a clear front-runner in the polls despite being convicted of money laundering. Panamas Supreme Court disqualified his candidacy in February. His running mate, Jose Raul Mulino, has inherited both Martinellis bid and his lead, albeit one slightly narrower than it once was. It is safe to assume that Mulino would prioritize the canals economic uses where possible, as his platform promises a return to heavy investment in public works. The ACP recently proposed a $2 billion project that would dam the nearby Indio River and then drill a five-mile mountain tunnel connecting the newly constructed reservoir to Gatun Lake. This six-year project is estimated to allow 11 to 15 additional transits per day through the canal. It has, however, faced heavy criticism from local farmers, whose lands risk being flooded by the adjacent reservoir. Story continues All of Panamas presidential candidates have vowed to secure access to potable water for the countrys population with water being a necessity, such a stance tends to garner support in the polls. It is worth noting that the ACP claims that the Indio River proposal would also secure drinking water for Panama City, which has seen steady population growth in recent years. Let the rain fall down Thankfully, Panamas future president might not have to choose between filling the locks and filling the taps, at least in the short term. The U.S. National Weather Services Climate Prediction Center forecasts a swift end to El Nino conditions in the coming months with 85% confidence. Even better, they also predict a 60% chance for La Nina conditions to develop by August at the latest. La Nina would bring cooler surface temperatures and potentially more precipitation to Panama, an encouraging start to the nations wet season that lasts from May to December. Such a bounty could accelerate the ACPs timeline towards a full recovery, and so remove one of the many bottlenecks to international trade. SONAR Container Atlas: Project44 Ocean Port Pair Delays from all global ports to the Port of Savannah (in days) The Panama Canal sees nearly half of all container volumes from China and East Asia pass through to the U.S. East Coast. The current drought and ensuing operational impediments have caused delays to the Port of Savannah to rise from an average of three days in May 2023 to nearly nine in late March though the Port of Baltimores closure has certainly had no small impact on other East Coast ports. The Port of Savannah has bet the house on its expansion in recent years, but its growth is tethered to that of the Panama Canal. The post Panama Canals future is dark and stormy, much to shippers relief appeared first on FreightWaves. Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) isn't exactly a hot stock right now. Since its massive run-up during the pandemic's height, built on hopes for its coronavirus vaccine, new sources of growth haven't led to equally outsized windfalls. But for investors, it could still be a great pickup once a few of the loftier expectations about its future are safely in check. Let's start by hearing from the bears about why the stock isn't a buy, and then look at the other side's argument. The last couple of years have been tough Under normal conditions, one might expect that a big pharma business, with a large portfolio of essential drugs and a recent run of best-selling medicines like the Comirnaty coronavirus vaccine, would be booming. In such a scenario, the investing thesis would be obvious -- buy the stock, because the company has a knack for making it go up consistently over time by successfully developing the right drugs for the right markets. But that isn't the situation that Pfizer is in today. Far from being a reigning champion, it now looks closer to being a washed-up former contender. In case you haven't been keeping up with the stock price, the total return of its shares is down by 19% over the last three years, whereas the S&P 500 is up by more than 32%. In the same period, its trailing 12-month revenue rose by only 6%, reaching $58.5 billion, and net income over that period fell by 83%, reaching $2.1 billion. What's more, it has an incredible $75.3 billion in debt and capital lease obligations. It should be able to pay off its debt in due time, but interest expenses will be a steady drag on earnings growth for quite some time. And it isn't as though Pfizer was a rapidly expanding business before its windfall from coronavirus medicines. Nor is it the case that it can be expected to get another such windfall. The sharp declines in its revenue and earnings are largely due to the world's demand for coronavirus vaccines and antivirals falling sharply. So in the eyes of the bears, the financials and the macro environment both speak for themselves. Pfizer won't be reclaiming the heights of its top line, bottom line, or stock price anytime soon. By the looks of it, its home runs with its coronavirus medicines were not consolidated into funding future growth opportunities, nor was there much of a residual market to retain after the initial gold rush period subsided. There's a bright future ahead The bearish argument against buying Pfizer is factually correct in the sense that examining backward-looking financial metrics shows the company's current performance as being dramatically overshadowed by its performance from 2020 to mid-2022. It will take a long time for that situation to change. But by the time it does, the bears will have missed a stellar buying opportunity completely. Here's why. Pfizer currently has 31 programs in phase 3 clinical trials, and 34 programs in phase 2 trials. In its recently bolstered oncology pipeline alone, management thinks that within the next six years, it'll have a minimum of eight medicines that could be blockbuster drugs. That means they could each make more than $1 billion per year in revenue. The company's push into cancer drug research and development (R&D) is also a big part of why it has so much debt at the moment. It financed the $43 billion acquisition of Seagen, a large oncology biotech, with debt. Once some of that burden is paid down over the next few years, and the new revenue sources come online, management plans to allocate capital more evenly between internal reinvestment into R&D and rewards for shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. Right now, Pfizer's dividend yield is high, at 6.3%. While there is a possibility that the yield could rise even further if the stock keeps dropping, sooner or later the market is going to acknowledge that the business is actually more valuable than it is now. Put differently, eventually the progress on its strategic plan to go big on cancer therapies will be undeniable, and those who wait until that point before investing will not reap the biggest rewards. If you can tolerate waiting a few years for its new revenue sources to finish cooking, the stock is very much a buy today. Pfizer will be around for a long time, and it has a proven track record of commercializing winning medicines in all sorts of different economic environments. In the long run, it'll live up to that reputation, and those who bought it when there was great uncertainty will gain the most. Should you invest $1,000 in Pfizer right now? Before you buy stock in Pfizer, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Pfizer wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 8, 2024 Alex Carchidi has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Pfizer. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is Pfizer Stock a Buy? was originally published by The Motley Fool Profits at Goldman Sachs (GS) rose 28% in the first quarter as investment banking revenues surged, giving CEO David Solomon some needed momentum at the start of 2024. Net income was $4.1 billion, beating analyst expectations. Its revenues of $14.2 billion also surged from a year ago, thanks in part to a 32% rise in investment banking fees. Asset and wealth management revenues jumped, as did trading. Investors cheered the news and sent Goldman's stock up 3% on a day when the S&P 500 fell. The improved results follow a year that was the most challenging for Solomon since 2019, his first full year in charge. Dealmaking slowed across Wall Street, and Solomon grappled with a costly exit from consumer banking and a series of high-profile departures from the firm. "I've said before that historically depressed levels of activity wouldn't last forever," Solomon told analysts Monday, adding that "it's clear that we're in the early stages of a reopening of capital markets." Goldman CEO David Solomon. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (REUTERS / Reuters) The pressure on Solomon hasnt let up in 2024. Two prominent proxy advisory firms are advising stockholders to cast votes this month that would limit the power of Solomon, with results due to be tallied at the companys annual meeting on April 24. The shareholder proposal that garnered a stamp of approval from Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass, Lewis & Co. would split the CEO and chairman roles, both currently occupied by Solomon. A similar proposal last year did not pass, winning only 16% of votes. Glass Lewis is separately suggesting that stockholders also vote against Goldmans executive pay plan due to a "significant disconnect between pay and performance." ISS provided "cautionary support" for the executive pay plan. Solomons 2023 compensation rose 24% to $31 million despite a profit decline of the same amount. Not only is that up from the $25 million he was awarded in 2022, it is more than his rivals Brian Moynihan, Charles Scharf, and Jane Fraser made at Bank of America (BAC), Wells Fargo (WFC), and Citigroup (C). The first quarter results could help Solomon as he prepares to face shareholders later this month. The surge in investment banking included a 24% rise in advisory fees, a 38% jump in debt underwriting, and a 45% increase in equity underwriting fees. Trading revenues from fixed income and equities were also both up 10% from a year ago. "We feel very good about our first quarter results," Solomon told analysts. "This performance was aided by the swift actions we took last year to narrow our strategic focus and play to our core strengths." Story continues A lot is still in flux at Goldman as key executives depart, raising new questions about the race to eventually succeed Solomon. One surprise exit in 2024 is Jim Esposito, who had been co-head of Goldmans global banking and markets division and is leaving after nearly three decades. Esposito had been viewed on Wall Street as among the possible successors to Solomon. Another recent departure in March was Stephanie Cohen, global head of its platform solutions division. Even the board of Goldman is changing. This year, ex-Goldman CFO David Viniar was appointed as the boards lead director to replace Adebayo Ogunlesi, who announced he would step down after selling his infrastructure investment company to BlackRock. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? Ideally, a business will show two trends; firstly a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an increasing amount of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. So when we looked at the ROCE trend of Teekay Tankers (NYSE:TNK) we really liked what we saw. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. To calculate this metric for Teekay Tankers, this is the formula: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.30 = US$527m (US$1.9b - US$139m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023). Therefore, Teekay Tankers has an ROCE of 30%. That's a fantastic return and not only that, it outpaces the average of 15% earned by companies in a similar industry. Check out our latest analysis for Teekay Tankers roce In the above chart we have measured Teekay Tankers' prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free analyst report for Teekay Tankers . So How Is Teekay Tankers' ROCE Trending? Teekay Tankers has not disappointed with their ROCE growth. More specifically, while the company has kept capital employed relatively flat over the last five years, the ROCE has climbed 7,148% in that same time. Basically the business is generating higher returns from the same amount of capital and that is proof that there are improvements in the company's efficiencies. The company is doing well in that sense, and it's worth investigating what the management team has planned for long term growth prospects. Our Take On Teekay Tankers' ROCE In summary, we're delighted to see that Teekay Tankers has been able to increase efficiencies and earn higher rates of return on the same amount of capital. Since the stock has returned a staggering 606% to shareholders over the last five years, it looks like investors are recognizing these changes. So given the stock has proven it has promising trends, it's worth researching the company further to see if these trends are likely to persist. If you'd like to know more about Teekay Tankers, we've spotted 2 warning signs, and 1 of them is potentially serious. Story continues If you want to search for more stocks that have been earning high returns, check out this free list of stocks with solid balance sheets that are also earning high returns on equity. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. (Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration plans to award Samsung Electronics Co. as much as $6.4 billion in grants to increase chip production in Texas, as part of US efforts to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Most Read from Bloomberg The South Korean company plans to invest more than $40 billion overall, including in two foundry fabrication sites that will produce 4-nanometer and 2nm logic chips one generation beyond the current state of the art. The massive project will encompass a research and development site, and an advanced chip packaging facility in Taylor, Texas, that will help produce high bandwidth memory chips, which are critical for artificial intelligence applications. The award will also be used to expand Samsungs existing chipmaking facility in Austin, Texas, which will support US aerospace, defense and automotive industries, the Commerce Department said in a statement. The city of Taylor is just outside Austin. Its the latest in a series of multibillion-dollar awards by the Biden administration, which is using the 2022 Chips and Science Act to revitalize American chipmaking after decades of production shifting to Asia. Another goal is to counter the technological rise of China, which is building up its own semiconductor industry. Samsung opted not to tap loans or loan guarantees under the Chips Act, unlike Intel Corp. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., both of which are also set to receive multibillion dollar grants. Samsungs project is expected to benefit from an investment tax credit, which US officials said is likely to cover as much as 25% of qualified capital expenditures. The Samsung award is part of President Joe Bidens plans to bring the manufacture of leading-edge semiconductors back to the United States, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters. The Taylor project adds to a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Texas, including tens of billions of dollars of additional investment from Texas Instruments Inc. in its home state and Samsungs existing factory in Austin. One of the fabs in Taylor is expected to start production in 2026 and the other will begin in 2027, according to a senior administration official. The company originally said the Taylor plant would begin production in the second half of 2024. Story continues The investment is expected to create at least 17,000 construction jobs and more than 4,500 manufacturing jobs, according to Raimondo. It will contribute to local job creation as supply chains move closer to service the new facilities. US officials said $40 million will be dedicated to workforce funding and development. The Austin expansion will boost output of some of the worlds most advanced semiconductor technologies, powering a range of industries including defense, aerospace and autos, Raimondo said. Samsung is the leading producer of memory chips, which store data on smartphones and computers, and its expanding into the foundry business, or producing chips that are designed by customers. The facility for packaging the combining and connecting of semiconductors will use an advanced technique known as 2.5D packaging, also important for artificial intelligence. The award will further Samsungs competitive edge with rival chipmakers that have also received US investments. TSMC announced that it will manufacture 2nm technology at an expanded facility in Phoenix. Samsungs hometown rival, SK Hynix Inc., also plans to build an advanced packaging facility in Indiana. The Chips Act which set aside $39 billion in grants plus $75 billion in loans and guarantees has spurred more than $200 billion in private semiconductor investments. Intel snagged almost $20 billion in grants and loans. TSMC, the main chipmaker for Nvidia Corp. and Apple Inc., got $11.6 billion. The announcement will set off a months-long due diligence period during which Samsung and the Commerce Department will hammer out final terms. The money will then be disbursed as the project hits key construction and production milestones, with the potential for clawbacks if the firm falls short of its promises. (Updates to detail overall scope of the project) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Key Insights Scales' estimated fair value is NZ$2.39 based on Dividend Discount Model Scales' NZ$3.21 share price signals that it might be 34% overvalued Scales' peers are currently trading at a discount of 53% on average How far off is Scales Corporation Limited (NZSE:SCL) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for Scales The Model We have to calculate the value of Scales slightly differently to other stocks because it is a food company. In this approach dividends per share (DPS) are used, as free cash flow is difficult to estimate and often not reported by analysts. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.6%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.2%. Relative to the current share price of NZ$3.2, the company appears reasonably expensive at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate) = NZ$0.2 / (6.2% 2.6%) = NZ$2.4 dcf The Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Scales as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Story continues SWOT Analysis for Scales Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Food market. Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the New Zealander market. Threat Dividends are not covered by earnings. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Can we work out why the company is trading at a premium to intrinsic value? For Scales, we've put together three further aspects you should look at: Risks: Be aware that Scales is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , you should know about... Future Earnings: How does SCL's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every New Zealander stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. The Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) 2024 will take place from April 28 to May 2, 2024, at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) under the theme Sustainable living in a circular society. Organised by Connect (Oman Exhibitions Organising Company), OSW will be hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MoEM) as the Host Ministry, and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). This years event will showcase the participation of over 120 exhibiting companies from six countries, and attract over 12,000 attendees. Furthermore, the event will feature a distinguished line-up of over 100 conference speakers and 500 delegates. OSW aims to illuminate the transformative journey of energy, power, water, waste management, future mobility, environment, and society. Laying emphasis on the nation's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), the event will underscore Oman's efforts towards achieving Oman Vision 2040 and Net Zero 2050. Dr Ali Al Rajhi, Director General for Planning and Studies, Ministry of Energy and Minerals, said: We acknowledge the significance of organising an event of national importance. Oman Sustainability Week 2024 is spreading awareness about the importance of adopting sustainability practices, both in daily life and at the operational level of businesses, given the long-term impact they exert. OSW represents more than just a series of events; it acts as a catalyst for meaningful change and knowledge exchange. Mustafa Al Balushi, VP Continuous Improvement, Planning & Performance/ Acting Communications OQ, said: OQ will present prominent initiatives accomplished over the past years, led by the OQ Green Initiative aiming to achieve national goals by increasing green areas through participation in planting ten million trees in the Sultanate of Oman. Regarding governance OQ will review the latest achievements, financial data, and initiatives related to governance and institutional structure. Additionally, we will showcase the added local value of small and medium enterprises, emphasising their importance in sustaining the state's financial resources. Furthermore, through various activities, conferences, and programmes, OSW facilitates the exchange of international and local expertise and investment opportunities, providing an unparalleled platform for discovering the latest solutions in sustainable development. The International Sustainability Resources & Technology Conference (ISRTC), is scheduled for April 29 and 30. Co-organised by the Oman Environmental Services Holding Company S.A.O.C beah, and programmed by Economist Impact, ISRTC will offer a premier platform for industry experts and stakeholders to convene. Concurrently, the OSW Talks, from 29 April to 1 May, will feature free-to-attend CPD-accredited sessions aimed at uniting professionals and businesses. Also, this year the Global CCS Institute will organise the 2024 MEA CCS Forum at OSW which aims to drive CCS conversations forward, ensuring policy, industry and academic stakeholders in Oman along with the general public have the opportunity to participate in relevant CCS discussions. The week will commence with the OSW Awards on April 28, co-organised by be'ah, and the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) as the Sustainability Specialist. These awards will recognise organisations in Oman for their achievements in sustainability and corporate responsibility. This year, alongside the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) categories, a new category, Eco-Mobility, has been introduced, by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) The newest addition to the comprehensive line-up of events is OSW Future Mobility supported by MTCIT, which aims to establish itself as Oman's leading future mobility platform, showcasing cutting-edge concepts, solutions, technologies, and innovations in clean mobility. Additionally, the OSW C-level round table will be held on April 29, gathering senior government officials, C-level industry executives and policymakers to explore new ideas and means that the public and private sector can join hands in pursuit of near-terms national objectives. The round table will be facilitated by Ernst & Young (EY). Another significant aspect of the event is the showcase of critical initiatives by the Strategic Partners. These initiatives include Shell NXplorers, Shell Nawafidh the PDO Renewable Energy Awards, and the OQ8 Empowering Future Leaders programme. OSW will conclude with the OSW Site Visits on May 2, providing attendees with a chance to experience first-hand, the projects leading the charge for sustainability across the sultanate. TradeArabia News Service SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Homeowners in 50 San Diego County zip codes are getting the boot from State Farm, leaving many wondering where to turn for insurance policies. More than 2,000 local policyholders, who live in areas from El Cajon to Lakeside and Jamul, will lose their protection when their current contracts expire. This will begin during the summer months. For those now shopping around to find their next home insurer, there are a handful of providers that U.S. News & World Report listed as the best in the region. Heres a look at those options, along with each companys star rating with five being the best and one being the worst: Is there a tax extension for those living in San Diego County? Amica With a 4.1-star rating, U.S. News said Amica has many available discounts, including customer loyalty, claim-free, autopay and automatic detection service. Bundling insurance options are also available. Another interesting option is the dividend policy, which costs more upfront but may return a portion of the premium (5% to 20% on average, according to Amicas website) to policyholders, U.S. News stated in the review. USAA This insurance company was given a 3.9-star rating by U.S. News. One pro, as mentioned on the review, is that replacement cost coverage and identity theft protection are included with standard homeowners insurance policies. Madams of money: A look at the 5 richest women in the world There is one major requirement for this insurance company that may disqualify a lot of homeowners. Those seeking a policy need to be a military member, veteran, or military family member to get their insurance. Nationwide With a 3.8-star rating, this insurance company has several additional coverage options, according to U.S. News. This includes flood insurance, identity theft, better roof replacement and earthquake insurance With Nationwide, if your home suffers damage or loss due to a covered peril, the standard policy will fix or rebuild to be current with San Diego building codes, the publication noted in the review. Youll also get credit card coverage with a standard policy. Lemonade This company was give a 3.7-star rating and was described by U.S. News as having lots of optional coverages like extended reconstruction cost, swimming pool, water backup and buried utility coverage. Passengers at international airports in U.S. can enroll in Global Entry program on the spot Lemonade is an almost entirely online insurer, meaning everything from signing up, managing your account, and filing claims will be done through the website or app. This is something to keep in mind for those why may be less tech-savvy. Story continues Chubb This company was also give a 3.7-star rating, with U.S. News highlighting its water backup and replacement cost coverage which is part of its standard policy. Chubb also has its own flood insurance program, The companys Masterpiece Homeowners policy includes extended replacement cost, which means bringing your home back to its original condition and to current San Diego building codes even if it costs more than your policys limit, the publication stated in the review. According to State Farm, San Diego County homeowners who will be impacted by dropped insurance coverage will be notified between July 3 and Aug. 20. In the meantime, it might be wise to start shopping around. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Robert Landrum thought he was supporting Republicans in Virginias statehouse elections that year, when he donated $500 to a federal super political action committee in April 2023. The super PAC, Unleash America, had one stated goal: To get Republicans elected during Virginias 2023 statehouse contests to support Gov. Glenn Youngkins agenda. Thats how he represented the PAC. Thats what he said, Landrum said in a phone interview with USA Today. He was referring to the PACs then honorary chairman, Hung Cao, a failed 2022 Congressional candidate from northern Virginia. Cao, a retired Navy captain and, according to his LinkedIn page, a current employee of CACI International, which regularly contracts with the U.S. Government, announced his PAC on a local radio talk show in February 2023. He pledged that Unleash America would support Republicans in 2023 in a lot of the races that people wrote off. Without a good House of Delegates, without a State Senate, the governors not going to be able to get half the stuff that he wants to get across, Cao said. We have to concentrate on Virginia right now. On radio shows and in news articles in early 2023 Cao repeated his motivation for championing the PAC: To support Virginia Republicans seeking local and state-level office. His stated goal was to help to deliver a Republican General Assembly majority in November to support Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkins legislative efforts. He made that pledge on The Wilkow Majority and Richmonds Morning News with John Reid on Feb. 2, 2023. And again, in an article that ran in The Dispatch on Feb. 4, 2023. And again, in another article that ran in the Washington Examiner on Feb. 7, 2023. And people listened. Hung Cao for Virginia campaign's response to questions regarding Unleash America's lack of contribution to Virginia's 2023 candidates. Unleash America super PAC received $103,489 in individual contributions last year, according to Federal Election Commission filings. In November, Republicans lost the House of Delegates in Virginia. They failed to flip the Senate. Was all that money raised by Unleash America spent in vain? No. It doesnt look like Unleash American spent any money at all to support Virginias 2023 candidates. According to the Federal Election Commission and Virginias State Board of Election filings, not a single Republican candidate for state or local office received any direct financial support from the federal Unleash America super PAC. When asked why money raised by Unleash America did not go to support state candidates, Steve Roberts, general counsel for Hung Cao for Virginia, issued the following statement via email through an intermediary: Unleash America PAC is a federally registered super PAC, and as such cannot make contributions to any campaign whatsoever. No campaign could possibly have received a contribution from Unleash America PAC, nor could Hung have pledged to make such a contribution. Story continues Saurav Ghosh, the director of Federal Campaign Finance Reform for Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit in Washington, D.C. noted that Virginia has no limits on campaign contributions. I think its inaccurate for Caos campaign to say that a federal super PAC is not legally able to make contributions to the campaign of someone running for state office in Virginia. Do Unleash Americas FEC filings for 2023 tell the story of a Super PAC built to support state candidates? Really, quite the opposite, it would seem, wrote Brendan Glavin, Deputy Research Director for OpenSecrets, a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. that tracks campaign finance information. The spending is focused on fundraising. Ghosh called the expenditures on Unleash Americas FEC filings operating expenses. Analysis of Unleash Americas expenditures shows no support of any kind, in-kind or otherwise, for Virginias Republican candidates, though thats what Cao promised his PAC would do, over and over in 2023. Brief history of a super PAC: Fantastic fundraising, failed campaign, refreshed aspirations for federal office An unsuccessful campaign for Congress was the origin of Unleash America. Cao ran against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in 2022 to represent Virginias 10th Congressional District an area in northern Virginia that includes Loudon County and rural areas that abut the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cao lost to Wexton by over six percentage points. But his campaign garnered significant financial support from donors across the country, he said. FEC records show he raised $3 million in individual contributions that year. After Wexton defeated him, he pledged to focus his apparent fundraising prowess to support Republican statehouse candidates in Virginias 2023 election. Cao was named the honorary chairman of the Unleash America super PAC when it launched in early February 2023. Unleash America PAC is dedicated to supporting leaders and policies in Virginia and across the United States that embody the American spirit of resilience and ingenuity. Learn more: https://t.co/yDC0tryBfJ pic.twitter.com/EZUYCcDuIF Unleash America PAC (@unleashamerica) February 1, 2023 We need to get leaders in the Virginia House of Delegates and the State Senate that believe in our values, he told Richmond talk radio host John Reid on a Feb. 2, 2023 broadcast. Thats why Im launching Unleash America PAC, because I was one of the top fundraisers in the country this past year, I think I was 14th out of 435 people. I had people giving from all 50 states and I wanted to use that in order to help the people running this year, he said. On its website, and its first post on X, formerly Twitter, Unleash Americas stated goal was supporting leaders and policies in Virginia and across the United States that embody the American spirit of resilience and ingenuity. A guy running for delegate in Virginia is not going to be able to raise as much as I did, Cao told The Dispatch in February 2023. Cao also told The Dispatch that the PAC planned to name its fundraising team in the weeks after that interview. Their website currently lists one employee, an executive director, over one year later. Im telling you, not a single dime will go in my pocket, Cao told Andrew Wilkow on his nationwide conservative talk show, The Wilkow Majority. I want to use my influence across the nation to really get people to donate so we can help a lot of these candidates, the good candidates, get across the finish line. Unleash America PAC proudly welcomes @HungCao_VA as Honorary Chairman. As an immigrant to the United States and Ret. Navy Captain Hung Cao knows what it means to be a proud American. Help Cao support our mission to restore the American Spirit https://t.co/TGMGIMMwpS pic.twitter.com/ykSDGd3uKt Unleash America PAC (@unleashamerica) February 1, 2023 Halfway towards the finish line, six months after launching Unleash America, Cao announced his bid for the U.S. Senate seat occupied by Sen. Tim Kaine. In the months leading up to his announcement, Caos account had retweeted many of the PACs posts on X and Cao appeared regularly in the PACs social media posts. No other candidate appeared in the posts. Unleash America published one final post once Cao publicly announced his intent to run for the U.S. Senate seat: We are proud to back up Hung Cao as he begins his fight in Virginia to take on DC and the Radical Left in the US Senate. We are proud to back up Hung Cao as he begins his fight in Virginia to take on DC and the Radical Left in the US Senate. https://t.co/8WJeezylP0 Unleash America PAC (@unleashamerica) July 18, 2023 PACs biggest payment was unleashed to Caos campaign manager The Unleash America super PAC raised $103,489 in individual contributions between Jan. 1, 2023 and Dec. 31, 2023. The PAC also received a $45,000 donation from Hung Cao for Virginia, Caos principal U.S. Senate campaign committee, for a total of $148,489 in donations. That infusion of cash helped pay for the rest of the super PACs expenditures, which totaled $139,421. A large portion of Unleash Americas expenditures went to two entities in 2023 that Cao was also paying from his Senate campaign committee. The most significant amount: $37,514 went to John Ryan ORourke. ORourke is Caos 2024 Senate campaign manager. In the same year that ORourke received those consulting fees from Unleash America, he also received $96,168 from Hung Cao for Virginia, Caos Senate campaign committee. Another $22,867 of Unleash Americas money went to K2 & Co., a communications firm Cao had employed during his 2022 Congressional campaign and also during his 2024 Senate campaign. Caos Senate campaign paid K2 & Co. $15,000 on Oct. 3, 2023. Besides $68,639 in consulting fees, Unleash America also paid $29,403 for list rentals, $18,576 for digital fundraising, $12,500 in legal fees, $6,398 in meeting and lodging expenses as well as bank fees and $3,904 in earmark fees to WinRed, a fundraising arm of the Republican Party. List rental often refers to email or address lists of individuals that can be used to solicit contributions to a specific candidate or committee, according to the Federal Elections Commission. Unleash America could have shared those lists with different campaigns, but that practice is typically contractually prohibited by the list vendor. Roberts, general counsel for Hung Cao for Virginia, did not respond when asked how the lists rented by Unleash America were used. Max Fisher and Nhan Huynh, Republicans who ran to represent District 8 and 9, respectively, in Virginias House of Delegates, said lists rented by Unleash America were not shared with their campaigns. There are no in-kind donations or other categories of disbursement that suggest Unleash America spent any money on ad campaigns that were targeted to help Huynh, Fisher, or any other statewide Republican candidates during the 2023 election. Nhan Huynh during a legislative meeting on Vietnam Human Rights at the U.S. Capitol in June of 2016. Donors gave multiple times over weeks and months. Hundreds of people from around the country donated to Unleash America, thousands of times. Some of those payments were recurring. They paid monthly, bi-monthly, weekly, and some multiple times in one day. They live across the country in Colorado, Oregon, Texas, South Carolina, Delaware, Missouri, New York, Nevada, and of course, Virginia. One donor from California, who listed their profession as retired on their contribution form, donated to Unleash America 36 different times between April 2023 and June. They donated a total of $301 in small-dollar donations, at times contributing up to eight different times in one day. A donor from Arizona, who listed their profession as a greenkeeper on their contribution form, donated to Unleash America 12 times between March 2023 and June. They donated a total of $740, with hundreds of dollars contributed in multiple payments over the course of one day. A donor from Oklahoma, who listed their profession as a secretary on their contribution form, donated $548 to Unleash America in one month. Of that, they donated $348 through multiple payments over one day in April 2023. A number of Unleash America donors, contacted by a USA Today reporter, initially had trouble recalling exactly why they contributed to the PAC but said they thought their donation was going towards Virginia state election campaigns. Id like to hear his side of the story, Landrum, one of the donors, said when asked if he felt Cao could have been clearer in his stated goal for funds raised by Unleash America. That side of the storys been hard to come by. Over a period of months, neither Caos campaign nor Caos campaign counsel, Roberts, returned phone calls to his office. Caos campaign manager, ORourke, did not respond to phone calls or texts. Emails sent to Roberts address and Caos Senate campaign address, with follow-up questions that outlined the radio broadcasts and news reports where Cao made his pledge to support state candidates through the federal Unleash America super PAC, did not receive a response. When asked if the Unleash America fundraising team was ever hired, Caos Senate campaign did not respond. Emails sent to the press address on the Unleash America website and to the PAC treasurer, listed on the FEC website, received no response. Candidates speak out, a donor is left with a question Im not Bill Gates, Im not Warren Buffet, Im not Elon Musk. My pennies matter to me, Brenda Ward said in a phone interview with USA Today. Ward, a 74-year-old retiree living in Florida, donated $252 to Unleash America. That money was paid through $42 individual donations over six payments over six months. Its counter-productive if [PACs] attempt to raise money on one pretext and actually pursue another. Theyre defeating their own purpose. I dont know why anybody would do that, Ward said. Landrum was more charitable towards Caos use of the money raised by Unleash America. Basically, the idea was, you are supporting Hung Cao by him supporting local candidates, he said. Its a tricky minefield. You cant always do what you expect to do with the funds. Brenda Ward Regardless, Caos fundraising seemed to have ruffled feathers within the party as well as drawing scrutiny from the press. Kimberly Lowe, a candidate in the Republican primary for Virginias U.S. Senate race, railed against another Senate candidate who promised to support state candidates in 2023 but didnt deliver. If you took from donors saying you were raising money for state candidates and you pocketed it yourself for your Senate campaign, I want you to go home, because youre already a liar, she told the Fredericksburg Virginia branch of the Tea Party in a Facebook livestream. Lowe confirmed she was referring to Cao when asked in person by USA Today before a candidate forum in February, which Cao did not attend. Fisher and Huynh, both Republicans, ran for House of Delegates seats in Fairfax County in 2023. Both candidates said they hadnt heard of the Unleash America super PAC until after the 2023 elections were over. Both were hugely outspent by their Democratic opponents in the northern Virginia districts and both lost. Campaign-wise, we were really stretched for money, Fisher said. Republican candidate for Virginia House of Delegates District 8, Max Fisher, attends a meeting with church leadership at Korean Central Presbyterian Church in October 2023. Trying to solicit campaign contributions from donors within the Republican Party was a struggle. Often, when he would talk to potential donors, they would say they had already contributed to a variety of other PACs, Fisher said. That kind of took away from the direct donations that we had, he said. Huynh said any financial help from super PACs like Unleash America would have been appreciated. We were really pressed for advertisements at the end, and we didnt have the money, he said, referring to his campaign. Its possible that Unleash America didnt, either. OpenSecrets Glavin wrote that while Unleash America could have spent money on media buys to support or oppose candidates, Through the year-end, they didnt seem to really generate enough contributions to really do much of that. This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Unleash America PAC donors confused where the money went SINGAPORE, April 15, 2024 /CNW/ -- The Supreme Court of Singapore and the Supreme Court of India organised the inaugural Singapore-India Conference on Technology on 13 and 14 April 2024 in India. The Conference brought together not just judges from the two judiciaries, but also facilitated dialogue with experts in technology and its growing interface with justice systems. The idea of a conference on cutting-edge legal issues was mooted by The Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon of Singapore and the Chief Justice of India, The Honourable Dr Justice D Y Chandrachud. Photo caption: Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon delivering his Keynote Speech at the inaugural Singapore-India Conference on Technology Chief Justice Menon delivered the Keynote Speech titled "Judicial Responsibility in the Age of Artificial Intelligence". In his speech, Chief Justice Menon noted that developments in generative artificial intelligence ("AI") have reshaped conversations about what the societies and systems of the future will look like, and that the courts stand on the cusp of seismic shifts that will affect our justice systems. Chief Justice Menon said that the courts must be guided above all by the goal of preserving and strengthening the rule of law. This goal should guide how the judiciaries discharge their traditional adjudicative role and systemic role, which is emerging with rapid and growing significance to ensure that the rule of law is not displaced by the "rule of technology" in this age of AI. Chief Justice Menon suggested that the possibility of "AI judges" replacing human judges is a distant, even remote one. He said that, given the weight and implications of many of the decisions judges make, there are aspects of both the process and the outcomes of judging that, at least in certain fields, AI should not replace. However, the role of the human judge needs to evolve. Beyond cultivating technological expertise in using AI tools, judges must also remain committed to their professional duties and their ethical responsibilities to exercise judgment in managing both the process and the outcomes of judging in each case. The efforts of individual judges should be complemented by systemic initiatives undertaken by the judiciaries. There is an urgent need to develop robust AI governance frameworks and guidelines to regulate the use of AI in litigation and adjudication. Domain experts in the field of AI and its impact on the justice system were invited to speak at the Conference, which may take place periodically, alternating between India and Singapore. Prof Urs Gasser and Prof Richard Susskind shared their views on the likely trajectory of the use of AI in the practice of law, potential blind spots, and important considerations for the judiciary. Story continues Discussion themes that included "AI Assisting the Work of the Courts", "Harnessing AI Technology to Promote Access to Justice" and "Ethical Issues and Risk in the Use of AI" were chosen to generate discussion and new proposals to prepare both judiciaries to deal with issues that will affect the administration of justice. Visit News and speeches (judiciary.gov.sg) for more details. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/supreme-court-of-singapore-and-supreme-court-of-india-hold-inaugural-singapore-india-conference-on-technology-302116477.html SOURCE Supreme Court of Singapore Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2024/15/c5226.html Telekom Malaysia Berhad (KLSE:TM) has had a rough month with its share price down 6.6%. However, stock prices are usually driven by a companys financial performance over the long term, which in this case looks quite promising. Specifically, we decided to study Telekom Malaysia Berhad's ROE in this article. Return on equity or ROE is an important factor to be considered by a shareholder because it tells them how effectively their capital is being reinvested. In simpler terms, it measures the profitability of a company in relation to shareholder's equity. View our latest analysis for Telekom Malaysia Berhad How To Calculate Return On Equity? The formula for ROE is: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) Shareholders' Equity So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Telekom Malaysia Berhad is: 20% = RM1.9b RM9.3b (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023). The 'return' is the profit over the last twelve months. So, this means that for every MYR1 of its shareholder's investments, the company generates a profit of MYR0.20. What Is The Relationship Between ROE And Earnings Growth? Thus far, we have learned that ROE measures how efficiently a company is generating its profits. Depending on how much of these profits the company reinvests or "retains", and how effectively it does so, we are then able to assess a companys earnings growth potential. Assuming all else is equal, companies that have both a higher return on equity and higher profit retention are usually the ones that have a higher growth rate when compared to companies that don't have the same features. A Side By Side comparison of Telekom Malaysia Berhad's Earnings Growth And 20% ROE At first glance, Telekom Malaysia Berhad seems to have a decent ROE. Especially when compared to the industry average of 7.9% the company's ROE looks pretty impressive. This probably laid the ground for Telekom Malaysia Berhad's significant 27% net income growth seen over the past five years. We reckon that there could also be other factors at play here. For instance, the company has a low payout ratio or is being managed efficiently. As a next step, we compared Telekom Malaysia Berhad's net income growth with the industry and found that the company has a similar growth figure when compared with the industry average growth rate of 27% in the same period. Earnings growth is an important metric to consider when valuing a stock. Its important for an investor to know whether the market has priced in the company's expected earnings growth (or decline). This then helps them determine if the stock is placed for a bright or bleak future. Is TM fairly valued? This infographic on the company's intrinsic value has everything you need to know. Story continues Is Telekom Malaysia Berhad Using Its Retained Earnings Effectively? Telekom Malaysia Berhad's significant three-year median payout ratio of 53% (where it is retaining only 47% of its income) suggests that the company has been able to achieve a high growth in earnings despite returning most of its income to shareholders. Moreover, Telekom Malaysia Berhad is determined to keep sharing its profits with shareholders which we infer from its long history of paying a dividend for at least ten years. Based on the latest analysts' estimates, we found that the company's future payout ratio over the next three years is expected to hold steady at 58%. Regardless, Telekom Malaysia Berhad's ROE is speculated to decline to 15% despite there being no anticipated change in its payout ratio. Conclusion On the whole, we feel that Telekom Malaysia Berhad's performance has been quite good. In particular, its high ROE is quite noteworthy and also the probable explanation behind its considerable earnings growth. Yet, the company is retaining a small portion of its profits. Which means that the company has been able to grow its earnings in spite of it, so that's not too bad. Having said that, on studying current analyst estimates, we were concerned to see that while the company has grown its earnings in the past, analysts expect its earnings to shrink in the future. To know more about the latest analysts predictions for the company, check out this visualization of analyst forecasts for the company. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. Homeowners or prospective buyers in Texas probably have heard of the state's homestead exemptions, which affect property taxes. However, as useful as the exemption can be, it is important to understand how it works to navigate how to qualify for it. Here's everything you need to know about a homestead tax exemption in Texas: What is a Texas homestead exemption? According to the state comptroller's office, the governmental body tasked with collecting state tax revenue, a Texas homestead exemption is, in its most basic sense, a tax break for qualifying individuals. There are a variety of sections to the homestead exemption. However, the most important is section 11.13(b) of the states tax code, which states that public school districts must offer a $40,000 exemption on residence homesteads within their districts. That essentially means properties that serve as a primary residence will get this exemption. Appraisal notices are in the mail. Here's what Travis County residents can expect. Homeowners can get a break on the property taxes for their residence with a homestead exemption. How do you qualify for a homestead exemption? The general homestead exemption has a very wide qualifying range, and most homeowners should be able to qualify at their primary residence. The only hurdles for qualification are that an individual must have an ownership interest in the property and must use it as a primary place of residence. This means the exemption cannot be used for a second dwelling or a vacation residence. A homestead can be a separate structure, condominium or a manufactured home located on owned or leased land, as long as the individual living in the home owns it. A homestead can include up to 20 acres, if the land is owned by the homeowner and used for a purpose related to the residential use of the homestead, the Texas comptroller's website says. How to apply for a homestead exemption The process for applying for a homestead exemption is generally basic, although some steps can vary in different counties. The steps to apply are as follows: Visit the tax appraisal website for your county to find any specific instructions. Fill out a copy of the Application of Residential Homestead Exemption or Property Tax Form 50-114 from your local appraisal district. Submit the form to your district this is where application steps may vary, so pay close attention to what your district requires. The completed application and required documentation are due no later than April 30 of the tax year for which the homeowner is applying. However, a late application for a residence homestead exemption may be filed up to two years after the deadline has passed. Story continues Texas property appraisals are coming; here's how to protest your latest property valuation Why are property taxes in Texas so high? Texas does not have a state income tax, so the state largely relies on property taxes to fund public projects such as schools and roads. For this reason, Texas looks to tax property owners more heavily as a way of accumulating necessary public funds. The homestead exemption is one of a handful of tax deductions linked to homeownership. Other exemptions include those for military veterans, people with disabilities and homeowners over 65. Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What is the homestead exemption in Texas. How can it lower my taxes? The board of New Toyo International Holdings Ltd (SGX:N08) has announced that the dividend on 16th of May will be increased to SGD0.01, which will be 11% higher than last year's payment of SGD0.009 which covered the same period. This will take the annual payment to 8.7% of the stock price, which is above what most companies in the industry pay. See our latest analysis for New Toyo International Holdings New Toyo International Holdings' Payment Has Solid Earnings Coverage While it is great to have a strong dividend yield, we should also consider whether the payment is sustainable. The last dividend was quite easily covered by New Toyo International Holdings' earnings. This indicates that a lot of the earnings are being reinvested into the business, with the aim of fueling growth. Over the next year, EPS could expand by 24.9% if recent trends continue. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 53% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward. Dividend Volatility The company's dividend history has been marked by instability, with at least one cut in the last 10 years. Since 2014, the annual payment back then was SGD0.017, compared to the most recent full-year payment of SGD0.02. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 1.6% over that duration. We're glad to see the dividend has risen, but with a limited rate of growth and fluctuations in the payments the total shareholder return may be limited. The Dividend Looks Likely To Grow With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to evaluate if earnings per share is growing, which could point to a growing dividend in the future. New Toyo International Holdings has seen EPS rising for the last five years, at 25% per annum. The company's earnings per share has grown rapidly in recent years, and it has a good balance between reinvesting and paying dividends to shareholders, so we think that New Toyo International Holdings could prove to be a strong dividend payer. We Really Like New Toyo International Holdings' Dividend In summary, it is always positive to see the dividend being increased, and we are particularly pleased with its overall sustainability. Earnings are easily covering distributions, and the company is generating plenty of cash. Taking this all into consideration, this looks like it could be a good dividend opportunity. Companies possessing a stable dividend policy will likely enjoy greater investor interest than those suffering from a more inconsistent approach. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. For example, we've picked out 2 warning signs for New Toyo International Holdings that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of high yield dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. By Echo Wang (Reuters) -Shares of Donald Trump's social media company slumped 18% on Monday, extending losses since the stock's debut last month, after the company said it could sell millions of shares in coming months, including the former president's entire stake. Trading in Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates Truth Social, has been volatile since its listing on March 26, attracting both loyal Trump fans and short sellers who see the stock as wildly overvalued. The stock already has fallen nearly 60% since it opened on its first day of trade at $70.90, after a blank-check merger with Digital World Acquisition Corp. The shares closed down 18.4% at $26.61. Monday's filing, known as a registration statement, is considered standard after a company goes public through a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC. These "blank check" entities raise capital through an initial public offering to acquire or merge with a company that is not publicly traded. In the vast majority of these mergers, the company is contractually required to file a resale statement for parties who may not be able to sell their shares freely without the registration, said Peter Byrne, a securities lawyer at Cooley LLP who specializes in the process of going public. "It's completely standard," Byrne said. Bankers and lawyers told Reuters while the filing does not indicate any imminent intention to sell from affiliates of the company, it does clear the way for Trump to sell his shares after the lock-up is expired or waived. The filing showed a potential sale of 146.1 million shares, including Trump's stake of 114.8 million shares, divided between the 78.75 million he owns and an additional stake he could receive if certain performance-based measures are achieved. The filing also listed an additional 21.5 million shares that could be sold upon the exercise of certain warrants issued when the company went public. Trump, the Republican candidate for president in the November election, is on trial in a Manhattan court related to hush money payments to a porn star. He has pleaded not guilty. (Reporting by Herbert Lash and Echo Wang in New York, Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva, Sharon Singleton, Jonathan Oatis and Richard Chang) / SplashNews.com / / SplashNews.com As far as origin stories go, Tracy Britt Cool has a remarkable one. As a child, she showed business acumen and a drive to succeed way beyond her years, but it was after graduating from business school that her adventure truly began. For You: Warren Buffetts Parenting Rule The Key to Raising Money-Savvy Kids Find Out: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money Britt Cool, 39, started at Berkshire Hathaway in 2009, when she was 25, according to The New York Times, and she spent a decade under the tutelage of Warren Buffett, one of the greatest financial minds in history. She got the job through sheer moxie, by mailing Buffett a letter saying she wanted to work for him and showing up to her interview with with a bushel of corn and a batch of tomatoes from her familys farm, per a 2013 profile in The Wall Street Journal. During her tenure at Berkshire, Britt Cool worked as Buffetts financial assistant, eventually moving up to become CEO of the struggling cookware company Pampered Chef, chair companies like Benjamin Moore and Johns Manville and sit on the board of the Kraft Heinz company, the Journal reported in 2022. Britt Cool left Berkshire in 2019 to launch the long-term investment partnership Kanbrick with her former colleague, Brian Humphrey, the Times reported. The firm focuses on building mid-size businesses, such as Marine Concepts, which manufactures a patented track-based custom boat cover system, and the direct sales company Thirty-One Gifts. While Britt Cook took valuable experience and advice gleaned from the Oracle of Omaha to heart, she is quick to point out, Im not building a Berkshire 2.0. Im building something different using some of the principles, she told the Times. CNBCs Make It recently highlighted the two major ways Tracy Britt Cool is handling investments differently than her mentor, Warren Buffett. Sponsored: Protect Your Wealth With A Gold IRA. Take advantage of the timeless appeal of gold in a Gold IRA recommended by Sean Hannity. Scale of Business Whereas Berkshire Hathaway acquires large companies such as Geico, Benjamin Moore and Duracell, Kanbrick has its sights set on mid-sized companies owned by founders or families and helping them reach new levels of success. Smaller businesses that are $10 [million] to $50 million in [earnings before interest and taxes] are sort of our sweet spot in size, Britt Cool told the Journal in 2022. Its safe to say that theres a healthy investment pool backing Kanbrick, but its still a start-up that is distancing itself from the operating styles of both Berkshire and traditional private equity firms. Story continues While auctions work great for cattle, we seek to work with owners who view their business as their baby and thus desire a long-term home and partner, Britt Cool and Humphrey wrote in a 2022 Kanbrick shareholder letter reported by the Times. Direct Involvement One of the factors behind Buffetts decades-long success is his commitment to investing in companies that already have an experienced management team that can continue running the show. Kanbrick, on the other hand, offers more direct involvement. In general, we have found that most mid-sized companies including ours have similar opportunities and challenges, the companys website notes. KBS provides a people and purpose centric framework to address these challenges to build enduring organizations and drive sustainable growth. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Two Ways Warren Buffetts Protege Handles Investments Differently Than Him The red line shows the boundaries of more than 900 acres of farmland in Granger of the old St. Joe Farm that's being proposed for rezoning to industrial use. It is coming to St. Joseph County's Area Plan Commission on April 16, 2024. GRANGER A developer, unnamed so far, is asking St. Joseph County to rezone 914 acres of farmland of the former, historic St. Joe Farm east of Capital Avenue and Cleveland Road where it would build a business-tech campus. The countys Area Plan Commission will consider the rezoning for the second time at its meeting at 3:30 p.m. April 16 both virtually and on the fourth floor of the County-City Building in downtown South Bend. The proposed rezoning would change it from an agricultural district and planned unit development district to an industrial district. The commissions recommendation would then go to the county council. A staff report from the county describes the developers plans: Up to 300 people would work in three buildings ranging from 262,044 to 602,005 square feet. An area to the south would be reserved for future development. A 200-foot buffer of green space would be allowed along the nearby Juday Creek, which is a cold-water trout stream that conservationists aim to protect as it leads to the St. Joseph River. County staff report that it would require the city of Mishawaka to extend water and sewer service to the site. While staff say that is currently being planned, The Tribune is also reporting that nearby, in a separate proposed development northwest of Capital and Cleveland, Mishawaka would also have to extend water and sewer service for a proposed auto mall that Gurley Leep Automotive Group hopes to build. In that case, Mishawaka officials say there are still several steps yet to be resolved. Among other things, the developer would have to pay to extend the utilities 1,000 feet to reach the site. As WNDU has reported, St. Joe Farm dates back to 1867 when the land was purchased by the University of Notre Dames founder, the Rev. Edward Sorin. Holy Cross brothers farmed it for more than a century to feed students, faculty and staff on campus. Notre Dame sold the property in 2008. Indiana Michigan Power runs its solar farm at the eastern end of the property, and there is also an old barn on site thats rented for special events, according to WNDU. The rezoning measure had originally come in March to the commission, who tabled it to add some assurances, particularly after some neighbors had raised concerns. In response, the property owners would agree to a set of commitments that are similar to those that have been set for the Economic Enterprise Centers overlay district near New Carlisle. Among others, these would include assurances that there wouldnt be disruptive businesses like slaughterhouses and metal shredding plants. Story continues Steve Francis, who lives nearby, feels the commitments may not go far enough to ease neighbors concerns. Because it isnt clear who the owner is or what sort of business would end up there, Francis said, neighbors are concerned about traffic and any possible impact to water, given nearby Juday Creek, along with the floodplain south of Cleveland. New Carlisle comprehensive plan Also at the April 16 meeting, the Area Plan Commission will vote on the comprehensive plan for New Carlisle to guide future growth and development in the town through 2040, especially in light of major industrial growth just to its east. South Bend Tribune reporter Joseph Dits can be reached at 574-235-6158 or jdits@sbtinfo.com. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: St. Joe Farm agriculture land eyed for rezoning to industrial business By buying an index fund, investors can approximate the average market return. But if you pick the right individual stocks, you could make more than that. For example, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (AMS:ABN) shareholders have seen the share price rise 45% over three years, well in excess of the market return (12%, not including dividends). On the other hand, the returns haven't been quite so good recently, with shareholders up just 13% , including dividends . While the stock has fallen 3.6% this week, it's worth focusing on the longer term and seeing if the stocks historical returns have been driven by the underlying fundamentals. Check out our latest analysis for ABN AMRO Bank There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. During three years of share price growth, ABN AMRO Bank moved from a loss to profitability. That would generally be considered a positive, so we'd expect the share price to be up. The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image). We're pleased to report that the CEO is remunerated more modestly than most CEOs at similarly capitalized companies. It's always worth keeping an eye on CEO pay, but a more important question is whether the company will grow earnings throughout the years. Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here.. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. As it happens, ABN AMRO Bank's TSR for the last 3 years was 81%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! A Different Perspective ABN AMRO Bank shareholders are up 13% for the year (even including dividends). But that was short of the market average. On the bright side, that's still a gain, and it is certainly better than the yearly loss of about 0.5% endured over half a decade. So this might be a sign the business has turned its fortunes around. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand ABN AMRO Bank better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with ABN AMRO Bank (at least 1 which is significant) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Story continues Of course ABN AMRO Bank may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Dutch exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. 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. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, is set to host two significant global medical summits on complex oncology care and advancements this April. The Cleveland Clinic Global Summit on Innovations in Cancer Care and Frontiers in Advanced Hepato-Biliary Cancers and Transplant Oncology will convene over 50 oncology and digestive diseases experts from Cleveland Clinic worldwide, affirming the hospitals pivotal role as a global force in medical education and innovation. As an Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) accredited hospital and provider of Continuing Medical Education (CME), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has been at the forefront of elevating the healthcare sector in the UAE and the wider Gulf region with its complex care and innovative multidisciplinary expertise, attracting a global audience of medical educators, researchers, and clinicians. Inaugural event The inaugural event, the Cleveland Clinic Global Summit on Innovations in Cancer Care, scheduled from April 19 to 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Abu Dhabi, UAE, will be led by Dr Faek Jamali, Consultant Surgical Oncologist and Colorectal Surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. The internationally recognised, CME-accredited summit by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) will cover a diverse array of topics, including cancer screening and prevention, and updates in surgical and radiation oncology. The gathering of world-renowned oncology experts at the annual global platform will address the spike in cancer detection amongst an increasingly growing younger population, as reported by several international studies. A special session on global oncology will also put spotlight on the unique challenges and opportunities for enhancing cancer care in the Middle East. Additionally, the event will hold its inaugural annual award ceremony to pay tribute to global champions and influencers who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to driving awareness and advancing cancer care. The second event, Frontiers in Advanced Hepato-Biliary Cancers and Transplant Oncology, slated for April 27 and 28 at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, led by Dr Cristiano Quintini, Institute Chair, General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, and CME accredited by Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) via Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, aims to bring together leading experts in transplant and hepatic, biliary, oncological diseases, to discuss cutting-edge interventions and innovations in the field. Resident Surgery Education Week The event will also see the launch of the annual Resident Surgery Education Week, where residents from all around the UAE will get practical hands-on skills and guidance from world renowned surgeons, learning tips and tricks of specific surgical techniques. The programme will also include career planning and life lessons that are invaluable for young surgeons. Dr Sawsan Abdel-Razig, the Chief Academic Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: We stand at the forefront of global collaboration and medical advancement as we host these premier global medical education events. Aligned with our leaderships commitment to excellence in healthcare, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has been dedicated to its core mission of educating healthcare professionals and is committed to its role in advancing medical knowledge with the highest standards of quality and safety. Dr Stephen Grobmyer, Chair of the Oncology Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi said, These global summits on complex oncology care is another milestone for Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi following the opening of our dedicated cancer facility, the Fatima bint Mubarak Centre. By providing a platform for global thought leaders to converge, exchange ideas, and explore cutting-edge advancements, we aim not only to empower healthcare practitioners but also to catalyse transformative breakthroughs in complex oncology care that transcend borders. Dr Cristiano Quintini, Chair of the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, added: We are immensely proud to host the two-day ACCME-accredited symposium on advanced hepato-biliary cancers and transplant oncology. The programme features a comprehensive agenda that explores cutting-edge technologies and breakthrough surgical procedures, aimed at providing the latest advancements to support improving patient outcomes. Transplant care Our expert physicians, along with globally renowned specialists, will delve into innovations in transplant care, further supporting the UAEs efforts in organ donation and transplantation. The symposium will take place in our state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a high-quality learning experience for all attendees. From the transformative role of genomics in cancer detection and treatment, to insights into industry perspectives transcending geographical boundaries, these global summits promise to redefine the trajectory of oncological care. To cap this global summit, attendees will have the opportunity to exclusively tour the first of its kind, Fatima bint Mubarak Cancer Centre, modelled on Cleveland Clinics Taussig Cancer Centre ranked one of the top cancer facilities in the US.--TradeArabia News Service Even when you know the tax deadline is coming, the calendar has a funny way of creeping up on you. Today is tax day the last day to file your 2023 federal income tax return on time without incurring late filing or late payment penalties. Heres what you need to know to both file and pay taxes before the clock strikes midnight. When is the tax deadline this year? It's Monday April 15, 2024 For most taxpayers, the federal tax filing date falls either on April 15 or the next business day. That means that this year, according to the IRS, tax day is Monday, April 15, 2024, for most calendar year filers. Residents of Maine or Massachusetts get an extra day thanks to Emancipation Day holidays and other legal holidays that conflict with the April deadline. Their federal tax deadline is Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Eligible taxpayers affected by natural disasters may also have received automatic federal filing extensions from the IRS. How to file your income taxes If you're in a rush to submit your tax return before the deadline, there are several options to get your forms filed quickly and accurately. But first, gather your paperwork for the tax year, including but not limited to W-2s, Form 1099s, and other tax withholding documentation. Use IRS Free File or Direct File The IRS has several programs to help taxpayers file their income tax returns for free this tax season. The first is the IRS Direct File pilot program, which supports filing directly with the IRS for free if youre an eligible taxpayer in one of 12 states. IRS Free File is a free guided tax software available to taxpayers across the country with an annual taxable income of $79,000 or less. Opt for tax software If youre trying to get your federal or state income tax returns completed before the due date, tax software can get the job done quickly and easily. The downside is most tax software doesnt come free, which can feel like piling on if you already owe taxes. If you have simple, straightforward returns you may be able to slide in under the wire with one of the free or trial versions of tax software from TurboTax or H&R Block. Find a government tax assistance program There are a few government tax assistance programs like VITA, for low- and moderate-income taxpayers, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), and MiliTax, which is free tax software offered through the Department of Defense to military members, some veterans, and their families. Consult a tax professional While theyll be extremely busy as the tax day deadline approaches, a tax professional can help you not only file a return but also do other tax preparation such as file a request for a tax extension or tax relief for federal or state taxes. Read more: Free tax filing: 7 ways to get your 2023 taxes done Preparing your tax return at the last minute? 3 things you need to know These are not-to-miss details to double-check before filing. 1. Which tax credits and tax deductions youre eligible for Make sure youre aware of the tax credits and deductions you or your family might be eligible for and how they work. Popular tax credits like the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit can dramatically lower your tax liability. 2. Whether youre doing standardized or itemized deductions The work needed to itemize deductions may be tricky if youre up against important tax deadlines. But there can be financial benefits that make the hassle worth it, especially for homeowners and those with significant medical expenses. Heres how to decide whether you should itemize or choose the standard deduction. 3. Select the right tax filing status In addition to your annual income, your filing status determines the rate at which youll be taxed, so its important to get it right. There are five federal filing statuses to choose from, but the most common is single or married filing jointly. Not ready? Heres how to file for an income tax extension If youre scrambling to file your federal tax return, you can request a little extra time from the IRS. Your request for an extension must be submitted by the tax deadline, which gives you an extra six months to file a return but doesnt provide an extension for making tax payments. Even if you request a federal income tax extension, your estimated taxes are still due by the deadline. You can access e-filing options for tax extension requests on the IRS website. How to pay your income tax bill or estimated tax payments Not sure how to pay the piper for your unpaid taxes? Fortunately, you have several options. If youre using e-file tax software, you can typically just route the tax payment through your bank account. You can also go to the IRS website and use the Direct Pay portal, which lets you make an electronic payment with your debit card, credit card, or through IRS approved vendors. If you prefer to send a check or money order via snail mail, the IRS provides instructions on including a voucher (youll file Form 1040 V) with your tax forms. If you can't pay your tax bill in full by the tax deadline, the IRS offers several repayment plans. These include a short-term repayment plan (less than 180 days), a longer-term installment plan (more than 180 days), and a settlement option called offers in compromise available to some taxpayers suffering from financial hardship. Read more: Can you pay taxes with a credit card, and how much will it cost? What happens if you don't file before the tax filing deadline? Failing to file taxes before the deadline comes with a cost. The IRS typically charges taxpayers two separate penalties, one for a failure to file and another for failure to pay. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of your unpaid taxes charged each month but not to exceed 25% of your unpaid tax liability. If youre more than 60 days late filing a return, penalties can be more expensive and also accrue interest. Failure-to-pay penalties are 0.5% of your unpaid taxes assessed each month but not to exceed 25% of your total tax bill. Once the IRS issues you a late notice, your late payment penalty increases to 1% per month plus accrued interest. How to use your tax refund wisely If Uncle Sam owes you money, you can expect a direct deposit to show up in your account a few weeks after youve filed. If you dont choose direct deposit, getting a refund check may take a bit longer. While you wait, you can start doing a little financial planning to ensure youll use your money wisely. Most Americans opt to pay down debt, but you can use that windfall to prop up an emergency fund or savings account or to put towards college or retirement. Here are 5 ways to use your refund wisely. Frequently asked questions about the tax deadline 1. Do you have to file by the deadline if you don't owe taxes? While the IRS recommends most taxpayers file an individual income tax return, there may be some cases where filing isnt necessary. For instance, if your only income is Social Security, some of that income may be tax-exempt. In general, IRS income thresholds for mandatory filing are $13,850 for single filers, $27,700 for married couples filing jointly, and $20,800 for head-of-household filers. Its worth noting, however that the IRS says there is no failure to file a penalty if youre owed a refund. 2. Are state income taxes due at the same time as federal taxes? Most state tax returns have the same or a similar deadline as federal tax returns, but there are some exceptions. You should check your state website for more information about when and how to file your state tax returns. 3. Do you have to pay taxes by the filing deadline? Tax day isnt just a filing deadline. Its also the deadline for paying taxes. Otherwise youll begin to incur penalties. Even if you get an extension of time to compile and complete your tax return, youll still be expected to make an estimated tax payment by the tax deadline. If youre unable to pay your taxes by the deadline, the IRS offers payment plans or installment plans for eligible taxpayers. A Fremont man was killed in a crash involving a dump truck west of Bennington Thursday. Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriffs Office and emergency personnel responded to the crash at North 240th Street and Nebraska 36 at 3:15 p.m., according to a press release from the Sheriffs Office. Investigators found a Chevrolet Sonic and Sterling dump truck were both heading eastbound on Nebraska 36 when the dump truck attempted to turn left onto North 240th Street, the press release said. The dump truck was hit by the Chevy, which was attempting to pass in the westbound lane. The driver of the Chevrolet identified Monday as 69-year-old Morris L. Combs of Fremont was declared deceased at the scene, according to the release. The driver of the dump truck was not injured. The collision remains under investigation, according to a Monday release. Photos: Charlie Kirk hosts rally for Nebraska to become a "winner-take-all" electoral state A substitute teacher with the Omaha Public Schools was arrested Saturday after she was found in the back seat of her SUV with a 17-year-old, according to authorities. Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriffs Office were responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked on a dead end road near Bennington at 2:49 a.m. when they saw Erin Ward and a 17-year-old boy in Wards Honda Pilot, according to a release from the Sheriffs Office. As deputies arrived, the 17-year-old quickly moved into the drivers seat of the Honda and drove northbound away from the deputies until crashing into a yard approximately two blocks away, according to the release. The teen, who was not wearing clothes, fled on foot. Deputies could not immediately locate him, the release said. Deputies then confronted Ward, who was putting on her clothes in the back seat of the Honda. Ward admitted to having sex with the teen, whom she identified as a 17-year-old student at Burke High School, according to the release. Deputies found an Omaha Public Schools employee ID in the Honda, and Ward confirmed she was a substitute teacher at Burke and other schools in the metro area, the release said. The Honda was determined to be owned by Ward and her spouse. Ward was taken to the Douglas County Department of Corrections on suspicion of felony sexual abuse by a school employee, according to the release. Deputies located the 17-year-old at approximately 4 a.m. in the nearby Newport Landing neighborhood wearing only boxers, a T-shirt and socks, the release said. He was transported to be interviewed. Both Ward and the 17-year-old were given minor medical attention following the crash and the victims flight on foot, according to the release. A massive crater near the lunar south pole is home to one of the most recent volcanic activities on the moon known to man. The area could be critical to better understanding the moons history. Two aerospace companies based in the metro Denver area announced Tuesday that they are working together on a mission to study the Schrodinger Basin on the dark side of the moon. ispace technologies US, Inc. a Tokyo company that opened its U.S. headquarters in Centennial last year designed a lunar lander that will hold seismometers on board to collect the first seismic data of the far side of the moon for NASA. The company will partner with Lafayette-based Blue Canyon Technologies, a subsidiary of Raytheon after it acquired the startup in 2020, to build two small satellite busses orbiting the moon to help relay communications from the machine back to Earth. What sets Colorado's Front Range apart from other space hubs? The partnership opens up the far side of the moon for scientific discovery, Ron Garan, ispace technologies U.S. CEO told The Denver Gazette. Executives from both companies met at the aerospace trade show Space Symposium, hosted at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs until Thursday, to celebrate the official partnership. The lunar lander will launch on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in 2026. An age old question: What's on the dark side of the moon? The far side of the moon has been virtually unexplored compared to the side facing Earth. ispace would be one of the first companies for the U.S. to do a mission on the dark side. Schrodinger Basin really has a rich history of the entire moon development There's rocks and samples there that have never been even close to being seen, said Ryan Whitley, ispace vice president of engineering. Many people assume the moons tectonic movement is dead, Whitley said, but its still active and the crater is one of the most recent lunar sites of volcanic activity. According to NASA, the lander will also look into the moon's structure and how it's impacted by meteorites. The CP-12 lander mission is led by Draper as ispace cannot contract directly with NASA because its based in Japan and not a majority U.S.-owned company, Whitley said. Featured Local Savings The Draper Lunar Lander utilizes ispaces Apex 1.0 lander design. Were responsible for everything except for the software systems to land on the moon, Whitley said, adding propulsion systems would be built in Durango by Agile Space and other parts will be built in ispaces Denver facility. The full lander will be fully assembled in Washington before being sent to Cape Canaveral, Fla. ispaces U.S. headquarters with more than 100 employees is the design center for the Apex 1.0 lander and a mission control center. Its a difficult mission. The lunar lander will have to get on the moon's surface blindly without real-time guidance. But once it does land, then humans will have access to the device's signals. One thing to get there, another to get data back Once it touches down, the lander will relay a signal to two Blue Canyon Technologies satellites orbiting the moon to send the information it collects back. The line of sight is obstructed by the moon itself when you're on the far side. So you need orbiting satellites to be able to conduct the communications, Garan said. Aerospace giant Lockheed Martin thinking small small satellites, that is Blue Canyon Technologies is one of the leading manufacturers of small satellites and cube satellites, a quickly growing segment of the aerospace industry. The Lafayette-based company has two factories in Boulder. Its other notable projects include a methane-detecting satellite in partnership with former Ball Aerospace, now known as Space and Mission Systems, and climate advocacy nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund. The two satellites on board the Draper Lunar Lander will boost connections in an area hard to get signals from, since it faces away from the Earth, and will be important toward NASAs goal to develop a robust lunar infrastructure for future colonization, said Blue Canyon Technologies General Manager Chris Winslett. It can also be used in future commercial activities. Its actually able to have a viewpoint of the Earth and so by having two, it gives you twice as much ability to make those communications, Winslett said. The family of an 18-year-old who died by suicide in the El Paso County jail filed a lawsuit in federal court Monday against the former health care provider for the jail. Dezaree Archuleta's mother, Shelly Romero, said Monday on the steps of a courthouse in Denver that she wanted to see justice for her daughter, who deserved a chance at life. "She was very caring loved her family with everything that she had," Romero said. Romero was accompanied by her daughters Ciarra Romero, Shayla Romero and daughter-in-law Araceli Romero. Archuleta died by suicide in the jail on June 9, 2022, after asking to see a psychiatrist and several egregious acts of self harm, according to the lawsuit. She was one of 11 people to die in the jail in 2022. The suit against Wellpath, a national company, and individual employees seeks policy changes and training to prevent further deaths, among other damages. El Paso County replaced Wellpath as its healthcare provider with VitalCore in January. "This lawsuit is filed to send a message to Wellpath and other private medical providers across the country that putting profits over people is unacceptable that looking for high revenue, rather than providing high quality health care, is reprehensible and we will do everything in our power to hold them accountable in this instance," said Andrew McNulty, an attorney for the family. The El Paso County Board of Commissioners voted in February to settle potential lawsuits over Archuleta's death for $1 million. The recently filed case described the severe nature of Archuleta's mental health symptoms. Featured Local Savings At one point during the 23 days she spent in the jail before her death, she gouged her thighs 30 times with a screw. She also punched herself in the face until she bled. An employee for Wellpath repeatedly removed Archuleta from suicide watch, at one point handing her pamphlets and telling her to use her coping skills, the case states. The employee was a licensed marriage and family therapist working for Wellpath. She was also not provided access to a psychiatrist or medications that she requested, McNulty said. She died an hour after reporting thoughts of suicide and visual and auditory hallucination, the case said. She hanged herself from a metal grate in her cell. It was so clear Archuleta needed to be on suicide watch, the case said, El Paso County deputies questioned the decision making of the Wellpath employees. El Paso County jail has made changes since Archuleta's death and the impassioned public outcry for change that followed. The jail also made changes to address the steep rise in inmate against inmate violence. As part of those changes, the jail removed grates, like the one Archuleta used, with woven mesh, the Gazette reported previously. Romero said she hoped the jail was getting better, but does not trust anything that has to do with them. The seizure of a container ship by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz this morning, Saturday, is 'extremely concerning' and threatens to put trade lanes in the Middle East at risk, according to Peter Sand, the Chief Analyst at Xeneta, a leading ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and market analytics platform. His comments come following a recent report that the MSC Aries was seized by Iran Revolutionary Guards 92 km northeast of Fujairah, an area close to the Strait of Hormuz, that forms the entrance to the Arabian Gulf. The latest incident follows ongoing conflict in the Red Sea region - the gateway to the Suez Canal - which has seen ocean freight container ships avoiding the area due to missile attacks by Houthi militia. Xenetas powerful reporting and analytics platform, he stated, provides liner-shipping stakeholders the data they need to understand current and historical market behaviour - reporting live on market average and low/high movements for both short and long-term contracts. "An already bad situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has just got worse and could put ocean freight container imports and oil exports in the Middle East at risk," remarked the expert at Xeneta. "We don't yet know the full details of the incident in the Strait of Hormuz, but any widening of the conflict which has already resulted in huge disruption to ocean freight services in the Red Sea region would be extremely concerning," he stated. "For example, Dubai is a regional hub for imports as well as sea-air corridors, with containers arriving by ocean via the Strait of Hormuz for onward travel by air to Europe and North America. If ships are impacted from sailing into the Arabian Gulf then the disruption would be considerable," he added. A privately-held company with headquarters in Oslo, Norway, Xeneta has regional offices in New Jersey, US and Hamburg. Its data is comprised of over 450+ million contracted container and air freight rates and covers over 160,000 global ocean trade routes and over 58,000 airport-airport connections.-TradeArabia News Service Colorado Springs police on Monday released the name of a man who was stabbed to death in an area near the intersection of Airport Road and South Academy Boulevard. The El Paso County Coroner identified the victim as Frank Mason, 65, of Colorado Springs. Alexander Brown, 32, was arrested Sunday without incident and booked into the El Paso County jail on suspicion of first-degree murder. Officers found Mason suffering from multiple stab wounds around 11 a.m. Sunday when they arrived to the 3600 block of Dundee Place. He died at the scene. Brown and Mason were neighbors, according to police. Two counties south of Denver filed a lawsuit Monday against the state of Colorado over its "sanctuary" statutes that restrict local law enforcement officials from working with federal authorities on illegal immigration, arguing they are unconstitutional and preempted by federal laws. The lawsuit filed by El Paso and Douglas counties targets a 2023 law that restricts the ability of state and local governments from making agreements with federal immigration officials over the detention of immigrants who are unlawfully staying in the country, as well as a 2019 statute that blocks local law enforcers from arresting or detaining an immigrant solely on the basis of a federal immigration detainer. Current Colorado laws also prevent state judicial officials from sharing information with federal immigration officials. "The nation is facing an immigration crisis," the complaint states. "The nation, the state, and local governments need to cooperate and share resources to address this crisis. Colorado House Bills 19-1124 and 23-1100 prohibit the necessary cooperation and create dangerous conditions for the state and migrants." The lawsuit said the two laws are "illegal and unconstitutional" because they violate the Colorado Constitution's provisions on intergovernmental relationships and distribution of powers. They are also preempted by federal immigration laws and regulations, the lawsuit added. Other counties are potentially interested in joining the lawsuit, according to Douglas County commissioners who spoke at a news conference on Monday morning. In pushing for the 2019 law, sponsors said any requirement that public safety agencies "play a role in enforcing federal civil immigration laws can undermine public trust." Sponsors also said Coloradans have "constitutional rights to due process and protection against unlawful detainment and seizures." And in passing the 2023 law, lawmakers said it is an "inappropriate exercise of a state's police powers to detain individuals for federal immigration purposes given its implication on foreign relations." Lawmakers also declared that "phasing out" state and local officials' involvement in civil immigration detention is warranted. District 2 Commissioner George Teal said the two laws violate "several tenets of the Colorado State Constitution. It is our intent is to bring this suit specifically to address the illegal immigration crisis now present in this country, he said. A significant problem, Teal said, is neither the counties nor the cities know how many immigrants have arrived into the area. "We don't know who is here," he said. "And we're not allowed to approach federal agencies." More than 40,000 immigrants have arrived in Denver after illegally crossing America's southern border over the past 16 months. City officials do not know exactly how many have remained here, and they also do not know how many are looking for work. Early in the crisis, state and local officials had estimated that 70% intended to resettle elsewhere in the United States. But bus, plane and train tickets purchased for immigrants traveling elsewhere suggest that fewer than half have left. District 1 Commissioner Abe Laydon said he wants Douglas County to be a place "where quality of life comes first." But, amid the current illegal immigration crisis, he added, "we want to prioritize the rights of those who are legally here first." Douglas County has distanced itself from Denver, which also has "sanctuary" laws and is poised to spend $90 million this year to feed, house and transport the immigrants who traveled to the city after illegally crossing the southern border with Mexico. Featured Local Savings Of the 40,000 immigrants from South and Central America who have arrived in Colorados most populous city over the past 16 months, as many as 20,000 might have decided to stay. The reason we are here today is the totality of the circumstances, said District 3 Commissioner Lora Thomas. We are seeing what is going on in Denver, and we do not want that coming here to Douglas County. She likened the crisis to "a perfect storm" that could torpedo Douglas County's safety and quality of life priorities. Surrounding local governments, including Douglas County but also Aurora and Colorado Springs, have positioned themselves in stark contrast from Denver, saying they cannot afford to care for the immigrants. Earlier this month, Douglas County commissioners unanimously voted to approve an ordinance that takes aim at Colorados sanctuary laws by prohibiting commercial vehicles from making unscheduled stops in unincorporated Douglas County to drop off immigrants. Commercial drivers who violate the new ordinance could face a fine of up to $1,000 per passenger, in addition to vehicle seizure. In Aurora, councilmembers passed a resolution in February affirming the city's "non-sanctuary" status, asserting it "does not currently have the financial capacity to fund new services related to this crisis." The resolution also demanded that nonprofits and municipalities should coordinate with Aurora's officials before bringing immigrants into the city. In Colorado Springs, the council approved a largely symbolic resolution that reaffirms it is not a sanctuary city in the hopes of discouraging immigrants from heading south from Denver. Colorado Springs City Council President Randy Helms said he believes as officials at the southern border do that being "welcoming" has led to the immigrant influx. When you offer someone free transportation, free shelter, I think its only human nature people would be drawn to that, Helms said. Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly called the state laws absolutely ridiculous. It's unfair to the migrants on how this is all happening, he said Friday. They're being promised things that we can't deliver on." Calling it a public safety issue that "affects everybody, Weekly added, For us to be restricted and have our hands tied, to say we cant communicate legitimate information to the feds, or hold information that could be dangerous to our community, it just does not make sense. El Paso County District 2 Commissioner Carrie Geitner said the laws are out of touch with the needs of Coloradans. She added: There are truly sanctuary state policies that we have to fight back against if we're going to keep our community safe. The Denver Gazette reached out to Gov. Jared Polis, who is named in the lawsuit, for comment. "The Governor's Office will not comment on pending litigation," a spokesperson for Polis said. Denver Gazette reporter Sage Kelley contributed to this story. The presence of La Nina is strengthening as El Nino's grip on weather patterns continues to wane, according to an April update from climate researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA Forecasters estimate there's an 85% chance El Nino will end later this spring and the tropical Pacific will transition to neutral conditions by the AprilJune period. Theres also a 60% chance La Nina will develop by JuneAugust and even higher by fall time, NOAA forecasters said. "Overall, the forecast this month is very similar to last month, and we continue to expect (a) La Nina for the Northern Hemisphere fall and early winter around an 85% chance," Emily Becker with the University of Miami/CIMAS said. The La Nina and El Nino events are opposite phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENOS) climate pattern and are responsible for varying weather effects in North America when they occur. "Just like El Nino, La Nina changes the ocean and atmospheric circulation in the tropics," Becker said. "Those changes start in the Pacific Ocean and then ripple around the world in predictable ways." Becker said El Ninos peak from NovemberDecember 2023 was about 2.0 C or 3.6 F above neutral in the Nino-3.4 region of the tropical Pacific, but the anomaly has been dropping steadily and currently sits around 1.2 C, which it is still above the El Nino threshold of 0.5 C or 0.9 F. The forecasters are continuously looking at the atmosphere over the tropical Pacific and found the El Nino pattern has mostly disappeared and is ending. Each week from Feb. 1-7 to April 1-7, waters off the west coast of South America along the equator have begun cooling and are forecast to reach ENOSO-neutral conditions by the April-June period. "More evidence that El Nino is likely to give way to neutral soon, with La Nina right on its tail, can be found under the surface of the tropical Pacific," Becker said. Becker said since January, two upwelling Kelvin waves blobs of cooler water that travel from the west to the east under the sea's surface have been moving through the equatorial waters and will continue to shift eastward and rise up, providing a source of cooler-than-average water to the surface. Featured Local Savings What does La Nina mean for future weather through 2024? One potential impact is that La Nina tends to create a more-active Atlantic hurricane season. "It does this by reducing vertical wind shear the change in wind from near the surface to high up in the atmosphere over the Atlantic Ocean, making it easier for hurricanes to grow," Becker said. Closer to Colorado and in western North America, La Nina tends to bring more snow to the northern states and northern Colorado during winter time as well as more likely odds to experience drought and intense heat during summer months. "Some of the worst wildfires on record across California and the southwest have occurred during La Nina events, particularly in 2020 and 2021," according to Yale Climate Connections.org. "The U.S. Sun Belt is more likely to experience drought and intense heat during La Nina." La Nina can also prolong warmer temperatures into fall, enhance wildfires and drought in the western states. Looking long term in the Pacific's waters Long-term warming of oceans is still an ongoing phenomenon. According to Becker, El Ninos warmer-than-average tropical Pacific tends to contribute to higher global average surface temperature, while La Ninas cooler tropical Pacific usually contributes to 'relatively' cooler years. "Emphasis is on the 'relative' since more recent La Nina events have been among the top ten warmest years ever," Becker said. "One can see that much of the global oceans are warmer than average, going beyond El Nino." According to NOAAs National Center for Environmental Information, the February global surface temperature was 2.52 F or 1.40 C above the 20th-century average of 53.8 F or 12.1 C, making it the warmest February on record dating back to 1850 and the ninth consecutive month of record-high global temperatures. "We are just a few months in, and NCEIs Global Annual Temperature Outlook already predicts 'a 45% chance that 2024 will rank as the warmest year on record and a 99% chance that it will rank in the top five', Becker said. Halifax-based Irving Shipbuilding has awarded a contract to provide inbound logistics services for ship construction and repair projects has been awarded to global logistics company, Geodis. The contract, which will be managed by Geodis Project Logistics team in Canada, with support from the companys global network of offices, will cover all inbound shipments to ISI facilities in Halifax, Nova Scotia to supply three shipbuilding programmes: the Canadian Surface Combatant, Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships, and Halifax Class Frigate Repair Contracts. Utilising Geodis proprietary IT systems, ISI will achieve total asset visibility throughout their supply chain. Geodis was selected based on its global presence and industry-leading logistics capabilities, combined with a commitment to engage with local companies to provide this critical service. Accordingly, this contract helps Irving Shipbuilding fulfil its Industrial Technological Benefits obligations under the Canadian Governments National Shipbuilding Strategy said Michael Snow, Irving Shipbuildings Director of Supply Chain. Revitalising shipyards The Canadian Governments Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy seeks to leverage defence and Canadian Coast Guard procurements to contribute to jobs, innovation, and economic growth across the country. In line with these aims, The National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) set a plan to revitalise Canadian shipyards, bolster the Canadian Naval industrial base, renew Canadas fleet, and to promote job creation. Irving Shipbuildings programmes are an integral part of these policies. With our extensive experience in the defense and marine logistics sectors, we were able to provide a tailor-made solution focused on very specific client and governmental requirements, in a zero-harm environment, said Luke Mace, Geodis, Senior Vice President Project Logistics. We are very excited to be working with Irving Shipbuilding, a company that has constructed over 80% of Canadas Navy at sea and we look forward to continuing to build our presence in Canada through this partnership.--TradeArabia News Service Colorado's second-highest court on Thursday agreed a former executive of Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems may proceed with his defamation lawsuit against Donald Trump's presidential campaign and several prominent supporters who publicly accused him of rigging the 2020 election based on the unproven claims of a conservative podcaster. Israel has warned that it will "exact a price" for Iran's missile and drone attack on its territory on Saturday, when the timing is right. Israel earlier said over 300 drones and missiles were launched by Iran and a vast majority of them were intercepted. However, there were a small number of hits on its territory, including a base in southern Israel, a BBC report said. Iran had been warning that it would retaliate after an Israeli strike killed Iranian military commanders in Damascus earlier this month. In a statement, war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said: "We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us. "And most importantly, faced with the desire of our enemies to harm us, we will continue to unite and become stronger." Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said the US helped Israel "take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles". As world leaders urged restraint, Iran warned that any "reckless" retaliation by Israel would receive a "much stronger response". Hanoch Milwidsky, who is vice-president of the Israeli parliament and a Knesset member from PM Netanyahu's Likud Party, told the BBC there is unanimity in the Israeli government that there should be a response to the Iranian attack. We knew it was coming, there was a lot of expectation and we were very happy that it ended the way it ended, at least this round, he told the BBC's Newshour programme, referring to the large number of drones and missiles that were intercepted. Acknowledging the US desire to avoid military escalation in focus on diplomacy, he said this was a "very crucial time in the history of Israel". "Of course we listen, we consult with all our friends in the world but eventually the last word should be ours. Feature: Chinese-invested expressway in Cambodia facilitates travel during traditional New Year holiday Xinhua) 08:45, April 15, 2024 A drone photo taken on April 14, 2024 shows a toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Preah Sihanouk province, Cambodia. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua) SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, April 14 (Xinhua) -- A large number of vehicles traveled on the Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway on Sunday as people flocked to the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk in southwest Cambodia during traditional New Year holiday. Tang Sochetkresna, director of Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Tourism, said the 187-km expressway has prompted a surge in tourist arrivals to Preah Sihanouk for its safe, comfortable and fast travel mode. Sochetkresna said the expressway, which connects Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh with the Southeast Asian nation's most popular coastal province Preah Sihanouk, facilitates tourists' travel for leisure. Cambodia kicked off its four-day traditional New Year on Saturday. Phang Veyhong, a 30-year-old user of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, said traveling on the expressway took him only two hours from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk. "In comparison to ordinary roads, traveling on the expressway is time-efficient and safe, as well as lowers fuel expenses," he told Xinhua on Sunday while driving his five family members to visit Preah Sihanouk province. Veyhong said he also likes traveling on the expressway for the beautiful scenery along the route. Kong Sengkim, a 52-year-old user of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, said the expressway is broad and comfortable for driving. "This is the first time I drive my car on the expressway and I feel pretty safe," he told Xinhua. "The road and its surrounding scenery are very beautiful." Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway was officially opened to traffic in November 2022. With two lanes for traffic in each direction plus an emergency lane on each side, vehicles will be able to reach their destinations within two hours through the expressway instead of five hours. "The expressway has played a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of travel and logistic system in Cambodia," Heang Sotheayuth, a spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Public Works and Transport, told Xinhua. The expressway was the fruit of close cooperation between Cambodia and China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Sotheayuth said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Australia has the most expensive freelancers, with an average price of $594.56 per freelance job, followed by India and Morocco, while Columbia has the cheapest freelancers with $72.13 per job, new research has found. The study, conducted by invoicing software company Bookipi, used freelancing platform Upwork to find how much freelancers in 40 different countries charge on average per job. They looked at several popular services, including logo design, video editing, and data entry. For each service in each country, the starting and end price were collected, and an average price overall was calculated. Australia was also found to be the most expensive country to hire a freelancer for creative writing, web programming, or mobile app development projects. Most expensive for data entry Following in second is India, where the average price of hiring a freelancer was found to be $501. They were also ranked as the most expensive freelancing country for data entry, at an average price of $75.92 per job. Morocco ranks third with an average freelancer rate of $402.03 per job. They were also the second most expensive country for video editing, costing an average of $122.35 per job. Ranking as the fourth most expensive country to hire a freelancer is Saudi Arabia, with an average rate of $401.64 per job. Rounding up the top five is Turkey, with a cost of $393.88 per freelancing job. At the other end of the scale, Columbia has the least expensive freelancers, costing an average of $72.13 per job - 87% less than hiring an Australian freelancer on average. Brazil follows as the second least expensive, with an average rate of $79.81 per freelancing job, while Argentina ranked third least expensive with an average cost of $80.84. Varied experiences Speaking on the findings, Tim Lee, CEO and founder of Bookipi, said: "Our team members come from various corners of the world - Asia, Africa, Europe, and America and their life stories and experiences contribute to our teams richness. Working closely together has taught me an immense amount about appreciating different cultures. As a result, we were interested in how these different experiences are reflected through the costs of freelance workers worldwide. Typically, countries with robust economies and high living standards tend to host the most expensive freelancers, which the data reflects by finding Australia as the most expensive freelance country. Although this is true for India, the second country to appear in the ranking, freelancers can command a higher rate thanks to their specialized skills and expertise in industries such as software development, IT services, and digital marketing. We hope this ranking will help empower freelance workers around the world to know their worth and be more confident in fairly pricing their services.--TradeArabia News Service Joe Bonsall joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973 and saw the band through its golden period in the 80s and beyond, which included their massive 1981 crossover hit Elvira. McALLEN, Texas Texas' plans to arrest migrants suspected of entering the U.S. illegally were again on hold Wednesday after setting off uncertainty along the border and anger from Mexico flared during a brief few hours that the law was allowed to take effect. A late-night order Tuesday from a 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel temporarily put on hold again Texas' dramatic state expansion into border enforcement. Earlier in the day, the U.S. Supreme Court had cleared the way for the strict immigration law, dealing a victory to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and encouraging GOP lawmakers in other states that are pushing for similar measures. But later in a 2-1 order, an appeals court panel continued the legal seesaw surrounding the Texas law, again putting it on pause ahead of oral arguments that were scheduled for Wednesday. It was not clear how quickly the next decision might come. During the short time the law was in effect Tuesday, Texas authorities did not announce that any arrests had been made or say whether it was being actively enforced. Along the border in Kinney County, Sheriff Brad Coe embraced the arrest powers but said deputies would need probable cause. "It is unlikely that observers will see an overnight change," said Coe, whose county covers a stretch of border near Del Rio that until recently had been the busiest corridor for illegal crossings but has quieted considerably. The Supreme Court did not rule on the merits of the law. It instead kicked back to the lower appeals court a challenge led by the Justice Department, which has argued that Texas is overstepping the federal government's immigration authority. The latest appeals court order included no explanation from the panel. But it had the effect of restoring an injunction issued in February by U.S. District Judge David Ezra, who rebuked the law on multiple fronts. His 114-page opinion brushed off Republicans' claims of an "invasion" along the southern border due to record-high illegal crossings. Ezra, an appointee of former President Ronald Reagan, also warned that the law could hamper U.S. foreign relations. Under the Texas law, once defendants are in custody on illegal entry charges, they can agree to a judge's order to leave the U.S. or face prosecution. On Tuesday, Mexico's Foreign Affairs Secretary said in a sharply worded statement that it would refuse to take anyone back who is ordered to cross the border. "Mexico reiterates the legitimate right to protect the rights of its nationals in the United States and to determine its own policies regarding entry into its territory," the government said. The impact extends far beyond the Texas border. Republican legislators wrote the law so that it applies in all of the state's 254 counties, although Steve McCraw, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, has said he expects it will mostly be enforced near the border. Other GOP-led states are already looking to follow Texas' path. In Iowa, the state House on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill that would also give its state law enforcement the power to arrest people who are in the U.S. illegally and have previously been denied entry into the country. It now goes to Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds. If signed, it would take effect in July. "The federal government has abdicated its responsibilities and states can and must act," Republican Iowa state Rep. Steven Holt said. In Texas, El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, the top county executive, said immigration enforcement should remain a federal, not state, responsibility, echoing the Biden administration's view. He said heightened law enforcement presence in the city of El Paso during a previous migrant surge brought high-speed chases and traffic stops based on assumptions that passengers were in the country illegally. "We had accidents, we had injuries, we got a little glimpse of what would happen if the state begins to control what happens in respect to immigration," Samaniego said. Skylor Hearn, executive director of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas, said sheriffs' offices have been training since last year. "If a county chooses to take it on themselves, they are choosing for their taxpayers to take it on themselves as well," Hearn said. "As long as the federal government is willing to do its part that it is supposed to be doing, it is ideal for them to take possession and custody of these people." Daniel Morales, an associate professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, said the Texas law "will be a mess, very clearly, to enforce." "It's very clear that Greg Abbott wants to enforce the law so he can get lots of photo ops and opportunities, but it's gonna take a lot of state resources to implement. And I don't know, in fact, how much appetite and capacity for that the state government actually has," Morales said. Texas will find enforcement is "difficult and taxing," he said. Arrests for illegal crossings fell by half in January from a record-high of 250,000 in December, with sharp declines in Texas. Arrests in the Border Patrol's Del Rio sector, the focus of Abbott's enforcement, fell 76% from December. Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings for much of the last decade, recorded its fewest arrests since June 2020. Tucson, Arizona, has been the busiest corridor in recent months, followed by San Diego in January, but reasons for sudden shifts are often complicated and are dictated by smuggling organizations. When President Joe Biden visited the Rio Grande Valley for his second trip to the border as president last month, administration officials credited Mexico for heightened enforcement on that part of the border for the drop in arrests. They said conditions were more challenging for Mexican law enforcement in Sonora, the state that lies south of Arizona. ___ Associated Press writers Acacia Coronado in Austin, Texas, Juan Al. Lozano in Houston, Christopher Sherman in Mexico City and Scott McFetridge in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report. ___ The 9 current justices of the US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Justice Clarence Thomas Justice Samuel Alito Justice Sonia Sotomayor Justice Elena Kagan Justice Neil Gorsuch Justice Brett Kavanaugh Justice Amy Coney Barrett Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson At the invitation of Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians, TRH the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are undertaking a State visit to the Kingdom of Belgium from 16 to 18 April 2024. The Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Xavier Bettel, the Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, and the Minister of Defence, Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, are joining the Grand Ducal couple during the three-day State visit. Prime Minister Luc Frieden and the Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth, are also present at various points during the programme. In addition to high-level political, economic and cultural meetings, the official programme includes company visits to Brussels, Ghent and Liege. As part of this State visit, a large economic delegation, comprising representatives of more than 125 companies active in the sectors of the circular economy, renewable energies, health technologies, finance, tourism, (cyber-)security, defence and space cooperation, is accompanying the Grand Ducal couple. This is the second State visit to Belgium by TRH the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, reflecting the excellent relations between Luxembourg and Belgium, who are close neighbours united by strong historical, political, socio-economic and cultural ties. In addition to consolidating long-standing partnerships, the State visit also provides an opportunity to highlight new areas of cooperation and to stimulate progress and innovation with the aim of ensuring sustainable growth that respects the environment. Tuesday 16th April 2024 The official welcome ceremony takes place on the Place des Palais, where TRH the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess are welcomed by TM the King and Queen of the Belgians. After the review of the troops by HRH the Grand Duke and HM the King, and the playing of the national anthems, the delegations are officially presented and gifts are exchanged at the Royal Palace. The official welcome ceremony SIP/ Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Review of the troops SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Review of the troops SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen (from left to right) HM the Queen of the Belgians; HRH the Grand Duke; HM the King of Belgians; HRH the Grand Duchess Maison du Grand-Duc/ Sophie Margue TRH the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess and TM the King and Queen of the Belgians Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue At the Royal Palace SIP/ Emmanuel Claude Presentation of the Luxembourg Delegation SIP/ Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Presentation of the Luxembourg Delegation SIP/ Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Illustration SIP/ Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Signing of the Golden Book Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue Signing of the Golden Book Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue The Royal Horse Escort then accompanies the vehicle of TRH the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess on their way from the Royal Palace to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who fell in the First and Second World Wars and the Belgian soldiers who have fallen on peace missions since 1945. HRH the Grand Duke lays a wreath of flowers on the grave and rekindles the eternal flame. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier SIP/ Emmanuel Claude HRH the Grand Duke Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue Group photo SIP / Emmanuel Claude HRH the Grand Duke rekindles the eternal flame Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue The Grand Ducal couple and the ministerial delegation then head for the Palais de la Nation, the seat of the Belgian federal parliament, which consists of two assemblies: the House of Representatives and the Senate. While at the Palace, the couple meets Stephanie D'Hose, President of the Senate, and Eliane Tillieux, President of the House of Representatives. After visiting the two hemicycles, the Grand Ducal couple, accompanied by Xavier Bettel and Yuriko Backes, return to the Royal Palace where they meet the Belgian royal couple for lunch. Illustration SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Illustration SIP / Emmanuel Claude Group photo SIP / Emmanuel Claude In the Senat Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue HRH the Grand Duke in the Senat SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Group photo SIP / Emmanuel Claude Federal Parliamant SIP / Emmanuel Claude Group photo SIP / Emmanuel Claude (from l. to r.) Gregor Freches; Glles Roth; Yuriko Backes SIP / Emmanuel Claude TRH the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess and on the right Stephanie D'Hose, President of the Senate, and on the left Eliane Tillieux, President of the House of Representatives SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Illustration Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue Signing of the Golden Book Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue Visit of the Parliamant Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue At Brussels City Hall on the Grand Place, TRH the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess are received by TM the King and Queen of the Belgians and by the Mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close. After a moment of exchange, in the presence of Xavier Bettel, Lex Delles, Yuriko Backes and Gilles Roth, the Grand Ducal couple and the Royal couple, accompanied by the Mayor, greet the population from the balcony of the Town Hall. Lex Delles, Yuriko Backes and Gilles Roth in the Mayor's office SIP / Emmanuel Claude Interaction with the crowd Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue Signing of the Golden Book SIP / Emmanuel Claude Welcome by the mayor Philippe Close SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Reception at Town Hall SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Group photo SIP / Emmanuel Claude Salute to the population SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Group photo Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue Interaction with the crowd Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue In late afternoon, Xavier Bettel, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, will hold political talks with his Belgian counterpart, Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Federal Cultural Institutions. The agenda for discussions includes bilateral and cross-border relations, both political and economic, as well as the major issues on the European and international political agenda. The two ministers also sign a memorandum of understanding on the exchange of diplomats. Work session SIP / Emmanuel Claude Xavier Bettel and Hadja Lahbib SIP / Emmanuel Claude Hadja Lahbib and Xavier Bettel SIP / Emmanuel Claude Signing of an MoU on the exchange of diplomats. SIP / Emmanuel Claude The first day of the State visit ends with a State banquet hosted by TM the King and Queen of the Belgians in honour of TRH the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess at the Chateau de Laeken, the Belgian sovereign's main residence, in the presence of Prime Minister Luc Frieden and his wife, Xavier Bettel and his husband, Lex Delles, Yuriko Backes and Gilles Roth. (from left to right) HM the Queen of the Belgians; HRH the Grand Duke; HM the King of Belgians; HRH the Grand Duchess Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue (from left to right) HM the Queen of the Belgians; HRH the Grand Duchess; HRH the Grand Duke; HM the King of Belgians; Yuriko Backes, Minister of Defence, Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen (from left to right) HM the Queen of the Belgians; HRH the Grand Duchess; HRH the Grand Duke; HM the King of Belgians; Gilles Roth, Minister of Finance SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen (from left to right) HM the Queen of the Belgians; HRH the Grand Duchess; HRH the Grand Duke; HM the King of Belgians; Lex Delles, Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen (from left to right) HM the Queen of the Belgians; HRH the Grand Duchess; HRH the Grand Duke; HM the King of Belgians; Xavier Bettel, Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen (from left to right) HM the Queen of the Belgians; HRH the Grand Duchess; HRH the Grand Duke; HM the King of Belgians; Luc Frieden, Prime Minister ; Marjolijne Frieden, spouse of Luc Frieden SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Chateau de Laeken - State banquet hosted by TM the King and Queen of the Belgians SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Chateau de Laeken - State banquet hosted by TM the King and Queen of the Belgians SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Chateau de Laeken - State banquet hosted by TM the King and Queen of the Belgians Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue TRH the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess and TM the King and Queen of the Belgians Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue (from left to right) HRH the Grand Duke; HM the King of Belgians; HRH the Grand Duchess; HM the Queen of the Belgians Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue () Editors note: The U.S. territory of Guam is comprised of 19 villages, many with their own distinct character, history and points of interest. Stripes Guam and Guampedia have joined forces to present this weekly feature on each of them in the hopes that it will help our readers get out and get to know our gracious hosts. To learn more about Guams people, history, culture and places, visit: guampedia.com The three villages of Mongmong, Toto and Maite comprise one municipality. There are various theories about how the villages got their names. They are said to relate to the Legend of Puntan and Fuuna, the Chamorro creation myth of the world. When the god Puntan was about to die, he and his sister the goddess Fuuna devised a plan that would use his body to form the world and the elements of the sky: his eyes were to become the sun and the moon, his body to become the Earth. Momongmong, later to become Mongmong, describes the sound of a heartbeat. Toto means to recline and Maite, or maette, means to nudge or touch another person with ones hands or other parts of the body. Mongmong also may refer to another sound. Before World War II, novenas (a devotion of nine days of prayer) were held in the village to pray for rain during the dry season. People would walk from Hagatna and had to step over potholes in the trail made by cattle during the rainy season. The dirt ridges of the holes would crumble as they walked, making a sound called mongmong in Chamorro. Toto may also have gotten its name from a fight between two ancient district warriors. The loser was left lying on the ground face up, which is called toto (to recline). Village history Sixty years ago, Mongmong-Toto-Maite was not a place to live; it was a place to work. And working at that time didnt mean reporting to an eight-hour job in an office. It meant walking a few miles to a ranch to farm for food as was typical for many areas of Guam. Before the Japanese occupation of Guam in 1941, Mongmong-Toto-Maite was mainly used for small-scale farming and raising poultry and other livestock. Most of the people who used the land prior to the war lived in Hagatna and would walk through jungle trails to the tri-village to farm in the morning and return home in the evening. Mongmong was particularly popular during the early months of the year when people from all over the island would travel there to honor the villages patron saint Nuestra Senora de Las Aguas, or Our Lady of the Waters. They would pray to her for rain during the islands dry season. In 1881, a man named James Young wrote to his sister in Australia telling her about the residents devotion to the saint. He said people believed that this image of the Virgin Mary appeared to some villagers during a strong typhoon in 1850, and caused a perfect calm that saved their farm from destruction. In 1898, only seven families lived in the area. Others simply owned ranches there. But this quickly changed during World War II. While the Japanese Imperial Army populated Hagatna, several families began migrating to the Mongmong-Toto area. And even more families moved there after the heavy U.S. bombardment followed by an invasion of troops on the island, which eventually ended the Japanese occupation. As Hagatna became a business area, Mongmong-Toto-Maite was one of the villages that housed the families who used to live in the capital. At this time, Mongmong and Toto also accommodated the Fifth Service Depot, a U.S. Marine supply outlet, pushing residents to the hilly, rugged and swampy areas of the tri-village. It became a popular place to live because residents felt safe being so close to the Marines right after a war. And many villagers found jobs at the depot. Several Quonset huts were built in Mongmong and used for schools, such as the original George Washington High School. The three villages were officially combined when the Organic Act, which granted residents of Guam U.S. citizenship, became effective sometime in 1951. The tri-village was made a single entity to help expedite ballot polling during elections and other administrative procedures. POINTS OF INTEREST Institutions Mongmong Nuestra Senora de Las Aguas (Our Lady of the Waters) Catholic Church The Nuestra Senora de Las Aguas (Our Lady of the Waters) Church was established July 11, 1969. During the patron saints feast day, the villages Catholic parishioners make their way through the small streets of the village during an annual procession. Toto Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church was initially a chapel located in the center of the village sometime in the mid-1940s. It was first a tent structure, erected on the property of the late Tun Ignacio Martinez. After a typhoon destroyed the structure, the chapel was relocated to a thatched roof building at the entrance of the village belonging to the Borja family. Father Julius Sullivan, OFM, Cap., was assigned to the chapel and responsible for having a permanent structure erected and dedicated in 1948. Juan Q. San Miguel Elementary School Commonly referred to as J.Q. San Miguel Elementary, it is one of the twenty-five elementary schools of the Guam Public School System. It was constructed in 1971 and later named in honor of San Miguel who owned a retail store in Mongmong and was also a civic and political leader. Harvest Christian Academy (K3-12th Grade) Harvest Ministries has been established on Guam for more than thirty years, and its campus sits on more than twelve acres of land for elementary through high school students. This village at a glance Population: According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the total population of Mongmong-Toto-Maite is 10,500. The population of Mongmong is 5,000; the population of Toto is 3,000; and the population of Maite is 2,500. Village officials: Andrew C. Villagomez, Mayor, 1997-Present; Antonio D. Materne, Commissioner/Mayor, 1989-1997; Jesus C. Bamba, Commissioner, 1985-1989; Rodney J. Villagomez, Commissioner, 1981-1985; Norberto F. Ungacta, Commissioner, 1977-1981; Jose E. Santos, Commissioner, 1973-1977; Jose C. Farfan, Commissioner, 1961-1973; Jesus M. Camacho, Commissioner, 1952-1961; Jose C. Duenas, Commissioner, 1945-1952; Manuel Q. San Miguel, Commissioner, 1944. (Provided by Konsehelon Mahot Guahan/the Mayors Council of Guam.) Village description: Mongmong-Toto-Maite is located in central Guam, just north of the captial city of Hagatna. Aside from the airplanes flying directly over the tri-village before landing in the neighboring area of Tiyan, many residents of Mongmong-Toto-Maite find it to be a very quiet and peaceful place to live. Maites cliffline, with beautiful sunset views, is home to some of the islands most well known families, including the Calvos, whose attractive homes line the cliff above East Hagatna. Mongmong and Toto for the most part are rural, residential areas. Mongmong runs parallel to Maite and is at the center of the tri-village. It is heavily vegetated and is the most populated of the three villages. Toto borders Barrigada to the north of the other two villages, and is known for its winding roads and swamplands. However, there is also a busy industrial side to the Mongmong-Toto-Maite. The area of Maite and Toto along Route 8 between Tiyan and the islands capital, Hagatna is primarily an industrial area, filled with warehouses, hardware and furniture stores, mom-and-pop markets, and many popular bargain shops. Mongmongs Catholic Church is Nuestra Senora de Las Aguas (Our Lady of the Waters). Parishioners celebrate their annual fiesta in honor of their patron saint on the last day of January. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Toto celebrates its patron saints fiesta on the second or third Saturday of June each year. The village of Maite does not have a Catholic Church and does not have a village fiesta. The Bayview Baptist Church and Son of God Baptist Church are located in Maite. Pon and Patte run from the Morning Star. Illustrated by Baltazar Bell. () Back in the ancient days, giants with supernatural strength inhabited the Mariana Islands. The giant men of the different villages and clans occasionally fought or argued with each other. However, they banded together when they believed their island was being threatened by foreign invaders. One day, a ship was seen out on the horizon. The manmagalahi (chiefs) of the island were concerned that outsiders were trying to invade Guahan at Hagatna Bay. They got together to figure out how to stop the invaders. The manmagalahi decided that a huge rock should be placed in the channel to Hagatna Bay. The magalahi from Orote declared that there were many huge rocks around his village that would be suitable for blocking the bay. The task of getting the rock and placing it in the channel was entrusted to the proud warrior clan of Agueda. When Naguadog, magalahi of Agueda, told his clan the size of the rock needed, the other men laughed scornfully and said, Naguadog, you dont need your warriors. That task is childs play. Give the task to Pon and Patte, your sons. Naguadog thought for a moment, then raised his voice loud and clear and called out to his sons. The boys names bounced like thunder from tree to tree. Quicker than lightning, two small boys, aged three and four, came bounding up to their father, saying, Naguadog, what do you wish of us? Naguadog, putting his strong arms around his sons, spoke: My sons, go to Orote Point and get a big loose rock and quickly place it in the entrance of Hagatna Bay. Obediently the boys ran off to Orote. They were proud to have been entrusted with such an important task. It was nighttime by the time the boys arrived at Orote, and the moon was full. By the light of the moon, the boys found a loose rock along the cliff which measured roughly 120 feet long, 60 feet wide and 20 feet high. Together they picked up the huge rock and headed back to Hagatna, playing catch with the rock as they walked along the shore. As the boys approached the village of Assan (Asan), they stopped to rest. It was about midnight, but, looking up into the night sky, they saw a bright twinkling star. The boys suddenly became nervous. They remembered that the village elders had set a curfew for the children that was strictly enforced. When Venus, which looks like a bright shiny star, appeared in the sky, all the village children were to return to their homes. Indeed, all children could not be away from their parents or their homes between midnight and early dawn around six oclock in the morning. Thinking this was Venus, they quickly dropped the rock in the water and ran for shelter in the Agueda Caves. Because the men had given such an important task to children, the job was not completed. The boys failed to block the entrance to Hagatna Bay, and so the outsiders entered, settled on Guahan and intermarried with the natives. The children of these unions were without superhuman strength, thereby making the natives of the Marianas ordinary human beings like you and me. The star that the boys saw in the night sky has been called Dinagi Laolao which means fooled by a twinkling star, because the boys were fooled and failed to complete their task. The rock which they dropped in the water off Assan is called Gapang Rock, which means, unfinished task. It is a reminder of the days long ago when people of supernatural strength lived in these islands. Today it is known as Camel Rock because of its shape which resembles the hump of a kneeling camel. This story was adapted from Legends of Guam. The booklet was produced by class members of an education class at College of Guam in 1962. A rapid, single mammogram approach with no clinic overheads Current state-of-the-art clinical risk models require multiple tests such as blood work, genetic testing, mammograms and filling out extensive questionnaires, all of which would substantially increase the workload in the screening clinic. Using our model, risk can be assessed with the same performance as the clinical risk models but within seconds from screening and without introducing overhead in the clinic, observed Dr Lauritzen in an RSNA press release. The Danish-Dutch research team will now focus on investigating the combination model architecture and further determining whether the model adapts sufficiently to other mammographic devices and institutions. Additional research should focus on translating combined risk to lifetime or absolute risk for comparison with traditional models, the team concluded in their paper. Profile: Dr Andreas David Lauritzen is a postdoctoral researcher affiliated to the Datalogisk Institut (DIKU), the Department of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen. His expertise lies in the field of deep learning, specifically applied to medical image analysis. As part of a breast cancer risk prediction project with the Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet he spent 8 months with the Yale University School of Medicines Image Processing and Analysis group. There, he honed skills crucial for applying deep learning to translational medical image analysis and high-dimensional datasets, under the guidance of Prof. Xenophon Papademetris and Dr John A. Onofrey, experts in biomedical informatics, data science and machine learning. DECATUR The 2024 Solar Eclipse, and its magical trip over Illinois, has come and gone. In its wake, it left a host of memories for those who gazed into the sky. And thousands of pairs of the special glasses needed to witness the astronomical phenomenon. Less than 24 hours after the eclipse, approximately 90% of the glasses used by students at American Dreamer STEM Academy were returned to Megan Meyrick, the school's parent liaison. The students learned the glasses would be traveling to other countries that would be experiencing the next eclipse. Several areas, including South America, Africa and parts of Asia, wouldnt be as fortunate to have schools supply the eclipse glasses. They were aware they were returning the glasses for a reason, said Donna Hahn, attendance secretary. Thats all it took. The Party Shop, at 411 N. Main St. in Decatur, has placed a basket on the front counter for people to recycle the paper glasses. Were doing this to help kids, because were a party shop, said the shops owner, Cindy Deadrick. It just made sense. Everyone is encouraged to bring the eclipse glasses to the store. #TogetherDecatur Do you know a person or of a story that exemplifies the best of Decatur? Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983 or dbeckett@herald-review.com. Deadrick got the idea to collect the glasses from other party retailers. Although The Party Shop didnt sell eclipse glasses, Deadrick found a pair for herself. Like many people, she questioned what to do with them after the big event had passed. What are we going to do with these after 15 minutes? she said. So this sounded like a good idea. In less than 24 hours, the basket was set out and began to fill up. Weve had a couple of companies, schools bring in some, she said. Were kind of wondering how many well get. The basket will be on display until the end of April. The staff will prepare and send the glasses to the organization Astronomers Without Borders, who will distribute them among families and schools in the next area experiencing an eclipse. They are going to send them overseas, mostly to schools for children to have them, Deadrick said. Because the glasses expire. The people who visit the store and hand in a pair of eclipse glasses will be encouraged to register for a $25 gift certificate to The Party Shop. According to the Astronomers Without Borders website, two solar eclipses happen each year; however, many of them will darken areas over oceans. The flashy glasses are important, no matter where an eclipse is viewed. To determine if your glasses can be recycled, AWB has a few requirements. The lenses need to be free of punctures, scratches, and bends, and the housing, whether plastic or cardboard, needs to be in good shape, the agency stated. When looking through the glasses, the only visible thing should be the sun and other light sources as bright as the sun, such as a bright-white LED bulb, including the flashlight on your smartphone. All else should be black. 2024 Eclipse: See photos from around Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Solar Eclipse Bloomington Illinois Solar Eclipse Bloomington Illinois Solar Eclipse Bloomington Illinois Solar Eclipse Bloomington Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Chicago Solar Eclipse Decatur Illinois Solar Eclipse Decatur Illinois Solar Eclipse Decatur Illinois Solar Eclipse Decatur Illinois Solar Eclipse Mattoon Illinois Solar Eclipse Mattoon Illinois Solar Eclipse Mattoon Illinois Solar Eclipse Mattoon Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Makanda Total Solar Eclipse Makanda Solar Eclipse Eureka Solar Eclipse Eureka Emirates has secured a Certified Autism Center Designation for all its Dubai check-in facilities an achievement that aligns with Dubai's commitment to accessible travel, and acquires significance with World Autism Awareness Day to be observed on April 2. The check-in facilities include, Emirates City Check-in & Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check In - Port Rashid, Emirates Cruise Check In - Dubai Harbour and Emirates City Check-In Ajman, in addition to the Emirates dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) ensures that all Emirates facilities in Dubai have taken a significant step towards making travel more inclusive and accessible to neurodiverse customers, meeting criteria required for a comfortable and supported travel experience. As part of the designation, Emirates employees at the various facilities underwent specialized training on autism and sensory awareness, to equip them with the understanding and skills to address needs of autistic travellers or those with sensory sensitivities, along with their families. Comprehensive facilities audits were conducted across the locations, measuring all sensory inputs in public areas such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells to develop sensory guides, empowering travellers to make informed decisions and choose the environment that best suits their needs and preferences. This achievement builds on the recent recognition of Dubai International Airport as the first international airport to earn the designation from IBCCES and aligns with the Department of Economy and Tourism's (DET) vision of becoming the first Certified Autism Destination (CAD) in the Middle East. Emirates' city Check-ins across Dubai offer a seamless and stress-free pre-airport experience in convenient and easily accessible locations, where Emirates customers can check in for flights up to 24 hours in advance, drop off luggage between four and 24 hours before departure, and choose between agent-assisted check-ins, robot-assisted check-ins, or self-service kiosks, allowing a more relaxed travel experience. Mohammed H Mattar Emirates DSVP Airport Services, said: As a global airline, Emirates is committed to providing a seamless travel experience for everyone. We recognise the challenges customers with autism and sensory sensitivities face in airport environments. That's why we've proactively partnered with Dubais DET and IBCCES to certify all our city check-in locations across the UAE. This initiative is a crucial step forward in our ongoing mission to make travel inclusive and accessible for all. Myron Pincomb, Chairman of the Board for Ibcces, said: "Emirates is known worldwide for its exceptional guest service. Checking in for a flight is one of the most stressful segments of the whole travel experience. With the completion of the facilities, audit and the addition of the new sensory guides, the check-in procedure at the Check-in facilities will be more accommodating for people of determination, and especially those with sensory challenges. By working together, Emirates, Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Airports in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs, are making travel more inclusive and accessible for all, reflecting Dubai's commitment to becoming a leading destination for travellers with diverse needs, a statement said. Ibcces also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met the CAC requirements. TradeArabia News Service When Donald Trump visited the southern border in February, he told a Fox News host that Gov. Greg Abbott was among those being considered as his running mate. It wasnt much of a surprise. It was almost a courtesy. Of course Trump would consider (or at least say he was considering) Abbott while visiting the state he governs, especially given Abbotts early endorsement of Trump and his supportive rhetoric on the border. Abbott downplayed the veep mention, telling NBC news hosts on Super Tuesday that he is deeply committed to governing Texas. Since that time though, Abbott hasnt enjoyed much consideration from Trump, according to those who have insight into the Trump campaigns machinations. Thats to the relief of many in Texas, particularly those who flinch at the suggestion of Abbotts more pragmatic conservatism mingling any further with Trumps MAGA right. But a case can be made for the Texas executive, especially as Trump considers some weaker and more problematic candidates. To start, Trump doesnt have any particularly deep interest in policy or governing. His first term illustrated that. The actual work of being president will be left again to his Cabinet and advisers, which means hell need to be surrounded with serious people, not sycophants or attention-seekers. Abbott is neither of those things. Abbott isnt histrionic or bombastic. He would lend a seriousness to the ticket that is lacking in Trump. Unlike some of the other potential VP picks, several of whom are senators, Abbott also has the kind of executive experience that would be needed in a second Trump White House. Texas is one of the most populous states in the country, growing by leaps and bounds due, in many ways, to Abbotts good governance. While other governors are being considered for VP South Dakotas Kristi Noem, Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas and North Dakotas Doug Burgum, for instance they each manage a much smaller state with fewer political complexities than Abbott faces in Texas. Then, of course, there is the border. No issue will loom larger in this campaign than how the government should manage the influx of migrants pouring across the border. And no other VP contender shoulders that burden more acutely or has the relevant knowledge and experience necessary to manage the border crisis than Abbott. That makes him uniquely qualified in a way that other prospects are not. The conventional wisdom on VP picks is that while a poor selection can hurt a candidate, a VP selection often doesnt provide much electoral help. Thats mostly true. And Abbott says he can be of more help to Trump if he remains in his current role. But this election is different. Both Biden and Trump are, shall we say, very senior, and from an actuarial perspective, face a significant risk of not finishing a full second term. That makes their seconds-in-command a more important consideration. The election is likely to come down to a handful of critical counties across a few battleground states. America is choosing between two highly polarizing candidates, both of whom have sought to appeal to the furthest reaches of their respective parties. While Abbott has gravitated further right on a handful of issues, such as school choice, his pro-business policies and his strength on the border have broad appeal to more mainstream Republicans. And he hasnt alienated the party center with outrageous rhetoric or policies designed only to attract support from the fringes. Abbott probably still has presidential aspirations of his own. And the next vice presidential nominee especially if Trump wins will be strongly positioned to be the GOP successor. That should be incentive enough to select a serious VP candidate. The party could do a lot worse than Abbott. Texas would suffer losing him as governor, but assuming a Trump victory, the nation would be a lot better off. WISE, Va. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Barbara Kingsolver will speak Wednesday at the University of Virginias College at Wise. The Center for Appalachia Studies at UVA Wise is sponsoring the speaking engagement at 7 p.m. on April 17, at the colleges David J. Prior Convocation Center. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. Kingsolver will not be doing a book signing because of a hand injury. Kingsolver won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her book, Demon Copperhead. The book is set in nearby Lee County at the onset of the opioid epidemic, and is a modern interpretation of Charles Dickens David Copperfield. Demon Copperhead masterfully gives voice to those who have been hurt the most by underfunded systems, and the exploitation of Appalachia by the drug companies who targeted the region to market opioids. Once you read Demons story, you can never again look away, Amy D. Clark, UVA Wise professor of communication studies and founding director of the Center for Appalachian Studies and the Appalachian Writing Project said in a media release from the university. Brian McKnight, UVA Wise history professor and founding director of the Center for Appalachian Studies, said the book is an important book to read, especially for Appalachians. Demon Copperhead is a story that is relatable to far too many Appalachians. It chronicles the lost generation that came of age at the turn of the millennium when the economy was humming, the future was bright and a new, purportedly non-addictive class of opioids would treat chronic paincleverly advertised as the fifth vital sign, McKnight said. Like the real lives of so many in our region, the optimism turned sour with economic problems, wars and widespread opioid addiction. In the coming decade, Appalachias death rate among young people skyrocketed taking with it thousands of that generation and leaving carnage in their wake. Both Clark and McKnight taught Demon Copperhead in their classes last fall. While the book is fiction, Southwest Virginia residents may find several locations and institutions mentioned in the book familiar. Those include Lee High School, the former Powell Valley High School, City of Norton and natural assets and tourist destinations like the Sand Cave in Cumberland Gap National Park and Devils Bathtub in Scott County, Clark said. Kingsolver is a U.S. contemporary author of fiction, nonfiction, critical commentary, poetry and journalism. Her literary work has received the top prizes in writing including the National Humanities Medal, the highest honor awarded by the U.S. government for service in the arts and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize for the comprehensive body of her literary work. Shes also won the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters and the PEN/Faulkner Award among numerous other awards and honors. Alison Willard is a mom. Shes also a woman, a wife, an artist and a teacher, but first, shes a mom. Willard, 44, is presenting her project for a masters of fine arts degree, Unicorns are Real: The Materiality, Magic and Mayhem of Motherhood, at Fanjoy Labrenz Studio. Her work will be on display through May 24. Much of her artwork focuses on her children: being free to be themselves, growing, navigating school and having fun. In the downstairs portion of the gallery, much of the art focuses on motherhood, especially feelings of frustration and uncertainty while working and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the stuff I do, my children have some kind of influence, Willard said. Theyll come in and critique it, ask, Why are you doing that?, and Ill ask them, What do you think? I want them to think on their own terms about whats happening, leave it open to the viewer to interpret parts. Two of Willards pieces are myrioramas, art pieces that involve being able to move panels or cards around to tell a different story. Willard said the choose your own adventure art was created by French childrens writer Jean-Pierre Bres for engaging children and adults in story-telling and conversation. Willard said her first myriorama, To the Waters and the Wild, can be arranged into 2,704,156 different landscapes. Willard also created a paper airplane from 75 worksheets her children brought home from school. The plane also has strings of paper chains hanging from it, which Willard estimated were made from hundreds of other papers. I have kids that bring home piles of worksheets, Willard said. I started making paper chains. A lot of worksheets have their drawings on the back. Willard uses a variety of styles to create her art. She said she considers herself to be a mixed media artist, specializing in oil and acrylic paint but also using unexpected materials in her art to encourage creativity. When I go somewhere and look at art, I like stuff that makes me look two or three times and I see something I didnt see the first time, not something you can just pass a glance at and its done, Willard said. The exhibit also has a Spotify playlist of songs that inspired Willards work. The playlist features songs that reflect good and bad experiences of motherhood, such as Blue by Beyonce, Mother Revolution by Tori Amos and The Stolen Child by Loreena McKennitt. To listen to the entire playlist, visitors to the gallery will need to have the Spotify app. In addition to being a mother and artist, Willard is an art teacher at East Burke High School. She has been working on her masters degree for five years, taking one class at a time from the Savannah College of Art and Design in order to try and balance motherhood and teaching. She has had her work exhibited in local and regional galleries and featured in regional publications. Willards exhibit will be open to the public Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Fanjoy Labrenz Studio is at 215 First Ave., SW, in Hickory. COMPANY NEWS: Leading advisory and IT solutions provider, Atturra, has signed a multi-year contract with Brisbane Grammar School for the delivery of a Student Information System (SIS) using Microsoft Dynamics 365, which will simplify administrative processes and unlock new learning and service delivery capabilities. In addition, the SIS, which includes a wide array of functions ranging from people and profile management to financial reporting, can be licensed to other schools that need to streamline their operations and reduce administrative burden on educators. The partnership between Atturra and Brisbane Grammar School continues a long-standing and successful relationship between the two organisations, which began with the supply and management of laptops in 2016. Alexis Hill, Chief Information Officer, Brisbane Grammar School When we went to market, we were looking for an IT services partner that would be able to set the school up for success in the decades ahead, and support our agenda for growth and digital innovation, says Alexis Hill, Chief Information Officer, Brisbane Grammar School. We selected Atturra based on their experience in education and their comprehensive understanding of how education works. Having an existing relationship with them, they have been able to better support us with an inherent understanding of the value of education, in an age when new technologies are creating exciting opportunities to transform the future of learning. Working with an IT services partner is a big investment for our school. We were impressed with the combination of Atturras expertise with Microsoft Dynamics 365, their strong presence in Brisbane, and their accreditation as a Microsoft Solutions Partner integration team. The new SIS will replace a legacy, on-premise system housing 42 bespoke applications, which was unable to provide the school with up-to-date and reliable data. All community members will be able to use a common system for all their interactions with the school, reducing the administrative burden of operating multiple systems while unlocking data and capability for Brisbane Grammar School to evolve its processes and meet emerging learning and service delivery capabilities. The SIS will be built on Microsoft's Dynamics 365 and power application platforms, which offer a robust set of out-of-the-box capabilities, strong integration capabilities via APIs and Message Queues, and native integration with low and no-code platforms. The new solution supports an array of workflow processes and approvals for everyday school processes including cocurricular management, personalised learning, enrolments, school reports, excursions, communications, resource and incident management and financial billing and reporting. Although were building the system to meet our requirements, theres also a greater near-term opportunity for us to support schools who dont have the resources but still have the need for applications, says Hill. As a result, were working with Atturra and Microsoft to develop this modern SIS, with modules that can also be used by other educational institutions. Its a game changer for schools. Interested schools can adopt the solution in a modular manner, facilitating earlier deployment and enabling feedback collection while reducing the effort required to switch from systems. For example, a school which may only require an attendance and rostering module can then rapidly purchase a license at their own moment of need and buy more applications when required. Anthony Micallef Brisbane Grammar School Headmaster Brisbane Grammar School Headmaster, Anthony Micallef says the partnership is reflective of the significant track record that Atturra has in education technology. The delivery of a new SIS will be pivotal in the success of not only our students, but the school as a business. Working with an expert such as Atturra will ensure we achieve our strategic goals in digital transformation, while remaining competitive as a school and enhancing the collaboration and productivity of our people, says Micallef. Brett Auton, K12 Industry Lead for Atturra Brett Auton, K12 Industry Lead for Atturra, adds, This solution is a strategic joint effort towards initiating lasting change and fostering innovation within the education sector. As one of the leading Microsoft Partners in Australia, we are particularly proud to bring expertise and a strong track record in educational technology solutions. Our team, comprising education and technology specialists, is uniquely positioned to drive this project. Similarly, Microsoft's commitment to empowering organisations and its robust Dynamics 365 platform provide the technological backbone for this solution. Ultimately, we believe every school should have access to the best technology available and we look forward to making this a reality at Brisbane Grammar School and other schools that may want to reap the benefits of this modular solution. Data Army, a leading Australian data consultancy specialising in advanced data solutions, today announced it has successfully delivered a modern data solution at MA Money, one of Australias fastest growing non-bank mortgage lenders, in support of its inaugural $500 million residential Mortgage-Backed Security (RMBS) public term issuance as well as to underpin company momentum. Delivered within a six-week timeframe, the project incorporated Microsoft Azure, Snowflake data cloud, and Tableau, including a self-serve analytics platform tracking mortgage data for use within MA Moneys Treasury department and by MA Money external parties. We selected Data Army as our partner because we had confidence in their teams expertise and capabilities in information modelling and testing, says Chris Wyke, Joint CEO of MA Financial Group (the parent company of MA Money). Their strong track record of delivery, proven processes and focus on innovation, aligned perfectly with our project needs and tight timeframe. We were also impressed with their willingness to embed their team into our Agile scrum framework. Data Armys scope of work involved data retrieval and ingestion using Azure Data Factory (ADF), data staging on Azure Data Lake Gen 2 blob storage, as well using Snowflake for the companys data lake, data warehouse and data mart. In addition, Tableau was implemented for querying Snowflake for self-service analytics and business intelligence. Data Army also set up the initial framework of the test suite via DBT which is now proactively being used to alert MA Money of any potential issues to reduce the chance of poor information quality or historical data remediation events. Since the completion of our inaugural RMBS insurance, our team continue to develop our platform in preparation for future issuances, Wyke. Theres no doubt that this will help us continue our upward trajectory as one of Australias fastest growing non-banks. CSIRO's Innovate to Grow is a free, 10-week program assisting Australian SMEs to explore and use R&D for growth in advanced manufacturing solutions. Australias national science agency, CSIRO, is inviting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) working on advanced manufacturing solutions to apply for a self-paced, 10-week, online program that can help them turn an idea into an R&D opportunity. 'Innovate to Grow' was launched in 2020, and in just four years the free program has equipped over 500 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their research. CSIRO recently announced a $20 million investment to provide SMEs with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth. The funding will support an additional 600 SMEs through its Innovate to Grow program, kicking off with its Advanced Manufacturing cohort. CSIROs Director of Manufacturing, Marcus Zipper, explained how CSIROs unique position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing. Advanced manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia, Dr Zipper said. Its an exciting area of research and development for CSIRO, and we work collaboratively to connect SMEs with new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and environmental outcomes, while driving prosperity across the manufacturing sector. We translate research into products and processes that businesses want to adopt because what weve created is economically viable, more efficient and effective, and sustainable. The Innovate to Grow program is designed for companies embarking on early-stage R&D or those venturing into new solutions within advanced manufacturing. Successful program participants will gain access to expert facilitators and experienced researchers. With expert guidance, participants will learn how to formulate a research question, assess its impact, and seek out strategic partnerships. Additionally, they will acquire skills in developing a compelling R&D business case and funding proposal. Connop Metal Founder, Murray Connop, a 2022 Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing program participant, has made headlines for developing a world-first method of analysing the chemical compositions of PVC to make it recyclable - right here in Australia. Murray Connop said CSIROs program provided invaluable connections to industry experts. Thanks to the Innovate to Grow program, I gained the vital contacts and support needed to determine the feasibility of my project, Connop said. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to fellow start-ups and small businesses in advanced manufacturing. The invaluable connection to industry experts provided by this program has played a significant role in the success of my project. Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing is open to SMEs working in the following sub-sectors: Robotics Additive manufacturing Advanced materials and processes Mechatronics design and engineering Energy storage and battery technology Sensing and detecting technologies Natural products manufacturing Biomedical manufacturing Learn more and apply for the Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing program or discover more programs for SMEs. Applications close on 12 May 2024. FinTech Australia is calling on the Federal Government to address the challenging capital raising environment for startups and renew its support for Austrades effort to promote our local sector abroad. In its pre-budget submission (PDF) tabled ahead of the Federal Budget in May, the peak body outlined a number of measures aimed supporting and bolstering growth in Australia's fintech ecosystem, amid a downturn in capital raising for the entire startup ecosystem. FinTech Australia CEO Rehan DAlmeida said: While we understand the core focus of this budget is cost of living measures, our recommendations are at supporting Australias next round of prosperity and job creation. Fintech has a key role to play in not only improving the financial literacy and prosperity of Australians, but also in our transition to a green economy. Maintaining the industrys momentum is crucial in ensuring we see the most benefit from it as an agent of job creation and change. Measures FinTech Australia recommended include: Targeted initiatives to address capital raising challenges for fintechs and incentivise investment, especially targeting early stage companies Expand the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) initiatives to more clearly capture fintech businesses Fund the continuation of fintech trade and investment support Targeted incentives to promote the rollout of the Consumer Data Right A review and revitalisation of the Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox (ERS) Further funding and reinforcement of ASIC to handle an impending influx of licensing applications D'Almeida continued: While we will continue to work with the Federal Government on various regulatory issues such as the CDR and ERS, our priority is on issues affecting the entire sector. Namely capital raising and trade opportunities. The latest State of Australian Startup Funding Report reported a 53% year-on-year decline in startup funding. The fintech industry has been particularly affected, with startup funding down to $331 million in 2023 from $2 billion in 2022 and $3 billion in 2021. As a result, we are also seeing far fewer young businesses and new innovative ideas coming through the pipeline and urgent action is required to increase the amount and diversity of funding available to startups and scaleups. As such, now is the time for the government to review the current policy settings it has in place for early stage fintechs and startups. This includes recalibrating and expanding the Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership (ESVCLP) and Early Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) schemes, reviewing regulation on crowdfunding -- an industry that has significantly grown and evolved since it was introduced in 2017. We would also caution against proposals which will limit investment and damage investor confidence, such as ASICs suggestion to increase the sophisticated and wholesale investor test thresholds. Austrades FinTech Trade and Investment Program (FTIP) is also slated to end this year. Were calling on a renewal of the program, on the grounds that it has attracted millions in trade outcomes and created hundreds of jobs. According to the latest FinTech Census, over one-fifth of all Australian fintechs generate half of their revenue overseas. To date, weve held an incredibly productive relationship with the Federal Government, and both it and its agencies have made significant headway on navigating regulation affecting fintechs. We look forward to continued work alongside them and hope to see support for fintech through the Budget process. D'Almeida concluded. The Winston-Salem Police Department is investigating the fatal shooting of a 59-year-old woman on Sunday afternoon Police said in a news release that officers responded at 2:08 p.m. to a report of shots being fired in the 1300 block of North Main Street. Officers discovered Shannon Denean Clark was dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Clarks next of kin has been notified of her death, police said. Detectives are investigating the shooting. Anyone with information regarding this shooting can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904. The Text-A-Tip program at 336-276-1717 allows people text tips, photos and videos to the police. Without comment, its Monday. Again. And Tax Day only makes it worse. A decision about whether to release from prison the man convicted of killing Winston-Salem police Lt. Aaron Tise in 1992 wont be known for months. Parole hearings, increasingly rare since an overhaul to state sentencing laws in 1994, are just getting underway, and the boards life-altering decision wont come until summer. But that hasnt stopped his family and friends from making their feelings known about the possibility that Conrad Crews will be released from prison. As long as I have a breath in my body, Ill fight his release, said Bailey Howard, a retired Winston-Salem police officer and one of Tises closest friends. Thats understandable, given what he lived through early on the morning of June 26, 1992. Howard and Tise, both lieutenants, were working that day. Each had responsibility for roughly half the city Tise the east and Howard the west. Shortly after 1:30 a.m., patrol officers responded to a call about teenagers fooling around with construction equipment parked off New Walkertown Avenue. They didnt find anything (or anyone) but two hours later, after another call, they did. A road grader was being driven wildly through the Lakeside Apartments. Tise had pulled his cruiser off the side of a street and the grader smashed into his car at an estimated 35 miles an hour. He was crushed while trying to escape. Four young men were charged the next day with first-degree murder, assault and larceny. Charges against three were dropped because prosecutors said they didnt have enough evidence to convict. But the fourth man, 19-year-old Conrad Crews who was identified as the driver, was indicted for first-degree murder. A year later, in July 1993, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and a judge sentenced him to life. But life didnt really mean life. In those days, before truth-in-sentencing laws became a national trend, parole (and early release) were options for just about all criminal convictions handed down between 1981 and 1994. And because that was the law when Crews went to prison, Aaron Tises family and friends have to recount the worst night of their lives roughly every three years. So theyve started preparing for what they might say in a conference call with the parole board scheduled for April 23. Crews family and supporters will have their say in a separate hearing. Its been a very long time, said Tanya Tise, Aaron Tise widow. I dont dwell on it. It doesnt control my life. She didnt say the word she didnt have to but yet but hung in the air. Hard questions remain about forgiveness, rehabilitation and how much prison time justice demands for a murder conviction some still say was the result of young men fooling around with construction equipment. For Tanya Tise, forgiveness is much deeper than a theoretical Sunday school exercise. Its personal and not getting any easier with the passage of time. He was the love of my life and always will be, she said. Shes Methodist, attends services near her home and has asked a succession of pastors for guidance. Invariably, she said, theyve admitted to her they would struggle, too, under similar circumstances. It would be easier to say, at least for public consumption, that she's forgiven Crews but not forgotten. But Tanya Tise isnt wired that way, and if you ask her a question, shell answer honestly and from her heart. Out on the street, if someone says God says to forgive, thats easier for some people who havent lived with something like this, she said. Theres different stages to it. But for me, deep down, no. I cant. Not yet. The concept of forgiveness presents a similar moral quandary for Bailey Howard, too. Especially when a new round of parole hearings rolls around, he reviews the awful events of June 26, 1992, what he saw, what he heard and what came before. That night, other officers reported that a shirtless Crews was laughing when they got to him even as it was obvious that a policeman had been killed. Its just as well I didnt see that, Howard said. The fact that the road grader didnt stop after destroying Tises cruiser and struck a second one on U.S. 311 a few minutes later has convinced Howard that it was no accident. That and the fact that Crews had been released from prison in 1991 after serving four months of a five-year sentence hed received for firing a shotgun at two police officers tells Howard everything he needs to know about Crews attitude toward cops. The fours months, by the way, were a result of the same perverse sentencing laws in place at that time. Prison overcrowding meant that state officials were releasing some inmates after serving about a month for every year of their sentence. Raleigh, said Howard, disdain evident in his voice. The irony is, Crews should have been in prison when Aaron died. He caught every break they could give a person. Though Aaron Tise Honeybee to fellow officers was a dear friend, Howard also had to work through the violent, on-duty deaths of two other cops: officer Mike Jennings in a car crash June 26, 1992 and senior officer Bobby Beane, who was shot to death April 23, 1993. So when Howard, a retired cop and the son of a retired cop, is asked about forgiveness, he doesnt hesitate. His personal experience doesnt allow another way. I feel like Im a Christian, but Im not planning to forgive Conrad Crews, he said. Thats up to God, not me. He and Tanya Tise know that no matter their feelings, no matter what theyll say at next weeks hearing, a decision about Conrad Crews parole isnt up to them. Its out of my control, Tise said. Everything has been real stressful, but at least Ill know I tried. First Lady scheduled to visit GTCC GREENSBORO Ostensibly, First Lady Jill Bidens visit to Guilford Technical Community College this afternoon is about workforce development. Along with college officials, teachers and a well-screened student or two, Biden will participate in a round-table discussion about ways to better prepare young people to enter the work world with or without a college degree. Mmm-hmm. Its a worthwhile subject, and Biden, with a lifetime of teaching experience, is certainly qualified to weigh in. But with a general election being set up as nothing short of a battle for the nations soul in seven short months and North Carolina generally considered as something of a swing-state campaign visits by the candidates (and their stand-ins) will increase in frequency. And if business takes you anywhere near GTCC around 3 p.m. today, build extra time into your schedule. Those motorcades have a way of bringing traffic to a standstill. Jeld-Wen Holding Inc. said Friday it is closing two windows manufacturing plants in Vista, Calif., and Hawkins, Wis., affecting a combined 450 jobs. Jeld-Wen, based in Charlotte, makes high-performance interior and exterior building products. It has a combined 490 employees at the Charlotte headquarters and at its operational hub in North Wilkesboro. The manufacturer said the Wisconsin wood-windows plant has 340 employees. Its production is being shifted to a plant in Rantoul, Ill. The California plant makes composite windows for the brand name Auraline. The plant has 110 employees. The manufacturer said that "multiple market factors have made it prohibitive to competitively sustain the composite windows product line and it will be discontinued." Jeld-Wen Holdings Inc. of Charlotte, which has an operational hub in North Wilkesboro, said Thursday it has hired Bill Christensen as chief executive, effective immediately. Christensen, 49, joined the company in April as president of the Jeld-Wen Europe business unit. Christensen previously served as chief executive of Rehau AG, a Swiss-based global manufacturer. Christensen succeeds Gary Michel, who resigned as chairman and chief executive in August. David Nord was elected as chairman in August. Kevin Lilly, who served as interim chief executive, has been named as executive vice president for global transformation, including executive oversight for Jeld-Wen Europe and continues to have responsibility for the global information technology organization. The company makes high-performance interior and exterior building products. It has a combined 490 employees at the Charlotte headquarters and in North Wilkesboro. In May 2021, Jeld-Wen said it would create 235 jobs in Statesville as part of a $7.9 million capital investment for its VPI Quality Windows product. The convenience-store chain Wawa said Friday it plans to open its first North Carolina store at Kill Devils Hills on May 16. Wawa said it plans to open eight stores in North Carolina during 2024. Unfortunately for Triad residents, the planned locations are in Eastern North Carolina, with two in Goldsboro and Wilson and one each in Elizabeth City, Greenville and Rocky Mount. Wawa said Friday a location in Elizabeth City, Rocky Mount and Wilson are projected to open in the third quarter. Wawa, a privately held chain, also has more than 30 Eastern North Carolina sites going through local approval processes. By 2035, Wawa plans to build at least 80 stores in North Carolina. Wawa said each convenience store represents a $7 million capital investment with a workforce of 35. A 50-year-old Omaha man died Sunday in a two-vehicle crash just west of Mead in Saunders County. Bennett Roberts was pronounced dead at the scene, the Saunders County Sheriff's Office said in a press release. The collision occurred about 3:45 p.m. at the intersection of Nebraska 92 and U.S. 77. Investigators determined that Roberts was westbound on Nebraska 92 on a 2018 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Tami Bowen, 57, of Seward, was eastbound on Nebraska 92 in a 2013 Ford Focus when she turned north toward U.S. 77 in front of the motorcycle, causing the collision. Bowen was taken by ambulance to the Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy. Roberts was wearing a helmet and Bowen was using a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Mead Fire and Rescue, Yutan Fire and Rescue, Life Net, and the Wahoo Police Department assisted at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. Top Journal Star photos for April 2024 1. Yes. This is expected to be a high-turnout election. Its better to vote early and avoid the crowds. 2. Yes. The period is nearly two weeks long, so it should be easy to find a convenient time to vote. 3. No. Its better to wait until Election Day, just in case any last-minute information comes out. 4. No. Its more exciting to vote on Election Day, and its also more traditional. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say at this point. Ill make a decision as the election gets closer. Vote View Results GREENSBORO, N.C. Amanda Smith's admirers say heroes don't all wear capes. Some have a blue safety vest. If not for how high her delivery van sits from the road and a natural curiosity, the Greensboro Amazon driver would not have been able to see the peeking tire of an overturned car down a steep embankment. And Shirley Roberts might not have been found in time. "Something came over me that this is not normal," Smith recalled. "Something just didn't feel right." The black Ford sedan had plunged off the highway and down a steep embankment last month near Asheboro, North Carolina. The car is thought to have been there for hours with the great-grandmother trapped inside after swerving to miss a dog. Later at a hospital, doctors would find a broken neck, ribs and femur. This week, the retired lunch lady at a local school took 66 steps with a walker in rehab a milestone, said her daughter-in-law, Eleanor Roberts. "Had it not been for Amanda," Roberts said. Smith had been on a busy stretch of road, preparing to make a left turn when she glanced to her right. Her eye caught the tire, which in itself was not unusual. Sometimes they are tossed on the side of the road. But her vantage point up in the truck means she might see what others can't. And there was something about the way that tire poked up that led her to pull over. She put on her four-way flashers and got out. When she crossed the road and looked over the embankment, she saw a vehicle below a nestle of trees. She had a sense of urgency as she called for help. Smith could see the car's taillights and hear a radio playing, but she couldn't get all the way down to the vehicle. "Are you OK?" Smith called out. But there was no response. Her truck's hazard lights started drawing a crowd and one of the men in the forming group of onlookers was able to scale down the 20-foot drop to the overturned vehicle. He saw that the driver was alive and moving. Arriving emergency workers used the Jaws of Life tool to wrest the doors from the car. A rescue team took it from there. About 30 minutes later, Roberts was pulled out. Smith watched emergency responders load her onto a sled-like gurney and navigate her safely up the embankment. "It was all pretty terrifying while it was unfolding, but I just couldn't leave until I found out she was going to be OK," Smith said. Eleanor Roberts, the daughter-in-law, had been visiting West Virginia when a trooper from the Highway Patrol went through her mother-in-law's phone and found a name. While the officer shared that Shirley had been seriously injured and was at Moses Cone Hospital, Roberts did not tell her husband, Shirley's son, until they got back for fear they might have an accident trying to reach her. He just knew she had been involved in an accident and they needed to get back home. "I prayed all the way back," Roberts said. Smith stayed at the scene until the ambulance left. And then she was back in her van, making the rest of her deliveries. She wondered about the woman down the ditch. "She reminds me a lot of my grandmother," Smith said. The investigating trooper later called, asking if he could share her number with the family, which was eager to reach out and thank her. After having been through such trauma, Shirley Roberts doesn't want to talk about the accident, but there are plans for them to meet soon. The daughter-in-law has been keeping Smith updated on Shirley's condition. She calls Smith an "asphalt angel." Sometimes Smith serves as a dispatcher and might not even be out making deliveries. But not that day. "It was divine intervention," Eleanor Roberts said of Smith coming across her mother-in-law's car. "I'm just thankful I was there that day," Smith said. ___ The American space agency NASA has announced new efforts to develop and test vehicles designed to explore the moon. Earlier this month, NASA said it had chosen three private companies to design lunar explorers to be used as part of its Artemis program. Artemis aims to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972. NASA has set a target landing date of September 2026 to place astronauts on the moon once again. NASA announced the names of three companies that will each propose designs for the new vehicles. They are Texas-based Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost of Colorado and Venturi Astrolab of California. The space agency said it will consider the designs of all three companies, but will only award one of them a development contract. NASA describes the explorer it wants built as a Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV). It said the contract involving the project would be worth up to $4.6 billion over 15 years. The winning company will be expected to produce a full demonstration vehicle. The company Intuitive Machines developed a private moon lander that successfully touched down on the moon in February. The company announced late last month that the lander, called Odysseus, had powered down permanently after carrying out several research experiments. Jacob Bleacher is NASA's chief exploration scientist. He told reporters the LTV will be an important step in establishing a longer-term exploration and presence on the moon." He added, "I like to imagine the views and the vistas that the LTV will enable us to see from the surface of the moon." NASA said it will aim to launch the LTV for astronaut activities on the moon during Artemis V. This part of the Artemis program is currently set for 2030, NASAs latest budget request shows. NASA said it plans to test the vehicle on the surface of the moon before Artemis V arrives. Astronauts will use the LTV to travel around the lunar surface, conducting scientific research during the agencys Artemis campaign at the moon and preparing for human missions to Mars, NASA said. NASA officials say the LTV will need to be able to survive the extreme conditions found at the Artemis landing site at the moons South Pole. This will require the vehicle to have a strong and dependable power system and the latest in communications and navigation technologies. The vehicle will also need the ability to explore the moon on its own without astronaut drivers. The LTV will carry out exploration activities including transporting scientific equipment and collecting materials on the lunar surface. NASA said these abilities will permit astronauts to carry out research activities in a very wide area. We will use the LTV to travel to locations we might not otherwise be able to reach on foot, increasing our ability to explore and make new scientific discoveries, Bleacher said. NASA said the contract includes technical services as well as equipment. The agency said all the companies chosen had agreed to carry out the agencys exact technical requirements for the LTV. Venturi Astrolab said its planned vehicle, called FLEX, is designed to carry two astronauts, support scientific exploration with a robotic armand withstand the extreme temperatures at the lunar South Pole." Lunar Outpost said it was working with partners including American companies Lockheed Martin, General Motors, Goodyear and Canadas MDA Space. Lunar Outpost leader Justin Cyrus told the French news agency AFP that the company plans to use its expertise in technology and the automotive industry "to provide a true off-road vehicle capable of allowing us to live and work on the surface of the moon." Lunar Outpost is planning to put a small, crewless explorer on the Moon later this year, as part of Intuitive Machines' next lander mission. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from NASA and Agence France-Presse. Quiz - NASA Looks to Private Companies to Develop New Moon Vehicles Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ___________________________________________ Words in This Story terrain n. a particular kind of land vista n. a pleasing view, especially one enjoyed from a high place conduct v. to organize or do something location n. a place or position; site allow v. to permit Serbian Zeljko Ilicic saved his first horse from death 12 years ago and found his calling. Ilicic is now 43. He set up the Balkan countrys only horse sanctuary in 2015. It is found on a small piece of land in Lapovo in Central Serbia. The sanctuary is called Old Hill. In the Serbian language, it is Staro Brdo. Around 80 horses have passed through it over the years. Ilicic has taken in tortured, old, and abused horses. But he also takes those that had lived well but could no longer be looked after by caretakers. Animal care is an ongoing difficulty in Serbia. The country has little money and struggles with corruption after years of crisis and conflict in the 1990s. While officials run shelters for dogs, there are no state-supported places for horses. Ilicics sanctuary today provides shelter and care for many animals. I witnessed the sad destiny of a horse that was about to be put down, he said, recalling the first animal he saved. I decided to try to bring him back to life and to keep him if he survived. And he did. One of Ilicics favorite horses over the years, he said, was a local race winner that eventually died peacefully of old age. Another, now 28, was in a number of Serbian movies before retiring to the sanctuary. The horse struggles to move its legs because of a disease called arthritis. Some horses end up in a place where they are neither a pet nor a working machine on farms, he said. So, they become difficult for people to keep. Violeta Jovic works at the sanctuary. She remembers a time in 2020 when officials stopped a truck filled with over 20 illegally transported horses. The horses were on their way to be killed. She said they were all in bad condition but that the sanctuary found new homes for most of them. Three of the horses remained under their care. This is no longer volunteerism, or a hobby, or a job, she added. This has become my life. The sanctuary tries to find new homes for as many animals as possible to ensure there is always space for new ones. When a horse is ready for a new home, the sanctuary starts looking for possible caretakers. Staro Brdo today looks after many different kinds of animals. Those animals include nine horses, two donkeys, a buffalo, seven pigs, and several cats, dogs, and chickens. The sounds of different animal noises fill the small sanctuary when visitors arrive. Among the animals are seven cats that were found as babies in a closed plastic bag, and seven baby Yorkshire pigs that were rescued from a waste center. Now, they are fully grown animals that enjoy being with people. The sanctuary operates on donations. But Ilicic said he hopes to become self-supporting through different programs, including therapy riding. So far, Serbian officials have helped by repairing local roads. And Ilicic has worked with officials to support the health of animals that people in the area keep. But there is still no system to register his sanctuary as an official horse sanctuary. He said, We are the only ones in the Balkans at the moment and we hope that, in time, we will be recognized by the state. Im Gregory Stachel. Jovana Gec reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________________ Words in This Story sanctuary n. an area where wild birds or animals are protected and encouraged to produce young destiny n. what happens to somebody or what will happen to them in the future, especially things that they cannot change or avoid arthritis n. a disease that causes one or more joints of the body to become painful and swollen pet n. an animal that a person keeps at home for pleasure, rather than one that is kept for work or food hobby n. an activity that a person does for pleasure when not working therapy n. treatment of either physical or mental health problems, usually through means other than medication Piet De Staercke of Belgium, his wife and their two sons worried about how long it would take to get through passport control at Dulles Airport in Virginia. They were just beginning their fourth visit to the United States. It was always a long row, he said about the wait they experienced on earlier visits. But this time, the De Staerckes had downloaded a new app to their phones. The app was designed to make the entry process faster. It worked. The family passed through passport control quickly. With the app, its amazing, Piet De Staercke said. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released the app called Mobile Passport Control to improve the entry process. In the past, many solo travelers to the U.S. came for business events, so they could move through quickly. However, families with children were not so lucky. But things are changing. Families are a growing group of travelers and video meetings have reduced the need for business travel. CBP officials recently gave reporters a look at the new technology. In 2023, the agency processed over 394 million travelers coming into the U.S., an increase of 24 percent over 2022. At the same time, waiting time is going down at most airports. For airports that are very busy, the wait time is up a small amount, but customs officers are seeing 30 percent more passports than before. The app is available for Americans, permanent U.S. residents, Canadians and travelers from other countries that have agreements with the U.S. Travelers upload their information and photos to the app. People who have the app go to a separate line for processing. An officer then will take a picture of one member of the family. A computer recognizes the image and provides all the necessary information to process the whole group. CBP launched the app in 2021 but is now trying to get more people to use it. About 4.1 million people did so last year. The CBP said it is working with airlines to help people download the app while on their way to the U.S. Marc Calixte is the top CBP official at Dulles Airport. He said any second helps to save time. It adds up eventually, he said. There is another app for people who use Global Entry, a CBP program to ease entry for travelers it considers low-risk. The next step for CBP may be to make an internal change that will help passengers register for Global Entry. About 3.2 million people sought to join last year, but it is a long wait for the required interview with the agency. The agency says it takes as long as six months to process requests. This year, C.B.P. will offer about 4 million interviews. Earlier this year, American lawmakers wrote the agency to ask about the slowness of the process. They noted that the citizens they represent had been complaining about it. Brendan Blackmer is a chief for CBPs programs that include Global Entry. He said the agency is working to make more appointments available, to hold interviews at airports, and to make it easier for those who already have Global Entry to renew their membership. Some travelers will face increased costs connected to the programs for easing the entry process. Global Entry for example, will rise by $20. Other tech changes are ahead. Calixte said E-Gates will be added to some airports. That will permit those with Global Entry to move through the airport without meeting with a border agent. Down the road, Blackmer said, the app will permit the agency to sort travelers into groups ahead of time. For example, if they say they do not have anything to show an agent, they will be placed into a line that would move faster. Im Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press. _____________________________________________ Words in This Story row n. a line or section of a group of people waiting for something app n. a small computer program that runs on a mobile device resident n. a person who lives in a place mentioned in the story eventually adv. something that will happen after a period of time internal adj. happening inside of an organization complain v. to speak about a problem or a perceived problem We want to hear from you. What have your experiences been while traveling to the U.S. and going through customs? Macau will soon have a trade union law to regulate the establishment and activities of workers unions, after long years and many rejected proposals. The Legislative Assembly (AL) approved the bill at its final reading Friday. However, lawmakers Jose Pereira Coutinho and Che Sai Wang, both linked with the Macao Public Servants Association (ATFPM), abstained. After the bills approval, Che, speaking for both lawmakers, said they had abstained in all 53 articles of the bill because this version, is still very fragmented. It does not take into account many aspects that we [Che and Pereira Coutinho] have alerted the government to, especially matters related to local organizations participation and membership of international workers organizations as well as [the matters related to] collective negotiation. The two also claimed the government should scrupulously respect the provisions of the Macau Basic Law as well as other documents and local regulations that safeguard the right to protest and to strike. Che said the new law as approved will not in any way empower the workers. They also believe it will not improve anything when compared to the current regulations on associations. Recently, Pereira Coutinho, one of the major advocates for the creation of a trade union law, had expressed disappointment with the direction the new law was taking, stating conclusively on several occasions that this law [proposal] is worse than the current law. The new law will take effect March 31, 2025, almost one year after being approved. This is to allow existing groups involved in workers rights activities to adjust to the new rules, including the formalization of the groups as unions. Lawmakers Chui Sai Peng, Wang Sai Man, and Ip Sio Kai approved the bill. They hoped the new law can continue to strike a balance between employers and employees, noting that balance is essential so local companies can develop stably. Also pleased with the new laws approval were lawmakers linked to the Macau Federation of Trade Unions who said it is an important step forward to tackle an existing legal loophole. Eight directors were selected to receive HKD300,000 each to fund their short film projects after completing last weeks inaugural International Film Camp. Organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy and sponsored by Sands China Ltd., the film camp hosted over 550 applicants from across Asia. The selected participants received mentorship from industry professionals such as Hong Kong director Mabel Cheung and Singapores Anthony Chen. Through a panel of judges, eight winners were chosen from 16 finalists based on their film concepts addressing the theme of My Hometown. The recipients represent a range of countries and regions, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia and Cambodia. The winning directors and their film project titles are: Song Dongxu of mainland China for Ride Your Horse; Lee Chak Hang of Hong Kong for Sweet, Sour and Bitter; Galilee Ma of Macau for Pop It; Lkhagvadulam Purev-ochir of Mongolia for A South Facing Window; Chen Yun of mainland China for Catching Alternative; To Chun Him of Hong Kong for Once Upon A Time There Was A Mountain; Lan Tian of mainland China for One Home To Another; and Ines Sothea of Cambodia for Homecoming Waves. Once completed, the films will premiere at the Asian Film Awards Festival. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., remarked, The highly-anticipated inaugural International Film Camp is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between Hong Kong and Macau, marking a significant milestone for the development of Macaus film industry. Staff Reporter Chinas exports contracted in March after growing in the first two months of the year, underscoring the uneven nature of the countrys recovery from the pandemic. Customs data released late last week show exports declined 7.5% in March from a year earlier, while imports slipped 1.9%. Both figures fell short of estimates. In the January-February period, exports rose 7.1% year-on-year while imports climbed 3.5%. China, the worlds second-largest economy, posted a trade surplus of $58.55 billion in March. The surplus in the first two months of the year was $125 billion. The decline in exports partly reflected a higher base of comparison with March 2023, when exports jumped 14.8% as the economy reopened after languishing under strict COVID-19 controls. The economy has slowed in the medium-term partly due to a crisis in the property industry brought on by a crackdown on excessive borrowing. Weakness in exports would be a further drag on growth. We think export volumes will rise more slowly this year, given that consumer spending in advanced economies is cooling and the tailwind from last years sharp drop in export prices is fading, Zichun Huang, a China economist at Capital Economics, said in a note. But she said imports would probably gain momentum as higher government spending boosts demand. An official survey of factory purchasing managers in March showed manufacturing activity expanding for the first time in six months. The survey showed an expansion in new export orders for the first time in nearly a year. China has set a target of around 5% for economic growth this year, an ambition that will require more policy support, economists say. The latest data belie worries that China might ramp up its exports to help meet its growth target, adding to excess capacity in many industries. Surging shipments of electric vehicles to Europe have raised alarm over whether Chinese-made EVs might crowd out those made by local manufacturers. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made the issue of overcapacity a main topic of her recent visit to Beijing, where she met with Premier Li Qiang and other top leaders. Exporters have been slashing prices to increase their sales abroad, but with losses mounting, the ability of manufacturers to cut prices is shrinking, Huang said. Earlier this week, the government reported that consumer prices grew only 0.1% in March while producer prices declined 2.8%, suggesting weakness in demand relative to supply. Wang Lingjun of the General Administration of Customs told reporters in Beijing that weak producer prices do not necessarily indicate overcapacity. The decline in prices is often related to various factors such as fluctuations in raw material prices, technological updates and adjustments and efforts of manufacturers to improve their profits, Wang said. Consumers worldwide favor Chinese products such as reliable and durable construction machinery and ceramics that are a business card of Chinese civilization, Wang said. Chinese goods are widely welcomed in the global community, relying on innovation and quality, Wang said. ZEN SOO, HONG KONG, MDT/AP Rating agency Fitch Ratings has affirmed Macaus Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at AA with a stable outlook, believing recent changes to Chinas credit profile do not significantly impact Macau. In a report Friday, Fitch analysts said Macaus economy highly depends on mainland China, but its strong public finances and fiscal prudence support the current rating. Although Macau sees economic and gaming revenue shocks, Fitch said finances were managed well during difficult periods. The rating agency said sustained economic diversification away from the gaming industry could lead to a positive rating action or upgrade for Macau. Currently, gaming dominates Macaus economy. Fitch has reported Macaus rating remains underpinned by exceptionally strong public and external finances demonstrated even during past economic downturns. However, the narrow economic base focused on gaming and high reliance on gaming tourists from mainland China present risks if policies change how gaming tourism operates. In March, Fitch projected Macaus 2024 economic growth at about 15% assuming casino gross gaming revenue recovered to 79.5% of pre-pandemic 2019 levels compared to 2023s estimated 62.6% recovery. Staff Reporter The government has said ecological island is currently the only solution to effectively handling waste. Speaking to the press on the sidelines of an event yesterday, Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raimundo do Rosario reiterated that existing landfills for construction waste have become full, hence, such reclamation is necessary, He defended that the entire process of the ecological island, including site selection, size and dolphin conservation was discussed with the central government and monitored by national experts and institutions, and called on the public to rest assured. Asked whether all research reports on the ecological island will be made public, the government said it generally does not disclose while doing it, as cited in a TDM report. Once the authorities decide the development direction, they will disclose the information online, he said. Earlier this year, there was a call to halt the proposal to put a landfill off the southern coast of Coloane. In the description of an online petition, an environmentalist, Joe Chan, predicted the landfill will damage marine life, intensify water pollution, and risk the health of aquatic activities practitioners. More importantly, it will destroy the ecology of Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins, he said. The dolphin is a national Tier-1 key protected animal. Chan also criticized the government for failing to provide any scientific data to support the unique necessity of the project, and no environmental assessments were produced. The public consultation period only lasts 50 days, which he believes is too short for such an important issue. According to the government official, it is impossible to satisfy everyones opinions, but the government will collect and analyze all suggestions before deciding. Staff Reporter The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has issued a recall alert for packs of 1664 Blanc Biere Blanche beers after ethylene glycol was discovered in some batches overseas. Drinkers in France are being warned to avoid the popular beer brand after it was found to potentially contain dangerous chemicals. The recalled beer comes in 12-bottle packs with bottles holding 25 cl each. Affected batches have the identification barcode 3080216036182 and best before date of March 31, 2025. Food safety watchdogs in Hong Kong and Macau are now investigating potential imports of the tainted brew. Related Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel early yesterday after Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushed the Middle East closer to a regionwide war. A military spokesman said the launches numbered more than 300 but 99% of them were intercepted. Calling the outcome a very significant strategic success, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Of those, several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base. Rescuers said a 7-year-old girl in a Bedouin Arab town was seriously wounded in southern Israel, apparently in a missile strike, though they said police were still investigating the circumstances of her injuries. In Washington, President Joe Biden said U.S. forces helped Israel down nearly all the drones and missiles and pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response. The Iranian attack, less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building, marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Condemnation from the United Nations chief and others was swift, with France saying Iran is risking a potential military escalation, Britain calling the attack reckless and Germany saying Iran and its proxies must stop it immediately. Hagari said the vast majority of the intercepts came outside Israels borders, including 10 cruise missiles that were intercepted by warplanes. A wide-scale attack by Iran is a major escalation, he said. Asked whether Israel would respond, Hagari said only that the army does and will do whatever is required to protect the security of the state of Israel. He said the incident was not over, and dozens of Israeli warplanes remained in the skies. Israels military said its Arrow system, which shoots down ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, handled most interceptions and noted that strategic partners were involved. At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week, Biden said in a statement. Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our service members, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a separate statement that U.S. forces intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke early yesterday, Israeli time, their governments said. Biden said in his statement that he reaffirmed Americas ironclad commitment to Israels security a departure from his growing criticism of Israels conduct in its war on Hamas in Gaza. Iran had vowed revenge since the April 1 airstrike in Syria, which Tehran accused Israel of being responsible for. Israel hasnt commented on it. Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israels six-month war against Hamas militants in Gaza. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. An Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed over 33,000 people, according to local health officials. Almost immediately after the war erupted, Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon, began attacking Israels northern border. The two sides have been involved in daily exchanges of fire, while Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, Syria and Yemen have launched rockets and missiles toward Israel. In a statement carried late Saturday by Irans state-run IRNA news agency, the countrys paramilitary Revolutionary Guard acknowledged launching dozens of drones and missiles towards the occupied territories and positions of the Zionist regime. In a later statement, the Revolutionary Guard issued a direct warning to the U.S.: The terrorist U.S. government is warned any support or participation in harming Irans interests will be followed by decisive and regretting response by Irans armed forces. IRNA also quoted an anonymous official saying ballistic missiles were part of the attack. A ballistic missile moves on an arch trajectory, heading up into space before gravity brings the weapon down at a speed several times faster than the speed of sound. Israel has a multilayered air-defense network that includes systems capable of intercepting a variety of threats including long-range missiles, cruise missiles, drones and short-range rockets. However, in a massive attack involving multiple drones and missiles, the likelihood of a strike making it through is higher. Iran has a vast arsenal of drones and missiles. Online videos shared by Iranian state television purported to show delta-wing-style drones resembling the Iranian Shahed-136s long used by Russia in its war on Ukraine. The slow-flying drones carry bombs. Ukraine has successfully used both surface-to-air missiles and ground fire to target them. Some Israelis watched the interceptions light up the night sky. Air raid sirens were reported in numerous places including northern Israel, southern Israel, the northern West Bank and the Dead Sea near the Jordanian border. Israels army ordered residents in the Golan Heights near the Syrian and Lebanese borders as well as the southern towns of Nevatim and Dimona and the Red Sea resort of Eilat into protective spaces. Dimona is home to Israels main nuclear facility, and Nevatim has a major air base. Loud booms were heard in Jerusalem and northern and southern Israel. The armys Home Front Command canceled school Sunday and limited public gatherings to no more than 1,000 people. Israel and some other countries in the region closed their airspace. Earlier, Netanyahu warned: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. JOSEF FEDERMAN & JON GAMBRELL, JERUSALEM, MDT/AP The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosario, said the Macau Bridge will be completed by the end of June at the earliest and opened within the third quarter. Director of Public Construction Bureau Lam Wai Hou said the name Macau Bridge was selected through a public naming campaign last year. If tourists arrive in Macau by sea, it will be the first bridge they see and signify their arrival. Each of Macaus four cross-harbor bridges now has a distinct name reflecting its location. Officials said signage will be added to help residents and visitors identify the new bridge. Completion is expected in the third quarter allowing for final inspections and preparations for opening. Related Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday vowed to boost social spending, develop infrastructure and make India into a global manufacturing hub as companies shift away from China, as he unveiled his Hindu nationalist partys election strategy. Modi hopes to return to power for a third five-year term. He and other leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party unveiled their promises in the worlds largest democracy days before the start of a multi-phase general election. Modi promised to expand social programs introduced during his partys 10-year rule, including millions of free homes for the poor, along with health care, cooking gas and free grain. His government has been paying 6,000 rupees ($73) a year to poor farmers. He said his governments policies have pulled 250 million people out of poverty since he came to power in 2014. India is the worlds most populous country with over 1.4 billion people. The BJPs president, J.P. Nadda, said less than 1% of Indian people now live in extreme poverty. India holds its elections on different days in different parts of the country, stretching over weeks. Voting for the countrys parliament will begin on April 19 and run until June 1, and results will be announced on June 4. Most polls have predicted a victory for Modi and the BJP. But the opposition Congress Party argues that Modi has undermined Indias democracy and favored the interests of the rich. Modi has been campaigning extensively across the country, promising to expand Indias economy to $5 trillion by 2027 from around $3.7 trillion. He also promises to put India on track to become a developed country by 2047, when the country celebrates 100 years of independence from British colonialists. Yesterday, he said his party would develop India as a hub for the pharmaceutical, energy, semiconductor and tourism industries. He also said India will modernize its infrastructure, including its railways, airways, and waterways. And he said he will seek to increase jobs for young people and access to cheap loans for young entrepreneurs. Modi is broadly popular in India, where hes considered a champion of the countrys Hindu majority and has overseen rapid economic growth. But critics say another term for the BJP could undermine Indias status as a secular, democratic nation, saying its 10 years in power have brought attacks by Hindu nationalists against the countrys minorities, particularly Muslims, and a shrinking space for dissent and free media. ASHOK SHARMA, NEW DELHI, MDT/AP A Road Traffic Law amendment bill late last week passed in its first reading at the Legislative Assembly (AL). But several lawmakers have raised concerns over the bill, questioning the need for a deductible point system for some traffic-related infractions. Several lawmakers including Nick Lei, Ella Lei, Leong Sun Iok, and Lo Choi In, have questioned the necessity of a system that mimics similar systems in many regions worldwide. They claim the governments proposed system is confusing, and the government side has been unable either to justify it or explain why it applies to some traffic infractions and not others. Nick Lei, one of the more active critics, said Macau does not need to copy what others have just because they have it. He said several infractions proposed for point deduction are not even that problematic and occur infrequently in Macau. Ella Lei and Leong raised the same concerns while lawmaker Lo said the government should focus on improving road and street conditions before enforcing harsher penalties. The government should also improve a lot the conditions of some traffic-related facilities instead of imposing the penalties. There are zebra crossings in bad locations with a lack of visibility for drivers and pedestrians, for instance. I believe before enforcing new penalties without a public discussion [] the government should fix the existing problems [that contribute to some of the traffic infractions and accidents], she said. The same lawmaker opposed the new rule that pedestrians are not allowed to use mobile phones while crossing streets. She said this is something that interferes directly with peoples freedoms. In response, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosario, did not provide a clear answer to the many concerns raised, but he said the government side was open to discussing details about the point deduction system and the infractions included. He refused to debate the topic at the plenary, calling instead for discussion to move behind closed doors, that is, to the AL Standing Committee meetings that will analyze the bill in detail. This was the second time the bill has been discussed at the AL. The first time it was discussed, the bill was not subject to a vote with several lawmakers calling for a postponement of the debate because the government could not clearly explain the proposed amendments. This time, even though the responses were the same, most lawmakers voted in favor of the bill. It was passed in the first reading and now moves to the First Standing Committee for further discussion. Thailands foreign minister late last week said he urged Myanmars military authorities not to violently respond to its armys loss of an important border trading town to its opponents, and that so far they seemed to be exercising restraint. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara spoke during a visit to Mae Sot, which lies directly across a river from Myanmars Myawaddy, where army troops abandoned their last defensive position early Thursday. Their hasty escape ceded virtual control of the busy trading town to guerrillas of the ethnic Karen National Union and its allies, including members of the pro-democracy Peoples Defense Forces. Myanmars once-mighty armed forces have suffered a series of unprecedented defeats since last October, losing swathes of territory including border posts to both ethnic fighters and guerrilla units. Civilians took up arms after the generals seized power in 2021 from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The military has frequently hit back heavily, using air power. Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for Myanmars military government, told the BBCs Burmese language service Thursday night that the soldiers at the armys last base outside Myawaddy town abandoned the post for the safety of their families who were living with them. He said Myanmar was in talks with Thailand about getting them safely back, and acknowledged that Karen guerrillas were inside the town. There is concern that the Myanmar military might launch a concerted counter- attack against Myawaddy, which could send thousands fleeing into Thailand for safety and badly disrupt border trade. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the area, Foreign Minister Parnpree said Thailand had already spoken with Myanmars military and told them they did not wish to see violence, offering Thailands help. Now, what we are most concerned about is that we want to see peace in Myawaddy, not only because of the trading, but its our neighbor, he said. We do not wish for any violence to happen. If talks are possible, among their groups, we will be very welcoming of that, and if they want us to be the mediator, we are ready to help coordinating. He said he hoped there could be talks between the opposing sides to prevent retaliatory attacks. We have already sent people to talk to them. And for the situation today, they already said that there will not yet be any violent retaliation. If they wanted to be violent, they would have already done that days ago. On Friday evening, however, there were at least two loud explosions emanating from the area on the Myanmar side of one of the two bridges connecting Myawaddy and Mae Sot. Their cause could not immediately be discovered. Residents from both sides of the river said earlier there have been frequent explosions in the past few days from airstrikes against captured positions outside Myawaddy town, but that Friday was quiet. Thai immigration officials said visitor numbers from Myanmar were unexceptional. JERRY HARMER & JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, MAE SOT, MDT/AP Google is -- for better or for worse -- the front page of the internet. The nearly $2 trillion company controls more than 90% of the online search market and is so ubiquitous that the companys name is often used as a verb. But never has it so openly and transparently used its size and market dominance to try to directly influence a public policy debate than now. Last year, California Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, a Democrat from Oakland, stood up to the largest internet company in the world and fought for California journalism by introducing the California Journalism Preservation Act (AB 886). Members of the Assembly supported her, passing the California Journalism Preservation Act, or CJPA, on an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 55-6. Last week, as the legislation has awaited action in the Senate, Google punched back. The internet search monopoly throttled traffic to California news sites in an attempt to threaten, intimidate and cajole California publications and lawmakers into dropping their support for the CJPA. This undemocratic attack on journalism was an attempt to silence the voices of local news providers. We will not be silenced. Quote box Googles strong-arm maneuver to throttle traffic to news sites wont work. Google is not above the law. The fight over the California Journalism Preservation Act is not just a fight for local news survival in California, but a fight for democracy. The simple fact is that Googles growth and dominance has come at the expense of local news and other businesses, which must play by their rules or risk obsolescence. Newsrooms across this state and country are shrinking, and local newspapers are closing. In fact, 2,500 newspapers have closed their doors since 2004. Around the country, more than two newspapers close every week. The shift in the way news is consumed in the last 20 years has led to a media landscape where many get their news on social media. These same platforms would sooner promote mis- and disinformation and put their users and democracy at risk than pay publishers of quality journalism fairly for use of their content. The CJPA is a commonsense piece of legislation that requires Google to pay publishers and broadcasters for the use of the news outlets content. Publishers would be required to spend 70% of any funds collected as a result of these payments on journalism jobs. The bill has only improved since overwhelmingly passing the California Assembly last year. Wicks has agreed to language that would base payouts on the number of journalists a paper employs and set aside a portion of funds for small, local papers. Wicks understands that when local journalism thrives, democracy thrives. Googles strong-arm maneuver to throttle traffic to news sites wont work. We will not allow local newsrooms to be censored, silenced and threatened -- even by one of the largest companies on the planet. Google is not above the law. Local news providers will not bow down to threats, and we will continue to advocate for sensible legislation that can revitalize our independent news media. Our resolve to protect journalism and preserve democracy has never been stronger. Luxury retailer SSI Group Inc. said Monday it posted a record net income in 2023 as the group continued to benefit from post-pandemic revenge spending. SSI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it earned P2.58 billion in 2023, an increase of 34 percent from a year ago as revenues jumped 17 percent to P27.7 billion. - Advertisement - The group also booked an all-time high fourth-quarter net income of P1.1 billion, up 4.1 percent from the same period year. Fourth-quarter revenues grew 8.4 percent to P8.8 billion as the group benefitted from its unique brand portfolio, strategic store network and resilient customer base. SSI said its international fashion brands and restaurants continued to capture consumers increasing discretionary spending. Our record full-year 2023 results reflect the groups ability to capture increasing discretionary spending through our emphasis on delivering world-class customer experiences. The group also continues to benefit from a resilient customer base, a flexible operating platform, an optimized expense base, and a strong cash position, said SSI president Anthony Huang. Within the normalizing operating environment of the last quarter of 2023, the group saw significant sales growth and gross margin expansion. I believe that the optimized expense base that we benefit from, coupled with the compelling brand portfolio we make available to consumers, will continue to drive growth and profitability in 2024, said Huang. The companys brand portfolio can be classified into five categories including luxury and bridge; casual; fast fashion; footwear, accessories and luggage; and others, which include home furnishings and accessories, interior design items, food and personal care. It operates more than 500 stores across the country. which cover over 100,000 square meters. SSI formed a joint venture company with Italian luxury fashion brand Prada in December aimed at accelerating the growth of the brand in the Philippines. Sydney, Australia Australian police said Monday they are investigating why a 40-year-old man with mental illness appeared to target women as he roamed a Sydney shopping mall with a large knife, killing six people and injuring a dozen more. Videos shared on social media showed unshaven itinerant Joel Cauchi pursuing mostly female victims as he rampaged through the vast, crowded Westfield shopping complex in Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon. - Advertisement - Five of the six victims killed were women, as well as most of those wounded. The videos speak for themselves dont they, and thats certainly a line of inquiry for us, New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb said. Thats obvious to me, its obvious to detectives, that that seems to be an area of interest that the offender had focused on women and avoided men, she told national broadcaster ABC. Webb stressed that police could not know what was in the mind of the attacker. Thats why its important now that detectives spend so much time interviewing those who know him. Cauchis Facebook profile said he came from Toowoomba, near Brisbane, and had attended a local high school and university. A distinctive grey, red and yellow dragon tattoo on his right arm was used to help identify him. Very traumatic The last of Cauchis six victims was identified Monday as Yixuan Cheng, a young Chinese woman who was a student. The other women killed were a designer, a volunteer surf lifesaver, the daughter of an entrepreneur, and a new mother whose wounded nine-month-old baby is in hospital. The mother, 38-year-old Ashlee Good, handed her injured baby girl to strangers in desperation before being rushed to hospital where she died of her wounds. The baby, named Harriet, remains in a stable condition in a Sydney hospital, police said. Goods family described her as a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human and so much more. To the two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not words cannot express our gratitude, they said in a statement to Australian media. The only man killed was 30-year-old Pakistani man Faraz Tahir, who had been working as a security guard when he was stabbed. Cauchis assault, which lasted about half an hour, was brought to an end when solo police inspector Amy Scott shot him dead. Following the shooting, Scott who has been hailed as a hero was spending time with her family to deal with the very traumatic matter, the state police chief said. In a statement, Cauchis parents offered thoughts for the victims and said their sons actions were truly horrific. We are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager. Doing her job The parents also sent a message to the officer who shot their son dead. She was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright, they said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken to the families of some of the victims. The gender break-down is of course concerning each and every victim here is mourned, he told ABC radio, promising a comprehensive police investigation. Cauchi is believed to have travelled to Sydney about a month ago and hired a small storage unit in the city, according to police. It contained personal belongings, including a boogie board. He had been living in a vehicle and hostels, and was only in sporadic contact with his family via text messages, his parents said. WASHINGTON, DC US House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday (Monday in Manila) he aims to advance war-time aid to Israel this week following Irans weekend attack, but did not clarify whether Ukraine funding would be part of the package. American assistance for both nations has languished amid political bickering in Congress, with Johnson an ally of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump blocking an earlier $95 billion in aid sought by President Joe Biden for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan which had passed the Senate. - Advertisement - The House Republicans and the Republican Party understand the necessity of standing with Israel. Were going to try again this week, and the details of that package are being put together right now, Johnson told Fox show Sunday Morning Futures. Were looking at the options on all these supplemental issues. Johnson is walking a knife edge on aid for Ukraine, as Trump and far-right lawmakers in the House of Representatives have grown skeptical of pouring billions of dollars into Kyivs fight against Russias invading forces. The speaker huddled with Trump Friday in Florida. On Sunday he told Fox he was considering structuring the aid to Ukraine as a loan, as Trump has suggested and which Johnson said I think has a lot of consensus. Biden meanwhile participated in a call with congressional leaders on Sunday including Johnson to address the urgent need for the House to approve the bipartisan aid package passed by the Senate. On the call, the president discussed the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible, the White House said in a statement. Several House conservatives have said they want stricter US migration policies added to any security aid package. I for one am prepared to help Ukraine, but I want to see us deal with the southern border, Senator Marco Rubio told CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, adding: If the Senate were to send the House a (standalone) Israel aid bill on Monday, the House will pass it. SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Monday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to revoke fugitive Apollo Quiboloys license to own and possess firearms. Quiboloy is armed and dangerous. His armed soldiers are all ready to die for him, Hontiveros stressed. - Advertisement - The senator, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, issued the statement after photos and videos that circulated online showing Quiboloys alleged private army training with firearms. The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said however, that Quiboloy cannot be considered armed and dangerous although he registered at least 19 firearms. The PNP explained that the founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) had no previous record of violence or a record of employing private armed groups. This was countered by Hontiveros who insisted that the PNP should do better. She took pot-shots on them for turning a blind eye on Quiboloys private army while everybody knows on social media that the Pastor has one. According to the senator, Quiboloy is a fugitive so that the PNP should no longer hesitate in getting back his guns. Hontiveros also stressed that the PNP should exhaust all efforts to nail Quiboloy since the fugitive televangelist already faces two warrants of arrest. I urge the new PNP chief, Gen Rommel Marbil, to step up. There could be a failure of intelligence if it takes this long to locate Quiboloys whereabouts. Despite the warrants of arrest issued by the Davao and Pasig courts, Quiboloy remained in hiding and could not be located by the law enforcers. With with his private army, Hontiveros said Quiboloy is a threat to peace and order in the country. In a media briefing on Monday, Senator Robinhood Padilla renewed his call for Quiboloy, a close friend of his, to show up and face the charges. He maintained that Quiboloy should be tried before a court to avoid politics coming interceding. He also hope there would be no violence. Padilla decried the issue of press freedom being dragged in Quiboloys case, resulting to the revocation of his TV station SMNI. He argued there was lack of due process after the government cancelled the SMNI license when only one program of the network committed the alleged violation. President Marcos on Monday committed to ensure a free and safe environment for journalists in the Philippines as envisioned under the Bagong Pilipinas campaign of the administration. The President also committed to defend press freedom and to bring justice members of the press who were slain in the line of duty. - Advertisement - Under the banner of a Bagong Pilipinas, we are steadfast in adhering to our shared mission of advancing the welfare of the Filipinos and nurturing a truly free and safe environment for all journalists, he said during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP). Our national interest is better served by a press that is critical rather than a press that is cooperative, the President said. The chief executive is the first Philippine president in nine years to attend the FOCAP forum while his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. started the tradition and was the first Philippine leader to grace it 50 years ago. Your first guest for this luncheon was my father, 50 years ago. Five decades later, I stand here, addressing you as the President, to celebrate your golden anniversary and carry on the legacy of this important media tradition, he said. President Ferdinand Marcos said he would not hand over his predecessor to the International Criminal Court (ICC) regardless of the ongoing tirades coming from former President Rodrigo Duterte. During FOCAPs 50th Anniversary Presidential Forum, Mr. Marcos was asked if he would allow the ICC to arrest Duterte over his deadly war on drugs campaign, Mr. Marcos said no. - Advertisement - The refusal of the current administration to hand over Duterte to the ICC came even as Duterte criticized Marcos earlier for being a drug addict. Marcos has also called out Duterte for drug use. Marcos, however, stood firm on his decision not to recognize ICCs jurisdiction in the Philippines. We are well within international law when we take the position of not recognizing the jurisdiction of the ICC in the Philippines, the President stated. The ICC launched a formal inquiry into Dutertes drug war sometime in September 2021. The inquiry was suspended two months later after the former administration said it was re-investigating hundreds of cases of drug operations that led to deaths at the hands of police operatives, hitmen, and vigilantes. The ICCs chief prosecutor later moved to reopen the inquiry, and pre-trial judges at the court eventually agreed to reopen the case in late January 2023. It was a decision that Manila appealed shortly afterwards and lost. Asked about the current relationship between him and the Duterte clan, President Marcos said Its complicated. The relationship between the two has been fractured in the last two years. Duterte, who withdrew the country from the ICC in 2019, is under investigation for alleged human rights abuses committed under his bloody drug war. The war on drugs campaign, which started in 2016, resulted in a minimum of 6,000 deaths, as per official government records. However, human rights organizations estimated a much higher toll, ranging from 12,000 to 30,000 between 2016 and 2019. While Marcos insisted that they focus on treatment and rehabilitation, the drug war has continued under his administration. President Ferdinand Marcos said the alleged secret deal between former president Rodrigo Duterte and Beijing on the West Philippine Sea has many excuses. The President stressed during the presidential forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on Monday that it is difficult to get answers relating to the gentlemans agreement. - Advertisement - We still have to find out what it is all about. I have tried to get in touch with former officials of the previous administration who could possibly have been involved in these discussions. And, I have to tell you, I havent gotten a straight answer out of anyone, the President stated. The President underscored that he has three questions as regards the secret deal: Is there such an agreement? What is contained in the secret agreement, and why is it secret? These are very simple questions, but Im finding it difficult to arrive at the answers because I hear one thing, and another thing, and another thing. Its all very so many excuses, the President explained. I am horrified by the idea that we have compromised into a secret agreement the territory, the sovereign rights of the Filipino, the President also said. On the other hand, Duterte refuted the claims of the alleged secret deal between him and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. There is no agreement, as is where it is, he said during a late-night Thursday briefing. He, however, said that he had talked with Xi about maintaining a status quo in the disputed region. Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday said the contradictory statements entered into by Duterte with China all the more requires the investigation of the Senate. As a way to probe the gentlemans agreement, Hontiveros proposed Senate Resolution No. 982. Should the gentlemans deal be proven true, Dutertes actions to surrender the countrys sovereignty to China would thus be considered treasonous, she said. According to Hontiveros, while this sham of an agreement handed over more ammunition to Beijing, especially in its assertions over the disputed territory, it likewise comes as an insult to the countrys sovereignty. Also, Duterte endangered our national security, the senator said, making the Philippines look like a Chinese puppet, she added. Hontiveros also responded to Dutertes statement that the conditions at West Philippine Sea were better during his administration, reminding Filipinos that it was at the time when China passed the disastrous fishing ban against local fisherfolk. It was also during that time when members of the Chinese Navy armed with missiles harassed Filipino journalists. The Philippines got nothing from China, she added. Meanwhile, Sen. Robin Padilla believes there is no need for a Senate hearing on Hontiveros resolution. The actor-turned-senator said Duterte and President Marcos should keep their words between themselves so as not to reveal to China what they are doing. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines has expressed concern over developments in the Middle East as Iran launched a retaliatory attack on Israel amid the latters ongoing war with Hamas militants in Gaza. The DFA on Monday also urged all parties to refrain from escalating the situation and work toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict. - Advertisement - The Philippines expresses its serious concern over the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, DFA said. On Saturday, April 13, Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles toward Israel in retaliation to the airstrike on the Iranian Embassy in Syria that killed at least 16 people. Israel has not claimed responsibility nor denied the attack on the Iranian embassy. However, the strike on the embassy came amid the heightened conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Iran-based terrorists who are sympathizers of Hamas. In a statement, the Israeli Embassy in Manila said Israel is ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. The embassy also cited Iran, particularly its Revolutionary Guard Corps, for holding as hostage four Filipino seafarers, among other crew members, of a Portuguese civilian cargo ship on the Strait of Hormuz. The Israel Embassy in the Philippines on Monday assured the safety of the Filipinos in Israel as he justified Tel Avivs rights to take defensive actions against attacks. Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said he is happy to enter into a dialogue with Filipino officials to explain Israels mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of the people there. Fluss, who is now in Jerusalem, said everything seems normal in Israel despite threats it is facing from Iran, which launched dozens of drone and missile attacks on the Jewish state over the weekend. Im seeing whats happening now and its really impressive. Its not like you feel that its a country at war, he said, in a Zoom press briefing. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres already warned that the Middle East is now on the brink of a full-scale conflict amid Israels current war with Hamas militants in Gaza, and its tension with Iran that stemmed from the bombing of its diplomatic compound in Syria. The international community, including the Philippines, already called for the deescalation of tension. But Israel remained firm in its stand to defend its state, calling Irans attack that happened in an unprecedented scale as unacceptable and a breach to international law. Israel said it is ready to respond. In what kind of response when, where, this is somethingwhich is open. And the Israeli Defense Forces and our leadership is not sharing with the media, Fluss said. Two party-list members of the House of Representatives on Monday expressed concern over the fate of the Filipino seamen who were on board the ship that was seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Party-list Reps. Marissa Magsino of OFW and Ron Salo of Kabayan also condemned the incident. Magsino said: As a representative of our Overseas Filipino Workers, including our seafarers, I strongly condemn the hijacking of the Portuguese cargo ship MSC Aries in the Strait of Hormuz. Salo said: The incident has placed four Filipino seamen in an extremely precarious position. It highlights the continued vulnerability of our overseas mariners who are among the most affected in any international conflict. At the same time, Salo commended the immediate response of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in coordination with the Office of the President, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the manning agencies that deployed the affected seamen. They have all worked diligently to reassure the families of the victims and for coordinating efforts aimed at securing their safe release, Salo, chair the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs,added. Both Magsino and Salo reiterated the importance of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, a legislative measure that aims to bolster the rights and welfare of Filipino maritime professionals. International think tank Stratbase ADR Institute sees the historic trilateral summit among the Philippines, US, and Japan as a new chapter in strengthening the enduring bond among these three nations across various areas of cooperation. Stratbase President Dindo Manhit made this statement hours after President Marcos met with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington. - Advertisement - The inaugural trilateral summit among the Philippines, United States and Japan all defenders of the rules-based international order is a testament to the commitment of like-minded partners to address pressing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, Manhit said. The Stratbase ADR Institute supports the alignment of interests in safeguarding regional stability, upholding international law, and promoting economic security. It also welcomes the renewed commitment to maritime security cooperation, consistent with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This step is integral for the Philippines as it is confronted with increasingly aggressive and coercive actors in the West Philippine Sea, Manhit said. The trilateral summit comes amid Chinas continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea, marked by the Chinese Coast Guards harassment of Philippine vessels in Manilas exclusive economic zone. Manhit stressed the urgency for a unified response to geopolitical and geo-economic challenges, noting that this response shall be grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and adherence to international law. It is through the collective efforts of like-minded partners such as the Philippines, United States, and Japan that regional security can be achieved, economic development can be realized, and the fundamental tenets of the rules-based international order can be upheld, Manhit said. He said the summit also reinforces the momentum of efforts encompassing economic growth and resilience, high-impact infrastructure, emerging technologies, climate resilience, and clean energy supply chains. The Stratbase ADR Institute is committed to continue supporting initiatives that advance shared goals and fortify the Indo-Pacific security and economic landscapes, Manhit stressed. The House of Representatives is propelled by conflicting statements from both the camp of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte and the Chinese government to investigate their alleged gentlemans agreement concerning the West Philippine Sea. Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun said at the forefront of the upcoming inquiry this week lies a pivotal question: Who is lying Duterte or China regarding the existence of the contentious agreement? - Advertisement - Its crucial to ascertain the truth if indeed the Duterte administration struck such a deal with China, he said. This isnt just about conflicting narratives. Its about upholding integrity and accountability. ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro also demanded full disclosure of the Duterte-Xi agreement. Now that Duterte has finally admitted to entering a secret deal with China, it is imperative that Congress hear House Resolution 1216 that we have filed as early as last year, she said. We must know all that there is to this unpatriotic deal, and the ones responsible should be held accountable. Duterte might have sold the West Philippine Sea without us knowing it, she added. In a separate development, the Chinese Coast Guard tailed the Philippine research vessel BRP H. Ventura and the Philippine Coast Guards BRP Gabriela Silang early Sunday morning as the Philippine vessels were sailing towards Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. International advocacy group SeaLight Director Ray Powell said the Philippine vessels stopped for eight hours, some 35 nautical miles from Luzons coast and the edge of Chinas nine-dash line. While it was unclear why the Philippine ships had halted for several hours, they eventually set sail for the Bajo de Masinloc, also known as the Scarborough Shoal, at 10 a.m., with the CCG vessel shadowing them, he said. Meanwhile, the gentlemans agreement entered into by Duterte with the Chinese leader Xi is no longer binding, and at worst, unconstitutional, congressional leaders said Sunday. The former President told a fellow President that to avoid tension from further escalating, they will supply just personal things, foods and water to Sierra Madre it is obviously a personal agreement, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel said in a radio interview. Therefore after the end of (Dutertes) term, thats no longer binding to the country. We now have a new President, the architect of our foreign policy, the commander in chief of the military a different person, he pointed out. Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales, on the other hand, said Sunday that the agreement did not pass the process required for a treaty or executive agreement. The so-called agreement, if any, is constitutionally void since it is tantamount to the surrender of our countrys sovereign rights over our exclusive economic zone, he said. Such an agreement will be equivalent to a new national policy, which must be enshrined in a treaty to be submitted to the Senate for ratification before it can take effect, said Gonzalez, who is the chairman of the House special committee on the West Philippine Sea. Gonzalez pointed out that Ayungin Shoal is part of the countrys exclusive economic zone as reaffirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea arbitration case. Likewise, under Article 56 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the coastal state, which in this case is clearly the Philippines, has the right to build and maintain structures within its EEZ, he said. This would clearly mean that our country has every right to protect and safeguard all features within our EEZ including the Ayungin Shoal, Gonzalez said. Assuming that there is indeed an agreement between Duterte and China, it would not be an enforceable agreement. There are still some necessary criteria that we should satisfy before it is considered legally binding here in the Philippines. First, for the alleged agreement to be enforceable, it must be in the form of an Executive Agreement. Since there is no official record under our records, the alleged agreement may not be considered an executive agreement, Gonzales said. Since it is not in the form of a treaty or an executive agreement, then the secret pact of Duterte with Xi must not be honored by the Philippines. Powell added that an unusually large number of Chinese vessels had been gathering at the shoal for the past two days. This could be Chinas response to the National Mapping and Resource Information Authoritys announcement that the Philippines would conduct a hydrographic survey in the area, he told DZBB radio. Hydrographic surveys map the physical features of an underwater area. Powell said that China had harassed Vietnam as the latter conducted its hydrographic survey of its exclusive economic zone, even allegedly attempting to cut the cables of Vietnamese equipment. The recent pledges by US President Joe Biden to defend the Philippines from potential threats in the South China Sea are emblematic of the intricate dance of power and politics N THE tumultuous realm of international affairs, the South China Sea stands as a crucible of geopolitical tension, where promises made and alliances forged often falter in the face of complex realities. - Advertisement - As leaders convene and rhetoric soars, its essential to peer beyond the surface and dissect the nuances of diplomatic maneuvers that shape the regions future. The recent pledges by US President Joe Biden to defend the Philippines from potential threats in the South China Sea are emblematic of the intricate dance of power and politics unfolding in the region. While such assurances may offer a semblance of security, a closer examination reveals a landscape fraught with legal constraints, political calculations, and unresolved tensions. At the heart of the matter lies the question of executive authority and the ability of the US President to unilaterally alter or implement provisions of the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines. Despite the fervent rhetoric espoused during high-profile summits, legal scholars like Louis Henkin and Geoffrey R. Stone remind us that any substantive changes to such agreements require Senate approval, underscoring the intricate balance of powers enshrined in the US Constitution. Moreover, the looming specter of the US Presidential elections adds another layer of uncertainty to Bidens assurances. In a political landscape characterized by partisan divides and shifting priorities, the continuity of diplomatic commitments remains tenuous at best. What happens if Bidens successor chooses to chart a different course, leaving erstwhile allies in the lurch? Compounding these challenges is the reluctance of the US to deploy troops and engage in direct military confrontation a stark reality that undermines the efficacy of defense assurances in the South China Sea. As Biden and his counterparts tout the virtues of multilateral cooperation and joint military exercises, the sobering truth remains: rhetoric alone cannot deter the assertive actions of regional powers. Amidst the rhetoric and grandiose promises, its imperative to confront the harsh realities of power politics in the South China Sea. The strategic calculus of nations, the constraints of legal frameworks, and the ever-present specter of military conflict demand a nuanced approach grounded in pragmatism and foresight. As we navigate the choppy waters of South China Sea diplomacy, let us not be swayed by the allure of grand gestures and lofty pronouncements. Instead, let us seek a path forward guided by realism, cooperation, and a steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of peace and stability in one of the worlds most contested regions. This week, Russian military instructors landed in Niger to bolster the nations air defenses as the country shifts from relying on the United States for counterterrorism to seeking security support from Russia. Broadcast by Nigers state television, footage showed the instructors arriving with military supplies. One instructor stated their mission was to train the Nigerien army and enhance military cooperation between Russia and Niger. The arrival of Russian forces complicates the presence of U.S. military and personnel, creating uncertainty around future joint Niger-U.S. counterinsurgency efforts. Previously, the U.S. viewed Niger as a crucial ally in the Sahel region, heavily investing in training Nigerien forces to combat insurgencies linked to al-Qaida and ISIS. However, relations have deteriorated following a coup last summer by some U.S.-trained forces. After a visit from a U.S. delegation led by Molly Phee, Nigers military junta declared U.S. operations from a local airbase illegal and criticized U.S. pressures to shun cooperation with Russia and Iran. A senior U.S. official indicated that the U.S. is exploring options to revise military cooperation, hoping to find a mutual agreement. The Russian military support is part of Nigers strategy to diversify its partnerships and assert greater sovereignty, particularly over its airspace, possibly prompting the U.S. to reconsider its strategy in the region. With ongoing regional insurgencies, the geopolitical dynamics in Niger pose significant challenges for U.S. and Russian involvement. An international conference on Sudan hosted by France on Monday (15 April), exactly a year after war broke out in the northeast African country, seeks attention and contributions from the International community, as millions of Sudanese face severe levels of hunger. Paris says it aims to put the Sudan war back in the spotlight and raise funds from the international community as the crisis in the war-ravaged nation has been crowded out of the global conversation by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Top diplomats from France, Germany, and the European Union will convene for talks in Paris to push for increased funding to tackle the humanitarian situation in Sudan. The idea is to move this crisis up to the top of the agenda, said Christophe Lemoine, a spokesman for the French foreign ministry. We cannot let Sudan become a forgotten crisis, he added. In addition to tackling what the United Nations describes as one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory, officials said there were also political dangers, such as the possible break-up of Sudan into splinter states. The civilians here are enduring starvation, mass sexual violence, large-scale ethnic killing, and executions, said Will Carter, Sudan country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council. Millions more are displaced, and yet the world continues to look the other way. In a separate but related development, the United States on Sunday (14 April) announced an additional $100 million in aid for Sudan that will go towards emergency food assistance, nutrition support and other life-saving aid. The conference, held on the first anniversary of Sudans civil war, features representatives from its neighbors, Gulf states, and western powers, all brought together to collect donations for an underfunded UN humanitarian aid appeal. 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: Cataract in human eye. Credit: Wikipedia. While the adequate surgical treatment of cataract is guaranteed in high-income countries, the surgical results in the Global South are often inadequate. Video recording can be used to analyze possible surgical errors, improve training and demonstrably optimize surgical results. However, this has been very time-consuming up to now. There are now promising approaches to automating surgical video analysis using artificial intelligence (AI). However, no deep learning algorithms have yet been developed for video analysis of the surgical method commonly used in countries of the Global South. Researchers from the University Hospital Bonn, the University of Bonn, the Sankara Eye Foundation India and Microsoft Research India want to change this and develop a corresponding algorithm. The aim is to improve the results of cataract surgery in the Global South in the long term. As a first important step, they have compiled an overview of previous AI approaches for analyzing cataract surgeries. The results have been published in Translational Vision Science and Technology. With 70 million people affected, cataract is the most common cause of blindness and severe visual impairment worldwide. In one year alone, more than 30 million cataract surgeries are performed worldwide. The 101-Cataracts dataset overview showing the different phases in cataract surgery. Credit: Translational Vision Science & Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.4.20 "However, the burden of cataract is unevenly distributed worldwide, as blindness due to cataract is around ten times more common in countries of the Global South than in high-income countries," says Dr. Maximilian Wintergerst from the Eye Clinic at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), who also conducts research at the University of Bonn. "Against this background, the treatment of cataract in the Global South remains an important and major challenge," says Wintergerst. Resource-saving concepts needed to improve surgical outcomes "However, the surgical results of cataract surgery in the Global South are sometimes poor, which is mainly due to inadequate training. Depending on the country context, the surgical results are unsatisfactory in up to 30 to 50% of those affected who undergo surgery," explains Wintergerst. "There is therefore an urgent need to improve surgical outcomes there." The video recording of operations enables a subsequent review of the surgical procedure, video-based training and the monitoring of surgical quality and has been proven to be directly linked to the improvement of surgical outcomes. "However, it is expensive and therefore generally not available in countries of the Global South." As part of a joint research project between the UKB, the University of Bonn, the Sankara Eye Foundation India and Microsoft Research India, an algorithm is now being developed to automatically analyze surgical videos of the cataract surgery technique commonly used in the Global South. This algorithm should not only work with conventional image material, but also with videos recorded by smartphones specially attached to surgical microscopes. The researchers hope that this will improve cataract surgery results at health care facilities in the Global South in the long term. No AI yet available for analyzing common surgical techniques in the Global South As a first important milestone, they conducted a systematic literature review of existing algorithms for the automatic video analysis of cataract surgery. There are promising initial approaches, but so far only videos from countries with high-income health care systems have been used. "The studies examined showed large differences in quality and are challenging in terms of replication, as there are few public data sets and the source code is rarely published," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Schultz, co-author of the study, research group leader at b-it and the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Bonn and Principal Investigator at the Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. "Our literature review shows that surgical instrument tracking and surgical phase detection work well, but the assessment of surgical skills and complications is currently still a challenge." The next step is to develop an algorithm to automatically analyze surgical videos of the cataract surgery technique commonly used in the Global South. As the researchers at the University of Bonn and the UKB have already been able to show, image recordings from smartphones can improve ophthalmologic care in India, for example. "Therefore, low-cost smartphone-based video recording of cataract surgery could be a targeted solution to improve training and surgical outcomes in countries of the Global South," adds Prof. Dr. Frank Holz, Director of the UKB Eye Clinic. "However, a comparison of smartphone-based and established conventional video recording systems is necessary in order to assess the feasibility, including the quality of the data obtained." More information: Simon Muller et al, Artificial Intelligence in Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review, Translational Vision Science & Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.4.20 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 Artificial intelligence has been found to improve the outcome of patients with voice box cancer, which is a step closer to personalized treatment, new research has revealed. Experts at Newcastle University have discovered artificial intelligence software can play a revolutionary role in guiding treatment for voice box cancer. In the first-of-its-kind research into advanced laryngeal cancer (or voice box cancer), Mr. Amar Rajgor and his team at Newcastle University have tapped into the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze medical imaging from CT scans, which is aimed at predicting survival. Laryngeal cancer is a tough battle for many in the UK, with around 2,400 new cases diagnosed each year, with half of those in advanced stages not surviving beyond three years. However, this study, led by Mr. Rajgor, offers hope for improved care and treatment for patients. 'This allows us to unlock its full potential' The AI software operates pixel by pixel, revealing hidden patterns within the tumor that cannot be seen by the human eye. This can act as a "virtual biopsy" and provide clues regarding the cancer's behavior and the extent of irregularity. This new way of looking at images in such detail, is called radiomics. Speaking on his findings, Mr. Rajgor, an ear, nose and throat specialist, said, "Radiomics can be seen as a super-powered magnifying glass for medical images, like CT scans. It carefully examines every tiny detail, even the ones that are hard to see. By doing this, it can find patterns and irregularities that cannot be seen by a human or might otherwise be missed." The research, published in the Journal of Laryngology & Otology, revealed two important imaging markers, shape compactness and gray level non-uniformity (GLNU). If these markers are high, it indicates a patient has a greater chance of dying sooner. An increase in shape compactness amplified the risk of death nearly threefold, while a rise in GLNU doubled the risk. The results also revealed that these imaging markers did a better job at predicting survival compared to the traditional factors doctors currently use, like age or stage of cancer. There are a number of studies done that analyze all head and neck cancers, however, those studies are not robust or clinically relevant as all head and neck cancer behave very differently, and from a clinicians perspective, should not be merged into one group for analysis. Mr. Rajgor added, "These developments are very exciting, as this research could play a big role in guiding treatment and delivering precision medicine in the future. It could also ensure that patients get the right treatment for them, based on what their tumor looks like and how it behaves. I hope this will also help patients make more informed decisions about their treatment journey. "Another benefit is that this method does not change the patient pathway but enhances it, by analyzing medical images in a way that cannot be done by a human. Currently, much of the information from scans is not being fully utilized, but this allows us to unlock its full potential. "In the future, we could also use this technique to track how well a patient is responding to treatment by looking at scans over time." 'Potential to revolutionize voice box cancer management' In the past 30 years, little progress has been made in improving survival rates for patients with voice box cancer. However, the partnership between Newcastle University and Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offers hope for those battling laryngeal cancer. This collaboration has led to Amar Rajgor receiving a prestigious National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Doctoral Fellowship. Mr. Rajgor, concluded, "Further research will be done in this area. Following my award from NIHR, we are currently expanding the study to over 250 patients. "We will aim to create a risk prediction model looking at both survival and response to specific cancer treatments. This prototype model will include clinical factors, pathology detail and imaging markers. This has the potential to truly revolutionize voice box cancer management." Amar Rajgor's systematic review emphasizes the pitfalls of the current literature, and these have been accounted for in this study. More information: Amarkumar Dhirajlal Rajgor et al, The application of radiomics in laryngeal cancer, The British Journal of Radiology (2021). DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20210499 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: Scanning electron micrograph of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which cause TB. Credit: NIAID University of Oxford researchers have for the first time established a controlled human infection model for tuberculosis (TB) that infects people via the lungsthe way TB enters the body. The clinical trial, which used the BCG vaccine delivered via aerosol into participants' lungs, is a first step towards establishing a challenge model that can be used to test new TB vaccines. The paper is published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Human challenge models have contributed significantly to the development of vaccines for diseases such as malaria or typhoid, especially in early-phase trials. They help scientists select which vaccines should be taken forward into larger field efficacy studies and could be particularly useful with pathogens like tuberculosis, where vaccine development is very difficult. Unlike malaria and typhoid, where participants were given the virulent form of the disease, it would not be ethical to give people tuberculosis; while there are effective treatments for malaria and typhoid, no such quick, effective treatment exists for tuberculosis and there is no way of knowing for certain that a person has been cured. The BCG vaccine was used in this trial because it is a live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium boviswhich is related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis in humansand BCG is known to be safe in humans. Previous human challenge studies had administered the BCG in the arm, but this method does not mimic the natural route of TB infection into the lungs, which is why the aerosol method was investigated. The research team recruited healthy people who had never before had the BCG vaccine. They were given BCG by aerosol using a nebulizer into the lungs, and a control group had BCG injected in the arm. As this was the first time this approach had been used, the researchers gradually increased the dose to ensure it was safe and found the highest dose that did not induce troublesome side effects. They then compared how much BCG could be recovered after administering it in the lungs and through the skin. The doses of aerosol-inhaled BCG were found to be well tolerated by the participants and there was no significant difference in the frequency of adverse events between the two groups. Professor Helen McShane, Professor of Vaccinology in the Nuffield Department of Medicine, who led the study, said, "When we did lung washes of the participants, we recovered BCG, which is a positive sign in a challenge study. When we eventually test a new vaccine using this method, if we can't find BCG in the lung washings it would suggest that the vaccine has induced protection. If we hadn't found BCG in the lung fluid, we would not have been able to move forward with this as a model." Professor McShane, who is Director of the NIHR Oxford BRC added, "TB is back as the number one killer among infectious diseases. It's a really difficult pathogen to make a vaccine for, and human challenge models, such as the one we have trialed in this study will undoubtedly play a vital part in helping us to develop a vaccine. For this reason, this is an important first step in establishing that model." Earlier this year, Professor McShane launched another study looking at BCG given by aerosol as a vaccine, rather than a challenge agent, and comparing inhalation to vaccination administered through the skin. More information: Iman Satti et al, Safety of a controlled human infection model of tuberculosis with aerosolised, live-attenuated Mycobacterium bovis BCG versus intradermal BCG in BCG-naive adults in the UK: a dose-escalation, randomised, controlled, phase 1 trial, The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00143-9 Journal information: Lancet Infectious Diseases 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: Scanning electron microscope image of Vibrio cholerae. Credit: Wikipedia The United Nations on Monday expressed concern about the uptick in cholera cases in Yemen, especially in areas of the war-ravaged country controlled by Huthi rebels, where 75 people have died since October. "Since October last year, we have seen an alarming resurgence of cholera across the country," UN official Edem Wosornu told the Security Council, speaking on behalf of humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths. Noting that the last cholera epidemic in Yemen dated back to 2019, Wosornu said while the response in government-controlled areas had slowed the spread of the illness and provided treatment for those affected, Huthi-run areas were in need. "Since March, we have seen the outbreak spread rapidly in areas controlled by the Huthi de facto authorities," the official said. As of April 7, more than 11,000 suspected cases have been reported in those areas since October, along with the 75 deaths. In comparison, 3,200 suspected cases have been reported in government-controlled areas. "A rapid response is absolutely critical. The United Nations and our humanitarian partners are working closely with relevant authorities to scale up the response," Wosornu said, calling on the international community to offer money and supplies. The UN's humanitarian response plan for Yemen for 2024, estimated to cost $2.7 billion, has only been 10 percent funded so far. The country has seen a lull in fighting that has held in Yemen since the expiry of a six-month truce brokered in April 2022. But against the backdrop of the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, the Iran-backed Huthi rebels have launched dozens of attacks against ships in the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden which they believe have ties to Israel. The rebels say they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians. The United Nations special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, told the Council that while the military situation remained "contained" as compared to before April 2022, there had been an uptick in hostilities on several front lines. 'While the conflicts in Yemen and the wider region have become undeniably interlinked, I strongly believe that we owe it to the Yemenis to ensure that resolving the conflict in Yemen is not made contingent upon the resolution of other issues," Grundberg said. "We cannot risk Yemen's chance for peace becoming collateral damage," the Swedish diplomat added, warning that such an outcome "could be catastrophicnot only for Yemen, but also for the wider region." 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The Czech Republic has been hit by a soaring number of whooping cases and the fast growing outbreak has killed three people, health authorities said on Monday. The country of 10.9 million people has registered 7,888 cases of the respiratory illness this year, said the State Institute of Public Health. Last week, health authorities registered 1,494 new cases, the fastest weekly growth this year. Some 183 are in hospital. The spread is the worst since 1959 when vaccinations started, official health records have shown. Vaccination is mandatory in the Czech Republic, but it is not for life and some people refuse. Teenagers are the worst-hit age group as parents often ignore the recommended revaccination at the age of 10-11 years, chief public health officer Pavla Svrcinova said. "Of the total number, 5,808 people were vaccinated," the state institute said on its website. Three people with the disease have died this year: a 62-year-old man, an 84-year-old woman and a newborn. All had other health issues too. The spread goes against the previous expectations of health authorities, who last month had believed the number of cases was peaking. The disease has been on the rise in other European countries as well as in China with global health authorities blaming the COVID pandemic. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said last month that whooping cough was "an endemic disease worldwide" with peakes every three to five years. "The current increase is potentially linked to lower circulation during COVID-19 pandemic, combined with suboptimal vaccination uptake in certain groups during the COVID-19 pandemic," it added. Kate O'Brien, head of vaccines and immunization at the World Health Organization, said last year that falling vaccination rates for diseases such as whooping cough, measles and polio "set the stage for other serious vaccine-preventable diseases to reemerge". 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Researchers at Peter Mac have found a new way to treat a form of leukemia that stops the disease in its tracks to prolong remission. The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, has shown how a new combination of a molecular technology called measurable residual disease (MRD), medication and low-dose chemotherapy is helping patients live longer with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite the best treatment, many patients with AML have recurrent disease within the first two years. This MRD test provides advanced warning that the disease is returning several months before the leukemia is visible under the microscope or the patient develops abnormal blood counts. As soon as MRD was detected to rise, patients were treated with a pill called venetoclax combined with low-dose, under-the-skin injection of chemotherapy that stopped the leukemia in its tracks in the majority of patients. Dr. Ing-Soo Tiong, hematologist and researcher at Peter Mac, said with the previous approach to treatment, the median survival after first relapse is only 68 months. Results of this clinical trial shows 5070% of AML patients are still alive after two years. "Prior to this discovery, patients and clinicians face the uncertainty of disease relapse, and the only treatment option then was an even stronger dose of salvage chemotherapy requiring at least a month of stay in hospital associated with a very high risk of infection," he said. "In this new study we measured a patient's MRD as soon as they finished chemotherapy with the aim of the data telling us which patients were most likely to relapse." Professor Andrew Wei, co-lead of the AML program at Peter Mac and Royal Melbourne Hospital, explained this option meant patients could be treated as an outpatient or by hospital in the home with results comparable to intensive chemotherapy. "This is a paradigm-changing clinical trial that utilizes molecular technologies to enable patients to receive their interventional therapy much earlier than normal and with less toxicity," he said. "The response to treatment was fast and durable, enabling patients to receive a subsequent stem cell transplant with much lower levels of disease burden and enhanced fitness. "This is the first ever prospective trial using a pre-emptive MRD targeted approach. It has led to the development of a new national trial called INTERCEPT, coordinated by the Australasian Leukemia and Lymphoma Group." The INTERCEPT trial is currently recruiting patients at Peter Mac and approximately 15 sites nationwide. AML is a type of blood cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is a rare cancer with 1,218 people diagnosed in Australia in 2019. More information: Ing Soo Tiong et al, Targeting Molecular Measurable Residual Disease and Low-Blast Relapse in AML With Venetoclax and Low-Dose Cytarabine: A Prospective Phase II Study (VALDAC), Journal of Clinical Oncology (2024). DOI: 10.1200/JCO.23.01599 Journal information: Journal of Clinical Oncology 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: Participants in the 'March for Life' rally stand with banners reading 'Every life is a gift', 'Life is life' and 'Euthanasia no thanks' in Munich, Germany, Saturday, April 13, 2024. An independent experts commission has recommended that abortion in Germany should no longer fall under the countrys penal code and be made legal during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Currently, abortion is considered illegal in Germany, but not punishable if a woman undergoes mandatory counseling and a three-day wait period before she has the procedure. Credit: Uwe Lein/dpa via AP An independent experts commission recommended Monday that abortion in Germany should no longer fall under the country's penal code and be made legal during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Currently, abortion is considered illegal in Germany but not punishable if a woman undergoes mandatory counseling and a three-day wait period before she has the procedure. Germany's progressive government coalition of Chancellor Olaf Scholz' Social Democrats, the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats, had tasked the experts commission to look into the issue of abortion, which has been a hotly debated topic over decades. Germany's approach to abortion has been more restrictive than in many other European countries. Some German women have traveled to neighboring countries such as the Netherlandsespecially during later phases of their pregnancies when abortion is considered completely illegal in Germany except for very grave casesto have abortions there. Other European countries are in very different places in their approach to abortion. France, for example, inscribed the guaranteed right to abortion in its constitution last month, in a world first and a powerful message of support to women around the globe. Meanwhile, Poland's parliament held a long-awaited debate last week on liberalizing the country's law, which is more restrictive than Germany's, although many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. While the German commission's recommendation for the government to decriminalize abortion is non-binding, it is likely to heat up discussion over the issue in the country again. It could eventually also lead to the current regulation being reformed by parliament, but at this point it is not clear if and when that would happen. "Our recommendation is to move away from this illegality and to label abortion in the early stages of pregnancy as legal," Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, a law professor who is a member of the commission, told reporters in Berlin. "This is not simply a formality, but you can imagine that it makes a big difference to the women concerned, those who are in the situation of considering whether to request an abortion, whether what they are doing is wrong or right," she added. Many women who have had abortions in Germany have described the mandatory counseling as humiliating, while others have said it helped them in their decision-making. In addition to the tricky legal status of abortions in Germany, the experts also pointed out that in recent years, the number of physicians willing to perform an abortion in the country has gone down and that it's been more difficult for women to find a doctor in their region to help them. The commission said that if the government decides to make abortion legal during the first 12 weeks, it should also ensure that women wishing to have a termination have quick and easy access to organizations and doctors providing it. Currently, about 10% of physicians performing the medical intervention have faced criminal charges, though they are almost never found guilty. The Catholic Church, one of the main opponents of liberalizing abortion regulations in Germany, quickly condemned the commission's recommendations. "The commission is considering legalizing abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. This would mean the end of a clear concept of life protection," said Irme Stetter-Karp, the president of the powerful lay group Central Committee of German Catholics. "Human dignity exists from the very beginning," she added, calling the proposal "unacceptable." In addition to its recommendations for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the commission said that for the middle phase of pregnancy, it should be up to lawmakers to decide whether and for how long an abortion should be legal, while in the last trimester, abortions should not be allowed unless there is a strong medical or social reason. "The shorter the pregnancy, the more likely an abortion is permissible; and the more advanced the gestational age, the more important the needs of the unborn child are," the commission members said in a summary of their report, which they were to hand over to government ministers later on Thursday. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In Illinois, 88 women a year die while pregnant or within a year of giving birth, on average, according to the latest Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report. Notably, more than 90% of those pregnancy-related deaths were deemed potentially preventable. More than 50% of pregnancy-related deaths occur in the postpartum period (up to 12 months after delivery), and disparities persist, with Black women three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related medical conditions than white women. This raises some important questions: Why are so many women still dying of pregnancy-related conditions, especially if most of these deaths are preventable? What is happening in the postpartum period? What contributes to the persistent racial disparities in outcomes? And what can women do to advocate for themselves to improve outcomes? April 1117 is National Black Maternal Health Week, which provides an opportunity to address these questions and to improve awareness and action around maternal health outcomes. Prevention Illinois' first Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report reviewed data gathered between 2008 and 2016. During this time, obstetric hemorrhage (pregnancy-related bleeding) was the leading cause of maternal deathresponsible for 17% of pregnancy-related deaths. In response to this threat, the state of Illinois began requiring all birthing facilities to conduct annual continuing education on obstetric hemorrhage. Within a few years, the rate of hemorrhage dropped significantly, to 8% and 5% in 2021 and 2023 respectively. This demonstrates how swift and decisive action can make a difference in addressing the preventable nature of these deaths. The newest report shows the leading causes of death now are substance use disorder (32%), cardiac and heart conditions (14%) and pre-existing chronic medical conditions (12%). This information, coupled with the knowledge that more than half of deaths occur in the postpartum period, presents a different prevention scenario. Unlike acute emergencies like hemorrhage, identifying and treating mental and chronic health conditions is more nuanced, because chronic conditions occur over longer periods of timetypically starting before pregnancy and extending long into the postpartum period or throughout the person's life. What is the call to action to prevent poor outcomes in these cases? The response requires intervention at the individual level, community level and societal level. At the individual level, the condition of a woman's body prior to and between pregnancies is of utmost importance. Substance use and common chronic diseases, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Statistics show that from 2010 to 2017, opioid use among pregnant women increased by 131%. During this same time, cases of maternal hypertension (high blood pressure) more than doubled, maternal obesity increased 33% and maternal diabetes increased 68%. This highlights the need for women to partner with a primary care provider throughout their life span and especially during childbearing years to prevent, manage or eliminate chronic conditions prior to and between pregnancies, to improve pregnancy outcomes. At the community level, factors such as employment, quality education, and access to housing, health services and nutritious foods, greatly affect maternal health. These social determinants of health account for 30% to 55% of health outcomes. Community level interventions must focus on improving these issues to improve a woman's ability to be healthy. At the societal level, structural racism and discrimination perpetuate widespread unfair treatment towards the Black population and contribute to the disparities in outcomes that persist. Public policies, laws, and regulations that support the health of pregnant people must be prioritized. Illinois led the way with its response to the hemorrhage crisis and is continuing to set an example by being the first state to extend full Medicaid benefits from 60 days after delivery to 12 months postpartum. Postpartum The postpartum period is a critical time in a new mother's life. Nationally, as many as 40% of women do not attend a postpartum visit. New recommendations emphasize the importance of a first postpartum follow-up visit within three weeks of delivery, revised from the traditional 6-weeks, with follow-up according to individual needs. After delivery, many mothers minimize or ignore symptoms that could be warning signs of potential problems in their own bodies because their focus is shifted to the newborn. Knowing warning signs and knowing how to respond to them can save lives. The POSTBIRTH educational campaign was designed to educate women on important danger signs in the postpartum period and instruct them on how to respond. Illinois supports postpartum women by working towards reimbursement for doula services and nurse home visits. Programs like Family Connects Chicago provide a nurse home visit to all families who give birth at participating hospitals in Chicago. This service bridges the gap between birth and six weeks after delivery, a critical time for both mother and newborn. Most importantly, it links the birthing parent to primary care for follow up throughout the whole postpartum period and, ideally, throughout their life span. Action To be sure, swift legislative changes can save lives and Illinois has led the charge with recent legislative action. However, these changes take time, and time costs lives. What can women do to advocate for themselves right now? Pre-pregnancy health matters. Maintain optimal health and partner with health care providers to manage chronic health conditions prior to pregnancy. Attend regular prenatal appointments starting in the first trimester. Report pregnancies. Tell health care providers if you are currently pregnant or had a pregnancy in the last 12 months, even if you do not think it is relevant. This information helps them identify issues that might be related to pregnancy. Speak up about symptoms. Talk to health care providers about anything that doesn't feel right, physically, or emotionally. Ask questions. Bring a friend or family member with you to appointments. Every person deserves to be heard, treated with respect and to understand what is being told to them. Seek help. Mental health conditions and problems with drugs and alcohol are treatable medical conditions and help is available. For pregnant or postpartum people with a substance use disorder, have naloxone HCL (Narcan) nasal spray on hand to use in case of an opioid overdose. More information: Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report 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 Countless times, Kenda Sutton-El, a Virginia doula, has witnessed her Black pregnant clients being dismissed or ignored by clinicians. One woman was told by doctors that swelling, pain and warmth in her leg was normal, despite warning the clinicians that she had a history of blood clots. Sutton-El urged her to visit the emergency room. Tests found the pregnant patient did indeed have a blood clot, a situation that can be deadly. Some clients were told they weren't doing enough to lose weight. After another client was treated dismissively when she paid for a visit in cash, Sutton-El posed as a patient and got the same response, making her wonder how many other Black women had been treated the same way. "The biggest thing is that they're not being listened to," said Sutton-El, founder of Birth in Color, a nonprofit that offers doula services to expecting Virginians. Doulas support and advocate for pregnant patients. "They're being dismissed or [clinicians] act as if the pain isn't there, or act as if the issue is normal, when it's not." As the United States contends with stark racial disparities in maternal health, experts are pushing states to mandate training for medical professionals to combat "implicit bias," the prejudiced attitudes a person might hold without being aware of it. Lawmakers in more states are heeding that call. Since 2019, at least five states (California, Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota and New Jersey) have enacted laws mandating implicit bias training for maternal health care providers, according to Stateline research and an analysis by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco. Lawmakers in at least 20 other states have introduced legislation related to implicit bias training for general health care professionals. Virginia lawmakers recently approved similar legislation, sending it to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. He has not said whether he will sign it. The training can take different forms. Some courses are offered online, while others can be one-day workshops. Participants typically examine certain scenarios and learn about the history and harms of racial stereotypes. Sutton-El argues that the training can make a huge difference. She said that one white doctor who completed the training recently told her how it had influenced his treatment of a Black patient. She recalled him telling her: "I had your voice in my head that said, 'Follow the patient down the rabbit hole, because you'll find out what's the real issue.'" But others say implicit bias training can be insufficient or ineffective. Okunsola Amadou, a doula who founded Jamaa Birth Village, a midwifery clinic and maternal health nonprofit in Ferguson, Missouri, said bias trainings alone can't change a hospital's culture. "The ultimate problem with that is that it is barely the surface," Amadou said. "If they're not working with [Black maternal health] pioneers who are rooted in this work to help them restructure, then the 'click-and-go' implicit bias trainings will not hold any weight at all." Tiffany Green, an associate professor at the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said her team's review of studies on anti-bias training in clinical settings found little evidence that it led to long-term behavioral changes. Because racism isn't just an individual problem but a systemic one, Green said, institutions must combat bias at the organizational level. If done incorrectly, it can induce anger in white employees and exacerbate inequities, she said. While there is evidence that providers' racial stereotyping affects treatment, it's not known whether or how bias trainings will impact pregnant patient health outcomes, she told Stateline. Rachel Hardeman, health equity director at the University of Minnesota Center for Antiracism Research and a co-author of the study on Black and white doctors, developed the widely used "Dignity in Childbirth and Pregnancy" course offered online in states with training mandates, including California and Minnesota. For Minnesota, her team designed a course focused on bias against Indigenous women. She said the courses are designed for both clinicians and hospital management: "People who may not be directly involved in patient care in the day-to-day but are involved in making leadership decisions." Evidence of bias There is ample research suggesting there is racial bias in health care. Black women in the United States are nearly three times more likely to die of maternal health complications than white women, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indigenous women are nearly twice as likely to die. Research has shown implicit racial bias plays a role in those stark disparities. Examples of that bias include false beliefs that Black patients have higher pain tolerance and thicker skin, as well as long-used diagnostic toolssuch as lung and kidney function teststhat have prevented proper diagnoses for Black patients. A CDC study published last year found that nearly 1 in 3 Black, Hispanic and multiracial women reported mistreatment during pregnancy and delivery, such as receiving no response to requests for help, being shouted at, or being threatened with the withholding of treatment. Another review, also published last year, analyzed 42 studies since 2014 and concluded that racial biases and structural racism contributed to maternal health complications for Black women. And a 2020 study found Black infants were twice as likely to survive when cared for by Black doctors. Research by Hardeman and others has found that clinicians are more likely to describe Black patients as "not compliant," "agitated" or "aggressive." When such descriptions are included in a patient's medical record, it can color the perceptions of other providers who consult it, influencing their interactions with the patient. Hardeman's courses include patient anecdotes that illustrate bias as well as strategies for curbing assumptions and practicing more empathy. The courses also include a history of racism in medicine, such as the gynecological experiments by J. Marion Sims, often called the father of modern gynecology, on Black enslaved people. Given that history, many Black, Indigenous and Hispanic patients are wary of health care systems. "We're talking about the fact that our medical education system has been built within this history of racism, and so we have to be aware of it to undo it," Hardeman said. "We wanted to make sure that people walked away understanding that we all have a role in dismantling these systems, and it starts with educating ourselves, and then making sure that what we're learning and what we've been educated on, we're applying it to the way that we are interacting with different patients and their families." Stalled legislation But passage of a law doesn't always lead to immediate change. A year and half after California's law took effect in 2020, a California Department of Justice investigation found just 17% of providers surveyed had trained their entire staff. Nearly a year after the probe began and more outreach was conducted, completed training rates rose to 81%. New legislation introduced this year aims to strengthen the law by fining health care centers that fail to train their staff, and would extend training requirements to nursing staff. In many states, implicit bias legislation has stalled before reaching the governor's desk. In Missouri, a bill introduced in 2022 died in committee. State Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, a Democrat, reintroduced it this year. And in Georgia, lawmakers reintroduced this session a bill that would mandate implicit bias training for health care professionals in childbirth settings. Both of the reintroduced bills remain in committee. Dr. Lethenia "Joy" Baker, an obstetrician and gynecologist in rural Georgia, often sees Black patients who specifically sought her out. "[They] say, 'I chose you, because you were the one Black woman in town, and I just feel more comfortable,'" she said. "We have to think about the fact that there's such a lack of diversity in medicine," making training for everyone important. "We really need to unpack about the legacy of Southern slaves, and how we begin to move past that. So, I think that legislation is important around this topic, because let's just face it, that legacy is very painful," she said. In South Carolina, Democratic state Rep. JA Moore and other Democrats have introduced implicit bias bills twice since 2020, but neither has passed. Moore said he plans to propose it again. "I will continue to fight like hell," Moore told Stateline, saying his aim is to address some of the "challenges so many women have, specifically minority women, low-income women have, in the state of South Carolina." South Carolina Black women were more than four times as likely as white women to die of maternal health complications in 2020, according to the state's latest report. The state's Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee found that discrimination contributed to more than a third of deaths from 2018 to 2020. "This is just another way in which we can try to change those numbers," Moore said. "[It's] an opportunity to lead a dramatic change in these very horrific, disproportionately racialized health outcomes for so many citizens." 2024 States Newsroom. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: Preparing a kid for summer camp is already a daunting task, and it's even more complicated if your child has allergies or asthma, experts say. "Kids with allergies and asthma need an extra layer of protection when they head off to summer camp," said allergist Dr. Gailen Marshall Jr., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). "You want them to have as much fun as every other kid at camp, but in order to do that, certain systems need to be in place, and precautions must be taken to lock down a symptom-free experience," Marshall said in an ACAAI news release. To that end, the ACAAI offers a handful of tips to help your camper have a fun-filled summer with few worries about their allergies or asthma: Consider a specialty camp. Many camps focus solely on kids with asthma or food allergies. These camps provide specialized medical staff trained to treat allergic diseases. If you're concerned a regular camp might not be fully prepared to handle your child's condition, this might be the best option. Pack smart. Visit your child's allergist and make sure prescriptions for allergy meds and asthma inhalers are up to date and match their current height and weight. Also send your kid off with a sufficient supply of epinephrine auto-injectors in case they have severe allergic reactions to food or insect stings. Counsel the counselors. Make sure your kid's camp counselors know how to handle possible medical emergencies, including how to store and use epinephrine auto injectors and asthma inhalers. The counselors also should know when to call 911, the location of the nearest hospital and the quickest route there. Also brief the counselors on your child's medication and how it's used. Place their order. Make sure the camp counselors and kitchen staff are aware of your child's food allergies, and confirm there are no areas of the kitchen where cross-contamination can occur. Remind your child it's okay to let other people know about their allergy, and that it's never okay to eat other people's food. The itchy and scratchy show. A rash from poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac is a form of skin allergy, but take comfort that few people suffer a severe allergic reaction from these camp nuisances. Calamine lotion can help soothe such a rash, but your child probably will need a trip to the camp nurse or doctor if they brush up against one of these plants. More information: The Allergy & Asthma Network have more about summer camps for kids with asthma. Copyright 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Severe morning sickness in pregnancy, known medically as hyperemesis gravidarum, can negatively affect both maternal and infant health. A review published in Canadian Medical Association Journal provides information to clinicians on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition. Although nausea and vomiting are common in pregnancy, affecting as many as 70% of pregnancies, severe vomiting and nausea can prevent people from eating and drinking sufficiently, leading to weight loss and dehydration. "[Hyperemesis gravidarum] can have detrimental effects on maternal quality of life and may lead to short- and long-term adverse outcomes among offspring," writes Dr. Larissa Jansen, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with co-authors. "Management of hyperemesis gravidarum requires considerable health care resources, as it is a common reason for hospital admission and emergency department visits in the first trimester." The cause of hyperemesis gravidarum is not completely understood, but risk factors include pregnancy at a young age, female fetus, multiple or molar pregnancy, underlying medical conditions, and history of the condition during previous pregnancies. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and includes starting an antiemetic (anti-nausea) drug and other medications if the antiemetic is not effective. Remedies such as ginger products may alleviate mild nausea and vomiting for some people, but the evidence on its effectiveness in people with hyperemesis gravidarum is uncertain. The authors caution against using cannabis for hyperemesis gravidarum. "Use of cannabis in pregnancy has been associated with adverse neurocognitive outcomes in offspring, as well as other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, we advise against the use of cannabis in pregnancy." The authors note that there are many unanswered questions about how to prevent and manage hyperemesis gravidarum and that more research is needed. 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 Myths about birth control are as old as the hills. But social media platforms, in particular TikTok and Instagram, are allowing false information to proliferate in new and dangerous ways. The stakes are high. The twin forces of birth control-related misinformation, often from women sharing their personal experiences, and disinformation, typically posted by right-wing activists hiding their true agendas, is happening at a time of ever-shrinking access to abortion care in the US. Physicians need to stay on top of what's circulating so they know what might be influencing their patients' views of contraception. The trend should also be a wake-up call: Women clearly feel their concerns aren't being taken seriously by the medical establishment, and they are clamoring for more nuance in conversations about birth control. If doctors don't step in to offer more knowledge and understandingwhether that's in an exam room with a patient or as a trusted voice on social mediathe void will be filled with potentially unreliable, biased and even downright dangerous information about contraception. Women sharing their experiences about birth control isn't a new phenomenon. They have always looked beyond their doctors for advice, and word of mouth, whether that's an experience shared by a family member or friend, can be a powerful persuader. But the women talking about it aren't typically the ones who are happy with their birth control; it's the ones who have had a bad experience that are more apt to share. Social media, particularly TikTok, has amplified these anecdotes on a previously unfathomable scale. Once someone has interacted with one or two videos, the algorithm keeps pushing more, easily skewing perceptions of the risks of a particular form of birth control. A group of family planning researchers from Harvard Medical School recently analyzed the content of 700 videos tagged with some of the most popular birth control-specific search terms and found more than half touched on patients' experience and the logistics of using a particular method of contraception. Those videos had received 1.18 billion views and had been shared 4.1 million times. Another recent study, from researchers at Duke University Medical Center, found distrust in health care providers to be a common theme in the top 100 videos tagged with #IUD, which had 471 million views and 1 million shares. Creators often discussed the pain of having the device inserted, saying they felt gaslighted or lied to about the process, says Jonas Swartz, who led the Duke study. The disconnect between patients' experiences and doctors' communication about IUD insertion is a problem. Since running the IUD study, as well as others that looked at topics like medication abortion and IVF, Swartz approaches interactions with patients differently. He asks his patients if they have seen anything on social media and how they feel about what they heard. "It really is important to start out the conversation if nothing else with an acknowledgement that a patient has some education about the device or treatment you're going to offer," he says. The Duke and Harvard studies, as well as other efforts to understand how social media is influencing views of contraception, are critical to understanding the scope of the problem and crafting strategies to improve communication with patients. When patients come in after absorbing content on social media, it's important to "break down those walls," says Michael Belmonte, an ob-gyn and complex family planning specialist and fellow with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Don't get defensive or simply spit out facts, "but really start a dialogue so we can come to the best decision for them." But there's a problem: Doctors can only have those conversation with the patients they see. An unchecked narrative that hormonal contraception is "unnatural" or unsafe, or that IUDs are problematic, might dissuade women from even considering those forms of birth control, which are the most effective with typical use. Social media trends suggest that already could be happening. In the past two years, posts on TikTok and Instagram from women abandoning IUDs and daily pills in favor of "natural" birth control have proliferated. In the worst-case scenario, "natural" means an unproven supplement, which could be not only ineffective but potentially harmful. In the best-case scenario, "natural" means using a fertility-awareness methods, tracking ovulation to avoid intercourse or use a backup method on days when a pregnancy is most likely to occur. Women have always used cycle tracking, though the process has been modernized with a bevy of apps, including one with Food and Drug Administration clearance. But the approach requires significant rigor to get right and isn't a good fit for everyone. "I am unaware of a single person who has been able to use natural family planning in the long term," meaning women either got pregnant or moved on to another contraceptive method, says Deborah Bartz, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and lead author of the Harvard study. That's backed up by the data: Fertility awareness has a 24% failure rate (put another way, that adds up to 24 pregnancies per year for every 100 users) with typical use. One fact that family planning experts emphasized to me over and over again: Roughly half of the women who get an abortion say they had used some form of birth control during the month they got pregnant. In other words, any drop in use of birth control increases the risk of unintended pregnancies. That's a scary thought at a time when abortion is banned in 13 states and counting. Birth control is a very personal decision, and identifying the method that works best for an individual can require some experimentation. That is best done when a doctor, not social media influencers, guides those choices. Women, meanwhile, should remember to be smart consumers of social media. When fed a video about the dangers of hormonal birth control, ask whether the content comes with a hidden agendais it trying to sell a product or pushing a political agenda? And even if the information is well-intentioned, women should always do their own vettingthe consequences of bad advice are too grave to put one's health in the hands of an influencer. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Two chefs with University of Montana Campus Dining recently succeeded on the national culinary stage in separate competitions. Executive Chef Brian Heddlesten won first place in the 2024 CMS Cost Solutions recipe contest, while Hailey Palmer, executive sous chef of retail dining, brought home a silver medal from the American Culinary Federation. The two chefs were tested on their talent, style and creativity. Heddlesten won the recipe contest with his chipotle hot chicken and cornbread cheddar waffle recipe. He crafted the innovative dish using ingredients required by the contests sponsors: a breaded chicken breast filet and chipotle with adobo spice blend. The inspiration for this recipe was a little bit of Nashville hot chicken meets chicken and waffles with Tex-Mex flavor, Heddlesten said. I wanted to pull in a few of the components of hot chicken such as cayenne, brown sugar and smoked paprika but still provide a chance for the chipotle flavor to stay at the forefront. Heddlesten explained that the breading on the chicken soaks up the spicy sauce, while the waffle deviates from the norm with the addition of cornmeal, jalapenos and cheddar cheese. As the recipe contest winner, Heddlesten receives an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago on May 19-21. Palmer earned her silver medal from the American Culinary Federation following her participation in the National Association of College and University Food Services regional culinary challenge, which took place March 25 in Tacoma. While several UM Campus Dining chefs have medaled in past ACF competitions, Palmer is the first to earn silver. Palmer was one of six competitors from the NACUFS Continental Region to prepare an original dish for ACF officers and chefs, who scored her performance based on organization, talent, technique, taste and style. The required proteins for the competition included branzino, a white ocean fish, bulgur wheat and white shrimp. Competitors were asked to build a nutritionally balanced plate using all three proteins and a starch, vegetable and sauce within a strict time limit. Palmers dish, Branzino and Bulgar Criolla, featured pan-fried bulgur-crusted branzino atop bulgur con gandules, served with tostones and a chimichurri shrimp skewer. The judges said they loved the shrimp and the overall flavors of the dish. I gained some great professional relationships with chefs I would not have met otherwise, Palmer said. I came back with a refreshed motivation to be a better chef. Palmer, who plans to become an ACF-certified executive chef, said she enjoys creating new menu items and developing them with her teams at the Iron Griz: American Bistro and the food court in the University Center. The entire UM Campus Dining culinary team is testing hundreds of new recipes as they prepare for the grand opening of UMs new, two-story, state-of-the-art dining center, slated to open this fall. The all-you-care-to-eat dining center will be open to the public, featuring seven micro-restaurants that showcase cuisines from around the world. EU, G7 leaders urge preventing escalation in Mideast Xinhua) 09:05, April 15, 2024 This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows part of the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Sunday that Iran, at this moment, no longer sought to continue its retaliatory military operation against Israel. BRUSSELS/ROME, April 14 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) and Group of Seven (G7) leaders on Sunday called for preventing a further escalation of the situation in the Middle East following Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel. "Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to follow the situation closely with our partners," said European Council President Charles Michel on social media. "All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on social media. While calling on "all parties to exercise utmost restraint," Josep Borrell, EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on social media that "this is an unprecedented escalation." Borrell said that he has called an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers on April 16 "to contribute to de-escalation and security of the region." After gathering in a virtual meeting on Sunday, the G7 leaders called for de-escalation and restraint on all parties. Israeli air defense system launches to intercept missiles in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 14, 2024. (Tomer Neuberg/JINI via Xinhua) In a joint statement, the G7 leaders emphasized "the need to avoid further escalation, calling on the parties to refrain from actions aimed at exacerbating tension in the region." "To this end, the G7 called for an end to the crisis in Gaza through a cessation of hostilities and for the release of (Israeli) hostages by Hamas. The G7 leaders also pledged to continue providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population," said the statement. The G7 comprises Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan, plus the top representatives of the European Union. Iran and allied armed groups launched coordinated drone and missile strikes on Israel late Saturday night. Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has said the country's military action against Israel was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter regarding the legitimate right to self-defense and in response to the deadly Israeli attack against the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Sunday that Iran, at this moment, no longer sought to continue its retaliatory military operation against Israel. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A new Town Pump travel plaza with 25 spaces for parked semis and a lounge and showers for truckers is set to open Wednesday morning in Whitehall. The new store just off of Interstate 90 is two-thirds larger than the existing Town Pump across the street. It will offer more products and food items, plus feature overnight parking and additional services for truckers. We consider the Whitehall store to be a travel plaza that offers services for commercial drivers, Bill McGladdery, communications director for Butte-based Town Pump, said Monday. This location will only have three showers compared to the Flying J at Rocker, which has 14. The new plaza will open at 8 a.m. Wednesday. We will close the old store overnight on Wednesday, McGladdery said. The fuel tanks and pumps will be removed and the building will be available for lease. The new store will have nearly 12,000 square feet of floor space and offer more products, deli food items and a greatly expanded selection of beer and wine. Our expanded product offerings and deli food items will serve both our Whitehall customers as well as visitors, said Town Pump Manager Logan Trotter. The exterior of the store features a brick and siding exterior with copper accents. The inside has a vaulted ceiling with a skylight that will permit daylight harvesting reducing energy consumption by adjusting indoor lighting based on natural daylight in the building. A 3,277-square-foot second floor will include three showers for commercial drivers, a drivers lounge and laundry services. Parking areas will include 25 designated parking spots for overnight semi-truck parking. A Stone House Deli features an open kitchen concept allowing customers to view the preparation of salads, sandwiches, wraps and breakfast items from scratch. The deli area will also offer grab-and-go items like assorted fresh brewed coffee, cappuccino, nachos, sodas, popcorn, hot dogs and chicken. The new Whitehall store has an inventory similar to the one at the expanded and renovated Town Pump at Montana and Platinum streets in Butte, but McGladdery said none of the Butte stores has an open kitchen. We started this concept in Kalispell two years ago and now have them in Whitefish, Troy, Helena, and it will be in our new Thompson Falls store, McGladdery said. The Whitehall location includes 22 fueling stations offering Conoco gasoline and diesel fuel. There is future space for EV charging stations when demand picks up, McGladdery said. We offer EV charging at our Rocker locations. Commercial truck drivers will have seven dedicated commercial vehicle lanes with pumps allowing both sides of the vehicle to be fueled at the same time. The plaza will also have a 2,880-squre foot Montana Lils Casino with 20 gaming machines. Town Pump now has 107 locations throughout Montana and the Town Pump Charitable Foundation donates money to food banks and numerous other efforts and organizations. Naked woman On Sunday morning, a naked Butte woman allegedly walked into the Town Pump, 901 N. Excelsior Ave., got herself a pop, threw coins on the counter but not enough to cover the expense, and walked out. Officers found Kristen M. Williams, 27, of Butte in the 900 block of Zarelda Street, still naked and drinking her pop. She was taken into custody for indecent exposure and theft. She also had a $2,500 warrant out for her arrest. Shirtless man Police arrived at a residence in the 800 block of West Mercury Street at around 8 p.m. Sunday where a shirtless Christopher P. Darrow, 30, of Butte had allegedly threatened to enter a womans home and light it on fire. At one point, he was reportedly standing on her porch. The woman living there had no idea who Darrow was. Officers located him across the street and he was arrested for criminal trespass to property and assault by reasonable apprehension. Numerous times At around 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Katelyn J. Lester, 33, of Butte was arrested in the 10 block of South Excelsior Avenue for partner or family member assault. According to the police report, a man told an officer that Lester had become aggressive and hit him numerous times in the head and at one point, used a lamp. Aggravated DUI Joshua T. Mohr, 22, of Butte was booked into jail Sunday for aggravated driving under the influence (second offense). Throwing rocks On Thursday, calls came in about a man making loud and unusual noises near the intersection of Montana and Platinum Streets. Dennis L. Wind, 41, of Butte also reportedly was throwing rocks at vehicles and walking into traffic. He was arrested for disorderly conduct. MHP arrests Sierra J. Berg, 36, of Alberton was arrested Friday for violation of release conditions (two offenses). Also on Friday, Ian V. Gallinger, 19, of Anaconda was taken into custody for criminal contempt, no liability insurance in effect and no valid drivers license. Max E. Felix, 51, of Butte was arrested Friday for driving under the influence. Scott T. Mathers, 54, of Los Angeles, California was arrested Saturday for driving under the influence and stop sign violation. Outstanding warrants While out on patrol Saturday, an officer noticed Savannah S. McAllister, 19, of Butte was out driving. The officer had her pull over and arrested her on a warrant for criminal child endangerment. On Friday, Duncan D. Brass, 37, of Butte was stopped in the 600 block of Colorado Street. He had two no-bond warrants out for his arrest and taken into custody. Breezy R. Kittson, 40, of Butte was taken into custody Thursday on a $5,000 warrant out of Cascade County An officer driving Thursday near Adams and Locust streets recognized Kevin A. Plubell, 60, of Butte and took him into custody. Plubell had a $100,000 outstanding warrant for criminal possession of drugs with the intent to distribute. WATERLOO The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the termination of a Waterloo mothers rights to her 1-year-old after the child was hospitalized for swallowing drain cleaner. Court records show a relative was skeptical of Kayla Lynn Tiefels account that suggested the childs older sister had poured Drano on him while she was in the shower. The grandmother implied the mother was responsible for the injuries because her story didnt make sense, asking why didnt (the sibling) get burned as well?" court records state. The grandmother said she also observed two bruises on the childs arm a few days earlier, according to court records. Tiefel was charged with child endangerment after police noticed the drain cleaner was stored without a safety cap and a test determined the child had been exposed to methamphetamine and THC. Court records also describe the house as uninhabitable because it was filled with garbage. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison. In a ruling issued Wednesday, the Iowa Court of Appeals turned down Tiefels challenge to the state termination of her parental rights. In the year and a half leading up to the time that (Iowa Department of Health and Human Services) became involved with the family, the mother admitted that she was using methamphetamine all day every day, court records state. The Drano incident happened in January 2023, weeks after HHS became involved with the family. In appealing the termination, Tiefel said she had made progress through substance abuse and mental health counseling while behind bars. She also argued the state should have granted her more time because she was in prison. We acknowledge her incarceration and the no contact order served as communication barriers during this case, but they did so because of the mothers own actions, the Court of Appeals ruling stated. It also noted she fully addressed the circumstances that ultimately led to the childs removal from the home. The termination appeal ruling didnt mention Tiefel and the children by name, but the facts and timeline match Tiefels criminal case. The ruling also detailed the ordeal the child went through following the incident. While the child was in an Iowa City hospital in a very dire condition the mother left the hospital because HHS workers requested she undergo a drug test, records state. When (the child) was in need of skin-graft surgery, the hospital similarly struggled to contact the mother to obtain consent for the procedure, the ruling states. A juvenile court judge formally removed the child from the mothers custody so HHS workers could provide consent for the medical treatment, records state. The child spent time in the pediatric intensive care unit and underwent surgeries to keep his airway open. He was then transferred to the burn recovery unit for rehabilitation. Five weeks later, he was released to a family member and needed a feeding tube. Records indicate he still faces regular laser surgeries and medical appointments to treat scarring. ___ Best places to live in Iowa Best places to live in Iowa #14. Ankeny, Iowa #13. Bettendorf, Iowa #12. Clive, Iowa #11. Coralville, Iowa #10. Johnston, Iowa #9. Mount Vernon, Iowa #8. North Liberty, Iowa #7. University Heights, Iowa #6. Urbandale, Iowa #5. Waukee, Iowa #4. West Des Moines, Iowa #3. Ames, Iowa #2. Waterbury, Iowa #1. Orange City, Iowa Today, police in Isinya, Kajiado County are expected to charge a church elder accused of defiling a minor and attempting to offer the victims family Kes.100,000 to drop the case. According to a police report, officers picked up the 39-year-old suspect and booked him at Kitengela Police Station on April 12, 2024. The victims family spokesperson said the church elder allegedly abused the victim on April 8, 2024. He said the 14-year-old Grade 8 pupil from Busia County had gone to Kitengela to visit her sister during the April school holidays. The spokesperson reportedly told NTV that the sister sent the girl to the church elders house to help with household chores. The victim is my cousin. I became curious when she did not return home on April 8, 2023, only to be found at the suspects house around 8 pm. We took her to the police station, she opened up about what happened before we took her to Nairobi Womens Hospital where the tests turned positive, he said as quoted. Negotiations NTV reports that the spokesman informed them that he was negotiating with the church elder on behalf of the victim, her sister, and their mother, who resides in Busia. The family spokesman accused some police officers of orchestrating the negotiations. He claimed that in a well-coordinated plan to sabotage the case, the officers asked him to surrender the medical report from the hospital and the Occurrence Book (OB) number receipt he had received when he first filed a formal complaint. We started negotiations on Friday. We met the pastor for the first time at the police station in the presence of a female police officer. The second time we met at the church office and I was offered Kes.100,000 to drop the case. I was willing to take Kes.200,000 even though I knew it was dirty money, he said, adding that he received a phone call warning him not to involve the media in the matter. Victim Speaks Out According to the publication, the victim said she had been directed by her sister to wash clothes and tidy up the suspects one-room house for a fee. She explained that he enticed her with the promise of lunch and the opportunity to watch television soap operas. After washing the clothes and cleaning the house, the man told me he loved me. He took advantage of me and promised to marry me after I finished my studies. I stayed in the house until my sister came to fetch me in the evening, she said. On Saturday evening, the negotiations hit a snag when the suspect realized that the media had learned of their plan. By 5 pm, police had apprehended the victims sister, who had initially participated in the negotiations. Isinya Sub-County Police Commander Patrick Manyasi also confirmed the arrest of the church elder. The suspect is in custody awaiting arraignment on Monday for defilement. Its wrong for anyone to try to subvert justice, especially in a case of defilement, said the police boss. The church elder is also a driver at Kitengela Glorious Gospel Centre and Glorious Group of Schools. The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has announced charges against the former Director General of National Museums of Kenya, Dr. Mzalendo Kibunjia, and four others over the alleged payment of Kes.490 million to ghost workers between 2016 and 2022. Kibunjia is set to face charges of embezzlement of funds at the National Museum of Kenya, which were allegedly disbursed as salaries to ghost employees and subsequently transferred to three officers within the institution. Joining him in facing charges are three museum employees and one from Equity Bank: Stanvas Ongalo Opijah, the Director of Human Resources and Administration; Oliver Okinyi Rabuor, an ICT Officer in the Payroll Section; Wycliffe Odhiambo Ongata, an Accountant in the Payroll Section; and Equity Bank Accountant Oscar Mwaura Wambui. DPP made the Decision to Charge the former Director General of National Museums of Kenya, Dr. Mzalendo Kibunja, along with three employees and an employee of Equity Bank with embezzlement of Kes.490 million at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), which was irregularly paid as salaries to ghost employees and later transferred to officers of the institution between FY 2015/2016 and 2021/2022, said the DPP. The State Prosecutor said that an investigation into the case submitted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had justified the prosecution of the five suspects. The DPP upon further independent and thorough review of the resubmitted inquiry file, was satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to warrant the prosecution of the suspects, the DPP added. They will face five counts, including conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption, abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and financial misconduct, all contrary to the law. 105 Ghost Workers on Payroll Last year, the EACC revealed that the multi-million scandal involved the addition of 105 ghost workers to the payroll between May 2016 and April 2022. Investigations established that these ghost workers received a gross salary ranging from Kes.88,000 to Kes.95,000, along with gratuity at a rate of 31 percent of the annual basic pay. Further EACC investigations found that the ghost workers would retain a portion of the salaries received and transfer the remainder to officers at the National Museum of Kenya. Furthermore, the ghost workers were required to secure loan facilities at a designated KCB bank branch and subsequently remit the loan amounts to NMK officials. As a token of appreciation, these ghost workers would receive between Kes. 100,000 and Kes.200,000 from the loan funds. In total, these 105 ghost workers were allegedly paid cumulative salaries amounting to Kes.491,405,413 for the period. Residents of Majengo on the outskirts of Kericho town were plunged into shock and sorrow after a man reportedly took his own life following a gambling loss. The body of 24-year-old Collins Kipkorir was found hanging from the roof of his one-room rented house last week. He allegedly ended his life after losing Kes.120,000 through aviator gambling on Monday(April 8) morning, as reported by NTV Kenya. Kipkorir, a reported blogger and political activist who worked at an M-Pesa shop in Kericho town, reportedly used funds from the business for gambling, resulting in the loss of all his bets. Speaking to NTV via phone, the deceaseds nephew, Aron Kosgey, mentioned that Kipkorir had asked a friend to manage the shop while he ran errands in town, intending to return later. We attempted to reach him several times, but he did not respond to the calls, Kosgey stated. According to the police report, no suicide note was found at the scene. The body was transported to Siloam Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. President William Ruto has underscored his administrations commitment to making decisions based on long-term benefits rather than short-term popularity. Speaking on Sunday at St. Peters ACK in Nyeri during the retirement service of Mt. Kenya West ACK Bishop Joseph Kagunda, Ruto emphasized the importance of leadership over popularity. In our country, theres a tendency for leaders to prioritize decisions that make them popular. In my administration, we will continue to make tough decisions that will yield positive results in the future, even if they are initially unpopular. We were elected to lead, not to seek popularity, he said. President Ruto highlighted past decisions, such as abolishing subsidies on petrol and maize flour, which faced public backlash but ultimately resulted in price reductions. When we removed subsidies on these commodities, we faced criticism, but now Kenyans are benefiting from lower prices. This illustrates the value of making difficult decisions for the greater good, Ruto asserted. Ruto at the same time reaffirmed his governments commitment to addressing issues like fertilizer scams, promising strict legal action against offenders. Those involved in these corrupt practices will face the full force of the law. We will not allow them to undermine our efforts to feed the nation, he said. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As military aid for Ukraine remains stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives, Americans themselves are equally split, at 36% each, between those who believe the United States is doing too much to help Ukraine and those saying its not doing enough. However, this is a more favorable balance of opinion for Ukraine than last fall, when more thought the U.S. was doing too much (41%) than not enough (25%). This comes as Americans perceptions of who is winning the war have also shifted, with more now saying Russia rather than Ukraine has the upper hand, although a majority of U.S. adults still see neither side as winning. Partisans remain sharply divided in their opinions of the war, with Democrats more supportive than Republicans of helping Ukraine. However, the gap is now at a record high, given the surge in Democrats belief since last fall that the U.S. is not doing enough. Republicans minimal agreement with this position hasnt changed, and political independents views are closer to Republicans than Democrats. Uptick in Percentage of Americans Who Think U.S. Is Not Helping Ukraine Enough This is the first time that less than 30% of Americans say the U.S. is doing the right amount to support Ukraine, which was the most common view as recently as June, when 43% held this opinion. Last fall saw a surge in the percentage saying the U.S. was doing too much, though that view has subsided since then. ###Embeddable### The latest data are from a Gallup poll conducted March 1-17, several weeks after the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan aid package that included $60 billion in funding for Ukraine. The bill has been stuck in the U.S. House as Speaker Mike Johnson has been working to get support from his Republican caucus, which currently holds a slim two-vote majority. Conservative House Republicans have vowed to withhold support for any foreign aid bill that does not include funding for strengthening the U.S. southern border. Democrats -- and, to a lesser extent, independents -- are driving the increase since October in views that the U.S. is not doing enough in the conflict. Sixty percent of Democrats (up by 22 percentage points) say U.S. support for Ukraine is insufficient, while 34% of independents (up by nine points) agree. At the same time, Republicans view is essentially unchanged, with 15% saying the U.S. is not doing enough. ###Embeddable### In addition, between 25% and 28% of all three party groups think the current level of help for Ukraine is about right, while 57% of Republicans, 39% of independents and 13% of Democrats think the U.S. is doing too much. Before October, no more than 50% of Republicans and 35% of independents said the U.S. was doing too much. Majority Still Favors Supporting Ukraine in Reclaiming Territory Fifty-five percent of Americans think the U.S. should continue to support Ukraine in reclaiming its territory, even if that requires prolonged involvement, rather than ending the conflict as quickly as possible, even if that means ceding territory to Russia (43%). These findings are unchanged from the previous readings in October. However, the percentage of Americans who now favor continuing the fight to win back Ukraines territory is lower than the 62% to 66% who preferred that approach between August 2022 and June 2023. ###Embeddable### As has been the case since August 2022, a broad majority of Democrats (77%) prefer helping Ukraine reclaim the land it has lost to Russia. In contrast, 45% of Republicans and 47% of independents favor the same approach, while slim majorities of both party groups support a quick end to the war. More Say Russia Winning, but Majority Still See Neither Side Prevailing The majority of Americans, 65%, continue to think the war in Ukraine is at a stalemate, but they are more likely now (23%) than they were in October (14%) to say Russia is winning. The 12% of U.S. adults who believe Ukraine is winning the war is down from 20% in October. ###Embeddable### Since the last survey, Russia has made some gains in Ukraine, while Ukraine has not been able to do much in its counteroffensive effort. Partisans perceptions of the war are nearly identical, but this has not always been the case. In the two previous readings, Democrats were much more likely than Republicans and independents to say Ukraine was winning. Last June, 45% of Democrats said Ukraine was winning the war, but that figure fell to 32% in October and now stands at 15%. Meanwhile, 11% of Republicans and 10% of independents now say Ukraine is winning. Republicans Hold Slight Edge on Handling the U.S. Response to the War Americans are slightly more likely to say the Republicans in Congress are doing a better job of handling the U.S. response to the war in Ukraine than to say Joe Biden is (49% vs. 44%, respectively). Likewise, Donald Trump (50%) edges out Biden (46%) as potentially better at handling the U.S. response. Broad majorities of Republicans and Democrats choose their own partys congressional leaders and 2024 presidential contender as the better managers of the United States response to the Russia-Ukraine war, while slim majorities of independents favor Republican leaders. ###Embeddable### Bottom Line Two years after Russia invaded Ukraine, Americans are divided over whether the United States support for Ukraine is sufficient. Still, a majority continues to believe that helping reclaim Ukrainian territory is worth the effort, however long it may take. Partisans hold drastically different views on the subject, with Democrats much more supportive than Republicans of helping Ukraine. This has played out among congressional Republicans as U.S. aid for Ukraine has been delayed in the House. Johnson is attempting to forge a compromise, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a dire warning that help is needed now, but Johnson could lose his position as speaker if he does not satisfy differing segments of the Republican caucus. To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on X. Learn more about how the Gallup Panel works. ###Embeddable### 15:13 The 76-year-old British-American author was on stage in August 2022 when he was stabbed up to 12 times by accused Hadi Matar in prison for attempted murder. In an interview with the BBC ahead of the release of his detailed account of the attack in Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder' this week, the author admitted that losing an eye is something that "upsets me every day" and that the memoir was his way of fighting back against what happened. "I actually thought he punched me very hard. I didn't realise it was a knife in his hand, and then I saw the blood, and I realised there was a weapon," said Rushdie, recalling the moment of the attack at the Chautauqua Institution. "I think he was just slashing wildly at everything. So, there was a very big slash across my neck and stab wounds down by the middle of my torso and two to the side, and then there was the wound in my eye, which was quite deep. It looked terrible. I mean, it was very distended, swollen, and it was kind of hanging out of my face, sitting on my cheek like a soft-boiled egg, and I am blind," he recalls. "I remember thinking I was dying. Fortunately, I was wrong," he said. Rushdie recounted how his attacker came "sprinting up the stairs" and stabbed him 12 times in an attack lasting 27 seconds. "I couldn't have fought him. I couldn't have run away from him," he told the BBC. He fell to the floor, where he lay with "a spectacular quantity of blood" all around him before he was rushed to a hospital by helicopter and spent six weeks recovering there. Rushdie had spent several years in hiding after the 1988 publication of the controversial The Satanic Verses' triggered threats against his life, with the Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini issuing a fatwa against him. The New York-based novelist, knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II for services to literature, admitted he had thought someone might "jump out of an audience" one day. "Clearly, it would've been absurd for it not to cross my mind," he admitted. The attack damaged Rushdie's liver and hands and severed nerves in his right eye. He finds he has to take greater care when walking down the stairs, crossing a road, or even pouring water into a glass. But he considers himself lucky to have avoided brain damage. "It meant I was actually still able to be myself," he shared, adding that his new book recounting the horror, which formally releases on Tuesday, is dedicated to "the men and women who saved my life". In Knife', the author has an imaginary conversation with his attacker: "In America, many people pretend to be honest, but they wear masks and lie. And would that be a reason to kill them all?" He has never met the accused but is likely to come face-to-face with him in court when the trial gets underway later this year. He recalls how, when he was lying in a pool of blood, he found himself "idiotically thinking" about his personal belongings, including that his Ralph Lauren suit was getting ruined and that his house keys and credit cards might fall out of his pocket. "At the time, of course, it's ludicrous. But in retrospect, what it says to me, is there was some bit of me that was not intending to die. There was some bit of me that was saying, 'I'm going to need those house keys, and I'm going to need those credit cards'. He added that it was a "survival instinct" that was saying to him: "You're going to live. Live. Live." Since the attack, Rushdie has spoken out about the growing stresses on freedom of speech around the world, and in this week's interview reiterated his worries. " Mumbai-born Booker Prize-winning author Salman Rushdie has spoken in gruesome detail about the moment he was attacked by a knifeman on stage in New York in 2022, and said he thought he was dying as his left eye hung down his face like a soft-boiled egg. SIU will host Arbor Day tree planting April 24; all welcome by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondale will commemorate Arbor Day and Earth Month with a tree planting on April 24. Everyone is welcome to participate in the event, which will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. The planting will happen rain or shine at the north entrance to campus, beginning at the corner of Mill and Poplar Streets. Participants should dress appropriately for the planting; closed-toe shoes and jeans are recommended, and they should bring gloves. Tools will be provided. Media Advisory Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the tree planting from 9 to 11 a.m. on April 24. Meet at the corner of Mill and Poplar Streets. For more information, contact Dave Tippy at dtippy@siu.edu or 618-453-8179. Tree Campus recognition SIU has earned honors annually since 2015 as a Tree Campus Higher Education and is currently one of just 410 campuses across the country to earn the designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. The annual spring tree planting is among numerous reasons SIU continues to receive the honor. Since the initiative began, volunteers, faculty, staff and students have planted well over 100 trees to help the university maintain its extensive biodiversity and beauty. The effort has been led by Dave Tippy, superintendent of grounds and chair of the Tree Campus committee. As Tippy plans to retire April 30 with 18 years of service to the university, officials expressed appreciation for all he has done. Dave Tippys dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on our university community, said Mark Owens, director of facilities and energy management. His vision and tireless efforts in spearheading initiatives such as Tree Campus Higher Education and the SIU Arboretum have not only enhanced the beauty of our campus but have also fostered meaningful relationships and furthered our commitment to sustainability. As Dave prepares to embark on the next chapter of his journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement." For more information To learn more about the tree planting or SIUs Tree Campus Higher Education, visit the website or contact Tippy at dtippy@siu.edu or 618-453-8179. VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 15: Beauty Garage Professional, a true made-in-India brand reinventing the hair care industry, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking innovation in hair care with the unveiling of the Beauty Garage Shea Collagen Hair Filler Treatment. This innovative treatment sets a new standard in hair rejuvenation by instantly replenishing 18-MEA within hair strands. Infused with potent ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen, this treatment serves as a transformative elixir, effectively eliminating 100 per cent of frizz while leaving hair irresistibly soft and brilliantly shiny. Conventional chemical treatments, like bleaching, often result in hair feeling rough, dry, and frizzy. However, with the introduction of the Beauty Garage Shea Collagen Hair Filler Treatment, hair can swiftly regain its natural beauty. Additionally, this treatment enhances hair elasticity, ensuring locks remain resilient and vibrant. Mahesh Ravaria, Founder and CEO of Beauty Garage Professional said, "This product represents our unwavering commitment to revolutionizing the hair care industry with potent, natural ingredients. Our mission has always been to empower individuals to embrace their natural beauty, and with this groundbreaking treatment, we're setting a new standard for hair rejuvenation." The key ingredients of this remarkable product include: * Hyaluronic Acid: Provides crucial hydration and moisture, safeguarding the integrity of the lipid layer, including 18-MEA, to shield against damage. * Hydrolyzed Collagen: Reinforces and fortifies hair, reducing breakage and preserving the 18-MEA layer. * Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan Oil): Abundant in fatty acids and vitamin E, Argan Oil moisturizes and nourishes hair, bolstering lipid layer integrity. * Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter): An opulent moisturizer that nurtures and softens hair, fostering hydration and shine. * Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): Delivers antioxidant benefits, safeguarding hair from environmental damage and supporting lipid layer integrity. * Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Strengthens and nourishes hair, assisting in damage repair and prevention of breakage. This product boasts numerous benefits, including improved hair strength, enhanced texture and elasticity, deep hydration, and moisture. Formulated with natural extracts, it offers a comprehensive solution for hair care needs. Beauty Garage Professional is transforming a multi-million dollar Hair Care Sector and reinventing hair and scalp health with groundbreaking products and a top-notch distribution network. It's a truly Made in India success story with the only Indian company manufacturing products and introducing innovative treatments such as Hair Botox. With a dedicated team engaged in continuous product research and technology exploration, the company has a remarkable growth story in the thriving Indian haircare market. Beauty Garage is a dynamic and influential player in the beauty industry, poised for continued success on both domestic and international fronts led by dynamic founders, Mahesh and Jigar Ravaria who established the company in 2017. The company stands out with a compelling competitive edge in the hair treatment market with strategic expansion plans of establishing a global presence with a focus on key regions such as the Middle East and the United States. The company's strong network comprises over 100 distributors, supported by a dedicated team of 150 field Professionals, including both sales and technicians. Beauty Garage Professional is at the forefront of innovation, delivering high-end quality products in more than 32 countries. Its worldwide distribution and FDA approval positions it as a winning player in the market revolutionising the Indian Salon Industry with flawless rich hair care products. The remarkable R&D teams are tirelessly working to develop innovative products for hair care and treatment. The company's primary focus is on reinventing hair care, and collaborating with hairdressers to develop solutions and services at the forefront of the industry. With the core ethos centered around a profound love for hair, the company aims to provide comprehensive hair care solutions that repair and restyle hair post-treatment damage. At Beauty Garage Professional, the absolute dedication to the art of hair care shines through, empowering Professionals and customers alike to achieve their hair goals with confidence and flair. Today, Beauty Garage Professional showcases a diverse collection of 100+ SKUs and six distinctive series, including K9 Botoplexx, Botoliss, Botosmart, Shea, Shea Curls, and ScalpSense using the high-end, advanced technology to create all the products designed to satisfy the customers. The safest ingredients are curated and treated in the safest environment to obtain the best results. With strong partnerships with salons across India, Beauty Garage caters to the rising beauty consciousness as people are investing more in hair & scalp care, and solutions to enhance their appearance and wellbeing. Website: https://beautygarage.com/about-us/ For further media queries, please contact: Sonia Kulkarni | 9820184099 sonia.kulkarni@hunkgolden.in (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) Actor Huma Qureshi has started shooting for 'Gulabi' in Ahmedabad. As per a statement, the film promises to be a groundbreaking tale that celebrates the resilience and strength of women everywhere. "Set against the backdrop of a stirring true story", it unveils the courage of an auto rickshaw driver who became the beacon of change, inspiring women to reclaim their destinies. 'Gulabi' is directed by Vipul Mehta and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Vishal Rana. Sharing more details about the project, producer Vishal Rana said, "We are thrilled to start shoot for Gulabi in Ahmedabad today. Through this film, our aim is to deliver a great content-driven film for the audience they can resonate with . Huma who has delivered some great performances in her career, once again is all set to create some magic on screen." He also posted a picture from the sets. The picture shows Huma posing with the film's director and producer She could be seen dressed up as a Gujarati woman. Besides acting, Huma recently launched her debut novel 'Zeba: An Accidental Superhero'.The book is set in a fantasy land with its own geo- and socio-political spin. On turning author, Huma earlier said, "I've learned that accepting who you are, with all your quirks and uniqueness, is the most empowering journey one can embark on. We live in a world that needs diversity, and every individual's story is a piece of that beautiful mosaic. Stories of fierce women are not just the need of the hour; they are the timeless tales that inspire generations, reminding us that strength and resilience know no boundaries. We need these stories to remind ourselves that we, too, can be the heroes of our own lives. This novel is deeply personal and it puts out there the rawest, most unfiltered version of me." (ANI) In a blow to the TDP ahead of the assembly elections in the state, two-time sitting TDP MLA from Visakhapatnam south constituency, Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, joined the ruling YSRCP on Sunday. A leader from the fishing community, he is set to seek a fresh term in the Assembly from the South constituency, albeit on a YSRCP ticket. Significantly, the switchover came a day after YSRCP supremo and Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy was injured in a stone-pelting attack while headlining a roadshow in Vijaywada. Speaking to ANI on Sunday after donning his new political stripes, Ganesh Kumar hit out at party chief and former CM N Chandrababu Naidu, calling him a traitor. For the TDP supremo, an election manifesto holds no significance at all, he said. "If elected, Chandrababu Naidu will have no regard for the manifesto. I can hold myself up as the best example of this. During the TDP rule, he once promised in the manifesto that fishermen would be added to the ST community from the lists of backward classes. He even promised pensions to people in the fishing community, who are over 50 years of age. However, on a visit to Visakhapatnam, when all party leaders of the fishermen's community, including myself, approached him and urged him to fulfil his promises, he snapped at me, warning that he would skin me alive if I brought up the topic again with him. I decided thereafter to quit the TDP, as he turned out to be a traitor," he added. The two-time MLA added that no other community offers prayers to Goddess Ganga except that of the fishermen. "Fishermen depend on Ganga Devi. We belong to the Mista backward class. The fishing community is in such fiscal distress that their women don't even have proper clothes to wear. It was CM Jagan, who prioritised the interests and welfare of the fishing community and even gave them opportunities to be elected as MLAs, MLCs and ministers. Chandrababu Naidu never keeps his word. Whatever he says is nothing but a false promise. I know this as I have seen him from close quarters. Nobody knows about Chandrababu Naidu more than I do." In a word of caution for Jana Sena chief and actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan, who entered into an electoral alliance with the TDP earlier, Ganesh Kumar said Chandrababu would dump him if he wins the assembly elections. "Kalyan might be dumped by Chandrababu if he wins these elections. He should rethink the alliance with the TDP and come out of it. The only agenda for Pawan Kalyan is to stop Jagan Mohan Reddy from ruling the state. He has no other agenda," he added. Ganesh Kumar was elected MLA from Visakhapatnam South constituency in the 2014 and 2019 elections on a TDP ticket. However, he will contest the seat on a YSRCP ticket this year against Jana Sena candidate Vamsi Krishna. (ANI) Condemning the stone-pelting attack on Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, leaving him with a deep gash on the eyebrow, ruling YSRCP MP MVV Satyanarayana said on Sunday the attack was part of a larger conspiracy by the TDP and its allies--the BJP and the Jana Sena Party (JSP). Satyanarayana is seeking a fresh term in the Lok Sabha this year from the East constituency of Visakhapatnam. The CM was leading a roadshow ahead of the assembly elections, in Vijaywada, on Saturday when he was struck by a stone. He was treated for his injury and administered first-aid on the bus itself before the roadshow resumed. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Satyanarayana said, "The TDP and its alliance partners (BJP and JSP) were behind this attack on Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. It was a heinous and cowardly attack. Causing physical harm to someone is an act of evil." Earlier, on Sunday evening, supporters of the YSRCP lawmaker staged a protest on National Highway 16, which links Chennai and Kolkata, against the attack on CM Jagan. The protesters condemned the attack and raised slogans against the TDP. However, earlier on Sunday, TDP chief and former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu voiced concern and anger over the stone pelting incident while addressing supporters at a meeting in Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam. "Yesterday, a stone was pelted at Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy while there was no electricity. Today, a similar incident happened with me. The cannabis batch and blade batch are behind this," Naidu said. He also claimed that a stone was thrown at ally and actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan in Tenali. Labelling the Vijaywada incident as a 'drama', the former CM added, "I was pelted with stones in the last assembly elections." On Saturday evening, CM Jagan was left with a deep cut above his left eyebrow, narrowly missing his eye, after an unidentified person hurled a stone at him during the 'Memantha Siddham' bus yatra in Vijayawada. (ANI) Several devotees gathered at the Chhatarpur Temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. Navratri days hold great significance among Hindus and these days are celebrated with great grandeur. The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping 'Maa Kaalratri', the fierce manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is also known as a destroyer of demons, evil spirits, and negative energies. She helps the devotees to remove the darkness. The rituals for this day are observed during the Saptami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwina. This year, the Navratri festival, spanning nine days, commenced on April 9 and is set to conclude on April 17. Throughout this period, people have been venerating Maa Durga and her nine manifestations, known as the Navadurgas. The nine-day festival, which is also known as Rama Navratri, ends on Rama Navami, Lord Ram's birthday. During Chaitra Navratri, people fast and worship the goddess Durga. They also perform Ghatasthapana, the invocation of goddess Shakti, which is a significant ritual followed during the period. Navratri also celebrates calmness and peacefulness in the form of Maha Gauri Mata. (ANI) According to the police, the deceased was identified as Md Saquib (36), a cab driver by profession and the injured was identified as Luv Kush (15). A PCR call was received at the Kotwali police station regarding a quarrel that broke out on the intervening nights of Sunday and Monday, police said. "At around 1.50 AM, information was received from LNJP hospital that Md Saquib (36), a resident of Zakir Nagar, Delhi, had been admitted after receiving gunshot wounds, along with one Luv Khush (15)," said police. Sharing details about the incident, police said, "At around 12.00 AM a vehicle that was approaching from Kodia Pul to Chatta Rail Crossing collided with an e-rickshaw after which an altercation took place." "During the argument, one of the persons involved in the conflict took out a firearm and fired a shot at the driver of the vehicle. The same person also shot a beggar nearby who had been witnessing the whole scenario," added police. After the incident, the accused fled from the scene. Both victims were rushed to LNJP hospital by the people around them. The forensic examination of the spot has been done. Police have registered a case under 302/307 IPC and 27 Arms Act and started searching for the accused involved in the incident. Further investigation of the case is in progress. (ANI) Devotees gathered on the banks of the Kalindi Kunj Ghat in New Delhi on Monday morning to offer 'Araghya' to the rising sun, on the last day of the 4-day Chhath Puja festival. Similar celebrations were witnessed in other parts of the national capital where devotees offered prayers to the rising sun. Chhath is one of the significant celebrations in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country. While Chhath is usually celebrated with a ton of energy in Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar, however, in numerous regions of India, the celebration is also held during Chaitra. The Chhath Puja during this month is additionally referred to as Chaiti Chhath. In certain parts of northern India, particularly the Braj area, it is also called Yamuna Chhath. Chaiti Chhath is celebrated on Shukla Paksha Shashthi in Chaitra month and is observed during Chaitra Navratri. The celebration is additionally referred to as Yamuna Chhath. It is believed that the river Yamuna came down to earth on this day and, accordingly, it likewise denotes the birth anniversary of Goddess Yamuna or Yamuna Jayanti. Devoted to Chhathi Maiyya and Surya Bhagwan, the celebration is observed over a range of 4 days, beginning with ceremonies of Nahay Khay, followed by Kharna or Lohanda, Sandhya Arghya and culminating with Usha Arghya which is proposed to the rising sun on the last day. The two Chhaths are observed at different times of the year, although they are mostly celebrated the same way. The devout celebration starts with Nahay-Khay, where vratis clean up in holy water and eat rice, chana dal and bottled gourd sabzi. On Kharna, the second day of Chhath, devotees mark fast from morning to night and have Rasiya kheer and roti at night. After this, a 36-hour difficult fast starts all through the third day and ends in the early hours of the fourth day. (ANI) Assyrian Bishop Stabbed While Live Streaming Bishop Mari Emmanuel was stabbed during a live stream of a sermon. Fairfield (AINA) -- Assyrian Bishop Mari Emmanuel of Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney was stabbed while live-streaming his sermon. Video shows the yet attacker stabbing the bishop multiple times before he is subdued by parishioners. Screams are heard from the parishioners as the attack unfolds. Another video posted on X shows the Bishop on a stretcher being wheeled to an ambulance. Four parishioners were injured in the attacked, none of the injuries are life threatening. The attacker, who has yet to be identified, is seen smiling as he is subdued by parishioners. Hundreds of Assyrians gathered outside the church to protest the stabbing and there were reports of clashes with the police. The suspect was held inside the church because of this and was eventually brought to the police station. Liverpool Hospital, where the Bishop was brought, was reportedly under lockdown. Bishop Emmanuel has gained a wide following in and out of the Assyrian community for his incisive commentaries on social issues and criticism of some churches for having strayed from the message of Christ and the mission of the church. Your browser does not support the video tag. Assam Minister Ashok Singhal hailed the BJP's election manifesto, or Sankalp Patra, saying it is "full of vision, ambition, dreams, and a resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047." "This manifesto is full of vision, ambition, dreams, and a resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047... It fulfils the dreams of farmers, women, youth, and the poor," Singhal told ANI. Talking about the promise in the manifesto of implementing the Union Civil Code (UCC), he said it would provide justice to everybody and a level playing field. "UCC is nothing new on the BJP agenda. Everyone should be equal before the law. UCC will resolve a lot of issues that the country is facing. UCC will give justice to everybody and also provide a level playing field. It will bring brotherhood and harmony," Singhal said. In its election manifesto BJP has vowed to implement the Union Civil Code (UCC), maintain peace in the Northeast, among other key poll promises. The party released its "Sankalp Patra" on Sunday at its headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The party said that women will not get equal rights until a common legal code is implemented. "Article 44 of the Constitution lists the Uniform Civil Code as one of the Directive Principles of State Policy. BJP believes that there cannot be gender equality till such time Bharat adopts a Uniform Civil Code, that protects the rights of all women, and the BJP reiterates its stand to draw a Uniform Civil Code, drawing upon the best traditions and harmonising them with modern times," the BJP said in its manifesto. UCC is contemplated as a common set of laws for citizens governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of religion, sex, gender or caste. Notably, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement UCC earlier this year. The party also said that it will continue its effective efforts to establish peace in the North-East and phase out the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. "We will continue our efforts to address the issues in the disturbed areas and remove AFSPA in a phased manner. We will further work towards the resolution of inter-state border disputes amongst Northeastern states through sustained efforts," the party said in its manifesto. Last year, violence erupted in one of the Northeast states- Manipur after indigenous communities held a rally to protest against demands by the main ethnic group in the state for tribal status. Notably, the AFSPA Act empowers the governor of the state or administrator of Union territory or the Centre to issue an official notification concerning disturbed areas, after which the central government has the authority to send in armed forces for civilian aid. The party further said that it will work to leverage the Northeast as a strategic gateway for Bharat's Act East Policy, ensuring connectivity, education, health, economic development and security. The BJP also promised to build 'sarovars' to manage floods in the Northeast. "We will ensure flood management in the Northeast by conducting advanced satellite imagery to identify places where big reservoirs can be constructed to store excess waters according to topography, which will be used for irrigation, and organising water sports, among others," it added. (ANI) The Supreme Court issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea by Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the agency and his subsequent remand in the excise policy case. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta refused to give an early hearing of the case as sought by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Kejriwal. During the hearing, Singhvi urged the bench to give a short date for the hearing, preferably the coming Friday. The bench said, "We will give you a short date, but it is not possible to meet the date suggested by you." Singhvi said the arrest of Kejriwal was made to disable him from campaigning. The apex court posted the case for further hearing in the week commencing from April 29. The bench, in its order, stated, "Issue notice. returnable on April 24. Notice is accepted by the respondent (ED), who is presented in court on caveat. Reply to be filed on or before April 24 and rejoinder (by Kejriwal) on or before April 27. Post-in week commencing April 29." Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal has approached the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court judgment that dismissed his plea against arrest by the ED and his subsequent remand in the excise policy case. While filing an appeal in the apex court, he contended that his arrest after the announcement of the general elections was "motivated by extraneous considerations.". The appeal stated that the sitting Chief Minister had been arrested in a "motivated manner" in the middle of the election cycle, especially after the declaration of the schedule of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. On April 9, the High Court dismissed his plea for release from jail and rejected his argument of political vendetta amid the looming Lok Sabha elections. The High Court had said that Kejriwal's absence from nine ED summons over six months undermined any claims of special privilege as Chief Minister, suggesting his arrest was an inevitable consequence of his non-cooperation. Seeking urgent intervention from the Supreme Court, the Chief Minister's appeal stated, it is an issue of illegal curtailment of Kejriwal's liberty. Kejriwal's arrest also constitutes an unprecedented assault on the tenets of democracy based on free and fair elections and federalism, both of which form significant constituents of the basic structure of the Constitution, the appeal further stated. The petition, while seeking the release of the Delhi Chief Minister from jail, said the ED has allowed its process to be used and misused by vested interests as an instrument of oppression to not only invade the liberty of the political opponents during the 2024 general election of such vested interests but also to tarnish their reputation and self-esteem. Such lawlessness cannot be allowed to be perpetrated under any circumstances, it said while urging the apex court to declare Kejriwal's arrest illegal. "The petitioner's arrest, therefore, bears serious, irreversible ramifications for the future of electoral democracy in India, for if the petitioner is not released forthwith to participate in the upcoming elections, it will establish a precedence in law for ruling parties to arrest heads of political opposition on flimsy and vexatious charges before elections, thereby eroding the core principles of our Constitution," the petition stated. Filing the appeal against the High Court judgement, Kejriwal said that there is no material in the possession of the Enforcement Directorate based on which an inference of guilt can be made under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). "Moreover, the circumstances and chronology of events clearly show that there was no necessity to arrest the petitioner (Kejriwal)," it added. The arrest was made solely based on the subsequent, contradictory, and highly belated statements of co-accused who have now turned approvers, the appeal stated. An appeal against the High Court order stated, "Moreover, such statements and material had been with the Enforcement Directorate for the last nine months and still the arrest has been made illegally in the middle of the 2024 general election." These statements relied upon in the grounds of arrest were recorded by the ED from December 7, 2022, till July 27, 2023, and subsequently no further material has been collected against Kejriwal, it stated. "There was no legal or factual basis for reason to believe or material in possession to consider the petitioner guilty for effecting an arrest. There was no necessity for the arrest on March 21, 2024, based on this material, as stated in the appeal. Also, no statement was recorded before the arrest on March 21, 2024, to seek any explanation about this old material, before deciding on the requirements of Section 19 of PMLA, it added. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-scapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22. (ANI) Thousands of party workers and supporters turned up for the roadshow in Sultan Bathery, Wayanad. From an open vehicle, he waved to the crowd amid the slogan in support of him and the Congress party. Rahul arrived here in the state for a two-day tour and he will also hold a United Democratic Front (UDF) rally in Kozhikode in the evening and take part in several programmes in his constituency. Kerala, whose all 20 constituencies go to the poll on April 26 in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election, is witnessing high-voltage political activities on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also holding campaign rallies in the state. Today, PM Modi is attending two public meetings in Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur. Rahul Gandhi is pitted against CPI's Annie Raja and BJP's state president, K Surendran. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad with a huge margin of over 4.31 lakh votes; the highest margin in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Kerala. He secured 64.94 per cent vote share, defeating LDF candidate PP Suneer. The NDA had fielded BDJ (S) leader Tushar Vellapally, who secured just around 78,000 votes, which accounted for a mere 7.25 per cent. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won 19 out of 20 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. While the Congress won 15 seats, its allies Indian Union Muslim League, won two seats, the Revolutionary Socialist Party won one, and the Kerala Congress (M) won one seat. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) won one seat in Alappuzha. (ANI) Ahead of the nomination filing, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mansukh Mandaviya visited Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and wished to keep working by drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. Speaking to ANI, Mandaviya said that while visiting the place, he prayed to draw inspiration from the life of Mahatma Gandhi and keep working in the field of politics. He said, "Today before filing nominations, I have come here to the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. We have to take inspiration from his life and keep working in the field of politics." The minister, before filing his nomination papers, also held a rally in Porbandar. Taking to his official X handle, the Union Health Minister also tweeted about offering prayers at Bhojeshwar Temple ahead of filing his nomination, along with Arjun Modhwadia and Ramesh Dhaduk. A memorial shrine in Porbandar, Kirti Mandir was established in remembrance of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. The family's ancestral home, where Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, lies next to the Kirti Mandir. The place has a spacious courtyard and is surrounded by a photo exhibit depicting Mahatma Gandhi's life journey. Shree Darbar Gopaldas Desai built the foundation for the current Kirti Mandir in 1947. After Mahatma Gandhi died in 1950, the memorial was built and unveiled by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on May 27, 1950. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Congress has expressed pleasure over INDIA bloc extending its support to All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) candidate RB Prajapati for Khajuraho parliamentary seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and says that it feels good to support AIFB. Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Congress Media Department, Mukesh Nayak on Monday addressed a press conference for the same in the state capital Bhopal. "It feels good to support the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and the reason for this is that it was formed by Indian freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose in 1939. Due to similar ideology, effort to save democracy in the present times, having similar ideological convention and political commitment, it is a natural alliance of AIFB and Congress Party," Nayak said. "When the matter was discussed with the Samajwadi Party (SP), they were ready and happily gave their consent. Therefore, AIFB candidate RB Prajapati will be the official candidate of INDIA Alliance in Khajuraho Lok Sabha. SP, Congress Party and other constituent parties will help them with full strength and capacity in the upcoming election," he added. AIFB candidate RB Prajapati is a former IAS officer and will be contesting against BJP nominee VD Sharma. Earlier, SP candidate Meera Yadav was contesting from the seat but her nomination was rejected on April 5 due to lack of a signature at one place and not having an updated voter list. Khajuraho parliamentary seat was the only constituency assigned to Samajwadi Party, a member of the INDIA bloc, as part of a seat-sharing deal with the Congress. Congress general secretary-in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh also issued a written statement in this regard. Khajuraho will go to poll in the second phase on April 26. Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh will be conducted in four phases. The first phase of polling would be held on April 19, followed by April 26, May 7 and May 13. Madhya Pradesh has a total of 29 Lok Sabha constituencies, making it the sixth-largest state in terms of parliamentary representation. Out of these, 10 seats are reserved for SC and ST candidates, while the remaining 19 are unreserved. In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, the BJP secured a massive victory in Madhya Pradesh, winning 28 out of the 29 seats. The Indian National Congress (INC) managed to win only one seat. (ANI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma praised the BJP's manifesto and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'gurantees' labeling the manifesto as a 'visionary' blueprint crafted with the welfare of the nation's citizens in mind. Addressing a Press conference in Jaipur, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said, "The BJP manifesto is crafted with the aspirations of millions of Indians in mind, serving as a visionary document shaped by and for the public, addressing their various concerns and needs". "The 2024 elections are centered around Prime Minister Modi's commitments. Unlike past practices where political parties merely made promises without fulfilling them, PM Modi has consistently delivered on his pledges. His accomplishments from 2014 and 2019 stand as proof, and his promises for 2024 are evident. This 'Sankalp Patra' serves as a guarantee, ensuring that his commitments will be fulfilled," he added. The Rajasthan Chief Minister stated that the BJP's manifesto encompasses all segments of society and stands as a golden document of a developed India. Sharma criticized the opposition, claiming that they lack clear vision, leadership, and intentions, "Neeti Neta and Neeyat". "In the last ten years, BJP has kept serving the people, poor and the needy. In 2014, India which stood at the 11th position in terms of economy, now stands at the fifth position, and in coming tenure of Prime Minister Modi, India will become the third largest economy," Sharma asserted. Sharma underscored the trustworthiness of Modi's promises, describing them as a "24 carat gold guarantee" backed by the Prime Minister's track record of fulfilling previous commitments. He pointed to significant achievements from the 2019 manifesto, including the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of the Ram Mandir, and initiatives such as the Gareeb Kalyan Yojana. The BJP released its poll manifesto on Sunday with the tagline "Modi ki Guarantee," with a focus on more development, women's welfare and a roadmap for "Viksit Bharat" (developed India). The manifesto released by the party promised 'One Nation One Election' and "single electoral roll." In its election promise, the party also aims to make the country the third largest economy in the world. The manifesto set the goal of making India a "global manufacturing hub" and was unveiled in the presence of PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath singh, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and party President JP Nadda. (ANI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar lauded the strides made in combating corruption on Monday, stating that corruption is no longer a password to opportunity but a passage to jail. "I would not make many reflections on corruption today. But one thing is for sure: power corridors have been duly neutralised of corrupt elements. Corruption is no longer a password to opportunity, a job or a contract. Corruption is a passage to a place that is jail. There is a paradigm shift and corruption no longer dictates our administration," Dhankhar said. Vice President Dhankhar delivered the speech at the 76th batch valediction ceremony of Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers held at the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) in Nagpur today. Furthermore, Dhankhar underscored India's evolving global stature, proclaiming, "India is no longer a country with potential or a sleeping giant but is fast moving towards becoming a global power." He credited India's leadership for amplifying the voices of the global south, particularly during its G-20 presidency, emphasising the nation's growing influence on the world stage. "During the G-20 presidency, we became the voice of the global south. Such a powerful combination of nations. Look at the GDP and population they represent and their voice is not being heard. It is now at a prominent platform thanks to Bharat and our visionary leadership," Dhankhar said. Reflecting on India's economic trajectory, Dhankhar highlighted the remarkable progress from being among the poorest nations to surpassing economies like France and the UK. "One time, after independence, India was among the poorest countries in the world. Even in 1991, India's economy was smaller than that of cities like Paris and London. That was the size of India, which was known as 'Sone ki chidya' at one point in time. But today, India's economy is much ahead of the economies of France and the UK. In a matter of two years, India will be ahead of Japan and Germany," Dhankhar said. "This traversing has taken place on account of policy formulations that suit our nation, on account of the vision that has been executed and on account of the bureaucracy that has brought it about," he added. In closing, Dhankhar reiterated India's status as the fastest-growing major economy. "India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. India is the fastest growing major economy in the world, with an average GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent to 7 percent," Dhankhar said. (ANI) A state-level event was held at the iconic Ridge Ground in Shimla today, with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla presiding over the festivities as the chief guest. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Congress Party State President and MP Pratibha Singh were also in attendance. The day marks the state's creation as a province of India in 1948, when the districts of Mandi, Chamba, Mahasu, and Sirmour were merged with 30 princely states. The celebration showcased the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, featuring police squads marching and captivating performances of Himachali dance and folk culture. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla extended his congratulations to the people of the state on the occasion, highlighting Himachal Pradesh's notable achievements despite its hilly terrain. "Despite Himachal Pradesh being a hilly state, it has big achievements. Himachal Pradesh, being a small state, is famous throughout the entire country." Addressing the gathering, Governor Shukla emphasised the importance of collective efforts to combat the drug epidemic plaguing the state. "The people of the state need to come together to fight against drugs," Shukla said. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu outlined the government's vision to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant, urging citizens to work together towards this goal. "The aim of the Himachal government is to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and the most prosperous state of the country by 2027. The people of the state should work together for this purpose so that Himachal Pradesh can be made a prosperous state," Sukhu said. Congress Party State President Pratibha Singh echoed the sentiments of unity and progress. "Himachal Day is being celebrated today with joy and enthusiasm. The youth of the state should also celebrate this day with the same energy and work for the upliftment of the country and state. Everyone will have to work together to make Himachal Pradesh developed and prosperous," Singh said. Himachal Pradesh was established on April 15, 1948, following the merger of 30 small and large hill princely states. The state's rich culture, high traditions and immense natural beauty are the unique identity of Devbhoomi. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday hit out at the Congress and Communists for not appointing anyone from the tribal community to the post of President during their rule. "The Congress and Communists continued to rule for years but not a single tribal son or daughter was made the President of the country. For the first time after 75 years of independence, PM Narendra Modi honoured the Adivasi communities by giving India a President hailing from the Adivasi community," Shah said at a public rally in Agartala. Speaking about the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport at Agartala, Shah hit out at the Communists for not honouring the contributions of Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore. "Communists have worked to forget the contributions of Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore. PM Modi has started the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport and unveiled a statue to pay respects to him. You must have seen the list of Padma awardees. PM Modi has conferred the Padma awards to Satyaram Reang and Beni Chandra Jamatia from the tribal community to honour the tribals in Tripura," the Union Home Minister said. Speaking about how the BJP government has worked for the tribal community, "Narendra Modi government has not only worked on developmental projects throughout the country to increase the respect, security and societal development of tribals but has also taken them along." Pointing at the importance given by the Narendra Modi government to the tribals, Amit Shah said, "Before 2014, the budget for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs was Rs 24,000 crore.Under PM Modi, the budget has increased to Rs 1,25,000 crore." Attacking the Communists, Shah said that while they handed over guns to youths, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought them to the mainstream and handed them laptops. "Wherever the Communists went, they left poverty, starvation, lack of education and healthcare facilities and youths were handed over arms. Whereas, Modi ji provided them with laptops and employment opportunites. By striking around 10 agreements, we disarmed the youths and mainstreamed them...40,000 people from the Bru and Reang communities now lead a life in well-settled villages," Shah said. Polling for the Lok Sabha in Tripura are scheduled to be held in two phases. The West Tripura seat will go to the polls on April 19, while East Tripura will witness voting on April 26. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats in the country will be held in seven phases, starting April 19. Nearly 97 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in the general elections. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Monday declined a plea seeking voting arrangements for about 18,000 people displaced internally due to the ethnic clash in Manipur for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra observed that it would be difficult for the Election Commission to make arrangements for enabling displaced persons to cast their votes just three days before the date of polling on April 19. The bench said, "With three days remaining for the polls, the course of action sought would be impracticable. The claim of the petitioner may be bona fide, but it has policy control by the ECI, which is constitutionally mandated to do so under Article 324 of the Constitution." The polling for the two Lok Sabha seats of Manipur will be held in two phases on April 19 and 26. "You have come at the last minute. At this stage, what can be virtually done? Interference by this court at this belated stage would cause substantial impediments to the conduct of the ensuing Lok Sabha General Elections in Manipur. Thus, we decline to interfere in this case," the bench said in its order. The apex court was hearing a plea by Manipur resident Naulak Khamsuanthang and others seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to make arrangements to enable internally displaced persons settled outside Manipur to cast their votes in the Lok Sabha elections by setting up special polling booths in the States where they are residing. The petitioner alleged that no arrangements have been made to ensure that such internally displaced persons cast their votes in the elections. The top court is also seized of the cases relating to the violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence in Manipur between the Hindu Meiteis and the tribal Kuki, who are Christians, erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023. Violence had gripped the entire state, and the central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. (ANI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that in the upcoming Lok Sabha election, his party's main fight is against "one nation, one people, one language, one leader" ideology of the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Today, the main fight is against the ideology of the RSS. The BJP people, the Prime Minister, say one nation, one people, one language, one leader," Rahul said while addressing a gathering during his road show in Kerala's Wayanad, from where he is contesting in the Lok Sabha election for the second term. He also accused the BJP of Hindi chauvinism. "Language is not something that is imposed from the top. Language is something that comes out from inside the person, inside the heart of the person," Rahul Gandhi said . "To tell a person from Kerala, that your language is inferior to Hindi is an insult to the people of Kerala," he said. Rahul also said that the idea that "India should have only one leader is an insult to every single young Indian person". Party workers and supporters of the Congress leader turned up for his roadshow in Sultan Bathery, Wayanad. Gandhi waved to the crowd from inside an open vehicle amids slogans raised in support of the Congress party. Rahul who arrived on a two-day tour and he will also hold a United Democratic Front (UDF) rally in Kozhikode this the evening and take part in several programmes in his constituency. Kerala, whose all 20 constituencies go to the poll on April 26 in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election, is witnessing high-voltage political activities on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also holding campaign rallies in the state. Rahul Gandhi is pitted against CPI's Annie Raja and BJP's state president, K Surendran. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad with a huge margin of over 4.31 lakh votes; the highest margin in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Kerala. He secured 64.94 per cent vote share, defeating LDF candidate PP Suneer. The NDA had fielded BDJ (S) leader Tushar Vellapally, who secured just around 78,000 votes, which accounted for a mere 7.25 per cent. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won 19 out of 20 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. While the Congress won 15 seats, its allies, the Indian Union Muslim League, won two seats, the Revolutionary Socialist Party won one, and the Kerala Congress (M) won one seat. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) won one seat in Alappuzha. (ANI) Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday lauded India's transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting his vision for the country in the next 25 years. "PM Modi has visionary leadership. He has put forward a vision for the upcoming 25 years. I appeal to all new and old voters to make Narendra Modi Prime Minister again," he lauded. He further asserted that the PM will fulfil the foundation of the vision for the upcoming 25 years. That's why the people need to make him Prime Minister for the third time. Sawant was in Nagpur to campaign for Union Minister and BJP candidate from Nagpur, Nitin Gadkari. He has represented the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat for the last two terms and is set to seek a third term in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. He said that Gadkari will win this election by a huge margin and the NDA will win the maximum number of seats as people have trust in PM Modi's guarantees, adding that the NDA will win more than 40 seats in Maharashtra. While speaking to the reporters, the Goa CM requested, "Make the slogan 'Abki baar 400 par' slogan true. There is only one guarantee in the country and that is Modi ji's guarantee. He does what he says." In an interview with ANI on Monday, PM Modi gave every Indian a goal to achieve something for the country in the next 25 years. "We are at 75 years of independence, and we are going to reach 100 years. "How do we make use of these next 25 years? In every institution, everyone should have a goal. I am the head of my village, and by 2047, I will do this much in my village," he added. "So, in my mind, 2047 is the 100th anniversary of India's independence. And inspiration should arise in the country. And the 100th anniversary of independence is a great inspiration in itself. So, that is one part," he stated. "I indeed have a vision of 25 years, and I have done a lot of work on that. And it is not like I am doing it today. Maybe when I was in Gujarat, I used to think in that direction. Now look at the 2024 elections. So there is an opportunity in front of the country because there is a model between the Congress government and the BJP government. They have worked for five to six decades. I leave a lot of room for them. They have worked for 5-6 decades, and I have only worked for 10 years. Compare these in any field. Even if there are some shortcomings, there will be no shortcomings in our efforts," said PM Modi. (ANI) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday dismissed Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh's remark that there is an undercurrent in favour of the Congress in North-Eastern states and said that it is an illusion. With a sarcastic smile, he said, "This is their (Congress) illusion. They don't have neti (policies), neta (leaders), or niyat (intentions). They have lost their way. The public has rejected them from their hearts. They only exist in the media." Earlier today, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed significant support for Congress across all states in the Northeast, including Assam. "All the states of the North East have a strong undercurrent in favour of the Congress: Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Tripura. Our candidates are fighting strongly. Some state governments, especially those in Assam, are trying to create hurdles in our campaign. Assam CM and 7 of their ministers are paying attention to only one seat. The CM is sitting in Jorhat because he is nervous that our candidate, Gaurav Gogoi, will definitely win," Ramesh said. Notably, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi will challenge BJP leader Topon Kumar Gogoi in the 2024 elections from the Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency. Meanwhile, Topon Kumar Gogoi is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Jorhat parliamentary constituency and a sitting MP. Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh and Supriya Shrinate addressed a press conference in New Delhi today. Further, Sonowal showed confidence in the BJP-NDA alliance, stating that the alliance will secure up to 23 out of 25 seats in the upcoming elections. "They won't win anything. They are heading towards zero. That's why, as I have said before, the people have seen development and benefited from it. The people have gained confidence. They have the opportunity to live with dignity and have received social security. All of this is thanks to PM Modi. For what he has done in 10 years, people have faith in him. That's why you'll see in this election, BJP with the NDA alliance will win up to 23 out of 25 seats," Sonowal said. The Lok Sabha polls for 14 seats in Assam will be held in three phases starting on April 19. In this Lok Sabha election in Assam, the BJP is contesting in 11 out of 14 seats, while its ally parties, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), are contesting in two seats (Barpeta and Dhubri) and UPPL in one seat (Kokrajhar), respectively. In the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 7 of the 14 seats in Assam. Both the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) claimed three seats each. During the 2019 elections, the BJP increased its seat count to 9, while the Congress maintained its three seats, and the AIUDF won a single seat. (ANI) The Sarvodaya Ashram, nestled in the serene village of Shekhodeora in Nawada district, Bihar, founded by the revered Bharat Ratna awardee Loknayak Jai Prakash Narayan, stands as a symbol of neglect and unfulfilled promises by successive governments. Arvind Kumar, prime minister of the Sarvodaya Ashram, lamented the lack of maintenance, protection, and infrastructural advancement despite repeated appeals to the government. "To manage the ashram and spread Jaiprakash Narayan teachings, a certain amount of funding is required. In 2009, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced plans to convert the ashram into a tourist attraction, but till date, it has been an announcement only. Former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi started his Samwad Yatra. We also made requests to him that he do something for the maintenance because we have limited resources, but nothing positive happened. Even today, we demand maintenance. The government should think about it in the best possible manner," Kumar said. Sarvodaya Ashram, located accurately about 42 kilometres from the district headquarters, was founded by Jai Prakash Narayan, popularly known as JP, in 1954 with the aim of strengthening the rural economy, rural development, social upliftment and integration. Interestingly, this ashram has a parliamentary system of governing where a prime minister heads the council of ministers. With the passage of time, the ashram modernised itself in the field of agriculture. Its agriculture sciences centre has the fifth rank in the country. Kumar further urged the government to pay attention to the ashram, stating that they have scientists and experts but not the resources to develop. "In this respect too, we want governments or the members of parliament to pay attention towards enhancing the infrastructure so that our scientists can give their best to farmers. We have scientists and experts but not the resources," Kumar said. Today, this ashram has become an important part of history. JP's residence cum office in the corner of the ashram is the main centre of attraction where things related to his lifetime, like his official table, chairs, beds and other daily usage items, have been kept intact. Even the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, paid several visits to this Ashram. But nowadays, the Ashram is a sheer example of negligence by leaders and governments. Ironically, almost every leader of the country is influenced or inspired by the thoughts of JP Narayan, but despite frequent requests made to the government for maintenance, protection, conservation and the required funds to manage the ashram, they are always overlooked. According to the authorities here responsible for managing it, the ashram has been running with the help of some foreign funds and the income received from the sale of agricultural and Khadi products produced at the ashram, but it needs government's care, protection and support for a long time. Despite all the negligence and unfulfilled promises made by the government, this place has its own beauty and importance. Those inspired by Jai Prakash Narayan's lifestyle pay frequent visits here. It is one of the best places for researchers and history students. (ANI) Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday mocked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday for criticising him over a video in which he is seen eating fish with Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani. Speaking to ANI, Tejashwi Yadav said, "I respect Rajnath Singh, he is old, he is a guardian. He is saying this to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi happy. To maintain his relevance, he is saying this. When Rajnath Singh says something against us, then only the PM will be happy." But he didn't talk about the main issue." Taking a dig at Rajnath Singh, the former Bihar Deputy CM also said that he doesn't talk about the main issue and slammed him for failing to talk about the Agniveer Scheme. "He is the Defence Minister of India, he doesn't talk about the Agniveer scheme, about which the youth of the country are discouraged." A day before, while addressing a public rally in Bihar's Banka, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slammed Tejashwi Yadav after his video of eating fish with Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani went viral on social media. Addressing a public rally in Bihar's Jamui, Rajnath Singh said, "You may eat fish, a pig or an elephant. But what is the point you are trying to prove by making a show of your act at a time when people are observing austerities? Who has given you the right to hurt people's sentiments? Arrogance to this extent? Even during our Ramayana period, we have seen what is the fate of those who develop ego." Rajnath Singh's remarks came after PM Narendra Modi had attacked the 'Mughal' mindset of INDIA bloc leaders Rahul Gandhi, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and his son Tejashwi Yadav for hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus and teasing them by cooking mutton during Sawan and eating fish during Navratri. On Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Chirag Paswan's statement that NDA will win all 40 seats in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav said, "What is new in it. It will become clear in the time to come. The home has been snatched." Tejashwi Yadav also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not taking action on those leaders who are openly talking about changing the Constitution and his silence means that PM Modi agrees with the party leaders of changing the Constitution. "Several leaders of BJP are talking about changing the Constitution and the PM is silent. This means that he is okay with this. If he is not, then why is he not taking any action? Why isn't he saying anything?... People will not tolerate this... PM Modi He destroyed the country," said former Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister. Mahagathbandhan, the opposition coalition in Bihar, including the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, announced that the RJD, its largest constituent, will contest 26 out of the state's 40 Lok Sabha seats in the elections. The NDA is also in a seat-sharing agreement in Bihar with the Janata Dal-United (JDU) and the LJP for the Lok Sabha polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party is set to contest 17 seats and JD-U 16. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA, comprising the BJP, JDU, and LJP, dominated the 2019 elections by winning 39 out of 40 seats. In the first phase, voting is to be held in 4 seats in Bihar on April 19. Those 4 Lok Sabha seats are Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Jamui. Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The first phase of polling will be held on April 19, the second phase on April 26, the third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, the sixth phase on May 25, and the seventh phase on June 1. The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be held in seven phases, starting on April 19. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4. (ANI) Amid rising tensions in West Asia, which were rendered far worse after Iran launched over 300 projectiles towards Israel in response to the air strike on its embassy in Syria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Sunday that amid global hostilities and the spectre of war, the priority for the BJP-led NDA at the Centre, if elected for a third term, would be to secure the lives of fellow Indians in conflict zones. Speaking at the launch of the BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi stressed the significance of returning to power with a brute majority, saying it would help the government navigate the global challenges and rescue trapped and distressed Indian natives from conflict zones through decisive action. Addressing a gathering of party leaders, including Union Ministers, at the BJP's national headquarters in Delhi, after the unveiling of the party's 'Sankalp Patra', PM Modi said parts of the world were staring at a 'war-like' situation. "Clouds of uncertainty are hovering over the world today. Several regions are staring at a war-like situation and the world is tense and not at peace. In such times, ensuring the safety and security of our citizens becomes a priority and a paramount task for any government that comes in. Hence, the safety of our people will be the top priority for our government, if we return for another term," PM Modi said. "In times when the fear of war grips the world, it is all the more necessary for a strong and stable government, with a full majority, to be elected. We should have a government that makes the country economically stronger and more resilient in the face of global challenges. It should make swift strides towards taking us to our eventual goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed country). The BJP is determined to make this happen, if elected again. Our manifesto comes with the guarantee of such a government," PM Modi added. Hisremarks assume significance when seen and interpreted in the context of the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine in eastern Europe and the Israeli offensive against Hamas in Gaza. Even in its second term, the BJP-led NDA demonstrated intent and action when it came to airlifting distressed Indians from conflict zones. As the tensions between Russia and Ukraine devolved into a full-blown military conflict, an evacuation mission by the Indian government was launched to save stranded citizens in Ukraine. The 'Operation Ganga' was announced on February 26, 2022, and was carried out until March 11, 2022. As part of this mission, Air Force planes as well as private flights carried out multiple sorties to bring back trapped natives from the conflict zones in eastern Europe while providing humanitarian relief. The operation resulted in the evacuation of about 25,000 Indian nationals, as well as citizens of 18 other countries. In a similar rescue plan, the Centre, under the leadership of PM Modi, launched 'Operation Ajay' to bring back stranded Indian citizens from Israel as it went to war with Hamas in response to the horrific terror attacks on October 7, last year. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, till December, last year, 1,309 Indian citizens, 14 OCI card holders, and 20 Nepalese from Israel were rescued under 'Operation Ajay'. In another daring operation, an Indian Air Force's C-130J heavy-lift aircraft rescued 121 people from a small airstrip at Wadi Sayyidna, which is about 40 km north of the violence-hit Sudan capital of Khartoum, in April of last year.The airstrip had a degraded surface with no navigational aid or fuel, and, most critically, no landing lights, which are required to guide an aircraft landing at night. The pilots used night vision goggles (NVGs) to carry out the landing at night. The mission to rescue trapped Indians from Khartoum was codenamed 'Operation Kaveri'. Notably, the IAF carried out similar operations to evacuate Indians from Kabul after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, too, weighed in on the government's intent to bring distressed Indians in conflict zones to safety, saying, "They (world powers) note how we take care of our citizens abroad. It could be 'Operation Ganga' or 'Kaveri' or 'Ajay'. It could be the 'Vande Bharat' mission during Covid (pandemic)." PM Modi, on Sunday, also commended how India gave a voice to developing nations, thereby amplifying the voice of the Global South. (ANI) In its first ever direct attack on Israel to avenge the airstrike on its embassy in Syria, Iran unleashed more than 300 drones and missiles towards the enemy country, marking a further escalation in tensions in West Asia. However, the Iranian air raids into Israel on Saturday night failed to make much impact or inflict any harm, as they were repelled and destroyed by the country's advanced air defence systems. Tehran's air assault on Israel included multiple waves of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as explosive-laden drones, which were successfully intercepted by the air defence systems and limited the impact of the attack, US-based publication Politico reported. In controlling the targeted attack, the resilience and efficiency of Israel's advanced multilayered air defences, which include the anti-ballistic Arrow system and the Iron Dome system, and the extraordinary close cooperation between Israel and its western allies, the United States, Britain and France, played a major role, the report noted. Further, according to Politico, despite the Iranian army claiming its blitz "achieved all its objectives", the impact was minimal, as only minor damage was incurred at the Nevatim Air Base in the south of the country, while a 7-year-old Bedouin girl was injured by fragments from an intercepted missile. Israel said 185 drones, 110 surface-to-surface missiles, and 36 cruise missiles were fired at the country in what Tehran dubbed 'Operation Honest Promise'. Most of the weapons were launched from Iran and a small proportion from Iraq and Yemen. US President Joe Biden condemned the 'unprecedented' assault, saying an American aircraft and two US destroyers, one of which was moved to the region in the wake of the April 1 Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate, helped intercept the barrage from Tehran. Britain and France also helped fend off the attack. American warships shot down at least three ballistic missiles in the eastern Mediterranean, a US official told CNN. US forces also reportedly intercepted 70 attack drones. Washington feared an attack was likely after Israel's targeting of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital and rushed warships into position last week, including redeploying the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier and three other warships to the northern Red Sea and nearer to Israel, the report stated further. Social media reports showed footage of Shahed drones flying exceptionally low across Iran in an effort to evade radar detection as they made their way into Israel. But the ploy didn't work as, according to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), '99 percent' of the drones and missiles were intercepted. Any other country in the world would have been incapable of coping with such an onslaught, Politico noted in its report, adding that Ukraine, armed with Patriot missiles of the US, has been unable to protect its energy infrastructure from much smaller Russian missile and drone attacks in recent weeks. "Over the past 15 years, Israel appropriately upgraded its air defenses in preparation for such attacks as today, adding new systems for interceptions of ballistic missiles fired from as far away as 2,400 kilometers," R. Clarke Cooper, a former US assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, was quoted as telling Politico, adding, "That interception range includes reaching Iran and where militant proxy groups allied with Iran--such as Yemen, Syria and Iraq--are based". Israel's Arrow system sits at the top of the country's air-defence systems, with David's Sling, a mid-range anti-missile system, and Iron Dome the next in line and designed to intercept shorter-range missiles. David's Sling was successfully deployed for the first time in May 2023 during cross-border fighting with Gaza-based Hamas militants. The director of the Israel Missile Defense Organisation, Moshe Patel, said the country's 'Star Wars' programme paid off Saturday night after nearly 40 years of investment in anti-missile defences, according to Politico. "All of the defence systems proved themselves well," Patel told Politico, adding, "All of their actions were coordinated after significant preparation and development of the systems, simulations and integration with actual battle units." The multi-layered defensive system has been financially underwritten by the US, which, since 2009 has provided USD 3.4 billion in funding for Israel's missile defences, the report noted. (ANI) United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for an immediate defusion and de-escalation in the 'Middle East', saying that the region was on the 'brink'. The call came as tensions worsened in the region after Iran launched a barrage of missiles towards Israel in response to an attack on its consulate in Syria. Israel said 185 drones, 110 surface-to-surface missiles, and 36 cruise missiles were fired at the country in what Tehran dubbed Operation Honest Promise. Most of the weapons were launched from Iran and a small proportion from Iraq and Yemen. "The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint. Now is the time to step back from the brink," Guterres posted from his official X handle. Meanwhile, a senior US military official said the US assessed there was "no significant damage within Israel itself" after Iran's missile and drone barrage, CNN reported. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari appeared to echo the assessment on Sunday, saying that out of hundreds of rockets launched from Iran, only a few penetrated Israel, causing minor damage to the infrastructure at Nevatim airbase near the runway and to a road in the Hermon region. Nevatim remained fully functional, and planes continued take-off and land to fulfil their missions, he said. CNN reported that US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a phone call on Sunday that he should consider Saturday a 'win' because Iran's attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel's superior military capability, a senior administration official said. John Kirby, the national security spokesman at the White House, said the ability to prevent widespread damage was a demonstration of Israel's "military superiority" and proof that Iran was not the "military power that they claim to be." "This was an incredible success, really proving Israel's military superiority and just as critically, their diplomatic superiority, that they have friends in the region, that they have around the world that are willing to help them," Kirby told CNN's Jake Tapper on 'State of the Union'. (ANI) Amid rising tensions in West Asia, US President Joe Biden made it clear to his counterparts that America will not get drawn into any offensive action against Iran after it launched a barrage of missiles against Israel on Saturday, CNN reported, citing US officials familiar with the matter. In the conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Biden following the successful interception of Iranian drones and missiles by Israel's advanced air defence system, Biden suggested that further Israeli response was unnecessary. Over a phone call with the Israeli PM, Biden said he should consider Saturday a 'win' because Iran's attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel's superior military capability, a senior administration official said. The US assessed that there was "no significant damage within Israel itself," CNN reported, according to a senior US military official. Earlier, Iran came out in defence of its retaliatory attack on Israel on Saturday in response to an attack on its consulate in Syria, saying that the "matter can be deemed concluded". In a stern warning for Israel's closest ally, Iran asked US to stay away from the ongoing conflict with Israel, adding that its response will be more severe if Israel made 'another mistake'. "Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran's military action was in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded," Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York posted on X." However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!," it added. Meanwhile, Israeli President, Isaac Herzog said his country was not seeking war with Iran after the latter's attack, adding that "balance is needed in this situation," CNN reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is speaking with many world leaders and there is "intimate dialogue with allies" in response to Iran's actions, he said. "We're considering it all. We're acting cool-headedly and lucidly," President Herzog said, adding, "I think we're operating in a very focused way and very responsible way and I'm sure there will be a decision accordingly that will make sure that we protect and defend the people of Israel." Earlier, on Sunday, the national security spokesman at the White House, John Kirby, said the ability to prevent widespread damage was a demonstration of Israel's 'military superiority' and proof that Iran was not the "military power that they claim to be." "This was an incredible success, really proving Israel's military superiority and, just as critically, their diplomatic superiority, that they have friends in the region, that they have around the world that are willing to help them," Kirby told CNN. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin asked his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, to notify the US ahead of any potential response to the Iranian attack, according to another US official. "I spoke to Israeli Minister of Defence (Minister) Yoav Gallant today for a third time this weekend to review the successful combined operation by the United States, Israel, and their partners to defend Israel from unprecedented attacks launched from Iranian territory and by Iran's proxies. While the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to take all necessary action to defend Israel and U.S. personnel," Austin posted from his official X handle. Even as American officials stressed that the final decision on how to respond to Iran is up to Israel, Biden was seeking to prevent a wider escalation of the conflict. On Sunday, Biden met with his fellow Group of Seven leaders to discuss a 'united diplomatic response' with an emphasis on non-military actions that would limit the prospects of a wider war. In a joint statement released after the virtual meeting, the G7 members condemned "in the strongest terms" Iran's "direct and unprecedented attack" against Israel and expressed their "full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security". "With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilisation of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided," the G7 said in its statement. (ANI) Condemning Iran's retaliatory drone and missile strikes on Israel in response to the attack on its consulate earlier this month, the leaders of the G7 countries said the Islamic nation has further 'stepped up' the destabilisation of the region, CNN reported, citing a joint statement released on Sunday after a virtual meeting. "We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security," read the statement, adding, "With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilisation of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided." According to CNN, the G7 leaders vowed to continue working towards stabilising the situation and avoiding further escalation. "In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives," the statement read further. The meeting was chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. President of the European Union Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also shared the details of the G7 meeting on her official X handle, posting, "Today, we, the G7 Leaders, condemned Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel in the strongest terms. We express our solidarity and support to the people of Israel. And reaffirm our commitment towards its security. We'll continue to work to stabilise the situation." https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1779540448538685773 Earlier, on Saturday, marking a significant escalation of tensions in West Asia amid the raging conflict between the Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza, Iran unleashed a barrage of projectiles towards Israel in payback for the attack on its embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus. In its first direct attack on Israel on Saturday night, Israel launched more than 300 drones and missiles from its territory towards the Jewish state, triggering air raid sirens throughout Israel on Sunday morning as the country's advanced air defence intercepted and disabled the projectiles that came its way, the Times of Israel reported. Notably, Iran and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq launched more than 300 projectiles at Israel on Saturday night, including dozens of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. (ANI) In another revelation, the Australian Police has said that the Sydney shopping centre attack specifically targeted women, reported Al Jazeera. In the brutal stabbing incident that took place on Saturday afternoon, five women and a man were killed. The police said that the suspect was a 40-year-old man who acted alone. New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb on Monday stated that it was "obvious" that the suspected attacker, Joel Cauchi, targeted women. "It's obvious to me, it's obvious to detectives that seems to be an area of interest that the offender focused on women and avoided the men," Webb told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), according to Al Jazeera. According to Webb, investigators interrogated Cauchi's acquaintances in an effort to obtain "some insight into what he might have been thinking." The victims' gender distribution, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is "concerning". According to Al Jazeera, the majority of those injured in the attack were also women. Notably, those killed were identified as a 55-year-old designer, a 47-year-old architect and volunteer surf lifesaver, the 25-year-old daughter of an entrepreneur, a 27-year-old student from China and a 38-year-old new mother. The sixth deceased, a male, was a 30-year-old Pakistani security guard, who was killed, while reportedly trying to stop the attacker. He was shot and killed by police inspector Amy Scott, ending the attack. In remembrance of the victims, Australia's national flag has been flown at half-mast at significant locations, including at Sydney's Harbour Bridge and Parliament House. (ANI) Six people were killed and several others were injured, including a nine-month old baby in a Sydney shopping mall mass stabbing on Saturday afternoon (local time). Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was "beyond words and understanding." As of now, eight additional people are being treated for injuries at hospitals in Sydney, following the barbarous attack. The sheer scale of the incident has prompted a massive law enforcement response, with officers from various commands converging on the scene to secure the area and launch a thorough investigation, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Chaos erupted around 4 pm (local time) on Saturday with reports of multiple stabbing within the bustling shopping complex. Witnesses describe scenes of sheer terror as a man, reportedly armed with a knife, ran amok, leaving bystanders in a state of shock and confusion. (ANI) Noting the power of the tricolour in a foreign land, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was the strength of the Indian flag that became his guarantee when so many people from India, as well as the youth, were trapped in Ukraine at the time of the conflict. PM Modi said that it was the Indian tricolour that became his "guarantee" during the time of the raging war between Russia and Ukraine. In an interview with ANI, PM Modi said, "I have been very friendly with both the presidents (Russia and Ukraine). I can publicly say to President Putin that this is not the time for war. I can also say publicly to Ukraine that we should follow the path of dialogue," underscoring that "this is because I have credibility." "...When I said that so many people from India our youth is trapped. And I need your help. And what can I do for you? Then I said, I have arranged so much. You help me so much. They helped. And the strength of the Indian flag was so much that even a foreigner used to hold the Indian flag in his hand. So there was a place for him. So my flag became my guarantee," the Prime Minister emphasised. PM Modi said that although there have been a lot of ongoing discussions about Ukraine, he has seen many such incidents since 2014. The Prime Minister also referred to the direct call from him to the Saudi King in the year 2015, which helped India evacuate on a mass scale Indians and foreginers were stranded in war-torn Yemen when bombing by Saudi Arabia and its allies on Yemen made it difficult to evacuate Indian nationals. The Prime Minister said, "I spoke to the Saudi King and told him that I want to bring people from Yemen there. So your bombarding is going on, we are not able to do it, How will you help us? So he said, Please try to understand me. And Sushma ji has said all these things in her interview. There used to be a period on the request of India in which there was no bombarding. And at that time, we used to take our people out in aircrafts. We brought about 5000 people from Yemen It was the same in Ukaraine." In March this year, PM Modi held separate telephonic conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Prime Minister Modi, as he dialled Russian President Putin, congratulated him for his re-election to the top office, as well as both leaders agreed to intensify efforts towards expanding the India-Russia 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'. He reaffirmed India's stand on dialogue and diplomacy as a way for the resolution of the conflict. Whereas, in conversation with Zelenskyy, PM Modi had reiterated India's people-centric approach and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Prime Minister noted that India supports all efforts for an early and peaceful resolution of all issues between the parties. He added that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution. President Zelenskyy appreciated India's continued humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch. Earlier in 2022, PM Modi's advice to President Putin over the Ukraine war during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's summit in Uzbekistan's Samarkand was widely noted. "Today's era is not of war and I have spoken to you about it on the call. Today we will get the opportunity to talk about how we can progress on the path of peace...," PM Modi had said. The war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022. (ANI) The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, headed a high-level meeting with the law and order officials of Balochistan on Sunday to revise and improve the security situation in the province, according to Dawn. This meeting was done following the killing of nine people, who hailed from the eastern Punjab province, after they were abducted by gunmen from a bus on a highway near the Noshki district and killed by unknown gunmen on Saturday. A spokesperson for the banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the killings. They were on a journey to reach Europe for a better life. According to Dawn, senior officials like the Balochistan Inspector General Abdul Khaliq Sheikh, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, ACS Interior Zahid Saleem, and other senior civil and military officers had attended the meeting. https://twitter.com/CMOBalochistan/status/1779468343688269950 In the meeting, Bugti stated, "The situation after the Nushki tragedy was reviewed in the meeting. J Rukhshan Division gave a briefing in the meeting regarding the Nushki tragedy. The Nushki incident was condemned in strong words. It was decided to revise the security plan to prevent such incidents in the future. This war against terrorism is not only for the security forces, armed forces, bureaucracy, judiciary, media all have to fight; this war of the state against terrorism will be fought with political responsibility and a common plan of action." Bugti also instructed to ensure that compensation was given to the heirs of those killed within seven days. Further, he also stated that the government would also erect security checkpoints for the security of passengers. According to a statement given to the media quoted in the Dawn, Bugti stated while attending the funerals of the victims that "those involved in the horrific killing are not Baloch but terrorists, and they should be called terrorists." Further, the Balochistan CM has also promised a strict probe into the Noshki killings. He added that they would not negotiate on the killing of innocents and the government would undertake a comprehensive review of the security plan in the province. "National highways are the most important routes, and we will protect them. We will formulate a security plan again in the province, establishing checkpoints with joint patrolling of the police, Levies, and the Frontier Corps," he said. The Dawn also stated that "in a similar attack, possibly by the same gunmen, another two people were killed after they attempted to escape the cordon set up by the assailants on N-40, the Quetta-Noshki Highway." According to the official sources quoted by Dawn, armed men had blocked the highway and started intercepting vehicles. Soon after, they intercepted a passenger vehicle (Bus) on its way to Taftan from Quetta and looted the belongings of passengers, including cash and mobile phones. After checking the identity cards of the victim passengers, these gunmen then separated nine passengers, who belonged to the Punjab province, taking them away at gunpoint. According to the national identity cards, the victims hail from Wazirabad, Gujranwala, and Mandi Bahauddin. (ANI) Stephen Kavanagh, a British police officer and the current Executive Director of Policing Services at INTERPOL, arrived in the national capital on Monday for high-level meetings and to discuss the future of international crime-fighting with the government. Kavanagh began his trip with a visit to India Gate, following which he held bilateral meetings with senior Indian government representatives, including the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Praveen Sood. At the CBI headquarters, they exchanged views on tackling law enforcement challenges and increasing cooperation between countries. CBI director Sood and Kavanagh spoke about the need for deeper international cooperation to counter terrorism, as well as to combat drug smugglers and technology enabled crime, including the safe use of artificial intelligence. On his visit to India, Stephen Kavanagh said, "India is a critical partner for INTERPOL, whose agencies have been at the forefront in tackling multi-dimensional criminal activities at the global level. The British police officer further emphasised that if elected as the Secretary General of INTERPOL, he would work with members to drive an increase in data and analysis, delivering operational successes against drugs, cyber and crimes against wildlife and the environment. He also stated his vision for INTERPOL, stating that it is "underpinned by principles that I believe in strongly; impact through the delivery of tangible operational outcomes, innovation to outsmart criminality, working inclusively and openly for all our member countries, and serving always with integrity, humility, and professionalism." Moreover, Stephen Kavanagh is on a visit to India with other delegations, including Christina Scott, Acting High Commissioner of the UK to India, Robert Holness from the UK National Crime Agency and Sorrel Evans, UK Home Office. The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening international cooperation between the UK and India in combating transnational crime. It was reiterated to strengthen bilateral ties and work closely together to address common security challenges effectively, including the need for expediting mutual legal assistance and prioritising extradition requests relating to fugitives. (ANI) The Chinese woman, 27, was notably a student in Australia. Citing the Chinese State TV, The Standard reported that another Chinese citizen was also injured in the attack atBondi Junction Westfield. Witnesses recounted how 40-year-old attacker Joel Cauchi (who acted alone) rushed through the mall while brandishing a knife while sporting shorts and an Australian national rugby league jersey. Inspector Amy Scott killed him when she met him alone while he was going crazy, according to The Standard. Earlier today, the Australian Police has said that the Sydney shopping centre attack specifically targeted women, reported Al Jazeera. In the brutal stabbing incident that took place on Saturday afternoon, five women and a man were killed. New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb on Monday stated that it was "obvious" that the suspected attacker, Joel Cauchi, targeted women. "It's obvious to me, it's obvious to detectives that seems to be an area of interest that the offender focused on women and avoided the men," Webb told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), according to Al Jazeera. According to Webb, investigators interrogated Cauchi's acquaintances in an effort to obtain "some insight into what he might have been thinking." The victims' gender distribution, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is "concerning". Notably, those killed were identified as a 55-year-old designer, a 47-year-old architect and volunteer surf lifesaver, the 25-year-old daughter of an entrepreneur, a 38-year-old new mother, along with the Chinese woman. The sixth deceased, a male, was a 30-year-old Pakistani security guard, who was killed, while reportedly trying to stop the attacker. In remembrance of the victims, Australia's national flag has been flown at half-mast at significant locations, including at Sydney's Harbour Bridge and Parliament House. (ANI) During the visit, both the CBI and the delegation shared a commitment to addressing global crime threats in a coordinated and effective manner, including via INTERPOL channels. The delegation included Stephen Kavanagh, Executive Director Police Services, INTERPOL and UK's candidate for post of Secretary General of INTERPOL, Christina Scott, Acting High Commissioner of UK to India, Robert Holness form UK National Crime Agency and Sorrel Evans, UK Home Office. Kavanagh held detailed discussions with Praveen Sood, Director, CBI and senior officials of CBI aimed at enhancing operational collaboration with the UK in various areas of law enforcement, including criminal intelligence sharing and to support efforts to combat financial crimes, organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime, and other transnational threats. The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening international cooperation between the UK and India in combating transnational crime. It was reiterated to strengthen bilateral ties and work closely together to address common security challenges effectively, including the need for expediting mutual legal assistance and prioritising extradition requests relating to fugitives. Kavanagh, while interacting with senior officers of CBI, thanked them for their valued partnership, cooperative spirit and reiterated his commitment to enhance collaboration. Praveen Sood welcomed Stephen Kavanagh and thanked him for his visit. Both sides agreed to look forward to future interactions and collaborative initiatives to deepen cooperation. (ANI) Additional United States military assets that were moved into the Middle East before Iran's attack on Israel will remain in place, CNN reported, citing Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. "As (Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin) has said, both publicly and privately, we don't want to see escalation, but we obviously will take necessary measures to protect our forces in the region and as was demonstrated over the weekend, we'll take necessary measures to defend Israel," Ryder said. Ryder's comments come as Israel debates possible retaliation to Iran's attack. Earlier, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi vowed answer to the Iranian attack and said that Iran's attack on Israel "will be met with a response." "Iran wanted to harm the strategic capabilities of the State of Israel, this is something that did not happen in the past," Halevi said while addressing troops at Nevatim airbase, which was hit in the strike. "We were prepared in the 'Iron Shield' operation, this preparation brought Iran to also meet air superiority, which you expressed (manifested) very well," he said, CNN reported. Halevi said that Israel had intelligence of Iran's strike since last Monday, adding that Israel is "very strong and knows how to deal with it on its own." Meanwhile, amid fears of Israel response, US Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin spoke with the acting Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Sabah and discussed the unprecedented attack by Iran on Israel, adding that US does not seek escalation, an official statement said. "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Kuwaiti Acting Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Sabah today to discuss the unprecedented attacks launched from Iranian territory and by Iran's proxies in the region into Israel, and U.S. and coalition efforts to defend Israel," Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement. "The Secretary emphasized that while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to defend Israel and U.S. personnel. The Secretary reaffirmed the strong bilateral defense partnership between the United States and Kuwait," he added. (ANI) How are candidates in Kansas 3rd District dealing with Trump, Biden? From a safe distance President Joe Biden loitered around the House floor after his State of the Union address last month, chatting and taking selfies with Democratic lawmakers as he basked in the limelight. Rep. Sharice Davids wasnt one of them. The Kansas Democrat steered clear of the throng surrounding the president and left the chamber shortly after the speech. In a statement following the speech, she distanced herself from the leader of her party. Davids offered the caveat that she, did not agree with everything the President said, before listing out some policies she agreed with lowering costs for families, defending abortion rights and protecting democratic norms. Davids State of Union statement could be read as a summary of her 2024 reelection playbook focus on the policies, not the president. The congresswoman swept into Washington amid the backlash to former President Donald Trump. She held onto her seat despite President Joe Bidens steady unpopularity. Now, as she seeks her fourth term representing Kansas 3rd Congressional District, shes avoiding the name Joe Biden and trying to convince voters to focus on the middle of the road persona shes cultivated over the past six years. Shes not alone. In the Republican primary for her seat, both of the candidates Prasanth Reddy, a former executive at LabCorp, and Karen Crnovich, the owner of an HVAC and plumbing contracting business are trying to get voters to see them separately from the polarizing candidate at the top of the Republican ticket. While both said they support the former president, they are not actively seeking an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Hes our candidate and Im going to actively support him, Crnovich said. But Im focusing on the voters in Kansas. Every vote matters and every vote counts. Both Biden and Trump enter the 2024 presidential election disliked by more than half the country. About 55% of voters disapprove of Biden while about 53% view Trump unfavorably, according to polling averages compiled by the site Five Thirty Eight. That creates a challenge for the candidates running in newly redrawn districts like Kansas 3rd, which is made up of Johnson, Anderson, Franklin, Miami and parts of Wyandotte County. The district has voted increasingly Democratic since Trumps surprise victory in 2016. But new congressional lines, approved in 2022, turned it from a district that voted for Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton and Biden in the 2012, 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, to one that voted for Romney, Trump and Biden. The majority of the voters in the district live in Johnson County. Once a stronghold for business-friendly, establishment Republicans, the highly educated, affluent county has been increasingly voting for Democrats as Trump tightened his grip on the Republican Party. In a way, shes facing a microcosm of what a lot of Democrats, including Joe Biden, are facing this cycle, which is needing the support of independents, of at least some moderates, of at least some even Donald Trump-skeptical Republicans, said Charles Hunt, a political science professor at Boise State University. A focus on policy Davids has been trying to stitch together that coalition in two ways emphasizing her support for abortion rights and highlighting the money shes been able to bring to the district over the past two years. She frequently holds events highlighting two large-scale federal funding bills passed in 2021 that are still helping to fund local projects a bipartisan infrastructure deal and a Democrat-pushed COVID-19 relief bill that spent $1.9 trillion. But in the past two years, with a divided Congress, those bipartisan deals have slowed. While Davids was able to secure around $15.8 million in the spending package for the 2024 fiscal year, it didnt pass until this March, more than five months into the year. Instead, Davids has turned to talking about partisan gridlock. She recently visited Finley Farms in Johnson County before hosting a press conference in which she stressed her desire for Congress to pass a farm bill, which is currently running on a temporary expansion. At those events, even if Biden administration officials are present, Davids rarely talks about Biden himself. Rep. Davids is grateful for the Presidents collaboration in rebuilding our nations infrastructure and lowering health care costs, but has also pushed back against his administration and party leaders when their priorities do not align with Kansans, said Zac Donley, Davids spokesman. Shes shown shell work with anyone, including federal officials and local leaders from both parties, to make life easier for people in the Third District. While Democrats like Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, has celebrated Bidens attempts to forgive student loan debt, Davids has openly criticized the effort, saying he should instead be focused on making higher education more affordable. The Republican candidates are critical of Davids claims of being a moderate, saying she hasnt done enough to push back against the Biden administration, particularly on immigration. The voters in the Third District are smart, and they know that while Rep. Davids talks a good game, she goes to Washington and votes the party line, Reddy, one of the Republicans running against Davids said. She has done nothing to fix the situation at the border, slow the rise in crime in the KC metro, and reduce the cost of gas and groceries. Davids supported a bipartisan immigration deal that would have made it easier for Biden to limit border crossings. The package faltered after Republicans said it wasnt conservative enough to win their support. Shes also opposing some of the hard-line immigration packages passed by House Republicans that have failed to get traction in the Senate. Kansas GOP moving farther right Meanwhile, both Reddy and Crnovich are trying to keep their own partys nominee at an arms length. Its a difficult task in a Republican primary, which features a much different and more conservative electorate than normally shows up in the fall for the general election. Increasingly, the Kansas Republican Party has become a loyal arm of the Trump wing of the party, rather than the more establishment wing that could be found in former Sen. Bob Dole. After the annual spending bill passed last month, the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, Mike Brown was critical of the Kansas Republicans who supported it Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Jake LaTurner. For those who voted for the $1.2T spending package, please hear me loud and clear: the base is mad as hell, Brown wrote in his weekly newsletter following the vote. Without a hard-line conservative in the race, Reddy and Crnovich havent raced to secure an endorsement from Trump, unlike competitive Republican primaries in other states and districts. Instead, Reddy has turned to racking up endorsements from congressional leaders. Hes been endorsed by National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson and has gotten a donation from Speaker Mike Johnsons leadership PAC. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has already been quick to use those endorsements to tie Reddy to the Trump-wing of the Republican Party as it tries to build support around voters fears about what a second Trump term could mean for democratic norms in Washington. Voters increasingly, yes theyre loyal to their parties, but really what tends to motivate them even more than positive feelings about their own party, are negative feelings about the other party, Hunt said. Its the second week of Chad Daybells criminal trial. The 55-year-old father is accused of murder and conspiring to commit murder in the deaths of two of his wifes children, 7-year-old JJ Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and his then-wife Tammy Daybell. Hes also charged with two counts of insurance fraud. Daybell pleaded not guilty to eight felonies in all. The potential eight-week trial is expected to mirror the trial of his wife, Lori Vallow Daybell. Roughly 60 witnesses were called for her trial, including Rexburg Police Detective Ray Hermosillo. He was the lead investigator during the months-long search for Vallow Daybells children and the first witness called by the prosecution in Chad Daybells trial. After over six hours of testimony stretched over two days, Hermosillo left the stand Thursday afternoon. The prosecution is expected to call its next witness Thursday morning. Chad Daybell, right, confers with his attorney John Prior during his criminal trial. Hes accused of murdering and conspiring to murder two of his wifes children, along with his former wife Tammy Daybell. 3:25 p.m: FBI identified phone numbers used by the Daybells Just before court adjourned Monday, FBI Tactical Specialist Nicole Heideman was called to the witness stand. Heideman, the fifth witness called by the prosecution, told the courtroom about several phone numbers linked to the Daybells, along with Vallow Daybells brother Alex Cox, who authorities have said also was tied to the killings. Cox died in 2019 from natural causes. Some of the phone numbers were connected to several Google accounts that were brought up during Vallow Daybells trial, which showed a text message trail between the Daybells. Both the Daybells and Cox had several phone numbers they used, and one of Chad Daybells numbers was in contact only with Vallow Daybell and Cox, Heideman said. Were these all numbers that were determined to be of interest in the investigation? Fremont County Prosecutor Lindsey Blake asked Heideman, pointing to a few of the phone numbers identified by law enforcement. Yes, she responded. The court adjourned just after 3:20 p.m. and testimony from Heideman is expected to pick back up Tuesday. 2:20 p.m.: Authorities exhumed Tammy Daybell without telling children Fremont County Sheriffs Office Lt. Joseph Powell said Daybells criminal case is probably the most serious hes ever been part of in 22 years in law enforcement. During a combative cross-examination, Powell explained certain steps he took, and didnt take, to exhume Tammy Daybells body. He said that based on Chad Daybells knowing Vallow Daybell and her brother, Alex Cox, along with medical records that showed she was being treated only for depression, he felt the need to re-examine her death. John Prior, Chad Dayells attorney, pointed to records that showed Tammy Daybell was anemic, her mother had a history of cancer and thyroid issues, and that her father had heart issues. Utah Chief Medical Examiner Erik Christensen said during Vallow Daybells trial that bruises found on Tammy Daybells body occurred around the time of death. He pointed to bruising on Tammy Daybells arms and chest, including her left upper chest, right bicep and right forearm. But during cross-examination, Powell said Tammy Daybell was taking medication for the bruising before her death. Prior also pointed to the death certificate and interviews with Chad Daybell who didnt want an autopsy and his children, who said that Tammy Daybell didnt like the doctor and that she took natural remedies. Powell admitted during the cross-examination that he didnt look at Tammy Daybells death certificate or read the coroners report before asking a judge to exhume her body. You did it without telling the children that theyre digging their mother out of the ground. Is that right? Prior asked, referring to the exhumation. Yes, Powell said. Fremont County Lt. Joseph Powell testifies on the witness stand during Chad Daybells criminal trial. Hes the officer who got a warrant to exhume Tammy Daybells body. 1:30 p.m.: Police reopened the investigation into Tammy Daybells death Powell, the fourth witness called by the prosecution, said during his testimony that he began looking into Tammy Daybells death after local law enforcement was contacted by authorities in Arizona who were looking into Vallow Daybell and her brother Alex Cox. The Gilbert Police Department was searching for a grayish-green Jeep Wrangler in October 2019 after police said it was involved in the attempted shooting of Vallow Daybells nieces ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux. Police have since said that they believe Cox, who died in 2019, shot at Boudreaux attempting to kill him, and have now charged Vallow Daybell in connection to the shooting. Powell said Chad Daybells connection to Vallow Daybell and her brother made him look further into Tammy Daybells death. Fremont County Coroner Brenda Dye testified during Vallow Daybells trial that Tammy Daybell died from pulmonary edema because of a seizure-like episode and that no autopsy was performed. After looking into Tammy Daybells medical records, Powell said all they showed was that she was being treated for depression. She appeared to be healthy, he said, adding that he got a warrant to exhume the body. Tammy Daybells body was exhumed from a cemetery in Springville, Utah, where then-Utah Chief Medical Examiner Erik Christensen confirmed she died by asphyxiation (suffocation from lack of oxygen). It would also be quite unusual for women of her age to develop seizures, Christensen said during his testimony at Vallow Daybells trial. 11:30 a.m.: Daybells attorney questions detective Law enforcement has previously said that when police began to locate the childrens bodies on the Salem, Idaho, property of Daybell, he fled the area by speeding away in his vehicle. But John Prior, Daybells attorney, said testimony by Rexburg Detective Eric Wheeler showed the speed limit on that road was 50 mph and suggested that Daybell was on his way to his attorney. Police quickly stopped Daybell and detained him. Wheeler, the third witness called by the prosecution, said that once Daybell was in the patrol vehicle, he looked around the property several times and seemed nervous. But Prior asked whether Daybell instead was just curious seeing as there were 30-plus law enforcement officers on his property. You dont think someone would be curious about whats going on on your property? Prior asked. 10 a.m.: Video following Daybells arrest played in court Former Fremont County Sheriffs Sgt. Vince Kaaiakamanu, who now works for the Madison County Sheriffs Office, briefly testified and sat on the witness stand while the prosecution played a June 2020 recorded jail call between Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell. This occurred on the day that authorities located the remains of the children, JJ and Tylee, on his property in Salem. In the phone call, Daybell informed Vallow Daybell, who had already been arrested by police, that law enforcement was searching his house. Are they seizing stuff again? Vallow Daybell asked. Theyre searching, Daybell responded. Daybell later attempted to leave the area and was arrested and booked into the Fremont County Jail. Kaaiakamanu said Daybell drove away while law enforcement discovered JJs body. But, Daybells attorney John Prior during cross-examination questioned whether Kaaiakamanu knew why Daybell left the area and asked if there could be another reason why Daybell left aside from the discovery of JJs body. Im not aware why he drove off, Kaaiakamanu said. In footage recorded from the back of a patrol vehicle, Daybell spent about 10 minutes going over finances with his adult daughter, Emma Murray, and handed her his wallet. He reassured her that there was enough money in his accounts, and they discussed longer-term options like refinancing his home and putting her on the mortgage. I love you so much, Murray said crying. I love you, Daybell said, getting a little emotional. He then told her to cooperate with law enforcement as much as she wanted to. Itll work out, Daybell said. Its all in the Lords hands. Toward the end of the portion of the video played in court, Murray told her father police located a body, which would later be identified as JJ, on the property. Daybell then mumbled something and shook his head slightly. I can see in your face, that surprised you, Murray said. At one point in the video, after Murray left, Daybell, seated in the back of the patrol vehicle, turned around and looked behind his left shoulder. Wheeler said Daybell was looking at the fire pit, which is where Tylees remains were found. 8:40 a.m.: Judge rules against allowing Arizona evidence Seventh District Judge Steven Boyce upheld a ruling prohibiting the defense from speaking about an incident involving Vallow Daybells brother, Alex Cox. Just before the 18-person jury 12 jurors and six alternates was brought back in, Daybells attorney asked Boyce to reconsider letting the jury hear evidence that Cox threatened to kill Vallow Daybells third husband, Joseph Ryan, in 2007. Cox shocked Ryan with a stun gun, according to police, and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, FOX 10 Phoenix reported. Investigators said they believe Cox, who died from natural causes in 2019, also killed or conspired to kill Tylee, JJ and Tammy Daybell. Hes also accused of attempting to kill his nieces husband and shooting and killing Vallow Daybells fourth husband, Charles Vallow. John Prior, Chad Daybells attorney, said Cox acted as Vallow Daybells protector. Its absolutely relevant that Alex Cox in his previous behavior, his modus operandi, was to act on his own and to lash out and do things on his own, Prior said. I couldnt think of something thats more relevant in that regard. Boyce disagreed and said that admitting evidence of the 2007 incident was more prejudice than probative. This is too far outside the scope of the charges, too far outside of the scope of the alleged conspiracy, Boyce said. Chad Daybell murder trial in Boise begins. Heres what to know about the case The Idaho Statesman will have a reporter covering the trial at the Ada County Courthouse providing live, daily updates at idahostatesman.com. You can also follow criminal justice reporter Alex Brizee on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @alex_brizee or breaking news reporter Sally Krutzig at @sallykrutzig. Greater Cincinnati is getting its first Latter-day Saints temple. Will it be in Mason? Almost 200 years after its founder, Joseph Smith, first visited Cincinnati, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will build a temple somewhere in the city or its suburbs. Leaders of the church made the decision official April 7 during their general conference in Salt Lake City, where they announced Cincinnati as one of 15 places worldwide that soon would be home to new temples. Church members, who number about 20,000 in the Cincinnati and Dayton area, greeted the news with cheers and tears. The Ohio Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Columbus. Leaders of the church announced April 7 that Greater Cincinnati soon would get a temple, too. They haven't disclosed details or a location, but the church recently purchased land in Mason. Temples are among the most sacred places for Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, and construction of the first one here reflects the growth of the church in the region. This is a great symbol of hope for us, said Wesley Foister, president of the churchs Cincinnati North Stake. We expect that it will be a symbol of hope for the community as well. Cincinnatis ties to the Latter-day Saints date to the churchs founding in the 1830s, when Smith visited the city, sent preachers here and published the third edition of the Book of Mormon, the doctrinal foundation of the church, at a downtown print shop. David Webster, a Latter-day Saint from Utah who is assisting missionaries in Cincinnati, said the citys history with the church is a source of pride for local members, many of whom have been waiting all their lives for the church to build a temple here. There was a lot of hooping and hollering going on, Webster said of the announcement. Its a big deal. Church buys land in Mason Though church leaders are now committed to building a temple in Greater Cincinnati, a big question remains: Where will it be? Foister said local church leaders havent been told anything about potential locations, and the churchs media office in Salt Lake City did not respond to a call and an email. One possibility is Mason, the growing suburban city north of Cincinnati. Property records from the Warren County Auditor show the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns a 35-acre plot of vacant land in the city, just off Mason-Montgomery Road and Cedar Village Drive. The church bought the land for almost $7.9 million last September, according to property records. Mason city officials said they have not heard from church leaders about their plans for the site. But Mason City Manager Eric Hansen, who also is a member of the church, said the churchs announcement and its recent purchase of so much land certainly leads to speculation among the faithful. Having a temple close by, yeah, thats an exciting thing, Hansen said. Thats a thing that folks pray for. Hansen said hes aware of no zoning or other restrictions that would prohibit construction of a large religious structure on the vacant land, which is located near offices and other commercial buildings, if church leaders decide to build it there. Temples vary in size, from just under 10,000 to well over 100,000 square feet, but they typically reflect the size of congregations around them. The one in Columbus is about 12,000 square feet while the one in Indianapolis is 34,000 square feet. For comparisons sake, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati is about 23,000 square feet. Why temples matter to the faithful Temples are significant to Latter-day Saints because they serve a purpose no other church building can. They are where members receive special instruction about God and where they participate in ceremonies that enhance family bonds, a cornerstone of church beliefs. Unlike most Christian churches, temples, which are closed on Sundays, are not where Latter-day Saints go for weekly worship services. Smaller gathering places, known as meeting houses, serve that purpose. Some church members may go to temple every week, while others go monthly or a few times a year. Distance often determines how often someone visits a temple. Dale Erskine, a church member in Green Township, remembers when the only meeting house in the area was in Norwood and the nearest temple to Cincinnati was in Washington, D.C. Wed drive all night, he said. Then wed drive back to Cincinnati. The journey shortened in the 1970s, when a temple was built near Chicago, and shortened more over the past 25 years as temples went up in Louisville, Columbus and Indianapolis. But those still are more than an hours drive from Cincinnati. Erskine said thats why the decision to build a temple closer to home was such welcome news. Joy filled the hearts of many, many, many Latter-day Saints here, he said. 'Gateway to the greatest blessings' Ohio and Cincinnati played an important role in the history of the church. Although Smith founded the church in Fayette Township, New York, in 1830, he lived in Ohio for about a decade and made Kirtland, Ohio, near Cleveland, the de facto headquarters of the early church. A temple built by Smith and his followers in Kirtland still stands. Around the same time, Smith sent preachers to Cincinnati, writing that they should lift up their voice & declare my word with loud voices. According to The Joseph Smith Papers, an archival program overseen by the church, Smith visited Cincinnati himself in 1831 and, nine years later, approved the production of the third edition of the Book of Mormon, published by a downtown Cincinnati print shop. Its believed to be the last edition of the Book of Mormon overseen by Smith, who left Ohio for Missouri in the late 1830s with many of his followers. He was killed by an armed mob in 1844 when tensions between Latter-day Saints and those suspicious of the newcomers erupted in violence. Small congregations of Latter-day Saints remained in Ohio and their numbers grew modestly over the years. The Pew Research Center estimates they account for less than 1% of the states population. The first temple in Ohio outside of Kirtland wasnt built until 1999, in Columbus. The temple in Greater Cincinnati, wherever its built, will be the third in Ohio since construction of the Kirtland temple. The temple is the gateway to the greatest blessings God has for each of us, said the Latter-day Saints president, Russell M. Nelson, when he announced plans to build here. The general conference is among the most important events of the year for Latter-day Saints, and Foister said he and his family watched the announcement live on TV. He said his daughters cheered. His son, a missionary in Central America, sent him a heart emoji. And excited church members started calling and texting one another. I think tears came to my eyes, he said. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Latter-day Saints temple: Coming soon to Cincinnati or Mason A Gulfport woman attending a spring break pop-up party Friday night is charged with dragging police officers as she tried to flee. Dangel Mae Octavia Wills, 20, of Gulfport, is charged with four counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count of felony fleeing and eluding. At around 11:22 p.m., officers responded to the 4600 block of Old Pass Road, where a large crowd was creating a disturbance. Gulfport Police Lt. Jason DuCre said this is one of the pop-up parties the department responded to during Black Spring Break over the weekend. The police report says officers saw Wills recklessly operating her vehicle and attempting to leave the parking lot. She was told by officers to get out of the vehicle. When they tried to remove her, she put the vehicle into drive and dragged two officers several feet until they were able to get away. Wills fled the parking lot and was quickly located. As officers attempted to pull her over, she intentionally struck a police vehicle, the police report says. She struck several police vehicles and her vehicle was disabled. A police K9 apprehended her after she refused to get out of her vehicle. Wills received medical treatment and was taken to the Gulfport Police Department. She admitted to hitting the police vehicles and said she did not intend to get out of the vehicle, despite officers instructions, according to police. Wills was taken to the Harrison County jail to be held in lieu of $250,000 bond set by Judge Nick Patano. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. Jordan has emerged as an unlikely defender of Israel despite its scathing criticism of the Gaza war and recent anti-Israeli protests. After Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night, Jordan which shares a lengthy border with Israel scrambled its fighter jets overnight to shoot down many of the drones. Neither the IDF, the United States nor Jordan offered exact figures on their involvement in the taking out of 99 per cent of Irans missiles and drones but reports suggest that most if not all drones were shot down outside Israeli borders, most likely in Jordan. Jordans government said on Sunday it intercepted flying objects that breached its airspace after it was closed shortly before midnight on Saturday. Onlookers and security agents stand around debris in Jordan - AHMAD SHOURA Some flying objects that entered our airspace last night were dealt with and confronted, the government said in a statement, stressing that the military will confront anything that would expose the security and safety of the nation ... to any danger or transgression by any party. Drones were brought down in the air on the Jordanian side of the Jordan Valley that it shares with Israel and the occupied West Bank as they were heading towards Jerusalem, which triggered rare air raid sirens in the city, unnamed security officials in Jordan told Reuters. Others were reportedly intercepted closer to the Iraqi-Syrian border. Swarms of Iranian drones were sighted in the skies over the northern, central and southern parts of Jordan as well as the capital of Amman, which is a one-hour drive away from the Israeli border. Jordan has been critical of Israels war with Gaza, with its foreign minister accusing Israel of aiming to empty out Gaza, which he said meets the legal definition of genocide. The king of Jordan last week teamed up with the presidents of France and Egypt, urging Israel for a ceasefire. Israelis expressed surprise mixed with admiration for its eastern neighbour and former adversary that managed to shoot down many of the drones over its territory. Forgive me for getting personal, but the fact that my parents sat in shelters during the War of Attrition following rockets from Jordan and tonight there was the same air raid alert in the kibbutz but Jordan helped intercept them from Iran is like a hallucination, Nurit Yohanan, a reporter with the public broadcaster Kan, tweeted on Sunday. Israel has cashed the check for many smart decisions from decades ago. Jordanian King Abdullah II called for a ceasefire last week - Royal Hashemite Court/APA Images/Avalon Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst at the Crisis Group, described the Jordanian involvement especially remarkable for a generation of Israelis that remembers sheltering from attacks from Jordan. Jordan together with Egypt and the Palestine Liberation Organisation fought Israel in the War of Attrition from 1967 to 1970. It has since grown closer to Israel, along with Arab and Gulf partners like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Jordan is a crucial link to Israel as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank have to cross the land border into Jordan to travel abroad as they are not allowed to fly out of the Ben Gurion airport. The extraordinary act of solidarity, mostly likely done at Washingtons request, is likely to anger many Jordanians who have been protesting for months, demanding severing diplomatic ties with Israel. Just two weeks earlier, Jordans riot police violently suppressed a major rally and arrested dozens after the crowd tried to march towards the heavily guarded Israeli embassy in the capital Amman. Many in Jordan have Palestinian roots and feel a deep affinity with Palestinians in the West Bank and in Gaza and have seen the 1994 peace treaty with Israel as a betrayal of their Palestinian brothers. Jordanians chant slogans during a demonstration near the Israeli embassy in Amman on March 28, 2024 - Khalil Mazraawi/AFP via Getty Images Jordan has had a persistent wave of angry anti-Israel rallies, which led to a government response so harsh that Amnesty International in February called on the Jordanian government to end what it called a sweeping crackdown that has seen hundreds of people arrested for expressing their support for Palestinians or criticising the Jordanian governments Israeli policy. Whereas Jordan appears to be the only Arab nation to have taken a direct role in responding to the attack, Iran on Sunday issued a stern warning against any nations alighting with Israel. Whichever country opens its soil and airspace to Israel for a potential attack on Iran, it will receive our decisive response, Brig Gen Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, Irans defence minister, said in a statement on Twitter on Sunday. Recommended Live: Latest Iran-Israel news Read more Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Mongeese are some of the only animals that go to war. Scientists could soon find out why Shes the authoritarian matriarchal warlord with a fart so powerful it strikes terror in the heart of honey badgers. She rolls with a posse thats 30-strong, uses warthogs like DoorDash for her tick snacks between brawls, and has a cousin who catches birds with his butt cheeks. Her ancestors were sailing to Madagascar more than 65 million years before the British Empire, and she gets turned on by the hyper-violence of gang fights. Exalted with mummification in ancient Egypt, shes the Rikki-Tikki Riot Grrl of the east African plains, the erotically berserk mob tactician that turns cobras into ballpark brats on the daily. If you can see her coming, its already too late. Nothing can stop the battle-hardened banded mongoose. And in case you missed the news, self-organized mongoose warfare has become so brutally hardcore that the call of scientific inquiry has rung out across the globe, seeking to make sense of (or at least seek safety from) the species ceaseless fury. And that call has been answered. An elite and seemingly fearless international crew of mongoose-minded researchers are now setting out to figure out how these thrash-metal freak weasels are capable of such merciless violence between their warring tribes and what we humans might learn about our own war-party tendencies from the aggressive behavior of these vicious mammals. Lighting beacons of hope from their home universities of Cambridge, York, Swansea and Bielefeld, Germany the scientific fellowship will gather under the lead of Professor Michael Cant of the University of Exeter, and travel to the heart of Africa under the auspices of a $3.2 million grant. On a mission that can only be described as either unflinchingly courageous or lethally naive, the team will rendezvous with an expert field team of brave Ugandan scientists currently at the front of the seemingly unstoppable mongoose madness. From a clandestine perch, the academics will conduct mongoose reconnaissance to analyze the desert hellcats rampage tactics at a safe remove, trying to understand how the forces of evolution can culminate to create one particular species with a taste for actual warfare and extreme violence. And to presumably do the only thing we humans can when faced with such unstoppable lawlessness figure out what it takes exactly to make the wild bandit hordes call a truce and end their reigns of terror. Mongoose warfare An outstanding problem in evolutionary biology is to explain how cooperative groups evolve by natural selection, Cant said in a release from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter. Classic research on this question has shown that factors that operate within the group, such as kinship and reciprocity, can select for altruism. Yet there is now substantial evidence from humans and other social animals that conflict between groups or warfare can also exert a profound influence on social behavior. Thankfully, the mongoose rampage isnt targeting humans, though they arent above ground-based kitchen invasions when pushed into an environmental threat, and their toxic bites can quickly become lethal. This isnt Cants first tour of duty, though. Hes the head of Exeters long-term Banded Mongoose Research Project and his previous attempts to understand bloodthirsty mongoose warfare led him to Uganda before, where he witnessed an extremist mongoose beheading in the wild. He lured one mongoose mob out of its hideout by smearing an enemy gangs feces on the property then blasting a rival gangs fight-taunts out of a Bluetooth speaker. Presumably ready to mount-up and roll hard, the mob came out to find crap on their doorstep and thats when Cant launched a drone-camera to capture the action. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. Cant was right to keep his distance. All the unchecked rage in their five-pound, furry bodies seems too powerful suggesting that instead of having brain cells, the creatures just have an endlessly looping, full-volume mix of the screaming mid-bridge wax-rips of The Beastie Boys Sabotage. Because when mongoose mobs wake up and choose violence, they dont just choose it once they choose it over and over again. Hammering neighboring gangs mercilessly for what scientists say can amount to four vicious terroristic assaults a day, the resulting territorial scatterplot of bloodbaths makes the final season of the Sopranos look like an episode of Paw Patrol. And it gets even more intense somehow. These things are the Amazonian Klingons of ground mammals. Their female generals lead troops of between 6 and 40 of these little berserker weasels into battle with a plan of attack coordinated beside grizzly mongoose war veterans. They send their males to form a quasi-Roman-phalanx position around an enemy gang in an attack so unhinged that the females become wild with battle lust. Claws akimbo and fully disrespectful, the ladies will straight-up just start mating with enemy males right then and there while their own dudes are mid-scrap. Theyre often witnessed bailing on their own brawls to get down on a gang-war breeding frenzy that has only made their diverse gene pools more unstoppable. The theory so far is that the female generals have bawdy motives when they go to war in the first place. But covert mating isn't the only casus belli. When they looked more closely at their records, the researchers discovered that 417 of the 579 wars didn't involve females in oestrus [heat]. These appear to be more about status, territory, resources and genocide, New Scientist author Graham Lawton wrote last year. These matriarchal battle queens are scandalous too. They synchronize all their tribes pup births to happen at once, so nobody ever figures out whose daddy is whose. Then they participate in some collective radical childcare and enlist grandparents to babysit while they ride back off to the battlefield, presumably seeking the glory of Valhalla. https://twitter.com/CantMichael/status/1676193503108386816 Intergroup conflict could in principle act as a fundamental molding force in the evolution of animal societies, shaping not just behavior but also life history and social organization, but this idea has not been tested. We will test this hypothesis through an integrated theory, field and lab study using two animal societies as model systems, Cant said. The outcome will be a significant advance in our understanding of how social life forms and societies evolve. An earlier version of this article originally appeared in Salon's Lab Notes, a weekly newsletter from our Science & Health team. A person and their dog are lucky to be alive after landing a plane in ocean waters just off the coast of Southern California forcing them to swim to shore Sunday afternoon, authorities confirmed to KTLA. Calls about the plane landing in the Pacific Ocean near Ocean Trail Drive in the area Rancho Palos Verdes came in at around 5:20 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Details are extremely limited and its unclear what type of aircraft the pair were in and what exactly forced the pilot to land in the water. Rescue team with L.A. County Sheriffs Department seen in the area of the planes ocean landing on April 14, 2024. (Citizen) Rescue team with L.A. County Sheriffs Department seen in the area of the planes ocean landing on April 14, 2024. (LASD) Rescue team with L.A. County Sheriffs Department seen in the area of the planes ocean landing on April 14, 2024. (LASD) An air rescue team with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department was deployed, but the pilot and their dog were reportedly able to swim to the shore where they were met by deputies with LASDs Lomita Station, authorities said. Violence erupts as novelty shop in Southern California robbed at gunpoint Their conditions were not immediately available. This rescue comes less than 24 hours after a plane crash in San Bernardino County Saturday night claimed the life of a man, whose body could not be recovered because on Sunday due to inclement weather that hampered search and rescue crews. As for the crash off the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes, officials with L.A. County Fire said they were coordinating with the United States Coast Guard on a plan to recover the aircraft. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. FALL RIVER The Fall River Police Department has hired an independent firm to investigate the December 2020 assault of a man in custody with a baton and lying on a police report, which led to the federal conviction of former patrolman Nicholas Hoar in February. Agents from the FBI's Boston office investigated Hoar after he assaulted then-55-year-old William Harvey on Dec. 21, 2020, after Harvey was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge. Hoar was indicted in November 2022 by a federal grand jury on one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of filing false reports. He was convicted on all three charges and will be sentenced in U.S. District Court on April 24. Internal affairs: A Fall River cop is guilty of brutality, and police are conducting their own investigation Fall River Police Officer Nicholas Hoar, left, was found guilty in federal court of depriving the rights of William Harvey after striking him in the head with a baton while Harvey was under arrest in 2020. Hoar was also found guilty of lying about the incident on police reports. State commission requires an internal investigation Despite the FBIs investigation, the Fall River Police Department is still required to conduct an internal probe, according to Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission regulations. At trial, now retired FRPD Sgt. Jeffrey Maher testified at trial he witnessed Hoar striking Harvey in the head when he led him into a holding cell, then failed to report the incident in his police reports. About a week later, he reported the incident and the false report hed written to the departments Office of Professional Standards. While they did not testify at trial, Fall River patrol officers Brendan McNerney and Zachary Vorce were subjects of testimony at Hoars trial. The two officers had also failed to report the assault in their police reports and will be part of the POST investigation. Neither McNerney nor Vorce were implicated by the FBI for any wrongdoing in the Hoar case. According to Harvey, he was contacted by the FRPD recently with a request to participate in the investigation. He said he declined. POST declined to comment on the FRPDs internal investigation. The POST Commission cannot comment on individual cases that may be pending. However, POST regulations require that all Law Enforcement Agencies submit completed internal affairs reports for complaints and incidents of misconduct and prohibited conduct, according to POST communications coordinator Alia Spring in an email. Fall River police cruisers. Hoar's history with the Fall River Police Department Hoar joined the Fall River Police Department in 2016 until he resigned shortly after his conviction. Hoar comes from five generations of Fall River police officers. His brother, J.T. Hoar, was recently promoted to the departments rank of deputy chief. In 2017, a year into his joining the police department, Hoar was cleared in an officer-involved shooting that killed a 19-year-old New Bedford man after Hoar shot six times into the vehicle the man was driving. The mans family is suing Hoar, the police department and the city in a multimillion-dollar civil lawsuit. Who is conducting the investigation? Fall River Police Chief Paul Gauvin identified the independent firm handling the investigation as Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting of Quincy. According to the firms website, the company conducts independent and unbiased investigations for local and state agencies, as well as consulting with departments on policy and compliance issues. We want to ensure we are following all POST guidelines, and with the entire investigation we are going with an outside agency, said Gauvin. Well see what comes out of the investigation and well go from there. Gauvin said that the department is looking at the fact that the FBI did not find probable cause that any additional crimes were committed. I dont assume that it's going to be a major finding at the end of the day, because obviously the FBI didnt find that there was any other criminal wrongdoing. said Gauvin. We may be looking at any possible violations of rules, regulations or policy." This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River police hire team to investigate ex-cop guilty of brutality The Mississippi Department of Corrections announced that 34 inmates graduated in early April through a new program aimed at reducing the number of people returning to prison. The "Reentry Academy" is a three-month structured program designed to "strengthen inmates life skills" to help them assimilate back to society. The program intends to stem the recidivism rate within the first three years of release. According to officials, 1,000 inmates started the program last fall and a total of 344 inmates have since graduated. Another group of inmates will graduate later this month. Deputy Commissioner Kelley Christopher, who oversees programs, education, and reentry, said people may receive a blueprint for their life and the directions they can go, but they are not always given the tools and resources to make it happen." The State Penitentiary at Parchman houses more than 3,000 inmates. More on: Bill to close penitentiary at Parchman moves forward in Mississippi Senate The first measurement of the success of an inmates return to society is that he or she does not come back to prison, Christopher said in a press release. The goal of the Reentry Academy is to create a consistent, uniform pathway for inmates to gain the personal skills, perspectives, and the confidence to navigate the inherent obstacles in the way of a felon as he or she creates a new life in a free society. Officials with the department said eligible inmates must have a clean prison record, a GED or HED, be within 36 months of release, and a commitment to finishing the program among other requirements. One inmate, 28-year-old Lafabian Brownlee, said he now has direction in his life. When Brownlee came to prison almost a year ago for committing conspiracy in DeSoto County, Brownlee said he didnt know what he was going to do when he was released. Brownlee pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a crime after being indicted for conspiring to embezzle hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Brownlee said classes at the academy such as anger management, money management and moral classes, had him really thinking each night he returned to his cell. Inmates enter commencement exercises for the first Reentry Academy Graduation at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman on April 5, 2024. The reentry academy taught me to stay focused, don't give up, keep your head on and when things go bad, don't give in, Brownlee said in a provided statement. It was a foundation for friends, loving and caring. Brownlee said he plans to attend Delta Technical College to go into truck driving and earn a living to take care of his family. He will be released on May 8, 2024, and vowed not to return to prison. I will tell anybody this is no place you want to be, Brownlee said. Warden Patricia Doty, who directs the all-male Mississippi State Penitentiary program, said, Its real intent is to prepare students to successfully remain in our communities as effective husbands and fathers and productive, contributing citizens. More on: Voting bill, which would have helped non-violent felons, dies in MS Senate In addition to the men's graduation, there was also a graduation held at the Mississippi Correctional Institute for Women. Sheena Burke, who spent 18 months in prison for a conspiracy conviction, was released to parole five days after graduation. Burke was convicted to conspiracy to commit a crime and nonresidential burglary of a building. Burke said she enjoyed "Smart Start" a part of the academy focused on using workplace documents, math, and graphic literacy the most. Burke said she aims to be involved in hotel management and eventually, operating her own business. Burke said the program helped her through one of her roughest times. The Reentry Academy taught me a lot, especially how to think for a change and think before I act, Burke said in the press release. My son was murdered, and this program helped me with my grief and recovery. It taught me how to keep looking forward and never give up. Inmates participate in commencement exercises for the first Reentry Academy graduation at the Mississippi Correctional Institute for Women in Rankin County on March 22, 2024. 'It's just frustrating:' MS lawmakers working to give voting rights to ex-cons Vicki Gilliam, assistant district attorney for Rankin and Madison counties, served as a guest speaker at the graduation. Gilliam said emphasis is often placed on prosecuting and punishing people for criminal behavior, but rehabilitation is sometimes ignored, the release states. This program is a miracle and continues to be a miracle. Mississippi, the most conservative state, created this program and allowed you to be in it because rehabilitation works, Gilliam said in the release. Inmates, you, had to make a choice to participate in this program or not. That is why this program will work for you. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS MDOC inmates graduate and prepare for life after prison Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell said Monday that "some personal items" involving a missing Springfield woman were found at an east-side home over the weekend. Sheriff's Deputies and Springfield Police were called to a home by its owners in the 2100 block of South Grand Avenue East Sunday afternoon. Campbell confirmed the items belong to Michelle "Shelly" Bianco, who was last seen about 11 p.m. April 5, 2008, near South Grand and Wheeler avenues in the vicinity of the house. Law enforcement officials put up tents in the yard outside of a home in the 2100 block of South Grand Avenue East on April 15, 2024. Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputies said they took "something of interest" related to a cold case from a house on April 14, 2024. More: Los Angeles man arrested in Springfield on three counts involving a minor Campbell said he didn't know the correlation, if any, between Bianco and the house. "We're seeing what ties we can make," he said. Campbell didn't describe the evidence taken. "As soon as (the homeowners) found it, they gave us a call," Lt. Phillip Danes of the sheriff's office told The State Journal-Register Sunday. "They brought it to our attention, and we came to collect it." Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputies said they took "something of interest" related to a cold case from a house in the 2100 block of South Grand Avenue East on April 14, 2024. According to newspaper files, Michelle Bianco disappeared from the area of the house in 2008. Campbell said the Illinois State Police has been brought into the case. Several county vehicles and two Springfield Police crime scene unit vans were back at the location Monday morning. Danes said the homeowners indicated that the evidence in the house "wasn't readily accessible to where you could see it." Campbell didn't elaborate where the items were found in the house. Bianco, who would be 59 years old now, was walking in the area of the home with her cousin when a man driving a black Pontiac offered Bianco a ride home, according to a State Journal-Register story in 2018 marking the 10th anniversary of her disappearance. Bianco had been trying to find a ride for hours, and the cousin told deputies that the man in the Pontiac called her by name. More: Search for Michelle Bianco reaches 10-year mark Bianco willingly got into the car and was never heard from again. Bianco, who is white, had shoulder-length blond hair when she disappeared. She is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighed 112 pounds and might have been wearing a blue jean jacket, blue sweater, blue jeans, black shoes and carrying a black purse when last seen. The man driving the black Pontiac was described by the cousin as white, with short black hair covering his ears. His face was unshaven, and he had a small build. The cousin noted that the paint job on the Pontiac was going bad. According to the SJ-R story, Biancos boyfriend of two years made a missing persons report, authorities said, after he returned home from a hunting trip. Sheriff's deputies have secured the scene, Campbell said. He cautioned the public to stay away from the scene. Anyone with information about the case can call the sheriff's department's investigation division at 217-753-6840. The public also can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 217-788-8427. Contact Steven Spearie: (217) 622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: New evidence taken from house tied to missing Springfield woman's case 'There's people buried everywhere': Do RI's historic cemeteries need more protection? In a state as old and densely populated as Rhode Island, it's not all that surprising to find a historical cemetery in the middle of an automobile dealership's sprawling car lot. Or outside a Stop & Shop. Or behind a Dunkin'. Or in the small, neatly mowed space in between two suburban homes. "Theres people buried everywhere," said Charlotte Taylor, an archaeologist with the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. So whenever a developer breaks ground on a construction project, there's always the risk that they'll wind up unearthing fragments of human bones. A historical cemetery in Warwick, one of 166 in the city. Not all that long ago, historical cemeteries were routinely bulldozed and paved over. In the 1960s, no one thought twice about building Route 37 over the remains of nearly 1,000 poor, sick and mentally ill people who had been institutionalized nearby. Jamestown constructed an elementary school on a Narragansett Indian burial ground, said Taylor, who will give a presentation titled Living with the Dead in Rhode Island: From Cemetery Destruction to Cemetery Preservation" on April 24 at the main branch of the Cranston Public Library. In 1992, the General Assembly passed a law designed to protect historical cemeteries from being destroyed. But it's not without flaws. "Its a lot better than it used to be," Taylor said. "But I cant guarantee that all the cemeteries in the state are currently protected." Rhode Island's long history of grave robbing, desecration April and May are designated as "Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks" in Rhode Island. And as Taylor details in her presentation, the state has a long and sordid history of grave robbing. The first recorded examples of white Colonists robbing Native American graves date back to the 17th century. But well into the 19th century, white collectors were still looting Narragansett burial grounds to steal grave goods the objects buried alongside a body to display in museums. Burr's Hill in Warren, traditionally a Narragansett and Wampanoag burial ground, was mined for gravel when the Providence, Warren & Bristol Railroad was built in the 1850s. As a result, any of the fill that was used to build the former railroad track could potentially contain human remains, Taylor said. More: Brown's Haffenreffer Museum is leaving Bristol and rethinking its role as a modern museum While desecration of a grave or cemetery was made a felony in 1896, that didn't stop burial grounds from being destroyed, Taylor said. When it came time to build a highway such as Route 37, the law was simply ignored. 'Please don't do that' After extensive advocacy from the late Rep. Leona A. Kelley, a South Kingstown Republican, the General Assembly finally created stronger protections for historical cemeteries in 1992. Under the law, no one can disturb or excavate a historical cemetery without getting permission from the local town or city council which is supposed to be granted only when there are no "prudent or feasible" alternatives. They also can't do any construction, excavation or ground-disturbing work within 25 feet of the cemetery without permission, due to the likelihood that there could be other unmarked burials nearby. The original gravestone for Civil War veteran William Corey in R.I. Historical Cemetery Warwick 1. The vandalized stone was left on the ground and a new marker for Corey was placed over the grave. That leaves a fair amount of discretion up to the cities and towns, which have sometimes been "very generous" about allowing themselves to move forward with their own construction projects, Taylor said. Plus, with high turnover, a town's planning department or division of public works may not necessarily know where burial grounds are likely to be found. The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, where Taylor works, serves in strictly an advisory capacity: They can issue sternly worded letters but not impose fines. The all-volunteer Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Commission, which has more of an advocacy role, similarly lacks teeth. "We don't have any power," said Pegee Malcolm, who currently chairs the historical cemetery commission. "We can say, 'Please don't do that,' but 'Please don't do that' doesn't go very far." It's also unclear who's in charge of enforcing the law and setting penalties when violations occur, both Malcolm and Taylor said. Brian Hodge, a spokesman for Attorney General Peter Neronha, said that people who violate Rhode Islands cemetery laws can face misdemeanor or civil penalties. Misdemeanor charges are generally prosecuted by cities and towns, rather than the attorney generals office. Desecrating a grave, on the other hand, is a felony so those cases are handled by the attorney generals office. Hodge said that there have been two such prosecutions during Neronhas tenure: one involving a defendant accused of stealing bronze placards from gravestones at Newport Memorial Park, and one stemming from vandalism of graves at the Grotto cemetery at Providence College. Both resulted in convictions. Neronha would be open to working with stakeholders interested in strengthening or clarifying these laws to ensure they are uniformly applied across the state so that our historical burial grounds and cemeteries are protected, Hodge said. Why some construction projects are subject to more oversight than others Rhode Island is home to roughly 3,500 historical cemeteries, Malcolm said. There are 166 in Warwick alone, and approximately 200 in Coventry. And countless others have yet to be discovered. Early Rhode Islanders were often buried at home, rather than in church burial grounds, leaving their remains scattered all across the state. Their graves weren't necessarily marked with inscribed headstones, especially if they weren't wealthy. Similarly, Native Americans and slaves were often buried in unmarked graves. Pegee Malcolm, chair of the state's Historical Cemetery Commission, stands among the stones in a historical cemetery in Warwick. So is anyone checking for long-forgotten burial sites before a new road or subdivision gets built? That depends. If state or federal agencies are involved, Taylor will review the plans and may call for an archaeological survey to take place before construction begins. (She may also suggest that archaeologists monitor the work while it's occurring.) But if a developer only needs a building permit or sign-off from local planning and zoning boards, she typically won't be consulted. The City of Warwick voluntarily sends proposals for new subdivisions to Taylor to review, but that's not common, she said. And if she has a concern, she can't force the city to do an archaeological survey only strongly suggest it. In essence, that means that some projects such as those involving federal funding are subject to more scrutiny than others. Building a home within 200 feet of the coastline, for instance, requires a permit from the Coastal Resources Management Council, which in turn means that the Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission will weigh in. If you look at a map of all the archaeological sites in Rhode Island, you'll be able to tell where the state roads and power lines are, Taylor said. That's because those projects have to be reviewed by the heritage commission. Pegee Malcolm, chair of the Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Commission, stands beside a new marker for Civil War veteran William Corey in a Warwick historical cemetery. On the ground behind the new marker is Corey's original stone, shattered by vandals. Are historical cemeteries standing in the way of development? Could the fact that historical cemeteries are seemingly everywhere in Rhode Island be yet another obstacle to increasing the state's housing supply? Taylor doesn't think so. "We want things to be protected," she said. "But protected does not equal project being canceled." Obviously, you couldn't just build a brand new apartment complex on top of the North Burial Ground. But small family cemeteries "have never stood in the way of development," Taylor said. When a developer does stumble upon a burial site, "our office does not say, 'You can't build here,'" Taylor said. Instead, she'll work with them to find a way that the project can move forward without disturbing any graves. Usually, that means redesigning the project around the newly rediscovered cemetery, which can simply mean creating a little extra green space in between homes or businesses. On smaller lots, it may require building a long, shotgun-style house, or one that's elevated on stilts. And though it's not the preferred approach, historical cemeteries sometimes do get moved. That's what happened when the Central Landfill in Johnston needed to expand, Taylor said. (In that case, the descendants of the people buried there were consulted and agreed to have the graves relocated.) The bigger issue is that developers and construction workers may not notify anyone if they dig up human remains or realize that they have an obligation to do so. Even if the bones are hundreds of years old, you're still supposed to call the police, Taylor said. The state medical examiner's office and her office will get involved from there. One memorable phone call came from a Warwick homeowner who was doing work on their cellar and discovered half of a body buried there. As it turned out, their house had been built right on top of a Native American grave. The remains are still in that basement, Taylor said. "People find ways to live with the dead," she said. Private property owners not obligated to maintain historical cemeteries Bulldozers and backhoes aren't the only threat to historical cemeteries. Some are collapsing and eroding due to neglect, while others are vulnerable to flooding and sea level rise. And, as both Taylor and Malcolm emphasized, no one is responsible for maintaining them. "I get a lot of calls from people wanting the state to clean up or repair historic cemeteries," Taylor said. "We absolutely don't have any power to do that." Pegee Malcolm shows photos of overgrowth that once blocked access to a Warwick historical cemetery. Historical cemeteries are often located on private property, Taylor noted. While it's illegal to destroy them, their owners also don't have any legal obligation to maintain them. And if they do, it's at their own expense. Local cemetery commissions and historical societies routinely organize cemetery cleanups, Malcolm said, but they can't always get permission to go onto someone's private property. "There really are some good stories under those headstones," she said. "But if they get all eaten by briars and brambles, nobody knows that." Archaeologist Charlotte Taylor's presentation "Living with the Dead in Rhode Island: From Cemetery Destruction to Cemetery Preservation," will take place on April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cranston Central Library on Sockanosset Cross Road. Information about other events planned for Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries Preservation and Awareness Weeks, which take place in April and May, can be found at preservation.ri.gov/ricw. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Who protects and maintains RI's historical cemeteries? Unleash America was supposed to be about supporting Va. candidates. But the money didn't go there. Robert Landrum thought he was supporting Republicans in Virginias statehouse elections that year, when he donated $500 to a federal super PAC in April 2023. The super PAC, Unleash America, had one stated goal: To get Republicans elected during Virginias 2023 statehouse contests to support Gov. Glenn Youngkins agenda. Thats how he represented the PAC. Thats what he said, Landrum said in a phone interview with USA Today. He was referring to the PACs then honorary chairman, Hung Cao, a failed 2022 Congressional candidate from northern Virginia. Cao, a retired Navy captain and, according to his LinkedIn page, a current employee of CACI International which regularly contracts with the U.S. Government, announced his PAC on a local radio talk show in February 2023. He pledged that Unleash America would support Republicans in 2023 in a lot of the races that people wrote off." Without a good House of Delegates, without a State Senate, the governors not going to be able to get half the stuff that he wants to get across, Cao said. We have to concentrate on Virginia right now. On radio shows and in news articles in early 2023 Cao repeated his motivation for championing the PAC: To support Virginia Republicans seeking local and state-level office. His stated goal was to help to deliver a Republican General Assembly majority in November to support Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkins legislative efforts. He made that pledge on The Wilkow Majority and Richmonds Morning News with John Reid on February 2, 2023. And again, in an article that ran in The Dispatch on February 4, 2023. And again, in another article that ran in the Washington Examiner on February 7, 2023. And people listened. Unleash America super PAC received $103,489 in individual contributions last year, according to Federal Election Commission filings. In November, Republicans lost the House of Delegates in Virginia. They failed to flip the Senate. Was all that money raised by Unleash America spent in vain? No. It doesnt look like Unleash American spent any money at all to support Virginia's 2023 candidates. According to the Federal Election Commission and Virginias State Board of Election filings, not a single Republican candidate for state or local office received any direct financial support from the federal Unleash America super PAC. When asked why money raised by Unleash America did not go to support state candidates, Steve Roberts, general counsel for Hung Cao for Virginia, issued the following statement via email through an intermediary: "Unleash America PAC is a federally registered super PAC, and as such cannot make contributions to any campaign whatsoever. No campaign could possibly have received a contribution from Unleash America PAC, nor could Hung have pledged to make such a contribution." Hung Cao for Virginia campaign's response to questions regarding Unleash America's lack of contribution to Virginia's 2023 candidates. Saurav Ghosh, the director of Federal Campaign Finance Reform for Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit in Washington, D.C. noted that Virginia has no limits on campaign contributions. "I think its inaccurate for Caos campaign to say that a federal super PAC is not legally able to make contributions to the campaign of someone running for state office in Virginia." Do Unleash Americas FEC filings for 2023 tell the story of a Super PAC built to support state candidates? Really, quite the opposite it would seem, wrote Brendan Glavin, Deputy Research Director for OpenSecrets, a nonprofit out of Washington, D.C. that tracks campaign finance information. The spending is focused on fundraising. Ghosh called the expenditures on Unleash Americas FEC filings operating expenses. Analysis of Unleash Americas expenditures shows no support of any kind, in-kind or otherwise, for Virginias Republican candidates, though thats what Cao promised his PAC would do, over and over in 2023. Brief history of a super PAC: Fantastic fundraising, failed campaign, refreshed aspirations for federal office An unsuccessful campaign for Congress was the origin of Unleash America. Cao ran against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in 2022 to represent Virginias 10th Congressional District an area in northern Virginia that includes Loudon County and rural areas that abut the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cao lost to Wexton by over 6 percentage points. But his campaign garnered significant financial support from donors across the country, he said. FEC records show he raised $3 million in individual contributions that year. After he was defeated by Wexton, he pledged to focus his apparent fundraising prowess to support Republican statehouse candidates in Virginias 2023 election. Cao was named the honorary chairman of the Unleash America super PAC when it launched in early February 2023. Unleash America PAC is dedicated to supporting leaders and policies in Virginia and across the United States that embody the American spirit of resilience and ingenuity. Learn more: https://t.co/yDC0tryBfJ pic.twitter.com/EZUYCcDuIF Unleash America PAC (@unleashamerica) February 1, 2023 We need to get leaders in the Virginia House of Delegates and the State Senate that believe in our values, he told Richmond talk radio host John Reid on a Feb. 2, 2023 broadcast. Thats why Im launching Unleash America PAC, because I was one of the top fundraisers in the country this past year, I think I was 14th out of 435 people. I had people giving from all 50 states and I wanted to use that in order to help the people running this year, he said. On its website, and its first post on X, formerly Twitter, Unleash Americas stated goal was supporting leaders and policies in Virginia and across the United States that embody the American spirit of resilience and ingenuity. A guy running for delegate in Virginia is not going to be able to raise as much as I did, Cao told The Dispatch in February 2023. Cao also told The Dispatch that the PAC planned to name its fundraising team in the weeks after that interview. Their website currently lists one employee, an executive director, over one year later. Im telling you, not a single dime will go in my pocket, Cao told Andrew Wilkow on his nationwide conservative talk show, The Wilkow Majority. I want to use my influence across the nation to really get people to donate so we can help a lot of these candidates, the good candidates, get across the finish line. Unleash America PAC proudly welcomes @HungCao_VA as Honorary Chairman. As an immigrant to the United States and Ret. Navy Captain Hung Cao knows what it means to be a proud American. Help Cao support our mission to restore the American Spirit https://t.co/TGMGIMMwpS pic.twitter.com/ykSDGd3uKt Unleash America PAC (@unleashamerica) February 1, 2023 Halfway to that finish line, however, he shifted gears. In July Cao announced his bid for the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by Sen. Tim Kaine, about six months after he launched Unleash America. In the months leading up to his announcement, Caos account had retweeted many of the PACs posts on X and Cao appeared regularly in the PACs social media posts. No other candidate appeared in the posts. Unleash America published one final post once Cao publicly announced his intent to run for the U.S. Senate seat: We are proud to back up Hung Cao as he begins his fight in Virginia to take on DC and the Radical Left in the US Senate. We are proud to back up Hung Cao as he begins his fight in Virginia to take on DC and the Radical Left in the US Senate. https://t.co/8WJeezylP0 Unleash America PAC (@unleashamerica) July 18, 2023 PAC's biggest payment was unleashed to Cao's campaign manager The Unleash America super PAC raised $103,489 in individual contributions between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023. The PAC also received a $45,000 donation from Hung Cao for Virginia, Caos principal U.S. Senate campaign committee, for a total of $148,489 in donations. That infusion of cash helped pay for the rest of the super PACs expenditures, which totaled $139,421. A large portion of Unleash Americas expenditures went to two entities in 2023 that Cao was also paying from his Senate campaign committee. The biggest amount: $37,514 went to John Ryan ORourke. ORourke is Caos 2024 Senate campaign manager. In the same year that ORourke received those consulting fees from Unleash America, he also received $96,168 from Hung Cao for Virginia, Caos Senate campaign committee. Another $22,867 of Unleash Americas money went to K2 & Co., a communications firm Cao had employed during his 2022 Congressional campaign and also during his 2024 Senate campaign. K2 & Co. was paid $15,000 by Caos Senate campaign on October 3, 2023. Besides $68,639 in consulting fees, Unleash America also paid $29,403 for list rentals, $18,576 for digital fundraising, $12,500 in legal fees, $6,398 in meeting and lodging expenses as well as bank fees and $3,904 in earmark fees to WinRed, a fundraising arm of the Republican Party. List rental often refers to email or address lists of individuals that can be used to solicit contributions to a specific candidate or committee, according to the Federal Elections Commission. Unleash America could have shared those lists with different campaigns, but that practice is typically contractually prohibited by the list vendor. Roberts, general counsel for Hung Cao for Virginia, did not respond when asked how the lists rented by Unleash America were used. Max Fisher and Nhan Huynh, Republicans who ran to represent district 8 and 9, respectively, in Virginia's House of Delegates, said lists rented by Unleash America were not shared with their campaigns. There are no in-kind donations or other categories of disbursement that suggest Unleash America spent any money on ad campaigns that were targeted to help Huynh, Fisher, or any other statewide Republican candidates during the 2023 election. Nhan Huynh during a legislative meeting on Vietnam Human Rights at the U.S. Capitol in June of 2016. Donors gave multiple times over weeks and months Hundreds of people from around the country donated to Unleash America. They donated thousands of different times. Some of those payments were reoccurring. They paid monthly, bi-monthly, weekly and some paid multiple times in one day. They live across the country in Colorado, Oregon, Texas, South Carolina, Delaware, Missouri, New York, Nevada and, of course, Virginia. One donor from California, who listed their profession as retired on their contribution form, donated to Unleash America 36 different times between April 2023 and June. They donated a total of $301 in small dollar donations, at times contributing up to eight different times in one day. A donor from Arizona, who listed their profession as a greenkeeper on their contribution form, donated to Unleash America 12 times between March 2023 and June. They donated a total of $740, with hundreds of dollars contributed in multiple payments over the course of one day. A donor from Oklahoma, who listed their profession as a secretary on their contribution form, donated $548 to Unleash America in one month. Of that, they donated $348 through multiple payments over one day in April 2023. A number of Unleash America donors, contacted by a USA Today reporter, initially had trouble recalling exactly why they contributed to the PAC but said they thought their donation was going towards Virginia state election campaigns. Id like to hear his side of the story, Landrum, one of the donors, said when asked if he felt Cao could have been clearer in his stated goal for funds raised by Unleash America. That side of the story's been hard to come by. Over a period of months, neither Cao's campaign nor Caos campaign counsel, Roberts, returned phone calls to his office. Cao's campaign manager, O'Rourke, did not respond to phone calls or texts. Emails sent to Roberts' address and Caos Senate campaign address, with follow up questions that outlined the radio broadcasts and news reports where Cao made his pledge to support state candidates through the federal Unleash America super PAC, did not receive a response. When asked if the Unleash America fundraising team was ever hired, Caos Senate campaign did not respond. Emails sent to the press address on the Unleash America website and to the PAC treasurer, listed on the FEC website, received no response. Candidates speak out, a donor is left with a question Im not Bill Gates, Im not Warren Buffet, Im not Elon Musk. My pennies matter to me, Brenda Ward said in a phone interview with USA Today. Ward, a 74-year-old retiree living in Florida, had donated a total of $252 to Unleash America. That money was paid through $42 individual donations over the course of six payments over six months. Brenda Ward Its counter-productive if [PACs] attempt to raise money on one pretext and actually pursue another. Theyre defeating their own purpose. I dont know why anybody would do that, Ward said. Landrum was more charitable towards Caos use of the money raised by Unleash America. Basically, the idea was, you are supporting Hung Cao by him supporting local candidates, he said. Its a tricky minefield. You cant always do what you expect to do with the funds. Regardless, Caos fundraising seemed to have ruffled feathers within the party as well as drawing scrutiny from the press. Kimberly Lowe, a candidate in the Republican primary for Virginias U.S. Senate race, railed against another Senate candidate who promised to support state candidates in 2023 but didnt deliver. If you took from donors saying you were raising money for state candidates and you pocketed it yourself for your Senate campaign, I want you to go home, because youre already a liar, she told the Fredericksburg Virginia branch of the Tea Party in a Facebook livestream. Lowe confirmed she was referring to Cao when asked in person by USA Today before a candidate forum in February, which Cao did not attend. Fisher and Huynh, both Republicans, ran for House of Delegates seats in Fairfax County in 2023. Both candidates said they hadnt heard of the Unleash America super PAC until after the 2023 elections were over. Both were hugely outspent by their Democratic opponents in the northern Virginia districts and both lost. Campaign-wise, we were really stretched for money, Fisher said. Republican candidate for Virginia House of Delegates District 8, Max Fisher, attends a meeting with church leadership at Korean Central Presbyterian Church in October 2023. Trying to solicit campaign contributions from donors within the Republican Party was a struggle. Often, when he would talk to potential donors, they would say they had already contributed to a variety of other PACs, Fisher said. That kind of took away from the direct donations that we had, he said. Huynh said any financial help from super PACs like Unleash America would have been appreciated. We were really pressed for advertisements at the end, and we didnt have the money, he said, referring to his campaign. It's possible that Unleash America didn't, either. OpenSecret's Glavin wrote that while Unleash America could have spent money on media buys to support or oppose candidates, Through the year-end, they didnt seem to really generate enough contributions to really do much of that. More on this Senate race: Republican Senate candidate Eddie Garcia shrugs off divisive politics This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: PAC built to help Va. candidates 'across the finish line' left many confused where the money went Visit Clarksville announces the hiring of Natalie Stepniewski as director of tourism sales. This position will oversee and execute all strategies to increase sales of small meetings and group tours within Clarksville-Montgomery County. A Connecticut native, Stepniewski served as tourism and events coordinator at the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in North Carolina and the membership and destination services assistant at Visit Anchorage. She also worked in the hospitality industry at Noelle Hotel as a craft cocktail bartender in Nashville. We are thrilled to have Natalie join our team in this important role, said Visit Clarksville Executive Director Angie Brady. Her previous experience in other destination marketing organizations will help broaden our ability to recruit a variety of meetings, associations and groups to Clarksville-Montgomery County. Stepniewski is a 2017 graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University with a bachelor of science in environmental earth science. After graduation, she moved to Alaska to become a crew member on a glacier cruise ship, which sparked her passion for tourism. Stepniewski enjoys fitness, hiking with her dogs and traveling with her husband. Visit Clarksville is the destination marketing organization for Clarksville-Montgomery County. This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Visit Clarksville names new director of sales 'We're still here': Nashville students protest bill to allow teachers to carry guns Hundreds of Nashville high school students walked out of class and marched to the steps of the Tennessee Capitol on Monday to protest a bill that would allow teachers to carry concealed handguns in schools. The Senate passed the bill last week, amid vocal protests that temporarily halted discussion over the measure as state troopers cleared the public gallery of demonstrators. It's now up to the House to take up the measure, which could happen as soon as this week. The student march comes after over a year of action by youth, teachers, parents and activists in a push for tighter gun control measures after the deadly Covenant School shooting in Nashville. One of the signs a student carried read: "We're still here." Nashville area high school students gather to protest a bill that would allow teachers to carry firearms at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 15, 2024. More: Tennessee Senate passes bill allowing teachers to carry guns amid vocal protests As they marched down Church Street toward the Capitol, the students were flanked by several Metro Nashville Police Department officers who helped guide them and block traffic. As they walked, Hume-Fogg High School juniors Ava Edmonson and Amelia Bogema shared what inspired them to join the event. Edmonson said the Senate passage of the bill last week caught her and her peers off guard and inspired them to organize the march. She understands the intent behind the bill but still doesn't think more guns in school is the answer. She'd rather see a ban on automatic and semiautomatic weapons. "We don't want this fantasy of the lawmakers of ... somebody coming into our school and some teacher hero with a gun to solve that issue," Edmonson said. Bogema echoed that sentiment, saying more guns in schools and especially classrooms makes her feel even less safe than before. As she nears the end of her time in high school, she said she's thinking of what her younger siblings may face if the bill takes effect. "I'm not fighting for myself; I'm fighting for my brother and sister," she said. For each teacher who applies to carry a handgun, the bill lists out requirements for annual training, mental health screening, a background check and signoffs from district, school and law enforcement leaders. It does not require schools to disclose who is carrying. Nashville high schoolers protest on the steps of the Tennessee Capitol on Monday. Learn more: The Tennessee Senate passed a bill to allow armed teachers. What happens next? 'The fire for change' Sarayah Shaw, a Hume-Fogg student who helped organize the rally, said the day was about more than just one march. "This is a spark to continue lighting the fire for change," she said over a megaphone as she perched atop a pillar at the top of the Capitol steps. Several students, along with state Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, and other activists spoke at the rally. Sarah Shoop Neumann, whose children attend Covenant, also spoke. She apologized to the students gathered for her ignorance on gun control issues in the past and the effects of gun violence. She has since taken action with other Covenant parents and a wider base of Tennesseans pushing for gun control measures. She encouraged students to keep raising their voices for change. "I'm here to tell you all you have more power than everyone in this building," she said as the crowd cheered. Maryam Abolfazli, founder of nonprofit Rise and Shine Tennessee, also attended. The organization works to boost civic engagement on issues of safety and freedom. Abolfazli recently announced a bid in the Democratic primary for the 5th District seat in U.S. Congress, currently occupied by Republican Rep. Andy Ogles. Johnson also announced a run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn. Nashville high schoolers rallied at the Capitol on Monday for stricter gun control measures and protested a bill that would allow teachers to carry guns in schools. Letter opposing bill pushes for signatures While the students rallied, a letter in opposition to the bill urging parents, educators and teachers to sign was making its rounds on social media. The organizers behind the letter said they intend to deliver it to Gov. Bill Lee and other lawmakers. The measure was first introduced last year two months before the Covenant shooting. Debate over the measure became especially heated as the 2023 regular legislative session wound down in the fallout of the shooting. Legislative leaders punted the bill, along with all other gun-related bills, to the current session. Supporters say it helps close gaps for hundreds of schools that do not have a school resource officer or are in areas with limited police. Opponents say it puts undue pressure on teachers and heightens risks for gun violence or accidents. "While we all want safe schools and an end to gun violence, arming teachers with guns is not the way," part of the letter reads. "It ignores research that shows the presence of a gun increases the risks posed to children." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Arming teachers: Students march on Tennessee Capitol to protest bill There is only one war going on and it is global Like it or not, Russias wider war in Ukraine is part of a world war. A world war pitting a quartet of authoritarian states against the worlds democracies. Its Russia and Russias allies China, Iran and North Korea against Ukraine and its allies. These are most of the Western democracies and, in fits and starts, the United States. The problem is that only the autocracies are acting like the war is what it is: global. Unless and until this changes, Ukraine will be at a disadvantage. If and when it does change, Russia could suffer a swift and lasting defeat. A defeat that might teach the other autocracies a lesson or two. It might be comforting, to the distracted populaces of rich and free countries, to think of the war in Ukraine as a regional war. A small war. One pitting just two countries against each other. That was never the case. Not since the first days of the war in early 2022, when an alliance of free countries swiftly came together to supply Ukraine with the intelligence, weapons and money it needed to defend and sustain itself as Russian regiments poured over the border and across the frontier in Russian-occupied Donbas. And then Russia mobilized its own allies. First Iran, which supplied Russia with Russias first effective drone design, the explosive Shahed, starting in the fall of 2022. Each 400-pound drone hauls a 100-pound warhead as far as 1,500 miles and does it cheaply, at just $50,000 a copy. In first buying Shaheds, and then building them under license at a factory in Russian Tatarstan, the Russians gained an inexpensive deep-strike munition: something they didnt have before. In March alone, according to Ukrainian president Zelensky, the Russians launched 600 Shaheds at Ukraine. This campaign of terror affects numerous cities and villages throughout Ukraine, the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies noted. Next, late last year, North Korea stepped up to solve one of Russias most serious problems: a shortage of artillery shells. Russians batteries fired tens of thousands of shells a day in the early weeks of the war a rate of fire that steadily decreased as the war dragged on and munitions stockpiles ran low. By mid-2023, Ukrainian forces actually enjoyed a firepower advantage over Russian forces and for one simple reason. The West provided more artillery ammunition to Ukraine than Russia received from its partners, according to Frontelligence Insight, a Ukrainian analysis group. In January 2024, that changed. Moscow cut a deal with Pyongyang to swap Russian food for millions of North Korean shells. It didnt help that, at the same time, Russia-aligned Republicans in the US Congress blocked further US aid to Ukraine, depriving the Ukrainians of hundreds of thousands of American shells. Russia is now getting more rounds than the West sends to Ukraine, thanks to continuous ammunition shipments from North Korea that went into full swing in the fall of 2023, Frontelligence explained. Meanwhile, China moved to rebuild Russias arms industry, which was suffering under foreign sanctions that deprived it of microelectronics and precision tooling. The kind of microelectronics that are necessary for producing drones and missiles and the kind of tooling thats necessary for producing fresh barrels for howitzers. This week, officials with the administration of US president Joe Biden told the Associated Press that China was providing 90 percent of Russias microelectronics imports and 70 percent of its tooling imports. If, during World War II, the United States was the United Kingdoms arsenal of democracy, today Iran, North Korea and China are Russias arsenals of autocracy. Russia cannot win in Ukraine without allies from all over the world no more than Ukraine can win without its own allies on several continents. Yes, the actual combat is in Ukraine and Russia, with Iran also engaged against Israel both by proxy and now directly. But the wider conflict is global. Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US Army General Christopher Cavoli. Cavoli has called Russia a 'chronic threat' and warned that it will not be satisfied with invading Ukraine - Virginia Mayo/AP The stakes are global, too. Russia does not intend to stop with Ukraine, US Army general Christopher Cavoli, the commander of US European Command and also Natos supreme allied commander in Europe, said this week. Russia presents a chronic threat. Cavoli said he was also worried about Russias dependence on China, North Korea and Iran. These countries are forming interlocking, strategic partnerships in an attempt to challenge the existing order, Cavoli said. This is profoundly inimical to US national interests. And the interests of the whole free world. The worlds most powerful autocracies are already treating the Ukraine war like a world war. They support Russia in order to assert the power of countries like Russia to attack, conquer and oppress when and where they choose. This idea is now spreading. Will the worlds most powerful democracies respond with equal force and support Ukraine in order to assert the right of countries like Ukraine to choose their own destinies, and live in peace? The answer, for the leading democracy the United States is a qualified sort of. Republicans have been blocking aid to Ukraine since October, and defending their isolationism in part by arguing, wrongly, that the war in Ukraine is only about Ukraine. And that its none of Americas business. That certainly isnt the view being taken in Tehran, Pyongyang and Beijing. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Roger McMullan, of Salt Lake City, is a lifelong enthusiast of the periodical cicada and author/illustrator of the new graphic novel "Cicadapocalypse," aiming to educate young, curious minds about the mysterious and fascinating insect. The graphic novel is packed with cicada facts and a thrilling, fun narrative that children will enjoy. Lee Enterprises chatted with Roger to dispel some common misconceptions about the beady-eyed little insect and help us understand the local impact when the cicadas invade starting this May. His graphic novel is due out in April and can be pre-ordered at the link: https://mcmullanhouse.org/portfolio/cicadapocalypse/ Lee Enterprises: How will the cicada emergence affect the day-to-day operations for farmers in the ag industry? Is it true they add nutrients to the soil? Roger McMullan: Cicadas tend to live where there are trees, so they likely won't affect agriculture. And again, they aren't locust and won't bite, sting, chew or otherwise affect plants. Some female cicadas, when laying eggs, can damage saplings or small bushes because they lay their eggs in pencil-size branches, but this isn't a problem with mature trees. Their exuviae (shells), wings, and carcasses indeed enrich the soil, and the insects' emergence holes also provide aeration of the soil. LE: How do cicadas help out our ecosystem? RM: The aeration of the soil, the nutrient enrichment from their bodies and the fact that they feed a massive amount of other animals. While there is often a boom in population of cicada predators when they emerge (or the year or so after), there is also often a crash because the cicada food source isn't there the following year. LE: People often complain about the loud mating call, and there seems to be some credence to it with decibels reaching close to 100 decibels. What kind of decibels have you personally recorded? Should sensitive people wear ear plugs? RM: This is true. I have not personally recorded it, but most people report decibels in the mid 80s to mid 90s, which is similar to a lawn mower or motorcycle. Like any loud noises, if you plan for prolonged exposure, ear plugs or other noise cancelling devices are recommended. LE: Will our gutters be full of cicadas? RM: It depends on the density of the population, but it's definitely possible. The majority of actual insects tend to dwell in the trees or on plants. LE: How does the laying of eggs affect tree populations? RM: Only small saplings can be damaged and can be covered in cloth netting to stay safe from being damaged by the females laying eggs. LE: Does the cicada emergence cause problems at the zoo? RM: Most animals eat them and enjoy them, so I'm not aware of any problems. I've seen some people mention their dog eating too much and throwing them up... LE: Should people attempt to use pesticides on them? RM: No. Pesticides are generally harmful for everyone. Going back to your question about the ecosystem, pesticides trickle up the food chain and kill the animals you love so very much. You can get a summarized version in this fantastic comic by Rosemary Mosco. In addition, cicadas won't harm you, your plants or anything else! You'll harm yourself more with pesticides than they would harm you. LE: Do they bite or sting? Are they poisonous? RM: They don't bite or sting, and they aren't poisonous or venomous. The closest thing to harm they could do is maybe poke you with their beak, looking for sap, but it wouldn't draw blood or leave a welt. LE: Though rare, there are news reports of cicadas causing actual motorcycle and car crashes. Is this a cause for concern? RM: I am skeptical of these reports, but any large insect could inhibit your vision. Have you ever had a grasshopper or even a butterfly across the windshield? It's a similar phenomenon. But cicadas generally don't swarm, they just hang out. So while you might get one or two across the windshield, it wouldn't be like a swarm of locusts or mayflies. I was similarly skeptical of the reports about cicadas showing up on doppler radars or delaying Biden's plane. LE: Mating season is over. Smelly cicada carcasses are everywhere. What should one do to rid their backyard of the smell? Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Chinese Premier Li Qiang have affirmed that their countries will continue to communicate at every level. Ishiba has also conveyed deep concerns about the situation in the East China Sea and increased activity by the Chinese military near Japan. (NHK) GIFU, Apr 15 (News On Japan) - In response to a harassment scandal, a former town councilwoman was elected in a landmark victory in Ginan, Gifu Prefecture, on April 14, marking the first time a woman will lead the town. The election came after the previous mayor resigned due to allegations of harassment against staff members. Yuki Goto, a 47-year-old independent and former councilwoman, won the mayoral race. As a mother of two, Goto campaigned on a platform of female-focused policies, securing 4,652 votes and defeating fellow newcomer and former municipal employee, Shuichi Asakura, by a margin of 599 votes. This marks the first time Ginan will have a female mayor. Yuki Goto expressed her gratitude and vision following her victory: "I believe this achievement would have been impossible alone. I look forward to building a town brimming with smiles, dreams, and hope, together with all of you." The mayoral election was precipitated by at least 99 confirmed instances of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by the former mayor, Hideo Kojima, 74, who resigned in March. According to the town's election commission, voter turnout was 42.73%, showing a 2.1 percentage point increase from the previous election in 2020. Source: ANN TOKYO, Apr 15 (News On Japan) - The Japanese government has escalated its travel advisories for Iran, including the capital Tehran, amid concerns of potential crises, urging a cessation of all travel to the entire country. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi stated, "We have raised the danger level to 3 or above, which advises against all travel, and are calling on Japanese nationals residing there to consider leaving while commercial flights are still operating." According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, around 400 Japanese nationals are registered as residing in Iran, prompting the government to advise voluntary evacuation. Hayashi further noted, "To date, we have not received any reports of harm to the life or physical safety of Japanese nationals residing in Iran." Source: ANN TOKYO, Apr 15 (News On Japan) - "Toko Kaiun Corporation," a shipping company based in Kobe, has drawn a line in the sand when it comes to romances withing the workplace, distinguishing between on-ship and off-ship relationships. "Within our company, office romances are permitted, but shipboard romances are not," posts Toko Kaiun on X. "Employees who enter a relationship must inform the company, and we will adjust their long vacations to coincide." So, why implement such rules? Historically, Toko Kaiun's crew was predominantly male. Over 20 years ago, when the company began hiring female crew members, they established these rules based on employee feedback. President Shigeo Sasaki of Toko Kaiun explained, "We continue to hire female crew members. By establishing clear rules and ensuring they are followed, we believe we can prevent issues from arising." Crew members, who typically spend three months at sea away from their loved ones, have expressed concerns in the past: "It's unfair for us to endure being apart from our loved ones only to have others forming romantic relationships on board." The underlying principle of the rules is to ensure a comfortable and long-term work environment for all employees, regardless of gender. Sasaki further remarked, "The shipping industry is desperately short of staff. We aim to create a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, can work comfortably." Source: ANN TOKYO, Apr 15 (News On Japan) - Across various locations across Tokyo, a mysterious graffiti depicting "ebi-chiri" (shrimp in chili sauce) is appearing on walls, raising eyebrows and the public's ire. In Tokyo's Shimokitazawa, among other places, graffiti of shrimp and the words "ebi-chiri" can be found on walls and even in residential areas. When local residents were asked about the graffiti, they expressed displeasure at the thought of it appearing on their own homes, yet they are curious about its meaning. One resident remarked, "I definitely wouldn't want it on my house, but I do wonder what it means. It's hard to understand what modern people are thinking." The graffiti seems to be more common in areas with many young people, like Shibuya. On a visit there, even more instances were found, including one in a parking lot. Within a 150-meter radius, six instances of "ebi-chiri" graffiti were discovered. When experts were consulted about the meaning behind these shrimp drawings, one theorized, "The graffiti of 'ebi-chiri' has exploded since last year. The person who started it probably liked shrimp. It seems that those who engage in this behavior find a thrill in disrupting society or breaking the rules." Graffiti is a criminal act, and residents are urged to refrain from it. Source: TBS TOKYO, Apr 15 (News On Japan) - OpenAI, the creator of the generative AI "ChatGPT," established its first Asian office in Tokyo on Monday, it's first strategic foothold in the region. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed his hopes for this expansion: "This is our first step in becoming a long-term partner with the people of Japan, government agencies, corporations, and research institutions." This move marks OpenAI's first physical presence in Asia, with its Tokyo office launching as a strategic foothold in the region. Recalling a visit to the Prime Minister's office last year, Altman had shared his enthusiasm: "I am looking forward to opening an office in Japan. We will be back soon." A year later, as the plan moves into full swing, Brad Wrightcap, COO of OpenAI, noted, "Japan is an extremely important market for us. We are excited about its use not just by individual users but also by enterprises and government agencies." There is also a keen interest in crafting regulations around AI use, though challenges are abundant. A video accompanying this announcement, created by a video-generating AI, illustrates how easily videos can be produced through text instructions, yet regulatory frameworks, particularly around copyright, still need significant development. On the topic of AI regulation, SoftBank Group President Masayoshi Son stated last October, "Whether we like it or not, AI should be regulated. It has the potential to become more dangerous than a nuclear bomb, depending on how it's used." However, with OpenAI joining the fray, the extent to which these regulations will evolve remains uncertain. Source: TBS TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, where it knocked out power to more than 3 million customers and whipped up 150 tornadoes. The storm caused at least four deaths and compounded the misery wrought by Helene while spa The public is encouraged to attend the next Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, Oct. 14. The meeting will be at the central administration office building, located at 512 W. Phillip Ave. A copy of the agenda is kept continually current and is readily available for pu